Narrator: As a new moon comes, more adventures are not far behind. This one is the Verdant Rain Moon. The ceaseless rains that satiate the verdant landscape of Me-Hador are accompanied the fierce winds and mighty roars of thunder. This abundance of rain, sparkling as it falls against beams of emerging sunlight, is a constant reminder to the people of Me-Hador that nature is ever wild and unpredictable. For when the rain finally does pause, the clouds part to give way to a glorious rainbow.
Irma: I have a new mission for you, Oona. I would like for you to take your students into Kingdom territory to eliminate some thieves.
Sampson: They stole a Hero's Relic from House Gautier of the Holy Kingdom of Kalos–the Lance of Ruin. Their leader's name is Miklan. He is apparently a disowned son of House Gautier.
Oona: I don't understand. Why was he disowned?
Sampson: I believe it had something to do with his lack of a Crest. Such happenings are fairly common within the Kingdom.
Irma: The Crestless cannot harness the goddess's power, even if they possess a Relic. Nonetheless, they are still capable of simply wielding those weapons.
Sampson: The Heroes' Relics are immensely powerful weapons. We must meet this threat with adequate force. Unfortunately, most of the Knights of Hadoria are away from the monastery purging the apostates of the Myriad Church. So, we are entrusting you with this mission. After all, you wield the Sapphire Trident, which is more than capable of opposing any Relic.
Alvin: Course it can, Sam. It is a Crystal Relic, after all.
Irma, Oona and Sampson: We know.
Alvin: Yeah. You know cousin, I almost feel sorry for that fiend.
(Meanwhile, Kandan is with Samuel)
Samuel: Good of you to come, Kandan. I've heard much about you lately. Specifically, that you were able to awaken the Sword of the Creator's power. Thusly, it seems the true nature of your Crest has been uncovered. I had, of course, seen your Crest before. However, at first, I failed to recognize its true nature. Eventually, it dawned on me that what is visible is perhaps merely a small part of a greater whole. In other words, your Crest is too significant to be detected when using normal instruments. After this discovery, I began researching Crests that might fit that description, which allowed for a temporary hypothesis. However, I could not be certain. The Crest my conclusions led me to was far too unusual. A Crest thought to have disappeared in this world in the millennium since the fall of Novox, the King of Liberation. The Crest of Flames. That is what you possess.
Kandan: The Crest of Flames...
Samuel: Your ability to wield the Sword of the Creator has unequivocally proven my hypothesis. A legendary power, dormant since time immemorial, and now resurrected... There can be no doubt that this ancient power resides within you.
Kenneth: Say, I hear that a Knight of Hadoria named Harlan will be joining us for our mission this moon. He is skilled, which is surely a boon for us. We're also receiving some aid from Adonis and Benjamin, experts in the grappling department Still... That was not very thoughtful of Lady Irma.
Oona: Still, the more the merrier.
Luke: Well, aided by the 2-in-1 Relic wielders, are we? Yeah, they and your own treasure will surely make that thief think twice before stealing again.
Oona: 2-in-1?
Luke: Yep. Their power is so tough, that they've been affectionately dubbed Sporedite.
Alvin: Oona, I gotta ask. Have you seen a man who looks like me? He's middle-aged and relatively tall.
Oona: I have.
Alvin: If you get the chance, tell him I've gone out. OK?
Donovan: So, the whole plan to attack the monastery was some plot devised by the Myriad Church? That means they used Lonato. What right do they have to drag a good man like that into their schemes?! There's going to be a big investigation into the Myriad Church soon. I wish I could be a part of it. I want to hear for myself why Lonato had to die.
Zane: I'm so sorry my older brother is causing you all this hassle, Professor. Don't misunderstand, I always thought he was a piece of garbage, but I never thought he'd steal the Relic. I can't wait to see his face when he realizes I'm in the group that was sent to take him down.
Oona: You tell it like it is!
(As Oona sets up for another adventure)
Gianna: So, Relic bearer, are we ready to see what the Sporedite can do?
Oona: I am. Hang on, are you Irma's sisters?
Marah: Of course, but Gianna has the exact same thing your partners have.
Oona: Yeah, but I'll show them just how tough my daddy made me.
(Later, Oona, Kenneth, and Harlan are near their destination)
Kenneth: It should be in our sights soon, Oona. The abandoned tower those thieves are using as a base... Conand Tower.
Harlan: This area was the site of a massive battle several hundred years ago. That's when invasions from the north were at their peak. Back then, this tower was built for both surveillance and defense. It will be difficult to seize it.
Benjamin: Of course, if anyone wants to back out now...
Alvin: Not gonna happen!
Adonis: Ha, I love this kid.
Kenneth: You're very well informed, Harlan. Please, tell us more.
Harlan: Well, I... Ah. You're joking.
Kenneth Oona. Did you see the local villages? They were in rough shape, no doubt because of the thief attacks. They're not going to make it through the winter in that condition. If the thieves had taken up pillaging in order to survive, that would be deplorable...but understandable. But this... This is something else entirely. It looks as though they destroyed those villages purely for pleasure. No matter what their reasons may be, that sort of behavior cannot be allowed. Ever.
Zane: Don't bother losing your head over those lowlifes, Your Highness. It's wasted effort.
Kenneth: Zane, we... The thieves' leader...the one who stole the Relic. Word has it he's your older brother. I know he's been disowned, but...
Zane: He is no longer a member of House Gautier...or my brother. He's nothing more than a common thief.
Kenneth: Are you sure about that? It would be understandable to find this situation...well, regrettable, to say the least.
Zane: Regrets? Heh, you must be joking. You know we're far past the point of regret. And it always falls on the younger brother to clean up the mistakes of their elders, doesn't it?
Kenneth: Okay then. This rain threatens a coming storm. We must hurry and begin our war council before the heavens let loose.
Oona: Right, let's go!
(Everyone enters the tower; confident they will prosper)
Harlan: The enemy is close by. We're almost to the top floor.
Kenneth: They are merely thieves, but they have a Hero's Relic. Do not drop your guard.
Zane: Don't hold back for my sake. My brother is going to pay for everything he's done.
Oona: Yeah, well first I'm gonna give our foe a little announcement.(To Miklan)Miklan Gautier, I am Oona Janus. On behalf of the Elysium Church, I strongly ask you to put down the Relic you stole and stand down!
Mystik(utilizing her power): They cannot offer mercy without violence, my dear Miklan. Do not drop your birthright!
Oona(knowing that Mystik is among them): Whatever lies you are hearing, you do not need to listen to them.
Miklan: Forget it, daughter of Lyndon Janus, I will not give up what is rightfully mine!
Oona: Hard way it is.
(She, Adonis, and Benjamin show off the power of their Relics, helping everyone else cut down a few foes. Warriors show up from behind, but are easily defeated. Soon enough, Zane faces his brother like Donovan faced his step-father)
Miklan: Why have you come, you Crest-bearing fool?
Zane: I'm here for the Lance of Ruin, Miklan. Hand it over. I don't want to humiliate you, but I will.
Miklan: Hmph! Hurry up and die already. If not for you... If it hadn't been for you...
Zane: Shut up! I'm so tired of hearing that. You've always blamed me for something that isn't my fault.
Oona: You have to listen to your brother, Miklan. Lord Lonato couldn't heed his stepson's advice; you don't have to make that same mistake!
Mystik(revealing her own Crystal Relic and using its power): You cannot be fooled this easily by her lies, Miklan. With the power of my Ruby Scepter, I beseech you, destroy these fools!
Miklan: So, you think you can take the lance from me, huh? I'll kill you... I'll kill every last one of you!
Alvin: Me and Kenneth will take care of this cousin, you deal with the sorceress!
Mystik: Glad he said it, because I've been waiting to see how you've improved with the Sapphire Trident!
(As the two fight, Alvin and Kenneth take on and defeat Miklan. But everyone except for Mystik realizes the battle is far from over, however. In the Tower, Miklan jumps back. There is a lightning storm throughout.)
Miklan: Not bad for your kind... A bunch of spoiled rotten children.
(The Lance of Ruin's Crest Stone begins to glow with a red light. A black and red substance emerges from the stone. Miklan cries out and looks down to see the substance beginning to encircle his arm.)
Miklan: What the heck?!
(Miklan tries to push the substance away, but it quickly consumes his arms and body. He screams and struggles as the rest of the bandits watch. The Crest Stone pulses. The substance consumes Miklan, even entering into his body through his eyes.)
Bandit: Dang! Look at that... I'm outta here!
Bandit: Hold on!
(The bandits run away. Miklan is now completely engulfed in the black and red substance. Miklan's body grows and the substance is cast aside to reveal a Black Beast. One of the bandits falls backwards and watches in horror as the beast advances.)
Bandit: No!
(The Black Beast grabs the bandit and kills him. He throws the dead body aside and rampages towards the screen, roaring. He raises up to his full height and howls. For the first time in her life, Oona is actually frightened)
Black Beast: Graaaargh!
Zane: What the–Miklan?! Is that you?!
Oona: Okay, this just got heavy. Let's see, what did Dad teach you about these kinds of things? Oh right, a whole lot.
Mystik: Sounds like my work is done.
Kenneth: So, this is the power of a Hero's Relic. To create such a sinister beast... It has gone too far. I fear all we can do now is put an end to it.
Adonis: Right.
Benjamin: Yes.
(Oona and the others charge at the monster)
Black Beast: Graaaargh!
Zane: What is that? It's like watching a bad dream come to life.
Black Beast: Graaaargh!
(Even still, he and the others take it down)
Black Beast: Graaaargh!
Harlan: Goddess... The beast is gone, yet Miklan and the Lance remain.
Kenneth: It's over... Let's retrieve the lance and leave this place.
Everyone else: Right.
Zane: Miklan...my brother...(Silently cries)
Mystik[chuckling]: Tears already? This is only the first round. And yet, the game isn't even over.(She teleports away)
Irma: Oona, you have returned. The goddess is indeed generous with her divine protection. I have already heard Harlan's report about what happened. See to it that you keep what transpired at the tower to yourself. People would lose faith in the nobles should rumors spread of one using a Relic and transforming into a monster. All regions of Me-Hador would fall into chaos. We must avoid that at all costs. Please ensure the students who accompanied you understand that as well. Have I made myself clear?
Oona: Yes, of course.
Irma: His transformation into a Black Beast was nothing short of divine punishment from the goddess. Punishment for someone arrogant and foolish enough to use a Hero's Relic even though they were unworthy and unqualified.
Oona: You knew?
Irma: Of course. That is why we rushed to recover it. Sadly, we did not arrive in time. The church will formally return the lance to House Gautier. If you would...
Oona: Actually, I think this thing needs some time to relax with a true bearer. And you know what? The guy for that job, just so happens to be Zane.
Gianna: Heh, your daddy would've thought the same thing too.
Marah: Well, she IS the captain's daughter after all.
Irma: Strangely enough, I must agree with you dear sisters.
Zane: Ahem, excuse me. Lady Irma, I am overjoyed and beyond grateful to you for recovering the Relic of my family, House Gautier. Now, may I please have that lance? I have received direct approval from my father to take possession of it.
Oona: Well, request granted! This Relic needs some time to cool off, and you are the #1 person I thought could do the job.
Zane: Thanks Oona!
Kenneth: Well, I see someone's in a generous mood.
Oona: Yeah. So, what's up?
Kenneth: It's in regard to sword training. Not for myself, but... Well... To be honest, I've been teaching swordsmanship to the orphans at the monastery for a while now.
Oona: How did that come to be?
Kenneth: I must agree. Frankly, I'm not great with children. Some of them saw me sparring with the knights one day. They started pestering me to teach them. They were so earnest... I couldn't help but oblige. There's much I wish to show them, but due to my own studies and training, I'm afraid my time is rather limited. Which brings me to my favor. Your swordsmanship is unmatched. I hate to ask this of you, but... Would you consider lending me a hand?
Oona: You can count on me.
Kenneth: Thank you, truly. I am in your debt. And I always repay my debts, I'll have you know. All of these children lost their families and homes to war or illness. This may sound a bit arrogant, but...I feel it's my responsibility to help them. I lost my parents without warning too. In that way, we're the same. In Kiadan, I lost my father, stepmother, and closest friends. I didn't have many allies at the castle after that. In truth, I had only Luke for companionship.
Oona: Is there no one else you can trust?
Kenneth: I'm afraid not. My birth mother fell ill and died shortly after I was born. And my uncle... suffice to say we don't get along. I once had people I could confide in. Family, friends, instructors, even the royal soldiers. But they were all taken away from me four years ago. Ah, but there were those outside the castle walls I was close to.
Oona: Bonds never even fade.
Kenneth: Yeah. Hey, and while we're on the subject...I was just thinking about something. Oona... The possession of Relics and Crests has been highly valued in Kalos since ancient times. It's far from uncommon for someone to lose their ability to lead their house because they don't bear a Crest. Just like Miklan. It happened to my uncle as well. The eldest child of the king, and yet he never ascended to the throne. All families whose bloodlines carry Crests of the 10 Elites are much the same. But House Gautier takes it a step further, and absolutely requires an heir who possesses a Crest.
Oona: Yikes. Why are they so obsessed with it?
Kenneth: To that house, the power of Crests is a necessity, not a luxury. House Gautier holds the most northern territory in the Kingdom, and they have fought with the people to the north for many years. The head of that house is responsible for protecting that territory from fearsome invaders, whom they keep at bay with the power of Crests and Relics. In exchange for that responsibility, they are granted special privileges within the Kingdom.
Oona: Strength is strength, with or without a Crest.
Kenneth: I believe the same. Ability cannot be measured by the possession of a Crest alone. I believe that Margrave Gautier was wrong to disinherit Miklan because he did not bear a Crest. Still, there is always a reason for why such customs stand the test of time. Imagine what this world would be like if no one placed any stock in Crests... Bloodlines that carry Crests would dwindle. The metaphorical blade used to oppose threats would eventually rest. This same argument has been made time and time again across the years. Both sides are at once right and wrong.
Oona: What do you believe, Kenneth?
Kenneth: I believe those with Crests and those without should acknowledge the others' strengths and learn to respect each other based on personal merits. And that doesn't apply only to Crests. The same holds true for lineage, race, faith, ideologies... If we could just accept each other and make mutual concessions, one step at a time... Perhaps... Who knows if that's even possible? Everyone has something that is unacceptable within them. I certainly do, and I'd wager you do as well. I wonder which is best, Oona... To cut away that which is unacceptable, or to find a way to accept it anyway...
Oona: I feel the same way.
(As Oona rejoins Irma and her sisters, she is joined by her brothers)
Irma: Oona, you have done well to complete such a difficult task. You have shown exceptional skill in leading your students. I am forever grateful for the safe return of the Hero's Relic. Just as I expected, you have mastered the Sapphire Trident. Now then, I shall tell you about your mission for the coming month...
Sampson: Irma! Rhonda is missing! I cannot find her anywhere!
Oona: Rhonda?
Kandan: Missing?
Logan: Have you looked everywhere?
Sampson: I have searched every corner I can think of! I could not find her anywhere. She may be in danger! Oh no... No, no! What am I to do?!
Irma: Calm yourself, Sampson. Oona, we shall continue our discussion another time.