Narrator: As a cold wind starts a-blowin', a new moon comes a-knockin'. It is the Red Wolf Moon. Hoarfroast now graces treetops and open fields alike, and an icy chill blown in from the north of Kalos blankets the land. All of Me-Hador's creatures begin to settle in for a long winter. The setting sun bathes the full winter coat of every wolf in a foreboding scarlet glow. Hunters can now spread the word that the red wolves are back on the prowl.
Annabelle: That's what we're dealing with. Is there no chance it's an infectious disease?
Julia: There are no absolutes in medicine, but the chances are extremely slim. Restless movements, fits of violence, becoming bedridden or even impossible to wake... With symptoms that varied, there are only a few possibilities. It's either a mixture of poisons or magic. And dark magic, at that.
Janus: You're talking about Remire Village, aren't you, Julia?
Julia: Oh my, if it isn't Janus. Tell me, what was the first thing you heard?
Janus: Everything after you mentioned that it's not likely it's an infectious disease. My child and I owe the people of Remire Village. If something's happening there, we must help them.
Annabelle: We scouted the area ourselves. Speak with the knights. Hear what they have to say. I must go. Thank you for your help, Julia.
Aiden: Well, that about sums up that. Sounds like we're gonna have to save them, doesn't it?
Julia: You know, I'm more than willing to go with you to Remire Village... After all, I do owe you and your siblings my life. If you'd like, I bet we could even manage the mission all by ourselves. Just the two of us...
Kandan: That's nice of you.
Julia: Kandan! A bit of a tease, are we? A girl could get used to this side of you.
Janus: Nice try, but I'll be going to the village as well. Hey, if you kids need me... I'll be in my office making preparations. What about you? If you have the time, it would be helpful if you could go ahead and talk to the knights.
Logan: Yep.
Oona: Sure can.
Kandan: Yeah, we certainly...(Kandan faints)
Aiden: Kandan!
Dean: You feeling okay, cousin?
Kandan: I just got a little dizzy.
Chrominos: Ugh... What could have caused such dizziness? I felt it too. Actually... I've felt that way before...
Kandan: Forget you, what about me?(To himself)Why am I so confused? Oh. It all used to be so simple! What changed?
(He goes to Camilla and Daniel)
Vex: So, in short, everything is proceeding just as Helen envisioned it.
Daniel: Good.(To Camilla)You look unwell. It's because of what happened, isn't it?
Camilla: Don't speak of it aloud.
Daniel: You can't change the past. For now, all we can do is use it to our advantage.
Camilla: I know that. I also know that I must steel myself to ascend the Imperial throne.
Daniel: Those preparations are going well. We... Someone is coming.
Camilla: Kandan, I heard about our mission for this month. Something terrible is happening in Remire Village. That's where you were when fate sent you and your siblings our way. This feels...preordained.
Daniel: Are the knights making progress with their investigation?
Kandan: They are.
Vex: Kandan Janus? Heh, seemingly a pleasure to meet you in the flesh. I'm Vex Logos, my brother Vetrix and I are friends of your star student. Now, if you'll excuse me...
Daniel: If what is happening there is by design, there must be someone pulling the strings. There is the Blood Trooper, of course. And the mysterious mages who were implicated with the Myriad Church. They showed up when Rhonda was kidnapped as well. And now there is another strange occurrence near the monastery... It seems an unknown organization hopes to make the monastery its stage for something.
Camilla: Do you believe that all of these incidents are connected, Kandan?
Kandan: I don't. But it's very clear someone is trying to undermine Elysium and its righteous reputation!
Camilla: Oh? I'm surprised to hear you say that, but actually, I agree. It certainly appears that all of the events surrounding the monastery are connected by a single thread. However... I think it's possible that it may just be a result of different motives overlapping. Remember, Professor... If you think of people as simply enemies or allies, it may be impossible to grasp the truth.
(Meanwhile, Oona sees Kenneth is talking to a familiar man)
Kenneth: I see. So you'll be staying here for some time, then. Honestly, I'm surprised. I've heard it's been a few years since you last donated to the church.
Val: That was merely because of the financial situation of my territory. I assure you, it has nothing to do with my dedication to the church. By the way, Kenneth... Isn't Camilla currently enrolled at the Academy as well?
Kenneth: Yes. She's in the Talon Clan. I don't believe she has any plans to leave anytime soon. Why not pay her a visit?
Val: I may do just that. It's nice to stay in touch with my dear niece every now and then. Of course I'm also delighted that I was able to speak with my nephew, as well. Whether through marriage or otherwise, family is family, after all.
Kenneth: Of course. The feeling is mutual. Oh. Oona... If you were watching, you should have made your presence known.
Oona: Who was that?
Kenneth: Val Toussaint, the Regent for the Empire. He is also Camilla's uncle.
Oona: He called you his nephew...
Kenneth: My stepmother was his younger sister. We are not related by blood, but he is technically my uncle.
Oona: Hold on. So, you and Camilla are basically...
Dimitri: Yes. My stepmother was Camilla's birth mother. Camilla and I are siblings by marriage. We can delve into that topic another time. For now, let's make preparations to investigate what's happening in that village.
Oona: Right.
(Logan and Braddock are in the library)
Braddock: Rowley doesn't seem to be here... Oh well, that's fine. I've been researching the Heroes' Relics a lot since we last spoke to him. I found out something interesting.
Logan: Something interesting?
Braddock: It's about the connection between Crests and the Heroes' Relics. The Crest Stone of each Relic is carved with a specific Crest-the one that has the ability to wield it properly. The Crests are the keys. You need the right one to safely use a Hero's Relic. The only thing I can't figure out is...why doesn't the Sword of the Creator have a Crest Stone bearing a Crest?
Logan: I asked my brother the same thing, and he said it had one in the past.
Braddock: Precisely. At least, that's my current guess. There's more. I believe the Crest Stones might be the source of the Relics' inhuman power. When Miklan transformed into a Black Beast, he was taken over by something that originated from the Crest Stone. And the Crest Stone was on his body. It all seems to add up. Now, look at this picture I found in the library.
(A drawing of a large dragon on a worn piece of paper)
Braddock: That creature is called the Stormbringer, who was supposedly sent by the goddess to save the followers of Hadoria. See the pattern on its brow, and the faint circular boundary? Isn't it possible that's a Crest Stone? If all this is true, then Crest Stones are what power the ability to assume massive forms like that of the Immaculate One. And maybe the Heroes' Relics can harness that transformative power...
Logan: To wield such a great power, but at what cost?
Braddock: That's the thing I want to understand.
(While Kandan and Logan set up for the mission while waiting for Oona)
Logan: Man, can you even think about it?
Kandan: One person wanted one thing, another wanted it more, then almost everybody got into a trade-off. Heh, as if!
Oona: Yeah, but even we were caught up in it.
Janus: We've got to go. Now.
Oona: What?
Logan: Now? What's going on?
Janus: The situation in Remire Village has changed drastically. We don't know much more than that. We're hearing reports that the villagers are killing each other. Some say houses are burning. Regardless, we need to move.
Kandan: Okay.(Running toward Camilla and the Talon Clan)Okay, people, people, look alive! No time for resting here, fellas.
Logan(running toward Braddock and the Horn Clan): Let's go, c'mon, get up! Let's move it!
Oona(running toward Kenneth and the Claw Clan): Move it, let's go, we got an emergency here!
(Everyone gets up, prepares their weaponry, and heads out to the village, where trouble is indeed brewing)
Rampaging Villager: Kill! Kill! Ahhhh!
Rampaging Villager: Haha... Hahaha... Hrngyarhh!
Village Child: Help! Somebody, please help!
Janus: What's going on here...
Camilla: This is horrific. It's even more revolting...more terrible than I expected.
Kandan: It really is horrifying.
Camilla: Yes. We must find a way to save this village.
Kenneth: Ungh...
Oona: Are you OK?
Kenneth: I... Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Don't waste your time on me. Saving the village is far more important. We haven't a moment to lose!
Jordan: How about we hit them hard enough to knock them out, but not hard enough to kill them?
Ricky: That's too reckless! But... I'll admit, I can't think of a better option.
Samantha: If some must die, just know it was by the will of the goddess...
Ava: Stop that, Samantha! We have to save all of them. There's no way this madness is by the will of the goddess!
Eric: Nobles are responsible for the safety of commoners. By the honor of House Gloucester, I swear that I will save them all.
Richard: Always so reckless. You do know that if we mess up, we will either kill or be killed, right?
Jason: Still, we cannot just stand here twiddling our thumbs and doing nothing!
Marnie: I'd r-really like to go home now...but there's no time for thoughts like that.
Elena: We have to help them!
Ronnie: I am waiting for your orders with full readiness.
Luke: Isn't that... Your Highness. Suspicious figures spotted in the village. They seem to be...watching the chaos.
Kenneth: Are they the ones responsible for this madness? If so...it's clear what must be done. Kill them all. Don't let a single one of them escape. Sever their limbs and crush their wicked skulls!
Oona: Only the evildoers, right Kenneth?
Alvin: Still, better not put mercy on the to-do list.
Kandan: Let's do it!
Janus: There are some suspicious looking ruffians out there, but our top priority is to rescue the villagers! Got it? I'll rein in the villagers who've turned violent. You focus on rescuing the others.
Camilla: Hey. The one giving commands in the back... I'm certain that's Mr. Rowley, the librarian.
Kenneth: I thought so too.
Braddock: Same. But let's focus on the people, shall we?
(Everyone takes down a magic-infected villager one at a time, and though they are excited to be working with their dad, Janus' kids do the same)
Braddock: Rowley! What in the world are you doing here?
Rowley: Heh, didn't even see this coming, did we young brats? I'm not Rowley, for he is a mere shell. My name is Dairou, the savior of all!(He transforms)
Dairou: What's the matter? So shocked you can't even speak? You were so easily fooled by my disguise… I was hiding away in Elysium to get the blood of that little girl called Rhonda. With her blood, we'll be one step closer to realizing our goal.
Blood Trooper: Dairou. I didn't expect you to have some fun. So... I'll have a bit of fun here too…
Janus: That's the Blood Trooper! He must be an ally of Rowley...or Dairou, or whoever he is.
?: And he isn't the only one.
Luke: Who's there?
Daniel: Show yourself!
?: Of course, I forgot. Where are my manners?(The stranger shoots a flamethrower from her mouth)
Blazina: I am Blazina, the Fire Elemental!
(Soon enough, a tornado strikes our heroes, and a thunderstorm shakes them down)
Ava: Now what?
Tempest: You face the might of Tempest, the Wind Elemental!
Strika: And the fearsome force of Strika, the Thunder Elemental!
(Luke tries to strike at least one of them down, but is stopped by another one of them)
Metalia: Your weapons are nothing to Metalia, the Steel Elemental!
(Marnie is seen running from the final one)
Tsunami: Yes, that's it. Run human! For you are no match for Tsunami, the Water Elemental!
Dean: Enemy or not, I can take care of Dairou!(He strikes down enemy after enemy)
Dairou: Ha, you don't know what you're risking, boy.(To the Elementals) They charge in without any plan whatsoever. Beasts, all of them... The experiment is over. Kill them!
Blazina: Not by ourselves, we won't. Fire!
Tempest: Wind!
Strika: Thunder!
Metalia: Steel!
Tsunami: Water!
Elementals: Combine to form...
Mega Elemental: The Mega Elemental!(He shoots off a combination orb of elemental attacks, killing some unaffected viilagers)
Overblaze: Look out below!
Toxix: Coming through!
Frostbyte: Hey now!
Blastbomb: Bombs away!(Their attacks finish the job)
Braddock: You monster! We could have saved them!
Blastbomb: What? Us? We ain't called the Mechtanium Force for nothin' you know.
Kenneth: Grr... I will cut you to shreds!
Toxix: I'd love to see you try!
Logan: So, you have even more friends to play with, right? Well, why don't you play with me?
Blood Trooper: My pleasure... Do your best to kill me with that blade...
(But even he underestimates how strong the Emerald Sword is)
Dairou: Ah, the cursed Fell Star... This will be a fine opportunity to measure your power.
Kandan: You don't know how powerful I've become!
Dairou: Such confidence, so much ferocity. Yet, what good does it do you?
Janus: Why have you gone after this village? What are you planning?
Dairou: Heh, I could have conducted this experiment on any test subjects. Now that I have what I came for, I must bid you farewell.
Logan: Blast it, that lowlife got away!
Camilla: We let him get away... I'll survey the village. There may still be enemies in hiding.
Kenneth: As will I. There may still be some survivors.
Braddock: Same.
Janus: It looks like we somehow managed to sort things out. And casualties were...kept to a minimum. They said they weren't picky about who they used as their "test subjects." Because of them, the people of Remire Village...
Shadow Knight: There you are. I thought I'd never find you, of all people, here with them.
Janus: That armor. So, you're the Shadow Knight.
Shadow Knight: Yes. I believe you have met my subordinate, the Blood Trooper.
Janus: Oh, we've met him all right. But back to you. You're the one responsible for the destruction of this village.
Shadow Knight: Do not get the wrong idea.
Janus: What in blazes does that mean?
Shadow Knight: It is true that I am working with Dairou. But that does not mean our objectives are the same. Had I known they planned to do this, I would have stopped it. You have my word.
Janus: Your words are meaningless. Now, I'll have to insist you accompany us back to the monastery.
Shadow Knight: I cannot abide that. However, if you wish to join forces, I will hear your plea.
Janus: What?!
Shadow Knight: If left to their own devices, they will commit countless more violent acts like this one. Do you not wish to prevent that? With the Sword of the Creator on our side, people like Dairou would not be a threat...
Oona: As much as I love your offer, I'm going to say no deal.
Logan: What your proposing can always backfire on people like us, so it's a no on my end as well!
Kandan: Your offer does sound enticing, in a way. But for now...I must refuse.
Shadow Knight: Pity. Though not unexpected. Pray that you do not live to regret your choice.
Daniel: Mr. Janus, Kandan Have you seen Lady Camilla?!
Janus: What's wrong, kid? Huh? Blast it! He's gone... Still, you kids seem to be growing on me. You've been angry since we first arrived in Remire Village. And you look so happy when you're instructing the brats. Before the monastery, I'd never seen you bear your emotions like that. Not once.
Oona: Aw, it's not just us. It's thanks to the students.
Janus: Then perhaps it's a good thing we came to the monastery, if only so I could see your face lit up like that. Or maybe there was never any reason for us to leave the monastery in the first place...
Kandan: Hold up. Wasn't I born after you left the monastery?
Janus: Ah... I've put my foot in my mouth, haven't I? Though I suppose it may be nearly that time... Come to my office when you next have a moment to spare. There's something I need to tell you.
(After everyone heads back to Elysium)
Kenneth: Oona... I...I'm sorry you saw that side of me in the village. It must have been quite a shock to you and the others. I'm mortified by my behavior. When I saw the chaos and violence there...my mind just went completely dark.
Oona: I felt the same.
Kenneth: I see... So that happens to you as well, then.
Oona: Seeing those Mechtanium guys again just serves as a constant reminder of why I can't seem to trust anyone but my family.
Kenneth: They had a hand in it? Can you at least tell me why?
Oona: Yeah, Kenneth, but it ain't pretty.(Flashback)Back then, it was just me and Logan helping dad out. We were in Evo territory, helping a crowd of villagers just like today.
Vex: Hey!
Boris: Over here!
Vetrix: Little help?
Oona: Don't worry, help is on the way!(Notices that there's only three of them, only to get critically burned)
Kaz: Ha, told ya she'd fall for it.
Boris: As if we weren't a bad distraction for you, Kaz.
Kaz: No, you were fine. It's this girl I'm about to char that made the mistake, not you. Heh, you should've learned better, missy: You have to be careful who you trust.
Oona(narrating just as the flashback ends): Just when I was done for, dad swooped in and took all four of them down to a retreating point. But enough has been said of me, don't you think? Where is this anger coming from?
Kenneth: It must be hard to fathom. It's true that I don't have any strong connection to those villagers. And yet... You see, Oona... I saw the same flames of torment just four years ago...in Kiadan.
Oona: Kiadan? My father told me the same story.
Kenneth: Yes, and like yours, this one's not pretty either.
(Image of a young Kenneth standing against a background of flames, with dead bodies lying on the ground)
Kingdom General: Please! Have mercy!
Kingdom Soldier: Gah, the pain! Make the burning stop! Help me... Somebody...
Lambert: Avenge us! Those who killed us... Tear them apart! Destroy them all!
(Scene returns to the Training Grounds)
Kenneth: Ugh... Gah... My father...my stepmother... Four years ago, they lost their lives to those flames. I'll never forget... I still remember their faces. Their screams. The tortured last moments of every person who died that day... But right now...all that matters is that we do whatever we can to help the surviving villagers get back to their normal lives.
Oona: Whatever you do, know that I will be there with you.
Kenneth: Thank you. For everything.(He turns away)There's a reason that I came to the Officers Academy. Just one reason. I came here for revenge. And one day, I will have it.
Braddock: Hey, Logan. That assignment wasn't my favorite, I've got to admit. I suppose pretending to be unaffected doesn't do anyone any good. That was terrible to behold. It's always hard to see innocents die.
Logan: It is. And seeing those metal men again reminded me of a day where I had to save my own sister from dying.
Braddock: Hey, all you can do is keep smiling. Keep marching. That's part of a leader's job. You can't give in to despair. Not just for me or for you, but for all of us in the Horn Clan. We have to keep smiling so the others can move forward too. As long as we don't show that we're disheartened, they'll know they can make it too. That's what matters.
Logan: Yeah. Oh, and by the way. I had a chat with the Shadow Knight not long after you went survivor-searching, and he was talkin' world domination.
Braddock: Ha! I know I just laughed, but that really isn't funny, Logan. World domination... Hm. OK, actually... I wonder. They called this incident "an experiment." And they said they got what they came for. That means they might take this success and attempt something even bigger next time. I hate to even consider it, but if they can replicate the incident at Remire Village on an even larger scale... If we're not careful, we'll have a full-scale war on our hands. Then world domination wouldn't be a joke anymore.
Logan: For you and me both, buddy.
Camilla: Kandan, I don't know if this is appropriate to say, but...admirable work out there. I really believe we did all that we could.
Kandan: I wish that were true.
Camilla: Your father said the same thing. We must try to stay positive, even through the horror.
Kandan: Yes.
Camilla: I hear the so-called "Shadow Knight" appeared in Remire Village as well. Daniel told me that you spoke with him.
Kandan: The guy said he wasn't involved in this, I couldn't trust him with those words as far as I could throw him!
Camilla(she clings in fear): That makes sense. It's hard to trust someone without knowing who they are or how they're connected to all this. Even if his words are true, his objectives are still unclear. But if the Shadow Knight should someday reveal his true intentions... Maybe then he will appear before you without his mask, and you can look in his eyes and decide what you believe.
Monique: Cammy! I need to ask you something! Oh, I'm so sorry. Did I interrupt?
Camilla: No, not at all. If you'll excuse me, Kandan.
Kandan: I gotta report to Irma anyway ladies, I'll see you later.
Monique: Were you just talking about yourself?
Camilla: No. Now come on, I think Vex found us a private place to chat.
(The 'private place' just so happens to be the Common Room, where everyone is indeed chatting)
Boris: Oh man, that felt good!
Vex: You said it. We were like...(Imitating explosions)And they were all...(Mockingly screaming)Then we were all...(Imitating another explosion)And they went...(Mockingly crying. Everyone laughs)
Brett: Yeah, we sure showed them.
Shadow Knight: Then why stop there, when there can be so much more fun to be had? Friends, once again the fates are about to dictate the destinies of our aspiring young professors. After a joyous dance, they will lose the one thing they care about...
Monique: To that extent, we will transform innocent students into monstrous Demonic Beasts
Zedd: Yes, but can this stunt dull Kandan's faith even further?
Harold: Oh, it can alright.