Narrator: Another new moon provides loads of opportunity for adventure. And the Horsebow Moon is no exception, not even for brave adventurers. As cold air begins to creep in from the north of Kalos, Me-Hador welcomes the riches of fall. The women spend their days reaping the golden fields, gratefully embracing the bounty the goddess has once again provided. The men venture into the wild with horsebows and empty sacks ready to be filled with game.

Oona: Alright brothers and cousins, here's our situation. Sampson's younger sister, Rhonda, has gone missing. At present, all we know for certain is that she has not left Elysium.

Alvin: Rhonda's not the type of person to just wander off on her own without telling her brother where she is going! We have searched the monastery thoroughly, but have found nothing. Unfortunately, whispers have been going around that our deadliest enemy yet, the Blood Trooper, is running rampant around here. With panic levels rising, I doubt anyone's planning on sleeping unless we solve this mystery.

Kandan: Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get searching!

Daniel: Rhonda has gone missing? Most unsettling.

Kenneth: Rhonda has disappeared? Sampson must be beside himself.

Samantha: What? Rhonda is missing?!

Dean: Yeah.

Aiden: But don't panic...

Oona: Because we'll find her!(A few minutes later, Oona runs into Luke)

Luke: I'm on the lookout for suspicious individuals. The only place I've yet to check is the library.

Oona: Luke, it's not safe to be out this late. Get some rest.

Luke: As you wish. After I check the library.(They go to the library, only to discover that they're not the only ones)

Luke: Candlelight... And who is that?

Oona: Is it Rhonda?

Luke: No, it isn't. Impossible...

Kenneth: Oona. Luke. Heh. What are you up to at this hour?

Luke: Your Highness! My apologies.

Kenneth: Oh, none necessary. I'm sorry for startling you. I was just doing some research. But I'm just about finished. I didn't realize how late it had gotten. We'd better head back to our quarters, Luke. Until tomorrow, Oona.

Oona: Awkward. Hmmm, what do we have here. "Val Toussaint, brother to our dear Emperor Ian Toussaint. Never forgotten, yet always remembered." Quite the interesting piece, but what does it mean?

(Throughout the next day, Oona, her brothers, and her cousins begin to search for clues on Rhonda's disappearance. Some of their students blame a number of staff, specifically Andre.)

Aegis: Hey there, Professor. Did you want to talk? What?! Me, abduct Rhonda?! You can't really believe I did that!

Oona: I hear she was always yelling at you...

Aegis: Oh, that's just because of my dumb jokes. She says that they're not very good. But if I went around kidnapping everyone who said that, the whole monastery would be empty!

Paula: Did you hear about Rhonda? It's just one thing after another this year, I swear. Some of the lower-ranked knights are searching for her in the town. If they find anything, I'll know. What? Something about Andre? Hm, come to think of it, I haven't seen him today. What would make you suspect him?

Logan: I heard that he goes out every night.

Paula: I see. Well, I'll let the knights know.

Annabelle: What brings you here? I'm taking a break. Is this about Rhonda? You find me suspicious? Hah.

Kandan: You're not from around here, aren't you?

Annabelle: True. Your point being? Look kid, I understand that I don't fit in among the Knights of Hadoria... But that hardly links me to Rhonda's disappearance.

Harlan: Miss Rhonda's whereabouts are unknown? I pray she is safe... We do not seem to have any leads at present. I am one of the suspects, am I? Well, hopefully I can lay your suspicions to rest. Do you know of my, let's call it...unique situation?

Alvin: Your true identity?

Harlan: I was once a knight in service to the Kalos royal family. If one of the kids believes she saw me before, it was likely in Fhirdiad, the Kingdom Capital. Annette is... She is my... But no, I would appreciate it, Alvin, if you would ask no more.

Samuel: Young Rhonda's disappearance is most troubling. What? Who would suspect me? You know what? I'll tell you who. A fool. That's who.

Dean: Is her Crest rare enough to justify kidnapping her?

Samuel: Rhonda's Crest, the Major Crest of Cethleann, is rare, but there are others who possess it.

(As Aiden and Tyson approach Rowley the librarian, memories of their capture along with the others start to show)

?: You are sure?

Mystik: I am sure she will come, Dairou. Your time will arrive, trust me

(As the memory fades, Tyson and Aiden know that now is not the time to be dwelling on the past)

Rowley: Is something the matter? I see. So, Rhonda has gone missing. I will do what I can to support the search. Hm? It seems that you are a bit suspicious of me. Might I ask your reasons?

Aiden: Why were you asking about her?

Rowley: I was away from the monastery for a few years, but do not forget... I have spent more than four decades in total working here at Elysium. Yet it was not until recently that I learned that Sampson has a sister.

Sampson: Oh...

Logan: We will find her. I swear it.

Sampson: That is all I ask. Please, lend me your aid!

Janus: Because of Rhonda's disappearance, all of the knights are searching nonstop. But we haven't found a single lead. Sampson's face is getting paler by the minute. It's hard to watch. What's that? You're looking for Julia? Well, I did pass by her earlier. She was carrying something. A mask of some sort...

Oona: Andre's mask?

Janus: I'm not close to the guy, so I can't say for sure. But come to think of it, you could be right.

Camilla: Julia ran off with Andre's mask? Hmm... We'll have to speak with both of them. But where could Julia be? Andre is likely at the training grounds or in his quarters on the eastern side of the knights' hall.

Kandan: Everyone else seems to think the same thing too. Let's go!

(But as they move out searching for Rhonda and Julia, Andre realizes he's about to have some unwelcome guests at his place. Suiting up as Blood Trooper, he, Mystik, and Broadedge set out to meet them while still keeping an eye on their four prisoners)

Camilla: It seems Rhonda is still missing. What could have happened to her?

Katie: Oona! Your Highness! I just heard a scream! In Mr. Andre's quarters!

Chrominos: Andre... Ah! The combat professor with the mask. He has always been rather suspicious. We must hurry!

Kandan: Don't need to tell me twice.

Braddock: Knock, knock. Is anybody...whoa! Professor Julia!

Logan: Is she injured?

Braddock: She's unconscious. She was clearly attacked by someone.

Daniel: Look at her hand. It looks as though she is pointing at something... There.

Kenneth: I see it! Behind that shelf! Could it be a secret passage?

Samuel: What is the meaning of... Wait, is that Manuela? What happened here?

Camilla: We know as much as you do. She needs to be taken to the infirmary.

Samuel: Yes, of course–and quickly. Give me a hand, child.

Camilla: Understood. I'll support her head.

Kenneth: I'm helping too!

Braddock: Sounds like this family is on its own, Logan. We'll be back once we get Professor Julia taken care of.

Logan: Okay.(To his siblings, cousins, and the remainder of the Claw, Horn, and Talon Clans)Well folks, it sounds like it's up to us to derail Blood Trooper and whoever else is with him to save Rhonda.

Oona: Right.

(They lead the others further down Andre's underground hideaway, unaware that danger is getting closer to them all. Meanwhile, Camilla leaves the boys behind to suit up in her Shadow Knight guise)

Shadow Knight: Trooper and the other guys might be expecting a little too much fun. Better hope they don't pressure the others, especially Daniel and Kandan!

(Daniel, Kandan, Randall, Alvin, Luke, Katie, Oona, Cassidy, Ricky, Samantha, and Logan stand in the underground passage)

Samantha: It's way too creepy down here. And it smells funny. And... BAH! A person! They're...unconscious.

Logan: Four people to be exact, and one of them is literally Rhonda.

Randall: Someone's coming! I recognize that scythe and mask... It's that jerk we fought at the Holy Mausoleum!

Oona: And from the look of things, he's got company.

Blood Trooper: That sword. You must be... One of us will die, the other will live. I will enjoy this dance of devastation.

Mystik(eying Oona): Save the last one for me, Bloody.

Broadedge(unsheathing his own Crystal Relic): And I think it's payback time for how you disgraced me back at the Mausoleum!

Logan: Spirit Beast, come to me! I can accept your challenge easily, Broadedge!

Blood Trooper: Ooh, a challenge. Now it is a party!

Kandan: Yes, so let's get it started.

Daniel: Our objective is to recover Rhonda and save the others. Let us hope we are not too late.

Luke: There's something strange about the flooring at the end of the corridor. Something might happen if you step there.

(Kandan, Aiden, Logan, Dean, Oona, and Alvin lead the others in taking out a few foes. Soon enough, Oona, Alvin, and the Claw Clan face Mystik)

Mystik: It doesn't matter how many I have to face; I won't be defeated again!

(Oona, Luke, and Katie take her down anyway. Meanwhile, Logan and the Horn Clan face a similar setup with Broadedge)

Broadedge: So, don't got Bow-Boy to save ya? Ha, all the more fun it'll be to rip you apart!

(Eric, Logan, and Samantha prove him wrong. Both groups converge on Kandan, the Talon Clan, and the Blood Trooper)

Daniel: You should withdraw from here.

Blood Trooper: I don't take orders from you... Ah, the siblings are together again. Now, you will die together... How joyous...

Kandan: Work together, fight together, die together. With siblings, it always matters!

(The three combine the powers of their Relics to defeat their foe)

Blood Trooper: Heh, it would seem you may be right.(Chuckling wickedly)Kill them.

(The Shadow Knight teleports near the Blood Trooper just as Mystik and Broadedge reunite with them)

Shadow Knight: Halt. You're having a bit too much fun.

Blood Trooper: You are getting in the way of my game.

Shadow Knight: Hmph. You'll have more opportunities to play soon. Your work here is done.

Blood Trooper: Understood. I will go...

Mystik: As will I...(To Oona and her brothers)Heh, it sounds like the fates were right again. But what more have they planned for you, especially you Kandan?

Broadedge: Guess there's one way to find out, then...

(All three teleport away)

Shadow Knight: We will cross paths again. I am the Shadow Knight... It is I who will reforge the world.

Eric: Shadow Knight, eh? Seemed quite frightened of us if you ask me! Haha!

Jason: Are they both OK? We should get them out of here.

Luke: Bring them up.

Richard: They're pale, and their pulse are slow... Still, I don't believe their lives are in danger.

Kandan(as Camilla and the boys return): Camilla.

Camilla: You found Rhonda? Where?!

Jason: You missed the most important part of the mission! We found her within that secret passage. The culprits were the Blood Trooper and... what was his name? Ah, the Shadow Knight. Sadly, they got away.

Camilla(obviously not wanting her classmate to spill even more beans): Oh. All that matters is Rhonda's safety. Right, Kandan?

Kandan: Right.

Kenneth: I'm just grateful that everyone is safe. That's what matters most. I'd like to hear what transpired, but first we need to get these ladies and lad to the infirmary.

Luke(bowing): Understood. We'll go at once.

Braddock: You know, Teach, seeing you smile sure makes me feel better. You look happy for a change. Hm? Do you really not know? Well, truth is, I've never seen you smile before now. At times, it made me wonder whether you were even human. But I suppose that was just my imagination running wild. Anyhow, we've probably kept Sampson waiting about as long as he can stand. Let's hurry up and tell him the great news.

Logan: Right.

Wallace: Man, the way you, that Crystal Relic, and that Spirit Beast worked was just amazing. Hey, I've got a few tricks myself, you know? Maybe I could learn from you.

Logan: You know kid, I think Braddock, Dean, and I would be happy to have you aboard.

Oona: So, Crista, you feeling, okay?

Crista: Never better. In fact, why don't I hang with you guys?

Oona: Sounds good.

Sampson: Kandan... Please, allow me to express my eternal gratitude once more. Rhonda is safe and sound, and I have you to thank for that. Mere words could never express how thankful I am. I... I am indebted to you.

Kandan: I'm just happy she's safe.

Sampson: Yes, indeed. I... I, too, am overjoyed.

Kandan: But why was Rhonda taken to begin with?

Sampson: Her kidnapper was the masked knight who vanished during the Rite of Rebirth. The one known as the Blood Trooper. Considering the circumstances, it seems plausible to assume that his true identity is Andre. And we cannot forget about the mysterious Shadow Knight.. His true motives are yet unclear. However, I have an idea. I believe the enemy may have been after Rhonda's blood. The blood that flows through her veins is special. It is extremely rare...and extremely dangerous. If enemies who know the secret of Rhonda's blood have appeared, our only option is to leave the monastery and go into hiding.

Rhonda: Brother, wait.

Sampson: Rhonda?! What are you doing here? You should be resting!

Rhonda: I do not like the path of your thoughts. I do not wish to live in some lonely, remote location where I never get to see anyone. Not ever again.

Sampson: If we stay here, you may be targeted again! Wouldn't it be better for the two of us to live in peace?

Rhonda: Even if we ran off to some new, secret location, there is no guarantee that they would not find us. That is why I believe it would be safest to stay in the monastery, where we are surrounded by capable knights and professors.

Sampson: I see your point, I do. However, with the circumstances...

Rhonda: You know it is the only reasonable option. What if I were to join the professor's class?

Kandan: That is a great idea.

Rhonda: You think so too? I am so very pleased to hear that! With a professor like you nearby, I shall be safe no matter what foe should appear!

Sampson: I see. I am afraid you have a good point. Kandan... Due to my position, I have closely scrutinized everything about you. After all that has happened, I must admit that you are indeed...a trusted ally. So, what say you? Can I entrust you with Rhonda's safety?

Kandan: It would be my pleasure.

Aiden: Heh. I wouldn't mind having another hand in the bowl, you know?

Chrominos: I am so glad that Rhonda is safe. Yet I can't help but wonder what the story is about the other girl. She wore the uniform of the academy. But who is she?

Kandan: That's what we're about to find out.

Irma: Well, nicely done, you three. I see that I was right to ask your classes for assistance. I have been told that Julia and Rhonda are recovering nicely, as is Monique.

Kandan: Monique? Who is Monique?

Irma: Monique, the girl you rescued along with Rhonda, is also a student at the Officers Academy. However, her history...

Samuel: She is a student from last year's class. She went missing just before she would have graduated. It never occurred to us that something might have happened to her at the monastery. We assumed she had run away. I never dreamed that we would find her. Not like this.

Irma: Monique has asked to rejoin the Black Eagle House once she has fully recovered. Our enemies are still out there, so we must remain cautious and continue our investigation. However, we must also help the students to move on from this incident.

Samuel: After all, the Battle of the Eagle and Lion will be held in Gronder Field next month.

Irma: Yes. The students will remember it for the rest of their lives. Please guide them so they may show us their best at the coming battle.

Janus: So, you'll be going to Gronder Field next month. You've never been there before, have you? There is unease in the western side of the Empire, but everything east of the capital, Enbarr, is stable. Well, there was a noble rebellion a short while ago, but it didn't amount to much.

Oona: Will you come to the Battle of the Eagle and Lion?

Janus: Sorry, but I've got my own mission, and it's far from Gronder Field. The church has always been quick to make use of those who work for them. What I'm more concerned about is finding out who among us is pulling the strings. Ever since the Rite of Rebirth, strange groups have been seen around Elysium, and elsewhere too. There was also an incident where some knights investigating these suspicious strangers...turned up dead. Not that it's likely, but if something like that ever happens to me... Search this room. Every corner. Behind every shelf. I'm going to leave something for you.

Logan: Don't say things like that.

Janus: Don't get me wrong. I have no intention of dying. I know it would be too much to ask you to cheer up, but can you at least drop the serious... (laughing) Well, I'll be. Was that a smile just now?

(Meanwhile, Kandan is more convinced than ever that there is a lot of things Irma is not telling him. Mystik watches him)

Mystik: Yes, that's it. Your doubt grows, and your faith shrinks even further. I can't wait to see what kind of action this special mock battle is going to bring!