Narrator: As the end to one of the most dramatic years comes closer, another new moon follows it. Here we stand in the Guardian Moon. Long ago, the guardian Hadoria made an appearance during this moon. She had been summoned by the goddess, whose soul was suffering as the flames of war raged across Me-Hador. Some believe that high in the sky above Hadoria, the Stormbringer's mighty wings are what powered the strong winds carrying the guardian and her forces into battle.
Camilla: You're here again... Kandan... You've been crying. So even you cry sometimes. Oh... I suppose that was thoughtless of me to say.
Kandan: It's fine.
Camilla: My teacher. You're so blinded by grief that you can't see what's going on right in front of you. Are you waiting for time to heal your wounds? Or have you curled up in a corner and lost the will to carry on?
Kandan: Does it matter?
Camilla: It does. You've lost yourself. Only you can truly understand your own sadness. Others can sympathize or even empathize, but all anyone else can offer are the tears of an outsider looking in. So I have no intention of crying for you, or of standing still with you. All I can do is promise to reach out my hand when the time comes for me to move forward.
Kandan: What do you mean?
Camilla: The mysterious organization that was carrying out experiments in Remire Village and the chapel... They're up to something near here. The archbishop has sent the knights to undertake a large-scale investigation. No information has surfaced yet, but our enemies will soon be discovered. When they are, will you lead us into battle? Or will you just sit here with no thought for the future that is fast approaching? My teacher... There is a choice to be made. I hope you make the right one.
Chrominos: My, my. She really is quite arrogant. She spoke her mind without an ounce of reservation! But she is right. The time has come to stand again. You already know what your answer is.
Kandan: Yes. But know that I will only do this for myself, not for Irma!
Boris: Wow. Is it me, or is his faith not looking too good?
Camilla: Yes, I noticed that too. Follow him Boris, and we'll see how much more of a beatdown his faith is taking. Oh, and I don't need Frostbyte causing a commotion.
Boris: You got it.
Kenneth: Oona? We must remain quiet...
Alvin: I see... The Shadow Knight and Monique...and the mage who rescued her. I think his name was Cronos, right?
Oona: It's time for revenge.
Kenneth: Not yet Oona.
Broadedge: Well, things seem to be looking up now that you're here, Lord Cronos.
Cronos: Yes.
Monique: Oh, thank you. You saved me!
Cronos: If you were to die, then the mystery of our bodies would be revealed. Preventing that was my only aim. I'm afraid you must remain, Bellatrix. There is something I need you to do.
Monique: Oh, of course. I am always happy to cooperate with Dairou. Leave it to me.
Shadow Knight: Ugh. How annoying.
Cronos: Shadow Knight... Is she offending you? Unfortunately, we cannot take our eyes off her, so there is nothing to be done. You are our greatest creation. We used the defiled beast's blood as the fuel to your flame, that you may burn even the gods. Now is the time to cleanse Me-Hador of that power and bring forth our salvation.
Shadow Knight: There will be no salvation for you and your kind. Those responsible for such gruesome deeds in Kiadan and Enbarr.
Cronos: All so that you may acquire the strength you need. All for a purpose...
Mystik: That purpose is what differs from our ambitions, Lord Cronos!
Kenneth: I've got you... Finally...
Oona: Wait.
Crista: You can't go charging in without a plan.
Kenneth: If we don't act now, we'll miss our chance!
Shadow Knight: Hmm... Who's there?
Alvin: On the other hand, well...
Cronos: Hmph. Even if someone has overhead us, there is nothing they can do. There have always been rats in the walls, and there always will be.
Shadow Knight: Hmmm...
Kenneth: Ugh, they got away! No... The dagger...
Oona: What's wrong?
Kenneth: It...no. Never mind. It couldn't possibly be so. Oona, those are the ones we must destroy. They're the ones who killed my family and Janus. For now, let's return to the monastery and regroup. As for the Shadow Knight's dagger...I'll hold on to it for the time being.
Oona: Right.(As the two leave, we see the Shadow Knight taking off his helmet)
Camilla: If those two know what's good for them, they'll stay out of my business! They'll have to!
Chrominos: f you must weep, then weep. I shall be here for you.
Kandan: Thank you.
Chrominos: Well, it would be ridiculous not to feel anything after something like that. Go on and let it out. I am here.
Ronnie: Kandan, please lend us your ears. Jason is saying impossible things.
Jason: I do not see what is impossible about it. All I said was that if you want to go back home to Lo-Mikada, you probably can. You are...the Empire's guest, so to speak. They cannot afford for something bad to happen to you. There would be a diplomatic incident. Someone close to us has turned up dead, so one could argue that you're not safe here anymore.
Ronnie: You were already told! I am learning here, from the academy. What are you thinking, Kandan?
Kandan: You do not have to leave if you do not wish it.
Ronnie: I am not returning to home until I have grabbed my goal! I will not be listening to the words of Ferdinand.
Jason: No, look, I did not mean to pressure you. Apologies for the misunderstanding.
Randall: I'm not even close to being strong enough. I mean, Janus was so much stronger than me, but even he... That's enough. I can't dwell on the past. There's no way to know what my future holds but I do know one thing. Whatever happens, I have to make my own way in this world. I have to keep pushing so I can grow even stronger!
Marnie: Kandan? I, um, I brought some flowers for Janus.
Kandan: Thank you.
Marnie: It's the least I can do. Sometimes I feel like all I do is run away... Anyway, I'll go lay them out.
Kandan; Okay.(Notices his siblings and two cousins are at the graveyard)Hmph, look at them...
Aiden: Yes, it is somewhat aggravating to see them like this. But no matter what else happens, know that I will be there for you.
Kandan: Thanks.
Elena: I've sung lyrics lamenting death many times on stage... But when something like this happens in real life... I'm lost. I don't know what to say. But I do know this much... Sir Janus must have been very proud to have you as his child.
Samuel: You've lost someone very dear to you... I'm so... You have my sympathy. Julia and I can take on some of your workload this month. We can't do all the teaching, but at least we can lighten the load for you. I've always seen strength in your eyes. I know you'll recover. You're a very strong person.
Julia: I have something rather uncomfortable to discuss. It's about the weapon that killed Janus. Will you listen?
Kandan: I'll listen.
Julia: Such a nice guy. In fact, you never seem to find one like that in a long time. It was a dagger, but I know enough to know it wasn't an ordinary dagger. It wasn't made of iron or steel because... Well, because whatever it was, the wound it left wasn't normal. Who could make a blade like that, do you figure? Hmmm, I wonder who they were...
Student: Um, Mr. Kandan? When I heard that Monique was with the enemy, I was surprised by how unsurprised I was. Something was just off about her. It's hard to explain. That said, whenever she had free time, she was always hanging around with Camilla. I wonder if Camilla is also... Oh, I'm sorry! Now I'm just being paranoid. Please ignore me.
(Meanwhile, Kandan furiously prepares for the trek to the forest)
Logan: Listen bro, what if we're walking into another trap?
Kandan: I don't care.
Oona: But you can't just...
Kandan: I know what I'm doing!
Camila: Kandan! I know where the enemy is... Where Dairou is. They're in a place called the Sealed Forest, close to the monastery. The archbishop is gathering the knights to begin a search. She's doing so in secret, behind our backs.
Kandan: Why in secret?
Camilla: She must be afraid that a thirst for revenge will compel you to seek them out. Now that you know, will you give us the order?
Irma: No. I will not allow it.
Sampson: This discovery comes just when the knights are at their busiest. It is all too likely that our foes revealed themselves to lure you out there. They are the ones who took Janus from you… I know how you must despise them, but I must ask you to rein in your personal feelings for now.
Kandan: You can't stop me.
Irma: Please, Kandan. Do not act carelessly. I ask that you leave this to us. Losing you so soon after losing Janus would be unbearable.
Kandan: Leave it to you? No, I will destroy that fiend for what she did!
Camilla: I'll go too. I'm putting myself in the hands of the Ancient Ones, and with their help I plan to fight against the secret plot that caused this treasonous murder.
Daniel: So will I.
Rest of Talon Clan: So will we all.
Luke: Not alone you're not. I'm going with you.
Eric: So am I.
Ava: We are not going down without a fight!
Logan: If we die, we die with honor.
Braddock: All right, y'all! I think our course is clear. Y'all ready to do this thang?
Everyone else: YEAH!
Sampson: You know, if Logan and Oona are managing to stick with their brother on this...
Irma: Then it sounds like we've found an army worthy of the history books...
(Everyone heads out, aware of what awaits them. Standing with Monique is Mystik)
Mystik: My, my. These brats are actually working together. What an unexpected surprise!(To Oona)I suppose that means you've taught them well, does it?
Oona: Why that little...
Monique: Hello! You're here! Welcome to the forest of death! My name is Bellatrix, but I'm sure you've gotten that message by now. This weakling girl was just a borrowed look for me.(Bellatrix reveals her true form)
Bellatrix: This is what I really look like! Now, you vermin... I'll take down every last one of you!
Logan: You wish! Ava, go with Kandan and Aiden. The rest of us will clear these warriors out!
Daniel: Do you wish to join those three, Milady?
Camilla: Certainly.
Bellatrix: You know what? If this takes too long, I might be forced to escape. Oh, or do you simply intend to let me go? How accommodating of you! As for me, I intend to kill you all.(laughs)
(Kenneth, Logan, Braddock, Oona, and the others take down warriors and Demonic Beasts alike to aid their friends)
Ava: Monique. You'll pay for what you've done.
Bellatrix: I told you! I am not Monique, I am Bellatrix! Do not call me by that fake name!
Ava: I don't care what you're called. I don't care if it takes my last breath. I'll kill you.
Bellatrix: Please! My powers are beyond your comprehension. You're just a filthy worm!
Camilla: Yes, but worms always have a good advantage underground.
Bellatrix: Huh? What are you- Are you here to kill me?
Camilla: I am. Prepare yourself for death while you still can.
(Mystik tries to flee, but Aiden wraps her up with his Kunai)
Mystik: Heh, you thought I was going to run? Well, there are other ways of fleeing the scene, you know.(She teleports away)
Kandan: Bellatrix!
Bellatrix: Ooh, somebody's gotten the memo. You're a fool to be so brazen. You'll never avenge your father at this rate. I'll have to kill you too! With my own hands!
Kandan: Not before he is avenged!
Bellatrix: Ergh. Mystik left the scene, all my warriors and beasts are vanquished. Ugh, guess there's only one option to take...(She runs off)
Kandan: Get back here!
(Kandan is chasing Bellatrix through the woods, only for the latter to trip and fall in the middle of the ruins.)
Bellatrix: But how? How could I really lose...to a lowly creature like you?
(As she starts shaking in fear and Kandan raises his sword, Dairou appears)
Dairou: Well. It appears as if we've been cornered, haven't we?
Bellatrix: Oh. Dairou! Don't just stand there and stare! I need your help!
Dairou: Yes. You most certainly do.
(Dairou walks up to his comrade)
Bellatrix: Huh?
(Dairou extends his hand and sticks into her chest, grabbing her heart as Kandan gasps in shock. Bellatrix shrieks in pain.)
Dairou: Have no fear, my dearest comrade. Your sacrifice will help to rid of this world of the filthy vermin that have long infested it.
(Dark flames consume Bellatrix and the four pillar corners surrounding the ruin. Bellatrix cries out in pain, while the dark flames surround Kandan standing in the middle of the ruin, as he or she prepare himself or herself and attempt to fight off the fire.)
Bellatrix: Dairou... Stop this!
(Dairou rips Bellatrix's heart out)
Dairou: The time has finally come...to unleash the Forbidden Spell of Zahras upon our enemies!
Aiden: Zahras?
Alvin: It can't be.
(He crushes her heart in his hand and casts the spell as she falls to the ground, extending her hand out to Kandan while begging for mercy.)
Bellatrix: Please...help me...
(Dairou's spell consumes both of them in darkness. The screen fades to black, cutting to Dairou standing outside the ruin by himself, having successfully erased Kandan. He smiles.)
Dairou: Begone with you...Fell Star.
Camilla: That could only have been magic! What happened to our professor?
Dairou: They were swallowed by the mystical darkness of the forbidden spell. An eternity wandering in a void of darkness, never to return to this world... To think we almost had the Sword of the Creator...
Randall: You're lying! Our professor is alive, I know it!
Kenneth: Aye, and we will find him. But first, let's destroy this fiend! I'll slice you into a thousand pieces as we watch with horror... You will know true pain before I finally allow you to die!
Dairou: How trite. But if you wish for pain, I shall oblige. If you prefer it so, you shall also be added to the ranks of the dead!
Mega Elemental: Heh, a death sentence I can execute with ease!
(Meanwhile, Kandan is aimlessly floating in the dark void)
Chrominos: You fool! What were you thinking, charging right into an enemy's trap? Are you just a boulder that rolls down whatever hill it's on? No, even a boulder has more sense!
Kandan: I'm sorry.
Chrominos: Hello, can we get with the program here? Apologizing won't make things right! This darkness is terrifying! As you and I are one... I, too, am trapped within this void. But please consider this... This realm of darkness we are in is different from the world from which you came. I mean that it would take a god to leave this place. In time, our hearts and minds will cease to be. Are you prepared to die?
Kandan: I am not.
Chrominos: Heh. I thought as much. I also do not wish to die. And yet... There is no other choice...
Kandan: What choice?
Chrominos: Do you recall your father's diary? He said you were a child who never cried nor laughed. I think I am the one to blame. I must have been asleep, but even then, I feel I was a part of you. I do not know how Lady Irma managed it, but she allowed me to exist inside of you. The truth is I have always been with you. It is within you that I found my power yet again. You know, I thought being the Ancient One of Time was going to be no picnic. But now that we've made it to this point, I don't think I ever wanna doubt myself again! Time has a beginning and an end. Whether that end is life or death, you'll have to decide for yourself. Your will and mine are now as one. Both sides of time are revealed to you, and you alone. But now that we've come to this point, I must ask. What shall you do?
Kandan: Fight for what I hold dear.
Chrominos: And you shall do so...
(The two great warriors' power merges into a great and powerful force, while outside, Logan's courage and Oona's hope for her brother's return ignite a similar power surge)
Logan: Hey. You thinking what I'm thinking?
Oona: Yes, time to take this to the next level!
Both: Gem glow!(The two get shining crystal armor, and their Relics are upgraded)
Dairou: What?
Mega Elemental: Heh, sounds like there is more than expected.(Notices Kandan has escaped the dark void)
Dairou: So, the Fell Star consumes even the darkness itself...
Kandan: You know it!
Oona: Better get ready Dairou...
Logan: Cause we're about to lay the smackdown upon you! Ready guys?
Everyone else: Yeah!
Broadedge: Your confidence seems to have a lot of flaws, don't you think? Gem glow!(His body is bathed and upgraded in a crystal glow, as is his Relic)
Camilla: Kandan... It is you, right? I knew that you would always come back to us. I'd like to ask about your appearance, but for now, let's dispose of our enemies.
Dairou: What did you see in the darkness of Zahras? This should be impossible. The only being that can withstand that darkness is... Unless I dispose of you myself, I may never have the chance to send you back there!
Daniel: Camilla, go on!
Camilla: Right.
(Everyone else helps Kandan, his siblings, and Camilla with the added help Dairou summoned)
Mega Elemental: You two have unlocked powers beyond mortal comprehension. But don't worry, your pain will be soothed soon enough!
Logan: As if.
Dairou: So, this is how it is... I cannot let you live!
Camilla: You stole the words from my mouth. You lost the moment you failed to kill the professor.
Kandan: Truer words have never been spoken.
Camilla: Yes.
Dairou: I am terrified by you... Even though an emotion like fear has no place inside me. That means you must be eliminated.
Kandan: Fear is no longer my comrade either, but I will not let your evil destroy this world!
Dairou: Grrr. To think...that I would lose to mere beasts. But this is not the end... Lord Cronos will carry out our mission, somehow...
Jason: Kandan! You did it!
Camilla: It's over. Now, Kandan. About your appearance... Hmmm. That hair...and those eyes... You remind me of someone. What happened to you?
Kandan: I merged with the Ancient One of Time.
Camilla: I see... Well, I'm happy for you. Your weapon is called the Sword of the Creator, after all. It's no wonder he looks favorably upon you. Just as it was with saint Hadoria, no doubt... And just how will you use this new power, Kandan?
Kandan: For the people of the world.
Camilla: Heh, that is so like you to say that. Tell me... If the world, and your students included, were to divide and go to war with each other, what would you do? In that scenario, each side would represent both the world and your students. Who would you-(Kandan faints)Kandan? Have you...fallen asleep?! This must be a side effect of your recent...changes. I can't just leave you here...I could try carrying you, but... No, I had better call for Daniel.
Mystik(from inside Kandan's mind): Kandan Janus, rejections hurt! But the pain of death, and the feeling of doubt, now that hurts a lot more!(Kandan turns to face her)Your talents deserve to be recognized! Irma's reign has gone on long enough. It's time for Me-Hador to have a new ruler, and this ruler on my chessboard is you. Don't let the words of Elysium cloud you anymore. It is as the fates command...
Aiden: Is he alright?
Sampson: He'll pull through. But as you and the others know, this is far from over...
(Kandan wakes up)
Aiden: Kandan! You alright?
Kandan: I am, but there is still work to be done. It is as the fates command...
Aiden: Huh?(He finds himself in a daze before snapping back to reality)You're right, but we first need some allies. And I feel we shall have them in due time...