Later, the potion has dried up and Dola'wic shouts at the animals.
Dola'wic: I don't care whose fault it is. Just get this place cleaned up!
Cow: Hey, I've been turned into a cow. Can I go home?
Dola'wic: You're excused. Anyone else?
Animals: No, no. We're good.
Then, Kent comes bursting through the doors from the castle with She-Dom at his side.
Kent: What's going on?
Dola'wic: Oh. [bows] Your highness, please forgive me. We had a little trouble catching the rebel.
But then, Dola'wic notices She-Dom holding hands with Kent, which seems to make him glare at her.
Kent: What rebel? Who is it?
Dola'wic: Someone who posed himself as your dead brother, sire. He wore only a wooden mask, and he had the same clothing, but… not the same attitude.
Kent: Not to mention not having the same blood. I want this imposture found and brought to me the next time he shows.
She-Dom: We can do that. The Elite Force would-
Kent: Obviously not, She-Dom. I will have my own guards to take care of it.
Kent and She-Dom both walk away, and Dola'wic glares at them for being together. Then, Siniy shows up from behind.
Siniy: Master… was that who I think it is.
Dola'wic: Your eyes don't lie. That was truly… Trimbo Morningstar.
Siniy: What?! That little shit!
Siniy pulls his sword out from its sheath and starts swinging it around.
Siniy: With him around, this will change things. My Princess Rozella was promised to that weakling. If he ever gets his hands on her, I WILL MAKE HIM WISH HE WAS NEVER BORN!
Then, bird poop lands on his shoulder.
Dola'wic: Calm yourself. Save all that energy for the next battle. We just need to plan something smarter, that's all.
Siniy: I knew you would say that. Because I asked my closest ally to speak with me at the Wicked Stepmother.
In the Wicked Stepmother tavern, Lankif enters inside wearing a cloak. He walks up to a door in the back and sees Elite Force men standing guard before going through the doors. There, Dola'wic and his Deathwalkers, including Siniy, stand waiting inside the room.
Lankif: Your lordship. Captain. Gentlemen.
Dola'wic: Ugh, you'd better have a good reason for dragging us down here.
Lanfif: Well, I'm afraid it's all about Captain Siniy getting his hands on Rozella who isn't really… warming up to him.
Siniy: Umm, F-Y-I, not my fault. And besides, she thinks she is safe around not only that misfit prince but also that dreadful dragon.
Sleek: Yeah, I can see all that.
Ozzy: But what is the point of all this? Are you saying you're seeking to make the princess marry you?
Siniy: Not just that. But I want her to be my whore. Our children will be the strongest, the smartest, the bravest…. Not to mention, the best looking.
Gibber: Uh… haven't you looked in a mirror lately? You're not human anymore.
Siniy: But not for long, once we use a magic spell or something to make her fall in love.
Dola'wic: [thinks] Hmmm…. Maybe, we could use that for a strategy. The dragon thinks she is his mother, and we can use that for an advantage. Mercury's troops are working on projectiles for the golden cannons, and they're storming Mount Grandiose in demands for the emperor dragon, and that's when you two come in.
Dola'wic pulls out a red vial and hands it to Lankif. But Trimbo is listening in from the window, outside and out of sight.
Dola'wic: When you get to Dallad, have the princess drink this. It makes her fall in love with the first man she kisses.
Siniy: Which will be me!
Lankif: Umm…. [hesitates] No. I-I-I can't. I won't do it.
Siniy: What do you mean no?
Lankif: I'm strictly loyal to the Prushan crown, and I can't-
Siniy sticks his katar in Lankif's face and it begins to glow with dark magic.
Siniy: You don't have a choice. If you remember, I helped you out of the gutter to join my forces. And I can take you back just as easily. Do you understand?
Lankif: [hesitates; sighs] Yes, sir.
Dola'wic: Good boy. Now, we have to go. I still have my appointment in Ingersil, but this time, I'll be bringing the trio with me, just until my dark dragons are fully replenished.
Trimbo: [whispers] I gotta warn Rozella. [walks over]
Part Eight
All the way in the plains of Dallad, Trimbo's friends arrive at the scene where they peek over a hilltop to find Mount Grandiose surrounded by the Elite Force.
Gideon: By the gods, it's worse than I thought.
Rozella: Is there a plan, anyone? Because if we just storm the camp with Blaze, they'll be expecting that.
Destinon: She's right. We're going to need to formulate a plan.
Milan: Well… if we would just… muster all courage to-
Bestial: Actually, we're not done yet with the training. This one is the mother of all tests of courage.
Not too far away, a mouse comes out and starts preening in the light, sniffing. Then, it becomes frightened. Suddenly, Bestial's hand swoops down and catches him. She holds the squeaking and struggling mouse in her fingers, showing it to the quivering Milan.
Milan: Please Bestial…. Don't make me….
Bestial: Chill, it won't hurt you. He's only a little mouse. And believe it or not, Dalladian mice are super clean, never walk on their own urine, so he's never easily hunted by snakes. To channel your courage, you have to hold your greatest fears.
Bestial gestures Milan to extend her hand, which she does, and she drops the mouse on it, making Milan to scream.
Milan: Get it off! Please, get it off!
Bestial: Why don't you just brush him off with the other arm?
Milan: Well, I…. I don't want to hurt his feelings or anything. But, um…. What should I do?
Bestial: Just look at him, and be nice.
Milan thinks about her advice, and simply looks at the mouse, who is no longer scared. It stares at Milan directly in the eye. Still, Milan was scared of it, but her worries and fears are going away, as she just looks at it. Then, Bestial takes out a giant battle axe to kill the mouse, but swiftly, Milan pulls it out of the way to save the rodent.
Milan: Bestial, what was that for?!
Bestial: Sorry. It was a way for you to protect the little guy.
Realizing that, Milan looks back at the mouse, who is standing up on its hind legs.
Milan: You're right. I had to. And now that I look at it, he's… actually cute.
Bestial: You see? Fear is triggered by some misunderstanding. Sure, mice can bring diseace and stuff, but that doesn't mean they do it on purpose. They scurry around for food, just trying to survive.
Milan: You know… you're right. I mean, you should've seen the way a mouse was when-
Destinon: You two, we're moving out.
Milan and Bestial joins up with the others, ready to go.
Gideon: Rozella, you wait here and we'll get the barrier to open for you.
Rozella: Right.
As she watches her allies leave, Rozella stays behind to watch them with Blaze behind her.
Rozella: Oh gods, please let them get back safely, and… please help Trimbo come back to me.
Then, Blaze picks up a scent with a sniff, right before an arrow strikes his neck. He roars as a reaction, grabbing Rozella's attention, and then he falls fast asleep. Worried, Rozella rushes over to her dragon, until she hears a voice coming from her right.
Siniy's voice: Rozella?
She whips to the left and sees Siniy standing by a balcony. He is wearing noble clothes and he is back in his normal-self.
Rozella: Siniy?
Siniy: Aye, Fiona. It is me. Although, I must apologize for your dragon. It was Lankif who shot him, but he's fine.
Lankif comes over, holding a bow in his hand.
Rozella: Siniy, you're becoming a pest. I'm not going to marry you.
Siniy: But you can't say it will be Trimbo. Dola'wic's discovered him in Ukrim, and he's been captured. He'll be hung in the gallows.
Rozella: YOU LIE!
But Siniy shows her the royal crest of the Morningstar family, which is what he slashed from Trimbo a while ago. Mortified, Rozella takes the crest and stares at it in sadness. Now worried, she sheds a tear.
Siniy: I'm truly sorry, Rozella. It's a shame about him. It seemed miraculous that he was back from Hades, and yet… the High King arrested him for not submitting to his rule.
Rozella: He can't be hanged. He wouldn't threaten anyone, Siniy.
Siniy: Settle down. I can always walk right up to him, and clear up this little misunderstanding, if….
Rozella: If what?
Siniy: If you marry me.
Rozella: What?
Siniy: One little word, princess. That's all it takes.
Rozella: Never!
Siniy: Have it your way.
Siniy turns and walks away slowly, playing hard to get. But Rozella is deep in thought about Trimbo's fate in hand. Hesitant, she comes up with a way of saving the prince he loves.
Rozella: Alright. I'll do it.
Siniy: That a girl. And when he's freed after our… private wedding, you can do whatever you want with him, as long as it pleases us. Lankif, tell Mercury we've got the dragon.
Siniy pulls Rozella in close, who is looking at him with suspicion. He pulls Rozella's arm to go with him, who hesitantly obliges him. The both of them walk together to the Elite Force's campsite. Rozella looks back and gives Lankif a confused look before Siniy nudges her closer. Lankif looks down with a guilty look on his face.
Back in Ingersil, Rift is pacing around in his tent, trying to think about something to do, and his friends are standing with him.
Rift: I don't know what to do. I saw her looking at the sky, she told me about a tradition when the sun sets, two couples hold hands to be together forever, and I asked if we could try it ourselves. I never thought she'd actually say yes! What was I thinking?!
Vel: That's a good thing, Rift. It means that she's warming up to you.
Cleese: And, to be honest, I never thought you're actually into yokai.
Rift: That has nothing to do with this. It's just…. I've never had a date before, and this… feels like my first one to me.
Jacksyn: Okay, that's fair, but what do you think is going to happen when the Queen finds out about this?
Rift: She won't. Ikaruga said there's a perfect spot for watching the sunset deep in the Sakura Forest. But I… wish I had the right words to tell her.
Maroon: You can't be timid. You must be bold, daring! Think there will be music. Romantic candlelight, and when the time is right, you confess your love.
Rift: Love? I- I con- No, that's not it.
Jacksyn: But you care for the girl, don't you?
Rift: Sure. More than anything.
Jacksyn: Then that's it. You just buck up, be the kind of man she wants you, and tell her how you feel. Because if you don't, you'll be-
Then, Ayazz enters the tent, clearing his throat. He gestured to the Falconers to leave, so he can be alone with Rift.
Ayazz: Look at yourself, Lieutenant. You look like you're going on your first date.
Rift: I'm only… learning from the prisoner, Commander. Nothing more to it.
Ayazz: "Prisoner"… or something else? I can see it in your eyes. You're showing feelings for her.
Rift: I know she's one of the enemies, but I just….
Ayazz: Son, the yokai are never our enemies. They attack us by whatever means, just to protect themselves. That said, we're planning on leaving the site, and let the Queen take this matter into her own hands. You, on the other hand, give it a try. Your mother would like it very much if she knew you were on a date.
Rift: But…. What if I mess up?
Ayazz: You live long enough to learn from your mistakes. Just get out there… and give her the time of her life.
Inspired, Rift smiles and salutes to Ayazz, who salutes back.
Part Nine
Outside, Ikaruga descends from her tent in a kimono. She reaches the gateway and looks back at Rift, who is standing in front of his tent in his dress clothes. He is nudged on by Ayazz from behind, and he descends to meet Ikaruga at the gateway. Arm in arm, they walk together towards Sakura Forest. But spying on the scene, an Elite Force sentry discovers the scene and rushes over to Valim's shrine.
Deep in the woods, Rift and Ikaruga both walk together, still arm in arm, to find the spot where they can see a small mountain in a clearing. They climb it together to see the sun setting, and they sit down together to watch it disappear.
Ikaruga: I, uh…. I never truly understood why Kesseki and Chizuru would favor humans. But now I do. [beat] I hope you could… forgive me for-
Rift: No. Don't be. [pauses] Actually… um…. Well, I just…. I want to know if… you've been happy with us.
Ikaruga: Why…. Yes. I have been. The Falconers have been so nice to me. Vel, Cleese, Jacksyn, Garlym…. Don't you think Garlym's a sweet old man?
Rift: [laughs] I would have to work in the barracks if I told him that. But what about Maroon? Has he… tried to rape you yet?
Ikaruga: He tried, but I caught him. He had to work on his sneaking. Nekos can hear footsteps a mile away. But beneath his perverted side, he's a tolerable friend just like all the rest. You have a string of good friends.
Rift smiles in agreement, but he looks off into the distance when he thinks of something.
Ikaruga: What's wrong?
Rift: Sorry, I…. [desperately] I was thinking about Trimbo Morningstar. He was not only a good friend, but… he was a real companion.
Ikaruga: [sympathetic] I see. [beat] I've heard of what happened. It's a shame he died with his father. I, uh…. I would've wanted to meet him. In fact, my friend Shoukaku was fond of him, after hearing his tales. How he braved against the ogres, how he stopped a faction war, and-
But then, they both see the sunset. No longer thinking about the past, Ikaruga holds onto Rift's hand and cuddles with him. Rift grows a smile equal to hers, and they look at the sunset together, officially becoming a couple together.
Afterwards, Rift and Ikaruga are back in camp, walking into Ayazz's tent, but when they go in, something grabs their attention. Kesseki, wearing a hooded robe, stands in between the two Grand Army leaders. Rift stares at him in disbelief.
Rift: Kesseki?
Kesseki: Rift, it's good to see you again. [to Ikaruga; shocked] Ikaruga? Thank the gods you're alright!
Ikaruga: What is it?
Ayazz: Kesseki has delivered his message. He says the Shogun wishes for us to leave in peace in exchange for killing none of our men.
Garlym: And our foxy-friend has agreed to leave with us all.
Ikaruga: Leaving? Oh no. I can't leave. Kouta's my home and… my father's still back there.
Rift looks at her with concern. He turns, then looks at Juno's burial ground, deep in thought.
Rift: Then… you should go to him.
Ikaruga: What did you say?
Rift: I release you. You're no longer our prisoner.
Ikaruga: [amazed] You mean… I'm free?
Rift: Yes.
Ikaruga: [pleased] Oh. Oh, thank you.
Ikaruga turns to leave, then turns back and gives Rift her nodachi.
Ikaruga: Rift, please take this. This is a sacred sword, crafted by your father Kappa. You caught it with your bare hands, and you must carry the honor of holding it.
Rift: [hesitant] I…. I can't thank you enough. While you're back, tell your father the Grand Army has formed the peace treaty.
Rift is hesitant to express his feelings to Ikaruga. They slowly lean forward to kiss, but Garlym bumps him up and they kiss sooner than expected.
Ikaruga: Thank you for understanding me.
She walks away slowly then turns and looks at him. Finally she exits the tent, and Rift walks out to watch her run into the woods.
Kesseki: You did the right thing, Rift. She was worried about leaving her only parent.
Rift: Yes, but…. I… would've wanted her to come with us.
Kesseki: And why did you let her go?
Rift: Because… I love her.
Suddenly, four sets of hands grab him. It is the Elite Force, arresting Rift and Kesseki.
Rift: What the?
Ayazz: Rift!
Ayazz and Garlym arrive, but the Death-Trio hold them by pointing their weapons at their faces. A gag is tied around Kesseki's mouth. He sees the Falconers hanging from a net tied in a tree.
Guard: Hold him!
Shackles are placed on his feet and his hands. Another guard ties Garlym with chains around a tree. And then, Valim walks over to them with Dola'wic at her side.
Valim: Your men disappoint me, Commander Ayazz. Your demigod was showing affections for a yokai. WHAT TREASON IS THIS?!
Ayazz: I told you the truth. She was leading my men to know more about Sakura Forest.
Valim: Well, your champion's proven to be as useless as my only son. A victim to those freaks!
Dola'wic: [smirking] Not only that, my queen. But she was… the daughter of the Shogun himself. It's also proven to be ironic. The likes of her, being with the grandson of the god-hater, Cruciatus.
Rift: I'm nothing like him!
Dola'wic: It wouldn't matter. Now that my dragons are ready, we're going to storm Kouta… over the trees!
Valim: And I want you to watch them die.
In the Yumi Temple, Tora-Kai has a conversation with Chizuru and Gerald in front of him while he sits on the throne, with several yokai including Kiriya to accompany him.
Gerald: I must warn you, your highness. With or without the Elite Force, my mother will stop at nothing to breach Ingersil.
Tora-Kai: You may be worried, but I'm not. As long as no one knows the way through Sakura Forest, we will be fine.
Chizuru: Yeah, I wouldn't be worried too.
Then, the gates are pushed open from the outside. Much to everyone's surprise, Ikaruga comes in.
Tora-Kai: Ikaruga?
Ikaruga: It's all right, papa. I'm home.
Shoukaku: Ikaruga!
Shoukaku tearfully rushes over to embrace Ikaruga, who hugs her back. Then Tora-Kai rushes over to hug her as well.
Tora-Kai: I thought I'd never see you again.
Ikaruga: I missed you so much.
Shoukaku: But the humans. How did you escape?
Ikaruga: I didn't escape, Shoukaku. He let me go.
Shoukaku: "He" let you go? Who?
Ikaruga: The demigod, Rift.
Tora-Kai: That man who slayed our people?
Ikaruga: But he's different now, papa. He's… proven to be trustworthy. He's really kind and gentle. Even his friends.
Chizuru: [smugly] Wait a minute. Are you in love with him?
Ikaruga: Me? [blushing] Well, I….
Tora-Kai: It wouldn't matter. You're back home and that's all that matters.
Suddenly, the alarm horn is blown, alarming everyone in the temple. Tora-Kai runs to the balcony, seeing something disastrous happening. All over the city, the Elite Force soldiers carry out their raids, killing sentries at their posts, setting buildings on fire with torches, and the dark dragons breath fire in the air. Soon the city is in chaos. Fires burn out of control. Screams begin to echo down the alleyways, first just a few, then more and more, until it seems the entire city is screaming.
Tora-Kai: [horrified] They've breached us.
Part Ten
In Laputa, the gods are hearing and feeling all the dangers happening in Ingersil. Omicron, on the other hand, stands triumphant.
Delta: No! Not Ingersil!
Omicron: [smirking] Do you feel stronger, Apex? You thought Raizer would bring you the humans' prayers, but Raizer Helix is my asset. He carries black blood, my blood, in his veins. Everything his forces have done… is feeding me.
Apex: I command Laputa! Remember who you serve!
Apex is about to strike Omicron, but the god of disaster uses his staff to stop him, which is enough to make him fall to his knees.
Zeta: [worried] Dad!
Omicron: I serve myself! I always have, since you cheated me. You sent me to the Pits of Hades to be hated while you basked in their love.
Apex: We need the love of humans.
Omicron: No, you. You need it. I survive on their fear, their anger, their greed.
Omicron makes his way to Apex's throne, sitting on it.
Omicron: Your reign is over, old friend. You'll watch while my blessed avenger devours their hopes and then finally, you'll know what my pain feels like.
Kappa: There're still the seven heroes who can change all that. Even… my son.
Back in Ingersil, everyone in the temple wonders on what to do.
Chizuru: What? They're in the valley?
Gerald: Now what?
Kiriya: I know the way. The hidden tunnel. It's beneath the mountain, and it'll take us outside the city.
Tora-Kai: Shoukaku, go find all the survivors you can. Give them the directions here.
Shoukaku: Yes, highness.
But then, Gerald takes his leave out of the temple through the front door.
Chizuru: Hey, where're you going?!
Valim stands in the very center of Kouta, watching with delight as the beautiful city burns. And she has Rift, pulled by the hair, in her grasp.
Rift: Have you no honor?
Valim: "Honor"? Honor is for royalty. Your mother should have taught you to stand for a queen. I almost lost this war because of your little romance.
Suddenly, a stick hits her on the back of the head, freeing Rift. Valim whips back to see it is Gerald who hit her with a stick.
Gerald: Get out of here!
Valim: You will pay for your impudence!
Valim raises up a whip, ready to strike her own son. But from behind Gerald, Chizuru jumps in sight, transforms into a nine-tailed fox and pounces on the Queen, mauling her like an animal before breathing blue fire at her.
Chizuru: No one whips my Gerald.
Rift: [moans] Ikaruga. Where's Ikaruga?
Chizuru: She's gone with her father to escape.
Rift: Tell her to go find safety. I'm going to get my friends.
Rift makes a run for it into Sakura Forest. But in the temple, Ikaruga sees him heading into the woods, and she wonders about what to do.
In the Grand Army's camp, Kesseki is chained up like an animal to the flagpole. He struggles to break free, and Ayazz is tied up with Garlym next to the yokai shinobi.
Kesseki: Please forgive me, Commander. I should've… gotten here sooner.
Ayazz: Don't be. We know you mean well.
And then, someone walks into the camp. It is Rai-Khan with glowing red eyes, staring and snarling at them.
Rai-Khan: Where is he? Where's the demigod?!
Ayazz: I'm not telling you anything.
With a scolding, Rai-Khan fires a yumi bow to free Ayazz alone, and throws a kunai at him, but Ayazz dodges it. He thrusts his naginata into the ground, ready to fight.
Rai-Khan: I will kill you now, and save all the bloodsport for that bastard son!
Ayazz grunts and holds out a javelin, ready for battle. Rai-Kah takes an arrow and fires at Ayazz again. But Ayazz jumps towards the samurai, knocking the arrow away with a shield. He throws the javelin at Rai-Khan, but aims too high and misses completely. Rai-Khan readies another arrow while Ayazz pulls out his spear and charges at the yokai. At the last second, Rai-Khan aims for the Commander's legs and shoots, but it goes in between them and hits the floor.
Ayazz: It's going to take more than that to stop me.
Ayazz tries to hit Rai-Khan with his spear, but the samurai dodges and picks up his naginata. The two begin swinging at each other until Rai-Khan hits his shield. Ayazz uses the shield as a wall and shoves Rai-Khan all the way up to a tree. Rai-Khan tries to stab Ayazz with the naginata, but Ayazz parries with his spear and breaks the naginata in two with his shield. Rai-Khan, undeterred, grabs the Commander's spear and flips him over, causing him to release the spear.
During the fight, Garlym manages to pick up a knife from the ground with his good foot, and tries to use it to cut himself loose.
Garlym: Hang on, sir! I'm coming!
Rai-Khan pulls out his kanabo club. He starts to viciously swing at Ayazz, but he uses his shield to cover his body and block the blows. The yokai samurai stops briefly to regain his strength, but Ayazz draws a short sword and stabs Rai-Khan's ear, which makes him shriek in pain, backs away and checks his ear for blood.
Ayazz: Stand down, samurai. And we can discuss this matter.
Rai-Khan: There is nothing to discuss!
Swiftly, Rai-Khan swings his katana upward and it slashes Ayazz's wrist. He screams in pain, staggering. Rai-Khan rushes him and they fly out the camp through the wall, where the Commander succumbs to his pain. Rai-Khan corners Ayazz on the floor, forcing him to stand up.
Rai-Khan: Get up! Get up! What's the matter, human? Too weak to fight back?!
Then, Rift shows up in time to shoot an arrow across Rai-Khan's face, and he draws out Ikaruga's nodachi, ready for battle.
Rai-Khan: Halfbreed bastard! She'd be alive now if you haven't come! They would've married us both. But now… you will die!
Rai-Khan growls and he changes into a nine-tailed fox, more gnarly than Chizuru's form, and he charges at Rift to start a fight.
Rift: Bring it on!
Though roughly even with his adversary, Rift soon realizes that he cannot rely on brute strength alone to fight Rai-Khan, as he is faced with a creature and he has only a sword. The two struggle on slippery dirt before Rai-Khan roaringly leaps forward and drags Riftwith him. The two eventually land and Rift kicks him off. He then swings down his sword on what he assumes to be his enemy, only to discover it to be a fox statue. Rift then walks cautiously, searching for him.
Rift: Who were you talking about? Were you referring to Ikaruga? Did you think she'd want you when you're just snarling and thrashing like a monster?
Hearing that prompts Rai-Khan to resume the attack. After another struggle, Rai-Khan lunges forth, overcome by animalistic urges and emotion, head-butting him in the chest.
Rai-Khan: It's over, bastard! TIME TO DIE!
And then, Rift slashes the nodachi across Rai-Khan's face. But Rai-Khan bites on Rift's shoulder, treating him like he is being poisoned, but Kesseki shows up to fire an energy bow on Rai-Khan's hind leg. Rai-Khan lets go of Rift, howling in pain, and the rest of the team arrives to aid their friend. But as they do, Rift collapses in pain and Cleese looks into the wound.
Cleese: Poison. It's very lethal.
Kesseki: Rai-Khan, enough is enough!
Rai-Khan: You are a traitor. And now, you will join-
Ikaruga: Rift!
Much to Rai-Khan's surprise, Ikaruga rushes over to aid Rift. She looks into Rift's wound, and looks at Rai-Khan, who changes back to his original form and falls to his knees.
Ikaruga: What have you done?
Rai-Khan: I…. I thought you were dead, Ikaruga. I was… mad with grief.
Kesseki: I've seen this venom before. [to Rai-Khan] You made a pact with Omicron, didn't you?!
Rai-Khan: I didn't have a choice. He promised to bring Ikaruga to me if used it on him. But I….
He is seeing now that Ikaruga loves Rift more than him. Thinking she would have no use for him, he prepares himself for his own fate as he takes off his uniform and grabs a short sword.
Rai-Khan: I must do what I must do. Die… a samurai.
With one blow, Rai-Khan commits suicide by stabbing himself in the chest. But from his death, the venom in Rift's system vanishes and he is alright again, but Rift rushes over to aid the fallen Ayazz.
Rift: Ayazz!
Ayazz: Not bad fighting, kid. It was a good fight…. [coughs] …and a good day to die. I'm… very proud to have been by your side… in the end.
Rift: Just hang in there, I'll-
Ayazz: No. Don't worry about me. You should… move on without me.
Rift: [worried] No. No, you can't die! Not after everything we've done together!
Ayazz: I know, but…. I would've wanted this. You were everything, everything I wanted for a son to be. It's you that's more important. You have to lead this… Grand Army… as Commander. [coughs] Save the people, Jak. They need you… to save the lives… we have left.
And then, Ayazz draws his last breath, dying in Rift's arms. Rift bursts into tears and lands his head on sobs for his father-figure/Commander. The Falconers take off their helmets and bow their heads in respect of Ayazz's passing.
Part Eleven
At the slopes of Mount Grandiose, Arkus approaches the edge of the barrier, where he encounters Mercury and Bardian about something.
Arkus: You summoned me?
Bardian: Yes, we did. You'd be pleased to know… we've captured the emperor dragon, so you guys are off the hook.
Arkus: Then you shall release the Elder and the Magus to us.
Mercury: All in good times. But first, Siniy has a wedding tonight, and he wants you dragon riders to attend.
Lankif is pouring tea into two cups on a tray. He reluctantly pours the contents of the love potion into one of the cups. Out from the cup comes a magical dust in the shape of heart, which then dissipates. He enters a tent, carrying the tray of tea, and sees Rozella looking at herself in a mirror, wearing a wedding dress.
Lankif: Your highness? I, uh…. I'm truly sorry about all this.
Rozella: He can't do this. Siniy knows I was promised to Trimbo in the first place.
Lankif: Yes, but… times can give us hardships. I'm sure with Siniy, things might turn up right.
Rozella: But it was for me when Trimbo was at my side. It's him I love.
Rozella reaches for one of the tea cups but Lankif quickly grabs it instead.
Lankif: Uh, Princess. That's mine. Decaf. Otherwise I'm up all night.
Rozella takes a sip from the other cup and smiles. Lankif smiles back, but he looks distressed.
Outside the camp, Trimbo's friends are spying on the Elite Force on a hilltop.
Bestial: So… does anyone have a plan?
Gideon: Our best option would be to… sneak in and infiltrate the place. But they will recognize me there.
Suddenly, Milan is hatching something in mind.
Milan: Hey guys, I've got an idea.
Milan runs off to the woods nearby. Destinon and the Craitans look at one another, then follow Milan, and Gideon looks astonished. In the woods, the Craitans begin to take off their armor and dress as harem women, which comes to Bestial's interest. Gideon arrives and taps Milan on the shoulder. He wears a harem outfit too, but his bra is on backwards.
Milan: [laughs hysterically] You have it on backwards, you dummy!
Bestial: Let's go, there's still time.
At camp, the wedding is in progress. Lankif walks with Rozella in arm and gives her off to Siniy at the altar. An audience gathers out cheers as Siniy waves.
Siniy: [to Lankif; whispers] Well?
Lankif: I… put the potion in the tea.
The Magus, acting as a priest, steps into the altar in front of the pair.
Magus: Dearly beloved….
Arkus: [to himself] Gods help Rozella.
Outside, Milan and the others prepare to get past the guards, patrolling the entrance.
Milan: Okay. Any questions?
Bestial: Does this dress make me look fat? [slapped] Ow!
Then, the guards hear a noise from ahead.
Guard 1: Who's there?
The group walks out smiling, giggling and trying to act lady-like including dancing like belly dancers.
Guard 2: Oh, it's just harem girls.
Guard 1: [smitten] Smokin' hot harem girls.
An apple rolls out of Gideon's dress. One of the guards picks it up, and hands the apple to him. Suddenly, Gideon throws some vials into the ground, creating a smokescreen, and the Craitans attack the guards.
Back at the wedding, Rozella's worry begins to increase with the wedding close to an end.
Magus: Yes, um, do you Siniy, take Rozella to be your lawfully wedded wife, for as long as you both shall live?
Siniy: I do.
Magus: Eh, and do you-
But just as the Magus will finish, Trimbo comes bursting through the tents with Wor-Kis in armor form.
Trimbo: I OBJECT!
The wedding comes to a halt. Trimbo removes his helmet to reveal himself.
Trimbo: Hey, you! Back away from my girl!
Rozella: Trimbo!
The crowd gasps. Bardian and Mercury look on, surprised.
Bardian: Trimbo Morningstar?
Mercury: You're supposed to be dead!
Magus: NOW!
The barrier shuts off, and the Dragonators rode out to storm the camp. The men are about to shoot them with the golden cannons, but the Craitos are there in time to stop them by attacking them.
Siniy: It matters nothing! She's mine!
Siniy grabs Rozella by the shoulders, and kisses her.
Trimbo: No!
Trimbo drops to his knees. Gideon and Milan look on with concern. Rozella looks at Siniy with surprise, and then with affection. Siniy puts his hand on Fiona's face, and then she holds his face with both hands.
Rozella: Hi-ya!
She headbutts Siniy and he drops to the floor. The crowd gasps. Surprised, Trimbo stands up and Rozella runs to his arms.
Trimbo: Rozella. You….
Rozella: You came back.
Siniy: Lankif! I thought you said you gave her the potion!
Lankif: No. I said I put it on her tea. But… I guess I gave her the wrong cup.
Furious, Siniy transforms into his Deathwalker form, kills Lankif by slitting his throat, and he growls with rage. Trimbo and Rozella hold onto each other.
Siniy: If I can't have Rozella Steelov… NO ONE WILL!
Siniy zaps his katar like a wand at the two. Trimbo pushes Rozella out of the way and to the ground. He carries Ejof to protect himself and gets hit by the zap. But the shield bounces the magical trail back to hit Siniy, and it causes him to poof away.
Trimbo: Finally. He poofed away.
Part Twelve
Bardian and Mercury are running away to escape, until they become cornered at a cliffside. Arkus rides Norbert to keep them cornered, and Blaze, awakened, joins in. Trimbo and his friends walk over to glare at the two men.
Bardian: Uh, your highness. Please have mercy.
Trimbo: You want mercy? Is that what you told Raizer after he shot me?!
Bardian: I told him it was a foolish act to make.
Trimbo walks closer to Bardian, who quivers with fear.
Trimbo: He knew then. He knew that I would be heir because my father was High King. And his rule was short-lived?!
Bardian: Well, I had a feeling you might be. It wasn't my fault this happened, really.
Trimbo: Raizer will pay for his crimes, and so shall the both of you.
Mercury: [gestures Bardian] He's the one you want! He crafted the golden cannons! He killed him!
Bardian: [furiously] YOU LYING SCUM!
Bardian jumps onto Mercury, starting a fight that makes them fall. But Mercury grabs Trimbo by the cape and drags him with them.
Rozella: No!
In a hurry, Blaze reaches out with his head and grabs Trimbo before he would fall to his death, but the scroll his mother signed falls down.
Trimbo: The deed!
Too late. The signed deed is gone, meaning Trimbo has let his friends down. Blaze puts him on solid ground, where Rozella embraces him, but Trimbo sees Gideon and Milan walking to him.
Gideon: Trimbo. Are you okay?
Trimbo: [saddened] I'm sorry, guys. I let you both down. My mother… signed the deed, the deed to your apothecary and your marriage. I lost it.
Gideon: No, it's not your fault. We all had… rough days. Rough, but adventurous.
Arkus: He is correct. What's important now is you being alive and well. It is good to have you back, Trimbo.
Milan: And now… we can all be alright together. At least… for now.
Trimbo looks at his friends, and smiles in approvement. But then, he realizes something he wants to do. He knows this is his chance to confess.
Trimbo: Uh, Rozella?
Rozella: Yes?
Trimbo: I- [hesitating] I know this isn't the best moment, but…. [beat] I love you.
Rozella: Really?
Trimbo: More than anything else.
Rozella: [smiles] I love you too.
And with that done, they both share a kiss.
Back in Ingersil the next morning, the Grand Army assembles on a cliff where Ayazz is placed on a funeral pyre. Tears run down Rift's face as he stares down at the body of Ayazz. For a long time Rift looks at the dead man's face. He knows the world will never be the same without Ayazz, and Garlym walks over to him.
Garlym: I know how much he meant to you. We all do. You may say you needed him, but he… needed you more. He wanted to earn the experience of being a father.
Finally, Rift reaches inside his tunic, pulls out two coins, and places them over the Commander's eyes. Garlym then gives an eulogy.
Garlym: Justin Ayazz was my most… trusted leader. And also my dear, dear friend. We will always remember how he bravely upheld the ideals of Xenotopia. All the battles he's won, all the lives he saved and inspired, and… the champion who has been accepted to take his place.
Kesseki hands Rift a torch and he starts the fire. The dry wood quickly catches. Black smokes rises toward the circling crows. Rift then takes out his sword, holds it in the air. The others take out their swords and hold them in the air in respect for their deceased leader.
Elsewhere, a small band of yokai marches east toward the rising sun. Tora-Kai leads them on foot, with Chizuru, Gerald, and dozens more following him, walking to find a new home. Ikaruga walks behind the others. She stops for a moment and looks back toward the ruins of Kouta.
Shoukaku: Ikaruga. We have to keep going.
Ikaruga stays put for a moment. She sees the black smoke from Ayazz's pyre rising over Sakura Forest's canopy, rising above the circling crows, and finally fading away into the deep blue sky. With one last look, she sheds a tear and follows the survivors.
In the High King's Castle, Raizer has a private conversation with She-Dom, and he looks pissy.
Raizer: We found out Trimbo's been sighted in Ukrim, chattering with his mother, who denies any knowledge of his whereabouts. More than that, you were holding hands with King Kent! What's the meaning of this?!
She-Dom: I volunteered to see if he knows anything about his brother, and he's been telling the truth. And also… I told you we were in a friendly relationship.
Raizer: What kind of a relationship? This was supposed to be a happy day for me. Ingersil is sacked, and Ayazz is finally dead. I entrusted you with everything, so we can both have a glorious future that even the gods can't see. And yet, you cheat on me with this flawg king!
She-Dom: And that's one of the reasons. He doesn't care whether or not he's a halfbreed like his siblings, and on top of it all… he compliments my hair. You never do that to me, you're to concern for your family to be pure-blooded royals, and you don't give a FUCK about discresions!
Furious, Raizer grabs her by the throat, ready to choke her.
Raizer: All I have to do is break.
She-Dom: All I have to do is scream.
Raizer pauses for a minute, and he lets go of her, beckoning She-Dom to leave him.
Raizer: You are dismissed.
She-Dom makes her way down the hall, until she sees a sign that says "High King Plans" on the wall. Her curiosity overtakes her, and she passes the sign to a hallway. Her excitement begins to dwindle, though, when she enters the hallway leading to the plan room. As she walks down the hall, she stops to look in a mirror that has been shattered into several pieces, each one reflecting her concerned look. She reaches the end of the hall and finds a closed door with gargoyle handles. She takes a deep breath, then reaches out and opens the door.
Now inside, She-Dom pulls a lever that ignites the lanterns that illuminate the entire room. And then, she finds a scroll opened on the table. Curious, she looks at it to find drawings of Raizer sitting on the Crystal Throne, crowned by his uncle Townley. But next to it, are more plans. First, it's the golden cannons being built, the second is Raizer holding Omicron's staff, and the other is even worse that comes to her horror: Laputa being attacked by Raizer.
She-Dom: That's his plan. It's worse than I thought.
To Be Continued