Narrator: Evil has struck! As cold air begins to creep in from the north of Faerghus, Fódlan 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.
Rhea: As I believe you are already aware, Seteth's younger sister, Flayn, has gone missing. At present, all we know for certain is that she has not left Garreg Mach.
Seteth: Flayn is not the type of person to just wander off on her own without telling me where she is going! We have searched the monastery thoroughly, but have found nothing. I am now mobilizing the knights to begin searching the town. Troubling rumors have been running rampant lately. I do not wish to consider the worst, but...
Takumi: What is it you're afraid of?
Rhea: There are rumors of someone prowling the streets and attacking innocents, night after night. The knights have investigated the matter. They have not discovered any remains, nor have they found any concrete evidence.
Seteth: The people are panicked! They all insist someone called the Death Knight is coming to claim their souls with his blade. There is no way she could have escaped unscathed if she were captured by such a fiend! Where is she?!
Rhea: Seteth, recall that impatience begets error. Please do your best to calm yourself. I think of your...sister as family as well. You know that. You have my support. We will devote ourselves fully–mind, body, and soul–to recovering her. Professor. Your mission for this month is to help find Flayn. The knights have the town covered, so I ask that you focus your efforts on searching the monastery again. We do not have time to waste. You have your orders.
Hubert: Flayn has gone missing? Most unsettling.
Edelgard: It doesn't seem likely that she's simply gotten lost. I'll help in any way that I can.
Ferdinand: So, our mission this month is to find her? Well then, let us hurry and locate her before anyone else!
Annette: I hope Flayn is OK. I've heard rumors about some Death Knight running around town...
Felix: Sounds intriguing. I had been hoping to cross blades with him.
Ingrid: Felix! Please consider how Seteth must be feeling right now.
Hilda: Seteth is much older than Flayn. He's always looking out for her. He must be worried sick. If I were to go missing, I can't imagine what that would do to my brother.
Claude: When searching for someone, it's best to start by gathering information. Hopefully someone has seen Flayn.
(That night, Takumi finds Dedue)
Dedue: I'm on the lookout for suspicious individuals. The only place I've yet to check is the library.
Takumi: Get some rest.
Dedue: As you wish. After I check the library.(At the library)Candlelight... And who is that?
Takumi: Is it Flayn?
Dedue: No, it isn't. Impossible...
Dimitri: Professor. Dedue. What are you up to at this hour?
Dedue: Your Highness! My apologies.
Dimitri: 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, Dedue. Until tomorrow, Professor.
Sothis: A most unusual man! Whatever could he have been looking for so late at night? Hm? That book is quite askew... He must have rushed to put it back upon the shelf. It seems to be a record of donations from nobility. Arundel... That's not a name I know. But look at that! This Arundel gave quite a sum each year... That is, until the year 1174. He must have died or fallen to financial woe. Hmm... I can't imagine what this has to do with Flayn.
(The next day, Shotaro is out and about)
Linhardt: Flayn? No, I haven't seen her. She's been abducted. Oh, you're looking for her. Sorry, my mind was somewhere else. I just recently learned she has a Crest. Did you know that, Professor? If it was a particularly rare Crest, I could imagine Professor Hanneman would have quite an intense interest in her. Oh, no, I'm not accusing Professor Hanneman of abducting Flayn.
Dorothea: Hey, Professor, have you seen Manuela? I saw her running off somewhere in a terrible hurry. I wonder if it has anything to do with Flayn's disappearance. Do you know, Professor?
Shotaro: You're on first-name terms with Professor Manuela?
Dorothea: Oh, yes. Didn't you know? She was the senior diva in our Opera Company.
Petra: Flayn was childnapped. That is what you are thinking? And the villain is inside our monastery? Hmm. I must have admittance. One person...has been catching my eye. Shamir is a knight not like other knights. Her movements are being reminders of...no, they remind me of warriors of Brigid. Before she was here, what was she getting up to...
Felix: Ah, you're looking for Flayn's kidnapper. I can't say anything for sure, but I do have suspicions about Jeritza. There's something about how he's handling his blade lately. It seems more...impulsive than usual. It couldn't hurt to try speaking with him, at least. At this hour, I think you'll find him sparring with Catherine at the training grounds.
Ingrid: To think that Flayn would disappear like this... Seteth must be worried sick. I haven't got much to go off of, and perhaps it's out of line for me to feel so uncomfortable... But something has been bothering me for a while about Gilbert. I feel as though I've met him somewhere before... I also noticed him staring intently at Annette once. Hmm...
Raphael: I hope Flayn isn't going hungry. If someone really kidnapped her, I'll never forgive them! Now that I think about it, I saw Alois hanging out by the pond not too long ago. He was always getting into trouble for trying to talk to Flayn, you know. It's probably a crazy thought, but I'm starting to worry.
Leonie: Where could Flayn have gone? Do you think she's really been kidnapped? I hear Tomas has been going around asking about her... But he's probably just worried like the rest of us. Though it wasn't just Flayn. He was asking about you and Captain Jeralt too.
Alois: Hey there, Professor. Did you want to talk? What?! Me, abduct Flayn?! You can't really believe I did that!
Shotaro: That's funny, because I hear she was always yelling at you...
Alois: 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!
Catherine: Did you hear about Flayn? 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? Jeritza? Hm, come to think of it, I haven't seen him today. What would make you suspect him?
Shotaro: Don't know if you've heard this, but I heard that he goes out every night.
Catherine: I see. Well, I'll let the knights know.
Shamir: What brings you here? I'm taking a break. Is this about Flayn? You find me suspicious? Hah.
Shotaro: What did you do before coming to the monastery?
Shamir: I was somewhere else. Fighting. Is that a problem? I understand that I don't fit in among the Knights of Seiros... But that hardly links me to Flayn's disappearance.
Hanneman: Young Flayn's disappearance is most troubling. What? Who would suspect me? You know what? I'll tell you who. A fool. That's who.
Shotaro: Is her Crest rare enough to justify kidnapping her?
Hanneman: Flayn's Crest, the Major Crest of Cethleann, is rare, but there are others who possess it.
Shotaro: Ancestors, no doubt...
Tomas: Is something the matter? I see. So, Flayn has gone missing. I will do what I can to support the search. (If you've spoken to Leonie) Hm? It seems that you are a bit suspicious of me. Might I ask your reasons?
Shotaro: Why were you asking about Flayn?
Tomas: 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 Garreg Mach Monastery. Yet it was not until recently that I learned that Seteth has a sister.(Shotaro is doubtful, just as Apocalypse has successfully entered the monastery)
Gilbert: Miss Flayn'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?
Shotaro: Do you mean Annette?
Gilbert: I was once a knight in service to the Faerghus royal family. If Ingrid believes she saw me before, it was likely in Fhirdiad, the Kingdom Capital. Annette is... She is my... But no, I would appreciate it, Professor, if you would ask no more.
Jeralt: Because of Flayn's disappearance, all of the knights are searching nonstop. But we haven't found a single lead. Seteth's face is getting paler by the minute. It's hard to watch. What's that? You're looking for Manuela? Well, I did pass by her earlier. She was carrying something. A mask of some sort...
Shotaro: Could it have been Jeritza's mask?
Jeralt: I'm not close to the guy, so I can't say for sure. But come to think of it, you could be right.
Edelgard: Manuela ran off with Jeritza's mask? Hmm... We'll have to speak with both of them. But where could Manuela be? Jertiza is likely at the training grounds or in his quarters on the eastern side of the knights' hall.(Before anyone can make a move, the monastery's halls are littered with Bible passages that are likely from the book of Revelation, mainly about the Four Horsemen, the woman and the dragon, the seven bowls and seals, and the beasts of land and sea. There is also a note for Seteth in his office, saying "If you want your precious Cethleann returned, face me in the underground!")
Edelgard: It seems Flayn is still missing. What could have happened to her?
(Caspar joins them)
Caspar: Everyone, hurry! I heard a scream from Professor Jeritza's room!
Dimitri: We still don't know where Flayn is... But we can't give up. Not until she's found.
(Ingrid runs up to Dimitri and Takumi)
Ingrid: Professor! Your Highness! I just heard a scream! In Professor Jeritza's quarters!
Claude: There's still no sign of Flayn... What should we do, Teach? I'll admit, I'm out of schemes here.
Haruto: That's odd, even for you.
(Ignatz runs up to Claude and Haruto)
Ignatz: Professor! Claude! Something's very wrong. Please hurry to Professor Jeritza's room!
Sothis: Jeritza... Ah! The combat professor with the mask. He has always been rather suspicious. We must hurry!
(With everyone converged, they all start looking)
Edelgard: Professor Jeritza? Are you there?
Hubert: He does not seem to be here... Hm? On the ground! Professor Manuela!
Annette: Professor Manuela! Please wake up! Professor Manuela!
Haruto: Is she...dead?
Claude: No, I believe she's just unconscious. It looks like she was attacked by someone.
Hilda: Hey! It kind of looks like Professor Manuela is...pointing at something.
Hanneman: What is the meaning of... Wait, is that Manuela? What happened here?
Edelgard: We know as much as you do. She needs to be taken to the infirmary.
Hanneman: Yes, of course–and quickly. Give me a hand, child.
Edelgard: Understood. I'll support her head...
Gentaro: I'll help too.
Claude: Right, right. Hold down the fort for us, Teach. We'll be back once we get Professor Manuela taken care of.
Caspar: Does this mean Professor Jeritza did it? Could he also have kidnapped Flayn?!
Hilda: This must be related to that girl's disappearance. What if she's being held captive down there? No, no, that's crazy... Right?
Haruto: Well then, if we're so eager to find out... Let's investigate.
Ignatz: Right... It's scary, but... OK.
Hilda: Don't be a coward, Ignatz. We'll be fine as long as we stick close to the professor.
Dedue: There are sounds coming from within. If we're going to investigate, now is the time.
Caspar: That settles it! We'll take the offensive. Here we come, you monsters!
Hubert: Shall we, Professor?
(Meanwhile, in another part of the underground lair)
Apocalypse: I see you've accepted my invitation, Cichol. Not that I expected you to decline with your supposed 'daughter's' life on the line! Though she is not present, you and I both know what has to happen if you are to see her again. But try as you might, you'll lose the battle and the girl! And your students will be cut down by my associate!
Seteth: You talk big, but I don't see any other assistance. But if you want this one on one, then for Flayn, I shall vanquish you!
Apocalypse: Well... Shall we get started?(He picks up a spear, knowing that Seteth has brought the fabled Spear of Assal with him. As they fight, Haruto, Takumi, Hubert, Caspar, Felix, Annette, Ingrid, Dedue, Ignatz and Hilda stand in the underground passage)
Hilda: It's way too creepy down here. And it smells funny. And...BAH! A person! They're...unconscious.
Takumi: Is it Flayn?
Ingrid: Yes, I see Flayn! But...who is this other person?
Caspar: Someone's coming! I recognize that scythe and mask... It's that jerk we fought at the Holy Mausoleum!
Death Knight: That sword. You must be... One of us will die, the other will live. I will enjoy this dance of damnation.
Aruto: Death Knight! This time, I will surely defeat you!
Death Knight: We shall see...
Dedue: That knight looks like death itself. We must rescue Flayn immediately.
(Our heroes fight tooth and nail to save Flayn, just as Seteth continues to fight against Apocalypse)
Apocalypse: Well, your Spear of Assal seems to be more legendary than I first thought, Cichol. No matter, I suppose it's time to bring this skirmish to my conditions!(He drops the spear, and Seteth knows he's in for a fistfight)
Aruto: Come at me, Death Knight!
Death Knight: I have no need of you...
Aruto: We'll see about that!(Changes into his Freezing Bear form)Time to put you on ice!(He, and Seteth finish off their opponents in one swift strike. Just as Seteth is about to apprehend the villainous Apocalypse, Nebula teleports them both away)
Death Knight: Kill them.
Flame Emperor: Halt. You're having a bit too much fun.
Death Knight: You are getting in the way of my game.
Flame Emperor: Hmph. You'll have more opportunities to play soon. Your work here is done.
Death Knight: Understood. I will go...
Flame Emperor: We will cross paths again. I am the Flame Emperor... It is I who will reforge the world.
Lorenz: Flame Emperor, eh? Seemed quite frightened of us if you ask me! Haha!
Ferdinand: Are they both OK? We should get them out of here.
Linhardt: They're pale, and their pulse are slow... Still, I don't believe their lives are in danger.
(Edelgard, and the others run up to them)
Edelgard: You found Flayn? Where?!
Ferdinand: You missed the most important part of the mission! We found her within that secret passage. The culprits were the Death Knight and...what was his name? Ah, the Flame Emperor. Sadly, they got away.
Aruto: Yeah... He got away.
Claude: Hey, at least we managed to rescue Flayn and complete our mission. That's what counts, right? Right! Excellent work, everyone! Now then, let's get these limp ladies to the infirmary, shall we?
Raphael: No problem. I can carry them both at once.
Lysithea: Be gentle with them, Raphael! Let us carry each one individually. And slowly.
Claude: 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 Seteth waiting about as long as he can stand. Let's hurry up and tell him the great news.
Seteth's Office-Afternoon
Seteth: Professor... Please, allow me to express my eternal gratitude once more. Flayn 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.
Takumi: I'm just happy she's safe.
Seteth: Yes, indeed. I...I, too, am overjoyed.
Haruto: But why was Flayn taken to begin with?
Seteth: Her kidnapper was the masked knight who vanished during the Rite of Rebirth. The one known as the Death Knight. Considering the circumstances, it seems plausible to assume that his true identity is Jeritza. And we cannot forget about the mysterious Flame Emperor... His true motives are yet unclear. However, I have an idea. I believe the enemy may have been after Flayn'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 Flayn's blood have appeared, our only option is to leave the monastery and go into hiding. Then again, since Apocalypse knows I have the Spear of Assal, he may hunt us down no matter where we go...
Flayn: Brother, wait.
Seteth: Flayn?! What are you doing here? You should be resting!
Flayn: 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.
Seteth: If we stay here, you may be targeted again! Wouldn't it be better for the two of us to live in peace?
Flayn: 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.
Seteth: I see your point, I do. However...
Flayn: You know it is the only reasonable option. What if I were to join the professor's class?
Haruto: That is a great idea.
Flayn: 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!
Seteth: I see. I am afraid you have a good point. Professor... 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 Flayn's safety?
Haruto: It would be my pleasure.
Sothis: I am so glad that Flayn 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?
Audience Chamber-Morning
Rhea: Well done, Professor. I see that I was right to ask your class for assistance. I have been told that Manuela and Flayn are recovering nicely, as is Monica.
Haruto: Is Monica a student here?
Rhea: Monica, the girl you rescued along with Flayn, is also a student at the Officers Academy. However...
Hanneman: 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.
Rhea: Monica 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.
Hanneman: After all, the Battle of the Eagle and Lion will be held in Gronder Field next month.
Rhea: 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.
Captain's Quarters-Morning
Jeralt: 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.
Takumi: Will you come to the Battle of the Eagle and Lion?
Jeralt: 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 Garreg Mach, 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.
Haruto: Don't say things like that.
Jeralt: 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, Edelgard and Jeritza seem to be arguing over his latest defeat from Zero-One, while Gentaro and Ryusei ponder what to do now)