Narrator: After the disaster at Remire Village, our pooped-out heroes looked like they desperately needed a break-especially Zayto and Maya, who definitely looked like they needed a breather. Thankfully, an upcoming ball just so happened to be just the thing to ease everyone's tempers.
Rhea: We are planning a grand ball for this month. I am sure the students will be most pleased.
Seteth: Yes, certainly. However, we must not devote all of our time to frivolity. We have a new mission for you. We have found evidence of someone sneaking into an unused chapel.
Jack: Was something stolen?
Rhea: No, there is nothing of value in that building. We do not yet know what the intruders' objectives are.
Seteth: This month, your class is tasked with guarding the chapel and investigating these intruders. With the recent state of affairs surrounding the holy church, we cannot afford to overlook any abnormality, no matter how seemingly trivial.
Rhea: I am ordering a seasoned knight to assist you to ensure the safety of the students. In times like these, I am afraid we must always expect the worst.
Kendall: That's reassuring.
Zayto: Which knight?
(Jeralt joins them)
Jeralt: Reporting for duty, Lady Rhea.
Rhea: I thought you all could use the time to bond. And to speak of important matters...
Jeralt: Appreciate the thought.
Seteth: Bear in mind that Jeralt has a separate mission of his own. He will join you once he has finished it.
Jeralt: It's true. I'll be away from the monastery for a while. But when I return... I'll come and watch you work. I'll be looking forward to it.
Maya: So are we.
Sothis: Tomas... No, Solon, was it not? And the Flame Emperor... It is most clear that something has transpired. And it relates to you somehow. Or is the fault my own, and you're just caught inside the wave... Sothis, the goddess of this world... I bear her name... Hmm... How confusing. I feel as though my head has turned to mush!
Edelgard: Everyone's in such a festive mood. I feel a bit out of my element here. I can't help but worry something might happen while we're all distracted... After all, our enemies are always plotting. Still, this air of levity is much more agreeable than the grim atmosphere of late.
Zayto: Aye.
Dimitri: It seems the dastards who set Remire Village aflame have yet to be apprehended. Monsters. Trampling mercilessly over innocent lives. They deserve a gruesome end...
Claude: Someone entered the old chapel... I think the townsfolk used it for feasts and such in the past. With that whole Tomas business, you can't blame the church for being on edge.
Hubert: Another month full of chaos. I've barely had time to catch my breath. What is the objective of Tomas and his ilk? And what makes Flayn so special–does that not bother you?
Ferdinand: Ah, the ball. It reminds me of my first such event, back in the Imperial capital. It was held by my father, the prime minister. I really showed off my dancing skills! Everyone was quite impressed with me.
Linhardt: You know, Professor, I used to think I would be comfortable with all manner of experiments, so long as they provided usable results. But when I heard of Solon's work, well, I realized I'd not consider the moral and philosophical limits of what "all manner of experiments" might mean. Urk... Sorry. I'm not great with blood, even when I'm just thinking about it. I feel a bit ill now.
Caspar: I can't believe this... I'm so angry right now! First, it's the Death Knight, and now Tomas, and neither of them are in custody! I can't stand the thought of such evil lurking in the world. We have to do something about this! I have to do something about this!
Bernadetta: The ball. A grim reminder of my sad reality. The other nobles will be fine, I'm sure. They've all been to events like this before. But me? I'm a noble, and I've never even been close to one of these things!
Dorothea: I wonder if Remire Village will ever be the same again. How do you recover from such a terrible event? So many dead, so much destroyed... I can't see how the whole village doesn't just end up abandoned.
Petra: Dancing of Fódlan is not the same as dancing of Brigid. The reason is maybe that the music has many differences. In Brigid, dancing is different for each person. Our dancing has vigor and ferocity. There is no speech of technique for our dancing.
Dedue: Even though there is to be a ball, we still have a mission. It would be nice if this month passed by in peace.
Felix: Argh... Too much merriment. The librarian betrayed us. The Death Knight is back. Is this the time to be throwing a ball?
Ashe: Last month was– Well, you know even better than I do. I hope this one will be more cheerful. This ball though... I don't know. It's all new to me.
Sylvain: Great work in Remire Village, Professor. Who would have ever guessed it was Tomas? Ah, but no. Now isn't the time to get lost in gloomy thoughts.
Mercedes: Oh, now, where did that Ingrid run off to? The ball is soon, and she hadn't even put on any makeup! I was trying to help her out.
Annette: So, Tomas the librarian was a bad guy? But he always seemed so nice! C'mon, self. You're better than this. You promised you'd be on top of things this month.
Ingrid: Mercedes locked me in her room for hours earlier... She was slathering pounds of makeup onto my face. Saying something or other about the ball. It really wore me out...
Lorenz: Ah. The long-awaited ball. Finally, an opportunity to showcase my exquisite skills on the dance floor. These skills were ingrained in me when I was a boy. My hands and feet move on pure instinct.
Raphael: The ball is coming up soon! I am so excited! I can't wait to fill up on food while everyone's dancing. I even heard there'll be some prime cuts of meat!
Ignatz: Some scary things have been happening lately. I hope that this month, of all months, is peaceful. The ball is coming up and everything... Although I'm not much of a dancer actually.
Lysithea: It's true that Tomas was employed here under the recommendation of House Ordelia. But that's all I know of the topic. I'd never even seen him prior to enrolling here. Even when he was supposedly in Ordelia territory, I never once saw him there. I'm still feeling bothered by all of this, but...there's not much else I can say about it right now.
Marianne: A ball? Um, I don't think I'll partake.
Hilda: It's almost time for the ball! Oooh my, am I excited! This being a school, we don't have many chances to get dressy.
Leonie: I'm glad the Remire Village situation got sorted out. But it's not over yet, is it? And I can't believe old Tomas turned out to be an enemy. Who can you trust anymore?
Rhea: Before the ball, it is customary that we host a competition of dance known as the White Heron Cup. The students are quite fond of this tradition. Each house must select representatives to compete. Their dance shall be judged by its beauty, grace, and technique. The student who is deemed the winner will be given the opportunity to train as a dancer, should they so please. It is a very precious thing, the gift of dance. I hope that you and your students will choose to participate.
Zayto: So, who're you placing your bets on? I'm picking Dorothea.
Maya: I choose Mercedes.
Kendall: Marianne is my pick.
Dorothea: I'm sorry, Professor. I'm talking about such grim and terrible things when we could be talking about the White Heron Cup. It's a big dance contest between the classes, and I simply adore dancing. I'm quite good at it, since I was a diva in an opera company, you know. I think my heart just skipped a beat. You want me to represent the class? I'm not sure when I last experienced such flattery, Professor.
Mercedes: While we're on the subject of the ball, what's this I hear about a dance competition? Physical activity isn't my forte, but dancing can be fun! If there's no one else you'd rather select, I'm happy to represent our class. Thanks for having faith in me, Professor! I'll try my best to win!
Marianne: There's a dance contest as well? I see. I'll cheer for our class, of course. So, um... Who will represent our house in the contest? I see, well... Um, I'm sorry. What did you say?
Dorothea: Hey, Professor. You're here to help me practice for the dance contest? How was that? Was my dancing everything you hoped for and more? I certainly enjoyed it. We simply must do it again. Soon.
Mercedes: Oh, Professor? Do you mind watching my dance routine? I would appreciate your honest opinion. How was that? I hope it's good enough to win...
Marianne: Did you need something, Professor? I suppose I should p-practice, right? No, no. That's no good. I can't seem to get a feel for it...
Reception Hall | Evening
Alois: Ladies and gentlemen! My sincerest apologies for the wait! Thank you for gathering here on the eve of the highly anticipated ball to bear witness to... The academy-wide dance competition! Welcome to the White Heron Cup!
(Cheering)
Alois: The competition will be judged by...me! Your humble servant, Alois Rangeld! And also... The acclaimed former songstress of the Mittelfrank Opera Company, Manuela Casagranda!
Manuela: Yes, yes, thank you. Oh, and it should go without saying, but I swear to show no bias to my own house. Got it? Good.
Alois: Last but not least, the glamorous assassin who does all of her dancing in the dead of night...Shamir Nevrand!
Shamir: Hmph.
Alois: The three of us swear on our honor to judge the following proceedings with utmost impartiality and fairness! And with that, will the representatives of each house please make their way to the stage!
(Contestants come forward)
Alois: Contestants! Are you ready to dance? And is the band prepared to play? Very well... BEGIN!
(The three contestants dance)
Alois: TIME! That's all, folks! Splendid! All three of you were fantastic! Now, let's hear what the judges have to say...
Manuela: Oh my, let's see. I suppose I have no choice but to vote for... The Golden Deer House. Your performance was artistic. Beautiful even.
Shamir: I vote for... The Golden Deer House. You were the most original.
Alois: Great feedback, both of you! Well then, let's see... Factoring my own humble opinion... Yes! We have a winner! And I will announce who it is...right now! Without any delay! The winner of this year's White Heron Cup is... The Golden Deer House!
Marianne: Oh dear... This is a bit embarrassing.(Afterward)I... I still can't believe it. How could someone like me have possibly won?
Kendall: Heh, it was more than just luck.
Dorothea: Ugh. What a letdown... I'm gonna go find a hole to hide in and not come out for a few weeks.
Zayto: Yeah. I guess the genius prevailed, no matter how hard we tried.
Mercedes: I'm sorry that I didn't win, Professor. You put your faith in me, and I let you down...
Maya: It's alright, we'll have another chance next time.
Narrator: After the fun calmed down, it was time at last to dance all cares away.
Black Eagles Classroom | Evening
Edelgard: The ball is tomorrow. I have no worthwhile memories of such events, yet I'm still looking forward to this one.
Hubert: As am I, in the sense that I look forward to destroying all of the unworthy suitors who will inevitably swarm Lady Edelgard.
Ferdinand: I will admit, Edelgard is adorable. However, when it comes to elegance on the dance floor, I am superior!
Dorothea: You're not a bad dancer, Ferdie. But you do have some moves that are...hard to watch.
Ferdinand: You honor me with your kind words! I understand that I am sometimes too dazzling to behold directly.
Linhardt: I'm envious of your positive attitude. I also know how to dance...in theory. Maybe I should participate as well.
Bernadetta: Not me! You wouldn't catch me dancing at a ball any sooner than you'd catch a fish swimming through the sky!
Caspar: (chuckling) You do tend to flop around like a fish on the land, after all.
Bernadetta: Wh-why would you say that?! Now I feel like a fish on a skillet...
Linhardt: On a skillet... Hahaha! Ahem, never mind.
Caspar: Speaking of the ball, do we get to pick who we dance with? I wonder who I should ask...
Hubert: A bold subject change. Should Lady Edelgard wish it, I would be honored to...
(Hubert bows)
Petra: I will fight with all that I have in me!
Dorothea: Fighting? No, that's not really the point...
Petra: I will not be as a fish upon the flame!
Dorothea: (sheepishly) Um... OK...
Edelgard: I have a proposition. Let's all agree to meet back at the monastery exactly five years from today.
Caspar: Like a class reunion? That's a great idea!
Hubert: Five years from today will be the millennium festival for Garreg Mach Monastery. I've heard the magnitude of the festivities will exceed all prior years.
Dorothea: Ooh, how exciting! Sounds like a great excuse to come visit our dear professor.
Petra: You will be seeing how much growing I have done. You will be pleased, Professor. This idea is good!
Edelgard: Who knows where each of us will be in five years' time...or who we will become. Still, I have faith that all of us will gather and celebrate our reunion.
Linhardt: That's assuming the professor is still here in five years...and not enjoying a cozy early retirement.
Edelgard: Even if that's the case, you will come, won't you? Whether or not you're still teaching here...
Zayto: Of course.
Edelgard: Don't forget, my teacher. Even if the millennium festival should be canceled, I promise to return here...
Narrator: That same vow was made by Claude and his lot, and Dimitri and his friends.
(The reception hall is filled with students on the night of the ball. Couples dance in the center of the hall. Zayto and the others stand by the tables in a crowd of students. Claude approaches and takes Kendall's hand, leading her to the dance floor.)
Courtyard | Evening
Sothis: Running away? I understand. You hardly had the time to breathe in there. It must be hard to be the favorite teacher at the ball! Poor, poor Professor!
Kendall: It is difficult.
Sothis: So, you do think you're the favorite! I might have known. But where is there to run? This place is filled with joyful students looking for a dance.
(Zayto and Kendall consider a moment)
Sothis: Ah... I see. The Goddess Tower waits for you...
(Zayto and Kendall nod and leave. Sounds of footsteps on a black screen, until they arrive in the Goddess Tower and look up in surprise.)
Edelgard: Ah, here you are. Are you waiting for someone?
Zayto: I was waiting for you.
Edelgard: For me? Well, you should have summoned me earlier. Regardless, here I am.
Zayto: Has something happened?
Edelgard: No, nothing in particular. In fact, that's why I came here. This place, the Goddess Tower... It was special to my parents. My father attended the Officers Academy himself. A few years after graduating, he was crowned emperor. One day, during a visit to the monastery, he snuck into the Goddess Tower on a nostalgic whim. And there she was, my mother. She had just enrolled in the academy that very year. They were instantly drawn to each other. Love at first sight, you could say. It was the first time either had truly been in love... or so the story goes.
Zayto: Their first love?
Edelgard: Yes. Of course, as emperor, my father had already married for political reasons. As the Empire demands many heirs, he also had numerous other lovers. In the end, my mother settled for becoming one of his many consorts. But I choose to believe there was genuine love between them. Heh, I suppose it's a silly story to cling to.
Zayto: Who was your first true love?
Edelgard: Hmmm. For some reason, I feel compelled to tell you all of these things I have kept hidden. I can't say the name, but it was a noble who I met in the Kingdom, a lifetime ago. Anyway... What about you? It's your turn to reveal some long-held secret! You can share a story about your past...or perhaps tell me about your first love.
Zayto: Please don't ask that of me.
Edelgard: You realize that just makes me more curious than ever!
Zayto: Sorry...
Edelgard: Heh... No, I'm the one who should apologize. It wasn't my intention to pry. I'm just intrigued by you and your mysterious past. You have supposedly always been a mercenary, but I believe there is more to your story than that... Let's leave it there for today and return to the ball. There must be plenty of students hoping to talk with you...and to dance with you. I would not wish to prevent you from mingling. I cannot keep you all to myself, after all.
Claude: Oh. Hey, Teach. What brings you to the Goddess Tower? You know what, never mind. The answer is as clear as day. You couldn't bear the ball anymore and simply had to escape.
Kendall: I just needed a break.
Claude: There's nothing wrong with admitting you're not comfortable in a noisy crowd. Really, I get it. I'm the same way.
Kendall: I don't believe it.
Claude: Ha! See right through me, do you? But I really do mean it. Parties aren't for me. Music and fun are all well and good, but those dances the nobles do are...something else. I was never really taught to do that sort of thing. My upbringing was...lacking in certain ways.
Kendall: Even though you're from a noble family?
Claude: Even so. I may have secured a fancy new title, but who I am on the inside... Well, status alone can't change that. That's a bit of an aside, though. Say, Teach... have you heard the legends about this tower? They say if a man and a woman pray for the same thing here, on this night, the goddess will grant their wish without fail.
Kendall: Why tonight?
Claude: Who knows? Maybe it has something to do with celebrating the anniversary of the monastery's completion. Maybe the goddess comes down from above on this night and this night alone to celebrate with us. Even goddesses like to party, right? The truth is that it's just a legend the students here like to tell. It's not based on any real facts. But I suppose it would be a waste to pass up a chance of having our wish granted. What do you say, Teach? Care to try?
Kendall: What would we pray for?
Claude: Hm... Let's see... How about we pray for our ambitions to come true? You don't exactly seem like the selfish type, but even you must have an ambition or two.
Kendall: I do.
Claude: That's what I thought. It's the same for everyone. No one is ever completely satisfied. Everyone has something they long for. Otherwise, what's the point of it all? Of course, same goes for me. Without even realizing it, I found myself holding tight to some pretty big ambitions. If you would... I would love for you to share in those ambitions with me, Teach. But all that aside, let's get started. Let's pray to the goddess before she tuckers out for the evening. OK... Here goes. Oh, divine Goddess! Hear our prayers! We beseech you and your radiance! Please, grant us that which we seek! Huh. I think that should do it. The goddess'll make our dreams come true now, yeah?
Kendall: I wonder.
Claude: At any rate, we've done all we can. Whether we actually believe our dreams will come true or not is up to us. I suppose we should head back soon. I'm sure everyone is looking for you. Just promise to spare a dance for me. OK, Teach? I swear, so long as it's not one of those goofy noble dances, I am a treasure on the dance floor!
(Outside, Maya looks up in surprise to see Dimitri)
Dimitri: Professor? What are you doing here?
Maya: Aren't you going to dance with Edelgard?
Dimitri: No, I should think not. As a child, Edelgard taught me how to dance. It was...a bit awkward, honestly.
Maya: Edelgard? As a child?
Dimitri: I've told you before we're siblings by marriage, haven't I? Her birth mother was my stepmother, although I didn't know that at the time. My stepmother treated me with such kindness...just as though I were her own flesh and blood. And yet she never so much as hinted that she had her own child...Edelgard. We were born and raised in different territories, without ever knowing the other even existed. Yet, against all odds, for just over a year, we became childhood friends.
Maya: Friends? Not siblings?
Dimitri: Indeed. Unaware of each other's stations or backgrounds, we met and became incredibly close. This was when she and Lord Arundel were living in the Kingdom.
Byleth: Why were they in the Kingdom?
Dimitri: They were in exile... This was a time of great turmoil within the Empire. I ran into her when visiting Lord Arundel's residence with my father. She seemed...quite bored. With everything. At first, I found her to be difficult and stubborn, but that facade quickly fell away, revealing her true self beneath... That's around the time when she taught me how to dance. Her instruction was... Oh, let's call it strict. To put it nicely.
(Image of young Edelgard teaching young Dimitri how to dance)
Young Edelgard: Wrong foot, Dimitri! You're supposed to lead with your right!
Young Dimitri: El, the sun's going down! I really oughta be heading home...
(Narration over the image)
Dimitri: That one year before she had to return to the Empire was...so much fun. The time of my life, in many ways.
(Return to the courtyard)
Dimitri: It's kind of pathetic to think about it all these years later, but can you guess what I gave her as a parting gift?
Maya: A dagger?
Dimitri: Huh. Good guess, Professor. But I swear, it came from the heart. Dimitri: In Faerghus, we've long considered blades as tools of destiny. As a way to cut a path to a better future. She was being dragged all over, unable to live the life she wanted. I thought the dagger could help her cut out a path to the future she dreamed of. However...that was many years ago. I'm sure she's forgotten all about the boy I was back then.
Maya: It's not too late to reconnect.
Dimitri: I'm afraid it's far too late for that. Things are different now. She's different. I'm different.(Dimitri turns away)Anyway... I'm feeling a bit out of place here. Festivities like this don't suit me. Professor... Will you join me for a bit? You must be getting a bit tired of the ball by now.(Fade to a black screen. Maya and Dimitri appear in the Goddess Tower and event proceeds.)It's quiet here, isn't it, Professor? That reminds me. Do you know the legend associated with the Goddess Tower?
Maya: I've heard it.
Dimitri: Is that right? You don't strike me as the sort to enjoy stories like that. They say that wishes made in this tower will come true. I wonder who came up with such a silly notion.
Maya: You don't believe it?
Dimitri: Legends are legends, nothing more. I doubt there are many who really believe that wishes can be granted. The goddess just watches over us from above... That is all. No matter how hard someone begs to be saved, she would never so much as offer her hand. And even if she did, we lack the means to reach out and grasp it. That's how I feel about her. In any case... I suppose there's no harm in passing the time with silly legends. What do you say, Professor? Care to make a wish? We are here on the night of the ball. Why don't you try wishing for something?
Maya: After you.
Dimitri: A wish of my own... I suppose my wish...is for a world in which no one would ever be unjustly taken from us. Or...something along those lines.
Maya: I'll wish for the same.
Dimitri: Thank you, Professor. Although, at a time like this... Perhaps it would make more sense for me to wish that we'll be together forever. What do you think?
Maya: Hmmm…
Dimitri: Oh… Haha! Well now, Professor! You must admit I've improved in the art of joke telling.
Maya: That's cruel. It didn't sound like a joke.
Dimitri: I'm sorry... I guess that was rather thoughtless of me. … Honestly... I do regret saying such a thing. Please think nothing of it. I've blurted out irresponsible things like that to my classmates. Promises that we'll see each other again and the like. I have no business making such promises for the future. There are certain things that I must accomplish, even if it means risking my life. I may not even have a future to promise to someone.
Maya: Heh…
Dimitri: We should head back soon. It's rude of me to keep you all to myself. Shall we, Professor?
Reception Hall | Evening
Sothis: It seems that everyone is having a delightful time. Will you not dance some more?
Kendall I'm tired.
Zayto: I'd rather not.
Sothis: How dull of you! Had I a body of my own... Oh, I would sing and dance until I fell upon the ground! But you... Hmph. Do you as will.
(Rhea walks past the Rangers)
Sothis: Ah, you're not the only one who feels that way. Look over there.
Rhea: Oh...
Sothis: Hmph. I'm bored beyond compare. Will you not follow her?
Maya: Why would we?
Sothis: Oh, come on! Hurry up! I know that you are curious to see what she is up to... I hear...someone singing. From other there...
(Black screen to return to a CG image of Rhea)
Rhea(singing): In time's flow...see the glow of flames ever burning bright... On the swift river's drift, broken memories alight...
(The CG image fades)
Sothis: That song... I feel I have heard it in the past... Actually... It is not that I have heard it. I... Did I once sing that song to someone? No. There's more. I wrote this song... Oh, but how could that be so? If that were true, then how could she be singing it? Unless... No, no. I am suddenly so exhausted... As are you, no doubt? Quickly then. To bed with you.
Entrance Hall | Daytime
Alois: Captain? Captain! Where are you? Hey, Professor. Have you seen your old man?
Zayto: Not since before.
Alois: Too bad. I guess it will have to be you, then...
(Footsteps approach)
Jeralt: I'm back. Sorry for the delay, my last mission took longer than expected.
Alois: Captain! Thank goodness you're here. There are reports of Demonic Beasts near the chapel!
Jeralt: Nonsense. I haven't heard anything about the monastery's walls being breached.
Alois: That's why I'm heading there now, to see what's really going on. You'll join as well, won't you?
Jeralt: Of course. We're both sworn to protect this place.
Maya: Where did they come from?
Kendall: Demonic Beasts?
Alois: It's odd. Just before they appeared, someone saw a number of students heading toward the chapel. They were apparently acting strange, as though they weren't in their right minds. Shortly after, Demonic Beasts started to appear, one after the other.
Kendall: Are the students safe?
Jeralt: Hm... The students... There's no way those Demonic Beasts got in from the outside... But none of that matters right now. We need to act. Go summon your students.
Ivan: At once.
Jeralt: Dang it... I wanted to talk to you about something important, but there's no time. There's never any damn time. But this is much more urgent, so it can hold for now. I'll meet you there.
(Outside)
Jeralt: There really are Demonic Beasts here... They're emerging from the chapel! I'll head that way. The rest of you, protect the students who weren't able to get away.
Student(South-west corner): Help me! These beasts... They're...
Student(North-west corner): Argh! Somebody help me!
Student(North-east corner): You stupid beasts! Don't you dare come over here!
Ollie: Uh guys, I know this trend happened before, but...(Directing his teammates' attention towards Wreckmate and a platoon of Hengemen)
Aiyon: Looks like Void Knight really is working with the other villains after all.
Jeralt: That beast... There's a stone or something on its forehead...
Monica: Heh...
(As everyone splits up to deal with this threat...)
Wreckmate: Well now, are we enjoying ourselves? Doesn't matter anyway, you'll see what real pain feels like soon enough!
(Ivan, and some of the kids take down one beast)
Student: Oh...
Jeralt: The Demonic Beasts were actually students? How can this be...
(Everyone else picks up on Ivan's victory, saving the others)
Student: Thank you! But my friends who couldn't get away... Are they OK?
Student: I was so scared... I'll find a way to repay you, I promise!
Student: Sorry. That was a close one...
Student: Phew... You saved me. Thank you!
Jeralt: There isn't a trace of evidence to be found in the chapel. This must have been something to do with Remire. Perhaps...
Monica: Wait!
Jeralt: Huh? Another student?
(Zayto watches Jeralt as he speaks to Monica.)
Jeralt: Run along now.
Monica: Thanks for all your help, sir.
(Monica skips around behind Jeralt before pulling a dagger and plunging it into his back. Zayto is shocked.)
Monica: You're just a pathetic old man. How dare you get in the way of my brilliant plan...you dog.
(Jeralt grunts and falls. Zayto turns back the hands of time and the scene repeats.)
Jeralt: Run along now.
Monica: Thanks for all your help, sir.
(Monica skips around behind Jeralt before pulling a dagger. Zayto draws the Sword of the Creator to stop her, but a mysterious figure, named Thales, blocks the sword. Zayto sees that once again Monica has stabbed Jeralt. Monica turns around and sees Thales.)
Monica: Huh? What are you doing here?
Thales: You must survive. Merely because there is a role that I require you to fulfill.
Zayto(shocked): And who are you?
Thales: The very personification of every enemy you have faced, up until this point in your pathetic Ranger lives!
(Monica and Thales disappear in a flash of red light. Zayto runs to Jeralt and pulls him into his lap, with the others joining him.)
Jeralt: Sorry. It looks like...I'm going to have to leave you now.
(Zayto cries. Tears fall on Jeralt's face.)
Jeralt: To think that the first time I saw you cry...your tears would be for me. It's sad, and yet...I'm happy for it. Thank you...kid.
(Jeralt dies. Rain begins to fall as the Rangers continue to cry and cradles Jeralt's body. Aside from them, Tarrick removes his helmet, knowing that although he and his fellow villains have gone too far, none of them can turn back now from this)
Sothis: So, this is where your friend lived... Hm? Are you still crying? If turning back the hands of time was not enough to save his life, you must accept what came to pass was fate.
Maya: Fate? One of our own friends has been murdered! How exactly is that fate?
Ivan: True, but there can be no doubting this one fact now... Our enemies will pay.
Zayto: Yes!
Jack: Absolutely!
Gem: Yeah!
Sothis: Agreed. We cannot let the wicked ones run free. Oh! Your friend said to look for something here. He must be referring to whatever is behind that bookcase there... Your friend's diary... Huh, his handwriting is prettier than his face would suggest. Well, well! These entries here are from before your birth. He seems to have been writing this for quite some time. Hm? Ah... Read that part there. Horsebow Moon, Year 1159...
Zayto(reading): Day 20 of the Horsebow Moon. All is cloudy. I can't believe she's dead. Lady Rhea said she died during childbirth. But is that the truth? And still, the child she traded her life for doesn't make a sound. Didn't even cry at birth.
Maya(reading): Day 25 of the Horsebow Moon. It's raining. The baby doesn't laugh or cry. Not ever. Lady Rhea says not to worry, but a baby that doesn't cry...isn't natural. Had a doctor examine the child in secret. He said the pulse is normal, but there's no heartbeat. No heartbeat!
Kendall: Day 2 of the Wyvern Moon. Sunny. I feel I must take the child and leave. But the church is always watching us... I don't know what Lady Rhea has planned. I used to think the world of Lady Rhea. Now I'm terrified of her.
Daggeron(reading): Day 8 of the Wyvern Moon. More rain. I used the fire that broke out last night to fake the child's death. Lady Rhea is in a state over the news. But I can't change what I've done. I've got to take the child and leave...(Return to Captain's Quarters)I do not know of the child he speaks of, but I do feel for him more than ever.
Sothis: That means... Hm? Someone is approaching us.
Dimitri: There you are. Lady Rhea is looking for you, Professor. And after your audience, why don't you join me at the dining hall? You haven't eaten since...since it happened. Have you?
Maya: Aw...
Dimitri: Forgive me... I suppose it's too soon to try and coax you back into the normal swing of things. As for what happened to Jeralt... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to stop it. Stay here until you've found some peace. I'll cover for you with Lady Rhea and everyone else.
Maya: Thank you.
Dimitri: We'll be waiting for you whenever you're ready to return to us. I don't believe it's a sign of strength to just keep going forward no matter what. Taking the time to grieve for those we've lost...there's strength in that too. That's what I think, anyway. That said... It's also important to remember that no matter how sad you are, eventually your tears will dry up. That's when you have to figure out what it is you're living for. Then you can cling to that, with all your might, and start moving forward again.
Maya: What I'm living for?
Dimitri: Four years ago, in Duscur, I experienced the same pain you're feeling now. My father...was the strongest man I knew. Someone I loved and admired deeply. That day, he was killed before my eyes. His head severed clean off. My stepmother, the kindest person I had ever known, left me behind and disappeared into the infernal flames. Everyone who I considered precious...my family and my closest friends...I couldn't save any of them. Not a single one. Now, the burden of the work they left behind falls on me. I must ensure they have no regrets. That's my duty, as the sole survivor of the tragedy. It's a heavy burden, but accepting it gave me the strength to pick myself up off the ground and start moving again. Start living again. Jeralt is gone... So, what will you do now, Professor? What must you do? Look deep in your heart and I'm certain you'll find the answer there...indelible and inescapable. I've probably bothered you enough for today, but I have just one more thought to leave you with. Even now, Seteth is gathering the knights to begin a full-scale search for the enemy. It may not be right away, but before long they will find their trail. No matter what happens or what anyone may say, know that I plan to stand by you, Professor. Through anything. Until the bitter end.
Sothis: Well? Did you search deep within yourself as he suggested? And did you find yourself some answers?
(Meanwhile, Kendall and Zayto are met by none other than Alois)
Alois: Ah... Here you are. To think that Captain... that Jeralt would meet his end like that. I hope you know that you were the most important thing in the world to him.
Zayto: I was?
Alois: You all were. He wasn't the most emotional guy. I'm sure expressing his affection wouldn't have come naturally to him.
Ivan: Then 'tis most like the sovereignty of captain will fall upon you.
Alois: Most like indeed, good friend. After what's happened, it's up to me now. I, Alois, swear to protect you in the captain's stead. (sighs) Sorry. This isn't the time for my blathering. Lady Rhea is looking for you. I came to tell you that. I'll take my leave now.
Sothis: This book is filled with secrets yet unknown. We must return another time to read the rest. Oh, but I have at least figured one thing out. I know now why our fates are intertwined...
(Later in the day)
Rhea: Professor. I have been waiting for you. I am filled with grief at the loss of our most celebrated knight. Jeralt was an ally of many years...and also a dear friend.
Zayto: Many years?
Maya: When did you meet?
Rhea: It was a long while back. At the time, Jeralt was a soldier of the Kingdom. He was injured in battle, and I saved him just as he was about to perish. That was our first meeting. After that, he became a Knight of Seiros. He gave his all to the service of the church.
Maya: Why did he leave the knights?
Rhea: He...fell in love with one of the nuns here at Garreg Mach. Their love produced a child...whom she died giving birth to. It was her decision. She weighed her own life against that of her child's and, in the end, implored me to save the child. Your father...never truly accepted that decision. He took the child–took you–and disappeared without warning.
(Alois joins them)
Alois: Sorry for the interruption, Lady Rhea. There's something you must hear immediately. A report from the knights patrolling the area...
Rhea: Very well. Professor, you are dismissed for the day. Please rest and focus only on mending your heart. Understood?
Maya: We will.