Kandan: Half a decade has passed since my friend Camilla ascended the Imperial throne, yet all of Me-Hador still remains lost in a tempest of turmoil and bloodshed. The Gladiators of Gor-Atrum have allied themselves with Irma and her lot, while Braddock has switched control of his territories over to the Ven-Kur Brotherhood. All the more reason the Va-Hataku want me in their pocket after the way I aided them. But first, there's a piece of business still waiting to be fulfilled.
Camilla: Five years ago, to the day... If things had continued on as they were, today would have been the Millennium Festival. Halt! Who's there?!
Kandan: I never doubted we'd see each other again.
Camilla: It can't be! Kandan? Is it really you? But I searched everywhere and never found a trace! My teacher... what have you been doing all this time? Where have you been?
Aiden: Out helping another band of warriors.(A messenger raven of the Va-Hataku appears)And besides, they gave us all the more reason to fight for you.
Camilla: I know, but... Do you have any idea how guilty I felt? How broken my heart was? I searched high and low after you vanished! Although there was no proof, I somehow knew you were still alive. All this time, I led everyone as best I could, and fought with all my heart. It's been a difficult path to walk alone. Welcome back, my teacher. I'm so happy that you're safe. Five years... Such a short time, but it feels like an eternity ago. Do you... still feel the way you did all those years ago? You said that you would fight at my side no matter how many enemies we should amass. As for me, my resolve has not faltered. I'm determined as ever to see this through to the end. I will defeat the false goddess. I will save this world from those creatures and give humanity its freedom back. So, my teacher, are you prepared to stand with me?
Kandan: I am.
Camilla: I— I thank you. Truly. Now then, I assume you understand the situation at hand, yes?
Aiden: Well, you've heard how it went on our end.
Camilla: I thought you might say that... And that is where we are now. The war is at a stalemate. With those who support Irma and her lot, and the warriors staking their claim to every bit of Evo land they can lay their hands on, I feel it's high time we squashed them.
Kandan: Of course. Irma and her lot must perish!
Camilla: They've set up their base within the Kingdom capital. The Immaculate One and her family have yet to fight on the front lines. However, we must eventually face and defeat them. It would mean a great deal to have you with us when the time comes.
Kandan: I will, now and forever.
Camilla: Good. Well then, I believe it's time for a little reunion. The Talon Strike Force never lost faith. They knew you were alive and have been awaiting your return. Let's not keep them waiting any longer.
(As Aiden heads in with them, a familiar hand has him trapped)
Aiden: Ugh. Wh-what are you doing?
Blood Trooper: I was going to see your cousin as well, but it seems you were at the wrong place, at the most inconvenient of times. Then again...
Andre: You never were one to play simple tricks, friend. I heard you aided the Va-Hataku. They're not the type to require aid when it is most needed, but it will most likely and clearly appear as if you seem to be the ones they've been looking for.
(Meanwhile, Kandan has his own personal reunion)
Daniel: Well now. That face is certainly familiar. I am glad to see you alive and well, Professor.
Marnie: Kandan, it's me, Marnie! Do you remember me? I can't believe you're here!
Randall: I can't believe it! Is this a dream? Can we really be this lucky?!
Ronnie: This is not dreaming. Our professor is with us again! Welcome to the back! I mean, welcome back!
Jason: Our group isn't the same without you. I am overjoyed to see you again!
Elena: It's been so long. Seeing you again fills my heart with hope.
Richard: Great, now everything will be easy. Um, that's great you're safe, Kandan. I'm deeply, deeply moved.
Camilla: Quite the reunion, isn't it, Kandan? Everyone's happy to see you.
Randall: Come on, Cammy. You must be happier than all of us combined! She took it really hard when you disappeared, Professor.
Jason: Of course, we did our very best in your absence. And there was never a day that we doubted you would return to us.
Elena: Camilla has been leading us as emperor. But...after you disappeared, it became apparent that you were her anchor.
Ronnie: It gives me regret to be admitting this, but...our power is not enough. The only one who can be meeting our lady's expectations...is you, Kandan.
Richard: Most impressive of all is your uncanny ability to bring a smile to everyone's face.
Daniel: In the years since you vanished, we have not lost anyone from our ranks.
Camilla: We all longed for your presence and your leadership. Myself included.
Daniel: It seems fitting to view this as a new beginning for the Talon Strike Force. We already have our target.
Kandan(as he notices the raven): Yes, a target my new friends know about... And since we're all together again, I think it's time for even more pressing affairs.
(Everyone, including Samuel, Maria, Annabelle, a recently inducted Aegis, and Andre travelled to The Shadow Castle)
Lord Corbin: Ah, the hero finally arrives. My comrades have already told me of your actions, so much so that it is with great pleasure that we make you one of our merry band. Do you swear to uphold the principles of our order and all that for which we stand?
Kandan: I do.
Lord Corbin: And never to share our secrets nor divulge the true nature of our work?
Kandan: I do.
Lord Corbin: And to do so from now until death - whatever the cost?
Kandan: I do.
Lord Corbin: Then it is settled.(Noticing Camilla)Ah. Convened at last. And in such continental company... From the shores of La-Vital to the great plains of Essena, it is a great pleasure to see the new Emperor. But titles do not matter, for you are all now Va-Hataku warriors as of now. The secret and true legislators of the world. Ladies and gentlemen, please, hold out your hands.(As his servants hand out rings to each one of them)Mark and remember our purpose. To guide all wayward souls 'til they reach a quiet road. To guide all wayward desire 'til impassioned hearts are cooled. To guide all wayward minds to safe and sober thought. For that, my friends, is the way of Va-Hataku, and those who dare oppose us will see only fire and fury, and nothing more.
Aegis: Ah!
Kandan: Ah?
Aegis: At long last, we meet again! I knew you were alive. I knew you could survive. And five years on, you arrive! We're reunited! I'm glad I kept watch for you in the downstream villages all that time. I was so devoted to finding you that I left the Knights of Hadoria. Now I serve no one... Other than you! I'll protect you, just as I promised Captain Janus I would all those years ago. And now that we're Va-Hataku, I'd say there's nothing we can't do!
Kandan: Hmmm... Hexina?
Hexina: Yes?
Kandan: I assume you had a hand in this, did you not?
Hexina: The man wanted to keep his word; I opened his eyes to what a real warrior can be, nothing more.
Annabelle: What's that look on your face? Surprised to see me? I'm a mercenary. Always have been. Even when I was with the Knights of Hadoria. I never was too attached to this world. I was considering leaving soon. But I might change my mind if you're around. Then again, being a member of the Va-Hataku has its share of perks.
Julia: After the battle five years ago, the Imperial army occupied all of Elysium. The cathedral and several other buildings were destroyed, but... We've done some repair work here and there, and we're using the buildings as a base of operations. As for me? Well, the church moved its headquarters to Kalos, and I've seen no reason to follow. When I returned to Enbarr, I received a summons from Her Majesty, and I chose to answer. And hey, working with those Va-Hataku cats might just make me a superstar!
Samuel: You've finally joined us, haven't you? I attached myself to the Imperial army as well. Seemed the thing to do. I feel I owe it to Madame Camilla to set my past feelings about the Empire aside. I am happy to help her. It's strange, isn't it? After five years, the three Professors are together once more. I am most curious though. You say you were asleep for five whole years? Incredible. Perhaps this is another effect of your Crest. I do look forward to investigating you in greater detail.
Kandan: We can talk about that.
Samuel: Wonderful news! I am most excited to begin. We must find the time, of course. That is, if our business with the Va-Hataku doesn't cloud anything.
Ronnie: Camilla is controlling the Empire. She is putting the pressure on the Kingdom and Alliance. Empire and religion are at open war. It will be...difficult for us at first. But corrupt nobles are many. That means the common people will rebel and be joining our side. With you, Kandan, the battle tides will...ah, will turn. I have certainty. Oh, and we will fulfill the will of our masters, yes?
Elena: Laaa-la-laaa-la-laaa... Kandan! Oh my! It's so good to see you. These days, so many old friends seem to be disappearing. But you... You're here! It's incredible to see you again after five years! I have a feeling your name will go down in history. Even if our alliance with your new friends is quite a fright, I still have hope.
Marnie: Are we leaving for battle? I heard it's a long march. But it's fine! I've had plenty of time to stay inside lately, so I think it's time I... went out. Yeah! I can do this. No more Marnie-bear!
Kandan: That's the spirit.
Marnie: Yes! But, um. Please don't put me up front, OK? And, uh, Kandan?
Kandan: Yes?
Marnie: Are we really fighting to make a better world as your friends claim?
Kandan: We are.
Randall: All right, I'm ready to fight! Let's do this!
Kandan: I'm counting on you.
Randall: Leave it to me! I can take on the whole...most of the enemy's army! I know my limits now, Kandan!
Aiden: Hmph, limits. And do you know the meaning of that word, Randall?
Randall: I understand, sir.
Aiden: And do you understand the task for which your indictment has destined you? The Va-Hataku have a precious reputation to keep, one that requires all to provide for the betterment of this world. Need I remind you of the man you so foolishly ran after?
(Flashback)
Aiden and Kandan: Hmmm ...
Randall: Hey, Professor! What's going on?
Aiden: Quiet. Have you not noticed there is an intruder within our walls?
Randall: Uh, OK. Why are we being so quiet though? Ah! Look at that guy! He looks pretty suspicious. What do you think he's up to? Never mind that, let's get him!
Aiden: Suspicion isn't enough to go on.
Randall: Why not? We can figure out what he's up to after we capture him. My instincts tell me that he's up to no good, and my instincts are never wrong. C'mon, let's get him before he has a chance to strike!
Aiden: You need to calm down...
Randall: There's no time to calm down! I'm just gonna— Oh no! The path he's walking down leads to the plaza where the kids play... There's no way I'm letting this guy get anywhere near those kids! CHARGE!
Kandan: Should we go after him?
Aiden: And risk getting in trouble ourselves? No way! He'll learn, eventually.
Randall: Urgh...
Knight of Hadoria: Randall. Why did you disobey your professor?
Randall: Ah. Well, I—
Knight of Hadoria: I am not seeking excuses from you. I asked because I want you to consider your actions and apologize for them. It just so happens that you were correct in your assumption that this man was a villain. If that were not so, he would not have chosen to take his own life upon seeing you advancing toward him.
Randall: Great! So, I was—
Knight of Hadoria: But because of your actions, that is all we know. There is no way for us to know who he was, what he was planning to do, or if he has allies lurking about. The only lead we have is a scorpion tattooed on his arm. If this indicates that he was a member of an underground organization, we have no way of dealing with it! Are you prepared to be held responsible if his group commits a serious crime?
Kandan: As his professor, I will take responsibility.
Knight of Hadoria: Oh, I couldn't possibly—
Randall: What are you talking about, Kandan? We didn't do anything wrong! Those kids might've been in danger if we didn't act. I couldn't just stand by and let that happen!
Kandan: Shut up...
Aiden: On that day we had your back, and you shrugged us off!
Randall: One broken man cannot deter the path of domination.
Aiden: But one weak link is sure to break the chain of a mighty clan!
Vince: Well, well, well. Kandan Janus, as I live and breathe. I'd like for you to meet Raya. She's just a rookie, but she's helping me as my assistant.
Raya: Hi. It's nice to meet you. I know I'm inexperienced, but I'm going to do my best. You can count on me to look after my big brother!
Vince: I heard you're planning to march into Alliance territory. I'll be here to guard the fort.
Andre: Kandan... You survived. How very fortunate... Were you dead, I wouldn't be able to fight you. But you are very much alive—now I've a chance to kill you.
Kandan: Get in line, pal. There's a lot more warriors who have the same idea as you, and they're sounding relentless!
Richard: Professor! Do you know how happy I was to hear you were still alive? I'll tell you how happy-for the past two days, I haven't had my morning or my afternoon naps.
Kandan: Morning...nap?
Richard: And by the way, I managed to secure some info on the enemies we'll be facing.
Aiden: Sounds like Richard has not changed a bit.
Kandan: The requirements of his position, and the prominence of his partnership with our comrades will change that. The person I am most concerned over is the one who always seems to want to surpass Camilla. Do you recall the time we saved him from Demonic Beasts?
Aiden: I do.
(Flashback)
Jason: Hello, Kandan. May I speak with you? You seem to hold Camilla in high esteem. That is my impression, at least.
Kandan: She's a good student, and an even better friend.
Jason: Hm. She is certainly talented. No doubt about that. But I wonder... What is your opinion of me? I am quite talented too, am I not?
Kandan: I don't want to hurt your feelings, but...
Aiden: In terms of leadership qualities, she outranks you.
Jason: You think she is better than me?! I was just being modest before. Honestly, I have always prided myself on being superior to Camilla. But evidently that is not your perspective. Hmm... I suppose there is only one thing to do. I must demonstrate my excellence!
Aiden: That's not necessary.
Jason: Nonsense! You have entirely underestimated my abilities! You think I could ignore such a slight on my honor? Not likely. Come, brave friends!
(A few minutes later)
Aiden: I can't believe you dragged us all the way here!
Jason: We will begin with battle. Camilla's skills in combat are no match for mine. I heard that, just the other day, she defeated a Demonic Beast without assistance. Well, anything Camilla can do, I can do better—and in half the time! Professor, you can be my eyewitness and timekeeper. Here we go! Two at once? That's... Well, it will be fine.
(Jason tries to battle but doesn't seem to be keeping his word.)
Jason: Argh! I can't do it!(Kandan and Aiden step in to dispose of the Beasts.)It seems you have saved my life. I... Thank you, Kandan.
Aiden: I know, you certainly didn't want to lose the guy, but now he must learn to respect his superiors, especially Cammy.
Jason: Oh. Hey Kandan. The last five years have been difficult at times. My relationship with Camilla is rather contentious, due to the incident with my father. Nevertheless, I cannot abandon my family's duties. As Duke Aegir, I must play my part in the Imperial army. Camilla intends to abolish the nobility, but I know I can dissuade her from doing so. But can I try to challenge Lord Corbin? Yeah, that would seem impossible.
(A few hours later)
Lord Corbin: As you've already heard, our enemies have traversed to Me-Hador for a reason. The Gladiators of Gor-Atrum always seek opportunities to aid those who need aid. And so, their newly crowned High King Gladius, has declared fealty to the Church of Hadoria and is raising an army in preparation for all-out war with both the Va-Hataku and the Empire.
General Seidon: Gladius has always considered us unfit for the entire world, making him a dangerous threat.
Lord Corbin: As the leader of the Ven-Kur Brotherhood, Zuke Atero's job is to maintain a facade of neutrality even if the tides of war should strike. For him to weaken, we must claim the bridge between lands.
Aiden: And if we claim Derdriu, then toppling the Brotherhood shall be swift. We shall set a course for the Great Bridge of Myrddin to establish a bridgehead immediately.
(Minutes afterward)
Daniel: We are about to commence the attack on the Great Bridge of Myrddin. But first, allow me a moment of your time.
Kandan: What do you want?
Daniel: It is something I can only ask of you. Listen well... It concerns Lady Camilla's uncle. The regent of the Empire, Lord Val. Although he is currently cooperating with Her Majesty, he maintains his own sizable military troops. It seems to me that his plans differ from our own. I assume you recall a certain group's scheming from five years ago. Dairou and Bellatrix... They both served Lord Val.
Kandan: What? He must be dealt with.
Daniel: Kandan, I understand how you must be feeling, considering what they did to your father. I know it must be foul to even consider cooperating with their kind. However, their power is essential for us at present. Camilla also strongly opposed the idea at first. Our enemy is the Church of Hadoria itself. It cannot be toppled with the Empire's might alone. Those working under Lord Val are extremely hostile toward the church. And the enemy of our enemy is... Well, I think you sufficiently understand by now.
Kandan(sighs): Are you sure that's a good idea?
Daniel: Until all of Me-Hador is united, it is a necessary evil. As for how we deal with them afterward...time will tell. Regardless, Her Majesty and I wish to join our power with yours. You should know that in her heart, Her Majesty regards that group as enemies of herself and her family. They used her father, the former emperor, as a puppet and murdered her siblings with their vile experimentation. I believe Her Majesty may have told you some of this herself. That is why this was a... very painful decision for her to make. I will do all I can to ensure her suffering is not in vain, and I hope I can count on you to do the same. As for all I have told you, please keep it in mind as we march forward. More importantly, I implore you to fight as best you can for our lady... From the bottom of my heart, I beg this of you.
Kandan: I was going to ask the same of you.
Broadedge: Hey. You two coming or what?
Aiden: Heh, can't keep all of you in reserve, now, can we?
Blastbomb: Yeah, you know we can't...
Camilla: We'll be capturing the Great Bridge of Myrddin, a key strategic location of the Evo Alliance. I have no doubt that Zuke will surely be sending reinforcements, so we must prevail before they arrive.
Isla: قال الصبي أن أهرب إذا كنت في خطر ، لكن ... لا يمكنني فعل ذلك أبدًا.(The boy said to run if I was in danger, but... I could never do that.)يا رجال الإخوان ، أظهروا لخدام عدونا اللدود ما الذي يعنيه الانغماس في الجحيم!(Men of our Brotherhood, show the servants of our archenemy what it means to plunge into Hell!)
Richard: My knowledge of the Ven-Kur language is a little rusty- actually I don't know a single word; language is a pain in the arse, you get what I'm saying?
Camilla: All I need to know is that they're the enemy, and that they must be vanquished!
Ven-Kur Warrior: لقد تجرأت على الذهاب إلى حيث لا تنتمي! من أجل ذلك ، تم توضيح اختصاصنا ... يجب أن يتم إلقاؤك الآن في الجحيم(You dared go where you don't belong! For that, our jurisdiction has been clarified… You should now be thrown into Hell)
Randall: Don't these guys ever know when to call it quits?
2nd Ven-Kur Warrior: ينص قانوننا على أنه إذا تجرأ أي شخص على الدوس على الأرض التي حصلنا عليها من أجل الإخوان ، فسوف يُلقى به في الجحيم. لقد فعلت مثل هذا العمل ، لذلك لن يكون هناك إنكار أنك ستعاقب!(Our law states that if anyone dares to trample on the land we have obtained for the Brotherhood, he will be cast into Hell. You did such an act, so there will be no denying that you will be punished!)
Camilla: Have you any idea of whom you speak to?
Mena: الأخت إيسلا ، شكراً للأجداد الذين احتفظوا بهم حتى النهاية. الآن ، دعونا نقود هؤلاء الغزاة إلى الجحيم!(Sister Isla, thanks for the ancestors who kept them till the end. Now, let's lead these invaders to hell!)
Lordan: أخونا يرسلنا للدفاع عن الجسر الذي طالبناه بحق من الغزاة؟ الغزاة؟ ها ، هذا استياء كبير من الاسم الأثيري الخاص بي!(Our brother is sending us to defend the bridge that we have rightly demanded from the invaders? Ha, that's a huge dissatisfaction with my ethereal name!)
Mena: اسمك الأثيري ليس مهما! ما يهم هو أننا نرسل رسالة إلى أعدائنا بتدمير خدامهم.(Your ethereal name is not important! What matters is that we are sending a message to our enemies by destroying their servants.)
Camilla: Enemy reinforcements... We didn't finish in time. Don't let them secure the ballista! Then again, that foul language is getting on my nerves.
Iradan: نحن نساعد أخينا في كل تعاملاته فلن تدوس على قانوننا أبدا!(We help our brother in all his dealings, you will never trample on our law!)
Andre: I never liked your kind of tradition anyway.
Iradan: الأجداد ... أنتم ... سمعنا حكايات عن رجل تحدى المؤسسة ذاتها التي أعطته كل ما يتمناه ، ووقف إلى جانب عدو عظيم لم يكن بإمكاننا أبدًا أن ندرك أن هذا الرجل هو أنت!(Grandparents...you...we've heard tales of a man who defied the very institution that gave him everything he could wish for, and sided with a great enemy. We could never have realized that this guy was you!)
Kandan: Well then, you'll get to see your ancestors soon enough.
Iradan: لقد قتلت روحي ، لكن إرادتي تظل وفية لإخوتي.(You have slain my soul, but my will remains faithful to my brothers.)
Isla: إرادان ، سيتم تكريم روحك إلى الأبد.(Iradan, your soul will be honored forever.)
Mena: يشترط قانوننا أن نكرم الساقطين ونعاقب الأشرار ، ولهذا ، نلقي بأنفسنا في أي نوع من المعارك التي تراها أخوتنا. لأنه عندما نبذل حياتنا من أجل أسلافنا ، فإننا لا نهزم أبدًا!(Our law requires that we honor the fallen and punish the wicked, and for that, we throw ourselves into whatever kind of fights our brethren see. Because when we give our lives for our ancestors, we are never defeated!)
Mystik: Call me crazy, but I think I've heard enough from them.
Mena: أنت الذي اختارت تلك المرأة الشريرة على المؤسسة نفسها التي أعطته فرصة للازدهار الحقيقي. هل يعرف والدك الطريق الذي كان عليك أن تختاره لنفسك؟ وإذا كان الأمر كذلك ، فما هو شعوره؟(You are the one who chose that wicked woman over the very institution that gave him a chance for true prosperity. Does your father know which path you had to choose for yourself? And if so, how does he feel?)
Kandan: I have surpassed his legacy!
Mena: أولئك الذين اختاروا الطريق المظلم غالبًا ما يجدون أنفسهم مدفوعين في الجحيم ، وفي الوقت المناسب ، ستعرف أن هذا صحيح.(Those who have chosen the dark path often find themselves driven into hell, and in time, you will know that it is true.)
Isla: كل من يعارض القانون لدينا يعرف هذه الحقيقة الأخت منى، وعلمك يرجى أسلافك.(Whoever opposes our law knows this truth Sister Mena, teach you please your ancestors.)نصحك بعدم عبور طريق الأخ زوك! أنصحكم أيها الكلاب بعدم عبور الأخ زوك! حتى لو كنت محاطًا بي وحدي ، فلن أعود أبدًا ، ولا حتى للوحوش المولودة في الجحيم مثلك!(نصحك بعدم عبور طريق الأخ زوك!(I advise you not to cross Brother Zuke's Road! Even if you were surrounded by me alone, I would never return, not even to hell-born monsters like you!)
Andre: Lady, that's what people tell me all the time, and they end up as corpses!
Isla: زوك ... أعتذر ، فأنا الآن مع أجدادي.(Zuke... I'm sorry, I'm with my grandparents now.)
Camilla: To all those who survived, your commander has fallen. Further conflict is futile! If you surrender, your lives will be spared. Lay down your weapons immediately.(Afterward)You have all fought well. With this victory, we now have a foothold in the Alliance. The Imperial Army will cross the Airmid River and push the front lines forward. The fight will continue, but do not allow that to stop you from taking pride in our hard-won victory.
Lord Corbin: Aye, and in time, Zuke shall see what power has begun to trample his way of life. In the end, it shall not matter.
Lordan: الوحوش الحماقة التي أثيرت في الجحيم! إذا كان الأمر يتعلق بمثل هذه العلاقة ، فسوف أقوم بتعليم هذه الكلاب الإمبراطورية ألا تخيف اسمي الأثيري.(Foolish monsters raised in hell! If it comes to such a relationship, I will teach these imperial dogs not to intimidate my ethereal name.)
Kandan(narrating): Lordan made good on his word, but only until both the Elementals and Mectanium Force got in his way. Heh, for such a blowhard, he certainly died a windbag.