Oona(narrating): After going on a journey that felt like days, we soon arrived at Seashell Bay. And boy what a place it was...

Captain Nova: Oleg? Huh, I thought you'd come back here.(He notices Oona)You! So, you were alive after all.

Captain Moor: Ah, thank the goddess... I couldn't bear the thought of not finding you here. Guess you lucked out.

Paula: We've been looking everywhere for you! But...I see Lady Irma isn't with you.

Alvin(laughs): Irma inside a pirate-filled haven? I think you've gotten a little too much into this place, my dear Paula.

Paula: Hey, at least you two are here.

(That night)

Spout: Alright, I know it's a right pain to listen to these...

Delia: But all guests whether new or recurring need to know how things work around here. First off, you'll notice that your sleeping arrangements have already been set.

Spout: And they are permanent, let me add. You'll also notice you'll be sleeping as neighbors...

Delia: Which is quite the trend, let me assure you. Secondly, there is to be only whispers if you ever wish to speak.

Spout: Trust me, that is the only thing you can ever do. But most importantly...

Dellia: When the bells ring about...

Dellia and Spout: It's lights out!

Oona(narrating): Part of me was hoping to obey these rules effectively, but something about how badly Kenneth's sanity had been hit got to me as well. Thank you for your help the other day,

(Flashback)

Kenneth: Oona. Please, allow me to express my gratitude by taking you to dinner.

Oona: I would be delighted.

Kenneth: Fantastic. Please think about what you'd like to eat. After all, such magnificent guidance must work up quite an appetite. I've studied swordsmanship for some time, but your mercenary skills are something else entirely. Speaking of which, there's...another question I must ask you. Were you reconciled with the reality of battle from your first foray? With...the killing part, I mean.

Oona: I hadn't the luxury of questioning it.

Kenneth: I see.

Oona: And you?

Kenneth: No... I do not carry that burden well. I doubt that will change, no matter how many years come and go. The first time I led on the battlefield, I was sent to quell a rebellion in the west. It was not a difficult fight. The enemy was not well trained, and their morale was low. A swing of the lance, and your opponent falls. A flash of your blade, and a path opens up. That's the sort of battle it was. Easy...right?

Oona: What caused the rebellion?

Kenneth: The noble family from that area sought to seize the throne after my father's untimely death. The leader of the rebel army was defeated, and the rebellion quelled. This was at the height of the post–war period. I recall coming across a dead soldier's body. He was clutching a locket. Inside was a lock of golden hair. I don't know to whom it belonged. His wife, his daughter...mother, lover... I'll never know. He was a soldier. An enemy. Someone we had cut down without hesitation. But in that moment, I realized he was also a real person, just like the rest of us. Of course, we cannot stand idly by and allow anyone to commit senseless acts of violence. Yet in dispensing what we call justice, we take the lives of cherished family members. Beloved friends. Killing is part of the job, but even so... There are times when I'm chilled to the bone by the depravity of my own actions.

Oona: I've felt the same way.

Kenneth: That you feel the same way is more comforting than you could know. Oona? May I speak freely? When we first met, I thought of you as someone who felt no strong feelings about killing your enemies. I could never trust someone who kills without batting an eye. My heart won't allow it. But after speaking with you and getting to know you better, I can see you're not like that. Now I know, with all my heart, that I can trust you. Thank you for that.

Oona(narrating): Oh, whatever happened to the Kenneth that confided in me to every secret he had?

Zane(whispering): Hey Oona, you hear me?

Oona(whispering): Yeah, what's up?

Zane(whispering): Look, I hate to throw mud on your friends, but these rules are just unfair.

Nora(whispering): Yeah, they certainly don't want us making noise.

Katie(whispering): Well, at least one of us can sleep.

Alvin(whispering): Yeah, but it certainly isn't peaceful.

Oona(whispering): All of you can voice your concerns over these changes later.

Harlan(whispering): Of course, there will be other things that need attendance.

(The next morning, a horn sounds to the tune of Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me), and all the pirates awaken to mass celebration)

Dellia: Ha-ha!(Singing)Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life...

Pirates: For me!(All laughing)

Delia: Avast! Another day is dawning, and new experiences await at every corner!

Pirates(singing): Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!

(Some pirates come over to everyone's sleeping quarters, scaring and startling them)

Pirates(singing): Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!

Paula: Is this really a way to wake up?

Harlan: I'd get used to it if I were you.

Pirates(singing): Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! We extort and pilfer; we filch and sack! Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! Maraud and embezzle and even highjack! Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! We kindle and char and in flame and ignite. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! We burn up the city, we're really a fright. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! We're rascals and scoundrels, we're villains and knaves! Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs! Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me! We're beggars and blighters and ne'er do-well cads. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho! Aye, but we're loved by our mommies and dads. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!

Michael: Well, at least some of us know our mommies and dads.(All laughing)

Toxintail: Aye, but some of us despise them. Myself included.(All laughing)

Nero: Breakfast's ready! I prepped a real morning glory, just for our new guests! It's the Jolly Roger Jamboree! You got your pancakes, your waffles, your omlettes, your bacon, your sausages, and some tasty fruits! Dig in, all of you!

Zane: Don't mind if I do.

(While everyone else eats, Nero notices Kenneth is barely touching his)

Nero: Uh sir, I did say dig in.

Kenneth: I heard.

Oona: Sorry Nova, I know your cook's trying to be friendly but there's one thing his mind hungers for.

Nova: Well, a man cannot seek retribution with an empty stomach, now, can he?

Kenneth: Fine!

Pirate 1: What is wrong with that guy?

Pirate 2: I don't know.

Pirate 3: Is he even sane?

Pirate 4: That I can't tell.

(Oona is flat-out embarrassed at her longtime friend for his behavior)

Captain Oleg: Heh, already one day in, and the community is gossiping about your friend.

Oona: I noticed. And that doesn't feel like my friend anymore, more like some kind of monster.

Captain Oleg: Aye, but even he must realize what kind of pain his lust for vengeance is going to create.

Captain Moor: Alright, listen up. We have two objectives...to overthrow the Empire and to rescue Irma. I know our kind has no respect for your ways, but I have no objections to joining forces with you. After all, our interests are aligned.

Harlan: Nothing could be more reassuring than securing the cooperation of your finest, Captain.

Oona: Thank you.

Captain Moor: We have placed all hope of rekindling the honor of the Tide Lords in your hands. From now on, I shall comply with your wishes.

Captain Nova: As we have told you before, this mighty fortress is yours to use anyway you like and prepare to make our stand against the Empire.

Paula: Surely those Imperial jerks have this place staked out, right? It's a highly strategic location.

Harlan: While it may be a strategic location, it's too far from the front lines to be worthy of notice at the moment. This area is inconvenient as far as transport time is concerned, so it's of little importance to their war effort.

Captain Moor: Even so, with Dalek and Veers on their side, I bet they have dominance over our watery turf!

Harlan: Oona... What do you think about making this place our base?

Oona: Gathering resources would be difficult.

Harlan: Yes, that is a valid concern... Fortunately, there are still villages and hamlets nearby. And though I wouldn't call them abundant, we have war funds, as well. What do you think, Your Highness?

Kenneth: Do as you please.

Cassidy: Hey! Don't act like this doesn't concern you! We finally reunited after all this time... We've got to work together!

Zane: She's right. In fact, why don't we all join forces and clean this place up a bit?

Cassidy: Ooh, yeah! That's a great idea! And it'll give us time to reminisce about all the good old days at the academy. I can't wait!

Kenneth: How carefree of you.

Donovan: It may sound trivial, but... Well, I think it's a good idea...

Harlan: I understand feeling impatient, Your Highness. But patience is key at a time like this. If we fix up our base, it will improve morale, which will be sorely needed as we–

Kenneth: Fools.

Oona: Let's all get along.

Kenneth: Stay out of this.

Harlan: Please calm yourself, Your Highness. We are not your enemies.

Kenneth: My enemies say the same.(He storms away, amid more gossip from the other pirates)

Pirate 1: That guy... I swear, he's gonna lose every one of his friends that way!

Pirate 2: If he doesn't kill them all first.

Pirate 3: How can he possibly be like this?

Pirate 4: I just can't put my finger on this guy.

(Now Oona is even more embarrassed)

Alvin: Sheesh, he's literally lost his marbles!

Captain Oleg: Aye, but he needs to understand what his attitude is doing to his friends!

Captain Nova: From the perspective of our friends Oleg, he certainly isn't off to a great start.

(Later that day, Oona gets some insight and perspective from her friends on the situation. When she approaches Kenneth)

Kenneth: You're wrong. It's not like that, Glenn. I swear it. Any love I once had for my stepsister...has been tossed aside. Only hatred remains. If I could tear that woman to shreds right this very moment, I would. I don't care if she's the emperor. It's no different than killing anyone else. So, I beg you...all of you... Do not worry about my resolve. Please, Father... And you too, Stepmother... Do not gaze at me with that look in your eyes... I will bring you her head soon. And when I do, you may finally rest in peace. I know it... Yes, I know it...

Oona: Snap out of it, Kenneth.

Kenneth: What do you want?

Oona: Everyone is worried about you.

Kenneth: I see. We should make haste and prepare to move out at once. I must kill her as soon as possible...

Oona: That would be rash.

Kenneth: I don't have time to leisurely set up camp like the rest of you fools!

Captain Oleg: Now, see here, you delusional dimwit! Your aggressive behavior is not helping matters at all. In fact, despite your protests...

Spout: Captain, Seashell Bay is coming under attack! We must prepare a counterattack at once. The Imperial army has caught wind of our position. Ugh, Dalek must've sent his top servant here!

Kenneth: The Imperial army, is it? Well, well. Hehehe...

Spout: Your Highness... for all our sakes, I ask that you please refrain from reckless behavior in battle. Can you do that?

(Meanwhile)

Vince: It would seem the report that the Knights of Hadoria have returned was accurate. This is going to take some effort.

Raya: Brother... I heard a rumor that there is a vicious murderer among our enemies.

Vince: Who knows if there's any truth to it. Thought I admit we have lost some soldiers recently. Whether he's among them or not, taking on the Knights of Hadoria is extremely dangerous. You're not ready for the front lines, Raya. Stay in the back and support us from there. Understood?

Raya: No! I want to stay with you! I have to–

Vince: I need you to understand, Raya. I will come back. I promise.

Raya: Fine. I trust you, Brother. Please...be safe.

Vince: All units, prepare to attack!

Gordos: Heh, looks like Oleg's invited some infamous company over, I'd assume that it must be those infamous knights, and their champion too!

Vestal: No, my love. We can ignore these fools and live our life the way we envisioned it.

Gordos: And have the captain on our heads for doing so? No, it's time to put Oleg on ice for good!

Oona(narrating): Dalek had sent one of his very best fighters to eliminate us. We had to push him back. But even still, this wasn't going to be easy on my mind as well.

Vince: The Knights of Hadoria are a powerful enemy, but we have more soldiers. We'll take them down all at once!

Harlan: There are more enemies than expected. Attacking with fire would prove most useful here.

Captain Moor: Aye. Lokar, set the blaze.

Lokar: Aye captain, but we may need a distraction. And seeing as we can't afford to surrender this place...

Oona: Leave that to us...

(They take down Imperial warriors and Dalek's fighters at every turn)

Lokar: I did it!

Captain Moor: Ha, we have them in our sights! Now to draw the enemy's attention. Hey, Mr. Archambeau! So many units, and you still can't defeat us... The Empire's generals are not as formidable as I'd heard. And Gordos, need I say more?

Gordos: Why you... ATTACK!

Captain Moor: NOW, LOKAR!

Lokar: Aye, aye, captain!

Imperial soldier: Fire! Gyaaaaaah!

Vince: Argh, a fire attack... The damage is too great. We can't fight anymore! All units, retreat! I'll take on our pursuers! Carry away the injured soldiers!

Oona, Kenneth, and Captain Oleg: Oh no you don't!

Vince: A one-eyed demon... So, it's you. You're the one who's been going around killing the Imperial troops!

Kenneth: What is it to you?

Vince: You fiend! Life is worthless to you, isn't it?!

Kenneth: Ha! You took the words from my mouth, general!

Gordos: Oleg, I swore to vanquish you, and do so I shall! For my love! For justice! I will not be defeated!

Captain Oleg: You should've tried to stay behind, Gordos. Instead, you chose your fate!

Gordos: No, Vestral, I'm sorry my love.

Vince: No... This can't end here...

Kenneth: Capture him.

Harlan: A terrible battle, yet this haven still stands. Your Highness?

Vince: I have family waiting for me... Please. I can't die here...

Kenneth: A beast of your depravity, prattling on about family? How amusing.

Vince: As though you could understand...such a thing as love... You heartless monster!

Kenneth: You are a monster too, General. You have just yet to realize it. A monster who thinks he's a man...despicable. As a general, you must have killed countless souls without a shred of mercy. Do you still remember the sound of them begging, just as you're begging now? Or now that your life is at its end, will you hold to the lie that your hands are not stained red with blood?

Vince: This...this is war. I did what I had to for the Empire...for the people...for my family!

Kenneth: So, you are piling up corpses for the people and for your family. And I am doing the same for the salvation of the dead... After all is said and done, we are both murderers. Both stained. Both monsters.

Vince: You're wrong!

Kenneth: Am I? I can smell the rotting flesh upon your hands even now, General.

Vince: Enough! That's enough!

Kenneth: I won't kill you right away, my fellow monster. Unless you object to watching your friends die. One...by...one. If so, I will do you the service of removing your eyes first so that–

Oona: I have a better idea, Kenny...

(She mercy kills Vince)

Vince: Gaaah! Raya... Please, forgive me...

Kenneth: Grr... What is the meaning of this?

Oona: I miss the Kenneth I once knew.

Kenneth: The Kenneth you once knew is dead. All that remains is the repulsive, blood-stained monster you see before you. If you do not approve of what I have become, then kill me. If you insist that you cannot...then I will continue to use you and your friends until the flesh falls from your bones.

Oona: Aw... Huh? Captain...

Captain Oleg: Yes, I know. But we both know what this will all lead to, and what sort of consequences await us. Vengeance can spread like a plague, if left uncontrolled. Tame it, and you will bring the soul back to where you used to see it.

Vestral: Gordos... My love, take your time. I'll see you on the other side. But for now, the enemies of your captain come first. And. They...will...pay!

Harlan: We managed to repel the Imperial army, but we remain divided on our next course of action. I anticipate a second and third wave of attack... With our current forces, we'll have our hands full just defending.

Zane: It's a miracle we managed to repel the Imperial army with the few units and resources we do have.

Cassidy: We should probably contact Garrick right away to request backup.

Harlan: Garrick is in a difficult position, as he has suffered invasions by the Dukedom. But there are troops who share in our cause gathering the heart of Fraldarius territory. If we can arrange for them to join us, our forces will grow considerably.

Kenneth: Fraldarius... So, Rodrigue is still alive, is he?

Oona: We met five years ago.

Kenneth: So, you did.

Alvin: I wonder what my old man will say when he sees you now. That spectacle alone will be worth the trip.

Kenneth: Hmph.

Harlan: I've already sent word with our fastest messenger informing Rodrigue that His Highness is alive. But we'd do well to send another in case anything happens to the first. With the current state of things, we'll be completely helpless without his support. Your Highness, may I ask what your next plan of attack is? Should we dispatch our troops to the Kingdom capital or to the Imperial capital?

Kenneth: We will take the Imperial capital. There, I will kill her. We end the war and chase away the lingering regrets of the dead. Nothing could be more to the point.

Cassidy: Uh, that may be true, but don't forget that your people need our help right now...

Katie: Your Highness... I hate them too. But the citizens of Fhirdiad have long awaited your return.

Zane: Just give it up already. Wasting time thinking about stuff like that will only dull your blade.

Donovan: Defeating Vexla would put an end to the war. That would benefit the Kingdom as well...

Nora: We still need to look for Lady Irma, so I agree that we should get to Enbarr as fast as possible.

Harlan: Oona... Whatever you decide, we shall follow.

Oona: Kenny, I know your heart still is inside the flames of hatred. But you cannot dwell on the past, or all that hatred will consume you. But the people need their King, and I will not hesitate to deliver! Let's take back Fhirdiad, the Kingdom Capital.

Kenneth: You were entrusted with leading the church. One would think the logical step is to march to Enbarr. If Lady Irma is being held prisoner in the Empire, we don't have time to waste taking back Fhirdiad. Can you deny it?

Oona: I cannot...

Harlan: Either way, we are in need of numbers. It is essential that we secure backup.

(Meanwhile)

Captain Dalek: Apologies, my mistress. Gordos was incompetent, and we failed to take Seashell Bay.

Vexla: And your failure has only made it clear on why this petty injustice cannot go on! Are we agreed on that?

Captain: Of course, my mistress.

Vexla: Hmmm. Chaser! Singe!

Chaser: Yes mistress?

Vexla: Join up with Soren and make sure Garrick never meets that bothersome Oona!