Octopath Traveler II: Crusaders of Justice

The second chapter is on. Oh, and there will be some spoilers from the second game from here on out.

Disclaimer: Octopath Traveler II was made by Square.

Journey's Start

Early the next morning, Priscilla got dressed in her usual outfit and headed into the dining room for breakfast, after which she went to take some of her family's leaves to be used as travel money. Her butler Sam and her mother Vanessa were waiting by the door.

"Do you have everything you need for your trip?" Sam asked.

"Yes" Priscilla replied.

Vanessa handed Priscilla a small package consisting of some fruit and a box which contained a ham sandwich"Whatever happens, stay safe if you can, I know how dangerous your job is at times."

"I will be fine" Priscilla assured her mother.

Vanessa hugged her daughter for a moment. Priscilla then headed out of the manor, Alistair and couple of other knights, plus an investigator were waiting for her near the gates of the city.

"Good morning" Priscilla greeted her escort.

"Same to you, let's stop at the village for supplies real quick before we set sail for Canalbrine" Alistair suggested, leading the way. The group headed out of the city to a small village which had a small marketplace and a few houses and some farmland.

The villagers were generally going about their business as the group headed for the market, some of the villagers took the time to greet Alistair and Priscilla as they came in. The local shopkeeper who ran the general store smiled warmly.

"Top of the morning to you folks, what can I get you?" The shopkeeper asked.

"A few healing grapes, some inspiriting plums, an olive of life and some cleansing herbs if possible" Alistair replied, putting down the money. The shopkeeper nodded and proceeded to get the requested items.

Priscilla patiently waited for the shopkeeper, taking the time to speak with Alistair while waiting"I must admit that this will be the first time I've left the island. What about you?"

"Its the same with me, though I did study politics and history" Alistair replied"I'm from House Fen, my family has always served as protectors of Vella. Its not often that we get involved in politics outside our kingdom."

"I'm from House Whiteshore" Priscilla stated"Its more complicated than I care to admit."

Alistair nodded in understanding"I'm sure it must be."

The shopkeeper returned to them with the bag containing the items Alistair had asked for"Here you go."

"Thank you" Alistair said, then headed out of the shop with Priscilla. The two joined the other knights as they headed to the harbor. A few people were fishing while others were doing maintenance on the ships.

Priscilla approached the dock where a transport ship was currently docked and spoke with the crew member"Good day, my comrades and I need a ride to the western continent."

"Certainly, miss" The crew member nodded"Just a thousand leeves and we'll be on our way."

Priscilla paid for the transport and boarded the ship with her comrades, a few other passengers who were also on their way to Canalbrine joined them. As Priscilla looked onto the horizon, she began to ponder why her mother still loved Nathan despite knowing of the circumstances that led to his birth.

Flashback-27 years ago

A young Priscilla watched her father's trial helplessly, a part of her wanting to cry out and opine to the judge on how her father is a kind, decent man who would never harm innocent women, especially not in such a disgusting way. But the"witnesses'" testimonies had left no room for rebuttal. Thus, she and her mother could only watch while Perceval was led away in shackles.

Sylas had taken over the Whiteshore estate, neglecting Priscilla and treating Vanessa as little more than an object of his lust. When Nathan was born, Priscilla wanted nothing to do with him.

"Mom, why do you let Sylas do this to you?" Young Priscilla asked.

Vanessa, who was holding Baby Nathan at the time, replied with a sigh"I know your uncle is a bit forceful and gruff, but he seemed overjoyed at your brother being born. One day, perhaps you and Nathan could become good friends as siblings should."

Young Priscilla shook her head sadly, Nathan's eyes were the same color as Sylas, adding to the pain of her father's wrongful conviction. She had blinked a tear and ran from the room.

Flashback end

"Is something troubling you?" Alistair asked.

Priscilla blinked and let out a small sigh"Its just... My mom and I usually get along great, but when "He" is involved" she paused, not wanting to talk about this.

"Did you have a brother?" Alistair asked.

"He's dead to me, and a produce of my uncle's lust and jealousy" Priscilla spat, though she kept her mother's words from last night in mind"To me, Nathan is as vile as his father, he did set those thugs on me."

"But you cannot judge a child by their father's actions, can you?" Alistair pointed out, gently.

Priscilla shook her head"No, I suppose not. Yet when I look at and even think of that half-breed..."

Flashback-Twelve Years ago

Priscilla, with the help of Prosecutor Davis, who was her mentor at the time, and renowned defense attorney Justin Wright, had managed to prove that her father was wrongfully incriminated. Sylas and the "Witnesses" who were bribed into testifying falsely were sent to Frigit Island. Perceval was released, but his harrowing experiences at Frigit Isle left him with only a few months to live. After her father died, Priscilla pushed herself to tackle even more cases.

Nathan, who loved both of his parents, could not believe his father would do such a terrible thing like taking Priscilla's father away from her just so he could have Vanessa to himself. Outside the prosecution office, the two siblings ran into each other.

"Nathan" Priscilla was surprised to see her brother.

Nathan glared"What have you done? Why would you send my father to Frigit Isle!? He's done nothing wrong!"

"Oh, really?" Priscilla scoffed"You consider bribing witnesses and judges and framing my father for r*** is nothing wrong?"

Nathan just stared at her, shocked"W-what are you talking about?"

"Sylas framed my father, your uncle, for r*** so he would be sent to Frigit Isle and take my mother for himself! My father was unjustly imprisoned in Frigit Isle so YOUR father could satisfy his lust!" Priscilla yelled.

Nathan shook his head in disbelief"No…no…you're wrong… Father would never do something like that. Never!"

"But he did and I proved it today!" Priscilla pointed out"Now your snake of a father will spend the rest of his life in Frigit Isle, the fate he condemned my father to!"

Nathan clenched his fist"You're lying! Father-"

"Stop living in denial, Nathan" Priscilla retorted"Your father is not the man you think he is. He's a liar and a coward and he only wanted my mother because he lusted for her. He treated her more like an object than a wife. "

Nathan shook his head again"Mother… She loved him… She… didn't she?"

Priscilla frowned"He forced her into marriage after my father was imprisoned. She only showed you love and affection because he made her all the while I was left alone! He stole both my parents from me and I hope he freezes to death!"

"Shut up!" Nathan shouted back"You're just jealous because Mother and Father loved me more than you! You… You're a monster for doing this and I bet your father deserved to go to Frigit Isle!"

Priscilla, in a moment of weakness, backhanded Nathan"You're just as delusional as your father! You think you're loved, Nathan!? You're nothing but a half-breed born of my uncle's lust! You're nothing and I ashamed to call you my brother!"

After that, the relationship between the two had soured even more, with Nathan growing to show little more than disdain towards Priscilla, much to Vanessa's sadness and frustration.

Flashback end

Alistair looked at Priscilla thoughtfully"I can see that this is an upsetting topic. I do not have any intention on intruding upon your family matters, but perhaps one day your mother, brother and yourself will understand each other, fully."

"I wish" Priscilla sighed, turning to look at the sea for a moment before getting her lunch out and going into the cabin to eat. The rest of the trip took until the following morning before the ship docked at the port of Canalbrine.

Alistair, Priscilla and the other two knights disembarked. Priscilla gazed at the town in wonder"It sure is bigger than the port we left from."

"Indeed. Well, shall we go to the cafe for breakfast before continuing our journey?" Alistair offered.

The group walked just a short distance onward when they noticed a young woman with blond hair, brown eyes, a light blue and white Apothecary uniform, boots and leather brown gloves tending to another ship's crew member who was barely conscious.

"Hm." The blond Apothecary examined her patient thoroughly"Nutrient deficiency... No doubt from spending too long at sea... And I see symptoms of severe dehydration."

The sailor groaned"Everything is going... Dim... Please heal me..."

"Easy, now" the Apothecary touched his cheek"Everything will be all right."

Curious, Priscilla walked over"Is there a problem, miss?"

The woman looked over"Oh, are you a traveler? This man needs help, do you have anything nutritious on you?"

"Yes" Priscilla pulled out a healing grape and handed it to the Apothecary.

The blond apothecary gratefully took the healing grape"Ah, grapes, just what I needed! Thank you." She turned back to her patient"Here, eat this."

The sailor ate the healing grape and started to feel its healing effects. The Apothecary looked at the group"Could you help me take him to a room at the inn?"

Alistair moved to help the sailor onto his feat, and together the group went to the inn. The sailor smiled as he laid on one of the beds"Thank you, I feel a whole lot better, now."

"Remember to maintain a balanced diet" The apothecary advised him"Thal'll help keep you healthy. Take care."

"I will, thanks again" the sailor said.

The apothecary accompanied Priscilla and Alistair back outside. The Apothecary smiled"I appreciate the help, both of you. My name is Castti, I am a traveling Apothecary."

One of the other two knights noted the color of her uniform"Sir Alistair, Lady Priscilla, this woman may be one of Eir's Apothecaries. My brother told me that one of their group had helped him once when he was wounded."

Castii blinked, seemingly confused"Eir's Apothecaries...? Some of the townspeople mentioned them..."

Priscilla glanced at her"You truly don't know who they are? I was hoping to ask some questions about them."

"I'm sorry" Castii shook her head, sadly"I don't really remember anything right now, I was at sea and picked up by a passing ship. I can't really explain what happened, nor why I was there or who Eir's Apothecaries were."

"You have amnesia?" Priscilla asked.

The Apothecary nodded"Yes, that's most likely the case. After I came here, I saw that the townspeople were suffering from an illness caused by tainted water coming from the cave to the south of here, so I tended to the illness and cleansed the water source. They also said I was from Eir's Apothecaries. I don't know why I was on that raft that the crew of the ship who saved me picked me up from, or why I was there in the first place."

"I see" Priscilla had hoped to ask Castii a few questions about the rumor that Eir's Apothecaries had poisoned a whole town, but it looks like that'll have to wait until she regains her memories"My name is Priscilla, Heiress to House Whiteshore on the island of Vella. I am a Scholar and a Prosecutor."

"I am Alistair, a knight of Vella" Alistair introduced himself"I am sorry to hear of your condition."

Castii nodded"Pleased to meet the both of you, perhaps I can join you on your travels? My medical skills and herbs could prove to be a big help."

Priscilla thought about it for a second"Well, I'm going to be involved in a dangerous investigation, so you'd be welcome to come."

"Thank you" Castii nodded.

"You are welcome" Alistair said"I've no complaints about you joining us."

Castii was elated to find some good friends to travel with, the Scholar and the Knight seemed like decent people. Alistair, for his part, was not too surprised at her skill, they had a couple of fine Apothecaries back in Vella.

As the group was about to go, another ship came into dock, and another young woman disembarked, accompanied by an orange furred La'jackal. The girl had white hair with cat-like ears and a tail, she also wore pink pants and a white sleeveless shirt.

"What's that?" One of the knights accompanying Priscilla asked.

Priscilla glanced at the strange-looking girl and her animal friend as they came closer"Hm?"

Alistair looked wary at first until the girl started coming a bit closer, seeing that she looked friendly enough. He couldn't say what he thought about her La'Jackal friend, as it looked like it was being pretty wary, itself.

"Hello there" Castii greeted the girl.

"Oh, hi" the girl greeted the group in front of her, cheerfully.

Priscilla glanced at her"You are a Beastling, correct?"

"Yep, I just set out from my home on Toto'haha Island" the girl replied"My name is Ochette. I am a Hunter."

"Pleasure, my name is Priscilla" Priscilla introduced herself"I have to admit, though, its not very often that you see a Beastling in these parts, everyone knows they rarely, if ever leave their island."

"Indeed, she must have some reason" Alistair concurred.

"Well, I'm looking for three legendary creatures" the Beastling said"Oh, and this is my friend Akala."

The La'Jackal was still eyeing the humans a bit warily.

"Well, you're welcome to come with us if you want" Castii offered.

Ochette grinned"Sounds great! Oh, but first, I'm actually kind of hungry." Akala was hardly surprised, merely shaking his head, if only Ochette can keep her priorities straight, but then again, they hadn't eaten since dinner last night.

"Akala sure looks adorable" Priscilla commented"Oh, and we were about to get breakfast ourselves before setting off on our journey. I have business at Sai. Oh, and this is Castii and Alistair. Would you like to join us?"

Akala remained wary, but the human seemed like she was being nice enough to Ochette that he probably can trust her. The knight seemed pleasant to hang out with as well, but he still mostly trusted his own experiences above all else.

"Sure" Ochette smiled.

The group went to the café. As they ordered their breakfast and sat at the table outside, Priscilla took a moment to ask the Huntress"So what are these legendary creatures you just mentioned?"

"My master, Juvah told me that they are really, super strong creatures who protected Toto'haha Island during the Night of the Scarlet Moon, which happens every four-hundred years. There are three: Cateracta, Tera and Glacis. I'm trying to find Cateracta so I can ask her to come help protect the island when the next Scarlet Moon comes around" Ochette replied cheerfully around a bite of jerky"What about you guys?"

Priscilla replied around a bite of her soup"I'm in the middle of an investigation, a syndicate called the Crimson Sun is on the loose and I intend to find out what they are up to." She knew it was risky to bring this up out in the open, but she didn't feel right lying to the Beastling"Can you tell me more of this Night of the Scarlet Moon?"

"Its a really bad event, strong monsters tend to appear during that time" Ochette shrugged as she ate a bit more of her jerky"Very cataclysmic. Is this Crimson Sun group bad?"

"I was attacked yesterday, but I don't know their motives" The prosecutor replied"That's why I'm looking into it. I'm hoping I can find some answers at Conning Creek. I know its not your problem, but I could use some extra help." She didn't mention her brother because things are personal between them and she didn't feel she can trust Ochette and Castii with that kind of info, yet.

"I can tell you're a pretty good person" Ochette smiled"We're practically buds, already, so I might as well help if I can."

Akala was unsure if they should be taking detours while trying to find the creatures of legend, but knew that Ochette wouldn't be dissuaded.

"Conning Creek is on the way to Sai, correct?" Castii pitched into the conversation"I need to find some connection to my missing memories. Another Apothecary, Malaya, suggested that I go to Sai."

"Malaya was also one of Eir's Apothecaries correct?" Alistair asked"I know little about the group."

"I'm not sure, but I know I can trust her" Castii said"And it sounds like we're all going the same way."

"I'm going to be staying at Conning Creek for a while, plus there's some kind of trouble at Sai" Alistair stated"With a Hunter and an Apothecary in our group, I don't feel too concerned about you taking off without me if you need to, Priscilla."

"Don't forget about Akala, he's pretty strong" Ochette piped up.

The group finished their breakfast, paid the bill and headed for the exit onto the Western Canalbrine Coast, making small talk with each other as they walked.

Not very much action, but I tried my best with this one. I thought I'd squeeze Ochette in while I am at it, considering all of the main characters' chapters happen around the same time as each other, unlike in the first Octopath Traveler where the other travelers can experience the first chapter of their respective stories.

As for Osvald, I have something special in mind. Temenos will probably be the last traveler to join up, yet to think of something for Agnea and Partitio.