Though this primarily takes place during the events of the Stormhail portion of Temenos's chapter 3, I plan to do Hikari's chapter 4 in some fashion.
Disclaimer: Octopath Traveler II and its characters, locations, etc. Were made by Square Enix
Frozen Resolve
Alistair and Crick investigated the Sacred Guard HQ thoroughly, eventually finding a secret passage. It led them to a hidden archive where an open book lay upon the center of the table.
"This must be a hidden archive," Alistair said, looking around in mild curiosity. "Do you know anything about this, Crick?"
"We may be inside the Sacred Guard's forbidden archive." Crick went to inspect the book. "Hm? Why would Captain Kaldena have this in her possession?" he wondered aloud.
"What is it?" Alistair asked, referring to the book.
Crick's face paled as he looked at the contents. "These pages detail a shadowy rite. Unless I am mistaken, it must be—"
"The Book of Night. You are very perceptive," another voice rang out as Captain Kaldena, Deputy Cabaryi, and several other Sanctum Knights entered the room.
Alistair turned to face the Sacred Guard Captain. "Captain Kaldena, correct? I am Alistair, Knight of the Kingdom of Vella. I came with Crick to look into some suspicious activity. Do you by any chance know of the nature of the Book of Night?"
"Absolutely," Kaldena nodded. "And quite the incriminating piece of information that you and young Crick just came upon. As for the matter of Vella, I was told that a suspicious orange-haired swordsman stopped by a short while ago. I would be concerned for your nation's future if it turns out that King Lorian desires to expand his territory."
"I suppose such an accusation wouldn't be entirely unreasonable, given Vella's history with Ku," Alistair commented thoughtfully. He then shot a glare. "But I assure you that King Lorian isn't so foolish as to attempt to conquer West and East Solistia. Vella only has military strength enough for defense, and to render aid to other kingdoms. Now, will you tell us about the Book of Night?"
"I think not," Kaldena chuckled darkly. "But my regards to that hound friend of yours." She signaled her squad to draw their blades. "Alistair, I heard that you are one of Vella's most skilled knights. This shall be interesting. And Crick, you are to be let go."
"You mean I am dismissed?" Crick asked, puzzled.
"In a manner of speaking," said the Deputy, Cabaryi, with a sadistic smile. "You both know too much."
Alistair shook his head in disbelief. "So, the corruption within the Sacred Guard's ranks extended even to the Captain herself." He drew his sword, turning to Crick. "This situation may seem hopeless, but we can overcome it, together." He pointed his sword at Kaldena. "Captain Kaldena, for interfering with an official investigation and dabbling in forbidden shadow magic, prepare to face judgment."
"And prepare to meet your doom, Knight of Vella. I haven't forgotten the scandal between one of my fellow Sanctum Knights and that silly, overemotional noble," Cabaryi sneered, drawing her blade.
Kaldena signaled her men to charge at Alistair and Crick. Alistair cut down a Sanctum Knight and parried another attack while Crick unleashed a wave of light from his blade, downing another of Kaldena's men. Alistair dueled his opponent for a moment before disarming and cutting him down.
"We must get to safety," Alistair said to Crick as he cut down another of Kaldena's men.
Crick nodded and started to back away.
"Leaving so soon?" Cabaryi cast Icewind at Crick and Alistair, staggering them slightly. Alistair recovered and engaged Cabaryi in a duel while Crick fought off two more of Kaldena's men to try to make his retreat.
Alistair dodged as Cabaryi cast Luminous before jabbing back, staggering the Deputy backward. Cabaryi recovered and magically powered a poisonous shield. "Go ahead, pretty boy, try to strike me down," she taunted.
Alistair knew that to persist in a duel with the Sacred Guard Captain's Deputy would likely be suicide, so he tossed a light spellstone to temporarily blind Cabaryi, allowing him to make his escape with Crick. Kaldena and her remaining men chased after them.
As Alistair and Crick exited the archive, cutting down two more guards as they hurried to escape the building, three more intercepted them at the exit.
"I fear that our efforts may be for naught," Crick said uncertainly.
"Not necessarily so." Alistair cast a wave of light from his sword, knocking down the guards blocking the way. The Vellan Knight commented, "I daresay this is the first time I've had to make full use of my skills."
"Impressive display," Kaldena, Cabaryi, and their remaining guards caught up, "but unfortunately, the party is over."
Alistair turned. "Captain Kaldena." He gripped his blade. "No matter how you and the likes of the Moonshade Order may try to hide the truth, it is bound to come out, one way or another," he said determinedly.
"We'll see about that," Cabaryi smirked, darting at Alistair again. Alistair parried a slash and kicked back, following with a slash of his own. Cabaryi dodged and slashed back. Crick tried to help Alistair, only for Kaldena to cast a strong wave of darkness, blasting both Alistair and Crick backward.
Alistair fell back into the snow. "So, already you wield the vile power of the Shadow, Captain."
Kaldena nodded. "Precisely." She walked towards Alistair.
Crick, who had also fallen, got back onto his feet and rushed at Kaldena, driving her back with a slash. Kaldena dodged and stabbed Crick near the shoulder, staggering the younger Knight back.
"Agh," Crick gasped, clutching his wound. "Why are you doing this?"
"Nothing too personal, I assure you," Kaldena said, blasting Crick with another wave of darkness, blowing him backward and severely injuring him with the raw power of her magic.
Alistair looked at where Crick had fallen and turned back to Kaldena. "You dishonorable dog!" He cast a Luminous Light spell to drive back the corrupt guards before grabbing Crick and heading to the inn.
"Captain, shall we give chase?" Cabaryi asked.
Kaldena shook her head. "That won't be necessary. You and a couple of others should be sufficient to finish the job, even should that meddling Inquisitor get involved."
Cabaryi nodded and returned to the passageway with two other guards. Kaldena and her remaining men gathered the Book of Night and headed away from Stormhail.
In the meantime, Alistair had managed to get Crick to the inn and went to an empty bedroom to lay him down. The young Sanctum knight gasped in pain. "Alistair... I thank you for accompanying me."
"It was no trouble," Alistair said. "Just save your strength. I will get Temenos. Castti would probably be better knowledgeable to treat your wounds, but she is accompanying Prince Hikari on an important mission to Castle Mei."
"I apologize..." Crick gasped in pain. "But this dark magic is too strong..." His body lapsed. "I have done what I can... The rest is up to you, and the Inquisitor."
Just then, Temenos, Ochette, and Priscilla came into the room.
"What happened?" Priscilla asked, worried.
"Crick," Temenos rushed to his friend's bedside.
Crick looked one last time at the group. "There is a passage... that leads to the Sacred Guard's Forbidden Archive. I think... they plan to do something with the Book of Night." He slowly drew his last breath. "Farewell, everyone."
Temenos bowed his head in grief as Crick let go of his life. "You did well, Crick. I swear to you that there will be a reckoning."
Priscilla placed a comforting hand on Temenos' shoulder. "Did the Sacred Guard do this?"
Temenos nodded solemnly. "Yes. There is no doubting the extent of their corruption."
After moving Crick's body to be prepared for burial, the group retired to their rooms for the night.
At dawn, in the cold dungeon of Castle Mei, Hikari, Agnea, Osvald, and Castii were locked up by Rai Mei and her guards, who had sworn allegiance to Mugen out of fear.
As Hikari meditated in his cell, resigned to his fate, a man with a blond mohawk and blue robes approached and unlocked the door.
The prince stopped meditating and looked up. "Kunzo."
Kunzo bowed apologetically. "Forgive me, my prince. Clan Mei has been living in fear of King Mugen. Lady Rai has already told you of her plan to have you executed, correct?"
"She did." Hikari nodded. "You are one of her retainers. Why are you releasing me?"
Kunzo's expression was grim. "Because Lady Rai is not as resolute about Mugen's tyrannical reign as she appears. I request that you liberate her from her fear."
"I will do what I can." Hikari nodded understandingly. "Please, release my companions as well."
Kunzo nodded, and the nearby guards freed Castii, Osvald, and Agnea, returning their equipment.
"Thank you for helping us," Agnea said to Kunzo.
"It was simply the right thing to do. Are you Prince Hikari's attendants?" Kunzo asked, looking at the group curiously. "I saw how you fought together earlier."
"They are my traveling companions," Hikari replied. "Where is Rai Mei now?"
"At the gallows," Kunzo replied.
Hikari nodded and started for the gallows tower with his group. Osvald commented, "I must admit, I felt a bit disappointed at how easily we were released. I had planned to use salt from any food or drink we were given to wear out the bars of the cell doors as part of an escape plan I formulated last night."
"That would have taken too much time," Hikari replied. "Why didn't you use your magic to help us escape?"
Osvald cleared his throat in embarrassment. "I couldn't use magic the last time I was in prison, so I didn't think of it."
"Well, no use crying over spilled milk now," Agnea said cheerfully. "We're ready to speak with Lady Mei, right? I don't know if we can get her to listen after what she did."
"Her actions are driven by fear. Perhaps I can help her overcome it," Hikari said thoughtfully.
They entered a chamber in the gallows tower where a young woman with brown hair, dressed in brown clothing with a fur mantle and a blue sash, stood with a few guards.
"Prince Hikari." Rai Mei was surprised to see the prince out of his cell. "How did you escape?"
"Your retainer freed us," Hikari replied calmly.
Rai Mei shook her head. "I will have to have a stern talk with him," she said, as though Kunzo had left the armory door open rather than freeing powerful prisoners.
"Lady Rai, although I have no love for war, will you reconsider lending your aid to Prince Hikari?" Castii asked hopefully.
"Enough!" Rai Mei brandished her Levin Spear, glaring. "I cannot back down."
Hikari hesitated before drawing his sword. "Will you not reconsider? Mugen relies on fear and force to control those under his rule, but together we can overpower him. I've already gathered other allies for our cause."
"You understand nothing," Rai Mei said, blinking away a tear. She summoned a thunderbolt at Hikari, who dodged and countered with a twin slash. Rai Mei barely dodged and retaliated with a thunderstrike. Hikari deftly avoided the attack and struck with a slash, which Rai Mei sidestepped before thrusting her spear at Hikari, driving him back.
Osvald conjured a fireball, aiming for Rai Mei's hand, causing her to drop the spear. As she reached for it, Agnea knocked her backward with a kick.
"Rai Mei, together, we can return peace to Ku. Will you join my cause?" Hikari implored.
Rai Mei sighed deeply, conflicted between her duty and Hikari's words. "Your mother was every bit as kind as you, Prince Hikari. But do you know how she died?"
"What are you insinuating?" Hikari asked.
Rai Mei blinked away tears as guilt caught up with her. "Lady Kura's death was orchestrated by Mugen, who was a general at the time. You were also targeted by my brother, Jin Mei, and his assassins."
"How awful! Why would Mugen do that?" Agnea asked, repulsed.
"I don't know, but it may have been because of King Jigo's change of heart or Lady Kura's bloodline," Rai Mei replied.
"The bloodline of Alferic..." Osvald pondered. "So, Prince Hikari and Queen Kura were part of the Lumina Clan, like Rita and Elena?"
Rai Mei nodded, breaking down into tears. "My brother didn't want to be part of this, but Mugen would have butchered Clan Mei if he refused. Jin pledged our loyalty to Mugen. Now that you know, please, end it. Kill me where I stand."
Hikari sheathed his sword. "There has been enough bloodshed today. I trust you to do what you believe is right, Rai."
Rai Mei was speechless. "What must I do, then?"
"Come to the Gala at Merry Hills after I visit my mom's hometown," Agnea offered. "A change of scenery might help clear your doubts. Keep your chin up, Lady Mei."
Rai Mei pondered the invitation. "I could use some stress relief. What about the rest of you?"
"I shall accompany Agnea to her mother's hometown and might attend the Gala myself," Hikari said.
"I'm just tagging along to help," Castii said.
"Same here," Osvald added.
"I will go to the Gala and decide whether to side with Prince Hikari," Rai Mei said. "When is it?"
Agnea gave her the information, and the group left the castle.
Back at the main city of Stormhail, Alistair, Priscilla, Temenos, Ochette and Sabrina had breakfast at the tavern before heading to the Sacred Guard HQ. As they headed for the passageway, Priscilla and Ochette noticed Temenos had been uncharacteristically quiet and tense since last night. Alistair was similarly quiet, but even more driven than he was, last night.
"Things just got all serious all of a sudden, will Alis and Temmy be okay?" Ochette asked, curious"That guy, Crick was really important to Temmy, wasn't he?"
"In a sense." Temenos put in, calmly, setting aside his anger at the Sacred Guard for what they did"I suppose you could say I cared for Crick as much as a Shepard cares for a stray member of his flock."
"I underestimated Captain Kaldena and her deputy, I didn't think Kaldena was adept at dark power, nor did I take into account how far she might go in keeping the truth under wraps." Alistair said, grimly"Its possibly the first time I failed to protect someone. But now." He added resolutely"Since we know the Sacred Guard is up to something with the Book of Night, we shall bring Kaldena and her ilk to justice."
"My thoughts, exactly." Temenos said. Despite his own anger and grief at Kaldena for killing Crick, he kept a strong front as they walked.
They came to the Sacred Guard HQ and headed into the passageway. When they came to the room where Crick and Alistair had been ambushed, the Book of Night was no longer there.
Priscilla looked around"Looks like Kaldena already took the book."
"Very astute, Prosecutor Whiteshore." Came a voice. Deputy Cubaryi and three more Sacred Guard knights came into the room, having followed the group.
Priscilla turned to face the Sacred Guard Deputy"Why was Crick killed? He was one of your and Captain Kaldena's subordinates." She asked, barely keeping her temper in check.
Cubaryi smirked, wickedly"Heh, the silly boy and that Vellan Knight with you happened across some rather damaging information." She stated, coolly"He had to go, because the Book of Night contains an ancient rite that Captain Kaldena intends to carry out. Does that upset you so, hound?" She sneered at Temenos.
The usually jovial and calm Cleric narrowed his eyes, his hand gripping his staff, tightly"Well, now I have you, your schemes will be exposed to the light for all to see, Deputy Cabaryi. You crows in the Sacred Guard will answer for this treachery!" Temenos readied himself.
"And again, the hound bares its fangs." Cubaryi laughed, sadistically as she drew her sword"Give my regards to Crick in the afterlife, Hound."
"Why is that lady calling Temmy a hound, Prissy?" Ochette asked Priscilla, perplexed"I mean, dogs are wise, so I would have thought that was a compliment, but right now its confusing me."
"I have no idea. But now, its time to put an end to the Sacred Guard's taint and blasphemy." Priscilla turned tersely to Cubaryi"Deputy Cubaryi, as Prosecutor of Vella, I hereby place you under arrest! I am sure that whatever authority remains in the Church after the Pontiff's death will permit it."
"And I hereby place you deceased!" Cubaryi laughed manically as she cast a wave of darkness at Priscilla.
Temenos cast a protective shield on Priscilla, blunting the dark magic before casting Holy Light at Cabaryi. Cubaryi countered with a wave of darkness and rushed in with a triple slash. Temenos dodged each one, striking back with his staff, driving the Deputy back. Alistair rushed in to slash at Cubaryi, who dodged and put a poison shield and nullifying shield on herself.
"And now, you shall fall. Meet the gods' judgment!" Cubaryi cast icewind and luminous at the group. Temenos healed his comrades while Priscilla and Sabrina cast powerful elemental magic, bursting through the Deputy's shield.
Alistair charged again, prompting Cubaryi to block. Priscilla took this chance to cast a fireball, blasting the Deputy backwards. Temenos swung hard with his staff to knock Cubaryi backwards long enough for Alistair to strike a mortal blow, bringing the Deputy to her knees. Sabrina and Ochette had meanwhile dealt with the remaining guards.
"It is over, Cubaryi. Where is Kaldena?" Temenos asked in a calm voice.
Cubaryi scoffed"Like I'd tell you... Besides, you are too late." The Deputy laughed weakly and collapsed to the ground.
"That ought to be atonement enough for me failing to keep Crick safe." Alistair put his blade away.
"But where could Kaldena have gone?" Priscilla frowned.
Temenos considered their next move"Well, I know for certain that Kaldena was responsible for the Pontiff's murder and Vados's death. All we need do not is search for her."
"She could have gone anywhere." Priscilla said"We don't have time to search the whole world before she carries out whatever rite she intends to perform with the Book of Night."
"Actually." Temenos grasped his chin, thoughtfully"We won't need to. Kaldena can't go to the Leaflands, that's where Timberain and the Crimson Sun's headquarters, are. And she surely wouldn't wish to stray into the Hinouema region, while Mugen is preparing for war and the Arcane Brigade of Vella's military is poised to combat any impending threats. The Wildlands isn't too likely, either, and Merry Hills wouldn't make for much of a hiding place. And I doubt she'd have anything to gain from Montwise."
"You already know where she is going then?" Priscilla asked.
Temenos winked"I deduce from the possibilities and unlikeliness of each one that she may be headed for the Toto'haha region. If she were to venture to Vella, the flak the Sacred Guard have received from them would ensure that she wouldn't get a warm welcome."
"So, she's going to Toto'haha island?" Ochette asked.
"Someone close to it, I daresay. There may be a region we have yet to explore, there." Temenos said.
"Then let's head back to New Delsta." Said Alistair.
The group started to head out of Stormhail when Hikari's group caught up. Hikari looked at Temenos"How did everything fare on your end?"
"A swing and a miss, Crick is dead, but I have deduced that Kaldena is responsible for much of what has transpired on my investigation." Temenos replied"And what of you, Hikari?"
"I managed to speak with Rai Mei, she needs time to consider her stance in the matter in regards to dealing with Mugen." Hikari replied"As of now, I plan to accompany Agnea to her mother's hometown, and then later to Merry Hills to attend a Gala."
Temenos smiled, knowingly"If I didn't know any better, I would say you and Agnea are on a date."
"Its not like that." Agnea insisted, embarrassed.
"I agree. And by any chance the two of you are available after Kaldena is brought to justice, would you be willing to join us at Merry Hills?" Hikari asked.
"That sounds lovely." Priscilla nodded.
"Indeed, it does, we shall once this business with the Sacred Guard's corruption is over." said Temenos.
The group returned to New Delsta, making small talk as they went.
Well, this is a good place to wrap up this chapter. The end of Temenos's storyline is coming, as is Agnea and Hikari's visit to Sai.