(As the day continues in the Lockheart Kingdom, Princess Lunafreya arrives in the Uesugi Sector to attend their clan's mass wake for their recently departed. Lunafreya is then greeted with a deep hug by her half-sister Willow.)
Lunafreya: Hello little sister. I've been wondering how you've been. I heard about what happened to our families' original village.
Willow: It was like it came out of a nightmare if I'm being completely honest, Freya. (She says as she hugs Lunafreya as tight as she can.)
Lunafreya: Do you find father?
Willow: No...All we saw everyone's burning bodies. The ones that weren't burning from the fire, their bodies were dismembered by that man and his twin brother. I don't think I'll ever be able to forget the look on his face. The first one we found, he literally picked up a piece of chipped lumber and threw it effortlessly through three of our cousins, sister. He slaughtered every single one of them with a smile on his face...It was a literal nightmare.
(As Willow recollects this very traumatic incident, Lunafreya can't help but to sheds tears as she tightens up her fists in a fit of fury.)
Lunafreya: Listen to me and listen good. I swear to you that we will put an end to them, little sister! I swear it.
(She says puts her head on Willow as they both continue to cry. While do this, on the other side of the entrance to the sector, Kol walks off after hearing Lunafreya's heartfelt declaration. He later meets with their mother at the wake, who then proceeds to wrap her right arm him.)
Katherine: Do you think they are gonna be alongside Mikael when he finally emerges to seize the last piece of the cube?
Kol: I can guarantee it. I know they have to be associated with that Archmage. They have to be, I'm certain of it.
Katherine: Parts of me keeps telling me that he wasn't at the village when it happened. Something tells me that he didn't die by the fire.
Kol: Parts of me wishes the same. However, I cannot shake the fact that he's gone. All we can do hope that he's still there. One thing I do know is certain, is that I will not stop until I have the heads of everyone involved. I do not care what part of is taken on this quest. They must pay.
(As Kol says this, Ken arrives with the entirety of his clan, The Kitsugu, to give honor to their fallen.)
Ken: If it's revenge you seek, then use as you see fit. If one dares strike one of you, then they mean us harm too. You are not alone, nor should you face it alone. (He says as he walks towards Kol.) Let me have your back, I've lost count how many times you've had mine.
Katherine: Thank you all for coming. It truly does feel a bit more like home having so many familiar faces.
(As Katherine says this, she gives Ken a good soft hug while members of the Kitsugu clan goes and lays flowers the brought. Meanwhile, Kate enters the conference room to meet Mason with the sudden arrival of the Regional Council in regard to The Bloody Crow's capture. As she sits, Mason welcomes the council.)
Mason: Why it is my pleasure to host such a wonderful gathering. I am pleased to know you received my message and that your travel here was seamless.
Councilman Theodore: While it is always a pleasure to visit your beautiful Kingdom, however, there are more important matters to attend to.
Councilwoman Lauren: Yes, it for instance, why weren't we informed as soon as you had The Bloody Crow in your custody? As you both well know, The Bloody Crow is number three on the blacklist.
Councilwoman Jude: You may explain.
Kate: I will begin by saying please excuse my tardiness. I was not aware of your decision to make an appearance. I was just telling Mason that currently isn't the best time to involved you on the matter.
Councilman Theodore: Oh? And why is that?
Kate: Because we are preparing for an attack any moment now from a new threat. An Archmage who seeks to obtain the Perfect Cube artifact.
Councilman Damien: The Perfect Cube? Isn't that being protected in the safety of the Grand Cities?
Kate: Not anymore. Just a few days ago, the four of the five Grand Cities were attacked by Ragnarock. Just a few moments ago now, Stephen and Mori were successful in retrieving the last piece of the cube. We have it stored in our archives now. And in response to Dante, he had knowledge about this new threat that I deem vital if we were to successfully protect not only our region but the continent if not the world. Surely, you can see why I hesitated to bring you all in?
Councilwoman Lauren: Okay, I think we are in agreement that yes, now isn't the best time to talk, but we must come to a decision in regards to Dante.
Mason: I agree. He should be sentenced to death for the numerous murders that he's committed over the years underneath that mask.
Councilman Damien: I second that option.
Councilwoman Lauren: So do I.
Kate: Can we slow down just a moment.
Mason: For what reason my Queen? This is an easy decision. Do not let your motherly feelings get in the way of this. He is just as much a threat as Mikael and Ragnarock are.
Kate: You are wrong.
Councilwoman Jude: Do you know something we do not? If so, please enlighten us, your Majesty.
Kate: Just a few moments ago, I was with Dante in his cell where he gave me access his mind and allowed me to see his memories.
Mason: You're joking? Why on earth would he do that?
Kate: Because he trusts me.
Councilman Theodore: Well what did you learn?
Kate: A lot. Moreover, I learn what really took place in Nanbu District.
Councilman Theodore: Go on.
Kate: Apparently there is this old following, a group of people who praise and worship a deity known as Amatsu Mikaboshi. This also goes in hand with the true purpose of Lenneth and The Bloody Crow which is to combat this cult that wishes to resurrect their god.
Mason: This is nonsense! Do you really expect us to believe this? This is ludicrous!
Kate: If you cannot take me at my word, then allow me to show you everything that I witnessed.
(As Kate says this, she does a quick spell that shows and proves everything that she has told them so far. Upon gaining this knowledge, the council are taken away as they now begin to debate in regards to what to do with Dante. Back over in the Uesugi Sector, Stephen finally makes an appearance at the wake. He then walks up to Kol who is standing looking far in the distance.)
Stephen: My sincerest condolences, Kol. I had planned to be here much sooner, but there was something keeping me back.
Kol: Don't worry. I was well informed about your task earlier today. So were you successful?
Stephen: I was. Mori was tasked to lock it up in the archives.
Kol: I know I was gone for awhile and I've never personally met Mori, but something tells me he's not on our side.
Stephen: What? I'll admit, I don't know much about him, but however, in the time that I've known him he's been very reliable and he's always had my back when on the battlefield. Not to mention his very unique ability to manipulate time.
Kol: I would imagine that he very much capable of handling himself, but just how well do you know him, Stephen?
Stephen: All I'm aware of is that father personally taught him. Which is something I find a bit odd given the fact that I don't remember him growing up. So I wonder when did father have the time?
Kol: There are so many unknown and yet we are to prepare for an upcoming battle over one of the most powerful of artifacts known to man? Believe me when I say I could a break.
Stephen: You and me both.
Kol: Have you spoken to him since his capture?
Stephen: I saw him. We've said word, but we haven't talked.
Kol: Not gonna lie, I would like a word with him. Deep down, he still my friend. We've fought alongside each other for years, since we were kids. You remember, back in academy Dante was what everyone strived for! It wasn't a secret that he was the most gifted of us all. Despite that, I never once let up on my training. Have you?
Stephen: I just I'll just use this time to say that I haven't had much time to train as of late. (He says as he rubs his head.) I've been very busy, not to mention that I've been all over the place recently.
Kol: I figured as much.
(As Kol says this, Ken and Lunafreya joins in.)
Stephen: Lunafreya. You're here?
Lunafreya: Yes. I arrived earlier. Where were you?
Stephen: Clearing my mind.
Ken: The timing of this all is very strange. Seems like this was planned way in advance. Good thing you were able to buy us some time to at allow Kol and his family time to mourn.
Lunafreya: I've just had a really crazy thought. With this impending battle on the horizon, are your parents going to allow Dante to fight?
Ken: No way. There's no way that's happening.
Kol: We could use his strength, Ken.
Ken: Are joking me? He'd run away the first chance he got to save his own skin.
Lunafreya: I'm not so sure about that.
Stephen: Yeah, Dante isn't like that. He would probably want revenge on this guy. But I doubt they would free him.
(As Stephen says this, Willow runs over to them.)
Willow: Guys! Do any of you sense that energy?
Stephen: What?
(Back in the Conference room, Kate leaves and makes her way outside on the steps of the palace. Elsewhere, still on the same cliff, Mikael is now joined by Galan, Rai and Kai, as well as the entirety of Ragnarock.)
Mikael: Shall we go?
Azura: About time, I was to think we wasn't gonna do this.
Galan: Ready when you are.
Mikael: Good. Then before we start, please allow me to greet our hostess. You all have your places.
(As Mikael says this, he immediately teleports to the gate of The Lockheart Kingdom where he is met by Kate.)
Mikael: Well hello, your Majesty. I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting yet. My name is Mikael.