(As few days pass in the Lockheart Kingdom, as several of the citizens are helping each other out as they slowly repair the remaining damage sustained during the battle with Mikael as a majority of it was restored by the mages of Ataria and the Queen herself, Kate Lockheart. Over in the Uesugi Sector, Kol is sitting in a chair as he is lost in thought, repeating everything he has seen and learned during this entire conflict. It's a snap from his sister Willow that gets him out of it.)
Willow: What were you daydreaming about? The night in the village?
Kol: About everything.
Willow: You don't think what Rai said about our father and clan is true do you, Kol?
Kol: I know they are. I've asked mother and she confirmed them. I've also read our clan's history books and while the tale of them wiping out their village isn't in there, there are more than enough other stories like that throughout it that makes it true.
Willow: So what are you thinking about?
Kol: Revenge...
Willow: Kol, you can't just sit here in wallow in your rage. That isn't healthy.
Kol: Trust me, I know but I just can't let it go. I want them to pay, I need them too, Willow. Whatever it takes we must take back our father's medallion. We can't allow them to taint it any further.
Willow: Look. I agree with everything that you're saying brother, but you must know that the Queen won't allow you to go on this quest. It is too dangerous for you alone.
Kol: But I won't be alone. I'll have you by my side.
Willow: Kol, it is no secret that you are built much better than I for battle. You saw it during the battle against them. I was of no help. I think I should stay behind and continue with my training.
Kol: If that is what you want then so be it, little sister.
Willow: If you are truly serious about reclaiming our families' medallion, then I urge you to plead your case with the Queen. I'm sure that she'll say yes once she sees your conviction.
Kol: I'll think about it, Willow.
(Elsewhere within the Kingdom, Stephen walks through the streets to try and clear his mind after Mason's sudden betrayal. While he walks down the streets, it feels as if everyone's eyes are peeled solely on him as he hears every whisper said as he walks by as he holds his head down in unending shame. It's here as he turns a corner that he accidentally walks into a young woman with brown hair and green eyes carrying a bunch of groceries and supplies.)
Stephen: Oh! My apologies!
Anna: No it's fine, really it is.
(As Anna says this, she looks up to see its Prince Stephen.)
Anna: Oh...You're the prince.
Stephen: Yes. Please allow me to help you. You have a ton of things here.
Anna: Ah yes! I'm gathering food and supplies for my sister and grandfather.
(As she says this, Stephen picks up most of Anna's things.)
Stephen: I see. Where are you staying? I'll bring your things to your home.
Anna: Oh no, my apologies Prince Stephen.
Stephen: Please, call me Stephen.
Anna: Very well, Stephen. I must tell you that I'm not from here. I only traveled here because I knew everything my grandfather requested would be here. I have a carriage nearby if you wouldn't mind?
Stephen: Of course not. Lead the way.
(As Stephen and Anna continue to her carriage, they share a couple of glances at one another.)
Stephen: So tell me where are you from?
Anna: Well my family originates from The Labyrinth Kingdom, but as me and my sister Sarah got older we moved to the countryside of Aldana where my grandfather's shop is located.
Stephen: Aldana? That's only an hour and a half from here. It's one of the estates of the Lockheart Kingdom.
Anna: I'm aware, Stephen.
(She says laughing as they approach her carriage.)
Anna: Well this is it. Thank you for your help, Stephen.
Stephen: Please this was nothing. I'm glad to be of use.
Anna: Oh I trust me, I know of your feats around here. The people of Aldana and around all speak to your glory.
(As Anna says this, Stephen passes the last of the groceries to Anna as she puts it in the carriage.)
Anna: I wish the old man would just do this himself instead of having me do it.
Stephen: Well he is your grandfather correct? I'm sure it would take a lot out of him to journey out this far.
Anna: You do not know my grandad. It would take a snap of the fingers for him to get what he needs and be gone. Trust me, he's just lazy when it comes to the normal things in life.
Stephen: Well I'll take your word for it.
Anna: Thank you for your help again.
(As Anna says this, she starts to enter the carriage, but she turns around to Stephen.)
Anna: I know you don't know me, but I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for your loss.
Stephen: My loss?
Anna: Your father, the former King. I know he isn't dead, but I wanted to express my condolences.
Stephen: Please, it isn't necessary.
Anna: Please listen. While it may not feel like it at this moment, but everyone here and in the nearby estates of the Lockheart Kingdom all appreciates everything you and your family have done to protect them. Just continue to show them your fiery fist and they'll know that you'll always have their backs. They will forget all about your father's transgressions. I can guarantee it.
Stephen: Thank you. I needed to hear that.
Anna: You're welcome, Prince Stephen. Consider it payment for helping me. So long!
(As Anna says this, she gets into the carriage and rides away.)
Stephen: I just realized I never got her name. Nevertheless, I should get back to the palace.
(As Stephen heads back to the palace, elsewhere Dante arrives at Crow's Perch. Almost immediately as he is walking, Kitara appears in front of him.)
Kitara: So you finally decided to come back?
Dante: You'll excuse me Kitara, but after the battle had concluded I decided to get some rest. Put some food in my belly. Just because I am here walking and talking doesn't mean that was easy.
Kitara: I didn't say that it was easy. However, I will say that it would've been a lot easier if you would've let us help you.
Dante: It would've been a mistake.
(As Dante says this he continues to walk towards Lenneth's study.)
Kitara: Would you care to explain why? Or will you continue to ignore me?
Dante: I am not ignoring you, Kitara. I had a plan and its success hinged on me doing it on my own. Simply put, if I had done it with help it would've made things much harder.
Kitara: I know you to know that I'm not just some sidekick you can call upon and then tell to stand in the corner to do nothing. I'm beginning to wonder if you're taking my allegiance for granted.
Dante: Kitara, I can assure you that I do not take you for granted.
Kitara: Then why leave us here in Crow's Perch?
Dante: Just let me get to Lenneth and I'll explain everything to you. I didn't do this to spite you...Honestly.
(As Dante says this, he enters Lenneth's study to see her talking with an old associate, Kura Hata.)
Lenneth: Dante...
Kura: We were just talking about you.
Dante: Kura? Just what are you doing here?
Kura: I was just telling Lenneth what I saw take place within the Lockheart Kingdom and how you somehow managed to leave with the Astral Cube in your possession.
Dante: Just how do you know this? Oh...That's right, you can see anything you focus on with those eyes of yours.
Lenneth: Is it true what she says?
(As Lenneth says this, Dante takes out the Astral Cube to all of their surprises. Kura and Kitara then get closer to get a better look.)
Kura: This is quite the reward, Dante. One that can't be handled just any kind of way. I'm sure you are aware of the power this cube holds.
Dante: I am.
Lenneth: So what did the Atarian Guard want? Surely they wouldn't have made an appearance if wasn't important.
Dante: They were paying attention to what was happening. As soon as Mikael fled, it was then I felt their presence.
Kitara: What did they want?
Dante: They intended to take the Astral Cube back to Ataria. Nora said that the higher-ups don't trust us Paras with such a powerful relic such as the Astral Cube.
Kitara: Who is Nora?
Dante: Apparently she's my aunt.
Lenneth: Yes, Nora.
Dante: You know her?
Lenneth: Yes. However, it's been decades since I last saw her.
Dante: Just what else do you know about my family, Lenneth? One thing I've kept hearing from Mason and my mother calling you out by name. And I don't mean by reputation, I mean like familiarity. Like they know you.
Lenneth: This is another conversation for a later date, Dante.
Dante: I don't think so, Lenneth.
Lenneth: Careful Dante. You're strong and highly skilled. Not to mention you're in possession of one of the most powerful artifacts in the world if not the universe. I say that to say this, watch your tone and remember just who you're talking to.
Kitara: It's not that serious, Lenneth!
Lenneth: And this is where I tell you to mind your place in this conversation. If you did, you'd realize just how stupid you sounded just now.
Dante: Where is Marcy, Kitara?
Kitara: She's in the mountains. Why do you ask?
Dante: Because I think it's time we left Crow's Perch. There is still the task of killing that traitorous bastard Mason, among other things of course. Gather your things.
(As Dante says this, Kitara nods as she leaves to get Marcy. Shortly after this, Dante leaves after her. Following this, Kura turns to Lenneth.)
Kura: Care to tell me why you haven't told him everything yet? He has a right to know everything pertaining to your history with his mother and his life.
Lenneth: Don't you think that I'm fully aware of that?
Kura: Well with how you speak to him, I'm not quite so sure.
Lenneth: Enough Kura. I do not wish to speak of this anymore.
Kura: Very well, Lenneth. I'll be taking my leave.
Lenneth: You'll be journeying back to Onfroy?
Kura: Not after I speak to Dante.
Lenneth: I see. Thank you, Kura.
Kura: There is no need to thank me. I know how you are with him. I'll make sure he knows you don't withhold things from him out of malice.
Lenneth: Safe travels, Kura.
Kura: Don't be a crow standing on my window seal, Lenneth.
(This causes Lenneth to chuckle a bit.)
Lenneth: I'll try my best not to.
(As Lenneth says this, Kura leaves. In the hallway towards the training mountains, Dante catches up to Kitara.)
Dante: So just what is Marcy doing at the training mountains?
Kitara: It's where she and Sin train.
Dante: She's been training with Sin?
Kitara: Believe it or not, she's has taken a liking to Crow's Perch. There are people here her age that she can talk to. She also likes Lenneth and Sin tolerates her.
Dante: She does? What of her magic training with you?
Kitara: She's made some progress, but she's mainly been focusing on her hand to hand combat.
Dante: So I take it she hasn't made any contact with her Fox Spirit?
Kitara: Unfortunately not. She says that she isn't ready yet, that her fighting skills should be her current focus.
Dante: Well if it's martial arts training she needs then I'll train her myself.
Kitara: That's odd. I thought you didn't care about her?
Dante: Don't make anything big out of this, Kitara. She's in our care is she not?
Kitara: Actually, no. You said to make her my apprentice and I did.
Dante: Must you be so specific all the time?
Kitara: Now that you have the Astral Cube, just what do you plan on doing with it?
Dante: I'm not sure yet.
Kitara: Just how did you obtain it?
Dante: With Karasu's help. While I was in a cell, I instructed him to replace the pieces of the cube and bring them to me. It was in my cell that I constructed it and I began to meditate with its essences.
Kitara: How did it feel? Having the astral essence flow through your mind?
Dante: It was a soothing feeling almost. It's like I felt it not only cleanse my head but expand my mind. My thinking. I don't know, I can't explain it.
(As Dante says this, they reach outside to where Marcy and Sin are sparring against each other. After seeing Dante approach, they suddenly stop and greet them.)
Sin: Well count me unimpressed. I knew you'd somehow find your way out of that mess.
Dante: Well I've heard you've taken a liking to Kitara's student.
Marcy: Sin has been teaching his fighting style while you were away. He's been like a big brother!
Dante: A big brother you say? Isn't that something?
Sin: Say another word and I'll slit your throat, Dante.
Dante: Haha!
Marcy: What brings you back? Are we leaving?
Kitara: We are.
Dante: But if you wish to stay it'll be your choice. Kitara has told me that you've grown comfortable here.
Marcy: Yeah I have, but I want to go with you. I made a deal with Kitara, so I'll be leaving with you.
Kitara: Okay then. Gather your things and we'll go.
(As Marcy teleports away, Sin and Dante shake hands.)
Kitara: I appreciate you dealing with Marcy. I know she can be a handful at times.
Sin: Think nothing of it. She wasn't a problem.
(Kitara smiles and nods as she leaves.)
Dante: She reminds you of Camille, doesn't she?
Sin: She does. For a moment it felt like she was her.
Dante: We'll find the person responsible, Sin. I'll make sure you'll have his head in honor of your sister. I haven't forgotten.
Sin: I know you haven't. See you soon friend.
Dante: Right.
(As Dante says this, he makes his way to the entrance of Crow's Perch where Kitara and Marcy await him. Kitara then creates a portal as they return to Dante's hideout in the Tonkin Mountains. Hours later into the night, Dante and Kitara walk downstairs to the Underground Lake of Rejuvenating Waters.)
Dante: Earlier you asked me what I plan to do with the Astral Cube and I think I may have an idea.
Kitara: What's your idea?
Dante: For once in my life, I don't know. I will admit that even I am surprised that I managed to pull this off.
Kitara: Excuse me if this sound a bit blunt, but that isn't an answer.
Dante: Well, I don't plan on using it as a weapon, Kitara. That will only bring the eyes I just got rid of back onto me. I don't need to be public enemy number one.
Kitara: I'm sorry, but I had to ask. This isn't just some toy you can play with. You can do some real damage with this, Dante. So I have to be sure I know what your plan is with it. I need to know that I'm not aiding in the destruction of the world.
Dante: Do you think me capable of doing such?
Kitara: Let's not act dumb shall we? You and I both know just how smart you are. Let's not pretend that having the Astral Cube in your hands isn't the greatest gift someone could give you.
(As Kitara says this, Dante puts his hands behind his back as he slowly walks towards Kitara.)
Dante: And there you are again...Telling me everything that I already know about myself. I've always said that no one knows me like you, but there are times that I doubt those words. I don't seek world destruction or even world domination. I simply want to kill the man who took everything from me and tried to have me killed!
Kitara: And can you honestly say that you need the Astral Cube to do that?!?
(As Kitara says this, Dante takes a moment to answer.)
Dante: Of course I don't need it to kill him! I can admit that. Do you think am I strong enough to deal with the likes of Mikael, The Chaos Brothers Rai and Kai, but also The Order of Amatsu as I am now, Kitara? The answer is no. The spell I had you do, didn't undo the spell of my mother, and I don't blame you for that. My mother is a genius when it comes to magic and I have no doubt I'll be saying the same about Marcy one day. I just want you to realize that nothing has changed. Even with everything that has happened, I am still in the same spot! You ask me if I need the Astral Cube to kill Mason? No, but I do need it and its knowledge to vanquish anyone who dares stand against us. I need to know, right now...Do you still trust me, Kitara?
Kitara: It's not that I don't trust you, I'm just unsure of the outcome of this. Having that level of knowledge and awareness is dangerous.
Dante: I need an answer.
Kitara: Yes...I still trust you. (She takes Dante's hand.) I'll always trust you, Dante. Despite your hard head and your stubbornness, you are the only person I can trust to have my back. Every time I was ever on my back, you were there to pick me up...Even if you didn't want to you.
(As Kitara says this, she gazes into Dante's silver eyes as does he look into hers. Dante then rubs his hand along Kitara's cheek. As Dante goes in for a kiss, Kitara goes in as well, but stops before it happens.)
Kitara: I'm sorry, Dante.
(As Kitara says this, suddenly clapping is heard as Eden comes around from the corner with a smile on her face.)
Eden: Wow, Kitara. You almost had me fooled. She certainly had you fooled.
(As Eden says this, Kitara leaves and heads back upstairs.)
Dante: How long have you been there?
Eden: The entire time. You two certainly know how to put on a show. First, you two were are on the same side then she questions you and your intentions.
Dante: Enough Eden.
Eden: Then she tells you that you're the only one for her only to leave you dissatisfied in the end.
(As Eden says this, Dante takes her hands and he pushes Eden up against the wall.)
Dante: I said enough!
Eden: I told you. You should just stop chasing after her. She doesn't want you the way you want her.
Dante: And what should I do then? Run back to you? You left me for dead remember?
(Eden then gets in Dante's face.)
Eden: I remember telling you that I couldn't control myself! I tried to stop, but it- They kept pulling me towards them! You were there in Nanbu. You felt their presence, their power. So believe me when I say, I had no control back then.
(After saying this, they both take a moment to cool off.)
Eden: You know, that entire time you never decided what you're going to do with the Astral Cube.
Dante: And what do you think I should do?
Eden: I think you should do nothing.
Dante: Do nothing?
Eden: Think about it. You have one of the most revered relics known in the universe. I think you should take this time to think. If what I heard was true, you're a free man now. I think the first thing you should do is to think ahead. Like you told Kitara earlier, there are still many issues that lie unresolved. Mikael, Mason, The Chaos Brothers. Not to mention The Order of Amatsu, they are all still lingering in the shadows.
Dante: You're right. I guess I'll just leave this at bottom of the lake until then.
Eden: Are you sure about this?
Dante: I am. This place, this entire area, has been cloaked with Kitara's magic. It's perfectly safe here.
(As Dante says this, they both make their way up the stairs.)
Dante: So what brings you here, Eden?
Eden: I was in the area and I had heard of what happened. I figured I visit you. I will say that you've turned this place into something. It was never this detailed and I certainly don't remember there being an underground lake.
Dante: It was a necessary requirement. Now, tell me why you're really here.
Eden: Always so serious. Do you ever just take a moment and enjoy it?
Dante: That's impossible when you're around.
Eden: Well then if it's fun you want then how about I sleep in your room?
Kitara: Are you always this easy to get into bed with, Eden?
Eden: Say that again and I'll cut off your fingers, little girl.
Kitara: Funny. You're so cute when you're angry. I can see why Dante fell for you, among other things.
Dante: Cut it out you two.
Eden: I'll just sleep in the room down the hall.
Kitara: That's Marcy's room now. I'm afraid you'll have to sleep outside.
Eden: What? Why is the fox brat here? I thought she was a student of my mother's
Kitara: No, she's mine.
Dante: You can take my bed for tonight.
Eden: Will you be joining me?
Dante: No. I'll be spending the night behind the waterfall. I honestly don't think I can handle dealing with the both of you tonight.
(As Dante says this, he makes his way outside, he is then met by Kura standing by a fire.)
Dante: Did Lenneth send you?
Kura: No. I came here of my volition. I wanted to talk with you before I headed back to Onfroy.
Dante: Well talk.
Kura: I saw what you were doing with the Astral Cube back when you were in your cell. You were resonating with it. Trying to match its frequency.
Dante: Just how do you know that?
Kura: If I were to guess, it was to free your mind of your affliction from your run-in with Chaos. Lenneth told me what happened after she brought you and Eden back from Nanbu.
Dante: And why do you care if I'm trying to clear my head? It's my mind and my decision.
Kura: Rightfully so. I only bring it up because there is a route do what you're trying to accomplish. Do you still have the location I gave you in Onfroy?
Dante: I don't. It was lost in the battle. What does my clan's old village have to do with anything?
Kura: From what I've seen of the battle, I do know that you've activated your Shuketsugan. Back in that village holds books, scriptures of the many things that those eyes of yours can do. One of those abilities being to enter people's minds. That includes your own with practice.
Dante: You mean that I could learn to jump into my own subconscious?
Kura: Yes. I suggest before you continue your hunt that you do this first. You do not want to keep that Chaos within you. The longer it stays, the more you'll crave it.
Dante: What do you mean?
Kura: Amatsu's influence is stronger than you think. There are several different aspects of his teachings his followers chose to uphold. Some more sadistic than the last. If you come into contact with that level of Chaos then it can overtake you. So it best you free yourself and soon because you'll know when Chaos is near. You'll hear those voices in your head again. Calling out to you. If not by that, then you'll know by its red haze.
(As Kura says this, she takes out an envelope and hands it to Dante.)
Kura: I want you to know that Lenneth does care about you and deeply. All I ask is that you give her time, Dante. She's has already been there for you, longer than you've realized. Goodnight, Dante, and good luck.
(As Kura leaves, Karasu flies onto Dante's shoulder.)
Dante: Is what she says true?
Karasu: It is. You are from a very special bloodline, Dante. Perhaps it's time you take a trip to your family's village.
(Meanwhile somewhere on earth, in a large plain of grass, a small rift appears.)