wants Ash dead, and so Ash decides to duel. Kane also lets slip that Dolf is behind the recent turn of events. During the battle, Xeno shows up and taunts Kane's inability to kill Ash. Xeno says that if Kane pledges his soul to him, Xeno will give Kane the power to kill Ash. Kane says yes, and Xeno turns him into a soulless killing machine. Undead, Kane professes his hatred of Ash. With no alternatives, Ash finally lays Kane to rest. The party then heads out to Cobalt Beach, where Vandal Heart starts to war with Ash over his soul. Various voices call out to him, and only Ash can hear them. They are here at Cobalt Beach to link up with forces under the command of Clive. They beat back a small Imperial patrol. During the battle, Ash is still hearing the voices call out to him. After the battle, the voices become so overwhelming to Ash that he changes (much as Magnus did 3 years prior). Ash lashes out at Eleni, and Clive shows up. Zohar explains that Vandal Heart is vying for Ash's soul. The trauma of his childhood (being called the "son of a traitor") is manifesting itself through the sword. Ash blows the party back, and Clive tries to get Ash to calm down. Ash strikes Clive down. Ash then comes back to his senses as Clive lays dying. Ash implores Clive not to die, but Clive says it is for the best. He tells Ash what really happened to his father that day he was called a "traitor." Aldor (Ash's father) was protecting Arris the Sage, the very same Arris who was so instrumental in the founding of Ishtaria. Clive came to arrest Arris, as there was "evidence" that Arris was betraying the Liberation Army. Aldor and Clive fought, with Clive ultimately killing Aldor. Come to find out later, Aldor had indeed told the truth to Clive, but the man who could have been brought to justice died during the war. Clive tried to speak up, but by then the damage had been done. And Clive did not want to hurt the peace process, so he held his tongue for 18 years until now. Clive tells Ash that is father was no traitor. He implores Ash to forget the past and believe in himself. Clive then passes out from the pain. The party