Having survived an encounter with the one-eyed demon of Mt. Emphaza, Kai-Stern now finds himself in an even worse situation as the well-meaning Rath attempts to nurse him back to health. However, the reunion between these two old friends is painfully short; the urge to take on the demon for himself proves too great for Rath. A pivotal confrontation with ramifications far deeper than anyone realizes, the situation is worsened by the interference of Shydeman, Shyrendora and Kharl the Alchemist. With the demon surrently in possession of the Fire Dragon, how can Rath possibly win? Meanwhile, Cesia's search for the power of resurrection held within Mt. Emphaza leads her to a mysterious princess... anda startling revelation.