FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: Complete Game Script ============================= Version (Final) By: Tsogtsaihan Baatar Created: September 28, 2001 Last Update: September 9, 2002 E-mail: Tsogtoo777@yahoo.com FAQ Info Pages: 240 Words: 59,151 Paragraphs: 5,064 Lines: 12,153 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= << Disclaimer >> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= This Game Script FAQ is created for personal use only. You MUST not use it for anything that -gains profit-. You're also not allowed to rip off part/s of this FAQ and put it on your own FAQ or use it. This is called "plagiarism", the act of stealing and passing off of ideas and words of another as one's own without crediting the source. I have written this game script myself. This written down script cannot be copied or posted without my permission! If you want to post it in your web site please do ask me first! My e-mail address: Tsogtoo777@yahoo.com These following sites have my permission to use my FAQ: http://www.gamefaqs.com http://www.neoseeker.com http://www.psxcodez.com http://www.gamesdomain.com http://www.rpgamer.com http://www.thefinalfantasycollection.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Introduction =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= - Seeing that this game has spiced up my enjoyment, I decided to create a FAQ :) This script includes the script for every action in the game and also battles. This FAQ is best viewed in Microsoft Word. =------------= Table of Contents =------------= I. E-mail II. Versions and Updates III. Game Script - Chapter 1: The Meager - Chapter 2: The Manipulator and the Subservient - Chapter 3: The Valiant - Chapter 4: Somebody to Love IV. Side Quest - Game Script V. Brave Story 1. Germonik Scriptures 2. Person 3. Job 4. Unexplored Land 3. Treasure VII. Credits -------- E-mail -------- This is an e-mail policy section. If you want to send an e- mail to me, here are the things that you must do or must not do. Acceptable: ----------- 1. Send me questions about the FAQ. 2. Corrections are acceptable. 3. Contributions are acceptable. (Depends on what kind of contribution though...) 4. Acknowledgements are also acceptable! Unacceptable: ------------- 1. Please don't send vulgar e-mails. 2. Don't send me virus or letters that have no meaning. 3. Don't send me game related questions! This is a game script not a walkthrough! 4. Don't send me e-mails that are not in English! If you do not follow these simple unacceptable e-mail policy. Your e-mail will be ignored, deleted, blocked, etc. -========- Versions and Updates -========- Version 1.0 -=- (Started: September 28, 2001) --------------------------------------------- This is the very first version of my FAQ. - Script Update: A small update in Chapter 1 - Rumors section - Characters section Version 1.1 -=- (Started: October 1, 2001) ------------------------------------------ - Script Update: A small update to Chapter 2 - Character Update - Rumors Update - Job (new section) - Treasure (new section) Version 1.2 -=- (Started: January 10, 2001) ------------------------------------------- Fixed some typos. I am sorry for not updating the FAQ for a long time. Christmas was great. I will be now updating the FAQ frequently. Enjoy! - Script Update: Updated the script to Chapter 3. - Character Update (to chapter 3) - Job Update (a minor update) - Treasure Update (a minor update) Version 1.3 -=- (Started: January 12, 2002) ------------------------------------------- In this update, I only worked on the script. The script is almost finished. I will be working on the Brave Story section after I finish the script. - Script Update: Finished Chapter 3. - Character Update (a minor update) - Rumors Update (a minor update) - Added the e-mail policy (new section) Version 1.4 -=- (Started: February 20, 2002) -------------------------------------------- - Script Update - Character Update - Rumors Update - Added the credits section - Added Germonik Scriptures (a new section) Version 1.5 -=- (Started: February 23, 2002) -------------------------------------------- The script is finally finished! - Script Update: Fixed some typos. Changed Orlan to Olan in the last FMV. Script finished. Added 'News' part. Version: Final -=- (Started: March 6, 2002) ------------------------------------------- This FAQ is 100% complete. I don't intend to update it as of now but I may update it again after I proofread it. Fixed some typos on the script. Added 'Job' section. Added 'Side Quest Script'. Finished 'Unexplored Land' section. Finished 'Treasure' section. ============================================================== =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ------------------------------------------- FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: Complete Game Script ------------------------------------------- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= A warrior takes sword in hand, clasping a gem to his heart. Engraving vanishing memories into the sword, He places finely honed skills into the stone. Spoken from the sword, handed down from the stone... Now the story can be told... Square presents The "The Zodiac Brave Story". IIIII IFF_FFI II<(_)>II IFFFFFI FFF FFF IIIIIIIIIIIIFFFIIIIIIIIIIII III ===================== III III FINAL FANTASY TACTICS III IIIII ===================== IIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IIII N||NNNNNNNNN||N IIII II N||NNN-S-NNN||N II I N||NNNNNNNNN||N I N||NNN-Q-NNN||N N||NNNNNNNNN||N -||NNN-U-NNN||- -||NNNNNNNNN||- -||NNN-A-NNN||- -||NNNNNNNNN||- N||NNN-R-NNN||N N||NNNNNNNNN||N N||NNN-E-NNN||N N||NNNNNNNNN||N -||NNN-S-NNN||- -||NNNNNNNNN||- -||NNN-O-NNN||- -||NNNNNNNNN||- N||NNN-F-NNN||N N||NNNNNNNNN||N N||NNN-T-NNN||N N||NNNNNNNNN||N NNNNNNNNNNNNN |==NN-T-NN==| |-NNNNNNNNN-| ==NNNNNNN== N==NNNNN==N N==NNN==N N==o==N N=o=N N=N I I am Alazlam, a scholar of ancient Ivalice history... Have you ever heard of the "Lion War"? It divided Ivalice in two over who would be the successor to the throne. It ended with the appearance of a young hero named Delita. Everybody living here knows this hero's tale... But we also know that what we see with our eyes alone... isn't necessarily the truth. Here's a young man. He is the youngest son of the noble Beoulve...pillars of knighthood. There's no record of his playing an active part in history but... According to the "Durai Report" released last year (concealed for many years by church), this unknown man is the true hero... The church claims he was a blasphemer and anarchist-the root of all evil... But is this the "truth"? Won't you join me on a journey for the "truth"? Before that, please tell me your 'name' and 'birthday'. Ramza: July 26 Square presents The "Zodiac Brave Story" -'FINAL FANTASY TACTICS'- Art Direction: [Hiroshi Minagawa] Character Design by: [Akihiko Yoshida] Artistic Supervisor Battle Maps: [Hideo Minaba] Character Animation: [Fumiyasu Sasaki] Visual Effects: [Tiro Mifune] Battle Map Creators: [Yuko Abiru] [Yuki Azuma] [Akane Haruki] [Nobuyuki Ikeda] [Akiyoshi Masuda] [Koji Matsushita] [Yuka Migamoto] [Toshiyuki Mogi] [Tsutomu Mouri] [Rena Sasaki] [Sachiko Tanabe] [Takaharu Tanaka] [Misako Tsutsui] [Takahiro Yamashita] Character Animators: [Micko Hoshina] [Konomi Ishizuka] [Kiyofumi Kato] [Toshiaki Matsumoto] [Eiichiro Nakatsu] [Tsuyoshi Namiki] [Makoto Sawano] [Yuichi Shiota] Visual Effect Artist: [Yoshimasa Furukawa] [Noriko Ikeda] [Taizo Inukai] [Yuko Hatae] Movies Director of Movie: [Toshiyuki Momose] Production Coordinator: [Keiko M. Randolph] Production: [AnimaTek International] Main Program [Taku Murata] Visual Effect Program: [Satoshi Ogata] World Map Program: [Hiroshi Ono] Event Program: [Tetsuji Iwasaki] Additional Program: [Masaaki Kubo] [Kazuhisa Murakami] [Kazuo Suzuki] [Yoshinori Tsuchida] Music & Original Score by: [Masaharu "Rezon" Iwata] [Hitoshi "YmoH.S" Sakimoto] Sound Programmer: [Hidenori Suzuki] Sound Engineer: [Motoko Watanabe] Recorded & Mixed Engineer: [Kenji Nagashima] Planners: [Tsukasa Fujita] [Daisuke Fukugawa] [Nobuyuki Inoue] [Kazutoyo Maehiro] [Kiminori Ono] [Takayuki Suguro] Executive Producer: [Tetsuo Mizuno] [Tomoyuki Takechi] Co-Producer: [Michio Okamiya] Game Design by: [Hiroyuki Ito] Written & Directed by: [Yasumi Matsuno] Produced by: [Hironobu Sakaguchi] A young knight with the crest of the black lion is seen on his chocobo. The knight carefully watches the area and signals. A four men riding chocobos comes out from behind the knight. The five travels through the forest and plains at great speed with their chocobos. After travelling for some time, the five men finally comes in front of what seems to be a church. -- Orbonne Monastery -- ======================= God, please help us sinful children of Ivalice. Female Knight: Princess Ovelia, let's go. Princess Ovelia: Just a moment, Agrias... Agrias: The guards have already arrived. Priest: Princess, don't give Agrias trouble. Please hurry... [A knight and two squires comes in from outside.] Black Knight: What's going on? It's been nearly an hour! Agrias: Don't be rude to the Princess, Gafgarion. [The two squires behind the Black Knight kneels down while the Black Knight simply bows his head.] Gafgarion: Is this going to be alright, Agrias? This is an urgent issue for us. Agrias: So there are rude knaves even among the Hokuten? Gafgarion: I'm being more than kind to the guard captains here. Besides, we're mercenaries hired by the Hokuten. I'm not obliged to show respect to you. Agrias: What? How dare you! [The princess stands up.] Ovelia: Enough. Let's go. [The two squires gets up on their feet. The princess walks over to the priest.] Priest: Go with God. Ovelia: You too, Simon. [A female knight walks in with a nasty wound. The priest helps the knight.] Female Knight: Lady Agrias!... The enemy! Simon: Prince Goltana's men!? [Agrias quickly rushes out the monastery.] Gafgarion: What one must do to make money. What, Ramza? You have a problem, too? Ramza: ...I'm no longer a Knight. Just a mercenary like you. Gafgarion: ...That's right. Well then. Let's go! [The Knight and the two squires goes outside.] Ovelia: Oh God... - Outside the monastery - ------------------------- Agrias: The crest of the Black Lion!? What's wrong with Prince Goltana!? He's such an idiot! Does he want to start a war!? Goltana Knight: Knave! There's no point in resisting! Just give us the Princess, or that beautiful face of yours will be scarred forever! [The black knight and the two squires comes out to help Agrias and the others.] Gafgarion: Fool! Only idiots attack head on! [Agrias steps forward.] Agrias: Leave this to us! Gafgarion: We can't make money that way! Rad, Ramza! Follow me!! Kill them all! Don't leave any survivors! Agrias: Nonsense! There's no need to kill them! That's just what Goltana wants us to do! Just let them go! Gafgarion: That's impossible! [Agrias takes the upper hand and releases Statis Sword on the two archers, injuring and stopping the two. Rad and the other two knight pummels the rest of the archers while Gafgarion draws his sword and kills the Chemist with his Night Sword ability. Ramza finishes off Lezales by stabbing him on the chest. After the battle, Ovelia's scream is heard from inside the monastery.] Ovelia: Let go of me! [Agrias looks at the monastery.] Agrias: Damn!! [Agrias runs inside to save the princess. A knight takes the princess through the back door of the monastery.] Knight: Come here! Be quiet!! Ovelia: Why should I listen to you!? Knight: What an annoying Princess. [The knight punches the princess on the stomach and puts her on his chocobo. Agrias comes out.] Agrias: Wait!! Knight: Tough...Don't blame us. Blame yourself or God. [The knight takes off with the princess. Agrias runs after the knight, realizing she cannot keep up, she falls down on her knees.] Agrias: Oh, God...... [Ramza sees the knight.] Ramza: ...Delita?? You're alive, Delita? But, why are you in Goltana's troops? Why...? Delita's name appears for the first time a year before the Lion War broke out. Many soldiers who returned from the war, had no jobs, little money, and even less loyalty to the crown. Many became thieves and rebels plotting rebellion against the royal family. At that time robbery and murder were commonplace in Ivalice. Many heroes and wizards came out of there. And Gariland was no exception either. ===================== Chapter 1: THE MEAGER ===================== ---==== PAST ====--- I------------------------------------------------------------I |-- =-=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=- NEWS -=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=-= --| | | | The Death Corps | | =============== | | Robberies are on the rise in various areas and Gallione | | is no exception. Wagon hijackings and abductions are | | rampant. Now a group of former criminals and mercenaries, | | called the "Death Corps", have been making the most | | trouble for the Hokuten. | | | | | | The King Omdoria | | ================ | | | | There is a great concern over King Omdolia, who collapsed | | at Prince Orinas birthday celebration. The Board of | | Chamberlains reported his fever has subsided, but he'll | | take 3 weeks to recover. It will be several months before | | he can make any public appearances. But since most public | | policy is made by Queen Ruvelia, no turmoil is expected. | | | | | | The Fifty Year War | | ================== | | | | A war that caused terror for nearly 50 years between | | Ivalice and Ordalia, known as the "Fifty Year War". The | | War was ignited when King Diwanu died without naming a | | successor. The throne was succeeded by Diwanu's brother, | | Valowa, but Denamunda of Ivalice, declared war. This was | | only an excuse... the real reason was because of... | | Zelamonia, a territory of Ivalice running along the | | Ordalian border. It was once independent, but was annexed | | over a century ago, after an invasion. Ivalice supported | | Ordalia, but the result was failure. Unrest among the | | Nobles and in the cities of Zelamonia, along with Ordalia's| | rule, led them to seek intervention from Ivalice. | | With victories in the early battles, Ivalice's Army | | marched on the capital of Bura. But King Denamunda fell | | ill and was never to return to his kingdom. The confusion | | gave the Ordalian Army an opportunity, as Valowa was | | successful in holding off Ivalice's Army. Approximately 2 | | year stalemate of was broken by the Romandan Army's | | invasion. | | Romanda is a military state separated from Ivalice by | | Larner Channel. Under King Valowa's orders, a blood | | relative, they marched on Ivalice. But, Denamunda who | | succeeded King Denamunda was a brave warrior against both | | the Romanda and Ordalian armies. An outbreak of Bubonic | | Plague in Romanda forced them to retreat in 2 years. | | The 2 squads most effective in the war were the Hokuten, | | led by Balbanes, and the Nanten, led by T.G. Cid. They | | scored many victories as they marched on Ordalia. But the | | long war was disasterous for both administrations. Farmers'| | revolts and riots broke out in many areas, as both | | kingdoms focused their war efforts within their borders. | | This made another stalemate broken only by the death of | | King Denamunda. (Widely believed to be assassinated) His | | successor, Omdolia was not fit to lead the kingdom, and | | left all matters of state to the elder statesmen and the | | Queen. Therefore, there was no power to drive the troops | | of Prince Lanard, Valowa's successor, out. After allowing | | the invasion of Zeltennia, battles that both the Hokuten | | and the Nanten fought in, Ivalice hoped for peace. | | Realizing the war was useless, both kingdoms agreed on | | peace, focusing their efforts within their respective | | borders. Although the agreement was bilateral, Ivalice | | surrendered. | | Soon after, Ivalice's economy was on the brink of | | bankruptcy because of severe war reparations. Payments | | could not be made to returning soldiers, and large groups | | of Knights were discharged. As a result, high | | unemployment, uncertainty and distrust filled Ivalice. | | | I------------------------------------------------------------I [Several students nearing graduation of the Gariland Academy were assembled. A plan was being formed, centered on the Hokuten, to extinguish the Death Corps who were terrorizing the Gallione region. The plan was to have the students handle all the future problems.] -- Military Academy's Auditorium -- =================================== Cadet: I heard another wagon bound for Igros was attacked. Cadet: Must have been the Death Corps... Ramza: Something's starting... Know anything, Delita? Delita: No...but I can guess. Ramza: What do you mean? Delita: Prince Larg's coming to town. Ramza: Prince Larg? Why? Delita: Not only Larg, but Marquis Elmdor of Limberry, too. Ramza: That's news! It's not an official visit, is it? Delita: There are danger zones everywhere in Ivalice. The Hokuten Knights are in full operation, but suffering from a shortage of men. Ramza: So, they need us cadets. Voice: Everyone, fall in! [A Hokuten knight comes in.] Hokuten Knight: You have a mission! As you know, barbarians are rapidly increasing here in Gallione. The traitorous Death Corps detest the royal family. We cannot overlook them. We will begin exterminating these traitors. By order of our Master. Larg's Knights stationed at Igros Castle and many other groups will participate. Your duty is to support the flank. Specifically, you'll go to Igros and help guard it. [A female Hokuten knight comes in and whispers something to the knight. After that, the female knight leaves the room.] Hokuten Knight: Cadets, ready your swords! A gang of tortured thieves is trying to sneak into this town. We'll begin preparations now to keep them out of town! Come with me! This is the frontline of operations! That's all! Prepare immediately! [The cadets goes out to confront the thieves at Magic City Gariland.] -- Magic City Gariland -- ========================= Thief: What's this? Just a bunch of kids! What luck! OK, all we have to do is kill these kids! Then, we can escape! Don't you worry! We'll kill every one of you! Delita: Ramza, watch out! Don't rush them! Ramza: Don't patronize me, Delita! I'm also a Beoulve!! Thief: Beoulve!? THE Beoulve family!? So, you must be cadets from the military academy! Snot-nosed little nobles!! Ramza: Silence! Surrender or die in obscurity!! Thief: What can a bunch of kids like you do? Buncha spoiled punks like you'll never beat us!! [Ramza quickly runs at an inexperienced enemy squire and deflects a blow, making the inexperienced squire reeling back into the midst of the battlefield. One of the cadets stabs the inexperienced squire from the back leaving three enemy squires and one enemy chemist. Delita slashes wildly on the battlefield with his sword cutting down a surprised enemy squire. The other cadets struck their sword on the remaining two squires. Ramza realizing the only left chemist, hurls up his broad sword and struck down his sword on the chemist's neck.] Ramza: Why do you continue committing acts like robbery? You wouldn't have died this way if you'd led an honest life. [Victorious at Magic City, Ramza and the other cadets rests. Ramza remembers his father's death...] =-= Past =-= Having attained the highest rank of Heavenly Knight, brave Balbanes was facing his last days... The end of the 50 Year War The Beoulve Residence [Balbanes Beoulve, renowned hero of the Fifty Year War, has been bedridden for 2 years due to illness. The sight of his father ill in bed was unbearable for his three children.] Balbanes: How goes......the battle? Zalbag: Through swift action we were able to recover Limberry. It's only a matter of time before the Ordalia army leaves Zeltennia. Don't worry. Lord Dycedarg: The secret messenger sent to Count Lenario has returned. Count Lenario has agreed to your plan. Balbanes: Good...then, at last... this long war... will finally come to an end. Alma: Father... [Alma starts to cry.] Balbanes: Don't cry...my daughter... Zalbag: Where is Ramza? Just when we need him most! Balbanes: Dycedarg, Zalbag... my beloved sons... Take care of Ramza. He may be your half brother, but he is my own flesh. [Ramza comes in running into the room.] Ramza: Father!! [Ramza comes near to his father's bed.] Dycedarg: Lower your voice. Balbanes: I'm glad you came... Let me...look at you... Ramza: Father... Balbanes: It has been a long time... You've become a fine man... You start at the Academy...in spring, don't you? Ramza: ......... Balbanes: Listen, Ramza...... A Beoulve has served the royal family for generations. The warrior spirit is in us. Never shame your name... never tolerate in justice... Living true to your heart is the warrior's way......the Beoulve way. Ramza: I understand, father...... Balbanes: Delita's a good boy. He should serve you well... I've asked the dean to accept him into the Academy. It shocked the dean a bit. He will serve you well... Treat him well... Ramza: Y, yes......father......... Balbanes: Take good care of Alma... Become a fine knight... Ramza. [Balbanes dies.] ---------------------------- [After resting, Ramza and his party heads for Igros. On their way to Igros Castle the cadets comes across some thieves. A swordsman was attacked by the Death Corps on the Mandalia Plains. He was attacked while heading for Igros. The Marquis was abducted, that man was the only survivor.] -- Mandalia Plains -- ===================== Thief (1): Still breathing. What'll we do? Thief (2): Don't be stupid. We just need to get the Marquis. Thief (1): Right. Hey, don't blame us. Blame fate. [The party arrives at the scene.] Thief (2): Wha? Damn! The Hokuten knights! Delita: Death corps? They attacking someone? Ramza: 1. Our duty is to destroy the Death Corps. 2. Save him is our priority. ------------------------------------------ Ramza: < 1. Our duty is to destroy the Death Corps. > ----------------------------------------------------- Ramza: Get them! Delita: Are you mad Ramza? Leaving him stranded!? Ramza: Is this how you fight? Delita: ...I'll save him. - Continues with the game - Ramza: < 2. Saving him is our priority. > ----------------------------------------- Ramza: Don't disgrace the knights! Saving him comes first! - Continues with the game - Algus: Reinforcements? Thank God! [Algus thinking quickly, grabs a sword from the nearby enemy squire and sweeps the sword, cutting the enemy squire down. The enemy thief draws a small knife but takes an arrow on his back from one of the cadet. Delita runs forward, plunging his sword into an enemy squire's back. Ramza was facing a squire alone, the squire goes in for a quick blow on Ramza, which Ramza easily counters the blow and stabs the squire. One of the cadet wizards casts Fire on the Red Panther burning him down.] - If Algus did not die during the battle - Ramza: Are you OK? Algus: Barely... But the Marquis... Ramza: Marquis? You mean Marquis Elmdor? Algus: Yeah. Who're you? Ramza: We're military cadets. I think we can help. Tell us more. - Continues with the game - - If Algus died during the battle - Ramza: Still breathing. Let's save him! - Continues with the game - Algus: I'm Algus...of the Limberry Aegis Knights...... Delita: A knight...? Algus: ...I mean, a cadet... like you all. Ramza: I'm Ramza Beoulve. This is Delita, a good friend. [Algus looks at Ramza in disbelieve.] Algus: Beoulve...? ...of the Hokuten? Excellent! How lucky I am! Ramza: ??? Algus: I beg you, please help me save the Marquis! Delita: What are you talking about? Algus: The Marquis is still alive! They've kidnapped him! He will be killed, if we don't act fast! I don't know what I would do if...... So, please! Help me! Please!! Delita: Relax. We don't know for sure if he'll be killed. There must be some reason for Death Corps to take him. They might have made some demands. Ramza: Besides, there is nothing we can do. The Marquis was kidnapped, and I'm sure by now everyone at Igros Castle is up in arms. Delita: First, we should go to Igros and report. Algus: All right. Let's do that. [Ramza, Delita, Algus and the others reaches Igros Castle. Ramza heads for the castle. Dycedarg meets with Ramza and his friends and decides to have dinner with them.] - Inside Igros Castle - ----------------------- Dycedarg: ...I hear you beat the first troops. I'm proud to be your brother. The senior statesmen spoke highly of you. You are truly descended from Beoulves. Ramza: ...Thank you. Dycedarg: Aren't you happy? Ramza: Oh, yes, I am. Thank you for the kind words....You might have heard about the enemy attacking Elmdor's carriage and kidnapping him. What would you have us do? Dycedarg: I've already had Zalbag send out a search party. They'll probably demand ransom... if he's still alive. [Algus stands up from his chair and bows his head.] Algus: Highness. Please let me have 100 soldiers! Dycedarg: ......... Algus: I beg you. Let me avenge my comrades murder! Dycedarg: I said it's taken care of. Didn't you hear me? Gallione isn't any place for you. Let us handle it. Algus: B..ut! Dycedarg: Think of your rank, Algus! Have you forgotten you're just a soldier without rank of Knighthood? Algus: Urrrgh...... [Algus sits down.] Dycedarg: I want you to guard Igros Castle. It shouldn't be so difficult. "Danger" probably won't get this far. [After having dinner Ramza, Delita and Algus goes outside the castle's courtyard.] - Igros Castle's Courtyard - ---------------------------- Algus: ...My family was once respected like the Beoulves. My grandfather was captured during the Fifty Year War... He sold his friends out to the enemy to save himself. But, as he left the castle, he got stabbed in the back by a cadet just like myself. One of my grandfather's friends managed to escape and spread the story around. Of course my father didn't believe it, but everyone else did, they deserted him... [Algus picks up a rock and throws it into the flowing river.] Algus: Rank...Dycedarg would never meet with someone like me... Voice of a young girl: Delita! Delita: Teta! Ramza: Alma, Zalbag! [Alma, Teta and Zalbag runs down to meet Ramza and Delita.] Alma: Brother Ramza. You came back. Ramza: Long time no see, brother. Zalbag: I heard how you beat the thieves in Gariland. That's worthy of a Beoulve. I'm sure father would've been pleased with you. Ramza: ......Thank you. Zalbag: Heh...haven't changed a bit. You don't like that much, eh? Delita, you look good. I heard about your role also. Just look how happy Teta is. Teta: Delita, I'm glad you're doing well. Delita: And you also. How is your schooling? Teta: Fine. Everyone is so nice to me... Zalbag: I'd like to talk more with you, but I must hunt down some thieves. Pardon me. Ramza: I pray for your victory. [Zalbag turns around and waves his hand. He walks up and suddenly stops.] Zalbag: ...The Death Corps have demanded a ransom. Algus: What!? Zalbag: ...I can't understand it. The Death Corps claim to be anarchists, but they only rob and hurt the nobility. It's hard to believe they would kidnap the Marquis just for money. Algus: Absurd! Why they're nothing more than knaves, I say! Zalbag: The messenger we sent still hasn't returned. He's probably in trouble, but the nobles say there's no need to search for his whereabouts. Ramza: Where was he when you last heard from him? Zalbag: A trade city called Dorter, east of Gallione......Guarding a castle is boring work. Don't you think? [Zalbag leaves.] Delita: Teta, I'm sorry. We must go. Teta: Don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself. [Delita hugs Teta.] Delita: Don't worry. I'll come back safely...so be a good girl. Well then, let's go, Algus. [Delita, Teta and Algus leaves. Ramza tries to follow them but is interrupted by Alma.] Alma: What Teta said is not true. Actually......... Ramza: Something wrong with Teta? Alma: She has been picked on at school because of her rank. Ramza: ......... Alma: Sorry...I shouldn't have worried you like that. Teta will be OK. I'll be there for her. Trust me. Ramza: I'm not worried. But don't you overdo it. Alma: You're the one going too far to meet their expectations. Just be yourself and don't be restricted by your name. Ramza: You sound like our mother. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. [Ramza goes off to follow the others.] Alma: Ramza...... [The party leaves Igros castle and heads for Dorter. The party encounters some monsters on their way.] -- Sweegy Woods -- ================== Algus: What rotten luck. Meeting monsters in a place like this. Delita: Don't gripe, Algus. It's better than guarding a castle. Algus: This is a matter of life and death. How can you say that? [The monsters slowly approaches the party.] Ramza: Enough! Here they come!! [The party easily kills the monsters.] Ramza: Just through this forest, and we're almost to Dorter. [The cadets comes to Dorter.] - Slums in Dorter - ------------------- Fencer: ....I said I don't know! Knight: Don't lie to me! I know what you did! Where is Gustav? Where!? Fencer: I......don't know...... Knight: Where is the Marquis? Where are you hiding him? Speak!! [The knight pulls the man up by his throat and throws him in a nearby puddle. The knight draws out his sword and points the tip of his sword at the man.] Knight: This is your last chance...... Where is he? Fencer: D....desert...... Knight: I see...in "Rat Cellar"... [Ramza and the others comes to see what's happening.] Ramza: Wait!! [The knight turns around and looks at the party.] Knight: Damn, the Hokuten. [The knight quickly disappears into the darkness.] Algus: Looks like our trip here was well worth it. Delita: I've seen him somewhere... Ramza: Do you know him, Delita? Delita: I saw him at the end of the Fifty Year War in Igros... [Fencer's men shows up to assist the man.] Ramza: I guess we must fight. Eaaagggghh!! Delita: Now I remember! His name is Wiegraf. Leader of a volunteer army, a corps of Death Knights. Algus: What? .... You mean he's the.....? Delita: Yes... The leader of the Death Corps. [Ramza slashes down an enemy wizard with a mighty blow, while Algus cuts down an archer. One of the Ramza's monk broke the second wizard's jaw with an incredible wave fist. A cadet embeds a crossbow bolt on the archer. Ramza knocks Fencer's sword out of his grasp and points the tip of his sword at the knight's face. The party captures Fencer the knight.] - In a room - ------------- Algus: You must be the Death Corps. Where is the Marquis? Where is he being held? Tell us!! [The man is silent.] Algus: Your boss, Wiegraf was just here. Where did he go!? [The knight doesn't speak a word.] Algus: Y, you bastard! Say something!! [Algus kicks him on the stomach, grabs his hair up and tries to hit him.] Ramza: Stop! Algus! Algus: Damn. [Algus lets the man's hair go.] Algus: ...Listen carefully. In a moment, the Hokuten will begin to slaughter you. That's right, each of you're going straight to hell. Being a thief sure pays, huh? But you're lucky. You tell us where Wiegraf is going, and I'll let you live, OK? Fencer of Death Corps: I don't know a damn thing. [Algus kicks him hard on the face.] Algus: Watch your language! Never talk to nobles like that! Fencer: We're...not...thieves. Algus: What did you say!? Fencer: ...Nobles never change. You think we aren't human. We risk our lives in the War for this country...... But you dumped us afterward. How are we different? Birth? Status? What the hell's rank? Algus: You kidnap people for ransom! So don't act so great!! Fencer: ...Kidnapping the Marquis was not Mr. Wiegraf's plan. Algus: !? Fencer: We'd never kidnap a VIP.... for money.... Ramza: Then, who? Who kidnapped Elmdor? Fencer: ......... Algus: Talk! If it wasn't you, then who else would do it? Fencer: .....Gustav. Algus: Gustav? Who the hell is he? Delita: Gustav Margueriff... Captain of the "Death Corps". Algus: So it WAS you all! Fencer: No. We're fighting to beat you! We're proud that we fight for equality... We're different from Gustav! [Algus kicks the man again on the face.] Algus: Proud? Bastards!! Ramza: Enough, Algus! Algus: So, where is this Gustav? Fencer: .... 'Sand Rat Cellar'. Algus: Sand ra-a-a-ts? Delita: Algus may not know what they are since he's not from here. 'Sand Rats' only inhabit the Zeklaus Desert north of Dorter. Algus: !? Ramza: Was there a village between Dorter and Zeklaus Desert? Delita: Not anymore. But there is a place where desert people used to gather... Ramza: ......Gustav and the Marquis may be there. Delita: Yes, probably. Algus: What's that mean?? Ramza: 'Cellar' means a rat's nest. Algus: !? [The party heads for the Cellar.] - Desert of the Sand Mouse - ---------------------------- Death Corps Knight: Hey, did you hear? The Hokuten are moving. Archer: So I heard. What's going to happen to us? Knight: Forget the Corps and run before we get killed. Soldier: We'll die anyway even if we follow Wiegraf. Knight: Exactly. If we get a ransom for the Marquis like Gustav planned, we can get outta this misery. [The party arrives.] Guard: Oh, God!! The Hokuten!! Ramza: Let's get the guard first, before the others find us!! [The cadet's archer sends an arrow from his bow hitting one of the enemy knight's heads. Another cadet casts Fire2, sending one archer and a monk to the ground. One of the enemy knights secretly crawls behind Ramza and attacks him from the back. Ramza saw the incoming blow with the corner of his eye and swung his sword backwards, piercing his chest hard. An enemy monk burst a hit on Ramza's face. Laughing at Ramza the monk turned his head, just in time to see the sword of Delita heading straight for his neck. Algus hurls a blow on the last knight. The knight falls down on the ground, dead. Victories at the "Desert Rat Hole", the party searches for Marquis.] - Shack - --------- Wiegraf: Gustav, why don't you give up? Gustav: Your revolution can never succeed!! What we need is food and a place to sleep, not ideas! And we need it now!! Wiegraf: You only see the present. You have to fix the basics! Gustav: And you think you'll do that? I don't think so, Wiegraf. Never! [Wiegraf steps forward to make a strike.] Wiegraf: Is that all you want to say? Gustav, good-bye. [Gustav runs in full speed and tries to score a blow on Wiegraf first. Gustav attacks but Wiegraf counters the attack and sees the opening. In one motion he stabs his sword straight through Gustav's chest.] Gustav: Ugh...u... [Gustav's sword falls down from his hand. Gustav looks down. Wiegraf pulls out his sword from Gustav's chest. Blood spills out and Gustav falls down on the ground, dead. Ramza, Delita and Algus comes inside the shack.] Ramza: Wiegraf!! [Algus sees Marquis lying on the floor.] Algus: Marquis!! [Algus tries to free Marquis but is stopped by Wiegraf. Wiegraf points his sword at Marquis.] Wiegraf: Freeze! Algus: You bastard!!! Delita: Stop it, Algus. Wiegraf: The Marquis is all right. Take him back to Igros. Ramza: What? Wiegraf: Kidnapping wasn't our goal. We never stoop to such acts. You can have the Marquis, if you just let me go...well? Algus: Don't trifle with us! You can't beat us! [Delita pulls back Algus.] Delita: Stop it, Algus. He's serious! [The three goes over to Elmdor while Wiegraf goes near to the door.] Elmdor: Ugnn..n.... [Wiegraf quickly leaves the room. Algus tries to chase Wiegraf but Delita blocks his way.] Delita: Let him go, Algus!! Algus: Why do you stop me! Delita: The Death Corps will destroy itself! Don't risk it! Algus: ...Ughh!! [Ramza helps Marquis.] Ramza: He's all right. Weakened, but no serious wounds. Delita: Let's go back to Igros... [After saving Marquis the party heads back to Igros.] - Inside Igros Castle - ----------------------- Dycedarg: What happened? Why did you go to Zeklaus Desert? Ramza: ................... Dycedarg: Explain to me...... Delita: I forced Ramza to go with me. Dycedarg: Is that true, Ramza? Delita forced you to go? Ramza: .....No, it was my decision. Not Delita's. Delita: Ramza's lying. I was the one to...... Ramza: No need to protect me. I decided to ignore an order! Dycedarg: If everyone acted lawlessly, how could "law" exist? We Beoulves must show the importance of observing the "law" as the Knights rule. Are you trying to ruin the Beoulve name? Ramza: ......I'm sorry, brother. A man's voice: That's enough, Dycedarg. [A wealthy man enters the room. Delita, Ramza and Algus falls down on their knees before the man.] A well dressed man: He was a great help rescuing the Marquis. I know young soldiers are eager to succeed. So were we. Dycedarg: Don't spoil him. There's a line between right and wrong. Larg: So, you are Dycedarg's younger brother.....relax. You look exactly like the late General Balbanes... A fine-looking young man. I'm sure that youthful energy didn't come from just guarding the castle..... Dycedarg: The mission is nearly done. I'll allow you to join. We'll attack some of the thieves' hideouts at once. You choose one of them. Ramza: ... Yes. [The three leaves the room in silence. Larg walks over to a nearby window.] Dycedarg: I'm sorry. Larg: Don't apologize, Dycedarg. After all, Gustav wasn't much of a soldier. The plan couldn't be changed after the Marquis was kidnapped in Gallione.... Besides, he did save the Marquis's life. They must accept our demands. Your brother's actions turned the tide for us... Dycedarg: The King doesn't have much time to live......... We must hurry...... Larg: Yes, I'm counting on you, my friend.... [The extermination of the Death Corps was near. The party heads to Thieves Fort.] -- Thieves Fort -- ================== Miluda: Communication with the main unit's been cut off. It's over. Death Corps Priest: No way! It's not over yet! Priest: I agree. It continues until the nobles apologize to us! Miluda: My brother.... His views are too optimistic. Death Corps Guard: Enemy attack!! [The cadets arrives at Thieves Fort to exterminate the remaining Death Corps.] Algus: Ramza helped me save the Marquis. I'll stay on till the end! [A thief goes running towards Delita. Just as Delita draws his sword, the thief attacks. Delita barely manages to parry the blow, but the tip of the thief's sword struck free on Delita's left arm. In pain, Delita struck hard with his sword through the thief's throat. Meanwhile, Ramza was delivering attacks after attacks, the enemy thief found the powerful blows hard to block and soon saw his destiny. Algus also struck his sword on one of the thieves, the thief screamed his last scream and fell on the ground.] Miluda: Who do you think you are!? We're not animals! We're human, just like you! There's no difference among us other than our families! You ever been hungry? With only soup to eat for months? Why do we have to suffer? Because you nobles deprive us our right to live! Algus: Human? Hmph, ridiculous! From the minute you were born you had to obey us! From the second you were born you were our animals!! Miluda: Says who!? That's nonsense! Who decided all this?! Algus: It's the Will of Heaven! Miluda: Heaven? God would never say such things! In his eyes, all are equal! He'd never let this happen! Never! Algus: Animals have no God!! Miluda: !!!! Delita: Ramza, Is she really our enemy....? [Miluda runs toward Ramza. Ramza parries her attacks and knocks her sword away. The party surrounds the enemy.] Ramza: Lay down your swords. Surrender and we'll spare you. [Realizing that she can't win, Miluda and her men gives up.] Miluda: Go ahead, kill us then. We're just animals-Kill us! Ramza: You hate us that much...? Algus: Ramza Kill her, now! She's your enemy! An enemy of the Beoulves! Understand? Your enemy! She's a loser. Who's lost sight of life! Losers cannot remain alive! If we don't kill her, she'll kill us! We can't coexist! Kill her, Ramza! With your own hands!! Delita: Ramza, I don't see why she's our enemy... Algus: What did you say? Are you mad, Delita? Delita: She's not an animal...... She's human just like us... Algus: Are you betraying us!? You, too....!? Miluda: Oh, sympathy is it? Despicable creatures. You're my enemy as long as you belong to the Beoulves. Don't forget it...... [Miluda disappears into the shadows, holding her wounds.] Ramza: Delita...., we are ......? Algus: Geez, what's wrong with you? Meanwhile, at Igros, capital of Gallione, 'Beoulve castle' [The Pirates attacks the Beoulve mansion. Knowing the majority of the troops were out killing Death Corps. The Corps objective was to kill Dycedarg, a major influence on Larg. The attack was going smoothly when Zalbag arrives and spoils the plan.] -- Beoulve castle -- ==================== Teta: Let go! Stop it, let go of me!! [A thief riding a chocobo leaves off with Teta.] Golagros: Hurry up! [Another thief comes out of the castle holding Alma's hand.] Alma: Ouch! Let go of my hand! Brother!! [Zalbag comes in rushing from inside the castle and kills the thief with a single blow using his sword.] Golagros: Damn... That's it!! [The knight flees away with his chocobo.] Zalbag: Are you all right, Alma? Alma: I'm OK, but Teta isn't. Zalbag: Yes, I know. [Dycedarg comes out holding his wound. Alma helps the wounded Dycedarg.] Zalbag: Brother!! Dycedarg: I, I'm all right...... What about ...Alma....? Alma: Yes. I'm fine. What an awful wound.... Dycedarg: I never thought they'd come here. They're after me. Zalbag: Five people were killed, and Teta was kidnapped. Dycedarg: After them....Leave no stone unturned until you find them. Alma: Please don't talk anymore! Dycedarg: Death Corps......bastard. [Dycedarg faints.] Alma: Are you all right!? Zalbag: Hey! Anybody there!? [The troop comes to Igros and finds out what has happened.] - Inside Beoulve castle - ------------------------- [Injured from the Death Corps attack, Dycedarg lay in his bed.] Dycedarg: I heard you destroyed the enemies' hideout...Good job. Leave the rest to Zalbag and relax for a while... No need to worry.... It's not that bad of a wound. Ramza: Teta.... What about Teta....? Dycedarg: As soon as we find their base, Zalbag will attack in force. Ramza: W, What...!? Dycedarg: Death Corps is falling apart. Deserters are down to a few. Wiegraf will be caught... It's just a matter of time. Ramza: Teta.... Are you deserting Teta? Dycedarg: Don't worry. Everything's all planned. We won't attack until Teta's returned. For certain. I'd never abandon Teta. She's like a sister to me. - Outside of Beoulve castle - ----------------------------- [Delita goes outraged over his kidnapped sister. Ramza tries to stop Delita.] Ramza: Wait, Delita. Where are you going? Just calm down! Delita: Calm down? Are you kidding? I can't calm down! Ramza: You don't know where she is! Don't waste your time! [Delita pulls up Ramza by his shirt.] Delita: Waste my time!? She is my only sister!! Ramza: Remember, Dycedarg said... He'd never abandon Teta... So....don't .... Ugh...I...can't breath. [Delita puts Ramza down.] Delita: I'm sorry, Ramza. Are you all right....? Ramza: Y... yeah.......cough...cough... [Algus comes out from the castle.] Algus: Never believe in "never". Ramza: You mean my brother's lying? Algus: If I were him, I'd never save a common girl. Delita: What did you say......? Algus: I said I won't send troops to save you, commoners!! Delita: How dare you!! [Delita punches Algus on the face. Algus goes off flying. He holds his cheek after falling on the ground. Ramza holds Delita's arms.] Ramza: Stop it! Delita! Delita: Let go of me! Damn you! Let go!! Algus: Heh! Commoners are all alike. You'll never be nobles! Delita, You don't belong here! Understand, rascal!? Delita: Damn you!! Ramza: Enough! Delita! And you, too, Algus! [Algus stands up.] Algus: Ramza, don't you see? He's not one of us. You see, Ramza, we nobles can't live with them. Ramza: Lies! He's my good friend. We're like brothers! Algus: That's exactly the point. Don't act like friends. You are the son of a distinguished family. You cannot be with him. I'm sure your brothers would agree with me! [Delita pushes Ramza aside.] Delita: Not all nobles are like you! I trust Ramza! [Delita leaves.] Ramza: Get lost! I never want to see you again!! Algus: Don't say that. We're friends, aren't we? [Ramza being serious, steps forward.] Algus: I won't say it again! Get lost!! [Algus walks off and stops.] Algus: Their base is at Fort Zeakden. I heard it from your brother. There are several cordons, so you can't attack them from the front, of course. The only way is to attack from the rear. Well...do your best, you spoiled-rotten boy. Ramza: Get out!! [Algus leaves. The party heads for Fort Zeakden. While heading for Fort Zeakden, in a sunset field, Delita and Ramza stops.] -- Mandalia Plains -- ===================== Delita: Beautiful. Somewhere Teta's watching the same sunset. Ramza: ....Don't worry, Delita. I'm sure she is OK. Delita: ....I've felt out of place for a long time. Ramza: Are you thinking about what Algus said? Delita: I guess there are things you can't change, no matter what. Ramza: Don't say that. If you put effort into it... Delita: Could I be a general if I tried hard enough? I want to rescue Teta on my own, but I can't do a thing. I'm 'useless'.... Ramza: ........................... [Delita picks up a reed.] Delita: Remember how father taught us to play that reed flute? [Delita begins to play the reed flute. Ramza picks up a reed. The two plays the reed flute, a skill they learned from Balbanes.] I------------------------------------------------------------I |-- =-=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=- NEWS -=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=-= --| | | | The condition of Omdoria | | ======================== | | The rumor of the failing health of King Omdolia is | | spreading throughout the capital. Since his collapse | | during Orinas' birthday celebration, we've been told that | | he was on his way to recovery, but the discouraged faces | | of his close advisors tell otherwise. With an official | | guardian for the Prince yet to be named, the Queen is | | certain to clash with the elder statesmen over his | | guardianship. | | | | | | Destruction of the Death Corps!? | | ================================ | | It was revealed that the main group in the Death Corps the | | Thieves, were close to annihilation due to the joint | | effort by the four groups of the Knights. According to | | official reports, the total number of thieves apprehended | | by the plan added up to approximately 700, and the death | | toll was approximately 3000. Wiegraf, the leader of the | | Death Corps is yet to be apprehended, but the Hokuten | | stated that it was just a matter of time. | | | | | | Attempt murder of Lord Dycedarg | | =============================== | | The Thieves, major players in the Death Corps, are close | | to annihilation, but the Knights haven't been able to | | capture their leader, Wiegraf, yet. Although the Hokuten | | are in pursuit of the remaining members. An assault on a | | high official occurred at the mansion of the well-known | | and respected Beoulve family. The target seems to have | | been Prince Larg's assistant, Dycedarg. Unfortunately, the | | assassination attempt was unsuccessful. | | | I------------------------------------------------------------I -- Lenalia Plateau -- ===================== [The party arrives at Lenalia Plateau and meets with Miluda and her troops again.] Miluda: It's blocked here, too... There is no way out. Death Corps Soldier: Forget it. We might as well surrender.... Miluda: I'd rather die here than get taken prisoner!! Besides, if we get caught here, we'll be executed! Fighting is the only way out! Delita: Where is Wiegraf?! Where did you hide Teta!? Miluda: Teta? You mean that Beoulve, Golagros took hostage? Delita: Teta's my sister! She has nothing to do with them! It's pointless to hold her hostage! Please, return my sister! Miluda: And what about you? Will you Nobles give back all you took from us? We're only asking you to return what you took from us in the first place. But no-you just keep taking! Forcing us to retaliate! Just give up! There's no reason to return her!! Delita: I, I.....!! [One of the enemy knight's runs down for a strike on a cadet. The cadet counter-attacks and injures the knight. A bolt finds the injured enemy knight's back. One of the cadet knight's runs at an enemy knight and breaks her sword using the 'Weapon Break' ability. Realizing she has no sword, the unarmed knight escapes. The enemy wizard casts Fire2 on Delita. Delita uses the 'Counter Magic' ability and burns down the enemy wizard. Ramza and Miluda goes head on, Ramza manages to take the upper hand by attacking with some powerful blow. Miluda finds the powerful blow hard to parry or counter.] Miluda: I can't die now! Not during the revolution! I'm a Death Corps soldier!! I'll never run away!! Ramza: Put the sword away, Miluda! No use fighting any longer! Let's put down our swords, stop fighting, and talk! There must be a solution to all this! Let's find it! I'll talk to my brother! No, I'll talk to Lord Larg! Trust me!! Miluda: No more tricky smooth talk! I'm sick of your lies!! Ramza: I'm not lying!! You say revolution......... Is a revolution necessary? Is it our fault? Are we making you suffer? What's the problem? Miluda: Ignorance itself is a crime! What you think is right is only what you can see. But, that's not everything. It's not your fault. But I'll keep blaming you until there's a change! As long as you're a Beoulve, you're my enemy! [Delita puts his sword through the enemy wizard's unarmed back. Miluda thinking that she would never surrender and realizing that the flow of the battle was not on her side, she runs straight for Ramza's sword and stabs herself.] Miluda: B...Brother... I'm sorry... [Miluda dies.] Ramza: Why...? What went wrong? Delita: Damn it, who the hell am I? Who...? [In a small windmill at Fovoham, Golagros and Wiegraf, hid from the Hokuten.] - In a Small Windmill - ----------------------- Wiegraf: Why did you kidnap the girl? Golagros: I needed a hostage to escape. Wiegraf: If that was the case, you could've let her go later. What....now you, Golagros? Golagros: You putting me with Gustav? Think. The Death Corps lost most of their men and now are surrounded by the Hokuten. She was our only ace in the hole to get us out of this. Because she's a Beoulve. [Wiegraf and Golagros looks at Teta.] Wiegraf: What good is escaping? Or were you even thinking that? Even if we do escape, we'll get caught sooner or later and be in their power! We must make it so our children don't have to go through what we did. A small stone may only make a small ripple at first, but someday it will be a wave. Even if we have to rust away here! Golagros: So you would have us die? Wiegraf: Not in vain. Take as many Nobles with you as possible! Golagros: Ludicrous! We'll die like dogs!! Wiegraf: No, there may be still be survivors at Fort Zeakden. If you join them, you may get something! Golagros: They're probably dead already... [A soldier comes inside and informs Wiegraf about Miluda's death.] Wiegraf: What!? Miluda killed?! Miluda.... Soldier: It's a just a matter of time before the squad gets here. What should we do? Wiegraf: Alright. Retreat!! You heard, Golagros. Go to Fort Zeakden. Leave the girl here! Voice of a guard: They're here!! The Hokuten are here! [The soldier rushes out.] Wiegraf: Damn! Already? I'll stop them here! Golagros, you head for Fort Zeakden with others! [Wiegraf walks out.] Golagros: I'm not going... Now way I'm going to die! [Golagros looks at Teta.] - Windmill Shed - ----------------- [The squad arrives. They find Wiegraf waiting for them.] Wiegraf: You...it was you... Did you kill Miluda? It was you cadets who killed my sister! Ramza: She was Wiegraf's sister? Wiegraf: Well then, I have no choice. I'll avenge my sister!! Delita: Give Teta back!! Wiegraf: Teta? Oh, that girl? So you're a Beoulve? Ramza: He's not a Beoulve! I am! Wiegraf: Then Golagros was wrong. But he is with you, correct? Ramza: It doesn't matter who he is. You have his sister. Wiegraf: Correct me if I'm wrong... Either way, the girl was to be released anyway. We had no intention of keeping her. But first things first! If you want the girl back, you'll have to beat me!! [Trying to get Teta back, Delita jumps into the middle of the battlefield heading straight at Wiegraf. Wiegraf releases a Crush Punch on Delita, Delita goes down cold. Seeing this Ramza quickly goes for the rescue. On his way to Delita, Ramza sees two enemies blocking his way. Ramza counters the blows from the enemy and slashes down the throats of the enemy.] Ramza: Put the sword down! No need to waste lives! Wiegraf: Then, why did you kill her? Why Miluda? Ramza: I had no intention of killing her! There are other ways than fighting. Can we talk? Wiegraf: You still don't understand why we won't surrender! What good is talking anyway? Could you make something happen even if you wanted to? You couldn't, could you? And even if you did, your brothers wouldn't allow it!! Ramza: My brothers don't want to fight!! Wiegraf, if you put the sword down, they'll listen! Wiegraf: HA! This's absurd! Your brothers don't want to fight? You're so deluded! [In rage over Delita and the false accusation of his brothers, Ramza runs straight for Wiegraf. Wiegraf quickly releases a Crush Punch on Ramza. Ramza manages to escape the Crush Punch and goes in for a strike. The strike successfully engages and injures Wiegraf.] Wiegraf: Hmph-tough one, eh? Miluda, I'm sorry! But I can't die here! Ramza: Wait, Wiegraf! Running away? Wiegraf: Who do you think had Gustav kidnap the Marquis? Your brother, Dycedarg! And I'm sure Zalbag knows, too! Ramza: Don't be ridiculous! Why would he do such a thing? Wiegraf: Two lions are fighting for power after the king died! One is white lion, Larg. The other is black, Goltana. Both want to know who their allies are. But, it's hard to read strangers' minds. So, why not kill 'em all and bring in your own people? Gustav was deceived by Dycedarg's silk tongue and kidnapped the Marquis! Ramza: Lies!! A Beoulve would never do such a thing! Wiegraf: You should see for yourself! Goodbye Beoulve! [Wiegraf vanishes.] Ramza: Wait, Wiegraf!! Take that back!! - In a Small Windmill - ----------------------- Delita: Teta! Where are you? Teta! [Delita and Ramza comes in looking for Teta.] Delita: I can't find her anywhere! Teta! Where are you!? [No sign of Teta.] Ramza: Did Wiegraf lie to us!? Delita, let's go to Zeakden! Teta must be there. Delita: What happened? What went wrong? Tell me, Ramza. Why did this have to happen to Teta? [Delita falls down on his knee.] Ramza: Delita... [The remaining Death Corps members retreated to a snowy Fort Zeakden, only to find themselves trapped by the Hokuten. Golagros holds Teta as a shield.] -- Fort Zeakden -- ================== Golagros: Get out of here now! What if something happens to her? And don't do anything funny! There's tons of powder inside the fort! More than enough to blow all of you to hell and back! Got it? Then, get out! Zalbag: The Hokuten will never be threatened by you!! [Ramza and Delita finally arrives at the scene.] Ramza: Brother! Algus!! [Delita sees Teta.] Delita: Teta!! Teta: Delita!! Golagros: Get out! Now!! Zalbag: Go on, do it! Algus: Yes, sir! [Algus aims and shoots at Teta.] Golagros: What's this? [Algus shoots again. This time at Golagros, wounding him.] Teta: Delita.................. Delita: Teta!! [A Hokuten knight appears from the shadow behind Zalbag.] Hokuten Knight: General Zalbag, more enemies are on the mountain path! There are about 50 of them. I've been informed one of them resembles Wiegraf! Zalbag: Alright, I'll be right there. Take care of the rest, Algus. Golagros: D...damn it! [Golagros locks himself inside the fort.] Delita: Teta! Algus: Where are you going? Delita: Algus! You bastard!! Algus: You want to fight? Fine then, let's go! Ramza: Brother...why...Teta...? Algus: C'mon! Animals are animals! I'll prove it to you!! [Algus merely whistles. His troop comes out of the shadows behind Algus.] Ramza: Why, why are you doing this? Algus, why!? Algus: It's your brother's orders. Please don't ask why. Besides, would you sacrifice the Hokuten pride, all for a common girl!? Ramza: Teta is Delita's sister!! Algus: It's about time you learned about 'difference'! Different birth, totally different life! It's fate! Neither should've been here! Should've been flower sellers somewhere! And what about you, Ramza? Why are you arguing with me? You're a traitor to Hokuten! Ramza: B...but, but, this is inexcusable! Algus: You're such a spoiled child! How could someone like you be a Beoulve? Ramza: I didn't have a choice!! Algus: You're such a baby! Don't pamper yourself!! Beoulves are leaders of warriors. You have certain responsibilities as a leader! There are many things that only you can do! You must do them for those who can't! Ramza: I don't want to live life just being used by others!! Algus: Just being used? Don't talk rubbish!! Beoulves are used because of who they are! We ourselves have survived under their wing, used their protection! That's right. It's a give and take relationship! That's how you survived! Just being used? You've been using your "best friend", Delita! Ramza: Me? Using Delita? Are you all right, Delita? Delita: Leave me, Ramza! After Algus, you're next! Ramza: Delita... Algus: As a Beoulve, surely you know our mission!? Your mission took precedence even when I was attacked on Mandalia Plains!! Ramza: Gmph!! Algus: You saved me to use me. Ramza: Ridiculous! I couldn't just leave someone in trouble! Algus: Well next time you'd better! You never know if they'll be friendly or not! Delita: Algus! You murdered Teta! I'll kill you! I swear it! Algus: Angry, Delita? Angry because you're so utterly helpless? Know your limits! Commoners don't have power to change things! That's right, get angry! It's all you can do! Ha, ha, you deserve it!! Delita: Is that it? Is that all, Algus?! Algus: Don't be mad, Delita. You'll join her soon! Delita: You won't confuse me! Nobody uses me!! [In rage over Teta's death, Delita runs at Algus. Avoiding the knights Delita finds Algus. With swift motion Delita stabs Algus. Blood trickles from his body.] Algus: Damn you...How could I be beaten by weaklings like you? [Delita pushes his sword more deeper into Algus's body and then pulls out his sword. Algus dies miserably. His men realizing their leader is dead, vanishes. After the battle, Delita walks over to his sister, Teta, and holds her.] Ramza: ..Delita. [The dying Golagros ignites the fort's powder stores.] Ramza: What was that!? An explosion?? Delita, it's dangerous! Come over here, quick!! [Delita doesn't move an inch. The base blows knocking Ramza. Ramza stands up.] Ramza: Delita!! [The base completely gets destroyed by the explosion.] I've taken my whole life for granted. When it came down to it I dropped it all and ran. ---=== PRESENT ===--- - Outside of Orbonne Monastery - -------------------------------- Gafgarion: so, Ramza you know who kidnapped her? Ramza: ............ [Agrias steps out of the monastery.] Agrias: He's taking Princess Ovelia with him. Can't be that far. Gafgarion: Are you going after him? Agrias: Of course! I couldn't face the royal family unless I do! Gafgarion: We won't help you. It's not in the contract! Agrias: We don't need help from one who's not even a knight! A knight must fix his won mistakes. This is one of our responsibilities as guards! Lavian, Alice, let's go! [Simon, the priest comes out.] Agrias: Are you all right, Milord? Simon: The Princess...how is she? [Agrias shakes her head.] Agrias: I'm very sorry. I swear I'll get her back! Simon: ....No. You'd be in danger... Agrias: Don't worry. I swear on my knight's honor I'll save her! [Ramza steps forward.] Ramza: I'll go, too! I won't be a burden! Gafgarion: Are you crazy?! This's none of your business! Ramza: I have to know! I must see it with my own eyes! Gafgarion: You mean, that boy you saw? [Ramza nods.] Gafgarion: You're stubborn as a mule. Don't cry to me for help if something happens! ============================================== Chapter 2: THE MANIPULATER AND THE SUBSERVIENT ============================================== I------------------------------------------------------------I |-- =-=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=- NEWS -=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=-= --| | | | After the king's death | | ====================== | | After the death of King Omdolia, Queen Ruvelia held the | | reigns of the government. Any officials objecting her | | policies were ousted, even elder statesmen. The Empress | | openly criticized the Queen, and was banished to Bunahan, | | never to return. It is said she was poisoned, but no proof | | was ever found. | | | | Feud between Larg and Goltana | | ============================= | | A political struggle erupted between the Prince Larg and | | the son of the late King. They are fighting for the | | regency, who will be guardian to the Prince. The Queen | | sided with Larg, but the officials who oppose her, | | including many Nobles, sided with Goltana. Lately, some | | say Prince Larg will officially be appointed Regent. | | | | Peasant riot in Zeltennia | | ========================= | | A large peasant rebellion has erupted in Zeltennia, | | Goltana's territory. It was caused by the heavy damage | | resulting from the previous years drought, as well as | | growing unease over the rise in taxes after the War. A | | group of ex-Knights, known as the "Ryomoku" seemed to be | | behind the rebellion. Baron Grims' Black Sheep are | | struggling to suppress it. | | | I------------------------------------------------------------I [Rad, Alicia, and Lavian joins. The party heads to Dorter.] -- Dorter Trade City -- ======================= Knight: How about 500 gil per head? Mercenary: Way too low. 2000. It's 2000 gil a head. Knight: It would be easy to make all of you heretics, you know. Mercenary: Is that a threat? ...How about 1000 gil? [The knight shakes his head.] Knight: 700. No more. [The mercenary thinks.] Mercenary: OK. Done deal. Knight: They'll be here any minute. Kill all of them. Understand? [The party arrives at Dorter.] Knight: Ha, speak of the devil...... There they are. Get them! [The knight quickly disappears into the shadows. The mercenary looks at the party.] Mercenary: That's Gafgarion! Damn! 700 was too cheap! [The mercenary throws his hat and whistles, calling his other mates.] Gafgarion: Ambush? Going all out, huh? Agrias: If you don't like it, you can leave! Gafgarion: I usually don't do freebies, but I'll make an exception! Agrias: You patronizing... [Gafgarion releases a 'Night Sword' on one of the enemy thief. The 'Night Sword' quickly gets the job done. Agrias goes left and releases a 'Statis Sword' on the two enemy wizard. A big bulk of ice knocks the two wizard to the ground. One of them is dead and the other is frozen. Ramza feels the wind from a crossbow bolt brush by his hair. Ramza goes towards the first archer and attacks. The sword cuts through the cotton and the archer falls down on the ground. Gafgarion leaps out of the way as another bolt sails past him. Dashing at the archer he cuts the crossbow in two. Gafgarion lifts his sword and tries to kill the archer. The enemy thief quickly throws a knife at Gafgarion. Seeing the knife, Gafgarion quickly moves out of the way. The knife sails through the air and hits the unarmed archer. Laughing mockingly Gafgarion releases the 'Night Sword' at the thief. The thief lifts his arms to ward off the blow. But sadly it cuts straight through him.] Agrias: There's no time to waste. We must hurry and rescue the Princess! Gafgarion: Where are we going? Do you know where they went? Agrias: There is only one place they could've escaped to! Impregnable fortress... Bethla Garrison. Ramza: Bethla Garrison... [On their way to Bethla Garisson..... Araguay Woods.] -- Araguay Woods -- =================== [A chocobo had accidentally wandered inside the goblin's forest. Six Goblins surrounds the poor chocobo.] Black Goblin: Gob, gob! Gobgobgob!! [The goblins closes in at the chocobo.] Chocobo: W-Wark!! [The party arrives.] Goblin: Gob, gobu--!! Agrias: A Chocobo? In this forest? Gafgarion: Must be pretty stupid to wander into Goblin's forest! Ramza: 1. We must leave now. 2. Is he strong in a fight? Ramza: < 1. We must leave now. > -------------------------------- Ramza: We can't waste time here. We must get out of this forest.... Gafgarion: Right. We shouldn't do anything that doesn't make money. Agrias: Sorry, Chocobo... We must save the Princess first. Forgive me. -- Continues with the game -- Ramza: < 2. Is he strong in a fight? > -------------------------------------- Ramza: Delita said wild Chocobos are stronger than tame ones. I wonder if he's strong in a fight? Gafgarion: You want to help him, Ramza? No money in that! Agrias: He may help us save the Princess... -- Continues with the game -- [One of Ramza's archers gets an arrow on the surprised Black Goblin. The other goblins seeing their leaders death, runs away.] Chocobo: W-Wark!! Ramza: You seem alright. Gafgarion: You're lucky. You ought to thank Ramza. -- Zirekile Falls -- ==================== [The Chocobo joins the party. Upon their arrival at Zirekile Falls, the party sees Ovelia and Delita on a bridge surrounded by some Hokuten Knights.] Hokuten Knight: It's over! Surrender! Turn the Princess over to us and we'll spare your life! Delita: That's a bald faced lie! You want to kill her! Then after that you'll kill me for knowing the truth! Knight: Ridiculous! We came to help the Princess! Why would we want to kill her? We can't let Goltana keep her! Agrias: Princess Ovelia!! Ovelia: Agrias!! Knight: Great, here comes a crowd! Gafgarion! Kill them!! And do it now!! Gafgarion: Don't know what's going on, but it's in the contract! Agrias: Gafgarion, are you betraying us? Gafgarion: Betraying you? C'mon, this is business. Our job is to kidnap the Princess 'unharmed'. The job is to kill you all and keep things quiet! Agrias: What are you getting at? This kidnapping's a sham? Gafgarion: The Princess is in the way! The Princess should be next in line. If she's alive there'll be nothing but trouble! [Delita hides the princess behind him.] Delita: Since you're going to die, I'll let you help me... If the Princess's kidnapped and killed by Goltana, they'll be rid of her and his rivals. I'm sure that's how Prince Larg wrote the scenario. No, Dycedarg probably wrote it. Don't you agree, Ramza? [Gafgarion steps forward.] Gafgarion: Right, Ramza. Let's get them all! Ramza: Another helpless sacrifice... No more! There must not be any more victims like Teta!! Agrias: Princess Ovelia! We'll save you!! Gafgarion: I don't think so! Agrias: Are you sure of what you're doing? The Princess may be adopted but she's still royalty. Gafgarion: I'm quite sure! Even Princesses can die for getting in the way! That's what 'royal blood' is about! Agrias: Are you mocking the Pricness!? Gafgarion: Get in the way, get killed. It's the same for commoners! The only difference is people like you pledging blind loyalty! Unless you make it to the top you're only gonna be used so you're better off dead! Agrias: Then, I'll save her!! Ramza: Delita! You're alive! Delita: Imagine meeting you here! Are your brothers still running your life? Ramza: Who knows? They never tell me anything? But uh, Delita, are you party to their plot? Delita: Don't be foolish! I'm here to save the Princess to free her from those who are exploiting her! Gafgarion: Don't lie to me! You were hired too, weren't you? You were hired to kidnap her for money! Don't play dumb!! Delita: No, I'm not like you. It's not for the money! Gafgarion : Then, who's getting in my way? A kid who heard the plan, and decided to save her for justice!? Who hired you? Who told you about the plan? Talk! Delita: None of your business! Ovelia: What are you? Ally or enemy? Delita: Human, just like you! Ramza: Did you know about this!? Why, such a dirty trick!? Gafgarion: Dirty!? There is no 'dirty' when it comes to money. I'm a mercenary. I have to finish the jobs I take. That's called being a pro! Ramza: Why didn't you tell me? Why? Gafgarion: If I'd told you, would you have stopped me? If I don't do this, someone else will! Get it? People die all the time without you knowing about it! That's reality! You think you can stop something you know nothing about? Ramza: But......but Does that make it right? Gafgarion: No 'buts'! You're just a child who doesn't want to face reality! If you don't like it, try living without depending on someone else for a change! But don't come complaining to me if you can't! [Seeing that Gafgarion has joined the enemy troops. Ramza strikes a blow on Gafgarion. Gafgarion tries to dodge the blow but Ramza's sword's tip cuts a deep wound.] Gafgarion: Dammit! [Gafgarion vanishes. The princess moves to a save place. Delita releases 'Holy Explosion' on two knights. The powerful blow is too much for one of the knight and dies. The other gets confused. The confused knight slashes his sword on his nearby friend's neck. The other knight, thinking that he has betrayed them kills him cold-bloodedly. Ramza and Agrias kills off the remaining Hokuten Knights.] Delita: Leave the Princess with me. It's better for her. [Agrias blocks Ovelia behind her back.] Ramza: Delita, what're you scheming? Delita: Scheming? Don't be foolish. I'm telling the truth. Think about it. Where would you take her after making an enemy of Hokuten? Crack Hokuten troops will come here looking for you any time now. Just where the hell do you plan on escaping to? Ramza: W, well, I... Delita: Think carefully. The Princess knows this was Prince Larg's plan. The royal family is not on your side. So what about Goltana? No, he'd execute you just to clear himself. Agrias: What would you do? Delita: I'd do what you can't do. Ramza: What do you mean? Delita: I can't tell you... [Delita turns around.] Delita: I'll leave the Princess with you a little longer. [Delita starts to walk away.] Ramza: Delita, I'm glad I could see you again. [Delita looks down and then up.] Delita: Teta saved me... Ramza: What? Delita: Teta saved me back then... Ramza: ......... [Delita walks off. Ovelia steps forward.] Ovelia: Thank you, Delita. Delita: See you again, Ramza. [Delita disappears into the shadows.] Agrias: Ramza, thanks for your support. But are you sure you want to make Hokuten an enemy? Ramza: Don't worry. I've already decided. The question is, now what should we do? Like Delita said, nobody will help us... Agrias: We can ask Cardinal Draclau for help...... Glabados church has jurisdiction over Lionel. They might be able to help. Ramza: Hokuten has to be careful what they do in Lionel.... Let's go. It's the only place for us. I------------------------------------------------------------I |-- =-=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=- NEWS -=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=-= --| | | | Kidnap of the Princess | | ====================== | | Princess Ovelia has been abducted from the Orbonne | | Monastery. Witnesses say the Knight that disappeared had a | | crest of a Black Lion, believed to be those of the Nanten, | | under Prince Goltana. Goltana strongly denies any | | involvement. He assembled a group of investigators to | | clear any suspicion, but due to the attempted supression | | of the rebellion in Zeltennia, it seems difficult. | | | I------------------------------------------------------------I -- Zaland Fort City -- ====================== [A man is being chased by the Bart Trading Company in Zaland Fort City.] Fencer: You can't escape! Give it to us if you value your life! Young man: What do you want? I don't know what you're talking about. Fencer: Don't play dumb! Mustadio! Don't care about your father? Just give us the 'holy stone' and we'll return him....OK guys, get him! [The man jumps up on top of the fort.] Young man 'Mustadio': And you can tell Rudvich... If he lays a hand on father he'll never see the stone! [The party comes at Zaland on their way to Lionel.] Agrias: An argument! Someone's after that young man... Ramza: 1. Don't want to get involved. 2. We have to help him! Ramza: < 1. Don't want to get involved. > ----------------------------------------- Ramza: I don't want to be involved, but I can't just leave him. I'll help him! Ramza: < 2. We have to help him! > ---------------------------------- Ramza: He'll be killed, if we don't do something! Let's help! [Mustadio aims and fires a few rounds from his gun. Killing one of the enemy wizard and injuring the enemy archer. The deadly Crush Punch from Agrias shot up from under the enemy knight's feet and killed him immediately. Several rounds of bullets from Mustadio's gun hits the injured archer's neck and another wizard's head. Ramza knocks a knight down, as he recovers from the attack, he watches in horror as the icy bulk of 'Statis Sword' shots down to his head. Ramza stabs his sword on the last menacing archer .] Ramza: Are you all right? Mustadio: Yeah.......I think so. Thanks for helping me. - In a room - ------------- Mustadio: They were Troublemakers hired by Bart Company. Agrias: Bart Company? The Importer? Mustadio: You know them? They're not just traders. They're a criminal syndicate into everything from smuggling and slavery. Ramza: Why were they after you? Mustadio: You know why they call us mechanics? [Ramza shakes his head.] Agrias: I hear a 'lost civilization' is hidden under Goug.... When St. Ajora was alive, airships were in the sky, and human robots in town. But time passed, technology was lost, and no one knows if it ever really existed. Mustadio: But the civilization must have existed. Parts from many airships and machines are buried under Goug. Mechanics are the ones who restore the 'past legacies'. Ramza: That weird thing you used in the battle, was that one of the machines? Mustadio: Oh, this? [Mustadio brings out his weapon.] Mustadio: This is called a 'gun'. A metal 'bullet' is propelled by gunpowder. This is the most simple one. They say you used to be able put magic in it and shoot it. Ramza: Hmm... Agrias: Why's Bart Company after you? Mustadio: You said you were going to see the Cardinal. He was a hero of the Fifty Year War. People in Lionel still think of him as a hero. My father, too. The Cardinal is the only one who can unite this country. I know he'd grant your wish. Then the princess would be safe. Agrias: Yeah, and...? Mustadio: Can you take me with you? I want to meet the Cardinal. Agrias: Why? Mustadio: To save my father! The Cardinal's the only one who can rescue him from Bart! But he wouldn't want to meet some mechanics like myself. So, please. Take me with you! Agrias: You still hasn't told us why they're after you! [Mustadio looks down.] Mustadio: ...I can't tell you now. Agrias: Then, we can't take you. Mustadio: I beg you! Trust me! I must see the Cardinal! [The princess enters the room. Ramza and Agrias kneels down.] Ovelia: All right. You can come with us. Mustadio: Really? Thank you, Highness! Agrias: Remember! You're in the presence of a princess! [Mustadio kneels down.] Ovelia: It's all right. Please stand up. [The three stands up.] Agrias: All right, then. I trust you. [Ovelia and the others rests on their way to Lionel Castle.] Agrias: Princess Ovelia, see? Lionel Castle is over the mountain. Ovelia: It's still far from this fort. I wonder if Cardinal Draclau will really help us? Agrias: I hear the Cardinal is very loyal to the royal family. And right now, he's neutral in the dispute between Prince Larg and Prince Goltana. I'm sure he wouldn't defeat justice by turning you over to either one of them. Ovelia: I hope so...... [Ovelia walks up to a tree and picks up a leaf.] Agrias: Besides, he is a man of popularity at Glabados Church. They'll accept you if the Cardinal asks them. Ovelia: I wish I weren't a princess. [Ovelia drops the leaf.] Agrias: Princess Ovelia...... [Ramza eavesdrops.] Ovelia: I was always surrounded by the convent walls...and have only seen the sky through them. I don't think you know, but I was at another monastery before I went to Orbonne. Even after hearing about the adoption by the deceased king, I stayed there for a long time. No, I'm not complaining about that. Just......... People are dying because I'm the princess. It's so painful...... Agrias: Please don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Those who are trying to take advantage of you are the ones to blame. [Ovelia takes another leaf from the tree and drops it.] Ovelia: I met a girl at Orbonne. She said she had also been living in the monastery since birth. We used to laugh at how similar our lives have been. ----Isn't it funny? [The princess takes another leaf and drops it.] Agrias: She was the daughter of the Beoulves, Miss. Alma, wasn't she? Ovelia: She is my only friend...... I wonder if Cardinal Draclau would use me? Agrias: .................. Voice of Mustadio: Ramza! Where are you? Shall we go?! [Mustadio comes out.] Mustadio: What have you been doing here? Agrias: How was it? Mustadio: Fine. It doesn't seem like Hokuten has been here yet. [Ovelia tries to play the reed flute.] Ovelia: My friend taught me before, but I can't seem to do it right. [Ramza walks over and takes a reed. He starts to show Ovelia how to play it.] Ramza: This is how you do it. Ovelia: Like this? [Ovelia also plays the reed flute.] Ovelia: There! I did it. [They both starts to play the reed flute. The party heads to Lionel but encounters some mercenaries on their way.] -- Bariaus Hill -- ================== Rudvich Mercenary: I don't know who you are. But leave the boy with us! We don't want to fight! Hand Mustadio over and there won't be any trouble. OK? Agrias: Why don't you leave quietly! Tell Rudvich we'll fight anyone who tries to use war to sway the people! Mercenary: Then I guess we must take him by force! Here goes!! [Mustadio fires a 'Leg Aim' from his gun and hits the enemy summoner. The side effect of Leg Aim quickly takes place and the shocked summoner is unable to move. Mustadio fires some few well-aimed bullets from his gun, killing two archer and a summoner. Ramza sticks his sword on one of the mercenary but gets a hard blow to his back. Careening from the attack, Ramza loses his balance and tumbles down the ledge. Ramza shoots his arms out just in time to grab a ledge. Ramza carefully climbs up the ledge and swing his sword towards the unarmed knights' back. Agrias's sword strikes home on the last mercenary.] Ramza: Why are they after you? Will you explain? Mustadio: Sorry... But I can't tell you now. [Meanwhile at the office of Igros castle.] - Office of Igros Castle - -------------------------- Dycedarg: Do anything to capture Ovelia. The same goes for Agrias and the others. Kill them! Gafgarion: What about Ramza? [Dycedarg takes a cup and pours a wine.] Dycedarg: He's a disgrace to the name Beoulve, and he's in our way. I left him alone because I thought he'd learn how harsh the real world is. I never thought he was that dense. Gafgarion: Did his strong sense of justice come from his father? Dycedarg: My father spoiled him. If he obeys orders, fine. If he resists, we have no choice... [Dycedarg drinks the wine.] Gafgarion: It's hard to believe his own brother said that. Sickening. But what if the Cardinal gets in our way? With the church supporting him, even the Prince couldn't do anything easily. Dycedarg: I've already prepared for that. There's no need to worry. Gafgarion: So that's that? The more I know, the worse you appear. Dycedarg: If that's how you feel, then you'd best watch your tongue. Don't forget your head can be easily cut off. Gafgarion: Hey, stop that. I'm your loyal servant. Remember I'm not stubborn like your little brother. Dycedarg: Then, don't make any mistakes. Gafgarion: Speaking of that, who did you order to kidnap Ovelia? When I was chasing her in Dorter, someone attacked me. What was that about? [Dycedarg looks out the window.] Dycedarg: They found the criminals in the monastery woods- dead. Someone learned of our plan and is trying to stop us... Anyhow, as long as Ovelia is with Agrias, there'll be many chances to get her... Gafgarion: I hope so. [After going for days and nights the party finally comes at the gate of Lionel Castle.] - The Gate of Lionel Castle - ----------------------------- Lionel Castle Knight: Who are you? What do you want? Agrias: I'm Agrias Oaks of the Lesalia St. Konoe Knights. I came from Orbonne to save the son of God, St. Ajora. Open the gate! Knight: Saving the St. Ajora is the will of the high priest. The gate will open for he who would save the high priest. Open the gate! [The gate opens and the party enters the castle. The party meets the Cardinal.] Draclau: I understand your situation, Agrias. Moreover, I'll send a man to the High Priest in Murond. We'll do something to expose Larg's scheme, and keep the Princess from danger. Agrias: Will High Priest Funeral help us? Draclau: Don't worry, Agrias. I'm with you. You must be strong to make the Princess feel at ease. Make yourselves comfortable in this old castle until word comes from the holy land. Ovelia: Thank you for your kindness. Draclau: St. Ajora is with us. There's no need to worry. Young mechanic. I heard your wish too. I'll send troops to Goug, to destroy Bart Company. Mustadio: Thank you. Draclau: But, would you explain why they're after you two? Mustadio: I...can't... Draclau: That's all right... Is this it? [The Cardinal brings out a shiny red stone.] Agrias: What is that crystal? Draclau: Have you ever heard of the 'Zodiac Brave Story'? Agrias: You mean that fairy tale, we used to hear in church? Draclau: Here now! Are you saying the church lied? Agrias: N-no, I didn't mean that... Ovelia: Long ago, when the land was much different, 12 brave warriors fought against the Evil Lucavi who ruled the land. After a desperate battle, they sent Lucavi to Hades, and the land was peaceful. They each had crystals with zodiac signs on them, they were called "Zodiac Braves". Ever since then, whenever humans are attacked, the Braves come to save us. Draclau: You're quite learned, Princess. Just as I expected. Ovelia: Mr. Simon taught me at the Orbonne Monastery. He also said St. Ajora and the Braves saved Ivalice from chaos. Draclau: We call the crystals, 'Holy Stones'. This very stone, is the legendary secret stone, the "Zodiac Stone". Ovelia: I didn't think it really existed. Draclau: They say its 'Divine Power' surpasses Lucavi's. I feel strange power, but it looks just like an ordinary crystal to me. Ramza: What's wrong, Mustadio? You look pale. Draclau: You saw the same stone underground Goug? Mustadio: Many broken machine parts are buried there. But if the stone gets near the machines, they start to howl. Draclau: Bart Company's after the stone, right? Mustadio: I don't know what power the stone has... But Rudvich wants to use its power to make weapons. My father told me never to give the stones to him. So they abducted him. Draclau: Don't worry, Mustadio. The church will see to his safety. While our men fight, we'll get the stone back. Mustadio: Y, yes, sir. Ramza: I'll go to Goug with you. Mustadio: Thank you, Ramza. Agrias: We made it this far thanks to you, Ramza. Ovelia: I wish I could've been more help. Please be careful. Ramza: That's very thoughtful. Don't worry. We'll be fine. I------------------------------------------------------------I |-- =-=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=- NEWS -=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=-= --| | | | Zodiac Brave Story | | ================== | | Long before Ivalice was united, the land was divided into | | 7 kingdoms: Zeltennia, Fovoham, Lionel, Limberry, Lesalie, | | Gallione, and Murond. Each tried to expand their territory | | and the struggles continued for hundreds of years, until | | an ambitious new King, was born in Murond. He gathered a | | great army from all over Ivalice and fought, but victory | | did not come easily. Then the King found a secret way to | | summon a Magic God from the netherworld. But when he tried | | to use its powers, the Magic God killed the King and tried | | to destroy the world... 12 brave souls defeated the Devils | | summoned by the Magic God and sent him back to the | | netherworld. At this time, the 12 warriors were crested | | with 12 zodiac symbols, and people began to call them the | | "Zodiac Braves". | | | | Zodiac Stone | | ============ | | Crystals said to be made in a mythic area. With a zodiac | | symbol carved on their surface, the crystal was known as | | the "Zodiac Stone of the 12 zodiac symbols". The stones | | are said to have holy powers used by the Zodiac Braves to | | work miracles. The last time they were seen was during St. | | Ajora's time, no one has seen them since... | | | | Bart Company's dark rumor | | ========================= | | Bart Trading Company, based in Warjilis, is increasing in | | popularity because it donates heavily to projects | | improving the infrastructure and orphanages. But they are | | not only known for their charity. Some say they are a | | criminal outfit involved in opium smuggling, slavery and | | even murder. Who knows the real truth about this company? | | | I------------------------------------------------------------I << Flashback >> --------------- Besrodio: Listen, Mustadio. Take this and run! [Besrodio gives a yellow shiny stone to Mustadio.] Mustadio: Run? Where? [Outside the room....] Rudvich Mercenary: I know you're in there! Open the door!! [Mustadio holds his father's hand.] Mustadio: Father! Let's get out of here! Besrodio: My legs are useless! Just go on without me!! Mustadio: I can't leave you alone! Besrodio: The Holy stone has enough power to destroy a country! Can't let Rudvich get it! Hide it in a safe place! And ask Cardinal Draclau to help you! I know he will! [Rudvich and his mercenary breaks inside the room.] Rudvich: You've wasted enough time. Now, give me the stone! Besrodio: Go now! Mustadio!! [The mercenaries rushes in to catch Mustadio.] Besrodio: Hurry!! [Mustadio escapes.] Rudvich: After him!! Get him! << End of Flashback >> ---------------------- [After the tough fight with the monsters of Zigolis Swamp. The two finally comes to Goug Machine City.] -- Goug Machine City -- ======================= Mustadio: I don't see anyone from Bart Company. It doesn't even look like there was a fight.... Something's strange.... I'll check it out. See you later. Ramza: Where? [Mustadio points at the slums.] Mustadio: The slums over there... they shouldn't attract attention. Ramza: All right. Be careful. Mustadio: Right. Leave it to me. [Mustadio leaves to check things out. Night falls and Ramza arrives at the slums to meet Mustadio.] - Slums - --------- Ramza: He's late.... Too late. [Rain starts to pour down.] Ramza: Think Mustadio was caught? Man's voice: Are you his friend? Ramza: Who are you!? [Two female archer and a man comes out to greet Ramza.] Ill-looking man: Bring him! [A thief brings out the captured Mustadio.] Mustadio: S...Sorry, Ramza. Ramza: Are you OK, Mustadio!!? [Ramza tries to free Mustadio.] Man: That's far enough. Don't move any closer! Ramza: So, you're Rudvich!! Let Mustadio go!! Rudvich: Give me the "Holy Stone". Then you can have him back. [looks at Mustadio] C'mon! Where'd you hide it? Talk! Mustadio: ... Rudvich Won't talk, huh? Even after seeing this? [The man gives the signal and another thief comes out holding Mustadio's father.] Mustadio: Father! Are you OK!? Besrodio: I'm all right... Don't give him the 'Holy Stone'. Rudvich: Put him in there! [The thief shoves Besrodio into a room.] Rudvich: Ready to confess now? [Mustadio looks down.] Mustadio: Inside the chimney... at Ramza's feet... Rudvich: Well then, you pick it up! If you want to save his life! [Ramza gets the hidden holy stone from inside the chimney.] Ramza: This...? Let them go! Rudvich: First give me the stone! Ramza: Let them go, first!! Rudvich: Throw the stone! Then, we'll let them go! [Ramza throws the stone at Rudvich and frees Mustadio. The stone shines in Rudvich's hand.] Rudvich: The Zodiac Stone! Finally we've got it! The Cardinal'll be very pleased! Good job. I'm done now. You take care of the rest. Get rid of them! [Rudvich disappears into the darkness with the stone.] Ramza: Draclau was in on it, too? [Ramza swings his sword and cuts the throat of the nearest thief. Mustadio runs towards the other thief and nails him with a punch. The other escapes into the darkness.] Mustadio: Will my father be all right? - Mustadio's house - -------------------- Besrodio: Don't worry about me.... They got the stone. Rudvich'll try to revive the machines beneath Goug with its power. He may even try to use the divine power with Bart Company. Not much we can do now... Mustadio: Heh, heh... Good for them. Besrodio: What do you mean? [Mustadio brings out a shiny crystal. The holy stone shines.] Mustadio: I made a fake one in case something like this happened. Ramza: You mean, they got a fake? Mustadio: That's right. They must be going crazy now. Ramza: Princess Ovelia and Agrias are in danger....! Mustadio: What do you mean? Ramza: The Cardinal joined Bart to get the stone. He may take the Princess hostage. Mustadio: Ridiculous! Making an enemy of the royal family! Ramza: Why do you think the Cardinal wanted the stone? People are sick of long wars and political in fighting. Draclau wants to use the 'Zodiac Brave Story'. Creating 'Zodiac Braves' by collecting holy stones, he can control the world. Besrodio: He is right. We can't give the stone to the Cardinal. Ramza: Let's save the Princess and Agrias! Mustadio: Right. But the way to Lionel is probably sealed. We'll use a ship to sneak in the back of the castle. [The party sails to Warjilis Trade City, taking the stone with them.] -- Warjilis Trade City -- ========================= Ramza: There aren't any Lionel troops in Warjilis.... [Ramza walks off the ship and faces an old friend.] Ramza: Delita! Why are you here!? Delita: Don't take our information network too lightly. Ramza: 'Our'? Delita: Go back to Igros, for your own sake. It's healthier to keep your nose out of certain things like Princesses and stones. Ramza: Delita, what do you mean? Delita: rescuing the Princess only solves one problem. But I can save her from all of them. Ramza: What do you mean? I don't understand. Delita: The best ways don't always lead to the best results. You can't save her no matter what. Remember that. [Delita walks away.] Ramza: Wait, Delita. What are you trying to do? Delita: Larg, Goltana, your brothers, everyone... Haven't noticed they're all swept up in the same flow. I'm just going against it. That's all...... I'll see you again, if we live that long. [Delita leaves.] Ramza: Delita... [Meanwhile at Lionel Castle...] -- Lionel Castle -- =================== Gafgarion: You're using the princess as bait to get the stone back? That's not some thing a holyman would do. Rudvich: Bastard! Things would've been fine if you hadn't let them escape! Gafgarion: There were some mistakes, but it wasn't my fault! Draclau: Enough, Rudvich. I'll return Ovelia to Dycedarg as promised. It was our intention, too. But don't you need to get rid of those who know about the kidnapping? The thief who stole the stone is with them. You can catch them all by using the Princess as bait. 2 birds with one stone. Gafgarion: Exactly. But what if...? Draclau: You are being weak. Gafgarion: 'Careful' is more like it. You've got to be careful to survive on a battlefield. Draclau: All right. I'll make sure you're protected. Also, we'll prepare bait just incase. Gafgarion: Good. The woman will make perfect bait. I'll get rid of them. I'm more reliable then him! Rudvich: How dare you! Draclau: Fine. I'll leave it to you. Rudvich: Are you serious? Draclau: Don't let me down, Gafgarion. Gafgarion: No problem. I'll even get the stone back! [Gafgarion leaves the room.] Rudvich: Why him...? Draclau: You failed enough. Now you must take responsibility... Rudvich: W, What...? [Draclau kills Rudvich.] -- Bariaus Valley -- ==================== [Agrias is seen running.] Man's voice: Where are you? Don't try to escape!! [The man finds Agrias.] Lionel Knight: So here you are... [The knight calls out his other troopers.] Knight: Give yourself up! [Ramza and the party comes for the rescue.] Knight: What!? Ramza: I'm protecting Agrias! Geronimo! Agrias: Ramza! Why are you here!? Ramza: I was going to attack the castle flank to save you. But, why are you here? Agrias: The Cardinal secretly plotted with Larg from the start! We tried to escape but only the Princess got caught!! I couldn't save her. They're about to execute her. We must hurry!! Ramza: First, we have to get rid of them somehow... [Agrias pulls her sword out of her sheath just in time to escape the blow of an enemy knight wielding a broadsword. Ramza pulls out his sword and strikes down a nearby archer. Agrias waits for the enemy knight to attack. The knight finally moves and so does Agrias. With lightning speed Agrias gets him first. One of Ramza's wizards hits a knight with Bolt2. A pathetic scream escapes from the knight's mouth. An enemy archer's arrow sways through Ramza's arm, lancing the skin deeply. Ramza in pain, rushes at the archer. The archer trembles in fear and fumbles for an arrow. Ramza comes near the arches. With one blow, the bow cloven in two falls to the ground. Ramza lifts his sword and slices the enemy's throat.] Ramza: Are you all right, Agrias? Agrias: Yes, I'm alright, but we must hurry! She's going to be executed at the Gologrand Execution Site. Let's hurry! Ramza: Yes, let's go! -- Gologrand Execution Site -- ============================== Executioner: Any last words? No? I see. Knight of Lionel troop: Huh? The Enemy!! [Ramza and his troops comes to their destination.] Ramza: That's far enough! Return the Princess, now! Executioner: Heh, heh, heh.... You fell into a trap! Ramza: !? [The executioner takes off his disguise.] Gafgarion: You're still too naive, kid. Ramza: Where is the Princess!? Gafgarion: At Lionel Castle. Where's the stone? Ramza: Stone? Gafgarion: Stop playing dumb. The stone you stole from the Cardinal. You're with the one who stole it. Just hand it over! Ramza: If you want it, you'll have to take it! Gafgarion: Seems you've matured a bit. Then I will! [The flow of battle was not on Ramza's side. Ramza and his troops were outnumbered. To prevent being surrounded, Ramza and his men split up. Gafgarion's Night Sword starts to cause great problem for Ramza's troop.] Gafgarion: It's not too late! Let's go back to Igros! Your brother, Dycedarg said he'd forgive you! Come on, wake up!! Ramza: No, I won't be involved in any more wrong doing! Gafgarion: 'Wrong doing'? What do you mean by that? You are a Beoulve! You have a mission to accomplish. 'Wrong doing', indeed! It's your mission, don't be such a fool! Ramza: My brothers are making war for personal reasons! What else can you call it other than 'evil'? Gafgarion: You must make 'sacrifices' to accomplish anything! Without 'sacrifice' there's no progress, nor history! Look at Ivalice! Corrupt! Someone must change it!! Your brothers are trying to do that! Even if it means 'wrong doing'! Ramza: But that doesn't mean I should leave her stranded! Gafgarion: Forget about Ft. Zeakden! It couldn't be helped! You're a Beoulve. You have a given duty! It is your fate! Ramza: It's fate that let Teta die? No, that's wrong! We killed her out of convenience... Yes, us! I've run from the truth long enough...I killed her... Agrias: Ramza, are you really a Beoulve? Gafgarion: Didn't you know, Agrias? His name is Ramza Beoulve. One of the Beoulve family. Ramza: It's true I'm a Beoulve! But I'm not like my brothers! I never knew about kidnapping the princess! I swear it! Agrias: No doubt in my mind! I believe you!! Gafgarion: This is ridiculous! One girls had died, so what? We must first think about 'justice'! Ramza: There's no 'justice' in using and deceiving people! I can't ignore people dying for 'justice'! I'll save Princess Ovelia! Gafgarion: Stubborn kid! Agrias: What're you going to do with the Princess!? Gafgarion: My contract's to take her back to Gallione. I have no idea what Larg will do after that. Agrias: You're using her as a tool for battle! Same as you! Larg and Dycedarg are using you, too! Aren't you ashamed of yourself? Don't you have any pride? Gafgarion: What's the use? I gave mine up long ago! [However, the battle soon brought the best out of Ramza's troop. Everybody was working like one person. Ramza manages to kill two knights. Ramza and his troop finds themselves reeling back the enemy down. Gafgarion realizing this, quickly went in for a blow at Ramza. Ramza barely dodges the blow and counter attacked, injuring him a little. Gafgarion glanced around his surroundings. Ramza's best monk scored a jaw-breaking hit on one of his archer. The battle was clearly on Ramza's side.] Gafgarion: Damn it! I didn't expect you to be this strong......! Retreat for now!! [Gafgarion and his remaining troops retreats.] Ramza: We must go to Lionel Castle immediately!! - In a cell in Lionel Castle - ------------------------------ Delita: Aren't you eating? You can't go on without food. Ovelia: ... Delita: No one will mourn your death. In fact, it should make most people happy. You won't die. Just eat the food. Ovelia: I knew you were in with the Cardinal. If you aren't turning me over to Larg, what's your plan? Delita: Taking you somewhere you belong... that's all. Ovelia: So, you're using me, too. But you can't make me do whatever you want. Delita: You have no other choice if you want to live. Ovelia: What's that mean? Delita: It means.... [Draclau and a man walks inside the cell.] A Knight: So, she is Ovelia...? Cardinal Draclau: How are you, Princess? If you'd behaved, you wouldn't be here now. Knight: Hmmm, she's almost too good a substitute for a Princess. Draclau: Heh, heh...Mr. Vormav, she doesn't know yet. Vormav: I see...poor girl. Ovelia: What are you talking about? Vormav: Listen carefully. You're not Ovelia. Ovelia: What......? Vormav: The real princess died long ago. You're a substitute. Ovelia: No, that's a lie!! Vormav: It's not a lie. You are not Ovelia. Old Senators who didn't care for Princess Luveria, made you... So someday you'd succeed the throne, ousting the Princess. They killed 2 older Princes making it look like illness, and adopted you as Princess. They all thought Omdolia was too weak to make another son so you took the throne. However, Orinas was born. Even now, no one's sure if the Prince is really his son. Larg may have had "seeds" planted to make his sister the King's mother... In any case, the old men's plan was ruined. Ovelia: Liar! I don't believe it! Vormav: Think what you will. Whether you're a Princess or not doesn't matter to us. What matters is that we have an ace up our sleeve called a 'Princess'... Ovelia: What are you going to do to me? What do you want? Vormav: Nothing. Just be a 'Princess' as you are now. Ovelia: My ancestors were Atkaschas! No one can control me! Vormav: Then what? If Larg catches you, he'll kill you... right? We just want to help you take the throne... Ovelia: Who are you? Vormav: We're neither allies of Larg nor supporters of Goltana. Just 'collaborators'. Draclau: Vormav, let her calm down. Once she comes to her senses she won't refuse our help. Vormav: Yes...... you're right. [Draclau leaves the cell.] Vormav: Let's go, Delita! [Vormav and Delita also leaves the cell.] - At the gate of Lionel Castle - -------------------------------- [Ramza and his troop secretly arrives at the gate of Lionel Castle. Ramza tries to open the gate.] Ramza: Wait there. I'll open the gate. Familiar voice: Not so fast! [Gafgarion comes out from the shadows.] Gafgarion: You got in all right, but didn't notice an ambush. [Gafgarion whistles. His men comes out from the shadows behind Ramza's troop.] Ramza: Damn!! Gafgarion: Ramza! It's me you must fight with! En garde!! [Ramza's troop charges at the enemy. While that was happening the two man, looked at each other's eyes, ready to pull their swords. Ramza made the mistake by underestimating Gafgarion. Ramza made the first move and pulled out his sword. Ramza charges with incredible speed, Gafgarion also pulls out his sword. Gafgarion strikes a blow at Ramza. Ramza ducks just in time to feel the wind from the sword brush by his hair, cutting some of his hair down. He had to think and fight quickly. He swings a blow but Gafgarion blocks it with his sword, partially deflecting it. Ramza then leaps out of the way as two attacks from Gafgarion's sword narrowly misses him, Ramza saw the opening and wasting no time strikes a blow at Gafgarion's open body. The blow connects. The Dark Knight falls on his knee, a pool of blood slowly drips from Ramza's sword.] Gafgarion: Ugnn...is this...end? Ramza: Goodbye, Gafgarion...... [Ramza pulls out his sword from Gafgarion's body, the Knight falls down on the ground silently.] Ramza: We must save the princess before reinforcements arrive! [Ramza and his troop successfully infiltrates inside the castle and finds the Cardinal.] - Inside Lionel Castle - ------------------------ Draclau: Gafgarion is not as good as he says... Or was it bad luck? Anyhow, you're good. You have Beoulve blood in your veins. Even if you are a bastard. [The Cardinal slowly walks down to confront the party.] Draclau: But, I don't need your interference anymore. Leave the stone here. If you resist, I'll show no mercy... Ramza: Where is Princess Ovelia? Draclau: Why must you save her? You deserted the Beoulves. What can you change by yourself? Don't waste energy. Without power, nothing can be achieved... You're powerless. Ramza: Where's the Princess? Draclau: She's not here. She left for Zeltennia. She chose our help over yours. Ramza: That's a lie!! Draclau: She has begun to think for herself. She felt unsure of you and chose us for obvious reasons to take the throne. Why don't you join us? You want to get the best of your brothers sails, right? We care about the world, too. How about it? Ramza: I don't want to change the world! I just can't allow people to suffer and die because of some elitist's ideas. Change the world? You think anyone really can? I'm not that reckless!! Draclau: Ha, ha, ha... You're the one holding the stone. You can change not only the world, but the truth of everything with its power. Since you don't seem to understand, let me show you. [The Cardinal brings out a red crystal from his pocket. Lights, souls and demons flashes around the Cardinal. Huge ball of light flashes around the Cardinal, turning him to a demon.] Tainted King, Queklain: Hya, ha, ha! How about that? Surprised? Now, let me have my fun. Let me hear your screams and suffering death cries! [Hard and tough battle emerges. After several blows from the troop injures the tainted king.] Queklain: I'm immortal...how can I be losing....? It's impossible. I can't...die...until he resurrects... [The Cardinal vanishes leaving the red stone. The stone flashes and falls down on the ground. The haunting scream of the Cardinal is heard just as the stone falls on the ground.] - Inside of Zeltennia Castle - ------------------------------ [Delita successfully delivers the Princess to Goltana. Upon hearing this Goltana arranges a meeting with him.] Goltana: It's you... who saved Ovelia. Delita: Delita- Black Sheep knight under Baron Grims, and Hyral. I was sent by order of Baron Grims to save the Princess. I've returned- Mission completed. Minister Gelwan: ...Hyral? Never heard of him. Goltana: The Baron died in battle last month with the Ryomoku. The Black Sheep were entirely wiped out. Delita: That's why I returned. Goltana: How's the Princess? Kanbabrif: Sleeping soundly, she's exhausted from the long trip. Orlandu: I heard you brought a prisoner? Delita: Yes, sir. Bring him! [A knight brings the prisoner inside the room.] Delita: Why did you kidnap the Princess? Prisoner: We framed Goltana to prevent him from Lesalia,...taking the regency. Delita: Who gave you the order? Prince Larg? Prisoner: One of Goltana's aids who wants to join Larg. [Minister Gelwan steps forward to silent the prisoner.] Gelwan: Ridiculous! No aids would do that! Silence this lout! Goltana: No need. Listen. Delita: Who is that? Prisoner: ...... Delita: Talk! Now! Prisoner: Will you save my life? Delita: All right, I promise. Who is it!!? Prisoner: Him... Minister Gelwan. Gelwan: How dare you! It's a lie! I don't even know you! Delita: Who seduced you? The Queen? Gelwan: That's absurd! I don't know anything! Delita: Treason's a serious crime, Minister? [Delita draws his sword from his sheath. The knight and the prisoner steps back immediately. Orlandu quickly puts his hand on Excalibur's hilt, ready to draw.] Gelwan: I said I don't know a thing! [Delita lifts his sword to strike. Minister Gelwan quickly runs for the door but takes a fatal blow to his back from Delita's sword. Delita puts his sword back to his sheath and bow downs before Goltana. Orlandu takes his hand from Excalibur's hilt.] Delita: Let me say this! We must go to the capital with the Nanten now! Or they may hold you responsible for this plot. First, let's remove Orinas and the Queen, then get the Princess on the throne! Goltana went to Lesalia and confined Ruvelia in Bethla for kidnapping the Princess, and let the Princess accede to the throne. But Larg insisted Orinas was the legitimate successor and had him accede to the throne. Then Larg became the regent as a guardian. Immediately after, Larg sent the Hokuten let by Orinas to Bethla to rescue the Queen. Meanwhile, Goltana sent the Nanten led by Ovelia... This is the beginning of the upheavel which would later be called the 'Lion War'.... [3 months passed since the outbreak of the Lion War. Days passed, the frontlines expanded as did the intensity of the conflicts. Without any decisive victor, both Larg and Goltana's armies were being exhausted. Hunger and high taxes overwhelmed the people.] -- Bethla Garrison -- ===================== Bolmna: 20,000 dead. Counting both sides, that makes 40,000... Well over 200,000 injured just in our troops alone. Elmdor: Casualties aren't the only problem, foodstock is short as we expected. The real problem's the drought. There's no food and tax revenues are reduced. Storage is at less than a half. Blansh: Larg's probably facing the same problem. I hear crops were ruined before harvest, due to rain. Orlandu: More serious are those made destitute by the war. According to Olan, more than 100,000 refugees have come to Lesalia. Blansh: Ha, ha...Good! Larg'll have problems getting food. Orlandu: This is no laughing matter! The same could happen here. Many refugees may come here! Should we start peace talks! Goltana: I understand your concerns. But, we cannot stop the war. We'll increase tax by 30%. Make sure no one trades grain at high prices. Also keep an eye on all refugees entering Limberry. Orlandu: Larg is in difficulty too. It's not too late for a peace settlement. Goltana: Enough, Orlandu! A peace settlement won't occur. Orlandu: Our nation exists because of the people! We exist because of them. Farmers suffered the most in the War! Raising taxes would hurt them even more. The soldiers are also suffering from lack of food. It's impossible to continue physically and mentally. Goltana: Mentally? Are you becoming a coward? Orlandu: In the last War, we served by keeping Ordolia out of our land! Goltana: Are you saying there's no right in this battle? Since when did you start talking about 'hypocrisy'? You can't go easy on them. It's for the people! We can't allow a corrupt royal family to oppress the people any longer. We fight! Blansh: He's right. Just a little longer before it's over! I never expected to hear that from the one they used to call 'T.G. Cid'. Orlandu: A little longer? Where'd you get that idea? How can you be optimistic? Are you blind? [Blansh gets up from his chair.] Blansh: Your words are harsh!! Goltana: Enough! I'm disappointed in you, Orlandu. Any more harsh words may mean your life! [Blansh sits down.] Orlandu: ...... Goltana: I won't say this again. If any more of you disagree with my plans, go now! Understand? Orlandu! ====================== Chapter 3: THE VALIANT ====================== Delita told me that there is a big tide and he goes against it... If this age of war is the "big tide" like a fate we can't avoid, can I go against it? Now I head for Lesalia to tell my brother Zalbag there's someone manipulating this war... I------------------------------------------------------------I |-- =-=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=- NEWS -=-= =-= =-=-= =-= =-=-= --| | | | Future of the War | | ================= | | Three months have passed since the Battle at Gulofavia | | -The first all out battle on a plain bordered by Lesalia | | and Limberry-. The death toll for the two armies reached | | nearly 400,000. This battle between those that fought side | | by side during the War is only creating many casualties | | with no end in sight. Many see the situation as a | | stalemate, and its length has brought pessimism among the | | people. | | | | Rescue of Princess Ovelia | | ========================= | | Princess Ovelia, abducted from Orbonne Monastery has been | | safely rescued. The mastermind behind her abduction was | | Gelwan, a close official to Goltana and Queen Ruvelia. | | Trying to bring her son to the throne, it was the Queen's | | plan, to persuade the Minister -But, those supporting the | | Queen strongly deny these allegations-. Furthermore, the | | Minister has been already been executed. The one who | | rescued the Princess was a young Knight named Delita, an | | assistant Black Sheep Knight under Baron Grims. Recognized | | for his heroism, he is expected to be the next leader of | | the Black Sheep now that the seat is vacant since the | | Baron was killed fighting the "Ryomoku"! | | | | Draclau's death | | =============== | | 3 months have passed since the death of Draclau, due to | | illness. There are rumors that the leader of Lionel Castle | | was really assassinated. There is even one rumor that it | | was a murder by an "Unidentified monster". To support | | these theories, there was an attack upon the castle by | | thieves, the night before his death causing many death and | | injuries. The cause of death was said to be people were | | "crushed to death." | | | | Drought and flood damage | | ======================== | | 10 years ago, the kingdom had a terribly bad harvest. | | Zeltennia and Limbbery were devasted by drought and their | | harvests were half the norm. On the other hand, Gallione | | and Fovoham, were devasted by floods. The harvests in the | | west were about half the norm as well. People left | | destitute in the war and people suffering from famine | | migrated to Lesalia seeking refuge. | | | I------------------------------------------------------------I [On their way to Lesalia, the party comes across a wooden house. A young man climbs on top of the house.] Roar: Where! Where did he run!? [The young man moves.] A roar: Up there! Up the roof!! [A gang of thieves comes out and surrounds the house.] Olan: Surrounded... [The leader climbs up the roof and greets the man.] Thief: I don't know who you are. Too bad you stumbled on us. Olan: Next time put a sign outside saying "Thieves' hideout". Thief: Hya, ha! Damn blabbermouth. Now, give yourself up. [Ramza and his troop decides to help the helpless man.] Ramza: Something weird's going on in here... Thief: We have many visitors today. Let's get them all together! [Ramza and his troop prepares to fight but then watches in amazement as Olan uses Galaxy Stop.] Olan: Destiny lies in my hands! Stop movement! Galaxy Stop! [The place flashes around in a weird light. Time seems to be not moving and all of a sudden the thieves freezes. Using the opportunity Ramza's troop cuts the throats of the thieves.] Ramza: Are you all right? Olan: Thank you for saving me. My name is Olan Durai. What is yours? Ramza: Ramza Beoulve. [Olan gives a strange reaction upon hearing Ramza's name.] Olan: !! Ramza: Is something wrong? Olan: Oh, nothing. Never mind. Where are you going anyway? Ramza: To Lesalia. If you're going that way we could go along. Olan: Too bad, I'm going the other way. Thanks for the offer. Ramza: Well, be careful. Olan: You too. [The two shakes hands with each other.] Olan: I'll see you later. Stay alive, till then. Ramza: Oh, uh, yeah... [The two goes separate ways.] -- Lesalia Imperial Capital -- ============================== [Ramza finally comes to Lesalia and meets up with his brother, Zalbag.] Zalbag: What's wrong? Why aren't you sitting? I was surprised to know you're in Lesalia. Alma's here, too. See her before you go. Ramza: Brother... Zalbag: What? Ramza: Can you stop the war? Zalbag: Don't be ridiculous! Ramza: What's the purpose? Beoulves have fought to protect the people, not royalty. But now, they're fighting for self- interest... Zalbag: You don't know anything! Ramza: You don't understand, brother! This battle's someone's plot! Someone's using Larg and Goltana!! Zalbag: Using...? What are you talking about? Ramza: I don't know much either...... Dycedarg tried to kidnap the princess to keep Goltana from the throne. But someone took the Princess to Goltana. If she was killed then, Goltana would have been killed as a traitor. [Zalbag gets up from his chair.] Zalbag: Dycedarg planned the kidnap? Ramza! You're saying your own brother came up with such a plot!? [Ramza steps back.] Ramza: Don't you know anything!? Zalbag: You fool!! Don't you trust your flesh? Get out! Go back to Igros!! Ramza: Don't you believe me?! Zalbag: How am I supposed to believe an irreverent kid like you! I've cared about you being my half-brot