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NOTE: This is the full script from Square's masterpiece, Final Fantasy Tactics. The only section missing is that from the Deep Dungeon quest, which, I admit, is a bit too complicated for me to complete.
All text here is property of Squaresoft, ©1997/1998, copied by myself, Jennifer DeHart, AKA FFVIIDevil@aol.com (yes, we AOL gamers aren't all completely incompetent when it comes to
gaming ).
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T h e Z o d i a c B r a v e S t o r y
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.
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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 "Duray Report" released
last year (concealed for many years by the 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"?
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Orbonne Monastery
[Priest, Knight, Princess]
"God, please help us sinful children of Ivalice."
[Princess prays silently]
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...
[enter three knights]
BLACK KNIGHT: What's going on? It's been nearly an hour!
AGRIAS: Don't be rude to the Princess, Gafgarion.
[men kneel]
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 for you.
AGRIAS: What? How dare you!
OVELIA: Enough. Let's go.
[Ovelia turns to the priest]
PRIEST: Go with God.
OVELIA: You too, Simon.
[A noise resounds at the door. A knight barges in, wounded. Simon rushes to her side.]
FEMALE KNIGHT: Lady Agrias!... The enemy!
SIMON: Prince Goltana's men!?
[Agrias rushes outside]
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 three knights exit.]
OVELIA: Oh God...
[fade out]
Outside of the Monastery -- battle
[Agrias, Goltana Knights, etc.]
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!
[enter Gafgarion, Ramza, knight]
GAFGARION: Fool! Only idiots attack head on!
AGRIAS: Leave this to us!
GAFGARION: We can't make money that way! Rad, Ramza! Follow me!!
[battle ensues]
GAFGARION: 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!
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
PRINCESS OVELIA: [from behind the monastery] Let go of me!
AGRIAS: Damn!!
[Behind the monastery...]
KNIGHT: Come here! Be quiet!!!
OVELIA: Why should I listen to you!?
KNIGHT: What an annoying Princess.
[The knight slaps Ovelia, throws her over his shoulder, and onto the back of a Chocobo, which he mounts. Agrias rushes to the scene.]
AGRIAS: Wait!!!
KNIGHT: Tough... Don't blame us. Blame yourself or God.
[The knight rides off.]
AGRIAS: Oh, God...
RAMZA: [nearby] ...Delita?? You're alive, Delita? But, why are you in Goltana's troops? Why...?
[fade out]
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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 comonplace in Ivalice. Many heroes and wizards came out of there. And Gariland was no exception either.
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CHAPTER ONE: THE MEAGER
Military Academy's Auditorium
[miltary cadets]
[Chatter ensues.]
CADET: I heard another wagon bound for Igros was attacked
CADET II: 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.
[A voice calls from behind.]
VOICE: Everyone, fall in!
[The knight makes his way to the Stage.]
HOKUTEN KNIGHT: You have a mission! As you know, barbarians are rapidly increasing here in Gallionne. 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 knight approaches from the back, exchanges words with the Hokuten Knight, and departs.]
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!
[fade out]
Magic City Gariland -- battle
[thieves, Ramza, Delita, company]
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 everyone of you!
[battle ensues]
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!!
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Why do you continue committing acts like robbery? You wouldn't have died this way if you'd led an honest life.
[The group consisting of Ramza, Vincent, Zack, Charmaine, Aurora, Dietrich, and Delita moved onward, buying supplies and whatever they needed.]
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Having attained the highest rank of Heavenly Knight, brave Balbanes was facing his last days...
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The End of the Fifty Year War
The Beoulve Residence
[Balbanes, Zalbag, Dycedarg, Alma]
[Balbanes lies on his deathbed, surrounded by his 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 turns to tears.]
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.
[Footsteps are heard echoing through the corridor. Ramza bursts through the door.]
RAMZA: Father!!
[Ramza approaches Balbanes' bedside.]
DYCEDARG: Lower your voice.
BALBANES: I'm glad you came... Let me... look at you....
[Dycedarg steps aside. Ramza moves closer.]
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?
[Balbanes reaches for Ramza's hand. Ramza grabs hold.]
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 injustice... 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: [sobbing] Y, yes... father...
[Ramza leans in closer.]
BALBANES: Take good care of Alma... [Balbanes pulls his hand away, and rests it beside himself.] Become a fine knight... Ramza.
[Balbanes dies.]
Mandalia Plains -- battle
[monsters, a noble, thieves]
[A young noble kneels, wounded, before a band of thieves.]
THIEF: Still breathing. What'll we do?
THIEF II: Don't be stupid. We just need to get the Marquis.
THIEF: Right. Hey, don't blame us. Blame fate.
[Ramza and company approach.]
THIEF: Wha? Damn! The Hokuten Knights!
DELITA: Death Corps? They attacking someone?
RAMZA: Saving him is our priority. Don't disgrace the knights. Saving him comes first!
[battle ensues]
[The noble stands]
ALGUS: Reinforcements? Thank God!
[sparring]
[Once the battle ends...]
RAMZA: [to Algus] 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.
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.
[Delita nods.]
ALGUS: Beoulve...? ...of the Hokuten? Excellent! How lucky I am!
RAMZA: ???
[Algus grabs Ramza's hands.]
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... [Algus lets go of Ramza's hands momentarily, then grabs them once more.] 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 releases Ramza's hands.]
ALGUS: All right. Let's do that.
[fade out]
Igros Castle
[Dycedarg, Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[The four men are sitting at a table, discussing the recent events.]
DYCEDARG: [to Ramza] ...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, frantic.]
ALGUS: Highness. Please let me have one-hundred soldiers!
DYCEDARG: ...
ALGUS: I beg you. Let me avenge my comrade's 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: [alarmed] B..ut!
DYCEDARG: Think of your rank, Algus! Have you forgotten you're just a soldier without rank in Knighthood?
ALGUS: Urrrgh...
[Algus sits back down, angry.]
DYCEDARG: [to Ramza and Delita] I want you to guard Igros Castle. It shouldn't be so difficult. "Danger" probably won't get this far.
[fade out]
After Departing...
[Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[The boys are crossing a lovely setting of canals and waterducts.]
ALGUS: ...My family was once respected by the Beoulves. [turns away] 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... [throws a pebble into the water] Rank... Dycedarg would never meet with someone like me...
[From behind, a voice echoes.]
VOICE OF A YOUNG GIRL: Delita!
[All three boys turn around.]
DELITA: Teta!
RAMZA: Alma, Zalbag!
[Alma waves to the boys, and the three greet them.]
ALMA: Brother Ramza. You came back.
RAMZA: [to Zalbag] 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? [to Delita] 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 straightens his glove, and turns away, but stops.]
ZALBAG: ...The Death Corps have demanded a ransom.
ALGUS: What!?
ZALBAG: [turns around] ...I can't understand it. The Death Corps claims 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 spy 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 Gallionne... ...Guarding a castle is boring work. Don't you think?
[exit Zalbag]
[Algus moves to the side.]
DELITA: Teta, I'm sorry. We must go.
TETA: [shakes head] Don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself.
[The two embrace.]
DELITA: Don't worry. I'll come back safely... so be a good girl. [moves up the bridge] Well then. Let's go, Algus.
[exit Delita, Algus, Teta]
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. [laughs a bit]
[exit Ramza]
ALMA: Ramza...
[fade out]
Sweegy Woods -- battle
[Algus, Delita, Ramza, etc., monsters]
[The boys come to a swampy area, with monsters ready to attack.]
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 approach.]
RAMZA: Enough! Here they come!!
[battle ensues]
[After the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Just through this forest, and we're almost to Dorter.
Slums in Dorter -- battle
[two strange men]
[The area is rugged; trashy. The two men obviously have a score to settle.]
FENCER: ....I said I don't know!
[The fencer attempts to walk away, but the other man follows him.]
KNIGHT: Don't lie to me! I know what you did! Where is Gustav? Where!?
[The fencer backs away, and lowers his head.]
FENCER: I... don't know...
KNIGHT: Where is the Marquis? [advances quickly] Where are you hiding him? Speak!! The knight takes the fencer by the throat, but the fencer manages to break loose, and makes an attempt to escape. However, he trips, stumbles, and falls by a puddle of water. The knight draws his sword and holds it to the fencer's throat.] This is your last chance... Where is he?
FENCER: D... desert...
[The knight pulls back his sword, and tucks it away in his holster.]
KNIGHT: I see... In "Rat Cellar"...
[Ramza's voice echoes from behind.]
RAMZA: Wait!!
KNIGHT: Damn, the Hokuten.
[exit the knight]
[enter Ramza, Algus, Delita, and company]
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...
[Noise is heard in the distance. Knights and mages approach.]
RAMZA: I guess we must fight. Eaaagggghh!!
[battle ensues]
DELITA: Now I remember! His name is Wiegraf. Leader of a voluteer army, a corps of Death Knights.
ALGUS: What? ...You mean he's the...?
DELITA: Yes... The leader of the Death Corps.
[sparring]
[The battle ends.]
An Abandoned Building
[Algus, Ramza, Delita, a member of the Death Corps]
[The boys remain in a building, with Delita and Ramza watching Algus angrily question the unknown man, who was badly wounded in the battle. His hands are tied behind his back, and he is on his knees. Delita leans casually against a wall.]
ALGUS: You must be the Death Corps. Where is the Marquis? Where is he being held? Tell us!! [The man says nothing.] Your boss, Wiegraf, was just here. Where did he go!? [The man remains silent. Algus becomes furious.] Y, you bastard! Say something!!
[Algus kicks the man, who falls to his face. Then, he picks the man up by his hair, and lifts his head.]
RAMZA: Stop! Algus!
ALGUS: Damn. [Algus allows the man to return to his knees.] ...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 THE DEATH CORPS: I don't know a damn thing.
[Algus kicks the man in the face, and he falls to his back.]
ALGUS: Watch your language! Never talk to nobles like that!
[The man curls up.]
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!
[The fencer returns to his knees.]
FENCER: No. We're fighting to beat you! We're proud that we fight for equality... We're different from Gustav!
[Algus once again kicks the man in the face, sending him to his backside.]
ALGUS: Proud? Bastards!!
RAMZA: Enough, Algus!
[Algus turns to Ramza, sneering.]
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: [to Delita] 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: [to Ramza} What's that mean??
RAMZA: "Cellar" means a rat's nest.
ALGUS: !?
[fade out]
Cellar of Sand Mouse -- battle
[Death Corps members]
[The men stand conversing in an abandoned area, with walls and boxes massed together. They are apparently out of the sight of anyone who might just be passing by.]
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 Death 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.
[Footsteps sound. One of the members runs to a crack in the wall, to look outwards.]
GUARD: Oh, God!! The Hokuten!!
[The members turn around.]
[Enter Ramza, Delita, Algus, and company.]
RAMZA: Let's get the guard first, before the others find us!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the battle ends...]
RAMZA: Took longer than I thought. Should be noticing right now.
[fade out]
Underneath Sand Rat Cellar
[Wiegraf, Gustav, Marquis Elmdor]
[In a dark chamber, Wiegraf and Gustav stand facing eachother, swords drawn, preparing to duel. The Marquis is in a corner of the room, on the ground, his hands tied behind his back.]
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 see only the present. You have to fix the basics!
GUSTAV: And you think you'll do that? I don't think so, Wiegraf. Never!
[Wiegraf takes a step closer.]
WIEGRAF: Is that all you want to say? Gustav, good-bye.
[The men ready their swords. Gustav swings at Wiegraf, but misses. Wiegraf takes advantage of the opportunity and stabs Gustav through his chest. Gustav drops his sword.]
GUSTAV: Ugh...u....
[Wiegraf withdraws his sword, and allows Gustav to fall down, dead.]
[enter Ramza, Delita, Algus]
RAMZA: Wiegraf!!
[Wiegraf turns around and stares at the boys.]
ALGUS: Marquis!!
[Algus moves closer, but Wiegraf takes a step backwards and points his sword in the Marquis' direction.]
WIEGRAF: Freeze!
ALGUS: You bastard!!!
DELITA: Stop it, Algus.
WIEGRAF: The Marquis ia all right. Take him back to Igros.
[Ramza takes a step closer.]
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 raises his fists.]
ALGUS: Don't trifle with us! You can't beat us!
[Delita extends an arm to hold Algus back.]
DELITA: Stop it, Algus. He's serious!
[The boys edge alongside the wall, while Wiegraf moves in the opposite direction, towards the door.]
ELMDOR: Uhnn..n...
[While the boys turn in the Marquis' direction, Wiegraf makes his escape.]
[exit Wiegraf]
[Ramza turns to the Marquis, while Algus attemps to pursue Wiegraf. Delita stops him.]
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: He's all right. Weakened, but no serious wounds.
[Algus walks to the Marquis.]
DELITA: Let's go back to Igros...
[fade out]
Back at Igros Castle
[Dycedarg, Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[A room in Igros Castle. Dycedarg remains seated at a ornately decorated table, with Delita, Ramza, and Algus standing.]
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: [turning to Delita] 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 importances of observing the "law" as the Knights rule. Are you trying to ruin the Beoulve name?
RAMZA: ...I'm sorry, brother.
[Ramza hangs his head in shame.]
[A voice resounds from behind the entranceway.]
A MAN'S VOICE: That's enough, Dycedarg.
[enter Prince Larg]
[The boys drop to one knee, the standard sign of respect.]
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...
[Larg turns to Dycedarg.]
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 stands.]
RAMZA: ...Yes.
[Delita and Algus stand also.]
[exit Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[Larg wanders to a beautifully painted stained-glass window, and gazes outside.]
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 Gallionne. Besides, he did save the Marquis' 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...
[fade out]
Thieves' Fort -- battle
[Miluda, band of thieves]
[A wasted bit of a fortress, surrounded by water. The rain is pouring down heavily.]
MILUDA: Communication with the main unit's been cut off. It's over.
DEATH CORPS PRIEST: No way! It's not over yet!
PRIEST II: I agree. It continues until the nobles apologize to us!
MILUDA: My brother... His views are too optimistic.
[Footsteps resound. The thieves catch notice of this.]
DEATH CORPS GUARD: Enemy attack!
[They all turn around.]
[enter Ramza, Delita, Algus, and company]
ALGUS: Ramza helped me save the Marquis. I'll stay on till the end!
[battle ensues, with Miluda as prime target]
[Once Miluda is defeated...]
RAMZA: Lay down your swords. Surrender and we'll spare you.
[Miluda gets to her knees, badly wounded.]
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: [turns to Delita] What did you say? Are you mad, Delita?
[Delita turns around.]
DELITA: She's not an animal... She's human just like us...
ALGUS: Are you betraying us!? You, too...!?
[Miluda rises to her feet.]
MILUDA: Oh, sympathy, is it? Despicable creatures. You're my enemy as long as you belong to the Beoulves. Don't forget it...
[exit Miluda, limping]
RAMZA: Delita... we are....?
[Delita turns to Ramza, and slowly shakes his head. Algus takes a step forward, and crosses his arms disgustedly.]
ALGUS: Geez, what's wrong with you?
[fade out]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, at Igros, capital of Gallionne, Beoulve Castle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Teta, Golagros, knights]
[The rain is pouring mercilessly outside of the Castle. Dead bodies are strewn all around.]
TETA: Let go! Stop it, let go of me!!
[Some knights on chocobos are raiding the Castle, holding Teta as hostage.]
GOLAGROS: Hurry up!
[enter Alma and a thief]
[The thief pulls Alma out from the castle by her arm.]
ALMA: Ouch! Let go of my hand! Brother!!
[enter Zalbag]
[Zalbag rushes out, draws his sword, and slays the thief, sending Alma to the ground.]
GOLAGROS: Damn... That's it!!
[exit Golagros]
ZALBAG: Are you all right, Alma?
[Alma brushes herself, and steps closer.]
ALMA: I'm OK, but Teta isn't.
ZALBAG: Yes, I know.
[enter Dycedarg]
[Dycedarg limps outside from the Castle, holding his wounded arm.]
ZALBAG: Brother!!
DYCEDARG: I, I'm all right... What about... Alma...?
[Alma rushes to his side.]
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 closes his eyes.]
DYCEDARG: Death Corps... Bastard.
[Dycedarg collapses.]
ALMA: Are you all right!?
ZALBAG: Hey! Anybody there!?
[fade out]
Ramza's Return to Igros
[Dycedarg, Ramza, Delita, Algus, Alma]
[Dycedarg lays wounded in bed. His room is covered with intricacies. Ramza stands by his bedside, with Delita and Algus off near the entryway, and Alma by the foot of the bed.]
DYCEDARG: I heard you destroyed the enemies' hideout... Good job. Leave the rest to Zalbag and relax for a while... [Ramza looks over his brother, a concerned look upon his face.] No need to worry... It's not that bad of a wound.
RAMZA: Teta... What about Teta...?
[Alma takes a small step forward.]
DYCEDARG: As soon as we find their base, Zalbag will attack in force.
[Delita advances quickly.]
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.
[fade out]
Outside of Beoulve Castle
[Ramza, Delita]
[Delita, angry, stands outside of the doorway. Ramza attempts to console him.]
RAMZA: Wait, Delita. Where are you going? Just calm down!
DELITA: Calm down? Are you kidding? I can't calm down!
[Delita takes a step towards the road, but Ramza follows.]
RAMZA: You don't know where she is! Don't waste your time!
[Delita grabs Ramza by the throat.]
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 breathe.
[Delita drops Ramza, who falls to his knees, catching his breath.]
DELITA: I'm sorry, Ramza. Are you all right...?
RAMZA: Y, yeah... [coughs]
[enter Algus]
ALGUS: [leaving the Castle] Never believe in "never".
[Algus approaches Delita.]
RAMZA: [to Algus] 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 steps forward.]
DELITA: How dare you!!
[Delita punches Algus, who falls to his backside. Ramza rushes to hold Delita back.]
RAMZA: Stop it! Delita!
DELITA: Let go of me! Damn you! Let go!!
ALGUS: [rubbing his mouth] Heh! Commoners are all alike. You'll never be nobles! Delita, you don't belong here! Understand, rascal!?
DELITA: [struggling to break free from Ramza's hold] Damn you!!
RAMZA: Enough! Delita! And you, too, Algus!!
[Algus stands.]
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 finally pushes Ramza aside.]
DELITA: Not all nobles are like you! I trust Ramza!
[Delita gives Ramza one final look.]
[exit Delita]
RAMZA: [to Algus] Get lost! I never want to see you again!!
ALGUS: Don't say that. We're friends, aren't we?
[Ramza takes a step closer.]
RAMZA: I won't say it again! Get lost!!
[Algus shrugs, and begins the walk down the pathway, but stops, and addresses Ramza one final time.]
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 to attack is from the rear. Well... do your best, you spoled-rotten boy.
RAMZA: [fuming] Get out!!
[exit Algus, from the scene and the party]
[fade out]
On the Mandalia Plains
[Ramza, Delita]
[The boys sit, watching the sunset.]
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"...
[Delita puts his face in his hands, ashamed.]
RAMZA: ....
[Delita plucks a blade of grass.]
DELITA: Remember how father taught us how to play that reed flute?
[Delita blows on the grass, producing an odd whistle. Ramza does the same.]
[fade out]
Lenalia Plateau -- battle
[Ramza, Delita, and company, Miluda, and mages]
[The plateau is surrounded by water, with the forces on each side.]
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, we'll be executed! Fighting is the only way out!
[battle ensues, with Miluda as target]
DELITA: [to Miluda] 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...!!
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are gone, and only Miluda is left...]
MILUDA: I can't die now! Not during the revolution!
RAMZA: 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!
[Once Miluda is defeated...]
MILUDA: B...brother... I'm sorry...
[Miluda dies.]
RAMZA: Why...? What went wrong?
[Delita drops to his knees.]
DELITA: Damn it, who the hell am I? Who...?
[fade out]
Fovoham Plains -- meanwhile...
[Wiegraf, Golagros, Teta, other Death Corps members]
[Inside of an old windmill, Teta is being held hostage. Wiegraf is questions Golagros' motives for kidnapping her. Teta is tied in the corner of the room.]
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 hold to get us out of this. Because she's a Beoulve.
[Golagros turns back to watch Teta, while Wiegraf edges closer.]
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 turns back around, shocked.]
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 still be survivors at Fort Zeakden. If you join them, you may get something!
GOLAGROS: They're probably dead already...
[enter a Death Corps soldier]
[The girl speaks silently with Wiegraf.]
WIEGRAF: What!? Miluda killed?! Miluda... [shakes fist angrily]
SOLDIER: It's 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!
[From outside, a guard calls.]
VOICE OF A GUARD: They're here!! The Hokuten are here!
[exit the soldier]
WIEGRAF: Damn! Already? I'll stop them here! Golagros, you head for Fort Zeakden with others!
[exit Wiegraf]
GOLAGROS: I'm not going... No way I'm going to die!
[fade out]
Windmill Shed -- battle
[Ramza, Delita, and company, Wiegraf, and Death Corps knights]
[A skirmish is about to take place outside of the windmill where Teta is being held prisoner.]
WIEGRAF: You... It was you... Did you kill Miluda? It was you cadets who killed my sister!
RAMZA: [to Delita] She was Wiegraf's sister?
WIEGRAF: Well then, I have no choice. I'll avenge my sister!
[battle ensues, with Wiegraf as target]
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!!
[sparring]
[Once Wiegraf is wounded...]
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 a 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 youself! Goodbye, Beoulve!
[Wiegraf magically disappears.]
RAMZA: Wait, Wiegraf!! Take that back!!
[fade out]
Inside the Windmill Shed
[no characters]
[The empty windmill shed. It has been abandoned.]
[Delita's voice calls from outside.]
DELITA: Teta! Where are you? Teta!
[enter Delita and Ramza]
DELITA: I can't find her anywhere! Teta! Where are you!?
RAMZA: Die Wiegraf lie to us!? [Ramza moves to Delita.] 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 to his knees in tears.]
RAMZA: Delita...
[fade out]
Fort Zeakden -- battle
[Algus, Zalbag, knights, Golagros, Teta]
Golagros is holding Teta captive, on a plank above the rest of the fort, by the entranceway of an explosives shed. Algus and his knights watch from below.]
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!!
[enter Ramza and Delita]
RAMZA: Brother! Algus!!
[Delita takes notice of Teta.]
DELITA: Teta!!
TETA: Delita!!
GOLAGROS: Get out! Now!!
ZALBAG: [to Algus] Go on, do it!
ALGUS: Yes, sir!
[Algus fires an arrow, which intentionally hits Teta. Golagros is stunned. Quiet comes over the fort.]
GOLAGROS: What's this?
[Algus fires a second arrow, which hits Golagros, sending him to his knees.]
TETA: Delita......
[Teta dies.]
DELITA: Teta!!
[Delita falls to his knees.]
[enter a Hokuten Knight]
HOKUTEN KNIGHT: General Zalbag, more enemies are on the mountain path! There are about fifty of them. I've been informed one of them resembles Wiegraf!
ZALBAG: Alright, I'll be right there. Take care of the rest, Algus.
[exit Knight, Zalbag}
GOLAGROS: [clenching his wound] D... damn it!
[Golagros inches his way inside the fort, and locks the door behind him.]
DELITA: Teta!
[Delita rises and throws Ramza aside.]
ALGUS: Where are you doing?
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 whistles, and several knights and mages come.]
[battle ensues, with Algus as target]
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!
[sparring]
RAMZA: Are you all right, Delita?
DELITA: Leave me, Ramza! After Algus, you're next!
RAMZA: Delita...
ALGUS: 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 just 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 even been using your "best friend", Delita!
RAMZA: Me? Using Delita?
[Once Algus is defeated...]
ALGUS: Damn you... How could I be beaten by weaklings like you?
[Algus dies.]
[exit troops]
[Delita walks up to the plank where Teta was killed. He stands over her body.]
RAMZA: ...Delita.
[Delita scoops up his sister's body, and holds it closely. Suddenly, an explosion is heard from inside the fort.]
RAMZA: What was that!? An explosion?? [Ramza waves his hands emphatically.] Delita, it's dangerous! Come over here, quick!! [Delita pays no mind. Part of the fort explodes, sending Ramza to the ground. He rises.] Delita!!
[The entire fort explodes.]
[fade out]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've taken my whole life for granted. When it came down to it, I dropped it all and ran.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside of Orbonne Monastery
[Gafgarion, Ramza, female knights]
[The rain is pouring down. The scene begins where the very first had left off, after the Princess' abduction.]
GAFGARION: So, Ramza. You know who kidnapped her?
RAMZA: ....
[enter Agrias]
[Agrias comes from inside 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 own mistakes. This is one of our responsibilities as guards! Lavian, Alicia, let's go!
[enter Simon, from the monastery]
AGRIAS: Are you all right, Milord?
SIMON: The Princess... How is she?
[Agrias slowly 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 takes a step forward.]
RAMZA: I'll go, too! I won't be a burden!
GAFGARION: Are you crazy?! This is 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 lowers his head. Gafgarion takes a step away.] You're stubborn as a mule. Don't cry to me for help if something happens!
[fade out]
CHAPTER TWO: THE MANIPULATOR AND THE SUBSERVIENT
Dorter Trade City -- battle
[knight, mercenary]
[The knight is discussing matters with the mercenary. They appear to be collaborating.]
KNIGHT: How about five-hundred gil per head?
[The mercenary crosses his arms and shakes his head.]
MERCENARY: Way too low. Two-thousand. It's two-thousand gil per head.
KNIGHT: It would be easy to make all of you heretics, you know.
MERCENARY: Is that a threat? ...How about one-thousand gil?
[The knight shakes his head.]
KNIGHT: Seven-hundred. No more.
MERCENARY: OK. Done deal.
KNIGHT: They'll be here any minute. Kill all of them. Understand?
[Footsteps resound.]
KNIGHT: Ha... Speak of the devil... There they are. Get them!
[enter Ramza, Agrias, Gafgarion, and company]
MERCENARY: That's Gafgarion! Damn! Seven-hundred was too cheap!
[The mercenary whistles. Other men show up.]
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...
[battle ensues]
[Once all the enemies are defeated...]
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...
[fade out]
Araguay Woods -- battle
[various monsters]
[In a marshy setting, a group of monsters are taunting a lone chocobo.]
BLACK GOBLIN: Gob, gob! Gobgobgob!!
[The monsters close in on the chocobo.]
CHOCOBO: W-wark!!
[One of the monsters notices the incoming party.]
GOBLIN II: Gob, gobu--!!
[enter Ramza, Agiras, Gafgarion, and company]
AGRIAS: A chocobo? In this place?
GAFGARION: Must be pretty stupid to wander into Goblin's forest!
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...
[battle ensues, with the party trying to save the chocobo]
[Once the chocobo is saved...]
CHOCOBO: W-wark!!
RAMZA: [to the chocobo] You seem alright.
GAFGARION: You're lucky. You ought to thank Ramza.
[fade out]
Zirekile Falls -- battle
[Delita, Ovelia, Hokuten knights]
[The bridge joining the two pieces of land on each side of the Falls. Delita is holding Ovelia prisoner, as the knights attempt to bring her back.]
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!
[Ovelia backs away, then turns towards the mouth of the Falls, where help arrives.]
[enter Ramza, Agrias, Gafgarion, and company]
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 Prince should be next in line. If she's alive there'll be nothing but trouble!
DELITA: [to Ramza] Since you're doing 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: Right, Ramza. Let's get them all!
RAMZA: Another helpless sacrifice. No more! There must not be any more victims like Teta!!
[battle ensues, with the party attempting to save Ovelia]
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!
[sparring]
OVELIA: [to Delita] What are you? Ally or enemy?
DELITA: Human, just like you!
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 Princessses can die for getting in the way! That's what "royal blood" is about!
AGRIAS: Are you mocking the Princess!?
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!!
[Once Gafgarion is wounded...]
GAFGARION: Dammit!
[Gafgarion magically disappears.]
[exit Gafgarion]
[Once the rest of the enemies are defeated...]
DELITA: [to Ramza] Leave the Princess with me. It's better for her.
[Agrias gently pushes Ovelia away.]
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 away.]
DELITA: I'll leave the Princess with you a little longer.
[Delita begins to walk away.]
RAMZA: Delita, I'm glad I could see you again.
DELITA: Teta saved me...
RAMZA: What?
DELITA: Teta saved me back then...
RAMZA: ...
[Ovelia moves forward.]
OVELIA: Thank you, Delita.
DELITA: [pausing] See you again, Ramza.
[exit Delita]
AGRIAS: Ramza, thanks for your support. But are you sure you want to make Hokuten an enemy?
[Ramza turns towards Agrias and Ovelia.]
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.
[fade out]
Zaland Fort City -- battle
[a strange man, Hokuten knights]
[The man is apparently fleeing from the Hokuten, who have him surrounded.]
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. [The man stands his guard.] ...OK guys, get him!
[The man jumps up onto the wall.]
MUSTADIO: And you can tell Rudvich... if he lays a hand on my father he'll never see the stone!
[enter Ramza, Agrias, and company]
AGRIAS: An argument? Someone's after that young man...
RAMZA: He'll be killed, if we don't do something! Let's help!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Mustadio]
[The man uses a gun, foreign to the party, who deals with swords, lances, knives, etc.]
[Once all the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: [to Mustadio] Are you all right?
MUSTADIO: Yeah... I think so. Thanks for helping me.
[fade out]
Under Zaland Fort City
[Ramza, Agrias, Mustadio]
[Mustadio explains to the two about his situation. They appear to be in some sort of former dungeon.]
MUSTADIO: They were Troublemakers hired by the 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 slive, 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 gun.] 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 to put magic in it and shoot it.
RAMZA: Hmm...
[Mustadio puts the gun away.]
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 mechanic like myself. So, please. Take me with you!
AGRIAS: You still haven't told us why they're after you!
[Mustadio hangs his head down.]
MUSTADIO: ...I can't tell you now.
AGRIAS: Then, we can't take you.
MUSTADIO: [turning to Agrias] I beg you! Trust me! I must see the Cardinal!
[enter Ovelia]
[Agrias and Ramza kneel.]
OVELIA: All right. You can come with us.
[Mustadio approaches the Princess.]
MUSTADIO: Really? Thank you, Highness!
AGRIAS: [in Mustadio's direction] Remember! You're in the presence of a princess!
[Mustadio backs away quickly, and kneels.]
OVELIA: It's all right. Please stand up.
[The three of them stand.]
AGRIAS: [to Mustadio] All right, then. I trust you.
[fade out]
At an Undisclosed Fort
[Agrias, Ovelia]
[Agrias and the Princess stand in front of the fort, watching the horizon.]
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 to a nearby tree and plucks a leaf from its branches.]
AGRIAS: Besides, he is a man of popularity at Glabados Church. They'll accept you if the Cardinal asks them.
OVELIA: [pausing] I wish I weren't a princess.
[Ovelia lets the leaf fall.]
AGRIAS: Princess Ovelia...
[enter Ramza]
[From behind the fort, Ramza appears. He appears startled when he sees the two girls conversing, and quickly darts behind a wall to avoid being seen. However, he takes note to listen closely to the conversation.]
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 plucks some more leaves from the tree.]
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 had been. [pauses] Isn't it funny?
AGRIAS: She was the daughet of the Beoulves, Miss Alma, wasn't she?
[Ramza looks at Agrias from behind the wall.]
OVELIA: She is my only friend... I wonder if Cardinal Draclau would use me?
AGRIAS: ...
[Mustadio's voice calls from behind the fort.]
VOICE OF MUSTADIO: Ramza! Where are you? Shall we go?!
[enter Mustadio]
[Ramza motions for Mustadio to remain quiet about his whereabouts, but Agrias comes into the fort.]
MUSTADIO: [to Ramza] What have you been doing here?
AGRIAS: [to Mustadio] How was it?
MUSTADIO: Fine. It doesn't seem like Hokuten has been here yet.
[From the front of the fort, Ovelia attemps to play the reed flute, as Delita and Ramza had done long before. Ramza moves out of the fort and watches the Princess.]
OVELIA: My friend taught me before, but I can't seem to do it right.
[Ramza plucks a blade of grass, and plays it for her.]
RAMZA: This is how you do it.
OVELIA: Like this? [Ovelia tries again, and succeeds.] There! I did it.
[She and Ramza alternate playing the flute.]
[fade out]
Bariaus Hill -- battle
[mercenaries of Rudvich, Ramza, Agrias, Mustadio]
[The battle is about to take place on a huge 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!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: [to Mustadio] Why are they after you? Will you explain?
MUSTADIO: Sorry... But I can't tell you now.
[fade out]
Office of Igros Castle -- meanwhile...
[Dycedarg, Gafgarion]
[It is night. Dycedarg is apparently holding a secret meeting with Gafgarion.]
DYCEDARG: Do anything to capture Ovelia. The same goes for Agrias and the others. Kill them!
GAFGARION: What about Ramza?
[Dycedarg rises from his seat, and walks to the cupboard, where he pours himself a glass of 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 turns to Gafgarion, glass of wine in hand.]
DYCEDARG: My father spoiled him. If he obeys orders, fine. If he resists, we have no choice...
[Dycedarg sips the wine.]
GAFGARION: If's hard to believe his own brother said that. Sickening. [Dycedarg puts the glass back counter of the cupboard.] 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 more 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 slowly walks to a window, and peers outside.]
DYCEDARG: Thy found the criminals in the monastery woods -- dead. Someone heard 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.
[fade out]
Lionel Castle
[Ramza, Agrias, Mustadio, Ovelia, Lionel Knights]
[The party approaches, the castle gates, only to be questioned by the guards.]
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 St. Ajora is the will of the high priest. The gate will open for he who would save the high priest. Open the gate!
[A knight from inside pulls the level, and the gate opens. The group enters the castle.]
Inside Lionel Castle
[Draclau, Agrias, Ovelia, Ramza, Mustadio]
[Draclau stands at the edge of an altar-like piece of furniture. Agrias has already explained their predicament to him.]
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. [to Mustadio] Young mechanic, I hear your wish, too. I'll send troops to Goug, to destroy Bart Company.
[Mustadio nods his head.]
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 pulls a red stone from his robe, which shimmers brilliantly. He places it on the altar.]
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, twelve 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. The 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".
[The stone shimmers.]
OVELIA: I didn't think it really existed.
DRACLAU: They say its "Divine Power" surpasses Lucavi's. I feel a strange power, but it looks just like an ordinary crystal to me.
[Ramza turns to Mustadio.]
RAMZA: What's wrong, Mustadio? You look pale.
[Agrias looks at Mustadio, also.]
DRACLAU: You saw the same stone underground Goug?
[Ovelia looks in Mustadio's direction.]
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 nods.]
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 stands aside.]
AGRIAS: We made it this far thanks to you, Ramza.
OVELIA: [to Ramza] I wish I could've been more help. Please be careful.
RAMZA: That's very thoughtful. Don't worry. We'll be fine.
[Agrias and Ovelia leave the party.]
[fade out]
Zigolis Swamp -- battle
[Ramza, Mustadio, and company, monsters]
[The area ia a large, swampy area. The water seems to be emitting poisonous fumes.]
RAMZA: What rotten luck... Fighting monsters in a swamp.
MUSTADIO: Lousy footing. On top of that, it's raining. Be careful!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Are you all right, Mustadio?
MUSTADIO: Yeah, I'm OK. Past this swamp's the ocean. We are almost to Goug.
[fade out]
Goug Machine City
[commoners]
[Sunset is coming upon the town. A few people are gathered in the streets, discussing the day's business.]
[enter Ramza, Mustadio]
MUSTADIO: I don't see anyone from Bart Company. It doesn't even look like there was a fight... Something's strange... [Mustadio turns around, to face Ramza.] I'll check it out. See you later.
RAMZA: Where?
[Mustadio turns around again, and looks over the bridge.]
MUSTADIO: [pointing] The slums over there... They shouldn't attract attention.
RAMZA: All right. Be careful.
MUSTADIO: Right. Leave it to me.
[fade out]
Slums in Goug -- battle
[Ramza]
[Ramza waits patiently in the slums, standing atop of a fallen building. Night has already fallen.]
RAMZA: He's late... Too late. [Rain begins to fall.] Think Mustadio was caught?
[Thunder resounds. A voice calls from behind.]
MAN'S VOICE: Are you his friend?
[Ramza whirls around.]
RAMZA: Who are you!?
[enter a sad-faced man, and soldiers]
ILL-LOOKING MAN: Bring him!
[enter a thief, holding Mustadio captive]
MUSTADIO: S, sorry, Ramza.
RAMZA: Are you OK, Mustadio!!?
[Ramza makes an attempt to dash for the thief.]
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. [turns to Mustadio] C'mon! Where'd you hide it? Talk!
MUSTADIO: ...
RUDVICH: Won't even talk, huh? Even after seeing this?
[Rudvich motions for another thief in the background. He brings out a man, tied and bound. The thief kicks the man. It is 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 small hole in a building.] [to Mustadio] Ready to confess now?
MUSTADIO: [after taking a long pause] Inside the chimney... at Ramza's feet...
RUDVICH: [to Ramza] Well then, you pick it up! If you want to save his life!
[Ramza walks down to the chimney, and digs a bit. He discovers a yellow stone.]
RAMZA: This...? [He walks back to his original position, and challenges Rudvich.] 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 Rudvich the stone. Immediately, the thief lets Mustadio go. He rushes to Ramza. Rudvich holds the stone in his hand, gazing at it.] The Zodiac Stone! Finally we've got it! The Cardinal'll be very pleased! [He turns around, preparing to leave.] Good job. I'm done now. You take care of the rest. Get rid of them!
[exit Rudvich]
RAMZA: Draclau was in on it, too?
[enter Ramza's party]
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
MUSTADIO: Will my father be all right?
[fade out]
Safety at Goug
[Mustadio, Besrodio, Ramza]
[Mustadio has brought Besrodio to safety in an old building. His father is on one knee, slowly recovering. Ramza watches.]
MUSTADIO: Are you alright, father?
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 in the stones. Besides, the Cardinal is working with Bart Company. Not much we can do now...
MUSTADIO: Heh, heh... Good for them.
[Mustadio stands, and walks away from his father.]
BESRODIO: What do you mean?
[Mustadio takes a stone out of the inside of his shirt.]
MUSTADIO: I made a fake one in case something like this happened.
[Ramza rushes to Mustadio.]
RAMZA: You mean, they got a fake?
MUSTADIO: That's right. They must be going crazy now.
RAMZA: [pauses] 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 out of the royal family!
RAMZA: Why do you think the Cardinal wanted the stone? People are sick of long wars and political infighting. 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 they way to Lionel is probably sealed. We'll use a ship to sneak in the back of the castle.
[Mustadio joins the party.]
[fade out]
Warjilis Trade City
[commoners]
[A boat has recently landed on the shore of the city Warjilis. It is at the dock, awaiting arrivals and departures.]
[enter Ramza from the boat's interior]
RAMZA: There aren't any Lionel troops in Warjilis... [Ramza walks off of the ship's deck and onto the dock, spying Delita in the distance.] Delita! Why are you here!?
[enter Delita]
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 begins to walk away.]
RAMZA: Wait, Delita. [Delita turns around.] 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... [Delita turns around, and closes his eyes.] I'll see you again, if we live that long...
[exit Delita]
RAMZA: Delita...
[fade out]
In Lionel Castle -- meanwhile...
[Draclau, Rudvich, Gafgarion]
[The three men are meeting in Draclau's chambers at night. They are discussing future plans.]
GAFGARION: You're using the princess as bait to get the stone back? That's not something a holyman would do.
RUDVICH: [to Gafgarion] 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. Two birds with one stone.
GAFGARION: Exactly. But what if...?
DRACLAU: You're 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 in case.
GAFGARION: Good. The woman will make perfect bait. I'll get rid of them. I'm more reliable than him! [Gafgarion looks in Rudvich's direction.]
RUDVICH: How dare you!
DRACLAU: [to Gafgarion] 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!
[exit Gafgarion]
RUDVICH: Why him...?
[Draclau rises from his seat, and walks to Rudvich.]
DRACLAU: You failed enough. Now you must take responsibility...
RUDVICH: W, what...?
[Rudvich takes a step back, but Draclau lunges at him, killing him with a knife. Rudvich's scream is heard.]
[fade out]
Bariaus Valley -- battle
[Agrias]
[Agrias is making an attempt to escape from the Lionel Knights.]
MAN'S VOICE: Where are you? Don't try to escape!!
[enter a knight]
LIONEL KNIGHT: So here you are... [The knight whistles. His comrades appear.] Give yourself up!
[enter Ramza and company]
KNIGHT: What!?
RAMZA: I'm protecting Agrias! Geronimo!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Agrias]
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 esecute her. We must hurry!!
RAMZA: First, we have to get rid of them somehow...
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Are you all right, Agrias?
AGRIAS: Yes, I'm alright, but we must hurry! She's going to be executed at the Golgorand Execution Site! Let's hurry!!
RAMZA: Yes, let's go!
[Agrias joins the party.]
[fade out]
Golgorand Execution Site -- battle
[Ovelia, soldiers, the executioner]
[Ovelia stands silently on a platform, awaiting her fate. Several soldiers guard the area. The executioner is questioning her.]
EXECUTIONER: Any last words? [Ovelia says nothing.] No? I see.
[Footsteps resound. A knight catches notice.]
KNIGHT OF LIONEL TROOP: Huh? The enemy!
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: That's far enough! Return the Princess, now!
EXECUTIONER: Heh, heh, heh... You feel into a trap!
RAMZA: !?
[The executioner pulls off his cloak. It is Gafgarion! The "Princess" pulls off her disguise, also, to reveal an archer. More enemies arrive.]
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 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!
[battle ensues]
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, no history! Look at Ivalice! Corrupt! Someone must change it!! Your brothers are trying to do that! Even if it means "wrong doing"!
[sparring]
RAMZA: But that doesn't mean I should leave her stranded!
GAFGARION: Forget about Fort 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 from the truth long enough.... I killed her...
[Once Gafgarion is wounded...]
GAFGARION: Damn it! I didn't expect you to be this strong...! Retreat for now!!
[Gafgarion disappears.]
[Once the rest of the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: We must go to Lionel Castle immediately!!
[fade out]
Dungeon of Lionel Castle -- meanwhile...
[Delita, Ovelia]
[Ovelia sits in a corner of the dungeon, refusing to eat. Her plate is untouched. Delita is making an attempt to console her.]
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...
[enter Draclau and a knight]
KNIGHT: So, she is Ovelia...?
DRACLAU: How are you, Princess? If you'd behaved, you wouldn't be here now.
KNIGHT: Hmm, she's almost too good a substitute for a Princess.
[Ovelia, startled, looks at the knight. Delita and Draclau turn to him.]
DRACLAU: Heh, heh... Mr, Vormav, she doesn't know yet.
VORMAV: I see... Poor girl.
OVELIA: What are you talking about?
[Vormav steps closer]
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. [Ovelia slumps to the floor in tears.] They killed two 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: [pausing] 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.
[exit Draclau]
[Vormav waits by the door.]
VORMAV: Let's go, Delita!
[exit Vormav and Delita]
[fade out]
At the Gate of Lionel Castle -- battle
[Ramza and company]
[Ramza scales the main wall of the castle, and makes his way across the parapet. The gate is shut.]
RAMZA: [to his party] Wait there. I'll open the gate.
FAMILIAR VOICE: Not so fast!
[enter Gafgarion, from inside the castle walls]
GAFGARION: You got in all right, but didn't notice an ambush.
[Gafgarion whistles. Enemy forces come from Ramza's party's end.]
RAMZA: Damn!!
GAFGARION: Ramza! It's me you must fight with! En garde!!
[battle ensues, with Ramza left to deal with Gafgarion alone]
[Once the enemies on the outside of the gate are defeated, Ramza makes his way to the gate lever.]
RAMZA: If I push this lever...
[He does so, and the gate opens, allowing the rest of the party to attack Gafgarion.]
[Once Gafgarion is wounded...]
GAFGARION: Ugnn... is this... the end?
RAMZA: Goodbye, Gafgarion...
[Gafgarion dies.]
RAMZA: We must save the Princess before reinforcements arrive!
[fade out]
Inside of Lionel Castle -- battle
[Draclau, Ramza and company]
[Ramza and the party arrive at Draclau's chapel, where he stands by the altar, awaiting the group.]
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. [Draclau moves away from the altar, and down the stairs, standing in front of Ramza.] But, I don't need your interference any more. 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.
[Draclau takes out a stone. It emits a powerful burst of energy. Then, where he once stood, a monster appears.]
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!
[Once Queklain is wounded...]
QUEKLAIN: I'm immortal... How can I be losing...? It's impossible. I can't... die... until he resurrects...
[With a huge burst of energy, Queklain explodes, leaving behind the Zodiac Stone.]
[fade out]
Inside of Zeltennia Castle -- meanwhile...
[Goltana, Delita, and other men]
[Delita enters the Castle, bowing before Goltana. Four other men stand on each side, watching silently.]
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: [to self] ...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!
[enter a knight and a young boy]
DELITA: [to the boy] 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.
[Gelwan runs out and opposes the boy.]
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: [pausing] Him... Minister Gelwan.
GELWAN: How dare you! It's a lie! I don't even know you!
DELITA: [to Gelwan] Who seduced you? The Queen?
GELWAN: That's absurd! I don't know anything!
DELITA: Treason's a serious crime, Minister!
[Delita removes his glove and draws his sword. The knight and the boy move back.]
GELWAN: I said I don't know a thing!
[Delita slays Gelwan. He then places his sword back in its holster and bows before Goltana.]
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 led by Orinas to Bethla to rescue the Queen. Meanwhile, Goltana sent the Nanten led by Ovelia...
This is the beginning of the upheaval which would later be called the "Lion War"...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bethla Garrison -- meanwhile...
[Goltana, Orlandu, and other men]
[The men sit at a table, discussing the current events.]
BOLMNA: Twenty-thousand dead. Counting both sides, that makes forty-thousand... Well over two-hundred-thousand injured just in our troops alone.
ELMDOR: Casualties aren't the only problem. Food stock 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 one-hundred-thousand 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: [rising from his seat] 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 Ordalia out of our land!
GOLTANA: Are you saying there's no "right" in this battle? Since when did you start talking about "hypcrisy"? 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: [to Orlandu] 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 rises quickly from his seat.]
BLANSH: Your words are harsh!!
GOLTANA: Enough!! I'm disappointed in you, Orlandu. Any more harsh words may mean your life!
[Both Orlandu and Blansh sit back down.]
ORLANDU: ...
GOLTANA: I won't say this again. If any more of you disagree with my plans, go now! Understand? Orlandu!!
CHAPTER THREE: 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...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goland Coal City -- battle
[a man]
[The man runs on top of a building, attempting to escape from his pursuers. Another man is calling from inside a building, searching for him.]
ROAR: Where! Where did he run!? [The man jumps down to another building.] Up there! On the roof!!
[The door opens, and a thief and other enemies enter.]
OLAN: Surrounded...
[Another thief stumbles onto the scene.]
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.
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: Something weird's going on in here...
THIEF: We have many visitors today. Let's get them all together!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Olan]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: [to Olan] Are you all right?
OLAN: Thank you for saving me. My name is Olan Durai. What's yours?
RAMZA: Ramza Beoulve.
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. [Olan extends his hand. They shake. Then, he makes his way to depart, but turns around.] I'll see you later. Stay alive, till then.
RAMZA: Oh, uh, yeah...
[exit Olan]
[fade out]
Lesalia Imperial Capital
[Ramza, Zalbag]
[Zalbag sits at a table in a huge libary, paging through a book. Ramza enters the room, and remains standing, watching his brother. Zalbag doesn't look up from his book.]
ZALBAG: What's wrong? Why aren't you sitting? [Zalbag looks at Ramza.] I was surprised to know you're in Lesalia. Alma's here, too. See her before you go.
[Zalbag goes back to his book.]
RAMZA: Brother...
ZALBAG: What?
RAMZA: Can you stop the war?
ZALBAG: Don't be ridiculous!
[Ramza approaches the table.]
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 looks up from his book.]
ZALBAG: Using...? What are you talking about?
[Ramza lowers his head.]
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 stands.]
ZALBAG: Dycedarg planned the kidnap? Ramza! You're saying your own brother came up with such a plot!?
[Ramza backs away.]
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-brother, but, after all, bad blood is bad blood. Not suitable for a Beoulve!
RAMZA: ...Zalbag...
[enter a knight]
[The knight scurries into the library hurriedly.]
HOKUTEN KNIGHT: [to Zalbag] Your Excellency! I was told "T.G. Cid" broke through Doguola Pass!
[Both Ramza and Zalbag turn to the knight.]
ZALBAG: What!? I thought they were at Bethla! We'll have an assembly! Tell everyone to join!! I'll be there, too!!
KNIGHT: Yes, sir!
[exit the knight and Zalbag]
[fade out]
Back Gate of Lesalia Castle -- battle
[Ramza]
[Ramza exits the castle, and stands on the overlook of the gate. Alma calls from behind him.]
ALMA: Ramza, wait!
[enter Alma]
RAMZA: Alma...
ALMA: You were going to leave without telling me?
RAMZA: I hate good-byes...
[Alma lowers her head.]
ALMA: You won't be back, will you?
[Ramza looks away.]
RAMZA: Delita is alive.
ALMA: What?
RAMZA: Delita helped capture the Princess.
ALMA: What does all this mean?
RAMZA: I thought he joined Goltana to get back at us... But he seems to be involved more with someone else. Someone other than Delita saved the Princess from being killed for some scheme.
ALMA: Is it true Dycedarg was involved in the kidnapping?
[Ramza turns to Alma.]
RAMZA: Yes. I'm sure he had his reasons, but I don't know them.
ALMA: So Teta... Is Teta...?
RAMZA: Yes... [Alma sobs quietly.] Alma, listen carefully. I don't know who's behind Delita. But he's dangerous. Taking advantage of the war to achieve something vicious.
[Alma regains control of herself.]
ALMA: Is Delita party to the plot?
RAMZA: I don't know. He seemed to have his own ideas about things, though...
ALMA: You're fighting against them?
RAMZA: ...
ALMA: I'll go with you.
RAMZA: Are you out of your mind? Of course not!!
ALMA: I want to prove what you're saying is true!
[Ramza moves away a bit.]
RAMZA: No, no.
[Alma taps on Ramza's shoulder.]
ALMA: I don't want to see another Teta!!
[Ramza turns to his sister.]
RAMZA: Alma...
[The wind blows...]
MAN'S VOICE: Ramza Beoulve, aren't you?
[enter an old priest, with several knights]
PRIEST: I'm Zalmo Lusnada, Heresy Examiner! I order you to appear at a heresy hearing on suspicion of murder and heresy! You will follow us! Any resistance will force us to execute you immediately!
[More knights arrive at the scene.]
RAMZA: Heresy examiner!?
ALMA: Run! Brother!!
ZALMO: I won't let you! Get him! Kill the "heretic"!
[battle ensues, with Zalmo as target]
[Once Zalmo is wounded...]
ZALMO: You heretics don't fear God! I'll fix you!!
[Zalmo disappears, along with the enemies.]
ALMA: [to Ramza] Are you all right?
RAMZA: Yeah... So we're both OK. How'd the examiner find out about the Holy Stone? Maybe it was someone behind Delita or Glabados Church? But why would the church...?
ALMA: Holy stone? You mean the legendary Holy Stone? It really exists? Then, maybe I've seen it...
RAMZA: What!? Where?
ALMA: Promise to take me with you?
[Ramza turns away.]
RAMZA: Don't be ridiculous. You'd have a terrible time! NO! I won't take you!
[Alma turns away.]
ALMA: OK, then I won't tell you!
[Ramza turns back around.]
RAMZA: Come on, don't play games. You might get killed!
[Alma whirls around.]
ALMA: It may be too late already, because you disobeyed him. By now I'm probably a heretic, a fugitive like you. Dycedarg may desert me to protect Beoulve...
[Ramza lowers his head.]
RAMZA: He's capable of that... No, it's too dangerous. Explain it to Zalbag and get permission from the church!
ALMA: I saw it at Orbonne Monastery. Yes... A crystal with a carved Virgo crest.
RAMZA: Virgo... Before it passes into their hands... Thanks for telling me. Now, go back to Zalbag!
ALMA: How do you get in Orbonne? You're a "heretic". You can't go into a monastery of Glabados. There's no way!
RAMZA: Uh...
ALMA: See? You DO need me, don't you?
RAMZA: Only as far as Orbonne, all right? Then you go back.
ALMA: ...alright.
RAMZA: Promise me!
[fade out]
Orbonne Monastery -- Underground Book Storage First Floor
[Alma]
[Alma is wandering around the library, searching for Simon. Dead bodies are scattered across the floor.]
ALMA: Simon!!
[enter Ramza]
[Alma and Ramza find Simon's body lying on the ground, motionless.]
ALMA: Please answer me!!
[Simon wearily gets up.]
SIMON: U, ugh... Alma... Why... are you... here?
ALMA: What happened?
SIMON: It's dangerous... here. Hurry... run. They... came for the Holy Stone "Virgo"...
RAMZA: Holy Stone!? Then Alma was right...
SIMON: The stone's been a royal treasure for generations... When Princess Ovelia came here, they gave it to us as proof of her status.
RAMZA: Who are "they"? Who's trying to get the stone?
SIMON: You're Alma's older brother Ramza, aren't you? Don't get any more involved. You'll be killed...
[A voice calls from below the library.]
MAN'S VOICE: Where is the Holy Stone!!
ANOTHER VOICE: Wait! It must be here somewhere! Look for it!
ANOTHER VOICE II: We can go underground from here. Let's go!!
RAMZA: I'm a fugitive, branded by the church as a "heretic". Is it because of the stone? Please tell me. Who are they?
SIMON: High Priest and his sect are trying to regain power. First, they're reducing Larg and Goltana's military power by causing in-fighting. If the war drags on, it not only reduces their power, but trust in the royal family.
RAMZA: What's the real reason for collecting the stones and reviving the Zodiac Braves?
SIMON: To gain people's trust, of course.
RAMZA: But the Cardinal's already joined Lucavi. If it's only the stone's power, it'd be strong enough to replace the military. Funeral wants that power?
SIMON: You're different from your brothers. More like Balbanes. Perhaps you might be able to destroy their ambition.
[Ramza stands.]
RAMZA: [to Alma] You stay here. I'll go after them.
[Alma stands.]
ALMA: I'll go with you!
RAMZA: We can't leave Simon alone. Hide in a safe place!
ALMA: [pausing] ...OK, I will.
[Ramza pulls out the Scorpio stone from his vest, and hands it to Alma.]
RAMZA: Hold on to this stone, just in case. If I don't come back, make sure to throw it in Bugrosa Sea, OK?
ALMA: I regret I can't help you. I wish I were born a man...
RAMZA: Don't be silly. You're the only one I trust.
ALMA: Brother...
RAMZA: Take care of Simon!
[Ramza heads down into the basement.]
Orbonne Monastery -- Underground Book Storage Second Floor -- battle
[a man, and several lancers and mages]
[The man, apparently the leader of the troops, waits at the bottom of the floor, commanding the troops.]
IZLUDE: You stay here! Understand!?
SHRINE KNIGHT WIZARD: Yes, sir!
[exit Izlude]
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: It's not over yet! Never give them the stone!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[Izlude can be heard from the third floor of the book room.]
IZLUDE: Wow! Is this "Virgo"? How beautiful!!
RAMZA: Underground! Let's go!
[fade out]
Orbonne Monastery -- Underground Book Storage Third Floor -- battle
[Izlude, several enemies knights, Ramza and company]
[The third floor is a maze of sorts, with Izlude and his men scattered throughout.]
IZLUDE: I didn't expect you to find us here! But, just in time. Heretic Ramza, hand us the stone!
RAMZA: No, why don't you give me yours? Do as I say and I'll let you live!
IZLUDE: You think you can beat us?! Then I'll take it by force!
[battle ensues, with Izlude as target]
IZLUDE: Why do you go against us, Ramza? Though you're a Beoulve, you don't obey your brothers. Why?
RAMZA: It's because I'm a Beoulve that I don't obey them! The name shouldn't be used for self-gain, but rather for divine "justice"! During the War, my father fought and died to save the people from invasion... Beoulves must not fight for a defunct royal family, but only for Noble rights!
IZLUDE: Then, let's fight together! Our goals are the same! Listen well, Ramza! The Glabados want a world where all people are equal! St. Ajora's ideal world, is "God's world"! You know people don't trust the royal family or nobility! We must do something before Ivalice is ruined!!
RAMZA: You started this war! Was that the will of God?
IZLUDE: Certain sacrifices must be made for the revolution! Decadent royalty and nobles must pay! For the people! Now, cooperate with us, as Delita did!
[sparring]
RAMZA: It sounds good when you say "for the people", but what you really want is a stronger army than the Knights, and evil power to control the people.
IZLUDE: "Evil power"? No! The stone is "holy"! We want to guide people by God's miracle! Never "evil power"!
RAMZA: You know the Cardinal joined Lucavi, right? If that's not "evil power", I don't know what is!
IZLUDE: What do you mean? You killed the Cardinal and took the stone from him! But he died because he was secretly collecting the Holy Stones for us.
[Once Izlude is wounded...]
IZLUDE: Damn! I refuse to acknowledge his power!! I can't die... I must bring the stone back! Ramza, the next time I see you, it will be your last! Remember!
[Izlude magically disappears.]
RAMZA: Wait! Izlude!!
[fade out]
Orbonne Monastery -- Underground Book Storage First Floor -- battle
[Alma, Izlude, enemy soldiers]
[Izlude has Alma by the arm, forcing her to come with him. She is attempting to resist him.]
ALMA: No! Let go!
[enter Wiegraf]
WIEGRAF: Izlude, leave this to me! You gotta get out of here with that girl!
IZLUDE: [to Alma} You, come on this way!
ALMA: Help me! Brother Ramza!
[exit Alma and Izlude]
[enter Ramza and company]
WIEGRAF: Here's Ramza! It would be a fatal mistake to underestimate them! Don't let your guard down!!
[battle ensues, with Wiegraf as target]
WIEGRAF: ...Miluda, finally I can avenge your death!
[sparring]
RAMZA: Wiegraf!! You're still alive!!
WIEGRAF: Been a long time, Ramza. Glad to see you again!!
RAMZA: You've become a dog for the church and have forsaken your ideals!
WIEGRAF: You don't understand how hard it is to fulfill your ideal. Even if your ideal is great, it's just a dream if you can't fulfill it! So how can you fulfill it? You need power! That's the politics of the world! I can see it clearly now! You can't fulfill your dreams without power! You say I'm a dirty dog of the church! Go ahead!! I don't care! You can despise me, but I'll be laughing at the end. You'll all submit to me!
[Once Wiegraf is wounded...]
WIEGRAF: Ouh... No, I won't lose...! I'm... a member... of Zodiac Braves... with "Aries"... I... can't... lose... like this!
[Wiegraf magically disappears.]
RAMZA: Where are you! Wiegraf!
[fade out]
Outside of Orbonne Monastery
[Izlude, Alma, Wiegraf]
[Izlude sits atop of a chocobo, with Alma in tow. Wiegraf pulls his bloody body across the walkway.]
IZLUDE: Are you OK? Wiegraf!!
WIEGRAF: Don't worry... about me... Just... go!
[enter Ramza, from the monastery]
RAMZA: Alma!!
WIEGRAF: Go... Izlude...
IZLUDE: Sorry, Wiegraf!!
[exit Izlude, Alma]
RAMZA: Wait! Izlude!!
[Lightning flashes.]
WIEGRAF: Goho! [Wiegraf pulls his head up.] Damn... I can't die here. I can't face my dead allies without avenging Miluda... No... I don't want to die...
[Wiegraf drops his head, and the stone "Aries" drops from his pouch. It glimmers on the ground, and rises up, emitting an eerie light. Then, it speaks.]
Holder of the Holy Stone...
Promise me...
RAMZA: What...? The stone... spoke...?
Holder of the Holy Stone...
Promise me...
Your spirit will unite with my flesh to live forever.
[Wiegraf raises his head, and gazes at the stone.]
WIEGRAF: Is this the stone's secret?
Your despair and resentment
called me...
Now promise...
WIEGRAF: [to the stone] Help... me...
RAMZA: No! Wiegraf!! Don't open that!!
I am Velius... the devil.
Your wish is granted.
[The stone presents a flash of brilliant light. The rain begins to pour. Wiegraf's body glows with a radiant light, and is transformed into Velius.]
VELIUS: This is the stone's power!
RAMZA: Wiegraf...!
[Velius turns to Ramza.]
VELIUS: Ramza, its power is magnificent! No, not just the power. Centuries of knowledge ingrained into my brain. [Ramza draws his sword.] Hya, ha... Easy... Save some for later...! [Lightning crashes loudly.] Hya, ha... Superb. Superb power...!
[Velius disappears.]
[enter Simon, from the monastery]
RAMZA: Simon! Can you hear me...?
SIMON: H, here...
[Simon pulls a book from his robe.]
RAMZA: What is this book?
SIMON: Germonik, a disciple of St. Ajora wrote it... It had been missing... till I found it in the underground library... It explains in detail about the Zodiac Brave Story...
RAMZA: Please don't try to talk!
SIMON: That's all right... I'm a sinner... I knew of the church's wrongdoing... but said nothing... You can bring them to justice with this book! You can bring Alma back with this book...
RAMZA: Simon!!
[Simon relaxes a bit in Ramza's arms.]
SIMON: Whew, now I can finally rest. Take care of the rest... Ramza... You're just like Balbanes... when he was young.
[Simon falls back, dead.]
RAMZA: Simon!!
[fade out]
Dorter Trade City
[Ramza]
[The rain pours outside. The commoners run for their homes, trying to avoid the wetness. Ramza stumbles through the city, when a man runs out in front of him, blocking his path.]
EXOTIC WIZARD: Heretic Ramza?
RAMZA: [pausing] Where is Alma?
WIZARD: If you want her back, come to Riovanes Castle. But you must bring the "Germonik Scriptures" given to you at the monastery.
RAMZA: What does it mean to you?
WIZARD: Haven't you read it?
RAMZA: No, not yet. Is it an important book?
WIZARD: A blissful ignorant. Your life's in danger, and you don't even realize the importance of the book. [Ramza lowers his head.] Well... no matter. ...You've been warned.
[exit the wizard]
[fade out]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I picked up the "Germonik Scriptures" Simon gave me and flipped through the pages...
The text was in an ancient holy script with drawings in places.
It was damaged and hard to read.
I wonder what was written in it?
Then, I saw some words in a language I recognized.
Somebody had written some notes in the "Ikoku language".
Who could have done it?
Judging from the ink, the older notes were written years ago. But the newer ones were written only days ago.
It smudged when I rubbed it.
The ink was not yet dry.
They were written by the same person. I realized Simon had been slowly translating this book over the years.
...tried reading it by referring to his partial notes.
It says, This is written by a follower of St. Ajora, Germonik...
Germonik...?
I'd heard that name before... Must've been in history class.
Then, it came to me.
Germonik was the disciple who betrayed St. Ajora by selling him to the Yudora Empire...
It was amazing Germonik's book was even still in existance!
Calming myself, I turned the pages.
Then, I found something more amazing than the historical legacy in my hands.
I thought Germonik compiled St. Ajora's words in this book.
But I was wrong.
It's a record of St. Ajora's activities.
And not the St. Ajora we know.
A record of Ajora, the human.
First off, St. Ajora is not human.
I'm not a true believer in Glabados like Zalbag, but I do believe St. Ajora was a "Child of God" sent from Heaven to save this troubled world.
Rather, I should say I did believe...
...until I read this book.
It was the golden age, when many airships flew all over the sky...
The day St. Ajora was born in Bervenia of Lesalia, he stood up, walked to the well and said...
"Calamity will come from this well soon. We must seal it so people don't drink the water."
Days later, plague swept over Bervenia. The people who drank the tainted water died...
But the only family who believed him didn't get sick and survived.
Since then, people called him a "Miracle Child", "Child of God".
When St. Ajora turned twenty, he became a "Saviour", and was sent to Heaven as "a member of God"...
Long before Ivalice was united, it was divided into seven small kingdoms: Zeltennia, Fovoham, Lionel, Limberry, Lesalia, Gallionne, Murond.
As the kingdoms continued to increase their territories, the wars continued.
In the several hundred years of war, an ambitious young king was born in Murond.
Though he lead an army large enough to cover Ivalice, the way to victory was long and hard.
Using the secret method from an ancient book, the king tried to summon an evil spirit and use its power.
But the evil spirit killed the king and tried to destroy the world...
One Brave with twelve followers, collected "Zodiac Stones" from all over the world and revived them.
They destroyed evil in an instant and succeeded in sending the evils back to Hades.
This's how they became "Saviours".
That's the "Zodiac Braves" legend.
Ever since, every time the world is in danger, they appear, save the world and disappear.
When St. Ajora was alive, similar things occurred.
The King of Limberry summoned an evil spirit to take over Ivalice.
The world once again fell into crisis.
St. Ajora collected twelve Holy Stones, just like the legend, formed the Zodiac Braves and killed the evil.
But "heroes" are always a nuisance to rulers of a country...
The Yudora Empire was afraid of Ajora who was gaining power, announcing the arrival of God's kingdom.
Yudora sent troops against one of his sects.
The priests of Fara, the largest sect then, were afraid of St. Ajora's power.
He was caught and executed at Golgorand Execution grounds after Germonik told of his whereabouts for money.
But St. Ajora was a "Child of God" and the priests of Fara were smitten by an angry God.
After the execution, the base at Fara, Murond, sunk by various natural disasters.
This is how St. Ajora was sent to Heaven as a "Child of God", and became a "Member of God"...
And that's all I know. All anyone in Ikoku knows of the "myth" of St. Ajora.
But the St. Ajora in the "Germonik Scriptures" was a totally different person...
Ajora was not a "Child of God", but a human just like us.
An ambitious revolutionary who fought to fulfill his dream.
Moreover , he loved peace and was not a hero who risked his life for others.
This is what Germonik wrote...
A founder of an advanced new religion, Ajora was a threat to the Empire.
But Ajora had another "side" to him other than being a priest.
He was a spy who entered enemy territory agitating and gaining information.
Anyhow, Ajora was a threat to the empire.
The empire sent Germonik to find proof that Ajora was a spy.
Yes, Germonik was also a spy of the empire watching Ajora's activities.
They say Ajora tried to revive the Zodiac Braves.
Germonik found some Holy Stones to prove it.
But, what does that have to do with reformation?
I don't know if young King Limberry really summoned an evil spirit.
At least nothing is wrrten about it in the book.
However, it's a fact that Murond met with natural disaster and sunk into the sea at the time of Ajora's death.
This is where Simon's notes were most interesting.
They appeared to be his personal opinion...
"Despite rumors of its existence, no one ever saw the 'Germonik Scriptures'.
I don't know whether the book tells the truth or fabricates Ajora's great achievements...
When I was a heresy examiner for the church, many examiners felt afraid to show the people the book.
The High Priest probably felt the same because everything the book said was true.
After Ajora's death, the church had to unite St. Ajora with God, making him divine.
To do that, unsuitable facts had to be deleted from history and St. Ajora had to become a 'Child of God'.
They were wise to use the Zodiac Brave story, widely believed in Ikoku.
It was easy to make people believe the Zodiac Braves led by Ajora killed an imaginary evil spirit.
When I read this book I lost my faith.
But I'm not sad... because it inspired me to search for the truth.
At the same time, I'm guilty for not bringing it to light, even though I knew the church was lying. Why?
Because if I told people about the book, I was afraid they would take the library away from me.
I would have been devastated if the library was taken away from me because it satisfied my thirst for knowledge.
But, my curiosity got the best of me."
Simon spoke of "an imaginary evil".
But I sensed a scheme by someone other than the High Priest, after seeing the berserk power of the Holy Stones.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruins of Zeltennia Castle's Church -- meanwhile...
[Ovelia, Delita]
[Ovelia sits, sadly, in the grass by the ruins. Delita stands under the archway, watching her.]
DELITA: So here you are... Everyone was looking for you. [Delita slowly walks towards the Princess.] Something wrong? Oh, I shouldn't talk to a Princess in such a way.
OVELIA: Stop it!!
DELITA: By your leave, your most gracious majesty...
[Delita bows. Ovelia turns away.]
OVELIA: ...Please stop.
[Delita resumes his standing position. He pauses, and lowers his head.] ...Sorry... I apologize.
OVELIA: What are you going to do with me? I'm not Ovelia, you know. I'm worth nothing to you. Not even worth leaving alive.
[The Princess puts her head in her lap. Delita turns away.]
DELITA: Yes. You're not Ovelia. We don't know your real name or even if you're a noble or a commoner.
[Ovelia raises her head.]
OVELIA: What did my life mean all these years...? Raised as a substitute... Ha, ha... Amusing, isn't it? A Princess must live her life quietly in a monastery away from the capital. I'd often wondered why only I had to live like that. But if my suffering would keep Ivalice in peace, then I thought I could endure it. What was all the grief and isolation I suffered for?
[Ovelia once again places her head in her lap.]
DELITA: You and I are the same... Miserable people forced to live false lives. Always being used by someone... Try hard and you'll be rewarded, they say. Lies... Only those close to the top are rewarded without trying. It's the way of the world. Most people have to act the roles given to them... Then again, most of them haven't even noticed they're even acting. No way I'd do that. I won't be used. I'll be the one using! Those who used me must pay for what they've done!
[Ovelia raises her head and looks at Delita.]
OVELIA: What will you do?
[Delita turns back around.]
DELITA: Trust me, Ovelia. I'll make a country worthy of you! I'll make your life shine! Let me guide you! [Delita walks to Ovelia and places his hand on her cheek.] ...Don't cry like that.
OVELIA: Should I trust you?
[Delita nods.]
DELITA: I won't betray you. I swear by my dead sister, Teta... So, please don't cry...
[Ovelia embraces Delita, and he holds her closely.]
[fade out]
Grog Hill -- battle
[Ramza and company, a band of former Nanten soldiers]
[The soldiers stand at the top of the hill, blocking the way. Ramza and his party are at the bottom. The rain pours mercilessly.]
NANTEN DESERTER: Damn, what rotten luck. A pursuit unit!
RAMZA: Are you a Nanten patrol?
DESERTER: We're tired of fighting! We want to go home! We'd rather be poor and covered in mud than this! We're sick of killing! We want to return to our families!
RAMZA: Wait! We're not after you! We have you desire to fight! Don't misunderstand!
DESERTER: Don't lie! You expect us to believe you? Trying to get us off guard, then kill us! Well, none of your tricks will work!
DESERTER II: H, hey! He was on the wanted list!
DESERTER: Huh? ...so what?!
DESERTER II: It's him! The "heretic"! You know! If we bring him to them, they may let us off!!
DESERTER: You mean... going back to the Knights?
DESERTER II: Getting a "heretic" is big. Like getting enemy brass! If we get him, they might give us a dischage, too.
DESERTER: That's right... I know a guy discharged in an exchange.
DESERTER II: We can go home big! Otherwise, we'll have to live in hiding as deserters!
DESERTER: Right! Let's catch him! We can even kill him! He's a "heretic". They'll execute him sooner or later. We can go home by killing him! This is our last battle!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: [to the deserters] I understand your lives are important... but, is that it? I wonder what... father would have done? [Footsteps are heard from the base of the hill. Ramza looks down.] You're...
[enter Olan and knights]
[Olan rides up on a chocobo, with knights surrounding him.]
OLAN: We meet again.
[Olan approaches Ramza alone.]
RAMZA: A Black Lion's crest... You're a Nanten?
OLAN: So, you killed the deserters for us. I never thought a Beoulve would help us.
[Ramza lowers his head.]
RAMZA: Not because I wanted to.
OLAN: I know. You didn't want to fight, right? Same here. I don't go after the deserters because I want to. You know what I mean.
RAMZA: You knew me...
OLAN: Yeah, I saw your name and face on the wanted list as a dangerous "heretic". What did you do?
[Ramza raises his head.]
RAMZA: Are you going to try and catch me?
OLAN: Why would I do that? Our job's to catch deserters. No need for us to be involved. But your brothers are after you. Run before they come.
[Ramza turns to leave, but stops.]
RAMZA: Why do you continue to fight?
OLAN: As long as your brothers point swords at us, it'll continue...
RAMZA: So, if Larg quits, Goltana would, too?
OLAN: But that won't ever happen.
RAMZA: If you see Orlandu of Nanten, let me know. Same are urging Larg and Goltana for "gain". We're in the palm of their hands... They're the real ones to beat.
OLAN: [pausing] Why Orlandu?
[Ramza lowers his head once more.]
RAMZA: My father used to say he was his only friend...
OLAN: Orlandu's my father-in-law. I'll tell him that...
[Ramza raises his head.]
RAMZA: Do you believe me?
OLAN: I don't know why they're trying to collect holy stones. If it's for the people, I won't interrupt. But, if it's for self gain, Orlandu won't allow it. He'll promise to kill in the name of "T.G. Cid".
RAMZA: Do you know about the High Priest's plot?
OLAN: Yes, but there is no proof. We're investigating it, but you may know better.
RAMZA: If we prove it, would you stop fighting?
OLAN: Do you have proof?
RAMZA: Here's the "Germonik..." ...No. ...Nothing.
OLAN: No one knows whether this war will end or not. But I'm sure... Orlandu would quit...
NANTEN KNIGHT: Olan, shall we go?
[Olan turns towards his men.]
OLAN: All right. I'm coming! [Olan turns towards Ramza.] I must go, Ramza. Take care. [Olan rides the chocobo down a few steps, and calls to Ramza.] Ramza, you're not alone! You have friends! Allies who'd risk their lives! I'm one of them!
[exit Olan and the knights]
RAMZA: ...Thank you, Olan.
[exit Ramza]
[fade out]
Yardow Fort City -- battle
[two wizards]
[The wizard whom Ramza had met with earlier is questioning a female wizard.]
EXOTIC WIZARD: You know what you're saying?
RAFA: You're the one who doesn't. We're not tools. Tools for murder! If we stay there, we'll be used as tools till we die! Come on Malak! Let's escape together!
MALAK: Who helped us when we lost our parents in the war? If Grand Duke hadn't saved us, we'd have starved... He cared about us... Now you're returning the favor with vengeance?
[Rafa shakes her head.]
RAFA: You've been deceived! Barinten took advantage of the war and burned the village! Why? To get the family skills only our family knows. He burned a village to get my Heaven skill and your Hell skill! He killed our parents!! Don't you see?!!
[Malak runs up and slaps Rafa in the face.]
MALAK: That's ridiculous!!
RAFA: You know what he did! What he did to me! I KNOW you know!!
MALAK: Don't say anymore! Otherwise, I...
[enter a ninja from behind a building]
RIOVANES NINJA: So here you are, Malak. He'll be here soon.
[More enemies enter.]
MALAK: I know. It's all set...
RAFA: [pausing] Malak...
[enter Ramza and company]
NINJA: Here he comes! Heretic Ramza!
[Rafa runs to Ramza.]
MALAK: Rafa!!
RAFA: [to Ramza] Help!!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Rafa]
RAMZA: [to Malak] You! You're that man! You're supposed to be waiting at Riovanes Castle!
MALAK: That was what Grand Duke said! I'll prove we can beat you without the Shrine Knights!
[sparring]
[Once Malak is wounded...]
MALAK: Damn, I hate retreating like this!
[Malak disappears magically.]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: [to Rafa] Are you all right?
RAFA: Y... yes. Thank you... I... I...
RAMZA: If they return, we're in trouble! Let's hide!
[fade out]
A Deserted Alley of Yardow
[Rafa, Ramza]
[Rafa and Ramza sit in the alley, which is surrounded by crates. Darkness has hit the city.]
RAFA: Barinten wants only one thing. To be the king. They call him "Weapon King" for making strong weapons and training many wizards.
RAMZA: There is one who incites the Grand Duke that is of the royal family. Killing Larg and Goltana set the stage for him to become a regent...
[Ramza looks at the ground.]
RAFA: Why do you keep fighting being branded a "heretic"? I think I know why. But nobody'll thank you for beating him.
RAMZA: I'm not fighting for thanks. I'm fighting for honor and pride as a Beoulve.
RAFA: That's a lie... You aren't that noble. You can't ignore injustice or evil in front of you.
[Ramza shakes his head.]
RAMZA: You flatter me. I'm not that good. But what're you going to do? I must go to Riovanes to save Alma. But you already escaped from there, right?
RAFA: I must get my brother out...
RAMZA: Why are you two fighting?
RAFA: [pausing] We're Fifty Year War orphans. I'll never forget those days looking through garbage and dead bodies for food... That's when Barinten saved us. I believed in God then.
RAMZA: Barinten build orphanages for the war orphans. But, he provided training to "gifted" children to be professional assassins... You must be those children.
RAFA: We, Galthanas, have "secret skills" of the family... My Heaven skill and my brother's Hell skill. These two skills differ from magic... Barinten wanted them. But the family elder refused him. So he burned the village. He decided if he couldn't have them, he'd erase them from this world. He probably was excited when he found us among the orphans.
RAMZA: You tried to escape when you found out the truth.
RAFA: We yearned for him to be like our real father... But even then...
RAMZA: ...
VOICE OF MALAK: So this is where you were hiding?
[Ramza and Rafa stand and look around, seeing no one.]
RAFA: Malak!
[A frog hops out of the darkness. It is Malak, in magical disguise.]
VOICE OF MALAK: Listen, Ramza! Hurry to Riovanes Castle! Or your sister will be dead!
RAMZA: If you touch Alma, I'll show no mercy!
VOICE OF MALAK: Rafa, you're coming, too! Resist and Ramza's sister'll die because of you!
RAFA: It's not fair! They have nothing to do with us!
VOICE OF MALAK: This is not a warning... It's an order!
[In an explosion, the frog, Malak, disappears.]
RAFA: Let's go, Ramza!
RAMZA: Sorry, Rafa. You had to do this because of us...
RAFA: It's not your fault. Don't worry.
[fade out]
Yuguo Woods -- battle
[Ramza, Rafa, and company, undead monsters]
[The forest is dark and gloomy, with undead monsters littered everywhere.]
RAFA: Those who died in the War haven't been able to rest. [to the monsters] Return to the future life once again with your affection left in this life!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: The spiritual forest... I never want to come back.
[fade out]
Inside of Riovanes Castle -- meanwhile...
[Barinten, Vormav, Wiegraf, other knights]
[Barinten sits at a large table, with Vormav standing, watching. Wiegraf stands by Vormav's side. The other knights stand around.]
BARINTEN: [to Vormav] Welcome. How do you like our castle? It looks a little spartan compared to Lesalia Castle, but I like it... This castle's built for war. It's far more beautiful than one built for government. Ivalice has always been ruled by men with "power". This war proved the royal family lost the "power".
VORMAV: Get to the point.
[Barinten stands.]
BARINTEN: You're being impatient. [Barinten walks away, his back turned towards Vormav. He stops.] To be quite frank... Can we work together?
VORMAV: What do you mean?
BARINTEN: As I said, men with "power" rule Ivalice. So, who has the "power"? Prince Larg of Hokuten? Or, Prince Goltana of Nanten? Neither of them. It's you, Shrine Knights, who hold the stones...
VORMAV: !!
BARINTEN: Holy Stones have great magical power. According to ancient legend, a natural disaster in Murond was caused by its power...
[Vormav chuckles to himself.]
VORMAV: Ha, ha, ha... Well, excuse me. I didn't expect a Grand Duke like yourself believed in such fairy tales.
[Barinten turns to Vormav.]
BARINTEN: So you're saying you don't believe it? That's strange... They say Draclau of Lionel died from problems with the stone.
VORMAV: I heard he died of illness.
BARINTEN: Then why are you after the youngest Beoulve? Why chase him as a "heretic"?
VORMAV: We don't question decisions by Heresy Examiners.
[Barinten raises his hand to his chin.]
BARINTEN: Oh, my... You're saying you know nothing about it? But, you may change your mind after seeing this... Call Malak!!
[enter Izlude and Malak]
IZLUDE: [to Vormav] F, father... I'm sorry.
VORMAV: ...I see.
BARINTEN: We have "Scorpio" and "Taurus".
VORMAV: [to Izlude] Moron!!
[Vormav slaps Izlude. Izlude falls to his knees.]
[enter a knight]
RIOVANES KNIGHT: [to Barinten] Excuse me, Sir! We verified the intruder's identity!
BARINTEN: Malak, I'll let you take care of him.
[exit Malak and the knight]
[Izlude rises. Vormav turns to Barinten.]
VORMAV: What do you want?
[Barinten returns to his seat.]
BARINTEN: As I said before, we want to help you, too.
VORMAV: What if I refuse?
BARINTEN: The Church's injustice will be exposed. That's all.
VORMAV: You can't prove it just with the Holy Stones.
[Barinten looks at Vormav.]
BARINTEN: Exactly. But, how about with the "Germonik Scriptures"? Larg, Goltana, and the senate ought to be interested...
VORMAV: Where is it?
[Barinten looks away.]
BARINTEN: I can't tell you.
VORMAV: Wiegraf, go after the wizard. I'll take care of things here.
[exit Wiegraf]
[Barinten stands abruptly.]
BARINTEN: Don't do anything funny! The odds are against you!
[The sky darkens.]
VORMAV: Odds? What do you think you weak humans can do?
IZLUDE: Father...?
[Lightning crashes.]
VORMAV: Don't underestimate us. Killing you is easy...
BARINTEN: Are you opposing me!?
[Barinten jumps back beside a stained-glass window. Two knights enter.]
VORMAV: Want to fight...? Fine. I'll show you the power of the Holy Stone!
[The Holy Stone glimmers magnificently. Screams are heard.]
[fade out]
At the Gate of Riovanes Castle -- battle
[Ramza, Rafa, and company, Malak, Riovanes knights]
[A battle is about to take place at the gate of the castle. Malak stands with the Riovanes knights at the bridge, with knights atop the pillars.]
RAFA: Malak, please stop! Let's go together!
MALAK: You know what happens to traitors! You'll be chased by your ex-allies and killed. Even if you escape, you'll live your life frightened. I'd never want to live like that! But Grand Duke promised to free us after this job!
RAFA: Do you believe him? You know he's lying! If we don't escape now, we'll be his slaves for life!
MALAK: I trust him! We'll be free if we kill him and take the "Germonik Scriptures"!
[battle ensues]
RAMZA: [to Malak] Where is Alma?
MALAK: I can see you're worried about her. Just hand me the "Germonik Scriptures" and I'll save you!
RAFA: Ramza, don't believe him! Barinten'll kill both of you once he gets what he wants! Whatever you do don't give the scriptures to him! Your sister'll be safe only as long as you have the book!
[sparring]
[Once Malak is wounded...]
MALAK: Ugh... tough... My power is not good enough?!
[Malak disappears magically.]
RAFA: Malak! Are you running away?
[Rafa disappears, also.]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[The door to the castle creaks open. A wounded knight stumbles out, then falls to his face.]
RIOVANES KNIGHT: H...help... M...monster...
[Lightning crashes.]
RAMZA: Rafa... Alma... Please be safe...
[fade out]
Dungeon of Riovanes Castle -- meanwhile...
[Alma]
[Alma sits crouched in the dungeon. All is quiet around her.]
ALMA: Brother... [A scream is heard outside.] What!? [Sword blades can be heard clashing. More screams follow. Alma stands up, frightened of what is happening. Just then, a knight bursts through her door, badly wounded. He falls to the floor. Alma rushes to his side.] What an awful wound!
[The knight grabs her arm.]
RIOVANES KNIGHT: U, ugh... help... That... monster...
[Alma takes the knight's hand.]
ALMA: C...come on!!
KNIGHT: R...run... It's... dangerous....
[The knight dies. Alma places his hand on his chest. Fast-paced footsteps are heard outside of the dungeon, followed by the clashing of more swords. Alma leaves the knight, and runs outside of her cell.]
[fade out]
Inside of Riovanes Castle -- battle
[Ramza, Wiegraf]
[Ramza approaches a narrow hallway. Dead bodies lie scattered across the floor.]
RAMZA: What's this...?
[Wiegraf stands at the top of the ascending hallway. He turns to Ramza.]
WIEGRAF: There you are, Ramza. [Wiegraf takes a step forward.] Draw your sword, Ramza. [Ramza does nothing.] What's wrong? If you don't, I will.
RAMZA: How miserable you are... Giving your spirit to Lucavi just to avenge yourself. If Miluda knew about this, she'd be very disappointed.
WIEGRAF: Revenge? Ha! That's not what I'm after... I want far more than that. I don't give a damn about Miluda's murder. I want to bring "chaos" into the world... to hear the screams of humans... But, don't worry, Ramza. I'll kill you... myself!
[battle ensues, with Ramza attempting to slay Wiegraf singlehandedly]
RAMZA: The stones are evil... and so are the Zodiac Braves. The legends we believed were all lies!
WIEGRAF: Hya, ha, ha. So much for "God's miracle". Governments falsify history only so it favors them. But you can't blame them, because people always hope for a "miracle". Endlessly complaining, lazy nuisances... That's what the masses really are. Governments give the people what they want... and history repeats itself. Governments might as well have taken advantage of their insecurity... But then again, people are satisfied being used... "God" is nothing but an image created out of their insecurity. It's their fault for knowing they're comfortably numb, and not doing anything about it.
RAMZA: And what about you? Relying on miracles instead of beating your insecurities!
WIEGRAF: It's because humans are insecure that they rely on "miracles". Can you honesly say you're not, with any confidence?
RAMZA: I'm trying!
WIEGRAF: Then your efforts have come to an end!
[Once Wiegraf is wounded...]
WIEGRAF: You've improved...
[Wiegraf disappears.]
RAMZA: Running away? Wiegraf!! [Ramza walks up the hallway, looking for Wiegraf.] Come out of there! Wiegraf!!
[Wiegraf reappears at the top of the hallway.]
WIEGRAF: Let's have it out here...
[The Holy Stone glows, transforming Wiegraf into the monster, Velius.]
VELIUS: Sorry to keep you waiting.
[enter Ramza's party]
VELIUS: I see you have some help. Then I'll do the same. Come out, loyal servants!
[Archaic demons come out of the darkness.]
VELIUS: Here I come, Ramza! Let me show you the power of evil!
[battle once again ensues, with Velius as target]
[Once Velius is defeated...]
VELIUS: Whooooah!! They're just humans...!
[Velius explodes violently, leaving behind the Zodiac Stone, Aries. Alma's scream is heard from the back room.]
RAMZA: Alma!!
[fade out]
Riovanes Castle -- meanwhile...
[Izlude, Alma]
[Izlude lays mortally wounded against the wall. Alma stands in the doorway, looking about.]
IZLUDE: ...Uhn... uhnn...
[Alms rushes to Izlude's side.]
ALMA: Are you all right!?
[Izlude slowly shakes his head.]
IZLUDE: S...sword... Where is it? ...must... beat... him... Please... give me some light. So dark... Can't see a thing.
ALMA: Don't worry. No need to fight anymore.
IZLUDE: Tell your brother... the stone... has "evil power"... He's not... my father... The power made him... Lucavi... [Izlude coughs.]
ALMA: Please don't try to talk...
IZLUDE: What Ramza said was true... The world will end... if we don't kill him... Tell everyone... not time to fight... Must cooperate... W, where's... my sword? ...Can't move... my arms.
ALMA: Don't worry. I saw "his" body in the hall. My brother killed him. So you don't need to fight.
IZLUDE: Really? That's a relief... The stone is... in my jacket. Give it... to your brother....
[Alma fishes the stone out of Izludes jacket, and places it within her dress.]
ALMA: I'll be sure to do that.
IZLUDE: Ugh... tired... sleepy... just rest now...
[Izlude dies. Alma rests her head on his shoulder.]
MAN'S VOICE: Who's there?
[enter Vormav]
VORMAV: So here you are. I'll send you to the other side, too. [Alma backs away.] Don't fear. You won't suffer... [Vormav moves closer. A loud groan echoes through the castle. Vormav speaks to himself.] What... Velius was killed? [He speaks again to Alma.] Your brother has the devil's own luck... [He walks closer to Alma.] Now, come here... [The Stone in Vormav's pocket reacts violently when he approaches Alma.] Why, why is Virgo responding? You... can't be... [Vormav pauses, grabbing Alma.] Very nice! I didn't expect to meet you here! I thought it would take one-hundred years to find you! I never dreamed you were the one!
[Alma shakes.]
ALMA: Stop!! Let go of me!!
VORMAV: No need to fear. I won't kill you. Now, come here!
[Vormav punches Alma in the face, knocking her unconscious. Throwing her over his shoulder, he disappears, dropping the stone which Izlude gave to her.]
[fade out]
Roof of Riovanes Castle -- battle
[Barinten, Rafa]
[Rafa stands on the overhang of a window, facing Barinten.]
BARINTEN: Fool! This is what I get? Revenge for kindness!? Why do you think you're even still alive today! Because of me! I took you out of the garbage! Or dod you forget that already?
RAFA: Revenge for kindness? You burned the village! You are the one who killed my parents! And you say it's revenge for kindness? No... it's justice!
[Rafa wields her sword. Barinten pulls out a gun and aims it at Rafa.]
BARINTEN: Justice? How can you kill me? I'm your father. I raised you! I'd like to see you try and kill me! [Rafa stands, motionless.] Hya, ha! You can't... And do you know why? Because your body recalls the terror... Don't worry... That terror will gradually subside. Hya, ha, ha.
MALAK: Is that true?!!
[enter Malak]
MALAK: [to Barinten] Is what you said true?
BARINTEN: You're turning on me, too? You're both ingrates!
RAFA: I'll kill you!!
MALAK: Stop it! Rafa!!
[Malak runs to stop his sister. Just as he stands in front of her, Barinten fires his pistol, wounding Malak. Malak is killed instantly.]
RAFA: Malak!! [Rafa cradles her brother's body.] Malak! Are you all right!
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: Rafa! Malak!!
BARINTEN: So, you're Ramza. ...Don't move. Rafa, if you want to help Malak, bring the stone here. Malak should have it. Find it! [Rafa searches for the stone, and finds it under Malak's collar.] That's right. Bring it to me! Hurry!
[From behind, a woman grips Barinten by the throat.]
BARINTEN: Gya!!
[The woman throws Barinten over the edge of the castle.]
MAN'S VOICE: Can you hand me the stone?
[enter Elmdor with another woman]
RAMZA: M...Marquis Elmdor. Why are you here...?
[Rafa takes the stone and hides it in her sachel.]
ELMDOR: No... Give it to me...
RAMZA: Rafa! Watch out!! They are not human!
ELMDOR: So you're Ramza, the heretic? I never really thanked you for doing me this favor. Thank you... I don't want to have to get rough like Vormav did. Please understand. Now, hand me the stone and I'll ask Vormav to return your sister.
RAMZA: Where is Alma!? Bring her back!!
ELMDOR: Didn't you hear me? Give me the stone first.
[Rafa turns to Ramza.]
RAMZA: No, I won't.
ELMDOR: Are you abandoning her? I thought you came here to save her, knowing there'd be danger.
RAMZA: ...
ELMDOR: Very well. I didn't want to get rough, but... [to the women] Celia, Lede, go ahead! That girl has the stone. Get it back...!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Rafa]
[Once one of the women are wounded...]
ELMDOR: I see why Queklain and Velius were beaten... Celia, Lede, retreat! [to Ramza] Lizten, Ramza. If you want our stone, come to Limberry Castle! We'll be waiting...!
[exit Elmdor, Celia, Lede magically]
RAFA: Malak...
[Soon, morning comes upon the roof of the castle. Rafa is still there with Malak, who has not moved since his injury from Barinten. Ramza stands watch.]
RAFA: Brother, look... It's dawn. Remember how we used to chat till dawn about things? I wanted to travel with you. We were going to go to Galthana's hometown after the war... Remember? Brother... Say something...
[Rafa clings to Malak's body, weeping against him. Ramza turns away, and glances up at the sky.]
RAMZA: [to himself] Alma...
[Suddenly, the stone which Rafa took from Malak begins to emit an eerie light.]
RAFA: What's this?
[Rafa takes out the stone, and looks at it, perplexed.]
RAMZA: It's responding to... Rafa's spirit...? It grieves Malak's death.... Wiegraf's despair and resentment summonded Velius... Then...
RAFA: You, too, grieve his death? Thank you...
RAMZA: No, Rafa... It's... [At that moment, the stone showers Malak's body with drops of heavenly light. Beams come from the sky and enter his body. It glows furiously.] ...What?
[Malak twitches about.]
MALAK: Ugh... ugh...
RAFA: Brother... Malak!!
[Malak raises his head.]
MALAK: Rafa...? Where am I...? What happened...?
[Rafa hugs Malak tightly.]
RAFA: Brother... brother... I'm so glad...
MALAK: That hurts, Rafa... Ha, ha, ha...
[Rafa and Malak join the party.]
[fade out]
Riovanes Meeting Hall
[Ramza]
[Ramza stands above the stairs of the meeting hall, where Izlude was slain. He recalls Malak's previous words.]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Somebody called me... I don't know. I've never heard that voice...
The voice said, 'Return to the ones with the right mind...'"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ramza then proceeds to walks down the stairs, and finds the Zodiac Stone left behind by Alma. He bends down and picks it up.]
RAMZA: The Zodiac Stone... here...?
[Ramza reminisces about more words exchanged between himself and Malak.]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I didn't think the God made holy stones, but... more evil... well... Lucavi made them to land in this world..."
"I guess it means whoever uses it will have to deal with the 'problem'..."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAMZA: Alma...
[fade out]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tired of the standstill, the Hokuten tried to capture Bethla Garrison by mobilizing the Knights at the Front.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside of Riovanes Castle
[Ramza, Rafa, Malak]
[The three stand where Velius had been beaten previously. Dead bodies still litter the floor.]
MALAK: The corpses were crushed by something real powerful.
RAFA: [to Ramza] Was your sister one of them?
RAMZA: No... she wasn't.
MALAK: She was in this castle. Probably gone now... Only three Shrine Knights were here... No one else...
RAMZA: I killed the one who turned into Lucavi. The other one, Izlude, was dead also... That means the third one took my sister away...?
MALAK: Maybe they went back to the main church at Murond. They're following the High Priest's orders, right? Then the Knight who took your sister must've gone to Murond.
RAMZA: You think so? I doubt the High Priest knows the stone's secret. Wiegraf didn't know the secret until he contracted Velius... And I think that Izlude died fighting Lucavi.
MALAK: What do you mean?
RAMZA: Secretly controlling the war, to strengthen the Church's power... I'm sure that's the High Priest's true ambition. But collecting the stones and using the Brave Legend to use people...
MALAK: You mean even the High Priest's being used?
[Ramza nods.]
RAFA: Who took your sister away?
MALAK: I believe it was Vormav.
RAMZA: He's probably behind it.
MALAK: What're we going to do?
RAMZA: I'm going to see Delita in Zeltennia.
MALAK: The one who replaced Baron Grims as leader of the Black Sheep Knights?
RAMZA: Delita's being controlled by the Church and the Shrine Knights. Does Delita know the truth about Vormav?
CHAPTER FOUR: SOMEBODY TO LOVE
Zeltennia Castle -- meanwhile...
[Olan, Orlandu]
[Orlandu stands by the window, looking outside. Olan rushes through the door, ecstatic.]
OLAN: Welcome back, father!
[Orlandu turns around.]
ORLANDU: Yes... How are you, Olan?
[Olan approaches Orlandu.]
OLAN: Fine. How was the front?
ORLANDU: You know, it's really horrible. You have to keep an eye on your own men... My reputation is shot... Ha, ha, ha.
OLAN: Hah... Your reputation? What about Goltana's? Everyone says it's because of you that the other generals are still here.
ORLANDU: Pledging life-long loyalty. That's the Orlandu way... Watch what you say.
OLAN: I'm sorry... I'll be careful from now on.
ORLANDU: Alright... What about the other matter?
OLAN: The crystal-like stone was found in Goug. Another was found by the Cardinal at the end of the War. The Shrine Knights have been active, but we don't know their plans yet.
ORLANDU: What about the spy we sent into Murond?
[Olan shakes his head.]
OLAN: Unfortunately... We'd like some proof of the High Priest's plot and move into peace...
[Orlandu turns back to the window. From inside of his robe, he draws out a Holy Stone.]
ORLANDU: They'll find out sooner or later. Then there will be real war.
[fade out]
Doguola Pass -- battle
[Ramza and company, Nanten enemies]
[The party waits on a rocky pass, stopped by the Nanten guards.]
NANTEN GUARD: As long as we're here, you cannot pass.
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[fade out]
Bervenia Free City -- battle
[Ramza and company, a woman named "Meliadoul, sorcerers, other enemies]
[Ramza's party comes to a stop when they see an onslaught of guards standing on the buildings. The woman, Meliadoul, appears to be the leader.]
MELIADOUL: I'm Meliadoul! I came to avenge my brother!!
RAMZA: Avenge your brother? What are you taking about?
MELIADOUL: You're denying it!? Izlude, whom you killed at Riovanes, was my brother!! I'm going to kill you, not for the High Priest, but for my brother!!
[battle ensues, with Meliadoul as target]
[Once Meliadoul is wounded...]
MELIADOUL: Ugh... You're... strong!! No wonder Wiegraf lost! Listen! The next time we meet is the day you die! Remember that!
[Meliadoul disappears.]
[fade out]
Finath River -- battle
[Ramza and company, a band of chocobos]
[The party comes to a large river, almost impassable.]
RAMZA: This river's deeper than I thought. Must be careful.
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[fade out]
Zeltennia Castle
[Ramza, Delita, commoners]
[Ramza is kneeling before the cathedral altar, praying. Delita enters the room, and kneels beside him.]
DELITA: A "heretic", coming to Church... Pretty bold...
RAMZA: I have no time... So, I'll ask you straight out. Why did the High Priest send you to Goltana?
DELITA: You came to Zeltennia to ask me that? ...Fine, I'll tell you. My duty is to assassinate Goltana and Orlandu...
[Ramza looks at Delita.]
RAMZA: What...!?
DELITA: Shh... Lower your voice. This is the real plan... We're trying to incite those dissatisfied with the government to revolt, thereby causing people to distrust the government even more. Both armies will try to put down the revolts, but won't have enough soldiers. Then what? They'll finish things trying to break the deadlock.
[Ramza looks away.]
RAMZA: All these recent revolts were the High Priest's plan. And to stop these, both armies are heading to Bethla. Everything is as you planned...
DELITA: Not quite yet. Because... during the battle, Larg and Goltana will both be killed by someone. [The two exchange looks.] Of course, the leaders will also be killed... Nantens' Orlandu, Hokutens' Zalbag, and Dycedarg... Losing their leaders, both armies will stop fighting and turn to peace...
RAMZA: Then, the Church will become the "mediator"...
DELITA: And the people will support the Church entirely. They even threw in the Zodiac Brave Legend.
RAMZA: But the Zodiac Stone...
DELITA: Right now, you're the Church's biggest obstacle.
RAMZA: [pausing] Aren't you trying to get the stones also?
[Delita stands.]
DELITA: I'm not working for the Church!
RAMZA: What do you mean?
[Delita looks down at Ramza.]
DELITA: It means I'll kill you if I have to. [Ramza looks down, while Delita looks away.] Don't worry. Our reasons may be different, but we want the same thing. As long as we want the same thing... we won't be enemies.
RAMZA: Come with me...
DELITA: Sorry, I can't. She needs me.
[Ramza looks up at Delita.]
RAMZA: She...?
DELITA: Prince or Princess... It doesn't matter as long as they're easily controlled. The High Priest's plan calls for a puppet government.
RAMZA: You're just using Ovelia for your own ambitions?
DELITA: ...I don't know. But...
[Ramza stands.]
RAMZA: But what?
DELITA: I would give my life for her...
RAMZA: Delita...
[Delita looks at Ramza.]
DELITA: Is that strange?
RAMZA: No. I believe you.
[Outside, a ruckus is heard. A gunshot fires. A voice calls from outside of the cathedral.]
FAMILIAR VOICE: Ramza! The Church is surrounded!! Come out quietly!
RAMZA: That voice... It's Zalmo!?
[exit Ramza and Delita]
[fade out]
Church Outside the Town -- battle
[Zalmo, Ramza and company, Delita, enemy knights]
[Zalmo stands atop the church, calling to Ramza and Delita.]
ZALMO: [to Delita] You're the Black Knight, Hyral! Why are you here?
DELITA: Now that you've seen me, I cannot let you live! C'mon, Ramza!!
RAMZA: They're unknowingly part of the High Priest's plot! If you explain it well, they'd understand...
DELITA: Are you still so naive? ...Well, good luck!
[battle ensues, with Zalmo as target]
ZALMO: [to Delita] Do you know what you're doing? He's a top criminal! Anyone who helps him is guilty, too! You, leader of the Black Knights, dare oppose the Trial Examiners?
DELITA: I know who you are! That's why I must kill you all!
ZALMO: What!? You audacious fool!! Your actions will disrupt the world order and oppose God'a Natural Providence!! Are you trying to rebel against God!?
DELITA: Disrupt the "order"? This "order" you talk about is just a matter of your own convenience!! Using God as an "order" to control the people is absurd! You have no right to take advantage of the innocent!
[sparring]
[Once Zalmo is wounded...]
ZALMO: Oh, God... Please punish the wicked.
[Zalmo dies.]
[The enemy soldiers leave. Delita and Ramza remain.]
DELITA: What're you going to do, Ramza?
RAMZA: I had two reasons for coming to Zeltennia. One was to see you. The other is to see Count Orlandu.
DELITA: Thundergod Cid?
RAMZA: I want his cooperations to uncover the Church's plot.
DELITA: How?
RAMZA: I have strong "proof" that will uncover the wrong-doing.
DELITA: The "Germonik Scriptures"!
RAMZA: When I met Olan, the Count's son-in-law, he primised me if I had proof, he would stop the High Priest's conspiracy.
DELITA: Olan, huh?
[enter a girl]
[The girl stands beside Delita. Ramza is taken aback, shocked.]
DELITA: It's OK... She's one of us. Several people were sent from Murond to help me. She's one of them.
MAGICIAN WOMAN: Help...? More like to keep an eye on you.
DELITA: Hey, c'mon. [to Ramza] She knows everything. She's the only one we can trust in the Goltana Army.
MAGICIAN WOMAN: You're the youngest Beoulve, Ramza, right? My name is Balmafula. Nice to meet you.
DELITA: [to Balmafula] And... what do you want?
BALMAFULA: The Hokuten are moving.
DELITA: Is Fort Bethla the target?
BALMAFULA: Count Orlandu left for Bethla a while ago. Goltana's heading for Bethla... along with your Black Sheep Knights.
DELITA: A little too late... The battle won't end...
RAMZA: I'm not giving up. I'll persuade the Count before any more die.
DELITA: ...I guess it's good-bye, Ramza.
RAMZA: Stay alive, Delita.
DELITA: You, too...
[Delita and Ramza shake hands.]
[exit Ramza]
BALMAFULA: You're letting him go?
DELITA: I know what he'll do.
BALMAFULA: You even use your friends.
[Delita turns around quickly.]
DELITA: Shut up! What do you know?
[Balmafula turns away.]
BALMAFULA: I hate people like you.
DELITA: Hurry up and go!!
[exit Balmafula]
[The church bells ring loudly.]
[fade out]
Bed Desert -- battle
[a man named "Balk", enemy soldiers]
[Balk sits atop a stone formation in the desert, watching out for intruders.]
BALK: ...They're all spread? Nice wind. Should be enough to float them around in the air for most of the day.
[enter Ramza and company]
BALK: [to Ramza] Uh-oh... Didn't think I'd see you here...
RAMZA: What are the Shrine Knights doing here? You said, "spread"... What the hell did you spread?
BALK: Wanna know...? I guess I can tell you because there's nothing you can do now.
RAMZA: Spill it! What did you spread?
BALK: This!
[Balk throws a small ball to Ramza's feet. It explodes, and the entire party is poisoned.]
RAMZA: Poison!?
BALK: That's right. I spread this to the Hokuten Province. Any soldier who inhales this will be too sick to fight!
RAMZA: The High Priest doesn't want Goltana to win the war!
BALK: That's correct. If the Hokuten can't fight their best, the Nanten will open the fortress... totally annihilating it, making it a good chance to kill Goltana and Orlandu. Of course, plans are set to kill Larg in the confusion. It'll probably be easier to kill him in the confusion over the poisoning.
RAMZA: What!?
BALK: You should be happy! The war will end! From now on, we'll be the center of authority! The people want that! No more of you aristocrats ruling the kingdom.
RAMZA: I won't let that happen! I'll end the war differently!
BALK: I knew you'd say that!
[battle ensues, with Balk as target]
[Once Balk is wounded...]
BALK: Dammit! I'm not going to die in a place like this.
[Balk, and all of the enemy soldiers, disappear.]
RAMZA: I have to hurry...
[fade out]
Inside of Bethla Garrison -- meanwhile...
[Orlandu, knights]
[The knights surround Orlandu, who looks startled as to why he is being interrogated.]
COUNT ORLANDU: What do you mean? Suspicion of conspiracy?
NANTEN KNIGHT: ...Please. Obey the orders.
[Orlandu turns to the knight.]
ORLANDU: Nonsense. Why would I be involved in a conspiracy?
[enter Goltana]
[All of the knights kneel.]
GOLTANA: It's too bad, Cid. Attempting rebellion...
ORLANDU: You can't be serious! I'd never think of...
[Goltana walks to the edge of the table in the middle of the room.]
GOLTANA: I have proof. You've been secretly planning with the Church to overthrow me.
ORLANDU: Nonsense!! Who told you such a lie!?
GOLTANA: You still deny it? Hearing of your betrayal, the High Priest notified me immediately.
ORLANDU: It's the High Priest's plot!
GOLTANA: The High Priest's plot? How dare you say that? Can you prove it?
ORLANDU: I've been serving you over twenty years and you don't trust me?
[Goltana turns around.]
GOLTANA: ...I cann't go to war without your Knights. I am very disappointed, Cid... [to the knights] Take him away!!
[The knights stand and escort Orlandu out.]
[exit knights and Orlandu]
[enter Delita and Balmafula]
[Delita and Balmafula kneel before Goltana.]
DELITA: Yes, Your Excellency.
GOLTANA: Continue your contact with Murond. If we get an official edict, overturning Larg will be easy.
DELITA: The High Priest's already decided. No need to worry.
GOLTANA: Thanks for your trouble. I will grant you command over the Nanten Knights. You will become a Holy Knight.
DELITA: I appreciate your kindness!
GOLTANA: I'm counting on you, Delita. I know I can trust you.
DELITA: I won't let you down.
[fade out]
North Wall of Bethla Garrison -- battle
[Ramza and company, various knights]
[Ramza and the party meets the enemy at the wall, with archers and such waiting on the walkways.]
KNIGHT: I never thought Hokuten would attack from the front! We'll get them all at once! Attack!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: We have to do something before the armies collide!
[fade out]
An Area Near Bethla -- meanwhile...
[dead bodies]
[Dead bodies are scattered throughout the rocky terrain. Zalbag is close.]
ZALBAG'S VOICE: What happened here!?
[enter Zalbag]
[Zalbag walks to a female knight, who is barely alive.]
ZALBAG: Are you OK!? Pull yourself together!!
HOKUTEN KNIGHT: I, I'm fine... Just my head... hurts.
[The knight dies.]
ZALBAG: Hey, get a grip!
[enter Dycedarg]
DYCEDARG: Mosfungus poison has been spread in the air...
[Dycedarg drops to his knees. Zalbag runs to his side.]
ZALBAG: Brother!
DYCEDARG: Don't worry. I'm alright... Where is His Excellency?
[Dycedarg stands.]
ZALBAG: We don't know.
LARG'S VOICE: ...Here, Zalbag... Dycedarg...
[Zalbag runs to Larg, who is near death, laying against a section of concrete atop the rocks. Dycedarg follows.]
ZALBAG: Your Excellency!! [Zalbag stands.] Call the Chemist!!
[Dycedarg approaches.]
DYCEDARG: [to Larg] ...How do you feel?
LARG: My head hurts... I feel sick... But... I'll be alright. I'll feel better in a while.
DYCEDARG: That's a problem.
[Larg looks up at Dycedarg.]
LARG: What? [Dycedarg takes a dagger from his robe and plunges it into the midsection of Larg.] Urrgh!! Wha.. what is this!?
ZALBAG: Brother!!
[Zalbag plunges the dagger deeper within Larg's body.]
DYCEDARG: Quiet, Zalbag!
LARG: You... betraying me...? You killed Balbanes... not only to inherit the Beoulve estate... but, to kill... me...
[Dycedarg lets go of the dagger, and backs away. Larg vomits blood violently, and dies. Dycedarg breathes heavily.]
ZALBAG: Brother... No... Did you... "poison"?
DYCEDARG: Ugh... Ugh... ...Not me. It was done by the allies who want Beoulve to take center stage...
ZALBAG: Why have they...
DYCEDARG: Duke Larg die din battle, but we'll carry on his will...
ZALBAG: But, the plot...
[Dycedarg looks at Zalbag.]
DYCEDARG: Just put a dagger into one of their hands... He's the assassin sent by the Nanten. Alright...?
[Dycedarg collapses.]
ZALBAG: Brother!!
[fade out]
In Front of Bethla Garrison's Sluice -- battle
[Ramza and company, various knights]
[The party comes across a blockade, set up around a giant floodgate.]
RAMZA: Oh! This floodgate! If I open it and release the water, they won't be able to fight!
[battle ensues, with the party attempting to open the water gate]
RAMZA: How do I open the floodgate? Probably by pulling the levers on both sides! I think I see them... but first I have to get there...
[sparring]
[Once one the levers is cleared...]
RAMZA: OK... if I just pull this... [Ramza pulls the lever.] And pull that other lever, too...
[Once the other lever is cleared...]
RAMZA: This is the last one!
[Ramza pulls the lever. A huge flood of water comes from the gate, vanquishing the enemies.]
[fade out]
Bethla's Prison
[Orlandu]
[Orlandu sits, alone, in a room filled with crates. Olan calls from behind the door.]
OLAN: Father!!
[enter Olan, Ramza, and Balmafula]
OLAN: Father! You're safe!!
[Olan approaches Orlandu. Ramza and Balmafula kneel before the Count.]
ORLANDU: Yes, I'm fine. [Orlandu looks towards Ramza and Balmafula.] You must be Ramza. You've grown. I recognized you.
[Ramza looks up.]
RAMZA: You know me?
[Orlandu takes a step forward.]
ORLANDU: Of course. It's no wonder you don't remember me. You were only three or four years old when I last saw you. You were almost hurt, trying to hold my sword. [Orlandu laughs to himself.] Your father scolded you and you cried... Ha, ha, ha. [Orlandu pauses.] Thank you for coming. Both of you can relax now.
[Ramza and Balmafula stand.]
OLAN: There were minimal losses from both sides. Thanks to Ramza, we were able to avoid all-out war.
ORLANDU: Is that so? Balbanes sure has a fine son. Let me thank you on behalf of everyone, Ramza.
RAMZA: No need for thanks. I only did what was natural.
ORLANDU: You inherited Balbanes' soul. He should be pleased...
BALMAFULA: [to Orlandu] With your permission... Goltana's planning to kill you tomorrow. Please escape.
OLAN: Father, what she says is true. For now, let's...
ORLANDU: I know... I can't stay here while Goltana's like that. Olan, my son... This battle will end soon. I'll go with him. I must stop the High Priest, no matter what.
OLAN: Father, I'll go with you!!
ORLANDU: No. You must return to Zeltennia and protect Ovelia. Ovelia is the rightful heir to the throne of the kingdom. It is your duty to protect her. Do you understand?
OLAN: ...Yes.
ORLANDU: Alright, Ramza?
RAMZA: Of course.
ORLANDU: Then, let's go before someone sees us.
[Orlandu joins the party.]
[exeunt]
[fade out]
Inside Bethla -- meanwhile...
[Goltana]
[Goltana stands, looking outside of a window, watching the occurances outside.]
GOLTANA: What's this!? Who opened the floodgate?
[enter Delita]
[Delita kneels before Goltana.]
DELITA: Yes, your Excellency?
GOLTANA: Gather the soldiers and attack the Hokuten!
DELITA: We can't even move because of the water.
GOLTANA: Neither can they. And that's our edge! Now is our chance to make them think we won't attack! We must move now...
DELITA: That's not a good idea.
GOLTANA: What!? [Delita ever-quickly draws his sword and thrusts it inside of Goltana.] Oh... y, you...!
DELITA: Nobody wants you to be King!! [Goltana vomits blood, collapses, and dies.] Come in!
[enter Balmafula and "Orlandu"]
DELITA: [to "Orlandu"] You understand, your death won't be a waste.
GREVADOS AS "CID" : Everything's guided by the will of Saint Ajora...
[Delita plunges his sword through Grevados, and the man dies. Delita puts his sword back into its holster.]
BALMAFULA: The real Cid and Ramza have escaped.
DELITA: Good... Pray that Ramza will take care of the rest.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Having lost their leaders, the High Priest proposed a mediator for the armies.
But, since they were both still strong, they refused.
I headed for Limberry, looking for Alma...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zarghidos Trade City
[Ramza, a flower girl]
[Ramza walks through the city, which appears to be almost deserted. A flower girl approaches him.]
FLOWER GIRL: Would you like a flower? It's only one gil.
RAMZA: What? Flowers?
FLOWER GIRL: What's wrong? You've never seen a flower before?
RAMZA: O...of course.
FLOWER GIRL: Won't you buy it?
RAMZA: Alright, I'll buy it.
FLOWER GIRL: Really!? Thank you! [The girl gives Ramza the flower.] In a place like this... not a lot of people buy flowers around here. When is my knight in shining armor going to take me away from here...? [The girl remains silent, and then continues.] Oh, I'm sorry. Excuse me for babbling. Thank you so much for buying the flower. Bye.
[exit the flower girl]
RAMZA: It's just the day and age.
[exit Ramza]
[fade out]
Germinas Peak -- battle
[bandits, Ramza and company]
[A team of bandits awaits the party atop a large mountainous structure.]
BANDIT BOSS: [to Ramza] If you wanna pass, leave your money. And get your hand offa that sword if you wanna live!
BANDIT: Boss! This guy's wanted! Yeah... with a huge bounty! Maybe it's better to kill him and get the reward, than to take their money now.
BANDIT BOSS: Yeah, I saw his face on a wanted poster. We're no bounty hunters, but what the hell... Let's kill him for the gil!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[fade out]
Poeskas Lake -- battle
[Ramza and company, undead creatures]
[The lake is actually a rainy ditch surrounding an old fort. Those of past battles confront the group.]
POESKAS LAKE GHOST: Who disturbs our sleep...? ...!! You have the Zodiac Stones...? Then, hand it over...! With that, we can go to a higher dimension...!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
Beoulve Manor at Igros -- meanwhile...
[Dycedarg, a character named "Rofel"]
[Dycedarg and Rofel sit at a table, discussing means of business. The fire burns brightly in the fireplace.]
ROFEL: I see you have no intention of agreeing with our arbitration.
DYCEDARG: That's right. His Excellency's wish is to unify the kingdoms... Rather, until King Orinas is recognized as the true king, we won't stop fighting. As long as the Beoulves live, we won't give up.
ROFEL: Who do you think let you assasinate Duke Larg?
DYCEDARG: What a thing to say... Larg was killed by someone sent by the Nanten. Or... are you saying you sent the assassin...?
ROFEL: [pausing] So you're definitely not going to cooperate?
DYCEDARG: If we wanted to, we could easily beat you. Don't forget that...
ROFEL: "Us"? Do you remember what the "poison" was that took out the Hokuten?
DYCEDARG: [pausing] I think it was extracted from Mosfungus...
ROFEL: Right. Unless you take large doses, it won't kill you. But even small amounts over a long time can be deadly.
DYCEDARG: ...
ROFEL: Over time, you develop symptoms similar to a cold. You're not fully aware of your conditions until it's too late...
DYCEDARG: ...
ROFEL: Didn't your father die from cold complications?
DYCEDARG: What are you saying?
ROFEL: I heard you know a lot about poison...
DYCEDARG: [pausing] So... what are you saying?
ROFEL: [pausing] If you bury a body with Mosfungus... the Mosfungus begins to grow out of the body. Did you know that?
DYCEDARG: ...
ROFEL: Such trivial things... Oh yeah, I've got something for you from the High Priest.
[Rofel takes a Holy Stone out of his jacket and places it on the table. The Stone glimmers.]
DYCEDARG: What's this?
ROFEL: It's a holy Zodiac Stone, from Murond. He'd like you to have this to show his trust in you...
[The stone glimmers once again. Immediately, the scene switches to Zalbag, who was listening the entire time outside of the door.]
[fade out]
At the Gate of Limberry Castle -- battle
[Ramza and company]
[The party arrives at the castle, which appears to be in ruins. No one is around.]
RAMZA: Nobody here... Are these ruins really deserted? The entrance is open... [Ramza approaches the door, which is, indeed, open.] Something's not right... This feels like the time I faced Queklain and Velius...
LADY'S VOICE: Welcome to Limberry Castle.
[enter Celia]
[Celia walks in from the top of a stone pillar.]
CELIA: We've been waiting for you.
LADY'S VOICE II: We have a warm welcome for you.
[enter Lede]
[Lede also arrives from another pillar.]
LEDE: We'll burn you to death, so don't run away.
[Monsters come across the pillars.]
RAMZA: Damn! A trap!!
[battle ensues]
[Once Lede is wounded...]
CELIA: If you want your dear sister back, be brave and enter!
LEDE: We'll be waiting inside. Hurry up!
[The monsters, Celia, and Lede disappear.]
RAMZA: Alma!!
[fade out]
Inside of Limberry Castle -- meanwhile...
[Elmdor, Vormav]
[Elmdor and Vormav sit at a large table, with the fireplace ablaze.]
ELMDOR: Velius and Queklain are both gone... We're the only ones alive now. Adramelk's caught in the "loophole"...
VORMAV: Don't worry about him. He'll soon be summoned to the "other side"...
ELMDOR: Did they find a suitable "body" for him?
VORMAV: Yes, the Zodiac Stone chose one. Just as "they" chose "us", the stones will choose the "body".
[Elmdor rises from his seat, and walks to the stained-glass window, gazing outside.]
ELMDOR: Really... Now we have to bring back "Bloody Angel", using the "Ultimate Power"... Then even without the stones or a suitable "body", we can come and go at will. Did they find a good "body" for "Angel"? Don't tell me it's that girl...
VORMAV: There's only one "body" suitable for "Angel"... That girl. Now we must find the "Way to the Dead City".
[enter Celia, magically]
CELIA: [to Elmdor] He's here.
[enter Lede, magically]
LEDE: I lured him into the castle. What shall I do with him?
ELMDOR: [to himself] I've been waiting for you, Ramza. Payback time for what happened at Riovanes...
[Vormav turns his head in Elmdor's direction.]
VORMAV: Be careful. He's strong. He ever beat Velius.
ELMDOR: Don't worry about me. Let me handle it. Go find the "Way to the Dead City".
VORMAV: OK. Be careful.
[exit Vormav, magically]
ELMDOR: Alright, I'm going!
[fade out]
Limberry Castle Hall -- battle
[Elmdor, Celia, Lede, Ramza and company]
[The party encounters Elmdor's group in a hallway in the castle.]
ELMDOR: It's pay back time for all the disgrace from Riovanes Castle!
RAMZA: Alma... where's my sister? Where is she!?
ELMDOR: You'll have to beat me to find out!
[battle ensues, with Elmdor as target]
[Once Elmdor is wounded...]
ELMDOR: Ugh... You're strong... I thought you'd be strong... but with this "body", I can't seem to...
[exit Elmdor, magically]
ELMDOR: Underground... Come down... Your sister is there...
RAMZA: You're not getting away!!
[fade out]
Underground Cemetery of Limberry Castle -- battle
[Ramza and company, Elmdor]
[Elmdor is crouched between two coffins, badly wounded.]
RAMZA: Elmdor! Give up! You don't have a chance! Let Alma go!
ELMDOR: Oh, you fool... She's not in this castle! The only ones here are the spirits of the dead... [Undead knights appear.] Your life shall also end, here in this graveyard!
[Elmdor unleashes a Holy Stone, and transforms himself into the monster Zarela.]
ZARELA: Let's settle this once and for all...!
[enter Meliadoul]
MELIADOUL: What? The Marquis -- a monster?
[battle ensues, with Zalera as target]
MELIADOUL: This... is the power of the Zodiac Stone?
RAMZA: Now you know what I said was true! Your brother Izlude died because he found the truth and fought them!
MELIADOUL: Oh... my God! Does Father... Vormav know that?
RAMZA: Well...
ZALERA: Ha, ha, ha... So, you're Vormav's daughter? Just like Izlude, your "body" isn't suitable for us... But your father's was...
MELIADOUL: Then, father was...!
ZALERA: Yes, he's no longer your father. He's now a blood member of Darkness. But, no matter... For now you, and Ramza will die here!
[sparring]
MELIADOUL: [to Ramza] What you said was true... I'm sorry...
RAMZA: It's OK, Meliadoul. Let's avenge Izlude!
[After Zalera is defeated...]
ZALERA: Hashmalum... sorry. I'm leaving the rest to you...
[Zalera explodes in a flash of brilliant light, leaving behind the Zodiac Stone. The undead monsters vanish. The party leaves, all except Ramza and Meliadoul. Meliadoul holds the Stone.]
MELIADOUL: Secrets hidden in this Stone... I never dreamed! It may be "divine", but I thought it was just a strange rock. I never thought collecting them would make a miracle.
[The stone shimmers.]
RAMZA: Neither you nor Izlude were informed... Even Wiegraf didn't know until he turned into Lucavi. So even the High Priest's plot's being used by Vormav.
MELIADOUL: What're they after?
[Ramza shakes his head.]
RAMZA: That, I don't know. If they want to, they could destroy an entire brigade. Just like at Riovanes. But they don't use that power outright. There must be a reason why.
MELIADOUL: Maybe they can't use their power outright? The Lucavi of legend was an unbeatable, ferocious monster.
RAMZA: That's right. They don't seem to be the "immortal evils" like the legends say.
MELIADOUL: Legends do tend to over-exaggerate. Maybe Lucavi was just another monster, after all.
RAMZA: I hope so...
[Meliadoul hands the stone to Ramza.]
MELIADOUL: I'm going to give you this Zodiac Stone. In return, let me go along. I want to know why my father... Besides...
RAMZA: Besides?
MELIADOUL: I want to know why he gave away the "Capricorn" Stone. Why it was given to Lord Dycedarg... I need to know.
RAMZA: To my brother? Why?
[Meliadoul joins the party.]
[fade out]
Zeltennia Castle -- meanwhile...
[Ovelia]
[Ovelia stands beside the window, simply watching. From outside her door, the clashing of swords is heard, and screams follow.]
HARSH VOICE: Where did he escape to?
ANOTHER VOICE: You search over there!
ANOTHER VOICE II: He was wounded trying to escape! He must still be near!
[enter Olan]
[Olan kneels before the Queen, walks to her, and falls to his knees. Ovelia rushes to his aid.]
QUEEN OVELIA: Olan!! Are you OK!? What an awful wound. Be strong...
OLAN: Ovelia, your Highness... I must tell you...
OVELIA: Don't speak...
OLAN: Please... Listen to me... My stepfather Orlandu didn't murder Lord Goltana... Suspected of conspiracy, my stepfather escaped Bethla with Ramza Beoulve... Now, he's fighting to stop the High Priest's evil plot.
OVELIA: I trusted Uncle not to start any rebellious movement...
[Footsteps are heard running towards the door, and a few loud bangs.]
HARSH VOICE: No good! The door won't open!
ANOTHER VOICE: Highness! Are you safe!?
VOICE: Please! Open this door!
OVELIA: [to Olan] Then... who? Who killed Lord Goltana?
OLAN: It was...
[enter two knights]
NANTEN KNIGHT: Your Highness... Are you alright?
NANTEN KNIGHT II: [to those in the castle] Here he is!!
[enter Delita]
[The knights kneel before Delita.]
DELITA: [to the knights] You there, leave this room.
NANTEN KNIGHT II: Huh?
DELITA: I said, leave this room!
NANTEN KNIGHT II: B, but...
DELITA: I'll not say it again!
NANTEN KNIGHT II: Y, yes...
[exit the knights]
[enter Balmafula]
OVELIA: [to Delita] Please! Don't be rough on Olan!
[Delita crouches before Olan.]
DELITA: Such a foolish thing you did, Olan.
OLAN: You... traitor.
DELITA: Oh, please. You know wanted this, too. Look around. See anyone who's really saddened? You should thank me for "killing" your father. ...Now nobody will be after him.
OLAN: Stop that nonsense!
[Ovelia stands.]
OVELIA: [to Delita] Why, why did you do such a thing?
[Delita stands.]
DELITA: I told you I'd make you into a real monarch.
OVELIA: You liar! You're just trying to use me!
DELITA: You don't trust me?
OVELIA: ...
DELITA: Well... Ovelia?
[Ovelia lowers her head.]
OVELIA: I'd like to trust you... But...
DELITA: I must talk to Olan. Go to your room...
OVELIA: Please... Be gentle with him...
DELITA: OK. I promise...
[Ovelia walks down the stairs, and opens and shuts the door to her room, but remains within earshot of Delita, Olan, and Balmafula.]
OLAN: I don't care. All I wanted was to clear my stepfather. Do it in one deathblow...
DELITA: What are you talking about? I can't have you dead.
OLAN: What am I worth to you alive?
DELITA: You'll work under me.
OLAN: Ha, ha, ha. Don't be a fool. I refuse, even if it means death!
DELITA: You cannot refuse. I'll bring down the Hokuten and build Ovelia's kingdom. [Delita turns away and walks towards the windows.] Of course I'll kill the High Priest. I'm not his dog. [Delita turns back to Olan.]
OLAN: Are you serious? What the hell...?
DELITA: I'm sure you know I'm right. What I'm planning to do is completely justified. A former squire, now in control of Knights, and restoring order to the world. It's easy to understand. This's the "hero" the people have been demanding.
OLAN: For that, you're going to take advantage of everything?
DELITA: Is that wrong?
[Balmafula steps away, angered. Ovelia rushes into her room.]
[exit Ovelia]
DELITA: [to Balmafula] What's the matter? Want to kill me? [Balmafula takes out a dagger from her pocket.] I know the High Priest sent you as an "assassin". And if I betray you, you'll kill me, right?
[Delita walks away from the window, and towards Balmafula. She jumps back, holding the dagger tightly.] Go on... Stab me with that dagger. What's the matter? Go on... If you don't kill me... I'll kill you!
[Balmafula's scream is heard.]
[fade out]
Burial Grounds of Balbames Beoulve -- meanwhile...
[Zalbag]
[Zalbag makes his way across the rocks to his father's grave.]
ZALBAG: This way...
[enter a chemist]
CHEMIST: Mister, wait...
[Zalbag turns away, and walks to the site. He stops when they reach the point.]
ZALBAG: Father... [to the chemist] Come here. I'd like you to see something... [Zalbag walks up to the stone, and plucks something from the ground beside it.] This... [Zalbag throws the object to the chemist.] Do you know what that is?
CHEMIST: Of course! Of course! This is Mosfungus, a mushroom. Its poison isn't that deadly, though.
ZALBAG: No wonder...
[Zalbag looks sadly at his father's grave. The chemist throws the Mosfungus into the surrounding pond.]
CHEMIST: Mister... We'd best be going.
ZALBAG: Why are you so scared?
CHEMIST: Don't you know? Mosfungus only grows on corpses... And tombs with Mosfungus are major bad luck. They say Mosfungused corpses mean the end with that family's generation.
ZALBAG: OK... You may go now.
[Zalbag tosses the chemist a gold coin.]
CHEMIST: Heh, heh... Thanks, mister.
[The chemist tips his hat to Zalbag.]
ZALBAG: You must keep this a secret.
CHEMIST: I will.
[exit the chemist]
ZALBAG: Father...
[fade out]
Igros Castle
[Ramza, a chocobo]
[Ramza approaches the castle. From the looks of things, it seems to be deserted. A lone chocobo waits outside of the entrryway.]
RAMZA: ...No guards. Strange... [Ramza walks up to the chocobo.] This chocobo is my brother Zalbag's... [Ramza walks in front of the gate.] That's it. [Ramza flips a switch which causes the castle gate to open.]
[exit Ramza]
[fade out]
Inside of Igros Castle -- battle
[Dycedarg, Zalbag]
[Dycedarg is on the floor, with Zalbag hovering over him, wielding his sword.]
DYCEDARG: Zalbag! Have you gone crazy? What's this all about!?
ZALBAG: Brother... and you call yourself a Beoulve?
DYCEDARG: You mean Duke Larg? He'd have died anyway! Think about it. He couldn't even fight without relying on others for help! It was a mistake for anybody like him to even start a war!
ZALBAG: It's bad to kill one's lord, but my father... I'll never forgive that. Why him? Why'd you have to kill him?
DYCEDARG: What? I don't know what you're talking about!
ZALBAG: The Duke's dying words... I couldn't believe them! Why, brother!? Why did you kill father!?
[enter a knight]
HOKUTEN KNIGHT: Dycedarg!!
[Dycedarg turns to the knight.]
DYCEDARG: Zalbag's insane!!
[More knights enter.]
DYCEDARG: [to the knights] Capture him!
ZALBAG: Brother!!
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: Zalbag!!
[battle ensues, with Dycedarg as target]
ZALBAG: Ramza! You were right! Our brother's started a war and killed Larg to satisfy his own ambition! This is disgraceful and cannot be forgiven!!
RAMZA: Zalbag!!
[sparring]
DYCEDARG: Fools! Why won't you obey? Why do you defy me? The powerful must rule the powerless ones! It's our duty! Even the once mighty Royal Family has fallen and lost their power! It's only natural for us to take their place! It's the right way to use our power!! Why can't you understand!?
ZALBAG: Don't you have any "justice", Brother!? The Beoulve name is only for the brave! You aren't worthy of it, Brother!
DYCEDARG: "Justice"? I'm embarassed to think you even said that! You think such pretty ideals can govern the people!? Why are you able to use that sword? Why do you think the people call you a hero? It's all because of me!! Because I dirtied my hands, you're here! You should be thanking me, not despising me!!
[Once Dycedarg is wounded...]
DYCEDARG: If only you hadn't interfered... Ivalice would've been ours, the Beoulve's... You fools...
[Dycedarg falls, but the Holy Stone given to him glimmers in his robe. It emits a radiant light, and transforms Dycedarg into the monster, Adramelk.]
ADRAMELK: Heh, heh... So that's it... Now I know... [The stone shines once more, and casts away all the knights. He speaks to Zalbag.] Young fool. Here's a souvenir for you on the way to Hell. I killed Balbanes... Yes, I did it... The Beoulves finally had their chance to rule... But he blew it! That idiot! So I killed him... Even a sword master can't fight poison! [The stone glows, and a flash of light casts Zalbag away. Adramelk then speaks to Ramza.] Now it's your turn... You'll regret opposing me!
[battle ensues yet again, with Adramelk as target]
[Once Adramelk is defeated...]
ADRAMELK: Shit! It's still not right. If only "Bloody Angel" were here, this wouldn't have happened...
[Adramelk explodes in a burst of colour. The Holy Stone falls behind.]
RAMZA: This is the end of the Beoulves... Names don't matter... What's important is how you live your life. [pausing] Alma... I must save Alma!
[fade out]
****************************************
The following series of battles, conversations, etc. are part of the optional Cloud Quest.
Goug Machine City
[Ramza, Mustadio, Besrodio]
[A strange, sphere-shaped object lies in the middle of room at Besrodio's home. The men gather around it.]
MUSTADIO: [to Besrodio] This is what you found in the drift?
BESRODIO: Yes, when I started digging last week at drift number fifty-seven. I tried to take it apart, but I didn't know what to prod where.
MUSTADIO: What is this steel ball? [Ramza approaches the sphere. A Holy Stone within his vest reacts with the machine, causing it to spark. All three jump back.] W, what is this?
RAMZA: Did it respond to the stone?
[Besrodio crouches to inspect the machine.]
BESRODIO: What's this "{sign of Pisces}" mark?
[fade out]
Lesalia Imperial Capital
[bar master, Ramza, bar dwellers]
[Ramza enters the bar at Lesalia and heads up to the bar master, who greets him. At one table, there are a group of three men, discussing the events. At another table, a lone man sits.]
BAR MASTER: Welcome. Something to drink?
RAMZA: Oh... milk, please.
BAR MASTER: Ha, I like you. Never seen anyone order that at a bar. You must've seen a lot of bloodshed. But you don't drink, eh?
BAR PATRON: So, it was true. There are monsters in Goland.
[Ramza turns around, and listens in on the dwellers' conversation.]
BAR PATRON II: Yeah, the coal mine shut down. We're in a fix.
BAR PATRON: And we can't count on Knights either in this day and age.
BAR PATRON II: All of Goland's recruiting hunters, I hear.
BAR MASTER: [to Ramza] Aren't you a hunter? You'd make good money.
[Ramza turns back to the bar master.]
RAMZA: I don't care about the money. I can't leave people in need.
BAR MASTER: Wow, very impressive! If only Sir Balbanes were alive...
BAR PATRON II: But there's one that even a master hunter can't beat.
[Ramza turns around again, listening to the conversation.]
BAR PATRON: Now, that's a big problem. What kind of monster is it?
BAR PATRON II: It's called the Holy Dragon. Really unusual...
BAR MASTER: [to Ramza] Are you going?
RAMZA: Yeah. I'll just go and see.
BAR MASTER: Good luck.
[Ramza turns to exit. However, just as he reaches the door, the lone man stands.]
KNIGHT: If you're going to the coal mines, would you hire me?
RAMZA: [pausing] Who are you?
KNIGHT: My name is Beowulf. I'm a hunter. I've been searching for this Holy Dragon. What do you think? I'll probably be helpful.
RAMZA: OK, let's go together.
BEOWULF: You can pay me later. Let's go.
[fade out]
Goland Coal City -- Colliery Underground Third Floor -- battle
[Ramza and company, Beowulf, enemy chemists]
[The area is covered with snow. The chemists surround the party.]
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[fade out]
Goland Coal City -- Colliery Underground Second Floor -- battle
[Ramza and company, Beowulf, monsters and thieves]
[Yet another snowy area, and the group is ambushed.]
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[fade out]
Goland Coal City -- Colliery Underground First Floor -- battle
[Ramza and company, Beowulf, thieves and dragons]
[The party is getting close to the mines now, and nearer to their destination.]
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
[fade out]
Underground Passage in Goland -- battle
[various monsters, the Holy Dragon]
[The monsters are closing in on the Dragon, preparing to attack.]
SCHINOEG: [to the Dragon] You don't have to have that Stone... If you value your life, hand it over now!!
[enter Ramza and company and Beowulf]
BEOWULF: [to the Dragon] Reis! I looked all over for you! Hold on, I'll save you!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Reis, the dragon]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
BEOWULF: Thank you, Ramza. Thanks to you, I was able to save Reis.
RAMZA: You were looking for this dragon?
BEOWULF: Yes. She's more important to me than life itself. I truly thank you. [Beowulf approaches Ramza, and hands him a Holy Stone.] Weren't you looking for this?
RAMZA: Why do you...?
BEOWULF: I owe "them" one. Just like you.
RAMZA: Who are you?
BEOWULF: Not your enemy. Trust me.
RAMZA: The more the merrier. I'll trust you. Now, let's get out of here.
[Beowulf and Reis join the party]
[fade out]
Goug Machine City
[Ramza, Mustadio, Besrodio]
[Back at Besrodio's home, the three are about to try out whether the stone given to Ramza by Beowulf will work in the machine.]
MUSTADIO: Will it really work with the stone?
BESRODIO: You saw it too, right? I'm sure it does.
[Ramza approaches the machine, and place the stone inside. The machine begins to spark.]
MUSTADIO: Hey, look! It moved! [The machine turns on its side, and transforms into a fully-functioning robot.] ...No? No go?
[Mustadio approaches the robot, but its eyes flare up. Mustadio jumps back. The robot turns towards Ramza.]
STEEL GIANT: System set up completed! Everything is normal! [to Ramza] Master, what is your order?
MUSTADIO: Wow! It spoke!!
STEEL GIANT: Master, your order, please!
MUSTADIO: Ramza, give him an order.
RAMZA: What!? An order? No, I'm scared!!
MUSTADIO: Don't be silly. You're his master!
STEEL GIANT: Repeat, order, please!
RAMZA: [pausing] Well... well then... Dance!!
[Mustadio puts his hand on his forehead in disbelief.]
MUSTADIO: [to Ramza] Do better than that!
[The robot begins to dance.]
RAMZA: A, all right...
MUSTADIO: He's... dancing... [The robot stops dancing.] I wonder if he's strong?
STEEL GIANT: I... am... very... strong!
RAMZA: Well... well then... Beat Mustadio up!!
MUSTADIO: [to Ramza] Do better than that!
[The giant turns to Mustadio, and unleashes a fiery blast on him. Ramza becomes hysterical.]
RAMZA: Help! Phoenix Down! Where's the Phoenix Down!
[the robot, Worker 8, joins the party]
[fade out]
Goug Machine City Revisited
[Ramza, Mustadio, Besrodio]
[Ramza returns to Goug, and this time, Besrodio has stumbled across a new machine. It resembles a carousel, with a stationary centerpiece, and a revolving top.]
MUSTADIO: Father, what's this big one?
BESRODIO: I built it from stuff found at drift number eighty-three, but, uh...
RAMZA: It looks like a heavenly globe.
BESRODIO: Now that you mention it... I guess it does, hmm...
[Ramza approaches the machine, and once again, it sparks when near the Holy Stone.]
MUSTADIO: W, what was that?
RAMZA: It responded to the stone again?
[Besrodio crouches to read an inscription on part of the machine.]
BESRODIO: What's this "{sign of Cancer}" mark for? Holy Stone... indeed.
RAMZA: You want us to search for it, right? Oh, well...
[fade out]
Nelveska Temple -- battle
[Ramza and company, enemy robot]
[The party comes across a scatter of ruins, of what used to be a temple. A robot appears from inside the temple.]
WORKER 7-NEW: Warning! Warning! Warning! Civilians are prohibited here! You have thirty seconds to leave this area!! This is not a test! Thirty... twenty-nine... twenty-eight... twenty-seven... twenty-six... twenty-five... twenty-four... twenty-three... twenty-two... System error! Three... two... one... Genocide Mode! Researchers, evacuate to the shelter immediately!!
[The robot flares off, and gives off a puff of smoke.]
[battle ensues, with the enemy robot as target]
[Once the robot is down...]
WORKER 7-NEW: Cannot charge energy! System down! Connecting to Reserve Circuit!
[The robot glows brilliantly, giving off bursts of light.]
[sparring]
[Once the robot is beaten a second time...]
WORKER 7-NEW: Self Destruct Mode! Begin countdown! Thirty... twenty-nine... twenty-eight... twenty-seven... twenty-six... twenty-five... System Error!
[The robot explodes violently, leaving behind a Holy Stone. The rest of the party leaves, save for Beowulf, Reis, and Ramza.]
RAMZA: [to Beowulf] No way... This dragon?
BEOWULF: The evidence is clear. If I use "Cancer", the Zodiac Stone I won this last battle, I can surely... [Beowulf walks to Reis, and holds out the stone.] C'mon, don't be afraid. Try it. [Reis walks into the temple. The earth begins to shake. A huge explosion comes from within. A woman comes out from the temple.] Reis... Is that you?
[Reis and Beowulf embrace. The Holy Stone removed her dragon curse and reverted her to human form.]
REIS: Beowulf, I missed you.
BEOWULF: Reis... my love.
[Reis joins the party as a Dragoner]
[fade out]
Goug Machine City
[Ramza, Mustadio, Besrodio]
[Back at Besrodio's home, the men are ready to see whether or not the stone will have any effect on the new machine.]
MUSTADIO: It can't "morph", can it?
[Ramza approaches the machine.]
RAMZA: I guess you'll find out.
[Ramza places the stone in the machine. It begins to shake and whirr.]
MUSTADIO: Here he comes!!
[The machine sparks and smokes, and with a flash of light, a man appears before them, dressed in strangely futuristic garb.]
SUMMONED YOUNG MAN: What happened? Last thing I remember was getting caught in the current.
BESRODIO: Hum, I've read about this before. It could be some forwarding device.
MUSTADIO: Forwarding device?
BESRODIO: You know, to travel to other worlds, different space.
[Ramza walks closer to the man.]
RAMZA: So, he came from outer space?
BESRODIO: Maybe. Look at his clothes. Quite unusual.
SUMMONED YOUNG MAN: My... name's Cloud. Yes... Cloud.
[Ramza walks to Cloud.]
RAMZA: I'm Ramza. They're my friends...
[Cloud turns away.]
CLOUD: I don't care about names. What I need is a battlefield. Yeah... that's it. I'm a member of SOLDIER.
[Mustadio takes a step forward.]
MUSTADIO: What a jerk!
[Cloud crouches down, holding his hands on his head.]
CLOUD: What's this? My fingers are tingling... My eyes... they're burning... Stop... stop it... ...phiros...
MUSTADIO: He's strange.
[Cloud stands.]
CLOUD: I must go... must go to that place...
[Cloud quickly runs out of the door.]
[exit Cloud]
MUSTADIO: Who was he?
[fade out]
Zarghidas Trade City -- battle
[Cloud, a flower girl]
[As Cloud wanders through the streets of the city, a flower girl approaches him.]
FLOWER GIRL: Buy a flower? Only one gil.
[Cloud turns towards the girl.]
CLOUD: ...
FLOWER GIRL: Something wrong? Do I resemble someone?
[Cloud looks away.]
CLOUD: No... it's nothing.
[exit Cloud]
FLOWER GIRL: What's wrong with him?
[enter a group of thieves]
FLOWER GIRL: W, what...?
TOWN KNAVE: I've been looking for you, Aeris... Selling flowers for your mom? Good for you...
FLOWER GIRL: Ten more days... No, just wait a week, please.
[The knave grabs the girl by the throat.]
KNAVE: Don't mess with me! It's overdue! I'm gonna get my thirty-thousand gil, one way or another!
[The girl turns away.]
FLOWER GIRL: Let... go of me!
[The knave laughs.]
KNAVE: Hmm, pretty good looking! Oughta try sellin' your body instead of flowers. Hee, hee.
[The rest of the thieves laugh.]
[enter Cloud]
CLOUD: Get your hand off her!
KNAVE: What did you say!?
CLOUD: Didn't you hear me? Get your dirty hand off her!
[The knave lets go of the girl, and turns towards Cloud.]
KNAVE: Who the hell are you? Dressed in funny clothes!
[Cloud punches the knave. He falls back.]
CLOUD: [to the girl] Go... now...
[exit the flower girl]
[The knave stands.]
KNAVE: Bastard, taking me for a fool!
CLOUD: You want to fight? [Cloud crouches again, grabbing his head.] ...U, uggh...
KNAVE: Who the hell are you?
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: Cloud! Are you OK?
KNAVE: Damn! Eaaggh!!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Cloud]
CLOUD: Uhn... my head hurts...
[Cloud kneels.]
RAMZA: What's wrong, Cloud!!
CLOUD: ...Stop, stop! I'm from SOLDIER! Not a puppet!
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
CLOUD: I lost... a very important thing...
RAMZA: Cloud...?
CLOUD: Ever since, I've been lost. Who am I? What should I do? What about this pain...
RAMZA: Cloud... there's someone in your world waiting for you. We might be able to send you back where you came from by using the stone's power.
CLOUD: Let's go, Ramza. I can't be here. Must go... to the Promised Land.
[Cloud joins the party]
[fade out]
This ends the Cloud Quest.
******************************************
Murond Holy Place
[Vormav, Kletian the sorcerer, High Priest Funeral, Rofel]
[In the cathedral, a battle has taken place. Dead bodies lay across the floor. Vormav has already stabbed Funeral. Delita stands by, watching.]
FUNERAL: [to Vormav] You're... betraying... me...
[Vormav removes his sword from Funeral's body.]
VORMAV: If you'd confessed all, I'd have kept you alive. I didn't mean to take such drastic measures, but I don't have much time left.
FUNERAL: Wha, what do you mean?
VORMAV: I was going along with you to get the Zodiac Stones... But now that the kid took most of them, it was all for nothing.
FUNERAL: S... spare me...
VORMAV: That wound is deep, but not fatal. If you treat it soon, you'll be OK. Now, if you value your life, tell me where the entrance to Murond is!!
FUNERAL: Orbonne... A sealed Magic Square at the bottom of the underground library.
VORMAV: How do I break the seal?
FUNERAL: I don't know... It might be written in the scriptures.
[Vormav slaps away Funeral's hand.]
VORMAV: That kid again! [pausing] I'm through with you.
[exit Vormav and Kletian]
[Funeral outstretches his hand.]
FUNERAL: Please.... spare me...
[Rofel, standing behind Funeral, takes a sword and plunges it into the backside of the priest.]
[fade out]
Saint Murond Temple -- battle
[shrine knights, Ramza and company]
[The party approaches the temple, where many knights are waiting.]
SHRINE KNIGHT MAGICIAN: Stop! Only the Priest is allowed in here! What business do you have at Murond Temple? Identify yourself!!
RAMZA: My name is Ramza, Ramza Beoulve! I'm here for my sister, Alma Beoulve, who was kidnapped by Vormav!
MAGICIAN: Heretic Ramza!! What a fool to come so openly! I will execute your sentence here and now!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Alma... I'm coming! Just hold on...!!
[fade out]
Hall of Saint Murond Temple -- battle
[Ramza and company, Vormav, Rofel, Kletian]
[Vormav stands at the end of a carpeted hallway, awaiting Ramza.]
VORMAV: So, you're Ramza... Nice meeting you... I'd ask you to dinner, but I'm too busy... Forgive me. I don't have too much time. So, let me get down to business. If you want your sister, give me the Germonik Scriptures and all the Zodiac Stones. If you don't do what I say, your lovely sister is dead. Now, hand them over!!
RAMZA: Where's Alma? Unless you show me her now, I'll not hand over the scriptures or the stones!
VORMAV: Didn't you hear me? You have no choice. I'll say it again. Hand them over!
[Ramza slowly approaches Vormav, and takes out the scriptures.]
RAMZA: Only the scriptures! I'll give you the stones only after I see Alma!
[Ramza places the scriptures down on the floor. Rofel pages through them.]
VORMAV: Well?
[Rofel nods.]
ROFEL: ...It's here. It's a simple curse.
[Rofel puts the scriptures away in his robe.]
VORMAV: Good. Now that we know, they're finished. I could let him go, but I'll get revenge for Velius and the others.
RAMZA: You deceived me!!
[battle ensues, with Vormav as target]
[Once Vormav is wounded...]
VORMAV: I won't be beaten here. I must escape!
[exit Vormav, Rofel, and Kletian magically]
RAMZA: Running away? Coward!
[fade out]
Chapel of Saint Murond Temple -- battle
[Ramza and company, Vormav]
[Vormav stands above a tomb-shaped object, watching the party.]
VORMAV: No more time to waste... I want to end this now, but you probably won't go quietly... I'm afraid your life must end here. My servants will be your opponents. A coffin... just the thing for you. Rest in peace. [Vormav's Holy Stone shimmers, summoning demons.] This man will be your opponent...
[enter Zalbag]
RAMZA: Zalbag!!
VORMAV: He may be your brother, but he's joined our family. Think you can fight with him? Ha, ha...
[exit Vormav magically]
RAMZA: Dity--!!
VORMAV'S VOICE: Zalbag, kill the boy before you! Don't let him leave this temple alive!!
[A moan is heard.]
[battle ensues, with Zalbag as target]
RAMZA: Brother! Zalbag!! It's me!!
ZALBAG: Is that you, Ramza...? What... am I doing? Can't feel a thing...
RAMZA: You're being controlled by Lucavi!!
ZALBAG: I'm... fighting... you? Why...? Go Ramza, run! Or else... I might... kill you.
RAMZA: Brother!!
[sparring]
[Once Zalbag is wounded...]
ZALBAG: Please... Ramza. Kill... me... I'm in pain... No feeling in my hands and feet, yet it hurts... all over... The scariest part is... I'm slowly losing my memory.
RAMZA: You'll be OK, Zalbag!! I'm sure there's a way! So, don't give up!! Please, don't give up!
ZALBAG: No, hurry up and... kill me... I'm in pain... I hear voices... talking... crying... calling... taunting... Do something... Help me... Hurry and... kill me.
RAMZA: Damn that Vormav!!
ZALBAG: I'm so sorry, Ramza... to make you... suffer. Save... Alma... You're the only one... who can... I... have to go now... Good-bye... Ramza... Thank you...
[Zalbag explodes, taking the demons with him.]
RAMZA: Zalbaaaaaaag!!
Altar of Saint Murond Temple
[Funeral]
[Funeral lays on the ground, the sword inside his back. He struggles to move.]
FUNERAL: ...somebody...
[enter Ramza]
[Ramza approaches the High Priest, and kneels beside him.]
RAMZA: How awful.
FUNERAL: Help... hel...p...
RAMZA: Hold on... hold on!
FUNERAL: Sh...shr...shrine...
RAMZA: You know where they went? Where? Where did they go?
FUNERAL: Or..Orbon...ne...
[Funeral dies. Ramza stands.]
RAMZA: Orbonne Monastery...
[exit Ramza]
[fade out]
Orbonne Monastery -- Underground Book Storage Fourth Floor -- battle
[Rofel, various knights]
[Rofel stands beside a doorway, instructing the guards.]
ROFEL: Stay and stand guard!! I'll go after Vormav!!
SHRINE KNIGHT: Yes, sir!!
[exit Rofel]
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: What's in this underground library?
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
ROFEL: [from inside the next room] Leave this to me...
VORMAV: [from inside the room] I'm counting on you, Rofel.
ROFEL: ...Fel... Cao... De... Nda...! Zoede... m... Fe... rio... I am... the one... with... the Time God... open... this gate...!
[A huge light flashes from within the door.]
RAMZA: I won't let you go!!
[fade out]
Orbonne Monastery -- Underground Book Storage Fifth Floor -- battle
[Rofel, magicians, Ramza and company]
[Rofel and his group stands in the middle of the floor, which is filled with holes. Strange markings cover the bottom.]
ROFEL: I've been waiting for you, Ramza. That's far enough! Rest eternally beneath this Monastery!
[battle ensues, with Rofel as target]
RAMZA: This feeling... same as when I fought Celia and Lede!! You are not human.
ROFEL: No, I am not... I've risen above humans... I have obtained eternal life with the help of Vormav's power... Hee, hee, hee... You can't understand the joy.
RAMZA: What are you trying to do? What do you want?
ROFEL: Do you really want to know, Ramza? If you do, then you'll have to beat me. That is, if you can...
[Once Rofel is wounded...]
ROFEL: I can't die here. I haven't finished my duty... [Rofel stands.] Ramza... I invite you to Hell... [The floor begins to glow, and an ancient Zodiac pattern shines.] ...Fareth Kaos De Vanda!! Zoeda Remdo Feolio... I am the one together with the Time God Zomalla who can open this gate! Dejeon!!
[Pillars of light burst through the floor. A huge explosion follows. Everyone disappears.]
Entrance to Murond
[Rofel]
[Rofel lays, wounded, on the ground. A large stone teleporter is in the middle of the room. Massive light beams come from above, and Ramza is transported to the area.]
RAMZA: Where is this?
ROFEL: Welcome... to Murond, Death City. [Ramza walks closer.] Now that you're here... you can never return... All we have to do now is to destroy that entrance... [Rofel holds out a Holy Stone, and the teleporter crumbles, falling into a vast pit of nothingness.] Go on... Your sister is waiting...
[Rofel dies.]
RAMZA: Alma...
[exit Ramza]
[fade out]
Murond Death City -- battle
[Kletian, shrine knights, Ramza and company]
[Kletian stands guard, preparing to do battle.]
KLETIAN: So Rofel's been defeated? Then, unless I defeat you here, I can't face Rofel... Come on!!
[battle ensues, with Kletian as target]
[Once Kletian is defeated...]
KLETIAN: Ugh... F...forgive me... Rofel...
[Kletian dies.]
[Light shines from deeper within the city.]
RAMZA: Over there!?
[fade out]
Lost Sacred Precincts -- battle
[Balk, shrine knights and monsters, Ramza and company]
[A huge crevice stands between Balk and Ramza. He waits, with fiendish three-headed monstes.]
BALK: Nice to see you, kid. I was beaten before, but not this time. I'll make Death City your grave!!
[battle ensues, with Balk as target]
RAMZA: You turned into one of Lucavi's, too... You'd sink that low just to live? What a pity!!
BALK: It's pretty nice, kid. I'm finally a real human being!
RAMZA: I wouldn't call selling your soul to the devil human!
BALK: I'm above "death". At the top of the human race. Now I don't have to endure unjust treatment by you aristocrats!! I've won true "freedom"! I'm a true "human being"! I will be treated "equally" now!!
RAMZA: A real "human being"? Don't make me laugh!! How valuable is freedom you didn't earn yourself? The moment "pride" is lost, "freedom" is also lost...!! You lost your freedom when you lost your pride and confidence...!! "Equality"'s not something you're given! It's something you fight for!! Any "freedom" gotten from Lucavi isn't true freedom!
[Once Balk is defeated...]
BALK: I'm... dying? I thought I'd risen over "death"...
[Balk dies.]
RAMZA: The Stone is sympathizing. [Ramza turns.] That way...
[fade out]
Graveyard of Airships -- battle
[Vormav, Alma]
[Alma lays on the deck of an airship, unconscious. Vormav kneels beside her, contemplating.]
VORMAV: ...Why? Why doesn't Virgo work? [Vormav stands. A moan is heard.] The Holy Angel's spirit is around in here... Why...? [Vormav puts his hand on his head in thought.] Maybe it's Ajora reincarnated...? ...No, that can't be. Certainly, Virgo did react.
[enter Ramza and company]
VORMAV: ...You're here.
RAMZA: That's far enough, Vormav! Virgo's not working! So give up and hand over Alma!!
VORMAV: No, it will work... It just needs more... You didn't hear? It just needs more blood... Lots of blood is needed for the Angel's resurrection. Much bloodshed since Ajora's death, but I guess it wasn't enough... I guess I'll have to go on another rampage...!! Heh, heh, heh... Don't worry... I'll "sacrifice" you first.
[Vormav takes out the Holy Stone, and transforms into the monster Hashmalum.]
HASHMALUM: Master, "Bloody Angel"... Let me offer you "blood" darker than wine and hotter than burning lava!
[battle ensues, with Hashmalum as target]
RAMZA: Alma! Hold on! Please! Open your eyes! Alma!!
HASHMALUM: It's no use... You cannot wake her...
RAMZA: What have you done to Alma!?
HASHMALUM: Her existence impedes our goal... When she wakes, she will remember her mission... Her important mission to call our allies...
[sparring]
[Once Hashmalum is defeated...]
HASHMALUM: Master... you are not awake yet?
[Alma raises.]
ALMA: Ugh... Wh...where am I...?
RAMZA: Alma!!
ALMA: Brother... Ramza?
HASHMALUM: I won't let you interfere. Bloody Angel!! I offer... my own life... for your resurrection!!
[Hashmalum stabs himself with his own claws and explodes, leaving behind the Zodiac Stone. A pillar of light transforms Alma into an old-looking person, Ajora.]
SAINT AJORA: I have my body back...
RAMZA: Alma!!
[fade out]
Graveyard of Airships Revisited -- battle
[Ramza and company, Ajora]
[Ajora stands in the middle of the airship, emitting an eerie light.]
SAINT AJORA: Ugh... what... What is this? [Light flashes once more.] Ugh... ugh... He..help... Brother...
[Ramza steps forward.]
RAMZA: Alma!!
SAINT AJORA: Brother Ramza... Stop... Don't interfere... Do... not... inter... fere... Do... not... inter...!!!
[A heavenly light pours down from above, showering Ajora in light. Another pillar appears, dispensing Alma on the side of the airship.]
RAMZA: Alma!! Are you OK!?
ALMA: ...Brother... I'm... alright... We have to... kill... Ajora... Hurry...
SAINT AJORA: Are you... trying to stop my... resurrection... I won't... let you... Come out... my servants... [Four ultima demons are summoned.] I will not let anyone prevent my resurrection...!
[The airship begins to shake. With a huge explosion of light and colour, Ajora transforms into Altima, the Bloody Angel.]
ALTIMA: Prepare yourselves... powerless ones!
[battle ensues, with Altima as target]
[Once Altima is wounded...]
ALTIMA: No... This can't be... [The ground begins to shake.] You're the descendant of the one who killed me before... No... I won't be beaten... I will not be beaten... [Altima disappears, and the ultima demons fade away. The airship is bathed in a shower of light, and Altima, the Arch Angel, returns, resembling a winged corpse.] I will... kill you!!
[battle ensues, yet again, with the party using all their might to defeat Altima]
[Once Altima is wounded...]
ALTIMA: More... power...
[The Holy Light devours Altima, and causes the entire airship to explode...]
[fade out]
Burial Site after the Event
[Priest, mourners]
[The priest stands over the grave, giving the last words of prayer. The mourners surround the site.]
PRIEST: With the Father's blessing, you shall return to Earth. Guide Alma Beoulve's soul to Heaven with Saint Ajora's divine protection... Farlem...
EVERYBODY: ...Farlem.
[exit a few mourners]
MOURNER: What a pity. She was so young.
MOURNER II: All the siblings gone...
[exit more mourners and the Priest]
MOURNER III: The youngest, Ramza, won't even be buried. Sad...
MOURNER IV: Beoulve's three-hundred year history is over now...
[exit the last two mourners]
[enter Olan and Balmafula]
[Olan stands by the grave, next to Balmafula.]
OLAN: I'm sorry I'm late... Alma, Ramza. I wanted to come earlier, but it was too dangerous... Too risky... [Balmafula steps forward and places a spray of flowers on the grave.] Delita married Ovelia. A commoner brings peace to a chaotic kingdom, marries the Princess, becoming King. A legend that will be passed down for centuries. [Balmafula steps away from the grave.] Delita may be a good person as you said... He made it look like he killed her, then let her go, when her identity was clear. I guess he identified with her, having been used by Vormav... [Balmafula points to the prairie beyond, and Olan nods.]
[exit Balmafula]
OLAN: Did my father die fighting heroically? [Olan closes his eyes and shakes his head slowly.] ...I'll come back again. Bye... [Olan turns to leave, but looks over his shoulder and stops.] Are you really dead? I still can't believe you're really dead... I mean... you know... [Olan turns away.]
[enter Alma and Ramza on chocobo-back]
OLAN: !!
[exit Ramza and Alma]
[Olan gives chase for a few seconds, but stops.]
OLAN: Wait! Ramza! Alma!
[enter Balmafula]
OLAN: ...He's alive! Alive!! [Balmafula looks at Olan.] ...Thank you, Ramza.
[fade out]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since then, no one has caught sight of the two.
Olan Durai reminisces in such a manner...
Where does one find good fortune?
What possesses them to live for the present?
What treasures will they leave behind?
The only thing certain is that he is the true hero, indeed.
Years later, Olan Durai collected his experiences over a period of five years into a single syllabus.
This collection know as the "Durai apers" were to be presentsd at Prince Clemence's meeting during which the new possessor of the throne was to be selected,
but the church which feared public disclosure of the truth decided to arrest Durai and burn him
at the stake for the crime of heresy.
The retrieved Durai papers were then confiscated by the church for several hundred years.
But I have uncovered the truth...
Let me now revive his honor.
Let his way of life be absorbed by the next generation.
Author of the Brave Story,
Alazlam Durai
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ruins of Zeltennia Castle's Church
[Ovelia, Delita]
[Ovelia stands over a brick wall, while Delita approaches her from behind.]
DELITA: Here you are... everybody's been looking for you. [Delita takes a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.] Today's your birthday, right? These flowers... [Ovelia quickly rushes to Delita and thrusts a knife in his stomach.] O... Ovelia..?
[Ovelia steps back.]
OVELIA: You use everybody like that! Now, you'll kill me just like Ramza...!
[Delita takes a dagger from his side and plunges it into Ovelia. She falls down, dead. Delita staggers back, holding his wound. As he drops the dagger, he walks towards a corner of the ruins and drops to his knees.]
DELITA: Ramza... What did you get? I...
[fade out]
THE END
