FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: A TRANSLATION (AND STORY GUIDE)
by Sugnuf (q31231234@hotmail.com)
REVISION HISTORY
June 6, 2007: I used a custom made utility to coerce this guide
to fit 79 characters per line, but it looks like it had mysteriously omitted
words everywhere. This has been corrected, as well as some typos and
inconsistencies in assigning names.
June 21, 2007: More fixed errors, including various missing words that I failed
to notice in the last update.
===============================================================================
CONTENTS
===============================================================================
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
3. TRANSLATOR'S NOTES
4. DISCLAIMER
5. MAIN STORY
5.1 OPENING
5.2 CHAPTER 1
5.3 CHAPTER 2
5.4 CHAPTER 3
5.5 CHAPTER 4
5.6 EPILOGUE
6. SIDEQUESTS
6.1 THE DISCOVERY OF A MYSTERIOUS STEEL BALL!
6.2 THE HOLY DRAGON
6.3 THE STEEL MAN MOVES!
6.4 DISCOVERY OF THE CELESTIAL SPHERE!
6.5 THE CURSE OF REIS
6.6 CLOUD IS SUMMONED!
7. MISCELLANEOUS STORY THINGS
===============================================================================
1 INTRODUCTION
===============================================================================
Why on Earth a translation now?
It's been what? Six, seven years since Final Fantasy Tactics (FFT) was
released? Why on earth a translation now of all times, especially when a new
and improved version of FFT is due to be released in a few months' time?
FFT has been my favourite RPG since first played it, years ago. The game's
music score I hold to be one of the best ever produced. The graphics, while
not stunning, where appropriate; they somehow conveyed a sense that Ivalice
was "lived in", to borrow a phrase from ffonline.com. And aside from the
turned based gameplay (which was a lot of fun) the highlight of FFT that made
it stand out from others in the Final Fantasy series (and indeed, most
videogames of its time) was a complex, immersive storyline.
But as with many players of FFT, I was appalled by the translation. While not
bad enough to completely obfuscate the storyline, it was awkward in many
places, even downright wrong in others. I decided years ago that such a fine
game deserved better, that I had better find some use for my high school
Japanese before it rusted away completely. And so like how Simon Pen Rasku
slowly translated the Book of Germonik over a course of years, so have I been
translating the Japanese text of FFT into English for about 4 years now. I've
been working on it on and off, due to the exigencies of being an busy student.
But unlike Father Simon, this year I had a deadline pressed upon me. It is
fact precisely because of the upcoming release of FFT that I'm publishing
this. The new version of FFT will doubtless have a far superior translation
to what I have here (or it'd better, grrr...), so if I didn't publish soon,
my work would be in vain... so hence a translation now.
===============================================================================
2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
===============================================================================
The Japanese text of FFT on which this document was from the Hakutei Koubou
(http://homepage1.nifty.com/wtf/game/FFT_script.html). Without a transcript
of the Japanese text of FFT, this document would have been impossible. So if
credit goes to anyone, it is to the webmaster of this website.
My Japanese is far from perfect, and I relied extensively on translation
tools in preparing this work. Most of all, I would like to thank Dr. Jim
Breen for his excellent and exhaustive online dictionary, WWWJDIC, available
at http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/wwwjdic.html. WWWJDIC has been the most
useful of all the Japanese dictionaries --paperback or otherwise-- that I
have ever used.
Finally, I would like to thank two transcribers of the original English text.
I would to thank Jennifer DeHart, who produced, to the best of my knowledge,
the first complete script of Final Fantasy Tactics back in 1998,
(http://www.rpgamer.com/games/ff/fft/text/info/fftscript.txt). Her work
inspired mine, and most of the staging directions used in this work are based
on hers. I would also like to thank Tsogtsaihan Baatar for his truly, truly
exhaustive record of nearly every peice of written information from FFT; I
referred to his work extensively to check my translations.
===============================================================================
3 TRANSLATION NOTES
===============================================================================
Japanese grammatical structure differs markedly from English; and just like
English, Japanese has its own idiosyncracies and idioms. The result is that a
literal translation into English sounds extremely awkward. In fact, the
official game translation of FFT, barring a small legion of errors, mostly
adopts this approach, which is why it reads so unnaturally.
Throughout this script, I have strived to maintain a reasonable balance
between fidelity of translation and smoothness of read. And then, in a few
places, I think some people might would accuse me of embellishment; and
they'd be correct. There are dialogues in which I have rearranged, modified,
or even outright added lines, but only as if I felt that such action would
improve the smoothness of read or convey the meaning behind the original
Japanese text. The overall effect I've been aiming for is something like the
script of Vagrant Story: beautifully done, but not always literal in
translation.
An example: I've always really hated "Hokuten" and "Nanten". These are
Japanese words for "North Sky" and "South Sky", and sound misplaced in a
quasi-medieval setting. The Hokuten and Nanten, are, directly translated from
Japanese "The Northern Sky Knight Troop" (Hokuten Kishidan) and "The Southern
Sky Knight Troop" (Nanten Kishidan). Instead of this, I use "Knights of the
Northern Skies" or "Knights Aquilor" (based on the northern wind, Aquilo),
and "Knights of Southern Skies" or "Knights Austeron" (based on the southern
wind, Auster).
If you're ever in doubt, and you have a working knowledge of Japanese, I
refer you to the (http://homepage1.nifty.com/wtf/game/FFT_script.html), where
I got the Japanese text of the game. If you feel that I've made a grieviously
incorrect translation or can suggest a better translation, please write me an
email, and I would be happy to hear from you.
In the script, I sometimes make comments, these are enclosed by {curly
brackets}.
===============================================================================
4 DISCLAIMER
===============================================================================
Final Fantasy, and Final Fantasy Tactics are copyrights of Square-Enix Inc.
This translation, except where noted, is entirely my work; you are free to
use and post this FAQ as you please (I'd be happy in fact to see this be as
widely circulated as possible), so long as you duly credit me as the author,
you DO NOT USE IT FOR MONETARY GAIN, and you do not modify or quote out of
context any part of it. Just be reasonable in using this... use "common
sense", if such a thing exists... if in doubt, just ask me
(q31231234@hotmail.com).
===============================================================================
5 MAIN STORY
===============================================================================
---5.1 OPENING---
[demo before the game starts]
Escutcheon emblazoned with the Sun and her Holy Seal, ruled by the Throne of
the Twin Lions: The Kingdom of Ivalice...
A year following Ivalician defeat in the Fifty Years' War, the King passed
away, leaving as his heir a boy of 2 years. A regent was to be appointed for
the young crown prince's miniority; whomever this would be would rule Ivalice
in all but name. Prince Larg, brother to the Queen, looked poised to take the
office, but Parliament held little love for his sister. Fearing a future in
which Queen Ruvelia held the reins of government, they instead favoured
Prince Goltana, a cousin of the late King.
Each having a lion as their standard, both Prince Larg and Prince Goltana
were renown generals of the Fifty Year's War, with many a victory to
each of their names. The great peers of Ivalice largely supported Goltana,
the Black Lion of Zeltennia. Conversely, jobless knights, minor nobility, and
those lords ruined by the War rallied beneath the banners of Prince Larg, the
White Lion of Gallione.
Soon, the lions black and white would clash, resulting in what we know as the
Lion War...
[game start]
My name is Alazlam, a scholar of Ivalician history...
Perhaps you have heard of the Lion War?
It was a bitter war that saw Ivalice divided over who would succeed to her
throne. And then in the midst of it, a young hero appeared, and ended the
conflict... Delita Hyral, the Hero-King. Everyone in these parts knows his
tale.
But what we see plainly with our eyes isn't always the truth...
There was another young man... The youngest scion of the noble House of
Beoulve, a family long renown as exemplars of knightly conduct. There is no
record of him in our histories. But last year, after being concealed for
years by the Church, the historical manuscript known as the "Durai Papers"
was released to the public. And strange to say, this document names him a
true hero of the Lion War.
In contrast, the Church names him a blasphemer and a heretic, a honourless
man who betrayed both God and country...
Which story is the truth?
Please, join in my journey to discern the truth... But before that, please
tell me your name and birthday.
[Player at this point selects name and birthdate before starting the game. It
is assumed Ramza's name is unchanged.]
---5.2 PROLOGUE---
Orbonne Abbey: Sanctum - [Priest, Knight, Princess]
{Translator's note: I used "abbey" in place of "monastery" because a
monastery is an all male institution, whereas Orbonne is clearly not}
"God deliver us, we the sinful children of Ivalice..."
[Princess prays silently]
AGRIAS: Your Highness, we must depart.
PRINCESS OVELIA: Just a moment, Agrias...
AGRIAS: The escort has already arrived.
PRIEST: Princess, you mustn't worry Lady Agrias. Please hurr--
[enter three knights]
BLACK-CLAD KNIGHT: Blast it, are we ready yet? It be nigh well an hour!
AGRIAS: Show some respect, Captain Gafgarion. You stand before the Princess.
[Ramza and Tad kneel. Gafgarion bows, with hand to one shoulder.]
GAFGARION: Aye, Agrias... but we haven't all day to spare.
AGRIAS: It's a pity that the Aquilors do not screen for manners in their men.
GAFGARION: I rather think that I'm showing more than enough respect for some
backwater guard-captain. Perhaps I should remind you that we are but
mercenaries hired by the Knights. Believe it or not, my lady, our contract
doesn't demand good manners in your presence.
AGRIAS: What do you mean by that, you impertinent--!
OVELIA: That's alright, Agrias, I understand. Let us depart.
[Ovelia turns to the priest]
PRIEST: Peace be with you, dear Princess. Travel safely.
OVELIA: Take care of yourself as well, Father Simon.
[The sound of the doors open. A knight limps in, wounded. Simon rushes to her
side.]
FEMALE KNIGHT: Lady Agrias! A... An... attack!
SIMON: Is it Prince Goltana's men!?
[Agrias rushes outside]
GAFGARION: ... what one suffers for money. Something the matter, Ramza? You
look troubled... ?
RAMZA: ... it's nothing. I am no knight. Just a mercenary like yourself.
GAFGARION: ... Right, m'boy. Well then, let's go!
[The three mercenaries exit.]
OVELIA: Oh, God...
[fade out]
Orbonne Abbey, Entrance - Battle [Agrias, Goltana Knights, etc.]
AGRIAS: The crest of the Black Lion... grief, what on earth is Goltana
thinking!? Does Goltana mean to bring a war upon his head!?
GOLTANA KNIGHT: Your resistance is fultile, wench! Quietly hand over the
Princess, lest we scar that pretty face of yours!
[enter Gafgarion, Ramza, knight]
GAFGARION: Huh... Prince Goltana's men disappoint. Only fools assault head on.
AGRIAS: If you've nothing better to say, leave this to us!
GAFGARION: We aren't paid to sit. Rad, Ramza, draw steel!
[battle ensues]
GAFGARION: Kill them all! Spare no one!
AGRIAS: What!? We needn't kill them all, that's likely what Goltana thinks
we'll do! We need only repel them, that is enough!
GAFGARION: Nay, impossible!
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
PRINCESS OVELIA: [from behind the abbey] Let go of me!
AGRIAS: Oh, no!! [Agrias runs back into the abbey]
[Behind the abbey...]
KNIGHT: Follow me, and be quiet!
OVELIA: [struggling] Who are you!?
KNIGHT: A very annoying princess you are...
[The knight knocks Ovelia unconscious, as tosses her over the back of a
Chocobo, and then mounts the Chocobo himself. Agrias rushes into the scene,
exiting the back door of the abbey.]
AGRIAS: W-wait!!!
KNIGHT: Tough luck. Blame yourself, or blame God.
[The knight rides off.]
AGRIAS: No...
RAMZA: [nearby] ... Delita?? You're alive, Delita? But, why are you in
Goltana's troops?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAMZA: Why...?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---5.2 CHAPTER 1---
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Born to the name Delita Hyral, Delita the Hero-King made his first appearance
in Ivalician history a year prior to the outbreak of the Lion War.
Ivalice at the time had just seen the end of the Fifty Years' War, when her
armies had finally returned home from their long struggle against Ordallia.
The soldiers returning home from the battlefields found themselves without
employment, without money, and thus, for many, without loyalty to the Crown.
In their discontent, many took to banditry or plotting rebellion against the
Royal Family. This troubled era, when theft and murder were commonplace,
produced many of Ivalice's most famous heroes and wizards. The city of
Gariland was no exception to the state of post-bellum Ivalice...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER ONE: THE MEAGER
Gariland Royal Military Academy: Auditorium - [Aquilor cadets, including Ramza
and Delita]
[Cadets chatter]
CADET: I hear another wagon bound for Igros was attacked just last night.
CADET II: I wager the Death Corps are responsible...
RAMZA: If so, I wonder why we've been summoned today... Might you know,
Delita?
DELITA: Nay, but I've heard some rumours... I have a few thoughts.
RAMZA: Any that you're apt to share?
DELITA: Prince Larg is coming to Gariland.
RAMZA: Prince Larg? Why?
DELITA: Not only the Prince, but Marquis Elmdor of Limberry, too.
RAMZA: That's news indeed! Not an official visit, is it?
DELITA: I could not say... but as to our summons today, dangerous places lie
aplenty in Ivalice. As skilled and versatile in their operations as the the
Knights of the Northern Skies might be, they have a derth of manpower.
RAMZA: Thus they need us cadets.
[A voice calls from behind.]
VOICE: Cadets, attention!
[The knight makes his way to the stage.]
AQUILOR KNIGHT: Ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, in recent months
Gallionne has seen a surge in criminal activity. Foremost amongst our
region's current problems are they known as the Death Corps. We have
overlooked these traitorous rebels for too long; by royal decree, we are now
entering operations to eradicate the Death Corps presence in Gallione and
other provinces. This is large scale military operation; as Aquilor
resources are strained at the moment, we will be collaborating with several
other groups, including the Royal Guard in Igros under the command of Prince
Larg. We also expect you, cadets, to participate in logistical and combat
support. As Igros castle will be undermanned in days to come, cadets will be
temporarily assigned there for police and guard duty.
[A female knight approaches from the back, exchanges a few words with the
knight on stage, and departs.]
KNIGHT: Cadets, you are to arm yourselves immediately! A group of rebels
have been cut-off by Aquilor knights inside the city; you are to infiltrate
the streets and halt the rebels before they escape and re-establish contact
with the Death Corps. Mobilize immediately. Dismissed!
[fade out]
Magic City Gariland - battle [Death Corps Rebels, Ramza, Delita and company]
THIEF: What's this? The Aquilor bastards send little kids against us? What
luck! Come on men, slaughter these brats, and then we'll make our escape! Get
them!
[battle ensues]
DELITA: Ramza, caution! Don't rush them!
RAMZA: Patronize me not, Delita, I'm a Beoulve!
THIEF: Beoulve? _The_ Beoulve family? So, you runts are cadets from the Royal
Academy! Snot-nosed brats of the nobility!
RAMZA: Silence! Yield, or be destroyed!
THIEF: Ha! We won't be beaten by soft-bellied brats!
[sparring]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Was it really necessary to turn to crime? Had you worked as honest
men, you wouldn't have died so needlessly...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For his valour and heroism in the war effort, Balbanes Beoulve was awarded
the highest honour in knighthood, the title of "Heavenly Knight". But as the
Fifty Years' War finally drew to an end, he was to face his final hours...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[flashback to death of Ramza's Father]
Final Months of the Fifty Years' War
The Beoulve Residence - [Balbanes, Zalbag, Dycedarg, Alma]
[Balbanes lies on his deathbed, surrounded by his children.]
BALBANES: How goes... the battle?
ZALBAG: All goes well. Aquilor forces have recovered Limberry. It be but a
matter of time before the Ordallian army withdraws from Zeltennia.
DYCEDARG: Our messenger to Prince Ranard's advisor, Count Lenario, has
returned. The Count consents to your plan.
BALBANES: Good... then, at last... this war... will finally come to an end...
ALMA: Father...
[Alma turns to tears.]
BALBANES: Don't cry... Alma, my dear...
ZALBAG: Where in heaven's name is Ramza? For him to be missing at time like
this!
BALBANES: Dycedarg, Zalbag... my beloved sons... Ramza is not of your
mother's womb, but he is my flesh and blood, as you both are. Take care of
him.
[Footsteps are heard echoing through the corridor. Ramza bursts through the
door.]
RAMZA: Father!!
[Ramza approaches Balbanes' bedside.]
DYCEDARG: Lower your voice...
BALBANES: At last you've come... Let me... Let me look at you...
[Dycedarg steps aside. Ramza moves closer.]
RAMZA: Father...
BALBANES: It's been a long time. You've become a fine man... How goes
school?... You start at the Academy... this spring, don't you?
[Balbanes reaches for Ramza's hand. Ramza grabs hold.]
RAMZA: ...
BALBANES: Listen, Ramza... for generations, House Beoulve has served the
Royal Family, first in valour amongst its guardians. The spirit of
knighthood has always dwelt in our family. Never shame your name... permit
no injustice... walk in righteousness with your fellow man... and always walk
the path you believe in. That is the mark of a true Beoulve...
RAMZA: I understand, Father...
BALBANES: Delita's a good boy. Though he's common, I think he'll serve you
well at your right hand... I've convinced the Headmaster to admit him into
the Royal Academy... Ha, ha, ha, the man's eyes nearly popped from his face
when I made my request, but he agreed to it, nonetheless. Delita will be
your ally for all your days... be good friends with him...
RAMZA: 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, like your brothers... Ramza...
[Balbanes dies.]
[back to present]
Mandalia Plains - battle [monsters, a noble, thieves]
[A young noble kneels, wounded, before a band of thieves.]
THIEF: He yet breathes. What now?
THIEF II: Don't be so dense. We've got the Marquis, that's enough.
THIEF: Alright then... Sorry boy, but your luck just ran out today. No hard
feelings.
[Ramza and company approach.]
THIEF: Wha? Shit! Aquilor bastards!
DELITA: The Death Corps rebels... Whom is it they're attacking?
{Ramza has a choice here:
1. Our duty is to destroy the Death Corps!
2. We have to save that man! }
{option 1}
RAMZA: Our charge is to destroy the Death Corps! Concentrate on the enemy
and attack!
DELITA: Ramza, are you serious!? That man is going to be killed and you
intend to just ignore him?
RAMZA: One cannot worry over the life of every man on the battlefield. Is
that how you plan to fight?
DELITA: ... Watch me. I'll save him.
{option 2}
RAMZA: We have to save that man! Aquilor honour demands it!
[battle ensues]
[The noble stands]
ALGUS: Reinforcements? I... I'm saved!
[all enemies defeated]
{if option 1 was selected, and Algus has zero HP}
RAMZA: ... Good, he's still breathing. Right, let's help him out.
{if Algus is not unconscious at the end of the battle}
RAMZA: [to Algus] Are you alright?
ALGUS: Barely... But his excellency, the Marquis...
RAMZA: Marquis? Marquis Elmdor of Limberry?
ALGUS: Yes, that's right... you are... ?
RAMZA: We are cadets from the Royal Gariland Academy. Please explain your
situation to us, perhaps we can help.
[Battle ends. A few moments later...]
ALGUS: My name is Algus. I am a knight of the Marquis' personal guard from
Limberry... {TRANSLATORS NOTES: There is no mention of "Aegis Knights". No
idea where that comes from.}
DELITA: A knight?
ALGUS: I mean... rather, I'm in training. A squire. Like yourselves.
RAMZA: I am Ramza Beoulve. This is Delita, my good friend.
[Delita nods]
ALGUS: Beoulve?... House _Beoulve_ of the Knights Aquilor? Lord above, what
luck!
RAMZA: ???
[Algus grabs Ramza's hands.]
ALGUS: I implore you, lend me Aquilor troops to save the Marquis!
DELITA: Um, what's this?
ALGUS: The Marquis is still alive! Those Death Corps scum have kidnapped him!
Unless we strike swiftly, he'll be killed! If that comes to pass, then I...
[Algus lets go of Ramza's hands momentarily, then grabs them once more.]
Therefore, please! Lend me your help! I implore you!
DELITA: Algus, friend, calm down. It's too early to tell if the Marquis is
marked for death. There must be some reason why the Death Corps have taken
him alive. Possibly, they have demands to make, and hold him hostage for
that.
RAMZA: Moreover, there's little we can do right now. But if the Marquis has
truly been kidnapped, then news of the attack should be causing an uproar in
Igros about now.
DELITA: So first, we should return to Igros and report.
[Algus releases Ramza's hands. He pauses in thought (probably disappointed)]
ALGUS: I understand... Let us do as you say, I'll follow you to Igros.
Igros Castle [Dycedarg, Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[The four men are sitting at a table, discussing the recent events.]
DYCEDARG: [to Ramza] I heard that you were decorated for excellence in duty,
having accomplished your first mission. Indeed, the lords and officers voice
much praise for the blood of our House. You do me proud, as your brother.
RAMZA: Thank you very much...
DYCEDARG: Is something the matter? Are you not happy?
RAMZA: Oh no, of course I am. I'm grateful for your praise, lord brother...
but, um, I've heard news that Marquis Elmdor's convoy was ambushed enroute to
Igros, and the Marquis himself was kidnapped. Is there anyway we can help?
DYCEDARG: Nay. I have already instructed Zalbag to dispatch a search party.
In any event, we will likely hear from the kidnappers soon. They'll most
probably demand ransom for the Marquis' life... if he yet lives.
[Algus stands up abruptly.]
ALGUS: Excellency, I humbly request that you bestow me a hundred soldiers!
DYCEDARG: ....
ALGUS: I implore you, let me avenge the deaths of my comrades!
DYCEDARG: I have already taken appropriate action for this crisis. Gallione
is not your territory. Be at ease, and leave this in Aquilor hands.
ALGUS: [alarmed] But, your Excellency--!
DYCEDARG: Master Algus, forgive me for saying so, but I must remind you of
your rank and status. You seem quick to forget that are but a simple squire,
not even a knight. I can scarcely entrust the lives of Aquilor soldiery to
anyone who seeks it.
ALGUS: Urrrgh...
[Algus sits back down, angry.]
DYCEDARG: [to Ramza, Delita, Algus] Well gentlemen, as your next duty, I
would like you to stand guard in Igros Castle. A simple task, I'm sure; I
doubt any real danger will actually get this far.
[fade out]
[After departing...]
[Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[The boys are crossing a lovely setting of canals and waterducts.]
ALGUS: ... There was a time when my family was once respected like the
Beoulves. [turns away] But my grandfather was captured during the Fifty
Years' War... To save his own skin he traded in those of his comrades. But,
as he left the enemy castle, he was stabbed in the back, by none other than a
squire just like myself. One of my grandfather's ex-comrades escaped and
spread the story around. Of course, my dad didn't believe a word of it, but
everyone else did. He was deserted... [throws a pebble into the water] Rank,
status... by myself, the likes of me would have never had an audience with
Lord Dycedarg...
[From behind, a voice echoes.]
VOICE OF A YOUNG GIRL: Deliiiitaaaa!!!
[All three boys turn around.]
DELITA: Teeta!
RAMZA: Alma, Zalbag!
[Alma waves to the boys, and the three greet them.]
ALMA: Ramza, you're finally back!
RAMZA: [to Zalbag] It's been a while, Zalbag.
ZALBAG: I hear you lambasted an entire band of criminals in Gariland to a
pulp! A task worthy of a Beoulve! No question, father would've been pleased.
RAMZA: ... Thank you.
ZALBAG: Ha, ha... you haven't changed a bit, have you? Still uncomfortable
with words like that. [to Delita] And Delita, you've certainly grown into a
strong young man. I heard about your role in repelling the rebels too. Just
look how happy Teeta is, isn't that right?
TEETA: Delita, I'm happy you're doing so well.
DELITA: And I'm equally happy to see you doing well. How goes school? Are you
getting used to it?
TEETA: Mm-hm! Everyone is so nice to me...
ZALBAG: Alas, I'd love to stay to stay and chat, but criminals are everywhere
these days, and so my work has no end. Do pardon me, as I go back to hunting.
RAMZA: I pray for your victory, brother.
[Zalbag straightens his glove, and turns away, but stops.]
ZALBAG: ... The Death Corps have demanded ransom.
ALGUS: What!?
ZALBAG: [turns around] 'Tis beyond my ken. The Death Corps rebels preach
death to noblility and their followers, and that their wrath does not extend
beyond these. It seems unusual that they would kidnap the Marquis simply for
the sake of money.
ALGUS: Absurd! They're no more than common criminals, I say!
ZALBAG: The winds carry nothing from the "grass" {Translator's note:
euphemism for spies} planted in their midst. I'm given to think that they've
met with trouble or other serious business, but the nobles think the
circumstances do not warrant further investigation.
RAMZA: Zalbag, where was communication was lost?
ZALBAG: East of Gallionne, in the trade city of Dorter... I dare say,
guarding a castle is such boring work. Wouldn't you agree, Ramza?
[exit Zalbag]
[Algus moves to the side.]
DELITA: Teeta, I'm sorry. We must go.
TEETA: [shakes head] Don't worry about me, Delita. Just take care of
yourself.
[The two embrace.]
DELITA: Needn't worry, Teeta, we're not going to do anything stupid. Be a
good girl while I'm away, alright? [moves up the bridge] Well, we ought to
get going, Algus.
[exit Delita, Algus, Teeta. Ramza follows, but is interrupted by Alma]
ALMA: What Teeta said about school is not true, actually...
RAMZA: Something troubles her?
ALMA: Many mock her at school for being a commoner...
RAMZA: ....
ALMA: I'm sorry Ramza, I shouldn't have worried you like that. Teeta will be
alright. I'll be there for her. Trust me.
RAMZA: I'm not worried. But you shouldn't overstrain yourself, either.
ALMA: You're the one going too far to meet the expectations of others, Ramza.
Be yourself. Don't feel so bounded by your name.
RAMZA: Ha, ha, ha, you sound just like mother...
[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. To meet monsters in such a place.
DELITA: Oh, it's not that bad, Algus. At least this is more exciting than
guard duty.
ALGUS: Our lives imperiled and you still joke...
[The monsters approach.]
RAMZA: No more talk! They're approaching!!
[battle ensues]
[After the enemies are defeated... ]
RAMZA: Just through this forest. We're almost to Dorter.
Slums in Dorter - Battle [two swordsmen]
[The area is rugged; trashy. The two men obviously have a score to settle.]
SWORDSMAN: ... I know not what you're talking about!
[The swordsman attempts to walk away, but the other man follows him.]
KNIGHT: Don't lie to me! I know what you and the others did! Where is Gustav?
Where is he hiding?
[The swordsman backs away, and lowers his head.]
SWORDSMAN: I... know nothing...
KNIGHT: Where is the Marquis? [steps forward threateningly] Where have they
hidden him?... Speak!
[The knight grabs the swordsman by his shirt, but the swordsman manages to
break loose, and attempts 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
KNIGHT: This is your final chance... Where is he?
SWORDSMAN: In the d-desert...
[The knight pulls back his sword, and sheathes it.]
KNIGHT: I see... In the "Rat's Cellar"...
[Ramza's voice echoes from behind.]
RAMZA: Wait!!
KNIGHT: Curse it, Aquilors?
[exit the knight]
[enter Ramza, Algus, Delita, and company]
ALGUS: Looks as though our trip here was not in vain.
DELITA: The man, I've seen that face before...
RAMZA: You know him, Delita?
DELITA: I think I saw him once, at the end of the war, in Igros...
[Noise is heard in the distance. Knights and mages approach.]
RAMZA: More have come! Draw steel!!
[battle ensues]
DELITA: That's right, I remember! That was the knight Wiglaf! He was the
captain of the militia force, the Death Knights, during the War!
ALGUS: What?... but that makes him...
DELITA: Yes. The leader of the Death Corps.
[fighting]
[The battle ends.]
An Abandoned Building - [Algus, Ramza, Delita, a member of the Death Corps]
[Delita and Ramza watch 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: We know you and your fellows are from the Death Corps. Where is the
Marquis? Where is he being held? Talk!! [The man says nothing.] Well then,
your leader, Wiglaf, was here. Where has he gone? [The prisoner remains
silent. Algus becomes furious.] Say something, you poxy bastard!! [Algus
kicks the man, who falls to his face. Then, he picks the man up by his hair,
and lifts his head.]
RAMZA: Algus, stop!
ALGUS: Huh. [Algus allows the prisoner to return to his knees.] ... Alright
then, listen carefully. Very soon, the Aquilors are going to mobilize en
masse. Each and everyone of you cowards are going to be butchered, and from
there you'll be going to straight to hell-- as befits bandits. But luck
smiles on you today. Tell us Wiglaf's whereabouts, and we'll spare your life.
How's that?
SWORDSMAN: ... What do I care?
[Algus kicks the prisoner in the face, and he falls to his back.]
ALGUS: Mind your manners, bandit! Nobles tolerate no insolence!
[The man lies on the ground, in obvious pain]
SWORDSMAN: We're not... bandits.
ALGUS: What do you babble!?
SWORDSMAN: ... Nobles never change. You've never considered us humes at
all... We risked our lives for Ivalice in the War, but when all was done, we
were cast aside and abandoned like driftwood... What makes you wretched
nobles superior to us?... What be so special about Birth? Family? Status?
{Translator's note: instead of using "human," I'm keeping with Final Fantasy
XII and using "hume" because... well, why not? =) }
ALGUS: You talk proud for someone who kidnaps for ransom, you shit!
SWORDSMAN: ... Kidnapping the Marquis... was a mistake. It was not Sir
Wiglaf's plan...
ALGUS: What...!?
SWORDSMAN: We would never kidnap a noble... for money...
RAMZA: Then who? Who kidnapped Elmdor?
SWORDSMAN: ....
ALGUS: Speak! If not you, then who?
SWORDSMAN: ... Gustav.
ALGUS: Gustav? And he is?
DELITA: Gustav Margueriff. Deputy-Captain of the Death Corps.
ALGUS: So it _was_ your lot!
[The fencer returns to his knees.]
SWORDSMAN: No! We fight only to vanquish the noblility! We fight for a
world of equality and we take pride in it... We differ from Gustav!!
[Algus once again kicks the man in the face, sending him to his backside.]
ALGUS: Pride, you whoreson?! You're proud of what you do?!
RAMZA: Algus, that's enough!!
[Algus turns to Ramza, then returns to the fencer.]
ALGUS: So, where's this Gustav?
SWORDSMAN:... the "Sand Rat's Cellar".
ALGUS: S-sand rats?
DELITA: Algus is not from these parts and may not know what they are. Sand
rats are critters that inhabit the Zeklaus Desert north of Dorter.
ALGUS: !?
RAMZA: [to Delita] Is there a village between Dorter and the Zeklaus?
DELITA: Not anymore, but a place exists where a village did once stand.
RAMZA: ... Gustav and the Marquis may be there.
DELITA: Mmm... perhaps.
ALGUS: [to Ramza] ... What??
RAMZA: A cellar is a natural place for "rats" to nest in.
ALGUS: !?
[fade out]
Cellar of Sand Rats - 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: Have you heard? The Aquilors have sounded their horns,
and are out in full force.
ARCHER: Aye, that I have... What's to become of us, now?
KNIGHT: Forget the Death Corps... I say we wash our hands of this rebellion
and run before we get killed.
SOLDIER: Wiglaf leads us to our doom, anyhow.
KNIGHT: Just so. If we secure a ransom for the Marquis as Gustav planned, our
bitter lives will finally see improvement.
[Footsteps sound. One of the members runs to a crack in the wall, to look
outwards.]
GUARD: F-FUCK!! It's the Aquilor bastards!!
[The members turn around.]
[Enter Ramza, Delita, Algus, and company.]
RAMZA: Get the guards first, before the others notice us!
[battle ensues]
[Once the battle ends... ]
RAMZA: That took longer than I thought. Shouldn't someone have notice
something by now?...
[fade out]
Underneath Sand Rat's Cellar - [Wiglaf, Gustav, Marquis Elmdor]
[In a dusty, dilapitated chamber, Wiglaf and Gustav stand facing each other,
swords drawn. The Marquis is in a corner of the room, on the ground, his
hands tied behind his back. Several Death Corps soldiers lie dead on the
ground, presumably killed by Wiglaf]
WIGLAF: Give up, Gustav. You've gone far enough.
GUSTAV: Your wretched revolution will never succeed!! We need food and
shelter, not your bloody ideals! And we need them now!!
WIGLAF: You see only the present, Gustav. But we need set right the root of
our problems!
GUSTAV: ... You think we've any chance of victory? You're a fool, Wiglaf.
It'll never happen!
[Wiglaf takes a step closer.]
WIGLAF: Have you anymore to say? Farewell, Gustav.
[The men ready their swords. Gustav lunges wildly at Wiglaf, but Wiglaf
sidesteps the attack and stabs Gustav through the chest. Gustav drops his
sword.]
GUSTAV: U... ugh...
[Wiglaf withdraws his sword. Gustav falls down, dead.]
[enter Ramza, Delita, Algus]
RAMZA: Wiglaf!!
[Wiglaf turns around, warily eyeing the newcomers]
ALGUS: Marquis!!
[Algus moves closer, but Wiglaf takes a step backwards and points his sword
threateningly in the Marquis' direction.]
WIGLAF: Don't move!
ALGUS: You bastard!!!
DELITA: Stop, Algus!
WIGLAF: The Marquis is weak, but he is still whole. Take him back to Igros.
[Ramza takes a step closer.]
RAMZA: What?
WIGLAF: The abduction was no plan of ours. We'd never stoop to such cowardly
measures. Grant me safe passage hence and you may have the Marquis. Agreed?
[Algus raises his fists.]
ALGUS: Don't toy with us, rebel scum! You cannot win!
[Delita extends an arm to hold Algus back.]
DELITA: Stop, Algus, he's serious!
[Wiglaf and the boys warily circle each other around the room, with Wiglaf
edging towards the door, and the boys edging towards the Marquis].
ELMDOR: Uhnn... n...
[With the boys distracted by Elmdor's groan, Wiglaf makes his escape.]
[exit Wiglaf]
[Ramza turns to the Marquis, while Algus attemps to pursue Wiglaf. Delita
stops him.]
DELITA: Let him go, Algus!!
ALGUS: Why do you stop me!?
DELITA: The Death Corps will soon be destroyed! You risk your life in vain!
ALGUS: ... Ughh!!
RAMZA: The Marquis is alright. Weakened, but no serious wounds.
[Algus walks to the Marquis.]
DELITA: We should return to Igros...
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: So, explain yourselves. Why did you go to the Zeklaus Desert?
RAMZA: ....
DYCEDARG: Well?
DELITA: I forced Ramza to follow.
DYCEDARG: Does he speak true, Ramza? Delita coerced you?
RAMZA: ... No, it was my decision. Not Delita's.
DELITA: Ramza lies. I was the one to--
RAMZA: [turning to Delita] You needn't protect me, Delita. I decided to
ignore an order...
DYCEDARG: ... All is founded on Law and Order, Ramza. As knights, and as
Beoulves, we must respect the rule of the Law, and that charge does not
permit the pursuit of personal vanities and petty ambitions. Or are you bent
upon disgracing our name, Ramza?
RAMZA: ... I'm sorry, lord brother.
[Ramza hangs his head in shame.]
[A voice resounds from behind the entranceway.]
A MAN'S VOICE: That'll do, Dycedarg.
[enter Prince Larg]
[The boys kneel before the prince, one knee to the ground]
PRINCE LARG: The rescue of the Marquis was no mean performance. It merits
both honour and credit. I understand the desire of all young soldiers to
succeed. Verily, it is to be expected: after all, we were no different in
our youth.
DYCEDARG: Do not spoil him, your Highness. There is a line between right and
wrong that needs to be learned.
LARG: [to Ramza] So, you are the younger brother of Dycedarg. Rise, and be at
ease, young friend. I dare say, you look the very image of the late Lord
Balbanes. I suppose your youthful energy needs more outlet than guarding
castles... [Larg glances out of the corner of his eye at Dycedarg, smiling]
DYCEDARG: [closes his eyes and sighs in resignation] Our operations against
the Death Corps draw to a close. You may join the knights in their assault
on the remaining rebel hideouts. Which hideout you wish to attack is yours
to pick.
[Ramza stands.]
RAMZA: ... Yes.
[Delita and Algus stand also.]
[exit Ramza, Delita, Algus]
[Larg wanders to a beautifully stained window, and gazes outside.]
DYCEDARG: I'm sorry, my lord.
LARG: Needn't apologize, Dycedarg. Gustav was a man of paltry talents.
Anyway, from the moment the Marquis was kidnapped in Gallionne, the matter
was out of our hands. We could have changed nothing. And of course, the fact
remains that Aquilor cadets saved the Marquis' life; on Elmdor's side, this
means Limberry must show more compromise to our demands. Your brother's
actions may have inadvertently placed us in a favourable position, afterall.
DYCEDARG: The King's days grow short. 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: We've lost communication with the main unit. I fear 'tis the end for
us...
DEATH CORPS PRIEST: Miluda, what are you saying? We're not through yet! This
war continues!
PRIEST II: Aye! It continues till the nobles apologize to us!
MILUDA: My brother... He's 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 and company helped me save the Marquis. I'll help until this war
is over!
[battle ensues, with Miluda as primary target]
MILUDA: What's it with you nobles!? We're not your livestock for you to fool
with! We are people, no less than you are! What matters our birth!? Have
you ever been hungry? Have you ever lived for months on naught but bean
soup? We starve because of the greed of you nobles! You steal away even our
right to exist!
ALGUS: "People no less than we are"? You kid yourself, you animal! From the
day you were born you were meant to serve us!
MILUDA: By who's decree!?
ALGUS: It is the will of God!
MILUDA: All are equal in the eyes of God! He would never permit such
injustice! It can't be true!
ALGUS: God does not stand for animals, wench!
MILUDA: !!!!
[on Delita's turn]
DELITA: Ramza, is she really our enemy... ?
[Once Miluda is defeated... ]
RAMZA: Lay down your swords! Surrender, and be spared!
[battle ends]
[Rain is still pouring, the thunderclaps idly in the distance]
[Miluda gets to her knees, badly wounded.]
MILUDA: Go ahead, kill us. We're but livestock to you, right? Do it quickly!
RAMZA: You hate us that much?...
ALGUS: Ramza, kill her, now! She is your enemy! An enemy of the Beoulves! Do
you understand? Your enemy! A failure who has no right to live! If we fail to
kill her now, she will return for our heads! We cannot coexist! Kill her,
Ramza!
DELITA: Ramza... I must disagree...
ALGUS: [turns to Delita] What? Have you lost your mind, Delita??
[Delita turns around.]
DELITA: It is as she says. She's humes no less than we are. She is not an
ALGUS: This is treachery! Still, you...!?
[Miluda rises to her feet.]
MILUDA: Oh, sympathy, is it? Despicable creatures. My enemies you remain so
long as you wear Beoulve colours. Remember that...
[exit Miluda, limping]
RAMZA: Delita... are we...?
[Delita turns to Ramza, and slowly shakes his head. Algus steps away, and
crosses his arms in disgust.]
ALGUS: Grief, what is wrong with you two?
[fade out]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, in Igros, provincial capital of Gallionne, at the Beoulve Estate...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outside of the Beoulve Manor - [Teeta, Golagros and other Death Corps rebels]
[The rain is pouring mercilessly outside of the Beoulve Manor. Dead bodies
are strewn all around.]
TEETA: Ow!! Let go! Stop it, let go of me!!
[One of the rebels leaves chocobo back, with Teeta held hostage.]
GOLAGROS: Make haste!
[enter Alma and a thief, from the manor door]
[The thief pulls Alma out from the castle by her arm.]
ALMA: Ouch! Let go of my hand! Zalbag!!
[Zalbag comes rushing out of the door, tearing Alma away from the thief and
sweeping her to one side. Zalbag's sword glows, and he fells the rebel with
a savage strike.]
GOLAGROS: Damn!! Hya!
[exit Golagros on chocobo]
ZALBAG: Are you alright, Alma?
[Alma stands and brushes herself, and steps closer.]
ALMA: I'm fine, but Teeta...
ZALBAG: I know...
[enter Dycedarg]
[Dycedarg limps outside from the Castle, wounded.]
ZALBAG: Lord brother!
DYCEDARG: I... I'm all right... What about... Alma... ?
[Alma rushes to his side.]
ALMA: I'm here, Dycedarg... Oh dear God, what an awful wound...
DYCEDARG: I... never thought that they'd attack here... They came seeking
me...
ZALBAG: Five people were killed, and Teeta was kidnapped.
DYCEDARG: After them... Leave no stone unturned until you find them...
ALMA: Lord brother, speak no more!
[Dycedarg closes his eyes.]
DYCEDARG: Death Corps... curse them...
[Dycedarg collapses.]
ALMA: Oh no! Dycedarg, Dycedarg! Hold on!!
ZALBAG: Find the chemist!! By Ajora, someone get help!
[fade out]
Inside the Beoulve Manor - [Dycedarg, Ramza, Delita, Algus, Alma]
[Dycedarg lays wounded in bed. Ramza stands by his bedside, with Delita and
Algus off near the entryway, and Alma by the foot of the bed.]
DYCEDARG: I hear you broke one of the the enemy hideouts... excellent work.
Leave the remaining operations to Zalbag... you've done more than your share
of service, and should take some well-deserved rest. [Ramza looks over his
brother, a concerned look upon his face. Dycedarg turns to face him] Worry
not... the wound is not too serious.
RAMZA: Dycedarg, what of Teeta... ?
[Alma takes a small step forward, anxious as well]
DYCEDARG: ... Once we locate the Death Corps stronghold, Zalbag will marshal
our forces to attack in full force.
[Delita in shock, steps forward]
RAMZA: W-What... !?
DYCEDARG: The Death Corps are falling apart. Their members desert in droves.
It is but a matter of time before we capture their leader, Wiglaf...
RAMZA: But then Teeta... are we to abandon her... ?
DYCEDARG: Be at ease, Ramza. Absolutely no offensive will be mounted until
Teeta returns to us. Teeta is as a sister to me; I would never abandon her.
[fade out]
Outside of the Beoluve Manor - [Ramza, Delita]
[Delita, angry, stands outside of the doorway. Ramza attempts to console
him.]
RAMZA: Wait, Delita. Where are you going? Calm down!
DELITA: Calm down? Do you think this some mummer's show?! Teeta's been
kidnapped and you ask me to calm down?!
[Delita keeps walking, but again, Ramza stops him.]
RAMZA: Who knows where she is? Your search would be in vain!
[Delita seizes Ramza by the throat.]
DELITA: IN VAIN!? She's my sister!!
RAMZA: Dycedarg said... he'd never abandon Teeta... So... don't... Ugh... I
can't breathe...
[Delita drops Ramza, who falls to his knees, gasping for breath.]
DELITA: Forgive me, Ramza. Are you alright.?
RAMZA: A-aye... [coughs]
[enter Algus]
ALGUS: [leaving the Castle] "Never" is a word I would "never" place too much
faith in.
[Algus approaches Delita.]
RAMZA: [to Algus] You doubt my lord brother's words?
ALGUS: Myself, I wouldn't bother about saving some common girl.
DELITA: What did you say...?
ALGUS: I said I wouldn't send troops to save a miserable peasant!
[Delita steps forward.]
DELITA: You... you bastard!!!
[Delita punches Algus, who falls to his backside. Ramza rushes to restrain
Delita.]
RAMZA: [holding Delita] Stop! Delita!
DELITA: Let go of me! Damn you! Let go!!
ALGUS: [rubbing his mouth] Huh! Commoners are all alike. You'll never be
nobility. Delita, the likes of you don't belong here. Understand, commoner!?
DELITA: [struggling to break free from Ramza's hold] Say anymore, and I'll...
!!
RAMZA: Delita, control yourself! That's enough, Algus!!
[Algus stands.]
ALGUS: Ramza, open your eyes. It's as clear as daylight; this creature is not
one of us. Nobility should not stoop to dabble with filth.
RAMZA: Absurd! Delita's my best friend! He's as a brother to me!
ALGUS: And that's why I tell you to open your eyes. You need reconsider who
your friends are. You are a scion of the Beoulves, a noble amongst nobles!
Why do you keep company with ruffians? It's disgraceful! Your brothers would
agree with me, I'm sure!
[Delita finally knocks Ramza aside.]
DELITA: Not all nobles are like you! I trust Ramza!
[Delita gives Ramza one final look.]
[exit Delita]
RAMZA: [to Algus] Get out of my sight! Never show yourself again!
ALGUS: Oh, say not such harsh things. We're friends, are we not?
[Ramza takes a step closer.]
RAMZA: Don't test my patience! Leave!!
[Algus shrugs, and begins the walk down the pathway, but stops, and addresses
Ramza one final time.]
ALGUS: The Death Corps stronghold is Fort Zeakden. I overheard it from your
brother. The path to the Fort will be cordoned off by several Aquilor
checkpoints, rendering impossible any approach from the front. You'll have
to attempt the rear of the fort. Well, do your puerile best, my darling
little noble.
RAMZA: [fuming] Begone!!
[exit Algus, from the scene and the party]
[fade out]
On the Mandalia Plains - [Ramza, Delita]
[The boys sit, watching the sunset.]
DELITA: Beautiful, isn't it? Somewhere, Teeta is watching this same sunset...
RAMZA: Teeta's alright, I'm sure of it. There's nothing to fear.
DELITA: ... I've felt out of place, for a time now.
RAMZA: Do Algus' words yet trouble you?
DELITA: I suppose some things will never be within my reach, no matter how
stubborn or industrious I am...
RAMZA: Don't say such things. If you work hard--
DELITA: Could I become a general if I worked hard enough? Could I do that,
though I sit powerless to rescue Teeta with these hands of mine? I'm
useless...
[Delita lowers his head, depressed.]
RAMZA: ....
[Delita plucks a reed from the ground.]
DELITA: Remember how dad taught us to whistle on the reeds?
[Delita blows on the grass, producing an odd whistle. Ramza does the same,
blowing a different note. They then whistle together.]
Lenalia Plateau - Battle [Ramza, Delita, and company, Miluda, and mages]
[The plateau is surrounded by water, with the forces on each side.]
MILUDA: So were blocked here, too... There is no way out.
DEATH CORPS REBEL: We... we should give up. If we surrender...
MILUDA: Death before surrender!! If we are caught, we'll hang anyway! Our
only hope is to fight!
[battle ensues, with Miluda as target]
DELITA: [to Miluda] Where is Wiglaf?! Where have you hidden Teeta!?
MILUDA: Teeta? The Beoulve daughter that Golagros took hostage?
DELITA: Teeta's my sister! She has naught to do with the Beoulves! It's
pointless to hold her hostage! Please, return my sister!
MILUDA: And will you nobles return all what you've stolen from us? We ask
only that you return what is rightfully ours. But no -- you keep taking! It's
you nobles who force our hand; we'll not surrender and we certainly have no
reason to return your sister!!
DELITA: I... I... !!
[sparring]
[Miluda is injured]
MILUDA: I can't die now! Not during the revolution!
RAMZA: ... Is revolution necessary? We whom you fight, how have we earned
your enmity? How do we cause your suffering?
MILUDA: That fact that you don't know is itself a crime! You nobles never see
beyond the narrow confines of your own world! Maybe you do not wish us evil,
but I'll hate you as long as we're forced to continue in our current
conditions! Until change occurs, every living Beoulve is my enemy!
[Miluda is critically wounded]
MILUDA: I'm a solider of the Death Corps! I will _not_ retreat!!
RAMZA: Sheath your sword, Miluda, this battle is meaningless! We must stop
fighting and talk, there must be another solution. I'll speak with my
brother. No, I'll speak with Prince Larg himself! You must believe me!
MILUDA: Enough of your honeyed lies! I tire of deceit!
RAMZA: I'm not lying!
[Once Miluda is defeated...]
MILUDA: W... Wiglaf, I'm sorry...
[Miluda dies.]
RAMZA: Why... ? Why did this have to happen...?
[Delita drops to his knees.]
DELITA: Curse it, who the devil am I? Who... ?
[fade out]
Fovoham Plains - [Wiglaf, Golagros, other Death Corps rebels, and Teeta]
[Teeta is being held hostage inside of an old windmill. She is tied in the
corner of the room.]
WIGLAF: Why did you kidnap the girl?
GOLAGROS: I needed a hostage to escape.
WIGLAF: If so, you should have released her by now... or do you turn traitor
too, Golagros?
GOLAGROS: You would compare me to Gustav? I'm not so witless as our late
deputy. Think, Wiglaff. We've lost most of our men and the Death Corps now
lays surrounded by the Aquilors. She is our only hope, our trump to get us
out of this predicament. Because she's a Beoulve.
[Golagros turns back to watch Teeta, while Wiglaf edges closer.]
WIGLAF: What good is escape? Where would we to escape to? Even if we escape
now, we'd be no farther from their grasp than before. Rather, we must make
use of this opportunity. The future of our sons and daughters is at stake
here. We must ensure that needn't suffer as we do now. I will not deny that
the stone we cast will make but a ripple at first, but with encouragement,
even ripples become tidal waves. Our ripple must grow, even if we must fight
our last here for it to happen!
[Golagros turns back around, shocked.]
GOLAGROS: ... So you would have us all die?
WIGLAF: Not in vain. Take as many nobles down with you as possible!
GOLAGROS: Ludicrous! We'll die like dogs!
WIGLAF: [shakes his head] Not so, Golagros. Our comrades who yet live gather
at Fort Zeakden. Join them there, and we will yet have power to fight.
[Golagros hangs his head in disbelief]
GOLAGROS: Verily, they have joined the dead by now...
[enter a Death Corps soldier. She whispers something to Wiglaf.]
WIGLAF: What!? Miluda killed?! Miluda... [clenches his fist in anger]
DEATH CORPS REBEL (FEMALE): Sir Wiglaf, it be but a moment 'fore the Aquilor
squad which took Miluda arrives here. What would you have us do?
WIGLAF: Very well... Everyone, retreat. Golagros, heed me, and go to Fort
Zeakden. Leave the girl here!
[From outside, a guard calls.]
VOICE OF A GUARD: They're here!! The Aquilors are here!
[exit the soldier]
WIGLAF: Curse it, already? I'll stall them here! Golagros, head for Fort
Zeakden with the others immediately!
[exit Wiglaf]
[a silence ensues in Wiglafs present]
GOLAGROS: [to the other rebels present]... I, for one, will not die a fool's
death.
[fade out. Golagros and the remaining Death Corps rebels with him escape to
Fort Zeakden with Teeta.]
Windmill Shed - Battle [Ramza, Delita, and company, Wiglaf, and Death Corps
knights]
[A skirmish is about to take place outside of the windmill where Teeta is
being held prisoner.]
WIGLAF: You two, from the kidnapping... You cadets who killed Miluda, my
beloved sister!?
RAMZA: [to Delita] She was Wiglaf's sister?
WIGLAF: ... Well then, I needn't contemplate retreat today afterall.
Miluda's death will not go unavenged!
[battle ensues, with Wiglaf as target]
DELITA: Return my sister!! Return Teeta!!
WIGLAF: Teeta? That girl? You're a Beoulve?
RAMZA: He's not a Beoulve! I am!
WIGLAF: Then was Golagros was wrong? The girl is no Beoulve?
RAMZA: Must everyone associated with my family be a member of it!?
WIGLAF: It matters little... In any event, the girl is to be released. We
hadn't planned to kidnap her in the first place. But that should be the least
of your worries; if you want the girl back, live past me first!
[battle]
RAMZA: Put away your weapon, Wiglaf! We fight for naught here!
WIGLAF: Then, why did you kill her? My sister, Miluda?
RAMZA: I had not wanted to, Wiglaf! Is fighting is our only option? Could we
not talk?
WIGLAF: Still you do not comprehend why we refuse to surrender? What good is
this talk you desire? Is it even possible? Even if you would talk with us, do
you think your brothers would?
RAMZA: My brothers don't want to fight! Wiglaf, forego your blades and
they'll negotiate!
WIGLAF: Hah!! This is rich! You actually believe your brothers don't want to
fight? Yours is a sheltered life, isn't it, boy?
RAMZA: Why would they desire conflict!?
WIGLAF: Because Dycedarg Beoulve is a man without honour! All men power have
blood on their hands, and your lord brother no less! He is as false as flying
swine!
RAMZA: You mock my brother!?
[Once Wiglaf is wounded... ]
WIGLAF: Curse it... I underestimated you cadets. Forgive me, Miluda, but I
cannot die here!
RAMZA: Wait, Wiglaf! Don't run away!
WIGLAF: Let me tell you something, Beoulve! Who do you think had Gustav
kidnap the Marquis? Your brother, Dycedarg! Moreover, I'm sure Holy Knight
Zalbag knows it too!
RAMZA: Impossible! Why would he do such a thing?
WIGLAF: The Lions White and Black will contend for throne once the King dies.
Neither can hope to win without support from the other great nobles, but
whom amongst them can each one trust? Who can know what they think? Thus the
solution: remove the lords and install lackeys in their stead. My
deputy-captain, Gustav, had grown weary of the Revolution; he was lured by
Dycedarg's honeyed tongue into kidnapping the Marquis for Prince Larg!
RAMZA: Slander!! No Beoulve would dare such a thing!
WIGLAF: Find out for yourself if I'm lying! Goodbye, Beoulve!
[Wiglaf magically disappears.]
RAMZA: Wait, Wiglaf!! Explain yourself!!
[fade out]
Inside the Windmill [no characters]
[The windmill lies empty, having been abandoned by the rebels.]
[Delita's voice calls from outside.]
DELITA: Teeta! Where are you? Teeta!
[enter Delita and Ramza]
DELITA: Not here... she's not here! TEETA! where are you!?
RAMZA: Did Wiglaf lie to us? [Ramza moves to Delita.] Delita, we must hurry
to Zeakden! Teeta must be there!
DELITA: What happened? What went wrong? Tell me, Ramza. Why did this have to
happen to Teeta? Why?
[Delita falls to his knees in tears.]
RAMZA: Delita...
[fade out]
Fort Zeakden - Battle [Algus, Zalbag, knights, Golagros, Teeta]
[Golagros is holding Teeta 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: Withdraw at once, lest something happens to the girl! Attempt
nothing! There's enough gunpowder in this fort to blow you all to hell and
back! Begone!
ZALBAG: The Knights Aquilor will not bend to your threats!!
[enter Ramza and Delita]
RAMZA: Zalbag! Algus!!
[Delita takes notice of Teeta.]
DELITA: Teeta!!
TEETA: Delita!!
GOLAGROS: Away! Now!!
ZALBAG: [to Algus] Go on, do it.
ALGUS: Yes, sir!
[Algus fires an arrow, which intentionally hits Teeta. Golagros is stunned.]
GOLAGROS: What... ?
[Algus fires a second arrow, which hits Golagros, sending him reeling. He
falls heavily to the ground.]
TEETA: Delita...
[Teeta dies.]
DELITA: Teeta!!
[Delita falls to his knees.]
[enter a Aquilor Knight]
AQUILOR KNIGHT: Sir Zalbag! Enemy force on the mountain path, numbering
fifty! Scouts report one of them resembles Wiglaf!
ZALBAG: I'll be there immediately! Finish matters here, Algus.
[exit Knight, Zalbag]
GOLAGROS: [clenching his wound] D...Damn...!
[Golagros inches his way inside the fort, and locks the door behind him.]
DELITA: Teeta!
[Delita rises and throws Ramza aside.]
ALGUS: And where might you be going?
DELITA: ALGUS!!!!!
ALGUS: What is it? You wish for a fight? Go ahead, do your worse!
RAMZA: Zalbag... Why... Why... Teeta...?
ALGUS: Come, let's not waste time! Today, I'll prove to you animals will
never be more than animals, commoner!
[Algus whistles, and several knights and mages come.]
[battle ensues, with Algus as target]
RAMZA: Why, why are you doing this, Algus, why!?
ALGUS: Ramza, they were your lord brother's orders; why _wouldn't_ I do this?
Would you have sacrificed the pride of the Knights all for a common wench?
RAMZA: Teeta... Teeta is Delita's sister!!
ALGUS: I think you need a lesson about "differences", Ramza! Those of
different births lead different lives! Such is fate! That creature and his
sister are out of their place. They would have been better off being
bumbling flower peddlers somewhere, or the like!
[battle. Delita gets hurt.]
RAMZA: Delita! Are you okay!?
DELITA: Piss off, Ramza! When I'm through with Algus, you're next!
RAMZA: Delita...
[sparring]
ALGUS: And you, Ramza? Why do you fight? A traitor to Aquilors you are!
RAMZA: But... but, this is inexcusable!
ALGUS: Ha! My, what a stubborn little babe you are! For shame, why were you
born a Beoulve?
RAMZA: Had I a choice!?
ALGUS: You pamper yourself silly, don't you? Beoulves are leaders among
warriors. You were born a Beoulve, a member of the elite, and thus you have
responsibilities. There are tasks that only you can do! Such is your duty,
to do such tasks for those who cannot!
RAMZA: I'm no tool to be used by others!!
ALGUS: Don't jest! We use Beoulves because of who they are! No, rather say,
Beoulves use others as much as they themselves are used! Men serve them and
survive under their protection! This a mutualism is how you've come to
exist! You use your beloved Delita too, dare you deny it!?
RAMZA: I've been using Delita?...
(If you chose destroying the Death Corps as your priority in the battle on
the Mandalia Plains)
ALGUS: You're a Beoulve, Ramza! You know your duty as well I! Even that
time on the Mandalia Plains, you recognized destroying the Death Corps came
before all else!
RAMZA: I...!!
{If you chose saving Algus as your priority in the battle on the Mandalia}
ALGUS: And you saved me for your own ends too, did you not?!
RAMZA: Madness! I helped you because I couldn't abandon a person in trouble!
ALGUS: Then next time, you'd best abandon strangers if you know not whether
they be friend or foe! [Sparring]
DELITA: Algus! You murdered Teeta! I'll kill you! I swear it!
ALGUS: Unhappy, Delita? Unhappy that you're so utterly useless? Know your
limits! Commoners haven't power to change anything! Ha, ha, go ahead and
grieve! Wail and wring your hands, for it's all you can do, my dear, lame
commoner! Ha, ha, ha, this is splendid!
DELITA: That's all you have to say?... Is that all, Algus?!
ALGUS: Oh, don't be mad, Delita. You'll be joining her soon!
DELITA: I'm not your lackey, Algus! I'm no one's tool! NOBODY USES ME!!
[Once Algus is defeated... ]
ALGUS: How could you fools have bested... me... ?
[Algus dies.]
[exit troops]
[Delita walks up to the plank where Teeta 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!? An explosion?? [Ramza waves his hands emphatically.] Delita,
it's dangerous! Get back here, quickly!! [Delita pays no mind. The wall next
to Ramza violently explodes, blasting Ramza to the ground. He rises.]
Delita!!
[The entire fort explodes.]
[fade out]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RAMZA: All my life I have lived certain of the world as I knew it.
When the hour came that my certainty collapsed, I abandoned everything
and ran.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---5.3 CHAPTER 2---
Outside of Orbonne Abbey - [Gafgarion, Ramza, female knights]
[The rain is pouring down. The scene continues from the prolog, after the
Princess' abduction.]
GAFGARION: So, Ramza, you know the kidnapper of the Princess?
RAMZA: ....
[enter Agrias]
[Agrias comes from inside the abbey.]
AGRIAS: The kidnapper cannot have gone far. He travels with the Princess.
GAFGARION: You would pursue him?
AGRIAS: Of course! Ovelia is my charge; I could not face the Royal Family
otherwise!
GAFGARION: No help comes from our quarter. Our contact does not extend that
far!
AGRIAS: And no help do I need from sellswords! Knights must account for their
own mistakes, and I will atone for mine without you. It is my responsibility
as the guardian of the Princess. Lavian, Alicia, prepare your things, we
leave at once!
[enter Simon, from the abbey]
AGRIAS: How do you feel, Father Simon?
SIMON: The Princess... what of her... ?
[Agurias slowly shakes her head.]
AGRIAS: I'm sorry, Father. I swear I'll get her back.
SIMON: ... No, it's dangerous, what you intend...
AGRIAS: Rest your fears. On my honour, I will deliver her Highness back
safely!
[Ramza steps forward.]
RAMZA: Let me join you! I promise to be no burden!
GAFGARION: Ramza, have you gone mad?! 'Tis none of our business!
RAMZA: I must know what happened. I must see with mine own eyes!
GAFGARION: You speak of that boy? [Ramza lowers his head. Gafgarion takes a
step away.] Stubborn as a mule. Don't beg me for help when something ill
happens.
CHAPTER TWO: THE MANIPULATOR AND THE SUBSERVIENT
The Trade City of Dorter - battle [knight, mercenary]
[The knight is bargaining with a mercenary.]
KNIGHT: Five-hundred gil per head.
[The mercenary crosses his arms and shakes his head.]
MERCENARY: Too little. Two-thousand.
KNIGHT: I could as easily have you all branded heretics.
MERCENARY: ... One-thousand gil then?
[The knight shakes his head.]
KNIGHT: Seven-hundred. No more.
MERCENARY: ... Alright. Done deal.
KNIGHT: They arrive any minute. Spare no one. Understood?
[Footsteps resound.]
KNIGHT: Hah, speak of the devil... they've already come. I leave this to you,
then.
[enter Ramza, Agrias, Gafgarion, and company]
MERCENARY: Fucking blazes, that's Gafgarion! Seven-hundred was a paltry sum!
[The mercenary whistles. Other men show up.]
GAFGARION: Yet another ambush. How wearisome.
AGRIAS: If that discomforts you, leave!
GAFGARION: Normally I fight only for money, but I'll make an exception today!
AGRIAS: Ugh, patronizing...
[battle ensues]
[Once all the enemies are defeated...]
AGRIAS: We cannot afford to waste anymore time here. We must hurry and rescue
the Princess.
GAFGARION: Which way do we go? Where might this kidnapper be heading?
AGRIAS: The Knights of the Northern Skies guard all of Gallione. His one
escape is into the east: he must be heading for Fort Bethla.
RAMZA: Bethla, the Impregnable Fortress...
[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? Here?
GAFGARION: That be one addle-brained chocobo to wander into a goblins' forest!
{Ramza can choose either
1. We must make haste...
2. I wonder if its strong...?}
(If you choose 1)
RAMZA: We cannot tarry in this forest. We must make haste...
GAFGARION: Aye. And there's no money in saving a chocobo.
AGRIAS: Poor creature... I'm sorry chocobo, but saving the Princess comes
(if you choose 2)
RAMZA: Delita once said wild born chocobos are stronger than domestic ones. I
wonder if he's strong in combat?
GAFGARION: You want to help him, Ramza? There's no gil in that!
AGRIAS: He may help us save the Princess...
[battle ensues with the Goblins]
[When all the goblins are dead, regardless of your choice...]
CHOCOBO: W-wark!!
RAMZA: [to the chocobo] You seem hale.
GAFGARION: A lucky beast you are. You ought to thank Ramza.
[fade out]
Zirekile Falls - battle [Delita, Ovelia, Aquilor knights]
[The bridge joining the two pieces of land on each side of the Falls. Delita
is guarding Ovelia, as the knights attempt to get her back.]
AQUILOR KNIGHT: Surrender yourself and hand over the Princess, on pain of
death!
DELITA: A brazen lie! First you'll kill her, and then you'll kill me for
knowing the truth!
KNIGHT: Wretch! We come to defend the Princess! Prince Goltana shan't
have her!
[Ovelia backs away, then turns towards the mouth of the Falls, where help
arrives.]
[enter Ramza, Agrias, Gafgarion, and company]
AGRIAS: Princess!
OVELIA: Agrias!
KNIGHT: Gafgarion, kill them all!
GAFGARION: Haven't a clue what's going on here, but it's in the contract!
AGRIAS: Gafgarion, what treachery is this?!
GAFGARION: Treachery? Of course not! Our assignment was to ensure that the
Princess was kidnapped unharmed. These gentlemen are here to see the
kidnappers silenced!
AGRIAS: What!? This is a false kidnapping!?
GAFGARION: The Princess is a nuisance! The heir to the throne should be
Prince Orinas! Less trouble she causes dead!
DELITA: [to Ramza] They intend all our deaths, so help me... Were the
Princess to be "killed" by Goltana, Prince Larg would be rid of both his
greatest rival for the regency and the only legitimate challenger to Prince
Orinas' claim to the throne. Larg could then rule uncontested over Ivalice.
I'm sure that's the scenario as the good Prince wrote it... or rather, as
Dycedarg Beoulve probably wrote it. Do you agree, Ramza?
GAFGARION: Whatever, Ramza, let's give'em hell!
RAMZA: Another helpless sacrifice... No! No more innocents must die like
Teeta!!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Ovelia]
RAMZA: Delita! You're alive!
DELITA: To think that we'd meet again here! Still ruled by your brothers, I
take it?
RAMZA: Curse it Delita, I know nothing, least of all about this plot! Do you
scheme alongside my brothers?
DELITA: Surely you jest! I came to help the Princess, to save her from those
who would exploit her!
GAFGARION: Quit your lying tongue! You're just another sellsword; someone
must have paid you to kidnap Ovelia! Don't play the fool!!
DELITA: I'm hardly in your line of work, Gafgarion. Money is not my objective!
GAFGARION: Hell, then who's it that keeps interfering? Am I to believe some
boy just so happened to get wind of the plan, and felt compelled to save the
princess in the name of justice? Enough of this mummer's farce! Who hired
you? Who did you hear the plan from? Talk!
DELITA: None of your business!
[fighting]
OVELIA: [to Delita] Who are you? Are you friend or foe?
DELITA: Simply "Hume" is what I am, may it please your Highness!
AGRIAS: Your Highness! Hold on, we're coming!!
GAFGARION: I think not!
AGRIAS: Have you the faintest idea what you're doing? Ovelia is an
adopted child, but she's royalty nonetheless! This weighs upon your head,
Gafgarion!
GAFGARION: Of course I know what I'm doing! She's a nuisance, she must die,
and I've been paid to see it through! I care not about this high and mighty
royal blood of hers!
AGRIAS: Rogue, you dare mock the Princess!?
GAFGARION: They who hinder the path of the mighty get trampled. It's no
different for nobles than for commoners, except nobles have numbskulls like
yourself blindly swearing loyalty and all that rubbish! If you wish to waste
your time on these pathetic loyalties of yours, you be damned! Ivalice is a
harsh land; better to live with a bloodied sword in hand than die with one
through the back!
AGRIAS: Touch the Princess, and I'll rend you limb from limb!
[more battle]
RAMZA: You knew about this foulness! Why did you accept this a job?
GAFGARION: I'm a professional mercenary, I fight for money. There is no
foulness when it comes to money. The highest bidder wins, and when I accept a
contract, I see it fulfilled; such is the meaning of professionalism!
RAMZA: You never said a word! Why did you hide this from me?
GAFGARION: And what would you have done? Stop me? If not I, then another
would have accepted this contract! She's marked for death either way. Persons
high and low, base and gentle, die all the time without your knowing, Ramza!
What do you do about these lives you know nothing about?
RAMZA: But... but that hardly makes it right!
GAFGARION: Spare me your pious babble, Ramza! You are no child, so stand and
face reality! Surviving in this world is an ugly task. If you mislike how
things are with me, begone and find your own way! But don't complain to me if
things run afoul!
[Once Gafgarion is wounded... ]
GAFGARION: Blast it... !
[Gafgarion magically disappears.]
[exit Gafgarion]
[Once the rest of the enemies are defeated...]
DELITA: [to Ramza] Leave the Princess in my care, for her good and for your
own; it's better that way.
[Agrias steps protectively infront of Ovelia]
RAMZA: What is it you plan, Delita?
DELITA: So we speak of _my_ plans now? Come, Ramza, I speak only truth. After
our little skirmish just now, I think the Knights and yourselves will be on
less than friendly terms. Doubtlessly, even as we speak, Aquilor troops come
this way. Where do you plan on escaping to?
RAMZA: Well... I...
DELITA: Shall we think this through? The Queen knows Prince Larg is behind
this scheme, so you'll hardly find an ally in the Royal Family. And Goltana?
He'd happily send you to the gallows just to clear any suspicion about his
involvement.
AGRIAS: What would you propose to do then?
DELITA: That which you cannot.
RAMZA: What do you mean?
DELITA: [Sighs in exasperation] Good grief...
[Delita turns away.]
DELITA: I'll entrust her Highness to you a little longer.
[Delita begins to walk away.]
RAMZA: Delita. I'm... glad to see you again.
DELITA: Teeta saved me...
RAMZA: What?
DELITA: Back then... Teeta saved me back then...
RAMZA: ....
[Ovelia moves forward.]
OVELIA: Thank you very much, Sir Delita.
DELITA: [pausing] See you again, Ramza.
[exit Delita]
AGRIAS: Ramza, I'm grateful for your help. But yourself, will you be alright?
The Aquilors are a dangerous foe... to think that you are now their enemy...
[Ramza turns towards Agrias and Ovelia.]
RAMZA: Do not let it bother you, Agrias, I have no regrets about my
choice. The question is, what now? As Delita said, we have few supporters...
AGRIAS: Perhaps... perhaps we could seek sanctuary with the Church? Lionel is
under the jurisdiction of Cardinal Delacroix. It is several day's journey,
but if the Cardinal would help us, then our problems might be solved.
{TRANSLATOR'S NOTE: Yes, it's Delacroix. Not Draclau. There's a religious
reference to his name.}
RAMZA: Hmm... that is a good plan, I think. Even the Knights Aquilor wouldn't
dare to so openly oppose the Church... Lionel it is, then. Let's go.
Zaland Fort City - battle [a strange man, unidentified swordsmen and mages]
[The young man is apparently fleeing from the swordsmen, but gets
surrounded.]
SWORDSMAN: Ye can't escape! Hand it o'er if you value living!
YOUNG MAN: Dang it, hand over what? I'm not carrying anything on me ...
SWORDSMAN: Ye ain't a fool, Mustadio! If not fer ye own life, give a thought
about your old man's. Hand us the holy stone and we'll give'im to ye hale and
whole. [The man stands his guard.] Whatever... Cut him down!
[The man jumps up onto the wall.]
MUSTADIO: Tell Rudvich if he puts one slimy appendage on my dad he'll never
see the stone!
[enter Ramza, Agrias, and company]
AGRIAS: What's this? Someone desires that young man's life...
{Ramza has a choice here ...
1. This is not our business, but...
2. He's not going to get away! }
{option 1}
RAMZA: This is not our business, but we can't just turn a blind eye. Let's
help him!
{option 2}
RAMZA: He'll be caught at this rate! He's not going to get away! Let's help
him!
[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 alright?
MUSTADIO: Yep, I'm still in one peice... Thanks. I mean, for your help.
[fade out]
Under Zaland Fort City - [Ramza, Agrias, Mustadio]
[Mustadio explains to the two about his situation. They are in a ruined
broken down room of some sort.]
MUSTADIO: They were thugs hired by the Bart Company.
AGRIAS: The Bart Company? The traders?
MUSTADIO: So, you've heard of them? Yeah, they're pretty famous, but they're
no simple merchants. In the shadows, they deal in everything from opium
smuggling to the slave trade. A group of criminals and cut-throats.
RAMZA: Why were they after you?
MUSTADIO: Know why my friends and I are called "mechanics"?
[Ramza shakes his head.]
AGRIAS: It's said that a lost civilization lays hidden under the city of
Goug... In St. Ajora's days, countless airships sailed the skies and
fantastic machines walked the streets of men. But time passed, technology was
lost, thus none know whether such wondrous things ever existed.
MUSTADIO: But they must have! Hundreds of airships and exotic machines have
been excavated from under Goug. We mechanics do our best to restore these
legacies from Ajora's time.
RAMZA: That strange thing you used against the thugs, is that one such
machine from Goug?
MUSTADIO: Oh, this? [Mustadio brings out his gun.] This is called a "gun". A
bit of metal called a "bullet" is fired out of it at incredible speeds using
gunpowder. This here is a really simple version. In ancient times, guns
could be loaded with magic and fired.
RAMZA: Hmm...
[Mustadio puts the gun away.]
AGRIAS: Nevertheless, why is the Bart Company after you?
MUSTADIO: Um, did you say you're headed to see the Cardinal? He's a hero of
the Fifty Year's War. Everyone in Lionel looks up to him, including my dad.
They say the Cardinal is the only man who can unite this country. I know
he'll fulfil your wishes. He'll protect the Princess for sure!
AGRIAS: And...?
MUSTADIO: Can I go with you? I want to see the Cardinal as well.
AGRIAS: Why?
MUSTADIO: To save my dad! Nobody except the Cardinal can rescue him from the
Bart Company, but he's not going to bother seeing a mechanic like me! At
least, not on on my own... Please, take me with you!
AGRIAS: By Ajora, you still haven't even told us why the Bart Company is
after you!
[Mustadio hangs his head down.]
MUSTADIO: ... I can't. Not now.
AGRIAS: Then neither can we take you.
MUSTADIO: [turning to Agrias] Please! Trust me! I really have to see the
Cardinal!
[enter Ovelia]
[Agrias and Ramza kneel.]
OVELIA: I understand. You may come with us.
[Mustadio approaches the Princess.]
MUSTADIO: Really? Gosh, thank you, your Highness!
AGRIAS: [in Mustadio's direction] Ahem! You stand before royalty!
[Mustadio backs away quickly, and kneels.]
OVELIA: It's alright. Please rise.
[The three of them stand.]
AGRIAS: [to Mustadio] So be it. You have my trust for now.
[fade out]
In the court yard of an delapitated building - [Agrias, Ovelia]
[Agrias and the Princess stand watching the horizon.]
AGRIAS: See, your Highness? In the direction of yonder mountain lies Lionel
Castle.
OVELIA: It still lies far hence... I wonder, will Cardinal Delacroix truly
help us?
AGRIAS: It's said that the Cardinal's loyalty to the Royal Family is
unshakable. And to date, he has remained neutral in the feud between Larg and
Goltana. It's seems nonsensical that he'd do something as villanous as
handing you over to either one.
OVELIA: I hope so...
[Ovelia walks to a nearby tree and plucks a leaf from its branches.]
AGRIAS: Besides, your Highness, he is a man of prestige and popularity within
the Glabados Church. A word from him, and the Church will welcome you with
open arms.
OVELIA: [pausing] ... I wish I was not born a princess.
[Ovelia lets the leaf fall.]
AGRIAS: Your Highness...
[enter Ramza, he appears startled to see the two ladies conversing. Ramza
quickly darts behind a wall to avoid being seen, and eavesdrops on the
conversation.]
OVELIA: All my life I've known nothing but abbey walls. No patch of sky not
framed with abbey brick. I don't think you know, Agrias, but I lived at
another abbey before Orbonne. Even after hearing about my adoption by the
King, I stayed there for a long time. Well... I wouldn't say it's been that
bad. Rather... well... people are dying because of me. Because I'm a
princess. It hurts to know that...
AGRIAS: Princess, it is no fault of yours. Blame those who would use you for
their own foul ends.
[Ovelia plucks some more leaves from the tree.]
OVELIA: I met a girl at Orbonne. She said she had also lived much of her life
in an abbey. We used to laugh over how similar our circumstances have been.
Ha, ha, ha... [pauses] Isn't it funny?
AGRIAS: You speak of the Beoulve daughter, Miss Alma?
[Ramza looks at Agrias from behind the wall.]
OVELIA: She was my only friend... Agrias, I cannot help but wonder, will
Cardinal Delacroix will try to use me too?
AGRIAS: ...
[Mustadio's calls from behind the building.]
MUSTADIO: Ramza! Where are you? We should get going soon!
[enter Mustadio]
[Ramza motions for Mustadio to remain quiet about his whereabouts, but Agrias
comes steps into the building.]
MUSTADIO [to Ramza] Dang, what have you been doing here?
AGRIAS: [to Mustadio] How goes it?
MUSTADIO: Good. It doesn't look like there's been any Aquilors on the road.
[From the front of the fort, Ovelia attempts to play the reed flute, as
Delita and Ramza had done long before. Ramza steps out of hiding and watches
the Princess.]
OVELIA: A friend taught me before, but I can't seem to get it right.
[Ramza plucks a leaf, and whistles a note on it.]
RAMZA: That's the way of it.
OVELIA: Like this? [Ovelia tries again, and succeeds.] There! I did it.
[She and Ramza play the grass flutes.]
[fade out]
Bariaus Hill - battle [mercenaries of Rudvich, Ramza, Agrias, Mustadio]
[The battle is about to take place on a huge hill.]
RUDVICH MERCENARY: Who you lot be we don't know, but leave the boy here, or
take it up us. Hand over Mustadio, and it needn't be rough going for you.
What say you?
AGRIAS: We say that you should get out of our sights! Tell your employer
Rudvich that we'll not bend to threats and violence so easily.
MERCENARY: Blow that! We'll take him by force. Get them!!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: [to Mustadio] Why are they after you? Will you explain now?
MUSTADIO: I'm sorry, but... I can't tell you yet.
[fade out]
[meanwhile... ]
Office in Igros Castle - [Dycedarg, Gafgarion]
[It is night. Dycedarg is holding a secret meeting with Gafgarion.]
DYCEDARG: Do everything you must to capture Ovelia. As for Agrias and the
others, I want them dead.
GAFGARION: Even Ramza?
[Dycedarg rises from his seat, and walks to the cupboard, where he pours
himself a glass of wine.]
DYCEDARG: He tarnishes the Beoulve name. I've left him be all these years
because I hoped he'd come to learn the harshness of life. I never dreamed
that he could be so dense.
GAFGARION: Did he inherit that stubborn sense of justice from his father?
[Dycedarg turns to Gafgarion, glass of wine in hand.]
DYCEDARG: My father spoiled him. If he will listen, then good. But if he
persists in his folly, it cannot be helped...
[Dycedarg drains his glass.]
GAFGARION: And to think that his own brother said that... how disturbing.
[Dycedarg puts the glass back.] But what if the Cardinal interferes? If
Delacroix moves the Church against us, even the Prince will have his hands
tied.
DYCEDARG: I've accounted for that. Worry not.
GAFGARION: Hmm. So you've planned everthing, then? As crafty as you are
twisted, I dare say.
DYCEDARG: If such is your opinion, Gafgarion, you'd do well to share your
thoughts with some discretion. Your head comes off as easily as any other.
GAFGARION: Woah, my lord! I remain your leal servant. I'm not so obstinate as
your oh-so-pious Holy Knight of a brother.
DYCEDARG: Then do not fail me.
GAFGARION: Speaking of which, who exactly did you order to kidnap Ovelia?
It's all been a mess. When I was chasing her in Dorter, some thugs attacked
my company. Who was it?
[Dycedarg slowly walks to a window, and peers outside.]
DYCEDARG: The kidnappers we sent were found dead in the woods near the abbey.
Someone knows of our plans and is trying to thwart us... But in any event, as
long as Ovelia remains with her guardian, Agrias, you'll find no shortage of
opportunities to accomplish your mission...
GAFGARION: I pray you speak true.
[fade out]
Lionel Caste, Gate - [Ramza, Agrias, Mustadio, Ovelia, Lionel Knights]
[The party approaches the castle gates. A knight on the ramparts of the walls
approaches.]
LIONEL CASTLE KNIGHT: Name yourself, and state your business at Lionel!
AGRIAS: I am Agrias Oaks, Holy Knight of the Royal Guard of Lesalia, true
defender of the Crown! My companions and I have traveled here from Orbonne
Abbey. We come seeking the protection of St. Ajora Glabados, Son of God, and
his most holy Church! In his name, I implore you to open these gates.
{Translator's note: Agrias is not of "St. Konoe's Order" or whatever. Konoe
means "royal/imperial guard", and in the Japanese text it was prefixed with
the character for "Holy", which is also the same character for "Saint". The
dialogue between the Agrias and guards at Lionel is one of the most garbled
in the game.}
KNIGHT: His Eminence accepts all in need of sanctuary. On behalf of Lionel
and the Cardinal, welcome, Lady Agrias... [to another knight] Open the gates!
[A knight from inside pulls the level, and the gate opens. The group enters
the castle.]
Inside Lionel Castle - [Delacroix, Agrias, Ovelia, Ramza, Mustadio]
[Cardinal Delacroix stands at the edge of an altar-like piece of furniture.
Agrias has already explained their troubles to him.]
DELACROIX: I understand your situation entirely, Lady Agrias. I shall
dispatch a messenger to Murond with all haste to inform the Holy Father
himself. Larg shall not go unpunished for this abominable crime. Lionel
welcomes your Highness, and guarantees your safety here.
AGRIAS: Forgive me for asking, your Eminence, but are you certain that his
Holiness Funeral will help us?
DELACROIX: I guarantee it with my very own person. Now, rest your fears,
brave Agrias, so that the Princess may rest hers as well. Make yourselves
comfortable in this humble old castle of mine till word returns from the holy
land.
OVELIA: I thank you with all my heart, Cardinal.
DELACROIX: In all things we walk with St. Ajora, your Highness, and his hand
shall protect you always. [to Mustadio] And young mechanic, I hear your plea
as well. I will send a division of my elite troops to Goug to discipline the
Bart Company for their evil ways.
[Mustadio nods his head.]
MUSTADIO: Thank you, your Eminence.
DELACROIX: But before that, may I ask why they seek the lives of you and your
father?
MUSTADIO: I... it's...
DELACROIX: That's alright... would your problem be of this nature?
[The Cardinal pulls a red stone from his robe, which shimmers brilliantly. He
places it on the table.]
AGRIAS: That crystal... ?
DELACROIX: I'm sure you're familiar with the Zodiac Brave Story?
AGRIAS: Your Eminence refers to the myth told by the Church?
DELACROIX: Yes, that's the one... but surely, Lady Agrias, you are not
suggesting the Church tells mere fairy tales...?
AGRIAS: N-no, I meant nothing...
OVELIA: In ages past, when the land was much different, the Lucavi ruled
supreme in the realms of men. But twelve brave warriors came forth to fight
them, and after desperate battle, they banished the Lucavi back to whence
they came, restoring peace to the land. Each brave had a crystal engraved
with a sign of the Zodiac, thus they were called the "Zodiac Braves". And
since then, from age to age, the Braves return to deliver us whenever
darkness and turmoil threaten to prevail.
DELACROIX: You know the story well, your Highness. You are very well read.
OVELIA: Father Simon taught it to me, back at Orbonne Abbey... which reminds
me, he also said St. Ajora once allied with the Braves to save Ivalice from
chaos.
DELACROIX: The crystals the Braves once carried we call the "Holy Stones."
Before us today is one of the legendary twelve.
[The stone shimmers.]
OVELIA: I had not thought the stones really existed...
DELACROIX: The power of the stone supposedly surpasses that of any demon.
Sometimes, I feel I can almost sense its wondrous power myself, but it looks
to be no more than a big crystal to me.
[Ramza turns to Mustadio.]
RAMZA: What's wrong, Mustadio? You look pale.
[Agrias looks at Mustadio, also.]
DELACROIX: ... similar stones have been found under Goug, haven't they?
[Ovelia looks in Mustadio's direction.]
MUSTADIO: The machines excavated there... Whenever a stone gets near the
machines, they start to move and groan.
DELACROIX: The Bart Company's after your stone, correct?
[Mustadio nods.]
MUSTADIO: I don't know what power these stones have, but I do know Rudvich
wants to use them to make weapons. My dad told me to never to give the stones
to him, but then, they kidnapped him...
DELACROIX: Fear not, young mechanic. The Church exists to protect. Once my
troops bring Rudvich and the Bart Company to justice, you should take your
stone and return to Goug.
MUSTADIO: Y-yes, your Grace.
RAMZA: I'll accompany you to Goug, Mustadio.
MUSTADIO: Thank you, Ramza.
[Agrias stands aside.]
AGRIAS: We could not have made it here without your assistance, Ramza. You
have my thanks.
OVELIA: [to Ramza] I wish I could have been of more help. Please be careful
on the road, Ramza.
RAMZA: Ha, ha, I'll be sure to. Your kind words are thanks enough, your
Highness.
[Agrias and Ovelia leave the party.]
[Flashback to the Mustadio's escape from the Bart Company, and Besrodio's
kidnapping]
{Accessible only from the Zodiac Brave Story menu}
BESRODIO: Listen Mustadio, take this and run!
MUSTADIO: Run? Where?
[Bart Company mercenaries thump and shout from behind the door]
RUDVICH MERCENARY: We know you're in there! Open up!!
[Mustadio grab's Besrodio's arm]
MUSTADIO: Dad, we should escape together!
BESRODIO: I can't run with these legs of mine! Go, quickly!!
MUSTADIO: I can't just abandon you!
BESRODIO: Mustadio, listen! The power of the stone can destroy nations.
Keep it secret, keep it safe, and whatever you do, do NOT let Rudvich get a
hold of it! Go to Lionel, and find Cardinal Delacroix! The Cardinal will
help you, I know it! Go to Lionel!
[Rudvich and his mercenaries break in through the door.]
RUDVICH: You've wasted enough of my time. Now hand over the stone.
BESRODIO: GO!!
[Mustadio hesistates. Some of the mercenaries capture Besrodio, and other
move to capture Mustadio]
BESRODIO: GO!!!!
[Mustadio runs]
RUDVICH: Don't let the runt get away!
[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... meeting monsters in a swamp.
MUSTADIO: The footing here is lousy. Be careful!
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Are you all right, Mustadio?
MUSTADIO: Yeah, I'm fine. Past this swamp is the ocean. We're almost to Goug.
[fade out]
Goug, the Machine City - [commoners]
[The sun is setting. A few people are gathered in the streets, going about
the day's business.]
[enter Ramza, Mustadio]
MUSTADIO: No sign of the Bart Company. But then, it doesn't seem like
they've clashed with the Cardinal's troops. Something's weird... [Mustadio
turns around, to face Ramza.] I'm going to scout around, see what news I can
pick up. Shall we meet up later?
RAMZA: Where?
[Mustadio turns around again, and looks over the bridge.]
MUSTADIO: [pointing] Meet me by the slums over there... They shouldn't
attract too much attention.
RAMZA: Be careful then. I'll see you soon.
MUSTADIO: Alrighty then, 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... far too late. [Rain begins to fall; Ramza looks skyward]
Surely he hasn't been captured...?
[Thunder rolls. A voice calls from behind.]
MALE VOICE: Be you a friend of Mustadio's?
[Ramza whirls around.]
RAMZA: Name yourself!
[enter a pudgy-faced man, and soldiers]
ILL-FACED MAN: Bring him!
[enter a thief, holding Mustadio captive]
MUSTADIO: S... Sorry, Ramza.
RAMZA: Mustadio!
[Ramza makes an attempt to dash forward.]
MAN: Ah, not a step closer, now. Move not an inch!
RAMZA: So, you are Rudvich! Release Mustadio!!
RUDVICH: Once I have the holy stone, I'll leave you the boy. [turns to
Mustadio] Come! Where'd you hide it? Talk!
MUSTADIO: ...
RUDVICH: Speechless, are we? Perhaps this will... cure your muteness?
[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: Dad!? Dad, you okay!?
BESRODIO: I'm... alright... Don't give him the stone...
RUDVICH: Throw him inside! [The thief shoves Besrodio into a small hole in a
building.] [to Mustadio] Ready to speak now?
MUSTADIO: [after taking a long pause] Inside the chimney... by Ramza's
feet...
RUDVICH: [to Ramza] Well then, what are you waiting for! You do value this
runt's life, no?
[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.] Release them!
RUDVICH: First give me the stone!
RAMZA: First, let them go!
RUDVICH: Throw the stone over, and or you can have their corpses!
[Ramza hesistates briefly, then throws Rudvich the stone. Immediately, the
thief lets Mustadio go. He rushes to Ramza. Rudvich holds the stone in his
hand, gazing at it.]
RUDVICH: The Zodiac Stone! Ha, ha, haaa, at last! The Cardinal will be most
pleased! [He turns around, preparing to leave.] I'm terribly sorry to have
troubled you gentlemen, but in any case, we're finished here today. [To his
mercenaries] I've no other business here. Kill them.
[exit Rudvich]
RAMZA: Even the Cardinal is part of this!?...
[enter Ramza's party]
[battle ensues]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
MUSTADIO: Is dad... is dad alright?
[fade out]
Slums Building in 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: You okay, dad?
BESRODIO: I fine, Mustadio... but they made off with the stone. Rudvich will
doubtlessly try to revive the machines beneath Goug with it. He may even
somehow discern the secrets of its power. For grief, the Cardinal was our
only hope, but to think that he was working with Bart Company all along?
Heavens, what are we to do...
MUSTADIO: Heh, heh, heh... meh, so 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: Well, I kinda thought something like this might happen, so I made a
replica, just to give somebody a special surprise.
[Ramza rushes to Mustadio.]
RAMZA: You mean, I just handed them a fake?
MUSTADIO: That's right, Ramza. I bet they'll be fuming any moment now.
RAMZA: [pauses] ... Princess Ovelia and Lady Agrias are in danger.
MUSTADIO: What??
RAMZA: If the Cardinal is in collusion with the Bart Company to acquire the
Stones, then he might use them as hostages against us.
MUSTADIO: That's crazy! If Delacroix does that, he'd be an enemy of the Royal
Family! I'm sure he doesn't want to hang anytime soon!
RAMZA: Why do you think the Cardinal would want the stones? The commonfolk
tire of endless war and penury, and long for deliverance. Delacroix must be
wanting to use the Zodiac Brave Story to his own advantage: were he to
collect all the holy stones, he could commision a band of false Braves to win
the hearts of the people...
BESRODIO: He's right. We cannot let the Cardinal have the stone.
RAMZA: We must help the Princess and Agrias.
MUSTADIO: Sure thing. But I'm guessing his Eminence has probably blockaded
the road to Lionel with his troops. They'll be swarming like rats now. We'll
have to to sneak in by ship.
[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: No soldiers from Lionel here in Warjilis. Odd... [Ramza walks off of
the ship's deck and onto the dock, spying Delita in the distance.] Delita?
What brings you here?
[enter Delita]
DELITA: Our spies hear much and see much, Ramza. Do not make light of them.
RAMZA: "Our"?
DELITA: I mean not to threaten you, Ramza, but return to Igros, for your own
sake. It's far more healthful not to dabble in certain matters. Princesses
and stones, for example.
RAMZA: What is it that you know, Delita?
DELITA: I'm sure you must be thinking of rescuing the Princess, but that does
her little good in the long run. To aid the Princess is a task that I, alone,
am capable of doing.
RAMZA: I do not follow.
DELITA: Sometimes one cannot trust good actions to bear good results.
Stubborn you may be, but to truly help Ovelia is beyond your ability.
Remember that.
[Delita begins to walk away.]
RAMZA: Wait, Delita. [Delita turns around.] What do you plan?
DELITA: What Larg, Goltana, your brothers fail to see... aye, what everyone
fails to see is that we are all being swept together in the same tide. I
intend to swim against the tide, that's all... I have no more to say.
[Delita turns around, and closes his eyes.] We'll meet again, if we both
live long enough.
[exit Delita]
RAMZA: Delita...
[fade out]
[meanwhile... ]
Inside Lionel Castle - [Delacroix, Rudvich, Gafgarion]
[The three men are meeting in Delacroix's chambers at night. They are
discussing future plans.]
GAFGARION: You would use the Princess as bait to get the stone? That thinking
ill befits a holy man...
RUDVICH: [to Gafgarion] You rogue of a sellsword! All would've been fine had
you not let that runt get away!
GAFGARION: Aye, mistakes there were, but not mine.
DELACROIX: Enough, Rudvich. Ovelia will be delivered to Lord Dycedarg, as
promised. My intentions in that regard remain unchanged. But they who know
the truth behind the kidnapping have yet to be dealt with, am I not correct?
And now, the thief who stole the stone has joined their company. Using the
Princess as bait, we can capture them all. One stone gets us both our birds.
GAFGARION: Indeed, your Eminence. But nevertheless, failure is not impossible.
DELACROIX: Strange that you should be so faint of heart, Captain Gafgarion.
GAFGARION: Cautious is a better word. The careless on the battlefield feed
the crows.
DELACROIX: I understand. There is a plan for retreat, should events go awry.
And to ensure the success of our trap, we will also set out our "lure" in due
order.
GAFGARION: Splendid. The wench will lead them right to us. In which case,
trust me to deal with this problem. I dare say I'm more reliable than our
pudgy merchant friend here. [Gafgarion looks in Rudvich's direction.]
RUDVICH: How dare you!
DELACROIX: [to Gafgarion] Very well then. I leave it in your hands.
RUDVICH: Your Eminence, you cannot be serious!
DELACROIX: Godspeed, Captain.
GAFGARION: I'll retrieve your stone, you have my word.
[exit Gafgarion]
RUDVICH: Your Eminence, why are you trusting that filthy sellsword?
[Delacroix rises from his seat, and walks to Rudvich.]
DELACROIX: Because you've failed me enough, Rudvich. And now you will answer
for your shortcomings...
RUDVICH: E-Eminence, what...?
[Rudvich steps back as Delacroix advances on him. Rudvich's screams, as
Delacroix kills him.]
[fade out]
Bariaus Valley - battle [Agrias]
[Agrias is making an attempt to escape from the Lionel Knights.]
MAN'S VOICE: Where are you!? You cannot escape!!
[enter a knight]
LIONEL KNIGHT: So here you are... [The knight whistles. His comrades appear.]
Surrender at once!
[enter Ramza and company]
KNIGHT: What!?
RAMZA: Protect Agrias!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Agrias]
AGRIAS: Ramza! How is it you are here?
RAMZA: I was hoping sneak into castle from the back to help you and Ovelia.
Why are you here?
AGRIAS: The Cardinal is a traitor! He was allied with Larg from the start! We
tried to escape but the Princess was captured!! I couldn't save her. They're
about to execute her! We must hurry!!
RAMZA: We must deal with these first...
[fighting]
[Once the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: Are you alright, Agrias?
AGRIAS: Yes, I'm alright. The Princess is to be executed at Golgorarda! We
must go there at once!!
RAMZA: I understand. We go there immediately!
[Agrias rejoins party.]
Golgorarda 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 is silent] No? May Ajora keep your soul.
[Footsteps. A knight catches notice.]
LIONEL KNIGHT: ...?! We're under attack!
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: That's far enough! Release the Princess, now!
EXECUTIONER: Ha, ha, ha, ... checkmate, Ramza!
RAMZA: !?
[The executioner pulls off his cloak. It's Gafgarion! The "Princess" pulls
off her disguise, also, to reveal an archer. More enemies arrive.]
GAFGARION: Ever so gullible, m'boy.
RAMZA: Where is the Princess!?
GAFGARION: At the Lionel Castle. Where's the stone?
RAMZA: Stone?
GAFGARION: Play not the fool. The stone stolen from the Cardinal. Hand over
both the stone and the thief.
RAMZA: If you mean to snatch them by force, Gafgarion, do your worse.
GAFGARION: So the boy reckon's he's grown up now, eh? So be it! I shall!
[battle ensues]
GAFGARION: It's not too late to go back! Come back with me to Igros. Dycedarg
says he will forgive your foolishness. This is your opportunity, Ramza, so
wake up!
RAMZA: No! I'll have no part in this crime!
GAFGARION: What crime is there in fulfilling the goals of your family? This
"crime" you speak of is your duty to them, you fool of a Beoulve!
RAMZA: My brothers make war for their own selfish desires! How can you name
that anything but evil?
GAFGARION: The world needs sacrifices sometimes, Ramza. Without sacrifice
there can be no progress, no history. Look at Ivalice, Ramza! Look at depths
to which the kingdom has sunk! Someone must save the land! Your brothers
would do that, even at the cost of this so-called "crime"!
[fighting]
AGRIAS: Ramza, you're a Beoulve??
GAFGARION: You knew not, Agrias? The boy's real name is "Ramza Beoulve."
RAMZA: It is true... But I'm different from my brothers serving Larg, Agrias,
trust me! I knew nothing about the kidnapping, I swear it!
AGRIAS: It makes no difference, Ramza, I trust you!
[fighting]
RAMZA: So what would you have me do, Gafgarion? Watch Ovelia get murdered
and do nothing?
GAFGARION: Forget about Fort Zeakden, boy! It was a cruel fate that Aquilor
duty and the girl's life should cross purposes, but fate nonetheless! It
could not have been helped! By your Beoulve blood, Ramza, you ought to
understand!
RAMZA: _Fate_ killed Teeta? NO!! A shameful lie! We killed her out of
convenience... I've been running from the truth these years past... We
killed... Nay, I killed Teeta...
GAFGARION: This is stupid, Ramza! What matters the death of one girl? Greater
good was at stake!
RAMZA: To deceive and use others, what base manner of good is that? I cannot
use and discard lives as I please for this "greater good". I will not
abandon Ovelia!
GAFGARION: Blast it, you stubborn fool!
[sparring]
AGRIAS: [To Gafgarion] What you plan to do with the princess!?
GAFGARION: My orders are to take Ovelia to Gallione. What Prince Larg has in
mind for her after that is no business of mine!
AGRIAS: Ovelia is not a pawn in this mad game that the Princes play! Does it
not shame you to be a cur of Dycedarg and Larg? Do dignity and honour mean
nothing to you!?
GAFGARION: Ground to dust and abandoned to the wind, long ago...!
[Once Gafgarion is wounded... ]
GAFGARION: Curses, I underestimated you again!...
[Gafgarion disappears.]
[Once the rest of the enemies are defeated...]
RAMZA: We must go to Lionel Castle immediately!
[fade out]
[meanwhile...]
Dungeon of Lionel Castle - [Delita, Ovelia]
[Ovelia sits in a corner of the dungeon, refusing to eat. Her plate is
untouched.]
DELITA: You haven't touched your food? It'll go to waste if you don't eat it.
OVELIA ....
DELITA: No one will mourn your death if you die. On the contrary, many would
be quite pleased. In any event, dying here is not so easy a task. So, be
reasonable. Eat.
OVELIA: ... I should have known you were conspiring with the Cardinal. What
do you intend to do with me? If you are not handing me over to Prince Larg,
what is it you would do?
DELITA: Well, originally, I was to take you to where you belong... That's
all.
OVELIA You would use me as well. Even so, you cannot force me to heed you.
DELITA: You have no choice. This is the only way by which you survive.
OVELIA: What do you mean by that?
DELITA: Well, I...
[Cardinal Delacroix and the knight from Dorter walks in. This is the knight
who hired the thugs to ambush Agrias, Gafgarion and Ramza.]
KNIGHT: This young lady is Ovelia...?
DELACROIX: Well met, your Highness. How are you today? If you'd but behave
yourself a bit, there'd be no need for you to shed lonesome tears in this
forlorn cell.
KNIGHT: Hmm, indeed, your Eminence, she is almost too excellent a substitute
for the Princess.
[Ovelia jerks upright, startled]
DELACROIX: Ho, ho, ho, ... Sir Vormav, she knows nothing.
VORMAV: Is that so? What a pity.
OVELIA: What do you mean... ?
VORMAV: Very well, harken. _You are not Ovelia._
OVELIA: What... ?
VORMAV: The true princess died a long time ago. You are her substitute.
OVELIA: [Ovelia is stunned] You lie!
VORMAV: It is no lie. You are not Princess Ovelia. You are a fabrication
crafted by the lords of the Senate, none of whom think too highly of Queen
Ruvelia. They had intended for you to someday ascend to the throne, in order
to forestall a future in which a bothersome Empress ruled by proxy
through her sons. Their planning was meticulous. They assassinated both of
Ruvelia's princes, but made the deaths to look as though caused by illness.
This paved the way for them to suggest to the King that you be adopted into
the Royal Family. [Ovelia clasps her ears, bent over in anger.] They never
thought that sickly King Omdoria could have sired a third prince, thus you
would have inherited the throne by default. However, Orinas was born... Nay,
I misspoke. To this day, it is uncertain whether Orinas is Omdolia's true
flesh and blood. Prince Larg may have had Ruvelia seeded by another man
so that his royal sister would become Empress. In any case, the plans of the
senators were ruined.
[Ovelia bolts upright, in anger and disbelief]
OVELIA: Lies! Foul lies! I don't believe you!
VORMAV: Believe what you will. It matters little to us if your royal blood is
true or false. All that matters is that we possess a powerful trump card
called "the Princess." It serves us well enough.
OVELIA: What do you intend to do with me? What do you want!?
VORMAV: Nothing. Continue being "the Princess".
OVELIA: Atkascha blood flows in these veins! I take orders from no one!!
Vormav: Well, what would your Highness have us do then? If Larg captures you,
you die. We merely wish to help. In fact, we are going to claim the throne
for you...
OVELIA: Who are you people?...
VORMAV: Neither allies of Larg nor Goltana. You may think of us as...
"helpers".
DELACROIX: Sir Vormav, let our princess cool her head a little. If she
understands the situation too fully, she may refuse our "help".
VORMAV: Hmm, I suppose you're right.
[exit Delacroix]
VORMAV: Delita, we leave now.
[Vormav waits by the door. Delita hesistates for moment, then leaves with
Vormav.]
[fade out]
At the Gate of Lionel Castle - battle [Ramza and company]
[Somehow Ramza has entered the castle, and makes his way up on top of the
castle walls above a gate. The gate is shut.]
RAMZA: [to his party] Wait there. I'll open the gate.
A FAMILIAR VOICE: Not so fast!
[enter Gafgarion, from inside the castle walls]
GAFGARION: Congratulations on sneaking into the castle, but such a shame you
failed to notice the troops in ambush.
[Gafgarion whistles. Enemy forces come from Ramza's party's end.]
RAMZA: Blast!!
GAFGARION: There's only you and me now, Ramza! Draw steel!
[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... I... lost...?
RAMZA: Goodbye, Gafgarion...
[Gafgarion dies.]
RAMZA: Quickly now! We must save the Princess before reinforcements arrive!
[fade out]
Inside of Lionel Castle - battle [Delacroix, Ramza and company]
[Ramza and party stand in a chapel. Cardinal Delacroix he stands behind an
altar at the front.]
DELACROIX: So it seems that the famous Captain Gafgarion was
ultimately a man of empty words... Or perhaps despite his talents, he
finally met his match? Either way, you are truly indeed a scion of House
Beoulve... even if you are a bastard. [Delacroix moves away from the altar,
and down the stairs, standing in front of Ramza.] But you have inconvenienced
me most sorely as of late, and alas, I grow weary. Surrender the stone to me
and you may depart in peace. Should you resist, expect no further mercy from
me...
RAMZA: Where is the Princess?
DELACROIX: How do you intend to rescue her? You, Ramza, who has forsaken name
and family alike: what do you hope to achieve by waging this lonely crusade?
Verily, naught you will reap from your labour. Perhaps you should stop.
However lofty your intentions may be, nothing can be accomplished without
power... And young Beoulve, you are powerless.
RAMZA: Where is the Princess!?
DELACROIX: Her Highness is no longer here. She has left for Zeltennia. She
has chosen our help over yours.
RAMZA: Liar!
DELACROIX: The Princess has begun to think for herself. She would like to
have the Lion Throne in her own right, and was not confident about your
assistance. And so, obviously, she has decided to accept our help. Will you
not join us as well? You could finally subdue your brothers, as I'm sure you
desire to. My allies and I are men concerned about the good of our world
as much as you are, Ramza. Will you not consider?
RAMZA: I am not seeking to change the world! I'm not so arrogant... But I
cannot suffer the ambitions of some to cause grief for others!
DELACROIX: Ho, ho, ho, ho... such foolish talk from you who holds a holy
stone. With the power of stone, you can change not only the world, but the
truth of all things. But, as you do not seem to understand, do allow me to
demonstrate...
[Delacroix takes out a stone. The stone glows and crackles with lightning, a
inhumelike roar descends upon the room, and in a brilliant flash of light,
Delacroix transfroms into a Lucavi.]
CUCHULAINN, THE TAINTED KING: Hohohoho!! How now? Surprised? Now, pleasure me
with your screams, your agony, your anguish as you die... let me hear it all!
[Battle ensues. Once Ramza is wounded]
RAMZA: This... this is madness! This is the power of the stone? But then,
the Cardinal... he was a demon all along?...
CUCHULAINN: Behold the power of the Lucavi, who ruled the world of yore!...
RAMZA: Lucavi!? Who on earth are you!? Where is the real Cardinal!? What
have you done with him!?
CUCHULAINN: Ho, ho, ho, ho... I am Delacroix... or rather say, I was once
Delacroix. But by the power of the stone, I have long ago transcended frail
hume existence... I am a god! And now you meddling humes will die!
[Once Cuchulainn is mortally wounded.]
CUCHULAINN: Im.... possible!... I am immortal... I can't die... not before...
the resurrection...
[Cuchulainn dies. He explodes in brilliant flash of light leaving behind the
zodiac stone Scorpio. A eerie moan briefly fills the room]
[fade out]
[meanwhile...]
Inside of Zeltennia Castle - [Prince Goltana, his court, and Delita]
[Delita enters the Castle, kneeling before Goltana. Four other men stand on
each side, watching silently.]
PRINCE GOLTANA: So, you are the one who saved Ovelia. Your name?
DELITA: I am Delita Hyral of the Knights of the Black Ram, an adjutant of
Baron Grimms. By order of the Baron, I was dispatched in secret to save
Princess Ovelia. I've returned, my mission complete.
MINISTER GELWANN: [to self] Hyral? Never heard of him...
GOLTANA: The Baron died in battle last month in battle against the Lucient
Eye rebels. The Knights of the Black Ram were annihilated.
DELITA: That is why I've returned in such haste.
GOLTANA: How is the Princess?
BISHOP KANBAVERIV: Her Highness is exhausted from the journey here. She
sleeps.
ORLANDU: I hear you've brought a prisoner?
DELITA: Yes, my lord. [Delita stands] Bring him forth!
[a knight brings the prisoner inside the room]
DELITA: [to the prisoner] Why did you kidnap the Princess?
PRISONER: ... We had hoped to frame Prince Goltana for the act to prevent him
from going to Lesalia and taking the regency.
DELITA: Who issued the order? Prince Larg?
PRISONER: ... A noble of Goltana's camp, who would join Larg's camp instead.
[Gelwan steps forward, furious.]
GELWANN: Ridiculous! No servant of my liege would do such a thing! Silence
this lout!
GOLTANA: No need. Listen.
DELITA: Who was it?
PRISONER: ...
DELITA: Talk!
PRISONER: Will you spare my life?
DELITA: I promise you. Now talk! Who was it?
PRISONER: [pausing] Him... Minister Gelwan.
GELWANN: Liar! I know you not!!
DELITA: [to Gelwan] Who bribed you? The Queen?
[GELWANN turns nervously in Delita's direction]
GELWANN: Absurd! I have naught to do with this!
DELITA: Treachery is a grave crime, my lord minister ...
[Delita draws his sword. The room is tense. The knight and prisoner move
back. Orlandu has a hand on the hilt of his sword. Bishop Kanbaveriv steps
away from Gelwann.]
GELWAN: I know nothing!
[Gelwann attempts to run, but Delita cuts him down. He sheaths his sword and
kneels again before Goltana. Orlandu relaxes.]
DELITA: Forgive my audacity my lord, but hear me! We must set forth with the
Knights Austeron! Your enemies in the capital will hold you responsible for
this plot! Before that happens, we must seize the capital with Austeron
swords, depose the Queen and Prince Orinas, and bring her Majesty Ovelia to
the throne!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prince Goltana marched on Lesalia. Accusing Queen Ruvelia of masterminding
the plot to kidnap the princess, Goltana imprisoned the Queen in Fort Bethla
and had Ovelia crowned and seated on the Lion throne. Immediately,
Prince Larg declared to the realm that Prince Orinas was the rightful
successor to the throne, naming himself regent to the young prince. Larg then
sent the Knights of the Northern Skies to Bethla in Orinas' name to free the
Queen. In response, Goltana sent the Knights of the Southern Skies in
Ovelia's name to defend the fortress.
Thus began the Lion War, as future generations would know come to call it...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---5.4 CHAPTER 3---
[meanwhile . . .]
Fort Bethla [Goltana, Orlandu, and other men]
[The men sit at a table, discussing the current events.]
BARON BOLMINAR: As of yesterday, we count 20,000 dead amongst on our side.
Between both our armies, perhaps 40,000 dead. Other casualties total over
200,000 amongst our troops alone.
MARQUIS ELMDOR: Neither are casualties our sole problem. Our provisions grows
short, as anticipated. It is the recent drought. The crops have shriveled in
the field, and so our tax revenues wither too. Our granaries currently store
less than half their normal volumes.
VISCOUNT BLANSH: Larg has met with the same dilemma as well, though the means
be different. Heavy rains assailed Gallione just before the harvest. Much of
the crop rotted away in the damp.
COUNT ORLANDU: A graver problem still is the number of commonfolk displaced
by the war. Orlan estimates that over a hundred thousand refugees have gone
to Lesalia.
BLANSH: Ha, ha, ha, excellent! And so the Aquilor famine worsens by a hundred
thousand mouths.
ORLANDU: This is no laughing matter! The war escalates, and the same may yet
happen here. Refugees will soon arrive at our gates in droves! My lord, may
we not pursue peace with Larg?
GOLTANA: Sirs, these are dire concerns you've put forth, and I note them.
But we cannot afford to stop the war. Increase taxes by 30%. Keep strict
watch on the the price of grain on the market, and let none trade it at
grossly inflated prices. Likewise, monitor closely the number of refugees
entering Limberry.
ORLANDU: Larg suffers the same as us, my lord. Peace is still open to us.
GOLTANA: Nay, Cid. There will be no peace with Larg.
ORLANDU: [rising from his seat in anger and frustation] Ivalice is naught
without the commonfolk! We lords are nothing without the commonfolk! But
amidst their hardship, we would increase the tax!? And not just the
commonfolk suffer; our soliders on the front lines starve as well! It is
impossible for us to continue this war; we have resources for neither body
nor spirit...
GOLTANA: We speak of the spirit now? Tell me Cid, have you, of all people,
lost your nerve?
ORLANDU: In the Fifty Years' War, I fought to protect Ivalice. My enemy was
the Ordallian invader, and my cause bore honour.
GOLTANA: Do you say, then, that our current cause does not? That it is
hypocrisy? Hard times demand hard measures. Understand that our fight is for
the people of Ivalice! We cannot stop until we have relieved then from the
tyranny of a decrepit Royal Family.
BLANSH: My lord speaks true. Victory will be soon ours. "Thunderlord Cid"
proposes the unthinkable.
ORLANDU: Soon? Wherefore this optimism? What aspect of our situation
suggests that we will win soon? Dare I ask how thick the wool over your
eyes, Lord Blansh?
[Blansh rises from his seat, furious]
BLANSH: Do you mock me, Orlandu!?
GOLTANA: Silence!! That was a mistake, Cid; further insolence will not pass
unpunished!
[Both Orlandu and Blansh sit back down.]
ORLANDU: ...
GOLTANA: I'll not repeat this: if any amongst you disagree with my plans,
leave now! Is that clear, Cidolfas!?
CHAPTER THREE: THE VALIANT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delita said to me that he intends to "swim against the tide". And indeed, a
tide of conflict and chaos seems fated to engulf us all, but could I, too,
swim against it? I head now for Lesalia, to tell my brother Zalbag of they
who manipulate this war from the shadows...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goland, the Coal City - battle [a man]
[The man runs on the roof a building, fleeing pursuers. Another man is
calling from inside a building, searching for him.]
SHOUTS: Where's he! Where did he run!? [The man jumps down to another
building.] Up there! On the roof!!
[A building door opens, and a thief and other enemies enter.]
ORLAN: Surrounded...
[Another thief stumbles onto the scene.]
THIEF: Don't know who who you are, but 'twas a mistake entering our den.
ORLAN: Well, I'd be much obliged if you could put up a sign of some sort in
the future! Something like "CAUTION: Nest of Thieves".
THIEF: Ha, ha, ha! That's enough blabber from a dead man.
[enter Ramza and company]
RAMZA: Something bad is happening here...
THIEF: So many visitors today... ah hell, kill them all!
[battle ensues, with the party protecting Orlan]
[Once the enemies are defeated... ]
RAMZA: [to Orlan] Are you all right?
ORLAN: Thank you for your assistance. My name is Orlan Durai. And you are?
RAMZA: Ramza Beoulve.
ORLAN: !!
RAMZA: Is something wrong?
ORLAN: No, nothing at all... If I may, where do you and your companions go
RAMZA: We travel to Lesalia. If you go the same way, we can escort you until
we reach the capital.
ORLAN: Regretfully, I'm headed in the opposite direction. Thank you for your
offer, though.
RAMZA: I see. Well then, take care on the road, friend.
ORLAN: Safe journey to you too. [Orlan extends his hand, and the two shake
hands. As Orlan departs, he pauses and turns around.] I should like to meet
you again in the future, Ramza. Don't die before then.
RAMZA: Oh, uh,... yes, of course.
[exit Orlan]
[fade out]
Lesalia, the Royal Capital - [Ramza, Zalbag]
[Zalbag sits at a table in a study, paging through a book. Ramza stands,
watching his brother. Zalbag doesn't look up from his book.]
ZALBAG: Something the matter? Will you not be seated? [Zalbag looks at Ramza
briefly.] I'm surprised that you've come to Lesalia. Alma is here too. I'm
sure she'd like to see you.
[Zalbag goes back to his book.]
RAMZA: Zalbag...
ZALBAG: Yes?
RAMZA: We must stop the war.
ZALBAG: Don't be ridiculous.
[Ramza approaches the table.]
RAMZA: What purpose does this war serve? Beoulves have always fought to
protect the Royal Family and the people of Ivalice, but now, we fight to
advance our own self-interests...
ZALBAG: What?... How do you mean?
RAMZA: Zalbag, this whole war is someone else's conspiracy. Even Prince Larg
and Prince Goltana are puppets in their plot!
[Zalbag looks up from his book.]
ZALBAG: Someone is manipulating Larg and Goltana?...
[Ramza lowers his head.]
RAMZA: I know very little myself. But what I do know is that Dycedarg staged
the kidnapping of Princess Ovelia. He tried to assassinate her and have
Prince Goltana framed for the crime. Had Ovelia died, that would have given
Larg an excuse to persecute Goltana on charge of treason.
[Zalbag stands.]
ZALBAG: Dycedarg planned the kidnapping!? Ramza, you accuse our own brother
of conjuring such a mad scheme!?
[Ramza backs away.]
RAMZA: Zalbag... you knew nothing?
ZALBAG: [Zalbag is furious] How can you mistrust your own blood? Away with
you, go back to Igros! I'll not suffer the likes of you here.
RAMZA: Zalbag, you must believe me!
ZALBAG: And waste my trust on a callow rogue? Though we share not the same
womb, I've tolerated you these many years for our common sire. But base blood
is base blood, it appears. You are unworthy of the Beoulve name.
RAMZA: [stung] Lord brother...
[enter a knight]
[The knight scurries into the library hurriedly.]
AQUILOR KNIGHT: [to Zalbag] General Zalbag, sir! We've received word that
Thunderlord Cid and his troops have broken through Dougula Pass!
[Both Ramza and Zalbag turn to the knight.]
ZALBAG: What!? I thought they were stationed at Bethla? Assemble the officers
immediately! I'll be there shortly!
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'm no good at farewells...
[Alma lowers her head.]
ALMA: You won't be back, will you?
[Ramza looks away.]
RAMZA: Delita is alive.
ALMA: He survived Jeakden?...
RAMZA: Delita was one of Princess Ovelia's kidnappers.
ALMA: What?
RAMZA: At first I thought that he had joined Goltana's ranks to take
vengeance upon us, but he seems to be party to another group in this war. It
seems that it was Delita's unseen masters who decided to prevent
Ovelia's assassination.
ALMA: Is it true Dycedarg planned the kidnapping?
[Ramza turns to Alma.]
RAMZA: Yes. I'm sure he had his reasons, but they are beyond my ken.
ALMA: So Teeta... Is Teeta...?
RAMZA: Yes... [Alma sobs quietly.] I do not know this invisible group with
whom Delita is involved, Alma, but they are dangerous beyond question. They
manipulate the war from the shadows, to fulfil one vicious desire or another.
[Alma regains her composure.]
ALMA: Is Delita pa