TACTICS OGRE GAIDEN: THE KNIGHT OF LODIS
Game Script
Transcribed by Shotgunnova (P. Summers)
shotgunnova (at) gmail (dot) com

-------------------
Authorization Notice:
-------------------

This guide may not be reproduced, hosted, or edited without 
express written permission from the author. Failure to comply 
with this notice is a direct violation of copyright laws. The
following sites can use this document:

GameFAQs                       www.gamefaqs.com
SuperCheats                 www.supercheats.com

If I've given you permission but haven't added you here, drop
me a line.

----------------------
Notes about the Script
----------------------

-Multiple text boxes are converged into one string of spoken 
 dialogue. Meaning that, if Rictor were to say five text boxes worth
 of information consecutively, in this script, it would be merged
 into one single block.

-Narration is set of by “and” signs (@)

-Descriptions and segways that I have placed in for clarification
 reasons are surrounded by brackets.

######################################################################
#                                                                    #
# TABLE OF CONTENTS -- CHAPTER ONE                                   #
# --------------------------------                                   #
#                                                                    #
# New Game to Church in Solea                                    1.1 #
# Scabellum                                                      1.2 #
# Vespa                                                          1.3 #
# Formido                                                        1.4 #
# Ardea                                                          1.5 #
# Urodela                                                        1.6 #
#                                                                    #
# PATH A                                                             #
# ------                                                             #
#                                                                    #
# Bison                                                          1.7 #
# Arena                                                          1.8 #
# Rana                                                           1.9 #
# Urodela Revisited                                              2.0 #
# Solea Revisited                                                2.1 #
# Aquila                                                         2.2 #
#                                                                    #
# PATH B                                                             #
# ------                                                             #
#                                                                    #
# Solea                                                          2.3 #
# Sufrir                                                         2.4 #
# Arena                                                          2.5 #
# Rana                                                           2.6 #
# Urodela Revisited                                              2.7 #
# Solea Revisited                                                2.8 #
# Aquila                                                         2.9 #
#                                                                    #
######################################################################
#                                                                    #
# TABLE OF CONTENTS -- CHAPTER TWO                                   #
# --------------------------------                                   #
#                                                                    #
# Formido                                                        3.0 #
# Vespa Revisited                                                3.1 #
# Gryllus                                                        3.2 #
# Belleza                                                        3.3 #
# Blete                                                          3.4 #
# Naja                                                           3.5 #
# Sotavento                                                      3.6 #
# Haena                                                          3.7 #
# Ostorea                                                        3.8 #
#        1. Ostorea West                                         3.9 #
#        2. Ostorea South                                        4.0 #
#        3. Throne Room                                          4.1 #
#        4. Crypt                                                4.2 #
#                                                                    #
# PATH B                                                             #
# ------                                                             #
#                                                                    #
# Formido                                                        4.3 #
# Vespa Revisited                                                4.4 #
# Belleza                                                        4.5 #
# Gryllus                                                        4.6 #
# Blete                                                          4.7 #
# Naja                                                           4.8 #
# Sotavento                                                      4.9 #
# Haena                                                          5.0 #
# Ostorea                                                        5.1 #
#        1. Ostorea West                                         5.2 #
#        2. Ostorea South                                        5.3 #
#        3. Throne Room                                          5.4 #
#        4. Crypt                                                5.5 #
#                                                                    #
######################################################################
#                                                                    #
# TABLE OF CONTENTS -- CHAPTER THREE                                 #
# ----------------------------------                                 #
#                                                                    #
# PATH A                                                             #
# ------                                                             #
#                                                                    #
# Ostorea Castle                                                 5.6 #
# Rebanada                                                       5.7 #
# Harmonia                                                       5.8 #
# Charadrius                                                     5.9 #
# Angel's Headstone                                              6.0 #
#                  1. Angel's Headstone (Initial)                6.0 #
#                  2. Hall of Corruption                         6.1 #
#                  3. Garden of Memories                         6.2 #
#                  4. Hall of Conviction                         6.3 #
#                                                                    #
# PATH B                                                             #
# ------                                                             #
#                                                                    #
# Ostorea Castle                                                 6.4 #
# Rebanada                                                       6.5 #
# Harmonia                                                       6.6 #
# Charadrius                                                     6.7 #
# Angel's Headstone                                              6.8 #
#                   1. Angel's Headstone (Initial)               6.8 #
#                   2. Hall of Corruption                        6.9 #
#                   3. Garden of Memories                        7.0 #
#                   4. Hall of Conviction                        7.1 #
#                                                                    #
######################################################################
#                                                                    #
# ENDING LIST                                                        #
# -----------                                                        #
#                                                                    #
# A  Ending                                                      7.2 #
# B  Ending                                                      7.3 #
# C  Ending                                                      7.4 #
# D  Ending                                                      7.5 #
# Bad Ending                                                     7.6 #
# Secret Ending                                                  7.7 #
#                                                                    #
######################################################################
#                                                                    #
# MISCELLANY                                                         #
# ----------                                                         #
#                                                                    #
# Quest Mode Boss Quotes                                         7.8 #
# Optional Character -- Saia                                     7.9 #
# Optional Character -- Lobelia                                  8.0 #
# Optional Character -- Glycinia                                 8.1 #
# Optional Character -- Lubina                                   8.2 #
# Special Scene in Solea                                         8.3 #
# Scene in Rana, I                                               8.4 #
# Scene in Rana, II                                              8.5 #
# Town Descriptions                                              8.6 #
# Updates                                                        8.7 #
# Contribution Credits                                           8.8 #
# Future Updates 'N' Stuff                                       8.9 #
#                                                                    #
######################################################################

 
/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                    New Game to Church in Solea                    |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.1   /
                                                           \_______/


[After starting a new game, the streets of a city come up, with two
young men walking through a marketplace.]

Well Dressed Young Man: “Well then, did your mother make a fuss over
                        you?”

Dark Haired Knight: “I don’t have time for that, Rictor. I’m more
                    concerned with my new family name...When I heard
                    the name “Loeher” it just doesn’t sound right. 
                    I’d rather it hadn’t changed at all.”

Young Man Named Rictor: “Come on, don’t be so cold. Once our ship
                        departs, you won’t be able to see her for
                        awhile.”

Dark Haired Knight: “We’re finally leaving...It’ll be my first time
                    abroad.”

Rictor: “It sounds like you think this’ll be a vacation! I’m not sure
        you realize what we’re getting ourselves into.”

Dark-Haired Knight: “Excuse me, Commander Lasanti.”

Rictor: “Was that supposed to be sarcastic? This may be my first time
        commanding...but I am expecting a lot from you.”


Dark-Haired Knight: “Count on me, Sir.”

[The two are standing in the bazaar. A woman speaks to them.]

Mysterious Woman: “Hello, would you like to have your fortune told?”

Rictor: “We don’t have time for that. We set sail early tomorrow.”

Dark-Haired Knight: “......”

Rictor: “What’s wrong with you today? Why the sudden interest in 
        fortune telling? Well, do as you like. I’m heading back. You
        better return soon, too.”

Dark-Haired Knight: “Yes, I know.”

[Rictor leaves up some steps. The Dark-Haired Knight goes and stands by
the fortune teller.]


Fortune Teller: “Everyone seeks hints about their future, even if 
                those hints influence their path. Welcome. Please enter
                your name and date of birth.”

[The player then puts in the name they choose and the name of birth
they want. The dark-haired knight’s default name is Alphonse, and it
will be as such in this script]

Fortune Teller: Six paths determine your path in life, whispering in this
                recesses of your mind...They take form and scream out, “Let
                it begin!”

[The focus turns to the crystal ball.]

The Bearer asks: Bear which burden?
                                 R1 --> resolve
                                 R2 --> truth
                                 R3 --> sacrifice
                                 R4 --> affection

The Wanderer asks: Walk which path?
                                 R1 --> belief
                                 R2 --> freedom
                                 R3 --> wealth
                                 R4 --> longevity

The Builder asks: Design which plan?
                                  R1 --> strife
                                  R2 --> wisdom
                                  R3 --> hatred
                                  R4 --> prosperity

The Sage asks: Swear which oath?
                              R1 --> purity
                              R2 --> revenge
                              R3 --> victory
                              R4 --> fruition

The Leader asks: Share which vision?
                                  R1 --> sadness
                                  R2 --> mercy
                                  R3 --> bliss
                                  R4 --> terror

The Almighty asks: Shape which future?
                                    R1 --> glory
                                    R2 --> peace
                                    R3 --> change
                                    R4 --> control

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
A new day dawns, as roots dig deep into the earth and water flows 
from its source...

Many years ago, the Lodis Empire began its imposition of Lodisism. 
Troops from Galius advanced into the regions that resisted. It was 
more of an invasion than a reformation. Many conflicts erupted as 
these territories were conquered. But, some countries submitted and
accepted Lodis’ conditions. Although supervised by Lodis, they were
able to maintain autonomy. The empire also pledged support if 
problems were to arise. Some rulers chose to surrender to avoid
pointless sacrifice. It was no surprise that they made that 
decision...although that did not stop small conflicts from occurring.
However, compared to the rest of the era, it was a time of peace.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

[Nightfall. A ship has anchored and is using a piece of wood as a
gangway to the land. The Dark-Haired Knight (Alphonse, which is his 
default name) is standing on the deck. Rictor appears from out of the
storm and walks back on the boat.]

Alphonse: “Rictor! We won’t make it to the island like this. The ship
          can be repaired but it may take a while.”

Rictor: “How about the captain?”

Alphonse: “He said we should wait for the storm to settle first.”

Rictor: “Well, I guess there’s nothing we can do in a situation 
        like this. I didn’t think the stormy season would come so 
        soon. Our ship has been drifting for so long that I haven’t a
        clue where we are. We should be thankful that the ship didn’t
        sink.”

Soldier: “Commander!”

[A soldier appears and runs to Rictor.]

Soldier: “We’re being attacked! We have no idea who they are or what
         they want!”


Alphonse: “No way!... At a time like this!?”

[Rictor, Alphonse, and the soldier run into battle. A helmeted 
barbarian of a man stands atop a hill, surrounded by a small following 
of soldiers. The barbarian speaks first.]

Stan: “Hehehe. That crest, those clothes...You must be from Lodis! I’m
      sorry but we can’t let you land on this island. Die here!!!”

Rictor: “Who are you? What do you want with us?”

Stan: “We’re hired men. We were told to give the knights from Lodis a 
      warm welcome!”

Rictor: “Don’t worry about them all. Just defeat the leader!”

[The team makes quick work of the bandits.]

Alphonse: “Looks like there’s someone who doesn’t want us here...”

Rictor: “Our presence was requested by the people of Anser. It must be
        forces from the North that attacked us.”

Alphonse: “Anser is in the South and Rananculus in the North. Is the 
          conflict between the two really that bad?”

Rictor: “It’s more than a conflict. There’s a sizeable forest that 
        separates them. Winter snows block both land and sea routes. 
        They’ve not associated with each other for hundreds of years.

Alphonse: “And then, unexpectedly, soldiers from the North crossed 
          the border...What is your father, the Duke of Felis, saying 
          about this?”

Rictor: “To be honest, he doesn’t seem very concerned. It’s happened
        several times before, but he ignored the situation. This
        time, at the people’s request, he finally decided to do
        something.”

Alphonse: “I see. When I received these orders, I was surprised by
          how small our force was and that most of the knights were           
          inexperienced, like me.”

Rictor: “My father didn’t want to go to the trouble of sending, so he
        sent me to take care of things instead. Are you worried?

Alphonse: “Not really...just curious.”

Rictor: “Well, if we need more soldiers we can just hire some. It’s
        cheaper than sending reinforcements by ship. Since my father
        became the Duke, he’s been very stingy. I don’t have much
        admiration for him.”

Alphonse: “Will you eventually go to Galius to become a priest of
          the Church of Lodis?”

Rictor: “I don’t know anymore. My father wants me to inherit his
        position as Duke of Felis so that he can hold the reins of
        power even in retirement.”

Alphonse: “By the way, didn’t you say that you’ve visited Ovis 
          before?”

Rictor: “I was only a child. I can barely remember.”

[Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a bandit appears. He draws a crossbow
and points it at Rictor.]

Alphonse: “Watch out!”

[Alphonse pushes Rictor out of the way, shielding him from the blow.
However, in his rush to protect his friend, Alphonse takes the arrow
in his chest and falls into the water, disappearing in the waves.]

Hidden Enemy: “Damn! That soldier got in the way...”

[One of Rictor’s forces sneaks up behind the enemy and kills him with
a sword swipe. The other forces gather around Rictor.]

Rictor: “Find him!”

[The troops stand at the waterline, yelling for Alphonse.]

Rictor: “Alphonse!”

[Cut to a church near a beach. A young girl walks out and walks out
on a stroll. When she gets down there, she sees the dark-haired 
knight lying unconscious on the beach. She kneels beside him and 
puts him to bed inside the church. Eventually, he comes to.]

Alphonse: “Where am I...?”

Girl: “Keep still. How do you feel?”

Alphonse: “Well...not too bad.”

Girl: “...Good. You’ve been asleep from a long time...This is a
      church in Solea. You were washed up on the beach outside.”

Alphonse: “Did you save me...? Miss...?”

Girl: “My name is Eleanor. I’m not a nun, but I am helping the priest 
      of this church. A...Are you from Lodis?”

Alphonse: “I am a knight of Felis. ...My name’s Alphonse, Alphonse
          Loeher. We were headed for this island by ship, but a storm
          hit and we lost our way. With our ship in shambles, we were
          attacked by pirates.”

Girl: “Did you fall overboard?”

Alphonse: “Something like that. I’m not much of a swimmer.”

Eleanor: (giggle) “Maybe a mermaid saved you. There aren’t many left,
         but some still live around here.”

Alphonse: “Mermaid? A woman with a fish’s tail?”

Eleanor: “It was a long time ago, but once I saw a beautiful mermaid.
         Her whole body was shining in gold...”

[A woman walks in to the room.]

Softspoken Woman: “Looks like you have almost fully recovered.”

Alphonse: “Who are you?”

Softspoken Woman: “My name is Ivanna. I was once a soldier of 
                  Rananculus, but now I am on my own. Eleanor, may I
                  speak with him a little?”

Eleanor: “Of course.”

Alphonse: “You said that you were a soldier of Rananculus? Was that 
          with the northern White Fang Troops, the cause of this
          island’s troubles?”

Ivanna: “That’s right, but that was nearly 10 years ago. Eleanor told
        me about what happened to you. I wanted to speak with you. 
        Felis...The Order of the Sacred Flame...You were sent here by
        Lodis at the request of Anser?”

Alphonse: “......”

Ivanna: “I’ve heard that, in Scabellum, there’s a group of knights in
        unfamiliar armor. Are they comrades of yours?”

Alphonse: “Hmm...”

Ivanna: “There are no organized troops in the South, and their accent
        and manners are different. Rumors spread quickly.”

Alphonse: “We were separated by the storm. If this is true, then I 
          must contact them.”

Ivanna: “I have some errands to take care of in Scabellum, so I’ll go
        with you. I’ll come again tomorrow. See you then.”

[Ivanna nods to Eleanor and leaves.]

Eleanor: “I’m glad you found out where your comrades are.”

Alphonse: “I appreciate your kindness. I will leave here tomorrow
          afternoon. Thank you.”

Eleanor: “...You’re welcome.”

[Somewhere else in the church, someone yells for Eleanor.]

Boisterous Man: “Eleanor? Where are you? ...Eleanor!”

Eleanor: “Father Hamen’s calling me. I have to go.”

Alphonse: “Father Hamen?”

Eleanor: “He’s the priest here...and my foster father. Ah...I’m 
         coming!”

[Eleanor runs out. The scene ends and the world map opens up, showing
the new town of Scabellum on the map. That is the destination.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                            Scabellum                              |        
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.2   /
                                                           \_______/

[Ivanna and Alphonse arrive at the town, which is deserted. Not a 
soul roams the streets.]

Alphonse: “So quiet...It doesn’t seem like a port city.”

Ivanna: “Since the White Fang troops arrived, the people in the towns
        around here have been more cautious. This port used to be
        bustling with activity...”

[Alphonse turns to a house nearby.]

Alphonse: “Who’s there?”

[A woman in robes and two soldiers come into view. The woman speaks
first.]

Mullin: “How rude to ask questions without first introducing
        yourself!”

[Ivanna talks quietly to Alphonse.]

Ivanna: “The woman in the middle looks like a knight of Rananculus.
        They’ve already filtered into this town. We may have no
        choice but to fight them.”

Alphonse: “She’s...from Rananculus...?”

Ivanna: “I’d guess from her attire that she’s a spellcaster.
        Alphonse, be mindful of the elements. You know about the
        four natural forces that protect us, right?”

Alphonse: A: “What’s an element?”
          B: “Of course I know!”

Alphonse (A): “Element? What’s that, Ivanna?”

Ivanna: “Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. These are the forces of
        nature. Elements play an important role in battle. For
        example, if characters with opposite elements, such as wind
        VS earth or fire VS water, fight, they can each deal heavy
        damage to their opponent. They can also receive heavy damage
        when counterattacked.

Alphonse (B): “Of course I know! Let’s go!”

Mullin: “How annoying. If you get in our way, we’ll kill you.”

[They fight for awhile until Mullin starts to aim a spell at
Alphonse.]

Ivanna: Alphonse, the enemy’s going to use a spell. A spell that is
        the same element as the caster can be very powerful, so be
        careful.

[After a bit more fighting, Alphonse gives a sigh of resignation.]

Alphonse: “They’re too much for us! We’ve got to do something!”

Familiar Voice: “Alphonse!!!”

[Rictor and another man enter into the battlefield.]

Rictor: “I’m glad that you’re safe!”

Alphonse: “And you as well!

Rictor: “We’ll celebrate our reunion after we deal with these
        rogues.”

[If Alphonse levels up in the battle:]

Narrative: Characters’ abilities increase as their levels go up. Some
           characters can change class as they go up in levels.
           Special emblems and skills can also be learned.

[If an emblem is gained--enemy or otherwise--a message will appear
on the screen:]

Narrative: By meeting set requirements, characters can earn emblems.
           Emblems can be necessary for changing class, but they can
           also make nice mementos. The emblems characters can earn
           depend on their sex and race. More info can be obtained in
           the character status screens.

[With the help of Rictor and the archer, Orson, they defeat all the
lackeys and give Mullin a fatal wound.]

Mullin: “...I guess this is it for me...”

[Afterwards, Rictor and Alphonse meet in a house to discuss their
game plan and to catch up on each other’s stories.]

Rictor: “After we were attacked, we boarded a small craft and came to
        this port, where we spoke to the mayor. The townspeople have
        been willing to provide information, but not money or
        soldiers.”

Alphonse: “Are they too cowardly to protect themselves?”

Rictor: “They take our protection for granted. Since the island was
        subjugated by the Holy Lodis Empire, Ovis has fallen under
        the jurisdiction of Felis.”

Alphonse: “I’ve heard that some towns still have a grudge against
          Lodis because of the Reformation.”

Rictor: “Things probably won’t go very smoothly even though this is
        Lodis’ territory, but it’s also true that Southerners want
        nothing to do with Rananculus.”

Alphonse: “They dislike both us and the people of the North.”

Rictor: “As for the task at hand...Our mission is to investigate and
        resolve the conflict here. According to our information, the
        number of foreign soldiers and pirates has increased over the
        last year or two. We also heard that pirates were spotted
        here a few days ago, so we hid and waited for their return.
        Then you showed up.”

Alphonse: “The White Fang Troops are under the direct order of the
          Lord of Rananculus. He must have some hand in the current
          problems...”

Rictor: “The Batraals...They’ve ruled Rananculus for generations. The
        current lord is Naris. Before inheriting that title, he was
        the head knight of the White Fang Troops.”

Alphonse: “I doubt this is merely a show of power...So, have you
          discovered their intentions?”

Rictor: “No. I’m not certain of anything yet. They’ve been acting in
        small groups. Their leader’s a knight, but the rest seem to
        be disorderly fellows, maybe bandits. Oddly enough, they’ve
        made no demands, they’ve just been excavating ruins and
        collecting old books.”

Alphonse: “Well, I doubt they’re here merely as historians. What do
          you estimate their numbers to be?”

Rictor: “We know little about their strength or true objective, but
        we do know that the troops which are causing the recent
        problems are stationed by the ruins southeast of Naja. Their
        leader is Nichart Briffaut, a knight of Rananculus.”

Alphonse: “Will you attack them head on?”

Rictor: “No, if we attack them directly, the enemy will have the
        advantage because they’re more familiar with this area.
        Therefore, my plan is to attack them from the flanks. That
        way, they’ll have their backs to the ocean. I’ll go through
        the forest, and you’ll cross Vespa Hill and attack from the
        west.”

Alphonse: “But, we are too few to divide in half.”

[Rictor rummages in his pockets.]

Rictor: “Take this.”

[He gives Alphonse 3500 Goth.]

Rictor: “Prepare your troops using these campaign funds. Enter the
        ruins while we lure their main force out. Capture their
        leader and find out their purpose.”

Alphonse: “Alright.”

[The scene ends and the world map opens up and the trail to Vespa
shows itself. A message is displayed, also:]

Narrative: Now you can use the “Organize,” “Training,” and “Shop”
           commands. Press the R Button to display these commands.
           The commands available to you depend on the situation.
           Also, random battles may start on the way to your
           destination. Always be prepared and make sure your troops
           are well-organized.

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                              Vespa                                |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.3   /
                                                           \_______/

[The party rides out to Vespa Hill. There, a young woman stands with
a team of bandits and soldiers, waiting for them. The woman, who is
also the leader, speaks.]

Cressida: “I never expected to meet a knight of Lodis! I will never
          forgive you for all that I lost 15 years ago. You burned
          down my town and killed my parents!!! Thankfully, I’ve
          acquired the skills of a soldier.”

Alphonse: “I understand that it’s hard for you, but that was a long
          time ago...”

Cressida: “It’s long forgotten for the victor, but we still endure
          the painful memories...Words can’t describe it. Does
          everyone in Lodis think as you do? Knowing your ancestors’
          merciless deeds, don’t you feel any remorse? And to repeat
          the same mistakes again? The teachings of Lodis are said to
          be sacred, but in the end they are simply the
          rationalizations of the subjugator.”

[Alphonse’s party members come to the battlefield.]

Cressida: “Mother, Father...Give me strength. I will avenge you!!!”

[The battle starts and a message pops up.]

Narrative: Since you will be in control of your characters, develop
           their unique strengths to help you clear stages. When
           characters die, revive them with items or spells. If you
           leave them dead and clear the stage, they will be lost
           forever.

[After a few turns, Ivanna calls out to Alphonse.]

Ivanna: Alphonse, fighting is not the only way. One strategy is to
        persuade enemies to join your troops. But, don’t assume
        everyone will be persuaded. Foes with high HP usually won’t
        listen. Furthermore, some of your characters may be more
        persuasive than others.”

[Both sides fight valiantly, but the superiorly-trained knights of
Alphonse clear the field. Cressida kneels as she sees the light at
the end of the tunnel.]

Cressida: “Never forget...You can fool yourself with your
          rationalizations, but eventually you’ll suffer the
          consequences. Oh...Mother...Father...”

[Later that night, the party has set up camp. Alphonse sits around
the campfire, and soon Ivanna joins him.]

Ivanna: “Alphonse, I have something to tell you. I told you that I
        used to be in the White Fang Troops. Their size doesn’t
        compare to the troops of Lodis, but they were the personal
        troops of the Lord of Rananculus.”

Alphonse: “I heard that the Batraal Family gained their power during
          the early settlement of Ovis.”

Ivanna: “Now they rule the northern region. They are the descendants
        of the colonists who left Galicia 400 years ago and settled
        in Rananculus with other foreigners. The troops were formed
        to defend against the wild beasts and demi-humans of the
        frontier, and to cultivate the land.”

Alphonse: “Why did you leave? Do you know anything about the current
          conflict?”

Ivanna: “I left to uncover the truth about my father’s death...and to
        avenge him. I am Ivanna Batraal, daughter of the former Lord
        of Rananculus.”

Alphonse: “Batraal?”

Ivanna: “My uncle, Naris, became lord after my father died of illness
        15 years ago.”

Alphonse: “15 years ago...the year of the Reformation. The island
          became the territory of the Holy Lodis Empire and was
          placed under the rule of Felis...”

Ivanna: “That’s correct. The Order of the Sacred Flame was sent to
        represent Felis. Southern Ovis refused to accept Lodisism, so
        the military forced them to convert. But in Rananculus, my
        father signed a peace treaty with their leader, and we were
        able to avoid a conflict. My father died late that year. My
        mother told me it was a heart-attack, and I believed her at
        first. However, a few years later, I heard a rumor that he
        was killed by my uncle.”

Alphonse: “Wait. Wasn’t the leader of those troops at that time...
          Bernard Lasanti, current Duke of Felis? Does your uncle
          still have contact with Felis?”

Ivanna: “I don’t know, but my uncle was strongly against the treaty.
        He excelled in the use of both the pen and the sword. My
        father, however, was quiet and always ill. But my father was
        lord and heir. My uncle may have been jealous of my father,
        who stood to inherit everything. Alphonse, I want to know the
        truth of my father’s death and to confront my uncle. Please,
        may I accompany you? My uncle must be behind all this,
        pursuing some ulterior motive.”

Alphonse: A: “Yes. Let’s go together.”
          B: “I’m sorry, but...”

Alphonse (A): “Yes. Let’s go together. It’s encouraging to have you
              fight alongside us. I know little of this island. Your
              help would be greatly appreciated.”

Ivanna: “If my uncle had found out that I suspected him, the lives of
        my mother and sister would’ve been in danger. So with the
        help of my sword instructor, who had taken care of me since I
        was small, I left the troops and hid here.

Alphonse (B): “I’m sorry, but...our mission and avenging your
              father’s death are two different things. I can’t
              guarantee that we’d stay together, anyway. Please
              seek assistance elsewhere.”

Ivanna: “I understand. I guess an alliance between us wasn’t meant to
        be. I’ll leave here tomorrow morning. Take care of yourself.”

[Regardless of whether you invite Ivanna to stay or cast her out, the
next spot on the map opens up to the far northeast of Anser.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                            Formido                                |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.4   /
                                                           \_______/

[After moving to Formido, a scene takes concurrently. A large wall of
a fortress is guarded by a few soldiers and a knight survey the area.
A small portcullis opens up and a man in dark armor walks out. He
walks over to the knight.]

Imposing Knight: “The knights of Lodis will come to Formido soon.”

[The knight that had been there turns to him.]

Grimal: “The ones sent from Felis at the request of the South?”

Imposing Knight: “I hired pirates to attack them, but some survived
                 and made it ashore. Grimal, use the troops stationed
                 here to protect this fortress.”

Grimal: “Yes, sir...But how about you, Commander Briffaut?”

Nichart: “That young lass’s calling me. She’ll be mad if I don’t come
         soon. According to my sources, the leader of Lodis’ troops
         is only 15 years old. They’re making fools of us!”

[Alphonse arrives at the bottom of the fortress.]

Alphonse: “You must be the White Fang Troops. Abandon this fortress
          and withdraw to Naja immediately. Otherwise...”

Grimal: “Commander Briffaut, look!”

Nichart: “They’re here already? Much earlier than I anticipated! This
         fortress is critical to movement in the South. It’s up to
         you, Grimal!!!”

[Nichart turns to the door.]

Alphonse: “Are you running away? Don’t you have any guts?!”

Nichart: “Shut up, kid. I have no time for you. Remember, I’m Nichart
         Briffaut, the leader of the White Fang Troops.”

[He leaves through the way he came. More troops for Grimal come out
of the open door to assist Grimal. Alphonse’s troops come to his
aid as well.]

Grimal: “Ha! Is there a shortage of soldiers in Lodis? A kid like you
        is the leader? Luck’s been on your side so far, but that ends
        here!”

[The battle starts. If someone finds a hidden treasure buried under
the soil, they’ll get the following message (this can be gotten
earlier, too):]

Narrative: Hidden treasures can be found by landing directly on the
           panels where they are located. These items can also be
           revealed by burning fields or melting snow.

[Alphonse’s troops battle it out up the stairs to Grimal, swathing a
path through the soldiers who approach. They finally head to Grimal
and cut him down as well.]

Grimal: “Curse you, kid...”

[For battle spoils, the party gets a book called the Numida
Chronology. A message pops up at the acquisition:]

Narrative: Each text you acquire will open a new area in Quest Mode
           where you can explore/earn treasure.

[The party waits before entering the fortress’s interior.]

Alphonse: “Ivanna, do you know him?”

Ivanna: “No. I don’t recognize him. Maybe he joined after I left.”

Alphonse: “But, what happened to Rictor? Well...we have no choice.
          We’re going in.”

[Alphonse enters into the fortress and comes to a room. Chairs and
papers are scattered all over, like someone left only moments
before.]

Alphonse: “They’re all gone...”

[He hears someone in the doorway.]

Alphonse: “...Who’s there?”

[A girl comes out, casts a spell and Alphonse falls to the floor 
unconscious. He wakes up in a dungeon, with both arms chained to the
wall.]

Alphonse: “...I guess I was a little careless. Where am I...?”

[Nichart and the girl who cast the spell walk in through the jail
door.]

Nichart: “Heheh. Like the view, kid?”

[Alphonse struggles, but can’t get out.]

Alphonse: “You coward!!! What a dirty trick!!!”

Nichart: “Did you think I got scared and hightailed it out of here?
         It’s your fault for letting your guard down after defeating
         Grimal. I feel sorry for him, but at least he bought me some
         time. Everything’s going as planned.”

[The girl speaks.]

Young Sorceress: “Commander Briffaut, we’re not here to chat.”

Nichart: “I know, I know. Don’t be so uptight. Well, tell me, knight
         of Lodis...What are Lodis’ true intentions?”

Alphonse: “...Intentions...?”

Nichart: “Right. The true reason why the troops of Felis were sent
         here. When Lodis takes action, there’s always something
         they’re after.”

Alphonse: “Reason? It was a request from the South...”

Young Sorceress: “Don’t play dumb. You say that the South requested
                 help, but has Felis ever sent troops for such a 
                 thing before?

Alphonse: “I don’t understand...Let me go! Release me!!!”

Nichart: “You’re so hot-tempered, kid. You still snap at us even in
         chains. Do you realize the situation you’re in?”

[Nichart takes out a whip and strikes the prisoner.]

Alphonse: “Ugh...ugh...huff...This all began by your aggression!”

Nichart: “Lord Naris has ordered us to find out the real reason for
         your presence here. If you wish to be freed, then talk.”

Alphonse: “Aahhh...!”

Nichart: “Hmph. Kid, I’ll ask you once more. What’s your true purpose
         here?!”

Alphonse: “Ugh...I told you......I don’t know...”


Young Sorceress: “Commander Briffaut, perhaps he really doesn’t know.
                 Of course, he may just be strong-willed. In which
                 case, I have no choice...”

[She walks to Nichart and takes something out of her dress.]

Nichart: “What’s that?”

Young Sorceress: (giggle) “Just a potion. This’ll make him talk, but
                 he won’t feel so well when he wakes up.”

[She makes him drink the potion and the screen fades to black. When
it brightens again, Alphonse is chained to the wall still, but this
time in waist-deep water.]

Alphonse: “Huh?...Is the tide rising?”

[He looks to the doorway. Someone stands there.]

Alphonse: “...?!”

Mysterious Woman: “As you know, this place’ll be flooded at high
                  tide. All the soldiers have left. That means you’re
                  alone. I’m in need of a soldier, so here’s the
                  deal. If you cooperate, I’ll set you free. What do
                  you think?”

Alphonse: “You’re going to save me?”

Mysterious Woman: “That depends on your answer. I don’t care if you
                  die here or not.”

Alphonse: “Alright. I’ll do as you ask, but...I’m concerned about my
          comrades.”

Mysterious Woman: “Don’t worry, they are safe. My name is Cybil
                  Alinda. I enjoyed watching your fight today. Don’t
                  forget, we have a deal now!”

[She sets him free and takes him out of the water. A man in a gray
headband appears in the doorway.]

Cybil: “Shiven, anything to report?”

Shiven: “All the soldiers stationed at the ruins retreated to the
        north.”

Alphonse: “It seems I should’ve been more careful. What happened to
          the troops that were supposed to attack from the south?”

Shiven: “They entered the Forest of Gryllus, but retreated to
        Scabellum. I have no idea why.”

Alphonse: “I wonder what happened...”

Cybil: “Shiven, return at once and inform headquarters.”

Shiven: “Yes, Commander.”

[In one stealthy move, Shiven disappears.]

Alphonse: “And...what should I do?”

Cybil: “Rest for a while. We will cross the Meleagris Mountains at
       dawn.”

Alphonse: “The Meleagris Mountains? But why?”

Cybil: “I’ll tell you later.”

[She moves to the doorway.]

Cybil: “Forget about your comrades. Your fate is in my hands now.”

[Back at the world map, a road opens west of Vespa, passes through
the Meleagris Mountains, and stops at the next destination. As the
party heads across Vespa, however, a cutscene at Ostorea Castle
initiates. A young man stands beside an older man, seated on the
throne.]

Young Sorceror: "Commander Briffaut has returned from the ruins as
                planned, and Lethe's with him. Nothing of
                consequence seems to be happening to our west."

Middle-Aged Man: "Things never go as smoothly as planned. Speaking
                 of which, what's the Duke of Felis's son up to?"

Young Sorceror: "Rictor Lasanti's troops failed to make it through
                the Forest of Gryllus. He must be reestablishing
                his troops at the port city. Incidentally, weren't
                many people massacred there by soldiers of Lodis?"

Middle-Aged Man: "The village of Blete, 15 years ago...Those
                 worshippers of nature refused to convert to
                 Lodisism. And so, their homes were burned down
                 as a warning to others. Nearly all the villagers
                 escaped to the forest, but the soldiers surrounded
                 it and set it ablaze. The villagers were burnt to
                 death. I heard that the souls of the dead still
                 wander the forest. I can't believe they went in
                 there. If only they had been possessed or killed
                 by evil spirits! I must find 'it' before they learn
                 of it...Otherwise, everything will be in vain."

Young Sorceror: "Sir, there's something I've been worried about...The
                soldier of Felis who was captured at Formido......has
                escaped."

Middle-Aged Man: "Not to worry...I gave Nichart no information of
                 consequence."

Young Sorceror: "I see, sir."

[The middle-aged man gets off the throne.]

Middle-Aged Man: "Malicia...How's she been doing?

Young Sorceror: "She seems OK. She said she's feeling better."

Middle-Aged Man: "I see..."

[The cutscene ends.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                               Ardea                               |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.5   /
                                                           \_______/

[The party's attacked by monsters as soon as they get to Ardea.]

Cybil: "Don't lag behind!"

[The enemy ranks soon give way. Afterwards, Alphonse walks up to
Cybil, who's gazing out on the water from the lakeshore.]

Alphonse: "Cybil, who are you, and where are we headed? Would you
          mind explaining our current situation? I'm sure my
          comrades are also wondering..."

Cybil: "I serve the Church of Lodis."

[She turns to him and shows him her left palm.]

Alphonse: "...That's the...Mark of the Pope...!"

Cybil: "Oh, you recognize it. Listen. To the west is the Tinea
       region. Most of the land there is forest and swamp. It's
       known as the Paradise of the Beasts."

Alphonse: "According to a map I saw, Answer is to the south and
          Rananculus to the north. Right?"

Cybil: "Yes. We're heading northwest to Urodela Cape, at the foot
       of the Meleagris Mountains. It's at the far western reaches
       of the island, and home to the only city in Tinea."

Alphonse: "Urodela Cape? What's there?"

Cybil: "This island was once home to many mermaids, before humans
       migrated here. They used to appear on the beaches and small
       islands, but nowadays only a few remain, and they live in
       the western sea."

Alphonse: "You're looking for a mermaid? Why would someone from
          the Church be...? And that mark on your hand...I can't
          believe the rumors were true...I've heard that there are
          loyal members of the Church of Lodis who have the Mark
          of the Pope somewhere on their bodies, and that they are
          acting in secrecy to restore the authority of the Pope."

Cybil: "Interesting story. So there are those who still fear the
       Pope regaining power."

Alphonse: "......"

Cybil: "At Galius, the center of operations for the Church of
       Lodis, they collect manuscripts detailing ancient ruins,
       rare weapons, spells, and mythology. It is said that when
       people arrived at Ovis 400 years ago, the mermaids living
       here fought against them with a spear of light. One
       document says, 'Beams of light from the Sacred Spear,
       wielded by a beautiful mermaid, sent hundreds of soldiers
       to their graves...' We've been on this island since last
       summer, investigating whether a spear with that kind of
       power really exists. Unfortunately, others have also 
       learned of the spear and are determined to obtain it."

Alphonse: "Not...Naris Batraal, Lord of Rananculus?"

Cybil: "Yes. I don't know why he's looking for it, but if we want
       to establish a strong nation based on the teachings of
       Lodisism, then we'd best not let him get it before us.
       That's why we must speak to the mermaids and bring the
       spear to Galius at any cost."

Familiar Voice: "Mistress Alinda."

[The party turns around to see Shiven speeding towards them.]

Cybil: "Yes? What happened?"

Shiven: "Armed soldiers have arrived at Urodela Cape."

Cybil: "Soldiers of Rananculus?"

Shiven: "I'm not sure, but quite likely."

Cybil: "Are they aware of our presence? They, too, may have
       discovered the relationship between the spear and the
       mermaids..."

Shiven: "That's a possibility. The locals are keeping out of
        sight. They're probably trying to avoid any conflict."

Cybil: "I see...We must find a boat to take us to the mermaids'
       sanctuary. Maybe if we drive away the soldiers, the locals
       will help us as a token of appreciation."

Shiven: "As you wish."

[Shiven runs out of sight.]

Alphonse: "I thought the Church of Lodis only performed religious
          functions. I never imagined they'd be involved in such
          things..."

Cybil: "Don't ask too many questions.......It's better that you
       don't know. You've already turned your back on Felis, right?
       Then don't dwell on the past. Acknowledge your present
       situation and choose the best course of action."

Alphonse: "I know. I'll follow your orders. I'm grateful that you
          saved my life, and I gave you my word, but..."

Cybil: "But what?"

Alphonse: "...Nothing. Nevermind."

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                              Urodela                              |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.6   /
                                                           \_______/

[The party reaches the town by nightfall and not a soul is about.]

Cybil: "I thought we'd make it to the town before sunset, but it's
       already dark."

Alphonse: "It's really quiet...I don't hear a sound."

[The party walks into town a little and a dark-colored man creeps
by the opposite corner of one of the houses.]

Cybil: "Shhh!"

[Alphonse walks over and the man runs off.]

Alphonse: "Who's there? What are you doing here?"

Voice from the Shadows: "You must be the ones from Lodis. We won't
                        let you interfere!"

[The voice from the shadows is actually the dark-clothed man, a
ninja, who calls more of his kind and a witch to do battle with
Cybil's squad, who also arrive. The man speaks once more before
they lock horns.]

Sitri: "The mermaids' spear is a treasure of the Batraal Family!"

Cybil: "They must be lookin for the same thing we are. Sounds
       like they haven't found it yet, though."

[Alphonse nods.]

Sitri: "What are you mumbling? We know what you're after. We
       won't let you snatch it from us...You've always resorted
       to using force. You're responsible for the death of my
       family! Since then, I've lived with nothing but vengeance
       to sustain me."

Cybil: "Fool. Do you live only for revenge?"

[The battle starts, but soon Sitri's forces dwindle to him. As
a fatal wound is delivered, he says his piece before dying.]

Sitri: "My Love...I can finally join you..."

[Afterwards, Cybil and Alphonse go about to inspect the town when
they run into Rictor and Orson, just entering the city.]

Rictor: "...!? Alphonse! Why are you here?! Last I heard, you
        disappeared at Formido...Are you alright?"

Alphonse: "I'm fine. So how'd you end up here?"

Rictor: "Many soldiers were wounded by undead creatures in the
        Forest of Gryllus. Because of the confusion, we had no
        choice but to retreat."

Alphonse: "The enemy's been saying that someone's after them.
          They must've been talking about you. Tell me, what
          exactly are you looking for, and what is your true
          mission?"

Rictor: "I do not care what happened so long as you are safe.
        Come back, and we'll talk."

Alphonse: "I'm sorry, but I can't do that, Rictor. This woman
          saved my life in Formido. I am in her debt. Please
          forget about me. I have no intentions of returning."

Rictor: "Are you out of your mind? You're a member of the Order
        of the Sacred Flame. Listen, Alphonse. You're smart, and
        you have the potential to grow stronger. When I become
        the next Duke of Felis, I want you to be my right-hand
        man. I will govern and you will head up the country's
        defenses. If you want, I will make you the head of the
        knights. You're vital to the future of Lodis."

Alphonse: "I appreciate your offer, but...my destiny lies
          elsewhere. I may not know exactly what my future holds,
          but I intend to find out."

Rictor: "You've been a true asset to us. I want to rule Felis,
        and with your help, bring stability to Lodis. I've been
        thinking about this for some time, but...did you plan on
        leaving all along?"

Alphonse: "That's not it, Rictor. I need to discover what I can
          accomplish on my own, without the help of my family,
          my status, or you."

Rictor: "What did that woman say to you? Do you even know who
        she is? Let me ask you something, then. Why are you
        here? We came here in search of the White Fang Troops,
        but instead, at this late hour, we find you sneaking 
        around with this spy of the Church."

Alphonse: "That's because..."

[Rictor turns to Cybil.]

Rictor: "I know who you are. You're a member of the Hand of the
        Pope. What is the Church plotting? To restore power to
        the Pope?"

Cybil: "Plotting? You make my work sound so ugly. My mission is
       to do the Lord's will. What more can I do? The Hand of
       the Pope obeys the Pope and Filarhh without question.
       I've dedicated my life to them."

Rictor: "Then, why don't you pursue your goals openly? God sees
        all, including your dubious ways..."

Cybil: "Hmph! And what about you? If your mission was to halt
       the White Fang Troops, then why are you here?"

Rictor: "Silence, woman!!! Your miserable life was saved by the
        mercy of Lodis. How dare you vulgar people talk to me
        like that!!!"

Cybil: "I'm sorry, but there's no point in talking to you now.
       There's no getting through that thick skull of yours."

Rictor: "You infuriate me!!! Alphonse, I suppose you're on
        their side, too?"

Alphonse: "What are you saying? Didn't you hear what I said? I
          a here of my own will. Please understand, Rictor..."

Rictor: "Your own will...? Hmph! You must be dreaming. You let
        the current be your guide, only you convince yourself
        it's the path you've chosen. Even meeting this woman
        was just coincidence. This is your last chance to rejoin
        us."

Alphonse: "I'm sorry..."

Rictor: "Hmph! It was wrong of me to have such high expectations
        of you. Alright. That's it. I can't stand people who try
        to manipulate history from the shadows. If you want to 
        go with her, go ahead. But if you try o get in my way, 
        don't expect any mercy."

[Rictor and Orson leave. Later on, Cybil and Alphonse take 
shelter from an oncoming storm in a rickety boat shack.]

Cybil: "We'd better hurry if Rananculus has its eyes on the
       western sea. After we find a boat, we'll head down to
       sea of Rana and find the mermaids' sanctuary. I heard
       the leader's lived for over 400 years. She must know
       something about the Sacred Spear. Are you listening?"

Alphonse: "I am...But, there is no way you can sail in this
          rain."

Cybil: "Are you still concerned by what he said? Then start
       taking responsibility for your actions. That's why
       you're always treated like a child. Listen, you can't
       have freedom without bearing the responsibility. People
       have the right to choose their actions freely, but they
       are responsible for the results of those actions."

Alphonse: "Freedom...Responsibility?"

Cybil: "Understand? You declined his offer. There's a possibility
       that he'll become your enemy, but you have to face reality
       and accept that fact."

Alphonse: "I don't want to...no, I can't...fight with Rictor."

Cybil: "Then, why did you refuse him? You could have gone with
       him."

Alphonse: "I had no choice..."

Cybil: "'I had no choice,' you say! You're so naive!"

Alphonse: "You don't understand!"

Cybil: "Of course not. I'm not a mind reader. But I do know you
       made it clear that you won't be going back. You have no
       place to return to anymore."

Alphonse: "I don't know what to do...but I had to speak truthfully."

Cybil: "We can't relive the past, but we can start anew. Time waits
       for no man. The past has led you to the present, but you
       build your own future with choices today. Throughout your
       life, you will face many difficult decisions. There's no
       right or wrong...just paths that lead to different futures.
       That's all the advice I can give you."

Alphonse: "...Cybil, why did you become a member of the Hand of
          the Pope?"

Cybil: "No reason, really. I was a war orphan sent to Galius at
       six and educated to become a member. Now, I've dedicated
       my life to serving the Church."

Alphonse: "So that's the life you chose?"

Cybil: "Yes. Regardless of what I hoped for, I had to make choices
       from the options available to me in my environment. I am
       here right now as a result of those choices. Listen...Your
       birth, your status...these things are part of your
       environment, they're what you've been given. People strive
       for the things they want and give up on the things they
       don't want. Choosing not to decide is still a choice."

[Cybil turns to the door.]

Cybil: "...Looks like he's here."

[A scraggly-haired man in a headband enters, and Alphonse leaps
to his feet from the box where he was sitting.]

Cybil: "So, are you able to take us to the Rana Sea?"

Head Fisherman: "The currents outside of Yema Bay are complicated.
                Besides, it's the stormy season now. Even if you
                bypass these hazards, you'd still have to navigate
                around the sunken rocks is Rana. I'm sorry, but we
                can't help you."

Alphonse: "What if we wait until the ocean calms down...?"

Head Fisherman: "You said you're looking for the mermaids'
                sanctuary? Listen, don't be foolish. Don't take
                the sea...or the mermaids...lightly. They're

                monsters. They tempt men with their beauty and
                their singing, and then drag them into the sea...
                We had such an incident last summer. We have rules
                for our safety, but you outsiders think you can
                solve everything with your money and your logic."

Alphonse: "...Let it go, Cybil. They're just thinking of their own
          safety."

Cybil: "Alright. Thanks for your cooperation."

Head Fisherman: "If you want to meet the mermaids that badly, then
                capture one. She'll call for help and others will
                come. Then follow them to the sanctuary. I must be
                on my way. Please don't hold a grudge against me."

[The fisherman makes a quick exit.]

Cybil: "Well, let's find ourseles a mermaid."

Alphonse: "What do you mean?"

Cybil: "Weren't you listening? If we capture a mermaid and wound
       her, she'll call for help. Then we'll follow them to the
       leader."

Alphonse: "Hold on...I'm not so sure about this. The mermaids
          have nothing to do with your treasure hunting. How
          can we use them like that?"

Cybil: "Then tell me, Alphonse, what should we do? The sea is
       endless. We are powerless to it. We need a practical
       solution, and that's the best idea we've got. Save your
       sympathy, unless you can thnk of another way. Otherwise,
       follow my orders."

Alphonse: A: "I've no better ideas..."
          B: "It doesn't seem right."

Alphonse (A): "I don't have a better idea, but still...I can't
              agree to that."

Cybil: "Then find another way. If you get the information on your
       own before it reaches the enemy, then your debt to me will
       be repaid, and I will release you from my service."

Alphonse: "Alright. I promise you that I'll return with the
          information you seek."

Alphonse (B): "...It doesn't seem right. I won't obey you anymore.
              You never explain yourself, and I'm tired of
              listening without question. I'm not your puppet.
              However, I will repay my debt to you. I'll find the
              sanctuary on my own and return with details on the
              spear."

Cybil: "Alright. I'll trust you. But, there's on time to waste.
       Got it?"

Alphonse: "Yes...and afterwards......we part company."

[No matter which option you pick, Alphonse will join Ivanna 
outside in the rain.]

Alphonse: "It's still raining..."

Ivanna: "The savage winds still rage. They may not subside for
        some time...Alphonse, what will you do now?"

********************************************************************
*                   Option A -- Dialogue Change                    *
********************************************************************

Alphonse: "We'll head towards the Rana Sea through Bison."

Ivanna: "Bison...! The Paradise of the Beasts...It will be difficult
        to pass through the swamp."

Alphonse: "I know, but there is one advantage. No one would ever
          suspect that we'd go through there in this rain. Besides,
          no one will be able to trace our footsteps, either."

Ivanna: "I see. We had better prepare for fighting in those
        conditions."

*******************************************************************
*                  Option B -- Dialogue Change                    *
*******************************************************************

Alphonse: "Ivanna, have you heard of the Temple of Sufrir?"

Ivanna: "Yes. It's off the tip of the Numida Peninsula. I
        heard that it sank into the ocean because of geologic
        instability. In fact, Yema Bay was supposedly once a
        lake."

Alphonse: "I see. So the Temple of Sufrir is located near Yema
          Bay. I've heard that after the temple sank into the
          sea, an underwater cave connecting Anser and Tinea
          was discovered. I'm consiering going to Arena Island
          by that route."

Ivanna: "I heard there are many beasts that dwell inside. Don't
        you think it's too dangerous?"

Alphonse: "I know. But, if there's a chance...I want to give it
          a try."

Ivanna: "Is that the only reason?"

Alphonse: "What do you mean by that?"

Ivanna: "Aren't you still meditating on Rictor's words...?"

Alphonse: "That's true. I'd like to speak with Rictor again.
          But don't worry about me...I'm fine. I haven't
          forgotten my promise to Cybil. I have no intention
          of rejoining my former comrades."

Ivanna: "I see. Rictor may know something..."

*******************************************************************
*                        END DIALOGUE CHANGES                     *             
*******************************************************************

Alphonse: "Ivanna, why did you decide to come with me? Don't
          you want to avenge your father's death?"

Ivanna: "The White Fang Troops have a hand in all of this. My
        uncle must be plotting something. I think it's best
        to stay with you for now. Don't get me wrong...I do
        want to know the truth of my father's death, but I
        want to help you, to."

Alphonse: "Why?"

Ivanna: "I don't know. My sword instructor used to tell me
        that destructive power can never win against protective
        power. I became a knight to protect Rananculus, but after
        meeting you at Vespa, I decided to fight alongside you
        and your comrades."


Alphonse: "Thanks, Ivanna..."

*******************************************************************
*                  Option A -- Dialogue Change                    *
*******************************************************************

Ivanna: "Let's go. Because of the storm, traveling by sea is out
        of the question. Crossing the swamp is our only
        alternative."

*******************************************************************
*                  Option B -- Dialogue Change                    *
*******************************************************************

Ivanna: "Let's go settle the matter with your friend, and then
        we'll fulfill your agreement with Cybil."

[You'll be returned to the world map after Ivanna's last line is
spoken. For Option A, the western path to Bison appears; for
Option B, the path west of Solea opens that leads to Sufrir.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                         Path A -- Bison                           |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.7   /
                                                           \_______/

[A welcoming party of an assortment of animals meets Alphonse's
party's arrival.]


Alphonse: "I guess this place really is a Paradise for Beasts.
          Everybody, watch your step!"

[Afterwards, Alphonse walks across the marshland alone, and
someone calls out to him.]

Familiar Voice: "I finally caught up with you."

Alphonse: "You're..."

[Shiven runs into view.]

Shiven: "I am Shiven, one of Mistress Alinda's men. She's asked
        me to assist you."

Alphonse: "So, in other words, you're keeping an eye on us?"

Shiven: "I am only here to help..."

Alphonse: A: "Sorry. I said too much."
          B: "Sorry. I can't add you."

Alphonse (A): "I was a little upset and said too much. I'm sorry.
              It's stopped raining. Let's get going."

Alphonse (B): "I'm sorry, but I can't let you join our ranks. If
              I accept your help, then my promise to her would be
              meaningless."

Shiven: "Are you sure you don't need me?"

Alphonse: "Yes. Please return to Mistress Alinda. I promise that
          I'll come back. Please tell her so."

[If you pick option A, Shiven permanently joins you; if you pick
Option B, he doesn't. This is the only chance to get him. After
you return to the world map, the path turns to the Rana Sea, and
ends at the Island of Arena.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                         Path A -- Arena                           |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.8   /
                                                           \_______/

[Alphonse runs to the edge of the beach. Ivanna is with him or, if
she has been killed/dismissed/not invited, Shiven will be with him.
They mimic each others lines, for the most part, and the dialogue
doesn't change dramatically if you have either (or none -- the
leader will talk to himself in parentheses).]

Alphonse: "The Rana Sea is just beyond the horizon."

Shiven: "Alphonse, do you see something over there?"

Alphonse: "A boat?...With the flag of Felis. Is it Rictor's? No,
          couldn't be. That would be too quick. Then who is it?
          What do they want?"

Shiven: "The tide is ebbing. We can get there by foot."

Alphonse: "Yes. Let's get a closer look."

[The two run along and come to a tiny sea-splashed island portion.
They duck behind a rock formation and look around.]

Alphonse: "Wait. Something's wrong."

[Across the way, a robed man, a knight, and a bandit have a
mermaid surrounded.]

Robed Man: "The upper body of a woman and the lower body of a
           fish. Disgusting. Is it true that you mermaids
           tempt men and drag them into the ocean to eat?"

Mermaid Girl: "Aahhh...Stop it..."

[The knight speaks.]

Cassini: "Damiel, what are we going to do? Kill her?"

[The robed man speaks again.]

Damiel: "Well, what should we do? We haven't received orders
        from Commander Lasanti. Should we decide for ourselves?"

[The bandit chimes in.]

Lendanto: "Heheh. I've heard that eating mermaid will grant you
          immortality."

Mermaid Girl: "No...! Stay away!"

Shiven: "The mermaid is just a child. She's terrified."
Ivanna: "She's just a child. She looks terrified."

Alphonse: "...I recognize those soldiers. We can't just leave
          her. Shiven, let's rescue her and steal the boat so
          we can go to Rana." [If Ivanna's along, he'll address
          her instead.]

[Alphonse runs out into the open.]

Alphonse: "Stop! Are you having fun taunting a helpless mermaid!?"

Lendanto: "Ah! Alphonse! You're alive?! Or do you plan to follow
          Rictor around as a ghost?"

Alphonse: "Damiel, so that's what you guys really think, huh?"

Damiel: "Eavesdropping? That's about what I'd expect from you.
        You want to know how we really feel? I find it rather
        annoying that you, the Commander's favorite, are still
        alive."

[A few more soldiers appear on Damiel's side, and Alphonse's
troops getting into line, too.]

Cassini: "We're the only ones who know about this. Let's just
         kill him."

Damiel: "That's right. According to the official records, Alphonse
        is already dead!"

[The battle starts. If Minerva (the mermaid girl) is attacked,
Alphonse will say:]

Alphonse: "Protect the mermaid!"

[The comrades-turned-enemies soon fall one by one until only
Damiel is left. Alphonse does the honor of slaying him, but
right before he takes a dirtnap:]

Damiel: "I lost to you...again...?"

[Afterwards, Minerva and Alphonse talk on the small island.]

Alphonse: "You'll be alright now. Return to your home."

Minerva: "......"

[She jumps in the water and disappears after a glance. On the
world map, the path to Rana opens north across the island
chains.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                         Path A -- Rana                            |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   1.9   /
                                                           \_______/

[Alphonse walks alone on a small patch of earth, one of the small
portions that haven't been swallowed by the sea. He takes a quick
look around.]

Alphonse: "It doesn't look like we can continue from here by boat."

[In his peripherals, he sees something. Whirling around, he sees
a mermaid with troops off in the distance. She speaks.]

Aerial: "Vulgar humans! For what reason have you intruded on our
        territory? I suggest you leave immediately if you want to
        live."

Alphonse: "We don't want to fight with you. We just want to speak
          with your leader. Tell me where she is."

Aerial: "You don't want to fight? Then, how did Minerva get hurt?
        To you, the welfare of others is insignificant in the
        pursuit of you selfish ambitions. You are our enemies,
        and have invaded our ocean. I am the strongest of my
        kind. Do you dare face me?!"

Alphonse: "Is there no way to avoid this?!"

[Alphonse's mobilizes his troops reluctantly.]

Aerial: "Come on! I'll never lose to you!"

[The party manages to get a stranglehold as they draw the enemies
onto the land, and finally they defeat Aerial.]

Aerial: "Forgive me, Lady Chloeri..."

[Afterwards, Alphonse talks with the wounded Aerial.]

Aerial: "Finish it! Kill me now!!! You may have defeated me,
        but I'll never reveal the location of our sanctuary.
        I'll endure any disgrace."

Alphonse: "......I have no intention of killing you. Please,
          tell your leader that I wish to speak with her."


Aerial: "You keep me alive out of pity?"

Alphonse: "I'd like it if we can resolve things peacefully."

Aerial: "You're too soft! Are you truly a knight? By leaving
        this unfinished, it may come back to haunt you. Have
        you thought of that? You may one day find my spear
        protruding from your back. Your sympathy is nothing
        but a liability."

[Another mermaid girl appears.]

Mermaid Girl: "Wait. Our leader has agreed to speak with you."

Aerial: "You can't be serious!"

Mermaid Girl: "She also asked that they be welcomed as guests
              and treated with hospitality. Aerial, you are to
              receive treatment for your wounds and then join
              us later."

Aerial: "...Alright."

Mermaid Girl: "Are you the leader of these soldiers?"

Alphonse: "Yes, I am. My name is Alphonse."

Mermaid Girl: "Welcome, Alphonse. Please follow me."

[She leads the party into a sanctum, complete with waterfalls
and oil-burning fires. She stops in front of the throne.]

Mermaid Girl: "Please be courteous in front of our leader."

[Alphonse approaches the large, blonde mermaid.]

Pink Mermaid: "I'm Chloeri, leader of the mermaids in this
              part of the ocea. Please share what you have
              to say."

Alphonse: "I...I promised someone that I'd help them find the
          Sacred Spear."

Chloeri: "...The Sacred Spear? I see...For you humans, those
         events are long passed. I don't blame you, though.
         Your time on this earth is limited. For that reason,
         you can easily forget mistakes of the past. Forgetting
         permits hope to return and strength to be rebuilt. In
         that sense, I envy you. Everyone has their own
         perspective. I won't blame the people of this generation
         for sorrows of the past. Please understand...The flow of
         time is different for our kind."

Alphonse: "I'm from Lodis. I thought you might know something
          about the spear. That's why I'm here. I've read that
          the Sacred Spear is a treasure of God which was
          bestowed upon the mermaids, but that's all I know."

Chloeri: "That's correct. It was ours."

Alphonse: "Please tell me...What is the story of the Sacred
          Spear?"

Chloeri: "Alright. I'll tell you everything I know."

[She begins to tell her story. There are freeze-frame pictures
to go help along the interpretation for the player, also.]

Chloeri: "400 years ago, mermaids lived peacefully around this
         island. That changed when people arrived. They burned
         forests and built villages. Conflicts erupted when
         they disturbed our quiet ocean. The quarreling never
         ceased, and finally a battle began for control of the
         island. I took up arms alongside the other mermaids."

[A flashback segment occurs in the same room where Chloeri is
sitting. A mermaid stands near her throne and speaks to her.]

Mermaid Soldier: "Commander, the humans have already entered the
                 southern sea..."

Mermaid Leader: "If I surrender, do you think the war will end?"

Mermaid Soldier: "No. Even with your life in their hands, they'd
                 continue to attack. They are blood-thirsty
                 goblins. They think everything in this world is
                 theirs for the taking. Why?! Why does God allow
                 such creatures to exist on this earth? Don't do
                 anything rash. We'll stand by you and protect
                 this ocean."

Mermaid Leader: "Chloeri, that kind of thinking will get us
                nowhere. What will remain when the fighting is
                over? Instead, we must find a way to survive."

Chloeri: "Are you saying that we should let the humans win,
         that we should endure that kind of humiliation? God!
         Do you only side with humans? It is we who are the
         soul of the sea. As such, we will eventually become
         one again with the water and wind. Are we so
         insignificant? Answer me!!! Is there no place for us
         on this earth? Will you turn your back on us and let
         us fade from existence?"

[The flashback part ends and Chloeri in the present time 
continues to tell her story.]

Chloeri: "Later, when I returned from battle, our leader was
         gone, but instead I found a spear. It was a beautiful,
         black spear, bestowed upon us by God. It drew on the
         power of thunder and lightning, and could pierce metal
         armor. The war started anew, and ten years passed...

[Another vignette occurs in the same room with another soldier
and Chloeri. They stand where the old leader used to be.]

Mermaid: "We can't find it anywhere."

Chloeri: "Look once more. I doubt any human could have entered
         this sanctuary. Who took the spear from here, then?
         And why?"

Mermaid: "Has someone betrayed us? They may have conspired with
         humans..."

Chloeri: "Impossible...Why would anyone want to risk their life
         for the enemy?! Our leader sacrificed herself for our
         sake. The spear is the key to our victory!"

[A mermaid runs in.]

Mermaid Soldier: "...We're being attacked!!!"

Chloeri: "Protect our ocean! I'll be right there..."

[The vignette ends and Chloeri continues to tell Alphonse the
rest of her story.]

Chloeri: "During the lengthy war, there was a mermaid who fell
         in love with a human. But, such love was forbidden.
         She hoped that hostilities would subside if the war
         ended, and so, one night, she entered the sanctuary
         and stole the Sacred Spear for her loved one. The war
         was over. We were tired of fighting. After losing the
         spear, we could no longer withstand their attacks. So
         we escaped to the west. Complicated tides, thick 
         forests, and swampy land...These natural barriers have
         protected this small sea. You see, we don't have the
         spear anymore."

Alphonse: "And what happened to her?"

Chloeri: "I don't know. Both she and the spear disappeared. But,
         I received no word that the humans had obtained it."

Alphonse: "There's no other clues to its whereabouts, are there?"

Chloeri: "Well...I have a feeling that...that mermaid's still
         alive somewhere. If you can find her, she may lead you
         to the spear."

Alphonse: "What's her name?"

Chloeri: "The mermaid that disappeared...Her name is Berevra.
         She was a beautiful mermaid with golden scales. ...She
         is my sister. If you find her, please tell her that we
         are no longer angry, and that we await her return.
         ...Will you do this for me?"

Alphonse: "Can you so easily forgive someon who betrayed you?"

Chloeri: "Because of the power of the spear, we continued to
         fight and lost many more of our kind. As our former
         leader said, self-preservation should have been more
         of a concern. If you find the spear, keep it. It's
         no longer of use to us."

Alphonse: "Why is that...?"

Mermaid Soldier: "We recognize the futility of war. Allow me
                 to see you off. Where are you headed?"

Alphonse: "I guess I'll return to Urodela first. There's
          someone waiting for me...If she believes in me, that
          is."

[The world map opens back up, and a marker is stuck in the icon
for Urodela, where Cybil waits. As Alphonse travels back through
Arena, however, Aerial approaches him.]

Aerial: "Are you going back?"

Alphonse: "Yes. I have to decide what to do next. Don't worry,
          I won't bother you again."

Aerial: "I've heard of the spear, but I didn't know the story
        behind it. Even if you lved someone, how could you
        sacrifice your own kind? I don't understand. What was
        she thinking...? Is there someone who you'd protect...
        ...even if it cost you everything?"

Alphonse: "I'm not sure...I don't think that can be answered
          by someone who hasn't faced those circumstances."

Aerial: "I must thank you for saving Minerva. I think I 
        misjudged you. I never thought a mermaid's life would
        mean much to a human. I'm going with you. Our leader
        has already given me permission. With your words and
        actions...I want you to prove that there are humans
        we can trust."

Alphonse: A: "Alright."
          B: "I appreciate it, but..."

Alphonse (A): "Alright. If that's what you want..."

Aerial: "Remember, if you don't stay true to your word, I
        won't think twice about putting my spear into your
        back."

Alphonse (B): "I'd love to have you...but you're needed here."

Aerial: "Alright. I don't want you to feel obligated. But,
        remember, I'll hunt you down if I find out you're not
        true to your word. ...Good luck."

[She joins permanently if you pick Option A; she doesn't if you
pick Option B. This the only chance to get her, also. Anywho,
Alphonse hightails it back to Urodela.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                     Path A -- Urodela Revisited                   |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.0   /
                                                           \_______/

[Alphonse walks through the now-active town of Urodela and heads
to the shack where Cybil is still waiting, almost nodding off...?]

Alphonse: "Sorry I was gone so long. Any luck finding new
          information on Berevra?"

Cybil: "I've heard some stories about mermaids falling in love
       with hmans, but nothing specific. Unfortunately, we don't
       have the slightest hint as to where she might be."

Alphonse: "The sad love story of a human and a mermaid, and the
          weapon of God...The White Fang Troops have yet to act.
          Neither has the Order of the Sacred Flame, which was
          dispatched from Scabellum. I wonder if Rictor's men
          who appeared at Urodela that night were chasing after
          member of the White Fang Troops."

Cybil: "What do you mean by that?"

Alphonse: "Before you saved me at Formido, a man, Nichart, was
          asking me about our true purpose on this island. At
          the time I knew nothing. I thought we were sent here
          to investigate the White Fang Troops. But, I wonder
          how much Rictor knew..."

Cybil: "I have no idea. Anyway...Why are you still here?"

Alphonse: "?"

Cybil: "You've brought the information as promised. You're free
       to go and do as you please, whether that be rejoining
       your comrades or returning home."

Alphonse: "I have no place with them, or in my hometown. They
          don't mean anything to me anymore."

Cybil: "...But he seemed to need you."

Alphonse: "Rictor expected a lot of me. He wanted me as both
          a subordinate and a friend...He wanted someone that
          he could rely on."

Cybil: "That's what he expected, huh?"

Alphonse: "Have you ever htought about doing what is expected
          of you? I...I worry too much about what others think,
          and I put their wishes before my own. Once I realized
          this, I couldn't stomach it anymore. Who am I? I 
          wondered. I'm not here to fulfill someone else's
          expectations. That's why I needed to get away for a
          while. I needed time alone."

Cybil: "Don't let your emotions sway you. They drain your
       energy and blur your judgment. Be calm and make an
       objective decision. What is it that you want to do
       in this world? Once you've decided on your direction
       in life, find a way to work towards that goal."

Alphonse: "...Cybil, I'm sorry."

Cybil: "For what?"

Alphonse: "...You'll probably say this is childish, but I feel
          so powerless...I'm not as strong as people think.
          There's nothing I can do. That's why I did as Rictor
          expected of me...to be recognized, for a sense of
          direction. I wanted to become strong....to gain 
          power and status. But, what then? What purpose would
          it all serve? ...You saved my life. We had a deal,
          and I held up my end of the bargain. But, things are
          different now. I sincerely want to help you. That
          is, of course, if you'll let me..."

Cybil: "Do as you like. But, now we speak as equals. I think
       it's best if you lead your own comrades. I prefer to
       operate alone. Contact me if the need arises."

Alphonse: "Thanks, Cybil."

Cybil: "First, we must find the mermaid with the golden scales.
       Surely she's attracted attention somewhere. If someone's
       seen her, rumors may have spread..."

[Alphonse thinks back to when he talked to Eleanor, so long
before.]

Eleanor: "It was a long time ago, but once I saw a beautiful
         mermaid. Her whole body was shining in gold...

[Alphonse sits for a moment before speaking.]

Alphonse: "Cybil, Berevra has golden scales, right?"


Cybil: "You're the one who told me that. Why's that suddenly so
       important?"

Alphonse: "There's something I need to look into. I'm going to
          visit a small church on the beaches of Solea..."

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                    Path A -- Solea Revisited                      |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.1   /
                                                           \_______/

[As twilight widens out, Alphonse walks to the beach near the
church, finding Eleanor watching the waves.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor, what's wrong? Why are you out so late?"

Eleanor: "Alphonse...? Me?...No reason. But, why are you here?"

Alphonse: "We can discuss that later. Look...You're bleeding.
          Tell me what happened, Eleanor."

[They go inside, and Eleanor sits on the bed.]

Alphonse: "Father Hamen...?"

Eleanor: "No, it was my fault. I didn't do as I was told to...
         ...Alphonse. What will you do now? How long will your
         troops...will you...stay on this island?"

Alphonse: "I'm not a knight anymore. Someone saved my life, and
          now she and I are working together."

Eleanor: "...Are you repaying her for saving your life?"

Alphonse: "No, it's not that. I'm helping her, but I'm doing it
          because I want to."

Eleanor: "A lot of things must have happened to you..."

Alphonse: "Listen, Eleanor. I want to ask you about something.
          You told me before that you had seen a golden
          mermaid."

Eleanor: "...I may have said that. Mermaids usually live in the
         ocean to the west, but sometimes they are seen closer
         to where people live."

Alphonse: "Listen. I'm looking for one mermaid in particular,
          one with golden scales. Do you remember anything?"

Eleanor: "Alphonse...? Did you come here just to ask me that? I
         don't understand!"

Alphonse: "...Just for that...?"

Eleanor: "I have nothing to tell you...Are you just using me?
         I won't tell you anything!"

Alphonse: "Eleanor...!?"

[Eleanor runs out the door. Oddly enough, it's right when
Cybil comes in.]

Cybil: "Alphonse, the White Fang Troops are here."

[Outside, a helmeted man and a band of dragons and archers have
confronted Eleanor near the beach.]

Karcist: "You're Eleanor Olato, right? Father Hamen told me that
         you're very knowledgeable about mermaids. We're searching
         for one, and Commander Briffaut would like to speak to
         you. Please come with us."

Eleanor: "Why?! Why did he tell you...?"

[Alphonse runs outside.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor!"

Karcist: "We don't want to get rough. Just cooperate."

Eleanor: "..."

Karcist: "If you won't come, then you leave us no choice...
         Capture that girl! We can't afford to let her share
         what she knows with anyone. Do whatever's necessary
         to keep her quiet."

[An archer takes a few steps forward.]

Eleanor: "No! Don't come any closer!"

Alphonse: "Stop! You'll have to deal with me first!"

Karcist: "Do you think you're her knight, kid? What can you
         do to protect her?"

Alphonse: "Silence! I won't let you lay a finger on her!"

[Alphonse's troops form themselves.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor...over here. It's dangerous there."

[Though dragons aid Karcist, they're inevitably cut down. Soon,
Karcist too lies on his deathbed.]

Karcist: "This girl...Is she worth protecting? For her, you're
         willing to make Commander Briffaut your enemy...?"

[Karcist dies.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor...Are you hurt?"

Eleanor: "......"

[A while later, Alphonse enters the house again. Cybil, who
had been attending to Eleanor, leaves silently.]

Eleanor: "She told me your plans. You're looking for the golden
         mermaid, and you have a message for her from the
         mermaid leader, right? ...I know Berevra, the golden
         mermaid...I know where she is."

Alphonse: "What's that?"

Eleanor: "Berevra gave me this necklace. I never met my real
         parents. My step-parents were very kind, but I had no
         friends among the villagers. That's why I was always
         alone on the beach near our village, watching the
         ocean. We talked and swam...It was so much fun. But
         one day, she came and told me she wouldn't be able to
         see me anymore. The volcanic activity on the seafloor
         was worsening."

Alphonse: "Do you remember where she said she was going?"


Eleanor: "It's been many years. I can't guarantee that she'll
         still be there. Besides, she might not want to see
         anyone...But, do you plan on going anyway?"

Alphonse: "I'll go meet her alone, and I won't tell anyone
          where she is. Don't worry, Eleanor. I'll come back.
          I promise..."

Eleanor: "No! Don't say, 'I'll come back.' I won't stay here
         again, alone, waiting for you to return."

Alphonse: "I need your help, but I don't want to put you in
          danger. That's why..."

Eleanor: "'That's why...' what? Listen, Alphonse, don't you
         know? I want to be with you. So...please...take me
         with you."

Alphonse: A: "OK. Let's go together."
          B: "If you're so serious."

Alphonse (A) "...OK, let's go together. I'll protect you."

Eleanor: "I don't want to be a burden, so please teach me how
         to fight."

Alphonse: "If you like."

Alphonse (B): "If you're so serious about it...then, we'll
              go together."

Eleanor: "I know it won't be easy, but I promise I'll help
         out any way I can."

Alphonse: "Just don't push yourself too hard."

[Eleanor joins the party permanently by picking either option.
Anyway, east of Formido, a path drives to the coast of Anser,
to where the mermaid Berevra is allegedly hiding out: Aquila.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                          Path A -- Aquila                         |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.2   /
                                                           \_______/

[It becomes incredibly obvious that the path gets tougher towards
the end, as the party arrives at the feeble soil intermixed with
rivers of lava. The inactive volcano at Aquila is a stepping stone
to Berevra, but it's not easily passable.]

Alphonse: "This heat...Is there no other way?"

Eleanor: "This is the shortest route."

[The party sees a bunch of beasts on the rocks below, and they
set up to fight.]

Alphonse: "We can't afford to let the White Fang Troops arrive
          before us. Watch your step. There's lava everywhere."

[After the battle, Eleanor and Alphonse go to a cliff overlooking
the ocean.]

Eleanor: "This is it...somewhere in this area...East of Aquila,
         where the mid-summer sun warms the ocean..."

Familiar Voice: "Alright, Alphonse. Please hand her over to us."

[Rictor appears with a few troops.]

Alphonse: "Rictor...How...?"

Rictor: "You're Eleanor, aren't you? Father Hamen asked us to
        find you. He's been very worried since you disappeared."

[Father Hamen appears.]

Eleanor: "Father..."

Father Hamen: "Eleanor, please come home. You haven't done
              anything wrong. That man must have said something
              to you, right? Come on, let's go back to the
              church together."

Alphonse: "...Eleanor, do you want to go back?"

Father Hamen: "Don't say anything to her. This is between me
              and her. She's like a daughter to me. You have
              nothing to do with this. Why did you tempt her
              in the first place? Listen, Eleanor. I hated
              the idea from the beginning, but you were so
              kind that you insisted we save that man who had
              washed up on the beach."

Eleanor: "Father, forgive me. I'm not coming back to the
         church. I am thankful for what you've done, but...I
         want to be with him."

[Hamen slaps Eleanor.]

Father Hamen: "Aahh, poor Eleanor. You're confused because of
              him. Please snap out of it. Don't you understand
              that I love you more than anyone?"

Alphonse: "Stop it! Think about what you're doing!"

Father Hamen: "Why do you come between us? I do this because I
              love her. I don't want to have to chastise her.
              This is what's best for her. Now, give my Eleanor
              back to me."

Alphonse: "Do you think you can change her mind with violence?
          There's no way I'll let you have her! She came here 
          of her own free will, and I'm glad she's by my side...
          You can't change that."

Father Hamen: "And what about you military men? You've always
              determined people's futures by force...Commander
              Lasanti...Please. She's my daughter. Please take
              her back from that reckless youth."

Rictor: "Calm down, Father Hamen...I understand your concern.
        But the wind here is strong and dangerous. Please stand
        back and leave this to us."

[Hamen exits out of sight.]

Rictor: "I was looking for a girl who knows about mermaids, and
        here I find you again. Listen. I don't know how much
        information you have, but if the stories I've heard are
        true, then the Sacred Spear, Longicolnis, is no ordinary
        spear."

Alphonse: "Longicolnis?"

Rictor: "Ha! You don't even know the name of what you seek! That
        woman has not been truthful with you. The Sacred Spear,
        Longicolnis...The legendary spear fashioned by God from
        the horn of a fallen angel. It has pierced even the
        Sacred Demon. Mermaids are unworthy of holding such
        power."

Alphonse: "...How do you know so much about the Sacred Spear?"

Rictor: "Did you seriously believe that our mission was to
        investigate and drive out the White Fang Troops that
        invaded this island? Just give her to me, already.
        You don't want to cause trouble, do you? Maybe you've
        taken a liking to her, but we need her more than you.
        You may not know this, but her mother is the mermaid
        who stole the Sacred Spear."

Alphonse: "Eleanor...!? The child of a mermaid?!"

[One of the soldiers runs towards Eleanor, but she dodges him.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor!"

Rictor: "Have you forgotten my warning? Get in our way, and
        you'll be regarded as my enemy."

[A soldier attacks Alphonse.]

Eleanor: "Nooo!"

[A light shines from Eleanor's necklace and after a flash of
light, Rictor and his soldiers are knocked unconscious. Alphonse
gets up and runs to Eleanor.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor...the light...Is it from your necklace?"

Eleanor: "Oh, no...! Alphonse...I...I..."

[A few more troops come and draw their swords at the two.]

Alphonse: "Great! More of them are coming!"

[Eleanor and Alphonse go to the cliffside and turn to face the
open waters. They join hands as they prepare to plunge.]

Eleanor: "Can you swim?"

Alphonse: "I'm not much of a swimmer."

[They jump off and the screen blacks out. When it comes back,
Eleanor and Alphonse are in an underwater cavern...with the
mermaid they've been seeking.]

Alphonse: "The golden mermaid......Berevra?"

Berevra: "You protected Eleanor. Thank you."

Alphonse: "...Tell me. Are you really Eleanor's mother?"

Berevra: "Well, perhaps the time has come to tell you the truth.
         Eleanor, you are not my daughter. You were born a 
         human child."

Eleanor: "......"

Berevra: "400 years ago, during the war, I met a man who was
         opposed to the war. He was gentle and kind. But, he
         was still a human, an enemy of the mermaids. I feared
         for his life, so I took the Sacred Spear in hopes of
         ending the war...I sacrificed many mermaid lives by
         doing so. Back then, passion overruled my reasoning.
         I abandoned the home of mermaids and lived secretly
         with my love, Lucius. However, it wasn't long before
         he passed away...The lifespan of humans is much
         shorter than ours. After his death, I left that place,
         taking the Sacred Spear with me. It was too difficult
         for me to remain in a place that reminded me of him.
         ...However, since I had betrayed my kind, I didn't
         have anywhere to go. I lacked even the courage to
         take my own life. I wandered the eastern sea,
         searching for a way to repent. For the last few
         hundred years, I have lived here alone."

Alphonse: "For hundreds of years...all by yourself..."

Berevra: "About 10 years ago, soldiers landed on the south
         side of this island. They surrounded a nearby town
         and burned it down. While I watched from the ocean,
         I heard crying...I found a newborn baby wrapped in
         a blanket."

Eleanor: "That was...me...?"

Berevra: "Holding you in my arms...You were so adorable...
         But, I was afraid that she wouldn't be able to adjust
         in society if I raised her. I knew I couldn't keep
         her, so I asked a couple in a northern village to
         look after her."

Eleanor: "I don't remember well...but the scent of the ocean
         and the crashing of the waves...When I saw you at the
         beach by the village, you seemed so familiar..."

Berevra: "I didn't think you'd remember me since you were so
         small. I used to hold you and watch the dawn from
         Aquila Beach. Eleanor, I'm sorry you had such a hard
         life."

Eleanor: "...Don't be. My step-parents in Sotavento treated
         me very well. Thank you, Berevra..."

Berevra: "Eleanor told me that you're looking for the Sacred
         Spear. I've also heard that this island's had many
         visitors recently. Can you tell me why you're looking
         for it?"

Alphonse: A: "I seek its power."
          B: "Because of a promise."

Alphonse (A): "I seek the power that the spear possesses. Many
              people are fighting to gain control of it. For
              that reason, the lives of this island's inhabitants
              have been threatened. I can't let anyone have the
              spear. I want to end the fighting and bring peace
              to Ovis as quickly as possible, and that's why I
              need the spear."

Alphonse (B): "Because of a promise I made to someone...
              ...someone whom I have a lot of faith in...Many
              people are fighting to gain control of the spear.
              For that reason, the lives of this island's
              inhabitants have been threatened. I can't let
              anyone have it. I promised to bring the spear
              back to Galius before its power can be abused."

Berevra: "I hid it in a small shrine at a beach north of here.
         Since you saved Eleanor, I'll entrust the spear to you.
         Please don't misuse it."

Alphonse: "I promise not to, Berevra. And...I have a message...
          from the leader of the mermaids. She said to tell you
          that they are no longer angry...and await you return."

[Berevra sobs, head in hands.]

Berevra: "Oh...Chloeri..."

[A save point comes up, marking the end of the first chapter. Now,
for Path B, which starts at the option you tell Cybil way back in
Urodela.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                          Path B -- Solea                          |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.3   /
                                                           \_______/

[En route to Sufrir, Alphonse stops by Eleanor's house in Solea.
She comes out and sees him, much to her surprise.]

Eleanor: "Alphonse...!? Why are you here?"

Alphonse: "......"

Eleanor: "Something must've happened."

[The two walk down to the beach.]

Eleanor: "Alphonse, are you having second thoughts?"

Alphonse: "No, it's not that. It's the way she does things...I
          know she has her reasons, but I can't tell what's
          right or wrong anymore. She may be right about one
          thing, though...the way things are going. I never
          thought much about what I wanted to do. I began my
          military training at 12 and became a knight at 14.
          It was the usual path for the son of an aristocrat
          like me...But look at me now...I am no longer a
          knight. I don't understand what Rictor is thinking,
          and I can't follow Cybil's orders...This isn't how
          it should be..."

Eleanor: "Alphonse, there must be a legitimate reason why you
         disagree with her. Confront her about it. You can't
         always run away from difficult situations. Maybe if
         you had explained things to her, you could have found
         a solution."

Alphonse: "Explain my reason? Confront her...?"

Eleanor: "Does that help?"

Alphonse: "Talking to you like this makes me want to stay here
          forever...but...there are things that I can't leave
          undone. Thank you, Eleanor. I must go now."

Eleanor: "Alphonse...Will I see you again?"

Alphonse: A: "Of course I'll be back."
          B: "I make no promises..."

Alphonse (A): "Of course I'll be back. I promise."

Eleanor: "...Take care then."

[Alphonse walks off.]

Eleanor: (I believe in you...)

Alphonse (B): "I'm sorry, but I can't make any promises..."

Eleanor: "...I understand. Take care."

[Alphonse walks off.]

Eleanor: (I knew you'd say that, but still...)

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                          Path B -- Sufrir                         |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.4   /
                                                           \_______/


[Alphonse walks into the sunken temple of Sufrir and immediately
notices something wrong.]

Alphonse: "They look tough."

[A bunch of dragons and gremlins block the passage through. 
Behind Alphonse, someone calls out.]

Older Man: "I finally caught up with you."

[Alphonse turns around.]

Alphonse: "Orson!? What are you doing here?"

Orson: "Master Lasanti asked me to join you, but first things
       first...Let's defeat them and then we'll talk."

[Alphonse brings in his troops.]

Orson: "This is our first battle together since we fought at
       the port. Be alert. Most of them are stronger than you
       can imagine."

[The party clears the field of any enemies. Afterwards, Alphonse
and Orson converse.]

Alphonse: "Well done, Orson. I see you haven't let your skills
          diminish. Tell me. What is Rictor up to? Weren't we
          sent here to drive away the troops from the North?"

Orson: "We were sent to investigate the goal of the northern
       troops, but we haven't been able to uncover much
       information. When we heard that you left Urodela, Master
       Lasanti ordered me to join you."

Alphonse: "I'm glad he sent you, a trusted ally, but...I'm not
          going back. You're here to persuade me, aren't you?"

Orson: "No. I was dismissed from the troops."

Alphonse: "Really...? But why...?"

Orson: "Your actions should be punished, but you refused to
       rejoin us. Is there no stopping you? My last order from
       Commander Lasanti was to help you, even though you made
       yourself his enemy. So, will you allow me to join you?"

Alphonse: A: "Sorry I doubted you."
          B: "I can't allow that."

Alphonse (A): "Is that so...Sorry I doubted you."

Orson: "Don't worry about it. Even though your decisions may
       conflict with the beliefs of your friends, don't let
       that stop you from forging your own destiny. Never yield
       in the face of opposition. Thus is the path of determining
       your own future. Now, it's best we be on our way."

Alphonse (B): "I'm sorry, but I can't allow that. I betrayed
              Rictor. I am unworthy of his favor."

Orson: "Alright...You must choose your own path. I won't stop
       you. Please go now."

Alphonse: "Orson..."

Orson: "Take care, Alphonse..."

[If you pick Option A, Orson joins you permanently; if you pick
Option B, he leaves after his last line. This is the only chance
to get him in your party. After the fight in Sufrir, the 
meandering path to the island of Arena becomes clear, and it's
the next destination.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                          Path B -- Arena                          |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.5   /
                                                           \_______/

[The rainy night that Alphonse chooses to breeze past Arena
turns out to be one in that the sea churns violently around.
If that weren't enough, a mermaid spies them trying to get
across.]

Minerva: "Oh, no...Why are there humans in this place?"

Alphonse: "We're looking for the mermaids' sanctuary. I need to
          speak with your leader. Can you help us?"

Minerva: "Reveal the location of our home? Are you crazy?!
         You'll kill every last one of us."

Alphonse: "Wait. I have no intention of harming any of you."

Minerva: "I don't trust humans! Everyone, lend me a hand!"

[Mermaids and sea creatures come out of the woodwork to her
aid. Alphonse takes out his own force.]

Minerva: "Be forewarned. I'll guard this place with my life!"

[And she does, as the party is forced to slay her.]

Minerva: "Aahh...Help me...sister..."

[She dies.]

Alphonse: "No...Why did this have to happen? I'm no different
          than Cybil. I told her I'd solve the problem
          peacefully, but look at what I've done!"

[Back at the world map, the lonely road to Rana becomes evident.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                           Path B -- Rana                          |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.6   /
                                                           \_______/

[Alphonse walks out to the rain-washed cape.]

Alphonse: "It doesn't look like we can continue from here by
          boat."

[He sees a mermaid out on the cape from the corner of his eye
and turns to face her. She's brought backup, too.]

Aerial: "Vulgar humans! For what reason have you intruded on our
        territory? I suggest you leave immediately if you want to
        live."

Alphonse: "We don't want to fight you. We just want to speak with
          your leader. Tell me where she is."

Aerial: "Don't want to fight? Nonsense! How can I believe that
        after what's happened to Minerva?"

Alphonse: "There was nothing we could do about it!"

Aerial: "Nothing you could do? Who do you think is responsible
        for her death! To you, the welfare of others is
        insignificant in the pursuit of your selfish ambitions.
        You are our enemies, and you have invaded our ocean. I
        am the strongest of my kind. Do you dare face me?!"

Alphonse: "Is there no other way?!"

[Alphonse is forced to bring out his own army.]

Aerial: "Come on! I'll never lose to you!"

[Soon, Aerial's been defeated.]

Aerial: "Forgive me, Lady Chloeri..."

[A while later, Alphonse and Aerial stand alone on the 
battlefield.]

Aerial: "Finish it! Kill me now!!! You may have defeated me,
        but I'll never reveal the location of our sanctuary.
        I'll endure any disgrace."

Alphonse: "......I have no intention of killing you. Please,
          tell your leader that I wish to speak to her."

Aerial: "You take pity and spare me, after killing Minerva?
        Why?"

Alphonse: "I'd like it if we can resolve things peacefully.

Aerial: "You're too soft! Are you truly a knight? By leaving
        this unfinished, it may come back to haunt you. Have
        you thought of that? You may one find my spear protruding
        from your back. Your sympathy is nothing but a liability."

[A mermaid swims up to the two.]

Mermaid Girl: "Wait. Our leader has agreed to speak with you."

Aerial: "You can't be serious!"

Mermaid Girl: "She asked that we welcome them as guests and
              treat them with hospitality. Aerial, dwelling
              on Minerva's death won't change anything. You
              are to receive treatment for your wounds and
              then join us later."

Aerial: "...Alright."

Mermaid Girl: "Are you the leader of these soldiers?"

Alphonse: "Yes, I am. My name is Alphonse."

Mermaid Girl: "Welcome, Alphonse. Please follow me."

[The mermaid girl leads Alphonse into the sanctuary, and then
turns to face him.]

Mermaid Girl: "Please be courteous in front of our leader."

[She leads him to the mermaid leader's throne.]

Pink Mermaid: "I'm Chloeri, leader of the mermaids in this part
              of the ocean. Please share what you have to say."

Alphonse: "I...I promised someone that I'd help them find the
          Sacred Spear."

Chloeri: "...The Sacred Spear? I see...For you humans, those
         events are long passed. I don't blame you, though. Your
         time on this earth is limited. For that reason, you can
         easily forget mistakes of the past. Forgetting permits
         hope to return and strength to be rebuilt. In that
         sense, I envy you. Everyone has their own perspective.
         I won't blame the people of this generation for sorrows
         of the past. Please understand..."

Alphonse: "I'm from Lodis. I thought you might know something
          about the spear. That's why I'm here. I've read that
          the Sacred Spear is a treasure from God which was
          bestowed upon the mermaids, but that's all I know."

Chloeri: "That's correct. It was ours."

Alphonse: "Please tell me...What is the story of the Sacred
          Spear?"

Chloeri: "Alright. I'll tell you everything I know."

[She begins to tell her story. There are freeze-frame pictures
to go help along the interpretation for the player, also.]

Chloeri: "400 years ago, mermaids lived peacefully around this
         island. That changed when people arrived. They burned
         forests and built villages. Conflicts erupted when
         they disturbed our quiet ocean. The quarreling never
         ceased, and finally a battle began for control of the
         island. I took up arms alongside the other mermaids."

[A flashback segment occurs in the same room where Chloeri is
sitting. A mermaid stands near her throne and speaks to her.]

Mermaid Soldier: "Commander, the humans have already entered the
                 southern sea..."

Mermaid Leader: "If I surrender, do you think the war will end?"

Mermaid Soldier: "No. Even with your life in their hands, they'd
                 continue to attack. They are blood-thirsty
                 goblins. They think everything in this world is
                 theirs for the taking. Why?! Why does God allow
                 such creatures to exist on this earth? Don't do
                 anything rash. We'll stand by you and protect
                 this ocean."

Mermaid Leader: "Chloeri, that kind of thinking will get us
                nowhere. What will remain when the fighting is
                over? Instead, we must find a way to survive."

Chloeri: "Are you saying that we should let the humans win,
         that we should endure that kind of humiliation? God!
         Do you only side with humans? It is we who are the
         soul of the sea. As such, we will eventually become
         one again with the water and wind. Are we so
         insignificant? Answer me!!! Is there no place for us
         on this earth? Will you turn your back on us and let
         us fade from existence?"

[The flashback part ends and Chloeri in the present time 
continues to tell her story.]

Chloeri: "Later, when I returned from battle, our leader was
         gone, but instead I found a spear. It was a beautiful,
         black spear, bestowed upon us by God. It drew on the
         power of thunder and lightning, and could pierce metal
         armor. The war started anew, and ten years passed...

[Another vignette occurs in the same room with another soldier
and Chloeri. They stand where the old leader used to be.]

Mermaid: "We can't find it anywhere."

Chloeri: "Look once more. I doubt any human could have entered
         this sanctuary. Who took the spear from here, then?
         And why?"

Mermaid: "Has someone betrayed us? They may have conspired with
         humans..."


Chloeri: "Impossible...Why would anyone want to risk their life
         for the enemy?! Our leader sacrificed herself for our
         sake. The spear is the key to our victory!"

[A mermaid runs in.]

Mermaid Soldier: "...We're being attacked!!!"

Chloeri: "Protect our ocean! I'll be right there..."

[The vignette ends and Chloeri continues to tell Alphonse the
rest of her story.]

Chloeri: "During the lengthy war, there was a mermaid who fell
         in love with a human. But, such love was forbidden.
         She hoped that hostilities would subside if the war
         ended, and so, one night, she entered the sanctuary
         and stole the Sacred Spear for her loved one. The war
         was over. We were tired of fighting. After losing the
         spear, we could no longer withstand their attacks. So
         we escaped to the west. Complicated tides, thick 
         forests, and swampy land...These natural barriers have
         protected this small sea. You see, we don't have the
         spear anymore."

Alphonse: "And what happened to her?"

Chloeri: "I don't know. Both she and the spear disappeared. But,
         I received no word that the humans had obtained it."

Alphonse: "There's no other clues to its whereabouts, are there?"

Chloeri: "Well...I have a feeling that...that mermaid's still
         alive somewhere. If you can find her, she may lead you
         to the spear."

Alphonse: "What's her name?"

Chloeri: "The mermaid that disappeared...Her name is Berevra.
         She was a beautiful mermaid with golden scales. ...She
         is my sister. If you find her, please tell her that we
         are no longer angry, and that we await her return.
         ...Will you do this for me?"

Alphonse: "Can you so easily forgive someon who betrayed you?"

Chloeri: "Because of the power of the spear, we continued to
         fight and lost many more of our kind. As our former
         leader said, self-preservation should have been more
         of a concern. If you find the spear, keep it. It's
         no longer of use to us."

Alphonse: "Why is that...?"

Mermaid Soldier: "We recognize the futility of war. Allow me
                 to see you off. Where are you headed?"

Alphonse: "I guess I'll return to Urodela first. There's
          someone waiting for me...If she believes in me, that
          is."

[On the world map, as soon as Alphonse steps foot in Arena 
again, a cutscene with Aerial begins.]

Aerial: "Are you going back?"


Alphonse: "Yes. I have to decide what to do next. Don't worry,
          I won't bother you again."

Aerial: "I've heard of the spear, but I didn't know the story
        behind it. Even if you loved someone, how could you
        sacrifice your own kind? I don't understand. What was
        she thinking...? Is there someone who you'd protect...
        ...even if it cost you everything?"

Alphonse: "I'm not sure...I don't think that can be answered
          by someone who hasn't faced those circumstances."

Aerial: "I can't forgive you for killing Minerva. I may not
        understand how our leader is feeling, but Minerva knew
        the risk she was taking. Tell me...Do humans and mermaids
        differ in more than just appearance? Will we never
        understand each other? If that's the case, will we just
        continue stealing from one another?"

Alphonse: "I can't say. But even among the same race, nothing good
          comes from stealing."

Aerial: "I wonder what you'll see from now on...Remember, I'll hunt
        you down if I find you're not true to your word. ...Good
        luck."

[The cutscene ends without a chance to invite Aerial into the
party. On the world map, the next stop is Urodela.]

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                         Path B -- Urodela                         |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.7   /
                                                           \_______/

[Alphonse returns to Urodela and re-enters the shed where he
last left Cybil waiting. She's still there.]

Alphonse: "Sorry I was gone so long. Any luck finding new 
          information on Berevra?"

Cybil: "I've heard some stories about mermaids falling in love
       with humans, but nothing specific. Unfortunately, we don't
       have the slightest hint as to where she might be."

Alphonse: "The sad love story of a human and a mermaid, and the
          weapon of God...The White Fang Troops have yet to act.
          Neither has the Order of the Sacred Flame, which was
          dispatched from Scabellum. I wonder if Rictor's men
          who appeared at Urodela that night were chasing after
          members of the White Fang Troops."

Cybil: "What do you mean by that?"

Alphonse: "Before you saved me at Formido, a man, Nichart, was
          asking me about our true purpose on this island. At
          the time I knew nothing. I thought we were sent here
          to investigate the White Fang Troops. But, I wonder
          how much Rictor knew..."

Cybil: "I have no idea. Anyway...Why are you still here?"

Alphonse: "?"

Cybil: "You've brought the information as promised. You're free
       to go and do as you please, whether that be rejoining
       your comrades or returning home."

Alphonse: "I have no place with them, or in my hometown. They
          don't mean anything to me anymore."

Cybil: "...But he seemed to need you."

Alphonse: "Rictor expected a lot out of me. He wanted me as both
          a subordinate and a friend...He wanted someone that he
          could rely on."

Cybil: "That's what he expected, huh?"

Alphonse: "Have you ever thought about doing what is expected of
          you? I...I worry too much about what others think, and
          put their wishes ahead of my own. Once I realized this,
          I couldn't stomach it anymore. Who am...? I wondered.
          I'm not here to fulfill someone else's expectations.
          That's why I needed to get away for a while. I needed
          time alone."

Cybil: "Don't let your emotions sway you. They drain your energy
       and blur your judgement. Be calm and make an objective
       decision. What is it that you want to do in this world?
       Once you've decided on your direction in life, find a way
       to work towards that goal."

Alphonse: "...Cybil, I'm sorry."

Cybil: "For what?"

Alphonse: "...You'll probably say this is childish, but I feel so
          powerless...I'm not as strong as people think. There's
          nothing I can do. That's why I did as Rictor expected
          of me...to be recognized, for a sense of direction. I
          wanted to become storng...to gain power and status. But,
          what then? What purpose would it all serve? ...You saved
          my life. We had a deal, and I held up my end of the
          bargain. But, things are different now. I sincerely want
          to help you. That is, of course, if you'll let me..."

Cybil: "Do as you like. But, now we speak as equals. I think it's
       best if you lead your own comrades. I prefer to operate
       alone. Contact me if the need arises."

Alphonse: "Thanks, Cybil."

Cybil: "First, we must find the mermaid with the golden scales.
       Surely she's attracted attention somewhere. If someone's
       seen her, rumors may have spread..."

[Alphonse thinks back to when he talked to Eleanor, so long
before.]

Eleanor: "It was a long time ago, but once I saw a beautiful
         mermaid. Her whole body was shining in gold...

[Alphonse sits for a moment before speaking.]

Alphonse: "Cybil, Berevra has golden scales, right?"

Cybil: "You're the one who told me that. Why's that suddenly so
       important?"

Alphonse: "There's something I need to look into. I'm going to
          visit a small church on the beaches of Solea..."

/+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+\
|                          Path B -- Solea                          |
\+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+   2.8   /
                                                           \_______/

[As twilight widens out, Alphonse walks to the beach near the
church, finding Eleanor watching the waves.]

Alphonse: "Eleanor, what's wrong? Why are you out so late?"

Eleanor: "Alphonse...? Me?...No reason. But, why are you here?"

Alphonse: "We can discuss that later. Look...You're bleeding.
          Tell me what happened, Eleanor."

[They go inside, and Eleanor sits on the bed.]

Alphonse: "Father Hamen...?"