Althea Valara (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ffbe_script) wrote2018-08-22 02:38 pm
ffbe_script) wrote2018-08-22 02:38 pm
Entry tags:
FFBE Script part 91: As Planned
Previously...
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD IMPERIAL CAPITAL 1
(The party approaches Jake in the imperial capital.)
Rain: Hey there, Jake.
Jake: Wh-what are you all doing here?
Lid: We couldn't help wondering about what you said before.
Jake: I understand... Women often can't help wondering about me. It's tough being so popular.
Lid: Are you serious!?
Rain: Jake. Why don't you fill us in on what it is you're trying to do here? Depending on what you say, we might be able to help.
Jake(...): Help? Why would you? You have absolutely nothing to do with Zoldaad.
Rain: What? Jeez, that's kind of a harsh way to put it...
Fina: Jake. When I first met Rain, I was a little surprised by it too, but... he really is simply that sort of person. He'll fight for whatever he believes in. So I think that he believes in you... and in what it is you're doing.
Jake: (...)
Fina: And I hope it goes without saying, but I believe in you too.
Jake: Well, if my sweet Fina is kind enough to put her faith in me, then it seems I have no choice. Besides, it's not much of a secret now that you've followed me all this way... (...) Basically, you've got to know that not everyone high up in the empire agrees with what the emperor wants to do. Some are even on the rebels' side.
Lid: No kidding. High up in the empire, huh? Like who?
Jake: .....Like Crown Prince Shera.
(The party gets ! over their heads.)
Lid: What!
Rain: Crown Prince Shera.... Isn't he basically the second highest ranking person in the whole empire?
Jake: He is also unhappy with the direction this country is going in. He has been helping the rebel army in secret. When the rebellion takes down Emperor Sozhe, the country will fall into chaos. It may not be the tyranny we face now, but it will be a volatile and dangerous situation.
Nichol: And so you need Prince Shera.
Jake: We do. I'm sure you can understand. With the prince on our side, the transition to a new and better Zoldaad may be reasonably smooth.
Nichol: I see. So in the here and now, then, your intention is... To kidnap the crown prince. Is that right?
Jake: Kidnap the...? Well, that makes me sound like a hoodlum. Call it "escorting him to safety", would you?
Rain: Okay. I get it. If that's the plan, then we'll help.
Lid: So... how exactly are we gonna get Prince Shera out? Please tell me we're not just storming the castle head on.
Jake: It should be simple enough. We just need to create some havoc in town.
Lid: We... what?
-------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - MAIN STREET ZOLDAAD 1
(The party is surrounded by Zoldaad soldiers.)
Rain: Well, we created havoc, just like you said, Jake... but is this also part of the plan?
Jake: Absolutely. Everything is going according to plan.
Lid: Are... are we seriously trusting our lives to this idiot!?
Jake: We'll let ourselves get arrested like good citizens, then once we've been locked up in the dungeons...
(Evan and Dr. Lazarov approach from the north.)
Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh. Looks like we've caught some unusually large rats today.
Rain: Lazarov! And...
Lid: Evan...
(Evan steps forward.)
Evan: Lid. You've become an ally to rebels, now? You really are shameless, aren't you.
Lid: Why you--!
(She starts forward but two soldiers block her.)
Evan: If you're trying to defy the empire, just give up now. You saw what we did to the rebel base, didn't you? With the Invincible, we can reduce any place on this planet to a sea of fire and destruction in an instant. Heh heh. And with my help, the empire's fleet will be the greatest air force this world has ever known!
Lid: Stop it! Airships are supposed to carry people above this rotten world, as high as they send their prayers! They ain't meant for killing!
Evan: You're still so naive. I'm going to keep making airships. And I'm going to keep making them as deadly as possible! And I'm going to make a lot of money.
Lid: Evan... What changed you? What made you like this?
Dr. Lazarov: Now, now... Quarrels between siblings can wait til later. Soldier. Arrest these traitors.
Rain: Jake. You're sure we shouldn't resist?
Jake: I told you. Everything is going according to plan.
(The soldiers move closer to the party.)
Dr. Lazarov: Take them to the dungeons...
(Lazarov gets a ! over his head.)
Dr. Lazarov: No, wait! I can think of a better place for them. Take them to the arena!
Lasswell: Jake... That doesn't sound like your plan.
Jake: Everything is... about to go very, very wrong.
Lid: Hey! Stop that! Argh!
---------------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD ARENA 1
(The Emperor and Dr. Lazarov enter their private booth in the arena.)
Emperor Sozhe: Now, fight! The victor will be rewarded with a princess of his own!
Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh. But there are no princesses in this country, Emperor Sozhe.
(The scene plans down to the party on the arena grounds.)
Lid: Hey... Is this the big bad emperor we heard about, for real?
Jake: Something's wrong with him... And I don't see Prince Shera either...
(The ground begins to shake. A behemoth approaches!)
Jake: I'm sorry, everyone. This has not gone at all according to plan.
Nichol: It comes as little surprise. It was the plan of an ignorant novice, after all.
Jake: Hey! This one's kind of an ass, isn't he?
Lid: You think so, heh? I thought that was pretty polite for Nichol.
Jake: S-seriously?
Lasswell: Rain. What do you want to do now? This situation does not favor us.
Rain: Doesn't matter. The only choice for us is to fight, as our honor as knights demands. Just like we always do, right? You and me.
Lasswell: Yes. That is exactly right.
Jake: Now that's some moving camaraderie! How handsome I must look, my eyes glistening with emotion!
(The behemoth charges!)
--------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD ARENA 2
Emperor Sozhe: Wonderful! You have earned your reward!
Lid: Reward?
(She gets a gold gil symbol over her head.)
Lid: If it's cash, I'll take it.
(The gate opens and soldiers comes out, along with Emperor Sozhe and Dr. Lazarov.)
Jake: Stand back, friends. I'll go to collect that reward as our representative.
Lid: Wha... Hey! Jake!
Jake: (This might be just the chance I needed. If I can strike down Emperor Sozhe right now, then...)
(The soldiers part to let Jake approach the Emperor.)
Emperor Sozhe: A fine show! But I've seen through your trickery, and I know who you are!
Jake(?): What are you talking about? We never even tried to hide who we were.
(Jake gets a ! over his head.)
Lasswell: The emperor... I believe he might in fact be...
Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh. It's time we wrapped up the entertainment. You'll be so much more useful as specimens in my experiments.
Emperor Sozhe: Hmph. Throw them in a cell!
-------------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD DUNGEON 1
Fina: Well, this is good, right, Jake? We're all here in the dungeons now.
Lid: All's well that ends well?
Nichol: That's one way of putting it. Bad luck seems to have an uncanny attraction to you, Jake. It is most curious.
Jake: Hey! Take it easy on me, would you?
Rain: So? What do we do now?
Jake: Soon word of our capture should spread around the castle. And once it does...
(Two guards chance places outside the cell. A maid sneaks up on the new guard and knocks him unconscious. Rain gets a ! over his head.)
Jake: My plan will prove a magnificent success. Sorry for the bother, Amelia. How about I take you out on a romantic date, to make it up to you?
Amelia: Quite unnecessary, thank you. Though I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting. Now before the guards recover...
(Amelia unlocks the cell.)
Jake: You're too clever to be wasted as the prince's maid, you know, Amelia. Though that's what makes you so fascinating, of course.
Amelia: Naturally, keeping you fascinated is the sole concern of my career, sir. But I must insist that you start moving at once... Unless you would rather end up like those guards?
Jake: Well, despite a few hiccups, we have sneaked into the castle. Amelia? Where is Prince Shera now?
Amelia: His Highness is currently confined to one of these very dungeons. His support of the rebels was discovered, I'm afraid.
Jake: We always knew it was only a matter of time, but... still. That's a damn nuisance.
Rain: Sounds like we've got no time to waste, then. Let's hurry and break Prince Shera out.
Amelia: I'm afraid that this is as far as I am able to go. Please...Save our prince. Save Zoldaad.
Rain: Of course! That's what we're here for.
-----------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD DUNGEONS 2
(The party is walking in the dungeons. Lid comes to a stop and gets (...) over her head. Nichol notices.)
Nichol: Lid... Are you thinking about your brother?
Lid: Yeah... I guess deep down I still figured he'd wake up and realize what he was doing, eventually. Even though he was working for jerks, and even though he kinda turned into a jerk... I never thought he'd give up on his dream. Not for real.
Nichol: What was your brother's dream?
Lid: Building airships that would let anyone fly freely through the sky... That was our dream. We both shared it. But at some point, he started making airships to be used for war. And all for the money. I couldn't make sense of it. I kept on working in the factory on my own projects, the same way we'd both been doing. He didn't have to leave.
(She bows her head.)
Lid: (Come to think of it... That really is strange. I enver thought about it before...) (Why was I allowed to keep working there though I only ever made what I felt like making?) Well, anyhow... It all boils down to one fact: I have to stop my brother. He's my responsibility.
Nichol(...): Lid... I realize that your situation is not one that invites an outsider to give his opinion, yet I still feel compelled to say... No matter what may come, your brother will always be your brother. And you will always be his sister. That relationship is precious and can never be replaced. If you must fight your brother, make sure it is a fight you will not come to regret. Speaking as one who has lost a brother of his own...
Lid: Nichol... You're right. I'm gonna think carefully about what I need to do.
(She walks on. Jake approaches Nichol.)
Jake: That was pretty smooth, Nichol. So you come in more flavors than just "salty", after all.
Nichol: Please, do not mock me.
Jake: No, I'm serious! I totally agree with what you said. No matter what happens, your brother will always be your brother. I get that.
(Jake walks on.)
Nichol: You don't say...
-----------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD DUNGEON ENDING
(The party approaches Prince Shera's cell. Jake opens the gate.)
Jake: Look who's here to save you! Better late than never, right?
Crown Prince Shera: I'm sorry. My involvement with your cause was uncovered by Lazarov...
Jake: You have nothing to apologize for. All that matters is that you're safe. We can still save this country.
Crown Prince Shera: Lazarov... It all began when that man came to Zoldaad. That is when Father began acting so strangely. I cannot deny that Zoldaad has always had militaristic tendencies. But... our past wars were always for just causes. Father wanted our nation to be a great one.
Fina: And now he doesn't?
Crown Prince Shera: No. Now he doesn't seem to care about anything. He is like a puppet, doing whatever Lazarov wants of him.
Jake: Is Lazarov in the castle, probably?
Crown Prince Shera: Yes. You will most likely find him wherever Father is.
Jake: Then let's take care of this once and for all. They won't be expecting our attack now.
Crown Prince Shera: Jake. I ask that you take me with you, as well.
Jake: Are you sure? We're talking about taking down your own father.
Crown Prince Shera: I am prepared for what must be done. I cannot look away. Not if I am to help lead this country to a new future.
Jake: I understand. Then we'll go together. For Zoldaad's future.
Next entry...
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD IMPERIAL CAPITAL 1
(The party approaches Jake in the imperial capital.)
Rain: Hey there, Jake.
Jake: Wh-what are you all doing here?
Lid: We couldn't help wondering about what you said before.
Jake: I understand... Women often can't help wondering about me. It's tough being so popular.
Lid: Are you serious!?
Rain: Jake. Why don't you fill us in on what it is you're trying to do here? Depending on what you say, we might be able to help.
Jake(...): Help? Why would you? You have absolutely nothing to do with Zoldaad.
Rain: What? Jeez, that's kind of a harsh way to put it...
Fina: Jake. When I first met Rain, I was a little surprised by it too, but... he really is simply that sort of person. He'll fight for whatever he believes in. So I think that he believes in you... and in what it is you're doing.
Jake: (...)
Fina: And I hope it goes without saying, but I believe in you too.
Jake: Well, if my sweet Fina is kind enough to put her faith in me, then it seems I have no choice. Besides, it's not much of a secret now that you've followed me all this way... (...) Basically, you've got to know that not everyone high up in the empire agrees with what the emperor wants to do. Some are even on the rebels' side.
Lid: No kidding. High up in the empire, huh? Like who?
Jake: .....Like Crown Prince Shera.
(The party gets ! over their heads.)
Lid: What!
Rain: Crown Prince Shera.... Isn't he basically the second highest ranking person in the whole empire?
Jake: He is also unhappy with the direction this country is going in. He has been helping the rebel army in secret. When the rebellion takes down Emperor Sozhe, the country will fall into chaos. It may not be the tyranny we face now, but it will be a volatile and dangerous situation.
Nichol: And so you need Prince Shera.
Jake: We do. I'm sure you can understand. With the prince on our side, the transition to a new and better Zoldaad may be reasonably smooth.
Nichol: I see. So in the here and now, then, your intention is... To kidnap the crown prince. Is that right?
Jake: Kidnap the...? Well, that makes me sound like a hoodlum. Call it "escorting him to safety", would you?
Rain: Okay. I get it. If that's the plan, then we'll help.
Lid: So... how exactly are we gonna get Prince Shera out? Please tell me we're not just storming the castle head on.
Jake: It should be simple enough. We just need to create some havoc in town.
Lid: We... what?
-------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - MAIN STREET ZOLDAAD 1
(The party is surrounded by Zoldaad soldiers.)
Rain: Well, we created havoc, just like you said, Jake... but is this also part of the plan?
Jake: Absolutely. Everything is going according to plan.
Lid: Are... are we seriously trusting our lives to this idiot!?
Jake: We'll let ourselves get arrested like good citizens, then once we've been locked up in the dungeons...
(Evan and Dr. Lazarov approach from the north.)
Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh. Looks like we've caught some unusually large rats today.
Rain: Lazarov! And...
Lid: Evan...
(Evan steps forward.)
Evan: Lid. You've become an ally to rebels, now? You really are shameless, aren't you.
Lid: Why you--!
(She starts forward but two soldiers block her.)
Evan: If you're trying to defy the empire, just give up now. You saw what we did to the rebel base, didn't you? With the Invincible, we can reduce any place on this planet to a sea of fire and destruction in an instant. Heh heh. And with my help, the empire's fleet will be the greatest air force this world has ever known!
Lid: Stop it! Airships are supposed to carry people above this rotten world, as high as they send their prayers! They ain't meant for killing!
Evan: You're still so naive. I'm going to keep making airships. And I'm going to keep making them as deadly as possible! And I'm going to make a lot of money.
Lid: Evan... What changed you? What made you like this?
Dr. Lazarov: Now, now... Quarrels between siblings can wait til later. Soldier. Arrest these traitors.
Rain: Jake. You're sure we shouldn't resist?
Jake: I told you. Everything is going according to plan.
(The soldiers move closer to the party.)
Dr. Lazarov: Take them to the dungeons...
(Lazarov gets a ! over his head.)
Dr. Lazarov: No, wait! I can think of a better place for them. Take them to the arena!
Lasswell: Jake... That doesn't sound like your plan.
Jake: Everything is... about to go very, very wrong.
Lid: Hey! Stop that! Argh!
---------------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD ARENA 1
(The Emperor and Dr. Lazarov enter their private booth in the arena.)
Emperor Sozhe: Now, fight! The victor will be rewarded with a princess of his own!
Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh. But there are no princesses in this country, Emperor Sozhe.
(The scene plans down to the party on the arena grounds.)
Lid: Hey... Is this the big bad emperor we heard about, for real?
Jake: Something's wrong with him... And I don't see Prince Shera either...
(The ground begins to shake. A behemoth approaches!)
Jake: I'm sorry, everyone. This has not gone at all according to plan.
Nichol: It comes as little surprise. It was the plan of an ignorant novice, after all.
Jake: Hey! This one's kind of an ass, isn't he?
Lid: You think so, heh? I thought that was pretty polite for Nichol.
Jake: S-seriously?
Lasswell: Rain. What do you want to do now? This situation does not favor us.
Rain: Doesn't matter. The only choice for us is to fight, as our honor as knights demands. Just like we always do, right? You and me.
Lasswell: Yes. That is exactly right.
Jake: Now that's some moving camaraderie! How handsome I must look, my eyes glistening with emotion!
(The behemoth charges!)
--------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD ARENA 2
Emperor Sozhe: Wonderful! You have earned your reward!
Lid: Reward?
(She gets a gold gil symbol over her head.)
Lid: If it's cash, I'll take it.
(The gate opens and soldiers comes out, along with Emperor Sozhe and Dr. Lazarov.)
Jake: Stand back, friends. I'll go to collect that reward as our representative.
Lid: Wha... Hey! Jake!
Jake: (This might be just the chance I needed. If I can strike down Emperor Sozhe right now, then...)
(The soldiers part to let Jake approach the Emperor.)
Emperor Sozhe: A fine show! But I've seen through your trickery, and I know who you are!
Jake(?): What are you talking about? We never even tried to hide who we were.
(Jake gets a ! over his head.)
Lasswell: The emperor... I believe he might in fact be...
Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh. It's time we wrapped up the entertainment. You'll be so much more useful as specimens in my experiments.
Emperor Sozhe: Hmph. Throw them in a cell!
-------------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD DUNGEON 1
Fina: Well, this is good, right, Jake? We're all here in the dungeons now.
Lid: All's well that ends well?
Nichol: That's one way of putting it. Bad luck seems to have an uncanny attraction to you, Jake. It is most curious.
Jake: Hey! Take it easy on me, would you?
Rain: So? What do we do now?
Jake: Soon word of our capture should spread around the castle. And once it does...
(Two guards chance places outside the cell. A maid sneaks up on the new guard and knocks him unconscious. Rain gets a ! over his head.)
Jake: My plan will prove a magnificent success. Sorry for the bother, Amelia. How about I take you out on a romantic date, to make it up to you?
Amelia: Quite unnecessary, thank you. Though I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting. Now before the guards recover...
(Amelia unlocks the cell.)
Jake: You're too clever to be wasted as the prince's maid, you know, Amelia. Though that's what makes you so fascinating, of course.
Amelia: Naturally, keeping you fascinated is the sole concern of my career, sir. But I must insist that you start moving at once... Unless you would rather end up like those guards?
Jake: Well, despite a few hiccups, we have sneaked into the castle. Amelia? Where is Prince Shera now?
Amelia: His Highness is currently confined to one of these very dungeons. His support of the rebels was discovered, I'm afraid.
Jake: We always knew it was only a matter of time, but... still. That's a damn nuisance.
Rain: Sounds like we've got no time to waste, then. Let's hurry and break Prince Shera out.
Amelia: I'm afraid that this is as far as I am able to go. Please...Save our prince. Save Zoldaad.
Rain: Of course! That's what we're here for.
-----------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD DUNGEONS 2
(The party is walking in the dungeons. Lid comes to a stop and gets (...) over her head. Nichol notices.)
Nichol: Lid... Are you thinking about your brother?
Lid: Yeah... I guess deep down I still figured he'd wake up and realize what he was doing, eventually. Even though he was working for jerks, and even though he kinda turned into a jerk... I never thought he'd give up on his dream. Not for real.
Nichol: What was your brother's dream?
Lid: Building airships that would let anyone fly freely through the sky... That was our dream. We both shared it. But at some point, he started making airships to be used for war. And all for the money. I couldn't make sense of it. I kept on working in the factory on my own projects, the same way we'd both been doing. He didn't have to leave.
(She bows her head.)
Lid: (Come to think of it... That really is strange. I enver thought about it before...) (Why was I allowed to keep working there though I only ever made what I felt like making?) Well, anyhow... It all boils down to one fact: I have to stop my brother. He's my responsibility.
Nichol(...): Lid... I realize that your situation is not one that invites an outsider to give his opinion, yet I still feel compelled to say... No matter what may come, your brother will always be your brother. And you will always be his sister. That relationship is precious and can never be replaced. If you must fight your brother, make sure it is a fight you will not come to regret. Speaking as one who has lost a brother of his own...
Lid: Nichol... You're right. I'm gonna think carefully about what I need to do.
(She walks on. Jake approaches Nichol.)
Jake: That was pretty smooth, Nichol. So you come in more flavors than just "salty", after all.
Nichol: Please, do not mock me.
Jake: No, I'm serious! I totally agree with what you said. No matter what happens, your brother will always be your brother. I get that.
(Jake walks on.)
Nichol: You don't say...
-----------------------
ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - AS PLANNED - ZOLDAAD DUNGEON ENDING
(The party approaches Prince Shera's cell. Jake opens the gate.)
Jake: Look who's here to save you! Better late than never, right?
Crown Prince Shera: I'm sorry. My involvement with your cause was uncovered by Lazarov...
Jake: You have nothing to apologize for. All that matters is that you're safe. We can still save this country.
Crown Prince Shera: Lazarov... It all began when that man came to Zoldaad. That is when Father began acting so strangely. I cannot deny that Zoldaad has always had militaristic tendencies. But... our past wars were always for just causes. Father wanted our nation to be a great one.
Fina: And now he doesn't?
Crown Prince Shera: No. Now he doesn't seem to care about anything. He is like a puppet, doing whatever Lazarov wants of him.
Jake: Is Lazarov in the castle, probably?
Crown Prince Shera: Yes. You will most likely find him wherever Father is.
Jake: Then let's take care of this once and for all. They won't be expecting our attack now.
Crown Prince Shera: Jake. I ask that you take me with you, as well.
Jake: Are you sure? We're talking about taking down your own father.
Crown Prince Shera: I am prepared for what must be done. I cannot look away. Not if I am to help lead this country to a new future.
Jake: I understand. Then we'll go together. For Zoldaad's future.
Next entry...