ffbe_script | Entries tagged with ffbe script

Previously....

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- THE MAGE OF HESS -- FINA'S PSYCHE FRONT LINES 1

(The party is walking along. Veritas of the Dark comes to a stop with a ! over his head. The others turn to look at him.)

Veritas of the Dark: I can feel it... The great hosts of Hess are approaching. Do they hope to bring down our base? And at the head of their forces... So, she dared come out herself... The Demon of Hess.

(Veritas of the Dark turns to the rest of the party.)

Veritas of the Dark: You all... Would you lend me your aid?

Rain: You want us... to help you?

Veritas of the Dark: I have been convinced by fighting alongside you till now. You are the blood of Aldore. I feel it in you. Especially you. Rain. I feel it most strongly in you.

Rain: Wha...

Veritas of the Dark: Yes, you, Rain. And that is not all. It's so curious, but... when I look at you, I...

(Two other Veritas approach. Lid gets ! over her head as she spots them.)

Lid: Yikes! The Veritas of the Light and of the Earth!

Veritas of the Light: So this is where you've been, Darklord. We were worried. You'd been gone so long.

(Earthlord turns to Lightlord.)

Veritas of the Earth: Ha ha! You worry too much, sis. The Darklord isn't the type of guy to fall that easily.

Veritas of the Light: D-don't call me that! I know better than anyone how strong the Darklord is. I don't need to hear it from you.

Lid(...): Huh... you know...

Nichol: They are rather different than the Earthlord and Lightlord we encountered in our time.

Jake: Well, I suppose 700 years might change a person.

Veritas of the Light: Oh? Are you all... with the Darklord? If you're friends with him, then you're friends to me. Let us battle Hess together. We will bring this war to an end at last.

Rain: R-right... Let's do that...

Veritas of the Dark: Lightlord. Earthlord. You two have the best timing. Stand with us, and we will strike back against the armies of Hess.

Veritas of the Light: The armies of Hess?

(Earthlord gets a ! over his head.)

veritas of the Earth: That presence... So she is here in the flesh, is she!

Veritas of the Dark: Comrades! Prepare yourselves! We must not let them take our base!

Veritas of the Light: I won't. My sister is still in that base. She's still too young too stand up to the demon's powers.

Veritas of the Earth: You always did have such a soft spot for her. Isn't that right, "sis"? But don't you worry about a thing. I will end that demon once and for all!

(THe Veritas move out, leaving our party behind.)

Jake: Well, look what we've gotten ourselves caught up in now. It seems we have no choice but to fight.

Nichol: Yes. I see little alternative.

(The others move on, leaving Rain behind.)

Rain: (This Demon of Hess that the Darklord is afraid of... Could she really be...?)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - THE MAGE OF HESS - FINA'S PSYCHE FRONT LINES 2

Rain: All right. That should be... the last of them.

Fina: You were able to defeat that many soldiers on your own, hm? I didn't know Aldore still had anyone like you left in its armies.

(The party gets ! over their heads, and turn as Dark Fina approaches.)

Rain: Fina!?

Fina: It looks like I might want to reduce Aldore's advantage before the final showdown.

(Fina readies her whip.)

Lid: Wh-what do we do? Are we really gonna fight Fina?

Jake: It seems almost blasphemous to strike a beautiful woman, but... I cannot allow my own gorgeous face to be vandalized either!

Nichol: There is no better alternative. This time we simply have to fight!

(Battle begins! Afterward...)

Fina: Impossible... I was.... defeated...?

Rain: Fina...

(Rain takes a step towards her.)

Fina: Don't come near me! I can't lose... I can't possibly lose here! If I lose, then Hess... Hess will be destroyed by Aldore... So even... even if it destroys me, I must...

(Veritas of the Earth walks through the party to stand before Fina.)

Veritas of the Earth: Fina. How weak you have grown. You let yourself be beaten by these nameless ruffians? I can hardly believe it of you.... But then... I suppose all things must come to an end. I will at least let you die by my own hand.

(Veritas of the Earth draws his weapon, but Rain rushes to stand between him and Fina.)

Rain: Wait!

Veritas of the Earth: You. Why do you interrupt me?

Rain: The Darklord said it, didn't he? Hess and Aldore were once one people... This isn't what you're here for! You shouldn't be killing one another!

Veritas of the Earth: ....That may be what the Darklord thinks.

Rain: Isn't there any way to resolve this other than war? Just because you believe in different things... That shouldn't mean you have to kill each other!

Veritas of the Earth: Enough! What would you know of our war? What would you know of any of this? You know nothing! Nothing of this battle, or how I feel for Fina! But if you would still stand in my way, then I will cut you down alongside her!

(Battle begins against the Earthlord! There is no dialogue after you defeat him.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- THE MAGE OF HESS -- FINA'S PSYCHE FRONT LINES 3

(Veritas of the Earth is crouched on the ground.)

Veritas of the Earth: Ugh! I did not expect you would prove such a challenge.... But my power is limitless! I will not fall to such primitive attacks!

(He stands and glows!)

Rain: Gah! He's still not giving up!?

Sakura: ((Rain! That's enough!))

Rain: Wha... Sakura?

Sakura: ((The situation has changed! You must return to your bodies now!))

(There is a flash of white light.)

Next entry...

Previously...

MAGI NATION MYSIDA -- DEFEATING THE DARKLORD -- FINA'S PSYCHE BADLANDS 1

Lid(?): Rain? Lasswell? What is it? What's going on?

(The party has come to a halt, Rain and Lasswell staring ahead in attention.)

Rain: Lasswell... do you feel that?

Lasswell: I do. I wasn't sure you felt it as well.

Rain: He's here...

Lid: What? Who's here?

(The scene pans left as a Veritas walks up to the party.)

Lid(!): My d... The Veritas of the Dark.

Veritas of the Dark: What are you doing here?

Lid: O-oh... well... You see... We lost our way and wandered in here by mistake?

(Nichol and Jake both get (...) over their heads at this.)

Nichol: If you're going to lie, put some effort into it, would you?

Jake: Seriously. Give us something to work with.

(Lid sweats.)

Lid: Argh! I know! B-but no one else was saying anything!

Veritas of the Dark: I do not know your faces.... though you don't seem to be warriors of Hess...

(Rain walks forward.)

Rain: It is true that we're pretty lost. None of us has ever been here before, after all.

(Veritas of the Dark gets a (...) as he ponders this.)

Veritas of the Dark: Your eyes look honest. Fine then. If you are lost, follow me. I will take you to our base.

(He leaves.)

Lid: W-wait, is this a good idea? He said their base, right? Does that mean it's the headquarters of the Veritas or something?

Rain: What choice do we have? And anyway, don't you want to find out more about the Veritas?

(The others walk off, leaving Lid behind.)

Lid: I-I sure hope you're right about this, Rain...

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- DEFEATING THE DARKLORD -- FINA'S PSYCHE BADLANDS 2

Veritas of the Dark: We are still some distance from the base. I'm afraid we have a long road ahead of us yet.

(Rain steps forward.)

Rain: Can I ask something? Why are Aldore and Hess fighting anyway? Both Aldore and Hess were originally part of the same country, right? They were both part of Paladia, weren't they?

Veritas of the Dark: Borders and nations mean little when people do not hold the same beliefs. Our different beliefs have paved different roads ahead of us.

Nichol: It is a familiar tale in our own world, too...

Veritas of the Dark: Aldore worships at the altar of science. Hess cleaves to its visionary magicks. And the result is this war that you see all around us.

Nichol: Visionary... magicks?

Veritas of the Dark: The visionary magicks are different from the magic that we use. They are a strange power born of scientific progress. Hess declared independence from Paladia, attempting to create a new place for itself as a nation of visionary magicks. But their magicks are too dangerous. That was why Aldore could not simply stand by and watch it happen.

Rain: And that was how the war began...?

Veritas of the Dark(...): But if this war continues to drag on as it has, many lives will be lost on both sides. I want to bring this foolish conflict to an end. That's why I have to...

Rain: Isn't there any way to settle things peaceably?

Veritas of the Dark: There is. My power does not exist for the sake of cutting down my fellow men. It exists only to end this fruitless, interminable war. I will be the blade that cuts through the darkness that surrounds us. The darkness is my jurisdiction. That is why I take the name of Dark.

(Veritas of the Dark leaves.)

Rain: Dark...

Lid: That's... I mean, I know I shouldn't be thinking it, but... He was... kind of a great person, wasn't he? The Veritas of the Dark.

Rain: Mmm. It seems like he was.

Next Entry...

Previously...

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- A 700 YEAR AGO FIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE BATTLEFIELD 1

(The party is standing on a cliff.)

Rain: Where...?

Lid: Whaaat!? We were just in the Magic Library, weren't we?

Sakura: ((It would seem that it worked.))

(Sakura isn't with the party.)

Rain: Huh? Sakura? Where are you? We can hear you, but...

Sakura: ((I remained in the Magic Library to protect your bodies.)) ((Right now, you all are within Fina's psyche.)) ((Using the book that you helped find, it is possible to enter the memories of another.))

Jake: So... we're in Fina's mind right now?

Fina: ...Well, that's a bit odd. I don't know how I feel about having other people traipsing around in my mind.

Lid: But... Wait. If these are memories... then that means this is a place that Fina once saw?

(Lid steps closer to the cliff edge and looks around.)

Lid: Where is this, though? This doesn't look like any place in our world!

Sakura: ((That is Paladia... The homeland of the Veritas and of Fina.))

(The party, minus Fina, get ! over their heads at this.)

Rain: Fina's.... homeland? This place?

Fina: Heh heh heh.... how nostalgic.

Lasswell(...): And what are we supposed to do here?

Sakura: ((Start by trying to find the other Fina somewhere within these memories. We can't do anything until you do that.))

Rain: We'll find her.

Fina: Sure. But you may want to be careful wandering around in here. You've just walked into the middle of a war, after all. You might find more than you bargained for.

Lid(!): A war?

Fina: That's right. The great war that split the people of Paladia in two. So don't worry if I disappear for a little while, mmmkay?

Lid: Huh? But what for?

Fina: Let's just say that things could get a little complicated if I were seen in this world. I'll be around if you really need me, though.

(Fina glows and disappears.)

Rain: Well, this has gotten confusing... but I guess for now we just focus on finding our Fina.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- A 700 YEAR AGO FIGHT -- FINA'S PSYCHE BATTLEFIELD 2

Nichol: We have little choice but to strike back when we are attacked directly..... and yet...

Lid: That Fina said that the people were split in two, right? But which side is good and which side is bad? Fighting leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I think that I might be cutting down the good guys.

Sakura: ((This is war. There is not always a good side or a bad side.))

Rain: The people fighting in this war... Wait, are they...?

Sakura: ((THat's right. This is the war between Aldore and Hess.)) ((And the ones holding the key to this war are your familiar old nemeses: The Sworn Eight of Paladia.))

Lid(?): The Sworn Eight? Don't you mean six?

Sakura: ((You'll see. IF you remain here long enough...))

Next entry....

Previously....

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- INTO FINA'S SOUL -- MAGIC LIBRARY 1

Sakura: This is the Magic Library. Here resides the accumulated knowledge of millennia.

(Nichol looks around.)

Nichol: This... is... quite the collection.

Sakura: A human could spend her entire life reading, and still would not come close to reading all that lies here.

Lasswell: But a library... in a place like this? Who built it? And when?

(Sakura lights a candelabra, and a hidden door opens. The rests of the party reacts with ! over their heads.)

Sakura: No one built it. It came to this world as you see it.

Lid: What? What's that supposed to mean?

Sakura: Never mind that. Focus now on reaching the deepest part of the library. That is where you'll find the book you need.

Rain: Got it. And this book will help us save Fina, right?

Sakura: Quite so. But the library is full of monsters. Be careful.

(They enter the formerly hidden door.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA -- INTO FINA'S SOUL -- MAGIC LIBRARY 2

(The party is gathered around a green book.)

Sakura: It seems the book was possessed by some creature, but it should be fine now. Let me just conjure a simple barrier to keep any other monsters from sneaking up on us...

(She does so.)

Sakura: Now, Fina. Take that book in hand, would you?

Fina: Okay...

(Fina steps forward and places her hand on the book.)

Sakura: Good... Next I want you to think on your memories of that war. Remember what happened 700 years ago.

(Fina gets a ! as the book reacts!)

Sakura: Prepare to leave you bodies behind! We go now into Fina's psyche!

(The book opens.)

Next entry....

Previously...

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - FIGHT FOR DESTINY - NAMELESS RUINS 1

(The party enters the chamber of the crystal.)

Lid: Really? So Mysidia's crystal is kept in a place like this?

(Rain gets a ! over his head and turns to Sakura.)

Rain: Which crystal is it?

Sakura: This is the Crystal of Light.

Lasswell: Light? I thought that Mysidia housed the Ice Crystal.

Rain: That's right. There are supposed to be only two crystals remaining in the world.... The Lightning Crystal in Pharm... and the Ice Crystal in Mysidia. I've never heard of any Light Crystal.

Jake: Huh? Hold on a moment. You said Pharm and Mysidia? That's not what I've always heard.

Lid: What? What do you mean?

Sakura: You are both right, and you are both wrong. After all, I've been spreading conflicting tales of the crystals' locations around the world, to make things more difficult for the Veritas.

Rain: You what?

Sakura: The Lightning Crystal and the Ice Crystal no longer exist. They were destroyed long ago by someone else. The only one left who knows which crystals remain and where they are housed... is me.

Nichol: Indeed.... So it is your campaign of misinformation that has kept the Veritas from swooping down and destroying all of the crystals at once.

Sakura: It's worked pretty well, if I do say so myself. But that strategy has reached its limit.

???: I would say so. What underhanded games you play.

(Rain gets a !, and the party turns. Two Veritas appear on balconies above them.)

Rain: Veritas!

Sakura: So you came... Earthlord. And if it isn't the Veritas of the Light.

Veritas of the Light: ....

(Veritas of the Light casts a spell. Sakura gets a ! over her head, then is thrown a few steps away, falling to her knees.)

Rain: Sakura!

Sakura: Ugh... Ridiculous... When did you gain such power? You're nothing like the Lightlord of old...

Veritas of the Light: Traitors like you are not needed in this world. This is what comes of casting aside your armor. I will not let you did a simple death. For you, I will take the time to carve you apart piece by piece.

Fina: Sakura!

(Fina rushes towards Sakura, but Earthlord jumps down from the balcony, landing in front of her. The party is driven back outside.)

Veritas of the Earth: Fina. Do you remember me?

Fina: Get out of the way! I don't know you!

Veritas of the Earth(...): You don't know me? Really?

(Earthlord takes a few steps towards Fina.)

Veritas of the Earth: Then I shall have to force you to remember.

Fina(backing up): Y-you want to fight? I'll fight you!

Veritas of the Earth: No.. You are not a warrior of Hess. To cross blades with you would be unfair. Lowly monsters are enough for you.

(Earthlord sets his shield in front of himself, preparing for battle.)

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - FIGHT FOR DESTINY - NAMELESS RUINS 2

(The party rushes back into the ruins to confront the two Veritas. Sakura's still on her knees behind the Veritas.)

Veritas of the Earth: Yes... Seeing you fight now confirms it. Fina. You are worthless as you are now.

Fina: What?

(Veritas of the Earth takes a step forward.)

Veritas of the Earth: Is this what comes of the great Demon of Hess lending her power to a pack of humans? Is that what has made you so weak? You should return to your true form. For my sake, Fina.

(Veritas of the Earth begins to glow, and Rain and Fina get ! over their heads.)

Rain: Watch it, guys! That one's got something up his sleeve!

Veritas of the Light: You can just stay still.

(Veritas of the Light flashes brightly, and the party falls to its knees.)

Rain: Augh! My eyes!

Veritas of the Light: Go on, Earthlord. Do what you will. Unleash that inexhaustible power of yours.

(Fina, who was still standing, takes a few steps back.)

Veritas of the Earth: Now, Fina! I'll free you from the confines of that wretched form!

(Veritas of the Earth hurls a yellow ball of light at Fina. She's enveloped in a glow.)

Rain: Fina!

Fina: What... is this...? It doesn't feel like an attack... It's more like... I'm being filled with power...

(Fina glows brightly, and turns into her dark form.)

Fina: This... This is... Earthlord, what the hell were you thinking?

Veritas of the Earth: That's the first thing you have to say to me after 700 years? You must know what I was thinking. You know what I want. It is the one thing we have always desired from each other!

(Fina takes a few steps forward.)

Fina: ...To fight to the death, of course!

Veritas of the Earth: Exactly!

(The camera pans up to focus on Sakura.)

Sakura: (This will no do... If Fina should fall here...)

(There is a flash as Sakura teleport to the middle of the party.)

Sakura: All of you! Withdraw from this battle!

Rain: What are you saying? If we run now, they'll destroy the crystal!

Sakura: There will still be one crystal left to protect, though! But if you are destroyed here and now, all will be lost!

(Sakura glows, and teleports the party away.)

Veritas of the Earth: You would abandon this crystal to flee with your lives?

Veritas of the Light: Hmph. It's pointless either way. We'll find the last one in no time, no matter what you do.

(The two Veritas walk to the crystal, and Lightlord destroys it.)

Veritas of the Light: And now just one crystal remains.

Veritas of the Earth: The time is finally here. The day that was promised.

(The scene shifts to outdoors, some distance away. The party appears in a flash of light.)

Sakura: Hah... It seems we managed to get away.

(Jake get a ! over his head.)

Jake: Wh-what--! Whence such heavenly beauty, and is she staying?

Lid: AH, sheesh. She turned into THAT Fina again?

Jake: Fina? That's Fina? Seriously? When did she even have the time to change outfits and do all that makeup and everything!?

Lid: We'll explain it all later, so just... shut up for now, would you? Or permanently, if you like.

Rain: Fina? Are you okay?

Fina: Heh... So we meet again. Rain. And how have you been doing? Perhaps your well being isn't what we should be discussing, though.

Rain: Huh?

Fina: You know that the other Fina was born when I lost my true power. She was all that remained, then....

Nichol: Yes.. And now the Earthlord shared his own power to restore you to your former self.

Fina: Full point. You are as quick to understand as ever, Nichol.

Lid: So the Fina in front of us right now is...

Fina: Exactly. I am completely myself once again. I am just as I was 700 years ago... before I was sealed in that crystal. But... as a result of that, the other Fina is on the verge of dissolving within me.

Rain: Fina... will disappear?

Fina: And if she does, that Fina will never again appear before you. That doesn't matter much to me, of course, but... I thought you all deserved to know, at least.

Lid: We can't let that happen! I don't want Fina to disappear!

Jake: The simple and innocent Fina... and this sexy bombshell Fina... isn't there a way to have both of them?

Lid: You shut your slobbering pie hole. If you want a bombshell, I could arrange for you to be blown to pieces.

Rain: Isn't there some way to save Fina?

Fina (turning away): I'm sorry. I don't know of any.

Sakura: ...If you wish to save her, then there is one way.

(The party, minus Fina and Sakura, get ! over their heads at this.)

Sakura: You must go into Fina's mind, and stop what remains of her from being destroyed.

Lid(...): Well, yeah, that's what we'd like to do... but how the heck do you go into someone's mind?

Sakura: Explanation can wait till after. If you want to save her, you must hurry and come with me at once.

(Sakura turns and begins walking off.)

Lid: What? Wh-where are we going?

Sakura: To the Magic Lirbrary.

(Sakura walks off, and the party follows.)

Next entry....

Previously...

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - FOUNDER OF MYSIDIA - MAGE NATION MYSIDIA 1

(The scene opens as the party walks into a town.)

Lid: Wow... So this is Mysidia?

(A black mage walks by, giving them no notice. The party turns to watch him.)

Nichol: It seems like none of the people here are even curious about strangers appearing in their town.

Sakura: The people of Mysidia pay no attention to anything but their own research.

Lasswell: Well, this should be the end of our trial. So isn't it about time you tell us what you know?

Sakura: I suppose so. Why don't we find a quiet place where...

(Sakura gets a ! over her head.)

Sakura: Hmmm. This feeling...

Rain: What is it?

Sakura: How troublesome. So they finally sniffed this place out? Two of the Veritas are headed this way. And one of them is... I'm sorry. But we need to get to the crystal at once. Our talk will have to wait.

Rain: That's no problem. If the Veritas are coming, then we will be happy to meet them. We will strike them down.

(Sakura gets (...)).

Sakura: ...I see. Then come with me. I will lead you to the crystal.

Jake: You'll lead us to the crystal? You know exactly where it is? Sakura, just who are you?

(Sakura turns her back to the party.)

Sakura: I founded Mysidia.

(Sakura and Rain walk on. Lasswell starts to as well, but stops and turns to look at Jake as he speaks again.)

Jake: Mysidia has the longest history of any nation in this world. So when you said you were 700 years old... you weren't joking? Interesting. So there'd be a bit of an age gap if we hooked up. More like an eon gap. It certainly stretches the idea of a May-to-December romance.

(Lasswell walks on as Jake give a thumbs-up.)

Jake: But there's no rule saying May and December have to be in the same century! I mean, look at you. You've still got it.

Lid: ...And you'll never get it. Pervert.

(They walk on.)

Next entry...

Previously....

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE OUT - MOUNTAINTOP VILLAGE 1

(The party is walking along a path in a snow field. They come to a stop, and Rain gets a ! over his head as he spots a fallen white mage. He rushes to her side.)

Rain: Hey! Are you okay!?

Villager(getting up on her knees): P-please.... help us... Monsters... attacked our village...

Rain: Of course we'll help! Which way is your village?

Villager(standing): Th-thank you so much... It's not far.. I'll show you the way...

Sakura: Now, Rain. I hope you haven't forgotten that you're supposed to be completing my trial.

Rain: I know that... but I can't just abandon those villagers, either!

Sakura: Oh? Even knowing that a crystal awaits in Mysidia, you still insist on this detour? And if that crystal should be destroyed while you are off attending to these villagers... what will you do then?

Rain(bowing his head): I... I don't...

Sakura: If all the crystals are destroyed, it will be the end of this world. That is what the Sworn Six intend.

(The party gets ! at this.)

Lid: You can't be serious... right? The end of the world? That's what Cid wants?

Rain(...): Even.. if that's the case... I can't just abandon people who need help right in front of my eyes!

Sakura: Rain. Would that always be your answer?

Rain: Yes. It would. So I'm sorry, but... your trial is just going to have to wait until after we help that village. (Rain turns to the others.) Come on, guys! Let's go!

(The party hurries off, leaving Sakura behind.)

Sakura(grumbling): My goodness.... Some people just never appreciate the lengths you go to for them. Choosing to focus on so trivial a thing when so much more is at stake? Even after facing down the hatred and determination of the Sworn Six? It seems... I may have been beaten at my own game.

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE OUT - MOUNTAINTOP VILLAGE 2

(Sakura stands at the edge of the village. Rain approaches her.)

Rain: I knew we made the right choice. We were able to help a lot of people here. This village should be safe now. And now that that's taken care of, we can get back to that trial. Let's press on to Mysidia!

Sakura(...): You seem awfully pleased with yourself. Is that all you do this for? To make yourself feel good?

Rain(grumbling): What? You're trying to say I'm too proud of the fact that I managed to save an entire village?

(Sakura, who has had her back to Rain this entire time, now turns to face him.)

Sakura: If the crystal had been destroyed while you were out here doing this, the entire world would have fallen. And if that had happened, every person in this village would be dead,. Meaning that everything you did here... would have been meaningless.

(She turns and starts to walk off.)

Sakura: The Sworn Six are completely dedicated to their goal. Their hatred burns as hot as fire. Their determination is as unbending as steel.

(She turns to Rain again.)

Sakura: Rain. You must prepare yourself for what is coming. Abandon petty concerns, and be ready to stand against the true challenge awaiting you. If you do not, then you will surely fall to the Veritas in the end.

Rain(...): We've fought the Veritas so many times now. We know how determined they are. And it's probably just like you say, Sakura. They've probably sacrificed a lot for their goals. They're ready for that kind of fight, the kind where you might lose everything.

(Sakura takes a few steps towards Rain.)

Sakura: If you understand that, then...

Rain: But it doesn't change anything for me. If I fight the way they do, giving up on everything else, then even if I win.... Even if I save the world, I don't think I could love a world built upon so much sacrifice. That's why... I won't give up, and I won't abandon anyone else either. I'll fight them. I am prepared to fight the Veritas. But I';ll fight them my own way.

Sakura(...): I see... So you hope to beat them even in how dedicated you are to your principles, is that it?

Rain: Hmmm. I guess you could say that.

(Sakura turns her back again).

Sakura: ....You are an interesting man, Rain. Well then. We should be going. You still have a trial to complete. I'm counting on you to get me to Mysidia.

Rain: Good. We'll get your there.

(Rain rushes off ahead of Sakura.)

Sakura(...): (I came uo with this "trial" as an excuse to travel alongside Rain, so that I could determine if he is the sort of man we need...) (...But perhaps I learned something else. Perhaps this is the type of man who can save the world...) (Raegen. Your son has passed my test.) (Which leaves... only the problem of Fina.)

Next entry...

Previously....

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - SAKURA'S IDENTITY - SNOW WOODS 1

(Rain, Lasswell, Lid and Nichol are gathered around a campfire.)

Rain: Hey. Lasswell. Who do you think Sakura really is? She doesn't seem like a normal girl to me.

Lasswell: It's quite certain that she is not a mere child. That became obvious as soon as she showed knowledge of the Sworn Six of Paladia.

(Sakura walks up to the party.)

Sakura: You can guess all you'd like, but it won't help. But I did tell you: if you pass my test, I'll tell you everything.

Lasswell: Why should we have to undergo such a trial, though?

Sakura: My. If you don't wish to do it, you're welcome to give up at any time. Though you won't get answers to any of your questions that way.

Lid: Don't worry, Sakura. We'll get you to Mysidia for sure! So don't'cha think you could tell us even a little bit in the meantime?

Sakura: Just a little bit, hmmm....? No, I'm afraid it's no good. Unless I could really sit down and explain the whole thing from start to finish, there's just no way you'd understand.

Nichol: There you are, Lid. You heard the woman. You wouldn't understand it anyway.

Lid (irritated): Why are you making it sound like she was only talking about me!? You'd be just as lost as I would, I bet!

Nichol: Something so complicated even I could not understand it? Something so improbably is not worth taking into account, tactically speaking.

Next entry....

Previously....

MAGE NATION MYSIDIA - ONWARD TO MYSIDIA - SNOW PLAINS 1

(The party enters the snow plains, and halts.)

Finq: So... what kind of country is Mysidia?

Nichol: Mysidia is a land of mages. However, the fact is that they have cut themselves off from other nations so utterly that no one knows much more than that.

Jake: So... mages, huh?

(He gets a ♥ over his head.)

Jake: Mages draped in robes... Robes that so easily slip off to reveal what lies underneath... Yes. Let's do some sightseeing. But which color robes? Should I go with the dark allure of the black mage? The pure innocence of the white mage?

(The party gets mixed reactions to this. Rain gets a single sweat drop, Lid grumbles, Fina a question mark, and Nichol gets (...)).

Lid: A white mage is what you're gonna need if you don't knock if off, creepo. I'll give you some injuries they've never seen before.

(Jake sweats, and rushes after the others who've moved on. The camera pans down to Lasswell and Sakura, lagging behind.)

Lasswell: Sakura. How is it that you knew Rain's name when we had never met before?

Sakura: Oh! That is an interesting question, isn't it? Rain's name is not all that I know, either. I know you as well. Lasswell.

(Lasswell gets ! at this.)

Lasswell: I see. I think I've begun to understand... who you really are.

(He turns and walks a few steps.)

Lasswell: I still do not understand the purpose of such a trial... But regardless, we will see you safely to Mysidia.

(He turns back to look at Sakura.)

Lasswell: I could do no less for any of Sir Raegen's comrades.

(He turns again and walks on. Sakura gets a (...) at this.)

Sakura: Ho ho ho! Yes, you are a clever one. Despite being little more than a babe.

Next entry....

Previously....

Chapter V: Magi Nation Mysidia

MAGI NATION MYSIDIA - THE 700 YEAR OLD GIRL - MAGE NATION MYSIDIA

(The scene opens to two Veritas standing outside, talking.)

???: What do you think? Can you feel him?

???: Yeah... He's nearby. Seems like they've been hiding the crystal all these years with these sneaky tactics... I didn't think we would be reunited like this.

???: I will only warn you once. I don't care if it's you. If you let yourself get carried away with foolish emotions, I will cut you down.

???: I threw away my emotions 700 years ago. All except hatred. You're the one who might need to worry about keeping a level head. Look at Fina.

???: You needn't worry about that. Relax. I am dedicated fully to our great cause. I will break our enemy into pieces just as I will the crystal.

???: I hope you're right about that. Then let's go. Mysidia is waiting.

(The scene shifts to our party, standing in a town at night.)

Rain: Glad to have you on our side, Jake.

Jake: Yes, yes, comrades till the last, and all that, but where are we headed next?

Rain: Good point. I'm thinking that there's supposed to be a crystal not to far from here...

(As Rain speaks, a pink-haired girl stops in the background, chased by a dog.)

???: Hey! Leave me alone! Stop following me!

Fina: Aww, look at that! I want a puppy to play with, too!

(The girl runs across the screen again, the puppy still in chase.)

???: Does it look like I'm playing!? Hurry up and help me!

Nichol: Dog bits can be rather dangerous. We probably should help the girl.

Jake: Right you are, my moist friend! Leave it to me!

(Jake rushes to the puppy, who runs off.)

Jake: There you go! Are you all right, my lady?

???Don't start with the sweet talk, you cheeky sod! I'm too old for you, anyway.

Jake: Oh, I'm easy prey for the charms of an older woman, in fact. You fellows know what I'm talking about, right?

Lasswell: Please don't drag us down to your level.

???: Look, I don't think you appreciate the kind of age difference we're talking about here. Like 700 years different.

(The party all get ! over their heads at this.)

???: Oh? So that got a reaction out of you, at least. Perhaps you're not entirely stupid.

Lasswell: Are you... one of the Sworn Six of Paladia?

???: What? Don't liken me to those armor-fetish weirdos.

Lid: Armor...fe... What!?

???: Oh, I know all about them. And what type of people they are. Do you want to know? Who they really are? What they're after?

Lasswell: Naturally we would like to know that. If you really do know anything of use, that is.

???: It's up to you whether you believe me or not. But... if you want me to tell you about the Veritas, then you'll have to pass a little trial for me first.

Lasswell: What kind of trial?

???: Escort me as far as Mysidia. If I get there in one piece, then you pass.

Rain: What do you guys think? We were thinking of going to Mysidia next anyway...

Lid: Then we've hardly got any reason to say no. Why don't we just take her along?

Nichol: Yes. It seems reasonable enough.

Rain: Okay, then we accept your challenge! Uh... Sorry, what was your name?

???: My name is Sakura. And I'll be counting on you to keep me safe till Mysidia, Rain.

(Sakura walks off, the rest following, but Rain stops next to Lasswell who hasn't moved.)

Lasswell: Hey, Rain.... That girl... just called you by name...

Rain: Hey. that's true. How did she know my name?

Next entry....

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE -- IRON SPLITTER -- ERODED CASTLE 1

(The party enters the eroded castle. The others turn to look back at Lasswell, who has stopped.)

Lasswell: What is this? My sword...

Nichol: The people of the capitol here have said that a legendary sword is rumored to rest in this castle.

Rain: And you think that has something to do with why Lasswell's sword is acting strangely?

Nichol: Even if the rumors are no more than legend, legends may grow from seeds of truth.

(Nichol takes a few steps further into the castle, then stops and gets (...) over his head.)

Nichol: What's more, I feel some dark power lurking somewhere further ahead. Do you sense it too, Fina?

Fina: Me? ...Oh... Yeah. It feels... strong. And scary. And... just strange.

(The others start to walk in, leaving Lasswell behind.)

Lasswell: Purple Lightning is no ordinary sword. I wonder, might it be somehow attracted to that dark power you speak of...?

(Lasswell follows the others.)

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE -- IRON SPLITTER -- ZANTETSUKEN 1

(The party approaches the statue of an esper.)

Rain: Is this esper... responding to your sword, Lasswell?

???: Purple Lightning... it has been long since last we met by chance.

(The screen flashes white. The esper turns flesh!)

???: Time is ever changing.... The children of men live, and die. Yet I have not forgotten the sound of our blades ringing out against each other that day. You, who now hold Purple Lightning... Would you dare cross blades with me, the mighty Odin?

Lasswell: If I do battle with you, what will I gain?

Odin: I will make you a gift of my spear, Gugnir. And if you prove yourself worthy... perhaps greater power yet.

Lasswell: In that case, then...

Fina: Hey... Are we sure this is a good idea?

Rain: Odin is a powerful esper, right? I'm sure Lasswell wants to get him on our side too.

Lasswell: Odin. As you desire, I will show you the strength of my sword.

Odin: You show fine spirit. But single combat against humans holds no thrill for me. Come at me with all of your allies!

(The party draws their weapons. Battle occurs! Afterwards...)

Odin: Your skill with that sword... pales in comparison to the one who held it before you.

Lasswell: Ngh...

Odin: Still... you are yet a child of man. And for a human, you show potential. You may be able to master that blade, in the time it takes for one such as I to blink. You have the skill, if you choose to employ it. I look forward to seeing you do so. I will grant you the gift of my spear.

(The screen flashes white. Odin has turned back to stone. The esper Odin has joined the party!)

Lasswell: He said... I paled in comparison to the one who held this blade before me.

Nichol: That blade does appear to be a very old one....

Lasswell: Yes. I inherited it from another. And who used it before him? I cannot say. When an esper speaks of the past, there is no telling whether he is speaking of years.... or thousands of years.

Rain: Either way, Odin still decided you were worthy of his power, right, Lasswell?

Lasswell: With some conditions... but yes. All I have to do now is continue to grow stronger.

(The party leaves)

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE -- IRON SPLITTER -- ZANTETSUKEN 2

(Fina, Rain and Lasswell approach Odin's statue. As they draw near, the statue turns to flesh once more.)

Odin: Your sword has grown sharper. It is now a blade able to protect those you care about...

Lasswell: Purple Lightning... is it reacting to you?

Odin: To you. That light is proof that you have been found worthy. You are worthy now to stand against me... and my Zantetsuken. Now show me. The power within you.

(Lasswell draws Purple Lightning. Battle occurs! Afterwards...)

Odin: I am reminded of a time long past.... Zantetsuken..... and Purple Lightning... And the distant day when these two blades met in battle.

Lasswell: This is not the firwst time someone has wielded this blade against you?

Odin: It was a fierce battle. The very land was torn asunder. That battle... brought me great joy. But you have still some way to go. When you are ready to face the true power of Zantetsuken... Let us battle again that day.

(Odin turns into a statue once more. The esper Odin evolved!)

Lasswell: Purple Lightning has been used against even espers in battles that tore the very earth... Still, to lend your power to one you once battled against so desperately... I suppose that espers must see the world different than we mortals do.

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE -- IRON SPLITTER -- ZANTETSUKEN 3

(The party approaches Odin's statue, who turns flesh as they draw near.)

Odin: Is even my power and the Zantetsuken I wield not enough for you?

Lasswell: We battle our enemies, but we do not seek war. We but wish to protect others by preventing larger conflicts.

Odin: One does not require purpose to seek power. Would you not agree, knight?

Lasswell: Power without purpose brings about nothing but senseless destruction. I wield Purple Lightning for the purpose of protecting others from such destruction.

Odin: Hah. Spoken like a true human. then come, show me the strength of that purpose!

(Lasswell draws Purple Lightning. Battle occurs! Afterward...)

Odin: This is what you meant. I shall ask you once again, child and knight of man. Should you acquire the true Zantetsuken, what is it that you would protect?

Lasswell: There should no longer be a need for words. I have spoken to you in battle through Purple Lightning. You should already know my answer, Odin.

Odin: Sure fire in those eyes. the one who once wielded that blade.... No, it is nothing. There has never been a finer wielder of Purple Lightning than yourself. I offer you the true power of my Zantetsuken as proof of your worth.

(There is a flash of white light as Odin turns to a statue once more. The esper Odin awakened!)

Lasswell: I have to become even worthier of the espers' power.

Rain: Anybody could've chosen, but it ended up being yoou. Stop getting so eager and just savor today's victory.

Lasswell: Heh... Don't worry about me. I'm only making up for your lack of eagerness.

Next entry...

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE -- NO MATTER HOW FAR AWAY -- DOWNTOWN ZOLDAAD 2

Jake: Prince Shera... Ah, I beg your pardon. Emperor Shera. Please do your best to rebuild Zoldaad, and restore its soul.

Emperor Shera: Of course. I fully intend to. And, Jake... If you wish to... I would be happy to have you remain here in Zoldaad, as well.

Jake: Emperor Shera. I think you know better than to make such an offer. But no matter how far I am from Zoldaad and you, I will always be watching over you both. I hope that will be enough.

Emperor Shera: Yes.... I understand.

Evan: I am going to remain here and continue my airship research, with the support of Emperor Shera.

Emperor Shera: I plan to have Evan build us airships that will aid us in times of peace, now.

Evan: Even if I was being manipulated by someone else, that doesn't just wipe away what I did. That's why... I've got to do whatever I can to atone for that.

Lid: I'm sure you'll do a whole lot! You're the man that Cid himself acknowledged, after all.

(Jake and Lid walk away from the Emperor and Evan, joining the rest of the party.)

Jake: Then I guess it's time I atoned for my crimes as well. I did destroy the crystal, after all. So, Rain. It looks like I'll be joining you. Let me redeem myself by helping you in your fight to protect the remaining crystals.

Rain: I understand. Welcome aboard, Jake.

Lid: Sounds like a convenient excuse to me. Really, you just wanna keep chasing me and Fina around, ain't that right? You pervert.

Jake(...): ...I deny that absolutely.

Lid: See, that hesitation right there is why I don't believe you.

Jake: Ha ha ha ha! Well, why should I avoid the company of two beautiful women? My lovely Lid! My sweet Fina! And you other fellows are tolerable enough, too!

(Rain, Nichol, and Lasswell get irritated at this.)

Lid: ...You see? You see what we're stuck with now? Just look at him.

(Jake has joined the party!)

(The scene shifts to the Veritas. Darklord and Flamelord are standing outside. Heavenlord appears in a whirlwind.)

Veritas of the Flame: Oh, Heavenlord! You're back? Did you fight them?

Veritas of the Heavens: My purpose in going there was not to battle Rain and his allies. I was there to take bqack the Invincible.

Veritas of the Flame: What? So you didn't even fight? I would've come along if I'd known you were gonna wimp out like that. I don't like letting them go on thinking they've beat us.

Veritas of the Dark: Flamelord.. What does victory mean to us? These petty battles are like butterflies. Chasing them can only lead us off the path of true victory.

Veritas of the Flame: Yeah, yeah. I know that. Damn smug butterflies...

Veritas of the Dark: Look. We have nearly come to the end. Our goal lies just ahead.

(The scene pans up. The earth cracks in front of them.)

Next entry....

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN POWER - INVINCIBLE INTERIOR 1

Jake: Lazarov! If you believe in any god apart from yourself, make peace with him now.

Dr. Lazarov: Really? But if I fall here, then the search for immortality will end with me.

Rain: What you're creating isn't immortality. Whatever you get from messing around with human lives... That's not immortality!

Dr. Lazarov: It's not surprising that you fail to understand the sublime aims of my research. Fine. How about a deal then, Jake?

Jake: A deal?

Dr. Lazarov: I will withdraw from Zoldaad. I will swear to never again involve myself in its affairs. In exchange, you will let me go free.

Jake: Hah! Let you go free?

Dr. Lazarov: Or if you would prefer, Jake... I could continue to manage Zoldaad from the shadows. Either way, I can guarantee the future safety of your homeland.

Jake: What the hell are you babbling about? You're deranged.

Dr. Lazarov: I believe you may want to hear me out, Jake. I believe, in fact, that Zoldaad's future must be your greatest concern.. You must want to help you little brother. And the crown prince will have such a great burden to carry on his own.

(Lid gets a ! over her head. She and Rain turn to look at each other.)

Lid: Huh? His little brother? The crown prince? Jake, what's this joker talking about!?

Jake(...): I guess it's no surprise that you would have found out, Lazarov. You did spend so long at the emperor's side, like a burrowing tick.

Rain: Jake, what are you saying?

Jake: I am Prince Shera are brothers. Well, half-brothers, if you prefer. Emperor Sozhe is my father, too. But my mother was not the empress.

Lid: She wasn't? But then how...?

Jake: How? Come now, lovely Lid. You're an engineer, aren't you? You know how things work. Anyway. Having someone like me around might introduce some.... troublesome ambiguity to the lijne of succession. So I was sent away from Zoldaad.

Nichol: But when you heard what was happening in your homeland, you returned and raised a rebel army... Is that it?

Lid: So then... the reason we were able to meet up with the prince like that was...

Jake: Exactly. He knows that we're brothers.

Dr. Lazarov: Letting me go would be the right thing to do, if you really do care for your baby brother. Shera is stepping into quite the mess, taking up the mantle of emperor. Bringing peace to Zoldaad will be no small task. Won't you help to take away even one of his worries? Isn't that what a good brother would do?

Jake: You're right. Zoldaad's safety must come first.

(Jake walks to Lazarov's side.)

Lid: What the heck! Jake, seriously?

Dr. Lazarov: (Perfect. He's wavering now. If I can just play him right, I may turn the tables yet...)

Jake: So what exactly do you want from me?

Dr. Lazarov: I need your strength. I want you to help me defeat this motley band of interferers. For the sake of Zoldaad's future.

Jake: Fine. I understand. Hryugh!

(Jake knocks Lazarov down!)

Dr. Lazarov: Aughhhh....

Jake: I thought you were supposed to be some big-brained mastermind. But I've seen village drinks eating bugs for money who had more intelligence than you.

Dr Lazarov: Why... But why.. Don't you care... about Zoldaad? About your brother?

Jake: Listen, and listen well. These people right here have nothing to do with Zoldaad, and they've fought by my side up until this moment. I only give my strength to people I believe in. I believe in these people, and they've believed in me. I'm not going to betray friends like that!

Lid: Jake!

Jake: Let's bring this farce to an end. Everyone, lend me your strength for this one last battle!

(Battle begins!)

Lazarov: I... The master of a mind said to be the treasure of all humanity... I'd be a fool to let myself be defeated by the likes of you! Behold! The brilliant among us are able to turn strength into intelligence!

(Battle commences. You defeat Lazarov!)

-------------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN POWER - INVINCIBLE INTERIOR ENDING

(Lazarov is crawling on the ground.)

Dr. Lazarov: Ah...no... I can't die... My research... isn't yet complete...

Jake: Hmph. Tenacious little parasite, isn't he.

(There is a cyclone of wind! Veritas of the Heavens appears!)

Rain: Veritas of the Heavens!

Dr. Lazarov: Veritas! Perfect timing, as always! Help me, my ally! We are partners, are we not??

Veritas of the Heavens: I don't remember allying myself with you. The Sworn Six have no intention of using any strength but our own to achieve our goals.

Dr. Lazarov: Th-then... why...

Veritas of the Heavens: Until now, you were no more than a fly buzzing in the air around us. However, you began using the Invincible for your own selfish reasons. And we could overlook your insolence no longer.

(Veritas of the Heavens casts a spell, which knocks Lazarov aside!)

Dr. Lazarov: Urk!

Veritas of Heavens: I heard that you defeated Darklord and Flamelord. That was no mean feat.

Rain: If you're that impressed, maybe you'd like us to defeat you next? That would suit me.

Lid: Rain, hold up. There's something I gotta ask first. Veritas of the Heavens. Are you Cid?

Veritas of the Heavens: Ah... Yes, I was once called that name, long ago.

Lid: I don't get it, though... Why would Cid become one of the Veritas? Why would that Cid want to destroy the crystals?

Veritas of the Heavens(...): Why do the crystals exist in this world? You children, do you even know?

Lid: Huh?

Veritas of the Heavens: Until you uncover that truth for yourselves, you barely exist in the same realm as we Veritas. There is no need for me to answer your questions.

Lid: I... see.

Veritas of the Heavens(...): Seven hundred years ago, there was nothing in my heart but the desire for vengeance. Yet... my dealings with the dwarves lit a spark in my heart, warm and bright. I left behind the arts of airship building, in gratitude. And today, I must give thanks once more. The airship that you rode here....

Lid: The Enterprise?

Veritas of the Heavens: You have brought the arts that I left behind to such great heights... It is splendid work. I'm honored to have seen it. Please pass my compliments to the one who made it.

Lid: ...I will. I'll tell him. I think my brother will be very happy to hear that.

Veritas of the Heavens: Then I believe the time for talk has ended. We require the Invincible for our goals. And so we will be taking it back.

(He summons a light and teleports the party!)

Rain: What the...? Where are we?

Lasswell: Looks like the Veritas of the Heavens sent us flying.

Fina(!): Hey! Look at that!

(The Invincible flies by.)

Lasswell: So in the end... the Invincible has returned to the hands of the Veritas.

Lid: Yeah.. But... No matter what, the first Cid wouldn't ever use the Invincible as a tool of war. I'm sure of that. I just know it.

Jake: Hmmm. Well, if you say so, I guess that means Zoldaad is safe. And that's largely thanks to you all. My old man can't be here to say it, so... on behalf of Emperor Sozhe, thank you. I will be eternally grateful to you all.

Next entry...

Previously....

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - THERE GOES THE SHREW - INVINCIBLE EXTERIOR OPENING

Jake: Phew... That is some wild driving. And that's your older brother, Lid?

Lid: You got it. What, you don't see the resemblance? How else do you think I ended up such a sweet, delicate flower, huh?

Rain: All right, let's go! We're going after Lazarov next!

(They run off.)

-------------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - THERE GOES THE SHREW - INVINCIBLE EXTERIOR ENDING

Dr. Lazarov: I did not think they would follow me this far.... Why are they so relentless? What do the affairs of Zoldaad matter to knights of Grandshelt? Curses! If that pesky rebel hadn't gotten them involved... (...) Hm? Wait a moment... That rebel... I'm quite sure I have seen him before.. That's it! That photograph in the emperor's room... (!) Oh... Oh, that's too perfect. Hehehehehe... It seems Lady Fortune hasn't abandoned me yet.

Next entry...

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - THE DREAM EATING SHIP - HANGAR OPENING

Rain: Lazarov!

Dr. Lazarov: Hoohoohoohoo, hee hee hee! Aren't you a little slow? If you were hoping to catch me before the Invincible was repaired, you are too late. We are ready to fly.

Rain: So what?

Dr. Lazarov: What?

Rain: All we have to do is beat you until you can't move, before you get on.

Dr. Lazarov: Ho... You fire this hot, stinky stream of bravado at me, even seeing the foes that stand before you?

(Indeed, a group of soldiers stand between Lazarov and the party.)

Dr. Lazarov: You truly are imbeciles.

Rain: You think so? You've gotten to see us fight plenty of times by now. Monsters like these won't stop us for a minute!

(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons.)

---------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - THE DREAM EATING SHIP - HANGAR 1

Dr. Lazarov: Impossible... You defeated all those monsters?

(He backs up a step.)

Rain: This is the end for you, Lazarov!

Dr. Lazarov: It might be... if I didn't still have an ace up my sleeve. Evan!

(Evan emerges from the hangar. Lid steps forward.)

Lid: Evan!

Dr. Lazarov: Buy me some time. It doesn't matter how much.

Evan: Of course.

Dr. Lazarov: I did nothing to this specimen but a bit of brainwashing. His body is still living flesh and blood, obeying nature just the way you like. I'm sure you could put a stop to him in no time. But will you really be able to? Can you kill the brother of your ally so easily? Heee hee hee hee hee!

(Lazarov goes into the hangar.)

Lasswell: Blast it! Lazarov is escaping!

Lid: Evan!

Evan: You're not to get in Lazarov's way. Money... Yes, money is all I need...

(Battle begins!)

Evan: Don't make fun of me just because I take this physical form.

Lid: Evan, please! Come back to us!

Evan: I'm already here! I'll do whatever it takes to get my hands on more cash!

(Battle commences! You defeat Evan.)

-----------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - THE DREAM EATING SHIP - HANGAR ENDING

(Evan kneels on the ground.)

Evan: Urgh... Not yet... I'm not finished yet...

(Evan stands up, ready to fight some more.)

Lid: Everybody, pull! I'll take care of my brother!

(The rest of the party backs up. Lid fights Evan.)

Lasswell: Lid!

Jake: Wait. Let's leave this to Lid for now.

Nichol: Yes. The only one who might be able to save him now is his sister.

(Lid and Evan exchange more blows.)

Lid: Evan! Evan, please! Open your eyes!

(Lid strikes at Evan, who kneels again.)

Evan: Ugh... pay... Money... I need money...

Lid(...): ...Right. You need money.. Then why don't you just kill me! Kill me, and get your reward from Lazarov!

(Lid stands spread-eagle, arms outstretched. Evan takes a step towards her.)

Lid: Do it! Just do it already!

Evan: Urghhhh... Aughhh....

(Evan steps closer.)

Evan: Ugh...Money... Money...for Lid... I need money for Lid...

(Lid gets a ! over her head and drops her arms.)

Lid: You...

Evan: Ngh! Uwauuuuuuugh! Nooooooo!!!

(The scene flashes white. A flashback occurs. Lid is talking to a soldier from Dilmagia. Evan is nearby in the shadows.)

Lid: What do you mean, you're cutting our budget!?

Evan(!): Lid?

Soldier: We need warships. You aren't producing any. I'm sorry, but you had to know this was coming.

Lid: But yet think of a world with mass-produced airships! If travel were easy, people could really understand one another, see? Forget warships--we wouldn't need wars!

Soldier: Yeah, maybe in fantasy land. If Dilmagia wants anything mass-produced, it's airships that can be used for battle. We're getting a lot of orders coming in from Zoldaad. So if you can't produce what we need, we'll get someone else who can.

Lid: But my brother and I are the best engineers alive. If you think you can get by without us, go ahead and fire us.

(Lid leaves. Evan approaches the soldier.)

Evan: About those warships you were talking about...

Soldier: Oh, Evan. Tell your sister I've thought about it, and you're both fired. You two may be genius engineers, but all that talent means nothing to me if you can't follow orders.

Evan: I can follow orders.

Soldier: Oh yeah?

Evan: I just have two conditions. First, you have to double my pay.

Soldier: You don't hold back, do you! What's the second?

Evan: You have to keep Lid on too. Not making warships. Just let her keep doing R and D here at the factory, like she's been doing till now.

Soldier: Impossible. You can't expect us to go along with demands like that! Except... you and I both know that we probably will, huh. You just have to promise to toe the line, kid. Let me talk to the man upstairs.

(The flashback ends.)

Evan: I need money.... Money for the airship... That's why... I'll make warships to earn money.... So that Lid... can make the airship of our dreams...

Lid: Evan... So that's why...

Nichol: It looks as though we broke through the brainwashing.

Lid: Then... then why... Why didn't you tell me?

Evan: If I had told you... you would have insisted on getting a job building warships yourself. So that I wouldn't have... But in the end... my desire to help you... Look what came of it... I used the Invincible... to hurt so many people... Forgive me, Lid. This is all my fault... I'll pay for it... with my life...

(He stands and holds his weapon like he's about to commit suicide.)

Lid: Evan!

(Jake rushes to Evan's side and disarms him.)

Lid: Jake!?

Evan: Wh-wha...

Jake: Do you understand? Death won't pay for your crimes. But if you live, there might be something you can do.

Evan: Something... I can do...

Lid: Jake. Thank you.

Jake: Not at all. Anything for my beautiful tiger lily.

Lid: Don't call me your....! Oh, forget it. Jerk.

(The hangar begins shaking!)

Fina: Wh-what's happening?

Evan: These vibrations... The Invincible has started up its engines!

Lasswell: Meaning that Lazarov is taking off. What should we do?

Fina: What CAN we do? How do we fight an airship in flight when we're stuck on the ground?

Evan(...): There may still be a way... Come with me.

(The scene shirts. The party approaches another airship.)

Evan: Here.

Lid(!): Evan, this airship...

Evan: The Enterprise. I designed it myself.

(He bows his head.)

Evan: Its development was axed, though, before we made more. It took too much power. But she can still fly. If it's a question of speed, I don't think she'll lose to the Invincible. Let's go, then. I'll take the helm.

Lid: Thanks for this, Evan.

(The scene shows the Enterprise taking off from the hangar. It comes abreast of the Invincible.)

Next entry...

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - FIGHT TO TAKE BACK - DOWNTOWN ZOLDAAD 1

(The party is walking in downtown Zoldaad. Amelia approaches.)

Amelia: I've had a message from the crown prince. The Invincible has been sighted.

Lid: It has?

Amelia: It is in one of Zoldaad's old hangars. It is no longer in use, and is some distance from here.

Lid: An old hangar? Yeah... he could fix up the Invincible in a place like that.

Jake: Let's hurry. If they get it off the ground again, we'll be in trouble.

Lid: Hey... can you tell your prince something for me? I take total responsibility for the trouble my brother has caused, and I'm gonna fix this mess.

Amelia: O-of course.

Nichol(...): Lid. Are you really ready for this?

Lid: I am. I'm gonna break through my brother's brainwashing. I dunno if it's even possible or not. But I'm gonna do it anyway. I'm all he's got, see? No one else is gonna save him.

(Nichol nods.)

Nichol: I understand. If what this battle means to you is saving your brother, then I will give you my fullest support.

Rain: As will we.

Fina: Lid. Let's do it!

Lid: Thank you. Everyone. All right, let's go! Lickety-split!

(They rush off.)

Next entry....

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - RESOLVE - ZOLDAAD CASTLE GROUNDS OPENING

Rain: This is strange... It's too quiet in here.

Crown Prince Shera: You're right. It is odd.

Lasswell(!): Wait. It appears that we have some company.

(The scene pans up the corridor to show a soldier approaching. He's kind of lurching.)

Crown Prince Shera: Why don't we ask those soldiers what is going on? I doubt they would dare refuse me an answer.

(Shera starts walking towards the soldiers. Jake gets a ! over his head.)

Jake: Wait! There's something wrong with those soldiers!

(Shera has come to a stop. Rain rushes in front of him and draws his sword.)

Rain: They are... monsters!

Nichol: The soldiers have been turned into monsters?

(There is a red glow in the corridor. It's not clear where it is coming from. Perhaps an alarm?)

Rain: It looks like we're going to have to go through them if we want to meet Emperor Sozhe and Lazarov.

---------------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - RESOLVE - ZOLDAAD CASTLE - THRONE ROOM 1

(The party approaches Sozhe.)

Emperor Sozhe: So you've finally made it this far! Yet you will not defeat me! Now, die!

Crown Prince Shera: You... are not my father.

Jake: What?

(Shera takes a step forward.)

Crown Prince Shera: Who are you? What have you done with my father!?

Dr. Lazarov: You are mistaken. The man you see before you is undeniably Emperor Sozhe. Though I may have had to--hoo hoo!--make some adjustments.

(Shera gets a ! over his head.)

Dr. Lazarov: To be perfectly blunt, he's more a living corpse, now, than a man... Not unlike a zombie soldier.

Lasswell: Lazarov... You demon...

Dr. Lazarov: I will use Emperor Sozhe to create war, and make the entire world a testing ground for my experiments. That is why I followed Veritas, as well. But I no longer need to rely on his power. Come... Emperor Sozhe. Show those cretins the true fruits of my labors.

(Sozhe starts forward.)

Emperor Sozhe: Ugh.... guh...

Dr. Lazarov: I must warn you, though. The emperor is my most precious creation yet. I won't allow you to dismember him too thoroughly.

Rain: Grrrgh! Come on, guys! We can do this!

(Rain and Lasswell draw their weapons. Battle occurs.)

--------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - RESOLVE - ZOLDAAD CASTLE - THRONE ROOM 2

(Sozhe lays on the ground.)

Rain: Where's Lazarov? He got away?

Crown Prince Shera: Father!

Emperor Sozhe: That man... Lazarov, he... is probably headed for the castle's magic labs...

Lasswell: it seems that the emperor has returned to his senses.

Emperor Sozhe: My son...

Crown Prince Shera: Yes... Father.

Emperor Sozhe: I used power... to oppress my own people... and others... But this.. is all that came of my foolishness... I sought too much power... and was swallowed up by Lazarov. I may have chosen the wrong path, but.... My son... you have a chance to choose... a better path than I have... Zoldaad is.. The people... are... yours now...

Crown Prince Shera: I understand, Father. You may rely on me. .....

Jake: ..... ...You okay?

Crown Prince Shera: Yes... My tears can wait until after we have settled everything.

Jake: Right...

Rain: Then let's go. We need to catch Lazarov.

Fina: Yeah. Let's find those magic labs.

------------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - RESOLVE - MAGIC RESEARCH CENTER 1

Crown Prince Shera: The magic labs lie beyond here.

Lasswell: Prince Shera.... The path ahead holds many dangers. I would ask you to withdraw to somewhere safe.

Crown Prince Shera: I'm sorry. I wish I could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you all in this fight, but...

Jake: Don't worry about it. Your battle lies ahead. A battle far harder to win than this one.

Rain: Indeed. You are needed for other things. Leave the fighting to us.

Crown Prince Shera: Thank you. I swear that I will rebuild Zoldaad into the country its people desire.

Jake: Hearing you say that makes me feel as strong as three men. Come on, everyone! Let's do this!

(The party starts to walk on. Shera gets (...) over his head.)

Crown Prince Shera: Jake!

Jake: Hm? What?

Crown Prince Shera: No... It's nothing... I just... ah... I will be praying for your success in battle.

Jake: ...I thank you. You can count on us to take care of this.

(They walk on. Lid is trailing behind. She comes to a stop with a (...) over her head.)

Lid: (If Lazarov is here, then that means... My brother should be...)

----------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - RESOLVE - MAGIC RESEARCH CENTER 2

(The party rushes into the Magic Research Center.)

Rain: Lazarov!

Lid: Evan...

Evan: Lid... So here we are again. I suppose you were one to give up easily.

Dr. Lazarov: I see, I see. So you defeated Emperor Sozhe? Fine. So long as the corpse stays reasonably intact, I can patch him up as many times as I need.

Lasswell: Even you would not... You cannot really mean to continue to profane a deceased emperor in such a way!

Rain: What are you really after, Lazarov? Why bring the dead back to life?

Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh... Reanimating the dead is no more than a means to an end. And that end is eternal life.

Rain: Eternal life? That's why you've been perverting the laws of nature? There's no such things as eternal life!

Dr. Laazarov: Oh, no no no. That is where you would be wrong. Eternal life does exist. In this world right now, there are monstrous people who have lived over seven hundred years.

Rain: Over seven hundred years?

(Fina gets (...) over her head.)

Dr. Lazarov: But there is still much research to be done before I can claim eternal life for myself. And, you know, there are simply never enough corpses for me to experiment on. So what's a perfectly sane scientist to do? Don't answer yet! I'll give you a hint. What is the most efficient way to create human corpses?

Rain(!): You can't mean... That's what this war is all about!?

Jake: You son of a--! Is this... Is this all some kind of sick joke!?

Lid: Evan... Why would you go along with this lunatic?

Dr. Lazarov: What's this, now? You mean... you didn't even notice? Hmmm! So it's believable enough to fool even family. It seems my techniques have come quite a long way.

Lid: y-you... No... You can't mean... my brother...

Dr. Lazarov: I can mean, and I do mean! Do you want me to illustrate? How well he has been brainwashed? Evan. Why don't you laugh at your sister's stupidity?

Evan: Of course. Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Money! Money! Money! I want money! Money is everything!

Lid: N-no..

Dr. Lazarov: I needed the Invincible for my plans. So I took the liberty of brainwashing this fool.

(Evan turns in circles.)

Evan: Money! Money! Money! MONEY! MONEY!

Dr. Lazarov: I have to say, though, that this obsession with money is not a result of my brainwashing. That is something that was already within him. I assume my tinkering must have somehow amplified the desires he already had.

Lid: Shut up! Shut up! I don't even care! Lazarov! You've gone too far!

Dr. Lazarov: Ha ha ha! I'm not nearly finished yet! After all, none of you can stop me!

(The scene shifts to the left and right, showing tubes holding experiments opening. Zombie soldiers approach the party. Battle begins! After the zombies have been vanquished...)

Jake: They're headed for the roof! Let's go after them!

---------------------

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - RESOLVE - ZOLDAAD CASTLE ENDING

Rain: Lazarov! We won't let you get away!

Dr. Lazarov: Heh heh heh...

(Lazarov walks off. The party rushes forward, but is bounced back by something.)
'
Lid: The Invincible!

(Dr. Lazarov and Evan are aboard the Invincible.)

Dr. Lazarov: I was just running out of bodies anyway. I think I'll have Zoldaad burnt to the ground.

Rain: Damn it!

Jake: this is bad, everyone! If they attack from the sky, there's nothing we can do!

(The scene shifts to show Bahamut, glowing red, in the sky above the clouds.)

Bahamut: The Iron Wing... Invincible.. Have you taken back the heart that was stolen from me? Fine. Then allow me to measure your worth.

(Bahamut Mega-flares the Invincible! The Invincible is covered with flames.)

Rain: Fina... That esper...

Fina: Yes. That is Bahamut.

Lid: It took down the Invincible in a single hit.. What... What kinda power is that?

Lasswell: Well... Even if it was not trying to help us, we were saved regardless.

Jake: Let's go and find Prince Shera. We need to talk about what happens next.

Next entry...

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...

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - UNBREAKABLE HEART - DEVASTATED TOWN

Fina: What happened? The town has been ravaged...

Jake: Damn it! Did the imperial forces find our base?

Lid: This kind of damage could only come from an air raid.

Fina: An air raid?

Lid: Yeah. An attack from above...using airships. I can't forgive them for this. People can't keep using airships as weapons!

???: Jake!

Jake: Oh! You guys made it out okay?

Rebel Soldier: Yeah. We took shelter underground wherever we could. But there are still many wounded.

Jake: I see...

Rebel Soldier: And just when we had finally destroyed the Crystal! This is the best chance we'll ever have to attack Zoldaad!

Jake: Rushing things will only lead to greater disaster. Focus on treating the injured first.

Rebel Soldier: Yeah. I know.

(The Rebel Soldiers leave.)

Jake: Which means... Yup.

(Jake starts to walk off.)

Rain: Hey... Hey, Jake! Where are you going?

Jake: I've got a little business to take care of in Zoldaad.

Rain: A little business that you're going to do on your own, without telling any of your comrades?

Jake: Just as you say. To prevent any information getting out, we operate on a need-to-know basis. And they don't need to know.

Nichol: So is the matter irrelevant, or confidential? I suspect the latter.

Jake: Yeah, well, as the leader of a revolution, I've got to consider what happens after the revolution as well.

(Jake leaves.)

Fina: Rain? Are you sure we should just let him go alone?

Rain: What happens after the revolution... Yeah, I wonder what he meant, too. Let's follow him and find out.

(The party follows after Jake.)

Next entry...

Previously...

ZOLDAAD EMPIRE - JAKE'S THOUGHTS - MIREZ VALLEY OPENING

Jake: All right. Let's take a little breather, shall we?

Nichol: Yes. It doesn't appear that the empire's forces have caught out trail.

Jake: Say... Do you remember that orphanage we passed on the way here?

Rain: Sure, I remember it. The place we went after escaping from the train, right?

Jake: Most of the rebels, myself included, grew up in that orphanage.

Rain: (...)

Jake: Ever since Sozhe became emperor, Zoldaad has been starting war after war with its neighbors. We're the orphans of those wars. All of us here.

Rain: I didn't know...

Jake: So long as the Crystal existed, the empire's power could never weaken. And the blood would keep flowing, and there would be more and more orphans like us. Children of death.

Lasswell(...): So, you're asking us to forgive you for destroying the crystal?

Jake: No, I won't ask you to forgive me. But I am sorry that I misled you. I apologize for that. If you can't forgive what I did, then after we bring down the empire, you can punish me however you see fit. I will place my fate in your hands.

Lid: Argh, I hate that! When you apologize and get all serious, I feel like I'M the jerk if I stay mad at you. A dirty trick, I call it.

Jake: Let not spite wither your lovely petals, my tiger lily. Be honest with your feelings, Lid, and ask for my hand in marriage at long last.

Lid: You hand in--!? Where the hell did that come from! You are unbelievable! How did you disguise your ass as a face!?

Jake: Ah, sweet Lid. I understand how you feel. When I was just a boy, I too would tease and bully the girls I liked.

Lid(...): All right, you know what? I've been working on the repairs all this time. I wasn't gonna show it off yet, but... Looks like it's time for you debut.

Jake: Hm? What are you talking about, pumpkin?

Lid: Mechabo Mark 2.... Finish him.

(Mechabo pokes Jake!)

Jake: Gwaugh! What the hell is this thing!?

(Jake backs up and begins to run. Lid and Rain laugh.)

Next entry...

Profile

Althea Valara

January 2024

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Page Summary

FFBE Script part 108: The Mage of Hess
FFBE Script part 107: Defeating the Darklord
FFBE Script part 106: A 700 Year Ago Fight
FFBE Script part 105: Into Fina's Soul
FFBE Script part 104: Fight for Destiny
FFBE Script part 103: Founder of Mysidia
FFBE Script part 102: Don't Give Up, Don't Give Out
FFBE Script part 101: Sakura's Identity
FFBE Script part 100: Onward to Mysidia
FFBE Script part 99: The 700 Year Old Girl
FFBE Script part 98: Iron Splitter
FFBE Script part 97: No Matter How Far Away
FFBE Script part 96: To Those Who Believe in Power
FFBE Script part 95: There Goes the Shrew
FFBE Script part 94: The Dream Eating Ship
FFBE Script part 93: Fight to Take Back
FFBE Script part 92: Resolve
FFBE Script part 91: As Planned
FFBE Script part 90: Unbreakable Heart
FFBE Script part 89: Jake's Thoughts

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Althea Valara

Entries tagged with ffbe script

FFBE Script part 108: The Mage of Hess

FFBE Script part 107: Defeating the Darklord

FFBE Script part 106: A 700 Year Ago Fight

FFBE Script part 105: Into Fina's Soul

FFBE Script part 104: Fight for Destiny

FFBE Script part 103: Founder of Mysidia

FFBE Script part 102: Don't Give Up, Don't Give Out

FFBE Script part 101: Sakura's Identity

FFBE Script part 100: Onward to Mysidia

FFBE Script part 99: The 700 Year Old Girl

FFBE Script part 98: Iron Splitter

FFBE Script part 97: No Matter How Far Away

FFBE Script part 96: To Those Who Believe in Power

FFBE Script part 95: There Goes the Shrew

FFBE Script part 94: The Dream Eating Ship

FFBE Script part 93: Fight to Take Back

FFBE Script part 92: Resolve

FFBE Script part 91: As Planned

FFBE Script part 90: Unbreakable Heart

FFBE Script part 89: Jake's Thoughts