TALES OF VESPERIA PlayStation 3 Translation Script ---------------------------------------------------------------------(Opening anime cutscene) ARRATOR Our !orl"# Terra Lumireis$ o one %no!

s &o! 'ar its lan"s an" oceans stretc&$ For t&e people are no matc& against t&e &or"es o' monsters t&at cra!l t&e eart&$ (arriers protect t&e cities in !&ic& !e li)e# an" !e are completely "epen"ent upon t&em 'or our sur)i)al$ T&e *arriers are generate" *y t&e *lastia$ (lastia use t&e prime)al po!er o' aer t&at 'ills t&e !orl"$$$ To pro)i"e us !it& 'ire# !ater# an" lig&t$ T&ey pro)i"e us !it& e)eryt&ing t&at &as ma"e t&e empire prosper$

A pack of aggressive wolves hunt down and kill an animal and start eating it, loudly ripping it apart. ARRATOR Per&aps one "ay$$$ $$$+e may e)en 'orget t&e t&reat o' t&e )icious monsters lying in !ait# ,ust *eyon" t&e *arriers$ T&e *lessings o' t&e *lastia$$$ $$$+ill *esto! e)er more prosperity to t&e !orl" an" peace to its people$

The city of Zaphias. is shown on screen, with people carrying out their dayly lives. A hooded man walks up to a fountain in the middle of town and steals a blue sphere from it. Cut to a ruined forest. Several knights are shown standing over sleign monsters. A blonde-haired imperial knight walks onto screen. I-PERIAL . I/0T $$$+&y1 I "on2t get it$ +&at coul" &a)e &appene" to t&e *arriers in t&is to!n13

Cut back to the city of Zaphias. The fountain e plodes, water shooting straight up out of it into the sky. The water overflows and floods a small pla!a above the sewage canals in Zaphias City"s lower #uarter. ARRATOR From t&e Imperial capital 4ap&iaus# *e"roc% o' peace# !e pray5 -ay tran6uility *less t&is !orl"$

Cut to the inside of a castle. A beautiful, young, pink haired noble woman wearing a blue dress is shown on screen reading a book. A knight is shown walking buy the room in the hallway outside of it. The noble hears the footsteps of the knight, shuts her book and stands up looking at the door. The knight knocks on the door. +O-A $$$3

$ack in the city. %igh above the chaos looms a ma&estic castle and the rooftops of the citi!en and royal #uarters. A handsome young man sits in a window and solemnly watches the event happening outside his small apartment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------(a'ter anime cutscene) A large blue and white dog with an unlit pipe in his mouth sleeps in the corner. A young boy 'Ted( throws open the door and rushes into the apartment. TE7 8uri3 T&is is not goo"3 89RI +&at:s !it& all t&e yelling# Te"1 Ted pulls himself up on the sill with )uri and points out the window. TE7 Loo%3 T&e a6ue *lastia:s *ro%en again3 An" t&ey ,ust 'inis&e" 'i;ing it$ 89RI +&at:s t&e *ig "eal1 <ust lea)e it to t&e mig&ty Imperial .nig&ts$ T&at:s !&at t&ey:re t&ere 'or$ TE7 0a&# t&e .nig&ts1 8ou %no! t&ey ne)er come to t&e lo!er 6uarter$ )uri leaves the window sill and walks across the small room. Stopping in front of the door Ted left wide open, he rubs his chin. 89RI +&at a*out t&e &eroic Flynn1 Ted &umps off the window sill. TE7 I alrea"y trie" to get Flynn$ T&ey !oul"n:t e)en let me see &im3 Amused, )uri turns to look at Ted. 89RI O&# so I:m Flynn:s replacement# &u&1 )uri walks back to the window. Clenching his hands into fists, Ted glares at )uri. TE7 e)er min" t&at# come on3 +e:re s&ort on people3 *ndisturbed by the commotion, the dog continues to sleep near the foot of )uri"s bed. FE-ALE VOI=E Te"3 Te"3 8ou get "o!n &ere3 T&ey nee" your &elp# too3 TE7 I:ll>I:ll *e t&ere in a sec3 8uri> =ome on alrea"y3 Ted runs from the room as )uri continues to ga!e calmly out the window. 89RI T&at:s !eir"$ 0e al!ays comes running !&ene)er t&ere:s trou*le> T&is place is gonna *ecome an a6uarium soon i' t&is %eeps up$ THE IMPERIAL CAPITAL ZAPHIAS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ted races down the stairs and into the first doorway around the corner. The blue and white dog follows at a leisurely, unhurried pace. Ted darts from the doorway and looks toward the pla!a. )uri leaps from the window of his apartment over the tavern and lands gracefully beside the dog. $ehind him looms Zaphias castle and the rooftops of the citi!en #uarters and above that, the royal #uarters. +n the lower #uarter, water spurts from the center of the overflowing fountain and dirty brown water flows from grates in the stone supports into a narrow

canal. TE7 8uri3

)uri smiles at Ted and turns to look at water sprouting from a fountain in the pla!a. Skit Everyday in the Lower Quarter

INFORMATION: Save points are advanced formulas left in cities and forests created by mages for the purpose of collecting records of travelers !ven if you "uit your #ourney$ you can resume from your last record$ by saving your progress over the Save %oints The Save %oints are available in places all around the &orld Ma'e sure to save your progress &hen you find them( To the left of the stairs leading to )uri"s apartment, a man kneels by an opened crate of green bottles. -A 0ey# 8uri$ 8ou come loo%ing 'or somet&ing1 Anyt&ing you nee" 'or !or% s&oul" *e lying aroun" &ere some!&ere$ Ta%e !&ate)er you nee"$ Onions# carrots# an"> Is t&is crate *oo?e *ottles1 Luc%y I notice"$ I !as ,ust a*out to %ic% t&is t&ing a!ay an" s&atter t&em all$ T&at !as close3 Inn @ Ta)ern A=ometB5 )uri enters the tavern doorway that Ted came out of. The +nnkeeper and his wife work behind the counter while their young daughter waits on customers. Two young men sit at one table. An ,ld man drinking heavily from a tankard, sits at the other table. I .EEPER:S +IFE 8uri# !&at are you still "oing &ere1 8ou:re a young man3 0urry up an" go gi)e ol" man 0an%s some &elp$ +e:" li%e to &elp out# too# *ut !e:re nee"e" &ere$ LITTLE /IRL -o)e# mo)e3 T&at:s a pretty "um* place to stan"$ 8ou:re in my !ay3 -y customers are !aiting 'or t&eir 'oo"3 8uri3 =ome on# you can:t *e t&at slo!$ Te" le't ages ago$ Stop t!i""ling your t&um*s# 8uri# an" get a mo)e on3 I .EEPER 8uri# you gotta get yoursel' outsi"e$ T&e ol" la"y:ll gi)e you a span%ing i' you ,ust %eep &anging aroun"$ O!# o!# o!> T&e ol" la"y:s rut&less$ I !as ,ust sitting out *ac%# ta%ing a little *rea%$ +ell# I !as sort o' slac%ing o''# *ut still> -A CD +&y1 T&ere:s no point in setting o'' in a &urry i' !e:ll ,ust get stoppe" at t&e 0ol"$ T&is guy says &e came 'rom a to!n in Tol*yccia$ I:m a*out to set o'' on a ,ourney mysel'# so I:m as%ing &im a *unc& o' 6uestions$ -A CE I' you plan on going to!ar"s t&e port# you s&oul" pro*a*ly !ait a !&ile$ T&is time o' year# passage to t&e nort& o' 7ei"on 0ol" is 're6uently *loc%e" "ue to monster attac%s$

OL7 -A

T&e monsters migrate t&roug&out t&e year$ So t&e ris% o' monster attac%s )aries "epen"ing on !&at season it is an" !&ere you are$ 0o &o &o &o3 (musical note) 8ou sure are a loo%er# young la"y$ Fancy a "rin% !it& t&is ol" man1 >0ey# you:re a guy13 Ain:t not&ing 'un a*out "rin%ing !it& guys$ /o a!ay$

Outsi"e t&e Inn @ Ta)ern A=ometB5 A man leans against the wall at the foot of the stairs leads up to the fountain pla!a. -A (O9TSI7E I ) T&e a6ue *lastia *ro%e# &u&1 o surprise t&ere$ T&ey only let us &a)e ol" *eat-up *lastia &ere in t&e lo!er 6uarter$ I' you:)e got a pro*lem !it& it# go tell t&e imperial 'amily or t&e =ouncil$ T&ey:re t&e ones !&o "eci"e !&at !e get$ Fountain Area5 )uri climbs the stairs to the fountain. %anks, an ,ld man with silver hair and glasses, places sandbags along with men young enough to be his sons and grandsons. %e calls out instructions to the younger men. 0A .S +e:)e got to seal it o'' some&o!3 89RI +&at:s going on1 Any sun%en treasure "o!n t&ere1 8O9 / -A 8ea&# *ut you:re late so I:m not s&aring$ 89RI 0a& &a&$ 0o! nice$ 8O9 / -A 0ey# its sin% or s!im in t&is !orl"$ Loo%s li%e t&at *lue-*loo"e" mage !e &ire" to 'i; t&e *lastia le't t&e ,o* &al' "one$ The ,ld man stands up from the other side of the spurting fountain and calls to )uri. 0A .S /la" you coul" 'in" t&e time to stop *y# 8uri3 89RI Ta%e it easy !it& t&e !ater sports# ol" man$ 8ou:re not getting any younger$ 0A .S 8ou:re up ne;t$ ot a'rai" o' a little !ater# I &ope$ 89RI 8i%es$ %anks returns to the sandbagging. 0A .S =ome on no!# put your *ac%s into it3 0ea)e# &o3 0ea)e> )uri starts sandbagging while the women look on. 89RI 0an%s is really going at it$ 8O9 / -A 0e 'ells responsi*le$ 0e:s t&e one !&o pus&e" t&e people to get t&e money toget&er 'or t&e repairs$ )uri stops sandbagging and looks at the fountain. 89RI An" no! &e:s t&e one !&o:s all !et$ It:s not 0an%s: 'ault t&at mage "i" a t!o-*it repair ,o* t&oug&$ 8O9 / -A T&at:s true$ 0e e)en parte" !it& &is !i'e:s %eepsa%e to &elp raise t&e money$ )uri walks around the fountain and e amines it. 0A .S 0ey# 8uri3 I' you:re not gonna &elp out# stan" clear3 T&is is "angerous3 89RI 0an%s# "i" you see t&e *lastia core any!&ere1 8ou %no!# t&at s&iny piece in t&e center$ %anks stands up, giving )uri his full attention. 0A .S 0u&1 >Is it gone1 89RI 8ea&$ T&e *lastia !on:t !or% !it& t&e core missing$ T&at aristocrat !&o came to "o t&e repairs !as t&e

last person to touc& t&e *lastia# rig&t1 T&at:s rig&t# a -r$ -or"io$ An" &e li)es in t&e royal 6uarter1 8ea&# so1 Forget a*out t&at 8uri# gi)e us a &an" &ere3 89RI >Sorry 0an%s# I ,ust remem*ere" an erran" I:)e gotta run$ 0A .S 0ey# !ait ,ust a minute3 %anks follows )uri. 0A .S 8ou:re not seriously t&in%ing o' going to -r$ -or"io:s place are ya1 89RI T&e royal 6uarter1 -e1 I !oul"n:t *e caug&t "ea" going to a place li%e t&at$ It gi)es me t&e creeps$ )uri walks up the ramp to the citi!en #uarter. 0A .S 7amn it# 8uri> <ust *ecause you can "o a 'e! tric%s !it& t&at *o"&i *lastia# you t&in% you:re in)inci*le$ -ith a worried e pression, %anks heads back to the fountain. 0A .S 0ere:s &oping &e "oesn:t "o anyt&ing cra?y> 8O9 / -A 0e al!ays seems to cause pro*lems !&en t&e lo!er 6uarter:s in)ol)e"$ 0A .S E)en t&e %nig&ts &a)e starte" %eeping an eye on &im> 8O9 / -A +ell# it:s ,ust an a)erage "ay 'or 8uri$ I:m sure &e:ll *e 'ine$ 0A .S 89RI 0A .S (=omments ma"e *y resi"ents o' t&e lo!er 6uarter !atc&ing t&e san"*agging) TE7 I %ne! you:" come3 8uri# it &a" to *e you3 +&at are you gonna "o1 +&at s&oul" I "o to &elp1 Flynn !oul" al!ays *e &ere in no time !&en stu'' li%e t&is &appene"$ +&y not no!1 Flynn s&oul"n:t li)e in t&e castle !&en &e coul" ,ust commute 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter$ VE 7OR +elcome3 I !ant to &elp out too# *ut I &a)e to %eep t&e *usiness running$ T&is s&op stays open# no matter !&at$ 7on:t !ant to incon)enience people# you %no!3 T&an%s3 =ome *ac% any time$ Li%e I sai"# !e:re al!ays open$ 8O9 / -A To t&in% t&e a6ue *lastia &a" ,ust *een repaire"3 T&ey must:)e "one a s&o""y ,o*$ I e)en use" money I:" sa)e" 'or my !e""ing to get it 'i;e"> +ell# !&ining isn:t going to stop all t&is !ater$ +e &a)e to "o somet&ing a*out t&e 'ountain$ I:" ne)er 'orgi)e mysel' i' I let my girl "ro!n$ +O-A All !ater 'or t&e lo!er 6uarter came t&roug& t&at a6ue *lastia> o! t&e pumps in our &omes are "ry$ I "on:t really un"erstan" it# *ut my &us*an" says t&e *ro%en 'ountain is t&e reason$ I:m !orrie" a*out !ater in t&e lo!er 6uarter$ +e can:t coo%# !as& clot&es# ta%e *at&s> I "on:t !ant to s&o!er !it& t&e "irty ri)er !ater$ 8O9 / -A T&ose "arn *lastias are a &an"'ul3 (ut !e still &a)e to rely on t&em to sur)i)e$ 0umans are so !ea%> 0A .S 7on:t get yoursel' in trou*le !it& t&ose %nig&ts again# ya &ear1

OL7 +O-A

LITTLE /IRL

8O9 / +O-A

I sol" t&e com* my late &us*an" ga)e me to &elp raise money to 'i; t&e *lastia$ It !as t&e 'irst gi't &e e)er ga)e me> +ill t&e &ouse I spent so many years toget&er !it& my &us*an" in sin%>1 +&y "i" I e)en *ot&er>1 T&e !ater ,ust %eeps gus&ing out# an" I can:t s!im3 I:m going to "ro!n> T&ere !as a *ig *ang# an" t&e !ater ,ust starte" s&ooting out# an" t&e 'ountain *ro%e3 I:m scare"# 8uri3 0elp us> T&e 'ountain *lastia is *ro%en> At t&is rate e)en t&e &ouses !ill *e 'loo"e"3 +e &a)e to stop t&e 'lo! 'irst$ +e:ll t&in% a*out pumping out t&e e;cess !ater later$ 8uri# "on:t ,ust stan" t&ere3 8ou &elp out too3

An old man and his dog stand near the e it to the field OL7 -A I "roppe" my "entures an" I can:t 'in" t&em> T&e !ater 'rom t&e *ro%en 'ountain must &a)e !as&e" t&em a!ay$ 0mm1 T&ese1 O&# I *orro!e" my !i'e:s "entures$ =iti?en Fuarter5 A young couple sits on a bench. 8O9 / -A +it& our *arrier an" t&ic% ramparts# 4ap&ias is t&e sa'est place in t&e !orl"> It:s !&ere t&e emperor li)es# so t&e Imperial .nig&ts %eep a )ery close !atc&$ I:m prou" to *e 'rom 4ap&ias$ T&is is a !on"er'ul place to li)e# an" more importantly# it:s !&ere I met my girl$ 8O9 / +O-A Rela;ing in a *eauti'ul to!n !it&out a care in t&e !orl"# my s!eet&eart *y my si"e> Is it all rig&t to *e so &appy1 A li'e o' peace is t&e greatest &appiness t&ere is$ I:m so gla" I li)e &ere$ A middle-aged woman sits on the other bench near a little boy. +O-A Salt# c&ec%$ +ine# c&ec%$ 7i" I 'orget anyt&ing>1 A&# suc& a lo)ely "ay 'or s&opping$ O&>are you 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter# young man1 Tee-&ee>!&at a &an"some young 'igure$ I got an une;pecte" *onus !it& my s&opping to"ay3 (musical note) LITTLE (O8 T&e Imperial .nig&ts are so cool3 I:m gonna *e a .nig&t !&en I gro! up3 I:ll "e'en" 4ap&ias3 Lea)e it to me3 7on:t !orry# I:ll protect you too3 Fortune:s -ar%et (Imperial =apital)5 -ER=0A T +elcome3 I' it isn:t 8uri$ +e:)e got some goo" stu'' on sale to"ay3 Fortune:s -ar%et# !&ere !e pri"e oursel)es on pro)i"ing sales !it& a smile3 =ome *ac% any time3 A .rityan man, a tiny girl, and elderly woman stand near the edge of

the pla!a overlooking the marketplace below. .RIT8A -A I came to 4ap&ias &oping I coul" &elp people# *ut> o! t&at I:m &ere# I "on:t really %no! !&at to "o$ I:m trying to 'in" somet&ing I can &elp !it&$ I suppose I:ll &a)e to meet more people in t&e capital 'irst$ LITTLE /IRL 8ou see all t&e tents o)er t&ere1 T&ey:re t&e tents 'or t&e morning mar%et$ T&ere are all %in"s o' )egeta*les an" meats 'or sale$ -y mommy an" "a""y sell *rea" t&ere too3 OL7 +O-A T&e Empire may appear peace'ul# *ut its 'oun"ations are s&a%ing$ +e still "on:t &a)e a ne! emperor$ It:s alrea"y *een si; mont&s since .runos GIV passe" on> T&ere aren:t e)en any &ints as to !&o t&e ne;t emperor mig&t *e$ It is most unusual$ A noble man in a white suit and an older man from the citi!en #uarter walk near a large fountain. O(LE -A 7o you %no! t&e saying# ATo lac% no*ility is to lac% &umanityB1 A&# *ut o' course you !oul"n:t$ 8ou lot &a)e no e"ucation# a'ter all$ Forgi)e me$ T&e lo!er caste continues to !or% 'ussily a*out to"ay# I see$ 0o! misera*le$ OL7ER -A +&at:s !rong# son1 Are you lost1 4ap&ias is a &uge city# a'ter all$ Visitors get lost all t&e time$ T&e capital is "i)i"e" into t&ree areas$ T&is is t&e citi?en 6uarter$ To t&e sout& is t&e lo!er 6uarter# an" up t&e stairs to t&e !est is t&e royal 6uarter$ T&e castle is nort&$ 8ou can get t&ere 'rom t&e royal 6uarter$ 8ou:ll %no! it *y t&e &uge gate$ ,pposite the fountain an artist sits with his easel and a .rityan woman paces nearby. ARTIST +elcome3 +elcome to my magni'icent atelier3 =an you tell t&at I crac%le !it& 'erocious creati)e po!er# t&is )ery instant1 As you can see# I am an artist$ I paint portraits# an" no! I 'in" a spectacular su*,ect *e'ore me3 +ill you allo! me to paint your li%eness1 It !oul" surely 'le; my "a??ling creati)e muscles3 .RIT8A +O-A It:s *een a !&ile no! since my &ometo!n !as "estroye" an" I came to li)e in t&e capital$ It:s so 6uiet$ It:s really a great place to li)e$ Li)ing com'orta*le &elps enric& your &eart# too$ I' you:)e got a sta*le li)eli&oo"# "oesn:t t&at put your min" at ease1 A guard stands at the eastern e it. /9AR7 0alt3 I' you go any 'urt&er# you:ll lea)e t&e city$ T&e !orl" outsi"e 4ap&ias: *arrier is s!arming !it& monsters$ It:s too "angerous 'or you e6uippe" li%e t&at$ 8ou cannot *e allo!e" to lea)e t&e city !it& suc&

lig&t e6uipment$ =ome *ac% !it& t&e proper armaments$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# $onder Re%orter & Part '# )uri heads towards the stairs leading to the royal #uarter. VOI=E 8ou t&ere3 8ou t&ere3 Are you a!are o' t&e serious e)ents going on in t&e !orl"1 89RI 1 VOI=E O)er &ere3 Rig&t &ere3 I:m t&e +on"er Reporter3 (ringing you t&e articles a*out !&at matters most# e)ery "ay3 7o you rea" t&e ne!spaper in t&e morning1 =up o' co''ee1 7onut1 +&at1 8ou "on:t1 T&at ,ust !on:t "o3 +&at epic t&ing as transpire" to"ay1 8ou:ll ne)er *elie)e it3 8ou can rea" it !&ene)er# !&ere)er# an" !it& no e''ort at all3 8es# it:s t&e +on"er Log3 Put it to goo" use3 >An" *y t&e !ay# let:s let t&e 'act t&at I:m in t&e !all *e our little secret# o%ay1 HstarI +ell t&en# 'are!ell3 89RI >>1 (In'ormation) O*taine" +on"er Log$ +it& t&e +on"er Log# you can access t&e Synopsis )ia t&e Li*rary 'rom t&e -enu$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------hen climbing the steps to the /oyal 0uarter, )uri hears the guards discussing the lower #uarter. %e and /epede hide in flower bushes to eavesdrop on their conversation. . I/0T CD . I/0T CE . I/0T CD . I/0T CE . I/0T CD . I/0T CE . I/0T CD 89RI 0ey# you &ear a*out t&e *lastia in t&e lo!er 6uarter1 8es# I &ear" somet&ing a*out it *rea%ing an" t&em collecting money to 'i; it$ T&at:s rig&t# I &ear t&at lot !ent so 'ar as to sell t&eir treasures to sa)e up t&e money$ Treasures# sir1 +ort&less ,un%# not&ing more$ T&ey !oul"n:t &a)e gotten more t&an one /al" 'or t&em$ ot e)en one /al"13 I can:t imagine !&at sort o' treasures t&ose !oul" &a)e to *e$ I:" li%e to &a)e a loo%# mysel'> I:m telling you# not&ing *ut ,un%3 0e& &e&> Listen to t&ose guys3 Poor 0an%s$ =an:t really argue !it& t&em a*out t&e ,un% t&ing# t&oug&$

)uri picks up a rock, tossing it in the air and catching it before lobbing it at the left .night. The .night is knocked off his feet and falls on his back as the other knight watches. . I/0T CD Ac%3 . I/0T CE +&at t&e> +&o:s t&ere13 . I/0T CE Oo'3 A stone bounces off his helmet and he falls face down near his comrade. )uri"s boot heels click on the stone pavement as he casually walks over

to stand between the fallen guards. 89RI I' you can:t un"erstan" t&e )alue o' A,un%#B you:re !ort& less t&an ,un% yoursel'$ )uri looks at the various nobles loitering in the street beyond the open gate. 89RI Repe"e# can you 'in" t&e trail1 /epede lopes off with his nose to the ground, sniffing out the trail. )uri notices a streetlight with a vacant hole at the top of the post. 89RI >So t&ey:)e *een ta%ing *lastia cores 'rom &ere# too$ Loo%s li%e some*o"y:s got some stic%y 'ingers$ T&at:s t&e royal 6uarter 'or you$ A 'e! *lastia cores go missing# an" on one e)en ma%es a 'uss$ +&en ,ust one is enoug& to t&ro! t&e lo!er 6uarter into c&aos$ I' t&ey:)e got cores to spare# t&ey coul" stan" to gi)e us some3 /epede runs down the sidewalk leading to the first manor on the left and barks at )uri. 89RI Foun" it3 Skit "o()e*

o*les on t&e street5 -A 0ey3 8ou3 8ou "on:t t&in% you can "ra! !ater &ere# "o you1 8ou commoners are so ru"e an" gree"y$ /o *ac% 'rom !&ere you came$ +O-A CD 0a)e you &ear"1 T&ey say unusual noises are coming 'rom one o' t&e empty mansions lately$ I:" li%e to report it to t&e .nig&ts# *ut as it:s not&ing more t&an a rumor> I imagine one o' t&ose lo!ly commoners &as *ro%en in to steal somet&ing$ T&is is no place 'or lo! 'ol% to "a!"le$ 7o you un"erstan" !&at I:m saying1 +O-A CE T&e mansion near t&e la%e1 E)eryone:s tal%ing a*out it$ T&e &ouse is suppose" to *e empty# *ut people &a)e seen lig&ts s&ining at nig&t$ Per&aps someone *oug&t it1 T&e mansion is 6uite spacious> Anot&er o' t&e no*les mig&t *e mo)ing in$ OL7ER -A O& no> 8ou came all t&e !ay &ere1 O& !ell> 8ou came 'or !ater# rig&t1 o! &urry up an" go *ac% to !&ere)er you came 'rom$ .RIT8A +O-A T&e royal 6uarter &as many *lastia$ It seems li%e most no*les "on:t really care a*out *lastia$ T&ey seem to t&in% t&ey can ,ust *uy a ne! one i' it *rea%s$ 8O9 / LA78 I:m soooo in lo)e !it& =aptain =umore o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts3 (&eart) I !is& &e !as my *oy'rien"$ 0e loo%s so &ot !&en &e:s crus&ing t&ose commoners3 I !on"er i' =aptain =umore !oul" come running i' I calle" 'or &elp rig&t no!1 (musical note)

OL7 -A

8ou t&ere3 T&is e;it is 'or no*les only$ =ommon ra**le li%e you s&oul" use t&e e;it in t&e lo!er 6uarter$ o no no$ I "on:t care i' you:re "esperate$ Try again !&en you are o' t&e proper status$ 8ou !oul" &a)e no pro*lem i' you !ere# say# t&e =omman"ant o' t&e %nig&ts$ 0a& &a& &a&3

)uri walks toward the first mansion on the left. A statue of woman seated on a sphere stands to the left of the path. A beast-drawn carriage waits in front of the mansion. 89RI So t&is is !&ere &e li)es> )uri knocks on one of the double front doors and /epede sits down near the steps. 89RI It "oesn:t seem li%e t&ere:s anyone aroun"> +n frustration, )uri kicks the door. 89RI I !on"er i' t&ere:s any ot&er !ay in>1 )uri walks around to the left side of the mansion and finds an unlocked window. 89RI O&3 Is it open>1 =an I get in t&is !ay>1 )uri slides the window up and climbs through. %e &umps down into a foyer with doors and a set of stairs. 89RI I %no! -or"io is &i"ing &ere some!&ere> %e climbs the stairs and tries to open doors. They"re locked. 89RI It !on:t open> +&at to "o>1 A door on the first floor opens and )uri #uickly turns to look down over the railing. A man in a hooded robe, carrying a bag over his shoulder, walks toward the door. 89RI T&at must *e> The man puts his bag down in front of the door and holds up a blue sphere to admire it. 89RI Foun" &im3 /epede &umps over the railing and lands between the man and the door. A second later, )uri leaps and lands a few feet behind 1ordio. 89RI 8ou are -or"io# rig&t1 1ordio trembles with fear as )uri advances. %e reaches into his robe and throws something down. %e disappears in a thick cloud of smoke. -hen the smoke clears, 1ordio is gone and /epede is holding the bag in his mouth. /epede carries the bag to )uri. 89RI 'kneeling beside /epede( /oo" *oy$ 'looking in the bag( +&at t&e>3 T&e *lastia core is gone3 Let:s go an" get t&at core *ac%3 An" gi)e t&at mage a !&ooping !&ile !e:re at it3 REPE7E +oo'3 ,utside the mansion, knights wait for them. A7E=OR 8uri3 So it is you !&o are t&e cause o' all t&is commotion$ (O==OS I %no! &e:s poor# *ut *rea%ing into an aristocrat:s &ouse> -y# my# &o! t&e mig&ty &a)e 'allen3 89RI <ust !&at I nee"e"# T!ee"le A an" T!ee"le ($ A7E=OR I say# "on:t you "are call me t&at3 (O==OS <ust !&at is a T!ee"le any!ay13 )uri spots 1ordio walking around the carriage and runs to stop him. The two knights block his path. (O==OS T&ere:s no &ope o' escape3 +e:)e got you surroun"e"3

)uri heaves an e asperated sigh as 1ordio escapes in the carriage right past the clueless knights. 89RI 7oes it loo% li%e I:m trying to escape1 See# its stu'' li%e t&at t&at %eeps you guys 'rom getting promote"$ (O==OS 8ou "i" not ,ust say t&at3 A7E=OR I say# you ta%e t&at *ac%3 )uri draws his sword. 89RI Enoug& *eating aroun" t&e *us&# I guess$ (O==OS Stan" *ac%# A"ecor3 I:ll &an"le t&is in t&e name o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ $occos runs toward )uri a couple of steps with his spear leveled. A7E=OR I say# I s&all *e t&e one to "e'en" t&e goo" name o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts3 Peons# I say# s&oul" stan" *ac%3 (runs 'or!ar" a couple o' steps) (O==OS 8ou:re t&e peon>3 (runs 'or!ar") A7E=OR o# no# I say# I am your superior3 (runs 'or!ar") )uri draws his sword with his left hand and rests the blade atop his shoulder. 89RI I appreciate t&e sentiment# guys# *ut let:s cut t&e cat'ig&t an" get on !it& it3 ((attle Tutorial) I FOR-ATIO T&e control is set to semi-auto mo"e "uring t&is *attle$ -o)e 'or!ar" an" *ac%!ar" !it& LS (rig&t)JLS (le't)$ <ump !it& SF9AREKLS (up)$ Target nearest enemy using RD$ =&ange your target !it& LS !&ile &ol"ing RD$ -o)e to!ar"s targete" enemy using LS (rig&t)JLS (le't)$ -o)e 'reely using LE L LS 89RI (O==OS A7E=OR 89RI I FOR-ATIO 0ey# let:s go3 8ou rea"y1 I am your superior3 ay# (occos3 8ou are# I say# clearly my su*or"inate3 I guess I ,ust gotta !&ac% t&ese guys a little$ Per'orm regular attac% !it& O$ 8ou can also per'orm attac%s !it& O !&ile mo)ing !it& LT K LS$ Target !ill automatically s!itc& to t&e enemy you &it !&ile mo)ing !it& LE K LS$ (practice a 'e! s!ings) (O==OS O!!!!> 89RI T&ere# &o!:" t&at ma%e you 'eel1 (O==OS 0o! "are you3 0itting someone in t&e mi""le o' an argument is &ar"ly proper manners3 89RI 7i"n:t you &ear me !&en I sai" A8ou rea"y1B Or !ere you not listening1 A7E=OR 7amn it3 $occos &abs his spear at )uri. 89RI O&# *rot&er> (O==OS Arg&> 8ou> Stop rig&t t&ere3 89RI 7oes it loo% li%e I:m running1 (O==OS 8ou3 (e 6uiet3 $occos levels his spear and charges at )uri.

89RI Oops# time 'or a little "e'ense> I FOR-ATIO (loc% attac%s !it& ;$ )uri positions his sword down over his shoulder to block $occos" attack. $occos" strike hits )uri"s sword and he falls backward. (O==OS 0-&e *loc%e" my attac%>3 A7E=OR I say# Sonic T&rust3 Adecor charges and )uri block his attack. 89RI +&oa> =ome on# gimme a *rea%> Adecor shakes with so much rage that his helmet visor flops up and down. A7E=OR Ooo&3 I say# &o! 7ARE you *loc% my arte3 89RI -an# you nee" to calm "o!n> I' you can use stri%e artes &ere# t&en I can too3 I FOR-ATIO Per'orm artes attac% !it& G (per'orm practice &its) 89RI Let:s try t&at again$ T&is ne;t one:s gonna &urt>3 I FOR-ATIO Per'orm com*o *y using regular attac% O 'ollo!e" *y artes attac% G$ 2uring the practice, both Aldecor and $occos are knocked off their feet and land on their backs. 89RI A!# you:re not gi)ing up alrea"y# are you1 Adecor and $occos scramble to their feet. A"ecor Hs&a%ingI I-I say# Imperial .nig&ts ne)er gi)e up3 (O==OS 8ou &a)e yet to see our true po!er3 89RI >T&is ne;t time:s 'or real# guys$ A7E=OR T&at:s my line# I say3 (O==OS T&at:s my line3 Spo%en 7ialogueJon-screen te;t5 I' 8uri !ins5 89RI 8ou s&oul" t&an% me$ I:m gi)ing you some e;tra practice$ I' 8uri Loses5 89RI I scre!e" up$ /uess I un"erestimate" t&ese guys> (+in Scene) $occos and Adecor lie flat on their backs with a hand, a foot or a hand #uivering a little, every now and then. 89RI =ome on# guys# you can "o *etter t&an t&at# can:t you1 1ore guards arrive followed by an androgynous male officer with powder blue hair, blue lips and wearing a purple codpiece. 89RI Loo%s li%e I !on:t *e catc&ing up !it& t&at carriage anytime soon$ =9-ORE 0o! typical o' t&e Sc&!ann *riga"e$ T&ey can:t e)en manage to capture a single lo!li'e$ A7E=OR =-=aptain =umore3 I say# our apologies 'or t&is unsig&tly "isplay$ =9-ORE I:m a'rai" t&e Imperial .nig&ts &a)e no use 'or you lo!*orn scum$ (O==OS 9&&> P-please "on:t let Sir Sc&!ann %no! a*out t&is# Sir$ 89RI I can:t *elie)e our ta;es go to paying t&ese guys> /epede appears at the street entrance and still holding the bag, he waits until he catches )uri"s eye. As Cumore and his soldiers watch, /epede escapes with the bag. 89RI T&ere &e is> )uri throws his sword down on the pavement. A7E=OR I say# t&at tops it all3 A*an"one" *y &is 'ait&'ul

pooc&3 /a& &a& &a& &a&3 +ell# !ell# you:)e &a" a *usy "ay &a)en:t you# -r$ 8uri Lo!ell1 I:m rat&er *usy mysel'# *ut I suppose I can a''or" to play !it& you 'or a !&ile$ /entlemen3 89RI It:s rats li%e you t&at ma%e Flynn:s ,o* so "i''icult$ =9-ORE Flynn1 A little su''ering is ,ust !&at t&at upstart lieutenant nee"s$ The knights close in around )uri. =9-ORE +&en you:)e 'inis&e" !it& &im# t&ro! &im in t&e prison as usual$ Ten "ays or so oug&t to teac& &im a lesson$ As the scene fades, the sound of blows being delivered is heard. (O==OS =9-ORE 4ap&ias Prison5 )uri lies face down on a bed in a prison cell. %e hears voices whispering. VOI=E CD So li%e I !as sayin:# t&e t&ie' ma"e o'' !it& a priceless treasure 'rom t&at no*le:s mansion$ VOI=E CE I %no!# I %no!$ T&en &e !as caug&t# an" t&e loot !as returne"# rig&t1 VOI=E CD o$ See# t&at:s ,ust no*ility trying: ta %eep t&ings 6uiet$ T&e treasure in t&e mansion rig&t no!:s a 'a%e$ /9AR7 8ou:re pulling my leg$ '-e discover that 3oice 45 belongs to a prisoner and 3oice 46 belongs to a prison guard.( PRISO ER 0ey# ya "i"n:t &ear it 'rom me# *u*$ T&e 7ar% !ings are goin: nuts loo%in: 'or t&e &i"eout$ /9AR7 8ou mean t&e t&ie)es: guil"1 3 A&em3 T&at:s enoug& out o' you$ Almost meal time$ 'walks away( PRISO ER 0ey neig&*or3 8ou:re a!a%e rig&t1 8ou gotta *e gettin: tire" 'rom %eepin: so 6uiet$ 89RI 8ou t&in% t&at little story up all *y yoursel'# ol" man1 8ou must &a)e plenty o' time on your &an"s$ PRISO ER AOl" man1 o! you:)e gone an" &urt t&is ol" man:s 'eelings$ (esi"es# I "i"n:t ma%e up not&in:$ I:)e got eyes an" ears t&e !orl" o)er "iggin: up in'ormation 'or me$ 89RI 0e&# sure you "o# ol" man$ PRISO ER 0ey# I am !&at I am$ /o a&ea" an" as% me somet&ing$ I:ll tell ya !&ate)er ya !ant to %no!$ +anna %no! a*out t&e pirate guil":s sun%en treasure1 0o! M*out t&e sorcerer !&o ma%es &is &ome at t&e en"s o' t&e eart&1 Or !ait# I:)e got it> 89RI I ,ust !ant to %no! &o! to get out o' &ere$ PRISO ER +ell I:m not sure !&at yer in 'or# *ut t&ey:ll let ya out i' ya %eep yer trap s&ut 'or ten "ays$ 89RI T&e lo!er 6uarter:ll *e un"er!ater *y t&en$ PRISO ER T&e lo!er 6uarter> A& yea&# I &ear" a*out t&at$ 89RI I !on"er &o! t&ey:re all "oing rig&t no!$ PRISO ER Sorry# neig&*or$ T&at:s one piece o' "irt I "on:t &a)e$

)uri walks to the cell door. 89RI An" !&at am I gonna "o a*out t&at "amne" -or"io$ PRISO ER T0E -or"io1 8ou mean to say you:)e got connections ta t&e 'ame" mage 'rom Aspio# t&e =ity o' Sc&olars1 89RI 7o you %no! a*out &im1 PRISO ER O&o3 +ant ta %no!# &u&1 I:m a'rai" t&at in'ormation !on:t come c&eap> 89RI T&e A'ame" mage 'rom Aspio# t&e =ity o' sc&olarsB rig&t1 I t&in% I got it$ PRISO ER +-!ait# t&at:s not it$ 0e:s t&e u&# t&e &ea" o' t&e gourmet guil"3 o !ait# it:s t&e un# I mean> A door opens and a silver-haired officer walks past )uri"s cell to the 7old man"s8 cell. OFFI=ER Out$ PRISO ER A& !ell# ,ust !&en t&ings !ere getting: goo"$ OFFI=ER 0urry up$ 89RI (t&in%ing to &imsel')>+&at is comman"ant Ale;ei "oing &ere1 )uri sees the prisoner as Ale ei leads him past the cell. The prisoner is indeed older and has thick spiky hair gathered in a high ponytail at the back of his head. The prisoner stumbles and falls to his knees in front of )uri"s cell door. PRISO ER +&oa3 )uri stoops down and whispers to him. 89RI <ust !&o are you any!ay1 +&at "oes t&e &ea" o' t&e .nig&ts !ant !it& you1 PRISO ER (eneat& t&e statue o' t&e go""ess> The prisoner slides something over the rock floor and under the cell door to )uri. ALEGEI +&at are you "oing1 I sai" &urry up$ PRISO ER (stan"ing up) All rig&t# easy$ I:m coming$ %e runs to catch up to Ale ei. )uri picks up a key. 89RI >I "i" say I !as loo%ing 'or a !ay out o' &ere$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Prison .ey$ S+IT Ba,k in -ai)

)uri unlocks the cell door. 89RI +oul" you loo% at t&at--it opene"$ )uri steps out the cell, looking both ways before venturing further. The guard is asleep at his "es%$ 89RI E)er-)igilant as usual> +it& t&e !ay &e:s sleeping# it:ll *e a !&ile *e'ore anyone notices I:m gone$ I' I come *ac% *e'ore morning t&ey:ll ne)er *e t&e !iser to my little ,ail*rea%$ I t&in% I can c&ec% on t&e Lo!er Fuarter an" ma%e it *ac% *y morning$ It:" pro*a*ly *e goo" to try t&at statue o' t&e go""ess# too$ After retrieving his gear from a chest, )uri ventures into the heavily patrolled castle. As he steps from a doorway, he"s spotted by a swordwielding .night 9encer. /9AR7 +&o:s t&ere3 89RI Arg&# t&ey spotte" me3 After the battle, the fallen knight lies on the floor. 89RI Ta%e a loa" o'' 'or a !&ile3 (%neels *y t&e %nig&t) -y rap s&eet is long enoug& as

89RI

it is$ (ut guess I "on:t &a)e muc& c&oice *ut to 'ig&t i' t&ey "isco)er me$ (stan"s up) I nee" to *e !ary o' t&ese guys on patrol$

/oom with two chests and a statue of an angel with wings spread, holding a green sphere: I FOR-ATIO =omman" t&e &ea)ens !it& t&e po!er o' t&e ring$ +&en all eig&t !ings are sprea"# a circle o' lig&t s&all s&ine a*o)e t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon an" t&e 'ourt& "oor s&all open$ The chests contain a cape and a life bottle. $ack in the main corridor, )uri runs into a left doorway. %e hears footsteps. 89RI 3 )uri darts from the room and hides behind the wall beside the doorway in the corridor. +nside, a young woman with pink hair and carrying a sword is cornered by two knights. . I/0T CD +&y "on:t !e ,ust go *ac%1 8O9 / LA78 I can:t go *ac% no!3 . I/0T CD T&is is 'or your o!n goo"# -iss# you %no! t&at$ . I/0T CE As 'or t&e Ainci"ent#B !e assume 'ull responsi*ility an" !ill in'orm t&e lieutenant oursel)es$ 8O9 / LA78 0o! can you say t&at !&en you &a)en:t "one anyt&ing to &elp me1 Speechless, the knights &ust look at each other. The young lady points her sword at them. 8O9 / LA78 Please# "on:t come any closer$ . I/0T CD o!# no!# !&y "on:t you put t&at "o!n1 8ou:ll only en" up &urting yoursel'> 8O9 / LA78 I %no! &o! to use a s!or"3 The young lady slices the air with her sword. The first knight hesitates a few seconds then his hand reaches for his sword"s hilt. . I/0T CD I:m a'rai" you lea)e us no c&oice$ I !as &oping it !oul"n:t come to t&is> The knight pulls his sword from his sheath. %is companion watches him, then decides to do the same. VOI=E 0ey3 T&ere s&e is3 T&is !ay3 Another .night 9encer approaches. 8O9 / LA78 Please# you:)e got to let me go3 I &a)e to !arn Flynn3 89RI 7i" s&e say Flynn1 Two more knights arrive. They are soon knocked out by unseen blows. . I/0T C3 0ey3 . I/0T CN Aaa&3 89RI 8a&3 8O9 / LA78 Flynn>13 (loo%ing o)er &er s&oul"er) 8ou came to &elp me>1 (sees 8uri) +-!&o are you1 (ta%es a step *ac%) )uri walks into the room. . I/0T CE I"enti'y yoursel'3 89RI -an# ,ust !&en I t&oug&t I !as *eing snea%y# t&ings &a)e to go to &ell$ . I/0T CD =are'ul# I t&in% &e:s got a *lastia$ . I/0T CE It s&oul"n:t *e a pro*lem i' !e ta%e &im toget&er$

(*attle ensues) A'ter *attle "ialogueJno on-screen te;t5 89RI -an is t&is !&at %nig&ts "o no!1 )uri stands beside the fallen knights littering the floor. 89RI 7on:t t&ey teac& t&ese guys manners in %nig&t sc&ool anymore1 The young lady staggers behind )uri with a large vase in her upraised hands. 8O9 / LA78 0ya&3 )uri dodges the vase as she tries to bring it down on his head. 89RI 0ey3 +&at# are you trying to %ill me1 8O9 / LA78 +ell> you "on:t *elong in t&e castle# rig&t1 89RI o# an" I:ll ta%e it as a compliment t&at you can tell t&at *y loo%ing at me$ VOI=E 8uri Lo!ell3 +&ere are yooou1 ;ooking into the distance, )uri smiles, but sighs with e asperation at the ne t voice. A7E=OR 8ou 'oul 'ugiti)e3 I say# !e %no! you:re trying to ma%e your escape$ 89RI O& please# not t&em again$ /uess t&ere:s no point in going *ac% to t&e prison cell no!$ VOI=E Lou"er# 'ools3 Say it li%e you mean it3 (O==OS Lieutenant Le*lanc# your )oice is TOO lou"$ -y ears> 8O9 / LA78 8uri Lo!ell1 8ou:re one o' Flynn:s 'rien"s# aren:t you1 89RI 8ea&$ +&y1 8O9 / LA78 An" you use" to *elong to t&e Imperial .nig&ts1 89RI (turns a!ay 6uic%ly) <ust 'or t&ree s&ort mont&s$ (turns *ac% a little) 8ou &ear t&at 'rom Flynn1 8O9 / LA78 8es$ 89RI 0u&$ /uess &e manage" to 'in" someone at t&e castle &e coul" tal% to a'ter all$ The young lady darts around )uri to look him in the face. 8O9 / LA78 8uri3 I nee" to tal% to Flynn3 /etreating a few steps, )uri turns away from her again. 89RI 0ol" on ,ust a secon"$ +&o are you suppose" to *e# any!ay1 I can tell you %no! Flynn# *ut !&y are you *eing c&ase" *y t&e .nig&ts1 LE(LA =:S VOI=E O)er &ere3 89RI Listen# I !ant to &ear t&e !&ole story# *ut !e can:t really a''or" to stan" aroun" an" c&at$ First t&ings 'irst# let:s get to Flynn:s place$ +ant me to lea" t&e !ay1 8O9 / LA78 A&# yes3 89RI Let:s go$ )uri tries the western e it of the room, but hears a voice beyond. LE(LA = 8uri Lo!ell33 S&o! yoursel'3 89RI 8i%es3 ot &ere eit&er3 First =orri"or5 The northern e it leads to a corridor where )uri darts into the first doorway on the left: A7E=OR 8uri3 +&ere are you13 89RI ot t&is !ay>

)uri and young lady approach the ne t door on the right 89RI >-mm1 Somet&ing smells tasty$ 8O9 / LA78 O&# you:re rig&t$ +&at coul" it *e1 89RI O& yea&# isn:t t&e %nig&ts: "ining &all aroun" &ere1 They run up a flight of stairs into another corridor. Secon" =orri"or5 The young lady stops in front of a door 8O9 / LA78 8ea&# it !as aroun" &ere> 89RI T&is is Flynn:s room$ The young lady looks astonished and nods. I' you go past Flynn:s room5 8O9 / LA78 T&ere:s somet&ing I &a)e to tell Flynn> 89RI /uess t&is isn:t t&e !ay to Flynn:s room$ Flynn:s Room5 89RI 8O9 / LA78 89RI 8O9 / LA78 89RI 8O9 / LA78 89RI 8O9 / LA78 89RI 8O9 / LA78 89RI 0e:s really %eeping t&is place cleane" up> Flynn must *e o'' galli)anting aroun" some!&ere$ T&en> T&at means I:m too late$ So# !&at sort o' !ic%e"ness "i" you "o any!ay1 -e1 I &a)en:t "one anyt&ing !rong$ An" yet a *unc& o' %nig&ts !ere c&asing you aroun" t&e castle$ >8ea&# t&at ma%es sense$ 9m# you see> 8uri3 +&oa> +&at is it1 I can:t *e speci'ic# *ut Flynn is in terri*le "anger3 I:)e got to go an" !arn &im$ (sitting on t&e *e") So go i' you !ant to go$ +&at:s !rong !it& t&at1 I !is& I %ne!> Listen# I:)e got somet&ing I:)e gotta ta%e care o' rig&t a!ay# too$ As soon as t&ings 6uiet "o!n outsi"e# I !ant to get *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter$ In t&at case# !oul" you ta%e me !it& you1 Please1 Ot&er t&an Flynn# t&ere:s no one I can "epen" on$ +ill you at least &elp me get out o' t&e castle1 Please# I:m *egging you$ O%ay I can see you:re serious# *ut !&y "on:t you tell me your name 'irst$

8O9 / LA78

89RI

,utside, in the corridor, someone knocks 9lynn<s door off its hinges. 8O9 / LA78 Aaa&3 She runs to the door, but backs away as a wild-eyed mercenary with pink and blonde hair walks into the room. -ER=E AR8 Prepare to 'all )ictim to my *la"e> )uri does not give the man the satisfaction of acknowledgement and remains seated on the bed looking calmly straight ahead. The man slices his weapon savagely through the air, but still, )uri does not turn his head. 89RI 0a)en:t you e)er &ear" o' %noc%ing1 -A I am 4agi> T&e man !&o !ill en" your li'e$ o! "ie# Flynn Sci'o3 (*attle) 4A/I A&&# no! I 'eel it$ 89RI 8ou 'eel !&at1 I:m not 'eeling anyt&ing o)er &ere$

4A/I

8es# so 'ull o' con'i"ence$ A& &a& &a&3 T&at:s it3 T&at:s it3 o! I 'eel truly ali)e3 89RI +&at:s !it& &im all o' a su""en1 4A/I -!a &a& &a& &a&33 Zagi rushes forward and strikes hard with his blade. )uri blocks his blow, but not without effort. 89RI >> 'grunts( 8O9 / LA78 8uri# let me &elp you3 The young lady produces a sword and shield and stands beside )uri ready to fight beside him. 89RI Stay a!ay3 8O9 / LA78 (ut--3 4A/I (ring it3 T&e more t&e merrier3 89RI I' t&ings get out o' &an"# run 'or it$ 8O9 / LA78 I !ill$ 4A/I O&# "on:t gi)e up so soon$ I &a)en:t &a" a 'ig&t li%e t&is in years3 Spo%en 7ialogue (no te;t) a'ter t&e *attle5 H ote5 89RI 7o I loo% li%e Flynn to you1 8O9 / LA78 ot in t&e least$ 89RI ot =ompleteI

8ou:)e got t&e !rong guy$ Aren:t you suppose" to %no! t&is stu''1 8O9 / LA78 0e:s not Flynn3 4A/I 7etails# "etails$ (ring it3 89RI T&is guy:s nuts$ Flynn sure &as ma"e some interesting enemies$ A man with red eyes peering from a hood appears in the doorway RE7-E8E7 -A 4agi# !e:re lea)ing$ T&e .nig&ts are onto us$ Zagi slugs the red-eyed man, knocking him to the floor. RE7-E8E7 -A 0o! "are you3 4A/I 0a& &a& &a&3 -in" your o!n *usiness3 I:m ,ust getting to t&e *est part3 RE7-E8E7 -A 0urry# *e'ore t&e .nig&ts get &ere$ Or !oul" you rat&er &a)e your 'un en" to"ay1 Zagi strikes the red-eyed man three times until he leaves. -ith a wicked smile over his shoulder at )uri, he, too, leaves. 89RI +e s&oul" *e getting a mo)e on# too$ )uri walks past the young lady and stops when he reaches the doorway. 89RI >+e:ll ,ust go pay a )isit to t&e go""ess an" *e on our !ay$ 8O9 / LA78 8uri# um$ 89RI 8ea&# I %no!$ +e:ll stic% toget&er until !e:re out o' t&e castle$ 8O9 / LA78 O&$ Rig&t$ (ut I !as going to say# my name is Estellise$ 89RI +ell t&en# Estellise# Let:s get mo)ing$ )uri takes a couple of more steps before the young lady stops him. ESTELLISE +ait# !e can:t ,ust lea)e t&e "oor li%e t&at> )uri turns around impatiently and barks at the young lady. 89RI I really "on:t t&in% t&is is t&e time to !orry a*out somet&ing li%e t&at$ ESTELLISE (ut>3 89RI (sig&s) All rig&t# all rig&t$ <ust>$ <ust gi)e me a minute$

)uri has refitted the door in its frame. %e and =stellise stand before it in the corridor. 89RI T&ere# goo" as ne!$ o! let:s get going$ (!al%s a!ay) ESTELLISE O-o%ay3 (runs to catc& up !it& 8uri) I' you c&ec% Flynn:s closets a'ter you get t&e items 'rom t&em5 Armoire (le't si"e)I FOR-ATIO Some o' Flynn:s *elongings$ T&ere:s a letter seale" !it& a &eart-s&ape" stic%er$ Armoire (rig&t si"e)I FOR-ATIO Flynn:s clot&es are neatly lai" out$ Trun%I FOR-ATIO It is 'ull o' Flynn:s *elongings !&ic& is !&at &as *een use" 'rom yout& in "o!nto!n$ )uri and =stellise go through a door leading to a balcony overlooking a garden in chaos with shouting knights running about. 89RI I !on"er i' t&is is *ecause o' t&ose guys earlier$ It *etter not try to pin t&is on one too$ ESTELLISE I &ope no one !as &urt$ 89RI 7on:t !orry a*out t&e .nig&ts$ T&ey:ll ma%e sure to protect t&emsel)es$ ESTELLISE 8es> I guess so> LE(LA =:S VOI=E 8uri Lo!ell3 +&ere are you &i"ing1 89RI T&at must *e Le*lanc$ I:" recogni?e t&ose "ulcet tones any!&ere$ ESTELLISE 7o t&e t!o o' you %no! eac& ot&er1 89RI +e &a)e a *it o' a &istory$ >=ome on# let:s &urry$ =stellise nods and they turn to walk away when =stellise trips on the hem of her gown and sinks to the floor. 89RI +e s&oul" "o somet&ing a*out your clot&es$ 8ou:ll stic% out li%e a sore t&um*$ ESTELLISE -y room is ,ust up a&ea"$ I &a)e a c&ange o' clot&es t&ere> 89RI O%ay# t&at:ll !or%$ T&ir" =orri"or5 =stellise runs to a doorway on the left. ESTELLISE T&is is my room$ I:ll go get c&ange"# ,ust gi)e me a minute$ 89RI /ot it$ Try to *e 6uic% a*out it$ =stellise goes into the room and shuts the door. )uri looks down the hall for an instant, then approaches the door. The door opens and =stellise leans out slightly. -ith her eyes on )uri"s, she places the tip of her sword blade on the floor &ust outside her door. ESTELLISE <ust in case$ )uri turns away abruptly, but looks around his shoulder at her. 89RI >It:s not li%e I !as going to pee%$ ESTELLISE Flynn "i" tell me to *e care'ul i' I e)er met you$ =stellise shuts the door and locks it. 89RI T&an%s# Flynn$ -hen =stellise opens the door, )uri is leaning back against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed. ESTELLISE T&ere# all 'inis&e"$ )uri opens his eyes and stares at =stellise dressed in a white coat trimmed in gold over a pink and rose petal skirt. ESTELLISE +&at>1 7o>"o I loo% strange1

89RI

(turning a!ay) >It:s not&ing# I !as ,ust t&in%ing t&is "oesn:t suit you eit&er$ ESTELLISE ("o!ncast) Really1 =stellise approaches )uri and e tends her hand for a handshake. 89RI (loo%ing at &er &an") +&at:s t&is1 ESTELLISE A &an"s&a%e$ It means# Anice to meet you$B )uri shakes her hand and turns away again. 89RI All rig&t$ Let:s get going$ ESTELLISE T&an%s3 +>9,/1AT+,> =stellise &oined the party. S+IT .n the Run S+IT E/tra Ba00a0e S+IT The Intruder1 Za0i At the end of a hall, they go down stairs to reach another corridor. Fourt& =orri"or5 S+IT 2)ynn & Part ' +f you try to go through the doorway before the angel trap door room: ESTELLISE +e:ll *e seen 'rom &ere$ Let:s loo% 'or anot&er !ay$ At the end of the corridor, they enter a room with two doors and a statue of an angel with a sword. )uri moves the statue to reveal a hidden passage. Rig&t 7oor5 LE(LA = 89RI 8uri Lo!ell33 S&o! yoursel'3 8i%es3 ot &ere eit&er3

Le't 7oor5 The left door leads to another room with an Angel holding a green sphere statue. >o treasure chests here. I FOR-ATIO =omman" t&e &ea)ens !it& t&e po!er o' t&e ring +&en t!o pairs o' !ings are 'ully opene"# s&e s&all !eep *eneat& t&e s&arp rays o' lig&t an" t&e secon" "oor s&all open$ They e amine the angel statue. 89RI T&is must *e it$ ESTELLISE Is t&ere somet&ing special a*out t&is statue1 89RI It:s suppose" to &a)e some sort o' secret$ ESTELLISE It "oesn:t loo% li%e t&ere:s anyt&ing particularly secreti)e a*out it$ =stellise walks around the statue while she looks at it. 89RI -ay*e i' !e mo)e" it# t&ere:" *e a &i""en passage or somet&ing$ ESTELLISE 8ou "on:t t&in%> 89RI +ell# !e !on:t %no! unless !e gi)e it a try$ I FOR-ATIO 0ol" O (on <P JAsia PS3) J G (on 9SAJPAL PS3) to gra* I FOR-ATIO Pus& or pull o*,ects !it& LS )uri pulls the statue to the left revealing a narrow passage with a metal ladder. ESTELLISE >3 It really !or%e"3 89RI +&at "o !e &a)e &ere1 Loo%s li%e t&e ol" man !as rig&t> ESTELLISE 7o you t&in% t&is !ill lea" outsi"e1 89RI I can:t guarantee it$ +ell# I:m going "o!n$ 0o! a*out you1

ESTELLISE 89RI

>I:m coming too$ T&at:s pretty *ra)e o' you$ +&o !as t&at guy# any!ay1 T&ere !as somet&ing s&a"y a*out &im$ 9ollowing )uri to the ladder, =stellise suddenly grabs his forearm in both her hands. 89RI +&at is it1 7i" you c&ange your min"1 ESTELLISE o# your &an"--it:s in,ure"$ Let me ta%e a loo% at it$ =stellise concentrates and light flows around her hands and a glowing glyph appears where she heals )uri"s hand. 89RI 0mm1 )uri #uickly grabs =stellise"s hand to e amine the bracelet on her wrist. %is sudden action startles =stellise and she pulls her hand from his grasp and clutches it to her chest, covering it protectively with her other hand while staring at )uri. ESTELLISE Aaa&3 )uri turns away, embarrassed. 89RI 0ey# I:m sorry> I:" ne)er seen a *lastia li%e t&at$ I-I !asn:t t&in%ing$ ESTELLISE T&at:s really all it !as1 )uri looks at her and smiles reassuringly. 89RI T&at:s really all it !as$ -y &an" 'eels *etter> T&an%s$ =stellise covers her cheeks with both hands to hide her embarrassment. ESTELLISE > o# it:s t&e least I coul" "o$ 89RI O%ay# let:s go$ They climb down the ladder into the a sewer. 4ap&ais =astle Se!er5 89RI So t&ere are monsters "o!n &ere too> ESTELLISE >$ -onsters> T&at:s !&at t&ese t&ing are>1 89RI 8ou:)e ne)er seen one *e'ore>1 ESTELLISE 9&# umm$$$ RAT+I/LE 3 89RI >+ell# let:s &urry up an" ta%e care o' t&is# s&all !e1 ESTELLISE 8uri# t&ey:re coming 'rom t&e 'ront# too>3 89RI 9g&>t&is is annoying$ ((attle) 89RI ESTELLISE 89RI ESTELLISE 89RI ESTELLISE 89RI ESTELLISE I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO S+IT >T&at s&oul" ta%e care o' it$ I "i"n:t %no! !&at to "o !&en t&ey all attac% at once> 8ou generally &a)e to "e'eat eac& monster one *y one# *ut sometimes t&ey come in groups$ Really1 +e s&oul" *e care'ul !&en !e go a&ea"$ 8ou can ta%e on a monster one at a time# or ta%e t&em on in a group$ 8our c&oice$ 8uri# !&ic& !ay "o you t&in% !e s&oul" go1 +&ic&e)er$ Let:s ,ust get out o' &ere$ (!al%s "o!n a s&ort 'lig&t o' stairs) (running a'ter 8uri) A&# !ait> +ait 'or me$ +&en in contact !it& an enemy sym*ol# monsters t&at are a part o' t&e near*y enemy sym*ol !ill enter t&e *attle at t&e same time$ (e!are# as you !ill *e 'ace" !it& a group o' enemies$ Be Thank3u) to Stran0er*

They fight their way to the end of the sewers and climb the ladder. 89RI -an# it:s *rig&t$ They climb out into the courtyard and find themselves beside the statue of the woman sitting on a sphere in front of 1ordio"s 1ansion 89RI (s&iel"ing &is eyes) OSig&O It:s alrea"y morning$ I !aste" an entire nig&t$ Loo%s li%e it le" to t&e royal 6uarter$ ESTELLISE E)eryt&ing loo%s so "i''erent 'rom t&e !in"o!s o' t&e castle$ 89RI A&# come on$ 8ou soun" li%e t&is is your 'irst time out o' t&e castle$ ESTELLISE >9&# !ell# I> 89RI I guess a la"y !&o li)es in a castle can:t ,ust ta%e a !al% outsi"e !&ene)er s&e !ants$ ESTELLISE 8-yes# you:re rig&t$ 89RI (raising &is &an" 'or a &i-'i)e) +ell# &ey$ At least !e ma"e it out o' t&e castle$ =stellise walks over and places the tip of her gloved forefinger on the palm of his upraised hand. 89RI 0a& &a& &a&> ESTELLISE 9m$ +as t&at not rig&t1 (8uri grins *roa"ly) 89RI (lo!ers &is &an") a&> It:s 'ine> So Estellise# !&at are you gonna "o no! t&at you:re out1 ESTELLISE I:m going to 'in" Flynn$ 89RI 7o you %no! !&ere &e !ent1 ESTELLISE T&e ot&er "ay# &e sai" &e !as going o'' on a %nig&t:s pilgrimage$ 89RI O&&# t&at t&ing$ /oing aroun" t&e cities o' t&e empire piling up goo" "ee"s1 ESTELLISE 8es$ T&at:s !&y I:m going to t&e =ity o' (lossoms# 0alure$ 0alure is t&e 'irst place t&at %nig&ts tra"itionally )isit on a pilgrimage$ 89RI So you:ll nee" to go outsi"e t&e *arrier$ ESTELLISE 0a)e you e)er *een *eyon" t&e *arrier1 89RI Little !&ile *ac%$ I:" li%e to go *ut I can:t ,ust lea)e t&e lo!er 6uarter li%e it is$ =ome on$ I:ll s&o! you t&e !ay out o' to!n$ It:s on t&e !ay to t&e lo!er 6uarter$ (!al%s o'') ESTELLISE T&an% you3 (runs a'ter 8uri) (=omments 'rom t&e no*les on t&e street) 8O9 / -A 0ey3 8ou3 8ou:re not t&e *an"it !&o *ro%e into t&e mansion# are you1 +e assume commoners in t&e royal 6uarter are t&ie)es$ I' you "on:t li%e it# "on:t come$ +O-A CD T&e !retc&e" t&ie' t&at *ro%e into t&at manor &as *een caug&t3 +ell# I !oul" li%e to t&in% I "i" my part to %eep t&e capital sa'e$ I sa! t&e scoun"rel *rea% into t&e mansion an" reporte" it to t&e .nig&ts$ =aptain =umore too% care o' &im$ +O-A CE A t&ie' *ro%e into t&at mansion a little !&ile ago$

So many .nig&ts came to arrest &im3 I !as so surprise"3 >(ut you %no! >8ou loo%> o> 0e must *e in t&e castle "ungeons no!$ 8ou coul"n:t> OL7ER -A O& no> 8ou came all t&e !ay &ere1 O& !ell> 7o you plan to snea% into t&e mansion li%e t&at t&ie' earlier1 I s!ear# turn o)er any roc% an" out cra!ls a 'ilt&y t&ie'$ .RIT8A +O-A It seems li%e t&at mansion !as *eing use" 'or somet&ing$ I &ear" a young man 'oun" out an" snuc% in# *ut t&en &e !as capture" *y t&e .nig&ts$ -ay*e I s&oul" &a)e 'ollo!e" up !it& t&e .nig&ts an" cleare" &im o' t&e c&arges> O(LE LA78 Listen# listen3 (star) =aptain =umore capture" some lo!er 6uarter scum3 (&eart) Ooo&3 I:m so e;cite"3 T&at:s my "ear =umore3 0e:s my 'irst c&oice 'or a *oy'rien"$ (star) OL7 O(LE -A +ere you t&e commoners arreste" recently 'or *rea%ing into t&at empty mansion1 I !on:t let you get a!ay$ o no no$ T&is e;it is 'or no*les only$ +ell# carriages an" !&atnot as !ell$ I:m sorry# *ut you commoners cannot pass$ ,nly one knight guards the gate to the /oyal 0uarter now. . I/0T 9p a&ea" is t&e royal 6uarter$ 8ou may enter 'reely# *ut re'rain 'rom pan&an"ling$ S&oul" you try anyt&ing so )ulgar# you !ill 'ace imme"iate arrest$ Street In Front O' 4ap&ias =astle5 O(LE -A CD <ust loo% at t&e lo! 'ol% misera*ly cra!ling a*out in t&e muc% again to"ay$ 7on:t you !is& you coul" crus& t&em *eneat& your &eel1 T&ey !ear 'ilt&y rags an" eat gar*age$ An a*solutely "rea"'ul e;istence3 I' I got t&ro!n into t&e lo!er 6uarter# I:" lose my sanity in t!o minutes$ .RIT8A -A I am a mem*er o' t&e Imperial =ouncil$ T&ere are times !&en e)en .rityans must *e in important positions !it&in t&e go)ernment$ I' t&e Empire re6uests somet&ing# one cannot rig&tly re'use# can one1 Personally# I t&in% &uman a''airs s&oul" *e le't to &umans# *ut> O(LE -A CE All t&e people t&at come to goggle at t&e castle an" our stately &omes lately are 6uite annoying$ >=an:t you ta%e a &int1 I:m tal%ing a*out you$ Stay a!ay$ I "on:t !ant your stenc& on me$ O(LE LA78 8ou t&ere3 Are you cra?y# !al%ing aroun" in your pa,amas1 I:)e ne)er seen suc& un'as&iona*le nig&tclot&es in my li'e$ +oul" you min" not !al%ing so close to me1

I "on:t !ant anyone t&in%ing I:m !it& someone !&o &as suc& an acute lac% o' 'as&ion sense$ Two .nights guard the castle doors. . I/0T CD T&is is 4ap&ias =astle# resi"ence o' &is ma,esty# t&e Emperor$ ot t&at t&ere is a current Emperor> I' you %eep loitering aroun" &ere# I:ll *e 'orce" to arrest you$ So go on$ /et lost$ . I/0T CE A&ea" is 4ap&ias =astle$ =ommon citi?ens are not permitte" entry$ A .night guards the eastern gate to the royal #uarter. . I/0T One o' t&e guar"s o)er t&ere too% a roc% to t&e &ea" an" got %noc%e" out$ 0o! pat&etic> 8ou %no!# t&is armor is actually really t&in$ I really !is& t&ey:" supply us !it& some &ea)ier armor$ =iti?en Fuarter5 .RIT8A -A LITTLE /IRL (same "ialogue as *e'ore) T&is morning I !as &elping -ommy an" 7a""y$ One o' t&e customers complimente" my pretty smile3 E)eryone:s says I:m li%e t&e poster girl 'or t&e mar%et$ +&at:s a poster girl1 Apparently t&e aspirants 'or emperor are 6uite young$ E)en i' it:s too early to ascen" to t&e t&rone# t&ey coul" at least let us %no! !&o t&e successor is$ I:m so !orrie" !it& no successor name" yet> +&o:s going to ta%e comman" i' t&ere !ere a state o' emergency1 (same "ialogue as *e'ore) E)eryone in t&e city is so %in"$ I )isit t&e lo!er 6uarter sometime# too$ It:s so li)ely# an" t&e people are so nice$ It:s great3 I' t&ere:s e)er anyt&ing I can "o to &elp you# please let me %no!$ An emergency or"er &as *een issue" to seal o'' t&e capital$ one may pass$ T&e gate is seale"$ o one may pass until t&e or"er is li'te"$ (near 'ountain)T&ey say some commoners *ro%e into one o' t&e no*le mansions$ Isn:t t&at ,ust li%e t&e poor1 T&ey lac% conscience an" "ignity3 T&e pauper 'ilt& s&oul" *e &appy to polis& our *oots$ ot t&at I:" let a !retc& li%e you any!&ere near my *oots# o' course$ (same "ialogue as *e'ore) (sitting on *enc&) +&at:s t&e to!n so restless a*out1 It seems li%e t&e .nig&ts are searc&ing 'or someone$ T&ere !as suc& a commotion in t&e lo!er 6uarter earlier a*out t&eir 'ountain stopping$ T&ey coul" stan" to *e a little more 6uiet$ I:m trying to spen" some time !it& my s!eet&eart$

OL7ER +O-A

ARTIST .RIT8A

+O-A

. I/0T

O(LE -A

OL7ER -A 8O9 / LA78

8O9 / -A

LITTLE (O8 OL7ER +O-A

(sitting on *enc&) T&e capital &as *een seale" *ecause some t&ie' t&e .nig&ts caug&t in t&e royal 6uarter escape"$ T&ey aren:t letting anyone cross t&roug& t&e *arrier$ Isn:t closing o'' t&e entire city a little e;cessi)e1 It:s suc& a *ot&er 'or us citi?ens$ (same "ialogue as *e'ore) (sitting on *enc&) Is it lo!er 6uarter *ro%e1 0o! I' you nee" !ater# *ring 6uarter$ In trou*le" times !e all true t&e a6ue *lastia in t&e terri*le$ some 'rom t&e citi?en &a)e to &elp eac& ot&er out$

Fortune:s -ar%et (Imperial =apital) -ER=0A T +ell# i' it isn:t 4ap&ias: )ery o!n i"ol3 -ay*e I s&oul" put a sign up saying A=ele*rities S&op 0ereB$ Fortune:s -ar%et# !&ere t&e cele*rities s&op3 T&an%s 'or )isiting3 )uri and =stellise start down the ramp to the lower #uarter A7E=OR 8ou t&ere# 'ugiti)e3 0alt# I say3 (O==OS T&e ,ig is up3 )uri turns to see ;eblanc flanked by Adecor and $occos standing to the right of the market. LE(LA = Fooools3 Enoug& gran"stan"ing# arrest &im3 ESTELLISE +-!&at s&oul" !e "o1 89RI First you pic% up one o' t&ese> (pic%s up a roc%) T&en go li%e t&is (&urls t&e roc% at t&e a")ancing A"ecor @ (occos) $oth are hit with rocks and both fall on their backs. A few feet behind, ;eblanc observes his pathetic unit lying on the pavement. A7E=OR O!3 (O==OS Oo'3 89RI (turns to Estellise) Let:s get to t&e lo!er 6uarter$ They take off at a run toward the lower #uarter. Lo!er Fuarter5 0A .S 89RI 0A .S ESTELLISE 0A .S 8uri3 +&ere:)e you *een13 I got an in)itation to t&e castle an" &a" t&e most mar)elous time$ O' all t&e> An" !&o:s t&e young la"y1 Please" to meet you$ I:m Estellise$ T&e pleasure is all mine# -iss$ (clim*s up 'rom t&e 'ountain) Er# more importantly# a*out t&ose Imperial .nig&ts$ T&ey:)e *een so *usy loo%ing 'or you# t&ey &a)en:t pai" any attention to our 'iasco "o!n &ere$ So you:)e really manage" to tic% t&em o''# &u&1 It loo%s t&at !ay$ 0as Repe"e come *ac% yet1 Sure "i"# an" &e !as carrying some *ag$ +&at &appene" to it1 It s&oul" *e up in your room$ /o pic% it up later$ /i)e it a s&a%e$ It &as a nice ,ingle to it$ -or"io li%e" it too$

89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI

0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S 89RI 0A .S

89RI

8ou met -r$ -or"io1 8ea&# *ut t&e rat le't to!n$ Apparently &e:s someone important 'rom a city calle" Aspio$ >BLe't to!n1B T&en t&at means>!e:)e *een &oo"!in%e"$ A'rai" so$ 0is &ouse !as empty# an" I "ou*t &e:s e)en a real no*le$ >I see$ Loo%s li%e t&e a6ue *lastia:s 'inally stoppe" lea%ing !ater$ +ell# !it&out a core it !on:t *u"ge$ Is t&ere enoug& !ater 'or t&e time *eing1 8ea&# *ut it !on:t last long$ A'ter t&at# !e:ll ,ust get it 'rom t&e ri)er$ /et t&e runs# t&oug&$ An" t&e .nig&ts aren:t going to &elp$ /uess I:ll go get it *ac% 'rom t&e t&ie' mysel'$ +&at1 8ou aren:t t&in%ing o' 'ollo!ing -or"io *eyon" t&e *arrier# are ya1 7on:t !orry$ I:ll *e *ac% *e'ore you %no! it$ 0ump&$ +&o:s !orrie"1 It:s a goo" opportunity 'or ya$ o nee" 'or ya to &urry *ac% &ere$ 0u&1 +&at "o you mean *y t&at1 +&at I mean is# !e can get along ,ust 'ine !it&out you$ E)en Flynn use" to say# AI !on"er &o! long 8uri plans on li)ing t&is li'e$B Flynn nee"s to learn to min" &is o!n *usiness$

(=omments ma"e *y resi"ents in t&e lo!er 6uarter) OL7 +O-A T&an% you so muc&# 8uri$ I t&in% I:ll *e a*le to *uy *ac% t&e com* my &us*an" ga)e me$ 8ou seem to &a)e some trou*le !it& t&e .nig&ts> Is e)eryt&ing all rig&t1 T&e a6ue *lastia ne)er got 'i;e"# "i" it1 +&at i' t&e *arrier *lastia *ro%e# too1 T&at:s a scary t&oug&t$ LITTLE /IRL 8uri# !&ere !ere you1 E)eryone:s *een loo%ing 'or you$ Is t&at girl your ne! 'rien"1 Are you playing &oo%y to go &a)e 'un !it& &er1 T&at:s no goo"3 OL7ER +O-A +elcome *ac%# 8uri$ Loo%s li%e you:)e cause" a ruc%us again$ T&ey:re !atc&ing you# 8uri# so "on:t "o anyt&ing cra?y# o%ay1 +&at are you going to "o no!1 Flynn:s "oing &is "uty as a %nig&t# *ut you> TE7 So# 8uri# you !ent an" got yoursel' arreste"# &u&1 I"iot3 I guess t&at:s li%e you# t&oug&$ I !ent to t&e royal 6uarter since you ne)er came *ac%$ All t&e no*les !ere tal%ing a*out you$ 8ou !ere in t&e castle# rig&t1 7i" you see Flynn1 Tell Flynn t&e lo!er 6uarter:s in trou*le3 VE 7OR T&e !&ole 'ountain mess seems to &a)e calme" "o!n$ o! you:re totally 'ree to s&op3 0i3 +o!# it:s *een a !&ile3 T&e .nig&ts !ere c&asing you !eren:t t&ey1 Is e)eryt&ing o%ay1 8O9 / -A +ell# t&e !ater stoppe"# *ut no! !e can:t use t&e

8O9 / LA78

-A

(O9TSI7E I

'ountain$ Sooner or later t&e !ater !ill run out$ +e *etter start t&in%ing a*out ot&er !ays to get !ater$ I use" t&e money I got *ac% 'rom t&e s&o""y repair to 'in" ne! sources o' !ater$ -y !e""ing1 a&# !e ,ust put it o'' 'or a little$ S&e:ll !ait 'or me$ (ut t&an%s# 8uri$ +ell !ell# 8uri# t&e .nig&ts certainly are 'on" o' you$ Le*lanc an" &is troupe !ere ,ust running aroun" calling your name$ (e care'ul you "on:t "o somet&ing to get Flynn c&asing a'ter you# too3 ) 8ou see t&at# *eyon" t&ose *uil"ings1 T&at:s our *arrier *lastia# t&e S!or" stair$ It protects 4ap&ias 'rom monsters$ T&e *arrier is incre"i*ly important> Our li)es an" li)eli&oo" "epen" on it$ Almost all t&e to!ns in t&e Empire &a)e a *arrier *lastia# not ,ust &ere in 4ap&ias$ Places !it&out t&em &a)e to 'orti'y an" arm t&emsel)es to %eep t&e monsters out$

Inn @ Ta)ern A=ometB5 I .EEPERS +IFE 0ey3 +&at are you "oing ,ust !an"ering aroun"13 T&e .nig&ts are a'ter you3 8uri3 8ou> +&at &a)e you "one13 LITTLE /IRL 8uri# you *ig "ummy3 I !as so !orrie" a*out you3 +aaaaa&3 >+&o:s t&is girl1 0mp&$ +&en I gro! up# I:ll *e ,ust as> I .EEPER 7i" you see t&e ol" la"y1 I *et s&e !&ippe" you goo"3 -y !i'e !as so !orrie" a*out you# 8uri# s&e ga)e -E a lic%ing3 O!!!> -A CD T&e mistress o' t&e inn sure is 'unny$ +e totally 'orgot to tal% a*out our tra)els$ T&at:s some *ac%&an" s&e &as$ +ell# !ell> 8ou got yoursel' 6uite a *eauty t&ere$ 7i" you use t&e 'ountain *lastia as an e;cuse to go to t&e royal 6uarter an" pic% up !omen1 -A CE Are you t&e>1 T&ere:s *een 6uite a 'uss a*out you# you %no!$ T&e mistress o' t&e inn certainly %eeps &er &us*an" in c&ec% !it& t&ose *eatings> S&e:s toug&3 I *et s&e coul" &an"le t&ose monsters outsi"e t&e city$ OL7 -A 0ey# *u""y listen to t&is>t&ere !as a gorgeous young gal &ere at t&e inn t&e ot&er "ay> (ut it turne" out to *e some guy !it& long &air3 +ait>it !as you# 8uri3 Real men &a)e s&ort &air3 /o cut it3 It:s so con'using3 ((ac% outsi"e) -A ( EAR =RATES) So you:re *ac%# 8uri1 9p to your ol" tric%s# I &ear$ So !&o:s t&e young la"y1

T&e poor t&ing$ T&is nasty place is no!&ere to *ring a girl$ (Lea)ing 4ap&ias) 0A .S 7on:t you !orry a*out us$ +e:ll loo% a'ter t&e lo!er 6uarter !&ile you:re gone$ I &a)e to 'ul'ill my "uties as c&airman# ya: %no!1 As )uri and =stellise walk down the ramp leading to the e it, ;eblanc clomps down the ramp from the citi!en #uarter, pointing his finger at )uri. LE(LA = 8uri Looo!ell33 8ou:)e gi)en my t!o lac%eys a &ea"ac&e$ o! *e a goo" *oy an" turn yoursel' iiin3 89RI +ell# t&at:s our cue$ Loo%s li%e I !on:t *e coming *ac% &ere 'or a !&ile$ 0A .S e)er a "ull moment !it& 8uri aroun"$ A'ter t&is# I:ll *e e)en !it& you 'or getting t&at money *ac%$ =stellise observes the residents preparing for a fight. The young man who helped with the sandbagging, vigorously punches the air. The old woman who worried about her keepsake from her husband, rubs her right shoulder to loosen it as she makes a fist. 89RI 0A .S ESTELLISE 0A .S ESTELLISE <ust ma%e sure you "on:t %ic% t&e *uc%et *lo!ing it all on some cra?y party$ 0e&# same to you$ See t&at you "on:t go "ying in any "itc&es$ (8uri ta%es o'') +ait 'or me3 (runs o)er to 0an%s) It !as nice to meet you# sir$ 0e:ll pro*a*ly *e 6uite a pain in t&e nec%$ 8ou ma%e sure an" ta%e care o' yoursel'# no!$ I !ill$ T&an% you$

=stellise follows )uri as ;eblanc charges through the pla!a and to the ramp after )uri. ;ooking over his shoulder, %anks waves goodbye to )uri. The little girl beside him also waves goodbye. =stellise looks back and watches as the residents of the lower #uarter gather around ;eblanc with #uestions and demands. Surrounding him, they block his path and distract him with their raised voices and barrage of #uestions. VOI=E VOI=E VOI=E VOI=E LE(LA CD CE C3 CN = +&en are you going to 'i; t&e 'ountain# Sir .nig&t1 0ey cool# a %nig&t3 0ooray3 0ooray3 +on:t you &elp t&is ol" man 'in" &is "entures1 Foools4 (soun"s o' scu''ling an" *lo!s) 8ou:re in my !ay3 7o not inter'ere in t&e a''airs o' t&e empire3

)uri and =stellise turn back to protect the residents from ;eblanc. +nstead, the residents form a mob and hustle )uri and =stellise to the e it. VOI=E CD 89RI VOI=E CE I FOR-ATIO 7on:t you ma%e &er cry3 +&at are you tal%ing a*out1 >0ey# 6uit pus&ing3 >0ey# !&o ,ust &it me1 I:m gonna remem*er t&at3 T&is mig&t come in &an"y i' you:re going to 0alure$ O*taine" +orl" -ap

89RI VOI=E C3

I FOR-ATIO

0u&1 A map1 +ait a sec# t&is only &as t&e roa"s !ritten on it$ +&at "i" you e;pect1 It:s *etter t&an not&ing consi"ering people "on:t normally lea)e t&e city$ 8ou:ll &a)e to 'ill in t&e empty spaces on your o!n$ First o''# you s&oul" &ea" 'or 7ei"on 0ol" to t&e nort&$ O*taine" Orange /el ;N$ O*taine" -elange /el ;N$ O*taine" Li'e (ottle ;N$ O*taine" (rea" ;N$ O*taine" Egg ;E$

The &ingle of coins is heard among the crowd as the residents bestow parting gifts upon )uri. The residents hold back the knights as )uri and =stellise run down the ramp to the e it. ESTELLISE 89RI +o!# 8uri$ T&ey:re all going to miss you so muc&$ 0onestly# t&ey:re pro*a*ly t&rille" to 'inally get ri" o' me$ Coins &ingle as )uri pulls a money bag out of his tunic. 89RI 0ey# &ol" it>3 +&o put money in &ere13 I can:t ta%e t&is$ )uri runs back up the ramp to return the money. LE(LA = 0aaalt3 /et out o' my !ay3 89RI 0u&> I guess I:ll &a)e to %eep it 'or no!$ I FOR-ATIO Ac6uire" DPPP /al"$ They turn around and run for the e it with ;eblanc in close pursuit. /epede trips ;eblanc and he falls. LE(LA = +&at13 ;ying on the ground, ;eblanc raises a clenched fist as he watches /epede walk unhurriedly to )uri. 89RI ice one# Repe"e ESTELLISE A "og1 89RI +ell# 'or no! it:s nort& to 7ei"on 0ol"$ ESTELLISE +&at1 O&# rig&t3 89RI I:m not sure &o! long !e:ll *e toget&er# *ut &ere:s to t&e roa" a&ea"# Estelle$ ESTELLISE 8es# I>1 0u&1 >Es>telle>1 Estelle> Estelle$ To t&e roa" a&ea"# 8uri3 )uri takes a final look at the lower #uarter and its residents. 89RI +ell# so long 'or no!$ ESTELLE (!a)es) +e &ope to *e *ac% soon$ I FOR-ATIO Repe"e ,oine" t&e party$ 2IEL5 MAP & MA6.CCIA PLAI"S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT Eat or Be Eaten Thank* to the Lower Quarter Chri*tenin0 E*te))e "i,e to Meet 6ou Re%ede "ot a* Bad a* I Thou0ht

---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# +in0 o3 Adventure Part '# 89RI +e:)e come a long !ay 'rom t&e capital$ ESTELLE 8es>I !on"er i' !e:re sa'e no!$

89RI 0ar" to say$ T&ose guys are a stic%y lot$ RI=0 +oo'3 89RI 0u&>1 )uri spots a young man and woman standing by a beast drawn carriage. -A >0mp'> +O-A /reetings$ ESTELLE 0ello3 +O-A +elcome# goo" tra)elers3 Hmusical noteI ESTELLE >Is t&is a s&op1 -A >It:s t&e .ing o' A")enture Tra)elers: Lo"ge> +O-A O&# *ig *rot&er# "o try to *e a *it more 'rien"ly3 H&eartI -A >Sorry# .aren> .ARE Please# you:ll &a)e to e;cuse &im$ -y name is .aren# an" t&is is Ric&$ ESTELLE 8ou:re operating a tra)eling inn1 89RI 7oesn:t t&e A.ing o' A")entureB re'er to somet&ing else>somet&ing more !ell-%no!n1 ESTELLE T&e late emperor:s *rot&er# 0is 0ig&ness Regin# !as %no!n *y t&at name t&an%s to &is insatia*le t&irst 'or a")enture$ .ARE In"ee"3 +e too% our name 'rom 0is 0ig&ness Regin$ It:s true$ RI=0 >+e respect &im> 89RI 0mmm# t&at:s a pretty nice name# t&en$ .ARE So are t&e t!o o' you marrie"1 ESTELLE --marrie">1 I# I> 89RI 7o !e loo% li%e !e:re marrie"1 .ARE O&1 It seems I !as mista%en$ So )ery sorry3 I' you:re tire"# per&aps you:" li%e to stay t&e nig&t1 ESTELLE +&-!&at s&oul" !e "o1 (7ialogue i' you "o rest) 89RI Sure# !e:ll sleep &ere$ .ARE E;cellent3 T&an% you )ery muc&3 RI=0 >En,oy your s&ut-eye> .ARE O&# *ig *rot&er# please3 I:m sorry3 I:m sorry3 ESTELLE -no# it:s 6uite all rig&t> (7ialogue i' you "o not rest) O%ay$ =ome *ac% anytime$ T&an% you$ (7ialogue a'ter you rest) .ARE 7i" you rest !ell1 89RI 8ea&# t&an%s a lot$ .ARE I "o &ope our pat&s !ill cross again# some!&ere out on t&e roa"3 (musical note) ESTELLE 8es# I &ope so# too3 RI=0 >Later> ---------------------------------------------------------S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT .n Trave)in0 .ut*ide the Barrier "ot 0ood with Ma0i, Bi00er Than the Ca%ita)

2IEL5 MAP & ".RTHER" MA6.CCIA PLAI"S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I FOR-ATIO 8ou can 'in" items at )arious Searc& Points locate" t&roug&out t&e !orl"$ Searc& Points are restore" a'ter some time# so c&ec% *ac% 'rom time to time$ Some Searc& Points are !ill only appear a'ter certain con"itions &a)e *een 'ul'ille"$ 8ou can 'in" "i''erent items 'rom t&e same Searc& Point$ Try loo%ing 'or t&em at )arious places$ 777 8Unna9ed )o,ation: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ -hile e ploring the >orthern 1yoccian 9ield, they enter a mysterious and dark woods. 89RI +&at a place to get oursel)es lost> ESTELLE 9m>A*out getting t&roug& 7ei"on 0ol"> 89RI Is t&at rig&t1 ESTELLE 7i"n:t !e ,ust pass t&is place1 89RI Oo&>Is t&at !&at it !as1 ESTELLE T&is 'orest> 89RI 0u&1 ESTELLE O&> $$ e)er min"> Let:s turn *ac%$ 89RI 8ea&$ 5eidon Ho)d ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 7o you t&in% t&ose %nig&ts 'ollo!e" you &ere1 I !on"er$ +ell# let:s "o our *est not to stan" out$ O%ay$ An" I !ant to catc& up !it& Flynn as soon as I can$ 89RI All rig&t# let:s see i' !e can ,ust pass t&roug& t&e &ol"$ )uri and /epede walk further into the hold. $ehind them, =stelle is distracted and runs off to the right. 89RI +&ere:s s&e o'' to no!1 )uri spots =stelle reading a book at a vendor"s wagon. VE 7OR +elcome$ I:)e got some nice gear in stoc% to"ay$ T&is *la"e !as 'orge" *y none ot&er t&an Assam t&e *la"e master$ It e)en comes e6uippe" !it& !eapon s%ills$ o tra)eler s&oul" *e !it&out t&em$ Feel 'ree to gi)e it a try$ 89RI 0u&1 +&at "o you mean1 ESTELLE T&e special tec&ni6ues containe" in !eapons$ T&ese tec&ni6ues !ere originally passe" "o!n 'rom master to pupil> >*ut t&e *la"e master Assam use" a special process to seal t&em !it&in t&e !eapons t&emsel)es$ (o"&i *lastia can ac6uire tec&ni6ues 'rom !eapons im*ue" !it& t&is po!er$ +it& continue" use# !eapon artes can e)entually *e learne" *y t&e person using t&e !eapon; VE 7OR -y# t&is young lay %no!s &er stu''$ T&at a*out sums

it up$ I rea" in a *oo% t&at t&e .ritya ga)e t&is %no!le"ge to &umans long ago$ 89RI 0u&$ I t&oug&t *o"&i *lastia only let you use stri%e an" magic artes$ VE 7OR In or"er to 'in" t&e 'ig&ting style t&at meets your nee"s> >it:s *est to t&in% care'ully a*out !eapon s%ills !&en c&oosing your !eapon$ T&ere are e)en !eapons !it&out !eapon s%ills# t&at 'ocus instea" on ra! attac% po!er$ It all "epen"s on your pre'erence$ I' !eapons you e6uip &a)e !eapon s%ills seale" insi"e t&em> >t&ose !eapon s%ills !ill *e store" insi"e your *o"&i *lastia !&en you e6uip t&e !eapons$ I' you &a)e a !eapon e6uippe"# you can use t&e !eapon s%ills seale" insi"e !&ene)er you !ant$ 0o!e)er# i' you une6uip t&at !eapon# you:ll &a)e to set t&e !eapon s%ills to *e a*le to use t&em$ Eac& !eapon s%ill *elongs to one o' 'our "i''erent categories$ +&en you set a 'e! "i''erent s%ills in a !eapon# "epen"ing on !&at category t&ey are> >a particular glyp& !ill appear on t&e core o' your *o"&i *lastia$ So# i' you &a" a *unc& o' !eapon s%ills 'or attac%ing# you:" see a glyp& calle" 'lec%$ T&at glyp& lets you %no! t&at strengt& o' our p&ysical attac%s &as gone up$ Try all o' t&e com*inations you can t&in% o' to see !&at t&ey "o$ I:m a'rai" t&e sun !oul" set long *e'ore I coul" e;plain t&em all to you$ 7i" you get all o' t&at1 (8es) 8ou learn 'ast$ 8ou s&oul" *e a*le to rea" all a*out it in t&at young la"y:s *oo%> 89RI I can:t imagine *usiness is all t&at great in a place li%e t&is$ VE 7OR 7on:t get me !rong# I:m not &ere *ecause I !ant to *e$ T&ere are monsters on t&e 'ar si"e o' t&e 0ol"# so I:m stuc%$ 89RI -onsters# &u&>1 (to Estelle !&o &as &er nose in a *oo%) >7i" you &ear t&at1 ESTELLE 0mm> 89RI An">s&e:s not listening$ ESTELLE (turning aroun") >0u&1 7i" you say somet&ing1 89RI I sai" I:m going to go get some in'ormation# so you !ait rig&t t&ere$ )uri walks away and =stelle closes the book, clutching it to her chest. ESTELLE O&# I:ll come too$ Still clutching the book, =stelle turns to look at the vendor. VE 7OR T&at:s all rig&t# go a&ea" an" ta%e it$ It:s pretty ol" an" it &as some pages missing# *ut it:s yours i' you li%e$ ESTELLE T&-t&an% you )ery muc&$ ESTELLE

=stelle runs to catch up to )uri. 89RI Is t&at *oo% any goo"1 ESTELLE It:s 'ascinating$ 8ou can rea" it as soon as I 'inis&$ +>9,/1AT+,> +>9,/1AT+,> +>9,/1AT+,> ,btained $attle $ook )ou can check the status of the battle via the $attle $ook. )ou can also get information on weapon artes here. Check back when you want to find out more.

Sout&ern /ate Area5 . I/0T T&is is 7ei"on 0ol"$ It:s *et!een t&e capital# 4ap&ias# an" t&e =ity o' (lossoms# 0alure$ /o sout& to get to t&e capital an" nort& to get to 0alure$ T&e 0ol" !as *uilt *et!een t&ese mountains to *loc% t&e a")ance o' t&e monsters Our "uty is to 'ig&t t&ose monsters$ +e "on:t &a)e time to ta%e care o' tra)elers$ Ven"or:s Stall AVegaB5 VE 7OR +elcome$ T&is is all ,ust stu'' in transport# *ut is t&ere anyt&ing you !ant1 T&an%s$ =ome *ac% any time$ LA78 VE 7OR +ell# t&en> I:)e &a" my rest# it:s time to set o''$ O' course# it:s not li%e I can go alone$ I &a)e to !ait 'or e)eryone else to get rea"y$ +e Ven"ors "eli)ering goo"s tra)el as a group$ +&y1 T&e monsters$ T&ey !on:t attac% !it& t&is many !agons$ It:s cra?y to tra)el in small groups$ 8O9 / +O-A I:m a*out to &ea" 'or 0alure$ It:s ric& in me"icinal &er*s an" suc&$ A&&# 0alure3 (&eart) o*o"y in 4ap&ias coul" imagine a to!n in suc& per'ect &armony !it& nature$ I lo)e my ,o*3 (&eart) -A T&is is t&e storage 'or t&e 0ol"$ Fortune:s -ar%et manages t&e !are&ouse$ It:s really messy# so I:" pre'er it i' you "i"n:t go in$ ort&ern /ate Area5 . I/0T 0AL(ER7 8ou can get to 0alure i' you get past t&e gate *ut>"o you really !ant to go1 8ou s&oul" go *ac% to 4ap&ias$ T&e monsters are )icious t&is time o' year$ 8ou "on:t !ant to "ie# "o you1 8ou can see 0alure 'rom really 'ar a!ay$ <ust loo% 'or t&e giant tree$ I:)e &ear" rumors lately t&e tree is "ying> I !on"er i' it:s all rig&t1 . I/0T 0AL(ER7 (near /uar" Station) T&e Lor" o' t&e Plains t&in%s t&e 0ol" is a *ig enemy$ 0e:ll c&arge into it# an" once &e 'eels t&at &e can:t !in# &e:ll go *ac% to &is nest$ 0e:ll go a!ay once &e runs into t&e gate# *ut un'ortunately# !e still &a)e to %eep it close" 'or a!&ile$

/uar" Station - First Floor5 I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s a pile o' apples &ere$ It !oul"n:t *e rig&t to &elp oursel)es to some$ . I/0T FE =ER CD T&is reser)e o' pro)isions is 'or t&e use o' t&e *or"er guar"s$ I:m )ery sorry# *ut I can:t let you &a)e any$ I' you nee" pro)isions# please tal% to t&e tra)eling Ven"ors outsi"e$ I:m sure t&ey:" *e &appy to sell you a )ariety o' t&ings 'rom t&eir cargo$ . I/0T FE =ER CE T&is station is 'or guar"s only$ All unaut&ori?e" personnel must re'rain 'rom entry$ 8ou are strictly a")ise" not to ascen" t&e stairs to t&e rear$ Please re'rain 'rom setting 'oot on t&e upper le)el o' t&e ramparts$ (Ramparts) . I/0T 0AL(ER7 0u&1 8ou s&oul"n:t *e up &ere3 As you can pro*a*ly tell# you can:t see t&is place 'rom *elo!$ It:s t&e *est3 +&at:s so great a*out it you as%1 Isn:t it o*)ious1 o one can see me !&en I>you %no!> -ay*e you:ll 'in" out later$ 0ee &ee &ee3

SUB E!E"T# 5uke Part '# A man with long white hair hanging below his waist, ga!es out over the rampart wall. -hen he spots the group coming toward him, he turns to walk away. -A ?e asperated sigh@ >>>> 89RI >0ey# &ol" on> The man ignores them. ESTELLE 0ello> 9m# I *eg your par"on# *ut>!&at are you loo%ing at1 -A >0umanity at !or%$ T&eir tenacious attac&ment to t&is li'e> ESTELLE >>>>1 ?huhA@ -A +&y>1 +&y must &umans li)e t&e li)es t&ey "o1 T&ey 'ig&t 'or a s&are o' monopoli?e" tec&nology an" &urt e)en t&ose closest to t&em> ESTELLE >>>$1 ?hmmA@ 89RI >Are you tal%ing a*out *lastia1 -A >>>> ?e asperated sigh@ 89RI I can:t spea% 'or anyone else# *ut> It "oesn:t seem to me li%e t&ere:s any reason !&y !e get "umpe" into t&e !orl"$ (ut once you:re &ere# you ,ust "o !&at you can to gi)e t&is li'e e)eryt&ing you:)e got$ -A Per&aps t&ere is trut& in !&at you say> The mysterious man turns on his heal and #uickly walks away from them. 89RI 0-&ey>3 The man ignores )uri and walks on. ESTELLE 0e:s gone> +&at !as t&at all a*out>1 89RI /ot me$ T&ey say t&e &eat can ma%e people go a little cra?y$

ESTELLE

Is it &ot1

Several -agons are lined up near the main gates of the hold. OL7 -A I can:t !ait to get to 0alure an" "o a little 'lo!er )ie!ing$ A nice "rin% in t&e s&a"e o' t&e Tree o' 0alure ma%es all t&e "angerous tra)el !ort& it$ /oing aroun" outsi"e t&e *arriers !as pretty unusual up until a 'e! years ago$ T&ere &a)e *een more tra)elers recently# *ut most people are still too scare" to lea)e t&eir to!ns$ LITTLE (O8 +oo-&oo3 A trip3 A trip3 /onna get on my !agon an" ma%e my "eli)eries3 E)eryone:s !aiting 'or t&is stu''3 /oing to a ne! to!n !ill *e so muc& 'un3 I !on"er &o! many ne! 'rien"s I:ll ma%e1 I &ope I ma%e a &un"re" 'rien"s3 8O9 / +O-A 9g&# I:m so tire"3 I "on:t !ant to sleep in a tent anymore3 I !ant my nice# so't *e"3 I al!ays sai" I:" li%e to get out o' t&e city ,ust once$ o! I see t&at ,ust once is enoug&3 Let:s ,ust go &ome alrea"y$ I:m gonna get sun*urne"3 -y *rot&er !ants to go# too$ +ell>pro*a*ly$ Anyone !&o actually !ants to tra)el is ,ust a *ig !ac%o# as 'ar as I:m concerne"$ 8O9 / -A -y !i'e sai" s&e !ante" to come along# *ut no! all s&e "oes is !&ine$ It:s not li%e I:m &a)ing 'un eit&er$ So many monsters> T&is is t&e last time I go outsi"e a *arrier$ Our %i"s are e;cite" to see t&e !orl"# *ut I gotta protect my !&ole 'amily$ It:s no picnic$ o! I get !&y most people &ar"ly e)er lea)e t&e *arriers$ A guard stands at the top of a path leading down to tents. /9AR7 (elo! are lo"ging 'acilities 'or tra)elers t&roug& t&e 0ol"$ It:s DPP /al" a nig&t$ +oul" you li%e to stay1 (8es) I' you 'in" yoursel' !eary# come *ac% any time$ Our A'acilitiesB may only *e tents# *ut it *eats camping out on t&e roa"$ There are several tents in the sleeping area surrounded by crates and barrels of supplies. -A CD T&in% a*out &o! many people ne)er go outsi"e t&e *arriers> I:m so gla" my !or% ta%es me places$ -e1 I:m on my !ay to "eli)er goo"s 'rom 4ap&ias to 0alure$ 7ei"on 0ol" !as originally an outpost to "e'en" t&e capital$ (ut it ma%es a great place 'or us to rest# too$ -A CE T&e lan"s *eyon" t&e *arriers may *e "angerous# *ut !e merc&ants can:t really complain a*out t&at$ O' course# running a!ay 'rom monsters all "ay "oes

ma%e you 'ast$ (ut t&ese &oly *ottles really %eep me going$ I:m a'rai" I "on:t &a)e any to spare# *ut i' I get more in# you s&oul" "e'initely *uy some$ (Te;t i' 8uri loo%s insi"e a tent) I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s someone sleeping insi"e t&e tent$ It:s not polite to pee%$ (Return to main gates on upper le)el) /9AR7 8ou can to get to 0alure i' you get past t&e gate *ut>"o you really !ant to go1 8ou s&oul" go *ac% to 4ap&ias$ T&e monsters are )icious t&is time o' year$ 8ou "on:t !ant to "ie# "o you1 8ou can see 0alure 'rom really 'ar a!ay$ <ust loo% 'or t&e giant tree$ I:)e &ear" rumors lately t&e tree is "ying> I !on"er i' it:s all rig&t1 An alarm sounds. ,ne of the knights turns a crank to lower the gate as people out in the field beyond run into the safety of the hold. 89RI 333 The people in the field start running toward the gate. A red haired woman standing above on a rampart shouts a warning to people below. RE7-0AIRE7 +O-A 0urry# get insi"e3 T&e gate:s closing3 /9AR7 (RA-PART) Arro!s3 (ring t&e arro!s3 /9AR7 (R9 I /) S&ut t&e gate no!3 /9AR7 (/ATE) 7ammit3 +&at are t&ey "oing &ere t&is time o' t&e year$ /9AR7 (STATIO ) T&e monsters !ill 'all *ac% i' !e stop t&e main c&arge3 Remem*er your training3 Arrows fly from the hold as a horde of furry boar-like beasts gallop across the plains toward the gate. Beople still out in the field scramble to outrun the beasts and get inside the hold. A little girl, unable to keep up, falls behind and crouches in fear with her hands over her eyes. /9AR7 O.3 T&ey:re all in$ =lose it up3 RE7-0AIRE7 +O-A 0ol" t&e gate3 T&ere:s still more> The gates continue to come down as more people run toward the hold. The beasts seem to be herded onward by a larger, more colorful beast of the same type. ESTELLE Are all t&ose> monsters>1 89RI +e ,ust le't t&e capital an" t&ings are alrea"y getting cra?y> T&at:s it$ I:m curse"$ I %no! it$ )uri runs toward the gate to save the stragglers unable to reach the gate in time. RE7-0AIRE7 +O-A (spotting 8uri) >13 T&e gate3 /epede is right beside )uri. As )uri runs through the gate, /epede corners the guard lowering the gate. REPE7E /rrr# !oo'33 /ATE /9AR7 +&-!&at t&e &ell3 =ut it out3 The cowering guard tries to shoo /epede away. The gate stops moving allowing )uri to pass under it.

89RI Estelle# you !ait o)er--0ey3 =stelle runs past )uri into the field. ESTELLE 0elp t&e girl3 89RI >+&ate)er you say$ =stelle kneels on the ground and begins to heal a frightened boy holding his in&ured leg. (O8 P-Please> I can:t get up>$ O!!!>3 T&e monsters3 T&e monsters3 ESTELLE E)eryt&ing is going to *e O.$ As )uri picks up a little girl and runs with her toward the gate, she drops her doll. 1eanwhile, =stelle finishes healing the boy. (O8 >0ey# I can>I can stan"> ESTELLE /o in t&e &ol"$ 0urry3 The boy runs for the hold and =stelle follows. As the boy passes under the gate to safety, =stelle waits outside until )uri runs past with the little girl. LITTLE /IRL -y "oll# mama:s "oll3 =stelle starts to go after the doll, but )uri grabs her arm, stopping her in her tracks. ESTELLE 0ey3 Let go o' me3 89RI 8ou !ait &ere3 )uri sprints back to retrieve the doll. 89RI (s6uatting to pic% up t&e "oll) So muc& 'or %eeping a lo! pro'ile3 ESTELLE 8uri3 -ith a beast on his heels, )uri runs toward the gate and slides between two of the spikes on the bottom &ust before they pierce the ground. = hausted, )uri sits up as =stelle and the healed boy along with the little girl and her mother gather around him. +O-A 0o! can I e)er t&an% you1 ESTELLE O&# it:s not&ing# really> (O8 I:m not sure !&at I !oul" &a)e "one i' you &a"n:t cure" me$ T&an%s3 /epede twirls his knife around his mu!!le as the relieved gate guard watches him leave. )uri and =stelle walk away from the gate. ESTELLE >I:m ,ust t&an%'ul t&at e)eryone:s sa'e> +&oa> =stelle"s knees buckle and she sinks to the ground. 89RI All !orn out# &u&1 )uri sits on the ground near =stelle. ESTELLE It really is "angerous *eyon" t&e *arriers !it& so many 'erocious monsters aroun"$ 89RI T&is place coul" "e'initely use a *arrier against a pac% t&at *ig$ /epede &oins them. ESTELLE =oul"n:t t&ey install a *arrier *lastia &ere1 89RI o$ (arriers are a precious resource$ ESTELLE 8ou:re rig&t>an" !it& t&e current tec&nology !e can:t ma%e anymore$ I' only !e coul" reco)er t&e secrets o' t&e ancient /eraios ci)ili?ation> T&ey create" t&e *lastia$ 89RI E)en i' t&at !ere to &appen# I can:t see t&e empire using t&e %no!le"ge 'or t&e common goo"$ They stand up as a guard approaches. /9AR7 CE 8ou t!o t&ere$ I:" li%e to &a)e a !or" !it& you$

The guard is distracted by an argument starting between two men and another guard. /9IL7 SOR=ERER So !&y "on:t you let us t&roug&1 I:ll *eat t&ose monsters to a pulp !it& t&ese 'ists o' mine3 The guard turns to look at the distraction behind him. /9AR7 CE 0o! many times "o I &a)e to say it1 T&ese monsters are toug&er t&an you t&in%3 /9IL7 SOR=ERER 8ou "are to "ou*t t&e po!er o' t&e monster &unters1 %is companion takes a huge sword off his back and raises the wide blade in front of his face. /9AR7 CE S-stop3 The man swings the blade down into the ground spraying dirt into the air. /9IL7 SOR=ERER Stay out o' t&is3 8ou .nig&ts c&eate" us out o' a ,o* *ac% t&ere# an" no! !e:re gonna !or% o'' some steam3 /einforcements arrive. /9AR7 CD 0ey# &ol" it3 Another guard runs forward. /9AR7 C3 It:s al!ays t&e same !it& t&ese guil" i"iots3 89RI /reat# !e:ll ne)er get t&roug& as long as t&is %eeps up$ ESTELLE (ut Flynn is &ea"e" to 0alure# an" !e:re so close$ 89RI +ell# getting caug&t *y t&e .nig&ts !oul"n:t *e too 'un$ Let:s 'in" anot&er !ay t&roug&$ S+IT Quite a S,ene

Comments by travelers and guards after 7;ord of the Blains8 incident: (Rig&t Si"e o' 0ol") /9AR7 (E TRA =E) T&is is 7ei"on 0ol"$ It:s *et!een t&e capital# 4ap&ias# an" t&e =ity o' (lossoms# 0alure$ T&e 0ol" is currently seale" o''$ Passage to 0alure is not permitte"$ OL7ER +O-A o matter &o! !ell you prepare# not&ing can &elp you i' you run into t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains$ I &ear t&ere:s a "i''erent roa" t&at:ll ta%e you close to 0alure$ 9n'ortunately# I "on:t %no! !&ere t&at roa" is$ T&ere:s no !ay !e:re getting to 0alure !it& t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains out t&ere$ T&e 0alure 'lo!ers are goo" 'or ma%ing me"icines# so I:" li%e to go gat&er some# *ut>

8O9 / +O-A

/uar" Station Ramparts5 /9AR7 0ey no!# t&is is my o!n pri)ate -IP seat$ 0urry up an" clim* *ac% "o!n3 Osig&O >*eing a*le to see t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains 'rom &ere> It:s ,ust>ama?ing> (Le't Si"e o' 0ol" near t&e !agons) OL7 -A +it& t&e 0ol" close"# t&ere:s no !ay to get to 0alure$ E)en t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains can:t get t&roug& t&e 0ol"# so "on:t !orry$ LITTLE (O8 0ey# !&en are !e gonna get *ac% on t&e !agon an" go1 Let:s &urry up an" go to to!n alrea"y3 I:m tire" o'

t&is place$ I 'inally get out o' to!n an" no! e get &el" up1 +&at a *ot&er$ +e le't t&e city !it&out any real plans$ T&at:s !&y !e ran into t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains$ 8O9 / -A I ne)er imagine" !e:" *e &el" up *y t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains$ o! !e:re stran"e" in t&e mi""le o' our trip an" my !i'e:s still !&ining$ Enoug& alrea"y> The Cuards vs. The Cuildsmen stand near the closed gate to the plains. /9IL7 S+OR7S-A >> /9IL7 SOR=ERER T&ese *laste" monsters3 I can:t *elie)e t&ey coul" stop us$ 9g&>It:s enoug& to ma%e my &eart 'ille" !it& &atre"$ /9AR7 CD I guess t&e relations&ip *et!een t&e guil"s an" t&e Empire is t&e same e)ery!&ere$ +&o %no!s1 I mig&t e)en ,oin one t&e guil"s tomorro!> T&e !orl" is so uncertain$ +e "on:t usually "eal !it& t&ose guil"s t&at %eep a lo! pro'ile$ /9AR7 CE +&at t&e> +&at guil" "o you *elong to1 +&at:s your name1 +&ere are you 'rom1 /9AR7 C3 Forget a*out going to 0alure rig&t no!$ T&e 0ol" cannot *e opene" 'or passage as long as t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains is out t&ere$ 8O9 / +O-A The red-haired woman on the ramparts and a lightly armored man with glasses appear. RE7-0AIRE7 +O-A 8ou t&ere# &o! a*out coming to !or% 'or me1 8ou:ll *e pai"# o' course$ Coins &ingle as she produces a money bag, but )uri turns his head away. -A +atc& your manners aroun" t&e Presi"ent$ +ell# !&a""ya say1 89RI So it:s not *a" manners to try an" *uy someone !it&out e)en intro"ucing yoursel'1 -A (stepping 'or!ar" menacingly) +atc& your mout&3 The red-haired woman throws out her arm holding him back. +O-A 8ou:re ,ust as c&arming as I e;pecte"$ I:m .au'man o' t&e merc&ants: guil"# Fortune:s -ar%et$ +e &an"le e)eryt&ing 'rom tra"e to "istri*ution$ 89RI /uil"s# &u&> They are startled as the hold trembles from repeated attacks by the beasts against the gate. .A9F-A 8ou see# I:m in 6uite a tig&t spot# an" it:s all t&an%s to t&ese tremors$ 89RI I:" rat&er not %no!# *ut !as t&at t&e !or% o' a monster1 .A9F-A 8es# t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains$ ESTELLE Lor" o' t&e Plains1 .A9F-A 0e:s t&e lea"er o' t&at pac% o' monsters$ 89RI T&e lea"er1 -an# t&ere:s some ama?ing t&ings out t&ere$ ESTELLE 7o you %no! i' t&ere:s anot&er !ay !e can cross t&e plains1 +e:re in a &urry$ .A9F-A 0mmm# I:m a'rai" you:ll ,ust &a)e to !ait 'or t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains to lea)e$ 89RI 0u&$ I guess t&ere:s no point getting !or%e" up o)er

it$ (ut I can:t a''or" to ,ust sit an" !ait$ I:m going to get a secon" opinion3 (runs o'') REPE7E >> /epede looks at )uri then follows =stelle. 89RI 8ou:re !it& a guil" t&at "oes pro"uct "istri*ution# *ut you "on:t %no! any ot&er routes1 .A9F-A I coul" &ire you an" ,ust c&arge t&roug& once t&e lea"er mo)es on# *ut>you "on:t seem intereste"$ 89RI I' it:s *o"yguar"s you !ant# !&y not &ire t&e .nig&ts1 .A9F-A Are you 'orgetting t&at !e guil" mem*ers &a)e t&ro!n a!ay our rig&ts as imperial citi?ens1 Once !e lea)e t&e empire *e&in"# you can:t e;pect t&em to &elp you a !&ole lot$ So naturally# t&e Imperial .nig&ts !oul" ne)er "eign to escort t&e li%es o' us$ 89RI +o!$ 8ou really stic% to your principles$ .A9F-A +it&out t&at le)el o' "etermination# one coul" ne)er &ope to run a guil"$ 89RI (!al%ing a!ay) +ell# may*e you coul" use your "etermination to "o somet&ing a*out t&at Lor" o' t&e Plains$ .A9F-A /o to t&e Fuoi +oo"s t&at lie to t&e !est o' &ere$ (8uri stops) I' you pass t&roug& t&e 'orest# you:ll come out on t&e 'ar si"e o' t&e plains$ 89RI (ut t&e 'act t&at you guys aren:t going t&at !ay> >must mean !e &a)e some surprise to loo% 'or!ar" to$ .A9F-A I li%e a *oy !it& 6uic% !its# *ut I li%e one t&at "oesn:t !aste a potential in)estment e)en *etter$ 89RI T&an%s# I o!e you one$ -ay*e I:ll tal% to you a*out t&at ,o* i' !e meet again$ They go their separate ways and )uri finds =stelle sitting near a lodging tent with /epede. 89RI Estelle$ (Repe"e ya!ns$) ESTELLE I>I:m not !aiting aroun" 'or t&e monsters to lea)e or anyt&ing$ I:m ,ust resting a little$ 89RI O&# I see$ +ell t&en# I guess I:ll ,ust &a)e to ta%e t&e ot&er !ay aroun" *y mysel'$ )uri walks up the dirt ramp. /epede runs past him eagerly. =stelle stands up. ESTELLE +&at1 0o! "i" you>1 (8uri an" Repe"e !al% a!ay) 0ey# !ait 'or me3 ESTELLE S+IT <ui)d*

T&e lo"ging tents area5 -A I:ll pro*a*ly &a)e to ret&in% my plans# !it& t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains an" all> T&is is *a"$ I !on"er i' I:ll *e stuc% &ere until ne;t season$ -A ((A=.PA=.) I may *e use" to tra)eling alone# *ut e)en I run a!ay 'rom t&e Lor" o' t&e Plains$ T&e Lor" o' t&e Plains is scary an" all# *ut t&e !ay t&ey all c&arge in pac%s> t&e !&ole eart& s&a%es3

2IEL5 MAP & ".RTHER" MA6.CCIA PLAI"S S+IT $at,h and Learn

They cross the >orthern 1ayoccia Blains and make their way to the dark and mysterious woods they visited earlier. QU.I $..5S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They enter the forest at night. ESTELLE >A 'orest in a place li%e t&is can only mean>t&e Fuoi +oo"s>1 89RI (ingo$ 8ou:re ,ust 'ull o' in'ormation# aren:t you1 ESTELLE I rea" in a *oo% once t&at a curse !ill 'all upon anyone !&o enters t&e !oo"s> 89RI A&# so t&at must *e t&e Asurprise$B )uri walks further into the woods, but =stelle crosses her arms and looks apprehensive. ESTELLE > > > > 89RI (turning aroun") ot going in1 T&at:s 'ine *y me# *ut !&at a*out Flynn1 ESTELLE >I %no!$ O%ay# let:s go3 S+IT The Cur*e1 a* E*te))e +now* It

They pause in a small clearing. ESTELLE 7i" you &ear somet&ing1 (t&ey loo% aroun") -y 'eet 'eel col" all o' a su""en> O& no3 Is t&is t&e curse13 89RI +&at sort o' curse is it suppose" to *e# any!ay1 ESTELLE ('rig&tene") T&e )oices o' corpses *urie" *eneat& t&e trees creep up an" lure us to our "oom> 89RI O&# *rot&er$ ESTELLE >+&at:s t&at1 They investigate a broken statue in bushes 89RI A *lastia1 +&at:s it "oing in a place li%e t&is1 Let:s ta%e a *rea%$ ESTELLE I-I:m all rig&t$ (!al%s past) 0u&1 +&at:s t&is1 =stelle leans over to look at the stone in the blastia statue and screams. 89RI 9&&>3 ESTELLE Ag&>3 A bright light flashes and =stelle is knocked off her feet 89RI Estelle3 ;ater, =stelle lies on the ground, her head resting against /epede"s flank. )uri sits on the ground polishing an orange colored fruit on his thigh and bites into it. 89RI 7amn# t&at:s *itter$ =stelle opens her eyes and sits up. 89RI 8ou all rig&t1 ESTELLE Oo&>my &ea" 'eels a little> I:ll *e 'ine$ +&at &appene" to me>1 89RI 8ou ,ust 'ell o)er all o' a su""en$ 7on:t you remem*er1 ESTELLE Per&aps it !as t&e aer t&at ma"e me "i??y$ 89RI Aer$ T&at:s sort o' li%e t&e 'uel t&at po!ers t&e

*lastia# rig&t1 I &ear" t&at e)en t&oug& !e can:t see it# it:s scattere" t&roug& t&e atmosp&ere$ ESTELLE 8es# t&at:s aer$ I rea" once t&at "ense aer can &a)e negati)e e''ects on people$ 89RI 0mm$ -ay*e t&at:s !&at starte" t&e rumor o' t&e curse$ (Estelle stan"s up an" 'aces 8uri) 0ey# you only ,ust !o%e up$ 8ou s&oul" rest a *it more$ ESTELLE (ut I can:t$ I' !e "on:t catc& up !it& Flynn soon> 89RI An" !&at i' you collapse again# an" t&is time you:re out 'or t&e !&ole nig&t1 ESTELLE >8ou:re rig&t$ I:m sorry$ =stelle sits down beside )uri. %e hands her the fruit and =stelle, smiling, bites into it ESTELLE > >9g&$ 89RI 0e&# I suppose !e:ll ne)er get 'ull trying to eat t&ese$ ESTELLE It:s "elicious$ (ta%es anot&er *ite) 89RI 0ol" on a sec$ I can ma%e somet&ing simple$ ESTELLE 8ou can coo%# 8uri1 89RI I:m not e;actly a royal c&e'$ I ,ust &a)e a 'e! recipes I learne" gro!ing up$ They sit around a fire. ESTELLE Aren:t you !orrie" at all t&at Flynn is in "anger1 89RI (c&uc%ling) 0u&1 7oes it loo% t&at !ay1 ESTELLE +ell>yes$ 89RI 0onestly# I:m not !orrie" a*out &im$ 0e:s al!ays manage" to ta%e care o' &imsel'$ Actually# it:s t&e guys !&o are a'ter &im I 'eel sorry 'or$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1 89RI E)er since !e !ere %i"s# I:)e ne)er *een a*le to *eat Flynn at anyt&ing$ S!or"s# racing# !&ate)er$ A'ter &e:" !on# &e:" al!ays &a)e t&e ner)e to say# A8ou all rig&t# 8uri1B ESTELLE T&at must *e nice> I:)e ne)er &a" anyone li%e t&at in my li'e$ 89RI 8ou can count yoursel' luc%y$ The fire is out and an ob&ect sits on the ground in front of )uri and =stelle 89RI +ell# "inner:s rea"y$ > ESTELLE (musical note) T&an% you 'or t&e meal$ 89RI It !asn:t anyt&ing special$ ESTELLE I t&oug&t it !as )ery tasty$ I can:t imagine *eing a*le to coo% anyt&ing mysel'$ 89RI It:s ,ust li%e using a s!or" or magic$ 8ou:)e got to learn it *y "oing it$ 8ou ,ust nee" to practice !it& a 'e! recipes$ 8ou:ll *e coo%ing *e'ore you %no! it$ ESTELLE Practice !it& recipes1 89RI 0ere# I:ll s&o! you &o! it:s "one$ +atc&$ Cooking Tutorial: )*/+ Cooking clears your mind. And it"s great for

regaining lost energy. Cooking has a lot of other effects, as well. This pretty much everything + know how to cook right now. So, in order to make a sandwich, you"ll need bread and an egg. -hich we &ust happen to have right hereD After choosing the ingredients, it"s time to cookD AndEthere you areD A delicious mealD ESTELLE 8ou:re so goo" at t&at> I:m not sure I:" *e a*le to get t&at goo" at coo%ing$ 89RI +ell# it comes more naturally to some people t&an ot&ers$ <ust *ecause you &a)e a recipe# "oesn:t mean it:ll al!ays turn out li%e you t&in%$ ESTELLE Really1 So you can mess it up>1 89RI +ell# you usually taste your 'oo" !&ile coo%ing>*ut some people "on:t$ ESTELLE Tasting1 89RI 8ou %no!# li%e !&en coo%s taste t&e 'oo" t&ey ma%e1 89RI +ell# you:re a s&eltere" little princess !&o:s li)e" &er li'e in a castle$ It:s only normal$ ESTELLE S&eltere" little princess> I suppose so$ /epede gets to his feet. 89RI +&at is it# Repe"e1 (no response# &e ,ust stares at 8uri) +ell# s&all !e *e going1 )uri and =stelle get up to leave$ I FOR-ATIO Learne" t&e recipe 'or ASan"!ic&$B I FOR-ATIO e! recipes can *e o*taine" !&en speci'ic c&aracters coo% speci'ic recipes$ T&e &ig&er a c&aracter:s coo%ing le)el# t&e more li%ely t&ey !ill "isco)er a ne! recipe$ T&e ASan"!ic&B recipe you:)e ,ust o*taine" may e)ol)e into a ne! recipe$ Try "i''erent !ays to "isco)er ne! recipes3 S+IT S+IT I* Thi* the Cur*e7 Thankin0 Re%ede

After passing through another clearing, /epede hangs back and crouches on the ground, growling. REPE7E /rrr> 89RI (*us&es rustle as &e turns aroun") 0mm1 Voice P-prepare to "ie# egg*ear3 A young boy, apparently spinning from the momentum of swinging a huge sword, leaps out into the clearing. (O8 +&oa3 )uri e tends his sword and waits until the boy spins close to him. -ith a swift upward strike, )uri catches the blade of the boy"s sword snapping it in two. (O8 +aaaaa&3 OOF3 -ith his balance broken, the young boy falls flat on his back still holding onto the sword handle. (O8 Oo&# man t&at &urt> /epede approaches the boy and stands over him. (O8 (sitting up a*ruptly) <yaah4 The boy closes his eyes and falls back onto the ground, possibly in an

attempt to feign unconsciousness. (O8 I-I:m !arning you3 I "on:t taste )ery goo"$ 8ou:ll get t&e runs3 REPE7E +oo'33 (O8 .h 9y 0o*h1 * * *o9e(ody h h he)% 9e 4 Aaaah44 )uri and =stelle &ust watch. )uri is amused. 89RI (c&uc%ling) Is t&is %i" 'or real1 ESTELLE It:s all rig&t no!$ =stelle kneels down by the boy"s side. %e turns his head to look at her. (O8 0u&1 T&e monster turne" into a girl1 Turning his head, the boy spots /epede and #uickly sits up. 89RI O&# *rot&er$ T&is s&oul" *e interesting$ The boy stands before them with one hand resting on the large bag slung on the opposite shoulder so that the strap lays diagonally across his torso. (O8 I:m .arol =apel3 I:m a mem*er o' t&e 0unting (la"es guil"$ +e tra)el t&e glo*e in searc& o' t&e toug&est monsters$ 89RI I:m 8uri$ T&is is Estelle# an" you:)e met Repe"e alrea"y$ .arol looks from one to the other. 89RI Any!ay# nice to meet you$ )uri turns and walks away. ESTELLE +&at1 8uri# !ait3 (*o!s to .arol) -y apologies$ (runs a'ter 8uri) .AROL 0u&1 >0ey# !ait up3 +&ere you guys going13 .arol runs between them, stopping in front of them and turning around to face them. )uri and =stelle stop. .AROL 8ou guys are &ere to enter t&e !oo"s# rig&t1 +ell t&en# I:ll> ESTELLE Actually# !e:)e ,ust 'inis&e" coming t&roug& t&e !oo"s# an" !e:re on our !ay to 0alure$ .arol is so shocked, he throws up his arm in a defensive block. .AROL o !ay3 8ou guys ma"e it t&roug& t&e curse" !oo"s1 7i" you guys run into any egg*ears1 ESTELLE 7o you %no! !&at &e:s tal%ing a*out# 8uri1 89RI ope$ I "on:t t&in% !e:)e seen any$ Clearly disappointed, .arol turns away from them and talks to himself. .AROL -an> +on"er i' I s&oul" &ea" *ac% to to!n# t&en> T&ey "e'initely !on:t li%e it i' I %eep t&em !aiting> All rig&t3 .arol turns around and waggles his forefinger at =stelle and )uri. .AROL I:m not sure you t!o !oul" ma%e it on your o!n# *ut ne)er 'ear$ T&e star mem*er o' t&e 0unting (la"es !ill *e your escort$ See t&at1 I:)e e)en got my o!n *lastia$ .arol swings his bag around so they can see the blastia embedded on the flap of his bag. *nimpressed, )uri and =stelle e change glances and .arol notices their blastia bracelets .AROL +&at1 8ou guys *ot& &a)e one# too1 O-o& yea&1 +ell &o!:"ya li%e t&is13 .arol holds up a book up over his head so they can see it. )uri walks over and &erks it out of his hand. =stelle looks over )uri"s shoulder as he opens the book. ESTELLE It &as in'ormation a*out monsters$ 0m1 A'ter a certain point# all t&e pages are *lan%$

.AROL

T&-t&at:s Mcause I:m gonna 'ill it up !it& piles o' monsters a'ter t&is$ 0ey# !ait3 +&o sai" you coul" ,ust !rite in t&ere13 89RI It mig&t &urt your Astar mem*erB status i' it got out t&at you *ro%e your s!or"$ .AROL O&# t&at1 I &a" to gi)e mysel' some %in"a &an"icap# or else it !oul"n:t &a)e *een a 'air 'ig&t$ .arol picks up his broken sword and swings it like an a e. .AROL 0ey# t&at:s actually not too *a"$ )uri, =stelle, and /epede walk away while .arol is busy swinging his 7a e8. .arol finally notices and holding the broken sword over his head calls out after them. .AROL 8o3 7o you guys e)en %no! !&ere you:re going1 0alure:s to t&e nort& once you get out o' t&e !oo"s$ (runs a'ter t&em) =ome one# guys3 +ait 'or me3 -ith .arol following them, they leave the woods. I FOR-ATIO O*taine" -onster (oo%$ I FOR-ATIO .arol ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT Even 5o0* Have Pride 2riend* Make the -ourney 2un The Broken Sword Ma%* +aro) and Re%ede

As they leave, the blastia in the woods starts to glow. The man with long white hair looks at it briefly and then he swings his sword. They e it the woods into the Southeast Beyoccia Blains. Traveling northeast into the Central Beyoccia Blains, they find a small village nestled around the roots of a giant tree. S+IT $ho i* thi* +aro) +id7

THE CIT6 .2 BL.SS.MS =HALURE> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ESTELLE .AROL 89RI ESTELLE .AROL 0alure> T&e A=ity o' (lossoms$B 8ea&# t&at:s rig&t$ (loo%ing at t&e s%y) 7on:t t&ey &a)e a *arrier &ere1 (loo%ing at t&e s%y) 8es# t&ere s&oul" *e> 8ou guys &a)en:t *een to 0alure *e'ore# rig&t1 (T&ey *ot& loo% at .arol) So t&en you &a)en:t &ear" a*out t&e tree *arrier$ 89RI Tree *arrier1 ESTELLE Some (lastia 'use to plant li'e# gain organic 6ualities an" e)ol)e$ T&e tree *arrier o' 0alure is one prime e;ample o' t&is$ I rea" t&at in a *oo%$ 89RI +ell t&an% you# pro'essor$ So !&at:s &appene" to t&is 'amous *arrier1 )uri sweeps his eyes across the town. +n&ured and e hausted residents are gathered together in groups, some bent over and others sitting on the ground. 89RI 7oesn:t loo% li%e it:s "oing muc& rig&t no!$ .AROL E)ery year# ,ust *e'ore t&e *lossoms are in 'ull

*loom# t&e *arrier !ea%ens 'or a !&ile$ It:s ,ust t&at time o' year rig&t no!# an" t&e monsters too% t&e opportunity to attac%> 89RI Is t&at !&en t&e *arrier !ent "o!n1 .AROL 8ea&# t&e monsters !ere ta%en care o'# *ut t&e tree is slo!ly starting to "ecay$ A person runs by them. .AROL 0ey3 ESTELLE +-!&at is it1 .AROL Sorry# I:)e gotta run3 (ye3 .arol happily takes off after the person. =stelle watches him go. 89RI 7oes t&at %i" e)er sit still1 So I guess you:ll *e loo%ing 'or Flynn no!# &u&# Estelle1 As )uri is speaking, =stelle also runs past. She kneels down in front of in&ured residents. 89RI 7oesn:t s&e %no! !e nee" to %eep a lo! pro'ile$ An" !&at &appene" to loo%ing 'or Flynn1 I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& Estelle an" .arol$ 0alure -ayor:s Resi"ence5 >o one is home in the mayor"s tree-like house. A tree grows in the middle of a circular patio in the back of the house. +>9,/1AT+,> -ater is flowing into the house from a tree stem. (ri"ge5 A .rityan woman and a young human woman sit beside an in&ured man lying on the ground near the foot of the bridge .RIT8A +O-A +e:re po!erless> +e can:t e)en &elp t&e people o' 0alure$ +O-A 8ou start to appreciate t&e *arrier *lastia no! t&at it:s gone> +e !ere luc%y to get a!ay !it& ,ust *ruises# *ut t&e Ol"> OL7 -A Ooo!!>It &urts> 1ore residents sit on the ground &ust beyond the top of the bridge. 8O9 / LA78 Fat&er>t&is is so em*arrassing> I can:t 'ace t&e citi?ens o' t&is city> OL7ER -A Am I &urt1 o# no$ I:m ,ust too scare" to mo)e$ Outsi"e t&e Inn A7ene*olaB5 +O-A Luc%ily# t&e c&il"ren t&at too% s&elter in"oors are sa'e$ I <9RE7 -A >$$O!!>I can:t e)en ten" to t&e inn !it& t&ese in,uries> 9urther up ahead, ESTELLE An older man, the -A8OR )uri sees =stelle tending to the in&ured. -ig&t I &elp &eal your !oun"s1 mayor of %alure, approaches =stelle. O& my# you can use &ealing artes1 +&y# t&at !oul" *e e;cellent3 >(ut I:m a'rai" !e "on:t &a)e )ery muc& money> ESTELLE o no# I "on:t nee" any money$ )uri watches as she heals their wounds. %e overhears a resident thanking =stelle. RESI7E T Ama?ing> T&e pain is all gone$ T&-t&an% you$ T&an%

you so )ery muc&$ )uri rubs his chin as he continues to listen. RESI7E T -y &ea)ens# !&at ama?ing &ealing artes you &a)e> -A8OR 0o! can !e e)er t&an% you1 =stelle stands in the middle of a small park with benches and a fountain, surrounded by thankful residents. ESTELLE o# really# t&in% not&ing o' it$ -A8OR +&at a &um*le young la"y$ I !is& t&e Imperial .nig&ts coul" 'ollo! your e;ample$ 8O9 / +O-A ot a c&ance3 T&e .nig&ts re'use to li't a 'inger to protect us 'rom t&e monsters3 -A8OR +ell# I guess t&e empire coul"n:t care less !&at &appens to us &ere$ ESTELLE o>t&-t&at:s not true> 8O9 / +O-A A&# *ut t&at one %nig&t sure !as "i''erent# !asn:t &e1 -A8OR 8es# t&at young man$ I' not 'or &im# !e !oul" &a)e all *een lost$ T&e *arrier !ea%ene" earlier t&an usual t&is year# an" !e !ere attac%e" *e'ore t&e guil" coul" come to protect us$ )uri approaches the group to better hear the conversation. -A8OR T&ere !as a %nig&t !&o &appene" to *e passing t&roug& our to!n on a pilgrimage$ 0e an" &is *riga"e "ro)e o'' all t&e monsters$ ESTELLE A %nig&t on a pilgrimage> 89RI +as t&is %nig&t name" Flynn# *y any c&ance1 8O9 / +O-A 8es# &is name !as Flynn Sci'o$ At the mention of 9lynn"s name, =stelle runs eagerly to the mayor. ESTELLE Is &e still in t&e city13 -A8OR o# &e le't t&e )illage a'ter!ar"s in searc& o' a mage !&o coul" 'i; t&e *arrier$ =stelle"s shoulders droop. 89RI 7o you %no! !&ere &e !ent1 -A8OR It loo%e" li%e &e !as &ea"e" east# *ut *eyon" t&at I coul"n:t tell you$ ESTELLE I see$ So !e can !ait &ere# an" Flynn !ill come to us$ 89RI Loo%s li%e !e:)e caug&t up !it& &im$ 7on:t you 'eel *etter no!1 ESTELLE 8es>I !on:t *e a*le to rela; until I see &im# *ut I guess I 'eel *etter$ 89RI I t&in% I:ll go &a)e a loo% at t&is 'amous tree$ +anna come !it&1 ESTELLE A&# yes3 8uri# you "on:t min"1 8ou:re o%ay not going a'ter t&e *lastia core t&ie'1 89RI I can spare enoug& time to loo% at a tree# at least$ .arol stands on the bridge, looking over the railing .AROL Osig&O I &a" t&e !rong person> An" none o' t&e ot&ers 'rom t&e guil" are &ere# eit&er> (sits "o!n) I %ept &er !aiting so long$ S&e must:)e gotten ma" an" le't> (7e'late"# .arol sits on t&e *ri"ge) I !ante" to s&o! &er 0alure:s 'lo!ers in 'ull *loom> T&en may*e> ESTELLE .arol# !&at:s t&e matter1

.AROL

+&ere:" s&e go1 Is s&e really gone1 I:m "oing t&e *est I can> ESTELLE .arol1 89RI Let:s gi)e &im some time alone$ .arol hides his face in his knees. .AROL It:s o)er# it:s o)er$ It:s all o)er# it:s really o)er$ E)eryt&ing# e)eryt&ing is o)er> Turning to leave, )uri and =stelle hear a child"s voice. =0IL7:S VOI=E 8ea&3 +e got !eapons no!3 +e:re gonna *eat t&ose monsters3 Three little boys hold wooden stick swords LITTLE (O8 CD T&e mayor:s gonna let us 'ig&t no!3 LITTLE (O8 CE Let:s *eat up t&ose monsters# ,ust li%e Flynn3 ALL T0REE (raising t&eir s!or"s) 8ea&3 ESTELLE E)en t&ose %i"s are trying to 'ig&t> I &ope t&e *arrier is restore" soon$ 89RI -e too$ .AROL +e:re "oome"$ +e:re "one 'or> LITTLE (O8 CD 0ey3 Listen3 T&e tree o' 0alure "ie"3 0ey# mister# isn:t t&ere any !ay to re)i)e our tree1 .RIT8A +O-A CE T&an% you 'or &ealing e)eryone$ (ut t&e 'lo!ers aren:t *looming$ I 'eel so "epresse"> +&at are !e to "o1 A young man sits on a bench while a young boy leans against a fountain to the left of the path to the tree. 8O9 / -A 0mm> T&ere must *e some !ay to *ring t&e Tree o' 0alure *ac% to li'e> I "on:t &a)e t&e %no!le"ge to loo% into !&at cause" it$ (O8 It:s t&e season 'or 'lo!er )ie!ing# *ut t&ere aren:t any 'lo!ers to )ie!$ An" monsters are attac%ing> It:s too muc&> Flo!er )ie!ing is t&e least o' our pro*lems> A man and a girl walk about the foot of the path leading to the tree /IRL I' you 'ollo! t&e &ill up# you:ll arri)e at t&e Tree o' 0alure$ O' course# it:s "ea" no!> T&an% you 'or &ealing e)eryone$ I &ope t&e *arrier gets *ac% to normal soon$ -A I can:t *elie)e monsters attac&e"> +&y isn:t t&e *arrier *lastia !or%ing13 I "on:t !ant to *e eaten3 (At t&e *ase o' t&e Tree o' 0alure) 89RI It:s &uge up close$ ESTELLE T&e tree:s 'lo!ers s&oul" *lossom any "ay no!$ 89RI 8ea&# I !is& I coul" see it in *loom$ ESTELLE I %no! &o! you 'eel$ T&ere:s somet&ing a*out t&e image o' a tall tree )i*rant !it& *lossoms an" protecting t&e city t&at:s so>romantic$ (loo%ing su""enly at 8uri) 8ou %no!# I:m going to stay &ere an" &elp &eal t&e in,ure"$ 89RI 0mm# i' you:re going to &eal somet&ing# may*e you coul" &eal t&e *arrier itsel'1

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

+&at "o you mean1 +&en monsters come again# more people are gonna get &urt$ T&ose %i"s !e ,ust sa! coul" *e among t&em$ T&at:s true# *ut I &a)e no i"ea &o! I coul" &eal t&e *arrier$ +&at you nee" to &eal is t&is tree$ It !oul"n:t *e in t&is con"ition ,ust *ecause some monsters attac%e" it$ (loo%s aroun") 8ou t&in% t&ere:s some ot&er reason1 (turns to loo% at Estelle) I t&in% t&ere:s gotta *e$

The mayor &oins them at the base of the tree. -A8OR +&at are t&e t!o o' you "oing o)er &ere1 ESTELLE +e:re trying to 'igure out !&y t&e tree &as !it&ere" li%e t&is$ -A8OR I "on:t %no! i' you:ll ma%e muc& progress on t&at one$ T&e %nig&t Flynn coul"n:t 'igure out t&e reason eit&er$ .arol walks by looking depressed. ESTELLE (Estelle &as an i"ea) O&# .arol3 .arol# !e nee" your &elp3 .AROL >+&at are you tal%ing a*out1 -A8OR It seems t&ese t!o are trying to 'igure out t&e reason t&e tree:s !it&ere" so$ .AROL O&# is t&at all1 ESTELLE +&at "o you mean# Ais t&at all1B .AROL I %no! t&e reason$ It:s !&y I !as in t&e 'orest loo%ing 'or t&e egg*ear> 89RI 0u&1 +&at are you tal%ing a*out1 .AROL Loo% closely at t&e groun"$ otice t&e strange color1 They all look at the ground. )uri kneels down for a closer look. .AROL T&at color is !&ere t&e groun" a*sor*e" t&e *loo" o' monsters !&o attac%e" t&e to!n$ T&at *loo" &as *een poisoning 0alure:s tree$ -A8OR +&at3 T&e monster *loo"1 I &a" no i"ea> ESTELLE .arol# you really %no! your stu''# "on:t you1 .AROL (&ea" &anging again) >It !as not&ing$ 89RI Is t&ere anyt&ing !e can "o to get ri" o' t&e poison1 .AROL I %no! a !ay# *ut>!ell no one *elie)es me$ )uri walks over to .arol and kneels down close to him. 89RI =ome on# try us$ .AROL (raising &ea") I t&in% !e:" *e a*le to "o it i' !e &a" a panacea *ottle$ 89RI (stan"ing up) -ay*e !e can get one in t&e /eneral Store$ ESTELLE Let:s go# 8uri3 S+IT .RIT8A +O-A CD The Tree o3 Ha)ure I al!ays 'elt so relie)e" an" at peace !&en I loo%e" aroun" at t&is city:s 'lo!ers$ I can:t *elie)e t&is coul" &appen> E)ery time I loo% up at t&e 'lo!ers at nig&t# I:m ,ust 'ille" !it& sa"ness$

An ,ld man stands on the roof of the general store looking up at the

tree. OL7 -A

0o! coul" t&e Tree &a)e "ie"13 I:)e ne)er seen t&e Tree li%e t&is in my entire li'e>

/eneral Store ARegulusB5 -ER=0A T 0o!"y# !elcome to t&e store3 +&at can I get 'or you to"ay1 89RI 7o you &a)e panacea *ottles1 -ER=0A T 9n'ortunately !e:re sol" out at t&e moment$ ESTELLE (ut &o! can t&at *e>1 -ER=0A T (ut you %no!# i' I &a" t&e rig&t ingre"ients# I:" *e a*le to 'i; some up 'or you$ 89RI +&at !oul" you nee" to ma%e it1 -ER=0A T I:" nee" t&ree ingre"ients5 Aegg*ear cla!#B Ania 'ruit# A an" Aluluria petal$B (ut !&y "o you nee" a panacea *ottle so *a"ly1 A %i" came *y t&e ot&er "ay as%ing a*out t&e same e;act t&ing$ .arol wanders by and stops to listen. ESTELLE +e !ant to &eal 0alure:s tree$ .arol hides behind the bush and a lantern to eavesdrop. -ER=0A T +&at:s t&at1 I:)e ne)er &ear" o' using a panacea *ottle on a tree *e'ore> 89RI 0mmm# yea&> ESTELLE +&at sort o' t&ing is t&is Ania 'ruitB you mentione"1 89RI T&at !oul" *e t&at *itter 'ruit you sai" !as so "elicious *ac% in t&e !oo"s$ ESTELLE So !&at:s an egg*ear# t&en1 -ER=0A T Sorry# I can:t &elp you t&ere$ -onsters are *eyon" my e;pertise$ I' a mem*er o' t&e 0unting (la"es !ere &ere t&ey mig&t *e a*le to tell you$ T&ey ma%e t&eir li)ing &unting monsters$ )uri turns around to talk to =stelle and .arol flattens his back against the lamp. 89RI So t&at:s !&y &e !as in t&e 'orest> (.arol pee%s aroun" t&e lamp) ESTELLE +&at can you tell us a*out t&e lulria petal1 -ER=0A T 8ou %no! t&e tree in t&e mi""le o' to!n# rig&t1 It:s a petal 'rom t&at tree$ ormally !e use magic resin *ut t&ere isn:t any aroun" t&ese parts at all$ ESTELLE (ut t&e tree is all !it&ere"> -ER=0A T I *elie)e t&e mayor &as some luluria petals$ 8ou mig&t try as%ing &im$ 89RI /otc&a$ +e:ll come *ac% !&en !e:)e gotten t&e ingre"ients toget&er$ They leave the shop and find .arol near the foot of the bridge. 89RI =ome on .arol# !e:re going *ac% to t&e Fuoi +oo"s$ .AROL +&at "o you mean1 89RI Remem*er1 (tal%s in a &ig& )oice) APrepare to "ie# egg*ear3B .AROL (mout& &anging open) 8ou mean you *elie)e !&at I sai" a*out t&e panacea *ottle1 89RI +ere you lying1 (.arol s&a%es &is &ea") +ell t&en# !e:ll &a)e to go !it& !&at you:)e tol" us$

.AROL

ESTELLE .AROL ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

(smiling) 8uri> (scratc&es t&e *ac% o' &is &ea"# grinning) All rig&t# I:ll &elp you out ,ust t&is once$ I:m a )ery *usy person# you %no!$ It:s settle" t&en3 T&e t&ree o' us !ill restore t&e *arrier toget&er$ 8ou:re coming too# Estelle1 +ell# o' course I am$ +&at a*out !aiting 'or Flynn1 +asn:t it you !&o sai" Ai' you:re going to &eal somet&ing it s&oul" *e t&e treeB1 +e:ll ,ust &a)e to 'i; t&e tree *e'ore &e gets *ac%$ =an:t !ait to see t&e loo% on &is 'ace$

(On t&e !ay to t&e -ayor:s &ouse) -A 8ou &a)e a talente" &ealer !it& you t&ere$ S&e &eale" all o' our !oun"s so 6uic%ly$ T&an% you so muc&$ Sorry I "i"n:t t&an% you earlier$ -A :S 7A9/0TER T&is is t&e city o' (lossoms# 0alure$ 7i" you come to see our 'lo!ers# too1 I:m a'rai" t&e Tree o' 0alure &as !it&ere"> (In 'ront o' t&e -ayor:s &ouse) LITTLE /IRL T&at la"y:s a!esome3 S&e &eale" e)eryone in no time3 T&is is t&e mayor:s &ouse$ T&e mayor is suc& a %in" man$ The mayor is standing out in front of his house. ESTELLE Sir# you !oul"n:t &appen to &a)e any Luluria Petals# !oul" you1 -A8OR +&o:" you &ear t&at 'rom1 I mean# I "o# *ut> (Later) -A8OR A&&# so t&at:s !&y you nee" a petal$ T&e luluria is one o' t&e t&ree 'lo!ers t&at *looms on 0alure:s tree$ T&e petals are "rie" 'or &al' a year in t&e s&a"e# an" t&ey:re )ery )alua*le$ T&is is my last petal# *ut i' it:ll restore t&e tree to its ol" sel'# t&en I "on:t min" gi)ing it to you$ (gi)es Estelle t&e petal) T&an% you3 e;t up on t&e list is t&e nia 'ruit>an" an egg*ear cla!# !as it1 8ep$ Let:s go to t&e Fuoi +oo"s$

ESTELLE 89RI .AROL

Inn A7e*olaB5 (te;t i' you loo% out t&e !in"o!) I FOR-ATIO T&e gran" tree o' 0alure loo%s enormous$ (te;t i' you rea" t&e sign tac%e" on t&e 'ar rig&t !all o' t&e En" 'loor *alcony$ I FOR-ATIO =alling all portrait painters3 T&ose o' you t&at t&in% 8O9 can "ra! t&e *est Lloy"# step rig&t up3 7oesn:t matter i' you "ra! it on paper# lea)es# tree *ar%Q anyt&ing is !elcome3H&eartI

Sen" entries to AReal Lloy"B$ Loo%ing 'or!ar" to your !or%3 QU.I $..5S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ 0ey# I:)e *een !on"ering> 0o! come you guys--an" Repe"e too# I guess--all &a)e *lastia1 Aren:t *o"&i *lastia pretty rare1 I "i"n:t t&in% many people &a" t&em$ 8ou &a)e one too# t&oug&$ I *elong to a guil"$ Sometimes !e get a c&ance to get one$ An" Ruins: /ate %eeps 'in"ing more$ T&at:s a guil" t&at e;ca)ates *lastia$ 0u&# t&ere are e)en guil"s t&at "ig up *lastia 'rom ruins1 I' t&ere !eren:t# t&en t&e empire !oul" control all t&e *lastia$ ormal 'ol%s !oul"n:t get any$ AT&e empire regulates t&e ancient *lastia arti'acts "ue to t&eir potential "angerB I t&in% t&at ma%es sense$ I' *lastia !eren:t regulate"# anyone coul" use "angerous magic$ (ut t&ey:)e gone !ay o)er*oar"$ T&ey &a)e a monopoly$ 9&# I "on:t %no! a*out> (8uri loo%s at &er an" starts !al%ing into t&e 'orest) (to 8uri) So any!ay# !&at:s your story1 0o!:" you get yours1 I use" to *e in t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ T&is !as a (pauses) going-a!ay present$ Repe"e got &is as a %eepsa%e o' &is ol" o!ner$ A going-a!ay present1 Soun"s more li%e you stole it to me$ >So# !&at a*out you# Estelle1 9&# I got mine 'rom# u&> Loo% at &er$ S&e:s a no*le$ T&ey all &a)e t&ese$ I %ne! you !ere a no*le3 +ell# at least one o' you &as some class$ 8ea&# yea&$ Let:s go get t&at nia 'ruit$ <ettin0 to +now Re%ede

.AROL

89RI .AROL

89RI .AROL ESTELLE

89RI ESTELLE .AROL 89RI .AROL ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI S+IT

They make their way back to the blastia statue. )uri picks a nia fruit off the ground. .AROL e;t up is t&e egg*ear cla!$ ESTELLE Are !e going to !al% aroun" t&e !oo"s an" loo% 'or an egg*ear1 .AROL o# !e:ll ne)er 'in" one t&at !ay$ 89RI 8ea&1 +&at:ll !e "o t&en1 .AROL 0an" me a nia 'ruit# !oul" you1 I:m going to use it to lure out t&e egg*ear$ T&e egg*ear &as )ery unusual tastes# you see$ )uri throws the nia fruit to .arol. As .arol stoops on the ground preparing the fruit, a reddish cloud of fumes emanates from .arol and /epede backs away. RITA >

89RI 3 ESTELLE 3 )uri and =stelle shield their noses. 89RI <ee?# you smell &orri*le3 .AROL (Stan"ing up) -E1 T&e smell isn:t coming 'rom me3 =stelle and )uri back away from .arol. ESTELLE Please tell us !&en you:re going to "o somet&ing li%e t&at$ /epede suddenly collapses to the ground on his side ESTELLE O&# no3 Repe"e3 (%neels "o!n *y Repe"e) .AROL E)eryone %eep a loo%out3 An egg*ear coul" come out anytime no!$ An" t&ey:re 'amous 'or t&eir terri*le 'erocity$ 89RI So t&en# =aptain .arol# I:m assuming t&at you:re going to lea" t&e c&arge against t&is terri*ly 'erocious monster1 .AROL O' course3 (ut I coul" us a &an" 'rom you# 8uri$ ESTELLE I:ll &elp too$ O&# an" Repe"e also$ (Repe"e get up# s&a%es &imsel' *ut is still !o**ly) 89RI +ell t&en# &o! a*out !e &a)e a *it o' a !al% aroun" t&e 'orest1 .arol walks away, generating another blast of fumes. )uri and =stelle wave the fumes away and follow. S+IT A "ia 2ruit7 Here7 .arol is in front with the others trailing a few feet behind. Something rustles the bushes and .arol runs to hide behind )uri. .AROL (!&ispering) (-*e on your guar"# e)eryone$ It:s rreally 'erocious>3 89RI 0ey 'earless lea"er# you:re not suppose" to &i"e rig&t a'ter saying t&ings li%e t&at$ .AROL T&e star al!ays per'orms t&e 'inis&ing *lo!# e)ery*o"y %no!s t&at3 A little filifolia rustles out of the bushes, spots them and runs away. ESTELLE o>I "on:t t&in% so> An eggbear stomps into their pathD .AROL Aaa&3 ESTELLE T-t&at:s an egg*ear>1 (.arol no"s# Estelle is !i"eeye" !it& one &an" to &er 'ace# 8uri is calm) 89RI +ell# I &a)e to &an" it to you# =aptain .arol# operation stin% *om* !as a smas&ing success$ .AROL (crouc&ing *e&in" 8uri) 0ey# "-"on:t go gi)ing my plan !eir" names$ 89RI (s!ings &is !eapon) Stan" up straig&t !&en you say stu'' li%e t&at$ A'ter t&e *attle5 89RI .arol# come get t&e cla!$ I "on:t %no! !&at I:m "oing &ere$ .AROL (stan"ing *ac%) +&at13 A-any*o"y can "o t&at$ It ,ust comes rig&t o''$ ESTELLE 0ere# let me &elp too> >9g&$ (*ecomes nauseous an" co)ers &er nose an" &ol"s &er stomac& ) 89RI Estelle# !&y "on:t you guar" t&e perimeter$ ESTELLE R-rig&t$ (!al%s 'urt&er a!ay) .AROL 8-you:re sure it:s totally "ea"# rig&t1 )uri walks away and stands by =stelle with a mischievous look on his face. %e waits until .arol gets close to the eggbear.

89RI .AROL 89RI

Raaaag&3 /yaaaa&3 (s&a%ing !it& 'ear) +o!# =aptain$ I' I "i"n:t %no! you !ere ,ust goo'ing aroun"# I:" s!ear you !ere really scare"$ .AROL (still s&a%ing) 9&> 0-&a& &a&> Pretty goo"# &u&1 )uri strides forward and takes the =ggbear Claw. 89RI 0o!:s t&e nose# Repe"e1 (Repe"e gi)es a single no" o' &is &ea") All rig&t# let:s &ea" *ac%> LE(LA =:S VOI=E 8uri Looo!ell3 I %no! t&at you:re &ere in t&ese !oo"s3 Turn yoursel' in li%e a goo" *oy3 89RI (tire" e;asperation) 8ou:)e gotta *e %i""ing me$ Le*lanc 'ollo!e" me all t&e !ay outsi"e t&e *arrier1 .AROL 9&# !&at1 +&o 'ollo!e" you1 89RI O&# ,ust some guys 'orm t&e Imperial .nig&ts> .AROL 0a& &a&# yea& rig&t# t&e .nig&ts are c&asing t&eir o!n 'ormer mem*er$ +ait# seriously13 A7E=OR:S VOI=E I-I say# c-come out no!# !ill you1 (O==OS: VOI=E S&-s&o! yoursel' no! an" !e-!e:ll spare you a pummeling3 LE(LA =:S VOI=E S&a%ing in your *oots at mere rumors>an" you call yoursel)es %nig&ts o' t&e Sc&!ann (riga"e$ .AROL >So# !&at:re t&ey a'ter you 'or1 Van"alism1 Frau"1 Smuggling1 Ro**ery1 -ur"er1 Arson1 89RI 9mm# it:s really ,ust 'or ,ail*rea%> Any!ay# let:s *olt3 )uri places the last branch on the barricade to disguise their path out of the woods. 89RI T&ere !e go$ ESTELLE +e can:t "o t&at3 It:ll get in t&e !ay o' ot&er people passing t&roug&3 89RI +&o:s gonna *e passing t&roug&1 T&ese !oo"s are Acurse"#B remem*er1 As )uri and =stelle walk away, .arol stares into the woods. -ith a start he reali!es he"s alone. .AROL +aa&# !ait up3 (runs a'ter t&em) S+IT ((ac% in 0alure) -A8OR -A Barrier B)a*tia A terri*le t&ing &as &appene">our 0alure Tree &as !it&ere" an" "ie"$ T&ere must *e some !ay to repair t&e *lastia> =an:t !e repair t&e *lastia some&o!1 I suppose !e:ll ,ust &a)e to sleep on t&is pro*lem$

/eneral Store ARegulusB5 -ER=0A T A&# you:re *ac%3 0a)e you gotten all t&e ingre"ients toget&er1 .AROL +e sure "i"$ -ER=0A T Egg*ear cla!# nia 'ruit# an" luluria petals> t&at:s e)eryt&ing$ All rig&t# let:s get t&is stu'' ma"e$ ESTELLE Please# .arol$ -ER=0A T 0ere you go# one panacea *ottle3 .AROL o! !e:ll *e a*le to cleanse t&e poison3 Let:s &urry3 (ta%es o'' running)

89RI .AROL

+&oa !&oa# settle "o!n3 8ou:ll "rop t&e *ottle i' you:re not care'ul3 R-rig&t$ T&en# let:s &urry cautiously3

The townspeople gather e citedly around the tree at nighttime. -A8OR O&3 0a)e you ma"e t&e anti"ote to cleanse t&e tree o' poison1 89RI .arol# it:s up to you$ I:m no goo" at t&is sort o' t&ing$ .AROL (ta%ing t&e *ottle 'rom 8uri) +&o# me1 O%ay t&en# &ere goes3 .arol applies the panacea bottle to the tree roots. =stelle turns to )uri. ESTELLE 7i"n:t .arol say t&ere !as someone &e !ante" to s&o! t&e *lossoms o' 0alure to1 89RI I t&in% so$ 0ere:s &oping !e aren:t too late$ A glow emanates from the tree ESTELLE T&e tree is> -A8OR Please# great tree o' 0alure$ Restore t&e 'allen *arrier$ The glow fades. -A8OR Please> .AROL o !ay3 +as t&e "osage too small1 Or may*e t&is isn:t t&e rig&t !ay> ESTELLE +e:ll &a)e to get anot&er panacea *ottle3 -A8OR I:m a'rai" t&at:s impossi*le$ T&at !as t&e last o' t&e Luluria Petals$ ESTELLE (loo%ing at t&e tree) (ut> *ut !e trie" so &ar"> ---------------------------------------------------------------------(anime cutscene) =stelle studies the tree and then clasps her hands together under her chin in concentration ESTELLE Please great tree> An light and energy emanates from =stelle, animating her hair and the branches of the tree. 89RI Estelle3 ESTELLE (loom +n a burst of light, the tree burst into bloom and the barrier regenerates .AROL 0u&1 +&oa ---------------------------------------------------------------------=stelle returns to normal and the townspeople re&oice. .AROL Ama?ing> -A8OR =an t&is *e>1 Is s&e using &ealing artes>1 It:s li%e a "ream> T&ere:s no !ay> an" yet> ESTELLE (collapses) O0u''O>O&u''O> Two children run up to =stelle and she sits up LITTLE (O8 8ay3 8ay3 8ou:re t&e greatest3 LITTLE /IRL T&an%s 'or ma%ing t&e tree o' 0alure &ealt&y again3 -A8OR +e o!e you our gratitu"e$ T&an%s to t&is# our city

can li)e once more> .arol stands close to =stelle grinning at her. )uri kneels at her side. ESTELLE +-!&at "i" I ,ust>1 89RI >T&at !as incre"i*le# Estelle$ =an you get up1 (s&e stan"s) .AROL (&ol"ing &is &an" 'or a &i-'i)e) 8uri3 )uri tries to return the hi-five but .arol fakes him out and snatches his hand away grinning. 89RI Flynn:s gonna *e so surprise" to see t&e 'lo!ers *looming$ 0a&# t&at:ll s&o! &im$ ESTELLE 8ou an" Flynn seem to &a)e suc& a strange relations&ip$ 8ou are 'rien"s# aren:t you1 89RI 0e:s ,ust someone I gre! up !it&# t&at:s all$ REPE7E >$ (!al%s o)er# touc&es 8uri:s &an" !it& &is nose an" stares at t&e Inn$ T&ree men stan" at t&e top o' t&e stairs$ It:s 4agi an" t!o o' &is minions$ ESTELLE Aren:t t&ose t&e people 'rom t&e castle>1 89RI +e can:t let t&ese people get caug&t up in t&is$ Let:s lay lo! 'or a !&ile$ .AROL 0u&1 +&at "i" I miss1 +&ere are you guys going13 S+IT (us&es S+IT =&est =&est B)a*tia Li'e (ottle ;D Red eye* at the Tree o3 Ha)ure ectar (ottle ;D 0oly (ottle ;D

=omments 'rom to!nspeople gat&ere" at t&e re)i)e" tree5 +O-A 0alure ,ust !oul"n:t *e 0alure !it&out t&e 'lo!ers$ Foo" e)en tastes *etter no! !it& t&e 'lo!ers in *loom$ LITTLE (O8 +ill you marry me !&en I gro! up1 > o1 -A T&an% you3 I &ear" you guys &elpe" too$ Pat&etic> T&e men in to!n can:t "o a t&ing$ 8O9 / LA78 T&an% you so muc&3 I can 'inally sleep tonig&t$ -A8OR It:s a miracle3 I:m speec&less3 LITTLE /IRL +o!3 So 'lu''y3 T&an% you3 8O9 / -A 0o! "oes it !or%1 Let me c&ec% it out$ 0e&e>,ust %i""ing$ =omments *y people on t&e pat&5 -A o! !e:ll *e sa'e e)en i' t&e monsters attac%$ (eing a*le to sleep peace'ully at nig&t is no small t&ing$ 8O9 / LA78 I' you 'ollo! t&e pat& you:ll get to t&e tree o' li'e It &as *een restore" to *eauti'ul li'e$ Flo!ers at nig&t are so elegant$ 89RI ESTELLE .AROL 89RI .AROL ESTELLE -an# t&ose guys (4agi @ minions) are a pain in t&e nec%$ I !is& !e coul" !ait &ere 'or Flynn to come *ac%> +&o:s t&is Flynn person1 0e:s an Imperial .nig&t t&at Estelle:s got a crus& on$ (surprise") +&at13 (agitate") I "on:t &a)e a crus& on &im3

89RI

8ou "on:t1 O&&# I get it$ 8ou t!o are alrea"y a t&ing t&en1 ESTELLE o# it:s not li%e t&at at all3 (con'use") 89RI +ell# any!ay# !e:" *est *e getting a!ay 'rom t&e to!n$ ESTELLE 8es# you:re rig&t$ +e !oul"n:t !ant to cause trou*le 'or t&e )illagers$ .AROL 7o you %no! !&ere t&is Flynn guy !ent o'' to1 8ou coul" 'ollo! a'ter &im$ 89RI 7i"n:t t&ey say &e:" gone o'' to t&e east1 ESTELLE 8es# t&ey "i"$ 89RI I:" li%e to get to Aspio some&o!> Any!ay# let:s get out o' &ere *e'ore t&e goon s6ua" s&o!s up$ (Estelle no"s) The mayor runs after them down the path. -A8OR Please !ait$ 8ou "eser)e a re!ar" 'or restoring our tree$ Please stop *y at my &ouse$ ESTELLE O&# please "on:t min"$ -A8OR I !ill *e !aiting at my &ouse$ Please come$ (*o!s an" runs o'') ESTELLE 9&# !ait> .AROL A re!ar"1 +&at "o you say1 89RI +ell# I guess !e can:t ignore &is o''er an" lea)e$ ESTELLE I !asn:t really sure !&at I "i" *ac% t&ere$ I "on:t t&in% I "eser)e anyt&ing$ 89RI Let:s ,ust stop *y at t&e mayor:s &ouse$ +e can still "ecline &is o''er t&ere$ .RIT8A 7O/ .RIT8A +O-A CE +O-A CD +e can !atc& t&e *lossoms again$ +atc&ing t&e nig&t in 0alure an" "rin%ing un"er t&e *lossoms> +e:re going to "rin% all nig&t long3 O+oo'1O O+oo' !oo'O T&is !orl" is 'ull o' su''ering> (ut loo%ing at t&e 'lo!ers in t&is city ma%es me gla" I:m ali)e$ +&en t&e 'aint !&ite o' t&e 0alure *lossoms illuminate t&e "ar%ness o' t&e nig&t# I 'eel at peace$ 0i3 I:m a mem*er o' t&e map ma%ing guil"3 -y ,o* is to ma%e maps# *ut I also collect in'ormation on synt&esi?ing$ I:ll let you %no! !&en t&ere:s ne! in'ormation$ =&ec% *ac% o'ten$ O&3 Forgot to intro"uce mysel'$ -y name is .o?a%ura$ +e:ll *e seeing a lot o' eac& ot&er aroun" )arious to!ns$ To"ay:s suggeste" synt&esis Rapier -ace +oo" -aul KD .ara%a?e KD +ell> "on:t *e a'rai" to let me %no! i' you nee" anyt&ing$

-A

=omments 'rom people in 'ront o' -ayor:s &ouse5 -A T&e *lastia starte" !or%ing again !&en t&e 'lo!ers o' 0alure returne">

+&at %in" o' place is t&is>1 T&is place is really interesting$ (ut# t&e *arrier is t&e reason !e can lose oursel)es in our t&oug&ts in t&e silence o' t&e nig&t$ -ayor:s 0ouse5 -A8OR ESTELLE -A8OR 89RI -A8OR 89RI -A8OR ESTELLE -A8OR 89RI -A8OR .AROL ESTELLE .AROL -A8OR 89RI ESTELLE -A8OR 89RI -A8OR 89RI -A8OR +elcome# !elcome3 0ere# ma%e yoursel' at &ome$ T&an% you$ (ut un'ortunately !e nee" to *e lea)ing )ery soon$ Are you lea)ing *e'ore t&at young %nig&t is *ac%1 T&e situation:s c&ange" a *it$ 7i" somet&ing come up1 8ou coul" say t&at$ I' t&ere:s anyt&ing I can "o to &elp# "on:t &esitate to as%$ +e appreciate t&e sentiment# *ut !e can:t as% 'or your &elp$ I see> T&en# it:s not muc&# *ut I:" at least li%e you to ta%e t&is$ +&o# me1 I "i"n:t "o anyt&ing at all$ (ut since your 'rien" &elpe" us out so muc&> +ell t&en# I:" *e &appy to-- (&ol"s out &is &an") o# !e can:t ta%e t&at3 O&> um> yea&# I guess I can:t> ta%e t&at> (scratc&es t&e *ac% o' &is &ea") (ut t&en &o! !ill I e)er repay you1 +ell# &o! a*out t&is$ T&e ne;t time !e come into to!n# set us up !it& VIP *lossom )ie!ing picnic seats3 T&at:s a great i"ea3 I can:t !ait$ >All rig&t t&en$ T&e ne;t time you:re &ere# I:ll put my &eart an" soul into paying *ac% !&at you:)e "one 'or us3 O&# can I as% you one t&ing1 0a)e you e)er &ear" o' a to!n calle" Aspio1 >Aspio1 A& yes# I *elie)e t&at !as t&e name o' t&e =ity o' S&a"e> T&e =ity o' S&a"e> From !&at I:)e &ear"# t&e to!n lies *et!een tall mountains# an" sunlig&t rarely reac&es its gates$ E)ery no! an" t&en# a 'e! 6uiet 'ol%s in cloa%s an" &oo"s come to our to!n to get supplies> (ut t&ey:re 6uite creepy# to *e &onest$ Our to!n "oesn:t "eal !it& t&em muc&$ +&ere is t&e to!n locate"1 To!ar"s t&e east# I t&in%$ I !is& I coul" tell you t&e e;act location> Flynn !as &ea"e" east as !ell# !asn:t &e1 8ea&$ I suppose a Acity o' sc&olarsB mig&t &a)e some lin% to *lastia# a'ter all$ T&an%s# t&at:s all I nee"e"$ (turn a!ay to lea)e) (as Estelle *o!s to t&e -ayor# 8uri ma%es a 'ist) I:m coming 'or you# -or"io3 T&is may *e a sel'is& t&ing to say# *ut> I:m &appy t&is means !e:re continuing our ,ourney$ I &a)en:t %no! t&is sort o' 'ree"om until no!$ 0a& &a&$

89RI -A8OR ESTELLE 89RI

Lea)ing 0alure> ESTELLE 89RI

.AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI ESTELLE .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI ESTELLE .AROL 89RI ESTELLE 89RI 2IEL5 MAP S+IT

So .arol# !&at are your plans1 I !ant to go to t&e port city# an" cross o)er to Tol*yccia 'rom t&ere$ So# I guess it:s goo"*ye# t&en$ 0u&13 T&an%s# .arol$ It:s *een 'un$ Please ta%e care o' yoursel'$ On secon" t&oug&t# may*e I:ll stic% !it& you guys a little !&ile longer$ +&y1 8ou guys !oul" *e lost an" lonely !it&out me aroun"$ +ell# you &a)e come in surprisingly &an"y# =aptain$ +ell t&en# let:s all go toget&er$ So# east !as it1 8ea&# Flynn !ent east$ O%ay$ I:" li%e to get to Aspio some&o!> Any!ay# let:s get out o' &ere *e'ore t&e goon s6ua" s&o!s up$ CE"TRAL PE6.CCIA PLAI"S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ So?who i* 2)ynn7

THE SEALE5 CIT6 .2 SCH.LARS & ASPI. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ESTELLE .AROL ESTELLE 89RI It loo%s li%e t&is is Aspio> It:s so gloomy an" "amp &ere> It:s gi)ing me t&e c&ills# too$ It:s *ecause t&e city is in a ca)ern$ I !on"er i' t&e lac% o' sun "ri)es t&e people &ere to "o s&a"y t&ings> Li%e stealing *lastia cores$

They investigate a path to the left of Aspio"s guarded gates. (O9 =I / S0ALLOT %e %e %e> A& 0a &a &a &a a& a& At last3 Someone 'oun" me33 I:)e *een !aiting33 I:m +on"er =&e'$ I tra)el t&e !orl" 'ar an" !i"e# see%ing gourmet 'oo" an" tra)elers t&at appreciate t&e importance o' 'ine "ining$ 8ou:ll usually 'in" me in "isguise$ A 'oo" connoisseur s&oul" &a)e no pro*lem seeing t&roug& it t&oug&$ =all it a test i' you !ill$ An" it seems li%e you:re one o' t&em3 0e&e>you:)e got potential$ For t&at# I:m going to re!ar" you !it& a recipe3 I FOR-ATIO Learne" t&e recipe 'or ASalis*ury Stea%$B I:ll gi)e you t&is so you can practice3 I FOR-ATIO O*taine" 3 sets o' ingre"ients 'or t&e recipe$ +O 7ER =0EF For t&e lo)e o' 'oo"3 (on appetite3 (!a& &a &a &a &a &a &a3 I FOR-ATIO T&ere are a lot o' strange o*,ects scattere" t&roug&out t&e !orl"$ +on"er =&e' mig&t *e "isguise" as some o' t&em$ +&en you 'in" &im# &e !ill re!ar" you !it& a recipe$ Try to see% &im out in your ,ourney$ The path leads to a door, but it is locked.

Aspio# -ain /ates5 =stelle approaches the left guard /9AR7 CD -ay I see your passport# please1 ESTELLE Our>passport1 /9AR7 CE T&is is an Imperial 'acility$ +e can:t ,ust let anyone insi"e# can !e1 .AROL Passport1 8ou "on:t &a)e one o' t&ose# "o you1 89RI (s&rugs) An associate o' ours is insi"e$ =oul" you please let us t&roug&1 /9AR7 CE I' you 'ille" out t&e o''icial )isitation paper!or%# t&en you oug&t to &a)e gotten your passport 'rom t&is AassociateB o' yours$ 89RI T&is is t&e 'irst !e:)e &ear"# t&oug&$ I' you !on:t let us in# per&aps you coul" call &im to t&e gate 'or us1 /9AR7 CD +&at:s your associate:s name1 89RI (unsmiling) -or"io$ /9AR7S 3 /9AR7 CE ---or"io1 The guards crouch slightly and look at each other, obviously distressed. =stelle and )uri look at each other. ESTELLE 1 89RI 1 /9AR7 CE +-!e can:t &elp you$ 8ou:ll nee" to mail in a re6uest an" &a)e a passport o''icially issue" to you$ .AROL 7amn# "on:t *u"ge an inc&# "o you1 /ight Cuard raises his spear threateningly. .arol hides behind )uri and peeps around )uri"s body to look at the guard. ESTELLE E;cuse me# *ut "i" a %nig&t *y t&e name o' Flynn &appen to stop *y &ere1 (le't guar" rela;es) /9AR7 CD All in'ormation a*out t&e esta*lis&ment is classi'ie"$ +E cannot s&are e)en small "etails !it& outsi"ers$ ESTELLE So you can:t e)en tell me !&y Flynn !as &ere1 /9AR7 CD o# o' course not$ ESTELLE >So !&at you:re saying>is t&at Flynn really "i" come &ere3 /9AR7 CD (ner)ous) I-I "on:t %no! !&o you:re tal%ing a*out3 A %nig&t name" Flynn1 -ne)er &ear" o' &im3 ESTELLE =oul" !e at least lea)e &im a message1 89RI /i)e it up# Estelle$ +e:" &a)e more luc% as%ing a *ric% !all 'or &elp$ (!al%s a!ay an" .arol an" Estelle 'ollo!) )uri stops when they are out of the guards hearing range. 89RI Let:s ,ust go$ ESTELLE (ut Flynn:s insi"e> .AROL +&at# !e:re ,ust going to gi)e up1 ESTELLE I:m not going to gi)e up3 I:m going to see Flynn3 89RI An" I:m going to ta%e *ac% t&at *lastia 'rom t&at t&ie' -or"io# an" gi)e &im a *eating &e !on:t 'orget$ .AROL So can:t !e loo% 'or anot&er !ay in1 89RI O' course !e can$ Let:s ta%e a stroll aroun"# !&y "on:t !e1 As a last resort# may*e !e coul" go o)er t&e !alls$ They return to the locked door. 89RI (tries t&e "oor) 7oors li%e t&is ne)er open !&en you

!ant t&em to3 )uri stops when he hears =stelle"s voice. .arol keeps looking at the door. ESTELLE I guess !e:ll &a)e to clim* o)er t&e !all an" open it 'rom t&e insi"e$ .arol walks up to the door 89RI A little 6uic% to ,ump to our last resort# aren:t you1 .arol works with the lock ESTELLE Let:s !ait 'or Flynn to come out# t&en$ 89RI E)en i' Flynn comes out# it:s not li%e &e:s going to *ring -or"io out !it& &im$ ESTELLE +ell# i' Flynn comes outsi"e# !e can ,ust as% &im to let us in# can:t !e1 89RI 0e:" ne)er go 'or a plan li%e t&is$ 0e:s 'ar too muc& o' a goo"y-goo"y$ The lock makes a loud click ESTELLE .arol# !&at are you "oing1 .AROL (steps a!ay 'rom t&e "oor) T&ere# it:s open3 ESTELLE 0u&>1 8-you can:t "o t&at3 89RI >8our guil" speciali?es in &unting monsters# rig&t1 Or are you guys into t&ie)es: guil"-type stu''# too1 .AROL 0e&# umm# yea&> +ell# I:m pretty muc& t&e only one !&o can "o anyt&ing li%e t&is$ 89RI +ell# goo" ,o*3 S&all !e1 ESTELLE o# t&at:s *a"3 +e s&oul" ,ust !ait &ere 'or Flynn$ 89RI (turning a*ruptly to Estelle) I "on:t &a)e t&e patience to !ait 'or Flynn to ,ust &appen to !al% out o' t&is to!n *y c&ance$ It !as un6uestioning o*e"ience to la!s an" aut&ority in times li%e t&is t&at ma"e me 6uit t&e Imperial .nig&ts in t&e 'irst place3 ESTELLE (ut# *ut> 89RI +ell t&en# Estelle# %eep a loo%out 'or us &ere# !on:t you1 ESTELLE +ait# *ut# *ut# umm>33 I-I:m going !it& you3 They step inside a huge library lit by tall cone lamps. 89RI -an# t&ere are a lot o' -or"io loo%-ali%es &ere# aren:t t&ere1 =stelle walks over to a man in a green robe reading a book ESTELLE E;cuse me# "o you &a)e a minute1 -A +&-!&at "o you !ant1 ESTELLE +oul" you &appen to %no! i' a %nig&t name" Flynn Sci'o &as come t&roug& &ere1 -A Flynn1 O&&# t&at guy# &e !as saying somet&ing a*out going to catc& someone !&o:" *een )an"ali?ing ruins> ESTELLE +&ere is &e no!13 -A I coul"n:t say$ -y researc& %eeps me too *usy to pay attention to t&ings li%e t&at$ (goes *ac% to rea"ing) ESTELLE I-I see$ >I:m sorry to interrupt you$ -A I:ll *e ta%ing my lea)e# t&en$ 89RI 0ey# !ait up$ Tell me one more t&ing$ Is t&ere a 'ame" mage name" -or"io aroun" &ere1 -A Ac%3 T&ere are people !&o !ant to see t&at !eir"o13 ("rops &is *oo%) 89RI So I !as rig&t$ 8ou %no! -or"io1 -A > o# u&# I "on:t %no! anyt&ing at all$ I "on:t associate !it& people li%e t&at> (starts to !al% up

stairs# 8uri gra*s t&e *ac% o' &is ro*e) 0ey# I:m not "one yet3 +&at3 +&at is it3 Tell me !&ere t&e mage is3 -or"io li)es alone in a s&ac% *ac% t&at !ay$ /o an" see 'or yoursel' i' you !ant3 89RI (pic%s up t&e *oo%) T&an%s$ The man grabs the book and climbs the stairs. .AROL Are you sure a*out t&is1 89RI 0mm1 .AROL E)eryone seems to get all out o' sorts ,ust 'rom &earing t&at guy:s name$ It:s !eir"$ ESTELLE 8ea&# "oesn:t it *ot&er you1 89RI +ell# &e:s a *lastia t&ie'$ It:s no !on"er people "on:t li%e &im$ 89RI -A 89RI -A S+IT +OR.ER CD +OR.ER CE An E/ +ni0ht At Ruins: /ate !e speciali?e in e;ca)ation o' ruins$ It may seem &um*le# *ut !e ta%e pri"e in our !or%$ T&roug& e;ca)ation# !e see% out our !orl":s past$ Our c&ie' is )ery !arm# an" e)en treats un"erlings li%e us !it& %in"ness$ 0e really is t&e mo"el o' a per'ect /uil" c&ie'$ T&e only 'la! you mig&t mention is t&e 'act t&at &e:s some!&at co!ar"ly> Lot* o3 Book*

S+IT

9p t&e stairs to En" Le)el5 Lounge A(oo% S&el'B5 (oo% Apple /el 3; I .EEPER +oul" you li%e a rest 'or EPP /al"1 It:s ,ust a *oo%s&el'# o' course$ +e:re all use" to sleeping on *oo%cases# *ut it mig&t *e a little roug& 'or 'irst-timers$ 7o come again$

(8es)

Fortune:s -ar%et (Aspio)5 -ER=0A T -any t&an%s3 Fortune:s -ar%et# al!ays *ringing you !&at you nee">!&en you nee" it >at t&e price t&at:s rig&t3 >Or so I:" li%e to say# *ut !it& *usiness ruine" !e aren:t really a*le to stoc% a )ery !i"e )ariety o' pro"ucts> OSni''O -A/E T&e *lastia e;ca)ate" &ere !ere all ma"e *y t&e .ritya long# long ago$ I:" lo)e to *e a*le to "iscuss *lastia arc&itecture !it& a .ritya engineer some"ay> .O4A.9RA /oo" "ay3 7o you !ant to %no! a*out synt&esi?ing1 To"ay:s suggeste" synt&esis (same as 0alure:s) 9pstairs to 3r" Le)el5 +O-A (REA7I /) Ruins> -ust in)estigate ruins>

+&oa3 I "o?e" o'' t&ere> I &ear looters *ro%e into t&e ruins to t&e sout&east$ T&ey:)e alrea"y *een t&oroug&ly e;plore">I "ou*t t&ere:s anyt&ing le't$ They leave the library via a ramp. -ALE -A/E (RA-P) +&o are you1 I &a)en:t seen you any!&ere$ +ell# it "oesn:t matter t&oug&> 8ou:re not !earing *lastia clot&es> 8ou must *e an o''icer o' t&e empire$ 8ou "on:t loo% li%e an o''icer at all>$ +ell# it "oesn:t matter t&oug&>$ The ramp leads up to a circular pla!a. FE-ALE -A/E CD 7i" somet&ing &appen on E&mea" 0ill1 One o' my colleagues !ent t&ere !it& se)eral ot&er people> -ALE -A/E +&o t&e &ell are you13 8ou try an" s!ipe any *lastia# I:ll %no!3 0o!1 +ell# !e:re t&e *lastia a"ministration "epartment$ A"ministering all t&e e;ca)ate" *lastia is our ,o*$ FE-ALE -A/E CE > Oo&# lea)e me *e3 0o! am I suppose" to con"uct my researc& !it& all o' you loitering a*out1 /o a!ay3 They go up the west winding stairs off the pla!a. A man in a hooded white robe stands on the stairs with his arms crossed. -A/E (STAIRS) 0mm>1 T&e stoc% list an" num*er o' *lastia "oesn:t matc&> <ust my mista%e1 I:)e *een so 'orget'ul lately> At the top of the western stairs is a set of locked double doors. I FOR-ATIO It:s loc%e"$ It must *e a top secret 'acility$ T&e %ey&ole &as a uni6ue s&ape$ They try the eastern stairs. 89RI +e:ll get caug&t *y t&at guar" i' !e go t&is !ay$ The northern stairs lead down to a door with a sign posted on it. ESTELLE A.eep out$ Seriously$---or"ioB 89RI I guess t&is is t&e place> (turns t&e %no*# loc%e"# t&en %noc%s on t&e "oor) ESTELLE I t&in% people usually try %noc%ing 'irst> .AROL Loo%s li%e no one:s &ome$ +&at s&oul" !e "o1 89RI o point in &esitating !&en you:re &ea"ing into a "en o' t&ie)es$ ESTELLE o$ I "on:t !ant us to commit any more crimes$ .AROL I guess t&at means it:s my turn# t&en$ (8uri returns to Estelle as .arol stri"es to t&e "oor) ESTELLE +&at>1 8our AturnB>1 (as .arol pic%s t&e loc%) +e s&oul"n:t "o t&at eit&er3 .AROL ot&in: to it$ (8uri opens t&e "oor as t&e camera pans to t&e roo'tops) +ait 'or me3 ESTELLE Please !ait3 (e;asperate") +&y "oes &e al!ays "o t&at>1 +nside, they find a &umble of artifacts and piles of books. .AROL T&is is cra?y> +&o coul" li)e in a place li%e t&is1 89RI 8ou can pretty muc& li)e any!&ere you can eat an" sleep# i' you set your min" to it$ ESTELLE 8uri# "on:t you &a)e somet&ing to say 'irst1

89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

9&>0ello1 +e:re coming in$ An" t&e "oor1 .arol &ere opene" your "oor$ Sorry M*out t&at$ 0onestly# 8uri> E;cuse us# is anyone &ome1 It:s a goo" t&ing no one:s &ere$ T&at means !e get to loo% 'or e)i"ence$ =stelle stands on the threshold while .arol and )uri look around. )uri looks at the blastia bodies heaped against a wall. .AROL O&# c&ec% t&is out$ It:s a *lastia mo"el$ 89RI (!al%ing o)er) -mmm> +&oe)er ma"e t&is !as pretty talente"$ ESTELLE It:s a mo"el o' a gran" *lastia$ It:s not !or%ing# t&oug&$ 89RI /ran" *lastia1 ESTELLE A/ran" *lastia re'ers to especially large types o' *lastia# inclu"ing *ut not limite" to *arrier *lastia$B 89RI Rea" t&at in a *oo% too# &u&1 )uri looks at books on a bookcase ESTELLE T&e person !&o li)es &ere must *e 6uite an ar"ent sc&olar$ 89RI <ust *ecause someone stu"ies &ar"# t&at "oesn:t mean t&at t&eir actions are rig&t or ,ust$ .AROL 0ey# t&e co)er:s a*out to 'all o'' t&is one3 ESTELLE Treat *oo%s !it& respect3 Priceless in'ormation is !ritten on t&eir pages3 .AROL 8-yes> )uri inspects a chalkboard drawing: ESTELLE T&at:s a *lastia 'ormula$ 89RI Feel 'ree to step insi"e# i' you:" li%e$ Aren:t you col"1 ESTELLE I:)e &a" enoug& crimes 'or to"ay# t&an% you$ 89RI -e&# it:s not suc& a *ig "eal$ ESTELLE ot a *ig "eal1 A(rea%ing an" entering is a crime punis&a*le *y at least a year in prison an" a 'ine o' up to DP#PPP /al"3 .arol walks over to the chalkboard. .AROL 7i" you notice &o! messy t&is !riting is1 I can !rite nicer t&an t&is3 89RI (ut t&ey say people !it& *a" &an"!riting &a)e goo" &earts$ .AROL +ell# I &a)e goo" &an"!riting an" a goo" &eart3 0o! a*out t&at1 89RI (stu"ies 'ormula) Estelle# "o you %no! !&at t&is 'ormula means1 ESTELLE It resem*les a magic circle t&at uses 'ire# *ut I:m not sure> 89RI >(ut at least you un"erstan" it a little *it$ It means not&ing to me at all$ )uri and .arol stand with their backs to the pile of books in the middle of the room. .arol is holding a small blastia body in his hand. =stelle is still waiting on the threshold. /epede crouches, battleready, as a hooded figure rises from the midst of the small mountain of books. All (e;cept Repe"e) 3 .AROL ('alling *ac%!ar"s onto t&e 'loor) /yaaa&3 +&-!&-!&at is t&at13

.arol scrambles up and runs to hide behind )uri. 0OO7E7 FI/9RE (!&ispers) >S&ut up> (s&e *egins to cast an arte$ As a glo!ing lig&t "e)elops# 8uri runs o'' a *it lea)ing .arol in t&e open) .AROL 0u&1 0ey# &ol" on3 (loo%ing *ac% an" 'ort& 'rom 8uri to t&e 'igure) 0OO7E7 FI/9RE T&ie)es> ('iery energy *uil"s up *et!een &er &an"s) .AROL o# !&at:re you> +ait3 (.arol t&ro!s &is &an"s up to protect &is 'ace$) 0OO7E7 FI/9RE (e gone$ .AROL Heee)%4 (a *last %noc%s .arol o'' &is 'eet) .AROL (on &an"s an" %nees) O0ac%# coug&O$ +&y me>1 (misera*ly) ESTELLE A g-girl13 (t&e girl:s &oo" &as 'allen *ac%) )uri standing behind the girl, whips out his weapon and holds the blade to her side so she can see it. 89RI I' you can pull tric%s li%e t&at# !&y:" you *ot&er s%ipping to!n *ac% in 4ap&ias1 /IRL (loo%ing o)er &er s&oul"er) 0u&1 S%ipping to!n1 +&y !oul" I nee" to s%ip to!n1 89RI For stealing t&e core o' t&e *lastia 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter in t&e capital$ +&at else1 /IRL +&at1 8ou:re calling me a t&ie'$ 0a)e you e)er &ear" o' Acommon senseB1 89RI Sure$ /IRL So you *rea% into a &ome# call t&e o!ner a t&ie'# an" !a)e a s!or" in t&eir 'ace$ +&at t&e &ell %in" o' sense is t&at13 .arol climbs to his feet and /epede walks over and stands between the girl and .arol. /IRL 0ey# "og3 8ou stay *ac%# you>you "og33 An" you3 .i"3 /i)e &im *ac%33 .AROL +&at "o you mean1 /IRL T&e *lastia# t&e *lastia33 /i)e &im *ac% to me3 (Estelle !al%s o)er# *o!s) +-!&at:s !it& you1 ESTELLE -y name is Estellise$ +e:re terri*ly sorry 'or *arging in on you li%e t&is3 (lo!ers )oice) >8uri# .arol# you too$ .AROL (&angs &ea") S-sorry$ /IRL So>1 +&at "o you !ant1 ESTELLE +ell# you see> 8uri &as 'ollo!e" a *lastia t&ie' &ere all t&e !ay 'rom t&e imperial capital$ /IRL An"1 89RI An" t&at *lastia t&ie'> (points at t&e girl) +ore a cape3 +as s&ort3 An" t&eir name !as -or"io3 So> /iant 0mm# !ell -or"io is certainly my name$ Rita -or"io# to *e e;act$ .AROL An" t&e &eig&t matc&es up# too$ 89RI +&at "o you &a)e to say 'or yoursel'1 RITA I tol" you# I &a)e no i"ea !&at you:re> >O&# I &a"n:t t&oug&t o' t&at$ Follo! me$ 89RI +&at1 -ay*e you "i"n:t &ear me$ +e:re not 'inis&e"

&ere> <ust 'ollo! me# !oul" you1 T&ere:s tal% t&at some t&ie)es &a)e turne" up in t&e S&ai%os Ruins$ 89RI T&ie)es1 Are you sure a*out t&at1 RITA It came 'rom an Imperial .nig&t !&o as%e" me 'or &elp$ It s&oul" *e trust!ort&y$ As /ita walks away to make preparations, they whisper amongst themselves. ESTELLE (to 8uri) 7o you t&in% t&at %nig&t mig&t &a)e *een Flynn1 89RI (.arol !al%s o)er)>It:s gotta *e$ Loo%s li%e s&e s&ot &im "o!n# t&oug&$ .AROL 0ey# remem*er !&at t&at guy outsi"e sai" a*out someone )an"ali?ing t&e ruins1 ESTELLE +&ic& means# t&e t&ie' !&o stole t&e *lastia core coul" *e t&ere$ 89RI (normal )oice) 0mm# may*e> /ita comes back minus the hooded robe RITA Finis&e" c&atting1 Let:s go$ 89RI All rig&t# *ut "on:t e)en t&in% o' ma%ing a *rea% 'or it$ RITA 8ou "on:t &a)e to come$ I' you !ant# I:ll ,ust call t&e guar"s$ ESTELLE (lo!ers )oice) +&y "on:t !e gi)e it a try1 It soun" li%e Flynn mig&t e)en *e t&ere$ RITA It:s up to you5 /o to ,ail# ma%e a run 'or it# or 'ollo! me$ Pic% one$ 89RI O%ay# o%ay$ +e:ll go !it& you$ RITA T&e S&ai%os Ruins are e)en 'urt&er to t&e east# once you lea)e t&e city$ +>9,/1AT+,> /ita &oins the party. S+IT Rita RITA ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Co))e,tor Book Part ' )uri picks up a book from a pile in /ita"s bedroom 89RI 0u&1 +&at:s t&is1 (rea"ing a *oo%) RITA O&# t&e =ollector:s (oo%3 It:s a sel'-up"ating *oo% t&at ma%es it easy to recor" all o' t&e items you 'in"$ 89RI A sel'-up"ating *oo%>&u&1 I guess I:ll ,ust &a)e to loo% an" see !&at you mean> RITA Sure# t&at !oul" !or%# too$ It:s e;tremely use'ul to &a)e$ Let:s ta%e it !it& us$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" =ollector:s (oo% 89RI 0u&1 0ey# get a loa" o' t&is3 -ost o' t&e pages are *lan%> Are you sure you:re a !orl"-reno!ne" researc&er1 RITA >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------S+IT Ca)) Me E*te))e )uri continues to look about /ita $edroom 89RI It ta%es a pretty !ic%e" person to lie so

RITA ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE ;ater-downstairs, ESTELLE .AROL 89RI RITA 89RI RITA

con)incingly a*out &er crimes$ 0ey3 +ait3 a girl:s "resser is strictly o''-limits3 E)en i' it:s 'ull o' e)i"ence o' &er o!n mis"ee"s1 I:ll *e t&e one to loo%$ (inspects Rita:s "resser) +ait>!&at are you>3 (runs o)er) (is rat&er s&oc%e" at !&at s&e sees) /ita is blushing 7on:t !orry$ I !on:t tell anyone$ (to 8uri) +&at "o you t&in% s&e 'oun"1 Feminine secrets3 (to 8uri) 0ey3 I:ll get you *ac% 'or t&at3 Estelle# you:" *etter !atc& out$ o# it:s you I:m tal%ing a*out3 8ou3

They leaving Aspio for Shaikos /uins. /9AR7 CD T&is 'acility is un"er "irect control o' t&e Empire$ I' you "on:t &a)e *usiness &ere# please mo)e along$ I' you:re lost# you can reac& 0alure *y &ea"ing sout&!est$ Tra)eling sout& !ill lea" you to 7ei"on 0ol"$ /9AR7 CE T&is is Aspio# t&e close" city o' learning$ Please pro"uce your passport$ E)eryone &ere is still suc& a loony# ,ust stan"ing guar" ma%es me t&in% I mig&t lose it mysel'$ 8ou 'ol" *e care'ul# too$ 2IEL5 MAP ".RTHEAST IL6CCIA

3r" )isit at .ing o' A")enture Inn5 RI=0 >0mp'> .ARE +elcome to t&e .ing o' A")enture> O&# it:s you3 +on"er'ul to see you again3 @9u*i,a) noteA 89RI 8ea&# it:s *een a !&ile$ .ARE +&at pleasant seren"ipity t&at !e !oul" run into eac& ot&er yet again3 RI=0 >I t&oug&t !e:" see t&em again> .ARE O&# *ig *rot&er# you:re e)er so *lunt3 .AROL +&o are t&ese people>1 ESTELLE T&is is .aren an" Ric&3 T&ey:re tra)eling aroun" an" operating an inn$ .ARE ice to meet you3 (&eart) RI=0 >> .AROL -nice to meet you too> .ARE It seems you &a)e more companions since t&e last time !e met$ 0o! nice3 Per&aps you:" li%e to stop an" rest1 (Stay) 89RI 8ea&# I coul" use some rest$ .AROL I agree$ I:m %in" o' tire" out# mysel'> ESTELLE +ell t&en# !e:ll ta%e you up on your o''er$ .ARE Please# ma%e yoursel)es at &ome$ Later5

.AROL .ARE 89RI .ARE ESTELLE RI=0 .ARE

O8aaaaaaa!nO> 7i" you sleep !ell1 8ea&# I slept li%e a tric% yo-yo$ I' you e)er &appen to see us aroun" again# please stop an" say &ello3 (musical note) 8es# t&an% you so muc&$ 8ou:re so %in"3 >Later> (ig *rot&er# I %eep telling you# try to *e more 'rien"ly3

SHAI+.S RUI"S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ /ita leads the way into the ruins. RITA T&ese are t&e S&ai%os Ruins$ ESTELLE It loo%s li%e &ere aren:t any Imperial .nig&ts aroun"$ /epede walks to a patch of ground covered with footprints and sniffs around. REPE7E > .AROL T&ese 'ootprints are still 'res&$ T&ere:s a lot o' t&em# too$ 89RI +&ic& means it:s eit&er t&e .nig&ts# t&e t&ie)es# or *ot&$ ESTELLE Some o' t&ese 'ootprints must *e Flynn:s$ 89RI =oul" *e$ RITA 0ey# o)er &ere$ 0urry up$ 89RI I see$ So 'irst you get us alone in t&e "ar%# t&en you ?ap us# &u&1 RITA >0mm# A4AP$B I li%e t&e !ay t&at soun"s> .AROL 0-&ey# !&at:s t&at suppose" to mean1 +&y are you smiling li%e t&at1 ESTELLE Let:s try to get along no!# o%ay1 They look about the still and deserted ruins. =&est -agic Lens ;D =&est Orange /el ;D =&est RPP /al"$ =&est Li'e (ottle ;D =&est 0al' /uar" ;D 89RI Loo%s li%e no one:s &ere> o Imperial .nig&ts# t&ie)es# or anyone else3 ESTELLE -ay*e t&ey:re 'urt&er in1 89RI 0o! 'ar in are !e tal%ing# &ere1 .AROL (loo%ing aroun") It "oesn:t loo% li%e anyone:s *een &ere# "oes it1 RITA T&e in'ormation a*out t&e un"ergroun" coul"n:t &a)e gotten out# coul" it1 ESTELLE T&e un"ergroun"1 RITA Recently# an entrance to an un"ergroun" area !as unco)ere" &ere$ A &an"'ul o' mages are suppose" to *e t&e only people !&o %no! a*out it> 89RI (crossing arms) (ut it:s o%ay 'or us to %no! t&is1 RITA I "on:t &a)e muc& c&oice i' I:m to clear my name# "o I1 (s&e !al%s a!ay) 89RI =lear your name# &u&> /ita and .arol look at a spot on the ground. .AROL T&e groun" is scratc&e" &ere$

RITA

It:s not li%e I !oul":)e min"e" letting t&e t&ie)es &a)e t&e ruins a*o)e groun" a'ter !e 'inis&e" t&e e;ca)ation# *ut it:s a goo" t&ing !e came &ere !&en !e "i"$ .AROL +ell t&en# !e:" *etter &urry up an" 'ollo! t&em$ All !e &a)e to "o is mo)e t&is1 Civing it all he"s got, .arol tries to push statue on a huge marble block hiding the entrance. .AROL O0u''O O&u''O Blacing his free hand on the statue, )uri pushes with .arol. 89RI =ome on$ 8ou &a)e to put your s&oul"er into it$ .AROL 9m# r-rig&t$ (t&e *loc% !it& t&e statue mo)es) .AROL 9rg&> 0u&> 89RI =ome on# ,ust a little>more> Stairs are revealed. .arol has to rest at the foot of the statue. ESTELLE .arol# are you o%ay1 .AROL S-sure# t&at !as a cinc&> O&u''O O&u''O RITA O%ay# &ere !e go$ 9n"ergroun" =a)ern5 The stairs lead to an underground cavern with paths and platforms built over a lake. ESTELLE T&is is my 'irst time going insi"e ruins> =stelle runs to &oin .arol and /epede looking over the edge of the balcony into the underground lake. RITA (e care'ul o)er t&ere$ It:s slippery$ (.arol an" Repe"e are alrea"y at t&e e"ge loo%ing o)er t&e lo! railing) They all look at /ita. RITA +&at are you loo%ing at1 89RI I !as ,ust surprise"$ 8ou:re actually a nice person$ RITA OSig&O I %ne! it !oul" *e a pain to *ring you along$ I s&oul":)e ,ust come *y mysel'> ESTELLE 7o you al!ays come to researc& t&ese ruins alone1 RITA 8ea&$ ESTELLE Aren:t you a'rai" you:ll get &urt *y monsters or traps1 RITA T&ere are al!ays ris%s i' you:re trying to actually "o somet&ing$ I' someone gets &urt# it:s an accepta*le loss$ ESTELLE E)en i' you:re t&e one !&o gets &urt1 RITA 8ea&$ ESTELLE 7on:t you e)er !orry or &esitate1 RITA +orrying a*out getting !&at you !ant !it&out anyone getting &urt1 8ou:)e &a" a pretty easy li'e$ ESTELLE (6uietly# to &ersel') An easy li'e> RITA An" *lastia !ill ne)er *etray me$ So t&ey:re easy to "eal !it&$ ESTELLE Rita:s ama?ing3 S&e ,ust comes rig&t out an" says !&at s&e &as to say$ 89RI S&e %no!s e;actly !&at:s important to &er$ ESTELLE I !is& I %ne! !&at !as important to me> 89RI <ust tra)el aroun" 'or a !&ile$ 8ou:ll 'igure it out$ (Estelle no"s at 8uri) S+IT "othin0 to $orry A(out S+IT Sear,hin0 the Ruin* =&est Am*er =loa% ;D

=&est

Leat&er (oots ;D

/ita stoops down to e amine a broken structure on the ground RITA Loo%s li%e t&is little one is no goo"> .AROL +o!# so t&is is !&at *lastia loo% li%e *e'ore t&ey:re e;ca)ate"$ ESTELLE I !on"er !&y ancient people *urie" *lastia in ruins li%e t&is in t&e 'irst place1 RITA I !is& I coul" tell you$ T&at:s somet&ing else *eing researc&e"$ 89RI +it& all o' t&ese *lastia &ere# I "on:t suppose t&ere are any a6ue *lastia lying aroun" too> ESTELLE one o' t&em &a)e cores in t&em$ .AROL Really1 T&en t&ey "on:t !or%# "o t&ey1 RITA (lastia aren:t e;ca)ate" !it& t&e cores an" t&e *o"ies toget&er$ ESTELLE A=ores pro"uce magic t&roug& 'ormulas$ (o"ies control t&at magic$ T&e t!o com*ine" are re'erre" to as *lastia$B AEac& *lastia possesses "i''erent attri*utes# an" is mar%e" *y a crest t&at in"icates t&ose attri*utes$B A+it& current tec&nology# *lastia *o"ies can *e manu'acture"# *ut t&e pro"uction o' *lastia cores is impossi*le$B 89RI So *asically# cores are )ery )alua*le# since t&ey &a)e to *e e;ca)ate"$ It:s only natural t&at t&ie)es !oul" !ant to steal t&em$ RITA T&at:s not 6uite true$ It seems Estelle:s in'ormation is a little out"ate"$ .AROL +&at:s out"ate" a*out it1 RITA T&ere:s some "egra"ation o' 6uality# *ut t&ere:s *een some success in t&e synt&esis o' simple *lastia cores$ ESTELLE Really13 RITA T&at:s !&y I !oul"n:t "o anyt&ing stupi" li%e go stealing people:s cores3 I' I &a" time to !aste "oing t&ings li%e t&at# I:" rat&er *e spen"ing it researc&ing *etter !ays to completely restore incomplete or "egra"e" cores$ T&at:s !&at *eing a mage is all a*out3 89RI A no*le cree"$ (ut t&at "oesn:t clear your name$ RITA (*lus&ing) >8es# tal% is c&eap# I suppose$ ESTELLE P-per&aps t&ere are still some *lastia le't t&at can *e use"3 They find a blastia structure. .AROL T&is one:s still got a core in it$ RITA 0ere# try s&ooting t&is at t&e core$ 89RI T&is ring:s set !it& somet&ing t&at loo%s ,ust li%e a *lastia core$ ESTELLE /lyp& =rystalli?ation o' a 'ormula allo!s t&is *lastia to emit aer as nee"e"$ RITA T&at:s not 6uite t&e *est !ay to put it$ It:s actually use" to c&arge ot&er *lastia !it& aer$ >(ut !ait# &o! "i" you %no! t&at1 ESTELLE I t&e castle I rea" t&at t&e ring acts as a %in" o' %ey in ancient ruins$ RITA =astle1 (Estelle co)ers &er mout&) 89RI So all I "o is point1

RITA

+>9,/1AT+,> RITA The blastia glows. ESTELLE T&at:s a stri&m crest$ It:s a mar% t&at in"icates mo)ement$ 89RI 0u&$ Interesting$ Steps rise up from the water. A rock monster wakes up and emerges from a nearby wall. .AROL 3 0ey# !&-!&at:s t&at>1 RITA A sentinel 'or ta%ing care o' un!ante" guests$ 89RI O%ay t&en# %eep your eyes open an" let:s %eep mo)ing$ RITA Are you sure1 +&at i' I:m ,ust luring you "eeper into t&e ruins so I can A?apB you1 89RI I:m starting to t&in% I:" rat&er try my luc% !it& t&e golem$ (gi)es t&e ring *ac% to Rita) RITA >0ere# you ta%e it$ 89RI Isn:t t&is t&ing important or somet&ing1 RITA +e:ll nee" to use it a 'e! more times$ 89RI O%ay# I guess I:" *etter &ol" it since I:m lea"ing t&e !ay$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Sorcerer:s Ring$ S+IT The Sor,ererB* Rin0 S+IT 5id 6ou Say =Ca*t)e>7 A merfish sneaks up behind the party for a 7Surprise Attack.8 89RI It loo%s li%e t&ey:)e messe" up our or"er> Let:s ta%e Mem "o!n3 RITA 9&# !-!&at t&e>I !as lea"ing up t&e rear o' t&e party# an" no! I:m in 'ront13 .AROL T&at !as scary> I "i"n:t e;pect to *e am*us&e" 'rom *e&in" li%e t&at$ 89RI +ell# I guess !e ,ust can:t e)er let our guar" "o!n !&ere t&ere are monsters a*out$ ESTELLE I' t&ey attac% 'rom t&e rear# any o' us coul" get pulle" into *attle$ 89RI Rig&t>Let:s *e care'ul an" &ope t&at "oesn:t &appen again$ RITA 0mm$ T&is only &appens !it& a preempti)e attac%$ 89RI Preempti)e attac%s# e&> RITA +&at1 .AROL (anot&er mer'is&) 8ou guys3 It:s *ac%3 RITA 0it it !it& !&at I ga)e you ,ust no!3 89RI 0u&1 8ou mean !it& t&is>1 RITA 7o it# no!3 (uses t&e sorcerer:s ring on mer'is&) 89RI I get it no!# so t&at:s &o! it !or%s$ ESTELLE I "i"n:t %no! it can *e use" li%e t&at# too$ RITA Rig&t$ Let:s get a mo)e on$ =&est Apple /el ;D =&est O&%a ;D =&est =&ain ;D =&est Long S!or" ;D =&est /reat A;e ;D =&est Orange /el ;D

<ust aim t&e Sorcerer:s Ring at t&e core o' t&at *lastia$ Face your target# an" s&oot$ T&ere:s a limit to its range# t&oug&$ /o on$ Try it$ Bress F to shoot with the sorcerer"s ring. >T&at:s all it ta%es$

=&est

Stiletto ;D

+n the back of the ruins, they find a inoperative Coliath. /ita runs to e amine it. 89RI 0-&ey3 .AROL <ee?# !&at is t&is t&ing13 So t&is is a *lastia# too1 89RI (ut !&at I !ant is t&e a6ue *lastia# not t&is t&is> t&is puppet$ RITA +&at are you "oing1 7on:t ,ust go po%ing at &im li%e t&at3 /ita walks around to the back of the Coliath. RITA I' I can ,ust analy?e &im# I:ll 'inally *e a*le to complete my anima 'ormu--&u&1 o3 0is *lastia core is missing3 -A/E 3 The mage runs to hide behind a nearby pillar. 89RI Rita# loo%s li%e one o' your 'rien"s is &ere$ RITA (+al%s *ac% aroun" to t&e 'ront o' t&e /oliat&) 0ey3 +&o:re you1 The mage emerges from behind the pillar. -A/E --me1 I:m ,ust a *lastia researc&er 'rom Aspio3 89RI >T&at soun"e" con)incing$ -A/E An" ,ust !&o are all o' you1 T&is place is o''limits# you %no!33 RITA I t&in% you ,ust ga)e yoursel' a!ay$ I "on:t %no! !&o you are# *ut you:re "e'initely not 'rom Aspio i' you "on:t recogni?e me$ .AROL >/uess s&e:s got no pro*lems !it& mo"esty$ 1age hesitates then runs behind the Coliath, holding an ob&ect in his hand. )uri unsheathes his sword. -A/E /a&3 T&is ,o* is ,ust 'ull o' pro*lems$ I' it:s not t&e %nig&ts# it:s a *unc& o' %i"s3 The mage places the ob&ect into the golem. .AROL Aaa&# it:s mo)ing3 The Colem swings his arm. /ita is standing within its range. ESTELLE Rita /ita is hit by the Coliath"s arm and slams into a stone pillar, unconscious. ESTELLE (Runs to &er) Let me see>3 /ita opens her eyes and grabs =stelle"s wrist to e amine the blastia bracelet RITA +ait a minute> ESTELLE +-!&at13 RITA 0o! "i" you>1 ESTELLE I !as ,ust trying to &eal your !oun"s> The Coliath slams his fists into the stone floor. .arol, /epede and )uri scatter. .AROL 0ey you guys3 stop playing aroun" an" &elp us3 RITA /rr> All rig&t# all rig&t3 The mage runs for it. RITA I:m going a'ter t&at i"iot3 8ou all ta%e care o' t&is3 89RI +&at "o you mean you:ll lea)e it to us1 0o!:re you gonna get t&roug&13 RITA /rr> T&at i"iot3 (po!ers up &er magic arte) 89RI I guess !e:)e got no c&oice *ut to play !it& t&is !in"-up toy 'or no!$ RITA Let:s get t&is o)er !it& an" go a'ter t&at ,er%3

((attle) .AROL ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

I can:t *elie)e t&is t&ing:s mo)ing3 =an !e really "e'eat somet&ing t&is *ig1 Please>*e still$ I "on:t t&in% t&is t&ing:s going to listen$ u&> u&> I ,ust t&oug&t> T&e s!or" !or%s *etter on cra?y t&ings li%e t&is$ A&&# I "on:t %no! i' I can *ring mysel' to> !e gotta teac& &im a lesson

A'ter t&e (attle5 Spoken 2ialogG>o Te t: =ST=;;= )uri, was that the man you were chasingA )*/+ ;et"s go chase him down. .A/,; Ahh manDA >o breakA The goliath falls to the floor a final time. RITA All t&at:s le't is to cut o'' its po!er supply> I:m sorry> )uri and /epede walk away. =stelle stands looking at the Coliath. .arol yells to /ita. .AROL Rita# &urry3 RITA (still stan"ing on t&e 'allen /oliat&:s s&oul"er) All rig&t# all rig&t3 /ita walks away looking at =stelle over her shoulder. RITA =ome on3 Let:s go3 ESTELLE (still loo%ing at t&e /oliat&) (ut Flynn> 89RI T&ere can:t *e many %nig&ts &ere i' our s&a"y 'rien" in t&e cloa% is ,ust !an"ering aroun"$ ESTELLE (turning aroun") So you t&in% Flynn is> 89RI I "on:t t&in% &e:s &ere anymore$ =ome on3 =stelle stands by the Coliath as they walk away. /ita mutters to herself as they go. RITA I' I:" ,ust &a" a little more time I coul":)e 'igure" out t&e anima 'ormula3 .AROL Is t&at !&y !e !ere 'ig&ting t&at t&ing1 RITA O' course$ (Estelle catc&es up !it& t&em) .AROL 8ou suc%3 RITA 8ou !ere alrea"y &ere loo%ing 'or t&e t&ie'$ I ,ust &a" you guys &elp out a little$ 89RI Let:s go3 Let:s go3 They return to the beginning of the ruins. .AROL Loo%# t&ere &e is3 The mage is surrounded by ribbits and /epede lunges at the mage. The mage sets the ribbits upon the party. A'ter t&e *attle Spoken 2ialogueG>o Te t After the battle: )*/+ Think you can beat us with an ambushA =ST=;;= -e can"t lose here. RITA -A/E 0o! can &e ,ust steal t&e core an" !al% o'' li%e t&at>1 (scare" o' Repe"e) Aaa&3 Stop3 --ma%e &im stop3

I:)e only *een &ire" to "o a ,o*> I !as tol" I:" get a goo" price 'or any *lastia cores I coul" 'in"$ 89RI 8ou stole cores 'rom t&e imperial capital too# "i"n:t you1 -A/E T&e capital1 o !ay# not me3 89RI T&en may*e it !as one o' your 'rien"s$ -A/E 8-yea&3 It:s t&at creep# 7e"ecc&i$ /ita listens, not smiling, crosses her arms, eyes closed, nodding slightly. 89RI +&ere:" &e run o'' to1 -A/E 0e:s pro*a*ly pic%ing up &is money 'rom a client rig&t no!$ 89RI =lient# &u&1 An" !&o e;actly mig&t t&at *e1 -A/E All I %no! is &e:s some!&ere in Torim 0ar*or$ I "on:t %no! any more t&an t&at3 0e !as a &uge *ruiser o' a guy !it& a scar on &is rig&t c&ee% an" one eye missing$ 89RI (c&in in &an") So is t&is t&e guy collecting all t&e cores>1 RITA An" !&ere "i" you steal t&at Sorcerer:s Ring1 -A/E $h who *ay* I *to)e it7 the ,)ient 0ave it to 9e1 *aid it wou)d (e u*e3u) 3or thi* Co(4 RITA Liar$ T&at:s not somet&ing t&e *oss o' some pic%poc%ets coul" get &is &an"s on$ -A/E 0-&onest3 8ou gotta *elie)e me3 .AROL T&is t&ing soun"s pretty *ig$ 8ou t&in% some*o"y important is *e&in" it all1 89RI I t&in% you:re on t&e rig&t trac%# =aptain .arol$ T&is "oesn:t soun" li%e some or"inary *an" o' t&ie)es$ The mage clenches his fists and stomps his foot. -A/E -an3 'irst t&e .nig&ts# t&en t&e monsters# no! t&is> ESTELLE .nig&t1 t&en Flynn !as &ere a'ter all$ -A/E 8ea&# t&at:s &im$ T&at "amn %nig&t3 /ita slugs the mage with her chain whip. %e falls to the floor unconscious. RITA S&ut up3 .AROL /reat# Rita$ 8ou %noc%e" &im out> o! !&at1 RITA I:ll &a)e t&e city guar"s come pic% &im up later$ (!al%s a!ay) 89RI All rig&t t&en# Let:s get *ac% to Aspio$ (ac% at Aspio entrance5 ESTELLE >So Flynn !asn:t in t&ere# eit&er$ RITA So !&o is t&is %nig&t# e;actly1 ESTELLE 0e:s 8uri:s 'rien"$ RITA 0mmm# AyourB 'rien"1 T&at must *e a pain$ 89RI 0u&1 RITA e)er min"$ So !&at *rings &im to t&is to!n1 )uri, .arol, /epede head for the entrance while /ita and =stelle stay where they are and talk. ESTELLE 0e !as loo%ing 'or a mage to repair 0alure:s *arrier *lastia> RITA (starts !al%ing) O&&>t&at roo%ie> 0e came to see me# too$ ESTELLE (runs to intercept Rita) Flynn "i"1 +as &e all rig&t1 RITA 8ea&# I guess$

.AROL RITA ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE RITA 89RI ESTELLE RITA

89RI RITA 89RI RITA I FOR-ATIO S+IT

8ou guess1 Since &e:s a %nig&t# I:m sure &e got some mage or anot&er to &elp$ -ay*e &e:s alrea"y *ac% in 0alure1 >O&# no> +ell1 7o you trust me yet1 I "on:t t&in% Rita:s t&e sort o' person to steal$ (turns aroun") Vouc& 'or &er c&aracter all you li%e# *ut t&at "oesn:t pro)e &er innocence$ (ut>3 7on:t *ot&er trying to ma%e &im *elie)e me$ (ut# I really "i"n:t "o it# y:%no!$ 0mp&$ +ell# I guess researc& seems to 'it you *etter t&an ro**ery$ 8uri isn:t )ery goo" at e;pressing &is 'eelings$ >+&at a !eir"o$ I:m going to go let t&e city guar"s %no! a*out !&at &appene"$ go an" !ait 'or me in my la*$ (starts !al%ing) I "on:t t&in% t&ose stu**orn guar"s !ill let us pass t&roug& t&e entrance$ True$ T&en ta%e t&is !it& you$ S&o! t&is to t&e guar" an" t&ey s&oul" let you t&roug&$ T&an%s (as Rita runs past) (turning aroun") /ot it1 7on:t lea)e to!n !it&out my permission or you:ll *e sorry3 O*taine" Passport C)earin0 RitaB* "a9e

Rita:s 0ut5 )uri is laying on the floor on his back. .arol sits propped up against a blastia and /epede lies down nearby. =stelle paces the floor in front of them. 89RI I' you:re t&at !orrie" a*out Flynn# !oul" you rat&er lea)e no!1 ESTELLE It:s ,ust> I:)e got to say a proper goo"*ye to Rita> 89RI T&en ta%e it easy$ .AROL +&at are you gonna "o a'ter t&is# 8uri1 89RI I guess I:ll go pay a )isit to t&e guy *e&in" all t&is core stealing$ It soun"s li%e 7e"ecc&i en"e" up going to t&e same place# too$ .AROL In t&at case# !e s&oul" ma%e a *eeline 'or or 0ar*or$ 89RI 7i"n:t &e say Torim 0ar*or1 .AROL O& rig&t# you "on:t %no!$ 89RI 7on:t %no! !&at1 .AROL or an" Torim are *ot& ports o' a city t&at e;ten"s across t!o "i''erent continents$ On t&e Ilyccian si"e# !&ere !e are no!# is t&e port o' =apua or$ People call it or 0ar*or$ =apua Torim is t&e port on t&e ot&er si"e# on t&e Tol*yccian continent$ It:s usually ,ust calle" Torim 0ar*or$ So 'irst !e:ll go to or 0ar*or$ +e:ll &a)e to pass *y E&mea" 0ill on t&e !ay# *ut it:s not t&at 'ar !est 'rom &ere$

ESTELLE

I:ll *e going *ac% to 0alure$ I still nee" to 'ollo! Flynn$ 89RI >0mm# I "on:t %no!$ -ay*e I:ll &ea" *ac% to 0alure# too$ .AROL 0u&1 +&y1 0o! can you ,ust say t&at1 T&e t&ie':s gonna get a!ay3 89RI T&ere:s no reason to panic$ Accor"ing to our 'rien" in t&e ruins# it soun"s li%e &is client:s *ase" t&ere$ (esi"es# i' !e:re going !est# t&at !ill ta%e us close to 0alure$ .AROL A!! man# *ut I> 89RI 8ou gotta *e some!&ere1 A sic% girl'rien" !it& an incura*le "isease or somet&ing1 .AROL -an# i' only s&e really !as a 'rail girl li%e t&at> The door opens and /ita walks in. RITA I %no! I as%e" you to !ait 'or me# *ut you sure ma"e yoursel)es at &ome# "i"n:t you1 89RI Hstan"s upI Sorry 'or suspecting you$ RITA +&at a &eart'elt apology$ I:ll ta%e it t&oug&$ It !or%e" out pretty !ell 'or me# too$ ESTELLE Rita1 89RI +ell# t&an%s 'or t&e &ospitality$ RITA +&at1 /oing so soon1 89RI +e "on:t !ant to o)erstay our !elcome$ Plus# !e:re in a *it o' a &urry$ ESTELLE I:m so &appy to &a)e met you# Rita$ I:m a'rai" !e &a)e to go no!$ I:ll t&an% you properly later$ RITA O%ay> They leave. S+IT The 2rai) <ir)3riend

They get as far as the pla!a. /ita follows them. 89RI I' you:re seeing us o''# !e:ll say goo"*ye &ere$ RITA I:m going !it& you$ .AROL 8-you:re "oing !&at1 89RI O&# so t&is is !&y you tol" us not to lea)e !it&out saying goo"*ye# &u&1 RITA 8ea&$ .AROL Is t&at it1 <ust Ayea&1B 89RI =an you ,ust lea)e li%e t&at1 8ou:re an important mage &ere rig&t1 RITA >0mm> (gets an i"ea) I !ant to see 0alure:s *arrier *lastia 'or mysel'$ It:s no goo" to t&e people t&ere i' it:s *ro%en# rig&t1 .AROL Actually# t&e t&ree o' us 'i;e" it toget&er$ RITA 0u&1 +&at "o you mean you A'i;e"B it1 8ou:re ,ust amateurs$ .AROL 8ou %no!# !e re)i)e" it$ It !as great3 Estel-89RI Let:s ,ust say it !as *eginner:s luc%$ RITA o! I:m really !orrie"$ I:ll &a)e to go see i' it:s *een "one properly or not$ 89RI Suit yoursel'$ =stelle runs over to /ita. RITA +-!&at13 ESTELLE I:)e ne)er &a" a real 'rien" my o!n age *e'ore3

RITA ESTELLE RITA S+IT

I-I:m not so sure !e:re-T&is is going to *e so muc& 'un3 8-yea&> .ri0in o3 the A,ade9i, City

---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Briona, Part '# ,n a return trip to /ita"s %ut, .arol picks up a small blastia to look at it. They take another look at the blastia in /ita"s %ut. 89RI 8ou really li%e *lastia# "on:t you1 RITA (to .arol) 0ey# I tol" you not to touc& Victoria !it& your grimy little &an"s3 .AROL Vic-Victoria1 7o you mean t&is *lastia>1 89RI 0o! come you li%e t&em so muc&1 RITA 0o! come> (ecause t&ey:re 'un3 T&e !ay t&ey !or%# t&e t&eory *e&in" t&em> Arg&# I "on:t %no!> I:)e ne)er t&oug&t a*out it3 =an you gi)e reasons !&y you li%e t&e t&ings you li%e1 89RI +ell# t&ere are "e'initely some t&ings I li%e 'or no particular reason$ I guess t&e reason I li%e t&em is *ecause>I li%e t&em$ RITA E;actly$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------S+IT ort&ern Ramp -ALE -A/E S+IT =ircular Pla?a5 FE-ALE -A/E people> S+IT -ALE -A/E Trave)in0 with Thi* Bun,h 8ou people &a)e -or"io !it& you1 0o! unusual /oing o'' *lastia-&unting again# e&1 RitaB* A0e 7i" somet&ing &appen on E&mea" 0ill1 One o' my colleagues !ent t&ere !it& se)eral ot&er Rita and Re%ede 0ey# you people>you ,ust let yoursel)es into t&e ruins# "i"n:t you1 +e can:t &a)e t&at$ Laypeople aren:t allo!e" in t&ere$ 8ou %no!# t&e rig&ts to t&ose ruins use" to *e ours> "amn it all3 Al!ays getting *eat out *y -or"io>

Ramp lea"ing 'rom circular pla?a to top le)el o' li*rary5 -ALE -A/E T&e Tree o' 0alure !it&ering an" *looming again is simply natural pro)i"ence$ 3r" Le)el o' Li*rary5 FE-ALE -A/E I' 0alure:s *lastia e)ol)es *y a"opting organic traits> +oul" it *e possi*le to 'orce e)olution in &umans t&roug& t&e use o' *lastia>1 +oul" you min" not *ot&ering me rig&t no!1 I:m trying to t&in% a*out t&e &uman *o"ies an" organic traits$

En" Le)el o' Li*rary5 -ALE -A/E 0alure1 O&# t&e to!n !it& t&e *arrier t&at ser)es as t&e *est representati)e e;ample o' *lastia !it& organic properties1 +&at a*out it1 I really ne)er lea)e t&e to!n# so I:m not )ery !ellin'orme"$ ot t&at I particularly !ant to *e$ On t&e +orl" -ap5 S+IT Bi0 <a9e in a S9a)) Pa,ka0e

HALURE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The tree is in full bloom and petals float in the bree!e. RITA 0-&ey3 T&e tree:s alrea"y *looming1 .AROL 0e& &e&# I tol" you3 +e *roug&t t&e tree *ac% to li'e$ /ita walks over to .arol and smacks him on the head and runs off. -A8OR O&# you:)e returne"3 <ust as t&e %nig&t sai"$ -alks down the stairs of his house to meet them. ESTELLE 9mm>"o you mean Flynn1 -A8OR 9n'ortunately# you ,ust misse" &im$ .AROL o !ay3 ot again> -A8OR 0e !as 6uite surprise" t&at t&e *arrier &a" *een 'i;e"$ ESTELLE 9mm>!oul" you &appen to %no! !&ic& !ay &e !ent1 -A8OR o>I:m sorry# I "on:t %no!> 0o!e)er# &e "i" entrust me !it& a letter$ %ands the letter to )uri and bows. )uri opens the envelope and unfolds a wanted poster of himself. .AROL +&a1 A-a !ante" poster1 +&-!&y1 89RI I guess I ma"e a little too muc& misc&ie'> .AROL +-!&at %in" o' misc&ie' gets you into t&is13 ESTELLE I-it:s my 'ault> 89RI O& come on> Only S#PPP /al"1 .AROL T&at:s !ay too &ig& 'or ,ust *rea%ing out o' ,ail3 8ou must &a)e "one somet&ing else3 ESTELLE S-so# !&at "oes t&e letter say1 (8uri &an"s it to Estelle) AI:m going to or 0ar*or$B A=atc& up !it& me$B 89RI A=atc& up !it& me#B &u&1 Easy 'or &im to say$ ESTELLE 0e also !rites t&at !e s&oul" !atc& out 'or assassins$ 89RI +o!# &e e)en %no!s !e:re *eing &unte"3 .AROL Soun"s li%e t&is guy %no!s !&at &e:s "oing$ 89RI Loo%s li%e !e &a)e some "angerous people a'ter us no!$ +&at are you gonna "o1 ESTELLE +ell>umm> 89RI I:m going to go to or 0ar*or$ I coul" pass on a message 'or you# i' you !ant$ ESTELLE (ut>I> 89RI T&in% a*out !&at you !ant to "o$ I:m gonna go ma%e sure Rita isn:t causing too muc& trou*le$ (!al%s o'') I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& Estelle# .arol an" Rita$

-ayor:s 0ouse5 -A8OR

E)er since you &elpe" us out# I:)e *een telling people a*out t&e miracle o' t&at young la"y$ I &ope you "on:t min"> -iracle san"!ic&es# miracle can"y> I:)e *een t&in%ing up a lot o' pro"ucts too$ -A8OR:S +IFE o! 0alure is sa'e# too$ As t&e Tree protects us# !e s&all protect t&e tree$ People Outsi"e t&e -ayor:s 0ouse5 LITTLE (O8 0o3 Listen3 T&e Tree o' 0alure &as come *ac% to li'e3 9&> I "i"n:t mean to say# A0o$B >0ey3 I guess a "octor came to see t&e Tree$ 8O9 / +O-A T&is is t&e =ity o' (lossoms# 0alure$ T&ere are so many tourists lately3 -A T&ere seems to *e a to!n o' mages to t&e east o' t&is to!n$ I:" li%e to go t&ere an" stu"y t&e *lastia$ I:" li%e to go to Aspio *ut t&e *lastia !oul" pro*a*ly not come out$ It:s ,ust my luc%$ Outsi"e t&e /eneral Store ARegulusB5 .RIT8A +O-A T&is !orl" is 'ull o' su''ering> (ut loo%ing at t&e 'lo!ers in t&is city ma%es me gla" t&at I:m ali)e$ O&> I:m so gla" t&e Tree came *ac% to li'e> ear t&e Foot*ri"ge5 7O/ O+oo' !oo'O O+oooo'O ESTELLE I &a)e to>$Flynn> .RIT8A +O-A +e:ll *e a*le to !atc& t&e *lossoms again> 0a)ing "rin%s !&ile !atc&ing t&e *lossoms> Flo!er )ie!ing# 'lo!er )ie!ing3 Hmusical noteI Outsi"e t&e Inn5 LITTLE /IRL T&e &istoric ol" 7ene*ola inn is rig&t a*o)e t&e stairs$ Stop *y i' you:re tire"$ +e get 3PP /al" !&en !e &elp our "a"$ I' you 'ollo! t&e &ill up# you:ll come to t&e tree o' 0alure$ T&ree types o' 'lo!ers *loom on it>o&# "o you alrea"y %no! a*out t&em1 0o! can t&ree "i''erent 'lo!ers *loom on one tree>1 (muttering to &imsel') I "on:t un"erstan" 8uri anymore> An" Estelle too> I tra)ele" all t&e !ay &ere to see t&e 'lo!ers> I:m gla" it !asn:t a !aste$ I !on"er !&en t&e *est time 'or 'lo!er )ie!ing is1 Isn:t it great t&at t&e Tree o' 0alure !as re)i)e"1 (ut> !e:re !orrie" a*out !&at !e s&oul" "o to ensure t&e tree "oes not "ie$ T&e more t&e Tree *looms# t&e more concerne" I am$ 0mmm>

8O9 / +O-A

Fountain Area5 .AROL -A -A (STA 7I /) (SITTI /)

Pat& to t&e /reat Tree5 -A o!# !e:ll *e sa'e e)en i' t&e monsters attac%$ I really# really "on:t !ant to *e eaten> RITA (at Tree:s *ase) >I can:t *elie)e it$ I:)e ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e t&is$ T&e 'lo!ers are in 'ull *loom e)en t&oug& it:s not t&e season 'or it> An" t&e *arrier:s strong# too$ 7i" Estellise really "o t&is1 89RI +&at "o you mean1 RITA .arol let it slip !&en !e !ere lea)ing Aspio$ 8ou trie" to c&ange t&e su*,ect# *ut it !as too late$ 89RI (sits "o!n on t&e groun") /uess I *le! t&at one$ RITA +e mages &a)e not&ing e)en remotely li%e s&e &as$ 89RI So you ,ust "eci"e" to come !it& us to eliminate t&e competition1 RITA 7on:t *e ri"iculous3 I &a)e a 'ormula t&at I &a)e to !or% out3 89RI A 'ormula1 +&at "o you mean1 RITA >It:s not&ing$ Forget a*out it$ So !&at "i" you !ant1 8ou came &ere 'or somet&ing# rig&t1 89RI +ell# t&at ,ust too% care o' a*out &al' o' it$ RITA So !&at:s t&e ot&er &al'1 89RI 8ou sai" t&at it:s easy !or%ing !it& *lastia *ecause t&ey ne)er *etray you$ RITA 8ea&1 So1 89RI 8ou an" Estelle are *ot& &uman$ 8ou:re not *lastia$ RITA >O&# I get it$ 8ou:re !orrie" 'or &er$ !orrie" I mig&t &urt &er$ 89RI Estelle:s &onest$ /oo"$ 9nli%e you or me$ I:m ,ust saying> 7on:t "o anyt&ing rec%less$ (!al%s a!ay t&en stops a 'e! 'eet a&ea" o' Rita) =ome on# let:s go *ac%$ .arol an" Estelle are !aiting 'or us$ RITA (to &ersel'# loo%ing *ac% at t&e tree) I:)e 'inally 'oun" t&e clue I !as loo%ing 'or$ I !ant to *e all %in"s o' rec%less> I FOR-ATIO Rita ,oine" t&e party S+IT Revivin0 the Tree

)uri, /epede and /ita find =stelle and .arol in the company of ;eblanc and his minions. LE(LA = o!# come *ac% !it& us !&ile you can3 A7E=OR I say# !e:)e come to courteously escort you *ac% to t&e capital3 (O==OS An" t&en !e can clamp 8uri in c&ains !&ere &e *elongs3 A"e"or 3 (O==OS 3 )uri and /epede walk toward them. LE(LA = I:)e *een !aiting 'or you# 8uri Looo!ell3 7on:t you mo)e a muscle3 89RI <ee?# t&is guy ne)er lets up# "oes &e1 LE(LA = An ol" ac6uaintance you may *e# *ut to"ay I can o)erloo% your transgressions no longer3 ESTELLE 8uri isn:t a *a" person$ I as%e" &im to go !it& me3

LE(LA =

Arg&# 8uri# you ru''ian3 8ou:re coercing La"y Estellise3 ESTELLE o3 T&is is !&at I really !ant3 I:ll go *ac% to t&e castle$ <ust lea)e me *e 'or a little longer3 LE(LA = I cannot allo! t&at3 Return to t&e castle !it& us3 ESTELLE I can:t go *ac%$ Please un"erstan" t&is3 LE(LA = (to minions) +e &a)e no c&oice$ +e:ll &a)e to appre&en" t&e criminal as !ell> Adecor and $occos attack. (O==OS .iss your 'ree"om goo"*ye# 'or it en"s to"ay3 A7E=OR I say# prepare to 'ace t&e Imperial .nig&ts: ultimate 'ig&ting arte# t&e O)er Limit3 89RI T&e O)er Limit "oesn:t *elong to t&e .nig&ts3 Anyone can "o it# last time I c&ec%e"$ A7E=OR I say# *e 6uiet3 .AROL 8uri# !&at:s an O)er Limit1 89RI It:s a tec&ni6ue to increase your a*ilities !&ile 'ig&ting$ 0o! "o you "o it again1 (O==OS 8ou 'ool3 0o! coul" you 'orget somet&ing li%e t&at1 A7E=OR I say# I s&all ,og your memory3 (ut a'ter t&at# I say# I s&all gi)e you a non-stop tic%et on t&e train o' "eat&3 Adecor runs forward and takes a swipe at )uri with his sword. A7E=OR First>attac%3 (8uri ta%es a step *ac% an" "oes not return t&e attac%) =urse you3 8aa&3 Attac%3 Attac%3 89RI O&# rig&t$ 8ou attac% t&e enemy# an" t&at raises your *attle spirit$ (O==OS (last3 8our &its are not connecting at all3 )uri swings his sword and knocks Adecor off his feet A7E=OR Ac%>3 (sitting up# s&a%ing &is &ea") Ouc&> I say# t&at &urt> I cannot# I say# stan" t&is any longer>3 89RI O& yea&# your *attle spirit goes up i' you:re attac%e"# too$ I FOR-ATIO T&e gauge 'ills up as you attac% or !&en you recei)e an attac%$ 89RI All rig&t>an" t&en# i' you release t&e *attle spirit t&at you:)e store" up> I FOR-ATIO Press (t&e "irectional *utton) to go into O)er Limit spo%en "ialogueJno te;t 89RI (engul'e" in a *lue glo!) I:ll *lo! you a!ay3 (stri%es A"ecor# %noc%ing &im o'' &is 'eet) A7E=OR T&at:s enoug& 'or to"ay$ .AROL +o!>8uri# t&at:s ama?ing> I FOR-ATIO 8ou can use *asic attac%s an" artes consecuti)ely "uring an O)er Limit$ (O==OS +e mustn:t let &is po!er c&arge up any more3 89RI I:)e got you ,ust !&ere I !ant you> A battle ensues, Adecor and $occos are knocked down. spo%en "ialogueJno te;t--a'ter *attle 89RI ice !or%# men$ ESTELLE I:m sorry>I can:t go *ac%$ As ;eblanc walks toward them, Adecor and $occos struggle to their feet.

LE(LA = 9rrg&3 +&at a s&ame3 (turns a!ay in "isgust) /ita prepares an arte. .AROL 9&# Rita> /ita blasts ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos with a arte knocking them off their feet again. RITA S&e says s&e:s not going *ac%# so get lost3 ESTELLE 8uri3 It:s t&em again3 Two red-eyes are lurking on top of the Ceneral Store. 89RI 7amn it# I %ne! t&ey !ere still a'ter us$ RITA +&at is it t&is time13 .AROL +&-!&at "o you mean1 89RI I:ll e;plain later3 .arol# !&ic& !ay is or 0ar*or1 .AROL 9&# a&# it:s !est3 +est3 8ou go o)er E&mea" 0ill an" =upua or is rig&t t&ere$ )uri, /epede and .arol take off running. =stelle looks confused. /ita talks to her. RITA All rig&t# let:s go no!# t&en$ ESTELLE (ut# I can:t> RITA >Arg&3 -a%e a "ecision3 +&ic& "o you really !ant to "o1 .eep tra)eling !it& us# or go &ome1 ESTELLE (t&in%ing) >I:m going to %eep tra)eling$ RITA A !ise c&oice3 An" one t&at t&ose %nig&ts surely !oul"n:t *e a*le to agree !it&$ They run, passing )uri who"s talking to ;eblanc and his minions. 89RI Imperial .nig&t Point CD5 A+it& t&is s!or" I s&all protect t&e people# A!asn:t it1 /ed-eyes approach, ready for battle. LE(LA = In"ee"33 =ome on (oys# let:s s&o! t&em !&at t&e Imperial .nig&ts are ma"e o'3 ;eblanc gives the signal and Adecor and $occos run to engage the redeyes. ESTELLE (loo%ing *ac% at Le*lanc @ minions) >I:m sorry$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& Estelle an" .arol$ I' you return to 0alure rig&t a'ter t&e *attle# you see t&is5 ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos face-off three red-eyes. A7E=OR T&at !as not&ing3 (O==OS T&ese trou*lema%ers3 LE(LA = In t&e &onor o' t&e Empire3 I s&all "e'eat you3 On t&e !orl" map t&ey &ea" !est$ EHMEA5 HILL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ RITA .AROL .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI RITA .AROL So t&is is E&mea" 0ill1 8ea&>*ut> (loo%ing aroun") T&at:s !eir"> T&e *arrier:s gone$ 8ou mean t&ere !as a *arrier &ere1 T&ere !as !&en I !as &ere *e'ore$ Sort o' a !aste to &a)e a *arrier in a place !it& no people# i' you as% me$ Are you sure you aren:t mista%en1 I:m pretty 'amiliar !it& t&e *arrier locations# *ut &ere1 8ou ,ust &a)en:t &ear" a*out &is one$ an tol" me it

!as only put &ere recently$ +&o is an# .arol1 0u&>1 9&# s&e:s um> 8ou %no!# s&e:s ,ust a 'rien" 'rom my guil"$ I-I:m gonna go see i' I can 'in" anyt&ing out3 (runs a&ea") RITA I t&in% I:ll &a)e a loo% mysel'$ (!al%s 'or!ar") 89RI All rig&t# ne)er min" us# guys$ I:m not gonna go loo% 'or t&em i' t&ey get lost$ ESTELLE S&all !e# 8uri1 Several robed men and +mperial Cuards are gathered around the smoking remains of a huge blastia lying across the road. /ita walked closer to e amine it. -age CD 0ey# &ey3 o outsi"ers allo!e"3 RITA Let me t&roug&3 I:m Rita -or"io o' t&e Imperial (lastia Researc& La*oratory$ -age CD (*o!s) O&# you:re a mage 'rom Aspio1 (Rita goes to e;amine t&e *lastia) E;cuse me3 O&# *ut you can:t ,ust "o as you please3 Let me go an" as% t&eT /ita ignores him, so he runs away to get help. 89RI 0u&# I coul" use some o' &er attitu"e$ ESTELLE I t&in% you &a)e plenty alrea"y> .AROL (running to t&em) 0ey3 Listen to t&is33 ()ery e;cite") It !as li%e *am3 A spear !ent t&un%3 T&e *lastia !ent *ang3 An" &e 'le! o'' into t&e s%y li%e !&oos&3 89RI +&o "i" !&at &o!> &u&1 .AROL Someone ri"ing a 'lying "ragon# t&re! a giant spear at t&e *lastia3 An" t&en ,ust 'le! o''3 89RI A &uman ri"ing a "ragon1 o !ay$ 1ore Cuards and mages run past them to the blastia. ESTELLE I:)e ne)er &ear" o' anyt&ing li%e t&at *e'ore$ .AROL T&at:s !&at I t&oug&t too# *ut a *unc& o' people &ere sa! it &appen3 T&ey say it !as a A"ragon ri"er$: 89RI A "ragon ri"er> 0mmm$ +ell# t&e !orl":s ,ust 'ull o' surprises$ ESTELLE .AROL They hear /ita"s raised voice coming from the blastia and turn around. RITA 0ey3 +&at "o you t&in% you:re "oing13 Let me go3 /ita has been apprehended by two +mperial Cuards while being confronted by one of the mages. .AROL T&ere s&e goes again$ RITA Somet&ing is "e'initely strange !it& t&is *lastia 'ormula3 -A/E CD T&ere:s not&ing strange at all$ Per&aps you are> RITA <ust !&o "o you t&in% I am31 -A/E CD I:m !ell a!are o' !&o you are$ T&e 'ame" genius mage# correct1 (ut surely t&ere are some 'ormulas t&at e)en you aren:t 'amiliar !it&3 RITA 8ou can:t use a !eir" 'ormula li%e t&is3 T&in% o' t&e poor *lastia3 -A/E CE (to t&e guar"s) 0-0ey3 Stop ga!%ing an" &elp us catc& &er3

The other guards run toward them and .arol snaps into action. .AROL Fire3 0ey# 'iiiiire3 /9AR7 CD +&at:s !it& t&at %i"1 /9AR7 CE A 'ire1 I "on:t &ear anyt&ing or smell anyt&ing> /9AR7 C3 .AROL .arol runs for it guards stops when /9AR7 (raises &is s!or" an" s&iel") 0ey3 8ou little liar3 =rap>t&ey caug&t on t&at 'ast1 and the three guards chase after him. ,ne of the he get a look at )uri. 0ey3 8ou are !it& t&at %i"> +ait a minute> 8ou--t&ere:s a !arrant 'or your-)uri runs to /ita and knocks the one guard remaining with her onto the round. 89RI (lo! )oice) It:s no! or ne)er> They both run. Another guard starts to give chase but is knocked over and held down by /epede. ESTELLE I:m sorry$ =stelle and /epede run off into the forest. The guard picks himself up off the ground. /9AR7 0ey3 Stop goo'ing o'' an" &elp catc& t&at %i"3 The fallen guard stand up and stares at the bushes they ran off into. /9AR7 (FALLE ) 7amn>3 Forest o' E"mea" 0ills5 I' you try to go *ac% to t&e roa"5 89RI 7on:t !ant to get caug&t *y t&e guar"s# t&an%s to you-%no!-!&o$ RITA (e 6uiet3 or F$$'ine3 I ,ust !on:t go near t&e *lastia# alrig&t13 Automatically returne" to t&e 'orest$ )uri, /ita and =stelle meet up in the forest. 89RI P&e!# loo%s li%e !e lost Mem$ /epede &oins them. ESTELLE O0u''O O&u''O Rita# you s&oul" really t&in% more *e'ore you act3 RITA O0u''O >T&at *arrier *lastia !as ,ust so strange# I coul"n:t &elp mysel'> 89RI Strange1 somet&ing 'is&y a*out it1 RITA I &a)e a 'eeling t&at may *e an un"erstatement$ )uri and =stelle e change a look. 89RI +ell# our &an"s are alrea"y 'ull as it is# so coul" you please %eep us out o' it1 RITA >It "oesn:t concern you# regar"less$ 9amiliar voices ring out. LE(LA =:S VOI=E 8uri Looo!ell3 +&ere &a)e you run o'' to no!1 ;eblanc passes by while searching the bushes. RITA 0ey# -r$ Famous# soun"s li%e you:)e got a 'an out t&ere$ )uri heaves a weary sigh. 89RI Again1 t&at guy gi)es a ne! meaning to t&e !or" A!or%a&olic$B A7E=OR (!al%s *y) La"y Estelliiiise3 I say# "o come out o' &i"ing3 RITA 8ou guys &a)e a lot o' pro*lems3 <ust !&o are you# any!ay1

ESTELLE 9mm# !ell# I:m> (O==OS: VOI=E 8uuuri# come out# come out# !&ere)er you are3 89RI 8ou can tal% a*out t&at later3 /epede &umps onto the trail and crouches, ready to attack. .AROL +aaaa&3 +ait# !ait3 It:s me3 /epede rela es and .arol runs out of the bushes. ESTELLE >Ac%# .arol>"on:t 'rig&ten us li%e t&at3 89RI Any!ay# let:s get our *utts to or 0ar*or *e'ore t&ings get any more complicate"$ ESTELLE +&ic& !ay !ere !e suppose" to go# again1 .AROL Let:s see# as t&e cro! 'lies> (points nort&) RITA Isn:t t&is a *east trail1 =an !e really go t&roug& &ere1 89RI +e:ll go as 'ar as !e can go# at least$ I "on:t !ant to get capture" again$ ESTELLE +e:ll nee" to *e on t&e loo%out 'or monsters# t&en$ 89RI -e&# !&at are one or t!o monsters to t&e *ra)e =aptain .arol1 .AROL 8-yea&# t&at:s rig&t3 T&oug& i' t&e *arrier !ere up# !e !oul"n:t &a)e to !orry a*out monsters at all> RITA I can:t stan" it3 +&y "oes some i"iot &a)e to go aroun" *rea%ing *lastia an" ma%ing our li)es "i''icult13 S+IT Can $e 2ina))y Meet 2)ynn7

A fork to the right, leads to a tall plant with orange flowers. RITA I "i"n:t %no! 'lo!ers li%e t&is gre! in t&e mountains3 ESTELLE Rita3 7on:t touc& it3 AIn&aling *illy*ally lea' pollen can lea" to )ertigo an" strong 'eelings o' e;&austion$B RITA 0mp&> /ita #uietly moves to stand behind .arol. ESTELLE 1 /ita shoves .arol into the billybally plants and the pollen e plodes into his face. .AROL 0ey# !&at:re you-3 RITA +&oops# Sorry3 ESTELLE (running to an a''ecte" .arol) .arol# are you o%ay13 She tries a healing arte, but it has no effect. 89RI ( oticing Rita closely !atc&ing Estelle) 8ou:re intereste" in &ealing artes1 RITA a&> (s&e !al%s a!ay) ESTELLE >It:s no use$ 0ealing artes "on:t !or% on t&is$ +e:ll ,ust &a)e to !ait until &e reco)ers naturally$ 89RI (%neeling *y .arol) 0o! long !ill t&at ta%e1 ESTELLE .arol# *e strong3 A'ter .arol reco)ers5 .AROL 9g&# Rita# you:re terri*le> RITA I sai" I !as sorry$ 89RI I' you:re all rig&t# t&en let:s go$ ESTELLE Let:s *e care'ul to stay a!ay 'rom t&e *illy*ally lea' 'rom no! on# o%ay1

S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT .AROL

$ho i* "an7 The 5ra0on Rider A "i,e1 2un1 Re)a/in0 Tri% The !a)ue o3 a Barrier B)a*tia

+&>+&at:s t&at1 /yaaaa&3 They look up and see a monster with gaping &aws. .AROL T&-t&at:s one o' t&e monsters t&at attac%e" 0alure )illage3 89RI A sur)i)or# &u&1 RITA I' !e lea)e it &ere it:ll surely go *ac% an" try to attac% 0alure again> ESTELLE (ut 0alure &as t&e *arrier protecting it no!$ 89RI E)en so# &o! are t&e people o' 0alure suppose" to sleep at nig&t !it& *easts li%e t&is cra!ling aroun" ,ust outsi"e t&e *arrier1 The beast roars and attacks. A'ter *attleJSpo%en "ialogueJno te;t .AROL +e> +e !on333 ESTELLE o! 0alure is sa'e as !ell 89RI I "on:t %no! .AROL ESTELLE .AROL 89RI S+IT +&-!&at t&e &ec%3 It &ar"ly put up a 'ig&t3 (ut t&ere coul" *e a "o?en more ,ust aroun" t&e corner> -no !orries# seriously3 +ell# let:s ,ust &ope t&ere aren:t too many more !&ere it came 'rom$ 5o0 Lan0ua0e

They follow the path high up into numerous cliffs. ESTELLE It:s *eauti'ul3 (runs a&ea" o' t&e ot&ers) RITA T&is is> The others climb to the peak as =stelle stands on edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. ESTELLE Loo%# 8uri$ It:s t&e ocean$ 89RI I can see t&at$ >T&e !in" 'eels great$ ESTELLE I:)e seen pictures in *oo%s *e'ore# *ut I:)e ne)er seen it up close li%e t&is$ .AROL +ell# people "on:t usually tra)el outsi"e t&e *arriers$ I' !e %eep going# !e can see all sorts o' t&ings# li%e t&e ,ungle or t&e =ity o' +ater'alls> ESTELLE T&ere are so many more t&ings !e coul" learn>i' only our ,ourney !oul" continue> 89RI I guess it:s true> I really !as li)ing in a small !orl"$ RITA T&at:s a rare moment o' sincerity# coming 'rom you$ .AROL It:s our 'irst time seeing it too# rig&t1 RITA +ell# yes# *ut> .AROL A!!> 8ou must:)e &a" suc& a lonely li'e# tie" to our researc& li%e t&at$ RITA 0a)ing you pity me ma%es me !ant to ,ump o'' t&is

cli''$ T&is !ater &as tra)erse" t&e !orl":s oceans# an" &as seen all t&ere is to see$ T&e ocean *in"s t&e lan"s o' our !orl" toget&er> RITA 0ere s&e goes again$ It:s really ,ust one *ig pu""le# you %no!$ .AROL +&ate)er$ 8ou !ere pretty mo)e" *ac% t&ere# too$ /ita raises her hand and .arol ducks covering his head. /ita smiles and lowers her hand. .AROL (reco)ering) 0-&u&1 =stelle, )uri and /epede stand side by side looking at the ocean. 89RI So t&is is t&e !orl" as &e sees it$ ESTELLE (loo%s at &im) 8uri1 89RI Flynn must &a)e stoo" on t&is spot earlier# an" loo%e" out at t&is same scene$ ESTELLE T&at:s true$ 0is "uties "o ta%e &im to many "i''erent places$ 89RI Al!ays telling me to catc& up !it& &im$ Easy 'or &im to say$ .AROL or 0ar*or is ,ust aroun" t&e corner 'rom E&mea" 0ill$ +e:ll catc& up to &im in no time$ 89RI T&at:s not !&at I !as tal%ing a*out$ .AROL 0u&1 +&at "o you mean1 89RI All rig&t# let:s get mo)ing *e'ore Le*lanc an" 'rien"s s&o! up again$ .AROL <ust 'ollo! t&e ocean roa" to t&e !est a'ter lea)ing &ere to get to or 0ar*or$ +e can:t miss it$ 89RI (to Estelle) +e:ll &a)e plenty more c&ances to see t&e ocean$ 8our ,ourney !ill continue 'or as long as you !ant$ ESTELLE (sig&ing# loo%ing at 8uri) > 89RI It:s all up to you$ 8ou:)e ma"e it t&is 'ar# &a)en:t you1 ESTELLE >T&at:s true$ .AROL Last one "o!n:s a rotten egg3 (ta%es o'' running) 89RI (c&uc%ling) 8ou:re gonna 'all i' you "on:t !atc& out$ .arol gets too near the edge and struggles to regain his balance. .AROL /yaaaa&3 (regains &is *alance) RITA I"iot> ESTELLE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# E)u,i3erD* <rave Part '# ,n =hmead %ill, they see a tall stone placed on the cliff"s edge overlooking the sea. .AROL +&at:s t&is suppose" to *e1 ESTELLE Is it a>gra)e# per&aps1 89RI A gra)e1 In a place li%e t&is1 RITA Actually# t&is is ,ust t&e type o' place I:" e;pect to see one$ .AROL +&at "o you mean1 RITA 8ou %no!# li%e t&e gra)e o' someone !&o plotte" against t&e empire>an" 'aile"$ I' you !ante" to *ury some*o"y an" %eep it 6uiet# you:" !ant a place li%e t&is !it& no one aroun"$ 89RI 0u&# !on"er i' t&at:s !&at I:)e got in store 'or me$ ESTELLE 7on:t say suc& t&ings>3 T&at isn:t 'unny3

89RI

I !asn:t e;actly %i""ing$ It:s ,ust a 'act o' li'e t&at some 'ol%s 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter ne)er get a 'uneral or a proper *urial$ .AROL +&at &appens to t&em# t&em1 89RI T&ey get cremate" an" &a)e t&eir as&es scattere" o)er a ri)er or a 'iel"# usually$ ESTELLE Are you telling t&e trut&>1 RITA >0o! "i" !e get starte" tal%ing a*out t&is# any!ay1 .AROL =ause !e:re trying to 'igure !&at a lone gra)e is "oing in a place li%e t&is$ 89RI 8ea&$ So# ,ust !&o "oes it *elong to>1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------They continue on the path leading down from the cliffs and back into forest. They return to the road. RITA .AROL RITA .AROL ESTELLE RITA 89RI .AROL (loo%ing at an o*,ect on t&e roa") +&at:s t&is>1 O&# t&at:s a camping set3 +it& t&is# you can set up camp an" sleep !it&out &a)ing to go to an inn3 O&# t&at:s nice3 o! you can go o'' an" play nature *oy !&ene)er !e sleep at an inn# an" !e:ll sa)e money# too3 +&-!&at are you tal%ing a*out1 =amping sets are single-use only3 Rita# "on:t *e so mean3 0mp&3 T&at soun"s really use'ul# .arol$ 8ea&# t&ey:re essential !&en you:re on t&e roa"$ In a""ition to camping sets# you coul" also sleep on mats$ (ut camping sets are really t&e *est t&ing to use$ 8ou can:t get a *etter nig&t:s sleep !it&out anyt&ing else3 +&at !on"er'ul timing3 All o' you loo% so e;&auste" 'rom clim*ing> >8ou loo% pretty poope"# yoursel'$ 8ea&# !e:)e got a !ays to go *e'ore !e get to to!n# too$ -ay*e !e s&oul" set up camp &ere1 Alrig&t# I:ll get e)eryt&ing set up3 O&# once you:)e campe" some!&ere# you !on:t *e a*le to camp aroun" t&ere 'or a !&ile a'ter!ar"s$ +&y:s t&at1 A'ter camping at a certain site# t&e *asic *arrier t&at:s inclu"e" in t&e camping set !ill stop *eing e''ecti)e 'or a !&ile# so long as you:re near t&at site$ (asic *arrier1 +&at:s t&at1 T&ere:s no *lastia li%e t&at$ It:s not a *lastia# actually$ It:s ,ust somet&ing t&at gi)es o'' a smell t&at monsters 'in" unpleasant$ T&at:s !&y t&ey call it a A*arrier$B It can %eep t&e monsters at *ay 'or a nig&t# *ut a'ter enoug& time passes# t&e monsters get use" to t&e smell# an" it !on:t %eep you sa'e anymore$

ESTELLE RITA 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL

RITA .AROL

RITA 89RI .AROL I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO

0mmm> T&at ma%es sense> +ell t&en# !e:ll lea)e t&e setup to you# .arol$ All rig&t$ Let:s set up a camp a little *it 'urt&er$ O*taine" Tent$ Set up a camp *y using a -at# Simple Tent# Tent or (arrier on t&e Fiel" -ap to reco)er 0P an" TP$ t&e amount o' 0P or TP reco)ere" "epen"s on t&e item$ 8ou !ill not *e a*le to sue an item to set up camp again until a'ter t&e ne;t *attle$

---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# B)a*tia 5e*troyer# /ita heads toward the broken blastia in the road. 89RI >8ou %no!# I t&in% it:" *e *etter i' !e turne" *ac%$ RITA 0o! come1 .AROL T&is is !&ere t&at *ro%en *lastia is$ RITA I %no! t&at$ 89RI =ome on# let:s go *ac%$ I' t&e %nig&ts 'in" us !e:ll get in trou*le$ RITA I ,ust !ant to &a)e a loo% at t&at *lastia3 >I:m ,ust going to loo%$ ESTELLE 8ou mig&t get caug&t3 RITA I:m not t&at muc& o' a %lut?3 (runs *ac%) ESTELLE Rita>3 89RI 0ey no!> (t&ey 'ollo! Rita) RITA (leaning o)er# loo%ing at *lastia) E%aterine> .AROL E%aterine> >S&e name" t&at *lastia# "i"n:t s&e1 RITA (!al%s *ac% to t&em) >> 89RI All set1 RITA yes$ T&ere:s>not&ing t&at I can "o 'or &er> It:s ,ust too cruel> .AROL I mean# I un"erstan" t&at *lastia are )ery )alua*le items# *ut> RITA It:s not a*out &o! )alua*le t&ey are$ =ountless people &a)e gi)en t&eir li)es to ma%e &uman ci)ili?ation !&at it is$ An" *lastia &a)e *een li)ing toget&er !it& man%in" all o' t&at time$ T&ey:re more t&an ,ust a simple tool t&at !e use$ 89RI >+ell# it:s certainly clear t&at *lastia are )ery important to Rita$ ESTELLE 8es$ 89RI I' you:re all 'inis&e" &ere# !e s&oul" *e on our !ay$ RITA O%ay$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------They head back to %alure. HALURE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# E)u,i3erD* <rave Part E#

=ouple near entrance5 8O9 / -A I' ya &ea" 'or t&e sea 'rom &ere# ya can:t &elp running into E&mea" 0ill$ T&ey say t&ere:s t&e remains o' some monster in t&e groun" a*out &al'!ay up$ T&e story goes t&at t&is monster !as as long as t&e trun% o' t&e Tree o' 0alure$ (ig# rig&t1 8O9 / +O-A ot long ago# I caug&t sig&t o' a gallant man on my !ay &ome 'rom t&e port city$ 0e !as tall an" slen"er# !it& sil)er &air$ (ut &e !as &ea"e" into t&e mountains# an" no*o"y:s seen &im since$ 0e !as 'ar too &an"some to *e a &ermit> I !on"er !&o &e coul" &a)e *een> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------S+IT Ha)ure: A Ro*e (y Any .ther "a9e 8o(tained E"5 vi*it to

---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Under the Tree Part '# The 1ayor stands near the base of the tree. -A8OR Re">so )ery re"> T&is year:s especially *a"> ESTELLE +&at:s t&e matter# -ayor1 -A8OR O& &o$ 8ou:re *ac%1 ESTELLE +&at a*out somet&ing *eing re"1 -A8OR O&# it:s ,ust t&at t&is year:s 'lo!ers are an especially "eep s&a"e o' re"# so I !as t&in%ing t&at t&e curse o' t&e cage" emperor:s *ri"e must *e particularly strong t&is year$$$ (ut> I:m ,ust ,o%ing# o' course$ 89RI +&o:s t&is cage" emperor:s *ri"e suppose" to *e1 ESTELLE A*out 3PP years ago# t&e emperor at t&e time# (rimstone t&e Fourt&# plante" a tree on t&e perimeter o' 0alure:s *arrier$ 0e li)e" all o' &is later years s&ut up insi"e &is castle# so people too% to calling &im t&e cage" emperor$ 89RI It:s al!ays so e"ucational to &a)e you aroun"# Estelle$ ESTELLE (ut !&at "oes t&e cage" emperor:s *ri"e &a)e to "o !it& t&is tree1 -A8OR Legen" &as it t&at t&e cage" emperor mur"ere" &is 'iancUe# an" *urie" &er corpse *eneat& t&e roots o' t&is tree$ T&e tree gets its re" color 'rom t&e mur"ere" *ri"e:s *loo"# !&ic& its roots a*sor*$ RITA +&a> +&at t&e &ell> -A8OR It:s really not&ing more t&an a legen"$ 89RI O' course$ T&ere:s no !ay a tree coul" %eep suc%ing up someone:s *loo" 'or centuries# any!ay$ -A8OR 8es$ (ut I:m !orrie" t&at t&is maca*re tale !ill sprea" an" "ri)e potential )isitors a!ay 'rom our to!n$ ESTELLE 9-ummm>t&en "on:t you t&in% it:s a *a" i"ea telling

it to tra)elers li%e us1 I>u&&> Oops$ O%ay# 'orget all a*out t&at story I ,ust tol" you# coul" you1 .AROL 0o! are !e suppose" to 'orget somet&ing li%e t&at13 -A8OR I' you "on:t 'orget it# t&e cage" emperor:s *ri"e !ill &ol" a gru"ge against you> RITA =-cut it out>3 89RI T&ere you go again3 8ou:re ,ust rein'orcing t&e legen"$ -A8OR Oops> ESTELLE >T&ere:s no !ay t&at story:s true> VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV VVVVVV -A8OR LITTLE (O8 Fall# sno!> =ome on# sno!$ T&is is !&at sno! is li%e# rig&t1 +&at "o you mean# you "on:t %no!13 +ea%> I' t&ese 'lo!er petals 'ell 'or DPP years# t&ey !oul" *ury t&e &ouses$ T&e 'lo!ers *lossom *eauti'ully$ 0o!e)er# !it&ere" 'lo!er petals t&at *ury t&e city aren:t necessarily *eauti'ul$ E)en *eauti'ul t&ings may not al!ays *e *eauti'ul in t&eir last moments$ /oo" "rin%s an" *eauti'ul *lossoms> T&ey say# AFoo" o)er 'lo!ers#B *ut you gotta &a)e *ot&$ I:m so gla" t&at I came to t&is city$ -y &ometo!n in t&e mi""le o' t&e mountains loo%s *lea%$

.RIT8A

+O-A

CD

.RIT8A

+O-A

CE

/uys at t&e 'ountain5 -A (STA 7I /) +&y "on:t I get tire" o' !atc&ing t&e 'lo!ers all "ay1 E)en i' I !as !atc&ing a *eauti'ul !oman# I:" get tire" o' &er in a single nig&t> -A (SITTI /) T&e !ater &ere is sai" to spring out 'rom t&e trun% o' t&e Tree$ E)en i' t&at !as true# "o you really t&in% t&is muc& !ater !oul" ,ust %eep coming out1: 7o you t&in% t&at t&e Tree !ill run out o' !ater an" !it&er again1 -A (O PAT0) I can no longer see t&e monster t&at use" to !an"er close to t&e city until recently$ It pro*a*ly ga)e up "ue to t&e *lastia in t&is city$

-A

(A(OVE STORE) I' *eauti'ul 'lo!ers s&oul" gi)e you pleasure# s&o! your gratitu"e to t&e roots t&at *irt&e" t&em> It:s an ol" saying !e &a)e in 0alure$ T&e .nig&ts +&at in t&e !or% people T&ey "i"n:t no!1 le't t&e city a'ter!ar"s$ !orl" "i" t&ey come 'or1 8ou can:t ,ust us$ protect us *e'ore# so !&at "o t&ey !ant

-A8OR:S +IFE

THE P.RT T.$"1 CAPUA ".R

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 89RI .AROL 89RI ESTELLE 89RI RITA 89RI RITA .AROL ESTELLE .AROL VOI=E -an# t&e !eat&er sure c&ange" in a &urry$ Let:s 'in" an inn *e'ore !e get soa%e"$ Estelle# !&at is it1 O&# I-I ,ust t&oug&t a &ar*or to!n !oul" *e more> li)ely t&an t&is$ 8ea&# t&is isn:t e;actly &o! I imagine" it eit&er$ (ut it 'eels li%e t&e %in" o' place t&at core t&ie' you:re loo%ing 'or !oul" &ang out$ 7e"ecc&i !as &ea"e" 'or Torim 0ar*or$ I:m sure t&e t!o are pretty similar$ o !ay$ It:s only or 0ar*or t&at:s scummy li%e t&is$ +&at "o you mean1 or 0ar*or is> It:s all *ecause o' t&e empire$

(t&ey all turn aroun" an" loo%) I tol" you !&at !oul" &appen to t&at little *rat i' you "i"n:t &a)e our money3 They see two men harassing a couple. The husband is on all floors, bowing and touching his forehead to the ground. %is wife is sitting on the sidewalk. -A Please# sir33 ot t&at3 Please gi)e me *ac% my son3 +it& t&is a!'ul !eat&er t&e last 'e! mont&s# !e &a)en:t *een a*le to launc& t&e *oats$ Surely you reali?e sir# !e can:t &ope to pay our ta;es li%e t&is$ T09/ (AR-E7) 8ou:" *etter &urry up an" capture t&at R&y*garo *east t&en# s&oul"n:t you1 T09/ (S9IT) T&at:s rig&t$ I' you sell &is &orn# you:ll ne)er &a)e to !orry a*out ta;es again$ 0o! many times "o !e &a)e to tell you1 As the thugs walk away, the couple kneel, bowing with their heads touching the ground. RITA Sa)ages> 89RI Is t&at t&e sort o' scum you !ere tal%ing a*out# .arol1 .AROL 8ea&# t&e empire:s in'luence is really strong &ere$ I &ear" t&ings got e)en !orse !it& t&e ne! magistrate$ 0e:s some imperial *eg s&ot !&o "oes !&ate)er &e !ants$ RITA +&ic& means t&ere:s no one to complain to i' &is &enc&men act li%e t&at$ 89RI ("isguste" sig&) > ESTELLE (ut &o! can t&at *e>1 )uri approaches the couple. .ELLAS (+IFE) T&at:s enoug&3 8ou:re &urt> 8ou mig&t e)en get yoursel' %ille" t&is time3 TEA/LE (09S(A 7) (ut it:s our son3 I' I "on:t go> %e tries to run away but )uri trips him. TEA/LE Oo!>+&at are you trying to "o13 89RI O&# sorry a*out t&at$ 7i"n:t see you t&ere$ They all run to assist the fallen man. %is wife kneels at this side as does =stelle. ESTELLE 8uri33 >-y apologies# sir$ Let me ta%e care o' t&at$ (s&e uses &ealing artes) .ELLAS (-*ut I$$$ I can:t a''or" t&is treatment>

89RI .ELLAS 89RI

7on:t you &a)e somet&ing else to say1 0u&>1 <ee?>8ou guys *een ro**e" o' your manners along !it& your money1 .ellas stand up and bows to him. .ELLAS >I-I:m sorry$ T&an% you most %in"ly$ )uri sees someone suspicious dart into a dark alley. 89RI > (8uri 'ollo!s) Teagle stands and .arol notices )uri is gone. .AROL 0u&>1 8uri1 I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ Dst street running !est to east5 -A +elcome to t&e Port o' =apua$ =apua is "i)i"e" into or to t&e sout& an" Torim to t&e nort&$ T&is is t&e sout& si"e# =apua or$ or an" Torim are *ot& )ery spirite" to!ns> 0o!e)er# "ue to t&e magistrate> A middle-aged woman stands outside the inn. +O-A Are you tra)elers1 +atc& out$ T&e magistrates in t&is city are e)il$ ot only "o t&ey ta%e ta;es 'rom t&eir citi?ens# t&ey also ma%e tra)elers pay$ Our magistrates are e)il$ T&ey "on:t &a)e secon" t&oug&ts !&en mur"ering people$ 8ou s&oul"n:t stic% aroun" i' you t&in% it:s going to *e "angerous$ Pollu; Inn5 A noble man and woman sit at a table in the lobby. -A 0a &a a&3 Let:s ,ust ta%e it easy# e&1 Li'e is s&ort# it s&oul" *e spent in com'ort$ I:m not scare" o' t&e magistrate3 I:m a no*le3 I:)e got money to *urn3 A&# *ut you people mig&t *e poor$ Forgi)e &e$ 0a &a &a3 +O-A It seems it "oesn:t matter &o! muc& money I &a)e# no s&ips are lea)ing an" t&at:s t&at$ I:)e ma"e my peace !it& it$ +it&out e;periences li%e t&is# it:s impossi*le to 'in" out &o! t&e common 'ol% li)e$ Tra)eling as I normally "o# I:" ne)er &a)e t&e c&ance at suc& an important e;perience$ It:s t&e une;pecte" t&at ma%es tra)el so re!ar"ing$ I' you t&in% a*out it li%e t&at# it:s really 6uite !on"er'ul$ 9n"er normal circumstances I:" ne)er *e staying in suc& accommo"ations# *ut no! I mig&t e)en start 'eeling attac&e" to it$ 7on:t you agree1 8ou must# ot&er!ise you !oul"n:t &a)e set 'oot insi"e t&is inn$ I .EEPER I tell you> T&is is one mean !orl"> 0e&# I guess t&at:s not muc& o' a !elcome$ Any!ay# !anna stay1 It:s 3PP /al" a nig&t$ +O 7ER =0EF /uess you 'oun" me3 8ou:re pretty goo"3 I:ll teac& you to coo% as a re!ar"$ I FOR-ATIO Learne" t&e recipe 'or ASor*et$B +O 7ER =0EF I:ll gi)e you t&is so you can practice3

I FOR-ATIO +O 7ER =0EF

O*taine" 3 sets o' ingre"ients 'or t&e recipe$ /otta go3 Till me meet again3 ()anis&es in smo%y 'las&)

T&e Trino Liner Ser)ice5 +O-A +elcome>or so I:" li%e to *e a*le to say$ T&e Trino Liner ser)ice isn:t operating rig&t no!$ T&e magistrate says &e:ll sin% any s&ip t&at sets out$ =an you *elie)e t&at1 T&e Trino Liner Ser)ice is a sailing /uil"$ eit&er !in" nor rain can stop our s&ip# t&e Stratos> >(ut it isn:t too muc& o' a matc& 'or storms$ -ain Street5 .ELLAS TEA/LE ESTELLE RITA .AROL VE 7OR (-ALE) Is t&ere not&ing 'or us to "o# e;cept !atc& our son "ie1 +e:re su''ering *ecause o' t&e =onsul$ I &a" no i"ea t&is !as &appening in =apua or> T&e Empire:s stan"ar"s must *e lo! to appoint someone line &im$ 0ey 8uri# "on:t !an"er too 'ar an" get yoursel' lost$

+e:re not in *usiness rig&t no! *ecause t&e magistrate gets a percentage *y !ay o' ta;es$ I:m really sorry$ T&is is suc& a goo" spot# so I:m staying &ere> I:ll set up s&op &ere one "ay> VE 7OR (FE-ALE) T&ere !as someone "resse" all in *lac% !an"ering aroun"$ 0e !as really suspicious$ An" to t&in%# &e:s t&e e;ecutioner &ire" *y t&e magistrate> I really "on:t li%e t&e era t&at !e li)e in> A !ise man ne)er courts "anger3 I:" li%e to start my *usiness &ere$ (ut in t&is !orl"# you can *e mur"ere" !it&out "oing anyt&ing !rong> It:s un*elie)a*le> )uri inspects the alley. -hen he turns to leave, several hooded men called ;ett block his retreat and attack. Spo%en 7ialogueJ o Te;t a'ter *attle5 89RI 7amn>It:s not o)er# yet1 )uri is down and struggling to get up when a blonde-haired knight comes to his aid and dispatches the attacking ;ett. . I/0T 8uri# Are you all rig&t1 89RI Flynn3 +&at are you>1 0ey3 T&at:s my line3 FL8 I:)e *een loo%ing all o)er 'or you$ 89RI T&at one !as mine# too$ A ;ett tries to sneak up on them from behind. )uri uses an arte to get rid of him. The ;ett at the end of the alley revive and resume the fight. They are easily subdued by )uri and 9lynn. As a finishing move, 9lynn uses an arte to make crates in the alley, topple on the ;ett. 89RI >0e&# t&at !as a*out to get ugly> (turns aroun" preparing to !al% a!ay) FL8 All rig&t> (s!ings &is s!or" an" stri%es at 8uri) 89RI (*loc%ing Flynn:s stri%e) +&oa# &ol" on3 +&at are you "oing13

FL8

8uri# I:m &appy to see you:re 'inally seeing t&e !orl" outsi"e t&e *arrier$ )uri breaks his hold and dodges more strikes from 9lynn. )uri uses his a e as a shield against 9lynn"s rhythmic sword strikes. 89RI So# *e a little more &appy t&en$ An" stop pointing t&at t&ing at me$ FL8 +ell I got a little less &appy !&en I sa! t&is3 (points !it& &is s!or") 89RI (seeing a ne! !ante" poster o' &imsel') 0ey# it:s up to 3P#PPP /al"$ ice$ FL8 I "i"n:t t&in% !&en you 6uit t&e .nig&ts t&at you:" ta%e up a li'e o' crime$ 89RI A lot o' t&ings &a)e &appene"# Flynn$ It:s not t&at simple$ FL8 Simple 'or not# a crime is a crime$ 89RI (!al%ing) >/oo" to see you:re as stu**orn as al!ays$ I> u&-o&$ ESTELLE 8uri# I &ear" somet&ing &appene"$ Are you all> ('inally sees Flynn) 89RI Per'ect timing$ ESTELLE >Flynn3 (s&e em*races Flynn in *ear &ug) FL8 0u&>1 (ner)ous) ESTELLE O&# Flynn$ Are you all rig&t1 0a)e you *een &urt1 =stelle"s left hand finds its way to 9lynn"s waist. )uri walks out of the alley to give them privacy. FL8 (unsure) >I-I:m 'ine$ 9m# La"y Estellise> =stelle let"s go of 9lynn. ESTELLE O&3 I:m sorry$ I !as ,ust so &appy to see you# I> Struck with an idea, 9lynn lays finger to his chin. FL8 >Please# t&is !ay$ 2arting around =stellise, he #uickly leads the way. ESTELLE +&at1 A&# *ut> Flynn# t&ere:s somet&ing I nee" to tell you>3 They both leave. 89RI >I:" *etter go 'in" .arol an" Rita$ Fortune:s -ar%et ( or)5 VE 7OR +elcome# &a)e a loo% at our !ares3 (!&en lea)ing t&e store) Ta;es are &ig& an" t&e s&op is not pro'ita*le$ =oul" you please *uy more> A man stands outside the +nn entrance facing the main street. -A O-- O!!-- Ouc&3 -y stomac& &urts3 Ooo&&&> /epede, .arol and /ita wait near the side street entrance watching the rain. REPE7E +&imper> .AROL Some guy ,ust "ragge" Estelle rig&t *y us> 89RI Re t&ey *ot& insi"e t&e inn1 .AROL 8ep$ So t&at ot&er guy !as Flynn# t&en1 89RI 8ea&# !ell> (!al%s to t&e "oor) RITA 8ou mig&t not *e a*le to get a !or" in e"ge!ise i' you !ent in no!$ .AROL It seeme" li%e t&ey mig&t *e in t&ere a !&ile$ +anna *urn time !al%ing aroun" to!n a *it1

89RI Insi"e t&e Inn5 S+IT

(turns aroun"# loo%s at rain) >Sure# o%ay$ 6uriB* $orry

Flynn:s Room5 9lynn and =stellise are sitting across from each other at the table in his room. )uri and the others enter. 89RI All 'inis&e"1 (Flynn loo%s aroun"# Estelle tilts &er &ea" an" smiles at 8uri) An" are !e "one !&ispering secrets1 FL8 I:)e &ear" our story up until t&is point# 8uri$ An" also t&e reason 'or t&e *ounty on your &ea"$ (stan"s up !al%s 'rom t&e ta*le) First o''# I o!e you my t&an%s 'or protecting &er$ (no"s &is &ea" an" *lin%s) ESTELLE (*o!s) O&# I:)e *een meaning to e;press my gratitu"e as !ell# 8uri$ 89RI It:s not&ing$ I !as alrea"y out searc&ing 'or t&at *lastia t&ie'$ FL8 An" t&at:s !&ere !e &a)e a pro*lem$ 89RI 0mm1 FL8 Regar"less o' t&e circumstances# t&e imperial la! cannot allo! t&e o*struction o' o''icers# ,ail *rea%ing# an" trespassing$ ESTELLE I:m sorry$ I:m a'rai" I tol" &im e)eryt&ing$ 89RI 7on:t *e sorry$ I mean# I "i" all t&at stu''$ FL8 T&en I assume you are prepare" to recei)e t&e punis&ment our actions "eser)e$ ESTELLE (ta%es a 'e! steps 'or!ar") Flynn13 89RI 7o !&ate)er you li%e# *ut ,ust listen a minute# !ill you1 FL8 So you can tell me &o! it !as all "one in or"er to get *ac% t&e lo!er 6uarter:s *lastia core1 T&at:s !&at you !ante" to say# rig&t1 T!o c&il"ren open t&e "oor an" stan" *e'ore Flynn$ T&e girl is tall# carrying a s!or"# "resse" in armor$ T&e ot&er is a s&ort *oy mage !earing *lue glasses$ (O8 -A/E Sir Flynn# I &a)e ne!s> +&-!&at is Rita "oing &ere13 (T&ey *ot& turn an" loo% at Rita) I &ear" you re'use" an imperial re6uest 'or assistance$ 7o you t&in% it:s all rig&t 'or a mage employe" *y t&e empire to simply a*an"on &er o*ligations1 89RI (to Rita)+&o:s t&at1 RITA /ot me> (oy -A/E >0ump&# !&ate)er$ It:s not li%e I care a !&it a*out you eit&er$ FL8 I:ll ma%e t&e intro"uctions$ T&is is my secon"-incomman"# So"ia$ Sodia nods her head toward them. FL8 T&is is +itc&er# a mage !&o o''ere" &is assistance to us at t&e la*oratory in Aspio$ The boy, -itcher, ad&usts his glasses. FL8 T&is is my> SO7IA (s&outing) 8ou>3 Sir# it:s t&e criminal 'rom t&e

!ante" poster33 (s&e le)els &er "ra!n s!or" at 8uri) At ease# So"ia>3 0e is a 'rien" o' mine$ +&at13 (ut Sir# &e:s a !ante" man3 I:)e ,ust &ear" &is story$ +&ile &e is guilty o' minor crimes# t&e !arrant 'or &is arrest contains 'alse accusations$ Later# I !ill return &im to t&e capital an" e;plain t&e situation$ An" &e !ill recei)e &is "ue punis&ment$ SO7IA (s&eat&ing &er s!or") -y> my mista%e# Sir$ +itc&er# let:s &a)e your report$ As -itcher walks toward 9lynn, /ita takes the opportunity to speak to )uri. RITA So !e:re "one &ere# rig&t1 +IT=0ER I *elie)e t&e ongoing rain an" !in" are *eing cause" *y a *lastia$ T&e !eat&er in t&is season is unpre"icta*le# *ut t&is "oes not e;plain !&y it !orsens !&ene)er *oats lea)e port$ SO7IA +e also &a)e testimony t&at somet&ing li%e a *lastia !as carrie" into -agistrate Ragou:s resi"ence$ RITA I:)e ne)er &ear" anyt&ing a*out a *lastia t&at controlle" t&e !eat&er$ ot&ing li%e t&at &as e)er *een e;ca)ate"> +ait# t&e a6ue *lastia# t&e ruins> It coul"n:t *e> 89RI So &is lor"s&ip# t&e magistrate# is using a *lastia to control t&e !eat&er$ SO7IA >It appears t&at !ay# t&oug& !e can:t yet say 'or certain$ T&e &ar*or &as *een close" "ue to !eat&er$ Any s&ip t&at lea)es is 'ire" on 'or "iso*eying t&e or"inance$ 89RI (to Rita) So muc& 'or crossing o)er to Torim$ FL8 T&ose aren:t t&e only rumors surroun"ing t&e magistrate$ 0e:s release" a monster %no!n as R&y*garo into t&e !il"# an" amuses &imsel' *y 'orcing t&ose !&o can:t pay t&eir ta;es to &unt it$ 0e claims &e:ll par"on t&eir ta;es i' t&ey can manage to capture t&e *east$ ESTELLE 0o! cruel> RITA T&at in,ure" couple !e met near t&e entrance must *e t!o o' &is )ictims$ .AROL An" t&eir c&il"> FL8 +&at1 +&at &appene" to t&eir c&il"1 89RI Forget a*out it$ +ell# it:s *een a &ell o' a "ay 'or us an" !e:re tire"$ Let:s ,ust stay at t&is inn 'or t&e nig&t$ )uri leaves. =stelle starts to follow him, but stops when she hears Sodia speak to 9lynn. SO7IA Also> !e can:t 'orget a*out a certain Amissing person>B ESTELLE (turning &er &ea") >-issing person1 Flynn SO7IA FL8 Inn:s Tra)el Log5 I FOR-ATIO A tra)eler:s log$ a place !&ere tra)elers can e;c&ange in'ormation$ I FOR-ATIO (Raining)

ot *een a*le to go out to sea "ue to *a" !eat&er$ +ant to &urry *ac% to my &ometo!n# *ut &el" *ac% *y )arious reasons$ T&e local magistrate *y t&e name o' Ragou# c&arge" a large sum 'or passage$ =an:t a''or" to ris% it not %no!ing !&at t&e !eat&er !ill *e li%e in t&e ne;t to!n$ Plus# !&o &as t&at %in" o' cas&13 0ope t&e !eat&er impro)es tomorro!> Flynn:s Room (again)5 +IT=0ER Turning "o!n an imperial re6uest to run aroun" !it& t&ese people> Is s&e trying to ruin Aspio:s reputation1 SO7IA +&o !oul" &a)e t&oug&t someone !it& a DP#PPP gal" *ounty on &is &ea" !oul" *e a 'rien" o' Flynn:s1 An" Sir Flynn too> FL8 A crime must *e punis&e"# an" ,ustice s&all *e ser)e"$ E)en t&oug& you %no! t&is# you still "i" !&at you "i"> The man with a stomach ache on the inn"s doorstop is inside the door now. -A Oo&&&> I:)e &a" t&is stomac&ac&e since yester"ay$ Ooo&&&> 8uri an" 'rien"s stay o)ernig&t$ In t&e morning# outsi"e t&e Inn5 .AROL So# !&at:s t&e plan1 ESTELLE I:m going to go see -agistrate Ragou$ .AROL +&at1 +e:ll get turne" a!ay at t&e gate i' !e try to go t&ere$ E)en a no*le!oman li%e you !oul" &a)e no c&ance o' getting in$ 89RI 8ea&# *ut !it& t&e &ar*or *arrica"e"# !e can:t cross o)er to Torim 0ar*or$ An" t&at t&ie' 7e"ecc&i# along !it& t&at one-eye" giant# are *ot& on t&e ot&er si"e o' t&e !ater$ RITA Let:s stop *la**ing a*out it an" ,ust go# !&y "on:t !e1 89RI I' &e !on:t listen to !&at !e &a)e to say# !e can t&in% o' anot&er plan$ ESTELLE All rig&t# let:s &ea" to Ragou:s palace# t&en3 I FOR-ATIO Estelle ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT The Sea BreeFe

SUB E!E"T# The 5i,e Ma*ter +n part one, you can win a Cel Set. Bart two, you can win a $ottle Set. 9inally in part three, you can win a Super Cel Set. 7ice -aster:s 0ouse5 7I=E -ASTER O&3 E;cuse me# young la"y3 =an you spare a minute or t!o1 RITA 0u&1 8ou mean me1 7I=E -ASTER 8es# yes in"ee"3 8ou t&in% you mig&t !ant to play a little stone-ta%ing game !it& me1

RITA 7I=E -ASTER

89RI (Play a game) RITA 7I=E -ASTER Select game (Lose a game) 89RI RITA 7I=E -ASTER

To ma%e it interesting# I:ll gi)e you a nice present i' you can *eat me3 +&at "o you say1 (!al%ing up to t&e !in"o!) 0mmm> +ell# !&y not1 (ut>are you sure1 I:m pretty goo" at t&at %in" o' game3 0o &o3 E;cellent3 I:)e *een loo%ing 'or an opponent to gi)e me a c&allenge$ T&ey call me t&e -aster3 I !on:t go "o!n !it&out a 'ig&t$ Osig&O 7o !e really &a)e time to *e sitting an" playing games1 7on:t !orry$ I:ll ma%e s&ort !or% o' t&is gee?er$ <ust !ait an" see$ 0o &o3 +ell t&en# s&all !e *egin1 0ig& or Lo!1 E)en or O""1 Fran%ly# a'ter all t&at *ig tal%# I !as e;pecting a more impressi)e s&o!ing> +&a3 o# no# you:)e got it all !rong3 I:m ,ust 'eeling a little un"er t&e !eat&er# is all3 0o &o3 Feel 'ree to come *ac% 'or a rematc& !&en you:re 'eeling *etter3

(En" Trip to 7ice -aster:s 0ouse)5 7I=E -ASTER O&# *ac% so soon1 Rea"y 'or a game1 Play a game3 7I=E -ASTER 0o &o3 +ell t&en# s&all !e *egin1 (lose En" game) 89RI 0e& &e& &e&$ +&at &appene"# genius mage1 RITA (Turning aroun") S&-s&ut up# you33 7I=E -ASTER 0o &o3 All t&at anger isn:t going to &elp you !in3 (3r" Trip to 7ice -aster:s 0ouse)5 (loose 3r" game) 89RI I:m telling you# gi)e up no!3 8ou:re ,ust going to %eep losing3 RITA I can:t stan" it# I can:t stan" it# I can:t staaaan" it33 7I=E -ASTER 0mmm> Per&aps I !as !rong a*out you> (Nt& Trip to 7ice -aster:s 0ouse)5 (!in a game) I FOR-ATIO 8ou:)e ac6uire" a A/el SetB Apple /el ;3 Orange /el ;3 Lottery /el ;3 RITA >> >Finally$ 7I=E -ASTER 0mp'# yes> I:)e lost$ 89RI I guess e)en someone !it& no s%ill can !in e)entually$ RITA S&-s&ut up# 8uri3 7I=E -ASTER o! 'or our pri?e# a "elicious %iss 'rom yours truly> RITA 3 89RI 3 7I=E -ASTER >0a&a 'oole" you3 o# I:m going to gi)e you t&e title o' e! -aster3 As ne!s o' my "e'eat tra)els# ne! c&allengers !ill

89RI RITA 7I=E -ASTER I FOR-ATIO

appear# &oping to steal your glory3 Stay strong an" "on:t lose# Rita3 T&at is# t&e e! Stone-Ta%ing -aster Rita3 To *e continue" ne;t time# in AA e! Assassin Lur%s3B To *e continue"1 >T&at:s not li%ely$ 0o &o3 0o &o3 +ell# i' you e)er 'eel li%e it# you:re !elcome to ,oin me in my &o**ies$ Rita earne" t&e A e! 7ice -asterB title$

(playing a ne! game)5 7I=E -ASTER I really &a)e a *a" 'eeling a*out t&is> T&e *ureaucrats %eep tal%ing a*out money> =an:t !e ,ust go a&ea" an" play a game1 It:s a "uel3 (a'ter "uel)5 T&ere:s a certain romance to *e 'oun" in stones$ I s&all *ecome t&e .ing o' Stone-Ta%ing3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Village (ulletin (oar"5 I FOR-ATIO !ante"3 Vicious Fugiti)e At Large33 7resse" in *lac% !it& 'ront *uttons opene"$ -ale# long# *lac% &air3 I' seen# contact t&e Imperial .nig&ts at once33 -agistrates 0ouse5 )uri and party stand in the rain before two armed thugs serving as /agou"s security. T09/ CD +&a""aya !ant1 ESTELLE I:" li%e to meet !it& -agistrate Ragou# i' you:" *e so %in"$ .AROL 8uri# t&ese men are mercenaries$ I !on"er !&at guil" t&ey:re 'rom> 89RI I guess t&at e;plains t&e t&uggis& loo%$ T09/ CE 0mp&# go &ome3 Scram3 T&e magistrate is a *usy man$ 89RI Surely not too *usy to roug& up t&e people in t&is to!n1 T09/ CD 0ey# you *etter !atc& your mout&# pun%3 .AROL See# I tol" you &e !oul"n:t see us$ Let:s get out o' &ere *e'ore t&ings get stic%y$ 89RI I:" &a)e to agree !it& =aptain .arol on t&is one$ ESTELLE (ut# t&ere must *e some ot&er !ay> RITA Forget it$ Let:s go$ )uri, followed by /ita, .arol and /epede walk away. =stelle bows before following them. 89RI +e:" *est lea)e t&e 'rontal assault on t&e palace to t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ RITA (ut isn:t t&e 'act t&at t&at:s going so *a"ly precisely !&at:s got Flynn in suc& a *a" moo"1 89RI 0mp&$ -ay*e &e:" see us i' !e came *earing gi'ts# so to spea%1 RITA A gi't1 +&at "o you mean1 89RI T&e R&y*garo$ It:s !ort& a 'air amount o' money# rig&t1 ESTELLE =ome to t&in% o' it# t&at o''icial mentione" t&e

89RI RITA )uri nods. .AROL ESTELLE .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL RITA ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

R&y*garo$ 0e sai" t&at someone !it& its &orn !oul" ne)er &a)e to !orry a*out ta;es again$ I' !e *roug&t somet&ing t&at )alua*le# t&e magistrate !oul" at least grant us an au"ience$ 8ou propose to catc& t&e R&y*garo1 T&is is our c&ance3 It:s raining# a'ter all3 +&at "oes rain &a)e to "o !it& it1 T&e R&y*garo comes out o' &i"ing !&en it:s raining3 Out o' all t&e monsters I %no!# it:s t&e only one t&at goes out in t&e rain$ =apital o*ser)ation# =aptain .arol$ +&at else1 >+&at "o you mean# A!&at else1B T&at:s all t&ere is to it3 So !&ere:s t&e R&y*garo no!1 Er# u&> ("isguste" sig&)Hrain"ropI ><ust as I t&oug&t$ +ell t&en# let:s go tal% to t&e people in to!n an" get t&eir si"e o' t&e story$ Are you o%ay !it& t&is# Estelle1 8es# 8uri$ I' !e:re unluc%y# t&is coul" put all o' us on t&e !rong si"e o' t&e la!$ T&e one !&o ma%es t&e la!s in t&is to!n is &is lor"s&ip# t&e empire:s magistrate$ 8ou:" *e o%ay !it& "e'ying &im1 (ta%es a *reat&) >I:m going !it& you$ 8ou:re o%ay !it& it# t&en$ 8es$ Rita# you "on:t &a)e any pro*lems !it& it1 I &a)e to say# I:m incre"i*ly intereste" in a *lastia t&at can control t&e !eat&er$ T&en it:s "eci"e"3 So t&en# let:s see% out t&e R&y*garo 'irst$

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI RITA ESTELLE 89RI

I' you tal% to t&e t&ugs again5 T09/ CD +&at *usiness "o you &a)e at t&e consular:s mansion1 =omments 'rom to!ns'ol% *e'ore &unting R&y*garo5 An elderly woman looks at the bulletin board. +O-A A yello! R&y*garo3 T&e &orns o' t&ose !it& yello! s%ina re more e;pensi)e3 I t&in% t&e yello! ones t&at I sa! are more e;pensi)e$ I:m scare"$ T&ey:re yello! monsters$ I:m scared o' R&y*garos$ 8O9 / -A +&at# R&y*garo1 8ou:re loo%ing 'or !ays to get out o' paying ta;es# too1 I &a)e no i"ea> T&at:s your pro*lem$ 8ou:re really relentless$ /o to t&e uplan"s sout& o' t&e city$ It may *e 'un *eing %ille" *y t&e monsters$ LITTLE (O8 R&y*garo &orns are a )ital source o' %i>%i>u&# a really important me"icine$ >T&at:s !&at t&e !oman "octor in glasses !it& t&e !&ite !ol' puppy !as saying# any!ay$

-A

-A

8ou %no! t&e R&y*garo t&at ol" o''icial guy !as tal%ing a*out1 I %no! !&ere it is$ It:s in t&e 'orest to t&e sout&$ I:m not lying3 (SI7E STREET) O&# R&y*garos1 T&ey li%e "ar% places# T&at:s !&y t&ey only come out on rainy "ays$ /at&ering un"er trees 'or s&a"e>1 8ea&# you coul" pro*a*ly 'in" R&y*garos "oing t&at$ R&y*garos are monsters# aren:t t&ey1 T&e monster may &a)e *een pregnant$ Recently# R&y*garos come out to *ree" !&en it rains$ On rainy "ays# R&y*garos are !an"ering outsi"e t&e *arriers$ T&ey seem to appear in !oo"e" areas$

There"s a note on the door &ust to the right &ust before the dice master. I FOR-ATIO A0ere:s t&e *ac% "oor3 I got in3 H&eartIB It loo%s li%e a man:s &an"!riting> 0unting t&e R&y*garo5 9lynn is waiting at the e it leading to the forest. FL8 8ou ne)er coul" sit still# coul" you1 89RI Stop treating me li%e a little %i"3 (starts to !al% past Flynn) FL8 8uri# "on:t "o anyt&ing rec%less> 89RI I &a)en:t "one anyt&ing rec%less since t&e "ay I !as *orn3 I:m ,ust c&asing a'ter a *lastia t&ie'3 FL8 8uri> 89RI 8ou:re t&e one !&o s&oul" ease up on trying to "o t&e impossi*le# Flynn$ )uri walks on leaving =stelle standing by 9lynn. FL8 +itc&er# go an" see i' !e can get t&e rig&t to searc& *lastia la*oratories$ (+itc&er lea)es) OSig&O I t&oug&t lea)ing t&e capital !oul" &a)e c&ange" &im a little> (ut it seems li%e &e:s e)en more rec%less t&an *e'ore$ ESTELLE Flynn1 FL8 (turns to Estelle) 8uri:s so single-min"e" !&en it comes to protecting ot&ers$ 0e:s !illing to sacri'ice &imsel' to "o it$ I en)y &im 'or t&at# *ut I also !orry t&at &e:ll ta%e it too 'ar$ .AROL:S VOI=E =ome on Estelle$ Let:s go$ 8uri:s gonna lea)e us *e&in"$ ESTELLE Rig&t# (to Flynn) !e s&oul" *e going no!$ (*o!s an" starts to run o'') FL8 O&# *y t&e !ay# La"y Estellise$ ESTELLE 8es1 FL8 >0o!>&o! is it# !al%ing aroun" outsi"e# 'ree1 ESTELLE (turns *ac% to Flynn) I can:t say e)eryt&ing:s *een per'ect# *ut> >I reali?e t&ere are t&ings I must "o$ An" t&at ma%es me &appy$ It:s *een !on"er'ul$ FL8 /oo"$ (no"s) I:m gla" to &ear it>

On t&e Fiel" -ap ( ort&ern -uluroccia Peninsula)5 89RI T&e rain:s letting up$ ESTELLE (ut it:s still so gloomy$ .AROL 8ea&> I can:t see t&e sun at all$ 89RI +&et&er it:s raining or sunny "oesn:t muc& a''ect our a")enture# any!ay$ .AROL T&at:s not true3 7i''erent monsters come out in "i''erent !eat&er$ T&ere are monsters !&o can:t stan" !ater# an" ot&ers t&at lo)e it$ -onsters &a)e a large e''ect on !&at !e "o# "on:t you t&in%1 ESTELLE .arol# it:s so nice to &a)e a mem*er o' t&e 0unting (la"es !it& us !&o %no!s a*out t&ese t&ings3 89RI +ell# regar"less# !e:re going to &a)e to !al% in t&e rain$ RITA ot necessarily$ T&e !eat&er mig&t *e "i''erent in t&e morning$ .AROL 8ea&# may*e so$ T&e *est cure 'or a gloomy "ay li%e t&is is sleeping it a!ay# nice an" co?y$ RITA >(ut tomorro! coul" *e ,ust as clou"y an" "ismal as to"ay$ .AROL +ay to rain on my para"e> ESTELLE (ut rainy "ays aren:t al!ays so *a"3 T&ey say all sorts o' special t&ings &appen on rainy "ays t&at "on:t &appen !&en it:s sunny$ .AROL Is t&at somet&ing else t&at you rea" in your *oo%s1 Is t&at true>1 ESTELLE >T&at:s !&at t&ey say$ 89RI +ell# 'or ne! !e:ll ,ust &a)e to get some sleep an" !ait 'or t&e s%y to clear up$ RITA Tomorro! mig&t *e ,ust as rainy as to"ay3 .AROL Rita> 8ou:re pretty mean# you %no! t&at1 (Rita smiles) S.IT Searc& an" Sei?ure Rig&ts

Fig&ting R&y*garo in t&e 'orest5 The /hybgaro appears, whinnying and pawing the ground with its front hoof. ESTELLE 3 .AROL T&is is R&y*garo3 /hybgaro rears and the fight begins. )uri and the others gather around the defeated /hybaro lying unconscious on the ground. .AROL =ome on# let:s ta%e it *ac% !it& us3 ESTELLE It:s co)ere" in scars an" *ruises> I 'eel %in" o' sorry 'or it$ 89RI I rec%on it:s *een attac%e" *y "esperate to!nspeople 6uite a 'e! times$ ESTELLE It:s not t&e people in to!n:s 'ault3 89RI o# I un"erstan"$ )uri kneels down by the /hybgaro"s head and removes the golden horn. %e walks back, but stands still, holding the horn, not looking back at the /hybgaro. ESTELLE 8uri>1

89RI

T&e &orn is !&at:s so )alua*le# rig&t1 T&is:ll *e enoug& to satis'y t&at money-gru**ing magistrate$ RITA +o!# it:s not li%e you to s&o! pity to a monster$ .AROL +&ile you guys are *usy tal%ing# t&e monster:s getting up3 )uri turns around as the /hybgaro leaps to his feet, looks at them for a few seconds, then gallops away. .AROL +&-!&at1 +&y "i" it run a!ay1 ESTELLE It un"erstoo" !&at !e !ere t&in%ing3 .AROL T&e monster "i"1 Seriously1 89RI 0ey# !e got t&e &orn$ +&o cares eit&er !ay1 I FOR-ATIO O*taine" /ol"en 0orn$ Ca%ua "or ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .ellas and Teagle are in the street again. Teagle is carrying a sword and preparing to leave. .ELLAS +ait3 8ou can:t go out again a'ter t&at girl !ent t&roug& t&e trou*le o' &ealing your !oun"s3 Teagle walks toward the e it, but is intercepted by )uri. 89RI +&ere are you o'' to !it& t&at "angerous !eapon1 TEA/LE T&at:s no *usiness o' yours$ I can:t &a)e you stic%ing your nose into my a''airs ,ust *ecause you:re curious3 )uri throws the golden horn at his feet. I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er A/ol"en 0orn$B TEA/LE T&-t&is is>13 %e gets down on all fours and looks at the horn then at )uri. .ellas kneels down at Teagle"s side. 89RI Sorry 'or stealing your t&un"er *ac% at t&e inn$ -ay*e t&is:ll ma%e it up to you$ .arol and =stelle watch )uri walk away from the couple without waiting for a thank you. .ELLAS @ TEA/LE T&-t&an% you so muc&3 .arol, =stelle and /ita run after )uri. .AROL 0-&ol" on3 8ou:re ,ust gi)ing it to t&em1 89RI It:s a small price to pay i' it sa)es t&eir c&il":s li'e$ ESTELLE 8ou !ere planning on "oing t&is 'rom t&e *eginning# !eren:t you1 89RI ope# it ,ust came to me$ RITA 8ou "o reali?e t&at you ,ust ga)e a!ay our gi't 'or t&e magistrate# rig&t1 o! !&at:ll !e "o1 89RI o !orries# !e:ll ,ust 'in" some ot&er !ay to get into t&e magistrate:s place$ ESTELLE S&all !e see &o! Flynn:s "oing# t&en1 .AROL 8es# may*e &e:s e)en gotten into Ragou:s palace alrea"y an" set t&ings straig&t33 89RI 8ea&# t&at sure !oul" *e nice> ESTELLE Let:s go pay a )isit to t&e inn$ (ac% at t&e Inn# in Flynn:s room5 89RI 8ou:re loo%ing c&ipper as al!ays# Flynn$ FL8 I:)e got a lot on my min"# 8uri$ ot t&at you:" %no! !&at t&at:s li%e$

89RI FL8 89RI FL8 89RI FL8 .AROL +IT=0ER SO7IA 89RI SO7IA .AROL 89RI FL8

ESTELLE FL8

89RI FL8 89RI +IT=0ER ESTELLE 89RI FL8 89RI FL8

0mp&> -anage to go out an" get our *ounty raise" e)en &ig&er1 I t&oug&t you !ent to t&e magistrate:s place$ I !ent$ Along !it& a searc& !arrant 'rom t&e *lastia researc& la*$ A&# so you !ere a*le to go insi"e an" loo% aroun"$ ope> T&e magistrate re'use" us entry$ +&y13 0e e)en trie" to pro)o%e us$ AI' you really t&in% I &a)e *lastia# try to *ust your !ay in#B &e sai"$ 0e %no!s !e "on:t &a)e t&e ,uris"iction to "o t&at-&e:s ,ust ma%ing a moc%ery o' us3 +ell# isn:t &e rig&t1 +&at "i" you say13 8uri# !&ose si"e are you on1 It:s not a matter o' !&ose si"e I:m on$ I' you t&in% you:re rig&t# you s&oul" 'orce your !ay insi"e$ o# it:s a trap$ Ragou !ants t&e Imperial /uar" to ma%e a mista%e so &e can use it as an e;cuse to increase t&e aut&ority o' t&e council$ I' !e go in no!# &e:ll &i"e t&e e)i"ence an" 'eign innocence$ Is -agistrate Ragou on t&e =ouncil as !ell1 8es# T&e Imperial .nig&ts an" t&e =ouncil are *ot& essential organi?ations t&at support t&e empire$ (ut Ragou seems to &a)e 'orgotten t&is 'act$ So in s&ort# !e:re not "ealing !it& your e)ery"ay magistrate &ere$ +ell# &a)e you got a plan 'or !&at you:re "oing ne;t1 > +&at# you:re out o' i"eas1 >i' t&ere !ere some sort o' "istur*ance insi"e t&e palace# t&e Imperial .nig&ts !oul" *e a*le to mo)e in un"er t&e pretense o' emergency prerogati)e$ A& yes> AT&e Imperial .nig&ts may employ emergency prerogati)e to inter)ene in emergency situations# regar"less o' ,uris"iction$B O' course3 So i' a t&ie' snuc% in an" cause" a ruc%us t&at:" *e enoug&1 8uri# I %no! you !ant to &elp# *ut> >(ut I s&oul"n:t "o anyt&ing rec%less# rig&t1 (starts to lea)e) I:m going to go patrol t&e to!n$ I:)e ,ust recei)e" a tip t&at a 'ugiti)e !it& a !arrant out 'or &is arrest is trying to get into t&e magistrate:s palace$ 8uri> 7on:t *e 'oolis&3 I &a)e no c&oice *ut to as% you 'or your &elp> >please> 7on:t t&in% you can tal% t&at !ay ,ust *ecause you:re a council mem*er3 7o you %no! !&o I am1 >> o# par"on me$

FL8 SO7IA +IT=0ER

-agistrate:s Palace

They hide behind a corner wall in the courtyard. .AROL T&is place seems to get *igger e)ery time I loo% at it$ Are mem*ers o' t&e =ouncil really t&at important1 ESTELLE AT&e =ouncil is a *o"y o' no*les !&ic& ai"s in t&e political a"ministration o' t&e empire$B RITA +&ic& means t&ey *asically represent t&e empire:s interests$ .AROL 0u&# you "on:t say$ RITA So !&at a*out getting insi"e1 (e)eryone is turne" to!ar" t&e entrance# staring) ESTELLE S&all !e see i' t&ere:s a *ac% entrance1 VOI=E Toug& luc%$ Place is surroun"e" *y a !all# an" t&ere:s no getting: insi"e unless ya can clear it$ An older man, digging in his ear with his finger, stands behind them. +t"s the man who gave )uri the key in Zaphias Brison. ESTELLE >13 (Estelle is startle" an" t&e man uses t&e same 'inger to s&us& &er) -A 8a !on:t last long i' ya go screamin: in a spot li%e t&is# yer la"ys&ip$ ESTELLE I:m sorry# *ut !&o are you1 -A +&a""ya mean1 -e an" t&e %i" t&ere are ol" 'rien"s# rig&t pal1 The man walks around the group and raises his hand in greeting to )uri. 89RI (loo%ing a!ay) +&at are you loo%ing at1 I *arely %no! t&is guy$ -A o! no!# "on:t *e li%e t&at$ +&at a*out t&e 'un times !e &a" in ,ail# -r$ 8uri Lo!ell1 89RI 0u&1 I "on:t remem*er telling you my name$ The man waves a few copies of the wanted poster at him. .AROL:S VOI=E See1 8ou:re a cele*rity# 8uri$ So# !&at:s your name# mister1 -A 0u&1 A&# rig&t> I suppose Ra)en !ill "o 'or no!$ RITA For no!# &u&>1 +&o t&e &ell "oes t&is guy t&in% &e is1 89RI (not loo%ing at Ra)en) +ell Ra)en# it:s *een lo)ely seeing you again$ o! *u?? o''$ RAVE A!# come on$ 8er tryin: ta get into t&e palace# rig&t1 8ou ,ust lea)e it up ta ol" Ra)en$ /aven runs from cover toward the Balace. RITA S&oul"n:t !e stop &im1 89RI Actually# &e pulle" a tric% li%e t&is t&at &elpe" me get out o' t&e castle$ ESTELLE Really1 +ell# t&en may*e !e can trust &im$ 89RI I:" li%e to &ope so> They look around the corner and see /aven talking to the thugs. The thugs come running in their direction. .AROL:S VOI=E 9&# t&ey:re coming o)er &ere$ /aven looks at )uri, does a back flip, gives the thumbs-up and runs around toward the Balace. .arol looks horrified. ESTELLE (-*ut !&y>1 )uri heaves an weary sigh, while /ita gets angry, powering up her artes. RITA +ait:ll I get my &an"s on &im$ o one uses me as a "i)ersion3 /ita hits the thugs with an arte. .AROL T&ere s&e goes again !it& t&e magic$ o! !&at1 89RI o! !e go insi"e# !&at else1 +e ,ust got ri" o' t&e

guar"s an" all$ /ita runs to the front door. 89RI +&oa$ ot t&e 'ront "oor$ Let:s see i' !e can get in 'rom t&e si"e$ They run to the left of the entrance. /aven is there waiting by the elevators. RITA (+a)es at t&em) 0ey &ey# so !e meet again$ /la" to see you:re o%ay$ =atc& ya later3 /aven runs into an elevator going up. )uri and party run into the other elevator. RITA +ait3 .AROL Ac%3 It:s going "o!n1 (asement o' t&e -agistrate:s Palace )uri, =stelle, .arol and /epede step out of the elevator into a spacious room littered with bones of all si!es. /ita inspects the elevator. RITA Arg&3 I "on:t *elie)e t&is3 8ou can:t control it 'rom "o!n &ere> ESTELLE (co)ers &er nose) 9g&3 .AROL Somet&ing smells ran%> 89RI >(loo"# along !it& somet&ing else1 It smells rotten$ /epede prepares to attack as monsters approach. 89RI I !on"er i' &e:s into raising monsters# too$ RITA =oul" *e$ 0e &a" R&y*garo# a'ter all$ =0IL7:S VOI=E Pa>pa# -a> 0elp me>3 .AROL 4 Arg&# !&at !as t&at1 +&at is t&is place13 )uri and =stelle e change knowing looks. ESTELLE It soun"s li%e someone:s t&ere3 Let:s go3 S+IT Raven

In anot&er room5 .AROL Ac%>3 =0IL72S VOI=E OSo*O Oso*O Papa> -ama> =stelle sees a boy huddled in a corner and runs to him. ESTELLE (%neeling) E)eryt&ing:s going to *e o%ay$ =an you tell me !&at &appene"1 (O8 (stan"ing up) A scary ol" man *roug&t me &ere> 0e sai" it !as Mcu? Papa an" -ama coul"n:t pay t&eir ta;es> .AROL (loo%ing at 8uri) 7o you t&in% t&at t&is is t&e %i" 'rom *e'ore>1 ESTELLE >0o! &orri*le$ .AROL All o' t&ese *ones>coul" t&e monsters &a)e "one t&is1 (O8 Papa> -ama> I !anna go &ome> ESTELLE It:s o%ay$ E)eryt&ing:s o%ay no!$ +&at:s your name1 (O8 Pauly> )uri walks over to Bauly and kneels by his side. 89RI =ome on Pauly# *e a *ig *oy$ o more crying$ 8ou:ll see your mom an" "a" soon$ PA9L8 (straig&tens up) O%ay> They come to a room divided by ornate metal bars. A shrewd-looking old man dressed in fine robes walks toward them from the opposite side of the bars.

OL7 -A

+ell# !ell# !&at "o !e &a)e &ere1 -ore "elicious snac%s 'or my pet# it seems$ 89RI So you:re Ragou1 8ou:)e got some pretty "isgusting &o**ies$ RA/O9 0o**ies1 O&# you must mean my *asement$ Only someone !it& my re'ine" sensi*ilities coul" un"erstan" t&e pleasure I "eri)e 'rom suc& t&ings$ 8ou:re ,ust li%e t&ose senile ol" 'ools on t&e council$ T&ey *ore" me to "eat& an" ne)er let me en,oy mysel'$ It:s t&e pri)ilege o' my e;alte" station to "ispel suc& *ore"om !it& t&e>&elp o' t&e common people$ ESTELLE 8ou can:t mean t&at:s your only reason to "o t&ose t&ings$ RA/O9 +ell# I suppose I s&oul" go an" 'etc& R&y*garo$ So many ne! toys> 0e oug&t to put on 6uite a s&o!$ I t&oug&t you may not li)e long enoug& to see it> (laug&s *e&in" &is &an") 89RI T&ere:s no point in searc&ing 'or R&y*garo$ +e:)e alrea"y ta%en care o' &im$ RA/O9 >+&at "i" you say1 (serious no!# pus&es glasses up on nose) 89RI Are you "ea'1 I sai" !e:)e alrea"y ta%en care o' &im$ RA/O9 (s&a%ing !it& rage) 8ou> +&at &a)e you "one to my pet1 89RI I' you:" put a *ell on it or somet&ing# may*e you !oul"n:t &a)e lost trac% o' it$ RA/O9 A& !ell# !it& a *it more money# I:ll soon *e a*le to replace &im$ (stro%es &is goatee t&oug&t'ully) ESTELLE (nu"ging 8uri asi"e) Ragou3 0o! can you say suc& t&ings an" still call yoursel' a ser)ant o' t&e empire13 RITA 3 +&at1 >8ou> (ut t&at:s impossi*le3 )uri unsheathes his sword and blasts away a few feet of metal. The blast knocks /agou onto the floor. RA/O9 STstay *ac%3 +-!&at "o you inten" to "o13 (loo%ing aroun") Someone3 Arrest t&ese intru"ers3 %e scrambles to his feet and runs away. 89RI +e:ll &a)e enemies all o)er t&e place i' !e "on:t &urry up an" 'inis& !&at !e came to "o3 /ita begins to cast an arte. 89RI 0ol" it$ RITA >+&at1 7on:t !e nee" to create an emergency 'or t&e .nig&ts to respon" to1 (s&e stops) 89RI It:s still too soon$ First !e nee" some e)i"ence$ ESTELLE +e:)e got to 'in" t&e *lastia t&at controls t&e !eat&er$ (8uri no"s) 9urther ahead in: PATT8 +&at a great )ie!V .AROL +&o is t&at1 89RI +&at are you "oing up t&ere1 PATT8 E;actly !&at it loo%s li%e$ I2m sur)eying my surroun"ings 'rom a*o)e$ 89RI 0mm# loo%s more li%e you got caug&t to me$ ESTELLE 9mm$$$ 8ou "o seem to *e capture"$$$ PATT8 T&at2s not true$

-pausePATT8 PATT8 ESTELLE 89RI PATT8 89RI PATT8

O&1 I %no! you3 9m# your name is$$$ <ac%3 +&o1 -y name is 8uri$ An" your name is1 Patty$ Patty# &u&1 8ou !ere out 'ront earlier# rig&t1 O&# t&at2s rig&t$ I *et you ,ust coul"n2t 'orget my 'ace an" 'ollo!e" me# rig&t1 )uri sighs and Batty is freed. .AROL So# !&at are you "oing &ere1 PATT8 Loo%ing 'or treasure$ .AROL Treasure1 0ere1 RITA HT&in%s it2s suspicious t&at *ot& Ra)en an" Patty snuc% into t&e mansion at t&e same time$ T&e e;act !or"ing escapes me$I .AROL +&at "o you "o# Patty1 PATT8 I2m an a")enturer$ ESTELLE A-any!ay# it2s "angerous 'or a girl to *e !an"ering aroun" in a place li%e t&is *y &ersel'$ .AROL S&e2s rig&t$ =ome !it& us$ PATT8 (ut I &a)en2t 'oun" any treasure yet$ 89RI 7espite !&at you say# you soun" less li%e an a")enturer an" more li%e a t&ie'$ PATT8 An a")enturer# in ot&er !or"s# is HI can2t translate &er e;planation$ Sorry$I T&at2s !&y e)en t&oug& I may loo% li%e a t&ie'# I2m not$ 89RI 0mm$$$ +&ate)er$ (ut t&at "oesn2t stop you 'rom loo%ing 'or treasure# "oes it1 PATT8 (s!eat "rop) .AROL +&at "o !e "o1 PATT8 ($$$) (lig&t *ul*) T&ere2s no treasure le't in t&is mansion# pro*a*ly$ RITA In ot&er !or"s# WI2ll lea)e !it& you$W 89RI o! t&en# s&all !e get mo)ing1 They run through the rooms and up stairs until they find a gigantic blastia. Stairs lead up to a platform encircling the top portion of the blastia. .AROL:S VOI=E Is t&is t&e *lastia !e:re loo%ing 'or1 /ita runs onto the platform and manipulates the blastia"s controls. RITA Stri&m# laitos# roc%ra# 'lec%> T&ey ,ust patc& toget&er *lastia !it& "i''erent 'ormulas> T&is 'ormula coul" manipulate t&e !eat&er# *ut &o! can t&ey use t&e li%e t&is13 It:s ,ust li%e at E&mea" 0ill$ T&ey "on:t &a)e t&e slig&test respect 'or !&at t&ey:re !or%ing !it&$ ESTELLE T&is is ,ust !&at !e nee" 'or e)i"ence$ Rita# s&oul"n:t you 'inis& t&at later>1 RITA ><ust a *it more> I ,ust nee" to c&ec% a 'e! more t&ings> 89RI 8ou can &a)e Flynn gi)e you a loo% at it a'ter !e:re "one$ Let:s get *usy !it& our Aemergency$B ESTELLE Let:s ,ust *rea% somet&ing t&at !on:t *e misse"> (loo%s aroun" 'or a li%ely target)

.arol bangs on one of the platform supports with his hammer. As the platform she stands on shakes, /ita fires up an arte. RITA Aaa&33 7amn it33 /ita shoots a few fireballs, one of which lands close to .arol. .AROL <ee?3 +&at got into you all o' a su""en13 RITA +e:)e gotta gi)e t&ose %nig&ts a goo" reason to s&o! up# "on:t !e1 (continues to *last t&e !alls) ESTELLE 8es# *ut I "on:t %no! i' !e s&oul"> RA/O9 Really# !&at a !ay to *e&a)e in someone else:s &ome$ /agou has brought his mercenaries with him. RA/O9 T&e time &as come 'or you to earn your %eep$ I !ant all o' t&em capture"$ (8uri runs to!ar" t&em) +&ate)er &appens t&oug&# ta%e care not to %ill t&e young la"y3 .AROL o !ay3 Are t&ese guys 'rom t&e (loo" Alliance1 )uri runs past .arol to engage the thugs. /ita continues her fireball assault. RITA An" &ere:s anot&er one 'or you33 The fighting begins. %olding his hammer, .arol shields Bauly. )uri defeats one thug and /ita starts another round of artes magic. )uri runs to get her attention. 89RI T&at:s enoug&# !e:re getting out o' &ere3 RITA +&at:re you tal%ing a*out1 I:m not 'inis&e" yet3 89RI I' !e "on:t lea)e no!# !e:ll run into Flynn an" I:" rat&er not "eal !it& t&at$ RITA 8ou "on:t seriously t&in% &e:ll come t&at 6uic%ly> Another one of /ita"s fireballs blasts directly above a door as 9lynn, Sodia, and -itcher enter the room. FL8 -agistrate# I "on:t %no! !&at:s &appene" &ere# *ut allo! us to o''er our assistance$ ESTELLE Flynn13 89RI (to Rita) T&ere# see1 RA/O9 0ump&$ 0e:s certainly ent&usiastic> A high window shatters as a dragon and rider crash through. .AROL +&oa>33 Is t&-t&at t&e "ragon ri"er13 -itcher powers up his magic as the dragon rider circles the blastia. 9lynn and Sodia are up on the platform trying to protect the blastia, but they are no match for the dragon rider. Circling around to the blastia"s other side, the dragon and rider sail past the front of the blastia. As they pass, the dragon rider cuts into the blastia core with his spear. The broken blastia crackles as undirected energy emanates from the diagonal wound. RITA (enrage") 8ou33 +&at t&e &ell "o you t&in% you:re "oing13 0o! "are you "estroy t&ose *lastia3 ESTELLE T&ere really is a person ri"ing a monster> RITA (po!ering a spell) +ait3 /ita blasts fireballs at the intruder but the rider and dragon weave through them easily. The dragon rider positions his mount over 9lynn and company and directs the dragon to breathe a fiery blast in their path. The blastia structure is engulfed in flames. /ita watches incredulously as they fly back out of the window. FL8 7amn$ 0e:ll get a!ay3 RA/O9 (on &an"s an" %nees) Prepare my s&ip3 89RI +&ere "o you t&in% you:re going13 ;ead by )uri, they follow a steep ramp leading to the outside yard near the elevators.

RITA .AROL RITA .AROL ESTELLE 89RI RITA 89RI PA9L8 89RI PA9L8 89RI .AROL ESTELLE .AROL 89RI .AROL S+IT

Arg&# !&at t&e &ell3 +&o ri"es a monster li%e t&at3 T&at !as t&e "ragon ri"er$ 7ragon ri"er1 -ore li%e "ragon 'rea%3 0urting my *lastia li%e t&at3 A7ragon 'rea%B >Osig&O 8ou %no!# Rita# t&at *lastia !asn:t e)en yours$ Any!ay# !&y "o you t&in% someone !oul" go aroun" "estroying *lastia1 T&at:s a goo" 6uestion$ I:" li%e to sit "o!n an" pic% t&at "ragon ri"er:s *rain sometime$ As i' you coul" &a)e a normal con)ersation !it& someone li%e t&at3 (to Pauly) 7o you t&in% you can go &ome *y yoursel'1 8ou:re going to get t&at *a" Ragou person# aren:t you1 8ea&# !e !ant to &urry$ It:s o%ay$ I can go &ome *y mysel'$ T&ere:s a goo" *oy$ (Pauley lea)es) >Estelle# !&at:s t&e matter1 I still can:t *elie)e t&e magistrate coul" "o suc& terri*le t&ings> Sa"ly# it:s pretty common$ 0a)en:t you alrea"y seen !&at t&e empire:s capa*le o' se)eral times on t&is trip alrea"y1 +&ile you guys are &a)ing a nice little c&at# Ragou:s escaping in &is s&ip3 The 5ra0on Rider Ride* A0ain

Ragou:s S&ip5 They run alongside the ship as its leaving port. RITA (running) +&at t&e &ell am I "oing &ere> 89RI (.arol running alongsi"e &im) 0ere !e go>3 .AROL $hoa1 ho)d it ho)d it ho)d it1 IB9 not ready 44 )uri grabs .arol under his arm and leaps onto the ship. ;anding with a thud, only .arol and =stelle are leaning with their hands on their knees trying to catch their breath. RITA (loo%ing into a c&est) T&ese are all *lastia cores3 .AROL +&y are t&ere so many1 an" t&ey:re all ,ust cores$ RITA I &a)e no i"ea$ +e "on:t e)en &a)e t&is many at t&e la*oratory3 ESTELLE =oul" t&is *e connecte" to t&e core t&ie'1 89RI =oul" *e$ .AROL (ut I t&oug&t t&e one *e&in" e)eryt&ing !as a &uge guy !it& one eye$ t&at "oesn:t 'it Ragou at all$ 89RI T&en &e mig&t not *e t&e only one pulling t&e strings$ I !on"er i' t&e core 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter is &ere someplace$ RITA Sorry# none o' t&ese are *ig enoug&$ /epede, senses danger. They are surrounded by armed men in blue bandanas and armor. .AROL I %ne! it$ T&ese guys are !it& t&e (loo" Alliance$ T&ey:re one o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s$ They attack. Spoken ;anguageG>o te t )*/+ Are these guys connected to the blastia thief, tooA =ST=;;= Hust what is the magistrate up toAD They stand before steps leading up to a door. )uri and .arol look at

each other then run up the steps. .arol picks the lock on the door. Su""enly a "eep )oice *ooms out$ VOI=E Out o' my !ay3 T&ere:s t&e soun" o' a stri%e an" .arol 'lies o)er t&e steps an" lan"s spra!le" at Rita an" Estelle:s 'eet$ .AROL Aaa&3 It:s t&e one-eye" /iant3 /iant 0a&$ +as t&at spineless !orm Ragou running 'rom a *unc& o' %i"1 $ehind the giant, )uri"s sword makes a whipping noise as he levels it at the giant"s shoulders. 89RI One-eye" giant> So you:re t&e one getting people to *ring you all t&ese cores1 /iant -ay*e I am> The giant #uickly swings his huge sword at )uri. )uri leaps away to land at the bottom of the steps. /iant 8ou:re 6uic% an" you:)e got guts# too$ -y arms:s gonna 'eel t&at> +is& I &a" you in my guil"$ 89RI 0o! 'lattering$ /iant (ut it:s pus&y guys li%e you I &a)e to !atc& out 'or$ 9psets t&e &armony o' t&e guil"# see1 ot&ing personal> /agou lurks around the corner. RA/O9 (ar*os# !&at are you !aiting 'or1 7ispose o' t&ese *rats3 (ar*os I "i" all t&e !or% you pai" me 'or$ (esi"es# t&e .nig&ts:ll *e &ere soon$ Rat&er not &a)e t&ose guys 'ollo!ing me aroun"$ (ar*os e;t time !e meet# you %i"s !on:t *e getting o'' so easy$ $arbos runs past /agou. RA/O9 +ait3 0e:s still insi"e>3 (ignore" *y (ar*os) 7amn3 4agi>3 +e:ll lea)e t&e rest to you3 /agou runs to the lifeboat, $arbos cuts the rope holding it and the lifeboat drops into the water. Zagi strolls out from around the cabin"s outer wall. 4A/I +&o is it1 +&o "o I get to %ill t&is time>1 ESTELLE (ma%ing a 'ist) 8ou:re t&e one 'rom t&e castle33 89RI Loo%s li%e !e:re stuc% !it& t&is guy$ E;plosions rip t&e &ull o' t&e s&ip# as Ragou !atc&es 'rom t&e li'e*oat$ 4agi stum*les$ 4A/I -y *la"e# it ac&es to>%ill> I:)e got to %ill somet&ing3 %e springs at )uri, blades aimed at his neck. The e plosions continue moving up toward the deck. 89RI ("o"ging *lo!) +&oa> /o easy on me t&is time$ T&e *attle *egins5 4A/I Spo%en "ialogueJ o te;t) 8ou t&in% you can %ill me1 /o a&ea">Try it3 89RI Trust me>I !ill3 +&at t&e &ell are you trying to "o1 ESTELLE Please# !e &a)e to catc& Ragou$ 4A/I 0a&a>you can:t &urt me> 89RI So !e:ll ,ust %eep poun"ing you until you:re "ea"$ T&e *attle en"s5

Spo%en 7ialogueJ o Te;t 89RI 7on:t let me see you again$ ESTELLE I agree3 As e plosions continue to destroy the ship, Zagi struggles to get up off the deck 4A/I /raaa&33 t&at &urts> 89RI (lo!ering s!or") 8ou put up a goo" 'ig&t$ 4A/I >I-I retreate"> (getting up# &ol"ing &is upper le't arm) >0e& &e& &e&$ -!a &a& &a& &a& &a&33 (loo%ing "o!n at t&e "ec%) 8ou:re toug&3 8es toug&3 8ou:re "e'initely toug&3 I certainly !on:t 'orget t&at# 8uri3 (glaring at 8uri) I:m going to %ill you# 8uri33 /onna car)e you into little pieces3 7on:t mo)e a muscle>3 (t&ro!s &is &ea" *ac%) -!a &a& &a& &a& &a&$ An e plosion on deck blasts Zagi off the deck and into the air. The ship begins to sink. .AROL +&at1 >It:s sin%ing3 89RI ( A !all o' 'lame separates 8uri 'rom t&e party) E)eryone into t&e !ater3 VOI=E (8uri loo%s "o!n) >O=oug&O> Is anyone t&ere1 (8uri runs to t&e ca*in "oor) ESTELLE 8uri3 (S&e starts to run a'ter 8uri) RITA Estellise3 o3 ESTELLE (ut>*ut> RITA S&ut up an" ,ump3 =stelle, .arol and /ita float in the water around the end of the ship sticking up out of the water. .AROL (0ol"ing onto &is 'loating *ag# using it as a 'loatation "e)ice$) E)ery*o"y o%ay1 ESTELLE I am> (ut 8uri> (!orrie") RITA > (Spo%enJ o Te;t5 &u&1) /ita looks down into the water as )uri surfaces, holding a person with blonde hair. ESTELLE 8uri>3 T&an% goo"ness3 89RI -an t&at:s salty$ I must:)e "ran% a *uc%et 'ull$ RITA +&o:s t&at1 ESTELLE Io"er>3 RITA +&at# you %no! &im1 .AROL Loo%# a *oat3 +e:re sa)e"3 0eeey3 O)er &eeere33 They see 9lynn aboard the =mpire warship. FL8 It loo%s li%e e)eryone ma"e it t&roug& un&arme"$ 9lynn sees the boy in )uri"s arms. FL8 >-aster Io"er3 +ait# I:ll pull you out$ So"ia# gi)e me a &an"$ THE P.RT T.$" CAPUA T.RIM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ $ack on shore, the party gathers with 9lynn and +oder. IO7ER I o!e you my t&an%s$ 8ou sa)e" my li'e$ RITA 0ey# !&o is t&is guy1 ESTELLE 9m# !ell# you see> FL8 I:)e ma"e arrangements at t&e inn$ +e can "iscuss

t&ings 'urt&er t&ere$ 8ou:ll come# !on:t you1 )uri nods. 9lynn does a nodGbow to +oder and they leave. S+IT A Litt)e 2reaked .ut

7oc% an" Lo!er Le)el o' =apua Torim5 SAILOR T&e Empire:s !ars&ips are !on"er'ul3 T&e "esign# color# an" cool %nig&ts3 I:m in lo)e3 0u&1 8ou nee" somet&ing1 Fuit loo%ing at me li%e t&at# you per)ert3 S+IT Za0i O(LE +O-A O& &o &o &o3 Aren:t s&ips a "elig&t1 A s&ip allo!s one to tra)el so )ery many places$ T&rills3 -ystery3 Spectacle3 All mine$ +&at>1 8ou "on:t o!n a *oat1 0o! "rea"'ul$ -A 8ou came on an Empire +ars&ip13 Are you some %in" o' imperial *igs&ot1 >8ou "on:t really loo% it>> I 'eel a *it *a" *ecause t&e Empire:s !ars&ip &as turne" up$ Torim +are&ouse5 8O9 / -A T&is is t&e Fortune:s -ar%et stoc% !are&ouse$ It:s a mess in t&ere$ Trust me# you "on:t !ant to see it$ I get so "epresse" !&en I t&in% a*out &a)ing to clean it up> 8ep$$ T&ere goes anot&er "ay !it&out cleaning it up> S+IT Tori91 the Center o3 Trade Lig&t&ouse .eeper:s 0ouse Area5 +O-A (O9TSI7E) T&ere !as somet&ing e;plo"ing on t&e sea3 +&at coul" it *e1 0ey# you arri)e" *y s&ip rig&t1 7o you %no! anyt&ing a*out t&ose e;plosions on t&e sea1 +O 7ER =0EF I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO OL7 +O-A /uess you 'oun" me3 8ou:re pretty goo"3 I:ll teac& you to coo% as a re!ar"$ Learne" t&e recipe 'or AFrie" =&ic%en an" Fries$B I:ll gi)e you t&is so you can practice3 O*taine" 3 sets o' ingre"ients 'or t&e recipe$ /otta go3 Till !e meet again3 I:)e seen 6uite a 'e! men ro! o'' to sea in a *oat> one o' t&em &as *een *ac% since> 0mp&3 I *et t&ey all 'oun" t&emsel)es a nice girl in a to!n some!&ere3 Out on t&e sea I &ear" a terri*le noise$ I coul" see a lot o' smo%e$ =oul" it &a)e *een an acci"ent1 -ay*e t&ey !ere attac%e" *y t&e =apua or magistrate again an" t&ey san% t&eir s&ip$

-A

Lig&t&ouse .eeper:s 0ouse5 I OL7 -A Aaaarg&3 -y stupi" gran"c&il"3 S&e:s cra?y a*out t&is Ai'rea"3 0e:s ,ust a useless pirate3

I FOR-ATIO /IRL

+O-A

I %no! it:s ,ust a yout&'ul crus& *ut s&oul" I %eep !atc&ing o)er &er1 A *ag 'ull o' "rie" 'is&$ A strange smell 'ills t&e air e)ery time it:s opene"$ -y senile ol" gramps 'orgot t&at &e ga)e me a s&ip3 (ut !&en I use it &e lectures me an" goes on an" on a*out t&e "angers o' t&e sea>> I !ant to *e %ing o' t&e pirates ,ust li%e Ai'rea"> -y 'at&er an" my "aug&ter are so 6uic% to argue$ I !is& t&ey:" ,ust get along>t&ey:re so ali%e# t&ose t!o It:s not as i' t&ey really "isli%e eac& ot&er# you %no!$

+est si"e o' "oc%s5 -ER=0A T Ragou close" "o!n t&e =apua orrr porrrt>an" no! !e can:t e)en run ourrr Linerrr Serrr)ice$ +e:rrre t&e 'amous an" 'a*ulous Torrrrino Linerrr Serrr)ice3 9pper Le)el o' =apua Torim5 OL7 -A T&e sailors in my "ay &a" a *it more ?est to t&em# y:%no!13 8oung 'ol% no!a"ays are goo" 'or not&ing3 Loo%s li%e I mig&t *e 'orce" out o' retirement3 -an (guil") T&is port is t&e *ri"ge t&at connects our /uil" to t&e !orl"3 +e:re going to tra)el across t&e si; continents an" rule t&e entire !orl"3 ot t&at anyt&ing special !oul" &appen i' !e rule" t&e !orl"# I guess$ LITTLE /IRL -y 'rien" mo)e" to at to!n calle" 0elior"$ It:s suppose" to *e a ne! to!n t&e Empire ma"e$ +e !ere !riting letters to eac& ot&er *ut no! t&ey "on:t come anymore>I !on"er !&at:s !rong1 8O9 / -A +elcome# !elcome 0o!:" you li%e to sell me some o' your memories1 One memory# 'i)e /al"3 0u&1 Too c&eap1 0mp&> =ome on no!# "on:t &og all your memories3 Surely you coul" spare one or t!o> VE 7OR +elcome# !elcome3 Plenty o: &ealt&y catc&es &ere3 T&an%s 'or "ropping *y3 Sign on t&e Ven"or:s cart5 I FOR-ATIO 0omema"e Popsicles =omes in yummy 'la)ors li%e Tuna# Octopus an" S6ui"3 Try our ot&er 'la)ors too3 /9IL7S-A Far o'' on t&is continent to t&e !est is t&e "en o' our guil"s$ T&ey call it 7a&ngrest3 Visit sometime$ T&at remin"s me# t&ey say t&ere:s a mercenary to!n o'' to t&e nort&!est$ Or !as it a*an"one"1 Top Le)el o' =apua Torim5 -A -any "i''erent guil"s ma%e t&eir &ea"6uarters &ere$ T&e most po!er'ul among t&em is suppose" to *e t&e (loo" Alliance# *ut>

0mm>mercenaries# I ,ust "on:t %no!> Fortune:s -ar%et (0F)5 Two guildsmen stand in an office with three other doors and a desk in the middle of the room. /9IL7S-A CD >T&is to!n is so nice to li)e in> T&e people are %in"# t&e !eat&er not too &ot# not too col">an" *est o' all>t&e Presi"ent isn:t &ere> <ust *et!een us>> T&e Presi"ent smells so nice> /9IL7S-A CE T&is is Fortune:s -ar%et 0ea"6uarters$ T&e Presi"ent is not &ere rig&t no!$ +&at "o you !ant1 T&e Presi"ent is not &ere rig&t no!$ /et to t&e point$ 7oor on t&e rig&t5 I FOR-ATIO T&is is .au'man:s room$ S&e mig&t &a)e a 'it i' !e go insi"e$ Fortune:s -ar%et (Torim)5 -ER=0A T +elcome$ 8ou:)e come to t&e only store in Torim$ H&eartI T&an% you# please come again3 H&eartI 9pstairs 7oor5 I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s a sign on t&e ot&er si"e o' t&e glass$ AS&op open on Dst 'loor$ =ome c&ec% out our goo"s3B +O-A Fortune:s -ar%et uses t&is to!n as t&eir *ase o' operations$ T&ere aren:t any &ea)y ta;es li%e in =apua or# *ut t&ere are a lot o' restrictions on *usiness$ OSig&O >"oing *usiness in t&is to!n is so "i''icult unless you:re part o' Fortune:s -ar%et$ 7o you %no! !&at t&ese plants are1 t&ey:re all in"igenous to t&e Tol*yccian tropics$ On t&is continent strong rains 'all 're6uently$ I' you tra)el 'urt&er to t&e !est# I:m sure you:ll come to un"erstan" !&at ma%es t&is continent so uni6ue$ I !as !an"ering t&roug& t&e 'orest an" *ecame lost in some ol" ruins> It !as t&ere I &ear" t&e unnatural &o!ling o' some 'rig&t'ul *east3 T&ere:s no "ou*t in my min"> it !as t&e legen"ary monster# Euma$ T&ere are many o' us !it& t&e same pro'ession in t&is !orl"# *ut !e:re not all in t&e same guil"$ +&at I mean to say is# I &a)e not&ing to "o !it& t&e (loo" Alliance$ It:s not )ery 'un getting con'use" !it& a group t&at &as suc& a *a" reputation$ T&e continent o' Tol*yccia got =apua Torim an" 7a&ngrest on it$ An" in 7a&ngrest# t&ere:s t&e 9nion t&at *rings t&e /uil"s toget&er$ T&e &ea" o' t&e 9nion:s calle" t&e 7on# an" e)eryone:s a-scare" o' &im$

LITTLE (O8

Inn APollu; TB5 OL7 -A

/9IL7S-A

CD

/9IL7S-A

CE

+O-A

Oo&# &ello# you cuties$ 0o!:" you li%e a game !it& little ol" me1 Hmusical noteI I' you t&in% I:ll *e a pus&o)er ,ust *ecause I:m a !oman> you:re going to get *urne"3 H&eartI I:m plenty toug&er t&an any o' t&e lousy men aroun" &ere$

T&e Tra)eler:s Log5 I FOR-ATIO (Sunny) ot *een a*le to get across to =apua or 'or t&e past 3 "ays "ue to *a" !eat&er$ It is 'rustrating !&en t&e !eat&er &as *een so nice &ere in =apua Torim$ Strange t&at t&e !eat&er can *e so "i''erent !&en t&ey are so close to eac& ot&er$ Flynn:s Room5 /agou is there, as well as 9lynn and +oder. RITA 8ou>3 RA/O9 8es1 0a)e !e met some!&ere1 /ita lunges at him but )uri throws out his arm and stops her. 89RI =on)enient time 'or amnesia$ I %no! some*o"y !&o can 'i; t&at 'or you$ RA/O9 Amnesia1 I:m terri*ly sorry# *ut t&is is t&e 'irst time !e:)e met$ .AROL Are you cra?y13 FL8 -agistrate# your crimes are un"enia*le$ t&ese people &a)e seen e)eryt&ing$ RA/O9 As I:)e ,ust *een e;plaining# someone &a" assume" *y i"entity an" !as trying to ruin my reputation$ It !as most upsetting$ RITA Liar3 I sa! t&ose people you 'e" to monsters !it& my o!n t!o eyes3 RA/O9 +ell# Sir Flynn1 +&o are you to *elie)e# t&ese young ru''ians 'or me# a mem*er o' t&e =ouncil1 89RI Flynn> (Flynn says not&ing) RA/O9 It:s settle" t&en$ I *i" you all a goo" "ay$ Brince +oder politely stands up. /agou bows to him and leaves. RITA +&o "oes t&at guy t&in% &e is1 (points at Io"er) An" !&o t&e &ell is &e13 89RI (sternly) Settle "o!n$ FL8 T&is is> (&esitates !it& &is 'inger lai" across &is c&in an" lip) ESTELLE (mo)es *esi"e Flynn) T&is is 0is Royal 0ig&ness Io"er# can"i"ate 'or t&e imperial t&rone$ .AROL 0u&1 0a& &a&# yea& rig&t# Estelle# goo" one> 0a& &a& &a&> (e)eryone is serious) >+&at1 IO7ER I am only one o' t&e can"i"ates$ FL8 It:s true$ +it& t&e passing o' t&e pre)ious emperor# -aster Io"er is a rig&t'ul &eir to t&e t&rone$ .AROL (ta%en a*ac%) R-really13 IO7ER 8es$ 89RI An allege" imperial &eir capture" *y a so-calle" magistrate$ T&at:s interesting$ ESTELLE >I see$ T&en t&is inci"ent means t&at I> 89RI A little too ,uicy 'or pu*lic consumption# &u&1 ESTELLE I>I ,ust> 89RI It:s got somet&ing to "o !it& your "ecision to lea)e

t&e castle# "oesn:t it1 > (spo%en "ialogueJno te;t5 a&&&) (s&e loo%s "o!n) (turns &is *ac% to t&em) 7o !&ate)er you !ant$ I:)e got no interest in an empire t&at ,ust sits an" "oes not&ing !&ile its people su''er in plain sig&t$ FL8 8uri> An" !&at &a)e you c&ange" *y turning your *ac% on suc& an empire1 +e nee" ,ust la!s lai" "o!n *y t&e go)ernment to ensure t&at people can li)e li)es o' sta*ility an" peace$ 89RI T&ose same la!s ,ust let Ragou !al% out t&at "oor$ FL8 +&ic& is !&y you an" I *ecame %nig&ts# 8uri$ To c&ange t&ings li%e t&at$ I' !e coul"n:t ma%e it &appen *y yelling a*out it 'rom *elo!> >t&en !e sai" !e:" gain &onor an" trust# an" 'i; t&e empire 'rom !it&in$ Remem*er1 89RI ('acing Flynn) >So in or"er to get a&ea" in li'e# I:m suppose" to stan" *y !&ile some*o"y 'ee"s little %i"s to monsters1 Is t&at it1 8ou !ant me to loo% t&e ot&er !ay !&en our people in t&e lo!er 6uarter are *eing *le" "ry *y ta;es1 It:s *ecause I can:t "o t&ose t&ings t&at I 6uit *eing a %nig&t$ FL8 I %no!$ (ut &as anyt&ing c&ange" *ecause you 6uit1 89RI > (spo%en "ialogueJno te;t5 ug&3) ('rustrate"# 8uri turns &is &ea" a!ay) FL8 0o! is anyt&ing "i''erent *e'ore you ,oine" t&e .nig&ts1 )uri walks out of the room. .AROL (loo%ing *ac% at Estelle) +-!ait# I:m coming too> (glances at 8uri opening t&e "oor# t&en *ac% at Estelle) FL8 (putting &is &an" to &is 'ore&ea") I:)e "one it again> I only !ant 'or &im to mo)e on !it& &is li'e$ To 6uit sitting aroun"$ ESTELLE Flynn# I> FL8 >-y apologies 'or suc& an em*arrassing scene$ IO7ER +&at "o you inten" to "o ne;t1 ESTELLE +oul" it *e all rig&t i' I go !it& &im1 FL8 +&y1 ESTELLE >I 'eel li%e so muc& as c&ange" "uring my tra)els !it& 8uri$ T&e empire# t&e !orl"> I:)e c&ange" as !ell> FL8 La"y Estellise> 9n"erstoo"$ 8ou t&ere# young man$ .AROL (loo%ing a*out t&e room) +&o>m-me13 FL8 (no"s) Tell 8uri to ta%e goo" care o' t&is young la"y$ .AROL O-o%ay>3 ESTELLE Is it really all rig&t>1 FL8 I !oul" rat&er "o t&e ,o* mysel'# *ut I:m a'rai" my current "uties !on:t allo! it$ An" as long as you:re !it& &im# I can *e certain you:ll *e sa'e$ ESTELLE 8ou *elie)e in &im# "on:t you$ ESTELLE 89RI

FL8 RITA

I "o$ I' you guys are 'inis&e"# can !e get going1 +e:ll lose &im i' !e "on:t &urry$ ,utside the +nn, )uri slams his fist into the rock wall. 89RI 7amn# &e %no!s &o! to get to me> I %no! *etter t&an anyone t&at not&ing:s c&ange"$ > (sig&s &ea)ily an" loo%s at &is 'ist) (lo!ers t&e 'ist to &is si"e) /uess I s&oul" loo% 'or clues a*out t&e *lastia core> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT Raven and <ettin0 In3or9ation

)uri walks by the 9ortune"s 1arket. A man is standing between the two white benches nearby. As )uri draws closer, he leaves. 89RI 0ey# it:s &im3 )uri runs and catches up with /aven and puts a hand on his shoulder. A sigh of mild disgust escapes from /aven before he turns to acknowledge )uri. RAVE 0mm>1 0-&ey t&ere# long time no see$ 89RI Isn:t t&ere somet&ing else you s&oul" *e saying1 RAVE (ru*s &is c&in t&oug&t'ully) Somet&ing else1 0mm# can:t t&in% o' anyt&ing$ 89RI +ell# t&ey say t&e "ecei)e" &a)e *etter memories t&an t&e "ecei)ers# "on:t t&ey1 RAVE (&angs &is &ea") I:m ,ust terri*ly misun"erstoo"# &onest3 89RI 8ou nee" to see a "octor 'or your ten"ency to unconsciously cause trou*le to ot&ers$ RITA (closes one eye) 8a mig&t see i' ya can get t&at 'oul mout& o' yours c&ec%e" out# too$ 89RI (rests &is &an" on &is &ip) /ot a come*ac% 'or e)eryt&ing# &u&1 I' you "on:t stop put?ing aroun"# t&e .nig&ts are gonna t&ro! you *ac% in ,ail3 RAVE 0e&# t&e .nig&ts are a *it too *usy to *ot&er !it& me$ I sa! a roug&-loo%ing guil" group mo)ing to t&e nort&!est not too long ago$ )uri rubs his chin as he listens to /aven"s words. RAVE T&e .nig&ts can:t ,ust turn a *lin" eye to t&em# can t&ey1 89RI >Roug&-loo%ing# you say1 +as it t&e (loo" Alliance1 RAVE (eats me$ 89RI (y t&e !ay# !&at !as your *usiness *ac% t&ere1 RAVE (turns a!ay) ot&ing special$ I !as loo%ing 'or an Aapat&eia$B 89RI +&at is an Aapat&eia1B RAVE Suppose" to *e li%e a really strong core$ 0ear" t&at it !as t&ere *ut I guess I &a" t&e !rong in'ormation$ 89RI I see> an Aapat&eia>B .AROL2S VOI=E O&3 8uri3 0ey# o)er &ere3 $oth )uri and /aven look in .arol"s direction. -ith him are /ita and =stelle. RITA Arg&# I:ll get you# ol" man3 (runs to!ar" 8uri an" Ra)en) RAVE 0mm# may*e I:" *est *e o''# no!$ 89RI 8ep$ T&e Ama?oness &as emerge"$

/aven waves then runs for it. RITA (stops *y 8uri) +ait# "amn it3 I:m gonna *eat you senseless3 /ita takes off after /aven and .arol stops by )uri, clearly e hausted. .AROL O0u''O O&u''O +&y:" you let &im get a!ay1 89RI 0e sai" &e:s terri*ly misun"erstoo"$ .AROL +&at1 +&at "oes t&at mean>1 /ita comes back. RITA >0e got a!ay$ I:ll catc& t&at *ugger one o' t&ese "ays> 89RI 8ou s&oul" lea)e &im *e$ going up against t&at %in" o' guy is ,ust a !aste o' energy$ =stelle catches up. 89RI 8ou all rig&t1 ESTELLE ><ust let me>ta%e a>little *rea%$ 89RI Sure# you can &a)e a little one$ T&en !e:)e gotta go$ .AROL /o1 /o !&ere1 89RI +e nee" to 'ollo! t&e (loo" Alliance to get *ac% t&e lo!er 6uarter:s *lastia$ ESTELLE 7i" you get a lea" on !&ere to go ne;t1 89RI I &ear" t&at a s&a"y group 'rom a guil" !as &ea"e" to t&e nort&!est$ It mig&t *e t&em$ .AROL To t&e nort&!est o' &ere>t&e only city I can t&in% o' in t&at "irection !oul" *e one t&at !as "estroye" in an eart&6ua%e$ ESTELLE +&at coul" t&ey !ant to "o in a place li%e t&at1 89RI 0mm# goo" 6uestion$ RITA An" yet you still !ant to go1 89RI I:m ,ust saying !e s&oul" go an" c&ec% it out$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT 5e*troyed (y an EarthGuake

---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 5ark En3or,er Part '# -hile applying for a room, )uri overhears a conversation between two nobles. +O-A +o!# !&at a strange group o' people$ A "og an" e)en a couple o' %i"s>an" t&ey "on:t loo% li%e t&ey:re relate"# eit&er$ 8O9 / -A As t&e gate!ay to all o' Tol*yccia# =apua Torim sees its 'air s&are o' interesting 'ol%s$ A motley cre! li%e t&eirs isn:t too uncommon among all o' t&e guil"s t&at pass t&roug& &ere$ +O-A (ut I coul" s!ear t&at I:)e seen t&at young man some!&ere *e'ore> 8O9 / -A 8ou too# ma:am1 to tell t&e trut&# &e loo%s 'amiliar to me# too$ I !on"er !&ere I:)e seen &is 'ace> )uri turns around and looks at them. 89RI 1 7ES. =LER. 8our room is t&e last one "o!n# on t&e rig&t$ 0a)e a pleasant stay$ 89RI Sure# t&an%s$ 2uring the night, voices awaken them. VOI=E (. I/0T) Is t&e !ante" man really &i"ing in &ere1

VOI=E ( O(LE -A ) I:m sure$ I t&oug&t I:" seen &im some!&ere *e'ore$ An" t&en I spotte" t&e !ante" poster# I imme"iately %no! it !as &im$ VOI=E (. I/0T) T&at room up a&ea"# &mm> All rig&t$ 8ou stan" *ac%$ VOI=E ( O(LE -A ) 8es# o' course$ There are three beds in the room. /ita and =stelle are in the bed ne t to the wall. .arol is asleep in the middle bed and )uri is in the bed nearest the door. %earing the voices, )uri sits up in his bed. 89RI 0ey# !a%e up3 RITA -mm>!&at "o you !ant1 It:s t&e mi""le o' t&e nig&t3 .AROL ot too muc& mil% on my cereal>no# it:ll get soggy> 89RI I sai" !a%e up# .arol3 +e &a)e to get out o' &ere3 VOI=E ( O(LE -A ) T&e !ante" man &as t&ree 'rien"s !it& &im$ T&ey:)e also got a "og# so *e care'ul$ VOI=E (. I/0T) An Imperial .nig&t !on:t *e *eaten *y t&e li%es o' a common criminal3 (8uri stan"s up on t&e *e") RITA Estellise3 .i"3 +a%e up# you t!o3 An +mperial .night, with spear at the ready, and the noble young man enter the room. The beds are empty. . I/0T All rig&t# put your &an"s up an" come 6uietly>&u&1 -A T&ey got a!ay33 )uri and his companions gather in front of the already closed, 9ortune"s 1arket. ESTELLE +&-!&at !as t&at all a*out1 89RI It loo%s li%e some*o"y snitc&e" on us$ .AROL Snitc&e"1 RITA 8ou:re too !ell-%no!n 'or your o!n goo"# 8uri$ ALL T0REE (loo% at 8uri) $$ 89RI Isn:t guil" in'luence really strong in Torim1 -ay*e t&at %nig&t !as o)ercompensating 'or &o! impotent &e must 'eel$ ESTELLE 8uri# t&at %nig&t !as ,ust trying to "o &is ,o*3 I:" appreciate it i' you %ept our insults to yoursel'$ .AROL 9g&> I:m ne)er gonna *e a*le to get a goo" nig&t:s sleep at t&is rate> 89RI +ell# at least !e got a!ay !it&out getting caug&t# rig&t1 +e can *e &appy a*out t&at$ RITA 0appy1 T&is is annoying as all &ell3 T&e ne;t time !e stay at an inn# you can sleep outsi"e !it& t&e "og3 )uri heaves an e asperated sigh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------THE 2ALLE" CIT6# CAER B.CRAM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ )uri and party stand in pouring rain at the entrance to a ruined city. 89RI -an# t&is place is a total !rec%$ RITA 7o you seriously t&in% any*o"y !oul" come to a place li%e t&is1 89RI I !on"er i' !e:)e *een 'e" some 'alse in'ormation again$ .AROL Again>1 FE-ALE VOI=E T&at:s 'ar enoug&3 T&is area is un"er t&e ,uris"iction o' t&e 0unting (la"es$

.AROL (loo%ing aroun") T&at )oice>13 .arol turns to see a girl holding a huge circular blade standing atop a ruined building. /IRL T&ese measures &a)e *een ta%en to pre)ent t&e in,ury o' innocent *ystan"ers$ .AROL (o)er,oye") an3 .arol runs to look up at >an. .AROL All rig&t3 I 'inally 'oun" you3 A > .AROL Are t&e c&ie' an" Tison !it& you1 0a)e you guys *een getting along o%ay !it&out me1 A 7on:t ta%e t&at *u""y-*u""y tone !it& me$ .AROL A!# "on:t *e li%e t&at$ I only got a little lost$ A A little lost1 T&at:s a goo" one3 8ou %no! you ,ust ran a!ay3 .AROL I "i"n:t run a!ay# I s!ear3 A Still ma%ing e;cuses# &u&1 .AROL It:s not an e;cuse3 I *eat an egg*ear# ,ust li%e I sai" I !oul"3 A -ore lies$ .AROL I-I mean it3 A Is t&is &o! you repay *eing ta%en in *y t&e 0unting (la"es>1 Remin" me !&o it !as t&at sai"# AI s!ear I !on:t run a!ay t&is time$B 8ou al!ays run an" &i"e at t&e 'irst sign o' trou*le$ 8ou:)e *een %ic%e" out o' e)ery guil" in t&e *oo%$ .AROL S&ut up3 (!a)es *ot& &an"s 'rantically) 8ou s&ut your mout&3 =stelle and )uri look at .arol. A >0a&3 E)en !e:)e alrea"y 'ire" you3 .AROL +-!ait3 A 8ou &a)e *een !arne" *y t&e 0unting (la"es3 Lea)e t&is area at once3 I' you 'ail to &ee" t&is !arning# you "o so at t&e ris% o' your o!n li)es$ (S&e lea)es$) .AROL an3 .arol stands with his head hung low. ESTELLE > (a&>) 89RI T&is still "oesn:t e;plain !&at t&e 0unting (la"es are "oing &ere$ RITA /oo" point$ (S&e starts !al%ing into t&e ruins) ESTELLE Rita# !ait$ Are you 'orgetting a*out t&e !arning1 RITA S&e ne)er sai" !e !eren:t allo!e" to enter$ ESTELLE (ut !&at a*out t&e Aris%ing our li)esB part1 RITA Are you implying t&at I s&oul" listen to t&at *rat1 7on:t ma%e me laug&$ 89RI At any rate# t&e (loo" Alliance "oesn:t seem to *e &ere$ Let:s &a)e a loo% aroun"$ They enter the ruins. .arol is still standing with his head down. )uri stops and waits for him. .arol runs to &oin him. S+IT +aro)1 2ired

Lo!er Le)el o' =aer (ocram 0ouse on rig&t5 I FOR-ATIO It:s loc%e"# not !it& a %ey# *ut *y some ot&er means$

-ay*e t&ere:s a "e)ice t&at !ill release t&e loc% some!&ere$ S+IT 5oe*nBt See9 Like An EarthGuake

They find a drum-shaped blastia on the ground between two buildings. .AROL +&at sort o' *lastia is t&is>1 RITA 0ey# get your gru**y mitts o'' it3 O' course> It:s slig&tly "i''erent 'rom t&e norm# *ut it loo%s li%e a type o' !arp *lastia$ Its acti)ating mec&anism is> Let:s see> 0u&>1 89RI +&at:s t&e matter1 RITA >T&ere:s no acti)ation s!itc&3 It:s properly e6uippe" !it& a core# an" it "oesn:t loo% li%e it:s t&e type !&ere you can acti)ate it *y remo)ing t&e core$ ESTELLE So may*e t&ere:s an acti)ation s!itc& locate" some!&ere else1 RITA Per&aps> I' t&ere !ere anot&er *lastia li%e t&is one in t&is to!n$ It !oul"n:t *e too unusual 'or t&ere to *e some "e)ice to manage all o' t&em at once$ 89RI O&# so !e can:t acti)ate it# t&en1 Too *a"> .AROL 0u&1 +&y:s it too *a"1 89RI a&# I ,ust &a" a &unc& it !oul" le" to somet&ing interesting> RITA (lastia isn:t a toy# you %no!3 ESTELLE =oul"n:t !e ,ust loo% 'or t&e "e)ice t&at:s managing it1 RITA 8es> 89RI Sure# may*e !e can 'in" it> S+IT The Huntin0 B)ade*

They come to the end of a path. There is a hatch with a wooden door in the ground. ESTELLE It loo%s li%e a "ea" en"$ 89RI S&oul" !e &ea" *ac%1 Or> .AROL 0ol" on# I:m going to &a)e a loo% aroun"$ .arol inspects the hatch. .AROL +eir"# t&ere:s not a %ey&ole or anyt&ing> 89RI Really>1 (inspects t&e &atc&) .AROL 8uri# an amateur li%e you !oul" ne)er *e a*le to open a "oor li%e-)uri kicks the door to the hatch and it opens with a cloud of dust clearing away to reveal a ladder. .AROL +&at t&e>1 89RI I !oul"n:t !ant =aptain .arol to "irty &is &an"s on suc& a 'ilt&y "oor3 .AROL (em*arrasse"-scratc&ing *ac% o' &ea") O&# u&# rrig&t# a& &a& &a&> RITA OSig&O .AROL +ell# s&all !e1 (&e goes 'irst) 89RI +oul"n:t it *e cra?y i' a monster ,ust go**le" up your 'oot rig&t no!1 <ust a giant munc&# an" oops# no

.AROL 89RI .AROL They climb down. .AROL RITA

more 'oot$ (,umping *ac% an" 'alling on &is rear) +a&# !aaaaa&&>3 0e&# loo%s 'ine to me$ Let:s go insi"e$ +&at am I# your test "ummy13

+&at:s t&is "o1 /et your gru**y mitts o'' it3 I "on:t !ant to &a)e to tell you again3 89RI It seems li%e it mig&t *e an acti)ation s!itc& 'or t&e !arp *lastia upstairs$ /ita flicks the switch. ESTELLE ot&ing:s &appening$ RITA It "oesn:t &a)e enoug& aer$ 89RI ot enoug&>aer> >I !on"er i' t&at ring I got in t&e S&ai%os Ruins mig&t *e a*le to "o anyt&ing$ RITA A&# t&e Sorcerer:s Ring$ I:m not sure> (ut you mig&t as !ell gi)e it a try$ )uri uses the ring. RITA It !or%e">3 ESTELLE -ay*e t&at means !e:ll *e a*le to use t&e !arp *lastia upstairs3 89RI Let:s go3 )uri activates the $lastia with the ring and the door to the buildings unlock and the street lights shine. S+IT S+IT E*te))e1 the Hi*torian Bui)t Like a MaFe

-ith the blastia finally operational, they can now use it to travel to upper levels of the facility. )uri steps on the platform and selects 71ove forward.8 They are transported to structures built on a higher plateau. The center structure had a corkscrew ramp that spiraled deep, at least five stories, down into a basement with a blastia powered console and a locked vault door. Vault "oor5 I FOR-ATIO =onsole5 89RI T&e &ea)y "oor is tig&tly s&ut$ (t&in%ing) T&ere:s a complicate" loo%ing "e)ice$ (etter lea)e it alone$

They return to the main floor and climb stairs to find a moss covered door leading to another blastia transport. -ith it they were able to reach the ne t higher plateau of buildings. ,n this plateau, they see a group of people gathered around a huge Cattuso. ESTELLE >So it loo%s li%e t&e (loo" Alliance> 89RI >aren:t &ere a'ter all$ .AROL T&ose guys are t&e 0unting (la"es$ ESTELLE T&-t&at man>!e sa! &im in 7ei"on 0ol"$ 89RI A&# no! t&at you mention it# !e "i" see &im$ So &e:s t&e lea"er o' your guil"# t&em$ .AROL 8ea&# &e:s =lint# t&e lea"er o' t&e 0unting (la"es$ Clint draws his sword and faces the Cattuso. 89RI 0e:s gonna 'ig&t t&at monster all *y &imsel'1 -ith one blow, Clint takes out the Cattuso.

RITA 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL ESTELLE

RITA ESTELLE 89RI RITA .AROL ESTELLE .AROL RITA .AROL 89RI .AROL ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE .AROL ESTELLE .AROL RITA .AROL 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

+&a3 o !ay# man3 0e too% it out in one &it>1 T&at !as a 'atal stri%e$ A 'atal stri%e1 It:s a cra?y-po!er'ul tec&ni6ue t&at e;tremely s%ille" s!or"smen can use$ 0mmm> So &o! "o you "o it1 0o! "o you "o it>1 0-0o! s&oul" I %no!13 AFatal stri%e-- A strong attac% !&ic& t&ro!s your opponent o'' *alance>B A>Follo!e" *y a single# !ell-time" stri%e to 'inis& t&e enemy$B Is t&at somet&ing else you rea" in a *oo%1 8-yes# it is> I see> It soun"s li%e it:s easier sai" t&an "one$ 8ou really !ant to get *ac% into t&e guil"# "on:t you1 +&-!&at ma%es you say t&at1 +&at>1 .arol# are you going to go *ac% into t&e guil"1 I !on:t go *ac%>3 I:m sic% an" tire" o' monster &unting$ +on:t go *ac%# or can:t go *ac%1 It soun"e" li%e you !ere 'ire"$ (plea"ing) -no$ I &a" *een planning on lea)ing 'or a !&ile$ O&# really1 +ell# !&ate)er you say$ So# u&# let:s get going$ +ell# I:m gla" you:re staying !it& us# .arol$ Any!ay# !&at "o you t&in% t&ey:re "oing !it& suc& a large contingent1 8ea&# i' t&ey !ante" to ta%e out t&at monster !e sa!# one person !oul":)e *een enoug&$ T&is is actually t&e 'irst time I:)e e)er seen t&is many guil" mem*ers gat&ere" in one place$ Really1 8ea&# a lot o' t&e mem*ers are loners$ T&ey ten" not to tra)el in groups$ An" t&e c&ie' *eing &ere is out o' t&e or"inary# too$ =uriouser an" curiouser> +ant to>'ollo! t&em an" see !&at t&ey:re up to1 a&# t&at soun"s interesting# *ut I:m gonna %eep going$ 0e:s loo%ing 'or mem*ers o' t&e (loo" Alliance# a'ter all$ Rig&t# 8uri1 8ea&# I "on:t !ant to !orry a*out t!o guil"s$ One is more t&an enoug&3

Fatal Stri%e Tutorial (opponent is a Spe%%it) 89RI I t&in% I:ll try to "o t&at t&ing$ .AROL T&at t&ing1 89RI T&at 'atal stri%e t&ing$ .AROL 8ou can:t ,ust imitate !&at you sa! an" &ope it:ll !or%> 89RI 0ey# I !on:t %no! i' I can until I try$ 0o! "i" it go again1 .AROL 9&# u&&# 'irst# you go an" attac% t&e enemy to t&ro! it o'' *alance> 89RI Alrig&ty> (c&arges t&e monster)

.AROL AAlrig&tyB1 A&>3 I FOR-ATIO A"" an attac% an" prepare 'or t&e Fatal Stri%e$ )uri strikes and a green ring forms. 89RI I see it3 .AROL 0u&1 S-see !&at1 89RI I see my opening to attac%3 I FOR-ATIO Press RT to trigger a Fatal Stri%e$ )uri does so. .AROL 8uri# t&at !as ama?ing> 89RI a&# I !as ,ust copying !&at I sa!$ ESTELLE I "i"n:t t&in% it !as t&e sort o' t&ing you can ,ust copy li%e t&at> 89RI +ell# you nee" a little s%ill# *ut it:s not really t&at &ar"$ 8ou t&in% you coul" "o it !&ile !atc&ing me1 .AROL -no !ay3 It ta%es a s%ille" s!or"sman to "o somet&ing li%e t&at> 89RI I %no! t&at$ (ut .arol# you:re not as *a" as you ma%e yoursel' out to *e$ .AROL I:m# I:m not1 89RI 8ou too# Estelle$ ESTELLE R-really>1 89RI Alrig&t# let:s go$ I FOR-ATIO T&e amount o' EGP# LP# as !ell as item "rop rates increases !&en you "e'eat an enemy !it& Fatal Stri%e$ Spo%enJ o Te;t (a'ter *attle) 89RI T&at !as 'un$ .AROL 8uri# you:re a!esome3 A thorough search of all the houses on every plateau gained three password clues. -ith these in hand, the party returns to house with the locked vault. At the end of the long spiral ramp, everyone begins to suffer the same symptoms. .AROL +&-!&at:s up1 I 'eel %in" o' sic% all o' a su""en$ RITA E)en someone as "ense as you can 'eel it1 .AROL +&o are you calling-+ait "oes t&at mean you can 'eel it# too1 89RI 9g&# !&at a 'eeling> .AROL 8uri>Estelle# too1 ESTELLE I:m '-'ine$ 89RI 7on:t o)ere;ert yoursel'$ +e can rest &ere an" &a)e a loo% aroun"$ RITA Seriously# !&at:s going on1 E)er since !e got &ere> .AROL I' a monster attac%e" us rig&t no!# I "on:t t&in% I:" *e up to it$ 89RI Saying stu'' li%e t&at is t&e *est !ay to attract monsters# you %no!$ ESTELLE > (&ea" "rops) =stelle sinks to the floor and )uri hurries to kneel by her. ESTELLE 8uri>3 89RI I' you:re going to %eel o)er# coul"n:t you "o it in t&e mi""le o' a cro!"e" city street1 I can:t *e e;pecte" to *e t&ere to catc& you e)ery time$

)uri stands, the =stelle gets to her feet. As if embarrassed, )uri takes a few steps and stops with his back to everyone. ESTELLE 8-yes# t&an% you$ I:m still "oing o%ay$ They take a few seconds to watch soft tiny green lights, like dim fireflies, floating in the air around them. RITA >T&is is aer$ .AROL +&at1 I t&oug&t aer coul"n:t *e seen !it& t&e na%e" eye$ RITA I' it:s "ense enoug& it can *e$ 89RI Estelle# !eren:t you saying somet&ing a*out t&at earlier1 T&at "ense aer is *a" 'or t&e *o"y$ ESTELLE 8es> A0ig&-"ensity aer can occasionally &a)e )ery negati)e e''ects on t&e &uman *o"y$B 89RI It ma"e you pass out in t&e Fuoi +oo"s# too$ RITA >Really1 +o!$ 89RI -ay*e !e s&oul" get out o' &ere$ /ita inspects the blastia console ne t to the vault door. ESTELLE (ut !e still &a)en:t ma"e sure i' t&e mercenaries are &ere or not$ 89RI I guess t&at:s true# *ut> ESTELLE Let:s %eep mo)ing$ RITA It loo%s li%e t&is *lastia is lin%e" to t&e "oor$ .AROL 0o! "o !e open it1 RITA It seems t&at !e &a)e to care'ully put toget&er t&e sym*ols to 'orm t&e rig&t p&rase$ 89RI +oul"n:t it *e 'aster to *rea% it1 RITA T&at:s not a goo" i"ea$ +&at i' it ma%es t&e "oor stop !or%ing1 89RI 0ey>somet&ing:s coming out o' it$ RITA >So s&oul" !e ,ust put some letters in &ere1 .AROL 0ey# "i"n:t !e pic% up some o"" pieces o' paper1 ESTELLE Actually# come to t&in% o' it> =oul" t&is *e a clue to t&e passco"e1 89RI Seems !e nee" to use our min" to get an ans!er$ Let 'me( loo% at t&e paper again$ Pass!or" =lue D5 Lig&t Pass!or" =lue E5 S%y Pass!or" =lue 35 Sp&ere I"STRUCTI."S T. E"TER THE PASSC.5E# The %a**,ode i* (taiyou), which means =sun> in Japanese. If you are unable to type in Japanese, then follow this guide: - From the top left corner, go RIG ! " spaces. #lic$ on . - Go %&'( ) space, then *+F! " spaces. #lic$ on . - Go RIG ! , spaces, then %&'( ) space. #lic$ on . - Go *+F! , spaces. #lic$ on . - -ress .!/R!. They enter the passcode and the vault door opens. They walk into a circular room as high as the spiral ramp. Suspended high up in the center of the room is a huge blastia structure with many barbs shaped like arrow points attached to its body. The blastia is slowly spinning

in a suspended pool of water and emits a blue glow. $elow is a deep pit covered by a glowing blue barrier. .AROL T&at !ater is>'loating1 89RI It loo%s li%e t&at *lastia is causing it$ ESTELLE An" pro*a*ly t&is strange 'eeling as !ell> (t&ey all appear to *e !in"e"# leaning o)er !it& &an"s on %nees) RITA >0u&1 0e:s similar to t&e ones at E&me" 0ill an" =apua or$ .AROL Is it *ro%en>1 RITA +&en a *lastia *rea%s# it loses its a*ility to ta%e in aer$ T&ere:s no !ay it !oul" get li%e t&is$ ESTELLE So> +&at:s going on>1 RITA I "on:t %no!> +&at coul" &e *e trying to "o1 They hear a roar that makes the ground rumble. ESTELLE +-+as t&at a monster1 They hear another roar. The ground rumbles a monster walks below in the deep pit in the center of the floor. .AROL --m-monster>3 89RI Ta%e it easy-- you:re not 'eeling !ell$ An" t&ere aren:t any "octors aroun" &ere$ .AROL 0u&>1 (ut> (ut I> The monster roars louder, shaking the ground. .AROL ('rig&tene") 9aaaa&>3 89RI T&e *arrier:s gonna 'ail>3 RITA 7on:t !orry# t&at:s a re)erse *arrier$ .AROL Re)erse>*arrier>1 RITA It:s a po!er'ul *arrier 'or &ol"ing monsters$ 0e !on:t get out o' t&ere any time soon$ (ut# t&e aer &ere$ T&is isn:t normal$ The barrier begins to crackle and spark. 89RI I:)e got a *a" 'eeling a*out t&is> .AROL It:s starting to "isappear>3 ESTELLE (seeing Rita start to run) Rita13 RITA >=alm "o!n> I:ll &a)e it 'i;e" in no time> As /ita runs to fi the barrier, /epede barks out a warning. REPE7E +oo'33 TISO :S VOI=E So !&o:re t&e num*s%ulls t&at "eci"e" to go an" ignore our 'rien"ly !arning1 Tison 'the hooded sorcerer( and Clint 'the Catsutto slaying, 9atal Striker( stand with >an across the monster pit. 89RI Sorry$ one o' us &ere are nice enoug& to ta%e your A'rien"lyB !arning seriously$ TISO 0ump&$ 8ou "on:t say> +ell no!# i' it isn:t t&at runt .arol !&o got &is sorry *utt cut 'rom t&e team$ T&e aer must *e a''ecting Mem$ It loo%s pretty t&ic% o)er t&ere$ =LI T T&at:s ,ust !&at !e !ant$ 8ou all ,ust sit tig&t an" *e&a)e yoursel)es$ (&ol"ing up &is s!or") +e:re only intereste" in ta%ing out t&is *ig *rute$ 89RI 8ou sure tal% *ig$ ta%ing care o' a pet is a *ig responsi*ility# you %no!$ 7on:t go a*an"oning &im 'or someone else to ta%e care o'$ /epede nods toward the ceiling. =stelle looks up. ESTELLE (a *east cries out 'rom a*o)e) Aaa&3 The dragon rider crashes through a window.

RITA 0im again3 The dragon rider pierces the water barrier around blastia with a spear. The water starts to pour out. ESTELLE P&e!> 0ey>I 'eel *etter> .AROL T&-t&e *arrier:s "o!n3 (t&e monster in t&e pit loo%s at t&em) RITA O' course3 T&at "ragon 'rea% *ro%e t&e *lastia3 8ou:re "ea" 'rea%3 7ea"33 The blastia continues to spin in the air, but broken currents of electricity now crackle over its surface. As the dragon rider arcs around the edge of the pit, Clint repeatedly blasts t&e monster !it& &is s!or"$ =LI T 8ea&# t&at:s it$ S&o! me some anger$ S&o! me !&at a monster:s li%e3 o! I:m gonna mop t&e 'loor !it& you3 The dragon rider hovers over the monster as the dragon aims a firey blast at the %unting $lades party. =LI T TISO >0u&1 Loo%s li%e &e !ants t&e 'irst piece o' action# =lint$ +ell# come an" get some# t&en33

>an hurls her circular saw, but the dragon dodges and rolls avoiding the blade as it spins around the tower. Tison runs up the wall like a li!ard past the dragon rider and leaps, falling down on top of the rider. TISO /raaa&33 The monster below becomes even more agitated. Trying to reach )uri and party, it breaks up the portion of the retaining wall that )uri and party are standing on to rubble. 89RI +&oa>3 .AROL 9aaa&>3 ESTELLE Aa&>3 They fall into the pit along with the debris. 89RI (scram*les to &is 'eet ru**ing t&e *ac% o' &is &ea") 7amn> I' !e lose our *alance> ESTELLE (stan"ing up) >I:)e ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e it *e'ore> .AROL Omigos&# omigos&# omigos&> They reali!e they are now in the pit with the monster. 89RI ('acing t&e monster) I guess !e gotta ta%e care o' someone else:s pet$ ,ne by one, they &oin )uri in the battle. All e cept .arol. Spoken 2ialogueG>o Te t I after battle: )*/+ That monster was hugeD /+TA -hat"s with the kidA =stelle looks into the monster"s eyes. They look into each other"s eyes for many seconds. The monster turns around and heads for an opening in the pit wall, the ground #uaking with every step. )uri watches it go. =stelle sinks to the ground in e haustion. ESTELLE +e ma"e it> RITA >+&at a*out .arol1 The blastia finally falls and lands in the pit behind the party. -ater drips down heavily. TISO (Arms raise" to t&e si"es# &an"s in 'ists) T&ere ain:t a monster ali)e t&at !asn:t *orn to *e my

punc&ing *ag$ A -aster3 It:s too "angerous3 TISO T&is monster is mine# e)en i' it costs me my li'e3 The dragon rider heads his mount straight up to the hole in the ceiling. /ita readies a spell but stops when she sees Tison attack the dragon rider in the same fashion as before. TISO /raaa&33 (0e misses t&is time$ 0e 'alls !it& &is arms sprea" out li%e *ir" !ings$) The ceiling begins to break up. ESTELLE T&e ceiling> It:s not gonna &ol"3 A (to =lint) =&ie'3 +e &a)e to !it&"ra!3 +e can:t a''or" to stay &ere no! t&at t&e mar% &as escape"3 =LI T 7amn$ 0a"n:t seen a monster li%e t&at in a !&ile> +&at a let"o!n$ All rig&t# pull out3 (lea)es) 89RI +e s&oul" lea)e# too$ RITA It:s not 'air$ I !ante" to *eat t&e &ell out o' t&at 'rea%# too3 ESTELLE +ait# !&ere "i" .arol go1 89RI I' &e isn:t out &ere# &e pro*a*ly le't *e'ore us$ !e:ll loo% 'or &im as !e go$ I FOR-ATIO .arol le't t&e party$ They find .arol outside. A Somet&ing comes up# an" it:s ,ust Opoo'O# you:re gone3 Al!ays# al!ays running a!ay *y yoursel'3 .AROL It-It:s not li%e t&at3 A ot li%e !&at13 .AROL Li%e I sai"# *ac% in 0alure> A I:m not tal%ing a*out 0alure3 I' you:re not as&ame" o' anyt&ing# t&en s&oul"n:t you &urry *ac% to your 'rien"s1 .AROL It:s ,ust t&at> A o nee" to e;plain to me$ I t&in% you:)e got ot&er people !&o:ll listen to you$ .AROL 0u&>1 .arol turns around to see /epede, )uri, /ita and =stelle walking up behind him. .AROL /uys> ESTELLE .arol# I:m so gla" you:re sa'e$ RITA +&ere t&e &ell "i" you go1 +e !ere really in a ,am *ac% t&ere$ .AROL (&ea" &anging "o!n) I:m> I:m sorry> )uri walks over to .arol and pats him on the head. 89RI 0ey# at least you ma"e it out in one piece$ A I:m lea)ing$ .AROL (turning aroun"# loo%ing at &er) +ait> A 8ou t&in% long an" &ar" a*out !&at you:)e "one$ T&at:s all I &a)e to say to you$ (lea)es) )uri"s tousles .arol"s hair. .AROL (gra*s &is &air protecti)ely !it& *ot& &an"s) 0ey# cut it out 89RI Let:s get going .arol$ +e:re all tire"$ .AROL 8uri> RITA -an# !e !ere !ay o''$ T&e (loo" Alliance !as no!&ere to *e seen$ 89RI o %i""ing$ +e:ll &a)e to ta%e any in'ormation t&at

RITA 89RI RITA ESTELLE .AROL 89RI2S VOI=E .AROL I FOR-ATIO S+IT

guy gi)es us !it& a grain o' salt$ A/uyB>1 8ou "on:t mean>1 8ea&$ Oo&3 I am gonna roast t&at "ea"*eat t&e moment I see &im$ Let:s>let:s ta%e it easy on t&e !ay *ac%$ (t&ey lea)e# .arol stays put) >It:s not li%e I> 0ey3 8ou:re gonna get le't *e&in"3 I:m coming3 .arol ,oine" t&e party$ Aer*i,k

;eaving Caer $ocram, they are met by Cumore and +mperial .nights .AROL 3 89RI 3 ESTELLE 1 REPE7E /rrrr> =9-ORE A&# t&e common ra**le$ so I:)e 'inally 'oun" you$ T&at:s 'ar enoug&$ 89RI (&an" on &ip) 8ou lac%eys must &a)e &a" a lot o' time on your &an"s i' you crosse" t&e ocean ,ust to see us$ =9-ORE 0ump&> 8ou:re in no position to tal% "o!n to t&e li%es o' me$ o!# Princess# rig&t t&is !ay$ As Cumore walks toward =stelle, she takes a few steps back. .AROL 0u&1 +&at "oes &e mean# AprincessB1 89RI T&e princess stan"ing rig&t &ere in 'ront o' us$ ESTELLE (loo%ing at 8uri) 8-8uri> (ut &o! "i" you>1 .AROL +&at1 >Estelle:s a princess1 RITA I suspecte" as muc& mysel'$ ESTELLE Rita> 8ou# too1 .AROL +-!ait# you:)e gotta *e %i""ing> =stelle sets herself, then approaches Cumore. ESTELLE >An" !&at !ill &appen to my 'rien"s1 =9-ORE +&y# t&ey:ll *e "ra!n an" 6uartere" 'or a*"ucting a mem*er o' t&e royal 'amily# o' course$ ESTELLE Please !ait$ I !asn:t a*"uct -=9-ORE A&# !&at a mout&y young la"y you are$ T&is !ay# please3 The knights run forward and stop slightly ahead of Cumore and draw their weapons. Cumore draws his own sword, point aimed at the party. .AROL Estelle>3 )uri draws his weapon. =9-ORE o! "ie li%e t&e 'lies you are3 LE(LA =:S VOI=E Arrest t&e culprit 8uri Lo!ell an" &is accomplices$ =9-ORE 3 Cumore, sword back in its sheath, whirls around as Adecor and $occos stride up behind him. =9-ORE /a&>you$ T&e Sc&!ann (riga"e>3 (It *egins to rain) As ;eblanc walks over to stand beside Cumore, Adecor and $occos pull out their weapons. =9-ORE <ust a minute3 T&is pri?e catc& is mine3 I !on:t let you ta%e &im 'rom me t&at easily3 LE(LA = A=atc&1B Our "uties are not to *e carrie" out in t&e 'as&ion o' a &unt$

=9-ORE LE(LA = =9-ORE LE(LA = =9-ORE

0ump&3 7i" I not also &ear someone mention A"yingB earlier>1 8ou "i"$ +&at is !rong !it& con"emning criminals to t&eir "eat&s1 S&oul" not criminals *e capture" an" ,u"ge" in accor"ance !it& t&e la!s1 >0ump&$$ I suppose I can let you &a)e t&ese little !orms$

Cumore walks away. =9-ORE2S VOI=E I' it isn:t Sc&!ann# it:s Flynn$ T&ese upstart commoners are so 'ull o' t&emsel)es> (=umore:s %nig&ts &asten to 'ollo! &im) E)en t&at =omman"ant> $occos steps forward to escort ;ady =stellise. LE(LA = T&is !ay please# 8our 0ig&ness$ 7o !atc& your step> ESTELLE 9m# *ut I> (O==OS 8es# rig&t t&is !ay3 LE(LA = (running 'or!ar" a 'e! steps) Arrest t&em in t&e name o' =aptain Sc&!ann3 (&e !al%s to Estelle) As ;eblanc walks over to stand before =stelle, Adecor runs past her and draws his sword. A7E=OR O%ay# 8uri Lo!ell gang it:s curtains 'or you# I say3 RITA +&at "o you mean AgangB13 0ey# get your &an"s o'' me3 7o you %no! !&o I am13 .AROL (-*ut I &a)en:t "one anyt&ing3 ESTELLE 7on:t &urt t&em3 I *eg you>3 89RI Estelle# "on:t !orry$ ESTELLE 8uri>3 ;eblanc looks stern as his men practice authority. A"ecor:s VOI=E <ust start !al%ing3 +al%# I say3 89RI O!3 0ey# !atc& it !it& t&e pulling>3 ;eblanc turns abruptly and stands at attention. LE(LA = Sir Sc&!ann# !e s&all ta%e t&ese un"esira*les to 0elior"$ Captain Schwann stands on a rooftop. Seen only from the back, he acknowledges ;eblanc with a single wave. LE(LA = All mem*ers# 'all out3 I FOR-ATIO Estelle earne" t&e ARoyal SuccessorB title$ I FOR-ATIO Estelle le't t&e party$ HELI.R5 THE RISI"< CIT6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The scene changes to an office in the Chevalier<s %0. )uri, .arol and /ita are seated before a table piled with books and papers across from Adecor and $occos. /epede sleeps on the floor beside )uri and ;eblanc stands at the end of the table addressing )uri. LE(LA = =ontinuing on# !e !ill re)ie! t&e particulars o' your DRt& crime$ 89RI Please "o$ LE(LA = Is it true t&at you t&re! a %nig&t sent to collect t&e ta;es into t&e ri)er1 89RI +o!# I:" 'orgotten a*out t&at$ !as t&at you# T!ee"le A1 A7E=OR T&at:s rig&t3 I !as in *e" !it& a col" 'or t&ree !&ole "ays t&an%s to you$

89RI

>0o! many more o' t&ese are t&ere1 t&is is getting pretty *oring$ .AROL >I !on"er !&at:ll &appen to me$ (O==OS So# I:ll !rite you &a)e Ano signs o' remorseB in t&e report t&en> 89RI +&ere:s t&at "o-not&ing captain o' yours# any!ay1 +&at !as &is name1 Sc&!ann1 RITA Playing &oo%y *ecause &e:s t&e *ig s&ot$ LE(LA = 8ou "are moc% our captain1 Sir Sc&!ann is a legen"ary &ero an" a )eteran o' t&e /reat +ar ten years ago$ RITA So *asically# &is eminence !oul" ne)er stoop so lo! as to "eal !it& no*o"ies li%e us$ A7E=OR Fuiet# I say3 Fuiet3 /etting on to your ne;t o''ense> The door opens and Commandant Ale ei accompanied by a .rityan woman enter. LE(LA = 8-your E;cellency =omman"ant Ale;ei3 To !&at "o !e o!e t&is pleasure13 Adecor and $occos stand up and salute by holding their right forearms across their chest. 89RI Ale;ei> +&at>1 ;eblanc steps back and salutes as Ale ei approaches. ALEGEI All your crimes are &ere*y par"one" *y t&e goo" graces o' t&eir 0ig&nesses Estellise an" Io"er$ LE(LA = +&at13 (ut t&ese 'oul criminals &a)e "istur*e" t&e peace o' t&e empire>3 ALEGEI T&e Imperial .nig&ts t&an% you 'or rescuing Prince Io"er an" protecting Princess Estellise$ +O-A Please ta%e t&is$ (s&e &ol" out a *ag o' money) 89RI +e:)e got no nee" 'or t&is$ It:s not li%e !e "i" t&ose t&ings 'or t&e sa%e o' t&e .nig&ts$ ALEGEI I see$ (0e an" t&e !oman turn aroun" to lea)e) 89RI +&at a*out Estelle>1 ALEGEI S&e &as ,ust gi)en &er consent to *e returne" to t&e imperial capital$ .AROL (stan"ing up) +&at1 >+ell# I guess s&e is a princess# a'ter all$ ALEGEI T&e Princess is !aiting at t&e inn$ +e !oul" *e please" i' you ma"e an appearance$ Ale ei and the .rityan woman leave. S+IT +O 7ER =0EF I FOR-ATIO LE(LA = A7E=OR (O==OS E*te))e1 the Prin,e** Learne" t&e recipe 'or AFis& !it& -iso Sauce$B O*taine" 3 sets o' ingre"ients 'or t&e recipe$ /rr>I:ll remem*er you# 8uri Lo!ell$ I>I:ll let you go t&is time3 8ou *etter !atc& it ne;t time3

-ain room o' =&e)alier2s 0F5 /uar" (+ "oor) T&roug&out &istory# t&ere &a)e al!ays *een t!o types o' people$ T&at:s rig&t$ T&e rulers# an" t&e rule"$ E)eryone !or%ing in t&is to!n# !it&out e;ception# are among t&e latter$ .nig&t E''ort al!ays *ears 'ruit$ Perse)ering until you

&ar)est t&at 'ruit is t&e "e'inition o' e''ort3 People put 'ait& in notions li%e t&at# an" t&en "ie in o*scurity> o*les are !inners# commoners are losers$ E)eryt&ing is "eci"e" *y *irt&3 Outsi"e t&e =&e)alier2s 0F5 .AROL So Estelle:s going *ac% &ome# &u&$ RITA 8ou "on:t &a)e a pro*lem !it& t&is# 8uri1 89RI It:s not my "ecision to ma%e$ RITA +ell>I guess t&at:s true# *ut> 89RI -ore importantly# !&ere are !e1 .AROL T&is is t&e city o' 0elior"$ /eograp&ically spea%ing# it:s locate" *et!een Torim 0ar*or an" t&e city o' 7a&ngrest$ It !as only ,ust recently *uilt$ It:s still a )ery ne! to!n$ I' you 'ollo! t&is roa" to t&e east you:ll &it =aer (ocram# !&ere !e !ere earlier$ =ut t&roug& t&e !est an" go to t&e nort&!est to reac& 7a&ngrest$ 89RI I see>!ell# may*e I:ll &a)e a loo% aroun" t&e to!n a *it$ RITA >I:)e got my o!n *usiness to atten" to$ .AROL 0mmm# !&at to "o> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ .AROL I can:t go *ac% to t&e 0unting (la"es> +&at am I going to "o>1 . I/0T Stop complaining an" !or%$ 8ou !ant to *e a no*le# "on:t you1 7epen"ing on &o! !ell you per'orm# I mig&t consi"er putting in a goo" !or" !it& Sir =umore 'or you$ Eastern =ity E;it5 -A +elcome to 0elior"# t&e ne!est a""ition to t&e empire:s cities$ <ourney east to reac& t&e port o' Torim an" !est to ma%e 'or 7a&ngrest$ .nig&t /9AR7 T&is to!n is populate" *y misera*le la*orers# t&e %nig&ts t&at !atc& o)er t&em> >An" t&e no*les t&at rule o)er all$ I !oul"n:t e)en t&in% a*out opposing t&e no*les# i' I !ere you$ I' you catc& t&eir glare# you:re lia*le to spen" t&e rest o' your li'e !or%ing in 'orce" la*or$ Pla?a !it& (lastia5 .nights and workers are in this area. -an (&ammering) (uil" a &ouse# get 3 point$ Put in a *eam# P$S points$ /et enoug& points an" you too can *ecome no*ility3 Earning points to *ecome no*ility$ T&e =ouncil is pretty sna??y$ OL7 -A 0o! long &as it *een since I came to t&is to!n to *ecome a no*le>1 I:ll *e a no*le soon>soon> REPE7E +oo'3 RITA Is t&is t&e to!n:s *lastia1 0mm> . I/0T 0ey3 8ou t&ee3 o loitering allo!e"3 o!# mo)e along3 -an (*lastia) Almost all o' your most important !or% turns out to

*e o"" ,o*s$ O' course# %no!ing t&ey:re o"" "oesn:t mean you can per'orm t&em o""ly$ Ol" -an (*lastia) Are you !orrie" a*out somet&ing1 T&e *est reme"y 'or a !orrie" min" is &ar" !or%$ I:)e la*ore" &ar"# al!ays *eing tol" t&at$ =9-ORE . I/0T -onitoring t&e la*orers is a terri*le ,o*$ I !ant to "o somet&ing !ort& "oing# you %no!1 -an (sca''ol"ing) I:m so *ore" o' all t&is menial la*or$ 0o! muc& longer until my s&i't en"s>1 +on:t you all ,ust s&ut up13 Tal%ing to Flynn5 9lynn and Brince +oder are standing between the entrance to the +nn and the pla!a. 89RI O&# so *ot& o' you !ere &ere t&e !&ole time3 Brince +oder bows. FL8 8uri# please !atc& your speec& in 'ront o' 0is Royal 0ig&ness$ 8ou coul" at least s&o! "ue courtesy to t&e gracious par"oner o' your crimes$ IO7ER It:s o%ay# Flynn$ -iss Estellise an" I acte" o' our o!n )olition$ FL8 8ou:)e alrea"y &ear" a*out Princess Estellise t&en# I see$ 89RI 8ea&# I &ear"$ FL8 8uri# I t&oug&t t&at tra)eling !it& you !oul" *e to 0er 0ig&ness: o!n *ene'it# *ut> IO7ER T&e royal 'amily can:t *e allo!e" to romp all o)er t&e countrysi"e !it&out restraint$ 89RI T&at:s not )ery con)incing coming 'rom you$ IO7ER 0a&a# I apologi?e$ (ut no! especially# it:s un"esira*le 'or t&e royal 'amily:s concerns to *e *roug&t into t&e pu*lic eye$ 89RI =oncerns1 8ou mean !&et&er you or t&e Princess is ne;t in line 'or t&e imperial t&rone1 IO7ER =orrect$ T&ere are currently t!o opinions# t&at o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts# an" t&at o' t&e =ouncil$ FL8 8our 0ig&ness3 IO7ER T&ere:s no use &i"ing any "etails 'rom &im !&en &e alrea"y %no!s so muc&$ IO7ER T&e Imperial .nig&ts are *ac%ing my o!n ascension to t&e t&rone$ -ean!&ile# -iss Estellise &as t&e support o' t&e =ouncil$ 89RI S&e:s a princess# a'ter all$ IO7ER 8es# &er relation may *e a "istant one# *ut s&e:s unmista%a*ly o' royal *loo"$ 89RI T&at:s gotta *e toug& 'or t&e .nig&ts# too$ E)en i' s&e:s t&e ri)al o' t&eir can"i"ate 'or t&e t&rone# it:s not li%e t&ey can ,ust stop protecting t&e Princess# is it1 FL8 8uri# t&is matter is> 89RI I "on:t %no! anyone o"" enoug& to *e intereste" in in'ormation li%e t&is$ +ell# I:m going to go "rop *y Estelle:s place# an" t&en I:m gonna ta%e a loa" o'' at t&e inn$ T&an%s 'or

t&e c&at$ . I/0T T&e strong "o not !in$ It is t&e !inners !&o are strong$ Victory is meaningless unless you are )ictorious at all t&ings3

+estern =ity E;it5 OL7 -A Torim Port is east 'rom t&e e;it on t&e ot&er si"e$ I' you nee" a *oat# you s&oul" go t&ere$ 0ea" !est out o' t&at e;it to get to 7a&ngrest$ T&e /uil" 9nion is t&ere$ /9AR7 7on:t spea% o' i"eals# *ecome t&em$ +or"s o' a 'amous man$ I 'orgot !&o# t&oug&> o matter !&at t&e !eat&er may *ring# you must al!ays e;ert e)ery last "rop o' your mig&t$ ,n his way to the +nn, )uri is stopped by Adecor and $occos. A7E=OR +ait# I saaay3 (O==OS +ait# you3 89RI (turning aroun") 0ey# it:s T!ee"le-a an" T!ee"le-(3 (O==OS 7on:t call us t&at3 89RI Somet&ing I can &elp you t!o !it&1 A7E=OR E)en i' you &a)e a "irect par"on 'rom 0is 0ig&ness Io"er# I say# t&at "oes not c&ange t&e 'act t&at you committe" crimes against t&e empire3 (O==OS As mem*ers o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts# our &onor !ill not allo! us to simply let t&at sli"e3 A7E=OR (O==OS 89RI 8uri Lo!ell3 8ou !ill *attle !it& us &ere# I say# 'air an" s6uare3 I' you *eat us# !e:ll recogni?e you as innocent o' your crimes3 7on:t ma%e claims you can:t *ac% up$ Since !&en "i" you t!o &a)e t&e aut&ority to 'orgi)e people t&eir crimes1

A7E=OR (O==OS 89RI

Regar"less# !e must *attle3 (attle3 >I' t&at:s !&at it ta%es to ma%e you &appy# I guess I can &umor you$ (O==OS E;cellent3 =ome !it& us3 They e it left and )uri follows. (O==OS .iss your 'ree"om goo"*ye# 'or it en"s to"ay3 A7E=OR I say# prepare to 'ace t&e Imperial .nig&ts: ultimate 'ig&ting tec&ni6ue5 t&e *urst arte3 89RI Again# you:re claiming regular tec&ni6ues as your o!n> t&at "oesn:t *elong to t&e .nig&ts3 A7E=OR I say# *e 6uiet3 89RI T&e (urst Arte# &u&> I:)e &ear" o' it *e'ore# *ut> (O==OS 8ou "on:t %no! &o! it:s "one1 8ou 'ool3 A7E=OR I say# !e s&all s&o! you3 (ut *e'ore t&at &appens# you:ll *e re"uce" to no more t&an a !ort&less caterpillar cra!ling on t&e groun"3 A7E=OR Rarg&3 Adecor goes into ,verlimit. The effort causes his visor to slam down over his face. %e raises it back up over his head.

89RI -ay*e it &as somet&ing to "o !it& O)er Limit> (O==OS /o3 S&o! &im &o! it:s "one# A"ecor3 Adecor runs forward. A7E=OR I say# !atc& me no!>3 T&e arcane arte o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts3 %e strikes, )uri &umps back. (O==OS It "i"n:t &it &im3 +&at are you "oing13 89RI 0u&$ (urst artes can *e lin%e" 'rom an arcane arte$ I !on"er i' I coul" imitate t&at> A7E=OR 0a# t&ere:s no !ay an amateur coul" "o somet&ing li%e t&at# I say3 89RI >An" no!# O)er Limit>3 I FOR-ATIO Press "irectional *utton to go into O)er Limit$ Spoken 2ialogueG>o Te t )*/+ +"ll blow you away. A2=C,/ 'stunned, stars( >o thank you, +"m full already. (O==OS 89RI I FOR-ATIO arte$ )*/+ A2=C,/ $,CC,S A7E=OR (a'ter *attle) 89RI in 'or t&e nig&t$ Inn H Sho% Lo**y =9-ORE . I/0T >8ou %no!# t&e =umore (riga"e is ma"e up o' arrogant .nig&ts o' no*le class$ (ut t&ese no*les are a 'ar cry 'rom t&e royal class$ .nig&ts are .nig&ts# rig&t1 +&at "o t&ey &a)e to *rag a*out1 +e %nig&ts usually &a)e se)ere training 'orm morning to nig&t> +&at:s !orse# !e al!ays &a)e to *e on t&e scene 'irst i' t&ere:s a situation$ Fran%ly# I regret ,oining t&e .nig&ts$ t&is simply isn:t a "ecent ,o*$ La"y Estellise is resting$ (to &imsel') O& !ell# guess I:ll call it a "ay$ +a&# *e care'ul3 8uri Lo!ell:s going to attac%3 Arcane arte>3 (per'orms a crus&ing eagle) Trigger a *urst arte *y &ol"ing G a'ter an arcane )ou"re deadD 'he dragon hits Aldecor( 'getting up( That"s enough for today. gaaa&3 (urst Arte3 I say# !&at a terri*le turn o' e)ents33 -an> ot&ing li%e some goo" e;ercise *e'ore turning

I guess I:ll &urry *ac% to t&e inn>

.nig&t /9AR7

9pstairs5 .nig&t /9AR7 89RI

Front 7es% o' Inn A(etelgeuseB5 =ler% +elcome$$ +oul" you li%e to stay 'or 3SP /al"1 (8es) =utscene !it& Rita# .arol an" Repe"e at t&e 'ront "es%$ RITA 0ey# I t&oug&t you !ent to see Estellise1 89RI S&e seems to *e asleep alrea"y$ +e can still tal% tomorro!$ .AROL Rig&t$ +&y "on:t !e all return to our rooms t&en$

e;t -orning in t&e Lo**y5 REPE7E > 89RI +&at:s t&e matter# Repe"e1 .AROL 7o you guys &ear a strange soun"1 RITA o! t&at you mention it# yea&> =ler% O&# I:)e *een &earing t&at t&e *arrier *lastia:s *een acting up lately> RITA 4 (starts to run outsi"e) 89RI 0ey# &ol" your &orses3 RITA I can:t3 89RI =omman"ant Ale;ei is t&ere# isn:t &e1 0e s&oul" *e a*le to ta%e care o' it$ .AROL Rita# i' !e let you go out on your o!n# it:ll ,ust *e anot&er repeat o' E&mea" 0ill$ 89RI +ell# i' you !ant# !e coul" at least let Flynn %no! a*out it$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& .arol# Rita an" Repe"e$ =9-ORE . I/0T OSig&O I "i"n:t ,oin t&e Imperial .nig&ts to sla)e un"er a grump !&o:s all tal% an" no !al%$ E)en i' I can:t ma%e t&e guar"s# I !on"er i' I can ma%e t&e Sc&!ann (riga"e> /9AR7 Situations are rare !&ere !e !oul" *e a*le to use t&e training !e "o e)ery "ay$ I:m starting t 'eel li%e t&e training is useless$ 9&&>!&at are !e suppose" to "o at a time li%e t&is1 S+IT The Interro0ation

Outsi"e t&e Inn @ S&op5 =9-ORE . I/0T Victory is unattaina*le !it&out stri"ing to!ar"s it# 'ully a!are o' t&e "angers$ T&at 'irst stri"e !ill soon *ecome t&e roa" you tra)el$ +estern =ity E;it5 /9AR7 T&is may )ery !ell *e a crisis situation# *ut it:s too early to gi)e up &ope$ +&y1 (ecause !e are struggling against t&is a")ersity toget&er# !it& all o' our mig&t$ +on:t you len" us your mig&t# as !ell1 Pla?a !it& (lastia Statue5 /ita inspects the blastia and =stelle comes running from the right side of the screen. ESTELLE Rita# please !ait3 .AROL Estelle3 ESTELLE A'ter all# I:)e &ear" t&at t&e Imperial .nig&ts &a)e ma"e some repairs on t&e *lastia &ere$ 89RI /i)e t&e %nig&ts some cre"it 'or once# !ill you1 ESTELLE Please# Rita$ RITA >All rig&t t&en$ 89RI It:s o%ay 'or you to *e !an"ering aroun" li%e t&is1 ESTELLE 8es> (ut can I stay !it& you until it:s time to return to 4ap&ias1 89RI I "on:t min" at all$ I FOR-ATIO Estelle ,oine" t&e party$

S+IT -an (*lastia)

The Huntin0 B)ade* and the Mon*ter 8ou ,ust &a)e to "o e)eryt&ing you can# no matter !&at t&e situation$ Results 'ollo! naturally$ +&at &appens i' t&e results you get are *a"1 8ou can cross t&at *ri"ge !&en you come to tit$ emergency re6uire action3 action al!ays comes "anger$ t&e lac% o' action no! al!ays means a &ig&er pay tomorro!$

Eastern =ity E;it5 /9AR7 Times o' +it& any 0o!e)er# price to

Outsi"e t&e =&e)aliers: 0F5 =9-ORE . I/0T T&e soun" o' *lastia1 It:s not&ing$ 7on:t !aste a .nig&t:s time !it& tri)ial matters$ 8ou !aste my time again an" I:ll cut you into little pieces$ =&e)aliers: 0F 9lynn is in the back office where )uri and party were interrogated. 89RI T&e *arrier *lastia:s *een ma%ing some o"" noises$ 7o you t&in% it:s o%ay1 FL8 8ou came all t&e !ay t&ere *ecause you !ere !orrie" a*out t&at1 As al!ays# 8uri# you can:t lea)e !ell enoug& alone i' you see anyt&ing amiss$ /ita starts to walk toward the door. 89RI 0ey# it:s not me3 S&e !as t&e one t&at--(Rita stops) RITA It:s o*)ious t&at somet&ing:s not rig&t !it& t&at *lastia$ Let me &a)e a loo% at it3 FL8 T&is *lastia is currently n a state o' repair$ I:m sorry# *ut I cannot allo! you to e;amine it$ RITA +&y3 The ground shakes. /epede assumes his battle ready stance. 89RI +&at !as t&at )i*ration1 /ita runs out of the room. FL8 7on:t tell me t&at !as t&e *lastia> ESTELLE -ay*e somet&ing:s &appene" to t&e *lastia3 89RI Let:s get outta &ere3 FL8 8our 0ig&ness# you must stay &ere3 /epede leaves first, followed by 9lynn and )uri, with .arol bringing up the rear. /uar" (le't "oor) +&at !as t&at soun">1 I:m curious> I:m curious# *ut until t&e en" o' my s&i't# I can:t lea)e &ere> To protect !&at nee"s to *e protecte"$ T&at is t&e ,o* o' a .nig&t> (ut I:m an;ious a*out t&at e;plosion I &ear"> =9-ORE . I/0T +&at !as t&at13 T&at s&a%e ,ust no! 3 It soun"e" li%e some sort o' e;plosion$ +&at !as t&at1 +n the pla!a, the entire blastia body is glowing with yellow and orange light. $its of aer are floating down and several workers in the pla!a are down. /ita and )uri run toward the pla!a. /ita sees the malfunctioning blastia and charges forward ahead of )uri. 89RI Rita>3 (gra*s &er arm# s&e struggles to *rea% &is

grasp# *ut &e:s stronger$) Let me go3 I can:t ,ust lea)e &im li%e t&is3 T&e aer is ,ust pouring out o' t&is t&ing3 At t&is "ensity it mig&t %ill someone3 ,vercome by the affects of the aer, workers in the pla!a are dropping to the ground. 89RI An" !&at a*out you13 Another rumble and both )uri and /ita fall. /ita scrambles up before )uri and runs to the blastia. 89RI (s&iel"ing &is eyes# !atc&ing Rita) 7ammit3 T&at girl:s *lastia cra?y3 /ita opens a control panel on the blastia. -ith reassuring words to the blastia, /ita begins to press buttons on the panel. RITA It:s o%ay$ I:ll ,ust rea",ust t&e )olume o' aer$ 8ou:ll *e ,ust li%e ne!3 9lynn appears on the ramp behind )uri and sees /ita working frantically on the controls. FL8 It:s too "angerous3 8ou:)e got to get out o' &ere33 Commandant Ale ei arrives with instructions to 9lynn ALEGEI >Lea" t&e ci)ilians out o' t&e city# as !ell as t&e Princess an" t&e ot&ers$ FL8 8es# sir$ Ale ei"s .rityan assistant takes up the rear. ALEGEI T&e aer is completely out o' control$ T&ere:s no telling !&at it !ill "o$ RITA (tal%ing to &ersel') > o3 T&e 'lo! o' aer &as outstrippe" &is capacity$ At t&is rate# it:ll eit&er s!allo! t&e city or e)en e;plo"e$ A young man on the ground hears /ita. 8O9 / -A E e/%)ode7 did you hear that74 Every(ody1 0et out o3 here4 Hurry4 =stelle runs out of the %0. ESTELLE Rita44 =stelle runs past everyone to get to /ita. ALEGEI Prin,e**74 FL8 (seeing Estelle run past) 6our Hi0hne**4 89RI <ah4 (still s&iel"ing &is eyes$) =stelle makes her way to /ita still working on the blastia. 89RI $hat i* *he 74 (still s&iel"ing# !it& one eye close") ESTELLE Rita4 IB9 here4 /ita stares as =stelle glows so bright her features are barely discernable. RITA >Estellise> As Ale ei watches the scene before him, his assistant draws closer. .rityan >=omman"ant13 Ale ei gives a single nod to his assistant. 1eanwhile, /ita is still working on the control panel. RITA T&ere# got it> Aaaa&3 There is a bright blinding flash of light. =stelle and /ita lay on the ground. +t"s raining. ESTELLE (getting up) >33 (loo%s aroun" an" sees Rita lying *esi"e &er) Estelle (per'orming a &ealing spell) Rita4 Han0 on44 ESTELLE >O0u''O >Please> /et a room rea"y>'or Rita> )uri runs to =stelle who"s kneeling over /ita. 89RI 7o you e)en &ear !&at you:re saying1 8ou:re ,ust as RITA

!orn out as s&e is$ (running to ,oin) Prepare rooms at once3 I:ll ta%e &ere t&ere mysel'$ )uri walks over to .arol who"s on the ground near the workman"s table. 89RI .arol# can you stan"1 .AROL 8-yea&> (gets up) 89RI =ome on# !e:re going too$ A figure darts from the supports post in front of the %0. 'could it have been Captain SchwannA( FL8 (etelgeuse Inn# Estelle:s Room5 ESTELLE >=-come in$ The door opens and )uri walks over to the bed where =stelle is keeping vigil over /ita, who"s lying in a bed with a compress on her forehead. =stelle is in the process of performing a healing arte spell over /ita. 89RI 8ou can:t %eep using your &ealing artes on &er 'ore)er# Estelle$ =ome on# let:s let &er rest 'or no!$ ESTELLE 8es> 89RI I can:t *elie)e s&e &a" to go an" "o somet&ing li%e t&at$ ESTELLE 8es$ Once Rita c&ooses to "o somet&ing# s&e !on:t listen to anyone else$$ 89RI 8ou:re one to tal%3 8ou !ere ,ust as *a" as s&e !as$ ESTELLE >I:m sorry$ 89RI I:m going to stay &ere$ 8ou s&oul" go rest$ Aren:t you tire" 'rom using your &ealing artes so muc&1 =stelle shakes her head. ESTELLE I:m ,ealous o' Rita$ S&e &as somet&ing s&e cares a*out so muc&> 89RI (spinning aroun" to loo% at Estelle) An" so can you# i' you spen" enoug& time loo%ing 'or it$ (ut you nee" to go an" get some sleep no!$ ESTELLE o# I:m 'ine$ 8uri# you s&oul" get some sleep# yoursel'$ 89RI Flynn !ill get ma" at me i' you pass out$ ESTELLE So let &im get ma" at you$ )uri"s shoulder droop with a weary sigh and he takes a few steps for the door. 89RI (o)er &is s&oul") Loo%# "on:t come as%ing me to ta%e your place !&en you collapse 'rom e;&austion3 ESTELLE I can:t as% you to ta%e my place i' I:)e alrea"y collapse"# can I1 -ith another weary sigh, )uri leaves. INFORMATION %arted &ith everyone (I' you "irect 8uri to go *ac% into Estelle:s room5) 89RI Actually# I s&oul" go see &o! .arol is "oing$ .arol is sitting in the hall, near the wall. .AROL 8ou must t&in% I:m totally useless$ A'ter !&at &appene" !&en you 'irst met me# an" at =aer (ocram# an" to"ay> 89RI I t&in% e)eryone 'rea%e" out to"ay$ E)en t&e great =omman"ant !as pretty in o)er &is &ea"$ T&ere are lots o' t&ings e)en gro!n-ups can:t "o$ .AROL E)en you# 8uri1 (/ets up) 8ea&$ I guess so$ It:s a toug& !orl"$ 89RI o! you got t&e i"ea$

.AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL Lo**y5 =9-ORE . I/0T

>0ey# 8uri1 0mm1 7o you t&in% you:" !anna may*e >start a guil" !it& me1 A guil"# &u&> 8ea&# t&at:s an i"ea$ I:ll t&in% a*out it$ R-really13 +&at# you:re surprise"1 I t&oug&t you:" say A o !ay3 I:)e *een in enoug& messes alrea"y3B or somet&ing$ ot all a"ult t&in% li%e t&at# you %no!$ Any!ay# it:s late$ Let:s get some rest an" see &o! s&e:s "oing in t&e morning$ T&in% a*out t&e tal% a*out t&e guil"# o%1 8ou !ill# !on:t you1 First I !as place" in a (riga"e not o' my c&oosing# t&en t&e *lastia 'ailure> <ust my luc%$ I:ll &a)e t get a spiritual cleansing> All t&at ri"iculously "i''icult training !as ,ust our captain tormenting &is un"erlings> I can tell you 'irst&an" t&at our regular training !asn:t going to *e goo" 'or anyt&ing$ (asleep near t&e "oor) >>

/9AR7

REPE7E

I' you "irect 8uri to lea)e t&e inn5 89RI +e still got &im to !orry a*out# let:s ,ust stop an" rest &ere 'or t&e "ay$ 7es% =ler% 8ou room !as pai" 'or *y t&e .nig&ts$ En,oy your stay3

Later5 )uri knocks on =stelle"s door. /ita is sitting up in the bed and =stelle is draped over the side of the bed asleep. RITA >=ome in$ The door makes a creaking noise and )uri walks into the middle of the room. 89RI /la" to see you:re a!a%e$ %e walks closer to the bed, looking at =stelle with her bum still on the stool, leaning over with her upper body resting on the bed. 89RI >An" a'ter I tol" &er o)er an" o)er to call me *e'ore s&e collapses$ RITA 8ou "i"n:t t&in% s&e:" really listen to you# "i" you1 ESTELLE 9u&> (sig&s) RITA >0e&# s&e loo%s &appy$ (glancing at 8uri) 0ey so>!&at "o you t&in% Estellise t&in%s o' me1 +&y are you ma%ing t&at 'ace1 )uri leans down, looking at /ita closely. 89RI (straig&tens up) I ,ust "i"n:t t&in% you !ere t&e %in" o' person !&o care" !&at ot&er people t&oug&t$ RITA F-'orget it$ 8ou can go no!$ 89RI =ompare" to t&ose 'ormulas o' yours# s&e s&oul" *e easy to 'igure out$ ESTELLE (!a%ing up) 9u&> 0u&1 Rita3 8ou:re a!a%e3 (ut *e care'ul3 It:s ,ust !&en you t&in% you:)e reco)ere" t&at you:re in t&e most "anger$

=stelle activates a healing arte on /ita. RITA It:s all rig&t# I:m 'ine$ Also# you "on:t nee" t preten" to *e using t&at *lastia anymore$ ESTELLE I> +&at "o you mean1 89RI It:s pretty cool t&at you can use &ealing artes !it&out a *lastia$ ESTELLE (-*ut &o! "i" you>1 -ith a cry the dragon and rider suddenly drop straight down in front of the open wall that leads to the balcony of =stelle"s room. The dragon is facing the party, hovering by rhythmically flapping it"s wings, while the rider stares at the occupants to make sure he"s seen. 89RI +&at t&e1 RITA 0ey# it:s t&at "ragon 'rea%3 The dragon rider &abs with his spear directing the dragon where to send it"s fiery breath. Sword drawn, )uri races to battle the dragon rider as =stelle throws herself protectively over /ita. The blast halts )uri, who raises his sword to deflect the attack. The dragon rider turns his mount and flies away while )uri watches from the balcony. 1eanwhile, /ita and =stelle are collecting themselves off the floor where they rolled off the bed. ESTELLE Rita# are you all rig&t1 RITA 7on:t you e)er learn>1 .AROL It soun"s li%e t&e s%y:s 'alling in &ere$ +&at:s going on1 >0u&1 Aaaa&3 The dragon rider flies up past the opening one last time. The sound of the dragon"s wings can be heard long after it is out of sight. .AROL +-+&at !as t&at t&ing1 =stelle and /ita stand. /ita walks over to .arol. RITA <ust !&en t&e con)ersation !as getting interesting$ 89RI (,oining Estelle an" Rita) T&at:s enoug& tal% a*out Estelle:s &ealing artes 'or no!$ RITA Fine *y me$ I:)e pretty muc& 'igure" it out# any!ay$ 89RI 7on:t loo% at me li%e t&at$ 7o I really loo% li%e t&at muc& o' a *a" guy to you1 RITA 8es$ (crosses &er arms across &er c&est) ESTELLE >0e& &e& &e&$ .AROL >0ey !ait$ +&at:s going on you guys1 =ome on# tell me3 Outsi"e t&e Inn @ S&op5 )uri and .arol stand facing =stelle and /ita. 89RI +ell# ta%e care on t&e !ay *ac% to t&e capital$ ESTELLE O%ay$ 89RI "o you &a)e e)eryt&ing1 +oul"n:t !ant to &a)e to come *ac% later$ ESTELLE I' I 'orget anyt&ing# you:ll *ring it to me# !on:t you# 8uri1 89RI 0a&# yea& rig&t$ O%ay# let:s go 'in" Flynn$ I:ll ta%e you t&at 'ar$ ESTELLE 9-um# !&at are you all going to "o a'ter t&is1 89RI 0mm$ +ell !e "i" lose trac% o' t&e (loo" Alliance> .AROL T&at:s easy# !e can ,ust go to 7a&n>grest$ Or not$ -an# i' I go *ac% t&ere no!# t&ey:ll all ,ust laug& at me>

.AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL RITA I FOR-ATIO Inn @ S&op5 =9-ORE . I/0T

7a&ngrest1 T&at:s t&e guil" city# rig&t1 8-yea&$ I t&oug&t !e coul" 'in" out a*out t&e *loo" Alliance t&ere> +&at "irection is it 'rom &ere1 +ell# it:s to t&e !est I guess# *ut> Let:s c&ec% it out# t&en$ -ig&t *e &elp'ul 'or any*o"y t&in%ing o' starting a guil"# too$ (*rig&tening) 0u&1 For starting a guil"1 +ell let:s go# t&en3 (grins *roa"ly) > 'ahem( Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ It !as so une;pecte"> To &a)e a "ragon c&armer in our mi"st1 I !as in t&e mi""le o' eating# so I "i"n:t get to go$ o more$ I "on:t !ant to !or% security anymore> T&e reason !e .nig&ts train so "iligently "ay in an" "ay out is *ecause t&ere are people !e must protect$ +&at is your training 'or1 8ou can:t consi"er training meaning'ul unless you t&in% a*out suc& t&ings yoursel'$

/9AR7

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# $onder Re%orter Part E# )uri closely e amines the patio to the right of the +nn J Shop<s entrance. +O 7ER REPORTER O&o# you 'oun" me3 (lastia goes out o' control# an" more3 8es# some serious e)ents &a)e ta%en place in t&e !orl" recently3 I:" *etter !rite an article a*out it# post &aste3 7ay an" nig&t# I run aroun" c&asing a'ter t&e ne!est scoops> I:m t&e +on"'er Reporter3 I:m not stal%ing you or anyt&ing# I promise3 +ell t&en# a"ieu3 The -onder /eporter disappears in a ball of flame. 89RI >Is &e 'ollo!ing me>1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------=9-ORE . I/0T It is sai" people )ictory> Per&aps$ (ut only 'ailure3 In t&e *attles o' T&ere:s simply no learn more 'rom 'ailure t&an i' you manage to sur)i)e your %nig&ts# 'ailure o'ten means "eat&$ time 'or leisurely con)ersation$

+estern =ity E;it5 /9AR7 7o you %no! !&y I:m so particular a*out struggling !it& all my mig&t1 Li'e is simply too s&ort to accomplis& anyt&ing$ Please ma%e sure you ne)er 'in" yoursel' i"ly !&iling your "ays a!ay on tri)ial matters$ (lastia Pla?a5 -A (S=AFFOL7I /) T&is to!n is 'inis&e"$ Putting in serious !or% &ere is a ,o%e$

O&# man$ 0o! stupi" it !as o' me !or%ing seriously$ 8ou stay &ere too long# you:re going to regret it3 8ou s&oul" get out as soon as you can> OL7 -A ((LASTIA) +or%ing in t&is to!n means great re!ar"s3 T&at:s !&at I:" al!ays *een tol">so I !or%e" so &ar"> A'ter t&e *lastia inci"ent# I:)e *een so scare" t&at I can:t !or%> -A ((LASTIA) First pro*lems !it& t&e *lastia>an" no! "ragons1 Fair enoug&>I:ll ,ust %eep on "oing !&at I must$ T&ey say to"ay is t&e 'irst "ay o' t&e rest o' your li'e# rig&t1 E)ery single "ay is precious$ =9-ORE . I/0T RITA It "oesn:t seem li%e t&at Flynn c&aracter is aroun" &ere$ .AROL 7oes t&at mean you:re staying !it& us 'or no!1 ESTELLE +ell# I> +oul" t&at *e all rig&t1 89RI .arol# "on:t 'ill t&e princess:s &ea" !it& i"eas$ Ale ei and his .rityan assistant arrive. ALEGEI 8ou cannot simply "o as you !is&$ 8our 0ig&ness must return to t&e capital$ (loo%ing at 8uri) Flynn &as alrea"y set out to atten" to ot&er *usiness$ (!al%s o)er to Rita) o! t&en$ Rita -or"io# !e !oul" li%e you to in)estigate yester"ay:s *lastia mal'unction$ RITA >T&at:s pointless$ I loo%e" at &im t&is morning# *ut I coul"n:t 'igure anyt&ing out$ ALEGEI o# !e !oul" as% t&at you go t&e 'orest o' .ei) -oc$ .AROL >.ei) -oc# &u&1 O& yea&# t&e plants a''ecte" *y t&e "isaster &ere loo% ,ust li%e t&e ones in t&at 'orest$ ALEGEI (loo%ing at Rita) +e &a)e reports o' tree mutations an" o' monsters increasing in *ot& num*er an" aggressi)eness$ -essengers &a)e gone to t&e capital# *ut muc& time !ill *e !aste" 'in"ing a gi'te" mage$ RITA I speciali?e in *lastia$ Plants are out o' my league$ ALEGEI =onsi"er t&eir connection to t&e aer$ I imagine t&at is !it&in your league$ RITA (esi"es>I> I' Estelle is going *ac% to t&e capital# I !ant to go !it& &er$ ESTELLE (&ea" s&ooting up) +&at "o you mean1 (loo%s 'rom Ale;ei to Rita) ALEGEI (to Rita) 8ou are a researc&er in an imperial *lastia la*oratory$ 8ou must un"erta%e t&e tas%s assigne" to you$ This does not sit well with /ita. She glares at him. ESTELLE (runs to Rita) 9m> T&en t&ere s&oul" *e no pro*lem i' I accompany &er to t&e 'orest# rig&t1 ALEGEI Princess# please# "o not ma%e suggestions t&at are simply out o' t&e 6uestion$ ESTELLE I' t&is "oes &a)e somet&ing to "o !it& aer# t&en my &ealing artes !oul" pro)e use'ul$ ALEGEI 8es# t&ey !oul"> ESTELLE Please# Ale;ei3 Let me "o my part to &elp$ ALEGEI 8our 0ig&ness# I simply cannot allo! you to go to suc& a "angerous 'orest$

ESTELLE

+ell# !&at i'> (turns 6uic%ly to 8uri) 8uri# !oul" you come !it& us1 89RI (laug&ing incre"ulously) -e1 ESTELLE I' 8uri !ere to come# you !oul"n:t *e !orrie" rig&t1 Ale ei looks down as he considers her re#uest. ALEGEI 8oung man# please escort t&e Princess$ I as% t&is o' you only *ecause you once soug&t to ,oin t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ 89RI (turning a!ay) >O' all t&e un"er&an"e"> I "i"n:t as% any*o"y to count on me$ 8ou:re pus&ing me into t&is$ ALEGEI It seems I can ta%e t&at reply as in"ication o' your agreement$ 89RI (turning to Ale;ei) (ut t&ere:s somet&ing I &a)e to "o as !ell$ +e go to t&e 'orest a'ter 7a&ngrest$ ALEGEI Very !ell$ Ale ei turns to leave and his assistant falls into step behind him. Ale ei stops when she suddenly addresses him. .0RO-A 8our E;cellency> ALEGEI It seems Flynn 'oresa! t&is outcome$ )uri overhears their conversation as they stand side by side, near the blastia, with their backs to him. 89RI 0u&1 0e "i" !&at1 ALEGEI (turning aroun") 0e le't t&is message 'or you5 ATa%e care o' 0er 0ig&ness$B =stelle bows to Ale ei. .AROL All rig&t t&en# it:s t&e 'orest o' .ei) -oc *y !ay o' 7a&ngrest3 The party heads toward the western city e it. .hroma continues walking in the direction she and Ale ei were headed. As soon as she is out of earshot, Ale ei speaks to an offscreen person. ALEGEI I &a)e a ,o* 'or you$ Captain Schwann comes out from behind the blastia body sculpture. I FOR-ATIO S+IT Estelle ,oine" t&e party$ A)e/ei

(lastia Pla?a5 -A (S=AFFOL7I /) +&en t&e time comes# e)eryone "ies>t&at:s all t&ere is to it$ -A (TA(LE) <ust ta%e *a*y steps an" a)oi" all t&e "angerous stu''$ T&ere:s no point i' you:re "ea"$ S!eeping get you P$PS points$ 0ammering a nail# P$PP3 points$ T&ese small tas%s !ill earn me points to no*ility3 S+IT S+IT Be,o9in0 E*te))e RitaB* Chan0e

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# E*te))eD* Tea,her Part '# An ol"er o''icer stan"s near t&e *lastia$ ESTELLE -aster3 -ASTER (turning aroun"# seeing Estelle) Princess>!&at are

you "oing in a place li%e t&isJ >T&ere:s somet&ing I &a)e to tal% to Flynn a*out# so> I &ear" a*out you slipping out o' t&e castle$ 9m# um# ummm> +&o:s t&is>1 I apologi?e 'or not &a)ing intro"uce" mysel' sooner$ -y name is 7ra%e 7rop!art$ ESTELLE 0e !as t&e pre)ious emperor:s s!or"master# an" is also my teac&er$ 89RI A&>t&e %nig&tly patriot# 7ra%e> .AROL T&e %nig&tly patriot1 ESTELLE -aster 7ra%e &as ser)e" t&e empire !it& &is s!eat an" tears 'or "eca"es$ 89RI In t&e Imperial .nig&ts# 7ra%e 7rop!art is t&oug&t o' as a mo"el 'or all %nig&ts to 'ollo!$ ESTELLE 0e:s no! an a")isor to t&e Imperial .nig&ts# you %no!$ .AROL +o!# really1 7RA.E I:m really an a")isor in name only$ T&ese "ays I:m pretty muc& retire"$ -y only real "uty o' late is teac&ing t&e Princess s!or"smans&ip$ ESTELLE (ut "i"n:t you come &ere !it& t&e =omman"ant as an a")isor1 7RA.E 8es>I:)e &ear" e)eryt&ing t&at:s &appene" so 'ar$ 0o! !as it# setting 'oot into t&e outsi"e !orl" 'or t&e 'irst time1 ESTELLE +ell# !e:)e &a" a lot o' *a" t&ings &appen to us# *ut all o' it:s *een a 'antastic e;perience$ 7RA.E A 'antastic e;perience# you say1 I see> ESTELLE >9mmm> Is somet&ing !rong>1 ;eblanc comes running and stands at attention before 2rake. LE(LA = -r$ 7ra%e# sir>3 (seeing 8uri) +&-!&-!&a>it:s you> 7RA.E +&at "o you !ant# Le*lanc1 LE(LA = (saluting) Sir$ 0is E;cellency t&e =omman"ant is calling 'or you# sir$ 7RA.E All rig&t$ +ell t&en# Princess$ I must ta%e my lea)e$ Try to a)oi" "oing anyt&ing too ras&# !on:t you1 ESTELLE 8es# o' course$ Ta%e care o' yoursel'# -aster> 2rake nods to =stelle and he and ;eblanc depart. 89RI I can:t *elie)e 7ra%e 7rop!art taug&t Estelle &o! to 'ig&t !it& a s!or"$ RITA I:m surprise" t&at a princess !oul" %no! &o! to use a s!or" at all# really$ .AROL Estelle# !&at ma"e you learn &o! to use a s!or"1 ESTELLE T&at:s a goo" 6uestion> It mig&t ta%e a !&ile to tell t&e !&ole story$ T&e ne;t time I get a c&ance> 89RI 8ea&# I:" li%e to &ear a*out it too# once t&ings &a)e calme" "o!n a little$ ESTELLE Sure3 ESTELLE -ASTER ESTELLE .AROL -ASTER Outsi"e =&e)alier:s 0F5 =9-ORE . I/0T O&# it:s *een so 6uiet !it&out Lieutenant Flynn an" t&e Sc&!ann (riga"e$ T&e ruler o' t&is city is our o!n =umore (riga"e3 8ou &a)e somet&ing to say1 I' you "o# I:m !illing to

listen$ A'ter t&at# I:ll interrogate you in t&e "ungeons$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 6uri and the Cheva)ier*# They go inside the Chevalier"s %0: /9AR7 8uri3 Is t&at you# 8uri1 89RI 0u&1 +&o:re you1 /9AR7 8ou "on:t remem*er me1 I sure as &ec%-'ire remem*er you3 It:s 0ac&ette3 .AROL ot t&at it:s easy to recogni?e someone !&en t&ey:re got a mas% on$ 89RI O& !o!3 8ou loo% "i''erent 'rom &o! I remem*er$ I "i"n:t reali?e it !as you$ 0a)en:t you gaine" !eig&t1 0AT=0ETTE Ouc&3 It:s nice to see you too# 8uri> RITA Loo%s li%e t&e mas% &a" not&ing to "o !it& it3 .AROL (c&aotic scri**le sym*ol) ESTELLE Is t&is a 'rien" o' yours# 8uri1 89RI 0ac&ette ,oine" t&e Imperial .nig&ts at t&e same time I "i"$ T&at armor color is t&e same as Le*lanc:s %nig&ts# isn:t it1 0AT=0ETTE 8ep3 I:m in t&e Sc&!ann (riga"e3 To tell you t&e trut&# I:m pretty gla" t&ey "i"n:t assign me to t&e Flynn (riga"e$ ESTELLE 8ou "i"n:t !ant to !or% !it& Flynn1 0AT=0ETTE +ell# it !oul" *e toug& !or%ing un"er &im# since !e starte" o'' training to *e sol"iers toget&er$ RITA T&at "oesn:t seem li%e t&e sort o' t&ing Flynn !oul" care a*out$ 89RI 8ou:)e got t&at rig&t# Rita$ .AROL Flynn:s all a*out a")ancing in &is career# isn:t &e1 0AT=0ETTE It:s pretty cra?y 'or a non-no*le to ma%e captain at suc& a young age$ -e on t&e ot&er &an">t&an%s to all t&e goo'ing o'' I "i" !it& you# 8uri# I:m still not&ing *ut a lo!ly peon$ ESTELLE !&at sort o' t&ings "i" you t!o "o1 0AT=0ETTE +e use" to s%ip training an" snea% into t&e "ining &all to gra* snac%s$ 89RI 8ea&# an" t&en !e:" snea% into t&e !are&ouse to s!itc& *o"&i *lastia 'or nicer ones> .AROL Soun"s li%e a !&ole lot o' snea%ing3 0AT=0ETTE It:s true$ +e &a" our 'air s&are o' yout&'ul in"iscretions$ RITA 8uri:s still up to &is ol" tric%s# t&oug&$ 0AT=0ETTE 0a &a# I:)e &ear" as muc&$ /o easy on Flynn# !oul" ya1 89RI 8ea&# yea&$ 7on:t goo' o'' too muc& on t&e ,o*3 0AT=0ETTE O& yea&# 8uri# you:)e *een tra)eling aroun"# rig&t1 8ou t&in% you mig&t *e a*le to t stop *y =apua or an" tell my 'ol%s t&at I:m "oing !ell1 T&ey li)e in t&e inn# so you can:t miss Mem$ 89RI Sure# I:" *e &appy to$ See ya later# 0ac&ette$ Outsi"e =&e)alier:s 0F5

ESTELLE

I "i"n:t e;pect to &ear you tal%ing so &appily a*out your time in t&e Imperial .nig&ts# 8uri# 89RI O& yea&1 ESTELLE I mean# it seeme" to me li%e you "i"n:t en,oy your time as a %nig&t )ery muc&$ 89RI <oining t&em !as a "ecision I ma"e mysel'$ It:s not all *a" memories$ Practice !asn:t so *a"# an" I &a" all sorts o' 'un !it& my 'ello! %nig&ts-intraining$ RITA From t&e !ay t&at %nig&t !as tal%ing# it soun"s li%e you acte" li%e a cra?y an" ram*unctious %i"$ 89RI Rita# i' t&ere:s one person !&o "oesn:t nee" to *e scol"ing me 'or a little yout&'ul in"iscretion# it:s you$ RITA Hangry# steame"I ---------------------------------------------------------------------------(ac% into =&e)alier:s 0F5 /9AR7 +&ere !as 0elior":s 'ancy ruler !&en &is to!n !as in crisis1 Aut&orities are ne)er t&ere !&en it matters# an" "on:t ma%e a "i''erence e)en i' t&ey are$ E)en !orse# t&ey al!ays *utt t&eir &ea" in !&en t&ey:re least !ante"$ =9-ORE . I/0T T&ose commoners> t&ey claim t&at t&ere are no class "i)isions among .nig&ts$ /rrrr> t&ey ma%e me so angry3 Only S years since t&e regime c&ange# an" alrea"y t&e no*ility are *eing ignore"$ Eastern =ity E;it5 /9AR7 A %nig&t ma%es loyal )alor &is gui"ing principle3 To see a ,ust cause an" to not act is to lac% *ra)ery3 I &a)e not&ing to 'ear 'rom any concei)a*le enemy3 (e it "ragons# *e it monsters# come an" get me3 They stay the night before departing %eliord. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# La(orer 8$ith Raven:# /et on En" Playt&roug& SUB E!E"T# La(orer 8$ithout Raven:# +t"s nighttime and )uri and =stelle meet in the blastia pla!a. 89RI T&e city streets may loo% nice# *ut people:s li)es are t&e same e)ery!&ere$ ESTELLE 8uri1 89RI (turning) +&at:re you "oing a!a%e t&is late at nig&t1 ESTELLE I coul"n:t sleep$ I %ept &earing noise 'rom outsi"e> E)en at t&is late &our# e)eryone:s still &ar" at !or%$ 89RI +ell# I "on:t t&in% t&ey:re "oing it *ecause t&ey en,oy it$ (ut i' t&ey "on:t %eep !or%ing# t&ey !on:t *e a*le to ma%e a li)ing$ An" e)en !it& t&is !or%# t&ey:re &ar"ly a*le to get *y$ ESTELLE >T&at:s terri*le> As she speaks, a worker enters the pla!a and collapses face down from

e haustion. =stelle runs to his aid. ESTELLE (%neeling) Are you all rig&t1 The man gets up. -A 8ou:re a no*le# aren:t you1 Stay a!ay 'rom me3 %e walks away. ESTELLE O&3 (s&e gets up) 89RI T&ey:)e ,ust learne" to "istrust no*les an" t&e empire$ It:s not&ing personal against you# Estelle$ Try not to let it *ot&er you too muc&$ ESTELLE I !on"er i' it:s somet&ing t&at can *e c&ange"> 89RI I "unno> It:s not easy$ For &is part# Flynn:s trying &is &ar"est to c&ange t&ings$ ESTELLE >> 89RI Let:s go *ac% an" get some rest$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------( e;t morning) (lastia Pla?a5 -A (S=AFFOL7I /) +&at people nee" in li'e is luc%3 0ar" !or% "oesn:t e)en enter into it$ +&en t&e time comes# e)eryone "ies>t&at:s all t&ere is to it$ =9-ORE . I/0T I "on:t !ant to *e in t&is "angerous place anymore> T&at:s rig&t# I:ll c&ange ,o*s3 In t&e sa'est possi*le place> >+&ere in t&is !orl" !oul" t&at place *e1 OL7 -A ((LASTIA) It 'eels li%e t&ere are less resi"ents no!$ Is it *ecause o' t&e *lastia inci"ent1 ot&ing &as c&ange"$ All it means is a *igger !or%loa" to ma%e up 'or t&e people lost> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 5uke Part E# The man with long white hair is standing at the edge of the lake watching the water fall. %is weapon glows with energy. 89RI >Someone:s &ere> -A Traces le't *e&in" *y t&e 'lo! o' aer> (ut !&ere is it 'lo!ing>1 89RI T&at monster suc%e" all o' it up$ -A (turning to loo% at 8uri) >-onster>1 .AROL 8ea&# t&at *ig# roug&# spi%y# &uuuuge monster> -A So> 0e !as &ere a'ter all> ESTELLE 0e1 8ou mean t&e monster1 -A A-onsterB> >It matters not !&at &umans call t&em# *ut> Suc& a name "oes t&em a "isser)ice$ %e turns and marches off. ESTELLE So>t&at !asn:t a monster1 RITA <ust !&at ma%es somet&ing a monster# any!ay1 .AROL +e call any creature t&at )iciously attac%s &umans a monster> 89RI So t&at !oul" mean t&at t&ing:s a monster# rig&t1 RITA >0u&> (ut t&e %i" ,ust ga)e us t&e &uman point o'

)ie!$ 8ou mean !e ,ust lump t&em all toget&er as monsters# *ut t&ere mig&t *e more to it1 .AROL >+&at "o you t&in% t&at guy !as up to>1 ESTELLE +e met &im earlier at 7ei"on 0ol"# "i"n:t !e 8uri1 I can:t 'igure &im out$ RITA +ell# !&ate)er# &e:s got not&ing to "o !it& us# any!ay$ .AROL 8-yea&# I guess> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------ESTELLE FI!)* MA%: !AST!RN TO)+,--IA S+IT $i*hy $a*hy H <)oo9y THE 5E" .2 <UIL5S# 5AH"<REST VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL ESTELLE .AROL RITA 89RI .AROL ESTELLE .AROL RITA 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL ESTELLE .AROL T&is is 7a&ngrest# my &ometo!n$ Loo%s li%e a pretty li)ely place$ +ell# it:s t&e secon" largest city a'ter t&e imperial capital$ It:s run entirely *y t&e guil"s$ I:" t&oug&t it !oul" *e more "ar% an" "an%# you %no!1 Li%e a "en o' )illains$ T&at:s ,ust a pre,u"ice people &a)e a*out t&e guil"s$ I:m sure t&e *a" reputation o' t&e (loo" Alliance is to *lame 'or t&at$ (&angs &ea") 8ea&$ <ee?# 8uri$ 8ou ma%e it soun" li%e I:m a )illain$ I' you:re a )illain# !&at "oes t&at ma%e &im1 (points at 8uri) Point ta%en$ So# &o! s&oul" !e go a*out trac%ing "o!n (ar*os1 T&e *est !ay is pro*a*ly to stop *y t&e 9nion an" c&ec% t&ere$ T&e 9nion$ A guil" collecti)e run *y t&e 'i)e socalle" Amaster guil"s$B >Rig&t1 8ea&$ t&e 9nion also ser)es as t&e city:s go)ernment$ (ut# &o! is t&is gonna !or%1 Isn:t (ar*os: (loo" Alliance one o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s1 +&ic& means i' !e lay a &an" on &im# !e:ll *e pic%ing a 'ig&t !it& t&e 9nion as !ell$ >+e !on:t %no! t&e ans!er to t&at until !e as% t&e 7on$ T&e 7on is t&e *oss o' t&e 9nion# isn:t &e1 8ep$ 7on +&ite&orse# leaser o' Altos%# t&e most po!er'ul o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s$ All rig&t# let:s go see !&at t&e 7on &as to say t&en$ 8ou %no! t&e !ay# rig&t .arol1 0ey !ait# &e:s not t&e %in" o' person you can ,ust meet> I "on:t really %no! i'> Please1 >9nion &ea"6uarters is in t&e nort& part o' to!n$

T&e *ri"ge lea"ing into 7a&ngrest5 +O-A (O (RI7/E) T&ings sure are li)ely$ All t&an%s to t&e 7on an" t&e

-A

-A

9nion> o no# I:m ,ust tal%ing to mysel'3 (oss (ar*os !oul" &a)e my &ea" i' he &ear" me saying anyt&ing nice a*out t&e 7on$ (O (RI7/E) T&e air aroun" t&is to!n is unsta*le# re'racting t&e sunlig&t an" turning t&e s%y re"$ (ut on one %no!s !&y t&e air &as *een so unsta*le$ So no! t&is to!n is in a perpetual sunset$ It:s %in" o' sa" an" "epressing> ( EAR (RI7/E) I:m gla" t&e "on can %eep t&is place li)ely# *ut I !is& !e:" ,ust go ta%e out t&e Empire alrea"y$ Surely (ar*os !ill stan" against t&em>

Fortune:s -ar%et (7a&ngrest D)5 +O-A (O9TSI7E) 8ou t&ere# sir3 Our merc&an"ise is top-6uality3 Ta%e a loo%3 See 'or yoursel'3 0ey no!# e)eryone is !elcome to *ro!se3 =ome on an" "rop some /al"3 LITTLE (O8 I:m gonna ,oin Fortune:s -ar%et !&en I gro! up3 A merc&ant nee"s to %no! &is mat&$ I:m gonna start stu"ying rig&t no!3 =LER. +elcome$ T&is is Store CD o' Fortune:s -ar%et &ea"6uarters$ H&eartI Street -erc&ants5 8O9 / -A Step rig&t up3 Feast your eyes on t&ese !ares3 8ou can:t *uy stu'' li%e t&is in t&e Empire3 Step rig&t up3 come one# come all3 Feast your eyes on t&ese !ares3 +O-A (I STREET) 0ey3 +&a""aya t&in% you:re "oin: ,ust !an"erin: aroun"1 +ell13 8ou got a pro*lem# *u""y13 FE-ALE -ER=0A T 7a&ngrest is a city o' guil"s$ It:s pro*a*ly t&e 'reest place on eart&3Hmusical noteI All t&ose stu''y# ol" Empire types s&oul" go *ac% an" cu""le toget&er on t&eir o!n tur'$ Hmusical noteI OL7ER -A Sir> 8ou mig&t !ant to stop goggling at e)eryt&ing$ It:s o*)ious you:re not 'rom aroun" &ere$ I "on:t %no! !&ere you:re 'rom# *ut not e)eryone in 7a&ngrest is nice$ Outsi"e Inn AArcturusB5 LITTLE /IRL -y mommy:s a guil" *igs&ot3 Really3 I e)en met t&e 7on3 T&e 7on:s an e)en *igger *igs&ot3 ot ,ust any*o"y can meet &im$ OL7ER +O-A Say# you 'ol%s t&ere3 0o!:" you li%e a rest1 +e:re 'ully sanctione" *y t&e inn guil"$ 8ou:ll 'eel li%e you slept t&ree "ays in one nig&t3 7inner:s on us3 >7on:t miss your c&ance3 -A (e care'ul$ T&e *rig&ter t&e lig&t# t&e "ar%er t&e s&a"o!s$ 7on:t go !al%ing into any alleys$ 7on:t !&ine i' you get yoursel' %ille"> T&at:s 7a&ngrest$ OL7 +O-A I came &ere !it& my &us*an"# *ut I &a" no i"ea t&is !as suc& a large to!n$ T&is place really &as a "i''erent energy t&an 4ap&ias$

Insi"e Inn AArcturusB5 -ALE 7ES. =LER. +elcome$ +ill you *e staying1 T&at !ill *e NPP /al"$ (yes) Stop *y again sometime Fortunes: -ar%et (7a&ngrest E)5 Locate" insi"e t&e Arcturus Inn$ FE-ALE -ER=0A T +elcome to Store CE$ +e:re renting out t&is space$ T&an%s$ E)eryt&ing !e sell &ere is ,ust t&e same as at Store CD3 0e& &e& &e&$ -ith .arol leading the way, they pass residents and merchants alike without incident until they reach four streets radiating from a circular intersection. At this point, /ita loses patience. RITA 0ey# !&at are you "oing1 .AROL +&at1 u&# n-not&ing$ They catch the attention of a two men. ,ne wears a helmet with horns. The other is wearing a blue bandana. -A ((A 7A A) 0mm1 +ell# !ell# i' it ain:t little .arol3 (t&ey !al% o)er) -A (0EL-ET) +&at t&e &ell are you t&in%ing# coming *ac% &ere1 .AROL 0-&ey3 +&-!&at:s !it& you13 -A ((A 7A A) 8ea&# I "on:t see an$ S&e alrea"y "itc& you1 A& &a& &a& &a&3 .AROL -no !ay3 S&e !oul"n:t stop nagging so I too% o''3 89RI (6uietly) T&is !oul" e;plain !&y .arol !asn:t too eager to go to 7a&ngrest$ -A (0EL-ET) So are you t&e latest guil" to ta%e &im in1 8ou coul" "o a lot *etter t&an t&at loser3 -A ((A 7A A) All t&is %i" can *rag a*out is t&e num*er o' guil"s &e:s ,oine"3 O&# rig&t# t&at:s a *a" t&ing$ .arol looks down at his feet. 89RI Are t&ese your 'rien"s# .arol1 8ou coul" "o a lot *etter t&an t&ese losers$ -en +&-!&at "i" you say13 ESTELLE (Pointing at t&em) Suc& un"igni'ie" men3 -A (0EL-ET) S&ut up3 RITA 8ou sure &a)e a !ay o' saying t&ings$ I mean# your rig&t# *ut> -A ((A 7A A) 8ea&# you ,ust %eep tal%ing> .arol continues to look down. An alarm bell rings and all stop arguing to look for the source. RITA +&at:s t&at soun"1 -A ((A 7A A) 7amn it> T&ey:re *ac% again> -A (0EL-ET) =ome on3 (T&ey run o'') .AROL T&e alarm> -onsters are &ere$ ESTELLE -onsters1 >+ait# is t&is s&a%ing t&e monsters: 'ootsteps>1 89RI I' so# t&ey:)e *roug&t 6uite an army$ .AROL 8ea&# *ut "on:t !orry$ E)en i' t&ere &a)e *een a lot o' monsters aroun" &ere lately> Our *arrier &ere is strong# an" it:s ne)er *een *ro%en *e'ore$ An" t&e guil"s ta%e care o' t&e monsters outsi"e t&e *arrier> The $arrier disappears.

.AROL ESTELLE RITA 89RI RITA 89RI ESTELLE

>&u&1 O& crap33 T&e *arrier>"isappeare">1 +&at t&e &ell is going on13 T&e monsters are going to get insi"e3 7amn it# !&y "o t&ings li%e t&is al!ays &appen to me# no matter !&ere I go1 8ou gotta *e curse"$ >-ay*e$ 8uri# !e &a)e to go stop t&e monsters3

=ircle Intersection5 -A (SI7E+AL.) +&at13 +&at:s going on13 +&y !oul" t&e *arrier 'ail1 +&oa# !&oa# !&at t&e &ell is t&is1 +&at t&e &ell:s going on1 -A (STREET) 0unting t&e monsters is our ,o*$ It ain:t 'unny i' ot&er guil"s try to muscle in on our territory3 +e 0unting (la"es !ill lose 'ace i' t&e monsters "e'eat us3 Street lea"ing !est 'rom circle intersection5 89RI T&e monsters are coming 'rom t&e e;it$ /uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) +&at are monsters "oing in t&e to!n13 7i" t&e Empire:s "o t&is13 =iti?en e)acuation &as top priority3 T&ose !&o can 'ig&t# ta%e up your s!or"s3 Outsi"e A=rimson StarsB Ta)ern5 +O-A +-!e:ll *e 'ine$ T&e 7on !ill "o somet&ing a*out t&is$ The party reaches the +nn before they encounter a mi ed horde of monsters. )uri whips his sword out of its sheath. 89RI T&is is cra?y$ +&ere are all t&ese monsters coming 'rom1 .AROL Somet&ing isn:t rig&t>3 ESTELLE 7oesn:t somet&ing seem "i''erent a*out t&e monsters as !ell1 RITA 0ere t&ey come3 The battle begins. ,ne of /ita"s fireballs misses a /hinosarus. RITA 7ammit3 It:s ,ust one a'ter t&e ot&er3 They are attacked again. Spoken 2ialogueG>o Te t at the end of the battle: /+TA 2amn, there"s no end to these things. A woman is run down by a /hinosarus. !oman Aa&>3 89RI (*lasts t&e monster !it& &is s!or") 7amn>3 )uri stands in front of the woman protectively as she gets up. +O-A T&-t&an% you so muc&$ 89RI Forget it3 Run3 The woman runs away. )uri spots other villagers being chased by a couple of /hinosarus. 89RI ('iring s!or"*lasts at t&em) 7amn3 I:m not gonna ma%e it3 A man is down and cowering before one of the beast. Someone appears, blade flashing and clearing out the monsters. +t"s a stout old man with

red tattoos visible on his face and chest. %e stands in the street wielding a sword. STO9T OL7 -A =ome on ya 'ilt&y maggots# I:ll ta%e t&e lot o' ya3 =ome see &o! it 'eels ta get *eat "o!n *y an ol" man3 The old man charges and a few of his guild members follow. 89RI T&at ol" guy is really going a'ter t&em$ +&o t&e &ell is &e1 .AROL (running up *e&in" 8uri) It:s t&e 7on3 T&at:s 7on +&ite&orse3 89RI So t&at:s &im# &u&1 Townspeople run by as =stelle kneels on the ground in front of 9ortune"s 1arket, working healing artes on the wounded. VOI=E CD It:s t&e 7on3 T&e 7on:s &ere3 VOI=E CE Let:s %ic% t&is monster scum outta &ere3 7e'en" t&e city3 VOI=E C3 o*o"y messes !it& t&e =lou"s o' 7a!n33 9lynn runs past followed by Sodia, -itcher and the +mperial .nights. =stelle spots him and gets up. ESTELLE Flynn3 9lynn has reached the 2on. FL8 :S VOI=E +e:)e come to &elp su*"ue t&e monsters3 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0ol" yer &orses# %nig&t-*oy3 9lynn and company halt. 7on +&ite&orse +e coul"n:t li)e !it& oursel)es i' !e let t&e .nig&ts "o our "irty !or%$ o! get t&e &ell outta &ere3 FL8 Is t&is really t&e time 'or t&at13 7O +0ITE0ORSE Eac& an" e)ery one o' t&ese people le't t&e empire o' t&eir o!n 'ree !ill an" ,oine" a guil"3 T&ere ain:t a soul in t&is to!n so spineless t&ey:" go runnin: ta you guys 'er &elp$ FL8 (ut3 7O +0ITE0ORSE T&ese:re t&e rules o' t&e li'e !e:)e c&osen$ It:s up to us to ma%e sure t&ose rules "on:t get *ro%en$ 89RI 0ol"ing to your *elie's no matter !&at:s at sta%e> So t&at:s !&at a real guil" is li%e$ %earing /ita"s voice, .arol turns his head slightly to the right. RITA:S VOI=E 0ey# you t&ere3 Lea" t&e !ay$ .AROL ('aces Rita) I &a)e a name you %no!33 +&-!&ere are !e going# any!ay1 ESTELLE (stepping up to .arol) +e:re going to repair t&e *arrier *lastia$ I' !e "on:t# t&e city !ill *e o)errun !it& monsters3 .arol follows =stelle. /ita starts then spying )uri, walks over to him. RITA 8ou:re coming# too$ 89RI /uess t&at:s my only option$ )uri runs to catch up with =stelle and .arol. /ita follows. S+IT +IT=0 -ER=0A T $hatB* <oin0 on Here7 T&-t&e *arrier *ro%e13 T&at:s impossi*le33 Is t&e Empire *e&in" t&is13 +ell13 8ou got a pro*lem# *u""y13 R-running a!ay no! !oul" *e an insult to merc&ants e)ery!&ere3 (usiness is li'e3 8ou got a pro*lem !it&

FE-ALE -ER=0A T OL7ER -ER=0A T

t&at13 8ou got a pro*lem !it& t&at133 0u&133 0u&133 +&-!&at13 +&at:s going on13 0ey# !e:)e got to get out o' &ere3 <ust "on:t *rea% any o' my merc&an"ise on t&e !ay out3 >0-&elp3 --my legs !on:t mo)e>3 S-sir> Please &elp me>

Street East o' =ircle5 -A 0unting t&e monsters is our ,o*$ It ain:t 'unny i' ot&er guil"s try to muscle in on our territory3 +e 0unting (la"es !ill lose 'ace i' t&e monsters "e'eat us3 /uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) I:m going to protect t&e 9nion &ea"6uarters 'rom t&ese monsters3 +nside the *nion %0, )uri inspects a gold suit of armor near the entrance: I FOR-ATIO A suit o' &ea)y armor 'or t&e 'ront lines$ <u"ging 'rom t&e !ear on it# may*e it:s t&e 7on:s> /9AR7 (E TRA =E) +&at1 -onsters1 +&at a great opportunity3 Our guil":s 'irst ,o*3 Let:s go33 +e:re going to "e'en" t&is to!n33 /9AR7 (I SI7E) (eyon" t&is point are t&e pri)ate rooms o' 9nion o''icials$ 8ou can e;it 'rom t&e le't$ 8ou:re not allo!e" past t&is point$ 8O9 / +O-A A pac% o' monsters is &ea"e" t&is !ay1 +ell# !e &a)e t&e *arrier# "on:t !e1 +&at1 T&e *arrier:s gone1 +&at are !e going to "o13 A pac% o' monsters is a common occurrence$ (ut no! t&at t&ere:s no *arrier> OL7 -A >0mp&> I "on:t nee" a !ea%ling li%e you$ /uil":s 9nion 0F# 7on:s =&am*er5 Bartially rolled up carpets are lined up along both narrow walls leading to the 2on"s throne at the end of the long narrow room. The room is presently unoccupied. )uri investigates flags hanging on the wall. I FOR-ATIO T&e 'lag o' Ruins: /ate$ A *lastia e;ca)ation guil"$ One o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s o' t&e 9nion$ I FOR-ATIO T&e 'lag o' Soul Smit&s$ A smit&ery guil" pro"ucing armors an" !eapons$ One o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s o' t&e 9nion$ I FOR-ATIO T&e 'lag o' Fortune:s -ar%et$ A merc&ant guil" le" *y .au'man$ One o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s o' t&e 9nion$ I FOR-ATIO T&e 'lag o' t&e (loo" Alliance$ A mercenary guil" le" *y (ar*os$ One o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s o' t&e 9nion$ I FOR-ATIO T&e 'lag o' Altos%# also %no!n as 0ea)en:s Arro!$ A guil" le" *y 7on +&ite&orse$ T&e most po!er'ul o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s o' t&e 9nion$ I FOR-ATIO T&e 'lag o' t&e 9nion$ T&e 9nion is ma"e up o' an" controlle" *y t&e 'i)e master guil"s$ )uri investigates a round container filled with fire. I FOR-ATIO 8ou loo%e" in t&e pot$ >>>$ >8our 'ace is turning re"$

/uil":s 9nion 0F5 Prison5 The door the guard indicated leads to a Brison. Two flights of stairs lead down to the cells. /9AR7 8ou ain:t going any 'urt&er$ 8ou !ant in t&ere t&at *a"1 /o start some trou*le outsi"e$ 8ou:ll !in" up in t&ere 'or sure$ Dst =ell I FOR-ATIO Foun" an Apple /el insi"e t&e toilet$ o !ay am I pic%ing t&at up3 Street East o' t&e =ircle5 +O-A +-!e:ll *e 'ine$ T&e 7on !ill "o somet&ing a*out t&is$ T&-t&is to!n &as al!ays *een t&at !ay$ T&ere:s not&ing to !orry a*out$ Street +est o' t&e =ircle5 -A Ain:t no .nig&ts &ere$ +e--t&e guil"s--protect t&is to!n3 8ou all gotta *e rea"y 'or t&e !orst3 Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 Several people sit at tables drinking heavily. Two guildsmen wander about the floor. OL7 -A +IT0 -9/ 8oung people no!a"ays3 Stri"ing into *ars in t&e mi""le o' t&e "ay$ -e1 I can come in !&ene)er I li%e$ I:m an ol" man$ (A 7I7O To 'ig&t or not to 'ig&t$ T&at is t&e 6uestion$ >(ut t&in%ing a*out it "oesn:t *ring any ans!ers> +&at !oul" *e *est is i' t&e monsters !ent a!ay !&ile I:m t&in%ing a*out it$ 0EL-ETE7 -A CD +&o ma"e t&is !orl" into a place !&ere one can:t e)en eat in peace13 7amn it3 I *lame t&e 9nion3 +oul" you let me eat in peace13 +O-A CD T&e *arrier "isappeare"$ 0o! s&oul" I respon" to t&is situation1 T&ere:s no !ay t&e monsters coul" *ring it "o!n# rig&t1 0EL-ETE7 -A CE I:m ,ust &ere 'or a )isit# an" t&e *arrier "isappears3 Tal% a*out *a" luc%> I:m ,ust really unluc%y$ 8ea&# really unluc%y$ +O-A CE I:)e con6uere" countless o*stacles to get !&ere I am$ T&at:s !&y I:m not a'rai" o' any monsters$ In my opinion# t&ere is not&ing roug&er t&an *eing ali)e$ -A ((IR7 0EL-ET) O0ic3O +&uuu&>1 0ey# I:m &a)in: a goo" time o)er &ere> A sti'' "rin% in t&e a'ternoon is t&e *est3 Two women and a man tend the bar in the rear of the tavern. A male customer stands before the counter. Sign on t&e !all near t&e counter5 I FOR-ATIO 7aily Specials3 -an"ragosso Ice =ream Amago Tea Sea'oo" Pasta =&ocolate =a%e

Or"er at t&e counter3 (&eart) -A +AITRESS CD I:m so totally in lo)e !it& t&is !aitress rig&t no!$ I:m not going to run a!ay ,ust *ecause o' some monsters$ T&e *arrier "isappeare"1 o goo"# no goo"$ o! t&at t&e *arrier &as 'aile"# I guess I:ll prepare my escape$ Is it true13 (ut monsters can:t cross t&e *arrier> +&at13 T&e *arrier:s gone13 T&e monsters are coming into t&e to!n3 T&is is a "isaster3 +&at1 +&at:s t&e commotion a*out1

+AITRESS CE

(ARTE 7ER

There is a door on the right leading to an ad&oining office belonging to The 2on. I FOR-ATIO T&e 7on:s "es%$ Various types o' *oo%s are pile" up &ere$ Outsi"e t&e Sagitarrius Ta)ern5 .RIT8A +O-A I-I &a)e li)e" in t&is to!n 'or many a year# *ut I &a)e ne)er seen t&e *arrier 'ail33 (-*ut t&is to!n is my to!n3 I-I s&all stri)e to protect it !it& my li'e3 They find a man dead in the end of the street in front of the stairs leading to the blastia. ESTELLE >+e:re too late$ T&is is so &orri*le$ RITA Outta t&e !ay3 /ita runs up the stairs and e amines the blastia. RITA 0mm# I mig&t *e a*le to "o somet&ing !it& t&is$ ESTELLE2S VOI=E Rita# !atc& out3 (e&in" you3 She and the others run up the stairs and &oin /ita. They are surrounded by /ed-=yes. RE7-E8E +e !on:t let you 'i; t&e *arrier$ RITA +&at t&e &ell3 It:s ,ust one t&ing a'ter anot&er3 I:m sic% o' t&is3 (attle Spoken dialogueGno te t after battle: )*/+ 2estroying a barrierEbut that"sE =ST=;;= -e have to repair the blastia, #uickly. /ita manipulates the blastia"s control panel while down below the others inspect the fallen red-eyes. 89RI Loo%s li%e !e &a)e t&ose guys to t&an% 'or t&e *arrier *lastia 'ailing on us$ ESTELLE (ut !&y1 )uri shrugs. They all turn around abruptly as 9lynn and company arrive. FL8 Loo%s li%e you:)e got your &an" 'ull o)er &ere$ 89RI So# t&e 7on:s little lecture "i"n:t stic%1 FL8 I:m ,ust "oing !&at I can to &elp$ 0o!:s t&e repair o' t&e *arrier *lastia going1 89RI T&at:ll "epen" on our genius mage# &ere$ RITA:S VOI=E ('rom a*o)e) >T&e core is still t&ere$ T&ey ,ust 'i""le" !it& your 'ormula a *it an" stoppe" it#

"i"n:t t&ey1 +&at t&e>1 T&is is>an ampli'ier13 An" t&is 'ormula again> T&e same as t&ey !ere using *ac% on E&mea" 0ill> 89RI T&e *arrier "isappeare" !&en t&e monsters attac%e"$ It can:t *e a coinci"ence t&at t&ey &appene" at t&e same time# can it1 FL8 >Pro*a*ly not$ 89RI So "oes your appearance &ere mean t&is is tie" up !it& all o' t&e empire:s pro*lems1 FL8 I "on:t %no!$ T&at:s !&y I came &ere to c&ec% t&ings out$ RITA:S VOI=E >T&at goes t&ere# an" t&is goes>&ere3 The barrier is restored. ESTELLE T&at:s our Rita3 FL8 (to %nig&ts) All rig&t# time to clean up t&e monsters outsi"e t&e *arrier3 T&e guil"s !on:t *e a*le to complain i' !e 'ig&t monsters outsi"e t&e city$ (T&ey lea)e) 89RI +e:ll lea)e t&e monsters to Flynn$ Let:s go to t&e 9nion an" as% a*out (ar*os$ /ita runs and .arol follows her. /epede stands beside )uri and =stelle. ESTELLE 8ou really trust Flynn# "on:t you1 89RI Only *ecause t&ere:s no one else I can trust$ T&at:s &o! I loo% at it$ Blacing her inde finger on her lower lip, =stelle studies )uri thoughtfully. ESTELLE 8uri# I "on:t get you sometimes$ S+IT Leader o3 a Hundred <ui)d* Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 (a'ter t&e *lastia is repaire") OL7 -A +IT0 -9/ Suc& a 'uss o)er one or t!o *arriers goning *a"$ I ,ust "on:t un"erstan" %i"s t&ese "ays$ S+IT The City o3 <ui)d*1 5ahn0re*t S+IT $hatB* the 5on Like7 (A 7I7O T&e monsters !ent a!ay !&ile I !as still !on"ering !&et&er to 'ig&t or not$ I guess t&at:s !&at I !as as%ing 'or# *ut>I:m a little "isappointe"$ I:m a little "isappointe" I "i"n:t get to s&o! !&at I can "o$ 0EL-ETE7 -A CD +&at13 T&e *arrier got 'i;e"1 T&en I "i"n:t &a)e to eat so 'ast> I !as in suc& a &urry to eat# I "i"n:t get to en,oy my 'oo"> +O-A CD T&e *arrier "isappeare"$ 0o! s&oul" I respon" to t&is situation1 T&ere:s no !ay t&e monsters coul" *ring it "o!n# rig&t1 0EL-ETE7 -A CE T&e *arrier !as 'i;e"> o! I can *reat&e a sig& o' relie'$ I can &a)e a goo" "rin% &ere$ -ay*e my luc% &as turne" a little$ +O-A CE E)en !it&out a *arrier# !&en you get to *e as ol" as me# you can still li)e on$ I:m not a'rai" o' any monsters$ +&at scares me most is my co!ar"ly soul t&at:s scare"

-A

o' monsters$ ((IR7 0EL-ET) 0a)e you &ear"1 T&e *arrier 'aile" an" monsters attac%e"$ O&> 8ou alrea"y %ne! t&at>1

Sign on t&e !all near t&e counter5 I FOR-ATIO 7aily Specials3 -an"ragosso Ice =ream Amago Tea Sea'oo" Pasta =&ocolate =a%e Or"er at t&e counter3 (&eart) -A I:m not going any!&ere# e)en i' t&e *arrier 'ails$ I:m not ta%ing my eyes o'' t&e !aitress$ I' I can "ie loo%ing at &er *eauti'ul 'ace# I can "ie &appy$ +AITRESS CD T&e *arrier is 'i;e"1 +ell# isn:t t&at nice$ I:m gla" I "i"n:t start pac%ing to escape$ +AITRESS CE It seems !e "ro)e all t&e monsters a!ay$ I:m so relie)e"$ (ut !e can:t let our guar" "o!n$ T&e *arrier may 'ail again$ (ARTE 7ER I:m t&e o!ner &ere$ =an I get you anyt&ing1 0ey# "on:t try anyt&ing on t&e part-timer$ The door on the right leads to an office belonging to The 2on. I FOR-ATIO T&e 7on:s "es%$ Various types o' *oo%s are pile" up &ere$ Outsi"e t&e Sagitarrius Ta)ern5 .RIT8A +O-A I am so please" t&e *arrier is *ac% in operation3 !e can rest easy$ o!

Street +est o' t&e =ircle5 -A 8ou !ant to see t&e 7on1 T&ere:s no !ay t&e 7on !oul" meet !it& %i"s li%e you$ E)en i' &e "i"# &e:" %ill you in an instant$ =ircle Intersection5 -A (SI7E+AL.) 8ou can:t rely on any*o"y 'rom t&e Empire$ T&ey "on:t gi)e a "amn a*out t&e common people$ Stuc% up# little> -A (STREET) 9nion &ea"6uarters are up a&ea"$ 7i" you !ant to see t&e 7on1 T&e guy:s scary$ 7on:t say I "i"n:t !arn you i' you pee in your pants$ T&ere are some people !&o get so ner)ous t&ey can:t spea% in 'ront o' t&e 7on$ Street lea"ing !est 'rom circle intersection5 89RI T&e monsters are coming 'rom t&e e;it$ Street lea"ing /9AR7 E 'rom circle intersection5 +&at are monsters "oing in t&e to!n13 7i" t&e Empire:s (%nig&ts# men1) "o t&is13

=iti?en e)acuation &as top priority3 T&ose !&o can 'ig&t# ta%e up your s!or"s3 Street east o' t&e =ircle5 +O-A See1 I !as rig&t$ T&e 7on too% care o' t&ings$ T&-t&is to!n &as al!ays *een t&at !ay$ See1 ot&ing to !orry a*out$ Street lea"ing sout& 'rom circle intersection5 OL7ER -ER=0A T Say# you &ear" t&e ne!s1 It:s ,ust a rumor# *ut t&ey say t&e Empire:s *e&in" t&e monster attac%s$ It:s still ,ust a rumor$ FE-ALE -ER=0A T 7a&ngrest is t&e *est3 +it& all t&e guil"s *an"e" toget&er# monsters are no matc& 'or us$ Hmusical noteI -ALE -ER=0A T T&e 7on:s ama?ing$ I mean# to get all t&ose guil"s toget&er an" ta%e out t&at many monsters> T&is to!n:s sa'e as long as t&e 7on is aroun"$ Any!ay# *ac% to !or%3 Outsi"e Inn AArcturusB5 LITTLE /IRL -y mommy 'oug&t# too3 I:m gonna *e a guil" !&en I gro! up# ,ust li%e &er3 +&en I gro! up# I:m gonna *e a guil"3 >(e a>guil"1 +O-A I ,ust "on:t %no! a*out t&ose .nig&ts$ T&ey sure !ere late$ +e really nee" t&e 7on in t&is to!n$ -A +e ta%e t&e *arriers 'or grante"# *ut !&en you t&in% a*out it t&ey:re pretty incre"i*le T&ey:re so muc& a part o' our li)es t&at no*o"y t&in%s too &ar" a*out t&em# *ut> OL7 +O-A T&at really !as somet&ing3 +&at a city3 T&e citi?ens "e'en" it all *y t&emsel)es$ An" t&at man# t&e one t&ey call At&e 7onB > +o!> T&e *ri"ge lea"ing into 7a&ngrest5 +O-A (O (RI7/E) +ell t&at !as a surprise3 /uess t&ings li%e t&is really "o &appen> o# no>I "i"n:t run3 +e 'oug&t all proper-li%e$ -e too3 -A ( EAR (RI7/E) T&ose monsters> T&ey loo%e" li%e t&e ones I 'oug&t in .ei) -oc> I !on"er !&y> >>T&e 'orest o' .ei) -oc1 It:s sout&!est 'rom t&is to!n$ -A (O ROA7) 7amn t&e 7on an" &is antics3 At t&is rate !e coul" e)en ta%e on t&e Empire> /uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 0mm1 +&o are you all1 89RI +e nee" to tal% to t&e 7on a*out somet&ing$ 0elp us out# coul" you1 .AROL It:s a matter t&at concerns t&e 'i)e master guil"s$ The guard leans forward looking at )uri closely. /9AR7 I &a)en:t seen you aroun" &ere recently$ +&at guil" "o you *elong to1 89RI Er# !e "on:t *elong to a guil"# e;actly$ /9AR7 >9n'ortunately# t&e 7on &as le't to!n in pursuit o' t&e monsters$

.AROL /9AR7

0e !ent a'ter t&e monsters1 8es# &e plans on ta%ing out t&e monster nests in one 'ell s!oop$ 89RI I see> T&an%s 'or t&e in'ormation$ /9AR7 o !orries$ .arol, lost in thought, stays behinds as the others leave. .AROL >I' I !ent an" &elpe" t&em# I coul" pro)e mysel' to t&e 7on> %e scratches the back of his head, then runs to &oin the rest of the gang. 89RI O&# !ell$ S&all !e go loo% 'or in'ormation in to!n1 .AROL >+&at1 +e:re not going to &elp t&e 7on1 89RI So you %no! !&ere t&e monster nests are# t&en1 .AROL O&# goo" point> RITA Since it seems li%e you !on:t *e ma%ing progress anytime soon# I:m going to go c&ec% out .ei) -oc$ .AROL 0o! sel'is&3 RITA I ,ust !ant to get it out o' t&e !ay as soon as possi*le$ .AROL T&en "oes t&at mean Estelle:s going along !it& you1 ESTELLE 8es$ I tol" Ale;ei I !as going to go# a'ter all> )uri fidgets. ESTELLE 7on:t !orry$ +e:ll *e 'ine *et!een t&e t!o o' us$ 89RI Sorry# M'rai" not$ I' you got &urt or anyt&ing# Flynn !oul" &unt me "o!n an" %ill me$ .AROL 8ou:re going to go# 8uri1 89RI +ell# !e "on:t really &a)e any goo" lea"s aroun" to!n t&at !e:re 'ollo!ing# any!ay$$$ ESTELLE T&en it:s "eci"e"3 Let:s go to t&e 'orest o' .ei) -oc$ As they depart town, /aven sits high in the rooftops watching them. RAVE /oing to .ei) -oc# are t&ey1 +&at a coinci"ence> S+IT $hy $a* 2)ynn Here7

I' you go insi"e t&e /uil":s 9nion 0F *e'ore .ei) -oc5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) T&e 7on le't to c&ase t&e monsters$ -A (E TRA =E) I-I ne)er actually 'oug&t monsters *e'ore> T&ey:re terri*le3 --my &an"s are still s&a%ing> /9AR7 (SI7E 7OOR) (eyon" t&is point are t&e pri)ate rooms o' 9nion o''icials$ I' you are &ere to see t&e 7on# you can e;it 'rom t&e le't$ 8ou:re not allo!e" past t&is point$ +O-A +e &a)e to c&ec% out !&at:s &appening in .ei) -oc> I t&in% it:s sout&!est o' t&e to!n$ T&e 'orest o' .ei) -oc is to t&e sout&!est o' to!n$ (ut I !oul"n:t go i' I !ere you$ It:s "angerous$ OL7 -A >0mp&> I "on:t nee" a !ea%ling li%e you$ As the party heads for .eiv 1oc via the west e it, an old man stands on red carpeted stairs to the mansion at the end of the street.. OL7 -A /etting attac%e" *y a &uge pac% o' monsters rig&t a'ter arri)ing# &u&> 0a)ing 'un yet1 2.REST .2 +EI! M.C ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~

;arge tree roots twist and turn through the lush greenery turning the forest floor into a giant ma!e. =stelle looks around the forest in awe. ESTELLE I &a" no i"ea trees t&is *ig e;iste"> 89RI 8ea&# *ut it "oesn:t e;actly loo% &ealt&y 'or t&em to *e t&is o)ergro!n$ RITA It:s ,ust li%e you sai"# .arol$ It:s li%e !&at &appene" at 0elior" !&en t&e *lastia !ent *erser%$ .arol puts his hand on the hilt of his hammer. .AROL (e care'ul> t&ere:s some*o"y &ere$ They spot /aven standing behind a bush and a giant tree root. /aven waves and steps out into the open. RAVE 0ey# !&at a coinci"ence3 89RI +&at t&e &ell are you "oing in a place li%e t&is1 RAVE 8a %no!# out 'or a 'orest stroll# ta%in: in t&e nature> .AROL Somet&ing smells 'is&y> RAVE +&at1 +&ere:s my !elcome1 RITA 8ou "i"n:t t&in% !e:" &onestly *e gla" to see you# rig&t1 RAVE A!# ya "on:t mean t&at$ I can come in &an"y ya %no!$ .AROL >8ou:re not t&in%ing o' coming !it& us# rig&t1 RAVE O' course3 It:s lonely *ein: out &ere all *y my lonesome$ +&at# no "ice1 RITA 8ou:" *etter !atc& your *ac%$ I' you try anyt&ing 'unny# you:re "ea"$ /ita walks away. /aven casually leans his head back against his palms. RAVE 0ey# ya "on:t really t&in% my story stin%s t&at *a"# "o ya1 89RI 8ea&# t&e stenc& is sort o' coming o'' you in !a)es$ RAVE Really> 31 Osni''O /aven raises his arm and sniffs. 89RI I can:t ta%e responsi*ility 'or !&at I:ll "o i' you ma%e any su""en mo)es$ 7on:t 'orget t&at$ )uri walks away and /aven shrugs. I FOR-ATIO Ra)en ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT Rea))y Rea))y 2i*hy /aven trails along behind them as they travel along the length of a fallen tree. They all stop and look at /aven suspiciously. RAVE A!!# "on:t min" me$ 7o !&ate)er you came to "o$ =stelle turns to )uri. ESTELLE +&at s&oul" !e "o a*out &im1 89RI (to Ra)en) 7o you %no! any tric%s t&at:ll con)ince us you:re !ort& %eeping aroun"1 RAVE (pic%ing at &is ear) 7o I loo% li%e some %in"a street magician ta you1 /aven strokes his chin while hatching a plan. RAVE (,umps o'' t&e log) 0ey# you$ =:mere a secon"$ They all look at each other, then finally to .arol. .AROL +&at1 --me>1 -hen .arol &umps down off the log, /aven runs into the forest and .arol follows him. /aven returns to the waiting party without .arol. 89RI 0u&1 +&at "o you !ant !it& .arol1 .AROL Aaa&3 7on:t ,ust lea)e me &ere3 .arol runs back to the tree. %e"s being followed by a large flying

beetle. RAVE S&o! Mim !&at 'or# %i"3 .AROL +-!&y me1 /aven fires an arrow at the monster, as .arol runs. .AROL O%ay3 T&is isn:t 'unny anymore$ ;ooking at )uri, /aven casually places his hands behind the back of his head. RAVE S&oul" *e any minute no!> 89RI 1 The beetle disappears with a bang. .AROL Aaa&3 RITA It e;plo"e" 'rom t&e insi"e3 ESTELLE +&at "i" you "o13 RAVE 8a ,ust !ait 'or Mem to let t&eir guar" "o!n# gi)e Mem a little po%e an" t&en>*am3 RITA <ee?> I *et you:re great at parties$ ESTELLE I suppose t&at !as goo" enoug&$ 89RI Really1 ESTELLE (turning to 8uri) 8es$ 89RI (s&rugs) All rig&t> RAVE 0ey# ya mean I passe"1 I can stay1 .AROL A-are you %i""ing>1 89RI It:ll *e muc& easier to "o t&ings to &im i' !e %eep &im near*y$ RAVE +&a""ya mean At&ings>1B RITA >0a"n:t t&oug&t a*out t&at$ RAVE O%ay# I ,ust got a little c&ill up my spine$ ESTELLE (*o!ing) +ell t&en# -r$ Ra)en# a'ter you$ RAVE 0e&>rig&t$ The group walks further into the forest. .AROL $$$7i" anyone ,ust &ear a )oice1 Batty, captured by a giant flying bug, flies by behind everyone. PATT8 +&ere are you ta%ing meeeeee1 The group turns around. ESTELLE It soun"s %in" o' 'amiliar$$$ The bug flies in front of them. .AROL P-Patty31 RAVE Someone ya %no!1 .AROL +e2)e gotta sa)e &er3 /aven pulls out his bow. RAVE .ay %ay# lea)e it ta me3 %e shoots and hits. ESTELLE ice s&ot3 )uri runs over and catches Batty &ust in time. PATT8 ice catc&3 )uri smiles, drops her and walks away. 89RI RAVE PATT8 RITA PATT8 So# you still searc&ing 'or Ai'rea"2s treasure1 Ai'rea"1 8up$ Liar$ +&at !oul" treasure *e "oing in a place li%e t&is1 +&o tol" you t&at1 T&e sur)eyor guil" WT&e =ellar o' 0ea)en an" Eart&W tol" me all %in"s o' t&ings3 T&ey tra)el all o)er t&e !orl"$

RITA

So t&at2s !&at you !ere "oing in Ragou2s mansion1 +&ere you 'in" a*solutely not&ing$ PATT8 In'ormation t&at is DPPX relia*le is also t&e most suspicious3 RAVE +ell# ya mig&t *e rig&t a*out t&at$ RITA $$$8ou2re "e'initely DPPX suspicious$$$ RAVE O!$ PATT8 Any!ay# I2m going to get on !it& my treasure &unt$ ESTELLE I' you !an"er aroun" alone all t&e time# you mig&t get attac%e" *y a monster again$$$ PATT8 I !asn2t attac%e"# !e !ere ,ust playing3 .AROL $$9m$$$I "on2t t&in% t&at2s !&at t&e monster t&oug&t$$$ ,ut of nowhere, a giant grasshopper monster readies to attack. ESTELLE Patty3 (e&in" you3 Batty pulls out her gun, shoots the monster several times, then flips up her hat. 89RI $$$Loo%s li%e you2ll *e ,ust 'ine on your o!n$ PATT8 +anna come !it& me1 89RI E&# I2m sure t&ere2ll *e anot&er c&ance 'or treasure &unting later$ PATT8 A!!# t&at2s ,ust too *a"$ O& !ell# I2ll *e going t&en$ PATT8 Fare!ell3 Batty walks off. .AROL T&ere s&e goes$$$ ESTELLE Is s&e really going to *e o%ay1 RITA +ell# s&e says s&e !ill$ 89RI $$$I &ope so$ O& !ell# no point in !orrying a*out &er$ Let2s get mo)ing$ S+IT S+IT THE 2.REST .2 BU<S LEA5 ."1 .L5 MA"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Bu0 Hater# -ith .arol in the front and /aven in the rear, they are walking in single file on a moss covered tree root. .arol stops. 89RI .arol# !&at are you "oing1 Let:s &urry up an" go$ .AROL 8-yea&> RITA >> A beetle monster suddenly swoops down at .arol. .AROL +aaaaaaaa&&&&&&>3 Closing his eyes, .arol waves his hammer back and forth in the air long after the bug has gone. .AROL /et a!ay3 7on:t touc& me3 Stay *ac%3 .arol continues to frantically wave his hammer. ESTELLE .arol# .arol# it:s o%ay3 It alrea"y 'le! a!ay$ .arol calms down. .AROL >0u&1 0a# &a &a &a# it "i"> Alrig&t# let:s %eep mo)ing$ .arol turns back around and continues on down the root. 89RI >=aptain .arol seems a little "i''erent t&an usual# "oesn:t &e1 RITA 8ou t&in%1 0e seems li%e &is usual space"-out %i" sel' to me$ 89RI o# somet&ing:s "i''erent a*out &im$ T&e .arol I %ne!

*e'ore !oul":)e *een peeing &is pants or running 'or &is li'e i' somet&ing li%e t&at &appene"$ ESTELLE O&>no! t&at you mention it# I t&in% you:re rig&t$ As they continue on down the root, /aven gets an idea RAVE Hlig&t*ul*I +a&3 (ugs# a giant s!arm o' t&em3 +atc& out3 Again .arol waves his hammer and yells. .AROL +aa&# stay a!ay# stay a!ay>33 -hile .arol panics, /ita turns to /aven and takes out a brightly colored spray bottle. /aven covers his face with his hands. RAVE (lec&3 0ey3 +&-!&-!&at "i" you "o t&at 'or> Ag&# my eyes> RITA I !as ,ust gi)ing you a little somet&ing to %eep a!ay t&e giant s!arms o' *ugs3 .AROL A&# I "on:t *elie)e it$ RITA O0ac%O Ocoug&O >I t&oug&t I !as gonna "ie3 ESTELLE .arol> 8ou:re really a'rai" o' *ugs# aren:t you1 .AROL +&-!&o# me1 -not at all>3 RITA It:s o%ay# .arol$ 8ou "on:t &a)e to preten"$ 0ere# ta%e t&is$ Aspio-*ran" insect spray# t&e *est to %eep t&e *ugs a!ay3 .AROL O&# u&>y-you "on:t min">1 RITA ot at all$ <ust ma%e sure not to spray it near any people$ It can sting3 .arol nods appreciatively and /aven sags in despair. RAVE So I:m not a person anymore# am I> 8ees&> RITA (to .arol) =ome on# let:s go$ I FOR-ATIO .arol learne" t&e A(ug (reat&B (ase Arte$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------S+IT SCAR6 THI"<S

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# .L5 MA"BS $IS5.M# Another giant beetle hovers above the root trail. RITA Try to *e care'ul$ T&ese *otanical a*normalities are *eing cause" *y t&e aer &ere$ T&ere:s a goo" c&ance t&at t&ere are poc%ets o' e;cess aer all o)er t&e place$ RAVE 8ea&# too muc& aer can &a)e negati)e e''ects on people an" *lastia$ Ta%in: in a lotta aer causes yer meta*olism ta spee" up# an" t&at:ll ma%e ya more tire" t&an usual$ RITA +o!# you %no! more t&an I t&oug&t$ RAVE E&1 T&at:s ,ust common sense3 RITA I:" e;pect people to %no! a*out aer:s e''ect on t&e &uman *o"y> (ut I "i"n:t t&in% it !as common %no!le"ge t&at *lastia can *ecome supersaturate" !it& aer i' use" improperly$ RAVE a&# anyone !&o "eals !it& *o"&i *lastia s&oul" %no! all a*out it3 .AROL Actually# I:" ne)er &ear" a*out it until Rita mentione" it$ RAVE 8a gotta 6uit slac%in: an" &it t&e *oo%s# %i"3 89RI >>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------S+IT The Tou0her1 The Better "orthern To)(y,,ia: 8o(tained on 3ie)d 9a% in

2eep in the forest, there"s a fiery glow between two giant trees as golden-lit aer flows thickly into the area. RITA T&is is t&e same p&enomenon !e sa! at 0elior"$ T&e aer is !ea%er t&an it !as t&ere# *ut t&ere is no mista%ing it> A monster drops from the trees onto the ground behind them with a thud. ESTELLE T&at monster loo%s ,ust li%e t&e ones t&at attac%e" 7a&ngrest3 89RI 0ere it comes3 T&e *attle *egins$ (using 8uri#Estelle#Rita#Ra)en) (spo%en "ialogue !it& no te;t at *eginning o' *attle) RAVE +&at:s up !it& t&is 'orest3 RAVE I can:t *elie)e t&ere:s a place li%e t&is in t&e 'orest ESTELLE I-Is t&ere any !ay to 6uiet t&e monsters1 89RI +e &a)e to get t&em *e'ore t&ey get us$ RAVE So it:s a little toug&$ Let:s ,ust get it o)er !it&$ ESTELLE I &ope !e only &a)e to %ill t&is one$ 89RI Stay s&arp$ RITA +e:ll lose our li)es i' !e aren:t care'ul$ (spo%en "ialogue !it& no te;t) ESTELLE I !as so surprise"3 89RI 8ou can:t rela; yet$ RITA T&e aer>is still out o' control RITA T&e trees# t&e monsters# it:s got to *e t&e aer t&at:s causing t&is$ .AROL T&ere:s more o' Mem3 The monsters drop from the trees surrounding them. )uri and /aven back away from the monsters and find themselves back to back. RAVE A&# so t&is is t&e en"# &u&1 Fare!ell# all my "ear 'ans t&e !orl" o)er$ 89RI I:ll ma%e sure your gra)estone rea"s A0ere lies t&e !orl":s *iggest sap$B RAVE 8ou:re suppose" ta say stu'' li%e# A+e can ma%e it t&roug& t&is toget&er$B The monsters close in around them. Suddenly a man with long white hair &umps down between them and the monsters. +t"s the same man they met in 2eidon %old and at Caer $ocram. -ith one flash of energy from his sword, he destroys all of the monsters. ESTELLE +&o is &e>1 RAVE (in a lo! )oice) 7u%e> 2uke looks at them, then walks away without a word. RITA +ait3 79.E '%mmA( > 2uke turns around. RITA +&at is t&at s!or"13 Let me see3 /unning to 2uke, /ita bends over to e amine his sword still crackling

with energy. RITA

0o! "i" you "o t&at *ac% t&ere1 8ou li%e# slice" t&roug& t&e aer *ut>*ut t&at:s impossi*le> 79.E +&at goo" !oul" t&at %no!le"ge "o you1 RITA +ell>I mean> +it& somet&ing li%e t&at# !e mig&t *e a*le to stop t&e *lastia 'rom going *erser%> +e sa! t&at &appen to a *lastia$ T&e aer !as out o' control$ +e coul"n:t "o anyt&ing> 79.E T&is !as only a "istortion$ It is a natural occurrence$ RITA >7istortion1 =stelle walks forward to stand beside /ita. ESTELLE (*o!ing) 9m# t&an% you so muc& 'or &elping us$ 79.E 7o not go near t&e aer %rene$ ESTELLE 0u&>1 RITA +&at "o you mean# aer %rene1 T&is place1 79.E Aer %rene are t&e springs 'rom !&ic& all aer in t&e !orl" comes$ RITA Springs o' aer> /ita crosses her arms and raises on hand to rub her chin as she ponders 2uke"s revelation. 89RI +&o are you>1 T&is isn:t t&e %in" o' place you ,ust go 'or a !al%$ 79.E '%mph( > 89RI +e !oul":)e *een "ea" !it&out your &elp# t&oug&$ T&an%s$ Again without a word, 2uke turns and walks away. RITA >T&at po!er> =oul" it *e t&e Ri?omata Formula1 (s&a%es &er &ea") I can:t tell anyt&ing 'rom c&ec%ing t&ings out &ere$ I &a)e to see some ot&ers$ .AROL 0ey# "i"n:t t&at guy earlier say t&ese !ere all o)er t&e !orl"1 RAVE 8ea&# &e "i"$ RITA +e !on:t %no! anyt&ing soli" until !e 'in" t&em an" stu"y t&em$ ESTELLE So I guess !e:re 'inis&e" loo%ing into t&ings &ere1 89RI 8ea&# let:s get *ac% to 7a&ngrest an" meet !it& t&e 7on$ After they leave the area, /ita still processes the information. RITA Anomalous aer con"itions result in *lastia going out o' control# !&ic& in turn lea"s to monsters turning )icious> I' t&is is relate" to t&e A"istortionB &e !as tal%ing a*out# t&en it mig&t not *e only t&is 'orest t&at:s a''ecte"$ RAVE 8ou sure mum*le to yoursel' a lot# "on:t you1 .arol becomes frightened as the ground rumbles and shakes. .AROL Ac%# !&at13 Anot&er monster attac%1 They hide behind bushes as various types of monsters run and fly past. 89RI .arol# %eep your &ea" "o!n3 The monsters pass right by them, and they stand up. The 2on and several guild members are resting in the clearing. ESTELLE It:s>it:s t&em> .AROL 7on>3 The 2on kneels on the ground, leaning on his sword.

7O +0ITE0ORSE 89RI 7O +0ITE0ORSE

>8ou all "o somet&ing1 7o somet&ing1 +&at "o you mean1 T&ose sa)age monsters turne" "ocile as pups an" ran o''3 +&at "i" you "o1 ESTELLE >8uri# it must *e *ecause !e stoppe" t&e 'lo! o' t&e aer> .AROL T&e monsters turne" tame *ecause !e stoppe" t&e runa!ay aer3 7O +0ITE0ORSE Runa!ay aer1 0mmm> RITA 0ey# ol" man$ 7o you %no! somet&ing31 7O +0ITE0ORSE +ell# my ol" 'rien"# (elius# use" to say somet&ing a*out it$ .AROL >So it:s true t&at 7on an" (elius are 'rien"s> RITA +&o is (elius1 .AROL T&e 7uce !&o rules t&e coliseum o' or"opolica$ RITA or"opolica> 7O +0ITE0ORSE An" !&at:s !it& t&at runa!ay aer1 .arol runs up to the 2on. .AROL It !as really ama?ing3 -ore an" more really strong monsters %ept on coming# *ut !e -7O (oy# t&ose are t&e sort o' t&ings you %eep to yoursel'$ .AROL +&at>1 7O +0ITE0ORSE 8ou "on:t "o "ee"s li%e t&at so ot&er people !ill notice$ 8ou "o t&em so t&at you can protect your to!n an" your 'rien"s$ .AROL I-I:m sorry> =stelle runs past the 2on. Estelle:s VOI=E E;cuse me# coul" I see &im 'or a moment1 7O +0ITE0ORSE +&at1 =stelle heals one of 2on"s guildsmen. -A O&&>you can use &ealing artes> T&an% you> The 2on sees /aven still standing in the bushes where they took cover. 7O +0ITE0ORSE >0mm1 Ain:t t&at Ra)en o)er t&ere1 Fuit &i"in:# you3 /aven rolls his eyes upward and slumps. RAVE 0ump&$ %e walks over to The 2on. 7O +0ITE0ORSE Our man ain:t gi)in: you trou*le# is &e1 RAVE +&a""aya mean# Atrou*le1B T&e reason t&e monsters got tame !as our "oing# mine especially3 .AROL 0u&13 Ra)en:s a mem*er o' Altos%13 89RI Some&o! t&at seems to *e t&e case$ 2on whacks /aven with his sword. RAVE Ouc&# gramps# cut t&at out3 7O +0ITE0ORSE S&ut up# you3 89RI 7on +&ite&orse$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE +&at is it1 89RI I %no! !e:)e only ,ust met# *ut I &a)e somet&ing I nee" to tal% to you a*out$ ,ne of 2on"s men runs up. -A (!&ispering) 7on# sorry to interrupt$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE A&# I see$ All rig&t you "ogs3 Time to &ea" out3 (turns to t&e group) Sorry M*out t&is# *ut somet&ing:s come up$ +e:)e gotta return to 7a&ngrest$ I' ya come *y t&e 9nion you:ll &a)e my ear 'irst +0ITE0ORSE

c&ance I get$ 0ope t&at:s o%ay$ I' I &a)e your !or"# t&at:s 'ine *y me$ 0ump&# you:re not ner)ous at all to tal% to me$ 8ou all !oul" ma%e a goo" a""ition to our guil"$ 2on -hitehorse leaves. 89RI /uil"# &u&$ .AROL +e:re going to ma%e one# rig&t1 89RI +e:ll see$ RAVE So# !&at "o you t&in%1 8:all 'inally get a taste o' &o! a!esome I am1 .AROL I sure "i"n:t notice you *eing too a!esome out t&ere3 RAVE Al!ays so 6uic% to critici?e3 89RI All rig&t# I:" li%e to go *ac% to 7a&ngrest to meet !it& t&e 7on an" %eep loo%ing 'or (ar*os$ ESTELLE Rita# once 8uri:s "one !it& &is *usiness# !e s&oul" go *ac% to report> 2eep in thought, /ita doesn"t answer her. ESTELLE Rita1 RITA >O&# !&at !as t&at1 ESTELLE Once 8uri:s "one# !e s&oul" go *ac% to report to Ale;ei> (peering at Rita) Is somet&ing t&e matter1 RITA -no# it:s not&ing$ =ome on# let:s go *ac%$ S+IT The My*teriou* Man in the 2ore*t 89RI 7O +0ITE0ORSE 2IEL5 MAP# EASTER" T.LB6CCIA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT The 5on

THE 5E" .2 <UIL5S# 5AH"<REST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT 2i*hier and 2i*hier

/uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) T&e only reason !e manage" to get out o' t&at mess !it& minimum losses is our 9nion:s lea"ers&ip$ T&e 7on is a great man$ /9AR7 (I SI7E) (eyon" t&is point are t&e pri)ate rooms o' 9nion o''icials$ I' you are &ere to see t&e 7on# it:s t&e last room$ 8ou:re not allo!e" past t&is point$ They enter 72on"s Chamber8 in the back of the entrance hall. 7on:s =&am*er5 The 2on, surrounded by guild members, sits in his chair at the rear of the chamber. 9lynn stands before him. 7O +0ITE0ORSE So you:)e come *ac%# &a)e ya1 FL8 >8uri$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE +&at# you t!o %no! eac& ot&er1 /aven leaves the others and stands besides 2on"s chair. FL8 8es# !e:re ol" 'rien"s> 7O +0ITE0ORSE 8a "on:t say$ FL8 I see you %no! 8uri as !ell$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE +e crosse" pat&s "uring t&e assault on t&e city$ o! t&en# !&at *usiness "i" ya &a)e1

FL8 89RI

FL8 89RI 9lynn nods. FL8

9&> (loo%s "o!n) +e came to as% you a*out a man name" (ar*os o' t&e (loo" Alliance$ It loo%s li%e &e:s t&e one *e&in" t&e recent string o' stolen *lastia cores$ I see# so (ar*os is tie" up in your pro*lems as !ell$ >8ou &a)e a pro*lem !it& &im# too1

(a""ressing 7on) +e &a)e come to as% t&at t&e 9nion relin6uis& all ties !it& t&e (loo" Alliance$ Ot&er guil"s &a)e *egun to 'ollo! (ar*os: e;ample# a*using *lastia in ot&er areas an" "isrupting t&e or"er o' society$ I' !e can count on your assistance# I 'eel t&at toget&er !e s&oul" mo)e to put an en" to t&e (loo" Alliance$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE >(ar*os$ 0e:s *een testing t&e limits o' my patience lately$ Loo%s li%e it:s time to remin" t&at *rute &o! a proper guil" *e&a)es$ FL8 A clas& *et!een t&e guil"s an" t&e empire !as a)oi"e" t&e ot&er "ay# largely "ue to your inter)ention$ 0o!e)er# i' (ar*os is le't unatten"e"# t&e relations *et!een our t!o states may yet again *e torn apart$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE T&at:s not gonna *e 'un 'or any*o"y$ FL8 T&e time 'or stopping (ar*os is no!$ 8uri an" Estelle listen !it& interest$ (t&e 'ollo!ing con)ersation s&o!s 8uri an" Estelle listening( 7O +0ITE0ORSE Since !e:" *e cooperatin: !it& ya# I assume !e:" *e on e6ual stan"ing !it& t&e empire on t&is$ FL8 8es# sir$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0ump&$ I' t&at:s t&e case# a unite" 'ront !it& t&e empire mig&t not *e suc& a *a" i"ea$ FL8 T&en> (Scene s!itc&es to 7on an" Flynn) 7O +0ITE0ORSE 8ea&# !e:ll "eal !it& t&is toget&er$ (turns to a young guil"mem*er) 0ey$ Sen" a message to (elius$ Tell (elius t&at or"opolica:s gonna &elp us$ As the young guildsman runs off to deliver the message, .arol looks at /ita. .AROL -an# t&is is serious> /ita blinks slowly and nod her head at the 2on to direct .arol"s attention there. 9lynn is kneeling down before the 2on. FL8 I:)e *roug&t a letter 'rom &is 0ig&ness Io"er$ 2on takes the letter and 9lynn stands and walks back to &oin the group. 2on immediately inspects the letter. 7O +0ITE0ORSE A secret note 'rom t&e imperial can"i"ate# &u&1 Rea" it alou"$ (&an"s t&e letter to Ra)en) As /aven reads the letter aloud, 9lynn kneels on one kneeEone hand on his knee, the other across his chest in fealty. RAVE AI' 7on +&ite&orse is ta%en out o' t&e picture# !e are !illing to o)erloo% t&e 9nion:s responsi*ility in t&e (ar*os a''air$B FL8 +&at>13 7O +0ITE0ORSE (laug&ing an" smiling) 0a& &a& &a&3 7on:t ma%e me laug&3

As /aven marches over to 9lynn and puts the letter into his shaking hands, =stelle and )uri e change a pu!!led glance. FL8 (&an"s trem*ling) >+&at>!&at is t&is1 7O +0ITE0ORSE Loo%s li%e you an" t&e young master see t&ings a *it "i''erently$ FL8 (still trem*ling) T&ere must *e some mista%e3 -aster Io"er !oul" ne)er say suc& a t&ing$ )uri stands behind 9lynn. %is e pression is tense and stormy. 7O +0ITE0ORSE S&o! our guest &ere to &is o!n pri)ate suite3 Two burly guildsmen flank 9lynn, ready to escort him. FL8 7on +&ite&orse# please listen to me3 T&is is some sort o' trap3 The rear guildsman looks to 2on for affirmation. 2on nods and 9lynn is taken away. ESTELLE Flynn>3 (a""ressing 7on) +&y !oul" you>1 89RI (to Estelle) 0ang on$ I' !e scre! up# it:ll only ma%e t&ings !orse 'or Flynn$ ESTELLE > 'stifles a sob( The 2on"s e pression has changed from rela ed to angry. %e stands up and makes a proclamation. /aven stands rooted beside the 2on"s chair. 7O +0ITE0ORSE All-out !ar !it& t&e empire3 +e:ll ta%e e)eryt&ing !e:)e got an" marc& on t&e imperial capital3 Try an" ma%e a 'ool out o' me13 I:ll tear t&ese little messengers lim* 'rom lim*3 -ithout a word or even a glance at )uri and party, The 2on, followed by /aven, march from the chamber. .AROL T&-t&is is *a"3 RITA An" it loo%s li%e &e:s 'orgotten all a*out tal%ing !it& us$ 89RI I "on:t t&in% t&e 7on:s in muc& o' a tal%ing moo" rig&t no!$ ESTELLE (clinc&ing &er &an"s into 'ists) I &a)e to return to t&e empire an" 'in" out !&at:s really going on3 89RI I sai" &ang on$ +e s&oul" sit still 'or no! an" see !&at &appens$ ESTELLE I>I suppose you:re rig&t$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en le't t&e party$ /uil":s 9nion 0F5 -ain 0all5 +O-A I !on"er i' !ar !ill *rea% out against t&e Empire$ -y mot&er li)es in 4ap&ias> I:m reluctant to 'ig&t in a !ar against t&e country !&ere my mot&er li)es$ /9AR7 (PRISO ) T&e "ungeon is up a&ea"$ T&ere:s a %nig&t &el" capti)e t&ere no!$ o one is allo!e" to enter *eyon" t&is point$ -A (E TRA =E) +e:)e got t&e 7on on our si"e3 T&e Empire:s 'inis&e"3 I' t&e 7on &ol"s t&e reins !it& a strong grip# !e too can *ecome "auntless !arriors3 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) T&e Empire is suppose"ly going to attac%$ +e nee" to tig&ten up security$ .arol leads the party from the %0. They stop in the circle intersection. 89RI 0u&>1 T&at:s strange$ .AROL +&at:s t&e matter# 8uri1

89RI .AROL 89RI

>It loo%s li%e I "roppe" my !allet some!&ere$ At a time li%e t&is13 -ay*e it 'ell out o' my poc%et at t&e 7on:s place1 I:m going to go loo%$ 8ou !ait &ere$ .AROL O-o%ay$ 7on:t ta%e too long3 The others walk on down the street. 89RI All rig&ty$ o! to go an" see &o! Flynn:s &ol"ing up> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ =ircle Intersection5 -A CD +e:ll stic% !it& t&e 7on to t&e en"3 An" !e:ll A"onB our 'inest armor to "o it3 0a& &a& &a&33 8ou guys !anna ,oin us1 -A CE I "on:t %ill people !illingly$ It:s not a*out morals or ta%ing li)es$ It:s ,ust my policy$ +&ate)er$ I gotta pay t&e Empire *ac%$ I:m gonna &a)e some 'un$ Outsi"e =rimson Stars ta)ern5 +O-A T&e Empire# t&e .nig&ts> o*o"y in t&is to!n trusts t&em at all$ T&e Imperial =ouncil an" t&e .nig&ts !oul"n:t stan" a c&ance i' t&e guil"s *an"e" toget&er to ta%e t&em on$ Outsi"e Sagittarius ta)ern5 -A I !as t&in%ing o' going to t&e 9nion ,ail 'or a little *it$ I !ant to laug& at t&e .nig&t t&ey caug&t$ T&at .nig&t "ragge" people into ,ail# an" no! &e:s in ,ail &imsel'> (et &e:s not laug&ing no!$ .RIT8A +O-A O' course t&ey:re angry &ere$ T&is to!n !as *uilt *y people !ronge" *y t&e Empire$ Insi"e t&e Sagittarius ta)ern5 (A 7I7O To ,oin t&e 'ig&t !it& t&e Imperial .nig&ts or not$ T&at is t&e 6uestion$ >I really "on:t !ant to go$ +&at !oul" *e *est is i' it all en"e" !&ile I:m t&in%ing a*out it$ OL7 -A o matter &o! muc& t&e Empire may struggle# t&ey:re no matc& 'or t&e 7on$ 0e:s t&e strongest man I %no!$ e;t to me# o' course$ -A CD +&at13 t&e situation !it& t&e .nig&ts is a*out to *lo! up1 <ust let me eat in peace3 I:ll &elp out !&en I:m "one eating$ <ust !ait a sec$ +O-A CD E)en our mig&ty *arrier !on:t protect us against t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ I' only !e &a" a *arrier t&at !or%e" against people$ -A CE Sometimes t&e soli"arity o' t&e guil"s can *e a pain'ul t&ing$ People !it& con)iction !&o get *oun" up *y rules can o'ten "o cra?y t&ings$ +O-A CE T&ere:s a long &istory o' &ostility *et!een t&e Empire an" t&e guil"s$ It mig&t not *e too *a" to 'inally settle t&ings$ On t&e sur'ace# t&ey ma%e it seem li%e a col" !ar# *ut t&ey really ,ust slippe" into a stalemate$

Sagittarius ta)ern:s *ar5 -A I "on:t care a*out a 'ig&t *et!een t&e Empire an" t&e guil"s$ I:m &ea" o)er &eels 'or t&is !aitress$ +AITRESS CD T&e Empire an" t&e 9nion are going &ea"-to-&ea"1 o goo"# no goo"$ Is t&ere anyt&ing I can "o1 >I guess not> +AITRESS CE A little to-"o !it& t&e Empire isn:t enoug& to s&a%e me$ T&at:s t&e !ay it:s al!ays *een$ <ust li)ing in t&is to!n ma%es your &eart strong$ (arrier (lastia5 /9AR7 So !e &el" o'' t&e monster attac%$ T&at "oesn:t c&ange t&e 'act t&at monsters still e;ist$ T&e peace o' 7a&ngrest "epen"s on t&is *arrier *lastia3 -y ,o* protecting t&e *arrier *lastia is a )ery important one$ T&ere'ore# my ,o* is )ery re!ar"ing3

-ar%et Place5 8O9 / -A

T&e %nig&t !&o came &ere acting all toug& is in prison1 Ser)es &im rig&t$ /otta stoc% up on all sorts o' stu'' *e'ore t&e Empire attac%s> FE-ALE -ER=0A T T&ose Empire types *etter not un"erestimate us$ +e:ll ne)er lose to t&e Empire3 +O-A (I STREET) 8o# *u""y3 8ou sure you ain:t an Empire spy1 0u&13 +ell13 8ou got a pro*lem# *u""y13 REPE7E >$!&imper> .AROL 0ey# 8uri$ 7i" you 'in" your !allet1 ESTELLE +&at can I "o to sa)e Flynn>1 RITA +&at t&e> /uil"s are !ort&less$ Outsi"e o' t&e I LITTLE /IRL OL7ER +O-A 111 0ouse5 OL7 +O-A AAR=T9R9SB5 E)en i' t&e Empire attac%s# t&e 7on:ll *eat t&em up goo"3 Say# "i" you &ear1 T&at cool %nig&t got arreste"3 .in" o' a s&ame$ 0e loo%e" so cool> +&-!&at "o !e "o1 +e:ll *e in "anger i' t&ey 'in" out !e:re no*les3 A-are !e going to *e o%ay1 T&ey:ll *eat us up i' t&ey 'in" out !e:re no*les3

Fortune:s -ar%et5 -ER=0A T 0ey3 T&e Empire:s gonna attac%3 (etter stoc% up on e6uipment !&ile you can3 +e:ll ma%e it c&eap3 8ou t&ere# sir3 +on:t you ta%e a loo% at !&at !e &a)e to o''er1 LITTLE (O8 0ey# is it true t&e Empire:s coming to attac% us1 +!e:ll *e o%ay# rig&t1 8ou can:t *e a merc&ant an" *e scare" o' t&e Empire an" t&e Imperial .nig&ts3

(ri"ge5 -A (ROA7) -A ((RI7/E) +O-A ((RI7/E)

o! !e can 'inally ta%e on t&ose i"iots 'rom t&e Empire$ +e:ll s&o! t&em a t&ing or t!o$ First monsters> o! t&e Empire> 0o! pat&etic> T&ey s&oul" ,ust &urry up an" %ill all t&e %nig&ts t&ey capture"3 >+&-!&at# you got a pro*lem !it& t&at>1

/uil":s 9nion 0F5 The guard is not present at the prison door in the main hall. )uri opens the door and runs down the stairs. The guard is not at his desk. )uri looks for 9lynn. FL8 :S VOI=E 8uri> 89RI T&oug&t I !as *eing 6uiet# *ut I guess you &ar" me$ FL8 :S VOI=E So# you:)e come to &a)e a laug& at me in t&is sorry state1 89RI 8ea&# I !ante" to see !&at %in" o' e;pression *eing loc%e" up put on your 'ace$ FL8 It "oesn:t &urt to *e 'orce" to )ie! t&ings 'rom *e&in" *ars e)ery no! an" t&en$ 9lynn is sitting on the cell floor with his back toward the cell door. )uri, stands with his back to the bars, not looking at 9lynn, but smiling pleasantly. 89RI +&at t&e &ell you t&in% you !ere "oing# coming &ere !it& a letter li%e t&at1 FL8 T&at !as t&e re" eyes "oing$ T&ey attac%e" a'ter you le't$ 89RI 8ou "on:t scre! up li%e t&at$ +as it one o' your people1 FL8 E)en i' it !as# t&e responsi*ility is mine$ 89RI:S VOI=E I see$ I' t&e re" eyes are in)ol)e"# t&en Ragou:s gotta *e *e&in" it all$ FL8 (ut &o! "o you %no!>1 89RI At t&e &ar*or# !e sa! Ragou gi)ing or"ers to one o' t&eir assassins$ FL8 :S VOI=E I &a"n:t &ear" a*out t&at$ 89RI 7o you %no! !&at t&ey:re trying to "o1 FL8 >-ost li%ely t&ey !ant to 'orce a clas& *et!een t&e guil"s an" t&e .nig&ts$ 89RI T&at:" *e *a"$ 8ou t&in% anot&er one o' t&ose 'alse letters !ent to t&e .nig&ts1 FL8 8es# to put t&em in a 'ig&ting moo"$ 89RI:S VOI=E I' you %no! t&at muc&# t&en get out t&ere an" get t&e real letters *ac%$ A loud whack and the cell door is opened. )uri stands before it, sword in his hand. 9lynn gets up and walks out of the cell. FL8 I !as !on"ering &o! long it:" ta%e you to get ri" o' t&at "amn loc%$ 89RI > 'amused %ah( FL8 8ou:)e got to stay &ere$ 89RI +&at# an" *e your scapegoat1 8ou:re ,ust itc&ing to get ri" o' me# aren:t you1 FL8 8uri# i' I "on:t ma%e it *ac%> 8ou:ll &a)e to "ie in my place$ 89RI 8ea&> 9lynn escapes. The 2on pays a visit and finds )uri sitting on the floor

of the cell in 9lynn"s e act spot with his back facing the door. 7O +0ITE0ORSE 'amused %ah( Ta%ing your 'rien":s place in a ,ail cell1 8ou lost your min"# son1 89RI T&is coming 'rom an ol" man !&o gets ri" o' &is o!n guar"s on purpose$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0ump&$ I &a" a special 'a)or ta as% t&at roo%ie %nig&t$ 89RI 8ou mean Flynn1 7O +0ITE0ORSE T&e rats t&at plan t&ese sorta stunts usually li%e ta en,oy t&eir &an"i!or% 'rom some!&ere near*y$ 89RI I' you %ne! t&e letter !as 'a%e# !&y:" you 'ire e)eryone up li%e t&at1 7O +0ITE0ORSE I' I "i"n:t ma%e a goo" s&o! o' t&ings# !&oe)er:s *e&in" all t&is !oul"n:t *ot&er ta come !atc&$ (esi"es# !e:)e got a lot o' &ot&ea"s aroun" &ere !&o:" ne)er let me &ear t&e en" o' it i' I "i"n:t raise &ell$ So t&at:s !&ere it stan"s$ O' course i' our 'rien" t&e %nig&t "oesn:t s&o! up again# your li'e is mine$ 89RI I %no!$ The 2on starts to walk away but stops when he hears )uri"s voice. 89RI Tell me on t&ing# t&oug&$ +&at ma"e you !ant to start a guil" in t&e 'irst place1 7O +0ITE0ORSE I reali?e" I coul"n:t protect t&e t&ings t&at !ere important ta me# playin: *y t&e empire:s rules$ 89RI T&ere &a)e to *e some t&ings t&at !ere easier to protect !&en you !ere on t&e ot&er si"e# t&oug&$ E)en in t&e lo!er 6uarter !&ere I:m 'rom# !e still &a" t&e *arrier to protect us$ 7O :S VOI=E Sure# *ut !ere ya &appy !it& ,ust puttin: up !it& all t&e t&ings ya "i"n:t li%e1 89RI +ell# I> 7O :S VOI=E So i' t&e rules t&e empire sets "on:t suit ya# you:)e got t!o c&oices$ 8ou can "o li%e your 'rien" is# an" put e)eryt&ing you:)e got into c&angin: t&e system$ Or ya can turn yer *ac% on t&e empire# an" li)e *y t&e rules ya set 'er yersel'$ T&at:s pretty clear cut> >8ep$ I t&in% yer going to &a)e ta ta%e responsi*ility 'or lettin: my prisoner go$ 8ou !ant me to "o somet&ing *esi"es rotting in t&is cell1 T&e sap !&o:s *een putting: toget&er t&is little s&o!:s must *e some!&ere in t&is city$ I:" *een planning: on a%in: year armor-!earing 'rien" at &unt Mme "o!n 'or me# *ut> So !&at# you !ant me to 'in" t&em1 8our ,o* is at pay t&is "e*t *ac% at me$ 0o! ya! go a*out it is up at you$ T&at young !oman ya! *roug&t !it& ya! is running: all o)er t&e place &elping: !it& t&e in,ure" 'ol%s$ 8ear not t&e type at *e t&e only one sitting aroun" t!i""ling: &is t&um*s# rig&t1 >Estelle$ 0u&# t&at soun"s li%e &er$

89RI 7O +0ITE0ORSE 89RI:S VOI=E 7O +0ITE0ORSE

89RI 7O :S VOI=E

89RI

)uri leaves %0 and finds the city"s residents in loud celebration. VOI=E Out o' t&e !ay3 T&e 7on is passing t&roug&3 89RI Is &er really planning on going to !ar ,ust to lure t&ose rats out o' &i"ing1 7on +&ite&orse a""resses &is troops$ Ra)en stan"s at &is si"e$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE +e:ll teac& t&ose imperial *astar"s to loo% "o!n on us3 >earby stand =stelle and .arol. .AROL (!a)ing) O&# 8uri3 89RI (!al%ing o)er) 0a)e you 'inis&e" &ealing t&e in,ure" yet1 ESTELLE 0o! "i" you %no! t&at1 89RI T&e 7on tol" me$ T&is is 'rom &im -- &is !ay o' saying t&an%s$ .AROL (ut 8uri# t&ings &a)e gotten really *a"3 89RI 8ea&# I notice"$ .AROL o# t&at:s not !&at I mean$ 89RI +&at else1 .AROL I sa! t&em3 89RI 8ou sa!>!&o1 ESTELLE T&e (loo" Alliance3 (ar*os !asn:t !it& t&em# *ut> .AROL Rita an" Repe"e are s&a"o!ing t&em rig&t no!$ 89RI <ust !&at t&e 7on !ante"> .AROL Let:s catc& up !it& Rita$ 89RI 8ea&$ They all three run to find /ita. I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& Estelle an" .arol$ S+IT $hat the 5on and 2)ynn are Thinkin0 They find /epede sitting near the Crimson Stars tavern. /ita stands at the end of the street. 89RI In &ere1 RITA 8es$ Set back off the street, the tavern is dark and tucked in the shadows. ESTELLE Let:s go insi"e$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& Rita an" Repe"e$ /agou strokes his goatee and angrily addresses $arbos who"s sitting before an open book on a table with his back is to /agou. A few of $arbos" henchmen are also present. RA/O9 (ar*os3 +&at is t&e meaning o' t&is3 (AR(OS I &a)en:t t&e slig&test i"ea !&at you:re tal%ing a*out$ RA/O9 T&e to!er an" t&e *lastia# o' course3 I &a)e yet to recei)e any reports a*out t&em3 (AR(OS +&y s&oul" I &a)e to report to you a*out somet&ing li%e t&at1 /agou shaking with anger, clenches and unclenches his hands into fist. RA/O9 +&-!&at13 (uil"ing t&at lousy to!er 'ortress o' yours !it&out spea%ing a !or" o' it to your o!n employer> 8ou e)en !ent so 'ar as to use Le)iat&an:s =la! 'or &elp3 (AR(OS I:m not your lap"og# Ragou$ I ,ust gat&ere" t&e cores toget&er# li%e you re6ueste"$ It:s t&an%s to my e''orts t&at you !ere a*le to ma%e t&at !eat&er-controlling *lastia$ RA/O9 An" ,ust !&at ma"e you t&in% it !as o%ay to carry o'' t&e e;tra cores13

(AR(OS RA/O9 (AR(OS RA/O9 (AR(OS RA/O9

Our mutual non-inter'erence !as a con"ition o' our agreement# !as it not1 +&-!&at>3 An" "i" I e)er inter'ere !it& !&at you !ere "oing1 >(ar*os# &o! "are you3 8ou !ill lea)e no!# magistrate$ (sta*s &is 'inger at (ar*os) Remem*er t&is# (ar*os3 (lac%-&earte" 'ilt& li%e you al!ays get !&at t&ey "eser)e in t&e en"3

(AR(OS 8ou:re one to tal%# Ragou$ 9ootsteps echo on the plank flooring as )uri and party arrive. RITA 8-you guys3 89RI It:s t&e !orl" series o' )illains an" you &a" to ta%e t&e *est seat in t&e &ouse1 (AR(OS +&at 'ool !oul" "are to &ec%le my e;6uisite per'ormance1 (AR(OS O& &o# i' it isn:t t&e little runts I met on t&e s&ip$ ESTELLE 8ou:re t&e one !&o:s *een causing all o' t&e recent c&aos3 (AR(OS An" !&at o' it1 8ou 'ools !ill ne)er manage to capture me$ RITA O& yea&1 +&at:s your reasoning t&ere1 89RI A )illain is someone !&o ne)er consi"ers losing a possi*ility$ T&at:s !&y &e t&in%s t&e !ay &e "oes$ .AROL I' so# t&en t&at ma%es you 6uite a )illain# 8uri$ 89RI 8ep$ I:m ne'arious$ (AR(OS (turns &is &ea" to loo% out a !in"o!) 8ou:)e got a *ig mout&# *rat$ $arbos" minions run to surround )uri and party. )uri whips out his sword. (AR(OS 8ou !oul" "are to oppose me1 I t&oug&t I tol" you *e'ore t&at ne;t time you !oul"n:t get o'' so easy$ 89RI All t&e *etter 'or us to tear t&ings up3 (AR(OS Ta%e t&em "o!n3 They ready their weapons. All pause as a drum thunders loudly outside. (AR(OS 0a&a# t&e 'ools &a)e starte" to marc&3 (,umping up 'rom &is c&air) o! t&at me""lesome 7on an" t&e .nig&ts !ill "estroy eac& ot&er3 .AROL 0e "i" t&is to "estroy t&e 9nion an" to eliminate t&e 7on>3 ESTELLE I' t&e %nig&ts are "estroye"# !&o !ill protect t&e empire1 Ragou# !&y !oul" you>o&3 RITA O' course>&e:s going to !ea%en t&e Imperial .nig&ts so t&at t&e =ouncil can step in an" control t&e empire$ ESTELLE O& my> 89RI T&e .nig&ts an" t&e 9nion going "o!n toget&er>it:s ,ust as Flynn sai"$ (AR(OS 0mp&# so !&at i' you %no! no!1 o matter !&at you "o# you !on:t *e a*le to stop t&e *attle3 89RI 0mm# !e:ll see$ (AR(OS An" your e;istence comes to an en" &ere3 %earing the sound of hoof beats, =stelle runs to look out the window. 89RI 7amn it# &e:s too late3

9lynn leans forward in the saddle to urge his mount to gallop faster. ESTELLE Flynn13 FL8 (ri"ing &ar") Stop3 All o' you# s&eat&e your *la"es3 S&eat&e t&em3 9lynn rides his galloping steed between the opposing lines of troops. The stallion rears to a halt and 9lynn holds a envelope up for all to see. FL8 I am Flynn Sci'o o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ I &a)e come *earing a letter 'rom -aster Io"er3 T&e letter you recei)e" 'rom t&e empire !as 'alse3 It !as t&e !or% o' a re*el3 7ra! *ac% your armies at once3 The 2on approaches on foot to 9lynn and addresses him in a #uiet voice only for him to hear. 7O +0ITE0ORSE (6uietly) I t&oug&t you !eren:t coming *ac%$ FL8 (6uietly) An" lea)e 8uri *e&in" to ta%e t&e 'all 'or me1 I !oul"n:t "ream o' it$ (ac% at t&e ta)ern5 (AR(OS Ragou# you 'ool$ 8ou "i"n:t %eep up your en" o' t&e *argain$ /agou cowers, the high collar of his coat hiding his face as he shields his head with his arms. RA/O9 7on:t &urt me>3 (AR(OS 7amn>3 ,ne of $arbos" men pulls out a big barreled aer rifle and aims it out the window. ESTELLE 8uri3 T&ey:re aiming at Flynn3 .arol spoils his shot by throwing an ob&ect that knocks the rifle from his grip. /agou takes the opportunity to drop to all fours and crawl out of sight. .AROL /ot Mim3 (punc&es t&e air !it& &is 'ist) 89RI ice s&ot# .arol3 $arbos takes up the gun. (AR(OS 8ou *rats t&in% you can stop me13 $arbos fires of a single blinding shot. )uri raises his free hand to shield his eyes as the others bolt for cover. ESTELLE Aaa&3 .AROL /yaaa&3 )uri recovers and takes command of the situation. 89RI /et out o' &ere$ 0ea" 'or t&e e;it$ =stelle and .arol run past )uri. )uri takes off. =stelle stops to look back at him. ESTELLE 8uri# no# it:s too "angerous3 RITA It s&oul" ta%e time 'or t&e aer to rec&arge$ I:ll try an" stop &im *e'ore t&en> A loud boom indicates that $arbos" aer rifle is recharged. .arol runs forward, hand on the hilt of his weapon. .AROL o!3 $arbos hauls the aer rifle into position on his shoulder. (AR(OS 8ou:re too late3 RITA o3 It c&arge" up too 6uic%ly3 Suddenly the dragon rider speeds through the tavern. The dragon"s fiery breath knocks $arbos flat on his back. (AR(OS +&-!&at t&e &ell>13 (!atc&ing t&e "eparting "ragon) The dragon hovers outside while it"s rider looks into the tavern. RITA O&# so you:re *ac% 'or more# "ragon 'rea%3 ('ires up

an arte) Rita# %noc% it o''3 Our enemy:s o)er t&ere>3 (stops t&e spell) -y enemy is t&is "ragon 'rea%3 Lea)e it alone 'or no!3 (le)eling a c&ainsa! s!or" at t&em) 0ump&$ I:m gonna ma%e you !is& you &a"n:t "one t&at3 $arbos holds the sword straight up in the air and starts to rise off the floor. .AROL +&at1 0e can 'ly13 $arbos flashes them with a grin while, hanging from the hilt of the sword, he sails away into the sky. The dragon rider starts to go after $arbos. RITA A&3 /et *ac% &ere you 'rea%3 T&in% I:m ,ust gonna let you get a!ay13 /ita heads for the dragon rider but )uri reaches him first. 89RI I' you:re going a'ter &im# let me come !it& you3 +e:re a little s&ort on !ings aroun" &ere$ RITA Are you cra?y1 T&is ,er%:s our enemy3 89RI o matter !&at &appens# I:)e gotta catc& t&at guy$ 89RI (a""ressing t&e "ragon ri"er) >=ome on3 The dragon rider brings his mount down close enough for )uri to hop on. 89RI 8es3 T&an%s3 .AROL (running 'or!ar") +ait3 +&at a*out us>13 89RI (sitting *e&in" t&e "ragon ri"er) T&is guy:s o)erloa"e" enoug& as it is3 .AROL (ut# !&at s&oul" !e>1 89RI 8ou guys &ol" "o!n t&e 'ort &ere3 ESTELLE +&at>13 The dragon flaps it"s wings and soars higher into the sunset sky. 89RI Stay out o' trou*le3 .AROL 7ammit# 8uri3 89RI An" let Flynn %no! I:m stepping out 'or a!&ile3 89RI RITA 89RI (AR(OS The dragon rider takes )uri to a tower of whirling gears surrounded by a spiral of smoke and fine debris. The riders hang on as the dragon drops straight down and head first toward the blastia. A blast from the dragon gaping &aws destroys the blastia sphere on the top of the tower. The blastia e plodes and the swirling smoke dissipates from around the tower of now lifeless gears. The dragon flies low enough that )uri can &ump down onto the clear, glass-like surface of Chasfarost, The Tower of Cears. THE T.$ER .2 <EARS1 <HAS2AR.ST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ )uri looks up at the ruined remains of the crackling blastia on it pedestal. 89RI So t&at cyclone !as &is "oing$ $arbos still clutching the chainsaw sword, lurches across the top of the tower to greet )uri as the dragon rider circles overhead. 89RI 0ere comes trou*le$ (AR(OS 8ou> 8ou:)e "estroye" t&e *lastia3 )uri whips out his sword and charges $arbos. 9ireblasts erupt from below knocking the dragon rider off the dragon and onto the glassy surface. 89RI 0ey# are you o%ay13 8uri loo%s 'or t&e source o' t&e *lasts an" spots t&ree o' (ar*os:

minions on a lo!er le)el$ 89RI (astar"s>3 )uri sees the dragon rider get up. Seeing the dragon rider survived, )uri goes after the culprits responsible. -ith a single slash of his sword, he cuts them down. $ehind him $arbos lands on the platform, chainsaw sword revved and ready. (AR(OS 8ou:re ne;t# pun%3 -ith a cry, the dragon soars overhead. )uri smiles at $arbos. 89RI =om on# !e:re ,ust getting starte"$ Several $andidos run onto the platform and surround )uri. (AR(OS 0e&$ -y men !on:t &a)e any trou*le ta%ing care o' a *rat li%e you$ (raising &is s!or") o! rip &im to pieces3 )uri faces off against K $andidos. At the end of the fight, $arbos stands near the edge of the platform with his chainsaw sword running and his spiked ball hand spinning. 89RI Is t&at all you got1 (AR(OS (le)eling t&e c&ainsa!) Loo%s li%e I:m gonna &a)e to teac& you your place$ $arbos" chainsaw sword rips )uri"s sword out of his grasp. 89RI 0u&> T&at:s a &an"y s!or" you:)e got$ (AR(OS T&in% you lost *ecause o' t&is s!or"# &u&1 89RI I "on:t %no!# !&at "o you t&in%1 (AR(OS 8ea&# tal% it up !&ile you:)e got t&e c&ance$ +e:)e got a nice pain'ul "eat& all set up 'or you$ )uri is escorted to a holding cell. /9AR7 o! s&ut up 'or a !&ile3 89RI +&at:s t&e "eal>1 As )uri walks into the cell, an old man pleads with the guard. OL7 -A Please# I:)e got to get out o' &ere3 The guard shoves the blade of his sword into the old man"s face. /9AR7 It:s al!ays somet&in: !it& you# isn:t it ol" man1 89RI It:s not polite to point s&arp o*,ects at your el"ers$ ;aying his hand on the old man"s back, )uri directs him to #uickly run aside. /9AR7 (snaps &is s!or" *ac%) 8a&3 The Cuard swings his sword at )uri with the might of a killing blow. )uri ducks and the dragon rider #uickly runs forward, leaning between )uri and the blade. The blade shears off the tip of the dragon riders pointed hood-like helmet. 89RI (stan"ing up) 0ey>3 The dragon rider looks at )uri. A crack in the dragon riders hood renders a bit of blue hair and one eye visibleEwith a purple iris. The guard tries to retaliate, but is stopped by a voice outside the door. VOI=E T&at:s enoug&$ /9AR7 7amn it> (lo!ers &is s!or" an" lea)es# closing t&e "oor *e&in" &im) The dragon rider turns away from )uri and removes his hood. 89RI >A !oman> An" s&e:s .rityan>1 (a""resses t&e !oman) Are you all rig&t1 The woman nods. 89RI 0e&# sorry$ +O-A +ell>a'ter all# you "i" &elp (a:ul *ac% t&ere$ 89RI (a:ul1 +O-A 8es# my 'rien"$ 89RI O&# you mean t&at monster$

The camera shows two guards outside the door. The room is occupied by several prisoners, men and woman, sprawled or sitting around the walls of the stone cell. 89RI So tell me$ +&at are you going aroun" "estroying *lastia 'or1 +O-A > (&ea)es an e;asperate" sig& an" "iscar"s &er armor) 89RI ot a *ig "eal i' you "on:t 'eel li%e tal%ing a*out it$ +O-A I:m a'rai" it:s not as impressi)e as you mig&t t&in%$ I:m "estroying t&em *ecause I !ant to$ 89RI 8ou:re rig&t# I:m not all t&at impresse"$ So t&at:s !&y you mas&e" up (ar*os: *lastia too$ +O-A 8es# *ut I "i"n:t 'inis& t&e ,o*$ 89RI (s&o!ing &er &is *o"&i *lastia) An" can you ,ust let t&is on go1 <97IT0 >T&ere !oul"n:t *e any 'un in "estroying somet&ing li%e t&at$ 89RI >0u&$ )uri walks to the double doors. ;ooking through the small windows he checks out the guards. 89RI 0ey# !&y "on:t !e !or% toget&er a little longer1 Hudith walks over to him. <97IT0 0mm> It:s true I !asn:t a*le to 'inis& o'' t&e *lastia on t&e roo'$ 89RI O%ay t&en$ <97IT0 So !&at "o !e "o1 89RI 0mm> T&ere:s one !ay I !as t&in%ing !e coul" get out o' &ere$ <97IT0 +ell# i' you t&in% it mig&t !or%# !&at:s t&e &arm in trying it out1 I al!ays say# AT&ose !&o can# s&oul"$B 89RI O%ay# ,ust go along !it& me on t&is$ <97IT0 (!arming up &er &an"s to ma%e 'ists) I:ll ,ust 'ollo! your lea"$ 89RI 7on:t !orry$ It:s a little ner)e-!rac%ing !or%ing !it& a pretty la"y# t&oug&$ )uri suddenly punches Hudith in the face. <97IT0 >> 'AaahD( Hudith is shocked and so is the old man )uri rescued from the guard. %e sits against the wall, mouth agape in astonishment. Hudith punches )uri and knocks him flat, several feet away. 89RI O&# t&at is it3 Charging Hudith, he punches her again. <97IT0 >3 ',ohD( They continue to e change blows until they get the attention of the guards. Their cellmates even get in on the act by shouting. /9AR7 Pipe "o!n3 89RI =ut it out3 <97IT0 8ou cut it out3 /9AR7 I sai" t&at:s enoug&3 <97IT0 I:)e &a" it up to &ere !it& you3 89RI Some*o"y get me a!ay 'rom t&is psyc&o3 The doors open and the guard walks in. )uri and Hudith stand side by side with their back to the guard, no longer throwing punches. /9AR7 So I:m gonna &a)e ta teac& ya a lesson# &u&>1 Hudith and )uri both turn around, looking at the guard. Along with their cellmates, they make a run for it, knocking the guard down.

/9AR7 Oo'3 The prisoners scatter. Hudith addresses )uri. <97IT0 Ta-"a&# you:re 'ree$ 89RI T&an%s 'or your &elp$ <97IT0 I t&in% I still o!e you one more$ 89RI >0u&>1 (<u"it& 6uic%ly slaps &im>&ar") )uri holds his face, chuckling. 89RI /uess I o)er "i" it *ac% t&ere> <97IT0 T&ere# t&at ma%es us e)en$ (e;ten"s &er &an" to 8uri) 89RI I:m 8uri$ 8uri Lo!ell$ (t&ey slap &an"s) <97IT0 <u"it&$ 89RI <u"it&>1 '=hhhE( A<u"yB is easier to say$ <97IT0 Fine *y me$ All rig&t# on to t&e ne;t o*,ecti)e$ 89RI e;t>1 +ell# !e coul" c&ec% out t&e *lastia on t&e roo'$ All !e &a)e to "o is go up$ <97IT0 +on:t your 'rien"s *e !aiting 'or you1 89RI I "on:t min" ta%ing care o' t&e *lastia 'irst$ <97IT0 9p !e go t&en$ (s&e loo%s at t&e ceiling) 89RI (loo%ing up) An" &o! e;actly "o !e go up1 <97IT0 >t&is is &ea)y$ Hudith is looking at a pulley assembly. 89RI 8ea&# ,ust !an"er o''> Remin"s me o' a certain princess$ <97IT0 A princess1 89RI e)er min"$ T&ere:s gotta *e a !ay up aroun" &ere some!&ere$ Let:s see !&at !e can 'in"$ I FOR-ATIO <u"it& ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT -udithB* Ar9or I' you c&ec% on t&e guar" in t&e cell5 I FOR-ATIO T&e guar" is %noc%e" out$ 0e !on:t !a%e up anytime soon$ They search the guards station room. 89RI O.# t&is is my !eapon$ 89RI =an:t 'in" yours1 <97IT0 Someone mig&t &a)e ,ust too% it$ 89RI -ay*e$ +&y "on:t you ,ust pic% one &ere$ <97IT0 9n> rig&t$ (game script mista%e>9n s&oul" &a)e *een 9&) 89RI >+as t&at somet&ing special 'or you1 <97IT0 8es it !as$ +ell# t&is s&oul" "o 'or a !&ile$ I:ll ta%e t&is$ 89RI Are you 'ine !it& t&at1 <97IT0 I "on:t t&in% I !ill 'in" my !eapon &ere# I:ll loo% 'or it as I go on$ 89RI I:ll try loo%ing 'or it too$ <97IT0 T&an% you$ I FOR-ATIO 8uri got &is !eapons *ac%$ I FOR-ATIO <u"it& o*taine" a spear$ They pause beside a stack of barrels and crates. A glowing ball of green aer sits between a wall and a crate.. 89RI It loo%s li%e !e can:t go any &ig&er# an" !e can:t go outsi"e# eit&er$ +&at:s t&e matter1 <97IT0 -y spear is gone$ 89RI T&ings mig&t *e "i''icult !it&out a !eapon$ <97IT0 >

89RI

+&at t&e1 Is t&e Sorcerer:s Ring *ro%en1 (loo%s at t&e ring>its glo!ing) 7i" t&e aer &ere "o t&is1 <97IT0 0ey# you:re more 'as&ion-conscious t&an I t&oug&t3 89RI T&is isn:t 'as&ion> (&ol"s up t&e ring) 8ou go li%e t&is# an"> %e shoots a blast from the ring at a pulley handle. <97IT0 It mo)e"$ 89RI It:s po!ere" up> <97IT0 I:ll *et you coul" mo)e ot&er le)ers !it& t&at# too$ 89RI 8ou t&in% it:s o%ay1 I:m a'rai" it mig&t *lo! up or somet&ing$ <97IT0 I' it &appens# it &appens$ For no! let:s pull t&at le)er o)er t&ere$ 89RI I' somet&ing t&is tiny e;plo"e" I guess it !oul"n:t *e too "angerous$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Sorcerer:s Ring L)$ E$ S+IT Stron0 Bond* Ven"or:s Stall A-allo!B5 VE 7OR T&an%s a lot3 8ou e)en got my stu'' *ac%$ +ant to *uy somet&ing1 (Lea)ing) 8ou al!ays &a)e to *e in t&e spirit to sell3 =ome *ac% again3 (En" Visit to Ven"or:s Stall A-allo!B) VE 7OR +&a""aya say1 +ant to *uy somet&ing1 There is another pulley mechanism in the same room as the vendor. )uri fires the Sorcerer"s /ing at the levers and metal stairs lower 'rom t&e le)el a*o)e$ En" Le)el o' To!er <97IT0 >8ou:re pretty strong$ =an you use an O)er Limit# *y any c&ance1 89RI Sure# yea&$ <97IT0 O%ay$ T&en try t&is> Hudith hands something to )uri. 89RI 0u&1 +&at:s t&is1 <97IT0 T&e Limit 7uo$ 8our *attle spirit can allo! you to se e)en more po!er'ul O)er Limits$ 89RI O& yea&1 <97IT0 I' your *attle spirit is t&e real t&ing# t&at is$ 89RI So !&at else can you tell me a*out t&ese strong O)er Limits1 <97IT0 8ou can pro"uce more po!er !&en attac%ing alone# or t&ey say you can s&are *attle spirit !it& somet&ing else> 89RI Is t&at so> I still "on:t 6uite get it> <97IT0 Really1 -ay*e you:ll pic% it up as you use t&em in *attle1 89RI Soun"s goo" to me> <97IT0 All rig&t# let:s get mo)ing# t&en$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Limit 7uo$ 8uri an" <u"it& ta%e a sout& e;it$ Cutscene: $ehind a heavy reinforced gate, battle blows resound. $eyond the gate /aven battles foes in the tower. =stelle and /ita are battling

foes also. RITA T&ere# t&at:s t&e last o' Mem3 89RI 0u&> Loo%s li%e you guys &a)e t&ings un"er control$ ESTELLE 8uri3 =stelle runs to )uri and pats his arm and chest to make sure he"s not in&ured. 89RI (c&uc%ling) 0ey# !&at gi)es>1 =ome on# lay o''# !ill ya1 ESTELLE Are you o%ay13 +ere you &urt1 89RI e)er *een *etter$ 8ou !orry too muc&$ =stelle clasps her hands behind her back and smiles at )uri. /aven, /ita and .arol arrive. 89RI I t&oug&t I tol" you all to stay put 'or a !&ile> .AROL (ma%ing 'ist an" stomping) +&at "o you e;pect1 +e !ere !orrie" a*out you3 .arol pulls on the hair above his forehead in frustration. RITA (s&rugs) 0ey# ,ust 'or t&e recor"# I !asn:t !orrying a*out &im$ (crosses arms) RAVE ("rooping) +ell# I 'or one !as !orrie" sic%$ 89RI 8ea& rig&t$ An" !&en "i" you ,ust start s&o!ing up !&ere)er !e go# any!ay1 RAVE It:s li%e t&is # see1 T&e 7on:s &a)ing a 'it sayin: t&ere:s no !ay &e:ll let (ar*os ma%e a 'ool outta &im# *ut I:m t&e one &e sen"s to "o &is "irty !or%$ 89RI +&at "o you guys t&in% you:re "oing# coming in t&is !ay1 They are stand on a walkway. There are a ladders to the right connecting the walkway to levels above and below. .AROL +ell# t&e 'ront "oor !as loc%e"$ 89RI T&at:s not t&e point> /aven turns away with his hands behind his head trying to appear nonchalant while =stelle leans down to get a better look at )uri"s upper body. =stelle straightens up as Hudith &oins them to stand beside )uri. Ra)en H&eartI >A-an" !&o mig&t t&is lo)ely .rityan *e1 Is s&e a princess1 RITA Layin: it on a little t&ic% t&ere# ol" man$ 89RI T&is is <u"it&$ +e !ere loc%e" up toget&er$ <97IT0 0ello$ .AROL 0i# I:m .arol3 ESTELLE (*o!ing slig&tly) I:m Estellise$ RITA Rita -or"io$ RAVE (stro%ing &is c&in) An" I am t&e great> RITA Ol" man$ /aven turns to /ita, frustrated and clenching his hand into a fist. /ita, arms still crossed, ignores him. RAVE It:s Ra)en3 R-A-V-E- 3 Ra)en33 .AROL 8ou &a)e to !on"er a*out people !&o intro"uce t&emsel)es li%e t&at$ RAVE 0mm> T&at "i"n:t 6uite &a)e t&e A?ingB I !as loo%in: 'or$ /aven searches the sky for answers while .arol laughs. 89RI I t&in% t&at:ll "o 'or no!$ <97IT0 0e&e> +&at an interesting *unc& o' people$

/aven turns to look at Hudith and does a back flip and finishes with a thumbs up. RAVE Oo&3 I t&in% s&e li%es me3 RITA I"iot> ("isguste"# putting &er &an"s on &er &ips) ESTELLE <u"it&# !&at !ere you "oing in a place li%e t&isJ <97IT0 I came to &a)e a loo% at t&e *lastia$ RITA All t&e !ay out &ere1 +&y1 <97IT0 I -89RI S&e !as capture" !&ile s&e !as on a sort o'>researc& trip$ RITA 8ea&# t&e .ritya "o li%e t&eir researc&> <97IT0 > ESTELLE (a""ressing 8uri) +ere you a*le to locate your a6ue *lastia1 /aven turns to look at )uri. 89RI ope# not t&is time eit&er$ .AROL (loo%ing up) I !on"er i' it:s some!&ere &ere in t&is to!er> 89RI +e:ll ,ust &a)e to as% (ar*os a*out it once !e:)e caug&t &im$ RITA O%ay# let:s go$ (!al%s o'') ,ne by one, they follow /ita. /aven takes a few steps then stops. )uri and /epede notice. 89RI +&at is it# ol" man1 RAVE (loitering posture) A&# not&ing> <ust t&in%ing &o! you coul" really *rag ta your 'rien"s i' ya li)e" in a place li%e t&is$ 89RI 0mp&> (loo%s up) Repe"e# come on$ I guess# you too# ol" man> )uri walks away to &oin the others, but /aven stays where he is. RAVE 8ou guess1 +&at:s t&at suppose" to mean1 /aven straightens up. 2uke is standing against the wall near the door. RAVE Aren:t you a little ol" 'or &i"e an" see%1 +&at:s !rong !it& po%in: your &ea" out e)ery once in a !&ile1 T&ese %i"s are really gi)in: it a go$ T&ey coul" use your &elp e)ery no! an" again$ 79.E I' suc& a necessity arises# I s&all inter'ere$ o suc& necessity e;ists no!$ RAVE (s&rugging) All rig&t# all rig&t$ I %no! you:)e got your o!n *usiness to ta%e care o'$ 79.E >I "o not &a)e t&e time 'or t&ese clo!ning antics o' yours$ RAVE (a")erts &is eyes to t&e si"e# o''en"e") <ee?# !atc& !&ere yer pointin: !or"s li%e t&at$ 79.E (!al%ing a!ay) T&e a''airs o' t&is !orl" &ol" no interest 'or me$ /aven, turns away from 2uke and follows after )uri I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT 5ay* -u*t 2)y By? The Meanin0 o3 Mon*ter* 8o(tained out*ide the tower *te%* )eadin0 u% to Main entran,e on '*t 3)oor: -u*t U*e Both Tou,hy Su(Ce,t To0ether A0ain Re%ede and -udith The Tower o3 <ha*3aro*t

-L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L+9 ),* /=T*/> T, 2A%>0*=ST $=9,/= T%= $,SS 9+C%T +> C%AST9/,ST $ridge: -,1A> '$/+2C=( ;ook, it"s not like +"m a $arbos fan or anythingE S-seriously, +"m notD 1A> '>=A/ $/+2C=( + have no interest in peoples" s#uabbles. The chief would say the same thing. >o interest at all. 1A> ',> /,A2( 2amn itD -hat do guildsmen think they"re doing fighting against each otherAD The =mpire is the enemyD 9ortune"s 1arket '2ahngrest(: 1=/C%A>T 'outside( 9irst the =mpire, now $arbosD Cet your e#uipment hereD %ow about thisA >ot too shabby, huhA ;+TT;= $,) 'inside( That guy from the +mperial .nightsD -hat"s his nameA 9lynnAD %e was so coolDD $-but +"m still gonna be a merchantD +t"s not like + wanna be a knight, or anythingD ,utside the +nn 7Arcturus8: ;+TT;= C+/; 1ommy says someone called $arbos is the bad guy. 2on"t you wish bad guys would all &ust go awayA ,;2=/ -,1A> $arbos made plenty of trouble for this inn, too. %e finally showed his true colors. 1A> The 2on, or $arbos. -onder who + should work forEA +t doesn"t really matter, as long as + get paid. ,utside the Cooking Stadium 7$istro $lack %ole8 'formerly labeled as 7AAA8(: The $istro is still closed although the man blocking the door is not there. ,;2 -,1A> +"m so glad the misunderstanding has been cleared upE >ow they won"t beat us up. + thought + would be worth more dead than alive. 1arket: -,1A> 1=/C%A>T 9=1A;= 1=/C%A>T The $lood Alliance should &ust take over the *nion already. And then beat the living crap out of the =mpireD Step right upD 9east your eyes on these waresD See a real salesman in actionD Anything is possible, as long as you have spiritD %ey, that knightE %e"s pretty cute, isn"t heEA E-hatA + say something wrongA ;-look, it"s not like + have a crush on him or anything, all rightAD + always thought $arbos was suspicious. /eallyD /eally, reallyD

,;2=/ 1=/C%A>T

Circle +ntersection: ,;2=/ 1A> A guild feud, huhA That"s not so bad every now and then. A guild struggle, huhA That has nothing to do with us %unting $lades.

1A>

So that piece of crap $arbos finally showed his true colorsE -ell, everyone already knew about that $arbos.

,utside the Tavern 7Crimson Stars8: The tavern"s doors are still locked. The only person on the street is the woman. -,1A> Curse that $arbosD %e"s disgraced the guildsD This isn"t any time for the guilds to be fightingD ,utside the Tavern 7Sagittarius8: An armored guildsman is near the intersection. A .rityan woman walks in the street in front of the tavern. 1A> They went and let that knight out of &ail. -hat are they doing, slacking at the &ail at a time like thisA -,1A> 9ights even happen between the guilds themselves. -hy do people fightEA +nside the Tavern 7Crimson Stars8: A bandito walks the floor near the entrance while an armored guildsman with an a e slung over his back walk the rear ne t to the bar. ,n the left an old man holding a mug sits at the front table. A drunken man in a bird"s head helmet sits at a table in the back. At the center table, a woman slaps her thigh and laughs while her armored companion listens and drinks heavily from his mug. ,n the right, a drunken woman struggles to sit upright in her chair. Two waitresses and the ownerGbartender stand behind the bar. A love struck young man at the bar stares constantly at one of the waitresses. The 2on has an ad&oining office through a door on the right wall of the tavern. +t is currently unoccupied. ,;2 1A> $A>2+2, -,1A> ';A*C%+>C( 1A> '2/+>.+>C( $arbos doesn"t know his place. -hat he needs is a lesson. And +"ll smack some learning into his headD $arbos should be left to the +mperial .nights. There"s no reason to fight pointless battles. +"ll &ust drink and sleep well tonight. -as the barrier failure $arbos"s work, tooA Seems like there"s a good chance for that. -hatAD they took care of the problem with the .nightA Then + didn"t have to eat so fastE + was in such a hurry to eat, + didn"t get to en&oy my foodE %ave you heardA -e were about to clash with the .nights. ,hE )ou already knew thatEA $arbos is only doing what he thinks is right. 2on"t like itA )our only choice is to resist with a show of force. The *nion doesn"t tolerate treason. This is the end for $arbos. ,ne of the five master guilds is gone. >ow the balance of power has changed. Something"s bound to happen. ,, that my passionate ga!e would reach herD That my song of pure love would resound in her heartD

1A> '2/*>.( C*+;2S1A> -,1A> '2/*>.(

),*>C 1A>

-A+T/=SS 45 -A+T/=SS 46

$A/T=>2=/

*hhE +t"s not working, is itA Are you 1r. $arbosA ,h, + guess you aren"t. 1r. $arbos is the owner of a rival bar. The 2on"s Altosk is the strongest guild. $ut $arbos" $lood Alliance is no &oke either. This city"s gonna change in a big way if $arbos starts e ercising his influence. +"m the owner here. can + get you anythingA %ey, don"t try anything on the part-timer.

Cuild"s *nion %0: C*A/2 ',*TS+2=( That damn $arbosE +"ll never forgive him. +"d never forgive anyone who violated this town. Cuild flags hang from the walls and two gold statues of armor guard the main entrance inside the two-story main hall. A door to the right leads to private rooms, a door to the left to the guild"s prison and the grand door in the rear leads to the 2on"s chamber. 1A> So there are even struggles within the *nionE $arbos has guts. + mean, he"s going up against the 2on. -,1A> $arbos always did have ambitionE but + never thought he"d really make his move. %e might not have used it well, but it"s rare to see a man with that much ambition. -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L-L((ac% at /&asa'rost)5 (First /ear Le)el) They climb up a ladder and cross a metal ramp between two rotating columns of gears to enter a center column with gears rotating beneath it. $eyond the columns they find a motionless gold colored gear topped with a gray gear. .AROL >T&e gear:s stoppe"$ >It loo%s li%e it:s not mo)ing *ecause t&e gear:s teet& are out o' alignment$ I t&in% it mig&t mo)e i' !e put some energy into it$ 89RI +ell# !e nee"n:t !aste energy on mo)ing strange gears$ As they e plore the level, /ita strikes up a conversation with Hudith. RITA So you use a spear too> <97IT0 O&# "o you %no! someone !&o also uses a spear1 RITA E&# !ell not 6uite$ It remin"s me o' some ,er%$ .AROL Are you tal%ing a*out t&at "ragon ri"er1 RITA 8ea&> 0ey# "on:t you &a)e somet&ing you nee" to tell me$ 89RI +&at1 -e1 RITA 8es$ So !&ere is t&at "ragon 'rea% no!$ 89RI +e got separate" up on t&e roo'$ I:m pretty sure &e !asn:t too *a"ly &urt> RITA /oo"# *ecause I can:t )ery !ell *eat &im up i' &e:s alrea"y in,ure"3 RAVE +&oa !&oa# t&at:s t&e !&ole reason you came &ere1 RITA o3 I also can:t 'orgi)e t&is (ar*os guy 'or !&at &e "i"3 A*using *lastia li%e t&at3 0as &e no s&ame1 89RI T&at:s no reason to *ring t&e Princess along !it& you to a "angerous place li%e t&is$

ESTELLE

It:s not Rita:s 'ault$ I "eci"e" to come &ere# mysel'$ I can:t see *a" people "oing &arm to ot&ers an" simply let it &appen$ <97IT0 I agree$ Very !ell sai"$ 89RI =aptain .arol# "on:t let me "o!n3 I:m counting on your s%ills3 .AROL 8es# o' course3 =ome on# let:s go ta%e t&at ,er% to sc&ool3 .arol takes off at a dead run. The others follow. )uri and /ita stare each other down a few moments before she goes too. After the others go on ahead, )uri talks to Hudith. 89RI I:m sorry# *ut !oul" you min" %eeping your *ac%groun" to yoursel'1 +e:)e got someone !&o mig&t %in" o' e;plo"e i' s&e %ne!$ <97IT0 Sure# I un"erstan"$ T&at:ll *e *est 'or *ot& o' our interest$ A clear multi-story s#uare shaped tube &uts from the floor. .AROL +&at:s t&is1 RITA It:s a con"uction tu*e 'or aer$ >T&ere:s no aer passing t&roug& it# t&oug&> HLig&t*ul*I O&# rig&t3 T&e gear !e sa! po!ers t&e aer supply3 89RI All rig&t# t&en !e can lea)e t&is 'or no!# rig&t1 RITA Sure They climb up more ladders to higher levels of ramps around sets of gears. ESTELLE 0u&1 It loo%s li%e a "ea" en"> <97IT0 o# it:s not$ Loo%3 T&ere:s a la""er$ (t&e la""er &as not *een lo!ere") .AROL (ut !e can:t use t&at to get upstairs$ RAVE -ay*e t&ere:s somet&in: !e coul" "o to *ring it "o!n# e&1 /ita walks over to the aer tube. $ending over she peers into it. RITA +e nee" aer$ ESTELLE Aer1 RITA 8es$ I' t&is con"uction tu*e !ere supplying aer# t&e la""er mig&t *e a*le to mo)e "o!n$ .AROL 0o!e "o !e ma%e t&at &appen1 RITA 0o! a*out you try to 'igure out t&ings yoursel' 'or once1 .AROL HLig&t*ul*I -ay*e i' !e use" t&at gear1 RITA =orrect$ T&at !as pretty 6uic%# coming 'rom you$ .AROL =&a-c&ing3 O& yea&33 (scratc&ing t&e *ac% o' &is &ea") RITA 7on:t get so 'ull o' yoursel'3 (.arol "roops) 89RI All rig&t# !anna go mo)e t&at gear# t&en1 S+IT $eirdo A9on0 $eirdoe*

)uri gives any unmoving gear a blast with the Sorcerer"s /ing. As each gear activates, more aer flows freely up the tube. -hen the last gear is operational, the ladder lowers. They continue climbing ladders to new areas until they reach the top of the ne t level. (Secon" /ear Le)el) <97IT0 It loo%s li%e t&is 'loor:s set up t&e same !ay as t&e one *elo!$

89RI RITA

So t&at means !e:)e got some gears to mo)e$ +&a""ya t&in% t&ey:re protectin: !it& all t&ese "i''erent layers o' "e)ices1 89RI -ay*e it:s ,ust t&eir pri"e as a guil"> ,n the last gear level, they find an elevator that brings them onto the roof of the tower. $arbos stands near the blastia. (AR(OS (ac% again &u&# you stu**orn pun%1 89RI Sorry to %eep you !aiting$ RITA 0ey# t&e core in t&at s!or"3 Is t&at t&e core to t&e a6ue *lastia$ 89RI 8ea&# it:s gotta *e$ (t&e s&ining *lue sp&ere at t&e *ase o' t&e c&ainsa! s!or" is )isi*le) (AR(OS T&ese 'ools "on:t %no! !&en to gi)e up$ =apua or# 7a&ngrest# an" no! all t&e !ay to /&as'arost3 'with feeling( I:)e al!ays &ate" %i"s$ =stelle levels an accusing finger at $arbos. ESTELLE (ar*os# t&is &as gone on long enoug&$ Sa)e !&at:s le't o' your &onor an" gi)e up3 RITA T&at:s rig&t# you:re 'inis&e"$ (AR(OS O&# t&is is 'ar 'rom 'inis&e"$ (grinning) (points s!or" to s%y) I put 3P years into *uil"ing /&as'arost Spire# an" !&ile it stan"s# not&ing can stop me3 (points s!or" at t&e &eroes) An" !it& t&at man an" t&e empire !rappe" aroun" my 'inger# I !as a*le to *uil" my magni'icent *lastia$ %e shoots a blast at the group, but they &ump out of the way onto the lower platform. 89RI 8ou t&in% I:m ,ust gonna let you !aste t&e lo!er 6uarter:s core li%e t&is1 $arbos flied down to &oin them on the platform. (AR(OS O&# it !on:t go to !aste$ I:ll use t&is to eliminate +&ite&orse# an" t&en I !ill *e lea"er o' t&e guil"s$ T&en t&e empire is ne;t3 +it& t&is po!er at my "isposal# t&e )ery !orl" !ill *e mine3 (raises s!or" uprig&t) An" I:ll start !it& you$ (e gone# !orms3 $arbos lowers the sword and shoots several blasts at the heroes. 89RI T&at s!or" is gonna *e a pro*lem$ RAVE Pro*lem1 Is t&at t&ing e)en legal1 <97IT0 It is )ery po!er'ul$ (ar*os re,oices$ 0ol"ing &is s!or" up in t&e air an" a"miring it$ (AR(OS /a& &a &a33 T&e *lastia seems to *e !or%ing ,ust 'ine3 %e fires another blast that"s hits the walls of the tower and an e plosion erupts as power crackles along the sword and the tower shakes and vibrates. ESTELLE +&at>13 (AR(OS +&at:s !rong1 89RI 0e&# you &a)en:t !on yet$ (AR(OS (raising &is s!or") All rig&t# playtime:s o)er3 Time to !ipe 7a&ngrest o'' t&e map an" you along !it& it3 Someone is watching from the top of the tower. +t"s 2uke. 79.E /et "o!n$ -ith his sword 2uke sends a series of pulsating blasts down upon $arbos" sword. $arbos" sword glows with white light. (AR(OS +&at13 The light is blinding, blocking out everything. -hen the light fades

away, $arbos can see that his sword is ruined. %alf of the blade is gone. 2uke turns and walks away toward the blastia until he is out of sight. RAVE (!atc&ing 7u%e "isappear) +&at &appene" to not &a)ing any time or interest1 RITA (getting up) 0ey# t&at:s>3 89RI 'yelling( Rita# ne)er min" t&at3 $arbos tries to fire another blast but it fails. (AR(OS >Piece o' crap3 89RI Loo%s li%e t&e ta*les &a)e turne"# (ar*os$ (AR(OS >So all t&at 'ancy !is"om an" t&e po!er o' t&e *lastia !ere not&ing *ut a s&am> )uri, smiling, crouches for a fight. $arbos produces another sword, a fat scimitar with spikes embedded along the top of the blade. (AR(OS S&oul" &a)e %no!n 'rom t&e start t&at I:" &a)e to "epen" on my o!n strengt&$ Ta%e up your s!or"s3 RAVE (putting &is &an" to &is 'ore&ea") 8ou %no!# &e !as so muc& easier to "eal !it& !&en &e !as all "run% on po!er$ RITA 8ea&# t&ere:s not&ing !orse t&an an enlig&tene" i"iot$ (AR(OS I am t&e only man to stan" as +&ite&orse:s e6ual in *attle$ o! you !ill %no! t&e po!er o' (ar*os t&e Storm*last> >an" &is (loo" Alliance3 The battle begins. Spo%en 7ialogueJ o Te;t5 (AR(OS Little pun%s3 8ou:ll rue t&e "ay> $arbos directs his minions, a team of witches, soldiers and bandidos, to attack. (AR(OS /o on get out t&ere>%ill:em3 89RI I:m gonna ta%e you t&ugs "o!n$ (AR(OS 8ou little pun%s are ot&ing to me3 I:ll s6uas& you li%e *ugs$ T&en I:ll s6uas& t&e 9nion an" rule t&e !orl"$ 89RI T&at:s a nice "ream$ I:ll ma%e sure it "oesn:t &appen$ .AROL +e !ill stop you# no matter !&at$ )uri cuts down all of the bridge supports so $arbos cannot summon anymore reinforcements. (AR(OS Ag&> 8-you:ll ne)er *eat me3 Spo%en 7ialogueJ o Te;t5 (AR(OS Impossi*le$ 89RI Stay "o!n ESTELLE It:s o)er$ Accept your 'ate$ (AR(OS 89RI (AR(OS ESTELLE (AR(OS Agu&3 8our &enc&men &a)e run out on you> T&at:s it# (ar*os$ It loo%s li%e you !ere t&e 'ool !&o "i"n:t %no! !&en to gi)e up$ 9r%>0a &a &a$ Per&aps you are rig&t$ T&en you:ll surren"er> (*reat&ing &ar") I>I !on:t *e &umiliate" any more

t&an t&is$ >8uri# !as it1 8ou remin" me o' +&ite&orse in &is yout&> 8ou:re &is spitting image$ 89RI 0ope you:re not saying I:m gonna en" up li%e t&at ol" man$ ot e;actly somet&ing to loo% 'or!ar" to$ (AR(OS Li%e t&e 7on# sooner or later you !ill ma%e great enemies in t&is !orl"$ >An" t&en t&at !orl" !ill consume you !&ole$ Regret# sorro!# an" "espair !ill &oun" you all t&e !ay to &ell# an" I !ill *e !aiting t&ere 'or you$ $arbos starts to sway. )uri begins to suspect what will happen ne t. $arbos falls away off the side of the tower as )uri and =stelle run forward to try to stop him. They watch him fall until he"s out of sight. =stelle sinks to her knees on the platform"s edge. ,utside the tower at the head of the steps that will lead them away from Chastafrost Tower, )uri looks at the blue sphere in his hand. ,nly /aven is absent. The wind is blowing hard. 89RI I:m so gla" t&e core is sa'e$ ESTELLE +o!# t&e a6ue *lastia core is so small$ .AROL So !e:)e got your *lastia core *ac%$ T&at ta%es care o' one pro*lem$ ESTELLE 8es# *ut !e !eren:t a*le to ta%e (ar*os into custo"y> RITA +&at are you tal%ing a*out1 A creep li%e t&at is *etter o'' -- O+3 )uri pinches /ita"s upper arm. RITA O!!# !&at are you> 89RI I t&in% it:s too early to say anyt&ing:s ta%en care o'$ I &a)e to 'in" out i' t&is t&ing e)en !or%s anymore$ RITA (lastia cores "on:t *rea% all t&at easily$ .AROL 0u&$ (et you "i"n:t %no! t&at# "i" ya Ra -- >Ra)en1 (loo%ing aroun") RITA <ee?# !&at is up !it& t&at guy> <ust s&o!ing up !&ene)er &e !ants$ .AROL 8ou:re one to tal%# Rita$ (&ol"s &is &ea") <97IT0 It ta%es all %in"s# I suppose$ 89RI 0e pro*a*ly &ea"e" *ac% to 7a&ngrest$ I:m sure !e can 'in" &im i' !e nee" to$ ESTELLE +&y "o you loo% so sa"1 Are you o%ay1 )uri turns away from =stelle and clinches his hand into a fist. 89RI I !as ,ust t&in%ing# I still o!e t&at creep 7e"ecc&i a goo" *eating$ .AROL 8ou got t&e *lastia *ac%# isn:t t&at enoug&1 +&y c&ase a'ter some stupi" t&ie'1 89RI 8ea&# I guess you:re rig&t$ I' I e)er cross pat&s !it& &im t&oug&# &e:s in 'or a surprise$ 89RI >+aiting 'or me in &ell# &u&1 +&y:" &e &a)e to go an" say t&at1 This revelation of )uri"s sensitive side seems to astonish =stelle, then she smiles in recognition. .AROL 0ey# come on alrea"y$ let:s get *ac% to 7a&ngrest$ ESTELLE 8es$ +e s&oul" tell Flynn !&at &appene" !it& (ar*os$ 89RI Spea%ing o' Flynn# !as &e a*le to calm t&ings "o!n in 7a&ngrest1 ESTELLE 8es$ T&an%s to &is e''orts# t&e empire an" t&e guil"s

*ot& lai" "o!n t&eir s!or"s$ A'ter t&at# &e le't to pursue Ragou$ 0e:s most li%ely capture" &im *y no!$ 89RI O&> Hudith steps forward. <97IT0 +ell# I !ill ta%e my lea)e 'rom you &ere$ 89RI O'' to meet up !it& your partner1 ESTELLE Partner1 +&o "o you mean1 <97IT0 +e:ll *e operating in"i)i"ually 'rom no! on$ T&at !ay !e !on:t inter'ere !it& eac& ot&er:s !or%$ 89RI I see$ +ell# see you later$ <97IT0 8ea&> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& Ra)en an" <u"it&$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" A6ue (lastia =ore$ S+IT +aro)B* Ba0# Part E As the party leaves Chasafrost to return to 2ahngrest, Hudith remains near the entrance. <97IT0 See ya aroun"$ >I !on"er i' !e:ll meet again> THE 5E" .2 <UIL5S# 5AH"<REST They stand on the bridge leading into the city. .AROL Loo%# t&e .nig&ts &a)e come *ac%$ /agou stands in the street, surrounded by .nights. RA/O9 I:m innocent# I tell you3 T&is is a plot *y t&e .nig&ts to "estroy t&e =ouncil3 RITA 0e "oesn:t %no! !&en to 6uit# "oes &e1 ESTELLE (loo%ing aroun") >+&ere:s Flynn>1 89RI I can:t ma%e &im out 'rom &ere$ (ri"ge5 +O-A (O -A (RI7/E) +it& (ar*os "ea"# t&e (loo" Alliance is 'inis&e"> <o*s are gonna get scarce !it&out t&e (loo" Alliance aroun" anymore> ( EAR (RI7/E) Ragou1 0mp&# I coul" care less a*out &im$ So !&at i' a guy li%e t&at 'alls 'rom po!er1 I "on:t 'eel a t&ing$ Isn:t t&ere a monster out t&ere t&at can mo)e t&e &eart more t&an a &uman1 (O ROA7) 0e&# so t&e mig&ty 7on passes a!ay> I !on:t get my s&are o' e;citement$ T&e 7on:s !ea%$ o! 7a&ngrest:s gonna get *oring$

-A

Fortune:s -ar%et (7a&ngrest)5 -ER=0A T (outsi"e) Our !ares aren:t ,ust t&e a)erage stu''3 +e got e)eryt&ing you nee"3 =ome an" see 'or yoursel'3 LITTLE (O8 (insi"e)I "on:t li%e t&e .nig&ts# *ut t&at guy Flynn is so cool3 I &a)en:t gi)en up on *eing part o' a guil"> It:s ,ust> O&# ne)er min"> +n the street, /agou still pleads his innocence. RA/O9 8ou must not *e ta%en in *y t&e .nig&ts3 T&ey only plan to crus& t&is to!n once you:)e all

*een lure" into a 'alse sense o' sa'ety3 On t&e &onor o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts# I s!ear t&at !e !oul" ne)er perpetrate suc& "isloyalty$ 9lynn moves to stand in front of /agou. RA/O9 8ou:re> Flynn Sci'o3 FL8 T&e empire an" t&e 9nion &a)e ,oine" in a treaty o' 'rien"s&ip$ RA/O9 +&at1 Impossi*le> FL8 At t&is moment# 7on +&ite&orse an" 0is 0ig&ness Io"er are in council toget&er$ It:s only a matter o' time until it:s ma"e o''icial$ RA/O9 (ut &o!>1 I t&oug&t t&at curse" Ale;ei !as tie" up in ot&er matters$ FL8 8es$ It is true t&at our =omman"ant coul" only ma%e a *rie' appearance *e'ore returning to t&e capital$ RA/O9 T&en>on !&ose aut&ority>1 > o3 T&is can:t mean my plans &a)e *een ruine" *y t&is>t&is *oy3 ESTELLE T&is !ill put an en" to t&e su''ering o' t&e people o' =apua or as !ell$ /ita and .arol both turn to look at =stelle. 89RI 0ere:s &oping t&e ne;t magistrate t&ey get is more o' a stan" up guy$ ESTELLE I !ill "o !&at I can to ma%e sure a !ort&y person is c&osen !&en I get *ac% to t&e castle$ .AROL To t&e castle> 8ou mean# you:re going *ac% to t&e capital# Estelle1 ESTELLE >8es$ +it& Ragou gone# t&e rest o' t&e castle s&oul" &a)e returne" to normal$ Clasping her hands together, =stelle watches the knights in formation with their prisoner. 89RI (ut you "on:t really !ant to go *ac%$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1 89RI I can see it in your 'ace$ ESTELLE (turning to 8uri) o>I-I> 89RI +ell# you s&oul" "o !&at suits you *est$ 8ou:)e ma"e up your o!n min"# rig&t1 ESTELLE >I !ill go *ac%$ I "on:t !ant Flynn or anyone else to &a)e to !orry a*out me anymore> 89RI It:s going to *e lonely !it&out &er# !on:t it# Repe"e1 FL8 :S VOI=E (a'ter Ragou:s arrest) (ri"ge5 +O-A (O (RI7/E) +e:re suppose" to *e 'rien"ly !it& t&e Empire no!1 o !ay3 +&at# are !e suppose" to all &ol" &an"s !it& t&e .nig&ts an" play pattyca%e1 +&at a ,o%e3 ( EAR (RI7/E) So> +&at monsters s&oul" I go &unting ne;t1 0mm> -ay*e I s&oul" re,oin t&e c&ie' an" &is men$ (O ROA7) +&o t&e &ell !oul" support a treaty !it& t&e Empire1 T&e 7on is !ea%$

-A -A

Fortune:s -ar%et (7a&ngrest)5 LITTLE (O8 (insi"e) 0ey# are t&e Empire an" t&e guil"s really gonna *e 'rien"ly no!1

I "unno> It:s &ar" 'or me to *elie)e$ Outsi"e t&e Inn AArcturusB5 LITTLE /IRL o! !e:re gonna *e 'rien"s !it& t&e Empire1 I guess *eing 'rien"s is nice$ OL7ER +O-A T&e 7on &imsel' &as staye" at t&is inn$ Surely you:" li%e to stay too1 +e still &a)e )acancies3 0urry up3 First come# 'irst ser)e"3 -A I' only I coul" %ill Ragou !it& my o!n &an"s$ 8ou:" *e surprise" &o! many 'ol%s t&ere are, t&at some people !oul"n:t min" seeing "isappear> Outsi"e t&e =oo%ing Sta"ium A(istro (lac% 0oleB ('ormerly la*ele" as A111B)5 OL7 +O-A T&ings &a)e 'inally 6uiete" "o!n &ere> 9nli%e 4ap&ias# t&is is 6uite a "o!n-an"-"irty to!n$ It can *e tiring staying in an un'amiliar place$ -ar%et Place5 +O-A -ALE VE 7OR FE-ALE VE 7OR VE 7OR (/LASSES) A treaty o' 'rien"s&ip1 Are you cra?y1 Ain:t no*o"y getting 'rien"ly !it& t&e Empire$ Step rig&t up3 Feast your eyes on t&ese !ares3 +e got a sale in &onor o' t&e treaty !it& t&e Empire3 o! t&e Empire 'inally reali?es !&o t&ey:re "ealing !it&$ 0ey# &ey> 0a)e you &ear"1 T&e Empire:s coming3 Are !e gonna *e all rig&t1

=ircle Intersection5 -A CD Loo%s li%e t&e summons 'rom t&e c&ie' isn:t &appening yet$ I !on"er !&at %in" o' monster t&e c&ie' is going to &unt ne;t$ -A CE I support t&e treaty o' 'rien"s&ip$ +e:re *etter o'' !it&out !ar# you %no!1 Outsi"e t&e Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 The tavern"s doors are still locked. The only person the woman. +O-A I respect t&e 7on# *ut I:m not *ig 'rien"s&ip treaty$ I can:t *elie)e t&e 7on !oul" sign Empire> +ait# t&is is t&e 7on$ =oul" it *e Empire o'' guar"1 on the street is on t&e i"ea o' a a treaty !it& t&e a to t&ro! t&e

Insi"e t&e Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 A man talks to a bartender busy polishing glasses in the left rear. ,n the right sits a piano. A woman and guildsman in a A ebeak helmet stroll around the floor. There are only three tables. A older man, a guildsman in armor with a gray beard, drinks at the first table. Another gray haired guildsman sits at the second table. At the last table, a man wearing a leafy filifolia helmet sits #uietly while his partner# a man in a &orne" &elmet "rin%s &ea)ily$ -A (DST TA(LE) I ain:t "run%3 I:m tellin: ya# I ain:t "run%3

-A -A -A

(E

TA(LE)

(LEAF 0EL-ET) (0OR 0EL-ET)

-A +O-A

(AGE(EA. 0AT)

)uri looks at the I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO -A (AT (AR)

(ARTE 7ER

I &a)en:t "one any real !or% lately$ /uess it "oesn:t matter$ 7on:t tal% to me or I:ll po%e your eyes out$ 7on:t tal% to me or it:ll rain$ I:m scram*ling e)ery "ay to regain t&e trust o' t&e tarnis&e" mercenaries$ 7amn it# it:s all (ar*os:s 'ault$ 0o! &ar" "o I &a)e to !or% to regain t&at trust>1 So (ar*os "ie" a'ter all$ T&at:s !&at I call "i)ine ,ustice$ A man !it& a lou" mout& is not 'it to *e a mercenary$ I "on:t t&in% it:s going to *e too easy getting t&e treaty signe"$ T&ere:s not 'a( c&ance t&e guil"s an" t&e Empire can get along$ piano in the back of the tavern: T&ere:s a name on t&is$ Sa> Sa>Sa%ura*a1 Someone long ago once tol" me t&at !or% is !&at you ma%e o' it$ I' I &a)e to ma%e it# t&en I:" rat&er not *ot&er$ >Isn:t t&ere any !or%1 +e:ll &ol" a *an6uet &ere !&en t&e 'rien"s&ip treaty is signe"$ I:ll *ring out t&e really goo" *oo?e !&en t&at &appens3

Outsi"e t&e Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 An armored guildsman is near the intersection. A .rityan woman walks in the street in front of the tavern. -A T&ere:s no point in signing a treaty3 +e s&oul" go crus& t&e Empire$ To &ell !it& t&e Empire$ +e s&oul" go !ipe t&em o'' t&e map$ +O-A I lo)e it !&en t&is city:s 'ille" !it& people:s laug&ter an" )oices$ T&e 'ig&ting &as stoppe" an" t&ings &a)e calme" "o!n$ I:m so gla" t&at peace &as returne"> Insi"e t&e Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 A bandido walks the floor near the entrance while an armored guildsman with an a e slung over his back walk the rear ne t to the bar. ,n the left an old man holding a mug sits at the front table. A drunken man in a bird"s head helmet sits at a table in the back. At the center table, a woman slaps her thigh and laughs while her armored companion listens and drinks heavily from his mug. ,n the right, a drunken woman struggles to sit upright in her chair. Two waitresses and the ownerGbartender stand behind the bar. A lovestruck young man at the bar stares constantly at one of the waitresses. The 2on has an ad&oining office through a door on the right wall of the tavern. +t is currently unoccupied. OL7 -A (A 7I7O People 'rom t&e Empire &a)e *egun to s&o! t&eir 'aces aroun" &ere$ I "espise t&e Empire$ To support t&e 'rien"s&ip treaty or not> I see t&e pros in supporting it# *ut I see t&e cons

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(LA9/0I /) (7RI .I /) (7R9 .)

/9IL7S-A

+O-A

(7R9 .)

8O9 / -A

+AITRESS CD +AITRESS CE

(ARTE 7ER

too$ 0mm> It:s ,ust easier to go !it& !&ic&e)er si"e !ins out> T&e *arrier is sta*le 'or anot&er "ay$ As long as !e &a)e t&e *arrier# t&e to!n is at peace$ T&e *arrier is a sym*ol o' t&is to!n:s peace$ It loo%s li%e I can eat in peace to"ay$ (arten"er3 Foo"3 (ring me 'oo"3 T&at Ragou guy:s a piece o' crap$ O&> 8ou alrea"y %ne! t&at>1 It:s so nice to en,oy a goo" meal !&ile listening to t&is *eauti'ul music$ 0ey# !&y "on:t you ta%e it easy an" en,oy a nice meal once in a !&ile1 I !on"er !&ere our !orl":s &ea"e" ne;t1 +e !on:t %no! until !e get t&ere$ In t&e en"# pre"ictions are ,ust li%e unsur)eye" maps$ I !ill pour my &eart an" soul into t&is song$ I looo)e you# I looo)e you3 -y mout& an" your mout&3 It:s mout&-to-mout&Hmusical noteI I looo)e you>Hmusical noteI Oops> +ent a little o''%ey t&ere> Are you rea"y to or"er1 o '>ot( yet1 Ta%e your time$ Please ta%e your time$ I &ear t&at Ragou !ill *e "eporte" *ac% to 4ap&ias come tomorro!$ I:" rat&er see t&em cut o'' &is &ea"> T&e Empire:s la!s !on:t touc& you i' you:re po!er'ul enoug&$ I !oul"n:t *e surprise" !it& a complete ac6uittal$ I:m t&e o!ner &ere$ can I get you anyt&ing1 0ey# "on:t try anyt&ing on t&e part-timer$

/uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) I' only !e coul" sign a treaty o' 'rien"s&ip !it& t&e Empire# !or% !oul" *e so muc& simpler$ T&e "ay my ,o* gets easy is t&e "ay !e:re at peace$ -A I starte" a guil"# *ut I "on:t %no! !&at to "o !it& it> +&at s&oul" I "o1 +&at1 A mercenary guil"1 T&e to!n:s %in" o' 6uiet no!$ It:s *een !ay too cra?y lately$ It:s not really 6uiet# t&oug&$ It:s ,ust me$ <ust compare" to !&at it &as *een$

+O-A

They take a room at the +nn. )uri rela es on the bed, his hands behind his head, when .arol rushes in. .AROL 8uri3 It:s terri*le3 )uri sits up with his feet on the floor. 89RI A!# man> <ust let me sleep> .AROL Ragou# &e# &e>3 89RI (stan"s up) +&at "i" Ragou "o1 .AROL T&ey say &e use" &is stan"ing in t&e =ouncil to re"uce &is c&arges3 (8uri:s e;pression turns stormy) It loo%s li%e &e:s going to get o'' !it& only a minor

"rop in ran%3 A'ter e)eryt&ing &e "i"3 )uri walks over to .arol, his sheathed sword in his hand. 89RI T&is &as gotta *e a ,o%e$ .AROL It:s not a ,o%e3 It:s t&e trut&3 )uri turns away, closing his eyes. 89RI So t&is is &o! t&e empire !or%s no!# &u&1 7amn it# t&is is not 'unny$ .AROL +&at "o !e "o# 8uri1 89RI 0mmm> I "on:t %no!$ .AROL 0o! can &e not get punis&e"13 +ait3 I' !e tell Estelle# may*e s&e can "o somet&ing a*out it3 )uri hears .arol"s clomping footsteps and turns around as the young boy runs to get =stelle. 89RI 0ey# "on:t go gi)ing t&e Princess too muc& trou*le3 (e;asperate" s&rug) 7amn it$ +&at:s Flynn "oing# any!ay1 I !on"er i' &e:s at &is post rig&t no!> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ At night, )uri visit"s 9lynn"s tent in the .nights camp. FL8 7oesn:t anyone %noc% anymore1 )uri knocks on an imaginary door, his tongue clicking to mimic the sound. 89RI 8ou %ne! I:" *e coming$ 9lynn emerges from the tent. 89RI T&at out'it> FL8 As o' to"ay# I:)e *een assigne" t&e post o' captain$ 89RI So# t&e *irt& o' t&e Flynn (riga"e# &u&1 Loo%s li%e I:)e *een one-uppe" again$ FL8 I' t&at:s &o! you 'eel# you s&oul" come *ac% to t&e .nig&ts$ 8ou:" *e a*le to -89RI 7on:t !aste your *reat&$ (loo%s a!ay) =ongratulations on ma%ing captain$ FL8 T&an% you$ 8ou "i"n:t come "o!n &ere to cele*rate my promotion$ 89RI o# I "i"n:t$ FL8 It:s Ragou# isn:t it$ )uri nods. FL8 Appropriating or 0ar*or 'or &is o!n purposes$ =ommitting treason *y &is collusion !it& (ar*os$ A"" to t&is stealing 'rom t&e populace an" t&e e;termination o' e)en &is o!n people simply *ecause &e "i"n:t li%e t&em$ T&e people &e %ille" !ere eit&er 'e" to monsters or sol" to t&ose !&o !ill pay money 'or corpses$ 89RI (8uri loo%s "o!n# 'ro!ning) Sic% *astar"> FL8 (loo%ing at t&e groun") T&at &e s&oul" *e a*le to "o t&ose t&ings an" not &a)e to ans!er 'or t&em>3 T&e aut&ority o' t&e =ouncil>is 'ar more po!er'ul t&an I:" imagine"> I t&oug&t !it& t&is promotion to captain t&at I:" gotten a *it closer to my goal$ (ut I &a)e to 'ace t&e 'act t&at t&e la! can:t e)en punis& a single person li%e Ragou$ 89RI >8ou %no! it "oesn:t en" &ere$

8ou:ll clim* e)en &ig&er until you can ma%e t&e rig&t c&anges$ FL8 True# *ut many people !ill continue to su''er in t&e meantime -- nee"lessly$ +&en I consi"er t&at# I> (&ea" "rooping) 89RI 7on:t go 'lying o'' t&e &an"le an" smac%ing &im aroun"$ T&e progress you:)e ma"e !oul" all *e 'or not&ing$ FL8 > 'agoni!ed *gh( 89RI I' &e:s a*o)e you# you go e)en &ig&er# an" t&en> FL8 8es$ Some"ay I:ll create a legal or"er t&at treats e)eryone !it& e6uality$ I &a)e to$ 89RI /oo"$ (!al%s a!ay) An" I:ll "o t&ings my o!n !ay$ FL8 8uri1 89RI (stops) 0o! !oul" you go a*out punis&ing t&e )illains t&at t&e la! can:t touc&1 9lynn hesitates, then turning his head away, looks away from )uri. FL8 I:m still trying to 'igure t&at out> )uri looks up, determined, and walks away. ----/agou stands on the bridge with two thugs. Coins &ingle as he hands a coin purse to one of the thugs. The thug takes the coin purse and leaves. RA/O9 It seems I may &a)e gotten a little careless !&en I t&oug&t Ale;ei !oul"n:t *e aroun"> Flynn Sci'o> T&at impertinent upstart$ T&is is a gru"ge I !on:t soon 'orget$ I !ill *ring "o!n t&e 'ull aut&ority o' t&e =ouncil on you$ *nseen, )uri runs by /agou. %is form is almost a blur, he runs so #uickly and silently. %e strikes as he passes the remaining thug, dumping him into the water below. RA/O9 +&at t&e>13 /agou looks around for the source of the disturbance and finds )uri fi ing him with a cold, soulless stare. RA/O9 It:s you>3 )uri walks straight toward /agou with a steady gait. %is cold eyes never leaving /agou"s. /agou cowers as )uri advances ever closer. RA/O9 7o you inten" to &arm me13 I:m a mem*er o' t&e =ouncil# you %no!3 )uri still advancesEhis e pression so cold. RA/O9 I c-coul" crus& you !-!it& a single comman"$ 8ou !on:t get a!ay !it& t&is3 The clinking sound of )uri"s weapon is heard. 89RI T&e la!s an" t&e =ouncil may &a)e let you go# *ut I:m a'rai" I can:t "o t&at$ )uri"s a e is out of its sheath. RA/O9 (stan"s up# &is arm s&iel"ing &is *o"y) Aa&# s-stay *ac%3 /agou tries to run, but )uri brings the a e down across the back of /agou"s neck. RA/O9 9g&>I !as so close> 7ein omos> )uri watches without pity or remorse as /agou"s body falls into the water below. )uri walks back to the +nn and finds /epede curled up asleep by the +nn"s sign. 89RI >Repe"e$ )uri looks at him for a few long moments before he goes inside for the

night. /epede"s eyes are open, looking straight ahead, as he listens to the sound of )uri"s footsteps followed by the opening and closing of the +nn door. I FOR-ATIO 8uri earne" t&e AVigilanteB title$ I FOR-ATIO Repe"e earne" t&e ASin'ul Si"e%ic%B title$ The ne t morning, .arol and /ita say goodbye to =stelle outside the +nn. =stelle is accompanied by two .nights and a member of the Council. .AROL It:s too *a" !e:)e gotta split up$ ESTELLE Please come )isit t&e castle anytime$ RITA 0e:ll really come i' you say t&at$ .AROL (turning to Rita) +&at# "i"n:t s&e ,ust in)ite me1 RITA (loo%s a!ay) 0u&> I"iot> .AROL +it& t&e treaty it:ll *ecome easier 'or guil" mem*ers to enter t&e capital$ ESTELLE T&at:s rig&t$ =O9 =IL -E-(ER Princess# !e s&oul" *e going$ ESTELLE (loo%s at t&e council mem*er) O&# yes$ (turns 6uic%ly *ac% to .arol) I promise to "o !&at I can a*out Ragou$ To see t&at &e gets t&e punis&ment &e "eser)es$ =O9 =IL -E-(ER Princess# you s&oul" %no!> ESTELLE (turns to council) +&at1 =O9 =IL -E-(ER >8ou see> Lor" Ragou &as not *een seen since last nig&t$ +e "o not yet %no! t&e "etails> 0is !&erea*outs are *eing in)estigate" as !e spea%> ESTELLE +&at coul" t&is mean>1 RITA -ay*e &e got scare" an" ran a!ay$ She takes a few steps away and stops to stretch the tension from her arms and shoulders. RITA +ell# I guess I:ll *e going# too$ I !ant to c&ec% out stu'' li%e t&ose aer %rene$ .arol and =stelle turn to look at /ita. RITA +&en I 'inis& my analysis# I:ll>um>pay a )isit to t&e capital# too$ =stelle runs to /ita and grabs her hand, shaking it. ESTELLE I:m loo%ing 'or!ar" to it$ RITA O-o%ay t&en# see ya3 (runs a!ay) ESTELLE >An" .arol# !&ere !ill you go 'rom &ere1 .AROL (loo%ing at t&e groun") I !ant to start up a guil" !it& 8uri> ESTELLE T&at soun"s li%e a goo" i"ea$ .arol straightens up when he hears the approval in =stelle"s voice. =O9 =IL -E-(ER 8our 0ig&ness> ESTELLE (no"s) Sorry# I:m rea"y no!$ .AROL S&oul"n:t I>go get 8uri1 ESTELLE o> I !oul"n:t !ant to !a%e &im$ .AROL All rig&t> ESTELLE +ell# t&is is it> (!al%s to t&e =ouncil -em*er) .AROL 8ea&# I &ope !e see eac& ot&er again$ (runs a!ay to 'in" 8uri) )uri is rela ing on the bed. .AROL 8uri1 Are you a!a%e1 *pon hearing .arol"s voice, )uri turns over on his side. .AROL Estelle an" Rita alrea"y too% o''$ .arol enters the room and stops near the doorway. /epede is lying in front of the middle bed while )uri lies in another.

89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL

O&> I' you &urry# you mig&t still *e a*le to catc& &er$ I can meet t&em anytime I !ant$ <ee?# 8uri$ Fine# i' t&at:s &o! you:re gonna *e$ (runs o'') 89RI E)en i' I "i" go# it !oul" ,ust ma%e it &ar"er 'or t&em to lea)e$ There is a large e plosion outside followed by screams and shouting. /epede &umps to his feet. 89RI +&at t&e1 /epede and )uri run outside. )uri stands with .arol outside the +nn. 89RI -onsters1 .AROL 8uri3 A large birdlike monster with double wings flies across the sky. 89RI .arol3 Any i"ea !&at t&at t&ing is1 .AROL o# I:)e ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e t&at *e'ore> It:s coming "o!n3 89RI 3 =ome on# .arol$ (ta%es o''# running) .AROL +&at1 0ey# !ait3 (runs a'ter 8uri) I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& .arol an" Repe"e S+IT .ne Me** A3ter Another

Insi"e t&e Inn AArcturusB5 7ES. =LER. +&at !as t&at soun"1 Anot&er monster attac%>1 8ou can:t ,ust run a!ay !it&out paying> O&# you pai" up 'ront> Outsi"e t&e Inn AArcturusB5 LITTLE /IRL +aaa&# !aaa&> -ommy3 -ommy3 +&ere are you13 OL7ER +O-A +&-!&y is somet&ing li%e t&is &appening13 -A T&ose monsters are "i)ine punis&ment to &umans 'or t&e rec%less *e&a)ior$ It:s too late to regret it no!$ Outsi"e t&e =oo%ing Sta"ium A(istro (lac% 0oleB ('ormerly la*ele" as A111B)5 OL7 +O-A +&at is t&at13 +&at:s going on in t&is city13 -ar%et Place5 +O-A 8O9 / -ER=0A T I:m toug&# *ut t&at t&ing scares e)en me$ ot t&at it !oul" *eat me in a 'ig&t# min" you$ R-running a!ay no! !oul" *e an insult to merc&ants e)ery!&ere3 (usiness is li'e3 8ou got a pro*lem !it& t&at13 8ou got a pro*lem !it& t&at133 0u&133 0u&133 +&at t&e &ell13 +&y is 7a&ngrest getting so muc& &eat rig&t no!13 +e "i"n:t "o anyt&ing3 +&at t&e &ell is t&at t&ing1 t&at giant>t&ing3 0ey# t&is isn:t 'unny3 People are gonna "ie3

FE-ALE -ER=0A T VE 7OR (/LASSES)

=ircle Intersection5 OL7ER -A 7amn# t&at "amn monster> +e can:t "o anyt&ing !&en !e:re &ere on t&e groun"3

-A

Flying t&roug& t&e s%y> Stupi" monsters> =o!ar"s# get "o!n &ere an" 'ig&t3 O' course t&ey:re co!ar"s$ T&ey:re monsters$ +&oa# !&oa# trou*le again1 +&at t&e &ell:s going on1 T&ere:s ,ust no en" to pro*lems in t&is !orl"$

Outsi"e t&e Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 +O-A +&at t&e &ell is t&at13 I ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e t&at# muc& less eaten anyt&ing li%e it3 Insi"e t&e Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 -A (DST TA(LE) I ain:t "run%3 I:m tellin: ya# I ain:t "run%3 -A (E 7 TA(LE) -onsters# you say1 +&ere are your manners1 can:t you see I:m "rin%ing1 As% someone else !&o &as t&e time$ T&ese guys "rin% all "ay$ I' you nee" a 'a)or# as% aroun" 'or someone !it& not&ing to "o$ -A (LEAF 0EL-ET) 7on:t tal% to me or I:ll crus& your spine$ 7on:t tal% to me or I:m going to sleep$ -A (0OR 0EL-ET) 0ey# I sa! it# t&at *ir" monster3 -an# !e:re in trou*le3 I %no! !e mercenaries are suppose" to regain t&e trust o' t&e people# *ut 'ig&ting t&at t&ing>1 I' you !ant t&e t&ing "ea"# try *ar%ing up anot&er guil"$ -A (AGE(EA. 0AT) I can:t 'ig&t on an empty stomac&$ 0ey# *arten"er3 (ring t&e gru*3 An empty stomac& is your !orst enemy$ T&at:s t&e most important rule o' !ar$ +O-A T&is is my c&ance to ma%e a pro'it# an" I:m not 'eeling too goo"$ I t&in% I "ran% too muc&$ O0ic3O -A (AT (AR) +&at1 A monster co)ere" in 'lames1 8ou "run%1 8ea&# I:m "run%# *ut I ain:t a*out to say anyt&ing stupi" li%e you$ (ARTE 7ER +&at !as t&at noise1 Anot&er monster1 I' you nee" anot&er &an"# I &a)e one to len"$ E)en i' it means I &a)e to use an empty *ottle as a !eapon# I:ll "o it to protect t&is to!n$ Outsi"e t&e Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 -A +&at t&e>13 +&at is t&at t&ing13 +&oa>3 One scre! up an" !e:re "ea"$ .RIT8A +O-A A lot o' t&ings &a)e &appene" in t&is city$ It ,ust goes to s&o! t&at li'e:s not all 'un an" games$ Li'e:s not al!ays 'un$ T&at is t&e *iggest "ilemma !it& li)ing$ Insi"e t&e Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 OL7 -A +&at in t&e !orl" is t&at creature in t&e s%y1 I got a *a" 'eeling> -y *a" 'eelings al!ays turn out to *e rig&t$ (A 7I7O T&ere:s a &uge monster near t&e *ri"ge1

+O-A

(LA9/0I /)

-A -A

(7RI .I /) (7R9 .)

/9IL7S-A

+O-A

(7R9 .)

LOVESTR9=. -A

.RIT8A 09-A

+AITRESS +AITRESS

(ARTE 7ER To!ns (lastia5 /9AR7

o !ay$ T&ere:s not&ing t&at I can "o$ Is t&at &uge monster still out t&ere1 T&e monsters penetrate" t&e *arrier so easily$ Are !e e)en sa'e1 Is t&e *arrier t&at )ulnera*le# or are t&ese not normal monsters>1 +&at1 -onsters again13 <ust let me eat in peace3 +oul" you let me eat in peace13 I &ear" t&ere:s going to *e a treaty o' 'rien"s&ip signe" !it& t&e guil"s$ O&> 8ou alrea"y %ne! t&at>1 T&at monster in 'lames seems li%e it:s loo%ing 'or somet&ing$ 7o you t&in% it &as some %in" o' intelligence1 o# t&at:s impossi*le$ First monsters# t&en t&e .nig&ts# t&en (ar*os> o! anot&er monster$ t&is to!n is curse"$ I !on"er i' t&ere really is somet&ing to t&e to!n> T&at .rityan !aitress> 0er smile is so cute> I ,ust can:t go *ac% to !or%$ I %no! my *oss !ill *e 'urious !it& me i' I "on:t get *ac%$ (ut I ,ust can:t lea)e$ 8ou sa! a *ir" monster1 T&at:s not a monster$ ot t&at I %no! !&at it !as> -ay*e it !as a monster> It pro*a*ly "oesn:t really matter eit&er !ay$ T&ere:s tal% o' a monster t&at:s un*elie)a*ly &uge$ T&at:s pro*a*ly not ,ust any ol" monster>

-no matter !&at t&e monster# t&-t&is *arrier *lastia !i-!ill %eep t&is to!n sa'e$ (-*ut# I:)e ne)er seen a monster as *ig as t&at one>3 T&e monsters *ro%e t&roug& t&e *arrier> 0uman !is"om &as *een "e'eate"> O&# t&e s&ame3

/uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) T&e Empire isn:t our only enemy3 +e can:t 'orget a*out t&e monsters$ (ut can anyone really &ope to "e'eat t&at t&ing>1 -A +&at1 -onsters1 o!:s our c&ance3 Our guil":s 'irst ,o*3 > o! t&is is starting to loo% li%e a mercenary guil"> +O-A I !ill ser)e t&e 7on 'or t&e rest o' my li'e$ o matter !&at comes# t&e 7on can "e'eat it$ O' course# I !ill *ecome t&e 7on:s rig&t &an" an" pro)e my !ort&$

The flaming bird monster hovers in the sky over the bridge. Sodia and -itcher face the creature as 9lynn driven to his knees, breathing hard and leaning on his sword for support, keeps watch. 89RI +&at is going on &ere1 FL8 8uri> Protect 0er 0ig&ness>

9lynn raises his head and .arol and )uri follow his ga!e. .arol runs forward and points. .AROL 8uri3 Loo%3 =stelle is kneeling, healing an in&ured knight. She stands and looks at the gigantic bird monster in the sky above her. Sodia and -itcher taunt the monster with their weapons, trying to draw the beast"s attention away from the Brincess. +IT=0ER T&is !ay# 'oul 'ien"3 The monster shoots a fiery blast at them from somewhere on his backside. SO7IA +&y is it ,ust ignoring us1 The bird monster looks down upon =stelle. ESTELLE Is it coming 'or>me1 -ith much clinking of armor, Commandant Ale ei and his knights arrive. Ale ei stops near .arol, observing the fallen soldiers lying nearby and young Sodia and -itcher"s attempts to protect the Brincess. FL8 T&e =omman"ant> (ut !&y is &e &ere>1 ALEGEI Our 'inest .nig&ts>3 I am le't !it& no c&oice> Ale ei turns to his soldiers and gestures toward the monster. ALEGEI +e !ill stop t&is *east !it& t&e &elp o' 0eracles3 The soldiers trod off to do his bidding. )uri and .arol take their own action and run behind Ale ei to engage the monster. Ale ei tries to stop them. ALEGEI 8uri# !ait3 T&ere:s not&ing more you can "o3 89RI (loo%ing *ac% at Ale;ei) 0a&3 8ou e;pect me to stan" *y !&ile t&at t&ing ma%es a snac% out o' Estelle13 The monster flaps its wings and draws ever closer to =stelle. -O STER T&e insipi" poison o' t&is !orl" must *e purge"$ ESTELLE It can spea%>3 +&-!&o are you>13 A blast strikes the monster and it flies away. =stelle turns to see )uri. ESTELLE 8uri3 89RI 8ou:re sa'e$ They watch as gigantic machine with cannons fires upon the monster. The monster retaliates with blasts of its own that hit the buildings. 89RI +&at is t&at>1 ESTELLE 0eracles> .AROL +&oa# !e:)e gotta get out o' &ere3 89RI (to Estelle) I:m going to lea)e t&e city an" continue my ,ourney$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1 89RI I' you:re going *ac% to t&e capital# you s&oul"n:t %eep Flynn !aiting$ =stelle looks back at 9lynn. 89RI It:s 'or you to "eci"e$ ESTELLE (loo%ing at 8uri) T&en# I> ---------------------------------------------------------------------(anime cutscene) ESTELLE I !ant to continue t&e ,ourney as !ell3 89RI 0m$ %e smiles and e tends his hand, palm up, to =stelle. *nsure, she looks into his face, then smiling, puts her hand in his. 89RI (!in%s at Estelle) o! t&at:s !&at I !ante" to &ear$ A blast destroys a section of the bridge and sends )uri, =stelle and

.arol running for cover. ---------------------------------------------------------------------The monster flaps it wings and hovers in the sky above the bridge. A .rityan woman stands on the bridge facing the monster. ESTELLE <u"it&1 (running to <u"it&) 7on:t3 It:s too "angerous3 )uri stands beside =stelle and Hudith turns around to look at him. 89RI Loo% !&o:s tal%ing$ <97IT0 I:ll *e 'ine# you go on a&ea"$ ESTELLE =ome on# 6uic%ly3 <97IT0 (going !it& Estelle) -y# you:re a stu**orn one$ -ith a shrill cry, the monster abandons the battle and flies over the bridge and away. .AROL 0u&1 +&y:s it ta%ing o''1 =stelle, leaving Hudith"s side, stands behind )uri as they watch the monster fly out of sight. They hear 9lynn"s voice and all turn toward him. FL8 8uri# La"y Estellise# !ait3 9lynn is on his feet, standing on the opposite side of the broken bridge, clenching his hand with the effort to remain standing. 89RI 0ere comes t&e cal)ary$ =stelle walks to the edge of the gap and calls across it 9lynn. ESTELLE I:m sorry# Flynn$ I reali?e no! I can:t ,ust go *ac% to t&e capital$ T&ere are too many t&ings I still nee" to %no!$ FL8 Surely# a'ter returning to t&e capital you can> =stelle closes her eyes and shakes her head. ESTELLE T&e )oices o' t&e people su''ering in or 0ar*or ne)er reac&e" t&e capital$ I !on:t ac&ie)e anyt&ing i' I:m not !illing to approac& t&ese pro*lems &ea" on> I:)e come to reali?e t&at "uring my tra)els$ T&at:s !&y3 T&at:s !&y I &a)e to %eep going3 FL8 8our 0ig&ness> )uri throws the a#ue blastia across the gap to 9lynn. 89RI Flynn# get t&is core *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter3 FL8 (&ol"ing t&e core) 8uri3 89RI I !on:t *e going *ac% to t&e capital anytime soon$ I:m going to start up a guil"$ At this startling revelation, .arol looks at )uri with his mouth agape. 89RI /i)e my regar"s to 0an%s an" e)eryone else$ .AROL (elate") 8uri>3 FL8 >A guil"$ So t&at:s !&at you meant *y "oing t&ings your o!n !ay$ 89RI 8ea&# I:)e 'inally ma"e up my min"$ FL8 >T&at:s 'ine# *ut !&at a*out Princess -89RI (!a)es) Ta%e care# Flynn$ (!al%s o)er to .arol) FL8 8uri>3 89RI I suppose I s&oul":)e tal%e" to you 'irst# *ut &ere:s to our ne! guil"# .arol$ .AROL Rig&t3 (T&ey slap &an"s as <u"it& loo%s on) 89RI All rig&t$ Let:s go$ I' !e &ang aroun" &ere muc& longer# some o' t&ose .nig&ts are *oun" to come a'ter us$ They leave. =stelle pauses to bow in farewell to 9lynn then she hastens to go with )uri, .arol, /epede and Hudith.

I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO S+IT

Estelle earne" t&e ASee%er o' t&e Trut&B title$ Reunite !it& Estelle an" <u"it&$ 0an"e" o)er AA6ue (lastia =ore$B The Mon*ter that Atta,ked 5ahn0re*t

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 5uke & Part I# After 9lynn has gone, they take one last look at .arol"s hometown, 2ahngrest. A man stands at the edge of the gap blasted in the bridge. .AROL T&at:s t&e guy !e met at .ei) -oc> ESTELLE 0ello3 79.E >>>> (0mm>) 2uke ignores =stelle"s greeting and turns his head away from them. 89RI An" &ere Estelle:s *eing so nice> Some*o"y nee"s to !or% on t&eir manners$ .AROL 8ou:re one to tal%# 8uri$ 0ey# t&at monster:s gonna attac% us again i' !e %eep !an"ering aroun" &ere$ ESTELLE 8-yes# you:re rig&t$ 79.E (loo%ing at t&em) 8ou !ere t&e target o' &is attac%1 ESTELLE >+&at1 O&# yes$ 9m>"o you %no! !&at &e meant *y insipi" po --1 89RI +&at# is t&at your pet or somet&ing1 79.E +e 'ollo! t&e same course o' action$ 89RI +&at1 8ou:re "oing t&e same t&ing as a monster1 ESTELLE T&en# "oes t&at mean you:)e come &ere to attac% me too>1 79.E -y *la"e "oes not e;ist to pass sentence on &umans> >0o! o""> 0e &as ta%en &is lea)e> (ut !&y>1 <97IT0 >>>> 79.E Per&aps I am mista%en> o> 2uke turns on his heel and walks back toward the town. 89RI T&at guy still "oesn:t ma%e any sense$ .AROL +&at "o you t&in% &e:s up to1 89RI +&o %no!s> 0ey# !e "on:t &a)e time to ,ust &ang out &ere an" en,oy t&e scenery$ .AROL O& yea&>3 +e gotta go3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------They leave 2ahngrest. -hile running, .arol suddenly collapses to the ground. =stelle leans over him. .AROL I %no! !e:)e got to get out o' to!n# *ut I:m "ying: &ere$ 89RI 8ou:re ,ust not use" to a little morning e;ercise$ It:s not muc& 'urt&er$ =ome on# .arol$ <97IT0 <ust &o! 'ar are !e going1 89RI I guess 0elior":s our closest "estination$ So at least until t&ere$ .AROL +&at13 ESTELLE S&oul" !e rest a little once !e get out o' t&e city1 .AROL (&ol"s &is 'ist a*o)e &is &ea") A-agree"3 89RI O%ay# o%ay# o! let:s get mo)ing$ S+IT The Mon*ter S%oke

S+IT

I* 5ahn0re*t .kay7

They return to Castafrost Tower to the cell where )uri and Hudith were held. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Briona, Part E They return to Castafrost Tower to the cell where )uri and Hudith were held. <97IT0 >It:s "e'initely gone> 89RI T&e spear1 It loo%e" li%e it !as )ery )alua*le$ I:ll *et t&e mercenaries carrie" it o'' as loot$ <97IT0 >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------S+IT Her,a)e* i* A9aFin0

+t"s raining and they are walking on a road. .arol stops, his head hanging. .AROL +&at &appene" to ta%ing a *rea%13 )uri stops, turning to look at .arol, he puts his hand on his hip. <97IT0 (loo%ing *ac% into t&e &ori?on) It:s pro*a*ly a goo" time$ Loo%s li%e no one is 'ollo!ing us anymore$ They all turn to look in direction of Hudith"s ga!e. ESTELLE >0o! can you tell1 <97IT0 0mm# intuition I suppose$ .AROL Intuition>1 89RI (to Estelle) Any!ay# !e s&oul" *e 'ine &ere$ Let:s rest 'or no!$ (T&at nig&t) .AROL +&en !e &a)e time to ta%e a longer rest# !e:)e got to "eci"e a 'e! t&ings a*out our guil"$ 89RI +&at is it !it& you an" ta%ing *rea%s1 <97IT0 +&at "o you &ope to accomplis& *y starting a guil"1 89RI Accomplis&>1 0mm> .AROL I !ant our guil" to *ecome really *ig$ An" t&en some"ay !e:ll 'ollo! in t&e 7on:s 'ootsteps an" protect 7a&ngrest oursel)es$ T&at !ay# I can s&o! &im my gratitu"e 'or all t&e years &e:s "e'en"e" t&e city$ ESTELLE T&at:s a !on"er'ul "ream# .arol$ 89RI I:ll ,ust stic% !it& t&e *oss# &ere$ .AROL 0u&1 (-*oss1 -e1 89RI 8ou !ere t&e 'irst one to *ring up t&is cra?y i"ea$ .AROL 0-&e&# I guess you:re rig&t$ So# !&at:s t&e 'irst or"er o' *usiness1 89RI To calm "o!n$ .AROL 8ea&$ <97IT0 0e&e> 8ou ma%e guil"s soun" li%e 'un$ ESTELLE +&y "on:t you ,oin t&e guil" as !ell# <u"it&1 <97IT0 0mm# I !on"er$ 7o you t&in% t&ey:" let me1 =stelle turns to .arol. .AROL T&e most important t&ing is o*eying t&e guil":s la!s$ T&ose !&o *rea% t&e la!s !ill *e se)erely punis&e"$ E)en 'rien"s or 'amily$

T&e la!s are t&e source o' a guil":s pri"e$ o one can *e a"mitte" !it&out ma%ing a solemn ple"ge to up&ol" t&em$ ESTELLE An" !&at are t&e la!s o' your guil"# .arol1 .AROL 9mm> 89RI E)ery*o"y supporting eac& ot&er# an" al!ays acting !it& t&e interests o' t&e guil" in min"$ Stri)ing to al!ays "o t&e rig&t t&ing# !&ile punis&ing t&ose !&o "on:t$ .AROL +&at "o you mean1 ESTELLE All 'or t&e guil" an" t&e guil" 'or all$ 7o ,ustice an" punis& t&e un,ust$ 89RI E)eryone:s opinion !ill *e )alue"# so long as it "oesn:t go against t&ese la!s$ .AROL 8uri> T&at:s ,ust !&at I> 89RI Rig&t# *oss1 .AROL All 'or t&e guil" an" t&e guil" 'or all> >8-yea&3 T&at:s it3 T&ose are our la!s3 <97IT0 It loo%s li%e t&ese !ill *e my la!s 'rom no! on as !ell$ 89RI Sure it:s o%ay to ma%e up your min" li%e t&at1 <97IT0 8es$ 8ou:)e got me curious$ All 'or t&e guil"> I li%e t&e !ay t&at soun"s$ .AROL +ell t&en> <97IT0 I ple"ge to up&ol" t&e la!s$ For t&e guil":s sa%e>an" my o!n$ 89RI 0o! a*out your partner1 <97IT0 T&an%s 'or your concern# *ut it:s all rig&t$ 0e !on:t min"$ .AROL 8our partner>1 <97IT0 A 'rien" I !as tra)eling !it& earlier$ .AROL 0u&# I "i"n:t %no! you &a" someone li%e t&at$ O%ay# so 'rom to"ay on !e:ll *e your ne! partners# <u"it&$ <97IT0 I loo% 'or!ar" to it$ .AROL -e too3 REPE7E +oo'3 ESTELLE T&en# I> 89RI O%ay# let:s call it a "ay 'or no!$ .AROL 8ea&$ I almost 'orgot &o! sore I am$ They build a large campfire. $efore he turns in, )uri speaks to everyone. 89RI Repe"e$ (Repe"e sits up) 8ou:re %eeping !atc& too# &u&1 So>!e starte" a guil"$ +e:re a motley cre!# *ut it s&oul" *e interesting$ REPE7E +oo'$ 89RI 0a &a$ 8ou:re our num*er t!o$ Try not to gi)e t&e *oss too muc& o' a &ar" time$ REPE7E +oo'3 89RI 8ou s&oul" get some rest# too$ (En" time tal%ing to Repe"e) 89RI +&at:s t&at1 Are you saying I s&oul" ,ust trust you to %eep !atc& 'or us1 REPE7E +oo'3 -enu Rest

Stay A!a%e

Stay A!a%e a&# I:m 'ine$ 7on:t !orry a*out me$

=stelle sits on a rock a few feet from the fire. ESTELLE >O&# 8uri$ 89RI 0ey$ 8ou:re not asleep1 ESTELLE o> Is somet&ing t&e matter1 89RI a&# I !as ,ust trying to t&in% o' !&at our ne;t mo)e s&oul" *e$ ESTELLE 8es> I "i"n:t e)en t&in% I:" *e a*le to continue tra)eling !it& you> >I:m still trying to "eci"e i' I s&oul"$ 8ou:re really going to put your all into t&is guil"# aren:t you1 89RI I:" li%e to say I:m ,ust gonna go !it& t&e 'lo!# *ut I !ent an" *ragge" to Flynn a*out it>I guess I can:t slac% o''# no!3 ESTELLE .arol certainly seems &appy$ I:m a *it ,ealous$ 89RI O& &o$ 7oes 0er -a,esty t&e Princess !is& to ,oin our &um*le guil"1 ESTELLE I' I as%e" you to let me in>!oul" you let me in1 89RI I' you:)e t&oug&t a*out t&is an" it:s your "ecision# I !on:t try to stop you$ ESTELLE 8ea&# you:re rig&t>I s&oul" really gi)e t&is some t&oug&t$ 89RI +ell# "on:t t&in% TOO &ar" a*out it$ ESTELLE 0e&e&e$ (8uri !al%s a!ay) (to &ersel') 0o! can I "eci"e>1 En" =on)ersation5 ESTELLE Any!ay> I &a)e to gi)e my ans!er# "on:t I1 .arol sits in front of the roaring campfire. 89RI (to .arol) +&at# you:re not asleep1 (sits *esi"e .arol in 'ront o' t&e 'ire) .AROL a&$ I:)e *een trying to t&in% o' a name 'or our guil"$ I:m going to t&in% o' somet&ing really cool$ 89RI Sure# I can:t !ait$ .AROL 8uri1 89RI 0mm1 .AROL I !as t&in%ing a*out t&is>!e ma"e our guil" !it&out 'irst s!earing allegiance to its la!s# "i"n:t !e1 89RI 8ea&# *ut "i" t&at earlier to"ay# rig&t1 So no !orries$ .AROL 8ea&$ 8uri1 89RI +&at is it1 .AROL 7i" you ,ust ma%e t&ose la!s up# or "i" you &ear t&em some!&ere1 89RI T&ey ,ust came to me$ +&y# !ere t&ey no goo"1 .AROL o# not at all$ It:s ,ust>t&ose !ere t&e e;act same la!s I:" *een t&in%ing o'$ >I:m really &appy t&at I !as a*le to ma%e a guil" !it& you# 8uri$ 89RI 0a& &a&$ !&at a t&ing to say>"on:t get all mus&y on me$ .AROL 0a &a# I>o&3

.arol stands up and so does )uri. 89RI +&-!&at no!1 .AROL I t&oug&t o' a name3 T&e Super 9ltra =ourageous (ra)es3 89RI 0a &a &a$ T&at soun"s li%e a name =aptain .arol !oul" come up !it&# "e'initely$ Let go !it& t&at# t&en$ .AROL Rig&t3 (smiles &appily) En" =on)ersation5 .AROL Let:s gi)e it all !e got3 Hudith stands looking up the road. <97IT0 T&an%s$ 89RI For !&at1 <97IT0 8ou:re staying up to %eep !atc&# aren:t you1 89RI (crosses arms) a&# not at all$ <97IT0 8ou:re so e)asi)e$ 89RI 8ou:re one to tal%$ <97IT0 0u&# !eir"$ I:)e al!ays t&oug&t I !as pretty straig&t'or!ar"$ 89RI Seriously1 8ou &a)en:t e)en gi)en your real reason 'or ,oining our guil"$ <97IT0 I ,oine" *ecause I !ante" to$ 89RI T&at:s it1 <97IT0 o$ So long as t&ey "on:t go against t&e la!s o' t&e guil"# e)eryone:s !is&es are respecte"# rig&t1 7on:t !orry$ I sai" I:" up&ol" t&e la!s# an" I !ill$ (ut in my o!n !ay$ 89RI >All rig&t$ +ell# I:ll get you to tell me t&e real reason e)entually$ (loo%s long at <u"it& t&en turns a!ay) <97IT0 T&an%s$ 89RI For %eeping !atc&1 <97IT0 For tal%ing$ En" =on)ersation5 <97IT0 O&1 So you !ant to play some more1 >+&at a *ore> (En" time tal%ing to Repe"e) 89RI +&at:s t&at1 Are you saying I s&oul" ,ust trust you to %eep !atc& 'or us1 REPE7E +oo'3 -E 9 Rest Stay A!a%e REST All rig&t# I:ll get some rest t&en$ T&an%s# Repe"e$ STA8 A+A.E a&# I:m 'ine$ 7on:t !orry a*out me$ In t&e morning5 .AROL I &ope !e can 'in" some !or% to "o no! t&at !e:)e ma"e our guil"$ 89RI Easy# tiger$ >So# Estelle1 +&at are you gonna "o1 ESTELLE I !ant to go loo% 'or t&at tal%ing monster$ I' it !as me &e !as a'ter# I !ant to 'in" out !&y$ 89RI 7on:t 'eel li%e you:ll *e a*le to rest easy till you 'in" out# &u&1 Hudith stands with her back to the others, but she"s listening. .AROL (ut>&o! !ill you "o t&at1 0o! can you loo% 'or a monster i' you &a)e no i"ea !&ere it is1

89RI

I t&oug&t you !ere in c&arge o' all t&e monsterrelate" in'ormation$ .AROL 7on:t as% me3 E)en I:" ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e t&at *e'ore$ Hudith turns around. <97IT0 T&at !as no monster$ 0is name is P&aero&$ ESTELLE 7o you %no! a*out &im1 <97IT0 I sa! &im earlier !&en I !as tra)eling !it& my 'rien"# an" it !as my 'rien" !&o %ne! &is name$ .AROL +&y !oul" your 'rien" %no! t&e name o' somet&ing li%e t&at1 Hudith says nothing and places a hand on her chest. ESTELLE +&ere "i" you see it1 <97IT0 It !as on t&e 7esier continent in t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ ESTELLE T&at:s t&e continent to t&e sout&!est o' Tol*yccia$ T&e continent o' 7esier>t&e "esert> 89RI 8ou "on:t ,ust go marc&ing o'' to a "esert *ecause someone sa! a monster$ .AROL (loo%ing at 8uri) 0e:s rig&t# you %no!$ ESTELLE I !on"er i' t&at 'airy tale coul" *e> .AROL Fairy tale1 ESTELLE Somet&ing I rea" at t&e castle$ A tale a*out a monster t&at spea%s !&o li)es in t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ .AROL T&ere are al!ays stories li%e t&at$ Li%e t&e one a*out t&e monster in t&e sea !&o tal%s to people$ <97IT0 I t&in% you:)e got it *ac%!ar"s$ .AROL (ac%!ar"s1 <97IT0 Suc& creatures "o e;ist# *ut t&ey &a)e simply *ecome t&e stu'' o' legen"$ ESTELLE It:s li%e t&e saying# A!&ere t&ere:s smo%e # t&ere:s 'ire$B .AROL 8ea& *ut>are you t&in%ing o' going all t&e !ay to a place li%e t&at alone# Estelle1 ESTELLE (s&a%es &er &ea") 0u&1 +ell# I> 89RI I' !e "on:t %eep up t&is little *o"yguar" operation# s&e:ll really marc& o'' on &er o!n$ +&at "o you t&in%1 Let:s ta%e t&is as our 'irst guil" assignment$ .AROL 0ey# you:re rig&t3 +e:" *e *rea%ing our o!n la!s i' !e let &er go alone$ <97IT0 T&at:s rig&t$ .AROL >(ut# i' t&is is a real ,o*# !e:ll &a)e to c&arge Estelle our 'ee$ 89RI +e "on:t nee" to !orry a*out somet&ing li%e money# rig&t1 .AROL ope# no e;ceptions$ -oney is a necessity 'or running a guil"$ ESTELLE 9m>I:m a'rai" I:m a *it s&ort on 'un"s at t&e moment> <97IT0 In t&at case# !&y "on:t !e ,ust 'igure somet&ing out later1 ESTELLE I:ll pay t&e 'ee# I promise$ So let:s all go toget&er3 89RI O%ay# loo%s li%e t&at settles it$ ESTELLE (loo%ing at t&e clou"s) t&is !ay !e can all continue t&e ,ourney> .AROL (raises &is 'ist in t&e air) All rig&t# Super 9ltra =ourageous (ra)es# 'all out3 =stelle mimics his gesture.

ESTELLE .AROL ESTELLE

.AROL .arol thinks hard. ESTELLE HLig&t *ul*I ESTELLE 0o! a*out somet&ing li%e>(ra)e Vesperia1 It:s t&e star t&at gi)es o'' t&e *rig&test lig&t in t&e nig&t s%y> .AROL T&e *rig&test star$ =ool3 89RI (ra)e Vesperia> 0mm$ I li%e it$ Let:s stic% !it& t&at$ .AROL O%ay3 T&at settles it3 Let:s get to Torim 0ar*or an" c&arter a *oat3 +e:re o'' on an ocean )oyage to t&e continent o' 7esier3 89RI 7i"n:t you !ant to ta%e a *rea% at 0elior"1 .AROL A!# !&o nee"s it1 89RI Eit&er !ay# !e can:t get to Torim !it&out passing t&roug& 0elior"$ ESTELLE I:" also li%e to see &o! t&ey:)e *een "oing since t&e *lastia !ent out o' control$ 89RI 8ea&# t&at !as pretty cra?y$ <97IT0 > .AROL All rig&t# !e:ll ,ust stop in 'or a 6uic% loo% aroun" t&e city$ ESTELLE O%ay$ 89RI So 'irst to 0elior"# t&en 'rom Torim to 7esier *y *oat$ .AROL O%ay# I:ll try again> (ra)e Vesperia# 'all out3 REPE7E +oo'3 I FOR-ATIO .arol earne" t&e A(ra)e Vesperia Lea"erB title$ S+IT Startin0 a <ui)d S+IT The <ui)dB* Pur%o*e S+IT A "ew -ourney HELI.R5 THE RISI"< CIT6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They arrive through the western entrance at nightfall. ESTELLE O& my$$$ 7oesn:t t&e city seem less *usy t&an *e'ore1 89RI 8ea&$ T&is place &as gotten a lot more>g&ost-to!ny$ .AROL (turning to 8uri) 8ou "on:t t&in% t&at rumor:s true# "o you1 89RI 8ou mean t&at people &a)e *een su""enly "isappearing1 <97IT0 -ay*e it:s not ,ust a rumor a'ter all$ 89RI S&e &as to "o somet&ing a*out it$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1 <97IT0 8ou can see it on &er 'ace$ .AROL I' t&at:s t&e case# !e s&oul" go to t&e inn an" &a)e a strategy meeting 'irst$ A'ter all# !e nee" to go c&ec% on t&e *lastia too$ 89RI 8ea&$ An" it:s not li%e Estelle can ,ust let t&ings go> ESTELLE 8ou ,ust can:t ignore people:s pro*lems# can you1 89RI I %no!# I %no!$ .AROL So t&en# let:s go$ To t&e innD .arol takes off running toward the +nn.

+&-!&at is t&at1 0u&1 T&at:s our guil":s name3 +e can:t go !it& t&at3 +e nee" somet&ing easy to say t&at &as a real snap to it3 O&# really1 +ell>

<97IT0 ESTELLE 89RI <97IT0 89RI S+IT +estern /ate5 /9AR7

0e sure is getting 0e:s so &appy t&at 8uri$ 0ey# it:s not li%e (ut you care a*out 8ea&# !ell> =ome on# !e s&oul" A "ew -ourney

into it$ &e !as a*le to start a guil" !it& I "i" t&is ,ust 'or .arol:s sa%e$ &is 'eeling# "on:t you1 &urry to t&e inn$

Are i"eals not&ing more t&an "reams1 All t&e tire" people &a)e le't t&is to!n$ E)ery"ay t&e same &ar" la*or slo!ly eat a!ay at t&e people ma%ing t&em lea)e t&is to!n$ Loo% at t&e to!n no!$ I* Re%ede a Me9(er Too7 Seems li%e t&e Imperial .nig&ts are *usy$ 8ou &ear young girl:s scream coming 'rom t&eir 'acility "ay an" nig&t$ +&ene)er I as% t&e .nig&ts# t&ey tell me I:m &earing t&ings$ Am I going cra?y1 0appiness is li%e a *utter'ly$ T&e more you c&ase a'ter it# t&e more it teases you# "ancing ,ust out o' reac&$ <ust listen to me$ 8ou:" t&in% t&ere !as no point in see%ing &appiness at all 'rom t&e !ay I tal%$ I !ant to 6uit *eing a .nig&t# *ut I "on:t !ant to !or% on t&e to!n restoration eit&er$ T&ere:s not&ing else t&oug&$ To!n restoration soun"s toug&$ -ay*e I s&oul" go *ac% to 4ap&ias$ 0eyD 8ou t&ereD o loitering allo!e"D o!# mo)e alongD

S+IT (lastia Pla?a5 -A (0A--ERI /)

OL7 -A

=9-ORE . I/0T

/9AR7

Outsi"e t&e =&e)alier2s 0F5 . I/0T +e &umans are all t&e same$ T&oug& !e may "elig&t in t&e mis'ortune o' ot&ers# !e cannot *ear to *e un&appy oursel)es$ T&ere are t&ose !&o !oul" use t&eir po!er to ro* ot&ers o' t&eir &appiness# an" replace it !it& sorro!$ An" t&ose creatures are calle" t&e no*ilityD =&e)alier:s 0F5 /uar" (!est "oor) Eac& person !al%s to t&e *eat o' a "i''erent "rummer$ All you can "o is !al% your o!n !al%# *ut it:s *oun" to gi)e you your o!n uni6ue scenery as you go$ Ta%e t&e no*les# 'or e;ample# sitting so prou"ly in t&eir palan6uins# as t&ey:re 'errie" a*out *y t&e commoners> (ecause o' t&eir position t&ey sit a*o)e e)eryone else# an" &a)e a *etter )ie! t&an all o' us$ It:s *ecause o' t&e =umore (riga"e an" our resource

=9-ORE . I/0T

management t&at t&is to!n is "e)elopingD T&e commoners s&oul" accept t&eir place un"er our controlD I' you:re not too %een on "ying# I:" recommen" going !it& gi)ing up$ Eastern =ity /ate5 -an (greeter) +elcome to 0elior"# ne!est a""ition to t&e empire:s cities$ 9m> Lots o' our citi?ens &a)e gone missing recently$ Fle" at nig&t1 o> It &as to *e some *ig conspiracy$ .nig&t /9AR7 7o you %no! !&at it means to *e a suc%er1 A real suc%er is someone !&o 'aces li'e:s c&allenges !it& no &ope o' !inning 'rom t&e outset$ T&ere are piles o' *orn losers ,ust li%e t&at in t&is to!n$ Outsi"e t&e Inn @ S&op5 =9-ORE . I/0T o matter &o! 'ar you may &a)e clim*e"# t&ere !ill al!ays *e someone a*o)e you$ +e all &a)e !alls t&at !e !ill ne)er *e a*le to con6uer$ T&e common 'ol% can "ra! some com'ort 'rom reali?ing t&at t&ere are t&ose !it& e)en less 'ortunate lots in li'e t&an t&ey$ Inn @ S&op5 . I/0T (LO((8) OSig&O > Anot&er nig&t s&i't> I got past t&e anger an" ,ust completely ga)e up> T&e only t&ing I can say 'or certain is> 0e !&o *rea%s *rea" !it& me is my 'rien"# an" &e !&o !oul" steal t&at !&ic& is mine# &e is my enemy$ /9AR7 T&is to!n is rotten$ +&at "o you mean# !&at1 .nig&ts are *oun" *y con'i"entiality$ I cannot say> 7o people lea)e *ecause t&e !or% *ecomes rus&1 Or "o people lea)e *ecause it:s rus&e" !or%>1 O&# "on:t min" me$ 9pstairs5 .arol is asleep on one bed and =stelle is on one ne t to him. )uri lies on the couch and /epede sleeps nearby in the archway leading to the balcony. Clouds float in slow motion in the night sky while the symphonic chirping of night and the fountain lull the occupants to sleep. )et one occupant cannot sleep. )uri hears footsteps across the room and the door creak softly. %e sits up. 89RI I guess I can:t let t&ings go eit&er$ )uri gets up and walks into the hallway. (I' you ma%e 8uri c&ec% on .arol an" Estelle)5 Estelle (asleep) >=an:t eat t&at> .arol (asleep) 4??>-unc&>-unc&>4??> REPE7E >> )uri leave the +nn and finds Hudith near the city"s western e it. 89RI Late nig&t stroll1 Hudith looks at )uri and he leans against the wall a few feet from her. <97IT0 T&e scenery &ere remin"s me o' &ome$ 89RI 0u&>8our &ome must *e a pretty place t&en$ <97IT0 I ,ust mean t&at it:s up &ig& li%e t&is an" &as a goo" )ie!$ ot t&at I &a)e a pro*lem !it& &eig&ts$

89RI

0e&> 8ea&# I guess you !oul"n:t# ri"ing aroun" on t&at monster$ <97IT0 0is name is (a:ul# an" &e:s not a monster$ An" it:s not only *ecause &e can 'ly$ +e:)e *een toget&er e)er since &e sa)e" me "uring t&e !ar$ 89RI +ar1 8ou mean *et!een t&e empire an" t&e guil"s1 <97IT0 T&is !orl" al!ays seems to ra)age" *y some !ar or anot&er$ 89RI >8ea&# I guess so$ It !as you !&o attac%e" Estelle &ere earlier# !asn:t it1 <97IT0 8ou:re pretty s&arp i' you !ere a*le to tell !&o it !as I !as a'ter$ 89RI I:m ,ust t&at %in" o' guy$ <u"it& > )uri leaves the wall and stands ne t to Hudith. 89RI P&aero& also appeare" *ecause o' Estelle$ Is t&ere some connection *et!een t&em1 (et!een &im an" your partner1 Hudith presses the fingertips of her right hand to her temple, then lowers the hand back to her side. She looks at )uri. <97IT0 It:s &ar" to e;plain$ 89RI (ut you !on:t "eny it$ T&at you &a" come 'or &er$ <97IT0 (clasping &er &an"s *e&in" &er *ac%) I:m a'rai" I:m not )ery goo" at lying$ 89RI (loo%ing a!ay) >All rig&t# I !on:t as% anymore 6uestions$ (ut i' it loo%s li%e you:re going a'ter &er again> <97IT0 8ou nee"n:t !orry$ I !on:t *e "oing t&at sort o' t&ing anymore$ 8ou &a)e my !or"$ 89RI 8ou mean it1 <97IT0 (placing &er &an" on &er c&est) +&at can I say t&at !ill ma%e you *elie)e me1 89RI (&an" on &ip) +ell you sai" you !ere no goo" a telling lies$ (!al%ing a!ay) >It:s not li%e !e:re all t&at "i''erent$ I:)e got a 'e! s%eletons in my closet too$ After )uri leaves, Hudith stares into the night sky. <97IT0 0e:s a strange one$ Inn @ S&op5 +n the morning, .arol and =stelle stand in front of the +nn"s front desk. Hudith is seated on a couch in the lobby, with )uri and /epede nearby. ESTELLE +ell# s&all !e &a)e a loo% aroun" t&e to!n1 .AROL +e also nee" to &a)e a loo% at t&e *lastia t&at !ent *erser% last time$ . I/0T (LO((8) It:s *een strange lately$ t&e people o' t&e to!n are "isappearing$ ot&ing li%e t&is &as &appene" since I starte" !or%ing as a .nig&t> Is t&is !&at "aily li'e is li%e on t&e Tol*yccia continent1 I can:t ta%e it> I !ant to go *ac% to 4ap&ias> or at least Torim 0ar*or> /9AR7 Somet&ing is rotten in t&e to!n o' 0elior"D

T&e people e;ploiting t&e la*orers li)e in lu;ury an" t&e la*orers struggle in po)ertyD 7o people lea)e *ecause t&e !or% *ecomes a rus&1 Or "o people lea)e *ecause it:s rus&e" !or%>1 O&# "on:t min" me$ Outsi"e t&e Inn @ S&op5 +t"s raining outside. =9-ORE . I/0T T&e =umore (riga"e &as ,oine" us as reser)e troops# *ut> >I can:t a*i"e *y t&eir "omineering !aysD T&ey:re no "i''erent t&an common *ar*ariansD .nig&ts s&oul" *e ta%ing pri"e in t&eir military "iscipline> +estern =ity /ate5 /9AR7 Are i"eals ,ust t&at# simply i"eals1 T&e people got tire" an" le't t&e city$$$ T&e people:s &earts !ere !orn a'ter la*oring "ay a'ter "ay so t&ey le't$ An" no! loo% at t&is city$ (lastia Pla?a5 They stand in the rain looking at the blastia. ESTELLE It seems li%e t&e area &as returne" to normal$ .AROL 8ea&$ 7oesn:t loo% li%e it:s gone *erser% since t&en$ /epede turns and looks intently toward the right entrance to the pla!a. 89RI 0ey# it:s t&ose guy !e met at or 0ar*or> Bauly and his mother stand at the right entrance to the pla!a. PA9L8 -iss Estelle3 (runs to Estelle !&ose %neeling to greet &im) ESTELLE 0o! &a)e you *een1 Bauly nods. <97IT0 (!al%ing o)er to stan" *y .ellas an" loo% at Pauly) +&o is t&is1 .AROL +e &elpe" t&ese people out at or 0ar*or$ .ELLAS +e can:t t&an% you enoug& 'or all you:)e "one 'or us$ ESTELLE +&ere is your 'at&er1 Bauly droops and looks at the ground. .ellas looks sad. .ELLAS I &a)en:t seen Teagle -- my &us*an" -- 'or t&e past t&ree "ays> .AROL It soun"s li%e t&at rumor mig&t *e true> (8uri no"s) 89RI 7on:t you &a)e any &unc&es1 .ELLAS 8es> T&e nig&t *e'ore &e "isappeare"# &e tal%e" again a*out !or%ing to *ecome a no*le> ESTELLE (ecome a no*le1 +&at "o you mean1 .ELLAS +&en t&is city is 'inally complete"# !e !ill *e a*le to li)e &ere as mem*ers o' t&e no*ility$ ESTELLE 0u&1 T&at "oesn:t soun" 6uite rig&t$ .ELLAS +&at "o you mean1 ESTELLE T&e ran% o' no*ility is reser)e" 'or t&ose !&ose ser)ice &as earne" t&e emperor:s con'i"ence$ .ELLAS (-*ut# Sir =umore ga)e &is !or" to usD 0e sai" !e !oul" *e !elcome" as no*lesD ESTELLE =umore> From t&e Imperial .nig&ts1 .ELLAS 8es$ 0e is acting as t&e current magistrate o' t&e

city$ (&an" on &ip) I:ll *et &e is> T&at is strange# t&oug&$ I mean# t&e imperial t&rone is empty an" all$ .ELLAS (ut t&en> T&en !&y on eart& &a)e !e *een !or%ing t&is &ar"1 An" !&at a*out Teagle>1 PA9L8 (to Estelle) Is Fat&er not coming *ac%>1 ESTELLE 0ey# 8uri> 89RI 8ou:re going to as% me !&y !e "on:t ta%e t&is on as a guil"# rig&t1 )uri turn and looks at .arol, waiting. =stelle also looks at .arol. ESTELLE I promise to ta%e care o' &er 'ee !&en I pay my o!n$ .AROL (loo%ing to an" 'ro) +ell>o%ay# t&at:s 'ine$ .ELLAS +&at1 (ut I> <97IT0 So t&is means our ne;t ,o* is 'in"ing a missing person$ 89RI An" i' =umore:s up to &is usual stunts# !e:ll ,ust &a)e to slap &im aroun" till &e stops$ ;ooking at )uri, .arol recoils in astonishment. ESTELLE Rig&t$ t&e .nig&ts "o e;ist 'or t&e protection o' t&e people# a'ter all$ .AROL L-let:s ,ust ma%e sure !e:re care'ul$ T&e .nig&ts coul" s6uas& a little guil" li%e us i' !e get on t&eir *a" si"e$ 89RI As you !is&$ ESTELLE +e:ll 'in" your 'at&er# I promise$ <ust !ait rig&t &ere$ 89RI +ell# t&at:s t&at$ +e:ll ta%e t&e ,o*$ .ELLAS T&an% you$ (*o!s) T&an% you so muc&D 89RI All rig&t# let:s go 'in" &im$ <97IT0 T&ere:s somet&ing )ery suspicious a*out t&at area o)er t&ere$ Hudith indicates the 7 no loitering8 elevator platform the guard is blocking. 89RI 8ea&$ E)en more so *ecause it:s mar%e" o''-limits$ ESTELLE I !on"er i' t&ere:s some !ay !e coul" get in> .AROL =are'ul# guys$ Remem*er1 =are'ul> 89RI .AROL (I TERA=TIVE =9TS=E E OVER) -A (0A--ERI /) Somet&ing:s 'is&y> +&ere "i" e)eryone go>1 +ill t&ey really ma%e us no*les>1 -ay*e it:s all ,ust a s&am> Is t&at !&y e)eryone !ent a!ay>1 OL7 -A O0u''O >O&u''O >O&u''O > La*or is *ecoming more an" more "i''icult lately> At t&is rate# I:m going to "ie *e'ore I:m ma"e no*le> Outsi"e t&e =&e)alier2s 0F5 . I/0T T&e "ecei)er al!ays stays ten# a &un"re" steps a&ea"> (ut t&e &onest man# ta%ing one step at a time# is ne)er re!ar"e"> =&e)alier:s 0F5 /9AR7 (+ 7OOR) Putting up !it& my superior:s unreasona*le "eman"s# cleaning up incompetent un"erlings: messes> I:m tire" o' it> I:m completely e;&auste" 'rom staying up !or%ing

=9-ORE . I/0T

Eastern =ity /ate5 -an (greeter) T&is is t&e rising city o' 0elior"> (ut> Lately# t&e resi"ents &a)e *een "isappearing$ Lots o' our citi?ens &a)e gone missing recently$ S%ipping to!n1 o> It 'eels li%e somet&ing more sinister> /9AR7 =onstruction starts 'rom t&is point on$ I' all goes accor"ing to plan# t&is !ill *e an a"mira*le ci)ic center in N mont&s$ 0o! tepi"> N mont&s> <ust crac% t&e !&ip an"> >9m> e)er min">

nig&t a'ter nig&tD Is t&is really !&at a %nig&t is suppose" to *e "oing1D T&is city is gro!ing t&an%s to us# t&e =umore (riga"e an" our management o' t&e peopleD In all cases# t&e commoners s&oul" *e un"er t&e control o' t&e no*ilityD /lory to 0elior"# t&e city *uilt *y no*lesD

)uri speaks to the guard while the others wait behind the blastia. 89RI I:" li%e to pass# i' I coul"$ /9AR7 Sorry# no can "o# *u""y$ T&e la*orers camp a&ea" is too "angerous$ 89RI 0mp&> )uri walks back to the others. .AROL T&an% goo"ness> .no!ing you# 8uri# I t&oug&t 'or sure you:" try to 'orce your !ay t&roug&> 89RI +ell# Aprocee" !it& caution#B an" all t&at$ (oss:s or"ers# y:%no!$ ESTELLE (ut &o! s&oul" !e get *y t&e guar"1 <97IT0 I really t&in% 'orcing our !ay t&roug& !oul" *e t&e simplest an" most e''ecti)e !ay in$ .AROL o# I !on:t allo! itD All !e nee" to "o is "ra! t&e guar" a!ay 'rom &is post$ ESTELLE (ut &o! !ill !e "o t&at1 .AROL >-ay*e *y# y:%no!# se"ucing &im !it& 'eminine !iles1 89RI +ell t&en> -enu5 0a)e someone "istract t&e guar"s1 Estelle <u"it& .arol -L- =0OI=E5 ESTELLE -L89RI Estelle# you up 'or it1 ESTELLE 0u&1 --me1 -not a c&ance3 89RI ot a c&ance# &u&1 8ea&# I guess you:re not too se;y any!ay$ ESTELLE (clenc&ing 'ist at &er si"es) Er%>I:m se;y enoug&# t&an% you )ery muc&3 >+ant me to pro)e it1

89RI <97IT0

Sure$ o!# let:s go loo% 'or somet&ing to get t&at guar" "rooling$ ESTELLE T&an%s3 =stelle leaves and .arol runs after her. <97IT0 8ou:re certainly persuasi)e$ 89RI a&# s&e:s ,ust easily persua"e"$ <97IT0 T&at:s 'or sure$ S+IT The Tou0he*t Thin0 SheB* Ever 5one They go to the 9ortune"s 1arket '%eliord(. <97IT0 7o you &a)e an out'it t&at can attract any %in" o' male1 -ER=0A T Attract any> Are you gonna !ear it1 0o! a*out t&is1 ESTELLE Oo# it:s lo)ely3 89RI <97IT0 .AROL ESTELLE <97IT0 89RI ESTELLE -ER=0A T T&at:s no goo"$ ope# no goo"$ o goo"1 +&y1 It:s so cute> I' cute !as !&at !e !ere going 'or# you coul":)e ,ust stuc% !it& !&at you &a)e on$ Rig&t$ In ot&er !or"s# it:s not se;y enoug&$ ("o!ncast) Again !it& t&e se;iness> (loo%ing at t&e merc&ant) =lot&es t&at !oul" loo% se;y on t&is young la"y> -mm> Let:s see> I' you *roug&t me a so't tail# *asilis% scale an" a small *ir" 'eat&er# I coul" ma%e you somet&ing nice$ 8ou s&oul" *e a*le to get all o' t&e items 'rom monsters on t&e outs%irts o' t&e city$ I guess !e &a)e no c&oice$ Let:s go$ (s&e starts !al%ing) (&an" on &ip) 9rg&# loo%s li%e t&is is going to *e more trou*le t&an !e t&oug&t> =ome on# &urry upD (!al%s a!ay) Stu**orn# isn:t s&e1 >8ou can say t&at again$

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE <97IT0 89RI

(ac% at Fortune:s -ar%et -ER=0A T O& &o# you:)e *roug&t t&e items$ +ait &ere !&ile I ma%e you somet&ing nice3 ;ater in the lobby, =stelle twirls around in a skimpy vest over a corset over a tunic with a bikini bottom and thigh-high boots topped with lace. Hudith on the other hand is wearing a red top with pink bunny accessories 'i.e. headband with bunny ears over her antennae, a bikini bottom with bunny tail, pink gloves and pink thigh-high boots. ESTELLE +&at "o you say1 "oes it loo% O. on me1 (Estelle is t&rille"# clasping &er &an"s un"er &er c&in) 89RI >$8ea&# it actually "oes> .AROL >An" !&y is <u"it& c&ange" in t&at out'it1 <97IT0 +ell# I &a" mine ma"e too !&ile !aiting$ 89RI > I t&in% your "ress is %in" o' > too uni6ue> <97IT0 Really1 I t&in% it is )ery lo)ely> 89RI Any!ay# let:s &a)e Estelle "istract t&e guar" as planne"$

ESTELLE 89RI

O.$ <u"it&# can you "o somet&ing a*out t&at out'it 'irst$

=stelle approaches the guard. ESTELLE 9-um> E;cuse me -r$ .nig&t1 /9AR7 0u&> +-+&a> 8ou:re !earing suc& a> 9&> 0mm1 0ey> 8ou> o it can:t *e> ot in t&at %in" o'> ESTELLE -m1 7-"o you %no! me1 /9AR7 It:s ,ust t&at you loo%>a little li%e t&e Princess> ESTELLE >O&# y-yes# I get t&at a lot$ .AROL (turning to 8uri )0e&e# "i" you &ear t&at1 89RI Sss# pipe "o!n3 /9AR7 =ome a little closer# coul" you1 ESTELLE o# I:" li%e you to come to me> As the guard approaches, =stelle back up a few steps. /9AR7 +&y !oul" you run a!ay li%e t&at1 ESTELLE 9-umm> I:m ,ust> >a little *it s&y> The guard approaches again and =stelle backs up. /9AR7 0a &a &a> ESTELLE Tee &ee &ee> The guard runs after =stelle and she heads for the shadows of scaffolding tower, where )uri and the others are waiting. )uri punches the guard, knocking him out. .AROL >An" as I pre"icte"# it came to *lo!s in t&e en" any!ay$ 89RI I' !e &a"n:t "one t&at# Estelle !oul":)e *een in a tig&t spot# "on:t you t&in%1 ESTELLE 8es# &e mig&t &a)e gotten ma" i' &e:" 'oun" out I !as lying a*out my i"entity$ 89RI T&at:s not 6uite !&at I meant$$ =stelle changes into her usual outfit. -L- =0OI=E5 <97IT0 -L89RI +ell# <u"it&# you:re pro*a*ly t&e *est c&oice$ <97IT0 8es# I t&in% so$ .AROL Aren:t you sure o' yoursel'3 <97IT0 +ell t&en# s&all !e1 ESTELLE +&ere are !e going1 <97IT0 To *uy a "ress o' course$ I can:t se"uce anyone in t&ese rags3 89RI Isn:t !&at you:re !earing goo" enoug&1 <97IT0 o# no# my pri"e !oul" ne)er allo! it$ 89RI I "on:t really un"erstan"# *ut s&e appears to *e going to *uy a "ress$ .AROL So s&e:s going to see t&e pe""ler# t&en$ S+IT .h1 to Be )ike -udith?

Fortune:s -ar%et Y0elior"Z <97IT0 E;cuse me# I am loo%ing 'or some 'ascinating out'its$ -ER=0A T Fascinating>31 Are you out 'or a "ate1 0o! a*out t&is1 <97IT0 9g&# &o! plain$ -ER=0A T 0mm>!ell# &o! a*out t&is one1 <97IT0 ope -ER=0A T All rig&t# t&en !&at a*out t&is3 (<u"it& s&a%es &er &ea"# no)

ESTELLE -ER=0A T <97IT0 -ER=0A T <97IT0 -ER=0A T

<97IT0 .AROL 89RI

(*ore") ?44? +&at e;actly are you loo%ing 'or1 For e;ample> (merc&ant leans to!ar" <u"it&) -no !ay# I &a)e not&ing li%e t&at$ T&en coul" you possi*ly ma%e one 'or me1 Let:s see> I' you *roug&t me a so't tail# *asilis% scale an" a small *ir" 'eat&er# I coul" ma%e you somet&ing )ery special$ 8ou s&oul" *e a*le to get all o' t&e items 'rom monsters on t&e outs%irts o' t&e city$ All rig&t# let:s go (!al%ing a!ay) <u"it&:s really into t&is# isn:t s&e1 Seems li%e s&e li%es t&is sort o' t&ing>

(ac% at Fortune:s -ar%et -ER=0A T O& &o# you:)e *roug&t t&e items$ +ait &ere !&ile I ma%e you somet&ing nice3 Hudith stands in the lobby wearing a skimpy pink bunny costume complete with a carrot decorating the belt. =stelle is also dressed in a skimpy costume in the fashion of a buccaneer. ESTELLE +&at "o you say1 7oes it loo% O. on me1 89RI 8ou "i"n:t &a)e to c&ange your costume li%e t&at> .AROL So gro!n-ups are intereste" in t&ese %in"s o' out'its> <97IT0 All is rea"y$ Let:s go$ 89RI 0ey> Are you seriously going in t&at out'it1 <97IT0 0u&1 Somet&ing !rong !it& t&is1 89RI > !ell I coul" say e)eryt&ing> 9&# ne)er min" t&at$ ESTELLE It:s )ery cute# an" I &a)e a 'eeling t&at t&is is going to !or%$ 89RI (to Estelle) (e'ore t&at# coul" you "o somet&ing a*out your out'it1 )uri, =stelle, .arol and /epede crouch behind the blastia and watch as Hudith walks by the guard. /9AR7 O&&&# it:s soooo &ot out &ere> <97IT0 0ello t&ere$ O&1 Oops3 7i" you get an eye'ul ,ust no!1 /9AR7 (s!eat"rops) -no# I "-"i"n:t see anyt&ing3 I "i"n:t e)en see i' t&ere !as anyt&ing to see3 <97IT0 O0# is t&at so>t&at:s a s&ame$ /9AR7 A s&-s&ame>1 <97IT0 Are you going to ma%e me say it out lou"1 /9AR7 Err> >1 <97IT0 I:)e 'allen ma"ly in lo)e !it& your *ig# strong>!or% et&ic$ /9AR7 --ma"ly in lo)e>13 <97IT0 -mm&mmm> So>you get !&at I:m saying# rig&t1 /9AR7 Err> -ay*e>1 <97IT0 -ay*e I:ll ,ust &a)e to come out an" ma%e it clear$ +oul" you li%e 'or you an" me to>&a)e a little 'un1 O!in%O /9AR7 8ea&3 (-*ut>t&ere:s someone *ac% in t&e capital I promise" to marry> Hudith walks to stand close to the guard. <97IT0 O& "on:t *e suc& a stic% in t&e mu"$

Hudith leads the guard away from his post. /9AR7 (ut# I>&mm> Hudith leads the guard to the shadows of the scaffolding until she reaches the wall. -ith her back to the wall she faces the guard. )uri comes up from behind and knocks the guard out. 89RI /oo" !or%$ .AROL (loo%ing at t&e guar") =an:t *elie)e a"ults can *e easily 'oole" li%e t&is$ 89RI An"# &o! long are you going to stay in t&at costume1 <97IT0 I guess t&is calls too muc& attention$ I:ll lea)e it at t&e s&op$ ESTELLE (ut !&at !as t&e A'unB t&ing you !ere tal%ing a*out1 89RI 3 <97IT0 /oing 'or a s!im$ 89RI > -L- =0OI=E5 .AROL 89RI .arol recoils and .AROL <97IT0 .AROL <97IT0 .AROL 89RI <97IT0 .AROL S+IT -L.arol s&oul" *e goo" 'or t&e ,o*$ =stelle giggles behind her hands. +&-!&at are you tal%ing a*out13 +&y me13 T&at soun"s goo" to me$ A& &a &a# so you:re in on t&e ,o%e too# <u"it&1 a&# I:m not really one 'or ,o%es$ 0u&>1 O%ay# let:s go$ 8ou:)e gotta *elie)e in yoursel'# .arol3 +&en a la"y struts &er stu''# s&e "oes it !it& pi??a??3 I "on:t &a)e any i"ea !&at you:re tal%ing a*out3 IB9?Cute7

Fortune:s -ar%et (0elior")5 <97IT0 7o you &a)e a "ress 'or a girl t&at !ill ma%e &er loo% e;tremely cute1 -ER=0A T E;tremely cute31 Li%e somet&ing 'or a "ate1 <97IT0 8ea&# t&at:s rig&t$ So>1 -ER=0A T Let:s see> 9mmm>you:re a *oy# am I rig&t1 .AROL +ell# I "on:t loo% li%e a girl# "o I1 -ER=0A T A&# !ell> +ait# !&y are you getting ma" at me1 Any!ay# I "on:t carry any clot&ing 'or young girls$ .AROL 0e says &e "oesn:t &a)e anyt&ing$ Too *a"3 -ER=0A T A&# &ol" on> .AROL 0u&>1 -ER=0A T I' you *roug&t me a so't tail# *asilis% scale an" a small *ir" 'eat&er# I coul" ma%e you somet&ing nice$ 8ou s&oul" *e a*le to get all o' t&e items 'rom monsters on t&e outs%irts o' t&e city$ <97IT0 All rig&t# let:s go$ .AROL 7o !e really &a)e to "o all o' t&is1 It seems li%e so muc& trou*le> 89RI =aptain .arol# you !oul"n:t &a)e us a*an"on your plan# !oul" you1 .AROL o> I mean# o' course not# *ut> (t&e ot&ers !al% a!ay) Arg&# i' only Rita !ere &ere rig&t no!>

(ac% at Fortune:s -ar%et5 -ER=0A T O& &o# you:)e *roug&t t&e items$ +ait &ere !&ile I ma%e you somet&ing nice3 A male traveler stands at the desk looking at .arol. )ou cannot see .arol, yet. )uri is blocking your view. <97IT0 All is rea"y$ Let:s go$ 89RI 0ey> Are you seriously going in t&at out'it1 <97IT0 0u&1 Somet&ing !rong !it& t&is1 .arol is wearing a pink dress accessori!ed with short pantaloons and a big pink ribbon on his head. 89RI > +ell I coul" say e)eryt&ing> 9&# ne)er min" t&at$ ESTELLE It:s )ery cute# an" I &a)e a 'eeling t&at t&is is going to !or%$ ,utside, .arol bends over to check with the gang as they hide behind the blastia. )uri gives him the nod to go on. .AROL E-e;cuse me> 89RI (calling out 'rom *e&in" t&e *lastia) /et closer to &im3 .AROL (-*ut# t&is is so> <97IT0 (e *ra)e# .arol3 .AROL (turning to 'ace t&e guar") Arg&> .arol walks over to the knight. .AROL E-e;cuse me3 -r$ .nig&t3 /9AR7 0mm1 Are you tal%ing to me1 .AROL 8-yes> =oul" you come o)er &ere# I can:t 'in" my "oggy$ (smiles) /9AR7 > -no# I can:t lea)e my post unatten"e"3 .AROL (&ea" "rooping# so**ing) (-*ut> /9AR7 I:m s-sorry3 Please "on:t cry li%e t&at> .arol looks up hopefully. /9AR7 O&# all rig&t$ I can ma%e some time# 'or your sa%e$ .arol grins. Turning away, he looks at the guard over his shoulder. .AROL O&>I:m so &appy>3 o!# please come closer3 The guard follows .arol and in the shadow of the scaffolding near the blastia, )uri knocks the guard unconscious. .AROL >An" as I pre"icte"# it came to *lo!s in t&e en" any!ay$ 89RI +e coul"n:t really as% you to go all t&e !ay !it& it$ .AROL +&-!&at are you tal%ing a*out>1 89RI e)er min"$ =&ange your clot&es an" go lea)e t&at costume at t&e s&op$ .AROL 9&# O.$ ----------<97IT0 All rig&t# on to t&e ne;t step$ .AROL 0u&>!&at1 <97IT0 It s&oul" *e easier to go in i' you "ress li%e a %nig&t$ 89RI +&o# me1 <97IT0 .arol !oul" !or% ,ust as !ell$ .AROL +a&# m-me1 89RI 8ea&# may*e you:re rig&t> -E 95 +&o !ill "isguise as a %nig&t1 8uri

.arol -L- =0OI=E5 89RI -L89RI I guess I:ll &a)e to "o it$ (ut really# a %nig&t# o' all t&ings> )uri dons the unconscious guard"s costume. 89RI O& !ell# i' t&is &elps us 'ool t&em# all t&e *etter$ Another knight runs to them. . I/0T 0ey3 Fuit goo'ing o'' o)er t&ere3 89RI 0u&1 +&at:s t&e matter1 . I/0T 8ou s&oul" get *ac% to your post *e'ore t&ings get e)en more out o' &an"3 89RI +&at "o you mean# Aout o' &an"1B . I/0T T&e mage !e capture" is running !il"3 0urry up3 89RI Roger3 O%ay# *e rig&t *ac%$ )uri runs off with the .night. .AROL 0u&1 8uri1 I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ -hen you have control of )uri: .AROL Let:s *e care'ul no!$ +e "on:t !ant trou*le> ESTELLE +e &a)e to &urry3 <97IT0 T&at loo%s pretty goo" on you$ REPE7E +oo'3 )uri enters the Chevalier"s %0. /ita stands before the a door on the wall to the left. Some guards are standing while those closest to /ita are flat on the floor. RITA 8ou:)e got a lot o' ner)e loc%ing me up in a "ump li%e t&is3 7o you &a)e any i"ea !&o you:re "ealing !it&13 /et your superior out &ere# no!3 /ita casts an arte and three more knights fall to the ground. 89RI >Rita1 +&at is s&e "oing &ere>1 A lone knight cowers behind storage bo es. . I/0T =alm "o!n alrea"y3 I:ll>I:ll go call &im rig&t no!3 /ita casts a blast that arcs over the top of the bo es, flattening the knight. RITA S&ut up3 89RI (s&iel"ing &is eyes) +o!# s&e &asn:t c&ange" muc&$ As /ita marches through the fallen knights, )uri runs up behind her and restrains her by grabbing her upper arms. RITA (struggling) L-let me go3 89RI Settle "o!n# it:s ,ust me$ RITA >8uri>1 =stelle, .arol and Hudith run in. ESTELLE A-are you o%ay1 (Rita turns aroun") Rita>1 I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ -L- =0OI=E5 .AROL -L89RI .arol# you "o it$ .AROL 8-you !ant me to "ress up as a %nig&t1 (ut>!ill t&e suit 'it me1 .arol dons the helmet and armor of the knight guard. .AROL 9rg&# it:s &ar" to mo)e aroun"$ 89RI 7on:t !orry# you:ll get use" to it 6uic%ly$ .AROL I !on"er> Another knight runs to them.

. I/0T .AROL . I/0T .AROL ESTELLE 89RI I FOR-ATIO

0ey3 Fuit goo'ing o'' o)er t&ere3 9&# u&&>1 8ou s&oul" get *ac% to your post *e'ore t&ings get e)en more out o' &an"3 (!al%ing a!ay !it& t&e %nig&t) o# you:)e got it all !rong3 +ait# let go# &eeeelp3 >8uri# !&y "i"n:t you &elp &im out1 I# u&&>I !as ta%en *y surprise# it all &appene" so 'ast> +e s&oul" go an" see !&at:s &appene"> .arol le't t&e party$

Outsi"e =&e)alier:s 0F5 ESTELLE +&at coul" *e going on in t&ere1 89RI (s&rugging) 0mm# goo" 6uestion$ A blast and some smoke escapes from the closed door to the %0. <97IT0 .arol is in t&ere# rig&t1 89RI 8ea&$ Suppose !e s&oul" go ta%e a loo%$ +nside the %0, /ita crouches with her hands ready to fire off another blast. The floor around her is littered with fallen knights, including .arol. ESTELLE Rita>3 RITA Estelle# !&at are you "oing &ere>1 89RI +as it you causing all t&at rac%et in &ere1 RITA 8ou guys> <97IT0 7o you t&in% .arol:s all rig&t1 89RI 8ea&>.arol> ESTELLE .arol$ RITA +&at is t&at runt &ere# too1 .arol sits up, the huge helmet still on his head rattles with the effort. RITA (not recogni?ing .arol) +&at# you still !ant some13 /ita draws her arm back to fire up another spell, but )uri grabs her arm, stopping her. 89RI 0ol" up> .arol1 /ita looks at )uri and gestures #uestioningly at .arol. )uri looks at /ita with confirmation. .AROL (stan"ing) 8-yea&> Rita# you suc%3 I FOR-ATIO .arol ,oine" t&e party$ Outsi"e t&e 0F5 ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE RITA 89RI ESTELLE RITA 89RI RITA .AROL 0a)e you calme" "o!n1 8ea&> So# !&at are you "oing in a place li%e t&is1 I t&oug&t I:" c&ec% out t&e *lastia &ere# *e'ore in)estigating t&e aer %erene$ An" you !oun" up *iting o'' a little more t&an you coul" c&e!$ <ust li%e al!ays$ (ut !&at !as it you got in)ol)e" in1 (&an"s o)er &er mout&) T&ey snea%e" t&e *lastia into t&e la*or camp at nig&t$ I mean# t&at:s alrea"y pretty s&a"y$ 7on:t tell me you !ere snea%ing aroun" in)estigating it !&en you got caug&t$ (s&a%es &er &ea") O' course not$ I !as )ery stealt&y a*out it$ >An" t&en you got caug&t$

RITA

All .AROL ESTELLE 89RI RITA .AROL ESTELLE <97IT0 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL <97IT0 .AROL ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE .AROL ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE .AROL ESTELLE I FOR-ATIO S+IT S+IT

+ell# I coul"n:t ,ust sit aroun" !&ile t&ey !ere trying to "o somet&ing !eir" !it& t&e *lastia$ T&e people &ere &a)e *een t&reatene" *y t&e .nig&ts an" are *eing ma"e to !or%$ 4 I *et Teagle:s in t&ere# too$ +e cannot allo! t&is to go on$ An" !&at a*out t&is *lastia you sa!1 It !as a &oplon *lastia$ It loo%s li%e t&ey:re gat&ering t&em up 'or a !ar$ T&ey !oul"n:t> 8ou "on:t t&in% t&ey:re planning on attac%ing 7a&ngrest again13 (ut !&y1 A'ter t&ey ,ust set up t&e 'rien"s&ip agreement> > It:s gotta *e =umore$ T&ere:s no !ay &e inten"s to %eep any promises &e ma"e to t&e guil"s$ 7o you %no! &im# 8uri1 8ou met &im once# at =aer (ocram$ A&# you mean t&e guy !it& t&e creepy )oice$ I "on:t min" "iscussing t&ings &ere# *ut aren:t !e 'orgetting somet&ing1 T&at:s rig&t3 +e:)e got to rescue Teagle an" t&e ot&ers3 T&en !e:ll put an en" to t&at 'orce" la*or# get ri" o' all t&e *lastia t&ey:re gat&ering>an"# um> 8ou can:t ,ust get ri" o' *lastia$ T&ey nee" to *e reco)ere" an" ta%en care o'$ T&en !e:ll &a)e t&e mages in Aspio come pic% t&em up$ +ait$ +e:re *eing care'ul# rig&t>1 (ut> One t&ing at a time$ R-rig&t$ O%ay# t&en let:s get *ac% to our original plan an" &ea" "o!n$ O%ay$ Rita ,oine" t&e party$ ItB* So "ot 6ou 86uri: It +inda $ork* on 6ou 8+aro):

Outsi"e t&e =&e)alier:s 0F5 =9-ORE /9AR7 8ou guys got into t&e compoun"1 Are you stupi"1 8ou:re as%ing to get &urt$ +&o !as acting up in t&ere1 0e must &a)e crac%e" un"er all t&at stress$ S+IT Rita A%%ear* They make it as far as the blastia. RITA 0i"e>3 They run behind the blastia and watch as Cumore accompanied by another man approach the 7restricted area8 and stand on the wooden platform. -A A&# milor"$ Are you sure you s&oul"n:t *e going to t&e San"s o' .ogor&# no!# Sir1 =9-ORE 0ump&$ I "on:t &a)e to pay attention to Ale;ei:s

or"ers$ 9sing t&e money an" !eapons I &a)e# e)eryt&ing !ill soon *e !it&in my reac&$ -A An" I &ope you:ll remem*er to appreciate t&e !or% Le)iat&an:s =la! &as "one 'or you$ =9-ORE 8es# you !ill *e ta%en care o'# 8eager$ 8EA/ER 8ou:ll ta%e t&ose !eapons I sol" you# an" attac% t&e 9nion -- (OO-3 =9-ORE 0e&$ I:m a'rai" I &a)e my sig&ts set on lo'tier t&ings t&an t&e 9nion$ 8EA/ER Ignoring t&e 7on is a *ig no-no$ 0e is a !on"er'ul guy# ,a1 7on:t go 'orgetting t&at$ =9-ORE -y my$ It almost soun"s as i' you respect t&e man$ 8EA/ER Respect &im I "o# *ut Le)iat&an:s =la! al!ays gets t&e ,o* "one$ =9-ORE O& &o &o> Suc& "e"ication$ T&at:s ,ust !&at I li%e a*out you$ 7on:t !orry t&oug&$ 8ou are loo%ing at t&e 'uture =omman"ant o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ T&at 'ool Ale;ei# telling me to !atc& t&e 9nion !&ile &e signs 'rien"s&ip treaties !it& t&em$ 8EA/ER 8ea&3 8ou tell Mim3 (loo%s o)er &is s&oul"er) The platform is an elevator. As Cumore speaks, the elevator descends. =9-ORE I' it !ere me# I:" crus& t&em in t&e *lin% o' an eye !it& your lo)ely !eapons3 The party comes out of hiding and walks toward the elevator. =umore:s VOI=E ('rom "o!n *elo!) T&e 9nion can:t possi*ly &ope to stop me$ 89RI 0e& &e& &e&$ <a# ,a> RITA 0ey# t&at guy !it& t&e !eir" &air loo%e" o)er &er an" laug&e"$ 89RI 0e "e'initely spotte" us all rig&t$ RITA So &e t&in%s !e:re 'unny "oes &e>1 89RI -an# it:s al!ays t&e same t&ing !it& t&ese i"iots$ So no! !e %no! t&ere:s a *unc& o' people *eing %ept "o!n t&ere$ 89RI 8ea&$ 89RI All rig&t$ Let:s go 'ree t&em 'rom t&e i"iots$ +or%ers =amp5 +O-A I use" to !or% upstairs# *ut I !as 'orce" to come "o!n &ere> =oo%ing 'or t&e la*orers# morning an" nig&t> T&ere:s no time to rest$ I came 'rom a near*y )illage *ecause I &ear" t&ere !ere goo" ,o*s &ere$ o! I regret &a)ing *een so na[)e> -y gran"son "ie" on t&e ,o* t&e ot&er "ay> 0e al!ays sai" !or%ing &ere !oul" ma%e &im a no*le some "ay> -y gran"son:s "eat& le't an unoccupie" position# so I:)e &a" to ta%e o)er &is ,o*> At t&is age# &ea)y !or% 'rom sunup to sun"o!n isn:t easy> O&# you !ere *roug&t &ere 'rom upstairs too$ At t&is &our# all t&e a"ult !or%ers are at t&e construction site$

OL7 +O-A

LITTLE /IRL

A lot o' people "ie" 'rom !or%ing !ay too &ar"$ I "on:t !ant to gro! up to *e e;pen"a*le3 +n the back of the camp, they see Cumore and )eager in a tent. )eager is talking to three red eyes. <97IT0 0mm1 Loo% !&o:s &ere$ ESTELLE An" a group o' t&ose re" eyes>3 89RI Loo%s li%e =umore:s *ecome t&eir ne! client$ )eager brushes aside the long forelock hanging over his forehead with his hand and the red eyes leave. .AROL 0ey# "o you t&in% t&at guy !&o tal%s all 'unny coul" *e t&e re" eyes: *oss1 89RI It sure loo%s t&at !ay 'rom &ere$ They walk toward the tent. +nside Cumore talks to )eager with one of his knights looking on. >one of them notice the laborer behind them breathing heavily and holding his chest until the man collapses onto the ground. The laborer is Teagle. =9-ORE /et to !or%3 o slac%ing o''# you !orms3 TEA/LE 9rg&# ug&> )uri, =stelle and .arol peer through a slit into the tent. .AROL Loo%# t&at:s> It:s Teagle$ )uri straightens up, fingering his chin and concocting a plan. =9-ORE I' it:s money you !ant# you:ll &a)e more t&an you can use$ o! !or%3 +or%3 )uri starts walkingE .AROL +ait> Teagle in up on his hands and knees struggling to find the strength to get up. An ob&ect hits Cumore right between the eyes. =9-ORE +&-!&o13 )uri and .arol stand in the opening looking at Cumore. )uri is casually tossing another rock in his hand. =9-ORE 8uri Lo!ell3 +&at are you "oing &ere13 =stelle walks to the opening and stands beside )uri. Cumore is momentarily horrified. =9-ORE P-Princess>13 (0e glares at Estelle) ESTELLE 8ou &a)e no rig&t to call yoursel' a %nig&t3 (rute 'orce is not t&e !ay to &onor t&e prestige o' t&e empire$ Put "o!n your !eapons no!$ 8ou !ill also release t&e people you &a)e tric%e" into coming "o!n &ere3 =9-ORE (smiling) T&is all mig&t *e easier i' suc& a nai)e little Princess !ee to simply "isappear$ (leaning 'or!ar"# &ate'ul) All o' your utopian ram*lings ma%e me sic%3 89RI T&atMs not t&e %in" o' t&ing someone !it& "elusions o' *ecoming =omman"ant o' t&e .nig&ts !oul" say$ At )uri"s voice, Teagle raises his head. TEA/LE It:s you>3 ESTELLE 8ou:ll *e all rig&t no!$ =9-ORE 8eager3 /et ri" o' t&em3 )eager readies his sword with a click. 8EA/ER <a# milor"$ Three red eyes line up beside )eager. )eager looks coolly at )uri. 8EA/ER ot&ing personal# you see$ <ust *usiness3 (attle5 8eager# 3 Re" Eyes Spoken 2ialogueG>o Te t 'at end of battle(: )=AC=/ )ou have won =ST=;;= %ow could the empire cover for such evil.

)*/+ .A/,;

we can"t &ust let it go we gotta catch him.

)eager stands in front of Cumore. 8EA/ER I must a"mit# you:re )ery strong$ A knight reports to Cumore. . I/0T Sir =umore3 It:s t&e Flynn (riga"e3 ESTELLE Flynn>13 =9-ORE +ell# sen" &im a!ay3 . I/0T +e trie"# *ut &e insists on coming "o!n to per'orm an inspection$ =9-ORE T&at lo!er 6uarter lout$ 0e simply &as no tact3 8EA/ER /auc&e# 7roite$ /A9=0E:S VOI=E 8es# 8eager$ Two young ladies drop down from above and land in front of )eager. 2roite has green hair, Cauche has red. 7ROITE T&is is our time to s&ine3 8EA/ER (!ags &is 'inger) I t&in% !e *etter *e ma%ing !it& t&e escape# ,a1 -ith a bang, a thick blinding cloud of smoke appears around them. )uri runs forward but cannot get through the smoke. .AROL Aa&>!&at is t&is13 /A9=0E:S VOI=E Please step t&is !ay$ 7ROITE:S VOI=E -o)e3 -o)e3 Time to get a mo)e on3 =9-ORE:S VOI=E +e:ll get you ne;t time3 H*2+T%"S 3,+C= -hat an original line. ESTELLE I' !e "on:t 'ollo! t&em t&ey:ll>3 The smoke has cleared .AROL +ait3 Our ,o* is to rescue Teagle3 ESTELLE (ut> RITA I "on:t %no! !&o:s ,o* is !&at# *ut are !e 'ollo!ing t&em or not1 Cumore"s .nights run forward to block the entrance of the 9lynn $rigade. FL8 E)eryone 'ree?e3 T&at:s enoug&3 89RI (snaps 'ingers) 0ey# ,ust in time$ FL8 ("ismaye") 8uri>13 89RI (to Teagle) =an you get up1 TEA/LE:S VOI=E 8-yes> (&e slo!ly stan"s) 89RI Sorry# *ut it loo%s li%e somet&ing:s come up$ 8ou:ll &a)e to &ea" *ac% *y yoursel'$ Say &i to t&e !i'e an" %i" 'or us$ TEA/LE I !ill$ An" t&an% you$ <97IT0 So !e are going a'ter t&em$ 89RI 8ea&$ I:m sure Flynn &as t&ings un"er control &ere$ Soun" goo"# .arol1 .AROL 8ea&$ Plus# I t&in% Estelle:s going to ta%e o'' a'ter t&em any minute$ ESTELLE Sorry$ RITA <ee?3 +e:re going a'ter t&em# rig&t1 So let:s get going3 ESTELLE All rig&t$ =stelle and /ita take off. )uri watches them fly past. FL8 :S VOI=E 8uri# !ait3 89RI (turns &ea" slig&tly) /otta run# Flynn3 FL8 (leaning 'or!ar"# plea"ingly) La"y Estellise3 t&is ,ourney is 'ar too "angerous 'or>

>> (9g&$$) /eali!ing his efforts are futile, 9lynn places an armored hand on his chest and closes his eyes. FIEL7 -AP5 =E TRAL EASTER S+IT S+IT S+IT ESTELLE RITA .AROL <97IT0 TOL(8==IA

6ea0erB* S%ee,h $hat 2)ynn Think* The S,he9in0 Partner*

>T&ere:s no sign o' t&em> Loo%s li%e t&ey en"e" up getting a!ay$ +&ere are !e# any!ay1 >A 'orest in central Tol*yccia$ I' I:m rig&t# Torim 0ar*or is east o' &ere$ 89RI +e s&oul" pro*a*ly ,ust get to t&e &ar*or rat&er t&an going *ac% to 0elior"$ ESTELLE +&at1 (ut !&at a*out =umore13 7o !e ,ust let &im go1 <97IT0 I t&oug&t t&e purpose o' your ,ourney !as to 'in" P&aero&$ ESTELLE +ell I> <97IT0 I !asn:t a!are (ra)e Vesperia !as 'orme" to 'ollo! your ran"om !&ims$ ESTELLE >I-I:m sorry$ T&at !as ne)er my intention> 89RI A!!# s&e:s ,ust telling you to rela;$ (esi"es# Flynn:s on t&e scene# rig&t1 8ou can *e sure &e:ll ta%e care o' t&ings$ RITA 0ey$ AP&aero&B1 A(ra)e VesperiaB1 Start e;plaining$ RAVE :S VOI=E <ust a*out ta as% t&e same 6uestions mysel'$ They turn around to see /aven, hand resting on sword hilt as usual, standing behind )uri. RITA 0u&1 +&-!&at t&e 13 RAVE (ru**ing &is c&in) +&at:s !rong# miss genius mage1 Forget me alrea"y1 It:s me# Ra)en t&e /reat$ RITA +&o t&e &ell "o you> (&an"s on &ips# glaring) RAVE (!earily &ol"ing 'ore&ea") I tol" ya# Ra)en t&e /reat> ('inger in ear) >-an$ 8er a scary little %i"# ya %no! t&at1 89RI So1 +&at are you up to1 RAVE (!earily &ol"ing 'ore&ea") +it& all t&e stu'' you:)e *een "oin:# poor Ra)en got sent all t&e !ay out &ere to %eep an eye on ya$ .AROL +&y !oul" t&ey "o t&at1 RAVE (ru**ing c&in) First t&ings 'irst# let:s go 'in" an inn at Torim 0ar*or$ I:ll tell ya e)eryt&ing t&ere$ Ra)en:s pretty &ungry# ya see> 89RI I suppose t&ere:s no point in &anging aroun" &ere$ Torim 0ar*or:s a goo" 'irst step$ <97IT0 Torim 0ar*or# t&en$ +oul" t&at *e all rig&t1 ESTELLE 8es# o' course$ (*o!ing) I:m sorry$ I "i"n:t mean to *e sel'is&$ 89RI O%ay# let:s go$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT The <ui)dB* 2oundin0 Me9(er* T&ey cross into T&e EASTER PLAI S OF TOL(8==IA

S+IT S+IT

5one <rowinB Cook to Live

THE P.RT T.$" CAPUA T.RIM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .AROL I %no! !e &a)en:t *een gone 'or long>*ut I &a)e to say# it still 'eels goo" to *e *ac%$ RAVE s&oul" I get you pansies some tissues1 Or can !e go to t&e inn no!1 I:m sooo &ungry3 89RI All rig&t# all rig&t$ 7oc% an" Lo!er Le)el o' =apua Torim5 First Le)el5 /9IL7S-A or"opolica in 7esier is go)erne" *y a /uil" calle" Palestralle$ T&eir main *usiness is operating t&e coliseum t&ere$ T&ere aren:t any ot&er /uil"s t&at run an entire to!n$ People t&in% Altos% go)erns 7a&ngrest# *ut it *elongs to t&e /uil" 9nion$ VE 7OR +elcome# !elcome3 Plenty o: 'res& catc&es &ere3 T&an%s 'or "ropping *y3 -E-OR8 -ER=0A T +elcome# !elcome3 0o!:" you li%e to sell me some o' your memories1 One memory# 'i)e /al"3 0u&1 Too c&eap1 0mp&> =ome on no!# "on:t &og all your memories3 Surely you coul" spare one or t!o> LITTLE /IRL I !on"er !&at %in" o' place t&e ne! to!n t&e Empire ma"e is1 -y 'rien" in 0elior" 'inally sent me a letter$ S&e says it:s real *a" t&ere$ S+IT Three in .ne AR-ORE7 -A Across t&e sea in 0alure# I &ear" tell 'rom a tra)eling merc&ant o' a miraculous young lay !&o ma"e 'lo!ers gro! 'rom a "ea" tree$ T&is soun"s a *it 'is&y to me# *ut t&e *arrier *lastia !as repaire"3 In trut&# t&ey pro*a*ly &ire" a mage !&o 'i;e" it easily$ An" t&e simple 'ol% o' 0alure ,ust ma"e up t&is story o' a miraculous young la"y$ -en are *orn to li)e3 An" "ie3 On t&e sea3 T&e seas are a !on"er'ul t&ing# y:%no!$ Ourrr regularrr linerrr# t&e Strrratos# is currently *eing "ismantle" an" inspecte"$ Sorrry# *ut it:s not going any!&errre$ +e:rrre t&e 'amous an" 'a*ulous Torrrino Linerrr Serrr)ice3 T&e *attere" s&ip *e 'rig&tsome# *ut so *e t&e mermen$ T&ey *e marau"in: s&ips in pac%s# "raggin: seamen to t&eir "eat&s at t&e *ottom o: t&e sea$ I' yer plan to set sail# ye *est *e !ary o: *ot&$ I &a)e t&e smiles o' many men tuc%e" a!ay in my memories> T&ey all sai" I !as suc& a lo)ely !oman$

OL7 -A 7oc%s5 LI ER -ER=0A T

SAILOR

OL7 +O-A

8O9 / +O-A

O(LE +O-A

-A

>8ou can:t see t&at1 9g&$ 0o! ru"e3 T&e coliseum in or"opolica is a"ministrate" *y a /uil" calle" Palestralle$ 7on:t you t&in% a /uil" a"ministrating a coliseum is sort o' incre"i*le1 O& &o &o &o3 Aren:t s&ips a "elig&t1 A s&ip allo!s one to tra)el so )ery many places$ -iracles3 +on"ers3 All mine$ +&at>1 8ou "on:t o!n a *oat1 0o! "rea"'ul$ T&e atmosp&ere in =apua or &as impro)e" immensely *ecause -agistrate Ragou &as *een e;pelle"$ o! I can )isit my uncle !&o li)es across t&e sea$ 7i"n:t I &ear a*out an acti)e .nig&t in =apua or %no!n as Flynn1 T&ose .nig&ts are more t&an all rig&t$ +e s&oul" *e grate'ul to t&em$ T&is is t&e Fortune:s -ar%et stoc% !are&ouse$ It:s a mess in t&ere$ Trust me# you "on:t !ant to see it$ I get so "epresse" !&en I t&in% a*out &a)ing to clean it up> 8ep> T&ere goes anot&er "ay !it&out cleaning it up>

Torim +are&ouse5 8O9 / -A

Insi"e t&e Lig&t&ouse .eeper:s 0ouse5 OL7 -A Aaaarg&3 -y stupi" gran"c&il"3 S&e !ants to *e a man o' t&e sea13 T&at:s no ,o* 'or a !oman3 (a&3 S&e:s ,ust a care'ree little trou*lema%er3 Per&aps it:s my 'ault> I spoile" &er an" *oug&t &er a s&ip> /IRL Ai'rea" "ie" protecting &is 'rien"s an" cre!> A&&&# &e:s truly a man amongst men> I !ant to *e li%e Ai'rea">3 T&ere:s no reason !&y a !oman can:t *e a man o' t&e sea3 +O-A (9PSTAIRS) -y 'at&er an" my "aug&ter are so 6uic% to argue$ I !is& t&ey:" ,ust get along> t&ey:re so ali%e# t&ose t!o$ It:s not as i' t&ey really "isli%e eac& ot&er# you %no!$ I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s a !oman:s pirate:s &at insi"e t&e "ra!er$ T&ere:s a name on it# *ut it can *arely *e rea"$ APa>1B Secon" Le)el o' =apua Torim5 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# The 5ra0oon Part ' They see a young woman staring at a palm tree outside the 9ortune"s 1arket . 8O9 / +O-A 0o! strange> ESTELLE Happroac&ing t&e !omanI +&at:s t&e matter1 8O9 / +O-A T&e s&aggot&im 'lo!ers are only suppose" to open "uring t&e rainy season# an" yet# loo%3 T&ey:re alrea"y in 'ull *loom3 89RI T&at soun" pretty !eir">

8O9 / +O-A

I %no!# rig&t1 I !on"er i' someone:s *een coming &ere an" !atering t&e groun"# or somet&ing> -hile the others are talking to the woman, Hudith #uietly sneaks down the stairs to the right. ESTELLE +oul" ,ust t&at *e enoug& to ma%e t&ese 'lo!ers *loom1 RITA Anot&er cause 'or 'lo!ers *looming early coul" *e an im*alance in t&e aer$ RAVE So you:re sayin: t&at t&is place>1 RITA It:s o%ay$ E)en i' my guess is rig&t# t&is le)el o' aer im*alance can occasionally *e 'oun" in nature$ Plants are simply more sensiti)e to c&anges in t&e surroun"ing aer t&an &umans# an" t&ey:re reacting to t&at$ RAVE +e !oul"n:t !anna &a)e !&at &appene" in 0elior" &appenin: &ere> 89RI >> Hloo%s aroun"I +&at t&e> <u"y>1 There"s an e plosion on the first level. VOI=E +aaa&3 T&e !are&ouse:s aero *lastia is>3 RITA I can:t *elie)e t&at "ragon 'rea% !oul" "o t&is again>3 I:m going to go see>3 /ita runs down the stairs. ESTELLE O&# Rita>3 Hudith approaches from the left and stands behind )uri. 89RI H<u"it& !al% up *e&in" 8uriI 7ragon 'rea%# &u&> <97IT0 +&at:s all t&is commotion a*out1 89RI 0u&1 It !asn:t you1 <97IT0 I plea" t&e 'i't&$ 89RI >> /ita comes back. RITA It !as terri*le> T&ere !as not&ing le't 'or me to 'i;$ 89RI I:m sorry 'or your>loss$ RITA 9g&> T&e ne;t time I see t&at 'rea%# I:m going to punc& &im into t&e stratosp&ere33 Stupi" "ragon 'rea%3 RAVE +&oa# scary$ The others walk away. ,nly Hudith and )uri remain behind. 89RI I "on:t %no! !&at you:re trying to "o# *ut> <97IT0 It:s not causing any o' you any trou*le# is it1 I alrea"y tol" you$ I:m not going to "o anyt&ing t&at !oul" cause any o' you &arm$ Hudith turns on her heel and follows the others. Hen" o' cutsceneI 8O9 / +O-A T&ey ,ust *loom at an o"" time# *ut t&ere aren:t anyt&ing !rong !it& t&e 'lo!ers t&emsel)es$ T&ey are so "elicate an" cute# aren:t t&ey1 T&ese are s&aggot&im 'lo!ers$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------8O9 / +O-A T&ey ,ust *loom at an o"" time# *ut t&ere aren:t anyt&ing !rong !it& t&e 'lo!ers t&emsel)es$ T&ey are so "elicate an" cute# aren:t t&ey1 T&ese are s&aggot&im 'lo!ers$ Hun0er i* the Be*t S%i,e

S+IT

Outsi"e Fortune:s -ar%et (0F)5 OL7ER -A (ar*os# t&e &ea" o' t&e (loo" Alliance is a man t&at

cla!e" &is !ay to t&e top t&roug& s&eer s%ill$ T&e rumors say &e !as mur"ere"$ =oul" t&at *e true1 (ar*os !as "omineering# arrogant# an" sel'is&# *ut &e !as certainly an a*le man$ I !ant to %no! !&o is capa*le o' "e'eating suc& a man$ Insi"e Fortune:s -ar%et (0F)5 -A (+AL.I /) >T&is to!n is so nice to li)e in> T&e people are %in"# t&e !eat&er not too &ot# not too col">an" *est o' all>t&e Presi"ent isn:t &ere> <ust *et!een us>> T&e Presi"ent smells so nice> -A (STA 7I /) T&is is Fortune:s -ar%et &ea"6uarters$ T&e Presi"ent is not &ere rig&t no!$ +&at "o you !ant1 T&e Presi"ent is not &ere rig&t no!$ /et to t&e point$ 7oor on t&e rig&t5 I FOR-ATIO T&is is .au'man:s room$ S&e mig&t &a)e a 'it i' !e go insi"e$ Outsi"e Fortune:s -ar%et (Torim)5 8O9 / LA78 T&e port in =apua or !as reopene"# an" t&ey say t&ere !ill *e a ne! magistrate$ -ay*e I s&oul" ta%e my sales t&ere> T&e people o' =aupa or re)ere t&ose !&o e;pelle" t&e magistrate$ Outsi"e Inn APollu; TB5 LITTLE (O8 T&is continent encloses t&e sea# an" at t&e &eart o' t&e sea is a point %no!n as t&e +aters o' t&e +aning -oon$ o*o"y %no!s !&o ga)e it t&is name$ T&ere are creatures !&o li)e "eep *elo! t&e +aters o' t&e +aning -oon# at t&e *ottom o' t&e sea$ As is !ritten in =&apter DR o' t&e Pirate:s -emoires$ Insi"e Inn APollu; TB5 OL7 -A I &ear" a )oice in t&e ol" ruins in t&e 'orest# *ut !&en I returne" a little !&ile ago# t&e )oice !as gone> I !on"er i' t&e monster &as gone> (ut it !as "e'initely t&e Euma# I %no! I:m rig&t3 (A 7I7O 8ou e)er met t&e 7on1 0e:s one seriously toug& customer$ T&an%s to t&e 7on in 7a&ngrest# all t&e scattere" /uil"s are *roug&t toget&er$ /9IL7S-A T&e (loo" Alliance:s po!er is !ea%ening$ o!:s our c&ance to rise to t&e top$ It:s one t&ing to *e ent&usiastic# I guess# *ut !e:re %in" o' s&ort on people> +O-A 8ou cuties loo% strong$ <ust my type$ (&eart) Recently# I:)e *een gro!ing tire" o' t&e men in t&is port$ Tra)eler:s Log5 I FOR-ATIO (=lou"y) T&ose popsicles are &orri*le33 T&at tuna so"a 'la)or is "isgusting3

S+IT

It:s so"a 'la)ore" ice cream !it& tuna 'illing> +&y !oul" anyone sell anyt&ing li%e t&at1 A(out to <o $i)d

They book a room at the +nn. 89RI (leaning against t&e !all) 0u&$ So e)en t&e 9nion can:t sit still !&en it %no!s a princess o' t&e empire is out on t&e loose$ ESTELLE (stan"ing) T&en t&e 7on %no!s t&at I:m a can"i"ate 'or t&e imperial t&rone too$ RAVE (sitting in t&e mi""le o' t&e *e") 8up$ T&at:s !&y &e tol" me ta come %eep an eye on ya$ .AROL (sitting on 'loor *y 8uri) So you:re &ere to o*ser)e &er1 T&at:s %in" o' creepy$ ESTELLE Really1 .AROL +&at>1 Is it ,ust me1 RAVE (ya!ns) Any!ay# &ere I 'inally catc& up !it& ya an" I !in" up stic%in: my 'oot in t&at mess *ac% t&ere$ It &asn:t *een easy 'or ol" Ra)en$ .AROL >(ut !&y !orry so muc& a*out Estelle1 RITA (sitting on e"ge o' *e") It:s only natural consi"ering t&e state o' t&ings *et!een t&e empire an" t&e 9nion$ 89RI Eac& si"e is trying to 'eel t&e ot&er out$ T&e 7on ,ust !ants to %eep trac% o' t&eir mo)ements$ RITA So# you:re all planning on loo%ing 'or t&is P&aero& *y going to t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ ESTELLE 8es$ RITA 7o you %no! !&at sort o' place a "esert is1 .AROL +ell it:s &ot# an" "ry# an" t&ey:)e got a lot o' san" t&ere$ RITA T&at:s putting it lig&tly$ It:s not as easy as all t&at t&oug&$ ESTELLE Our plan is to get to t&e area toget&er 'irst$ ESTELLE An" t&en1 ESTELLE T&en I guess !e:ll go aroun" an" as% !&ere P&aero& is$ RITA >I "on:t e)en %no! !&ere to *egin commenting on t&at plan> So it:s not ,ust t&at you "on:t !ant to go *ac% to t&e castle anymore# rig&t1 ESTELLE 9m>!ell$ RAVE (closing one eye) It:" *e easier on ol" Ra)en i' you "i"# t&oug&$ I:m ,ust sayin:$ ESTELLE o$ I:m sorry# *ut I &a)e to %no! t&e trut& *e&in" P&aero&:s !or"s> RAVE 0u&$ +ell t&e 7esier continent actually suits me ,ust 'ine$ <97IT0 +&y is t&at1 RAVE (!a)es an" en)elope) I:)e got ta go to or"opolica 'or anot&er erran" I:m runnin: 'or t&e 7on$ 0a)e to "eli)er a letter to (elius$ .AROL +&oa# t&at:s pretty important$ ESTELLE T&at:s t&e *oss o' t&e coliseum an" ruler o' or"opolica# isn:t it1 .AROL Tec&nically spea%ing# &e:s calle" t&e 7uce$ -ith his bodhi blastia, )uri pulls the letter across the room into his

own hand and looks at it closely. <97IT0 7o you %no! !&at:s !ritten in t&e letter1 RAVE 0m$ It:s got somet&in: ta "o !it& t&ose monsters t&at attac%e" 7a&ngrest$ In particular a*out t&at P&aero& c&ap you all are 'ollo!in:$ T&e 7on t&in%s (elius !ill %no! somet&in: a*out t&at monster$ 89RI Loo%s li%e it ,ust *ecame !ort& our !&ile to pay t&is (elius a )isit too$ ESTELLE Rig&t$ RAVE So i' ya "on:t min"# Ra)en &ere:ll ,ust tag along !it& ya$ .AROL T&at:s 'ine$ (ut you:ll &a)e to 'ollo! t&e la!s o' (ra)e Vesperia$ RAVE /ot it$ ('ans &imsel' !it& &is &an") It:s not li%e I can go ,oinin: your guil"# ya %no!$ 8a un"erstan"$ ESTELLE +&y can:t you ,oin (ra)e Vesperia$ .AROL It:s against t&e rules 'or any*o"y to *e in t!o guil"s at t&e same time$ An" I guess tec&nically spea%ing# you are a mem*er o' Altos%$ RAVE +&a""ya mean Atec&nically1B RITA (gets up) So are !e "one1 I:m going to go get some rest t&en$ ESTELLE O%ay$ /ita leaves the room. ESTELLE +&at>!&at "o you t&in% Rita:s going to "o1 89RI 0mm# !&at in"ee"$ <97IT0 7oes t&is mean !e:re on our o!n until !e lea)e tomorro!1 .AROL 8ea&$ +e:ll all meet "o!n at t&e &ar*or t&en$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en earne" t&e AOl" SpyB title$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ After everyone else has left, )uri talks to .arol who sits on the middle bed, clutching his bag. 89RI +&at:s t&e matter# *oss1 .AROL -mm> I "on:t %no! i' I li%e you calling me t&at$ 89RI T&e *oss is t&e *oss3 +&at !oul" you &a)e me call you instea"1 .AROL <ust call me>!&ate)er you calle" me *e'ore$ T&is A*ossB t&ing seems a little o)er t&e top$ It ma%es me 'eel silly to &a)e you calling me t&at> 89RI 7on:t you t&in% you:ll get use" to it1 .AROL +ell# may*e> 89RI +ell# you %no! !ay more a*out guil"s t&an I "o# rig&t1 .AROL I guess> T&e *oss o' a guil" &as to stan" as a role mo"el 'or e)eryone else$ I !on"er i' I coul" *e t&at great o' a person>1 89RI =ome on# it:s not li%e you:re e;pecte" to *e t&e *est *oss e)er 'rom t&e )ery *eginning$ 8ou can ta%e it a little at a time$ For no!# our guil" &as a ,o* to complete$ .AROL 8ou:re rig&t$ First !e nee" to ta%e Estelle to meet P&aero&>

>(ut "o you t&in% !e:ll *e a*le to meet &im1 Our guil":s ,o* is to 'igure out a !ay to meet &im$ I' !e can:t meet &im# !e !on:t get our re!ar"# an" people !ill lose con'i"ence in our a*ilities$ T&at:s all t&ere is to it$ .AROL I t&in% !e may &a)e pic%e" somet&ing a little too toug& 'or our 'irst ,o*> 89RI It:s more o' a c&allenge t&at !ay$ An" our re!ar" !ill *e t&at muc& *igger# too$ >Let:s ma%e t&e *est o' it$ .AROL 8-yea&> En" =on)ersation !it& .arol5 .AROL 0e&e>t&e *oss> -e> > 0e&e&e&e> 89RI OL7 -A I got mysel' goo" an" lost in some ruins !&ile I !as !an"ering aroun" in t&e !oo"s$ An" t&at:s !&ere I &ear" t&is monster &o!ling$ -ost *one-c&illing t&ing you e)er &ear"$ o*o"y muc& !ants to *elie)e t&at t&is 9ma creature e;ists# t&oug&$

/epede is sitting outside the +nn. REPE7E +oo'3 89RI I sai" t&at I !ill "eal !it& t&ings in my !ay o' "oing> (ut I let =umore escape t&at easily$ +&at a s&ame$ I "on:t %no! &o! I coul" e;plain t&is to Flynn> REPE7E O+&ineO 89RI (%neeling# loo%ing Repe"e in t&e eye) I %no! I %no!$ +e &a)e guil":s ,o* to "eal !it& rat&er t&an =umore$ REPE7E +oo'3 89RI 8ea&> I can:t ,ust let &im loose$ -en o' &is %in" !ill ne)er learn an" !ill al!ays repeat t&e same t&ing 'ore)er$ I:ll &a)e to "o somet&ing$ I le't t&e Empire an" 'orme" a guil" 'or t&is %in" o' purpose$ REPE7E +oo'3 89RI (stan"s) 0e !ill get !&at &e "eser)es$ En" =on)ersation !it& Repe"e5 REPE7E +oo'3 )uri runs into Hudith returning from the city"s western entrance. <97IT0 O&1 Are you going to loo% 'or t&at =umore guy# *y any c&ance1 89RI a&# ,ust going on a !al%$ +&ere !ere you1 <97IT0 <ust out 'or a !al%# li%e you$ 89RI +&at you sai" to Estelle earlier &asn:t *een gna!ing at you# &as it1 <97IT0 +&at I sai" earlier1 89RI 7i"n:t you say some pretty &ars& t&ings to Estelle>1 <97IT0 O&# rig&t$ Sorry to *eat you to t&e punc& li%e t&at> 89RI +&at1 8ou "i"n:t *eat me to t&e punc& on anyt&ing> <97IT0 8ou !ere going to tell &er t&e same t&ing t&at I "i"# !eren:t you1 89RI +&at# you 'igure" it out1 8ou "on:t &a)e to apologi?e 'or somet&ing li%e t&at$

<97IT0 89RI

All rig&t> So you !eren:t going o'' to loo% 'or =umore a'ter 'eeling *a" a*out &urting Estelle !it& !&at you sai"1 <97IT0 o# I !asn:t$ 89RI 0mp&> <97IT0 8ou "on:t *elie)e me1 89RI 8ou care 'or ot&er people:s 'eelings a lot more t&an you let on# I t&in%$ <97IT0 o# not at all3 <97IT0 +ell# !&ate)er$ <97IT0 +&at a*out you1 Aren:t you going out to loo% 'or &im1 89RI I tol" you alrea"y$ I:m ,ust going 'or a !al%$ En" =on)ersation !it& <u"it&5 <97IT0 -e>1 7o you t&in% I:m actually concerne" a*out you>1 I !on"er !&ere =umore coul" &a)e !ent1 O& !ell> T&e smell o' t&e ocean> So re'res&ing$ I !on"er !&at t&is is> 8O9 / -A I:m not sleepy$ ot sleepy at all$ I:m an a"ult no!$ O8a!nO >/etting sleepy>

=stelle stands at the railing looking out over the ocean. ESTELLE >I:m ,ust incorrigi*le> +&ene)er somet&ing or someone catc&es my eye# I 'orget all a*out e)eryt&ing else> I really lose sig&t o' e)eryt&ing I !as planning on "oing *e'ore&an"$ 89RI 8ep# t&at:s a*out rig&t$ ESTELLE I came to my senses a'ter <u"it& tol" me$ 9ntil no!# I:)e *een "ragging t&e rest o' you aroun" !it& me li%e t&ere:s no tomorro!> 89RI 0ey# it coul" *e !orse$ I' you !ere empress# one !or" 'rom you an" t&e entire empire !oul" run o'' to "o your *i""ing3 ESTELLE 8ea&# &mmm> I %in" o' 'eel li%e coming !it& you !as t&e rig&t c&oice$ 89RI O& yea&1 ESTELLE I:)e *een a*le to see all sorts o' ne! t&ings$ I still "on:t %no! !&et&er I:m going to ta%e t&e imperial t&rone# *ut> T&ere are still so many t&ings le't to learn a*out in t&is !orl"$ 89RI An" P&aero&:s one o' t&ose t&ings1 ESTELLE >It scares me to t&in% a*out it# *ut> I &a)e to %no! !&o I am$ I &a)e to %no! !&at &e meant *y saying I !as t&e Ainsipi" poison o' t&e !orl"$B 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI It soun"s li%e you:)e ma"e up your min"$ (turns aroun" to 'ace 8uri) 8uri1 0mm1 I mig&t en" up trying to or"er you guys aroun" again$ e;t time I "o t&at# yell at me# !oul" you1 0e&# sure$ It:s not t&e sort o' personality trait t&at:s easy to 'i; *y yoursel'$

T&oug& t&ere:s anot&er guy !&o:s also a toug& nut to crac%# so I t&in% !e:ll let &im *e t&e one !e )ent our 'rustration on$ ESTELLE +ell# I:m going *ac% to t&e inn$ I:ll see you$ (8uri no"s# t&en Estelle no"s) AR-ORE7 -A T&ere:s not&ing 6uite li%e *eing lulle" to sleep *y t&e !&ispering o' t&e !a)es$ It:s one o' t&e true ,oys o' tra)el$ SAILOR T&at *eat up ol" s&ip:ll gi)e ya a scare# an" t&en you:)e got t&e mer-men ta !orry a*out$ T&ey:ll come at ya in great num*ers# an" pull any*o"y t&ey can "o!n to a !atery gra)e$ I' you:re plannin: ta ri"e t&e rollin: !a)es# I:" !arn ya ta %eep a goo" loo%out 'or 'unny-loo%in: *oats an" t&e mer-men# *ot&$ /aven stands at the end of pier watching the waves. 89RI A!!!# I can:t *elie)e !e &a)e to tra)el !it& you$ RAVE (!in%ing) +&at# you ain:t &appy1 89RI +ell# I:m not e;actly ,umping 'or ,oy$ RAVE 8ou:re too glum$ Lig&ten up3 7i"n:t I stan" toget&er !it& you in t&e 'ace o' e)il1 89RI T&at !as only *ecause you &a" to$ I still &a)en:t 'orgotten !&at you "i" at or 0ar*or$ RAVE 8ou still remem*er t&at1 Some people ,ust "on:t %no! !&en to gi)e up> 89RI I:m not a*out to ma%e a list o' all your o''enses$ Saying t&at I:" rat&er not &a)e your company on our trip is alrea"y more t&an enoug&$ RAVE (&an"s *e&in" &ea") 7on:t !orry# "on:t !orry$ I:ll *e on my *est *e&a)ior3 I *e&a)e" mysel' at .ei) -oc# an" at /&as'arost# "i"n:t I1 89RI 8ea&# t&at sure !oul" *e nice$ RAVE +&at s&oul" !orry you more is !&et&er or not t&ese ol: *ones !ill *e a*le to %eep up !it& you young:uns 'or muc& longer$ 89RI 8ou plan on stic%ing !it& us until Estelle goes *ac% to t&e castle1 RAVE (stro%ing &is c&in) T&e 7on or"ere" me to %eep an eye on t&e girl$ I ain:t got muc& c&oice in t&e matter$ 89RI Soun"s li%e a toug& ,o*$ RAVE I !on"er i' I coul" &an" &er o)er to t&e Imperial .nig&ts some!&ere> 89RI I can see it in your eyes# ol" man>you:re t&in%ing *a" t&oug&ts again$ RAVE (ta%en a*ac%) a&# not at all3 89RI +ell# it:s really too *a" t&at you:re going to *e tra)eling !it& us# *ut mig&t as !ell ma%e t&e *est o' it$ RAVE +&a""aya mean Areally too *a"1B 0mm# !ell# !&ate)er$ Any!ay# Ra)en t&e /reat is going *ac% to t&e inn$ Later# *oy$ LI ER -ER=0A T -an# Our 'erry# t&e Stratos is in t&e s&op rig&t no! getting: a tune up# ya %no!1 0ate to tell you t&is# man# *ut !e:re not launc&ing any *oats rig&t no!$ +elcome to t&e !orl" class Trino Ferry# man$ Let us

%no! i' you nee" a ri"e# o%ay1 Torim +are&ouse5 8O9 / -A T&is is t&e Fortune:s -ar%et !are&ouse$ T&e Presi"ent too% some items out recently# so I:m loo%ing 'or someone to &elp reorgani?e$ +&at "o you say1 T&e Presi"ent ,ust too% out a *ig s&ipment o' items s&e sai" !ere &ea"e" 'or or"opolica$ I:)e got to get t&is place cleane" up# *ut I "on:t !ant to "o it alone$ T&in% you mig&t !ant to len" a &an"1

Insi"e t&e Lig&t&ouse .eeper:s 0ouse5 OL7 -A 8ears ago Ai'rea" !as t&e c&ie' o' t&e Pirate:s /uil"# t&e ASiren:s FangsB$ An" no! my 'ool o' a gran"c&il" !ants to re'orm t&e /uil"31 It:s goo" to &a)e gran" "reams# *ut !&y# o& !&y t&e Pirate:s /uil"1 8O9 / /IRL Ai'rea" "ie" protecting &is 'rien"s an" cre!> A&&&# &e:s truly a man amongst men> Outsi"e Fortune:s -ar%et (Torim)5 8O9 / LA78 T&is is t&e &ea" o''ice o' Fortune:s -ar%et$ Presi"ent .au'man is not in at t&e moment$ I mentione" to t&e Presi"ent t&at I t&oug&t &er 'irst name# -ary# !as cute$ S&e cut my pay in &al'$ Fortune:s -ar%et (Torim)5 -ER=0A T 0ello an" !elcome$ +e:re &ere to meet your nee"s e)en at nig&t$ +e appreciate your *usiness$ /ita is in the room on the left, sitting on the edge of the bed. RITA 7o you really plan on &elping Estelle 'in" t&at P&aero&>!&ate)er1 89RI 8ea&# I guess so$ RITA 7i"n:t t&at t&ing say t&at Estelle !as an insipi" poison or somet&ing1 89RI 8ea&# I &ear"$ RITA A'ter somet&ing li%e t&at# I guess you can:t ,ust tell &er to 'orget a*out t&e !&ole t&ing$ (ut it !on:t &elp &er i' s&e uses t&at as an e;cuse not to "eal !it& t&e issue o' t&e succession to t&e t&rone$ 89RI 8ea&# I:m !orrie" t&at mig&t &appen$ RITA (gets up) +&-!&at are you tal%ing a*out1 T&at:s !&at IS &appening3 89RI 8ea&# may*e$ RITA (ut>3 (6ui)ering !it& rage) 89RI 8ou:re saying I s&oul" ta%e &er *ac% to t&e castle1 RITA 8es$ T&at:s e;actly !&at I:m saying$ 89RI It !as &er "ecision$ +e &a)e to let &er 'igure out !&at s&e s&oul" really "o$ RITA 8ou reali?e it mig&t come to *lo!s !it& t&is P&aero& guy# rig&t1

S&e !on:t get to 'igure out anyt&ing at all i' s&e "ies3 89RI S&e:s not going to "ie$ T&at:s !&y I:m going !it& &er$ RITA (sits *ac% on t&e *e") Arg&# &a)e it your !ay# t&en3 En" =on)ersation !it& Rita RITA Arg&# &a)e it your !ay t&en3 +n the morning, they gather in the lobby. 89RI Rea"y to go1 ESTELLE +&at s&oul" !e "o a*out Rita1 <97IT0 T&at one &as &er o!n matters to atten" to$ 89RI T&at soun"s a*out rig&t$ A door behind them opens. RITA:S VOI=E So# 'irst to t&e &ar*or an" t&en 'in" a *oat1 .AROL (sitting in a c&air) 0u&1 8ou mean> 89RI Are you coming too1 RITA 8ea&$ RAVE +asn:t t&ere somet&ing you &a" to go "o1 ESTELLE 8ou !ere going to in)estigate t&e aer %rene# !eren:t you1 RITA It turns out t&e one at .ei) -oc t&e =omman"ant as%e" me to loo% into &as alrea"y *een researc&e"$ I &a"n:t really ma"e up my min" a*out !&ic& route to ta%e to researc& t&e ot&ers$ <97IT0 So you:ll *e using us to &elp !it& your in)estigations1 RITA +ell# t&ere:s no guarantee I !on:t run into trou*le li%e *ac% at 0elior"$ Any!ay it:ll *e sa'er 'or me t&is !ay t&an going along$ 89RI ESTELLE RITA RAVE RITA RAVE 89RI I FOR-ATIO ice to see your glo!ing personality &asn:t c&ange"$ T&is means !e:ll *e a*le to tra)el toget&er again$ I:m so &appy$ (*lus&ing) 8ea&# I>um$ 8ou %no!# it:s no *ig "eal$ A-any!ay# !e !ere going to t&e &ar*or# rig&t1 A&# ta *e young again# I tell ya$ 8ou got somet&ing you !ant to say13 +&oa3 7o!n girl3 To t&e &ar*or t&en$ Reunite" itc& e)eryone$

Outsi"e Inn APollu; TB5 LITTLE (O8 Rain is 're6uent &ere# *ut con)ersely it 'alls &ar"ly at all in 7esier$ It:s so &ot in 7esier an" yet it "oesn:t rain$ It must *e )ery "i''icult$ ,n their way to the docks, they run into a familiar face near the steps east of the 9ortune"s 1arket %0. ESTELLE O&# Io"er> IO7ER O&> It:s you all$ +e meet again$ 89RI So !&at:s a successor to t&e imperial t&rone "oing in a place li%e t&is1 +oder is accompanied by a stressed member of the council. IO7ER I:)e *een !or%ing !it& t&e 7on to o''icially seal our treaty o' 'rien"s&ip$ ESTELLE Is it going !ell1

IO7ER RAVE IO7ER RAVE <97IT0 IO7ER 89RI IO7ER ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE IO7ER RITA IO7ER

RAVE 89RI .AROL 89RI RITA IO7ER RAVE IO7ER =O9 =IL -E-(ER IO7ER ESTELLE

+ell>I !is& I coul" say it !ere going *etter$ I can imagine$ T&at 0eracles monstrosity %in"a ma"e t&e 9nion really not li%e t&e empire$ 8es# an" no!# prominent mem*ers o' t&e empire are )oicing t&eir "ou*ts regar"ing t&e 'rien"s&ip treaty$ T&e con"itions t&e 7on ga)e t&e empire !ere 'or a treaty o' e6uality# a'ter all$ An" t&ey are certainly not on e6ual 'ooting !it& somet&ing li%e t&at$ 8es> 0a" I %no!n a*out 0eracles *e'ore&an" I coul" &a)e stoppe" t&em# *ut> (&an" on &ip# in"ignant) 8ou "i"n:t %no! a*out t&at t&ing1 8ou:re in line to *e emperor3 I %no!$ (ut I &a)e no aut&ority o)er t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ T&e Imperial .nig&ts act on or"ers 'rom t&e emperor alone$ t&ey "o not report to anyone else$ +ell t&en# it:s easy$ <ust *ecome emperor$ (pressing &er claspe" &an"s closer to &er *o"y an" tuc%ing &er c&in a little) >8ou mean> (ecoming emperor isn:t as simple as t&at$ +&y not1 To ascen" to t&e t&rone# one must possess t&e imperial treasure# 7ein omos$ (ut 7ein omos !ent missing aroun" t&e time o' t&e /reat +ar# ten years ago> 0mm# so t&at:s t&e real story !&y !e still "on:t &a)e an emperor> (ru**ing &is c&in# t&in%ing) >An" t&at:s !&y Ragou !ante" to get &is &an"s on 7ein omos> +&at !as t&at# 8uri1 Forget it$ It:s not&ing$ Any!ay# is it really o%ay 'or an imperial can"i"ate to *e !an"ering t&e streets li%e t&is1 I !as ,ust on my !ay to 0elior"$ A&# t&at is closer to 7a&ngrest t&an t&is place is$ egotiations !oul" pro*a*ly go smoot&er t&ere$ I *elie)e so# too$ -aster Io"er# !e s&oul" *e o''$ I' you:ll please e;cuse me> (Io"er an" t&e =ouncil -em*er lea)e) > (sig&)

,n the harbor, a commotion catches their eye. A couple of guildsmen run by and up the stairs. They are followed by .aufman and her assistant who give up the chase and stand within eyesight of the party. R9 I / -A CD I !oul"n:t "o t&at e)en i' I &a" nine li)es3 R9 I / -A CE Against t&at many13 8ou:)e got to *e cra?y3 89RI +&at:s going on1 .A9F-A 0alt3 I' you !on:t "o t&e !or% I:)e pai" you 'or# t&en I !ant my money *ac%3 (turns to assistant) A"" t&e In"igo (easts to t&e *lac%liste" guil"s3 ASSISTA T 8es# -a"am Presi"ent$ .aufman leaves. ESTELLE Isn:t t&at t&e !oman !e met at 7ei"on 0ol"1

89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL RAVE 89RI .AROL .AROL SAILOR

8ea&# t&at:s &er all rig&t> +&-!&y "o you guys %no! &er1 +e ,ust met &er once a !&ile *ac%$ S&e a 'rien" o' yours1 I !oul"n:t say I %no! &er$ S&e:s t&e presi"ent o' Fortune:s -ar%et# one o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s$ (!in%ing# c&uc%ling) In ot&er !or"s# s&e:s one o' t&e top "ogs o' t&e 9nion$ 0ump&> 0ey# I ,ust got an i"ea>3 +&at:s up# .arol1 -ay*e s&e coul" get a *oat 'or us to ta%e across to 7esier$

+&o:s t&at running o'' yon"er1 7i" &e ,ust see a merman1 T&e sea *e 'ull:o terri'ying creatures> (ut t&is is t&e attraction o: t&e mig&ty sea$ OL7 +O-A o real man is a co!ar"3 +&o !ere t&ose losers ,ust no!1 T&ey !ere running o'' crying3 A guy t&at can laug& in t&e 'ace o' "anger3 o! t&at:s t&e %in" o' man I li%e3 +&at1 +ell# I:m still on t&e mar%et3 SAILOR o!# e)eryone can sleep in peace *ecause t&e /attuso !&o &aunte" 0alure an" =apua or &as *een "estroye"3 (&eart) I &ope someone !ill "estroy t&ose mermen t&at rose up 'rom t&e sea3 I can:t ta%e it3 T&e soun" o' t&ose mermen ma%e me so an;ious3 +on:t some*o"y "estroy t&em3 >0u&1 8ou nee" somet&ing1 Fuit loo%ing at me li%e t&at# you per)ert3 They find .aufman standing on a pier. .A9F-A +ell# i' it isn:t -r$ 8uri Lo!ell$ 8ou:)e come at ,ust t&e rig&t time$ 89RI 0u&# I guess t&ose !ante" posters really "o !or%$ .A9F-A Listen# I:)e got a ,o* t&at !oul" *e ,ust per'ect 'or you$ 89RI 0ar" la*or# &u&1 .A9F-A I li%e a man !&o can cut to t&e c&ase$ As you may &a)e &ear"# sc&ools o' mermen o'ten attac% cargo s&ips at t&is time o' year$ .AROL 0u&1 (ut I t&oug&t t&ere !as anot&er guil" t&at al!ays ser)e" as your escort> .A9F-A It seems t&e lea"er o' t&e mercenary guil" I &ire passe" a!ay su""enly# so t&ey aren:t a)aila*le$ T&e ot&er guar"ian guil" simply &as no *ac%*one$ I "on:t %no! !&at to "o$ .AROL +&at !as t&e name o' t&at guar"ian guil" you mentione"1 .A9F-A T&e (loo" Alliance$ RITA /ee# I !on"er !&at coul" &a)e &appene" to t&em$ (loo%s at 8uri) 89RI 8ou:re all as guilty as I am> )uri turns his back on .aufman 89RI 0ate to "isappoint you# *ut !e:re in t&e mi""le o'

somet&ing rig&t no!# so>see you aroun"$ +ait# 8uri3 +&at a*out t&e *oat1 0m1 7i" you say A*oatB1 +e:)e ma"e a guil" o' our o!n$ +e:re calle" (ra)e Vesperia3 T&at:s a !on"er'ul name$ +ell t&en# s&all !e tal% *usiness1 -utual gain is one o' t&e *asics o' all *usiness# you %no!$ 8ou scratc& my *ac%# I:ll scratc& yours$ 89RI Sorry# *ut li%e I sai"# !e:re in t&e mi""le o' a ,o*$ +e can:t ta%e on anyt&ing else rig&t no!$ .A9F-A +e !on:t call it *usiness# t&en$ Let:s ,ust say !e:ll cooperate as to! guil"s &elping eac& ot&er out$ T&at !ay !e !on:t *e going against any guil" principles$ T&ere are )arious>incenti)es 'or getting along !it& me# you %no!$ .AROL 9m# !ell> 89RI All rig&t# !e can tal%# *ut !e nee" to go to or"opolica$ +e can:t a''or" any "etours$ .A9F-A Fine !it& me$ T&e mermen are only a pro*lem in t&e !aters near &ere$ As long as I get to anot&er port# I:m goo"$ Once !e arri)e# I !on:t &a)e any trou*le ma%ing arrangements !it& anot&er s&ip$ .AROL +o!# s&e means *usiness>literally$ .A9F-A So# "o !e &a)e a "eal1 RITA I &a)e a sin%ing 'eeling !e ,ust got tric%e" into somet&ing$ RAVE (ru**ing &is c&in) Fortune:s -ar%et isn:t %no!n as t&e *est group o' salesmen un"er t&e sun 'or not&in:$ <97IT0 T&is isn:t so *a"$ o! !e &a)e a !ay to cross o)er to 7esier$ .A9F-A I:ll e)en t&ro! in a *onus 'or all o' you$ .AROL (onus1 +&at "o you mean1 .A9F-A I' !e arri)e sa'ely in or"opolica# I:ll gi)e you t&e *oat !e use to get t&ere$ .AROL R-really13 <97IT0 T&e *oat loo%s pretty *eat up# *ut it:s still a goo" "eal$ .A9F-A Rig&t1 89RI So t&ese mermen must *e pretty toug& customers i' you:re !illing to part !it& a *oat$ .A9F-A I:ll lea)e t&at to your imagination$ )uri and .arol e change looks. 89RI I 'igure" as muc&$ .A9F-A -ar)elous3 +e &a)e a contract t&en$ o! t&at !e:)e settle" t&e "etails# I:" li%e you to get to !or% rig&t a!ay$ <ust let me %no! !&en you:)e ma"e your preparations$ S+IT LetB* Eat A)ready4 S+IT A0ain?7 S+IT Today1 6e*terday1 The 5ay Be3ore That .AROL .A9F-A 89RI .AROL .A9F-A They set sail with .aufman on the boat she promised them. Accompanied by a sailor, she gives them an introductory speech.

.A9F-A

TO.9 A/A .A9F-A ESTELLE .A9F-A 89RI .A9F-A

TO.9 A/A

T&is is t&e Fiertia$ S&e:ll *e your s&ip as soon as you:)e escorte" &er to or"opolica$ An" t&is man is To%unaga o' /ull:s Song# a maritime guil" a''iliate" !it& Fortune:s -ar%et$ To%unaga is an e;pert in piloting t&e Fiertia$ I:m To%unaga$ Very nice to meet you$ +e:re not in a &urry# *ut t&ese are important negotiations# so !e really appreciate your &elp$ +&at is t&e s&ip:s cargo1 t&at is con'i"ential in'ormation$ It:s not&ing !e s&oul" *e !orrie" a*out# is it1 Rela;$ +e:)e got it co)ere"$ All rig&t# &ea" to!ar"s or"opolica$ /o "irectly sout&!est 'rom Torim 0ar*or an" you:ll see t&e 7esier continent$ or"opolica is at t&e eastern e"ge$ I &ope you !on:t min" i' I go o)er t&e Fiertia:s controls 'or you$ 8ou can only "isem*ar% 'rom t&e s&ip !&ere you see a "oc%# a port# or a *eac&$ 8ou !on:t *e a*le to get onto lan" !&ere t&ere are cli''s$ O' course# t&e s&ip can:t pass o)er roc%s# *ut you:ll also &a)e to %eep &er out o' t&e s&allo!s aroun" islan"s$ 8ou mig&t *e a*le to ta%e &er into some ri)ers# i' t&ey:re "eep enoug&$ 0o!e)er# i' t&ere:s a *ri"ge spanning t&e ri)er# you !on:t *e a*le to ta%e &er un"er$ +e !oul"n:t !ant to clip o'' our mast3 T&ere are ot&er places you can "isem*ar% 'rom$ (e!are t&at t&ere are monsters on ot&er continents muc& stronger t&an you can &an"le rig&t no!$

I"2.RMATI." Contro))in0 the 2iertia LS Move RS Contro) ,a9era Pu*h RS Rotate ,a9era toward* north . 8-P": J K 8USA: Per3or9 a,tion 8Enter1 (oard1 )and1 et,;: SQUARE To00)e navi0ation 9a% TRIA"<LE Brin0 u% Main Menu R' Turn ,a9era ,)o,kwi*e L' Turn ,a9era ,ounter ,)o,kwi*e RE 2orward LE Ba,kward Start Pau*e Se)e,t Start Skit An" t&at:s a*out it$ S+IT Thi* I* Soooooo Bad

They set sail for the 2esier continent. ESTELLE RITA RAVE It:ll *e nice i' !e "on:t run into t&e mermen# !on:t it1 0mp&# t&at:s pretty !is&'ul t&in%ing$ 8ou:re 6uite t&e pessimist 'or your age# girlie$

RITA .A9F-A

I:m ,ust a realist$ Any!ay# t&an%s 'or your &elp$ It loo%s li%e !e:re going to ma%e it t&ere on time$ ASSISTA T 8ea&# Le)iat&an:s =la! !as going to *eat us t&ere i' !e &a"n:t 'oun" an escort 'or t&e s&ip$ 89RI Le)iat&an:s =la!# &u&1 T&at:s a name I seem to *e &earing a lot lately$ .A9F-A O&1 T&ey:re t&e guil" t&at speciali?ing in sales o' &oplon *lastia$ RITA O&# t&at e;plains t&e situation in 0elior"> .A9F-A Lately t&ey:)e *een trying to steal our clients 'rom us$ .A9F-A I' !e !eren:t a*le to cross t&e sea# t&ey !oul":)e s!ipe" up anot&er one o' our ma,or customers$ ASSISTA T Still# I can:t &elp *ut !on"er !&ere t&ose slime*alls are getting t&eir pro"uct 'rom$ .A9F-A In"ee"$ 0oplon *lastia isn:t e;actly t&e easiest t&ing in t&e !orl" to get one:s &an"s on$ RITA (eyes close"# t&in%ing)>8ou "on:t t&in%>t&e empire is *e&in" t&is>1 (opens eyes) o# t&at coul"n:t *e>it:s mages t&at are super)ising t&e *lastia "istri*ution> There"s a loud boom. .aufman and her assistant don"t seem to be startled by the noise. .A9F-A A&# rig&t on time$ TO.9 A/A E)eryone# *e care'ul3 1onsters called Bredafish &ump on the boat. (*attle) .A9F-A 8ou:re true to your reputation$ I !as rig&t to *ring you along$ RAVE (!earily &ol"ing 'ore&ea") I tell ya# (ra)e Vesperia "oesn:t &a)e any s&ame in !or%ing an ol" man "o!n to t&e *one3 E)en !&ile I:m loo%ing 'or apat&eia an" "oing all sorts o' ot&er t&ings> 89RI Apat&eia1 Isn:t t&at !&at you !ere loo%ing 'or *ac% in or 0ar*or1 RAVE T&at:s rig&t$ RITA T&at:s not&ing *ut a 'airy tale$ I researc&e" it a !&ile *ac%# *ut e)entually I reali?e" t&at t&ere:s simply no !ay it can t&eoretically e;ist$ RAVE I:m !ell a!are people t&in% it:s a 'airy tale$ ESTELLE +&y are you loo%ing 'or it1 RAVE +ell> (ecause t&e 7on tol" me to$ .A9F-A +ell t&en# !e:)e got some *usiness to tal% a*out$ I:ll lea)e t&e na)igation to you# To%unaga$ TO.9 A/A Actually# -a"am Presi"ent# !oul" you min" i' I &an"e" o)er t&e na)igation to t&em 'or a !&ile1 .A9F-A A&# o' course$ +e:)e ma"e muc& *etter time t&an I t&oug&t$ +e coul" e)en a''or" to ma%e a si"e trip or t!o$ .aufman and her assistant leave. <97IT0 +it& a s&ip# !e can go practically any!&ere !e !ant$ .AROL Estelle# I %no! you !ant to loo% 'or P&aero&> (ut "on:t you t&in% !e &a)e more important t&ings to "o 'or t&e moment1

ESTELLE RITA 89RI

7o you t&in%>1 I:ll "o !&at I !ant$ 7on:t !orry a*out me$ +e ,ust starte" our guil">!e s&oul" err on t&e sa'e si"e$ 7on:t you t&in%# .arol1 .AROL 8-yea&$ TO.9 A/A All rig&t t&en# I:ll lea)e t&e na)igation to you$ They are enveloped by fog out on the open sea. <97IT0 T&e 'og:s gotten a!'ully t&ic%$ .AROL 8ea&# it:s creeping me out> RAVE Fog li%e t&is:s usually a sign somet&in: *a":s a*out to &appen$ .AROL .n-%noc% it o''3 89RI Tal% li%e t&at long enoug& an" somet&ing *a" !ill &appen$ RITA 0ey3 Front3 I mean *o!3 <97IT0 0mm> +e:re going to &it t&em$ Their faces reflect their apprehension. They hit something. .AROL /yaa&3 ESTELLE Aaa&3 REPE7E +oo'3 RITA oo3 89RI +&oa3 RAVE 9aaag&3 There"s a loud boom, crack, and creaking of rope and wood. They discover they"ve hit a derelict boat. .A9F-A +&at is t&at>13 T&at:s an ol" s&ip$ I:)e ne)er seen t&at type *e'ore> <97IT0 I t&in% it says> T&e At&erum$ THE <H.ST SHIP ATHERUM ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The ship is huge and looks deserted. They are startled as boarding planks from the Atherum suddenly drop and hit the deck rail of the 9ierta. RITA (turning aroun") Aaa&3 .AROL T&at:s !eir"$ T&ere:s no sign o' people> ESTELLE It-it:s li%e>it:s calling to us$ RITA (to To%unaga sitting on t&e "ec%) -no !ay3 =ome on3 /et t&e Fiertia going3 TO.9 A/A T&e ceres *lastia:s not respon"ing3 The others turn abruptly and look at Tokunaga. RITA +&at "o you mean1 /ita runs over and peer at the blastia. RITA +&at t&e &ell is !rong !it& it1 89RI 8ou t&in%>t&is t&ing:s t&e pro*lem1 RAVE Ooo&# may*e it:s a curse" g&ost s&ip$ ESTELLE 8-you "on:t really t&in% so# "o you1 <97IT0 +&y "on:t !e go ta%e a loo%1 It:ll *e 'un$ I lo)e t&is sort o' t&ing$ RITA (turning to stare at <u"it&) +&at13 89RI +ell# !e "on:t %no! !&at:s !rong !it& t&e *lastia$ +e:)e gotta go ta%e a loo%$ .A9F-A Are you planning on ,ust lea)ing t&e Fiertia li%e t&is1 89RI All rig&t# !&y "on:t 'our o' us go in)estigate !&ile t&e rest stay &ere an" %eep !atc&1

<97IT0 89RI REPE7E 89RI RITA RAVE 89RI <97IT0 En" time (8es) ( o) RAVE En" time (8es) ( o) RITA En" time (8es) ( o) ESTELLE En" time (8es) ( o)

T&at s&oul" *e 'ine$ O%ay$ So Repe"e an" I:ll go$ +oo'3 >An" !&o:s t&e t&ir" person1 I:m not going$ o !ay3 (crosses &er arms an" turns a!ay) 8uri# !&y "on:t you "eci"e1 /otc&a$ I:" li%e to go$ 7o you min"1 O&$ +oul" you li%e me to s!itc& in1 Oo# so e;citing3 I see>too *a"$ 8-you !ant Ra)en t&e /reat to come along1 +&at1 8ou:re telling me to go !it& ya1 P&e!>I can &ar"ly %eep up !it& you %i"s$ /oo"# great# t&at:s &un%y-"ory !it& me3 I &a)e to 'i; t&e ceres *lastia3 =an:t you see t&at I:m 'i;ing t&e ceres *lastia13 I-I:m not scare" or anyt&ing3 >All rig&t# I:ll go !it& you3 I'# i' anyt&ing &appens# yell lou" so t&at !e can &ear3 --me>1 I-i' you:re tire"# I:ll ta%e your place$ I:ll "o my *est> (e care'ul# o%ay1

.AROL I-I:m not so goo" !it& t&-t&is sort o' t&ing> En" time O&# !&at> 8-you !ant to s!itc&>1 (8es) T&is isn:t somet&ing guil"s are suppose" to *e "oing> ( o) R-really1 8ou "on:t min"1 (I c&ose Estelle an" <u"it&) ASSISTA T .A9F-A (lea)e) TO.9 A/A 89RI 7on:t %eep t&e Presi"ent !aiting &ere 'or too long3 +&at1 8ou !ant me to gi)e you supplies 'or 'ree1 8ou:re %i""ing3 8ou:re going to &a)e to pay up$ 0ey t&ere# &ot stu''$ Let me %no! i' you 'in" anyt&ing t&at !oul" *e goo" to sell$ All o' you# *e care'ul$ +e:ll set o'' a smo%e signal as soon as t&e ceres *lastia is 'i;e"$ T&an%s3

S+IT 2un on the <ho*t Shi% 8E*te))e1 -udith: S+IT Ste% Ba,k4 8+aro)1 Raven: They e plore the surface of the ship, then go down steps into the hull. The north wall in every room in the hull is mirrored. S+IT The .ther Side o3 the Mirror 8Auto9ati,: -ean!&ile# on t&e Fiertia5 .AROL (recoiling) Loo% at t&at>3 (somet&ing ma%es a lou" *oom on t&e /&ost S&ip$) RITA +atc& out>3 (A) ((ac% on t&e /&ost S&ip) The falling mast triggers a metal gate that crashes down from the

hull"s ceiling with a loud bang., blocking a passage. A cloud of dust fills the room. ESTELLE Aaa&3 89RI It:s no goo"$ It !on:t open$ ESTELLE It loo%s li%e> +e &a)e no c&oice *ut to %eep mo)ing> <97IT0 All rig&t# let:s %eep mo)ing# t&en$ T&ere:s no use stic%ing aroun" &ere$ 89RI 8ep$ Let:s go$ I !on"er i' e)eryone !e le't *e&in" is o%ay>1 RAVE .AROL 89RI RAVE 89RI On t&e Fiertia5 .A9F-A +&oooaaa>33 +aaa&&33 It:s no goo"$ It !on:t open$ O0u''O T&is is !&y I "i"n:t !anna come3 >I guess !e ,ust gotta %eep mo)in:$ 8ep$ Let:s go$ I !on"er i' e)eryone !e le't *e&in" is o%ay>1

O& my>+&at &appene"1 I can:t *elie)e t&e mast !oul" su""enly collapse li%e t&at> (t&e &uge mast is *ro%en# t&e top portion tippe" onto t&e "ec%$) TO.9 A/A Are you all o%ay1 .AROL +e:re 'ine# *ut> I &ope 8uri an" t&e ot&ers are o%ay> <97IT0 8ea&# it seems li%e I:m un&arme"$ I !on"er &o! t&e %i"s t&at !ent o'' to in)estigate are "oing1 .A9F-A I:" *e surprise" i' t&ey came out o' an impact li%e t&at !it&out a 'e! scratc&es$ RAVE >T&ose trou*lesome %i"s$ 8ou min" i' I go an" ma%e sure t&ey:re still ali)e1 ESTELLE I-I:m !orrie" a*out e)eryone$ 9mm# !oul" it *e all rig&t i' !e !ent an" c&ec%e" on t&em1 .A9F-A o!# &ol" on ,ust a secon"$ +&o:ll protect t&e s&ip !&ile you:re gone1 .AROL I:m sorry# *ut *y oursel)es !e !oul"n:t *e muc& &elp in protecting t&e s&ip# any!ay$ <97IT0 I &a)e to loo% a'ter Estelle$ 7on:t !orry$ T&e mermen !ere !ipe" out# a'ter all$ RAVE 0ey# I ain:t in t&e guil"# any!ay3 I "on:t &a)e to loo% a'ter your s&ip i' I "on:t !anna3 ESTELLE I:m sorry3 (ut I can:t stan" not %no!ing !&at &appene" to my 'rien"s> .A9F-A 8es> I suppose !e "on:t &a)e a c&oice> TO.9 A/A E)eryone# *e care'ul$ After the others leave the 9iertia to board the ghost ship, .aufman"s crew feel uneasy. TO.9 A/A It sure is creepy !it& ,ust us &ere> .A9F-A Ee%# "on:t say t&ings li%e t&at3 Tal% a*out somet&ing more 'un3 TO.9 A/A > (ac% on t&e /&ost S&ip5 S+IT IB)) Save The9 S+IT E*te))e Ta)k* to Her*e)3

=stelle tries to open the door to the hull. ESTELLE 0u&1 >> >It !on:t open> I !on"er i' it !as "estroye" *y t&e impact ,ust no!$ T&ere must *e anot&er !ay some!&ere> I FOR-ATIO T&e "oor is tig&tly s&ut$ It "oesn:t loo% li%e it !ill open$ =stelle, Hudith and /ita climb the ladder to the crow"s nest and then climb down the broken portion of the mast to finally hop onto a giant spear protruding from the side of the hull to try to get to their friends. RITA O&# !o!> 8ou:re o%ay3 89RI 0ey &ey# you "eci"e" to come along 'or t&e ri"e# too1 .AROL Let:s get out o' &er 6uic%ly: The door behind them, closes and locks. RITA 8-you gotta *e %i""ing me3 ESTELLE T&is s&ip:s e)il spirits are surely at t&e *ottom o' t&e s&ip# plotting to ma%e us one o' t&em> RITA 7-"on:t ma%e up stories li%e t&at3 RAVE -no !ay t&at:s p-possi*le$ 89RI +e:ll ,ust &a)e to loo% 'or anot&er !ay out$ <97IT0 Rig&t on$ Let:s go3 I FOR-ATIO S+IT S+IT Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ A Terri3ied Litt)e <ir) Better To0ether

They enter a room with a giant wall mirror in an ornate frame. The lantern are lit with eerie blue flames. .AROL (recoiling) L-loo%>3 A skeleton of a pirate captain bent over a small chest sits at a desk. %is arms lay on the desk top protectively around the chest with his cheekbone resting on the chest"s lid. $ehind him is a book on a pedestal. )uri walk over to the book and reads aloud for the others to hear 89RI 8ear E3E o' Asule# D3t& "ay o' (luerre1 ESTELLE T&e Asule perio" an" t&e mont& o' (luerre are 'rom a time *e'ore t&e empire$ RITA So o)er D#PPP years ago> .AROL T&at long1 ESTELLE A"ri't 'i)e an" 'orty "ays$ Foo" an" !ater use" up$ -en succum*ing to t&irst an" star)ation$ I cannot gi)e in# t&oug&$ I must see t&e clear ciel crystal sa'ely to 8ormgen> T&is crystal &ol"s t&e po!er to *anis& t&e monsters# an" !it& it t&e to!n may yet *e sa)e"$ I &a)e store" t&e clear ciel crystal in my re" c&est# a gi't 'rom my "ear 8ue'an It !on:t *e muc& longer until I am in &er arms again$ An" t&en !e !ill all *e sa)e"$ >(ut &e !asn:t a*le to return to &is to!n$ 0e passe" a!ay &ere> RITA =ome on Estelle# it !as more t&an a t&ousan" years ago$ .AROL I:)e ne)er &ear" o' a to!n calle" 8ormgen> RITA I' t&is recor" is really t&at ol"# t&ere:s no guarantee t&e to!n e)en e;ists anymore$

89RI RITA RAVE <97IT0 89RI

8ea&# I guess t&at:s true$ >+&at a*out t&at clear ciel crystal1 I:)e ne)er &ear" o' it$ T&e po!er to *anis& monsters$ 0u&$ I !on"er i' it:s somet&ing similar to a *arrier$ 7o you t&in% it mig&t *e &ere some!&ere1

They notice the small chest under the skeleton"s head. 89RI 0m1 =oul" t&is *e it1 <97IT0 0e is clutc&ing somet&ing$ It must &a)e *een )ery important to &im$ .AROL 8ou t&in% it:s t&e clear ciel crystal1 89RI +ell it matc&es up !it& !&at !as !ritten in t&at "iary$ RITA 0ey ol" man# you go get it>3 RAVE 9m# no t&an% you$ +&at is it !it& %i"s to"ay# al!ays *lurting t&ings out li%e t&at1 /aven and /ita hear a crunch. /ita offers /aven the chest with the captains gloved hand and forearm still clutching the chest. <97IT0 0ere you go$ RAVE +aaa&3 (0e gets o)er &is 'rig&t an" reac&es 'or t&e c&est in <u"it&:s &an"s) /aven holds the chest and Hudith removes the skeletal hand. RAVE <u"it& "arlin:# you:)e got ner)es o' steel$ <97IT0 (inspecting t&e &an") 7o you t&in% it mig&t *e curse"1 RAVE 0ey# t&is t&ing:s stuc%> (trying to open t&e li"B 1eanwhile, .arol see"s a monster in the mirror. %e turns from the mirror and sees nothing in the room. -hen he turns back to the mirror he sees more monsters. .AROL (pointing at t&e mirror) --m-m-monst> The monsters surround .arol. RAVE 0u&1 >Aaaaa&3 (t&ro!s &is arm up protecti)ely) <97IT0 It appears to &a)e t&e opposite e''ect$ .AROL +&at are you tal%ing a*out13 <97IT0 It:s "ra!ing t&e monsters to us$ ESTELLE 0ere t&ey come3 The monsters van#uished, they look at only their reflections in the mirror. RAVE <ee?# poor Ra)en:s getting: too ol" 'or t&is$ <97IT0 S&oul" !e gi)e it *ac% to &im1 .AROL I t&in% t&at:s !&at &e !ants3 ESTELLE I>I !ant to "eli)er t&e clear ciel crystal to 8ormgen 'or &im$ RITA 8ou !&at13 ESTELLE +oul" it *e possi*le to a"" t&at to t&e ,o*s *eing "one *y t&e guil"1 .AROL +e can:t# Estelle$ As a rule# tiny guil"s li%e ours "on:t ta%e on a ne! ,o*> >until t&ey complete t&e one t&ey:re !or%ing on$ RAVE =ompletin: eac& ,o* to t&e letter is t&e !ay ne! guil"s &a)e ta *uil" t&eir reputation$ <97IT0 0m1 Is t&e guil" going to *e sent running &ere an" t&ere *y anot&er one o' t&is girl:s !&ims1 RITA 0ey3 8ou "on:t &a)e to tal% to &er li%e t&at# you %no!3 RITA Rita# !ait>

<u"it&# I am sorry$ (ut I !ant to &elp &im "eli)er t&is>to t&e one !&o !as !aiting 'or &im$ 89RI I "on:t t&in% anyone !aits 'or a t&ousan" years$ ESTELLE > RITA I:ll 'in" t&em$ ESTELLE Rita> RITA 8ou all &a)e your &an"s 'ull loo%ing 'or P&aero& an" escorting Estelle# rig&t1 I:m 'ree to "o !&at I li%e$ .AROL +ell# I:ll come along too# t&en3 89RI I "on:t min" going eit&er$ RITA 0-&ol" it# you guys &a)e your ,o*s to ta%e care o'3 89RI 8ou %no! you:re going to en" up stic%ing !it& us any!ay$ So I "on:t see any pro*lem !it& us &elping you out a little on t&e si"e$ ESTELLE (*o!ing) T&an% you3 RAVE A&# &o! I en)y t&e )igor o' yout&$ >0u&1 <97IT0 otice somet&ing1 RAVE It loo%s li%e t&ere:s smo%e outsi"e$ A fireball arcs over the ship"s hull. 89RI T&at mig&t *e To%unaga:s smo%e signal$ I !on"er i' t&e ceres *lastia:s !or%ing again$ .AROL Let:s get *ac% an" c&ec% it out$ RITA =ome to mention it# !e !on:t *e a*le to get *ac% t&e !ay !e came$ <97IT0 +e:ll ,ust &a)e to see i' !e can 'in" a *etter !ay out$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Re" (o;$ S+IT The Bo/ They try the door to the left. .AROL 0u&1 +asn:t t&is loc%e" earlier1 89RI I guess !e can go *ac% t&oug& &ere$ RAVE >0mm# t&e curse !as *ro%en# &u&1 RITA 7on:t *e ri"iculous3 o!# let:s go3 RAVE 8es# ma:am$ They emerge on the upper deck on the right side of the ship. .arol looks over the edge onto the deck below. .AROL I' !e coul" ,ust ,ump "o!n 'rom t&ere !e:" reac& t&e s&ip in no time> <97IT0 8es$ (&ol"ing a rope la""er) RITA +&-!&ere "i" you get t&at1 <97IT0 I t&oug&t somet&ing li%e t&is mig&t &appen# so I *roug&t t&is 'orm insi"e t&e s&ip3 RITA >I t&in% I:m gonna gag$ .AROL All rig&t# let:s go *ac% to t&e s&ip> >+a&&&&3 (teeters on t&e e"ge# almost 'alling o'') RITA /oo" /rie'> RITA I' t&e ceres *lastia:s *een 'i;e"# t&at means !e can say sayonara to t&is &ell&ole3 They return to the door that previously had shut on them. I FOR-ATIO It "oesn:t seem to open>T&ere is somet&ing t&at "oesn:t 'eel rig&t a*out t&is "oor$ (ac% on *oar" t&e Fiertia5

TO.9 A/A 89RI .A9F-A

E)eryone3 T&e ceres *lastia is running again3 So it seems$ O' all t&e> +&y "o I al!ays get suc%e" into t&ese messes1 I' it !as any*o"y ot&er t&an me# you guys !oul":)e *een le't *e&in"$ 89RI Sorry a*out t&at$ +e:ll ne)er "o it again# promise$ .A9F-A OSig&O <97IT0 I !on"er !&at cause" t&e ceres *lastia to *rea% "o!n1 TO.9 A/A +&o %no!s1 It ,ust came *ac% to li'e su""enly> RAVE 8a really t&in% t&ere:s a curse t&en1 ESTELLE Per&aps t&e =aptain !ante" to pass t&e clear ciel crystal on to someone# an" reac&e" out to us$ RITA o !ay3 7ea" people can:t !ant to "o anyt&ing> 89RI 7oors get stuc%# t&e ceres *lastia stops !or%ing> Soun"s li%e a curse to me$ RITA I sai" it can:t &appen# so it ,ust can:t3 +n frustration, /ita smacks .arol"s head and he crouches on the deck holding his head. .AROL +&at:re you &itting me 'or>1 TO.9 A/A I:m ,ust gla" t&at no one !as &urt$ 89RI +ell# t&e *oss &ere:s seen *etter "ays$ RITA 0ey# are !e going to or"opolica or not1 Let:s get t&is t&ing out o' &ere$ .A9F-A Rig&t$ I:m loo%ing 'or!ar" to 'inally getting t&ere as !ell$ I FOR-ATIO Rita earne" t&e AAnti- onsenseB title$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 5o0 Ma% & Part '# They return to Capua Torim for supplies 89RI +&at:s t&e matter# Repe"e1 REPE7E +oo'3 There is another dog on the peir. STRA /E 7O/ +ooo3 89RI >T&at:s your >'ormer nemesis3 .AROL Say again1 ESTELLE T&at:s t&e "og 8uri !as tal%ing a*out# !&o use" to rule o)er all o' t&e "ogs an" cats in t&e capital> 89RI 8ea&# it:s t&e Little +ol'$ /epede approached ;ittle -olf. REPE7E (It:s *een a !&ile# Ol" -an$) LITTLE +OLF (7on:t t&in% I:)e 'orgotten &o! you "ro)e me out o' t&e capital li%e a common stray$) REPE7E (+e settle" e)eryt&ing 'air an" s6uare in *attle$ 8ou &a)e no rig&t to &ol" a gru"ge$) LITTLE +OLF (8ou &a" to go an" ta%e pity on me>) (+&y "i"n:t you ,ust %ill me !&en you &a" t&e c&ance1) REPE7E (I &a)en:t sun% so lo! as to raise a pa! against a "e'eate" loser$) LITTLE +OLF (-e# a loser1 8ou 'ilt&y mutt$ I:)e still ne)er lost to you in person$) REPE7E (So you !ant a 'ig&t mano a mano1) LITTLE +OLF (8ou catc& on 6uic%$) HRepe"e somersaults in t&e air an" lan"s rea"y to 'ig&t$I ( o# a p&ysical con'rontation !oul"n:t *e a 'air

'ig&t$) (It &as to *e a mar%ing *attle$) REPE7E (+&at "o you mean1) LITTLE +OLF (It:s a *attle to see !&ic& o' us can mar% more places t&at !e go as our o!n territory$) (A *attle spanning t&e !&ole glo*e3) =stelle gets an idea. REPE7E (0mmm# soun" pretty interesting>) (8ou sure you:ll *e a*le to %eep up1) LITTLE +OLF (T&at:s my line$ Sit aroun" on your &aunc&es an" I:m gonna lea)e you in t&e "ust$) ;ittle -olf stalks off. 89RI 0mp&# Repe"e:ll catc& up !it& &im in no time$ Ra)en 8ea&# I &ope so$ .AROL >0o! long are t&ey going to *e "oing it1 89RI 0u&1 O&# Repe"e# you:re 'inis&e"$ REPE7E +oo'3 =stelle re&oins them. 89RI +&ere:" you go o'' to# Estelle1 ESTELLE 0ere you go# .arol$ .AROL +&-!&at:s t&is>1 ESTELLE 8ou can use t&is to ma%e notes o' all o' t&e places !&ere Repe"e:s mar%e" &is territory$ .AROL 0u&1 8-you !ant me to "o it>1 89RI T&is sort o' t&ing is !&at =aptain .arol "oes *est3 REPE7E +oo'3 89RI +e:re counting on you3 I FOR-ATIO O*taine" -ar%ing -ap$ I FOR-ATIO Repe"e earne" t&e AFate" OneB title$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------They sail southwest, +t"s nighttime when they reach their destination. <97IT0 So t&ere:s or"opolica$ .AROL 8ep# ot&er!ise %no!n as t&e =oliseum =ity$ ESTELLE Once popular among t&e no*ility as place 'or pitting criminals against eac& ot&er in *rutal contest> > or"opolica is current run *y t&e guil" Palestralle# an" &as *ecome a city o' entertainment$ .AROL 8ea&# Palestralle:s ,ust as *ig a guil" as t&e 7on:s Altos%# an"> They watch as 9ireworks boom and light the night sky and the 9iertia and her crew as well. <97IT0 -y# &o! pretty$ RAVE So# a party in t&e streets e)ery"ay# &u&1 T&is is gonna *e great3 /aves closes one eye and strokes his chin. 89RI Since !&en are you on )acation1 RAVE O& yea&# rig&t> A minion:s !or% is ne)er "one$ (&ea" "roops into &is &an"Z .AROL 8ou:re t&e 7on:s messenger# so "on:t *e ru"e to (elius3 RAVE 8oung man# you are loo%ing at a )erita*le paragon o' manners an" goo" *ree"ing$ ya &a& &a& &a&$ .A9F-A +e:)e arri)e" sa'ely# t&an%s to you all$ Once I:)e unloa"e" my cargo# t&e Fiertia *elongs to you# as promise"$ .AROL T&an%s3 +e:ll ta%e goo" care o' &er$

89RI <97IT0 .AROL 89RI

So are t&e San"s o' .ogor& still a long !ay 'rom &ere1 T&ey lie 'ar to t&e !est o' or"opolica$ Aren:t t&ere some *ig mountains on t&e !ay t&ere1 T&at:" ma%e going *y 'oot a pro*lem$ +on"er i' !e coul" get t&ere *y *oat$ <97IT0 I "on:t t&in% t&at:s possi*le$ ot many people go to t&e "esert$ I "ou*t t&ere !oul" *e a place to moor a *oat$ RITA Are you seriously going t&roug& !it& t&is1 I tol" you# t&e "esert is really "angerous$ I can:t ,ust let you go to a place li%e t&at all *y your> I-I mean>3 /ita props her arm on the railing of the boat and rest her forehead on her hand. TO.9 A/A 7ropping anc&or$ THE C.LISEUM CIT6 ".R5.P.LICA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They are stand on a pier. .A9F-A /oo" !or%$ T&an%s$ .AROL o# no$ T&an% you3 8ou:re a &uge &elp$ 89RI Rig&t# mutual *ac%-scratc&ing an" all t&at$ A man wearing a khaki uniform stands a few feet behind .aufman. -A O&# ---a"am P-Presi"ent$ It:s an &onor t-to &a)e you &ere$ .A9F-A E;ca)ating more ruins1 I:m al!ays impresse" t&at t&e guil" *oss &imsel' super)ises t&e e;ca)ations$ -A T&-t&e e;ca)ation o' r-ruins is !&-!&at I I-li)e 'or$ RITA +&o:s t&at>1 RAVE T&at:s Regaey# t&e &ea"s o' Ruins: /ate$ RITA Ruins: /ate1 T&at soun"s 'amiliar> RAVE T&ey:re t&e guil" t&at:s &elping t&e imperial mages e;ca)ate ruins$ RITA O&# t&at:s !&y I:)e &ear o' t&em$ RE/AE8 +-!ell# I &a)e '-'rien"s !&o are e;pecting me# so i' you:ll e;cuse m-me> /egaey leaves. ESTELLE 0e seems li%e a nice person$ RITA 0ey# you !ere tal%ing earlier a*out a guil" t&at:s selling &oplon *lastia$ 89RI 8ou mean Le)iat&an:s =la!1 RITA 7o you t&in% t&ey mig&t *e getting t&eir *lastia un"er t&e ta*le 'rom t&ose ruin guys1 .A9F-A Ruin:s /ate is completely innocent$ 89RI 0o! can you *e so sure1 RAVE T&ey:re upstan"ing# serious# "iligent> T&at:s !&at t&ey:re %no!n 'or$ RITA > .A9F-A +ell# I:m o''$ Ta%e goo" care o' t&e Fiertia$ Say &i to To%unaga 'or me# too$ 89RI Sure$ .A9F-A /oo" luc%# (ra)e Vesperia3 .AROL T&an%s3 RITA -ages selling *lastia on t&e *lac% mar%et1 T&at is so not goo"$

ESTELLE RITA RAVE <97IT0 RAVE .AROL 89RI RAVE .AROL RAVE ESTELLE .AROL S+IT 0ar*or5 +O-A

Rita$ 0u&1 O&# yea&$ +ell# I got some !or% to "o# mysel'$ O& yea&# your letter$ It:s 'or (elius# rig&t1 8ep$ 0ey# !&y "on:t !e all go1 /oo" i"ea$ S&e pro*a*ly %no!s somet&ing a*out P&aero&$ +e:ll ,ust tag along !it& you an" say &i to (elius$ I "on:t %no! i' t&at:s suc& a goo" i"ea> M=ourse# I:)e only &ear" rumors# *ut>&mmm> +&at1 Is somet&ing !rong1 0u&1 a&# it:s not&ing> +&ere can !e 'in" (elius1 T&e =oliseum# pro*a*ly# since (elius is t&e "uce o' Palestralle$ Be)iu* T&is is my 'irst time )isiting t&e coliseum$ I t&in% t&e e;citement o' it all o)er!&elme" me a *it> T&e nig&t *ree?e 'rom t&e ocean 'eels mar)elous$ It calme" me rig&t "o!n$ H&eartI P&e!$ I can still 'eel my &eart poun"ing> 0ere# gi)e me your &an" an" I:ll s&o! you$ O& stop$ T&ere:s no reason to get all ner)ous ,ust *ecause it:s nig&ttime$ H&eartI OSig&>O ot&ing li%e a 6uiet nig&t to soot&e t&e !earie" soul> +ant some tips1 E;cuse me i' I:m not o)erly e;cite"$ 8ou:re my only customers so 'ar$ -y pre"ictions ,ust "on:t seem to &it t&e mar%# lately> 8o3 Are you guys &ere to get a glimpse o' some spectacular *attling action1 Tournament tic%ets are ma"e o' platinum# so t&ey:re pretty &ar" to get a &ol" o'$ 0u&1 8ou "on:t mean you:re entering t&e tournament# "o you1 8ou !on:t e)en ma%e it t&roug& t&e 'irst roun" !it& an itsy-*itsy *o"y li%e t&at$ =ri))ens# ":ye come ta eat *atangi too1 (atangi1 T&at:s a type o' 'is&# rig&t1 Is it any goo">1 It useta *e as *a" as a *rine-soa%e" *oot3 8e coul"na ate it i' ye trie"$ (ut no# it:s rat&er tasty3 >> (!al%s a!ay !&ile t&e ot&ers tal% to t&e *espectacle" man) 8a say t&e 'is& useta taste *a"# an" no! it:s goo"1 Aye# it !as a !ee# gamey 'is&ie# !it: nae meat oug&tlins$ (ut it got all nice an: 'at all o: t&e su""en$ It ma%es a rig&t *ra! meal no!3 T&is coul" *e cause" *y a local aer im*alance# as !ell$ I !on"er i' t&ere:s an aer %rene at t&e *ottom o' t&e ocean> ><u"y> ot again>

-A

(L8I / 7O+ )

-erc&ants5 -A

-A (/LASSES) .AROL -A (/LASSES)

<97IT0 RAVE -A (/LASSES) RITA

89RI

VOI=E It:s terri*le3 0urry3 Two men run through. ,ne stops to speak with the man wearing glasses. -A (/LASSES) E&1 +&at:s all t&is &u**u* a*oot1 -A (R9 I /) I "on:t %no! any "etails> Simply t&at a *lastia &as *een "estroye"$ -A (/LASSES) +&o:" "o a t&ing li%e t&at1 -A o one sa! t&eir 'ace# *ut apparently it !as someone !iel"ing a spear$ They both run in the same direction as the other man. RITA A spear>3 It:s t&at "ragon 'rea%3 /ita runs after them. ESTELLE O&# Rita>3 .AROL Rita:s al!ays running o'' to one place or anot&er3 Isn:t t&at rig&t# <u"y> <u"y1 89RI I t&in% <u"y:s )ery muc& t&e same !ay# to *e &onest$ <97IT0 E&1 I "on:t t&in% t&at:s true$ (<u"it& arri)es 'rom t&e same "irection as t&e running men) .AROL +&ere !ere you1 <97IT0 A )ery nice gentleman in)ite" me out to tea$ RAVE +&at1 Inconcei)a*le3 /ita returns. 89RI +e "on:t nee" your commentary# ol" man$ <97IT0 It seems li%e t&ere:s some commotion going on$ 7i" somet&ing &appen1 .AROL A *lastia !as "estroye"3 (y t&e same "ragon ri"er as last time# too$ <97IT0 O&$ 0o! 'rig&tening3 89RI 8ea&> I:ll *et you:re scare" sti''> RITA It !as torn to pieces> 7amn it3 I s!ear# I:m going to ma%e a permanent imprint o' my 'ist into t&at "ragon 'rea%:s 'ace>3 8O9 / -A T&e coliseum ,ust loo%s &uge 'rom &ere# &u&1 I mean# t&ere are some 'ol%s t&at li)e t&ere# so I guess t&at:s to *e e;pecte"$ 8ou:)e gotta !on"er i' anyone !&o:" c&oose to li)e in a coliseum is playing !it& a 'ull "ec% o' car"s# t&oug&$ 0o! coul" you e)er get any peace an" 6uiet !it& people yelling an" screaming "ay in an" "ay out1 +O-A 0ello an" goo" e)ening$ Is t&is your 'irst )isit to or"opolica:s coliseum1 To reac& t&e coliseum please continue to t&e nort& an" go up t&e stair!ay# o%ay1 H&eartI I' you !is& to lea)e to!n# ,ust 'ollo! t&e pat& to t&e le't an" you:ll reac& t&e e;it$ o one !oul" really e)er c&oose to go outsi"e t&oug&# !oul" t&ey1 S+IT $hat Are $e Here 2or7 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# E*te))eB* Tea,her & Part E# 8in,o9%)ete : 2rake stands on the stairway to the coliseum. ESTELLE -aster3 7RA.E A&# Princess# it:s *een a !&ile$ Are you in goo" &ealt&1

ESTELLE 7RA.E ESTELLE

8es$ -aster# you loo% 6uite !ell# yoursel'$ It seems you:)e tra)ele" to a great many places since last !e met$ 8es3 I:)e seen an" &ear" so many t&ings>it:s *een an ama?ing e;perience$

{missed dialogue.pic' up on ne/t playthrough0 RITA .AROL +&at a sel'-rig&teous ol" gee?er$ I "i"n:t notice t&at attitu"e t&e last time !e met &im$ Is &e al!ays li%e t&at1 ESTELLE 8es# -aster 7ra%e &as al!ays *een )ery>strict$ I:m pretty use" to it# t&oug&> >(ut really# &e mig&t ,ust *e t&e reason t&at I:m tra)eling !it& you$ I mean# I !ant to pro)e mysel' to &im> <97IT0 T&at:s ,ust a guess# rig&t1 ESTELLE I:m sorry# actually> 89RI o# it:s 'ine i' you:re ,ust guessing$ It:s true t&at you !ant to pro)e yoursel' to &im# rig&t1 ESTELLE 8es$ RITA All rig&t# t&en you s&oul" set &im asi"e an" gi)e &im a piece o' your min" some"ay3 ESTELLE O%ay$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------9urther on up the stairs, an ,ld woman kneels on th ground. She is frantic. OL7 +O-A o one !ill *elie)e me# *ut I sa! it# I "i"$ I sa! t&at monster !it& my o!n eyes# plain as "ay$ 8es# it !as on a nig&t li%e tonig&t !it& a 'oul !in" *lo!ing$ I too% a !rong turn# 6uite *y acci"ent$ An" in t&at instant I sa! itQ a &uman *eing turning into some %in" o' *east> OS&i)er>O At the top of the stairs, they pass between a row of crackling torches. A .rityan -oman waits in front of the metal arch marking the beginning of the grand entrance to the Coliseum. .RIT8A +O-A I came to 7esier to e;plore t&e lan"s to t&e !est o' &ere an" searc& 'or my &eritage as a .rityan$ (ut t&e roa" t&roug& t&e mountains is out# an" I !as "enie" passage$ I' only I coul" con6uer t&at mountain roa" some&o!# t&e !ay 'or!ar" a'ter t&at s&oul" *e 'lat an" 'airly easygoing$ At least accor"ing to my map$ $eyond the arch, there are more fiery torches flanking a headless statue. I FOR-ATIO It:s t&e statue o' ee%e o' Samontra%e$ It !as *uilt as t&e A/o""ess o' VictoryB 'or t&e arena$ =oliseum5 .RIT8A +O-A T&is to!n is a treasure tro)e o' in'ormation$ +e &a)e its long an" storie" &istory to t&an% 'or t&at$ T&e more I stu"y# t&e more t&e mac&inations o' t&is

!orl" gro! clear to me$ T&e empire claims a &istory o' roug&ly eig&t centuries# *ut t&is to!n 'ar e;cee"s t&at# &a)ing *een 'oun"e" some 3EPP years ago$ An" to t&in% t&at it all *egan !it& t&e stone sla*s o' t&e original coliseum$ Inn AFomal&autB5 I .EEPER Late nig&t )isitors# I see$ +elcome to or"opolica:s &otel 'acility$ T&e cost is SPP /al" per nig&t$ +ill you *e staying !it& us1

Fortune:s -ar%et ( or"opolica)5 FE-ALE -ER=0A T +elcome to you$ T&is s&op is "irectly a''iliate" !it& Fortune:s -ar%et$ +&et&er you:re on a long ,ourney# or ,ust a trip to t&e coliseum# !e &a)e t&e items to satis'y all your s&opping nee"s3 Outsi"e Fortune:s -ar%et ( or"opolica)5 OL7 +O-A T&is is t&e !orl":s one an" only coliseum$ T&ere:s plenty o' 'ol%s !&o come 'rom 'ar an" !i"e ,ust to catc& a glimpse o' it$ 8ou loo% li%e you:)e come pretty long !ay yoursel)es$ M=ourse any*o"y coul" tell t&at# seein: as you:re loo%in: a *it on t&e scru''y si"e$ T&e coliseum is massi)e enoug& to not only &ol" a cro!" o' spectators# *ut an entire resi"ential "istrict as !ell$ As you can see# !e &a)e a mar%et# an" inn>t&e coliseum is really one giant city$ Tournament Entrance5 -A (O9TSI7E) I:m a mem*er o' Palestralle# t&e guil" t&at go)erns t&is city$ I:m on patrol tonig&t# as usual$ I' I spot anyone actin: 'is&y# I sentence t&em to a s!i't *utt %ic%ing$ There are three women behind desk lined up in front of a flight of stairs. +O-A CD T&is is t&e registration "es% 'or a ne! style o' tournament$ +e as% 'or your patience as !e 'inis& t&e necessary preparations$ I:m terri*ly sorry# *ut you:ll &a)e to !ait a !&ile longer# yet$ +e !ill ma%e an announcement once all preparations &a)e *een complete"$ +O-A CE 8ou !ant to 'ig&t in t&e tournament1 7i" you t&in% you can 'ig&t in t&e mi""le o' t&e nig&t1 I !or% at t&e application counter$ At nig&t# I:m a singer3 +O-A C3 T&is is t&e counter 'or single applicants$ Applications are not *eing accepte" at t&is time$ Applications !ill *e accepte" tomorro! at \ a$m$ Please rest 'or tonig&t an" come again tomorro!$

9p t&e stairs5 There are two guarded doors at the top of the stairs. /uar" (si"e "oor) Lor" (elius: pri)ate room is a&ea"$ I cannot allo! you to go any 'urt&er$ .AROL (ut !e:)e come to see (elius$ /9AR7 +&at1 +&o are you1 .AROL +e:re a guil" -- (ra)e Vesperia3 /9AR7 >I &a)en:t &ear" o' you$ 7o you &a)e an appointment !it& t&e 7uce1 .AROL 0u&1 An appointment1 /9AR7 9n'ortunately# my lor" only meets !it& in"i)i"uals !&o &a)e appointments$ RAVE 0o! a*out a messenger 'rom 7on +&ite&orse1 /9AR7 T&e 7on> O&# my apologies$ -y name is at?$ I am t&e acting representati)e 'or t&e 7uce$ I !ill gla"ly "eli)er any message you &a)e 'or t&e 7uce$ RAVE Sorry# *ut t&e 7on:s or"ers !ere to gi)e t&is letter "irectly to (elius$ AT4 Is t&at so> 9n'ortunately# (elius only recei)es guests on t&e nig&t o' a ne! moon$ I' you coul" per&aps come on t&e ne;t ne! moon> RITA T&e ne;t ne! moon>1 .AROL (turning to Rita) +&y only on t&e nig&t o' a ne! moon1 RITA I guess t&at:s ,ust &o! s&e "oes t&ings$ People can *e !eir" sometimes$ <97IT0 T&e moon ,ust turne" 'ull# so t&e ne! moon is still a !&ile a!ay$ RAVE So s&oul" !e come *ac%1 .AROL +e "on:t really &a)e a c&oice is s&e:s not &ere$ AT4 Sorry 'or t&e trou*le$ I:ll let &er %no! t&at a messenger 'rom t&e 7on stoppe" *y$ RAVE /reat$ T&an%s$ <97IT0 So# !&y "on:t !e see !&at !e can 'in" out a*out t&e "esert1 .AROL An" a*out P&aero&# too$ RITA I:" li%e to get some in'ormation a*out t&e aer %rene# mysel'$ ESTELLE +e s&oul"n:t &a)e trou*le getting in'ormation a*out all o' t&at in a city t&is *ig$ RAVE 8ou min" i' ol" Ra)en goes a&ea" to t&e inn1 I s&oul" sen" o'' a progress report to t&e 7on$ 89RI Sure$ /aven leaves. RITA All rig&t# let:s get going# too$ +>9,/1AT+,> /aven left the party. AT4 (elius only recei)es guests on t&e nig&t o' a ne! moon$ =ome *ac% at t&at time i' you &a)e *usiness !it& &er$ /9AR7 ( 7OOR) Only t&ose entere" in t&e contest are allo!e" to enter$ They leave the coliseum and head back to the inn. Tournament Entrance5 -A (O9TSI7E) +&at:s t&at1 Some .nig&ts are &ea"ing to t&e

coliseum1 Lur%ing li%e t&ie)es in t&e nig&t3 0i"ing &ere all along3 0u&1 It:s> It:s not a guy1 It:s a place1 Li%e a city1 So *ring Mem all on3 All o' us in Palestralle !ill rip e)ery last one o' Mem apart$ Fortune:s -ar%et Area5 OL7 +O-A +&y are t&ere .nig&ts in t&is to!n1 I' !e lea)e it as it is# t&e "iscipline !e !or%e" &ar" to *uil" in t&e coliseum !ill collapse3 +e protect t&is to!n oursel)es# no matter !&at3 +e:)e manage" alrig&t so 'ar !it&out t&e Empire:s &elp$ Inn Area5 .RIT8A +O-A T&e .nig&ts !ent rus&ing into t&e coliseum 'or some reason> It !oul" seem t&at somet&ing 6uite serious is &appening$ .orgo& lies ,ust *eyon" t&e +easan" o' =a"os$ (ut getting past t&at mountain is not as easy as it soun"s$ +elcome$ Staying t&e nig&t1 I t&in% a companion o' ours s&oul":)e alrea"y arri)e"$ 7i" a cynical ol"er man come in1 O&# &e:s a 'rien" o' yours1 8our rooms &a)e alrea"y *een pai" 'or# so please# ma%e yoursel)es at &ome$

I .EEPER 89RI I .EEPER

'+f you go down to the merchant"s area and try to use that e it, you"ll get the following dialogue: )*/+ + think Bops is waiting back at the inn.( (=&oose Rest) )uri find =stelle standing on the -arf. The rose light of the barrier matches the rhythm of the waves lapping against the sides of the boat. 89RI Are you missing t&e castle1 ESTELLE (s&a%ing &er &ea") o# I ,ust>I t&oug&t I:" come out 'or some 'res& air$ I ,ust can:t s&a%e t&ose !or"s P&aero& sai" to me$ 89RI O& yea&# !&at !as it again1 ESTELLE T&e insipi" poison o' t&is !orl" must *e purge"> 89RI T&e !orl":s poison$ 0m> 8ea&# !ell t&e !orl" is 'ull o' pessimists# t&at:s 'or sure$ For !&at it:s !ort&# you "on:t loo% li%e poison to me$ ESTELLE +as t&at your attempt to c&eer me up1 89RI 0ey# I:m ,ust trying to *e straig&t !it& you$ ESTELLE 0e& &e&$ I guess I "o 'eel a little *etter$ 0ey> (loo%ing aroun") 8uri# loo% at t&at$ 89RI 0mm1 Above the wharf, high in the sky shines a star. ESTELLE T&at:s (ra)e Vesperia$ 89RI T&e *rig&test star in t&e nig&t s%y> ESTELLE T&ere:s an ol" story a*out t&at star5 In t&e "ays o' ol"# a great cataclysm occurre" t&at

plunge" t&e !orl" into ruin$ =ountless li)es !ere lost as t&e people struggle" to stan" against t&e oncoming "isaster Its energies all *ut spent# &umanity:s &ope seeme" lost !&en a pair o' si*lings appeare"$ T&is *ro an" sis toget&er 'oug&t t&e calamity# an" sa)e" t&e !orl" 'rom anni&ilation$ T&e sister t&ey calle" =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ A'ter t&e struggle# s&e remaine" !it& t&e eart&$ 0er *rot&er t&ey calle" (ra)e Vesperia# an" &e ascen"e" to t&e s%ies to !atc& o)er t&e !orl"$ T&e en"$ 89RI +o!# so you !ent an" ga)e our guil" a name !it& a lot o' *aggage$ ESTELLE o! t&at you %no! t&e story# you s&oul" stri)e to ma%e your guil" s&ine as *rig&t as t&e star$ 89RI 8ea&>'chuckling( +e:ll &a)e to tell .arol a*out t&is$ +e:ll "e'initely &a)e to li)e up to t&e name$ %e looks at =stelle for a long moment, then turns around facing away from her. 89RI I:m gonna &ea" *ac%$ 8ou s&oul"# too# or Rita:s gonna start !orrying a*out you$ ESTELLE O%ay$ )uri walks away. e;t morning5 I FOR-ATIO .RIT8A +O-A Ra)en ,oine" t&e party$ T&is city is a treasure c&est 'ull o' %no!le"ge# as *e'itting a place o' suc& &istory$ T&e more I learn a*out t&is city:s &istory# t&e more I 'eel I un"erstan" &o! t&e !orl" really !or%s$ T&e Empire:s &istory goes *ac% some eig&t &un"re" years$ T&is city is e)en ol"er>some t!el)e &un"re" years ol"# in 'act$ It *egins at a time !&en t&is !as ,ust a primiti)e stone "ueling groun"s$ I came &ere to )isit my 'rien"# a'ter &e mo)e" into t&e resi"ential "istrict$ (ut t&ey !on:t let me insi"e> A'ter coming all t&is !ay I !as "ea" set on seeing t&e tournament# *ut it:s sol" out> S&ees&# !ay to %ic% a guy !&en &e:s "o!n$ +&at t&e &ec% am I gonna "o i' my luc% gets any !orse t&an t&is1 T&is is t&e one an" only coliseum in t&e entire !orl"$ People come 'rom 'ar an" !i"e ,ust to see it$ 8ou 'ol% aren:t 'rom aroun" &ere eit&er# are you1 Anyone coul" tell loo%ing at your mismatc&e" out'its$ T&e coliseum is massi)e enoug& to not only &ol" a cro!" o' spectators# *ut an entire resi"ential "istrict as !ell$ As you can see# !e &a)e a mar%et# an inn>t&e coliseum is really one giant city$ I get to li)e in t&is to!n# you %no!$ ot *a"# &u&1 Pretty nice# &u&1 8ou ,ealous1 I:m gonna get *ig an" strong li%e .ratos an" *e a coliseum &ero mysel' some "ay$

8O9 / -A

OL7 +O-A

LITTLE (O8

8ou guys !oul"n:t e)en &a)e a c&ance against &im$ 0e:s t&e strongest man in t&e !orl"$ A man is set up in the space beside 9ortune"s market. -A I:m an in'ormer !&o can al!ays "eli)er t&e latest in'ormation3 Rig&t no! t&e &ottest topic is t&e un"e'eate" c&ampion3 =la" in some real &ig&-class armor# an" !it& a!esome s!or"smans&ip3 I can:t see t&is c&ampion *eing %noc%e" o'' &is pe"estal3 An" I tell you !&at# t&is is gonna put t&e tipster out o' *usiness 'or a !&ile too3 TOOL -ER=0A T Finally# I &a)e t&e 'ull set o' tools a)aila*le$ e;t t&ing:s to open my s&op early i' t&e goo"s &a)e arri)e"$ 7on:t rus&3 7on:t rus&3 Ta%e a *rea% until opening time> They enter the double doors leading to the registration tables. At the top of the stairs behind the row of desks, a noble man runs his hands through his hair over and over again while another punches the air with his fists. 2uke is there, too, talking to $elius" guard, >at!. I:m sorry# *ut t&e 7uce is not currently recei)ing )isitors$ Please come *ac% later$ 2uke turns to leave, but )uri stands on the stairs a few feet below him. 89RI 0ey# !e %eep *umping into eac& ot&er$ -ust *e 'ate$ 79.E >T&ere is no suc& t&ing$ 89RI -ay*e not$ +&at *rings you to a place li%e t&is1 79.E I &a)e come !it& ti"ings 'or t&e age-ol" master o' t&is city$ 89RI (elius1 Are you &ere on *usiness !it& a guil" or somet&ing>1 >Pro*a*ly not# rig&t1 79.E It is not&ing so )ulgar as t&at> 89RI Vulgar>1 'chuckling( All rig&t# so !&at %in" o' no*le erran" are you on1 79.E I nee" not ans!er t&at$ 2uke descends the stairs, passing )uri. 89RI 7on:t tell me you:re out to sa)e t&e !orl" or somet&ing$ 79.E >>>$$ 89RI -an# !&at:s !it& t&at guy1 O(LE -A I:m not scare"> I:m not scare"$ I can "o it> I can "o it$ I-I ga)e up my li'e in 4ap&ias to *e &ere$ A 'e! monsters a-aren:t going to s-scare me> OL7ER /E TLE-A Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er must remain cool an" gallant# e)en !&en "oing *attle !it& monsters3 O' course# sometimes !e nee" to ma%e a "aring 'louris&# steal t&e &earts o' t&e cro!"# *e a star3 Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er "o"ge t&e monster:s attac%s !it& grace an" style3 +e cement t&e lo)ely lasses: lingering ga?es upon us# an" mig&t e)en get to ta%e one &ome !it& us3 AT4

/egistration is still not open. They leave the coliseum go down the long stairs. Several people mill about near the headless statue. LITTLE /IRL 0ey# mister$ +&y "oesn:t t&at statue &a)e a &ea"1 7i" someone play a pran% an" steal it1 Is it suppose" to *e a la"y1 S&e must &a)e *een really pretty# i' people !ante" to ma%e a statue out o' &er$ 0o! nice>I &ope t&ey ma%e a statue o' me some "ay# too$ A mercenary stands near one of the bridge supports, swinging his sword for practice. -ER=E AR8 O0u''O > O&u''O > O&u''O > +&at> OpantO >am I> OpantO >"oing1 +&e!>I:m t&in%ing a*out ta%ing part in a tournament# t&at:s !&at$ I:m in training# you see$ /ot to *uil" stamina$ O(LE -A T&is city is go)erne" *y t&e /uil" %no! as Palestralle# an" t&eir c&ie' is a !oman name" (elius$ 0ere in t&e city# t&ey call &er t&e A7uceB out o' respect$ T&is !orl" may *e a !i"e one# *ut t&e only /uil" go)erning an entire city is Palestralle$ 7a&ngrest is "i''erent>in actuality# it:s rule" *y t&e 7on an" &is 9nion$ A .ritya female stands on the wooden bridge. A male mercenary loiters nearby. .RIT8A +O-A I came to 7esier to searc& 'or t&e origin o' !e .ritya in t&e !est$ (ut t&e mountain pat& &as collapse"# an" I:)e &a" to 'orsa%e t&at goal> I' only I coul" get *eyon" t&e mountain pat&>t&e lan" *eyon" is 'lat an" !oul" *e comparati)ely easy going$ At least# t&at:s &o! it loo%s on t&e maps$ -ER=E AR8 8ou lot came to 'ig&t# "i"n:t you1 I can tell *y your eyes3 +&at a *unc& o' eager *ea)ers3 0o! I lo)e to see people li%e you get t&e stu''ing %ic%e" out o' t&em$ 0ey# no o''ense$ T&is may *e a spectator arena# *ut t&e monsters are monsters$ It:s not unusual 'or some pretty toug& customers to lea)e t&e coliseum *ruise" an" *ro%en$ 9urther on down, the ,ld woman is still upset. OL7 +O-A > 0o# *oy$ +oul" you listen to t&e ram*lings o' an ol" !oman1 o*o"y *elie)es me# *ut I sa! it>I sa! it clearly !it& my o!n t!o eyes$ +&at "i" I see# you as%1 A monster$ A monster3 I mista%enly steppe" into a pat&!ay# an" sa! t&e )ery moment it c&ange" s&ape 'rom &uman to *east> Os&i)erO > On t&e !&ar'5 VOI=E 8ou starte" all o' t&is3 Two armed men, one with a knife, the other with a scimitar, s#uabble on the wharf. /egeay looks on as does a fearful older woman near the crates. -A (S=I-ITAR) 0u&1 +&at are you tal%ing a*out3

RE/AE8

(-*ot& o' you# s-stop t&is nonsense3 --ma%ing a scene li%e t&is out in '-'ront o' e)eryone> -A (. IFE) -in" you o!n *usiness3 )uri diverts the man"s attention by slicing his sword between the man and /egaey. 89RI 8ou:" *etter put t&at a!ay *e'ore you &urt yoursel'$ -A (S=I-ITAR) (pointing t&e *la"e at 8uri) +&o t&e &ell are you3 Hudith runs forward with her trident and with several &abs persuades the man to turn his blade away from )uri. -A (S=I-ITAR) 0ey3 <97IT0 I' I:m !rong 'or "oing t&is# you:ll &a)e my apology later$ (ut I t&in% it:s you t!o !&o are in t&e !rong# &ere$ -A (. IFE) 7amn it> The two men part ways and leave. ESTELLE (to Regaey) Are you o%ay1 RE/AE8 O&# t&-t&an% you so m-muc&3 8ou !ere !-!it& --ma"am Presi"ent .-.au'man> .AROL +e:re t&e guil"# (ra)e Vesperia3 RITA =ome on# you:re li%e a !al%ing *ill*oar"3 <97IT0 0e& &e&# let &im &a)e &is 'un$ 89RI 8ou:re Regaey o' Ruins: /ate# rig&t1 8ou mig&t !ant to !or% out a little *e'ore you go trying to stop any more 'ig&ts$ RE/AE8 O&# yes$ I:m sorry$ T&-t&an%s> (get an i"ea) O&# umm# t&-t&ere:s a Flynn-'a)or I !ante" to as% o' you> .AROL Far *e it 'or us to ignore a re6uest 'rom Ruins: /ate3 89RI +ell# it "epen"s on !&at it is$ +&at "i" you !ant to as% us1 RE/AE8 P-per&aps !e coul" "iscuss t&is s-some!&ere else> =oul" you come to t&e coliseum1 +-!e coul" tal% a*out it t&ere$ (runs in t&e "irection o' t&e stairs) RAVE +&ate)er &e &as to say# &e "oesn:t !ant anyone else to o)er&ear> Soun"s pretty suspicious to me$ .AROL I' Ruins: /ate recogni?es us# it:ll &elp impro)e our reputation as a guil"> <97IT0 /et too gree"y !it& ,o*s an" you:ll en" up neglecting all o' t&em$ Our ,o* 'or t&e moment> 89RI >Is to loo% 'or P&aero& an" to escort Estelle$ .AROL 8ea&# you:re rig&t> I:ll try to *e more care'ul$ ESTELLE (ut coul"n:t !e at least &ear !&at &e &as to say 'irst# an" t&en "eci"e !&et&er or not to accept1 89RI 8ea&# may*e you:re rig&t> RITA I' &e as%s too muc&# !e:ll ,ust say no$ +e "on:t &a)e t&e time to *e getting !rappe" up in more cra?iness$ 89RI Let:s go an" stop *y t&e coliseum# t&en$ +e can at least &ear &im out$ A frightened woman kneels on a rug in front of the crates. +O-A -y$ o& my> +&y "o t&ey 'ig&t &ere o' all places1 I' you !ant to 'ig&t# get to t&e coliseum3 I' t&ey !ant to 'ig&t# t&ey s&oul" try *eating someone in t&e coliseum$ 0onestly# t&ese *loo"y-min"e" men are really a pain3 A young woman looks out over the railing.

8O9 / +O-A

T&at:s t&e =oliseum =ity 'or you3 I can see 'ig&ts e)ery "ay3 It:s !on"er'ul3 <ust !on"er'ul3 =an I see a *it more *loo">1 I lie"# I:m ,ust %i""ing3 A man and a woman listen to the tipster, standing on bo es while he gives his sales pitch. ITO.E =ome# come3 7on:t you !ant to &ear t&e unerring pre"ictions o' Ito%en# master tipster1 8ou pay attention to my tips# you !in *ig3 o "ou*t a*out it3 =oliseum mascot Ito%en !on:t let you "o!n3 <ust pay attention# you &ear1 In t&e ne;t *out# T&ea:s t&e one to !atc&$ OL7 -A T&is tipster &ere# Ito%en>&e once pic%e" a "ar% &orse t&at !on against &un"re" t&ousan"]to-one o""s$ I rec%one" I "i"n:t &a)e anyt&ing to lose# so I 'ollo!e" &is tip$ I ne)er imagine" it !oul" pay out so !ell$ T&at *et nette" me an almost unt&in%a*le amount o' /al"$ It !as li%e para"ise> 8et e)er since t&en# neit&er Ito%en nor I &a)e pic%e" any !inners$ o! all I &a)e le't to my name is "e*t> O(LE +O-A Su""enly a 'ig&t *ro%e out3 I !as so surprise"$ I:m sure it !as o)er somet&ing stupi"> AI li%e grille" meat3B A+ell I li%e 'rie" meat3 Ta%e t&at3B *a&> T&ey 'ig&t 'or any little reason> T&ey s&oul"n:t 'ig&t o)er suc& stupi" t&ings$ VE 7OR Fig&ting again1 7on:t t&ey e)er get tire" o' it1 Fig&ting is ,ust a part o' "aily li'e$ In t&is to!n# 'ig&ting is ,ust li%e saying A0iB$ Tourists ,ust can:t un"erstan" it3 )uri and party overhear gossip between a man and a woman. A little boy waits nearby. +O-A T&ey say t!o more people !ent missing last nig&t$ -A 8ou:" t&in% people !oul" %no! *etter# !it& t&at guil":s reputation 'or loan-s&ar%ing$ (ut I guess t&e tourists "on:t &a)e any i"ea !&at t&ey:re getting into$ +O-A Isn:t t&e guil" in ca&oots !it& t&e tipsters1 or"opolica regulars !oul"n:t 'all 'or a scam li%e t&at> -A +&ere "o t&ey ta%e t&e people !&o go missing1 +O-A +&o can say1 (ut on one e)er comes *ac%# t&at:s 'or sure$ I &ope no one "isappears tonig&t> LITTLE (O8 Let:s go# let:s go3 0ey# mister$ +anna catc& a 'e)er !it& me1 They head back to the Coliseum. e;t -orning5 /egaey waits in the registration hall. RE/AE8 A&&# you &a)e co-come$ --my t&an%s to you all$ o!# please come !it& me$ /egaey leads them to a dark area underneath the coliseum. 89RI Rela;$ o*o"y:s sai" !e:)e "eci"e" to ta%e t&e ,o*

yet$ T&at can !ait till you tell us !&at t&is is all a*out$ RE/AE8 A-all rig&t$ I !oul" li%e you to s-stop t&e man !&o is trying to t-ta%e o)er Palestralle$ .AROL Ta%e o)er>13 T&is city13 <97IT0 0m# t&e plot t&ic%ens$ RITA +&y are you so intereste" in stopping t&em# t&oug&1 It:s not your guil"# so !&y not ,ust let it *e1 RE/AE8 8-you see# !e &a)e *een commissione" *y Palestralle to in)estigate t& Rita-ruins at t&e coliseum$ .AROL 0u&$ 8ea&# come to t&in% o' it# t&is city:s suppose" to *e super ol"$ RE/AE8 I' s-someone else too% c-control# it !oul" *e "iscourteous to t&e Entele;eia$ .AROL Entele>!&at1 RE/AE8 A&# o& yes$ --my apologies$ >7-"o you not %no! o' t&em1 I &a)e &ear" t&at t&-t&ey are t&e ancient race !&o *uilt t&is to!n# an" a-allo! t&e guil"s to *-*e &ere$ 89RI An ancient race# &u&1 .AROL Li%e t&e .ritya1 Hudith self-consciously scratches her ear. RAVE O%ay# so t&en !&o:s t&is guy !&o:s tryin: ta roc% t&e *oat &ere1 RE/AE8 0-&e:s t&e c&ampion o' t&e coliseum$ RITA 0u&1 +&at are you tal%ing a*out1 RE/AE8 0-&e is a man !&o &as entere" t&e tournaments to tta%e on Palestralle "irectly$ 0is c-consecuti)e )ictories &a)e *roug&t &im closer to (-(elius$ T&is m-man is terri*ly "angerous$ I' &e is not s-soon eliminate"# I 'ear t&at (-(elius may *e> RAVE So as long as &e:s !innin:# Palestralle coul"n:t get ri" o' Mim e)en i' t&ey !ante" to$ 89RI So# long story s&ort# you !ant us to enter t&e tournament an" *eat &im# rig&t1 RE/AE8 8-yes$ P-please Flynn-'orgi)e my as%ing$ RITA <ee?# !&y "i"n:t you ,ust say so1 Are you sure t&is guy is really trying to ta%e o)er t&e coliseum1 RE/AE8 O' c-c-c-course# an" &e is *eing *-*-*-*ac%e" *y LLe)iat&an:s =la!3 L-L-L-Le)iat&an:s =la! plans to use t&e c-coliseum 'or income to "-"ominate t&e ot&er guil"s>3 89RI T&at soun"s li%e a plan someone li%e =umore mig&t come up !it&> .AROL o !ay> 89RI +e alrea"y %no! =umore an" Le)iat&an:s =la! are !or%ing toget&er$ 0mm# !on"er !&at:ll 'all out o' t&is tree i' !e s&a%e it a little> ESTELLE +&ate)er &appens# !e &a)e to stop Le)iat&an:s =la!3 Relations *et!een t&e empire an" t&e guil"s !ill only !orsen i' !e "on:t$ <97IT0 +&at a*out P&aero&1 t&ere:s no telling !&en you:ll *e a*le to meet &im i' !e get into t&is$ ESTELLE 9-um# *ut>

<97IT0 ESTELLE RE/AE8 <97IT0 ESTELLE <97IT0 .AROL RAVE .AROL

RITA 89RI <97IT0 89RI .AROL RE/AE8 89RI .AROL RE/AE8 Registration5 -I77LE 7ES. ( o) (8es) I FOR-ATIO

Estelle# !&at is it t&at you really !ant to "o1 +&at I really !ant to "o> I-I *eg your par"on# is t&is a "-"i''icult "ecision 'or you all1 T&ere isn:t anyt&ing "i''icult a*out it$ +&at "o you mean1 +e:re going to "o it# aren:t !e1 +e:)e listene" to t&e story no!# at any rate$ R-rig&t$ As a guil"# t&is mig&t not *e somet&ing !e can ,ust ignore> So t&en# !&o:ll *e entering t&e tournament1 +ell# !e can:t as% Estelle# Rita# or Ra)en to participate$ A'ter all# t&is is a ,o* (ra)e Vesperia !ill *e "oing 'or Ruins: /ate$ O%ay# so> o &ar" 'eelings# *ut I:" rat&er not &a)e to go up against <u"y$ 0m1 An" I !as ,ust getting rea"y to enter$ O& !ell# I suppose I can sit t&is one out$ T&e *oss &ere s&oul"n:t &a)e to trou*le &imsel' !it& t&is$ So it:s up to me t&en# rig&t1 9m# Rita-rig&t$ So>"-"o you mean you:ll ta%e t&e <u"it&-,o*1 Sure$ (eating t&e c&ampion !ill *e goo" 'or our guil":s reputation$ It:s not a *a" "eal 'or us at all$ 8ea&# you:re rig&t> I see# !-!ell please procee" to t&e Rita-registration area !&-!&en you:re rea"y$ +elcome to t&e Pallestralle o' or"icopo"ia$ +ill you *e participating in t&e tournament1 0a)e a nice "ay$ Please step insi"e$ Parte" !it& e)eryone$

or"opolica =oliseum Arena5 )uri listens to the cheers and shouts of the crowd as he climbs narrow stairs to walk out onto the floor of the arena. An announcer standing on a platform near the top of the arena shouts into a microphone. =ven so, his voice is muffled by the noise of the e cited crowd. A O9 =ER La"ies an" gentlemen3 +elcome to t&e *rutal *attles o' t&e or"opolica =oliseum3 First o''# let:s go o)er t&e rules o' t&e tournament$ T&is is a single-elimination tournament3 o secon" c&ances &ere3 I' a 'ig&ter ma%es it t&roug& t&ree t&rilling roun"s# &e or s&e !ill t&en c&allenge t&e c&ampion3 Fig&ters# i' you *est our c&ampion in t&e ring# not only !ill you recei)e a 'antastic pri?e> >(ut you:ll also ta%e t&e position o' c&ampion3 An" no!# on to t&e 'irst 'ig&t3 ESTELLE 8uri3 /oo" luuuc%3 .AROL 8ou:ll "o great# 8uri3 RAVE Try not to &urt yoursel'3

<97IT0 OSig&O I !ante" to 'ig&t> RITA 8ou:re still going on a*out t&at1 )uri walks toward the center of the arena. 89RI Loo% at all t&ese people$ T&is s&oul" &elp a")ertise our guil" nicely$ A O9 =ER In to"ay:s 'irst 'ig&t# a ne! 'ace in t&e coliseum3 0ailing 'rom t&e ne! guil"# (ra)e Vesperia# please !elcome 8uuuuri Looo!eeeellll3 The crowd cheers. A O9 =ER 0is opponent# a 'ormer %nig&t turne" political acti)ist -- !it& a prison recor"# to *oot -- /igantus Erungar3 The crowd cheers louder and =rungar twirls his halberd like a baton. ER9 /AR Erungar33 )uri flicks his sword from it"s sheath, twirling it with his customary flair as he brings the blade to rest above his left shoulder. A O9 =ER One# a *attle-&ar"ene" 'ig&ter$ One# a 'le"gling yout&$ T&e outcome loo%s set3 (ut is it13 +elcome to t&e crossroa" *et!een 0ea)en an" 0ell3 Our 'irst 'ig&t is O 3 Fig&t3 )*/+ %old Still. +"ll make this #uick. =hhE+ guess that was an okay warmup. A O9 =ER For our secon" roun"# !e !elcome t&e &ellacious *an"anna-cla" t&ie'# <ugem <erome3 <9/E(%ni'e rea"y# *ouncing eagerly on &is &eels) .e& &e& &e&# !&ere are t&e star'is&> /i)e me t&e star'is&> A O9 =ER Versus (ra)e Vesperia:s 8uri Loooo!ell33 7on:t let your guar" "o!n# young !arrior# t&e *attle &as only ,ust *egun3 .noc% your opponent "o!n to t&e gates o' 0a"es3 Secon" roun"> Fig&t3 89RI /et rea"y3 I:m ta%ing you "o!n3 0e& &e&# o !ay3 T&at !as too easy$ A O9 =ER On to t&e t&ir" roun"3 A mas%e" !arrior# un"e'eate" !it& t&e s!or"# <o&ann "e -arc3 <O0A Soon you !ill %no! t&e e;6uisite pain o' my s!or"3 A O9 =ER Versus (ra)e Vesperia:s 8uri Loooo!ell33 Is it *lin" luc%1 Is it pure s%ill1 E)eryt&ing !ill *e "eci"e" in t&is one *attle3 +&ic& o' t&ese !arriors !ill e;tinguis& t&e 'lames o' t&eir opponent:s *urning soul> Fig&t3 89RI /et rea"y3 I:m ta%ing you "o!n3 Come onE)ou can do better than thatD .AROL +o!# loo% at 8uri go$ RAVE (ru**ing &is c&in) Loo%s li%e &e:s got t&e goo"s all rig&t$ A O9 =ER +ell it ,ust %eeps getting *etter3 o! it:s time 'or t&e main e)ent3 Allo! me to intro"uce> T&e current an" un"e'eate" c&ampion o' t&e coliseum3 /epede barks and .arol throws his arm up in disbelief. REPE7E Arooo3 ESTELLE +&at>13

.AROL +&-!&at "o you mean1 )uri is turned looking toward his friends. An old ac#uaintance walks through a doorway to &oin him in the arena. A O9 =ER It:s t&e &eartt&ro* !it& t&e steely ga?e3 Flynn Sci'o3 FL8 >8uri1 +&at are you "oing &ere>13 89RI (turning aroun") 0u&# so you:re t&e e)il )illain !&o:s trying to ta%e o)er t&e coliseum$ FL8 Very 'unny$ +ant to tell me !&at you:re tal%ing a*out1 89RI 0e&# so !e:re *eing use"$ FL8 It seems t&at !ay$ A O9 =ER -en o' t&e coliseum3 Let t&e 'lames o' your )alor *urn *rig&t3 It:s time 'or t&e 'inal s&o!"o!n3 9lynn blocks a strike from )uri FL8 Aren:t you cutting it a *it close1 89RI 0ey# t&ese people "i"n:t pay goo" money to see a rigge" 'ig&t$ )uri breaks his hold and he and 9lynn whirl around ending up back to back. FL8 8ou coul" at least ease up a little$ 89RI Li%e you:re &a)ing any trou*le *loc%ing me$ 9lynn charges and attacks. 89RI So# care to e;plain !&at you:re "oing &ere1 FL8 8ou %no!# %nig&tly "uties an" suc&$ A'rai" t&at:s all I can say$ 89RI (smiling# raising &is &ea" slig&tly to loo% Flynn rig&t in t&e eye) Since !&en is *ecoming t&e c&ampion o' t&e =oliseum a "uty1 Especially 'or a captain o' t&e .nig&ts> FL8 (s&a%es &is &ea") I:m not at li*erty to say$ They cross swords. 89RI I t&in% it:s great you:re ta%ing your promotion so seriously# *ut *e care'ul you "on:t *ite o'' more t&an you can c&e!$ FL8 8ou:re t&e one ta%ing t&is seriously$ It:s *een a !&ile since I:)e seen you en,oy anyt&ing t&is muc&$ An" "on:t you t&in% it:s a*out time you returne" 0er 0ig&ness1 Their crossed swords rattle as they both lean forward with the effort and stare into each other"s eyes. 89RI 8ou:ll &a)e to ta%e t&at up !it& t&e la"y &ersel'$ FL8 0er 0ig&ness ten"s not to listen to t&e t&ings I tell &er$ 89RI 8ea&# !ell# 0er 0ig&ness isn:t particularly 'on" o' ta%ing my a")ice eit&er$ They each suddenly spring away and advance again. FL8 +ell# s&all !e put an en" to t&is little s&o!1 89RI 0o!1 I' !e 6uit no!# t&ey:ll *oo us out o' t&e *uil"ing$ A voice booms out above and )uri #uickly casts his eyes up to identify the speaker. VOI=E 8uriiiiiiii>Lo!ell3 )uri automatically gets into fighting position as Zagi drops down between him and 9lynn. Seeing who it is, )uri straightens up right away, rela ing his sword arm. 89RI O& you gotta *e %i""ing> Zagi crouches on the ground. As the announcer tries to control the situation, Zagi stands. %e now has a mechanical armD

+&at "o !e &a)e &ere3 0as someone arri)e" to steal t&e spotlig&t 'rom t&e stars o' t&e s&o!1 4A/I 8uri3 8ou:)e manage" to stay ali)e long enoug& 'or me to %ill you3 o! let me s&o! you my t&an%s3 89RI 0e& &e&$ 0ate to "isappoint you# *ut I:)e got ot&er reasons 'or stic%ing aroun"$ 4A/I 8ou are t&e only man e)er to ma%e me *lee"# an" I s!ear t&at you !ill "ie *y my &an"3 89RI -an# !&y not "o somet&ing a little more pro"ucti)e !it& all t&at energy1 4A/I +atc& t&is3 Zagi raises his mechanical arm embedded with glowing green blastia. .AROL +&oa3 +&at is t&at13 RITA It:s a *lastia3 I can:t *elie)e &e:" try to use it li%e t&at>3 RAVE I:)e got a *a" 'eelin: a*out t&is$ <97IT0 T&at *lastia>3 (runs to!ar" 8uri) ESTELLE <u"it&3 They all leap over the railing and run to &oin )uri. RITA 0ey>!&at are you "oing1 A O9 =ER +&at coul" t&is mean 'or t&e tournament13 >O& scre! t&is$ I:m outta &ere3 A'ter (attle !it& 4agi5 Spo%en 7ialogueJ o Te;t5 )*/+ )ou and that weird armED /A3=> %ahEpoor e cuse for a personD Zagi kneels in the middle of the arena holding his blastia arm. The blastia arm is damaged and flashes dangerously with pulsating light. 4A/I 9u&>gaa&33 RITA It:s out o' &is control3 T&at:s !&at &e gets 'or using it li%e t&at3 4A/I T&is "amn *lastia:s not "oing !&at I !ant it to3 Zagi fires a blast straight up into the air. As it comes down, it takes out a door barring monsters from the arena. .AROL --monsters3 89RI +&at are t&ey "oing &ere13 FL8 T&ey:re %ept &ere to *e use" in t&e tournaments3 t&at s&oc% ,ust no! must &a)e "estroye" t&e *arrier *lastia t&at !as &ol"ing t&em in3 4A/I (getting to &is 'eet) /raaa&>3 Zagi, holding his arm, takes off running. <97IT0 0e:s getting a!ay>3 ESTELLE Aaa&> (a monster %noc%s Estelle to t&e groun") )uri runs forward, slashing the monster with his sword. 89RI 7amn it# guess !e:ll &a)e to ta%e care o' t&e monsters 'irst$ <97IT0 > 'huhhh( They fight but there are too many monsters. They are surrounded. RAVE T&is is *ecomin: a real pain in t&e nec%$ RITA Less tal%ing# more 'ig&ting$ /aven fires arrows as /ita prepares to cast more artes. .AROL +&-!&at1 /ita casts a spell that goes awry. =stelle is nearby, holding the bo from the ghost ship. RITA 0ey>!&at:s going on13

O9 =ER

ESTELLE =oul" t&is *o; *e causing e)eryt&ing>1 /egaey runs past grabbing the bo out of =stelle"s grasp. As he flees the stadium, Hudith and /epede run after him. RITA 0im3 9lynn, standing beside the frightened and confused announcer on his platform, issues orders to his unit. FL8 0ear me .nig&ts3 So"ia !ill comman" t&is "i)ision an" eliminate t&e remaining monsters3 89RI S&oul"n:t e)acuating t&ese people come 'irst1 FL8 T&e rest o' you !ill "e'en" t&e spectators !it& me3 7on:t let e)en one o' t&e *easts escape3 89RI 0e&# loo%s li%e Flynn !as t&in%ing a&ea"$ 0e e)en soun"s li%e a real captain alrea"y$ 89RI +e:re getting out o' &ere$ RITA <u"it& an" your puppy "og alrea"y too% o''$ 89RI 8ea&# I &ear"$ As the others run off, /aven stands contemplating his role in life. RAVE A &ero:s !or% is ne)er "one> 0ello> 0ey# !ait up> (runs a'ter t&em) I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& <u"it& an" Repe"e$ Outsi"e t&e sta"ium entrance5 AT4 T&e Palestralle is reassigning t&eir elites to %eep t&e riot at t&e arena un"er control3 E)acuate calmly3 (elius is ta%ing care o' t&e situation3 8ou:ll get in t&e !ay3 7on:t go in3 /9AR7 Lea)e t&ings &ere to us3 OL7ER /E TLE-A Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er s&oul" *e calm in t&ese situations# an" *e ri" o' t&e monster !it& one telling *lo!3 Ta%e t&at3 (ring it on monsters3 T&e ol"er gentleman puts an en" to you rig&t &ere3 O(LE -A T-t&e monsters are lose13 Ee%3 I-I:m scare">3 +&at:s going on upstairs13 Let:s ma%e a run 'or it> O&3 -y legs can:t mo)e> Outsi"e t&e coliseum5 7R9 .E -A +&at &appene" t&ere31 A *ear"e" ol" man !it& a pale 'ace le't 'rom t&e coliseum3 T!ice t&e usual noise coming 'rom t&at place3 O0icO T&e guy !&o ,ust ,umpe" out# is &e one o' Ruins: /ate 'ol%s t&at &a)e *een !an"ering aroun" to!n1 O0ic3O -A CE Some *astar" "estroye" t&e *lastia t&at loc%e" up t&e monsters$ +&o !oul" "o somet&ing li%e t&at13 Our re)erse *arrier *lastia are a total loss$ +&oe)er "i" t&is# &e:s pac%ing some serious 'irepo!er> TOOL -ER=0A T 0mmm> +&at coul" t&at *e> >uproar in t&e coliseum> 0as t&e c&ampion !on1 0as t&e c&allenger !on1 I %ne! I s&oul" &a)e gone> I can:t get into t&e coliseum *ecause t&ey say it:s sol" out3 I' only I:" "eci"e" earlier I coul" &a)e got in> LITTLE (O8 +&at1 +&at1 T&e c&ampion !on again31 T&at !as t&e &uge roar I &ear" 'rom t&e coliseum31

I &ear" t&e roar too> E)eryone so e;cite" t&ey &a)e to scream3 It:s great3 -A CD +&at:s t&at1 Some .nig&ts are &ea"ing to t&e coliseum1 T&ey must &a)e *een in &i"ing &ere all along3 +&at:s going on1 +&at are t&e .nig&ts "oing t&ere>31 OL7 +O-A +&y are t&ere .nig&ts in t&is to!n1 I' !e lea)e it as it is# t&e "iscipline !e !or%e" &ar" to *uil" in t&e coliseum !ill collapse3 +e protect t&is to!n oursel)es# no matter !&at3 +e:)e manage" alrig&t so 'ar !it&out t&e Empire:s &elp$ -ER=E AR8 Al!ays t&e latest in'ormation3 T&e coliseum is al!ays &ot# *ut you s&oul" steer clear 'or t&e time *eing$ >9nless o' course you !ant to *e eaten *y a monster3 I can:t rely on &elp 'rom t&e Imperial .nig&ts# *ut i' !e &a)e Palestralle:s support# !e coul" easily ta%e out t&e monster3 As they near the inn, Hudith fills them in. <97IT0 0e got out o' t&e city$ 89RI >0e:s pretty goo" at running a!ay$ <97IT0 Repe"e is still a'ter &im$ 89RI 0ope'ully &e !on:t lose t&e trail$ .AROL (ut !&at:s t&e "eal# any!ay1 +&y !oul" Regaey>1 RAVE T&in% &e set us up some&o!1 89RI Loo%s t&at !ay$ 0e use" us to %eep Flynn 'rom carrying out &is or"ers$ ESTELLE Or"ers>1 89RI Rela;# it "oesn:t loo% li%e &e:s &ere to recapture any princesses$ 0e !oul"n:t go t&roug& t&e trou*le o' entering t&e tournament 'or t&at$ ESTELLE +ell# t&en !&at coul" it *e1 89RI /oo" 6uestion$ +&ate)er it !as# I:m sure it !as &urting Regaey:s plans$ .AROL (ut Regaey seeme" so polite> RITA 0e "i"n:t seem too polite !&en &e !as ma%ing o'' !it& t&at case$ RAVE T&is mig&t mean Ruins: /ate is not&in: more t&an a 'alse 'ront> <97IT0 Still# !&at coul" &e !ant !it& t&at case1 ESTELLE <ust !&at !as t&e clear ciel crystal1 RITA A*out all !e %no! no! is t&at somet&ing in t&at *o; ma"e my magic go all &ay!ire$ I:" ne)er lost control o' my *o"&i *lastia li%e t&at *e'ore> RAVE 0ey# i' !e:)e got t&e time ta *e stan"in: aroun" c&attin:# s&oul"n:t !e *e c&asin: a'ter your "oggy 'rien"1 <97IT0 8ou:re rig&t# !e s&oul" *e going$ I FOR-ATIO <u"it& ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT 8O9 / -A Re0aey Is it al!ays so noisy &ere1 I !as sleeping at t&e inn# *ut I !as !o%en *y t&e noise$ 0as somet&ing &appene"1 Or is it al!ays li%e t&is

&ere1 It seems t&e .nig&ts !ent "eep insi"e t&e coliseum> Somet&ing terri*le must *e &appening$ T&is city is truly 'ascinating>as muc& 'or its &istorical )alue as it is 'or *eing t&e gat&ering place o' so many roug&-an"-tum*le types$ It seems li%e suc& a "ic&otomy# *ut t&e t!o unite &ere in or"opolica$ They leave the coliseum in search of /egaey. The lit torches gleam brightly in the morning sun. .RIT8A +O-A Statue O' ee%e O' Samontra%e5 LITTLE /IRL T&ere:s a ca)e calle" =a"os to t&e !est o' to!n# you no!$ I:)e *een tol" I mustn:t go near it *ecause it:s so "angerous$ T&ey say it ma%es a s6uea%ing noise li%e a 'lute or somet&ing !&en t&e !in" *lo!s$ T&at:s !&y it &as anot&er name# you %no!5 AT&e +easan" o' =a"osB$ -A (S+OR7PLA8) O0u''O > O&u''O > O&u''O > O&u''O > OPantO > OpantO > OpantO > I:m starting to get *ore" !it&> OPantO > OpantO > OpantO > >S!inging t&is s!or"> +&e!>-ay*e go 'or a ,og outsi"e to!n1 o>t&e monsters are too "angerous> O(LE -A or"opolica e;ists completely in"epen"ent 'rom t&e Empire$ So e)en i' a riot *rea%s out# t&e .nig&t:s are not allo!e" to inter)ene$ I' t&e %nig&ts "i" inter)ene# t&is !oul" *e a *ig "eal3 +oo"en 7ra!*ri"ge5 .RIT8A +O-A It seems I &a)e muc& more &ar" tra)el to en"ure i' I:m to "isco)er t&e origin o' t&e .ritya$ E)en i' I some&o! get t&roug& t&e mountains# t&ey say t&e lan"s *eyon" are )ast an" *rutal "esert$ T&e only people I can imagine going out into t&at "esert !oul" *e pioneers# t&rillsee%ers# or ma"men$ -A A *ear"e" ol" man ran out o' t&e coliseum an" out o' to!n$ T&ere are many li%e &im t&at ,ust run a!ay a'ter losing a tournament$ T&e ol" man t&at ran a!ay !as "i''erent to t&e normal sorts you get at t&e coliseum> +ell# I guess t&ere are some li%e &im t&ere>sometimes$ OL7 +O-A 7i" t&e coliseum monster escape>1 It:s gone13 T&e monster t&at loo%s li%e a *ig 'o;> I:)e seen t&at monster *e'ore> -an# i' t&at t&ing goes o'' on one# it:s gonna get real serious real 6uic%$ A *ear"e" man !it& a pale 'ace ran a!ay 'rom &ere$ T&ere !as a "og c&asing a'ter &im> o# it !as more li%e a monster> Is t&ere a monster insi"e t&e *arrier>1

+0ARF5 +O-A (=RATES)

T&e guy running a!ay# an" e)en t&e "og# *ot& loo%e" terri*le3 ITO.E 0ey# you3 Sonny3 8ou:)e got not&ing to lose len"ing an ear to Ito%en t&e tipster3 I' Ito%en:s supernatural prognostication s%ills 'ail# you get *ac% your e)ery last /al"3 8ou *en" your %nee to t&e *rilliant Ito%en# you:re going to !in$ I guarantee it3 =ome on no!# place your *ets3 Place your *ets3 OL7 -A Itol%en &as 6uite t&e sil)er tongue$ 0e manages to con)ince &imsel' &is pre"ictions are soun" e)en !&en t&ey 'ail$ I must *e a generous man>I 'all 'or &is smart tal% again an" again$ T&is no*le la"y *esi"e me is placing 6uite a large *et>per&aps I !ill as !ell$ 0o! luc%y I:" *e i' t&is pai" o'' an" I !as a*le to get out o' "e*t$ O(LE +O-A 0mmm>&mm$ I see$ I t&oug&t t&is tipster mig&t &a)e ,ust *een spouting &is mot& o''# *ut &e:s "e'initely tal%ing sense$ T&is coul" !or%>may*e I:ll *uy a tip a'ter all$ -y 'irst impression o' t&is 'ello! !as t&at &e !as a muscle-*oun" "olt# *ut &e:s actually 6uite t&e intellectual$ 8ou really cannot ,u"ge people *y t&eir loo%s$ 8O9 / +O-A +&at:s &appene"31 An ol" man !earing e;plorer:s clot&es ran out o' t&e to!n$ !&at:s t&at31 Trou*le you say1 A&# I:m so e;cite"3 /reat# t&at:s !&at I lo)e a*out t&is to!n3 T&ere:s c&eating e)ery"ay> A&&&# I mean>Pic%ing1$$$not learning> &i%ing>1 SO9P VE 7OR T&ey say t&e cro!" !ent !il" !&en t&e reigning c&ampion !ent &ea"-to-&ea" !it& some upstart c&allenger3 -an ali)e# &o! I regret not going to see t&at3 +&at1 8O9 !ere t&e c&allenger1 T&at:s a pretty poor attempt at a ,o%e$ /epede approaches with a bit of cloth in his mouth. ESTELLE Repe"e>3 =stelle runs to /epede and kneels close to his face. Hudith walk over and take the piece of cloth from /epede"s mouth. <97IT0 Loo%# is t&is>1 89RI Repe"e:ll *e a*le to 'ollo! &is scent !it& t&is$ REPE7E +oo'3 RITA +e:)e gotta get t&at case *ac%3 89RI 8ea&# t&ere:s t&at too$ RAVE /uil"s "on:t ta%e %in"ly ta *ac%sta**in: c&eats$ .AROL T&at:s rig&t$ <97IT0 0e coul"n:t ,ust cross t&e mountains to t&e !est !it&out preparing 'irst$ +e s&oul" *e a*le to catc& up !it& &im$ 89RI All rig&t$ Let:s get &im$ ESTELLE 7o you t&in% t&e coliseum !ill *e o%ay1 <97IT0 Are you !orrie" a*out it1 .AROL 7o you !ant to !ait &ere !it& Rita# t&en1 ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1

RAVE RITA

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI RITA I FOR-ATIO S+IT S+IT LITTLE (O8 7R9 .E -A

T&is is a guil" matter# a'ter all$ ot&in: 'or you little la"ies ta !orry yoursel)es o)er$ Sorry# Estelle# *ut I:m going too$ I:m curious a*out t&at re" case$ (esi"es# I !on:t 'eel rig&t until I gi)e t&at i"iot a piece o' my min"$ T&en# I> 7eci"e 'or yoursel'$ I> I:ll come too$ I' &e !as trying to o*struct t&e .nig&ts# t&en t&is coul" *e connecte" to t&e empire$ 0mm# may*e$ Any!ay# t&e coliseum !ill *e 'ine$ Flynn:s got a &an"le on t&ings$ +ell t&en# let:s get our t&ings in or"er an" go a'ter t&at ,er%$ Repe"e ,oine" t&e party$ The 2i3th Ma*ter <ui)d Thin0* <et Co9%)i,ated T&umpa-t&ump# t&umpa-t&ump> People goin: cra?y in t&e coliseum# I:m goin: cra?y too3 T&ey say t&is coliseum city is incre"i*ly ol"$ Originally# it !as ,ust a groun"s 'or "ueling *uilt in t&e !il"erness$ T&ey say t&e stones o' t&e "ueling groun"s &a)e *een !et !it& *loo" since t&e "ay t&ey !ere set "o!n$ Isn:t t&at a luri" !ay o' putting it1 /oo" "ay# !elcome to or"ipolica3 Are you &ere to participate in a tournament1 <ust spectators1 T&e s&opping &ere is really 6uite !on"er'ul# you %no!$ Hmusical noteI I' you 'ollo! t&e roa" to t&e !est# you:ll arri)e at a giant mountain$ T&ere:s no !ay across it$ Really# t&ere:s no point in lea)ing to!n at all$ The Ma% Lover Sti)) a Lot to Learn 80otten (a,k in "ordi%o)i,a 3or *u%%)ie*:

8O9 / +O-A

S+IT S+IT

They follow the path into the mouth of a mountain cave. RITA o sign o' &im so 'ar$ ESTELLE 7o you t&in% &e !ent t&is !ay1 RAVE -ay*e &e use" t&is ta get t&roug& ta t&e ot&er si"e o' t&e mountain$ .AROL (ut t&is ca)e is t&e +easan" o' =a"os$ A po!er'ul monster calle" Pteropus li)es &ere$ It:s suppose" to *e really "angerous$ Or at least t&at:s !&at an tol" me$ Still following /egaey"s scent, /epede ventures a little farther up the trail inside the cave. <97IT0 Per&aps &e !ent insi"e !it&out %no!ing t&at$ THE $EASA"5 .2 CA5.S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~ REPE7E +oo'3 /epede runs on ahead and finds /egaey hiding behind a chest in an alcove. /epede clamps his &aws on the back of /egaey"s shirt and hauls him out into path. RE/AE8 +-!-!-!ait> P-please l-let me go$ 89RI Loo%s li%e &e !as &i"ing out &ere &oping !e:" ,ust pass &im *y$ RAVE (clapping &is &an"s toget&er t!ice) +ell no!$ Let:s &a)e a nice long c&at$ 89RI +&at !ere you trying to gain# setting us up li%e t&at *ac% at t&e coliseum1 RITA An" gi)e *ac% t&at case3 RE/AE8 (still cornere" *y Repe"e) 8ou lea)e m-me no c&oice$ Several red eyes drop down from the ceiling between them and /egeay. ESTELLE Le)iat&an:s =la!13 Pre (attle Spo%enJ o Te;t 7ialogue5 .AROL Piece o' ca%e3 89RI 7on:t get careless3 After $attle SpokenG>o Te t 2ialogue: )*/+ These guys are all over the place. 89RI /uess t&is means Ruins: gate an" Le)iat&an:s =la! are connecte"$ RITA (s&a%ing !it& 'ury) So t&ey preten" to &elp !it& t&e e;ca)ations# t&en s!ipe materials an" sell t&em later# &u&1 I:ll ma%e t&em pay>I s!ear> .AROL 0o! coul" a guil" as 'amous an" reno!ne" as Ruin:s /ate "o somet&ing li%e t&at1 Hudith leaves the group and walks up the trail deeper into the cave. .AROL <u"it&# !ait3 Hudith stops and turns facing them. <97IT0 0e:ll get a!ay i' !e "on:t &urry$ .AROL Remem*er !&at I sai"1 T&ere:s a really nasty monster li)ing in t&ere$ RAVE 0ey$ +&a""ya say !e call it a "ay1 Ol" Ra)en can:t a''or" ta get too 'ar 'rom or"opolica !it&out getting t&is letter to (elius$ T&e 7on:ll &it me !it& anot&er one o' &is t&an%less ,o*s ot&er!ise$ RITA +ell I:m going a'ter &im$ I can:t let some*o"y li%e t&at ,ust "o !&ate)er !it& t&e *lastia &e ta%es 'orm t&e ruins3 An" I:m gonna get t&at case *ac%# too3 ESTELLE I>I:m going too3 %ighly amused, )uri grins broadly and looks back at =stelle over his shoulder. RITA +&at are you tal%ing a*out13 8ou:re staying put &ere$ ESTELLE I:m not$ (*alling &er 'ist an" *ouncing on &er &eels) 89RI (loo%ing at .arol) 0a&$ T&is "oesn:t soun" li%e somet&ing *ra)e Vesperia can )ery !ell pass up$ .AROL (momentarily glancing at Estelle) >8ea&# it:s our ,o* to protect Estelle$ <97IT0 I' !e all go toget&er !e:re *oun" to come up !it&

somet&ing$ )uri watches .arol and the ladies walk on ahead while /aven stands behind him. RAVE Sure you:ll *e all rig&t !it&out t&e /reat Ra)en1 89RI (!a)es &is &an" at Ra)en !it&out loo%ing at &im as &e !al%s a!ay) I t&in% so$ /oo" luc% "eli)ering t&e letter$ -ithout so much as a backward glance, )uri leaves him and follows his comrades into the cave. RAVE > (ug&333) (in"ignant e;clamation o' surprise) ><ee?# aren:t ya e)en gonna try ta stop me 'rom lea)in:1 They find a gigantic crablike monster called a %ermit 2rill. 89RI T&is is "e'initely no regular monster> Sometimes it:s *etter to run !&en it gets too muc&$ S+IT S+IT Brin0 LE9 .n <oin0 and Co9in0

2eeper into the cave, they find /egaey. REPE7E +oo'3 /egaey runs across a bridge over an underground lake. The water glows red from the aer krene underneath and the glowing bits of red aer rising upward from it. ,n the other side of the bridge, /egaey trips and falls down. RE/AE8 Aaa&>3 0-&eeelp3 ESTELLE Aer>1 RITA T&is is ,ust li%e at .ei) -oc3 Is t&ere an aer %rene &ere# too1 RAVE +&at "o !e "o1 89RI =&arge rig&t in3 <97IT0 >I "on:t t&in% so$ ESTELLE <u"it& is rig&t3 Touc&ing aer t&at t&ic% is "angerous3 RE/AE8 I-I# c-can:t *elie)e t&at s-somet&ing li%e t&at !oul" s-sa)e me> /egaey runs away further up the path. RITA +ait3 Aer flows upward blocking /egaey"s path. .AROL 9ag&33 <97IT0 It loo%s li%e !e:ll &a)e to %eep our "istance> The cave trembles. RITA +-!&at:s t&is s&-s&a%ing> )uri glances downward at the thick blanket of aer covering the bridge then looks up #uickly as a winged monster drops down onto the bridge over the aer krene. 89RI Is t&at t&e monster you !ere tal%ing a*out# .arol1 .AROL -no> I:)e ne)er seen a monster li%e t&at *e'ore> <97IT0 $ $ $ The monster opens it"s beak and sucks in the glowing bits of aer. RITA It ate t&e aer>1 The aer disappears, as does the thick red glow, and the monster lets out a mighty roar. .AROL Aaa&>3 ESTELLE I-I can:t mo)e> RITA O& no> ,n the other side, /egaey is swaying on his feet.

89RI (struggling to spea%) T&is is not>goo"> The monster flaps its wings and lifts off the bridge and flies away. All the aer and the glowing light from it is gone. RAVE 0ey# I can mo)e> /egaey also recovers and #uickly runs away. <97IT0 8ou:re not getting a!ay again3 Hudith has second thoughts about crossing the water covered path. She glances at /ita. /ita charges onto the watery bridge. ESTELLE Rita# *e care'ul3 RITA 7on:t !orry$ It:s not &arm'ul at its current "ensity$ RAVE +&at t&e &ell ,ust &appene"1 /ita looks at the inactive underwater aer krene. RITA T&e monster !e ,ust sa! some&o! normali?e" t&e aer %rene t&at !as out o' control> (ut t&at !oul" mean t&at it can control t&e aer> =oul" it *e t&e same t&ing t&at guy "i" !it& &is s!or" *ac% in .ei) -oc13 89RI =an !e pass t&roug& it>1 Rita3 RITA O&# u&# r-rig&t$ It s&oul" *e o%ay> <97IT0 +&at:s t&e matter1 RITA I &a)e to 'igure t&is out> I mean# t&is is !&at I:m tra)eling 'or> 89RI =ome on# Rita$ RITA I %no!# I %no!$ +e &a)e to 'ollo! &im>*ut>I ,ust> RAVE T&at aer %rene isn:t e;actly goin: any!&ere# is it1 RITA O' course not# you i"iot3 >O&>I see !&at you mean> (t&e ot&ers !ait) >O%ay# let:s go$ 89RI All rig&t3 .arol# are you o%ay1 .arol, breathing heavily, is propping himself up by leaning the weight of his upper body on his right arm while he grips his leg above the knee. .AROL 8-yea&>peac&y> (stan"ing up) o# really# I:m 'ine$ They cross the bridge past /ita who"s still deep in thought. RITA T&at monster:s po!er> +as t&at t&e Ri?omata Formula too1 S+IT S+IT It Ate the Aer4 Aer +rene

They eventually find /egaey in a chamber full of agitated bats. .AROL T&ere &e is>3 /epede charges /egaey, bumping into him. RE/AE8 (-*-*ut &o! "i" you>1 /epede bumps /egaey again and the chest falls to the floor. /epede knocks the chest across the stone floor to )uri. 89RI /oo" !or%# Repe"e$ (pointing a slim pin%y 'inger at Regaey) Loo%s li%e our little game o' tag is o)er# Regaey$ RE/AE8 0e&# n-n-no!> I:ll &a)e to s&o! you my really real po!er>3 There"s a brief flash and a pop and /egaey changes into )eager. .AROL o !ay>3 89RI 0u&$ So t&at:s !&at:s *een going on$ ESTELLE +&at "oes t&is mean1 +as &e "isguising &imsel' as Regaey>1

<97IT0

I "on:t t&in% !e &a)e time to !orry a*out t&e particulars rig&t no!$ 8EA/ER O& me o& my# &o! terri*ly 'rig&tening$ I "on:t %no! !&at I:" "o i' I !ere to en" up li%e poor Ragou$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean>1 !&at &appene" to &im1 8EA/ER T&ey 'oun" &is *o"y 'ace-"o!n in a ri)er*e" *ac% in 7a&ngrest$ I ,ust coul"n:t *ear it i' I en"e" up li%e t&at# you %no!$ ESTELLE Ragou is>"ea"1 (ut !&y1 8EA/ER A'rai" t&at:s not 'or me to say# nein# my lips are ?ippe" up tig&t 'or sure$ 89RI > )eager turns to leave. The bats flap over the e it. ESTELLE O&> ot t&at !ay3 Two girls drop down from above, swords drawn, landing protectively between )eager and the party. /A9=0E 8eager3 7ROITE Ta-"aa&# t&e rein'orcements &a)e arri)e"3 8EA/ER /auc&e# 7roite -- t&e rest I lea)e up to you$ /A9=0E As you !is&$ 7ROITE Aye aye# sir$ Hmusical noteI (girlis& giggle) )eager runs out of the chamber as Cauche and 2roite distract the bats with their swords. .AROL 0e:s getting a!ay3 89RI ot on my !atc&3 8EA/ER See you in t&e 'unny papers# lei*c&en3 (!in%s) The bats come together and form a transparent smoky blue shape that knocks Cauche and 2roite onto their backs. The blue form appears to sprout feathers at the tip of its flapping wings. .AROL T&at:s &im3 It:s Pteropus3 After $attle SpokenG>o Te t 2ialogue: /A3=> + was not e pecting thatDDD .A/,; uhEwhere did /egaey goA =stelle tries to heal Cauche and 2roite. /A9=0E +e nee" no succor 'rom our enemies> 7ROITE 8ou:re not gonna ma%e 'ools o' us> ESTELLE (ut# !it& t&ose in,uries>3 The girls rise, backing up from =stelle, they assume martial arts poses. /A9=0E Let us !it&"ra!> 7ROITE (ye *ye 'or no!> $oth girls disappear in smoke and a pop. 89RI -an t&is stin%s> +&ere:" t&is smo%e come 'rom>1 /epede sniffs the ground where the girls stood. REPE7E 'whining( OSni''# sni''$O RAVE T&ey:re t&ro!in: our canine 'rien" &ere o'' t&e scent> RITA Aa&> +&-!&at is !it& t&is &eat>1 They see the light of day shining through an e it in the cavern. <97IT0 T&ose are t&e San"s o' .ogor&> RAVE +&oa> +e ma"e it all t&e !ay t&ere1 89RI T&e San"s o' .ogor&$ P&aero&:s &ere$ ESTELLE I> I:m going on> to meet P&aero&$

.AROL RAVE 89RI RITA ESTELLE <97IT0 RITA <97IT0 RITA <97IT0 RITA <97IT0 89RI RAVE ESTELLE RITA S+IT S+IT

+ait3 +e can:t ,ust let you go alone$ I mean# our ,o* rig&t no! is to protect you$ +ell> +e "i" get t&e stolen *o; *ac%# rig&t1 8ea& I guess !e can:t ,ust %eep c&asing &im aroun"$ 0mm# all rig&t# !e:ll ta%e care o' Mem ne;t time$ 0ol" on$ Are you seriously going1 7o you %no! !&at you:re saying1 T&is is a "esert$ It:s &ot$ People "ie &ere$ /et it1 I:m rea"y 'or it>I t&in%> $$$T&e "esert is "i)i"e" into t&ree regions$ 0u&1 T&e 'oot&ills to t&e !est# t&e center !&ere it:s &ottest# an" t&e massi)e pea%s to t&e east$ 0-&ey# &ol" on> >T&ere:s a to!n *et!een t&e en" o' t&e !estern 'oot&ills an" t&e central area$ +&ere "i" you &ear t&at1 I !ent t&ere !it& a 'rien" once$ It:s a nice to!n *uilt up aroun" an oasis$ +e:ll &ol" o'' on any ma,or "ecisions until !e get t&ere# t&en$ Soun"s goo" to me$ Ol" Ra)en !on:t *e a*le ta t&in% straig&t till &e cools o''$ >Rita> >I %no!$ +e:ll ma%e t&at our 'irst "estination$ A)) 3or 6ou? 6ea0er

IF 8O9 /O (A=. T0RO9/0 T0E =AVE5 5uke Part M ESTELLE >It:s &im> They see 2ukes standing on the other side of the path over the aer krene water pit. /ita runs toward 2uke. RITA I' you:re &ere 'or t&e aer %rene# t&e monster alrea"y got it un"er control$ 79.E I &ear"> .AROL 0ear"1 From !&o>1 ESTELLE (ut Regaey -- err# I mean 8eager -- !as t&e only ot&er person &ere t&en> )uri walks onto the bridge and stops slightly behind /ita. .AROL +ait# t&en you an" 8eager are>13 79.E I t&oug&t I tol" you> Stay a!ay 'rom t&e aer %rene$ 89RI Sorry a*out t&at$ +e ,ust totally stum*le" on t&is one *y acci"ent$ 0onest$ 79.E T&en you !ill lea)e imme"iately$ 7o not return again$ 2uke turns to leave. RITA 0ol" on a secon"> 2uke ignores her and keeps walking. RITA >O%ay# !&at is !it& &is attitu"e>1 89RI +e:re alrea"y &ere so>!e can ,ust lea)e a'ter you:)e e;amine" it$ RITA >8ou:re %i""ing# rig&t1 Aren:t t&ere plenty o' ot&er t&ings !e s&oul" *e "oing instea"1 89RI +ell# +E "o# *ut> RITA >>>> (u&&&>) (e;asperate"Z

ESTELLE RITA 89RI

+e all "o$ >Estelle$ All rig&t# t&en$ Let:s go$ Rita# you too$ (Rita no"s)

They cross the desert and find a #uite little town guarded surprisingly by +mperial .nights. ,nly merchants, knights and a handful of visitors occupy the streets. The buildings, palms and knights shimmer in the heat waves coming off the sand. Songbirds sing and parrots s#uawk in the shade of the trees. 89RI Seems li%e a pretty sleepy to!n$ RITA +ell# in t&is &eat> .AROL T&ere are %nig&ts e)en &ere# t&oug&$ <97IT0 I "on:t recall seeing suc& intimi"ating people &ere t&e last time I came$ )uri stops, pondering, then looks at =stelle. 89RI All rig&t# s&all !e eac& go our o!n !ay 'or no!1 RITA I:m 'or t&at>(e'ore I "o anyt&ing# I !ant to gi)e t&ese 'eet a rest> 89RI O%ay t&en# let:s meet up in 'ront o' t&e inn a'ter sunset$ <97IT0 O%ay$ See you t&en$ As the others drift off, )uri kneels beside /epede. RAVE o easy t&ing loo%in: out 'or e)ery*o"y else$ 89RI (not loo%ing aroun") +ell# I t&in% !e all coul" use a little time to t&in% t&ings o)er$ /aven walks on by. RAVE 0a& &a& &a&$ T&e %i"s are all rig&t$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ THE 5ESERT .ASIS MA"TAIC ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT The I9%eria) +ni0ht*

Surprisingly, there are no locals about in 1antaic, &ust guards, visitors and the 9ortune"s 1arket 1erchant. )uri e plores the town starting with the Street that e tends between the towns east and south gates, both of which are guarded by an +mperial .night. ,n this street, guards lurk around the +nn and their own guard station. Another street runs between the station and the inn. This street begins with a fountain and ends at the desert lake lying to the city"s north. +EST EGIT5 /9AR7 T&is is t&e 7esert Oasis# -antaic$ +e:re currently on &ig& alert$ +e !ill imme"iately arrest you i' you "o anyt&ing suspicious$ 7on:t 'orget t&at$ 7on:t ,ust !an"er aroun"$ It:s annoying$ An +mperial guard station is across the street from the inn. At the end of the street is a large pool of blue water. O9TSI7E I AAR=T9R9SB5 . I/0T (AR=0) 0u&1 +&at1 I' you:re tra)eling# stop &anging aroun" &ere3 /et to t&e inn an" sleep3 I:m going to arrest you i' you %eep ignoring my !arnings3 /et outta &ere alrea"y3

.arol stands on the other side of the path. .AROL I 'eel li%e my !orl" is cras&ing "o!n aroun" me$ I can:t *elie)e Ruins: /ate !as secretly selling !eapons$ An" t&at t&ey !ere smuggling t&em illegally out o' ruins> 89RI >Sometimes you &a)e to &a)e s&a"o! !&ere t&ere:s lig&t# I guess$ .AROL (&anging &is &ea"# "isappointe") >T&at:s so sa"# t&oug&$ .arol is obviously crushed. )uri nonchalantly studies his fingernails until he knows what to say. 89RI +ell# you "on:t nee" to !orry a*out t&ose guys$ <ust %eep li)ing your li'e t&e !ay you %no! is rig&t> An" lea" (ra)e Vesperia to )ictory !it& pri"e$ .AROL 8ea&# you:re rig&t3 Any!ay# !e nee" to !orry a*out P&aero& 'or no!$ 89RI 8ea&# !e:)e 'inally ma"e it into t&e "esert>it 'eels li%e !e:re almost t&ere$ .AROL 0ey# once !e:re "one !it& t&is commission you t&in% !e coul" go *ac% to 7a&ngrest 'or at *it1 89RI 0mm>let:s !ait until !e:)e !rappe" up our current ,o* to tal% a*out t&at$ .AROL O&# y-yea&# sure$ .AROL +est E;it5 /9AR7 I !ant (ra)e Vesperia to *e a guil" !&ere !e !or% 'or somet&ing !it& a cause$ T&is is t&e 7esert Oasis# -antaic$ +e:re currently on &ig& alert$ +e !ill imme"iately arrest you i' you "o anyt&ing suspicious$ 7on:t 'orget t&at$ 7on:t ,ust !an"er aroun"$ It:s annoying$

Fortune:s -ar%et (-antaic)5 /aven stands in front of the 9ortune"s 1arket which is set up outside the inn under an awning. 89RI 0ey ol" man# sorry to &a)e "ragge" you all t&e !ay out &ere$ RAVE > (loo%s at 8uri !it& a !ary e;pression) 89RI +&oa# !&at:s !it& t&at 'ace1 RAVE 0earin: you apologi?e li%e t&at puts me a little *it on e"ge# is all$ 89RI I mean# you still &a)e to "eli)er t&at letter to (elius# rig&t1 RAVE 8ea&# *ut i' I can:t see &er until t&e ne! moon# t&en t&at:s t&at# ain:t it1 Till t&en# I:m at t&e mercy o' t&e princess:s !&ims$ 89RI +ell !ell# aren:t you easygoing$ 8ou sure a*out t&at1 I' !e spen" too long out &ere an" you miss t&e ne! moon# t&e 7on:ll yell at you 'or sure$ RAVE -e&# I:m use" to *ein: yelle" at$ I' I gotta !ait# I can !ait until t&e ne;t ne! moon$ It ain:t li%e !e:re gonna run out o' ne! moons anytime soon$

89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE

89RI RAVE -ER=0A T

8ou certainly soun" patient$ 8ou sure a*out t&is1 O' course$ Patience is somet&ing you:ll learn !it& age$ 9g&# I s!ear> +ell# ma%ing t&e rig&t "ecisions is part o' *eing an a"ult# too$ I:ll lea)e as soon as I 'eel li%e I &a)e to$ Any!ay# let me tra)el !it& you %i"s 'or a !&ile longer$ (loo%s at 8uri !it& one eye) Sure$ +&ate)er you !ant$ An ol" man li%e me can:t ,ust sit still an" !ait$ I nee" to %eep mysel' *usy$ It &elps to calm my ner)es> +-!elcome3 I' you plan on crossing t&e "esert# ma%e sure you get your supplies &ere 'irst$ 8ou:re al!ays !elcome &ere# e)en i' you ,ust !ant to !in"o!-s&op$ T&an%s 'or coming3 T&e sol"ier:s ,ust stan"ing t&ere !atc&ing t&e s&op%eeper> 0e:s not mo)ing at all> -ay*e &e:s asleep1 ><ust tal%ing to mysel'3

. I/0T

Insi"e Inn AArcturusB5 )uri finds /ita in the lobby, sitting cross-legged on the floor and staring at the chest. 89RI 8ou can:t open t&at !it&out a %ey$ RITA I %no!$ 89RI Are you really going to return it1 RITA 8es# I am$ 8ou got a pro*lem !it& t&at1 89RI ope> %e walks over and sits in a chair near /ita. RITA 8ou sa! !&at &appene" in or"opolica$ T&is t&ing ma"e it so I coul"n:t control my magic$ T&e clear ciel crystal insi"e t&is *o; inter'eres !it& aer some&o!$ 89RI Inter'eres !it& aer1 0o! coul" a tiny *o; li%e t&is "o somet&ing li%e t&at1 RITA I "on:t %no!$ T&at:s !&y I !is& I coul" open t&is *o; some&o!> 89RI T&ere:s a goo" c&ance t&at !e:" *e a*le to 'in" a %ey 'or t&e *o; in 8ormgen$ RITA For me# t&is "oesn:t &a)e anyt&ing to "o !it& Estelle !anting to return it anymore$ 89RI So t&en you:re going to loo% 'or t&e to!n o' 8ormgen t&at !as mentione" in t&at "iary1 RITA 8es# i' I can> 89RI I' you can1 RITA I can:t lea)e Estelle *e&in"$ 89RI Sure you can# i' you !ant to$ RITA I:" li%e to lea)e &er *e&in"$ (ut>I can:t$ 89RI > (stan"s up) RITA 9ntil no!# s&e !as so care'ul>&o! coul" s&e> S&e coul"n:t *e serious a*out going alone into t&e "esert>coul" s&e1 RITA Fin" 8ormgen1 Or go !it& Estelle1

.EEPER

. I/0T

I %no! it:s not somet&ing I s&oul" e)en t&in% a*out# *ut> +-!e:re still getting rea"y> So please come *ac% again later$ +-!e:re not open yet> 0u&13 Suspicious1 I:m not *eing suspicious at all3 (stan"ing near inn%eeper:s "es%) >> /et out o' &ere> 8ou:re annoying>

Tra)eler:s Log5 I FOR-ATIO (0eat !a)e) E;tremely>&ot> )uri e its the inn and walks across the street passing a fountain and the guards station. Imperial /uar" Station5 /9AR7 (S 7OOR) +&a1 T&is station is 'or us Imperial .nig&ts$ 8ou "on:t &a)e any *usiness &ere$ /o on3 /et lost3 .eep trying my patience an" I:ll t&ro! you in ,ail$ Out# out3 Street sign5 I FOR-ATIO /ui"e to -antaic

to t&e oasis to t&e +easan" o' =a"os O P to t&e San"s o' .ogor& /uar" (!est "oor) >> >> /et out o' &ere$ East E;it5 As )uri e plores the east e it, Hudith enters from the desert. <97IT0 O&# !&ere are you o'' to1 89RI o!&ere in particular$ <ust going on a !al%$ +&at a*out you1 +&ere !ere you going1 <97IT0 I ,ust !ante" to get a loo% at t&e "esert terrain !e !ere going to *e &ea"e" into ne;t$ 89RI It:s goo" to *e prepare"$ So# &o! !as it1 <97IT0 It !as &ot$ 89RI +ell# I assume" as muc&$ <97IT0 (ut> It !asn:t as &ot as I t&oug&t it:" *e$ 89RI 0mmm>!ell# o%ay$ (ut !&at I !ante" to %no! !as i' P&aero& is out t&ere$ <97IT0 Rig&t>t&at:" *e nice$ (pon"ering !it& &er &an" cupping &er el*o! !&ile &er ot&er &an" cra"les &er c&in) 89RI O& !ell# I guess !e coul"n:t e;pect &im to *e t&at easy to 'in"$ <97IT0 > 89RI +&at1 <97IT0 8ou !ant to go out an" c&ec% 'or yoursel'1 89RI o# t&at:s o%ay> I' !e &ea" out to loo% 'or &im# !e s&oul" "o it toget&er$ <97IT0 O&# I see$ <97IT0 I !on"er i' e)eryt&ing is alrig&t>

>I &ope not&ing &as gone !rong> >+&at s&oul" I "o1 (i' you mo)e 8uri closer to t&e e;it>$) <97IT0 O&# t&ere:s more "esert outsi"e to!n$ )uri turns back and e plores the street leading down to the lake. Intersection5 A shirtless man and a .night loiter in the street between the guard station and the inn. -A 0ey> T&ere:s somet&ing strange a*out t&is to!n# rig&t1 E)eryone:s loc%e" up insi"e t&eir &omes> An" t&ere:s all t&ese sol"iers$ Is somet&ing going on1 +&oa# !ait$ T&e sol"iers !ill notice us i' !e %eep tal%ing li%e t&is$ . I/0T Sir3 I !as sent to t&is "esert rig&t a'ter ,oining t&e *riga"e# sir3 I "on:t get t&e mission# *ut I:m going to "o my *est to !atc& t&e to!nspeople3 Sir3 Sir3 It:s my 'irst assignment3 I:m a little ner)ous3 Sir3 Another knight guards the side door of the station. /9AR7 >> >> /et out o' &ere$ Another guard stands at attention under shading palm trees near a small alley that runs behind the inn. /9AR7 It:s so &ot> 0ere# touc& my armor an" &elmet$ 8ou coul" 'ry an egg> OSig&O I ,ust !ant to go &ome$ )uri walks down the alley and sees an +mperial guard leaning against a wagon blocking the street. /9AR7 9g&3 +&y:" I &a)e to come all t&e !ay out to t&is go"'orsa%en place1 O' course# it !as on our *oss: or"ers$ Somet&ing:s up> I:ll &a)e to gra* some o' &is le'to)ers$ 0ee &ee &ee> )uri leaves the alley and continues on to the lake stopping to inspect the environs of a building behind the guard. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# $onder Re%orter Part I 82ina):# +on"er Reporter O&o# you 'oun" me3 +&ile you sleep# I:)e *een snea%ing in an" up"ating your +on"er Log3 O& no# you %no! my %no! my precious secret3 An" yet# you:re t&e 'irst person I:)e e)er tol"$ It:s all rig&t3 <ust let t&is stay our little secret# an" I:ll %eep snea%ing up to your *e"si"e an" !or%ing my magic$ H&eartI O& no# I t&in% I ,ust )iolate" t&e reporter:s co"e o' con'i"entiality>3 /oo"*ye3 89RI HS!eat "ropI (T&e !on"er reporter "isappears in smo%e) >I:m scare"> -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

+O-A

I' you plan on crossing t&e "esert# you &a)e to ma%e sure you &a)e enoug& !ater$ I' you "on:t %eep &y"rate"# you:ll s&ri)el up li%e a mummy3 ot t&at anyone !oul" &a)e any reason to go into t&e "esert$ I mean# t&ere:s not&ing out t&ere$ . I/0T >> I can:t put up !it& t&is anymore$ +&y t&e &ell "o !e &a)e to %eep !atc& on t&e citi?ens in a place li%e t&is1 T&ere:s a 'ountain rig&t in 'ront o' my eyes$ A FO9 TAI 3 I !is& I coul" ,ust t&ro! o'' t&is *urning armor an" go 'or a s!im in it> =stelle stands on the shore looking out over the lake. The burning sun glitters on the ripples and the leaning blastia embedded in the sandy bottom of the lake. ESTELLE 8uri> 89RI 0ey# !&y t&e long 'ace1 ESTELLE Is t&e "esert really as "angerous as t&ey say>1 89RI I "on:t t&in% Rita:" ,o%e aroun" !it& suc& a serious loo% on &er 'ace$ ESTELLE 8ea&# I guess not> I:)e "ragge" all o' you all t&e !ay out &ere> 89RI 8ou s&oul" stop !orrying a*out all o' us$ ESTELLE 0u&>1 89RI I mean# !e:re ,ust "oing !&at !e 'ell li%e "oing$ (ut>!&at a*out you1 +&at "o 8O9 !ant to "o1 ESTELLE -e>1 I> 89RI 8ou !ere saying t&at you nee" to 'igure out !&o you are# !eren:t you1 ESTELLE 8es>t&at:s true# *ut> 89RI Estelle# you:re (ra)e Vesperia:s client$ I' you tell us to go some!&ere# !e:ll go t&ere$ An" i' you tell us to go 'or you# !e:ll 'in" P&aero& an" "rag &im *ac% &ere$ ESTELLE 8uri> (8uri no"s) T&en# I> 89RI >T&ere:s no nee" to rus& to gi)e me an ans!er$ Ta%e your time$ ESTELLE > ESTELLE I:m sorry> Please gi)e me some time to t&in%>

;ater =stelle catches up to them near the fountain and holds something in her hand out to .arol. ESTELLE .arol# t&is is 'or you$ .AROL 0u&1 +&at:s going on# Estelle>1 +&at:s t&is1 ESTELLE T&is is payment 'or your ser)ices$ I:m sure you:ll *e a*le to sell it 'or 6uite a sum$ I !ant to t&an% you all 'or e)eryt&ing you:)e "one$ .AROL 0u&1 +&at "o you mean1 8ou &a)en:t 'oun" !&at you:re loo%ing 'or yet> ESTELLE >I:m a'rai" I must ta%e my lea)e 'rom you &ere$ RITA ATa%e your lea)eB >1 +&at are you gonna "o1 89RI 8ou:re not t&in%ing o' going alone# are you>1 ESTELLE -y "esire to meet P&aero& is a personal one$

.AROL ESTELLE 89RI .AROL <97IT0 89RI .AROL <97IT0 ESTELLE RITA 89RI .AROL RITA RAVE RITA ESTELLE

RITA ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE 89RI RITA

ESTELLE 89RI .AROL ESTELLE .AROL

Are you cra?y1 T&at:s !ay too "angerousD +&ic& is !&y I must go alone$ I !on:t &a)e t&e rest o' you caug&t up any 'urt&er in my o!n sel'is& 6uest$ 7o <ustice# an" punis& t&e un,ust$ 0u&>1 O&# rig&t$ T&at:s one o' t&e la!s o' our guil"$ (no"s) T&ere:s no ,ustice in letting Estelle marc& into t&e &eart o' t&e "esert all *y &ersel'$ I "on:t t&in% I &a)e it in me to *rea% our la!s$ 0o! M*out you# .arol1 Rig&t3 It seems t&ose are t&e rules$ >I:m terri*ly 'lattere"# really# *ut I:m a'rai" I can:t let you> Estelle# !ait3 0a)e you all lost your mar*les1 +e:re tal%ing a*ut a 'orce o' nature &ereD +&ic& is !&y !e:re all going toget&er$ I:ll a"mit I:m a little scare"# *ut I can:t ,ust let Estelle go o'' li%e t&at$ 8ou3 8ou tal% some sense into t&em$ (points at Ra)en) I' is start !&ining no!# I:ll &a)e ta go all t&e !ay *ac% ta or"opolica *y mysel'# rig&t1 T&at:s no 'un$ Oo&3 T&ere:s no reasoning !it& any o' you$ (turning to Estelle) Are you sure you:re "ea" set on t&is1 8es$ I:)e t&oug&t a lot a*out t&is$ 8ou all &a)e somet&ing t&at:s important to you# a goal you gi)e e)eryt&ing to ac&ie)e$ I reali?e" t&at I "i"n:t &a)e anyt&ing li%e t&at 'or mysel'> An" I %ne! I &a" to 'in" a purpose o' my o!n# somet&ing I can "e"icate mysel' to$ I ma"e t&e "ecision to *egin t&is ,ourney# an" I &a)e to 'inis& !&at I:)e starte"$ T&is>t&is is somet&ing I &a)e to "o 'or mysel'$ >O%ay o%ay# you !in$ So !e:ll *e aiming 'or t&e "esert:s center$ 0u&>1 0ey# I trie" tal%ing sense into you i"iots$ Rita> T&ere:s actually no real nee" 'or you to come# Rita$ 8ou:)e got your aer %rene researc& to !orry a*out# "on:t you1 T&ere:s no telling !&at you i"iots !ill get into i' I "on:t %eep an eye on you$ T&e aer %rene isn:t going any!&ere$ I:ll go c&ec% up on it later$ (utD +e:re not lea)ing until !e:)e ta%en care o' all our preparations$ I:m sorry to *e suc& an incon)enience to you all> I t&in% !e &a" a pretty goo" i"ea t&ings !oul" turn out li%e t&is 'rom t&e start$ 8ea&$ (*o!s) T&an% youD 0u&>1 +&ere:s <u"it&1

Hudith appears behind them, H*2+T% E)eryt&ing settle"1 RITA 8ea&$ <97IT0 +ell# !&at "i" you "eci"e1 ESTELLE +e:re going to t&e center o' t&e "esert$ <97IT0 I &a" a 'eeling# so I:)e ma"e some arrangements$ T&e inn%eeper &as agree" to &elp us$ RAVE +e:ll !anna *e goo" an" reste" *e'ore !e lea)e t&is to!n *e&in"# t&at:s 'or sure$ RITA 8ou:re al!ays t&in%ing a*out your ne;t nap# aren:t you1 RAVE 8ea&# *ut I sleep so muc& *etter i' I &a)e a little company$ /ita grinds her foot into /aven"s and walks away toward the inn. The others follow, including /avenEafter he recovers. Hudith remains looking toward the desert. H*2+T% I !on"er !&at P&aero& !ill "o> I FOR-ATIO <u"it& earne" t&e ATrop&y +i'eB title$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT A Barrier in an .a*i*

They go to the inn. )*/+ =an !e stay t&e nig&t &ere1 I .EEPER 0ello$ +elcome to t&e "esert oasis# -antaic$ RITA +&at:s !it& t&is %nig&t1 I .EEPER +ell# ummm> . I/0T > I .EEPER >+ill# !ill you *e staying t&e nig&t1 89RI 8ea&$ +e:re going into t&e "esert# so !e came into to!n to gat&er pro)isions an" get some rest 'irst$ I .EEPER O&# so it:s you !&o !ante" pro)isions 'or going into t&e "esert$ 8ou %no!# it:s> 89RI +e %no! it:s "angerous$ I .EEPER O&# I see> In t&at case# I:ll get your pro)isions toget&er *e'ore you set out$ 8our stay !ill cost NPP /al"$ Is t&at o%ay1 -enu c&oice 8es$ I .EEPER 0a)e a nice stay$ That evening, )uri stretches out on the bed closest to the door. =stelle e amines the bookcase while /aven sits on the floor leaning back against the wall. /ita and .arol sit on the first two beds opposite )uri. /+TA T&is to!n %in" o' gi)es me t&e creeps$ .AROL All t&ese %nig&ts stic% out li%e sore t&um*s$ RAVE (getting up) Any!ay# time ta get some sleepD Sleepy timesD (!al%s to!ar" t&e *e"s) .AROL (ut man# I ,ust can:t rela; !it& a %nig&t stan"ing out at t&e entrance$ ESTELLE It *ot&ers you1 .AROL It "oes# it "oes$ RAVE I' t&ey:re &ere ta protect us# t&ere ain:t not&in: !rong !it& t&at# is t&ere1 /aven sits on the bed ne t to )uri"s. Hudith lies on the bed in the

corner. )*/+

(rolling o)er in *e") All rig&t e)eryone# let:s get some sleep$ .AROL -mm> In t&e morning# t&ey tal% to t&e inn%eeper$ T&e %nig&t is a*sent$ 89RI 8ea&# t&an%s 'or t&e &elp$ I .EEPER 9mm>I "on:t %no! your reasons 'or going out into t&e "esert# *ut> It !oul" really *e a goo" i"ea 'or you to stay in to!n> 89RI T&an%s# *ut !e:)e alrea"y put a lot o' t&oug&t into it$ I .EEPER I see$ +ell# as I promise"> The innkeeper reaches under the counter and sets a colorful canteen on the countertop. .A/,; Our canteens are t&is small1D RITA Loo%s li%e enoug& to me$ <97IT0 8ea&# !e s&oul" *e a*le to get more !ater 'rom certain types o' cacti gro!ing in t&e "esert$ RITA Rig&t# i' !e use t&em to 'ill up our canteens !&ene)er !e nee" more !ater# !e s&oul" *e 'ine$ 8ou sure %no! a lot Hudith nods and =stelle bows to the innkeeper. ESTELLE T&an% you )ery muc&$ 8ou:)e *een a great &elp$ I .EEPER It:s t&e least I coul" "o$ I:m gi)ing t&at to you# so "on:t &esitate to use it as muc& as you li%e$ /o out an" turn rig&t !&ere t&e roa" 'or%s$ 8ou:ll 'in" a la%e at t&e en" o' t&e roa"$ 8ou:ll *e a*le to 'ill up your canteens t&ere$ 89RI /otc&a$ RITA (y t&e !ay# !&at !as !it& t&e %nig&t !&o !as &ere1 RAVE 0e !as guar"ing me all nig&t$ I !as so ner)ousD .AROL ('ro!ning at Ra)en) One lie a'ter anot&er> I .EEPER >T&at !as a super)isor$ T&e %nig&ts are &ere to ma%e sure t&at to!nspeople "on:t tal% 'reely to )isitors 'rom outsi"e o' to!n$ ESTELLE +&y !oul" t&ey "o somet&ing li%e t&at1 I .EEPER I "on:t un"erstan" t&e reasons# *ut it:s on t&e magistrate:s or"ers$ People ot&er t&an merc&ants li%e mysel' aren:t allo!e" out o' t&eir &ouses$ 89RI I see> T&at:s !&y !e "i"n:t see any to!nspeople outsi"e$ .AROL I !on"er i' t&ere:s a croo%e" magistrate &ere# too$ )uri nods. I .EEPER T&ere !as no magistrate in t&is to!n until recently# an" t&en 'inally &e arri)e"> ESTELLE Really1 I .EEPER 8es$ T&e Imperial .nig&ts &a)e starte" to mo)e into or"opolica o' late$ It seems t&ey may:)e alrea"y gone in to arrest (elius$ T&e appointment o' a ne! imperial magistrate to our to!n seems to *e relate" to t&at# as !ell$ .AROL T&e Imperial .nig&ts are going to arrest (elius1D I .EEPER T&ey say t&at (elius &a" somet&ing to "o !it& engineering t&e /reat +ar *e&in" t&e scenes$ All 3

<97IT0 I .EEPER

(elius "i" t&at>13 T&at:s !&at t&ey:re saying in to!n$ +ell# I "on:t t&in% t&e empire !ill *e a*le to "o muc& so long as Palestralle:s t&ere# *ut> The door opens and the .night walks in, taking his place in front of the counter beside the wall. I .EEPER (*o!ing) T&an% you )ery muc& 'or your *usinessD .AROL +ait>*ut> 89RI 8ea&# t&an%s 'or t&e &elp$ Let:s go 'ill up at t&e la%e$ S+IT The 5e*ert

At T&e -antaic 7esert La%e5 .AROL +e:)e 'ille" up our !ater> I t&in% !e:re rea"y to go$ ESTELLE Rig&t$ VOI=E Stop it3 Let go3 )uri, then =stelle run to offer assistance. Two guards are trying to capture two children. ,ne guard leans over gripping the little girl by her shoulders. /9AR7 (a" *oys an" girls t&at *rea% cur'e! must *e punis&e" *y t&e magistrateD LITTLE (O8 o !ay# !e:re going to loo% 'or -ommy an" 7a""y>D 89RI Lea)e t&ese c&il"ren to me$ I:ll see t&at t&ey:re properly "iscipline"$ The guard loosens his grip and the little girl breaks free. ESTELLE Please 'orgi)e t&ese c&il"ren$ I !ill go an" apologi?e in person to t&e magistrate on t&eir *e&al'$ /9AR7 0ey>!ait# aren:t you> The other guard whispers to him. /9AR7 -y "eepest apologies>D $oth guards leave. ESTELLE 7o you t&in% t&at may*e>I coul":)e &an"le" t&at *etter1 89RI 0ey# it !or%e"# "i"n:t it1 LITTLE (O8 T&an%s 'or sa)ing us 'rom t&ose *a" guysD ESTELLE +&at are your names1 LITTLE (O8 -y name is Alp&D -y sister:s Layla$ <97IT0 +&at &appene" to your mom an" "a"1 ALP0 T&ey got ta%en into t&e "esert in t&e magistrate:s *ig !agonD Someone tol" me t&ey:re going to loo% 'or P&aero&D ESTELLE 3 P&aero&>D 89RI 8ea&> RAVE (ut !&at ":ya t&in% t&ey:re plannin: on "oin: once t&ey 'in" Mim1 .AROL An" using t&e to!nspeople to "o t&eir "irty !or%1 It:s "espica*leD Layla 0ey>*ig *ro# are !e going to go loo% 'or -ommy an" 7a""y1 <97IT0 o# you:re not$ I' you %i"s go into t&e "esert# you:ll "ie 'or sure$ ALP0 Ac%D ESTELLE <u"it&D <97IT0 +e:ll loo% 'or your parents$ 8ou %i"s can:t go out

into t&e "esert$ ALP0 Really1 <97IT0 I "on:t lie$ >8ou "on:t min"# "o you# .arol1 .AROL ope$ Fine *y me$ RITA 8ou:re surprisingly agreea*le$ ESTELLE 0is guil" is gui"e" *y ,ustice# a'ter all$ /ita scratches her head. Layla T&an%s# e)eryoneD ALP0 0ere# ta%e t&is# Mcause you:re so niceD Alph puts something into Hudy"s hand, then he and ;ayla run away. .A/,; >A glass *ea"1 <97IT0 It:s a precious gem$ ESTELLE It:s our re!ar" 'or ta%ing t&e ,o*$ 89RI o! t&at !e:)e gotten pai" in a")ance# !e:)e got our !or% cut out 'or us# "on:t !e# .arol1 .AROL 8ea&# you:re rig&t$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" /lass -ar*le$ 89RI >(ut !&at concerns me> >is t&at t&e empire is in)estigating P&aero&> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Moon)i0ht Ta)on# (En" nig&t at t&e Inn) I .EEPER +-+elcome$ Party o' si;>an"# u&# one "og1 T&at:ll *e NPP /al"$

-hile the others are asleep, Hudith walks toward the door preparing to leave the room. 89RI -rng&> +&ere are you going>1 <97IT0 T&e moon:s so pretty# so I t&oug&t I:" go out an" ta%e a !al%$ There is the sound of wagon wheels and hooves. .AROL >+&at1 +&at !as t&at soun"1 RAVE >+&at strange soun"s> The sound of a wagon wheels and hooves stops. RITA So noisy> +&at:s going on>1 <97IT0 It:s not&ing# e)eryone$ /o *ac% to sleep$ /epede shakes himself and gets up. 89RI 9g&# no! !e:re all a!a%e$ Stupi" noisy son o' a> The scene changes and )uri, Hudith, /ita and .arol stand near the first two now empty beds. -hile /epede lies on the floor ne t to )uri"s bed, =stelle lies on her back in the bed opposite /aven, who is also stretched out on his back. RITA ope# one o' us is still soun" asleep$ ESTELLE >-rng& mrng&> o# no more tapioca> RAVE >+&at &appene"1 .AROL T&ere !as some !eir" soun" outsi"e t&e "oor$ Li%e someone carrying somet&ing &ea)y$ RITA >T&is late at nig&t1 T&at:s strange$ .AROL Any!ay# you !ant to go an" see !&at it !as1 89RI 8ea&# goo" i"ea$ RITA 0ey# Estelle# get up$ +e:re going out 'or a *it$ ESTELLE 0u&>1 A party# 'or me>1 .AROL S&e:s still "reaming> RAVE I:m sleeping too> RITA Arg&# I s!ear>

89RI Repe"e:s also asleep$ +e s&oul" ,ust let t&em rest$ .arol and /ita leave the room. <97IT0 >> 89RI >8ou:re coming# rig&t1 <97IT0 8es$ ,utside, two knights work in the moonlight around a beast drawn carriage. . I/0T CD >0urry up> >0e:s !aiting 'or us> . I/0T CE 8es sir> (ut>&o! coul" suc& an o*,ect li%e t&is possi*ly *e use">1 . I/0T CD 8ou as% too many 6uestions$ T&is is a special assignment> 89RI T&at loo%s &ea)y$ +ant some &elp1 The knight turns around to see )uri, .arol, /ita and Hudith standing behind him in the street in front of the inn. . I/0T CD A&# nice o' you to o''er> 0u&>1 It:s you> RITA T&at:s a &oplon *lastia# isn:t it1 !&at are you going to use it 'or1 . I/0T CD (to ot&er %nig&t) Run>3 . I/0T CE 8-you !ant me to run>1 . I/0T CD 8ou 'ool# &urry up an" run a!ay3 The knight gets into the carriage and it draws away. 89RI Let:s go a'ter t&em3 They catch up with the carriage in the desert. 89RI En" o' t&e line# *oys$ . I/0T CD T&ey:)e caug&t us>3 (&e assumes a 'ig&ting stance) >Our or"ers !ere to eliminate all !itnesses# no matter !&at>3 . I/0T CE (-*ut> . I/0T CD Enoug& grum*ling# "o it3 . I/0T CE 8es sir>3 . I/0T CD I:ll ,ust use t&is> (acti)ates t&e *lastia) Ag&3 (stares at t&e control panel# clueless) <97IT0 (!eapon "ra!n# rea"y to 'ig&t) Say goo"*ye3 (stri%es t&e *lastia !it& &er !eapon) . I/0T CD /a&3 The blastia burns and both knights lie upon the sand. RITA Arg&# t&is !oul"n:t &appen i' amateurs !oul" %eep t&eir clumsy &an"s a!ay 'rom *lastia3 . I/0T CE Eeee%3 (,umps to &is 'eet an" runs a!ay) The blastia continues to burn inside the wagon. . I/0T CD 7amn it# you ,ust !ait> (gets up an" runs a!ay) /ita runs toward the ruined blastia. .AROL Rita# it:s not sa'e3 RITA (-*ut> O& no# t&e core is *urnt to a crisp> 89RI It:s too late> <97IT0 >> 89RI 7i" your !al% &a)e to "o !it& going a'ter t&is *lastia# *y any c&ance1 <97IT0 +&at coul" you possi*ly *e tal%ing a*out>1 89RI +ell# it en"e" up "estroye" in t&e en"# any!ay$ <97IT0 >> 89RI It:s gotta *e &ar" "oing it all *y yoursel'# trying to %eep it all a secret 'rom e)eryone$ <97IT0 I %no!> 8ou can:t e)en go 'or a nice !al% !it&out someone *utting in$ 89RI >8ou still !on:t tell us your reasons 'or going

aroun" an" "estroying *lastia1 (!al%ing a!ay) >8ea&$ I still>t&in% t&at it:s somet&ing t&at you:re ,ust as !ell o'' not %no!ing$ 89RI >> .AROL 1 (!atc&es <u"it& !al% *ac% to to!n) I FOR-ATIO <u"it& learne" t&e A-oonlig&t TalonB (ase Arte$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------<97IT0 They leave town via the western e it: /uar" (!est e;it) >> 0urry up an" lea)e i' you "on:t &a)e any *usiness in t&is to!n$ 0urry up an" lea)e e)en i' you "o3 Please$ I:m *egging you$ 8ou:re ,ust more people to !atc&$ ESTELLE 8uri1 +&at:s t&e matter1 89RI I !as ,ust t&in%ing a*out !&at t&e magistrate &ere coul" *e planning$ It:s so strange t&at &e:" *e loo%ing 'or P&aero&$ ESTELLE ; ; ; 89RI T&oug& I guess it:" ma%e sense i' t&e empire !ante" to eliminate a monster t&at !as trying to %ill t&e princess$ RITA (ut t&ey "on:t %no! t&at &e:s a'ter Estelle yet# "o t&ey1 RAVE So !&y are t&ey going a'ter &im# t&en1 RITA 0o! s&oul" I %no!1 <97IT0 An" !e still "on:t %no! !&y t&ere:s a cur'e! in t&e to!n$ .AROL Any!ay# 'irst# !e s&oul" go to t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ 89RI Rig&t$ +e can loo% into t&e mysteries o' t&is to!n once !e come *ac%$ RAVE I' !e "on:t rescue t&ose %i"s: parents soon# t&ey:ll %eel o)er in t&is &eat3 ESTELLE >T&at:s true$ RAVE So t&en# to get to t&e mi""le o' t&e "esert# !e s&oul" go t&roug& &ere# rig&t1 <97IT0 8es$ I t&in% t&e parents o' t&ose c&il"ren !ere pro*a*ly ta%en t&is !ay# too$ 89RI All rig&t$ Let:s go$ THE SA"5S .2 +.<.RH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~ Sand blows across the desolate-looking desert. ESTELLE >T&ere:s no s&a"e any!&ere$ .AROL I ne)er imagine" it !oul" *e t&is &ot> 89RI o*o"y:" last long out &ere !it&out t&e proper supplies$ RITA +&at:s !it& &im1 0e loo%s li%e &e:s out 'or a !al% in t&e par%$ /aven does a backflip, scampers back to them and backflips again. 89RI 0ey ol" man> Aren:t you &ot1 RAVE (*ac%'lips) 0ot1 0ec% yea&3 I:m si??ling o)er &ere3 (urnin: rig&t up3 RITA T&at lousy> ESTELLE I 'eel li%e t&e temperature goes up e)ery time some*o"y says t&e !or" A&ot$B

RAVE

(*ac%'lips) +e:ll *e 'ine so long as !e remem*er ta %eep our !ater !ell stoc%e"$ ESTELLE Rig&t# t&e cacti> <97IT0 T&e parents o' t&ose c&il"ren are out t&ere !it& no supplies !&atsoe)er$ ESTELLE +e "o &a)e P&aero& to loo% 'or# *ut> <97IT0 8es> +oul" it *e all rig&t i' !e too% care o' Alp& an" Layla:s re6uest 'irst1 .AROL 9-um# *ut> They all look at =stelle. ESTELLE 8ou:)e more t&an 'ul'ille" your o*ligation to me$ .AROL Estelle> 89RI >O%ay t&en# let:s 'in" t&eir parents$ They hear a bird call in the sky. ESTELLE +as t&at P&aero&1 .AROL T&en &e really is some!&ere in t&e "esert3 89RI (loo%ing at t&e s%y) Settle "o!n$ 8ou:ll get plenty o' attention once !e:re "one &elping t&ose %i"s$ S+IT A 5ay in the Sun

((ac% into t&e "esert) They gather around a cactus. RITA Let:s 'ill up our !ater &ere$ .AROL (touc&ing t&e spi%es) (ut# t&is is> O!# ouuuc&>3 RITA +&at an i"iot> 9se your &ea" a little3 89RI Loo%s li%e t&is situation calls 'or a little e;tra &elp> )uri fires the sorcerer"s ring at the cactus and it collapses. )uri fills his canteen. 89RI =anteen-'illin: time3 .AROL -e ne;t3 Hmusical noteI ESTELLE +e nee" to ma%e sure to %eep &y"rate"$ 89RI Rig&t>!e !oul"n:t !ant to get sunstro%e$ I' e)eryone:s 'inis&e"# let:s go3 I FOR-ATIO 8ou !ill lose 0P gra"ually as you !al% !&en t&e !ater le)el o' t&e canteen reac&es ?ero$ +atc& your canteen as you a")ance$ >ighttime comes and /aven is still energetic. RAVE (*ac%'lipping) (etter stop plo""ing along li%e a ?om*ie# or you:ll only ma%e yoursel' more tire"3 .AROL 0o! are you in suc& goo" spirits1 89RI Some people ta%e pleasure in t&e su''ering o' ot&ers> RITA +&y I oug&ta> 89RI 7on:t !aste your energy$ RITA T&at sort o' peppiness simply isn:t &ealt&y> 0ey# "i" you &ear a )oice1 ESTELLE o>not at all> RITA (y t&e !ay# !&y !ere you in t&is "esert *e'ore1 <97IT0 I use" to li)e in to!n up in t&e mountains to t&e nort& o' &ere$ toget&er !it& my 'rien" (a:ul$ So I sometimes came "o!n near t&e "esert$ RITA All t&e !ay to t&e "esert>1 <97IT0 Any!ay# !e &ar"ly &a)e time to loo% 'or anyt&ing out &ere# !&at !it& t&is &eat>

89RI .AROL ESTELLE .AROL 89RI .AROL RITA RAVE .AROL

Seriously>i' !e run out o' !ater# !e:ll *e goners> +e nee" to 'in" somet&ing li%e a clue soon> 8es>

9g&# I:m out o' !ater> (&an"ing &is !ater) 7on:t go "rin%ing all o' it$ T&an%s# 8uri$ 0ey>"o you t&in%>!e coul" ta%e 'i)e>1 An" you say I:m t&e one al!ays !antin: ta rest$ 8eaaaaaaa&3 (ta%es o'' running# 8uri loo%s on in s&oc%) RAVE 0u&1 T&e &eat:s gone an" *a%e" &is *rains3 They hear the splash of water. RITA (running) +ater3 ESTELLE (running) O&# .arol# *e care'ul$ 8ou:ll &urt yoursel' i' you 'all3 89RI 0e&> Loo%s li%e &e still &a" plenty o' energy$ RAVE +ait up 'or ol" Ra)en3 (runs to ,oin t&em) 89RI (to <u"it&) An" &ere I t&oug&t t&ey coul"n:t *ear to go anot&er step$ They all rela in the water at the shady oasis and fill their canteens. RITA I t&in% I:m in &ea)en$ .AROL I t&oug&t !e !ere really "one 'or$ RAVE 0ey no!$ /otta *e toug&er t&an t&at i' you:re gonna sa)e t&e !orl"# %i"s$ RITA S&ut up$ .AROL It:ll *e "angerous i' !e ,ust %eep going li%e t&is$ <97IT0 I' !e turn *ac% no!# t&oug&# !e:ll only "isappoint t&ose poor c&il"ren$ RITA +e:)e got to %eep loo%ing as long as !e can$ ESTELLE I' !e:re luc%y# !e may e)en 'in" P&aero& along t&e !ay$ 89RI T&at:s rig&t$ An" !it& t&is spring# !e s&oul"n:t &a)e any trou*le %eeping up t&e searc&$ RAVE I' you:)e alrea"y eaten t&e poison# you may as !ell lic% t&e plate$ .AROL 8ea&# you:re rig&t$ +e:)e come t&is 'ar$ 89RI 0o! a*out your !ater *ottle# .arol1 7i" you 'ill it up1 .arol gets up. <97IT0 0ere# I 'ille" t&em 'or you$ 0ere:s yours# Rita$ .AROL (running to <u"it&) T&an%s# <u"it&3 RITA (!al%ing) T&-t&an%s> 89RI E)ery*o"y else all set1 ESTELLE 8es$ REPE7E +oo'3 89RI All rig&t# let:s %eep mo)ing$ S+IT The Parent*

(returning to t&e to!n at nig&t) /9AR7 .eep o'' t&e streets at nig&t$ 8ou:ll only *e in t&e !ay$ 0u&1 I seem "i''erent t&an t&e "aytime sol"iers1 +&at# are you stupi"1 +e !or% in s&i'ts3 I' !e:re clear on t&at# get *ac% to t&e inn an" get some sleep$

T&en in t&e morning# ta%e a &i%e out o' to!n$ ((ac% in 7esert) Dst portion o' t&e "esert5 S+IT <oin0? <oin0? S+IT <one? En" portion o' t&e "esert5 .AROL Loo% up a&ea">3 89RI Let:s get outta &ere3 They run to the left and find two people lying on the scorching sand. .AROL A-are you o%ay1 =stelle kneels down and heals the nearest person. -A Oooo>$ It:s# it:s you> The man sits up. ESTELLE 7o you 'eel *etter no!1 -A O&&>my !i'e# !&ere:s my !i'e> .AROL 7o you mean t&is !oman>1 S&e:s rig&t &ere$ =stelle kneels down by the woman and heals her. She, too, sits up. ESTELLE Please# &ol" still$ +O-A +-!ater> The couple drink water from the canteens. -A O/ulpO I can 'eel t&e li'e coming *ac% into me> O&# t&at really &it t&e spot3 Standing up, the man and woman bow to =stelle. -A T&an% you so muc&3 +O-A +e:re ali)e# t&an%s to you> 8ou:re our sa)iors3 ESTELLE 89RI -A 89RI -A RITA <97IT0 +O-A ESTELLE .AROL <97IT0 -A <97IT0 -A RAVE A bird shrieks. -A .AROL RAVE 89RI Please# it:s not&ing> +e:ll &a)e time to rela; once !e get you *ac% ali)e$ I:" li%e to t&an% you 'or sa)ing us>*ut I:m a'rai" I "on:t &a)e anyt&ing !it& me t&at I coul" gi)e you> O&# please# !e "on:t nee" anyt&ing li%e t&at$ o# t&at simply !on:t "o$ Please# come to -antaic so t&at I can pay you *ac% 'or !&at you:)e "one$ -antaic>1 +ait# are you t&e parents o' Alp& an" Layla1 8-yes# yes# !e are3 7i" you see our c&il"ren *ac% in -antaic>1 8es# !e met t&em t&ere$ T&ey !ere !orrie" a*out t&eir mom an" "a"$ T&ey !ere e)en going to come out into t&e "esert to loo% 'or you$ O&> T&is is terri*le$ +e &a)e to go *ac% to t&em> 7on:t *e so &asty$ 7o you t&in% you t!o can go *ac% *y yoursel)es1 +ell# !e>t&at is> o# I guess>!e can:t$ T&en ,ust calm "o!n 'or no!$

A *ir">in t&is "esert1 It soun"s close> Soun"s li%e it came 'rom ,ust up a&ea"$ So !e:ll get to meet &im>it:s a*out time$ I !as a*out to s&ri)el up in t&is &eat$ Hudith and /ita walk away. ESTELLE 8ou t!o come# too$

-A 89RI +O-A 8S+IT

8-yes> -a%e sure to %eep a sa'e "istance$ 8ou:ll !ant to *e out o' t&e !ay in case a 'ig&t *rea%s out$ 8-yes# o%ay$ The 2)a9e* o3 777: I' you run 'rom t&e -e"usa (utter'ly$

They climb higher . There are flowering cacti there and a patch of greenery up ahead. The bird calls again, louder and longer. <97IT0 Somet&ing isn:t rig&t> (e on your guar"$ /epede crouches. The bird call is silenced by a shrieking roar. ESTELLE T&at:s not P&aero&> 89RI 8ea&> T&ere:s somet&ing "i''erent a*out t&at )oice$ .AROL 0-&ey>3 A supernatural creature appears out of thin air. A gaping hole of a mouth surrounded by triangular flaps of skin sits where the head should be. The wings, more like flippers, flap to keep it aloft. >o feathers are visible on the thick, bluish skin of the creature. 2ark fumes emit from its fleshy body. RITA +&at t&e13 It:s "isgusting3 .AROL ('rig&tene") I:)e ne)er seen a monster li%e t&at> <97IT0 T&at:s not a monster$ RAVE I' it:s not a monster# !&at t&e &ell is it13 REPE7E (crouc&ing) +oo'3 +OOF3# +OOF3 89RI E)en Repe"e:s 'rig&tene"> T&is can:t *e goo"> .AROL Let:s get out o' &ere3 ESTELLE It:s coming t&is !ay3 /ita readies an attack arte while )uri unsheathes his weapon. The man and woman tremble with fear. 89RI 7amn# loo%s li%e !e &a)e no coice$ Out o' t&e !ay# you t!o$ Starting $attle SpokenG>o Te t 2ialogue: /A3=> +ve never seen anything like it =ST=;;= + don"t want to deal with it if we don"t have too. H*2+T% + guess we have no choice. After $attle SpokenG>o Te t 2ialogue: )*/+ + guess we got it, but... =ST=;;= ,hhh, +"m so tiredE /+TA Come onD Snap out of itD After the battle the monster disappears into thin air with a final fading shriek. 89RI It )anis&e">1 A red and yellow feather floats down from the air and lands beside =stelle. =stelle kneels down to inspect it. ESTELLE +&at:s t&is>1 .AROL A&&&> I can:t go on> .arol"s feet fly up and he flops down onto the sand, landing on his back. Shortly after, /ita flops face down on the sand near .arol while the others droop from the heat and e haustion. ESTELLE Rita>.arol> .neeling on the sand, =stelle reaches out toward .arol, then she too collapses, then /epede, and then Hudith.

RAVE

I:m a'rai" e)en I can:t ta%e anymore> (passes out# 'ace "o!n) ,nly )uri is left standing. 89RI >T&is isn:t goo"> (sin%s to one %nee *e'ore passing out an" 'alling o)er on &is si"e in t&e san") >+&at1 -hile lying in the sand, )uri makes out an oasis through his blurred vision. A longer more focused look reveals structures around a deep blue lake. 89RI A>to!n>1 T&at "ragon 'rom t&e +easan" o' =a"os> (sees a "ragon &o)ering in t&e s%y) $$0e&$ >/o a&ea"> 0ope you c&o%e>on my *ones> (closes &is eyes) Scene changes. )uri is lying on a bed with a soft peach blanket covering the mattress. There is the sound of running water nearby and birds are singing. 89RI >O&&$ Sitting up, )uri sees /ita lying on her side in the bed ne t to the wall. .arol lies spread eagle on the bed between /ita"s and )uri"s. 89RI +e>collapse" in t&e "esert> An" t&is can:t *e &ea)en> +&ere are !e1 .AROL (asleep) 0mm> RITA (asleep) >> =&est 0ourglass ;D All-7i)i"e ;D A maid stands outside the room. -AI7 0mm1 Are you all rig&t alrea"y1 8ou can rest as long as you nee" to$ 7on:t you go getting yoursel)es %noc%e" out again# you &ear1 e;t time# I:ll *e c&arging *oar"ing 'ee3 Tee-&ee$ )uri learns they are in the +nn 7Septentriones8 FE-ALE I .EEPER 8ou:re a!a%e$ Are you alrig&t1 8ou passe" out *y t&e to!n entrance$ 8ou "on:t &a)e to pay me$ I *roug&t you &ere in t&e 'irst place$ I' you:re loo%ing 'or your 'rien"s# t&ey:re outsi"e alrea"y$ )uri steps outside. Hudith and =stelle stand on a wooden bridge arched over running water. <97IT0 /oo" morning$ ESTELLE O&# 8uri$ Are you 'eeling *etter no!1 89RI 8ea&$ 0o! a*out you guys1 Are you all rig&t1 ESTELLE 8es# it !oul" seem t&at !ay$ 89RI +e all collapse" in t&e "esert# rig&t1 So !&at are !e "oing in t&is to!n1 <97IT0 Seems li%e someone came to our ai"$ ESTELLE T&oug& !e:re not sure !&o$ 89RI +&at a*out t&e couple !&o !as !it& us1 ESTELLE T&ey appear to &a)e *een *roug&t &ere as !ell$ 89RI So t&ey "i"n:t get a loo% at our rescuers eit&er1 <97IT0 Apparently t&ey lost consciousness li%e t&e rest o' us$

I *elie)e t&e t!o o' t&em are &a)ing a loo% aroun" to!n$ 89RI >I !on"er$ +as it ,ust a mirage1 ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1 89RI O&>,ust *e'ore I *lac%e" out# I sa! t&at "ragon t&at got t&e aer un"er control *ac% at =a"os$ ESTELLE Really1 89RI 8ea&$ 7i"n:t you see it# Estelle1 ESTELLE o# I "i"n:t see anyt&ing$ 89RI (t&in%ing# cupping c&in in &an") +as it ,ust a mirage# t&en>1 (turning to loo% up t&e roa") So>!&at:s t&e story1 +&ere e;actly are !e1 <97IT0 A %in"ly gentleman is loo%ing into t&at )ery matter 'or us$ 89RI .in"ly gent --1 O&# you mean t&e ol" man$ /ita and .arol finally waken and come out to look around. RITA T&ere:s no *arrier &ere$ T&is to!n is !eir"> .AROL I t&oug&t t&e mountains in t&e east !ere suppose" to *e unin&a*ite"$ ESTELLE Rita# .arol# o)er &ere$ (!a)es at t&em !it& t&e 'eat&er in &er &an") 89RI (seeing t&e 'eat&er) +&at:s t&at1 ESTELLE T&e monster t&at attac%e" us in t&e "esert "roppe" it$ RITA I "i"n:t see any 'eat&ers on t&at t&ing> <97IT0 T&at:s one o' P&aero&:s 'eat&ers$ All 3 ESTELLE (ut !&y !oul" t&at monster &a)e one o' P&aero&:s 'eat&ers>1 <97IT0 0mm> .AROL -an# t&ere:s so muc& !e "on:t %no!> /aven with /epede at his side walks down the path to them. /epede stops beside )uri. <97IT0 +elcome *ac%$ Hudith walks toward /aven as =stelle drops down beside /epede. RAVE An" ,ust !&y !as it up ta me ta go trompin: o'' on a recon mission1 <97IT0 I' I:" gone# t&is s!eet young la"y !oul":)e *een all alone !it& you$ T&at:s 'ar too unsa'e$ /epede paws playfully at )uri"s hand. RAVE 9nsa'e1 8ou can:t possi*ly mean me1 <97IT0 O&> I "on:t %no!> -ay*e> RITA >I t&in% I:m gonna gag$ RAVE (closing one eye# using a se;y )oice) S:pose I "on:t min" people t&in%in: I:m A"angerous$B A""s ta my mysterious c&arm> It seems !e:re in 8ormgen$ 8ou %no!# t&at to!n 'rom t&e "iary on t&e g&ost s&ip$ ESTELLE (stan"ing) +ait# t&is is 8ormgen1 .AROL T&e to!n t&at nee"e" t&e clear ciel crystal to protect itsel' 'rom monsters1 RITA It ma%es sense$ T&ey "on:t &a)e a *arrier &ere$ T&at:s reason enoug& to *e loo%ing 'or a !ay to %eep out monsters$ RAVE (ut t&at !as D#PPP years ago$ 89RI 8ea&$ An" I 'in" it strange t&at t&ey !ere getting *y at all !it&out a *arrier$

.AROL <97IT0 ESTELLE 89RI +>9,/1AT+,> +>9,/1AT+,>

8ou:re rig&t$ +&at i' !e s&o! t&is case to one o' t&e locals# an" as% t&em1 8es$ +e mig&t learn somet&ing a*out P&aero& t&at !ay as !ell$ I agree$ ,btained Bhaeroh"s 9eather. /eunited with everyone.

THE HEARTLA"5 T.$" 6.RM<E" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT S+IT S+IT "ot a "or9a) Mon*ter Mi**in0 Phaeroh Like* and 5i*)ike*

Inn ASeptentrionesB5 =&est (outsi"e) Limit (ottle ;D /eneral Store APolarisB5 -ER=0A T +elcome# Tra)elers$ Please Ta%e A Loo% At Our +ares$ LITTLE (O8 T&at *o;>I t&in% I:)e seen it *e'ore$ 0mm>I can:t really remem*er !&ere# t&oug&$ Loo%# I tol" you I "on:t remem*er !&ere I sa! it3 8ou sure are pes%y$ 8ou "on:t remem*er !&at %in" o' s&oes people you passe" in t&e street yester"ay !ere !earing# "o you1 +oo"en (ri"ge5 OL7 +O-A Our )illage c&ie' is a great man# *ut t&e sage is e)en greater$ T&e sage !ill "ri)e out any monster t&at may attac% us$ T&e sage is consi"ering ne! tec&ni6ues 'or e;pelling t&e monsters$ A Town $ithout a Barrier 6or90en I* $eird

S+IT S+IT

Two roadways run almost parallel from the bridge up a hill behind the inn. The left road is curved and the right road is straight and leads past a large deck with umbrella topped tables and chairs has been built on the hillside overlooking the water. $oth roads end at a large mansion on the hill. =ur)e" Roa"5 8O9 / +O-A T&e coliseum# scene o' countless *loo"y *attles>it:s so t&rilling$ I !ant to "ie in t&at stone circle some "ay> T&at:s my "ream$ +il"# isn:t it1 It:s a s&ame t&e coliseum is so 'ar 'rom &ere> T&e leisurely pace o' 8ormgen ,ust "oesn:t suit me$ I s!ear t&at one "ay I:ll stan" in t&e coliseum>an" ma%e crimson 'lo!ers *loom upon its stones>3 -y 'at&er "ie" )ery su""enly an" I 'oun" mysel'

8O9 / -A

go)erning t&is )illage# *ut it isn:t going !ell at all> I "on:t %no! !&at I !oul" "o !it&out t&e sage:s &elp$ T&e sage1 0e li)es in t&e largest mansion$ Straig&t Roa"5 8O9 / -A +elcome# tra)elers# 'rom so 'ar a!ay$ I:m a'rai" our )illage "oesn:t &a)e anyt&ing particularly special to o''er> 8ou:re t&e ones !&o !ere 'oun" unconscious# yes1 Please ma%e yoursel)es at &ome &ere$ LITTLE /IRL Are you people 'rom some!&ere else1 Isn:t it pretty &ere !it& all t&e 'lo!ers *looming1 E)eryone 'rom a!ay says it:s a pretty )illage$ +O-A 8ou came 'rom across t&e sea1 8ou must *e so tire"$ 8ou:)e *een on a s&ip 'or a long time# yes1 +&at1 o1 A(lastiaB1 +&at:s t&at1 0u&1 Apat&eia1 Is t&at somet&ing you eat1 -A T&is to!n is currently 'acing a terri*le crisis>t&e t&reat o' giant monster attac%> E)eryone says !e can accomplis& anyt&ing !it& t&e sage on our si"e# *ut is it all rig&t to *elie)e t&at>1 T&is place is so peace'ul# no*o"y &ere really %no!s t&e )alue o' "ou*t$ I "on:t !ant to spea% ill o' t&e sage# eit&er# *ut anyt&ing can &appen# rig&t1 +oo"en "ec%(Dst le)el)5 FAT0ER T&an% you so muc& 'or sa)ing us$ I !ant to &urry *ac% to -antaic to see t&e %i"s$ -OT0ER T&e %i"s must *e !orrie"$ I' only t&ey "i"n:t come loo%ing 'or us> 8O9 / +O-A T&at *o;> ESTELLE 7o you %no! somet&ing a*out t&is *o;13 8O9 / +O-A Longc&i &a" it> +&ere "i" you get it1 RAVE On a s&ip calle" t&e At&erum# my lo)ely la"y$ 0a)e you &ear" o' it1 8O9 / +O-A O' course>3 8ou %no! a*out t&e At&erum too13 RAVE 8-yes$ +e &appene" to come across it on t&e ocean> 8O9 / +O-A 7i" you see Longc&i1 RAVE An" Longc&i !oul" *e>1 8O9 / +O-A O&# Longc&i is my lo)e$ >I:m sorry to su""enly get so personal$ RAVE ("e'eate" sig&) 8our lo)e>"amn it> 0ey# .arol$ 8our turn$ .AROL 8ou:re &opeless> (as Ra)en !al%s a!ay) 9mmm# all t&at !e sa! !as# u&# t&e s&ip itsel'$ 8O9 / +O-A O&# I see> <97IT0 =oul" I as% your name1 8O9 / +O-A O&# my name is 8ue'an$ ESTELLE T&at:s t&e name t&at !as in t&e "iary !e 'oun" on t&e At&erum$ 89RI 7o you %no! a*out t&e clear ciel crystal1 RITA T&ey say it &as t&e po!er to "ri)e *ac% monsters$ 89EFA T&e sage sai" it !as necessary to ma%e a *arrier aroun" t&e to!n$ I-is t&at !&at:s in t&e *o;1 =stelle offers the bo to )uefan.

ESTELLE 8es$ +e came to "eli)er t&is *o; to you$ 89EFA I-I see$$$ (&ol" up a %ey) RITA 0ey> Is t&at t&e %ey>1 89EFA =oul" I &a)e t&e *o;1 =stelle gives it to her. The bo is opened and =stelle holds the crystal in her hands. .AROL +o!> Is t&is t&e clear ciel crystal1 RITA Loo%s li%e it> RAVE So !&o:s t&at sage you !ere tal%ing a*out earlier1 89EFA T&e sage is a great .rityan !&o came to our to!n 'rom across t&e "esert$ .AROL (loo%ing at <u"it&) A .rityan>1 (<u"it& consi"ers t&is !&ile propping one &an" up to t&e si"e o' &er 'ace) RITA +ell# creating a *arrier is *asically creating a *lastia$ 89EFA (lass>teee>u&1 9&&> .AROL (ut !e can:t ma%e *lastia !it& current tec&nology# rig&t1 RITA T&ere are people !&o "o$ 8ou sa! t&e *lastia at E&mea" 0ill an" =aer (oc&ram$ (ut I "on:t t&in% t&at sage guy is t&e one !&o ma"e t&ose *lastia !it& messe" up 'ormulas> 89EFA I:m>I:m sorry$ I "on:t really un"erstan"> (ut t&e sage sai" t&at t&e clear ciel crystal !as nee"e" to create t&e *arrier$ So Longc&i set out to loo% 'or it> It:s *een t&ree years since &e le't$ 89RI >T&ree years# &u&$ 8ou must *e !orrie"$ .AROL +ait# t&is soun"s !eir"$ ESTELLE 8ea&# t&e stories "on:t matc& up$ RAVE 8ou t&in% s&e coul":)e miscounte" *y a t&ousan" years1 RITA 0o! ol" is s&e# any!ay1 <97IT0 Is t&at sage in t&is to!n1 +&ere "oes &e li)e1 89EFA O&# yes# &e li)es in t&e &ouse 'art&est into t&e to!n$ <97IT0 I t&in% it mig&t *e 'aster i' !e !ent to tal% to t&e sage$ ESTELLE 8-yes# may*e so$ 89EFA 9mmm> I' you:re going t&ere# coul" you ta%e t&e clear ciel crystal to t&e sage 'or me1 ESTELLE 8es# o' course$ 89EFA T&an% you )ery muc&$ .AROL O%ay# let:s go$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" =lear =iel =rystal$ (en" o' cutscene) 89EFA >(y t&e !ay# &o! !as Longc&i "oing1 I al!ays> al!ays t&in% o' &im$ I !ant to see &im> =&est HDst le)elI Simple Tent ;D +oo"en "ec%(En" le)el)5 7O/ O+oo --'OO O+oo' +oo'O OL7 +O-A I' you &a)e a 6uestion# you s&oul" as% t&e Sage$ 8ou can really "epen" on &im$ Our current mayor is too young an" unrelia*le$

For a )illage c&ie'# it:s e;perience t&at "oes t&e tal%ing$ T&e sage:s !is"om truly spea%s )olumes a*out &o! ric& &is e;perience is$ In 'ront o' t&e Sage:s -anor5 LITTLE (O8 > I "on:t %no! you> I can:t tal%> to strangers> Sage:s Resi"ence5 =AT O-eo!1O O-eo!O O-eo!O O-eo!1O )uri opens the door and they go inside. A man with long white hair stands at the other side of the room with his back to them. 89RI E;cuse me$ All 3 The man turns around to face them. .AROL 0u&>1 0ey# t&at:s>3 RITA 8ou:re> 79.E 8ou>'AD( 0o! &a)e you come to t&is place1 89RI +&at "o you mean# &o!1 +e !al%e"$ As in# across t&e "esert$ 79.E >I see> An" yet# &o! "i" you>1 ESTELLE >1 '%mmA( 79.E o matter> For !&at reason &a)e you come1 89RI +e:re a little curious a*out t&is$ (s&o!s t&e crystal to 7u%e) 79.E T&is must &a)e cost you "early to o*tain$ 89RI Actually>it ,ust sort o' lan"e" in our lap$ 79.E 0m> T&at !as 6uite a miracle$ RITA 8ou:re planning on ma%ing a *arrier *lastia# aren:t you1 8ou:re 'ree to go preten"ing you:re a sage# *ut 'orget a*out ma%ing any *lastia$ +&o:" e)en consi"er *uil"ing a *arrier *lastia !it& somet&ing t&at:s so o*)iously not a core1 79.E (ut it is a soli" mass o' aer$ It simply lac%s an inscri*e" 'ormula$ RITA Lac%s an inscri*e" 'ormula>13 +&at "o you mean13 79.E T&ey are most commonly %no!n as apat&eia# o' !&ic& t&e clear ciel crystal is one e;ample$ RAVE So t&is is an apat&eia>13 79.E Also# I am not t&e sage$ RITA 0u&>1 .neeling down on one knee, 2uke gently places the crystal on the floor. 79.E o suc& *eing e;ists any longer$ 89RI +ell# t&at:s a pro*lem$ 9&# !e:ll nee" to get t&at *ac% 'rom you# in t&at case$ 79.E (loo%ing "irectly into 8uri:s eyes) eit&er I nor &umanity &a)e a nee" 'or suc& a t&ing$ 2uke turns away from )uri and with both hands, raises his sword, point down, over the crystal. RAVE (starting 'or!ar") +&oa# !&at:re you "oin:13 0ol" on a sec3 /ed light plays along the blade and hilt of 2ukes sword building #uickly to a momentum directed downward that destroys the Clear Ciel

Crystal. The red light continues to play along the sword long after the crystal disappears. RITA It:s t&e same p&enomenon !e sa! at .ei) -oc3 RAVE A!!# man$ <ust !&en I:" 'oun" one$ 79.E T&e apat&eia *ring only c&aos to &umanity$ T&ey are *etter o'' returne" to aer$ RITA Returne" to aer>1 Is t&at really all you "i" ,ust no!>1 89RI T&at:s still no reason to go smas&ing ot&er people:s t&ings$ ESTELLE +asn:t t&e clear ciel crystal -- t&e apat&eia -nee"e" to sa)e t&is to!n 'rom t&e monsters1 79.E T&is to!n &as no use 'or a *arrier an" no nee" to *e sa)e"$ T&is place &as *een grante" e)erlasting calm$ 89RI =ome to mention it# it is pretty 6uiet &ere$ ESTELLE (ut still# t&ere are monsters li%e P&aero& near*y$ 79.E 0o! "o you %no! o' P&aero&1 89RI I:" as% you t&e same t&ing$ 8ou seem to %no! a*out &im yoursel'$ 79.E $ $ $ ESTELLE Please$ Tell us !&at you %no!$ P&aero& re'erre" to me as a Apoison$B 79.E 3 >I see$ ESTELLE 8ou %no! somet&ing# "on:t you1 79.E T&ere is a *eing in t&is !orl" !&o possesses a po!er t&e Entele;eia "espise$ ESTELLE 8ou mean>me1 <97IT0 $ $ $ 79.E T&is *eing is %no!n as t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ ESTELLE >=&il" o' t&e Full -oon# li%e in t&e legen"> (y Entele;eia# you mean P&aero&>1 79.E T&at is correct$ ESTELLE (ut !&at !oul" t&ese Entele;eia &a)e against me> against t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon1 +&at is t&is po!er t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon possesses t&at t&ey "espise1 79.E T&at ans!er lies only !it&in t&e &earts o' t&e Entele;eia t&emsel)es$ ESTELLE +&ic& mean I:)e got no c&oice *ut to 'in" P&aero& an" as% &im mysel'$ 79.E 7o not *e 'oolis&$ -eeting P&aero& !oul" en" only in t&e "eat& o' t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ ESTELLE (ut>3 RITA Estelle# gi)e it a rest$ .AROL 0ey# Regaey>er# 8eager 'orm Ruins: /ate tal%e" a*out t&e Entele;eia earlier# "i"n:t &e1 RAVE Somet&in: a*out t&em *ein: t&e ancient race t&at *uilt or"opolica$ RITA So P&aero& *uilt or"opolica1 T&at "oesn:t seem possi*le$ 79.E Ta%e your lea)e$ T&ere is not&ing more 'or you &ere$ RITA +ait3 T&ere:s somet&ing I !ant to as% you# too3 +&at !ere you "oing at t&at aer %rene1 <ust !&o are you13 +&at is t&at s!or" o' yours13 79.E T&ose matters e;cee" your compre&ension$

7o not as% o' t&em again$ /o$ I &a)e not&ing more to say$ Trembling with anger, /ita balls her hands into fists and runs toward 2uke. RITA +&ere "o you get o''13 89RI Rita$ /ita backs off and they all walk past Hudith as she ponders. -ith a slight twist of his head, 2uke glances at Hudith who meets his ga!e. The scene fades. ,utside the door, =stelle turns to Hudith. ESTELLE 7u%e may &a)e *een t&e one t&at sa)e" us in t&e "esert$ 89RI 0mmm# may*e$ ESTELLE >I:m going to go an" t&an% &im$ 89RI 0ol" up$ 0e "oesn:t seem t&e type to "o somet&ing li%e t&at$ ESTELLE 8ou "on:t t&in% so1 89RI <ust a &unc&$ (Estelle loo%s at <u"it& !&o merely clasps &er &an"s *e&in" &er *ac%$) 8ou sai" t&at =&il" o' t&e Full -oon &e mentione" !as t&e sister o' (ra)e Vesperia# rig&t1 ESTELLE 8ea&> /o""ess !&o *at&es t&is !orl" in &er gol"en lig&t# you are name"# you are name" =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ 8our *rot&er# (ra)e Vesperia# !atc&es o)er us 'rom t&e s%ies$ 8ou remain *oun" to your mot&er# t&e eart&# an" !ill s&elter &er !it& your unceasing protection$ RAVE Is t&ere# li%e# a &i""en meaning in t&ere1 =stelle walks down the steps to &oin them. ESTELLE I:m not sure$ (ut may*e it:s more t&at ,ust an ol" legen"$ 89RI Remaining to protect t&e eart&# &u&1 RITA =oul" Aprotecting t&e eart&B &a)e anyt&ing to "o !it& ruling o)er t&is !orl"1 .AROL 8ou mean# li%e *ecoming t&e emperor1 I' Estelle is t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# t&at !oul" a"" up$ RAVE +&ic& means all t&e pre)ious emperors !oul":)e *een on P&aero&:s &it list$ ESTELLE I:)e ne)er &ear" o' anyt&ing li%e t&at$ .AROL 0mm> <97IT0 S&oul"n:t !e *e t&in%ing more a*out !&at to "o ne;t1 RITA I:m gonna stay &ere$ T&ere are t&ings I:)e got to in)estigate$ ESTELLE In)estigate1 RITA =lear ciel crystals# apat&eia> All %in"s o' t&ings$ 0onestly# I &a)e a 'e! *ones to pic% !it& -r$ +arman"-Fu??y o)er t&ere$ (Ra)en closes one eye an" "igs in &is ear) I' you:re all going *ac%# !e:ll &a)e to say our goo"*yes &ere$ ESTELLE (ut3 <97IT0 O&>t&at:s too *a"$ I "on:t imagine t&e "esert !ill *e muc& 'un on your o!n# *ut goo" luc%$ RITA 9g&>t&at:s rig&t> I can:t go any!&ere !it&out crossing t&at "esert$ RAVE +e can a''or" ta ta%e a loa" o'' !&ile s&e:s c&ec%in: t&ings out# can:t !e1

I:m pretty intereste" in apat&eia mysel'$ 8ea&$ (esi"es# !e s&oul" ma%e sure !e:re rea"y *e'ore &ea"ing *ac% into t&e "esert$ +&y "on:t !e &ea" *ac% tomorro!1 Rita# t&in% you can tie up your lose en"s in a "ay1 RITA S&oul"n:t *e a pro*lem$ T&-t&an%s> I appreciate it$ .arol stares at /ita with his mouth open, ama!ed that she"s so nice and polite. 89RI 0a&$ 8ou:re !elcome$ O%ay t&en# !e:ll meet up near t&e e;it tomorro! morning$ .AROL Rig&t$ See you t&en$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ 89RI )uri checks on /ita who"s gone back to talk to 2uke. 79.E I &a)e not&ing le't to say to you$ RITA > 79.E > 2uke walks past /ita and )uri. The door creaks as he opens it and leaves the Sage"s house. 89RI 8ou:re not going to 'ollo! &im1 RITA +&at:s t&e point1 0e:s not gonna tal% to me$ 89RI So t&is !as a complete !aste o' time1 RITA +ell# I !oul"n:t go t&at 'ar$ (%neels "o!n *y *ro%en crystal) 89RI Apat&eia>1 RITA +&en t&e aer %rene !ent *erser%# Regaey -- I mean# 8eager -- !as carrying t&is *o;$ T&is *o; !as !&at messe" up my magic> 89RI 8ou t&in% t&e apat&eia is !&at:s causing t&e aer %erene to go out o' control1 RITA <u"ging 'rom t&e e)i"ence# it coul" *e a )ali" &ypot&esis$ 89RI So !&en t&e *lastia in 0elior" !as going out o' control>you t&in% t&ere !as apat&eia near*y1 An" t&e aer %rene in .ei) -oc# too> RITA T&ere may &a)e *een$ Ot&er!ise# may*e t&e apat&eia:s *een "amaging t&e !&ole !orl":s aer %rene little *y little# an" a large "istortion ,ust &appene" to appear t&en$ 89RI >I see$ RITA It:s really not&ing more t&an a guess# *ut it coul" *e rig&t$ 89RI 8ou "on:t soun" )ery sure o' yoursel'$ RITA In science# you continually ma%e &ypot&eses# t&en test t&em# an" you get closer an" closer to t&e trut&$ T&at:s &o! it is$ 89RI 0mp&> 'amused( RITA >+ell# o%ay$ -ay*e I can "o somet&ing !it& t&is a'ter all$ 89RI +&at are you going to "o no!1 RITA T&e ne;t step a'ter a &ypot&esis is testing it3 89RI 1 RITA Le't +all o3 ot no!3 I:ll lose my concentration$

Strange -ar% ;D

After finding a strange mark on the left wall of the room, )uri tries to open a set of double doors. I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s a really ol" %ey$ It "oesn:t loo% li%e it !oul" open$ )uri leaves /ita inside the Sage"s house and walks back down the straighter road. LITTLE (O8 >O(urpO> O&>,ust go a!ay> -A +ill t&e monsters really stay a!ay 'rom us *ecause o' a little pe**le li%e t&e clear ciel crystal1 +&at i' t&ey ,ust "eci"e to ta%e e)eryt&ing t&ey can an" %ill us all>1 7on:t get me !rong$ I "on:t !ant to "ou*t !&at t&e sage says# *ut> T&ose monsters can spea% t&e &uman tongue>!&at i' t&ey:re secretly in'luencing t&e sage>1 +oo"en "ec%(Dst le)el)5 89EFA E)en no!# I can see Longc&i smile> I !on"er !&en &e !ill come &ome> So# &a)e you spo%en to t&e Sage1 0e is a )ery nice person# so &e may *e !illing to listen$ +oo"en "ec%(En" le)el)5 .arol is here, standing near the railing a few feet from the old woman looking out over the lake. OL7 +O-A E)en i' our to!n !as per'ectly sa'e 'rom monsters# 'or t&e c&ie' it !oul" still *e a temporary 'i;$ Per&aps !e s&oul" ,ust ma%e t&e sage )illage c&ie'> 8es# !oul"n:t ma%ing t&e sage our c&ie' *e a 'ine i"ea1 I:ll &a)e to suggest it to t&e entire )illage$ .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL ("o!ncast) +e !eren:t a*le to 'in" P&aero& a'ter all> 8ea&# our 'irst ,o* as a guil" !as an egregious 'ailure$ +&at "o you t&in%# s&oul" !e go *ac% to 7a&ngrest1 (loo%ing up) T&at mig&t *e *est>*ut !oul" you *e o%ay !it& t&at# 8uri1 An" !&at a*out Estelle1 I:" *e 'ine !it& it$ As 'or Estelle> I:ll lea)e t&at ans!er up to &er$ All rig&t> (turning a!ay 'rom t&e la%e) T&is sure is a serene little to!n$ 0u&1 O&# yea&>it is# isn:t it1 o guil"s# no empire>it:s a little strange$ 8ea&# *ut I t&in% it:s rela;ing$ 8ea&> (ut e)en so# I pre'er 7a&ngrest$ T&at:s &o! e)eryone is$ E)ery*o"y pre'ers t&e place !&ere t&ey gre! up$ 8ou too# 8uri1 +ell# yea&# sure$ (ut i' !e:re going to !or% toget&er in (ra)e Vesperia# !e:ll &a)e to "eci"e on a single place 'or our &ome *ase$

89RI .AROL 89RI

.AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL

+e coul" al!ays ma%e someplace ne!# you %no!$ Someplace ne!>1 8ea&# you %no!$ E)eryone t&in%s o' 7a&ngrest as t&e 9nion:s city# *ut it:s really Altos%:s city$ It coul" *e li%e t&at$ (ra)e Vesperia coul" ma%e it:s o!n city$ (ra)e Vesperia:s o!n city> 8ea&# I li%e t&at i"ea> +ell# eit&er !ay$ +e:)e got a lot o' ,o*s as a guil" a&ea" o' us *e'ore !e can *e t&in%ing a*out t&ings li%e t&at$ 8ea&>3 > o! t&at you mention it# or"opolica is Palestralle:s city# isn:t it1 8ea&# i' you t&in% o' it t&at !ay# or"opolica:s more o' a guil" city t&an 7a&ngrest# e)en$ 8ea&$ An" (elius rules t&e city# too> or"opolica# &mmm>$ Lea"er o' a city# 7uce o' a guil"> I !on"er !&at sort o' person (elius is>1

.AROL T&e guil" to!n# &u&1 I !is& I can start one$ )uri continues on down the road. +O-A Apparently# i' !e construct one o' t&ese A*arriersB t&e monsters !ill stop coming>*ut is it really sa'e1 I suppose it must *e# i' t&e sage says it is$ I' t&e sage says it:s sa'e# it:s "e'initely sa'e$ It !oul" *e simply outrageous to "ou*t t&e sage3 LITTLE /IRL T&e "esert1 A7esertB li%e t&e places t&at are all san"1 8ou came 'rom a "esert1 +&ere is t&ere a "esert1 I:m ne)er e)en seen a "esert$ 8ou must &a)e come so 'ar$ 8O9 / -A 8ou:re 'rien"s o' t&e sage1 I "i"n:t %no!$ I !as !on"ering !&at you &a" come to "o in t&is tiny rural to!n$ I:m so sorry !e can:t prepare anyt&ing special 'or you$ O&# yes$ 0a)e you seen t&e mountains to t&e nort& yet1 T&e scenery is )ery *eauti'ul$ +oo"en (ri"ge5 OL7 +O-A I &ear you people &a)e *roug&t us t&e clear ciel crystal1 +it& t&e po!er o' t&e crystal# our )illage !ill *e sa'e 'rom any monster> o! our )illage !ill *e eternally sa'e 'rom t&e monsters: menace$ +e o!e e)eryt&ing to t&e sage$ I am so t&an%'ul> O9TSI7E I ASEPTE TRIO ESB LITTLE (O8 T&e sage says &e:s ma%ing a "oo&ic%ey 'rom some %in" o' crystal t&ing3 Isn:t t&at ama?ing1 I 'orgot e;actly !&at &e:s ma%ing$ I "on:t really remem*er# *ut it !as "e'initely ama?ing$ +&at:s so ama?ing a*out it1 I alrea"y tol" you I "on:t remem*er3 8ou sure are pes%y$ Fine$ Tell me !&at:s so ama?ing a*out t&e ocean# rig&t no!$ 8ou can:t# can you1 O9TSI7E /E ERAL STORE APOLARISB )uri find /epede and =stelle outside the store.

REPE7E 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

/ru''> So you !eren:t a*le to meet P&aero&# a'ter all$ (ut I learne" a*out some )ery important t&ings$ T&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# an" t&e Entele;eia> (ut t&e only ne! t&ing !e learne" !as !&at t&ose !or"s mean$ As 'or t&e reason P&aero&:s trying to %ill you>it seems !e !on:t %no! unless !e go an" as% &im "irectly$ (ut you &ear" !&at &e !as saying$ I' I go to meet P&aero&# &e:ll ,ust !ipe me out$ It loo%s li%e !e:ll ne)er %no! t&e trut&# t&en> A'ter all t&is> It:s li%e I:m *eing tol" t&at I s&oul" ,ust gi)e up> o# no !ay$ >-ay*e> 0u&>1 -ay*e !&at I:m trying so &ar" to 'igure out>isn:t really t&at important to %no! at all$ +&at "o you mean1 I' I:" ne)er met you# 8uri# an" I:" ,ust %ept li)ing my li'e in t&at castle# I !oul" &a)e li)e" !it&out e)er %no!ing a*out t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# or t&e Entele;eia# or any o' t&at$ So may*e I coul" ,ust go on li)ing !it&out %no!ing !&y P&aero& !ants me "ea"$ So you:re saying you s&oul" ,ust go *ac% to t&e capital1 I t&in% t&at:s "e'initely an option$ >I' t&at:s !&at you !ant to "o# I !on:t stop you$ 8uri> Our contract !it& you is null an" )oi" at t&is point# a'ter all$ >T&at:s true$ It:s ,ust>I "on:t really li%e &ypot&etical situations$ T&ey:re not real li'e$ An" I:m too goo" at preten"ing to 'orget t&ings t&at I alrea"y %no!$ > I' you can "o t&at# t&en I "on:t &a)e any pro*lem !it& it$ (ut can you really1 T&en# I> I can:t "o t&at# eit&er$ (ut I &a)e no i"ea !&at I s&oul" "o in t&is sort o' situation> 8ou !ant to %no! t&e trut&# *ut you "on:t %no! !&at to "o> >T&at:" *e a goo" summary o' your situation>rig&t1 8es> /otc&a$

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE

89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

ESTELLE I:ll>t&in% a*out it$ )uri walks up the curved path and encounters /aven halfway up. 8O9 / +O-A Say# &a)e you e)er *een to t&e coliseum1 T&ey say t&e atmosp&ere t&ere is li%e a *an6uet o' ma"ness3 Is it true1

+&at1 8ou actually 'oug&t in t&e coliseum1 I can:t *elie)e you steppe" out in one piece3 Loo%s certainly can *e "ecei)ing$ +&at %in" o' crime "i" you commit1 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE 0ey ol" man# you can 'eel 'ree to go on a&ea" to or"opolica$ 0ey t&ere# young:un$ +&at# you !anna get ri" o' me so soon1 +rong$ I ,ust !oul"n:t !ant you to miss t&e ne! moon an" your c&ance to "eli)er t&e letter all on our account$ 0onestly# I coul" "o 'ine !it&out your concern$ +rong again$ I' (ra)e Vesperia gets in t&e !ay o' Altos%:s !or%# !e:ll *e apologi?ing to t&e 7on 'or an eternity$ +&at1 8ou:re too young to *ot&er yoursel' !it& suc& 'lu''$ It:s a matter o' (ra)e Vesperia *eing trust!ort&y$ 8ou see !&at I mean1 +e:)e still got time le't until t&e ne! moon$ +e:ll *e 'ine$ 8ou sure>1 Any!ay# I ain:t a*out to go *ac% t&roug& t&e "esert an" t&at ca)e mysel'3 I' I got %ille" *y some monster on t&e !ay t&ere# not only !oul" t&e letter not get "eli)ere"# *ut (ra)e Vesperia certainly !oul"n:t loo% )ery trust!ort&y to potential clients t&en# !oul" t&ey1 In t&at case# !e:" collect your *ones an" t&e letter# an" "eli)er t&em as promise"$ O&# &o! %in" o'> >+ait# &ey3 Any!ay# ,ust so long as you !on:t go *laming me i' you "on:t manage to "eli)er it on time$ o pro*lem3 Hmusical noteI

89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE RAVE

7on:t *e so col">I may *e ol"# *ut I:m a )ery sensiti)e guy> 8O9 / -A T&e trut& is# t&e )illagers: 'ait& in me &as *een !a)ering *ecause o' t&e sage:s &elp> I:m not sure !&et&er to *e grate'ul or pertur*e"$ It:s a strange 'eeling> 8uri returns to t&e Inn$ I ASEPTE TRIO ESB5 -AI7 8ou:re all !earing suc& unusual clot&es$ +e "on:t really see anyt&ing li%e t&em aroun" &ere$ 7i" you come 'rom )ery 'ar a!ay1 Is your 'oo" )ery "i''erent as !ell1 I:" lo)e to &ear some recipes 'rom your &ometo!ns$ FE-ALE I .EEPER 0o! a*out resting a'ter a &ar" "ay:s !or%1 +oul" you li%e to stay 'or SP /al" a nig&t1 (c&oose 8es) Please come again$ +e loo% 'or!ar" to ser)ing you ne;t time$ +t"s morning. )uri leaves the inn and walks to the wooden bridge. As he

comes over the arch of the bridge he sees everyone is waiting &ust past the bridge for him. RAVE /la" ya coul" ma%e it$ 89RI Sorry to %eep you !aiting$ (to t&e mot&er an" 'at&er) >8ou:ll *e &ea"ing *ac% too# rig&t1 FAT0ER 8es$ T&an%s to your &elp# !e:)e reco)ere" our strengt&$ +e !ere t&in%ing !e:" cross t&e "esert !it& you all> T&at is# i' you "on:t min"$ RAVE <ust ma%e sure ya "on:t go !an"erin: o''$ .AROL 0o! a*out us1 +&at:s our plan a'ter t&is1 RITA I:m &ea"e" 'or t&e aer %rene in t&e +easan" o' =a"os$ (ut I am curious a*out t&e Entele;eia# too$ RAVE I &a)e t&e &onore" tas% o' "eli)ering t&is letter &ere ta (elius$ .AROL I:" li%e to meet (elius once mysel'$ I mean# seriously3 T&e 7uce3 I !ant to see ,ust !&at %in" o' lea"er o' t&e only guil" to ri)al Altos% really is$ 89RI It:s or"opolica 'or me too$ I:m gonna see !&at Flynn &as to say a*out t&ose %nig&ts in -antaic$ T&at:s assuming &e:s still in or"opolica# o' course$ ESTELLE I>I !ant to %no! !&y t&e Entele;eia &ate t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ +&ic& means I &a)e to meet P&aero&> RITA (ut t&ere:s got to *e anot&er !ay t&at "oesn:t in)ol)e P&aero&$ 89RI Rig&t> (esi"es# !al%ing aroun" in t&e "esert ,ust loo%ing 'or &im !oul"n:t *e easy$ <97IT0 +&y "on:t !e all &ea" 'or or"opolica# t&en1 8ou:re only loo%ing to 'in" out t&e reason you !ere> attac%e" *y t&e Entele;eia# correct1 ESTELLE 8-yes> <97IT0 I imagine (elius coul" tell you i' you met !it& &er$ RITA +&y# *ecause o' t&e connection *et!een t&e Entele;eia an" t&e coliseum1 RAVE I "o remem*er 8eager mum*lin: somet&in: a*out t&e Entele;eia o' or"opolica$ 89RI I' !e can *elie)e anyt&ing &e tol" us$ RAVE +ell# !e:ll pass t&roug& t&e +easan" o' =a"os on t&e !ay to see (elius$ /oo" enoug&1 89RI True enoug&$ All rig&t# t&en# or"opolica it is$ .AROL Rig&t$ First let:s get *ac% to -antaic$ ,ne by one they head for the e it that leading back into the desert. =stelle waits for )uri. ESTELLE (loo%ing at t&e s%y) 7i"n:t (elius only meet !it& people on t&e nig&t o' t&e ne! moon1 89RI 8ea&$ +e:ll &a)e to get a mo)e on i' !e:re going to see &er$ I:ll %ic% mysel' i' !e miss t&e ne! moon an" &a)e to !ait anot&er mont&$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT S+IT The C)ear Cie) Cry*ta) LetB* Eat A)ready4

The Sand* o3 +o0orh 8"orth: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT S+IT I $ant a Shower 5uke

MA"TAIC ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ RITA P&ee!> +e:re 'inally &ere$ I:)e seen enoug& san" to last me a li'etime$ .AROL 8ou:re telling me$ ESTELLE Loo%>t&ere are people outsi"e t&e to!n> RITA +on"er i' t&at means t&e cur'e!:s *een li'te"$ They spot Cumore standing outside a throng of knights with beaten-down citi!ens around a beast drawn carriage. RITA =umore>3 RAVE Easy no!# &aste ma%es !aste$ =9-ORE 0urry# &urry# all a*oar"$ Let:s all en,oy a nice little tour o' t&e "esert# s&all !e1 -A (ut !&ile !e:re gone# t&e c&il"ren>3 =9-ORE I promise ric&es to anyone !&o can *ring me t&e remains o' t&at giant# !inge" monster$ T&en your c&il"ren !ill *e a*le to li)e in t&e lap o' lu;ury$ )uri and the others stand near a small group of palm trees, watching the events unfold. -A :S VOI=E Please# "on:t ma%e us go3 Cumore loses patience. Taking a half step forward he balls his hands into fists. =9-ORE Stop your !&ining3 I tol" you )ermin to get a*oar"3 o! get mo)ing t&is instant3 FAT0ER T&at:s ,ust &o! !e !ere sent into t&e "esert$ 89RI T&e giant# !inge" monster must *e P&aero&$ RAVE 8ea&# *ut !&at:s &e !ant ta capture P&aero& so *a" 'or1 <97IT0 +ell# !&at are !e going to "o1 +e can:t ,ust stan" *y an" !atc&# can !e1 ESTELLE I:ll> 89RI I:m a'rai" t&at i"iot isn:t going to listen to anyt&ing a princess !oul" say$ ESTELLE >T&en !&at s&oul" !e "o1 89RI .arol# c:mere a sec$ (!&ispers in .arol:s ear) .AROL +&at1 8ea&# I coul" "o t&at>*ut I:" nee" tools> +ait# you mean>1 <97IT0 8es# per&aps t&is !ill &elp$ (<u"it& &ol"s a tool) .AROL 0o! con)enient> ;ater, .arol holds a wrench. .AROL 8ou guys *etter *ail me out i' t&is goes *a"$ )uri gives him the thumbs-up while /aven digs in his ear. 89RI So you "i" pic% t&at up$ <97IT0 (no""ing) +ell# it !as ,ust lying t&ere$ I t&oug&t it mig&t *e use'ul$ RITA $$+&ate)er$ RAVE o! a*out all !e can "o is lea)e it up to t&e %i"$

=9-ORE . I/0T =9-ORE . I/0T =9-ORE

+&at is it !it& t&ese commoners1 T&ey:re slo!er t&an slugs$ /et a*oar"# "amn you3

Sir =umore# e)eryone is a*oar"3 E)eryone e;cept yoursel'$ +&at1 --me>1 T&ose !&o "o t&eir ,o*s slo!ly !ill ne)er learn !it&out punis&ment$ . I/0T Sir =umore# please# I *eg o' you3 I &a)e a !i'e an" "aug&ter> =9-ORE I' you:" li%e to stay &ere> I:m sure I coul" arrange 'or t&em to go in your place$ o!# *e gone !it& you3 ESTELLE .arol$ <97IT0 7on:t !orry$ T&at young man is )ery capa*le$ As Hudith smiles at =stelle and /ita, a wheel falls off the carriage. =9-ORE +&at:s going on13 +&o !as it t&at rea"ie" t&is coac&13 (loo%ing aroun") /aaa&33 Fi; t&e *laste" coac&3 I !ill 'in" out !&o:s responsi*le 'or t&is3 RITA I:)e gotta &an" it to t&e little runt$ .arol runs back to them. 89RI 8ou "i" it$ .AROL +&e!> -y &eart !as poun"ing li%e a "rum$ RITA T&is !on:t "o anyt&ing more t&an *uy us some time# t&oug&$ <97IT0 I t&in% it:s a*out all !e can "o at t&e moment$ 89RI 8ea&# =aptain .arol:" start crying i' !e trie" to tac%le t&e .nig&ts &ea" on$ RAVE 0o! M*out !e ma%e oursel)es scarce *e'ore people start getting: too curious1 FAT0ER I suppose !e:ll *e on our !ay# t&en> 89RI 8ea&$ I:m sure your %i"s !ill *e so &appy to see you$ (ut t&ere !on:t al!ays *e someone aroun" to sa)e you$ -ot&er T&an% you again 'or all your &elp$ They bow, then leave. 89RI /uess !e s&oul" lay lo! at t&e inn 'or a !&ile$ S+IT -ain Street5 . I/0T (+ EGIT) The +ni0ht* in thi* Town >> T&ere:s no !ay I:m 'ollo!ing t&e captain a'ter seeing t&at> (ut i' I "on:t# I !on:t e)en *e a*le to eat$ +&at am I suppose" to "o>1 +&en my mom# *ac% in my &ometo!n# &ear" I *ecame a %nig&t# s&e !as so &appy> OSig&O I !is& I &a" *een assigne" to a respecta*le captain> 8ou all &a)e *een loitering aroun" &ere 'or a !&ile> .eep it up# an" I:ll toss you all in t&e slammer$ Listen to me an" get out o' t&is to!n$ +&o "oes t&e .nig&t comman"er t&in% &e is1 It:s terri*le3 It:s li%e t&ey came &ere ,ust to torture t&e to!nspeople$ E)en t&e !ay &e tal%s ma%es me sic%$ One o' t&ese "ays# &e:s gonna ma%e t&e !rong person ma"$ T&e .nig&ts are suppose" to protect t&e citi?ens# *ut

. I/0T (STATIO ) -A

,ust loo% at t&em> Isn:t t&ere Osome*o"yO on t&e si"e o' ,ustice aroun" &ere1 . I/0T Sir3 Stan"ing in one place so long is "i''icult# sir3 (-*ut I !on:t let up3 I:ll %eep on o*ser)ing !it& e)eryt&ing I:)e got3 Sir3 I !on:t let e)en a single ant escape my sig&t3 Sir3 +&y "i" our !agon *rea% "o!n1 It:s o*)ious$ Someone tampere" !it& it$ -ay*e !e s&oul" roun" up t&e citi?ens an" smo%e t&e perpetrator out> (ring Mem on3 +e:ll s&o! t&em ,ust &o! stupi" it is to pic% a 'ig&t !it& t&e .nig&ts$ 8ou again>1 Loo%# you:re *eing a pain$ 8ou !ant to get t&ro!n in ,ail1 7i"n:t you &ear me1 Stop *eing suc& a nuisance$

. I/0T (AR=0)

. I/0T (E EGIT)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Reward 2or He)%in0 .ther*# Alph and ;ayla stand in the alley behind the inn. 89RI 0ey %i"# &o!:s it going1 ALP0 O&# it:s you3 8ay3 LA8LA T&an% you 'or sa)ing our -ommy an" 7a""y3 RAVE A!# s&uc%s# %i"s# Mt!eren:t not&in3 RITA +&at are you getting all *as&'ul 'or# ol" man1 <97IT0 A'ter all# !e e)en got a re!ar" 'or &elping t&em$ <97IT0 O&# !&at:s t&e matter1 The children"s parents &oin them. FAT0ER 0ey# it:s you3 T&an%s so muc& 'or your &elp *ac% t&ere3 -OT0ER T&an%s to you# our c&il"ren &a)e someone to ta%e care o' t&em again$ ESTELLE o# really# !e &ar"ly "i" anyt&ing$ FAT0ER o# no# it:s t&an%s to all o' t&e precious !ater you s&are" !it& us t&at !e:re &ere to"ay3 -OT0ER I "ou*t t&is is really enoug& to t&an% you 'or all you:)e "one# *ut> I FOR-ATIO O*taine" 0ourglass$ .AROL T&an% you3 FAT0ER It:s t&e least !e coul" "o$ T&an% you$ As the others leave, Hudith approaches Alph and hands something to him. <97IT0 0ere you go$ ALP0 0u&>1 <97IT0 T&is is important to you# rig&t1 8ou can &a)e it *ac%$ ALP0 (ut> <97IT0 7on:t !orry# your -om an" 7a" alrea"y ga)e us somet&ing to t&an% us 'or &elping t&em$ +e coul"n:t ta%e your re!ar" too3 T&at !oul" *e gree"y3 ALP0 O-o%ay>3 <97IT0 See ya later# o%ay1 I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er A/lass -ar*le$B Hudith walks back to the group. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Street *e&in" Inn5 . I/0T (+A/O ) 7ammit3 o! I gotta "o !agon repair1 S&ut up3 7on:t tal% to me3 Arrrg&# t&is is so 'rustrating> Street lea"ing to Oasis5 . I/0T CD >> >> /et out o' my sig&t$ . I/0T CE I:)e lost ten poun"s in ,ust a 'e! "ay$ It:s li%e a sauna in t&is armor$ +&at "o you say1 0o! a*out ,oining our Armor (oot =amp yoursel'1 0e& &e&> 0e& &e& &e& &e&> 0e& &e& &e& &e& &e& &e&> 0mm> It seeme" li%e t&e .nig&ts !ante" to ta%e t&e to!nspeople some!&ere$ It ma%es you !on"er i' t&ey:re e)en &ere on o''icial *usiness> I:m t&in%ing a*out getting out o' t&is to!n as soon as I can> (ut no! I &ear t&ere:s some giant !inge" monster out t&ere> O&# it:s so scary3 T&is assignment is suc& a nig&tmare# I mu""ie" t&e 'ountain t&e ot&er "ay$ a&# I:m ,ust %i""ing$ <ust a 'un little lie to pass t&e time> 0ey# people "rin% t&at !ater$ I !oul"n:t really "o t&at$ -ay*e our captain !oul"# *ut>

+O-A

. I/0T C3

I 5 . I/0T

>> >>>> >> >>S&ut up$ I .EEPER O&&>3 8ou:)e returne" sa'e 'rom -- 3 (glances at guar" near t&e !all) >+-!elcome *ac%$ .AROL >Loo%s li%e t&ey:)e still got guar"s !atc&ing &im$ I .EEPER 8ou must *e tire"$ Please en,oy your stay$ Crickets chirp outside as they talk in the room. RITA T&at =umore pun% is a really lousy guy$ RAVE I !on"er !&y t&ey:re trying to capture P&aero&$ ESTELLE I "on:t %no!# *ut> At t&is rate# t&ey:re going to sen" all o' t&e a"ults in t&e to!n out into t&e "esert$ <97IT0 An" once t&e a"ults are gone# it mig&t *e t&e c&il"ren:s turn# ne;t$ ESTELLE o# t&at can:t &appen3 I' I ,ust spo%e to &im as a representati)e o' t&e imperial 'amily>3 <97IT0 Are you 'orgetting !&at &appene" in 0elior"1 .AROL 8ea&# Estelle$ 0e "i"n:t care t&at you !ere t&e princess at all$ ESTELLE > RITA So s&oul" !e &elp t&e to!nspeople# or s&oul" !e &elp oursel)es1 ESTELLE Rita> <97IT0 7on:t you !ant to %no! t&at t&e Entele;eia is

t&in%ing1 I' so# you s&oul" put t&is !&ole *usiness !it& =umore out o' your min" 'or t&e time *eing$ RITA It:s a strange 'eeling to *e agreeing !it& you# *ut> I t&in% !e s&oul" 'ocus on meeting (elius 'or no!$ )uri says nothing. %e &ust stands by the door and listens. RITA E)en i' !e capture" =umore# !e !oul"n:t &a)e t&e aut&ority to try &im 'or &is crimes$ I' !e can:t "o anyt&ing a*out &im# !e s&oul" 'ocus on !&at !e actually can "o$ ESTELLE I' only Flynn !ere &ere>3 .AROL Flynn> (ut !&ere is &e>1 ESTELLE I !is& I %ne!> RITA I:m sorry# Estelle> +e "on:t mean to *e ganging up on you$ It "isgusts me# too# to imagine t&at ,er% snoring all nice an" co?y in &is *e" rig&t no!$ (ut> ESTELLE Rita>I un"erstan"$ <97IT0 Loc% up a guy li%e t&at# an" as soon as &e:s release" &e:ll ,ust en" up "oing t&e same t&ing again$ RAVE 8ep$ 8ou %no! !&at t&ey say>t&e only cure 'or stupi"ity is "eat&$ )uri turns from them and faces the bookcase near the bed. 89RI (to &imsel') AT&e only cure 'or stupi"ity is "eat&>B <97IT0 ;ater than evening, everyone but )uri is asleep in their beds. )uri sits against the wall, guarding the door. %e opens his eyes and leaps to his feet. Turning his sword hand palm up, )uri stares at his own hand. 89RI I guess I:ll &a)e to play *y my o!n rules> As the others sleep, )uri slips out the door. A little while later )uri stands at the foot of Cumore"s bed. Cumore is lying on his back, his posture rela ed yet perfectly aligned with hands clasped over his midriff. %is e pression is serene and peaceful. >o dreams of guilt or remorse disturb his slumber. 89RI =umore$ Cumore does not awaken. )uri strikes the bed sharply with his sword, waking Cumore who violently springs upright in his bed. =9-ORE 8-y-you:re>3 o3 8uri# it:s you3 +&-!&at are you "oing &ere13 Seeing the sword in )uri"s hand, Cumore rolls off the bed onto the floor with #uick refle es of a cat. =yes wide with terror, he scoots backwards to the doorway. =9-ORE (trem*ling# getting to &is 'eet) Someone3 Someone come 6uic%3 %is cries go unheard. There is no innkeeper at the desk and the guard is now off duty and asleep as well. ,n his feet now, Cumore leans on the opened door with buckled knees and one hand braced against the side of the door, the other grasping the hilt of his sword. %e is trembling so violently he can barely manage to speak much less draw his sword. -ith his trembling hand unable to draw the sword, he stares at )uri in horror. =9-ORE 8-you !oul" cross s!or"s !it& a no*le1 Cumore pushes against the door with his free hand and manages to stand

upright and draw his sword. -ith a bit more confidence, he points the sword at )uri with a shaky arm. =9-ORE V-)ery !ell# I accept your c&allenge$ )uri takes a couple of steps and with a single swipe of his blade, knocks Cumore"s sword out of his grip. As the sword clangs on the floor, Cumore falls back to his former position of cringing on the floor in the doorway. =9-ORE -no3 0o! coul" t&is>3 89RI 8ou tal% too muc&# =umore$ T&e time:s come 'or you to ma%e your e;it$ =9-ORE 7-"o you &a)e any i"ea t&e trou*le you:re in 'or e)en pointing t&at t&ing at me13 Cumore stares at )uri in open-mouthed horror. Silently, effortlessly, )uri strolls toward Cumore. =9-ORE A&&&&>$ Cumore leaps to his feet and flees. )uri silently and calmly follows him out the door. %e catches up with Cumore in the desert &ust outside of town where the villain"s path is cut off by a long stream of collapsing sand, Cumore stands at the edge of moving sand falling into a pit below. =9-ORE +-!ait3 (!ar"ing 8uri o'' !it& &is &an"# &is )oice s&rill) I:m not t&e one to *lame3 I:)e ,ust *een 'ollo!ing or"ers3 I &a" no c&oice3 89RI T&en "on:t &ate me$ 0ate !&oe)er ga)e you your or"ers$ =9-ORE (&an" out# plea"ing) +-!ait3 0o! a*out t&is13 (lo!ers &is arm# &is eyes s&re!") I coul" use my aut&ority to par"on all o' your crimes3 A 'res& start3 (e"ges *ac%!ar" near t&e e"ge) I may e)en *e a*le to &a)e you reinstate" as a .nig&t3 Cumore scoots a bit further from )uri. >ow he is very close to the edge of the pit. =9-ORE I &a)e no s&ortage o' money$ +it& enoug& money# I:m sure I coul" satis'y your e)ery !is&$ /o a&ea"3 Tell me !&at it is you !ant3 89RI T&ere:s only one t&ing I !ant 'rom you$ =9-ORE A-an" !&at mig&t t&at>1 %is cold eyes fi ed on Cumore, )uri strides steadily toward Cumore making him edge closer to the pit"s edge. =9-ORE (t&ro!ing &is &an" up again) -no# stop> Stay *ac%3 7on:t come any closer# you *east3 (lo!ers &is &an") I am =umore# a captain o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts3 T&e man "estine" to *ecome =omman"ant3 )uri walks closer and Cumore steps back and stumbles backward off the edge. =9-ORE Aaaaaag&&&&33333 Cumore lands on his backside in the pit. =9-ORE I-I *eg you3 Spare my li'e3 There is a coiled rope lying on the sand close by, but )uri ignores it and looks back at Cumore. )uri observes the sand falling from the edge where Cumore fell and how the sand flowing into the pit #uickly fills up any space around Cumore"s sitting form. %e doesn"t need to do anything. The sand will do it for him. +t becomes all too clear for Cumore. =9-ORE P-please# no3 ot li%e t&is3 I-I "on:t !ant to go

li%e t&is3 9rom Cumore"s position in the pit, he can see only see )uri"s face before it, heartless and loathing, against the barrier rings in the sky. 89RI Tell me# &o! many times &a)e you &ear" t&ose )ery !or"s1 Cumore reali!es he has no more trumps to play. %is eyes widen in terror as he reali!es his fate. =9-ORE Aaaaaa&3 The sand beneath Cumore shifts and he sinks deeper and deeper. The sand flows down and around him, swallowing him until only his hand sticks out of the sand. )uri watches unmoved. As the sand takes every last bit of Cumore, )uri"s e pression becomes calm, almost smiling. There are footsteps behind him. Someone is coming. )uri looks over his shoulder. 8uri 3 )uri looks straight ahead, then closes his eyes. FL8 -y people &a)e ta%en control o' t&ings &ere$ T&e resi"ents o' t&is to!n !on:t su''er any longer$ 89RI (opening &is eyes# loo%ing at t&e s%y) T&at oug&t to put you one step closer to your ne;t promotion$ 9lynn says nothing. 89RI I:m &ea"ing *ac% to t&e ot&ers$ )uri walks past 9lynn. FL8 8uri# !e nee" to tal% later$ )uri keeps on walking. 89RI >I %no!$ 9lynn turns and watches )uri walk back into the town. FL8 I:ll *e !aiting>"o!n at t&e la%e$ 9lynn"s .nights stand guard over the few surviving Cumore .nights sitting on the ground. 1ore Cumore .nights lie on the ground. They will never sit up again. The townspeople celebrate with fireworks e ploding in the night sky. 1eanwhile, )uri slumps against a wall inside the inn with /epede lying by his side. /aven, Hudith and =stelle hang out in the lobby. .arol comes in from outside. .AROL +&o:" &a)e guesse" t&is to!n coul" e)er *e t&is li)ely1 <97IT0 8es$ It:s a great relie' to %no! t&e people &ere can li)e 'reely again$ ESTELLE I:m still in s&oc% t&at Flynn actually came$ .AROL T&at !as ama?ing timing$ ESTELLE (ut =umore mig&t must cause more pain some!&ere else$ .AROL 8ou !atc&$ Flynn:ll &a)e t&at guy *e&in" *ars in no time$ Rig&t# 8uri1 89RI >O&# u&# yea&$ .AROL >8uri>1 .arol walks around the counter to look at )uri. /aven sits against the front of the counter fast asleep. Cravity pulls /aven over and he falls over onto the floor like a sack of grain and continues to sleep there. .arol walks back to the front of the counter to check on /aven. .AROL Ra)en# you:re gonna catc& a col"$ <97IT0 (getting up 'rom a c&air) 0e !ore &imsel' out playing !it& all t&e c&il"ren$ 8ou:" t&in% &e !as DE years ol"$ The door opens and /ita comes in. ESTELLE +elcome *ac%$ RITA T&ey:re still going out t&ere$ I can:t %eep up !it&

t&em$ I sa! you &a)ing a goo" time# t&oug&$ (*ig grin# teasing) 8ou:re an a!esome "ancer# Rita$ RITA H*lus&ingI S&ut up$ (slaps .arol on t&e &ea"# .arol sin%s to t&e 'loor &ol"ing &is &ea") As .arol gets to his feet, /ita leans over to inspect /aven lying crumpled on the rug in front of the counter. RITA 0u&>1 T&e ol" man:s asleep alrea"y1 777 0e&$ T&at !as 6uic%$ H OT S9RE +0O SAI7 T0IS LI EEE7S VERIFI=ATIO I )uri suddenly &umps to his feet, startling =stelle and waking /epede. ESTELLE 8uri1 89RI <ust gonna go &a)e a !or" !it& Flynn$ I:ll *e *ac%$ (!al%s out t&e "oor) ESTELLE 1 .AROL -ar%et5 8O9 / LA78 It seems t&at =aptain =umore !asn:t a real magistrate$ 0e "i"n:t !ant us to 'in" out# so &e pro&i*ite" t&e resi"ents 'rom going out$ (ut I:m gla" &e !asn:t a real magistrate$ I' &e !as# !e !oul"n:t *e a*le to run &im out o' to!n$ ("ou*le" o)er) Ouc&>I t&in% I "ran% too muc& mil%>-y stomac& &urts> O-ooo!!>$ I:)e &a" too muc& 'un 'or one nig&t> It:s so nice an" cool at nig&t3 An" I:m gonna ma%e sure it stays peace'ul at nig&t too3 Please let us %no! i' you &a)e any trou*le$ =aptain Flynn &as tol" us to listen !ell$ T&an% you 'or e)eryt&ing$ T&an%s to you# !e are 'ree 'rom t&e consular an" !e can return to our normal li)es$ It seems t&at you:)e sa)e" Alp& an" Layla$ +e are in "e*t to you$ I "on:t %no! &o! I can repay you> I sa! somet&ing t&at loo%e" li%e a massi)e *ir" in t&e s%y *e'ore !e came &ere$ I as%e" aroun"# *ut I !as t&e only person in t&e *riga"e !&o sa! it$ o*o"y *elie)e" me$ Sure t&ere aren:t any 'lying monsters t&at si?e# *ut I %no! !&at I sa!3 0mm> +&at "o you t&in% it !as1 I:m ,ust t&an%'ul to *e 'ree# I guess$ 8ou only miss somet&ing once you lose it> +e:)e all got t&e %nig&ts o' t&e Flynn (riga"e to t&an% 'or t&at$ o! !e:ll *e a*le to li)e !it&out !orrying$ Aaaa&&&>+&at a great 'eeling to *e 'ree3 9g&>I:)e &a" too muc& to eat an" "rin%>

-A

Fountain5 FL8 . I/0T

FAT0ER -OT0ER

.nig&ts Station5 FL8 . I/0T

Street to Oasis5 +O-A

-A

(SITTI /)

+O-A

8O9 / -A Alley5 LA8LA

+&o:s going to *e t&e ne;t consular1 +e "on:t nee" a consular in t&is to!n3 T&is is -antaic# an" !e:re not un"er t&e ,uris"iction o' t&e Empire$ +e:re 'ree3 T&e nig&t is still young3 Let:s cele*rate3 8ou:re tire" alrea"y1 -om an" 7a" came *ac%# so I:m not scare" at nig&t anymore3 (ut it:s still not 'air &o! t&ey:re al!ays telling me it:s past my *e"time> I !as !orrie" !&en it !as ,ust my sister an" me$ Li%e# !&at i' =umore s&o!e" up1 (ut e)eryt&ing:s 'ine no! t&at 7a":s *ac%$ 0e still tells us to go to *e" early# t&oug&$ I guess not&ing:s per'ect$

ALP0

)uri find 9lynn sitting on the shore of the oasis. The barrier in the sky is reflected in its waters. FL8 +&y "on:t you &a)e a seat1 )uri sits a couple of feet behind 9lynn, his back to him so he can"t see his eyes. 89RI 8ou sai" !e nee"e" to tal%1 FL8 Tell me> +&y "i" you %ill =umore1 8ou %no! it:s not our place to pass sentence on t&e crimes o' ot&ers$ 0e !as to *e punis&e" in accor"ance !it& t&e la!s3 89RI An" ,ust !&at la!s "o you t&in% !oul" &a)e punis&e" &im13 T&e same la!s t&at 'aile" to punis& Ragou1 'soft snort( /i)e me a *rea%$ FL8 8uri# (8uri leaps )iolently to &is 'eet# !al%ing past Flynn) you> 89RI T&e la!s &a)e al!ays *een t&e tools o' !&oe)er &appens to &ol" all t&e c&ips$ 9lynn &umps up and stand in front of )uri. FL8 <ust saying t&at "oesn:t ma%e it rig&t 'or in"i)i"uals to ,u"ge rig&t 'rom !rong# or 'or you to operate your o!n pri)ate court o' la!3 I' t&e la!s are at 'ault# t&en 'i;ing t&ose la!s comes 'irst$ It:s 'or t&at )ery reason t&at I:m still !it& t&e Imperial .nig&ts3 89RI (ut you can:t "eny t&at li)es !ere sa)e" *ecause t&ose *astar"s !ere put "o!n$ 8ou:" rat&er tell t&ose people# ASorry you &a)e to "ie to"ay# I promise !e:ll c&ange t&ings soonB1 FL8 T&at:s not !&at I:m saying at all3 89RI T&ey:re out t&ere# you %no!$ People so *a" t&ey:ll ,ust go on &urting ot&ers$ +&at can t&e a)erage person "o *ut *e )ictimi?e" *y people li%e t&at1 8ou %no! it !as t&e same !ay !it& our people in t&e lo!er 6uarter$ FL8 E)en so# 8uri# !&at you:re "oing isn:t rig&t$ 7o you inten" to rain your ,ustice "o!n on all t&e )illains o' t&e !orl"1

T&at:s t&e *e&a)ior o' a common criminal$ I recogni?e it 'or !&at it is# an" I:)e ma"e my c&oices$ -ur"er is a crime$ FL8 An" e)en %no!ing t&at# you inten" to "irty your &an"s$ 89RI Inten" to1 I alrea"y &a)e$ 9lynn hangs his head then looks at )uri, his e pression grave. FL8 So t&is is t&e pat& you:)e c&osen$ 89RI 7on:t ma%e me repeat mysel'$ FL8 I !on:t$ (ut it seems you "on:t yet un"erstan" t&e 'ull !eig&t o' your c&oices> )uri waits. FL8 (&an" on &is &eart) As a %nig&t# I cannot o)erloo% your crimes$ )uri looks a little astonished at 9lynn"s words. %e fle es slightly into battle position as he sees 9lynn"s hand lowers to grasp the hilt of his sword. 9lynn"s actions are halted by the arrival of Sodia. SO7IA =aptain# I:)e 'inally 'oun" you$ 9lynn walks to meet Sodia. FL8 +&at is it1 SO7IA Our *arrica"e o' or"opolica &as *een complete"$ Also# it appears t&at t&e 0unting (la"es are on t&e mo)e$ Sir# !e must go to or"opolica 6uic%ly$ FL8 > 'ahhh( SO7IA =aptain1 FL8 9n"erstoo"$ SO7IA Sir$ As Sodia leaves, 9lynn turns back to )uri. FL8 8uri>1 (t&ere is no ans!er) (long pause)I %no! you *etter t&an anyone ali)e# 8uri$ I' you insist on !al%ing "o!n t&e pat& o' a criminal> (loo%s out o)er t&e la%e) =stelle and /epede find )uri alone at the ,asis. /epede runs to )uri. ESTELLE A&# !ait# Repe"e3 8uri> (s&e !al%s "o!n t&e pat& to 8uri) 89RI So# you &ear" it all1 ESTELLE I:m sorry$ 89RI ("ra!ing closer to Estelle) Are you a'rai" o' me# Estelle1 =stelle is silent. *nable to bear her unspoken &udgment, )uri walks ahead of her a few feet. 89RI I' you are# you can 6uit rig&t &ere$ <oin Flynn an" go *ac% to t&e castle$ ESTELLE >I:m not going *ac%$ )uri"s eyes fly open hopefully and he turns to face =stelle. 89RI 0ey> ESTELLE >It:s true t&e t&ings you:)e "one are against t&e la!$ (ut I>I:m con'use"$ It:s also true t&at your actions sa)e" t&e li)es o' ot&ers> )uri looks at the townspeople. 89RI 8ou ne)er %no!# some"ay I mig&t turn my *la"e on you$ ESTELLE 8ou:" ne)er "o somet&ing li%e t&at !it&out a reason$ I' you e)er en" up pointing your s!or" at me# I:m sure I !ill &a)e "one somet&ing to "eser)e it$ 89RI > (sig&s &ea)ily) 89RI

I' you:re going to go !it& Flynn# no!:s your c&ance$ 0e seeme" li%e &e !as in a &urry$ ESTELLE o$ I:m going to continue on t&is ,ourney !it& you$ It:s !&at I !ant$ Tra)eling !it& you# I %no! I:ll 'in" t&e rig&t pat& 'or mysel'# too$ So !&at I:m t&in%ing is> (e;ten"s &er &an" to 8uri) 0ere:s to t&e roa" a&ea"$ )uri looks at his hand, then into =stelle"s eyes. 89RI >T&an%s$ )uri lowers his hand to his side then #uickly puts it into =stelle"s hand. e;t -orning5 They gather in the street in front of the +nn. /aven stands on the stoop. RAVE 0a)en:t sa!e" logs li%e t&at 'or a goo" long !&ile$ O8a!n$O RITA 8ea&# it:s calle" o)ersleeping$ 89RI +e:re rea"y to &it t&e roa"# so get t&at sleep out o' our eyes$ .AROL (loo%ing le't an" rig&t) >0u&1 T&ere are 'e!er %nig&ts t&an *e'ore> 89RI 8ea&$ Flynn an" &is cre! !ent *ac% to or"opolica$ <97IT0 T&at must mean t&ey !ere tra)eling *y nig&t$ .AROL +as t&ere some emergency t&ey &a" to "eal !it&1 RITA -ay*e t&ey &a" to ta%e care o' t&e monsters 'rom t&e coliseum$ .AROL I:ll *et Palestralle re6ueste" t&e &elp o' t&e %nig&ts$ 89RI 0mm# !e:ll &a)e to !ait an" see$ ESTELLE >1 '%mmA( 89RI +ell# it:s ,ust t&at Flynn sai" somet&ing a*out a *arrica"e$ <97IT0 (arrica"e1 +&at coul" t&at mean1 RAVE $ $ $ ESTELLE Are t&ey out to arrest (elius 'or !&at &appene" in t&e /reat +ar1 .AROL I can:t imagine t&at Palestralle !oul" *e outmaneu)ere" t&at easily *y t&e .nig&ts$ 89RI I get t&e 'eeling t&is is going to get messy$ RAVE -ay*e !e s&oul" t&in% t!ice a*out &ea"in: *ac% ta or"opolica 'or no!$ .AROL (ut t&e ne! moon:s almost &ere$ I' !e miss t&is c&ance !&o %no!s !&en !e mig&t meet (elius again$ RAVE T&at:s all !ell an" goo"$ I:m ,ust not in a &urry ta get tangle" up !it& t&at armor !earin: *unc&$ 89RI -e neit&er$ .AROL +e:ll ,ust &a)e to *e care'ul# li%e al!ays$ o use panic%ing a*out it$ RITA 7on:t 'orget# I !ant to ta%e a loo% at t&e aer %rene in =a"os$ 89RI 7on:t !orry$ I &a)en:t 'orgotten$ All rig&t# let:s &ea" out$ S+IT S+IT Cu9oreB* Mi**in0 2)ynn & Part E

Inn AAntaresB5 I .EEPER:S +IFE

.EEPER

0ey3 It:s you3 7i" my canteen &elp in coming *ac% 'rom t&e "esert ali)e1 /o a&ea"$ .eep it$ 9se it as long as you li%e$ It:s my !ay o' cele*rating our ne! 'ree"om3 T&e Flynn (riga"e:s great an" all# *ut you people are pretty incre"i*le# too$ I can tell3 Ta%e your time an" en,oy !&at nig&t s&oul" really *e li%e &er in -antaic$ It:s NPP /al" 'or a room$

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# E*te))eD* Pre,iou* Thin0# (3r" nig&t at t&e Inn) +t"s nighttime. The palms sway gently in the bree!e and cast shadows upon the sand. =stelle stands at the edge of the oasis. 89RI 0ey# Estelle$ ESTELLE >O&> 8uri$ 89RI Is t&at>!&at you !ere going to gi)e us as payment>1 ESTELLE 8es# it:s a memento o' my mot&er$ 89RI 8our mom> S&e passe" a!ay1 ESTELLE 8es# !&en I !as still a c&il"$ >+&at a*out your mot&er# 8uri>1 89RI It &appene" !&en I !as a *a*y$ I "on:t e)en remem*er !&at s&e loo%e" li%e$ ESTELLE I see> ESTELLE I t&oug&t t&at I !as special# to ne)er &a)e a 'at&er or mot&er !&ile I !as gro!ing up$ (ut you# an" .arol# an" e)en Rita>you all gre! up *y yoursel)es# too$ 89RI +ell# in my case# e)eryone in t&e lo!er 6uarter &elpe" raise me$ ESTELLE E)eryone in t&e castle &elpe" to raise me# too$ (ut I still 'elt lonely sometimes$ +&ene)er t&at &appene"# I !oul" loo% at t&is memento an" t&in% o' my mot&er$ It &elpe" *ring my spirits up a little$ 89RI +&at:re you "oing trying to gi)e a!ay somet&ing so important to you1 8ou s&oul" %eep it sa'e3 ESTELLE A'ter I starte" t&is ,ourney# I completely 'orgot a*out t&e memento o' my mot&er$ I t&in%# *ecause I !as !it& you# 8uri> I "i"n:t nee" it anymore> I &a" stoppe" getting lonely> 89RI >Are you going to get ri" o' it>1 ESTELLE +e all &a)e to lea)e our ol" memories *e&in"$ E)eryone else is li)ing 'iercely an" not !orrying a*out t&e past$ I nee" to learn &o! to gro! up an" mo)e on# too$ 89RI I' you "on:t !ant it# let me &ol" onto it 'or you$ ESTELLE 8uri> 89RI T&e time !ill come !&en you:re going to nee" it$ 8ou:re going to !ant to ree)aluate !&o you are$ 8ou:ll nee" to remin" yoursel' !&o you !ere# an" &o! 'ar you:)e come$ 8ou "on:t !ant to ma%e any ras& "ecisions no! t&at you:ll regret later$

ESTELLE

-ay*e>you:re rig&t> (ut until t&en# please ta%e care o' it 'or me# 8uri$ I' I lose sig&t o' !&ere I:m going# I may &a)e to 'all *ac% on it$ =stelle walks away. 89RI T&ere:" *e not&ing !rong !it& t&at# eit&er> +>9,/1AT+,> ,btained 1other"s 1emento. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Outsi"e Inn5 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL RAVE .AROL RAVE 89RI RAVE <97IT0 RAVE REPE7E .AROL ESTELLE .AROL 89RI -A ( EAR AR=0) 0ey# .arol$ +&at:s up# 8uri1 +e 'inis&e" Estelle:s re6uest$ S&oul"n:t (ra)e Vesperia start loo%ing 'or ot&er ,o*s1 8ea&# you:re rig&t$ 0mm# I !on"er !&at !e s&oul" "o$ +e coul" get a ,o* in 7a&ngrest i' !e !ere mem*ers o' t&e 9nion> 0ey %i"# "i"n:t ya %no!1 T&e 9nion:ll t&ro! you !or% e)en i' ya "on:t ,oin Mem$ T&ey ta%e a cut# *ut> Really13 Really3 (ut it:ll ta%e us some time to return to 7a&ngrest 'rom &ere> I' !e can 'in" a 9nion:s outpost sta'' aroun"# !e mig&t *e a*le to get a ,o*$ T&en !&y not loo% 'or t&em1 <u"y# ya coming1 +oo'3 9&> *ut# !&at s&oul" !e "o a*out P&aero&1 I' t&is is somet&ing !e nee" to "o as a guil"# I "on:t min"$ T&an% you# Estelle3 O.# let:s go$ So t&ere are goo" .nig&ts a'ter all> +&at:s t&at guy:s name1 Flynn1 0e:s ama?ing$ I' only all t&e .nig&ts !ere guys li%e Flynn>

They make one last trip to the lake before leaving to fulfill yet another sub-event. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part '8a:# A man wearing a white shirt with black vest and pants stands to the side of the path to the lake. RAVE 0ey3 -A 0ey t&ere# Ra)en3 8our 'rien"# t&ere>t&at:s u&# t&at:s t&e little guil"-&opper# rig&t1 .AROL T&e name:s .arol3 I:m a mem*er o' a guil" calle" (ra)e Vesperia no!$ -A O&&# (ra)e Vesperia# &u&1 So !&at *usiness "oes your guil" &a)e !it& us1 <97IT0 Is t&is t&e 9nion outpost1 -A 8ea&$ Loo%ing 'or a ,o*1 H.arol glances *ac% at 8uri$I +ell# let:s see>t&is is a*out all I:)e got at t&e

moment> )uri reads the note the man hands to him. 89RI >I re6uest transportation 'or my goo"s$ ]8u Seron$ +&at:s t&is suppose" to meanJ T&ere:s no "etaile" in'ormation &ere$ .AROL +ell# it is t&e 9nion$ T&ey:re pro*a*ly all going to *e pretty stan"ar" ,o*s$ -A S&oul" *e ,ust a*out rig&t 'or one o' your 'irst ,o*s$ It pays NEPP /al"$ RAVE 0ol" on a sec$ (ra)e Vesperia isn:t a mem*er o' t&e 9nion# ya %no!$ -A 0u&1 8ou:re una''iliate"1 O%ay# so !it& t&e 3PX 'in"er:s 'ee# t&at *rings your ta%e "o!n to 3PPP /al"$ +&at "o you t&in%1 8ou !ant it1 H7ecline O''erI -A O%ay$ Feel 'ree to stop *y !&ene)er you nee" !or%$ I s&oul" *e a*le to &oo% you up$

En" con)erstation !it& man 'rom 9nion5 -A +&at "o you say to t&at ,o* I tol" you a*out last time1 HAccept <o*I -A All rig&t$ o! go tal% to t&e client$ T&ey:ll 'ill you in on all t&e "etails o' t&e ,o*$ 8u:s a guy !&o usually &angs out aroun" t&e *ri"ge near t&e entrance o' to!n$ All rig&t# let:s go an" tal% to &im3

.AROL

-A +ell# goo" luc%# (ra)e> 9&# !&at !as it again1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------They travel to the east side of town to meet their client, )u Seron. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part '8(:# A red-haired man stands under a palm tree near the archway of the bridge. .AROL Are you>-r$ Seron1 -A 8es# I:m 8u Seron$ Are you 'rom t&e 9nion>1 .AROL 8ea&# !e:re a guil"# (ra)e Vesperia$ 89 (ra)e Ves>0mm# I &a)en:t &ear" o' you> .AROL 7on:t !orry$ +e can &an"le it3 8ou nee" people to "eli)er some stu''# rig&t1 89 8es>I:" li%e someone to ta%e a *oo% to an ol" 'rien" o' mine$ <97IT0 A *oo%1 89 8es# 6uite an important one$ It:s a *oo% t&at &ol"s many memories 'or us$ .AROL +e:ll ma%e sure to ta%e goo" care o' it$ 89 Please "on:t lose it$ I' t&at s&oul" &appen> I:ll &a)e you pay compenstation 'or t&e lost item t&roug& t&e 9nion$

89RI <97IT0 89

.arol 89 )u walks away. <97IT0

.arol sai" "on:t !orry# rig&t1 7o "on:t !orry$ An" !&o mig&t t&is 'rien" o' yours *e1 0is name is o*is =elestial$ 0e:s currently tra)eling# so I "on:t e;actly %no! !&ere &e is> I t&in% &e:s pro*a*ly in one o' t&e cities on Tol*yccia or 7esier$ Please ta%e t&is crest$ I' you carry t&is !it& you# &e s&oul" recogni?e it an" call out to you &imsel'$ AA 'iery soul into a sea o' 'lames$B 8ou:ll %no! it:s o*is i' &e says t&is to you$ O%ay# got it> +e accept t&is tas% in t&e name o' t&e *rig&test star in t&e nig&t s%y - - (ra)e Vesperia$ T&an% you 'or your &elp$

+&at !as t&at t&ing you sai" at t&e en" t&ere t&at soun"e" li%e a magic spell1 .AROL It:s an oat& 'or ta%ing a ne! ,o*$ It:s proo' t&at you accept t&e client:s re6uest$ <97IT0 Interesting$ 89RI All rig&t# let:s go loo% 'or o*is3 REPE7E OAggressi)e *ar%O I FOR-ATIO O*taine" (oo% o' Frien"s&ip$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" =omra"e =rest$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------They travel to Capua Torim to look for >obis. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part '8,:# As they walk into the +nn, a man standing near the front desk looks at them. -A Hlig&t*ul*I A 'iery soul into a sea o' 'lames> .AROL 3 T&at:s > T&at:s !&at -r$ Seron sai"> <97IT0 +oul" you *e 8u:s 'rien"# o*is1 O(IS In"ee"$ 8ou !ere sent to 'in" me1 .arol hands something to >obis. .AROL 8es# !e *roug&t you somet&ing 'rom 8u Seron$ I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er A(oo% o' Frien"s&ip$B O(IS 8ou &a)en:t loo%e" at !&at:s insi"e# &a)e you1 .AROL 0u&1 o# o' course not> O(IS Very !ell$ I' t&at is all> (turning a!ay to lea)e) .AROL O&# !ait$ I nee" to ta%e some proo' o' "eli)ery *ac% to t&e client> O(IS (turning *ac% to .arol) A&# o%ay$ Let:s see>you can ta%e t&is to &im as proo' o' "eli)ery$ (&an"s somet&ing to .arolZ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Rain*o! (oo%mar%$ O(IS +ell t&en# say &ello to 8u 'or me$ .AROL O' course$ T&an%sD ( o*is "eparats) 89RI Pretty goo" 'or our 'irst ,o*$ .AROL +e:re not "one yet$ +e still gotta ta%e t&is proo' o' "eli)ery *ac% to 8u$ <97IT0 An" t&en !e:ll 'inally^ *e 'inis&e" !it& t&e ,o*$

.arol nods. 89RI

I:m gla" !e "i"n:t lose t&e *oo% *e'ore !e got it to &im3 .AROL T&at !oul":)e *een *a"$ I "on:t t&in% you coul" ,ust go out an" *uy a replacement 'or t&at *oo%$ RITA 0o! !oul" you e)en lose somet&ing li%e t&at1 RAVE -ay*e i' ya !ent ta t&e *at&room an" acci"entally le't it *y t&e sin% !&en ya !as&e" your &an"s1 RITA E!!# t&at:s "irty$ RAVE +&at:s "irty1 8ou:re !as&in: yer &an"s3 .AROL +e nee" to ma%e sure not to lose t&e proo' o' "eli)ery# too$ 89RI O%ay# enoug& tal%ing$ Let:s get mo)ing3 .AROL 8ea&# let:s go to -antaic an" see t&e client$ RAVE 8i%es# are !e going *ac% all t&e !ay1 .AROL T&e sooner# t&e *etter$ 7on:t you !ant to tell t&e client1 89RI T&ere:s no nee" 'or a rus&$ Tal%ing o' t&ings li%e t&is# t&e more you !ait# t&e more you ,oy$ .AROL Is t&at true>1 89RI Let:s see t&e client !&en !e stop *y at -antaic later sometime$ REPE7E +oo'3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# +owF Boy & Part '# The small courtyard behind the inn is accessible now that a knight is no longer standing under the arch blocking the way. $eyond they find what appears to be a small child dressed in a cow costume standing beside a small sand pit. .AROL +-!&o are you1 .O+4 7ing-"ong3 I:m .o!?3 8ou can call me .-4 'or s&ort$ ice to meetc&a3 RITA .-41 7on:t you t&in% .o!? is plenty s&ort enoug&1 .O+4 o nee" to *e so sassy# Flatty -c=&esterson3 RAVE (glancing at Rita) F-'latty -c=&esterson33 0a& &a&3 I li%e t&e cut o' yer ,i*# .-43 /ita retailiates by turning to /aven and readying an e plosive arte. RITA I:m surroun"e" *y i"iots> +&at:s t&e point o' &a)ing *ig *oo*s# any!ay1 T&ey ,ust get in t&e !ay3 RAVE I g-guess> 89RI So# !&at are you "oing in a place li%e t&is# any!ay1 .O+4 /oo" 6uestion3 I guess you coul" say I:m &elping out !it& some c&ores$ ESTELLE O&# t&at:s so nice o' you to &elp your mot&er !it& t&e c&ores3 .O+4 -y mot&er1 8ou cra?y1 +&o sai" anyt&ing a*out t&at1 I:m &elping out t&e Ant Lion -an3 <97IT0 Is Ant Lion -an t&e name o' a 'rien" o' yours# or somet&ing1 .O+4 8epperoo3 Somet&ingli%e t&at# -s$ (ouncy-*ouncy$ .AROL (-*ouncy-*ouncy> H*lus&ingI

.O+4

Any!ay# coul" ya let me *orro! an Apple /el1 I' you "o# I:ll s&o! you !&at I mean$

(you are gi)en a c&oice$) I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er AApple /el$B .O+4 O&# t&an%s3 The kow! turns to the flowing sand trap. .O+4 Roun" an" roun" !e go3 +&ere !e stop>only I %no!3 The sand pit roars and spews sand into the air. ,ut comes the Ant ;ion 1an, landing beside the .ow!. All 3 .O+4 =atc&3 There is the sound of a cash register ringing up a sale. A T LIO -A Oo &oo3 T&an%ee# t&an%ee3 The ant lion man &umps back into the sand pit and the roaring and spewing sand #uit. 89RI +&at t&e &ec% !as t&at> .O+4 T&at is my 'rien"# t&e Ant Lion -an$ 8ou can call &im A-to-t&e-L 'or s&ort$ RAVE I:m>at a loss> <97IT0 So> 0e too% t&at apple gel# &u&1 .AROL I t&in% so> I !as too 'la**ergaste" *y all t&is !eir"ness to really notice$ RITA 8o# gi)e t&at apple gel *ac%# you3 .O+4 /i)e it *ac%1 7on:t *e so &eartless# Flatty3 RAVE @A9u*ed 7A 8"ot *ure how to inter%ret *y9(o): .O+4 8ou:ll ,ust &a)e to ta%e t&is instea"$ 0ere$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" -il%$ .O+4 Fres&-s6uee?e" 'rom t&e u""ers o' your truly3 -oo &oo &oo$ H&eartI All ; ; ; .O+4 I:m gonna %ill you "ea"# *a*y yea&3 So "ea"3 @9u*i,a) noteA 0ey# I:m ,ust %i""in:$ <ust immitatin: -r$ Fu# see1 H&eartI ----------------------------------------------------------------------------They leave 1antaic via the eastern e it. Along the way to the -easand of Cados, they run into a merchant heading for 1antaic. 2IEL5 MAP & The Mother Cado* Mountain* & $e*tern de*ert ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ESTELLE -ER=0A T 89RI -ER=0A T /oo" "ay3 A&# are you going to t&e +easan" o' =a"os1 8es# !e are$ +&y "o you as%1 T&e Imperial .nig&ts &a)e seale" o'' passage t&roug& =a"os$ It:s not ,ust &ere -- t&ey:)e set up *loc%a"es at all o' t&e routes t&roug& t&e mountains$ (loc%a"es>1 +&y !oul" t&ey> I "on:t %no! all t&e "etails# *ut I &ear" t&at it &as somet&ing to "o !it& some "anger in or"opolica$ +&at s&oul" !e "o> +e nee" to get to or"opolica *e'ore t&e ne! moon3

RITA -ER=0A T ESTELLE

-ER=0A T .AROL -ER=0A T 89RI .AROL -ER=0A T

ESTELLE 89RI <97IT0 .AROL RAVE ESTELLE RAVE

RITA 89RI

I !is& I coul" &elp# *ut t&ey !oul"n:t e)en let me t&roug&# an" I &a)e a tra)el permit$ Are you a mem*er o' t&e Fortune:s -ar%et1 8es$ 0o!:" you get your permit1 T&e empire issues tra)el permits to Fortunes -ar%et so t&at its mem*ers can tra)el !&ere)er t&ey !ant>at least# t&at:s &o! it:s suppose" to *e> Rig&t# *ut t&e Imperial .nig&ts !oul"n:t let me go any 'urt&er$ I:m going *ac% to -antaic# since t&ere:s no !ay to get aroun" t&em$ (&e !al%s on) 7o you t&in% Flynn or"ere" t&e *loc%a"es1 0mmm# I coul"n:t say$ Eit&er !ay# !e can:t a''or" to *e stuc% &ere 'or muc& longer$ 8es# it:ll *e a lot o' trou*le i' !e miss t&e ne! moon$ (ut I "on:t t&in% t&ey:" let us t&roug&# e)en i' !e as%e" nicely$ +ell# to *e &onest# !e can go ta%e a loo% an" t&in% a*out &o! to get in> t&e &ar" part !ill only come once !e:)e gotten insi"e$ +&at "o you mean# Aonce !e:)e gotten insi"e1B T&ey set up *loc%a"es to ma%e it &ar" to get outta t&e mountains>getting: insi"e s&oul"n:t *e nearly as toug&$ I t&in% t&at muc& is sa'e to assume$ +ell t&en# s&oul" !e go *ac% to -antaic to "o some 'inal preparations1 o# !e:re 'ine$ Let:s go li%e !e are$

THE $EASA"5 .2 CA5.S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ They enter the cave, pressing themselves flat against the walls, and observe Sodia and a few 9lynn .nights surrounding a somewhat tamed e#uine type of monster, a 0uietta. ESTELLE T&e Flynn (riga"e> <97IT0 So t&at:s t&e *loc%a"e1 .AROL 8ea&# loo%s li%e it !as Flynn (riga"e:s "oing# a'ter all> (ut>!&at are t&ose monsters "oing &ere1 RAVE P:raps t&ey:)e *een tame" *y t&e %nig&ts1 89RI T&is *riga"e is remin"ing me o' Flynn less an" less> >+&at t&e &ell is Flynn "oing !it& &is %nig&ts# any!ay> RAVE +it& &ar"core tactics li%e t&is# t&ere ain:t any "ou*t in my min" t&is &as somet&ing to "o !it& t&e tal% o' (elius engineering t&e /reat +ar$ .AROL So &o! "o !e get past t&is c&ec%point> RAVE 0o! a*out t&is1 The old man fires a flaming arrow at the ground near the 0uietta"s feet. The frightened 0uietta goes out of control. . I/0T +&-!&at t&e &ell3 . I/0T Stop it3 Settle "o!n3

<97IT0 Let:s go no!3 They run leaving /aven behind who"s still admiring his handiwork. RAVE 0e& &ey# "on:t lea)e t&is ol" man *e&in"3 -ith /aven several feet behind, they run past the group of knights and 0uietta, whose antics have already taken out two of the knights. A shaken traveler watches. . I/0T +&at t&e -- =ome *ac%# you3 Sodia runs forward, yanking on the sword strapped to her side. SO7IA 8uri Lo!ell3 RAVE (*ac%'lip# t&um*s-up# !in%ing) See ya3 0a)e 'uuun3 (runs o'') Later5 89RI T&at !as pretty slic%# ol" man3 RAVE (*ac%'lip) I t&oug&t I:" li)en t&ings up a *it3 RITA /ee?> S+IT .AROL RAVE C)o*in0 Everythin0 .33

0mm>it loo%s li%e t&ey aren:t 'ollo!ing us$ 8ea&# *ut t&ey !ent an" seale" o'' a "angerous place li%e t&is ,ust to isolate or"opolica$ T&ese guys mean *usiness$ RITA Seriously# e)en *ringing monsters to &elp1 <97IT0 +&ate)er t&ey:re "oing# it cant: *e goo"$ ESTELLE I can:t *elie)e t&at Flynn !oul" or"er somet&ing li%e t&is> RAVE Sometimes or"ers comin: "o!n 'rom t&e top "on:t ma%e sense$ T&e meaning can get lost going "o!n t&e c&ain o' comman"$ +&en a *riga"e gets *ig an" 'amous enoug&# t&ings can start to get outta &an"$ 89RI 8ou certainly %no! a lot a*out t&ese t&ings$ -a%es sense 'or someone in Altos%$ RAVE T&ings can en" up li%e t&at no matter !&at t&e organi?ation$ 89RI +&at !orries me>is &o! muc& o' a &an" Flynn &a" in all t&is$ RAVE I:m sure !e:ll get a goo" un"erstan"in: o' t&at as soon as !e can get to or"opolica$ ESTELLE T&at:s rig&t$ <97IT0 (ut !e s&oul" *e on our guar"$ E)en t&oug& I 'in" it &ar" to *elie)e t&at t&ey:)e con6uere" or"opolica *y 'orce> .AROL 8ea&# I t&in% t&e Palestralle !oul" &a)e a pro*lem !it& t&at$ 89RI Sorry# Rita$ 8ou !on:t get muc& time to in)estigate t&e aer %rene$ RITA /rr> O& !ell> I "on:t &a)e muc& c&oice$ It:" *e *a" i' t&ey caug&t up to us$ 89RI E;actly$ =ome on$ Let:s get going$ (lea)es) .AROL 8uri sure is ent&usiastic$ RAVE 0e !on:t say it# *ut I rec%on &e:s ,ust !orrie" a*out &is 'rien"$ They reach the aer krene. 89RI Try not to ta%e too long# o%ay1 RITA Sure$ (loo%ing in !ater) It:s completely inacti)e no!> An"

it !as o)er'lo!ing so muc& *e'ore> Is t&at &o! t&e aer !as controlle"1 0o! coul" a monster "o somet&ing li%e t&at> ESTELLE Is t&at aer %rene sa'e no!1 .AROL +e:ll *e in trou*le i' aer s&oots out o' it li%e *e'ore3 RITA it "oesn:t loo% li%e you &a)e to !orry a*out t&at> 89RI So !&y:" t&e aer su""enly s&oot out *e'ore1 RITA T&at:s !&at:s pu??ling me$ ESTELLE -ay*e it !as ,ust a natural p&enomenon1 RITA T&e pro*a*ility o' t&at is lo!# at *est$ I' t&at !as t&e case# it s&oul" *e emitting aer at regular inter)als$ <97IT0 I' aer !ere emitte" t&at 're6uently# it:" &a)e an e''ect on t&e en)ironment$ RITA Li%e &o! t&e plants gre! so unnaturally in .ei) -oc$ RAVE Loo%s pretty normal Mroun" &ere to me$ RITA So per&aps somet&ing else inter'ere" !it& t&e aer %rene an" cause" it to "isc&arge aer1 (ut !&at coul" "o t&at> Only a 'ormula or *lastia coul" a''ect aer li%e t&at> REPE7E (crouc&ing) /rrr$ They hear the clinking of armored knights. 89RI 7amn# t&at !oul" *e our 'an clu*$ Seems li%e t&ese %nig&ts are ,ust as "e"icate" as t&e =aptain &imsel'$ Rita# let:s go$ Are you "one loo%ing at t&e aer %rene1 RITA <ust let me t&in% a little more> <97IT0 I' you ,ust nee" time to t&in%# you:ll &a)e plenty o' time once !e:)e gotten out o' &ere3 RITA -mm>all rig&t# all rig&t3 S+IT Inve*ti0atin0 the Aer +rene

<97IT0 Ta%e co)er$ ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos wait around a corner near the e it. RITA 0u&$ /uess it:s only natural t&ey:re guar"ing t&is en"# too$ .AROL Ra)en# can you "o somet&ing li%e you "i" *e'ore1 RAVE (est not ta press your luc% !&en t&e .nig&ts:re ta%in: t&eir !or% so seriously$ RITA T&ey "on:t loo% t&at serious 'rom &ere$ A7E=OR I say# !oe is me3 (O==OS 0o! &as our illustrious Sc&!ann (riga"e e)er *een re"uce" to playing *ac% up 'or Flynn13 LE(LA = Enoug& complaining3 I' you "on:t li%e it# !e:" *etter pro"uce some results3 /epede crouches as a knight runs down a higher trail across the cavern. %e spots them. . I/0T T&ere t&ey are3 =apture t&em3 (runs "o!n t&e trail to intercept t&em) .AROL T&ey 'oun" us> A7E=OR +&at is t&is1 . I/0T (s&outing "o!n to t&em) 8ou t&ree3 7on:t let t&em escape3 ;eblanc and company stand between them and escape. )uri and friends come out into the open, standing in a tight circle, prepared to fight. LE(LA = A&# i' it isn:t -r$ 8uri Lo!ell3

89RI 0ey# Le*lanc$ It:s *een a !&ile$ LE(LA = A-an" 8our 0ig&ness3 ;eblanc and company charge. .AROL +&-!&at:re !e gonna "o13 A 0uietta is herded toward them. RAVE O&# !ell$ 0ere goes not&ing3 (&e runs) 89RI +ait3 RAVE A-ten-S09 3 ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos immediately stand at attention, right arm over chest in the imperial salute. LE(LA = 8-yes# sir3 /aven runs between them. 89RI ot sure !&at:s going on# *ut no!:s our c&ance3 They all follow /aven"s e ample. The Schwann $rigade stands still as they run between them. Two knights herding a 0uietta give chase and halt right before ;eblanc, bringing the Schwann $rigade to reality. LE(LA = 0u&>1 +&oa>3 .AROL Ra)en# !&at "i" you "o>1 RAVE A&&# it:s not&ing$ Enoug& stan"in: aroun"$ T&ey:ll catc& up in no time i' !e "on:t get mo)in:$ 89RI 8ea&$ Let:s &ea" 'or or"opolica# 6uic%$

2IEL5 MAP & Zadra,k Penin*u)a ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S+IT ".R5.P.LICA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ +O-A /oo" "ay$ T&is is or"opolica$ T&ings seem to *e unpleasant lately# *ut you can rela; an" ma%e yoursel' 'eel at &ome &ere$ 7on:t !orry# !e recapture" all t&e monsters t&at escape"$ Please go a&ea" an" rela;$ 7R9 .E -A Apparently# t&is city is go)erne" *y t&e "escen"ants o' an ancient clan$ Only t&e top-ran%ing mem*ers o' Palestralle# !&o rule t&e city# can e)er meet t&em$ I:" *e lying i' I sai" I !oul"n:t li%e to meet t&em> *ut t&ey:re ,ust people li%e you an" me# rig&t1 LITTLE (O8 Ting-a-ling# ting-a-ling> =ome on an" 'ollo! t&e !in"ing roa" !it& me> . I/0T An acci"ent &as occurre" !it&in t&e coliseum# an" !e &a)e *een "ispatc&e" to "eal !it& t&e situation$ Our "uty as Imperial .nig&ts is to protect eac& an" e)ery settlement !it&in t&e Empire:s territory$ +e !ill ensure t&is city:s sa'ety$ SO9P VE 7OR O/rum*le-grum*leO >"on:t tal% to me> T&e coliseum is close" an" I:m "ealing !it& a lot o' stress rig&t no!> O grum*le-grum*leO > (last it all$ -onsters escape" an" it !as a *ig to"o> O grum*le-grum*leO > At the wharf, they stop to talk. RAVE 0mm# not as many %nig&ts as I:" &a)e guesse"> RITA 8ea&# security loo%s normal e)en !it& all t&e commotion a'ter t&e tournament$ ESTELLE It "i" soun" li%e t&ey &a" t&eir &an"s 'ull !it& t&e monsters t&at manage" to escape$ 89RI 8ea&# *ut it:s to 6uiet$ Especially compare" to t&e c&ec%points *ac% at =a"os$ I t&in% Ra)en:s got it rig&t$ T&e .nig&ts are up to somet&ing# an" I "on:t li%e it$ .AROL (ut it loo%s li%e !e can stay in to!n# as long as !e "on:t stan" out$ <97IT0 So !e:ll meet !it& (elius on t&e e)ening o' t&e ne! moon>!&ic& &appens to *e tonig&t$ RAVE Let:s stop *y t&e inn ta 'res&en up# an" t&en go see a*out meetin: &er$ I:m 'inally gonna *e a*le ta get ri" o' t&e 7on:s letter$ 89RI 0mm# I !on"er i' Flynn:s alrea"y &ere some!&ere$ ESTELLE 7o you t&in%1 89RI +&en !e 'inis& up all our *usiness &ere# I:)e got a 'e! t&ings I !ant to as% t&at guy> The Saver1 The S%ender1 and The <a9()er

ESTELLE 8O9 / +O-A

+&en you "o>ta%e me !it& you$ All t&e matc&es are so *oring lately$ It:s al!ays t&e same ol" 'ig&ters$ 8ou:re alrea"y &ere in or"opolica$ 0o! a*out you step in t&e ring1 O' course# you:ll ,ut lose an" "ie a "og:s "eat&$ Tee-&ee# I:m ,ust %i""ing3 +&at a *ig mout& I &a)e$ Hmusical noteI It:s t&e 'a*ulous Ito%en# &e o' t&e en"less stream o' )ictories3 I &a)en:t lost a *et since t&e "ay I !as *orn3 =ome on an" listen to !&at Ito%en &as to say3 Inspiration:s t&ere 'or Ito%en in a 'las&3 0e al!ays &as t&e ans!er3 =ome on# +&at &a)e you got to lose1 Listen3 I 'ollo!e" t&is tipster:s in'ormation an" !on t!o &un"re" t&ousan" /al"3 Ito%en# I:m so gla" I truste" you3 e;t I:m going to *et 'i)e &un"re" t&ousan" on a real "ar% &orse3 /o# go33 Ito%en 'ingere" a "ar% &orse !ort& 'i)e &un"re" t&ousan">3 +&at an ol" 'ool I am3 +&y no!# o' all times# "i" I "eci"e to get col" 'eet> T&e no*le la"y *esi"e me !on *ig> Surely s&e coul" spare a 'e! /al" no!> I le't my &us*an" in 4ap&ias to *e near t&e coliseum# *ut sometimes I get a little !orrie"> Is &e eating rig&t1 Is &e cleaning up a'ter &imsel'1 O' course# I 'orget all a*out my &us*an" !&en t&e matc&es *egin$ T&e citi?ens gi)e us t&ese col" stares$ -ay*e !e:re not !elcome &ere> I guess I can un"erstan" &o! t&ey 'eel t&oug&> E)en t&oug& !e:re &ere to &elp$ -eo!3 -eo!3 -eo!3 H&eartI -eo!3 -eo!3 Hmusical noteI

ITO.E

O(LE +O-A

OL7 -A

+O-A

(=RATES)

. I/0T

=AT (+0ARF)

Stairs to =oliseum5 OL7 +O-A T&ere:s somet&ing "is6uieting in t&e air recently> I suppose you:" call it si;t& sense$ I ,ust &a)e a 'eeling somet&ing a!'ul is going to &appen> O guar"ian "eity# please protect your city an" its citi?ens> . I/0T T&e Sc&!ann (riga"e recei)e" or"ers 'rom Lieutenant Le*lanc to *e "ispatc&e" &ere to support t&e Flynn (riga"e3 =aptain Sc&!ann is )ery *usy on an assignment a!ay 'rom &ere# *ut I s&all not "o anyt&ing to "isgrace &is name3 -A O&# man>!&at "o t&ey t&in% t&ey:re "oing# ,ust letting t&e .nig&ts in li%e t&at1 A lot o' people &ere &ate t&e Empire$ T&ere mig&t *e trou*le$ ot t&at I:" min"$ -ay*e !e:ll &a)e us a little *it

.RIT8A

+O-A

S+OR7S-A

O(LE -A

LITTLE /IRL

. I/0T

o' sig&tseeing$ I:m consi"ering postponing my 6uest 'or t&e origins o' t&e .ritya an" staying &ere 'or a !&ile$ (elius# t&e 7uce o' or"opolica# &as e;presse" a "esire in meeting me$ I' t&ings go !ell# s&e may o''er me employment> (s!ing s!or") O0u''O > O&u''O > O&u''O > O&u''O > OPantO > OpantO >Opant> T&e .nig&ts are suc& a pain> OPantO >OpantO >Opant> >I !is& t&ey !oul"n:t>loo% at me> >It:s so>em*arrassing> >+&at "o !e e)en nee" !it& t&e .nig&ts !&en !e:re aroun">1 T&e monsters in t&e coliseum are suppose" to get muc& 'iercer !&en t&e ne! moon approac&es$ T&at:s !&y t&ey post especially toug& mem*ers o' t&e Palestralle to %eep !atc& on t&e nig&t o' t&e ne! moon$ I ,ust &appene" to *e insi"e t&e coliseum !&en t&e re)erse *arrier &ol"ing in t&e monsters 'aile"$ It !as )ery 'rig&tening# *ut I:m gla" it &appene" "uring t&e 'ull moon# !&en t&e monsters are relati)ely "ocile$ Some monsters got out o' t&e coliseum$ T&e re)erse *arrier must not *e )ery strong3 I !on"er i' t&ey:ll come an" eat me !&en I:m sleeping at nig&t>1 (y t&e !ay# it:s calle" t&e re)erse *arrier *ecause it:s suppose" to %eep monsters in>t&e opposite o' t&e *arriers t&at %eep monsters out$ +e &a)e t&e rig&ts to arrest anyone !&o e)en loo%e" suspicious$ T&at:s t&e reason !&y t&e to!n is sa'e$ +e "on:t !ant to get 'orce'ul$ +e &ope on one tries anyt&ing 'unny$ 7uce (elius1 I &a)en:t yet &a" t&e &onor o' meeting &er# *ut it seems as i' s&e &as some interest in .ritya$ I "on:t %no! !&y# &o!e)er$ T&is "escen"ant o' an ancient clan# t&e !oman !&o go)erns a city o' suc& contrast> 8es# t&e !oman calle" (elius interest me greatly$ T&e .nig&ts are surprisingly c&eap$ All I "i" !as as% t&em to len" me a little money# *ut &ey aren:t gi)ing me a single /al"$ Aren:t t&e .nig&ts suppose" to &elp goo"# "ecent citi?ens in nee"1 Surely it !oul"n:t &urt to len" me enoug& to *uy supper> I:m an in'ormer !&o "eli)ers t&e to!n:s latest in'ormation3 E)ery mont&# somet&ing &appens on t&e ne! moon o one %no!s !&at:s going to &appen until it &appens3 T&ere coul" *e a storm coming# or it mig&t *e a rain*o!> /oo" or *a" "oes it all "epen" on &o! !e *e&a)e"31

Outsi"e t&e Inn5 .RIT8A +O-A

8O9 / -A

-ER=0A T

OL7 +O-A

LITTLE (O8

-A

CE

TOOL -ER=0A T

-A

C3

7R9 .E

-A

Registration Area5 . I/0T +ell# i' it isn:t 8uri3 It:s me3 I:m !or%ing un"er Flynn comman"$ +e enliste" toget&er$ +e ,oine" t&e %nig&ts toget&er$ 8ou "on:t remem*er me1 RE=EPTIO IST C3 T&is counter is reser)e" 'or 'uture tournaments$ +e:re still in preparations# so please sit tig&t$ +e apologi?e 'or t&e incon)enience# *ut please &a)e patience$ +e !ill in'orm you as soon as preparations are complete$ RE=EPTIO IST CE +elcome3 I:m t&e receptionist 'or coliseum participants3 Are you loo%ing to ta%e part1 I:m sorry# *ut all participants &a)e *een selecte" 'or to"ay$ Please try again anot&er time$ A 'ierce *attle !ill *e !aiting 'or you3 . I/0T (STAIRS) I !as suppose" to *e place" on security "etail in 4ap&ias> +&at am I e)en "oing &ere1

I:m astoun"e" t&ey let Imperial .nig&ts in$ ot to !orry# t&oug&>Palestralle an" t&e !arriors 'rom t&e coliseum are all toug& coo%ies$ T&ey:ll &a)e t&e .nig&ts t&ro!n out in no time$ 7uce (elius !oul" ne)er permit Imperial .nig&ts entry in t&e 'irst place> +o!# t&e %nig&ts are so ama?ing3 T&ey e)en *eat all t&e coliseum monsters$ T&ose &orns are so gran"3Hmusical noteI Only t&e really gran" ones get &orns# it loo%s li%e$ I got a report t&at t&e .nig&ts &a)e close" "o!n =a"os$ Soun"s li%e t&ere:s some *ig stin% &appening up top$ +&o t&e &ell "o t&e .nig&ts t&in% t&ey are1 +e may &a)e &a" a *it o' trou*le &ere lately# *ut no! t&ey:re !ay out o' *oun"s$ I !ant to raise some serious protest# *ut it:s out o' my league> <ust t!o more !ee%s until my s&op opens> A&>I:m ner)ous alrea"y> >+&oops3> I still &a)en:t c&osen a name 'or t&e s&op> +&at:s a goo" name>1 Palestralle &as al!ays go)erne" t&is to!n# an" t&ey:)e al!ays &an"le" security> I &ope a *unc& o' %nig&ts &anging aroun" "oesn:t stir up trou*le$ +e !ere "oing ,ust 'ine !it& Palastralle go)erning$ I' t&e Empire tries to pus& all t&eir un'amiliar structure on us# t&ey:re going to get *urne"$ T&ey say -antaic use" to *e totally 'ree# not un"er Empire or /uil" control$ (ut t&an%s to t&at g&astly temporary magistrate# t&e Imperial .nig&ts &a)e 'inally e;ten"e" t&eir ,uris"iction t&ere$ O0ic3O +it& %nig&ts &ere in or"opolica too# it:s not easy to loo% at -antaic:s situation as someone else:s pro*lem$ I can:t &elp *ut sympat&i?e$

O(LE -A

OL7ER -A

It !as Lieutenant Le*lanc t&at *roug&t me &ere# !asn:t it>1 T&at capricious ol" !easel>3 0e:s not a *a" person# *ut it:s so easy to spea% *a"ly o' &im> Surging po!er>muscles o' steel>one million &orsepo!er> /ra* t&ose monsters# tear Mem up an" scatter Mem> tear Mem up an" scatter Mem> +&e!3 All rig&t3 All rig&t3 I:)e got t&e *attle all !or%e" out in my min"> A&&>*ut it:s still scary> Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er re'rain 'rom re)ealing t&eir melo"ious )oices too early3 Instea"# t&ey roar li%e *easts !&ile 'ig&ting# t&en 'inally raise a mig&ty# yet *eauti'ul# c&eer upon )ictory3 T&e girls go !il"3 Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er %eep a lo! pro'ile an" li)e in t&e s&a"o!s3 +e only s&o! our 'aces i' our true lo)e is in a ,am# *ail &er out in t&e *lin% o' an eye# an" are gone li%e t&e !in"3 Money <oe* LRound

S+IT

They spend the night at the +nn. ;ater that evening, they meet outside the inn. The only sound to be heard is that of the sea. 89RI Is e)eryone rea"y to go1 .AROL >S-sure> RITA 8ou:re s&a%ing# .arol$ RAVE =on'rontin: t&e *ig c&eese o' a ma,or guil" a*out &er in)ol)ement !it& t&e /reat +ar is pretty intimi"atin:$ 89RI =ome on# s&e:s a normal person# ,ust li%e us$ T&ere:s not&ing to *e a'rai" o'3 .AROL (-*ut> RAVE (glancing at Estelle) 8ou:re sure t&e *ra)e one# missy$ I:m impresse"$ ESTELLE >I:m ,ust "oing my *est to *e strong> RITA 8ou "on:t &a)e to come i' you "on:t !ant to# Estelle$ ESTELLE (s&a%ing &er &ea") I can:t *ac% "o!n anymore$ I "on:t !ant to$ I !ant to %no! a*out mysel'$ A*out !&o I really am$ <97IT0 Soun"s li%e you:re rea"y to go$ 89RI So t&en# let:s go see (elius$ As they walk away, .arol lingers, looking about. .AROL 1 ><ust my imagination>1 .arol runs after the others. After he is gone, the %unting $lades assemble in front of the fighter statue outside the inn. I .EEPER Late nig&t )isitors# I see$ +elcome to or"opolica:s &otel 'acility$ T&e cost is SPP /al" per nig&t$ +ill you *e staying !it& us1 .RIT8A +O-A It is 'or t&e *est t&at t&e .nig&ts are &ere to maintain or"er in t&e to!n$ I:m not certain I 'eel t&e same !ay a*out t&at *attles&ip# t&oug&$ T&is "escen"ant o' an ancient clan# t&e !oman !&o go)erns a city o' suc& contrasts>

8es# t&e !oman calle" (elius interests me greatly$ +f you make )uri head outside the coliseum: RAVE 0ey# &ey3 T&oug&t !e !ere going to go see (elius3 OL7 +O-A On a nig&t !it& no moon# it:s "ar%er t&an usual# ma%es me 'eel uneasy$ T&e monsters are getting restless# an" I:m getting more an" more uneasy> T&is may *e an uneasy nig&t# *ut t&is to!n s&oul" *e "e'en"e" *y t&e /uil"smen o' Palestralle$ +e "on:t nee" t&e .nig&t:s &elp$

Registration 0all5 RE=EPTIO IST CE 8ou !ant to 'ig&t in t&e tournament1 7i" you t&in% you can 'ig&t in t&e mi""le o' t&e nig&t1 I !or% at t&e application counter$ At nig&t# I:m a singer3 They climb the stairs and approach >at!. 89RI +e:)e come to meet !it& (elius$ AT4 8ou:re> O&# !eren:t you t&e emissary sent *y 7on +&ite&orse1 8uri no"s at at?# *ut Ra)en spea%s up$ RAVE 8up$ It:s a *it urgent# so i' ya !oul"n:t min" lettin: me t&roug&$ AT4 $ $ $ 8ou may enter> 0o!e)er I must as% t&e rest o' you to !it&"ra!$ .AROL +&at13 (ut !&y1 RITA Are you trying to say !e can:t *e truste" or somet&ing1 AT4 I am a'rai" t&at is !&at it amounts to$ ESTELLE (ut> FE-ALE VOI=E ('rom *e&in" t&e close" "oor *e&in" at?) Let t&em pass$ AT4 7uce3 (ut I> FE-ALE VOI=E I &a)e spo%en$ 89RI o! t&at:s more li%e it$ AT4 >8es# 7uce$ (mo)es a!ay 'rom t&e "oor) I as% only t&at you not spea% o' anyt&ing you see &ere to anyone$ .AROL ot spea% o' !&at !e see>1 +&y not1 AT4 T&is is one o' Palestralle:s guil" la!s$ 89RI O%ay# t&en$ +e promise$ AT4 Our leaser# (elius# is !aiting ,ust a&ea"$ $eyond the door, they encounter three flights of stairs. The first flight leads past the >ordopolica -arehouse. At the top of the third flight, they find $elius" /oom. They enter into complete darkness. .AROL 0-&ey3 +&at:s going on13 89RI E)ery*o"y still &ere1 REPE7E +oo'$ RAVE 8o$ ESTELLE 8es$ <u"it& 8es$ RITA 8ea&$ The room suddenly becomes lit with purple flares that soon disappear leaving lighted torches. $efore them stands a golden centaur-like creature with a head resembling a fo .

.AROL 89RI

A-a monster>3 An" &ere I &a" secret &opes !e:" get a gourmet meal out o' t&is$ +asn:t e;pecting a trap$ <97IT0 T&is isn:t a trap$ S&e is> ESTELLE (elius1 (ELI9S T&e )ery same$ I am (elius# 7uce o' or"opolica an" 'oun"er o' Palestralle$ RAVE 7i"n:t see t&is comin:$ ESTELLE So you can spea% our language# as !ell$ (ELI9S 8ou encountere" P&aero& some time ago# "i" you not1 I !oul" not t&in%# t&en# t&at our a*ility to use your tongue s&oul" come as a surprise$ 89RI So you:re an Entele;eia# too1 (ELI9S T&at is so$ .AROL T&-t&en t&e ancient race t&at *uilt t&is city !as> (ELI9S -y *ret&ren an" I$ RAVE >/oo" ol" 7on$ 0o! nice o' &im ta %eep me in t&e "ar% on t&is$ (ELI9S An" !&o mig&t you *e1 RAVE A &um*le ser)ant o' 7on +&ite&orse$ I:)e got a letter 'or you 'rom &im$ /aven hands the letter to $elius. RAVE I:)e %no!n t&at ol" *a"ger too long ta *e surprise" *y !&o &e %no!s# *ut ,ust &o!:re you connecte"1 (ELI9S I am in"e*te" to &im 'or &is assistance "uring t&e /reat +ar$ .AROL T&e /reat +ar>3 So t&e rumors t&at you !ere one o' t&e mastermin"s *e&in" it are true1 (ELI9S 0e&# !ell# I "i" participate in t&e !ar$ 0o!e)er# I ne)er e;cee"e" t&at !&ic& my "uty as an Entele;eia re6uire"$ I !as not a mastermin" o' anyt&ing$ .AROL T&e /reat +ar !as 'oug&t against t&e Entele;eia> (ELI9S At any rate# my ac6uaintance !it& t&e 7on "ates 'rom t&ose times$ I &a)e long lamente" t&at a man o' &is talent !as not *orn instea" as one o' my race$ RAVE T&at:s t&e 'irst I:" &ear" t&e ol" man &a" anyt&ing ta "o !it& t&e /reat +ar$ (ELI9S It is a su*,ect &e ta%es little pleasure in "iscussing$ T&e 7on &as re6ueste" my me"iation in t&e current trou*le !it& P&aero&$ It !oul" seem t&at e)en a man o' &is strengt& cannot stan" against my *rot&er:s assault upon &is city$ Suc& a re6uest can not lig&tly *e *rus&e" asi"e$ I s&all o''er my assistance 'or t&e time *eing$ RAVE (relie)e" sig&) /la" ta see you:re so reasona*le$ 89RI So some o' you tear "o!n cities# an" some o' you run guil"s$ 8ou Entele;eia are "e'initely>interesting$ (ELI9S T&e same mig&t *e sai" o' you &umans# I !oul" imagine$ o! t&en# t&is letter is not t&e sole reason 'or your )isit> Is it# =&il" o' t&e Full -oon1 =stelle"s mouth drops open. RITA 8ou %no! a*out Estelle>1

(ELI9S ESTELLE

+e Entele;eia can sense t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ -y name is Estellise$ I &a)e to %no!$ +&at e;actly is t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon1 P&aero& calle" me an Ainsipi" poison$B (ut !&at "oes t&at mean1 (ELI9S 0mm$ I %no! no !&et&er your 'ate may *e s!aye" *y suc& %no!le"ge# *ut> <97IT0 (elius$ Listen> ESTELLE <u"it&>1 (ELI9S 0mm$ Is t&ere somet&ing o' !&ic& I s&oul" *e a!are1 <97IT0 P&aero& is> There is the sound of several thuds outside the door. RAVE +&at t&e &ell:s all t&at rac%et1 Tison and Clint of the %unting $lades burst in. TISO At last !e:)e 'oun" you# Entele;eia3 Lea"er o' monsters3 Origin o' e)il3 .AROL Tison3 (oss3 TISO +ell# i' it isn:t .arol an" 'rien"s$ 8ou:)e got some t!iste" tastes# &anging out !it& 'rea%s li%e t&is$ =LI T .eeping monsters to use in your coliseum1 8ou:re an enemy o' &umanity# an" no! you "ie3 .AROL +&-!&ere:s an>1 TISO =urious# &u&1 S&e s&oul" *e lea"ing t&e rai" on t&e remaining monsters in t&e coliseum a*out no!$ +e 0unting (la"es gi)e no 6uarter to any !&o !oul" o*struct t&e ,ustice !e mete out# &umans or no$ =LI T I' you !on:t attac%# t&en I:ll ma%e t&e 'irst mo)e# *east3 They run forward to attack $elius. )uri stops Tison, but Clint gets by and swings his sword at $elius. She stops his blade with her claws. (ELI9S It seems t&ese men !ill *e not staye" lest I ta%e arms against t&em$ It is as%ing muc& o' you# *ut please# &elp at?$ 89RI +&at a*out you13 (ELI9S I am not to *e out"one *y mere &umans$ 89RI /otc&a$ Let:s get outta &ere3 (ELI9S /oo" luc%$ )uri and the others leave and descend the stairs to help >at!. They battle various members of the %unting $lades along the stairs. S+IT $hat TheyBre A3ter They find a man, in&ured, lying on the floor. .AROL T&is is a!'ul> =oul" an &a)e "one t&is>1 89RI (.neeling *y t&e man) 8ou all rig&t1 -A > at? &as>gone to "e'en" t&e coliseum>'rom t&e 0unting (la"es> Please> 8ou gotta &elp &im> ESTELLE +-!ait# I:ll> )uri stands up. 9rowning, he shakes his head. ESTELLE I' only !e:" come sooner> <97IT0 T&is is not t&e time 'or regrets$ RITA +e:)e got to go &elp t&at at? guy>3 89RI 8ea&$ >+&ic& means going up$ >an is in the arena. A T&e coliseum is no! un"er t&e aut&ority o' t&e

0unting (la"es3 +it&"ra! imme"iately3 .arol stands behind >an. .AROL an3 8ou:)e got to stop3 A (turning aroun") .arol1 +&at are you "oing &ere>1 .AROL 8ou %no! t&at 'ig&ts *et!een guil"s are strictly 'or*i""en *y t&e 9nion3 AT4 +&at are you tal%ing a*out13 T&is ,o* !as commissione" to us "irectly *y t&e 9nion itsel'3 RAVE +&at13 A boy with a red tattoo across the bridge of his nose approaches. RAVE 0arry3 +&at:re you "oin: &ere13 RITA 0ey>isn:t t&at someone 'rom t&e 9nion !e met in 7a&ngrest>1 RAVE T&at:s t&e 7on:s gran"son# 0arry$ .AROL T&e 7on:s gran"son>1 RAVE <ust !&at in *la?es is goin: on &ere# son1 0ARR8 8ou:re un"er t&e same or"ers 'rom t&e 7on yoursel'# rig&t1 To locate apat&eia1 RAVE Sure# *ut !&at "oes t&at &a)e ta "o !it& all t&e commotion &ere1 Something catches Hudith"s attention and she runs into the arena. .AROL <u"it&3 +&at:s s&e>1 0-&ey# loo%# it:s>3 ESTELLE at?>3 >at! is surrounded. 89RI =ome on3 RAVE 7amn it3 I !asn:t "one !it& &im>3 AT4 +ait3 I t&oug&t I or"ere" you to !it&"ra!3 0ARR8 (turning to an) Ra)en is !it& t&em# an" &e:s an ally$ Let t&em *e$ .arol stops and looks back at >an. .AROL an> AT4 > (e&>) (Loo%s at .arol# t&en 6uic%ly loo%s a!ay) )uri and friends stop behind the ring of %unting $lade guildsmen surrounding >at!. 89RI A!# "o!n to your last 'rien"1 +&y not play !it& us 'or a !&ile1 -A -ore o' (elius: minions# &u&13 (le)els &is a;e at 8uri) They leave >at! and face )uri. .AROL +-!e:re (ra)e Vesperia3 -A I "on:t care &o! *ra)e you are$ 7eat& to t&ose !&o si"e !it& t&e monsters3 As he speaks, )uri snaps his sword out of its sheath. After $attle SpokenG>o Te t 2ialogue )*/+ 1an, these guys are &ust going cra!y. =stelle runs to >at! and heals him. AT4 >Ooo&$ RAVE Loo%s li%e !e got &ere in time$ AT4 8ou must *e a &ealer$ 8ou:)e sa)e" me$ $elius" body drops from above onto the floor of the arena. .AROL (recoiling) Aaa&3 AT4 7uce33 (ELI9S (getting 6uic%ly to &er 'eet) at?$ 8ou are un&urt$ $elius raises her head slightly, indicating the %unting $lades. (ELI9S 8ou !oul" yet c&allenge me# &umans13

=LI T 89RI

(getting up) >8our %in">is t&e root>o' all e)il> T&e root o' e)il1 (elius1 8ou:)e got it all !rong$ <ust>loo%3 =LI T All monsters ser)e e)il>3 T&ey must *e &unte" "o!n> It>it is up to us>to t&e 0unting (la"es>3 As Clint speaks, Tison rises from the floor, his form swaying from e haustion. Clint falls face down on the floor. RAVE T&ese i"iots:)e got roc%s 'or *rains3 TISO 8ou>you monsters are all ali%e>3 Tison charges but he is struck by Hudith. -eakened by in&uries, $elius collapses to the floor. AT4 (reac&ing to!ar" (elius) 7uce33 =stelle runs to $elius. ESTELLE I:ll &eal you3 (ELI9S 8ou mustn:t$ 8our po!er is> >ot comprehending, =stelle performs a healing spell. Hudith, still battling Tison, sees her. <97IT0 o3 $elius begins to glow. ESTELLE +&-!&at>!&at can t&is mean>1 RITA S&e reacte" to Estelle:s 'ormula>1 (ut t&is is>1 (ELI9S /rraaa&3 (!rit&ing an" roaring in pain) <97IT0 I !as too late> ESTELLE +&at &a)e I "one>1 RAVE I' t&is %eeps up# it:ll *ring "o!n t&e coliseum3 89RI Is 'ig&ting our only option13 )uri runs forward. .AROL (-*ut t&ere:s got to *e>3 ESTELLE (guilt-ri""en# con'use") I> RITA Estelle3 ESTELLE 8>yes> $elius sinks to her knees, trying to regain control of herself as the arena shakes and trembles around her. AT4 7uce (elius3 Please control yoursel'3 7uce33 89RI +e:)e got no c&oice *ut to try an" stop &ere !it& 'orce3 RITA (ut !e:re "ea" i' !e &ol" anyt&ing *ac% against someone li%e t&is3 .AROL I can:t *elie)e t&is>3 <97IT0 (elius> (sa""ene") RITA Estelle# !a%e up3 ESTELLE (in s&oc%) Rig&t> $elius lets out a roaring shriek. RAVE 0ere s&e comes3 $attle Starts. $elius approaches. Spo%en 7ialogueJ o te;t5 89RI .ill or *e %ille"# &u&13 Sorry# *ut I:m not getting %ille"# &ere$ (ELI9S .ill> me> Li)e> LIVVVVE3 Release me3 8ou cannot stop my po!er$ ESTELLE +&at is my po!er>t&e poison t&at P&aero& tal%e" a*out1 RAVE 8ou gotta *e %i""in:$ I can:t *elie)e !e gotta put &er "o!n$ ESTELLE I !on:t &ol" *ac%$

T&at:s t&e only !ay# rig&t1 The torches around the arena go out and $elius uses her power to generate a double. -hile the others fight $elius, )uri uses 2estruction 9ield to light the torches. -hen all are lit at the same time, the double disappears and $elius begs them to end her life. (ELI9S -y po!er is gone> Stri%e3 o!3 =nding $attle 2ialog: SpokenG>o te t: $=;+*S )ou did well. )*/+ +s it overA .A/,; $utEwhyA =ST=;;= +t"sE my fault. $elius lies dying in the middle of the arena. =stelle stands near her. .AROL I-it:s o)er> AT4 7uce# no33 /ays of light emit from $elius" body. RITA +&at no!1 <97IT0 I ne)er t&oug&t t&is !oul" &appen> =stelle"s right hand closes into a loose fist. As she drops to her knees, =stelle presses the fist to her chest. ESTELLE I:m sorry> I>I> (ELI9S +orry>not> 8ou !ere>t&in%ing only o' sa)ing me> ESTELLE >O&# I:m so sorry$ I ,ust> (ELI9S Po!er corrupts> (ut you# you are "i''erent$ e)er lose t&at %in"ness>t&e compassion you so rea"ily s&o! to ot&ers> o!# go to P&aero&> I' you !oul" learn o' your "estiny> ESTELLE To P&aero&1 (ELI9S at?# t&ere is muc& I o!e you$ 7o not &ar*or a gru"ge to!ar" t&ese people$ AT4 7uce# no33 ESTELLE +-!ait3 o# I *eg you3 7on:t go3 <97IT0 (elius> (Fare!ell>) $elius" body disappears in blinding light. A blue crystal is left behind. RITA T&is is> Is t&is t&e .AROL An Apat&ea> (ELI9S =on)ey my soul--t&is cyano ciel--to my ally# 7on +&ite&orse$ =stelle collapses to her knees. I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Apat&eia# =yano =iel =rystal$ RAVE So t&is must:)e *een !&at 0arry meant$ =LI T 0umans> +e:ll *e ta%ing t&at stone$ 89RI Is t&is !&at you guys !ere a'ter1 0ope you "on:t t&in% !e:ll ,ust let it go$ =LI T T&en>!e:ll ,ust &a)e to poun" on you until you "o$ Sodia armor clinks as she runs into the arena. SO7IA T&at:s enoug&3 E)eryone t&ro! "o!n your !eapons3 89RI 7amn# loo% !&o:s &ere$ SO7IA 8ou> Ta%e anyone still stan"ing in t&e coliseum into custo"y3 9lynn"s $rigade run past Sodia and surround the %unting $lades. RAVE +e:re gonna !in" up in c&ains i' !e "on:t *lo! t&is

scene$ (ut !e &a)en:t "one anyt&ing to !arrant *eing arreste"3 .AROL I "on:t t&in% t&ey:" &a)e any trou*le coo%ing up a reason to put us *e&in" *ars3 <97IT0 8ou:re rig&t$ Escape is our *est option$ =stelle is still kneeling, bent over clutching the crystal to her chest. )uri runs to her. 89RI O%ay# !e:re getting out o' &ere 'or no!$ ESTELLE o>I>I "on:t !ant to go any!&ere$ -y po!er> It really is a poison> I t&oug&t I coul" &elp &er# *ut I only *roug&t a*out &er "eat&$ I coul"n:t sa)e &er>3 )uri unsheathes his sword and cuts his arm with the blade. =stelle bounds to her feet. ESTELLE +&-!&at are you "oing13 @"EE5S !ERI2ICATI."A =stelle heals )uri"s arm. 89RI T&ere$ 8ou sa)e" me# "i"n:t you1 ESTELLE +&at>1 A&# *ut I> 89RI Let:s mo)e$ ESTELLE >O%ay$ T&ey run past So"ia$ SO7IA +ait3 Sodia runs after them. /aven stays behind running to help %arry whose being held by knights. I FOR-ATIO Ra)en le't t&e party$ RITA S+IT Be)iu*B 5eath

They flee the coliseum. -A CE T&e 9nion:s really "one it no!> I al!ays %ne! t&e 7on !as a'ter t&e 7uce:s goo" stu''3 T&e only 'action t&at can stan" toe-to-toe !it& t&e 9nion an" t&e Empire is Palestralle$ T&e 7on in t&e nort& an" (elius to t&e sout&>t&ey !eren:t playing aroun"$ OL7 +O-A +&at in t&e !orl" is going on1 7uce (elius is "ea"1 It can:t *e true3 +&at:s going to &appen to t&is city i' 7uce (elius "ies1 T&is city !ill *e 'inis&e" !it&out 7uce (elius>3 As they near the inn, they see .nights. 89RI T&is place is s!arming !it& %nig&ts$ <97IT0 +e:)e no c&oice *ut to go out t&roug& t&e &ar*or# t&en$ .AROL (ut !&at i' t&e &ar*or:s *loc%a"e"# too1 RITA +ell# t&e +easan" o' =a"os is *loc%e" o''$ I' !e &a)e to get out o' &ere# I:" say *rea%ing out t&roug& t&e &ar*or is our *est *et3 .AROL (lig&t*ul*) A&# escaping *y sea mig&t *e *etter# yes$ 89RI E;actly$ /ita looks behind them. =stelle looks, too. RITA 0ey# !&ere:s t&e ol" man>1 89RI 8ou "on:t nee" to !orry a*out &im$ 0e:ll turn up soon enoug&$ <97IT0 Rig&t$ 0e:s t&e sort o' guy !&o s&o!s up as soon as

you start to 'eel relie)e" &e:s gone$ They all turn around as a voice shouts out to )uri. SO7IA 8uri Lo!ell# t&is is t&e en" o' t&e line3 -itcher is with her. They stop a few yards from the party. +IT=0ER La"y Estelle# you must return !it& us$ =aptain Flynn is !orrie" a*out you$ ESTELLE >(ut I# I> /ita, running forward, begins an arte. RITA Estelle:s not going *ac% !it& you3 /ita hurls a fiery blast. A split second after /ita sends her blast on it way, -itcher e pels one from his staff to meet it. The blast cancel each other out. 89RI All rig&t# let:s &urry to t&e &ar*or3 Outsi"e t&e =oliseum5 FL8 . I/0T 8ou lot t&ere> 8ou:re not 0unting (la"es# are you1 8ou:" *etter not *e# or you:" 'ace imme"iate arrest an" ,u"gment$ I' you:re not# all is !ell$ +e:re not intereste" in &arassing t&e citi?enry !it& *aseless arrests$ .RIT8A +O-A I can:t *elie)e 7uce (elius is "ea"> +e !ere suppose" to meet an" &a)e all manner o' "iscussions$ +&at an un'ortunate t!ist o' 'ate$ It !as suc& a promising c&ance> T&is must *e a message 'rom t&e &ea)ens5 A/o an" "isco)er t&e origin o' t&e .rityaB> S=0+A . I/0T =aptain Sc&!ann is 'ar too *usy> O-um*le# mum*le>O So t&e Lieutenant "oes &is ,o*> O&> 4??> Sir Le*lanc> Any suspicious *e&a)ior 'rom you> O-um*le# mum*le>O An" I:ll ta%e you into custo"y> OL7 +O-A T&e monster t&at guar"e" o)er t&is to!n &as *een )an6uis&e"$ I' t&ose !&o "i" t&is truly *elong to one o' t&e 9nion:s guil"s# t&ey are a *ar*aric lot in"ee"$ I' t&at truly !as t&e guar"ian spirit t&en t&is to!n is "oome"$ 9lynn awaits them at the end of the stairs. ESTELLE Flynn> RITA Loo%s li%e !e can:t put one o)er on t&is guy$ FL8 Return La"y Estellise an" t&e stone$ ESTELLE >Flynn# !&at "o you !ant !it& t&e apat&eia>1 89RI So t&e .nig&ts are trying to get a &ol" o' t&is t&ing# too$ .AROL T&at:s !&y t&e 0unting (la"es !ere &ere> FL8 0an" it o)er$ 9lynn puts his hand on the hilt of his sword. .AROL +&oa# is &e serious1 )uri frowns and walks up to 9lynn. 89RI <ust !&at t&e &ell are you "oing1 (So"ia an" +itc&er ,oin t&em) 9sing t&e military to get control o' t&e city1 T&at:s ta%ing t&ings a *it 'ar$ -ay*e you:re carrying out your A"uty#B *ut you can:t ,ust go aroun" "oing e)eryt&ing *y 'orce$ SO7IA =aptain# a!aiting or"ers3

89RI

I t&oug&t you !ere !it& t&e .nig&ts to c&ange t&ings li%e t&at$ I "on:t %no! !&y I:m t&e one !&o &as to *e saying t&is stu''$ 8ou %no! it 'ull !ell yoursel'$ FL8 > (I>) 89RI =at got your tongue1 I mean# &o!:s t&is any "i''erent 'rom !&at I:)e come to e;pect 'rom t&e empire1 Are you gonna 'ollo! Ragou an" =umore:s e;amples13 FL8 I' I "i"# !oul" you ,ust %ill me as !ell1 +oul" you "o a!ay !it& me li%e you "i" Ragou an" =umore1 .AROL 0u&1 >+&at "oes &e> 89RI I' you go an" *ecome a )illain# you !on:t *e gi)ing me muc& c&oice$ RITA 8ou min" sa)ing t&is c&arming little s6ua**le 'or anot&er time1 +e:re sort o' in a &urry# rig&t13 89RI >0ump&$ (8uri ta%es o'') RITA =ome on3 They all run. Sodia runs to 9lynn. SO7IA =aptain3 As they reach the harbor, the others run past )uri as he stops to look back at 9lynn. 9lynn is standing with his back to them. Sodia looks at him an iously awaiting orders that 9lynn will not give. A*oar" t&e Fiertia5 .AROL +&at !as Flynn saying a*out 8uri an" Ragou>1 RITA Sa)e it3 8ou men# raise t&e anc&or3 )uri watches .arol"s who stares at him openmouthed. RAVE 8ea&# men raise t&e anc&or$ .AROL 3 )uri leaves .arol and runs to /aven. .AROL Ra)en3 +&ere "i" you come 'rom>1 /aven is on the boat. %arry is with him. RAVE 7on:t s:pose it:" *e too muc& trou*le ta ta%e one more !it& us$ .AROL 0ey# t&at:s t&e guy>3 I FOR-ATIO Ra)en ,oine" t&e party$ +mperial $attleships form a line blocking the 9iertia. Shaking violently, the 9iertia lurches forward, knocking .arol rolling back against the outer wall of the cabin. <97IT0 +&at:s &appening1 Hudith runs. )uri turns to her. 89RI <u"y>1 RITA (e;amining t&e *lastia) +&ere is t&is po!er coming 'rom13 Is it t&e ceres *lastia1 The blastia is glowing with rays of reddish light. .AROL 8ea&3 +e *ro%e t&roug&3 RITA +&at:s t&e "eal !it& t&is 'ormula>1 I:)e ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e it$ -hile /ita e amines the control panel, behind her, =stelle holds the apatheia, which is giving off the same rays of light as the blastia. "oes not ESTELLE >+&at>1 (<u"it& approac&es) ESTELLE +&at are you "oing13

-hile talking to .arol and Tokunaga, )uri hears their raised voices. RITA o# stop33 There is a boom and the ship stops shaking. Hudith holds the weapon she used to destroy the ceres blastia /ita was inspecting. =stelle kneels on the deck holding the now normal apatheia. RITA +&y !oul" you>1 )uri and .arol come running. <97IT0 >T&is is t&e pat& I &a)e c&osen$ $a"ul calls from above. RITA 8ou:re t&at "ragon 'rea%3 $a"ul flies above the water toward Hudith. 89RI <u"y3 +ait3 <97IT0 >/oo"*ye$ As /ita watches, Hudy hops aboard $a"ul and they fly away. ESTELLE (running to t&e si"e o' t&e "ec%) <u"it&>13 RITA +&y>1 +&y13 ("istraug&t) I FOR-ATIO <u"it& le't t&e party$ /aven enters the cabin and &oins )uri and Tokunaga who are looking at a map rolled out onto a narrow table. RAVE Our genius mage is gi)in: t&e ceres *lastia &er un"i)i"e" attention$ Soun"s li%e t&e core on t&e ne! *lastia:s pretty muc& totale"$ TO.9 A/A I ,ust 'inis&e" replacing t&e ceres *lastia !it& a ne! mo"el$ I:" planne" to "o it e)er since !e ran into t&e g&ost s&ip# ,ust to ma%e sure> 89RI So luc%ily# !e still &a)e t&e ol" *lastia aroun"1 Eit&er !ay# loo%s li%e !e:ll *e "ri'ting out &ere 'or no!$ RAVE Loo%s t&at !ay$ 89RI +&at are .arol an" Estelle up to1 RAVE T&ey:re a *it "o!n in t&e "umps$ +&y "on:t ya go c&ec% in on Mem1 89RI 8ou:" pro*a*ly *e *etter at c&eering t&em up# ol" man$ RAVE 8ou %no! I:m not cut out 'or t&at stu''$ (lea)es t&e ca*in) 89RI /uess I:)e &a" a &an" in "ampening t&e moo" aroun" &ere# too$ -ig&t as !ell see &o! t&ey:re "oing$ S+IT S+IT The Truth a(out -udith The End o3 the <ui)d7

)uri steps out onto the deck. =utscene !it& Ra)en5 /aven leans up against the wall, near the corner of the cabin. %arry sits beside him on the deck. RAVE A&# t&ere you are# *oy$ 89RI 8ou sure &a)e your o!n !ay o' "oing t&ings# ol" man$ T&en again# I guess t&at:s your only re"eeming 6uality$ RAVE 0ey# !ay to &urt a man:s 'eelings3 I:)e got a ton o' re"eemin: 6ualities3 89RI T&at:s one list you can ,ust %eep to yoursel'$ RAVE I &a'ta tell ya# I !as so surprise" to 'in" out t&at (elius !as t&at *east--sorry# I mean# Entele;eia# !as

89RI

89RI RAVE 0ARR8

89RI RAVE 89RI 0ARR8 RAVE 0ARR8 RAVE 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE

89RI RAVE

it1 8ea&$ (ut it seems li%e t&e story a*out &er engineering t&e /reat +ar !as a lie$ Prolly ,ust an e;cuse t&e empire ma"e up 'or t&em to in)a"e or"opolica$ -ay*e# yea&$ So# is t&at t&e 7on:s gran"son1 0o!:" &e en" up &ere# any!ay1 T&is i"iot got 'e" 'alse in'ormation *y Le)iat&an:s =la! an" acte" !it&out t&in%ing$ I &ear" t&at an ally o' t&e 7on:s &a" *een capture" *y a monster# an" I t&oug&t I:" come to sa)e &im$ An" t&en I &ear" t&at t&e monster possesse" apat&eia# so> T&ey sai" t&at (elius &a" *een capture"1 Apparently t&at:s !&at Le)iat&an:s =la! sai"$ So t&ey !ent "o!n t&ere !it& t&e 0unting (la"es to %ill t&e monster$ An" t&at monster !as actually (elius# so e)en t&oug& you got t&e apat&eia# t&e ally you !ere suppose" to sa)e en"e" up "ying$ 8ea&> 8a nee" ta learn ta ta%e t&ings slo!er$ =&ec% your in'ormation *e'ore you rus& out all rea"y 'or *attle> 7amn it# !&at t&e &ell "o you %no!3 >T&ings li%e t&is &appen# I guess> 0a)ing t&e 7on 'or a gran"'at&er puts a lot o' pressure on t&e *oy$ Anyone !it& a gran"'at&er li%e t&at !oul" *e e;pecte" to !or% t&eir *utt o''# yea&$ E)eryone e;pects too muc& o' &im$ So &e !or%s &ar" not to let anyone "o!n# an" t&en t&ings li%e t&is &appen> >Palestralle:s not going to *e too &appy a*out t&is$ E)en i' &e "i"n:t &a)e any c&oice *ut to 'ig&t# I "ou*t t&ey:ll ta%e t&at 'or an e;cuse$ T&at at? guy s&oul" 'orgi)e us# I t&in%$ T&at !oul" *e nice$ (ut at? isn:t t&e 7uce$ It:s t&e ot&ers in t&e guil" !e &a)e to !orry a*out$ +ell# I "on:t %no! &o! to get out (o') t&is mess3 For no! I:m going to ta%e &im to see t&e 7on$ Ta%e t&e s&ip to 7a&ngrest as soon as it:s !or%in: again# !oul" ya1 /otc&a$ (!al%s a!ay) I actually "o %no! &o! to get out o' t&is# *ut> An eye 'or an eye> It:s a matter *et!een guil"s# a'ter all> T&is is going to get ugly> It !asn:t suppose" to *e t&is !ay>

RAVE 0ARR8

=utscene !it& Rita5 /ita is working with the blastia control panel. RITA > 89RI 7oes it loo% li%e it:ll *e o%ay1 RITA O&>!ell# it:s pretty *a"> 89RI /ee?# t&is isn:t usa*le at all>

RITA 89RI

>7amn it3 I can:t *elie)e t&at <u"it& !as> An" all t&e time s&e !as !it& us s&e "i"n:t "estroy any *lastia at all$ RITA +&y !as s&e !it& us in t&e 'irst place1 T&at "ragon>(a:ul# rig&t1 It attac%e" us *ac% in 0elior"# "i"n:t it1 89RI 8ou:)e got a goo" memory$ RITA T&at:s not t&e sort o' t&ing I easily 'orget$ 7o you t&in% t&ey !ere going a'ter Estelle *ac% t&en1 8es>s&e %ne!$ S&e %ne! a*out Estelle> RITA 8ou "i"n:t alrea"y %no! t&at s&e !as t&at "ragon'rea%# "i" you1 (turns aroun"# loo%s at 8uri) 89RI >8ea&$ RITA (turns *ac% to *lastia) 7amn it# I can:t *elie)e you>3 89RI +e all &a)e our reasons 'or !&at !e:)e "one$ 8ou an" <u"it& *ot&> RITA >8ou mean> 89RI An" me too# o' course$ RITA 8ou mean Ragou an" =umore1 0mp&# I "on:t care muc& a*out !&at &appene" to t&em$ 89RI (sel'-consciously turns a!ay) <u"y !as a loyal mem*er o' our party$ T&at:s &o! it loo%e" to me# at least> RITA 8ea&# t&at:s true# *ut> I' s&e &a" ,ust s&are" !&at s&e %ne! a*out t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# an" a*out t&e Entele;eia> Estelle:s pro*lems mig&t alrea"y &a)e *een sol)e" *y no!$ 89RI It "epen"s# "oesn:t it1 P&aero& tol" &er s&e !as poison a'ter all$ RITA >8ou %no!# it:s possi*le s&e %ne! !&ere P&aero& !as 'rom t&e )ery *eginning$ 89RI >8ea&# may*e so$ RITA Eit&er !ay# I:ll ne)er 'orgi)e &er 'or *rea%ing t&at *lastia3 89RI +ell t&en# i' <u"y comes *ac%# you can 'eel 'ree to *eat &er up$ RITA >S&e:s not coming *ac%> 89RI 0mmm# I coul"n:t say$ (en" o' cutscene !it& Rita) RITA >Still not *ac% yet> =utscene !it& Repe"e5 /epede stands near some crates, looking toward /aven and %arry. REPE7E +oo'3 89RI So many t&ings to "eal !it&> I:m a little mi;e" up$ REPE7E O+&ineO 89RI Sorry 'or "ragging you aroun" Repe"e$ REPE7E +oo'> 3 89RI Rig&t> T&ere:s not&ing else to *e sorry a*out a'ter all t&ese years$ REPE7E +oo'3 89RI 0a&a&a> O.# so !&at s&oul" !e start !it&> >(e'ore anyt&ing else# !e:ll nee" to &a)e t&e s&ip mo)ing> REPE7E O+&ineO

(en" o' cutscene !it& Repe"e) REPE7E +&imper> =utscene !it& Estelle5 =stelle looks over the edge of the ship, staring intently at the hori!on. 89RI =an you see anyt&ing1 ESTELLE I "on:t see anyt&ing at all> >A'ter !&at &appene" to (elius> An" !it& <u"it& *rea%ing our *lastia an" running a!ay> I ,ust "on:t %no! !&at to t&in% anymore$ 89RI O& yea&1 ESTELLE An" t&en you !ent an" cut your arm li%e t&at> 89RI 0e&# t&at !as pain'ul$ ESTELLE It:s not 'unny3 89RI (ut you &eale" me$ ESTELLE I coul"n:t ,ust ignore you# coul" I1 I can:t ,ust ignore someone !&o:s in,ure" in 'ront o' me> 89RI So !&at are you all rattle" a*out1 7on:t you remem*er1 (elius sai" to ta%e goo" care o' your %ing nature$ ESTELLE -y po!er is t&e reason t&at t&e Entele;eia &ate me# isn:t it1 89RI +&at !it& you *eing a*le to use magic !it&out *lastia> ESTELLE E)en i' I ma%e an e''ort not to use my po!er on t&e Entele;eia# > to t&em# I:ll still *e e)il> T&at:s !&y P&aero& !as trying to %ill me$ 89RI (loo%ing up at t&e s%y) (ut (elius sai" you s&oul" try to meet P&aero&# "i"n:t s&e1 ESTELLE 8ea&# in or"er to "isco)er my "estiny> (ut I !on"er>is t&at really rig&t1 > o# t&at can:t *e$ I:m t&e one !&o:ll "eci"e my "estiny$ 89RI o! you:)e got t&e i"ea$ (en" o' cutscene !it& Estelle) ESTELLE Let me t&in% a*out it$ =utscene !it& .arol5 .arol sits on the deck near the head of the boat 'the end with the dragon figurehead( .AROL >O&# 8uri> 89RI +&at:s t&e matter1 8ou loo% more serious t&an usual$ .AROL 8ea&> I !as ,ust t&in%ing a*out &o! &ar" it is to put a guil" toget&er> I t&oug&t t&ings mig&t go o%ay since I !as !it& you guys# *ut> 89RI >0a)e you lost 'ait& in your a*ility to lea" t&e guil"1 .AROL o# not at all3 I:m !or%ing as &ar" as I can>3 89RI All rig&t# t&en I:ll *orro! 'rom your attitu"e an" "o t&e *est I can# too3 .AROL >0ey# 8uri$ =an I as% you somet&ing1 89RI 8ea&1 .AROL Is it true t&at you>t&at you %ille" Ragou an" =umore1 89RI It:s true$

.AROL 89RI

0o! coul" you %eep t&at 'rom me>1 I %ept meaning to tell you$ I:m sorry$ .AROL E)en t&oug& I t&in% it:s *a">you "on:t regret %illing t&em# "o you1 89RI 8ea&# I "on:t$ .AROL >I ,ust "on:t %no!> Flynn an" Estelle !ere trying to *ring t&em to ,ustice# too> 7i" you really &a)e to %ill t&em1 89RI I t&in% t&ere are some t&ings t&at you &a)e to "o# e)en i' t&ey:re a crime$ Someone &as to "o t&em# e)en i' it means ta%ing t&e *lame$ .AROL -ay*e so# *ut e)en still> 89RI I ,ust "i" !&at &a" to *e "one$ 8ou s&oul"n:t 'orce yoursel' to try to accept !&at I "i"$ .AROL 8ea&$ (en" o' cutscene !it& .arol) .AROL Someone &as to "o it> )uri goes to the cabin door. 89RI Let:s rest !&ile !e can> +n the morning, they all gather on deck. RITA +ell# I:)e 'inis&e" ma%ing a",ustments t t&e *lastia$ .AROL T&at:s great> +e:ll *e a*le to use t&e *oat again$ RAVE I' ya "on:t min"# I:" li%e ta *ring 0arry *ac% to 7a&ngrest 'irst$ 89RI +e nee" to &ea" to 7a&ngrest# too$ .AROL Rig&t$ +e:)e got to "eli)er (elius: apat&eia$ RAVE +&y "on:t ya let ol" Ra)en ta%e care o' t&at 'or ya1 +&a""ya say1 .AROL +e coul"n:t as% t&at o' you$ RAVE O&# t&at &urts$ Still can:t trust me a'ter all !e:)e *een t&roug&# &u&1 .AROL It !asn:t a 'ormal re6uest# *ut I 'eel !e s&oul" &onor (elius: "ying !is&> It !oul" *e un,ust i' !e "i"n:t "eli)er it$ 89RI 8ea&$ (esi"es# !e:re also at 'ault 'or (elius en"ing up li%e s&e "i"$ +e:)e gotta o!n up to !&at !e:)e "one$ T&e 7on also mig&t %no! !&y e)eryone !ants t&ese apat&eia so *a"ly$ RAVE 0e !as tryin: ta get &is &an"s on one too# "on:t 'orget$ 89RI ('ro!ning) I' !e can learn more a*out t&e apat&eia# !e mig&t 'in" out !&y Flynn:s *een using suc& e;treme measures$ RAVE +ell t&en# I:ll ma%e sure ta set t&ings up !it& t&e 7on 'or ya$ .AROL Really1 RAVE A !iser man t&an I once sai"# AE)en c&ance ac6uaintances are "ecree" *y "estiny$B I' it:s meant ta *e I "on:t min" puttin: in t&e e''ort 'or (ra)e Vesperia$

RITA .AROL RITA

I:m going to meet !it& t&e 7on too$ 8ou too# Rita>1 A lot &as &appene"$ An" I get t&e 'eeling it:s all connecte" to t&is apat&eia some&o!$ So> RAVE It !as t&e 7on !&o tol" us ta go 'in" t&e apat&eia in t&e 'irst place$ 0e ,ust mig&t &a)e somet&in: up &is slee)e$ 89RI So Rita# you:re !it& us as 'ar as 7a&ngrest1 .AROL T&at only lea)es Estelle> They all look at the closed cabin door. RITA I t&in% s&e nee"s some time alone$ 89RI I agree$ .AROL (sa"ly) I !on"er !&en !e:ll see <u"it& again> (*rig&tening up# loo%ing at 8uri) 0ey# once !e:)e "eli)ere" t&e apat&eia# let:s go see i' !e can 'in" &er1 89RI T&at:s not a *a" i"ea$ (esi"es s&e *ro%e t&e guil" la!s# an" you %no! !e can:t ,ust let t&at sli"e$ .AROL R-rig&t$ At least not !it&out &earing &er reason$ 89RI (ut 'irst up is 7a&ngrest$ RAVE T&ere:ll *e a stretc& o' *eac& along t&e sout&ern e"ge o' Tol*yccia !&ere !e can lay anc&or$ I:" !ager t&at:" put us as close to 7a&ngrest as !e coul" &ope$ 89RI O%ay# soun"s li%e !e:)e got our "estination$ +f you now head east to Zahpias and enter the lower #uarter entrance: OL7 -A (EGIT) I 'oun" t&e "entures3 o! !e can 'inally eat rig&t$ 8ou ma%e sure you "on:t lose anyt&ing important too# sonny$ Lo!er Fuarter Fountain Area5 LITTLE /IRL I &ear" Flynn:s a captain no!3 7o captains li)e in t&e castle1 Is Flynn ne)er coming *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter1 I "on:t !ant &im to *e a captain i' it means I ne)er get to see Flynn again> 8O9 / -A +o!# Flynn:s ama?ing3 8ou &ear &e ma"e captain1 It:s t&an%s to &im our 'ountain:s *ac% in s&ape# too$ 0e:s t&e pri"e o' t&e lo!er 6uarter$ Flynn:s promotion to captain ma%es me as &appy as i' it !ere mysel'$ 8O9 / +O-A T&e 'ountain *lastia:s *een 'i;e"3 Hmusical noteI It:s all t&an%s to Flynn getting t&e core *ac%$ H&eartI Flynn:s so popular$ I &ear t&ere:s e)en a Flynn 7e'ense Force$ T&e Flynn 7e'ense Force is really ,ust a 'an clu*$ It soun"e" li%e 'un# so I ,oine" too3 Hmusical noteI OL7 +O-A T&ese are t&e people you:re tra)eling !it&>1 Isn:t it a little "angerous tromping aroun" !it& girls an" c&il"ren1 8ou *e care'ul no!$ Lea)e t&e "angerous t&ings to t&e .nig&ts$ 7on:t "o

OL7ER +O-A

VE 7OR

TE7

anyt&ing cra?y$ T&ey say Flynn:s "oing a great ,o* !it& t&e .nig&ts$ It:s all t&e lo!er 6uarter can tal% a*out$ 0e *roug&t *ac% t&e 'ountain:s core# too$ T&ey can:t praise Flynn enoug&# as 'ar as I:m concerne"$ 8ou ne)er c&ange# "o you 8uri1 Al!ays letting Flynn ta%e t&e lea"$ I &ope you:ll s&o! us !&at you:re really ma"e o' one o' t&ese "ays# 8uri$ T&ey say Flynn is ama?ing3 I almost !ant to &ol" a sale in &is &onor3 >Almost$ It !as Flynn t&at *roug&t *ac% t&e 'ountain *lastia core# a'ter all3 =ome on# 8uri3 8ou can:t let &im *eat you3 Flynn:s a captain no!3 0e got t&e core *ac% 'or t&e lo!er 6uarter an" e)eryt&ing3 0e:s ama?ing3 An" I %no! Flynn !ill %eep !or%ing 'or t&e lo!er 6uarter# e)en as a captain$ 7i" you &ear *out t&e Flynn 7e'ense Force1 T&ey ma"e me tell t&em e)eryt&ing I %no! a*out Flynn$

Inn @ Ta)ern A=ometB5 -A (O9TSI7E) A'ter t&e to-"o !it& -agistrate Ragou# t&e =ouncil:s reputation &as ta%en a &uge &it$ o! t&e *alance *et!een t&e =ouncil an" t&e Imperial .nig&ts is !a)ering> +&at !ill *ecome o' our Empire1 T&ere:s no 6uestion t&e Empire is in a state o' "isarray$ T&e imperial 'amily no longer &as t&e po!er to 6uell t&is c&aos$ I .EEPER:S +IFE +elcome *ac%$ I:m gla" to see you:re o%ay$ +&en Flynn comes *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter# !e:ll &a)e to t&ro! &im a *ig party 'or &is promotion3 T&e core:s *ac%3 (ut you %ne! t&at# "i"n:t you$ 8uri# you:re really t&e one !&o got t&e core *ac%# rig&t1 Flynn %in" o' 'ille" me in$ I .EEPER Flynn:s so 'amous no!# e)en !e &ear a*out it$ Try an" %eep up !it& &im# 8uri$ -ay*e I:ll as% 'or Flynn:s autograp& !&en &e comes *ac%$ 8O9 / -A C3 Tal%ing to t&is guy &ere# I:)e ma"e up my min" to tra)el$ +e:re going to set out toget&er$ It:ll *e reassuring to *e !it& someone so use" to t&e roa"$ 8O9 / -A CE T&is man an" I really &it it o'' !&ile tal%ing !it& eac& ot&er$ +e "eci"e" to tra)el toget&er$ T&e 'ree"om t&at comes !it& tra)eling alone is 'ine# *ut &a)ing companions is nice too$ T&e same ol" scenery can loo% )ery "i''erent !&en you &a)e someone to s&are our 'eelings !it&$ LITTLE /IRL >-ORE girls>1 I:m *usy !it& my c&ores3 I "on:t &a)e any time to play !it& you# 8uri3 0mp&3 OL7 -A 7amn# loo% at all o' you$ I' t&e young la"y !ants to

-A

(=RATES)

sit !it& me# t&at:s 'ine$ +e:ll go 'i'ty-'i'ty on t&e "rin%s an" snac%s$ T&e Sc&!ann (riga"e# t&e =umore (riga"e> An" no! t&e Flynn (riga"e1 Impressi)e# t&at *oy$ I &ope t&e Imperial .nig&ts impro)e# e)en a little$

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 6uriB* 5owntown Li3e# T&ey go up to 8uri:s room$ T&e men go insi"e# *ut Estelle stan"s outsi"e t&e open "oor$ ESTELLE 7o you min" i' !e ta%e t&e room ne;t "oor1 89RI It mig&t *e a *it small# *ut go rig&t a&ea"$ /ita walks by. ESTELLE O&# !ait 'or me3 /aven looks out of )uri"s window while .arol checks out the winebottles, crackers and bag of fruit on the small table. Ted runs into the room. TE7 +elcome *ac%# 8uri3 /aven and .arol turn around to look at Ted. 89RI 8ou:re 'ull o' energy as usual# Te"$ TE7 (loo%ing at Ra)en an" .arol) E&1 Flynn:s not !it& you1 89RI 0e:s *een *usy !it& t&e .nig&ts$ I coul"n:t "rag aroun" some rising star captain on my little erran"s$ TE7 >7i" you t!o get in a 'ig&t again1 .AROL Again1 7o Flynn an" 8uri 'ig&t a lot1 TE7 8up# "ay in an" "ay out$ 8uri# I !ant you to go an" ma%e up !it& Flynn$ 89RI Loo%# it:s not t&at simple$ TE7 Simple1 8ou an" Flynn are as simple as t&ey come3 Li%e !&en !e coul"n:t pay our ta;es$ 8ou t&oug&t you:" ,ust get ri" o' t&e ta; collector$ +&at:s simple is your !ay o' t&in%ing$ E)en I !oul":)e t&oug&t t&at one t&roug& a little more$ RAVE T&at:s simple# all rig&t$ TE7 T&ey:re *ot& too stu**orn$ I' t&ey:" ,ust gi)e eac& ot&er an inc&> Li%e !&en 8uri 6uit t&e Imperial .nig&ts>t&ings %eep getting roc% li%e t&at$ 8ou t!o are incorrigi*le$ 0ere# ta%e t&is an" go patc& t&ings up !it& Flynn$ Ted hands something to )uri. I FOR-ATIO O*taine" (rea"$ .AROL (rea"1 +&y1 TE7 8ou can split it$ 8uri an" Flynn &a)e split e)eryt&ing !it& eac& ot&er# e)er since t&ey !ere %i"s$ Li%e t&eir 'irst s!or"$ T&ey coul" only a''or" one# so t&ey s!itc&e" o'' using it all "ay long$ .AROL A&# I t&in% I:m starting to see &o! similar 8uri an" Flynn really are$ 89RI (irritate") +e:)e *een toget&er 'ore)er$ +&en you gro! up in t&e same en)ironment# you:re *oun" to *e a little ali%e$ TE7 8ou:" *etter ma%e up !it& &im *e'ore t&e ne;t time you come *ac% &ere$

T&en I:ll &a)e t&e missus coo% up e)eryone a nice# *ig "inner3 89RI -a%e up !it& Flynn# &u&> It !as so easy !&en !e !ere %i"s> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------5AH"<REST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +ts night and the streets are dark save for the light shining from the windows. =veryone gathers outside the Tavern 7Crimson Stars.8 RAVE I:m gonna ta%e t&is one !it& me an" pay t&e 7on a )isit$ T&ese t&ings usually ta%e a !&ile# so !&y not &ang tig&t at t&e inn$ I:ll come o)er !&en I can$ /aven and %arry turn and start walking toward the *nion %0. .AROL $ $ $ +ait3 =an>can I come !it& you1 RAVE (turning aroun") 0u&1 (0mm1) T&is is 9nion *usiness$ ot sure you:ll &a)e muc& ta tal% a*out$ .AROL I> Actually# t&ere !as somet&ing else I !ante" to as%> RAVE =an:t it !ait till ya *ring t&e apat&eia !it& e)ery*o"y else1 .AROL It:s> I:" rat&er as% it on my o!n$ (&ea" "rooping) 89RI I' it:s not too complicate"# go an" gi)e it a try$ RAVE I can:t ma%e any promises# ,ust so ya %no!$ .AROL T&an%s3 I:ll *e rig&t *ac% guys3 .arol follows /aven and %arry. )uri watches them as they walk away. ESTELLE 7o you t&in% !e coul" as% a*out t&e apat&eia as !ell1 89RI T&at 6uali'ie" as complicate"$ RITA 8ou:)e got t&at rig&t> 89RI Let:s *e goo" %i"s an" !ait 'or 9ncle Ra)en at t&e inn$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& .arol an" Ra)en$ S+IT -A ((RI7/E) <ui)d ver*u* <ui)d

I &ear t&e c&ie' an" &is men "i" 6uite a ,o* in or"opolica$ Apparently t&ey too% out all t&e monsters t&ere$ -A (STREET) I &ear Palestralle &as ma"e t&eir mo)e$ 0e&>t&ings are going to get interesting$ They head for the inn to wait for /aven and .arol to return. RITA Estelle an" I !ill *e resting in t&e inn$ ESTELLE A&&>*-*ut>I &a)e to> RITA +e:re going to get some rest$ +&at a*out you# 8uri1 -enu =&oices +&at !ill you "o1_ `I:ll "o t&e same$_ 89RI 0mmm# yea&$ I coul" use some time o'' my 'eet# too$ `I:ll &ang aroun" 'or a!&ile longer$_ 89RI I t&in% I:ll !an"er aroun" a *it more$ RITA All rig&t# sure$ In'ormation Parte" !it& Estelle an" Rita$ )uri e plores 2ahngrest at night accompanied only by /epede. M>ote: conversations remain the same if =stelle and /ita go alongN -ar%et Place5

.RIT8A -A

+O-A

E)eryone:s !orrie" t&at people !ill start 'ig&ting eac& ot&er again$ +&ose *loo" !ill 'lo!>1 0o! muc& t&is time>1 > o! t&ings are starting to get interesting> T&is is t&e !ay t&e !orl" s&oul" *e> 0a& &a& &a& &a&> Palestralle is 'urious a*out t&e 7uce getting %ille"$ I !on"er !&at:ll &appen no!>

=ircle Intersection5 -A I &ear t&e c&ie' !ent a little !il" in or"opolica$ I &ope an an" Tison are "oing all rig&t$ Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 +O-A (street) T&e 'un ne)er en"s in t&is to!n$ O' course# t&at:s e;actly !&y I li%e 7a&ngrest$ -A (LEFT TA(LE) I ain:t "run%3 I:m tellin: ya# I ain:t "run%3 -A (=E TER TA(LE)Someone let slip t&at Le)iat&an:s =la! is ma%ing a mo)e$ ot&ing goo" e)er comes !&en Le)iat&an:s =la! ma%es a mo)e$ M=ourse# t&at:s e;actly !&at t&ey:re going 'or$ -A (RI/0T TA(LE) -ore resistance among t&e guil"s1 It *etter not *e anot&er mercenary guil"$ Any more *a" re'lections on t&e mercenaries# an" !e:ll seriously *e out o' !or%$ -A (RI/0T TA(LE) 7on:t tal% to me or you:ll *e crying$ 7on:t tal% to me or I:ll a"opt you$ +O-A (STA 7I /) I "ran% to muc& a'ter some *a" t&ings &appene"$ I:m a mess$ O0ic3O -A (STA 7I /) o matter &o! muc& I eat# my stomac& isn:t 'ull$ I t&in% I may *e o)er!or%ing mysel'> -y 'oo" *ills are getting out o' &an"> I ,ust %eep on eating an" eating> (ar5 -A I:m ,ust a mercenary$ +&y:" I e)en &elp repair t&at *ri"ge1 +ell# I guess it !oul" *e pretty incon)enient !it&out a *ri"ge$ (ARTE 7ER T&e customers ,ust !on:t stop complaining lately$ T&ey complain so muc& I !ant to start complaining mysel'$ /9IL7BS 9 IO 0F5 /9AR7 (O9TSI7E) Somet&ing is gi)ing me a )ery *a" 'eeling> +&at:s going to &appen1 For some reason# *a" 'eelings al!ays seem to come true$ /9AR7 (I SI7E) T&ere:s an important meeting going on rig&t no!$ o one is allo!e" to enter$ Ta)ern ASagittariusB OL7 -A T&e .nig&ts &elpe" us repair our *ri"ge$ I guess t&ere are some "ecent .nig&ts# a'ter all$ (A 7I7O So t&e Imperial .nig&ts use" t&eir &oplon *lastia to c&ase t&at &uge monster a!ay$

I:m "isappointe" t&at I coul"n:t use my strengt& to c&ase it a!ay mysel'$ 8et again# I 'aile" to sei?e t&e opportunity to s&o! my true strengt&$ -A (= TR TA(LE) It loo%s li%e I can eat in peace to"ay$ (arten"er3 Foo"3 (ring me 'oo"3 +O-A (= TR TA(LE)T&e *arrier 'ailure# t&e monsters attac%ing> So muc& 'or t&e 'airytale a*out *arrier sa'ety$ Sure# !e:re sa'er !it& it# *ut it:s no guarantee$ E)en t&e peace !e &a)e rig&t no! is only a temporary t&ing$ -A (TA(LE) o! some &i"eous monster attac%e" 'rom out o' t&e s%y$ O&> 8ou alrea"y %ne! t&at>1 +O-A (TA(LE) Soun"s li%e t&ings are getting stirre" up in 7esier$ I !on"er i' my 'rien" in or"opolica is all rig&t$ T&ey say no ne!s is goo" ne!s> (ut I:m still !orrie"$ -A (STA 7I /) T&ere:s going to *e a lot o' casualties i' it comes to 'acing Palestralle &ea"-on$ (elius# 'rom Palestralle# is ,ust as important to t&e guil"s as t&e 7on is$ (ar5 8O9 / -A =an a .rityan an" a &uman get marrie"1 I &ope so$ I really &ope so$ Hmusical noteI So1 7o you %no! i' t&ey can1 .RIT8A (AR-AI7 E)eryone:s on e"ge$ It:s times li%e t&ese t&at I &ope t&e patrons !ill come &a)e a "rin% an" go &ome rela;e"$ OSig&O I get t&e 'eeling t&at t&e store !on:t *e )ery c&eer'ul to"ay eit&er$ 09-A (AR-AI7 I &ear" a*out &o! 0arry:s *lun"er cause" (elius: "eat&$ T&at:s not goo" 'or t&e 7on$ T&at coul" *e really *a" 'or t&e 7on$ (ARTE 7ER /oo" luc% to you> 9m# (ra)e Vesperion# !as it1 /9AR7 ((LASTIA) +&at e;actly !as t&at monster t&at got insi"e t&e *arrier1 +e strengt&ene" t&e to!n:s security a'ter t&at inci"ent$ All is clear 'or no!3 T&ere must &a)e *een somet&ing "i''erent a*out t&at monster3 I !ill not tolerate anot&er *reac& o' t&e *arrier3

Outsi"e t&e Inn AArcturusB5 +O-A T&e 7on instigate" t&e attac% on or"opolica1 I:m starting t smell con'lict coming> O&# it !asn:t t&e 7on1 It !as &is gran"son# 0arry1 +&at is &e t&in%ing1 +&at a stupi" %i"$ -A I &ear" Ragou turne" up "ea"$ T&e 9nion put a *ounty on &im# *ut I guess someone got to &im 'irst$ .arma ma%es t&e !orl" go Mroun"# I guess$ )uri and /epede return to the inn. 89RI 8ou !anna get some rest# Repe"e1 REPE7E +oo'$ I .EEPER 8our 'rien"s are alrea"y resting$

)uri and /epede retire for the night. The ne t day: ESTELLE (*en"ing o)er 8uri) 8uri# please !a%e up3 8uri>3 89RI (opens eyes) 0u&1 O&> I !as really ?on%e" out# &u&> (&e imme"iately sits up in *e") RAVE /oo" mornin:# sleepy&ea"> T&oug& it:s more Agoo" a'ternoonB no!# ain:t it1 89RI O&> 0ey# ol" man$ 8ou:re *ac%> >+&at a*out .arol1 RAVE 0a)en:t seen Mim since I le't t&e 9nion$ I rec%on &e:s still t&ere$ ESTELLE I &ope &e:s o%ay> RITA +ell# ol" man# since you:re *ac%# "oes t&at mean e)eryt&ing:s settle" !it& t&e 9nion1 7i" you see t&e 7on1 RAVE +ell# a*out t&at> As soon as t&e 7on &ear" !&at &appene" !it& 0arry an" or"opolica# &e le't t&e 9nion$ 89RI (y &imsel'1 T&at:s not li%e &im$ +&ere "i" &e go1 RAVE +ell--an" t&is is ,ust my intuition# min" ya-I t&in% &e:s &ea"e" 'or Le)iat&an:s =la!:s compoun"# t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e"$ 89RI +&at13 ESTELLE (ut 8eager is t&e &ea" o' Le)iat&an:s =la!3 T&at:s so "angerous3 RAVE +ell# I "on:t t&in% 8eager:" try anyt&ing against t&e "on$ I' t&ey !ent up against t&e 9nion# t&ey coul" lose all o' t&eir *usiness# 'or one$ RITA So !&y "i" t&e 7on go out t&ere> RAVE $ $ $ So any!ay# I:m sorry# *ut t&e 7on:s le't t&e city$ 89RI +ell t&en# s&oul" !e go to Le)iat&an:s =la!:s compoun"1 RITA 8ou *elie)e t&e ol" man:s intuition1 RAVE Hirritate"I 89RI I' t&e 7on:s going up against Le)iat&an:s =la!# !e can:t )ery !ell sit aroun" an" t!i""le our t&um*s$ T&ere:s no guarantee t&e scum !on:t try to attac% &im$ RITA >+ell# all rig&t# t&en$ I:m not really one 'or !aiting# any!ay$ 89RI >Estelle# !ill you !ait t&ere1 ESTELLE (s&a%es &er &ea") I>I:m going !it& you$ RITA Estelle# "on:t o)er"o it$ Are you sure you:re up to t&is>1 ESTELLE 8es> I:m a*solutely 'ine$ RITA Estelle> RAVE >So# you all %no! !&ere t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e" is1 89RI I 'igure" you %ne!# ol" man$ Aren:t you coming !it& us1 RAVE +ell yea&# I guess I am$ 89RI +ell t&en# it:s "eci"e"$ +e:ll ,ust go pic% up .arol# an"> )elling from a crowd is heard somewhere outside. 89RI +&at t&e>13 RITA It soun"e" 'rom t&e "irection o' t&e *ri"ge> RAVE 9& o&> ESTELLE Let:s go an" see3

I FOR-ATIO (RI7/E5 RITA ESTELLE

Reunite" !it& e)eryone$

+&at:s !it& all t&ese people &ere1 4 .arol:s o)er t&ere3 -A C3 T&e 7on protecte" t&is city 'rom t&e empire>&e protecte" our &onor3 -A CE E)en i' !e:re t&e only ones &elping# !e o!e it to t&e 7on to protect t&e city3 /aven approaches the mob. RAVE 0ol" your &orses3 Settle "o!n# all o' you$ +&at:s all t&is commotion1 -an C3 +e:)e &ear" t&at a group 'rom Palestralle &as *een spotte" near 0elior"3 RAVE T&eir lea"er got %ille" t&an%s to a mista%e o' one o' our o!n$ It:s only natural t&ey:" !anna tal% a*out t&e inci"ent$ -an C3 Once t&ey learn t&e 7on:s le't to!n# t&ings coul" get ugly3 +e must "e'en" t&e city 'rom t&em until 7on returns3 89RI ; ; ; RAVE 8ou 'ools$ I' y:all !eren:t so eager to 'ig&t# t&e 7on !oul"n:t:)e &a" to lea)e in t&e 'irst place> Soon as t&ey learn t&at t&ere:s 'ig&ting *et!een guil"s> 7ontc&a t&in% t&e .nig&ts are *oun" to stic% t&eir noses in our *usiness again1 -an CN 7a&ngrest is in"epen"ent 'rom t&e Empire3 T&e Imperial .nig&ts are in no place to tell us !&at to "o3 RAVE T&e 'rien"s&ip treaty still ain:t 'inali?e" yet# you %no!> .arol runs to )uri. .AROL 8uri3 E)eryone3 +&at "o !e "o1 T&is is going to *ecome a !ar *et!een guil"s i' !e "on:t "o somet&ing3 I' only t&e 7on !ere &ere> 89RI T&ey say t&at t&e 7on may &a)e gone to t&e Le)iat&an:s =la! compoun"# t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e"$ .AROL +&at3 Really13 ESTELLE +ell>pro*a*ly so> 89RI +e !ere a*out to see i' !e coul" go t&ere$ +anna come !it& us1 .AROL $ $ $ (&angs &ea") (ut>t&ere:s a c&ance t&at t&e 7on:s not t&ere# rig&t1 RITA 8ea&# it !as ,ust t&e ol" man:s intuition# a'ter all$ .AROL I' &e:s not t&ere> (loo%s up at 8uri) +ar coul" *rea% out !&ile !e:re out loo%ing 'or &im> 8uri>!&at s&oul" !e "o>1 +&at !oul" *e *est>1 89RI +ell# !e s&oul" *e a*le to &an"le t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e" oursel)es$ 8ou go a&ea" an" "o !&at you t&in% you s&oul" "o$ .AROL 8-yea&>t&en I:m going to go an" tal% to e)eryone3 (runs *ac% to t&e mo*) ESTELLE 7o you t&in% t&is is t&e rig&t c&oice1 RITA +e "on:t &a)e muc& c&oice$ +e can:t 'ollo! t&e 7on

an" guar" t&e city at t&e same time$ I &ope t&at !e 'in" t&e 7on at t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e"> 89RI +e:re &is *ac%up$ I' 8eager:s t&e one t&e 7on:s up against# &e:ll nee" all t&e &elp &e can get$ They walk up the bridge, leaving 2ahngrest. /aven, still involved with the crowd, sees them walking away. RAVE 0ey# "o ya e)en %no! !&ere yer going13 It:s straig&t ta t&e !est o' &ere3 0ey# !ait 'or meee3 (runs a'ter t&em) ESTELLE S+IT 5on1 5onBt <et Ha*ty

{i' you lea)e )ia !estern e;itZ RAVE 0ey# &ol" on$ 89RI +&at is it# ol" man1 RAVE 8a "o reali?e !&at going to t&e enemy:s compoun" means# rig&t1 89RI +&at it>means>1 RAVE (e;asperate"# &ol"s &is 'ore&ea") +e:re gonna *e on t&eir tur'# playin: *y t&eir rules$ I' !e get t&ere an" !e:re not rea"y to roll# t&ey coul" gi)e us a mig&ty *eat"o!n an" it:" *e lig&ts out 'or us> RITA So# you:re as%ing is !e:re totally prepare" to go1 -enu =&oices Are you rea"y1 As rea"y as I:ll e)er *e ` ot yet_ 89RI 0mm# no! t&at you mention it# I guess !e coul" prepare a *it more$ RAVE All rig&t t&en# let:s go gear up3 THE MA".R .2 THE $IC+E5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After making their way through woods, they reach a dark, haunted looking manor tucked away in a thick forest. They hide behind a stone and metal bar fence outside the manor. /ita and /aven look around for /ed =yes while )uri and =stelle peer intently through the iron bars of the fence. RAVE I:m guessin: t&is is t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e"$ ESTELLE It:s so &ea)ily guar"e"$ 89RI S&&$ T&ey:re arguing a*out somet&ing$ 2roite and Cauche argue with the red eye guarding the door. 7ROITE +&at part o' Alet us inB are you &a)ing trou*le !it&1 RE7 E8E Li%e I sai"# your timing ,ust seems a little too per'ect$ 7on:t you &a)e anyt&ing to pro)e !&o you say you are1 /A9=0E 8ou %no! !&at1 Actually# !e "on:t$ Let us t&roug&$ T&e 7on is &ere$ +e "on:t &a)e time to sit an" c&at$ RAVE So t&e ol" man "i" come &ere> RE7 E8E 7i"n:t you go loo%ing 'or proo' t&at t&e 0unting (la"es !ere a'ter t&at "ragon ri"er1 /A9=0E I tol" you# !e recei)e" !or" t&at t&e 7on !as &ea"e"

&ere *e'ore !e coul" arri)e at -t$ Tem?a$ 7ROITE +e coul"n:t )ery !ell ignore ne!s li%e t&at# coul" !e1 89RI T&e 0unting (la"es are out to get <u"y1 =stelle covers her mouth with her fingers in worry. 7ROITE +&at are you !aiting 'or13 8ou !on:t *e any use to 8eager i' !e &a)e to gi)e you a *eating$ RE7 E8E 0ump&> +e:ll let you t&roug&# *ut not !it&out an escort$ 8ou "on:t min"# I &ope1 /A9=0E +&ate)er# ,ust let us in$ RAVE +&at luc%$ Hmusical noteI o! t&ere:s less guar"s ta !orry a*out$ 89RI /uess !e:" *etter stri%e !&ile t&e iron:s &ot$ VOI=E +&-!&o t&e &ell are you13 A /ed =ye in a gold colored coat spots them and runs toward the mansion. /epede blocks his path. RE7 E8E 0ey3 89RI ice# Repe"e3 They defeat the /ed =ye and look around to see if their cover was blown. 89RI I t&in% !e:re still in t&e clear$ RAVE So let:s ma%e !it& t&e getting: insi"e$ ESTELLE +&y "o you t&in% t&e 09 TI / (LA7ES !oul" *e a'ter <u"it&1 RITA I' t&ey:re loo%ing 'or apat&eia# may*e t&ey !ant t&e "ragon s&e !as ri"ing$ I' &e:s an" Entele;eia# &e mig&t *ecome an apat&eia li%e (elius$ >I mean>!&en &e "ies$ RAVE +&ic& means 0arry:s re6uest !asn:t t&e only reason t&ey !ante" ta ta%e (elius "o!n$ T&ey !ant t&ose apat&eia somet&in: *a"$ 89RI <u"y mig&t *e in trou*le *ut !e s&oul" &elp t&e 7on out 'irst$ Especially !it& t&ose t!o c&arming young la"ies in t&ere$ RAVE Sure$ +e s&oul" *e on our !ay$ ESTELLE >I:m ,ust !orrie" a*out <u"it&$ 89RI So you:ll *e going to -t$ Tem?a1 ESTELLE (ut t&e 7on> 89RI +e:re practicing "eci"ing 'or oursel)es$ Remem*er1 Let:s mo)e$ ESTELLE (&esitates 'or a secon") I:m coming too3 S&e:" *e upset i' I le't t&e 7on li%e t&is to go loo%ing 'or &er$ I can ,ust &ear &er saying# A-y# !&at "i" you t&in% you !ere "oing1B RITA 7on:t !orry a*out t&at la"y$ S&e:s toug&$ 89RI All rig&t# let:s get t&e ol" 7on out o' t&is place$ )uri walks toward the manor, then stops, looking around at them. 89RI Loo%s li%e !e:)e 'oun" one more t&ing !e can:t ignore$ ESTELLE O%ay3 S+IT -udith in Trou()e

They step through the front door of the manor and see the 2on fighting

)eager on the second floor balcony. ESTELLE L-loo%> RAVE +&ite&orse3 They run for the stairs to assist 2on but /ed =yes followed by Cauche and 2roite drop into their path. /A9=0E Stan" *ac%$ 89RI 7i"n:t you say Le)iat&an:s =la! !oul" ne)er try somet&ing li%e t&is# ol" man1 7ROITE T&e 7on:s t&e one !&o starte" all t&is$ RAVE +&at1 T&en# t&at means t&e ol" man:s> 7O +0ITE0ORSE <ust +&a""ya t&in% yer "oin: &ere# ya "amn 'ools13 (ringin: young ones to a place li%e t&is3 8EA/ER (ra)o3 I really s&oul" t&an% you 'or suc& a &eartren"ing per'ormance3 The 2on takes a swipe at )eager who dodges the blow. RITA +&at t&e &ell:s &e tal%ing a*out13 89RI /a&3 /et out o' t&e !ay3 (uns&eat&es &is s!or") The /ed =yes attack and are easily dispatched. RAVE +&ere:s t&e 7on>1 ESTELLE 0e:s gone a'ter 8eager3 89RI Let:s go3 S+IT LeviathanB* C)aw HQ

9ighting /ed =yes all along the way, they search every room on the first and second floors of the mansion until they find The 2on, )eager, Cauche and 2roite in what appeared to be )eager"s own bedroom, of which the walls were decorated with various swords and knives. 8EA/ER I ne)er "reame" you:" try anyt&ing t&is ris%y> 7O +0ITE0ORSE Finally ma"e up my min" t&at t&is mu"*all:" *e a muc& prettier place !it&out you on it$ 8EA/ER T&e ot&er master guil"s surely !on:t li%e you ignoring t&e 9nion:s la!s 'or your personal )en"etta$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE An" I:ll 'ace t&e conse6uences$ (ut it:s "ay*rea% no!$ (=lou"s "ri't in a *lue s%y *e&in" t&e pine tree outsi"e t&e *e"room !in"o!$) The 2on straightens up and lowers his sword down to his side. 7O +0ITE0ORSE Loo%s li%e I:)e un"erestimate" ya a touc&$ I:m outta time$ I' I "on:t get mysel' *ac% ta 7a&ngrest# t&ose 'ools:re gonna start a !ar !it& eac& ot&er$ 8EA/ER 0-&e&$ I t&in% it:s a *it late to pre)ent t&at little acci"ent 'rom &appening$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE A couple o' eggs mig&t &a)e ta *e *ro%en$ (ut I:m prepare" to pay a price$ RAVE A price> 89RI 8ou:)e still got us to "eal !it&# 8eager$ 8EA/ER +ell# it loo%s li%e t&e ti"e:s ta%en a turn# ,a in"ee"$ (ye *ye3 )eager makes a run for the window. RITA 0ey# !ait3 )eager &umps through the window, shattering the glass. Cauche and 2roite leap after him. 89RI 7amn# t&at guy:s a regular )anis&ing act$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE o! !&at:s !it& all o' you1 <ust &o!:" ya 'igure comin: "o!n &ere:" *e t&e smart t&ing ta "o1 )uri offers the apatheia to 2on.

89RI

T&is is a %eepsa%e le't *y an ally o' yours$ +e !ere as%e" to *ring it to you$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE >Loo%s li%e I cause" you all some trou*le$ O' all t&e> +&y:" s&e &a)e ta !in" up li%e t&is>1 I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er AApat&eia# =yano =iel =rystal$B RITA <ust !&at is an Apat&eia# any!ay1 7O +0ITE0ORSE +ell# ya see> =stelle runs to &oin them. 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0m> MFrai" I "on:t &a)e time ta e;plain it no!$ 0ate ta cut an" run# *ut I:ll lea)e t&e rest o' t&ese guys ta you$ 2on leaps out the window. RITA +ait$ /ed =yes storm into the room. 89RI +e s&oul" t&in% a*out getting out o' &ere# too$ RAVE (&is *o! in one &an"# %ni'e in t&e ot&er) 0ey# let me try an" *uy t&e ol" man some time$ ESTELLE Ra)en1 RAVE =ome on$ 89RI /uess !e:" *etter$ (snaps out &is s!or" an" rests it on &is s&oul"er) A'ter (attle Spo%enJ o Te;t 7ialogue5 RAVE T&e 7on:" *e cra?y ta "o t&is alone$ 89RI I t&in% it:s a*out time$ RAVE I agree$ /ita and /aven head for the window. )uri looks at =stelle. ESTELLE >8ou "on:t mean>'rom up &ere1 A /ed =ye charges. )uri knocks him out cold. ESTELLE Aa&$ 89RI I got a *a" 'eeling a*out t&is$ +e s&oul" get *ac% to 7a&ngrest$ 1ore /ed =yes storm in, their eyes searching the room, but it"s empty. 5AH"<REST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They return to 2ahngrest at night. .arol runs to greet them, his e pression grave. .AROL 8uri3 It:s terri*le3 T&e 9nion an" Palestralle are s6uaring o'' against eac& ot&er !it& &oplon *lastia3 T&e 7on is *ac%# *ut somet&ing:s not rig&t$ RAVE So# &e ma"e it *ac% in time$ Loo%s li%e my &unc& !as rig&t# t&oug&> ESTELLE +&at "o you mean# Ayour &unc&1B RAVE 0e:s *een planning 'or t&is ta en" in &is "eat& all along$ RITA +&at13 +&y !oul" &e !ant to "o somet&ing li%e t&at1 RAVE (elius "ie" *ecause o' 0arry:s ras& *e&a)ior$ S&e:s t&e 7uce o' or"opolica$ 8a can:t ,ust say# ASorry# I got some *a" in'ormation$B +&ic& means t&ere:s gotta *e compensation ta ma%e up 'or losin: (elius$ ESTELLE So t&e price 7on mentione" *ac% at t&e -anor o' t&e +ic%e" !as>

89RI

.AROL ESTELLE RAVE

ESTELLE 89RI +est E;it5 OL7 +O-A

0is o!n li'e> Once &e:" ma"e up &is min" to sacri'ice &imsel'# ta%ing "o!n 8eager !asn:t a pro*lem# e)en i' it meant going against t&e la!s$ o3 0e can:t "o t&at3 (runs o'') T&ere &as to *e some ot&er !ay3 (ot& si"es are at t&e *rea%in: point# t&oug&$ T&is t&ing coul" go o'' at t&e "rop o' a &at$ An" i' it starts# it:ll mean all-out !ar *et!een t&e 9nion an" Palestralle$ T&ere mig&t *e anot&er !ay# *ut t&ere isn:t time ta loo% 'or it$ > (o&>) >I:m going !it& .arol$ A lot o' people are gat&ere" in t&e to!n:s main street> Isn:t t&at t&e 7on sitting in t&e mi""le1 +&y is t&e 7on sitting in t&e mi""le o' t&e street>1 Somet&ing:s a*out to go "o!n> 0ey# !&at:s going on1 +&at:s e)eryone "oing &ere1 A *attle !it& Palestralle coul" start any minute# you %no!$ I' you %eep ,ust &anging aroun"# t&eir people are gonna ta%e t&e to!n3 T&e 7on> T&ose eyes> T&ey:re t&e eyes o' resolution> T&e 7on> I t&oug&t t&is "ay !oul" come sooner or later> >+&at:s going on1 It:s not a 'esti)al$ I %no! t&at muc&> It:s %in" o' scary> +&at:s !it& e)eryone>1

Outsi"e T&e Inn5 -A

+O-A LITTLE /IRL

Outsi"e Fortunes -ar%et5 -ER=0A T 0-&i t&ere> I can:t stop t&in%ing a*out t&e pla?a> (ut t&e *oss tol" me not to go> +&at:s going on1 /o c&ec% it out an" let me %no!3 (ri"ge5 -A C3 All rig&t# no! t&ings get interesting$ 0o!:s t&e 7on gonna 'inis& t&is1 I &a)en:t *een t&is e;cite" in a !&ile3 I:m gonna en,oy t&is3 +&oa# !&oa# !&oa3 T&e 7on "ies *ecause o' some !or% t&e *osses "i"1 Isn:t t&at a little o)er-t&e-top1 8ou coul" roast &im# *urn &im# 'ry &im up 'or *rea%'ast> T&e 7on !on:t "ie3 T&is is *a"> I !as ,ust &anging out# an" I got caug&t up in t&is mess$ +&at:s up !it& guil"s 'ig&ting eac& ot&er13 T&is is no time to ,ust !an"er aroun"> 9g&>I &ate &o! la?y I am>

-A

CE

+O-A

-ar%et Place5

As they come up the market street, they see a people gathered around the circle intersection of the pla!a. 2on -hitehorse sits on his heels with is hands resting on his thighs, off to one side of the circle. 1embers of the *nion hold banners with the guild symbol on them. +O-A (I STREET) All t&is commotion> +&at a pain> +&at# can !e go an" "o anyt&ing !e !ant# ,ust Mcause !e got t&e 7on1 Prepare" to "ie1 0a&3 T&at:s ri"iculous$ Li%e anyone coul" "o t&at> -ALE VE 7OR +ait> T&e 7on "i" !&at13 o !ay> T&at:s impossi*le> S&ut up3 7on:t tal% to me rig&t no!3 8ou t&in% I can sell at a time li%e t&is13 FE-ALE VE 7OR T&ings !ere really# really *a"3 T&e *ri"ge *ro%e# t&e to!n !as in s&am*les> (ut e)eryone pitc&e" in to put it all *ac% toget&er3 VE 7OR (/LASSES) +&at:s t&e 7on sitting "o!n t&ere 'or1 0e:s not gi)ing in to t&e enemy# is &e1 0e !oul"n:t ,ust gi)e up> I can:t *elie)e it> T&e 7on !oul" ne)er gi)e in> As they watch, .arol runs to stand beside the kneeling 2on. 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0ang in t&ere# %i"$ 8er a *oss no!# rig&t1 .AROL (ut it:s li%e t&ere:s not&ing I can "o on my o!n> 7O +0ITE0ORSE So t&en as% 'er &elp$ T&at:s !&at 'rien"s:re 'or# rig&t1 .AROL 7on>3 7O +0ITE0ORSE Ta%e goo" care o' t&em# an" t&ey:ll *e t&ere !&ene)er ya nee" Mem$ .AROL > (a&&&) 0arry approac&es t&em$ 0ARR8 I:m coming !it& you> Ra)en appears an" slugs 0arry &ar" %noc%ing &im out$ RAVE Li%e &ell you are3 (loo%s at t&e 7on) +ell# ol" man# it:s *een 'un$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE Ra)en# you *etter nail 8eager 'or me$ RAVE 0a& &a&$ t&at:s a &ea)y loa" 'or some*o"y li%e me$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE 8er t&e only one I can as%$ RAVE >+&ite&orse$ Two guildsmen approach 2on. -A ((9RL8) +e:re so grate'ul 'or e)eryt&ing your "arling gran"son:s "one to us$ Really$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE T&e *oy &as ma"e a mess o' t&ings$ 0e may *e my i"iot gran"son# *ut &e:s also a 'ull mem*er o' t&e 9nion$ An" it 'alls on any lea"er ta ta%e responsi*ility 'or t&e mista%es o' t&eir people$ So say t&e la!s$ Ta%e me t&en$ Let my &ea" atone 'or (elius$ ESTELLE 7on> RITA I"iot$ T&ese guil"s> t&ey:re all 'ille" !it& nutcases> The 2on pulls out a long bladed knife. 7O +0ITE0ORSE So> +&o:s gonna *e my secon"1 The 2on"s guildsmen all look away. 89RI >It !oul" *e my &onor$ 8uri !al%s across t&e pla?a to stan" *e&in" 7on$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE /uess yer stuc% "oin: a ,o* no*o"y muc& !ants$ 89RI 8ou too$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0e&$ o %i""ing$ (c&uc%les)

8uri$ I !as loo%in: 'or!ar" to !atc&in: ya go places$ I:ll ma%e sure to sa)e you a spot in &ell$ 89RI I "on:t t&in% t&ey:" let me in to t&e &ell you:re going to$ 7O +0ITE0ORSE 0a&$ I !on:t 'orget t&at attitu"e# *oy$ 89RI An" I !on:t 'orget your resol)e# 7on +&ite&orse$ T&e closes &is eyes an" smiles$ A man *e&in" &im s&outs &is name$ -A 7on3 7O +0ITE0ORSE (loo%ing aroun" at 'aces) Li*ten u%4 6ou a)) 0otta *tand on yer own two 3eet 3ro9 here on4 ThereB* a new a0e ,o9in01 *o 0et out there and 9ake it 3or your*e)ve*4 Cripping the knife with both hands, 2on turns the blade toward his body, putting the blade against his muscled stomach. .arol looks down as he hears the sound of the blade cutting flesh then the snick of a sword. After, )uri, =stelle, /ita and /epede wait in the 2on"s chambers. /epede sleeps in front of the 2on"s empty throne. ESTELLE E)eryone &ere seems to &a)e calme" "o!n$ RITA It 'eels more li%e t&ey:re e;pecting t&e en" o' t&e !orl"$ ESTELLE .arol:s *een>ta%ing t&e 7on:s passing pretty &ar"# too$ RITA An" it loo%s li%e t&ings are %eeping t&e ol" man *usy$ I guess it comes !it& *eing a mem*er o' Altos%$ 89RI 0u&> RITA 0e ga)e up &is o!n li'e to ma%e amen"s 'or !&at &appene"> RITA /uil"s ta%e t&eir la!s pretty seriously$ 89RI >T&e pri"e o' li)ing *y t&e la!s o' t&e guil">ta%ing responsi*ility>an" accepting t&e c&oices &e:" ma"e> T&e 7on practice" !&at &e preac&e"$ RITA An" &e !as !illing to sta%e &is li'e on t&ose *elie's> RITA Responsi*ility>c&oices> 89RI I:)e got to get t&ese t&ings 'igure" out mysel'$ (est to start !it& our guil"# !it& (ra)e Vesperia$ (!al%s to!ar" t&e "oor) ESTELLE 8uri1 +&ere are you>1 89RI <ust going 'or a !al%$ After )uri leaves, /ita turns to =stelle. RITA 0e pro*a*ly !ent loo%ing 'or .arol$ ESTELLE .arol$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT The 5onB* Pa**in0

/uil" 9nion 0ea"6uarters5 Outsi"e 7on:s =&am*er5 +O-A <ust !&en I "eci"e" to ser)e t&e 7on 'or t&e rest o' my li'e# t&is &as to go an" &appen> +&at "i" t&e 7on lea)e us1 /9AR7 (eyon" t&is point are t&e pri)ate rooms o' 9nion o''icials$ T&ings are a little s&a%y *ecause o' t&e "i''iculty in c&oosing a ne! 7on$ 8ou:re not allo!e" past t&is point$ -A (E TRA =E) I' only !e !ere a little stronger>t&e 7on !oul"n:t

/9AR7 (O9TSI7E)

&a)e &a" to "ie$ +&at:s going to &appen to t&e 9nion !it& t&e 7on gone1 +&at:s gonna &appen to t&is to!n> I ne)er e)en t&oug&t a*out !&at mig&t &appen i' t&e 7on "ie"$ I' !e &a" ,ust "one our ,o* a little *etter>

=ircle Intersection5 -A ( OF =IR=LE) 8ou can:t mo)e 'or!ar" i' you:re *oun" *y sa"ness$ +e &a)e to %eep e)eryt&ing t&e 7on taug&t us in our &earts# an" press on$ -A (+ OF =IR=LE) E)eryone "ies$ (ut t&e 7on "i" it !it& style$ I ne)er t&oug&t I:" see t&e 7on:s 'inal moments !it& my o!n eyes$ -A (E OF =IR=LE) T&e 7on:s time is "one$ +&ose time is it no!1 o! t&e 9nion:s gonna 'all apart$ Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 +O-A (STREET) I get t&e 'eeling t&e ol" era is en"ing# an" a ne! one is a*out to *egin$ It:s so e;citing to li)e in times o' c&ange$ -A (LEFT TA(LE) I ain:t "run%3 I:m tellin: ya# I ain:t "run%3 -A (= TR TA(LE) T&ere are times !&en you ,ust !ant to "rin% an" 'orget a*out e)eryt&ing$ Sometimes you ,ust can:t get anyt&ing "one$ I:m ,ust *i"ing my time until I can "o somet&ing$ -A C3 (R TA(LE) T0E -ORE =0AOS (EFALLS T0E +ORL7# T0E -ORE T0E mercenary *usiness 'louris&es$ E)en so# it is 'or*i""en 'or us to create con'licts oursel)es$ Trust is num*er one in t&e guil" *usiness$ I' you:re caug&t c&eating t&e system# you:ll *e *anis&e" 'rom t&e in"ustry$ -A CE (R TA(LE) 7on:t tal% to me or you:ll li)e 'or a &un"re" more years$ 7on:t tal% to me or it:s your 'uneral$ +O-A (STA 7I /) +&o !ill lea" t&e 9nion no!1 I' t&e 09 TI / (LA7ES *ecomes one o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s an" =lint ta%es o)er# I:ll support t&em$ =lint# t&e *oss o' t&e 09 TI / (LA7ES> 0is *ear" is &ot3 -A (STA 7I /) T&e 7on:s "ea"$ o! it:s 'inally my turn to ta%e control$ E)eryone &as a c&ance$ T&at is t&e guil" !orl"$ (ar5 -A T&e 7on !as t&e 7on# rig&t to t&e en"$ I:)e ne)er met any ot&er man li%e t&e 7on in my !&ole li'e$ (ARTE 7ER T&e 7on !as 6uite a "rin%er# you %no!$ 0e came *y o'ten$ -ar%et Place5 +O-A (I STREET) T&e 7on is "ea"$ 0a& &a&> I get it$ I:m "reaming> I ,ust "on:t %no!> 8O9 / -A OSig&O > Step rig&t up> Feast your eyes on t&ese !ares>

FE-ALE -ER=0A T VE 7OR (/LASSES) Outsi"e T&e Inn5 -A

I t&in% I lost my moti)ation some!&ere$ T&e 7on:s "ea">1 =an you *elie)e it1 +&at:s going to &appen no!>1 T&is city:s 'inis&e"> T&e guil"s !on:t cooperate !it&out t&e 7on> In t&e en"# t&e 7on !as ,ust anot&er person$ 0e !as not super&uman$ 0e !as not immortal$ T&ere !as no one !&o coul" %ill t&at ol" man a'ter all$ T&e only one !&o coul" %ill t&e 7on !as t&e 7on &imsel'$ T&e poor 7on> It:s gonna *e lonely aroun" &ere$ Our young people !ill really &a)e to get t&eir acts toget&er no!$ T&e 7on "ie"> +&y "i" t&e 7on &a)e to "ie1 0e !asn:t a *a" guy>

+O-A LITTLE /IRL +EST EGIT5 OL7 +O-A

o! e)eryone:s strangely 6uiet> I !on"er !&at &appene"> It:s ,ust one t&ing a'ter anot&er in t&is to!n$ )uri finds .arol sitting against the outside wall of the Sagittarius Tavern. .AROL 8uri> I> T&ere !asn:t anyt&ing I coul" "o> T&e 7on>an" all t&e rest o' you# you:" all ma"e up your min"s an" "i" !&at you coul"$ 89RI $ $ $ .AROL o*o"y in t&is to!n:s gonna listen to anyt&ing I:)e got to say> So I !as t&in%ing I s&oul" try tal%ing !it& Palestralle instea"$ (ut t&ey mig&t *e "one tal%ing an" ,ust attac% any!ay> +&en I t&oug&t t&at# I> I !as too scare" to go alone> So I en"e" up not going at all$ I:m not goo" 'or anyt&ing> 89RI +&at a*out <u"y1 +eren:t you going to loo% 'or &er1 .AROL >I can:t$ (&i"es &is 'ace in &is %nees) I can:t go !it& you anymore# 8uri> I:m ,ust not cut out to *e t&e *oss o' a guil"> )uri takes .arol by the shoulders and lifts him to his feet, shaking him. 89RI Is t&at it# t&en1 Is t&at all guil"s an" (ra)e Vesperia mean to you1 <ust !al%ing a!ay 'rom t&e "ream li%e t&at1 .AROL (ut I !ante" to *e t&e *est guil"3 To *e use'ul to t&e 7on3 For &im to notice me3 0e:s *een a role mo"el 'or me> An" no! &e:s not aroun"> (!eeping) 89RI So you:re ,ust gonna pac% it up an" 6uit1 (s&a%es &im again# *en"ing "o!n to loo% at &is 'ace) <ust !&at !as it t&e 7on "ie" 'or1 8ou o' all people s&oul" %no! t&e ans!er to t&at$ .AROL 8ou can al!ays "o e)eryt&ing you !ant# 8uri3 8ou:" ne)er un"erstan" &o! I 'eel3

89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL 89RI .AROL I FOR-ATIO

(s&a%es &is &ea" )iolently) I:m not toug& li%e you3 T&ere:s no !ay I can *e li%e you or t&e 7on3 (&i"es &is 'ace# turning it 'rom 8uri) It:s o)er$ Our guil" is-.arol3 7on:t you remem*er all t&e 7on tol" you13 7i" you 'orget &is resol)e1 $ $ $ As a mem*er o' our guil"# I:m going to -t$ Tem?a to 'in" <u"y$ 0u&>1 (ra)e Vesperia !ill go on# e)en i' you "on:t$ T&is guil" is more t&an ,ust you no!$ (!al%s a!ay) OSo*O Oso*O > I "on:t !ant to run a!ay> I "on:t !ant to# *ut> .arol earne" t&e ATrou*le" OneB title$

Outsi"e t&e Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 .RIT8A +O-A I %ne! o' no ot&er man li%e t&e "on$ It:s suc& a great loss$ It:s suc& a great loss$ 7on> Rest in peace> Outsi"e t&e Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 OL7 -A (TA(LE) All o' 7a&ngrest is in mourning$ (ut it !on:t last long$ T&at:s not !&at t&e 7on !oul" &a)e !ante"$ (A 7I7O T&e 7on "ie" !&ile I !as ,ust sitting aroun" !orrying$ I:m suc& a 'ailure> -A (= TR TA(LE) T&e 7on !ill ne)er eat a meal again# !ill &e>1 o matter &o! muc& I eat# I ,ust "on:t 'eel satis'ie"$ +O-A (= TR TA(LE)(arriers protect us 'rom monsters# *ut t&ey can:t protect us 'rom t&e e)il o' ot&er &umans$ T&e 7on protecte" us 'rom t&at$ +&at you can protect# an" &o! you protect it> It c&anges !it& t&e situation$ -A (REAR TA(LE) I &ear (elius "ie"$ O&> 8ou alrea"y %ne! t&at>1 +O-A (REAR TA(LE)I %ne! t&is "ay !oul" come e)entually$ E)eryone &a" to *e prepare" 'or it$ E)en t&e 7on is &uman$ T&e "eat& o' a great man !ill "rain t&e energy o' t&is to!n$ (ut# in time# it !ill *e t&e source o' great strengt& in propelling oursel)es 'or!ar"$ -A (STA 7I /) (elius an" t&e 7on> E)eryone %ne! an" respecte" t&em# an" no!# one a'ter t&e ot&er> T&ey say LEVIAT0A :S =LA+ is pulling t&e strings$ T&ere:s going to *e a lot o' casualties i' it comes to 'acing Palestralle &ea"-on$

(elius# 'rom Palestralle# is ,ust as important to t&e guil"s as t&e 7on is$ (ar5 8O9 / -A It:s so sa" t&at t&e 7on is gone# *ut I:m sa" t&at I:m so in lo)e !it& &er$ It:s a complicate" 'eeling# an" I can:t &ol" it in any more$ I:m 'eeling li%e I:m a*out to *urst$ A*out to e;plo"e3 +&at s&oul" I "o1 T&is to!n:s really lost its spirit$ It seems so gloomy no!$ T&e 7on !as t&e sun in e)eryone:s li'e$ +&at t&is to!n nee"s is someone to lig&t t&e !ay in place o' t&e 7on$ 8ou seem li%e t&at %in" o' person to me$$$ T&e 7on:s "eat& is un'ortunate# *ut t&ere !as not&ing anyone coul" "o$ 0e ma"e a goo" "ecision an" t&e to!n !as protecte"$ T&e to!n lost it:s 'oun"ation# *ut !e must li)e on$ For t&e 7on$ /oo" luc% to you> 9m# (ra)e Vesperion# !as it1 +&at e;actly !as t&at monster t&at got insi"e t&e *arrier1 +e strengt&ene" t&e to!n:s security a'ter t&at inci"ent$ All is clear 'or no!3 T&ere must &a)e *een somet&ing "i''erent a*out t&at monster3 I !ill not tolerate anot&er *reac& o' t&e *arrier3

.RIT8A

(AR-AI7

09-A

(AR-AI7

(ARTE 7ER /9AR7 ((LASTIA)

)uri finds =stelle in the street outside the inn. ESTELLE >.arol> 7o you t&in% &e:ll *e all rig&t>1 89RI 0e:ll *e 'ine$ ESTELLE (ut> 8eager:s VOI=E +ell no!# i' it isn:t t&e "arling *oy an" girl$ 0o! )ery nice to see you *ot&$ )eager approaches flanked by Cauche and 2roite. ESTELLE 8eager>3 89RI 8ou:)e got some ner)e s&o!ing your 'ace a'ter planting t&e see"s o' !ar$ 8EA/ER See"s o' !ar1 I:m 6uite sure I "on:t %no! !&at you:re tal%ing a*out$ /A9=0E Attac%ing Palestralle is a matter 'or t&e 9nion to "eci"e$ 7ROITE 8up# t&at:s rig&t$ +e ,ust &elpe" in'orm t&eir "ecision$HstarI'hee hee( 8EA/ER E;actly$ 9n"erstan"# my little 'rien"s1 89RI (angry) I:ll gi)e you somet&ing to smile a*out$ 8EA/ER >T&at:s enoug& 'or to"ay# I t&in%$ It is t&e "ay o' t&e 7on:s passing# a'ter all$ +e:re still in mourning# you see$ T&e !orl" lost a great man to"ay# it most certainly "i"$ (7roite !ipes tears) 89RI +&at is it you guys are a'ter1 /et t&e 7on out o' t&e !ay to ta%e control o' t&e

9nion1 O& no no no$ (snaps out a *ou6uet o' 'lo!ers) Our little *usiness !ill most surely *e easier !it&out t&e poor 7on aroun"# *ut> >A&# let:s not go t&ere$ >I:)e come to"ay 'or my o!n personal reasons$ 89RI (ta%es a "eep *reat&# turns &is *ac%) >I "on:t !ant to "isgrace t&e 7on *y "oing somet&ing I:ll regret later$ 8ou s&oul" lea)e *e'ore I c&ange my min"$ 8EA/ER It is not only you !&o are mourning t&is "eat&# you %no!$ (e seeing you# t&en$ (t&ey lea)e) ESTELLE E)en 8eager is mourning t&e 7on> >I "on:t un"erstan"$ 0a"n:t &e *een trying to get ri" o' 7on +&ite&orse &imsel'>1 89RI T&e ol" man !as a nuisance to Le)iat&an:s =la!# *ut> -ay*e t&ings !ere a little "i''erent 'or 8eager on a personal le)el$ ESTELLE 8ou mean li%e t&e "i''erence *et!een guil"s an" in"i)i"uals1 89RI 8ea&$ To t&e 7on# t&ere !as 8eager t&e *oss# an" 8eager t&e person$ ESTELLE T&e 7on "i" *rea% &is o!n la!s an" ta%e t&e 'ig&t into &is o!n &an"s$ 89RI +ell# !e s&oul" *e on our !ay$ ESTELLE A&# all rig&t$ I tol" Rita !e !oul" *e meeting &er at t&e to!n e;it$ (ut !&at a*out .arol>1 89RI I sai" &e:ll *e 'ine$ Let:s go$ )uri heads toward the bridge. =stelle takes a few moments to process the conversation, then follows. 8EA/ER Outsi"e Fortunes -ar%et5 -erc&ant (outsi"e) It:s times li%e t&ese Fortune:s -ar%et &as to get all t&e ot&er guil"s moti)ate"3 +e:)e got some goo" stu''3 (RI7/E5 -an C3 I &ate t&e !ay t&e 7on "oes t&ings$ T&is ain:t rig&t$ 7amn it3 +&y are all t&e strong men "ying1 -an CE I may &a)e no interest in peoples: s6ua**les# *ut t&e "eat& o' t&e 7on is &ea)y> -ay*e I:ll go out &unting to ta%e my min" o'' t&ings$ +O-A ((ri"ge) First (ar*os# no! t&e 7on1 <ust t&in% a*out it> T&e &ea"s o' t!o o' t&e 'i)e master guil"s are "ea"$ )uri finds /ita waiting on the bridge. RITA +&ere:s .arol1 89RI +&at is t&e "eal !it& e)eryone !orrying so muc&1 (c&uc%les uncom'orta*ly) +&at are *ot& o' your plans a'ter t&is1 RITA I:m going with you# o' course$ Li%e I sai"# I:)e "eci"e" to stic% !it& you guys !&ile I researc& t&e aer %rene$

89RI ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI RITA ESTELLE RITA

89RI ESTELLE RITA 89RI ESTELLE 89RI RITA 89RI

ESTELLE 89RI I FOR-ATIO

Rig&t# rig&t$ I !ant to go !it& you as !ell# 8uri$ o! t&at !e %no! t&e 0unting (la"es are out to get <u"it&# !e:)e got to try an" &elp &er> +e:re not o*ligate" to "o anyt&ing 'or &er$ ><u"it& s&are" in our tra)els$ S&e:s one o' us>$ >S&e also "estroye" t&e ceres *lastia on t&e s&ip$ (ut> I:m not going out on any mercy mission$ I tol" you I nee" to set t&ings straig&t# rig&t1 8uri> (surprise") +&at "oes <u"y %no!1 +&at "oesn:t s&e %no!>1 I:m going to see t&at s&e comes clean a*out all o' it$ I &a)e to# to 'in" out !&ere t&is guil" stan"s$ +ell# !e mig&t ,ust en" up sa)ing &er along t&e !ay$ 8ou t!o are !orrie" a*out &er# I %ne! it$ +&-!&at are you tal%ing a*out13 +e Amig&tB is all I sai"3 Any!ay# !it& all t&is tal% a*out setting t&e guil" straig&t# is t&e 'earless lea"er &imsel' gonna come1 It:ll ta%e more t&an t&is to %eep &im "o!n$ 0e:ll come$ o!# let:s go$ (lea)es) +&at s&oul" !e "o a*out Ra)en1 0e coul"n:t come no!$ 0e can:t turn &is *ac% on t&is to!n$ T&ey lost t&e 7on$ 8ou:re pro*a*ly rig&t$ T&e ol" man &as &is o!n agen"a to ta%e care o'$ >I:m going to miss &im> T&in% !&o you:re tal%ing a*out$ T&at guy mig&t ,ust pop up !&en you least e;pect it$ So# !&ere is t&is -t$ Tem?a# any!ay1 -y guess is t&at it:s some!&ere nort& o' t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ S&e mentione" somet&ing a*out li)ing !it& (a:ul on a mountain to t&e nort& o' a "esert$ T&ere certainly are plenty o' mountains in t&e nort&ern regions o' 7esier$ +ell# let:s start t&ere# an" see !&ere it ta%es us$ First o'' !e nee" to ma%e our !ay to 7esier$ Let:s get to t&e s&ip$ Reunite !it& Estelle# Rita an" Repe"e$

A*oar" t&e Fiertia5 .AROL +aaait33 /apid footsteps, running hard, come closer and closer until .arol climbs over the railing and &umps onto the deck, landing in front of =stelle. ESTELLE .arol3 .AROL >+ait3 O0u''O O+&ee?eO I:m> O0u''O > =oming !it& you> (to 8uri) I mig&t not 'ully un"erstan" t&e t&ings t&e 7on !ante" to tell me yet$ (ut (ra)e Vesperia is my--no# our guil"# so>so I:)e gotta come !it& you guys3 ESTELLE .arol$ .AROL I t&in% i' I ran a!ay> I' I a*an"one" my 'rien"s#

t&at:" *e t&e en"3 I coul"n:t come *ac%> T&at:s !&y>t&at:s !&y I:)e gotta go3 Please let me come# too3 89RI O' course$ 8ou:re t&e *oss o' t&is out'it# =aptain$ .AROL 8uri3 T&an%s3 (ut> 7on:t call me A*ossB anymore$ 89RI 0mm1 .AROL I>I &a)en:t "one anyt&ing to earn t&at title yet> 9ntil you really t&in% I:m a *oss> 9ntil I "on:t 'eel em*arrasse" !&en someone calle" me A*ossB> I:ll ,ust "o my part as a 'ello! mem*er o' (ra)e Vesperia$ 89RI >9n"erstoo"# .arol$ ot a *a" plan$ .AROL Alrig&t3 (smiling) RITA (leaning against !all) It ne)er en"s !it& t&ese guil"s$ (unc& o' &ot-&ea"e" i"iots$ RAVE (leaning on s&ips rail near &er) 0mm# yea&$ Fuite ,u)enile isn:t it1 RITA Aaa&3 (startle") 0-&ey ol" man>13 /aven walks to the middle of the deck. RAVE A&&# &o! glorious is yout&1 89RI +&at are you up to1 RAVE 0u&1 Somet&in: !rong !it& my *ein: &ere1 ESTELLE +ell# "on:t you &a)e your &an"s 'ull# !it& t&e 7on:s passing an" e)eryt&ing>1 /aven smiles and turns away, crossing his arms behind his head. RAVE 8a %no!# it all ,ust seeme" a little too *ot&ersome# so I "uc%e" out$ .AROL (ut you o!e a lot to t&e 7on$ Aren:t you sa"1 RAVE Sa"1 ("igging in &is ear) I crie" an" crie" till my t&roat !as &orse an" t&ere !asn:t a tear le't in me$ RITA Funny# it "oesn:t s&o! on you at all$ 89RI 0e&# so not e)en Ra)en t&e /reat can *ear to ignore t&e 7on:s parting !or"s$ RAVE +&-!&at:re you tal%in: a*out1 8a &ear" me# "i"n:t ya1 T&at *ur"en:s too &ea)y 'or t&is *east$ ('aces t&em) I:m sure t&ey:ll *e a*le ta ta%e care o' t&at piece o' *usiness ,ust 'ine !it&out me$ 89RI All rig&t# !e:ll lea)e it at t&at$ RAVE O& man> T&ese %i"s to"ay# I tell ya$ ESTELLE So no! !e can "epart 'or 7esier# rig&t1 .AROL 0u&1 +&y are !e going *ac% t&ere1 RAVE T&at:s a pretty goo" &unc& ya &a" t&ere$ -t$ Tem?a:s nort& o' t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ T&ere:s a .rityan city t&ere# i' memory ser)es$ RITA An" !&y !oul" you %no! somet&ing li%e t&at1 RAVE +ell I:m o)er t!ice your age# so o' course I %no! t!ice as many t&ings$ RITA Rig&t> (arms crosse"# uncon)ince") RAVE So are !e goin: or aren:t !e1 .AROL =an !e get to t&e nort& o' .ogor& *y *oat1 89RI /uess !e:ll &a)e to see !&en !e get t&ere$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& .arol an" Ra)en$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB E!E"T# E*te))eD* Tea,her Part I ASagittariusB ta)ern5 A man sits on t&e 'loor leaning against t&e !all$ ESTELLE Is t&at man in,ure"1 +O-A (ac% !&en !e &a" t&at stan"-o'' !it& Palestralle# &e got crus&e" in t&e stampe"e o' onloo%ers# an" &e en"e" up li%e t&at$ Estelle runs to t&e man to &eal &im$ 89RI 0mmm> >0ey# Estelle> HEstelle ignore &im an" %neels "o!n to &eal t&e manI 7amn it> S&e al!ays &as to *e li%e t&is> I <9RE7 -A >Lea)e me alone3 89RI >13 H!al%s o)er to stan" *e&in" EstelleI I <9RE7 -A 8ou:re going to &eal me# an" t&en I:ll o!e you tons o' money# &u&1 T&at:s 6uite a scam3 0mp&3 ESTELLE o# t&at:s not true at all33 89RI T&e man !ants to "ie# Estelle$ 8ou s&oul" lea)e &im alone$ I <9RE7 -A 8ou t&in% I:m gonna "ie 'rom a puny little !oun" li%e t&is13 89RI E)en a little scratc& can get in'ecte"$ An" t&en t&e in'ection can sprea" t&roug& your !&ole *o"y>an" t&en>you "ie$ It &appens a lot$ I <9RE7 -A 8-you can:t *e serious>3 89RI Let:s go# Estelle$ ESTELLE Please &ol" still3 Harms outstretc&e"# s&e per'orms a &ealing spellI It s&oul"n:t &urt anymore$ Estelle stan"s an" ,oins 8uri stan"ing a 'e! 'eet a!ay$ ESTELLE Sorry to %eep you !aiting> 89RI All rig&t# let:s go$ Outsi"e t&e ta)ern# t&ey meet 7ra%e$ 7RA.E +&y !oul" you use your &ealing artes on someone !&o tells you not to1 ESTELLE -aster> I ,ust !ante" to ma%e t&at person &appy> 7RA.E E)ery single one o' a princess:s actions is e;cee"ingly meaning'ul$ =ountless people are a''ecte" *y !&at you "o# an" i' you:re not care'ul# t&ey can result in con'usion$ 89RI Isn:t it *etter t&an sitting aroun" "oing not&ing at all1 ESTELLE 8uri> 7RA.E Sometimes t&e *est course o' action is ta%ing no action at all$ 89RI +&at a*out all t&e people *ac% in 0alure t&at Estelle &elpe"1 T&ey:re grate'ul 'or !&at s&e "i"$ 7RA.E Are you a!are t&at "ue to t&at action# a strange rumor o' t&e appearance o' a Aprincess o' re"emptionB &as ta%en s&ape1 89RI +&at:s so *a" a*out t&at1 7RA.E Once you get people:s &opes up# t&ey e;pect t&ings 'rom you$ An" t&ese e;pectations gro! an" gro!# until t&eir &opes are 'inally "as&e" against reality$ Once you 'ail to li)e up to t&eir e;pectations# people *ecome "iscontente"# an" t&is results in c&aos$

ESTELLE 7RA.E

(-*ut> Luc%ily# none o' t&e to!nspeople are a!are t&at t&eir princess o' re"emption is in 'act t&e Princess &ersel'$ ESTELLE I> 7RA.E To rule an empire# you must t&in% rationally# an" not *e s!aye" *y 'leeting emotion$ 8ou are not cut out to sit on t&e imperial t&rone$ It !oul" *e *est i' you steppe" "o!n 'rom t&e can"i"acy as soon as possi*le$ ESTELLE +&at s&oul" I "o13 7RA.E 0ere# ta%e t&is$ 7ra%e puts somet&ing in Estelle:s &an"s$ ESTELLE T&is is>t&e imperial crest> 7RA.E Loo% at t&at an" put some t&oug&t into your actions$ ESTELLE >> 89RI 0ey# %eep your c&in up$ ESTELLE I:m o%ay> -aster 7ra%e tol" me to put some t&oug&t into !&at I:m "oing$ So t&at:s !&at I:m going to "o$ I:m going to t&in% a*out !&et&er my actions are rally t&e rig&t ones 'or a 'uture empress$ 89RI I see$ /oo" luc% !it& t&at# Estelle$ ESTELLE 8es$ T&an% you$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Imperial =rest$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Ladie*B Man & Part 4# They go back to the 7Sagittarius8. +O-A A&3 It:s *een a !&ile since !e:)e seen you in &ere# *a*y$ +&at &appene" to you1 RAVE O&o# !&at a nice surprise$ I:)e *een out runnin: all o)er t&e place on t&e 7on:s or"ers$ +O-A o !ay# *a*y3 Are you %i""ing1 8ou an" &ar" !or% "on:t mi;3 RAVE /oin: on a !orl" tour is pretty nice$ 8ou s&oul" try it sometime$ +O-A Tee &ee &ee3 I:ll *et you:)e *een partying it up e)ery!&ere you:)e gone$ 8ou rascal3 (y t&e !ay> 8ou 'rien"s "on:t seem li%e your usual cro!"$ 8ou &a)en:t *een trolling t&e local &ig& sc&ools 'or ,ail*ait# &a)e you1 RAVE a&# not at all$ +O-A A&$ /oo"$ +ell# let:s &a)e a "rin% ne;t time you:re 'ree$ See ya$ The woman walks away. .AROL A 'rien" o' yours1 RAVE <ust someone I %no!$ .AROL I "unno# you t!o seeme" pretty *u""y-*u""y# Ol" -an> 89RI .arol# let:s %eep our nosy little 6uestions to oursel)es# e&1 RITA +&at t&e &ell:s &er pro*lem1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Hard $orkin0 Boy Hard $orkin0 Boy# 2ir*t S,ene# They return to 2ahngrest at night and stay at the +nn after visiting the Sagittarius Tavern and meeting 2rake outside. ;ater that evening, .arol lingers outside the Sagittarius Tavern. *nbeknownst to him, %arry is standing a few yards behind him. .AROL 0ARR8 >7on$ I &a)e to> I &a)e to get stronger3 Hs!inging &is s!or" repeate"lyI 0ya&3 0aaaa3 $ $ $

Hard $orkin0 Boy# Se,ond S,ene# .arol can"t sleep so he practices using his latest weapon outside the Sagittarius Tavern. %arry arrives and watches .arol swing his a e repeatedly in a wide sweeping arc. .AROL 0yeaaa&3 Ryaaa&3 0ARR8 ? %arry walks closer into .arol"s line of vision. 0ARR8 0ey3 .AROL +a&3 >8-you startle" me> 0u&1 Aren:t you> 0-&arry>rig&t1 0ARR8 +eren:t you practicing &ere last time# too1 .AROL O&>yea&> I al!ays &a)e trou*le sleeping !&ene)er I come *ac% to t&is city> 0ARR8 >(ecause o' t&e 7on1 .AROL >8ea&$ I !ant to *e strong# li%e &e !as$ E)ery time I t&in% o' !&at &e "i"# I 'eel li%e I &a)e to !or% &ar"er> 0ARR8 >> %arry walks up to .arol. 0ARR8 >8ou can *orro! t&is$ %e hands .arol a slim, finely crafted, long-handled sword. .AROL +&at:s t&is>1 0ARR8 It:s t&e s!or" t&at t&e 7on use"$ .arol sinks with the weight of the sword. .AROL It:s &ea)y> It 'eels &ea)ier t&an it loo%s> 0ARR8 8es# all o' t&e responsi*ility o' &ol"ing t&e guil" toget&er is containe" in t&at s!or"> .AROL >8ea&$ 0ARR8 I:ll let you use it !&ene)er you:re practicing &ere$ It s&oul" ma%e 'or *etter training t&an !&at you:)e &a" in t&e past$ .AROL I can use t&is s!or">1 0ARR8 I:m ,ust len"ing it to you# t&oug&3 8ou &a)e to gi)e it *ac% in t&e morning$ I still nee" to !or% on mastering it# mysel'> .AROL I see> T&an% you$ %arry walks away. .AROL T&e 7on:s s!or"> All rig&t t&en>

.arol swings the 2on"s sword with renewed vigor. .AROL 7yeeaa&3 0yaaa&3 Hard $orkin0 Boy# Third S,ene# They spend the night at the inn. That evening %arry watches .arol practice with the 2on"s sword in front of the Sagittarius tavern. .AROL 0yaaa&3 8aaaaa&3 0ARR8 8our stance is still too !ea%3 8ou:ll ne)er *e as goo" a 'ig&ter as t&e 7on !as li%e t&at3 .AROL >9rg&3 Ryaaa&3 8aaa&3 0ARR8 T&at:s it3 Imagine your opponent in 'ront o' you an" s!ing t&e s!or" ,ust so3 .AROL R-rig&t3 Hard $orkin0 Boy# 2ourth S,ene# They spend the night at the inn. That evening .arol once again practices with the 2on"s sword while %arry watches. .AROL 9ryaaa&3 Ryeeea&3 0ARR8 O%ay3 One more attac%# an" t&en ta%e a *rea%3 .AROL Rig&t3 7ragon>9ppercuuuut33 The sword flashes. .AROL OPantO OpantO OpantO 0ARR8 It loo%s li%e you:)e gotten pretty goo" at using &is s!or"> .AROL --may*e> (ut>I still &a)e a long !ay to go$ T&e *lastia on .arol:s *ag glo!s$ .AROL 0u&>1 0ARR8 0mmm>loo%s li%e you:)e surpasse" me$ .AROL +&at "o you mean1 0ARR8 8ou:)e learne" t&e !eapon arte t&at:s store" in t&at !eapon$ .AROL O&# I see>*ut !&at:s t&is arte>1 0ARR8 T&e 7on use" t&is !eapon$ It:s gotta *e a goo" one# rig&t1 .AROL 8ea&>seems li%e it$ 0ARR8 8ou:)e surpasse" me> 8ou !on:t nee" to *orro! t&is !eapon anymore# I t&in%$ .AROL 8ea&>rig&t$ T&an% you# 0arry$ I FOR-ATIO .arol Learne" t&e ASpecialB S%ill$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# S)ee%)e** "i0ht They stay at the +nn a second time. )uri and .arol share a bed. )uri"s eyes are closed as he lies on his back with one leg bent and both hands behind his head on the pillow. .arol lies spread eagle with his head resting directly on the mattress and not the pillow. .arol"s eyes are open wide. .AROL >>3 P&e!> >> I can:t sleep >

;ater that evening, )uri finds .arol standing on the bridge looking over the side into the water. 89RI 0ey .arol$ =an:t sleep1 .AROL > 8ea&> I &a" t&is>*a" "ream> 89RI (a" "ream>1 .AROL I !as "reaming t&at e)eryone !as a*out to "ie an" I !as trying to run to sa)e t&em>*ut no matter &o! &ar" I ran# I ne)er got any closer$ 89RI T&at soun"s li%e a pretty *a" "ream# yea&$ .AROL I got so scare" t&at I !o%e up> 89RI +ell# i' you can:t sleep# at least you !on:t *e %eeping us up !it& all your noise$ .AROL 1 89RI 8ou "on:t %no!>1 +ell# may*e t&at ma%es sense$ .arol# you tal% in your sleep$ A lot$ .AROL 0o! !oul" I %no! t&at1 I:m asleep !&en it &appens3 89RI 0a &a>ye&# I guess you:re rig&t$ 89RI .arol> I' you:re still s&a%en up a*out t&e 7on:s "eat&> .AROL >> It:s not ,ust !&at &appene" to t&e 7on$ I "on:t %no! !&at I s&oul" "o 'or (ra)e Vesperia$ I "on:t e)en %no! !&at I can "o$ I still &a)e to 'igure t&at out$ 89RI I see$ .AROL An" t&at:s !&y I:)e *een &a)ing some trou*le sleeping$ 7o you &a)e !orries t&at are %eeping you up# 8uri1 89RI a&# not me$ I:m a man o' action# &e&$ T&in%ing a*out t&ings too muc& ,ust ma%es my &ea" &urt$ I pre'er mo)ing my *o"y# rat&er t&an t&ose rusty gears in my &ea"$ It suits my personality *etter$ .AROL 8our personality# &u&>I !on"er !&at suits my personality *etter> 89RI -ay*e i' you !ent to sleep an" &a" a goo" "ream# it !oul" &elp you 'igure t&ings out a *it1 .AROL I can:t %eep running a!ay to my "reams$ 89RI 8ou !oul"n:t *e running a!ay$ 8ou:" *e "reaming so t&at you can come *ac% to us$ .AROL 8ea&> I:m sure once I go *ac% to t&e inn an" lie "o!n I:ll *e a*le to sleep$ 7on:t !orry a*out me$ 8ou go on a&ea"$ 89RI /otc&a$ .arol watches )uri walk away for a few moments, then he resumes watching the water. )uri stops &ust at the end of the bridge to look back at .arol who continues to ga!e into the water. 89RI E)en i' &e reasons t&ings out in &is &ea"# &is &eart is slo! to 'ollo! suit$ I guess t&at:s ,ust &o! &e is> I FOR-ATIO .arol earne" t&e AInsomniacB title$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# The Truth o3 RuinB* <ate & Part 4

They return to Shaikos /uins and see a researcher wearing a red coat standing with his back to them. 89RI >T&ere:s someone &ere> RITA T&ose guys are 'rom Ruins: /ate$ ESTELLE 0earing a*out Ruin:s /ate again ma%es me t&in% o' Regaey> RITA 7on:t 'orget t&at t&e Regaey !e sa! !as an imposter$ 89RI Regaey !as 8eager$ .AROL +ait# I t&oug&t t&at 8eager !as ,ust "isguising &imsel' as t&e real Regaey$ 89RI Really1 -hile they talk, another man runs to the man in the red coat and shows him something he found. )uri and the others watch and listen. +OR.ER 0ey# loo% at t&is 'unny-loo%ing t&ingama*o* I 'oun"$ The researcher looks at the ob&ect with great interest. RESEAR=0ER Arc&ie# 8ou:)e 'oun" a part o' a *lastia &ousing$ AR=0IE T&is is so a!esome# -ar%$ I:ll *et it:s a priceless &istorical arti'act$ -AR. Let:s get t&is *ac% to Aspio in a &urry an" s&o! it to t&e researc&ers$ AR=0IE 7on:t 'orget to !rite your name on it to pro)e you:re t&e one !&o 'oun" it$ *nable to bear it any longer, /ita runs to them and interrupts their conversation. RITA <ust !&at "o you guys t&in% you:re "oing>13 AR=0IE +&-!&at:s going on13 RITA +&o "o you t&in% you are# )an"ali?ing a )alua*le specimen li%e t&at1 AR=0IE It:s my natural rig&t as t&e one !&o 'oun" it$ RITA 8ou i"iot3 +&at are you trying to "o13 Ac%3 >It:s not coming o''3 O%ay# you t!o# sit your *utts "o!n# O+3 The two men do as /ita instructs without hesitation. 89RI 9&# Rita1 +&at:re you "oing1 RITA I:m going to e;plain to t&ese &al'-!its t&e importance o' treating *lastia !it& a little respect3 -AR. Loo# Arc&ie# I t&in% t&e little mage is going to gi)e us a presentation$ AR=0IE 0mp&> +&y:s s&e so &ig& an" mig&ty>1 RITA S&ut up an" listen3 After the presentation, the men are still seated with /ita looming over them. RITA >/ot it13 -AR. 8es# ma:am$ AR=0IE I:)e ne)er &ear" so many !or"s come out o' suc& a little person> -AR. >I t&in% !e:" *e *etter o'' "oing as s&e says$ RITA S&ees&> I:m gonna gi)e Ruins: /ate a piece o' my min" !&en I get *ac% to Aspio> The two men get on their feet. 89RI Still# t&ey seem really &armless$ RITA I guess you:re rig&t> (ut it:s t&e !ell-meaning i"iots t&at sometimes "o t&e most "amage$ 89RI A!# come on$ Lig&ten up$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finally# t&ey &ea" out 'or -t$ Tem?a to 'in" <u"it&$ MT; TEMZA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They stand at the bottom a steep stoney hill. RAVE An" &ere !e are$ +elcome to -t$ Tem?a$ REPE7E +oo'3 .AROL (stooping to loo% at t&e groun") T&ese are &uman 'ootprints# rig&t1 T&ere sure are a lot o' t&em$ ESTELLE =oul" it *e t&e 0unting (la"es1 89RI T&at# or it mig&t *e t&e .nig&ts$ ESTELLE (ut !&y !oul" t&e .nig&ts *e &ere1 89RI Flynn !as loo%ing 'or apat&eia too$ I' t&at:s !&at t&e 0unting (la"es are "oing &ere> T&en t&e .nig&ts coul" *e &ere 'or t&e same reason$ ESTELLE +&y is e)eryone scram*ling to get t&eir &an"s on apat&eia all o' a su""en1 RITA +e ne)er &a" a c&ance to get an e;planation 'rom t&e 7on> 89RI I' <u"y:ll clue us in on !&at s&e %no!s# t&ings mig&t clear up$ .arol calls to them from the top of the hill. .AROL 0ey3 8ou guys# come loo% at t&is3 T&-t&is is cra?y3 They &oin .arol at the top of the hill and look down upon a sad sight. 1t Tem!a is flat and stark with many bomb holes in it"s surface. =&est Tent (at top o' &ill to le't) RITA +&at t&e &ec% is t&is1 T&e mountain:s *een>'lattene"$ ESTELLE +&at coul" &a)e &appene">1 .AROL Is t&ere really suppose" to *e a to!n &ere>1 RITA (tru"ging up t&e top o' t&e &ill) +ell# it !as &ere ten years ago# t&at I:m sure o'$ (ut I can:t )ouc& 'or !&at:s &appene" since t&en$ 89RI Ten years1 T&at:s 6uite a !ays *ac%$ +&at !ere you "oing !ay out t&ere1 RITA 9&# !ell> They are all startled and look to the sky when they hear the cry of a dragon. RITA T&at )oice> Is t&at you# Frea%13 RITA 0ere:s &opin: e)eryt&ing:s all rig&t$ ESTELLE Let:s &urry3 They follow the path down and stop &ust before the bottom looking around. 89RI It:s e)en !orse 'rom up close$ RITA T&ere:s no !ay t&is coul" &a)e &appene" naturally$ ESTELLE It loo%s li%e somet&ing e;plo"e" &ere> .AROL An e;plosion> Are t&ere monsters t&at can "o somet&ing li%e t&is1 RAVE T&ere !ere$ (ut t&ose monsters !ere all !ipe" out$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean# !ipe" out1 RAVE +&at ya see &ere>t&is !as a *attlegroun" in t&e /reat +ar$ .AROL +&at3 Really1

ESTELLE

RITA 89RI RAVE

RITA ESTELLE .AROL RAVE 89RI ESTELLE RITA 89RI ESTELLE

So t&at means>&umans an" Entele;eia 'oug&t &ere> T&e &umans !ere )ictorious# *ut t&ere !ere scarcely any sur)i)ors> T&e 'acts *e&in" t&e !ar are s&rou"e" in "ar%ness> ot e)en t&e o''icial go)ernment &istories gi)e many "etails a*out !&at &appene"$ So t&e Entele;eia "i" t&is to t&e mountains> +&at terri*le po!er$ (ut t&is is t&e 'irst time I:)e &ear" t&at a *attle too% place &ere$ T&e empire:s %ept a pretty tig&t &ol" on in'ormation a*out it$ T&ey:)e got a lotta secrets$ 8ou s&oul" %no! t&at *y no!$ I t&oug&t it !as strange t&at monsters !oul" !age !ar against &umans$ (ut> +&at t&ey "i"n:t !ant us to %no! !as t&at t&ose monsters !ere actually Entele;eia> 8ou sure %no! a lot a*out t&is stu''# Ra)en$ 8ou come across a lot i' you li)e long enoug&# %i""ies$ O%ay# enoug& &istory lessons$ +e came &ere so !e coul" loo% 'or <u"y$ T&e monster:s )oice !e &ear" ,ust no!> +&at i' t&ey:)e alrea"y got <u"it& cornere"1 (eating up t&at "ragon-'rea% is -8 ,o*3 I !on:t let t&em *eat me to it3 8ea&$ Let:s &urry3

S+IT The <reat war =0EST Re" Sage ( ort& *ranc& o' pat&) =0EST Sa''ron ( ort& *ranc& o' pat&) =0EST 7ea"ly 0orn (rig&t o' pat&) /aven leads the way up and around a steep path up the side of a mountain. They stop to rest. 89RI > ESTELLE 8uri1 +&at:s t&e matter1 89RI I !as ,ust t&in%ing a*out !&at <u"it& sai"$ A(a:ul sa)e" me "uring t&e !ar>B I ,ust reali?e" t&at may*e s&e !as tal%ing a*out t&e /reat +ar !&en s&e sai" t&at$ RITA So may*e s&e 'oug&t against t&e empire !it& t&at "ragon 'rea% "uring t&e /reat +ar1 89RI -ay*e Ra)en can tell us$ 8ou 'oug&t in t&e /reat +ar# "i"n:t ya# ol" man1 RAVE 0u&1 +&y1 89RI I:" t&in% only someone !&o !as on t&e scene !oul" %no! so muc& a*out t&e !ar$ .AROL Really1 (ut# t&ere !eren:t suppose" to *e )ery many sur)i)ors# rig&t1 RAVE Very true>I t&oug&t I !as gonna "ie *ac% t&en# too$ A&# i' only I:" "ie" t&en# t&ings !oul":)e *een so muc& easier# too> RITA I' only you:" "ie"1 +&at a !eir" t&ing to say> ESTELLE So# "i" you e)er see <u"it& "uring t&e !ar1 RAVE o# not a c&ance$ I may *e a player# *ut 3P-year-ol"

girls are "e'initely o''-limits 'or me$ O& gee?> 0mm# I 'eel li%e I ne)er sa! (a:ul# eit&er$ -ay*e t&ey ran a!ay 'rom t&e *attle1 89RI So it !as really t&e Entele;eia !&o 'oug&t in t&e *attle1 RAVE 8es# I guess so$ T&oug& at t&e time !e t&oug&t t&ey !ere only a really terri*le *ree" o' monsters$ .AROL (ut !o!# you !ere really in t&e !ay# &u& Ra)en1 T&at:s so cool$ I t&oug&t only Imperial .nig&ts 'oug&t in t&e !ar$ RAVE -ay*e I:ll tell you more a*out it !&en you:re ol"er$ S+IT A Senti9enta) Land*,a%e At the top of the mountain they find a building in ruins. =stelle looks beyond to a group of destroyed buildings rest on a mountain top overlooking a crescent inlet ringed by stone hills. ESTELLE T&is is a .rityan city>1 (s&e !al%s a 'e! steps to ,oin Rita inspecting t&e *uil"ing) RITA -ore li%e t&e remains o' one$ .AROL +&at "o you t&in% <u"it& !oul" come &ere 'or>1 89RI Suppose it !oul"n:t ma%e muc& sense to say s&e !as 'eeling &omesic%$ /epede crouches and growls. REPE7E /rrr$ Two bodies bounce down the hill and land at their feet. .AROL T&e 0unting (la"es3 ESTELLE (loo%ing up) <u"it&3 Hudith strolls up nonchalantly. <97IT0 8ou> -A (+OLF 0EL-ET) 7amn you3 -A ((IR7 0EL-ET) /o in'orm Tison an" an3 89RI 0ey3 o*o"y lays a &an" on one o' our o!n$ )uri is angry and speaks through bared teeth. Hudith looks appreciatively at )uri. 89RI I' s&e:s *ro%en our la!s# !e:ll settle t&is amongst oursel)es$ o! get out o' &ere3 -A ((IR7 0EL-ET) +e:re only trying to 'ollo! a monster !e:re &unting3 -A (+OLF 0EL-ET) T&is "oesn:t in)ol)e you3 RITA O%ay# t&is is getting us no!&ere$ Let me at Mem$ (prepares a spell) RAVE 8ou:re rig&t$ It:s ,ust a !aste o' time tryin: ta tal% sense ta people li%e t&is$ 89RI Lea)e$ o!$ Or "o you really !ant to "o t&is1 The hunting blades run. ESTELLE <u"it&> <97IT0 >8ou 'ollo!e" me &ere$ 89RI 8ea&$ +e:re &ere to settle t&ing 'or t&e sa%e o' t&e guil"$ .AROL <u"it&$ Tell us e)eryt&ing you %no!$ RITA +&y you "estroye" t&e *lastia$ A*out t&e apat&eia an" t&e Entele;eia$ T&eir relations&ip to P&aero&$ All o' it$ 89RI An" e)en t&oug& you:re one o' us# your ans!ers !ill "eci"e your 'ate$ .arol looks on, mouth agape in dread. They all look to Hudith. <97IT0 Punis& t&e un,ust>!as it1 (s&e loo% at eac& o' t&em) RITA RAVE

>0onestly# I "on:t %no! i' t&at:s really a goo" t&ing or not$ 8ou:)e alrea"y come t&is 'ar# I suppose t&ere:s no going *ac% no!$ =ome$ Hudith walks around and past the building and the others follow. .arol hangs back to talk privately with )uri. .AROL 8uri> +&at "i" you mean a*out <u"y:s 'ate>1 89RI >I' t&ere:s one t&ing t&at 7on:s last moments taug&t me# it:s t&at I:)e *een too so't$ I' a part is in'ecte"# you cut it o'' *e'ore it in'ects t&e !&ole$ E)en i' it:s a comra"e# an Entele;eia# or a 'rien"$ .AROL 8ou mean e)en i' it:s Flynn or P&aero&1 89RI >8ea&$ It:s t&e pat& I:)e c&osen 'or mysel'$ .arol hangs his head as )uri walks by, /epede at his heels. .AROL I> (runs to catc& up to 8uri) S+IT The Huntin0 B)ade* A0ain7 Hudith stops along a steep path up the windy and barren mountain. <97IT0 So>you are a!are t&at t&is place !as t&e groun" on !&ic& t&e /reat +ar !as 'oug&t$ 89RI 8ea&$ +e &ear" 'rom t&e ol" man &ere$ <97IT0 T&e /reat +ar !as spar%e" *y a type o' *lastia$ RITA +&at13 Hudith walks up the path to slightly higher ground and turns to face them. <97IT0 T&is !as not a *lastia t&at &a" *een e;ca)ate"$ It &a" *een constructe" in t&e city o' Tem?a using a ne! type o' tec&nology$ T&e 0ermes *lastia$ ESTELLE 0ermes *lastia>1 RITA I:)e ne)er &ear" o' it> An" i' you say it !as ne!ly *uilt> <97IT0 T&e 0ermes mo"els !ere e)en more e''ecti)e at con)erting aer into energy$ T&ey !ere inten"e" to>re)olutioni?e t&e tec&nology o' *lastia$ 89RI ("ra!ing closer) (ut somet&ing !ent !rong$ <97IT0 T&e *lastia using t&ese 0ermes-type 'ormulas re6uire" massi)e 6uantities o' aer$ T&e aer %rene *egan pro"ucing a*normal amounts o' aer in or"er to compensate$ RITA T&at !oul" mean t&e en" not ,ust o' &umanity# *ut all li'e on t&is planet3 RAVE <ust li%e !e sa! at .ei) -oc an" t&e +easan" o' =a"os$ +oul"n:t li%e ta see t&at &appen e)ery!&ere$ <97IT0 T&e Entele;eia reali?e" t&e "angers o' t&e 0ermes *lastia *e'ore t&e &umans$ An" t&ey mo)e" to "estroy t&em$ 89RI +&ic& create" a con'lict t&at gre! until it e)entually *ecame t&e /reat +ar> .AROL So t&en t&e Entele;eia 'oug&t against t&e &umans to &elp t&e planet13 ESTELLE (ut !&y "i"n:t t&ey tell t&e &umans &o! "angerous t&ose *lastia !ere13 /ita clenches her fists in rage, shaking head to toe with anger.

RAVE

eit&er si"e pro*a*ly care" muc& i' t&e ot&er *roug&t itsel' to ruin$ T&ere:s ne)er *een any lo)e lost *et!een &umans an" Entele;eia$ Pro*a*ly "i"n:t tal% muc&$ (stro%es &is c&in t&oug&t'ully) T&ere may &a)e *een ot&er reasons# t&oug&$ Still# !e "on:t %no! !&at t&is story &as ta "o !it& our <u"it&# &ere$ <97IT0 Tem?a 'ell to t&e 'lames o' !ar# an" t&e tec&nology o' t&e 0ermes *lastia !as *elie)e" lost> .AROL +ait# you mean t&ere are still 0ermes mo"els in operation13 <97IT0 8es$ At Ragou:s mansion# E&mea" 0ill# /&as'arost# not to mention> 89RI T&e ceres *lastia on t&e Fiertia> ESTELLE So t&en# you:)e *een "estroying t&e *lastia in place o' t&e Entele;eia> RITA (still s&a%ing !it& rage) 8ou coul" &a)e mentione" t&at3 +&y "i"n:t you say somet&ing13 +ere you gonna sa)e t&e !orl" all on your o!n1 Are you stupi"13 <97IT0 $ $ $ There are a few moments of awkward silence as )uri, .arol, /aven and =stelle look at Hudy waiting for an e planation. A bright light pulsates from a tunnel carved into the stone wall of the mountain. .AROL +&-!&at !as t&at1 <97IT0 (a:ul3 Tison leaps down in front of them and e hibits a few martial arts moves. >an leaps down and lands beside him. ESTELLE an3 TISO It loo%s li%e !e:)e 'oun" our mar%$ <97IT0 8ou !ill not pass$ A 8ou:re a person# aren:t you13 0o! can you "e'en" a monster13 89RI 7i"n:t you get t&e ne!s1 I sai" no*o"y lays a &an" on one o' our o!n$ .AROL +-!e !on:t allo! t&at3 ot e)en 'rom you# an3 RITA +e !ere &a)ing a con)ersation o)er &ere3 (utt out3 RAVE I "on:t usually li%e ta get my clot&es "irty# *ut> <97IT0 E)eryone> ESTELLE 0a)e t&e 0unting (la"es a""e" people to t&eir list o' targets1 TISO o*o"y !&o associates !it& monsters can rig&tly call t&emsel)es a person$ A .arol$ 0a)e you 'orgotten t&e cre"o o' t&e 0unting (la"es1 Step asi"e$ .AROL -onsters are e)il> An" t&e 0unting (la"es pursue t&at e)il$ (ut t&e Entele;eia aren:t e)il3 T&ey !ere 'ig&ting to sa)e t&e !orl"> 89RI 7on:t let t&em 'ool you !it& t&at cre"o nonsense$ T&ey:re on a ,o*$ T&ey:re &ere 'or t&e apat&eia$ TISO 0ump&$ It seems you !on:t listen to reason$ I' you &a)e no intention o' mo)ing> (crac%s &is %nuc%les an" crouc&es to spring) A 8ou lea)e us no c&oice$ I FOR-ATIO <u"it& ,oine" t&e party$

I FOR-ATIO

<u"it& is not in your party$ Please 'orm a party !it& <u"it& as a mem*er$

(attle =on)ersation TISO All monsters s&oul" *e %ille"3 A T&at:s t&e rule o' t&e 0unting (la"es$ .AROL 0e:s not a monster3 0e:s <u"it&:s> TISO Any monster is punis&a*le *y "eat&$ .AROL (ut (a:ul:s "i''erent3 0e !oul"n:t ,ust go aroun" &urting people 'or no reason$ A +&at are you tal%ing a*out3 O' course &e !oul"$ 89RI 8ou:re !orse t&an monsters$ T&ey:)e got instincts$ T&ey:)e got *rains$ So !&at:s your e;cuse$ TISO S09T 9P3 +e &unting (la"es !ill not *ac% "o!n3 89RI So I guess !e ,ust gotta 'ig&t t&is out$ A 7on:t *lame me 'or !&at &appens$ later5 A +e:re still ali)e$ (,umps to 'eet) I can:t ,ust lie aroun"$ A Oug&>3 (a'ter secret mission is ac&ie)e") I "on:t !ant to lose$ A'ter (attle con)ersation5 .AROL I guess I o)er"i" it a little$ 89RI 8ou "on:t s&o! mercy to your enemies$ <97IT0 I !ill protect (a:ul$ The battle is over. Tison and >an lie upon the ground, defeated. .arol stands looking down at >an"s body sprawled on top of her giant circle blade. .AROL an>I:m sorry$ .arol runs down the path toward a small cave. $a"ul is inside the cave with glowing light emitting from his body. 89RI +&at:s &appening1 <97IT0 (a:ul is trying to e)ol)e>as an Entele;eia$ .AROL It loo%s li%e &e:s su''ering$ <97IT0 (a:ul>come on> =stelle runs to give $a"ul relief but Hudith stops her. <97IT0 o3 ESTELLE I !ant to &eal your !oun"s# *ut t&ere:s not&ing I can "o> -y po!er is poison to you# isn:t it>1 89RI 0ealing !oun"s isn:t your po!er# Estelle$ ESTELLE +&at "o you mean1 RITA 7on:t you remem*er (elius: !or"s1 =stelle recalls $elius" words: (ELI9S Po!er corrupts> (ut you# you are "i''erent$ e)er lose t&at %in"ness>t&e compassion you so rea"ily s&o! to ot&ers> ESTELLE -y compassion 'or ot&ers> <97IT0 8our t&oug&ts are reac&ing (a:ul$ I:m sure o' it> RAVE All !e can "o no! is &ope 'or t&e *est$ ESTELLE > $a"ul cries out and evolves. RAVE +ell# no!> .AROL Ama?ing> <97IT0 (steps closer to (a:ul) I %ne! you coul" "o it$

89RI <97IT0

8our partner seems li%e &e:s going to *e ,ust 'ine$ 8es$ T&an% you all# 'or &elping to protect &im> T&is is somet&ing I coul"n:t &a)e "one alone$ .AROL 8ou:re one o' us$ O' course !e:" &elp3 =stelle approaches $a"ul, who has evolved into a gigantic dragon, and strokes on of his feathers. <97IT0 7i"n:t I tell you1 8ou got t&roug& to &im$ ESTELLE 0e& &e&$ <97IT0 8ou may *et t&roug& to P&aero& as !ell$ <97IT0 +ill you *e going to meet &im1 89RI T&at:s up to Estelle to "eci"e$ ESTELLE >I:ll go$ It:s *een t&e purpose o' my ,ourney# a'ter all$ RITA Are you sure1 +&at i' you en" up getting %ille"1 ESTELLE E)en still$ I:)e got to stan" 'irm on t&is> RAVE It !on:t *e too long *e'ore t&e 0unting (la"es sen" rein'orcements$ 0o! a*out a c&ange in scenery *e'ore t&ey s&o! up an" spoil t&e party1 .AROL T&ere is only one pat& "o!n 'rom &ere# t&oug&$ +e:re *oun" to run into t&em$ <97IT0 /et on$ +e:ll 'ly as 'ar as t&e Fiertia$ +e can 'inis& tal%ing once !e arri)e$ They climb on $a"ul and he soars up from the small canyon. ;ater they sail through the air on the 9iertia, suspended below $a"ul with ropes over his body. Hudy collapses on deck. 89RI <u"y13 The scene changes and =stelle stands outside the cabin door while the others gather around. ESTELLE S&e:s sleeping$ S&e must *e e;&auste"$ .AROL 8ea&# I mean# s&e ,ust %eele" o)er$ +asn:t e;pecting t&at$ 89RI I *et s&e !atc&e" o)er (a:ul t&e entire time &e !as e)ol)ing$ S&e pro*a*ly "i"n:t get muc& sleep$ S&e pro*a*ly &a" no i"ea !&en t&e 0unting (la"es !oul" attac%# eit&er$ RAVE S&e !as puttin: up a *ra)e 'ront# *ut s&e must:)e *een near t&e en" o' &er rope$ RITA S&e:s ,ust "um*$ S&e "oesn:t %no! &o! to e;press !&at s&e:s 'eeling$ 89RI +e can 'inis& tal%ing !it& &er tomorro!$ +e s&oul" let &er sleep no!$ In 'act# I !oul"n:t min" a little s&ut-eye mysel'$ S+IT $hat to 5o with -udith

)uri talks to .arol, who"s sitting by the rear hatch. =utscene5 89RI Are you t&in%ing a*out <u"y1 .AROL 8ea&$ I:m !on"ering !&at !e s&oul" "o a*out &er$ 89RI (sitting *esi"e &im) Its: true t&at s&e *ro%e t&e guil":s la!s an" *etraye" us$ .AROL I al!ays t&oug&t t&at a guil":s strict a"&erence to its o!n la!s !as !&at %ept it toget&er$ T&at t&ere coul" *e no e;ceptions> no lenience 'or

89RI

.AROL

89RI .AROL .AROL

t&ose !&o !oul" *rea% t&e la!s$ (ut> S&e "i" !&at s&e "i" to sa)e t&e !orl"$ <u"it& is "estroying *lastia *ecause s&e %no!s it:s t&e rig&t t&ing to "o# e)en i' it ma%es people &ate &er$ 8up> <u"it& "i"n:t *rea% our la!s in or"er to "o somet&ing *a"$ I %no! t&is# no!$ I:m going to tal% !it& &er a*out it an" gi)e it some more t&oug&t$ I:ll 'igure t&is out e)entually$ O& yea&1 -ay*e i' I *ecome a little *it more "ecisi)e# an !ill listen to me# too> I &a)e to *e a*le to "eci"e> I %no! t&at> Are you going to lea)e it up to me to "eci"e !&at:s rig&t an" !&at:s !rong1

=stelle stands at the ships railing near the cabin looking at the water. ESTELLE O&# 8uri$ 89RI Sorry to interrupt !&ile you:re t&in%ing$ ESTELLE (loo%ing *ac% at t&e !ater) E)er since I too% (elius: li'e !it&out meaning to> I:)e !ante" to %no! !&at it means to *e t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon so t&e same t&ing "oesn:t &appen again> I al!ays t&oug&t t&at it !as my "uty to %no!$ (ut a'ter !&at &appene" to (elius> 89RI T&at:s &o! e)eryone is$ T&ey "o somet&ing# t&ey learn# t&ey "o somet&ing else# t&ey learn more$ ESTELLE 8ou too# 8uri1 89RI 8ea&$ ESTELLE >-ay*e i' I &a" %no!n e)eryt&ing a&ea" o' time# I !oul"n:t &a)e ma"e any mista%es$ 89RI 0mmm> T&ere:s only one t&ing I can say 'or sure$ ESTELLE +&at:s t&at1 89RI -ay*e you !oul"n:t &a)e ma"e any mista%es# *ut it sure !oul":)e *een *oring$ ESTELLE >I really !on"er> ESTELLE I !ant to %no! !&at t&e A=&il" o' t&e Full -oonB is> I nee" to 'in" out>'or mysel'$

/aven stands a few paces behind Tokunaga standing uselessly at the wheel. RAVE 89RI RAVE So "oes an ol: man past &is prime 'it into t&e picture at all1 +&at:re you !&ining a*out# ol" man1 +&y are you past your prime1 -mmm$ +&at <u"it& !as tal%in: a*out *e'ore--0ermes *lastia# !as it1 (lastia create" !it& tec&ni6ues t&at s&oul":)e *een lost in t&e !ar are still acti)e> 7o you %no! !&at t&is means1

89RI RAVE

89RI RAVE

89RI RAVE RAVE TO.9 A/A

>I guess someone !&o sur)i)e" t&e !ar *roug&t eit&er *lastia or t&ose tec&ni6ues *ac% !it& &im$ I' t&at person !as still usin: t&e *lastia e)en t&oug& &e %ne! it !as &arm'ul ta t&e eart&> Someone li%e t&at>!oul" &a)e to *e 6uite t&e )illain in"ee"$ Ol" man# "on:t tell me you> 0ey no!$ 8ours truly !as not&ing *ut an innocent yout& on t&e straig&t an" narro! *ac% t&en$ I !oul"n:t "o somet&ing li%e t&at e)en on my !orst "ay$ 0e&# I !as ,ust trying to tric% you into gi)ing yoursel' a!ay$ 8ou:re a slippery one3 Son o' a>!&en:re ya gonna learn some respect 'or yer el"ers3 (rings *ac% memories 'rom t&e past> I:m so gla" t&is t&ing can 'ly$ Plus# it:s auto-pilot$ >It:s a piece o' ca%e>

)uri enters the cabin to check on Hudith. /ita and /epede are sitting with her as she lays asleep on the bed. 89RI RITA 89RI RITA Is t&at t&e core 'rom t&e ceres *lastia t&at <u"y "estroye"1 8es$ It:s "e'initely cut !it& a "i''erent 'ormula t&an a usual core$ It loo%s li%e !&at s&e sai" !as true$ S&e sai" s&e !asn:t too goo" at lying# a'ter all$ To "isco)er t&at t&e ne! tec&ni6ue you create" !as *a" 'or t&e !orl"# a'ter !&at must:)e *een years o' researc&> I can:t imagine &o! t&e person !&o create" t&e 0ermes tec&ni6ue must:)e 'elt$ +ell# !&at i' it &a" *een you1 I' I 'oun" out t&at it &urt t&e eart&# I !oul" &a)e to "o somet&ing a*out it$ (ut I !oul"n:t "estroy t&e *lastia li%e t&at> > +&at t&e1 -not&ing3 Arr> I' only t&ings !eren:t so complicate"> I coul":)e ,ust *laste" &er into o*li)ion an" *een "one !it& it3 >

89RI RITA

89RI RITA

89RI RITA

I un"erstan" &er moti)es# *ut I still "on:t agree !it& it> It:s so 'rustrating$ )uri walks over to /epede who"s standing watch over Hudith. 89RI T&an% you$ REPE7E +oo'3 O+&ine>O 89RI S&e:s soun" asleep$ Let:s let &er sleep a *it longer$

The ne t morning, )uri, /ita and =stelle are &oined by .arol on the deck. .AROL -orning# 8uri$ 89RI -orning$ ESTELLE It:s a *eauti'ul morning# *ut> E)en as !e stan" &ere# t&e aer is out o' *alance> An" our !orl" may alrea"y *e "ying$ RITA > Hudith &oins them. <97IT0 T&at:s rig&t$ RAVE +ell# loo% !&o:s 'eeling *etter$ <97IT0 In t&e past# t&ese slig&t 'luctuations o' t&e aer &a)e not negati)ely a''ecte" our !orl"$ T&ere &a)e al!ays *een *eings !&o maintaine" t&e *alance *y sensing c&anges in t&e aer 'lo!$ (eings li%e P&aero& an" (a:ul--t&e Entele;eia$ ESTELLE So t&e Entele;eia !ere responsi*le 'or %eeping t&e aer *alance"> <97IT0 For ages# t&e Entele;eia &a)e regulate" t&e aer$ (ut t&e recent increase &as *een greater t&an t&ey coul" control$ RAVE +&ic& is *ein: cause" *y t&e 0ermes *lastia$ 89RI An" !&ic& is also !&y you !ere going aroun"# ta%ing "o!n as many o' t&em as you coul"$ RITA > <97IT0 8es$ T&at !as my mission$ T&e pat& I !al% !it& (a:ul# to !&om I o!e my li'e$ .AROL T&e pat& you !al%> <97IT0 o! some !oul" e)en &unt t&e Entele;eia 'or apat&eia$ T&is &as ma"e t&e mission o' t&e Entele;eia e)en more "i''icult$ 89RI +&y is e)ery*o"y so cra?y a*out t&ese apat&eia# any!ay1 <97IT0 I:m a'rai" I "on:t &a)e an ans!er$ T&e aer an Entele;eia a*sor*s *ecomes con"ense" !it&in its *o"y o)er time$ +&en it:s li'e is at an en"# t&at con"ense" aer 'orms a crystal--an apat&eia$ T&at:s all I %no!$ I imagine P&aero& coul" s&e" more lig&t on t&e su*,ect# t&oug&$ RITA >So apat&eia are crystals o' concentrate" aer> i' t&at:s true# an" t&e energy coul" *e e;tracte" 'rom t&e apat&eia> It !oul" *e a source o' o)er!&elming po!er# I:m sure$ ESTELLE =oul" !e really "o t&at1 RITA I>I "on:t %no!$ RAVE I:" *et some*o"y !ants ta use t&ese t&ings 'or t&e !rong reasons$ .AROL +&y "i"n:t you ,ust tell us all t&is 'rom t&e *eginning1 89RI Seriously$ +e coul" &a)e a)oi"e" all t&is trou*le i' you:" ,ust tal%e" to us$ Am I !rong1 <97IT0 >E)en i' you &a" %no!n> T&ere are t&ings not e)en you coul" &a)e pre)ente"$ .AROL +&at "o you mean1 <97IT0 >I s&o!e" up at 0elior" *ecause (a:ul &a" sense" a

89RI <97IT0

ESTELLE <97IT0

.AROL <97IT0 RITA RAVE ESTELLE 89RI <97IT0 RITA

ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE RITA .AROL <97IT0 89RI

<97IT0 89RI

"istur*ance in t&e aer$ +&ere t&ere !as a "istur*ance# t&ere !as sure to *e a 0ermes *lastia> (ut !&at I 'oun" t&ere !as not a *lastia> It !as a person$ T&at &a" ne)er &appene" *e'ore$ So it !asn:t li%e you !ere loo%ing 'or Estelle in particular *ac% at 0elior"$ 8et 'or some reason# (a:ul percei)e" Estelle as a "istur*ance in t&e aer$ I &a" to 'in" out !&y$ For t&e sa%e 'or t&e sa%e o' t&e pat& I:)e c&osen$ It !as at t&at time t&at P&aero& 'irst appeare"$ 0e seeme" to &a)e some i"ea !&o Estelle !as$ ; ; ; -y mission !as to "estroy all t&e 0ermes *lastia$ 0o!e)er# Estelle !as o*)iously not a *lastia$ I nee"e" to ma%e a*solutely certain> I ma"e a "eal !it& P&aero&# an" &e agree" to grant me some time$ 8ou mean> I' it *ecame apparent t&at &er e;istence pose" too great a t&reat# t&en I> >I !oul" %ill &er$ 8ou !&at13 Settle "o!n$ O*)iously <u"it& reac&e" a "i''erent conclusion$ ? All rig&t$ I get it$ (elius sai" you possess a &eart o' compassion$ I' you can communicate t&at to P&aero& some&o!> 8ou may learn !&at you s&oul" "o$ 0-&ey# t&ere:s no real reason 'or you to 'in" P&aero& anymore# rig&t1 I mean# !e %no! t&e 0ermes *lastia are !&at:s causing t&e pro*lem an" e)eryt&ing$ I' !e ,ust ma%e sure t&e apat&eia "on:t 'all into t&e !rong &an"s> >I still !ant to meet P&aero&$ I !ant to &ear !&at &e &as to tell me$ (ut> Please try to un"erstan"$ I &a)e to %no! more a*out mysel'# an" ta%e responsi*ility 'or !&o I am$ All rig&t> Sorry# 8uri> I "on:t t&in% !e can "eci"e !&at to "o a*out <u"it& rig&t a!ay> I promise not to lea)e again until t&ings &a)e *een Asettle"B as you sai"$ I nee" to accept t&at responsi*ility mysel'$ Let:s go an" 'in" P&aero&$ +e:ll 'inally *e getting aroun" to one o' t&e 'irst t&ings !e set out to "o$ +e can !or% out t&e rest once t&is is 'inis&e"$ T&ere is a roc%y crag in t&e center o' t&e San"s o' .ogor&$ T&at is !&ere P&aero& li)es$ (a:ul can ta%e us t&ere$ O%ay$ Let:s go$ T&is meeting:s *een a long time

coming$ <97IT0 89RI <97IT0 I can communicate !it& (a:ul# *ut t&ere are still a 'e! t&ings you s&oul" %no!$ Li%e !&at1 (a:ul can only lan" on t&e groun" in !i"e# open spaces$ So you !on:t *e a*le to "ismount on steep mountain ranges or in narro! canyons$ =an:t &e lan" on !ater1 +ater:s no goo"# eit&er$ Really1 0e loo%s li%e &e:" *e a goo" s!immer> 0a &a# yea&$ 0e:" sin% li%e a roc%$ 0u&# !&o %ne!>1 *ut t&at:s !&y !e &a)e a s&ip# rig&t1 Rig&t$ I' you:" li%e to get "o!n onto t&e ocean# let me %no!$ (a:ul !ill set our s&ip "o!n t&ere 'or us$ O%ay# *ut !&at s&oul" !e "o !&en !e !ant to 'ly again1 9se A(a:ul:s 0ornB to call &im to you$ (a:ul:s> T&at:s all t&ere is to it1 E)ery Entele;eia &as a special region in its *rain>$ t&at can *e use" 'or communication !it& a special po!er .rityans possess$ 0u&$ So #!e can get a &ol" o' &im *y using t&at$ Rig&t$ O*taine" (a:ul:s 0orn$ =ontrolling (a:ul -o)e (a:ul =all (a:ul (on lan" or s&ip) =ontrol camera Rotate camera to!ar"s nort& Lan" Toggle na)igation map (ring up -ain -enu Turn camera cloc%!ise Turn camera counter cloc%!ise For!ar" (ac%!ar" Pause Start S%it Phaeroh -udithB* Co99uni,ation

.AROL <97IT0 .AROL <97IT0 .AROL 89RI <97IT0 .AROL <97IT0 89RI <97IT0 89RI <97IT0 I FOR-ATIO I FOR-ATIO LS Pus& LS RS Pus& RS A G 89RI R( L( RT LT Start (ac% S+IT S+IT

=omplete" su*-e)ents a)aila*le a'ter a*ility to control (a:ul5 SUB E!E"TS I" MA"TAIC# SUB E!E"T# .O+4 RAVE .O+4 .AROL +owF Boy & Part E 7ing-"ong-"ing3 I:m .o!?3 8ou can call me .-7u**s 'or s&ort$ 0o!"y-"oo"y3 8ou:)e come again# I see$ 8ou misse" me# e&1 a&# !e ,ust !ante" ta see !&atc&a !ere up ta# really$ O&# so you li%e me3 8ou really li%e me3 0ey# "on:t you e)er get &ot# "resse" up li%e t&at1

.O+4 RITA .O+4 .AROL .O+4

0ot1 +&y !oul" I *e &ot1 Isn:t t&at some sort o' !eir"o 'ursuit# or somet&ing1 It ma%es me 'eel itc&y ,ust loo%ing at you$ ? +&at "oooo you mean1 I am na%e"3 =an:t you tell1 I am going au naturel3 I# u&&# err> Try not to gi)e it too muc& t&oug&t$ o!# !&at:s to"ay:s item "u ,our# you mig&t as%1 7a"um "a"um "a"ummm> 79-3 It:s t&e ATri"ent3B Ta"aaa3

All 89RI

? +&at "o you mean Ata"a13 Are you trying to tell us somet&ing1 .O+4 o! no!# no nee" to play "um*# P&eromone-(oy$ RAVE 0e& &e&3 P&eromone-(oy> The .ow! turns to Hudith. .O+4 Pleeeease1 H&eartI <97IT0 Anot&er item e;c&ange# t&en1 .O+4 E;actly# -iss (ouncy3 So &an" it o)er3 Select /i)e Tri"ent1 ( o +&at a scrooge$ H&eartI Let me %no! i' you c&ange your min"# &ey1 '6nd visit( .,-Z Ah, you"re back. 2id you have a change of heart about the TridentA( )es +nformation: %anded over 7Trident.8 .O+4 T&an% ya# t&an% ya$ The .ow! runs back over to the hole, chanting: .O+4 Roun" an" roun" !e go3 +&ere !e stop>only I %no!3 The hole blows dust and an ant lion man &umps out and stands before the .ow!. .O+4 =aatc&3 Ant lion -an As al!ays# t&an%ee3 0e& &e&3 The ant lion man &umps back into the hole and the dust is sucked back into the hole and once again the sands flow endlessly into the hole. ESTELLE E)en t&oug& I %no! !&en &e:s going to come out# &e:s still 6uite startling3 RAVE So# !&at:ll ya gi)e us t&is time1 The .ow! turns his back to them, thinkingE .O+4 0mmm# !&at in"ee"> 0ere# you can &a)e t&is$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Rice$ O*taine" Potato$ O*taine" onion$ O*taine" =arrot$ .O+4 T&ere:s not&ing li%e a yummy curry in a &ot place3 H&eartI All ? .O+4 I:m gonna %ill you "ea"# *a*y yea&3 So "ea"3 Hmusical noteI -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part ' d# They find 1r. Seron under the palm tree near the archway of the bridge. .AROL +e "eli)ere" t&e *oo%# ,ust li%e you as%e"$ 0ere# loo%> T&is is proo' !e 'inis&e" t&e ,o*$ I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er ARain*o! (oo%mar%$B 89 +o!# t&an%s so muc& 'or your &elp3 An" &ere is t&e pay I promise" you> I FOR-ATIO Ac6uire" 3PPP /al"$ .AROL I' you e)er nee" anyt&ing else# "on:t &esitate to call on (ra)e Vesperia3 Hmusical noteI 89 8es# O' course>see you later$ )u Seron walks away. ESTELLE A sym*ol o' t&eir 'rien"s&ip> 0o! touc&ing$ I !on"er !&at %in" o' *oo% it !as$ RAVE It !as ,ust a normal *oo%$ Loo%e" li%e it &a" somet&ing ta "o !it& economics$ .AROL 7i" you loo% insi"e# Ra)en1 RAVE So !&at i' I "i"1 .AROL I mean# it:s 'ine# *ut>!&at i' t&e client &a" &i""en somet&ing pri)ate in t&e *oo%1 RAVE O&# it:s no *ig "eal$ o &arm "one i' it "i"n:t get in t&e !ay o' t&e ,o*$ 89RI An economics *oo%# e&> 7oesn:t soun" too racy$ <97IT0 It !oul":)e *een 'unny i' some romance no)el !as t&e proo' o' t!o guys: 'rien"s&ip3 89RI Really>1 .AROL Any!ay# I guess !e:re "one !it& our 'irst ,o* !it& t&e 9nion$ 89RI So t&is is !&at it:s li%e to !or% in a guil"$ .AROL 8ea&$ I' !e !ere t&e 0unting (la"es# !e:" pro*a*ly get ,o*s to e;terminate monsters$ Fortune:s -ar%et usually "oes stu'' li%e transport pro"ucts o)er long "istances$ <97IT0 So# (ra)e Vesperia:s in t&e "eli)ery *usiness# t&en1 .AROL +ell# !e> 9&&&> REPE7E O0o!lO# !oo' !oo'3 89RI +e can t&in% it o)er !&ile !e try out a 'e! "i''erent %in"s o' !or%$ .AROL 8ea&# sure3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Aroun" -antaic5 . I/0T (E TRA =E) T&is is -antaic# an oasis in t&e mi""le o' t&e "esert$ 8ou can rest easy &ere$ 8O9 / +O-A T&e .nig&ts in to!n are 6uite "i''erent 'rom t&e ones t&at !ere &ere *e'ore3 I guess t&is is t&e !ay genuine %nig&ts *e&a)e$ T&ey:re so "epen"a*le$ T&eir captain# too> I only sa! &im 'or a secon"# *ut &e !as so &an"some3 0e seems li%e a !on"er'ul guy$ H&eartI . I/0T (FO9 TAI ) T&e "esert:s scorc&ing# *ut t&e to!n:s nice an" cool$

+e:re "oing all !e can to preser)e t&e peace &ere$ Please let us %no! i' you &a)e any trou*le$ =aptain Flynn &as tol" us to listen !ell$ OL7 -A +&e!> I can 'inally get out o' t&e &ouse an" !al% aroun"$ I t&oug&t I:" ne)er see t&e sun again> T&is is all t&an%s to t&at young .nig&t# Flynn$ T&e .nig&t !&o !as &ere *e'ore> =u-somet&ing1 0e !as terri*le$ +&ere "i" &e run o'' to1 I:" !ager &e got caug&t an" t&ro!n in ,ail$ +O-A (+EST EGIT) +o!# t&is actually is a really nice to!n# isn:t it1 -ay*e I:ll stay &ere a little longer$ Say# !&y "o you t&in% t&at a!'ul captain "i"n:t put up a 'uss1 I guess it "oesn:t matter$ T&ey "o say e)il ne)er prospers$ PL9-P +O-A I:m ,ust t&an%'ul to *e 'ree# I guess$ 8ou only miss somet&ing once you lose it> +e:)e all got t&e %nig&ts o' t&e Flynn (riga"e to t&an% 'or t&at$ o! !e:ll *e a*le to li)e !it&out !orrying$ -A 7i" you &ear a*out t&e !ante" %i"napper &i"ing some!&ere in to!n1 I can:t *elie)e it> +O-A O& my>!e 'inally get 'ree o' t&at terri*le magistrate an" no! t&is &as to &appen3 -A I &ear t&at &e goes a'ter c&il"ren# too$ +e nee" to *e care'ul$ +O-A 0e:s got enoug& o' a criminal recor" 'or t&em to put a *ounty on &im$ T&at:s scary3 OL7ER -A +&at13 T&at *astar" =umore ran a!ay1 I !as &oping I:" get to poun" &im goo"$ 0e must:)e *een scare" o' me$ 0a& &a& &a&3 +O-A (0AT) I ,ust stoppe" in &ere at -antaic on my )acation# *ut it really is a lo)ely to!n# isn:t it1 I &ear" some &orror stories a*out t&e .nig&ts &ere# *ut t&ey "on:t seem to *e a pro*lem no!$ -A LITTLE /IRL LITTLE (O8 >> 0e tells a lot o' 'unny stories$ t&e sea# sea# sea Hmusical noteI +it& lots o' 'is&# 'is&# 'is&Hmusical noteI I !ant to see# see# see--Hmusical noteI Two children splash each other in the lake: LITTLE /IRL T&an% you# mister3 An" misses3 E)eryone:s so &appy no!3 8ou:re a .nig&t# rig&t1 >0u&1 8ou:re not1 LITTLE (O8 8ou:re t&e ones t&at really sa)e" t&is to!n# rig&t1 T&en !&y is e)eryone t&an%ing t&e .nig&ts1 /ro!n-ups are !eir"$ -ER=0A T +&e!$ o! I can 'inally rela; an" "o some real *usiness$ Ta%e a loo% at our !ares3 0i3 Our A+elcome Flynn (riga"e SaleB is on rig&t no!3 T&e prices &a)en:t c&ange"# *ut>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 5ark En3or,er & Part Q: )uri, .arol and /ita overhear a conversation between a man and two children sitting by the lake. LITTLE /IRL Is t&e ocean *igger t&an t&e la%e1 -A It:s muc& *igger# an" muc& "eeper$ T&e ocean is *luer t&an any la%e# an" prettier# too3 LITTLE (O8 Fis& li)e in t&e ocean# rig&t1 +&ere is it1 LITTLE /IRL Is it 'ar 'rom &ere1 -A 8ea&# it:s a little 'ar 'rom &ere$ /ita walks away. LITTLE (O8 A! man3 I !ante" to go see it3 .arol turns and looks up at )uri. -A 8ou can go !&en you get ol"er$ 8ou can get on a *ig s&ip an" go to ot&er cities# an" see all sorts o' ne! stu''3 LITTLE /IRL 8ea&3 .arol, too, walks away. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Portrait o3 "an They decide to spend one more night in 1antaic. They enter the inn and find a member of the %unting $lades talking to the +nnkeeper. -A I see>so t&e =&ie' an" t&e ot&ers le't to!n t&is morning$ I .EEPER I:m not sure i' t&ey le't t&e to!n# *ut t&ey "i" spen" t&e nig&t &ere last nig&t# an" I:m 'airly sure t&at t&eir lea"er !as your =&ie'$ -A I see$ As soon as t&e man lea)es# .arol runs to t&e counter$ .AROL --mister# !&o !as t&at man ,ust no!1 I .EEPER O&# &e sai" somet&ing a*out *eing a mem*er o' a guil" calle" t&e 0unting (la"es# I *elie)e$ It seems &e got separate" 'rom t&e rest o' &is guil"$ t&oug&$ .AROL 7-"i" an stay &ere last nig&t13 I .EEPER an1 89RI =&ill out# .arol$ 8ou can:t e;pect &im to %no! t&at$ <97IT0 Sir# mem*ers o' t&at guil" !ere staying in t&is inn# correct1 I .EEPER 8ea&# t&ey !ere &ere until early t&is morning$ .AROL +-!as t&ere a girl !it& *ro!n &air tra)eling !it& t&em1 I .EEPER Actually# I seem to remem*er someone li%e t&at# yes> S&e loo%e" li%e s&e:" *e in,ure"# some&o!$ .AROL T&at must *e &er !oun"s 'rom 'ig&ting !it& us> O& no> 89RI 8ou "on:t %no! t&at 'or sure$ T&ose guys get into 'ig&ts all t&e time$ RAVE 0ey 8uri# ya t&in% !e mig&t *e &ere 'er t&e nig&t1 Loo%s li%e t&e %i":s a mess$ Some rela;ation:" *e goo" 'er &is ner)es$

RITA

RAVE 89RI Stay at t&e inn1 89RI RAVE -L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L Stay at the innA ?>o@ )*/+ -e don"t really have time to be lounging around in a place like this. /ight, .arolA .A/,; )-yeahE )*/+ )ou head him, old man. /A3=> ,h, too badE -L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L-L ;ater that evening, .arol stands under the palm tree near the .ow! boy"s sand pit and looks at a picture he"s holding in his hands. .AROL an> <u"it& appears$ <97IT0 =an:t sleep# &u&> .arol hastily hides the picture behind his back. .AROL <u"it&> +&y are you up1 It:s so late$ <97IT0 I !as ,ust !atc&ing t&e moon> .AROL T&e moon> <97IT0 8ou:re !orrie" 'or t&at girl1 .arol is surprised. .AROL >8ea&$ <97IT0 8ou:re a nice %i"# .arol$ .AROL I:)e>*een in so many "i''erent guil"s> (ut I en"e" up "oing a cru""y ,o* in all o' t&em an" 6uitting> So all t&e guil"s ,ust ga)e up on me$ (ut t&en> an> <97IT0 S&e in)ite" you into &er guil"1 .AROL A&>yea&> (ut !e still &a)en:t ma"e up since !e got in t&at 'ig&t$ I:m sorry> I:m a mem*er o' (ra)e Vesperia no!$ I s&oul"n:t *e t&in%ing a*out all t&is$ <97IT0 I "on:t *lame you 'or it$ S&e:s important to you# rig&t1 .AROL Er>&-&o! "i" you>1 <97IT0 8ou !oul"n:t carry aroun" a picture o' &er i' s&e !asn:t important$ .AROL 8ou>you %ne!1 <97IT0 I:)e seen you loo%ing at &er picture !it& t&at silly loo% on your 'ace se)eral times no!$ .AROL O&>I got a 'rien" o' mine 'rom t&e p&otograp&y guil" I use" to *elong to to ta%e t&at picture 'or me$ <97IT0 A little p&otograp&y on t&e sly1 .AROL -no>I mean# &e ,ust &appene" to ta%e it as s&e !as passing *y> I mean> I guess>it !or%s out to t&e same t&ing$ H&angs &is &ea"I <97IT0 +&at a naug&ty *oy$ (ut>I "on:t t&in% it:s all t&at *a"# really$ .AROL Really>1 I# I !on"er>

8ou:re sure it:s not ,ust t&at you:re tire" an" !ant to rest1 +ell# t&ere is t&at# too> 0mmm> H8esI /oo" i"ea$ Let:s get some rest$ +ell# you sai" it3

<97IT0 .AROL <97IT0 .AROL

7o you t&in% !e:ll run into &er again1 I:m not sure> o# I %no! !e !ill> I still &a)e to ma%e up !it& &er3 0e& &e&>goo" luc% !it& t&at$ +ell# I:m gong to go to *e"$ /oo" nig&t$ O&>yea&> T&an%s# <u"it&$

----------------------------------------------------------------------------.n to "ordi%o)i,a 3or dia)o0ue and *u( event*# . I/0T C3 T&ey t&re! roc%s at us> T&ey tol" us to arrest t&em> I' !e "o# t&ey:ll ,ust &ate us e)en more> I:m not cut out to *e a %nig&t> -ay*e I s&oul" 'in" a ne! ,o*$ +O-A (R9/) I !as ,ust anot&er immigrant !&en I 'irst mo)e" &ere# *ut no! I:)e really gotten use" to t&e place an" ma"e a lot o' 'rien"s$ ><ust a little ,o%e$ o# all I care a*out are t&e matc&es in t&e coliseum$ All my cares are !as&e" a!ay !&en t&e matc&es *egin> 8O9 / +O-A Oo&# I ,ust &a" a great i"ea$ +&y not pit %nig&ts against guil"smen in t&e coliseum1 o!# !oul"n:t t&at *e e;citing1 H&eartI 0o!ls o' anguis&3 (rot&er against *rot&er3 S&o!ers o' *loo"3 T&e ma" roar o' t&e cro!"> O&# &o! !on"er'ul3 I:m %i""ing3 I:m %i""ing3Hmusical noteI ITO.E Ito%en may not *e a great 'ig&ter# *ut &is luc% is secon" to none3 -aster tipster Ito%en# in per'ect 'orm to"ay# tomorro!# 'ore)er3 .nig&ts3 /uil"smen3 Listen to Ito%en# &e !on:t let you "o!n3 OL7 -A +&at a "upe>t&is no*le la"y ,ust *et &er entire 'ortune on one o' Ito%en:s tips$ I suppose t&at:s ,ust t&e pot calling t&e %ettle *lac%> Poor (elius &as "ie">t&is is no time to *e gam*ling> (ut I can:t stop$ It:s an a""iction$ O(LE +O-A O&&>!oe is me>!&at1 8ou:re as%ing i' I:m sa" *ecause o' t&e 7uce:s "eat&1 o3 I:m sa" *ecause I:m out 'i'ty t&ousan" /al"3 O&&>!oe is me> SO9P VE 7OR 0mp&$ T&e .nig&ts are so stern an" gloomy$ T&ey:" "o !ell to ta%e a loa" o'' an" !atc& some 'ig&ts# you %no!1 Aaarg&# t&e .nig&ts are so annoying3 =an you tell me !&y t&ey:re so "amne" annoying1 . I/0T CE A'ter t&e pre)ious riots# !e assume" t&e "uty o' maintaining security in t&is to!n$ An" !e !ill continue to %eep a !atc& o)er t&is to!n until our or"ers are rece"e"# no matter &o! t&e people o' t&is to!n may 'eel$ T&e people &ere &a)e somet&ing against t&e %nig&ts$ (ut# !e:re &ere un"er or"ers$ T&ere:s not&ing !e can "o i' t&ey !on:t open up to us$

LITTLE (O8 -A

T!eet-t!eet# t!eet-t!eet> I:m al!ays &appy as can *e3 Hmusical noteI T&e Empire coul"n:t "estroy t&is to!n e)en i' t&ey !ante" to$ +&y not1 It:s simple$ T&e *ig names 'rom t&e Empire come &ere to &a)e 'un li%e e)eryone else$ In 'act# I *et t&ey:" li%e to snatc& t&is city a!ay 'rom Palestralle an" run it un"er t&eir auspices$

Stairs to t&e =oliseum5 OL7 +O-A T&ey say it !as t&e guar"ian "eity t&at %ille" 7uce (elius$ I suppose it !asn:t our guar"ian at all>,ust a common monster$ 0o! piti'ul to *e !it&out a guar"ian "eity# !it&out 7uce (elius>an" protecte" *y t&e .nig&ts$ . I/0T +e:re un"er or"ers 'rom Lieutenant Le*lanc to support t&e Flynn (riga"e3 I' !e complete our assignment !ell# =aptain Sc&!ann !ill gi)e us a &ig& rating$ +&en t&at &appens# !e !ill *e &appy an" t&e captain !ill *e &appy$ As they near the wooden bridge, a fight breaks out between two men. -A (AR-OR) 8ou i"iot3 8ou:)e got no i"ea !&at t&e &ell you:re tal%ing a*out3 -ER=0A T +&at "i" you ,ust say# you pea-*raine" peon13 -an (armor) 7amn it3 8ou:" *etter !atc& your mout&>3 89RI T&is city &asn:t c&ange" a *it> VOI=E T&at:s 6uite enoug&3 >at! approaches followed by his fellow guardsmen. AT4 8ou t!o !ill stop 'ig&ting rig&t no!3 The man in gray armor rest his sword blade upon his shoulder and turns to >at!. -A (AR-ORE7) +&o t&e &ell are you>3 AT4 I am at?# o' Palestralle$ I:m t&e pro)isional 7u%e$ I "o not %no! t&e cause o' your argument# *ut I s&all &elp you resol)e it$ -A (AR-ORE7) Resol)e it1 AT4 +&at:s t&e point o' crossing s!or"s out in pu*lic li%e t&is1 I' you &a)e a pro*lem# you s&oul" settle it li%e men# in t&e =oliseum$ I' you *eat &im in *attle# not only !ill you resol)e your "ispute# *ut your reputation !ill gro!# as !ell$ +&at "o you say1 -A (AR-ORE7) AT4 Son o' a> I "on:t &a)e time 'or somet&ing li%e t&at> O&1 T&en I:ll use my guil" aut&ority to &a)e you loc%e" up 'or "istur*ance o' t&e peace$ 0o! "oes t&at soun"1 -A (AR-ORE7) 7amn it> T&is isn:t !ort& t&e trou*le3 0mp'> The man in gray armor runs away and the other man approaches >at!. -ER=0A T T&an% you )ery muc&# at?$ AT4 I "on:t %no! !&at &appene" &ere# *ut i' you:" 'oug&t# you !oul":)e *een gi)en t&e same punis&ment$ Please# *e more care'ul in t&e 'uture$

-ER=0A T 8es> I-I:m sorry> AT4 /oo" luc% !it& your *usiness$ The merchant leaves and >at! greets )uri. AT4 O&> It:s you$ 0ello$ I:m still in"e*te" to you 'or e)eryt&ing you:)e "one$ 89RI It loo%s li%e t&ings:)e gotten toug& in to!n since (elius passe" a!ay$ AT4 +&at &appene" !it& t&e 7uce !as un'ortunate> (ut nonet&eless$ +e coul"n:t go on 'ore)er "epen"ing on &er to sol)e our pro*lems$ T&is is a to!n o' &umans$ It:s up to us to come toget&er an" 'igure out &o! to li)e toget&er in peace$ 89RI So you:)e *een going aroun" as t&e 7uce:s temporary replacement1 AT4 In"ee"$ T&ere !ill *e a )ote soon# to "etermine !&o !ill o''icially en" up ta%ing &er responsi*ilities> +&o %no!s &o! t&at !ill turn out$ 89RI I 'eel li%e or"opolica:s people &a)e alrea"y c&osen you to lea" t&em$ T&at:s &o! it seems to me# at least$ VOI=E Rarr# get outta t&e !ay3 -o)e# mo)e# mo)e33 AT4 >It ne)er en"s> >at! looks at his guardsmen and they take off down the steps. >at! follows then turns to say goodbye. AT4 Stop *y again sometime# i' you:" li%e$ -ay*e !e can sit "o!n o)er some tea an" s&are stories$ 89RI 7e'initely> >at! leaves. .AROL +o!# &e:s got it toug&>Hmusical noteI 89RI 8ea&# it can:t *e easy "ealing !it& all t&ese cra?ies "ay in an" "ay out$ <97IT0 I &ope &e &angs in t&ere> They continue on toward the Coliseum. -A 0o! *oring>t&e .nig&ts are actually pretty !ell*e&a)e"$ 8ou mig&t e)en say it:s t&an%s to t&em t&ings &a)e 6uiete" "o!n aroun" &ere$ 0mp&$ I:m surprise" at &o! spineless t&e people &ere really are$ ot to mention# (elius turne" out to *e a lot less popular t&an I t&oug&t$ .RIT8A +O-A I:)e &a" Lor" at? arrange 'or me to !or% at t&e coliseum:s li*rary$ It:s 6uite *e'itting a city o' suc& &istory$ T&ere are enoug& *oo%s t&ere to satis'y any .ritya:s t&irst 'or %no!le"ge$ I may e)en *e a*le to "isco)er our origins !it&out e)er &a)ing to go *eyon" t&ose mountains$ O(LE -A T&ey say t&e person !&o !as actually in c&arge o' managing Palestralle !as t&e interim 7uce# at?$ (elius: "eat& "oesn:t seem to &a)e *een attri*ute" to any 'ailing o' &is management# eit&er$ +it& t&at sai"# t&e loss o' a spiritual lea"er li%e (elius is a great one 'or t&is city$ S+OR7S-A 7on3 7on3 7oooooon33 aaaaaa&>33 T&e 7on>&o! coul" t&e 7on &a)e "ie">13

LITTLE /IRL

. I/0T

T&is s&oc%>&o! am I suppose">to e;press it13 I' only I &a" *een in 7a&ngrest3 7on3 7oooon3 I !oul"n:t &a)e let you "ie3 7on3 7on3 7oooooon33 T&e gro!nups say (elius "ie"# *ut I "on:t really un"erstan"$ I ne)er e)en sa! &er$ o! t&e .nig&ts are &ere# an" it:s peace'ul>rig&t1 T&at remin"s me# someone calle" 7on "ie"# too$ I:)e ne)er seen &im eit&er$ +&ere !as &e 'rom1 +e:re &ere to maintain security as ne! control is esta*lis&e" 'ollo!ing (elius: "eat&$ +e &a)e not intention o' staying an" attempting to sei?e control o' t&e city$ 8ou may set your min"s at ease$

Inn AFormal&autB area5 I .EEPER +elcome to or"opolica:s lo"ging 'acilities$ It:s SPP /al" per nig&t> +ill t&at *e all rig&t1 .RIT8A +O-A 7uce (elius &as passe" a!ay>I must o''er my &eart'elt con"olences$ 7eat& means a great loss# *ut at t&e same time a rite o' passage 'or t&ose !&o still li)e$ One cannot 'eign ignorance an" preten" to *e "ispassionate on t&e occasion o' someone:s "eat&$ T&is city !ill surely *e 'acing a time o' trial$ 8O9 / -A (elius "ie" &ere# an" t&e 7on "ie" in 7a&ngrest$ +&o:s ne;t# t&e captain in 4ap&ias1 (ut>i' all t&ree o' t&em "ie"# t&ere:" *e no*o"y le't to pull t&e !orl" *ac% toget&er$ +&at a crisis !e:" &a)e t&en> -ar%et Street5 OL7 +O-A T&e .nig&ts# t&ose snea%y *astar"s$ T&ey t&in% t&ey can ta%e o)er t&is to!n *y smartly preten"ing to "e'en" it1 I' only 7uce (elius !ere still ali)e>s&e ne)er !oul" &a)e permitte" suc& tyranny> (ut s&e:s gone>7uce (elius is gone> (elius is "ea"# *ut at least !e &a)e a *ran" ne!# re)ampe" tournament3 (elius !oul"n:t !ant us moping aroun" 'ore)er3 T&ey are currently accepting entries$ For no!# I !oul" recommen" entering a guy !&o can ta%e out at least t&irty people$ T&e interim 7uce:s "oing a pretty goo" ,o* o' %eeping Palestralle toget&er$ Our only pro*lem no! is t&e .nig&ts ma%ing suc& a nuisance o' t&emsel)es in to!n> T&e !&ole "eal !it& t&e 9nion !as ,ust a misun"erstan"ing$ +&y "o !e still &a)e to &a)e t&e .nig&ts !atc& us1 T&e to!n:s pretty muc& *ac% to normal t&an%s to t&e .nig&ts3 Oo&# t&ey:re so gran"$ +&oops>*etter not say t&at too lou">my mom !ill gi)e me a lic%ing i' s&e &ears> o*o"y li%es t&e .nig&ts$ I guess t&ey are *a" guys a'ter all$

ITE- -ER=0A T

-A

LITTLE (O8

S+OR7 -ER=0A T

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7R9 .E

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I:m opening soon so I:m really *usy rig&t no!$ I:ll ta%e a !ee *rea% 'or no!> T&e s&ip still &asn:t arri)e" !it& my stoc%> .au'man> +&at are you "oing> T&ere !as an argument *et!een Palestralle an" t&e .nig&ts a*out !&o !oul" stan" guar" aroun" t&e coliseum$ 8ou %no! &o! !e "eci"e" it1 +it& roc%# paper# scissors3 +e lost guar" to t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ At least t&at game o' roc%s# paper# scissors !as 'un> I s!ear I sa! a giant *ug stri"ing atop t&e ocean# ,ust as casual as coul" *e$ I guess it must &a)e *een a "ream# *ut it seeme" so realistic> O0ic3O A *ug>it !as "e'initely a *ug$ Li%e a giant *eetle$ A *eetle on t&e sea> 0e&3 0o! ?any$ O0ic3O

Stair Room to =oliseum Arena5 . I/0T Fui? time3 +&o am I3 0int5 -oustac&e$ Tic%# toc%# tic%# toc%# tic%# toc%> (u?????33 8ou "on:t %no! !&o I am1 RE=EPTIO IST C3 T&is is t&e ne! registration *oot&$ +e:re not rea"y rig&t no! an" !e:re pro*a*ly ne)er going to *e rea"y3 RE=EPTIO IST CE (E)eryone gat&ers aroun" 'or a cutscene) See t&e s&o!3 Hmusical noteI 0a)e a go3 Hmusical noteI (eat your 'oes3 Hmusical noteI +e:re currently see%ing c&allengers 'or Palestralle:s 'amous 0un"re" -an -elee3 Only true !arriors nee" apply3 Hmusical noteI RAVE O& &o# so t&ey 'inally *roug&t *ac% t&e 0un"re" -an -elee# "i" t&ey1 89RI +&at is t&at# ol" man1 RAVE It:s a regular e)ent &ere in t&e coliseum$ (asically# ya got a single 'ig&ter goin: up against a !&ole *unc&a people$ T&ey say ya gotta &a)e a !&ole lotta guts ta ma%e it t&roug&$ 89RI +o!> I !as !on"ering !&at !oul" &appen to t&e coliseum a'ter (elius "ie"> (ut it loo%s li%e t&ey:re going strong$ <97IT0 8ou !ant to gi)e it a go1 ESTELLE 8es# t&at:s a goo" i"ea$ Re)enue 'rom t&e e)ent mig&t &elp !it& t&e reconstruction o' or"opolica$ .AROL 9mmm> +&-!&ic& o' us s&oul" "o it# you t&in%1 ot me# rig&t1 89RI 0ol" your &orses$ +e still &a)en:t "eci"e" i' any o' us !ill sign up$ For no!# let:s ,ust 'in" out some more "etails$ RE=EPTIO IST C3 7o you !ant to ta%e part in t&e coliseum tournaments1 Please spea% to t&e person ne;t to me3 Hmusical noteI 8our registration &as *een processe"$ Please ascen"

t&e stairs to t&e rear$ +&en your preparations are complete# let t&e guar" on "uty %no!$ /oo" luc%# an" *e sa'e3 They ascend the stairs, where they talk to >at! triggering a sub-event scene. -------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# A3ter the 5eath o3 Be)iu* 89RI 0ey# it loo%s li%e t&ings &a)e calme" "o!n a *it 'or Palestralle$ AT4 +&ene)er I see your 'aces# I can:t &elp *ut remem*er (elius$ 89RI 8ea&# I still 'eel *a" a*out t&at> AT4 o# "on:t$ I:)e got more goo" memories t&an *a" ones$ Li%e !&en I 'irst met &er# or !&en I ,oine" Palestralle$ I remem*er it li%e it !as yester"ay> >at! grows silent while he thinks and paces a few steps then stops. AT4 I:" *een tra)eling on a solo ,ourney aroun" t&e !orl"$ T&e nig&t t&at I 'irst sa! &er# a 'ull moon &ung in t&e s%y$ I s&i)ere" !it& anticipation$ It !as a monster I:)e ne)er seen *e'ore3 I' I *eat it# I:" *e 'amous3 89RI 8-you:re saying t&at you c&allenge" (elius1 AT4 +ell# I !as pretty 'ool&ar"y *ac% t&en# An" muc& to my surprise# I got my *utt &an"e" to me$ +&en I came to# I !as in t&e =oliseum# lying on a *e"$ 89RI 8ou 'oug&t (elius an" li)e">t&at:s pretty impressi)e in an" o' itsel'$ AT4 o>I !asn:t e)en in t&e same league as (elius$ 89RI A&&# so s&e let you li)e1 AT4 +&en I as%e" &er !&y s&e spare" my li'e# s&e tol" me t&is5 AT&ere:s not&ing to *e gaine" *y ma%ing a s&ort li'e e)en s&orter$B 89RI >T&at soun"s li%e somet&ing only an age-ol" Entele;eia coul" say$ AT4 I:m sure s&e:s seen t&ousan"s o' &umans come an" go in &er li'etime$ E)en i' t&ey *ecame &er 'rien"s# or &er su*or"inates# s&e:" e)entually outli)e all o' t&em$ I can:t e)en imagine &o! lonely t&at must *e$ (ut !&en s&e passe" a!ay# s&e !as 'inally 'ree" 'rom t&at terri*le loneliness$ T&at:s !&y I t&in%>t&at !&at &appene" !asn:t suc& a *a" t&ing at all$ 89RI 0mmm>may*e you:re rig&t$ >at! turns around to face )uri. AT4 Oops# sorry i' I got o'' on a tangent t&ere$ I ne)er %no! !&en to stop tal%ing$ 89RI o# I "on:t min" at all$ I 'eel li%e I un"erstan" (elius a little *etter no!$ -----------------------------------------------------------------------

AT4 /9AR7

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=ome *ac% anytime$ 8ou:re al!ays !elcome" &ere$ 8ou s&oul" try out your mo)es at t&e arena$ Lor" at? is using t&ese c&am*ers in &is capacity as interim 7uce$ I' you &a)e *usiness# you may enter$ 9nli%e 7uce (elius# Lor" at? &as speci'ie" t&at t&ese rooms remain open to )isitors$ 8ou may enter i' you !is&$ Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er "on:t o)erestimate t&eir a*ility3 Rat&er# !e "o t&e *est !it& !&at !e &a)e# simultaneously stri)e to out"o oursel)es# an" ne)er 'ail to con6uer our 'oes3 Ol"er gentlemen !&o s&oot a little &ig&er %eep tal% o' t&emsel)es to a minimum an" ma%e e;cellent listeners3 T&is allo!s us to capture &earts e)ery!&ere an" !in people o)er to our si"e3 1 ] =atc& on En" play t&roug&$ It 'eels li%e ,ust c&anging my )oca*ulary &as ma"e me stronger> (ut>it ,ust 'eels t&at !ay>

I' you !ant to participate in a melee5 RE=EPTIO IST CE See t&e s&o!3 Hmusical noteI 0a)e a go3 Hmusical noteI (eat your 'oes3 Hmusical noteI A 'ierce *attle o' many against one3 A *urly *ra!l o' epic proportions3 T&e 0un"re" -an -elee3 +e:re currently accepting applicationsHmusical noteI 8ou !anna gi)e it a go1 =on'irm Rules =&oose a le)el to c&allenge3 =&oose one c&allenger3 T&en all t&at:s le't is to pay t&e entry 'ee an" you:re in3 It:s as easy as pump%in pie3 Hmusical noteI =&allengers must cut "o!n all t&eir 'ierce opponents3 Slice# "ice# clang# %erpo!3 Fierce opponents !ill pop up li%e popcorn3 T&e num*er an" type o' opponents you:ll 'ace !ill )ary "epen"ing on t&e le)el you c&oose3 An" since it:s *oring 'or t&e au"ience i' you ,ust mosey along la?ily# !e:)e put in a 'un little time limit to pro" you on a *it3 I' you manage to *eat all o' your opponents in t&e time limit !it&out getting *eaten yoursel'# you:ll *e a !iiiinner3 +e &a)e some 'a*ulous pri?es 'or !inners3 (ut i' you get "e'eate" *e'ore you *eat all o' t&e opponents# you get nooot&ing3 An" o' course# !e get to %eep t&e entry 'ee3 (ut !e:ll *e gla" to &eal you# so no !orries$ Ferocious opponents !ill %eep coming at you# an" you can c&ange your e6uipment "uring *attle$ (ut# you nee" to &an" o)er t&e items you &a)e an"

!e:ll &ang on to t&em$ Please use t&e items !e pro)i"e !&en you:re insi"e t&e arena$ O&# you can steal items 'rom your opponents an" use t&ose too# *ut !e !ill e;c&ange all items le't at t&e en" o' t&e *attle !it& t&e items !e &ang on to$ I' you c&oose not to participate5 RE=EPTIO IST CE O&# I see> I "i"n:t %no! you !ere suc& a sissy>O& !ell# come *ac% an" see us again once you:re *ra)e enoug&3Hmusical noteI 3P -an -elee O&# you:ll participate1 T&e T&irty -an -elee# rig&t1 T&at le)el s&oul" *e a !al% in t&e par%3 All o' t&e opponents are small 'ries3 H&eartI

+&o !ill *e participating1 Insi"e t&e Arena5 A O9 =ER +elcome to Palestralle:s 'amous T&irty -an -elee33 T&is is Palestralle:s easiest le)el o' melee> 0o!e)er3 All o' t&e opponents you see !ill *e 'ierce# 'ormi"a*le 'oes3 0o! many can to"ay:s c&allenger manage to *eat13 (8uri runs to t&e center o' t&e arena) An" !e &a)e a c&allenger33 Our c&allenger to"ay comes 'rom t&e guil"# (ra)e Vesperia3 Let:s &ear it 'ol%s# 'or 7o!nto!n (oy 8uri33 89RI All rig&t> Time to raise some &ell$ A O9 =ER 0ere !e go33 .eep your eyes peele"# la"ies an" gentlemen$ 8ou !on:t !ant to miss a secon" o' t&is *attle3 Rea"y> Fig&t3 After checking out the Coliseum and learning about the 1elee"s they spend the night on the 9ierta. +n the morning, they return to the coliseum marketplace for supplies. ------------------------------------------------------------------........... SUB E!E"T# The Truth o3 Ruin*B <ate & Part E R2ina)S# As they near the statue at the top of the stairs to the Coliseum, a merchant dressed in white clothes stops them. -ER=0A T 0ello t&ere$ -in" is I as% !&o your connection is1 89RI +&at# !e can:t *uy t&ings 'rom you !it&out an intro"uction1 -ER=0A T I:m a'rai" not$ I:m not 6uite li%e t&e ot&er merc&ants# you see$ .AROL 8ou mean you:re "i''erent 'rom t&e people in Fortune:s -ar%et1 -ER=0A T 8es# yes# most correct$ I am -erce"es 7un%el# *lac% mar%eter e;traor"inaire$ RITA (lac% mar%eter1

-ER=0A T

A salesman 'or Le)iant&an:s =la!$ I tra)el t&e !i"e !orl"# selling my !eapons !&ere)er I set up s&op$ 89RI Le)iat&an:s =la!> So you:re one o' 8eager:s &enc&men>13 -ER=0A T A& &a& &a&$ 0enc&man &as suc& a )illainous ring to it$ <97IT0 +&at sort o' t&ings "o you &a)e in stoc%1 RITA <ee?# <u"it&$ /o a&ea" an" ma%e 'rien"s !&y "on:t ya$ <97IT0 I *eg your par"on# *ut !&en "i" %no!ing one:s enemy *ecome a *a" t&ing1 -ER=0A T 0a& &a&# I suppose I coul" s&o! suc& an &onest young la"y my !ares$ I can:t sell you anyt&ing# t&oug&$ The merchant stoops and opens a chest at his feet. -ER=0A T 0ere$ T&is is a &oplon *lastia t&at can spray a target !it& 'lames up to DPP meters a!ay$ It:s actually an anti6ue 'rom 6uite a !ays *ac%# *ut I:)e %ept it in top s&ape so it still !or%s 'ine$ RITA 3 0ey>t&is$ T&ere:s a name !ritten on it> -ER=0A T 8ea&# must *elong to !&oe)er "ug it out o' t&e groun"$ .AROL 0ey# t&ose guys 'rom Ruins: /ate in t&e S&ai%os Ruins !ere !riting t&eir names on t&e stu'' t&ey:" 'oun"$ RITA +&at:s !orse# t&is t&ing:s got t&at i"iot:s name on it# too$ RAVE Oopsie> Loo%s li%e t&at soli" proo' o' a connection *et!een t&e t!o> RITA 8ou %no! somet&ing "on:t you# ol" man13 RAVE +ell# t&e 7on:s got t&is little &unc& ya see# t&at 8eager an" Regaey are one an" t&e same person$ .AROL o !ay$ 8ou "on:t really t&in% t&ey:re *ot& one guy>1 RAVE T&at "oesn:t c&ange t&e 'act t&at Le)iat&an:s =la! an" Ruins: /ate:re t!o "i''erent guil"s# t&oug&$ ESTELLE (ut imperial la! 'or*i"s t&e tra''ic%ing o' *lastia$ RAVE T&at:s got not&in: ta "o !it& t&e 9nion$ Fortune:s -ar%et:s a*out t&e only guil" t&at 'ollo!s t&e Empire:s la!s$ (usiness an" all# ya: see> -ER=0A T >O&# !ell no!$ 8ou:re (ra)e Vesperia# aren:t you1 89RI +e &a)e *een ma%ing a *it o' a name 'or oursel)es# I guess$ -ER=0A T A man in *lac%# a princess-li%e young la"y# a mage# a man 'rom t&e 9nion# a young *oy# a 'emme 'atale# an" a "og$ I recei)e" !or" 'rom 8eager to treat you !it& e;treme caution s&oul" !e meet$ An" !it& t&at I:ll *e *ringing our little *usiness engagement to a close$ <97IT0 +&at "o you t&in%# s&oul" !e get ri" o' &im1 -ER=0A T 0-&ol" on# no!# "o you en,oy t&reatening poor# "e'enseless merc&ants1 <97IT0 O& stop# you &a)e all t&ese !eapons "on:t you1 -ER=0A T T&ese *lastia are my in)entory$ I can:t ,ust use t&em !&ene)er I li%e$ RITA 0e:s not !ort& t&e trou*le$ Ta%ing care o' t&is guy !on:t put a stop to t&eir *lastia smuggling$ RAVE +ell# i' it gets ta *e a pro*lem 'or t&e 9nion# t&ey:ll *e sure ta lay "o!n t&e la!$ 8a %no!# li%e !it& (ar*os$ -ER=0A T <ust li%e t&e man says$ So i' it:s all rig&t !it&

you# I:m going to get *ac% to earning a li)ing# &ere$ They walk away out of the merchants earshot before they form a huddle. RITA I am seriously loo%ing into t&is !&ole Ruins: /ate t&ing !&en I get *ac% to Aspio$ 89RI 7epen"ing on 8eager:s ne;t mo)e# !e mig&t *e 'orce" into action oursel)es# *e'ore too long$ ....................................................................... ...... SUB E!E"TS I" EHMEA5 HILL# ....................................................................... ...... SUB E!E"T# Aven0in0 So)dier* & Part 4 They enter the clearing off to the right of the monster trail at the western entrance to =hmead %ill. ESTELLE A&>3 =stelle runs to look at some bushes. RITA +&at:s !it& you>1 ESTELLE T&ese 'lo!ers are so pretty> RAVE 0mm>1 0ey# t&at:s a cyrt&ant&us *loom$ 89RI 8ou actually %no! a lot a*out plants# "on:t you# ol" man1 RAVE O&# I "a**le &ere an" t&ere$ Hmusical noteI RITA 0mp&> So !&at:s t&at one calle"1 RAVE 0a&1 One secon"# it:s a>tear"rop tulip$ RITA 0o! a*out t&at1 RAVE +&y# um> T&at:s a# u& rain*o! 'lo!er1 RITA +rong$ =rimson na"esico an" *eauty*erry$ Some *otanist you are$ Ra)en I ,ust &appene" to not %no! t&ose$ ESTELLE It loo%s more li%e you ,ust &appene" to %no! cyrt&ant&us *loom$ RAVE o# no# really - 89RI So# &o! "i" you ,ust &appen to %no! a*out t&ese nig&ts&a"e 'lo!ers1 RAVE Arg&# listen to me3 .AROL Soun"s li%e you:)e got a special reason$ RAVE >.in" o'> ig&ts&a"e:s ,ust a 'lo!er an ol" 'rien" o' mine 'rom t&e .nig&ts use" ta li%e$ -y 'rien":s room !as al!ays 'ull o' Mem$ 89RI So you &a)e &a" a couple o' 'rien"s# t&en$ RAVE 8ou:re sayin: t&at li%e it surprises ya$ Poor ol" Ra)en:" ,ust curl up an" "ie i' ya le't &im all alone$ <97IT0 <ust !&at is t&e correct response !&en a man starts !&ining li%e a mouse# I !on"er$ RAVE 8ou say# AO& Ra)en# you *ig silly# you:re so cute$B <97IT0 0a&>T&at:s not t&e !or" I:" use$ RAVE Arg&>3 <u"it&# "arlin: you:re col" as ice$ RITA >/oo" grie'$ ESTELLE It:s a little li%e Flynn an" 8uri# !&at !it& you &a)ing a 'rien" in t&e .nig&ts# an" all$ RAVE +ell no!# it can:t compare ta t&e s&inin: e;ample o' 'rien"s&ip t&ose t!o young la"s:)e got goin:# *ut yea&$ +e !ere pals$ 89RI I "on:t t&in% o' my 'rien"s&ip !it& Flynn as As&iny$B

RAVE

Really1 (ut yout&:s a 'leetin: t&ing 'or all o' us$ T&at 'rien"s&ip:s long past# no!$ ESTELLE O&# "i" you 'ig&t a*out somet&ing1 RAVE 0m# I s:pose ya coul" call it t&at$ +oul" ya min" pic%in: a 'e! o' t&ose 'or me# young miss1 ESTELLE 0mm1 O&# certainly$ =stelle stoops to pick flowers for /aven. I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Fire Lily$ ....................................................................... ...... --------------------------------------------------........................... SUB E!E"T# E)u,i3erD* <rave & Part I R2ina)S# They find 2uke kneeling before the small monument near the trail. 2uke is startled. 79.E +&at are you>1 89RI +&o are you paying your respects to1 79.E >An ol" 'rien"$ A "ear comra"e !&o s&are" my cause# an" ga)e &is li'e in *attle> RAVE (attle>1 +as &e in a guil"1 79.E +&y !oul" you t&in% so1 RAVE +ell# Imperial .nig&ts !&o 'all in t&e line o' "uty are gi)en a state 'uneral$ 79.E T&is &as not&ing to "o !it& t&e empire or t&e guil"s$ 89RI +&at:s t&at suppose" to mean1 2uke rises to his feet. 79.E T&ose institutions are not&ing more t&an man-ma"e tri)ialities$ RAVE Is &e t&e reason you:)e *een "ri'tin: aroun" so long1 79.E T&at is none o' your concern$ RAVE 0ey# no nee" ta get testy$ 2uke walks away and )uri, =stelle and /aven look closely at the grave. 89RI ><ust !&ose gra)e is t&is# any!ay1 RAVE It:s not a %nig&t or some*o"y 'rom a guil"$ T&at:s gotta mean> =stelle walks away. 89RI I %no! some people can:t a''or" a *urial# *ut !&y put t&em in a place li%e t&is1 .AROL Estelle# !&at are you "oing1 =stelle stands near the gravestone, her head bowed and hands together in prayer. ESTELLE +e may not %no! !&ose gra)e t&is is# *ut t&is 'eels li%e t&e rig&t t&ing to "o> 89RI -ig&t as !ell> )uri, .arol, Hudith, and /ita draw closer and offer their silent prayer. /aven, however, stays where he is and does not pray. 89RI O%ay# let:s &ea" *ac% "o!n$ I t&in% !e:re "one &ere$ ----------------------------------------------------------....................................................................... ......

SUB E!E"T# Study .3 Her9e*

Part 4#

/ita inspects the broken %ermes blastia closely. 89RI 8ou "i" t&is one too# "i"n:t you# <u"y1 <97IT0 8ep# t&at:s rig&t$ RITA Hturns aroun"I 0ey <u"it&>t&e reason you !ere "estroying t&e &ermes *lastia !as *ecause t&ey !ere a "anger to t&e planet# rig&t1 <97IT0 T&at:s rig&t$ RITA So in ot&er !or"s# you "i" it to sa)e t&e !orl" 'rom &arm1 <97IT0 I "on:t min" i' you t&in% o' it t&at !ay$ RITA >Somet&ing a*out t&at ,ust "oesn:t ma%e sense to me$ +&y not ,ust ta%e "o!n t&at 0ermes guy !&o !as ma%ing t&e *lastia1 Eit&er t&at# or tell a mage a*out it# or somet&ing> <97IT0 >I !as putting my li'e on t&e line to put a stop to rogue *lastia t&at !ere causing strange e''ects on t&e !orl":s aer> o one !oul" *elie)e a cra?y story li%e t&at$ RITA 3 I' you &a" only tol" me>3 <97IT0 8ou t&in% you coul" &a)e "one somet&ing a*out all o' t&e &ermes *lastia in t&e !orl"# !&en you "on:t e)en %no! &o! many t&ere are1 I:m sure t&at you may &a)e *een a*le to stop one or t!o o' t&em# !it& enoug& trying$ (ut you !oul" surely "ie *e'ore you &a" manage" to ta%e care o' all o' t&em$ RITA >> 89RI Since you !ere !it& (a:ul# t&ere !as somet&ing you coul" "o a*out t&e *lastia going out o' control$ Is t&at !&at you mean# <u"y1 <97IT0 Hno"sI I "on:t &a)e any !ay o' ma%ing a",ustments to t&e *lastia# so "estroying it !as t&e only !ay I coul" ma%e sure it !oul"n:t *e a pro*lem$ RITA (ut> <97IT0 8ou t&in% !e mig&t *e a*le to go *y Aspio t&e ne;t time !e get some 'ree time1 RITA +&y *ring t&at up all o' t&e su""en1 <97IT0 It:s a*out t&e &ermes *lastia$ T&ere:s somet&ing I:" li%e to in)estigate a *it$ RITA >(ut you see> 89RI 8ea&# you:" li%e to go *ac% &ome# !oul"n:t you# Rita1 RITA ot particularly> 89RI All rig&t# let:s stop *y t&ere !&en !e &a)e some time$

SUB E!E"TS I" 5AH"<REST#

SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part E a

;ater, they all enter the Sagittarius and start a conversation with the bartender there. .AROL 0i t&ere3 (ARTE 7ER +ell# loo% !&o it is$ 0ere 'or more !or%1 -enu Loo% 'or ,o*1 Response 8es 89RI 8ea&$ (ARTE 7ER Let:s see# a ,o* I coul" gi)e to you guys> 0o!:s t&is1 .AROL >I:m loo%ing 'or a lost pen"ant$ -R&ianna>.ale>13 89RI +&at:s up# .arol1 Recogni?e t&e name1 .AROL 9&&>yea&# it:s# umm# someone in a guil" I use" to *elong to$ (ARTE 7ER So# you alrea"y %no! t&e client1 RAVE T&e usual Aloo%in: 'or a lost item#B &u&1 E&&# !or%:s !or%# I guess$ <97IT0 AT&e usualB1 89RI I guess people lose t&ings$ (ARTE 7ER It pays NSPP /al"$ So1 8ou gonna ta%e it1 Response Accept ,o* (ARTE 7ER It s&oul" go pretty 6uic% since you alrea"y %no! t&e client$ 8ou:ll 'in" &er in t&e inn$ 89RI All rig&t$ Let:s go$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part E ( They leave the Sagittarius and set out for the +nn to find /hianna .ale. They find /hianna in the sleeping room. Strangely enough, .arol is nowhere to be seen. <97IT0 +oul" you *e R&ianna1 R0IA A 8es# I:m R&ianna .ale$ +&o are all o' you1 89RI +e:)e *een sent *y t&e 9nion$ R0IA A So you:re t&e guil" mem*ers !&o:ll loo% 'or my mot&er:s nec%lace 'or me1 /aven #uickly approaches the woman to offer her support. RAVE A&# you poor# *eauti'ul la"y$ 8ou:re searc&ing "esperately 'or a memento o' your mot&er1 R0IA A T&at:s rig&t$ It:s t&e nec%lace t&at my 'at&er ga)e my mot&er !&en t&ey got marrie"$ RAVE O&3 T&e nec%lace s&e recei)e" on &er !e""ing "ay>3 +&at a !on"er'ul story# my s!eet$ RITA It:s getting %in"a creepy# ol" man> R0IA A T&is nec%lace is ma"e o' a rat&er )alua*le metal calle" E)erlig&t$ -y 'at&er mine" t&e ore &imsel' an" &an"-cra'te" it into a nec%lace$

It !as truly t&e only one o' its %in"> So# !&at sort o' i"enti'ying 'eatures "oes your nec%lace &a)e1 R0IA A E)erlig&t is a *rig&t re" metal$ -y 'at&er ma"e t&at metal into &e;agonal lin%s to 'orm a nec%lace an" ga)e it to my mot&er$ RAVE A nec%lace o' *rig&t re" &e;agons> Fuite "istincti)e$ 89RI 8ea&# t&at s&oul" ma%e it easier to 'in"$ So# "o you &a)e any i"ea !&ere you mig&t &a)e lost it1 R0IA A +ell# actually> I "roppe" it into t&e ri)er 'rom t&e *ri"ge at t&e entrance to to!n> RAVE +&at>13 89RI 0o! are !e suppose" to 'in" t&at>1 R0IA A Please3 It:s e;tremely important to me3 <97IT0 +e can see t&at# !it& all you:)e tol" us# *ut> +&at you:re as%ing is impossi*le$ 89RI (ut !e "i" tell t&e 9nion !e:" accept t&e tas%# a'ter all$ <97IT0 Any ot&er guil" !oul" turn a re6uest li%e t&is "o!n# once t&ey reali?e" t&ey coul"n:t "o it$ R0IA A o> /hianna slumps in distress. /aven turns to his guild mates. RAVE o3 o# no# O3 Once a guil" &as ta%en a ,o*# it cannot re'use to "o it3 89RI +&at got into you13 RAVE =an:t you see t&at t&is young la"y is "eeply trou*le"1 +&at %in" o' guil" !oul" re'use to &elp suc& a poor# s!eet# *eauti'ul girl1 +e accept t&is tas% in t&e name o' t&e *rig&test star in t&e nig&t s%y - - (ra)e Vesperia3 R0IA A T&an% you3 <97IT0 An" !&o put you in c&arge1 89RI >O& !ell$ I guess !e:ll go a&ea" an" ta%e care o' it# rig&t# .arol>1 They look around for .arol. RITA 0e:s gone$ <97IT0 0u&1 0e !as !aiting at t&e entrance ,ust a minute ago> 89RI T&at !oul" e;plain !&y it:s so 6uiet$ REPE7E OT!o *ar%sO 89RI Let:s go an" 'in" &im$ They find .arol outside standing in the middle of the street. .AROL 0ey# are you "one tal%ing to &er1 <97IT0 +&ere !ere you1 .AROL O&# I remem*ere" somet&ing t&at I &a" to "o$ 89RI T&at:s all !ell an" goo"# *ut let us %no! *e'ore you run o''# !oul" ya1 .AROL 8-yea&# sure$ Sorry a*out t&at$ 89RI Any!ay# let:s go o)er to !&ere s&e sai" s&e "roppe" t&e nec%lace$ REPE7E OAggressi)e *ar%O /epede walks toward the bridge. 89RI I:m pretty sure s&e sai" s&e "roppe" it 'rom t&e *ri"ge$ They stand on the bridge looking over into the water. .AROL I ne)er really notice" &o! "eep t&e !ater is &ere> 89RI So t&e client "roppe" &er nec%lace rig&t "o!n &ere> <97IT0 T&en# !e "i)e into get it# I suppose1 RAVE

RITA

E)en i' you ,umpe" in# I "ou*t t&e nec%lace is t&ere anymore$ E)erlig&t isn:t all t&at &ea)y as 'ar as metals go# so yea&$ I:m sure it:s "ri'te" "o!nstream$ 89RI >+ell# t&at !oul" mean it:s lying some!&ere on t&e *ottom o' t&e ocean a*out no!$ REPE7E O+&ineO An older man approaches them. -A I:" *e care'ul i' I !ere you$ T&e current:s pretty cra?y aroun" &ere# t&an%s to t&e ocean ti"es$ I' you 'ell in# you:" *e s!ept o'' in a ,i''y3 89RI T&e ti"es1 T&is isn:t t&e sea# t&oug&$ -A T&e !ater in t&is ri)er is a mi;ture o' ocean !ater an" 'res& !ater t&at runs "o!n 'rom t&e mountains$ All o' t&e ri)ers aroun" &ere are li%e t&at$ .AROL +o!# really> I &a" no i"ea> -A =ome to t&in% o' it# t&e *o"y o' t&e magistrate t&at t&ey say !as "umpe" into t&is ri)er !as&e" up o)er in 0elior"$ T&at ,ust goes to s&o! you &o! 'ar t&e current can carry t&ings t&at 'all in$ <97IT0 >Soun"s li%e starting t&is searc& in 0elior" mig&t not *e a *a" i"ea$ .AROL T&an%s 'or your &elp# sir$ -A 0u&1 For !&at>1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# $aiterJ$aitre** <a9e They are greeted by a woman standing behind the bar. +O-A RAVE .AROL +O-A <97IT0 +O-A ESTELLE +O-A 89RI +O-A +elcome3 O&# it:s you> 8ou:re t&e 7on:s 'rien"s# rig&t1 8ea&# I guess ya coul" say t&at$ 0ey# t&e 7on !or%e" !it& t&is ta)ern# "i"n:t &e1 0mmm1 o# not e;actly$ 0e ,ust came &ere o'ten to "rin%$ -ay*e t&is !as &is sa'e &a)en> +&ere &e coul" rela;> E;actly$ +e al!ays !or%e" &ar"# so t&e 7on !oul" &a)e a place to ta%e &is min" o'' o' t&ings3 .eep up t&e goo" !or%$ I' t&ere:s anyt&ing !e can "o to &elp# let us %no!3 O&# really1 in t&at case# I &a)e a 'a)or to as% o' you$ 8ou "on:t !aste any time$ To tell t&e trut&# t&e girl !&o use" to &elp us aroun" t&e ta)ern set o'' on an e;ca)ation trip or some suc&$ T&at lea)es us in a tig&t spot--!e:re s&ort on &elp$ I "on:t %no! !&en t&at girl:s coming *ac%# eit&er$ So ya !ant us to ta%e &er place an: &elp ya !it& yer customers1 Rig&t$ It !oul" only *e a temp ,o*# so I !oul"n:t *e

RAVE +O-A

a*le to &ire you o''icially$ o# t&at:s 'ine$ +e "on:t !ant to *ecome o''icial employees$ +O-A O&# I see$ Too *a"$ Any!ay# it:s &ar" !or%# so I:" *e paying you# as !ell$ RAVE 0ey# /al" is /al"$ -ig&t as !ell# e&1 RITA Loo%s li%e t&e Ol" -an is &is usual money-gru**ing sel'> +O-A I only nee" one person to &elp$ Feel 'ree to c&oose !&oe)er you li%e$ 89RI .noc% yoursel)es out# guys$ =stelle and .arol turn to look at )uri. ESTELLE 8uri# you:re not going to &elp1 /aven turns around and looks at =stelle. RAVE A ru"e !aiter li%e 8uri:" *e *a" 'er *usiness$ T&e customers !oul" ta%e o'' in no time$ RITA 8ou:)e got a point# ol" man$ +O-A T&an%s# I appreciate t&e &elp$ .AROL .AROL:S S0IFT +O-A O&3 Loo%s li%e some customers are arri)ing3 .arol yawns and stretches. I FOR-ATIO Playing t&e /ame D$ /o o)er to t&e customers to ta%e t&eir or"ers !&en calle"$ E$ Input t&e or"ers at t&e counter$ 3$ Once t&e or"er is rea"y# ta%e it to t&e respecti)e customer$ N$ T&e game is 'inis&e" !&en all t&e or"ers &a)e *een "eli)ere" to t&e customers$ S$ Pay !ill "epen" on &o! !ell you 'ul'ill t&e or"ers$ /oo" luc%3 I FOR-ATIO 0ints5 -Approac& t&e customer to ta%e t&eir or"er once calle"$ -T&e customer !ill only say t&e or"er once# so listen care'ully3 -8ou can only input one or"er at t&e counter eac& time$ -(ring t&e "is& to t&e customer as soon as it is rea"y$ -T&e customer !ill not *e &appy i' you incorrectly *ring t&em t&e num*er o' "is&es in t&eir or"er$ -8our payment !ill c&ange "epen"ing on &o! !ell you "eli)ere" t&e or"er an" &o! 6uic%ly you ser)e t&e customers$ -=on"itions !ill c&ange "epen"ing on t&e ser)er$ +O-A I:m counting on you$ .arol stretches and yawns. A'ter!ar"s5 .AROL A&# I see$ I t&in% I:)e gotten a &an"le on t&e *asics$ +O-A All rig&t# t&en 'eel 'ree to come *y an" &elp !&ene)er you can3 ESTELLE:S S0IFT5 +O-A ESTELLE 8ou:re )ery grace'ul as you mo)e$ Fantastic3 Really1 -ay*e it:s *ecause I li%e !or%ing !it& ot&er

people so muc& it soun" li%e your goo" *ree"ing is s&o!ing t&roug&$ O&# really1 T&at oug&t to attract customers# too$ +e "on:t &a)e many people o' proper up*ringing aroun" t&ese parts$ ESTELLE I "on:t t&in% I "i" anyt&ing special> 89RI 8our Anot&ing specialB is "i''erent 'rom ours# Estelle$ +O-A 7o you t&in% you:ll come an" &elp again1 ESTELLE 8-yes# i' I coul" &elp> +O-A T&an% you$ 0ere# ta%e t&is$ It:s my *est attempt at a uni'orm 'or you$ 89RI 0ey# not *a"$ +&y not try it on rig&t no!1 ESTELLE Sure3 =stelle comes back in gold and pale yellow short sleep top with orange obi sash tied in the back in a very large bow.. %er skirt is oyster with an orange hem. %er pumps are orange and her hair is tied in a high bun that is encased in an oyster cloth tied on with a red ribbon. The look is oriental and sophisticated. ESTELLE +&at "o you t&in%1 +O-A It loo%s great on you$ Please come *ac% an" &elp again soon$ I FOR-ATIO Estelle earne" t&e A/racious +aitressB title$ .AROL:S S0IFT5 .AROL P&e!3 I !or%e" my *utt o''3 89RI /oo" ,o*# .arol$ +O-A 8ou sure "o !or% &ar" 'or a %i"3 .AROL For a %i"1 +&at:s t&at suppose" to mean1 89RI .arol# it !as a compliment$ +O-A Please come *ac% an" &elp out again sometime$ I:)e e)en ma"e a special uni'orm 'or you$ .arol &umps up and down e citedly. .AROL Really1 S!eet3 T&an% you3 I:ll try it on rig&t no!$ .arol appears in the costume. .AROL ; ; ; .arol sports a white over shirt with sleeves gathered &ust below the elbow. A crisp white apron is tied around his waist. The green pants perfectly match his shoulder bag and are gathered below his knees. A white scarf covers his head and is tied in a neat little bow &ust below the back of his head. Bert little brown sandals shod his rather petite feet. .AROL >> I loo% li%e a lunc&la"y$ +O-A T&ere:s not&ing cuter t&an a %i" !earing an apron3 I FOR-ATIO .arol earne" t&e ALunc& La"yB title$ 89RI +O-A RITA:S S0IFT RITA +O-A 89RI +O-A RITA +O-A 89RI P&e!3 +ell# t&at a*out "oes it$ Ama?ing3 8ou &an"le" so many customers !it& suc& 'inesse> +ell# s&e is a genius mage# a'ter all$ I coul" really use some employees !&o %no! &o! to go !it& t&e 'lo!> 0o! a*out you !or% 'or me 'ull-time1 8ou:)e gotta *e ,o%ing$ I:ll pass$ O&# really1 +ell# please let me %no! i' you c&ange your min"$ Rita# t&at:s great3 o! you &a)e a place to go i' t&at !&ole *lastia researc& t&ing "oesn:t !or% out$

RITA +O-A

Hs!eat"ropI I:" li%e you to come an" &elp out again sometime# so I:)e ma"e you a uni'orm$ Please !ear it# !on:t you1 RITA Rig&t no!1 89RI Sure# t&ro! it on an" see &o! it 'its$ /ita is dressed in a black mini skirt with white ruffled edging on the hem and a perky black tail. %er apron is gold and fashioned after a cat"s paw complete with pink pads. %er brown blouse sports O length sleeves. $lack thigh-high leggings with a white motif on the ankle. cover her legs. %er 7$uster $rown8 shoes with gold toned toecaps are brown and bulky. ,n her head she wears black cat ears that perfectly match the black cat"s tail on her bottom. +O-A -mm# )ery nice3 +it& a personality li%e yours an" cute cat ears li%e t&at# you:ll *e a &it3 RITA +&at "o you mean I:ll *e a &it13 +O-A A &it !it& t&e customers# o' course$ 8ou loo% Purrrr'ect$ I can:t !ait to see you !or%ing in t&at out'it3 RITA H*lus&ingI A cat# e&> 0e& &e&$ -eo!$ 89RI E&1 7i" you say somet&ing1 RITA +&o# meeee>o!1 89RI 0u&1 RITA I# u&# "i"n:t say anyt&ing> I FOR-ATIO Rita earne" t&e A.itty =at +aitressB title$ <97IT0:S S0IFT5 +O-A <97IT0 89RI +O-A 8ou gi)e o'' suc& a pro'essional air !&en you !or%$ O& really1 I !as ,ust acting t&e !ay I normally "o$ It must *e *ecause <u"it& is al!ays so rela;e"$ 8ou:re great$ Really# ,ust great$ 0o!:" you li%e to !or% &ere1 <97IT0 Sorry# I:ll pass$ I:)e got t&ings I nee" to "o$ I "on:t min" &elping e)ery no! an" t&en# t&oug&$ +O-A A!# re,ecte"> O& !ell# I t&oug&t you mig&t say t&at$ (ut since you sai" you "on:t min" &elping on occasion# I:" li%e to gi)e you t&is uni'orm$ <97IT0 O&# t&an% you3 I:ll try it on rig&t no!$ Hudith"s glamorous outfit consist of a black short sleeve blouse, purple micro mini skirt, and thigh high black leggings accessori!ed with a white outer bra, purple neck scarf, black diamond shaped wrist bands, blue and black high heeled shoes, and a pert blue head band with a white ruffle. 89RI 8ou loo% goo" no matter !&at you !ear# <u"y$ +O-A +o!# it loo%s great$ 8our *o"y compliments t&e out'it 6uite nicely$ <97IT0 It:s a little tig&t in t&e c&est area> +O-A It loo%s li%e your cur)es !ere e)en *eyon" !&at I imagine"$ I:m a little ,ealous$ I FOR-ATIO <u"it& earne" t&e A/lamorous -ai"B title$ RAVE :S S0IFT5 RAVE +O-A RAVE 89RI P&e!3 T&at !as some toug& !or%3 /oo" <o*$ 8ou:)e &elpe" me out 6uite a *it$ +&at else !oul",a e;pect1 I am t&e /reat Ra)en# a'ter all$ T&at !as t&e 'irst time I:)e seen you "o any serious

!or% in a long time$ +&a""aya mean1 I:m al!ays serious a*out !or%ing3 +ell# !it& as many customers as !e get# t&ere:s not really any time to slac% o''# any!ay$ 89RI 8ea&# &e "i"n:t &a)e any time to goo' o'' or 'lirt !it& any cute girls$ RAVE P&e!# I:m *eat3 +O-A 8es# t&an% you again$ Please ta%e t&is ne! uni'orm as a to%en o' my appreciation 'or your &ar" !or%$ RAVE E&1 For me1 +O-A 8es$ T&is is my *est attempt at ma%ing a uni'orm 'or a male employee$ It:s sort o' a trial mo"el$ RAVE o# no# it loo%s great3 An" a present 'rom a pretty lass# no less3 I:ll ta%e it !it& pri"e3 /aven"s outfit is a yellow &acket with blue trim along the shoulder &oins, and all edge hems worn over a white scoop neck tank. The pants sport a peach sash and hang below the knee. The short sleeve shirt is long, covering his front and bum and is notched on the sides and the seams of the sleeves. A yellow scarf is tied around his head and knotted in the back. %e wears white tabi socks and blue sandals on his feet. A sky blue wristband completes the ensemble. RAVE 0ey# &ey3 ot *a" at all3 +O-A It loo%s great on you$ It matc&es your &airstyle# too$ A per'ect 'it3 RAVE +&at:s t&is strange !armt&1 Lo)e# per&aps1 +earing t&is# I can 'eel yer !arm 'eelin:s o' a''ection> +O-A 8ou can 'eel t&e lo)e1 RAVE 8ea&# it:s 'ille" !it& it3 T&is &an"i!or% is secon" ta none3 +O-A T&an% you$ I:ll tell my 'at&er t&at you li%e it$ /aven is appalled. RAVE >> A&# er# yer 'at&er>ma"e t&is>1 89RI Tell &im t&at !e coul" 'eel t&e lo)e$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en earne" t&e A/entlemanB title$ RAVE +O-A +O-A RAVE RITA .AROL ESTELLE +O-A .AROL 89RI <97IT0 ESTELLE 89RI +O-A I really can:t t&an% you enoug& 'or e)eryt&ing you:)e "one 'or me$ =ome on# ya "on:t nee" ta t&an% us$ +e got pai" 'or it# an" !e e)en got nice ne! uni'orms$ 8ou sure are a suc%er 'or pretty girls# ol" man$ I !on"er i' all t&is !or% !e:)e "one !oul" &a)e ma"e t&e 7on &appy> O' course it !oul" &a)e$ I:m sure t&at &e !oul" *e gla" t&at !e:re all &elping out$ I:ll *et &e:s loo%ing "o!n on us all 'rom some!&ere !it& a *ig# 'at grin on &is 'ace$ So you ne)er en"e" up !or%ing at all# &u& 8uri1 8ea&# I guess not$ T&is type o' !or% ,ust "oesn:t suit me$ 0ey# you ne)er %no!$ 8ou mig&t turn out to *e a pretty goo" !aiter$ <ust once# I:" li%e to see !&at 8uri loo%s li%e !aiting ta*les> Hturns a!ay# an" !a)esI Stare me "o!n as &ar" as you !ant> I:m not "oing it$ Too *a"$ I:ll *et you:" *e pretty popular$ ot e)ery

RITA RAVE RITA <97IT0 89RI ot&ers .AROL 89RI ESTELLE 89RI @".T 5."EA

ta)ern can claim to &a)e suc& a stu**orn !aiter on t&eir sta''$ A+&at t&e &ell can I get you1B A7on:t or"er t&at3 It:s &orri*le3B AEat t&is# you i"iot3B AI "on:t nee" your money3 /o &ome3B $ $ $ Hmusical noteI 8ea&# I t&in% &e:" *e a &it$ Am I really li%e t&at1 8ou:" *e surprise"$ >> I t&in% I:ll lea)e t&e !aiter stu'' to you guys$ %lay the game a second time to compete against the &aitress you subbed for

SUB E!E"T# Ladie* Man & Part E As they approach the circle, a woman with the Surveyor"s Cuild greets /aven. +O-A >0ey t&ere>*a*y1 0a)en:t !e seen eac& ot&er a 'e! times1 RAVE 8a$ +e use" ta meet e)ery no! an" t&en$ +O-A I t&oug&t so$ It:s *een a !&ile$ I:m still in t&e same place as al!ays# i' you !ant to come an" )isit> RAVE A&# may*e one o' t&ese "ays$ +O-A Sure$ +ell t&en# until t&en$ The woman walks away. .AROL +&ere)er !e go# !e run into girls !&o %no! Ra)en>

-----------------------------SUB E!E"T# Ladie* Man & Part I ,n their way to the Crimson Stars tavern another woman recogni!ed /aven. +O-A 0oo &oo3 Hmusical noteI Loo%s li%e you:)e got some ne! la"y 'rien"s3 <97IT0 > RAVE 9& o&# loo%s li%e a 'eisty one 'oun" me$ +O-A I:m still !aiting 'or you to apologi?e 'or &urting my 'eelings$ I:)e *een !aiting in t&e Re" -eteor S!arm$ RAVE Sorry M*out t&at$ I:)e *een pretty *usy$ +O-A 8ou:re so col"# *a*y$ 7rop me a line t&e ne;t time you t&in% o' me$ RAVE Sure t&ing$ See ya$ Another woman greets /aven with a wave on their way to the *nion %0. +O-A O&# i' it isn:t Ra)en3 So you:re *ac%$ RAVE 0ey$ HRa)en t&ro!s up &is &an" in greeting$I +O-A Loo%s li%e you:re "ri'ting aroun" aimlessly as usual$ RAVE 0ey# "on:t tal% ta people li%e t&ey:re ,elly'is&3 +O-A +&en are you e)er going to ,ust settle "o!n1 RAVE ot until t&ese ol: legs o' mine rust an" 'all apart3

+O-A RAVE

7on:t !orry# I:m sure t&e art&ritis:ll set in soon enoug&$ It:s ,ust li%e you to say t&at$ =ome *y an" see me sometime# !on:t you1 Sure !ill$ See ya3

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Ladie* Man & Part T ,n their way to the *nion %0, a young girl with pig tails down her back runs up behind them and shouts. 8O9 / LA78 Ra)en3 They all stop and turn around. 8O9 / LA78 +elcome *ac%3 RAVE 0ey$ .AROL T&at:s a *it "i''erent 'rom t&e usual reaction &e gets# "on:t you t&in%1 8O9 / LA78 +&ere !ere you tra)eling# t&is time1 Tell me all a*out your ,ourney3 0o! !oul" you li%e some tea1 I *a%e" a ca%e yester"ay# too$ 8ou:re all in)ite"# o' course$ RAVE 8a %no! I "on:t li%e s!eet t&ings# rig&t1 8O9 / LA78 O&# may*e I s&oul" &a)e ma"e "inner instea" o' tea an" ca%e$ <97IT0 E)eryone:s got t&eir o!n tastes# I guess$ 89RI Seems t&at !ay$ RAVE I:m tire"# so I t&in% I:ll *e on my !ay$ 8ou &a)e someone else ta eat your ca%e 'or you# rig&t1 8O9 / LA78 I !ant to 'ee" you# Ra)en3 RAVE =ome on# t&ere:s no use !asting your precious time on a *itter ol" 'ogey li%e me$ 7on:tc&a &a)e an up-an"-comin: young la" ta %eep ya company1 /o an" *e !it& &im$ 8O9 / LA78 >8ou mean 0arry1 o t&an% you3 0e:s so !impy an" negati)e all t&e time>I &ate it3 RAVE -en c&ange 'or !omen e)ery "ay3 I:m sure you:" *e a*le ta c&ange &im inta yer "ream guy in no time$ Stop ,ust ma%in: e;cuses an" get a mo)e on$ 8O9 / LA78 I:m not ma%ing e;cuses3 Ra)en# you:re so mean3 89RI +o!$ .AROL 0mmm>I "on:t %no! !&at to t&in% a*out Ra)en anymore$ ESTELLE I 'eel sorry 'or t&at girl a'ter &e treate" &er so &ars&ly> <97IT0 Really1 I t&in% I see Ra)en in a !&ole ne! lig&t$ RAVE O& yea&1 Ol: Ra)en:ll !elcome ya !it& open arms# ya s!eet t&ing$ <ust say t&e !or"$ .AROL I t&in% I:)e 'inally reali?e" ,ust &o! muc& Ra)en li%es girls3 I FOR-ATIO Ra)en earne" t&e ALa"ies: -anB title$

------------------------------------------------------....................... SUB E!E"T# Re(ui)din0 The Union Part 4 +nside the *nion %0, a man approaches them. -A A&# Ra)en$ <ust t&e man I !as loo%ing 'or$ RAVE Oops# loo%s li%e I !al%e" inta t&e !rong *uil"ing *y acci"ent$ See ya$ The man runs and stands in the doorway to block /aven"s retreat. -A +ait3 <ust &ear me out$ RAVE +e:)e alrea"y got our &an"s pretty 'ull !it& ot&er people:s trou*les# ya %no!$ -A H&angs &is &ea"# loo%ing "o!nI 0arry isn:t in any sort o' state to &elp us !it& t&is> RAVE O%ay# o%ay$ I:ll &ear !&at ya got ta say$ (ut t&at:s all3 -A H&ea" snaps upI 8es# sir3 Recently# !e:)e &a" countless s%irmis&es *rea%ing out *et!een t&e guil"s an" t&e empire$ In t&e past# t&e 9nion &as al!ays me"iate" t&ese "isputes$ (ut no! t&at t&e 7on &as passe" a!ay# t&e 9nion is only a s&ell o' !&at it once !as$ RAVE T&e 9nion:s not !or%in: li%e it use ta# so t&at:s !&y yer comin: *y yersel' ta tal% !it& me a*out t&is1 -A 8es$ I &ear t&at Fortune:s -ar%et an" t&e .nig&ts also clas&e" t&e ot&er "ay o)er t&e sealing o'' o' t&e +easan" o' =a"os$ ESTELLE T&at !oul" *e Flynn:s *loc%a"e# I t&in%$ 89RI 8ea&# pro*a*ly so$ -A An" *ecause o' t&e la! o' no inter)ention *et!een guil"s# Altos% can:t "irectly a"monis& Fortune:s -ar%et 'or !&at t&ey "i"$ RAVE Restorin: t&e 9nion ta its 'ormer sel' may *e t&e only c&oice !e:)e got> -A (ut 0arry:s in no con"ition to &elp# an" !e still nee" to "o somet&ing a*out t&e ne;t &ea" o' t&e (loo" Alliance> RAVE +e:)e gotta ta%e t&ings one at a time$ First o'' is yer guil"# Altos%$ 7o somet&in: to 'i; t&at *oy 0arry up$ An" i' I run inta -a"am Presi"ent# I:ll see i' I can:t con)ince &er ta "o t&ings rig&t# t&roug& t&e 9nion$ -A I un"erstan"$ T&an% you 'or your &elp$ The man leaves. .AROL -iss .au'man# e&1 (ut I !on"er !&ere !e can 'in" &er> RAVE 7on:t ya !orry a*out t&at$ +e "on:t &a'ta searc& 'er &er or anyt&ing$ +e:ll ,ust let &er %no! i' !e &appen ta see &er$ .AROL (ut> 89RI 8ou t&in% t&at Altos% !ill *e a*le to %noc% t&e 9nion *ac% into s&ape# "on:t you ol" man1 RAVE T&ey learn 6uic% an" act 'ast$ T&ey:re t&e only t&ing %eepin: t&e 9nion in c&ec%# i' ya as% me$ .AROL A&&# rig&t$

RAVE

So i' !e &appen ta see t&at pretty presi"ent anytime soon# let:s *e sure ta as% 'er &er &elp$ -----------------------------------------.................................... ....................................................................... ...... SUB E!E"T# Bunny <ui)d They talk to the =lderly 1an standing in the back corner. OL7 -A O&3> ot *a"3 I can use someone li%e you3 0o! M*out it1 +ant to &elp sprea" !or" M*out my guil"1 T&ere !on:t *e muc& to it3 It !on:t *e li%e you:re registere" un"er t!o guil"s$ So# &o! M*out it1 8ou intereste"1 +ill you &elp1 8es (or no) OL7 -A O&# is t&at so$ 0ere:s !&at you nee" to "o$ -y guil" &ere is a*out protecting ra**its>It:s t&e (unny /uil"3 I !ant you to &elp sprea" t&e !or" a*out my guil"$ T&ere:s not&ing to it$ I:ll gi)e you t&is *a"ge$ 8ou:re gonna *e 'amous !it& t&is3 0mm> to put it simply# ,ust collect a lot o' titles3 T&e more titles you earn# t&e more !ell %no!n my guil" *ecomes3 I:ll gi)e you a nice re!ar" as my guil" gets more 'amous$ +a""aya t&in%1 ot too *a" a "eal# e&1 8ou got all o' t&at1 7i" you un"erstan"1 8es (or no) OL7 -A Fantastic3 o!# go on an" let t&e !orl" %no! a*out t&is spectacular guil"3: O&# almost 'orgot$ 0ere:s your *a"ge an" a little somet&ing 'or your e''orts$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine"5 /irly (unny Ears ; D (unny /uil" (a"ge ; D OL7 -A I:m counting on ya3 =ollect lots o' titles3 -------------------------.................................................... They leave 2ahngrest and set out for %eliord to look for the necklace. 5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS I" HELI.R5# +estern E;it5 /9AR7 All men are *orn t&e same# *ut in"i)i"ual !ays o' li)ing are to eac& &is o!nQ e)en more innumera*le are t&eir !ays o' "eat&$ e)ert&eless# !e *elie)e t&e %nig&ts li)e !it& one !ill# an" must "ie !it& one !ill$ -ost people are *orn crying# li)e complaining# an" "ie "espairing$ I# &o!e)er# !is& to li)e li'e to its utmost# "ying a satis'ie" man$ OL7 -A Torim 0ar*or is east 'rom t&e e;it on t&e ot&er si"e$ Rig&t no!# t&e Fortune:s -ar%et is reigning supreme$

0ea" !est out o' t&at e;it to get to 7a&ngrest# *ut> E)er since t&e 7on "ie"# I &ear it:s *een utter c&aos$ Inn @ S&op5 . I/0T (O9TSI7E) +ea%ness is somet&ing only t&e common man is permitte"$ Strengt&# a*o)e all# is e;pecte" o' a %nig&t$ A %nig&t cannot li)e !it&out strengt&# yet an un%in" man is not 6uali'ie" to li)e$ +ill I *e a*le to *ecome a %nig&t o' *ot& strengt& an" %in"ness1 T&e Flynn (riga"e is great$ I !oul" lo)e to *e a %nig&t$ It !oul" *e so 'ul'illing to li)e suc& a rig&teous li'e$ 0ooray 'or t&e Flynn (riga"e3 /uess I s&oul"n:t &a)e 6uit *eing a %nig&t>

/9AR7 (I SI7E)

(lastia Pla?a5 -A (S=AFFOL7I /) I' I:m not going to *ecome a no*le>!&at:s t&e point1 I:m ,ust going to "o !&at I !ant$ OSig&O +&at is so 'un a*out !or%ing tirelessly>1 -A One must ne)er turn *ac% simply *ecause t&e mountain is tall$ As long as you %eep putting one 'oot in 'ront o' t&e ot&er# any mountain can e)entually *e crosse"$ One must not *ecome lac%a"aisical simply *ecause t&eir !or% is "i''icult$ (y continuing to tac%le eac& pro*lem one *y one# any ,o* can e)entually *e 'inis&e"$ OL7 -A CD 8ou mustn:t )acillate a*out your li'e$ All t&e t&in%ing in t&e !orl" !on:t e)er ans!er t&e 6uestion# A!&at is t&e meaning o' li'e1B 7on:t )acillate$ 7on:t o)ert&in%> Only people !&o stri)e to li)e in t&e moment can 'in" t&e ans!er to t&at 6uestion$ Ol" -an CE +or% &ere &as gotten easier# *ut I:)e "eci"e" to put e)en more e''ort into it t&an *e'ore$ 0o! else am I to *ecome no*le>1 I:m not cutting any corners3 ot until I ac&ie)e no*ility> -A (0A--ERI /) T&ey say t&ere:s no s&ame in *eing poor# *ut it:s not easy to accept# is it1 O' course# &a)ing 'ait& in t&e notion t&at you:re only as &appy as you *elie)e you are can *e a !on"er'ul place*o$ 7on:t you *elie)e a &appy li'e "eman"s a certain measure o' a''luence1 A0onora*le po)ertyB1 T&e notion can go get itsel' stu''e"$ =&e)aliers: 0F5 . I/0T (O9TSI7E) Li%e many ot&ers# I ,oine" t&e .nig&ts *ecause I al!ays a"mire" t&em> 0o!e)er# t&e reality o' *eing a %nig&t is muc& less e;citing t&an I &a" t&oug&t$ T&e .nig&ts "o not e;ist to 'ig&t ostentations

. I/0T (I SI7E)

. I/0T (I SI7E)

*attles$ +e are &ere to protect t&e peace3 T&at alone is our sole purpose$ I:)e ser)e" un"er a num*er o' ine''ectual superiors> T&e less e''ectual# t&e *etter t&ey *elie)e t&ey are$ 7ealing !it& people li%e t&at is so "i''icult> (ut t&is Flynn seems to *e an e;ception$ A goo" comman"er ne)er stic%s &is &ea" in !&ere &e "oesn:t *elong# an" "oesn:t lea)e e)eryt&ing to &is su*or"inates$ T&is is a 'acility 'or t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ 8ou s&oul" lea)e i' you &a)e no *usiness &ere$ T&ere is not&ing &ere 'or you$ It is sa" t&at people a)oi" us ,ust *ecause !e:re .nig&ts$ 0o!e)er# t&at is a *ur"en !e must *ear as .nig&ts$ +elcome to 0elior"# t&e ne!est a""ition to t&e empire:s cities$ <ourney east to reac& t&e port o' Torim# an" !est to ma%e 'or 7a&ngrest$ I' one "esires po!er t&ey must !or% 'or it$ T&ey must !or% 'or it i' it %ills t&em$ o*o"y !&o:s sai" t&ey:" accomplis& somet&ing Ai' it %ille" t&emB &as e)er actually *een %ille"# you %no!$ 8ou s&oul" *e !ary o' t&ose !&o stri)e to!ar"s a goal !it&out saying anyt&ing at all$ People li%e t&at go to t&eir gra)es silently>

Eastern E;it5 -A

/9AR7

They take the lift down to the ;aborer"s Camp and talk to the residents in a clockwise fashion. 8O9 / -A ALi6uor is t&e c&ie' o' all me"icines$B 7i"n:t t&e people o' ol" %no! &o! to put it *est1 All rig&t3 -y !or%:s "one 'or to"ay3 I %no! t&ey say# A"rin% t&e *oo?e# "on:t let t&e *oo?e "rin% youB# *ut> >0ey# t&ere:s not&ing !rong !it& a &ea"ac&e in t&e morning e)ery once in a !&ile# is t&ere1 +O-A (I TE T) 7o you li%e mai" ca'es1 -y customers tell me# Amai"s are so moe3B$ +&at "oes AmoeB mean1 OL7ER +O-A One o' t&e goo" t&ings a*out *eing poor is t&at you ne)er &a)e to !orry a*out *urglars$ 8ou:re only poor *ecause you t&in% you:re poor$ I:m 'ine as long as I t&in% I:m satis'ie"$ LITTLE /IRL CD o! I get *rea" to eat e)ery nig&t3 I:m so &appy$ I got ne! clot&es3 I:m so &appy$ . I/0T CD T&e peace !e .nig&ts can ensure is only temporary$ I' people only !ant peace 'or a year# t&ey may rely on us$ 0o!e)er# s&oul" t&e people !ant a century o' peace> t&ey must unite to protect t&e Empire 'or t&emsel)es$ T&is country &as !it&in it a po!er superior to a t&ousan" armies$

. I/0T CE

OL7 +O-A

AT&e una)oi"a*le *attle is ,ust# an" !eapons are sancti'ie" !&en t&ey o''er t&e only &opeB> In a certain sense# t&ose !or"s may *e true$ E)en so# !eapons are !eapons no matter t&e circumstances5 Tools 'or %illing$ 0o! coul" t&ey e)er *e consi"ere" sancti'ie"1 I:)e *een allo!e" to start loo%ing a'ter t&e c&il"ren at t&e orp&anage$ T&ere !as somet&ing t&is ol" !oman coul" "o# a'ter all$ +atc&ing a'ter t&e c&il"ren isn:t easy# *ut it:s a ,o* !ort& "oing$ Sometimes# I 'eel li%e I:m raising my o!n gran"son again>

------------------------------------------------------------------........... <ui)d Que*t Part E ,# @He)iordA Ta%e t&e li't "o!n to t&e La*orer:s camp$ ....................................................................... ...... 8O9 / +O-A LITTLE /IRL CE (t&in%ing) I got a *ir" 'eat&er 'or t&at ol" nec%lace I 'oun">&e&e&e> -en !or%# an" !omen !atc& t&e &ouse>!&o ma"e t&at rule up# any!ay1 In my opinion# !omen s&oul" get out o' t&e &ouse more# an" *e a*le to !or%$ Oo&# I &ate male c&au)inism3 -y mommy an" "a""y really li%e eac& ot&er> T&ey %iss eac& ot&er goo" morning# t&ey %iss eac& ot&er goo" nig&t>t&ey:re al!ays %issing3 -ommy scol"e" me !&en I sai" t&at *e'ore> +&y1 +&y "o you t&in%# mister1 +&y !oul" mommy get so ma"1

LITTLE /IRL C3

A woman sits at the end of the dock. +O-A I *oug&t my "aug&ter some s&oes$ I 'elt so sorry 'or &er al!ays !al%ing aroun" *are'oot$ It:s "angerous# you %no!$ To"ay !as our pay"ay$ Tonig&t# real meat3 It:s t&e one t&ing I splurge on eac& mont&$ They talk to a man banging his head on an outhouse door. -A o matter &o! muc& t&e !orl" may c&ange# t&ere is at least one t&ing t&at !ill not$ +&at goes in t&e *o"y>must come out3 T&us is t&e anima )eritas5 T&e trut& o' li'e3 O&&&>please &urry up in t&ere> 5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS I" ASPI.# Entrance5 /9AR7 (le't) T&is 'acility is un"er "irect control o' t&e Empire$ I' you "on:t &a)e *usiness &ere# please mo)e along$ I' you:re lost# you can reac& 0alure *y &ea"ing

/9AR7 (rig&t)

To!n Pla?a -A/E (gol" ro*e)

sout&!est$ Tra)eling sout& !ill lea" you to 7ei"on 0ol"$ T&is is Aspio# t&e close" city o' learning$ Please pro"uce your passport$ -y colleague *esi"e me &ere is so "e)ote" to &is "uties# *ut sometimes you ,ust !ant to ta%e a *reat&er$

T&e *lastia t&ie' !as caug&t# rig&t1 An" -or"io:s gone>no! it:s all "o!n to t&e researc& results>&e& &e&3 Hmusical noteI o! !e ,ust &a)e to get t&e results toget&er an" announce t&em> -A/E (ecru ro*e) o! t&e .nig&ts &a)e come an" ta%en se)eral researc&ers !it& t&em$ T&ey too% *lastia# too# saying it !as 'or t&e "e)elopment o'>0era>1 0era-somet&ing$ T&e .nig&ts ,ust "o !&ate)er t&ey !ant$ Our researc& is going to *e "elaye">an" !it&out Rita &ere# no!:s our c&ance3 -A/E (*lac% ro*e) $ $ $ Oo&# can:t you lea)e me alone13 <ust a little *it more>,ust>"on:t tal% to me3 I can:t t&in%3 -A/E (near Li*rary) T&e operating rate o' our *lastia &as *een )ery &ig& lately$ Aer control is going !ell# an" researc& is procee"ing smoot&ly$ Li*rary# 3r" Le)el5 -A/E 8our *o"&i *lastia &as an interesting color$ 8ou must use your *o"&i *lastia 6uite a *it since it &as gro!n so muc&$ 8ou guys> 8ou:re t&e *lastiaaaa&>$$ > OSnoreO> +&oa3 I 'ell asleep>$ -y nig&t an" "ay are all mi;e" up$ En" Le)el -A/E 8ou %no!# all t&e *lastia !e e;ca)ate &ere !ere p&ysically *urie" *y .ritya &an"s$ +&at "o you t&in% it means1 Please "on:t *ot&er me rig&t no!$ I:m t&in%ing )ery &ar" a*out *lastia$ +OR.ER CD 0o! many years &as it *een since Regaey assume" lea"ers&ip o' Ruins: /ate>1 0e may not loo% it# *ut &e:s )ery s&re!"> 0e:s so goo" at 'in"ing *lastia# t&ey use" to say &e !or%e" !it& t&e &an"s o' go"$ Our c&ie' "oesn:t actually li%e to ma%e trips to ruins$ 0e must not *e )ery 'on" o' all t&e monsters> +OR.ER CE 0a)e you gone t&ere1 To t&e sout& si"e slope on t&e &ill in 'ront o' t&is to!n1 It !as *loc%e" *y a *oul"er an" !e mo)e" it$ Our ,o* actually isn:t ,ust e;ca)ating ruins$ T&e reco)ery o' t&e sout& si"e slope on t&e &ill !as a real "esire o' t&e mages !&o tra)el *et!een t&e capital an" Aspio$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUB E!E"T# Study .3 Her9e* Part E# In t&e li*rary at Aspio# c&ec% t&e *oo%s&el' *esi"e t&e )en"or to o*tain 0ermes: otes$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS I" CAPUA T.RIM# A red-haired man stands near the front of .aufman"s office. Re"-&aire" -A I stan" at t&e Presi"ent:s si"e$ T&ere coul" *e no greater &appiness>> (ut s&e is not &ere rig&t no!> >T&is !ill *e our little secret# *ut> >T&e Presi"ent:s clot&es ma%e &er loo% slimmer t&an s&e is$ .au'man:s /9AR7 T&e 7on:s "eat& &as &a" 6uite an e''ect on Fortune:s -ar%et# too$ T&e Presi"ent is e)en *usier t&an usual$ S&e pro*a*ly !on:t *e *ac% 'or 6uite a !&ile$ .aufman is back in her office and Hudith asks her a #uestion. --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# The 5ra0oon Part E R2ina)S# In =apua Torim# spea% !it& t&e !oman *esi"e t&e tree# to t&e rig&t o' Fortune:s -ar%et 0F$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Re(ui)din0 the Union Part E# In =apua Torim# tal% to .au'man at Fortune:s -ar%et --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Briona, & Part I# In =apua Torim# spea% !it& .au'man in t&e Fortune:s -ar%et 0F$ --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Study o3 Her9e* Part I# In =apua Torim# t&ey rest at t&e inn$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS I" 5AH"<REST# --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Briona, & Part T# After speaking to .aufman in Capua Torim, they return to 2ahngrest and speak to the shop vendor in the right building. --------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t & Part E d# Re%ort (a,k to Rhianna at the Inn in 5ahn0re*t --------------------------------------------------------------------------These task out of the way, they resume their search for Bhaeroh. >- of 1antaic, $a"ul sets them down near a strange spiky rock formation in the middle of the desert. 89RI So t&is is !&ere P&aero& is1 <97IT0 S&oul" *e$ I !asn:t a*le to see &im !&en !e came to t&e "esert# *ut I t&in% t&is is !&ere !e can meet &im$ .AROL ('ro!ning) I &ope not&ing *a" !ill &appen> +&at i' &e

su""enly attac%s us1 I can:t ma%e any guarantees$ I "on:t t&in% !e:ll &a)e a say in t&e matter$ 89RI .arol# are you o%ay1 .arol stands still, frowning while looking down at the sand. .AROL o# I:m not o%ay> I s&oul" go> /aven claps his hands together and tries to change the sub&ect. RAVE P&aero& sure "i" pic% a *lea% place ta li)e in# "ontc&a t&in%1 <97IT0 T&ey say t&is area use" to *e co)ere" in lus& greenery$ ESTELLE +&y "i" it turn into t&is roc%y "esert1 <97IT0 0mmm# I "on:t %no! t&at muc&$ RITA Estelle# are you really going to meet &im1 E)en t&oug& you coul" *e %ille"1 ESTELLE 8es$ I:)e alrea"y>ma"e my peace !it& t&is "ecision$ =stelle leads the way and all follow but /ita and )uri. 89RI Rita# you:)e *een acting a little 'unny e)er since &earing <u"y:s story on t&e s&ip$ 7o you &a)e a pro*lem !it& meeting P&aero&1 RITA I ,ust t&in% it:ll *e &ar" on &er to &ear !&at &e &as to say$ (ut it:s too late to turn *ac% no!$ +e:)e come t&is 'ar# a'ter all$ /ita runs to catch up and )uri follows. They all climb to the top of Bhaeroh"s Crag. .AROL +ell# &e "oesn:t seem to *e &ere$ --may*e &e:s o'' some!&ere ta%ing a nap> <97IT0 P&aero&$ 8ou are &ere# aren:t you1 The rocky ground trembles and a veil of sand sifts down as them as something large lands on the central rock spire with a thud. .AROL /yaaa&33 Bhaeroh stands atop the rock spire and looks down upon them. P0AERO0 Insipi" poison# you appear *e'ore me at last3 89RI >So you are &ere$ Is t&at &o! you greet all your guests# P&aero&1 (y calling t&em names1 P0AERO0 For !&at reason &a)e you come to me1 Surely you are a!are t&at I coul" en" your e;istence !it& a mere t&oug&t$ 89RI 0e&$ ("ra!s &is s!or") 8ou tal% pretty *ig# "on:t you1 I' you really !ant a 'ig&t# I:" &ate to "isappoint you$ ESTELLE 8uri# no3 E)eryone# please !ait3 =stelle faces Bhaeroh. RITA Estelle3 ESTELLE P&aero&# please &ear !&at I &a)e to say3 P0AERO0 7oes "eat& &ol" no 'ear 'or you# little one1 For you ga?e no! into t&e mout& o' "eat& itsel'$ ESTELLE I am a'rai"$ (ut I:m e)en more a'rai" o' "ying !it&out %no!ing !&o I really am$ (elius tol" me I nee"e" to meet you to learn a*out my "estiny$ I &a)e to %no! ,ust !&at t&at "estiny is$ I un"erstan" t&at I am a t&reat to t&e Entele;eia$ (ut you sai" t&at I am a poison to t&is !orl"> +&at is t&is po!er I &a)e1 <ust !&o is t&e =&il" o' <97IT0

P0AERO0 RITA ESTELLE P0AERO0

ESTELLE P0AERO0 89RI RITA

ESTELLE P0AERO0

89RI P0AERO0 89RI P0AERO0 89RI P0AERO0 <97IT0

P0AERO0

t&e Full -oon1 I' it is true t&at my e;istence cannot *e tolerate"> T&en it:s o%ay i' I &a)e to "ie$ (ut I at least "eser)e to %no! !&y it is I &a)e to "ie3 Please tell me3 I *eg o' you3 T&ere !as a time !&en t&is !as a )er"ant lan" s&eltere" *y t&e *lessing o' an aer %rene$ So t&ere !as an aer %rene &ere> (ut !&at &appene"1 +&y "i" it c&ange1 +&at you see are t&e results o' too muc& aer an" its a'termat&$ As to !&y t&e aer ran rampant> T&e ans!er lies !it& t&e poison *roug&t *y t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ 0u&>1 T&e po!er o' t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon stimulates t&e aer %rene more t&an any *lastia$ 0u&1 >(lastia con)ert aer into energy *y !ay o' a 'ormula$ So i' Estelle can use &er &ealing artes !it&out t&e ai" o' any *lastia> S&e must possess a 'ormula in &er )ery *eing t&at lets &er con)ert aer into energy$ <u"it& !as searc&ing 'or *lastia t&at use" a particular %in" o' 'ormula> So>t&is special 'ormula Estelle &as must also consume massi)e amounts o' aer> +&ic& causes t&e aer %rene to *ecome more acti)e an" pump out more aer t&an t&ey s&oul"> I &a" &ope" my &ypot&esis>!oul" &a)e *een !rong> T&en# I> It is as s&e &as sai"> +it& eac& use o' &er po!er# t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon uses 'ar more aer t&an t&e *lastia> In so "oing# t&e im*alance o' aer in t&is !orl" is 'urt&ere"$ For t&e planet# suc& an e;istence can only *e calle" a poison$ So you ,ust !ipe it out# t&en1 A little 6uic% to ,u"ge# aren:t you# P&aero&1 T&is pro*lem concerns t&e entire planet# an" s&e is its cause$ To "o not&ing !oul" *e unparallele" 'olly$ I' t&e pro*lem:s !it& Estelle# t&en it:s 'or us to sol)e$ 8ou &a)e no place in our a''airs$ T&e gra)ity o' t&is situation is *eyon" your grasp$ (snic%ers) 8ou "on:t &onestly t&in% t&at e)eryt&ing:s gonna *e all suns&ine an" rain*o!s i' Estelle "ies# "o you1 It !oul" at least eliminate one pro*lem$ P&aero&# at 0elior" I stoppe" mysel'# an" again at 7a&ngrest I stoppe" you$ +&at I t&oug&t !as a *lastia turne" out to *e a &uman$ (e'ore I reali?e" it# I &a" lost my !ay$ I ne)er t&oug&t t&is c&il" coul" *e as great a "anger as you &a" sai"$ An" "ue to your con'usion# I grante" you t&e time

RAVE P0AERO0 <97IT0

P0AERO0 89RI P0AERO0 89RI P0AERO0

<97IT0

ESTELLE <97IT0

.AROL <97IT0 .AROL 89RI

P0AERO0 <97IT0 P0AERO0 Bhaeroh RITA

necessary to see t&ings as t&ey are$ As a result# my sister (elius is no! lost to me$ Enoug&$ T&is po!er !ill *ring only ruin$ 0mm# not sure I un"erstan" all t&is# *ut i' &er po!er:s t&e pro*lem# !&y can:t s&e ,ust not use it1 T&ere can *e no guarantee s&e !ill not try to use t&e po!er$ >T&at:s true$ S&e "oes &a)e trou*le turning a *lin" eye to t&ings &appening aroun" &er$ Some"ay s&e !ill surely use &er po!er to &elp someone$ 0o!e)er# as long as s&e %eeps t&at spirit o' compassion# s&e cannot only *e seen as &arm'ul$ S&e is not li%e a *lastia$ I %no! t&at you can 'eel t&e "i''erence$ >=ompassion alone !ill not sa)e t&is !orl"$ Listen# P&aero&$ I get t&at you:)e t&oug&t all t&is t&roug& !it& e)ery*o"y:s *est interest in min"$ (ut !&y "oesn:t t&at !orl" &a)e a place 'or Estelle1 It is sometimes necessary to remo)e a part to sa)e t&e !&ole$ I "on:t *uy t&at 'or a secon"$ +&at ma%es you so &ig& an" mig&ty t&at you:re t&e one to "eci"e !&o gets cut an" !&o "oesn:t1 +e &a)e en"ure" t&e an;iety o' e;istence 'or 'ar greater a span t&an you can concei)e$ Suc& !or"s mean not&ing 'rom t&ose !&o call t&is !orl" &ome 'or *ut a 'leeting moment3 P&aero&# please listen$ T&e important t&ing is 'in"ing a !ay to stop t&e e;cessi)e aer# correct1 +e still &a)e time le't to searc& 'or suc& a t&ing$ <u"it&> An" i'>i' t&e e''ects o' Estelle:s po!er reac& t&eir a*solute limit> I !ill %ill &er as promise"$ 8ou s&oul" &a)e no complaint !it& t&is$ 0-&ey <u"it&# are you serious13 I:m sure (ra)e Vesperia !ill come up !it& somet&ing *e'ore t&at &appens# rig&t1 +&at13 I>um> 8ea&# yea& o' course !e !ill3 Score one 'or <u"it&$ So t&at settles it$ I' !e &umans are to *lame 'or Estelle:s pro*lem an" *ringing on t&e apocalypse# t&en it:s up to us to ma%e t&ings rig&t$ I' !e gi)e it all !e:)e got an" still *lo! it# you can slo! roast us on a grill 'or all I care$ (spea%ing to <u"it&) >8ou &a)e c&ange"$ I' you !ere still as *e'ore> 0a)e I1 T&at is nice to &ear$ >Very !ell$ (e e)er min"'ul t&oug&# t&at time is 'leeting3 flaps his wings and launches into the air. The sky rumbles as Bhaeroh flaps his gigantic wings. +ait3 I' t&e 'ormulas are causing t&e e;cessi)e aer>

T&en t&ere must &a)e *een times !&en t&is &appene" in t&e past$ I mean# t&e *lastia !ere a pro"uct o' an ancient ci)ili?ation$ P0AERO0 T&ere e;ist t&ose !&o &a)e in&erite" t&e sins o' t&e past$ I' any yet can spea% o' !&at occurre" in t&e "ays o' ol"# it is t&ey$ Bhaeroh disappears. .AROL 0e:s gone> ESTELLE 9mm# I > T&an%s 'or e)eryt&ing# 8uri$ <u"it&>you# too$ 89RI o pro*lem# *ut &ey> )uri looks at =stelle as he strolls closer. ESTELLE +&at1 89RI AIt:s o%ay i' I &a)e to "ieB1 +&at t&e &ell !as t&at1 ESTELLE >I:m sorry$ 89RI I "on:t !ant to &ear t&at again$ ESTELLE I:m sorry> )uri turns abruptly and walks down the crag with =stelle close behind. They leave Bhaeroh"s Crag and board the 9iertia. They gather inside the ship"s cabin. =stelle is seated in front of the map table !&ile t&e ot&ers stand. )uri leans back against the wall with his arms folded. .AROL -an> I !as really !orrie" t&ere 'or a !&ile$ RAVE +e !ere pretty luc%y t&at *ruiser !as in a moo" 'or con)ersation$ Poor Ra)en:s &eart can:t &an"le t&at sorta stu'' anymore$ 89RI I' &e really !ante" to %ill Estelle# &e:" &a)e attac%e" us imme"iately> T&at:s !&at I can:t 'igure out$ <97IT0 I imagine P&aero& !as con'licte" as !ell$ 0e &i" &imsel' 'rom us in t&e "esert to see ,ust !&at !e !ere ma"e o'$ .AROL 0u&$ -ay*e &e !asn:t as *a" as !e t&oug&t# a'ter all1 89RI 8ou mig&t *e rig&t$ I get t&e 'eeling &e:" "o !&ate)er:s necessary !&en pus& comes to s&o)e$ RITA T&at soun"s li%e you$ 89RI >-ay*e$ .AROL (ut !&at are !e gonna "o# 8uri1 8ou &ear" !&at &e sai"$ 89RI +e:re going to 'i; t&e pro*lems t&e aer:s causing$ T&at:s all$ RAVE T&at:s easier sai" t&an "one$ +e:re pretty muc& at s6uare one# ya %no!$ RITA T&ere:s no "ou*t t&at t&e 'ormulas are relate" some&o! to t&e aer getting use" up$ +e nee" to 'in" out a*out t&e ancient *lastia# an" i' t&ey !ent *erser% or not$ I' !e &a" t&at %in" o' in'ormation# it mig&t gi)e us a clue> ESTELLE As% t&ose !&o &a)e in&erite" t&e sins o' t&e past a*out t&e "ays o' ol"> Or at least t&at:s !&at P&aero& sai"$

<97IT0 RITA 89RI

<97IT0

RAVE <97IT0 RITA ESTELLE 89RI .AROL <97IT0 89RI (scene 'a"es) S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT

T&e .ritya !ere t&e ones to in)ent t&e *lastia$ In ot&er !or"s# !e nee" to as% a .rityan !&o is still 'amiliar !it& t&e ol" stories$ 8ea&$ T&e .ritya are o'ten cre"ite" as t&e in)entors o' t&e *lastia> T&ere isn:t muc& le't o' t&e .rityan city o' Tem?a# t&oug&$ T&ings mig&t *e "i''erent i' !e &a" some!&ere else to loo%$ T&e &i""en city o' -yor?o$ It is 'ar ol"er t&an Tem?a# an" t&e *irt&place o' t&e .ritya$ T&e 'irst *lastia also originate" t&ere$ Really1 +ell# !&a""ya %no!$ 8ou !oul"n:t &appen to %no! !&ere t&is -yor?o mig&t *e# !oul" ya# "arlin:1 0mm> I:)e &ear" t&at name some!&ere> T&ere !as a .rityan in Aspio$ I:m sure t&ey mentione" somet&ing a*out it$ 7o you t&in% t&at person mig&t still *e t&ere1 +ell# t&ere:s no &arm in c&ec%ing it out$ <u"it&>are you coming !it& us1 >I s&oul"$ +e still &a)e t&e issue o' t&e guil" to straig&ten out$ (stan"ing straig&t) So# to Aspio t&en$ Makin0 "i,e with the Cu*to9er* So Cute .rder U%1 +aro)4 ItB* A)) a(out the Ear* Per3e,t 3or the .)d Man Hi0h Standard*7

They fly over %alure and spot the .ing of Adventure traveling inn nearby and decide to visit. First =on)ersation !it& Ric&5 Ric& 0mp&3 8ou mean to tell me you "e'eate" a -e"usa (utter'ly1 89RI 8ea&$ +e ran into it !&ile !e !ere tra)eling# an" some&o! !e en"e" up 'ig&ting it$ Ric& 8ou &a)e my t&an%s> 89RI +e "i"n:t 'ig&t t&e monster to &elp you$ +e ,ust &appene" to run into it *y c&ance$ Ric& E)en still>t&an% you$ Ta%e t&is# at least$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" -e"usa Scale$ 89RI All rig&t# i' you:)e gi)en up on trying to *eat t&em yoursel'$ T&oug& I "on:t agree !it& relying on ot&ers to "o your !or% 'or you$ Ric& >> (loo%s "o!n an" o'' to t&e si"e$) 89RI +ell# "on:t !orry a*out it$ S+IT PhaerohB* $ord*

Secon" =on)ersation !it& Ric&5

Ric& I FOR-ATIO

0mp&3 8ou mean to tell me you "e'eate" a 0ermit 7rill1 >I must t&an% you$ Please# ta%e t&is$ O*taine" Fragment o' t&e S%ies$

T&ir" =on)ersation !it& Ric&5 Ric& >>0a)e &ear">> >T&at E o' t&e /iganto -onsters &a)e *een slain>$ >As 'ar as !e %no!> a still le't>$$$ >In t&e )ery center o' Ilyccia> T&e =&imera (utter'ly li)es in a gar"en &i""en in a 'orest$ >On an islan" o'' t&e nort&east coast o' Ilyccia>T&e Fenrir "!ells in a gro)e o' s&ining *lue 6uart?> >In t&e sout&ern part o' Tol*yccia> T&e (rutal lur%s "eep in !it&in a close" o'' 'orest> >On 7esier> T&e Ptero*ronc ma%es its &ome in t&e *arren mountain range in t&e nort&!est> >On t&e continent o' 0ypionia> T&e (ulsis li)es !it&in t&e sacre" lan" o' t&e .ritya> >On t&e continent o' 8ur?orea> T&e /ri''in can *e 'oun" in a certain 'ile"> >A small islan" 'loating in t&e sea>Posei"on li)es in a mysterious un"ersea palace> >T&at is all> They enter Aspio. RITA It:s *een anot&er long "ay$ Let:s sa)e t&e -an&unt 'or Tomorro!$ RAVE I secon" t&at$ 0o! long:s it *een since I:)e slept in a proper *e"1 RITA +ell# I suppose !e can all stay at my place> .AROL +ait$ T&ere:s somet&ing I !ant to ta%e care o' 'irst$ .arol walks to the head of the group and turns around. <97IT0 >8ou mean me$ ESTELLE .arol$ /aven edges up behind =stelle. RAVE T&is is a guil" t&ing$ (est 'or us not to get in)ol)e"$ /aven walks away. .AROL I:)e t&oug&t a*out it a lot$ +&at !e s&oul" "o# li%e# as a guil"> An" I reali?e"> +e &a)e to 'igure out a 'e! t&ings i' !e:re going to %eep t&is guil" going$ 89RI It soun"s li%e you:)e "eci"e" !&at !e s&oul" "o$ .AROL (no"s) +ell# !e sai" it *e'ore$ T&e most important t&ing is o*eying t&e guil":s la!s$ T&ose !&o *rea% t&e la!s su''er strict punis&ment$ E)en i' t&ey:re 'rien"s or 'amily$ T&ey say t&at:s t&e source o' a guil":s pri"e$ <97IT0 8es> .AROL So !&at I:m t&in%ing is> +e all &a)e to recei)e punis&ment$ <97IT0 +&at "o you mean1 .AROL I "i"n:t %no! t&at <u"it& !as 'ig&ting 'or our

planet# all on &er o!n$ (ut e)en t&oug& I "i"n:t %no!# I still 'aile" to &elp a 'ello! guil" mem*er$ So I gotta accept my punis&ment$ 8uri$ 89RI (surprise") -e1 .AROL -ay*e you !ere trying to A'ollo! your o!n pat&#B *ut you still %ept t&ings &i""en 'rom us$ T&ere:s no !ay t&at can *e 'or t&e goo" o' t&e guil"$ 89RI +ell> .AROL So you gotta *e punis&e"# too$ RITA o! &e:s stretc&ing it$ .AROL >T&e la!s are important$ /aven stands a little off to the side of .arol, listening. .AROL +&at i' someone "oes t&e rig&t t&ing# *ut still *rea%s t&e la!$ S&oul" t&ey *e punis&e"1 To *e &onest# I ,ust "on:t %no! yet> So t&at:s !&y !e s&oul" all ,ust accept our punis&ment an" start o)er 'rom scratc&$ +&at "o you t&in%1 89RI I can:t promise I !on:t &a)e my secrets in t&e 'uture$ .AROL +ell# i' t&at:s t&e !ay it is--i' you can:t trust us--t&en t&ere:s not&ing you can "o$ T&at !oul" *e my 'ault$ <97IT0 An" !&at i' I "estroy a *lastia t&at our guil" !as planning on using again1 T&at !oul" *e *rea%ing t&e la! t&at says I s&oul" act in t&e interest o' t&e guil"$ .AROL (ut you:" also *e acting 'or t&e sa%e o' t&e !orl"$ /uil"s aren:t t&ere ,ust so people can o*ey t&eir la!s$ I t&in% !e can let t&at sli"e$ RITA 9m# "oesn:t t&at sort o' ma%e your la!s meaningless1 RAVE 0a& &a& &a&$ I:)e ne)er &ear" o' a guil" li%e t&is *e'ore$ (ut you:)e got me intereste"# I:ll gi)e ya t&at muc&$ ESTELLE 0e& &e& &e&$ 89RI .arol# you:re ,ust 'ull o' surprises$ I:" t&oug&t plenty a*out mysel' an" !&at I s&oul" *e "oing> (ut I mig&t not &a)e consi"ere" &o! my actions !oul" a''ect you guys$ T&is is a !ay o' settling t&ings I "i"n:t e)en reali?e e;iste"$ .arol rubs the back of his neck subconsciously. .AROL I>I ,ust !ante" to %eep tra)eling !it& all o' you$ I ,ust !ante" eac& o' our o!n pat&s to *e t&e same as (ra)e Vesperia:s$ 89RI 0e&# soun"s all rig&t !it& me$ 8ou &ear" t&e man# <u"y$ I guess t&at:s !&ere !e stan"$ <97IT0 8ou really are some o' t&e o""est people I:)e e)er met> (ut> I suppose I can manage to put up !it& you$ .AROL All rig&t t&en# one more time$ (ra)e Vesperia# 'all out3 RITA T&ey:re ,ust ma%ing it up as t&ey go# aren:t t&ey1 Is t&at all a guil" is1

RAVE

0e&# t&e 7on ran &is guil" ,ust a teensy *it "i''erently$ ESTELLE T&ere:s somet&ing *eauti'ul a*out t&is !ay# t&oug&$ RAVE So# !&at a*out t&e punis&ment1 .AROL O& yea&3 I almost 'orgot$ 9mm> RITA Loo%s li%e you guys are on .rityan researc&er "etail$ +e:ll *e rela;ing at my place$ .AROL 0ey3 +&y "o you get to "eci"e>1 /ita balls her fists and .arol ducks, covering his head protectively with his hands. RITA E;cuse me1 7i" I &ear a complaint1 .arol straightens up. 89RI 0a& &a&$ o ma:am$ <97IT0 o$ .AROL 9& ] u&> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& Estelle# Rita an" Ra)en$ S+IT Re,on,i)in0 with -udith Hudith, )uri and .arol climb the long curving stairs to the circular platform where Hudith addresses a male .rityan. <97IT0 /oo" "ay3 .rityan /oo" "ay# my sister$ <97IT0 <u"it&$ .rityan I:m Tot&$ <97IT0 8ou !oul"n:t &appen to %no! anyt&ing a*out -yor?o# !oul" you1 I:" li%e to go t&ere$ I nee" to %no! !&ere -yor?o is locate">an" &o! I can get t&ere$ Tot& E)en i' you reac& t&e city# t&ere !on:t *e anyt&ing 'or you to see t&ere$ (ut !&at "o you plan on "oing t&ere# any!ay1 <97IT0 Is not a .rityan:s interest in &er o!n ancestral city reason enoug& to go1 Tot& T&at is an accepta*le reason$ (ut I:m a'rai" I "on:t %no! anyt&ing a*out !&ere it coul" *e$ <97IT0 I:)e &ear" your name *e'ore# Tort$ 8ou &elp gui"e t&ose .rityan:s remaining on eart& up to t&e &ea)ens$ 8uri an" .AROL 3 <97IT0 +ill you not tell me *ecause t&ese &umans are !it& me1 Tot& Our ancient la! states t&at !e cannot s&o! anyone *ut our *rot&ers an" sisters t&e !ay to -yor?o$ <97IT0 S&oul"n:t it *e a matter o' !&et&er t&ey can *e truste"# rat&er t&an !&et&er t&ey:re .rityan or not1 At t&e )ey least# t&ese &umans can *e truste"$ Tot& >I s&all as% once more$ +&y "o you see% -yor?o1 89RI T&e !orl" is &ea"e" to!ar"s some *a" t&ings# all t&an%s to *lastia$ +e !ant to go to %no! !&at &appene" in t&e past# an" &o! !e can stop it$ +e !ant to &elp e)eryone# not ,ust t&e .rityans>&o!:s t&at1 Toth crosses his arms while he processes )uri"s information, then he gives a single affirmative nod of his head. Tot& >Very !ell$ I "o not %no! i' you:ll 'in" t&e ans!ers to your 6uestions# *ut I !ill s&o! you t&e !ay$

(ut t&ere is one con"ition$ +&at:s t&e con"ition1 To get to -yor?o# you must tra)el to Egot&or Forest$ T&e Egot&or Forest1 On t&e continent o' 0ypionia# isn:t it1 I:)e &ear" o' it *e'ore> <97IT0 8es# t&e sacre" lan" o' t&e .rityans is locate" t&ere$ So t&at:s !&ere t&e "oor to -yor?o is> Tot& 8es>*ut t&ose lan"s are currently *eing trample" un"er t&e 'eet o' an un%no!n group o' people$ T&ey &a)e not only in)a"e" our sacre" lan"# *ut t&ey &a)e also *roug&t strange *lastia !it& t&em$ I "on:t %no! !&at t&ey:re up to# *ut it can:t *e goo"$ 89RI So i' !e go to -yor?o# !e &a)e to "o somet&ing a*out t&em1 Tot& E;actly$ +e nee" you to restore peace to our sacre" lan"$ <97IT0 +&at:s &appening1 Toth holds a clear a#ua blue glass bell. Tot& Once you &a)e "ri)en out t&e interlopers# ring t&is *ell$ T&e "oor to -yor?o !ill open 'or you$ <97IT0 >T&an% you$ Tot& -ay t&e roa" rise up to meet you# sister$ <97IT0 An" you# as !ell> (to 8uri an" .arol) Let:s get *ac% to !&ere e)eryone:s !aiting$ 89RI 8ea&$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" /ui"e (ell to -yor?o$ Tot& I "on:t &a)e any speci'ic *usiness in -yor?o$ Since t&e &umans are going# I s&all too# *y all means$ They return to /ita"s hut. ESTELLE 7i" you 'in" out anyt&ing1 89RI +e:)e got a lea" in a place calle" Egot&or Forest$ .AROL I:m pretty sure it:s on t&e !est si"e o' 0ypionia# to t&e sout& o' &ere$ RAVE So -yor?o:s in t&at 'orest1 <97IT0 o# *ut a "oor is$ RITA 0u&1 A "oor1 +&at "o you mean1 89RI T&ere:s a "oor t&ere t&at lea"s to -yor?o$ It:" *e 'astest to ,ust go an" c&ec% it out$ .arol drops to a sitting position on the wooden floor. .AROL First>let me rest> <97IT0 Per&aps !e s&oul" get some rest *e'ore lea)ing1 89RI (ut> RITA +e "on:t really &a)e a c&oice$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& Estelle# Rita an" Ra)en$ 89RI Tot& .AROL They travel to the -estern %yperion area. S+IT -oy and Sorrow on the $ave* S+IT "ot *o <ood with Hei0ht*7 E<.TH.R 2.REST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ <97IT0 T&is is t&e Egot&or Forest# a &oly place 'or t&e .rityan people$

Swinging bridges suspended high in the air over a river lead upward toward a mountain in the middle of the forest. RITA 0u&# it:s nicer &ere t&an I imagine"$ ot a *a" spot at all$ .AROL +&oa# really1 I t&oug&t you li%e" *eing coope" up in col"# "ar% la*s an" stu''> ESTELLE >I !is& I coul" &a)e seen it in its original state$ They spot a huge metal sculpture half-way up the spiraling mountain. 89RI >T&at must *e t&e *lastia t&e mystery group *roug&t !it& t&em$ RITA (ut t&at:s a &oplon *lastia> ESTELLE +&at "o you mean *y Amystery group1B .AROL +e !eren:t a*le to get any "etails> (ut Tot& sai" &e:" tell us &o! to get to -yor?o i' !e "i" somet&ing a*out t&em$ RAVE +oul" A"oing somet&ingB inclu"e smas&ing t&at t&ing1 <97IT0 I !on"er$ I suppose !e coul" i' t&ere !ere no complaints$ RITA I:ll 'i; it so t&ere:s no nee" 'or you to *rea% it$ <97IT0 O&1 I:ll lea)e it to you# t&en$ /ita leads the way up the path to the mountain. S+IT The +ritya S+IT Sti)) a $ay* to <o At a fork in the road, they are stopped by +mperial .nights in red armor. 1ale .nights wielding halberds blocked one path and a female $ishops grasping magic scepters blocked the other. . I/0T 0alt3 T&is area is currently un"er t&e control o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts3 RAVE T&e Royal /uar"> T&is is t&e =omman"ant:s pri)ate 'orce o' elite %nig&ts$ 89RI +&at are t&e =omman"ant:s 'orces "oing in a 'orest li%e t&is !it& a &oplon *lastia1 . I/0T I &a)e no reason to ans!er your 6uestions$ An" ci)ilian activity is restricted by law in this area. )*/+ %mmm, be that as it may, why are you pointing that weapon at us like thatA . I/0T (ring it on3 They battle, they win. 89RI -an# t&at escalate" 6uic%ly$ +ell# !e:re o'' to a goo" start$ ESTELLE So t&e mysterious group o' people !as t&e Imperial .nig&ts> .AROL (ut !&y "i" &e attac% us1 <97IT0 -ay*e *ecause t&ey:re "oing somet&ing &ere t&at t&ey "on:t !ant anyone to %no! a*out1 .AROL (loo%ing up t&e pat&) 8ou mean>!it& t&e *lastia1 89RI (loo%s at t&e *lastia) -ay*e# yea&$ As they look up the mountain at the hoplon blastia it tilts forward a bit with the long cone pro&ecting from it"s front pointing at them. ESTELLE +atc& out>3 =stelle runs to position herself between the blastia and )uri and .arol. After casting an arte, she collapses on the ground. /ita runs to her side. RITA Estelle>3 .AROL >+&at "i" you ,ust "o1

RITA

Same as !&at s&e "i" in 0elior">3 Estelle:s po!er too% t&e aer an" ma"e it "issipate3 RITA 8ou:)e got to stop "oing cra?y t&ings li%e t&at> ESTELLE I:m# I:m sorry3 I ,ust t&oug&t a*out &o! e)eryone !as in "anger# an" *e'ore I %ne! it my po!er> /aven, stroking his chin, stands beside Hudith. <97IT0 0er po!er is starting to unconsciously respon" to &er 'eelings> RITA T&at last attac% came 'rom t&at *lastia$ It !as aiming straig&t at us$ <97IT0 +&ic& means t&at Estelle !ill en" up using &er po!er e)ery time !e:re s&ot at$ ESTELLE >(ut t&en>!&at s&oul" I "o> 89RI 0ey &ey# you sa)e" us# "i"n:t you1 .AROL 8ea&# i' t&at &a" &it us &ea" on# !e !oul":)e *een goners 'or sure3 +e s&oul" *e ma" at t&e 'act t&at t&ey s&ot at us# not t&at Estelle protecte" us3 89RI +e:)e s!orn to settle Estelle:s pro*lems along !it& t&e !orl":s pro*lems$ E)eryt&ing !e:re "oing rig&t no! is to!ar"s t&at purpose$ +e s&oul"n:t let t&e "etails get in our !ay$ RAVE (ut !on:t P&aero& get ma" i' s&e %eeps "oin: stu'' li%e t&is1 +&et&er it:s *y a *lastia or *y P&aero&# I "on:t !anna *e *ar*ecue" ali)e3 89RI =ome on# t&is is simple$ +E ,ust &a)e to "o somet&ing a*out t&at *lastia# rig&t1 <97IT0 T&at:s rig&t$ RITA Let:s pummel t&e ,er%s !&o are controlling t&at *lastia3 89RI All rig&t# let:s go$ Try to %eep a lo! pro'ile$ S+IT Rita and E*te))e $attling their way up the mountain path, they reach the blastia surrounded by guards. . I/0T It:s t&em3 89RI /et out o' our !ay3 They dispatch the guards and take the blastia. 89RI o!# t&en$ At least !e "on:t &a)e to !orry a*out *eing s&ot at anymore$ RITA +e mig&t &a)e stoppe" t&e .nig&ts# *ut !e:)e still got to "eal !it& t&is guy$ 0mm> 0e:s not a 0ermes *lastia# *ut t&e 'ormula:s *een encrypte"> RAVE =are to e;plain in Englis&1 RITA (asically# !it&out a %ey to "eco"e t&e 'ormula# !e can:t turn it o''$ 89RI So I assume *rea%ing t&e co"e isn:t> RITA > o# it:s not easy$ E)en i' I coul" *rea% it# t&at !oul" ta%e time$ 0mm> -ay*e i' I> <97IT0 I "on:t t&in% t&is !ill ta%e muc& time at all$ Hudith produces her spear. RITA +ait> (ut you sai">3 Hudith throws her spear upward at the blastia and a mage lands in a heap at their feet. -A/E 0eeelp>33

RITA <97IT0 -A/E

+&at are you "oing &ere>13 Per&aps &e is t&is *lastia:s engineer$ -no3 I mean# I am an engineer# an" all# *ut I>I !as ,ust 'ollo!ing or"ers$ I>I s!ear I ne)er !ante" to get in)ol)e" in somet&ing li%e t&is> RITA (yelling) 9n"o t&e co"e an" stop t&is *lastia# no!3 -A/E (scram*ling to &is 'eet) 8-yes# o' course# rig&t a!ay>3 The mage works furiously with the blastia"s control panel. <97IT0 I:m sorry 'or surprising you *ac% t&ere$ RITA 0ump&> 7u&$ I %ne! rig&t a!ay you !ere only trying to ma%e me ,ump$ <97IT0 O0>1 .AROL At least t&at:s one pro*lem "o!n$ o! !e can go to -yor?o# once t&e !eat&er clears$ The mage punches at the controls and the blastia pivots on its pedestal. /epede senses danger and )uri follows the dog"s ga!e. 89RI o33 )uri takes off running and =stelle turns around. ESTELLE +&at is it>1 =stelle looks up to see another hoplon blastia placed higher on the mountain path and pointing straight at them. +t fires and everything become white in its light. ESTELLE Aaa&>33 )uri intercepts the blast and blocks it with his weapon. .AROL 8 ] 8- 8uri> /aven is down. RAVE I coul" use your &elp &ere# %i"$ .AROL A-a&# rig&t>3 .arol runs to help /aven. 89RI S&oul":)e %no!n t&ey:" &a)e anot&er one o' t&ese$ ESTELLE 8uri>"on:t tell me you "i" t&at to %eep me 'rom using my po!er>3 RAVE 7on:t you t&in% t&at !as a *it rec%less1 <97IT0 In"ee">"o you &a)e a "eat& !is&1 89RI >T&is1 T&is is not&ing$ 89RI 8uri# I:m sorry> It !as my 'ault> 89RI 0ey# you "i" t&e same 'or us *e'ore# rig&t1 o! !e:re e)en$ ESTELLE (ut> <97IT0 Estelle# per&aps a simple At&an% youB !oul" "o *est$ ESTELLE (*o!s to 8uri) I> T&-t&an% you$ 89RI -o)ing rig&t along> +e:" *etter "o somet&ing ao*ut t&at ot&er *lastia$ /ita turns to the mage working on the blastia. RITA 0ey# you !oul"n:t &appen to %no!> 0ey3 .AROL 0e:s gone3 T&at engineer got a!ay3 RAVE Fast little *ugger> +e:" *etter catc& &im 6uic%$ RITA +ait$ RITA I:ll ,ust &a)e to "o it again$ T&ey:ll 'in" us !it& t&e &oplon *lastia sooner or later i' !e ,ust go tramping t&roug& t&e !oo"s$ An" i' t&at &appens# some*o"y mig&t get it in t&eir 'ool &ea" to go an" play &ero again$

.AROL RITA

8-yea&>*ut you sai" it !asn:t easy> As long as t&e .nig&ts aren:t aroun"# !e "on:t &a)e to !orry so muc& a*out &o! long it ta%es$ (esi"es# !&o "o you t&in% you:re "ealing !it&1 I:m t&e genius mage# Rita -or"io$ I' it:s me )ersus a *lastia# I:ll !in or "ie trying$ /ita runs to the blastia. %er fingers move furiously fast on the control panel. -orried, .arol looks down. .AROL >Let:s &ope it "oesn:t come to t&at> ESTELLE +&at are you "oing1 RITA I' !e lea)e it li%e t&is# someone coul" use it again$ I:ll ,ust ma%e a 'e! a",ustments$ >I:m sorry$ (Rita mutters apologetically to t&e *lastia as s&e closes t&e panel$) RAVE (Rela;ing# &an"s *e&in" &ea") A&&# not&in: s&ines 6uite so *rig&t as a young person !it& somet&in: t&ey:re !illin: ta ris% t&eir li'e 'or$ 89RI For some*o"y !&o:s stoo" on "eat&:s "oorstep# saying you:ll "o somet&ing 'or "ie trying isn:t ,ust a 'igure o' speec&$ RAVE 0u&1 7eat&:s "oorstep1 89RI 7i"n:t you say you almost "ie" "uring t&e /reat +ar1 RAVE A&# 'orgot I mentione" t&at$ (Ra)en seems to *e tal%ing more to &imsel' as &e ru*s &is c&in$) >+ell> Only t&e li)in: &a)e t&e pri)ilege o' sayin: t&ey:ll 'ig&t ta t&e last *reat&$ An" !or"s li%e con)iction an" resol)e "on:t mean muc& to a "ea" man>$ 89RI 8ou o%ay# ol" man1 /aven immediately regains his old demeanor and comes back to his old self. RAVE 0ere# I am# runnin: o'' at t&e mout&$ I get a *it sentimental !&en I start "iggin: up t&e past$ =ome on$ On!ar"3 They run back down the path and take the right fork that was being blocked by the .night $ishop"s. The path leads into a tunnel in the side of the mountain. As they emerge from the tunnel, lined up single file on the narrow path, =stelle suddenly cries out in alarm. ESTELLE E)eryone# ta%e co)er3 The hoplon $lastia fires another blast. 89RI Is e)eryone o%ay>1 /aven drops to his knees behind Hudith, clutching his chest. .AROL I:ll li)e> RITA T&is time t&e ol" man loo%s a little !orse 'or !ear$ 89RI 0ey ol" man# !anna sit t&is one out1 +e can go on a&ea"$ RAVE (rising) I' you lea)e me *e&in"# t&ere ain:t anyplace else 'or me to go$ .AROL =ome on# e)en 8uri !oul"n:t lea)e you &ere 'or goo"$ An" any!ay# you coul" al!ays go *ac% to Altos%# coul"n:t you1 RAVE 0mm$ T&ere:s al!ays t&at I s:pose# *ut t&ey:re>&o! "o I say it>not t&e same as you guys$ .AROL O& really1 89RI 0mp&> RITA +ell# i' you:re o%ay# ol" man# let:s get o)er to t&at

*lastia *e'ore it rec&arges an" attac%s us again$ RAVE Aye aye$ Roger t&at$ They reach the second blastia. +ts heavily guarded by %alberd .nights and staff-weilding $ishops. . I/0T T&ose !&o o*struct t&e !or% o' t&e .nig&ts s&all *e treate" as criminals3 )uri readies his weapon. 89RI +oul"n:t &a)e it any ot&er !ay3 -ith the knights and bishops defeated, /ita runs to e amine the blastia. 89RI >0o! "oes it loo%# Rita1 RITA <ust li%e I t&oug&t# t&is 'ormula is protecte" *y a co"e as !ell$ 89RI T&in% you can *rea% it1 RITA I sai" I:" "o it or "ie trying# "i"n:t I1 T&is &as not&ing to "o !it& getting us to -yor?o anymore$ T&ere:s no !ay in &ell I:ll let t&ose i"iot .nig&ts go on using t&ese poor *lastia li%e t&is$ .AROL O%ay# I:ll lea)e t&is to you guys3 .arol takes of running but hesitates when Hudy calls to him. <97IT0 An" !&ere are you o'' to# .arol1 .AROL I:m gonna %eep !atc& "o!n *elo!# ,ust in case more Royal /uar"s s&o! up3 .arol runs down the path. <97IT0 +ell t&en# I:ll come along an" &elp out$ Hudith walks down the path after .arol. RAVE 8ou guys are sorta 'rea%in: me out !it& your ent&usiasm$ ESTELLE (laug&ing) >It:s 8uri:s in'luence$ 89RI I guess t&e rest o' us !ill stay &ere 'or no!$ RAVE >8uri &imsel' is as lai" *ac% as can *e# t&oug&$ 89RI (!atc&ing t&em) 7 ESTELLE >True$ They walk over to &oin )uri as he watches /ita. Time passes and they take turns resting and guarding /ita while her fingers tirelessly flit across the control panel. RAVE Loo% li%e it:ll *e a !&ile *e'ore s&e can crac% t&at co"e> 89RI Royal /uar"# &u&1 I !on"er !&at t&ose guys !ere planning to "o !it& t&e *lastia any!ay> There is the sound of armor clinking down below as Hudith makes #uick work a member of the /oyal Cuard. . I/0T Aarg&>3 .arol runs up the path and reports to )uri. .AROL T&e .nig&ts &a)e come *ac%>3 Hudith &oins them. 89RI +e:)e gotta &ol" our groun" &ere$ The .nights charge and are #uickly dispatched. .AROL T&ere:s more o' t&em>3 Hudith and .arol run to intercept the .nights. Hudith easily knocks a halberd knight from the path <97IT0 8a&33 /aven makes #uick work of another with his knife. RITA An" one 'or you3 <97IT0 (ta%ing out anot&er) >It seems t&ey:re not going to let us rest$

9urther up the path, .arol chops a knight out of his way with his a e as another knight runs past. .AROL 8-yea&> T&ey:re ,ust !aiting 'or us to get tire"> ESTELLE 0yea&$ (s!ings &er s!or") Aiii (%noc%e" "o!n) )uri runs to her rescue. 89RI Estelle# 'all *ac%>3 =stelle obeys and runs back to /ita who is preparing an arte. ESTELLE Rita3 +&at are you>13 RITA +e &a)e to "estroy &im>3 8ou !orry a*out t&e .nig&ts3 ESTELLE Rita> (ut !&y13 RITA +e:re out o' time3 8ou can:t possi*ly> ESTELLE (*e!il"ere") Rita> <97IT0 (stri%ing a %nig&t) =an:t possi*ly !&at1 Fig&t t&em all o''1 (%ic%ing) 7o you &a)e no 'ait& in me>1 In us1 Succee" or "ie trying# !asn:t it1 ESTELLE +e !on:t gi)e in$ Rita# "o !&at you can an" sa)e t&at *lastia$ /ita stops creating the arte. RITA >I !ill3 I:ll 'i; t&is t&ing i' it:s t&e last t&ing I "o3 An" ,ust so you %no!# I:m e;pecting t&e same 'rom you guys3 RAVE OSig&O >A!# &ell$ /uess I:ll gi)e it all I:)e got# too> /aven fires arrows repeatedly from his bow and blocks counterattacks with his knife. 89RI 8ou ,oining t&e s&ining yout& *riga"e or somet&ing1 RAVE Loo%s t&at !ay$ (ut man>t&is guy must practice a lot$ 89RI I:m not too !orrie" i' you:re still ma%ing ,o%es$ RAVE I t&in% I:" li%e ta retract my pre)ious statement$ A knight runs past /aven. .AROL Stop goo'ing aroun"# you guys3 Fig&t33 The control panel suddenly disappears while /ita works on it. RITA >It stoppe"3 ESTELLE Rita3 .AROL +ay to go# Rita3 RAVE +ell# I:ll *e> S&e came t&roug&$ .AROL T&e .nig&ts are pulling *ac%3 <97IT0 +&y1 (ecause t&e *lastia stoppe"1 I !on"er !&at t&ey !ere trying to "o1 89RI Let:s not loo% a gi't &orse in t&e mout&$ o! !e:)e %ept our promise to Tort$ <u"it&# you ta%e it 'rom &ere$ <97IT0 O%ay$ Hudith rings the bell .AROL A&# !&-!&oa> 89RI +&at is t&at t&ing>13 <97IT0 T&e "oor &as opene"> T&at is -yor?o$ 0omelan" o' t&e .rityan people$ RAVE It:s "e'initely>impressi)e$ <97IT0 Loo%s li%e t&ey !on:t %eep it open 'or us )ery long$ +e s&oul" &urry$ (a:ul3 $a"ul lifts them into the air and heads toward a lighted &ellyfish dome

RAVE RITA <97IT0 89RI <97IT0 ESTELLE <97IT0 .AROL <97IT0 S+IT

among the clouds. A 'lying city$ +&o:" &a)e guesse"1 Forget t&e city3 +&at a*out t&at &uge t&ing13 It loo%s li%e a li)ing creature> It:s an Entele;eia$ T&oug& not one I:)e spo%en to$ An Entele;eia133 0o! "i" somet&ing li%e t&at s!allo! an entire city1 T&at I "on:t %no!$ I &a" a*solutely no i"ea a city li%e t&is e;iste"$ T&at is *ecause -yor?o cut o'' contact !it& t&e outsi"e !orl" ages ago$ It:s not gonna attac% us or anyt&ing i' !e get closer# rig&t1 7on:t !orry$ As long as (a:ul is !it& us# !e s&oul" *e allo!e" to enter$ The Se,ret In0redient

THE H.ME .2 THE +RIT6A# M6.RZ. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +nside the &ellyfish entele eia, 1yor!o is a city comprised of large glass domes connected by walkways. .AROL -an> T&is is ama?ing3 RITA 0ey# loo%>3 A small group of P male and P female .rityans, walk down a steep ramp to greet them. ESTELLE T&ey:re all .rityans> .AROL A-are t&ey !elcoming us1 OL7ER -A o! t&is is a surprise$ T&ese )isitors really are 'rom t&e outsi"e3 +O-A +ell# !ell# so it !as you !&o calle" on -yor?o1 -A An" !&at is t&is1 0o! strange$ +&at curious ornaments you !ear$ Several .rityans gather around /ita, e amining her gear curiously. RITA 0ey# it:s not polite to stare# you %no!$ +O-A 0o! !ere suc& c&il"ren as yoursel)es a*le to come &ere1 ,ne of the younger male .rityans walks to the edge of the dias to look more closely at $a"ul. -A Is t&is monster an Entele;eia# per&aps1 <97IT0 It:s (a:ul$ 0a)e you 'orgotten &im1 +O-A O&# you:re t&e one !&o "escen"e" to t&e eart& some years ago# rig&t>1 +O-A >I *elie)e> <u"it&# yes <u"it& !as your name$ T&ere !as somet&ing you &a" to atten" to# an"> <97IT0 Are you a*out 'inis&e"1 +e !oul" li%e to meet !it& t&e el"er$ -A Please# 'eel 'ree to "o as you !is&$ +O-A 0e may *e out 'or a !al% again# t&oug&$ /ita trembles with angerEtrying so hard to keep it in. A male .rityan smiles and nods, glancing down at /ita, head down and clenching her fist, and they all walk back up the ramp from whence they came. RAVE O%ay# so t&ey:re a *it !eir"$ RITA T&at:s actually calle" Aru"e$B .AROL 8ou:re one to tal%# Rita$

/ita pretends to smack .arol causing him to duck and cover. <97IT0 All .rityans are pretty muc& li%e t&at$ ESTELLE Li%e !&at1 <97IT0 O&# easygoing# una'rai"$ +e are "reamers an" optimists# 'or *etter or !orse$ 89RI So is t&e el"er li%e t&at# too1 <97IT0 0o! s&oul" I put it>1 0e:s t&e per'ect el"er 'or !eir" people$ RAVE Soun"s li%e 6uite a uni6ue in"i)i"ual$ I:m tryin: ta *e nice# &ere> 89RI t&is s&oul" *e interesting> S+IT Meetin0 the +ritya They leave the sky dock and climb the ramp to a small circular platform littered with pile of rubble and a door. They look closely at a pile of rubble. I FOR-ATIO Are t&ese *lastia1 It loo%s li%e a pile o' ,un%$ They open the door and enter the city proper. Female *y "oor +elcome to -yor?o$ 8ou can:t e)en %ill time coming to a place li%e t&is$ 8ou must *e so *ore" to come to a city li%e t&is$ There is a huge sculpture resembling some sort of sea creature or plant with an 7eye8 in the center near the entrance. I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s a &uge *lastia &ere$ It loo%s li%e it &asn:t *een use" 'or a!&ile$ It still loo%s li%e it !or%s$ They venture further into the city. RITA T&ere are so many types o' *lastia I:)e ne)er seen *e'ore> 89RI Loo%s li%e t&e .rityans really !ere t&e one !&o create" *lastia in t&e 'irst place$ RITA >8es$ Seeing all t&is *lastia ma%es it )ery easy to *elie)e t&at$ RAVE It sure !oul" *e nice i' !e &appene" upon a !ay to "o somet&ing a*out our po!er# -iss Estelle$ ESTELLE Really>t&at !oul" *e nice# *ut> .AROL >It:s not !or%ing$ RITA It "oesn:t &a)e a core$ It:s ,ust t&e *o"y$ <97IT0 T&is city stoppe" using *lastia$ +&at you see &ere is !&at e)eryone t&re! out long ago$ They all look at Hudy. .AROL +&y !oul" t&ey "o t&at1 <97IT0 (ecause t&at !as t&e pat& !e c&ose$ An elderly male .rityan approaches. <97IT0 It:s *een a long time# El"er$ EL7ER So you !ee t&e cause o' all o' t&is commotion outsi"e3 8ou:)e returne" to us$ <97IT0 T&ese c&il"ren are &umans !&o are tra)eling !it& me$ EL7ER 0mp&$ (loo%s at 8uri:s *racelet *lastia$) T&is is>*lastia# is it not1 89RI 8es$ It:s my *o"&i *lastia t&at I use$ EL7ER 0mmm$ I t&oug&t t&at eart&-"!ellers &a" stoppe" using *lastia li%e us> ESTELLE 7o you not use t&e *lastia &ere *ecause it uses a special 'ormula# too1 EL7ER T&ere are no normal or special types o' *lastia$ (lastia is ma"e *y crus&ing apat&eia# an" processing t&ose pieces !it& tec&nology to pro"uce cores# an" t&roug& t&e a*sorption o' aer>

RITA EL7ER

0ol" it3 =ores are ma"e 'rom crus&e" apat&eia13 In"ee"# t&at is !&at t&e stories say$ It appears apat&eia !as too po!er'ul in its original 'orm$ E)en !it&out t&at po!er# it is a stone more )alua*le t&an any precious gem$ T&is is !&y its po!er !as restraine" *y *rea%ing it into pieces an" car)ing 'ormulas into it# an" t&us its num*ers !ere also increase"$ Our legen"s tell us t&at cores !ere al!ays pro"uce" in t&is !ay$ All 3 89RI >A *it ironic# &u&1 .AROL 8ea&> T&e apat&eia t&at comes 'rom Entele;eia# !&o &ate *lastia# is necessary to ma%e t&e )ery *lastia t&at t&ey &ate> RAVE -ay*e P&aero& "i"n:t ell us a*out apat&eia Mcause &e 'elt uncom'orta*le tal%in: a*out it>y:t&in%1 <97IT0 El"er$ T&ere are many t&ings I:" li%e to as% you a*out$ 89RI +e:re trying to 'in" out !&at sort o' role *lastia playe" in ancient times$ An" i' *lastia e)er *roug&t "isasters to t&is !orl"# !e:" li%e to %no! &o! t&ey mig&t &a)e *een stoppe"$ -yor?o must still &a)e some 'ol%lore# rig&t1 Per&aps you coul" tell us !&at you %no!$ EL7ER 0mp&$ Very !ell$ -y &ome !oul" *e a *etter place to spea% o' suc& t&ings$ Please go insi"e an" !ait 'or me t&ere$ The =lder walks away. RAVE 0ey t&ere$ +&ere are you goin:1 EL7ER I !as in t&e mi""le o' my "aily !al%$ I:ll return to my &ouse *e'ore too long$ ESTELLE > 89RI Apat&eia# *lastia# aer "istur*ances# Entele;eia> It loo%s li%e e)eryt&ing:s connecte"$ RITA +e mig&t see e)en more connections once &e:s tol" us t&e .rityan 'ol%lore$ <97IT0 T&e El"er:s &ouse is t&e large *uil"ing !it& a "i''erently colore" roo' t&an all t&e ot&ers$ 89RI /otc&a$ T&ey "escen" a steps !&ere a small .rityan *oy sits near a can"le-li%e lantern$ (oy 0ey# is it true you &umans actually use *lastia1 -y gran"pa sai" &is gran"pa tol" &im *lastia !ere no goo"$ +n the corner they spy the -onder Chef disguised as an blue and white ice cream cone. They learn the recipe for 7Cream Stew.8 They return to the first level. -A 0mm1 O&# you:re t&e people t&at came 'rom outsi"e1 0o! *oring$ 8ou:re so>normal$ OSig&O I can:t *elie)e you people still use *lastia> S-ALL /IRL I:m pretty sure t&ere !ere still .ritya li)ing on t&e groun" !&en t&is city !as create"$ o! I remem*er$ T&ey *uilt a city on some place calle" -t$ Tem?a$

+&at1 T&e to!n on -t$ Tem?a !as "estroye"1 O& my> Initially# !e .ritya ,ust ma"e a to!n in a remote location# a!ay 'rom ot&er people$ T&en .rones s!allo!e" t&e to!n$ o! !e &a)e 6uite t&e sym*iotic relations&ip$ .rones is t&e Entele;eia t&at carries t&is city$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Tidy U% The $arehou*e & Part I @MyorFo $arehou*eA Ta)k to the 9an in 3ront o3 the door and ,o9%)ete the warehou*e %uFF)e here; +O-A

/eneral S&op A7ene*B -A T&is stu'' &as *een &ere in t&e city 'or ages$ +oul" you li%e to &a)e it1 I:ll tra"e you /al" coins 'or it$ (lea)ing) Please come *ac% i' you &a)e any ot&er nee"s$ +e &a)e no use 'or any o' t&ese t&ings$ A 'emale .rityan rea"s a *oo% near t&e s&op5 =0RIS T0E -AVE 0ello$ I:m &ere to tell you a*out synt&esi?ing$ To the northeast they climb stairs to a resting room. They climb ;-shaped stairs to the west to reach the =lder"s /esidence. ,n the stair landing they meet a .rityan woman. +O-A O&# loo%3 <u"it& is !it& you too1 7o you remem*er me1 It:s me# me> 8ou le't t&is city !it&out really getting to %no! it$ El"ers Resi"ence5 They enter the elder"s home. /ita sits in one of the tall throne chairs around a rectangular table. =stelle stands beside her with .arol and Hudith nearby. /aven looks out a window and )uri stands patiently off to the side. ESTELLE 7o you t&in% !e s&oul" really ,ust go in1 RITA 0e:s t&e one !&o tol" us to !ait 'or &im &ere$ .AROL I guess t&e .rityans really are "i''erent$ RAVE T&ey "on:t seem to *e in any great rus& ta get t&ings "one# t&at:s 'or sure$ <97IT0 I %no!$ T&ey certainly are !eir"# aren:t t&ey1 .AROL (grinning) Actually# you:re %in" o' li%e t&at too# <u"it&$ <97IT0 T&at:s 'unny$ I "on:t see t&at at all$ The door opens and the =lder enters. EL7ER A&# t&ere you are$ ESTELLE +-!elcome *ac%$ EL7ER I:)e %ept you !aiting$ o!# please step t&is !ay i' you !ill$ 89RI >1 (&u&1) The elder leads them to face a blank curved wall. EL7ER T&is is t&e )ery means *y !&ic& t&e lore o' -yor?o is passe" on$ RAVE (ut# um>it:s ,ust a !all$ EL7ER <u"it&$ 9se t&e nageeg as you touc& t&e !all# an" repeat t&ese !or"s5 >=ity o' "reams )eile" in mist# reality:s e;tension$ Hudy steps before the wall.

<97IT0 =ity o' "reams )eile" in mist# reality:s e;tension>1 There is a burst of light in the center of the wall before it e pands outward to reveal a scene. RITA +&at:s &appening1 EL7ER +e .rityans possess an ancient po!er %no! as t&e nageeg t&at re)eals t&e stories &i""en in o*,ects$ T&ese murals appear only !&en t&is po!er is ,oine" !it& t&e proper incantation$ .AROL T&-t&is painting is %in" o' creepy> <97IT0 T&e .ritya$ Ste!ar"s o' !is"om# 'oun"ers o' t&e mig&ty /eraios# an" ancient sages$ Our mis*egotten !is"om &as so!n only t&e see"s o' ruin$ T&e *lastia !e create" grante" us *lessings# *ut also *lig&te" t&e aer# li'e*loo" o' t&is !orl"$ ESTELLE T&en Rita !as rig&t$ T&ere !ere "istur*ances in t&e aer in t&e past$ RITA ; ; ; 89RI 8ou t&in% t&is is s&o!ing a "istur*ance in t&e aer1 .AROL It loo%s more li%e t&e aer is trying to>eat t&e planet$ EL7ER 0mm$ It is sai" t&at a great mass o' aer t&reatene" to s!allo! t&e )ery planet !&ole$ <97IT0 T&e *lig&t gre! e)er stronger an" *roug&t 'ort& a cataclysm> In our terror# !e ga)e a name to t&e cataclysm5 t&e A"ep&agos$ ESTELLE A"ep&agos> <97IT0 T&e !orl" unite" to c&allenge t&e A"ep&agos# an" *anis& t&e loat&some po!er !&ic& create" it$ RITA 0ey# coul" t&at *e t&e Entele;eia1 RAVE It "oes loo% a *it li%e monsters an" &umans 'ig&tin: somet&in: o' toget&er$ EL7ER T&oug& t&e /eraios ci)ili?ation !as lost# t&e A"ep&agos !as 6uelle" in t&e en"$ T&e 'act t&at !e are all still &ere to"ay is e)i"ence enoug& o' t&at$ RITA So t&en is t&is painting s&o!ing t&e A"ep&agos *eing *roug&t un"er control1 .AROL 0ey# !&at:s t&e last t&ing it says t&ere$ <97IT0 ; ; ; 89RI <u"y1 <97IT0 0earing t&e !orl":s prayers# li'e 'a"e" 'rom t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ T&e A"ep&agos "isappeare" into t&e )oi"$ 89RI +&at13 ESTELLE T&e !orl":s prayers> Li'e 'a"e" 'rom t&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon> <97IT0 Our !orl" !as preser)e"$ (ut t&e story s&all remain &ere 'or generations to tell o' our sin$ ENPt& year o' Asule RITA +&at:s t&at suppose" to mean1 EL7ER T&ere is no 'urt&er e;planation o' !&at eac& o' t&ese p&rases may mean$ ESTELLE ; ; ; ESTELLE Our ancestors create" t&e *lastia !&ic& lea" to t&e "o!n'all o' t&eir entire ci)ili?ation$

T&ey t&en c&ose to a*an"on t&e *lastia an" se)er t&eir ties !it& t&e outsi"e !orl"$ Estelle runs across t&e room an" out t&e "oor$ .AROL Estelle3 89RI Let &er go$ EL7ER T&is is all t&e lore o' -yor?o$ 89RI T&an%s$ 8ou:)e gi)en us a lot to t&in% a*out$ EL7ER 8ou %no! !&at:s &elp'ul1 T&ere:s t&is magic cucum*er t&at:ll turn any "is& into a gourmet meal> <97IT0 I t&in% !e:ll pass$ =oul" !e trou*le you 'or a place to rest a !&ile1 I 'eel !e may nee" to impose on you until our 'rien" &as calme" "o!n$ EL7ER 0mp&$ 8ou are 'ree to use t&e &ouse ne;t "oor$ o one li)es t&ere rig&t no!$ <97IT0 T&an% you$ O%ay# let:s *e going$ I FOR-ATIO Estelle le't t&e party$ S+IT The Le0end A .rityan woman paces near the wall screen while another sits in front of it. +O-A (PA=I /) T&is is t&e el"er:s &ome$ Please "on:t carelessly touc& any o' t&ese t&ings$ +O-A (SITTI /) T&at ol" man> I s!ear> 0e lets anyone in t&e &ouse$ T&at:s !&y t&ey say ol" people aren:t )igilant$ 7on:t t&in% t&at t&e ol" man:s accepte" you3 They find a Specific and a Treat tucked away in chest on either side of the wall screen. EL7ER I:m a'rai" !e can:t o''er you any special &ospitality# *ut please ma%e yoursel' at &ome$ 0a)e you &ear" a*out t&e legen"ary cucum*er t&at ma%es any meal "elicious1 They leave the elder and gather around a table in the unused house. .AROL T&e cataclysm> T&e A"ep&agos> 89RI I' t&at legen":s true# t&en may*e t&e po!er o' t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon> >isn:t t&e only t&ing to *lame 'or *ringing up t&e A"ep&agos$ RAVE (ut !&at a*out t&e A&earing t&e !orl":s prayers# li'e 'a"e" 'rom t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oonB part1 <97IT0 -ay*e t&ey a)erte" t&e "anger *y %illing t&e cause o' t&e A"ep&agos# t&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon$ All ; ; ; .AROL (-*ut# !ait> >aren:t t&e 0ermes *lastia t&e real cause1 =an:t !e ,ust stop t&ose1 89RI It mig&t not *e ,ust t&e 0ermes *lastia$ T&at legen" ma"e it soun" li%e all *lastia "istur* t&e !orl":s aer$ Rig&t# Rita1 RITA T&e el"er sai" t&at *lastia are *lastia$ T&ere are no normal ones or special ones$ I t&in% t&at means t&e only t&ing t&at:s "i''erent is &o! muc& aer eac& 'ormula uses$ 89RI E)en t&e *lastia !e:re using1 RITA (o"&i *lastia are special# *ut all *lastia utili?e aer in a 'ormula$ T&ey:re all t&e same>

An" 'ormulas nee" aer to !or%$ T&e 0ermes tec&ni6ue# t&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon> T&ey:re pro*a*ly only part o' t&e "anger$ +it& more an" more *lastia# t&e A"ep&agos !ill a!a%en$ T&is is !&at t&e Entele;eia are a'rai" o'$ 89RI T&at:s !&at I !as !orrie" a*out$ /ita shakes with anger. RITA I "i"n:t !ant to a"mit it>3 (lastia coul"n:t *e *a"> T&e people !&o use" t&em 'or e)il !ere t&e *a" ones$ T&at:s !&at I al!ays *elie)e"> (ut>I !as !rong$ .AROL So "oes t&at mean !e &a)e to stop e)ery *lastia1 Li%e t&e people &ere in -yor?o "i"1 RAVE T&at:s impossi*le$ +e nee" *lastia 'or our e)ery"ay li)es$ (arrier *lastia# a6ue *lastia> (o"&i *lastia# too$ )uri looks at the $odhi blastia on his arm. 89RI 8ea&# you:re rig&t> I coul"n:t ta%e on a really toug& monster i' I "i"n:t &a)e t&is$ .AROL 8ea&> <97IT0 I !is& !e coul" use *lastia !it&out !orrying a*out consuming aer> (ut I guess t&at:s ,ust a "ream$ /ita is thinking with her hand cupping her brow. She suddenly lowers her hand. RITA T&e Ri?omata Formula> 89RI +&at:s t&at1 RITA All t&ings e;ist "ue to t&e su*limation# re"uction# 'ormation# an" "ispersion o' aer$ Some t&in% t&at a still un"isco)ere" t&eory coul" 'reely manipulate t&ose essential mec&anisms o' aer$ Formulating t&at t&eory is t&e ultimate goal o' current magical researc& *y mages aroun" t&e !orl"$ .AROL So t&at:s t&e Ri?omata Formula1 RITA I' it:s 'oun"# manipulating aer !ill *ecome so muc& easier$ O' course# !e nee" a 'ormula to reconstruct aer 'rom po!er t&at !as originally con)erte" 'rom aer> (ut Estelle:s po!er is actually "irectly manipulating aer$ Estelle is t&e closest t&ing to t&e Ri?omata Formula$ I' !e can use a 'ormula to inter'ere !it& an" neutrali?e Estelle:s po!er> 89RI I "on:t really get it# *ut> >i' you !or% out t&at 'ormula t&ing# t&en Estelle can li)e in peace# rig&t1 <97IT0 So *y t&at logic# i' !e coul" control t&e e;cess o' aer# !e coul" pre)ent pro)o%ing t&e A"ep&agos$ .AROL A!esome3 RAVE So# !e:re suppose" to go loo%ing 'or some 'ormula t&at researc&ers all o)er t&e !orl" can:t 'in"1 o! you:re really "reaming> RITA I !ill 'igure out t&is 'ormula3 For Estelle3 An" 'or me3 RAVE 8ea&# you "o t&at> /aven heads for the door.

.AROL RAVE

0u&1 Ra)en# !&ere are you going1 For a !al%$ All t&is tal% a*out sa)in: t&e !orl"# t&e ultimate goal o' magical researc&> T&is con)ersation:s a little muc& 'or ol: Ra)en to %eep up !it&$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en le't t&e party$ <97IT0 T&at 'ormula soun"s nice an" all# *ut t&e aer is getting !orse as !e:re sitting &ere$ 89RI 8ea&$ For no!# !e &a)e to 'in" !&oe)er is ma%ing t&e 0ermes *lastia$ Ot&er!ise it:ll *e too late# ,ust li%e P&aero& sai"$ RITA (ut &o! are !e suppose" to 'in" !&oe)er t&at is1 89RI I' !e 'ollo! !&oe)er:s loo%ing 'or apat&eia# t&ey s&oul" lea" us rig&t to t&em$ =ores are ma"e 'rom apat&eia# a'ter all$ .AROL So Flynn an" an an" t&eir 'rien"s> 89RI 8ea&$ .AROL I !on"er i' !e:ll &a)e to>'ig&t t&em>1 89RI T&at:s %in" o' up to t&em$ An e plosion rocks the city. RITA +&at !as t&at1 They run outside but all is calm. The .rityans never having been e posed to e plosions are merely curious about the loud noise. LITTLE /IRL T&ere !as a lou" noise# !asn:t t&ere1 I:)e ne)er &ear" a soun" li%e t&at *e'ore> T&at soun"e" li%e a tummy rum*ling> 8ou "on:t t&in% so1 O& !&ate)er> -A T&at !as so lou"$ <ust !&at !as t&at noise>1 I "on:t !ant to go loo%# t&oug&$ It:s too muc& o' a &assle$ +O-A T&at !as lou"$ +&at !as t&at noise1 I !on"er i' it:s going to *e 'un>or not$ Is it t&e soun" o' 'esti)al "rums1 Or a cannon salute or somet&ing1 I' it:s not somet&ing 'un# t&en>I !on"er !&at it coul" *e1 +O-A (STAIRS) O&# !&at !as t&at noise1 I !as so surprise"$ I:)e ne)er &ear" suc& a lou" noise in my li'e3 T&is city:s al!ays so 6uiet$ +e ne)er &ear lou" noises li%e t&at &ere$ EL7ER +&at !as t&at noise>1 +O-A (E TRA =E) T&ere !as a large noise *y t&e entrance$ I !as so surprise"$ O&# I !as so surprise"> 7on:t I loo% surprise"1 T&at:s !eir"> They head toward the dock and discover one of the blastia is active. RITA T&is *lastia is !or%ing$ +&y>1 (e;amines it) >T&is one is 'itte" !it& a core$ <97IT0 Somet&ing:s !ritten &ere> +arp *lastia>1 89RI So in ot&er !or"s# someone use" t&is to lea)e -yor?o1 <97IT0 it loo%s t&at !ay$ EL7ER 0mp&$ +&at coul" a 'unctional *lastia *e "oing &ere1 .AROL It appears t&at someone:s le't t&e to!n$ RITA (loo%ing aroun") Estelle>>!&ere:s Estelle1

89RI .AROL EL7ER

+ait# an" !&ere:" t&e ol" man go1 0u&1 8ou "on:t t&in%>*ot& o' t&em use" t&is1 0mm> T&e *lastia in our to!n s&oul" &a)e all lost t&eir cores *ac% in ancient times> RITA A core !as pro*a*ly *roug&t in 'orm outsi"e t&e to!n$ It s&oul" re6uire a",ustment to 'unction properly# *ut Estelle:s an e;ception to t&e rules$ I' s&e can interact "irectly !it& aer# s&e mig&t also *e a*le to reconstruct aer to 'it t&e core:s 'ormula$ .AROL (ut !&y !oul" s&e> <97IT0 El"er# coul" you get e)eryone to &elp us searc& to see i' our 'rien"s are in to!n1 EL7ER 0mp&$ Very !ell$ ( &e lea)es) 89RI Let:s loo% 'or t&em# too$ S+IT TheyBre <one4 They search but =stelle and /aven are nowhere to be found. EL7ER As you t&oug&t# t&e to! o' t&em are no!&ere to *e 'oun"$ .AROL I !on"er !&at coul":)e &appene" to t&em$ RITA Any!ay# let:s go *ac% to t&e sur'ace an" loo% 'or t&em3 EL7ER Per&aps t&e to! o' t&em !ent on a !al%1 .AROL A !al% t&at in)ol)es lea)ing t&e to!n !it&out saying anyt&ing to us1 ot a c&ance3 8uri remem*ers A past con)ersations !it& Ra)en5 -=gothor 9orest: -/A3=> Ah, forgot + mentioned that. '/aven seems to be talking more to himself as he rubs his chin.( E-ellE ,nly the livin" have the privilege of sayin" they"ll fight ta the last breath. And words like conviction and resolve don"t mean much to a dead manE -And the first time he saw /aven at Zaphias prison: -A;=F=+ ,ut. -/A3=> Ah well, &ust when things were getting" good. -/aven pretended to stumble and fall to his knees in front of )uri"s cell door. )*/+ )*/+ .AROL <97IT0 RITA <97IT0 RITA 89RI EL7ER <97IT0 <97IT0 Hust who are you anywayA -hat does the head of the .nights want with youA >3 I can:t *elie)e I only ,ust remem*ere" t&at> I:)e got a *a" 'eeling a*out t&is$ 0urry3 +e &a)e to 'ollo! t&em3 I un"erstan" &o! you:re 'eeling# *ut please try to calm "o!n$ +&at3 Aren:t you !orrie"13 O' course I:m !orrie"$ T&at:s !&y !e s&oul" calm "o!n an" t&in% rationally# rig&t1 O&# rig&t> 8ea&$ I see> I:m sorry$ (loo%ing at t&e el"er) /ot any i"eas1 A&# yes$ T&e master o' -yor?o mig&t &a)e some i"ea$ 0e:s an Entele;eia# a'ter all$ -ay*e &e 'elt t&e 'lo! o' aer 'rom t&e *lastia$ (spea%ing to t&e Entele;eia surroun"ing t&e city) 7i" you &ear it1 =oul" you tell us !&ere it !as1

><ust a )ague "irection>to t&e !est# a sea o' an">a to!n1 It:s not too clear# *ut a "esert to!n>I t&in% it:s 8ormgen$ .AROL T&at:s t&e to!n in t&e San"s o' .ogor&# !&ere !e met 7u%e *e'ore$ 89RI Let:s &ea" t&ere no!$ T&ey run o'' to t&e Fiertia !&ile <u"it& &as a 'inal !or" !it& t&e el"er$ EL7ER 8ou:re lea)ing# t&en1 <97IT0 I am$ EL7ER 8ou "on:t nee" to s&oul"er suc& a *ur"en$ 0a)en:t you su''ere" enoug&1 <97IT0 T&an% you# El"er$ (ut I:m not su''ering anymore$ EL7ER 0mp&$ <97IT0 0e&$ I' you !ent into t&e outsi"e !orl" you mig&t un"erstan"# too$ <u"it& runs to *oar" t&e Fiertia$ I FOR-ATIO <u"it& earne" t&e A/uar"ian o' t&e Trut&B title$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" 7ragoon (oots$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# E"TELEKEIA# A'ter e;iting -yor?o# reenter an" rest at t&e empty &ouse$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Heart)and town1 6or90en ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 8ormgen is in ruins$ T&e to!n is *urie" un"er san"$ Only t&e !eat&ere" remains o' t&e roo' tops protru"e 'rom t&e san"$ 89RI +&at:s &appening1 .AROL +&at:s going on1 It:s ,ust a pile o' ruins> RITA T&is "i"n:t ,ust &appen in a 'e! "ays> T&is is# li%e# &un"re"s o' years$ <97IT0 Fuiet$ Someone:s &ere$ 89RI 7u%e>3 T&ey see 7u%e an" a "ragon near t&e roo'top o' t&e sage:s &ouse$ RITA T&is coul" *e our clue a*out t&e Ri?omata Formula3 .AROL T&at:s>t&e "ragon 'rom t&e +easan" o' =a"os$ 89RI 0e:s tra)eling !it& 7u%e# &u&1 As t&ey !atc& unseen# 7u%e sits atop t&e 7ragon an" t&ey ta%e o'' to t&e s%ies$ RITA I:)e got 6uestions 'or t&at guy# *ut !e &a)e to 'in" Estelle 'irst> ALEGEI T&ey got a!ay> T&ey !&irl aroun" to see Ale;ei an" a mem*er o' &is Royal /uar" stan"ing *e&in" t&em$ ALEGEI T&ere:s no time$ T&is isn:t !&at I !oul" &a)e c&osen# *ut so *e it$ 89RI Ale;ei$ +&at are you "oing &ere>1 ALEGEI A&# loo%ing 'or t&e Princess1 I:m impresse" you 'oun" your !ay &ere$ RITA 7o you %no! !&ere Estelle is13 Rita runs to!ar" Ale;ei *ut s&e is *loc%e" *y t&e /uar"# &is &al*er" pointe" menacingly at &er$ Rita slo!ly *ac%s to!ar" &er 'rien"s$ .AROL +&-!&at "o you t&in% you:re "oing13

ALEGEI 89RI ALEGEI

9rg&3 Is t&is your i"ea o' a ,o%e# =omman"ant1 I am at a loss s to &o! to t&an% you$ 8our piti'ul sense o' ,ustice &as allo!e" me to !or% !it& litter interruption$ Ragou an" (ar*os "i" ser)e my purposes# *ut you> I really must commen" your !or%$ 8ou:re some o' t&e most talente" an" 'oolis& per'ormers I:)e seen$ .AROL +&at1 (Loo%s at 8uri t&en at Ale;ei) ALEGEI 0o!e)er# t&e time 'or 'ooling aroun" is o)er$ It is time 'or you to e;it t&e stage$ 89RI So t&at:s it# &u&1 (s&oul"ers &is a;e) >It !as you pulling e)ery*o"y:s strings all t&is time>1 !ell I:m not laug&ing# Ale;ei33 Flynn runs to Ale;ei !it& So"ia an" +itc&er at &is &eels$ FL8 =omman"ant3 ALEGEI 0ump&$ An" yet anot&er 'ool arri)es$ 89RI Flynn> FL8 =omman"ant3 0o! coul" you13 8ou:re t&e pri"e o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ 0o! coul" you commit treason>1 ALEGEI T&is is not treason$ I am merely 'ollo!ing t&e pat& o' one !&o &ol"s true aut&ority$ FL8 An" you ,ust inten" to *etray t&e trust o' 0is 0ig&ness Io"er13 ALEGEI 0is 0ig&ness> 8es# I t&in% &e:ll *e relin6uis&ing &is ran% soon$ FL8 T&is is ma"ness> 8EA/ER -ilor"$ All is in rea"iness$ .AROL 8eager3 ALEGEI +ell "one$ I am &ea"e" 'or (action as planne"$ I !ill lea)e t&is situation to you$ >An" Io"er:s 'ate as !ell$ 8EA/ER <a# you *et# milor"$ Ale;ei lea)es$ FL8 Ale;ei3 +ait3 8uri an" Flynn run a'ter &im$ 89RI +&o sai" you coul" lea)e13 7roit an" /auc&e *loc% t&eir !ay$ /A9=0E Stan" *ac%$ <97IT0 I' you try to stop us> RITA /et t&e &ell out o' t&e !ay3 8EA/ER 8our princess 'rien" is at t&e S&rine o' (action as !ell# you %no!$ 89RI +&at "i" you say13 7ROITE 8ou:ll *e too late i' you "on:t &urry$ In a 'las&# t&ey "isappear !&ile 8uri# Flynn# etc$ s&iel" t&eir eyes$ 89RI >> FL8 (to So"ia an" +itc&er !it& a s!eep o' &is &an") /o a'ter Ale;ei an" 8eager3 +IT=0ER Sir3 +itc&er runs o'' *ut So"ia remains$ .AROL 8uri# come on3 .AROL 8uri>1 8uri stan"s roote" to t&e spot# staring at Flynn$ SO7IA (pulls out &er s!or") 8uri Lo!ell# go)e yoursel' up$

Flynn s&a%es &is &ea" at &er an" s&e s&eat&es &er s!or"$ FL8 >T&e S&rine o' (action is sai" to *e locate" on t&e 0ypionian continent$ <97IT0 0ypionia> t&e continent east o' "esire$ T&e Egot&or Forest is t&ere$ .AROL Are !e actually gonna trust !&at 8eager sai"13 RITA I' t&at:s !&ere Ale;ei is &ea"e"# t&en Estelle:s got to *e t&ere3 <97IT0 +e "on:t &a)e muc& in'ormation# so I guess !e:ll ,ust &a)e to go c&ec% it out$ .AROL (ut !&at aou*t Ra)en1 RITA I:ll *et &e "eli)ere" Estelle to t&em# an" t&en ,ust too% o''3 .AROL o> Ra)en> 0e !oul"n:t "o t&at> RITA +ell# t&e 'acts are t&at s&e:s *een %i"nappe"# an" &e:s no!&ere to *e seen3 RITA I mean# t&at:s only logical# rig&t13 <97IT0 It:s possi*le &e !as capture" as !ell$ RITA FL8 89RI FL8 I FOR-ATIO 89RI >+ell# !&ate)er$ Let:s get going3 >8uri1 8uri> (coming closer) >Flynn$ A !or"1 Very !ell$ Let:s tal% o)er t&ere$ Parte" !it& e)eryone$ <ust !&at t&e &ell are you "oing13 +&at &appene" to a")ancing as a .nig&t an" 'i;ing t&e empire 'rom !it&in1 8ou:)e *een not&ing more t&an a "amn puppet on Ale;ei:s string$ 7on:t you "are tell me t&at t&e 7on an" (elius "ie" 'or not&ing more t&an t&at3 0e !as t&ere !or%ing alongsi"e you t&is !&ole time# Flynn3 0o! coul" you possi*ly not %no!13 I:m sorry> +&y# t&oug&1 7i" you go along !it& it *ecause Io"er truste" Ale;ei1 0is 0ig&ness is not to *lame$ I &a" total con'i"ence in Ale;ei$ T&e responsi*ility is mine$ So your pursuit o' t&e apat&eia at or"opolica !as on Ale;ei:s or"ers# I presume$ 8ea&> 8ou:" *etter start tal%ing$ Tell me !&at &appene"$ T&ere:s no reason to !orry a*out e;posing t&e A=omman"antB no!$ T&e con)ersion o' 0elior" into a military installation# t&e a*use o' t&e resi"ents at -antaic> All o' =umore:s acti)ities# t&e 'or*i""en "e)elopment o' ne! *lastia> All o' t&ese !ere carrie" out un"er t&e =omman"ant:s> un"er Ale;ei:s or"ers$ +ell# you:)e gro!n up to *e a mo"el %nig&t$ 9n6uestione" allegiance to your country$ t&at:s nice$ t&e =omman"ant>Ale;ei !as not al!ays t&is !ay3 8ou# o' all people# s&oul" remem*er$ T&ose !&o are ,ust !ill lea" li)es o' prosperity$ T&at !as t&e i"eal Ale;ei once &el" "ear$

FL8 89RI FL8 89RI FL8 89RI FL8

89RI FL8

89RI FL8 89RI FL8

T&at !as !&y I> (ut all it:s "one 'or you is &elp you lose sig&t o' your original intentions$ > ot t&at I &a)e muc& rig&t to preac& to you# a'ter I let t&em run o'' !it& Estelle li%e t&at$ o$ T&at ne)er !oul" &a)e &appene" i' I &a"n:t *een *lin" to Ale;ei:s true nature$ I &a" gro!n 'ar to use" to simply o*eying or"ers li%e a goo" %nig&t# e)en !&en I "ou*te" t&em$ It !as my lac% o' t&oug&t t&at *roug&t t&is a*out>3 Since !&en is moaning an" !&ining part o' a %nig&ts ,o* "escription1 8ou impu"ent>3 o# it is as s&e says$ I must s&oul"er t&is responsi*ility$ It is up to me to rescue La"y Estellise$ +itc&er# So"ia> 9ntil t&en# &elp 8uri an" &is 'rien"s protect -aster Io"er$ +&oa# !&at13 I !as una*le to pre)ent t&e Royal /uar" 'rom a*"ucting 0er 0ig&ness$ I am "uty-*oun" to correct t&is !rong *y sa)ing &er$ =aptain3 +&at s&oul" *e "one a*out 0is 0ig&ness13 I' anyt&ing !ere to &appen to &im# t&e empire> I %no!$ T&at:s !&y t&is *riga"e is concentrating all our e''orts on ensuring &is sa'ety$ (ut =aptain>3 7amn it# Flynn> I "i"n:t yell at you to &a)e you turn aroun" an" start telling me !&at to "o$ (ra)e Vesperia:s going to rescue Estelle$ $8ou:)e got your o!n t&ings to !orry a*out$ 8:%no!# li%e> >ta%ing care o' t&e little prince an" all t&at$ 8uri>3 =aptain# !e "on:t &a)e a moment to spare$ +e s&oul" return to -aster Io"er$ >All rig&t$ (!al%s a!ay) (stops) 8uri$ T&an%s$ Same &ere$ Ale;ei> So &e:s t&e one !&o:s *een a")ancing 0ermes *lastia tec&nology$ 8ea&$ it:s ta%en a !&ile# *ut e)eryt&ing points *ac% to &im$ All rig&t3 e;t stop# t&e S&rine o' (action$ +e:re gonna get Estelle an" Ra)en out o' t&ere# an" s&o! Ale;ei ,ust !&o &e:s messing !it&3 8ea&3 Rig&t3 +oo'3 Agree"$ Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ Pay(a,k

RITA +IT=0ER FL8

89RI FL8 SO7IA FL8 SO7IA 89RI

Flynn SO7IA FL8 89RI <97IT0 89RI

RITA .AROL REPE7E <97IT0 I FOR-ATIO S+IT

The 2or0otten Shirne# Ba,tion ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ale ei holds an apathea in his hand controlling =stelle floating nearby in a bubble prison. 89RI Ale;ei3 ALEGEI 8eager# t&at useless !orm$ =an:t &e e)en s!at a 'e! pes%y 'lies1 .AROL /I)e Estelle *ac%3 RITA Estelle# come on# !a%e up3 Estelle3 ALEGEI o matter$ %e raises the apatheia and =stelle cries out in pain. ESTELLE Aaa&3 Ale ei observes =stelle with pitiless interest. %e raises the apatheia higher. ESTELLE A>aaa&33 Aer burst from =stelle and knocks them off their feet. <97IT0 Oo&3 REPE7E Ro!ruu3 .AROL Ouc&3 RITA Aa&3 89RI Ag&3 ESTELLE 8uri3 e)eyone3 9&>aa&> =stelle faints. ALEGEI As you can see# t&e Princess: li'e !ill 'a"e eac& time s&e uses &er po!er$ I' you care 'or &er# t&en "o not inter'ere 'urt&er$ 0e& &e&> 89RI (!ea%ly) >8ou>*astar"> /oyal Cuards charge but are dispatched by Sodia and 9lynn knights. SO7IA /et up3 0o! long "o you plan on lying aroun"13 89RI 9&>1 8ou:re Flynn:s> +&at are you "oing &ere1 +IT=0ER T&ese !ere t&e =aptain:s or"ers$ 0e sent us &ere !&en &e *ecame a!are o' 0eracles: mo)ements$ 8ou s&oul" s&o! some gratitu"e 'or t&e =aptain:s 'oresig&t$ 89RI I s!ear# t&at guy> 8ou tell Flynn !e "on:t nee" &im stic%ing &is nose !&ere it "oesn:t *elong$ SO7IA Our =aptain &asn:t !a)ere" an instant in carrying out &is "uties since spea%ing !it& you$ (ut ,ust loo% at you$ A'ter all t&e *oasting you "i"$ Piti'ul$ 89RI Sorry# *ut unli%e your precious =aptain# !e aren:t per'ect$ 89RI 0ey# you guys all rig&t1 They all get up. RITA 9&&> 0u&1 +&at are t&ey>1 89RI Apparently !e &a" some &elp$ Flynn sent t&em &ere$ SO7IA >0o! can someone li%e you> 0o! can t&e =aptain possi*ly consi"er someone li%e you &is 'rien"13 Our =aptain is t&e i"eal to !&ic& !e all aspire$ 0e:s t&e epitome o' an Imperial .nig&t$ An" yet3 For some reason !&en &e:s !it& you# &e is not &imsel'$ ,ust li%e t&is last time>

89RI

+IT=0ER SO7IA +IT=0ER SO7IA <97IT0 +IT=0ER

SO7IA T&ey lea)e$ .AROL 89RI <97IT0 RITA .AROL S+IT

!&ate)er$ I' you:re loo%ing 'or someone to &a)e a &eart to &eart !it&# go *ug Apple 0ea" o)er &ere$ +e "on:t &a)e time to sit aroun" an" play gui"ance counselor 'or you$ A-Apple 0ea"13 (going 'or &er s!or") T&at:s it33 (running aroun" to stan" *e'ore &er) So"ia# no# "on:t3 So"ia3 (stan"ing "o!n) >Listen !ell# 8uri Lo!ell$ 8our )ery e;istence is &urting our =aptain$ Stay a!ay 'rom &im3 (!al%s a!ay) S&e:s pretty intense$ 9m# Flynn also !ante" me to gi)e you t&is message$ ATa%e care$B A-all rig&t# no! !e:)e "one e)eryt&ing !e came &er to "o$ 8ou:re on your o!n a'ter t&is$ Platoon# 'all out3 +e must &urry to re,oin t&e *riga"e$ 8uri> All rig&t# let:s get a'ter Ale;ei$ +e:)e gotta mo)e 6uic%ly$ Rig&t$ I' s&e:s 'orce" to use &er po!er# t&en it:ll *e too late to sa)e &er or 'i; t&e aer$ T&at *astar"> 9sing &er li%e some %in" o' tool>3 0e:s gonna pay3 =ome on3 The Ente)e/eia1 A*ta)

,utside the shrine, they find a Bineapple Cel and a ;ife $ottle hidden in two chests. They enter the shrine. Insi"e (action5 The Shrine is old and unused with rubble from crumbled pillars and statues lying about along the walls and scattered across the broken and cracked stone floors. .arol walks to the middle of the first room then turns to face the others. .AROL Flynn sent &is %nig&ts to &elp us3 89RI T&at i"iot>sen"ing t&e *etter part o' &is su*or"inates o)er &ere3 0e s&oul" *e !orrie" a*out &is o!n *utt$ RITA T&ey "i" sa)e us# t&oug&$ .AROL 0e must really *e !orrie"$ <97IT0 A*out us1 Or a*out Estelle1 RITA (ot&# I &ope$ REPE7E +oo'3 89RI I s!ear>it:s not li%e &e &as time to *e !orrying a*out ot&er people$ So Flynn &asn:t completely &ar"ene" to ot&ers eit&er> There are /oyal Cuards here. 1any .night 9encers and $ishops pace between the large heaps of rubble near the walls.

=&est5 7ar% (ottle ;D (entrance room) =&est5 Lemon /el ;D (entrance room) The doors leading from the entrance room are blocked with rubble. The only route open is down a ladder in the >ortheast corner of the room. They climb down the ladder and are immediately attacked by .night -arriors and ;ancer S. There are also beast roaming down here. 89RI All t&ese rooms loo% t&e same$ I !on"er i' t&ey:re all li%e t&is$ .AROL I:m going to go c&ec% out !&at:s a&ea"$ 89RI Repe"e$ .arol and /epede run to investigate the ne t room. RITA (tapping &er 'oot impatiently) +e "on:t really &a)e time to *e "a!"ling> 89RI It:s o%ay$ Rela;$ .arol and /epede return. .AROL As !e t&oug&t# t&e rooms all loo% t&e same 'rom &ere on out$ Repe"e:s sense o' smell "oesn:t seem to *e !or%ing too !ell &ere# eit&er$ 89RI I see$ +e can:t a''or" to get lost in &ere$ <97IT0 0ere# use t&ese$ Let:s ma%e a map as !e go$ .AROL 8-you:re al!ays so !ell prepare"3 89RI .arol# can you "o t&is1 .AROL 8ea&# I:m goo" !it& maps$ Lea)e it to me$ RITA +e:ll *e in a lot o' trou*le i' you mess up# you %no!3 /ita raises her hand as a threat and .arol ducks and covers his head with his hands. .AROL 7-"on:t say t&at# come on>e)eryt&ing:ll *e 'ine# pro*a*ly> They e plore the rooms on the basement floor, fighting various classes of the /oyal Cuard and monsters including /abbio, 2rillbeak, and *niceros. Some room contained lanterns they could light. Dst Floor5 =&est5 T!in%le Star ;D =&est5 Panacea (ottle ;D =&est5 0oly (ottle ;D =&est5 Lemon /el ;D =&est5 Limit (ottle ;D En" Floor5 =&est5 RPPP /al" =&est5 +in" =ape ;D T&ere is a strange statue o' a !inge" creature in one o' t&e rooms$ .AROL +&at is t&is a statue o'1 89RI T&is is a temple# a'ter all$ T&is is pro*a*ly a statue o' !&ate)er "eity t&e temple !as "e"icate" to$ RITA 8ou %no!# it mig&t ,ust *e a statue o' t&e Entele;eia !e ,ust sa! outsi"e$ .AROL 0u&1 It coul"n:t *e>I mean# a monster>t&at is# it:s a>*ut t&ey "on:t e)en loo% ali%e> 89RI o# I t&in% it:s possi*le$ T&e Entele;eia &a)e po!ers *eyon" t&ose o' &umans# an" can spea% in our language$ It:s not strange to t&in% t&at &umans !oul":)e

!ors&ippe" t&em in ancient times$ T&e relations&ip *et!een t&e Entele;eia an" &umans mig&t *e closer t&an !e t&oug&t$ -ay*e t&ey "ri'te" apart "uring t&e long# long passage o' time# e)entually lea"ing to t&e situation !e 'in" oursel)es in no!$ .AROL I-I t&in% t&at I pre'er t&e "istance !e &a)e no! to t&e co?y relations&ip !e &a" *ac% t&en# &e&>&e&> =&est5 -agic Lens ;S =&est5 Lottery /el ;D =&est5 .ylin ;D They come to a room with %alberd .nights of the /oyal Cuard in front of a door sealed with a glowing red barrier. 89RI It:s t&e Royal /uar"$ .AROL T&at &as to mean !e:re on t&e rig&t trac%$ 89RI /oo" call .arol$ Estelle:s gotta *e *ac% t&ere some!&ere$ +e "on:t &a)e muc& time$ Let:s ma%e t&is 6uic%3 They give the knights the bum"s rush. After the battle, /ita e amines the door. RITA T&is is> a *arrier t&at:s *een loc%e" up some&o! !it& an encrypte" 'ormula>1 89RI =an you open it1 RITA It uses an ancient tec&nology t&at:s *arely *een stu"ie" at all$ E)en I:)e only seen somet&ing li%e t&is in *oo%s$ I coul"n:t e)en guess &o! long a t&oroug& analysis mig&t ta%e$ .AROL I:m guessing !e can:t ,ust 'orce our !ay t&roug&$ <97IT0 Loc%s usually aren:t place" on anyt&ing t&at:s easily *ro%en into$ .AROL 8ea&# you:re rig&t> +ait# &o! "o you t&in% Ale;ei got t&roug& &ere1 RITA 0e pro*a*ly 'orce" t&e loc%# using Estelle:s>t&e po!er o' t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ 89RI +&ic& means &e ma"e &er use &er po!er again$ RITA (u&& ug&) > <97IT0 (urgently) Someone:s &ere$ )uri turns around. 89RI 7u%e> +&y are you &ere1 2uke"s sword is unsheathed and held low at his side. 79.E 8ou> 0o! is t&e young la"y--t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon1 .AROL Ale;ei:s got &er some!&ere up a&ea"3 79.E >I see$ So &e &as ma"e &is mo)e$ 89RI Are you &ere *ecause o' &im# too1 79.E T&e aer %rene in t&is region &as *ecome se)erely im*alance"$ I &a)e come to restrain it$ RITA >(y restrain# you mean you actually &a)e a !ay to "o t&at1 79.E To 6uiet t&e aer %rene# t&e cause o' t&e im*alance must *e remo)e"$ The familiar red energy field plays menacingly across 2ukes blade. <97IT0 <ust come out an" say it$ 8ou mean %ill Estelle$ 89RI T&at:s enoug&$ +&at is it !it& *laming all t&e !orl":s pro*lems on a <97IT0

single girl1 An unsta*le =&il" o' t&e Full -oon cannot *e ignore"$ 8ou:re as &ar"-&ea"e" as P&aero&$ I t&oug&t as a &uman you:" see t&ings "i''erently$ 79.E Our common *on" as &umans is not&ing$ A single li'e cannot *e pri)ilege" o)er t&e 'ate o' t&e !orl"$ 89RI 8ea&# ne)er min" t&at !it&out a *unc& o' t&ose single li)es# t&ere:" *e no !orl"$ Listen$ S&e may *e a *um*ling# s&eltere" e;cuse 'or a princess# *ut s&e:s one o' ours$ S&e:s none o' you concern$ So *ac% o''3 (So>(A=.> OFF33) 79.E 7o you say t&at %no!ing ,ust &o! great a t&reat &er e;istence poses1 89RI +&at !e %no!:s got not&ing to "o !it& it$ Our motto is al!ays "o !&at:s rig&t$ An" i' t&at means &a)ing to get up close an" personal !it& you# t&en so *e it$ 2uke and )uri regard each other silently for a few long moments. 79.E >Very !ell$ T&e time &as come to s&o! me t&e resol)e t&at so impresse" P&aero&$ 2uke throws his sword at )uri"s feet. 79.E T&is is 7ein omos$ It is t&e only manner in !&ic& t&e aer may *e 6uiete"$ Raise it an" calm your min"$ T&e s!or" !ill ta%e care o' t&e rest$ )uri picks up the sword and e amines the blade closely. RITA (a!e") 7ein omos> )uri lowers the sword as 2uke walks away. 89RI 7u%e# !ait3 7ein omos--t&at:s t&e name o' t&e s!or" o' t&e imperial line t&at:s *een missing all t&is time$ +&at are you "oing !it& it1 +&y "oes somet&ing li%e t&at &a)e t&e po!er to control t&e aer1 +&o are you1 An e plosion somewhere behind the door makes the ground tremble beneath their feet. 79.E T&e ans!ers to t&ose 6uestions are not !&at you s&oul" *e see%ing no!$ /o# *e'ore you are too late$ Soon you !ill learn 'or yoursel)es t&e true !eig&t o' t&e *ur"en *orne *y t&e Entele;eia$ 89RI (e;asperate") (ug&3) > )uri calms his mind, looking at the door for a moment, then #uickly raises the sword up before the door. 89RI =ome on3 The sword reacts to the door. RITA >T&at 'ormula# it:s ,ust li%e Estelle:s$ So t&at s!or" really is> The barrier seal shudders, rocking the structure, then fades away. .AROL (a!e") It opene"> I FOR-ATIO O*taine" 7ein omos$ S+IT -u*t $ho I* 5uke7 =&est5 Simple Tent ;D =&est5 Limit *ottle ;D 79.E 89RI

+n a #uiet room beyond the door, )uri pauses to admire the sword. 89RI I can:t *elie)e t&is is 7ein omos>t&e proo' o' imperial succession$ .AROL 8uri# you can *ecome t&e emperor3 89RI T&is is ,ust 'or "ecoration$ I !oul"n:t !anna *e t&e emperor e)en i' I coul"$ <97IT0 7u%e !ent aroun" using t&at s!or" to control aer %rene> .AROL O&3 So 7u%e:s "oing t&e same t&ing as t&e Entele;eia1 <97IT0 -ay*e so$ RITA T&at s!or">it pro"uce" t&e same p&enomenon as Estelle "i"$ -ay*e t&e Ri?omata Formula !as alrea"y !or%e" out once *e'ore1 (ut t&en# !&y !as t&at in'ormation lost1 +&y "i" t&at *ecome an Imperial treasure1 89RI T&ere are tons o' t&ings !e "on:t %no! a*out t&is s!or"# *ut let:s !ait to 'igure t&em out until !e:)e settle" t&ings &ere$ Rig&t no!# rescuing Estelle is our top priority$ RITA Rig&t$ Let:s &urry3 =&est5 -ermai" =loa% ;D =&est5 -yt&ril /auntlet ;D =&est5 -elange /el ;D =&est5 -asa%ari =lea)er ;D ----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# Ma0i, Lantern They come to a dark room with lanterns hidden beyond holes in the floor. They fall through one such hole. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------=&est5 =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 ^PPP /al" 0eal (racelet ;D Panacea (ottle ;D Lemon /el ;D

They take the contents of the four treasure chests and move cautiously into the ne t room. Ale ei is there with captive =stelle still in her bubble along with a severely wounded Astal lying on the floor. ALEGEI Astal$ 0o! "oes it 'eel to 'ace your last moments in t&e )ery temple *uilt to !ors&ip you1 0a& &a& &a&$ Astal +re>tc&e">&u>man> ESTELLE Enoug&3 Ale;ei# please top t&is3 ALEGEI 0a&$ I' you are so eager to 'ree &im 'rom &is su''ering> +&y not use your &ealing artes to com'ort &im1 ESTELLE > ALEGEI 0a& &a& &a& &a&3 8ou:re utterly po!erless$ Alone# you are not&ing more t&an a poisonous *lig&t to t&is !orl"$ I:m sure you un"erstan" t&at no!$ )uri, .arol, Hudith and /ita burst into the room. 89RI Estelle# are you all rig&t13

.AROL ALEGEI ESTELLE RITA ALEGEI

Estelle3 8ou again$ +&at stu**orn# misgui"e" 'ools you all are$ 8uri3 E)eryone3 Estelle# !e:)e come to rescue you3 0ump&$ 8ou are incapa*le o' sa)ing t&is princess$ I am &er only &ope 'or sal)ation$ 89RI Spare me3 ALEGEI T&e most glorious moment 'or any tool is !&en it is 'inally use"$ E)en t&e poison o' t&is !orl" can *e a *lessing# i' use" correctly$ An" only I can "o t&at$ Ale ei raises the apathea in his hand ALEGEI o! Princess# come !it& me$ +it&out me# I am a'rai" your po!er> ESTELLE Aaaaa&3 As Ale ei raises the apathea, =stelle"s body illuminates with aer and she screams in pain. <97IT0 (running 'or!ar") Ale;ei# stop3 Aa&3 Hudith and the others are stopped in her tracks. ESTELLE <u"it&3 Astal /r>a&$ Astal struggles to get up. Ale ei throws his head back with a hearty laugh. ALEGEI 0a& &a& &a&$ +eren:t you Entele;eia suppose" to *e masters o' t&is !orl"1 89RI Stop it33 Let Estelle go3 ALEGEI O&# &o! "isappointing$ 0e:s "ea"$ ESTELLE (ut &o! can t&at *e>1 Ale ei strolls forward and picks up the apathea left by Astal"s dying body. ALEGEI Smaller t&an I !oul" &a)e &ope"$ o matter$ It can *e use" in any num*er o' !ays$ Ale ei tucks the apathea inside his red armor coat. 89RI ("isguste") Ale;ei> Ale ei descends the stairs toward them. ALEGEI A&# you:)e come t&is 'ar$ o!# *e *apti?e" in t&e aer your "ear princess c&arge" !it& &er o!n &an"s3 Again, Ale ei raises the apathea in his hand pulling =stelle"s bubble behind him as he stands at the head of the stairs. =stelle cries out in pain and watches as her friends are paraly!ed by the aer she is unwillingly generating. .AROL Aaaa&3 RITA 9g&3 ESTELLE o3 Please stop t&is33 -ith a guttural cry of fury, )uri raises the 2ein >omos. 89RI /r>Ta%e T&is3 )uri raises 2ein >omos. The sword takes over and cancels out the aer. ALEGEI +&at1 +&at are you "oing !it& t&at s!or"1 +&at &appene" to 7u%e1 89RI 0e ga)e t&is to us *e'ore &e too% o''$ An" &e "i"n:t seem all t&at !orrie" a*out you$ ALEGEI >+&at irony$ T&at !&ic& I &a)e searc&e" 'or all t&ese years> (Ale;ei closes &is eyes) T&at it !oul" arri)e at my 'eet only !&en I no longer &a)e a nee" 'or it>

(opens &is eyes# smiles c&eer'ully) +it& t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# t&e apat&eia# an" my %no!le"ge# 7ein omos means not&ing to me$ 89RI Tal% to yoursel' a lot# &u&1 ot a goo" sign$ o! s&ut up an" let Estelle go3 ALEGEI 0e&$ Are you certain t&at is !&at t&e Princess !ants1 <97IT0 Estelle13 ESTELLE (e&&) > RITA Estelle3 ('ear'ul) +&at:s going on13 ()ery a'rai") Estelle3 ESTELLE I>I "on:t %no!$ .AROL +&at are you tal%ing a*out1 ESTELLE As long as I:m !it& you all I:ll only cause you &arm$ (ut> I !ant to *e !it& you3 I ,ust "on:t %no! !&at I s&oul" "o3 89RI Forget a*out t&at# Estelle3 /et o)er &ere3 I' t&ere:s somet&ing you:re unsure a*out# !e:ll !or% it out toget&er3 ESTELLE 8uri>3 They all run toward =stelle but are flattened to the ground. They all cry out in unison. RITA Aa&3 89RI /aa&3 <97IT0 9g&3 .AROL Ag&3 Ale ie watches calmly but =stelle is in turmoil. ESTELLE I>I can:t ta%e t&is> ALEGEI o! no!# -ister 8uri Lo!ell$ Suc& *ras& *e&a)ior "oes not *e'it a young la"y:s escort$ ot )ery gentlemanly o' you at all$ They are on their feet but still unsteady. 89RI Sorry 'or my lac% o' manners$ T&ere aren:t many gentlemen !&ere I:m 'rom$ ALEGEI T&at s!or" is not&ing more t&an an annoyance no!$ I !ill ri" mysel' o' you &ere$ Ale ei walks calmly past them. ESTELLE 8uri3 Ale ei bids =stelle"s bubble prison to follow him as member of his /oyal Cuard assemble to attack )uri and party. RITA /et out o' t&e !ay3 A familiar officer without a helmet walks over to the assembled soldiers and issues a command for the Cuard to leave. As the knights run past him, he strolls toward )uri and friends. %e is the same black haired Captain they saw at Caer $ochram. RITA +&o:s &e13 89RI =aptain Sc&!ann# isn:t it1 I t&oug&t you al!ays let your %nig&ts &an"le t&ing 'or you$ +&at:s !it& t&e c&ange1 REPE7E (rea"y 'or *attle *esi"e 8uri) +oo' !oo'> +oo'3 89RI +&at is it# Repe"e1 Captain Schwann speaks to them in a familiar voice. Sc&!ann >I suppose t&ere:s no 'ooling t&e nose o' a "og$ <97IT0 (sti'le" gasp) > .AROL >T&at )oice> +ait>Ra)en1 <97IT0 >T&is "oesn:t loo% li%e a ,o%e$ RITA One o' t&e 9nion:s most important mem*ers is a

captain in t&e .nig&ts1 0u&# so t&at:s !&at !as going on$ +ait3 (ut !&at a*out t&e 7on# Ra)en>1 =on)ersing !it& you is not one o' my "uties$ Ra)en>3 +e:re in a *it o' a &urry# so let us t&roug&$ +ait# you:re not really t&in%ing o' trying to stop us# are you1 Capt. SchwannG/aven draws his sword. 89RI +&at t&e &ell13 Sc&!ann Sc&!ann Oltorain# First =aptain o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ Rea"y to "o *attle$ 89RI .AROL Sc&!ann .AROL 89RI /aven is beaten down. $reathing heavy and kneeling on one knee, he gets to his feet and rushes at )uri who easily blocks his blows. -ith a small smile, Schwann lowers his blade as )uri slices across his chest with his sword. Sc&!ann Arrg&$ 89RI 0ey3 A red light pulsates with a heart beat rhythm from the torn armor where Schwann"s heart should have been. >o human heart is there. Sc&!ann 0e&>I !oul" &a)e t&oug&t suc& a *lo! !oul" *e t&e en" o' me>o' t&is curse" *o"y$ RITA +&at t&e>Is t&at a *lastia in &is c&est13 <97IT0 >It:s &is &eart$ Or rat&er a *lastia t&at &as ta%en its place$ Schwann looks up toward the ceiling. Sc&!ann >T&e original !as lost ten years ago$ %e closes his eyes and lowers his head. .AROL Ten years>you mean in t&e /reat +ar1 Sc&!ann I lost my li'e "uring t&at !ar$ (ut Ale;ei sa! 'it to gi)e it *ac% to me !it& t&is$ <97IT0 >So t&at must *e a 0ermes *lastia as !ell$ +&y "i" (a:ul not notice it t&en>1 SO7IA I !oul" imagine t&at is *ecause it isn:t po!ere" *y aer# *ut *y my o!n li'e 'orce$ RITA >A *lastia po!ere" only *y &uman )itality1 o !ay> The ground shakes and something crumbles. .AROL +&at !as t&at1 Hudith, /ita and /epede run to look at the doorway. <97IT0 +e:)e *een trappe" insi"e$ Schwann sits down cross-legged on the stone floor. %e hangs his head looking down into his own lap so he won"t have to look at their faces.. SO7IA >T&at !oul" *e Ale;ei$ 0e inten"s to *ury you ali)e$ 89RI +&oa# &ol" on$ E)en !it& you still in &ere1 SO7IA 0e coul"n:t pass up a c&ance to "ispose o' t&at s!or"# no! t&at it:s o' no use to &im$ 89RI So &e !as using Estelle to lure 7u%e &ere$ 89RI T&is guy is e)en more t!iste" t&an I t&oug&t$ RITA 0ey# ol" man3 T&is is no time to *e stan"ing aroun"3 SO7IA T&e en" &as 'inally arri)e" 'or me$ <97IT0 8ou>ne)er inten"e" to lea)e t&is place ali)e$ Sc&!ann is silent# o''ering no e;planation or action$ 8uri !al%s o)er to Sc&!ann an" s&a%es &is s&oul"er roug&ly$

89RI

+&o sai" you ,ust get to lay "o!n an" "ie rig&t &ere1 E)en i' all your tra)els !it& us !ere ,ust some ,o%e to you> .arol looks on, the hurt evident in his eyes. 89RI Are you trying to tell me your anger at t&e 7on:s "eat& !as ,ust an act# too1 I t&oug&t t&e guil"s ne)er 6uit until t&e ,o* !as "one> +asn:t t&at &is "ying !is&13 8ou go on li)ing until t&e en"3 SO7IA >-an# you really can *e a "o!ner sometimes# ya %no! t&at1 .arol smiles and runs to stand before Schwann. Schwann smiles into .arol"s eyes and putting an arrow into his bow, fires it at the blocked door. There"s a rumble and )uri looks up &ust as the ceiling starts to give away from the weight of the crumbling temple. 89RI 7amn3 +e:re not gonna ma%e it$ The ceiling falls but they are unhurt. They look up to see Schwann holding up the ceiling with his bare hands. $lood from a wound begins to trickle down his forehead, his blastia heart pulsating sharply from the tremendous effort. .AROL Ra)en>13 RITA o3 I' you use your *lastia li%e t&at in t&e con"ition you:re in# you:ll>3 Sc&!ann I can:t %eep t&is up 'ore)er> /et outta &ere$ 89RI Ol" man3 Sc&!ann Ale;ei:s &ea"e" 'or t&e capital$ T&ere &e:ll implement t&e 'inal stages o' &is plan$ T&e rest>I:ll lea)e in your &an"s$ .AROL Ra)en3 Ra)en33 .arol looks up at Schwann pleadingly. 89RI >.arol# come on$ .AROL (ut3 89RI -o)e3 .AROL (a&&&) > Schwann looks at .arol and nods at him. Sc&!ann 0e&$ -ust *e getting: so't in my ol" age> As they flee the room, they hear the ceiling give way. .arol falls to the floor in grief. .AROL Oo&>Ra)en> RITA T&at i"iot> So &e really !as one o' us# a'ter all$ 7amn it> 8ou i"iot3 89RI Loo% ali)e# !e:)e got a princess t&at nee"s rescuing3 o! step to it3 /ita and .arol run past )uri but Hudith stands her ground. <97IT0 Stuc% !it& anot&er ,o* no*o"y muc& !ants1 89RI >It:s not&ing$ +e are actually in a &urry$ )uri runs and Hudith follows. ,utside the temple, all is at peace. RITA T&e 0eracles is gone3 89RI <ust li%e Ra)en sai"# t&ey must &a)e le't 'or 4ap&ias alrea"y$ A familiar voice calls to )uri. VOI=E 8-8uri Lo!ell13 +&at are you "oing &ere13 Three knights run to them. 89RI Le*lanc13 E)en T!ee"le A an" T!ee"le ( are &ere$

Adecor and $occos complain in unison. A7E=OR I say# "on:t you "are call me t&at3 (O==OS An" !&at is a T!ee"le13 Out !it& it3 LE(LA = Foools3 (t&ey snap to attention) T&is is not t&e time 'or nonsense3 ;eblanc turns to face )uri. LE(LA = 7i" you not see our =aptain Sc&!ann1 I &a)e &a" on !or" 'rom &im since &e ,oine" t&e operation o' 0is E;cellency t&e =omman"ant$ I simply cannot compre&en" t&e =omman"ant:s recent actions$ +e &a)e searc&e" e)ery!&ere# *ut !ere *roug&t &ere *y a report t&at 0eracles &a" *een seen> 89RI Ale;ei is on &is !ay to t&e capital$ In 0eracles$ LE(LA = A&# !e ,ust misse" &im# t&en3 An" !&at a*out =aptain Sc&!ann> .AROL Ra)>Sc&!ann sa)e" us$ (&angs &is &ea" in sorro!) LE(LA = Oo&# "i" &e no!13 So t&en# &e:s a*oar" 0eracles as !ell1 <97IT0 >0e:s in t&e s&rine$ T&e "eepest part$ There is a loud rumble from the shrine. A7E=OR +&at>1 (O==OS +ait>you> LE(LA = > o# t&is is not &appening$ I-it can:t *e3 8ou3 Tell me !&at &appene"3 I !ant to &ear it# 8uri Lo!ell3 RITA +e almost "ie" t&an%s to Ale;ei3 T&e only reason !e:re stan"ing &ere no! is *ecause o' your =aptain3 89RI Ale;ei apparently &as some sort o' secret plan 'or t&e empire# an" it can:t *e goo"$ +e:re going to ma%e sure &e "oesn:t get t&e c&ance to carry it out$ I' you:re any %in" o' %nig&ts at all# you !on:t stan" in our !ay$ ;eblanc drops to his knees. LE(LA = >(ut &o!>&o! coul" it &a)e come to t&is>1 <97IT0 Let:s &urry$ I:ll call (a:ul$ S+IT IB)) *ave E*te))e S+IT Raven $a*? Airborne in the 9ierta, they spot %eracles. 89RI +e caug&t up to t&em3 .arol (pointing( Loo%3 The %eracles treads the water like an impossibly gigantic and imposing sea turtle, dwarfing the ships from the +mperial navy around it. ,n one of the ships, 9lynn addresses his troops. FL8 T&e Imperial .nig&ts must s&o! courage# regar"less o' t&e t&reat t&ey 'ace3 E)eryone3 Stan" !it& me3 <97IT0 T&at:s suici"e$ RITA T&ey:re "ea" i' t&ey get too close to 0eracles$ 89RI +ell# it is Flynn$ I !oul"n:t t&in% &e:" *e cra?y enoug& to ram t&at t&ing &ea" on> E)en so# t&eir little 'leet "oesn:t stan" a c&ance

against t&at 'ortress$ +ell# i' !e can:t get in 'rom t&e *ottom# !e:ll ,ust get in 'rom t&e top$ .AROL +&at13 +ait# let:s t&in% t&is o)er a little more> <97IT0 (a:ul# ta%e us up3 $a"ul roars and the ship begins to shake violently as they are attacked. <97IT0 0ol" on tig&t or you:ll *e s&a%en o''$ .AROL T&-t&ey:re s&ooting at us3 <97IT0 (a:ul3 RITA (pointing) T&ere3 T&e rear le't3 It:s t&e only area t&at isn:t s&ooting$ 89RI O%ay# t&at:s t&e spot3 7o you t&in% &e can get us t&ere1 Hudith looks up at $a"ul. <97IT0 0e:s a little &urt t&at you:" e)en as%$ 89RI (loo%ing up) 0e&# sorry$ All rig&t$ It:s up to &im$ <97IT0 Ta%e us in# (a:ul$ 89RI Let:s go3 The ship tilts dangerously as $a"ul takes off. .AROL Aaaaaaaag&3 <97IT0 The Mo(i)e 2ortre** HERACLES ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The story resumes onboard the %eracles. Two /oyal Cuardsmen lie dead or unconscious beside their respective cannons. )uri and Hudith stand tall while /ita landed sprawled on her butt while .arol seems fro!en in a froglike position. .AROL -an# I t&oug&t I !as "ea"> RITA (getting up) All t&e guar"s are "o!n> 89RI So t&at:s !&y t&e cannon 'ire 'rom t&is section !as so !ea%$ <97IT0 Someone:s &ere> ;eblanc appears. Adecor and $occos bring up the rear. LE(LA = 8ou ne)er come prepare" !it& a plan# "o you1 Is *rute 'orce t&e only strategy you %no!1 A7E=OR T&at:s rig&t# I say3 (O==OS T&is time it:s curtains 'or you3 RITA 8ou guys again1 7on:t you e)er gi)e up13 89RI >T&e Sc&!ann (riga"e1 Still gunning 'or Ale;ei a'ter e)eryt&ing t&at:s &appene"1 LE(LA = +e .nig&ts must "o as our pri"e "eman"s3 .AROL >=ome on you guys# lea)e us alone3 RITA Seriously3 Loo%ing at you guys ma%e me remem*er a 'ace t&at I:m trying &ar" to 'orget3 RAVE :S VOI=E +&at sort o' 'ace "o ya mean1 -ust *e some poor sap !it& a pretty ugly mug$ ;eblanc and company snap to attention. $ehind them /aven turns to face them with a smile. 89RI Ra)en>3 Hudith, .arol and /ita all speak at once. <97IT0 It:s you>3 .AROL Ra)en3 RITA 0ey>ol" man3 RAVE Ra)en t&e /reat# ("oes a *lac%'lip an" !in%s) at your

ser)ice$ (leans 'or!ar") +&at1 So &appy ta see me# cat:s got our tongue1 89RI +&at are you "oing &ere# ol" man1 RAVE /ee# gla" to see you# too$ /aven moves #uick as lightning to take out a sneaky /oyal Cuardsman. Turning away, he instructs his three loyal troops. RAVE All rig&t# men3 0ol" "o!n t&e 'ort &ere$ LE(LA = Sir3 A7E=OR @ (O==OS 8es# sir3 The three happily run elsewhere. RAVE T&ere# t&at s&oul" "o it$ .AROL Ra)en> RAVE O%ay# it:s up to you guys 'rom &ere$ RITA 0o! can you say t&at13 T&ere:s no !ay !e can trust you3 /epede leaves the group and approaches /aven. 89RI 7on:t try to preten" you 'orgot !&at you "i"# ol" man$ RAVE I see$ +ell t&en "o me a 'a)or an" put me "o!n 6uic%$ /aven throws his knife to )uri who catches it, spinning it around easily. RITA (&an"s on &ips) 0ey3 +&at are you trying to pro)e13 RAVE I "i"n:t t&in% I care" t&at muc& a*out li)in:# *ut *e'ore I %ne! it# I !as !aist "eep in all t&is$ I' I &a)e ta *e "one in *y you guys &ere# !ell# t&ere:re !orse !ays I coul" go$ <97IT0 o! t&at you:)e turne" on Ale;ei# your *lastia coul" *e s&ut "o!n anytime$ So you mig&t as !ell "ie &ere> Is t&at !&at you mean1 RAVE I:)e *een a "ea" man 'or o)er ten years$ 89RI So !&at is a "ea" guy li%e yoursel' "oing &ere# any!ay1 ()oice lo!) Ra)en# you came &ere to settle accounts !it& us# "i"n:t you1 89RI +ell# (ra)e Vesperia !oul" *e please" to ta%e care o' t&at 'or you$ 9lipping the knife in his hand, )uri strolls up to the old man and points the blade at him. -ith a flip of his wrist )uri strikes /aven on the chin with the hilt. /aven reels from the blow. RAVE O!> )uri throws the knife away. 89RI 8our li'e *elongs to (ra)e Vesperia no!$ From no! on# !&et&er you li)e or "ie "epen"s on us$ Rig&t1 (loo%s aroun" at t&e ot&ers$) .AROL 0e& &e&$ T&at:s per'ect# 8uri$ They file past /aven. .arol leaps into the air smacking /aven hard on the head as he comes down. /aven falls to his knees. RAVE Ag&3 .AROL T&is is your punis&ment$ Hudith holds her hand out to help /aven to his feet. RAVE ('ull o' gratitu"e) A&# t&an%s <u"it&# "arlin:$ Hudith gets /aven to his feet, then punches him in the eye, sending him reeling backward. RAVE 9aaag&3 (sin%s to t&e 'loor &ol"ing &is eye) /ita delivers a solid punch below /aven"s right ribcage then dusts her hands off.

RAVE 9g&3 /aven grips a nearby pipe for support, struggling to stand upright. RITA I "i"n:t !ant to 'eel le't out$ Still grasping the pipe, /aven sinks to the floor sitting on his backside. RAVE O&&# t&e *rutality> 89RI:S VOI=E Ra)en$ 7o you %no! !&ere Ale;ei:s &i"ing1 RAVE 9&> I guess &e:" *e in t&e !ar room> <97IT0 Let:s go# t&en$ 89RI All rig&t$ .arol walks back to /aven. .AROL 8ou:re not allo!e" to ,ust go "yin: on us# Ra)en3 I FOR-ATIO Ra)en earne" t&e AImmortal Ol" -anB title$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT The Roya) <uard At the foot of the stairs, ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos stand guard. LE(LA = =aptain Sc&!ann3 (e care'ul3 Sir3 (O==OS I !ill not &a)e you "isrespect t&e =aptain3 Supply 7epot AA"ecorB A7E=OR +e:re &ere to supply your nee"s3 +e:re your supply line3 =ome *ac% i' you nee" anyt&ing3 =&est5 aginata ;D =&est5 Li'e (ottle ;D =&est5 Limit (ottle ;D They work their way down from the top of %ercales and enter the first unlocked door they find. A glowing light leaks upward from a pipe. REPE7E +oo'3 89RI 0u&1 Is t&is aer1 RITA (*en"ing o)er# peering at it) >It appears so$ Aer is 'lo!ing t&roug& t&is pipe$ RAVE Ain:t it "angerous gettin: so close to it1 RITA T&is aer isn:t )ery t&ic%$ It:s sa'e$ .AROL (ut !&y is aer 'lo!ing t&roug& t&e 0eracles1 RITA It seems t&at aer is !&at:s ma%ing t&is giant contraption !or%$ <97IT0 It:s *eing supplie" !it& aer# !it&out t&e nee" 'or aer %rene>!o!> .AROL T&e Sorcerer:s Ring is glo!ing> <97IT0 I sa! it "o t&e same t&ing *ac% in /&as'arost$ 89RI 8ea&# !e !ere toget&er !&en t&at &appene"$ RITA Let me see t&at$ RITA (e;amines t&e ring) $ $ $ 89RI A!!# I:)e al!ays !ante" to &ol" &an"s !it& you# Rita$ RITA H*lus&ingI /ita makes a fist and )uri #uickly takes a couple of steps back. RITA It:s *eing a''ecte" *y t&e aer$ T&e interior geometry is c&anging$ /ita e amines a metal gate stacked up against the wall. RITA Try pointing it at t&is gate$ )uri fires the ring and destroys the gate. .AROL >It really seems a lot more po!er'ul t&an it !as *e'ore$ Are you sure t&at:s o%ay1 89RI I' it can "estroy e)eryt&ing it s&oots# t&at !oul" "e'initely *e "angerous$

RITA

T&at !as a reaction *et!een t&e aer insi"e t&e gate an" t&e aer t&at t&e ring s&ot$ It !on:t "estroy anyt&ing an" e)eryt&ing$ 8ou can rela;$ <97IT0 Let:s use t&e Sorcerer:s Ring to "estroy t&at gate# too$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Sorcerer:s Ring L)$ 3$ S+IT The Man)y $ay They use the ring to break into locked rooms to find treasure and items. =&est5 0oly (ottle ;D =&ec%5 Re'le; ;D =&est5 -elange /el ;D =&ec%5 +on"er Sym*ol ;D =&est5 Lemon /el ;D They go down more stairs and enter a double metal door to emerge on a landing. 2own below they see several %alberd .nights and $ishops guarding another door. RAVE T&at loo%s li%e t&e engine room to me$ .AROL T&at sure is some &ea)y security$ 89RI It "oesn:t loo% li%e it:ll *e too easy to stop it$ +e mig&t &a)e to %eep Flynn an" t&e ot&ers !aiting 'or a !&ile$ RITA It:ll *e impossi*le to 'orce our !ay insi"e !it& t&at many guar"s$ RITA +-!&at1 89RI Since !&en are you so le)el-&ea"e"1 RITA +e:)e come t&is 'ar--"on:t you t&in% !e s&oul" *e care'ul not to mess t&ings up1 89RI +ell# i' !e can stop t&is t&ing 'rom mo)ing 'or a little !&ile# Flynn an" &is men !ill *e a*le to get insi"e$ Let:s go c&ec% out t&e control room$ .AROL Ra)en# "o you %no! !&ere t&e control room is1 RAVE Sorry$ T&at:s one t&ing I "on:t %no!$ <97IT0 +&at i' t&e control room:s e)en more &ea)ily guar"e"1 89RI In t&at case# !e:ll &a)e no c&oice *ut to 'orce our !ay in$ RAVE +ell# t&at:ll mean !ar against t&e imperial %nig&ts$ ot al!ays easy to *e courageous$ .AROL Let:s &ope it "oesn:t come to t&at> =&est5 7ar% (ottle ;D =&ec%5 Rose +&ip ;D T&ey 'in" a control panel$ Select A control panel 'or a 'reig&t li't use" to mo)e *lastia$ -o)e (lastia1 (c&oose5 -o)e) A conveyor belt above grasping bo es starts to move. A nearby door leads to a open area several stories high with platforms and ladders around the walls. There is a ladder high on a wall that cannot be reached &ust yet. =&est5 Panacea (ottle ;D =&est5 Treat ;D (outsi"e) ,n the outside they find a door that leads them to the conveyor belt room. They take out the nearest knight and e amine the blastia he was guarding:

I FOR-ATIO

``Pri)ate__ Access to t&e control room$ -a;imum security en'orce"$ In case o' emergency# stop t&e colore" *lastia locate" on t&e !all$ (lastia can *e "estroye" !it& a strong 'orce$ =aution5 Report to superiors a'ter "estroying *lastia3 )uri shoots the blastia contraption with his ring. =&est5 /uar"ian Stamp ;3 At last they break into the control room only to find Ale ei"s solders dead. RAVE +&at in t&e>1 .AROL T&e Royal /uar" &a)e *een ta%en out> They descend the stairs and find Zagi walking among the dead. 4A/I 8ou %no! &o! I &ate !aiting# 8uri Lo!ell3 <97IT0 8ou !ere t&e one !&o !ipe" out all o' t&ese people$ 4A/I I "on:t !ant any*o"y else getting in my !ay$ 89RI +e:)e got no time to play !it& you$ +&ere:s Ale;ei1 +&ere:s &e ta%en Estelle1 4A/I 0e& &e& &e&$ 0e:s not &ere3 0e !as ne)er e)en &ere to *egin !it&$ RITA +&at13 89RI 7ammit3 Ale;ei# you *astar"3 So &e !as ,ust using t&is *e&emot& as a "ecoy> RAVE 0e&# gotta &an" it to &im> 0e "re! t&e .nig&ts an" all o' us to 0eracles> -ean!&ile# &e slips out t&e *ac%> RITA -an# ,ust !&en I t&oug&t I coul"n:t &ate t&at guy any more$ 4A/I 0ey3 0ol" on a minute3 Aren:t you 'orgetting someone13 S&ut up3 Let:s get t&is party starte"3 %e beckons with his hand for )uri to come. 89RI I &ate &a)ing to repeat mysel'$ +e:)e got no time 'or you# so ta%e a !al%3 I' you !anna get in our !ay# you:" *etter *e rea"y to &it t&e groun"$ 4A/I 0a& &a& &a&> /oo"# 8uri> 0ate me3 =ome on3 0ate me3 T&ere is no 'iner spice in all t&e !orl"3 0a& &a& &a&3 .AROL > Is &e ,ust getting in our !ay to ma%e us angry1 <97IT0 0e:s &opeless$ 4A/I o!>let us 'inis& t&is# 8uri Lo!ell3 4A/I I:m so &appy to see you again$ 89RI "ammit &o! long are you going to %eep c&asing us3 4A/I I guess you:re ,ust as &appy !e met as I am$ RITA +&at is !it& t&is i"iot 89RI Let:s ,ust get t&is o)er !it& an" 'in" Ale;ei$ 4A/I Rig&t no!# I:m t&e most important t&ing you got$ 89RI Seriously# "rop it alrea"y$ Zagi poisions himself. 4A/I 0e &e &e> I t&in% !e:re a*out e)en no!$ After battle comments: 89RI &o! long are you gonna %eep c&asing us1 .AROL I ne)er t&oug&t &e:" *e &ere$ RITA 8ou gotta *e tire" a'ter comin: all t&at !ay$ Zagi is beaten but his mouth still works.

4A/I 89RI

9rg&3 0e&> 8ou:re a!esome> 8uuuuriiii3 8ou:)e got "epen"ency issues# you %no! t&at1 Enoug& is enoug&3 )uri sends a blast at Zagi that lifts his off his feet and sends him crashing through a window in the control room. 4A/I 9g&3 The sound of various crashes and thuds are heard outside as Zagi falls. 89RI Rita3 RITA I:m on it3 /ita commands the nearest control panel. RITA T&ere> 7one3 %ercales powers down with a whine and a thud. <97IT0 >It stoppe"$ RAVE T&at:s our genius mage$ 89RI Flynn s&oul" *e a*le to comman"eer 0eracles no!$ RITA >Estelle> +&ere &a)e t&ey ta%en you1 .AROL Rita> RITA S&e:s not&ing more t&an a tool to Ale;ei3 I' &e %eeps 'orcing Estelle to use &er po!er> S&e coul" really unleas& t&e A"ep&agos3 89RI ot on our !atc&$ T&at:s !&at !e:re &ere 'or# rig&t1 <97IT0 +e "on:t &a)e a moment to lose$ 0eracles must *e using a 0ermes *lastia# too$ T&at:s t&e only t&ing t&at coul" po!er somet&ing t&is *ig$ .AROL +e:)e gotta 'in" Ale;ei# 'ast3 <97IT0 (a:ul can &elp us 'ollo! t&e "istur*ance in t&e aer$ I' Estelle is *eing 'orce" to use &er po!er# !e !ill 'in" &er$ 89RI All rig&t> A sudden blast knocks everyone but )uri off their feet. =veryone e claims in pain and shock. Zagi stands in the broken window. 4A/I 0aa& &a&3 8uuri3 T&is isn:t o)er yet3 RITA T&e control panel3 %eracles comes to life. RAVE >+e:re mo)in: again3 4A/I 0a& &a& &a& &a&3 8uri3 =ome 'ly !it& me3 89RI Arg&> -y *o"y> =veryone is unable to move. .AROL It:s no use> +e can:t treat e)eryone at once !it&out Estelle:s &ealing artes$ <97IT0 +e can:t let it en" &ere>3 4A/I A&&# yes3 T&at:s !on"er'ul3 Let:s "o it3 2roite and Cauche double team Zagi as )eager stands on the stairs landing with a rifle. 4A/I Oo'3 -ith a smile, )eager shoots Zagi who falls outside from the window, yet again. 4A/I Aaaaaaag&3 )eager lowers his weapon. 8EA/ER O& &o &o$ +&at a lo)ely little scream &e ma"e$ Cauche and 2roite cast a healing arte on )uri and friends. 89RI 8eager3 +&at:s going on13 8EA/ER It !oul" *e )ery *a"# yes )ery *a" 'or *usiness

in"ee"# i' t&e empire got too *ig 'or its *ritc&es$ Ale;ei &as gone to 4ap&ias$ T&e S!or" Stair o' 4ap&ias &as a secret# you %no!$ I t&oug&t 'or sure t&at &e:" nee" 7ein omos to use as a %ey$ <a# *ut it loo%s li%e &e:s planning to use your little Princess instea"$ RITA +&at13 <97IT0 It "oesn:t loo% li%e no! is a goo" time to "iscuss t&is$ RAVE -an# t&is isn:t goo"$ At t&is rate !e:re gonna 'latten t&e lo!er 6uarter o' 4ap&ias$ 89RI Rita3 RITA It:s no goo"3 T&is t&ing is totale"3 .AROL +e ,ust &a)e to cut its po!er3 Cauche and 2roite &oin )eager on the stairs. 8EA/ER I !is& you t&e *est o' luc% !it& t&at3 So>too"les3 .AROL 0ey# !ait3 89RI 8eager$ <ust !&at is it &e:s a'ter1 <97IT0 Let:s t&in% a*out t&at later$ Rig&t no! !e:)e got to stop 0eracles$ 89RI I %no!$ Let:s go 'in" t&e engine room$ The others leave while .arol and /aven linger for a moment. .AROL 8eager> 8ou !on:t get o'' t&e &oo% ne;t time3 .arol runs off too leaving /aven alone. RAVE o one gets 8eager *ut me$ ot e)en t&e *oss o' (ra)e Vesperia$ S+IT Za0i S+IT LeviathanB* C)aw They battle their way to the engine room. Sodia tries to reason with two members of the /oyal Cuard. The floor is littered with Ale ei"s guard who have fallen. SO7IA o# you are all *eing 'oole"3 Ale;ei &as *een using t&e .nig&ts 'or &is o!n personal gain>3 .nig&t +arrior +&at are you tal%ing a*out3 T&e =omman"ant is an &onor to t&e %nig&ts# an" someone !e s&oul" all 'ollo!$ .nig&t (0al*er") Flynn is trying to o)ert&ro! 0is E;cellency$ 0e:s t&e real traitor3 The knight lowers his halberd preparing to run Sodia through. A sword blast from )uri knocks them aside. 89RI 0aa&3 .nig&ts Aaa&33 SO7IA (putting a!ay &er s!or") I "on:t recall as%ing 'or your &elp> 89RI 7on:t t&ey teac& you %nig&ts &o! to say a simple t&an% you1 SO7IA I !ill ne)er gi)e t&an%s to you as long as I li)e3 Sodia pulls out her sword and points the blade at )uri. SO7IA 8ou "i"n:t t&in% I coul" ,ust let you !al% a!ay# "i" you>1 89RI <ee?# &o! many times am I gonna &a)e to say t&is1 +e "on:t &a)e time to mess aroun" !it& you$ <97IT0 I' you really !ant to "o t&is# t&en !e !on:t &ol" *ac%$ RITA T&ere:s somet&ing else !e:)e gotta *e "oing# so try /A9=0E 7ROITE 8EA/ER

an" %eep out o' t&e !ay$ So you plan to rescue La"y Estellise1 8ea&$ So come on# put "o!n your s!or"$ 0e:s rig&t# ya %no!$ o*o"y:" come out a !inner in t&is 'ig&t$ SO7IA =aptain Sc&!ann> RAVE T&e name:s Ra)en$ 8ou:ll remem*er t&at 'or me# !ontc&a1 Sodia stands down resentfully. SO7IA 8uri Lo!ell$ 7on:t t&in% I:)e 'orgi)en you$ A criminal li%e you &as no place *esi"e my =aptain$ 89RI An"1 +&at "o you plan to "o a*out it1 SO7IA Once I 'inis& cleaning up t&is mess# I:ll *e *ac% to "eli)er your punis&ment$ A 9lynn .night %alberd reports to Sodia. . I/0T +e:)e encountere" large num*ers o' t&e enemy a&ea"$ +e are# at present# outnum*ere"$ SO7IA 9n"erstoo"$ I !ill come at once$ -ith a frown at )uri, Sodia follows the knight and leaves. .AROL It soun"s li%e Flynn:s troops are &a)ing trou*le too$ 89RI ; ; ; I' !e "on:t *ring t&is t&ing "o!n rig&t no!# t&ey:re gonna &a)e more t&an ,ust a &ea"ac&e$ RAVE All rig&t$ O'' ta t&e engine room !e go$ =&ec%5 Vaga*on" ;3 They enter the engine room and stand before a control panel on a platform suspended in a sea of bright red aer. 89RI +&at:s t&is>13 RITA T&e *lastia:s out o' control3 89RI Loo%s li%e 4agi smas&ing up t&at control panel "i" more "amage t&an !e t&oug&t$ RAVE (panic%y) So# so !&at t&e &ell are !e gonna "o a*out t&is t&ing1 Hudith snaps out her spear. RITA +ait3 <97IT0 I "on:t t&in% !aiting is going to "o us any goo"$ RITA o# I t&in% I get it3 Loo% at t&at33 ,n a higher platform, an apatheia rotates in a column of red aer. .AROL 9g&3 +&at is t&at1 RITA Aer is *eing trans'erre" at a tremen"ous rate$ T&ere can only *e one place somet&ing t&is *ig coul" *e sen"ing t&at muc& po!er$ 89RI A cannon13 RITA I' !e !ere to "estroy t&is *lastia no!> It mig&t stop 0eracles# *ut t&e cannon coul" go o'' an" *lo! 4ap&ias clean o'' t&e map3 .AROL o !ay3 S-so !&at s&oul" !e "o13 <97IT0 +ell# !&ate)er !e "o# !e &a)e to stop t&is aer$ )uri produces his sword. /aven recogni!es it immediately. RAVE 7ein omos# &u&1 .AROL O& yea&3 T&at:s !&at 7u%e use" to get t&e aer *ac% un"er control$ RITA =an you really "o t&at1 89RI I "on:t really &a)e a c&oice$ 0ere goes not&ing$ They charges up the ramp toward the apatheia. =&est5 Lemon /el ;3 SO7IA .AROL RAVE

=&est5 Pineapple /el ;3 They stand close to the apatheia. RAVE +&oa# care'ul3 .AROL 8ou can "o it# 8uri$ <97IT0 Apat&eia> RITA It:s creating inter'erence !it& t&e *lastia an" causing t&e aer to go out o' control$ 89RI $ $ $ .AROL Are !e gonna *rea% it>1 It:s li%e one o' t&e Entele;eia:s souls# rig&t1 RAVE Frai" t&at:s !&at it:s "o!n to$ I' 0eracles %eeps goin:# !e can %iss 4ap&ias goo"*ye$ ot ta mention t&at cannon mig&t "eci"e ta go o''$ 89RI 8ea&$ +e &a)e to act no!3 )uri raises 2ein >omos and cuts the Apatheia. The aer is green once more. A mysterious voice calls to them. VOI=E T&an% you$ RITA 0u&>1 RAVE It:s stoppe"1 Rita calls up t&e control panel$ 89RI +&at a*out t&e cannon13 RITA ot goo"3 At t&is rate it:s going to 'ire3 .AROL o !ay13 +e s&ut t&e po!er o''3 As the cannon powers up, 9lynn"s fleet races to penetrate %ercales hull with the sharp tips on their ships. %ercales tilts and is knocked off course &ust enough to cause the cannon fire to miss Zaphais. <97IT0 T&at:s some 'rien" you &a)e$ 89RI .AROL RAVE <97IT0 RITA 89RI <97IT0 RAVE .AROL RITA 0a&>t&ere &e goes again$ S&o!ing o''# as usual$ 0ey# am I t&e only one !&o &ear" a )oice !&en you cut t&e apat&eia1 o$ T&at mig&t &a)e *een t&e )oice o' !&ate)er Entele;eia it use" to *e$ It !as li%e t&e consciousness !it&in t&e apat&eia !ille" t&e aer *ac% to normal$ 3 I t&in% !e:re "one &ere$ o! !e:)e gotta get to 4ap&ias to rescue Estelle$ I:ll call (a:ul$ +e s&oul" get some!&ere out in t&e open$ +e:)e lost too muc& time getting: suc%e" into t&is 0eracles "ecoy *usiness$ Let:s &urry3

+ille" t&e aer *ac% to normal> T&e apat&eia an" aer> T&e Ri?omata Formula an" Estelle> /ita shakes her head clear and follows them. S+IT Za%hia* i* Sa3e; They work their way out to the e terior of %eracles. <97IT0 >(a:ul# &ea" to!ar"s t&e capital>3 (a:ul roars$ <97IT0 8ea&>t&an%s$ E)eryone# get on$ 89RI 8ou !on:t get a!ay t&is time# Ale;ei3 ,nboard the 9eirta again, they gather to look over the railing. .AROL T&ere it is3 It:s t&e capital3 >0u&1

RAVE 89RI <97IT0 89RI RITA .AROL <97IT0

+&oa3 o more *arrier$ I !on"er i' t&is is Ale;ei:s "oing# too$ Rea"y to go in1 Ta%e us t&ere$ Estelle# !&ere coul" you *e1 +&ere "o !e e)en start loo%ing in a city t&is *ig>1 +e 'ollo! t&e aer 'lo!$ I' Ale;ei is using Estelle an" apat&eia in &is plans> It &as to cause a "istur*ance in t&e aer$ (a:ul3 $a"ul roars in reply. <97IT0 >0e 'oun" it$ .AROL (points e;cite"ly) T&ere3 RITA Estelle3 RAVE An" Ale;ei:s rig&t t&ere !it& &er$ 89RI <u"y# ta%e us closer3 =stelle watches the events unfold in horror. ---------------------------------------------------------------------(anime cutscene) 89RI ESTELLE RITA 89RI ESTELLE 89RI .AROL 89RI ESTELLE Estelle3 (screams) Estelle33 7amn it3 Stop it# Ale;ei3 o3 I2m losing control o' mysel'3 I2m scare"3 8ou2)e got to 'ig&t it# Estelle3 7on2t gi)e up yet3 8uri3 Estelle$$$ Please$$$I *eg o' you$$$ (e'ore I cause any more pain$$$ Please# 8uri$$$ .ill me no!$$$

89RI Estelle33333 ---------------------------------------------------------------------89RI 9&&> I:m ali)e> >(u&&&) (gets up) 9g&> )uri slumps over, his hands grasping his knees to keep this upper body from tumbling over. %e stands weakly with his hand to his chest and looks around at the others. 89RI >7i" e)ery*o"y ma%e it1 Hudy gets up #uickly but holds an in&ured arm. <97IT0 I:ll *e all rig&t$ REPE7E Aoo$$oon (stretc&es# t&en sits "o!n) RAVE (sitting) 9g&>I:m ali)e# *ut I can:t say muc& more t&an t&at$ Feel li%e I mig&t:)e snappe" a 'e! *ones$ .arol lies on his back. .AROL 8uri>it &urts> RITA T&at t&ing Estelle "i"> It !as li%e 7ein omos> -ust *e !&at &appens !&en you get a 'e! apat&eia toget&er at once>

89RI

7on:t try to tal%$ +e:re gonna get you *ot& to a "octor$ Try an" &ang in t&ere 'or a little longer$ Hudy looks upward at $a"ul. <97IT0 T&an% you# ol" 'rien"$ +e o!e you so muc&$ (a:ul roars$ 89RI >It loo%s li%e (a:ul !on:t *e a*le to gi)e us a li't 'or a !&ile$ <97IT0 o$ 0e:ll &a)e to rest some!&ere until &is !oun"s are &eale"$ 89RI 8ou:)e "one more 'or us t&an !e coul" as%$ Ta%e care an" rest !ell$ $a"ul lies on the ground near them. /oaring goodbye, he lifts from the ground and flies away. .AROL +&at a*out Estelle>1 RITA 8ea&>3 I' !e "on:t &urry> )uri eyes are heavy lidded with dark thoughts. 89RI 8ou:)e got plenty to !orry a*out !it&out t&in%ing a*out Estelle$ <97IT0 It seems !e:re some!&ere near =apua or$ Let:s go to or 0ar*or$ T&ere:s *oun" to *e a "octor t&ere$ 89RI 8ea&$ RAVE (loo%ing up) I "on:t li%e t&at s%y$ T&e aer is *oilin: li%e t&un"erclou"s$ >T&ere:s a mean storm *re!in: (scene 'a"es) Townspeople are assembled and looking in wide-eyed horror. VOI=E +&at t&e &ec% is going on1 Tra)eler Is t&is a sign !e:re a*out to get &it !it& some %in" o' "isaster1 -A I ,ust 'inis&e" *uil"ing my &ouse# 'or crying out lou"3 $rave 3esperia arrive at the inn. .arol and /ita hobble as best they can. <97IT0 T&ey:re really in an uproar$ ot t&at I *lame t&em$ 89RI I:ll *et t&ings are pretty cra?y in t&e capital# too$ They are approached by a man. -A +&ere "i" you come 'rom1 7i" you &ear anyt&ing1 89RI o# !e !ere> VOI=E +&y are all o' you &ere1 A man runs to them. TEA/LE 8ou loo% terri*le3 +&at &appene" to you1 89RI O&# it:s you$ +e:)e *een t&roug& a lot$ 7o you %no! any "octors aroun" &ere1 TEA/LE Sure# I %no! a "octor# *ut> RAVE +ell# "o ya t&in% ya mig&t *e a*le ta *ring t&e "oc to t&e inn1 +e:re too *eat to e)en !al% anymore$ TEA/LE All rig&t$ I:ll *e *ac% soon$ In t&e Inn5 .arol and /ita each lie on a bed. Teagle talks to the doctor while Hudith sits by /ita and /aven sits on the floor by .arol"s bed. /epede sits near .arol and )uri stands beside /aven near the foot of .arol"s bed. Teagle"s wife and son stand near. TEA/LE >T&an% you so muc&# 7octor$

The doctor nods and leaves. 89RI T&an% goo"ness you came$ 8ou:" returne" 'rom 0elior"# t&en1 .ELLAS 8es$ I still can:t t&an% you enoug& 'or your &elp *e'ore$ TEA/LE o! t&at t&ere:s a ne! magistrate# or &a" *ecome a muc& nicer place to li)e>*ut no!# !it& t&at s%y loo%ing t&e !ay it is> PA9L8 0ey mister# &ey mister# "i",a &ear it1 T&ere !as a lou" soun" li%e (OO- an" t&en e)eryt&ing !as s&a%ing li%e an eart&6ua%e3 .ELLAS A to!n o''icial is currently going to see !&at &appene"$ PA9L8 0ey# !&ere:s t&at nice la"y !&o !as !it& you1 Is s&e gone1 89RI 3 TEA/LE o! t&at I t&in% o' it# t&at girl !oul":)e *een a*le to &eal your !oun"s$ +&at &appene" to &er1 RAVE >A certain !ort&less i"iot &an"e" &er o)er to t&e *a" guy$ o! !e:re c&asing a'ter t&em$ 89RI $ $ $ TEA/LE I see>I guess I s&oul"n:t &a)e as%e"$ Hudith turns to Bauly. <97IT0 I:m sorry# *ut s&e:s a!ay 'or to"ay$ PA9L8 O&# really> RITA (rolling o)er an" sitting up) 7on:t !orry# t&e ne;t time !e come !e:ll *ring &er !it& us 'or sure$ PA9L8 (,umping up an" "o!n) Really13 8aaay3 TEA/LE For no!# you s&oul" ,ust get some rest$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ .AROL 4??>4??> .arol sleeps soundly on one of the two beds in the room. RITA (sitting on *e") >t&ere:s a ne! consular# an" it seems li%e t&ings got *etter$ I !on"er i' Estelle !ill *e gla" to &ear t&is>1 RAVE T&is ol" man nee"s to rest$ /o on an" collect some in'ormation no!$ +oun"s ta%e longer to &eal !&en you get to my age$ A&&>t&at &its t&e spot> <97IT0 A lou" noise an" eart&6ua%e> +&at coul" it *e1 TEA/LE T&e o''icial !ill *e *ac% soon$ I' you !ant# you can try loo%ing 'or &im in to!n$ .ELLAS 0ome s!eet &ome$ PA9L8 9m>I "re! you a picture$ It:s a picture o' you$ I !ant you to see it$ Inn Lo**y5 Tra)eler:s Log5 I FOR-ATIO (=lou"y) Spen"ing !&at:s le't o' my li'e tra)eling aroun" t&e !orl"$ O' all t&e local 'ol%lore I:)e &ear"# t&e cra?iest one so 'ar &as to *e t&e one o' a creature !it& a co!:s &ea" an" a man:s *o"y$ Part o' t&e "ocument !as missing# so I "i"n:t get to rea" t&e !&ole t&ing$ -A I escape" 'rom 4ap&ias$ +&at !ill *ecome o' me no!1

O(LE +O-A

0ere I stan"# 'ull o' an;iety> To (e =ontinue"$ +&at "o you t&in% o' my no)el1 It:s *ase" on a true story3 8ou:re intereste" in &o! it turns out# rig&t1 I ,ust came 'rom 4ap&ias$ I suggest you steer clear 'rom it$ T&e Imperial .nig&ts captain &as ta%en control o' t&e place an" t&e atmosp&ere t&ere is )ery "istur*ing$ T&at guy o)er t&ere !ants to *e a !riter$ I:)e rea" &is !or%$ It:s not t&at great$

-hile the others rest, )uri leaves the inn to look for the official. ,utside the inn, the official Teagle referred to, is talking to an ,ld magistrate. O''icial 8-your E;cellency# it:s &orri*le3 T&e roa"# t&e roa"> is gone3 89RI 13 O''icial >T&ere:s a giant &ole on t&e ot&er si"e o' E&mea" 0ill$ It:s *urning &ot all aroun" it$ I !asn:t a*le to get )ery close$ -agistrate +&at1 <ust li%e t&at1 I suppose t&at !as !&at all t&at rum*ling !as earlier> O''icial E)en i' !e !ere a*le to get near t&at &ole# getting across it !oul" *e impossi*le> o one !ill *e a*le to go past E&mea" 0ill li%e t&is3 8O9 / -A So t&en# or is cut o'' 'rom e)eryone else1 OL7ER -A T&is is *a"$ T&is is real *a"$ 89RI =oul" t&is *e>t&e *last 'rom t&e 0eracles: cannon1 +&at &a)e t&ey "one>1 Street Lea"ing to 7oc%s5 +o-A (outsi"e Inn) Rig&t t&is !ay# tra)elers$ +e still &a)e )acancies$ Please &a)e a stay$ T&e re'ugees 'rom 4ap&ias only manage" to escape !it& t&e clot&es on t&eir *ac%s# so t&ey "on:t &a)e enoug& money to stay &ere$ It:s a s&ame$ I !as &oping t&e re'ugees !oul" "rum up some *usiness$ SAILOR Our s&ip is going to *e &ea"ing sout&# !it& re'ugees on *oar"$ I:m not entirely sure !&at our ports o' call !ill *e# *ut t&ere:s an entire continent "o!n t&ere# rig&t1 ASing# ,oin )oices Resoun"# o song o' t&e sea3 As a gran" ne! !orl" un'ol"s *e'ore us>B Liner Ser)ice +elcome> Sorry# I:m ,ust %i""ing$ OSig&O >Liner Ser)ice is suspen"e" rig&t no!$ Our sailing /uil"# Trino Liner Ser)ice# is currently len"ing out t&e Stratos to t&e .nig&ts$ T&ey nee" it to get e)acuees to sa'ety$ I:m a'rai" !e aren:t running regular ser)ice rig&t no!$ Please un"erstan"$ To!n Intersection5 OL7ER -A T&e capital:s in an uproar an" people are lea)ing in "ro)es$ Some are crossing o)er E&mea" 0ill an" coming &ere$ First# t&e c&aos in t&e capital# no! an e;plosion on

8O9 / -A

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LITTLE (O8

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E&mea" 0ill$ I &ear" some people !ere caug&t in t&at e;plosion$ Rumor &as it t&at Ale;ei &as sei?e" control o' 4ap&ais$ +ell# I sa! t&is "ay coming$ +&ile !e:re on t&is topic# I t&in% t&at captain# Flynn is pretty 'is&y too$ I "on:t %no!$ Let:s ,ust say I:)e got a &unc& 'or t&ese t&ings> Ragou ma"e all our li)es "i''icult$ T&e people li)ing suc& sumptuous li'estyles in 4ap&ias>I t&in% t&ey s&oul" &a)e to get a taste o' !&at !e !ent t&roug&$ 7oes t&at ma%e me a &orri*le person1 o>I can t&in% !&ate)er I !ant$ A&>!ere you listening to me>1 I !on"er i' AaerB &as anyt&ing to "o !it& t&e 'ree?ing o' t&e ort&ern Sea$ 7o you %no! !&et&er t&e "ri't ice o' 'ro?en sea !ater is salty1 Our )ery li)es "epen" on t&e e;istence o' AaerB$ +e s&oul" *e t&an%'ul$ >T&at:s !&at t&e pin%-&aire"# .ritya-loo%ing girl carrying a *room sai"# any!ay$ T&ere !ere people s&outing A-artial La! in 4ap&ais3 =iti?ens Flee to =apua$B I &a)e no i"ea !&at t&ey:re tal%ing a*out$ O&&# &o! 'rig&tening$ <ust t&in% a*out &o! many scary people t&ere are out t&ere$ It:s simply &orri*le3 T&ing are in c&aos o)er in t&e Empire>t&ings are in c&aos in Tol*yccia *ecause t&e 7on "ie"$ I can:t e)en imagine !&en I:m going to *e a*le to open s&op *ac% up> 0o! am I going to ma%e a li)ing no!>1 0ey# t&is is serious3 I &ear" 4ap&ias is in s&am*les3 4ap&ias manu'actures most o' t&e gels3 7oes t&is mean I !on:t *e a*le to %eep on eating my gels>1 Apparently Fortune:s -ar%et &as t&eir o!n# e;clusi)e s&ipping routes 'or cargo> One o' t&em passes across t&e ice 'loes to t&e nort&$ T&at:s impossi*le 'or normal 'ol% to compete !it&3 I &ear t&ey &a)e to *ring t&eir cargo o)er e;tremely t&in ice$ T&ey:re ris%ing t&eir li)es3 8ou %no!# it mig&t *e easier li)ing in anot&er to!n$ I:)e t&oug&t a*out it many times# *ut> 9n an" mo)ing at t&is age>I "on:t %no! i' my ol" *ones coul" ta%e it$ All t&e ol" 'rien"s I &a" t&ere are alrea"y "ea"$ I !oul"n:t &a)e any regrets lea)ing t&is to!n$ Actually>I "on:t t&in% I &a)e any regrets le't at all$ Ale;ei !as %no!n as a prou" an" &onora*le %nig&t# *ut in t&e en" &e turne" out to *e not&ing more t&an a lo!-*orn *lac%guar"$

-erc&ant:s Ro! VE 7OR

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La"y VE 7OR

OL7 -A

O(LE -A

0e simply !asn:t 'it to lea"$ I !oul" *e so please" i' t&e &ig&-*orn# no*le =aptain =umore !oul" return to t&is to!n$ SAILOR Ta%ing t&is many people out to sea1 T&is is !ay o)er t&e capacity$ I ,ust &ope !e "on:t sin%> T&ose lan"lu**ing %nig&ts3 7on:t un"erestimate t&e sea3 7ice -aster T&e stones are omniscient$ T&ey %no! t&e &eig&t o' t&e s%y>t&e "ept& o' t&e seas$ (ut "o t&ey %no! !&ere my !i'e:s secret nest-egg is &i""en>1 T&at:s t&e real 6uestion> Roa" to -agistrate:s Palace5 O(LE +O-A 4ap&ias seems to *e trou*lesome# *ut it:s peace'ul &ere$ I:" li%e to monopoli?e a nice place li%e t&is$ I:m o%ay !it& *eing tol" t&at I:)e escape" 'rom reality# *ecause t&is is my reality> -agistrate:s Palace5 /9AR7 Alt&oug& t&e magistrate is trying to return to 4ap&ias# I !on"er !&at &e:s planning to "o$ At t&e moment# &e:s in a meeting !it& t&e assistant magistrate$ T&ey &a)en:t pai" us> Are !e e)en getting pai"1 /9AR7 >> T&e magistrate is )ery *usy$ /o &ome$ 0e:s ne)er going to meet !it& someone t&e li%es o' you$ )uri returns to the inn. RAVE >So it "i" en" up &ittin: somet&in:# a'ter all$ <97IT0 T&an%'ully it misse" &itting any o' t&e to!ns$ /ita and .arol wake up. 89RI 8ou guys sure you:re all rig&t1 .AROL o# I &urt all o)er# *ut> Estelle:s in trou*le$ I can:t ,ust lie aroun"$ RITA 8ea&$ +&at &e sai"$ RAVE +&at:s our ne;t mo)e# t&oug&1 RITA I' t&e roa" to E&mea" 0ill is out# coul"n:t !e ta%e a *oat aroun"1 TEA/LE I:m a'rai" not$ A little !&ile *ac% t&e .nig&ts came an" too% any *oat t&at coul" ma%e a long trip$ T&an%s to t&em# t&e &ar*or:s "ea" empty$ 89RI 7amn# at a time li%e t&is> TEA/LE >+ell# t&ere is one !ay# *ut I:m ,ust not sure &o! I 'eel a*out recommen"ing it to you$ 89RI I' it:ll get us t&roug&# let:s &ear it$ +e:)e got to get to t&e capital 'ast$ TEA/LE I:m a'rai" it:ll en" up ta%ing you a 'air *it out o' your !ay# *ut> I' you go nort&# ,ust *e'ore E&mea" 0ill# t&ere:s a t&in strip o' coastline$ It:ll e)entually come to a "ea" en"# *ut in t&is season it 'ree?es o)er an" *ecomes an ice 'loe$ <97IT0 T&e (la"e 7ri'ts o' 4op&ier$ TEA/LE Rig&t$ I' your luc%y# you s&oul" *e a*le to ma%e your

.AROL TEA/LE RITA 89RI TEA/LE

.AROL I FOR-ATIO S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT

!ay across t&e 'loe on t&e ice$ I' you cut t&roug& t&ere# you:ll come out in t&e mi""le o' t&e continent$ T&e (la"e 7ri'ts o' 4op&ier# &u&>1 I &ear" no*o"y goes t&ere--not e)en 'is&ermen-*ecause o' t&e stories$ 8ou:re also gam*ling on nature &ere# so t&ere:s no guarantee you:ll *e a*le to get t&roug&$ I' t&at:s our only !ay# t&en !e:ll &a)e to go 'or it$ O%ay# let:s "o it$ >T&an%s 'or your &elp$ Least I can "o$ T&ere !oul"n:t *e muc& le't o' t&is 'amily i' it !eren:t 'or you all$ Only t&ing I:ll as% is t&at you "on:t "isappoint my *oy$ 8ou got it3 Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ $hat E*te))e Tried to Say $orried A(out BaBu) A)e/eiB* Me** Tou0her to <et By The Port I* So Mu,h Better Eh9ead Hi)) B)o,ked The B)ade 5ri3t* o3 Zo%hier

As they make their way along the narrow strip of land, it begins to snow. -here the land ended, ice floes began. After traveling a short way on the ice, the air turned frigid and /aven who was so comfortable in the desert heat began to shiver miserably. RAVE (rrr> (-*-*rrr> It:s c-col"> S-so>)ery>c-col"$ RITA O%ay# ol" man# !e get it alrea"y$ RAVE T&e age" &a)e lo!er *o"y temperatures# ya %no!$ A&&# !&at I !oul"n:t gi)e 'or t&e &eat o' t&at "esert$ 89RI 8ou:re gonna slip (too late# t&e scu''ling o' 'eet can *e &ear") an" 'all i' you "on:t s&ut up> ('ollo!e" *y a t&u")$ 89RI Oops# too late$ /aven and .arol are down, sitting on the ice. RAVE +atc& it t&ere$ +e ol" 'ol%s are 'ragile$ .AROL >S-sorry$ 89RI -an# t&is is really some place$ Sort o' a cross *et!een mysterious an" ,ust plain creepy$ )uri looks around at the ice hills and the discarded weapons and chest stuck in and lying on the ice. 89RI T&ere are s!or"s coming up out o' t&e ice$ RITA 8ea&# t&ey seem to *e all o)er$ <ust !&at %in" o' place is t&is13 <97IT0 I t&oug&t 4op&ier got its name 'rom t&e s&arp col"# *ut I guess I !as !rong$ RAVE I "on:t t&in% you !ere too 'ar o'' !it& Acol" as a )oi"B$ OS&i)erO REPE7E /rrrr> +oo'3 +OOF3 +OOF3 RITA +&at>!&at:s !rong !it& &im1 Aaa&33 89RI 33

RAVE +&oa3 $elow the ice, a large creature swims in the water under the ice floes. .AROL +&-!&at !as t&at13 RITA It:s *ig> (scare") >I-is t&at an Entele;eia13 Hudith touches her temple. <97IT0 > o$ I "on:t sense intelligence in it$ .AROL So it:s a monster# rig&t13 +e:" *e in trou*le i' t&at t&ing attac%e" us$ 89RI It s&oul"n:t *ot&er us i' !e lea)e it alone$ Forget a*out it$ Let:s go$ .arol hesitates, looking down into the water. 89RI .arol3 .AROL 0u&# o&# rig&t3 =&est5 Ta*ar (a;e) ;D =&est5 Panacea (ottle ;D =&est5 -elange /el ;D After taking the gel they follow the floe northeast. The monster crashes through the floe in front of them destroying their path. .AROL +a&&&3 RITA 8ou nee" to ta%e a c&ill pill$ <97IT0 It loo%s li%e &e:s ta%en a li%ing to us$ 89RI I pre'er "ates !&o are a little less aggressi)e$ They double back and take an eastern path. =&est5 Lemon /el ;D =&est5 Limit (ottle ;D ,nce again the sea monster breaks the floe in front of them and a huge ice chunk blocking the path below them. RAVE O0ac%O Ocoug&O I got !ater up my nose3 So salty> So col"3 89RI 8ou sure are energetic# Pops3 RAVE I-i' !e s-sit aroun" t-tal%in:# !e:re gonna '-'ree?e our *-*utts o''3 A&# ac&oo3 RITA 0o! annoying> S+IT The Land o3 I,e =&est5 Pineapple /el ;3 =&est5 0a"es (spear) ;3 =&est5 =ure (ottle ;D =&est5 Flacon ee"le (*o!) ;D The sea monster again destroys a large section of ice in front of them. <97IT0 It:s !eir"$ T&at monster seems to &a)e times !&en it *ot&ers us an" times !&en it lea)es us alone$ 89RI 8ea&# I "on:t li%e it one *it$ .AROL I' !e stan" on really t&ic% ice I t&in% t&at !e "on:t nee" to !orry a*out *eing attac%e"> RITA Let:s get *ac% to lan" as soon as !e can$ RAVE (snee?es) An" *ac% ta someplace !arm3 Ac&oooo33 =&est5 Li'e (ottle ;D =&est5 7iamon" /uar" ;D =&est5 Tent ;D They find a crystal rock formation protruding up from the ice.

RAVE

0ey# !&at:s !it& t&is$ I %no! I:)e seen t&is some!&ere> RITA (e;cite") It:s an aer %rene3 89RI 0u&# t&ere:s one e)en out &ere$ (ama?e") <97IT0 It:s not putting out any aer# t&oug&$ -ay*e it:s !&at:s le't o)er !&en t&ey "ry up$ RITA T&is area "oesn:t seem "esolate enoug& 'or t&at# t&oug&$ /epede senses danger. <97IT0 E)eryone# *e on your guar"3 They look toward the water. .AROL O& man# t&-t&ere it is again3 RAVE +e:re up on t&is roc%# rig&t1 +e:ll *e 'ine$ The sea monsters does a spinning &ump out of the water and hangs in the air above them flapping its finsGwings. RAVE Or not$ The sea monster opens it"s mouth and breathes a down on the aer krene. Sounding like a carnival ride, the aer krene comes to life and generates a high volume of aer. They sink to their knees in discomfort. 89RI 44 RITA T&e aer %rene13 89RI Loo% out3 )uri shoves .arol with his shoulder. .arol rolls head over heels down the ice floe and comes to a halt on a flat patch of ice far away. .AROL Aa&# 8-8uri13 8uri tries to get up# *ut collapses on all 'ours 'rom aer sic%ness$ 89RI 9ag&>3 <97IT0 >A monster t&at uses an aer %rene to trap its prey1 -ith the others trapped and not going anywhere, the monster turns its full attention on .arol. 89RI .arol# run3 .AROL -no !ay3 8ou guys:ll all get eaten up3 8uri struggles to raise &is %nees an" loo%s "irectly at .arol$ 89RI T&is isn:t somet&ing you can *eat on your o!n3 .AROL (ut33 (mout& open in &orror) 9uu&>33 The monster swoops at .arol. .arol runs and hides behind an ice rock. The monster turns its attention back to .arol"s friends. +t seems to be feeding off the aer krene. .arol holds his a e and watches as the life is slowly drained from his friends. .arol grips his a e with a look of grim determination on his face. .AROL I gotta "o t&is> I gotta "o it no!> 89RI .arol3 .arol raises his a e and shouts a war cry. .AROL o! or ne)er33 The monster flies at .arol. .arol stomps his feet twice and yells. .AROL 8aaaa&33 The monster hits .arol with its tail and knocks him skidding on the ice. *nspoken te t: .A/,; .A/,; + see stars. +aaa&3

.arol ,umps *ac% up$ .AROL L-loo%s li%e I:)e gotta *e care'ul$ The monster knocks .arol down a second time. .AROL O!>oo'> -no pro*lem$ T&is is not&ing3 The monster knocks .arol down a third time. I-I:)e gotta protect t&em$ o more running>3 .arol is e hausted. %e drops to his knees, breathing heavily. As his hand grips his heaving diaphragm, his drops the hammer and it clatters away across the ice. <97IT0 .arol3 Stop t&is3 It:s cra?y3 89RI I can:t !atc& t&is3 I tol" you to get out o' &ere3 .AROL I-I:m 'ine> RITA 8ou most certainly are not3 .arol stands. .AROL o# it:s all rig&t$ 8ou guys are all &ere !it& me$ 89RI .arol>"on:t> .AROL 8ou:re all rig&t *e&in" me$ So no matter &o! *a" I:m *eat up# I can:t lose$ RAVE -o)e# "amn it3 I' ya "on:t# t&e %i":s gonna> .arol spots a weapon half buried in the snow and ice. .arol runs for it and with a might leap, he sei!es the weapon, a huge sword. The scene plays in slow-motion for a terrified )uri. 89RI .arol3 .arol spins like barrel high into the air over the monster. Hudith is ama!ed. <97IT0 0o! "i" &e>3 .arol straightens out and !ooms straight for the monster. .AROL 8ou:re mine3 .arol bring the blade down on the monsters horn and the aer krene suddenly shuts down. 9inally able to move, )uri and the others race to protect .arol. .arol seems fro!en in the position he landed in, holding the sword straight up. RAVE 0o! t&e &ell "i" &e pull t&at o''1 0ey is &e ali)e1 .AROL (small )oice) 0ey guys3 89RI Sorry !e:re late# tra''ic !as a!'ul$ 8ou "oing all rig&t1 .AROL 8-yea&$ O' course3 89RI All rig&t# let:s pay t&is guy *ac% "ou*le 'or all t&ose %noc%s you too%3 A'ter (attle Spo%en 7ialogue5 .AROL I !ill protect t&e guil" 89RI "on:t try to "o it all alone <97IT0 *ut you "i" it )ery !ell$ After the battle is won, .arol falls backward on the snow. /ita doesn"t notice. RITA 8ou i"iot# !&at !ere you t&in%ing# "oing t&at alone>1 (notices) .arol3 They all run to see about .arol. )uri kneels by .arol"s side, supporting .arol"s head in his hand. 89RI .arol3 0ey3 .arol3 RAVE =ome on3 .eep it toget&er# %i"3 <97IT0 (stoops "o!n *esi"e .arol) >0e:s all rig&t$

Once &e calme" "o!n it all !ent out o' &im$ 0e:s ,ust passe" out$ RITA T&is %i"> +&at i' you:" c&ec%e" out *e'ore !e e)en rescue" Estelle1 RAVE =ut &im a little slac%# no!$ Facin: "o!n c&allenges li%e t&at is part o' *ecomin: a man$ ot to mention &e sa)e" our *utts$ 89RI 8ea&$ +e !oul":)e *een lunc& !it&out .arol$ REPE7E +oo'3 Hudith stands #uickly. <97IT0 Let:s get out o' &ere 6uic%ly$ .arol:s !ea%$ T&is can:t *e goo" 'or &im$ RITA Rig&t$ 89RI I o!e you one# (oss$ <97IT0 T&at !as )ery impressi)e$ I FOR-ATIO .arol earne" t&e A(ra)e OneB title$ I FOR-ATIO S+IT =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 =&est5 .arol is .O:e"$ 0e !ill not *e a*le to participate in *attles$ Prai*e 3or +aro) (o"y Paint (*o"y armor) ;D (loo"y =oat (*o"y armor) ;D Limit (ottle ;D -agic Lens ;S Lottery /el ;D Psyc&e"elica (!eapon 'or Rita) ;D Seal (ottle ;D Pineapple /el ;D

At last they come to the end of the $lade 2rifts. /aven is carrying a still unconscious .arol on his back. RAVE +&e!> 0ey# "oes t&at loo% li%e an e;it ta any*o"y else1 RITA Tire" alrea"y1 /aven walks over to Hudith and /ita and speaks like an old grandpa. RAVE +e ol" 'ol%s lac% stamina> <u"it&# *e a "ear an" ta%e &im 'or a spell$ Hudith &ust looks at him .AROL H*lus&ingI <97IT0 O&# I !oul"n:t "ream o' stealing your ,o* 'rom you$ .AROL $ $ $ 89RI .arol>you:re a!a%e# aren:t you$ .arol is still draped on /aven"s back. %is head resting on /aven"s shoulder. .AROL -no I:m not3 /aven unlinks his arms and straightens his back so that .arol drops suddenly to the ground. .AROL O!3 RAVE (in a piti'ul )oice# ru**ing &is c&in) Forcing a poor ol" man ta !or% in t&is col"> -ister .arol$ 8ou:re ma"e o' toug&er stu'' t&an I mig&t:)e guesse"$ 89RI Feeling *etter# .arol1 .AROL 8ea&$ .arol raises his fist into the air in a gesture of triumph. <97IT0 +e !ere really !orrie" a*out you$ RITA 8ou "i"n:t loo% t&at !orrie" to me$

<97IT0 RITA

Really1 T&at:s !eir"$ <ust ne)er "o t&at again# o%ay1 +e:re all in t&is toget&er$ .AROL O%ay$ (grins) 89RI -in" telling me !&at:s so 'unny1 .AROL 0ey$ Easy# 8uri$ >I !as ,ust remem*ering somet&ing t&e 7on sai"$ 89RI ATa%e care o' your 'rien"s an" t&ey:ll *e t&ere !&en you nee" t&emB>!as t&at it1 .AROL 8ea&$ I !as t&in%ing may*e t&is is t&e %in" o' t&ing &e meant$ 89RI (loo%ing up!ar") +ell# i' you 'eel li%e you un"erstan" !&at &e sai"# I:m sure you:re on t&e rig&t trac%$ .AROL I &ope so$ 89RI All rig&t# t&e e;it:s rig&t in 'ront o' us$ Let:s go$ .arol nods at )uri. <97IT0 E)eryt&ing all rig&t1 RITA 8ea&$ I !as ,ust t&in%ing t&at may*e all t&e ice &ere !as ma"e *y t&e aer$ .AROL T&e ice1 'rom t&e aer1 <97IT0 +ell# i' all t&ings are ma"e up o' aer# t&at !oul" ma%e sense$ RITA T&e aer %rene &ere !as actually 6uite sta*ili?e"$ Enoug& 'or a monster to control it$ -ay*e# i' &uge 6uantities o' aer coul" *e ma"e soli"# it !oul" &elp sta*ili?e t&ings$ 89RI 8ou mean somet&ing li%e t&at coul" restore t&e aer im*alance an" stop t&e "istur*ances1 RITA I:m not sure$ It !oul" pro*a*ly nee" to *e more e''icient# an" it !oul" ta%e a lot more aer> RAVE So you !anna stay &ere an" researc& t&is aer %rene1 RITA o$ T&ere isn:t time 'or t&at$ 89RI 8ea&# an" !e:)e alrea"y *urnt enoug& time &ere as it is$ Let:s go$ RITA Estelle# please *e o%ay> 89RI $ $ $ (ag&>3) .AROL Once !e:re out o' &ere# let:s as% some*o"y a*out !&at:s &appening in t&e capital$ RAVE Sure t&ing$ I FOR-ATIO .arol &as *een re)i)e" 'rom .O$ S+IT $here To "e/t7 S+IT Are 6ou .kay1 +aro)7 They follow the coastline until they get to the narrow pass leading to the >orthern trails of the Beyoccia Blains. They stop at Aspio for supplies on the way to %alure. HALURE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 89RI RAVE >T&ere sure are a lot o' people &ere$ T&ey:re re'uges 'rom t&e capital$ See &o! t&ey:re all !ell-"resse"1 +ndeed, there are many nobles and people from the citi!en"s #uarter in

sight. It loo%s li%e t&ere:s not&ing unusual !it& t&e *arrier &ere 'or no!$ /ita turns to look at .arol who"s sitting on the ground and out of breath. .AROL O0u''O O&u''O <97IT0 .arol# are you o%ay1 /aven is supporting an unconscious .arol. RAVE Loo%s li%e &e ain:t o%ay at all$ Hudith feels .arol"s forehead. <97IT0 0e:s got a *a" 'e)er$ 0e really o)ere;erte" &imsel'$ RITA All *ecause &e &a" to go an" *e a &ero3 I s!ear> 8uri>1 )uri is preoccupied for the moment. 89RI 0u&1 O&# sorry$ Let:s go to t&e inn so t&at .arol can rest$ I FOR-ATIO .arol le't t&e party$ S+IT The Me Then1 the Me "ow -ayor:s 0ouse an" =ity Entrance5 -ayor +e "eci"e" to ta%e in re'ugees 'rom t&e capital$ An" !e:re so encourage" *y 0is 0ig&ness Io"er:s support$ +e are all 'ello! compatriots3 I' t&e people o' t&e capital are in trou*le# !e must e;ten" a &elping &an"$ /irl (entrance) T&is is t&e =ity o' (lossoms# 0alure$ +e &a)e many re'ugees 'rom t&e capital no!$ T&is is 0alure$ Please 'eel 'ree to rela; an" get some rest$ >(ut I %no! t&at:s &ar" !it& so many people$ S+IT $hatB* U% with 6uri LITTLE (O8 T&ere !ere a lot o' people pus&ing an" s&o)ing$ T&ey !ere li%e !a)es$ +&y are t&ose people 'rom t&e capital so arrogant$ T&ey ,ust &appene" to *e *orn t&ere3 It:s ,ust luc%3 OL7ER -A I:)e organi?e" all t&e issues !it& t&e *lastia in my &ea" *ut> Arg&> I can:t t&in% straig&t !it& e)eryt&ing going on>3 I !ant to escape so I can t&in% 6uietly again$ /eneral Store an" (ase o' (ri"ge5 8O9 / -A I !as so relie)e" !&en I sa! t&is to!n:s Tree in t&e "istance$ It !as li%e all t&e c&aos in t&e capital !as ,ust a *a" "ream$ I 'eel so sorry 'or a 'rien" o' mine !&o !as late escaping> +&y coul"n:t I &elp &im>1 8O9 / LA78 It !as &orri*le> So many people> T&e smo%e still 'ollo!e" us# no matter &o! muc& !e ran$ I can:t *elie)e I:m still ali)e$ I can still see t&e terri*le lig&t# e)ery time I close my eyes$ I "on:t t&in% I:ll e)er 'orget t&is$ .RIT8A +O-A I:m !orrie" !&et&er t&ose people !&o escape" 'rom 4ap&ias !ill pay respect to t&at Tree$ I !on"er i' !e s&oul" teac& e)eryone ,ust &o! RITA

precious t&e *lossoms are$ o> -ay*e !e s&oul" ,ust min" our o!n *usiness1 Top o' (ri"ge an" Aroun" Inn5 .RIT8A +O-A It:s 'un as more people gat&er$ A&&> I %no! t&at !e "on:t &a)e time to &a)e 'un$ (ut I t&oug&t it !oul" *e o%ay as it !as getting noisier$ It !oul" *e *etter i' e)eryone li)e" &ere$ +&y "on:t you ,ust &an" o)er t&e capital to t&e =omman"ant1 OL7 +O-A I mig&t &a)e 'le" t&e capital# *ut I still !ant to go *ac% some"ay$ I can:t ,ust let it go a'ter li)ing so long t&ere> T&ey say &ome is !&ere t&e &eart is# *ut my &eart !ill al!ays *e in t&at city$ O(LE +O-A O&3 +&at &orror3 Re" mist# !ee"s ,ust tangling o)er e)eryt&ing> +&at &appene"1 +e ,ust *arely escape" !it& our li)es3 I t&oug&t !e !ere "one 'or3 O(LE -A I plan on going to or 0ar*or 'or re'uge# *ut !&at a*out a'ter t&at1 I guess I coul" cross t&e ocean to 0elior"# t&e city 'or no*les> 8ea&# I t&in% I:ll go t&ere$ I:m "one !it& t&e capital$ 7one$ I:m lea)ing it 'or *etter lan"s$ LITTLE /IRL +elcome to t&e &istoric ol" 7ene*ola# !&ere e)en 0is 0ig&ness Io"er staye"3 =ome on# stay a nig&t3 <ust a little *it ago# 0is 0ig&ness Io"er staye" !it& us3 T&at:s ama?ing# isn:t it3 I got &is autograp&$

Fountain an" Pat& to T&e /reat Tree5 8O9 / LA78 I &ear" t&at 4ap&ias is in real trou*le# *ut is 0alure o%ay1 7i" t&e =omman"ant o' t&e .nig&ts "o somet&ing1 I "i"n:t t&in% &e !as>e)il>I guess1 I "on:t t&in% t&at t&e =omman"ant o' t&e .nig&ts !ill in)a"e 4ap&ias> !ill &e1 OL7ER -A 0o! s&oul" !e !elcome t&e re'ugees1 S&oul" !e console t&em# or ,ust not tal% a*out t&e situation>1 +e "on:t %no! &o! to "eal !it& so many people 'leeing at once$ -A (FO9 TAI ) I !ant people 'rom t&e capital !&o &a)e 'ace" &orren"ous times to loo% at t&e 'lo!ers an" *e &eale"$ An" t&en I !ant t&em to tell t&e !orl" ,ust &o! goo" 0alure is$ o matter !&at:s going on# loo%ing at suc& *eauti'ul trees ma%es you 'eel li%e e)eryt&ing !ill *e o%ay$ -A (SITTI /) +&y are t&ere t&is many people1 T&is is a small city3 +e can only &an"le so many people> O/rum*leO > A*out NP#PPP people per s6uare %ilometer> .no! !&at

O(LE +O-A

O(LE -A

t&at is1 T&e population "ensity o' t&is city$ ormally it:s a*out 3P people> Somet&ing is !ay out o' !&ac%3 T&is to!n:s *oring$ T&ere:s not&ing to "o$ Flo!ers1 8ou seen one# you seen t&em all$ OSig&O (ooooring> I !ant to go *ac% to 4ap&ias> (ut I "on:t %no!# a'ter all t&at &appene"$ T&e trip 'rom t&e capital sure ta%es its toll on t&ese ol" *ones$ An" t&e monsters> (ut I s&oul" *e &appy to *e ali)e# !it& t&e capital t&e !ay it is> Are you going to t&e capital1 8ou really s&oul"n:t$ It:s li%e going t&ere to "ie$

Inn A7ene*olaB5 They arrive at the inn. /aven is carrying .arol on his back again. I .EEPER 0ello# an" !elcome to 7ene*ola Inn3 7on:t !orry a*out paying$ RITA 0u&1 +&y1 I .EEPER +ell# you see# an important o''icial is )isiting t&e mayor:s &ouse rig&t no!# an" it:s *y &is or"ers$ T&e go)ernment:s &an"ling t&e money 'or t&e inn# so t&at anyone can stay &ere 'or 'ree$ <97IT0 T&at must *e 'or all t&e re'ugees t&at:)e come to t&e to!n$ I .EEPER =ircumstances *eing !&at t&ey are# it ta%es t&e 'un out o' it# *ut our *usiness is *ooming t&an%s to all o' t&e )isitors to our to!n$ 89RI Soun"s li%e a goo" "eal 'or t&e empire$ RITA So "oes t&at mean you "on:t &a)e any )acancies1 I .EEPER 8ou:re in luc%3 I &a)e one room t&at:s not ta%en$ The door opens and a voice calls outs. VOI=E T&en I:ll ta%e t&at room# t&an% you$ The noble couple standing near the bridge, walk up to the +nnkeeper"s counter. RAVE 0ey t&ere# no cuttin: in line3 o*le /entleman O' course# I !oul"n:t t&in% o' not paying$ I:ll pay ten times t&e regular price$ (turning to 8uri) I:ll also gi)e t&e same amount to you tra)elers$ T&at s&oul" settle t&ings nicely# yes1 8ou son o' a -O&# I:m so sorry3 I too% anot&er loo% at t&e register# an" it seems t&at I "on:t actually &a)e any )acancies$ So sorry# come again3 +&at1313 >I %ne! t&is to!n !as in t&e stic%s# *ut t&is is-0oney# let:s ,ust go on to 0elior" 'rom or 0ar*or$ +ell sai"3 I s&oul" *e t&an%'ul !e "i"n:t soil our clot&ing in a 'ilt&y little &o)el li%e t&is>

89RI I .EEPER

O(LE -A O(LE +O-A o*le -atron

T&e no*les lea)e$ RAVE T&ey:re gonna *e in 'or a nasty surprise !&en t&ey try to go to Port or>&e& &e&3 I .EEPER Sorry to &a)e %ept you !aiting$ 8our room is upstairs# in 'ront$

RITA 89RI I .EEPER

+&a1 (ut you sai" t&ere !eren:t any )acancies> (usiness is *usiness# rig&t1 8es# "on:t !orry a*out it$ I can:t stan" people li%e t&at$ An" !asn:t it you !&o sa)e" 0alure:s tree1 T&is is t&e least I can "o$ En,oy your stay3 +t"s nighttime. .arol sleeps on one of the beds while the others chat. <97IT0 All t&ose re'ugees>t&e capital must *e in a sorry state$ RAVE +&at e)il y:t&in% t&at *astar" Ale;ei:s going to perpetrate ne;t1 RITA +&o cares a*out Ale;ei1 >Estelle$ I !ant to sa)e Estelle$ <97IT0 8es$ (ut to "o t&at !e nee" to ta%e care o' Ale;ei$ An" !e nee" to come up !it& a *etter plan to "o it$ +e can:t let oursel)es get *laste" all t&e !ay *ac% to or 0ar*or again$ 8uri @ RITA $ $ $ /aven turns his attention to .arol. RAVE +ell# !e can:t go any!&ere Mtil .arol gets *etter# so !e mig&t as !ell gat&er some in'o Mroun" to!n# "ontc&a t&in%1 <97IT0 >/oo" i"ea$ Someone mig&t en" up saying ,ust t&e t&ing !e nee" to &ear$ 89RI >+asn:t t&e inn%eeper saying t&at someone important 'rom t&e capital !as in t&e -ayor:s &ouse1 Let:s go an" &a)e a loo%-see$ )uri turns to /aven who"s standing at .arol"s bedside watching him. 89RI >Ol" man1 RAVE Someone:s gotta loo% a'ter t&e *oy# "on:t t&ey1 Lea)e t&at to me$ 8ou %i"s go on a&ea"$ /ita leaves the window and heads for the door while )uri watches /aven hovering near .arol. I FOR-ATIO Ra)en le't t&e party$ I .EEPER 8ou:re al!ays !elcome &ere e)en !it&out special or"ers$ En,oy your stay3 -ayor:s Resi"ence5 As they approach the mayor"s house, Brince +oder and two council members are leaving. IO7ER >O&# I:m so gla" you are all sa'e3 89RI 0u&$ 8ou "i" t&is# rig&t1 0a" t&e inn open up its rooms 'ree o' c&arge$ =O9 =IL -E-(ER An" ,ust !&o are you1 +atc& your tongue$ 7o you %no! to !&om you are-+oder steps in front of the man, #uieting him. IO7ER T&ere are many !&o &a)e escape" !it& only t&e s&irts on t&eir *ac%s$ I 'elt t&is !as one ser)ice t&eir country coul" pro)i"e 'or t&em$ 89RI 0mm# o%ay$ Actually# I:m more intereste" in !&at you can tell me a*out t&e capital$ IO7ER T&e capital> 4ap&ias is no longer a city 'it 'or any person> =O9 =IL -E-(ER T&e city:s *arrier *lastia *egan gi)ing o'' a great

lig&t> An" t&e to!n !as !rac%e" *y eart&6ua%es an" lig&tning> IO7ER (&ea" up# loo%ing at 8uri) 0o!e)er# t&e real terror came a'ter t&at$ A glo!ing 'og appeare" 'rom t&e *arrier *lastia# an" 6uic%ly sprea" t&roug&out t&e city$ T&e plants it touc&e" gre! &i"eously large# an" t&e !ater *ecame poison> It !as &ell itsel'$ RITA T&e arer is out o' control> =ouncil -em*er E O&# t&at suc& "ire e)ents coul" *e'all 4ap&ais# ,e!el o' our glorious empire> RITA I' t&e aer &as co)ere" t&e entire city> +&at is &e "oing to &er>1 =ouncil -em*er E T&-t&is is t&at turncoat Ale;ei:s "oing# I:m sure o' it3 0e came to us "eman"ing our o*e"ience$ +&en !e re'use"# &e s!ore &e !oul" re"uce us to "ust3 =ouncil -em*er T&at *east e)en &a" t&e gall to t-turn t&e Royal /uar" on us a'ter !e ma"e our escape3 <97IT0 T&en &o! "i" you come all t&is !ay un&arme"1 IO7ER Flynn &el" t&em o'' 'or us$ It is t&an%s to &im t&at !e re'ugees arri)e" &ere sa'ely$ I' &e &a"n:t come to our ai" ,ust t&en# !e all !oul":)e "ie"$ 89RI O&# I:" lo)e to &ear more a*out &o! great Flynn is# *elie)e me> (ut I &a)en:t seen anyone 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter &ere$ +&at &appene" to t&em1 IO7ER (&anging &ea") I:m sorry$ I &a)en:t seen anyone eit&er$ .AROL T&ey must &a)e *een le't *e&in"$ +it& all t&at aer 'loo"ing out$ =O9 =IL -E-(ER (loo%ing to t&e si"e) I-it !as all !e coul" "o to sa)e oursel)es$ +it& all t&at !as &appening !e !ere una*le to ta%e e)eryone !it& us$ +e "i" all !e coul"3 8ou must un"erstan"3 89RI >O& yea&1 )uri turns and head back toward the inn. /ita turns as he passes her. RITA 0ey> 89RI (lo! )oice# "angerous) I:ll *e at t&e inn$ (ac% in t&e room5 RAVE 0is 0ig&ness is> 89RI It soun"s li%e t&e entire capital:s *een co)ere" in aer$ An" t&e one in t&e mi""le o' it all is most li%ely> RITA T&at:s insane3 I' &e:s using Estelle to cause all o' t&a# t&en> S&e can:t &an"le t&at3 +&o %no!s &o! muc& o' a toll it ta%es on &er eac& time s&e:s 'orce" to use &er po!er1 S&e !as alrea"y &a)ing pro*lems controlling it$ o! t&ere:s no telling !&at !ill &appen to &er$ +&at i'>!&at i' !e get t&ere too late# an"> E)en i' !e ta%e out Ale;ei# s&e> RAVE 7o>"o ya t&in% may*e t&ere:s a !ay ta get &er po!er un"er control1 /ita shakes her head.

RITA

T&ere is$ T&ere &as to *e$ +e ,ust &a)en:t 'oun" it yet> RAVE A&>&m$ 0ey# !&at a*out t&e .nig&ts1 89RI Flynn:s "oing !&at &e can# *ut it:s not enoug&$ T&ey "on:t &a)e 7ein omos$ RAVE 0mm> <97IT0 I:ll try as%ing P&aero&$ It !oul" *e goo" to %no! &o! muc& time !e &a)e le't$ Hudy presses the horn to her ear. )uri lets out an impatient sigh. 89RI $ $ $ .AROL 8uri> )uri walks over to .arol"s bedside. 89RI 0ey# "i" !e !a%e you up1 0o! are you 'eeling1 .AROL Loo%s li%e I slo!e" you guys "o!n again$ >8ou:re going to t&e capital# rig&t1 89RI 7on:t !orry a*out t&at no!$ +e:re still 'iguring out !&at to "o$ 8ou ,ust get *etter$ .AROL 8ea&# I ,ust "on:t !ant to *e le't *e&in"# o%ay1 Our !&ole guil" is gonna rescue Estelle> 89RI I %no!$ +&y "on:t you try an" get some more sleep# &u&1 .AROL O%ay> <97IT0 I can:t seem to reac& &im$ T&e aer may *e causing inter'erence$ 89RI o *ig "eal$ Eit&er !ay# it:s ,ust a matter o' ma%ing Ale;ei sorry &e e)er starte" t&is$ Rig&t1 <97IT0 >An" not&ing more1 Hudith watches )uri as he walks toward the door. 89RI >I:m gonna go get some 'res& air$ .eep an eye on .arol 'or me$ /epede wakes up and follows )uri out into the night. 89RI A ,o* no*o"y !ants to "o> I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ As )uri walks past the 1ayor"s house, Brince +oder calls to him. IO7ER >Are you going out alone1 89RI I "on:t t&in% t&at:s any o' 8our 0ig&ness:s concern$ I !ant to %no! &o! t&ings are in t&e lo!er 6uarter# so I:m ,ust gonna go ta%e a loo%$ IO7ER T&e =ouncil &as "eci"e" to *ring 'ormal c&arges o' criminal conspiracy against Ale;ei$ T&e .nig&ts are currently 'orming a strategy 'or reentering t&e capital 'rom 7ei"on 0ol"$ 89RI +it& all t&at aer in t&e city1 I "ou*t t&ey:ll get )ery 'ar$ IO7ER >Estellise is !it& Ale;ei# isn:t s&e1 89RI 0o! "i"> So you caug&t on# &u&1 I !on"ere" !&y you "i"n:t *ring &er up earlier$ IO7ER +&at "o you inten" to "o a*out &er1 89RI +&at "o you mean1 IO7ER >All t&ose !&o carry t&e imperial *loo" possess a certain po!er$ In most o' us it is too 'aint to *e o' use# *ut I &a)e &ear" t&at &ers is e;traor"inary$ I:m sure it !as 'or t&is reason t&at t&e =ouncl t&re! t&eir support *e&in" &er$ 89RI +&y are you *ringing t&is up no!1

IO7ER 89RI IO7ER

Isn:t t&is current "isaster *eing cause" *y &er po!er1 So !&at i' it is1 T&e .nig&ts may &a)e to> 8ou:re a!are t&at "e'eating Ale;ei may not *e enoug&$ 89RI T&at:s not going to &appen$ IO7ER >(ecause you:ll "o it yoursel'1 Flynn tol" me a*out you$ T&at you al!ays try to carry 'ar too muc& on your o!n s&oul"ers$ 89RI 8ou can tell &im t&at !e:ll *e ,ust 'ine !it&out t&e &elp$ IO7ER (ut !&y1 89RI I t&oug&t I tol" you# t&is isn:t your concern$ IO7ER T&at s!or"> Per&aps you are ,ust t&e person it !as !aiting 'or$ 89RI (lo!# "angerously) .eep tal%ing an" I:ll try it out on you$ IO7ER (&anging &ea") >Forgi)e me$ )uri leaves %alure and travels to 0uoi -oods. +t"s daylight when he enters the woods.

QU.I $..5S

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~

)uri finds the broken blastia in the woods and it triggers fond memories. 89RI 0ey# t&at:s> 0e&# I remem*er !&en Estelle ate t&at nia 'ruit$ T&at !as 6uite a 'ace s&e ma"e$ )uri kneels to talk to /epede. 89RI =ome to t&in% o' it# it:s *een along time since !e:)e *een on our o!n# &u& pal1 I &a)en:t *een 'eeling li%e mysel'# e)en !&en I:m 'ig&ting$ >It:s li%e I:m tire"# all o' a su""en$ >8ou min" %eeping an eye out 'or a !&ile# Repe"e1 RITA +oo'$ 8uri sleeps$ 89RI $ $ $ .arol:s VOI=E >8uri# you> 89RI (&u&1) $ $ $1 .arol:s VOI=E I7IOT33 .arol hits the ground behind )uri with his weapon. 89RI 0u&13 )uri leaps upright. 89RI +&at t&e1 +&at1 .arol13 .arol is very upset and )uri is horrified. .arol swings his weapon at )uri. .AROL 8ou *rain"ea" piece o' crap3 89RI 0ey# &ol" on a sec3 .AROL 8ou trying to *e some stupi" lone !ol' or somet&ing13 89RI Lone !ol'> +ait# I>3 /ita"s there too and she"s holding her hands up in a familiar way.

RITA Sa)e t&e e;cuses 'or later$ 89RI 0u&13 There"s the tingling sound of /ita firing up an arte. RITA For no! you can "rop "ea"33 )uri scoots across the ground and lays to rest on his face in front of a seated /aven and a standing Hudith under a tree. 89RI +&oaaa33 /aven leans toward )uri. RAVE 0ey t&ere# suns&ine$ Still li)in1 89RI >-ay*e$ <97IT0 +ell it loo%s li%e you:re a!a%e no!$ 0o! nice$ Hudith cracks her knuckles while she speaks ever so pleasantly. The scene fades and returns after )uri is through receiving his punishment. 89RI <ee?# Repe"e$ !&at &appene" to %eeping a loo% out1 <97IT0 0e le" us rig&t to you# li%e a goo" *oy$ 0e:s pretty cle)er# you %no!$ RITA 8ea&# &e tol" us i' !e came t&is !ay# !e:" see t&e *iggest 'ool in t&e !orl"$ 89RI 7o you guys %no! !&at:s going on1 7o you really un"erstan" !&at &as to &appen a'ter t&is1 .AROL 8ou:re t&e one !&o "oesn:t un"erstan"3 89RI .arol$ .AROL 8ou can:t> T&is is one t&ing you can:t ,ust "o on your o!n# 8uri3 RITA +&at !ere you tryin: to pro)e1 0o! 'ar "i" you t&in% you:" get !it&out us1 RAVE +&at it *oils "o!n to is> It:s no 'air %eepin: all t&e 'un an" glory to yoursel'$ <97IT0 +oul" it &urt 'or you to *elie)e in us a little *it more1 .AROL 8ea&$ I mean# !e:re your 'rien"s3 89RI >8ou got me# guys$ >All rig&t# t&en$ +e:re all in t&is toget&er$ 9ntil t&e en"$ .AROL Rig&t3 RITA 9m# "u&$ REPE7E +oo'3 RAVE So let:s go "o t&is t&ing3 Hudith faces west. <97IT0 Once !e lea)e t&e !oo"s# t&e capital is ,ust rig&t t&ere$ I FOR-ATIO Repe"e earne" t&e A=onsi"erate Si"e%ic%B title$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ S+IT $orried A(out E*te))e They leave 0uoi -oods. S+IT A)) in the Sa9e Boat S+IT .ut o3 Ti9e ZAPHIAS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zaphias is encased in a dome of dark red mist. Aersick monsters prowl

the fields surrounding the city. S+IT I3 the Prin,e Be,o9e* E9%eror They battle their way to the entrance and enter the capital. Blants have grown to gigantic proportions. Bulsating vines, still growing, wind over, around, and through buildings, covering the broad walkways and making some portions of the capital inaccessible completely. 89RI It:s &ar" to *elie)e !e:re really in t&e capital$ .AROL T&e plants are all o)ergro!n> It:s gotta *e t&e aer$ RITA It:s so "ense> Too muc& o' t&is stu'' !oul" %ill any*o"y$ <97IT0 +e:" "e'initely *e in trou*le !it&out t&at s!or"$ 89RI 8ea&# stic% close to me$ Especially you# ol" man$ /aven hunches over, closes one eye and rubs his hand together worriedly. RAVE 0ey# I:)e *een on pins an" nee"les since !e got &ere$ >0ol" my &an"# !oul" ya1 89RI (c&uc%ling) /imme a *rea%$ .AROL Loo%# monsters got in &ere3 RITA 0o!13 T&e *arrier is *ac% up an" running 'ine> RAVE T&ey loo% li%e t&ey:re goin: cra?y# li%e t&e ones !e sa! *ac% at .ei) -oc$ .AROL 8uri# !&at is it1 89RI 0u&1 O&# it:s not&ing$ Let:s go$ +e can:t %eep Estelle !aiting$ RITA 1 (&mm>1) )uri walks on ahead. /aven takes the opportunity to inform the others in a low voice. RAVE T&e lo!er 6uarter:s at t&e *ottom o' t&at slope$ It:s &is &ome$ The others look at the ramp to the lower #uarter. The ramp is completely covered with overgrown plants. /eali!ing there"s no way to save the residents down there, .arol and /ita look at it with sadness and concern. .AROL >It:s>it loo%s li%e it:s completely o)errun *y t&e plants> RITA > (gasp) S+IT 6uriB* Chan0ed They reach the castle gates. 89RI 7amn$ It:s s&ut up tig&t$ .AROL Loo% up t&ere$ I mig&t *e a*le to s6uee?e t&roug&$ )uri looks up to see a place on the wrought iron gate where the bars have been spread wider apart. 89RI ice$ 8ou can go t&roug& t&ere an" open it 'rom t&e ot&er si"e$ .arol climbs on top of /aven"s shoulders and leaps onto the gate. %e then s#uee!es easily through the bars and runs around to unlock the gate. RITA 0ey# !e:re out o' time$ +&y "on:t !e ,ust *lo! it open1 RAVE <ust Mcause t&ere:s no*o"y out &ere "oesn:t mean no*o"y:s in t&ere$ It:" *e a pain i' !e !ere "isco)ere"$ RITA T&e aer is all o)er t&e city# isn:t it1 It:s gotta *e in t&e castle# too$ <97IT0 Ale;ei must &a)e ta%en some sort o' precautions against t&at$ The gate slides open.

.AROL 89RI

/ot it3 E)ery*o"y &urry3 /oo" !or%$ O%ay# t&is is it# 'ol%s$

4AP0IAS =ASTLE5 T&ey enter t&e great &all o' t&e castle$ .AROL 0u&1 T&ere:s no aer in &ere$ RITA 0e must &a)e 'igure" out &o! to use Estelle:s po!er to "o t&is$ <97IT0 It may &a)e *een t&at t&e outer *arrier !as to %eep t&e aer in$ 89RI T&at &unc& you &a" is loo%ing more li%ely *y t&e minute# ol" man$ +e:re gonna &a)e company *e'ore long$ RAVE +&y is it I:m only e)er rig&t a*out t&e *a" stu'' &appenin:1 .AROL It:s too *a"# in a !ay> I 'inally get to see t&e castle# *ut not 'or t&e reason I !as &oping$ )uri walks over to .arol and looks into his eyes with a small smile. At the end of the great room, they turn to the right into the room where )uri first met =stelle. They walk past the dining hall. <97IT0 0ol" on$ Someone:s t&ere$ They wait on either side of the door and ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos burst out of the door at a run. -en Arrrrrg&3 89RI 0u&13 T&ey run smac% into t&e !all an" 'all on t&e 'loor$ All t&ree men +aaaaa&&&&&3 89RI +&at t&e>1 )uri can"t believe what he"s seeing. %is eyes slide back to the dining hall when a voice from inside calls his name. VOI=E 8uri13 It:s 8uri3 An ,ld man walks out into the hall. 89RI 0u&13 0an%s13 They assemble inside the 2ining %all. 89RI 0an%s# e)eryone 3 8ou:re all o%ay3 0A .S 0ey# t&at:s my line3 89RI +&y are you insi"e t&e castle13 /aven looks at his men and they snap to attention with a click of their armor. RAVE 8ea&# you all too$ They all give /aven the +mperial salute of allegiance. LE(LA = 8es# !ell Sir Flynn or"ere" me to lea" t&e e)acuation o' t&e citi?ens$ 0o!e)er>I reali?e" t&at t&e in&a*itants o' t&e lo!er 6uarter !ere no!&ere to *e 'oun"$ It !asn:t part o' my or"ers# *ut# you see> 0A .S T&e e;it collapse"# an" a strange 'og co)ere" t&e groun"$ +e !ere in 6uite a 'i;3 T&an%s to t&ese %nig&ts !e escape" t&e 'og an" came &ere$ T&ey sa)e" our li)es$ LE(LA = (saluting again) I-I am prepare" to recei)e punis&ment 'or )iolating my or"ers3 A7E=OR (saluting again) I say# !e !ill ta%e t&e same punis&ment3 (O==OS +e !ill ta%e t&e same punis&ment3 RAVE Punis&ment1 I:m ,ust an ol" man# *oys$

Any!ay isn:t it t&e "uty o' t&e .nig&ts to protect t&e citi?ens1 >8ou "i" !ell$ ;eblanc is reduced to tears. LE(LA = >T&-t&is is an &onor3 =aptain Sc&!a--=aptain Ra)en3 RAVE 7on:t call me =aptain3 I:m ,ust Ra)en3 ;eblanc #uits crying long enough to salute /aven again. LE(LA = (crying again) Sir3 I apologi?e$ Sir <ust Ra)en3 /aven drops his forehead into his hand. <97IT0 Loo%s li%e some*o"y respects you$ RITA I ne)er !oul" &a)e *elie)e" it> .AROL (grinning) T&is is great# 8uri3 89RI 0u&# I 'orgot &o! toug& e)eryone !as$ +&at !as I !orrie" a*out1 RAVE 7i" you see t&e 'ormer =omman"ant1 /aven"s men snap to attention. LE(LA = Sir# no sir$ (ut !e o)er&ear" t&e Royal /uar" outsi"e> somet&ing a*out t&e S!or" Stair1 RITA T&e S!or" Stair1 RAVE T&at really tall t&ing !e got *laste" o'' o'$ <97IT0 So t&at means &e:s still up t&ere$ RAVE T&e pro*lem is# only important people can get to t&e S!or" Stair$ T&ere:s some special mec&anism$ .AROL I can ta%e care o' loc%s# Rita can ta%e care o' 'ormulas$ +e can "o it3 89RI 8ou sai" it$ 0an%s# all o' you s&oul" stay &ere an" &i"e$ Let:s go3 /aven"s men snap to attention. S+IT The Lower Quarter I* Sa3e TE7 T&ose %nig&ts>8uri# t&ey:re t&e ones t&at !ere *ullying you# aren:t t&ey1 I !as surprise" t&ey turne" out to *e so nice$ I !on"er i' Flynn !ill come to &elp us# too> VE 7OR I &a" to lea)e all my !ares *ac% in to!n> I:m really !orrie" a*out looters$ O' course# !it& t&e state t&e lo!er 6uarter:s in# I suppose no*o"y can really get near it$ -y "ear !i'e got out o' t&e city# *ut I ,ust &ope s&e:s all rig&t> 0A .S An" to t&in% Estellise !as actually a princess> I guess no! I s&oul" say# A0er 0ig&ness EstelliseB$ S&e al!ays "i" &a)e a re'ine" air a*out &er>sort o' remin"e" me o' my gran"mot&er$ 8ou must rescue Estiellise>I mean# 0er 0ig&ness$ OL7 -A I lost my glasses some!&ere along t&e !ay !&ile !e !ere escaping &ere> First t&e "entures# no! my glasses3 /uess I:m goo" at losing t&ings$ +&at a *ot&er$ -mm>1 0ey !ait> o! t&at I t&in% a*out it# I "on:t e)en !ear glasses$ The two young men )uri saw in the Comet +nn and Tavern sit at one of the tables. 8oung -an CE I t&oug&t !e !ere a*out to set o'' on a gran" ,ourney# an" t&en all t&is &a" to &appen> I suppose I:ll spen" my time &ere 6ui??ing my ne! 'rien" a*out &is tra)el %no!le"ge$ I pray t&at t&e !orl" !e e)entually get to see on our ,ourney is a more peace'ul one$

8O9 / -A

+e:" alrea"y *e out o' 4ap&ias i' all t&is &a"n:t &appene"$ I' only !e:" set out a little earlier# !e !oul"n:t *e trappe" &ere> I "o t&in% t&is !ill *e a )alua*le e;perience>$i' !e get out o' t&e castle# t&at is$ A young man sits against the wall. 8O9 / -A I al!ays t&oug&t t&e .nig&ts !ere a *unc& o' nasty losers$ I mean ot&er t&an you an" Flynn# 8uri$ It !as a little surprising to 'in" out a lot o' t&em really &a" a *ac%*one$ =ompare" to t&em# all t&e .nig&ts 'ollo!ing t&at socalle" =omman"ant loo% li%e 'ools$ I .EEPER:S +IFE E)eryone nee"s to eat to regain t&eir strengt&# especially at a time li%e t&is$ o matter !&at &appens# t&is is still a restaurant$ o! it:s my turn to s&ine3 E)eryone# e)eryone3 Len" me a &an"3 Let:s coo% up a 'east3 OL7 +O-A 8uri# i' you:re going t&roug& toug& times# you can al!ays tell t&is ol" la"y a*out it$ It:s t&e only !ay I can repay you 'or all you:)e "one 'or us$ +&at &appene" to t&e young la"y you !ere !it& *e'ore1 O& my# is t&is your ne! girl'rien"1 I' you:re mi;e" up in a lo)e triangle# you can al!ays tal% to me a*out it$ I *ecame 'rien"s !it& t&ose t!o %nig&ts-t&e tall# s%inny one an" t&e s&ort# 'at one$ T&ey mig&t *e 'ull o' t&emsel)es# *ut t&ey:re nice guys$ 8ou see# you see# I say# I say3 >T&at:s my impression o' *eanpole an" por%y$ I' our to!n e)er gets *ac% to normal# I:m going to 'oun" t&e 8uri 7e'ense Force$ +&y1 <ust loo% at you# 8uri3 8ou:re so>s&iny an" !on"er'ul3 An" I:ll *e t&e *rilliant 7e'ense Force mem*er num*er 33 =omman"ant Ale;ei seeme" li%e suc& an upstan"ing man# *ut it !as only an act$ +&en an empire:s top comman"er goes ma"# it:s &ar" not to t&in% t&at empire:s a*out to 'all$ E)en i' countries 'all# mountains an" ri)ers !ill remain>as !ill t&e people t&at li)e upon t&em$ +&en you t&in% a*out it t&at !ay# per&aps t&ere:s no reason 'or "espair> 0mp&> I say# I cannot a*i"e relying on you to sa)e us3 I say# !e !ill repay t&is "e*t3 I say# =aptain Sc&!ann !ill replace t&at traitorous "og# Ale;ei# as =omman"ant3 I:m calling a pro)isional truce3 (ut !e:ll *ring you in as soon as t&is is o)er3 >+e:re counting on you> Stop t&e =omman"ant$ >I:ll ne)er 'orgi)e you i' you tarnis& t&e goo" names o' t&e =aptain 'or t&e Princess# t&oug&3

CD

LITTLE /IRL

8oung La"y

8O9 / -A

A7E=OR

LE(LA =

(O==OS

+&en =omman"ant Ale;ei too% o)er t&e castle# I !asn:t sure !&et&er or not to 'ollo! &im$ o! I %no! I "i" t&e rig&t t&ing *y *elie)ing in Lieutenant Le*lanc3 >Still# I &a)e to !on"er !&at:s in store 'or t&e Imperial .nig&ts> An" !&at !ill *ecome o' t&is glorious capital# my *elo)e" 4ap&ias>1 -ER=0A T It may not *e muc&# *ut I manage" to escape !it& my pro"ucts$ Sorry to as% 'or your /al" at suc& a trying time$ I still &a)e to run a *usiness# you %no!$ They leave the 2ining %all and make their way to the garden where they take the north e it. They end up in a long room with stairs in the far end that lead up to the Audience Chamber. Someone else is there. VOI=E So you &a)e come at last$ The woman"s footsteps echo as she crosses the chamber to stand before them. <97IT0 A .rityan13 o# !ait# you !ere> RAVE -eet .&roma# special a")isor to t&e Imperial .nig&ts> Ale;ei:s personal assistant$ RITA (preparing 'or *attle) T&en s&e:s an enemy13 .0RO-A o# I am not$ >For t&e time *eing# in any case$ 89RI T&at:s not a )ery com'orting !ay to put it$ Sorry# *ut !e:)e got some!&ere to go$ I' you:re &ere to 'ig&t# 'ine$ I' not# may*e it coul" !ait until later$ .0RO-A +&o is it you !oul" 'ig&t 'or1 .AROL +&at "o you mean1 .0RO-A T&at poor# pat&etic young girl1 RITA S&e "oesn:t nee" your pity3 RAVE 8ou are *ein: really )ague$ =ome on# spit it out alrea"y3 .0RO-A I cannot %no! !&at t&at one sa! in all o' you> (ut I !is& 'or you to stop &im$ .hroma leaves the Audience Chamber. RITA O%ay# t&at ma"e no sense$ 7i" any*o"y get !&at s&e !as trying to say>1 .AROL -ay*e s&e !ants us to stop Ale;ei1 89RI 0mm# may*e$ It !oul" a"" up# I guess$ <97IT0 8es$ Estelle s&oul" *e ,ust up a&ea"$ RAVE -ay*e it !as more li%e# Ago nail t&at guy:s *utt to t&e !all$B 89RI I coul" &an"le t&at$ =ome on3 As the others walk away, Hudith keeps her suspicions about .hroma to herself. They open two chest in the chamber and find another treasure hidden in the throne chair. =&est5 Spirit (angle =&est5 El"er =loa% =&air -ystic -ar% They e amine the green orb on the back wall. I FOR-ATIO From one to 'our# 'ront to *ac%# "ar% to lig&t$ Stray 'rom t&is an" "isaster s&all 'ollo!> They locate the first angel statue and open two chests. I FOR-ATIO =omman" t&e &ea)ens !it& t&e po!er o' t&e ring$

I FOR-ATIO

+&en s&e !it& t&e tiny !ings smiles gently in t&e "ar%ness# t&e 'irst "oor s&all open$ =&est5 (rea%er (o! =&est Limit (ottle They return to the great hall and take the western door into the room with the movable angel statue hiding a ladder down to the castle sewers. A western door located at the bottom of that room leads to the second Angel statue. I FOR-ATIO =omman" t&e &ea)ens !it& t&e po!er o' t&e ring$ I FOR-ATIO +&en t!o pairs o' !ing are 'ully opene"# s&e s&all !eep *eneat& t&e s&arp rays o' lig&t an" t&e secon" "oor s&all open$ They go back to the grand hall, taking the left doorway on the second level this time, and follow the hallway to the third statue and t!o c&ests$ =&est DSPPP /al"$ =&est Vaga*on" KD I FOR-ATIO =omman" t&e &ea)ens !it& t&e po!er o' t&e ring$ I FOR-ATIO +it& t&e span o' t&ree pairs o' !ings# &er re'lection s&all appear in t&e s&attere" &al' mirror$ Only t&en !ill t&e t&ir" "oor open$ +n the room with three staircases where one of them leads down to the prison, they take the long northern hall to the fourth and final Angel statue. I FOR-ATIO =omman" t&e &ea)ens !it& t&e po!er o' t&e ring$ I FOR-ATIO +&en all eig&t !ings are sprea"# a circle o' lig&t s&all s&ine a*o)e t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon an" t&e 'ourt& "oor s&all open$ After a #uick stop at the dining hall to heal and stock up on supplies they go back to the Audience Chamber. )uri fires the Sorcerer"s /ing at the green orb and the door opens to reveal a ramp leading to the top of the castle near the steep winding ramp to the Sword Stair. And there on the platform at the top, are Ale ei and =stelle in her apatheia powered, bubble prison of swirling purple mist. ALEGEI >Astoun"ing$ I t&oug&t t&at cras& !oul" &a)e *een t&e last o' you$ 89RI I' !e &a"n:t *een luc%y# you ,ust mig&t:)e gotten your !is&$ 8ou can let &er go no! an" sa)e yoursel' some pain# or !e can *rea% you 'irst$ It:s your call$ ALEGEI Sorry to *e a *ore# *ut let:s say I re'use *ot& o' t&ose1 89RI I:" *e &appy to "eci"e 'or you$ )uri brings out his weapon. ALEGEI T&e Princess !as splen"i"$ 0er po!er e6uals t&e ancient =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon$ E)ery person &as a role# an" t&e Princess &as playe" &er part e;cee"ingly !ell$ 89RI I' s&e:s "one &er part# t&en !e:ll ta%e &er *ac% rig&t no!$ Ale ei, with his head bowed, concentrates on the large apatheia floating above his right hand. ALEGEI As you !is&$ <97IT0 Estelle3 =stelle now seems unaware of them as she floats in her prison, staring straight ahead. The bubble disappears and =stelle runs forward toward )uri and strikes with her sword. )uri blocks her blow with his sword.

89RI 0ey33 Ale ei stands in front of them, still concentrating effortlessly on the apatheia. .AROL Estelle3 Snap out o' it33 <97IT0 +ait$ It loo%s li%e s&e:s *eing controlle"$ ALEGEI +&at !oul" you "o !it& t&e Princess no!1 0er po!er &as su*sume" &er !ill entirely$ 0er po!er &as 'inally *een controlle"# *y a system I &a)e put into place$ (lastia t&at go out o' control must *e "estroye"$ 8ou s&oul" %no! t&at$ RITA 7on:t tal% a*out Estelle li%e s&e:s ,ust some>t&ing33 Ale ei puts away his apatheia. ALEGEI O&# *ut t&e Princess !as a tool most crucial to my plans$ As !ere you# Sc&!ann$ An" since you sur)i)e"# I !ill use you again$ Return li%e t&e puppet you are$ /aven"s blue eyes are dead cold as he stares at Ale ei. RAVE Sorry# *ut you *urie" t&at poor sc&muc% ali)e yoursel'$ I:m Ra)en$ Please ta meet ya$ )uri still fends of =stelle"s attack. 89RI +e all &a)e a role to play# *ut eac& person &as a say in !&at t&at role is$ ALEGEI E)en t&oug& so many li)e suc& meaningless# mun"ane li)es1 I t&in% not$ .AROL I' t&ey c&ose t&at li'e# t&en so !&at1 T&at:s !&at "eci"ing 'or yoursel' means3 Ale ei acts as if he is seriously considering their words as he places an armored hand to his chin. ALEGEI 0o! un'ortunate$ +e !ill ne)er see eye to eye$ Suddenly, Ale ei whips out his blastia-e#uipped sword and aims it at =stelle. =stelle becomes more determined to break )uri"s defense. 89RI oo33 Estelle# "on:t "o t&is3 7amn it33 .AROL RITA Estelle>cut it out I can:t$ I can:t &urt &er$

=stelle is subdued ALEGEI (&an" on c&in) 0mm# per&aps t&at !as not enoug& po!er$ Ale ei once again brings out his sword and manipulates =stelle"s power ESTELLE Aaaaaaaa&33 89RI Este>aarg&33 ALEGEI T&an%s to you# t&is ne! %ey to replace 7ein omos in no! complete$ As a s&o! o' my appreciation# I !ill allo! you to !itness t&e 'ruition o' my plan$ >T&e a!a%ening o' t&e true =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ The emblem above the sword tower shoots out a light into the sea and brings up a shrine hidden in the depths. The events cause too much stress for /aven and he sinks to the ground, clutching his blastia heart. RAVE 9g&> +&at is>t&at>1 <97IT0 +e>sa! t&at>at -yor?o> Ale ei turns his face to the heavens and bring his arms out in an encompassing gesture, laughing heartily. ALEGEI 0e& &e&>&a& &a& &a&> Success3 At last> At last I &a)e

"one it33 (e&ol"# t&e greatest remnant o' t&e ancients3 T&e En"uring S&rine o' 4au"e3 T&e ultimate *lastia !&ic& once o*literate" t&e catastrop&e t&at t&reatene" our !orl"3 RITA T&at:s a *lastia13 89RI -ay*e you coul" sa)e t&is little speec& until you get some alone time$ 8ou:re em*arrassing yoursel'$ Ale ei lowers his arms, one at a time. ALEGEI >T&e s&o!# I am a'rai"# is o)er$ It is time 'or t&e 'inal curtain$ o!# Princess# "o your 'rien"s t&e 'a)or o' separating t&eir &ea"s 'rom t&eir *o"ies$ 89RI >33 (astar">3 ALEGEI one o' t&is !oul" &a)e &appene" i' you &a"n:t insiste" on coming &ere$ O&# &o! t&e poor girl !ill 'eel !&en s&e comes to &er senses> Fare!ell$ Ale ei performs a formal bow. )uri charges at him, but Ale ei disappears in a swirling cloud of aer. 89RI 7amn you# Ale;ei# !ait3 /et *ac% &ere3 Ale;ei33 RITA >3 Estelle>"on:t>3 $ehind )uri"s back, =stelle swings at his head. )uri ducks, twirls and once again he and =stelle lock swords. 89RI >8aa&33 ESTELLE Please> (e'ore I can &urt anyone else %ill me 89RI >I:ll set you 'ree$ <97IT0 8uri> .arol an" RITA 8uri3 )uri uses 1other"s 1emento on =stelle: ESTELLE T&at>is> After =stelle is defeated, )uri begs her to snap out of it. =stelle finally has the power to come back to herself. An e hausted )uri watches her return. 89RI Estelle3 Step out o' it3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------(anime cutscene) 89RI =ome *ac% to us3 Estelle3 Are you ,ust gonna let your li'e en" li%e t&is1 Li%e some*o"y else:s tool1 =stelle drops her sword. ESTELLE I$$$ !ant to$$$$ =stelle starts to cry. ESTELLE I !ant to *e mysel'$$$$I !ant to %eep on li)ing3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------.AROL 8ou "i" it# Estelle$ 8ou:re you again3 .arol and /ita"s smiles fade when a deafening pulsating noise begins. RITA +ait# t&e system3

=stelle is now encased in an orange red bubble. <97IT0 It !as *eing %ept in c&ec% *y Ale;ei:s s!or"3 +it&out t&at>3 ESTELLE (!rit&ing in pain) 9u&>aaaaaaa&33 .AROL ("uc%ing) +aa&33 89RI (gritting &is teet&) /raa&33 ESTELLE I can:t>I can:t stop it no!> E)eryone# run>33 89RI 7on:t !orry# !e:re not gonna lose you33 <97IT0 Rita$ It:s up to you3 /ita e tends her arm and calls up the control panel. RITA >Ama?ing> It:s sync&roni?e" !it& Estelle$ Inter'erence "eacti)ation "ata# a 'ormula to isolate surplus aer$ (ut !&at coul" possi*ly ta%e t&e place o' t&e apat&eia>1 89RI +&at a*out t&is s!or"13 )uri hold the 2ein >omos in front of him. 89RI T&is is t&e original t&at Ale;ei *ase" &is on# rig&t13 /ita thinks for a moment, then closes the panel. RITA >Let me try it3 <97IT0 Let me &elp$ I:ll %eep trac% o' t&e 'lo! o' aer$ .AROL -e too3 RAVE /a&$ 7amn t&is useless *o"y> ESTELLE Please# e)eryone> )uri walks close to =stelle and stands &ust outside her bubble. 89RI +&at:" I "ay$ +e:re not gonna lose you$ +&en (ra)e Vesperia "oes somet&ing# !e "o it rig&t$ =stelle considers his words, then her eyes close with a smile. ESTELLE >O%ay3 =veryone stands in a circle around =stelle. /aven tries to stand but his blastia heart won"t take the strain. %e kneels in place instead. /ita swishes her sash in the aer, then gets into an arte stance. RITA 8uri3 T&e s!or"3 89RI 0ere3 As soon as )uri raises the sword, the bubble sphere reacts to the 2ein >omos. A brilliant light travels the length of the giant sword on top of the castle and the bubble sphere disintegrates and =stelle falls into )uri"s outstretched arms. %er momentum knocks )uri backwards and they fall to the ground together. .AROL All rig&t33 )uri lands on his back with =stelle happily on top of him, cradled in his arms. 89RI >+elcome *ac%$ ESTELLE > ice to *e *ac%$ $ack inside the castle, )uri, leans back against the wall while he and 9lynn talk in 9lynn"s room. FL8 T&e En"uring S&rine o' 4au"e> 89RI T&at:s !&at &e sai"$ 0a)e you &ear" o' it1 FL8 o# t&at:s t&e 'irst time$ I !on"er !&at it is$ 89RI I "on:t %no!$ (ut I %no! !&at &e:s gonna use it 'or FL8 +orl" "omination> 7o you really t&in% &e can "o t&at1 89RI 0e sure t&oug&t &e coul"$ FL8 +e .nig&ts are al!ays one step *e&in"$ +it&out t&e rest o' you# !e:" ne)er &a)e *een a*le to approac& t&e capital$ -uc& less stop t&e *lastia 'rom sprea"ing t&is "anger

across t&e lan"> It !as t&e .nig&ts t&at protecte" t&e capital 'rom 0eracles# t&oug&$ FL8 E)en !it& La"y Estellise> 89RI 0ey# Estelle came *ac% on &er o!n$ Ale;ei o!es t&e !orl" 'or all &e:s "one$ 0e o!es us$ Tomorro! I:m going to t&e S&rine o' 4au"e$ FL8 I assume your 'rien"s !ill *e !it& you$ 89RI 8ea&$ E)eryone:s resting up 'or tomorro!$ So spare me any guilt trips tonig&t$ FL8 O%ay$ The two men look into each other"s eyes, the bond of friendship rekindled. They are interrupted by Sodia bursting into the room. SO7IA =aptain# so t&is is !&ere you !ere$ >8ou again$ )uri waves and steps to the other side of the room as Sodia glowers at him and 9lynn. SO7IA egotiations !it& t&e 9nion are "i''icult$ It seems t&ey can:t e)en agree !it& eac& ot&er$ An" one more t&ing$ T&e council inten"s to ce"e all aut&ority to 0is 0ig&ness Io"er in or"er to control t&e current crisis$ 7ue to your success in li*erating t&e capital# 0is 0ig&ness &as pronounce" you acting =omman"ant$ =ongratulations3 89RI +ell t&is cleans up one o' our pro*lems$ =ongrats$ (sarcastically) SO7IA +atc& your tone3 FL8 8uri# you:re t&e one !&o really "i" all t&is> 89RI A&&&# "etails "etails$ +&ate)er$ +ell# I guess I:ll go c&ec% on t&e ot&ers$ See ya$ )uri leaves 9lynn"s room. . I/0T O&3 8uri3 7i" you 'inis& tal%ing !it& Flynn1 It:s me3 I ,oine" t&e same time you all "i"3 0ey> 0ey# I sa! your 'rien"s ,ust !an"ering aroun" o)er t&ere$ O&>&ey3 T&ere:s a guy !it& you t&at loo%s ,ust li%e =aptain Sc&!ann$ 0e sai" to put &im in ,ail# so I "i"$ .in"a !eir"# &u&1 O& year# I caug&t t&at guy *e'ore# too$ So it !as li%e> Sorry$ I:ll s&ut up no!$ As )uri searches for his friends, he talks to the .nights on patrol in the castle. 89RI Far Le't =orri"or5 . I/0T T&e Royal /uar" !ere t&e *est o' t&e *est# &an" pic%e" *y Ale;ei &imsel'$ 0o! coul" it *ecome ,ust a cult to !ors&ip Ale;ei>1 E)en Flynn# t&e acting =omman"ant# got tric%e" *y Ale;ei$ Intersection =orri"or5 . I/0T -ost o' t&e Royal /uar" staye" in t&e capital instea" o' going to 4au"e$ (ut t&ey got *ran"e" as traitors any!ay$ T&ey:re

&ating li'e no!$ -y 'rien" !as one o' t&em$ Poor guy$ /reat 0all5 . I/0T I !ill protect t&e peace an" sa'ety o' 4ap&ias =astle3 I !ill not allo! anyone to perpetrate in,ustice3 T&e .nig&ts s&oul" al!ays *e t&e primary ser)ants o' t&e people$

7ining 0all =orri"or5 ,n his way to the prison to look for /aven, )uri passes a halberd knight patrolling the corridor containing the 2ining %all. . I/0T I !as in t&e Royal /uar" at t&at time$ I recei)e" an or"er an" I ,ust 'ollo!e" out o' *lin" loyalty$ I 'oug&t !it& you as !ell$ It is suc& a "isgrace> 7ining 0all5 +nside the dining hall, )uri finds .arol and /epede sitting on the floor with two resident of the lower #uarter. )uri walks behind .arol. The two people and /epede watch intently as .arol works on an ob&ect lying on the floor. 89RI +&at:s up# .arol1 .AROL O&# 8uri$ Ta%e a loo%$ It:s as goo" as ne!3 .arol stands up and proudly holds up a brown leather case. 89RI /oo" to see you:re as use'ul as e)er$ T&at:s not yours t&oug&# is it1 0A .S It:s mine$ %anks walks over from the kitchen. 89RI 0an%s$ (c&uc%ling) .arol hands the bag to %anks. 0A .S T&is *oy:s *een 'i;ing up all t&e stu'' t&at got %noc%e" aroun" in t&at commotion$ 0e e)en !ent *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter to pic% all t&ese t&ings up$ )uri"s mouth drops open in ama!ement. .AROL 0e&$ Actually# Repe"e 'oun" most o' it$ 8O9 / -A T&ese:re my 'a)orite s&oes# an" you can:t &ar"ly see !&ere t&ey got torn$ T&is guy:s a!esome3 +O-A 0e se!e" up a "ress t&at !as )ery important to me$ T&an%s again 'or t&at$ 89RI >Are you sure a*out "oing t&is# .arol1 Tomorro!:s t&e 'inal *attle$ .AROL It:s o%ay> I !as actually a little !orrie"$ I coul"n:t really sleep any!ay# !&en I starte" t&in%ing a*out t&e *attle tomorro!$ I ,ust t&oug&t> I mig&t as !ell &elp out i' t&ere !as anyt&ing I coul" "o$ 89RI 0u&> .AROL I "i"n:t t&ing Repe"e !oul" !ant to come &elp# t&oug&$ I !as a little surprise"$ 89RI 0e pro*a*ly guesse" !&at you !ere t&in%ing$ 0e "oesn:t ,ust go along !it& anyt&ing$ .AROL 0e& &e&# yea& I guess$ .arol tires to pet /epede, but the dog walks away from him. 89RI 0a&# "on:t pus& your luc%$ .AROL A!# come on Repe"e$ 0A .S O&&# t&is *oy:s gota *rig&t 'uture a&ea" o' &im$

89RI 8ou are loo%ing at t&e esteeme" (oss o' our guil"$ .arol blushes and rubs the back of his neck. 0A .S 8ou mig&t learn a t&ing or t!o 'rom &im# yoursel'# you %no!$ 89RI I !al%e" rig&t into t&at one$ )uri smiles and looks down at a dumbfounded .arol. 0A .S -emories support t&e &eart$ An" our "earest possessions are t&e )essels 'or t&ose memories$ T&an% you# young man$ %anks looks at .arol with sincere gratitude and walks back toward the kitchen. The woman follows him. .AROL I:ll ,ust "o a little more# an" t&en I:ll call it a nig&t$ 89RI O%ay# ,ust "on:t o)er"o it$ .AROL 8ea&# I %no!$ .arol resumes his work. .AROL T&is is li%e t&is> T&is goes &ere$$ T&is is %in" o' 'un3 9m>T&is goes &ere> An" t&is# &ere> 8O9 / -A 8uri is !or%ing 'or a great *oss$ A little on t&e young si"e# *ut> +O-A 0e&e>!&at a cute little *oss> 0A .S 0a)e pity on an ol" man$ I "on:t &a)e t&at muc& longer to li)e$ T&an%s# 8uri$ 8ou really came t&roug& 'or us$ I .EEPERS +IFE I:ll get 'oo" rea"y !&ile t&e men are out loo%ing aroun" t&e city$ 8ou can:t 'ig&t on an empty stomac&# rig&t1 +&en e)eryone:s "one eating# !e:re all going *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter an" clean our city up3 OL7 +O-A First# t&e men are going into t&e lo!er 6uarter to see &o! t&ings are$ I &ope it:s not too *a"$ e;t# !e:ll clean up t&is city an" &a)e it rea"y 'or you !&en you come &ome# 8uri$ LITTLE /IRL I say# (eanpole an" Por%y are actually &elping re*uil" t&e city$ See1 T&ey:re nice guys$ 8ou s&oul" really *e nicer to t&em# 8uri$ I &a)e to clean up my s&op !&en I get *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter$ O& man# t&is is so *a"> 8O9 / -A CE T&ings 'inally settle" "o!n$ I t&in% I can 'inally lea)e on my trip no!$ I 'eel sorry 'or e)eryone an" all# *ut I:)e *een !aiting 'or t&is trip3 Pro*lems ma%e you really appreciate peace an" 6uiet$ T&at:s !&y !e:re &ea"ing out on our ,ourney3 For some e;citement3 8O9 / -A CD I t&in% it !oul" *e *est to remain in t&e capital an" len" a &an" !it& its reconstruction$ (ut &e !ants to lea)e on our trip as soon as possi*le$ It !oul" *e &ar" ,ust to lea)e t&e lo!er 6uarter li%e t&is> Royal /ar"en5 ,n his way to get /aven out of the prison, )uri passes through the garden. A .night is standing guard and Hudith stands near the pond

holding the entele eia communication device to her ear. FL8 . I/0T 9&&&> I 'eel sic%> I am so "one !it& *eing a %nig&t> An" !it& !&at Ale;ei "i"# no*o"y respects .nig&ts anymore$ 89RI +&at:re you "oing# <u"y1 <97IT0 I:m trying to see i' I can contact P&aero& again$ I' 4au"e is connecte" to t&e ancient catastrop&e# P&aero& mig&t %no! somet&ing a*out it$ 89RI Isn:t &e gonna as% a*out Estelle1 <97IT0 I:ll tell &im it loo%s li%e e)eryt&ing !ill *e o%ay$ 89RI All rig&t$ T&an%s$ <97IT0 8ou %no!# t&e only real goal I:)e &a" in li'e &as *een to "estroy t&e 0ermes *lastia$ I "i"n:t &a)e to t&in% a*out ot&er t&ings !&ile I !as "oing t&at$ 89RI Ot&er t&ings1 89RI O&> T&is !orl"# me# lots o' t&ings$ 0a" I ne)er met Estelle# I mig&t still *e 'lying aroun" !it& (a:ul# not t&in%ing o' anyt&ing$ 89RI P&aero& sai" you:" c&ange"# too$ <97IT0 7on:t get me !rong$ I:m telling &im Estelle !ill *e all rig&t *ecause I really *elie)e it$ I &a)e no intention o' ignoring t&e *lastia or t&e aer$ 89RI Is t&at part o' t&e Alots o' t&ingsB you mentione"1 <97IT0 > (gasps) 89RI Sorry$ Forget I sai" t&at$ <97IT0 I !on:t %ill Estelle$ or !ill I let &er *e %ille"$ I also can:t let Ale;ei go on$ 89RI O%ay$ >+e &ea" out tomorro! morning$ <ust get *ac% *y t&en$ <97IT0 9n"erstoo"$ Hudith starts to walk away but )uri stops her. 89RI <u"y$ <97IT0 0m1 89RI Let:s !in t&is one$ <97IT0 O%ay$ /ran" 0all5 S=0+A . I/0T +ell# I guess ,oining a group li%e t&is an" getting so muc& po!er !oul" ma%e anyone cra?y$ I mean# I "on:t e)en %no! a*out Acting =omman"ant Flynn$ T&at position# as young as &e is>1 Flynn> 0e:s so innocent$ Poor t&ing$ I:m a'rai" t&at !on:t last )ery long> I "on:t !anna !or% !it& t&e Royal /uar"$ 8ou ne)er %no! !&en t&ey:ll sta* you in t&e *ac%$ I mean# t&ey:re all traitors$ I:ll pass on !or%ing !it& lo!li'es t&at:ll sta* you in t&e *ac% anytime$

S=0+A

. I/0T

=orri"or Le't o' /ran" 0all5 S=0+A . I/0T I "on:t %no! !&at to *elie)e$ I !as *roug&t up t&in%ing t&at .nig&ts !ere ,ust a group t&at protecte" t&e country$ +&at is ,ustice1 I !on"er i' I can li)e *y my o!n sense o' ,ustice$

AAu"ience =&am*erB5 FL8 . I/0T I am stan"ing &ere in t&e mi"st o' an e;citing# &istoric time$ So muc& c&aos in t&e capital3 So muc& "anger3 -y &eart:s racing3 0istory is &appening all aroun" us$ 7oesn:t t&at ma%e you a little &appy1 Room !&ere Estelle !as 'irst met5 S=0+A . I/0T +&y "i" my comra"es assist in t&e re*ellion> o matter &o! c&arismatic =omman"ant Ale;ei !as# to "o somet&ing li%e t&at is ,ust> (ut you %no!# one !rong step an" I mig&t &a)e 'ollo!e" =omman"ant Ale;ei# too$ Fourt& Angel Statue Room5 )uri find =stelle and /ita sitting on the floor here with 2ein >omos on the floor between them. $ook like around /ita and she has the blastia control panel open. RITA T&is:ll *ring t&e )alue *ac% "o!n# so t&e "iscrepancy !it& t&is s&oul"> A formula sphere appears momentarily then breaks up. RITA > ope# it:s no!&ere near enoug&$ ESTELLE 8uri3 89RI >+&at are you all "oing out &ere1 RITA S&ut up an" lea)e me alone3 O&# it:s you$ Agitated, /ita had prepared an arte spell, but stopped it the moment she looked up and saw it was &ust )uri standing beside her, his face alarmed. 89RI ice to see you too$ So# !&at %in" o' e;periment is t&is# any!ay1 >either answers right away. 89RI >Is somet&ing !rong1 RITA o# it:s *eing %ept !ell un"er control# an" it:s sta*le$ As annoying as it is to a"mit# 7ein omos an" t&is system o' Ale;ei:s are *ot& pretty ama?ing$ 89RI So t&en# !&ere:s t&e pro*lem1 RITA T&e e''ecti)e area o' control is more limite" t&an I t&oug&t$ T&e control *arrier originates at t&e *arrier *lastia$ S&e:s sta*le insi"e it# *ut s&e can:t lea)e$ I guess 7ein omos alone coul"n:t ta%e t&e place o' all t&ose apat&eia$ 89RI So long trips are out o' t&e 6uestion1 RITA Also# t&e *arrier *lastia:s part o' t&e system$ As long as it:s (not) in use# t&is city is "e'enseless$ T&at:s !&y I:m out &ere trying to 'igure out a !ay 'or &er to mo)e aroun" 'reely$ 89RI +&y can:t Estelle ,ust ta%e 7ein omos !it& &er !&ere)er s&e goes1 RITA It !as really only "esigne" to contain aer t&at:s gone out o' control$ I "on:t t&in% it coul" actually a''ect Estelle in any !ay$ 89RI I guess t&at:s &o! it !as !it& 7u%e# too

RITA

7on:t !orry$ I:ll come up !it& somet&ing# or my name isn:t Rita -or"io$ I !on:t let Estelle !in" up trappe" li%e t&at again$ o*o"y treats my 'rien" li%e ,ust some> t&ing$ 89RI O%ay$ I:ll lea)e you to it$ ot&ing to !orry a*out$ 8ou:re got t&e *est genius un"er t&e sun !it& you$ ESTELLE 8es# I %no! Rita can &elp me$ RITA (!in%ing) I:ll &a)e t&is rea"y *y tomorro!$ 8ou get yoursel' to *e"$ 89RI O%ay# o%ay$ 7on:t pus& yoursel' too &ar"$ Same to you# Estelle$ RITA Apply t&e )alue o' pi &ere> T&e e6uation o'> A&3 o# t&at !on:t !or%>3 >> A&>I got it3 o>!ait> ESTELLE It:s goo" to see Rita so "e"icate" an" in)ol)e"$ E)en t&oug& t&is is pro*a*ly 'or &er researc&$ )uri finds /aven lying down in the last cell. =&ec%5 Trans'orm (o! K3a -oon /uar" 89RI >0e:s actually sleeping$ -an# I can:t tell i' &e:s *ra)e# or ,ust stupi"$ /aven"s eyes fly open. RAVE +eren:t you gonna &a)e a touc&in: reunion !it& our *estest pal1 89RI a&# it:s t&at lieutenant o' &is$ S&e:s scary$ /aven sits up. RAVE 0m1 O&# !ell>I guess I can see t&at$ 89RI +&at "o you mean1 RAVE O&# !ell# it:s ,ust>s&e:s so serious$ /otta *e care'ul not ta ru* &er t&e !rong !ay$ 89RI I:m not ru**ing anyt&ing any !ay$ RAVE +ell# ya most certainly can:t please all t&e people all t&e time$ 89RI I guess you:re rig&t$ So !&at are you "oing &ere1 RAVE O&# ,ust t&in%in: a*out stu''> 0ey# !&y:re ya loo%in: at me li%e t&at1 )uri is shocked and bewildered. RAVE +it& all !e:)e *een t&roug&# I guess I:m ,ust tryin: ta 'igure out !&at I s&oul" "o !it& mysel'$ (ut I %eep comin: up empty$ =&ange !ears me out$ 89RI 8ou c&ose your o!n li'e$ At t&is point# you s&oul" *e a*le to "o anyt&ing you !ant$ RAVE 0o! "o I put it>1 I alrea"y "ie" once$ o! I:m t&in%in: a*out a *unc& o' stu''> (ut I guess t&in%in: a*out settling t&ings !it& Ale;ei is enoug& 'or no!$ T&e rest:ll pro*a*ly come out in t&e !as&$ 89RI Soun"s o%ay to me$ RAVE Spea%in: o' settling t&ings# I 'ille" Estelle in on all t&e stu'' t&at &appene"$ (raising &ea" to loo% at 8uri) /uess !&at s&e "i"$ 89RI 0m1 RAVE S&e sai" I &a" to let &er "o t&e same t&ing e)eryone else "i"$

89RI RAVE 89RI (cutscene o)er) RAVE

(!in%ing) So s&e smac%e" me on t&e &ea"$ =alle" it e)en$ 0a& &a&# t&at:s Estelle$ (loo%ing a!ay) >It %in" o' &urt# actually$ (slumps) +ell# I t&in% I:m gonna catc& my s&ut-eye in &ere$ Suit yoursel'> Try not to o)ersleep 'or once# t&oug&$ It 'eels great &ere$

)uri heads back to the room where he first met =stelle and talked to the vendor there. VE 7OR Rea"y to call it a "ay1 /epede &oins )uri. 89RI 8ou coming too# Repe"e1 REPE7E +oo'3 89RI I FOR-ATIO Tomorro!>!e 'ig&t$ >0ope e)ery*o"y can get some sleep$ Repe"e ,oine" t&e party$

+n the morning, 9lynn stops )uri on the steps leading down from the castle. FL8 /oing alrea"y1 9lynn walks down the steps to &oin )uri. FL8 It loo%s li%e t&ings &ere !on:t *e settle" 'or a !&ile$ I &a" &opes t&at !e:" &a)e t&e guil" s&ips at our "isposal$ 89RI I &ear" t&ey:)e *een &a)ing some issues$ FL8 It seems t&ey:)e *een una*le to "eci"e on a course o' action since t&e 7on:s passing$ It loo%s li%e I:ll *e one step *e&in" you again t&is time$ 89RI o &ar" 'eelings# no matter !&ic& o' us gets to Ale;ei 'irst# rig&t1 )uri starts to walk away, then stops. 89RI O& yea&$ Are you "one trying to get Estelle *ac%1 I mean# s&e:s still a princess$ An" !&at a*out all t&at stu'' !it& t&e imperial succession1 9lynn leaves the steps to stand beside )uri. FL8 T&e =ouncil &as c&osen Io"er as t&eir lea"er$ For all intents an" purposes &e:s got t&eir nomination 'or t&e t&rone$ 89RI 0m$ O%ay$ (!al%ing a!ay) So t&at:s !&y you "on:t nee" to c&ase &er aroun" anymore1 FL8 T&at:s not it$ It:s ,ust t&at I:)e 'inally come to terms !it& t&e c&oices s&e:s ma"e 'or &ersel'$ 89RI +o!$ 8ou sure loosene" up$ FL8 7on:t gi)e me a &ar" time$ It:s somet&ing I:)e &a" to struggle !it& in my o!n !ay$ 89RI +ell# s&e:" *e &appy to &ear it$ 9lynn catches up to )uri. FL8 Ill *ring t&e pro*lems o' t&e aer an" t&e *lastia to 0is 0ig&ness: attention$

0e:ll *e a*le to come up !it& some !ay o' &elping# I:m sure$ As 'or La"y Estellise> 8uri# you &a)e my con'i"ence$ 89RI (turning to Flynn) I appreciate it$ Sorry 'or *eing suc& a pain$ (!al%ing o'') +ell# I:m gonna get going$ See you at 4au"e$ FL8 (loo%s "o!n *rie'ly) >As 'ar as anyone is concerne"# t&e capital !as reta%en *ecause o' my e''orts$ It isn:t ,ust !it& t&is# t&oug&$ o one %no!s t&e t&ings you> t&at (ra)e Vesperia &a)e "one 'or t&em$ T&ey pro*a*ly ne)er !ill$ Are you satis'ie" !it& t&at1 )uri snaps his fingers and moves on. FL8 +e:ll lea)e at once# !&en t&e s&ip is rea"y$ I &a)e a 'e! scores to settle !it& t&e captain$ o*les on t&e street in 'ront o' t&e =astle5 o*le /entleman 0e&>&e& &e&> I protecte" all my !ealt&$ I "on:t care !&at &appens as long as I &a)e my money$ As long as I &a)e money> 0e& &ee &ee &ee &ee3 .RIT8A -A T&e =ouncil mem*ers are on t&e *rin% o' "espair$ 0o!e)er t&e 'lame o' &ope !ill not *e e;tinguis&e" so easily$ E)eryt&ing !ill *e all rig&t i' Ale;ei is *roug&t "o!n$ I:m not particularly !orrie"$ O(LE -A 7o somet&ing3 Some*o"y go get a po!er'ul mage or somet&ing3 +&at are !e suppose" to "o i' t&e *arrier )anis&es again13 I:m a no*le3 I:ll gi)e you all t&e money you !ant3 Someone# anyone3 /et ri" o' t&ose monsters aroun" 4ap&ias3 Royal Fuarter5 O(LE +O-A CD 4ap&ias: *arrier &as "isappeare"3 I:ll *et it *ro%e again3 +e must inspect t&e *arrier *lastia3 Researc&ers 'rom Aspio must *e summone" to 'i; t&e *arrier *lastia at once3 I returne" *ecause I &ear" t&e capital !as sa'e again$ So !&at are you commoners "oing in t&e royal 6uarter1 It is *est to *e in t&e city no matter !&at mig&t &appen$ A'ter all# t&e .nig&ts are &ere to protect 4ap&ias$ I %ne! it$ T&e capital:s *ac% to normal$ It:s *ecause !e no*les are !ell-protecte"$ I:m not !orrie" a*out monsters or t&e *arrier$ +&y1 (ecause t&e no*les are protecte"3 T&e "istur*ance in t&e aer seems to &a)e 6uiete"# *ut> 0a)e !e truly escape" "anger>1 I' t&e legen"s o' t&e .ritya are true> I grit my teet& an" ,oine" t&e Flynn 7e'ense Force$ T&e lo!er girls may not *e )ery re'ine"# *ut t&ey:re nice$ ot so *a"# actually$ E)eryt&ing ,ust !ent# li%e# so *a" a'ter I ,oine" t&e 7e'ense Force$

O(LE +O-A

CE

O(LE /E TLE-A

.RIT8A

+O-A

O(LE /IRL

I !on"er !&ere e)eryone !ent1 =iti?en:s Fuarter5 .RIT8A -A T&e city:s still in c&aos# an" no! o' all times t&e %nig&t guar"ing t&e ramparts &as to *e t&at guy> T&e %nig&t usually guar"ing t&e lo!er 6uarter is a "epen"a*le# loyal person$ 0e:s in t&e Sc&!ann (riga"e$ T&e useless ones are in t&e =umore (riga"e$ T&e comman"ers ma%e t&e "i''erence$ OL7 +O-A 7ragons an" p&oeni;es !ere 'lying o)er 4ap&ias> +&at !ere t&ey "oing1 I !as sure t&ey:" come to attac% us# *ut it seems t&e *arrier *loc%e" t&em$ It loo%s li%e t&e *arrier &as sta*ili?e"$ T&an% &ea)ens$ -A O& man> I:m "one$ I:m so "one$ +it& t&e *arrier gone> It:s ,ust> It:s o)er$ I:m "one$ Fig&t monsters1 -e1 o no no$ 9&-u&$ T&ere:s no !ay I coul" "o t&at3 LITTLE (O8 0ey# are t&e .nig&ts *a" guys1 E)eryone:s saying t&e capital going all cra?y is Ale;ei:s 'ault$ +&at a let"o!n> S=0+A . I/0T All o' =aptain Flynn:s people too% o''3 So !&y "o !e &a)e to !or% in t&e capital1 I' !e "on:t run# !e:ll "ie3 +e &a)e to a*an"on 4ap&ias3 ARTIST T&e ot&er "ay at t&e re'ugee camp# I sa! a "ragon 'lying to!ar" 4ap&ias$ (ut it !as struc% "o!n *y t&at uncanny aurora in t&e s%y3 -ig&t I &a)e *een "reaming>1 I must a"mit I !as up t&e !&ole nig&t painting> o matter3 7ream or illusion# I !ill paint t&at "ragon3 T&at is t&e artiste:s raison ":etre3 =veryone is waiting for )uri at the eastern e it. .AROL -orning# 8uri3 RAVE Loo%s li%e I o)erslept a little$ -y &air:s a mess> .AROL Is t&at all you:re !orrie" a*out>1 89RI Soun"s li%e !e:re all goo"$ /ita hands )uri the 2ein >omos. RITA 0ere ya go$ )uri takes the sword, looking at it, then up to see the barrier back in the sky. 89RI (loo%ing at Rita) 8ou pulle" it o''$ o! !e ,ust nee" <u"y an" Estelle$ <97IT0 0ere I am$ /oo" morning# e)eryone$ .AROL A&# morning# <u"it&3 89RI <97IT0 .AROL RAVE +ere you a*le to get in touc& !it& P&aero&1 8es# *ut you !on:t li%e !&at &e tol" me a*out 4au"e> 0e says it is a place t&at must *e le't un"istur*e"# *y *ot& Entele;eia an" &umans$ >I !on"er !&y$ Suc& an encouraging sen"-o''>

89RI

+ell# it:s not li%e !e can ,ust say# AO&3 T&an%s 'or telling us3B an" not go$ Ale;ei:s at 4au"e# an" I:m really not in a moo" to ,ust let &im go$ <97IT0 8our rig&t$ P&aero& !ill &a)e to un"erstan"$ RAVE +e alrea"y came t&is 'ar$ +e can:t stop no!$ .AROL (esi"es# i' !e ,ust ignore it# t&e !&ole !orl":s gonna *e in all %in"s o' trou*le$ 89RI T&at:s t&e spirit$ o! !e ,ust nee" Estelle$ Rita# "i" you see &er1 /ita turns away from the others. RITA Estelle !on:t *e coming$ 89RI 0m13 =veryone turns to look at /ita. RITA S&e can:t 'ig&t anymore$ 89RI +ait# you "on:t mean>1 RITA T&e control !as a success$ (ut s&e nee"s to a)oi" aer inter'erence in or"er to %eep &er po!er 'rom acti)ating$ .AROL 0u&1 (ut all *lastia nee" aer to !or%# "on:t t&ey1 RITA 8es# so I trie" t&e same t&ing as Ra)en$ <97IT0 9sing &er o!n li'e energy 'or po!er$ RAVE Are ya serious1 I really !oul"n:t recommen" t&at$ RITA I coul"n:t 'in" any ot&er !ay$ At least s&e can use 'ormulas !it&out !orrying a*out aer$ (ut it:s not ,ust controlling t&e po!er o' t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# e)en artes !ill use &er li'e$ S&e coul" *e in serious "anger i' s&e &a" to e;ert &ersel'$ 89RI >So s&e !on:t *e coming !it& us anymore$ RAVE An" !as s&e o%ay !it& t&at1 ESTELLE > o$ =stelle stands behind them. They all turn around. .AROL Estelle3 RITA 0ey3 8-8ou:re ,ust &ere> to see us o''# rig&t1 ESTELLE Rita# I:m sorry$ Please ta%e me !it& you$ RITA +&at "i" I tell you13 8ou:ll lose your li'e ,ust *y using your artes3 8ou coul" go on li)ing !it& no pro*lem i' you ,ust !oul"n:t use t&em$ I sat up all nig&t t&in%ing a*out !&at you tol" me$ At 'irst I t&oug&t# AFinally# I:ll *e a*le to li)e a normal li'e$B 8ea&# you:)e su''ere" enoug&$ 8ou can rest no!$ T&an% you# Rita$ 8ou all are ris%ing your li)es to 'ig&t$ E)en t&e 'ate o' t&is !orl" is at sta%e> .no!ing t&at# my only c&oice is to 'ig&t alongsi"e you$ Estelle> T&ere are still t&ings I can "o$ For my 'rien"s$ So I:m as%ing you# please$ Ta%e me !it& you$ I !ant to tell you no# *ut you "eci"e" t&is 'or yoursel'$ I !on:t turn you "o!n$ 8es$ An" s&e "oesn:t really listen once s&e sets &er min" to somet&ing$

ESTELLE RITA ESTELLE

.AROL ESTELLE 89RI <97IT0

RAVE

A&&# let:s ta%e &er$ o*o"y li%es &a)in: t&eir 'rien"s run o'' to steal all t&e 'un$ .AROL 8ea&# !e:ll all &elp out to ma%e t&is easy on &er$ /ita is unconvinced. 9inally she crosses her arms and issues an ultimatum. RITA >Promise me one t&ing# you !ill ne)er# ne)er# pus& yoursel' too &ar"$ /ot it1 (*lus&ing) I:ll ne)er 'orgi)e you i' you *rea% t&at promise3 /ita turns away and .arol walks around her to study her face. ESTELLE All rig&t$ 89RI 0e&# trying to 'or*i" t&is *unc& 'rom pus&ing t&emsel)es is pretty pointless$ /ita e tends her fist and knocks nosey .arol to the ground. RAVE So our ne;t pro*lem is ,ust &o! ta go a*out actually getting: ta 4au"e$ <97IT0 7on:t !orry$ T&ere:s one 'rien" you:re 'orgetting$ They hear $a"ul calls to them from above. 89RI (a:ul1 Is &e o%ay1 <97IT0 I tol" you$ 0e:s strong$ TO.9 A/A E)eryone# I also ,ust 'inis&e" t&e repairs on t&e s&ip3 .AROL T&at:s rig&t# To%unaga:s &ere too3 89RI So e)eryt&ing:s rea"y$ T&is is it# t&e 'inal *attle3 ESTELLE O%ay$ RAVE 8ep$ <97IT0 Rig&t$ REPE7E +oo'3 .AROL 8ea&3 RITA Rig&t$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ I FOR-ATIO Estelle earne" t&e A7etermine" PrincessB title$ S+IT S=0+A . I/0T RitaB* I Se,ond Cookin0 +elcome to t&e Imperial =apital o' 4ap&ias$ =omman"ant Ale;ei ro"e o'' on a monster some!&ere$ -ay*e I s&oul" 'ollo! &im> <rown u% +id* E*te))e Co9e* Ba,k BaBu) I* Ba,k 5onBt Me** $ith Zaude I !as so !orrie" !it& t&e *arrier gone$ I "on:t %no! !&at !oul":)e &appene" i' t&e *arrier "i"n:t get 'i;e"$ I &a)e to t&an% !&oe)er 'i;e" t&e *arrier *lastia$ 7amn> I sure pulle" t&e s&ort en" o' t&e stic%$ I can:t *elie)e I &a)e to guar" t&e lo!er 6uarter> T&e lo!er 6uarter is e)en 'urt&er out t&an t&e ramparts$ T&is is *a"$ It:s t&e !orst place 'or a *attle$ T&is is li%e t&e "e)astation a'ter a giant storm# or somet&ing$ +&en t&ings are t&is *a"# e)en getting "epresse"

S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT Lo!er Fuarter5 OL7 +O-A

S=0+A

. I/0T

8O9 / -A

TE7

VE 7OR

-an (!all)

a*out it 'eels stupi"$ o point in getting all !eepy$ +e:)e got to !or% toget&er an" re*uil"$ I' !e can get t&e lo!er 6uarter *ac% in s&ape# may*e e)eryone !&o le't !ill come *ac%$ It !as terri*le !&en I got *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter3 /rass li%e tree trun%s co)ere" t&e entire lo!er 6uarter> I coul"n:t *elie)e it$ I !on"er i' Flynn !ill re*uil" t&ings i' !e as%$ I mean# Flynn:s really important no!3 8uri# go an" as% Flynn 'or us3 I can:t %eep my pro"ucts arrange" rig&t# *ut loo% aroun" an" pic% out !&at you nee"$ Sorry it:s still suc& a mess$ 7on:t let it put you o''3 =ome *ac% soon3 T&is is all t&e imperial 'amily:s 'ault$ T&ey neglecte" t&eir "uties as our guar"ians$ +e can:t 'orgi)e t&e imperial 'amily$ T&ey s&oul" *e con"emne" 'or t&is$

Inn @ Ta)ern A=ometB5 The tavern is empty of customers. LITTLE /IRL 8ou an" your 'rien"s 'i;e" t&at !eir" s%y# rig&t 8uri1 o! !e can go out an" play3 T&an% you>tee-&ee3 Hmusical noteI Are you gonna lea)e again# 8uri1 E)eryone:s gonna !or% toget&er an" 'i; t&e to!n *ac% up# so come *ac% soon3 I .EEPER T&at !eir" t&ing !it& t&e s%y seems to &a)e 'i;e" itsel'$ T&e e)acuees !on:t come *ac% 'or a !&ile# *ut !e gotta 'i; up t&e lo!er 6uarter$ T&e people !&o remaine" nee" a place to rela;# so I plan to %eep t&e inn an" ta)ern running$ Is t&e young la"y 'eeling *etter1 7on:t pus& yoursel)es too &ar"$ I:ll go an" ma%e you some nice# &ot soup$ I' you:re going *ac% out# you:ll nee" your nutrition3b

.EEPER:S +IFE

Lo!er Fuarter E;it to Fiel"5 OL7 -A It loo%s li%e t&e !eir"ness in t&e s%y cleare" up# *ut some &ouses in t&e lo!er 6uarter !ere "amage"$ T&e .nig&ts !on:t "o anyt&ing 'or us# so I guess !e:ll ta%e care o' t&ings oursel)es$ All !e &a)e to "o !it& t&e "e*ris is clear it a!ay# *ut t&e main pro*lem is t&e *uil"ings$ +e ,ust "on:t &a)e enoug& a*le-*o"ie" 'ol% to !or%$ I' only t&e e)acuees !oul" return> S=0+A . I/0T T&e .nig&ts are t&e s!or" o' ,ustice$ T&e s&iel" o' t&e !ea%$ +e can retreat not a step$ +e are all t&at stan" *e'ore t&e citi?ens$ +e s&all protect 4ap&ias !it& our li)es3 Outsi"e 7ei"on 0ol" (a'ter 'ig&ting (rutal)5 S+IT +aro)B* Sideki,k They stay at .ing of Adventure and talk to /ich.

S+IT RI=0 I FOR-ATIO

"o Mer,y 0mp&3 8ou mean to tell me you "e'eate" a (rutal1 >I must t&an% you$ Please# ta%e t&is$ O*taine" (oomerang 0orn$

*sing $a"ul, they #uickly round up supplies. Ca%ua "or ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To!n Intersection5 OL7ER -A I &ear" t&ey some&o! repaire" t&e *arrier *ac% in 4ap&ias# *ut I:m sure t&ey:re not ta%ing any c&ances$ +e can:t# eit&er$ +e &a)e to prepare our to!n 'or anyt&ing t&at mig&t &appen> It seems researc&ers come 'rom Aspio no! an" again to per'orm maintenance on our *lastia$ E)en so# it:s pure 'oolis& to &a)e *lin" 'ait& t&at e)eryt&ing !ill *e all rig&t$ 8O9 / /IRL T&ey say t&e *arrier in 4ap&ias !as 'i;e"# an" some o' t&e citi?ens &a)e come *ac%$ I !is& it &a" ,ust staye" *ro%en> I t&oug&t it !oul" ser)e t&e people in 4ap&ias rig&t to go t&roug& a little pain> LITTLE (O8 T&ere are more R&y*garos li%e t&e one *roug&t o)er *y t&e pre)ious magistrate$ AI' you mi; 'oreign animals in an area# t&is "isrupts t&e local ecosystem$B >At least# t&at:s !&at t&e tie" *lue-&air# cool# *a"mout&e" stu"ent sai"> 8O9 / -A T&e Imperial .nig&t:s captain sent Flynn on a s&ip 'ull o' re'ugees 'rom 4ap&ias to t&e nort&$ I *et t&ey:re going to !or% t&ose guys "o!n to t&e *ones$ +&at &appens to t&e people in 4ap&ias &as not&ing to "o !it& me3 Street Lea"ing to t&e 7oc%s5 +O-A (outsi"e inn) A&# &ello# tra)eler$ 0o! a*out spen"ing a nig&t !it& us1 (ot& lan" an" sea routes are )ery "angerous rig&t no!# you %no!$ I t&oug&t !e:" al!ays *e sa'e insi"e our *arriers> >(ut !&en you &ear a*out &o! t&e *arrier in 4ap&ias 'aile"> SAILOR I sa! it$ I sa! it# man3 On our trip sout&>somet&ing t&at loo%e" li%e a giant ring# ,ust 'loating on t&e sea3 +&at !as it1 ARing# o ring on t&e sea3 Say your )o!s to t&e>B A&# &ell$ T&is is no time 'or singing$ LI ER SERVI=E +elcome> O&# &o! I !ant to *e a*le to say t&at$ Liner Ser)ice isn:t operational rig&t no!$ Inn APollu;B5 O(LE +O-A E)eryone I %no! &as gone to 0ypionia up nort&$

8O9 / -A

I staye" *e&in" *ecause I can:t lea)e &im alone$ 0e:s all alone# you see1 A&&>I can:t lea)e &im li%e t&at$ -y 'amily an" 'rien"s *oar"e" a re'ugee s&ip# an" ma"e 'or t&e sout&$ I:)e *een le't all alone>*ut it can:t *e &elpe"$ I &a)e prepare" mysel'3 +&at !ill tomorro! *e1

Roa" to -agistrate:s Palace5 O(LE +O-A T&ere seems to *e ne! people in to!n ma%ing a 'uss# *ut it means little to me$ T&is sea *elongs to me$ I !on:t let anyone else &a)e it$ >I:m not )ery 'on" o' people !&o !on:t s&ut up# you %no!> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# 5uke & Part U & 2I"AL# They find 2uke standing on the path to the 1agistrates Balace and looking out over the sea at the newly risen Shrine of Zaude. 89RI 0ey$ 79.E I !ill ta%e *ac% !&at I &a)e loane"$ 8ou allo!e" t&at to rise again$ 8ou cannot *e truste" !it& 7ein omos$ 89RI 7o you %no! !&at t&at t&ing is1 79.E T&e legacy o' t&e ancients> A giant *lastia t&at coul" sa)e t&e !orl" 'rom impen"ing "oom$ (ut you &a)e allo!e" it to 'all into &an"s t&at !oul" use it 'or ill purposes$ All t&ings must *e returne" to t&eir proper places$ (egin *y returning t&at s!or" to me$ 89RI +ait$ I' t&is s&oul" *e returne" to its proper place# !oul"n:t t&at mean gi)ing it to Estelle1 79.E ot&ing !oul" *e more 'ruitless t&an gi)ing it to one !&o coul" not use it properly$ ESTELLE For us 7ein omos !as ne)er anyt&ing more t&an proo' o' imperial lineage$ So# per&aps you are *etter suite" to !iel" it$ 79.E $ $ $ (0mm$) 89RI >So# i' you "on:t min"# coul" you let me %eep it a little longer1 +e:re going to stop Ale;ei oursel)es$ An" !e nee" t&is to "o it> 2uke turns back to ocean. 79.E >Very !ell> 0o!e)er# i' you s&oul" !a)er *e'ore t&e tas% you 'ace#> >I !ill come again to claim t&e s!or"$ 89RI O%ay$ >Let:s go$ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------ar%etplace5 VE 7OR OSig&O >paying t&e rental 'ee 'or t&is spot "ay in an" "ay out is eating a!ay my sa)ings> +&y "o I stay &ere1 I can:t let a location as goo" as t&is slip out o' my &an"s$

/EL <9 .IE

OL7 -A

VE 7OR

O(LE -A

SAILOR

-y priorities may *e s%e!e"# *ut t&ere:s no !ay I coul" con)ince mysel' to gi)e t&is space up$ T&e s&ops are still stoc%e" !it& gels# *ut !&o %no!s !&en supplies are going to run out1 It really %eeps me up at nig&t> I ,ust can:t t&in% a*out anyt&ing else rig&t no!$ -ay*e I s&oul" *uy up all t&e gels le't *e'ore someone else gets t&eir &an"s on t&em> T&ere !as a to!n calle" 7uo t&at san% into t&e sea *e'ore I !as e)en *orn$ It !as *et!een Torim an" or$ I certainly ne)er t&oug&t I:" get to see it rise up out o' t&e ocean$ Li)e an" learn# t&ey say> +&at no!1 8ou say t&e t&ing t&at rose up 'rom t&e sea isn:t 7uo at all1 +&at is it# t&en1 T&e port:s 'ull o' !ars&ips an" t&ere:s some %in" o' strange *uil"ing out on t&e sea$ +&ere in t&e !orl" is Fortune:s -ar%et getting t&eir merc&an"ise 'rom1 E)en at a time li%e t&is# t&e s&op across t&e !ay is "oing gang*uster *usiness$ I>I t&in% I !ant to ,oin Fortune:s -ar%et> T&at young %nig&t name" Flynn can certainly &an"le &imsel'# can:t &e1 0e may not *e o' &ig& *irt&# *ut it:s &ar" to 'in" any ot&er 'ault !it& &im$ O' course# Flynn can:t &ol" a can"le to =aptain =umore$ I am 6uite sure &e:s t&e strongest %nig&t o' all$ I &ear" a lot o' sun%en treasures lie at t&e *ottom o' t&e ocean$ I *et t&at palace on t&e sur'ace is no e;ception$ (ut# all t&e attention 'rom t&e pu*lic ta%es a!ay some o' it:s mysterious aura>

Ca%ua

Tori9~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ T&ere *e somet&in: strange arisen in t&e mi""le o' t&e sea> A&# "o ye t&in% it may &a)e somet&in: to "o !it& t&at *attere" s&ip1 Surely t&e .nig&ts !ill *e "oin: somet&in: a*out it$ Part I#

SAILOR

SUB E!E"T# Pro3e**or Si,i)y OL7 +O-A

-A

So# some *ig ring &as risen up *eyon" t&e sea1 T&at:s really somet&ing$ It:s *igger t&an t&at ring a guy once got me> T&at ring>1 I t&re! it into t&e sea &ere$ (itters!eet memories> T&e *arrier !ill protect us no matter !&at &appens$ It:s really all *ecause o' t&at *arrier *lastia !e can li)e in suc& com'ort# isn:t it1

SAILOR

+&at:s t&is1 Some !eir" structure s&o!e" up in -8 sea1 +on"er'ul3 It:s a mystery o' t&e Sea3 H&eartI 0u&1 8ou nee" somet&ing1 Fuit loo%ing at me li%e t&at# you per)ert3 I &ear" t&at t&e .nig&ts &a)e *een in a *ig &urry getting s&ips toget&er$ 8ou t&in% t&ey:re planning on going to t&at structure out on t&e sea1 All t&e gro!nups are going cra?y a*out somet&ing t&at came out o' t&e sea$ (ut it "oesn:t &a)e anyt&ing to "o !it& me$ 8ou can:t li)e i' you spen" all your time panic%ing$ .nig&ts )ersus %nig&ts1 T&ere are some alarming t&ings &appening in t&e Empire$ +it&out anyone to &ol" t&e 9nion toget&er# it:s in a s&am*les# too$ +it& t&e 7on "ea"# it mig&t *e time 'or t&e /uil"s to go t&roug& some *ig c&anges$ It seems li%e t&e Empire:s getting restless$ T&ey e)en say some young %nig&t or ot&er &elpe" out one o' t&e /uil"s$ 0ey# "o you &a)e any i"ea !&y t&e s%y o)er t&e capital !ent so !eir"1 I try an" try# *ut I ,ust can:t 'igure it out$ T&e !eat&er &as truly *een in c&aos lately$

First Le)el5 /9IL7S-A

LITTLE /IRL

/9IL7S-A

Secon" Le)el5 OL7ER -A LITTLE (O8

Inn APollu; TB5 Two guildsmen sit at a table, drinking from mugs. /9IL7S-A CD I !ent to see !&at t&ings !ere li%e in or$ A 'rien" o' mine contacte" me# saying it !as really *a" in 4ap&ias$ I' !e play our car"s rig&t# !e mig&t *e a*le to ma%e our /uil" 'amous> /9IL7S-A CE o! I &ear t&e Empire:s a mess# too$ -ay*e t&e Empire !ill 'all ,ust li%e t&e 9nion# e&1 OL7 -A T&ere are "e'initely Eumas roaming t&is !orl"3 I !ill 'in" one# an" t&en !e:ll see !&o:ll &a)e t&e last laug&3 I s!ear to you# I !ill 'in" a Euma3 T&en t&ose 'oolis& *elie)ers in common sense !ill see ,ust &o! !rong t&ey are3 /9IL7S+O-A I t&oug&t t&e =omman"ant !as ,ust t&e Empire:s "og> (ut &e really pro)e" &is !ort& in t&e re*ellion3 +ill you ,oin me in t&e re*ellion1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SUB E!E"T# Co))e,torB* Book & Part E#

A*%io

+OR.ER CD

T&e mountain collapse" 'rom t&e impact on t&e capital an" *loc%e" t&e roa" to S&ai%os$ T&en# it !as our turn3 Any!ay# I !on"er !&at t&at s&oc% !a)e !as1 +ell# T&at:s O.$ I am &appy ,ust s!inging a pic%a;e$ I t&in% t&e recent eart&6ua%e e;pose" t&e *lastia on t&e mountain$ T&at eart&6ua%e is clearly t&e reason I can:t sleep$ o# !ait$ I' you loo% at it a "i''erent !ay>may*e it:s t&e *lastia causing t&e eart&6ua%es1 T&at can:t *e> T&e a*normal en)ironment in 4ap&ias rig&t no!>mig&t it &a)e somet&ing to "o !it& an aer a*normality1 It:s "angerous1 +&at are you saying1 T&e *lastia !e:re e;ca)ating are e)en more energi?e" t&an usual$ T&is is our c&ance at e;perimentation3 (lastia !e e;ca)ate" t&at !eren:t !or%ing are no! !or%ing again$ 0o! strange> It:s almost li%e t&ey:re resonating !it& somet&ing$

FE-ALE -A/E

=entral Pla?a -ALE -A/E CD -ALE FE-ALE CE FE-ALE -A/E

Spiral Steps Lea"ing to Loc%e" 0ouse5 0OO7E7 -A/E Researc& "oesn:t go smoot&ly !&en -or"io:s not &ere$ Are you researc&ing t&e a*normality !it& t&e capital:s *arrier *lastia1 He)iord ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SUB SUB SUB SUB E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# Chi)dren Lover# Hot*%rin0* & Part ' Aven0in0 So)dier* Part E# E/tra 5un0eon Part '# @PhaerohB* Cra0A

5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"T I" MA"TAIC# SUB E!E"T# +owF Boy & Part I# Street in 'ront o' Inn5 SAILOR I &ear" 'rom anot&er sailor t&ere:s trou*le in or"opolica$ It seems some monsters 'rom t&e coliseum escape" or somet&ing$ Pretty scary# &u&1 T&is to!n &as a *arrier# t&oug&$ +e s&oul" *e sa'e$ 8O9 / +O-A Say# "o you %no! a*out t&e &ole *ac% *e&in" t&e inn1 T&ere:s somet&ing>strange in it> +&at coul" it *e1 It:s %in" o' scary> 8ou people s&oul" pro*a*ly stay a!ay 'rom it$ Inn AAntaresB5

.EEPER:S +IFE

A !&ole *unc& o' .nig&ts s&o!e" up again a !&ile ago$ I !as so !orrie" t&ey !ere &ere to ta%e o)er t&e to!n again$ Luc%ily# t&at "i"n:t &appen at all$ +&at !as t&at all a*out# any!ay1 Tra)elers &a)e *een telling me t&ings are *a" *ac% in t&e Empire$ I:m !orrie"# *ut our or"ers are to %eep t&e peace &ere in -antaic$ +e must &ol" 'ast3 +it& t&e Empire unsta*le# !e must *e resolute3 +e must not let t&e citi?ens 'all to "espair3 0i t&ere3 T&ere:s no muc& to "o &ere# *ut please en,oy your stay$ Layla gre! E inc&es recently3 Layla loo%s 'or!ar" to seeing you again$ I sa! it$ I sa! it# I sa! it3 T&ere !as a &uge *ir" 'lying in t&e s%y3 (ut t&at:s only &al' o' it3 T&ere !as a "ragon# too# e)en *igger t&an t&e *ir"3 7-"o you t&in% our *arrier !ill *e enoug& to %eep t&em out>1 (-*ut o' course# i' it comes rig&t "o!n to it# I:ll ,ust ?ap t&em to "eat& !it& my magic$ O/rum*leO A tra)eler tol" me &e sa! t&at giant *ir"# an" a "ragon# too3 +&y "i"n:t anyone in our *riga"e see t&em1 I still can:t get anyone to *elie)e me> o! I:m going to &a)e a reputation as a *igmout&$ I &a)e to "o somet&ing a*out t&at>

Fountain Area5 . I/0T

-A -OT0ER +IT=0

. I/0T (7OOR+A8)

Street Lea"ing 7o!n to t&e Oasis5 OL7 -A T&e to!n is 'inally 'ree again# *ut no! t&ere:s all t&is &u**u* a*out giant *ir"s an" t&e Empire$ E)eryone:s in suc& a 'uss$ People s&oul" ta%e t&ings easy# li%e me$ Ot&er!ise# li'e:ll tire you out$ 0onestly# I:m more a'rai" o' my !i'e:s scol"ings$ +O-A T&at giant *ir"> I *et its "roppings are simply nasty$ O& "ear$ E;cuse me 'or saying somet&ing so in"elicate$ O& no3 o! t&at I &a)e t&at t&oug&t in my &ea"3 I can:t s&a%e it> OL7ER -A O!!!> -y ol" la"y really !ent to !or% on me again$ All I "i" !as stay out Mtil "a!n t&ree "ays in a ro!> Is t&at so *a">1 8ou agree !it& me# "on:t you1 -antaic Oasis5 O(LE +O-A Apparently a large num*er o' troops came &ere a !&ile ago# an" t&en le't 6uic%ly$ +&ate)er coul" &a)e &appene"1 ot t&at t&e comings an" goings o' sol"iers &as any *earing on my )acation# o' course$ (O8 T&e ne! .nig&ts are all so nice> Totally "i''erent 'rom =umore:s .nig&ts$ (ut t&ey:re still ta%ing cre"it 'or your !or%$ +&y1 /ro!n-ups are really !eir"$

/IRL

T&e .nig&ts are gonna protect t&is to!n3 +e:re gonna *e sa'e3 -ay*e I s&oul" ,oin t&e .nig&ts# too$ 0ey mister# aren:t you going to ,oin t&e .nig&ts1

5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"T I" ".R5.P.LICA# SUB E!E"T# Tidy u% the $arehou*e SUB E!E"T# 2e)) $ea%on* Part '5 Part T#

At last, they are ready to fly to the Shrine of Zaude. They assemble on the deck of the 9iertia. 89RI So t&at:s 4au"e$ It:s &uge$ .AROL It:s sort o' s&ape" li%e a ring$ RAVE Any*o"y !it& 'ingers *ig enoug& 'or t&at !oul"n:t &a)e any trou*le ta%ing o)er t&e !orl"$ .AROL I !on"er i' !e:ll get in !it&out *eing seen$ RITA +&oa# loo%3 O)er t&ere3 <97IT0 P&aero&> Bhaeroh files over Zaude and lands on it"s surface. Bhaeroh is enveloped by a purple mist as he tries to absorb the aer around Zaude. $ut Zaude"s defense mechanism activates with a beam of light shooting from the sky and stops Bhaeroh and he has to leave. .AROL 0e:s> <97IT0 (ut P&aero&:s one o' t&e strongest Entele;eia> RAVE An" e)en &e coul"n:t "o anyt&ing to it$ +&at:" !e get oursel)es into1 RITA It reconstitute" itsel' *y manipulating t&e aer$ >+&at processing spee"> 89RI Let:s go in 'rom *elo!$ P&aero&:s "oing all t&e !or%# *ut at least &e:s got Ale;ei loo%ing up 'or no!$ <97IT0 P&aero&>t&an% you$ (sa"ly) S+IT 2i0htin0 A)e/ei S+IT PhaerohB* He)% THE E"5URI"< SHRI"E .2 ZAU5E ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 89RI -an# up close# t&is t&ing is *igger t&an I t&oug&t$ RITA Is t&is really one *ig *lastia13 T&ere:s no !ay> <97IT0 It must possess unimagina*le po!er$ .arol points to an ob&ect behind them. .AROL +&oa# loo%3 T&at:s a .nig&t *attles&ip# rig&t1 ESTELLE =oul" it *e Flynn1 RAVE a&# I *et it:s t&e Royal /uar"$ +&ic& means> /aven runs up the embankment to the left of the steps and peeks unseen at the entrance. RAVE T&e place is cra!lin: !it& Mem$ T&ey:)e got t&e main entrance co)ere"$ RITA T&ere aren:t t&at many$ +e coul" *lo! Mem a!ay *e'ore t&ey %ne! !&at &it t&em$ 89RI Easy$ +e:re not &ere to get notice"$ Let:s see i' t&ere isn:t some ot&er !ay in$

S+IT

<eraio* Te,hno)o0y

The climb the embankment as /aven did before and step onto the walkway at the end of the triple fountains on either side of the walk. 89RI Oops>T&ere:s a *unc& o' %nig&ts &ere$ (etter 'in" anot&er !ay in$ The walk along ne t to the shoreline to the right as far as they can. =&est (arrier A short path leads to a vent &ust above the waterline. 89RI T&ere:s a *ree?e> It:s a )ent$ .AROL Lea)e it to me3 .arol tinkers with the metal vent. ESTELLE Rita# "on:t !orry$ I:m 'ine$ RITA (turning a!ay# crossing arms) Please# I-I:m not !orrie"$ <97IT0 8ou clearly are$ RITA O&# s&ut up3 0urry up an" get t&at t&ing open3 (pointing at .arol) 89RI 8ou:re t&e only one s&outing$ .AROL /ot it3 RAVE +on"er'ul# let:s ta%e a loo%$ They crawl through the vent and emerge inside the blue light of the shrine. The shrine is dimly lit with water fountains and pools inbetween walkways of stone blocks. Staircases lead to an upper storey though many are broken and impassable. Treasure chest are in abundance as seem to be lighted sculptures floating above faintly glowing translucent blue bases. They investigate deep pink sculpture resembling a &agged #uarter moon cupping a shining pink ball floating above a translucent blue base. I FOR-ATIO 0oly !ater s&all rain 'ort& 'rom t&e &ea)ens !&en t&e po!er o' creation is o''ere" to t&e Re" Stone$ *p ahead in a northern alcove, is another sculpture. This one resembles a thick &agged blue ring. >o information is offered on the base. S+IT -u*t a Litt)e7

They go down the stairs and take a left corridor all the way to a long room containing many treasure chests. =&ests5 Panacea (ottle# DSPPP /al"# EPPPP /al"# -oon =loa%# 4au"e Or*# Li'e (ottle# Special /el# Limit (ottle an" a Splas& 7ress$ S+IT Menta) $ork I*?$ork

The Zaude ,rb resembles the shining ball they saw in the #uarter moon sculpture near the vent. They place the Zaude ,rb in the &agged ring sculpture and get another pu!!le clue. I FOR-ATIO 0oly !ater s&all return to t&e &ea)ens !&en t&e po!er o' creation is o''ere" to t&e (lue Stone$ )uri hits the Zaude ,rb with his ring and the first level is flooded with water allowing them to swim to the second level walkways. They swim to the western broken stairs an climb a few steps to a second story walkway with another &agged ring sculpture already with an ,rb. =&est Pineapple /el =&est 7unamis (spear)

=&est =&est 89RI RAVE 89RI RAVE

Lemon /el Rare Plate (*o"y armor)

0ey ol" man# t&ere:s somet&ing I:)e *een !on"ering$ +&at1 0o! come t&e Royal /uar" is so loyal to Ale;ei1 +ell# "i" you no! t&at most o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts are ta%en as apprentices 'rom t&e no*ility1 89RI 8ea&# I !is& I coul" 'orget$ RAVE +ell# t&e Royal /uar" protects t&e emperor# an" t&ey:re ma"e up o' t&e 'inest sol"iers in t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ RITA 0asn:t it *een se)eral years since !e:)e &a" an emperor# t&oug&1 RAVE E;actly$ In t&at time# t&e =omman"ant:s cle)erly ma"e t&ose %nig&ts into &is o!n personal army$ 89RI It "oesn:t seem li%e t&at:" *e enoug& to turn t&em into suc& little lap"ogs# t&oug&$ RAVE (!in%ing) +ell# t&e i"eals &e o''ere" t&em !ere attracti)e in t&eir o!n !ays$ ALea" our empire to prosperity3B an" !&at &a)e ya$ <97IT0 I:ll *et t&ere !ere a lot o' i"ealists in t&eir ran%s$ .AROL >Li%e Flynn# you mean1 RAVE It:" *e nice i' all o' t&em coul":)e 'igure" out t&e trut& on t&eir o!n li%e t&at one> ESTELLE > They climb a short flight of stairs and emerge on the third floor populated by Ale ei"s machines and /oyal Cuard. S+IT The Mon*ter Book i* Mine S+IT The Arti*te =&est Rare Protector (*o"y armor) They enter an underwater room enclosed in glass. ESTELLE It:s *eauti'ul$ .AROL 8ea&# I can:t *elie)e !e:re insi"e a !eapon$ .arol walks toward the other side of the room. <97IT0 .arol# !ait$ .AROL 0u&1 REPE7E (sensing "anger) /rrr$ 89RI /et out &ere$ 8ou:re too ol" 'or &i"e-an"-see%$ They hear three claps and a familiar voice. VOI=E (ra)o# *ra)o# my la"$ )eager walks into view. 8EA/ER (clapping) Splen"i"3 Suc& %een intuition# suc& s&arpene" instincts$ Simply splen"i"3 .AROL 8eager33 RITA +&at is it t&is time1 Are you gonna s&o! us &o! to get to Ale;ei1 8EA/ER <a# o& ,a$ I !ill s&o! you t&e !ay$ To &ell# t&at is3 )eager unfold the weapon at his side, a huge scythe. RAVE ><ust !&ic& !ay:s t&e !in" *lo!in: !it& t&is guy# any!ay1 8EA/ER 0a)e you 'orgotten my pretties1 +e are still s!orn enemies# you %no!$ T&ings !ere "estine" to en" t&is !ay *et!een us$ .AROL Is t&is anot&er trap>1 89RI It:s ,ust li%e you sai"$ +e:re enemies$ (snaps out &is s!or") So let:s "o !&at enemies "o$

8EA/ER 8ou are correct3 =ome3 )eager smiles and beckons them to come with his finger. 89RI (ring it33 They charge )eager. 1idway through the battle, )eager pauses, his sword down at his side, his free hand to his chest. 8EA/ER +ell aren:t you somet&ing1 I suppose it:s time to re)eal my true po!er3 A brilliant pinkGred light erupts from )eager"s chest. -hen the light subsides, a blastia is visibly embedded in the middle of his chest &ust below the collarbone. .AROL 0ey# t&at:s31 RITA Is &e ,ust li%e Ra)en13 89RI 0e:s ,ust s&o!ing o''3 RAVE 0ey# i' &e tries to use it li%e t&at>3 A'ter (attle5 )eager lies on his back, defeated. The blastia in his chest casting a pulsating light. 8EA/ER +un"er*ar> /aven whips out his knife. RAVE 8ou %no!# I:m not really one 'or )engeance an" all# *ut>t&is is 'or t&e 7on$ RITA (e care'ul$ 0e mig&t still &a)e somet&ing up &is slee)e$ 8EA/ER o no no$ T&ese slee)es are empty$ T&is is>,a# t&is is it$ <97IT0 8our c&est> 7i" Ale;ei "o t&at to you as !ell1 8EA/ER -y>I !on"er$ (ut !&at:s "one is "one$ =stelle kneels down close to )eager. ESTELLE +&y1 +&y "i" you 'ig&t alone1 +it& not&ing an" no one to &elp you> 8EA/ER 0e&> >/oo"*ye$ The light of the blastia dies. RAVE >+&y1 .AROL 0ey> They all turn around and see Cauche and 2roite. The girls stay a few moments then run out. RITA +&at>1 +&at !as t&at all a*out1 ESTELLE 0e !as>an a!'ul person$ (ut may*e &e also> S+IT LeviathanB* C)aw on the Move S+IT Takin0 A)e/ei 5own They fight the Ciganto 1onster, Boseidon guarding three treasure chests. =&ests Ro" (!an")# -,olnir (&ammer)# S&i"en (s!or") S+IT The Invin,i()e4 =&est -elange /el =&est +orl" =&arm S+IT Today1 6e*terday1 The 5ay Be3ore That As they near Ale ei"s lair, they are stopped by four of his /oyal Cuard. . I/0T T&at:s 'ar enoug&> +e:ll ne)er let you t&roug&33 ESTELLE T&e Royal /uar"3 T&en Ale;ei must *e ,ust up a&ea"$ 89RI 0e:s gotta *e$ All rig&t# guys3 Let:s "o t&is3 A'ter (attle5

<97IT0 I almost 'eel sorry 'or t&em$ 9lynn arrives, flanked by Sodia and -itcher. FL8 8uri3 89RI Flynn3 =stelle runs to 9lynn. ESTELLE Are you all rig&t1 7i" you come un"er attac%1 FL8 T&e *oats are moore" at a sa'e "istance$ +e:re t&e only ones !&o:)e come$ <97IT0 Ta%ing out Ale;ei !it& as 'e! sacri'ices as possi*le$ .AROL Li%e a suici"e mission$ RAVE T&at:s smart$ I' you came in 'orce an" got caug&t# t&at:" *e t&e en" o' t&at$ SO7IA +e !ill *e ta%ing o)er 'rom &ere$ 8ou ci)ilians !ill pull *ac%$ 89RI Per%y as e)er# aren:t you1 Sorry# *ut !e:re gonna ignore you on t&at one$ Sodia"s armor clinks as she draws her sword and glances at 9lynn. RITA I t&in% !e s&oul" cooperate# *ut t&at:s ,ust me$ FL8 S&e:s rig&t$ +e:re all &ere to *ring Ale;ei "o!n$ 89RI +ell# an" sa)e t&e !orl" in t&e process# rig&t1 FL8 8ea&# I &ear"$ 89RI O%ay t&en# let:s all play nice an" go poun" t&is guy$ At the end of a long walkway, Ale ei works on an opened blastia control panel. As they walk up the path, Ale ei"s /oyal Cuards prepare to attack and Ale ei closes the control panel and turns to greet them. ALEGEI +ell# !ell$ E)eryone:s &ere$ +elcome to t&e )ery "ept&s o' t&e ocean$ ESTELLE It:s o)er# Ale;ei$ 7on:t a"" to our crimes any 'urt&er$ ALEGEI (*o!s graciously) A&&# Princess Estellise$ 0o! nice to see you up an" a*out$ +&ic& tells me 8eager !as useless$ 89RI >0e:s "ea"$ ALEGEI I t&oug&t surely &e:" come t&roug& in t&e en"# *ut o&# &o! I !as mista%en$ <97IT0 Is toying !it& t&e "estinies o' ot&ers &o! you &a)e your 'un1 FL8 Ale;ei3 +&at &appene" to t&e i"eals you &el"1 +&at c&ange"13 89RI Flynn# are you still saying t&ings li%e t&at13 9lynn does not acknowledge )uri &ibe, but he blinks rapidly for a second. ALEGEI ot&ing &as c&ange" e;cept my met&o"s$ A*solute po!er is all t&at can re)i)e t&is rotting# stagnant empire$ In"ee"# t&e !orl"$ FL8 An" ,ust &o! many li)es "o you plan to sacri'ice to ac6uire it1 ALEGEI o true re'ormation coul" occur so long as I 'ollo! t&e means presente" *y t&e empire$ 8ou s&oul" un"erstan" t&is !ell$ 9lynn and )uri look down. RAVE +&oa# !&oa$ 7on:t tell me you:re actually listenin: to t&is "ri)el$ ESTELLE >+&y &a)e you ta%en suc& a &urt'ul pat&1 Someone o' your stature coul" &a)e 'oun" anot&er !ay> ALEGEI At times# "reamers must su''er *eing *ran"e" as

criminals$ (ut I:ll su''er suc& *ur"ens gla"ly$ I promise" to 'ree t&is !orl" 'rom t&e Entele;eia# 'rom t&e aer# an" 'rom t&is piti'ul empire3 T&is !orl" s&all *e re*orn33 89RI I "on:t gi)e a "amn !&at you:re "oing t&is 'or$ (ut you:re ma%ing a lot o' people cry$ An" t&at:s enoug& o' a reason to ta%e you "o!n3 )uri runs toward Ale ei. Ale ei produces a huge green apatheia floating in his right hand. ALEGEI It seems you still &a)e muc& to learn$ 9lynn with his hand ready to draw his sword, sees Ale ei wielding the apatheia. FL8 8uri# loo% out33 As 9lynn runs to protect )uri, a laser beam of light shoots from the apatheia. 9lynn catches up to )uri and bumps him out of the way. The beam passes through 9lynn"s chest and he falls to one knee. Sodia runs to help 9lynn. 89RI Flynn>3 SO7IA =aptain33 Sodia looks at )uri accusingly. .AROL 8uri3 Ale;ei:s getting a!ay33 89RI 7amn it3 Ale ei has opened a control panel. The platform on which he is standing, rises. )uri and friends race onto the platform which is rising rapidly from the ocean depths. Ale ei, with his back turned to them, continues to look at his control panel. RAVE 0ey *oss# so you really !ant to go t&roug& !it& t&is1 Ale ei looks over his shoulder. ALEGEI -ust I put up !it& suc& 6uestions e)en 'rom you1 one o' you-- O E--t&in%s t&e empire is in t&e rig&t$ RAVE T&e en"s "on:t al!ays ,usti'y t&e means# *oss$ T&ese %i"s taug&t me t&at$ ESTELLE >I coul" ne)er agree !it& our !ay o' "oing t&ings# a !ay t&at is 'ille" !it& pain$ I' you truly &a)e no intention o' c&anging your !ays# t&en> .AROL T&e guil"s an" t&e empire *ot& &a)e goo" points$ 8ou can:t ,ust !ipe t&em out an" start o)er$ <97IT0 9sing 'orce !ill surely *ree" resentment an" contempt$ 8ou "o %no! t&at# "on:t you1 RITA T&ere:s no guarantee t&e !oul" you:" ma%e !oul" *e any *etter t&an t&is one3 89RI o*o"y:s gonna *uy !&at a *astar" li%e you says$ ALEGEI I see my e;planations are !aste" on you$ T&e smallmin"e" al!ays 'ear c&ange$ 0o!e)er# all t&e aer in t&e !orl" is no! in my grasp$ 8ou &a)e no &ope o' )ictory$ RITA 8ea&# rig&t$ 8ou:re still trying to 'igure out t&e 'ormula 'or t&is place$ ESTELLE +&at1 Rita# !&at "o you mean1 RITA T&is guy still &asn:t completely unloc%e" 4au"e:s controls$ .AROL Is &e ,ust *uying time13 Ale ei smiles, looking at /ita over his shoulder. ALEGEI >A& yes# Rita -or"io$ 0o! )ery careless o' me$ The smile disappears and with a flick of his hand, the control panel closes.

89RI

Are you serious1 An" you t&in% you can c&ange t&e !orl"1 7on:t ma%e me laug&$ ALEGEI 0o! )ery rig&t you are$ Very !ell# t&en t&is !ill *e one more trial along my pat& to my rig&t'ul place as ruler$ -ith a grunt, Ale ei whips out his 2ein >omos copy with surprising speed and uses the apatheia to flatten )uri and friends. RITA 0ey3 89RI +&at t&e13 <97IT0 Aaag&3 ESTELLE Aaa&3 RAVE 9aag&3 .AROL Ac%3 Ale ei raises both arms with the grace and flare of a master magician as he gloats over what he"s sure will be his impending success. ALEGEI 8ou !ill *e t&e 'irst sacri'ice ma"e 'or t&e ne! !orl":s "a!n$ >=ome33 RAVE RITA 89RI >+&oa# !&oa !&oa$ I t&oug&t &e "i"n:t &a)e all o' 4au"e:s po!er yet1 0e "oesn:t# *ut &e may &a)e enoug&$ 0e&# &e:s *etting t&e !orl" on t&is$ 0e:s gotta pull out all t&e stops$ Let:s go3

A'ter (attle cutscene5 Ale ei staggers then crumples onto the ground. $ent over one knee, he still hold onto his sword while he keeps his balance with the other on the ground. ALEGEI n>uu&>you> 89RI It:s o)er# Ale;ei$ ESTELLE Is t&is t&e top o' 4au"e1 They look up finding themselves standing under the gigantic apatheia floating over the platform atop the rings. <97IT0 Is t&at t&e core1 It:s so *ig$ The control panel fires up again and Ale ei struggles weakly and unsteadily to his feet. ALEGEI >13 0e&# &a& &a&> RITA >3 8ou continue" t&e analysis t&is !&ole time13 Ale ei holds the sword diagonally in front of his torso. -ith the sword hilt held in his right hand while his left supports the blade, he holds the sword so the crackling blastia core faces outward. ALEGEI +e !ill !itness toget&er> t&e mig&t o' 4au"e$ )uri glances up at the core, and guesses Ale ei"s intent. 89RI oo33 A circle of light appears around Ale ei as it had before when he warped away at the sword stair. )uri leaps into the circle, swinging his sword with all his might. Ale ei blocks his blow. 89RI /rraa&3 Ale ei"s sword fails and he is knocked backward upon the hard platform. ALEGEI 9g&3 So t&e s!or"> turne" against me a'ter all>*ut *e&ol"$ Ale ei lies on his back, looking up at the core. ;ight flashes from the core and a grid appears in the sky. A streak of light from the core pierces the grid and a dark shape oo!es slowly downward from the tear.

,n his feet now, Ale ei watches in horror. ALEGEI >13 .AROL +&-!&-!&> RITA +&-!&at t&e &ell is t&at13 <97IT0 T&at> It !as on t&e mural> ESTELLE T&e catastrop&e13 89RI It:s t&e A"ep&agos33 ALEGEI ("istresse") T&at is t&e po!er o' 4au"e13 o> (ut I t&oug&t> T&is cannot *e> RAVE T&e A"ep&agos13 7i" you use t&at muc& aer1 ALEGEI > o$ Ale ei staggers and holds his head with one hand. ALEGEI T&is catastrop&e &as al!ays !aite" t&ere$ .AROL +&-!&at "o you mean1 <97IT0 (alarme") T&e A"ep&agos !as ne)er eliminate"$ It !as ,ust seale" o'' 'ar 'rom sig&t3 ALEGEI 8es# an" no! it &as returne" to sprea" t&e ruin it once raine" "o!n upon t&e ancients$ An" to t&in%# I cause" it all3 T&e ultimate irony3 0a& &a& &a&3 Ale ei, still holding his temple, staggers around the platform. RITA 8ou mean 4au"e &a" *een &ol"ing it *ac% t&is entire time13 The core crackles uncontrollably. ESTELLE Loo% out3 A crac%le e;plo"es o'' t&e plat'orms sur'ace$ ALEGEI +e !ere ne)er more t&an !orms !rit&ing *e'ore an approac&ing storm$ ---------------------------------------------------------------------(anime cutscene) ALEGEI T&e time &as come5 our "eat& "ra!s near$$$ o one can escape it2s "oom3 0a& &a& &a&3 89RI S&ut up alrea"y# you *astar"$ )uri runs up to Ale ei and slashes him with his sword. ALEGEI It seems in t&e en"$$$t&at I$$$!as t&e greatest 'ool o' all$$$ The crystal falls on Ale ei, crushing him. ESTELLE +&ere2s 8uri1 .AROL I2m sure t&at &e2s o)er t&ere some!&ere$ 89RI WT&e A"ep&agos "isappeare" into t&e )oi"$W 8ea& !ell# I guess t&ey "i"n2t really say t&ey "istroye" t&at t&ing$ T&ey ,ust !ent o'' an" le't t&is piece o' crap remnant *e&in"$ )uri hears a sound. %e looks behind him. 89RI Flynn1 Sodia runs up and stabs )uri. She drops the dagger on the floor, stained with blood. )uri, shocked, falls over the edge of the platform. ---------------------------------------------------------------------89RI Oo&>aa&>aa&>

)uri looks around and sees the walls of his room in the lower #uarter. 89RI -y room>1 +&y>1 )uri lies in his bed. A book has been left on the edge of the bed. %is sword is propped up against the dresser. %e struggles to get up. 89RI >7i"n:t t&in% s&e &ate" me t&is muc&$ (in pain) Arg> )uri reads the book. 89RI 0u&>1 T&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon1 >T&e lea"ers o' t&e ancients possesse" an innate po!er# an" !ere calle" t&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon$ T&e s&rine o' 4au"e recei)e" t&eir li)es an" po!er$ It seale" t&e A"ep&agos a!ay# sa)ing t&e !orl"$ The door opens and 2uke appears. 79.E 8ou &a)e a!a%ene"$ 89RI 7u%e> So it !as you !&o sa)e" me$ 2uke picks up the sword and looks out the window. 79.E I coul"n:t a''or" to &a)e t&is s!or" lost to t&e sea 'ore)er$ 89RI O%ay> I still o!e you my t&an%s$ So t&e S&rine o' 4au"e !as po!ere" *y t&e li)es o' t&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon 79.E 0umans *roug&t 'ort& t&e A"ep&agos# an" lea" it$ =onsi"er it>atonement$ T&e 'e! remaining =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon# toget&er !it& t&e Entele;eia# "eci"e" on &o! t&e !orl" !oul" *e$ T&e Imperial 'amily are t&eir "escen"ants$ 89RI So t&at:s &o! t&e Empire starte"$ An" t&at:s !&y t&at s!or"--t&e %ey to 4au"e--!ill pro)e a true emperor$ 79.E As long as aer is use"# no one can oppose t&e A"ep&agos$ For it is *orn o' aer itsel'$ 89RI >8ou !ante" to stop t&e A"ep&agos# too$ T&at:s !&y you !ere going aroun" calming all t&e aer %rene# rig&t1 79.E correct$ 89RI +&y "i"n:t you as% 'or &elp 'rom t&e empire or t&e guil"s1 8ou coul" &a)e stoppe" Ale;ei i' you:" "one t&at$ 79.E I &a)e aligne" mysel' !it& t&e Entele;eia$ I &a)e no intention o' coe;isting !it& &umanity$ +&at:s more# t&e masses o' &umanity !ill ne)er come to any accor"$ 89RI So# !&at are you trying to "o5 T&e A"ep&agos !as too muc& e)en 'or t&at ancient ci)ili?ation$ 79.E T&ere is a !ay$ 2uke walks swiftly to the door. 89RI 8ou say you "espise &umanity# *ut !&at a*out us1 Aren:t !e &uman1 +&y "i" you gi)e me 7ein omos1 +&y "i" you cooperate1 79.E 8ou !ere t&e only ones !&o e)en attempte" to communicate !it& t&e Entele;eia$ T&at is !&y> e)er min"$ It is "one$ 89RI >+ait# !&at are you going to "o1 79.E I !ill protect our !orl"--our Terca Lumireis$

7u%e sails out t&e "oor$ 8uri ,umps o'' t&e *e" to stop &im$ 89RI 0ol" on> Arg&$ (&ol"ing &is !oun") 7amn it> I FOR-ATIO 0an"e" o)er A7ein omos$B $y the time )uri gets the strength to leave his room, moonlight illuminates the lower #uarter. Inn an" Ta)ern A=ometB5 The tavern is dimly lit with lanterns and empty save for the innkeeper and his wife. The hour is late and their daughter is already snug in bed. I .EEPER 7on:t !orry# 8uri$ E)en i' you all aren:t aroun"# !e:ll protect t&e lo!er 6uarter$ 8ea&# !e:ll *e all rig&t$ +e:ll ,ust "o !&at !e can$ Inn%eeper:s +i'e I "on:t care i' t&e *arrier goes "o!n or monsters attac%$ I !ill protect t&is &ome$ So "on:t you !orry a*out us *ac% &ere# 8uri$ I:ll *e sure you &a)e a &ome !aiting 'or you !&en you get *ac%$ As )uri leaves the tavern, he senses something. 89RI (&u&1) $ $ $ 7og Ro!'$ Estelle:s VOI=E +&at:s !rong1 O&3 =stelle and /epede appear at the top of the steps leading up to the fountain. ESTELLE 8uri>1 89RI Estelle1 Repe"e>1 )uri is relieved and happy to see his favorite companions. ESTELLE 8uri3 Re"pe"e +oo'3 They run down the steps. =stelle leaps into )uri"s arms, the momentum swings them around. ESTELLE 0a& &a& &a&3 89RI Ouc&# &ey &ol" on a sec$ ESTELLE 8uri# it:s really you# rig&t1 8ou:re not a g&ost or somet&ing1 O& goo"# you &a)e a s&a"o!$ 89RI 8ea&# I:m li)ing3 An" yea&# t&at &urt3 =stelle continues to hold )uri close with her head snug against his chest. ESTELLE T&an% goo"ness# I:m so &appy$ )uri is content to hold =stelle and feel her hair against his face. Later# 8uri is sitting "o!n at t&e *ottom o' t&e steps$ ESTELLE Repe"e ,ust rus&e" out# all o' a su""en3 I !as so surprise"$ =stelle performs a healing arte on )uri. 89RI T&an%s$ I:m 'ine no!$ =stelle sits down beside him. ESTELLE Is t&at !oun" 'rom>!&en you 'ell 'rom 4au"e1 89RI 0u&1 O&# yea&# I guess so$ ESTELLE I can:t tell you &o! &appy I am$ 89RI Sorry to ma%e you !orry$ ESTELLE I !ant to go tell e)eryone3 T&ey:ll *e so &appy3 89RI +&at:s e)ery*o"y "oing1 RITA Rita !ent to 4au"e !it& <u"it&$ S&e sai" t&ere !as a lot to stu"y# *eing ancient ruins an" all$ 89RI T&at:s Rita$

ESTELLE

.arol an" Ra)en !ent *ac% to 7a&ngrest$ It seems t&at relations *et!een t&e empire an" t&e guil"s are !orsening again$ 89RI >T&ey:re still li%e t&at1 ESTELLE Suppose"ly it:s *ecause o' 4au"e$ T&ey !ent to ma%e sure t&e guil"s "i"n:t "o anyt&ing ras&$ 89RI First 0eracles# t&en t&at> /uil" or not# people are going to *e on guar"$ ESTELLE It:s trou*ling Io"er as !ell$ An" Flynn is *eing Flynn an" going o'' to all corners o' t&e !orl"$ 89RI E)eryone:s !or%ing &ar"$ ESTELLE T&ey t&oug&t t&ey s&oul" "o !&at t&ey can$ E)en !it&out you> 89RI 8ea&> ESTELLE (ecause !e %ne!> +e %ne! you !ere ali)e$ 89RI > (0mm>) ESTELLE E)en Flynn too% s&ips out to loo% 'or you so many times> 89RI >I:m so sorry$ (ut t&an%s to you# I:m all 'i;e" up$ =stelle nods then stands up, turning to )uri. ESTELLE 8ou s&oul" still rest to"ay$ Rita# .arol> T&ey can all !ait a little longer to see you$ 89RI 0e&e# as you !is&$ I FOR-ATIO 8uri earne" t&e ASur)i)orB title$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& Estelle an" Repe"e$ )uri wakes the ne t morning in his room. S+IT A3ter Zaude Inn an" Ta)ern A=ometB5 The tavern is still empty save for the +nnkeeper and his wife and daughter. I .EEPER T&e .nig&ts are &an"ling t&e capital:s security$ +e s&oul" *e t&an%'ul t&ey too% c&arge$ +e:re &elpless !it&out t&e *arrier$ T&ere:s no Emperor# t&e council:s 'inis&e">an" no! t&e =omman"ant o' t&e .nig&ts &as re*elle" +&o:s going to ta%e control o' t&e c&aos no!1 Inn%eeper:s +i'e 8uri>3 I %ne! it$ I %ne! t&at coul" ne)er &appen to you$ 8our 'rien" !as saying suc& terri*le t&ings# e)eryone !as !orrie" a*out you$ 0urry up an" go s&o! Te" you:re all rig&t# !on:t you1 LITTLE /IRL 8uri# are you 'eeling "o!n1 I:m not scare" at all$ I %no! you:ll ta%e care o' t&is# 8uri$ Fountain Pla?a5 )uri, =stelle and /epede stand near the fountain and look up at the sky. 89RI Ale;ei unleas&e" somet&ing terri*le$ I:m tire" o' all t&is A'reeing t&e !orl"B nonsense$ ESTELLE <ust !&at is t&e A"ep&agos1 89RI +&o %no!1 A catastrop&e$ It can:t *e anyt&ing goo"$ OSig&O /uess I get to 'ig&t a *ig one t&is time$ ESTELLE It certainly is$ So you:re going a'ter it1 89RI It "oesn:t loo% li%e I:ll &a)e a normal li'e i' I

"on:t$ A normal li'e> For e)eryone$ T&at:s !&y !e 'ig&t$ 8ea&$ T&at:s enoug&# rig&t1 8es# it is$ I t&oug&t I &ear" a 'amiliar )oice3 O&# it:s really you3 89RI 0an%s3 E)ery*o"y3 0A .S 7on:t go ta%ing t&at young la"y aroun" e)ery!&ere$ S&e must *e tire"$ 89RI +&at "o you mean1 Estelle# !ere you using your po!er1 0A .S S&e 'i;e" up e)ery !oun"e" person !&o came *ac%$ +e:re all in &er "e*t$ ESTELLE I' t&ere:s anyt&ing else I can "o# please let me %no!$ 89RI (loo%ing aroun") ice to see t&e lo!er 6uarter:s *ac% to normal$ 0A .S It:" *e per'ect i' only t&at t&ing in t&e s%y !eren:t t&ere$ 89RI 7on:t !orry$ Lea)e it to (ra)e Vesperia$ 0A .S T&ere you go again$ <ust &o! are you going to close up t&at &ole in t&e s%y1 8O9 / -A 0ey# i' anyone can "o it# 8uri can3 +O-A 8ea&3 0e ne)er ma%es promises &e can:t %eep$ VOI=E T&at:s 'ar enoug&3 )uri looks up to see ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos standing at the end of the ramp. Adecor walks slowly toward )uri. 89RI o! you1 +&at "o you !ant1 A7E=OR 0e& &e& &e&$ I say# ta%e a loo% at t&is$ Adecor hands )uri a sheet of paper. 89RI (loo%s at it) 0u&1 A !arrant1 >For me13 ESTELLE ><ust 8uri1 A7E=OR I say# a %nig&t:s "uty is to appre&en" t&e unla!'ul$ 89RI So I:m t&e only one !it& a *ounty on my &ea"1 o*o"y else1 (O==OS T&at &as not&ing to "o !it& t&e matter at &an"3 LE(LA = A&em3 +e &a)e a proposal$ Return to t&e %nig&ts# an" t&is all goes a!ay$ 89RI +&at1 LE(LA = Someone &ig& up is ma%ing a 'uss a*out lea)ing you to "o as you please$ So> 89RI 8ou:" 'eel *etter putting t&e reins on me$ ;eblanc raises his eyebrows and looks down at the ground, as do Adecor and $occos. LE(LA = o! you:)e got t&e i"ea$ 89RI > (e;asperate" sig&) (loo%ing to!ar" t&e 'iel" e;it an" !a)ing &is paper) 0ey3 Sc&!ann3 ;eblanc and his knights snap to attention. LE(LA = +&at1 +&ere1 As they turn to the e it and salute, the )uri ;owell gang takes off. Their sound of their footsteps alert ;eblanc to the diversion. LE(LA = 0ey3 +ait3 The )uri ;owell gang run up the ramp to the citi!en"s #uarter. 89RI So long# e)eryone3 0A .S Ta%e care3 LE(LA = >0e& &e& &e&$ <ust as I t&oug&t$ An" I !oul"n:t &a)e it any ot&er !ay$ ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 0A .S

(to A"eccor an" (occos) Let:s go3 Arrest t&at man3 ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos head toward the ramp in pursuit. At the top of the ramp in the citi!en #uarter, )uri takes a breather and slumps over with his hands resting on his knees. The only running footsteps to be heard of that of the little boy running back and forth in front of the ramp. 89RI O0u''O OPu''O T&is &ill:s pretty *rutal$ ESTELLE T&ose %nig&ts are ama?ing$ 89RI T&ey are>tenacious$ +O-A :S VOI=E O&3 89RI 0u&1 Hudith walks toward them from the east e it. ESTELLE 0ey3 <u"it&3 <97IT0 Estelle# I ,ust came to get you$ ESTELLE +&ere:s Rita1 <97IT0 Rita:s in Aspio# putting toget&er all o' &er researc&$ 8ou:ll come too# rig&t1 89RI 8ea&# i' you "on:t min" me catc&ing a ri"e$ <97IT0 T&en let:s go$ (<u"it& !al%s un&urrie"ly to!ar" t&e e;it) 89RI Sorry to ma%e you !orry# <u"y$ <97IT0 -y &eart !as a*out to *urst 'rom !orrying so muc&$ 89RI 8ea&# rig&t$ <97IT0 (turns aroun") 0ey$ I really mean it$ Le*lanc:s VOI=E +aaaait3333 89RI ot again$ <ust once3 <ust once# I !ant to ta%e it easy !&en I lea)e some place$ They run for the e it. As ;eblanc and his cohorts near the e it, they see $a"ul"s gigantic form rising above the castle walls. They stop and stare with their mouths hanging open. 89RI /oo"*ye# .nig&ts3 LE(LA = /et *ac% &ere3 I FOR-ATIO <u"it& ,oine" t&e party$ S+IT Thinkin0 Too Hard7

The Sea)ed A,ade9i, City1 A*%io ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ $a"ul drops them off at Aspio. S+IT The Ade%ha0o* Awaken* Aspio Li*rary5 +OR.ER CD T&ere:s somet&ing li%e a giant s&a"o! on t&e s%y itsel'>it seems so sinister$ +e:re merely tra)elers mo)ing 'rom ruin to ruin# *ut it must *e &ar" on t&e mages &ere$ In any case>may*e !e:ll go e;ca)ating at t&e !orl":s en"$ o# I "on:t mean !e:re running a!ay3 8eager:s "ea"> +&at:s going to &appen to Ruin:s /ate1 I guess you "on:t &a)e t&e ans!er to t&at>

+OR.ER CE

-A/E

T&at still gi)es me a reason to slac% o''> +&y1 -y calculations ma%es no sense3 T&e recent "ata is so *i?arre33 T&is "ata is important$ It means somet&ing33 Incre"i*le3 T&ese results completely e;plo"e t&e commonly accepte" t&eories3 A*solutely incre"i*le33

=entral Pla?a5 -A/E

7amn it all>t&an%s to all t&e eart&6ua%es lately# our e;ca)ation site &as *een close" "o!n$ I %no! t&ere:s somet&ing ,ust *eyon"> (ut t&ere:s not&ing I can "o a*out it no!$ I suppose I:ll straig&ten out all t&e "ata$ A door opens in a building at the top of the north ramp. VOI=E Eure%a33 They are all surprised to see /ita come running at top speed down the ramp. All $ $ $ ESTELLE O&3 Rita# 8uri is> /ita does not stop but runs on to her house. +f she saw )uri, she gave no indication of doing so. <97IT0 It seems li%e s&e:s *lin" to e)eryt&ing *ut &er researc& rig&t no!$ 89RI >I can:t really *lame t&e people &ere 'or treating &er li%e suc& a !eir"o$ ESTELLE S&e loo%e" so &appy$ S&e must &a)e "isco)ere" somet&ing$ 89RI I &ope so$ Let:s go an" see$ -A/E ( ORT0 RA-P) Lately# t&e *lastia on t&e &illsi"e &as *een gi)ing a*normal rea"ings> I' you &a)e some time# !&y "on:t you c&ec% on t&e *lastia on t&e &illsi"e$ -A/E (-ALE) > I:)e got it3 I:)e got t&e 'ormula3 I "i" it3 >+&a# !&o are you people1 >+&at1 +&y is it so "ar%1 7i" somet&ing &appen1 Rita:s 0ut5 RITA 0mm> +e s&oul" *e a*le to calculate t&e 'orce 'iel" sta*ility coe''icient$ So> ESTELLE Rita1 /ita doesn"t hear. She walks away to look at some data on a table. RITA +e coul" ma%e a %ey 'ormula$ E''iciency is o%ay$ -a%ing a sta*le# non-"ispersing piece s&oul" *e> 89RI 0ey# Rita3 RITA +&at13 7on:t *ot&er me3 >0u&13 /ita turns around and sees )uri for the first time. RITA O&# it:s you>&o! "i" you get into>!ait# you:re>1 89RI 0i$ /ita smiles, then blushes. RITA +&ere t&e &ell !ere you13 I loo%e" all o)er 'or you# you %no!> 89RI A&&# sorry a*out t&at$ RITA >0ump&# !ell# !&ate)er$ I "on:t &a)e time to argue a*out t&at$ I &a)e somet&ing )ery important to tal% to Estelle a*out$

89RI RITA ESTELLE RITA

<97IT0 RITA 89RI ESTELLE 89RI RITA <97IT0 RITA 89RI

<97IT0 RITA ESTELLE <97IT0 ESTELLE

89RI RITA 89RI ESTELLE RITA <97IT0 I FOR-ATIO S+IT S+IT

To Estelle1 >I may &a)e 'oun" a !ay to control t&e *e&a)ior o' aer$ Really13 T&at:s great# Rita3 I learne" lots o' t&ings !&en I in)estigate" 4au"e$ Li%e &o! !e mig&t *e a*le to apply t&e tec&ni6ues use" t&ere$ 0o!e)er> T&at is relate" to Estelle:s po!er as a =&il" o' t&e Full -oon1 (no"s) +e nee" to interact !it& t&e aer to ma%e it recom*ine 'reely accor"ing to a 'ormula> T&is is somet&ing only Estelle can "o$ I' only I &a"n:t gi)en 7ein omos *ac%> 7i" you meet 7u%e1 8ea&$ 0e sa)e" me$ +ell# &e sai" it !as so &e coul" reco)er t&e s!or"$ T&at s!or":s "i''erent 'rom t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon$ I "ou*t it coul" *e a su*stitute$ (ut t&at control 'ormula you use" on Estelle> T&at !as to control t&e po!er o' t&e =&il" o' t&e Full -oon# !asn:t it1 8ea&$ So i' !e:re going to control t&e aer !it& t&is t&eory> >!e &a)e to release t&e control 'ormula on Estelle$ So>i' e)eryt&ing goes rig&t# !e control t&e aer$ (ut i' !e scre! up# t&e aer !ill get e)en !orse# an" t&e !orl" !ill 'all to t&e A"ep&agos$ Is t&at a*out rig&t1 T&at:s 6uite a *ol" plan$ I:m sure it:ll *e 'ine$ Estelle>*elie)e me$ Len" me your po!er$ > Are you scare"1 o$ I:m &appy$ I mig&t still *e a*le to use my po!er to &elp ot&ers$ Rita$ Please let me %no! i' t&ere is anyt&ing I can "o$ So !&at e;actly "o !e nee" to "o1 +ell# I:m not completely 'inis&e" !or%ing e)eryt&ing out$ /i)e me a little more time$ O%ay$ +e:ll go see .arol an" Ra)en !&ile you 'igure t&ings out$ /reat3 I:ll go# too$ I:)e got all t&e materials I nee" in my &ea"$ I:ll let you %no! !&en I !or% it all out$ All rig&t# let:s go$ Rita ,oine" t&e party$ <)ad 6uriB* Sa3e & $o9en RitaB* Re*ear,h

The 5en o3 <ui)d*1 5ahn0re*t ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ +t"s night when they arrive at 2ahngrest

/uil"sman (*ri"ge)T&e monsters are restless$ I !on"er i' it:s *ecause o' t&e monster in t&e s%y1 S%y# lan"# !&ate)er$ I:ll ta%e on all t&e )icious monsters$ /9IL7S-A (STREET)It:s times li%e t&is I !is& t&e 7on an" (ar*os !ere still !it& us> I !on"er &o! long 7a&ngrest !ill &ol"> -A ( EAR I ) I &a)e no i"ea !&at can *e "one to "e'eat t&e e)il in t&is !orl"$ T&ere:s no clear line *et!een !&at:s goo" an" !&at:s e)il$ +O-A ( EAR I ) +&at on eart& is going on1 I "on:t un"erstan" anyt&ing anymore3 .RIT8A -A +ait> T&at monster in t&e s%y> Is t&at t&ing ma"e o'> aer>1 0o! coul" t&at>1 /9IL7S-A +-!e:re sa'e as long as !e stay insi"e t&e *arrier# rig&t1 0ey# I can laug& *ecause it:s not me$ As they reach the middle of the circular intersection, %arry runs past them, yelling. 0ARR8 7amn it# !&y "i" I &a)e to "o it3 89RI T&at !as>t&e 7on:s gran"son# 0arry>rig&t1 Somewhere behind them, they hear .arol scream. .AROL Aaaaaa&33 They turn around and see .arol and /aven. .AROL 8uri33 .arol runs to )uri and looks down. .AROL >I can:t *elie)e you3 (loo%ing up# accusingly) 8ou s&oul":)e tol" me you !ere ali)e> 89RI Sorry 'or !orrying you$ (ut I:m *ac%3 RAVE +ell aren:t you toug&$ 0e& &e&$ T&at:s my *oy3 89RI +e ,ust sa! 0arry-- "i" somet&ing &appen to &im1 /aven looks away, rubbing his chin. RAVE A&# t&ere:s *een ,ust a teensy *it o' trou*le$ T&e 9nion:s %in" o' a s&ip !it&out a captain# rig&t no!$ <97IT0 So t&e people !on:t come toget&er unless t&ere:s some %in" o' core$ RITA =ore>3 T&at:s it3 .AROL (turning to Rita) +&at:s it1 RITA I:)e got it3 Apat&eia$ It:ll !or% i' I use apat&eia$ )uri mouth hangs open as he closes his eyes. RITA So e)en i' t&e air:s sta*ility coe''icient %eeps c&anging# i' I connect one o' t&ose> 89RI 0ol" on$ Forget t&e e;planation$ +e !oul"n:t un"erstan" it any!ay$ RITA O&# o%ay$ T&e apat&eia !e ga)e to t&e 7on s&oul" still *e aroun"# rig&t1 <97IT0 >T&at !as (elies: apat&eia# t&e cyan ceil$ .arol looks at /aven. ESTELLE Rita:s 'oun" a !ay to control aer$ .AROL Really13 =ool3 )uri looks at /aven.

89RI RAVE

7o you %no! !&at &appene" to t&e cyan ciel a'ter t&e 7on "ie"1 ope$ (ut 0arry actually mig&t> /oo" timing# too$ I !as ,ust a*out to ta%e &im *ac%$ /o to t&e 9nion &ea"6uarters$ +e:ll *e *ac% t&ere soon$

8uri no"s$ I FOR-ATIO .arol ,oine" t&e party$ They head down the street toward the 7Crimson Stars8 tavern. /9IL7S-A -onsters are e)il$ (ig monsters are *ig e)ils$ +e s&oul" get ri" o' t&e *ig e)ils *e'ore t&e little ones$ (ut t&at:" *e toug&# e)en !it& t&e strengt& o' t&e 0unting (la"es$ +O-A +e &a)e to protect t&is to!n oursel)es$ +e "on:t &a)e anyone else to rely on$ T&is is t&e time 'or all t&e guil"s to pull t&eir strengt& toget&er$ Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 /9IL7S-A A goo" "rin% is calle" 'or sometimes$ (ut "on:t go "rin%ing too muc&$ (ut I ,ust can:t pry my &an"s o'' t&is *ottle> /9IL7S-A -y s!or" is no matc& 'or t&at nasty monster in t&e s%y$ I "on:t t&in% t&ere:s any ot&er s!or" !&o can ta%e it "o!n eit&er> o mercenary coul" ta%e t&at t&ing "o!n$ T&ere:s not&ing !e can "o> /9IL7S-A 7on:t tal% to me or I:ll mil% you$ 7on:t tal% to me or you:ll *e stan"ing un"er a !ater'all$ /9IL7S-A T&ey say to eat in mo"eration# *ut a real man eats until &e:s 'ull3 T&e more you eat# t&e *etter you !or% 'or t&e guil"3 (arten"er3 Foo"3 Lots o' it3 +IT=0 T&ere aren:t any goo" men lately> O&# *ut you> >O&# !ell# you:re o%ay$ I:)e *een tol" t&at I &a)e goo" taste in men$ Luc%y me> (ARTE 7ER -any customers come &ere as an escape 'rom reality$ Personal relations&ips in t&e guil"s can *e pretty stress'ul$ E)en I !or% &ere to escape 'rom reality$ /9IL7S-A T&ings are so *a" lately I can:t e)en get *y !it&out a "rin%$ Ooo&> O(urp3O Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 (A 7I7O +&at:s !it& t&at &uge monster1 T&-t&at:s against t&e rules# rig&t1 8ou:re telling me to 'ig&t t&at t&ing1 I-I &a)e no c&oice$ I:ll see &o! t&ings go 'rom &ere 'or a little !&ile# t&en I:ll ,oin in$ OL7 -A I' only I !ere t!enty years younger> I:" ta%e t&at monster out 6uic%$ O&&# my *ac%>

/9IL7S-A +O-A

/9IL7S-A

/9IL7S+O-A SAILOR

At t&is point I mig&t as !ell c&o! "o!n on e)eryt&ing in sig&t3 o matter &o! muc& I eat# I ,ust "on:t 'eel satis'ie"$ It seems t&at t&e *arrier is o' no use against t&e 'lying monster$ T&e "ays !&ere t&e *arrier reigne" supreme are no! o)er$ T&ere !as a time !&en people t&oug&t t&ey coul" li)e in peace as long as t&ere !as a *arrier> T&e Imperial .nig&ts an" t&e =ouncil are !ea%# an" t&ere:s no Emperor$ o!:s t&e time 'or t&e guil"s to ta%e o)er t&e Empire$ T&is is t&e per'ect time to o)ert&ro! t&e Empire$ (ut no one:s stan"ing up$ I' only t&e 7on !ere &ere> I can:t *elie)e somet&ing so ominous actually e;ists in t&is !orl"$ It:s so gross> (ut !e can:t ,ust loo% a!ay$$ T&e !aitress !on:t loo% at me at all lately$ I:m so sa"$ +&at s&oul" I "o1 0ey# *arten"er$ 0o! a*out some a")ice on lo)e1 8ou:re not t&e *arten"er1 +elcome3 A party o' one1 Try t&e s!eet potato$ It:s "elicious3 At times li%e t&is# !e &a)e to pro)i"e especially c&eer'ul ser)ice$

.RIT8A

+AITRESS

/uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 0ey# you "on:t t&in% t&e !orl":s going to *e "estroye" or anyt&ing# "o you1 7amn3 +&at are !e suppose" to "o a*out t&at t&ing in t&e s%y1 The %0 is packed with people from all the different guilds. 89RI T&e atmosp&ere is %in" o' strange$ .AROL 8ea&> T&e 9nion is 'alling apart> /aven &oins them. RAVE =ause no*o"y !ants to step in ta ta%e t&e 7on:s place$ An" t&e 7on:s &eir ain:t 6uite up to it$ (to 0arry) =ome on# "on:t &ang *ac%# no!$ 0ARR8 I !as t&e one !&o le" /ran"pa to &is "eat&$ Someone li%e me coul" ne)er *ecome a man li%e t&e 7on !as$ RAVE o*o"y:s sayin: ya gotta *ecome a man li%e t&e 7on !as$ +e:re ,ust saying you s&oul" at least s&o! up to t&e succession meetings$ RITA 0ey# "o you &a)e t&e 7on:s apat&eia1 +e:" appreciate i' you coul" gi)e it to us$ .AROL +o!# t&at !as 6uite a 'ast*all# Rita> 0ARR8 >T&at apat&eia *elongs to !&oe)er succee"s t&e 7on$ It:s not gi)en to outsi"ers$ RITA +&at1 +ell# !&en !ill t&ey c&oose a successor1 0ARR8 I "on:t %no!$ 7on:t as% me$ %arry walks away a few steps and stubbornly crosses his arms. 89RI T&at *oy:s a real piece o' !or%$ +&o:s going to protect t&e city i' t&e 9nion isn:t$

-A 7e*ating -A

+&at1 T&at !oul" *e our guil"# o' course3 Tal%ing o' !&o:s guil"1 I %no! t&at you sent in your =lou"s o' 7a!n mem*ers to 4au"e$ -A (=O7) T&e 9nion &as ne)er *een outstrippe" *y t&e empire$ +e cannot sit &ere an" ris% 'alling *e&in"3 7E(ATI / -A I say it !as impru"ent$ It coul" &a)e *een ta%en as t&e 9nion:s &ostile act against t&e Empire$ -A (=O7) In t&at case# !e !oul" "e'en" our &onor on t&e *attle'iel"$ 7e*ating -A An" !&o !ill *e lea"ing t&e *attle1 T&e =lou"s o' 7a!n1 I' t&e 7on got !in" o' t&at &e:" *urst out laug&ing$ -A (=O7) So !&y "on:t you *oys in Altos% t&ro! your &at into t&e ring1 -ay*e t&en !e:" see ,ust &o! unpopular you really are3 89RI T&is is ri"iculous$ =ontinue as you please till t&e !orl" comes to an en"$ The crowd in the %0 is suddenly #uiet as everyone listens to )uri. 89RI (ut "on:t *ring up a !ar *et!een t&e guil"s$ T&is isn:t a ,o%e$ The agitated Clouds of 2awn turn toward )uri. .arol runs and places himself between them and )uri. .AROL It:s all rig&t to *e &elpe" *y your 'rien"s$ Protect your 'rien"s an" t&ey:ll respon" in %in"$ T&at !as t&e last t&ing t&at t&e 7on sai" to me$ 89RI .arol$ -A (=O7) +&at1 +&o:s t&is %i"1 .arol"s friends gather around him. .AROL I can:t "o anyt&ing *y mysel'# *ut I &a)e my 'rien"s3 (ecause my 'rien"s are t&ere 'or me# I can "o anyt&ing3 T&ey:re still t&ere 'or me# e)en no!$ +&y isn:t t&at goo" enoug& 'or t&e 9nion13 RAVE (to 8uri) T&e *oy is rig&t$ T&e *est t&ing t&at t&e guil"s e)er &a" !as t&eir a*ility to &elp eac& ot&er$ (to t&e room at large) T&ere is al!ays a !ay to "eal !it& t&ings e)en i' ya aren:t some great *ig lea"er$ 89RI T&e 7on tol" you t&at 'rom no! on# you &a)e to !al% !it& your o!n 'eet$ 8ou %no! &o! to !al% on your o!n 'eet# "on:t you1 -A (=O7) $ $ $ =veryone looks down at the floor. VOI=E 8ou ma%e it soun" so easy# *ut actually-89RI Let:s go$ I:m gonna get sic% i' I &a)e to stay &ere any longer$ )uri heads for the door. RITA 0ey# you# !ait up3 /ita darts after )uri and the others follow. %arry, still leaning up against a column watches them leave. 0arry $ $ $ RITA 89RI +&at a*out t&e apat&eia3 I' you:)e got enoug& spare time to *e &anging aroun" t&ose i"iots# you:" *e *etter o'' using it to t&in% o' anot&er plan$

RITA Anot&er plan> It:s not t&at easy> 0ARR8 >0ere$ %arry throws the apatheia to )uri. 89RI Are you>gi)ing t&is to us1 0ARR8 o# t&is is going to *e stolen$ .AROL +&at "o you mean1 89RI >I o!e you one$ 0ARR8 /et a mo)e on *e'ore t&e ot&ers reali?e it:s gone$ RAVE Ta !&at "o !e o!e t&is generosity1 0ARR8 I "unno$ -ay*e it ,ust le't a *a" 'eeling in my stomac& to get lecture" *y a %i" li%e t&at $ %arry leaves and .arol grins. RAVE -ay*e t&ere:s some &ope 'or t&at *oy a'ter all$ <97IT0 So no! t&at !e:)e gotten t&e apat&eia# !&at:s ne;t1 RITA e;t up# !e:re going to t&e 4op&eir Ri't$ I:m going to use t&e inacti)ate" aer %rene t&at:s t&ere$ RAVE T&e Ri't1 +e:re going someplace col" again1 -in" i' ol: Ra)en !aits &ere1 89RI 8ou:" rat&er *e col" t&an &a)e t&e !orl" *e "estroye"# !oul"n:t you1 Let:s go$ /aven looks at the ground. I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Apat&eia# =yano =iel =rystal$ I FOR-ATIO Ra)en ,oine" t&e party$ -L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L=omments 'rom 7aytime resi"ents o' pre)ious 7a&ngrest )isit5 Cooking Stadium 7$istro $lack %ole8: ,;2 1A> '2,,/( -hat is going to happen to our worldA +t seems like there"s nothing good to talk about lately. ,;2 -,1A> 1y son and his wife are still in the capitalE + said + wanted to go home, but my husband said no. + know it"s dangerous, but stillE -hat"s become of our ZaphiasEA Street: ;+TT;= C+/; -aaah, waaahE 1ommyD 1ommyD -here are youAD -+TC% Come on, give me a breakE This is &ust cra!y. +f nothing else, we gotta protect 2ahngrest. 1A;= 3=>2,/ +n times of trouble a salesman"s gotta make the effort to be e tra cheerfulD 9=1A;= 3=>2,/ +sn"t that red sky disgustingA +t"s totally disgusting, rightA -hat"s going onA SeriouslyD 3=>2,/ 'C;ASS=S( $usinessA >owA The sky is like this all over the entire world, rightA So it"s not safe anywhereA Circular +ntersection: C*+;2S1A> %ow embarrassing for %arry. + mean, he"s an adult. %e was crying &ust now, rightA + thought that cry-baby %arry had grown up. $ut ever since >ordopolica, + don"t feel that at all. -L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-L- -L-L-L-L-LS+IT <)ad 6uriB* Sa3e & Men

S+IT S+IT S+IT

In the 5onB* $ake Ahh1 6outh4 $hen 6ou Put 6our Mind To It

Lea)e 7a&ngrest an" complete a 'e! su*-e)ents$ SUB E!E"T# 5ra0on Ra,e S+IT Part '

A Ma% o3 the Shrine Ro(tained in Ba,tion with *or,ererB* rin0 )eve) IS

5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS AT ZAPHIAS# '/eturned to Zaphias at night through the lower #uarter entrance( . I/0T T&ese citi?ens too% o)er as guar"s$ I:m really t&an%'ul$ People 'rom t&e lo!er 6uarter are all goo" people$ I &a)e to !or% &ar" 'or t&e citi?ens$ OL7 -A I:)e li)e" a long time# *ut I ne)er t&oug&t I:" see a monster li%e t&at> I t&oug&t my "entures !ere gonna 'all out$ I !as so surprise"# my "entures poppe" rig&t out o' my mout&$ (etter *e care'ul$ 8O9 / -A I:m cooperating !it& t&e monster !arnings$ It must *e )ery &ar" on t&e .nig&ts$ I !as &oping my contri*ution !oul" alle)iate some o' t&at *ur"en$ It:" *e a!'ul i' t&e .nig&ts !ere in'este" !it& people !&o !oul" "o e)il at any c&ance$ Any!ay# I can pro*a*ly only ta%e o)er guar" "uties$ . I/0T +e .nig&ts !ill guar" 4ap&ias$ Rest !ell$ 8ou are sa'e$ T&ere:s not&ing to !orry a*out$ +e .nig&ts !ill repel t&e monsters !&ene)er t&e *lastia (*arrier) "isappears$ VE 7OR T&e .nig&ts &a)e continue" !or%ing into t&e nig&t$ I can:t slac% o''$ +elcome3 T&an% you3 See you tomorro!3 SUB E!E"T# Re(ui)din0 The Union . I/0T (E EGIT) Part I#

ARTIST

OL7 +O-A

I can:t lose my concentration especially !&en guar"ing at nig&t$ +&en somet&ing &appens# I am so t&an%'ul 'or t&e *arrier$ I &a)e no! reali?e" its )alue 'or a goo" nig&t sleep$ T&e present capital is )ery interesting3 Some people are 'rig&tene"# ot&ers struggle to escape> T&ey all &a)e 6uite unusual e;pressions$ 7o you t&in% t&at:s a little s&ameless1 (ut it:s my "uty as an artist to "ra! people:s e;pression$ T&ere:s more )alue in "ra!ing t&ese real e;pressions t&an ma%ing up smiling 'aces$ T&e monster is !rit&ing in t&e s%y>

.RIT8A

-A

. I/0T

I can:t sleep !on"ering !&en t&at monster !ill come cras&ing "o!n$ =an !e count on t&e .nig&ts or not1 T&ere are all %in"s o' .nig&ts$ Some !&o !oul" gi)e t&eir li)es to 'ig&t# an" some !&o ,ust run a!ay$ It:s nice t&at people are "i''erent# *ut can an organi?ation really 'unction li%e t&at1 +e:re all gonna en" up getting eaten *y monsters# any!ay$ I:m going to *e"3 T&is Mroun" t&e cloc% guar" "uty can:t go on 'ore)er$ Our *o"ies:ll 'all apart$ 8ou eit&er "ie no!# or you "ie later$ T&at:s t&e only "i''erence$ Fig&ting is suc& a !aste o' time$ T&e monsters !ere cleare" out o' t&e city# *ut t&ey:re &i"ing in t&e "ar%ness o' t&e nig&t> +e can:t let our guar" "o!n$ +e &a)e to *e rea"y$ T&e people "o!n *elo! are in more trou*le$ T&e tangle" *uil"ings lea)e a lot o' *lin" spots$ Any!ays# at least t&e *arrier !as restore"$ T&e pat& !e:re on !ill *e "estroye"> It:s too late$ T&ere is no ot&er !ay$ T&e appearance o' t&e A"ep&agos is a count"o!n to "estruction$ T&e &istory o' .ritya s&o!s t&is$ Part U#

Royal Fuarter5 . I/0T (=ASTLE)

.RIT8A

-A

SUB E!E"T# 5ark En3or,er O(LE -A

O(LE +O-A

CD

O(LE +O-A

CE

.RIT8A OL7 -A

+O-A

+e &a)e to ma%e our ultimate "ecision$ S&oul" !e stay or go1 /et %ille" *y t&e monsters outsi"e# or cooperate !it& t&ose un"ergroun"1 I' you "on:t !ant to *e eaten ali)e# "o you !ant to *e cra!ling aroun" on t&e groun"1 0a& &a& &a&$ O%ay# I:)e "eci"e"$ +&en t&e time comes# I:ll go un"ergroun"$ Let:s "i)e3 A t&ie' entere" t&e mansion "uring t&e e)acuation3 It !as a looter# I:m telling you3 I can:t let t&at go3 7o not "isrupt t&e guar"s$ T&ey:ll arrest any t&ie' t&at uses t&e c&aos !it& t&e "estroye" *arrier to try somet&ing 'unny$ T&ere !ere a 'e! t&ings missing !&en I )acate" t&e mansion 'or a !&ile$ A t&ie' must &a)e *ro%en in$ I:ll gi)e up on t&e stolen goo"s$ I "on:t t&in% t&e .nig&ts &a)e time 'or t&at$ T&at !oul" only matter i' you !ere ali)e$ I see you a lot# *ut you "on:t really !or% in t&e royal 6uarter# "o you1 T&ere !ill *e no looting$ 7o you &ear me1 0ey &ey &ey3 8ou:re 8uri# t&e 'rien" o' Acting =omman"ant Flynn# rig&t1 O&# "on:t you !orry a*out t&e !&ole Ano*les onlyB t&ing$ /o a&ea"3 T&is e;it is actually 'or no*les only# *ut you sa)e" 4ap&ias3 I can ma%e an e;ception o' you# 8uri$

5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS AT CAPUA T.RIM# SUB E!E"T# Aven0in0 So)dier* Part I

They stroll the street of Capua Torim at night. SAILOR (7O=.) I:m sure you:re t&in%ing o' me# !ay across t&e sea$ 8es# I:m sure you are$ I can:t &elp t&in%ing o' our times toget&er# Larry# !&en I ga?e out at t&e sea$ 8O9 / +O-A T&e lig&t &ouse s&ines *rig&ter an" stronger t&an any star3 It ma%es us 'eel sa'e# e)en in t&e "ea" o' nig&t# ,ust li%e t&e protection o' a lo)ing 'at&er$ I s!ear# somet&ing a*out t&e nig&t *rings out t&e poet in me$ SAILOR T&is to!n:s 'i;in: ta *ust at t&e seams# *ut it:s not&in: ta get too !or%e" up o)er$ -y guess is t&e .nig&ts:ll step in *e'ore t&ings get too outta &an"$ 0e&# !e:ll *e all rig&t unless t&at t&ing "eci"es ta *elly 'lop on us$ SUB E!E"T# E*te))eB* Tea,her & Part T# OL7 -A 8Ca%ua Tori9:#

/9IL7S+O-A LITTLE /IRL /9IL7S-A

LITTLE (O8

+O-A

OL7ER -A

E)en a sailor as e;perience" as I can:t sail to t&e s%y$ I suppose I:ll let t&e young 'ol% ta%e care o' t&e monster in t&e s%y$ I:)e *een all o)er t&is !orl"# *ut I:)e ne)er seen anyt&ing li%e t&at monster$ T&at t&ing *lo!s my min"$ All t&e gro!nups are scare" a*out t&at *ig monster in t&e s%y$ (ut I:m not$ +on:t someone go %ill it1 T&e Empire1 T&e /uil"s1 Loo%ing at t&at a!'ul t&ing in t&e s%y ma%es t&e little *or"ers men 'as&ion 'or t&emsel)es seem so ri"iculous$ E)en so# I:m staying !it& t&e /uil"$ <ust t&e sa" saga o' a man !&o can:t li)e !it&out &is *or"ers> +&-!&at:s t&at t&ing in t&e s%y1 I "on:t %no! !&at it is$ T&is is no longer any time to *e ma%ing i"le c&at a*out t&e rain$ I t&oug&t o' a little somet&ing t&at mig&t sell !ell$ Rings in t&e s&ape o' t&ose ruins on t&e sea# may*e$ -ay*e t&at !oul" *e a little s&ameless>1 (ut no# sometimes t&at:s !&at a real sales!oman nee"s$ <ust loo% at t&at &i"eous *east in t&e s%y$ I' only !e still &a" t&e 7on> 0o! are one or t!o o' us suppose" to 'ace t&at t&ing alone1

SAILOR (7O=.S)

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T&e to!n *e in *e"lam# *ut t&ere *e not&in: to !orry a*out$ T&e .nig&ts are sure to *e ta%in: care o: t&ings$ O: course# I:ll *e 'ine as long as t&at t&ere t&ing "on:t *e 'allin: on top o: my &ea"$ I !is& I &a"n:t li)e" so long to see t&at come out o' t&e s%y3 I !on"er i' I:ll *e sa'e i' I stay in to!n$ T&e *arrier !ill protect us no matter !&at &appens$ Pro*a*ly> It:s really all *ecause o' t&at *arrier *lastia !e can li)e in suc& com'ort# isn:t it1

5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS AT HELI.R5# /9AR7 T&e regret t&at comes 'rom &a)ing 'aile" to act is 'ar "eeper t&an t&at o' &a)ing acte" an" 'aile"$ I *eseec& you>ne)er claim you are una*le to act at a time !&en you must$ People are o'ten more concerne" !it& t&e possessions o' t&eir neig&*ors t&an !it& t&eir o!n$ Try not to *e "istracte" *y t&e possessions o' ot&ers>'or you may 'in" yoursel' 'orgetting t&e precious t&ings you alrea"y &a)e$ o*o"y is *orn strong$ E)eryone *egins li'e !ea%$ I *elie)e t&at coming to %no! one:s !ea%nesses# one *y one# is t&e !ay people *ecome stronger$ A place !&ere e)en t&e !ea% can sur)i)e# !it&out a"apting> I !oul" li%e 'or not&ing more t&an 0elior" to *ecome t&at sort o' place# *ut reality is &ars&$ +e can ,ust lea)e all t&e trou*les in t&e !orl" to Flynn$ +e:re going to pre)ent it all3 I' !e sa)e t&e !orl"# my name !ill *e part o' &istory as a part o' t&e T!el)e Spears o' t&e Flynn (riga"e> 0ee &ee &ee> SUB E!E"T# Se/y C)othe* & Part ' (lastia Pla?a5 -A (S=AFFOL7I /) +&y s&oul" I &a)e to "o t&e t&ings someone else !ill "o 'or me1 T&ey call people li%e t&at Asuc%ersB$ I:" rat&er *e a slac%er t&an a suc%er# you %no!$ +OR.ER CD T&e most important t&ing in !or%> o# t&e most important t&ing li)ing as a &uman *eing>is trust$ One cannot lea)e important !or%# nor precious memories to people !&o cannot *e truste"$ One must "o t&e same t&ings# t&e same !ay# "ay in# "ay out$

Inn @ S&op5 . I/0T (O9TSI7E)

. I/0T (I SI7E)

OL7 -A

OL7 -A

+OR.ER CE

T&ere is no ot&er !ay to gain trust$ I' t&ere:s some*o"y in t&is !orl" !&o &as a tas% t&ey a*solutely must accomplis&> I:" li%e to *e t&at some*o"y$ 7on:t you t&in% people li%e t&at are a"mira*le1 T&ey mig&t not &a)e t&e po!er to c&ange t&e !orl"# *ut a"mira*le t&ey are$ I' I 6uit no!# all my struggles !ill &a)e *een 'or naug&t3 I:ll *e a no*le>!&ate)er t&e cost> o*ility>some "ay soon>no*ility> Someone !&o gets rig&t up e)ery time t&ey:re %noc%e" "o!n e)entually *ecomes someone !&o can:t *e %noc%e" "o!n at all> 7on:t *e a'rai" to 'ail your c&allenges$ (e a'rai" o' "oing not&ing3 A single success can ma%e up 'or a mountain o' 'ailures$ T&e real tric% to !inning1 ot stopping until you !in$ A !ar can *e *egun !it& not&ing more t&an a single "agger> >*ut t&e en"ing o' !ar is a trying tas% 'or e)en t&e most *attle-&ar"ene" &ero$ T&e only t&ing capa*le o' staunc&ing *loo"s&e" is reason$ Aut&orities may &a)e a position a*o)e t&ose o' ot&er men# *ut t&at "oesn:t mean t&ey can loo% "o!n on t&em$ Instea"# t&ey nee" a &umility t&at allo!s t&em to see t&ings 'rom t&e same point o' )ie! as e)eryone else$ Flynn passes t&at test$ E)eryone calm "o!n$ ot&ing is going to t&reaten t&e Empire as long as t&e *arrier an" t&e %nig&ts are aroun"$ I:m going to ta%e "o!n t&at t&ing in t&e s%y !it& my o!n &an"s$ To"ay prou"ly )aliant# tomorro! lying in our gra)es> T&at is a %nig&t:s )ery !ay o' li'e$ T&is may not *e appropriate 'or a %nig&t suc& as mysel' to say# *ut>I *elie)e man must *ring !ar to an en"$ I' !e "o not# !ar may *ring all man%in" to its en">

=&e)aliers: 0F5 . I/0T (O9TSI7E)

. I/0T CD

. I/0T CE

. I/0T (E EGIT)

SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB

E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T#

Pro3e**or Si,i)y Part T# A)e/eiB* Re*ear,h & Part ' 85ahn0re*t:# A)e/eiB* Re*ear,h & Part E 8<ha*3aro*t:# <ui)d Que*t Part I a 85ahn0re*t:5 <ui)d Que*t Part I ( 8Ca%ua Tori9:5 <ui)d Que*t Part I , 85ahn0re*t:5 <ui)d Que*t Part I 8Mt; Te9Fa:5 <ui)d Que*t Part I 8Ca%ua Tori9:5

Insi"e t&e Inn APollu; TB in =apua Torim5 /9IL7S-A 7o you t&in% !e coul" *e one o' t&e Fi)e -aster /uil"s i' !e %ille" t&at t&ing in t&e s%y1

(A 7I7O

OL7 -A /9IL7S+O-A

o# no# !ait# !ait> Loo% at reality# man$ T&ere:s no !ay to *eat t&at t&ing$ T&is ain:t no time to *e 'ussing o)er !&o:s a /uil"sman an" !&o:s 'rom t&e Empire$ +&en t&e "ay comes t&at monstrous &an" comes "o!n# !e:ll all *e 'lattene"$ T&ere# in t&e s%y3 T&at:s it3 Verily# t&e legen"ary Euma3 7i" you see it13 All you 'ools t&at laug&e" at me3 I t&oug&t =omman"ant Ale;ei !as a real !arrior# !it& an un"e'eata*le spirit> 7eat& !ill come to anyone> A&&&# !it& &im gone# I 'eel "raine"> an" *ore"$ <UIL5 <ui)d <ui)d <ui)d <ui)d <ui)d <ui)d <ui)d QUEST & PART T# 8C.MPLETE5: Que*t Part T a 85ahn0re*t:# Que*t Part T ( 8Za%hia*:# Que*t Part T , 8The Manor o3 the $i,ked:# Que*t Part T d 85ahn0re*t:# Que*t Part T e 8The Manor o3 the $i,ked:# Que*t Part T 3 8Za%hia*:# Que*t Part T-0 85ahn0re*t:# $eBre a <ui)d

SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB S+IT SUB SUB SUB SUB

E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T#

E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T#

<UIL5 <ui)d <ui)d <ui)d

QUEST & PART M# 8C.MPLETE5: Que*t Part M a 85ahn0re*t:5 Que*t Part M d 8Ba,tion:5 Que*t Part M , R2ina)S 85ahn0re*t:#

/uil":s 9nion 0F (7a&ngrest)5 /9IL7S-A I t&oug&t our only enemy !as t&e Empire# *ut t&en t&ose monsters came> +&at s&oul" t&e guil" "o no!1 +-!ell 'or no!# !e:ll protect t&is city>3 /uil"s!oman T&is is no time to "ra! &ar" lines *et!een t&e guil"s an" t&e Empire$ T&e rig&t &an" an" t&e le't &an" &a)e to come toget&er to 'ig&t t&e t&reat$ +e nee" to s&o! it !&at &umans can "o$ (unny /uil" -A 0ey t&ere3 I:)e gotten lots o' ne! recruits t&an%s to you3 As promise"# &ere:s your re!ar"3 I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Small Pipe$ /o on an" collect more titles3 I:m countin: on ya3 SUB E!E"T# 2avorite Toy* S+IT .n Art Part '

SUB E!E"T# Aven0in0 So)dier* & Part T R2ina)S @ZAU5EA SUB E!E"T# +owF Boy Part T# In Mantai,1 *%eak with the +owF Boy; 5IAL.<UE A"5 SUB E!E"TS I" M6.RZ.#

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------yor?o /ate Entrance5 LITTLE /IRL I remem*er seeing a 'lying monster at t&e el"er:s &ome a long time ago$ ><ust *et!een us# I !as t&reatene" to %eep !&at I sa! a secret$ T&at:s *ig> 0uge> I !on"er !&at t&at is> -A I am a gate%eeper 'or t&is city$ +e lo)e &a)ing )isitors 'rom outsi"e3 =ome in# come in$ +&y am I li)ing in a place li%e t&is1 +ell> I guess *ecause t&at:s !&at my ancestors "eci"e">1 -yor?o =ity5 +O-A T&ere:s suc& a commotion outsi"e$ 7o somet&ing a*out it$ Please$ 8ou can start !it& ta%ing care o' t&at monster in t&e s%y$ ot&ing goo" comes 'rom using *lastia$ 8ou people *etter ta%e care o' t&at monster$ +&y "on:t you people use your *lastia to %ill t&at monster1 +&at:s t&e point o' &a)ing *lastia i' you "on:t use t&em at a time li%e t&is1 Aren:t t&e people "o!n on t&e sur'ace a'rai" o' t&e monster in t&e s%y1 +ill t&at t&ing al!ays *e up t&ere no!1 A lot o' .rityans ,ust ta%e t&ings so easily$ I:m not li%e t&at# t&oug&> O&# it:s alrea"y time to eat$ .rityans "o!n on t&e sur'ace are a little "i''erent 'rom us up &ere$ <u"it&# remem*er1 I use" to in)ite you out to play$ (ut you li%e" to *e alone# rea"ing *oo%s or practicing 'ig&ting$ 8ou sai" t&at you "i"n:t li%e our casual attitu"e1 (ut# you:re pretty easy going yoursel'# <u"it&$

-A LITTLE (O8

LITTLE /IRL +O-A CD

+O-A

CE

El"er:s Resi"ence5 EL7ER I ne)er imagine" t&e "ay !oul" come !&en I !oul" see t&e A"ep&agos !it& my o!n eyes> I suppose t&is is no time 'or tal% o' legen"ary cucum*ers> +O-A T&e resi"ence o' t&e el"er also ser)es as a meeting place 'or us .rityans$ +ell> +e call t&em meetings# *ut !e start "rin%ing an" it ,ust en"s up as a *ig party$ LITTLE (O8 T&at ol" man is my ol" man$ I:m t&e only one t&at can as% a*out t&e legen"ary cucum*er$ 7on:t you go as%ing a*out it3 I:m going to *e t&e ne;t El"er3 -e3 8ou got t&at13 SUB E!E"T# +rytian Sty)e 2i0htin0 & Part ' @MyorFo@ SUB E!E"T# +rytian Sty)e 2i0htin0 & Part E 8A*%io or 5eidon Ho)d:# They head back to the =lder"s house in 1yor!o to look at the mural one more time.

-yor?o /ate Entrance5 .RIT8A -A I' you arri)e" "uring t&e "ay# t&e entire city !oul" &a)e come out to !elcome you$ .RIT8A +O-A <u"it&# you use" to !al% aroun" at nig&t$ It !as insomnia> It must &a)e *een &ar"$ I use" to *e ,ealous t&at you coul"n:t sleep at nig&t$ I mean# you can play aroun" at nig&t too3 EL7ER An" !&at mig&t *ring you &ere at t&is late &our1 8oungsters t&ese "ays ,ust &a)e no appreciation 'or t&e magni'icence o' t&e legen"ary cucum*er$

SUB E!E"T# 2ee)in0* in the Mura) 8MyorFo:# SUB E!E"T# Hot*%rin0* & Part E They leave the hot springs and set out for The $lade 2rifts of Zophier. THE BLA5E 5RI2TS .2 Z.PHIER ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ /aven hunches over from the cold and rubs his hand together frantically. RAVE O&&&& it:s col"# col"# col"3 So col" col" col" col" col"> 89RI So1 +&at are you gonna "o at t&e aer %rene1 RITA I:m going to use t&e energy to ma%e an aer con)erter$ ESTELLE An aer>con)erter1 RITA -y plan is to e''iciently con)ert t&e aer into matter# "ecreasing t&e o)erall amount o' aer$ (ut 'or t&at# it:s i"eal to &a)e t&e con)erter use energy similar to *ot& aer an" matter$ 89RI 0o!:s t&at energy "i''erent 'rom aer1 RITA Elementally-separate" aer transitions into matter in stages# an" e)entually *ecomes sta*le$ I:m going to stop its transition *et!een t&e t!o states an" "e)elop a con)erter 'ormula$ .AROL So it !on:t *e aer or matter1 RITA It:s a state t&at:s closer to matter t&an to aer# *ut it:s still not 6uite matter$ +e call it Amana$B ESTELLE -ana> RITA It actually &as a really long$ complicate" name$ (ut mana:s goo" enoug&$ (ut it:ll still *e less sta*le t&an actual matter# so !e:ll nee" somet&ing to act as a core$ 89RI T&e Apat&eia> RITA An" a lot o' aer an" Estelle:s po!er to recom*ine t&e 'ormula$ ESTELLE 9sing my po!er !it&out t&e control 'ormula !ill un*alance t&e aer$ It:ll ,ust 'loo" out again> 89RI (ut !e can:t ,ust sit &ere an" ignore t&at t&ing$ An"> .AROL 8ea&1 89RI It:s a *et I:m !illing to ta%e$ <97IT0 I guess I s&oul" *e t&e one trying to stop you# *ut> I:m game to get in on t&is *et too$

RITA

T&e t&eory is correct$ It:ll *e o%ay$ So let:s go to t&e aer %rene$ S+IT The 2ir*t Si0n o3 a Co)d7 They advance a little further into the blades. RAVE I tell ya# t&in%ing o' a con)erter 'or aer# you:re 6uite t&e t&in%er3 (applau"s) T&at:s our genius mage-girl Rita$ 8ep# yep3 RITA >+ell# I &a" a &int to go o'' o'$ 89RI =ome to t&in% o' it# you "i" say you:" in)estigate" 4au"e# "i"n:t you1 RITA 7espite its ama?ing si?e# it !asn:t running o'' o' aer$ E)en t&oug& it !as a *arrier *lastia to protect t&e entire !orl"$ .AROL A *arrier *lastia13 O& yea&# t&ey !ere protecting t&e !orl" 'rom t&e A"ep&agos3 <97IT0 It seems t&at Ale;ei t&oug&t it !as some sort o' !eapon>*ut t&at !as a 'atal error on &is part$ 89RI (ut t&e runa!ay aer !as t&e cause 'or t&e A"ep&agos a!a%ening# !asn:t it1 A&# so t&at:s !&y t&ey !oul" use a *arrier running on po!er ot&er t&an aer$ ESTELLE (ut t&en# !&at sort o' po!er !as it using1 <97IT0 >T&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon# per&aps1 Rita no"s$ RITA It !as actually energy ta%en straig&t 'rom t&em$ Insi"e t&e giant core# it continue" to po!er 4au"e as a )irtually perpetual 'ormula$ -ost li%ely# t&e energy !as ta%en in e;c&ange 'or t&eir li)es$ =stelle recites a passage she has read: ESTELLE T&e lig&t o' li'e !as e;tinguis&e" 'rom t&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon> <97IT0 So t&at:s !&at -yor?o:s legen" meant$ 89RI Accor"ing to 7u%e# t&ey "i" it o' t&eir o!n 'ree !ill$ T&ey !ante" to sa)e t&e !orl"$ ESTELLE T&ey sacri'ice" t&emsel)es 'or t&e !orl"> T&e =&il"ren o' t&e Full -oon !ere protecting us t&is entire time$ They finally arrive at the aer krene. .AROL (!orrie"# loo%ing aroun") T&at monster:s not gonna s&o! up again# rig&t1 RAVE I' it "oes# you:ll *eat it up 'or us ,ust li%e t&e last time# rig&t1 .AROL >8ou:re mean$ /ita puts the apatheia in place. RITA O%ay# I:m rea"y$ Estelle# come o)er &ere$ =stelle stands in front of /ita so that she is on the side opposite of the control panel that springs up. RITA o! I:ll release t&e control 'ormula$ Once I "o t&at# t&e aer %rene !ill react to you an" pro"uce more aer$ I !ant you to recompose t&e aer 'ormula into a sta*le 'ormula closer to mana$ ESTELLE 9-umm> I "on:t un"erstan"> RITA 8ea&> O%ay> T&e !ater element is strong &ere# so imagine 'lo!ing !ater an" let your *o"y 'lo! !it& t&e aer$

T&e t&eory *e&in" materiali?ing aer is t&e same as per'orming magic$ I' Estelle can recompose t&e aer into a state close to mana> >t&en I s&oul" *e a*le to gui"e t&e aer into t&e cyano ciel$ .AROL =an !e "o anyt&ing1 RITA o$ /o ta%e a nap or somet&ing$ RAVE +e:" 'ree?e to "eat& i' !e too% a nap &ere3 <97IT0 +e can use t&e con)ersion 'ormula !e 'oun" in 4au"e$ /ita looks at Hudith with her mouth open. RITA (leaning 'or!ar") T&at !as 'or su*stituting li'e 'or aer3 8our li'e3 8ou can:t "o t&at3 <97IT0 (ut i' t&is 'ails# t&en !e:ll all *e s!allo!e" up *y a 'loo" o' aer$ +e:ll *e "ea" any!ay# rig&t1 89RI +e:re all ris%ing our li)es$ Let us &elp$ /ita slowly straightens up, looks at =stelle and after a few moments, smiles. RITA All rig&t> I:ll use your li'e energy to gui"e t&e aer into t&e cyano ciel$ I' !e "o t&at# I t&in% Estelle !ill un"erstan" t&e 'lo! o' t&e aer !it&out inter'erence 'rom me$ 89RI All rig&t# e)eryone$ Let:s "o t&is$ RAVE Sure# !&y not$ <97IT0 O%ay$ .AROL 8ea&3 REPE7E +oo'3 ESTELLE O%ay3 RITA Rea"y# Estelle1 0ere !e go$ E)eryone# come o)er &ere$ ESTELLE /o a&ea"$ /ita performs an arte. RITA Try an" sync&roni?e yoursel' !it& my 'ormula$ T&ere> t&at:s goo"$ The others weaken and slump a bit. 89RI 9g&> A*out Aer -aster (=on'irm Rules) or (Start) =&ose (=on'irm Rules) I FOR-ATIO Aer con"ucte" *y Rita !ill 'lo! 'rom rig&t to le't on t&e top line in color$ Press t&e A# (# G# or 8 (utton correspon"ing to t&e color o' t&e aer at t&e correct timing !&en it o)erlaps Estelle:s 'orce 'iel"# represente" *y t&e *lue mar% to reconstitute it$ I' t&e *utton is not presse" at t&e correct timing# aer !ill lea%# so *e!are$ T&e gauge on t&e rig&t represents t&e amount o' mana collecte"$ =ollect t&e speci'ie" amount to clear t&e game$ RITA ESTELLE T&e aer is collecting in t&e cyano ciel> T&e 'ormula:s !or%ing$ T&e 'orce 'iel" is sta*le> It:s going to *e O.3 9g&>a&>

The apatheia glows and =stelle moans in pain. ESTELLE OS&rie%O 89RI +&at &appene"1 .AROL 7-"i" it not !or%1 RITA (loo%s at t&e panel) o3 It:s still un"er control# *ut !&at is t&is>13 RITA A 'ormula 'or res&aping t&e apat&eia13 It:s re'ormulating itsel'>1 The apatheia becomes the floating spirit image of a .rityan woman. .rityan Spirit >I am> <97IT0 T&at )oice>(elius13 (ELI9S <u"it&1 8es# it is I# (elius>or rat&er> I !as once (elius>*ut no more$ 89RI +&at:s going on &ere1 /ita closes the panel and assumes her thinking pose. RITA =oul" t&e !ill o' (elius trappe" in t&e apat&eia &a)e>1 (loo%s at (elius# grinning) Ama?ing> (ELI9S I 'eel t&e !aters o' t&e !orl" at my comman"$ I am t&e ruler o' t&e !aters$ RAVE O%ay> So>"i" it !or%1 RITA It:s gone !ay *eyon" !or%ing> I ne)er t&oug&t it !oul" gain a !ill o' its o!n> (ELI9S 0umans# !&at creature am I1 T&oug& no longer (elius t&e Entele;eia> 8ou &a)e grante" li'e to me$ I as% t&at you gi)e me a name$ 89RI A *eing t&at controls t&e essence o' a material> -ay*e you:re a spirit$ (ELI9S An" so my name s&all *e> .AROL T&e Splis&y-Splas&y +ater-=olore" Fuee-=veryone looks at .arol and he becomes embarrassed and looks down. ESTELLE An ancient !or" 'or t&e ruler o' t&e !aters> 0o! a*out 9n"ine1 9n"ine 9n"ine> 0ence'ort& I s&all *e %no!n as t&e spirit 9n"ine$ Aa&> I 'eel t&e po!er s!ell !it&in me> Suc& is t&e *ene'it o' t&e aer !&ic& you sa! 'it to gat&er 'or me> .AROL It !asn:t any ca%e!al%# eit&er> 9n"ine Recei)e t&is no!# as to%en o' my t&an%s>3 I FOR-ATIO O*taine"5 7eat& =ontrast KEa# 7ar% A)enger K3# -oonstone$ 89RI 9n"ine3 +e nee" to get t&e !orl":s aer un"er control$ Please len" us your po!er$ 9n"ine Very !ell$ 0o!e)er# my po!ers alone !ill *e insu''icient$ .AROL 0u&1 9n"ine I control only t&e !aters$ 8ou must gat&er t&ose !&o rule t&e ot&er elements as !ell$ RITA T&e elements o' eart&# !ater# !in"# an" 'ire> +e nee" at least t&ree more> RAVE +e:ll nee" &elp 'rom t&e ot&er Entele;eia# !on:t !e1 .AROL I "ou*t t&ey:ll turn into spirits ,ust *ecause !e as% nicely> <97IT0 T&ere are )ery 'e! Entele;eia le't$ P&aero&# /usios> .AROL An" (a:ul$

<97IT0

ot (a:ul$ 0e &asn:t ta%en in enoug& aer to create an apat&eia$ An" on top o' t&at# I !on:t allo! it$ 89RI 9n"ine# "o you &a)e any i"eas1 9n"ine T&e s&ining 'orest o' Erealumen# an" Rele!iese# t&e root o' t&e !orl"$ 8our 'rien" (a:ul s&oul" %no! t&e location o' t&ese places$ *ndine"s form fades away. .AROL S&e "isappeare"3 ESTELLE o>s&e is &ere$ I 'eel &er$ <97IT0 It seems li%e t&e aer %rene &as 6uiete" "o!n too> E)en t&oug& !e:re not controlling Estelle:s po!er$ RITA Really13 /ita opens the control panel. RITA So>9n"ine is controlling Estelle:s po!er>1 .AROL 8ou mean Estelle is really 'ree1 /ita closes the panel. RITA 8es> 8es3 89RI T&at:s great# Estelle$ =stelle smiles and nods. RAVE +ell# t&ings are sure ta%in: a turn 'or t&e strange$ 89RI 8ea&# I ne)er !oul" &a)e "reame" any o' t&is !oul" &appen$ (ut !e 'inally see t&e lig&t at t&e en"$ I FOR-ATIO Rita earne" t&e ASpirit 0unterB title$ S+IT 2reein0 E*te))e S+IT "ot Enou0h 2at to Burn S+IT The Co)d i* 2ata) About to leave the $lade 2rifts: RITA Is un"ine really &ere1 ESTELLE 8es$ I can:t really e;plain it# *ut s&e is &ere$ I can sense it$ RITA +ell# s&e !as create" t&roug& Estelle# so may*e t&e t!o are connecte"$ Very interesting> /ita peers at =stelle who draws back a little from the scrutiny. 89RI 0ey# sa)e t&e researc& 'or later# o%ay1 RITA I %no!# I %no!$ 8ou "on:t &a)e to -There"s a flash of brilliant white light then a thunderous rumble. They all turn to look. .AROL +&-+&at !as t&at ,ust no!13 RAVE Isn:t t&at !&ere> <97IT0 It came 'rom t&e "irection o' 4au"e$ The apatheia core atop Zaude crackles. Crids appear in the sky and break apart as the tentacles of the Adephagos penetrate the false sky. The core falls into the sea and tiny pieces of the Adephagos stream from the sky. RITA T&e A"ep&agos> o> 0as 4au"e stoppe" !or%ing>1 RAVE 9&-o&$ 7o you t&in% !e mig&t:)e "one somet&in: to set t&is o''1 ESTELLE T&at is t&e true catastrop&e> 89RI T&at t&ing "oes loo% li%e it coul" eat t&e !&ole !orl"$ .AROL ("rooping) +&at are !e suppose" to "o a*out somet&ing li%e t&at1

)uri thinks for a moment. 89RI 0ey# Rita$ 7u%e sai" t&e A"ep&agos !as *orn 'rom aer$ RITA 0u&1 89RI So i' t&e spirits con)ert aer into matter> =oul" !e "o somet&ing a*out t&e A"ep&agos i' !e &a" enoug& spirits1 RITA I "on:t %no!> I ,ust>I "on:t %no!$ (ut>I "o t&in% it:s !ort& a try$ ESTELLE Let:s try it# 8uri3 89RI <97IT0 T&en it:s settle"$ (a:ul13 >8es# I see$ T&an% you$ <97IT0 T&e ser)ants o' t&e A"ep&agos are attac%ing a city-or"opolica$ ESTELLE 3 .arol recoils in horror. 89RI I guess !e can:t ignore somet&ing li%e t&at$ Let:s go3 S+IT The Ade%ha0o* Revived

----------------------------------------------------------------------------SUB E!E"T# +in0 o3 Adventure & Part 7 ',btained when resting at the .ing of Adventure before heading to >ordopolica to battle the servants of the Adephagos attacking the city. 1ay be an additional scene for .ing of Adventure - Bart 6 that triggers only if you sleep again at the traveling inn near >ordopolica.( That night, )uri &oined /ich at the campfire. 89RI 0ey$ RI=0 >0mp'> 89RI (sitting) So you:re loo%ing at t&at s!or" again>t&e one t&at *elonge" to someone you respect1 RI=0 >T&is s!or" *elonge" to 0is 0ig&ness Regin# t&e *rot&er o' t&e Emperor$ 89RI Regin>isn:t t&at t&e A.ing o' A")entureB you mentione" earlier1 T&e one you name" your inn a'ter1 RI=0 >A !&ile *ac%# 0is 0ig&ness le" an e;pe"ition into t&e !il"erness> >It !as calle" t&e Regin E;pe"itionary Force> >-y 'at&er !as a mem*er o' t&at 'orce> 89RI So is t&e e;pe"itionary 'orce still acti)e1 RI=0 >8ou "on:t %no!>1 >8ou &a)en:t &ear" !&at &appene">1 89RI Sorry# I:m not to %no!le"gea*le a*out 'amous &istorical 'igures$ RI=0 >T&e Regin E;pe"itionary Force set out to "e'eat t&e !orl":s /iganto -onsters# *ut t&ey !ere anni&ilate"> 89RI A&# .arol mentione" somet&ing a*out t&at> So you:)e set out to a)enge your 'at&er1 RI=0 >To a)enge my 'at&er> o# it:s no!&ere near t&at no*le> I' I "e'eat t&e /iganto -onsters# I can 'inally go *ac% to my &ometo!n> >At least# t&at:s !&at I planne" on "oing> (ut t&ese "ays# !e:)e *een re"uce" to mere !an"erers> 89RI +&at:s so *a" a*out t&at1

RI=0

>I must "e'eat t&e /iganto -onsters> >Ot&er!ise# !e:ll ne)er *e 'ree> 89RI T&e /iganto -onsters means too muc& to you to *e a*le to en,oy t&e !an"ering li'e# e&1 RI=0 >> 89RI >I see$ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------"ordo%o)i,a ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As they fly to >ordopolica, they see one of the Adephagos servants attacking the city. .AROL Loo%3 It:s &anging on to t&e city3 89RI T&at *lac% t&ing> T&at:s !&at !e sa! in t&e San"s o' .ogor&3 <97IT0 T&at !as P&aero&:s )ision$ T&is is real$ (e care'ul$ ESTELLE It loo%s li%e it:s trying to eat t&e aer o' t&e s&iel"3 RITA Is t&e A"ep&agos "ra!n to aer>1 RAVE T&is t&ing loo%s pretty mean$ 89RI =ome on3 They defeat two monsters, an outbreaker and a nightbreaker, and see >at! and his men fighting another near the dock. AT4 0ol" you position3 +e:re gonna stop t&em &ere3 As they run toward the dock to help >at!, /ita destroys the creature with a couple of fireballs. RAVE T&ings are getting: !il" aroun" &ere$ AT4 8-8ou are>3 The scene fades and the story begins again in the coliseum. >at! is talking to )uri, =stelle, .arol, /aven, Hudith and /epede. ,nly /ita is absent. AT4 I guess I:m sa)e" again$ .AROL It seems t&at t&is !as t&e only city to *e attac%e"$ +&at *a" luc%$ RITA T&is isn:t a*out luc%$ ESTELLE +&ere !ere you Rita1 RITA I !ent to c&ec% t&e *arrier *lastia$ Its po!er &a" *een raise"$ An" I guess t&e monsters !ere "ra!n to it$ T&e po!er is returne" to normal no!$ AT4 +e t&oug&t raising t&e po!er !ill protect us *ut# it turne" out to *e t&e opposite$ I:ll go see t&e citi?ens$ Feel 'ree to rest &ere as long as you please$ 89RI T&an%s 'or t&e o''er *ut !e still &a)e *usiness to "o$ +e *etter get mo)ing$ AT4 8ou are all !elcome at anytime$ Try stopping *y !&en you &a)e t&e time$ 89RI T&an%s$ S+IT The Threat o3 the Ade%ha0o* =oliseum Reception Room5 /9AR7 0ere# I:ll "o an impression o' Lieutenant Le*lanc 'or

you$ A8uri3 8ou !on:t get a!ay !it& t&is3B 8ou>still "on:t %no! !&o I am>1 -ar%et Place5 -A (7R9 .) T&at monster ga)e me 6uite a s&oc%3> (ut Palestralle are &ere rig&t1 +&at1 T&e %nig&ts1 o> o# t&ey !ere all scare"3 O0ic3O T&ey can:t rely on t&e .nig&ts$ T&e /uil" s&oul" protect t&em$ O0icO =ases o' trou*le *et!een t&e .nig&ts an" citi?ens &a)e increase" since t&e Imperial .nig&ts are &ere$ =rime rate in general &as gone "o!n$ T&at:s pro*a*ly *ecause o' t&e tig&tene" security$ I still "on:t !elcome t&e .nig&ts: presence &ere$ (ut>I "o &a)e to a"mit some t&ings &a)e gotten *etter since t&ey arri)e"$ Imme"iate 0elp +ante"3 0o! "oes t&at soun"1 ESP /al" an &our$ Instant pay rise 'or &ar" !or%ers3 0elp us to "ou*le our sales3 Loo%ing 'or a cool guy an" a cute young girl 3 I %ne! it3 Palestralle are so cool3 T&ey can stan" up to a monster li%e t&at !it&out 'linc&ing3 Palestralle an" t&e .nig&ts are *ot& cool> *ot& nice> I !on"er !&o:s t&e coolest> A small monster again1 T&e Empire "i" it>1 o# t&at can:t *e rig&t> Is t&at monster some &o! connecte" to t&e one in t&e s%y1 It:s nasty loo%ing33 T&is is all t&e .nig&ts: 'ault3 T&ey:re t&e reason t&at &orri*le t&ing is in t&e s%y$ It:s true# isn:t it1 I %no! it is3 T&is is all t&e .nig&ts: 'ault3 It:s t&eir 'ault s&ips are !rec%e" a sea$ An" it:s t&eir 'ault t&ere are storms in port3

/9IL7S-A

S+OR7 -ER=0A T

LITTLE (O8

/9IL7S-A

OL7 +O-A

Inn AFomal&autB5 8O9 / -A

+e !ere relie)e" *ecause !e t&oug&t t&e monster !as a!ay to Ilyccia> (ut t&en !e !ere attac%e" *y somet&ing !eir"$ 7isasters occur !&en you least e;pect t&em3 +ell# !e:re O$.$ *ecause !e:re insi"e t&e *arrier> (ut>!eren:t t&ey eating t&e *arrier1 .RIT8A -A T&e tale o' t&e legen"ary "isaster is !ritten o' in t&is city:s )ast li*rary s !ell$ I ne)er imagine" it !oul" *e so repugnant> S&oul" t&at "isaster truly try to attac% t&e city# t&e *arrier !ill *e meaningless$ Is t&is &o! &umanity !ill en">1 They leave the coliseum and pause for a discussion near the headless statue. .AROL at? !as really !or%ing &ar"$ 89RI 8ea&$ It loo%s li%e &e:s "oing a goo" ,o* lea"ing since (elius passe" a!ay$

ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE RAVE .AROL 89RI <97IT0 RITA 89RI RITA

RAVE ESTELLE 89RI ESTELLE 89RI

RITA <97IT0 89RI RITA .AROL RAVE ESTELLE <97IT0 RITA .AROL 89RI

RAVE

89RI .AROL 89RI

I:" li%e &im to meet 9n"ine$ 0e:" *e so &appy$ ot rig&t no!$ Once e)eryt&ing:s settle" "o!n# t&oug&# let:s gi)e &im a nice surprise$ O%ay$ (pon"ering) >T&at monster$ Palestralle !as no matc& 'or it$ I can:t 'igure it out> So &o! "i" !e ta%e it out1 -ay*e t&ere:s somet&ing "i''erent a*out us> T&e spirits# per&aps1 I' t&e A"ep&agos really is close to aer# t&en t&e spirits mig&t actually a''ect it$ So can !e put up more o' a 'ig&t i' !e get t&e ot&er t&ree1 +&o %no!s> T&e 'our elements alone coul" control aer# *ut>!e:re tal%ing a*out t&e a"ep&agos$ I ,ust "on:t %no!$ 8a&# an" it:s not li%e you can 'in" apat&eia lying aroun" ,ust any!&ere$ T&ere aren:t many Entele;eia le't# eit&er> (t&in%ing) 0ey# t&ere are tons o' *lastia all o)er t&e !orl"# rig&t1 8es$ T&ey:re an in"ispensa*le part o' our society$ An" cores are ,ust pieces o' apat&eia$ So i' t&e 'our spirits aren:t enoug&> >!e can ,ust c&ange all t&e cores o' t&e !orl" into spirits# too$ Rig&t1 Are you nuts1 0o! "o you propose to "o t&at1 E)en i' !e %ne! &o!# !e:" still &a)e to go to e)ery single *lastia$ I "ou*t t&e A"ep&agos !oul" !ait 'or us$ I t&in% t&at:s your specialty# genius$ >O& no$ T&is is your genius plan$ >E)en i' 8uri:s plan !or%e"> >all t&e *lastia !oul" stop !or%ing# !oul"n:t t&ey1 8ea&# I guess so$ All t&e cores !oul" *e gone$ +&at !oul" t&e !orl" *ecome1 People !oul" lose t&e sa'ety promise" *y t&e *arriers> All t&e 'unctions t&at t&e *lastia maintaine"$ /one$ It:ll *e incon)enient# to say t&e least$ E)en *o"&i *lastia !oul"n:t !or%$ O&> T&ere:ll *e a lot o' un&appy people$ (ut !e &a)e to "o it> T&at t&ing !ill "estroy t&e !orl"$ I t&in% !e s&oul" "o it$ E)en i' no one ot&er t&an us un"erstan"s$ +ell# 'or no!# let:s ,ust get t&e 'our elemental spirits$ Once !e "o t&at# t&en !e can t&in% a*out !&at to "o ne;t$ 8ea&$ (a:ul %no!s !&ere t&e ot&er Entele;eia are# rig&t1 8ea&$ Let:s get *ac% to t&e s&ip an" as% &im$

{ OTE5 get comments o' to!ns'ol% on En" playt&roug&)

On*oar" t&e Fiertia5 =veryone gathers onboard. Hudith looks upward at $a"ul as he flies along gripping the ropes that hold the ship in his mouth. ESTELLE T&e s&ining 'orest o' Erealumen# an" t&e root o' t&e !orl"# Rele!iese> .AROL I:)e ne)er &ear" o' t&ose places$ /ita shakes her head. $a"ul roars. <97IT0 > (gasp) (a:ul says &e %no!s$ 0o!e)er> 89RI 1 (0mm1) <97IT0 0e "oesn:t !ant to tell us$ Apat&eias only come 'rom t&e "eat& o' Entele;eia$ ESTELLE 0e "oesn:t !ant to put &is 'rien"s in "anger> 89RI (a:ul# listen$ +e !ant to protect t&e !orl"$ (ut !e "on:t !ant to sacri'ice anyone 'or it$ +e !on:t ,ust ta%e t&e apat&eia *y 'orce$ ESTELLE (a:ul>please$ 89RI Tell us !&ere t&e Entele;eia are$ $a"ul considers their words then roars. <97IT0 >Erealumen is in t&e nort&east part o' Tol*yccia$ Rele!iese is>on t&e continent o' +eccea$ ESTELLE T&an% you# (a:ul$ <97IT0 +e also nee" to go to t&e San"s o' .ogor&# !&ere P&aero& is$ 89RI Rig&t$ RITA > ort&east Tol*yccia$ I !on"er i' t&at:s t&e place !&ere a ne! lan" ,ust recently crystalli?e"$ RAVE +eccea:s t&at continent to t&e sout& o' Ilyccia# !&ere t&e capital is$ Rig&t1 ESTELLE +eccea> (6uotes a *oo%) T&e emperor =al; III sent scouting parties 'our times in or"er to claim t&e lan"$ (ut e)ery time# t&ey lost communication# an" no one e)er returne"$ It:s t&e last une;plore" lan" on Terca Lumireis$ .AROL +&y "oes it &a)e to *e a place li%e t&at>1 89RI I' +eccea:s t&at *a"# t&en let:s lea)e Rele!iese 'or last$ (a:ul roars$ <97IT0 >0e says &e:ll lea)e t&ings up to you$ 89RI T&an%s# (a:ul$ S+IT A Sad End

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOO HALURE# T&ey reac& 0alure at nig&t5

+n %alure, they talk to the children at the tree for =stelle<s Q9airy Tale -eaverQ title Entrance an" -ayor:s 0ouse5 8oung La"y T&is is t&e city o' 0alure$ Sure# you can see t&e 'lo!ers o' 0alure !it& your eyes# *ut> It:" *e !on"er'ul to 'eel t&e 'lo!ers !it& your &eart> -A8OR +e must protect t&e Tree o' 0alure# no matter !&at$ T&at Tree is our )ery &ope> I:m rea"y to 'ig&t to protect t&e Tree o' 0alure$ OL7ER -A +&en t&e "ar%ness o' nig&t is scary# loo% to t&e s%y$ T&e starry s%y !ill *ring you peace> O&# it:s clou"y tonig&t$ +ell# I guess t&ere are nig&ts li%e t&is# too> (ri"ge5 OL7ER .RIT8A -A Alt&oug& t&e li'e o' t&e 'lo!er is s&ort# it still *looms !it& all its energy$ I really li%e to !atc& t&ese 'lo!ers$ One "ay I:ll "ie# my *o"y !ill return to t&e groun"# an" 'lo!ers !ill *loom a*o)e me$ I !ant to continue li)ing 'ore)er# gi)ing energy to t&e 'lo!ers$ I "on:t li%e it &ere *ecause t&e nig&ts are "ar% an" col"$ T&e nig&t> T&e nig&t really ma%es you t&an%'ul 'or t&e sun$

Inn A7ene*olaB5 .RIT8A +O-A

Pat& to t&e Tree5 8O9 / +O-A T&ere:s not muc& point 'retting o)er !&at may or may not &appen tomorro!$ An" !e s&oul" *e t&an%'ul 'or t&e gi'ts t&at eac& ne! "ay *rings# !&ate)er t&ey may *e$ 7epen"ing on our attitu"es# it:s e)en possi*le to see suns&ine on a rainy "ay$ OL7ER -A I' one !is&es 'or &appiness to"ay# t&ey nee" ga?e only upon t&e *lossoms o' 0alure$ 0o!e)er# i' one "esires a li'etime o' &appiness# t&ey must care "eeply 'or t&e Tree o' 0alure$ It:s nig&ts li%e t&is t&at I recall all t&e ol" sayings !e &a)e &ere in 0alure$ SUB E!E"T# Under the Tree SUB E!E"T# Under the Tree M6.RZ.# SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# 5ra0on Ra,e & Part E 8MyorFo:5 5ra0on Ra,e & Part I 8MyorFo: {2ina)S5 Hot*%rin0* & Part I 86u9anCu: -udithD* Sunderin0 Moon Part ' 8MyorFo:5 S%irit Ma0i, Part 4 8A*%io:5 Part I 8Ha)ure:5 Part T 8Ha)ure:5

SUB E!E"T# Raven and the Heart B)a*tia 85ahn0re*t:5 THE EREALUME" CR6STALLA"5S ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They step into mostly pink and blue hued crystal caverns. 89RI T&is loo%s li%e t&e center o' t&e crystalli?ation$ ESTELLE It:s *eauti'ul> Li%e !e:re in a "ream$ RITA It:s aer t&at crystalli?e" at lo! "ensity> Is t&is mana1 I &a)e to ta%e a sample$ RAVE <ust &o! "o t&ey come up !it& suc& "i''erent reactions>1 .arol stomps crystals with his boots. .AROL T&ey must s&atter3 0a& &a& &a&3 T&is is 'un3 RITA 8ou:re so stupi"$ ature "i"n:t ma%e t&is# you %no!$ .AROL 0u&1 +&at "o you mean1 <97IT0 T&e center o' a ne! lan" t&at ,ust crystalli?e"> Some!&ere aroun" &ere is t&e one !&o ma"e t&at &appen$ RITA An" an aer %rene$ REPE7E +oo'3 (points a&ea") 89RI +&at:s up# Repe"e1 Fin" somet&ing1 RITA T&is is> .AROL Someone crus&e" t&ese crystals>an" it !asn:t us$ 89RI Loo%s li%e someone got &ere *e'ore us$ +atc& out$ 9urther up the path, a moon shaped blade slices through a crystal near them. <97IT0 T&at +eapon>3 .AROL an3 Suffering in&uries, >an sinks to the ice floor a few yards in front of them. A I !arn you$ T&e 0unting (la"es are currently patrolling t&e area$ Lea)e at> >an tries to stand but falls over. .AROL an3 .arol and =stelle run to >an. =stelle performs a healing arte. ESTELLE T&ese !oun"s are terri*le> .AROL come on# an3 A .arol> .AROL +&at are you "oing alone31 +&ere:s t&e *oss an" Tison1 A (sitting up) -aster an" t&e ot&ers !ent on> .AROL (stan"ing) +&at31 T&ey le't you *e&in"31 T&e *oss is one t&ing *ut I can:t *elie)e Tison !oul"n:t ta%e you> +&at &appene"1 A +e !oun" up 'ig&ting our target &ere$ I-I coul"n:t "o anyt&ing# ,ust li%e al!ays> -aster sai" it:s *ecause I &a" "ou*ts$ .AROL 7ou*ts1 A I &ate monsters$ T&ey s&oul"n:t *e ali)e$ I still 'eel t&at !ay$ (ut no!# at a time li%e t&is# &unting monsters isn:t t&at important$ T&ere are ot&er t&ings !e s&oul" *e "oing> +&en I tol" &im t&at>

RAVE <97IT0 .AROL 89RI RITA 89RI .AROL A ESTELLE .AROL A

T&ey up an" le't you$ Fools$ +it& e)eryt&ing t&e !ay it is# &o! can t&ey not ta%e anot&er loo% at t&eir li)es$ T&at:s terri*le3 I mean an:s rig&t3 Rela; .arol$ 0ey# t&e 0unting (la"es are a'ter Entele;eia# rig&t1 +e s&oul" &urry$ 8ea&$ an# can you !al%1 0u&1 8ea&# *ut> It:s too "angerous to *e alone &ere$ =ome !it& us# an$ .arol> O.$

They find Tison and Clint with the =ntele eia. <97IT0 /usios3 .AROL T&at:s /usios13 (ac% at =aer (ocram> 89RI So t&e 0unting (la"es &a)e a &istory !it& &im$ Hudith gets ready to attack Tison and Clint. ESTELLE <u"it&# !ait$ Somet&ing:s !rong3 Tison charges at Cusios. TISO 0uuuaaagg&3 -ith a roar, Cusios sends Tison flying past them. %e lands with a thud on the hard ice. A -aster3 =LI T 9g&3 >+&y1 +&y !on:t anyt&ing &urt it13 Clint is in&ured. Cusios roars and opens his mouth sucking aer into it. RITA It:s eating t&e aer$ (ut t&is is> .arol follows >an who goes to help her guildmates. .AROL an3 It:s too "angerous3 =LI T an>!&at are you "oing &ere1 TISO 8ou "on:t: %no! !&at you:re "oing3 I tol" you you:" ,ust get in t&e !ay3 =LI T Run3 T&ere:s not&ing you can "o &ere3 A o$ T&e guil" is my 'amily$ I can:t ,ust lea)e you to "ie3 TISO 7amn it3 .arol runs past >an, preparing to draw his weapon and protect her if necessary. .AROL an3 =LI T (gro!ling) 8ou> <97IT0 /usios# calm "o!n3 Tell me !&at &appene"3 Cusios knocks them all down. <97IT0 9g&3 .AROL +aa&3 RAVE Arrg&$ REPE7E O+&imperO ESTELLE Aaaa&3 RITA Aa&3 89RI Ag&3 Clint grabs >an as they are knocked back, %olding >an in his arms, Clint turns so his back crashes into the crystals. Tison lies nearby. A Aa&3 =LI T 9g&3 TISO /ua&3 *ndine appears. ESTELLE 9n"ine3

=LI T +&-!&at is t&at>1 <97IT0 A spirit$ A (a!e") A spirit> *ndine tries to reason with Cusios. 9n"ine >/usios$ 8ou> 89RI 9n"ine$ +&at &appene" to &im1 RAVE It "oesn:t loo% li%e &e:s in t&e moo" 'or tal%ing3 9n"ine E)en Entele;eia cannot ingest limitless amounts o' aer$ T&ose !&o ingest more t&an t&ey can en"ure>c&ange$ An"> RITA o3 9n"ine (ecome A"ep&agos t&emsel)es$ 89RI +&at13 So &e got li%e t&is *y trying to protect t&e !orl"$ <97IT0 (moan) /usios> 9n"ine >/o$ Sa)e &im$ +&ile &e is still /usios> 89RI >Rig&t$ ESTELLE >O%ay$ After the battle, Cusios is defeated and becomes an apatheia. Hudith sinks to the ground with guilt and grief. <97IT0 /usios> I:m sorry> Clint"s arm is slung over Tison"s shoulders so he can stand up and >an is behind them. They all look on in silence. 89RI +&at1 0e:s gone$ o! you !ant to &ate t&is too1 =LI T >T&at:s t&e soul o' t&at monster$ I:)e got to crus& it$ ESTELLE 0e:s not a monster3 T&ey !ere trying to protect t&e !orl"3 =LI T I "on:t care !&at t&e Entele;eia !ere 'or3 89RI >8ou %ne!$ All t&is time# you %ne! !&at t&e Entele;eia !ere$ .AROL 8ou %ne! an" you still &unte" t&em13 +it& t&e !orl" li%e it is13 =LI T Ten years ago# t&e Entele;eia %ille" my 'amily$ An" it:s not ,ust me$ -ost o' t&e 0unting (la"es &a)e lost somet&ing important to monsters$ o matter !&at &appens to t&e !orl"# my 'eelings 'or t&ese>t&ings>!ill ne)er c&ange3 .AROL >(ut you:re !rong$ =LI T +&at1 .AROL o matter !&at you "o# you can:t *ring anyone *ac%$ RAVE 8ou aren:t t&e only ones !&o lost lo)e" ones in t&e !ar$ <97IT0 (ut some try to *e positi)e# an" %eep li)ing$ ESTELLE I t&in% it:s a"mira*le to protect a city 'rom monsters$ (ut> 89RI 7on:t ,ust *e pig-&ea"e" a*out it$ 7o it !&en t&e !orl" is# you %no!# O.$ =LI T 89RI >It:s too late 'or me to c&ange$ 0ump&$ I' you:re going to get in our !ay>t&en !e:ll settle t&ings &ere$ Clint approaches )uri. A =&ie'> Clint and Tison look at >an.

=LI T 0mp&$ Clint and Tison leave. >an remains where she stands. ESTELLE Please !ait3 Let me at least &eal you> =LI T /et up# you maggots3 +e:re !it&"ra!ing3 >an runs to stand beside .arol but won"t look at him. A >T&an% you$ >an runs to &oin her guildmates. .AROL I !on"er i' &e un"erstoo"> 89RI >+&o %no!s$ <97IT0 So# let:s ma%e a spirit$ An aer krene appears under the apatheia and a sleeping baby creature appears. RITA I>guess it !or%e"1 9 7I E 0is consciousness itsel' !as nearly ta%en$ 0e !ill not !a%e 'or a !&ile$ o!# gi)e &im a name$ ESTELLE >+&at:s &is element1 9 7I E A po!er roote" "eep !it&in t&e !orl"> Eart& itsel'$ ESTELLE >Eart&>0mm> T&e sprea"er o' roots# /nome$ .AROL T&e spirit o' eart&# /nome> 9 7I E Let us tell &im once &e a!a%ens$ *ndine and Cnome disappear. RITA >I can:t *elie)e Entele;eia !&o try to control aer !in" up as A"ep&agos$ 89RI 0ump&$ People can:t un"erstan" anyt&ing e;cept !&at t&ey see !it& t&eir o!n eyes$ RAVE So a'ter all t&at &appene"# it turns out t&e !orst t&ing in t&e !orl" is people$ ESTELLE +&ic& means !e &a)e to !or% t&at muc& &ar"er$ 89RI >8ea&# you:re rig&t$ S+IT The Birth o3 S%irit* S+IT The Huntin0 B)ade* S+IT <u*io* to <no9e S+IT <u*io*B Cry*ta)* S+IT So S%ark)y S+IT <u*io*B Sa,ri3i,e S+IT Lu,ky7 At the foot of the path, they find a cave illuminated by a green light. 9urther back into the cave they reach the spring containing the aer krene. RAVE +o!> <97IT0 So t&is is t&e ol"est spring in t&e !orl"> ESTELLE It:s so 6uiet> T&e air is so clear> It 'eels &oly$ 89RI e)er !oul" &a)e t&oug&t a place li%e t&is !as at t&e *ottom o' t&e mountain$ .arol walks closer the spring. RITA +atc& it$ T&at:s aer# not !ater$ It:s really "ense$ 8ou s&oul"n:t go near it$ -ith a start, .arol recoils at /ita"s warning. Then, they hear a woman"s voice behind them and turn around. VOI=E 8ou came$ .AROL 0ey# t&at:s>13 Ale ei"s former assistant stands behind them. 89RI 8ou:re .&roma# rig&t1 It "oesn:t loo% li%e you:re trying to a)enge Ale;ei$ .0RO-A >7u%e "i"n:t listen to you# "i" &e1

.AROL .0RO-A RITA ESTELLE .0RO-A .AROL

0e:s trying to protect t&e !orl" in &is o!n !ay$ So !&at is 7u%e trying to "o13 0e is trying to e;c&ange t&e li)es o' &umans to protect t&e !orl"$ +&at13

+&y !oul" 7u%e "o somet&ing li%e t&at13 0e "oesn:t trust &umans$ (ut 7u%e &elpe" us13 0e e)en lent us &is precious s!or"> .0RO-A I assume &e sa! some o' &imsel' in you$ Or per&aps &e t&oug&t &e !oul"n:t &a)e to get &is &an"s "irty as long as you !ere aroun"$ ESTELLE +&at "o you>1 89RI +&y are you telling us a*out 7u%e1 I t&in% it:s time you s&o!e" !&o you really are# Entele;eia$ .AROL 0u&13 .hroma nods. A golden light illuminates from .hroma"s body and she transforms into a dragon-like creature. <97IT0 T&at 'orm>3 89RI +&at "o you !ant1 Is t&is ,ust a roun"a*out !ay o' saying you:re not going to &elp1 .0RO-A I# too# cannot trust &umans$ >(ut neit&er "o I !ant to see &im ta%e re)enge on &is o!n %in"$ I' you can truly sa)e t&e !orl"# t&en I !ill not re'use to &elp$ 0o!e)er# you &a)e c&osen a "i''erent pat&$ 8ou !ill li%ely con'ront eac& ot&er$ 89RI 8ea&>may*e$ .0RO-A I' &e is *eyon" your po!er# t&en not&ing in t&is !orl" can stop &im$ I !ill test your strengt&3 They prepare for battle. 89RI 0ere s&e comes3 The battle ends. .hroma delivers her parting words as her body transmits the blinding light from the force necessary to create an apatheia. .0RO-A >-ar)elous$ Per&aps you all>can in"ee">sa)e t&e !orl"> <97IT0 .&roma> (compassionately) .0RO-A >7o as you !is&$ They look at .hroma"s apatheia for a few moments, then /ita breaks the silence. RITA Estelle>come on$ <u"it&> Hudith takes her position and looks into =stelle"s eyes for confirmation. ESTELLE >Rig&t$ 89RI 7o it$ There is a rush of whirling wind around the apatheia and another spirit enters the world. .AROL (punc&ing t&e air) It !or%e"3 =stelle and /ita look at the tiny spirit curled up for a nap in midair. RITA S&e:s sleeping> ESTELLE It:s t&e same as !it& /nome$ The other spirits appear. Cnome has awakened. 9 7I E A ne! comra"e &as *een *orn$

EFREET 9 7I E

ESTELLE The spirits leave. .AROL It seeme" li%e .&roma %ne! a lot a*out 7u%e$ <97IT0 In"ee"$ -ay*e !e can as% &er more !&en s&e:s a!a%e$ 89RI Let:s &ea" *ac% 'or no!$ RITA Rig&t$ +e "on:t &a)e time to ,ust &ang aroun" &ere$ RAVE O&> ot t&at pat& again> T&ese ol" *ones o' mine are tire"> T&ey stop 'or a rest on t&eir tre% *ac% up t&e mountain$ RAVE +&e!> Finally# &al'-!ay up> <97IT0 I' t&e air !ere a little more sta*le# I coul" get (a:ul "o!n &ere> A column of air swirls in front of them and .hroma"s winged spirit appears before them. .0RO-A:S SPIRIT -y consciousness> T&is is !&at it means to *ecome a spirit> >O&# to t&in% o' all t&e t&ings t&at !ere &i""en 'rom me> 89RI /uess s&e:s a!a%e$ 9m> <97IT0 So>!oul" you still pre'er to *e calle" .&roma1 .0ARO-A:S SPIRIT o> I am no longer t&e Entele;eia %no!n as .&roma$ 8ou s&oul" gi)e me a ne! name$ ESTELLE +ell> 0o! a*out Sylp&1 It means t&e *in"er o' !in"s$ .0ARO-A:S SPIRIT Sylp&> Very !ell# t&at s&all *e my name$ .AROL O.# Sylp&$ ice to meet you>again$ S8LP0 A pleasure to meet you too$ 89RI >Sylp&# !oul" you tell us !&y 7u%e &ates &umans1 S8LP0 >Very !ell$ >8ou %no! a*out t&e /reat +ar# rig&t1 T&ere !ere Entele;eia !&o c&ose to li)e !it& &umans# an" t&ose !&o c&ose to oppose t&em$ T&e /reat +ar !as *et!een &umans !&o *ro%e an ancient pro&i*ition an" t&e Entele;eia !&o oppose" t&em$ RAVE An" t&e !ar en"e" !&en t&e &ero 7u%e !on )ictory 'or t&e &umans$ .AROL 7u%e:s a &ero13 ESTELLE Really>1 RAVE T&at:s one o' t&e trut&s t&e empire:s &i"ing$ SO7IA 0umans alone coul" not &a)e !on t&at !ar$ Eluci'ur-t&e lea"er o' t&e Entele;eia a")ocating li)ing !it& &umans-'oug&t alongsi"e t&em# an" grante" t&em )ictory$ RAVE Are you serious1 >E)en I ne)er &ear" o' t&at> (ut>!&at "oes t&is &a)e to "o !it& 7u%e not trusting &umans1 S8LP0 Eluci'ur !as 7u%e:s 'rien"$ 7u%e 'oug&t !it& Eluci'ur against t&e lea"er o' t&e ones !&o oppose" &umans# an" "e'eate" &im$ 0o!e)er# once t&e !ar en"e"# t&e empire 'eare" Eluci'ur:s po!er$ T&e assaulte" t&e in,ure" Eluci'ur an" too% &is li'e$ 0e &a" promise" 7u%e t&at &e !oul" merely !atc&$ (ut

>One !&o controls t&e !in"s$ At times calm# at times )iolent$ S&e is not ta%en *y aer as !as /nome$ S&e s&oul" !a%e *e'ore long$ T&an% you# 9n"ine$

ESTELLE RAVE <97IT0 89RI S8LP0

it "i"n:t matter$ o> o! I get it$ Anyone !oul" stop trusting &umans a'ter t&at$ I &a" no i"ea t&at !as going on "uring t&e !ar$ >(ut it "oesn:t matter &o! *a"ly &e !as *etraye"$ 0e &as no rig&t to sacri'ice e)ery &uman li'e$ I' you "o not "estroy t&e A"ep&agos *e'ore 7u%e# in t&e en">&umanity !ill *e "estroye"$ 0urry$ I &a)e calme" t&e !in"s$ I *elie)e (a:ul can reac& you no!$ T&an% you# Sylp&$ So t&e spirits are !or%ing out all rig&t# *ut> 7u%e isn:t$ >8ea&$ All Four Spirits +&at Sylp& Sai"

Sylph disappears. <97IT0 .AROL RAVE 89RI S.IT S.IT

They leave the %ollow and take to the skies again with $a"ul. .AROL +e manage" to get t&e 'our elemental spirits$ 89RI 8ea&$ o!> ESTELLE +e &a)e to con)ert t&e !orl":s *lastia cores to spirits$ RITA >Rig&t$ I' !e coul" control t&e A"ep&agos !it& ,ust t&ose 'our# t&en !e !oul"n:t nee" t&e ot&ers> RAVE T&at t&ing is not e;actly somet&ing you !ant to ta%e on lig&tly$ +e *etter ma%e "amn sure !e:re set$ T&ere:s no secon" c&ance$ RITA I %no!# I %no!> <97IT0 <ust *y creating t&e spirits# !e:)e alrea"y c&ange" Terca Lumireis$ E)en i' it is to sa)e t&e !orl"$ ESTELLE +e:)e *een ma%ing t&ese "ecisions all on our o!n$ o! !e:re c&anging t&e li)es o' e)eryone in t&e !orl"$ T&at can:t *e ,ust our "ecision$ .AROL 8ea&# you:re rig&t> 89RI I' !e can:t get t&em to un"erstan" !&at !e:re trying to "o> >t&en !e:re ,ust as *a" as Ale;ei$ (ut !e "on:t &a)e time> .AROL (ut !e can still tal% to t&e Imperial .nig&ts an" t&e /uil"s# rig&t1 <97IT0 (ut i' t&ey "on:t appro)e o' &o! !e:re "oing t&ings> >!e !ill *ecome t&e great e)il$ They all look at the deck as they consider this. 89RI >I can:t stan" *y an" !atc& t&e !orl" *e "estroye"$ E)en i' 7u%e manages to sa)e t&e !orl" &is !ay> >it "oesn:t mean anyt&ing i' t&ere:s on one le't to li)e in it$ So I "on:t care i' people call me e)il$ I !ill gi)e up t&e *lastia to "e'eat t&e A"ep&agos$ +&at are you going to "o1 I' you !ant to get o''# no!:s t&e time$

RAVE <97IT0 RITA .AROL ESTELLE .AROL 89RI REPE7E 89RI .AROL RAVE RITA .AROL 89RI

I:m going$ -y li'e *elongs to (ra)e Vesperia any!ay$ -e too$ P&aero& an" (elius le't it to us$ An" I "on:t li%e lea)ing t&ings &al'-'inis&e"$ I %no! !&at it 'eels li%e to regret !&at you "i"n:t "o$ I' I stop no!# I:ll really regret it$ 8ea&# me too$ I "on:t !ant to 'eel li%e t&at$ o matter !&at pat& I c&oose# I can ta%e !&ate)er &appens> I:)e learne" t&at on t&is ,ourney$ >An" t&e people o' t&e !orl" !ill un"erstan"3 T&ey:re strong enoug& to ta%e a c&anging !orl"3 8ea&$ +e "o t&is to"ay# so !e can laug& tomorro!$ T&at:s !&at I *elie)e$ +oo' !oo'3 +oo'3 All rig&t# e)eryone$ Toget&er until t&e en"$ So let:s get rea"y an" t&en go tal% to 0is -a,esty Io"er an" t&e people in t&e 9nion$ So !&at e;actly "o you nee" to get rea"y1 Lea)e it to me$ I !ant to stop *y a city some!&ere$ I nee" to pic% up some stu''$ 0o! a*out port or1 It:s at t&e e"ge o' Ilyccia$ I !ant to 'in" out !&at:s &appene" at E&mea" 0ill since t&e roa" !as *loc%e"# too$ Let:s go$

SUB E!E"T# An/iety o3 the S%irit 2i,ation5 CAPUA ".R ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The streets are surprisingly uncrowded. 89RI T&is place &as *ecome 6uite a place# &asn:t it1 ESTELLE 0as e)ery one e)acuate" crossing t&e (la"e 7ri'ts1 .AROL I t&in% t&ey escape" to Tol*yccia# aroun" Torim$ <97IT0 -ay*e t&e s&ops are *ac% in ser)ice no!$ RAVE Anyone !oul" t&in% o' running a!ay un"er a s%y li%e t&is$ RITA O.# I:m gonna go s&opping$ ESTELLE =an I ,oin you1 /ita looks away from =stelle. RITA 9&# yes$ 8ou all !ait up at t&e inn$ 89RI O.$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& Estelle an" Rita$ OL7ER -A T&ere &a)e *een a lot o' small trem*lors lately$ It:s strange> T&e lan" &ere is &istorically )ery sta*le$ +e can:t ignore t&ese eart&6ua%es any longer$ -ig&t t&ey &a)e somet&ing to "o !it& t&e monster in t&e s%y>1 VE 7OR I s!ear# my luc% is e)en !orse no! t&at it !as !&en Ragou !as in c&arge$ 7o you t&in% it:s *ecause I:m so o*sesse" !it& t&is spot1 -ay*e I s&oul" gi)e t&is location up# an" open up

La"y VE 7OR

s&op in some ot&er to!n$ -ay*e t&at !oul" *ring me luc%> T&e !orl":s gone all to &ell lately# so I 'inally ma"e up my min" to ,oin Fortune:s -ar%et> >(ut !&en I applie"# t&ey !ante" me to pay a &uge contract "eposit3 I can:t a''or" t&at3 I suppose locals really "o &a)e to ,oin &an"s an" !or% toget&er# a'ter all>

0e:s too ol" to *e li)ing in a "ay"ream> 0e nee"s to *e more li%e t&at %nig&t# Flynn an" turn &is "reams into a reality$ 0e:s pro*a*ly t&e same age as Flynn$ Flynn:s a lot more mature t&oug&$ O(LE -A oc%ing a sil)er arro! in my *o!# I ta%e aim at t&e un&oly s&a"o! looming in t&e s%y$ T&us is t&e mar% o' t&e ImperialsQ t&us my arro! s&all pierce t&at un&oly s&a"o!$ It:s all come "o!n to t&is$ To *e conclu"e"# in t&e 'inal c&apter3 I .EEPER Tra)eling un"er a s%y li%e t&is1 +e:re s&ort o' customer no! so you are really !elcome$ 3PP /al" 'or a nig&t$ 7o you !ant to stay1 They get a room for the night. .AROL Loo%s li%e t&e Teagle:s got a!ay too$ 89RI E)en !it& t&e roa" t&roug& E&mea" 0ill open# I:m still !orrie"$$ The door opens as /ita and =stelle enter with their arms full of supplies. RITA I lo)e port to!ns$ T&ey al!ays &a)e stu''# e)en in times li%e t&is$ Loo%s li%e t&ings ,ust mig&t !or%$ 89RI +&at "i" you *uy1 ESTELLE One o' eac& 'ormula crest# an">container parts$ RAVE +&at are you trying to "o1 RITA I:m ma%ing a "e)ice t&at !ill con)erge t&e spirits: po!ers$ A %in" o' ma%e-s&i't 7ein omos$ .AROL 7ein omos> I !on"er !&at 7u%e is "oing no!> 89RI I "on:t %no!> (ut &e seems totally o*sesse"> They are startled by a sudden roaring rumble. .AROL +-!&at:s t&at13 )uri and /ita run for the door. I FOR-ATIO Reunite !it& Estelle an" Rita$ They gather in the street outside the inn. 89RI <u"y3 +&at &appene"1 Hudy does not answer right away. RITA +ait3 T&at:s !&ere Aspio is3 .AROL +&at:s going on13 1eanwhile the cave housing Aspio is breaking apart. The very city of Aspio is torn to shreds as a tall spiky structure on a portion of the earth underneath Aspio breaks through the city and on into the sky to hover several miles in the sky. RITA Aspio> +&at &appene" to Aspio>1 RAVE +&at t&e &ell is t&at t&ing1 ESTELLE >Tar6uaron$

Inn APollu;B5 O(LE +O-A

.AROL ESTELLE

0u&1 T&e spirits are telling me t&at:s t&e to!er o' Tar6uaron$ 89RI >7u%e$ It:s got to *e &im$ 89RI 0e:s going to try to use t&at against t&e A"ep&agos$ VOI=E Please3 Let me t&roug&3 A noble man, obviously a city official, addresses )uri. -A 8ou# !it& t&e long# *lac% &air$ 7o you &a)e a moment13 89RI +&at "o you !ant1 -A Some people !it& t&e %nig&ts !ante" me to tell t&em i' I sa! someone !it& your appearance$ T&ey sai" t&ey !ante" to tal% to you a*out Flynn# t&e ne! =omman"ant o' t&e Imperial .nig&ts$ 89RI +&at13 -A I *elie)e you are t&e rig&t person1 89RI 8ea&$ 0ey# !as it a girl !it& %in"a cat-loo%ing eyes an" a %i" !it& a &ea" li%e an apple1 -A 0u&1 O&>yes# I suppose so$ 89RI > (ag&> annoye") So can I !ait at t&e Inn1 -A 8es$ T&at:s 'ine$ I:ll call t&em$ They wait in the room. /aven sits on the bed while the others stand. )uri"s in his typical pose leaning his back against the wall. -itcher and Sodia burst through the door. Sodia is oddly demure. +IT=0ER +e 'inally got you3 +&ere &a)e you *een !an"ering aroun"1 SO7IA 8uri> Lo!ell> So"ia loo%s a!ay !it& un&appy memories o' &o! s&e trie" to %ill 8uri earlier$ SO7IA > (9&&>$3) +IT=0ER >So"ia1 89RI So !&at:s up !it& Flynn1 +IT=0ER O&3 Rig&t$ -any people &a)e 'le" t&is continent since t&at monster co)ere" t&e s%y$ (ut some oppose" using a guil" 'leet to protect t&e empire$ Flynn coul" not a*i"e t&at$ A 'leet attac%e" *y monsters lan"e" on 0ypionia$ +e 'oug&t# *ut t&ey %ept gaining$ SO7IA +e alone !ere sent 'or ai"> (ut all t&e %nig&ts are sprea" all o)er t&e !orl"> +IT=0ER +e &a)e no ot&er c&oice *ut to as% 'or your &elp$ SO7IA (ut>!e:re too late> =omman"er Flynn must *e> )uri moves away from the wall. 89RI +o!# coul" you *e any more !ort&less1 SO7IA (rile") +&at "i" you say13 89RI 8ou gi)e up alrea"y1 E)eryt&ing you:)e "one-!&t !as it all 'or1 SO7IA I$$$I "i" it all 'or =omman"er Flynn3 E)en t&at one time> 89RI 0ump&$ 8ou tal% a*out "oing it all 'or Flynn$ (ut you:re ,ust !&ining$ 8ou ga)e up$ 8ou 'orgot your resol)e$ SO7IA Resol)e> 89RI 8o3 Apple-&ea"3 8ou sai" 0ypionia# rig&t1 +IT=0ER 8-yea&> 89RI All rig&t$ I:ll *e *ac% soon$

All o' you get rea"y to go to Tar6aron-I:m going too3 8ea&# me too$ 8ou %eep 'orgetting us$ I:m gla" you !ant to come# *ut t&is seems pretty *a"$ T&at:s e)en more reason not to let you go alone$ I "on:t t&in% (a:ul !ill listen to you# eit&er$ RITA All 'or t&e guil" an" t&e guil" 'or all> Rig&t1 RAVE +ell# i' !e:re out o' time# let:s go an" get it o)er !it&$ 89RI O%ay# o%ay$ So let:s get going3 .AROL 8ea&3 (ra)e Vesperia# c&aaarge3 REPE7E +oo'3 $rave 3esperia leave the room. +IT=0ER /ot get Mem3 All rig&t# So"ia$ Let:s re'orm t&e support units3 SO7IA O-o%ay> -itcher runs out of the room. SO7IA (sa"ly) >8uri Lo!ell$ As $rave 3esperia head for the city e it to the field, )uri is stopped by a remorseful Sodia. SO7IA 8uri Lo!ell3 +&y13 +&y "i"n:t you call me out 'or my actions t&at time1 I> I trie" to %ill you> 89RI O&# I:m not letting it go$ (ut I "on:t &a)e time to "eal !it& someone !&o ga)e up on e)eryt&ing$ SO7IA I &a)en:t gi)en up> 89RI o1 So !&y &a)en:t you gone to &elp Flynn# e)en alone1 8ou !ante" to protect &im so *a"ly you:" %ill me$ +&y !on:t you protect &im no!13 SO7IA I>I can:t protect &im *y mysel'> Please>sa)e &im> (loo%ing "o!n) Please> 89RI 8ou "on:t &a)e to tell me to "o t&at$ SO7IA Please> 89RI 8ou %no!# t&ere:s one t&ing I agree !it& you on$ SO7IA 1 (0m1) 89RI I:m a criminal$ I coul" *e %ille" any time$ Flynn is t&e per'ect %nig&t$ A per'ect lea"er$ 0e "oesn:t nee" a criminal *y &is si"e$ SO7IA > (&u&$$u&3) )uri glances at Sodia over his shoulder. 89RI I:m ,ust stan"ing in until t&e rig&t person comes along$ SO7IA 8uri> )uri heads for the e it. S+IT 2)ynn in 5an0er They take to the air and spot a giant cloud of debris being raised in >ortheastern %ypionia. 89RI Is t&at it "o!n t&ere31 .AROL T&at:s some clou" o' "ust$ Are t&ose all monsters31 <97IT0 T&is seems to *e a counter e''ect o' Astal:s losing control$ It:s as i' t&e monsters o' t&e !orl" all came an" gat&ere" &ere$ ESTELLE Is Flynn really "o!n t&ere some!&ere1 89RI Pro*a*ly$ ESTELLE .AROL 89RI <97IT0

RAVE 89RI RAVE

+&at ne;t1 Are !e gonna 'ig&t e)ery single one o' Mem1 Rita# can:t !e use t&at 7ein omos you ma"e1 8a gonna *lo! t&em a!ay li%e "oing it to t&e A"ep&agos1 /ita thinks for a moment. RITA Rig&t> Applying "irecti)ity to t&e po!er o' spirits an" 'orming a *arrier-li%e 'orce 'iel" to eliminate t&e monsters>$$ 8es# it s&oul" *e possi*le$ <97IT0 (ut t&is !as ma"e to *e use" against t&e A"ep&agos# rig&t1 .AROL (ut t&is is our only option no!$ 89RI =oul" you let us use it1 Please1 ESTELLE I *eg you too$ T&e 7ein omos> I !ant to *elie)e it can sa)e man%in"> /ita nods then runs off to retrieve the 2ein >omos. She runs back holding it before them in her hand. RITA 8es# i' !e can:t "eal !it& t&is easily# t&ere is no !ay !e coul" stan" up against t&e A"ep&agos$ <97IT0 Alrig&t$ Let:s "o it$ RAVE It:s rare to &ear 8uri as% 'or a 'a)or li%e t&at$ .arol dramatically waves his finger in the air to make a profound point. .AROL It:s our c&ance to "o 8uri a 'a)or3 89RI =ut it out guys$ <97IT0 So !&at:s our plan1 RITA Acti)ate it in t&e area !&ere t&e monsters are all concentrate"$ T&at:s it$ Simple# rig&t1 89RI 8ea& it is$ RAVE o %i""ing> .AROL +&y "on:t !e gi)e it a name1 (ent&usiastically) +e can:t ,ust call it t&e Rita 7ein omos> RITA 0u&1 >I:ll lea)e it up to you$ .AROL 9&# mmm# a&&>I got it3 0o! a*out t&e AVesperia o$ DB1 2isappointed, /ita turns away and looks lovingly at her creation. RITA I s&oul" &a)e %no!n *etter> 89RI It:s got a nice ring to it$ (esi"es# it:s nice n: simple$ <97IT0 E)en (a:ul !ill nee" to %eep some "istance$ I:ll lan" at a place$ 89RI O.# let:s "o it$ I FOR-ATIO O*taine" Vesperia o$ D$ $a"ul drops them off at the edge of the skirmish. Through the cloud of dust, they see citi!ens running for cover while +mperial .nights fight the horde of monsters. RITA +&at a mess> .AROL +e:re going in> ESTELLE Loo%3 O)er t&ere3 9lynn engages several monsters in combat. 89RI Flynn3 RAVE 0ey# loo%s li%e &e coul" use some &elp$ <97IT0 +e !on:t *e surroun"e" i' !e mo)e along t&e si"e o' t&e cli''$ )uri snaps his weapon out of its sheath. 89RI Let:s go3 Stay close3 9lynn, accompanied by ;eblanc, Adecor and $occos, try to stave off the

monsters. FL8 A7E=OR (O==OS LE(LA =

Stop t&em3 S&o! t&em !&at an Imperial .nig&t can "o3 I-I say# !e:re "one 'or$ T&is is t&e en"> 8ou i"iots3 Stop your !&ining3 /ua&3 A rhinosarrus knocks ;eblanc and company off their feet and runs past 9lynn. FL8 Arrg&3 As 9lynn watches the beast run past, he is surprised to see $rave 3esperia gathered behind him. 89RI 8ou ali)e1 FL8 8uri3 +&at are you "oing &ere13 89RI T&an% your secon"-in-comman" 'or t&in%ing o' you$ FL8 So"ia13 0u&> (ut our current situation is *a"$ It:s only a matter o' time until !e 'all$ RAVE +e &a)e a little special somet&ing$ FL8 +&at1 9lynn turns #uestioningly to )uri who hold up the canister. 89RI Lig&t t&is t&ing up in t&e mi""le o' t&e monsters> T&en# !atc& it go *oom3 FL8 In t&e mi""le o' t&e monsters> T&ey:re a lot to get t&roug&$ 89RI =ome on# it:s us3 T&is is not&ing$ REPE7E +oo'3 FL8 0u&$ All rig&t$ Let:s go3 /epede gets to his feet and heads for the fray, eager for battle. )uri shouts to the others. 89RI 0ey3 +e:re gonna go turn t&is t&ing on$ .eep t&ings going &ere3 RITA <ust you t!o13 Are you stupi"1 FL8 +e cannot let our guar" "o!n &ere$ I' !e can:t "e'en" t&is place# !e lose t&e )ery reason 'or ta%ing out t&e monsters$ .AROL T&is isn:t to "e'eat t&e monsters$ T&is is to protect t&e people$ RAVE T&at:s rig&t$ ESTELLE 9n"erstoo"$ Lea)e it to us3 <97IT0 Ta%e care# you t!o$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ 89RI (turning to Flynn) Let:s go3 FL8 Rig&t3 REPE7E +oo'3 As the three run off to complete their mission, ;eblanc and company position themselves around the remaining members of $3. I FOR-ATIO Flynn ,oine" t&e party$ After they battle an onslaught of monsters: 89RI Pretty goo"# =omman"ant$ FL8 8ou:re not too *a"# eit&er$ They continue to run hard to reach their destination. FL8 +e:re a*out to t&e mi""le3 89RI I:m still up 'or some more 'ig&ting3 FL8 0e&# you loo% li%e you:re actually &a)ing 'un in t&e mi""le o' all t&is$ 89RI 0e& &e&$ 8ou "o too$

REPE7E +oo' !oo'3 9inally, they reach the center and stop. FL8 o!# 8uri3 89RI Rig&t3 Ta%e t&is3 )uri activates 2ein >omos and sticks it into the ground. A light radiates in a circle outward from 2ein >omos shredding the monsters to nothingness as it envelops them. They return to the field to find =stelle healing the in&ured. ESTELLE T&ere$ T&at s&oul" *e O. 'or no!$ . I/0T T&-t&an% you so muc&> As the knight walks slowly away, 9lynn and )uri approach. FL8 8our 0ig&ness$ 89RI 7on:t pus& yoursel'# O.1 =stelle nods. /ita stands nearby looking at )uri and 9lynn. 89RI >Loo%s li%e t&at "e)ice !or%e"$ T&an%s$ RITA 7on:t mention it$ <97IT0 T&ere are more serious in,uries t&an I t&oug&t$ Estelle &as sa)e" t&eir li)es# *ut t&ey s&oul"n:t mo)e 'or a !&ile$ FL8 I guess !e &a)e to stay an" "e'en" t&em 'or a little more$ +O-A :S VOI=E So !&y not ,ust ma%e t&is a 'ort1 .aufman &oins them. .A9F-A It:s *een a !&ile# 8uri$ I:)e &ear" stories a*out (ra)e Vesperia$ .aufman turns to 9lynn. .A9F-A I guess t&e mercenaries I &ire" !eren:t su''icient$ Sorry 'or t&e trou*le$ FL8 I:m sure t&e guil"s are in c&aos rig&t no!# too$ T&an% you 'or your &elp$ .A9F-A It !on:t really ma%e up 'or t&ings# *ut I:ll &elp !it& t&e "e'ense$ 89RI 8ou:re going to 'ig&t1 .A9F-A O& no$ I:m a merc&ant$ <ust !atc&$ As .aufman walks away, -itcher and Sodia run to them. +IT=0ER =omman"er Flynn3 8ou:re ali)e3 FL8 +itc&er3 >Is somet&ing !rong1 +IT=0ER 8es$ t&at to!er near Aspio &as create" an unusual 'ormula aroun" itsel'$ <u"ging *y t&e crests# it:s a*sor*ing some %in" o' po!er$ In a""ition# all resi"ents t&roug&out Ilyccia &a)e reporte" 'eeling strange$ RITA A*sor*ing> Feeling strange> Is it a*sor*ing &uman li'e1 89RI >7u%e$ RITA Li'e is )ery pure mana$ 7oes &e inten" to use it to attac%1 RAVE T&is is !&at &e meant *y e;c&anging all &uman li'e to "estroy t&e A"ep&agos$ +IT=0ER T&e 'ormula is e;pan"ing in stages$ At t&is rate# it coul" a''ect t&e entire !orl"> ESTELLE o>3 89RI +e can:t ,ust stan" aroun"$ RITA (ut t&e spirits: po!er alone !on:t *e enoug&$ .AROL +&at1 (ut it too% out all t&ose monsters3

RITA

<u"ging *y t&e si?e o' t&e A"ep&agos# !e:" nee" se)eral &un"re" times t&e po!er$ RAVE Se)eral &un"re">1 T&at:s gonna *e toug&> 89RI >I guess !e &a)e no c&oice *ut to c&ange t&e cores to spirits$ FL8 +ait$ =oul" you e;plain !&at you:re tal%ing a*out1 89RI O&# yea&$ +e meant to tal% to you all a*out it$ 0ey# Flynn$ +e !ant to tell Io"er an" t&e guil"s too$ =an you call t&em &ere1 9lynn looks at )uri for a couple of seconds then breaks out in laughter. FL8 0e& &e&$ 0a& &a& &a&3 .AROL O&# 8uri$ 8ou seriously !ant &im to call t&e Emperor to a place li%e t&is1 FL8 8ou ne)er c&ange$ 89RI +&at1 FL8 0e& &e&$ O%ay# I:ll see !&at I can "o$ In e;c&ange# you all go tal% to t&e people o' t&e 9nion an" Palestralle$ 89RI O.$ <97IT0 So I guess !e:re o'' to 7a&ngrest an" or"opolica1 89RI 8ea&$ -in" gi)ing us a ri"e1 I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ I FOR-ATIO Flynn le't t&e party$ S+IT The 5awn .3 A "ew Town =omments 'rom re'ugees an" %nig&ts in t&e compoun"5 -A I:)e ne)er seen so many monsters in my li'e3 I t&oug&t t&is !as it$ I t&oug&t I !as going to "ie 'or sure3 8O9 / +O-A I got caug&t up in a cro!" running 'rom t&e monsters$ it le't me !it& a 'e! scrapes$ T&at:s not&ing compare" to t&ose t&at got *itten *y t&ose monsters$ +O-A It &urts3 I:m &ungry3 I:m gonna "ie I can:t stan" it> O!!!3 I 0ATE T0IS3 I *ro%e a *one# I %no! it$ I *ro%e somet&ing$ +ell# at least a 'racture>3 -A /rr>$ T&is la"y:s al!ays !&ining3 It:s so annoying3 O&# I mean# s&e:s my !i'e# so it:s o%ay# I ,ust> I !is& s&e coul" must "eal !it& stu''> I mean# I got a cut on my si"e t&at &urts li%e cra?y# *ut am I !&ining1 o$ . I/0T (EGIT) A %nig&t:s "uty is to protect t&e ci)ilians3 T&is is my c&ance no! t&at t&e *arrier &as "isappeare"3 o! t&at my !oun"s are &eale"# it:s time to "o !&at I came &ere to "o3 . I/0T +e s&all ensure t&e sa'ety o' t&e citi?enry$ +e !ill not allo! e)en one single person to come to "anger$ Rig&t no! !e &a)e to concentrate all our e''orts on "e'eating t&e monsters$ O(LE -A Loo%# I:m gla" !e sur)i)e"> (ut !&at are !e suppose" to "o in t&is place1 I !ant to get *ac% to 4a&pias as soon as possi*le$ VE 7OR T&is is clearly no time 'or *usiness$ I &an"e" e)eryt&ing use'ul I &a" o)er to t&e .nig&ts$

.RIT8A OL7 +O-A

-A

LITTLE (O8

LITTLE /IRL (O==OS A7E=OR LE(LA = +O-A

OL7 -A

OL7ER -A

/9IL7S-A

-ER=E AR8 .A9F-A . I/0T

O(LE -A

O(LE +O-A

So# no! t&e pro*lem is5 +&at !ill &appen to us &ere on out1 An" t&e ans!er is pro*a*ly# A+&o %no!s1B 9g&> O!!!> > o# really# I:m 'ine$ It:s ,ust a little cut> 9rg&3 O&&# t&at &urts> O! o! o!> I:m ,ust gla" I "i"n:t "ie$ I:m so tire" 'rom running a!ay> An" on top o' e)eryt&ing# some monster *it me &ar"> -y leg &urts a little# *ut I:m 'ine$ People &ere !ill ,ust laug& at you i' you start !&ining$ 0ey# mister> +&en "o !e get to go &ome1 I !ant to go &ome$ I:m going *y mysel'> +e can:t ,ust lea)e t&e capital li%e t&at$ +e "i" our *est "e'en"ing t&is place$ o!# it:s time to return to t&e capital$ +e ,ust came *ac% 'rom or"ers to protect 4ap&ias$ 8uri# t&ro! me a rope3 >T&is is an emergency3 =ome on3 Let:s go3 T&ey say &ome is !&ere your &eart is# rig&t1 8ou can li)e no matter !&ere you are$ It !as pretty *a" !&en I !as in 4ap&ias$ It:s no "i''erent &ere$ I !on"er i' t&e merc&ants coul" synt&esi?e some tents>1 T&is place is greatQ t&ere:s so muc& nature$ (ut t&ere:s still t&e "anger o' t&e monsters$ People are part o' t&e 'oo" c&ain# so t&ere:s not&ing !e can "o i' !e:re eaten$ A&3 I lo)e t&is3 En,oy a")ersityQ it enlig&tens us$ 0o! long "o !e &a)e to stay in a place !it&out a *arrier li%e t&is1 I:m scare"3 I:m scare"# I tell ya3 I ,ust %no! t&e monsters !ill come> A&&> 0o! come t&ese t!o are so easygoing> I:m not going to lose to t&ose %nig&ts3 I:ll s&o! you !&at us guil"smen can "o3 I:ll cut t&ese monsters up to pieces !it& t&is s!or"3 I:ll s&o! you &o! to protect ci)ilians3 I too% t&is ,o* t&in%ing I can ma%e some 6uic% cas&$ +&at &a)e I gotten mysel' into1 I "on:t t&in% I:m cut out 'or t&is ,o*> o! it:s time 'or me to s&o! you !&at I can "o$ T&e ne;t time you:re *ac%# t&is to!n is going to *e trans'orme"3 I !on"er &o! long !e:ll *e &ere> Regar"less# !e urgently nee" to ma%e temporary li)ing arrangements$ E)en t&en# !e "on:t &a)e enoug& supplies or people$ (ut !e &a)e to "o somet&ing> o matter !&at# I:m gonna protect &er$ T&at:s !&at t&is e;perience &as ma"e me "eci"e$ I' t&ere:s any 'oo" le't o)er# e)en ,ust a little# I:m gi)ing it all to &er$ I "on:t care i' I "ie$ It:s nice to *e t&oug&t o' as important> (ut t&is guy:s so serious it:s scary3 An" &e "oesn:t e)en seem to min" acting li%e my

s&iel"$ So I can:t *e mean to &im> +as t&at to!er *uilt *y t&e mages in Aspio1 Rita3 7on:t &i"e it anymore3 <ust tell us e)eryt&ing3 SO7IA >> FL8 I "on:t %no! !&at you %no! or !&at you:re t&in%ing a*out rig&t no!# *ut# I:m sure 0is 0ig&ness !oul" agree to t&at too$ As they leave, Sodia approaches. SO7IA 8uri> T&an% you> 'or um# sa)ing> Flynn$ > 89RI 8ou guys go on a&ea" 'irst$ I:ll catc& up$ They do as )uri re#uests. 89RI I:m not gonna tell anyone$ SO7IA >+&y1 89RI (ecause I can un"erstan" !&y you trie" to %ill me *ac% t&ere$ T&ere:s somet&ing you ,ust !ant to protect# e)en i' it means "irtying your o!n &an"s$ 8ou lose your senses in t&e &eat o' t&e moment an" 'in" yoursel' "oing t&ings you:" ne)er imagine$ SO7IA > (loo%s "o!n) I %no! !&at I &a)e "one is un'orgi)a*le$ It !oul" &a)e *een easier i' you:" *lame me 'or t&is$ 89RI 7on:t 'latter yoursel'3 7on:t t&in% I:m &ere "oing t&is 'or your o!n goo"$ I:m not going to put t&e *lame on you ,ust so you can ease your conscience$ SO7IA +-!&at>s&oul" I "o>1 89RI I &a)e no intention o' lecturing you a*out rig&ts an" !rongs$ /o 'igure it out yoursel'$ SO7IA > (loo%ing "o!n) 89RI I' you can:t# go as% someone you can tal% to a*out t&is$ (ut# not me$ As Flynn:s 'rien"# I:m grate'ul 'or t&e loyalty you:)e s&o!n to!ar" &im$ )uri turns and walks away. SO7IA 9&> S+IT Sodia and 6uri S+IT Pouty E*te))e 8o(tained Ea*tern P)ain* o3 5e*ier: +IT=0ER ".R5.P.LICA ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~

AT4 I un"erstan"$ +e:ll !ait &ere until you return$ ESTELLE 8es$ T&an% you$ >at! turns and walks back toward the coliseum. RAVE T&at at? sure is a man o' un"erstan"ing$ RITA +e got &is appro)al really 'ast$ <97IT0 0e:s seen t&roug& t&e !orl":s c&anges *e'ore &is )ery eyes$ (0e:s seen t&e !orl" c&ange *e'ore &is )ery eyes$) 0e "oesn:t &a)e an ounce o' suspicion !&en it comes to ot&ers$ .AROL I !on"er i' t&e 9nion an" Palestralle can get along$

89RI ESTELLE .AROL In t&e =oliseum5 . I/0T /9IL7S-A /9AR7

O' course t&ey can$ T&ey are o' t&e same guil" a'ter all$ T&at:s rig&t$ o! is t&e time to put t&eir "i''erences asi"e an" ,oin 'orces$ T&ey:ll &a)e to get along$ 8ou:re rig&t3 0a)e you totally 'orgotten a*out me1 -ay*e you &a)en:t 'orgotten at all$ -ay*e you "i"n:t *ot&er to remem*er me in t&e 'irst place> T&is city is sa'e# no matter !&at &appens to t&e !orl"$ T&e Empire is t&e only t&ing t&at !ill 'all$ +e mem*ers o' Palestralle !ill protect t&is city3 For t&e 'irst time e)er# all o' Palestralle is toget&er# un"er t&e acting 7uce# at?$ T&e .nig&ts are all *a"$ All *a"$ I tell you# it:s t&eir 'ault t&at to!er came out$ I:m telling you# it:s all t&eir 'ault3 T&e .nig&ts are *a"$ All *a"$ I tell you# it:s t&eir 'ault (elius "ie" an" tomatoes are re"3 I:m up to my eye*alls in researc& a*out &o! to con'ront t&at catastrop&e$ (ut I ,ust can:t seem to 'in" any solution$ O&# !&at to "o> I' !e can:t 'in" a solution in t&e past# !e:ll ,ust &a)e to create a ne! 'uture *y oursel)es$ Our o!n t&oug&ts an" e;periences 'rom us li)ing rig&t no! can *e more )alua*le t&an past recor"s$

OL7 +O-A

.RIT8A

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=oliseum Steps5 . I/0T (entrance) I le't my !i'e an" c&il" in 4ap&ias$ I:m !orrie" a*out t&em>so !orrie"# *ut> o$ I must 'ul'ill my "uty to guar" t&is city$ 9p&ol"ing one:s assigne" mission is t&e )ery 'irst tenet o' %nig&t&oo"$ .RIT8A +O-A Long ago# t&e clans o' ol" an" t&e &uman ruling class stoo" in partners&ip# unite" t&roug& .ritya me"iation$ T&is may 'inally *e our time to stan" up$ 8es# I remem*er no!$ It !as in a passage in one o' my parents: *oo%s$ (e it lies or trut&# I *elie)e t&is is a "uty assigne" to our people$ OL7 +O-A at? is pouring &is &eart into t&e !or% o' %eeping t&is to!n sa'e$ o! t&e people nee" to rally *e&in" &im as one$ T&ere isn:t muc& I %no! o' ot&er to!ns$ (ut I:ll *e satis'ie" i' or"opolica can *e at peace# o' t&at I:m sure$ ITO.E OSig&O T&e !orl" can go a&ea" an" en" 'or all I care> T&en at least I !oul"n:t &a)e to !orry a*out my pre"ictions coming true or not> T&e more I t&in% a*out it# &e more *umme" out I seem to *ecome$ (ut I guess t&ere:s a sort o' col" com'ort in t&at> SO9P VE 7OR First !e get monsters in t&e s%y# an" ne;t it:s t&is !eir" to!er$ Aspio# !as it1

T&at t&ing actually loo%s sort o' li%e a monster# too$ +&at is it !it& monsters to"ay# an" all t&eir conni)ing little tric%s>1 +&ate)er &appene" to sol)ing t&ings !it& a goo" ol" 'as&ione" %noc% "o!n# "rag out *ra!l13 . I/0T Sometimes t&e citi?ens !oul" greet us$ I:m not sure !&at ma"e t&em open t&eir &earts to us# *ut I &ope t&ey un"erstan" our goo" intentions> T&e ot&er "ay# an ol" !oman le't some steame" *uns !it& us$ T&ey !ere piping-&ot an" actually 6uite "elicious> O(LE -A O&&&& man> T&ere !ere sooooooo many monsters3 Aaaaall o)er t&e place$ I !on"er i' !e:ll &a)e to e)acuate li%e t&e capital$ O0ic3O I *et t&is city:s "one 'or$ I:ll *et I:ll &a)e to go someplace else> O0ic3O They take to the skies and fly near Zaphias. <97IT0 >8ou t&in% !e mig&t *e a*le to stop *y t&e capital1 89RI T&e capital1 <97IT0 Aren:t t&ere people le't in t&e lo!er 6uarter you:" li%e to see1 89RI T&ere:s not anyone I a*solutely 0AVE to go an" see# *ut o%ay$$$ They enter Zaphias at night through the ;ower 0uarter entrance. . I/0T =omman"ant Ale;ei# =aptain Sc&!ann# =aptain =umore> T&ey all le't t&e .nig&ts$ Flynn:s t&e only one le't$ Flynn !ill %eep t&e .nig&ts toget&er$ 0e may *e young# *ut I !as !atc&ing &im !or%$ 0e:s per'ect 'or t&e ,o*$ OL7 -A -y "entures actually 'ell out o' my mout&$ T&at ,olt 'rom t&e nort& spoo%e" me so *a"# an" pop3 Out t&ey came$ =an I get your &elp to 'in" t&em1 OL7 +O-A I:m praying to t&e s%ies$ I:m sure t&at my "ea" &us*an" is %eeping an eye on me 'rom a*o)e$ . I/0T +&at:s going to &appen to t&e Empire1 +e &a)e our s&are o' uncertainty in our ran%s$ (ut !e must protect t&e capital$ T&at is our solemn "uty as .nig&ts$ VE 7OR Recently# small inci"ents "on:t really rattle me$ +atc& &o! I am tonig&t3 T&an% you3 7ream goo" "reams3 8O9 / -A I &ear" Flynn *uilt a ne! to!n# *ut I:m sure &e:ll come *ac% to t&e lo!er 6uarter sometime$ To *e more accurate# &e:ll return to t&e castle *ecause &e:s a .nig&t$ Flynn can:t lea)e t&e lo!er 6uarter to 'en" 'or itsel'# eit&er$ 0e:s ,ust li%e 8uri$ Inn @ Ta)ern =omet5 I .EEPER -an# t&is !orl" is in *a" s&ape$ I guess you:re up to your nec%s in it# yoursel)es# &u&# 8uri$ +ell# I:m not too !orrie" i' you all are ta%ing care o' stu''$ All o' us !ill ,ust *e &ere !aiting 'or you an" Flynn

.EEPER:S +IFE

to come &ome$ 8ou %no!# 8uri# you an" Flynn starte" out !it& "i''erent purposes# *ut no! you:re !or%ing toget&er$ It:s %in"a nice to see you t!o !or%ing toget&er again$ I:m sure !e:ll *e all rig&t !it& you an" Flynn !or%ing toget&er$ S&o! t&em !&at you:re ma"e o'# 8uri3

SUB E!E"T# 2uture o3 B)a*tia# . I/0T Please$ Let me rest> =an you at least %eep it "o!n in t&e mansion at nig&t1 8ou:re all a!a%e 'or no reason$ T&e 'atigue 'rom t&e mental anguis& is o)er!&elming> T&e t&ing t&at appeare" to t&e nort& loo%s li%e t&e top 'loor o' t&e to!er$ +e can:t construct suc& a &ig& to!er !it& to"ay:s tec&nology$ Is t&at to!er 'rom t&e /eraios =i)ili?ation>1 (ut !&at 'or>1 I can:t3 I can:t3 I can:t continue to li)e in terror e)ery "ay$ 0ea)en is &ell an" t&is !orl" is &ell$ I' I coul" only &a)e one# I:" pic%> T&e %nig&ts *arrica"e" t&ere aren:t listening to anyone3 T&ey only pro)i"e &al'-&earte" ans!ers an" &a)e no intention o' respon"ing properly$ +&at in t&e !orl"1 T&ey:re ta; t&ie)es3 Actually# t&e la"ies &ere 'ollo!e" t&at %nig&t 'or an entire "ay an" &a)e not stoppe" complaining$ T&e .nig&ts are greatly !orrie"> I 'eel sorry 'or t&em$ .eep t&is con)ersation a secret 'orm t&e ot&er la"ies$ Is t&at to!er a &an" o' sal)ation 'rom t&e &ea)ens# or a &ammer *orne o' t&e eart&1 0e& &e&$ I:m a pretty goo" poet# aren:t I1 Is t&at a to!er o' &ope or "espair1 It:s *een a !&ile since I *attle" monsters$ I remem*er &o! I use" to 'eel$ I guess t&is is !&at I:m cut out to "o$ -ay*e I:ll ,oin t&e .nig&ts$ I s&oul" in'use some energy into t&ose !imps an" re*uil" t&em 'rom t&e outsi"e$ T&at monster up t&ere> 7i" it al!ays li)e t&ere in t&e s%y1 So !e:)e *een li)ing un"er t&at monster all t&is time$ T&at:s scary3 I !is& I !oul":)e &ig&-taile" it out o' &ere too !&en I &a" t&e c&ance> I' I !ent 'or it on my o!n no!# I:" get maule" *y monsters$ I totally *le! my c&ances$ T&an%'ully# t&at lou"-mout& =umore an" t&e egomaniacal Ale;ei are gone 'or goo"$ e;t# I:" li%e to "ra! t&e to! young can"i"ates to

.RIT8A

-A

O(LE -A

Royal Fuarter5 O(LE +O-A CD

O(LE +O-A

CE

.RIT8A

+O-A

=iti?en Fuarter5 .RIT8A -A

OL7 +O-A

. I/0T

ARTIST

. I/0T (E e;it)

t&e emperor:s t&rone$ I &ear" t&e t!o can"i"ates are allo!e" to !al% aroun" outsi"e !it&out *o"yguar"s3 I !oul" li%e to e;press t&eir 'earless an" *ol" countenances on can)as3 T&e .nig&ts promise tran6uil nig&ts in t&e capital t&at ne)er c&ange# no matter !&at$ Sleep soun"ly$

They take to the skies. S+IT Beauti3u) Cora) 5AH"<REST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>e t they go to 2ahngrest to visit the *nion %0 /uil":s 9nion 0F5 /9AR7 (outsi"e) 0ey# you "on:t t&in% t&e !orl":s going to *e "estroye" or anyt&ing# "o you1 7amn3 +&at are !e suppose" to "o a*out t&at t&ing in t&e s%y1 /9IL7S-A (insi"e)I reali?e" t&at I &a)e to protect t&e country o' my city# an" t&e !orl" o' my country$ T&at:s !&at t&is guil"--our guil"--is 'or$ 8ou s&oul" ,oin us$ +&at1 T&at:s !&at your guil" "oes too1 T&en you:re our ri)al$ /9IL7S+O-A +e &a)e to see &o! 'ar our strengt& an" po!er !ill ta%e us$ 8ea&# ,ust !atc& !&at &umans can "o !&en our *ac%s are to t&e !all$ 7on:s =&am*er5 They meet with %arry and a few guildsmen. /9IL7S-A >So# are you telling me to go all t&e !ay out to t&e countrysi"e1 OL7ER /9IL7S-A I !on"er i' t&is place is any goo"$ 89RI T&is place is no goo"$ An" 4ap&ias !on:t !or% eit&er$ RAVE +e gotta ma%e t&ings 'air 'or e)eryone$ 0ARR8 T&is is somet&ing important$ For t&e Empire an" 'or t&e /uil"s> /9IL7S-A 0mp&$ I:m not going to *e use" li%e some messenger$ OL7ER /9IL7S-A I "on:t !ant to lea)e 7a&ngrest at a time li%e t&is$ It:s up to you# 0arry$ 0ARR8 Alrig&t$ I guess I:ll *e going$ .AROL +&at1 T&is is important3 8ou:re ,ust going to "eci"e li%e t&at13 /9IL7S-A It:s alrig&t$ I:m not going to 6uestion 0arry:s "ecision *ac% t&ere$ OL7ER /9IL7S-A (no"s) 0mm> 89RI T&at settles it$ +e:ll *e *ac% at t&e little prince:s earliest con)enience$ 0ARR8 O%ay$ ESTELLE Let:s go *ac% to !&ere Flynn an" t&e ot&ers are$ 89RI 8ea&$ Let:s &ea" *ac% 'irst$ S+IT 2avorite P)a,e* S+IT The State o3 the Union

S+IT

The State o3 Pa)e*tra))e

=ircle Intersection5 /9IL7S-A +e &a)e to "eci"e 'or oursel)es> (ut !&en it comes "o!n to it# it:s so muc& pressure> >It:s times li%e t&ese# I %no! ,ust &o! great a man t&e 7on !as$ OL7ER /9IL7S-A >For a monster# t&at t&ing:s ,ust a little too *ig to 'eel real$ O& !ell$ +e gotta ta%e it "o!n li%e any ot&er monster>3 (ut it:s too *ig> I:m ,ust not 'eeling t&is> +est Street# =ircle Intersection5 /9IL7S-A +&at t&e &ell is &appening1 T&is is a "ream> T&is is all a "ream# I:m telling you> .RIT8A -A A monster ma"e o' aer> I 'eel li%e I:)e &ear" t&at story long ago someplace> I ne)er coul" &a)e imagine" somet&ing so *ig it coul" co)er t&e s%y> Ta)ern ASagittariusB5 (A 7I7O T&-t&at monster still scares me a little# *ut I:m going to "o it3 O-o%ay t&en# so> 0o! s&oul" I 'ig&t t&at t&ing>1 OL7 -A I !ill not *e out"one *y %i"s3 O&&# my *ac%> +O-A T&e time may &a)e come !&ere !e nee" to 'in" a !ay to li)e !it&out t&e *arrier$ T&e times are starting to c&ange$ /9IL7S-A I' t&e 9nion !oul" *an" toget&er# t&ere:" *e not&ing to *e a'rai" o'$ Let:s %ill t&e monster in t&e s%y alrea"y$ Our true enemy is t&e Empire# not t&at ra**le3 +O-A T&e people !ill not lose to t&at monster# no matter &o! &orri*le it is3 +e &a)e t&e courage to stay strong an" 'ig&t$ /9IL7S-A E)en i' t&e en" o' t&e !orl" is near# t&is lo)e !ill ne)er c&ange$ E)en i' t&e !orl" *ecomes our enemy# my lo)e 'or &er !ill ne)er c&ange$ T&ese passionate 'eelings insi"e me are ,ust going aroun" an" aroun"> .RIT8A (AR-AI7 It seems t&at to!er on Ilyccia &as *een re)i)e"$ Tar6aron> T&at:s *a"$ Tar6aron> T&at %i" ,ust !on:t listen$ 8ou can:t ta%e your eyes o'' &im 'or a secon"$ East Street# =ircle Intersection5 /9IL7S+O-A Is it impru"ent o' me to t&in% t&at t&is state o' t&e !orl" is>'un1 People are coming toget&er no!$ E)en i' t&e !orl" came to an en" no!# I:" "ie &appy$ Ta)ern A=rimson StarsB5 OL7ER /9IL7S-A T&e !orl":s in crisis3 o! I:m gonna sa)e it3 0u&1 o# I:m not "run%$

OL7ER /9IL7S-A

/9IL7S-A

/9IL7S-A

/9IL7 +IT=0 (ARTE 7ER

I &ear" t&ere:s a s!or" style calle" 7run%en S!or"$ It lets you 'ig&t e)en !&ile "rin%ing$ I !ant to learn it$ I' I coul" master 7run%en S!or"# I coul" !or% !&ile I "rin%> =on'usion is sprea"ing t&roug&out t&e !orl"> T&is is our moment to s&ine$ T&is is a c&ance 'or us to ma%e some "oug& *e'ore !e "ie3 I can protect a to!n# tra)elers# you name it$ +&at "o you guys say# you !ant to &ire me1 I can:t t&in% !&en I:m &ungry$ +&at:s !orse is I can:t t&in% !&en I eat too muc&# eit&er$ I' it:s all t&e same any!ay# it:s *etter to *e 'ull# rig&t1 7o you %no! a person name" Sicily1 0is *ear" is so se;y3 It:s too *a" Sicily isn:t a mem*er o' a guil"$ 0a)e any trou*les you !ant to unloa"1 I:ll listen to anyt&ing$ I am t&e *arten"er &ere # a'ter all$ 0ey>you &ear t&is one1 T&ey say a to!er s&ot up 'rom t&e mountains on t&e ot&er continent3 =an you *elie)e t&at1 T&is is t&e en"> I &ear t&ere:s a 'lying city on t&e ot&er continent# an" !it& t&e s%y li%e t&at> It:s all o)er3 It:s o)er> It:s all o)er> T&e Empire ,ust nee"s to *e !ipe" o'' t&e 'ace o' t&e !orl"$ T&e people o' t&is to!n !ill protect t&eir o!n3 A ne! age !ill come !&en !e get ri" o' t&e Empire an" c&ange &o! t&e !orl" runs3 I:m t&e *arten"er# not t&e *ar or a *en"er$ T&e *arten"er3 ot&ing is sol)e" *y "rin%ing$ I %no! t&at$ (ut I can:t get *y !it&out my alco&ol$ O0ic3O I can:t *elie)e I:m "run% a'ter DP ice" teas>

-ar%etplace5 VE 7OR (glasses) FE-ALE -ER=0A T

/9IL7 +IT=0

RO/9E

First Intersection5 LITTLE /IRL +aaa&# !aaa&> >O0iccupO > >I' I %eep crying# t&e cry*a*y go"s mig&t come an" eat me> +O-A A tra)eler tol" me &e !ent to 8ur?orea$ 0e sai" &e sa! i'il La%e on t&e sout&ern si"e o' t&e continent all "rie" up$ +&at is going on1 I !on"er i' i'il La%e# in nort&ern 8ur?orea "rie" up *ecause o' t&at monster> -A I "on:t %no! !&at t&e line is *et!een goo" an" e)il$ (ut "estroying t&e !orl" crosses !ay o)er t&at line$ Are you rea"y to ta%e a stan" against e)il1 /9IL7S-A 0mp&# I guess !e got no c&oice *ut to cooperate$ (ut I !on"er &o! long t&at:ll last$

-A

((RI7/E)

+IT=0

+ell# !e:ll ,ust &a)e to "o !&at !e can$ E)en in times li%e t&ese# !e can:t %eep 'rom &unting monsters$ It:s 'ate# I tell ya$ -onsters are e)il$ 7angerous$ +e must era"icate t&em at all costs$ It "oesn:t matter !&ere !e run anymore> Someone "o somet&ing3

=oo%ing Sta"ium A(istro (lac% 0oleB5 OL7 -A (7OOR) I' t&ere isn:t any c&eer'ul ne!s# I guess !e:ll &a)e to ma%e our o!n$ Turn a lu; *lastia on# an" e)eryt&ing:s *rig&t> T&ere$ 7i"n:t t&at ,ust *rig&ten up your "ay>1 OL7 +O-A A &uge to!er appeare" to!ar" 4ap&ias# an" Aspio got crus&e"# rig&t1 I !on"er i' 4ap&ias is all rig&t$ Scary# scary> O&# t&is is so irritating>3 I !ant to go &ome3 I !ant to go &ome3 I !ant to get *ac% to 4ap&ias> They leave 2ahngrest and head for northeastern %ypionia to meet back up with 9lynn for the meeting with +oder. The camp is now a town complete with buildings and fences. The e hausted builders lie around on the ground beside whatever they were working on. 89RI +&oa$ T&ey:)e alrea"y *uilt t&is muc&>1 ESTELLE I can:t *elie)e t&e city:s come t&is 'ar so 6uic%ly> RITA An" it "oesn:t loo% li%e t&ey use" magic$ Loo%$ /ita looks at three workers sleeping near the fence they were building. RITA Loo%s li%e t&ey *urne" t&emsel)es out$ <97IT0 Loo%s li%e t&e %nig&ts put up a 'ig&t# too$ Hudith spies a couple of .nights napping beside another fence. .AROL I guess t&is is !&t people "o !&en t&ey !or% toget&er$ They are &oined by 9lynn and .aufman. .A9F-A So1 0o! "o you li%e it1 89RI 0ats o'' to you$ FL8 0o! are t&ings on your en"# 8uri1 89RI +e tal%e" to t&em$ +e also tol" t&em t&at !e:" tal% to 0is -a,esty !&en !e coul"$ FL8 (no"s) O%ay$ I tal%e" to 0is -a,esty# an" it loo%s li%e &e:ll come$ 0e:s coming *y s&ip no!$ <97IT0 0e:s ta%ing t&e slo! route> I:ll ta%e (a:ul to pic% &im up$ 0arry an" at?# too$ 89RI Really1 +on:t (a:ul get angry1 <97IT0 T&ere:s no time# rig&t1 (a:ul un"erstan"s t&at# too$ FL8 T&at !oul" *e a great &elp$ Hudith nods and leaves. FL8 >T&ere:s no time le't$ ESTELLE So t&e lea"ers o' t&e !orl" !ill 'inally come toget&er$ .AROL o! !e ,ust &a)e to see i' t&ey un"erstan" !&at !e:re "oing$ 89RI 8ea&$ The meeting takes place in the Aurnion %0. +oder and .aufman are seated across from each other. >at! stands at the head of the table with 9lynn standing off to the right.

AT4 Spirits> A"ep&agos> 7u%e> .A9F-A Turn all t&e !orl":s cores into spirits> IO7ER >It:s an e;traor"inary story> =stelle stands beside )uri along a wall with /aven and .arol standing nearby. 89RI I %no! it:s &ar" to *elie)e$ (ut t&at:s t&e reality !e:re up against$ FL8 o more *lastia> o more *arriers> T&ere !oul" *e so muc& c&aos$ RAVE I' !e "on:t "o it# t&en !e:re all gone$ Eit&er *y 7u%e or t&e A"ep&agos$ %arry stands to /aven"s right. 0ARR8 T&ere may *e no c&oice> *ut "o you really t&in% people !ill listen1 ESTELLE I "on:t t&in% anyone &opes 'or a 'uture o' "estruction$ +e can %eep mo)ing 'or!ar"# e)en i' it:s &ar"$ .AROL 8ea&$ T&at:s !&y !e:re "oing t&is$ IO7ER >T&e empire:s "uty is to pre)ent con'usion an" gui"e people to t&e 'uture$ o! is t&e time to reign 'or t&e people$ FL8 +e !ill &a)e our &an"s 'ull$ .A9F-A -a%ing ne! t&ings t&at !ill ser)e 'or *lastia> O&# t&ere:s *usiness to *e "one$ AT4 +e &a)e to t&in% o' a !ay to 'ig&t o'' t&e monsters !it&out t&e *arriers$ 0ARR8 T&e mercenary guil" an" 0unting (la"es !on:t *e enoug&$ IO7ER !&at a*out com*ining t&e re'orme" %nig&ts !it& t&e guil"s1 .A9F-A Soun"s interesting# *ut I "on:t %no! i' it:ll go smoot&ly$ .arol looks at )uri. )uri looks around at the others and they #uietly leave the meeting. 9lynn follows them. ,utside the building, Sodia and -itcher &oin their commander. FL8 8ou:re not going to stay until t&e en"1 89RI T&at:s not our ,o*$ RITA 8ea&$ T&at:s stu'' 'or t&e important people to !or% out$ <97IT0 Some&o!# I t&in% people !ill &a)e a &ar"er time t&an t&ey:re t&in%ing$ It:s t&eir ,o* to get rea"y 'or t&at$ Our ,o*> 89RI (loo%ing up at t&e s%y) +e &a)e to crus& t&e A"ep&agos an" stop 7u%e$ FL8 >I see$ 89RI Sorry$ +e le't all t&e "irty !or% to you$ FL8 (s&a%ing &is &ea") T&at:s my line$ +e al!ays lea)e t&e &ar"est part to you all$ I apologi?e$ .AROL All rig&t$ +e got !or% to "o3 RITA +IT=0ER (ut &o! are !e suppose" to access all t&e !orl":s cores1 I t&in% I %no! a !ay> T&ere !as somet&ing in t&e researc& Ale;ei an" (ar*os "i"$ Some note a*out creating a net!or% o' *lastia>

RITA +IT=0ER /ita runs off. +IT=0ER

Really13 +&ere:s t&at note1 9mm> I *roug&t it !it& my personal t&ings$

0-&ey3 +ait3 8ou can:t ,ust go li%ing in people:s stu''3 -itcher runs off after /ita. ESTELLE O&3 I:m going too$ =stelle #uickly runs after them. .AROL T&ey ,ust too% o''> RAVE Loo%s li%e t&ere:s a tiny *it o' &ope$ <97IT0 8es# it "oes$ I:m sure s&e:ll 'in" an ans!er i' s&e:s t&at !or%e" up$ 89RI Let:s ,ust &ang out until s&e "oes$ I FOR-ATIO Parte" !it& e)eryone$ )uri e plores the new town. To!n =enter5 A .night stands guard in the town"s center in front of a knife blade shaped and coreless blastia &utting from the &umble of boulders. 9lynn and Sodia stand near him. >earby, /aven e amines the blastia"s east side as a few townsfolk mill about. . I/0T A *lastia !as uneart&e" "uring t&e "e)elopment o' t&is to!n$ (ut it !on:t !or% *ecause t&ere:s no core an" it:s *ro%en$ It:ll ma%e a per'ect monument# t&oug&$ E)en t&oug& it "oesn:t !or%# t&is *lastia can o''er a sense o' security as a sym*ol o' t&e to!n$ FL8 8uri# "o you &a)e a minute1 89RI 0m1 8ea&# sure$ +&at:s up1 FL8 > ot &ere$ I:ll *e !aiting at t&e entrance$ 89RI >1 SO7IA Sorry 'or all t&e trou*le> I mean>T&an%s> I' you e)er 'in" yoursel' 'ig&ting against Flynn one "ay> o# I:" *etter not say too muc&$ LITTLE (O8 I &elpe" out a little !it& *uil"ing &ouses$ T&e master carpenter sai" I !as a natural3 RAVE OL7ER -A T&is T&at T&is +&at Loo% s&iel" *lastia !as *urie" un"ergroun"$ must mean t&at a to!n once e;iste" &ere$ is a!'ul3 o !ay3 A to!n !it&out a *arrier> goo" are *lastia t&at "on:t !or%1 at t&e s%y$ T&at monster ne)er stays still3

8O9 / +O-A

8O9 / -A

+e:)e *uil" a *etter to!n t&at I &a" imagine"$ +it& t&is# I *et !e can &a)e a *etter li'e t&an in t&e lo!er 6uarter$ Hmusical noteI It:s a little "angerous# *ut "on:t you t&in% t&is ne! li'e is pretty nice1 T&e central *asin o' t&e islan" in t&e mi""le o' t&e Surion Ac&ipelago nort&!est o' &ere !as un"er!ater$ I "on:t %no! &o!# *ut t&ey say t&e !ater is no longer t&ere$ T&e Lan" 9n"er +ater> It soun"s %in" o' li%e a romantic tale$

Aurnion 0F area5 . I/0T (outsi"e)

I !as &ea"e" 'or Torim# *ut Flynn or"ere" me &ere3 I &ope to meet all o' t&e citi?ens an" *e remem*ere"3 I &ope e)en t&ose !&o aren:t citi?ens !ill !or% !it& us$ Let:s *uil" t&is to!n toget&er3

A noble couple stand outside a large tent. O(LE -A T&is tent is somet&ing I put up 'or my girl all *y mysel'$ I as%e" t&e arc&itect guil" &o! to "o it$ A tent# ,ust 'or &er> o! t&at:s true lo)e> O(LE +O-A > I:m &appy &e *uilt a &ome 'or me an" all# *ut> It:s ,ust a tent> I !is& it &a" *een a log ca*in or somet&ing# li%e t&at one o)er t&ere> A tent> +ell# I guess it:s *etter t&an camping out on t&e roa" li%e t&e last 'e! "ays$ )uri walks through the wooden arch and down to the river. A wooden pier &uts out over the flowing water. La%e area5 +O-A Listen3 -y &us*an":s o'' !or%ing# I "on:t &a)e any 'un# or "o any s&opping$ ot&ing3 I:m *ore" to "eat&3 I !ant pasta 'or lunc&3 I !ant to act more li%e a !oman3 I !ant to go>*ac%>to>4ap&ias333 O+333 +e:re using t&is ri)er to transport supplies$ T&is is really an e;cellent location$ 8:%no!# t&is !or% is t&e only peace I get all "ay# a!ay 'rom my !i'e:s constant !&ining$ I !on"er !&en s&e:ll 'inally get use" to t&is en)ironment> I !ait 'or t&e supplies to *e transporte" &ere# an" t&en carry t&em into to!n$

TRAVELI / -A -A

To the right of the %0, .arol watches workmen put up a new house. .AROL Loo% at &o! 'ar t&is to!n &as come> T&e unity o' t&e guil"s is really somet&ing$ +OR.ER (&ammering) /onna *uil" &ouses3 -a%e e)eryone &appy3 /otta &urry up an" *uil"# get e)eryone smilin:3 +OR.ER (carrying) +e:re starting 'rom scratc&# rig&t1 o! t&is s&oul" *e a construction ,o* !it& little c&allenge3 T&is is t&e %in"a ,o* t&at sets a cra'tsman:s soul on 'ire# I:m tellin: ya3 There is a group of tents in the northeast corner of the village. /roup o' Tents5 OL7 +O-A I suppose ta%ing t&e 'irst step al!ays *egins 'rom not&ing# ,ust li%e t&is$ To t&in% I !oul" reac& t&is ripe ol" age *e'ore reali?ing &o! truly *lesse" I !as> A path to the right leads down to a business district of sorts consisting of an inn, a market. A calico cat stretches la!ily on a boulder in front of the inn while the ,ld innkeeper leans against a corner post. -itcher stands near the middle of the fence that connects the inn and the market. A little girl plays in the open space between

the buildings. A .rityan gentleman looks at a nearby pile of building materials and a hoist. Inn A=anopusB5 OL7 -A +IT=0ER LITTLE /IRL .RIT8A -A T&is is *ot& a &ospital an" ,ust a place to rest3 +&y not spen" t&e nig&t1 It:s only 3PP /al"$ T&e ner)e>rummaging t&roug& my stu'' li%e t&at> S&e:s al!ays li%e t&at3 S&e:s so *ossy3 Arg&33 +e ma"e a &ome &ere in t&is to!n$ +e can go &ome anytime$ I:m going &ome *y mysel'> People po!er is not&ing to ma%e lig&t o'> +e *uilt t&is to!n in no time3 I !ant to &elp> *ut# y:%no!# I:m pretty incompetent>

Fortune:s -ar%et (Aurnion)5 FE-ALE -ER=0A T +elcome3 +e &a)e 6uite a !ell-roun"e" selection o' pro"ucts no!$ (uil"ing e;t to -ar%et5 I FOR-ATIO It:s unloc%e"$ T&e &ouse is a*an"one"$ The wonder chef, disguised as a scarecrow, hides on the right side of the empty building. I FOR-ATIO O*taine" recipe 'or =repes$ To!n Entrance5 )uri spies Hudith near the town gate. <97IT0 0u&1 +&y are you !an"ering aroun"1 8our 'rien"s are !aiting 'or you$ . I/0T +e:)e *uilt 'ences an" &ouses> Almost loo%s li%e a real to!n no!$ T&ese are critical times$ Supplying goo"s# esta*lis&ing autonomy> So muc& !or% to "o$ 9lynn stands outside the entrance. FL8 8ou rea"y1 /epede stays inside the town and watches )uri and 9lynn stroll out into the field beyond. At last )uri stops and breaks the silence between them. 89RI So are you going to tell me !&y you:re so serious1 9lynn stops and turns suddenly, facing )uri. FL8 Are you ,ust going to go li%e t&is1 89RI 0u&1 FL8 T&e people !&o comman" t&e entire !orl" are gat&ere" &ere$ o!:s t&e time to tell t&em all you:)e "one$ 89RI ot t&is again> )uri smiles and looks off to the hori!on. FL8 0al' o' my ac&ie)ements-or more- are really yours> )uri looks at the ground. 89RI So !&at1 It "oesn:t matter !&o "i" t&em$ FL8 (stern) It "oes$ +&y "o you al!ays c&oose t&e option t&at:s *a" 'or you1 +&y "o you try to *ear e)eryt&ing *y yoursel'1 7o you t&in% I can:t ta%e t&e *ur"en1 9lynn waits for )uri to answer.

89RI

>8ou:re carrying !&at I can:t$ I %no! I can "o !&at I !ant only *ecause someone:s !atc&ing out 'or me$ FL8 (ut>3 9lynn is at a loss for words. %e shakes his head to clear his mind. FL8 >Forget it$ I can:t e;plain$ I:ll ,ust yell at you again$ 89RI 0e& &e&$ In t&at case> )uri snaps his sword out it"s sheath. 89RI Try it li%e t&is$ )uri"s tone is challenging and seductive with a hint of danger. 9lynn is surprised. FL8 8uri>3 89RI 8ou:re not going to *eat me in an argument$ (ut you %no! !&at you can *eat me in> )uri holds the sword out to him. 89RI T&is$ FL8 8ea&> 8ou:re rig&t$ <ust li%e al!ays$ 9lynn pulls out his own sword. The blades clink as 9lynn crosses his sword with )uri"s. FL8 E)eryt&ing I 'eel is in t&is s!or"3 89RI >/oo"$ (se"ucti)e) =ome on3 (=O-E O 3) (Spo%en A'ter t&e *attle5 I' 8uri +ins) 89RI I !on>1 (surprise") (I' 8uri +I S) After the battle, )uri and 9lynn lie on their backs, breathing hard from e ertion, watching the Adephagos writhe in the sky. FL8 I can:t e)en !in !it& a s!or" anymore> 89RI 0a& &a& &a&$ Loser$ FL8 8ou:)e gotten *etter# 8uri$ 89RI (sig&s) >8ou too$ 8ou !oul" &a)e *eaten easy i' you !ere still li%e !&en !e !ere %i"s$ 9lynn raises his sword and looks at it. FL8 7i"n:t !e s!ear on our s!or"s !&en !e !ere %i"s1 +e !oul" 'ig&t to ma%e people smile$ )uri"s face turns slightly away from the sword. 89RI 8ea&> E)en i' !e 'ollo! "i''erent pat&s$ FL8 E)en i' !e *ear "i''erent *ur"ens$ 89RI E)en i' people praise" us# or &ate" us> FL8 T&e %nig&ts an" t&e guil"s !on:t c&ange$ Rig&t1 9lynn turns his head to look at )uri. +n response, )uri raises his sword beside 9lynn"s sword. 89RI T&ere are places in eac& o' us t&e ot&er can:t reac&$ 9lynn turns his head back and looks at his own sword. FL8 T&at:s !&y !e:re not alone$ The blades clink as 9lynn touches the blade of his sword to )uri"s to form an F. 89RI (&e&) > FL8 > They both chuckle. 89RI 0e&$ FL8 0a&$

Then they laugh out loud together. As )uri reenters the town, Sodia approaches him from the left and =stelle from the right. SO7IA 3 89RI 1 ESTELLE Hmusical noteI %olding a 3esperia >o. D, /ita runs toward them. RITA It:ll !or%33 -itcher &oins them from the business district as .arol arrives and stands beside /aven by the blastia. RITA =onnect t&e spirits "irectly !it& t&e core an" e;cite it3 =on)erge t&e generate" po!er into Vesperia o$ D t&roug& t&e 'our spirits an" t&en use it against t&e A"ep&agos$ +IT=0ER I !as t&e one to 'in" t&is met&o"$ RITA Sync&roni?e t&is "e)ice !it& t&e *arrier *lastia place" aroun" t&e !orl" an" t&en use it to inter'ere !it& t&e surroun"ing *lastia$ .AROL 111 89RI >So you mean !e can trans'orm t&e *lastia core into spirits# rig&t1 RITA T&at:s !&at I &a)e *een telling you$ ESTELLE I %ne! you coul" "o it Rita3 Hudith &oins them. RITA Our only pro*lem is time$ +e nee" to *uil" t&e *lastia core net!or% an" prepare 'or t&e con)erge process simultaneously$ +IT=0ER I:ll &an"le t&e net!or%$ +e "o &a)e some people 'rom Aspio !&o can &elp too$ RAVE +e:ll nee" a guar" too$ (etter %eep an eye on t&e -onsters an" t&e A"ep&agos$ SO7IA 3 Sodia watches as 9lynn and /epede arrive from the field. FL8 T&e %nig&ts !ill ta%e t&at position$ SO7IA +e !ill protect all !it& our li'e$ .aufman arrives from the west. .A9F-A T&e guil" !ill *ac%up !&ere)er necessary$ !e also &a)e engineers !&o can &elp$ .AROL (running 'or!ar") 0ey# t&is is going to !or% out3 RITA +e ,ust nee" to get close to t&e A"ep&agos so t&at t&e po!er o' t&e spirits !ill reac& it 'or sure$ an" t&en acti)ate Vesperia o$ 3$ 89RI T&at means !e nee" to get to> <97IT0 T&e To!er o' Tar6aron$ RAVE 7u%e:s &i"eout$ ESTELLE Are !e going to 'ig&t &im1 89RI I "on:t %no!$ (ut !e can:t let &im use Tar6aron$ .AROL I guess !e can:t !al% aroun" it$ 89RI 8ea&$ 89RI +e:re "eparting tomorro!$ Let:s ta%e a goo" rest to"ay$ They disperse and )uri finds .arol &ust outside the town entrance, standing on the bridge looking into the river. .AROL T&e To!er o' Tar6aron$ T&at:s a *ig ,o*$

(ut !e &a)e to succee"> For t&e guil"> o# no# 'or t&e 'uture o' t&e !orl"3 /ita stands looking solemnly at the broken blastia. RITA I "i"n:t t&in% !e !ere going to reac& t&is 'ar !&en our ,ourney starte"> +&o !oul" &a)e e)er t&oug&t$ )uri finds /aven standing on the river bank close to the pier. RAVE It all starte" out !it& or"ers 'rom Ale;ei to %eep an eye on Estelle# *ut no! it &as turne" out to *e a ,ourney to sa)e t&e !orl"$ An" I !as gi)en t&e same or"er 'rom 7on too> =stelle stands outside the %0. ESTELLE Rita is suc& a po!er'ul mage$ I &a)e to *ecome stronger to "e'eat t&e A"ep&agos$ )uri finds Hudith, .aufman and %arry in the business district. <97IT0 +e s&oul" rest early to get rea"y 'or tomorro!$ -e1 I !ill>!&en I get sleepy> .A9F-A +&o !oul" &a)e t&oug&t t&e Empire an" t&e guil"s !oul" e)er ,oin 'orces to !or% to!ar"s a common goal1 I coul" get use" to t&e i"ea$ %arry stands contemplating the mound of building materials with the .rityan. 0ARR8 +e:)e "iscusse" t&e )arious possi*ilities$ o!# I ,ust &a)e to con)ince e)eryone in to!n$ I:m getting !or%e" up to t&e c&allenge$ >ow that the meeting"s over, )uri stops by the %0 and finds 9lynn, -itcher and Sodia inside. A saw, wooden mallet and an a e are leaning up against the wall ne t to a shelf with a pair of workbooks setting on top. I FOR-ATIO T&ere are some tools use" 'or t&e to!n:s construction pro,ect$ Seems li%e Flynn is &elping too$ +IT=0ER Lea)e t&e construction o' t&e net!or% to me3 I !ill &a)e you %no! t&at I:m as goo" as Rita3 SO7IA 8uri Lo!ell# I guess I &a)e to put my trust in you on t&is one> I:m counting on you> FL8 8uri>$ Let:s "o our *est3 Inn A=anopusB5 )uri checks into the inn. I .EEPER It:s a co?y little inn# *ut !oul" you li%e to stay a nig&t1 That evening, Hudith stands outside looking at the sky. 9ootsteps approach. <97IT0 =an:t sleep1 RITA +&at a*out you1 <97IT0 O&# I !as ,ust out tal%ing !it& (a:ul an" it got late$ RITA (*ristling) +ell I !as ,ust c&ec%ing to ma%e sure my calculations !ere correct$ <97IT0 0e&e$ RITA +&t1 <97IT0 O&# not&ing$ RITA >I &ate it !&en you say t&at$ <97IT0 T&at:s strange$ I "on:t mean anyt&ing *y it$ /ita sits down in the grass near the path. ;ooking down, she thinks for a few moments. RITA 0ey$ +&at are you going to "o a'ter t&is is o)er1

I' all goes rig&t# all t&e *lastia !ill stop !or%ing$ Inclu"ing &ermes *lastia$ <97IT0 Rig&t> RITA 8ou !on:t &a)e anyt&ing to "o$ <97IT0 (loo%ing at t&e s%y) I guess not> T&at:s all I &a"$ (a:ul !as my only 'rien"$ 7estroying &ermes *lastia !as my only purpose$ I mean# I &a" my reasons# *ut> RITA (ut1 Hudith sits down beside /ita. <97IT0 A'ter tra)eling aroun" !it& you all# I guess>I "on:t really care anymore$ RITA 8ou:re ,ust going to "rop it li%e t&at1 <97IT0 +&at are you going to "o1 8ou li)e" 'or your *lastia researc&$ RITA T&-t&ere:s tons o' stu'' I coul" stu"y$ (esi"es>I reali?e" t&ere are t&ings I can *elie)e in *esi"es *lastia$ I "on:t &a)e a 'amily# so I "on:t>*ut>I %in"a li%e# you %no!# &o! !e are$ /ita looks over her shoulder at Hudith. Climbing to her feet, she puts her hands stubbornly on her hips and glares at Hudith. RITA 0ey$ T&at:s ,ust *et!een us$ 8ou can:t tell any*o"y$ <97IT0 I !on:t$ I promise$ >0e& &e&$ It:s 'un to &a)e secrets !it& someone$ RITA 8ou:)e c&ange"$ 8ou ne)er !oul" &a)e sai" anyt&ing li%e t&at !&en !e 'irst met$ <97IT0 O Sig&O All t&e "i''erent people# "i''erent t&ings on t&is ,ourney> 8ou %no!1 RITA 8ea&# I "o$ I ne)er "reame" I:" en" up li%e t&is> I "on:t !ant to go *ac%$ <97IT0 -e neit&er$ Hudith gets to her feet, too. <97IT0 +&en e)eryt&ing:s "one>may*e I:ll ,ust tra)el t&e !orl" !it& (a:ul$ RITA T&at:s nice$ 0ey# ta%e Estelle too$ T&ere:s still a lot in t&is !orl" s&e s&oul" see$ <97IT0 8ou:re not coming1 It:ll *e so lonely !it&out you$ /ita blushes and turns her face away. RITA 9&> +-!ell# I guess I coul"> <97IT0 +ell# i' !e:re going to "o t&at# 'irst !e &a)e to protect t&e !orl"$ /ita looks up at the Adephagos. RITA O' course$ +e:ll s&o! t&at t&ing$ <97IT0 (loo%ing up) 8es$ +e certainly !ill$ They stand side by side looking confidently up at the writhing monster in the sky. 1eanwhile, /aven and .arol are at the building materials heap. .arol places a log onto the pile while /aven supervises. .AROL 0ump&> T&at:s t&e last one$ RAVE /oo" !or%$ Sorry 'or ma%ing you !or% rig&t *e'ore t&e 'inal *attle$ .arol smiles and shakes his head. .AROL 7on:t !orry a*out it3 I:m a mem*er o' a guil"$ I &a)e

to "o somet&ing$ .arol looks around at the finished houses. .AROL 0ey# Ra)en$ It:s nice to *e a*le to "o t&ings 'or ot&ers$ /aven leans over to inspect .arol closer. RAVE O&&&# suc& gro!n-up !or"s 'rom master .arol$ .arol"s eyes refocus as he reali!es something about himself. .AROL 8ea&# I ne)er "i" stu'' ,ust 'or ot&er people$ I !ante" to s&o! ot&ers t&at I coul" "o stu''$ I t&oug&t t&at !as my "ream# *ut I guess not$ /aven rubs his chin. RAVE To ma%e a guil"$ To ma%e a guil" *ig$ To *e a respecte" *oss$ All *oys &a)e t&ose "reams$ It:s 'ine$ .AROL (ut t&at !as all ,ust so I !oul" loo% cool$ I mean# t&ere:s so muc& you can:t "o alone$ RAVE 8ea&# I guess so$ .arol plops down on the ground. .AROL I t&oug&t I &a" to "o it alone or I:" loo% *a" or it:" *e !ort&less or !&ate)er$ T&at:s not &elping people$ /aven sits down cross-legged beside him. RAVE I see$ .AROL I' you !or% toget&er# you can "o a lot more an" ma%e a lot more people &appy$ I reali?e" t&at tra)eling !it& e)eryone$ I li%e t&at a lot more$ RAVE >8oung master .arol# you are somet&ing$ So 'ar a&ea" o' t&is ol" man$ 8ou are cool enoug& ,ust as you are$ .AROL 8ou:re cool# too# Ra)en$ ot as cool as 8uri# *ut> RAVE O&3 I:m &urt3 .AROL 0e& &e&$ So !&at:s your "ream# Ra)en1 RAVE -e1 To *e stin%ing ric& !it& *e)ies o' gorgeous !omen all aroun"# mmmm> I:m %i""ing$ o!> 0mm> I:m 'inally *ac% to ,ust li)ing$ So I guess my "ream is to *e a*le to "ream again some"ay$ .AROL T&at soun"s pretty &ar"> (ut I:m sure you can "o it$ RAVE T&an% you$ I t&in% I:ll get it$ .AROL 0ey# is your &eart>O.1 RAVE 8ea&# it:s !eir"# *ut it:s 'ine$ E)en i' I !or% it &ar"# it ,ust %eeps going$ .AROL I guess t&at:s t&e e''ect o' t&e spirits$ RAVE I guess t&is plan isn:t all *a"$ .arol thinks for a few moments then suddenly stands. .AROL I:m gla" I met e)eryone$ I mean# you too# o' course$ RAVE I:m gla" I met you too$ Really$ .AROL >+e:re going to !in tomorro!$ /aven gets up. RAVE In a *ig !ay$ All rig&t# !e s&oul" get to *e" soon$ Lac% o' sleep is t&e ol":s !orst enemy$ .AROL O%ay$ A ig&t$ RAVE 8ea&$ /oo" nig&t$ .arol leaves and /aven talks to himself. RAVE 7reams are so not my style# *ut &ere I am$ 7reaming$

+&at am I gonna "o !it& mysel'1 /aven goes off to bed. )uri, with /epede at his side, sits on the grass in the field outside of the town under the night sky. %e hears footsteps and is &oined by =stelle. ESTELLE It:s almost time$ 89RI 8ea&$ I start to t&in% a*out it# an" I can:t sleep$ ESTELLE 8ou get t&at !ay# too1 89RI 8ou say it li%e I:m ma"e o' iron or somet&ing$ ESTELLE >+oul" you min" i' I sat ne;t to you1 /epede gets up to let =stelle have his spot. =stelle sits down and laughs. ESTELLE T&an% you>&e& &e&# it:s !arm$ )uri does not look at =stelle. %e keeps his eyes on the monster in the sky. =stelle glances at )uri, then she too watches the Adephagos. ESTELLE Tomorro! !e 'ace t&at A"ep&agos$ 89RI It:s ironic t&at !e:re actually using Ale;ei:s researc& to 'ig&t it$ ESTELLE I' t&ey &a" only *een a*le to t&in% o' ot&ers> )uri glances at =stelle who"s looking at the ground, then looks at the ground himself. 89RI 8ea&$ (ut t&ey ma"e t&eir c&oices$ ot&ing !e can "o a*out t&at$ ESTELLE =&oices> (loo%s at 8uri) 8ou:)e al!ays ma"e your o!n c&oices# &a)en:t you$ 89RI I 'igure" i' someone:s gonna c&oose# it mig&t as !ell *e me$ (loo%ing up) An" I !on:t 'in" out i' I ma"e t&e rig&t c&oices until t&e en"$ ESTELLE (ut>t&at:s !on"er'ul$ -a%ing a c&oice is so &ar"$ 89RI 8ou ma"e your o!n c&oice too$ =stelle shakes her head. ESTELLE I t&in% I 'igure" it out !&ile tra)eling !it& you all$ To li)e means to c&oose> >an" to &a)e t&e resol)e to ma%e t&ose c&oices$ 89RI I t&in% t&at:s %in" o' o)er"oing it$ ESTELLE I al!ays ,ust playe" t&e role I !as gi)en$ I !as &appy to &eal people an" *e t&an%e"$ (ut t&en I learne" my po!er !as poisoning t&e !orl"> Someone !as al!ays using me> 89RI >+&at a*out no!1 ESTELLE (loo%s at 8uri) I>I "on:t %no!$ (ut>I 'eel li%e I:m &ere# "oing !&at I am# *ecause it is my c&oice# my !is&$ I:m gla" I came on t&is ,ourney !it& you# 8uri$ 89RI -e too$ (loo%s at t&e s%y) I !asn:t too sure !&at !oul" &appen !&en you as%e" me to ta%e you out o' t&e castle$ ESTELLE (c&uc%ling) I:m sure$ )uri springs to his feet. 89RI I li%e tra)eling$ Lots o' "i''erent people# "i''erent e;periences$ +e tra)ele" t&e !&ole !orl"# *ut I ne)er got tire" o' it$ I t&in% it 'its me$ I t&in% I:ll ,ust %eep on going aroun"$

ESTELLE An" %eep &elping people in nee"$ )uri looks down at =stelle. 89RI 0a& &a& &a&$ -ay*e t&ere:s some tom*oy princess out t&ere *eing c&ase" *y an e)il monster$ ESTELLE >8ou:re mean$ 89RI 0a& &a& &a&$ =stelle gets to her feet. ESTELLE >It:s strange$ Rig&t no!>I:m not scare" at all$ I' anyt&ing# t&e t&oug&t t&at a ne! !orl" is a*out to "a!n is> 89RI T&e A"ep&agos !on:t %ill us$ +e:ll li)e on$ ESTELLE An" I:ll *e a*le to stay !it& e)eryone$ +it& you$ )uri and =stelle share a long look until =stelle looks down. 89RI T&an%s$ I 'eel t&e same !ay$ Let:s get it o)er !it&# an" li)e on in a 'uture !e c&oose$ ESTELLE O%ay3 +n the morning, they gather in the town"s center. 89RI Loo%s li%e you slept !ell$ ESTELLE 8es# i" "i"$ .AROL Li%e a log$ RAVE T&e *e" !as so muc& more com'orta*le t&an !&en !e !ere &ere *e'ore$ 89RI 8ea&# t&e !&ole to!n is in really goo" s&ape$ <97IT0 A city t&is nice nee"s a name$ RITA All rig&t# naming genius$ /i)e it a s&ot$ .AROL O%ay# o%ay$ Scrappy &ea"e"> /ita clouts .arol on top of the head. .arol sinks to his knees rubbing his head. .AROL 8ou suc%3 ESTELLE 9m> T&e lig&t t&at melts a!ay t&e sno!> Aurnion$ 0o!:s t&at1 +oder and 9lynn &oin them. IO7ER Aurnion> T&at:s a nice name$ 89RI o! it:s got t&e imperial seal o' appro)al$ T&at settles it$ FL8 It:s almost time$ 89RI 8ea&$ T&is time it really is t&e 'inal *attle$ FL8 +itc&er an" So"ia alrea"y le't$ T&ey say t&ey:ll *e in time no matter !&at$ 89RI +e:re counting on t&em$ +e can lea)e at any time$ Rig&t1 .AROL Rig&t3 RITA O' course$ REPE7E +oo'3 <97IT0 (a:ul is !aiting# too$ RAVE o! !e ,ust &a)e to 'ly$ ESTELLE Rig&t3 IO7ER +e &a)e "iscusse" t&e *lastia an" spirits an" !&at to "o a'ter e)eryt&ing is "one$ (ut I t&in% it !ill ta%e time 'or some to accept t&is c&ange$ FL8 8ou:re rig&t> -any people !ill *e so lost$ IO7ER 0o!e)er# t&ey cannot li)e in a ne! !orl" !it&out accepting t&e c&anges$

89RI IO7ER

>8ou:re rig&t$ I !ill start *y tal%ing !it& t&e people &ere$ T&ey *uilt t&is !on"er'ul city o' Aurnion 'rom not&ing *ut a plain$ FL8 8es# t&e resi"ents &ere s&oul" accept it$ 89RI /oo" luc%$ o one !oul" listen to me e)en i' I trie"$ ESTELLE o !ay3 IO7ER Estellise# e)eryone>ta%e care$ As )uri walks away, the rest of $rave 3esperia follow. The La*t Ho%e AUR"I." VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV VV 9lynn and +oder stand in front of the blastia. FL8 E)eryone3 Please3 Stop !or%ing 'or a moment$ 0is -a,esty Io"er &as somet&ing to say3 =veryone stops talking and stops working to listen. +oder looks at 9lynn and 9lynn nods. IO7ER I &a)e somet&ing )ery important to tell you all$ T&is !ill a''ect t&e empire# t&e guil"s an" e)en t&e Entele;eia$ $rave 3esperia stands outside the town entrance on the bridge looking back as the townsfolk gather around +oder and 9lynn. <97IT0 I !on"er i' t&ey:ll *e O.1 89RI T&ey *elie)e" in us enoug& to sen" us$ Let:s *elie)e in t&em$ ESTELLE 8es$ 89RI +ell# !e &a)e our o!n !or% to "o$ .arol$ 7o your t&ing$ .AROL Rig&t$ E)ery*o"y3 +e !ill !in no matter !&at3 On!ar" (ra)e Vesperia3 .arol raises his gloved fist into the air. RITA 8ea&3 ESTELLE Rig&t3 <97IT0 9n"erstoo"$ 89RI O%ay3 REPE7E +oo'3 RAVE 8ea&# sure$ I FOR-ATIO Reunite" !it& e)eryone$ They take to the air with $a"ul. S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT S+IT .ne Sur%ri*e a3ter Another The Pro9i*e o3 Hy%ionia Ca*ino Cra*her .n Sta0e Te))in0 o3 the Chan0in0 $or)d Ready 3or the 2ina) Batt)e & Men Ready 3or the 2ina) Batt)e & $o9en AurnionB* S%irit

SUB E!E"T# Sor,ererB* Rin0 Leve) M# S+IT I3 .n)y It Cou)d?

SUB E!E"T# Hot*%rin0 & Part I 86u9anCu:# Spa =ostume S%its5 S+IT "ot E/a,t)y $ar9 S+IT A Litt)e Too Ca*ua) S+IT 5ee% Ma**a0e S+IT "ot in That <etu% S+IT S,anda)ou*4 S+IT Man)y Mu*k S+IT <or0eou* 6ou know what* 6or90en ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They enter the ruins of )ormgen. .nights stand guard while members of the /uins" Cate guild work in the ruins. . I/0T (entrance) +&en !ill I *e a*le to>go &ome>1 T&ey s!ore>a relie' unit !as coming to ta%e o)er 'or us> >0ey>it scares me to t&in% a*out t&is# *ut> 8ou "on:t t&in% t&is is a "emotion trans'er>"o you>1 +OR.ER (pic%a;e) Our initial in)estigations &a)e re)eale" one t&ing$ T&ese ruins are )ery mysterious> +e *elie)e t&ey:re some one t&ousan" years ol"# *ut !e &a)en:t *een a*le to i"enti'y t&e reasons 'or t&is !eat&ering$ E)en supposing it collapse" "ue to a monster attac%> t&e !eat&ering is so unnatural$ (y t&e goo" name o' Ruins: /ate# !e:ll sol)e t&is mystery3 A knight of the 9lynn $rigade stands beside what"s left of the steps leading up to the sand covered remains of the inn. . I/0T I:m as&ame" to say !e &a)e a %nig&t collapsing e)ery single "ay &ere$ -y partner 'ell unconscious as !ell# an" !as !it&"ra!n *ac% to 4ap&ias$ 0e al!ays pus&es &imsel' too &ar"> T&e *i?arre monster t&at appeare" in t&e s%y>!&at "o you suppose it is1 It smells li%e an emergency situation to me# *ut !it& t&ings as t&ey are>!e !oul"n:t *e o' any &elp> SUB E!E"T# I))u*ion +n the ruins of )ormgen, they find a red bo in the remains of the inn. )uri looks at what used to be the wall with the window. I FOR-ATIO T&ere:s !riting &ere# *ut it can *arely *e rea"$ =>e>il>e H&eartI Fr>ng> A %nig&t stan"s !&ere t&e mar%et use" to *e$ . I/0T I &a)en:t seen any ot&er units at all lately# let alone our replacement unit> I !on"er i' all t&e ot&er %nig&ts &a)e gone to "eal !it& t&at strange monster in t&e s%y$ I &ear our captain is lea"ing t&e !ay$ Say>you "on:t suppose Sir Flynn &as 'orgotten a*out us *ecause o' t&at monster# "o you1 +OR.ER (s&o)el) T&ese ruins are so unusual>*ut people "e'initely

li)e" &ere$ +e:)e 'oun" se)eral traces o' &a*itation$ Pieces o' *uil"ings# too$ -onsters "on:t really &a)e arc&itectural s%ills# no! "o t&ey1 I' I &a" to guess# I:" say t&is !as a .ritya settlement> S+IT Invi*i()e 2ur

SUB E!E"T# +owF Boy & Part M R2ina)S# S+IT S+IT It Look* <reat on 6ou Too Hi0h 3or .ther* 8Southea*t $e,,ea:

SUB E!E"T# En,oura0e9ent o3 the S,hwann Tea9 & Part ' 8Aurnion: SUB SUB SUB SUB E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# <ui)d Que*t <ui)d Que*t <ui)d Que*t En,oura0e9ent Part Q Part Q Part Q o3 the a 8Mantai,:# ( 85ahn0re*t:# , 8"a9 Co(anda I*)e:# S,hwann Tea9 Part '#

AUR"I." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A'ter Spirit =on)ersion -eeting in Aurnion J (e'ore /oing to Tar6aron$ .RIT8A -A 0is 0ig&ness Io"er announce" t&at &e !oul" %ill t&at monster !it& t&e *lastia core$ I &ope I can &elp !it& t&at to ma%e up 'or not *eing a*le to &elp !it& *uil"ing t&e to!n$ Luc%ily# I:m stu"ying t&e *lastia# so I t&in% !e nee" to consi"er !&at to "o a'ter t&ere are no more le't$ OL7ER -A T&is is a!'ul3 0o! !ill !e li)e !it&out a *arrier1 (ut i' 0is 0ig&ness tells us to "o it# I guess !e &a)e to> I "on:t !anna get 'ire" 'or not o*eying t&e emperor:s or"ers3 (9IL7ER (*an"ana) +&en t&ere:s no more *lastia# !e guil" cra'tsman !ill really s&o! !&at !e:re ma"e o'3 +e:)e gotta s&o! Mem t&at t&e !orl" can still sur)i)e e)en !it&out *lastia3 I:m raring to go3 I:m rea"y 'or t&e 'uture t&at:s sure to come$ Let:s !or% toget&er3 (9IL7ER (&elmet) All !or% an" no sleep3 I:m gonna "rop "ea"3 (ut &ey# 0E83 I:m gonna "o t&is3 SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# 5eve)o%9ent o3 Aurnion & Part '# <ui)d Que*t Part Q d 8Aurnion:# <ui)d Que*t Part Q e 8Za%hia*:# <ui)d Que*t Part Q 3 8Za%hia*:# <ui)d Que*t Part Q 0 8Ca%ua "or:# <ui)d Que*t Part Q h 8<ho*t Shi%1 Atheru9:# <ui)d Que*t Part Q i 8Caer Bo,ra9:#

SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB S+IT SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB SUB S+IT

E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T#

<ui)d Que*t Part Q C 85ahn0re*t:# <ui)d Que*t Part Q k 8Mantai,:# <ui)d Que*t* & Part U 85ahn0re*t:# Pro3e**or Si,i)y Part M# <o)den So)dier# +in0 o3 Adventure 2ina) Part# S%irit Ma0i, & Part E R2ina)S# .ne "i0ht Trainin0 5ark En3or,er & Part W R2ina)S Bi0 !oi,e Conte*t# $hat "ot To 5o $hen <atherin0

E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T# E!E"T5

5o0 Ma% & Part M 8Aurnion XMY Co9%)etion: E*te))eD* Tea,her Part M 8Aurnion:# 5edi,ated Para9edi, & Part E 8Aurnion:# Study o3 Her9e* Part T 8Aurnion:# 5o0 Ma% Part Q R2ina)S 8Za%hia*:5 5edi,ated Para9edi, & Part I8Aurnion:5 5edi,ated Para9edi, & Part T 8Aurnion:5 E*te))eD* Tea,her Part Q R2ina)S 8Aurnion:# Re(ui)din0 the Union 2ina) Part5

So9ethin0B* "ot Ri0ht

SUB E!E"T# Mi*ka 5o,tora) 5e0ree & Part '# SUB E!E"T# Mi*ka 5o,tora) 5e0ree & Part '# S+IT Learn $e))

TARQAR." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The entrance floor of Tar#aron has elements of a gothic castle architecture. Stone columns set on stone floors support arched ceilings. ;uminous blastia formulas criss-cross beneath the suspended floors. RAVE 7amn# t&is is &uge$ .AROL It really 'eels li%e it reac&es t&e s%y$ RITA An" t&is t&ing !as ,ust sleeping in t&e groun" near Aspio$ I can:t *elie)e it> ESTELLE Is t&at 'iel" aroun" it t&e 'ormula t&at is a*sor*ing li'e 'orce1 RITA >It loo%s t&at !ay$ T&is isn:t goo"$ It loo%s li%e it came toget&er pretty 6uic%ly$ RAVE So t&ere:s not muc& time le't$ .AROL 0ey# aren:t !e in trou*le too1 <97IT0 I' it:s a*sor*ing li'e 'rom e)eryone# t&at s&oul" a''ect us as !ell# *ut> =stelle begins to radiate a bluish light. 89RI Estelle1 ESTELLE T&e spirits> T&ey:)e s!at&e" us in t&eir po!er$ RITA So !e s&oul" *e 'ine as long as t&e spirits: po!er is greater t&an t&at 'ormula$

RAVE <97IT0

=an:t !e ,ust get on (a:ul an" 'ly up to t&e top1 I "ou*t it !oul" a''ect (a:ul# *ut !e pro*a*ly coul"n:t ta%e it$ RITA 8ou ,ust "on:t !ant to clim* up$ RAVE O' course not3 +&o "o you t&in% I am13 89RI Sorry ol" man# *ut it loo%s li%e !e:re !al%ing$ /aven droops with disappointment. RAVE 8ay> (!it&out any ent&usiasm) 89RI +e "on:t %no! !&at:s in store 'or us$ Stay s&arp$ S+IT The An,ient Civi)iFation They enter a hall and emerge in a tower with platforms connected by crystal stairs with no visible supports. A shining light runs upward through clear cylinders e tending through the platforms and up the height of the tower. %uge apatheia crystals revolve and monsters float in clear canisters while formulas rotate inside diameter of the tower like gears. .AROL +&oa> 89RI -an> 0o! coul" all o' t&is *e %ept un"ergroun" 'or so long1 ESTELLE T&e ancient /eraios ci)ili?ation$ T&is is more ama?ing t&an anyt&ing in a *oo%$ RITA Somet&ing 'eels strange$ I %no! t&is is a !eapon# *ecause &e:s going to use it against t&e A"ep&agos$ (ut 'rom t&e outsi"e# it loo%e" li%e a city$ 7i" t&ey turn an entire city into a !eapon1 <97IT0 T&is place" is enormous$ So many people must &a)e li)e" &ere$ 89RI An" no! one man is &ole" up in &ere to "estroy e)ery last person$ RAVE 7u%e> I:" rat&er not meet &im i' !e "on:t &a)e to$ T&at sol"ier !as alrea"y a &ero in t&e /reat +ar$ +&o %no!s &o! muc& stronger &e:s gotten since$ 89RI +&at are you tal%ing a*out1 +e:ll ,ust %ill t&e A"ep&agos *e'ore !e 'ig&t 7u%e$ .AROL T&en 7u%e !on:t &a)e a reason to sacri'ice &umanity$ RAVE I &ope so> S+IT S+IT S+IT BaBu) .n Hi* .wn <ettin0 Lo*t An An,ient Re)i,

They leave the crystal power area and enter an older more ancient part of the tower with stone staircases. %ere they enter a door leading to narrow paths leading to a suspended stone dais in the center. There they find Zagi with his arm blastia still crackling but red this time. %is voice echos with a strange dual resonance that has nothing to do with the acoustics of the tower. 4A/I 8ou %no! &o! I &ate !aiting# 8uri Lo!ell3 An" !&ere "o you t&in% you:re going !it& me rig&t &ere1 <97IT0 8ou:re ali)e$ 7on:t you e)er "ie1 89RI 8ou ,ust ne)er 6uit$ 0o! many times "o I &a)e to tell you1 I "on:t !ant anyt&ing to "o !it& you3 4A/I 8ou:re trying to sa)e t&e !orl"1 0e& &e& &e&$ T&e !orl" !ill go *ye-*ye i' you "on:t &urry1 Is t&at it1

.AROL 4A/I

I' you %no! t&at muc&# t&en "on:t get in our !ay3 O& no no no no no3 T&at:s !&at gi)es it so muc& meaning3 RITA >+&at:s t&is guy tal%ing a*out1 4A/I Loo%$ Zagi holds up his red cracking arm blastia on his left arm.. The left shoulder area of his tunic has been torn away. The e posed skin there is puckered and sagging in unsightly folds. %owever, this does not seem to bother Zagi. %is attention is focused solely on his magnificent weapon. 4A/I T&ere:s a seal 'urt&er on$ I' you !ant to get *y# you &a)e to ta%e t&is arm 'rom my *o"y$ 89RI 8ou *astar">3 4A/I A& &a& &a& &a& &a& &a&3 8uuuuuriiiii3 I' you !ant to sa)e t&e !orl"# t&en you &a)e to go t&roug& me$ ESTELLE +&y13 +&y are you "oing somet&ing so meaningless1 4A/I -eaningless1 -eaningless1 O&# *ut it "oes mean somet&ing3 T&is !ay# you:ll 'ig&t !it& e)eryt&ing you:)e got$ 89RI 4agi> I ne)er t&oug&t you !ere t&is cra?y$ Fine$ Let:s 'inis& t&is$ )uri unsheathes his sword. 4A/I 0a& &a& &a&3 S&o! me your anger3 8our rage3 /i)e me e)eryt&ing you:)e got3 (ecause i' you "on:t>you !on:t get any &ig&er3 After the battle, Zagi is driven down to one knee and using his crackling blastia to keep himself upright. 4A/I 0e& &e& &e&$ It "oesn:t &urt> It "oesn:t &urt at all> 0m1 I can:t mo)e$ +&at a !ea% *o"y> I s&oul" c&ange my ne;t *o"y to a *lastia# too$ T&at !oul" *e more 'un$ Rig&t 8uri1 The team watches Zagi in silence. Zagi begins to laugh. 4A/I 0ee &ee &ee$ A& &a& &a& &a& &a&> Zagi struggles to his feet but he"s shaky. )uri approaches and Zagi looks up at him grinning. %is hand still gripping the hilt of his sword, )uri strikes Zagi. Zagi staggers. )uri"s eyes are cold and pitiless. 4A/I 9g&$ 89RI 7o it in &ell$ Zagi backs away from )uri and falls backward over the edge of the dais. /aven walks to the edge and watches with )uri as Zagi fall into the void with a grin on his face. <97IT0 o one un"erstoo" &im# so &e put so muc& meaning on 'ig&ting$ Poor t&ing> RAVE Still# &is s%ills ma"e &im pretty 'amous$ Somet&ing &appene" a'ter &e met you all$ ESTELLE 0e really loo%e" li%e &e en,oye" 'ig&ting$ -ay*e &e t&oug&t t&at &e coul" let loose !it& e)eryt&ing !&en &e 'oug&t 8uri$ .AROL So 8uri !as t&e only person &e coul" "o t&at !it&1 89RI +&at "o I care a*out some*o"y t&at cra?y1 RITA T&e "o!n'all o' someone !it& too muc& po!er$ 89RI $ $ $ (&ea)y sig&) +e:)e !aste" too muc& time on t&is$ Let:s go$ ><u"y1 Hudith is facing away from them with $a"ul"s horn to her ear.

<97IT0 89RI <97IT0

O%ay$ O%ay# got it$ 7i" somet&ing &appen to (a:ul1 o# &e:s 'ine$ I !as ,ust as%ing !&at it !as li%e outsi"e$ RITA 0o! 'ar along is t&e li'e a*sor*ing 'ormula1 <97IT0 (a:ul "oesn:t %no! anyt&ing a*out 'ormulas$ RITA 8ea&# I guess you:re rig&t> <97IT0 I tol" (a:ul to mo)e aroun" as &e sa! 'it$ +e s&oul" mo)e along too# rig&t1 ,ne by one they all cross the dais and move closer to Hudy. .AROL 8ea&$ Let:s &urry$ S+IT S+IT Za0iB* End Za0i & Part E

They climb narrow ramps until they are back on the outside of the tower. Climbing stairs until they find a door, they enter a cavern and make their way to a set of rough hewn stairs of stone. ESTELLE T&ose stairs> They walk to the foot of the stairs where they can see a light at the very top. A purple mist swirls around the stairs. 89RI Seems li%e t&e top is ,ust up t&ere$ 7u%e must *e t&ere too$ T&is is t&e moment o' trut&$ Is e)ery*o"y rea"y1 RAVE I:)e *een rea"y$ Let:s "o it$ .AROL 8ea&$ +e &a)e to "o t&is$ RAVE Rig&t$ E)en t&is ol" man:s gonna put up a 'ig&t$ ESTELLE People *elie)e in us$ T&ey:re !aiting 'or us$ +e must "e'eat t&e A"ep&agos3 For t&em3 <97IT0 An" 'or P&aero& an" (elius> For t&e memories o' t&e Entele;eia> REPE7E +oo'3 89RI Let:s go3 SUB E!E"T# Ho%e o3 the Town S+IT Ho9e1 Sweet Ho9e

They see 2uke on the seventh floor standing far away near a huge fountain in a garden. 89RI 7u%e>3 They travel the long cobbled walkway to reach 2uke. As they come near, 2uke looks over his shoulder. The 2ein >omos stands upright on the ground before him. At rest, the sword radiates twinkling energy into the air around it. 89RI 7u%e# !e &a)e t&e 'our elemental spirits$ T&eir po!er can counter t&e A"ep&agos$ ESTELLE T&ere:s no nee" to use people to "estroy t&e A"ep&agos3 2uke considers their words while watching the Adephagos writhe in the sky. 79.E Loo% at its si?e$ Four spirits are not&ing against it$ RAVE T&ey:re crucial$ +e:ll ma%e up t&e rest *y turning t&e *lastia cores to spirits too$ .AROL E)ery single core in t&e !orl"3

RAVE 79.E <97IT0 79.E 89RI 79.E RAVE 79.E RAVE 79.E ESTELLE 79.E 89RI RAVE 79.E

89RI 7u%e

.AROL 7u%e

<97IT0 79.E 89RI ESTELLE

An" as a *onus# it:ll put an en" to t&e *lastia culture t&at you &ate so muc&$ ot too s&a**y# &u&1 >I "ou*t &umans !ill &an" o)er t&eir *lastia 6uietly$ Or !ill you 'orce t&em1 =an you not *elie)e t&at people can mo)e 'or!ar" an" c&ange1 0umans !ill not let somet&ing go once it is in t&eir grasp$ So you !on:t listen> +e !ill "estroy t&e A"ep&agos our o!n !ay$ Please# !ait ,ust a little longer$ >An" !ill t&e !orl" return to its 'ormer state1 0u&1 +ill t&e aer *e controlle" *y t&e Entele;eia1 +ill all li'e return to a time !&en nature rule"1 o> 8ou are c&anging t&is !orl"-our Terca Lumireis-'or !&at1 For t&e con)enience o' &umans$ ot&ing more$ =an:t you t&in% t&at t&e !orl" mig&t *e gro!ing1 I t&in% o' t&e Entele;eia *ecoming spirits as e)olution$ =an:t you see t&at1 >I !oul" not presume to spea% on t&e c&oices o' t&e Entele;eia$ 0o!e)er# I also &a)e my c&oices$ So you !on:t listen to us *ecause !e:re &umans1 8ou say you can:t trust people so you ,ust "rop e)eryt&ing$ T&en !&en it:s too late# you try to !ipe t&em out13 >7o you %no! !&at t&is to!er is1 Tar6aron !as once a city# *ut t&e ancients turne" it into a !eapon$ To "estroy t&e Entele;eia3 3 To t&e ancients !&o "i" not recogni?e t&e t&reat o' t&e *lastia> >t&e Entele;eia# !&o attac%e" t&e *lastia# !ere not&ing more t&an a nuisance$ An" t&e aer !ent out o' *alance# an" t&e A"ep&agos appeare"> Only t&en "i" &umans listen to t&e !or"s o' t&e Entele;eia$ Our !orl" &as seen many sacri'ices$ 8et &umans committe" t&e same o''ence$ An" t&ey !ill again$ T&ose !&o eat a!ay an" ruing t&is !orl"> T&ose !&o !oul" c&ange t&e !orl" 'or t&eir o!n continue" e;istence> T&ey are apostles o' "estruction greater t&an e)en t&e A"ep&agos$ I ma"e a )o! to my 'rien"# t&at I !oul" protect t&is !orl"$ Eluci'ur> >So .&roma tol" you1 8ea&$ S&e also tol" us to stop you$ S&e listene" to us# too# an" *ecame a spirit$ So please# !e can "o t&is toget&er>

79.E

89RI 79.E

ESTELLE

>Enoug&$ I' t&e Entele;eia !oul" t&ro! a!ay t&eir mission# t&en I !ill ta%e it up$ I nee" not !ait 'or your met&o"$ Once I complete t&is 'ormula# t&e !orl" !ill *e sa)e"$ 7u%e> Stop3 As long as &umans rule# t&ey !ill commit t&e same o''ence time an" again$ I' t&at &appens# t&eir &earts !ill gro! !il" an" t&e 'uture !ill *e e)en more pain'ul$ E)en i' t&at &appens# it is t&e pat& !e c&oose$ E)en i' !e are &urt or stoppe"# !e can still !al% again as long as !e "on:t gi)e up3

RITA

S&e:s rig&t$ 8ou:ll ne)er 'in" anyt&ing ne! i' you:re a'rai" o' ma%ing mista%es$ O' 'ailing$ An" unli%e you# !e &a)en:t c&osen t&is pat& on our o!n$ E)eryone "eci"e" on it$ .AROL 8ea&3 /oing it alone mig&t *e toug&> >*ut !e:re not alone$ I' one person can:t "o it# t&en !e "o it toget&er$ I 'inally learne" t&at !e can !al% toget&er li%e t&at3 79.E T&at may *e su''icient 'or t&ose !&o are connecte" to one anot&er$ ('inally turns to 'ace t&em) 0o!e)er# t&ere !ill al!ays *e some !&o cannot accept a "i''icult 'uture$ 8ou all surely un"erstan" t&at$ <97IT0 It !ill *e "i''icult# *ut t&at is reality$ (ut t&ey !ill ta%e !&at c&anges# t&in%# an" c&ange again$ (ot& t&e people an" t&e !orl"$ So e)en i' it ta%es tens# &un"re"s o' years>t&ey !ill listen some"ay$ I %no! t&is no!$ T&at:s !&at it means to li)e$ RAVE Rig&t$ t&ere are t&ings you &a)e to protect> (ut t&is ol" man !ants to see !&at lies a&ea" 'or people in t&e ne;t era$ See &o! t&e 'ools c&ange$ For t&ose !&o can:t see t&em anymore$ 2uke ga!es at the 2ein >omos standing on the ground before him. 79.E +e are in contra"iction> >0o!e)er our 'eelings 'or t&e !orl" are no "i''erent$ 0o! o""$ 89RI o# it:s not$ T&e 'uture !e c&ose>!&at !e see 'or t&e 'uture>is "i''erent$ 79.E T&e 'uture must *e protecte"$ I' it is not# t&en "estruction a!aits$ 89RI +e ma%e t&e 'uture$ 8ou trust t&e pat& you c&oose an" create it$ The formula is complete. /aven drops his hand and shakes his head, knowing further discussion is futile. 2uke takes the 2ein >omos in hand and turns to face them. The sword crackles with red energy running from the base of the hilt to the tip of its blade. 79.E It is ine)ita*le$

=ome3 The battle begins. After a bit, the battle pauses for conversation. 79.E o! I %no! !&at P&aero& sa! in you> 89RI 8ou:re pretty strong yoursel'$ 79.E 0ump&$ 0o! un'ortunate$ I !is& I coul" !al% toget&er !it& you all a !&ile longer$ Per&aps !e !oul" &a)e &a" a "i''erent encounter> 89RI It:s not too late$ 79.E It is$ -y pat& !as set !&en t&e A"ep&agos co)ere" t&e s%y$ 89RI (!&ipping &is s!or") 8ou stu**orn *astar"3 Stooping down to one knee, 2uke drives the blade of the 2ein >omos into the ground. A bright light issues from the contact point, almost obscuring 2uke totally from view. 79.E T&e *est pat& 'or an en"uring !orl" is to return it to its natural state$ T&at is t&e pat& I c&ose3 I !ill "ie 'or t&at$ -y 'rien">gi)e me your strengt&3 The light activates crystals set around the dais they stand upon. A circular formula forms and rises changing the garden into a blue dais of formulas in the sky. 2ukes body becomes glowing white light. The battle begins and 2uke"s second form is defeated and )uri is ama!ed as a red sword rises in front of him. ESTELLE +&at1 +&at:s going on13 All seven fell arms rise into the sky surrounding 2uke who"s enveloped in a shining light. 79.E Impossi*le> T&is is t&e spiral "raco> <97IT0 T&e 'ell arms are reacting to 7ein omos13 An" !&at:s t&at lig&t surroun"ing 7u%e>13 RITA 7ein omos an" t&e to!er are com*ining to restore t&e po!er o' t&e 'ell arms3 (ut &o!>13 A column of light rises like a sword blade from the center of the dais. All seven fell arms revolve around its mid-point, emitting bright neon colors -hat is light becomes dark and what is dark becomes light. RAVE +&at:s going on>13 ESTELLE Are t&ese t&e 'ell arms in t&eir true 'orm>13 .AROL T&ey:re not&ing li%e t&ey use" to *e3 +n this negative environment, 2uke"s hair is black, his clothing is radiant white and his skin is silver. 79.E o!# t&e ancient %ing o' t&e Entele;eia !ill 'ig&t at my si"e>3 It is t&e !ill o' t&e )ery planet$ t&e !ill o' Terca Lumireis itsel'3 The world changes back to normal and the weapons reappear in front the team. 89RI I "on:t gi)e a "amn a*out your cra?y i"eas3 +e "eci"e our o!n sense o' rig&t an" !rong$ T&e rest# I lea)e to my s!or"$ 8ou !ill not *e persua"e"# I see> Per&aps it is 'or t&e *est$

79.E

2uke"s skin has turned dark and his eyes are now green. %is coat is gone revealing a green blastia in his chest. 79.E <oin me no! in *attle# 'or t&e sa%e o' t&is !orl"3 At last 2uke lies on his back, defeated, looking sadly up at the sky above him. 79.E I:m sorry>Eluci'ur> I coul" not %eep>my promise> 89RI O0u''O > O&u''O > )uri catches his breath then walks over to 2uke and stands beside his fallen foe. 89RI I "on:t %no! !&at Eluci'ur !as li%e# so t&is "oesn:t mean muc& coming 'rom me$ (ut i' Eluci'ur 'oug&t 'or &umans "uring t&e great !ar# >t&en I "on:t t&in% &e:" !ant &is 'rien" to re,ect &umanity$ 79.E Eluci'ur:s !is&> 9ull of sadness, 2uke closes his eyes. 79.E To protect t&e !orl"> Peace 'or all li)ing t&ings> )uri looks down at 2uke. .arol rushes to )uri"s side. .AROL 8uri3 0urry3 89RI I:m on it$ (yells) /ita prepares an arte. RITA 0ere !e go> Estelle# sync&roni?e$ <u"it&# gi)e me support$ ESTELLE O%ay> -ith )uri in the center, =stelle stands in front of him while the others fan out behind )uri in a half circle. <97IT0 9n"erstoo"$ RITA 8uri# let:s go3 RAVE +e:re counting on you# *oss3 )uri activates $rave 3esperia 5. 89RI 0aaa&3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------(en"ing anime cutscene) 89RI 79.E 89RI PATT8 .AROL RITA ESTELLE RAVE <97IT0 FL8 79.E 9aaaag&3 So t&en# t&ey truly inten" to gi)e up t&e *lastia> 9aaaag&3 I-It stoppe"31 O&# no !ay3 Our plan isn:t !or%ing3 o# it:s o%ay3 <ust a little more3 It ,ust nee"s a little more po!er3 (ut &o!1 T&ere isn:t any more3 =ome on3 +e gotta "o somet&ing3 It:s gotta !or%3 It2s not o)er yet$$$3 Entele;eia> Spirits> 0umans> Eluci'ur> =an t&is !orl" truly c&ange13

89RI

7ammit> come on3 @ RAVE =2mon3

.AROL# RITA# PATT8# ESTELLE# <97IT0# FL8 ESTELLE .AROL RITA RAVE <97IT0 PATT8 FL8 79.E 89RI

Spirits> 8ou mean all o' t&em1 A!esome> All o' t&e Entele;eia !&o *ecame A"ep&agos> T&ey all trans'orme" into t&ese spirits$ So t&e A"ep&agos !as also a part o' t&is !orl"$ 9n*elie)a*le$ It:s so> *eauti'ul$ Sure is3 $$$It !or%e"$ >+as t&is truly t&e rig&t t&ing 'or us to "o1 I "on:t %no!$ +e lost all o' t&e *lastia an" !it& t&at# t&e *arriers are gone> (ut !e c&ose t&at pat&# so I guess !e gotta li)e !it& it$ As long as !e:re still ali)e# !e:re *e O.$ 8ou are strong$ 8ea&# !ell> T&at:s *ecause I:m not alone$ 0ey# 7u%e3 See you aroun"$ 8uri3

79.E 89RI 89RI 89RI .AROL

(en" o' cutscene) ---------------------------------------------------------------------EG E+ /A-E Options5

: <apanese Te;t /ra"e Purc&ase5 /ra"e =ost 7escription --------------------------------------------------(7i)i"er 'or )isual appeal)

-a; \\ Items5 NPP Possess up to \\ o' eac& item$ -------------------------------------------------Items5 SPP In&erit all items 'rom pre)ious play t&roug& (Omit Valua*le Items) -------------------------------------------------/al"5 DPPP In&erit all /al" earne" in pre)ious play t&roug& -------------------------------------------------Titles5 SPP In&erit all titles earne" in pre)ious play t&roug&$ -------------------------------------------------=ollector:s (oo%5 DP In&erit in'ormation in t&e =ollector:s (oo%$ --------------------------------------------------

Enemy (oo%5 DP In&erit in'ormation in t&e Enemy (oo%$ -------------------------------------------------Recipes5 DP In&erit all recipes learne" in pre)ious play t&roug&$ -------------------------------------------------=oo%ing S%ill5 SP In&erit current coo%ing s%ill le)el$ -------------------------------------------------+orl" -ap5 3PP In&erit to!n an" "ungeon in'ormation on t&e +orl" -ap$ -------------------------------------------------=ra't S%ill5 DP In&erit current cra't s%ill le)el$ -------------------------------------------------Recor"s5 DP In&erit current in'ormation liste" in t&e ARecor"B menu$ -------------------------------------------------Artes5 DPPP In&erit all artes 'rom pre)ious play t&roug&$ T&is option is 'or all c&aracters$ -------------------------------------------------S%ills5 DPPP In&erit all %ills 'rom pre)ious play t&roug&$ T&is option is 'or all c&aracters$ -------------------------------------------------8uri Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or 8uri$ -------------------------------------------------Estelle Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or Estelle$ -------------------------------------------------.arol Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or .arol$ -------------------------------------------------Rita Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or Rita$ -------------------------------------------------Ra)en Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or Ra)en$ -------------------------------------------------<u"it& Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or <u"it&$ -------------------------------------------------Repe"e Artes @ S%ills5 3SP In&erit Artes$ Arte usage status an" S%ills 'rom pre)ious T&is option is only 'or Repe"e$ -------------------------------------------------Increase -a; 0P5 SPP Start t&e game !it& ma;imum 0P increase" *y EPX$ =annot *e use" !it& A7ecrease -a; 0PB$

play t&roug&$

play t&roug&$

play t&roug&$

play t&roug&$

play t&roug&$

play t&roug&$

play t&roug&$

-------------------------------------------------7ecrease -a; 0P5 DP Start t&e game !it& ma;imum 0P "ecrease" *y EPX$ =annot *e use" !it& AIncrease -a; 0PB$ -------------------------------------------------Increase -a; TP5 SPP Start t&e game !it& ma;imum TP increase" *y EPX$ =annot *e use" !it& A7ecrease -a; TPB$ -------------------------------------------------7ecrease -a; TP5 DP Start t&e game !it& ma;imum TP "ecrease" *y EPX$ =annot *e use" !it& AIncrease -a; 0PB$ -------------------------------------------------E; /al"5 ^PP Earn t!ice t&e amount o' /al" in *attle$ -------------------------------------------------Increase O)er Limit5 DPPP 7ou*les t&e spee" at !&ic& t&e O)er Limit gauge 'ills$ -------------------------------------------------DJE E;perience5 DP 7ecrease t&e amount o' EGP earne" to &al'$ =annot *e use" !it& ot&er EGP relate" s%ills$ -------------------------------------------------7ou*le E;perience5 DPPP Earn t!ice t&e normal EGP in *attle$ =annot *e use" in com*ination !it& ot&er EGP relate" options$ -------------------------------------------------DP; E;perience5 3PPP Earn DP times t&e normal EGP in *attle$ =annot *e use" !it& ot&er EGP relate" options$ -------------------------------------------------E; /ra"e5 3PPP Earn t!ice t&e amount o' /RA7E> -------------------------------------------------S%ill SP D5 3PPP Re"uce t&e SP consumption 'or using s%ills to D$ -------------------------------------------------Increase Item 7rop Rate5 DPPP 7ou*les t&e c&ance o' ac6uiring items 'rom a *attle$ -------------------------------------------------(attle Tec&ni6ues5 SP Set EGP )alue to D an" increase *onus EGP *y S;$ -------------------------------------------------9nloc% (attle Ran%5 SP 9nloc% *attle "i''iculty A9 . O+ B$ -------------------------------------------------9nloc% All S%its5 DPPP 8ou can )ie! all s%its on t&e S%it Player at am =o*an"a Isle locate" some!&ere in t&is !orl"$ -------------------------------------------------O otesO (more to come) -T&e minor c&anges in t&e WEGPW relate" "escriptions !ere in game an" not a typo -W(attle Tec&ni6uesW is essentially t&e e6ui)alent to W=om*o EGPW in ot&er games

-Purc&asing W9nloc% All S%itsW allo!s you to see t&e s%it 'or 8uri2s Item 0ater title regar"less o' item usage