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Chapter 23: Two Faces of Evil

Opening

narrator
The capital of Renais.
It had only begun to recover from the damage it suffered during Grado's initial invasion.
Fado, Renais's Warrior King, had spearheaded the restoration efforts himself.
However, upon receiving news of Grado's victory over Jehanna, he readied his forces and steeled his heart for the inevitable return of Lyon's army.
It is here that Lyon will once again confront his childhood friends...
selena
We have subdued the soldiers protecting the city.
The bulk of their forces, however, are entrenched in the castle.
valter
Fills one with déjà vu, does it not?
lyon
I made the mistake of leaving early the last time we were here.
Without my guidance, my father was not able to finish things properly...
But I needed to ensure we caught Eirika. And we failed at that too...
valter
There was nothing we could've done, I assure you.
The princess and her knight fought like cornered hounds.
I can attest to that myself. Hahahahaha...
It will truly be a pleasure to have a rematch with them.
selena
According to our information, the entire royal family is here.
What shall be done with them?
lyon
King Fado has to die. We cannot risk a repeat of last time.
...But we need Eirika and Ephraim alive.
valter
Sentimentalism will lose you the fight again, my emperor.
riev
Heh heh heh... It is no mere sentiment, my friend Moonstone.
Only the royal siblings know the location of Renais's twin bracelets.
We need these bracelets. They're not mere adornments.
They are the keys to a hidden chamber deep within this keep.
And inside that chamber... resides Renais's Sacred Stone.
selena
How do you know all of this?
It must be a closely guarded secret. Our spies could never glean this.
lyon
The knight Orson told me. It was part of our deal.
Apparently the king confided in him and General Seth alone.
Even Ephraim and Eirika did not know the secret... at least, not then.
valter
"Then," Emperor?
lyon
...I sensed a strange magic in the things, way back when.
So I asked Eirika what the secret of her bracelet was.
She stared blankly and I played it off as a joke.
Ephraim said that if I wanted one, I should just ask.
Then we just... moved on from the topic and kept talking.
Talking about nothing in particular...
valter
Oh, what a beautiful thing young love is...
You were using those royal morons from the start, were you not?
Come now, my emperor. You may as well admit it.
It's not the worst thing you've ever done... Hahahahaha!
lyon
I used nobody. Eirika and Ephraim, they...
They're my friends. The greatest friends I've ever had.
valter
Friends don't usually conquer each other and kill each other's parents.
...But it's not my place to judge. I am your loyal general, Emperor.
If you order them taken alive, so it shall be done.
It's okay. I can have some fun toying with them... Hahahaha...
lyon
......
Move out. Bring me King Fado's head.
(Valter and Selena leave.)
lyon
You as well, Caellach, Glen.
caellach
Aye, sire.
glen
......
lyon
Glen?
Please, I would hear you give the order.
glen
...Move out, troops. We conquer Renais once more.
lyon
Thank you.
(Lyon leaves.)
riev
Heh heh heh... You want some friendly advice, Sunstone?
Try to do a better job of pretending you don't despise him.
Do recall what happened to the last fools who tried to betray him...
And they outnumbered you a hundred to one. Heh heh heh...
(Riev leaves.)
glen
......
caellach
Dammit, Glen! Your uptightness is going to get us killed!
glen
...Urgh... Forgive me, Caellach...
caellach
Don't apologize, just start acting the part!
glen
...Sigh...

Castle Renais

soldier
...The city is now under Grado's control.
We can expect no help from the provinces.
What are we to do, Your Majesty?
fado
......
Knowing what we know now... We cannot surrender.
This is a battle for the fate of not just Renais, but the world.
We must defeat Lyon, no matter the cost.
Let the troops know.
soldier
Yes, Your Majesty...
(The soldier leaves.)
fado
......
ephraim
Father, this looks dire.
Why will you not allow me to fight? Let me help!
fado
Must I go over this again? You and Eirika are Renais's future.
You carry our hopes and dreams, not to mention our Sacred Stone.
You should have left already! Why are you still here?
eirika
With Sieglinde and Siegmund in our grasp, we will not be defeated.
Please, Father! I don't want to watch our homeland fall again...
I need not escape like a helpless damsel again! I can fight as well!
fado
Fools! I already explained this!
Why will you not listen to me for once?!
(Eirika and Ephraim flinch.)
ephraim
Father!
eirika
Ah...
fado
...Forgive me, my children... Please, I beg you to forgive me...
eirika
Father...
seth
If I may, Princess, Prince... Yours is a vital task.
Renais's Sacred Stone is one of two that remain in the entire world.
It is no longer safe here. You must deliver it to Rausten.
It is our best chance to turn the tides of this war...
fado
Seth speaks the truth.
That's why you need to leave this place, before it is too late!
ephraim
And what of you, Father?
fado
...If we can stop them here, it will all be over.
We must at least try.
Moreover, I refuse to abandon my people in their time of need.
I am the king of Renais. Protecting my country is my utmost duty!
eirika
But, Father...
seth
I will remain here with the king. You need not worry.
I shan't allow any harm to befall your father, Princess.
eirika
I...
Seth, there is no knight I trust more than you.
And yet... What if you lose? What if you are both...
seth
Please, dry your tears, Princess...
Undeniably, the risk exists. And yet there is nothing to be done.
This is the lot of the knight. It is our duty.
fado
We need you to be strong, my children.
As harrowing as it may be... All of Magvel is threatened.
Any sacrifice is small when so much is at stake.
ephraim
......
Make sure you survive, Father. Don't you dare die on us!
eirika
Thinking I lost you once... It was enough.
fado
I have no intention to die here.
Lest you forgot, I am known as the Warrior King.
They will not find me such an easy opponent.
seth
We shall emerge victorious. Of that, you can be certain.
Go without worry, Princess!
eirika
...Fine. Let's go, Ephraim...
ephraim
Urgh... You better win, you hear me, Father?!
(Eirika and Ephraim leave.)
fado
...Well, then... This is it.
seth
The two of them will leave Renais safely.
They don't have the palace completely surrounded yet.
fado
Good... Good.
seth
My king... If I may speak freely...
You needn't hold back your tears on my account.
fado
......
There's so much more I wish I could've told them...
But then, they would not have escaped in time...
Because I never would have let them go.
seth
This may not be the last time you see them.
The odds are certainly not in our favor, but defeat is not assured. Not until we have fallen.
fado
Thank you, Seth... What would I do without you?
seth
Please, this is hardly necessary. I am your knight.
I do as my station requires. I only regret I cannot do more.
fado
You have done enough.
The rest is up to fate... And to our martial prowess.
seth
......

When a unit enters the castle (if Seth is still alive)

seth
King Fado, they have breached the outer walls.
It would appear they will soon arrive at the throne room.
fado
Blast... Is it happening again?
Will I truly fail to protect my homeland twice?
seth
Courage, my liege. We are better prepared this time.
Our best bet at this point is a direct assault on all sides.
We need every remaining man and woman to strike at once.
I shall lead the charge myself. All I need is your order.
It is a risky gambit, to be sure, but it shall bring us a quick victory.
fado
Or a quick death.

But I suppose at this point, we have few alternatives.
Go, Seth! Show them the might of Renais!
And... return to this throne room alive.
Those are my orders!

seth
Yes, my liege!
(Seth turns to the troops.)
seth
Everyone, at them! Take them all down!
Bring them justice for their crimes!
(Seth starts moving towards the Grado troops.)

Conversations

Pablo & Rennac

pablo
My goodness... Do my eyes deceive me?
Could it be? The black sheep of the family has resurfaced?
rennac
Oh, fantastic... This just keeps getting better and better.
The heck are you doing here, Grandpa?
pablo
Grr... These Grado tricksters double-crossed me!
They were supposed to help me become head of the council!
But then they strong-armed me into joining their campaign!
Can you believe that? They made a soldier out of ME!
rennac
Yeah, that is rather unbelievable.
How has your heart not given out yet?
pablo
Don't get smug with me, boy.
I may not be a warrior, but if I must, I can fight like ten men.
rennac
I guess that's gotta be true, if you're still kicking.
pablo
So, what about you? How did you end up here?
rennac
Got paid.
pablo
It still fills me with rage.
One bearing our proud name, debasing himself to such lows.
Gallivanting across the realm and committing criminal deeds for gold!
You bring shame upon our legacy. You are a disgrace!
rennac
Criminal deeds? You kidding me, old man?
I've never known a guy as shamelessly corrupt as you.
I swear you just enjoy money better if it's dirty money.
pablo
(grins) Heh heh... But my endeavors are truly profitable.
(frowns) I have a real mind for business, unlike you.
Tell me, how much were you paid to work with Grado?
rennac
8,000... Er, no... 7,870 gold.
pablo
And your initial offer was...?
rennac
...10,000-- Look, it doesn't matter! I got paid, all right?
pablo
A pittance.
rennac
Hey, I get to eat well and sleep with a roof above me.
I've never had any problems since I left. Never.
pablo
Fool! Only paupers are so narrow as to only worry about their sustenance!
Lands! Estates! Horses! Servants! Fine garments and silver ornaments!
That's what I'm talking about! And for that, you need REAL money!
What you brag about is pocket change. I wipe my butt with your 7,000 gold.
rennac
First off, it was 7,870 gold. Second, that's disgusting.
Third, I don't care. I'm living life as I want.
The life you and Dad wanted for me was way too tough.
I may not be rich, but I enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.
pablo
Spoken, once again, like a true pauper.
rennac
Settle down, old man. Your heart will thank you.
Look, if you're so upset about me not having more money...
(smirks) Why don't you give me more money?
C'mon. Do your dear lil' grandson a solid, will ya?
pablo
Stupid whelp. My gold is mine! Get your own gold!
rennac
Hahaha... Oh, it's nice to see you again, Grandpa.
Whenever I worry I may be a little too crooked...
I remember you and I feel a lot better about myself!
pablo
Grr... Grr... Kids these days...
[Pablo and Rennac gain C-rank support with each other.]

Valter & Glen

valter
Hold, Glen! Grant me audience.
glen
Don't look so smug, you despicable snake...
The only reason you still draw breath is that I am uncertain who did it.
But you are the prime suspect. It was either you or the emperor...
Perhaps I should just kill both of you and be done with it.
valter
I could bury you simply by revealing those words to him.
glen
...Go ahead, then. What are you waiting for?
Perhaps then I'll see my brother.
If you and the emperor are able to put me down, that is.
valter
Pah. Don't look so sullen, Glen. We've all lost people in this war.
glen
Who have YOU lost?
There has never been a soul in the world who has ever cared for you.
valter
Ouch! Good to see your sharp tongue has not dulled over the last months.
Well, as it were. I have come to bury the hatchet, my friend.
glen
Hah! This I have to see.
valter
Why, I even come bearing gifts! Look, Glen!
I had one of my lances imbued with special power by an alchemist.
I thought of you, so I decided to get one for you as well.
Gaze upon the fiery sheen of this here lance...
Hahaha... Beautiful, is it not? And it is yours.
glen
......
valter
What cause have you to give me the evil eye now, Glen?
glen
What are you plotting, Valter?
The spear does look to be of the highest quality.
I can detect no signs of sabotage. It is in perfect condition.
valter
So what's the problem?
glen
It is a gift from you. That is the problem.
valter
Hahaha... Well, if you do not trust it, just keep it handy.
When push comes to shove, and my gift saves your life...
Then you will realize how wrong you were about me.
Well? There's no harm in simply carrying this with you, is there?
glen
......
I shall discern what your ulterior motives are in due time.
For now, I suppose you have the right of it.
But don't imagine this has changed my opinion of you, you mad cur.
(Glen leaves.)
valter
So mistrustful...
Hahahaha... Wise.
I only fulfill the orders I've been given, Glen.
I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me.
(Valter receives a Moonlance and Glen receives a Sunspear.)

Sunspear
Attacks res, but... Glen only.
[Can backfire]

Binks & Gheb

gheb
You there! With the green hair!
binks
What do you want, man?
gheb
What's the deal with you? You don't look like a soldier.
binks
You're one to talk!
gheb
I am a commander in the Grado army. And don't you forget it!
binks
...What? How'd that happen?
No offense, but you look... Uh...
gheb
...What?
binks
Like a mercenary.
You know, like me. Rowdy, strong, untamed.
I find it hard to believe you're a prim-and-proper knight.
gheb
(smiles) I must say, you have a good eye.
(serious) I was a mercenary once, yeah. Had my own band and all.
But then I had an epiphany. I realized...
binks
What?
gheb
Being a knight pays way better.
How do you think I can afford to maintain this shapely body?
I earn enough gold to eat for three people!
(grins) And I do. Hehehe...
binks
(smiles) Wow, that's actually kinda awesome.
I'll admit, I'm kind of not happy with being a merc right now.
Is it hard, becoming a knight?
gheb
(serious) Meh. Not really.
They put me through a bunch of drills.
Of course, I'm strong as an ox, so it was no big deal.
binks
(serious) I'm also really tough, so I could probably handle that.
What's the kicker, then? Is the job difficult?
gheb
Once I got in? It was honestly pretty easy.
Until this war, we didn't see much action.
Mostly just a lot of sitting around in forts.
Occasionally beating up some brigands and whatnot.
An easy life with a pay to kill for.
binks
Wow... Why doesn't everyone become a knight, then?
gheb
Lots of people just don't have the stomach for it.
Holier-than-thou types who think they're too good for violence.
Just weak mice who don't have what it takes.

As for mercenaries, they can't see past their nose.
They seem to believe merc work pays better.
Just because they get more money faster. Bah. Simpletons.
A knight's salary is stable and always on the rise!
And I didn't have to risk my neck on the daily to earn it.

binks
Dang. I take my hat off. You're one heck of a guy.
Hey, think you could put in a good word for me?
From one former merc to another?
gheb
(smiles) Hehehe... I like you, man. What's your name?
binks
(smiles) Binks. You?
gheb
Gheb. Yeah, I think we might get along.
And I could use more men like you in my unit. Real men.
Yeah, think I'll see about talking to the generals.
I'm in extremely high standing among the Grado army.
You have just made a powerful friend, my friend. Hehehehe...
binks
Oh, man. My lucky day!
Finally, my rotten fortune's starting to turn around!
[Binks and Gheb gain C-rank support with each other.]

Aias & Caellach

caellach
Ho! What's this, Aias?
aias
What is what, General Caellach?

Default

caellach
You're still alive, that's what! I'm just glad to see you, man!
aias
...Be that I could believe you, General Caellach.
caellach
Ahhh, c'mon, Aias! I mean it!
aias
If you say so.

If Aias is a Falcoknight

caellach
You're sitting on a pegasus, man!
I thought these things hated men something fierce.
How'd you do it, you bastard? You fed it spiked pasture?
aias
I tried to be gentle. Spoke to her. Petted her.
caellach
...Took her out for dinner? Kissed her under the moonlight?
aias
No, General Caellach. I did not do either of those things.
caellach
Ahhh, c'mon, Aias! At least crack a smile!

...Sigh... This brings me back.
You used to always pull off things everyone else thought impossible.
And even now, that's not changed at all. First ever male pegasus rider!
Maybe not the fanciest title in your list, but it's still a record-breaker!

aias
Mm.
caellach
...We got far in our old life, all things considered.
But I'd never go back. Not for a million coins of gold.
...Well, maybe I'd consider it, for that price.
But still, I'm glad to have left the desert behind...
And this war is just the beginning. One day...
aias
Ah, it starts again...
caellach
...Right, sorry. Same old topic, huh.
aias
Will you tell me about the crown you'll obtain next?
caellach
Bah. Why tell you? You already know all about it.
aias
And never once have you promised me a place in your kingdom.
caellach
...What? I thought you never took me seriously on that!
aias
I don't. I also know you'll abandon me the first chance you get.
That is, if you do not try to dispose of me altogether...
caellach
...C'mon, man... You're an old friend.
aias
An old friend from the old life you hate.
I tie you down to those times, don't I?
Or, at least, I have an inkling that is how you perceive it.
caellach
......
aias
I only hope you don't forget who you're dealing with.
In all those years I spent fighting as a mercenary,
I was never wounded. Not even once.
My skill may not be as loud and garish as yours, Caellach...
But I keep every contingency in mind.
caellach
Heh... It's all right, man.
You're a good guy to have around. Reliable.
Why would I ever get rid of an asset?
I may be "loud and garish," but I'm not dumb.
...'Sides, you bear with me. Not everyone does that.
aias
I wonder why.
caellach
Heh... You jerk.
Remind me to treat you to a drink after this battle.
I oughta thank you for all you've done to assist me so far.
aias
With a drink.
Well, I suppose it is not the worst idea in the world...
caellach
Of course not! Just two old pals sharing a drink.
We'll drink to health, to fortune and to glory!
aias
You will. I will simply drink.
caellach
Hah! Okay then, Aias. Whatever you say.
[Aias and Caellach's support rank increases.]

Dara & Ismaire

dara
Queen Ismaire of Jehanna... I see you still live.
ismaire
......
dara
I do not look like your typical Grado soldier, do I?
ismaire
I'm no stranger to sorcerers.
Age and physical fitness are no obstacles to them.
dara
You've the right of it. I'm a sorcerer of some ability...
ismaire
What do you want with me?
dara
I would extend my sympathies, dear.
ismaire
...I will fight alongside you, but only out of obligation.
Do not call me "dear," servant of the emperor.
dara
The emperor? Oh, how little you understand, my dear...
Not that most of our ragtag group understands anything.
...But you may deserve to know the truth.
ismaire
The truth?
dara
Of the emperor, and his wayward son...
ismaire
......
What does it matter? It changes nothing.
I carry on to protect my son. That is all.
dara
Ah, you've someone left, do you.
They have him in their power?
ismaire
What is it to you?
dara
I had a family, once...
My children passed away, but my grandson?
Oh, you should have seen him. What a wonderful young man.
Of few words, but his kindness knew no bounds.
Ah... Perhaps you did meet him, thinking about it.
His name was Saleh.
(Ismaire starts.)
ismaire
Saleh?! Wait, but that would make you Caer Pelyn's elder!
How... How can you serve Grado's emperor...?
After what they did to your home?! After they killed Saleh!
dara
Because there is no emperor of Grado.
The one who controls us... He is the Demon King.
ismaire
...!
That is madness.
dara
Don't worry. I know it's hard to accept.
I'm not trying to excuse my actions, in any case.
My body has not been my own since Caer Pelyn's fall.
I bent the knee in a cowardly attempt to keep my soul.
But my will was always going to be forfeit.
ismaire
......
The sorrow in your eyes... It is much like mine.
But if they took your only family... Why bend the knee at all?
What have you left that they can hold over you?
dara
It would have made no difference. If I had refused him, the Demon King would simply have taken my life.
Then he would have transformed my body into an obedient, mindless doll...
Much like he did with the emperor of Grado.
ismaire
...Please, tell me all you know.
dara
I thought you just said it does not matter.
ismaire
It doesn't. All the same, I wish to know.
...If only that we may shoulder the burden together, you and I.
dara
My... Such a selfless thing to say.
Your people must have truly adored you.
ismaire
......
dara
...Very well. Prepare yourself.
It is a tale that may fill you with despair...
ismaire
My heart only had so much room for it, and it has long since ran out.
dara
Oh, dear...
[Dara and Ismaire gain C-rank support with each other.]

Melina & Tiffani

melina
What the... Where did you come from?
tiffani
(smiles) Hi! I'm Tiffani!
melina
Er, Melina...
Did you not hear of Grado's coming? Get to safety!
tiffani
(serious) Oh no, I'm actually with Grado!
I'm, uh... one of the mages!
(Melina starts.)
melina
You can't be serious!
We've conscripted a mere child?!
tiffani
Uhhhh... I don't think I've been cons... con...

(Tiffani huffs.)

I came along because I wanted to!

melina
......
tiffani
Why do you look so sad, Miss Amelia?
melina
W-What did you just call me...?
tiffani
Sorry... Uh, M...Melina! Miss Melina!
Why are you so sad, Miss M-Melina?
melina
Ah... It's not a tale a child should hear.
...But then, if you've been fighting with us...
You must've witnessed far worse horrors by now.
And at such a young age... Why is this world so horrible?
tiffani
I don't understand...
melina
Well, of course. You're so young.
War isn't something children could ever understand.
...Nobody should, frankly...
tiffani
No, I get it!
We're going to save everyone!
melina
Save everyone, huh...
Don't you have a problem with...
tiffani
With what?
melina
Everything we do.
Even if it's to save everyone...
Can you truly say you're happy with what we do?
tiffani
...At first I was really scared and tired all the time.
But I'm okay now. I've gotten really strong.
(smiles) In fact, when I get older, I wanna be a knight!
melina
...That's just not right...
Someone so young should be playing, exploring, laughing...
Not killing people in a war! How could this happen to you?!
tiffani
(frowns) Are you okay, Miss Melia?
Maybe you're the one who shouldn't be here...
You look scared and tired, like I did at the start.
melina
What? No, I'm not--
tiffani
It's okay. I'll fight even harder so you can take a break!
melina
No, that's not what I want!
tiffani
(smiles) Make way for me, everyone!
(Tiffani skips away as Melina reaches towards her.)
melina
Wait!

......
Even children are being corrupted by this war.
Would she mercilessly strike me down, were I an enemy?

(closes eyes) ......

[Tiffani and Melina gain C-rank support with each other.]

Seth

Combat

seth
I cannot allow you to proceed further.
I suggest you begin praying.

Combat w/ Glen

seth
Glen, the Sunstone... I've heard much about you.
You are a paragon of knighthood in Grado.
glen
I have heard much the same of you, General Seth.
Though I am your elder... I could learn much from you.
seth
Such humility... I believe we could have been friends.
But our duty binds us. Our lieges are warring.
And so must we, for that is what our vows entail.
glen
Your conviction and your resolve are admirable.
May you not live to see them shaken as mine.
I... I fear I know not what I'm fighting for anymore...
seth
......
Such uncertainty will be of no use to you now.
Clear your mind and focus on the battle at hand.
glen
(smiles) Heh... That I must receive advice from my opponent...
I am well and truly lost.

Combat w/ Orson

orson
Seth...
seth
Sir Orson.
orson
You're an impressive knight, Seth.
You would sacrifice your life for king and country.
Not even a moment's pause.
It's a pitiful, unrewarding life, through and through.
seth
It is my charge. It is my hope.
Sir Orson... Prepare yourself.

Death

seth
I had... so much more... I needed to...
(closes eyes) Ahh... Princess... Eirika...

Fado

Combat

fado
You're here... Which means Seth is most likely... Fie!

Very well! Come!
Your mad conquest ends on my steel!

Combat w/ Orson

orson
King Fado... Forgive me.
I must take your life...
fado
I don't understand, Orson...
What did you stand to gain from this?
What is it they promised to you?
Lands? Titles? Wealth?
Did your oaths truly mean so little to you?!
orson
They promised me one thing and one thing alone.
Reuniting me with my one true love...
fado
...!
I see... It's like he did with Vigarde, then...
Orson, he only gave you a moving, talking corpse.
You cannot be blind to this!
orson
...You're wrong. My wife is alive.
He brought her back. He saved her...
And to secure our joy... I must kill you.
fado
Orson... Don't worry.
As thanks for your many years of loyal servitude...
I shall truly reunite you with your wife.

Combat w/ Vigarde

fado
Vigarde... You're here as well...
vigarde
......
fado
Again they send your remains to wage battle with me.
Making me face my old friend... Is this Lyon's idea of a joke?
You raised a cruel child, Vigarde...

Oh, pardon me. I did not mean to blame you.

vigarde
......
fado
In fact, I have yet to thank you.
After all, I owe you my life, do I not?
Back during Grado's initial invasion...
You ordered me captured instead of killed.
I recall you winced in pain as you gave the order.
That was not what Lyon wanted, was it?
It was you, using every bit of willpower you had left...
to rebel against Lyon.
vigarde
......
(closes eyes) ......
fado
I am grateful, old friend.
And thus, I shall do the only thing I can do for you now.
I shall deliver you to your eternal rest.

Combat w/ Hayden

fado
Hayden! I can't believe this!
After all these years, you come here to kill me?!
What happened to the honorable Hayden I knew?!
hayden
(smiles) You were part of the reason, as well.
How many times did we spar, Warrior King?
And every time, I would be soundly beaten.
You hoisted humilliation upon humilliation onto me...
But today? By my hand or someone else's, you'll die.
And then I shall laugh last.
fado
Hayden, you fool! Have you lost your mind?!
This is not a battle I wish to fight...
But if you will force my hand, fight I shall!

Combat w/ Ismaire

fado
Queen Ismaire... How can this be?
You would pledge yourself to your country's conquerors?
ismaire
Forgive me, King Fado... I have no choice.
I've already lost everything...
But my only son is at their mercy.
I cannot die, lest his life be forfeit as well.
fado
I see...
But you must understand, I cannot stand down.
ismaire
You are fortunate.
Grado has nothing they can use against you.
You may die a warrior's death, instead of living a traitor's life, like myself.
fado
You have my sympathies, Queen Ismaire.
If I can... I shall grant you the death of a warrior.
I am sorry I cannot do more for you.
ismaire
I thank you for the kind gesture, Your Majesty.
Let us commence.

Death

fado
Victory is yours... As is Renais...
Please... I only ask that... you treat my people well...

Ending

selena
It's finished, Emperor Lyon. Renais is ours once more.
I have also confirmed the death of King Fado.
lyon
The Warrior King... That's what they called him.
And yet, he was defeated twice by us...
What happened? How could he be so weak?
selena
Er... I couldn't say, milord, but...
Surely it does not matter? We have won.
lyon
...No. Not yet.
Where are they? Where are Eirika and Ephraim?!
selena
That... I do not know.
(Lyon starts.)
lyon
What?! They've slipped by us again?!
riev
Heh heh heh... Oh, that is not good.
King Fado was of no consequence. They are the ones we needed most.
If they have evaded capture... Our victory here is irrelevant.
selena
They cannot have made it far.
I know with certainty they were here when we launched the assault.
However, the castle no doubt has many secret passages...
They could have escaped through one at the beginning of the attack.
lyon
Selena! Send out scouts on flying mounts.
I want all directions combed with all haste!
selena
Yes, sire...
(Glen and Caellach rush in.)
caellach
The twins of Renais been found, Emperor Lyon!
lyon
Ah, good going, Caellach! Where are they?
caellach
It was actually Valter that caught them.
He's probably still pestering them at the gates.
glen
I would not recommend leaving them to him alone.
He has a tendency to play with his food.
He might let them evade him purposely again...
lyon
Again?
...Well, it doesn't matter. I'm on it.
The rest of you, make sure the castle is secure.
caellach
Aye aye, cap'n!
(Lyon warps outside, where the twins are being menaced by Valter.)
valter
Ahh, speak of the devil... Emperor Lyon!
Good thing you've arrived.
I don't think I could've held back much longer...
lyon
Ephraim... Eirika...
ephraim
Lyon?
eirika
Lyon... Is it you?
(Lyon steps forward.)
lyon
(smiles) What do you mean? Of course it's me!
I've not changed that much in these months, have I?
I'm so glad you're all right...
ephraim
Hold it, Eirika. That's not Lyon.
lyon
What? Why would you say that, Ephraim...?
ephraim
The real Lyon would not be pretending nothing is wrong.
He would ask for our help... For us to save him from you!
eirika
You're right, Ephraim...

Demon King! Release our friend at once!

lyon
......
You... You know... How could you know...
valter
Well, well. This is getting interesting...
eirika
We will not tell you again. Let Lyon go!
lyon
......

???

lyon
...I can't do this.
They're my best friends. My only friends.
I can't simply... I can't just...
fomortiis
And so, you retreat here, as if you've the time to spare.
Your dearest friends await your response...
If you simply stand there, staring, they'll think you mad.

(smirks) But then... Is that not the truth? You ARE mad!
Mad with weakness. Mad with envy. Mad with lust.
And they call me a demon. Hah!
We are both evil, Lyon. But you are an even worse sort...

lyon
...No. You are wrong. I am neither mad nor evil.
I am going to become the hero of Grado.
The one who will save everyone...
fomortiis
(frowns) You do so love that excuse.
Heroes do what they must. They don't cower in fear.
But don't worry. You have another way available to you.
(smiles) Why not let me handle this? It will be much easier for you.
I'll take care of the good twins and return your body to you...
You can trust me. You love to tell that to others, do you not?
lyon
......
I can't give you anything. You do not exist.
There is only one Demon King.

I am the Demon King.
And as the Demon King, I shall...

lyon?
(Fomortiis face, smirking) Well done, both of you. You have my regards...
Allow me to introduce myself.
I am the Demon King. A pleasure to meet you.
Lyon speaks highly of you both. Hah hah hah hah...
ephraim
Damn you! Let my friend go!
lyon?
Or what? You'll fight me?
Go ahead. Hit me. Cut this body to ribbons.
I'll find a different one. It would be but a trifle.
Who knows. Perhaps the next one won't be so feeble.
Or... perhaps I shall defeat you. Just as I defeated your father...
(Eirika starts.)
eirika
Father is...?! No!
lyon?
Hah... Would you like to hear of his final moments?
He tried so hard, but he was so very weak... So pathetic...
Though not as weak and pathetic as this joke of a prince I control.
ephraim
You...! Insult my father and my friend any further, and I swear...
lyon?
(frowns) Oh? Your friend, Ephraim? Hahaha... That's rich.
Haven't you stopped to consider that, perhaps...
He wanted this just as much as I do?
eirika
That's not possible! Lyon would never have done any of this!
He was such a kind, gentle soul... This is all your doing, Demon King!
lyon?
Kind and gentle, eh...
Did you not know how he feels about you, girl?
Lyon of Grado truly loved you, you know.
More than anyone else in the whole world...
It would break his little heart to pieces that you condescend him so.
eirika
What...?
lyon?
And you, Ephraim. I know all about you too.
He didn't just want to be your friend.
He wanted to BE you.
How he envied your strength, your stout, resolute heart...
All the while, he was a worthless, pathetic weakling!
Perhaps I should make you my new host...
ephraim
Dastard! No more words!
Lyon, if you can hear me... I'm sorry.
I'm going to have to harm you, but...
Don't worry. We'll patch you up.
They have some talented healers at Rausten.
Once the Demon King is out of your body...
This will all be nothing more than a bad dream!
lyon?
Hmph! Come, then!
Let's see if you even manage to graze your dear friend's flesh!
ephraim
Prepare yourself!
eirika
Wait, Ephraim! Be careful! He's not alone!
valter
That's right. He isn't.
(Valter swings at Ephraim, landing a minor blow. Ephraim retaliates with a heavy blow that makes Valter stagger back.)
valter
Gah...!
lyon?
Valter! What are you doing?
valter
Hah... They are... strong...
Yes! Yes! This is good... Very good...
Don't make it easy for me! Make me work for it!
ephraim
Damn... Cur!
eirika
Ephraim! We have to go, now!
If we take too long, the rest of them will arrive.
We can't beat all of them. C'mon!
ephraim
But... Lyon!
eirika
...It pains me as well...
But you won't save him by dying here, Ephraim!
ephraim
Tch... Right as always, Eirika... Fine!
Lyon, don't worry. I won't abandon you!
I'll be back... I'll save you! Rest assured!
(Ephraim leaves.)
eirika
Stay strong till then! Don't let the Demon King win!
(Eirika leaves. The other generals rush out of the palace.)
selena
Emperor! What happened?
lyon?
They flee eastward, Selena.
What is to the east of here?
riev
Heh heh heh... The fastest path to Rausten, my lord.
It will take them past Narube River and through the mountains.
Then they'll be a stone's throw from the holy theocracy.
lyon?
Good. That was always going to be our next destination.
Inform the troops. We march east with haste!
selena
Yes, Emperor Lyon!
(Selena and Riev leave.)
valter
Ahh... Let's waste as little time as possible.
That was so enjoyable. I cannot wait for the second round!
lyon?
Concentrate, Moonstone.
Treating them as toys to play with will be your perdition.
valter
Bah. What's there to worry about?
I am Valter, the Moonstone! I may like to take my time...
But in the end, I always win.
I shall present their quaint little bracelets to you.
Even if I have to deliver them with the arms still attached.
Hahahahahahahaha!
lyon?
......

Character Descriptions

Fado
The devoted king of Renais. His sole concern is for the people he leads.

Seth
A young commander of Renais. He's calm, composed, and skilled.

Renais
The army of Renais, the bountiful central kingdom.

Hunter
One of the treasure hunters who have laid claim to this region.