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Chapter 25: Lies

If all characters except Lyon have been defeated prior to this chapter, Auffle will be placed in your party as a failsafe.

Opening

narrator
The army of Grado ventures into the caverns of Mt. Neleras, in the heart of Darkling Woods.
Through this forgotten route, the twins of Renais hope to reach Rausten quickly.
The scorching heat and sulphur stench render the area unfit for human habitation...
Endless numbers of gorgon eggs stud the forbidding landscape.
None could ever hope to govern this untamed hellscape...
(Eirika, Ephraim, and Syrene find Myrrh in the caverns.)
ephraim
Myrrh! What are you doing here?
I thought you said you were going to stay in Darkling Woods.
myrrh
We are in Darkling Woods...
I sensed the Demon King. He's coming fast...
I came here to confront him. I didn't expect to find you...
eirika
He's chasing us, with the army of Grado behind him.
I'm not certain we'll make it to Rausten before they catch up...
myrrh
Let me help.
Like my father, I can summon monsters akin to the Demon King's...
They will be few in number, but between them and the gorgon eggs...
ephraim
Gorgon eggs? What is that?
myrrh
...Never mind. I don't have the time to explain.
Between them, they should be able to stall them for a bit...
syrene
And with Vidofnir in hand, I shall do far more than just stall them.
ephraim
Commander Syrene? What are you saying?
syrene
Come now. Surely I do not need to spell this out.
My duty was to protect Frelia and her royal family.
With my life, if need be.
Instead, I've kept my life and outlived them all.
It's all been reduced to ashes now...

All I can do is take this, our sacred lance...
And avenge all the friends and family they've taken from me.

eirika
Commander Syrene, there's no need to throw your life away here!
We're so close to Rausten. We just need to--
syrene
Let's not go through this song and dance, Princess.
I have no obligations to you or to your brother.
I will do this. There's nothing you can do to stop me, milords.
...Please. Don't make this harder than it needs to be.
eirika
...Urgh...
ephraim
Not again...
myrrh
...I know the way out. Follow me...
(Eirika and Ephraim leave with Myrrh.)
syrene
(smiles) And with that, I have fulfilled your final order, Princess Tana.
Now all that's left is to quench my thirst for revenge...
And join you all in the great beyond. Watch over me until then!
selena
...All right, so this is the cave you spoke of, Glen.
Where is the emperor?
glen
I have no idea.
When I saw him last, he was by that creek we passed earlier.
caellach
And you just left him there? On his own?
glen
He ordered it. I know better than to disobey.
selena
Is that the truth, Glen?
glen
You would put my claim into question, Selena?
You wound me!
selena
I meant no offense, but surely you must realize--
riev
Heh heh heh... Peace, my friends.
I am certain the emperor will rejoin us momentarily.
glen
There's something that worries me more, anyhow.
selena
More than the emperor's sudden disappearance?
glen
He's not the only one who vanished into thin air.
Valter's remains were also not where I saw them last.
Somehow I doubt the emperor gave him a proper burial.
caellach
...Well, I know only one thing for certain, folks.
We have to be ready for anything.
selena
Let us begin clearing out the cavern while we await the emperor's return.
It would seem there's a number of creatures lying in wait here.
There's... Wait, what in the world is that? Eggs?
(Riev starts.)
riev
Heh heh heh! Be wary, everybody!
Those are gorgon eggs...
glen
Gorgons being...?
riev
Trust me, General Glen. You do not want to meet one today.
Or ever, for that matter.
Not even our emperor could control these foul beasts...
We need to squash those eggs before they begin to hatch.
Hurry, hurry! Onward! Before it is too late!
(Riev runs ahead.)
selena
I have never seen him react like this to anything.
This is serious. Let us do as he says for now!
(Selena leaves.)
glen
...I won't lie, I'm more worried about Lyon than some eggs.
Where could he and Valter's rotting carcass have gone?
caellach
Relax, man. Emperor's likely off sulking somewhere.
...Or, maybe he's listening in on us, hoping to catch some juicy gossip.
glen
Yes, I get your point, Caellach. I learned my lesson at Jehanna.
Let's go. In the name of Grado...
caellach
Yeah, okay. Try to sound a little less enthusiastic, would you? Sigh...

When a unit enters the upper half of the map

(Lyon appears on the eastern promontory with a deathgoyle.)
fomortiis
...Grrrr...
Perhaps I should dive into one of these pools of magma.
I can handle a few injuries, and you deserve some punishment...
Punishment for your... insolent misuse of... my...
(Fomortiis spasms.)
fomortiis
You... You...! Uuurrrrrrggghhh...!
(Lyon regains control, but he is still wearing his Fomortiis face.)
lyon
......
This was the only way to preserve both your body and soul.
Nobody has ever undergone the transformation you have.
I took a huge gamble with you...

Valter.... How do you feel?

valter
Like a man reborn into a god.
lyon
Good... Glad you're happy.
I'll have you know, that took a lot out of me...
And it angered him greatly. He's being hard to contain...
You'll show some gratitude... Won't you, Valter?
valter
I can feel the malevolent power surging through my body.
I can see how futile it all was now. How insignificant my life was...
How insignificant all life is.
lyon
......
valter
Do not worry, my lord. My mind is not completely gone.
Quite the opposite. I have not felt so lucid in years...
I have nothing to gain from turning on you.
No... In fact, you have earned my undying loyalty.
For I know you will not disappoint me... my lord.
lyon
Very good, Valter. Very good.
I shall set you loose, then. Just don't touch my troops.
valter
I am yours, body and soul. Your will be done!
With this spear in hand, I will kill as many as you desire!
Hahahahahahaha!
(Valter leaves.)
lyon
...Just another crime to add to the pile.
This time, I sin against the order of nature itself.
No matter. It will all be worth it in the end...
(Lyon warps away. Valter gains B-rank support with Lyon.)

Turn after Valter appears

(A gorgon enters from the northeast.)
medusa
...Ah, at long last.
I thought you would never show yourself, Fomortiis.
After I went to the trouble of coming to this realm for you...
But now you're somewhere nearby. I can feel your presence...

Sorry, my girls. I'm going to have to remove you now.
I have an old friend to meet... And you're in the way.
Beware my stone-cold gaze. Hm hm hm hm hm...

Conversations

Aias & Lieselott

aias
Lieselott.
lieselott
(smiles) Oh, Aias!
Isn't this place beautiful? I'm loving it!
I wish more places were as cool as this...
aias
...I suppose it is rather... picturesque?
Regardless. I understand the timing is poor.
All the same, I have something for you.
My compensation for your teachings.
lieselott
(serious) Oh... W-Whoa! That's one sturdy shield.
And yet, not heavy. Good stuff!
Where'd you get it?
aias
It was a bequest, from my late mother.
I learned everything I know of tactics from her.
She was the greatest strategist Jehanna knew... before me.
lieselott
Oh... Wait, but then why give it to me?
Is it not important to you or something?
aias
...The last lesson my mother taught me was thus:
"Protect those you care about in battle,
for they are the greatest asset you'll ever have."
lieselott
That's... rather corny for a cold, analytical mind.
aias
My mother was not I.
She left room in her heart for love and kindness.
...She died in battle, protecting my father from brigands.
She failed. They reached him and murdered him as well.
lieselott
......
Where are those brigands now, Aias?
aias
What would you do, if I were to tell you?
lieselott
Go to them and skewer them to the last.
aias
You are quite the candid woman, aren't you?
lieselott
I'm a pretty bad liar.
aias
...Well, that won't be possible. I did that to them years ago.
lieselott
Oh. Too bad...
aias
As I stared at their broken bodies, I realized something.
My mother died for her feelings for my father.
Emotions are naught but a deadly, unaffordable distraction.
That is the key to being a true tactician. To be emotionless.
You must think of people as nothing more than pieces on a board.
That is how you succeed. By being unafraid of any sacrifice required.
My mother's advice... It will ruin you.
lieselott
......
Then... Why give this shield to me?
aias
I have gained a new talent thanks to you.
Fostering our friendship granted me new strength.
It is not something I had considered possible before...
lieselott
Well... Over in Frelia they always taught us to fight like a team.
They said, think of your comrades as your own brothers and sisters.
That only in unity and harmony could we truly become fearsome.
aias
Is that the truth...
You always struck me as a rather lonely person.
lieselott
Most people think I'm weird. Scary, even.
Just because I've a... mild fondness for the grotesque.
My "sisters" would smile awkwardly in front of me, and deride and mock me when I wasn't around.
Eventually I just got used to my own company.
...And I began to push away those who tried to get close.
aias
What changed with me?
lieselott
I don't know...
I guess I sensed a sort of kindred spirit in you.
You weren't trying to be my friend, and I didn't want a friend either.
...Which I guess naturally led to us becoming friends without even trying.
(smiles) Hah... Isn't that ironic?
aias
(smiles) Quite... And yet, I think it makes some sense.
I appreciate that you do not try to force useless words out of me.
Even if we may run out of things to say, and will just stand silent...
Let us keep together, shall we?
lieselott
As long as this shield can keep me breathing.
And hey, I've one reason to keep being friends.
aias
That being...?
lieselott
I've got to read your book on tactics, when you write it!
aias
Hah! Fair enough. You shall be the first to see it.
lieselott
All right! Hahaha...
[Lieselott and Aias' support rank increases. Lieselott also gains 4 Defense.]

Nate & Deni

nate
Deni! Deni, what's wrong with you, man?
deni
...Urk... Who...?
nate
Whaddya mean, who?! It's me, Deni! It's Nate!
Don't you remember? We were pals before!
deni
...Unn...nnh... I... I don't...
I don't care...
I only care about... power...
Po...wer... The flute... Power... without... limit...
(Nate fidgets.)
nate
Dammit, stop! Stop this now!
What's gotten into you?! You're acting so weird!
Ever since you went to Grado...
What happened to you there?
deni
Gr... Grado...
No... I just... The flute...
nate
The flute? What about it?
C'mon, man, talk to me! Let me try and help!
Are you sick? Someone poison you?!
deni
...T-The flute... it demands...
A...Aaah...

You need to... go, Nate...
The flute will make me... do bad things to you...
I don't want to... do bad things to you...

nate
Bad things... to me?!
You gone crazy?! You sure sound crazy!
deni
......
nate
Dammit-- I'm sorry, man. Shouldn't have said that.
Look, it's just... It's just...

Ever since way back when we were with Bazba,
you were... I dunno. Special.
You were different. You never killed anyone.
You were so gentle. So kind. So... wonderful.
It felt like I didn't even deserve to stand in the same room as you!

deni
...H...Huh...Huuh...?
nate
You any idea how often I thought about you after you left?
When I found you again before, it was like... a blessing from the gods!
And now I find you babbling like there's a worm eating up your brain?!
Please, just... I'm too stupid to get it, but one thing I know is I wanna help!
deni
...Power... I need... more... power...
P...P...Power...?
nate
I'm not lettin' it end like this! Dammit, you hear me?!
Whatever it is, I'm gonna save you from it!
deni
...Ggh.... Gh...
T-The... flute...
(Deni leaves. Nate flounders.)
nate
Crud!
Crud, crud... Blast!
Ahh, dammit... Think! Think, worthless brain, think!
What could be happening to him?! How do I save him?!
...He kept talking about his flute... What could it...
Ahh, I'm too dumb! I need help... I need help to help him!
(Nate leaves.)
deni
......
N...Nate... I... I remem...
G...ghhh... Uuuhhh...
[Nate and Deni's support rank increases.]

Carlyle & Rennac

carlyle
You! Have you done it? Have you delivered my message?!
rennac
Yeesh, we just talked a couple hours ago. Impatience much?
...But yeah. I snuck around when we were climbing the mountain.
Found your girl, gave her the letter like you asked.
carlyle
And? What did she say?!

If Ismaire is alive

rennac
She frowned hard enough to winkle up her forehead something nasty.
Then she told me to leave her sight and I obeyed.
...But hey, she did give me a response for you on the way out!
At least, I'm guessing you're Carlyle, right? Never caught your name.
carlyle
A message from my queen... What are you waiting for?!
rennac
Ahem...
"Tell that loathsome Carlyle to forget I exist before he gets hurt."
carlyle
You lie.
rennac
Wha--
(Carlyle vibrates with rage.)
carlyle
You LIE!
(Carlyle runs over and grabs Rennac roughly.)
rennac
A-Ack! What are you doing?! Get off me!
carlyle
You fiend! You honorless... heartless rogue!
How could you sully my queen with such slanderous words?!
She never would have said something so awful to me...
Never! Never! I will not believe it for a second!

If Ismaire is dead

rennac
Not a word.
She took the letter, I stood there awkwardly for a moment, then I left.
Not really sure what you see in this girl, honestly.
She didn't seem all there. Seen livelier folks at graveyards...
carlyle
...Did you just insult my queen?
rennac
Wha--
(Carlyle vibrates with rage.)
carlyle
Did you just INSULT my queen?!
(Carlyle runs over and grabs Rennac roughly.)
rennac
A-Ack! What are you doing?! Get off me!
carlyle
You fiend! You honorless... heartless rogue!
How could you sully my queen with such slanderous words?!
Her pale beauty far surpasses that of any flower...
You must be blind to spew such heinous drivel!
rennac
(Oh Gods, I made a deal with a crazy idiot...)
Go ask her if you don't believe me! Go right now!
carlyle
Didn't I tell you before?! I can't do that!
They've forbidden me from seeing her...
They say she requested it, but that's also a lie.
Obstacles in the way of our love, that's what they are!
That's what YOU are, you filthy, disgusting cutthroat!
rennac
...Er...
(Carlyle releases Rennac.)
carlyle
No payment for you!
Just be glad I won't do you harm...
Don't go near my queen ever again!
I'll cut you to ribbons if you dare...!
rennac
A-All right, all right! She's all yours, dude!
carlyle
...Hmph... This is what I get for trusting a pathetic cutpurse.
(Carlyle leaves.)
rennac
......
(smirks) Pathetic, am I? Hehehe...
Maybe you should look in the mirror sometime, Carlyle, buddy.
Ah, well... Better make myself scarce before he notices his pockets are lighter...
One does not simply agree to a deal and then refuse to pay up!
(Rennac gains 1000 gold and 2 Skill.)

Tiffani & Orson

tiffani
Aww, brother... Where did Mister Lion go?
Maybe one of the other soldiers will know...
M-Mister Lion says I shouldn't talk to them much, but...
That one looks kinda nice, I guess...?
(Tiffani walks over to Orson.)
tiffani
Er... Excuse me? Sir?
orson
......
tiffani
H-Hello!
I'm, uh... one of the mages in this, uh... army?
I'm looking for Mist-- I-I mean... Prince L...Lyon!
orson
......
You... Your eyes...
tiffani
Huh?
(Orson steps closer.)
tiffani
You have such beautiful eyes... As beautiful as Monica's...
Our child would have... Our child will look just like you...
tiffani
...U-Uhh...
(Orson steps back.)
orson
Ah... I apologize. I hope I did not unsettle you.
My name is Orson. What is yours, lass?
tiffani
I'm Tiffani! I'm a friend of Prince Lion!
Do you know where he is? I can't find him...
orson
I'm afraid I don't know either...
But this is no place for a child. What are you doing here?
tiffani
...I told you, I'm a mage! I'm helping Prince Lion out!
orson
Is that so... So talented, and at such a young age.
Monica also had a knack for magic...
She could've been a royal sorceress if she so desired...
She could've been anything she wanted...
She was... She was perfect... She IS perfect... My Monica...
tiffani
...Mister Olson... Are you okay?
You looked so sad for a second...
orson
Pay it no mind. You wouldn't understand.
You're too young. You haven't felt true love yet.
tiffani
But I love my mom!
orson
It's... not quite the same...
Well, regardless... Uh... Hold on...
Ah, here it is.
(Orson hands Tiffani something.)
tiffani
(smiles) Wow, candy! I can have it?!
orson
(smiles) Monica's sweet tooth is the stuff of legends.
I always carry some with me, just in case...
But I have plenty to spare. Tell me if you want more.
tiffani
You're so nice, Mister Olson!
Oh, uh, sorry. Thank you!
orson
While we look for Emperor Lyon, stay close to me, all right?
tiffani
Okay! Let's keep each other safe!
Me with my magic and you with your sword!
orson
Ahahaha...
You're such an adorable child.
Remind me to introduce you to Monica...
[Tiffani and Orson gain C-rank support with each other. Orson also gains 1 Luck.]

McGregor & Vigarde

mcgregor
......
vigarde
......
mcgregor
Emperor Vigarde...
No, I suppose, since you have abdicated...
What must I call you? Lord Vigarde?
...Just Vigarde?
vigarde
......
mcgregor
Look at us. What are we doing here?
Renais was our friend. I tutored her crown prince, for goodness's sake!
Will we kill him and his sister, as well? How... How did it come to this...?

(McGregor flounders helplessly.)

Speak to me, Vigarde! Tell me why it came to this!

vigarde
......
I abdicate the crown to my son, Lyon.
He shall be your new emperor henceforth.
I pray you will show him the same respect and loyalty you showed me.
mcgregor
......
Looking upon you, standing in this desolate cavern... I see so much.
I see what the sorcerer Knoll had warned me about.
I did not comprehend... Nay. I refused to accept, at the time...

...He... He did the same to Natasha, did he not?
That is why... She seemed so dispirited.
After she met with him... With Lyon...
She... What did he do to her? To you?!

vigarde
......
mcgregor
......
After all these years, Vigarde...
(closes eyes) Sigh...
vigarde
......
mcgregor
(opens eyes) ...What more can I do now? I shall keep going.
Perhaps... Perhaps at the end of all this...
I can try to steer Lyon into the right path again...
I shall take solace in that, as I participate in this evil.

Vigarde... Forgive me.

vigarde
......
[Vigarde and McGregor gain C-rank support with each other.]

Medusa & Valter

medusa
Oh my... And what have we here?
I sense a human soul in you... But it is contorted, twisted...
Bent into an unnatural shape... Demon-like, but not quite...
valter
I had no idea I was so special.
Truly, you do so flatter me. Hahahahahaha...
medusa
What is your story? How did you end up like this?
valter
Our gracious master set me free of my human prison.
I see it clearly now. Humanity only ever held me back.
This... This is bliss. Never have I felt so free. So... liberated.
medusa
I am surprised your sanity could withstand this transformation.
Humans turn into rabid beasts when given a mere taste of demonic power.
This? I would have expected your little human mind to shatter in the process.
valter
Perhaps that is why fate chose me. Because I was worthy...
medusa
How little you understand still. Talking of fate...
Fate is a concept humans invented to cope with their pitiful existences.
And you said "our master" before. Fomortiis is no master of mine.
No, there is much you do not know.
valter
...Teach me, then.
I wish to leave my mortal past behind. I shall fully embrace my new self.
Grant me your guidance, Demoness, that I may become your brethren.
medusa
How eager you are. Some of my peers would call you insolent.
But I think I prefer "daring," personally.
You are such an interesting sort... Yes, I think it would be amusing.
Fomortiis's game leaves us precious little free time, but...
When this battle ends, let me take you home for a brief visit.
Prepare yourself. It may not be too late for your mind to break...
valter
Hahahahahaha... A challenge, is it?
I always did love those... I gladly accept, Demoness.
medusa
You may address me as Lady Medusa.
And what shall I call you, my new pet?
valter
A pet, am I? How ironic. After how I yearned to tame that girl, Eirika...
It was I that was tamed. First by her, her sword through my chest.
Now by you, an entity on a level I can scarcely begin to imagine.

Hah! Fair enough. I am too content to heed the call of the siren they call pride.
Valter was the name two humans gave to their babe as they cradled it...
Would that be a suitable name for a demon, or shall we go with Moonstone?

medusa
Moonstone... I like the ring of that.
Ah, but the battlefield beckons. We may have to cut this short for now.
Fomortiis can be so impatient when he is mad... Which is most of the time.
valter
Hahahahaha... Let us show mankind the terror of our demonic might!
(Valter leaves.)
medusa
Fomortiis would never have granted a human this honor.
Which means... Perhaps it wasn't he that did it.
So he really doesn't have full control of his human host...
Ahahahaha! Oh, that's priceless. He grows weak in his old age...
[Valter and Medusa gain C-rank support with each other.]

Syrene

Combat

syrene
Your end is at hand, murderers.

Combat w/ Hayden

syrene
King Hayden... The time has come.
The sentence for your crimes is death.
hayden
(smiles) You are the last vestige of the land they called Frelia.
Your death will mark the end of an era...
And the beginning of a new, far more glorious one.
Take solace in this knowledge as you enter the great abyss.

Combat w/ Agrippina

syrene
I am surprised to see you here, Queen Agrippina.
I thought you a better person than Hayden.
agrippina
I suppose you're just a poor judge of character.
I will follow my husband to the ends of the earth.
For he is the only one who understands me,
and I, the only one who understands him.
syrene
You will die here and now.
That is all you need to understand.

Death

syrene
I did all that I could, and it was just not enough.
(closes eyes) What a... disgrace...

Locations

House

old woman
No.
I refuse to believe it. This is NOT happening.
visitor
......
old woman
...By the Stones. This IS happening.
I haven't finally gone senile. You really are here!
You'll just chase after me to the ends of the earth, won't you?!
visitor
......
old woman
This isn't even a martial arts school. I quit. Thanks to you, I might add...
But I guess since you're here, I can offer you one more lesson.
For old times' sake, or something like that.
Well? Do you accept?

If you accept

(The visitor gains 100 EXP.)
old woman
That was not fun. Leave my sight.
I'm not moving again. Clearly it's pointless.
So it's time for YOU to move for a change.
Weapons be damned, if you don't go, so help me...
(The visitor starts.)
visitor
...!
(The old woman chases the visitor out.)
old woman
Hmph! That's right, run, you awful little...!

If you decline

old woman
Have I not suffered enough?

Ending

If Valter survived the battle

selena
Glen! Any news of the emperor?
glen
...Why don't you ask him?
(Selena starts,)
selena
This... This cannot be!
(Valter reveals himself.)
selena
Is that... Is that you, Valter?
valter
......
glen
What did the emperor do to you...?
selena
The emperor?! You think this is his doing?
glen
Come now, Selena! Don't be daft!
Of course it's the emperor's doing!
When has it ever not been his doing?!
selena
......
glen
Valter, you knave! Speak!
valter
......
riev
Heh heh heh... Oh, how curious.
It appears Valter has been granted a new body.
...It is a transformation I have coveted for many a year...
Tell me, General Moonstone. How did you earn this honor?
glen
Tell us the truth, man!
valter
......
Get it through your hard heads, puny mortals.
I no longer have business with you lowly lifeforms.
I am general no longer. I am man no longer.
I have been ordered by my lord to restrain myself.
That is the only thing that is keeping you lot breathing.
Give me not reason to object to my lord's judgment.
(Valter leaves.)
glen
Valter!!
(Medusa approaches.)
medusa
I would not recommend pushing him.
He's still getting used to his new self.
glen
Wha-- There's another one?!
Demons! Unholy fiends call themselves our allies!
medusa
Humans should not mingle with demons...
It is a lesson I have taught many in my time.

Let's talk about you instead...
He keeps a swarm of humans to do his bidding?
Oh, how the mighty have fallen, if he truly needs all of you...

glen
What are you talking about? What even are you?!

If Valter is dead

selena
Glen! Any news of the emperor?
glen
No, but...

...!

(Selena starts.)
selena
This... This cannot be!
(Medusa approaches.)
medusa
So you are the ones he calls his army...
He keeps a swarm of humans to do his bidding?
Oh, how the mighty have fallen, if he truly needs all of you...

riev
Heh heh heh... I believe I know this one.
She's Medusa... The Petrous Countess.
A member of the Demon King's Court of Demons.

If Valter is alive

glen
How can you just say something like that-- like it's nothing?!

If Valter is dead

glen
...Demons! Unholy fiends sully our lands!
medusa
Petrous Countess... I always liked humanity's ominous names for us.
But you speak as if we are mere servants of Fomortiis...
You truly believe he is the king of all demons?
It is you that call him Demon King. Not us.
Truly, humans are so entertaining when they believe they know everything.
riev
...!

If Valter is alive

medusa
Hahaha...
Well, I was gracious enough to issue you a warning.
I think that's enough words for the pets.

If Valter is dead

medusa
Well, it was amusing, having a conversation with humans.
I think that's enough words for the pets.

If Medusa has not been defeated

Dare not to call upon me henceforth, lest...
You may find my glare most deadly.

If Medusa was defeated

I shall now leave your realm. This is too exhausting.
Wish him the best for me, would you, my dears?
(Medusa leaves.)
riev
......
caellach
So, can I go mad now or do I wait for a formal invitation?
Oh, but first... I think you owe us an explanation, General Riev.
riev
Heh heh heh... Me?
caellach
C'mon, you old freak. Spill the beans.
You obviously know more than you let on.
The emperor's Gods know where.
Nobody's going to stop me from roughing you up...
riev
What are you on about, you whelp?
glen
...You will reveal everything to us, Riev.
(Riev starts.)
riev
Oh-- Why, you...! What are you doing?!
Traitors! Unhand me!
selena
That's enough!
glen
Selena?!
selena
The emperor has only one goal in mind.
The salvation of our homeland, Grado.
Whatever his means may be, that end is just and righteous.
And so, to achieve this end, I will accept anything I must.
Because I believe in our liege!

Now, unhand General Riev, or I shall be your opponent!

glen
......
caellach
Okay, you know what? I'll do it like this.
The stink in this infernal cave is making me see things.
Once we get out and breathe in some fresh air,
the demons will go away and everything will be normal again.
And then I'll laugh it up and wonder why I ever...

......

(Caellach leaves.)
glen
...Hmph... Mark my words, Selena.
We're dabbling with the unholy.
This will cost us all dearly by the end.
....And when it does, I'll be there to fight.
(Glen leaves.)
selena
......
Are you all right, General Riev?
riev
...That was gracious of you, General Selena.
But they are right, you know. I am privy to a few... details.
selena
I care not to know them.
I am a fool, I know. But... this is all I have.
I am choosing to believe in Emperor Vigarde's son.
I am choosing to follow my heart...
riev
Heh heh heh... There it is again.
Your foolish, blinding love for His Late Majesty.
...I am grateful to you, General Selena.
selena
......
(Selena and Riev's support increases to rank B.)
(The twins emerge from the cavern.)
eirika
...Finally, we're out of there!
I thought I'd never breathe in fresh air again...
myrrh
Follow the river down the mountain...
The capital of the country called Rausten will be close...
I think...
ephraim
Thank you, Myrrh. You're a real life-saver.
eirika
...Do you think... Do you think your monsters can stop Lyon?
myrrh
...No.
Neither can your friend. I'm sorry...
ephraim
......
myrrh
I must return to Darkling Woods. I have to keep summoning monsters...
I have to create an army that can stand up against him.
Please, don't take long. Get to Rausten quicky...
ephraim
Thank you for all your help, Myrrh.
Let's hope next time we see each other...
It will be to celebrate our victory.
Perhaps we could meet your father then!
myrrh
......
Yes... Goodbye, Ephraim... Mistress Eirika...
(Myrrh leaves. As the twins prepare to depart, Lyon warps in.)
lyon
Eiri...ka...
(Eirika starts.)
eirika
Lyon!!
ephraim
Lyon, it's you, isn't it?
lyon
Yes... But... It's becoming... more and more difficult...
I don't know... how much longer I can... resist...
My body... is being ravaged by the Demon King.
I can't keep it at bay... It hurts... so much...
eirika
L-Lyon!
ephraim
Oh, no...
Come with us to Rausten, Lyon!
The pontifex, he'll know what to do!
lyon
I won't make it...
Listen... I... I know how you can...

......

eirika
Lyon? What is it?
lyon
No. I can't ask that of you...
You'd never-- Gwaah! Augh!
(Lyon spasms.)
ephraim
Enough of this, Lyon! Just tell us!
Whatever it is, we'll do it.
lyon
...You promise, Ephraim...?
ephraim
I swear it.
lyon
...And you... Eirika...?
eirika
Of course! Did you even need to ask?
lyon
......
The... The Sacred Stone...
ephraim
What?
lyon
It has... the power... to destroy... the Demon...
I don't know if it'll work, but...
It's... It's my only hope... It's all I can think of...
Please... You have it with you, don't you?
Lend the Sacred Stone to me...
I-I don't want to die yet...
I want to live... I want to live... with you...
eirika
......
E-Ephraim...?
ephraim
I...
eirika
......

I... trust you, Lyon.
I have the stone right here.

ephraim
Eirika...
eirika
D-Do you object?
lyon
......
ephraim
...No, of course not.
I trust you too, Lyon. Please, give it to him, Eirika...
(Eirika gives the Sacred Stone to Lyon, who immediately shatters it.)
eirika
...W...What... have you...
(Ephraim shakes.)
ephraim
What have you done?!
(Lyon warps onto the mountainside, out of their reach.)
lyon
...Sorry, guys. That whole thing...
It was all a lie. An act.
High drama for you, to suit this grand occasion.
ephraim
What?!
...It's you, isn't it? The Demon King!
lyon
Uh huh... That's true. I am the Demon King.
I am Lyon. I am the Demon King.
The Demon King is me.
eirika
No... That can't be true!
You're lying! You're not Lyon!
lyon
Listen, Ephraim, Eirika...
I've always loved you. I've always hated you.
I wanted to be with you, and I wanted to be just like you.
Then one day I realized something.
Someone like me could never become someone like you.
The two of you are... overpowering.
You blinded me with your radiance.
How could I live in your shadows and not seethe with jealousy?
ephraim
Where is this coming from, Lyon?!
This... This can't be how you felt all this time...
lyon
When I acquired the Dark Stone, the Demon King went into my body.
He began to tear and rend at my flesh and my soul...
I thought that was it. I thought my end was at hand.
But then... I remembered you, and everything changed.
eirika
U-Us...?
lyon
I had a vision. A vision of the future of Magvel.
I saw myself standing with two roads stretched out before me.
One led to the Demon King.
I was destroyed, and he used my body to conquer the world.
The other showed me the power to fight the Demon King's dominion.
Then I could use his power to save Grado. To save everyone...
And become as radiant and overpowering as you two.

And thus... Of the two roads I had seen, I chose the latter.

eirika
Lyon, no...
This isn't you! There's just no way!
Lyon was the most wonderful person I've ever known...
ephraim
He was kind and caring... Gentle, intelligent...
This isn't... He never would have done these awful things!
It's not possible! I won't believe it! Not for a second!
eirika
And neither will I!
Return Lyon to us, Demon King! Do it now, or I swear... I'll...!
lyon
......
(smiles) Thank you.
Hearing you say this, it... it truly gladdens me.
(frowns) But it's too late. I have chosen my path...
And now I can only keep going until I reach the end.

Goodbye, my friends. I'm glad I met you...

(Lyon warps away.)
ephraim
Lyon!!
eirika
Lyon, wait!
(Lyon warps into the caverns, reuniting with the generals.)
selena
E-Emperor Lyon!
Thank goodness... We feared you'd never return.
riev
Heh heh heh... Why the gloomy countenance, my lord?
lyon
...It's done.
I have destroyed the Sacred Stone of Renais.
(Selena starts.)
selena
You have?!
What of Renais's twins? Did they...?
lyon
...They evaded me.
But they lost the Stone. That's what matters.
riev
There's only one left, then... Rausten.
And then we can head to Darkling Woods...
And begin the rites of resurrection.
selena
What? This is the first I've heard of such a thing.
lyon
It is a ritual we must conduct to unleash the Dark Stone's power.
Once it's done, and without the protection of the Sacred Stones...
I will gain immeasurable power. The power to protect Grado...
selena
......
Understood, sire. To Rausten, then.
The twins will no doubt warn them of our coming.
They'll be on high alert...
riev
Heh heh heh... Rausten's rabble are demagogues, not warriors.
This will be a trifle. Really, with Renais's Stone gone...
We might as well have already won. Heh heh heh...
lyon
I'll thank you not to underestimate our foes, Riev.
Humans, like any beast, are most dangerous when they are desperate.
Impress upon the troops how vital it will be to win the next battle.
selena
It shall be done, my emperor.
(Selena and Riev leave.)
lyon
......
I'm doing this to save Grado. But...
Hmmm.

Character Descriptions

Auffle
You got so many people killed, the game would glitch out if I didn't come in. Kudos.

Valter
The late Moonstone. Lyon turned him into a demon after Eirika mortally wounded him.

Medusa
A member of the Court of Demons, come to this realm to assist Fomortiis.

Perseus
The soul of a hero long dead, transmuted into a fiend by Medusa.

Syrene
The dutiful commander of the 3rd battalion of Frelia's pegasus knights.

Monster [Gorgons]
A grotesque creature created by magic and born in darkness.

Monster [Others]
A creature akin to those of the Demon King, but summoned by another.