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Chapter 26: Last Hope

Opening

narrator
The Sacred Stone of Renais has been broken.
The twins of Renais pay a visit to Rausten Court.
It is here that the final Sacred Stone is sealed away.
Lyon and his army, meanwhile, enter the territory of Rausten as well.
General Riev can hardly contain his excitement, as he returns to a homeland that once spurned him, intent on revenge...
eirika
...And that sums up all that has happened.
mansel
Only our Sacred Stone remains...
These are dark days indeed.
ephraim
Pontifex, you know more about this than anybody.
Is there any way to save Lyon?
mansel
......
l'arachel
...Our oldest legends tell us just this.
Only one person has ever been able to shake off the Demon King's domination.
Saint Latona the sure-hearted, founder of our beloved Rausten.
It is possible, if one possesses a strength of will beyond that of normal men.
eirika
Lyon, he...
...I don't know if he is that stout of spirit, but...
Oh, Lyon...
mansel
As far as I can tell, there are two possibilities.
He truly has been consumed. In this case... Forgive me.
He is gone forever. There is nothing that can be done.
ephraim
...And the other possibility?
l'arachel
He has become the second human to ever win over the Demon King.
...And with his actions, he has proven his evil may surpass even the Demon King's...
(Eirika starts.)
eirika
No! That's not true!
Lyon's not evil, and certainly not worse than the Demon King!
mansel
Peace. It was merely a suggestion.
...A misguided suggestion, voiced at the wrong time, perhaps...
l'arachel
F-Forgive me, my friends...
In truth, I am inclined to believe the former eventuality is correct.
But... Well, let us not dwell on this. We have not the time.
ephraim
...We are at your disposal, Pontifex. What must we do?
mansel
First, someone must take the Sacred Stone of Rausten to Darkling Woods.
That was the site of the fiend's defeat, 800 years ago.
It is said that his body slumbers there still, to this very day.
If we were to bring the Stone there, to the source of his power...
Perhaps, just perhaps, the Demon King can be sealed once more.
ephraim
We head to Darkling Woods, then?
l'arachel
Ah, well...

Oh, there you are. I was wondering if you'd slept in!

eirika
Who...?
???
Prince Ephraim... It has been some time.
(Duessel approaches.)
ephraim
General Duessel! You are here?
duessel
Aye... I arrived but days ago.
ephraim
General Duessel...
(smiles) Despite the circumstances, I am happy to see you.
I had feared we would meet again on the field of battle...
You don't know how relieved I am to find you here.
duessel
(smiles) Likewise... You have grown into a splendid young man, Prince Ephraim.
It fills this old fool's heart with joy that we could meet again like this.
You as well, Princess Eirika. I am quite impressed by you.
You have risen to the occasion admirably.
eirika
That's not true... I am an utter fool.
I... I may have condemned the world...
ephraim
(frowns) Don't, Eirika. I allowed it to happen as well.
We gave Lyon the Sacred Stone of Renais.
It is a mistake we'll have to live with.
But we are not defeated yet. We must look forward, not back.
eirika
...I understand that, Ephraim.
Worry not. My resolve shall not waver.
I will do all that I must to stop this calamity.
...Even if I may have to battle Lyon...
duessel
(serious) Do not be ashamed of your sorrow, Princess.
Facing a foe on the battlefield is always terrifying...
But facing a friend? Few things are as harrowing as that.
That you are ready to do it speaks of your brave heart.
eirika
(smiles) General Duessel... Thank you.
Hearing my brother's hero speak so, it is heartening.
duessel
Er... Your brother's hero? Come now...
ephraim
(smiles) She speaks the truth, and I am not ashamed to admit it.
In fact, I admire you more now than ever.
(serious) I know how you prized your honor and loyalty to Grado...
It cannot have been easy, turning your back on them.
duessel
...It was not.
I have sundered my ties with Grado forever.
I live on in shame as a traitor...
For I know it to be the right thing to do.
ephraim
That it is, but it took a great deal of courage to do this.
(smiles) Just as I would have expected of my old mentor... and hero.
duessel
A-Ah... Ahem. Hmph...

(Duessel sniffs.)

Blast...
Old age has loosened my dry, old tear ducts...

mansel
...Well, now that we are all here, let us go over our respective tasks.
Should the worst happen, and our Stone be lost as well...
We will need to face the Demon King directly.
Our chances then will be slim, but... We must be prepared.
ephraim
How would we acquire enough power to wage such a battle?
mansel
With General Duessel's aid, we have devised a plan.
Allow me to fill you in on the details...
(Riev approaches a guard under cover of night.)
offscreen left
Heh heh heh...
Guard duty? At this time of night? Such a diligent soldier.
(The guard steps forward.)
guard
Huh?! Who goes there?
offscreen right
Where are you looking?
I'm over here.
guard
Wha...
offscreen left
No, no, here. I'm over here.
offscreen right
What's wrong? I'm right here. Heh heh heh...
guard
Wha...wha...
offscreen left
Is the darkness too deep for you to penetrate?
Can't you see what the night is hiding?
guard
A-Attack!
(Riev lunges forward and kills the guard. Lyon warps in and Selena follows.)
riev
(ToggleSmile) Heh heh heh... (ToggleSmile) Humans will never conquer darkness.
This guardian of light, Rausten, will drown in a never-ending night.
Come, my pretties. It's time to go.
The day of Rausten's destruction has at long last arrived!
(Riev runs ahead.)
selena
...He seems to be having a good time...
lyon
Is that wrong, Selena?
selena
After what he told me... I cannot say I don't understand.
His own country, his own liege... They betrayed him.
I could not even imagine surviving such a terrible...

Regardless, the most important thing is that we take this place.

lyon
...They fall so easily, don't they?
selena
E-Eh?
lyon
I've just been thinking.
Each of these places has been so easily conquered...
For all their honor and virtue, they could not protect anything.
What good are those things for, then? Does it not make you think, Selena?
selena
Well... I cannot claim so, no.
I am your loyal general. I follow your say. That is all.
lyon
...Hmm... Well, then. Let's get ready.
riev
(grins) Heh heh heh...
(serious) Soon... soon... It happens soon!
(grins) The day is coming, and swiftly... The day of my triumph, my vengeance!
Self-righteous fools of Rausten! Where are your miracles now?!
lyon
Riev!
riev
Heh heh heh... Fret not, Your Majesty.
I have not lost all sense. I am merely enjoying myself!
This is a momentous occasion for me. A most joyous occasion!
I have dreamed of this day... Oh, have I ever.
lyon
Focus, Riev.
Our scouts say the throne room has been sealed shut!
There's also a wall blocking the northern squad's progress.
What can we do to lift these barriers?
riev
Heh heh heh... Ah, yes. Rausten's secret defenses.
There should be two switches on opposite wings of the palace.
Activating them both will bring the cretin out into the open...
Where I may snuff out his sad, pathetic life. Heh heh heh...
lyon
I hope the northern team can get to their switch...
riev
I shall summon the last of my pretties that remains.
It may assist them in their task... Heh heh heh...
lyon
Ah, good thinking, Riev.
As for us, we make for the second switch, post-haste!
riev
Yes, my lord, yes!
Today, Rausten falls... Heh heh heh heh heh!

Bael

djieien
Skreeeeee!!

Mauthe Doog

penelope
...Grrrrrr...

Tarvos

erkki
......

Bonewalker

wyatt
*Rattle rattle*

Chapter Tips

It's just like in FE6!

Beat this chapter in 16 turns or less to unlock an extra chapter full of nice goodies!

Enemy Turn 1

soldier
Grave tidings, Your Holiness!
The Grado Empire strikes. We are under attack!
mansel
It is as I had feared, then...
Thank goodness the others already left.
soldier
You need to escape as well, Your Holiness.
They have the palace surrounded, but...
We'll cover your retreat with our lives!
mansel
I thank you for the offer, but I must decline.
If I wanted to flee, I would have left with my niece.
No, it falls to me to protect our sacred court.
soldier
Sire...
mansel
My only order tonight is thus:
Give them a sound thrashing!
(The soldier salutes.)
soldier
Yes, Your Holiness!
(The soldier leaves.)
mansel
......
This is too soon... L'Arachel will need more time to reach the coast.
She should only need 16 turns of the glass...
Hang in there, brave soldiers...!

Turn 17

(L'Arachel and her entourage enter from the northeast.)
l'arachel
Uncle! Uncle, I'm coming to save you!
dozla
L-Lady L'Arachel... Please, I'm begging you!
We must make for Melkaen Coast and--
l'arachel
Escape? Please, Dozla!
My uncle is in danger! I am NOT abandoning him!
dozla
Not even if it is his wish?
Your uncle sent you away so you would be safe!
He said, "Dozla, you must escort L'Arachel to Melkaen Coast.
Board our ships and escape all this. Don't look back, just leave.
See that she lives a long, happy life away from these horrors..."
See? Your uncle only wants the best for you.
l'arachel
...I could do that. Sail away to safety, live my live happily...
But what kind of champion of righteousness would I be if I did?
I refuse. Even if it means opposing his wishes...
We're going back and saving Uncle from Grado!
dozla
Lady L'Arachel...
l'arachel
Do you have any objections, Dozla?
(Dozla bangs his chest.)
dozla
Gwah ha ha! Never, Lady L'Arachel!
I have no words to describe how proud I am of you!
Let's go! Let's send them all packing and save Mansel!
l'arachel
Now you're talking, Dozla!

If Rennac was not recruited

You as well, Rennac. Time is of the essence!
rennac
Yeah, yeah... No need to shout, I'm right behind you...
narrator
The objectives have changed: You must now defeat L'Arachel before seizing the throne in order to finish the map.

When both switches are pressed

soldier
P-Pontifex Mansel!
They have reached the switches... We are exposed!
The Knights of Rausten have been defeated!
mansel
......
I was wise to send L'Arachel away...
soldier
Do not worry, Pontifex. We, the imperial guard, shall protect you with our lives!
mansel
Thank you, my brave men.
Go forth! We still stand a chance... Bring down Emperor Lyon!
soldier
Yes, Your Holiness!
(The soldier leaves.)
mansel
...Latona watch over us...

After the throne is seized if L'Arachel is still alive

lyon
Rausten's princess is still out there, with that accursed holy tome...
We cannot make the castle ours so long as she draws breath.

Soldiers! What are you waiting for? Kill her!

Conversations

Medusa & Deni

(Deni's eyes are closed.)
medusa
Oh, hello there...
So you are the one who received my little gift.
How did you like it, my boy? Was it to your liking?
deni
...Power... Po...wer... Power...
medusa
(smiles) Hm hm hm hm... I see it was. I'm so glad...
Well, don't let me stop you. Keep playing it.
The souls you have reaped so far have been truly a delight...
Please, bring more to me, and I won't have to take yours.
deni
Power... Power... P...ow..er...
medusa
Ahahahaha... Oh, human beings are so pitiful.

Medusa & Lyon

medusa
Hello, boy.
(Lyon startles and puts on his Fomortiis face.)
lyon
What?! W-Who are you?!
medusa
Be a dear and let me speak with Fomortiis, all right?
lyon
...And if I refuse?
medusa
You can refuse?
lyon
......
fomortiis
Medusa... What are you doing here?
Don't you have fools to play with in your realm?
medusa
They'll survive without me for a bit. I didn't want to miss this.
After 800 years in captivity, you have been set loose by a human?
You know, this won't do you any favors with the Court.
They already mocked you enough for your loss to that manakete...
fomortiis
The Court will learn to respect me anew when I'm through with Magvel.
I may have endured eight centuries' worth of humilliation at their hands...
But I shall return eight millenia's worth of devastation upon these maggots!
When I'm done, the Court will have to grant me a new realm!
medusa
How excessive... I would expect no less of the prideful Fomortiis.
But surely you won't say no to some help from a dear friend?
I'll have you know, I never participated in the mockery.
fomortiis
...Hmph... I do not believe you, you vixen.
But, fair enough. Have some fun at my expense.
All I care about is my vengeance.
medusa
Fantastic... Shall we, then?
Show me how the feared Fomortiis handles himself after all these years.
fomortiis
First, let us make one thing very clear, Medusa.
You are in MY realm. You follow MY say.
In Magvel, I am king... I...
(Fomortiis spasms.)
fomortiis
I-- Aack! You... You fool! How... How DARE you...?!
(Fomortiis spasms again.)
fomortiis
Grraaaaahhhh!!
(Lyon regains control.)
lyon
......
medusa
It's you again, isn't it? I must say, I'm shocked.
Fomortiis's hatred for humans is legendary, even among demons.
For him to be forced to share his fleshy suit with a human soul...
Hmm. You may turn out to be rather interesting, little boy...
lyon
...Fall in line.
medusa
(smirks) Giving orders to me? Hm hm hm hm...
Very well. I'll indulge you. Tell me who to kill...
lyon
......

Dara & Ismaire

dara
This is it... The final bastion of hope in the world.
ismaire
Once we win here... The war will be over.
Grado will be the victors, and all shall suffer for it.
Thanks in part to cowards such as ourselves...
dara
I'll admit, every day I wonder if it wouldn't have been better to just...
Refuse him. Let him transform me into a mindless puppet.
At least then I wouldn't have had to witness this nightmare...
ismaire
...We deserve to witness it. Our punishment for our failure.
dara
Aye... Perhaps you have a point, my young friend...
ismaire
......
What was life like, back in the mountains?
I can't imagine it was easy, living in those conditions...
dara
It wasn't easy, no, but it built us into stronger people.
You don't live 100 years by laying about on soft pillows.
...Not that I would imply that is the life you've lived, Ismaire.
You bear the sorrow of three lifetimes in your heart...
ismaire
No, you have the right of it.
Perhaps if I had led a different life, I would have been strong enough...
dara
Bah... The whole idea of Caer Pelyn was to be the ones to oppose the dark one.
Generation after generation of servants of the Great Dragon...

Well, look what good it all did.
When the time came to act, we were unceremoniously slaughtered...
We'll be fortunate if we end up being historical footnotes.

ismaire
......
But you and I yet live...
dara
What's this, now?
We live only because of the Demon King's foul sense of irony...
Or, perhaps, because of Lyon's cold, heartless pragmatism.
I am not yet certain which of the two is in control of that body...
ismaire
All the same, they have let us live.
They believe we are firmly under their thumb...
dara
And are we not? Your son, they have him still, do they not?
ismaire
It is the sole reason I have ever swung my blade in their name.
But... Ever since you told me the truth, I have been wondering...
It is just too strange. My son, he was headstrong. Rebellious.
He ran away from home leaving only a letter behind.
In it he said he wanted to see the world away from the palace...
He wanted to live life on his own terms.

I find it difficult to believe he'd quietly submit to Grado.
That he'd just go along and play the part of the obedient hostage...

(Dara starts.)
dara
...!
Y-You mean... You think he was...
ismaire
...Murdered, and his body restored to use against me...
dara
......
I know something of these puppets of the Demon King.
I could... I could ascertain it, if I could see your son...
ismaire
They have only allowed me to see him three times, and not for long.
I suppose they couldn't risk disspelling the illussion...
I highly doubt they'll allow you anywhere near, Elder Dara.
dara
This old hag still has tricks up her sleeve.
It may take some time, but I shall manage.
ismaire
...You would have my eternal gratitude, Elder.
dara
Please. I ought to help the one decent human being around here.
And... Ismaire?
ismaire
Mm?
dara
(smiles) Please, do call me Grandmother.
It is what everyone called me, back in Caer Pelyn.
ismaire
(smiles) ...Very well, Grandmother.
[Dara and Ismaire's support increases to rank B.]

Hayden & Agrippina

hayden
(smiles) It would seem it's almost over... Are you all right, my love?
No troublesome injuries? ...Regrets?
agrippina
(smiles) Why do you ask? Do you have any regrets?
hayden
Me? No. Never. I regret nothing.
The look of fear in my enemies' eyes before I kill them...
It is a wonderful feeling. Power... The power I've always deserved.
agrippina
You can surmise, then, how I feel about the matter.
hayden
Heh. Indeed. We are so very alike, after all.
agrippina
I particularly enjoyed the fall of that naïve fool, Fado.
He always thought he was so superior.
hayden
Ah, yes. And then he'd turn around and call himself my friend.
Arrogant dastard looked so pitiful at the end of his life.
As they all did... Even our children.
agrippina
They were such a disappointment.
I had hoped they would pose a real challenge.
Instead, Innes hit us with the cheapest trick he could muster,
and Tana simply lunged into our arms with reckless abandon!
Tsk, tsk. And the people had put them on a pedestal...
In the end, we proved who the betters were.
hayden
Hahaha... No remorse, even after murdering our own kin.
We are truly wicked monsters, are we not, Agrippina?
agrippina
We are, Hayden. But that, too, I do not regret.
hayden
I love you, Agrippina. Please never leave my side.
agrippina
Till death do us part, Hayden, my love.
[Hayden and Agrippina's support increases to rank A.]

Binks & Gheb

binks
You know, Gheb...
Since we started fighting together, I've been thinking.
gheb
What's that, Binks?
binks
We've quite a bit in common, don't we?
gheb
I don't see it.
binks
Well, our fighting styles, for one. They're pretty similar, ain't they?
We joined the emperor roughly around the same time.
And weren't you also a merc, before joining Grado?
gheb
Bah! That's nothing. And how about all we DON'T have in common?
My strength is unparalleled. Yours, well... you compensate in other ways.
You like to keep your distance and shoot your bow, I like getting up close.
You mentioned us joining the emperor, but we weren't even in the same squad!
Really, we couldn't be further apart.
binks
(smiles) See, but that's the thing.
What if this is all part of some greater pattern?
One that extends far beyond us two.
One of, uh... Duos of fast green knights and red strong ones!
And look, look! We fit the pattern like a glove!
gheb
That is very stupid.
binks
(frowns) Sigh... I've just been reading this book on strategy.
gheb
You can read? I'm surprised.
binks
Of course I can read! Write and do some math, too!
How else do you expect me to keep track of my finances?

Anyway, book talks about this pattern like it's basic tactical stuff!
Also says children make for the best soldiers and must be prioritized, strong weaponry and supplies should be preserved as long as possible, and...

gheb
Can I see the book?
binks
Yeah, sure, I got it here.
(He hands it over.)
gheb
(smiles) Mmhmm... Ohohohoho!
binks
What's so funny, Gheb?
gheb
Didn't think I'd ever see this old thing again!
(frowns) Yeah, I wrote this pamphlet years ago. It's all nonsense.
Made it to make a quick buck off of some idiot.
How'd it find its way to you, Binks?
binks
...Sigh... Guess the idiot sold it to me.
gheb
For how much?
binks
......
3,160 gold.
(Gheb guffaws.)
gheb
Hah ha ha ha ha! Oh, that's even more than I got out of him!
You poor, poor fool, Binks. Everything in this book is drivel!
C'mon. Knights in red and green? When's that ever been a thing?
binks
Okay, then. Think I'll take a tip out of the book.
gheb
What's that?
binks
Warriors that start off strong should never step onto the battlefield.
So I'm gonna find a hole to crawl into and hide for the rest of my life.
gheb
Hah ha ha ha ha! Oh yeah, I wrote that too, didn't I?
How could anyone ever believe something so obviously wrong...?
(Binks huffs.)
binks
Oh, shut up!
What a damned jerk. Why do I hang out with you, again?
gheb
Must be all those things we have in common.
And, you know, I won't deny... We fight better together.
So let's keep at it, ok? Sorry I laughed at you.
binks
You, apologizing? Now I've seen everything.
(smiles) I think we'll fight even BETTER together after this talk!
gheb
(smiles) Yeah... I feel the same way!
[Binks and Gheb's support rank increases.]

Saaga & Jude

saaga
Rausten Court... This is something I would never have expected.
Returning here with an army in order to conquer the place...
And yet? I must admit, it feels right.
jude
Today, you will show those fools what a mistake they made.
They shall regret not showing you the respect you deserve!
saaga
Ah, Jude! Just the man I wanted to see.
I have procured a little something for you.
jude
(smiles) Oh! A beautiful sword...
Thank you kindly, Dame Saaga.
saaga
(smiles) Don't mention it. I did owe you a gift.
jude
Ah, that is hardly the case.

(serious) Say... I don't know if this is too much to ask, but...
How did you become Rausten's court troubadour?

saaga
(serious) Ah, it is hardly a tale worth telling.
I was top of my class at Rausten's academy.
I was highly recommended to the pontifex, as well.
...And my mother was part of his inner circle. That helped too.
jude
It sounds like everything was looking up for you.
saaga
This was all in the old pontifex's day.
Mansel's father... There was a man worth serving.
He was reasonable. This actually resembled a court back then.
We weren't just jesters to dance and jape to the amusement of some brat.
Mansel will never be half the man his father was...
(smirks) Which is, I suppose, why he's about to die.
jude
You sound rather pleased about that.
saaga
(serious) Would you not be pleased if our foe was General Duessel?
jude
(smirks) Hah! I would, aye.
You are a good friend, Dame Saaga.
I don't need to hold anything back around you.
Let me see if I can take Mansel's head for you!
saaga
(smiles) I'm sure you will.
You are as ferocious as a maelstrom on the battlefield.
And, in return... I shall ensure you survive to pierce Duessel's heart.
jude
Hahaha! The fate of our nemeses is sealed!
(Jude receives a Wyrmslayer and his support with Saaga increases to rank A.)

Rennac & L'Arachel

l'arachel
(smiles) Aha!
So this is where you've wandered off to, Rennac!
rennac
Princess L'Arachel? Uh-oh, um...
(L'Arachel bounces impatiently.)
l'arachel
Come with me.
rennac
Wait... Hold on now. Go with you where?
Look, I'm sorry, but I've been hired by the Grado Empire, and...
Hello! I'm talking to you!
l'arachel
Rennac, whatever is the matter?
I promise to listen to your story later, but now, we must be going!
rennac
No, I'm no servant, like that kook Dozla. I'm a mercenary.
I escorted you to Renais like I was hired to do, didn't I?
You have no right to drag me across creation without any pay whatsoever!
l'arachel
Is this about wages? I believe you've received ample compensation.
(Rennac balks.)
rennac
Ample?! Do you even know what that word means?
You're the princess of Rausten! I thought working for you would pay well.
Yet your purse strings are knotted tight, and I've almost been killed so many--
l'arachel
The joy that comes from doing good is not something that can be purchased.
There. All better? Let's go.
(L'Arachel turns away.)
rennac
NO! I said I don't want to!
Riding about with you is--

...And there she goes.
Oh... By the Stones, why did I ever take that job in the first place?

l'arachel
(offscreen)
We must hurry, Rennac.
rennac
Right, right. I'm coming...
(Rennac changes allegiance.)

Lyon & Rennac

lyon
Rennac. What are you doing?
(Rennac startles.)
rennac
Ack! Prince Lyon! I mean Emperor Lyon!
I was just... I was just uh... just...
lyon
Rennac. Do you forget where you stand?
rennac
No, c'mon, don't do this to me...
You have NO idea what she's like!
When she gets going, I just can't refuse her!
It's just impossible, man, I tell you!
It's--
(Lyon puts on his Fomortiis face, making Rennac jump.)
rennac
O-Okay! Okay, okay, okay, okay!
Hold up, hold up! Don't get mad at me!
Don't curse me or anything like that!
There's no need, I'm with you, I'm with you!
I'm with you till the end of days, I swear!

(Rennac bounces with desperate mania.)

Out of the way, everyone!
Rennac, Grado's most loyal servant, coming through!

(Rennac runs off.)
lyon
......

(Lyon returns to his normal expression.)

I have to commend his speed, at least...

[Rennac becomes playable again and gains 3 Speed.]

Mansel

Combat

mansel
Enemies of all that is holy... Be cleansed!

Combat w/ Riev

riev
(grins) Heh heh heh... Mansel, you witless cad...
Have you begun to wallow in regret yet?
You should. It is all you have left.
mansel
You... I should have known you'd be here.
Such evil would attract you like flames attract a moth...
riev
(frowns) Ah, there's that word. How quick you are to rely on it.
The word you used when you excommunicated me...
Evil.
Evil, evil, evil...
Is it evil to want the best for humanity?
Is it evil to want progress? To want advancement?!
mansel
The way you wanted it... Yes, I'm afraid so.
You wanted to go against the natural order!
You would wage war with the gods themselves!
riev
That is only your opinion. Nothing more, nothing less.
Heh heh heh... Ah, but it's all right.
You are quite correct. I am evil. YOU turned me evil.
mansel
You would dare cast the blame upon me?!
riev
You ensured mankind barred all other paths to me...
What else could I become, if not evil?
And yet, your heartless cruelty towards a former peer...
What do you call that, Mansel?
Surely you would not call that... evil, would you?
mansel
...Divine justice.
That is what I would call what happened to you...
And what I am about to do next!
riev
Grrr... Self-righteous to the bitter end, eh?
Oh, how I look forward to watching your light fade.
And what I have in store for you afterwards...
(grins) Heh heh heh... You think you know evil, Mansel?!
You have seen NOTHING yet! Heh heh heh heh...!

Combat w/ Saaga

mansel
S-Saaga?!
I had feared you were killed out there...
This... This is terrible... How can this be?
saaga
I grew tired of your flagrant nepotism.
Of your pedantry and your arrogance.
I have found a new calling...
(smiles) Turns out I have a knack for warfare.
Who would've thought. A court troubadour...
Life can truly be full of surprises, huh?
mansel
...Even if my foe may be you, an old friend...
I shall not be deterred. I will fight!
For all that is holy, until I am struck down!
saaga
(frowns) Heh... Well, that can be arranged, Mansel.

Death

mansel
The light... Will it drown in darkness?

Rennac

Combat

rennac
Oh, what mess did she get us into this time?!

Combat w/ Caellach

caellach
Hey...
rennac
Gulp...!
D-Don't come any closer! I mean it, man!
caellach
Boo.
(Rennac jumps.)
rennac
Gaaahhh! S-Someone save me!
caellach
(grins) Hahaha... Never gets old.
I'm gonna miss you when you die.

Death

rennac
Great. This is just what I needed...

Dozla

Combat

dozla
I've got to stop you all before you can hurt Lady L'Arachel!
Gwah ha ha! Come on!

Combat w/ Rennac

dozla
R-Rennac? Is that you...?
rennac
Yeah... It's me.

(Rennac starts.)

Wait-- What in the world are you doing?!

(Dozla starts crying.)
dozla
Sniff... Sniff... O-Oh, Rennac...
Lady L'Arachel and I were so worried!
rennac
......
I... I'm not here to help you, you know...
dozla
I know... That's why I'm crying...
rennac
...!

(Rennac shifts awkwardly.)

D...Dammit, stop that! S-Stop, you old moron!
It's not my fault! It's... It's not my...

......
(closes eyes) F-Forgive me...

dozla
Yeah... Same to you...

Death

dozla
(grinning) Ha ha ha! I couldn't have asked for a better ending!

L'Arachel

Combat

l'arachel
Prepare while you still can.
You are about to witness something truly marvelous!

Combat w/ Saaga

saaga
(smirks) Ahh, L'Brat...
You have no idea how I've looked forward to this day.
l'arachel
......
saaga
Hahaha... Too afraid to speak, girlie?
Is the real world too terrifying for you?
l'arachel
Forgive me, I'm just...
I'm trying really hard to remember who you are.
saaga
(scowls) Oh, you... You!
I'm going to tear you to pieces!

(Saaga quivers with rage.)

L'Braaaaaat!!

l'arachel
How uncouth... If you force my hand, I'll fight!

Combat w/ Riev

l'arachel
Aha! The heretic rears his ugly head once more!
riev
Grrr... Your eyes annoy me. They always have...
But now, more than ever, they infuriate me.
You are about to die, you foolish child!
How can your eyes still be filled with fervor?
l'arachel
Die? Surely you jest!
I've got the heavens and righteousness on my side!
I could never fall here! It is simply unfathomable!
riev
(smirks) Heh heh heh... Very well, then.
Let's see how much help your faith is to you.
When you arrive at Hell, say hello to Mansel for me!
l'arachel
Y-You... Oh!

(L'Arachel quivers with rage.)

There's no room in my heart for forgiveness to you!

Combat w/ Rennac

l'arachel
Huh?! Could it be...?
rennac
Oh, brother... She's spotted me...!

Death

l'arachel
No... This isn't right... It's not... fair...
There's no tale in which... the heroes lose...

Locations

House

young woman
Isn't Rausten Court the most incredible place you've ever seen?
Makes my little house down here look like a mole's hidey-hole.
Anyway, I just wanted to wish you luck.
No, really. I mean it. I don't like the theocracy.
They make me go to mass every morning. I hate getting up early.
But since I live right underneath them, I can't well say no, can I?
(smiles) Yeah, I think I'll be okay with a lil' change in leadership.
If you get what I'm saying. Hehehehehe...
Just remember who was your friend when it's all over.
Maybe ordain me... I don't know, governor of Rausten or...
(The visitor leaves, causing the young woman to jump in outrage.)
young woman
(frowns) A-At least think about it!
Hello! Hello?

Ending

riev
(grins) Heh heh heh... Heh heh heh heh heh heh!
You foolish, blind dotard! How does it feel?!
How does true despair feel? Do you regret?!
Do you regret what you did to me?! Heh heh heh heh!
lyon
Riev...
riev
(serious) And now, for the coup de grâce.
Your Majesty, I beg of you a humble favor...
lyon
Dare I ask?
riev
Unleash the Dark Stone's power upon this husk...
And, on my mercy, grant it a new lease on life!
lyon
Hmm... I cannot help but wonder if this is necessary.
But... I suppose I owe you quite a fair bit, Riev.
Fair enough. I'll grant your request.
riev
Oh, what a gracious liege you are, my lord...
See, Mansel? If only you'd been this generous...
Maybe this could've been avoided. Heh heh heh...
lyon
...Arise, Pontifex of Rausten, and heed my bidding!
(Lyon reanimates Mansel.)
mansel
......
riev
(grins) Heh heh heh heh!
Oh, it's even better than I had imagined!
Look, look! Look how pitiful he is!
Oh, it brings tears to my eyes...
Tears of laughter! Heh heh heh heh heh...!
(Riev doubles over in laughter.)
selena
...Surely this is too much, General?
riev
(frowns) Oh, poppycock. This is too kind, if anything!
I should have just left him to rot. But I am magnanimous...
Unlike His Holiness, who knew not the meaning of the word!
Heh heh heh...
selena
......

If the map was cleared in under 16 turns

caellach
Look alive, everyone! Got word from the spies!
Looks like a whole bunch of people had been leaving all day long.
lyon
Where did they go?
caellach
Everywhere, it seems. Some went west, some went east...
Apparently, even the princess of Rausten herself ran off earlier.
From what they tell me, we just barely missed her.
She headed out with an escort, carrying the holy tome, Ivaldi.
lyon
Hmm... I had wondered why we hadn't found her here.
We cannot well let them regroup and hit us back, can we?
Especially not with one of those accursed Sacred Twins...
Do you know where she was headed?
glen
North, it would seem.
selena
North? There is nothing significant to the north.
Why would she go there?
caellach
Your guess's as good as mine, milady.
But I can tell you with confidence, she went there.
lyon
We don't need to understand her reasons.
They probably won't expect us to go after them so fast.
Let's go! We march north without delay!
caellach
Aw... We won't even rest for the night?
I mean, the war's basically over now, isn't it?
Every country is ours...
lyon
This wasn't a war for conquest, Caellach.
That was incidental. Our goal is different. You know this.
caellach
Yeah, yeah, I know... The Stones and all...
lyon
Then stop complaining and rouse your soldiers.
(Lyon and Selena leave.)
caellach
Sheesh...
glen
......

If L'Arachel returned

riev
It's... It's done... They're all gone...
Rausten has burned to ashes...!
selena
...Indeed. We are the victors.
lyon
Has the Sacred Stone of Rausten been found?
riev
I'm afraid not... It is quite strange.
Could they have entrusted the Stone to the Renais twins?
They have yet to be found, as well...
lyon
...I have a hunch as to where we may find them all.
The stone, Ephraim, Eirika... Darkling Woods.
(Riev starts.)
riev
Of course! They'd be desperate enough to try that...
selena
Pardon me? I'm afraid I am lost...
lyon
......
riev
...May I, Your Majesty?
lyon
If you believe it is prudent.
riev
The power His Majesty controls, Selena...
It is the power of the ancient Demon King.
selena
......
lyon
You don't seem so surprised.
selena
The Fire Emblem was the Stone that imprisoned the Demon King's soul.
I... I had a feeling, when you told me you unlocked a "power" in it.
lyon
Well, now you know for sure. What will you do?
selena
It vexes me that you believe you need ask, my emperor.
How many times must I pledge my loyalty to you?
lyon
(smiles) ...Pray forgive me, Selena.
selena
Going back to the topic at hand...
What exactly do you fear our remaining foes might be doing?
They have nowhere left to run and no allies left to turn to.
What can they do with a single Sacred Stone?
riev
Most likely? Nothing.
Potentially? Make all of our work so far fruitless.
lyon
A Sacred Stone once sealed the Demon King's power.
It took the power of all the Stones combined to get there.
But... Darkling Woods is a special place.
It's where the Demon King's remains are buried...
I can feel them beckoning my Dark Stone... and myself.

Normally, one Sacred Stone would not be enough, but...
At Darkling Woods, it might suffice to seal his power again.

selena
...And we cannot allow that to happen.
lyon
Exactly, Selena.
Either way, we need to go there to perform the rites of resurrection.
I'm sorry for the troops, but we cannot afford the time to rest.
We must make for Darkling Woods. Immediately.
selena
I shall give the order.
And... My lord?
lyon
Yes?
selena
I believe in you.
I know you only have Grado's best interests in mind.
lyon
......
Good. Thank you, Selena.
Let us concentrate on the battles we have left.
selena
Yes, Your Majesty!
(Lyon leaves.)
riev
Heh heh heh... You are wise, Selena.
We are on the verge of making history...
And you will be on the right side of it.
selena
...I can only hope so.
We have sacrificed far too much...
We cannot afford to be in the wrong. We just can't.
riev
Aptly put, I suppose. Heh heh heh...
selena
...You do not feel anything, Riev?
riev
Hmm? What's this now?
selena
You once sought a union between light and dark.
But darkness has now consumed the light...
Do you truly feel nothing of it?
riev
......
Your sympathy is better served elsewhere, Selena.
I passed that point long, long ago...
My heart is too wicked for such petty concerns now.
selena
......
riev
Heh heh heh... Truly, what cause have I for sorrow?
I have my revenge. My dreams are going to come true.
...And I've even made a new friend along the way.
selena
Oh...
riev
Heh heh heh... Do you disagree?
selena
...No. As much as it surprises me...
I've come to see you much the same way.
riev
I rejoice to hear that...
For my heart may be wicked, but even the wicked have feelings.
selena
...I can attest to that.
(Selena and Riev's support increases to rank A.)
glen
Caellach!
caellach
Urgh... What now?
Can't you see I'm trying to nap here?
glen
We're moving already.
(Caellach balks.)
caellach
What?! Oh, c'mon! We've barely stopped for a moment!

...And wait, how come I'm only hearing this now?

glen
I heard from a foot soldier myself.
caellach
They really are keeping us out of the loop now, huh.
glen
......
Listen, Caellach... I wished to apologize.
caellach
......
glen
Don't give me that befuddled look. It's true.
caellach
Apologize? To me?
C'mon, huh? Why don't you quit joking around?
glen
From the start I have treated you like a greedy knave.
And you certainly are that. A brutal, heartless one, too.
caellach
Ah, I should've figured.
This is just Glen's sanctimonious sermon of the day.
You're getting started early today.
glen
...I'll just lay it out clearly for you, Caellach.
Your lack of virtue disgusted me... My inflexibility vexed you...
But you may be the only ally I have left... And I, yours.
Let us be blinded no longer by such petty quarrels.
Thus, I wish to apologize for the way I have treated you.
caellach
...Oh... I see what it is now...
You don't think I'm so bad anymore, compared to...
glen
...Yes.
caellach
Hah! Oh, Glen. I underestimated you.
There's a brain in there, hiding under all the honor.
glen
I would never have thought to call you a friend.
...But the circumstances may require that I do.
caellach
Wow, that's just so beautiful. I think I'm falling in love.
...But you're right. We'll need to stick together.
I have a really, really bad feeling, and my gut never lies.
If push comes to shove... We'll be the first to go.
glen
Let us watch each other's backs, then.
And, if we are both alive when this is all over...
caellach
We'll talk about the justice I deserve?
glen
...This war has proven one thing to me.
Justice does not exist. I was a fool for ever believing in it...
caellach
......
All right, man. Friends?
glen
Friends it is...
(Glen and Caellach's support increases to rank A.)

Character Descriptions

Mansel (Enemy)
The pontifex of Rausten. He is a compassionate and pious ruler.

Mansel (Playable)
The late pontifex of Rausten. He was revived as a puppet at Riev's request.

L'Arachel
The Princess of Rausten. She fights for justice and order.

Dozla
A berserker from Rausten. He's a hearty man with a thirst for life.

Rennac
A lazy, greedy, but exceptional fighter from the Republic of Carcino.

Rausten
A knight of Rausten, the eastern holy theocracy.

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