Special Conversations

Chapter 5 O'Neill & Beran

o'neill

Hail! Archer...

beran

Good evening. I am Beran.

o'neill

Well met! I am O'Neill. Warrior of Grado!

beran

Well met.

o'neill

I must say, I am rather impressed by your technique.
Archers often lose sight of what truly matters on the field.
Raw power! But you have enough of it to match me.

beran

You need strength to pull bowstrings.
It is a common misconception, actually.
People think it's so easy until they try.

o'neill

(smirks) Heh. Ain't that the truth.
(serious) Tried once, myself. Maybe I'll try again one day.
But for now, I find the axe more... personal.
I like getting up close with my foes, like a true warrior.
Not to discredit the bow, of course.
Ultimately, battle is a team effort.
Everyone is equally valuable. Archers, warriors and the rest!

beran

Indeed.

o'neill

(smiles) Hahaha. I like you, Beran. You don't mince words.
Watch my back from the back lines, archer!

beran

(smiles) That is the way of a true bowman.

[Beran & O'Neill gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 6 Saar & Bazba

saar

You there! Halt!

bazba

Eh? Whaddya want with the mighty Bazba?

saar

State your name and rank!

bazba

I already told you, man. The mighty Bazba!

saar

That is not a rank! You are no soldier!
Drop your weapons and surrender quietly!

(Bazba balks.)

bazba

What?! You're kidding, right?
I'm on your side, you idiot!
Joined up with the prince before you did, even!

saar

Hah! That is laughable!
I have served in this army for decades!
Moreover, I know who you are.
The leader of the aptly named Bazba's Bandits...
Us in the border guard had been keeping an eye on you!

bazba

All right, and...?

saar

You are under arrest for the following crimes:
Grand larceny, kidnapping, assault and murder!

bazba

...No, seriously, this has got to be a joke, right?
Take it up with the big man! I'm with you!

(Saar trembles with fury.)

saar

The army of Grado would never take a lowlife like you!
What would you even do to serve us?!

bazba

(smirks) Heh... Same things you listed, but to your benefit.
C'mon. Prince's a piece of work. That's plain to see.
You're one heck of a blind fool if you can't.

saar

...Hmph...
Very well. I shall believe that you have had a change of heart.
But I expect you to work to the bone for your redemption!
For starters, deliver a list of all your associates to me.
I will see to it they face justice for their crimes.

bazba

(scowls) You want me to snitch on my guys now?!
No way. Shove it, old man!

saar

Hmph... I will keep a very close eye on you!
Put one toe out of line, and I swear--

bazba

All right, all right, I hear you, man...
Look, watch my back and I'll watch yours.
Much better way to look at this, right?
We're stuck with one another anyway...

saar

...Your crimes are neither forgiven nor forgotten.
Rest assured of that, brigand scum!

(Saar leaves.)

bazba

...Great. Guess I made a new "friend."

[Saar & Bazba gain C-rank support with each other.]

Valter & Riev

valter

Riev!

riev

It is not often I enjoy the pleasure of your company, General Moonstone.
Please, do not leave me in suspense! Tell me what you wish to discuss.

valter

I'd rather not waste my time with a disgusting old man like you.
Especially when there's so much butchery to be done...
But curiosity is eating me up inside like a woodworm.

riev

Heh heh heh... Oh, this sounds promising so far.

valter

The others might've been content to eat up your sorry excuses...
But I know there is more to this than what you and the prince claim.

riev

I would be correct in assuming you mean the monsters, would I not?
Please. Both myself and our liege are exceptional users of magic.
We have put our faith and knowledge to our research. This is the result.
Miracles that gods alone could not make reality.
Advancement that mere scholars could not make possible!
That is all there is to it. Mighty magic at work. Heh heh heh...

valter

Yes, yes. Spare me the speech. It does nothing but bore me.
Come now. I am a fellow general, am I not? I am trustworthy.
Would you do your colleague a favor and tell me everything?

riev

This is a dangerous avenue of inquiry, Valter...
You would be wise to let sleeping demons lie.
Heh heh heh...

valter

A mystery it is, then?
That's fine. I can be patient. Hahahahaha...

riev

Whether you can be or not, I care not.
Follow your orders obediently, Valter.
Our liege can be remarkably wrathful... Heh heh heh...

valter

Emperor Vigarde? Don't make me laugh.
That man has always been sickeningly merciful.

riev

You insult him before another general?
You are even more reckless than I thought...

valter

Well, will you intercede in his defense, Riev?

riev

...Heh heh heh. The battlefield calls on us.
Let us focus on the violence now, shall we?
Ta-ta for now, Valter...

(Riev leaves.)

valter

...Just the reaction I expected. You have no loyalty to Vigarde, do you?
What binds you to our good prince, Riev? What drives the two of you?
Hmmm... Ah, well. I suppose I shall just have to watch you closely...

[Valter & Riev gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 7 Saaga & Beran

saaga

Ahh, finally, a servant!
I had wondered where Prince Lyon kept all his retainers...
I was starting to think he had none! Some nobleman!

beran

What?

saaga

All this marching has left me parched.
It has also done a number on my make-up.
Fetch me some beverages and a make-up kit.

beran

Er...

saaga

Well? Chop chop! Post-haste, man!
What manner of lousy servant are you?

beran

I am not a servant. I am a soldier.

saaga

With that dopey face?

beran

...I will pretend I didn't hear that.
My name is Beran, milady.
And you are...?

saaga

Saaga. I used to be Rausten's court troubadour, you know.
A most prestigious position, looked down upon by that foolish pontifex.

beran

It sounds interesting. What did you do?

saaga

Ah, well, why, lots of things!
Dare I say, Rausten would have fallen apart without my efforts!

beran

Efforts such as?

saaga

...It is all too complex for a simple mind like yours.
(smiles) Ah, but I feel all energized now!
You have been quite helpful, my man.

beran

I have done nothing.

saaga

Yes, but you have helped me to come to terms with something.
This army cares nothing for the comfort of its members.
I shall simply have to deal with it. I am used to adversity by now.

beran

Very well...

saaga

Do not hesitate to let me know if you ever sustain any nasty cuts, Berna.
It's what I'm here for, after all!

beran

Thank you, but my name is...

(Saaga leaves.)

beran

Beran.

...What just happened...?

[Saaga gains 1 Magic, Skill, and Speed.]

Tiffani & Lyon

tiffani

M...Mister Lion? Is something wrong?

lyon?

Hmm?
Oh, it's you... What do you want?

tiffani

You look kinda scary... Are you upset?
I-I didn't do anything to make you angry, did I?

lyon?

You...
No, it's not you. You are doing fine.

tiffani

Mister Lion, I... I wanna go home.

lyon?

Oh, do you? And why would that be?

tiffani

I-I didn't think... I didn't know I'd have to...

lyon?

Kill people?
Fight for your life day in and out?

tiffani

E-Every time I burn someone with my book...
I-It reminds me of... t-that day...

lyon?

And yet, you know what will happen if you don't...
Tell me, what is scarier? To burn others, or to burn?

tiffani

......
Please. Let me go back home, Mister Lion...

lyon?

Not yet, Tiffani. I took a chance with you.
We're in this together, you and I, and we'll see it through.

tiffani

...Sniff... I-I... I'm sorry, Mister Lion...
I'm just... I'm just so scared... and tired, and sad, and...

lyon?

This world is a cruel place, Tiffani.
Power is all that matters. Those who lack it, die.
You have little power at present. I did too, once.
But you could become more powerful than most...
I will not allow that potential to go to waste.
You can curse my name on your own time.
Right now, you will dry your tears and focus!

lyon?

Sniff... Sniff... O-Okay, Mister Lion...
I... I still like you a lot... Even if you're scary...
You'll stop being scary soon, right?
You'll go back to being the Mister Lion I know?

lyon?

......
Concentrate now, Tiffani. Please.

tiffani

...All right...

(Tiffani leaves.)

lyon?

...Urgh...

[Tiffani gains 1 Defense.]

Chapter 8 Nate & Deni

This conversation can also be triggered in Chapter 9.

nate

(smiles) Deni! Fancy meetin' you here.

deni

N-Nate! What're you doing here?

nate

(serious) Been roped into joinin' this army.
It's not bad. I figure it beats being a freshwater pirate.

deni

So you left Bazba's Bandits too, eh?

nate

I'm surprised everyone didn't leave Bazba's Losers...
All that stopped us was his big talk about killin' anyone who tried.
But then you just up and left, and he didn't do squat.
He started to pretend he never knew no Denis.
Showed myself out shortly after. Wondered where you'd gone...

deni

Well, I didn't mean for anyone to follow me...
I didn't leave because I didn't like Bazba.
I left because I didn't like bein' a brigand.
My song is what I live for these days...

nate

It pay well?

deni

Pah... It's not about the pay. It's about the artistry of it!
I live and breathe for my art. It's all I need.
...T-That, and I've been followin' this band of mercs around.
I help 'em with chores and paperwork and they feed me.

nate

You were always the one handling the numbers for Bazba, too.
Since you were the only one of us that could do a bit of reading and math.
In that way, I guess you just kept doing the same thing, did you?

deni

Perhaps, but I have a true purpose in life now.
Honing my song until it can move the gods themselves!
...You don't think it's a dumb thing to want, right?

nate

(smiles) Heh, well... I think it's a pretty damn neat goal.
(frowns) Wish I had more than fish for brains.
Then maybe I could turn a new leaf like you.
But all I'm good for is bashin' heads in...

deni

Hey, it's not like I'm a genius, either.
You just need to find the right thing for you.
Oh-- Maybe now that we've found each other again,
I can help you find your true calling!

nate

(smiles) That'd be great! Thank you so much.
And hey, good luck with your music, man.
Lemme know if you ever want an audience.

deni

(smiles) T-Thanks...

[Nate & Deni gain support rank C.]

Bone & Deni

bone

...Huh? That you, Deni?

deni

(smiles) Bone! Good to see you, man. How're things?

bone

(smiles) They're okay. The gang disbanded, did you know?

deni

(frowns) Oh... Guards came knocking?

bone

(frowns) Something like that. Me and the boss, we were captured.
But then this army came 'round and now here I am.
I'm a proper soldier now. Just about.

deni

Eh, I'm not that surprised.
You weren't made for the life of a cutthroat, my friend.

bone

You think so? I'm not so sure.
I'm a good-for-nothing dummy. What else am I made for?

deni

Who knows... I never would've expected my calling to be music.
Life is often unpredictable. You'll find your place, I'm sure of it.

bone

(smiles) Heh... Thanks, Deni.
I'm glad you're doing okay too.

[Bone gains 1 Strength.]

Valter & Tirado

valter

Tirado... How interesting this is.

tirado

General Valter...

valter

You know something, Tirado?
I always believed myself to be a rather sharp man.
And yet, I find myself positively flabbergasted here...
I beg of you, help me to unravel this riddle.

You were supposed to trap Prince Ephraim,
and deliver him and his cadre to me on a silver platter.
And yet, neither prince nor platter are anywhere in sight...
Why, it would even seem you have lost control of the castle!
Aid me, Tirado. What could the meaning of all this be?

tirado

All I can do is offer my sincerest apologies.
I had not anticipated Grado deserters to assist Ephraim.
...Nor did I predict my sellswords' own desertion.

valter

Ah, pinning the blame on your hired blades, are you, Tirado?
Hahaha... Fine, let's go with that. I'll accept that excuse for now.
Come along. Fight your hardest and prove your worth.
You may evade the noose just yet. Hahahahaha...

(Valter leaves.)

tirado

...I suppose that could have gone worse.

[Tirado gains 2 Luck.]

Chapter 9 Melina & Selena

melina

Er... You are General Selena Fluorspar, correct?

selena

That is correct. And you are?

melina

Melina, my lady. I'm, uh... A hired blade of sorts?

selena

(smiles) Ah, now I recall.
Duessel's friend. He spoke often of you.

melina

Oh, did he? I actually wanted to ask you about him...

selena

Yes... He told us the whole story.
Every time you got a step closer to recovery, he also spoke to us about it.
His eyes shone so brightly. I could've believed you were his own daughter.

(Melina is taken aback.)

melina

(smiles) E-Er, well... Haha, I see! That's... good to know.
(frowns) But, truly, he shouldn't have gone so far...
I'm the one who owes him. He saved my life...

selena

(serious) I am aware of the details.
It would seem you admire him, Melina.

melina

I do. Never have I met a man so brave and selfless as he.
That's why I joined this army.
I only wanted to help him as he had helped me.

selena

Is that so... Hmm.
Well, I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Melina.
I believe we could become good friends, you and I.
We have a few things in common already...

melina

Hmm? Like what?
I'm just an amnesiac country bumpkin...
You are one of the Imperial Three!

selena

Ah, but I wasn't born with a fluorspar in one hand and a tome in the other.
I, too, hail from a nameless family of a poor country village...

melina

Do you? That's difficult to believe, looking at you now...

selena

(smiles) Hahaha... I suppose it might be.

(serious) Ah, but I imagine you wanted to ask where he is, yes?
General Duessel will be away for some time.
He has returned to the capital.

melina

I see... Thank you for letting me know.

selena

We actually spoke of you before the battle in Renvall.
I suppose he had already decided he would be departing soon.
He asked me to deliver a message to you.

melina

What's the message?

selena

It is a short one. He asked me to tell you...
"Follow your heart."

melina

...I see... Thank you, General Selena.

selena

Don't stray from my side.
In Duessel's absence, I shall keep you safe.

melina

You really needn't do that... I'm just another soldier here.
(smiles) But, thank you all the same.

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

Aias & Murray

aias

Ah... Another rider.
Good. I was worried about our lack of troops on horseback...
Your arrival at this pivotal point shall be a boon, no doubt.

murray

I think I've heard of you. Aias, right?
You're General Tiger Eye's right hand man.

aias

...In a sense.
What is your name, lad?

murray

(smiles) Murray, at your service!

aias

Mm. Well met.
You and I are cavaliers, Murray. That entails certain responsibilities.
We spearhead the vanguard with our superior mobility.
It would behoove us to get acquainted, that we may better fight together.

murray

(serious) Wow, you've really thought this through.

aias

I am always thinking things through.
Staying four steps ahead of the pack is my greatest strength.
It is how I have won every battle I have ever fought.

murray

I had heard tales about your strategic acumen.
(smiles) I see it's all true. I'll be glad to help at your side!
Murray's Brigade is at your disposal, master tactician!

aias

...That is rather odd.
I had not heard that you are a brigade commander.

murray

(frowns) Of course not. I don't lead a brigade.

aias

......
But you just said...

murray

(smiles) Murray's Brigade is at your disposal! And I meant it.
Just let me know what I must do, master tactician.

aias

Are you mocking me, boy?

murray

(frowns) C'mon, there's no need for that.
All I've done is offer you my aid!
(smiles) Murray's Brigade will stand by you, master tactician!

aias

......
On second thought, I am confident in my own strength.
I need not your aid. You may run along.

(Murray balks.)

murray

(frowns) What?! But I... Murray's Brigade--

aias

You...!

...Hmph. Do not speak to me again.

(Aias leaves.)

murray

...Huh.
(smiles) Ahhh, I get it now! This must be one of his plans!
He's gonna make it look like we don't get along well,
so that it's a surprise when we work together in battle!
What a genius! Let's show him how helpful Murray's Brigade can be!

[Aias and Murray gain C-rank support with each other.]

O'Neill & Beran

o'neill

Beran... I am conflicted.
Our battles are going to get harder from here.
I am more than ready, don't get me wrong. But...

beran

What's wrong?

o'neill

I am strong. No slouch when it comes to swiftness, either.
But... I have neglected self-protection.
I prefer to make my enemies dead before they can hit me.
But that's not always a possibility, is it?

beran

That is why I wear heavy armor.
As heavy as I am able, at least.
I won't always be able to shoot my enemies down.
At some point someone will reach me...
When that happens, I am prepared to survive.

o'neill

Quite the clever guy, aren't you?
Perhaps I should follow your example.
I love my helmet, but really, it's more of an ornament.
I always thought true warriors don't hide behind plates of steel, but...
True warrior doesn't mean dumb warrior.
I should wear some real armor, like you do!

beran

It is not without downsides.
The armor slows my arms down. I am unable to loose arrows fast.
I have thought that perhaps I can do away with some of my armor's pieces.
Would you like to have them? I was just going to throw them away...

o'neill

(smiles) There's a grand idea!
We have weaknesses, as everyone does.
But if we work together to neutralize each other's flaws,
we'll become an unstoppable duo! True warriors to the max!

beran

(smiles) I like the sound of that. True warriors to the max!

[Beran and O'Neill's support rank increases. Beran gains 1 Speed and O'Neill gains 1 Defense.]

Novala & Hayden

novala

(smiles) Ah, King Hayden. You are here as well.

hayden

(smiles) Novala. I must thank you once again.
You have been a great help, my friend.

novala

Indeed, indeed! I only wished to be of service to you.
Frelia will never prevail unless it can call Grado its ally.
You are making the wisest decision, even if not all would agree.

hayden

Hah... You know something, Novala?
You might just be the most pathetic little rat I've seen in my life.

(Novala starts.)

novala

(frowns) Wait, what?!

hayden

You really believed you were so very clever.
You thought you had me dancing at the end of your strings.
Me, the Sage King! What an absolute joke you are.

novala

But... But... I did do that!
I manipulated you into betraying your own country!

(Novala squirms awkwardly.)

I-I mean, I... I... Verily! I only ever wanted to, uh...

hayden

Do you remember the day we met, Novala?
You pretended to merely wish to serve in court as an advisor.
But you were so impatient, so devoid of any subtlety...
By the third "maybe it'd be best to side with Grado, sire," I knew.
I knew you were a pawn of Grado, sent to turn me into their puppet.

novala

...Uh...

hayden

No, but your arrival was truly serendipitous.
It suited my own designs, so I let you play your game.
You are my key to getting into Grado's good graces.
Well, you, and this Sacred Twin. My gift to Grado.
I must admit, I have more confidence in the latter.

novala

......
I don't understand anything.

hayden

Worry not. As I said, you have been exceedingly helpful to me.
Truly, I do hope your superior deigns to reward you.

(Hayden leaves.)

novala

I, er...

(Novala huffs.)

D-Dammit! Now I feel like HE was the one using ME!
That's... That's not fair! I had a perfect plan!
I was the mastermind! I played him like a fiddle!

(Novala flounders in confusion.)

What in the world has just happened?!

[Novala and Hayden gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 10 Tiffani & Lyon

tiffani

Mister Lion!

lyon

Eh? Ah, Tiffani...

tiffani

You're... You're not scary anymore...

lyon

...I'm always scary, Tiffani. Even if it doesn't look like it.
You'd do well to keep your distance, to be honest...
Being with me will only get you hurt.

tiffani

I don't know... Usually you're really nice.
You save people...
We're saving someone right now, right?

lyon

Yes, but... Ah, it's not that simple.
We're trying to save this person because it'll be useful to us.
Nothing more, nothing less.

tiffani

But you saved me!

lyon

...To test the limits of my power.
I didn't do it out of some manner of selfless kindness.
I merely wanted to see if I could pull it off. That's all.

(Tiffani becomes agitated.)

tiffani

T-That's not true! Lying is wrong, Mister Lion!

lyon

What...?

tiffani

I saw you! You were crying just like Mom!
You were so happy that you had saved me...
Why are you pretending to be a bad guy, Mister Lion?
I don't understand...

lyon

......
I told you before that this world is a cruel place.
In truth, it is doubly cruel to those who are kind.
I'm trying to... rid myself of that weakness.
Only then, can I perform truly great deeds...
Only then can I save...

......

tiffani

I don't really get it, but... I don't think that's true.
(smiles) I like you because you're nice, Mister Lion.

lyon

(smiles) ...Hah... You're still a kid. One day you'll get it.
But... Still. Thanks.

tiffani

Let's save that man, okay, Mister Lion?
He's going to be so grateful, just like me!

(Tiffani leaves.)

lyon

(frowns) ...Just like you, eh? Somehow I doubt that.
You're too pure for this world, Tiffani...
Meanwhile, I'm...

[Lyon and Tiffani's support rank increases.]

Zonta & Zabba

zonta

Well... All things considered, we got off pretty easy.

zabba

We're on thin ice, Zonta.
They had to send us with this team to protect us.

zonta

I-I'll admit, I didn't think General Valter was such a terrifying man...

zabba

You call that a man? I'd sooner call him a rabid animal.
Why did you get us roped up with this lot, Zonta?
How could you fumble the background check so badly?!

(Zonta huffs.)

zonta

H-Hey! You got any idea the riches Tirado promised me for our swords?
How was I supposed to know Grado enlisted psychopaths for generals?!
I mean, c'mon! Who does that?

zabba

...In other words, you DIDN'T do a background check at all.
You blithering ninny! This is all your fault!

zonta

Yeah, well, it's too late to do anything about it!
They're watching us too closely to try deserting again...
We'll just have to appease them. Fight your hardest, Zabba!

zabba

Urgh... This never would have happened with Gerik.

zonta

...What's that dandy prick have to do with anything?
What's he got I don't have, anyway?!

zabba

He actually ran background checks on would-be clients, for one!

zonta

Bah! That's it? And what else?

zabba

I can think of five or six things off the top of my mind.
And I hate his guts, so take a guess how I feel about you at this time.

zonta

All right, all right, calm down...
Let's get along, okay? We need to stick together.
For our own safety... We got no other friends here.

zabba

Yeah... Never thought I'd say this, but...
I miss Deni.

zonta

Me too, honestly...
I'd even sit through one of his tear-jerker songs right now...

zabba

...Sigh... What we did was for the best.
He was just gonna get himself killed if he stayed with us.

zonta

Or we were going to get killed protecting him...

zabba

But even then... I kinda feel bad about the way we left him.

zonta

I'm sure he's not that upset.
He's just not the kind of guy that keeps a grudge.

zabba

...Here's hoping...

[Zonta and Zabba gain 1 Strength and each gain a C-rank support with Deni.]

Glen & Saaga

saaga

Hmph! She better count her lucky stars she left so fast.
I would've had a few choice words for her had she lingered...

glen

Hmm? What are you talking about?

saaga

Oh, General Glen!
Ah, where are my manners? Allow me to introduce myself...

glen

Dame Saaga, I know. Well met.

saaga

You knew my name already?

glen

I keep track of all our soldiers.
One cannot expect to lead an army without knowing its members.

saaga

Wise.
That aside! Some things never change.
L'Brat has yet to mature, I see!

glen

L'Brat?

saaga

Rausten's beloved princess, that spoiled-rotten harlot.
She's in a fiery contest with her uncle to see who can be the biggest clown.
Hairy Dozla is winning, but it's an extremely close race.

glen

...Aha. Very interesting.

saaga

I remember Mansel's father, even though I was but a child then.
Now that was a man worthy of the title of pontifex.
He carried himself with the gravitas that befit his station.
But it's only gotten worse and worse since then.
Oh, the poor man must be rolling in his grave...

glen

...I'm going to focus on the battle now.

(Glen looks away.)

saaga

Wha-- How rude! I'm not done here, you...
Hah! True gentlemen are a dying breed.

(Glen comes back.)

glen

Sigh... Forgive me.
It's just, we are in the middle of a battle, remember?
I need to keep my eyes on the action.

saaga

Hmm... All right. I forgive you.
Truth be told, I allowed myself to get distracted as well...

glen

No, I let impatience get the best of me.
My brother, that one's a true gentleman.
And even so, he's still a terror on the battlefield...
I have no excuse. Please accept my apologies.

saaga

Oh, well... You certainly are a humble one, General.
Please, let's not dwell on this.

glen

Thank you, Lady Saaga.
Well, I shall take my leave. Please, stay safe.
Healers of your ability are few and far between.

(Glen leaves.)

saaga

Ohohoho... What a charmer.
Rough around the edges, but he certainly tries...

[Glen and Saaga gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 11 Beran & Murray

murray

(grinning) Another day, another battle for Murray's Brigade!
Onwards, everyone! Keep them at bay!

beran

Hello, Murray.

murray

(serious) Ah, Beran. How are you?

beran

Same old, same old.
Being General Valter's adjutant has never been so easy.
Why, I feel like he has forgotten about me, even...

murray

Huh... That's rough, man.

beran

How does Tirado treat you these days?

If Tirado is alive

murray

About the same as always.
He looks at me like he found a cockroach under his pillow.

beran

Don't take it personally. He looks at everyone that way.

murray

Then with the same look in his eyes, he tells me to do things for him.
No "pleases" or "thank yous." He just expects me to slave away for him.

If Tirado is dead

murray

...Oh, didn't you hear? He died.

beran

Oh.
...I suppose I should feel sorry.

murray

Not really. He was a giant jerk.

beran

You were dealt a bad hand with him, Murray.

murray

Eh. It's not all bad. Honestly, I prefer it to what you got.
Valter's a pretty monstrous man. Frankly, he scares me.

beran

I will not lie to you, Murray.
I'm honestly glad he doesn't pay me any mind these days.

If Tirado is alive

beran

...But don't tell Tirado that.

murray

(grins) Hah! Don't worry, I won't.
(serious) Anyway, being the adjutant to an adjutant is not so prestigious...
But I'm confident I'll earn my promotion before it's all said and done.

If Tirado is dead

beran

...Heh, Tirado would've laughed at me if he heard me say that...

murray

Yes, he would have...
Anyway, being the adjutant to an adjutant is not so prestigious...
Especially now that he's, you know, dead and all.
But I'm confident I'll earn my promotion before it's all said and done.

beran

You're a diligent man, Murray. You'll get there, I'm sure.

murray

(smiles) Thanks, Beran.

[Murray and Beran gain C-rank support with each other.]

Saar & Breguet

saar

You there!

breguet

Who are you?

saar

Saar, of the Serafew border watch!
That used to be my post, at least.
Now, I am a proud member of Prince Lyon's royal guard!

breguet

Right. Charmed. Breguet's the name.
So, is there actually anything you want from me?

saar

You and I, we are armored knights of Grado.
We are the shields that protect our prince's vanguard!
Ours are among the most honorable positions in the army!
To give up our safety and even our lives, should it come to that!
All in the name of king and country! In the name of Grado!

breguet

...Aha.
So, you just wanted to drop a speech on me?
Good going, Saar! We just wasted so much time!
And, in case you didn't notice, with all this weighty armor on,
we need more time to get around than everyone else.
After standing around for so long, we'll be left behind for sure...

(Breguet fumes.)

Worthless cur! It's all your fault! You distracted me!

saar

W-What?! How dare you, sir!
I merely wished to take a moment to contemplate our good fortune!
But I see you are no true knight of Grado.
How the standards of our great army have fallen these days...
Tsk, tsk. Verily, such a shame.

breguet

You want to be useful? Start thinking how we can speed up.
Heavy armor is all well and good in a regular army...
But the prince likes running all over the place!
It's horrible! I've never been so exhausted in my life!

saar

And now you dare question His Highness's designs?!
Scum! Perhaps I should report you to the generals!

breguet

Yeah, yeah. Report the stick up your behind while you're at it.

saar

Insolent knave!
Bah... But you've the right of it.
I fear there is no place for us in an army like this...
Which is why we ought to stick together!
If we have no place, we shall carve one out!
Are you with me, Breguet?

breguet

And how do you propose we do that, exactly?

saar

In order to find the best way to serve my liege...
I have studied my armor intently. Written down its weaknesses...
I believe I know which parts to shed without sacrificing its structure.
This should be good for any standard-issue heavy armor suit.
I have fashioned some blueprints. Take a look for yourself.

breguet

Lemme see...
(smiles) Color me impressed! You could've been a blacksmith, Saar.
Forgive me for my outburst. This'll be a great help!
Let's do it right now. Haha... Things are about to change!
No longer will we be left behind!
Nothin'll stop us from earning names for ourselves!

saar

Hear, hear! For Grado!

breguet

Sure. For Grado!

[Saar and Breguet each gain 1 move and gain C-rank support with each other.]

Bazba & Novala

novala

(grinning) Hahaha... Fort Rigwald, eh? What a trifle!
My dark magic shall make short work of our foes!
They will rue the day they crossed I, Novala!

bazba

Hey!

(Novala startles.)

novala

(serious) Ack! I didn't expect a foe to ambush me from that side...
What are my allies doing? An enemy has snuck back here!

bazba

I ain't an enemy, you moron. I'm Prince Lyon's stealth operative!

novala

...Why are you yelling, then?

bazba

Trying to get yer attention is all. I got a question.
Can I see yer face?

novala

What do you mean? My face is right here!

bazba

I mean under the hood, man! Yer whole face!

novala

...!
No.

bazba

C'mon, man, lemme see what you look like!

(Novala shrinks away.)

novala

I-I refuse! This is a blatant invasion of my privacy!

bazba

What's the harm? Lemme see yer face!

(Novala steps forward again.)

novala

You're obviously some manner of crook!
I don't know why you want to know what I look like, but...
It can be nothing good, so leave at once or face my magic!

bazba

What's your problem?
What, yer tellin' me ya never take off that hood, ever?
Ya sleep in it, too?

novala

Wha-- That's-- How is this any of your--

(Novala flounders.)

WHY do you want to see my face?!

bazba

Curiosity's wrong now?
I ain't ever met one of you shaman types in person!
Always with yer robes, yer hoods and yer secrets...
I just wanna know what a shaman looks like, honest!

novala

Go on, shoo! I have better things to do!
Why don't you go stare at the prince? He's a dark mage too, you know!

bazba

Not the same. It's different.
He uses dark magic but he ain't a dark mage, ya get my meanin'?

novala

No, I don't get your meaning.

(Bazba becomes agitated.)

bazba

Ya'll get my axe if ya don't lemme see yer mug!

novala

Hmph!
Think I've heard about enough. I am leaving!
I suggest you go do your job before I report you to the prince.
Whatever your job is supposed to be. "Stealth operative," right...

(Novala leaves.)

bazba

Oi!

(Bazba tries to move after him.)

Don't just walk away from me, you... you...!

Dagnabbit! I really just wanted to see your face, honest!
I don't get what's so wrong 'bout that...
...Maybe the threat was a mistake, but uh...
(closes eyes) Oh, dammit...

[Novala and Bazba gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 12 Bone & Zabba

(Bone starts.)

bone

W...What...?!

zabba

......

bone

...Woow...

zabba

Hey, how about we see if you can keep staring with one eye?

(Bone jumps.)

bone

Ah, no! I wasn't staring! I was...
I was just... Well, I'm kind of impressed, honestly.
You're a pretty good fighter, are ya?

zabba

......

bone

What? It's the truth!
All I can do is flail my arms really fast and hope for the best.
You, it's like you're dancin' with that thing in your hand!

zabba

I had a good teacher.
Old friend of mine. Best mercenary you'll ever see.

bone

R-Right... Um...
So what's your name?

zabba

Sigh... Zabba.

bone

Zabba? Isn't that a boy name?

zabba

It is, isn't it?
I suppose I was always a rebel.

bone

Er... What's that mean?

zabba

Don't worry about it. What's your name?

bone

Bone!

zabba

(smirks) Bone? And you were all shocked about MY name?
Yikes, your parents didn't like you much, did they?

bone

I dunno. I was abandoned at a small convent in Renais.

zabba

(frowns) ...Oh...

bone

The nuns took me to a nearby orphanage.
When I got there, I started playin' with a bone I found on the ground.
...Turned out the bone was for the dog. It started fightin' me for it.
I won somehow, though. Just kept on playing with the bone.
The orphanage's staff must've found it really funny,
'cause from that day on, my name became Bone!

I got used to it, as silly as it is. It's the only name I've known.

zabba

That's actually a rather sad story...

bone

Bah. I'm just a sad little brigand, after all.

zabba

I've learned there's only one difference between mercs and bandits.
How much they get paid for killing folks.

bone

What are you saying?

zabba

I'm saying I'm not too far off from you.
We kill people for money. We got no one.
You have bad teeth. I have only one eye.

bone

But I'm ugly as sin. Eye or no, you're beautiful as... as... uh...
Beautiful as notsin!

zabba

(smiles) Pfft... Notsin? What's that supposed to be?

bone

(smiles) The opposite of sin, obviously!

zabba

Hahaha... You're a funny guy, Bone.
It's odd. Most brigands aren't so mild-mannered.

bone

(frowns) I guess I was always a pretty lame brigand.
Didn't really have the mindset for it, y'know?

zabba

(frowns) Quit putting yourself down, man. Heck, that's not even a bad thing!

bone

Guess not, but... Well, it's not like I got any other talents.
I'll tell you, I have no idea what I'll do after this war...
If I survive at all, anyway.

zabba

Well, you know one way to increase your chances of survival?
Sticking together with comrades you can trust.
...That's also something my old friend taught me.

......
On second thought, maybe it'd be for the best if we kept to ourselves.
It's been nice talking to you, I guess.

(Zabba leaves.)

bone

Wait, I... Oh.

Damn... I blew it, didn't I?
And here I was hopin' I'd made a friend...

[Bone and Zabba gain C-rank support with each other.]

Pablo & Hayden

(Pablo startles.)

pablo

Yahh...! You're... Frelia's King Hayden?!

hayden

(smiles) The selfsame. And you are... Elder Pablo.
Heh... Figures you'd have joined up with us.
You were always a snake, Pablo.

pablo

A king that betrayed his own country dares to call me a snake?
You are shameless, Hayden!

hayden

I prefer to think of myself as... enlightened.
But that is neither here nor there.
Tell me, what did they promise you, my good man?

pablo

(smiles) Oh, nothing much.
Just my rightful seat as head of the council, and Grado's friendship to Carcino.

hayden

A good deal for you as it is for us, indeed.
The prince is quite talented.
I would not want to play chess with him...

pablo

(frowns) What's that supposed to mean?

hayden

Pay it no heed. Pointless ruminations of mine.

pablo

...I can still hardly believe it, even seeing you here.
How could you do it, Hayden? How could you betray Frelia?
Why, you had a family! Two children and a wife, correct?

hayden

I'm surprised at your confusion.
Since when have you ever cared about anything but profit, Pablo?

pablo

I care! I care about my country! I care about my kin, too.
I have a grandson. Gods only know where that moron went off to...
I'd never betray them. Never.

hayden

And yet you have invited the Imperial army to your capital...

pablo

That's different! I've done this for the GOOD of Carcino!
(smirks) Sure, I'll benefit, but that's... incidental. Heh heh...

hayden

Justify it however you wish. It is none of my concern.

If you must know, I have no love for my children.

If Agrippina has been recruited

hayden

But I never betrayed my wife. Why, she is with us now!
She fights for Grado on the western front.

pablo

(frowns) Quite convenient for you, that.

If Agrippina has not been recruited

hayden

But I never betrayed my wife. I do wonder where she is now...
She always did enjoy her trips to the Tower of Valni...

pablo

(frowns) The Tower of Valni?

hayden

Yes... Ah, well. As it were.
Elder Pablo... Let us fight together.
We are, after all, now allies.

pablo

(smiles) Indeed, indeed...

(Hayden leaves.)

pablo

(scowls) Hmph... But I'll make sure to watch my back around you.
Once a backstabber, always a backstabber!

[Pablo and Hayden gain C-rank support with each other.]

Nate & Lieselott

nate

Sigh...

lieselott

......

nate

...What're ya looking at? Ya don't like my face?

lieselott

No.
...That's not it, I mean.

nate

What, then? Don't just clam up on me, girl! Say somethin'!

lieselott

......

nate

Oh, guess yer wondering why I was sighing...
I just miss the port already. Wish we hadn't left so quick.
It'd been so long since I was near the great seas.
(smiles) Y'know, I always dreamed of bein' a cap'n.
And not just any regular-ol' cap'n, either. A pirate cap'n!
One of those legendary, feared cap'ns, like Shanty Pete.
If I close my eyes, I can just picture it: Dreadbeard Nate!
...I'd hafta grow a beard, but that ain't a big deal.
(frowns) Or at least, I hope it wouldn't be...

lieselott

Actually, I just saw you standing there and I wasn't sure if you were an enemy.
Clearly not, though, unless you're trying to talk me to death.

nate

...Oh.
Yeah, no, I joined up with these folks a while back.
Got tired o' being a freshwater pirate.
Not much money t'be found in that line o' work.
Wasn't too fun either. I was bored outta my mind.
Good thing I ran into these ol' pals o' mine--

lieselott

Okay, so I guess you ARE trying to talk me to death.
I'll try to stab you to death. Let's see who wins.

(Nate flinches.)

nate

Wow, wow! 'Aight, 'aight, pal, I get the hint! Geez...

lieselott

Good.

nate

......

lieselott

......

nate

Has anyone ever told you yer terrifying?

lieselott

Yeah.
(smiles) Thanks, though! That's real nice of you to say.

nate

(smiles) Uhhhh... Yer welcome, I guess? Ha ha... ha...

[Nate and Lieselott gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 13 McGregor & Melina

mcgregor

My girl, you show such a sorrowful expression.
It is unbecoming of your youthful visage.
Young people should not carry such sadness...

melina

...These are tragic times, Father.
I latch on to this sorrow. I must.
For I fear what manner of monster I would become,
were I to grow fond of this violence...

mcgregor

Wise words.
Tell me, child, what is your name?

melina

Melina, Father.

mcgregor

Well met. I am McGregor.
I was once a court priest, serving as a tutor for the royal family.
...But I fear my standing has plummeted since those days.

melina

Is that so? It seems to me the army holds you in high steem.

mcgregor

Hmph. Anyone would look kindly upon the man curing their injuries.

melina

Not just anyone. The prince, as well...
He looks upon you with something resembling... nostalgia, perhaps?
He must have enjoyed those lessons with you.

mcgregor

I wonder.
I was stern. All these years later I wonder if too much.
I know Prince Ephraim of Renais thought me a demon.
Prince Lyon elected to hide his feelings, and yet...
I piled many expectations on the young lad's shoulders.
Now he has grown into an exceptionally talented leader...
...But I fear what he may have lost on the way.

melina

His father is beloved by all people around Grado.
Not one soul has a single foul word for Emperor Vigarde.
How far off the tree could the apple possibly fall?

mcgregor

Aye... That is a good point.
(smiles) Vigarde is a personal friend of mine, as a matter of fact.
I mentored him, as well, but I was so young... So foolish.
I often overstepped my boundaries and incurred his wrath.

melina

Emperor Vigarde's wrath? Difficult to believe...

mcgregor

Well, he, too, was young.
One time we bickered so much, he challenged me to a duel!
...My body has long since become too frail for it, but back then, I was a swordsman of some ability. Ability he underestimated.
He dearly regretted agreeing to extra homework should he lose...

melina

(smiles) Hahaha... That's quite the image.
You helped him become an incredible man.
And I'm sure... his son will turn out the same way, in the end.

mcgregor

(frowns) ...I pray you have the right of it, Melina.
Well, it was nice to talk to you.
We are surrounded by such... unsavory types.
It is good, meeting somebody who hasn't surrendered her morality.

melina

(serious) The pleasure is mine, Father. Please, stay safe.

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

Saar & Tirado

saar

Good sir! Lord Tirado, is it not?

tirado

Used to be, but the details are unimportant.
Tell me, what may I do for you?

saar

You and I, we are armored knights of Grado.
We are the shields that protect our prince's vanguard!
Ours are among the most honorable--

tirado

Spare me the grand oration. I get the gist of it.
If you could get to the point, I would be most grateful.

saar

...Well, I have devised a way to move faster in our heavy armor.
Getting rid of excess without sacrificing the armor's integrity.
Myself and a fellow knight, name of Breguet, have already tried it.
It works like a charm! I wish to extend the offer to you as well.

tirado

Hmm... You do seem brisker on your feet than I...
It may be worth a shot. What must I do?

saar

I have written it all down on this here sheet of paper.
Us armor knights must fight together, for that is how we are most able to be our liege's shields!
Shoulder-to-shoulder, protecting all that we are sworn to protect!
Grado's will be done, by the hand of us tirelessly loyal knights!

tirado

You will forgive me if I show no such enthusiasm.
(smiles) But this shall prove helpful, by the look of it.
And you are correct - we will fight best in unison.
I, Tirado, shall grant you my assistance.

saar

(smiles) Excellent! For Grado!

tirado

For Grado, certainly...

[Tirado gains 1 move. Tirado, Saar, and Breguet all gain B-rank support with each other.]

Tirado & Beran

tirado

Beran...

beran

Lord Tirado! You live!

tirado

I am not "Lord" anymore, Beran.
I have been stripped of my titles for my failure in Renvall.
They considered putting me to the sword, but General Valter suggested this is a fate worse than death for me.
I let him believe it. Why, I even forced a tear or two out.
Now all I have to do is carve my way up to the top once more.
It is a setback, to be sure. But I will manage. I always have.

beran

Yes, Lord Tirado.

tirado

...You don't listen, do you? Ahh, Beran...
Is there anything in that misshapen head of yours, I wonder?
I have seen many dullards in my time. And yet, I must confess...
You are the biggest nitwit I've ever had the displeasure of meeting.

beran

I'm sorry you feel that way, Lord Tirado.

tirado

Seriously, is there even an ounce of ambition in you?
You've been rank-and-file since you joined the army.

beran

I am General Valter's confidant.

tirado

He only took you under his wing as a joke, you know.
He said, "that man there looks like he'd make for a fine meatshield."
That's why he confides in you, Beran. Because you are disposable.
He is not stupid. He always knew I am a potential threat to him.
You have no plans. You don't even think. You just continue to exist.
You are a fascinating specimen, Beran. Exceptionally so.

beran

All I seek are worthy trophies.
Fort Rigwald, for instance. To be one of the men responsible for its fall...
An accolade worthy of the history books.
Who could ask for more?

tirado

Pitiful. Just pitiful.
I could never understand simpletons like you.
Ah, perhaps that is just the lot of the masses.
Vulgar goals for vulgar men. Ashes to ashes.

(Tirado leaves.)

beran

...Hmph...

[Beran gains 1 Defense.]

Chapter 14 Pablo & Binks

(Pablo trembles with frustration.)

pablo

Grrrr... I cannot believe this!
Binks, can you believe this?!

binks

Believe what, Elder Pablo?
...Actually, wait, what are you doing here?

(Pablo jumps in agitation.)

pablo

Yes! Yes! That's exactly what I'm talking about!
Why, why, WHY am I here?! I'm an elder of Carcino!
A... A politician! Since when do politicians fight in wars?!
That's the whole point of it, NOT having to fight one's own battles!

binks

Gee, really rising to the occasion here, Elder.

pablo

...Shut your piehole, Binks. I'm rising, I'm rising.
I'll rise and burn all the enemies of Grado.
I'm not an idiot. I know the price of defiance here.
But I'll complain as much as I like while I'm at it!

binks

Could you complain to someone else, at least?

pablo

I pay your dues. I can whine to you if I feel so inclined.

binks

Aren't I in Grado's payroll at this point...?

pablo

Well, er...

For old times' sake?

binks

Nuh uh. Look, Elder Pablo, I'm kinda busy.
And I'm also kinda angry at you for abandoning us in Carcino.
So, y'know... Think I'll just walk that way now.

(Pablo sputters.)

pablo

A-A-Abandoning you?! How DARE you!
I told you, I went to look for reinforcements!
Then I found them and we saved your sorry behind!

(Binks leaves, making Pablo even more agitated.)

pablo

B-Binks! Come back here at once!
How dare you ignore me, you, you... you brute!

Grrrr... Grrr, grrrrrr!
Things can't possibly get any worse...!

[Binks and Pablo gain C-rank support with each other.]

Saaga & Nate

nate

Oi! Oi! O'er here!

saaga

......

nate

HEY!!

(Saaga startles.)

saaga

Gaahh!!

(Nate startles.)

nate

Waahh!!

saaga

Haa... Haa... W-What?!

nate

I-I could ask ya the same question!
Davy Jones's smelly trousers, the heck'd ya scream like that for?!

saaga

Oh, do forgive me, all right? I'm just a bit on edge.
You know, given the current events going on right now!'

(Saaga fidgets anxiously.)

Monsters! A dragon! Our leader acting completely out of his mind!
I think I have a right to be just a TAD stressed out!

nate

Er, yeah... Uh, see...
I was actually hoping you'd have some words of guidance.
Never been the believin' kind, and I've never really talked to a cleric before.
But I feel so lost right now... I dunno what I'm supposed to do with myself.

saaga

Why, I was certain you only joined us following the honeyed scent of gold...
Cutthroats aren't usually prone to questioning themselves.

nate

I sure wasn't, back when I was in that bandit bunch...

saaga

What changed?

nate

I dunno. Guess I just mellowed out after I left the gang.
Tried my hand at piracy, but... Honestly, my heart wasn't in it.
That and uh... There's someone I met.
Back when I was a brigand. He's uh... important, to me.

saaga

Another brigand?

nate

Yeah, but make no mistake. I never saw him take a life.
He mostly just kept count of our stuff, went shopping, cleaned...
Told me once he grew up in a poor town with no family of his own.
He was... He was just a poor sod with nowhere to go...

saaga

It's not an uncommon story.
Often those who turn to banditry are just downtrodden, desperate fools.

nate

And he sure was a fool.
Our band was not like him. We were nitwits, beasts and evil bastards.
I don't think he knew what he was getting into, but...
He made me start to feel bad about the way I was, somehow...
And now all this time later, I'm just... I dunno. I just dunno.

saaga

...Where is this person now?

nate

I'm not... quite sure, to be honest. Haven't seen him in a while.

saaga

His influence has done you good, my friend. Keep him close.
That is the best advice I can give to you.

nate

...Ya don't say...
(smiles) ...Thanks. Talkin' to ya was real helpful, ma'am.
Stay safe, 'aight? It's dangerous out there.

(Nate leaves.)

saaga

...Huh. Unbelievably personable, for one that appears so barbaric.
(smirks) Why, Mansel could learn a few things from him. A mere brigand!
Just goes to show none are lower than that sorry excuse for a pontifex...

[Saaga and Nate gain C-rank support with each other.]

Erkki & Djieien

erkki

You are mighty, Djieien. Let us be allies.

djieien

Skree skree. Skree!

Erkki & Penelope

erkki

You are swift, Penelope. Let us be allies.

penelope

Arf, arf! Arf!

Erkki & Wyatt

erkki

You are skillfull, Wyatt. Let us be allies.

wyatt

*Smug rattle*

Djieien & Penelope

djieien

Skree skree skree. Skree!

penelope

Arf, arf! Arf arf arf... Awoooo...

Djieien & Wyatt

djieien

Skree! Skree, skree, SKREEEEEEEE!!

wyatt

*Understanding rattle*

Penelope & Wyatt

penelope

Awoooooooooo... Awo awoooooooooooo...!
Arf!

wyatt

*Delighted rattle*

[The monsters gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 15 Aias & Lieselott

aias

Hail. Lieselott of Frelia, are you not?

lieselott

......

aias

Yes, they told me you were a woman of few words.
I have a query. I believe you could help me.

lieselott

What?

aias

I am a man who likes to leave nothing to chance.
To that end, I have perfected many battle formations and tactics.
I have never once sustained a relevant injury in combat.
There is but one thing I could never master...

The art of flight.

lieselott

......

aias

Lately, I have realized how confining the ground is.
If I could soar through the skies, anything would be possible.
Any plan. Any strategy. Any attack. Anything...
However, I have a problem. Wyverns... they are too fierce.
Each that I have tried to tame has taken a dislike to me.
Be that I knew why...

lieselott

And?

aias

I understand all Frelian squires receive basic training in pegasus flight.

lieselott

......
You want me to... teach you how to fly on a pegasus?

aias

That would be most gracious.

lieselott

......
If you thought wyverns were fierce...
Wait until you see a pegasus when a man tries to ride it.
They despise men. Nobody knows why.

aias

Hmm...

lieselott

...But... You look so composed.
I've never met a man so calm and collected before.
Usually men who try to ride pegasi do it just to prove it's possible.
They go into it with a certain... energy. Hubris, perhaps?
I don't get that from you.

aias

Who knows. Perhaps the whole thing is just a myth.
Perpetuated by the arrogance of men and hearsay.

...I would find out for myself. Can it be arranged, Lieselott?

lieselott

Sure. If nothing else, I'll get to see a guy fall on his butt.
I'll meet you when we make camp after the battle.
If you're still alive...

aias

You have no cause for worry on my account.

lieselott

Yeah, okay. Oh, and...
(smiles) Uh, pleased to make your acquaintance.
That's what people usually say when they make a new friend, right?
Sorry. Not used to talking with people much...

aias

(smiles) Hah... Please. My manners pale before yours.
I came asking for favors and did not even introduce myself...
The name is Aias. It is an honor to meet you.

lieselott

Haha... So prim and proper, Sir Knight.

[Aias and Lieselott gain C-rank support with each other.]

Zonta & Zabba

zabba

Unnh...

zonta

Hey, Zabba! Zabba!

zabba

What do you want now, Zonta?

zonta

I need to talk to someone about all this.
You're the only one around here I can trust.

zabba

...It's madness, isn't it?

zonta

Damn right it is! This isn't what we signed up for!
We're mercenaries, not assassins, for goodness's sake!

zabba

Is there really such a difference?

zonta

Yeah, we don't usually take up dirty jobs like this.
I'm too afraid to raise a complaint, though...

zabba

Then just shut up. Whining to me is useless to both of us.

zonta

...What's going on, Zabba? You look more brooding than usual.

zabba

This is the place, Zonta...
This is where I fought that bastard and nearly lost my head.

(Zonta starts.)

zonta

Whoa, here?! In this lost corner of the world?

zabba

It's what the job asked. Come here and kill the sage.
...He fought pretty well. Got caught off-guard, and...

zonta

Yeah, I've heard the story before.
You did tell me it was a remote place, but I never figured...

zabba

Now we're slaughtering this village's innocent people.
And still all I can think of is, he's nowhere to be found.
Where is he, Zonta? Where is the bastard that ruined my life?!

zonta

Er... How am I supposed to know?

zabba

Sigh... You aren't. It was a rhetorical question.

zonta

Well, I want you to know that, should we find him here...
I'll take up arms and assist you in evening the score.
(smiles) You've been my most reliable subordinate since you joined my gang.
What kind of boss would I be if I didn't help you settle an old debt like that?

zabba

Wow, you are aware of the concept of gratitude, Zonta?
Oh, right, I did get hit on the head in that other battle...

zonta

(scowls) C'mon, there's no need for that...
I know I'm not the best leader in the world, but I really don't think I've ever treated you poorly.

zabba

Aye... I suppose I do have to give that to you.
And thank you for offering to help. I appreciate it.

zonta

(smiles) Don't mention it.

zabba

...Now, if I could just find him...
What rock are you hiding under, Saleh, old friend?

[Zonta and Zabba gain C-rank support with each other.]

Tiffani & Lyon

tiffani

M...Mister... Lion...?

fomortiis

(smirks)Oh, who do we have here?
If it isn't Lyon's starry-eyed little protégé.
(scowls) Even amidst this human rabble, you sicken me the most.

(Tiffani starts.)

tiffani

W-What?!

fomortiis

(sneers) You know, little gnat, you picked the wrong man to worship.
Your beloved "Mister Lion" is a terrible human being.
Oh, yes... Words cannot describe the evils he is capable of.

tiffani

Why are you talking like this? What's wrong, Mister Lion?!

fomortiis

(frowns) Hmph... Tell me something, child.
I am aware that he saved your life...
But do you know HOW he saved it?
Do you know the unholy powers he tapped into?
That was no miracle... He stole MY power!
And he used it on a worthless, powerless insect like you!
Oh, seeing your stupid stare makes my blood boil...

tiffani

...You're...

fomortiis

He can feel it too. As we speak, he desperately claws for control.
He's rather afraid of what I might do to you...
(smiles) Wisely so.

(Tiffani starts.)

tiffani

You're not Mister Lion! Who are you?!
Give Mister Lion back! Give him back or I'll... I'll...!

fomortiis

Oho... I am impressed.
(serious) Everyone else has been woefully slow on the uptake...

(Fomortiis advances, but Tiffani shrinks back.)

fomortiis

You are correct, little Tiffani. I am not Lyon.
I am the one who will bring humanity to their knees...
And end their lives, one by one...
Starting with you!

(Tiffani trembles.)

tiffani

Ah! Aaahhhh!!

(Tiffani runs away.)

fomortiis

(grins) Hahahahahaha! Oh, Lyon. Now you've done it.
That girl will never want to have anything to do with you again.
Oh, that's so sad... You had finally made a friend...
A friend you weren't too busy envying or desiring to appreciate!
And now you've gone and ruined it. Such a shame...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

[Tiffany loses her support rank with Lyon.]

narrator

(Don't worry, you can get it back)

Dara & Morva

dara

......
Lord Morva... He really has bent you to his will...
Is... Is there nothing left of you there?
Are you truly just an empty husk now?

morva

......

dara

......
Do you remember when we first met, all those decades ago?
You came to visit my mother, who was Caer Pelyn's elder before me.
(smiles) I was just a small child then. I came up to you, grasped your robe and said,
"Please let me fly on your back, Mister Morva!" What a bold whelp I was...
My mother was beside herself, but you just warmly smiled and nodded...
I still vividly remember that short flight. It is one of my most cherished memories.
Only later did I learn you had come to combat fiends that had wandered into Caer Pelyn.
You had just fought a battle, and yet you had no qualms humoring a brat like me...

(frowns) ......
Very well. I suppose we'll see how long we last before we go down...
It's all that's left for us to do, isn't it, Lord Morva?

But at least we'll fall side by side.

(Morva shifts.)

morva

......

[Morva gains 4 Luck and C-rank support with Dara.]

Chapter 16 Novala & Deni

(Novala starts.)

novala

You...! I can't believe I only just noticed!
What is wrong with you?!

deni

Huh? What's up, man? Nothing's wrong.
Just taking a break before playing my battle hymns.

novala

No, er... That's not what I was... Er...
Who in the world are you? You don't look like much.
You look like a small-time thug, in fact.

deni

We can't choose the face we were born with, can we?
I'm Deni. I'm one of Lord Tirado's mercenaries.
I'm just helping out where I can. Primarily, with my music!

novala

Your music, huh... Tell me about this music of yours.

deni

Dunno what it is about it, but everyone in our team loves it!
Everytime I play it, they become instantly energized.
Never saw anyone dance so hard to a funeral march, haha!

novala

Yes, it's really surprising that such somber music would have that effect.
Have you never considered why that could be?

deni

Not really. I figure everyone here's just got great taste in music.

novala

...Great taste. Right...
What about your instrument? Looks to be one ancient flute.
Look at the motifs inprinted on it... Demons and other wraiths.

deni

Well, I found this flute one day, at a flea market.
The vendor was acting real strangely, lemme tell you.
Said something like "this is a cursed flute.
You shouldn't buy it. It will destroy your life."
But there was something about it that just... called out to me.

novala

Did anything unusual happen when you began playing it?

deni

Not really. It wasn't even a particularly good flute.
I tried playing some dancin' songs, but they didn't sound right.
I thought I heard weird whispers, real quiet-like under the song.
Figured the thing was broken, so I went to give it back.
But the vendor was gone. No trace of him, nobody knew where he went.
They told me he just packed up and left after sellin' me the flute.
Heh. What a coincidence, huh? Dang dastard musta scammed me!

novala

......

deni

So anyway, since I couldn't get my cash back, I tried playing some more tunes. Different stuff, experimenting.
Eventually I tried playing somethin' like a funeral march I heard once.
Those sorrowful notes... Now that was music to my ears!
It was so perfect, I could hardly believe it!

novala

And that's why you only play somber music?

deni

Yeah! It's so weird.
It's like the flute itself prefers sad songs.
Yeah, right. Probably just my imagination.
It must be the inner musician in my soul.
I'm just a different kind of artist.

novala

Yes, it's not like evil spirits and dark magic are real, am I right?
No way that thing with the demons etched on it could be cursed.
It's not like you were EXPLICITLY TOLD the flute is cursed.

deni

Exactly! You get it, man.
Anyway, was nice talking, but I better get moving.
The flute-- I mean, our comrades want more music.
All I wanna do is help out!

(Deni leaves.)

novala

......
Incredible. He really hasn't figured it out.
That thing's going to eat his soul up before long...
Why, I can sense it. It's already started...
Gullible fool!

(smirks) Well, it's none of my concern... Hehehehe.
When he goes down, I shall take the artifact from his cold hands.
And when I harness its power... I'll become immensely powerful!
Even the old freak will have to bow before my awesome might!
Hahahahahaha... Another brilliant idea, Novala. You're on a roll!

[Novala and Deni gain C-rank support with each other.]

Bazba & Saar

saar

You there! Halt!

bazba

Oh, what now, old guy?

saar

I must admit, you have been behaving.
You have followed your orders diligently.
Why, more diligently than some of our own soldiers, even.

bazba

I appreciate being a free man, y'know?
Don't wanna spend my days rotting in a cell.
If I have to cave and play along for that, fine by me.
I may be a hothead, but I ain't dumb!

saar

Are you ready to give me that list of your associates, then?

bazba

Oh, c'mon, this again?!

...Sigh... Look, I don't know what you think I can tell you.
The guys ditched me when I got beat by Renais's worms.
It was just Bone and me locked up in a storeroom for a while.

saar

Yes, and then the prince's army rescued you. I am aware.
But surely you must know something! They were your men!

bazba

(smiles) Heh... I see how it is.
Listen here, old man. Here is how the world works.
Loyalty ain't mean zip for most folks out there.
I kept my guys in line by intimidating them.
Others keep their guys in line by treating them mighty well.
Then there's the royal way: Cheap talk of honor and duty.
You're quite familiar with that one, right?

(Saar becomes agitated.)

saar

How dare you! Honor and duty are not "cheap"!
They're what drives us knights. Our purpose!

bazba

And that's mighty convenient for people like the prince, ain't it?
Trust me, man. I've been a sort of leader myself.
I know what I'm talking about, and you know I'm right.

saar

......
Pah. I don't have to stand here and listen to this drivel.
...Keep up the good work. That is all!

(Saar leaves.)

bazba

Pfhah! What a laughable old coot.
Better keep an eye out for the guy.
He's definitely gonna get himself killed if I let him...

[Saar and Bazba's support increases to rank B.]

Agrippina & Orson

agrippina

Ho... I remember you.
You were a knight of Renais. We met a few times.
When King Fado came to visit...
This is an interesting surprise. Very interesting indeed...

orson

...The queen of Frelia...

agrippina

I met your wife, as I recall. A charming woman.
I was surprised a knight would bring his wife along to an official visit.

orson

......
(smiles) She wished to see Frelia. Always a curious one...
I requested the boon of King Fado myself.
He accepted. I was so grateful.
So... grateful...

agrippina

And now you fight with those who'd see him dead.
My. I wonder if our own knights would've been so easily swayed.

...Bah. What am I saying? The easily swayed one was ME.
Tell me, Orson. What did they offer?
Was it lands? Recognition? Greater titles?
...Or are you more like my husband and I, seeking... more?

orson

(serious) ......
I had prayed for a miracle. Prince Lyon was Heaven's answer.

agrippina

Mmm? My, that sounds dramatic.
What kind of miracle, might I ask?

orson

...My wife. She has returned and will never leave again.

(Agrippina starts.)

agrippina

O-Oh, goodness! You mean, that... thing, I've seen you with...!
Come to think of it, yes, its face did ring a bell.
I understand everything now! It's... Oh, it's awful!
(grins) Such heresy! The prince is a harder sort than I took him for...

orson

...Why... Why do you speak of my wife in that way?

agrippina

Pay me no heed.
I'd say your wife and I could be... good friends.
Hahaha... Surely there is no problem, right?
Two wives blessed with wonderful husbands, befriending each other.
Does that not seem rather quaint to you, Orson?

orson

......

(Orson leaves.)

agrippina

Hah! Pitiable buffoon.
Yes, I shall become good friends with your wife indeed...
And when I am in need, she'll make a wonderful meatshield.
Hahahaha...

[Agrippina and Monica gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 17 Beran & O'Neill

beran

We are back in Grado...

o'neill

Aye. It's been too long.
You know, I was actually born in this city.

beran

Oh, were you?

o'neill

Ever since I was a wee lad, I wanted to be a warrior.
Kept seeing soldiers march into ships and sail into the horizon.
I thought, "one day I'll be the one to take a ship to war!"

Of course, little me didn't know that most those soldiers didn't go to war.
Then when I started to think I'd never see a war in my lifetime...
Heh. Life can be full of surprises.

beran

That is quite the story. Mine is far more mundane.
I was born in a small village in the Bethroen province.
From a young age I enjoyed hunting.
The more fearsome the mark, the more glorious the trophy.
I suppose becoming a knight was the natural next step.
It doesn't get much better once you conquer a bear.

o'neill

Whoa! You've hunted bears?
(smiles) Outstanding! You, my man, are a true marksman!

beran

(smiles) Thank you. It means a lot to hear that, friend.
Most people think I'm just a bore.

o'neill

(serious) Pah. You're no wordsmith, nor are you trying to be.
And who's the one who hunted a bear, huh? Them, or you?

beran

Hah! That is a very good point.
(serious) Ah, but the battle rages on.
Let us resume our concentration, O'Neill.

o'neill

Too true. I get too talkative these days.
As true warriors, we must put our minds to the fight!

beran

Hear, hear!
Now who wishes to become my next trophy?

o'neill

Come!

[Beran and O'Neill's support rank increases.]

Murray & Tirado

murray

Lord Tirado, report! The battle rages on!

tirado

...Gh...

murray

Sir? Is something amiss?

tirado

Oh... Thank goodness.
I thought that accursed voyage would never end...

murray

Ah, seasick... Pardon me, Lord Tirado.

tirado

Hmph... Fret not over me, Murray.
I am not some sickly convalescent to be doted on.
Any foes who underestimate me will pay for their error.

murray

Of course, Lord Tirado! I never doubted it!
Count Murray's Brigade ready to stand behind you as always!

tirado

You know, Murray-- I really need to ask, at this point.
Why do you keep talking about "Murray's Brigade"?
You don't have a brigade! It's just you, Murray!

murray

Oh, I know that.

tirado

Then why? It makes you seem out of your mind!

murray

When I was little, I had real trouble studying.
Not because I was stupid or anything,
but because I was incredibly afraid of failing.
An irrational, paralyzing fear that kept me from concentrating.
My mom told me, "tell yourself you've already passed, Murray!"
(smiles) And it worked! I became top of my class.
I've adopted the same approach to all challenges in life since.

tirado

Oh, is it that simple?
You pretend you lead a brigade... Hoping one day it will come to pass?

murray

Indeed, Lord Tirado.

tirado

...Hmm. What a positively endearing story.
But it does not change the fact that it makes you seem mad.
It is unbecoming to me as your superior, too. Dispense with the habit.

(Murray shifts.)

murray

(frowns) B-But, Lord Tirado!
I can't just change my way of being at the drop of a hat!

tirado

We all have to make sacrifices in war.
I have lost far more than a menial idiosyncrasy.
As much as I've lost, however, I remain your direct superior.
I suggest you follow your orders, Murray.

murray

Sigh... Very well, my lord.

tirado

Stay alert, Murray.

(Tirado leaves.)

murray

......
Don't worry, Murray. He's just in one of his moods.
He'll get over it soon enough, and then!
(smiles) Murray's Brigade will be back in action!
I must simply have strength until then!

[Murray gains 2 Strength and increases his support with Tirado to rank B.]

Jude & Gheb

jude

What an unpleasant surprise. It's Gheb.
I see nobody has snuffed out your pitiful life yet.

gheb

Hello to you too, Jude.
I see your heart hasn't given out yet from one of your tantrums.

jude

Hmph... I'd eat my mustache before I die such an ignominious death!
Now, how about you? What manner of end do you envision for yourself?

gheb

Comfortably in bed, surrounded by women and delicacies?

jude

Disgusting pig. You bring shame to the army of Grado!

gheb

Not the first time I've been told that.
But I'm still here. They value my exceptional abilities.

jude

Your exceptional ability to make everyone around you hate you?
It certainly did pay off. Fort Rigwald, Bethroen...
From one distant post to another. Well out of everyone's sight.

gheb

Pfft. As if you're any better.
When I joined the army, you were just a standard squad commmander.
It's been a good few years since, and you're STILL in the same place!
And every year you grow more and more bitter over it, don't you?

(Jude huffs.)

jude

Of course I do! I don't deserve this treatment!
You're human scum, but I'm one of Grado's most capable!
Be that I knew why our liege is unable to see it...
What does Duessel have that I don't, huh? What is it?!
Does he just like his facial hair better? My mustache is bigger than his!

gheb

And you wonder why you've stagnated.
Your mind is so simple. Rocks are smarter than you are.

jude

Dastard! Get out of my sight before I cut you down.

gheb

You'd cut down an ally? That's treason, Jude.

jude

It's a favor to the world, ridding it of you!
Now go! My mood is sour enough as it is.
I don't need you making it worse!

gheb

Feh... You know what, Jude? This is exactly your problem.
Maybe you should try calming down for a change.
See how that works out for you.

(Gheb leaves.)

jude

Hmph! Why should I calm down? I have no reason to calm down!
Blast, I haven't had reason to calm down in YEARS!

[Jude and Gheb gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 18 Hayden & Dara

dara

......

hayden

You... Are you not the woman we fought before?
Alongside the dragon...

dara

That was I, yes...

hayden

You realized which was the correct side to stand on.
I congratulate you on your wisdom, my lady.

dara

Pfah... Given the choice between serving alive and serving dead...
Perhaps I made the wrong call. This is even worse than I thought...

hayden

What do you mean?

dara

The Demon King... He is not alone.
His suit of flesh and bone is not deprived of his will entirely.
...And he may be an even worse sort than the Demon King.
For he fancies himself righteous. I can see it in his eyes...

hayden

(smirks) ...Hah...

dara

What is so funny to you? Who is he to you?
Are you one of these Grado fools blind to his true nature?

hayden

Hardly. Mayhap I know more than you do.
I was once a king, you know. But I sacrificed crown and title...
For I found a greater calling than the petty games of mortals.
Now, I am a faithful acolyte of the one you speak of.
A position far more glorious than the one I held before.

dara

Hmph... Yes, keep telling yourself that.
We'll see how your faith is rewarded at the end.
The Demon King seeks nothing but the destruction of mankind...
You are killing yourself, and everyone else with you.

hayden

(serious) ...So be it.

(Dara starts.)

dara

...!

hayden

(smirks) That took you by surprise, did it not?
No, I've had plenty of time and reason to resent humanity.
If the lord desires the end of our era, who am I to object?
I shall hand our heads to him on a silver platter...
And beg only to be taken last, that I may witness our fall.

dara

You are insane...

hayden

Hah! Perhaps. Or perhaps I am the sanest man alive.
We shall see, shan't we?

(Hayden leaves.)

dara

......
So this is the manner of person he's roped into following him.
Sigh... Fools...

[Dara gains 3 HP.]

Saaga & Glen

glen

...Urgh...

saaga

That's a dangerous look you have in your eyes.
I recognize it. I saw it often in the mirror.
And you know what I ended up doing...

glen

...You deserted Rausten.

saaga

Mmhmm...
Don't worry, though. I won't tattle.
But you should try to hide it better.

glen

Aye... That is wise advice. Thank you.

saaga

......
We can talk about it, if you like.
I may have left, but I'm still an ordained cleric.
Guiding people is what we're good at.

glen

Hmm...
I just... don't understand. Why did we fight that battle?
Those people were just living their lives up in the mountains...

saaga

Yes, I'll admit, I am... rather shaken, myself.
For what it's worth, I think it applies to most of us.
But it won't last. That, I can tell as well.
We'll come around, tell ourselves excuses.
I'm already well on my way to it, myself.
After all... They did attack us first, did they not?

glen

Hmph...

saaga

You're the one who's being stubborn.
Conscience can be a costly thing to have.

glen

And yet, it is a part of my self.
I cannot simply let it go. My brother never would...

saaga

You truly dote on this brother of yours, don't you?

glen

...I do. He's very important to me.

saaga

I had a sister, once. Sickness took her.

glen

My condolences...

saaga

That heartless dastard Mansel told me it was all the plan of the gods.
Yeah, right. He just didn't want to hear me sulk at his court.
How that man was allowed to ascend to pontifex, I'll never know.
Never met a less talented priest in my entire life.

glen

Er...

saaga

And the way he spoils his rotten little niece, L'Brat!
Not that her actual parents were much better, mind.
That entire family was always filled with wackos.
They claim ancestry with Saint Latona himself!
Can you believe that? That should count as heresy!

glen

......

saaga

Ah, but I'm boring you. So sorry, General Glen.
Thank you for humoring me. Feels nice to have someone to talk to.
All right, the moment has passed. Let's get back to the business at hand!

(Saaga leaves.)

glen

I... I thought we were going to talk about MY problems...

(closes eyes) Sigh...

[Glen and Saaga's support rank increases.]

Tiffani & Lyon

tiffani

Mister Lion! Mister Liooooon!

lyon

......

(Tiffani jumps to get his attention.)

tiffani

Mister LIOOOOOOOON!!

lyon

I can hear you. You don't need to yell.

tiffani

Sorry...
It's actually you now, right?

(Lyon starts.)

lyon

W-What?
...I don't understand what you mean...

tiffani

Don't lie, Mister Lion...
I saw the bad Mister Lion before!
He was really scary, but now you're back.

lyon

......
Do you... Do you earnestly believe there's a "bad" me?

tiffani

Well, yeah! I saw him!

lyon

...Unbelievable.
Everyone saw it, but only you have accepted it for what it is...
But then, I suppose it does seem impossible, doesn't it?
It would take a child's imagination to simply accept the impossible.

tiffani

How did the bad Mister Lion get inside you?

lyon

He didn't get inside me. I invited him into me.

tiffani

...Why?

lyon

For power.

tiffani

...He said... you stole his power to save me...

lyon

I did.
I am a worthless weakling. I am completely useless...
I could never have saved you by my own merits.
So... I employed someone else's power.
But it has come at a cost...

tiffani

......

lyon

You shouldn't try to be friends with me. I'm a horrible person.
If it suits my designs, I will not hesitate to hurt you.

tiffani

......

(Tiffani runs up to Lyon and tackles him into a hug, startling Lyon.)

lyon

Whoa! W-What are you doing, Tiffani?!

tiffani

(closes eyes) Whenever I feel sad, my mom gives me a hug and I feel better.

lyon

But I'm not sad, I'm...

tiffani

You're sad. I can tell.

lyon

......

(Tiffani opens her eyes and lets go.)

tiffani

Do you feel better now, Mister Lion?

lyon

You... You do know I'm not called Lion, right?

tiffani

(smiles) Yeah... But I like lions. They're big and strong, like you!

lyon

(smiles) Big and-- Oh, please...

tiffani

If you feel sad again, tell me, okay?
I don't want you to be sad, because...
You're wrong! You're a nice guy and we're friends!

lyon

...All right, Tiffani...
Thank you. I feel a lot better now.
Run along now, okay?

(Tiffani bounces excitedly and runs off.)

lyon

(serious) She's like the little sister I never had...
...It's for people like her that I cannot stop.
I have to save everyone... Everyone like her...

[Tiffani renews her support with Lyon and upgrades it to rank A.]

Chapter 19 Melina & Selena

melina

General Selena!

selena

Ah, Melina... Good to see you.
Are you holding up well, my friend?

melina

It's been tough, without General Duessel...

selena

...I can understand.
I, too, miss him... And the emperor.
This situation is less than ideal...

melina

You said it, General.
Still, I know you're trying your best.
And I appreciate how you worry for me...

selena

Mm... I promised. I shall do all in my power to keep you safe.

melina

......

selena

Is something the matter, Melina?

melina

I... Did General Duessel ever tell you I had a daughter?

selena

I believe he mentioned it, yes.
You don't know where she is, do you?

melina

No... And yet, I have the most harrowing feeling in my heart...
It is as if some part of me knows what happened to her.
And... W-What that part of me tells me happened to her, is...
It makes me want to drop my weapon and scream...

selena

......

melina

But... I'm sure it's just my imagination.
I've been under too much stress lately...

selena

We all have been, Melina.
I would be lying if I said I don't dream up the darkest images, these days.
Try to keep your mind away from these terrible distractions.
You don't want to die before you find her, do you?

melina

D...Die? I... Before I... find her...?

......
Pardon me. I believed I'd be able to withstand the horrors of war, but...

selena

You have performed admirably, Melina. Trust me.
I say this not as your friend, but as a commanding general of this army.

melina

(smiles) Thank you... You've been so kind to me since I arrived.

selena

(smiles) Think nothing of it. You have been a most reliable ally.
Your strength of will is rather inspiring.
I, too, shall strengthen my spirit to match yours.

melina

Ahaha... Ah, well...
I hope fortune continues to favor us.

selena

Enough that you find your daughter soon, I hope.

melina

(frowns) ...A-Ah...

[Selena gains 1 Magic.]

Breguet & O'Neill

o'neill

Breguet!

breguet

(grins) O'Neill, you cur! It's been a while!
Still kicking, eh?

o'neill

(grins) I certainly am! What are you going to do about it?

breguet

Hah! What need I do?
You'll get yourself killed soon enough!

o'neill

You wish! Be careful that doesn't happen to you, you dastard!

breguet

Hahaha... Ahh, to think. How long's it been, O'Neill?
10 years? No, 15... Ah, doesn't matter.
And all these years later... Look at us.
The prince's personal royal guard.
We've made it, my friend. We've made it big time!

o'neill

Of course. You ever doubted it?
We are true warriors, you and I. We were always going to prevail.
(scowls) Especially with the sad excuses for soldiers they recruit nowadays...

breguet

(frowns) Tell me about it. Worthless curs, to the last!
Back in our day we had to WORK to earn our knighthood!

o'neill

Well, it is what it is.
It just means us TRUE warriors have to fight that much harder!

breguet

Ha ha ha... I, for one, accept the challenge!

[Beran and O'Neill's support increases to rank B.]

Orson & Monica

orson

(smiles) Monica... Look.
It's a chrysanthemum. Your favorite flower...

monica

Darling...

orson

I knew we'd find some here. This is the region where they grow.
Every time I had a leave of absence, I'd travel here to get some for you.
You remember that, right? You were always so happy to receive them...
You'd pretend to be surprised by the present every time.
It was silly, but... It was one of our little jokes.

monica

Darling... Darling...

orson

Let me put it on your hair.
You'll look even more radiant with this flower decorating your beautiful head...

(Orson steps forward, but stumbles and drops something.)

orson

(frowns) Oh...!

Blast... I dropped my sword into the marsh.
What a disaster...

monica

Darling... Darling...

???

Sir...

orson

Hmm? Who goes there?
Wait, the voice is coming from... under the water?!

(Anna emerges from the marsh.)

anna

You have dropped something...
Was it this golden sword? Or was it this slim sword?

orson

...Hmm...

It was the golden sword!

anna

Here you go.
Please be more careful. I get enough waste as it is.

(Anna leaves.)

orson

...Huh...
Not quite what I expected to happen, but...

monica

Darling...

orson

I know, dear. Lying is wrong. But...
This is a top notch blade. It will be of great use to us.
With this, I can protect you much more effectively, Monica.

monica

Darling... Darling...

(Orson receives a Golden Blade.)

It was the slim sword...

anna

Here you go.
Please be more careful. I get enough waste as it is.

(Anna leaves.)

orson

...Huh...
I am rather disappointed, I'll admit.

monica

Darling...

orson

I know, dear. Honesty is a virtue. But...
That was a top notch blade. It would've been of great use to us.
This rusty old thing? Not so much, I fear...

monica

Darling... Darling...

(Orson receives a Slim Sword.)

Chapter 20 Aias & Caellach

aias

General Caellach.

caellach

Aias! Man, am I glad to see you...
Feels nice to have a friendly face around.

aias

You seem to be rather on edge.

caellach

That's 'cause I am. Damned bookw...
Ah, better not go there. He might be listening...

aias

Who? Prince Lyon?

caellach

Impossible to keep a secret from you, eh, Aias?

aias

He's the only one you refer to as "bookworm."

(Caellach jolts.)

caellach

Idiot, not so loud! Guy has ears everywhere!
And not spies, either - his own blasted ears!

aias

...Hmm.
Well, I wanted to let you know, since we returned to Jehanna...
I paid a visit to that blacksmith you're acquainted with.

If Caellach visited the blacksmith

caellach

Ahh, yeah. I've been to the old dog's shoppe myself.

aias

I assume you have retrieved the blade, then.

caellach

That's a good adjutant, Aias! Always so thoughtful.
Yeah, look at it. Ain't it a beaut!

aias

This is less a sword and more a giant slab of steel.
Are you certain it is usable in battle, General Caellach?

caellach

(grins) Hahaha... Maybe not for you. But me...
Look at these bulging muscles! They're begging for a challenge!
I'm going to sunder men clean in twain with this beauty!

aias

Such weight would entail immeasurable power.
Even just the impact on the ground would topple the unprepared.

caellach

Hahaha... I cannot wait to see this little pretty in action!
The terrifying Zweihänder! Tremble in fear of its might!

If Caellach has not visited the blacksmith

caellach

Ahh, THAT blacksmith, right?
How's the old dog? He got my commission done?

aias

But days ago, it would seem. Fortuitous timing.

caellach

That's a good adjutant, Aias! Always so thoughtful.
So... Where's it? C'mon, I want to see it!

aias

You'll have to retrieve it from him yourself.

caellach

He didn't trust you with it?

aias

I could not lift it! And I'm certainly no slouch.
Are you certain it is usable in battle, General Caellach?

caellach

(grins) Hahaha... Maybe not for you. But me...
Look at these bulging muscles! They're begging for a challenge!
I'm going to sunder men clean in twain with that beauty!

aias

Such weight would entail immeasurable power.
Even just the impact on the ground would topple the unprepared.

caellach

Hahaha... I cannot wait to see that little pretty in action!
The terrifying Zweihänder! Tremble in fear of its might!

aias

It is not a zweihänder.

caellach

(subdued) What? It's a big sword! Zweihänders are big swords!

aias

Yes, and this one has nothing to do with them besides the size.
It is closer to a claymore, and even then...

caellach

Close enough, if you ask me. 'Sides, I like the ring of Zweihänder!
Anyway, thanks, Aias. I mean it. I was right to bring you along.
Your talents were wasted in this arid hellscape.
Do you not feel right at home now, with Grado's great army?

aias

...Do not misunderstand, Caellach.
I do not yearn for titles or renown as you do.
All I wish is to hone my knowledge of war.
This conflict has provided me with ample opportunity for it.
For this, and this alone, I am grateful.

caellach

Yikes, never did realize how much Glen sounded like you...
Ahh, who cares.
Try not to kick the bucket out there, all right, Aias, old pal?

aias

I have never known defeat. I do not intend to meet her today.

caellach

(grins) Hah! Well put, mate. Well put.

[Aias and Caellach's support rank increases.]

Bone & Zabba

bone

Heya... Zabba?

zabba

It's you... Bone. What do you want?

bone

Well, you've looked so sad since the last battle...
I know you said to stay away, but...

zabba

Urgh... Then go away, would you?
I'm sick of people. I just want to be alone.

bone

...Yeah, okay. Sorry...

(Bone leaves.)

zabba

...Huh...
Hey, Bone! Bone, wait!

(Bone comes back.)

bone

What's that?

zabba

Look, it's just... Remember the old friend I talked about?
The guy who taught me stuff? Best merc I ever met?

bone

Oh, no... Don't tell me...!

zabba

Yeah...

bone

That powerful sage we fought before...

(Zabba sputters.)

zabba

What?! No! I'm talking about Gerik! That other bastard's...
That other man was the one who took my eye.

bone

What?! But why was he with your friend, then?

zabba

That's what I've wondered for years.
I picked up a job to assassinate some magician from the mountains.
Gerik advised against it, but the pay was simply too good.
...Well, it went bad. It was a rough fight. Guy kept shooting sparks at me.
Eventually, though, I managed to knock his book away from him.
Then he pulled a dagger out of his cloak and went to charge me.
Bookworms don't usually tussle up close, so it caught me off-guard, and...

bone

Ouch.

zabba

When I came to, I was somewhere else completely, in a small village.
They told me they found me at the bottom of a steep cliff.
Must've tumbled down after he stabbed my eye...
It's a miracle I lived at all, but I'd been out cold for some time.
Couple years, as they told me. They didn't expect me to wake up at all.

bone

Those're some nice folks!

zabba

What? Yeah, I guess they were...
Anyway, I left and went to find Gerik immediately.
And what do I find but... Him.
Him and Gerik, having a drink together.
Him and Gerik, calling each other "my friend."
Gerik and the one who nearly murdered me...!

bone

......
They're both dead now... How do you feel?

zabba

Bad, that's how.
All this time I'd been obsessed with getting back at that guy.
I was also obsessed with beating the smug smile out of Gerik's face.
Now both things have been done, and yet... I feel worse than ever.
I don't get why. Gerik's the one who betrayed me!

bone

I don't think I'd ever understand what you're going through, but...
I think you were angry at him, but not like, "I want him dead" angry.
Maybe "I want to see him beat" angry, but not more.
And now you're wishin' you hadn't wasted so much time being angry.

zabba

...T-That's...
Where did that come from, Bone? That's so smart...

bone

Oh! I know I'm kind of an idiot, but that's just mean!

zabba

Sorry, it's just... I think you're right.
I don't know if I could've figured that out on my own...
Heh. I couldn't have figured out my own feelings.
Funny how people work, huh.

Well, thanks, Bone. Now I get to be miserable for the rest of my life.

bone

Uh, you're welcome, I guess?
I mean, anytime, pal! We're pals, right?

zabba

...I'm afraid.

bone

Afraid? Whaa...? You?
But you're like a demon on the battlefield!
I thought there'd be nothin' that could scare you, ever!

zabba

(smiles) Ahahaha... Yeah, on the battlefield.

(frowns) I'm just... terrified.
That if I let myself make a new friend...
It'll end like it did before.

bone

Yeah, guess I can see how that'd be...

zabba

But... I do like you, Bone. Let's keep talking, all right?

(Bone starts.)

bone

Y-Yeah! Okay! Let's!
Haha... Oh, this is great! Hold on, I've got something...
I've never shown this to anyone. Lemme see if I can find it...
Dammit, don't tell me I lost it! Be right back, y'hear?!

(Bone leaves.)

zabba

......
I don't know. I'm still afraid, but...
I blew it with you, Gerik. I should be more brave this time...

[Bone and Zabba's support increases to rank B.]

Boudica & Tiffani

boudica

...Chiiiiiiiiiiiild... Careeeeeful...

tiffani

(smiles) Hi, Miss Boadicea! How're you?

boudica

......

tiffani

(frowns) Oh, uh... Are you, uh... sad?

boudica

...Yeeeeeeees...

tiffani

Why are you sad, Miss Boadicea?

boudica

...Chiiiiiiiiiiiiiild...

tiffani

Me? Am... Am I making you sad?

boudica

Oooooother...

tiffani

Oh! Another child?
(smiles) What's she like? Could we be friends?
Tell, tell, tell!

boudica

...Like yoooooou... Liiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

tiffani

Light? Teeheehee! But I'm not a torch!

(frowns) ...I-I'm not a...torch...

boudica

......

(Boudica steps closer.)

boudica

Saaaaaaad...

tiffani

N-No, it's okay... I'm okay. I'm not sad.
It's just... Something bad from before.
(smiles) But I'm okay now. Thanks to Mister Lion!

boudica

Liiiiiiiiiion...

tiffani

Mister Lion is the best person in the whole world!

boudica

......

tiffani

You're very nice too, though, Miss Boadicea!
You remind me of my mom. I miss her so much, but...
Since you're here, I feel a lot better!

boudica

But...

tiffani

(serious) Mm?

boudica

...Not... huuuuuuuman...?

tiffani

What do you mean?

boudica

......
(smiles) Nooooooooothing...

(Tiffani bounces happily.)

tiffani

(smiles) Aww yeah! You look much happier now!
I'm so happy you're happy, Miss Boadicea!

(Tiffani runs off.)

boudica

...Liiiiiiiight... In the daaaaark...

[Tiffani and Boudica's support rank increases.]

Chapter 21 Bazba & Rennac

bazba

Hey, you! The lanky boy!

rennac

...Who, me?

bazba

Who do you think you are?! I was here first!
Go find your own army to do thief stuff for!

rennac

Er... Excuse me?

bazba

I'm the mighty Bazba!
I take care of locks and pockets, AND I fight like three men!
What can YOU do, with those noodly arms of yours?
You'd best get the heck out while the getting's good, boy.
Find somewhere else to have your fun.

rennac

Hey! I'll have you know, I can fight just as well as anybody!
And for your information, I'm not here to have fun.
I've been paid for my services. Get it? Paid.
I may be a scoundrel, but I honor my contracts!
...As long as they honor the payment, of course...

bazba

Yeah, well, don't get in my way.
I'll break you into pieces if you do!

rennac

(smirks) My, someone's jealous.

(Bazba fumes.)

bazba

What?! What did you just say?!

rennac

What? It's obvious!
You see me, master thief I am, and you're afraid I'll take you to school.
Heh, can't blame you, really. Few are as good as me in this line of work...

bazba

Foolish boy! I can at least fight, unlike you.

rennac

(scowls) Who the heck cares if the stealth operator can fight?
That's what the soldiers are for.

bazba

(smirks) Gehahaha... You're just sayin' that 'cause you can't fight at all!
Look at you. You'd probably lose a brawl against a flea!

(Rennac huffs.)

rennac

(smirks) Oh, yeah?! Well, I'm gonna fight TWICE as hard now!
We'll see who's laughing at the end!

bazba

And I'm gonna be TWICE as deft with my hands!
I may not look it, but I can be extremely graceful!

rennac

(frowns) Hmph...

bazba

(scowls) Grrr...

[Rennac gains 1 Strength and Bazba gains 3 Speed.]

Novala & Riev

novala

General Riev... Have you found it yet?

riev

Heh heh heh... "It," Novala?

novala

The tome you lost, General Riev.

riev

Ohhh, yes... That pretty thing.
I thank you for reminding me, Novala. It is a shame I do not have it.
With it, I would be able to do battle that much more effectively.

Interesting way to describe it, though... The tome I lost.
Perhaps my memory is beginning to fail me...
Lend your aid to your aging superior, my reliable underling.
I seem to recall I lent it to you, and then you didn't return it...

(Novala squirms.)

novala

I-I...

riev

Where did you see it last, pray tell?

novala

...My room... I left it there when we departed Grado Keep.

riev

Heh heh heh...

(Novala jitters.)

novala

W-What are you laughing at now, you... you...?
Urgh! Look, the point is, it's got to still be there.
You can go and get it. It's yours, after all.
(I can't use that blasted bright magic anyway...)

riev

Good boy, Novala. I'm proud of you.
I was wise to pick you out among the prince's court mages.

novala

(grins) Hah! Of course.
I always showed far more potential than the lot of them.
After you let me in on the truth... My path was laid clear before me.
I shall be our lord's greatest! His one and only champion!

riev

(smirks) Heh heh heh... Oh, how far ahead your heart races, Novala.
Yes, I was quite correct indeed. You are a rare specimen.
Naïve, gullible, self-absorbed, egocentric, and so very weak...
The perfect little servant. You have been of so much use to me.
(frowns) You know, whenever you're not losing my best tomes.

(Novala becomes agitated.)

novala

(frowns) I-It's not lost! It's just in my room--

riev

You do know they'll have searched your room by now, right?
I suspect we'll find ourselves in the receiving end of Belial's power soon...
Fortunately, I have been readying for the occasion. How about you?

novala

......

riev

No more grandiose remarks? Excellent, excellent.
Let us be on our way then, shall we, Novala?
Take care you don't lose your head next. Heh heh heh...

(Riev leaves.)

novala

Hmph! Damnable old fossil...
We'll see who laughs last when I've replaced you at our lord's side!
You will stew in regret, and I will enjoy every moment.

[Riev gains 2 Resistance.]

Melina & McGregor

mcgregor

...Sigh...

melina

Now it is you that seems filled with sadness...

mcgregor

Ah, Melina...
I had hoped the familiar sight of my home would rekindle my spirit.
But I am filled with uncertainty. I... I cannot make sense of it all.
My pupil told me to trust Prince Lyon.
Prince Lyon spoke to me with such a reassuring tone.
And yet... I see naught but criminal destruction.
I see devilry I cannot condone.

melina

...We are servants of the Empire.
I... I myself, have my grievances...
But I have to believe in our liege.
Lest I risk going mad... Especially after...

mcgregor

After...? Please, do continue, Melina...

melina

...I am not sure.
I have the worst feeling in my heart of hearts.
Something aches, and yet... I know not what.

mcgregor

Know not, or accept not?

melina

......

mcgregor

I could not accept it either.
The possibility that the gentle boy I tutored could become...

melina

...Y-Yes?

mcgregor

Last we spoke, you told me you did not want to let go of your sorrow, because it kept you tethered to your humanity.

...Prince Lyon shows no sorrow, no joy, no wrath... He shows nothing.
I worry, Melina... I worry so much it keeps me awake at night.
I may have failed my old friend, his son and the world at large.

melina

None of this is your fault, Father McGregor.

mcgregor

Is it not? I was responsible with teaching him the ways of the world.
If this is where he would lead us... It is also where my teachings led him.

melina

We cannot know what comes next, Father.
Perhaps the future will be brighter for this...

mcgregor

...We are destroying the Sacred Stones, Melina.

(Melina starts.)

melina

W-What?!

mcgregor

It is a secret to all but the upper echelons of the army.
...But I know... He destroyed Grado's Stone first.
The sorcerer Knoll informed me, before I was reassigned.
And... He also told me to be wary of my pupil. Of Natasha...

melina

...Why do you stand here with us, then?

mcgregor

I cannot accept it.
It would mean we are already condemned...

melina

......
Your pupil... What kind of person is she?

mcgregor

Bright. Optimistic. Kindhearted.

melina

Why would you need to be wary of her, then?

mcgregor

I have no doubts about her judgment.
...But I am beginning to fear where it may have led her...

melina

...?

[Melina and McGregor's support rank increases.]

Chapter 22 Zonta & Tirado

tirado

Zonta, what a pleasant surprise. You still live.

zonta

Lord Tirado...

tirado

Do not look so afraid.
As far as I am concerned, it is all water under the bridge.
I do not resent you. Frankly, I comprehend you.
I did lie to you, after all.

zonta

That so, Lord Tirado?
Quite gracious of you. I'm a little surprised.

tirado

Understand my position as well.
I had to try and make you take the fall for our failure in Renvall.
It was not to be, however. The blame fell squarely on my shoulders.
So there is hardly any reason for hard feelings, is there?

zonta

Guess not... Honestly, it's all the same to me.
I wanted to bail on this contract and I failed too.
All that's left for us now is to fight and earn our freedom.

tirado

Well put. Shall we, then?
Cover my back, and yours shall be covered.

zonta

Yeah, sure. It's not like I have an abundance of friends these days.
Would be nice having someone watching my back.
...Even if it's a two-faced snake like you...

tirado

(smiles) Hah. I do believe I shall take that as a compliment.
After you, then, Zonta.

zonta

Hmph... I dunno what you're trying to pull here, Tirado...
But I'm going to keep an eye on you.

(Zonta leaves.)

tirado

(frowns) Oh, I would not expect you to get it, Zonta.
You're far too simple-minded.

[Zonta and Tirado gain C-rank support with each other.]

Bone & Bazba

bazba

Bone!

(Bone starts.)

bone

B-Boss Bazba...!

bazba

You thought you could run away from me forever, didn't ye?
Jumping ship to the other squad at the last minute was smart.
But you should've ran off when you still had the chance...

bone

Boss, it wasn't even my call. The prince is the one who--

bazba

Yeah, yeah, I get it, man. I was pullin' your leg.
You really gotta relax. You're too on edge.
(smiles) What's there to be stressed about? We're at the top o' the world!
We're two of the prince's most trusted associates!
And my gut says the prince's about to climb even higher in the world...
Gonna be a good time to be good pals with that boy, lemme tell ya!

bone

...Guess you got a point, Boss.

bazba

(frowns) You don't guess. I'm just right like always!
Didn't I tell you, Bone? Back when we joined up?
"We gotta join these guys, Bone! They're the right guys to be with!
Look at how they beg for our skills... We just gotta give 'em a hand!"

bone

Yes... Uhh, that's how it happened. I think.

bazba

Hahaha... I been in this business 20 long years, son.
You don't get as far as I have as a bandit by being sloppy.
There'll be a day history books have my name written all over!
The mighty Bazba, bandit king extraordinaire!

bone

......

bazba

Wha... Bone! You listenin' or what?!

(Bone jumps.)

bone

Ah, yes! I totally wasn't dozing off!
Hear, hear! Well said! Nicely put! Uh, goodly made?

bazba

Goodly m-- That doesn't even mean anything, you bonehead!

bone

Sorry...

bazba

Urgh! Why am I even talking to ya about history books, anyway?
Ya wouldn't know a book if it sat on your face and farted!

bone

Books don't fart.

bazba

Shut your piehole, you moron.
Stop wasting time yapping and get to work.
We're not here on a picnic.

(Bazba leaves.)

bone

...Sigh... Real nice to have ya back, Boss....

[Bone and Bazba gain C-rank support with each other.]

Lieselott & Aias

lieselott

...All right... I think you're ready.
Twice in a row, you were able to mount this pegasus.
She seems to find you... tolerable, at this point.
It's time for the next step. Take flight, Aias!

aias

Could we not do this after the battle? This is just too reckless.
If I fall from the pegasus in enemy territory, it would be--

lieselott

Stop worrying. This is your trial by fire.
Either you succeed, or you die.
What better way to truly learn than a powerful motivator?

aias

Hmph. Who said anything about dying?
Regardless, I am committed. I shall master the art of flight.

All right... This is it.

(Aias takes flight.)

lieselott

......
W...Woooow... I can't believe it...
He's really doing it!

(Aias lands.)

aias

G-Gah...!
Landing was rougher than I'd expected...

lieselott

Landing's easily the hardest part. For women, that is.
For men? The hardest part's the one you've already passed!

(smiles) You did it, Aias! You flew! On a pegasus!

aias

(smiles) So I have... It was easier than I would have expected.

lieselott

(serious) The whole "only women can ride pegasi" thing really was nonsense.
You might've just set a historical precedent, Aias.
You'll change the way war is waged in Magvel!

aias

(serious) Pah. If I do, I'd rather it be through my battle strategies.
I will write a book on them one day. When the world is at peace.

lieselott

And with your new power of flight, you can devise many new plans!
I can't wait to see what you do with your new friend.

aias

I can keep her? I was under the impression she belonged to you.
I was already thinking of how I may obtain my own pegasus...

lieselott

Please. She's not my pegasus. I got her for you to practice.
Even for women, it's not easy to get a pegasus to trust you.
You don't want to redo the whole process. Keep this one!

aias

(smiles) Haha... Thank you, Lieselott. I owe you a lot.
Now I just have to decide if I wish to fight like this...

Switch to Falcoknight

aias

...Yes, I do believe I shall.
Being airborne is a huge advantage in combat.

lieselott

Awesome! Glad to have been of help, Aias.

Remain in current class

aias

...Perhaps it would be prudent to stick with what I'm used to.
Still, it is never a bad thing to learn new skills.

lieselott

You're right there. Glad I was able to help, Aias.

[Aias gains 3 Speed.]

aias

I shall have to think of a way to recompense you properly.

lieselott

Let's just... keep on hanging out, okay? I like you, Aias.

aias

And I you... It would be my pleasure to stay friends.

lieselott

......
Yay...

[Aias and Lieselott's support increases to rank B.]

Nate & Deni

nate

(smiles) Deni! Over here!
Man, how long's it been? Haven't seen you in ages!
(serious) You been ok? Maybe I shoulda gone with you...
Couldn't even listen to you play like I said I would.
I'm so sorry, man...

deni

......
Ah? Oh, yeah... Nah, don't worry, Nate.
I'm okay with it. It's been interesting, being on my own.
My music has become so much more powerful.

nate

Oh... That's great.
Emotionally powerful and such, right?

deni

Yes... I have more power now, Nate.
I'm no longer the defenseless little man you once knew.
I'm... I can now... Urgh...

nate

Something wrong?

deni

We're going to have to cut this short, I think.
The flute beckons... She wants more souls...

nate

...What...?

deni

Don't worry. Not yours. You are a friend...
I wouldn't... take the soul of... a friend...

(Deni twitches.)

Urrgh... Okay, then. See you around, Nate...

(Deni leaves.)

nate

......
T-The heck's wrong with him...?!

[Nate and Deni's support rank increases.]

Agrippina & Hayden

hayden

(smiles) My love... Reunited at last.

agrippina

(smiles) I hope you did not miss me overmuch, husband.

hayden

I missed having your spear at my side.
These soldiers of Grado are so ignorant and unreliable.
They aren't like you... Or I. They are inferior.

agrippina

Oh, I feel the same way. I am hardly impressed.
Shall we teach them a few lessons together, my dear?

hayden

It would be my pleasure.

[Hayden and Agrippina each gain 1 Strength.]

Agrippina & Lieselott

agrippina

Oh my, what's this? Your armor... Yet nobody is attacking you.
Are you truly with Grado?

lieselott

......

agrippina

Aw, no need to be bashful, my dear.
We are all traitors here.

lieselott

...Queen Agrippina...

agrippina

Hmm. This is odd, though.
My husband never mentioned your presence...
In fact, he claimed he defected alone!

lieselott

I never approached him.

agrippina

Upset at what he did? That's rich, coming from you.

lieselott

Not at all. I don't care.
I just had nothing to say to him, that's all.

agrippina

I see...
I'm rather surprised by you, I must say.
I thought the entire Frelian army was loyal to Innes.
Why, I nearly stabbed you thinking you were among the enemy!

lieselott

Why would you think that? You're the queen.
Wouldn't they follow you and the king?

agrippina

In every war council, the commanders looked to Innes, not to my husband.
Everyone was so very pleased to follow him against the terrible Grado...
My husband believed that if he were to push for switching Frelia's allegiances,
the army would rebel and Innes would easily get his way.
So while he still had the element of surprise, he fled with the sacred bow.
I only wish he had confided in me, if no one else...

(smiles) Oh, but I have forgiven him.
Understanding is key to a healthy marriage.

lieselott

......

agrippina

(frowns) ...This doesn't interest you at all, does it?

lieselott

I am only here to fight and to improve my combat abilities.
I don't really care about the politicking of kings and queens.

agrippina

(smiles) Hah! I like you, girl. You don't mince words.
Neither do you subscribe to any useless notions of honor or loyalty...
You're a warrior, through and through. If only we'd had more like you...
What's your name, my friend?

lieselott

Lieselotte.

agrippina

Let us fight together, Lieselotte.
For you see... I, too, am nothing more than a warrior at this point.
Seeking naught but the spilling of blood, compatriot or otherwise.

lieselott

...All right...

[Lieselott and Agrippina gain C-rank support with each other.]

Saaga & Jude

jude

Grumble grumble... This is a disgrace...
We have liberated the capital! All thanks to MY efforts!
And still not a word about the title I deserve...
He acts like I don't even exist... Grumble grumble...

saaga

Spurned by your liege, knight of Grado?

jude

What's it to you, woman?

saaga

Relax. I have been in your position before, myself.

jude

You were to be a general as well? Who passed you over?
Was it Fluorspar?

saaga

Oh, no, I was no general.
Court troubadour of Rausten, Saaga, at your service.

jude

Ah... You betrayed your homeland to join us?

saaga

I have. Is that a problem?

jude

Hmph... Not for me.
I would be lying if I said I haven't considered it more than a few times.
Does a liege truly deserve loyalty if he does nothing to reward it?

saaga

That is a question I often asked myself.
And then I made a choice, and here I am.

jude

I hope Grado's treated you better than me...

saaga

Eh. It's been all right.
I heal folks and help out where I can.

jude

...Any prospects of promotion?

saaga

Come now. I'm an outsider. I am no competition to you.

jude

Hmph... True enough, I suppose. You are not my enemy.
My enemies are those generals! Especially that Duessel, that...
Where even is he?! I've seen neither hair nor hide of him!
Where was he when I had to pick up his slack at the capital?!

saaga

Ah, General Duessel...
He was around for a short time when I joined this group.
But he has since vanished. Nobody knows where he went...
Well, I have my suspicions our dear emperor knows full well.
But he loves his secrets, that one.

jude

Well, he can't have joined the traitors.
We didn't see him anywhere in the capital.
Hmph... He's probably dozing off somewhere, the lazy oaf.
Could you believe we were childhood friends, he and I?
I always knew he was not meant for greatness...

(Jude fumes.)

But I suppose the good emperor begged to differ, the fool!

saaga

Calm yourself! Insulting the emperor is a risky move.
Moreover, you'll get ME in trouble as well!

...But, between us... I sympathize.
What is it with those fancying themselves emperors, and being utter imbeciles whose luck carries them through life?

jude

Hmph... Thank you, Dame Saaga.
Gladdens me to hear someone say that.

saaga

Keep fighting the good fight.
One day you'll see your just reward...

jude

(smiles) Hah! Aye, aye!

[Saaga and Jude gain C-rank support with each other.]

Carlyle & Ismaire

carlyle

Queen Ismaire... Thank the gods!
When I lost sight of you, I was beside myself...
I feared the worst. I never would've forgiven myself!

ismaire

You shouldn't forgive yourself, Carlyle.
You do not deserve forgiveness.

carlyle

My queen...
I understand that you're upset.

ismaire

I'm upset.
My country is conquered, my people are dead,
our Sacred Stone is broken and my son is a hostage.
And you understand that I'm "upset."

carlyle

I know it won't be easy, but you must put it all behind you.
That forlorn expression does not become your beauty...
You sully your perfect face, and it tortures me.

ismaire

Yes, how cruel of me not to take your feelings into account, Carlyle.

...You didn't have to do all this. You could have talked to me.
I considered you my greatest friend in the world. I--

(Carlyle becomes agitated.)

carlyle

I do not want to be your "friend!"
I want to be your everything. Your entire world, as you are mine...

ismaire

......
And I would sooner die a slow, agonizing death.

(Ismaire leaves.)

carlyle

M-My queen! Wait..! My queen!!

...She'll come around... She'll have to.
I'll love her too much for her to refuse me...

[Ismaire gains 1 Defense and 1 Resistance.]

Chapter 23 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.]

Chapter 24 Melina & Selena

melina

General Selena. I have an important question.

selena

...I can surmise a guess.

melina

That does not surprise me. You are not stupid.
...Are the rumors true, General? Did General Duessel truly betray us?

selena

......
Not now. Not here, Melina.

melina

Are you worried I'll defect as well?

selena

I'm worried what they'll do to you if you do.
The truth is... I could not blame you.
Duessel's path, it... it will never reconcile with ours. With mine.
But... I know no other, and I do not have Duessel's courage.

melina

What does that mean, General...?

selena

......
His last message to you was, "follow your heart."
He told me the same words, last we met.
I would be wrong to try and stop you.
But not yet. If you escape now, you won't make it far.

melina

General, you misunderstand.
This talk of treason, you're the one speaking it. Not me.

selena

But...

melina

General Duessel saved me, 'tis true.
But my life doesn't begin and end at that.
I also love my homeland, and admire our emperor.

selena

Emperor Vigarde?

melina

Of course. And, well... I'm willing to give his son a chance.
Emperor Vigarde himself abdicated the throne to him.
I won't claim to comprehend or agree with all we're doing...
Frankly, there are times I want to curl into a ball and stay there.
But the emperor always treated his people well.
You know this better than anyone, I believe?

selena

......

melina

General Duessel... It saddens me.
But he asked that I follow my heart, and so I shall.
Besides... I have made a good friend here.
If I went to Duessel's side, I would be betraying you.

selena

...I-I...

melina

G-General?! You're... crying...?

selena

I envy the strength you possess, Melina.

(smiles) Thank you. It gladdens me that you'll remain with us...
I have come to rely greatly on you, these days.
You've become a splendid warrior.

melina

(smiles) Please, this is not necessary...

selena

Let us... Let us now return to battle.
It would not do to lose focus here...

melina

Very well, General.

(Melina leaves.)

selena

......
Follow your heart... (frowns) Hah...
(smiles) If only I were strong like you and Duessel.

[Selena and Melina's support rank increases.]

Zabba & Bone

bone

Yooo, Zabba! Guess what!

zabba

Bone? What's the matter?

bone

I found it! Look, look!

(Bone bounces with excitement before handing something to Zabba.)

zabba

My, you're excited... What's this?

(Zabba starts.)

Huh?! What is this thing?!

bone

I-It's a gift!
Uh... Don't tell me. It's garbage.

zabba

You kidding me? I've only seen one of these once!
They're extremely rare. Extremely expensive, too...
Where'd you get it, man?

bone

It's the first thing I ever pillaged when I joined Bazba's Bandits.
Happiest moment of my life as a bandit, too.
We didn't have to crack any skulls or risk our necks that time.
We just went to these ruins and looked around for stuff to sell.

zabba

How come you still have this sword, then?

bone

Bazba was furious. There was basically nothing there.
I found this big mural with pretty pictures, though...
'Fore I knew it, the rest of the gang had left without me.
I just kept on looking at the drawings...
There was text, but I can't read, and I don't think it was even in our language.
But I followed the story being told in the pictures, more or less.
It was about a big dragon fighting with five heroes to defeat a big bad... thing!

zabba

Sounds like the legend of the Five Heroes to me...

bone

I never went to school, so uh... I'll take your word for it.
Whatever it was, I got really into it.
Then I noticed there was a sort of button on one of the drawings.
I pressed it and... Boom! I found a secret room!

zabba

And the sword was there, huh?
You hid it from your gang? You cheeky devil, Bone.

bone

Actually, I told Bazba. He threw it back at my face.
Luckily I got hit by the hilt. Then he said something like...
"We don't need this fancy stick! We got plenty of axes!"

zabba

This Bazba was a real moron.
Couldn't tell profitable treasure if it sat on his face and farted.

(Bone guffaws.)

bone

(smiles) Ahahahahahaha! That's so funny!
(serious) A-Anyway, since Bazba didn't want it, I just kept it.
It's a nice keepsake to me. Reminds me of that day.
The fun I had looking at those pictures, exploring those ruins...

zabba

That's a really nice story.
Thanks for telling me, man. Here, take it back...

bone

Well, you know... One of those heroes I saw in the mural was a woman.
A woman with a sword...

zabba

If I recall the myth right... That'd be the hero Ahinoam. Jehanna's founder.

bone

Holding this thing right now... You look just like her.
It's perfect. I can't take it back! You've gotta keep it!

zabba

(smiles) Wow... Expensive gift, comparing me to one of the Five Heroes?
You're a real charmer behind the buck teeth, you know that?

bone

C'mon, don't make fun of me...

zabba

Sorry... But seriously, I mean it. This is great.
Thanks, Bone. I'll use it well and keep you safe out there.

bone

(smiles) A-Aw yeah! Let's watch each other's backs!
'Aight then, catch you later, pal!

(Bone leaves.)

zabba

...Incredible... That guy's a bag of surprises.
(frowns) Hmm... All of this got me thinking, though...
Perhaps... Who knows...

(Zabba receives a Runesword.)

Zonta & Tirado

tirado

Still alive, Zonta?

zonta

There's that hint of disgust in your tone.
You really need to do a better job of hiding it.

tirado

I do, when I deem it necessary.
In this case, you can hazard a guess as to why I do not.

zonta

You know something, Lord Tirado?
I misjudged you. I see that now.

tirado

Might you elaborate?

zonta

I always thought you were just a horrible bastard.
But now... Well, I understand you.

tirado

Somehow I doubt that.

zonta

No, really! I get you, man.
It's not easy, living with your... condition.

tirado

...You have lost me.

zonta

You know. Your "condition."
Your, uh... top-o'-the-dome situation.

tirado

......

(Tirado runs up and grabs Zonta threateningly.)

zonta

Gack-- Wait! Wait...!

tirado

I will maintain the secret, regardless of the cost.

zonta

No...! H-Hold it! Look! Look!

(Zonta removes his wig, revealing he is bald underneath. Tirado is shocked.)

tirado

Wha--?!

...You as well, Zonta?

zonta

Aye...

(Tirado backs off.)

tirado

I... I can't believe it.
I never noticed... I thought I had a keen eye for this...

zonta

Spent a lot of money on this.
Glad it was worth the investment.

tirado

......
I must say the same to you that you said to me, Zonta.
I, too, erred in my judgment of your character.
We may have more in common than we thought...

zonta

I was so young when I lost too much to salvage it.
My girlfriend broke up with me and I became my village's laughingstock.

tirado

People turn monstruous where this topic is concerned.
It is such a natural thing, and yet... Human cruelty knows no bounds.

zonta

Ain't that the truth.
Anyway, it was then that I decided to become a sellsword.
I knew I needed riches enough to obtain one of these.

tirado

...Where did you get it? It's far more convincing than mine...

zonta

I shall refer you to my hairdresser.

tirado

(smiles) My thanks, Zonta. I am glad that you have survived thus far.

zonta

(smiles) Heh! Let's help each other keep it that way, huh?

tirado

Yes... That is agreeable to me.

[Tirado and Zonta's support rank increases.]

Jude & Saaga

jude

Dame Saaga, might I bestow a gift upon you?

saaga

A gift? For me?

(smiles) Oh, my! This is a quality staff!
What a charmer you are, Sir Jude.

jude

(smiles) I merely wished to give you a token of my appreciation.
As one of the few with sense in this army.

saaga

Hm hm hm... Thank you, truly.
I shall have to ponder on how I may repay you.

jude

Please, there is no need for that.

saaga

I insist! If there is something I have learned in my time...
It is the importance of gratitude.
Our respective emperors showed us none.
I shan't be like them.

jude

(frowns) Hmph... I suppose you do have a point there.

saaga

(serious) Pray tell, and pardon me if I am prying where I shouldn't...
You mentioned you were friends with General Duessel.

jude

Aye... He acts so solemnly now that he is top dog, but...
He was a worthless layabout when we were children.
I suppose that's what drew me to him. I pitied him.
I granted him my friendship... And then he backstabbed me!

saaga

How so?

jude

All our youth I had been such a good friend to him.
When we joined the army, that did not change.
We climbed the ranks together, fought many battles together...
Until one day, the old General Obsidian retired.
We were his highest-ranked lieutenants...
His successor would be him or me. Everyone knew it.

saaga

And then, you were passed over...

jude

I don't know what possessed Vigarde that day.
I have no doubt that my skills were superior.
In combat, leadership and management, I was superior.
So why?! Why choose HIM over me?!
He was always a worthless layabout...

saaga

Life is often unfair.

jude

Sigh... Too true... Too true.

(Saaga receives a Recover staff and her support with Jude increases to rank B.)

Carlyle & Rennac

carlyle

Urrgh...
What to do... What to do...

(Carlyle starts.)

...!
Thief!

(Carlyle pulls Rennac out of the shadows.)

rennac

G-Gahh! Let go of me, man!

carlyle

...You are quite the deft rogue. I almost could not hear you.
Hmm... Very well, I'll let you go. But in return...
You must help me with a matter of utmost importance!

rennac

Fine... But please, ease up!
I can't help you with an arm out of commission!

carlyle

......

(Carlyle releases Rennac.)

rennac

(smiles) Phew... That's better.

(frowns) All right, what do you want?

(Carlyle steps closer.)

carlyle

I need this missive delivered to someone...
Someone in this army.

rennac

And... why do you need my help with that, exactly?
Why not deliver it yourself?

carlyle

I cannot. I am not allowed to see her...

rennac

Unrequitted love, huh?
Look, pal, I'm not in the business of helping out creeps.

(Carlyle fumes.)

carlyle

I am not a creep! My love for her is pure.

rennac

Yeah, right...
All I'm saying is, I'm not going to be too motivated to do this job.
Unless... You can compensate in some other way?

carlyle

Blackheart! You're trying to extort me?!

rennac

Extort you? Perish the thought!
(smiles) I am merely proposing a mutually beneficial transaction.
Just part with some of your gold, and I'll do your little errand for you.

carlyle

......
Very well... But I'm not paying you until you've completed the job.
You just tried to rob me. I have no reason to trust you.

rennac

(frowns) What a drag... Guess I can understand, though.
Fine. Give me the thing. Who's the lucky gal?

carlyle

My queen... Ismaire...

rennac

Ah, the queen of Jehanna. Setting your sights high, huh?
Should be easy to find. I'll get back at you when it's done..

carlyle

Be swift.

[Rennac and Carlyle gain C-rank support with each other.]

Boudica & Monica

boudica

...Mooooother...

monica

Darling...

boudica

Noooo... Not moooother...
Before moooother... Yoooou... Yoooou...

(closes eyes) Soooo sooorry...

monica

Darling... Darling...

boudica

(opens eyes) Daaaaarling...?
Whooo... Daaaaarling...?

monica

......
Darling. Darling. Darling...

boudica

...Loooooove...
Luuuucky...

monica

(smiles) Darling. Darling. Darling. Darling. Darling. Darling.

boudica

...But loooove... Unluuuucky.
Liiiiiight... Goooone...

monica

(frowns) ...Darling... Darling... Dar...ling...

boudica

Proteeeeeeect. For... daaaaaarling...

monica

...Darling...

[Boudica and Monica gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 25 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.]

Chapter 26 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

This conversation can also be triggered in Chapter 26x.

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.]

Chapter 26x

Morva & Mansel

mansel

......

morva

......
...L...igh...t...
L...
L...at...ona...

(Morva recalls a memory.)

morva

Fight it, Latona! Do not let it take you!

latona

Ur...rrgggh...
Morva... I fear... This is it for me...
You must... You must kill me...
Before the Demon King consumes me...!

morva

You can do it, Latona! You can defeat it!
Long have you been a light in the darkness...
We cannot do this without you! We need your light to guide us!
We all believe in you. Grado, Ahinoam, Valni, Pharamond...
And myself! So don't you dare to give in! Rip it out of your heart!
Show it the true strength of the human heart, Latona!

latona

Grr... Grrrr...aaahhhh!!

(Latona writhes.)

Aahhhh gaaahhhhh!!

morva

Latona!

???

By the Stones, he has... He has done it!
He has broken the Demon King's hold on him!

???

This was a desperate last resort...
And now that it has failed to possess Latona, the Demon King is extremely weakened.

???

We can do this now! We can strike him down!
Ahinoam, Valni and I will hold the beasts at bay! Go!

???

Morva! Quickly! We can strike him down now!
The nightmare will end... Magvel will be saved!

morva

With me, Grado!
Demon King! Today, you shall pay for all you have done!

(Morva returns to the present.)

morva

......

mansel

......

[Morva and Mansel gain B-rank support with each other.]

Pablo & Rennac

pablo

Rennac! What the devil are you thinking?

rennac

Wha-- Oh, it's just you, Grandpa...

pablo

You seem distracted. What's wrong, boy?

rennac

...Nothing. Nothing's wrong, old-timer...

pablo

Please. It is plain for anyone to see. Your mind is elsewhere.
Distractions like this are deadly on the field of battle.
I suggest you get it out of your system, boy.

rennac

Well, look at you talking like you're some kind of war veteran.

pablo

Hush. I merely state the obvious.
Now spill the beans. What is it?

rennac

The princess of Rausten... She was my previous employer.

pablo

Oh... Now I see.
I understand your pain, Rennac.

rennac

Do you?

pablo

Naturally... It is always saddening to lose great opportunities.
How much more would they have paid you, had you not been fired?

rennac

Of course. Leave it to you to make everything about gold.

If you must know, that woman is the worst employer I've ever had.
When the princess of a whole country hired me, I thought "score!"
Well, she didn't pay me a dime. Kept putting it off, just bossing me around.
Dragging me across the countryside without rhyme or reason...
I was so glad to quit. Grado actually paid me, for one.

pablo

Now you've lost me.
You quit of your own volition to take on a better contract?

rennac

Yeah, that about sums it up.

pablo

...What's the big tragedy, then?

rennac

Nothing's the big tragedy. What are you talking about?

pablo

You look like you're about to burst into tears, Rennac.

rennac

......
Never mind. Just leave me alone, all right, old man?
Like you said, distractions are deadly on the battlefield.
So let's not distract each other, okay?

(Rennac leaves.)

pablo

...Hmph...
I can't believe it. The moron must've fallen in love with her...
How dumb do you have to be to fall for someone who won't pay her dues?
It's like he fails to grasp the vast importance of money!

[Pablo and Rennac's support rank increases.]

Nate & Novala

This conversation can also be triggered in Chapter 27.

nate

Oi! O'er here! You in the olive cloak!

novala

What's that? Who calls on me?
I have a name, you know. And you'd do well to remember it.
It's a famous name! Or it'll be. One day. Very soon.

Anyway, it's Novala. And who are you?

nate

Look, I don't got the time, okay? I need help. Real bad.

novala

Oh? And why come to me?
What do you suppose I will do for a base cutthroat like you?

nate

I got a friend. He's in trouble.
Big trouble.

novala

Did he accrue gambling debts?

nate

Jerk! This is serious, man! My friend's cursed! I think...

novala

Wait... Is your friend the one other brigand?
The one who fancies himself a musician?

(Nate bounces insistently.)

nate

Yes! Yes, exactly! Do you know what's wrong with him?
Look, you're the most dark-mage-looking guy around.
I couldn't think of anyone else to ask. Can you tell me anything?

novala

(smirks) Heh... Your friend has not much time left.
By my estimation, the curse has almost overtaken his mind.
He will not survive much longer than the end of this war.

nate

Is there anything I can do?

novala

(serious) Goodness, you're so worried. Odd, for a mere brigand.
I thought your kind only cared about money and ale.

nate

I'm not gonna pretend I'm all that sophistacated.
I can't even spell that word. I can't even read or write!
This is all beyond me. But... He's very, very important to me.
So please stop messing around and tell me what I can do!

novala

Er, w-well... There's two ways to save him that might just work.
First, you could take the flute for yourself.
If you used it enough, whatever spirit inhabits it may lose interest in him.
Of course, this would end disastrously for you.

nate

...I've done more than a few rotten things in my lifetime.
Deni was never made for the life of a brigand.
He deserves another chance.
(closes eyes) ...I'm willing to give it a shot.

novala

You didn't let me finish.
That's certainly one way, but...
I suppose a show of pure, carnal love might also do.

nate

(opens eyes) Pure? C-Carnal?!

novala

I mean a good whack to the head.

nate

Oh.

novala

Under the right circumstances, and at the right place...
Try confronting him in the Black Temple, at Darkling Woods.
Many special magical energies there. Perhaps, just perhaps...
Of course, that's not without risk either. He'll fight back...

nate

(smiles) Thanks a lot, man. I owe you big time!

novala

Not so fast. Indeed you owe me, and I shall collect!

nate

(frowns) ......

(Nate leaves Novala sputtering.)

novala

Wha-- You dirty bandit! Won't even let me ask for anything?!
Urgh... Bah! Why do I get all the riff-raff?

[Nate and Novala gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 27 Bone & Zabba

bone

Look at this place... It's so pretty!

zabba

This place? Pretty? That's a new one.
I only see a dreary forest filled with dark creatures.

bone

Yeah, but it's fascinating! Look at these trees!
They look so old... I'll bet they have so many stories to tell!
If only we could talk to them... What a shame.

zabba

......

bone

Er, Zabba? Something wrong?

zabba

You had the same glint in your eyes when you told me about the sword...

bone

The one I gifted to ya?

zabba

Yes, when you told me the story of how you found it.
You had this same look. This... adventurous look!

(Zabba perks up.)

(smiles) That's it, Bone! That's your thing!

bone

My... thing?

zabba

You told me long ago you had no idea what to do after the war.
But don't you see? You have the mind of an archaeologist!

bone

An arachnophobic? But I like spiders. They're cute.

zabba

(serious) An archeologist! Researchers that investigate old places and stuff.
Then they figure out ancient history from them!

bone

That's... Oh, c'mon, Zabba. Really?
I didn't go to school! I didn't even know about the Five Heroes!
How'dya expect me to do these smart things?

zabba

Well, you told me yourself, right?
You said exploring that place was one of your happiest memories.
There's plenty of ruins in this world no one's entered in ages.
You could be the one to make all sorts of incredible discoveries in them!

bone

That... That does sound real nice...

zabba

And there's money to be made in this gig.
I've been hired often as a bodyguard by these types.
They always pay handsomely and in advance.

bone

B-Bodyguard? It is really a dangerous job?

zabba

Ancient temples and their ilk tend to be filled with traps.

bone

That's...

(Bone perks up.)

(smiles) That sounds awesome! Trap-filled dungeons...!
It'd be an adventure just walking around such a place!

zabba

(smiles) Look at you! You're already so giddy about it!
It's settled. This is definitely what you need to do next.

bone

Yeah... Yeah! But, wait...
If it's so dangerous, I'll need a bodyguard, myself.
And I don't got the money to hire any...

zabba

I'm coming with you, of course! Duh!

bone

What?!

zabba

Yeah, I'm a bit sick of being a mercenary, honestly.
This sounds way more fun. I'd like to work with you full time.
Getting lost in ancient temples and crypts... Finding treasures...
A new adventure every day. Sounds just fine by me.

bone

......
Thanks, Zabba... You're a true friend.

zabba

You too, Bone. I'm glad you beared with me before.

bone

Same to you... No one's ever wanted to be my friend before...

zabba

Hahaha... Wow! This is... This is great!
Now we just have to make sure we both come out of this alive!

bone

Right on!

[Bone and Zabba's support increases to rank A.]

Valter & Medusa

medusa

So... How did you enjoy your first trip home, my new pet?
Was the underworld all you had hoped it would be?

valter

...This world seemed so... sprawling to me once.
Becoming a wyvern rider was my childhood dream.
I wanted to soar the skies... Let no place be too far...
Now it seems like naught but a tiny oyster.

medusa

That is exactly what it is. An oyster... Fomortiis's playground.
Each of us in the Court is assigned a realm to preside over.
Some try to be benign entities. Others toy with its denizens.
I like giving a select few a taste of my power, and see what they do.
But Fomortiis was always... prone to outbursts.
He already destroyed one realm, you know.
Wiped it clean of all living beings and left it completely empty.
He had to be granted a new realm... That being this one.

valter

And now he's trying to do the same thing here...
But we proved to be made of sterner stuff.

medusa

You didn't, boy. Your ancestors did, eight centuries back.
But for all their efforts, they could only contain him.
And now he's on the verge of escaping his confinement...
Perhaps. He can still snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
I would not put it past him... He can't even destroy one human soul.

valter

That human soul is Emperor Lyon.

medusa

Still you hold such reverence in your tone for that human child.
You have realized how lowly the rest of your world is, but he...
How come you still hold him in such high regard?

valter

How could I not? This, all of this, I owe to him and him alone.
It was not Fomortiis that did this to me. It was him.
He let Fomortiis take over, then forced his hand from within.

medusa

(smirks) I had figured as much, but... Wow, I can hardly believe it!
Fomortiis lost control to his own human puppet? My goodness!
Loptous is going to die laughing when I tell him...

valter

Oh, you should have seen it. Now THAT was an outburst.
When I awoke, Fomortiis was furious enough to sunder the earth...
But the emperor simply forced him back to the deep recesses of his mind.
Then he looked back at me with cold eyes, as if nothing had happened.

I see no use in shame any longer, so I shall just admit it to you, Lady Medusa:
Even now, the emperor scares me. More than Fomortiis ever could have.

medusa

...Hmm... Well, I thank you for being forthcoming with me, Moonstone.
Go now. Feast upon the lambs that are being fed to us.

valter

Ahahahahaha... You need not ask twice, Lady Medusa.

(Valter leaves.)

medusa

Hmm... The one called Lyon... How curious.
Perhaps I should be more careful who I grant my power...
Who knows if I'll ever pick the wrong human, and end up like this as well...

(smiles) ...Bah, I have no reason to worry. I am not Fomortiis, after all...

[Valter and Medusa's support increases to rank B.]

McGregor & Lyon

mcgregor

Emperor. I... I wish to have a word.

lyon

...McGregor.
Can it not wait? We are in danger here...

mcgregor

It cannot wait, no.

lyon

......

mcgregor

I risk much. I may not survive this conversation.
But... At this point, I cannot bring myself to care.
I must ask you directly, my liege.
...Natasha. What happened to her?

lyon

Natasha? Last we met was at the beginning of this war...
She came to my father, to persuade him to cease hostilities.
I spoke to her personally, and made her see our side.

mcgregor

...That is not true, Lyon, and we both know it.

lyon

......

mcgregor

Silence me after if you must.
I have lived a long life, and as my sun sets, I can only feel...
Hopelessness, for what I have allowed you to become.
...I only beg that you will tell me in truth. What did you do to her?

lyon

......
May I... make a confession, Father McGregor?

mcgregor

A... confession?

lyon

You are an ordained priest, are you not?
You've heard a few in your day, I'm sure.
...I'd like to make one.

mcgregor

......
Go on, my child.

lyon

For the power to protect my people...
For the power to make this world a better place...
I have sacrificed everything I held dear.
And your pupil... She is among the sacrifices I've made.

I... did not wish to harm you, Father McGregor.

(McGregor starts.)

mcgregor

W-What?!
Wait! Then you mean... What you did to her...!

lyon

One of you had to go. Ideally, both.
I knew you would never see things my way...
But, I always respected you. Admired you, even.
My old mentor... I did not wish to dispose of you.
So... I sacrificed Natasha, to be able to manipulate you.

mcgregor

And you would just tell me this... With such cold, unfeeling eyes...

lyon

Tell me, Father. Is there salvation for me?

mcgregor

......
Do you truly care to know?

lyon

...Hmm...
No.
It does not matter whatsoever.

mcgregor

Then we have nothing further to discuss.
I thank you for your confession, Lyon.
...Do what you must.

lyon

I shall do nothing, Father.
You have no fight left in you, do you?
I can't grant you an easy escape. You'll have to do it yourself...

mcgregor

......
Prince Lyon... I am so sorry.
That I allowed you to fall so low...

(closes eyes) ...Sigh...

(McGregor leaves.)

lyon

...Is this truly the same man who used to terrify me so?
Truly, my former weakness knew no bounds...

[McGregor loses 2 Resistance.]

Caellach & Ismaire

caellach

Still around, eh, Queenie?

ismaire

......

caellach

C'mon, there's no need to give me the silent treatment.
I ain't the one you should direct your rage towards.

ismaire

Aren't you? I'm in this situation because of you.

caellach

Yeah, and without me, both you and Josh'd be dead.
So what gives? I saved your lives! If anything, I deserve some thanks!

ismaire

Let us not argue about this.
It should be plainly obvious why I won't thank you.
Even one such as you should be able to understand it.

caellach

...Yeah, guess so...

ismaire

Why speak to me, then?
I am doing as you demanded. I am fighting for your masters.
At least have the decency to leave me be.

caellach

My masters, huh...

ismaire

That is what they are, and let me tell you what we are, Caellach.
Filthy lapdogs, barking at the beck and call of Emperor Lyon.
Only, you seem convinced you'll ever be able to bite his hand...

(Caellach fidgets.)

caellach

Nngh... You...!

Sigh... Look, Queenie, I'll just come out with it.
I'm not all that popular with "my masters" these days.

ismaire

Truly does my heart go out to you.

caellach

Yeah, yeah, I'm not trying to fish for sympathy from you.
But I need more people to call friends. Glen's not gonna cut it.
And... Guess what? I've an inkling you'll need friends too.

ismaire

So you wish to ally yourself with me, is that it?
That you may hide behind me and let me suffer Lyon's wrath when the time comes?
I'll pass. You can face the consequences of your mistakes on your own.

caellach

That's not it at all!
C'mon, Queenie, don't deny it.
You still burn with fury against our good emperor.
If Josh wasn't a factor... You would fight.
What better thing to have in a fight than allies?

(Ismaire fumes.)

ismaire

How dare you invoke my son's name!
You are the one who made Joshua into "a factor!"
Now you turn around and feed me this drivel?
Perhaps I should fight YOU, just to shut your mouth.

caellach

......
What if I told you... Josh is already not a factor?

ismaire

...!

caellach

I had a weird feeling before, but knowing the things I know now...
I've a bit of a theory about him. If I'm right, we could--

ismaire

I spit on your theories.
I would sooner die alone than rely on a duplicitous snake like you.

caellach

......
Fine, then. But at least let me stick around in battle, 'aight?
No harm in having someone watching your back.
At the very least, you oughta live this thing through, right?

ismaire

...Do what you will.

caellach

Very well. Good luck out there, Queen Ismaire.

(Caellach leaves.)

ismaire

......

He shows such uncharacteristic desperation...
Fool. I cannot save you from your fate.
You earned it when you cast your lot with them...

[Caellach and Ismaire gain C-rank support with each other.]

Chapter 28 Dara & Ismaire

dara

Ah, there you are, my dear...
I had hoped to speak with you.
Regarding... the topic we discussed last time.

ismaire

Elder Dara... Ah, pardon me. Grandmother.
That was faster than I had anticipated.
How did you do it? Joshua is well-guarded at all times.

dara

A simple distraction was all it took.
Don't dwell on the details. Mind the results.

ismaire

...Is it as I had feared?

dara

Forgive me, lass. Your son lives no longer.

ismaire

......
Very well. In that case... I know what I must do.

dara

Might I do anything to help you?

ismaire

I am going to challenge the emperor.
I will not have you needlessly risk your life alongside me.

dara

After all these battles together, you would still underestimate this old hag's prowess?

ismaire

Of course not. You are an impressive sorceress.
But this is not a battle I expect to win.
The emperor's power is only matched by his evil.

dara

Might I suggest we compensate weakness with guile, then?

ismaire

What could two foolish, cowardly women possibly do alone?

dara

You would be surprised.
The heroes of yore were only six, after all.
Five, even... Depending on who you ask.

ismaire

They had the aid of a myriad unsung allies.

dara

(smiles) Good! Not many acknowledge that part. That simplifies things.
(serious) You see, the situation may seem dire, but people linger on.
As long as people exist, heroes can be created.
Heroes aren't special, you know. They're just people.
People in the right place, with the right abilities, at the right time...

ismaire

You make saving the world seem almost simple.
...Do you truly believe we stand a chance, you and I?

dara

Well, we have one advantage.
You, Ismaire. You were queen of one of Lyon's conquered kingdoms.
A queen that, knowing you as I do now, I can imagine was widely beloved.
How many Jehannans do you think would rally behind you, were you to resurface as a daring rebel leader against Lyon's tyranny?
Sometimes that is all it takes. A symbol of hope...

ismaire

......
We have said enough. Let us turn our attention to the battle.
It would not do to be distracted now... Or be heard.

dara

Wise counsel, my young friend.
...I shall signal you when I sense an opportunity.

ismaire

I shall await it with abated fervor.

[Dara and Ismaire's support increases to rank A.]

Boudica & Morva

boudica

......

morva

......

boudica

Chiiiiiiild... Goooone...
Faaaather...

morva

......

(Boudica sobs.)

boudica

(closes eye) Soooorry... Soooorry...
Sooo... Soooorry...!

morva

......

boudica

(heavy eye) ......
Ooooother... Chiiiiiiild...
Stiiiiiill... Proteeect...

(opens eye) Faaaaaather... Soooorry...

morva

......

(Morva twitches.)

morva

(drooped eyes) ......

(Boudica starts.)

boudica

...Faaaaaather?

...Teeeeears...

morva

......

boudica

......
Muuuust... Resiiiiist...
Fooor... Chiiiiiild...

[Boudica gains 3 Resistance.]

Nate & Deni

nate

This is it... This is where the guy told me to...
All right. Here goes nothing!

Deni!

deni

...Nnghh...uuaa...

nate

Listen to me, Deni. You hear me?
Give me the flute.

deni

.......

nate

Give me the flute, Deni. Let it take me instead.
Hey, you hear me? You... demon, or whatever you are!
Take me instead! I'm ready and willing!

medusa

.......
(smiles) Why would I do that? This one's soul is so tasty.

(Nate starts.)

nate

Let him go! Let him go now!

medusa

Or what? You'll fight me?
It's still his body, you know. You'd only be killing him.
...That is, if he doesn't kill you instead...

nate

......
Please. I'm beggin' you here.

(Nate steps forward.)

C'mon. I'll do anything. Anything at all.
I'll go through whatever torture you want.
My soul's rotten to the core anyway. Do what you want with it.
Just... Let me take the flute! Deni doesn't deserve this...!

medusa

...Hm hm hm hm hm... How dedicated.
Feeble, simple-minded dedication. He doesn't "deserve" this?
You understand nothing, and yet you think you know everything.

No, I think I like the current arrangement.
If you like, I can take you... after I'm done with this one.
How does that sound? Hm hm hm hm...

nate

...I... I tried. I tried, Deni... I really did...

There's only one more thing I can do!

medusa

What are you up to--?

(Nate lunges.)

nate

I'm getting Deni back. No matter what it takes!

medusa

(scowls) It will take your life, you fool!

(Nate attacks Deni for 1 damage. Deni's retaliation inflicts heavy damage.)

medusa

My goodness. What were you hoping to accomplish with that?
Well, I suppose it doesn't matter.
I'll just finish you and claim your soul...

...Huh...?

(Medusa examines the flute.)

medusa

(smiles) Oh, I see... You went for the flute!
You damaged it... And now my grasp on him is weakening.
My! How shrewd! You have my regards, little man.
Yes, this vessel isn't worth spending energy to retain...
You may have your man back. If you survive, that is...

(Medusa releases Deni.)

deni

...Huh...? What's... Where...?

(Deni winces.)

(closes eyes) Owww... My head hurts... Everything... hurts...
(opens eyes) Wait, what's...

(Deni sees Nate, whose eyes are closed. Deni starts and rushes over to him.)

deni

Nate! Nate, is that you? What happened to you?

nate

......
(eyes flutter open) The battle... don't worry... worry about... the battle...

deni

Dammit-- We're in the middle of a battle?!
How'd I miss that? The heck's happened to me...?

N-Never mind that! We need to get you a healer!

nate

You're... You're really back, Deni...
(smiles) I-I'm so glad...

deni

(smiles) ...Y-Yeah, all right, take it easy...
Let me get you a healer, all right?

Wow, I feel... my head still hurts a bit, but...
My body feels lighter than it has in a long, long time!
C'mon, c'mon! Where are those healers at?!

(Deni runs off.)

nate

It worked... I did it... I saved him...
Hah... Haha... Incredible... I'm bleedin' out here, and...
(closes eyes) I've never been happier...

(The camera moves to focus on Medusa, if she's deployed.)

medusa

I must say, I never would have expected that to end like this.
Humans are such vexatious little critters...

narrator

Deni has been freed of the curse!

[Deni loses Deni's Flute but gains 1 Move and increases his support rank with Nate.]

Chapter 29 Medusa & Valter (Fomortiis route)

valter

Lady Medusa...

medusa

Ah, Moonstone...
I must admit, I am almost disappointed.
Here I thought the boy Lyon could be the one...
The one with a spirit sturdy enough to defeat a demon.

valter

I suspect a part of him was tired. Tired of all this.
This carnage, this violence. These games of blood and death.
...I could never understand it.

Would you tell me, Lady Medusa, where his soul has gone now?

medusa

The souls of the dead and the damned join the ranks of the underworld.
...But not he. Fomortiis consumed his soul whole. Nothing remains.
He has ceased to exist... It can be a terrifying concept. Don't dwell on it.

valter

Perhaps that was the reward he sought all along.
To simply vanish, and never worry about anything again.

medusa

I wonder...

Well, either way, I have a question for you, Moonstone.

valter

Oh?

medusa

Don't you think you amount to... more, Moonstone?

valter

Whatever do you mean?

medusa

I would present you with a proposition, if you'll hear me.

valter

My... Please, by all means.

medusa

My coven doesn't often see new members introduced.
I believe it is time for me to let new blood into my circle...
Return to the underworld with me, Moonstone. For good, this time.
I shall show you violence the likes of which you could only dream of...

valter

(manic) ......
Hahaha... Hahahahahahaha!
In only the few hours I spent there last, I witnessed...
Bliss. Pure, distilled bliss, given the form of a world.
I should want nothing more than to become a part of that.
And, opportunity allowing, adding to it with my own spear.

medusa

(smiles)Hm hm hm hm... It is settled, then.
(serious) But let us first see this battle through.
I wonder what the azure twins will do when faced with their Demon King...

valter

(subdued) Yes, I would not want to leave without witnessing that.
But afterward... I am yours, Lady Medusa. Forever.

medusa

And forever you shall be mine.

[Valter and Medusa's support rank increases.]

Medusa & Valter (Lyon route)

valter

Lady Medusa...

medusa

What is it, Moonstone?

valter

How come you remain here?
It is over. If I could feel it, surely you could as well.
The demon Fomortiis... He is no more.

medusa

That is precisely why I remain. I am absolutely fascinated.
And, in confidence, I'll admit... Just a tiny bit afraid.

valter

This shall be a lesson in humility for all demonkind, won't it?

medusa

Hmm... Well, it is not unheard of for humans to vanquish demons.
But usually they employ some kind of special weapon or magic.
Typically blessed by a pesky god or an opposing demon.
That's what your Sacred Stones were, for instance.

This... I had never seen anything like it.
Human spirits should not be able to prevail over the demonic...

valter

...But Emperor Lyon has.
He unleashed Fomortiis and challenged him to a duel in his heart.
And not even when he won did his eyes light up. On the contrary...
Killing a demon seems to have made him colder than ever.
Is he even truly a human still? He seems more demonic than I!

medusa

Our foes, the azure twins, they are fools of the highest degree, if they truly believe Lyon's heart is filled with anything but pure evil.
...He would have made for a worthy demon if he hadn't been born human.

valter

I have no delusions. I am much like Fomortiis.
Even in this new life, I seek only destruction and death.
Emperor Lyon will provide me with that in spades...
And thus, I shall follow him as long as he requires me.

medusa

Hmm... And yet, don't you think you amount to... more, Moonstone?

valter

Whatever do you mean?

medusa

I would present you with a proposition, if you'll hear me.

valter

My... Please, by all means.

medusa

valter

medusa

(smiles) Hm hm hm hm... It is settled, then.
(serious) But let us first see this battle through.
I wonder what the boy will do when faced with his friends...

valter

(subdued) Yes, I would not want to leave without witnessing that.
But afterward... I am yours, Lady Medusa. Forever.

medusa

And forever you shall be mine.

[Valter and Medusa's support rank increases.]