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Chapter 22: An Undying Dream

Opening

narrator
The Binding Blade has been stolen from its resting place.
However, Eckesachs remained undisturbed.
Zephiel claims it for himself and directs his troops to Bern's capital.
The usurper Guinivere awaits within, along with her personal guard.

Zephiel prepares to charge the castle to end the war,
and to bring about the long-awaited liberation...

guinivere
(ToggleSmile) What you're saying, then... is that Melady is dead...
soldier
...I am sorry, Your Majesty.
guinivere
What is my brother's next move?
soldier
They have captured the Shrine of Seals. They march this way.
guinivere
Very well...
We must not endanger the citizens.
We face them in the castle. Let all forces know.
(The soldier leaves. Marcus approaches.)
marcus
L-Lady Guinivere! Dire news...!
guinivere
Sir Marcus?
marcus
Lord Roy, he... He's gone!!
(Guinivere starts.)
guinivere
What?!
No, he can't have abandoned us! At such a critical point...!
wolt
I was the last one to see him before he left.
He was muttering something to himself...
About a "vision" he had when he picked up the Binding Blade.
Then he asked for a glass of water.
When I returned with it, he had vanished. The window was open.

Queen Guinivere! We have to look for him!
Roy is not well. The constant tragedies have taken a toll on him...
I cannot bear to think what he might be doing right now!
We must find him! Quickly!

marcus
Wolt... protecting the queen comes first.
I want to drop everything and go looking for Lord Roy as well...
But there are bigger things at stake here!
guinivere
On the contrary, we will need the Binding Blade's power.
Gather a search party. A few men will not make a difference here.
Please, look for Roy. Bring him back if you can.
marcus
And if the capital falls while we're away?
guinivere
...Then all I can ask is that you protect him.
For he will be the world's last hope...
marcus
......
Luck be with you, Queen Guinivere...
wolt
Thank you, my queen!
Please, hold out until we return with Lord Roy!
(Wolt and Marcus leave.)
guinivere
......
Zephiel... I will not run away anymore.
Though I may hate myself for eternity for it...
I will take your life, and end your reign of madness.
May the gods find it in themselves to forgive me...
(The camera moves to the soldiers guarding the switches.)
soldier 1
The king's army...
I will not let you into the throne room!
soldier 2
I shall protect this switch with my life!
zephiel
To think that I should have to reconquer my own home...
Disgraceful.
galle
......
zephiel
Galle! What could you discern?
galle
Ah... Er, yes.
Guinivere has hidden herself away in the throne room.
We will need to activate the switches to open the way.
We do not have the Fire Emblem, but we can still enter.
If you stand before the gates with Eckesachs...
zephiel
I know how my own castle works, Galle. Thank you.
I meant numbers! Morale! Equipment!
Tell me something useful, Galle!
galle
...Urgh...
zephiel
Hmph. Out of my way!
No matter what she throws at us, we will reach her.
And then her head shall roll.
(Galle shifts uncomfortably, but Zephiel ignores him and leaves.)
galle
...Mela...dy... Urk......

If Roberts spoke to the "Broken Wall" in Chapter 17B

The time has come.
For your intellect, skill and patience,
I bestow upon you your reward.

Behold! The creator!

(Shouzou Kaga joins the army.)

Turn 4 (if Melady survived Chapter 21)

(Melady enters from the southeast.)
melady
I will never allow you to murder Queen Guinivere!
Come! Face me if you dare, Zephiel and his dogs!

NPC Turn 15 (if Damas has not been recruited)

(Damas sneaks into the castle with another thief.)
damas
Castle Bern... A worthy target for the Master Thief.
I'm sure there's mountains of gold hidden in here somewhere!
Heck, after today, I may never have to plunder anymore!
Though I probably will still do it for the fun of it! Hwahahahaha!

When both switches are pressed and Zephiel approaches the throne room gates

(The gates open.)
guinivere
Zephiel...
zephiel
It's over, Guinivere.
Surrender, and I may grant you a swift end.
guinivere
Zephiel, before we battle, I want you to know...
Even now, I still remember my sweet brother.
The one who played with me, who made me laugh...
The brother you once were.

I will let those memories be what I remember you by...
And consider this no more than one long nightmare.

zephiel
So you intend on fighting to the bitter end, do you?
I did not think you had it in you, little sister.
You were never one for violence...
You should never have picked this path.
But you did, and you will die for it.
guinivere
Perhaps. Or perhaps it is you who will die.
Either way, don't expect people to just submit.
More will rise up, even if I am to fall here.
Your lunacy will never go unopposed, Zephiel!
zephiel
Bold words... I can hardly recognize you, Guinivere.

Alas, your struggle is fruitless.
The Age of Man comes to an end today!

Conversations

Zephiel can advance Damas' recruitment chain if it was not completed in the previous chapters.

Morgan & Sigune

morgan
Er... Hello! Woohoo! Down here!
sigune
...Who in the world are you?
morgan
I am Morgan. Knight of Etruria!
...Well, I used to be, at least. Now I'm just a guy.
I fight for these people. Same as you.
sigune
Right. Well, consider me charmed.
Now, can I be on my way?
morgan
A-Ah, if you wish, but uh... I wanted to ask you something.
sigune
I'm listening.
morgan
...Do you think what we are doing... is right?
sigune
Huh. Not the question I was expecting.
You say you're an Etrurian.
In my experience, Etrurians are a bunch of corrupt snakes.
morgan
Yeah... I was like that, myself.
I played along with Lord Arcardo's schemes.
I kept watch over the people that were captured.
Before they were sent to the mines, where they'd work to the death...
sigune
And now you're questioning right and wrong?
What an odd chap you are.
morgan
...There's no question. It was wrong. I see that now.
I didn't work with the resistance for long.
But I did have time to see how much better they were.
Those were people worthy of the title of knight.
Not me...
sigune
That's very cute, but what's the point of telling me this?
It's over. The Western Isles burned, like half of Elibe.
King Zephiel saw to it. And he doesn't look like he'll stop soon.
morgan
I know... There's nothing I can do to redeem myself.
All I want now is to fight for a better tomorrow.
sigune
Fancy way of going about it.
Bern's tomorrow is anything but "better."
morgan
...I am not strong enough to resist. I wish I were...
But just like in the Isles, the people will not relent.
A resistance will rise up against Bern. You'll see.
When the time comes, if they will have me...
sigune
...Very interesting. Hmm...
I can see why you chose to tell me all this.
You could tell, couldn't you? That I, too... have regrets.
morgan
W-Well... At least, I hoped so.
sigune
It's tempting to think about, at least.
Stay alive till the time comes, will you, Morgan?
morgan
It's a promise! You be safe as well.
sigune
...What a unique feeling this is.
Is this what they call hope?

Ein & Idunn

idunn
Ein...
ein
Creator. Orders?
idunn
...No, I...
Ein, do you... How do you feel about all this?
About what we're making you do?
ein
......
idunn
No, what am I saying... You can't feel.
I can't feel, either. I shouldn't feel...
So why do I feel? What has... happened to me?
ein
......
Burn?
idunn
...Yes. Burn them.
We have to retake this castle, for His Highness.
We must fulfill His Highness's dream...
ein
Dream.
idunn
...Huh. Come to think of it, war dragons do sleep.
Do you have dreams, Ein? Is your mind capable of that?
ein
......
Flowers. Everywhere.
...Burn.
idunn
That's... not a dream. That's a nightmare...
ein
Every night.
idunn
......
What... What am I doing? Why am I doing this?
Why am I forcing beings like you to... to...
ein
Burn.
idunn
Yes... It's not...
It's not right? What is right?
I'm trying so hard... Yet I cannot understand...
ein
...Face.
idunn
Hmm?
ein
Hood. Burn.
Face.
idunn
What are you trying to... Oh... I think I get it... Hold on...
(Idunn lets down her hood.)
idunn
You... wanted to see my face? Is that it?
ein
......
(Ein steps towards her.)
ein
Flower.
idunn
Eh?
ein
......
idunn
......
I created you, and yet I cannot comprehend you.
I... I truly am a demon, am I...
ein
...Burn.
idunn
......
(Idunn draws her hood again.)
idunn
Come, Ein. Let's rejoin the battle...
(Idunn leaves.)
ein
...Flower.
Protect.

Perez & Murdock

murdock
This is it, Perez. The final battle.
Whatever happens after, this battle will conclude the war.
perez
Indeed, General.
murdock
I trust you are faring well?
Has that injury healed properly?
perez
Come now, General. How many years has it been?
20 years? 30 years?
murdock
...33 long years.
perez
And in all that time, have I ever taken a sick day?
A vacation? Anything of the sort?
murdock
Hmm... I suppose not.
(smiles) My apologies, Perez. I should not have underestimated you.
perez
(smiles) No need to apologize, General.
I am flattered that you worry for me.
(serious) I'm not getting any younger, I know that.
It's only natural Galle should've replaced me as your right hand...
murdock
(serious) I rely on Galle a lot, 'tis true.
There are things only a wyvern rider can do in a timely manner.
But the fact that you are still here speaks highly of your ability, Perez.
You have been my lieutenant since the beginning of my career.
perez
Haha... Ah, the memories.
I was a hotheaded whelp back in the day...
murdock
Dedicated is the word I would use.
I could hardly keep up with your swordsmanship when we sparred.
And when your strength waned, you immediately took up the elder arts.
You have allowed neither age nor wound to slow you down.
I must say, you have ever been a secret inspiration for me.
perez
(smiles) Hohoho! You keep talking like that, and I may start aging backwards!
Ah, but the feeling is mutual, I assure you.
(serious) From the onset, you were every bit the brilliant, level man you are today.
It did not surprise me you were named Wyvern General so soon.
You are the youngest to be named Wyvern General, is that not so?
murdock
Not quite anymore. Galle has beaten me there.
perez
Sir Galle is also a highly capable man, but...
With all due respect, he's only filling Narcian's vacant seat.
He would not have risen to the position quite so fast otherwise.
You did because you were Bern's greatest, from the very start.
murdock
(smiles) Hah... I hardly deserve the praise.

Thank you for your undying loyalty and support, Perez.
Remind me to treat you to a drink when this war ends.

perez
(smiles) Oh, no, it has to be my treat, General!
But, either way, it would be my honor.

In the name of Bern!

murdock
(frowns) Aye...

Grigas & Ruud

ruud
Bern Keep... I never expected I'd return here.
Much less to invade it in King Zephiel's name...
grigas
And I never expected to see you again, Ruud.
Much less fighting on our side, your hands unbound.
ruud
Hmm?
Oh... It's you, Grigas.
I should've known you'd be here, among Zephiel's elites.
grigas
I've been here since Etruria!
ruud
Yes, and I'd appreciate if you'd respect my efforts to avoid you.
grigas
Contemptible vermin! How can you show your face here?!
You deserted Bern! You have no right to set foot in here!
How did you get the king to pardon you, you worm?
ruud
He didn't recognize me.
I named a price for my services, and he paid it.
So here I am.
grigas
I find that hard to believe.
ruud
Suit yourself.

Say, it's true I'm not surprised to see you here, but...
I am surprised to see you alone. Where's the 11th regiment?

grigas
......

...The king court-martialed everybody.
They were too slow to reach the action back in Etruria.
He named them all traitors and had them executed.
I only live because I hurried ahead on my lonesome.

ruud
Oh...
For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Grigas.
grigas
I don't want a deserter's pity.
I hate deserters above all else.
ruud
Right... Figures.
A bootlicker like you could never hold a grudge against his liege.
Not even for the massacre of his loyal men...
And you wonder why some of us choose to escape.
grigas
Don't give me that "holier-than- thou" act, Ruud.
You ran because you were too greedy to be satisfied with your salary.
ruud
Ah, got me there, old buddy.
But hey, look at me. At least my life isn't sad and pathetic.
I have money, I have freedom... Life as a mercenary is good.
grigas
...Hmph.
ruud
Nothing to say to that? No proud remarks?
Hah... I truly do pity you, Grigas. You prideful soldiers are pathetic.
(Ruud leaves.)
grigas
......

Lamia & Daniela

lamia
(smiles) Hey there.
daniela
(smiles) Hey yourself! What can lil' old me do for you?
lamia
Oh, a whole lot, potentially.
daniela
Ohoho, sounds ominous! Go on, don't leave me in suspense.
lamia
I have been observing you for a time, you see.
daniela
I noticed.
Was wondering when you'd muster the courage to talk.
You really shouldn't have been so shy!
lamia
Some call you mad. I like to err on the side of caution.
daniela
Mmmm... So what is your conclusion from all your... "observing?"
lamia
They're completely right. You are mad.
But it's my kind of madness. I like what I see in you.
daniela
Hohoho... You're the one they call the Infernal, right?
Oh, that's precious.
lamia
So, on to business.
After this battle is done, my contract with Bern will be over.
My band's shrunk a tad since I joined up, however...
Need to bolster my numbers with some skilled warrioresses.
daniela
And you think I'd be a good fit for your little group of girlfriends?
lamia
Mmhmm. What say you, Daniela?
You'd get to draw lots of blood, and get paid for it!
Not a bad deal, don't you think?
daniela
My, so many offers... I am quite solicited!
Oh, but to you, I'm afraid I have to say no.
lamia
(frowns) Oh?
daniela
I really don't care for money much. I enjoy my freedom.
Go where I want, fight who I want. That is all I require.
Mercenary work's not for me.
lamia
That's it, huh? Disappointing...
Oh well. If you ever change your mind, do find me.
daniela
I'll find you, all right.
You're such a skilled swordswoman...
A fight with you and your band would be such a thrill!
Oh yes, yes! I'll remember your face, Infernal!
Make sure you recruit lots of pals for me to butcher, okay?
Hahaha... Hahahahahahahahahahahaa!
(Daniela leaves.)
lamia
Hmm... Perhaps I overestimated her sanity just a tad.
That one's an uncontrollable force of nature.
Might be for the best she refused...

Melady

Combat

melady
For Princess Guinivere! For a better Bern!

Combat w/ Galle

galle
Melady... I don't want to fight you!
Please, it's not too late yet...
I will speak on your behalf! You don't have to--
melady
You'd like that, would you not, Galle?
For me to kneel and give way to your beloved masters?
I'm afraid not, Galle.
I fight for a just cause and a leader true.
What do YOU fight for, Galle?
A despotic maniac and the vague concept of loyalty!
galle
M-Melady... I...
I-It's all true... And yet--
melady
You're too cowardly to fight back.
Fair enough. Then you are our enemy...
And you will fall today, alongside your masters!
galle
Melady, no!

(Galle desperately reaches out to Melady.)

Melady!!

Death

melady
Queen Guinivere... Please...follow your heart...
Virtue can still... prevail...

Guinivere

Combat

guinivere
You will be stopped... Even if I have to do it myself!

Combat w/ Zephiel

zephiel
I have nothing more to say to you.
All I've left for you is this blade's embrace.
guinivere
Yes... Let us embrace one final time...
Embrace the light, my brother.
Bask in its soothing radiance, and rest...
zephiel
You shall not bar my path!

Combat w/ Murdock

murdock
Princess Guinivere...
It saddens me to watch this situation unfold.
guinivere
I will not insult you by trying to persuade you to my side.
I know how you feel towards my brother.
murdock
Then surely you understand how I view you, his sister.
I'll admit... It pains me that we must fight.
But I have no choice...
guinivere
There is always a choice, General.
Not always an easy choice. But always a choice.
murdock
......
guinivere
...I will never forget how you comforted me.
Back when my brother drifted between life and death.
How you cared for us, beyond your station's duties...
murdock
...It was my honor.
I can only pray you'll find it in you to forgive this old coward...
guinivere
I say the same to you.
For I will kill all that I must to stop my brother.
Even him, and even you.

Death

guinivere
I failed...

In the end, I was never more than...
a useless, weak damsel...

Ending

If Melady survived

melady
(ToggleSmile) Queen Guinivere is dead...
It's... all over now... We've lost...
galle
Melady! You're still alive!?
Thank the gods! Melady--
(Melady backs away.)
melady
...I'm not giving you the satisfaction, Galle.
galle
Melady! What are you doing!?
(Melady falls on her lance.)
melady
Gah...!

...Congratulations, Galle... You win.
And now, your reward... Take a good, long look...

(Melady dies.)
galle
M... Melady...?!

N-No... No...!

If all legendary weapons are present

zephiel
Guinivere has fallen...
Such a shame, my dear sister.
murdock
But the Binding Blade is nowhere to be found...
Neither is the boy from Pherae, for that matter.
brunnya
The boy is a swordsman.
Perhaps it was he that took the Binding Blade...
zephiel
I wonder...

...Hm? What is happening now?

(There is a flash of light.)

...!?

(There is another flash of light.)

What...? What was that?

murdock
Eckesachs... it's glowing!
zephiel
The light is pointing to the south!
murdock
My king, legend says that when all the legendary weapons come together,
the Dragon Sanctuary will rise from the ground!
zephiel
We know where the Dragon Sanctuary lies.
The light indeed points in its direction.
And yet... The fact that this has happened...

...This is a disaster.
Our enemies could follow the light to the sanctuary!

(Zephiel fumes.)

A thousand curses...!
Why did I insist on gathering these infernal artefacts?!

murdock
My liege...?
zephiel
Murdock! Brunnya! Without delay!
Relay my orders to everyone!
We march to the Sanctuary, post-haste!
(Murdock and Brunnya salute.)

[Chapter 23 begins.]

Default (false ending)

zephiel
(smiles) It's over... It's finally over...
With my treacherous sister dead, my enemies are no more.
It is a shame we could not find the Binding Blade's thieves...
But they stand alone. We shall put a bounty on their heads.
Soon, my grip on this continent shall be inescapable.
And then... Your perfect reign shall commence, Idunn.
idunn
Yes, Your Highness...
zephiel
Hahaha... There is so much to be done!
So many preparations... Much work awaits me.
But we are almost at the end now...
Yes... My dream... It shall soon be fulfilled!
Hahahaha...!
(Zephiel walks away.)
idunn
His Highness's dream...
But then, why do I feel... so hollow...
jahn
......
Zephiel is so sure it's all over...
Heh. Now's when the hard part begins...

Character Descriptions

Kaga
A deeply perverted man, but he made Berwick Saga, so I forgive him.

Damas
The former leader of a Pheraen group of bandits. Now, a lone thief.

Guinivere
The princess of Bern. Noble and self-sacrificing.

Personal Weapon: Radiance
Blinding, righteous light.

Melady
The leader of Guinivere's personal guard. Unbendingly loyal.

Traitor
Turncoats answering to Guinivere.

Thief
Thieves hunting for treasure to pilfer.