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Chapter 18: First Contact

Opening

(Apate becomes lost in a memory.)
apate?
...Wake up! Wake up, dammit! Up!
a man
Urrrrgh... What time is it, Apate...?
Judging by the moon, it's time to be in bed sleeping.
apate?
I couldn't sleep. An idea was rolling in my head.
a man
When is that not the case?
But usually you at least have the decency to wait until morning...
apate?
I've done it...
(The man moves closer.)
a man
Wait, what do you mean by that?
Surely it cannot be...!
apate?
Yes... W-Well, of course, it's all preliminary...
But we may have finally arrived at our ultimate goal.
a man
We have uncovered... the greatest secret of all...
apate?
You don't look so disheveled all of a sudden.
Did my words breathe new life into your bones?
a man
How did you do it?!
apate?
Patience! Your bedroom isn't the proper place for a lengthy explanation!
(The man shifts embarrasedly.)
a man
R-Right you are. Goodness, that's embarrassing...
B-But still! Apate, this is... Everything we have worked for...
apate?
The fruits of our labor are ripe for the picking, my friend.
Come help me gather them, would you?

...But put on something decent first, please.
You don't want to go down in history in your pajamas, do you?

apate
......
fazang
This is it. The fort up ahead is where my comrades reside.
They likely have already returned from their own excursion.
kyra
It seems... weirdly noisy in there, doesn't it?
(Pericles starts.)
pericles
Balderdash! Look!
fazang
Tartaran soldiers...
apate
They must have followed your compatriots when they returned.
Our new alliance may have withered away as suddenly as it was born...
kyra
No... Edward's in there!
fazang
The main army could not have maneuvered all this way so fast.
It must be a separate detachment. Maybe even acting independently.
pericles
Indeed. This should be winnable.
But if we want to save more than corpses, we must hurry!
kyra
What are we waiting for?! Go, go, go!
apate
...After you.

Base Camp

Hestia, Agari, & Pericles

If Agari is alive

pericles
Agari... Forgive me.
After I swore never to leave your side again, I... I nearly...
agari
Dad, please... Stop apologizing...
(smiles) None of it was your fault, and I'm just glad you're back!
I'm so happy, I want to start jumping and dancing...
pericles
(smiles) Go ahead. I would not stop you, Agari.
agari
Haha... I know, but don't worry, I've some decorum.
I don't want to start embarrassing you again this quickly!
pericles
Embarrassing me?! P-Perish the thought!
I could not possibly muster any more pride for you than I already have.
You are a wonderful person, a mighty and valiant knight...
There is no one I respect more. It is my honor to stand as your peer.
hestia
Absolutely. You're a force to be reckoned with, Agari.
agari
O-Oh, shut up, you two...
kyra
Calling her Agari now, Pericles? You never used to do that.
hestia
Oh, Kyra! Right on time!
pericles
As a matter of fact, it is thanks to your brother, Kyra.
Back in Wrexham, young Elias and I spoke of our respective families.
He wondered why I insisted on using her full name, when she prefers Agari...
It got me wondering, as well. Why do I ignore my daughter's wishes?
hestia
(smiles) Wait-- Pfft! You took parenting advice from a kid?
You didn't tell us that before, Peri!
pericles
(serious) I would take parenting advice from anybody. I sorely need it.
agari
You're trying, Dad. That's all I want from you.
pericles
Agariste...
hestia
...Baby steps, Peri. Baby steps.

So! Kyra, remember when I mentioned I was making a little thing for Peri?
Well... Here you go, Peri. This is for you!

pericles
A greatlance...
...Hestia, I never trained in the use of lances.
hestia
I know. That was... Well, that was the joke.
I wanted to pull a fast one on you, if we ever met again.
I don't know what I was thinking. Sorry.
pericles
(smiles) Hah! Well, a gift is a gift. Thank you, Hestia.
Kyra, please see that it finds a suitable owner.
kyra
You have an odd way to express affection, Hestia.
hestia
What can I say. I'm a weirdo.
agari
(smiles) Yep, you sure are. But that's why we love you.
pericles
Indeed. You would not be my greatest friend if I did not value your quirks.
hestia
Guess it's my turn to blush, huh. Heh...

If Agari is dead

pericles
Hestia... Forgive me.
After I swore never to leave your side again, I... I nearly...
hestia
Peri, please, quit apologizing...
(smiles) None of it was your fault, and at least now you're back.
pericles
...Unlike Agari, who can never return...
hestia
Not now, Pericles. Please...
pericles
Ah, I did not mean to...
hestia
Not for me, Peri. For you. Don't bring that up now.
Now's the time to be happy to be alive and together again.
Try to just focus on that now, all right, Peri?
pericles
...It is difficult... So difficult...
kyra
Pericles...
hestia
Oh, Kyra! Right on time!
Remember when I mentioned I was making a little thing for Peri?
Well... Here you go, Peri. This is for you!
pericles
A greatlance...
...Hestia, I never trained in the use of lances.
hestia
I know. That was... Well, that was the joke.
I wanted to pull a fast one on you, if we ever met again.
I don't know what I was thinking. Sorry.
pericles
...A gift is a gift. Thank you, Hestia.
Kyra, please see that it finds a suitable owner.
kyra
You have an odd way to express affection, Hestia.
hestia
I've always been a weirdo. So sorry, Peri...
pericles
I do value your quirks. It's why you are my greatest friend.
hestia
Peri...

Tiresias

tiresias
(smiles) Kyra, I cannot tell you how relieved I am.
I will not lie to you. I saw myself in a casket.
kyra
We aren't out of the woods yet.
There are a lot of battles left for us to fight.
tiresias
(smiles) Yes, but I have a hunch the worst has passed now.
After huddling in a derelict fort waiting for the end to come,
anything seems like a walk in the park, don't you think?
kyra
I guess...
So you won't go back to the battlefield anymore?
tiresias
I should've known.
Kyra, I understand your qualms. They are entirely reasonable.
But how can I remain in the safety of the encampment,
now that I have tasted for myself the dangers you face every day?
I believe I have proven I am capable of being an asset, in my own way.
kyra
You're woefully inexperienced, Tiresias!
tiresias
Experience can be gotten.
...Look, I won't force you to bring me along going forward.
If you won't have me, that is your choice and I will respect it.
All that I ask is that you consider it.
I know I can't hold a candle to Lady Apate, but what's better than one lifewringer?
kyra
One lifewringer and one blind scholar that isn't completely out of his mind?
tiresias
(smiles) No, silly! TWO lifewringers!
kyra
Okay, fine, you've made your point.
Just swear to me you'll run if you get in trouble.
You come back here and you stay here.
No grand dramas of self-sacrifice. Got it?
tiresias
(smiles) May my soul burn in Hell if I break my oath.

Fazang

kyra
What should I expect when we meet with your comrades, Fazang?
fazang
We are not numerous, and most do not know the Tartaran language.
They are also wary of Tartarans, considering... everything.
I recommend you go directly to the lieutenants, Jingyi and Xinyi.
Xinyi is a diplomat as well as a soldier. She is fluent in your language.
kyra
Hmm.
What of your commander? He doesn't speak Tartaran?
fazang
He did. He is dead.
He perished during the initial ambush.
The two lieutenants have taken command since.
kyra
I see...

Er, I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, but uh...
I don't know much about the eastern countries.
Is there anything in particular I should or shouldn't do?
I don't want to offend anyone...

fazang
We are soldiers, Kyra, and in dire straits at that.
Nobody will hold unintentional acts of disrespect against you.
As long as they genuinely are unintentional.

But I do appreciate the question. When greeting others, we bow.
Do not look into the other's eyes when bowing, however.
That is considered defiant.

kyra
That's simple enough.
fazang
It's a small gesture of goodwill that should go a long way.
I pray for our partnership to get off to a good start.

Wulfric & Eupraxia

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
wulfric
Lady Eupraxia.
eupraxia
(smiles) Ah, Wulfric. So nice to see you.
Would you like to share a cup of tea with me?
wulfric
(smiles) I was afraid it would be rude to ask.

If Eupraxia is a Holy Mage

wulfric
(serious) ...Lady Eupraxia, I wish to ask you what ails you.
eupraxia
Me? I'm well.
At least, as well as one can be, in these times of turmoil.
wulfric
Forgive me, but I must cast doubt on that claim.
The others may not have noticed, but...
I suppose I know you well enough that I have.

If Eupraxia is a General

eupraxia
(frowns) Hmm... You have a curious look in your eyes, Wulfric.
(smiles) Ah, hold a moment. I believe I understand.
Still surprised to see me like this, are you, my young friend?
wulfric
I do not believe there is a soul in this camp that does not share my shock.
Wheresoever I walk, I hear whispers of jealousy from warriors half your age.
It beggars belief. You must have been an exceptional knight in your prime.
eupraxia
Bah... That is far from the truth, I assure you.
A truly exceptional knight would not have...
wulfric
Yes?
eupraxia
Ah, I digress. Do pardon me.
I do not wish to bore you with meaningless tales.
wulfric
...As a matter of fact, Eupraxia... If you wish to speak to somebody...
eupraxia
Hmm? Well, we are speaking right now...
wulfric
You are filled with an overwhelming sadness.
eupraxia
......
I may have been a hermit, but in the end, I too am Tartaran.
It is deeply unpleasant, watching my homeland commit such atrocities.
wulfric
No, the pain I sense in you differs from that of your fellow Tartarans.
It is pain that has made a home of your heart. Old, deep-seated sorrow...

If Eupraxia is a General

Sorrow that harkens back to the days when you wore that armor, perhaps?
eupraxia
You're more perceptive than you let on, Wulfric.

......
Forgive me. You and Tiresias were the first friends I'd made in many years.
And yet... I do not believe I am ready to share my past with another.

wulfric
Hmm... Well... If you would hear me out...
I'd like to tell you of my own past, Lady Eupraxia.
eupraxia
Oh?
wulfric
I was the heir to one of Glamorgan's margravates.
eupraxia
Ah, at last, your noble bearing is explained.
wulfric
Indeed... But to tell you the truth? I always cursed my nobility.
I had three younger siblings, but there was no love lost between us.
They each only viewed me as an obstacle in their way to the throne.
At social events, relatives and peers would warmly shake my hand,
before retreating to the shadows to whisper and conspire.
I was alone.
eupraxia
......
wulfric
Eventually, I fell victim to an... unfortunate accident.
Luck saved my life, but I knew it had been an accident in name only.
That was it. I could not stand it any longer. I departed then and there.
I severed all ties with my kith and kin, letting them assume me dead.
eupraxia
......
wulfric
Do you not believe me?
They say blood is thicker than water. This is considered a universal truth.
Even Tiresias seemed bewildered when I revealed all of this to him.
eupraxia
I believe you. This is a pain I know well.
Is that why you have told me this story?
wulfric
......
My deepest apologies. I have been insufferably impertinent.
eupraxia
Not at all. I appreciate the intimate conversation.
...Tell me, what became of your wayward family?
wulfric
I rode through my erstwhile home with Tiresias, once.
I left him at an inn and made a few inquiries about the state of the place.
...Our manor had burned to ashes years earlier. None survived.
Some cousin I barely knew inherited rulership of the margravate.
I did not dare to attract attention with any further questions.
eupraxia
Power often trumps filial bonds, in my experience.
But in the end, your kindness earned you a true companion.
Perhaps the Mother does reward the righteous, after all.
wulfric
(smiles) I am a happy man now, Lady Eupraxia.
I hope you find solace from your inner demons,
whatever their origin may be.
eupraxia
(smiles) Perhaps I'm already on my way. Thank you, Wulfric.

[Wulfric and Eupraxia gain C-rank support with each other.]

Begoña, Fango, & López

kyra
Hey!
(López jumps.)
López
Gah! Sweet Mother of mercy, don't sneak up on people like that!
fango
Did someone else file a complaint about López's smell?
López
The joke's never been funny, Fango, and it only gets more tiresome each time.
fango
(smiles) Well, I think it's funny.
López
Your face is funny!
kyra
Quit bickering already!
López
Gulp...!
fango
W-What is it, Commander?
We've been behaving! I swear on my mother!
López
Your mother's dead, you idiot!
fango
That's such an insensitive thing to say, you butthead!
kyra
Enough!
(Fango and López jump.)
kyra
I... wanted to thank you.
López
......
fango
...Say wha...?
kyra
I'm shocked at the words coming out of my mouth too, trust me.
But at this point, I owe you lot this and more.
You've had a hundred chances to run away since the prison.
But through thick and thin, you've stuck by us.
Even at our lowest, staring death in the eye, you didn't flinch.
fango
Uh... I dunno 'bout López, but I feel like I make a difference with ya.
I know I'll just fade from the pages of history by the end.
But I like the thought that I helped to make something good, y'know?
Maybe a world where people don't got to resort to thievery, even...
López
I've never been the idealistic sort, Commander.
My entire life's been a pile of horse excrement.
...Up until we joined you. That's when it got good.
Me, Fango and the boss, fightin' for justice...
Honestly? Wouldn't mind dyin' for this. Not one bit.

If Begoña is alive

fango
Neither would I!
I'd love to squash into a fine paste for the cause!
López
I mean, I'd rather stay alive, but I agree with the sentiment.
I think... Fango, what are you even talking about, man...?
(Begoña butts in.)
Begoña
Oi! What's goin' on here?
You better not be bullyin' my mates, runt!
They ain't done nothin' to deserve it this time!
...If we've done anythin' that warrants a scoldin',
lemme take the brunt of it, 'aight? Leave 'em out of it.
kyra
They haven't, and somehow neither have you, Begoña.
What happened in the past seems so far away now.
You've become some of my most trusted comrades.
(smiles) Keep up the good work, people. Thank you.
(Kyra leaves.)
Begoña
Wha...
(Begoña approaches the others.)
Begoña
The heck? Did she just praise and thank us...?
López
(grins) Sure did, boss! We're Commander Kyra's favorites now!
fango
(grins) I can't believe it! After all my life thinkin' I'd never amount to anythin'!
Begoña
(smiles) Awww, my boys...! It's all thanks to you!
Who knows where I'd be without ya! My right and left hand!
This deserves a celebration!
fango
Group hug?
López
I'm thinking group hug!

[The brigands all gain 2 Luck, and their support is increased to rank B.]

If Begoña is dead

fango
Just like the boss didn't mind...
López
Yeah...
kyra
...I'm sorry about Begoña. Seriously.
I know we didn't always see eye to eye, but...
I'm... I wish I could've saved her. I really do.
fango
She gave her life for this, Commander.
Now it's up to ya to make sure she didn't die for nothin'.
López
To ya... And to us. We're all in this together.
That's what she always said...
kyra
I'll never forget her.
As for you... You've become some of my most trusted comrades.
Thank you. Truly.
(Kyra leaves.)
López
...S-Sniff... Guhh...

(López sobs.)

D-Dammit...
Fango, I hadn't cried in, what, 17 years...?

fango
Didn't think you even knew how t-to...
Sniff... Ahhh, here it comes too...
(López cries.)
López
(closes eyes) Waaaaaaaahhh! Boooooooooss...!
(Fango cries.)
fango
(closes eyes) Why'd ya hafta die, boss...?! W-Whyyyyyyy?!

Polonius & Ofelia

kyra
......
(closes eyes) (All right, don't mind them. Just walk past and maybe they won't...)
???
Urrrgh!

Auuuugh!

(Polonius and Ofelia fall over. Kyra startles.)
kyra
Ouch...! Those were bad falls. Are you two all right?
polonius
Eeheeheeheeheehee!
Your timing, Commander, is as perfect as ever!
Just in time to behold my total success!
ofelia
Total success, brother? More like absolute failure.
I clearly fell a second after you did.
polonius
Eeheeheeheehee! You dare to defy me, sister?!
None can defeat me, for I am the great necromancer, Polonius!
kyra
Is anyone going to explain, or...?
ofelia
Explain what, Commander?
kyra
Oh, I don't know. Maybe why you two were doing a headstand just now?
ofelia
Ah, that. It's a tradition of sorts we have had since childhood.
Whenever we get into a disagreement, this is how we settle matters.
We stand on our hands as long as we can, and whoever falls last is the winner.
kyra
Yes, that does sound like something normal people like you would do.
polonius
And thus, my point is proven! Eeheeheeheeheehee!
So sorry, sister, but you should've known better than to challenge me!
ofelia
(smiles) Hmm... Actually, this is quite providential.
Commander, you happened upon us at the most convenient time.
You bore witness to our competition. Tell us - which one of us won?
polonius
Ahh, I see, I see! Desperate, are we, sister mine?
You would place the onus of your defeat upon the commander!
So be it. I have utmost confidence in my power and abilities!
Commander... Confess, and dare not lie, for I shall know!
Which of us has claimed victory, and which, bitter defeat?!
kyra
I... I didn't even see you fall. My eyes were closed.
ofelia
We all have things to do, so please. Let's not waste time.
Name the victor, Commander.
kyra
“Let's not waste time?” The gall of... Okay, fine!
Wanna know who won?! Here's who won!

Polonius Won

polonius
(grins) Eeheeheeheehee!
I misestimated you, Commander. You hold great darkness in you!
I am pleased by this outcome. Greatly pleased! Eeheeheehee!
ofelia
Ah, worry not. I shan't hold a grudge.
kyra
Won't you?
ofelia
How could I? You are suffering enough as it is.
Why, I sympathize. I understand completely why you did this.
It must be difficult, standing next to such beauty, such grace,
fully aware of how undesirable you are in comparison.
kyra
......
polonius
W-Wow... You did not need to strike so violently, Ofelia.
Need I remind you, though her power pales before mine...
She still could break you in half, sister.
ofelia
Ah... P-Perhaps I got a tad carried away, Commander.
Forgive me. I've long loathed being bested in anything...
kyra
Hey. Polonius?
polonius
Hmmmmmmmmm?
kyra
Drag your sister out of my sight before I really get mad.
ofelia
...Oh, dear...
polonius
Eeheeheehee!
(The actors run away.)
kyra
......
(closes eyes) Sigh... There's the headache again... Always, with these two...

Ofelia Won

ofelia
(smiles) It's only natural.
polonius
...Rrgh... Commander! You incur my wrath!
I was obviously the winner! It was plain as day!
How dare you deny me the satisfaction of victory?!
Fool! Now you will suffer the great necromancer's curse of agony!
You will be swept up by my wondrous power, you insignificant, lowly worm!
kyra
......
ofelia
E-Er... Polonius, I really do not believe you should provoke her...
I mean, not to doubt your, uh, wondrous power, but...
I don't think you want to find yourself beneath her fists...
(Polonius squirms.)
polonius
Eeheehee?
Come now, the commander knows it's all in good fun...
She knows I would never turn my marvelous powers against her!
Is that not so, Commander?
kyra
Hey. Ofelia?
ofelia
What is it?
kyra
Drag your brother out of my sight before I really get mad.
ofelia
By your command.
polonius
No! I am no coward! Let me make my last stand!
(Ofelia drags Polonius away.)
kyra
......
(closes eyes) Sigh... There's the headache again... Always, with these two...

"You're both losers."

polonius
......
ofelia
......
Very mature, Commander. Truly.
polonius
Eeheeheeheeheehee! Such boldness! I love it!
She has denied us both the supple fruit of victory! Astoundingly wicked!
Our only recourse is to begrudge her together, sister...
ofelia
You make it sound more impressive than it truly is.
The only thing she has denied here is her own decisiveness.
polonius
No victors today. Not even her.
Dare I even say, she has won the least!
Eeheeheehee!
kyra
You got it all out of your systems?
Good. Now you can go ahead and tell me what you were fighting over.
ofelia
Hmph... Now you care, all of a sudden?
polonius
Eeheeheeheehe... We were pondering whose are the grandest garments!
My vibrant dark regalia, versus her serene bright cloak!
Good versus evil! Dark versus light! Order versus chaos! Eeheehee!
ofelia
I've been telling you for years, Polonius.
You love your garish colors far too much for your own good.
They do you no favors at all. Surely even you must see that.
polonius
And who do you presume you are to judge me?
You, a woman devoid of all sense of the dramatic!
You, who so revels in menial melancholy and brooding!
Revoltingly mundane! Pwah!
ofelia
Are you calling me boring, you obnoxious oaf?!
(Kyra becomes agitated.)
kyra
That's enough! Stop it! Stop it now!
ofelia
Huh?
polonius
Commander...?
kyra
You should count your lucky stars that you have each other.
Siblings are supposed to get along. Yet you'd bicker over such idiocy?
You're going to make amends right this second, you hear me?
Or at least, if you must fight... Fight somewhere I can't see you.
ofelia
Ah... Commander, I...
kyra
Hmph...
(Kyra storms off.)
polonius
......
The commander, loath as I am to admit it, is correct.
Ah, sister mine... Please, accept my apologies.
We must be allies in darkness, not opponents!
ofelia
Yes... You're right, brother mine.
I know that, despite our bickering, I can rely on you like no other.
(smiles) And, I must admit... Garish though it may be? The hat does suit you.
polonius
Eeheeheehee! Not as much as your shining jewelry suits you!
We truly are the most dazzling display in the world... together!
ofelia
Yes! Yes! Ahahahaha...!
(They leave.)
kyra
(smiles) All right, see? That's better already.

[Ofelia & Polonius' support increases to rank B.]

Vasiliki & Scymerius

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
vasiliki
(smiles) Scymerius! I didn't realize you also joined this army!
scymerius
How's that? I haven't exactly been hiding.
vasiliki
(frowns) Well, it's not like you said hello...
scymerius
What's the point? We barely know each other.
vasiliki
(smiles) What do you mean? We were colleagues!
Us, Fructuoso and Eudoxus. We were a team, right?
scymerius
Those two losers and me? Don't insult me.
(Vasiliki starts.)
vasiliki
(frowns) ...W-Well... I consider you a friend anyway.
scymerius
Then you are an even bigger fool than I had imagined.
vasiliki
......
(smiles) Smile, Vasiliki... Smile through the pain...
scymerius
I do admit I am a tad curious about that, though.
What's this “smile through the pain” thing you're always saying?
vasiliki
Aww, you noticed? I knew you really cared!
scymerius
Tell me or don't. I'm just trying to pass the time.
vasiliki
(serious) Well, it's what my ma told me the day I set out.
“Vasi, if the going gets tough, just smile through the pain!”
So that's what I've been doing.
scymerius
I don't think your mother meant that literally.
...Does it help at all?
vasiliki
(smiles) Yeah! It's hard to stay grumpy with a big smile on your face!
scymerius
Hmm. Maybe I should try it.
(Vasiliki bounces with excitement.)
vasiliki
Ohh, this I have to see!
scymerius
Dream on, chump.
vasiliki
(frowns) Awww...

[Vasiliki and Scymerius gain C-rank support with each other.]

Vasiliki & Fructuoso

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
vasiliki
(smiles) Good morning, Fructuoso!
fructuoso
(smiles) Hey there, lass. What's up?
vasiliki
I'm just happy to be alive!
(frowns) Seriously. That was insanely scary.
You've been a mercenary longer than me, Fructuoso.
Is it... always this way? Is this what the mercenary life is?
fructuoso
'Fraid so. It's a cruel world out there, missy.
Ain't ever too late to call it quits, though.
You got a family waiting for you, after all.
vasiliki
I know, and I'm sure they're worried sick about me.
But... I feel a sense of responsibility here.
Just look at the commander. We're not so different, are we?
fructuoso
I mean, she's taller than you, a few years older...
vasiliki
Way better with a bow. Yeah, yeah, I know...
Still, we're both commoners, huntresses and stuff.
And yet she feels worlds apart from the likes of me...
She's been through so much, and yet she's still keeping it together.
If she can manage it, why shouldn't I be able to do the same?
(smiles) I can do it too! I can fight for the good of all too!
So when I come back home, my parents can be real proud of me!
fructuoso
Hahaha... That's a nice little dream you got there.
vasiliki
What's your dream, Fructuoso?
fructuoso
(serious) Me? Beyond living to see the next day? Well...
(smiles) I always thought being a knight might be nice.
vasiliki
That's it? That's easy! You can totally do that!
fructuoso
(frowns) Life's often not so simple, my friend...
(smiles) But listening to you, it almost does seem that way.
Yeah... Maybe even an old scoundrel like me can have dreams, too.
vasiliki
We just gotta fight like hell to make them a reality!
fructuoso
Hear, hear!

[Vasiliki and Fructuoso gain C-rank support with each other.]

Scymerius & Fructuoso

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
scymerius
Fascinating. You're still alive.
fructuoso
I-I can't believe it myself.
None of us should've survived that mess...
I don't know whether to thank the Mother, the commander or...
scymerius
Thank your abilities, for they are the ones that got you through.
And Lady Apate. That woman is something else.
But mostly thank yourself. Stand proud, man.
You've stared death in the eye and come out on top.
fructuoso
(smiles) That's awfully nice of you, Scymerius...
Didn't know you knew how to do that.
scymerius
Do what?
fructuoso
Well... Be nice!
scymerius
Ha ha ha. Very funny.
I wouldn't call it “nice”. It's respect, plain and simple.
The first day I saw you I could barely contain my laughter.
But that ridiculous hodgepodge you call “armor” gets the job done.
And if it gets the job done, it doesn't matter how silly it looks.
In fact, that might even work to your advantage.
Makes your enemies lower their guard. Quite clever, honestly.
fructuoso
I-I'd love to claim credit for that, but I can't. I didn't think it through so much.
It started years ago, when I was still a bandit. Knights ambushed us.
My mates got cut down to the last, but I managed to save myself...
By picking up the chestplate of a fallen soldier and using it as a shield.
scymerius
Huh. I would've thought you'd picked up the hobby of looting bodies from...
Well, looting bodies. That's something brigands do, isn't it?
(Fructuoso shifts embarrasedly.)
fructuoso
P-Please! I have some modicum of shame!
I never looted bodies. Heck, I never wanted to kill anyone...
scymerius
So you weren't cut out for the life of a cutthroat.
fructuoso
Okay, that's more like the usual Scymerius. Blunt and mocking...
scymerius
How's that mocking, you silly goose? It's a good thing.
It's the reason you're alive and fighting for a respectable cause,
instead of lying dead in a ditch somewhere like the rest of your ilk.
fructuoso
...Huh... That's a fair point.

[Fructuoso and Scymerius gain C-rank support with each other.]

Battle Start

(Lieutenant Xinyi is backed against a wall in the courtyard; Jingyi and Edward are trapped in separate rooms. Edward is still somewhat injured.)
Xinyi
...Leave now, Tartarans, or forever regret it.
My bow does not know the meaning of the word “mercy.”
Jingyi
(Hmph! Very well! Who wishes to taste my steel first?!)
edward
Never heard wounded and cornered beasts are the most dangerous?
I'm 'bout to teach ya just how true the saying is!
narrator
If Edward, Jingyi or Xinyi die in this map, it is game over.

Enemy Turn 1

scamander
Bah... Rotten luck as per usual.
Here I was hoping I'd never have to deal with a Zhulite again.
Instead I return home and a swarm of them land on my lap.
The war is over, you fools! Why would you fight on?
soldier
Deputy Commander Scamander! News from the spotters!
The rebellion has appeared out of thin air and is storming the fort!
(Scamander starts.)
scamander
What?! We had come this way to hunt them down, not be hunted BY them!
Blast... We can't let them merge their forces with these Zhulite mongrels!
Kill them to the last!
soldier
Yes, Commander!
(The soldier leaves.)
scamander
Ahh, crud... We're not equipped for this!
Why, why, why did the colonel have me chase them on my lonesome?!
I don't wanna die here!

Turn 4 (if Pheme survived)

(Pheme approaches the entrance to the fort. Her eyes are duller than before. She holds an Elixir with 2 doses already used.)
pheme
...This has to be where they are... Nothing else would make sense.
Mr. Edward... Sir Pericles... Elias... Please be all right...!

Pheme gains C-rank support with Kyra and Edward and gains the following skill:

Trauma
-15% to all growth rates.

Additionally, her character description changes to the following:

Pheme
A young villager from Percote. Her spirit has been hardened by the trials she has been through.

When a player unit approaches Scamander's room

(Scamander starts.)
scamander
What?! They've breached the fort?!
No! Don't let them move even a single step further, fools!
D-Dammit... Reserve forces! Come on out!
Chase them down! Bring them to heel! Fight! Go!
(Scamander opens the doors to his room and summons reinforcements.)

Conversations

Kyra & Edward

kyra
......
edward
......
kyra
...N-No. Not yet.
We can't get distracted right now...
edward
Kyra... Your face...
kyra
Not now! When we are safe, that's when we'll talk.
edward
Yeah... Yeah, you're right.
C'mon! Who wants a piece of us?! Come and get it!

Kyra & Xinyi

kyra
You all right? Er... Do you speak...
xinyi
Commander Kyra, correct? You're a sight for sore eyes.
kyra
We're late, aren't we...
xinyi
Not too late to save our hides, at the very least.
We've endured some casualties, but those were our own fault.
kyra
...The redhead with the beard... Is he...
xinyi
(smiles) Don't worry. I saw him only a short while ago. He's inside.
kyra
Trapped with the holy knights...
xinyi
I have a feeling they're the ones trapped with him.
Shall we, then? Let us allow our weapons to speak for us.
kyra
No arguments there!

Fazang & Jingyi

fazang
(Jingyi. I brought reinforcements.)
jingyi
(It may be too late... Most of the men scattered on the way back.)
(I shudder to imagine how many of them might have fallen...)
fazang
(Honor their memories by surviving, Jingyi.)
jingyi
(Likewise, my friend. Let us live to see the sunset!)

Fazang & Xinyi

fazang
Xinyi. The reinforcements are here.
xinyi
Talking in Tartaran now?
fazang
I don't want our new allies to believe we are conspiring.
xinyi
Fair enough.
As the saying goes, when in Amnisos, do as the Amnisians do.
fazang
With their help, we may really find ourselves in Amnisos.
xinyi
That strong, huh. So it wasn't just the pirate being boastful?
fazang
Mm. The commander, Kyra, lives up to her reputation, despite her youth.
Even with your distraction, theirs was a grueling battle and a hard-won victory.
Good people, too. Courageous and dutiful all. These are friends worth having.
xinyi
(smiles) Good work, Fazang. Keep it up.
fazang
(smiles) You flatter me, Lieutenant.

Xinyi & Jingyi

xinyi
(Jingyi! Are you all right?)
jingyi
(smiles) (Hah! The party's just begun!)
xinyi
(smiles) (Yes, you're all right. Very good.)
(Let's send them packing, shall we?)
(But be careful. Some of these Tartarans are not the bad sort.)
jingyi
(Ah, Fazang managed to bring those two's friends.)
(This battle shall be a test, then. Let us prove worthy allies!)
xinyi
(Blades held high!)

Pericles & Edward

pericles
Edward! Are you unharmed?
edward
You mean as harmed as I was when you left?
(smiles) Resting did me a lot of good. I'm good to duke it out!
pericles
Kyra and the rest are taking care of everything.
There is no reason to risk reopening your wounds.
Please, hide away. I shall fight in your stead.
edward
(frowns) Don't patronize me, Pericles. I ain't leaving a friend alone.
If nothing else, I'm going to watch your back.
pericles
...So be it. May we win the day!
edward
(smiles) Aye aye!

Barlowe & Edward

edward
Wha-- Barlowe?! The heck are you doin' here?
barlowe
What do you think? I'm here to save your sorry behind.
edward
No, yeah, I mean, what are you doing here? As in, on the battlefield?
barlowe
I have talents I can use in places such as this.
edward
You're so old, though.
(Barlowe harumphs.)
barlowe
The gall of you, cur! You haven't changed at all!
edward
(grins) Gehahahahaha! And neither have you!
'Aight, get behind me. I'll keep yer beard safe.
barlowe
(smiles) Just try to listen to me, so I can keep yours safe as well.

Pheme & Kyra

kyra
Pheme! You're alive too...!
pheme
Kyra...
(smiles) It's been a while, huh.
kyra
I wasn't sure if you were still... I was afraid to ask Pericles.
Pheme, I... I want to apologize. Because of me, you--
pheme
(frowns) Is now really the time, Kyra?
kyra
...I guess it isn't, is it...
pheme
I have so much I want to tell you, too.
Well... Honestly, all I want is to give you the biggest hug I can.
But I can do that later... When the danger's passed.
kyra
You've grown so much, Pheme.
(smiles) I'm... so happy you're here.
pheme
(smiles) And I'm glad to be here.

Pheme & Edward

edward
Pheme! You made it!
I was sure they'd caught you after we lost you...
pheme
I managed to give them the slip, by the skin of my teeth.
But then, try as I might, I couldn't find you again. I'm sorry...
edward
Listen, lass, I'm just relieved to see you safe and sound.
(smiles) Thought all that time I spent playin' nurse was for nothin'! Haha...
pheme
...I wasn't about to die now.
Kyra would never have forgiven herself...
edward
(frowns) Aye... Same thought's kept me goin' too.
So let's quit yappin' and watch each other's backs, eh?
pheme
We better.
But... Mr. Edward?
edward
What's that?
pheme
(smiles) Thank you. For everything...
edward
(smiles) Aww, c'mon, lass. Ain't done nothin' special!
That super duper special salve of Apate's did most o' the work.
pheme
Well, it's not like I could've drank it by myself, right?
edward
(serious) ...Good point, yeah...
(smiles) Then I guess yer welcome.
pheme
(smiles) Mm...

Scamander

Combat

scamander
It can't end like this. It just can't!
S-Someone help me...!

Combat w/ Xinyi

xinyi
You warmongering fools are so pathetic.
Even your own countrymen are turning on you.
Face it. You're standing on the wrong side of history.
scamander
And you're standing on the wrong side of my spear!
xinyi
Ah, I don't know why I even tried...

Combat w/ Jingyi

jingyi
(You would chase us this far?)
(You would prolong our fight, even now?)
(Can't you see how senseless this all is?!)
scamander
Gah... There's that loathsome gibberish.
How I've come to hate those sounds...
jingyi
(You don't understand anything, do you?)
(...So be it. My next words shall be quite simple!)

Death

scamander
The war is... over...
Why am I dying here? I'm dying... for no reason...

Edward Death

edward
(smiles) I-It's okay... Long as you're all right, Kyra...
Everything's... okay...

Ending

kyra
Redbeard...!
edward
(smiles) Lassie!
(Kyra hugs Edward so hard she nearly bowls him over, and closes her eyes. Edward wriggles.)
edward
A-Augh! Careful there, lassie... My body's seen better days...
kyra
I... I-I thought...
I thought I'd lost you forever...
edward
(closes eyes) I'm so glad to see you too, Kyra... You had me worried there...
(Kyra huffs.)
kyra
I had YOU worried?! Are you kidding me?!
You have no idea... It's been... It's been awful...
That monster said she killed you...

If Pheme died

I-I... I was convinced you'd... like Pheme...!

If Pheme suvived

I-I... I was convinced you'd... You'd...
edward
Let it all out, girl... L-Let it all...
Oh, shucks... Sniff... G-Guess I oughta let it all out too...
kyra
...Redbeard...

If Pheme suvived

kyra
(opens eyes) And you too, Pheme... You're all right too...
pheme
(smiles) Yeah, but don't worry. I can wait...
kyra
(smiles) Wait for what? For all this to turn out to be a dream?
C'mere! You deserve a big, big, BIG hug!
(Pheme backs away.)
pheme
J-Just as long as you don't crush me, after all that...!
(Kyra hugs Pheme tightly.)
pheme
Gaahh...! Softer, Kyra! Softer! Watch my head...!
(Barlowe approaches.)
barlowe
......
edward
...Tearing up there as well, old dog?
barlowe
Pshaw. I merely got a piece of lint in my eye, that's all.
...No, but in all seriousness, this... this is quite the relief.
(closes eyes) We truly believed we would never see your smug face again.
edward
(smiles) As if you could get rid of me so easy. Hah!
kyra
...Hey, Pericles! What are you doing off to the side there?
pericles
This is your happy reunion. I do not wish to disturb it...
edward
(smiles) Pericles, you uptight jerk!
It's only thanks to you that we're all back together!
kyra
(smiles) I was about ready to give in to despair when you showed up.
You gave me renewed hope. Pericles, thank you so much!
pericles
(smiles) Oh, please...
W-Well. You're welcome, I suppose...
Though truly, I have hardly done anything remarkable...
edward
Look at the guy bein' all bashful! Ain't that a sight?
kyra
I can't wait to tell Hestia.
(Pericles shifts embarrasedly.)
pericles
Hey!
barlowe
Hohohoho... Ahh, to be young and passionate again...

[Kyra, Barlowe, and Pericles all gain C-rank support with Edward.]

apate
......
xinyi
You won't join in their merriment?
apate
I could never share in it.
jingyi
(She seems to be an odd one.)
apate
(Are all of us not odd, at the end of the day?)
xinyi
Oh, you speak Zhulite. Haven't met many Tartarans who do.
apate
...I have had ample time to travel many lands.
I know most languages that exist.
xinyi
Interesting.
jingyi
(What's she saying, Xinyi?)
xinyi
(She's saying she's a smart one.)
apate
(Only one cursed with longevity.)
jingyi
......

Citadel Alétheia

(Soter and Sandraudiga stand before Dolus, who has Thyone at his side. Soter has been promoted to a General, regardless of if the player promoted him to a different class.)
dolus
...And thus, by the authority vested in me by our blessed Mother,
I grant thee, Sir Soter, the title of general among Her faithful defenders.
You shall be the sword and shield to protect Her hallowed dominion.
May you serve Her undyingly, and may She grant you Her mercy.
soter
(smiling) ......
sandraudiga
Don't clam up now, Soter. This is what you've worked for.
soter
I know. Pardon me. I mean no disrespect to our liege.
I am merely... savoring the moment.
(Soter salutes.)
soter
(serious) Thank you for bestowing such an enormous honor upon me!
I shall ever persevere in my faith and loyalty to you, Your Holiness!
dolus
I... Nngh...!

(Dolus coughs heavily.)

Cough... Your words gladden me, Sir Soter.
May you stand by your vows evermore.

soter
(smiling) With all that I have, till the day I breathe my last!
Long live Tartaros!
dolus
You are dismissed.
(Soter leaves.)
sandraudiga
(smirking) Look at him smile. This might be the happiest day of his life.
dolus
Was this tedious ceremony truly necessary, Sandraudiga?
sandraudiga
That one is easy to please.
With this simple, entirely symbolic gesture, we have earned his eternal loyalty.
dolus
Have we? Is this not a knight who once cast his oaths aside?
sandraudiga
(still smirking) Indeed. He is a weak, weak wretch.
Weaklings like this are predictable. They melt at the promise of power.
Not that we've given him any of substance, but he'll convince himself otherwise.
dolus
Hmph... Once a turncoat, always a turncoat.
It would be better to simply k-- Khh...!

(Dolus hacks again.)

(closes eyes) Cough! Cough...

sandraudiga
(frowns) ...My liege, I do believe it's time we talked about this.
dolus
There is naught to talk about, Sandraudiga.
sandraudiga
With all due respect, when that cough becomes death rattles, it'll be my duty to mitigate the fallout, whatever it may be.
I need to know how much time you think you have left.
dolus
You speak to me of duty?
I bade you return with the heretic, no matter what! You defied my say!
sandraudiga
Why is she so important to you, Your Holiness?
There are better ways to spend one's final days than chasing some hag.
dolus
......
Ah, what does it matter.
Sandraudiga, you are dismissed as well.
sandraudiga
Do you have any orders?
dolus
Do as you please.
sandraudiga
...Hmph... I suppose I shall, then.
(Sandraudiga leaves.)
thyone
...If I may speak, my husband...
I do not believe that woman can be trusted.
dolus
Do you still hold a grudge?
thyone
It has been well over a decade since she was named Grand Inquisitor.
You know how ambitious she is. How she yearns for more.
She may have grown restless in her current station...
dolus
Are you suggesting she may try to usurp me?
thyone
Perhaps she would not dare, but...
She happens to return now, as your health wanes?
I fear what she may do, should your condition decline further.
dolus
...You are afraid that she will oust our son, not me.
Rest easy. I shall assuage your apprehension.

Sandraudiga is nothing more than a worm before me.
So is Dolus. So are you, Thyone. All of you, pitiful roaches...
There is no cause for concern. None of you are of any import.

thyone
...Dolus... Delirium has plucked these abhorrent words from your mouth.
I just don't understand why you refuse to let anyone treat you.
The court apothecaries could, if nothing else, extend your time for--
dolus
The ignorant should not speak of that which they do not comprehend.
The apothecaries can do nothing. The cycle is simply drawing to a close.
And when the time comes...
thyone
Dolus?
dolus
...Leave me. I would be alone.
thyone
......
(Dolus V accosts Sandraudiga as she exits the throne room.)
dolus v
Your Highness Grand Inquisitor! Tell me in truth!
What were you able to glean from your audience with my father?
sandraudiga
Only that your turn may come soon.
dolus v
...!
sandraudiga
But please, excuse me. I have much to do.
(Sandraudiga leaves.)
dolus v
...Urgh...
(Lorenzo approaches with Elias in tow.)
elias
......
dolus v
Oh... Who is this young boy, Sir Lorenzo?
lorenzo
This is Elias. He will... stay with us for some time.
elias
To be specific, I'm a hostage.
(Dolus V starts.)
dolus v
A hostage! Do my ears deceive me, Sir Lorenzo?!
Surely the inquisition does not partake in such barbaric endeavors!
lorenzo
...Such is war, Your Highness.
dolus v
You will let the boy go. Now!
elias
......
lorenzo
Forgive me, Scion. My orders come from above your rank.
dolus v
...So be it. But at the very least, I bid you make certain he is comfortable.
Do not throw him in a damp cell, among criminals and scoundrels.
lorenzo
I did not intend to, Your Highness.
dolus v
Good.
Such may be war, Sir Lorenzo, but I would beg to differ.
Much will change when I ascend the throne. This I swear to you.
lorenzo
...I would hope so...
dolus v
Would you truly?
lorenzo
......
Pardon me. I must see Elias to his new accomodations.
elias
Thanks for sticking up for me...
(Lorenzo and Elias leave.)
dolus v
...Curses...

Character Descriptions

Jingyi
Lieutenant of a Zhulite expeditionary force. A veteran whose guile and zeal are balanced by his affable nature.

Xinyi
Lieutenant of a Zhulite expeditionary force. A veteran as experienced in diplomacy as she is in combat.

Scamander
A deputy commander in Colonel Alastor's legion. A cynical man.

Inquisition
Knights of Tartaros, standing tall against heresy and insurrection.

Sellsword
Blades-for-hire looking for monetary opportunities.