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Chapter 20: Wounds of the Past

Scymerius is unavailable this chapter.

Opening

kyra
Apate! Apate, wait up!
Apate, please! Talk to me!
I need to know more!
apate
......
Not yet. Kyra, please... Not yet.
kyra
You're not being your usual self, Apate.
apate
I need time. I know, irony abounds, after I demanded such urgency of you all.
I swear I will tell you everything. But first I need to collect my thoughts.
kyra
...All right, Apate.
Just remember, I'm not prying for my own curiosity.
We need to know what we are up against.
apate
I understand...
(Apate leaves.)
kyra
Huh...
pericles
Look yonder, Kyra. The Hydran gate...
Named after the two-headed beast of folklore.
barlowe
More precisely, its opening mechanism is named after it.
On either side of the gate, there lies a switch.
We must trigger both in order for the gate to open.
Any of the troops should be able to handle that task.
Naturally, both contraptions will be heavily guarded.
edward
That doesn't sound so bad.
Go in, send 'em all flying, hit the things, go through.
barlowe
(smiles) Would you like to be the strategist in my stead, Edward?
edward
(smiles) And leave an old kook like ya to be the big scary brawler in my place?
Nuh-uh. I think we've got a nice labor division going, thanks.
pericles
What has Lady Apate told you, Kyra?
kyra
Nothing much yet.
edward
(frowns) That woman's unbelievable...
kyra
It's not her usual “do things for me while I tell you nothing” act, though.
She looked... sad. Whatever the big secret is, it pains her greatly.
pericles
All the more reason we should hear it sooner than later, but...
kyra
Give her some time. I'll try again in a while.
edward
If you ask me, you'll get her to crack eventually.
She seems to like you better than the rest of us.
kyra
You think?
barlowe
...Perhaps we should discuss this later. I do believe we have been spotted...

Base Camp

Hestia

hestia
Say, Kyra, you've been talking to Peri, right?
kyra
He's our main source of insight into the theocracy, so yeah.
hestia
I don't mean like that.
He told you all about the past and whatnot, did he.
Probably a stupid question, but I have to ask.
He didn't say much of anything regarding me, right?
kyra
Not really.
He just brought up this ominous secret of yours I keep hearing about.
No details, though.
hestia
Yeah, I figured.
Don't let him know I asked. Don't want him to think I don't trust him.
kyra
He did seem to have an issue with that...
hestia
Wanna know what the big deal is, Kyra?
kyra
What's with everyone lately?
Every time I take a walk through camp people rush to tell me about their past.
hestia
I guess what happened in Percote left us all shaken.
But honestly, I've been thinking about it for a while.
I've come to care a great deal about you, Kyra.
I think I'd like you to know more about me.
kyra
Well, if you want to talk, I'm all ears.
hestia
There's a lot less to it than you might think. Remarkably short story.
See, I was a different person when I started working for the holy knights.
I was a starry-eyed lad full of energy and aspirations.
kyra
Mmhmm.
hestia
......
A lad, Kyra.
kyra
All right?

(Kyra starts.)

...Wait... Oooohh...

hestia
Yeah.
kyra
Oh, right in the capital, too... That must've been rough.
hestia
The inner turmoil I went through is highly frowned upon by the church, of course.
We must respect and revere the Mother Earth's gifts to us, Her children.
We, ourselves, were lovingly crafted to fit Her perfect designs.
Who am I to decide Her design is wrong? That I am not who She made me to be?
I had to keep it all bottled up for the longest time.
kyra
But no longer, clearly.
hestia
I must admit, the reason I befriended Agari and her mother was selfish.
I... felt at ease, with them. Neither was none too fond of the theocracy.
One day I gathered the courage to tell Agari everything. Then, her mother.
With them, I could for the first time in my life be myself.
Even if it was only within the confines of their home, I was so happy...
kyra
That explains a lot. The last person you'd trust with such a secret was...
hestia
The rising star of the theocracy himself, obviously.
Even though he was supposed to be my best friend.
I... feared his reaction, and what it might entail for me.
kyra
Who could blame you? Your life depended on keeping it hidden.
There was someone kinda like you, back in Percote.
The inquisition discovered him. It was... not pretty.
hestia
But secrets cannot be kept forever.
The day everything fell apart, I tried to comfort Agari.
Usually she was more careful, but it was a tough time for her...
She spoke a little too loud, and Pericles overheard.
He was dragged away before we could clear the air, so I assumed the worst.

I hid away at their house and made preparations to run away.
But then... Pericles died.

kyra
Sorry?
hestia
The man who returned from Zhu, wearing his skin, was a broken husk of a person.
But he did not look at me with judgmental eyes. He asked Agari how she was doing.
He didn't leave the next day to return to the frontlines. I'll admit... I preferred him.
kyra
......
You seem very comfortable in your own skin now.
hestia
(smiles) I am. I am myself, surrounded by people who love me.
I hadn't ever dreamed everything would turn out so well for me.
kyra
Well... Thanks for confiding in me, Hestia.
hestia
(grins) I don't reveal all this to just anyone, you know.
You're a lovely gal, Kyra, and as strong as they come.
I'd love to be a bigger part of your life, if you'd like.
kyra
(smiles) E-Er... What's that supposed to mean?
hestia
Heh... It's okay. You've other things to worry about right now.
Just keep it in mind, okay? I really do care a lot about you.
kyra
...O-Okay, Hestia. I gotcha.

[Kyra & Hestia's support increases to rank B.]

Tiresias & Eupraxia

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
tiresias
(smiles) ...Ahh, is that your wonderful brewage I smell, Lady Eupraxia?
eupraxia
(smiles)Oh, I don't know if it'll be any good this time.
I'm experimenting with new blends.
tiresias
Ever the scientific mind! Care for a guinea pig?
eupraxia
Taste at your own peril...
tiresias
Hmmm... (closes eyes)
(Tiresias jolts.)
tiresias
Ough! It's quite potent...
Reminds me of the time Wulfric had me try out moonshine.
Goodness, that hit me like a speeding carriage...
eupraxia
I shall have to adjust the amounts...
tiresias
V-Verily...

If Wulfric is alive

eupraxia
......
Tell me something, Tiresias... About you and Wulfric.
tiresias
Oh?
eupraxia
You two truly love each other. It is quite beautiful.
tiresias
(smiles) I still can hardly believe my good fortune.
He's the stuff of dreams.
eupraxia
Have you ever considered... marriage?
(Tiresias balks.)
tiresias
Goodness, no!
I mean... What priest would officiate for us?
A heretic and a runaway knight...
Not to mention the other, more evident problem.
eupraxia
I could do that. That's why I brought it up.
tiresias
Wait, you? You're a priest?
eupraxia
I once was. I do still remember the rites of marriage.
tiresias
I should've figured. You had to learn holy magic somewhere...
eupraxia
There was a time I was considered among the greatest mages of the land.
But the years hiding away in seclusion, neglecting my training, took their toll.
tiresias
Hmm... Well...
eupraxia
Was the offer too sudden?
tiresias
Well, a little, but...
I don't know. I have to wonder if that truly is the best for him.
eupraxia
I'm going to stop you right there.
Wulfric loves you more than he loves anything else in the world.
I am certain if you proposed, he would be filled with joy.
tiresias
And yet, he would be less a partner and more a caretaker of mine...
I don't know if I want to bind him with the shackles of marriage.
Would it not be selfish?
eupraxia
(smiles) I assure you, you are worrying over nothing.
Which is only natural. Affection and concern are two sides of love's coin.
But believe me, you are his life's hope, not his burden.
tiresias
(smiles) His hope, eh... You could have been a poet, Lady Eupraxia.
eupraxia
Hohoho... Perhaps I shall become one yet.
I will need something to occupy my mind when this is over.
Perhaps you could have Wulfric read my verses to you?
tiresias
Now there's a truly delightful thought!

If Wulfric is dead

eupraxia
......
tiresias
Eupraxia... I...
I miss him so much...
eupraxia
You two truly loved each other. Even now, your bond lives on.
It is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking...
I must apologize for my part in his untimely demise...
tiresias
Your part? You're a good friend and a staunch ally.
Nobody is to blame but that vile inquisition...
eupraxia
There was a time I was considered among the greatest mages of the land.
But the years hiding away in seclusion, neglecting my training, took their toll.
...Moreover, my might belonged to Tartaros. To the inquisition.
tiresias
I suspected as much. You had to learn holy magic somewhere...
eupraxia
There is so much I regret, Tiresias.
And now, Wulfric's life is added to the list...
If only I had fought harder. If only I had started sooner--
tiresias
I'm going to stop you right there. You are the last person I wish to blame.
What does it matter where you were decades past?
Here and now, you are my friend.
I need those, more so now than ever. When this ends, and I can mourn...
I will need a shoulder to cry on.
eupraxia
A forgiving soul, atop your many other qualities...
If only everybody were like you, Tiresias.
tiresias
Don't sell yourself short, either.
You are kind and selfless. Among the best people I've ever met.
eupraxia
......

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

Barlowe & Edward

kyra
All right, you two. Time to continue.
edward
(smiles) Not even a hello?
barlowe
(smiles) Oh, please, Edward, do not tease her.
Let's see... Where were we?
kyra
At the part where Edward punched your lights out.
edward
Gehahahahaha! My favorite part!
barlowe
(serious) Hmph... Well, you were wondering how we became friends after that.

You see, before we fought, we had a lengthy conversation.
He chastised me for the outrageous taxes I set for the populace, and for the corruption and inequality that I allowed to run rampant.
He told me I was meant to rule for the people, not myself.

edward
Cushy nonsense that wouldn't have worked on any regular ol' slimy noble.
Honestly, I was just tryin' to distract him so I could get the first punch.
But what neither of us realized was he wasn't a regular ol' slimy noble.
barlowe
After that day, I made a number of attempts to capture him and his goons.
But they each proved less effective than the last.
I eventually realized... I enjoyed our little game of cat and mouse.
It kept me entertained, and allowed me to utilize my tactical prowess.
The life of a ruling margrave afforded me precious few opportunities to do that.
edward
All games must come to an end, though.
I actually went up to his door and asked to see him.
kyra
That's pretty bold, even for you.
edward
Well, I realized, things were already getting better for the little folks.
We made a fool out of him a few times, sure, but he still held all the power.
I didn't understand, and I wanted answers, so I went to get 'em.
barlowe
We had another long talk. Over tea rather than fists, this time.
By the end, we each recognized the values in the other.
After that, we parted ways, but... He was always welcome in my castle.
After all, he had taught me a lesson in humility. One I took to heart.
edward
(smiles) Hey, wasn't just you! We learned a lot from each other.
You might not believe this, but I used to be rather cynical.
Barlowe made me realize that people can change.
kyra
...That's a really nice story.
Thanks. I needed to hear something lighthearted, for a change.
barlowe
(smiles) One day, our adventure will be a story as well.
We must endeavor to ensure it, too, is a lighthearted one.
edward
Or at least, one with a good ending!
kyra
(smiles) Yeah...

Jason

jason
I know it's not my place to pry, Commander, but I gotta ask.
What was the deal between you and that merchant?
kyra
How much will you pay me for that information?
jason
(smirks) Heh. Funny. I get it.
(serious) Come now, I like to get acquainted with my employers. That wrong?
kyra
I suppose not.
...The merchant killed my parents.
jason
Oh.
Huh.
Not... what I was expecting...
kyra
What were you expecting?
jason
I don't know, but sure as heck not that.
How come you let him go so easy?
kyra
It was an accident.
An accident caused by his negligence, but still an accident.
I have more important things to do than hate some old guy.
Especially when he's clearly haunted by it, himself...
jason
Mm...
Well, it's none of my business.
You paid my bills, so you get my services.
Let's not make a bigger deal of it than that.
kyra
You're the one who started the conversation.
jason
True, that.
(smiles) Still, it's good to know I'm working for good people.
That's always preferrable to the alternative.

Plato & Pluto

plato
(smiling) Eyy, the great leader! The head honcho! The girl with the mean brow!
Her enemies quake in their boots, her friends swoon and drool!
Ain't that right, Ploo?
pluto
......
kyra
I think I've already heard you talk more than your brother there.
plato
Oh, but don't hold it against him. He's just shy, you know.
C'mon, lil' bro! Speak up! This is your big moment!
You got her full attention... Now's the time to strike!
pluto
Plato, I don't think that's-- Gaah!
(Plato pushes Pluto forward.)
pluto
Unnh...!
kyra
......
pluto
......
My brother. He is the greatest swordsman in the land.
kyra
No, he isn't.
(Plato flinches.)
plato
(frowns) Hey! I'm here! Have some respect, girl!
I could cut you to ribbons if I so desired!
kyra
Could you? Hold on, let me just...
(Kyra drops into a battle stance.)
plato
Whoa, whoa! What are you on about?!
kyra
You want a fight? I'll give you a fight.
Put them up.
(Plato cowers.)
plato
N-No! Ploo, save me! Say something to your girlfriend!
pluto
W-Who told you she's my girlfriend? We've barely spoken...
plato
(smiles) Ahhh, I just assumed! I mean, why else would she take you on?
I figured you just charmed her. He can be remarkably suave, y'know?
When he wants to be.
pluto
Didn't it cross your mind maybe she keeps me on for my bow arm?
plato
Of course! You've improved a lot. Your skills are soaring, bro!
Dare I say, you may be better than her...
Oh, but don't let her know I said that.
We don't want her to fire you out of jealousy. Hahaha!
kyra
I'm not deaf, you idiot.
(Pluto becomes agitated.)
pluto
YOU are the one who's going to get me fired, Plato!
plato
Ploo, I'm trying to help you out here!
I'm your big brother. I'm supposed to look after my little brother, lil' bro!
pluto
Grrrr...

PLAAAAAAA TOOOOOOO!

(Pluto chases after Plato.)
kyra
You know what? I think I like the silent one better.

Coronis

coronis
Commander Kyra, correct? I have yet to introduce myself.
My name is Coronis. I used to be a noble living in the capital.
kyra
A noble? How'd you end up living in a cabin in the woods?
coronis
How indeed... Ah, but first, please indulge me.
I have the most entertaining riddle for you.
kyra
A riddle? That's new...
But you know what? Sure, why not. Shoot.
coronis
Excellent. This is how it goes.

It is home to many. Those to whom it isn't find it difficult to enter.
When the lord of the night smiles down, it turns to smile back.
Oh, and it doesn't taste good. What am I talking about?

options

The sea!

The ground!

The world!

A farm!

A beehive!

Um... Tartaros?

If you answer correctly (the sea)

coronis
(smiles) That's exactly right! Very good!
I suppose you'd need to have a keen mind to come this far.
You live up to my every expectation, Commander.

If you answer incorrectly

coronis
Ah... No, I'm afraid that's wrong, Commander.
kyra
Dammit! Sorry... I've always been awful at these...
coronis
Quite understandable. Please, do not look so crestfallen.
I forget myself. I should not have pestered you in this manner.
kyra
You sure love your riddles, don't you?
Guess it goes well with the “mysterious witch of the woods” aesthetic.
coronis
(smiles) Haha, it sounds so frivolous when you phrase it like that.
I worked as a teacher in the capital. A teacher of young children.
I quickly found out puzzles of this variety are great for kids.
They put their developing minds to work, and they have fun while at it!
...Or maybe it's me that loves riddles, and I'm just projecting.
There's another fascinating enigma, don't you think?
kyra
You... sound like a teacher I'd have loved to have as a kid.
Only makes me more curious as to how you ended up in the woods...
But if you don't want to speak of it, I won't pry.
coronis
(frowns) ...There were those that were not pleased with my style of teaching.
I did not put enough emphasis on the importance of blind subservience.
I tried to teach children to think, not follow. Disagreeable things like that.
One day, I was deemed a heretic. And just like that, my life was ruined.
It was only thanks to a knight's mercy that I survived to go into hiding.
kyra
So that was your crime. Being a good teacher.
...Damn them all to hell. Stuff like this is exactly why I'm fighting.
coronis
Your resolve gladdens me, Commander.

If you answered correctly

coronis
(smiles) ...Ah, please, have a small token of my appreciation.
For humoring me, and for answering correctly!
kyra
What? No, I--
coronis
(serious) If you would refuse it, add it to the war chest. Please.
Money is not as important to me as the change you wish to bring about.
kyra
...All right, Coronis. Thank you.

(Coronis gives Kyra 1500 gold.)

Xinyi & Jingyi

kyra
Say, I've been wondering...
And I hope it's not the wrong thing to ask, but...
xinyi
(smiles) Hmm, hold that thought...
Ah, you couldn't help but glance at my head.
You've never seen a woman without hair?
kyra
Well, uh... Not really.
xinyi
(The commander's puzzled about our hair.)
jingyi
(smiles) (Ah, I was wondering how long it would take.)
xinyi
Well, you see, it is an ancient Zhulite custom.
How much do you know of the history of Zhu?
kyra
Barely anything, I'm afraid.
We weren't taught much about the eastern countries.
xinyi
I suppose that makes sense, given the way Tartaros is.
The Kingdom of Zhu dates back even further than Tartaros.
Many ancient traditions have survived to this very day.
One of which dictates warriors must shave their heads.
For hair is only good for vanity. Vanity is a liability in combat.
Proud Zhulite warriors are to rid themselves of such weaknesses.
kyra
(ToggleSmile) That's going a tad far, isn't it?
xinyi
(serious) Well, it's certainly true that no enemy can pull my hair in a fight.
...Of course, Jingyi still gets to have a killer beard.
Rather unfair, wouldn't you say?
jingyi
(Being jealous of my beard again, my friend?)
xinyi
(Hardly. It makes you look like a goat.)
jingyi
Hah hah hah hah hah! (I guess it rather does, yes!)
xinyi
(smiles) Ah, well... Shed no tears on my account. I make do.
I may not have a killer beard, but I do have a pretty cool scar.
kyra
So much for ridding yourselves of vanity...
xinyi
Zhu is a proud, militaristic country.
But not everyone that was born there is of the same mind.
jingyi
(frowns) (I had a beautiful mane in my youth. Alas...)

If Fazang is alive

kyra
...Wait, but I thought Fazang was a monk. A war monk, but still a monk.
Does the tradition apply to them as well?
xinyi
Ahahaha, oh, no. Fazang is just bald.
jingyi
(Bald as a cue ball!) Bah hah hah hah hah!
xinyi
Ahahaha... Ah, forgive me, Commander Kyra.
I wouldn't know how to translate that word.
kyra
It's okay. I get the gist of it...
(Sheesh. Poor guy's ears must be ringing...)

[Fazang gains 1 Defense.]

Fazang & Kairos

narrator
You overhear a conversation between your allies...
kairos
Hey there. Fazang, correct? I've heard about you.
The name's Kairos. I'm a Priest of Anima.
fazang
Hmm... Curious.
Tartaran knights turning on their order is not so surprising.
Not everyone can stomach being the harbingers of tyranny.
A priest? That is a different story.
You never had to kill anybody, did you?
kairos
...Would you indulge my curiosity, Fazang?
I know precious little about Zhu's religion.
What manner of deity do you believe in?
fazang
We do not have one deity to worship like you do.
In our eyes, life was not created. It merely is.
Forever circling a core, in an endless cycle.
kairos
And what would that core be?
fazang
It is not a physical entity, as it were. It is a more... abstract concept.
It would be more apt to say the cycle itself drives the core.
All things die, and in so doing, they return to their genesis.
Then the cycle begins anew. A neverending spiral of life.
kairos
(smiles) A beautiful sermon, spoken in perfect Tartaran.
Makes me feel rather inadequate, I'll admit.
fazang
Why don't you give it a try? Explain your faith to me.
kairos
(frowns) I don't know if I'm the right person to do that, honestly.
The church preaches that the Mother is perfect in all things.
That we, Her children, must never question Her design.
Merely look to the heavens, pray and be good little lambs...
I know this is what my answer must be. I know that.
fazang
Do you disagree?
kairos
She is also described as kind, loving and motherly.
I cannot help but detect a major discrepancy there.
I would call my own mother kind, loving and motherly.
But she taught me to follow my path and draw my own conclusions.
To understand those who are different, and forgive they who sin.
How could She hate Her children for such a vague slight as being “heretical?”
fazang
Hmm.
kairos
I do believe the Mother exists, or at least, existed. I am not that far gone.
But... In my opinion, the church stopped giving a fig about Her a long time ago.
They use Her name in vain to subdue the people into absolute compliance.
It... It disgusts me, I won't lie.
fazang
And like the cycle of life, our conversation returns to its root.
You have explained your grievances with the Church of Anima.
Now, I reiterate. Please, explain your faith to me, Kairos.
kairos
......
I believe the Mother asks naught of us, but to be as kind and caring as She is.
That's the man I try to be, and that's what I would ask my brethren to be.
fazang
Is it as simple as that?
kairos
Mmhmm. Told you you were asking the wrong person.
fazang
(smiles) On the contrary. This has been a truly enlightening conversation.
It is always fascinating discussing other doctrines.
Doubly so when it is with a person as wise and pious as you are.
(Kairos laughs.)
kairos
Pffft! You've got to be joking, Fazang.
fazang
(serious) I am not known to tell jokes often.
The Theocracy of Tartaros may fall, but a faith does not so easily fade away.
The Church of Anima, in some capacity or other, will survive.
It was once led astray, but it can yet be brought back to the right path.
Take care, Kairos, for that task will fall upon people such as you.
kairos
(smiles) ...Thanks, Fazang. That's nice to hear.
You take care too, huh?
fazang
May we both see the calm, blue skies after this dreadful storm of war.

[Kairos and Fazang gain C-rank support with each other.]

Hecate & Phobos

kyra
Hey, you two...
phobos
Kyra! Been a while since we last talked, huh...
kyra
Sorry, Phobos. So much has been going on.
No time for a chat with old friends, I guess.
phobos
Nah, yeah, I didn't mean to berate you or anything.
We ought to focus on the fight right now.
kyra
You seem a little less anxious than usual.
No stuttering or anything like that.
phobos
(smiles) Y-You think?! A-Ah, well... It's just...
When the scouts returned earlier, they had news for me.
They saw my mother. She's alive, Kyra!
Looks like she was taken in by some folks not far from where we are.
I was sure she burned up along with the rest of my family.
I'd forgotten what good news felt like...
kyra
If you want, you could stay with her for a while.
I don't think anyone'd hold it against you.
phobos
(frowns) Only myself. I can't quit now, Kyra! We've come so far...
I'm not abandoning you. No way.
kyra
You've come a long way, Phobos. I'm proud of you.
phobos
Ah, that's not true...
kyra
...To be honest, I'm more concerned about you.
Are you doing any better, Hecate?
hecate
A little, I guess.
It's worse at night. During the day I can keep distracted.
Then I lie down to sleep and instead my mind flares up.
Can't stop thinking of all the ways I could've stopped him...
All the awful things I could've prevented if I had simply...
phobos
He had us all fooled, Hecate. You can't blame yourself.
hecate
I know. Trust me, I've heard enough lines to that effect by now.
This is all just... new to me, you know? I always used to look out for myself.
I didn't even think I'd spend more than a few months with you lot.
kyra
(smiles) Heh. Couldn't help but grow fond of us, could you?
hecate
It's the simple things. Like how you always shared your food with me.
How you turned your backs on me, not afraid that I'd stab them.
How despite the whirlwind we're currently living through, you've still made time to swing by and check on me.
Never had that before, you know? It's a weird new feeling.
phobos
It's called “friendship.” Don't they have it in the capital?
hecate
Oh, it's been known to happen.
But I grew up poor. There's little sympathy to be found for our kind in the big city.
phobos
I always knew life in the village was better. See, Kyra?
kyra
I never stated otherwise.
hecate
...If there's one thing I've learned over the course of this thing, it's that Soter's a damn fool for throwing all of this away.
There's nothing the inquisition could offer that beats what we have.
I know, oddly corny thing for me to say, but that's how I feel.
phobos
Yeah, it's a tad corny.
kyra
Only a tad?
hecate
(smiles) You jerks. I'm trying to have a moment here.
phobos
(smiles) Haha, well... It may be corny, but I agree wholeheartedly.
kyra
(smiles) Yep. Same.
hecate
(still smiling) Bah...

[Kyra, Phobos, & Hecate gain C-rank support with each other.]

Battle Start

ziying
......
tai yin
Bah... That colonel of yours is an odd duck, isn't he?
Apparently I'm just here to be your backup. You're the one in charge.
You can't even talk! How are you going to give orders?
ziying
......
tai yin
Yeah, I don't think this is going to work.
Go watch over the other switch, would you?
I'll give the orders. Not that they'll be too complicated.
ziying
......
(Ziying leaves.)
tai yin
That's better.
Everyone! Kill the rebels on sight! That's all!
narrator
Seize the barracks to stop reinforcements and obtain items.

Turn 4 (if Glaucus left in Chapter 13)

(Glaucus enters from the southwest astride a wyvern.)
glaucus
Darn. What a gruesome sight.
Bodies litter the landscape, battle cries, metal clanking...
Yep. It's got to be them.
I'd expected them to be further in by now...
(smiles) Well, who cares. Right, Oceanus? Awww, who's a lil' cutie, huh?
All right. Let's see if we can't find the commander...

When Ziying is approached (if the Lost Child has been rescued)

???
Wait!
Unit
...?
(The lost child throws herself between Ziying and the approaching unit.)
child
Y-You can't hurt him! He's a good person!
ziying
...!
child
He helped me when I got lost before, just like you!
You're good people, and he's a good person.
S-So why do you have to fight?!
I don't understand...
ziying
......

Default

unit
......
...Leave this place, and you will not be harmed.
child
P-Please... You've got to do as they say!
I don't want you to... I-I don't want you to...!

If Jingyi is the approaching unit

jiying
......
(An innocent child would risk her life to protect yours...)
(Very well. I'm lowering my weapon. I hope you will do the same.)
child
L-Look, he doesn't wanna fight anymore!
P-Please... You've got to get out of here!
I don't want you to... I-I don't want you to...!
ziying
......
(Ziying abandons the switch and switches allegiance to Kyra's army.)

Conversations

Lost Child

Default

lost child
(closes eyes) Sniff... Waaaa... Sniff...
(The child notices the speaker.)
lost child
(opens eyes) O-Oh! Please, help me... I'm lost...
I was playing and I ran too far and I don't know how to go back...
When I got lost before there was a nice man who took me back.
But now he's not coming and... I-I don't know what to do...
I-I live in a little house with my grandma... Near the river...
P-Please... Rescue me... Take me back home...
Sniff... Sniff...

If Jingyi is the speaker

jingyi
......
(Oh, crud... What did she just say?)
(Er... Hmm... Uhhh... Oh!)
Er... Here go you!
(Jingyi gives the child a piece of chocolate.)
lost child
(smiles) Wow! Funny-looking candy!
jingyi
(smiles) (Special candy from my country!)
(We call it chocolate.)
lost child
Thanks so much, Mister!
Mmmm... Tasty! Do you have any more, Mister?
jingyi
Ha ha ha ha...
(serious) (Well, one thing is for certain. I cannot leave her here.)
(But what to do? Where to take her? Hmm...)

If Órlaith is the speaker

lost child
(closes eyes) Sniff... Waaaa... Sniff...
Órlaith
O-Oh... Hello...
Are you lost?
(The child notices Órlaith.)
lost child
(opens eyes) Y-Yeah! Please, help me...
I was playing and I ran too far and I don't know how to go back...
When I got lost before there was a nice man who took me back.
But now he's not coming and... I-I don't know what to do...
Órlaith
All right... Don't worry. I'm here now.
Can you tell me where your house is, maybe?
lost child
I-I live in a little house with my grandma... Near the river...
P-Please... Rescue me... Take me back home...
Sniff... Sniff...
Órlaith
(smiles) No worries. You'll be back home before you know it, you'll see.
So wipe those tears off your face. It's all going to be okay...
(Órlaith brushes away the child's tears.)
lost child
(smiles) Yay...! Thanks a lot, nice lady!
Órlaith
It's fine...

Kyra & Glaucus

kyra
Oh, it's you! I nearly shot you down.
I didn't think I'd ever see you again...
glaucus
(smiles) Haha, well... Guilt quickly tugged at my heartstrings.
Couldn't leave well enough alone, I'm afraid.
Still got room for an unshaven coward there, Commander?
kyra
Sure... Especially for one sitting on a flying mount.
glaucus
Ahh, you noticed, eh?
kyra
Hard not to! How come you stuck to the ground before?
glaucus
Back in the capital, I studied to become a courier.
Couriers, messengers and the like are taught how to fly.
I never ended up putting these skills to much use, but...
Long story short, after we parted ways, I won this here beauty in a bet.
Now if I see those pesky goons coming to break my bones, I can simply take off into the skies above!
kyra
Pretty impressive... We barely have any fliers at all.
This could be one heck of a boon, Glaucus.
Even if you did win it in a bet... Still haven't learned your lesson?
glaucus
(serious) I know how it looks, but if you care to hear my excuses...
I knew Oceanus here was my only chance to get back to you.
kyra
Is that right?
glaucus
...See, I've had plenty of time to think since we split up.
And on top of that, when I was making my way here...
I stumbled into my pops, the old son of a hog. We talked, and...
Well, all in all, I decided I'd been awfully selfish.
You're being brave enough to take on a whole country.
Why should I be any different? Nah, I oughta be more like you.
kyra
Hey, don't sweat it.
Would've let you off the hook earlier if I knew you'd come back like this!
glaucus
(smiles) Heh... Well, I'd say we've talked long enough, then.
Shall we make up for lost time?
kyra
Let's give them hell.
(Kyra leaves.)
glaucus
......
You were right about her, Pops...
Now I have to make sure she survives this.

Tai Yin

Combat

Tai Yin
(grins) Hah! You are worthier foes than I would've expected!
This will be a true test of my abilities. How exciting!

Combat w/ Fazang

tai yin
(Oh... What's one of our monks doing here?)
fazang
(A Zhulite mercenary, and a believer at that?)
(A curious sight.)
tai yin
(Mrgh... Never thought I'd have to kill a monk.)
(Talk about rotten luck...)
fazang
(If you have qualms about it, you do not have to kill me.)
(Tartaros's cause is not your own.)
(You can stand down or flee.)
tai yin
(Hey, I can't just do that either!)
(I made it my cause when I took their gold.)
(If I duck out now, my reputation will suffer.)
fazang
(Is that more important to you than your soul?)
tai yin
(...Yeah? I'm a mercenary. Of course it is.)
fazang
(What a pointless conversation that was.)

Combat w/ Ziying

tai yin
Ahh, I see... So that's what truly hid behind that cowl.
A filthy, gutless traitor!
ziying
......
tai yin
Well? Don't just stand there!
Show me if your arm is any better than your tongue!

Death

Tai Yin
I die... with sword and bow in hand...
A warrior's death... That's not so bad...

Ziying

Combat

Ziying
......

Death

Ziying
......

Locations

East Barracks

soldier
Grand Inquisitor Sandraudiga's predecessor was a good friend of Consort Thyone.
Evil tongues may say there was something more between them, but that's nonsense.
I know there's no love lost between the consort and the hierophant, but c'mon!
Plus, they were both women! How could two women get together? I mean, that's--
(The visitor leaves.)
soldier
Oh, c'mon, don't leave me hanging in the middle of my ramblings!
No one else in my brigade wants to listen to me...
I thought I might have better luck with you enemies, but clearly not!
So much for rebellion! Who's gonna rebel for my sake, huh?

(The visitor gains a Secret Book.)

West Barracks

soldier
Blast... All right, all right! We surrender!
Not like it matters. Your rebellion is doomed to failure.
The people of Tartaros are united under the banner of faith.
Your earthly grievances cannot topple the Mother's love.
You may take our weapons... You may lock us in here...
But it is you who, in the end, shall be alone and helpless!

Central House

Default

phobos'
mother
I used to live in the village of Percote, down south.
I've lost everything. My home, my family... Everything.
I barely managed to escape alive, and these kind strangers took me in.
Many were not so fortunate. It is a small comfort, but it'll have to do.
You'll find little support in Tartaros, but you can count on mine.

If Phobos is alive

And... If my boy is still with you... Please, take care of him.
I do not know how I would manage if I were to lose my dear Phobos too...

If Phobos is dead

......
My boy is gone as well... He gave his life for your cause...
...Honor him, and every other soul lost to Tartaros's cruelty.
Honor me, as well... For I have nothing left to live for.

If Kyra is visiting

phobos'
mother
Kyra!
kyra
You made it...
phobos'
mother
By the skin of my teeth, but yes... I managed.
kyra
I... I'm sorry. Please, forgive me... It's all my fault.
I made an enemy of them, and you all paid the price...
phobos'
mother
You know, Kyra, before that terrible tragedy happened...
You kids were the talk of the town.
Everyone was raving about how brave you are.
And, personally? I could not have been any prouder.
To think, my son's best friend, that spunky little lass... would one day be facing off against Tartaros.
kyra
For all the good it's done.
My brother is gone, my hometown has burned...
So many have died... Pheme...
phobos'
mother
But you're fighting to make things change, aren't you?
If you ensure those dastards can never commit such a crime again...
I'd say you'll have done right by everyone's sacrifices.
kyra
......
phobos'
mother
Now what are you waiting for? The battle rages on outside!
You'll find little support in Tartaros, but you can count on mine.
So go, and don't let such nasty regrets cloud your heart...
kyra
...Thanks. With all that's happened...
I'm glad you survived.
(Kyra leaves.)
phobos'
mother
I can only hope you'll survive, too, my girl...

If Phobos is visiting

(Phobos' mother starts.)
phobos'
mother
Phobos...!
phobos
M-Mom... You truly did survive...!
phobos'
mother
Only through sheer luck, and... Phobos, your uncle...
He was not so fortunate.
phobos
A-And my cousin?
phobos'
mother
(closes eyes) ......
phobos
She had barely begun to walk this year...
phobos'
mother
That's why she couldn't escape...
phobos
T-Tartaros is going to pay for this. I'll never forgive them! Never!
...And I know Kyra won't, either.
phobos'
mother
Phobos... I want to ask that you remain here with me, but...
I can see how resolute you are.
phobos
Resolute? Me? I've made so many mistakes...
Frankly, I feel more like a liability than anything...
phobos'
mother
But there's no doubt in your eyes.
You want to see your friends' rebellion through, and who am I to stop you?
I'm just glad you're alive. Having seen you again... That will do.
phobos
Mom... I... I've got to go now...
phobos'
mother
(smiles) I am proud of you, Phobos.
When it's all over... I'll be waiting for you.
phobos
(smiles) I'll try not to take too long.

If Telemus is visiting

phobos'
mother
It's you...! The knight who saved me!
telemus
Ah... Hello, good lady.
It gladdens me to see that you escaped unscathed.
phobos'
mother
You've joined the rebellion, haven't you?
Please... Do all that you can to watch over them.
Your leader, she grew up in Percote as well.
telemus
I am aware...
phobos'
mother
Kyra was friends with my son, growing up.
Even had her sit at my table and eat pastries, back in the day.
To think, that same lass is now facing off against Tartaros...
telemus
She is an impressive young woman.
It is an honor to serve under her in this battle.
phobos'
mother
I am happy that they took you in. You'll be a great help, I'm sure.
Holy knight or no, you are a good man. I wish you the best of luck.
telemus
Same to you, my lady...
Perhaps Percote will be rebuilt, one day, and you'll be able to return home.
phobos'
mother
May we live to see the day...

West House

If the Lost Child has not been rescued

old woman
H-Have you seen a little girl with brown hair tied up in pigtails?
Ohhh, my sweet granddaughter... My only family left, and she's gone...
I... I-I don't know what to do...!

If the visitor is carrying the Lost Child

Default

(The child jumps.)
lost child
(smiles) Granny!
oldwoman
Oh...!
(The child runs over to hug her grandmother.)
lost child
(closes eyes) Granny... I was so, so, so so so scared...
And the nice man from the other day wasn't coming...
But then this nice person found me and took me back!
old woman
Thank you so much, kind soul...
Are you with the gate guards, as well?
visitor
Er...
old woman
Well, it is of no consequence.
You brought back my sweet little granddaughter.
(smiles) That's all I care about. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
It is not recompense enough, not nearly, but please...
Accept this humble token of my gratitude.
May the Mother's mercy be upon you.

If the rescuer is Órlaith

(The child jumps.)
lost child
(smiles) Granny!
old woman
Oh...!
(The child runs over to hug her grandmother.)
lost child
(closes eyes) Granny... I was so, so, so so so scared...
And the nice man from the other day wasn't coming...
But then this nice lady found me and took me back!
old woman
(smiles) Thank you so much, kind soul...
Órlaith
You don't need to thank me. I...
Well, I was a child in need of help once, too.
old woman
Mm... I do believe I understand. Well, nevertheless...
Are you with the gate guards, as well?
Órlaith
(frowns) Er...
old woman
Well, it is of no consequence.
You brought back my sweet little granddaughter.
(smiles) That's all I care about. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
It is not recompense enough, not nearly, but please...
Accept this humble token of my gratitude.
May the Mother's mercy be upon you.
Órlaith
(smiles) ...Thank you kindly...
And, hey. Playing's fine, but be more careful now, you hear?
lost child
Don't you worry, nice lady! I'll be so so so careful!
Órlaith
Hehehe...

[Órlaith gains 1 Luck.]

(The visitor receives a Blue Gem.)

Ending

kyra
Apate...
apate
I know. I know...
kyra
Everyone else is busy sweeping the place and setting up camp.
It's just you and me. Nobody else will listen to what you have to say.
Well, I won't lie, if it's relevant to the campaign, I'll tell the others, but...
apate
I do not mind that.

In another life, Hierophant Dolus and I worked together.
We were researchers. We studied the restorative magics.

kyra
The hierophant was a heretic? That's a great start...
apate
You have no idea, Kyra...
Well, we worked together toward a shared goal.
Unravelling the greatest riddle there ever was.
It was a fool's errand, but we worked tirelessly, until one day...
We did it.
kyra
Did what?
apate
...It does not matter yet.
What matters is that we had, at long last, succeeded.
I was filled with euphoria, though our work was far from done.
For three glorious years, we continued our experiments.
Until we gathered the information that Dolus required.
Then...
kyra
...Then what?
apate
He set his plan in motion... Its first step, to betray me.

Many years ago

apate
...That makes three full years.
The tests are still ongoing. Still proceeding within expectations.
dolus
It may be safe to deem our research correct.
apate
Dolus... This may be the single greatest discovery in human history.
Do you understand the ramifications this could have?
Everything our forebears believed to be true has been proven wrong.
This knowledge cannot fall into the wrong hands. We must be wary...
dolus
......
The wrong hands, indeed... Yet whose are the right ones?
apate
Dolus... You seem less merry than I would've expected.
dolus
Come now, Apate. Who could we possibly trust with something like this?
Anything that grants power is quickly stolen away by the already powerful.
And then they turn it into tools to oppress the downtrodden.
It is something that has happened again and again in our history.
No. The knowledge of this discovery cannot leave this room.
apate
Dolus, we cannot simply keep this to ourselves!
This doesn't necessarily have to be used for evil!
The amount of good this could do is staggering!
If we do not share our discovery, we are the evil ones!
dolus
......
You're correct about one thing, Apate. This will do much good.
If none other can be trusted... Then trust I shan't.
I shall personally right the wrongs of this world...
apate
And how do you presume you will do that?
dolus
First, I shall eliminate the only one who could stand in my way.
The rest will be easy, with this power at my disposal.
(Apate starts.)
apate
Dolus--!
dolus
Forgive me, Apate. It has been an honor working together with you.
But you, I cannot trust either!
kyra
Apate...
apate
It was a short, yet savage battle. We each came close to death.
Within an inch of my life, I managed to drag myself out of his reach.
This was not ideal for him, but for the time being, I was out of the equation.
After that, he used the secret we had uncovered to seize power.
And thus, the hierophant went on to shape this world to his liking...

As for myself, I have dedicated my life to putting a stop to his madness.
To that end, I have allied myself with many fighters like you.
But the hierophant of Tartaros is not easily vanquished. Each of them fell...
Only once before had I come so close to finally ending his reign of terror.
I shan't repeat my mistakes. This is it, I swear it. It all ends now, with us.

kyra
That's enough to send anyone's head spinning, and yet...
When you get down to it, that doesn't explain much.
Why are you so afraid that he'll kill his own family?
apate
......
Forgive me, Kyra. I am not accustomed to speaking for such long periods of time.
kyra
Don't lie to me. You don't need to.
Don't get me wrong, I'm convinced. We're going straight to Amnisos.
If you don't want to tell me the rest, I'm not going to force you.
But I think maybe it would help to know the full truth.
apate
I... Please, give me until we reach the end of the canyon. That is all I ask.
kyra
To put your thoughts in order?
apate
To muster the courage. Not many before you have ever listened to it all.
I... I had forgotten how much it hurts, to recount the mistakes of the past...
kyra
Okay.
Thank you for trusting in me, Apate.
apate
Mm...
I am neglecting my duties. Let me go tend to the wounded.
(Apate leaves.)
kyra
...Apate...

The Mother's Font

(Dolus V and Lorenzo have brought Elias to see the Mother's Font.)
dolus v
(smiling) ...And there you have it.
The Mother's Font. Her gift of water flows freely in this ancient pool.
It is the greatest symbol of our faith, and always surrounded by pilgrims.
And behind it majestically stands the Tower of Creation.

They say this tower is not man-made, but rather produced by the Mother.
The first hierophant prayed to the heavens, 400 years ago,
on the day of our nation's founding, from the top of that tower.
Ever since, each hierophant has been laid to rest in its highest floor,
to ease their ascent to the Mother's side in Heaven.

elias
Wow... It's incredible...
I always dreamed about coming here, but...
I-I never thought it'd actually happen.
Thank you so much, Dolus...
dolus v
Do not thank me for this gesture, for the credit does not belong to me.
Sir Lorenzo was the one who suggested to bring you here.
lorenzo
Ah, well, I... I was aware that you wanted to see this place, and...
As long as you're staying with us, I figured...
elias
...Sir Lorenzo... You're not a bad man.
Why are you with the inquisition?
lorenzo
What a question... Boy, do you believe the inquisition to be evil?
elias
What else can I believe, when I watched you burn down my hometown?
Take me away from my sister? Multiple times! While you're trying to kill her!
lorenzo
Ah...
dolus v
Elias makes a good point, Sir Lorenzo.
lorenzo
I... I have no answers for your questions, I must admit.
The Grand Inquisitor took me under her wing long ago.
It was an honor I, as a commoner from the northern peaks, couldn't fathom.
For years, we have protected the people from the wickedness of the heretics.
I... have never doubted the righteousness of our cause.
elias
You still don't?
lorenzo
......
I...
???
You there! Halt!
(Lorenzo starts.)
lorenzo
...!
(Soter approaches.)
elias
Soter...
soter
I have been looking everywhere for you, Sir Lorenzo!
This is unexpected, however. What is the hostage doing here?
He is to be kept in the citadel at all times!
lorenzo
The host-- Sir Soter, he is just a child!
I'm here, aren't I? I'm not about to simply allow him to escape!
What is the harm in letting him stretch his legs for an hour?
soter
Bring the hostage back, Sir Lorenzo.
Lest I be forced to report this indiscretion to the Grand Inquisitor.
(Lorenzo balks.)
lorenzo
You...! You knew this child, Soter! Don't pretend you didn't!
You're the one who told us he wanted to visit this place!
What reason have you to act so coldly towards him?!
soter
...I did not give you that information so you would parade the hostage around.
Take him back to the citadel. Immediately.
dolus v
What right have you to give orders to my entourage?
I am the scion of Tartaros! They are here with my blessing!
soter
Fie... Very well.
Sir Lorenzo, if you will not perform your duties, then I shall.
lorenzo
What?!
soter
Come along, boy. You will return to the citadel with me.
From here on, you will be under my watch!
dolus v
Did you not hear what I just said?!
elias
It's all right... I was a little tired, anyway.
It'll be nice to go back and catch some more sleep.
Can I just... have a moment, Soter? Please...
I haven't finished my prayer yet...
soter
...One minute.
(Soter backs away.)
lorenzo
......
dolus v
Curses... Elias, I feel so powerless...
elias
Could you... Er...
If either of you see my sister... Could you say something to her?
dolus v
Where's that coming from?
lorenzo
Elias, need I remind you she's our enemy? We can't just--
elias
Tell her to never give up.
Tell her that, no matter what... I want her to be happy.
dolus v
Huh?
elias
(smiles) ...Thank you both. Seriously. This has been a really happy day for me.
I don't think you two are bad people. Even if you are with the inquisition.
I... I hope you'll be all right, too... Because you deserve it.
(Elias goes to Soter.)
lorenzo
Elias...!
dolus v
......

Character Descriptions

Ziying (Enemy)
One of Colonel Alastor's lieutenants. None alive have ever heard the voice of this enigmatic, deadly assassin.

Ziying (Playable)
Turncoat from Colonel Alastor's personal unit. An assassin whose mutism long kept him from voicing his heart's many regrets.

Tai Yin
The leader of a roaming band of Zhulite mercenaries under Tartaros's employ.

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

Sellsword
Blades-for-hire looking for monetary opportunities.

Lost Child
A young child who has a tendency to lose herself, and her way, when playing.

Child
A young child that does not belong on a battlefield.