Final 1: Never Give Up

Pedro, Alba, and Antiope will be fought here if they were not killed in previous chapters.

Opening

kyra

...That's the tower there, in the distance...
All right, let's camp out here for a short while.
I want to take stock of everything we've got before we continue.
Where's Hestia when you need her?

hestia

You called?

kyra

Ah, speak of the devil.

hestia

Listen, this is important.
I understand we have to hurry, but please take your time here.
Once we have started climbing that tower,
I won't be able to make any more gear for you.
We also won't be able to return to camp or anything like that.
It's soon gonna be do or die time, and this is our final rest stop.
Treat it accordingly.

kyra

You're right about that.
I'll make sure we're equipped to handle what comes next.

hestia

To that end, I did some of my own shopping at the capital.
I provisioned myself with some top notch materials.
It might burn a hole in our budget, but I can get you some high-end stuff.

kyra

Your mind for the finer details is going to win us this, Hestia.

hestia

We can't afford to rest on our laurels now. This is it, Kyra.
Either we save the world, or we die trying.

kyra

If we die, the world dies with us.
Death is not an option.

hestia

(smiles) Heh. Right you are.

Base Camp

Hestia

hestia

How're you feeling, Kyra?

kyra

Tired.
I just... want this to be over.
I want to be able to properly mourn Elias...
And Pheme... Percote... So much bad stuff has happened...
I'm just... tired, Hestia.

hestia

......

kyra

What's with the weird expression?

hestia

Nothing. I... Well...
I had something for you, but maybe this isn't the right time.
I feel selfish for even considering bringing this up, at this time...

kyra

Hestia, I don't need the world to stop around me.
On the contrary. Any distraction is welcome right now.
What have you got?

hestia

I think this is it. My masterpiece, Kyra.
Look...

kyra

Wow... This is the prettiest bow I've ever seen...

hestia

Not to brag, but... Probably the best, too.
I poured my heart and soul into this.
I was so worried I wouldn't have it done in time.
Then again, it'd have been better if this ended back in Amnisos...

kyra

......
Is that really all, Hestia?

hestia

I....

kyra

C'mon. Where's all the confidence you always show?
There's no time like the present. Seriously.
Just say what you have to say.

If Kyra has B-rank support with Hestia

hestia

Look, I... I may have told you before, I've come to care a great deal about you.
You're like a hero right out of a tale. Strong, kind and determined.
And, well... I like your little sense of humor. And I think you're really pretty.

kyra

(smiles) Oh, yeah?

hestia

(smiles) Prettier than any fancy bow I could ever make.

kyra

......

hestia

......

kyra

I-I have no idea what to say.

hestia

Well... I guess I'll make it easy for you.
I'd like to be with you, going forward.
I'd like to be a part of your life, because...
Well, I like you. I like you a lot.
Do you... feel the same way, maybe?

kyra

You have no idea.

hestia

Oh?

kyra

That means yes, silly.

hestia

...Oh...

kyra

(serious) A lot of bad stuff has happened lately, yeah.
I get why you felt awkward about bringing this up now...
(smiles) But I'm glad you did, because I feel happy all of a sudden.
I didn't think it'd be possible, so soon after... You know.
But you've made it possible. Thanks for that.
I can't wait for you to sweeten the rest of my life, too.

(Hestia starts.)

hestia

...W-Whoa, where did all that come from...?
I mean, I love that... It's great that you feel that way!

kyra

And with that, I better get going. Time's short, remember?

(Kyra kisses Hestia.)

See you around.

(Kyra leaves.)

hestia

A-Ah...!

...Heh... W-Well. That's... Huh.
Now we definitely can't lose this.

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

Cupid
A bow of love.

If Kyra does not have B-rank support with Hestia

hestia

...It's all right.
I'm just glad to have you as my friend, Kyra.

kyra

Me too. I don't know what we'd do without you.

hestia

Probably all right...

kyra

(smiles) Are you kidding me? You're such a big help!
And a really good friend that I cherish.

hestia

Heh... Thanks, Kyra.
Here's hoping we can keep being friends for a long, long time.

kyra

Gotta win this to be able to do that. Are you ready?

hestia

Ready and raring!

Cupid
A bow of friendship.

[Note: The "love" Cupid is significantly stronger.]

Tiresias & Wulfric

If Wulfric is alive

kyra

I guess it's pointless to ask that you stay here, Tiresias?

tiresias

Need you even ask? This is a pivotal moment.
I'm not going to force you to bring me along...
But if you think I could be of any use at all?
Do not hesitate. I beg of you.

kyra

You have nothing to say about this, Wulfric?

tiresias

(smiles) He was just about ready to beg me to stay before.
But I appealed to his sense of honor.

wulfric

(smiles) My one weakness. There was nothing I could do.
(serious) This battle is for the good of all.
The consequences of failure would be catastrophic.
We cannot let ourselves be blinded by sentimentality.
We must all do our part, for everything is on the line.
If there was ever a time for sacrifices... It is now, I fear.

kyra

The danger will be greater than any we've faced.
Are you two absolutely certain...?

tiresias

Certain enough that you should not concern yourself.
(smiles) That being said, I am confident we will survive this debacle.
We are being led by you, and I trust none other more.
...Well, save for you, of course, Wulfric, my dear.

wulfric

Please, I am not so arrogant. I can recognize my betters.
I don't know what you plan on doing next, Dame Kyra...
But you will go far. This I believe.

kyra

...Okay, fine. But keep yourselves safe above all, got it?
I couldn't forgive myself if I saw you two torn apart...

wulfric

(smiles) I promise.

tiresias

I may not be able to see the future, but I believe it will be bright.
We shall make it so!

wulfric

Hear, hear!

If Wulfric is dead

kyra

I guess it's pointless to ask that you stay here, Tiresias?

tiresias

Need you even ask? This is a pivotal moment.
I'm not going to force you to bring me along...
But if you think I could be of any use at all?
Do not hesitate. I beg of you.

kyra

...I guess I do owe you the vote of confidence.

tiresias

This battle is for the good of all.
The consequences of failure would be catastrophic.
We cannot let ourselves be blinded by sentimentality.
We must all do our part, for everything is on the line.
If there was ever a time for sacrifices... It is now, I fear.
At least... I believe Wulfric would have said something like that.

kyra

The danger will be greater than any we've faced.
Are you absolutely certain...?

tiresias

I don't want to sit here and wait for news, good or bad.
Alone with my thoughts, wondering how many of you will return.
How many will have gone to join Wulfric in the great beyond...

kyra

...Forgive me, Tiresias... It's my fault.
My leadership was poor, and it got him--

tiresias

No. That, I do not wish to hear, Kyra.
Let us do what we must.
We will both have time to mourn our loved ones after.

kyra

...Fine...

Eupraxia & Thyone

If Eupraxia is present

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

thyone

Could you be...?

eupraxia

My lady consort...

thyone

(smiles) I thought so.
We are at the age where decades hardly make such a difference.

eupraxia

......
Dolus was still an adorable wailing babe when we last...
To think, he is now... Forgive me, Thyone.

thyone

You know something, Eupraxia?
You two saved my life. You and he.

eupraxia

Me? I was with the rest of our group. So close, yet so far...

thyone

My son gave his life to protect me. But...
I think the only reason my husband did not try to kill me afterwards, is that he feared my magic... The magic that you taught me.

eupraxia

I only taught you the basics. The power you command now is exceptional.
You have reached this point by means of rigorous training over the years.
The merit belongs to you and to you alone, Thyone.

thyone

Be that as it may, I only kept it up for you.
So that when one day we met again...
You could see how far your pupil had come.

eupraxia

(smiles) Hoho... I dare say you have far surpassed the master.
There is nothing I could teach you now.
Quite the opposite, in fact...

thyone

(smiles) It would be my pleasure to show you what I've learned.
Though I hear you serve some excellent tea.
Might I trouble you for a cup at some point?
I... Truth be told, I am just filled with joy to see you again.
Despite the circumstances, spending time with you again...
It is a heartening prospect. Surely you feel the same?

eupraxia

(serious) I do, Thyone, very much. But...
I'm afraid for the nonce, I have no choice but to refuse.
All of my attention must be set on what comes next.
There is one more thing we must do... One more thing I must do.

thyone

......
Eupraxia, I would do battle in your stead, if you so wish.
You need only ask.

eupraxia

A kind gesture that I appreciate, but that too, I must refuse.
You have a duty to your son, Thyone.
You must survive, that his sacrifice not be in vain.
I... have a different duty to my own child.

thyone

Eupraxia, that is not something any parent should have to do!
Even if their child may be...

eupraxia

A living nightmare.

thyone

......

eupraxia

I have spent years steeling myself for the moment that will soon come to pass.
I need not be coddled and kept away. My hand shall not falter.
It will bring me great sorrow... But it will also lift an equally great burden.

thyone

I can see I will not break your resolve.
But at the least, let me stand together with you.
In wronging you... She, too, wronged me.
Let us face her together. Just like in the old days.

eupraxia

(smiles) ...Thank you, Thyone. Truly.
You brighten my darkest days, just as you once did.

thyone

(smiles) Only because you do the same for me.

[Eupraxia and Thyone gain A-rank support with each other.]

If Eupraxia is absent

thyone

......

kyra

Consort? You seem a little out of it...

thyone

Ah, pardon me.
There was someone... I had hoped to see among your troops.
It was foolish, perhaps. She could be anywhere, doing anything.
Perhaps she does not even live any longer...
Ah, don't worry about me. I am prepared for battle.

kyra

Still can hardly believe you're a fighter.
You really don't look the part... Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to--

thyone

No, no, you're quite correct.
I learned the art of spellcasting as a hobby of sorts.
I had a good teacher that I wished to make proud.
It is she I had hoped to see, but that's all right.
I am glad just to have the power to assist you in this key moment.

kyra

Watch your back, all right?

thyone

You as well, Commander Kyra...

Pericles & Agari

If Agari is alive

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

agari

Dad! There's something--

pericles

Ah, Agari. I wanted to talk to you about...
Er, well... Please, you go first, Agari.

agari

N-No, by all means, Dad! Go ahead!

pericles

Ahem... Well, you see...
I wished to ask you to remain here. This will be our most perilous trial yet.
There are enough of us. You have no need to risk your life.

agari

......

Pffft! Hahahahaha!

pericles

Ergh... That is... not quite the reaction I had expected...

agari

(smiles) It's just... Dad, that's exactly what I was going to ask you.
Word for word. Exact same thing.

pericles

What? Truly? But, Agari, I can't just...
There is too much at stake! I can't just take my leave now!

agari

(frowns) And yet I can?

pericles

......
Sigh... I cannot come back from that one.

agari

(smiles) No siree, you cannot.
I guess all we can do is go into this together, huh.

pericles

(smiles) It would be my honor.
(serious) I only ask that you be careful.
Digging your grave would be more difficult than any battle...

agari

Could say the same to you.

pericles

......

agari

Dad, do you think... Mom's watching over us?

pericles

Certainly. Wherever she is, right now...
She is looking down on you, and praying for your safety.

agari

......
You know what I want to do after this, Dad?

pericles

Hmm? Oh, please, do tell.

agari

I want to help you love yourself as much as I love you.

(Pericles balks.)

pericles

Huh?!

agari

Please, Dad... Stop saying things like what you just did.
Seeing you hurt all the time, it... It hurts me too.
I know it's not that easy, but... You have to forgive yourself.
Mom's not just watching over me. She's watching over you too.

pericles

......

(Pericles closes his eyes and sobs.)

agari

D-Dad...?

pericles

I-I... Oh, Agari...
I will try. I swear I will try, Agari...
(smiles, opens eyes) For you.

agari

(smiles) Thank you, Dad...

[Agari & Pericles' support increases to rank A.]

If Agari is dead

pericles

Kyra. Are we ready to depart?
The less time we spend here, the better.

kyra

I get that, but we need the troops to be somewhat rested.
Trust me, I don't intend on laying about here forever.

pericles

Of course you do not. Forgive my impertinence.

kyra

Don't worry about it...

pericles

......
I had never dreamed I would come this far without...
I always assumed it'd be with her, or not at all.
The Mother is cruel to force me to linger.

kyra

Pericles, listen... I'm worried about you.
You don't intend on doing anything stupid, right?

pericles

Stupid such as throw away my life in that tower?
Or perhaps you fear I will leap from it when the battle ends.

kyra

Pericles...

pericles

What would you have me do, Kyra? Pretend everything is fine?
My daughter is dead. Nothing will ever change that.

kyra

But there are still people who care about you, Pericles.
Hestia, Edward, me... We'd all be devastated if you...
And besides, that's not what she would've wanted you to do!

I'm sorry. All I can offer are tired lines you've probably already heard...

pericles

......
Forgive me... The pain, it is... unbearable.
I cannot close my eyes without seeing her face in the dark...
But... I will try. I will try my best, Kyra. I swear it.

kyra

I guess that's all I can ask of you, Pericles...

Pluto

pluto

Commander.

kyra

Ah!
Oh, sorry. Not used to you speaking up...

pluto

......

kyra

Yeah, that's more like the Pluto I know.
Look, I don't really have time to--

pluto

Sorry.

kyra

...Sorry?

pluto

A-About your brother.
The kid was... nice. I liked seeing him around camp.
We played catch one time. He was... nice.

kyra

......

pluto

I don't know if you'll have use for me, but...
Let me know if you do. I'm ready to fight.

kyra

You know, come to think of it, you've been here since nearly the start.

pluto

......
Forgive me. I'm... really bad at this.
Trying to improve. It's difficult.
But uh... I'm glad I joined you guys.

kyra

Glad to have you too, Pluto.
Let's end this, eh?

pluto

(smiles) ...Let's.

Hecate & Kairos

If Hecate & Kairos are alive

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

kairos

(smiles) Hey there. How's my favorite sinner holding up on this beautiful dawn?

hecate

Beautiful, Kairos?
We are all that stands between Sandraudiga and absolute power.
We're probably going to have to face Soter in there, too.
Heck, even the weather's garbage. Today could not possibly be worse.

kairos

(frowns) Hey, I've got to keep my spirits up somehow.
Everything I ever believed in has crumbled to bits, and we might all have our necks wrung by an immortal maniac.
Can't let it all get to my head, you know?

If Hecate & Kairos have B-rank support

(smiles) So I thought, what better way to lighten the mood, than to pay a visit to my favorite person in the world?

hecate

...I suppose you're right.
(smiles) Honestly, I feel better myself, now that you're here.
You've got a weird talent to cheer me up, preacher.

kairos

(smiles) Do I? I'm not doing anything special, you know.

hecate

No, you just make sure to turn on the charm when I'm around.
Subtlety is not your forte, preacher.

kairos

Neither is it yours, my dearest maiden of the dark.

If Hecate & Kairos have B-rank support

kairos

The looks you give me sometimes follow me to my dreams...

hecate

Hah... The evil witch gives you nightmares now?

kairos

Only the most exciting kind of nightmare.

(Hecate jumps.)

hecate

Ahahaha! Oh, you're the worst, Kairos...
I was so comfortable before, I'll have you know.
My heart was an impregnable fortress.
But now the fortress has come under a hail of boulders,
and I fear the walls cannot withstand it much longer.

kairos

I can let up just a tad, if you ask nicely.

hecate

On the contrary. It's high time the walls came down.

hecate

Kairos... What do you intend on doing when this is over?

kairos

(serious) Well... Someone will have to handle the fallout.
The church is going to be in shambles after all this.
I might stick around. See what I can do to help.
And you?

hecate

I guess that's what I'll be doing too, then.

kairos

Oh...
(smiles) Heh, well... I could do far worse for a companion in my quest.
Who knows. Maybe a pinch of the unholy is just what the church needs...

hecate

(smiles) Has anyone ever told you you're a terrible priest?

kairos

(smiles) A few times. Sometimes I say it myself.

hecate

Well, they're wrong, and so are you.
You're the greatest priest in the land.

kairos

Hah...

If Hecate & Kairos have B-rank support

hecate

(closes eyes) Now, while we still have a bit of time left...
Embrace me, and take me to the heavens.

kairos

(closes eyes) With pleasure...

[Kairos & Hecate's support increases to rank A.]

If Hecate is dead

kairos

(closes eyes) ...And might we be kept from...
...darkness and...
(opens eyes) Kyra. What's up?

kyra

Oh, carry on. Don't mind me.

kairos

It's okay. I'm done now.

kyra

How're you feeling?

kairos

Well, everything I ever believed in has crumbled to pieces,
and we might all have our necks wrung by an immortal maniac.
Hasn't been the best week of my life, I have to say.

kyra

Yeah, I figured...

kairos

Now's when I could really use a snarky quip or two to brighten the mood.
Perhaps from a certain lady of darkness that we lost along the way.

kyra

...I miss her too, Kairos.

kairos

All we can do now is pray for her sinner's soul.
Ah, but I'm sure she's okay, wherever she is.
Resourceful, that one. If she is denied entry to Heaven,
I suspect she might just find a way to sneak inside.

kyra

You'd think by now I'd be used to you saying the wildest things for a priest...

kairos

I know it's weird, but well...
I'd like to believe that, when I ascend myself, I will be shocked to find her there, waiting for me.

......
We cannot fail, Kyra. This must end today.
The Grand Inquisitor has to pay for her sins.
Or else there is no true justice in this world.

kyra

She will. Count on it, Kairos.

kairos

Mmhmm... It's reassuring to hear that.

If Kairos is dead

kyra

Hecate. Are you doing okay?

hecate

What do you think? Soon we'll confront Soter.
I'll have to look him in the eye, and then try to kill him.
I wonder if that'll make me feel better or worse...

kyra

There's a lot of us, Hecate. Many without our attachments.
We can leave it to them to... take care of Soter.

hecate

How selfish would that be?
I'll fight him if the situation calls for it. That's all there is to it.
And then I'll pat myself on the back and try to console myself.

kyra

We're all here for you. Myself first and foremost.
Don't forget that, Hecate.

hecate

I know, and I appreciate it.
...But, well... No offense, but you're not as good at it, and you've got your own problems to deal with.
If only Kairos was still here... He'd know the right thing to say.

kyra

...I miss him too, Hecate.

hecate

I wonder if he'd want me to pray for him, or if he'd find it amusing I'm toying with the idea.
I guess I'll never know. He is dead.
There's one thing I know for sure, though.
He'd want Sandraudiga to get a royal walloping from us.
So let's see that we do that, huh?
For him, for your brother, for everyone else they've hurt...

kyra

I'm glad to have you on our side, Hecate.

hecate

And I'm glad to be here... Despite everything.

Phobos

kyra

Phobos? Got a minute?

phobos

Only if you do.
I don't want to keep you. You must be quite busy.

kyra

I just wanted to say that...
If you don't want to do this, you don't need to.

phobos

Let's not start, okay, Kyra?
Believe it or not... I don't really feel afraid right now.
Maybe it's because I'm mad.
I'm so angry I can barely see straight...

kyra

That's... new.

phobos

I'm angry at Apate for not helping your brother when she could have.
I'm angry at the Mother for taking him so young.
I'm angry at myself for not knowing what to say to you in this moment...

kyra

Phobos, please! There's no need...

phobos

But, more than anyone? I'm angry at them.
At that madwoman Sandraudiga, and that pile of trash Soter...
How dare they. After all the misery they've caused.
After all the people they killed in Percote.
After they took your brother... After what they did to Pheme...
They think they can just... carry on, like it was nothing?!
No, Kyra. I'm not afraid to die or to get hurt.
Just as long as I can see those monsters beaten...!

kyra

Phobos... Look, I'm glad that you're feeling motivated.
But this isn't like you, and... I don't like it.
Please, I'm begging you. Relax!
You're my friend. I don't want to lose you too...

phobos

I... I-I'm sorry. Kyra, it's just...

kyra

I feel it too. Believe me, I do.
But... Elias would never forgive me if I let that rage consume me.
For everyone we've lost, and for everyone we still have, Phobos...
Don't lose sight of what matters. Promise me that.

phobos

......
I promise.

kyra

Thank you...

phobos

(smiles) No, thank you, Kyra. For everything.

kyra

(smiles) Phobos...

Raleigh

raleigh

I've got to say, if I knew the sheer amount of trouble you'd get me into,
I might've just refused you back in the brigands' fort.

kyra

I'm not any happier about the way this has turned out than you.

raleigh

...Of course not. Sorry.
I'm just thinking the military life isn't for me, and never was.
Don't worry. I'll see this through to the end. I'd feel worse if I didn't.
But after this is all said and done, I'll go back to my pa.
Finally give a whirl to inheriting the family business.
We'll see how that turns out. But if I ever pick up a weapon again...
It will surely be a thousand years too soon!

kyra

Well, that's what we're fighting for, isn't it?
We're fighting for peace and for a better future.
We're fighting so we don't have to fight anymore.

raleigh

And that is what has kept me from deserting.
I may be tired and frustrated and hurting everywhere...
(smiles) But I admit, just the tiniest bit proud to stand with you.
So don't worry. My lance and my tome are yours.
Let's wrap this up, shall we?

kyra

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Nikolaos

kyra

Hi... Uh...

nikolaos

Yeah? What is it?

kyra

Sorry, uh, I'm just... Not exactly sure...

nikolaos

Who I am, what's my name and what I'm doing here?
That's all right. I get that a lot.
Heck, even I couldn't tell you the answer to that last one.
I'm just some guy! I'm not meant to save the world!

kyra

So... What? You gonna be on your way or what?

nikolaos

(smiles) Nah... If I stick around, I can become a hero.
That'll work wonders for my reputation.
Finally, no longer will I just be some guy.
I'll be a top o' the crop, big leagues mercenary!
Nations will drown me in gold to get my spear!

kyra

...Okay, then. Good to have you.
Be ready. It won't be long now.

nikolaos

Make sure you give me something really flashy and cool to do!

Begoña

Kyra! O'er here!

kyra

Begoña...

Begoña

I ain't gonna give ya any sappy words, if that's what yer expectin'.
...I figure you must've had it up to here with those.

kyra

A little bit, but I still appreciate it, you know.
Everyone just wants me to feel better...

Begoña

Aye, true that...
You know, I had a sibling once, myself.
Big sister, in my case.

kyra

Did you?

Begoña

Mmhmm. Got started in the thievin' business with her.
...She got herself stabbed tryin' to pickpocket the wrong guy.
Held her hand as she died'n everythin'.
So, uh... For what lil' it's worth, I feel ya, Kyra.

kyra

......

Begoña

Look, there's a lot I regret. Lotta things I'd do differently.
But joinin' you? That's the best choice I ever made my whole life.
Watchin' something so rotten happen to you and your only family left...
Makes my blood boil, I'll tell ya. My axe's thirsty for inquisitor blood!
So let me at 'em! Let's do right by yer brother!

kyra

I am... grateful for your candor, Begoña.
But tone it down a notch, would you? I don't think revenge is what he'd want.
We're doing this because Sandraudiga needs to be stopped. Nothing else.

Begoña

(smiles) ...Even after all you've been through, ya don't give up on yer ideals.
Those pesky ideals o' yours that gave me so much trouble back in the day...
Heh. Almost makes me feel honored t'have been yer very first rival.

kyra

(smiles) Personally, I'm happier now that you're no longer a criminal and we're friends.

Begoña

Friends, eh... Yeah. Guess that we are.
'Aight, then! For justice and friendship it is!
Damn does that feel utterly revoltin' to say! Hahaha!

kyra

Sigh... Some things just can't change, I guess.

Fango & López

If Fango & López are alive

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

López

Well, Fango...
This is it. The moment of truth.
Either we go home heroes, or we go down corpses.

fango

Or we go down heroes... That's somethin' that could happen too.
Honestly, wouldn't mind. I mean, what even is “home” for us?

López

Don't be such a drag, man. Home's wherever you make it be!

fango

What's that even mean...?

López

...Does it have to mean anythin'?
(smiles) C'mon, man, cheer up! We're about to save the whole damn world!

fango

Yeah, I'm just... worried 'bout what comes after that.
Where are we gonna go? What are we gonna do?
We ain't good at anythin' but tusslin' and stealin'.

López

(still smiling) Eh. I'm not too concerned.
What happens to us small fry after this isn't important.
Bigger things goin' on here than you and me, buddy.

fango

Y-Yeah, but like... I'm afraid we're gonna have to go back.
Got my taste of bein' a hero. Can't go back to bein' the villain.

López

(frowns) Crud, hadn't thought of it that way...
Oh no, I won't be Commander Kyra's enemy again!
I'd rather die!

fango

See? See?! You get me now, man!

López

No, I don't! We ain't gonna end up like that, y'hear?!
We're gonna be fine! We'll find our place in this world...
And if there ain't none? We'll carve us one!
There ain't nothing we can't do together! Just ya wait!

(Fango pumps his fist.)

fango

(smiles) Awww, yeah! Now that's what I'm talkin' about!
You and me, pal! We're gonna eat up the world!

(López cheers.)

López

(smiles) Heroes of the present, heroes of the morrow!
Never again the scourge of the innocent!
We're gonna be good people till the day we die!

fango

Everything's possible long as we stick together!

If Begoña is alive

fango

Maybe we'll even get rid of that awful stench o' yours!

López

Ahhh, I'm too psyched to get angry at you for that, Fango.
C'mon! C'mon! Let's go beat that Sandregregious girl silly!

fango

Let's grind her rotten skull to dust!
You, me-- Oh, and the boss, 'course!
We're gonna be the heroes o' this story!

López

The three finest heroes there ever was!

fango

Yeaaaah! Bring it on!

(Begoña looks on from afar.)

Begoña

...My boys...
(smiles) Heh... We've come so far, haven't we.

(eyes droop) Tch... G-Gonna bring a tear to my eye at this rate...!

[Begoña, López, & Fango gain a rank of support with each other.]

If Begoña is dead

fango

That's what the boss always used to say...

López

(serious) Yeah... And the boss was always right.

(López jumps.)

López

(smiles) Let's do it for her, too! Let's make 'er proud!
C'mon! C'mon! Let's go beat that Sandregregious girl silly!

fango

Let's grind her rotten skull to dust!
Send 'er to the boss so she can get a turn too!

López

That's morbid as heck, Fango, but I'm sure she'd appreciate it!

fango

Yeaaaah! Bring it on!

[López & Fango gain a rank of support with each other.]

If Fango is dead

kyra

Hello, López...

López

Hello, boss.
Are we setting out already?

kyra

Not yet. I'm just making the rounds.
Seeing how everyone's doing and all.

López

Aha...
I'm just waiting for the word go right now.
Go ahead and keep at it.

kyra

You don't seem like your usual self, López...

López

I can't even muster the energy for a sarcastic quip.
It's not fun when Fango's not there to laugh it up...

kyra

Fango...

López

Look, he may've been a hopeless “no brains, all brawn” thug, but...
He had a heart, dammit. He was a decent fella.
I'm the guy that stinks, in every sense.
It's not fair that he's the one who had to die...
Dammit, it shoulda been me. I should've died instead of him...

kyra

Neither of you should've died, López.

López

......
I appreciate you sayin' that, Kyra. Even if you don't mean it.

kyra

I do.

López

...Hmm...
Well, I know what he'd be tellin' me to do if he could.
Put a bow on this horrible business, and cut those bastards to ribbons!
So, that's what I'm gonna do, if you think I could help at all.

kyra

If you can, I'll make sure to let you know.

If López is dead

kyra

Hello, Fango...

fango

Ah. Hi, boss.
Is it time to get goin' already?

kyra

Not yet. I'm just making the rounds.
Seeing how everyone's doing and all.

fango

Mm...
Well, I'm good to go whenever.
Gimme a holler when it's time.

kyra

You don't seem like your usual self, Fango...

fango

Yeah... I'm feeling a little down in the dumps.
I... I miss my buddy, Kyra...

kyra

López...

fango

I know he was a stinky mean jerk, but...
He was my buddy! We had a... rapport, I guess?
Sometimes I forget he's gone, y'know.
I'll think of something stupid and I'll turn to say it to him,
and then I remember and I wanna cry a river.

kyra

Fango, I...

fango

No, please, don't do it. It's okay.
I'll just honor his memory, best as I can.
Put me to work! Let me help you save the world!

kyra

I will. I swear.

Polonius

polonius

Eeheeheeheeheeheehee!
Oh, Commander Kyra, they have no idea what they've done!
Those weak, pitiful, pathetic, lowly, miserable little worms have done it!
They have incurred the wrath, rage and fury of I, the great Polonius!
For their transgressions, I shall inflict a hundred curses of pain upon them!
No, no-- A thousand! A million! A BILLION TRILLION curses!
Agony unparalleled... Destruction limitless! Eeheeheeheeheehee!

kyra

...If I'm not imagining things...
You're saying you want to punish them for all their crimes?

polonius

Eeheeheeheeheehee!
'Tis not every day a necromancer of my stature admits this, but...
You, Commander Kyra, are a joy to work under! I am honored!
May you never stray from the path of wicked good, lest I be forced...
to gently lead you back onto it. Eeheeheeheeheehee!

kyra

......
I can never tell what the heck you're trying to say.
Please get serious for once in your life.
The stakes are too high. I don't want you goofing around.

(Kyra leaves.)

polonius

Eeheeheehee... Worry not, my dear commander.
Never before in my life had I been so focused!

Ofelia

ofelia

Hello, Commander.

kyra

Ofelia.

ofelia

......

kyra

What is it?

ofelia

Well... I've got a younger brother too, you know.

kyra

How could I forget?

ofelia

So you see... I understand your situation.
We may not have always seen eye to eye,
and I may find your demeanor and fashion sense utterly boorish,
but in this, I quite sympathize. My heart goes out to you.

kyra

...Thanks.
I guess.

ofelia

Have my talents been of use to you?
I certainly hope they have been.
I'd feel terrible if I've been a burden to you.

kyra

No, honestly, you've been a real help.
I won't lie, I didn't think you'd be, but...
Well, I was wrong. Thanks for sticking with us.

ofelia

It has been an interesting experience, performing on your stages of war.
I believe it has helped to advance my craft quite a fair bit.
I suspect my career shall soar past the current affair.
And of course... It was nice to contribute to a righteous cause.
(smiles) Why, I should be the one thanking you, for providing me this opportunity.

kyra

You're welcome. Now let's get it over with, huh?

ofelia

See you on the other side, Commander.

Conan

conan

Ahh, I had not felt this familiar sense of anticipation in quite some time.
It is much like when I faced particularly fearsome opponents at the arena.
Then again... I do not believe I ever faced any opponents this terrible.
Nor were the stakes ever so high. Back then, it was only my life on the line.

kyra

Could well be the lives of everyone in this country now.

conan

This country and beyond, Commander.

kyra

Yeah...

conan

At the same time, never had I been surrounded by so many good allies.
All things considered... I believe I have faced worse odds.
Were I the betting man, my money would be on you and yours.

kyra

That's reassuring to hear from a seasoned warrior like you.

conan

You are a born leader, Commander. You bring people together.
Sandraudiga leads through fear and powerlust. You lead through trust.
This gift that you possess and she does not will grant you the edge you need.
It may sound a little... typical, but that does not make it any less true.

kyra

Thanks a lot, Conan.
It's been a pleasure having you among us.
Make sure you come out the other end alive, you hear?

conan

I shall do all in my power, Commander Kyra.

Dahl

dahl

It has been a curious experience fighting for you, Commander Kyra.
You're not someone I would have expected to have such potential.
No, I think had I been made to bet on a side...
I would have placed my bets on the Grand Inquisitor.

kyra

That's all right, Dahl. I'd have done the same.

dahl

On the contrary. It is anything but “all right.”
Perhaps this calls for some self-introspection.
How can I hope to manipulate the pieces on the board, when I cannot anticipate the movements of the players?
Clearly I must learn to think more outside the box.

kyra

I have no idea what you're talking about, but...
It's been good having you with us, Dahl.
Here's hoping we both make it to the end.

dahl

(smiles) Mm... Perhaps this is it.
Your ability to trust has been tested, but it was not toppled.
Building bonds with those around you may be your strength.
It sounds like such a tired fantasy trope, and yet...
Mayhap there is credence to it.

Ah, well. Food for future thought.
In the meantime, my spear is yours, as ever.

kyra

Good to hear it, Dahl. Stay safe, you hear?

dahl

You have no need to worry.

Alonso

alonso

Heed the howling wind bellow, commandant thee.
Portends it a great many omens of victory and defeat alike.
Struggles come to an end, tyrants defenestrated.
The laughter of children in a world of light and radiance!
Such is thy charge. Might the Lady Mother see thee through.

kyra

Would it kill you to speak like a human being for once?

alonso

No force in the heavens might force my tongue in sequitur!
Mine words carry the weight of forebears' hope and dream.
Villainy trembles before us, champions of tragedy!

kyra

......
Tell me something, Alonso. Do you have a family?
Wife? Kids? Anyone at all waiting back home?

alonso

...Perchance, blessed not was I with the divinity of love.
Nevertheless I carry on, for my lady of love lies ahead!

kyra

I guess hope never dies, huh.
Thanks for all the help, Alonso. It's been an honor.
I hope you find what you're looking for one day.

(Kyra leaves.)

alonso

(smiles) ...Aye... And I pray you find happiness...

Teresa

teresa

(smiles) Hey, Commander! I've got a brilliant idea!
How about me and Rouncey fly up to the top of the tower, scoop Sandraudiga up and drop her to her death?
That'd save us a whole bunch of time and hassle, right?

kyra

I like the idea, but...
They'd probably shoot you out of the air before you could reach her...

teresa

(frowns) Yeah, you're right... She's probably got a small army of archers waiting...
And, thinking about it, I don't know if Rouncey could lift that woman up.
Girl's massive, and that ornate armor of hers looks awfully heavy...

kyra

I think we'd better do this the old fashioned way, Teresa.
But imagining Sandraudiga plummeting from the sky has cheered me up a tad.
So thanks for that.

teresa

(smiles) Glad to have been of service, Commander!
Here's hoping there aren't any more surprises after this.
I look forward to a long, long vacation...

kyra

Don't we all...

Jane & Delilah

If Jane & Delilah are alive

narrator

You overhear a conversation between your allies...

delilah

Jane!

jane

Hey there, Mistress...
W-Wow, that tower sure is tall, isn't it?
And it's probably brimming with super strong soldiers...

delilah

Indeed. This will be the bout of our lives.
That is why, before we proceed...
I want to bequeath this upon you.

jane

Eh?

(Jane starts.)

WHOA!! What is this?! There's, like...
A hundred... No, a thousand... N-No, more still!
How much gold is in this bag, Mistress...?

delilah

Enough to set you for life. It is everything I have on hand.
Thrice more is hidden back in Flintshire Keep.
Look for a small note at the bottom of the bag.
Therein lie instructions for you to reach the rest...

jane

Er... But why, Mistress?

delilah

(smiles) Hehehe... Only the most appropriately wretched of fates await me next.
Death on the inquisition's steel, or a damp cell for the rest of my days.
I would sooner hand over the fruits of my labor than see them taken away.
Thus, I give them to you, the woman who has so eagerly followed me.

jane

...I can't accept this, Mistress.

delilah

(frowns) Come now. I would be disgusted to see my wealth in any other's hands.
I do this for my own sake. Spare me the revolting humility, would you?

jane

No, I'm serious. I can't accept it. It's yours, and you'll need it.
Because... What makes you so sure that you don't have a way out?

delilah

Please! Once this ends, Barlowe will see that my tenure as margravine is finished.

jane

...There'll be plenty of opportunity to vanish in the midst of this...

delilah

What are you implying, Jane?

jane

Let's leave it all behind. Let's run together, Mistress.

delilah

......

(grins) Ahahahahahahaha! Oh, you're so hopeless, Jane, honey...
What could your end goal possibly be with this utterly foolish proposal?
Do you imagine you can “fix” me? Conquer the wicked witch?

jane

N-Not at all. I think I like the wicked witch just the way she is.
Yeah, go ahead. Laugh it up. I'm done pretending otherwise.

delilah

......
(smiles) That's just as well.
Fleeing from the grasp of the righteous and the entrappings of nobility alike...
In order to retire to a life of debauchery with my devoted, gorgeous partner.
Yes... Dare I say, it may be a dream come true! Hahahahaha!

(Jane starts.)

jane

Then, that means...!

delilah

(grinning) Yes, Jane. You played a wild gambit, and I find myself soundly defeated.
Take my hand in yours, and bring me to the dream life you envision for us.
Be ready! Our moment will come soon...

jane

(smiles) ...I was born ready, Mistress.

[Jane & Delilah's support increases to rank A.]

If Delilah is dead

jane

......

kyra

Jane, you holding up all right?

jane

...N-Not really.
Not that I'd expect you to ever understand.
Heck, I don't understand it myself...

kyra

Understand what?

jane

I miss her, Kyra. I miss Delilah...

(Kyra balks.)

kyra

What?! You can't be serious!

jane

......

kyra

Holy Mother. You are serious.

jane

I loved her. I'm sorry I loved her, okay?!
I get it! It's a crime! A travesty! Whatever you wanna call it!
Judge me in silence and leave me alone, would you?

kyra

No, I'm just... taken aback a bit, but...
I can't judge someone grieving.
Even if they're grieving someone like--

(Jane becomes agitated.)

jane

And there you go again!
Grieving someone like what?! Go on, out with it!
Spit it out so I can sock you in the mouth!

kyra

Whoa, whoa! Take it easy!

jane

......
Just leave me be... Please...
I'm not going anywhere. I'll help you to take the tower.
But until then, please. I really, really do not need this.

kyra

You're probably right... I'm really sorry, Jane...
I'll be off now.

jane

Good...

If Jane is dead

delilah

......
What are you looking at?

kyra

You, I guess.
Aren't you going to try to run off now?

delilah

(smiles) And miss the most fun part? Come now.

kyra

Hmph... Well, think of it any way you like.
I'm keeping my eye on you.

delilah

(serious) There's really no need. I'm not going anywhere.
I will cut down the ones that remain, and if by the end I still draw breath, you may go ahead and clap me in irons.

kyra

How oddly... compliant of you, Delilah.

delilah

Interrogate me as long as you like.
You won't catch a whiff of a daring escape plan from me.
I hate you, I hate the Tartaran inquisition and I hate everyone.
I spit on this filthy world. What do I care what it does to me?

kyra

......
I... Delilah, is this... grief, I detect in you?
You're grieving Jane, aren't you?
Losing her has been tough on you...

(Delilah becomes agitated.)

delilah

Yes, curse it all! Yes! That's exactly it!
I've cried, you know? I've shed tears for her.
Have you any idea how many times I've cried in my life?
Thrice! Thrice in my whole life! I was seven years old the first time!
And both the other times were for her... Argh, it's unbelievably infuriating!

kyra

......
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but...
I'm sorry, Delilah.

delilah

Take your apologies and get out of my sight.
All I want is to let off some steam on the inquisitors.
You can throw me off the tower afterwards for all I care.

kyra

......

Fiadh

fiadh

So much has happened since the day you strolled into Wrexham.
Back then, my first assumption was that you were bad news...
But then, that's the first thing I assume of everybody.

kyra

And now? What do you think now?

fiadh

I think I wouldn't have minded to call you my liege, in another life.
You are every bit the paragon of goodness the margrave is.
You garnered his approval, and even more impressive, mine.

kyra

You exaggerate. All I've done is try my best and figure things out as I go...

fiadh

And what do you think anyone else does?
Heck, do you think Sandraudiga had this whole thing planned out from the start?
Of course not. She figured it out as she went, the same as you.
(narrows eyes) ...Only in her case, it's just gonna get her pointy implements in very painful spots...

kyra

(smiles) Heh... I'm going to miss having that glare on my side.

fiadh

(smiles) And I'm gonna miss being able to count on your impressive skills.
Please, when we part ways, don't be a stranger, would you?
We would all be delighted if you came by and paid us the odd visit.

kyra

I'll try. At some point we've got to have a competition.
I'd love to pit my abilities against yours.

fiadh

Oh, you've no idea what you've just gotten yourself into.
I'm going to hold you to that.

Beatrix

beatrix

The grand finale approaches.
Are you ready, Commander? This will be a toughie...

kyra

I'm as ready as I'll ever be. And you?

beatrix

(smiles) Me? I'm quaking in my boots.
I don't know if it's fear or excitement, though.
I had never dreamed I'd be a part of something like this.
Or, if I was... I would've thought I'd be on the other side.

kyra

Really? I mean, sure, you can be a bit shady at times, but...
You've always struck me as the “righteous rogue” type.

beatrix

(frowns) Oh, you have no idea.
The things I've gotten up to in my time...
This may sound rather cliché, Commander,
but I have a lot of regrets.

kyra

But you're clearly comfortable where you are now.

beatrix

(smiles) Oh, absolutely.
I enjoy serving the margrave. He is a good man.
And you, too. You're a good woman yourself.
Fighting with you, it almost makes me feel that, in the end, perhaps...
I may be someone that matters.

kyra

You matter to a lot of people, Beatrix.
For their sake, and mine, don't do anything reckless.

beatrix

(still smiling) Yes, you may have the right of it.
Tch... I'll have to find a new catchphrase. How annoying.

Órlaith

......

kyra

Hey, Órlaith... Are you ready?

Órlaith

Yeah, sure.
This one won't be easy. I hope you've steeled yourself.

kyra

As well as I could, Órlaith.

Órlaith

......
I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. All of this is a bit beyond me...
Before, the most danger I'd faced was a pack of particularly ferocious brigands.
It's all I can do just to keep up with everyone else in this whirlwind...

kyra

Is that so? You seem as composed as always.

Órlaith

Well... It's the truth. I'm not like the rest of you. I'm just... me.
The only thing I know for sure is that I believe in you, Commander.
So if you think I can be of some assistance, don't hesitate to tell me.

kyra

Thanks, Órlaith. Will do.

Xinyi & Jingyi

If Xinyi & Jingyi are alive

(Jingyi is reading and concentrating deeply.)

xinyi

(smiles) Ah, Commander Kyra. Right on time.

kyra

Am I? It looks more to me like I'm interrupting Jingyi's reading...
What's that book, anyway?

xinyi

Shh. Let him concentrate.

kyra

Er...

jingyi

(opens eyes) ...Thank.

kyra

...?

xinyi

You, Jingyi.
Thank you.

(Jingyi fidgets self-consciously.)

jingyi

Oh! Uh... Er... Ahem!
(smiles) Thank you.

kyra

(smiles) Ohhh, I see what this is!
Thank you too, Jingyi. Uh...
(serious) Xinyi, how do I say “thank you” in Zhulite?

xinyi

(Thank you.) That is (thank) and (you.)
Go on, give it a try. It's not that hard.

kyra

Uhmmm... Hey, Jingyi!
(Tanks yew.)

jingyi

(grinning) Bwah hah hah hah hah hah!

kyra

I botched it, didn't I.

xinyi

Completely, but the meaning got across.

jingyi

Hah hah hah... Ummh... Hmmm...

(Jingyi searches through his dictionary.)

(Ah, here it is... Er...)
(smiles) I welcome!
(frowns) Ermm... You? I welcome you?
(Xinyi, help! I don't think that's right!)

xinyi

Haha... Good to see neither of you will be making my job redundant any time soon.

kyra

...Just tell him he's been an excellent ally, would you?
You too, of course. I don't know what would've happened without you...

jingyi

(Xinyi! What did she just say?)
(Hold on, first, would you tell her something for me?)
(Tell her she's been a great ally.)
(Who knows where we'd be without her and her friends?)
(Tell her that, please.)

xinyi

(frowns) ...Oh, goodness gracious... (One at a time, please!)

If Xinyi is dead

jingyi

......

kyra

Well, this is... awkward...

jingyi

(reading) ......

kyra

What are you reading there?
Looks like... Oh, it's a dictionary.

jingyi

......
Um... Ahem...
I... blame... I blame you.

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

Wha...?!
Oh... It's about Xinyi, isn't it...
You're right to blame me. It's my fault she died...

(Jingyi fidgets.)

jingyi

Ah! (No, I don't think I said the right thing...)
(I meant to say, I don't blame you!)
(I don't blame you, Commander! Please!)

kyra

Ohh, I feel so useless... I can't understand a single word...

jingyi

...Uhh... Er... Aha!
Pardon.

kyra

...Pardon?
Ah, you want me to let you go, right? Is that it?
I completely understand. This isn't even your fight.
And now it's taken your comrade's life...
I have no right to keep you here.
You can go! Understand? Go... Go! You can go!

jingyi

......
(Ahh, dammit! I feel so utterly moronic!)
(She always told me I should learn Tartaran...)
(And I'd just scoff and say, “Why? I've got you!”)
(closes eyes) (What an idiot I am... I'm so sorry, Xinyi...)

kyra

Er... Do you want to go, then, or...?
Go on. I'm not going to stop you.

jingyi

Baah!
(What did she just say... Could this be it?)
(All right, let's try this...)

No thank you.

kyra

Huh?

jingyi

No... thank you.
I, er... I no blame you?

kyra

......
Thanks, Jingyi... I'm... glad you feel that way.

jingyi

(Let's finish this. For Xinyi!)

kyra

......
Yeah...

If Jingyi is dead

xinyi

......

kyra

Er... Something wrong...?

xinyi

Nothing at all...
Pardon me. I know my rage is misdirected at you.
And yet, I cannot help it. I am disappointed in you.
Jingyi died fighting a battle that was not his own.
I have to blame you and your shoddy leadership.

kyra

......

xinyi

(closes eyes) Sigh...
(opens eyes) I'll keep fighting. I know he would've done it in my shoes.
Then I'll take my leave, and I'll thank you not to seek me out.

kyra

Don't worry, Xinyi. I... understand completely.

xinyi

Mm.
...Perhaps one day, when my fury has given way to sorrow.
Perhaps then, I'll be the one to find you, so I may apologize.
After all... These things just happen in war.
I am being deeply unfair. I know that, but...

kyra

Please, stop it. There's no need to...
Look, I'll leave you alone now, okay?
Call me whatever names you want in your mind, if it helps.
I've earned them, to be sure.

(Kyra leaves.)

xinyi

......
No, you haven't, Commander.
It's just easier to hate you than it is to hate myself...

Fazang

fazang

Tell me, Commander Kyra.
What do you intend on doing after the battle ends?

kyra

Hmm? I... haven't really thought about it.
I don't even know where my brother is...
I hope they weren't cruel enough to just... throw him away.
I guess first I'll have to find him, and then...

fazang

You understand, of course, that chaos will engulf this country.
Neighboring nations will take great interest in this turmoil, as it will leave Tartaros's bountiful lands in a precarious position.

kyra

What are you trying to tell me, Fazang?

fazang

Well, it is not my place to force you to do anything.
But you must ponder on what role you'd prefer to play in the coming days.

kyra

...I don't know... I'm so tired, Fazang.
I don't know if I can spend much longer being Tartaros's sword and shield.
That's not what I wanted. I didn't want any of this...

fazang

It was foolish of me to bring it up. Pardon me, Commander Kyra...
I merely worry. Your deeds will grant you great notoriety.
The kind that may lead those with ulterior motives to mark you as dangerous.
...Those such as the Kingdom of Zhu.

kyra

I see... A warning. I'll keep it in mind.

fazang

Naturally, my concerns may simply prove to be entirely unfounded.
Please, don't let my impertinent remarks cloud your vision...

kyra

No, no. Someone's got to worry. Thanks for that.

fazang

For what it's worth, Kyra, I do not worry lightly.
If I do, it is because I respect you greatly.
(smiles) Should Zhu strike, know that you have friends there as well.

kyra

Thanks... I won't forget you, Fazang.

Jason

jason

(smiling) Hey, remember when you hired me and I refused a monthly salary?
Said I considered you more of an investment and everything?

kyra

Something along those lines, yeah. Why?

jason

(frowns) I regret it.
Joined you with the assumption that we'd just get to Amnisos, get word that the hierophant croaked and then go our merry ways.
Instead I've found myself part of a history-defining adventure.
This whole shindig is WAY above my paygrade.

kyra

Just come out with it, Jason. What do you want?
You want to leave?

jason

(smiles) Naw. Don't think there'd be many opportunities for profit, if we let Sandraudiga turn the world into her oyster.
Better stop her and figure out an angle later.

kyra

We can discuss extra payment when the time comes.
There. Are you feeling extra motivated to fight now?

jason

Quite. You won't find another quite so invested in the cause as me.

kyra

Somehow I doubt that.

jason

Well, okay, maybe that's going a bit far, but seriously!
I may be a bit of a vulture, but I've got a heart in there somewhere.
I'm elated to lend my arms to the right side of this little kerfuffle.
Commander Kyra... Give me a holler when it's time to set out, eh?

Plato

plato

(smiling) Ayyyyy, it's the woman of the hour!
The heroine of this story! The champion of good versus evil!
Who could witness her and not fall agape in awe of her?!

kyra

You're still here.

plato

Of course! I've got to look out for my bro's pals, don't I?
That big meanie Sandraudiga won't even know what hit her!
She will know why they call me the Blood Demon!

kyra

Who even calls you that?
Redbeard... Edward, that is, used to be a mercenary guildmaster, you know.
I've heard him talk about a Verdant Flash, a couple Angels of Death...
Even some weirder stuff like Golden Boar. Blood Demon, though? Never.

plato

Aww, well, my bro always used to call me Blood Demon.
That's what I call myself, too! Catchy work name, wouldn't you say?
It's a wonder I'm not constantly drowning in job requests!
Must be my unassuming, quiet demeanor.
I don't stand out enough. Oh well, them's the breaks!

kyra

...I, uh... I'm glad to have you onboard?

plato

Don't mention it, please! Happy to be here!
Now c'mon, who's gonna be the first to challenge us?!
Bring it on, thugs! Face the Blood Demon!

(Plato charges off excitedly.)

kyra

......
We haven't even left camp yet, dumbass.

Zaccheus

zaccheus

Hmph... Commander! Commander, hear me!
I have a question of the utmost importance!
...Commander! Have you become deaf?!

kyra

I'm taking great pains to ignore your existence.
I'd appreciate if you respected my efforts.

zaccheus

(smiles mockingly) Ahh, you once more grace me with your absolutely delightful charm!
Truly, I would be so smitten by you, were I a masochist.
(scowls) Save the bile. There's just one thing I want to know.

kyra

Spit it out already.

zaccheus

Will I or will I not be allowed to regain my station after this concludes?

kyra

That's not up to me.
Margrave Barlowe will decide if he wants to levy a complaint against you.
I'm in no position to meddle in Glamorgan's affairs.

(Zaccheus becomes agitated.)

zaccheus

Oh, that's all well and good now, isn't it?!
But when you were meddling in MY affairs, oh, THEN it was perfectly sound!

kyra

Ohh, in the name of... What do you want from me, Zaccheus?

zaccheus

Intercede on my behalf, dammit all!
I have faithfully helped - dare I even say, served - the whole way through!
Surely I have earned some reprieve, have I not? Come now!
Have some gratitude for once in your life, pauper...

kyra

Oh, I get it.
You're afraid you're going to face consequences for your actions, so you want me to bail you out, is that it?

zaccheus

Pah...

kyra

...We'll see. But right now, you focus on the battle ahead.
Your titles won't be of any use to you if you're dead.

zaccheus

(smiles) Psch. As if you need remind me.
Have I not proven to be a mage of most tremendous power?
Just leave it all to me. I will lay your enemies low for you.
You just take care to remember my services come the end.

kyra

Sigh... I guess I can promise that much, at least...

zaccheus

Fabulous. In that case, give me time to prepare.
Let us bring this tepid incident to a close, Commander Kyra.

(Zaccheus leaves.)

kyra

Slimy snake... Ptooey.

Simeon

simeon

Commander, a word, if you please.
...Confound it-- Commander!

kyra

I'm taking great pains to ignore your existence.
I'd appreciate if you respected my efforts.

simeon

(smirks mockingly) Hah! Oh, believe me, I am as pleased to be here as you are to have me.
(serious) Let us be civil, shall we? I only wish to ask a question.

kyra

Spit it out already.

simeon

What will become of myself and my titles, come the end of this journey?

kyra

That's not up to me.
Margrave Barlowe will decide if he wants to levy a complaint against you.
I'm in no position to meddle in Glamorgan's affairs.

(Simeon becomes agitated.)

simeon

How disgracefully hypocritical of you, Commander!
You meddled plenty in MY affairs, you snake!

kyra

Ohh, in the name of... What do you want from me, Simeon?

simeon

Take a guess, whelp!
I have granted you favor after favor, fighting a battle that wasn't mine!
And yet I may be PUNISHED for my sacrifices by the end? Nay, I say!
If you knew the meaning of the word “gratitude,” you would assist me!

kyra

Oh, I get it.
You're afraid you're going to face consequences for your actions, so you want me to bail you out, is that it?

simeon

Grrr...

kyra

...We'll see. But right now, you focus on the battle ahead.
Your titles won't be of any use to you if you're dead.

simeon

(smiles) Heh... A needless remark.
My mettle has been more than sufficiently demonstrated.
You may rely on me to see your foes buried at once.
Simply remember, when all is well, who helped to make it possible.

kyra

Sigh... I guess I can promise that much, at least...

simeon

Exquisite. Now, I should only need a bit of time to make ready.
Soon we shall bring this regrettable ruction to an end, Commander.

(Simeon leaves.)

kyra

Snivelling rat... Ptooey.

Telemus

telemus

Commander...

kyra

Ah, hello... Uh...

telemus

Does it still pain you to look upon me?

kyra

A little, I won't lie...
You just remind me so much of him.
Maybe it'd help if you'd shave the mustache.

telemus

A-Ah, well, certainly if I must...

kyra

That was a joke.

(Telemus laughs in surprise.)

telemus

(smiles) Oh! Haha... Ah, quite, er... risible, Commander.

kyra

You remind me of him, yeah, but...
It's like looking at a version of him that's not a filthy liar.
Brings back good memories, not bad ones.

telemus

Have strength, Commander.
Harrowing trials await us in the Tower of Creation...
But the dark gloom will give way to a bright new day.

kyra

That's what I'm hoping for, at the very least.
Thanks for all you've been doing, Telemus.
I'm glad we spared you, way back when.

telemus

'Tis only the least I could do, given what I owe you.
Moreover, I look forward to the Tartaros that will come of this.
It would be my pleasure to be able to wear this crest with pride once more.

kyra

You can wear anything you like proudly. You're not like them.

telemus

(smiles) Thank you, Commander. I appreciate hearing those words.

Nicaea

nicaea

It's almost over, Commander.

kyra

So it is.

nicaea

......

kyra

......
This is where your revenge quest ends.
You take one more life after this, and I'm coming for you myself.
Is that clear, Nicaea?

nicaea

Crystal.

kyra

All right. Just wanted to make sure.

nicaea

I never wanted to be this way.

kyra

You regret what you did?

nicaea

I'm... not sure.
I have no doubt Aura would have died fighting loyally for the enemy, had I not cut her life short myself.
Things would have likely ended up the same way regardless.
The same goes for Cybele. Nothing I said would have swayed her.
And yet... Seeing them dead did not bring me the solace I had hoped for.
On the contrary. The more time that passes...
The more pointless it seems, and the more alone I feel.

kyra

Uh huh...

nicaea

Don't worry about me. I'm not worth it.
I made my choices and I'll have to live with them.
For now, let me help you finish this.
I'll figure things out after, if I'm still alive by then.

kyra

Don't you go trying to get yourself killed.
That's not the solution either.

nicaea

...Perhaps not. Thank you, Commander.

Ziying

kyra

Ziying. Got a moment?

ziying

......

kyra

We haven't known each other long, but...
I know there's a good guy there, hiding under the cloak.
I just wanted you to know, we're not holding your past against you.
Once the battle is done - and before, if you want - you can go.
Live your life as best you can. No one's going to stop you.

ziying

......

kyra

You're... not leaving, are you?

ziying

......

kyra

Is there anything in particular you'd like to do afterwards?
Any job you'd like to try? Somewhere you'd like to go?

ziying

......

(Ziying hands Kyra something.)

kyra

What's this?
Oh, what a cute drawing. Not yours, I take it?
This blue blotch is... It's you, right?

ziying

......

kyra

Oh, I see. It's from that girl from before...
You'd like to go back there, is that it?

ziying

......

kyra

Well... Whatever it is, if there's anything we can do to help...
Just give me a nod, all right?

ziying

(closes eyes) ......

Coronis

coronis

......

kyra

Coronis? You look down...

coronis

I never met your brother, Commander.
But for a child to die so young...
It is always a cause for sorrow.
You have my sincerest condolences.

kyra

Ah... W-Well, thank you.

coronis

......

kyra

Hey, Coronis...
I know it may not be the best time, but...
Do you have a riddle for me? I could use a distraction.

coronis

If you feel up for it... Yes, I got plenty.
Let me think... I believe that one shall do.

The tides turn. The moon falls, and the sun rises.
We march, undaunted, ever onwards,
as the gods above behold with abated anticipation.
What is it that I describe?

options

Time!

Us!

Battle!

Life!

Death!

Er... Fate?

If you answer correctly (fate)

coronis

Very good, Commander. Please, help yourself. I insist.
Though these silly little enigmas of mine are hardly on your level.

(Coronis gives Kyra 1500 gold.)

If you answer incorrectly

coronis

Hmm... Ah, well. That one was a little more difficult than usual.
And these silly little enigmas of mine are hardly worthy your time and effort.

coronis

You are not a child. You are the one who will change the course of history...

kyra

Still, I appreciate them. They're... I don't know. Neat?
I hope you'll go back to teaching when this is all over.
Kids need more adults like you to guide them.

coronis

(smiles) Thank you... It means more than you know, to hear you say that.

kyra

Mm... Well, I'll get going.
Steel yourself for the fight ahead. It won't be long now.

coronis

(serious) ......
Commander, I understand this is a topic you'd rather avoid.
I have heard rumors of one who betrayed your trust...

kyra

...It's okay. You can bring it up. We're soon going to face him.
It's not like I can just forget he exists. Not yet, at least.

coronis

I only have one question.
...What was his name, Commander?

kyra

Huh? Soter. Why?

coronis

......

kyra

Coronis...?

coronis

I will not distract you any longer, Commander.
Thank you for indulging my curiosity.

kyra

......
Okay, Coronis.

(Kyra leaves.)

coronis

......

Glaucus

glaucus

Darn, Commander. Look what you've done.
If you'd told me when we met back in the forest,
that you'd be turning Tartaros upside down by the end of it...
(smiles) Meh. I probably would still have joined up. Can't say I regret it.

kyra

What, you aren't going to request that I let you leave again?

glaucus

(frowns) ...I-I'm going to hope you're fooling around, Commander.

kyra

Of course I am. At this point, I have no doubts about you.
You're kind of a scoundrel, and you could really stand to shave.
But... You're a good guy, Glaucus. I'm glad we met.

glaucus

Hearing you say that means a lot, Commander.
But it's not like I'm with you solely out of the goodness of my heart.
We owe you, Commander. We owe you big time.

kyra

“We?”

glaucus

Me and my pops, we've got enough debts as it is.
If I can help to settle some of them, that's my pleasure.
(eyes droop) Especially when... it is the greatest debt of them all...

kyra

......
You know, Glaucus... You owe me nothing.
And... neither does your father.

glaucus

C'mon, you don't need to say that just to--

kyra

I mean it.
Fight for the same thing that the rest of us are.
To make Tartaros a better place.
Don't feel like you have any obligation to me,
because you do not. Got it?

glaucus

......
(smiles) You truly have a heart of gold, Commander.
I hope to see you come out of this with your life.

kyra

Same to you, Glaucus.

Pheme

kyra

Pheme... How are you holding up?

pheme

......
I guess we've both lost our brothers now, huh.

kyra

What...?

pheme

Sorry. That was the wrong thing to say.
You'd think I'd know what to say, given I've been through this too, but...

kyra

It's not like I was any better when the roles were reversed.
(smiles) Heh. Two tactless huntresses from the same village.
Foolish, in over their heads and down a brother...
A little higher and we would've even had matching scars.

pheme

(smiles) It almost feels like a joke of some kind.
(serious) I wouldn't say you're in over your head, though.
You're the one making all of this possible.
I'm the one struggling to keep up in all of this...

kyra

What did you expect? They don't let people your age in the army.
None of this should've happened to you... It's just not fair.

pheme

Do you still feel guilty?

kyra

......

pheme

I really don't think I should need to say this.
But, if it helps... I forgive you, Kyra.
Of course I do. You're my best friend.

kyra

......
(smiles) ...That does help a lot. Thanks...

pheme

Let's be there for each other for what comes next, okay?

kyra

Sounds good to me.

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

Demeter

demeter

(smiling) It has been so nice being a part of your group, Kyra.
You have so many cool people on your side.
I feel like I can hardly keep up with everyone!

kyra

...U-Uhh... That's great, Demeter, but...
D-Don't move. You have a giant spider on your head.
Venomous, I think... Be very still, and I'll--

demeter

Oh, yeah! Isn't she a cutie? She's my friend!
Look, look! Look how she skitters around my hand!

(Kyra shakes.)

kyra

N-No--! Don't touch that thing...!

demeter

Look! I think she likes you, too!
See how she's looking at you? Awww....

kyra

......
It really isn't attacking you at all. What kind of sorcery did you...?

demeter

I get your reservations.
These little guys don't usually trust humans.
But I'm here, so don't worry. I've asked her to be nice.

kyra

R-Right... Well, leaving that aside...

demeter

(frowns) Listen, I hate to bring up this sad topic, but...
I feel terrible about what happened to Elias.

kyra

Huh? I appreciate that, Demeter, but you never did meet him...
You don't need to say that just for my sake.

demeter

No, I mean it... I'm so bad at this.
There's so much that's wrong... I've made a lot of mistakes.
People like Dolus or Sandraudiga, and tragedies like Elias or the little Dolus...
Luckily, there's wonderful people like you, ready to correct them.
I'm just so sorry that you've had to suffer so much for it...

kyra

......
Are you ever going to tell me who in the world you are, Demeter?

demeter

(smiles) But you already know! You just said it!
I'm Demeter!

kyra

......

demeter

(grins cheerfully) ......

kyra

Well. You confuse the heck out of me, but still.
You really shouldn't put yourself down.
You're strong, kind, brave and really pleasant to be around.
It's like all my worries fade away when I'm with you...

demeter

You really feel that way?! Yay! That's so awesome!

kyra

(smiles) I've got to keep going now, but...
Yeah, I hope we can be friends after this is all over.

demeter

I'd love that too! You're one of my favorites, Kyra.

(Kyra leaves.)

demeter

In fact... One last little gift, to help you finish this.

[All of Kyra's stats increase by 1.]

Laertes

laertes

(smiling) Commander, I will not dance around the issue this time.
No lies, no pretenses. Even I can grasp the gravity of the situation.
Give me 10,000 gold, and I will fight my hardest for you to the end.

kyra

Scruples, Laertes. Ever heard of them?

laertes

I cannot say that I have.
But tell me and tell me in truth! Are my feelings really so wrong?
To find comfort in the weight of a bag full of riches in my hands?
To enjoy the melancholic symphony of coins clattering in my pocket?
To find inspiration in wealth? Enrichment in affluence?!

kyra

...Yes?

laertes

(still smiling) Okay. My apologies. I had to try one last time.
So! About that 10,000 gold. Will you pay up?
Not that I'll defect if you refuse, mind.
I may be an utterly shameless scoundrel,
but I am not dumb. So how about it?

kyra

...I guess I...

If you agree

kyra

Fine, you despicable leech. Here's your stinking gold.

(Laertes jumps for joy.)

laertes

(smiles) Ahhh, how it fills me with joy to know you are so reasonable!

kyra

I'm a damn fool, that's what I am.
I should take that bag of coins and shove it up your--

laertes

Okay! Okay, okay, let's not ruin all the goodwill we've got going.
Believe me, my dear commander. I shall be your most dedicated man.
Order I take on Sandraudiga in singular combat, and so I shall!
You know what I'm capable of. After all...
That's why you have chosen to invest in me, is it not?

kyra

You do have some talent, much as I hate to hand it to you.

laertes

Excellent, excellent.
I would rather we finished our working partnership amicably.
Let us leave it at that, hmm?

kyra

......

[All of Laertes' stats increase by 2.]

If you refuse

kyra

Don't push your luck, Laertes.

laertes

(frowns) Tch. Too bad, but I didn't have much faith in my chances.
No matter. I still would rather not rattle the hornet's nest.
Dispirited and unmotivated as I find myself, I will continue to do as much as I can for the cause.

kyra

Oh, is that right?

laertes

(smiles) Sincerely. I would rather we finished our working partnership amicably.
So let us leave it at that, hmm?

kyra

......

Vasiliki

vasiliki

(smiling) Wow, Commander! Things are getting so hectic now!
W-We just took down the ruling powers of Tartaros...
And now we're going to destroy what little remains!
We're turning everything upside down!

kyra

Thanks for all the help, Vasiliki.
I don't know how much that merchant paid you, but...
If you need any more money for your parents, just ask and I'll see what I can muster.

vasiliki

Aww, thank you kindly, but you don't need to do that.
I've gotten so much better at this merc thing.
When this is over, I'm gonna get all the contracts!
All of 'em! I'll drown in gold and my parents will be just peachy!

kyra

(smiles) Heh, that's the spirit, I guess.

vasiliki

It's all thanks to you, Commander. You gave me a chance.
Who knows where I'd be if you hadn't taken me along...
I know you didn't really have a reason to bring me along.
And I know I haven't done much to really help, but...
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much!

kyra

I haven't regretted my choice for a moment.
Keep up the good work, Vasiliki. You're gonna be fine.

(Vasiliki salutes.)

vasiliki

Yes, chief!
And now... One more time, for old times' sake!
Managed to get one more ready just earlier.
Cheers!

(Vasiliki gives Kyra a Vulnerary.)

Scymerius

scymerius

......

kyra

You intend on keeping that helmet on your head until the very end, eh?
We won't get any last minute changes of heart or cute moments from you.

scymerius

Sorry, Commander.
It's really for the best you know as little about me as possible.
I would hate to have to try to stab you in the back after this...

kyra

Especially because you'd lose.

scymerius

I won't deny that. I know my limits.

kyra

I'll say, to everyone's surprise, you have proven trustworthy.
Well, not exactly, but I guess... Not untrustworthy?

scymerius

I get what you mean, and I'm glad you feel that way.
Believe it or not, I'm happy about the way things turned out.
I may not exactly be a paragon of virtue, but it does feel nice to work a job without baggage.
This is one thing I'll be able to look back on with a smile.

kyra

Cool.
Well, I don't know what your deal is, and clearly I never will.
So I just hope, for your sake, that I never catch wind of anything...
nefarious, having to do with you.

scymerius

I'll be sure to give you no reason to place me in your sights.
It's one fight that might actually get my hand to tremble.

kyra

Out of fear?

scymerius

...And just a twinge of regret, maybe.
But don't worry. I'm smarter than that.
I should never find myself facing you in combat.

kyra

Not the most reassuring phrasing you could have chosen, but...
I guess it'll have to do.

scymerius

That it will, Commander. That it will.

Fructuoso

fructuoso

M-Man, I can't believe I'm still kicking after all this...
What a mess you've gotten us into, Commander.

kyra

Sorry. If it helps you feel better, I didn't expect all this either.
For me, it all started saving some woman in danger, one night...
Barely a few months ago, that was, but it feels like another life.

fructuoso

Sorry for complaining.
(smiles) To tell you the truth, I don't regret coming along at all.
It's helping me to come to terms with myself.
Whenever my regrets start to sting now, I can tell myself, “but now you're a hero, Fructuoso!”

kyra

If there's one thing I've learned in this adventure, it's that you can find good in the most unlikely places.
You should be proud of yourself, Fructuoso.

fructuoso

Even I, huh...
Heh. You're very kind, Commander.
Hope everything goes well for you,
whatever you do next.

kyra

Same to you.
What are your future plans, anyway?

fructuoso

Me? Probably continue working as a sellsword.
Or sellaxe, I guess. Seems I'm decent at it.
Though I probably ought to buy some real armor...
I can actually afford that now. Can you believe it?

kyra

(smirks) Pfft... Yeah, that'd probably be for the best, honestly.

fructuoso

Hahaha, yeah...
Seek me out if you ever need help with anything.
I'll lend you a hand, free of charge.

kyra

That's quite generous of you. I'll take care not to forget it.

Edward & Barlowe

barlowe

Kyra... I have not had the chance to say this, and I may not get it again, so let me just do it now.
My sincerest condolences for what befell your brother...

kyra

Margrave...

barlowe

I had the honor of meeting young Elias only once.
The same day you arrived at my doorstep, saviors of our lives.
After we spoke, I walked by my bedroom and I heard noises.
There I found him, snuggling in my sheets with a smile on his face.

edward

(smiles) Yeah, I remember he told me about it later...
Think he confused you for a servant. Hah!

barlowe

(smiles) That he did, and I did nothing to clear up the misunderstanding.
(frowns) ...On his gaunt face, I gleaned devastating poverty and hardship.
I saw many devils that I would see eradicated, if I could.
But I also saw great strength, not unlike yours, Kyra.

edward

Elias was the strongest little lad I've ever met.
That hyena had her paws around his neck, and still all he was worried about was my safety...
(closes eyes) ...I'm gonna miss him so much...

kyra

Yeah...

barlowe

Forgive me. I did not wish to bring you sadness.

kyra

The sadness is there to stay. We'll just have to live with it.

edward

Mmhmm... But that ain't your fault, Barlowe.

kyra

You're a great ally to have, and a greater friend even.
I'm still counting my lucky stars we've got you on our side.

barlowe

(smiles) Please, I have hardly done anything...
It is all you, Kyra, and the friends and allies you've picked up along the way.
I am only a small part of the behemoth that together we compose.

kyra

Still, a part I'm beyond grateful to have.

barlowe

...Thank you, Kyra. You don't know how much it means to hear that.

kyra

I better get going.
Get some rest while you still can, you two.

(Kyra leaves.)

barlowe

...You're truly fortunate, Edward. I'll admit, it makes me a tad jealous.

If Fiadh is alive

edward

If you mean what I think you do... You shouldn't be.
After all... You've got someone a bit like that yourself, right?

barlowe

......
(smiles) Yes... I suppose we are both lucky in that way.

If Fiadh is dead

edward

Aye... I guess I am, despite everything.

barlowe

......

Battle Start

pericles

This is it, Kyra.
There the Tower of Creation pierces the clouds above.

barlowe

It is the tallest tower in the world.
Naturally, that will make this quite the difficult assault.
An unprecedented one, as well. This is a location of no strategic import.
There are no records of any battles having ever taken place here.
But then, our present circumstances are... highly unorthodox.

kyra

Apate, how much time do we have left before Sandraudiga completes her plan?

apate

Sandraudiga is an intelligent individual, but a novice in the healing arts.
Cheating death took Dolus and I years of researching and experimenting.
Even with all the information in hand, it will take her longer than she'd prefer.
We should not dawdle, but all things considered, we stand a good chance.

edward

So, in sum, all we've gotta do is plow through her fanatics,
get to the top and make her pay for all she's done.
Sounds simple enough.

barlowe

Simple, yet far from easy...
Look. Already, the entire area surrounding the tower is crowded by her forces.

pericles

We cannot afford even the smallest chance that she slips out.
We must clear out the entrance if we are to establish a proper siege.

kyra

Agreed... All right. Everyone!
No going back now. If anyone regrets coming this far...
This is your last chance to speak up.

pericles

Need you even ask?

barlowe

Yes, I must concur with Sir Pericles.
Look at the troops, Kyra. Do you see any of them tremble?
Uncertain as the future may be, we are all ready to face it.

edward

(frins) Who could pass up on the chance to save the world?
No one's gonna budge now, and nothing more needs be said.
(serious) Let's finish this, Kyra. For Elias...

kyra

...For Elias, for everyone else we have lost along the way...
And for all that remain, counting on us to stop this madness!

Charge!!

Enemy Turn 1

soldier 1

Lieutenant Lorenzo! The rebels approach!

lorenzo

Yes, it was about time they reared their heads...

soldier 2

This is it. The moment we've been waiting for.
All we have to do is stave the traitors off for a little while!
This will be our true test! Now is when we prove we are the new world's greatest!

soldier 1

Yeah... I still can't believe it!
Me, one of Champion Sandraudiga's chosen elite!
We shall be the harbingers of the great change she envisions!
Freedom from the lies of the Mother and her pawn, the hierophant!

lorenzo

Indeed. This is what we were destined for, soldiers.
There is only one true goddess. Our champion, Sandraudiga...

(The first soldier salutes.)

soldier 1

All hail Sandraudiga!

(The second soldier salutes.)

soldier 2

All hail her new world!

lorenzo

Remain on watch here, men. I shall personally lead the vanguard!

soldier 1

Best of luck to you, Lieutenant.

soldier 2

The unfaithful will not stand a chance against your might!

soldier 1

All hail Sandraudiga! All hail her new world!

(The soldiers leave.)

lorenzo

......
My final duty... I must reach Commander Kyra.
I will only have one chance. May the abyss not take me too soon...

(Lorenzo makes a beeline for Kyra with the following weapon.)

Brave Lance
Can strike consecutively...?

Conversations

Lorenzo

Combat

lorenzo

Out of my way! I must face Commander Kyra!

Combat w/ Kyra

lorenzo

Commander Kyra... We meet again.

kyra

I figured I'd see you around here somewhere.
But I'm surprised you're the first line of defense.
Did Sandraudiga get tired of her little sycophant?

lorenzo

I requested it personally.
I had a pressing need to see you, Commander.
I have a message that I must convey to you.

kyra

A message? From whom, Sandraudiga?
Unless it's a formal surrender, I don't--

lorenzo

Never give up. No matter what, be happy...
Those were... your brother's final words to you.

(Kyra starts.)

kyra

What?!

lorenzo

And with that, my final oath is fulfilled.
Nothing remains but for us to duel to the death.
Come, Commander Kyra! Defend yourself!

kyra

Why would my brother entrust his final words to you?!
...Wait! We're not done yet! I want to keep talking!

(Lorenzo attacks, but inflicts no damage.)

Death

lorenzo

Please... my breast pocket... Be sure to check it...
Within, you will find... all the answers that you need...
(closes eyes) Commander... Kyra...

Kyra & Lorenzo

Lorenzo and Kyra must have skirmished before this conversation becomes available.

kyra

Stop moving around! Stop, dammit!

lorenzo

If you do not defend yourself, I will kill you where you stand.
Your adventure will come to a pitiful end.
You will fail your friends and your brother!
Is that truly what you want, Commander Kyra?!

kyra

You, kill me? No you won't. Not like this!
You're obviously holding back!
You... Goodness, it's like you WANT me to kill you!

lorenzo

You don't know the first thing about what I want, nor does it matter. I am an enemy, and you must do battle with me.
You know there is no other choice!

kyra

No, no. That's wrong. It matters a lot.
My brother gave you his final message to me.
You, Sandraudiga's right hand man.
The man who stood by her as she razed our hometown!
I know my brother was kind, but this... It's too much!
How did that happen? I need to know why!

lorenzo

......
I was simply... the only one close by when he realized his time was up.
The truth is, I do not care about your brother at all.

kyra

...!

lorenzo

I have fulfilled his request... because my honor demands it. Nothing more.
And now, I will give everything I have for my sworn liege, Sandraudiga!
If you care at all about your life, and the lives of those around you...
You will fight me, because only death will make me back down!

(Lorenzo salutes.)

For Champion Sandraudiga! For her new world!

kyra

No... None of that is... You lie through your teeth!
Come back here! I have more to say!

lorenzo

You think I will show mercy if you do the same? Fight me, or I--

kyra

The helmet and the rain are doing a poor job of hiding the tears.

(Lorenzo starts.)

lorenzo

Wha-- Tears...?

kyra

Yes. That's not rain. Your face is covered in tears.

lorenzo

......

kyra

You... You cared for him, didn't you?
What happened to him has hurt you greatly as well...

lorenzo

No. N-No, that's not true!
I didn't care whatsoever. It's completely...

(Lorenzo shakes.)

lorenzo

What right would I even have to care, Commander?!
I am the one who took him from your side!
It doesn't matter how I feel. I can cry all I want.
You should hate me. He should've hated me!
Why are you not unleashing that hatred upon me?!

kyra

You do want me to kill you, don't you?
That's what you're looking for here.
A gruesome death that you think you deserve...

lorenzo

......
Your brother showed me kindness. A kindness I never deserved.
He... He was selfless and brave... He should never... He...

kyra

He was kind, but kindness has its limits.
I have a hard time believing he would do that for no reason.
Sir... What did you do for my brother?

lorenzo

...He... I...
I knew he wanted to visit the Mother's Font.
So... Before he passed away, I brought him here.
That's all I did! A tiny, pointless gesture, and yet...

kyra

It was one of his lifelong dreams.
You fulfilled it where I could not.
(smiles) Thank you...

lorenzo

......
You, as well. You refuse me the hatred I have more than earned.

kyra

Forgiveness hurts less than hatred does.
I'll admit, there are people who have been harder to forgive than others.
And not everyone can be forgiven. Or at least, I can't bring myself to do it.
But for the man that tried to make my brother's final days happier?
I don't just have forgiveness... I have gratitude.

lorenzo

...I-I...

kyra

I'm not going to kill you. Please, just leave this place.
I hope you'll be all right. That's what I think you deserve.

lorenzo

...!
That's... the same thing Elias said to me...
He said he hoped I'd be all right... B-Because I deserve it...

kyra

......

lorenzo

...Very well.

(Lorenzo removes his helmet.)

lorenzo

I, Lorenzo, hereby swear a new oath.
Commander Kyra... If you would have them,
my spear and my life are yours to command!

kyra

What? That's not what I asked of you!
You don't need to do that. Just get out of here, and--

lorenzo

I sought release in death, and you have denied it to me.
If I am to live, I would dedicate my time to correcting my mistakes.
Starting with the horrors that are taking place here today...

kyra

......

lorenzo

Your brother changed my life, Kyra.
Perhaps you could, as well.

kyra

...All right, Sir Lorenzo.

(Lorenzo switches allegience to Kyra's army.)

Pedro

Combat

pedro

For our new world! For our champion!

Combat w/ Lorenzo

pedro

What?!
Traitor! Lieutenant Lorenzo is a traitor!
Stand firm, comrades! Punish the turncoat!

lorenzo

Pedro... There is still time.
You do not have to continue this fight.
Please... You must know we are not in the right.

pedro

You imbecile! Right, wrong... What does it matter?
Soon, the one who will decide what is right or wrong...
Shall be our champion! The one you've betrayed!
We will be on the right side, and you will be dead!

lorenzo

......
I cannot save you from yourselves.
If you will not see the truth... There is nothing to be done.
This I know well, I fear.

Combat w/ Telemus

pedro

General Telemus...
I remember I was once so proud to answer to you.
What a fool I was. Look how low you've fallen...

telemus

I am saddened to see you here as well, Pedro.
Are you too blind to see her evil for what it is, or did she simply promise too much to refuse?

pedro

Hmph... Unlike you, I am possessed of true loyalty!
And that loyalty shall grant me the power to kill you!

telemus

...It matters not, I suppose. I cannot let you continue.
Prepare yourself!

Death

pedro

No... How could I... fail to... stop them...?

Alba

Combat

alba

(smiling) You must all die. Thus has decreed our champion.

Combat w/ Lorenzo

alba

My, my... What is this?
You return, bearing arms, yet the rebels live still.
Could it be... you have turned on us?

lorenzo

Please, Alba. It does not have to end like this.
You have a chance to do what is right...

alba

(smiles) Heh. Foolish dotard.
Not one of us believes what we are doing is wrong.
We have power. We have a true leader.
Why should we not rule over the world?
It seems perfectly sound to me!

lorenzo

...Forgive me. Though it pains me...
There is one thing I know to be fact.
You have to save yourselves. I cannot do it for you.
And if you will not... Only one recourse remains for me.

Death

alba

They are... strong... So strong...!

Antiope

Combat

antiope

...Die.

Death

antiope

I-I... never got to fulfill... my dreams...

Ending

edward

Well, that's that. The tower's secured.
Might as well be their prison now.
One less worry, eh?

If Lorenzo was recruited

lorenzo

Please, hold a moment, Commander Kyra.
Before we continue... I would like you to have this.

kyra

A letter?

edward

What's it say?

kyra

It's a map...
Directions to a corner of a small forest near Amnisos, it seems.

lorenzo

That is where I... laid your brother to rest.

edward

That's right! Soter mentioned another knight had buried him...!

lorenzo

It is hardly an appropriate gravesite, but, well...
I lacked time. It was all I could do. Forgive me...

kyra

I feared far worse things, Sir Lorenzo.
I'm happy someone was there to give him a proper burial.

edward

When this is all over, we can go and pay our respects.
(smiles) Thanks for this, Sir Lorenzo. Means more than you know.

lorenzo

...'Tis the least I could do.

kyra

All right, let's get moving.
The tower isn't going to climb itself.

edward

Still got a chance to turn around, knight.

lorenzo

No. My life is no longer mine. I swore it to Commander Kyra.
No matter what may happen next, I will not turn tail and run.
That I swear!

edward

(smiles) Pfeh... Knights.

kyra

C'mon, let's not waste time.

If Lorenzo was killed

kyra

About the enemy commander, Edward...

edward

I inspected his body. Found this in his pocket...

apate

A letter...

kyra

......

edward

Well? What's it say?

kyra

It's... a map.
Directions to a corner of a small forest near Amnisos, it seems.
...It's where my brother is buried...

edward

...!
Then that means... He must've been the knight Soter mentioned!

apate

The man who buried your brother...

kyra

......
(closes eyes) Dammit...

edward

Kyra, you saw the way he threw himself at danger.
The guy was done living. You couldn't have stopped him.

kyra

I know that, but...
I can't help but wonder if I could have done things differently...

apate

Getting lost in what could have been can be dangerous, Kyra.

edward

Aye. Got to agree with her there, lassie.
It's a shame, but... He made his choice.

kyra

...C'mon, let's get moving.
The tower isn't going to climb itself.

Character Descriptions

Thyone
Consort of the hierophant. Her age and gentility belie her stout and brave heart.

Consort
Wife to the hierophant. A figure without real political power.

Legendary Weapon: Sloth
Hallowed weapon that expunges sin.

Lorenzo (Enemy)
Right hand man of Grand Inquisitor Sandraudiga. Seemingly devoted.

Legendary Weapon: Pride
Hallowed weapon that expunges sin.

Lorenzo (Playable)
A man whose conviction and ideals were shattered by the kindness of two young siblings.

Elite
All hail Sandraudiga!
All hail her new world!

(Pedro, Alba, and Antiope also use this description if they are present.)