Final Fantasy XII Text Translation spookychee@hotmail.com This is my attempt to translate the game's story into English. This is NOT a walkthrough. I'm sure that other people will take care of that much better than I can. If you notice any mistakes or you know of some official terms that will be in the NA version, please let me know. Also, if you think I mistranslated something, let me know. This translation is completely my own with the minimal exception (one or two sentences) of translations from the demo included with DQ8. Do not reproduce this translation without my permission. I hope that this helps someone to enjoy the game a little more than they would've without it. Good luck! March 16, 2006 - Up to FF12.03 March 18, 2006 - Up to FF12.06 March 19, 2006 - Up to FF12.09 March 20, 2006 - Up to FF12.10 March 21, 2006 - Up to FF12.11 March 22, 2006 - Up to FF12.12 March 25, 2006 - Up to FF12.15 March 27, 2006 - Up to FF12.17 March 30, 2006 - Up to FF12.19 April 02, 2006 - Until the end. April 07, 2006 - Fixed misspellings and cleaned up the translation in some parts. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FINAL FANTASY XII +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ _________________________________________________________________________ ------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS ----------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ | | | Intro..................................................... FF12.00 | | Basch and Reks Storm the Fortress ........................ FF12.01 | | Royal City of Rabanastre/ Vaan's Intro ................... FF12.02 | | The East Gate and Arrival Ceremony........................ FF12.03 | | Downtown.................................................. FF12.04 | | The Royal Palace.......................................... FF12.05 | | Nalbina Dungeons.......................................... FF12.06 | | Underground Passage....................................... FF12.07 | | The Sky City of Bhujerba.................................. FF12.08 | | The Dreadnought Leviathan................................. FF12.09 | | The Oglr-Yensa Sand Sea................................... FF12.10 | | The Ozmone Plain.......................................... FF12.11 | | The Golmore Jungle........................................ FF12.12 | | The Paramina Rift......................................... FF12.13 | | The Stillshrine of Miriam................................. FF12.14 | | Mosphoran Highwaste/ Salikawood/ Phon Coast............... FF12.15 | | Old Archades.............................................. FF12.16 | | The Imperial City of Archades............................. FF12.17 | | The Draklor Laboratory.................................... FF12.18 | | The Ancient City of Giruvegan............................. FF12.19 | | The Ridorana Cataract..................................... FF12.20 | | The Sky Fortress Bahamut.................................. FF12.21 | |_______________________________________________________________________| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- **Configure Menu** Start Game SYSTEM Controller Vibration ON OFF Screen Vibration ON OFF Display Subtitles ON OFF Flicker Filter ON OFF Sound Prologic II Stereo Mono Adjust Screen Position ETC Return to Default Settings _____________________________________________________________________________ -------------- INTRO ------------------------------------------- FF12.00 _____________________________________________________________________________ YEAR 706 OLD VALENDIAN KINGDOM OF DALMASCA - THE ROYAL CITY OF RABANASTRE ASHE AND LORD RASLER'S WEDDING PROCESSION WINDS THROUGH THE STREETS. IN THE CHURCH THE PRIEST SPEAKS. Priest: With the name of the almighty, I pronounce you man and wife. May the blessings of the merciful almighty be with you for eternity. Faram. BASCH RUNS QUICKLY THROUGH THE PALACE CORRIDOR TO THE WAR ROOM. INSIDE AN ADVISOR SPEAKS. Advisor: If Archadia opens a simultaneous air and land attack... BASCH ENTERS THE WAR ROOM. Basch: Nabudis has fallen! King Raminas: What? Lord Rasler: What about my father? Basch: I don't know, Lord Rasler. Advisor: If Nabudis has fallen, there is nothing to prevent an Archadian invasion. It's only a matter of time before they breach our borders. King Raminas: But what about Nalbina? Basch: I'll go! Lord Rasler: Allow me to go with you! TROOPS MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS. KING RAMINAS PRESENTS RASLER WITH A SWORD. King Raminas: The glory of Galtea go with you. Lord Rasler: You do me much honor. THE DALMASCA - NABRADIA BORDER NALBINA FORTRESS AS A GREAT BATTLE RAGES IN THE AIR, SOLDIERS ATTACK EACH OTHER ON THE GROUND. BASCH AND RASLER FIGHT FROM THEIR CHOCOBOS. Basch: The fortress has fallen. Retreat! Lord Rasler: Not yet. The magic barrier is still up! SOLDIERS KILL THE MAGES KEEPING THE BARRIER UP. THE BARRIER FALLS. Lord Rasler: The barrier! Basch: This is it. Lord Rasler: The enemies of my father will... Basch: Lord Rasler...! AN ARROW PIERCES LORD RASLER'S CHEST AND HE SLUMPS OVER. Basch jumps onto Rasler's Chocobo. A crashing airship allows him to evade some foes that have gathered. THE PRIEST SPEAKS AT THE RASLER'S FUNERAL. Priest: Your body, blessed by the almighty, returns to the earth. Your soul finds its time of peace with the Mother Goddess. Faram. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The death of Lord Rasler was just one of the tragedies that befell Dalmasca. Princess Ashe lost all the hope that had come with her marriage. It was a time of turbulence. With the Archadian Empire to the east competing with the western Empire of Rozarria over the supremacy of Ivalice, it was also a time of war. As its first step towards its domination of the west, Archadia invaded the Kingdom of Nabradia. Lord Rasler's motherland fell to the fires of war. Dalmasca later met the same fate. With its defeat at Nalbina Fortress, Dalmasca lost the bulk of its military power. The brave Dalmascan soldiers attempted to fight back, but the overwhelming superiority of the Archadian army wiped them all out. Archadia presented a truce offering to Dalmasca. In reality it was nothing more than a declaration of surrender. My old friend, King Raminas, agreed to the terms of the offering and headed to Nalbina Fortress to formalize the agreement. After King Raminas departed, the few soldiers left in Rabanastre were alerted to some surprising information. The king was to be assassinated at the peace treaty signing ceremony. - From Harem Ondore IV's memoirs - Sunset of the King, Chapter 12 _____________________________________________________________________________ ---- BASCH AND REKS STORM THE FORTRESS ----------------------------- FF12.01 _____________________________________________________________________________ Basch: (to Reks) Are you all right? Vossler: He's going to slow us down. Basch: Watch your words. We aren't fighting because we like it. We fight for our country. (To Reks) Can you stand? Reks: Reks...I'm Reks, General. Basch: OK. Reks. You look fine from the outside but you might have a slight concussion. Come, let's stand up. How do you feel? Reks: I'm fine. Basch : How old are you? Reks: 17. Basch: What about your parents? Reks: My mother and father are dead. All I have is a younger brother in Rabanastre. Basch: I'm sorry. It's a tragedy that someone as young as you has to pick up a sword. Reks: It's fine. It's for Dalmasca. For my mother and father. For my countrymen... Vossler: Hurry up, Basch. We don't have time to chat! We have to get to His Majesty before they gather on us. Basch: I know. GUARDS RUSH IN. Basch: Vossler, go! We'll hold them here. BASCH DEFEATS ALL THE GUARDS. Basch: Don't panic, Reks. Take your time and you can do it. Let's go! YOU NOW HAVE CONTROL OVER REKS. Basch: Don't let your guard down. Use the RIGHT STICK to look around for more enemies. Try it now. Basch: The LEFT STICK is for movement. Push it just a little to walk or push it farther to run. Can you do it? Come to where I am. Basch: Can you see the signal above my head? This is the TALK ICON. It shows who you can talk to. Press the CIRCLE BUTTON to talk to somebody. Now, talk to the guy standing over by the door. Dalmascan Soldier: Don't throw your life away recklessly. Just do what you can do. Your brother will be proud of you when we save the country. Make sure you heed the general's orders. Ok? Basch: Reks, through this door we storm the castle. RUN TO THE DOOR. Basch: That mark above your head is the FIELD SIGN. It tells you when there is something near like a door, switch or treasure. If you want to know more about what it is, move one step closer. The FIELD SIGN's shape will change. Then, hit the CIRCLE BUTTON. Go ahead and open the door. OPEN THE DOOR. Basch: Let's go in. We'll dispatch the occupying forces and take back Dalmasca with our own hands. Reks, you worry about the enemies in front of you and I'll watch the rear. Basch: Reks, use the TRIANGLE BUTTON to open the PARTY MENU. Here you can check things like your status or what items you have on hand. A SOLDIER APPEARS. APPROACH THE SOLDIER. Basch: That's the enemy's target line. Be careful, he's targeting you. A RED LINE means an enemy is targeting a party member. A BLUE LINE means that a party member is targeting an enemy. If you see a RED LINE appear, quickly determine who is targeting you. If you can't see the enemy, use the RIGHT STICK to search for it. Press the CIRCLE BUTTON to bring up your BATTLE COMMANDS. Choose ATTACK and approach the enemy with the RIGHT STICK. You`ll keep attacking until the enemy is defeated. You can change who you are fighting or your own movements at anytime. If your HP is low, press CIRCLE to bring up the BATTLE COMMAND menu, choose ITEM and use a POTION. After you use an item your character will automatically resume attacking the enemy. So, there is no need to choose ATTACK from the BATTLE COMMAND menu again. Got it? You can do it, Reks! FIGHT AND DEFEAT THE SOLDIER. RUN STRAIGHT AHEAD. A SMALL AIRSHIP APPEARS. DESTROY IT. Ant 1: You've go to be kidding. Antlion this is Ant 1. Our engine is damaged. Antlion: This is Antlion. Good work Ant 1. Permission to disengage. Ant 1: Thank you, Antlion. Disengaging. MORE SOLDIERS APPEAR. DEFEAT THEM AND CONTINUE ON AHEAD. Basch: Reks, the area ahead is complicated and can be hard to get a grasp of just using the map in the upper right. You should check your LOCATION MAP. Hit the SELECT BUTTON and the map of the area should appear. You should have received a map before these operations began. So, consult it if you get lost. ENTER THE NEXT AREA. Basch: Vossler, where are you? Reks: Maybe he's been killed as well. Basch: Watch your mouth! Vossler has made it out of many life or death situations worse than this. There's no way he's going to die in a place like this! Let's waste no time in saving His Majesty and getting out of here. Reks: I wonder if the King is safe? Basch: He's going to accept the unconditional surrender. So, they won't make a move until the peace ceremony is over. Reks: Yeah, but as soon as that's over... Basch: Reks, let's go! DEFEAT THE SOLDIERS. Basch: There are many soldiers up ahead. But, there is no need to defeat them all. Sometimes it is important to run. Hold down the R2 BUTTON to escape from battle. There is no shame in running from a meaning- less fight. CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT AREA. Basch: This is a SAVE CRYSTAL. Approach the crystal and press the CIRCLE BUTTON to record your progress. If you touch a SAVE CRYSTAL you will fully replenish your HP and MP. You can gain MP back by walking but it takes time. If you spot a SAVE CRYSTAL make sure you use it. There's a lot more I want to teach you but try to use what you've learned in battle. There's no more time to explain. We must arrive before the King signs the peace treaty. CONTINUE ON TO THE NEXT AREA. MANY SOLDIERS APPEAR. Reks: General, I'll take care of them. You go on ahead. Hurry! Basch: Thanks. FIGHT THE SOLDIERS AND KEEP ON GOING UNTIL YOU FIND THE OPEN DOOR. REKS ENTERS TO FIND THE BODIES OF MANY MEN AS WELL AS THE BODY OF THE KING. Reks: (to Basch) Why...why would you do this? Basch: His Majesty tried to sell Dalmasca to them. He was a traitor. Reks: A traitor...? SOLDIERS RUSH IN. Soldier: Seize him! VAYNE SOLIDOR ENTERS. Vayne: So much for peaceful negotiations. Basch: We'll never accept unconditional surrender! The King was a traitor to hand over his country to you wretches. Vayne: The war is over...General. Dalmasca lost to our Empire. We tried to show respect towards Dalmasca. We tried to preserve the sovereignty of Dalmasca. But you, General, have ruined everything. Basch: We won't give in to the Empire! Vayne: The people of Dalmasca will surely resent you. Take him away! REKS'S LIFE WANES. Reks: .....................................Vaan........... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- With the hope of peace exterminated, the Empire resumed its invasion, and breached the Royal City of Rabanastre. Dalmasca's fate was sealed. Resistance would have been meaningless. Based on information I had acquired I appealed to the Dalmascan people. "The traitor General Basch Von Rosenburgh, who advocated resistance and murdered the King, has been put to death. Anyone who still wishes to fight will meet the same fate and bring further ruin to Dalmasca. Those who truly love this country will put down their swords. For we have lost not only the peaceful soul of King Raminas but also that of his daughter, Princess Ashe." And so, with the loss of the royal family, we found ourselves where we would have been otherwise. In unconditional surrender. - From Harem Ondore IV's memoirs -An Ally's Duty, Chapter 13 ____________________________________________________________________________ ---------THE ROYAL CITY OF DALMASCA/ VAAN'S INTRO------------------- FF12.02 ____________________________________________________________________________ TWO YEARS AFTER THE FALL OF DALMASCA Kaits: Vaan, if you don't hurry up you'll be caught. Vaan: I know. I'm almost done. Ok, Kaits? Keep standing watch. 1,2...3 more were-rats. I'm gonna get all of them. DEFEAT THE WERE-RATS. Kaits: Wow! You got them all by yourself. You could probably take out a big one no problem. Vaan: I could probably take on the monsters in desert if I wanted. How about we call it a day. You should go back to Miguel's shop. He's probably got some kind of job for you to do. Kaits: Ah, I forgot! Vaan, you should come, too. Miguel's really busy. I bet there's lots of jobs to do. Vaan: I've got a different "job" in mind. Hey, lock up this place for me, will you. If Miguel found out I let myself in here he'd chew me out for sure. TWO SOLDIERS ARE ARGUING WITH A STREET VENDOR. Soldier #1: What did you say? Vendor: Um, payment for that... Soldier #1: Payment, you say? Vendor: Oh, sorry. Please go ahead and take it. Soldier #2: (to Soldier #1) Stop it. Don't cause a stir today. Soldier #1: (to Vendor) It's your lucky day, I guess. VAAN BUMPS INTO THE SOLDIERS AS THEY PASS. Vaan: Sorry. Soldier #1: Watch where you're going, brat! Soldier #2: Damn it! It's gone. He stole it! THE SOLDIERS RUN AFTER VAAN BUT THE PATH IS BLOCKED. VAAN RUNS DOWN THE STREET AND PENELO TAKES THE BAG FROM HIM. Vaan: What are you doing? Penelo: What do you mean what am I doing? You stole again, didn't you? What are you going to do if you get caught? Everyone is relying on you. If you get caught, who's going to watch over everyone? Vaan: Give it a rest. I'm not the leader. We orphans have to learn to live without depending on anyone. Penelo, don't you agree? Hey! What are you doing? That's mine. Penelo: "This money was once the people of Dalmasca's. It was the Empire who stole it. It's our mission to return it to the people." That's what you always say, right? Vaan: Penelo, there's a contradiction between what you're doing and what you're saying. Penelo: This money is for the bread I gave you last week. I'm may be working for Miguel but I can't pay for your bread, too, you know. Vaan: How long do I have to live like this? AN AIRSHIP PASSES OVERHEAD Vaan: Someday I'm going to get my own airship. I'll be a sky pirate and have free reign over the skies. Penelo: I'd be nice if you could make your dream come true before you go to jail. When you're finished come by Miguel's shop. It looks like there's a problem of some kind. He said he needs your help. A MAP SCREEN APPEARS. THE X MARKS YOUR NEXT DESTINATION. ** WORLD MAP IS ADDED TO THE PARTY MENU ** YOU NOW HAVE CONTROL OVER VAAN. WALK FORWARD AND TALK TO THE MAN ON THE RIGHT. An Acquaintance: Hey, Vaan. Heard you pulled something on a soldier. You shouldn't do such dangerous things. You'll make Penelo and Miguel worry. KEEP GOING STRAIGHT AND TALK TO THE BOY TALKING WITH THE SEEQ. Unknown Boy: There's a lot of soldiers in town today. I hate how they think they're so great. TALK TO THE NEXT BOY. Working Boy: Hi, there. Do you want to hear a historical tale about Dalmasca? Of course, it's not free. I have to make a living, too, you know. I'll charge you 1 Gil. (Listen) (Walk Away) CHOOSE LISTEN Working Boy: 2 years ago, Dalmasca lost the war to Archadia. Since then, we've been made to live underground and there are soldiers keeping watch all over town. Now the Empire is sending someone to govern the capital. Like a "Consul" I guess. Anyway, he's coming here today so that's why security is so tight... ...I said "historical tale" but that's all there is. I'm going to keep trying to get new stories so come back again. GO STRAIGHT INTO THE LARGER OPEN AREA AND TALK TO THE WOMAN Citizen: The city is really oppressive today. There are soldiers everywhere. THE BLUE SEEQ SAYS... Blue Seeq: Miguel is a really great Bangaa to be able to run an item shop like that. I hope I can succeed like him someday. TALK TO THE ORANGE BANGAA NEXT TO HIM Orange Bangaa: I went by Miguel's item shop a little while ago. He looked really stressed out. He was running back and forth between outside and inside the shop. THE MAN TO THE LEFT SAYS... Man: The place where the tables are lined up is the Sand Sea Bar. Miguel's item shop is in the opposite direction. TALK TO THE MAN IN THE GREEN PANTS Man: That door over there is sealed off. It doesn't look like we'll be able to go downtown for a while. Especially not on a special day like today. TALK TO THE SOLDIER AT THE DOOR. Soldier: The Consul is arriving today so passage downtown is prohibited. I can't let you pass even if you're a resident. TALK TO THE OTHER SOLDIER. Soldier: You are interrupting my investigation. Move along! TALK TO THE GREEN BANGAA TO THE RIGHT OF THE DOOR Reminiscing Bangaa: It's been 2 years since Princess Ashe killed herself. This town really feels like it's part of the Empire. Um...not that there's anything wrong with that. HEAD WEST AND TALK TO THE LITTLE BOY Young Friend: Hey, Vaan. There's a lot of people around today. Maybe I'll try some of those things you taught me. GO STRAIGHT AND TALK TO THE SEEQ ON THE RIGHT. Seeq: This is the Sand Sea. It's a bar. Every time I pass by here I want to have a drink...but, I can't. I can't. Got to save money for food. GO A LITTLE FURTHER AND TALK TO PENELO. Penelo: Miguel is in a hurry. Make sure you go by the shop. NOW HEAD EAST TOWARDS MIGUEL'S SHOP. TALK TO THE MAN ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE LOCKED DOOR. Man: Miguel is entertaining the new Consul? His shop must be doing really well. GO STRAIGHT AND TALK TO THE WOMAN Woman: The city is really restless what with the new Consul coming today. I wonder what he looks like. KEEP GOING STRAIGHT AND TALK TO THE BOY. Boy: Everybody is really busy today. Kaits and Penelo are both off on errands. Me? My job is just starting. I'm going to rake it in. I'll even be able to buy my own airship. I'll let you ride on it, too. GO STRAIGHT AND MIGUEL APPEARS. Miguel: Vaan, I was waiting for you. Vaan: I heard there was a problem. Miguel: It seems that there was some trouble on the road in the desert. The delivery should have come yesterday but it hasn't arrived yet. So, I don't have a lot of the ingredients I need for the dinner tonight. Vaan: Got it. I'll go look for the delivery man. Miguel: You go to be kidding me. The desert is full of monsters. I'm not going to have you do something dangerous like that. Tomaji at the Sand Sea Bar said he'd help me out somehow with the ingredients I need. Vaan: So you want me to go there and pick them up? Miguel: I asked Kaits to do that. But, he hasn't come back yet. I can't leave the shop and Penelo is off on another errand so I need you to head to the bar and tell Kaits to get back here. Vaan: Boring job... Miguel: Don't complain and get to it. HEAD TO THE BAR AND ENTER TO START THE NEXT SCENE Vaan: Hey, Kaits, what are you doing? Why are you neglecting your duties? Kaits: Look, look, Vaan. It's because of this creature that the delivery hasn't come. Vaan: Let's see...hangs around in the East Desert? What is it? Tomaji: Vaan, has Miguel got you on an errand, too? He must be really busy. There's probably a mountain of things to do if you're going to prepare a welcome banquet for the new Consul. Vaan: I wouldn't welcome him at all if it was up to me. So, Tomaji, what is this creature? Tomaji: Him? He's a problem. Because of him hanging around shipments are late. We're having shortages on everything. That's why I'm asking someone to go and get rid of it. There's a little reward in it for whoever does. Vaan: That sounds way more interesting than Miguel's jobs. Right, Kaits? Kaits: Sure does. Let's go get him. Vaan: You have to deliver this stuff to Miguel so hurry up and get back. Kaits: Ah! I forgot! Tomaji: Vaan, the papers posted on the board here are requests for certain monsters to be exterminated. You know how there's sometimes a bounty on people's head? Well, this is the same except with monsters. The monster to be exterminated is called a "MOB". I'm the one that posted this "Killer Tomato" request. Do you want to listen in more detail? (Listen) (It's not important) CHOOSE LISTEN Tomaji: First, let's discuss how to accept an offer. If you look at an offer and then rush off and kill the monster you won't get a reward so be careful. Before you set off to fight a monster you have to talk to the person who requested this and say, "I will defeat the monster." This makes a contract. For example, I made this request, so we enter into a contract. Ok? We now have a contract. Use the requester's talk to help find the creature. After you defeat it return to the requester and get the reward. Simple. Here is an item you can use to record Mob information. Later, if you want to confirm the information, use the Party Menu. ** YOU RECEIVED THE CLAN REPORT ** ** CLAN REPORT ADDED TO PARTY MENU ** Tomaji: Here, I'll give you this as well. It's thanks in advance for taking care of this monster for me. ** YOU RECEIVED THE ORUAKEA BRACELET ** Tomaji: However, you can't equip that yet. Do you know why? You don't have the license for it yet. Licenses are a kind of proof of your battle proficiency. From weapons like swords and bows to white and black magic, you need a license for just about everything. Even this bracelet. Do you want to know how to be able to equip things? It's really better to show you than tell you. So, let's give it a shot. A LICENSE BOARD SCREEN OPENS. Tomaji: You can acquire licenses at any time from the Party Menu. First, select whose license you want to acquire. So, Vaan, since we're going to get your license, select yourself. CHOOSE VAAN. Tomaji: This is the LICENSE BOARD. Here you can see which licenses you have and which you have yet to acquire. The star mark means that you already have this license. So, according to this, you can use STEAL and can equip the LEATHER CLOTHES and the MYTHRIL SWORD. Wow, you really are just a beginner, aren't you? Let's try and increase our skills and items you can equip. By the way, the MYTHRIL SWORD appears a little dark, right? That's because you can equip it but you don't have one in your inventory. Magic can be purchased at the Magic Shop and weapons at the Weapon Shop. You can choose either one to do first, but you need to obtain both licenses. Also, you have to remember to equip the items that you obtained the licenses for. Otherwise, what's the point? Look at the upper left of the screen. This shows your license points. You use these points to get new licenses. You can buy any of these 3 licenses that are displayed but, you only have enough points to get this one. (ACCESSORY 1) Press the CIRCLE BUTTON to obtain the ACCESSORY 1 license. Now you can equip the Oruakea Bracelet. Don't forget to. So, did you notice any changes on the board? The possible licenses that you can acquire increased. You don't have enough points now but if you defeat some monsters you'll gain more points. Also, you'll regret it if you waste all your License Points on licenses you don't need. Now I'll teach you about the SQUARE BUTTON. Press it to see all of the actions that you can perform. Convenient, huh? If you remember this you'll have no problem with one or two Mobs. ** LICENSE ADDED TO PARTY MENU ** Tomaji: Good luck with the Mob hunting. Oh, you'll need this. Show it to the soldier at the East Gate. ** YOU RECEIVED TOMAJI'S VOUCHER ** Tomaji: You should leave through the East Gate to get to the desert. Remember to come back here when you're finished. ** KILLER TOMATO SUBJUGATION - START ** EQUIP THE BRACELET HEAD TO THE EAST GATE (THE RED X ON THE MAP) HEAD DOWN THE STAIRS AND A SOLDIER STOPS YOU. Soldier: Because of the Consul's arrival ceremony, this area is closed. Only those with permission can pass. Vaan: Really? I was asked my Miguel, who happens to be throwing the welcome banquet in honor of the new Consul, to pick up some crucial ingredients. Here's the invoice. If, because of you, the Consul's food doesn't get made in time, it won't be my fault. Soldier: There's no way that someone like the Consul would get angry about such a trivial matter. Hmmm....well, fine. I'll let you pass. But hurry. We're locking it up again right after you leave. ____________________________________________________________________________ ---- THE EAST GATE AND ARRIVAL CEREMONY ---------------------------- FF12.03 ____________________________________________________________________________ RESIDENTS ARE LINED UP TO GET BACK INTO THE CITY. TALK TO THE PEOPLE HERE. Soldiers: As you can see, there's a line here. If you want to get back into the city you have to stand in the back of the line. Talk to to the soldier in the back and he'll let you in. Waiting Bangaa: Once the gate is completely sealed it'll be impossible to get back in the city no matter what the reason. So I figured I'd try and get in while I still can. And don't try to cut in front of me. If you want in, you got to go to the back of the line. Soldier: It's still crowded now but the number of people arriving has thinned out so once this line has gone through there won't be another one. Do you want to stand in line? (stand in line) (walk away) Orange Seeq: They won't let me in until they check all my baggage. I risked life and limb to cross the desert just to be held up here. Beware of the Killer Tomato, though. He's on the cliff right at the entrance of the desert. Woman: You can usually rent Chocobos from here but now it's closed because of the arrival ceremony. GO INTO THE DESERT AND DESTROY THE KILLER TOMATO. VAAN FINDS A FLOWER GROWING IN THE SAND. HE PICKS IT. Vaan: Huh? Isn't that a Galbana? Everything's finished here. I guess it's time to go back. ** YOU RECEIVED THE GALBANA FLOWER ** BACK AT THE EAST GATE TALK TO KAITS. Kaits: Oh, Vaan! The gate's locked and now I can't get back in the city. I told Penelo about the Mob and she got worried about you and we came here together. But all of a sudden the soldiers closed the gate and Penelo got caught up in the rush of people going in. A CHOCOBO APPROACHES AND THE SOLDIERS OPEN THE GATE FOR IT. Vaan: Wait a second. You won't let us in but you'll open the gate for a Chocobo? Soldier: What's strange about that? This is a pureblood Chocobo for the arrival ceremony. It's worth tens of thousands of Gil. That's more than a hundred of you put together. Hey! Don't get so close to it. You're poverty smell will rub off on it. MIGUELS'S VOICE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GATE. Miguel: That is one fine Chocobo. You can tell just by looking at it. It must be one of Cita's. Chocobos are really affected by their surroundings. Just like this Dalmascan Baroth wine. Sure, it's one step behind the body and bouquet of the Archadian variety but, the kick is bigger. I hope you will accept this. Of course, there is enough for everyone. Soldier: (to other Soldier) Once this "cargo" is through, shut the gate as planned. God I hate this city. Sand everywhere. Miguel: (to Vaan) Why do you have to make me worry like that? Penelo: Let's hurry and get through the gate. AN FMV BEGINS. VAYNE IS CARRIED THROUGH THE CITY. VAAN RUNS ALONG SIDE VAYNE'S CARRIAGE. AT THE ROYAL PALACE THE OFFICIAL STARTS THE CEREMONY. Official: Silence! And now a word from the commander of the entire Archadian Imperial Army and new Consul of Dalmasca, Vayne Solidor...My Lord! VAYNE STEPS DOWN FROM THE PODIUM AND ADDRESSES THE CITIZENS DIRECTLY. Vayne: People of Dalmasca, do you hate the Empire? Do you hate me? THE CITIZENS ALL YELL AT HIM. Vayne: I guess I didn't need to ask. I don't think that I can wipe away all your hatred by myself. I don't ask for your allegiance. You should continue to pay allegiance to the late King Raminas. The King loved his people and worked tirelessly to bring peace to them. He was truly a wise man. He is still watching over and protecting you now, praying for the peace and glory of Dalmasca. People of Dalmasca, I ask only one thing from you. Honor your King's wish for peace. It's been 2 years since that painful war. Allow the bud of peace to grow into a giant tree protecting us all. If you could do just that, you can hate me all you want. I will bear that hatred. I won't run away. And, I will protect Dalmasca. This is my atonement. To this day you still honor the memory of your late King and his daughter Ashe. You who love your country, please pray with me for an unbroken peace. That is all I ask. THE CROWD APPLAUDS. VAYNE DESCENDS FROM THE STAGE AND IS GREETED BY A KNIGHT. Knight: So, what do you think of Rabanastre? Vayne: It is truly breathtaking. Just look at this temple. What beauty, what form. It's the pinnacle of Galtean architecture. I wish for Emperor Gramis to look upon it as well. Knight: This is the one who is arranging the banquet for this evening. Miguel: My name is Miguel. It's an honor to meet the next Emperor. On behalf of the people I welcome His Majesty... Vayne: There's no need for "His Majesty". I may be the son of the Emperor but I am not a prince. The Emperor is chosen by the people. I'm nothing more than an elected official. Miguel: My apologies. Vayne: Come to think of it. Let's dispense with "Consul" as well. Starting to today I am a citizen of Rabanastre. Please call me Vayne. Miguel: But... Vayne: Do you have a problem with not using titles? Well, how about tonight we drink until you start to call me by my first name. PENELO AND VAAN WATCH FROM THE STEPS. Vaan: Oh, Miguel. How unbecoming. Penelo: He's bowing to be polite. Don't you know that much? What would happen if he fought back? Vaan: But... Penelo. Ok, Vaan. What would you do if it was you? Vaan: What would I do? I'd............... Penelo: Hey! Are you listening? Vaan, are you listening? This town's really changed. It doesn't even feel like Rabanastre anymore. It's becoming more and more a part of the Empire. Vaan: Penelo, do you think we can go to the party tonight? Penelo: You must be joking! We weren't invited so there's no way we can get in the palace. Vaan: Ok. So how are we going to get in then? Penelo: How would I know? We could ask Miguel or go downtown and talk to Dalan. What's with you all of a sudden? Vaan: I told you. I'm going to return what belongs to Dalmasca back to its people. If I stole a great treasure I could give some of it to everyone. To you, too. And then maybe you'll finally get in a good mood. Penelo: You're always joking. But, if you really got your hands on a treasure you could buy your own airship. But, I'm happy that you're thinking of me. I'll wait for my part of the treasure. Bye! Vaan: An airship...maybe I'll really give it a shot. I don't want to involve Miguel in this, though. Maybe I should talk to Dalan. That old man will know what to do for sure. I guess I'll go downtown. ** YOU ARE NOW ABLE TO ACCESS DOWNTOWN ** ** YOU ARE NOW ABLE TO FREELY LEAVE THE CITY ** _____________________________________________________________________________ ----------------- DOWNTOWN ------------------------------------------ FF12.04 _____________________________________________________________________________ DOWNTOWN IS A DARK AND DIRTY PLACE. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE X ON THE MAP. THIS IS DALAN'S PLACE. ENTER IT TO START A SCENE. Dalan: Oh, if it isn't the little punk. Long time no see. I heard how you scolded the East Gates guards into letting you pass. Vaan: You already know about that? Dalan: They don't call me a know-it-all for nothing. Vaan: Well, sometimes you have to get even. Today's business isn't about that, though. I need a way to sneak into the Royal Palace. I thought I might steal a treasure or two. There's got to be a ton of them in there. Dalan: You really think it will be that easy? The treasure, not to mention the entire palace is bound to be locked down by the Empire. Vaan: That's why I'm doing it. These are things that belong to Dalmasca. Dalan: Hmmm....Return Dalmasca's things to Dalmasca, huh? I think it's a fine idea. Come to think of it there is an old rumor about a magic door in the castle. The treasures are behind that. But, you need a special magic stone to open it. Vaan: That's it. That's the kind of thing I came to hear. So, where is this stone? Dalan: I have it...but, where did I put it? Ah, here, this is the CRESCENT STONE. With this stone you can pass through the magic door. There's just one problem. This Crescent Stone has lost all of its magic. You need the power of the SUN STONE to revive it. Vaan: And this Sun Stone is... Dalan: In the Giza Plains. If you ask the people in the settlement out there you should be able to get it. Leave through the South Gate and you'll be in the Giza Plains. Keep going straight south and you'll find the settlement. Vaan: Got it. Thanks. TALK TO THE OTHER TWO PEOPLE IN THE ROOM Daran's Assistant: If you're going to the Giza Plains you should buy a map. The map vendor is in the square near the three gates. Rabanastre citizen: Be careful not to get hurt in the Giza Plains. LEAVE THROUGH THE DOOR Vaan: If I'm going to Giza Plains I should hang a right. GO THROUGH THE ROUND DOOR. TAKE A LEFT TO GO TO THE GIZA PLAINS OR GO RIGHT THROUGH THE GATE TO BUY A MAP. THE MAP VENDOR IS THE MOOGLE WEARING A YELLOW SHIRT AND HAT. Map Vendor: You wanna buy a map? East Dalmasca Desert Map 50 West Dalmasca Desert Map 550 Giza Plains Map 30 Quit Thanks! That will come in really handy, I'm sure! NEXT HEAD BACK TO THE BAR AND TALK TO TOMAJI Tomaji: Vaan, you took care of the Killer Tomato? Wow! I thought it was going to be a little much for you. Nice work. Here's your reward. ** YOU RECEIVE 300 GIL, 2 POTIONS AND A TELEPORT STONE ** NOW HEAD TO THE SETTLEMENT IN THE PLAINS. TALK TO THE WOMAN IN THE REAR BY THE WOODEN BOX. Mashua: Did you go and see the Black Water Crystals? For people not used to the heat it's a really difficult journey. I see. You want the Sun Stone. Well, you can only get one of those in the Giza Plains. I'm sorry but it's not something that I can just hand over to you. Our livelihood rests on those stones. That's not to say that there's no way you can get one. Do you want to hear something? (listen) (walk away) It is the childrens job to make the Sun Stones. They go to all the Black Water Crystals and absorb the energy with the Shade Stone. In fact, Jin, one of the kids, has gone out with the Shade Stone but he hasn't come back yet. Do you see what I'm getting at? You go find Jin and tell him to get back here and you can have one of the Sun Stones. Jin should be in the southern area of the Giza Plains. WALK A LITTLE MORE TO RUN INTO PENELO Vaan: Penelo? What are you doing here? Penelo: I should ask you the same thing. You're going to do something reckless, aren't you? Vaan: I'm not doing anything. Penelo: Really? If you're really not up to anything then you won't mind if I join you. Miguel already left for the Palace and I have nothing else to do today. Let's go. ** PENELO JOINS YOUR PARTY ** LEAVE THE AREA AND PENELO STOPS YOU. Penelo: Wait, Vaan. There are many wild monsters in the Giza Plains. It's dangerous so take these with you. ** YOU RECEIVE 3 POTIONS AND 2 PHOENIX DOWN ** Since I'm a party member now we can fight along side each other instead of you fighting alone. So you can order battle commands to me like you would to yourself. I'll obey any command that you give me. ** YOU ARE NOW ABLE TO CHOOSE PARTY BATTLE COMMANDS ** ** YOU CAN NOW CHANGE THE LEADER ** Also, if you don't want me fighting without orders you can turn the GAMBIT off. That way I will stop fighting and obey your battle commands. You can also change your own GAMBIT in case you don't want to have to make decisions. ** GAMBIT ADDED TO BATTLE COMMAND MENU ** ============================================================================= Penelo: I heard that Jin is to the south of the settlement. Let's look around for him. JIN IS NEXT TO THE SAVE CRYSTAL IS THE SOUTH PART OF THE GIZA PLAINS. TALK TO HIM. Jin: Yeah, I'm Jin. Mashua wants me to get back to the settlement? Oh. Well, maybe I'm all right now. Ah...no, my leg hurts. I can't run. I was trying to make a Sun Stone but they...I mean the monsters chased me and I fell down and hurt my leg. I only had one more to make, too. I hate going back when I'm not finished. If I can just rest here for a little bit my leg will be fine. By the way, did you come all the way here just to talk to me? (Tell him your story) (Walk Away) I see. You need the Sun Stone. That's why you came looking for me. Since Mashua said it's OK, I'll give you the Shade Stone. I can't run right now so could you make a Sun Stone for me? I'll tell you how to do it. The Sun Stone is made from the Shade Stone and the Black Water Crystals. ** YOU RECEIVE THE SHADE STONE ** There are many Black Water Crystals in the plains. They look like the one next to me but a little bigger. Inside the crystals is the collected energy of the sun's rays. Do you see that thing shining over there? Expose the Shade Stone to the crystal to absorb the energy. There are 4 crystals in the plains. If you don't know where they are just look around. They're easy to spot. One crystal won't be enough to make a Sun Stone but if you do it well, you don't necessarily have to go to all of them. Here's an energy bar. When it gets to 100% the Shade Stone will become a Sun Stone. Then, bring it back here and I'll look at it. Here, I'll even mark the location of the crystals on your map. Look at it if you get lost. I'll wait for you here. GO AROUND TO THE CRYSTALS AND COLLECT THE ENERGY. AT 89% (in my game) PENELO SAYS... Penelo: We have quite a bit saved up. We'll be done before we know. The kids are out here everyday doing this. You could learn from their example. Vaan: Let's hurry to the next crystal. AT 100% Vaan: It's full. I guess we're finished. Penelo: Let's have Jin take a look at it. I hope we did it right. ** YOU RECEIVE THE SUN STONE ** TALK TO JIN Jin: Oh, you made a Sun Stone! You're not even a member of the settlement and you did it. Great! Mashua is always telling us not to get close to the Werewolves but everybody does anyway. You know, to test our strength. At first it was a joke. Toto said, "The plains children aren't afraid of monsters!" After that it got more serious and I got too close. Don't tell the adults, OK? My leg is better now so lets go back together. I'm going to run so keep up! BACK AT THE SETTLEMENT Mashua: Thank you for brining Jin back safely. He's a sweet kid but a little careless at times so I worry. Sorry to put you through so much trouble. ** YOU RECEIVE 50 GIL, 2 POTIONS AND 3 TELEPORT STONES ** You got the Sun Stone from Jin, right? I hope it comes in handy. HEAD BACK TO DALAN'S PLACE. PENELO STOPS YOU BEFORE YOU GO IN. Penelo: Hey, Vaan. We haven't gone off exploring like that in a long time. It was fun. I'm gonna go back to the shop. Actually, Miguel asked me to look after the shop for him. Vaan. Do me one favor. Don't do anything dangerous. OK? I don't want you to get hurt. Or go away. Vaan: I don't want that either. Penelo: Good. It`s settled. See you. PENELO LEAVES. Vaan: Sorry, Penelo. ** PENELO LEAVES THE PARTY ** Dalan: Hehe, you brought back a Sun Stone. Well, let's get right to work on restoring the power. As for getting into the Palace...you have to first go to the number 5 warehouse. There are two doors in there. The one to the right takes you where you always kill the rats. The door to the left leads you through the waterway. It connects to the palace. There should be a narrow set of stairs that lead into the palace. But, just getting into the palace won't get you the treasure. Actually, the hard part begins once you get in the palace. The magic door to the treasure storage room is hidden. That's when you'll need the crescent stone. It has the magic power to reveal and open the hidden door. "The crest craves sunlight and reveals the hidden path." Remember these words. You have to find the crest and hold up the stone. Here's a little advice. If you are caught you will be sent to the Nalbina dungeons and will rot there for the rest of your life. So, I wouldn't go to the palace tonight. There'll be too many soldiers. Take a night to sleep on your plan. ** YOU RECEIVE THE CRESCENT STONE ** ANOTHER SCENE STARTS IN THE GARAMSYTHE WATERWAY Liberation Soldier: Squads 3 through 6 have arrived and are standing by. The Empire has not sensed our presence. Vossler: Hurry everyone else up. Make sure everyone is in position by sunset. HEAD TO THE NUMBER 5 WAREHOUSE. KAITS IS INSIDE. Kaits: Vaan, I was waiting for you. I found a way to open the left door. I guess you're probably bored with hunting rats. If you want to go in I'll open it for you. But, I don't have all the tools to open the door so I want you to find them for me. ....Haha, just kidding. I already took care of everything. KAITS OPENS THE DOOR Now we have another place to try out our skills. Here I'll give you this. I don't know what kind of creatures are in there. I hope it comes in handy. ** YOU RECEIVE 2 POTIONS AND 4 EYE DROPS ** ENTER THE WATERWAY AND MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE PALACE STAIRS. GO UP. BALTHIER AND FRAN MAKE AN ENTRANCE WHILE FIREWORKS EXPLODE IN THE DISTANCE. _____________________________________________________________________________ ================ THE ROYAL PALACE ================================== FF12.05 _____________________________________________________________________________ VAAN EMERGES IN A ROOM IN THE PALACE. SAVE AT THE SAVE CRYSTAL AND IT ADVISES YOU TO SAVE YOUR GAME ON ANOTHER FILE BECAUSE YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO LEAVE THE PALACE ONCE YOU ENTER IT. GRAB THE MAP AND GO THROUGH THE DOOR. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE STAIRCASE. Soldier: All of the temporary help has arrived, right? OK, we're going to have you do clean up after the party. Please wait here until the reception is over. Do not go upstairs until permission is given. Those who disobey will be punished. The wait shouldn't be too much longer. TRY TO RUN UP THE STAIRS AND A GUARD STOPS YOU. Soldier: You cannot go upstairs until we say you can. Orange Seeq: What does he think he's doing? Is he trying to go upstairs? TALK TO THE ORANGE SEEQ Orange Seeq: You tried to go upstairs, eh? Are you hungry? Thinking you'll sneak yourself into the banquet, huh? Don't try and hide it. In fact, I'll help you. Press the SQUARE BUTTON to call the soldier. When I'm talking to him sneak up the stairs. Don't let the guard see you. SNEAK UP THE STAIRS AND THROUGH THE DOOR. Vaan: "The crest craves sunlight and reveals the hidden path." So, I have to find the crest and use the sun's power to lead the way. No problem. FIND THE CREST THAT REACTS TO THE SUN'S POWER AND LIGHTS UP A DOOR. GO THROUGH THE DOOR. Vaan: So I made it through the hidden door. Where's the treasure? Huh? The door shut. I guess I have to go forward. FLIP THE SWITCH TO OPEN THE DOOR. GO THROUGH. VAAN TAKES THE TREASURE OUT OF THE GODDESS'S FACE. BALTHIER ENTERS. Balthier: They didn't make it easy to get into this room. Vaan: Who are you? Bathier: The hero of the story. BALTHIER LOOKS AT THE STONE IN VAAN'S HAND. Balthier: Fran, it's Magicite. Fran: Boy, hand it over. Vaan: No way. This is mine. Balthier: And if I take it from you, it's mine. THE SOUND OF VOICES FROM OUTSIDE ALLOWS VAAN TO ESCAPE. Balthier: He got away. FRAN LOOKS AT THE STATUE. Fran: The Heartless Goddess. Balthier: Sounds lucky. ** YOU RECEIVED THE GODDESS'S MAGICITE ** GO UP THE STAIRS AND AN FMV STARTS IMPERIAL SOLDIERS ARE BEING ATTACKED BY ANOTHER GROUP. Vaan: Who are they? AN AIRSHIP LAUNCHES AN ATTACK FROM THE SKY Balthier: Ifrit? That seems a little unnecessary. Their preparations must have been a little too careful. The Empire was waiting for them. VAAN RUNS OFF. Balthier: Wait! Accept that you have lost and hand it over to me. SOLDIERS ENTER. Soldiers: There's some of them up here, too. Balthier: Fran, go! BALTHIER AND VAAN JUMP OFF THE BRIDGE AND FRAN CATCHES THEM IN MID-AIR. BATHIER CATCHES VAAN BY THE ARM. Balthier: Don't struggle. THE AIRBIKE THEY ARE RIDING STARTS TO ACT UP. Balthier: What's wrong? Fran: I don't know. It's not responding. Balthier: What's happened? THE AIRBIKE CRASHES TO THE GROUND. Fran: Something happened. The floating power fell...actually, it disappeared. Balthier: Don't worry about it. Even if we had gotten airborne we would've just gotten ourselves mixed up with that battleship, Ifrit. Well, I guess we're on foot from here. BALTHIER NOTICES VAAN STARING AT FRAN. Balthier: Hey, thief boy, never seen a Viera before? Vaan: The name's Vaan. And...forget it. Balthier: Viera and Hume partners are quite rare actually. Fran: About as rare as sky pirates who have to run away underground. Vaan: Sky pirates? You're sky pirates? Balthier: Balthier. Got it....Vaan? If you want to get home you'll have to follow my orders. You, me and Fran are going together. OK? Vaan: Fine. I'm not handing this over, though. Balthier: You're a bull headed one, all right. ** BALTHIER AND FRAN JOIN YOUR PARTY ** Balthier: Before we get started I want to get something straight. I'm sure you don't know how to use Gambits. Vaan, you can freely customize the target and action of a gambit. So, you can do something useful like "Use Cure on any party member with less than 50% HP". But if you make a mistake you may ending up punching your weak partner. Basically, use your head when you customize. Let me teach you before you screw everything up. This is the Gambit screen. You can access it from the Party Menu. You can customize the TARGET and ACTION. Select my ACTION. (First aid changes to Potion) So now I will give a potion to a party member. But, you can use too many potions this way. Let's change the target to help prevent waste. Ok, now I will only give a potion to a party member who has less than 70% HP. As you can see you can change the ACTION and who is going to use it. You can't set targets that you don't have so make sure to buy some at the Gambit shop. Next, let's discuss Gambit priority. If I switch these two (Give potion to party member with less than 70% HP and Attack enemy in front of me), the one in the first slot will act first. In battle, even if there is a member with low energy I will not give them a potion if there is an enemy in front of me. It is usually best to put healing Gambits first. You can also turn Gambits on and off here as opposed to just from the Battle Menu. But, why turn off a Gambit that you customized? However, if you want to run away during a battle it is best to set the Gambits to off. If the leader is trying to run away but the other members are still fighting, what good does that do? Let's set the Gambits back the way they were. Once you get new Targets and Actions you should try them out and see which combinations work best. But, don't always think that the one you are using will always be the best. Situations and places change. Choose Gambits that fit these environments. For example, if there is an enemy whose weakness is fire, you can customize a Gambit that uses fire on the enemy in front of you. If there are many enemies that have poison you can "Use Poisona on a poisoned member." If you don't think you understand then you shouldn't waste your money on Gambits. But, those kind of people don't live very long. ** GAMBIT IS ADDED TO THE PARTY MENU ** ** BATTLE MEMBER IS ADDED TO THE PARTY MENU ** EXAMINE THE BODIES ON THE LEFT Balthier: These were soldiers from the Rebel Army. They were counting on the party to distract the guards so they could sneak in and assassinate Vayne. But, he got one up on them. He used himself as bait and then brought in the battleships. We've got ourselves mixed up in something bad. And look at my clothes. They're filthy. I don't want to get caught looking like this. MAKE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE WATERWAY AND EVENTUALLY YOU WILL COME ACROSS A WOMAN FIGHTING SOME SOLDIERS. Woman: Who's next! Soldier: (to the other soldiers) Push forward and kill her! Vaan: Jump! Hurry! SHE JUMPS OFF THE LEDGE AND VAAN CATCHES HER. Soldier: She has an accomplice. Fran: Well, our number of friends sure has increased today. Balthier: You mean our trouble, right? KILL THE SOLDIERS Vaan: (to the woman) Are you all right? Woman: Thank you. Vaan: I'm Vaan. That's Balthier and Fran...hey! Wait. Who are you? Woman: Amalia. Vaan: Amalia, nice to meet you. Amalia: Where's everyone else? FRAN SHAKES HER HEAD. THE GODDESS'S MAGICITE STARTS TO GLOW. Balthier: That thing again. Vaan: I found it so it's mine. Balthier: There might be a little room for discussion there. Amalia: You stole that. Vaan: Yeah. Fran: How long are we going to be here? If there's no response from their men, they will send more to find out what's wrong. Vaan: (to Amalia) Let's go together. It's better than going alone. Amalia: Agreed. Balthier: She's in a bad mood. You might want to do some research before you go around stealing. Vaan: What are you talking about? APPROACH AMALIA. Amalia: Even if you are a band of thieves, we need all the strength we can find in a place like this. I'll stay with you until I can meet up with the rest of my group. I will participate as a GUEST CHARACTER. Balthier: Guest Characters are temporary members. You cannot give them orders. They fight on their own. So, she will protect herself. They're strong, these rebel fighters. Amalia: Liberation. FIGHT THE MONSTERS AND MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE BOSS. DEFEAT THE BOSS AND SOLDIERS WILL APPEAR. AS DOES VAYNE. AMALIA MAKES AN ATTEMPT TO RUSH AT HIM. Balthier: You'd better not. LATER, ABOVE GROUND... A GROUP OF PEOPLE IS TALKING. Man: That's the group of thieves that broke into the Palace. Amalia: They think I'm a thief? Balthier: Hey, it carries a lighter sentence than assassin. Amalia: These people have no part in this. Let them go. Vaan: Hey, you. Amalia: Don't call me that. PENELO RUNS IN. Penelo: Wait! He did it on impulse. Please, set him free. I beg you! Vaan: Penelo, sorry. I'll have to give you your share next time. Penelo: You idiot! Soldier: Little brat! THE SOLDIER HITS VAAN ON THE HEAD AND KNOCKS HIM OUT. Penelo: Stop! PENELO RUNS TOWARDS VAAN AND BALTHIER STEPS IN HER WAY. HE HANDS HER THE TREASURE. Balthier: Please hold on to this for a while. At least until I can return Vaan to you. AROUND THE CORNER ARE SOME BANGAAS WATCHING ALL OF THIS Bangaa #1: Brother, it's Balthier. Bangaa #2: What is that playboy doing? To get himself caught before I can kill him is unforgivable. _____________________________________________________________________________ ================= NALBINA DUNGEONS ================================= FF12.06 _____________________________________________________________________________ VAAN IS HAVING A DREAM Vaan: Brother, I brought you the Galbana flowers that you like. You always said that you liked the color and smell of this flower. Brother... were you really a part of the group that killed the King? Even if you were you must have been deceived by General Basch. VAAN WAKES UP IN PRISON Balthier: You're awake. Vaan: Where are we? Balthier: Prison. And as you can see, it's of the underground variety. VAAN STEPS BACKWARD AND IS SURPRISED BY THE DEAD BODY OF A BANGAA Balthier: Don't be so surprised. It's just a corpse. You'll ruin your health getting scared by every little thing. I said we're in prison but really we're locked in a fortress. Have a look around. There are many people who came here before us. Vaan: Where's Fran? Balthier: She's looking for a way out. VAAN HEARS A SCREAM. Balthier: Don't concern yourself with him. If you get wrapped up in that, it'll be the end of you as well. This is all the water we have so don't go wasting your energy. HEAD INTO THE PRISON AND GO THROUGH THE OPEN DOOR Prisoner 281: I think it'd be better for you if you didn't go that way. There are some nasty ones in there. ENTER INTO THE NEXT AREA SOME SEEQS ARE BEATING TO DEATH A BANGAA Vaan: That's cruel. THE SEEQS BEAT VAAN AND PULL HIM INTO THE PIT. BALTHIER ENTERS. Balthier: This place reeks. It's more of a pig sty than a prison, isn't it? THE SEEQ YELLS AT BALTHIER Balthier: You stink way more than I do you filthy pig. BALTHIER JUMPS INTO THE PIT. Balthier: Are you all right, Vaan? FIGHT AND KILL THE SEEQS. GUARDS ENTER THE ARENA AND SEARCH FOR BALTHIER AND VAAN WHO ARE HIDING. THE BANGAA THAT WAS WATCHING BALTHIER EARLIER ALSO ENTERS. Balthier: God, he's persistent. We've got to get out of here quick. FRAN SHOWS UP AND OPENS THE GATE. Fran: There's a way out in the solitary confinement cell. But... Balthier: Mist? Can you feel it? We're gonna need weapons. THEY LISTEN TO THE SOLDIERS CONVERSATION. Soldier: What? What did you say? Bangaa: Didn't you hear me? I said you're all a bunch of bumbling idiots. You can't even recognize the face of a sky pirate. Soldier: Watch what you say, Bagamonan. If what you say is right, we are the ones who caught that sky pirate. We, the Empire. We didn't need the help of some scum bounty hunters like you. So, we make the rules. Bagamonan: Hmmm, maybe I'll kill you before I kill Balthier. Judge Master: Stop it right there, Bagamonan. A JUDGE MASTER ENTERS. Fran: A Judge... Vaan: Judge? Balthier: You don't know? They're the ones who guard the rules and laws of Archadia. They are operate under the Solidor family and essentially control the Archadian Army. They're more executioner than judge. Why would someone as powerful as that be in a place like this? THE JUDGE MASTER ADDRESSES BAGAMONAN Judge Master: His Majesty is not the kind of person to care about race. However, he cannot abide rudeness. It is because of me that you are free to come and go as you please. Isn't that right? BAGAMONAN GIVES UP AND TURNS AWAY. Judge Master: (to soldier) Where is the General? Soldier: In solitary confinement. He's all ready for questioning. Judge Master: (to Bagamonan) This has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it. Bagamonan: (to his men) Search for him! He's got to be in here. BALTHIER WATCHES THEM LEAVE. Balthier: We'll have to follow them without being found out. Fran: The door to solitary is locked with an immensely strong magic. I had no chance of breaking it. Balthier: They're going to open it for us. Vaan: But... Balthier: Don't you believe Fran? Viera have a great sense of smell. If she says there's a way out, there's a way out. RUN TOWARDS THE CRYSTAL. Fran: Look! Balthier: It's all of the inmates' things. Vaan: So, our stuff should be in there, too. Balthier: That'd be nice. ** ALL WEAPONS AND ITEMS RECOVERED ** ** RECEIVED THE PRISON MAP ** ENTER INTO THE NEXT ROOM. THE PLACE IS CRAWLING WITH GUARDS. Balthier: Think they have enough soldiers? We'll be here all day if we try and fight them all. Let's try to avoid them as best we can. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE SOLITARY ROOM AND WATCH AS THE JUDGE MASTER OPENS THE SEALED DOOR. FOLLOW THEM THROUGH IT. THE JUDGE MASTER IS INTERROGATING A CAGED BASCH. THE JUDGE MASTER TAKES OFF HIS HELMET AND REVEALS HIS FACE. THE SAME FACE AS BASCH. Judge Master: Looks like you've lost some weight, Basch. You're a disgrace and a wretch. You were supposed to have been put to death for the murder of the King. Why are you still alive? Basch: You can ask all you want. It's not like you can ask Vayne. Judge Master: Hmm. We've just arrested the head of the Rebel Army and are taking her from Rabanastre as we speak. Amalia. So, who is she? You're like a faithful dog to show such obligation to a dead country. Basch: It's better than abandoning it. Judge Master: Oh, but you have. You abandoned OUR country. THE JUDGE MASTER AND THE SOLDIERS LEAVE. THE PARTY ENTERS THE CHAMBER. Basch: Who's there? Balthier: Here? (pointing towards the pit) Fran: I can feel the Mist flowing unbroken. There must be an opening somewhere. Basch: You're not from the Empire. Please, get me out of here. Balthier: I don't concern myself with dead people. And even less so with murderers of kings. Basch: It wasn't me. Balthier: Is that so? I couldn't care either way. Basch: Please. Release me. For the sake of Dalmasca. VAAN JUMPS ON THE CAGE Vaan: Shut up! "For Dalmasca"? It's you. It's all your fault. So many people died. All because of you! My brother...you killed him, too! Balthier: Stop it! You're going to bring the guards back. Fran: I'm dropping it! Balthier: Ah, the sky's getting farther and farther away. THEY JUMP ON THE CAGE AS IT DESCENDS INTO DARKNESS. _____________________________________________________________________________ ===============UNDERGROUND PASSAGE ================================= FF12.07 _____________________________________________________________________________ AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIT VAAN JUMPS ON BASCH BUT BALTHIER THROWS HIM OFF. Balthier: Save it till we get out of this mess. Vaan: But, he...! Balthier: Fine, do it. Have a nice life in prison. (to Basch) Can you walk? We've got to get out of here. Vaan: Why are we taking him? Balthier: We'll use him as a shield. Basch: I'll take the job. ** BASCH JOINS AS A GUEST CHARACTER ** RUN THROUGH THE CORRIDORS UNTIL YOU COME TO THE SWITCH. PRESS IT. Vaan: Hm? It's broken. Balthier: Let me see. Ah, the fuse is blown. There's no power getting to the switch. From the look of it, this switch controls all the power to this place. That's why the lights are out. TALK TO THE BLUE BANGAA. Proho: I didn't think I'd be seeing people down here. Are you here collecting scrap as well? If you want to leave you should use the stairs. What? The stairs are blocked? How am I going to get out of here? We'll have to find another exit somewhere in the underground passage. First we have to restore power to this fence. Huh? The fuse is out, you say? Well, try this one. I made it out of spare parts. But, it'll work. I guarantee it. PUT THE FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX AND THE LIGHTS COME ON. PRESS THE SWITCH ON THE FENCE CONTROL TO RAISE IT. Proho: Hey, you got the fence open. Now you can find a way out of here. The underground passage is safest when the lights are on. When it gets darker stronger monsters appear. You should watch your energy gauge. It went down some when you opened the fence. When you operate larger equipment like that the gauge will drop about 30%. Be mindful of that. There are probably more locked fences in there so first find the switches that open them. Good luck. HEAD THROUGH THE FENCE. THERE ARE MONSTERS CHEWING ON THE POWER CABLES. Vaan: Hey, it's getting dark. Is it because of them? Balthier: I've heard of these before. They're called Mimics and they'll pounce on you if you're not careful. They feed off of various sources. These ones apparently on energy. Vaan: If we run out of energy the stronger enemies will appear, right? Balthier: Not just that. The dark makes the Mimics even more violent, as well. If they keep chewing on that power line we're going to run out of energy. Try and kill the Battery Mimics first. MOVE THROUGH THE UNDERGROUND CORRIDOR UNTIL YOU COME TO A CUT SCENE. Fran: The Mist is turbulent. Balthier: Something big must be near. BASCH PUTS ON THE CLOTHES OF A FALLEN SOLDIER AND PICKS UP A SWORD. Balthier: Now you look like a General. Vaan: Like a traitor. Balthier: I wonder. He doesn't look like a traitor to me. Vaan: You knew my brother. Basch: Heh? Ah, Reks. He said he had a younger brother. So, that was you. What happened to him? Vaan: He died. Basch: I'm sorry. Vaan: You're the one who did it! Basch: The time has come for me to tell you the truth. A FLASHBACK SCENE IN WHICH BASCH REMEMBERS THE NIGHT OF THE KING'S MURDER. HE HEARS THE VOICE OF REKS AND SEES HIS TWIN BROTHER DRESSED THE SAME AS HIM. Balthier: Twins, huh? That's a stretch. But, I guess it makes sense. He did look like you. Vaan: Should I believe you? Basch: I won't force you. After all, it was me who got Reks involved. I am sorry about that. Vaan: My brother lost everything because he joined you. Basch: You can hate me. But your brother was a brave man who fought to the end to protect Dalmasca. Or possibly to save his brother. Vaan: That's not for you to decide! Balthier: Then you decide whichever you want. But, nothing you say will bring him back. DESTROY THE MIMIC QUEEN AND ESCAPE FROM THE UNDERGROUND PASSAGE. Basch: How I missed the Dalmascan winds. Vaan: Where are we? Balthier: The East Desert. Let's get back to Rabanastre before we dry up and blow away. Is that all right with you, General? Basch: I want to get back as soon as possible. I'm sure that the people hate me but that's my burden to bear. TALK TO THE ORANGE SEEQ Orange Seeq: There was a huge sound and then the entrance collapsed. But, our boss is still in there. There should be another entrance around here somewhere but our boss has the key to that one too. HEAD BACK TO RABANASTRE Basch: Thanks for your help. Balthier: If I was you I'd stay away from crowds. In this city you are still a traitor. Basch: The Rebel Army is sure to find me soon. I hope to meet you again. And I want to visit Reks's grave and pay my respects. Balthier: At least try not to make a scene. You are an escaped convict, you know. Vaan: What about the Magicite? Balthier: Do what you want. It seems to bring bad luck. Fran: I'm having regrets. We got into all that trouble just to try and get that thing. Balthier: So, are you giving it to me? Vaan: It's mine. Balthier: Then don't ask about it. Say hi to your girlfriend for me. Fran: We'll be in Rabanastre for a little while. FRAN AND BALTHIER LEAVE Vaan: Brother, can I really believe Basch? Let's sell this thing as soon as possible. Well, maybe I should have Penelo look at it before I sell it. She's probably worried. She should be in Miguel's shop right about now. TALK TO THE MOOGLE IN THE BLUE SHIRT AND HAT Hardy: Welcome to the Mogxi. Are you a first time customer? Mogxi is a transport service. We will take you to all the main sections of Rabanastre. We were on vacation for a little while due to the parade but now we are back. Mogxi is fast and it's free. Where would you like to go? SAND SEA BAR BAZAAR ENTRANCE SOUTH GATE - GIZA PLAINS WEST GATE - AIRSHIP TERMINAL QUIT LOOK FOR PENELO AT MIGUEL'S SHOP. KAITS TALKS TO YOU. Kaits: Vaan! You weren't sent to Nalbina after all. Vaan: Do you think they can keep someone like me in prison? Kaits: You broke out? Cool! Vaan: Try not to shout it. By the way, where's Penelo? Out on a delivery? Kaits: She didn't come in today. That's really strange for her. She never skips work. Miguel's not here either. He left in a hurry a little while ago. Vaan: Hmm...they're both busy, I guess. Kaits: They left me here to watch the store. Dalan wants me to do a favor for him, too, but I can't get away. Vaan: Dalan? I'll take care of that for you. Kaits: Really? Vaan: Yeah. I've got nothing else to do. GO SEE DALAN IN HIS DOWNTOWN HOUSE. Dalan: Hey, you're looking pretty good. I heard you had been sent to Nalbina. Vaan: I broke out. But that's not all. Here, take a look at this. Dalan: Ah! You stole this. Vaan: Thanks to your help. Dalan: I thought you were just a little punk but you've actually got some real promise. I need to rely on you for a favor. I was going to have Kaits do it but you are more suited for the job. No, if you don't do it, it can't be done. This...I need you to deliver this to a man named Azras. Vaan: Isn't that a knight's sword? Dalan: I've marked Azras's whereabouts on your map. Make sure you hand it to him personally. Mention my name and they should let you pass. Vaan: Got it. Hey, in return for me doing this for you I was hoping you could try and find out where Penelo is. I wanted to show her the treasure from the Palace but I can't find her. Dalan: I'll look in to it. Vaan: Thanks. VAAN LEAVES. Dalan: Hopefully that sword will bring back memories of former bonds. GO TO THE PLACE MARKED ON THE MAP AND TALK TO THE MAN. Vaan: I have something for a man named Azras. Is he here? Balzac: Who sent you here? Vaan: Dalan. He said to give it to him personally. Balzac: That old man has sharp ears. He overhears everything. Fine, I'll let you in. But, don't tell anyone about what happened here today. Got it? MEN ARE ARGUING IN THE NEXT ROOM. Man #1: If that's so then what about Ondore's proclamation? Was the Marquis fooled? Man#2: It wasn't the General who murdered the King. It was a Judge, which all fits together. Man#3: But the General is the Judge's brother. He can't be trusted. BASCH EMERGES CLEAN SHAVEN AND IN NEW CLOTHES. Vossler: Finally, the Basch I used to know. Basch: I hope that means you'll fight along side me again. Man #1: I can't believe what he says... Man#2: But, it's better than having him dead... Man#3: Maybe Reks told us lies? Vaan: My brother would never lie! Basch: That's right. Reks was made to be a witness to it all. To make it look like I killed the King. This is the Empire's doing. (to Vaan) Our paths cross again. VOSSLER TAKES THE SWORD Vossler: Reks's brother? I might believe a kid like this but you don't have any proof that your story is true. I can't allow you to join us. Basch: Don't you want to save Amalia? Vossler: My men entrust their lives to me and thus it is my duty to think of all possibilities. Even the worst. Somehow the Empire knew that we were going to attack and that has left us off balance. You and Ondore are probably nothing more than dogs at the Empire's feet. Basch: If that's true what are you going to do? Arrest me? VOSSLER THROWS THE SWORD TO BASCH. Basch: You never change, Vossler. Vossler: Don't forget, Basch. The Liberation Army will be watching your every move. You're nothing more than a bird in a cage. Basch: That's fine. I'm used to it. BASCH LEAVES THE ROOM. VAAN FOLLOWS HIM. Vaan: Amalia. She was part of the Liberation Army as well. Basch: You met her? Vaan: Just a little before I was sent to Nalbina. She's, um, intense. Basch: You and I seem to be walking the same road. Must be destiny. Vaan: It's annoying. Basch: Sorry. I need one more favor from you. Take me to Balthier. I need transportation. Vaan: Fine. Now we're even. Basch: Even? Vaan: Nalbina. If you weren't there it would have been impossible. ** BASCH JOINS THE PARTY ** GO BACK TO DALAN'S HOUSE. Dalan: I see you met up with General Basch safely. I need a little more time looking for Penelo. Pirates? I don't know which pirates you're looking for but they always seem to hang around and eat and drink. I'd try there. HEAD TO THE SAND SEA BAR. BASCH WATCHES A GROUP OF KIDS RUN BY. Vaan: They all lost their parents in the war. My parents died before that. They both got sick. Basch: I'm sorry to make you have to remember that. Vaan: It's fine. That was 5 years ago. After that I went and lived with Penelo's family. They were all killed in the war. Basch: Sorry. Vaan: You don't have to apologize for everything. I'm not a little kid anymore. Besides, I know it wasn't your fault what happened to my brother. It was the Empire's. My brother wasn't wrong to trust you. GO INSIDE THE BAR TO THE SECOND FLOOR. MIGUEL, BALTHIER AND FRAN ARE TALKING. Balthier: Bagamonan misunderstood, that's all. Miguel: I don't care if it's a misunderstanding. Penelo has been kidnapped. Don't you feel any responsibility for that? Vaan: What happened to Penelo? Miguel: Oh, Vaan. You're safe. Penelo has been taken. I got a letter from the scoundrels. They said they want Balthier to come to the mines on Bhujerba. Fran: Bagamonan was in Nalbina. Miguel: If anything happens to her...I don't what I'll tell her parents when I stand in front of their graves. Hurry up and save her. Isn't that what sky pirates do? Balthier: Because I was named in a letter? Bhujerba is bound to be crawling with the Empire. Vaan: Fine, I'll go. You at least have an airship don't you? Give me a lift and I'll rescue Penelo myself. Basch: I'll go with you. I have business there as well. Balthier: You're going to meet with the Marquis? Vaan: If you take us there I'll give you this stone. Fran: What a troublesome Goddess. Balthier: Fine. Get your things together and we'll be off. Vaan: Great! ** FRAN AND BALTHIER JOIN YOUR PARTY ** Balthier: First we have to go to the Sky City of Bhujerba. The mines are on the far side. Come to the Airship Terminal at the West Gate when you are ready to leave. Here, I marked your map. Hurry up. I want get all of this troublesome business out of the way as soon as possible. ENTER THE AIRSHIP TERMINAL AND TALK TO BALTHIER IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM. Balthier: Are you ready to go? (Ready) (Please wait a little longer) (I want to hear more about Bhujerba) CHOOSE READY Once we leave we won't be coming back for a while. Are you sure you're ready? (Ready) (Please wait) All right. To Bhujerba and the Lhusu Mines we go. Let's go and rescue your friend. THE GROUP EMERGES IN THE HANGAR BAY. Balthier: The Strahl. She's a good boat. Vaan: Wow! You really are Sky Pirates! Balthier: You could buy your own ship with the price on my head. Hey! Are we ready for liftoff? Vaan: So, what's the speed like? Does it have weapons? Can it take on Ifrit? Balthier: I could tell you. But how about you experience it for yourself. Fran, chart the course. Fran: The shortest route is through Dolstonis. Basch: What's Bhujerba's situation like? Balthier: They're maintaining their freedom. For the most part, at least. It's repayment to Ondore for proclaiming your death sentence and the suicide of the princess and for cooperating with the Empire. Basch: Once news of my being alive spreads people will lose trust in him. Balthier: Politics is so disagreeable. Fran, take her up. Everybody stop talking or you'll bite your tongues. Vaan: Hold on, Penelo. _____________________________________________________________________________ ========== THE SKY CITY OF BHUJERBA =============================== FF12.08 _____________________________________________________________________________ THE GROUP ARRIVES IN THE AIRSHIP TERMINAL ON BHUJERBA. SOLDIERS RUN THROUGH THE TERMINAL. Soldier: It's no good. He's not here. Keep searching! Balthier: (to Basch) Don't forget that you're a dead man. Take care. And don't, under any circumstances, give out your name. Basch: Of course. LEAVE THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. Balthier: The mines are just up ahead. Lately there's been a shortage of Magicite. A Boy: You're going to the mines? Please let me go with you. I have some business there. Basch: What business? Boy: What business do you have? Balthier: It's fine. You can tag along. Boy: Thank you. Balthier: But stay where we can see you. And stay out of trouble. Boy: The same goes for you. Vaan: What's your name? Boy: It's La...Ramon. Vaan: Got it. There might be some things in the mines but don't worry. Right, Basch. BASCH AND BALTHIER SHAKE THEIR HEADS AT THE MENTIONS OF BASCH`S NAME ** RAMON JOINS AS A GUEST CHARACTER ** HEAD TO THE MINES. YOU CAN BUY MAPS FROM THE MOOGLE IN RED. Map of the Sky City of Bhujerba 70 Map of the Lhusu Mines 650 ENTER THE MINES Balthier: The Lhusu mines. The richest veins in Ivalice. Basch: Does the Empire do the security here? Ramon: No, the Bhujerba government has seen to it that the Empire is not allowed to enter the mines. So, shall we go? AS THE PARTY ENTERS THE MINES ONDORE APPEARS WITH A JUDGE MASTER Judge Master: I ask this just in case but is it possible that the purest Magicite is not being sent to the Empire? Ondore: No, it's all being secretly sent directly to Vayne. Judge Master: Good, we're going to get along then. Ondore: That's fine. However, I have no plans on letting you hold the reins. Judge Master: Maybe you'd prefer a whip? Your foolish attempt at a backbone will not only bring ruin to you but to the whole of Bhujerba. RAMON IS WATCHING THEM TALK Ramon: That's Harem Ondore the fourth. He remained neutral when Dalmasca surrendered and served as mediator in the years after. He's seen as being close to the Empire. Balthier: There's also rumors that he's cooperating with anti-Imperial forces. Ramon: That's nothing more than a rumor. Balthier: You've done your homework. Just who are you? Vaan: It doesn't matter. Penelo is waiting for us. Ramon: Who's Penelo? Vaan: She's my friend. She was kidnapped and brought here. EXPLORE THE MINES UNTIL YOU COME TO A CUTSCENE Ramon: This is what I wanted to see. Vaan: What is that? Ramon: Nethicite. It's man-made, though. Vaan: Nethicite? Ramon: It works the opposite of Magicite. It absorbs magic power. We've been trying to manufacture a man-made version. This is the trial product. Born out of the technologies of the Draklor Research Facility. This Magicite is obviously the source. Balthier: Looks like your business is finished. Ramon: Thanks to you. I'll give you a token of my gratitude later. Balthier: No, do it now. I have no intention of following you back to your country. Where did you hear such an old dusty legend such as Nethicite? And why do you have Draklor's trial product? What do you have to do with that secret society? What are you? Vaan: Balthier, wait. THE BAGAMONAN GANG ENTERS CARRYING WEAPONS. Bagamonan: Balthier. I've been wanting to see you. I guess I just missed you in Nalbina. I hear talk that sounds profitable. I want a bite of it. Balthier: Then use your head and make some instead of chewing on rotten meat. Bagamonan: Maybe I'll sell this kid to make up for your pitiful bounty. Vaan: What have you done with Penelo? Bagamonan: I have no more need for bait. I let her go and she ran away crying. THE GROUP RUNS AWAY Bagamonan: Run after them. RUN AWAY FROM THE GANG. ONCE YOU'VE LOST THEM Fran: They're not following us anymore. We lost them. Balthier: They'll be after us again. We might have to hang up our sky pirate hats for a while. ONCE YOU MAKE IT OUTSIDE THE MINES... THE PARTY WATCHES AS RAMON APPROACHES THE JUDGE MASTER AND PENELO. Judge Master: I see you wandered off alone again without a companion. Lord Larsa, this one came out of the mines by herself. She claims that she wasn't part of that gang. But... Penelo: I was kidnapped! Judge Master: Quiet! Ramon (Larsa): If coming out alone is suspicious then I am equally guilty. Marquis Ondore, you don't mind one more guest at your estate, do you? Judge Ghis, I will follow your advice and accept a companion. Judge Ghis: What a pain... VAAN IS WATCHING FROM THE ENTRANCE OF THE MINES. Vaan: Why Penelo? What is Ramon thinking? Balthier: His name isn't Ramon. It's Larsa Falnas Solidor. He's the Emperor's youngest son and Vayne`s brother. Vaan: Him? Fran: Don't worry. He'll take good care of her. Balthier: Fran can tell all about a man just by looking at him. Basch: Ondore's estate, huh? The problem is how do we get in there? Balthier: Ondore is financing the anti-empire groups here. That's how. RUN UP THE STAIRS AND ANOTHER SCENE STARTS. Basch: Ondore is the man who proclaimed that I was put to death 2 years ago. If news of my existence comes to light his position will be in danger. And since he's supplying them with money, it'd put the anti- empire groups in danger, too. Balthier: So if we spread a rumor that Basch is alive as bait, the groups will probably bite at it. Vaan: So we have to spread the rumor around town. Is that it? (yells) I am Basch Von Rosenburg. So, how was that? Balthier: Well, you stood out for sure. Ok. You run around town and tell as many people as you can. Whether we can access Ondore depends entirely on you. FILL UP THE RUMOR LEVEL GUAGE TO 100% AT THE BAR... Bangaa: Hey, brat, why don't you come with us. Bangaa: We brought him, Habaaro. He claims he's the General. Habaaro: He looks nothing like him. Bangaa: I knew it wasn't the same person. Just a punk pulling a prank. Habaaro: It'd be fine if it was just a prank but I don't think this kid chose General Rosenburg's name on a whim. Rough him up until he tells us all he knows. Lately the Empire's dogs have been sniffing around. BALTHIER SILENTLY ENTERS THE ROOM. Balthier: What connection do you have with the Marquis? An espionage group pretending to be city guides, huh? And your hideout is in the back of a bar? You don't think that's a little cliche? Bangaa: Who do you think you are? HABAARO NOTICES BASCH ACROSS THE ROOM Habaaro: Wait! You are...you're really alive. THE ESTATE OF THE MARQUIS ONDORE - DRAWING ROOM Penelo: Vaan's all right, isn't he? He was captured by the Empire. Larsa: You'll see him soon. I'll protect you until then. Anyway, it seems like the Imperial Army in Rabanastre has been overstepping its bounds. I'll talk to the Consul for you. Vayne Solidor is my brother. The job of the Consul is to protect the peace and stability of Dalmasca. My brother can do any job well. It might not be going well now, but I can assure you that life in Rabanastre will get better. Don't worry, my brother is a great man. Penelo: He's...scary. I'm sorry to talk about your brother that way but many people got hurt in that war. I'm an orphan because of it. The Empire is frightening. Larsa: Penelo, the Solidor men are taught to use all of their strength to bring peace to their people. It's my job to protect you. Penelo: It's ok to believe you, right? Larsa: I swear on my name. My brother will understand as well. BACK AT THE HIDEOUT... Habaaro: I knew there was something fishy here but I never thought that the man himself would appear. If the Marquis finds out about this... Basch: I wonder what he'd say. Maybe I'll ask him in person. Habaaro: What should we do, boss? Boss: It can't be helped. If you want to meet with the Marquis, pay a visit to the estate. HEAD TO ONDORE'S ESTATE AND TALK TO THE GUARD OUT FRONT. Guard: If you would like to speak with the Marquis we will direct you to him. (Meet with Ondore) (Quit) I see. Are you prepared for your meeting now? (I'm ready.) (Not yet.) The Marquis is busy until sundown but please wait inside for him. Follow me. NIGHT FALLS AND THE PARTY MEETS WITH ONDORE. Ondore: Basch Von Rosenburgh. I declared that you had been put to death. Basch: That's exactly why I was kept alive. Ondore: So you are my Achilles heel. Vayne's a tricky one. Basch: The leader of the resistance army has fallen into the Empire's hands. Her name is Amalia. I need your strength to get her released. Ondore: She must be a very important person for you to want her released. I must think about my position, though. Vaan: Let me see Larsa. He's with my friend. Ondore: I'm afraid you're a little late. Larsa has already joined back up with the Imperial Army. They are leaving for Rabanastre tonight on the ships that will be arriving shortly. THERE IS A CUT SCENE OF BATTLE SHIPS ARRIVING. Ondore: I've heard that you are a brave general who can take advantage of desperate situations. If you could infiltrate yourselves into the enemy camp you can achieve your ambitions. Balthier: Wait! Basch: Sorry to get you involved in this. BASCH PULLS HIS SWORD ON ONDORE. Ondore: Seize the invader! GUARDS RUSH IN AND GRAB BASCH AND EVERYONE ELSE. Ondore: Hand them over to Judge Ghis! THE ROYAL PALACE OF RABANASTRE - CONSUL'S CHAMBERS Vayne: While those old men in the capital were stalling, this city has sprung back to life. What a strong country. Judge Gabranth: Right now the nucleus of the revolution army is isolated, but could become a danger with outside support. The Bhujerban anti-empire groups, especially, have an unnatural amount of resources. Ondore must be behind them. We should subdue him. Vayne: By the way, this information came from him. He claims to have handed Ghis the dog that escaped from its cage. Judge Gabranth: I'll be the one to kill him. Vayne: A brother to look up to. Ah. Ghis is bringing Larsa here. They leave Bhujerba in the morning. I want you to take him back to Archadia. Doctor Cid is coming. Please excuse me. THE JUDGE MASTER LEAVES AS CID ENTERS Cid: (talking to himself) If I can't check the actual thing then there is nothing to talk about. And there's that business with Nabudis as well. It's in disguise and they're chasing phantoms. That's it. Return history back to the hands of the people. Oh, Vayne. How's Consul life treating you? Vayne: They made me wait 2 years for it. So how is the capital and the bigwigs in the Senate? Cid: They're trying their best...to catch your tail, that is. Vayne: Let them try. _____________________________________________________________________________ =========== THE DREADNOUGHT LEVIATHAN =========================== FF12.09 _____________________________________________________________________________ THE PARTY MEMBERS ARE TAKEN AS PRISONERS ABOARD THE LEVIATHAN. Soldier: They've arrived. AMALIA IS ON DECK. Basch: Your Majesty. SHE SMACKS BASCH IN THE FACE. Amalia: Basch! What are you doing alive? How dare you stand before me? Judge Ghis: You shouldn't be so arrogant. Don't you know who this is? The former Princess of Dalmasca, Ashe Banalgan Dalmasca. Vaan: Her?! Judge Ghis: Unfortunately, she doesn't have any proof of her lineage and has become nothing more than a cog in the wheel of the Rebel Army. Ashe: Liberation Army. Judge Ghis: In order to preserve peace and stability in Dalmasca, the Consul was hoping for the full cooperation of the former royal family. But for someone with no proof of their background whose actions bring only disorder to the public peace...the gallows await. Ashe: I'll never help Vayne. Basch: The late King gave me something to hold on to. I was told to hand it to Ashe in the event that something happened to him. The proof of the Dalmascan royal family, the Twilight Shard. It proves your legitimacy. Only I know where it is being hidden. Ashe: You killed my father. Why are you trying to help me? Do you want to disgrace me? Basch: I am obligated to the Royal family. Vaan: You should listen to him. I don't want to end up at the gallows with you. Ashe: Shut up! VAAN'S MAGICITE STARTS TO GLOW. Basch: What's that? It's a treasure from the Palace. Judge Ghis: Hahaha. You brought it here. Hand it over. Ashe: Stop! Vaan: Ok, but promise me. No execution. Judge Ghis: A Judge is the upholder of the law. Take Ashe to a separate room. THE PARTY IS TAKEN OUT OF THE ROOM. Judge Ghis: Vayne, why have you done everything for this? THE PARTY IS BEING LED DOWN A HALLWAY. Basch: It's fate that you brought that with you. Balthier: It's also fate that you got us messed up in this. Soldier: Shut up and walk! Basch: I had no other choice back there. Balthier: Duty first, huh? Just like a General. And then the Princess... Soldier: I said shut up... THEY OVERPOWER THE GUARDS AND FIND THAT ONE OF THE GUARDS IS REALLY VOSSLER. Basch: Help from the Marquis. Vossler: Ever since Dalmasca fell I have been hiding the Princess. I couldn't trust anyone to be either friend or foe. Until now. Basch: You've been busy. Now I need your strength again. Help me rescue her. Vossler: Of course. ** VOSSLER JOINS THE PARTY AS A GUEST ** ** YOU RECEIVE THE MAP OF LEVIATHAN ** GO THROUGH THE DOOR Vossler: Wait a moment. There's something I should tell you before we go. Do you see that red net-like thing in the hallway? That is an intruder detector. If you touch it the alarm will go off and guards will rush in. The alarm will go off after a while, but let's try and avoid setting it off. IN THE AREA WITH THE STAIRS, CHECK THE SECURITY TERMINAL. IT SAYS TO INSERT THE CONTROL KEY TO OPERATE THE SECURITY SYSTEM. GO THROUGH THE DOOR. DEFEAT THE SOLDIERS TO RECEIVE THE KEY TO THE DETENTION CELLS. GET THE CONTROL KEY FROM THE TREASURE CHEST NEXT TO THE SAVE CRYSTAL. RESCUE ASHE FROM HER CELL. Vossler: You're Majesty, are you all right? Ashe: Vossler! (She almost falls over but he catches her) Vossler: Princess... Ashe: Thank you. I'm fine. (she sees Basch) Vaan: Hurry up. There's no time for this now. Penelo is waiting for us. Balthier: Let's get this show on the run before the enemy shows up. Vossler: We'll talk later. ** ASHE JOINS THE PARTY ** THE ALARM IS BLARING. Basch: Your Highness, we'll get you out of this. Ashe: I will not be helped by a traitor. Vossler: We need to do something and I have a plan. We'll return back to the hangar and steal the shuttle. EVERYONE BUT VOSSLER AND BASCH RUN OFF Vossler: Her Majesty can't forgive her own weaknesses. She needs to accept reality, however. PUT THE CONTROL KEY INTO THE SECURITY TERMINAL. IT ASKS YOU TO CHOOSE: SECURITY INFORMATION RESET SECURITY SYSTEM QUIT CHOOSE TO RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM AND THIS APPEARS: THE ALARM WILL BE RESET FOR 60 SECONDS. AFTER THIS TIME, IF THE SYSTEM SENSES ANYTHING UNUSUAL, THE ALARM WILL SOUND AGAIN. HEAD TOWARDS THE HANGAR AND YOU WILL RUN INTO PENELO AND LARSA. Penelo: Vaan. Vaan: I'm sorry. It's all OK now. Larsa: (to Ashe) Judge Ghis is aware of the situation. Please escape quickly. (to Vossler) You're General Azras, correct. Come with me. We need to get to work on getting you a ship. Vossler: You know who I am and you're still letting me escape? Larsa: Princess Ashe, you're a person I thought not to exist anymore. That you and General Rosenberg are still alive is proof that something is not right. I think that your future actions will reveal even more that which is distorted. So, please go. Reveal what is being hidden. I will correct the distortion to protect the Empire. Ashe: I understand. Vaan: Nice to see you again...Ramon. Larsa: I'm sorry about before. Penelo, take this. It will protect you. (to Vossler) Let's be on our way. ** VOSSLER HAS LEFT THE PARTY ** ** PENELO HAS JOINED THE PARTY ** ** YOU RECEIVED THE ARTIFICIAL NETHICITE ** HEAD TO THE HANGAR. JUDGE GHIS IS WAITING. Judge Ghis: It's unfortunate. It truly believed that we were going to be able to cooperate for the stability of Dalmasca. But, I have the proof of royalty right here. Perhaps you should make yourselves an imitation. Because you don't have the qualifications or the merit to be ruler! THE NETHICITE ABSORBS JUDGE GHIS'S MAGIC. Penelo: What is it? Balthier: Nethicite. ASHE RUNS AT JUDGE GHIS. Judge Ghis: Your Highness, to refuse to honorably surrender is just so Dalmascan! Ashe: What do you think you know? FIGHT JUDGE GHIS. AFTER THE BATTLE... VOSSLER RUSHES IN. Vossler: We've secured the Atmos! Hurry! Balthier: The Atmos? That tugboat? It doesn't befit a hero at all. Vaan: Can I fly it? Fran: Why? Do you want to crash again? IN THE ATMOS... Penelo: Hurry! Full-throttle! Fran: No. AFTER THE OTHER SHIPS PASS BY ASHE EMERGES FROM HIDING. Ashe: They're gone. Fran: They'd have spotted us if we'd gone too fast. BACK AT THE BHUJERBA AIRSHIP TERMINAL Penelo: (to Balthier) Here, I washed it. Balthier: I am honored. BASCH, VOSSLER AND ASHE ARE TALKING. Ashe: Ondore? But he's... Basch: You should meet with him. He appears to be close to the Empire but it's just appearances. It was because of his "advice" that we were able to rescue you. It was a dangerous plan, however. Vossler: I agree with Basch. We should have relied on the Marquis sooner than we did. I was foolish. Your Highness...I need some time. We can't take back our country with just this little group. I need to search for another means. Allow Basch to protect you in my absence. You may still not trust him but his hopes for Dalmasca are no different from ours. Ashe: If that's how you feel. I'm counting on you. Vossler: (to Basch) Take care of her. And stay close to Marquis Ondore. MAKE YOUR WAY TO MARQUIS ONDORE'S ESTATE Ashe: On the night of the Peace Treaty Signing Ceremony, Vossler learned of the death of my father and took me to safety. I wanted to seek your help before Vayne could reach me but... Ondore: But I, having announced your death, looked like I had given in to the Empire. That proclamation was Vayne's idea. Not knowing his intentions I agreed. But I see now that his goal was to keep us apart. Ashe: But that's all over now. Help me, please. Together we can defeat Vayne. Ondore: The little Ashe I used to hold isn't here anymore is she? You've grown up. Ashe: But, Uncle... Ondore: Even if we should defeat Vayne, then what? With the proof of royalty gone there's no way to revive the kingdom. Without it the High Priest of Bur-Omisace will not recognize your right to succeed the throne. Your Highness, without the proof there is nothing I can do for you. Until the suitable time you must remain on Bhujerba. Ashe: I can't do that! Ondore: Tell me, Your Highness, what can you do? Ashe: Uncle... Balthier: With that settled, I guess I should present my bill for saving the Princess. First, I want dinner. A luxury one. Ondore: I'll make arrangements. Please wait. Balthier: Maybe you could lend me your bath as well. And some fresh clothes. ABOARD THE STRAHL... ASHE IS IN THE PILOT'S SEAT. VAAN WALKS IN. Vaan: What are you doing? This is Balthier's ship. Ashe: I'm going to retrieve the Dawn Shard. It's another proof of royalty. I know where it's hidden. I'll return the airship when I'm done. Vaan: What? Ashe: I have to do this! I owe it to the people who died! But instead I'm told to hide. I'm prepared to fight alone if need be. Vaan: Alone? What about Basch? And don't think you can take somebody's airship just because you're a Princess, dear. Ashe: Don't call me that! BASCH'S VOICE COMES FROM BEHIND. IT'S REALLY BALTHIER WITH A VOICE CHANGING MICROPHONE. Basch's voice: Oh, let him call you that, Your Majesty. (Balthier's voice) Did I surprise you? I got this for work. I figured it might come in handy someday. (In Ashe's voice) Don't call me that! Balthier: I'm handing you over to the Marquis. Ashe: No, wait. Balthier: It's for your own good. Ashe: Then kidnap me. You're a sky pirate, right. Then steal me from here. Now! Balthier: What's in it for me? Ashe: The Tyrant`s Treasure. The Dawn Shard is in the Tomb of King Raithwall. Balthier: Raithwall, huh? Basch: The price on your head is going to skyrocket. Kidnapping a member of the royal family is a serious crime. Balthier: I guess we'll be in that boat together. Basch: (to Ashe) Allow me to go with you in place of Vossler. FRAN AND PENELO ENTER. Fran: Vaan, what are you going to do? Vaan: Huh? I'm going. Ok? Don't leave me in a place like this. Penelo: Then me too. I don't want to be alone anymore. Vaan: Got it. Fran: Then it's decided. We should take off before the Marquis notices. Make it look more like a kidnapping. ARCHADIAN EMPIRE - THE IMPERIAL CITY OF ARCHADES JUDGE MASTER GABRANTH ARRIVES IN A SHUTTLE AND PROCEEDS INTO THE EMPEROR'S CHAMBER. Emperor Gramis: Draklor Research Facility? Doctor Cid? Judge Gabranth: I confirmed that they are receiving financial support from Vayne. I know that it has something to do with the matter at the Nalbina Dungeons. Also, I can't seem to get to the bottom of Judge Zekt's disappearance. Emperor Gramis: I'm too old now to figure out what my sons are up to. (coughs) This disease will kill me. And who will succeed me when I'm gone? The Senate fears Vayne's abilities and wish for a younger Emperor. Gabranth, once, I attacked your country. Judge Gabranth: The Republic of Landis is gone. The Empire is my motherland now. Emperor Gramis: Yet I hear you have a brother who refused to join the Empire and drifted towards Dalmasca. You've never thought about following him? Judge Gramis: I'm already following him. But only as an agent of the Empire. And only so I can cut him down. Emperor Gramis: If he's an enemy of the Empire you'd even kill your own brother. Good. I value your heartlessness. But, Larsa will never be that way towards Vayne. And that's how I want it. Judge Gabranth: So you want me to dirty my hands and raise my sword in place of Larsa? Emperor Gramis: A shield, rather. Keep an eye on Vayne. He's a little too sharp. Judge Gabranth: As you wish. Emperor Gramis: Please, Gabranth. I don't want to see the sight of my sons fighting ever again. THE STRAHL APPEARS ABOVE THE DESERT. BALTHIER PUTS IT INTO CLOAKING MODE. Penelo: Wow! Ashe: Is that for work as well? Balthier: Hey, It's tough being famous. If I don't cloak it I'd be spotted right away. I guess we're on foot from here. Yakuto is up ahead. Ashe: We'll cross the sand sea and head for the Valley of the Dead. The Tomb of Raithwall is on the far side. VAAN AND PENELO ARE TALKING AWAY FROM THE GROUP. Vaan: Magic crystals that keep the airship afloat don't work in Yakuto. That's why we have to walk there. Penelo: All you know is airships. Vaan: Yeah, I guess. I do want to be a sky pirate. But..hey, that's not all I know. Balther: It doesn't look like we'll get bored on the way there. HEAD INTO THE SAND SEA. _____________________________________________________________________________ ================ THE OGLR-YENSA SANDSEA =========================== FF12.10 _____________________________________________________________________________ VAAN WALKS TO THE EDGE OF THE SAND SEA AND CUPS THE SAND IN HIS HAND. Penelo: Where is the Tomb of Raithwall? Basch: It's to the west. We need to pass through both Oglr-Yensa and Nam- Yensa first. This desert is larger than all of Dalmasca. It'll be dangerous to cross. If you're tired make sure to speak up. Penelo: I'll be fine. I'm tougher than I look. Basch: You're right. You're all strong. MOVE ALONG THE PLATFORM TO THE NEXT SCREEN. THE GROUP LOOKS ACROSS THE WAY AT AN OLD STRUCTURE. Basch: It looks like it was used for pumping oil from the ground. It's been abandoned a long time now. Vaan: Did Dalmasca build it? Basch: No. It was built by the Rozzarian Empire, the country fighting with Archadia for supremacy. Many countries wedged between the two empires are no longer. Dalmasca, Nabradia...Landis. VOSSLER ENTERS. Vossler: Small countries have to learn to read the larger ones. Basch: Vossler! What are you doing here? Vossler: Sorry to surprise you. I returned to Bhujerba but both you and Ashe had disappeared. I never thought you'd enlist the help of pirates. Basch: We can trust Balthier. But in the end, it was the Princess's decision. I can only support her wishes. Back then, when she lost everything, I was no help to her. This time I have sworn to do anything I can. Vossler: Thus is the way of a knight. Where is the Princess? AS VOSSLER WALKS OFF TO TALK TO ASHE, BALTHIER AND FRAN ARE HAVING THEIR OWN DISCUSSION. Fran: We should get away from this place. Balthier: What, is there a sandstorm on the way? Fran: Something worse than that. VOSSLER AND ASHE ARE TALKING... Vossler: I see. So the Dawn Shard is in the Tomb of Raithwall. Princess, I believe that Ondore now understands your feelings. He has kept the news of your abduction from the Empire. Ashe: That doesn't matter to me right now. Vossler, what have you found out? Balthier: We've got to be going now. This Ultan-Yensa territory. And they're not much for talking. THE ULTAN-YENSA EMERGE FROM THE SAND SEA AND MOVE TOWARDS THE PLATFORM. Balthier: They've spotted us. This should be fun. Let's get out of here before they get too close. Ashe: Vossler, did you find a way to revive Dalmasca? Vossler: First we need the Dawn Shard. Everything depends on that one thing. ** VOSSLER JOINS AS A GUEST ** MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE NAM-YENSA SAND SEA. TALK TO THE MOOGLE. Moogle: Did you see that Ultan-Yensa that just ran away? They're usually a violent people but that one was asking for help. Do you want to hear his story? (Listen) (I don't care) It seems that a monster has appeared in Nam-Yensa that has the Ultan-Yensa in distress. It's their natural enemy. It must be extremely serious if the normally violent Ultan-Yensa are asking for help. You look strong. Please destroy this monster for them. It looks like a giant turtle. They said that they had found a hidden treasure in the Sand Sea. If you destroy their enemy they will probably let you have it. DESTROY THE GIANT TURTLE AND RETURN TO THE MOOGLE. Moogle: He ran by here into the Oglr-Yensa Sand Sea. HEAD BACK INTO OGLR-YENSA AND START TO CLIMB THE PLATFORM. THE MOOGLE COMES RUNNING OUT AND MEETS WITH THE ULTAN-YENSA SOLDIER. Moogle: Did you go to get the reward? You have the hidden treasure, right? THE ULTAN-YENSA RUNS AWAY. Moogle: Where are you going? Are you going back to your tribe? HEAD BACK INTO NAM-YENSA. A GROUP OF ULTAN-YENSA HAS GATHERED. Moogle: What's this? An Ultan-Yensa gathering? This is a rare sight indeed. THE ULTAN-YENSA WHO SOUGHT HELP COMMUNICATES WITH THE LEADER OF THE TRIBE. Moogle: Oh no, something isn't right. No, something is dangerous. He's going to be executed! THE MOOGLE RUNS UP TO THE LEADER. Moogle: Why are you going to kill him? The monster was killed because he asked for help! Queen of the Ultan Yensa: He asked help from strangers. We Ultan Yensa are the kings of the Sand Sea. We need help from no one. He has shamed us! (to the condemned) I will hear nothing you have to say. Now, return to the sand! THE ULTAN YENA IS KILLED AND DISAPPEARS. Moogle: Where...where did he go? Bring him back! Queen: We will suffer no attack on our pride. Even from our own. I should destroy you as well. Today, however, is special and I will overlook your trespass. But leave our sea at once! THE ULTAN-YENSA LEAVE EN MASSE. CHECK THE FLOWER GROWNING IN THE SAND. IT HAS A SEED. THE EXLO SEED (Take it) (Don't take it) TAKE THE SEED AND TALK TO THE MOOGLE. Moogle: I am sure, very sure that he wouldn't have been happy even if he had returned to his tribe. That flower...maybe he was reborn. It's rare for flowers to bloom in the sand. Maybe that flower was the treasure he found. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE TOMB OF RAITHWALL. TALK TO THE MAN ON THE CHOCOBO AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE TOMB OF RAITHWALL. Man: Oh! It's rare to see other people around here. We came here to fish in the Sand Sea but nothing was biting today. What are you doing in a place like this? You look a bit like adventurers, I guess. Wait, don't tell me you're thinking about going after that treasure in the Valley of the Dead? What!! I would seriously reconsider if I were you. There's supposed to be a monster bird of some kind. How's that for a warm welcome? By the way, are you all fully equipped? If you're even the least bit unsure, you should probably stock up. GO THROUGH TO THE TOMB OF RAITHWALL. DEFEAT THE MONSTER BIRD. ** THE ANCIENT APPARATUS STARTS TO MOVE ** THE PARTY CLIMBS THE STEPS INTO THE TOMB. Ashe: King Raithwall, loved by the gods, ruled over an immense land spanning the two continents of Valendia to Ordalia and established the Federation of Galtea. He was called a tyrant but the King Raithwall following the establishment of the Federation loved his people and despised useless conflict. This way of thinking was passed on to his successors. Peace and prosperity continued for hundreds of years. Both Archadia and Rozzaria were formed from city-states within the Federation of Galtea. Born from the peace that Raithwall built. King Raithwall left behind 3 items that served as proof of his bloodline. The Luminous Shard went to the royal family in Nabradia. The Twilight Shard to the founders of the Kingdom of Dalmasca. The last, the Dawn Shard is sealed away here. Its resting place was only revealed to the royal families. Vossler: The King must have foreseen a situation like this. Ashe: Only royalty is allowed to enter this place. If someone who doesn't have proof enters... Balthier: There's no guarantee they'll make it our alive. So, an evil monster and traps kind of place, right? Ashe: The Dawn Shard and the Tyrant's Treasure as well slumber in there. Balthier: I thought it sounded a little too good. EXAMINE THE ANCIENT APPARATUS. IT IS A WARP DEVICE. (Touch the device) (Don't do anything) WARP INSIDE THE TOMB Vaan: What kind of machine is this? Balthier: It's an ancient device found in many relics. Touch it and it shoots you off somewhere else. I'm not sure how it works but it's handy. And for a sky pirate, that's enough. DEFEAT THE DEMON WALL AND GO THROUGH THE DOOR. YOU SEE A VIEW OF THE TOMB. Vossler: What magnificence! (looks at Balthier and Fran) I can't believe that I am traveling with such grave robbers. Ashe: But, we are not strong enough on our own. That's the reality, isn't it? They're only thinking of their own profit. If we can promise them that they'll benefit, I doubt they'll turn on us. Vossler: But, Your Majesty, I... Ashe: Talk comes later. Now we find the Dawn Shard. It's sleeping here. Somewhere deep below. Vossler: How can you know that? Ashe: I feel it calling. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE FINAL CHAMBER. A WAVY MIST APPEARS IN THE AIR. Penelo: We're underground but there's fog. Fran: It's not fog, it's Mist. Penelo: Mist is something that you can see? Fran: It's very concentrated here. It's a sign that an evil spirit is near. Penelo: It's dangerous, isn't it? Fran: But it's also useful. It speeds up magic recovery time. Penelo: I'll remember that. Vaan is always being reckless. I have to be there for him. DEFEAT AND OBTAIN THE SUMMON MONSTER BELIAS. Fran: "The ones who tried to fight the gods and lost found their souls, robbed of freedom, tethered to the Mist until the end of time." That's Nu Mou folklore. Ashe: There is a legend concerning the King and a demon. A young Raithwall supposedly slew the demon and was recognized by the gods. After that the demon had to be a loyal servant to Raithwall. Balthier: And now it was protecting the Tyrant's Treasure, right? Ashe: No, that summon monster was the treasure. Balthier: Come again? Ashe: The demon's power which we now hold has immeasurable value. Balthier: Hey, hey. I was expecting a treasure that actually looked like a treasure. ENTER INTO THE FINAL CHAMBER. THE DAWN SHARD FLOATS ABOVE THE PEDESTAL. Basch: (to Vossler) What's the matter? Vossler: Your Majesty, let's hurry. ASHE APPROACHES THE PODIUM AND SEES THE GHOST OF RASLER, HER LATE HUSBAND. Ashe: Rasler. Your enemies will pay... THE DAWN SHARD SHINES BRIGHTLY IN HER HAND. LEAVE THE TOMB OF RAITHWALL AND DESCEND THE STEPS. AIRSHIPS CROWD THE SKIES. SMALLER SHIPS LAND AND SURROUND THE PARTY. ABOARD THE AIRSHIP THEY ARE GREETED BY JUDGE GHIS. Judge Ghis: It's an honor to see you again, Your Highness. You left the ship in such a hurry it pained my heart. I was afraid I may have offended you somehow. Ashe: I'm surprised you have a heart to pain. Get to the point. Judge Ghis: I want you to hand over the Nethicite. Penelo: Nethicite... PENELO GRIPS HER NETHICITE TIGHTLY Judge Ghis: What we want is not that fake thing. What we are after is King Raithwall's "God's Nethicite". You haven't been told yet, have you? General Azras... Vossler: Your Majesty, the Dawn Shard...it's Nethicite. Basch: Vossler, why? Vossler: The Empire is not an enemy that we can fight and win. If we want to save Dalmasca we have to face reality. Judge Ghis: General Azras made a wise deal. In exchange for the Dawn Shard, we will allow the restoration of the Kingdom of Dalmasca under Ashe's reign. What do you think? It takes one little pebble to revive a dead country. Balthier: And your handler will keep watch over us I bet. Judge Ghis: Think of him as a citizen of Dalmasca. The more you hesitate, the more people will be sacrificed. JUDGE GHIS DRAWS HIS SWORD AND HOLDS IT AT BALTHIER'S NECK. Judge Ghis: He'll be the first. Balthier: You're a roundabout kind of guy, aren't you? Vaan: Ashe... ASHE HANDS THE DAWN SHARD TO JUDGE GHIS. Judge Ghis: I never thought the proof of royalty would be Nethicite. Doctor Cid has been searching frantically for this. Balthier: What'd you say? Jusge Ghis: Take your group to the Shiva. In a few days time you will be free to return to Rabanastre. THE PARTY LEAVES. JUDGE GHIS HANDS THE NETHICITE TO A SCIENTIST. Judge Ghis: Measure the magic power right away. Scientist: What about the order not to begin until after we arrive in Archadia? Judge Ghis: It won't hurt to confirm its authenticity beforehand. A SHUTTLE DEPARTS FOR THE LIGHT CRUISER CLASS AIRSHIP SHIVA. THE GROUP, BOUND, WALKS THROUGH A LONG WALKWAY. Vossler: Once back in Rabanastre we must announce to the people that you are alive. After that I will encourage negotiations with the Empire. We should believe what he told us. Ashe: Now I don't know who to believe. Vossler: It's all for Dalmasca. IN ANOTHER PART OF THE SHIP THE SCIENTISTS PUT THE NETHICITE INTO A CAPSULE. Scientist: Our facilities are limited so we'll use this ship's power to measure it. The Nethicite will be connected to the engine and the response... Judge Ghis: Save the explanation. I'm only interested in the results. FRAN IS IN PAIN BACK IN THE OTHER ROOM. Vaan: Fran! Fran: It burns...the Mist burns! Scientist: 6700, 6800, 6900, 7000! There's no doubt. It's the God's Nethicite. There's no limit in sight. Judge Ghis: The God's Nethicite....the power of a god. He who holds this could be the next Tyrant King. I don't mind at all if it's not Vayne. THE ALARM SOUNDS Scientist: What's this? The reaction coefficient... Judge Ghis: What is it? FRAN IS SHAKING AND A SOLDIER WHO TRIES TO TOUCH HER FLIES ACROSS THE ROOM. Vossler: Seize her! FRAN GOES CRAZY AND STARTS SCREAMING WHILE ATTACKING THE GUARDS. Penelo: What's wrong with her? Balther: I guess she hates to be restrained. I didn't know she hated it this much, though. (to Ashe) How about you? Ashe: I'm with her. Let's escape from here. VOSSLER RAISES HIS SWORD. Vossler: Are you going to make me use this? Sky pirate! I will not let you steal Dalmasca's future. BASCH APPROACHES VOSSLER. Vossler: Why, Basch. You of all people can see the reality. Basch: That's why I struggle. FIGHT AND DEFEAT VOSSLER AND A FEW SOLDIERS VOSSLER FALLS TO HIS KNEES AS BASCH STANDS BEFORE HIM. BACK ON THE BRIDGE... Pilot: The engine output is falling rapidly. What? Minus? We can't maintain the ship's buoyancy. Judge Ghis: What happened? Scientist: It's the Nethicite. It's absorbing the ship's power. Other Scientists: Stop it! Hurry, turn it off! Scientist: I'm trying but...Only 300 before it become critical! Balthier: Ashe, come on. ASHE LOOKS BACK AT BASCH AND VOSSLER. Vossler: I did it for the motherland. Basch: I know you did. You were only thinking of your country. Vossler: Maybe I was too eager...too reckless. Maybe you came back too late. I can't be of service anymore. Take care of the Princess. THE ENGINE ALONG WITH THE SHIP AND ALL THE SHIPS IN THE 8TH FLEET EXPLODE. THE PARTY IS TRYING TO OUTRUN THE BLAST. Balthier: This is no joke. Fran: The Mist. The Mist is becoming substantial. Vaan: Is that possible? PENELO LOOKS BACK AT THE BLAST. Penelo: Look. Ashe: The Dawn Shard. Balthier: Well, how 'bout we pick it up? ============================================================================== The Leviathan was sunk and the entire Eighth Fleet destroyed. News of the tragedy at Yakuto shocked the Imperial government. Claiming illness, I left Bhujerba. The reason was to organize the Anti-Imperial movements across Ivalice into a Liberation Army. Princess Ashe returned to Rabanastre and though painful for her, went into hiding along with the Dawn Shard, instead of announcing her survival. If Ashe had shown herself before the people, my mistake at announcing her death would become clear and would have hindered the formation of the Liberation Army. In that state, if we declared the revival of the Kingdom, the Empire would have destroyed us in one fell swoop. Even with the loss of the Eighth Fleet, the Empire remained as ever a military superpower. - Harem Ondore the 4th - A Time of Hiding, Chapter 16 ============================================================================== THE IMPERIAL CITY OF ARCHADES - THE SENATE Senator: The Rozzarian Empire headquarters has amassed a huge army under the guise of field maneuvers. It may be their intention to wait for a justification for war and then preemptively strike our country. The loss of the Leviathan is especially great in a time of such tension. If we were attacked by Rozzaria now, it would surely be a desperate battle. The person solely responsible for bringing this situation upon us is Vayne, who moved the fleet at his own discretion. Senator: Vayne must be judged. That is the collective opinion of the Senate. Emperor, he may be your son, but we ask for an impartial and strict punishment. Emperor Gramis: Cover for Vayne or remove myself from the throne. Those are my two choices. Senator: I understand your anguish. Senator: Larsa could serve in place of Vayne and become a fine Emperor. Emperor Gramis: He's very attached to Vayne. He's still young. Senator: But he won't be young forever. He seems to be probing Vayne's movements and appears enthusiastic for a chance to participate. Emperor Gramis: By whose instigation? Senator: Anyway...Isn't it true that once Vayne judged the mistakes of his brothers? Those were your orders, weren't they? THE EMPEROR STARTS COUGHING. Senator: Be assured, Emperor. While the Senate maintains the Empire we will have peace. Emperor: Understood. I will recall Vayne to Archadia at once. ASHE DREAMS THAT SHE SEES RASLER AND HE GIVES HER THE DAWN SHARD. VAAN APPEARS. THE ROYAL CITY OF RABANASTRE - FOUR DAYS AFTER THE SINKING OF LEVIATHAN Basch: It was the Dawn Shard that destroyed the Imperial fleet, right. Balthier: How perceptive. Basch: This destructive power is in a different class. I've heard of something like it before. I think the Princess has as well. Ashe: Nabudis. Basch: The capital of the former Kingdom of Nabradia and Lord Rasler's birthplace. During the previous war, immediately after Archadia invaded, there was an immense explosion of unknown origin which killed both friend and foe in great numbers. One of King Raithwall's shards was in the country. The Nocturnal Shard. That was the cause. Balthier: Nethicite...the Empire's obsessed with it. Ashe: That war and the night of the signing ceremony were all about Vayne trying to get his hands on this power. King Raithwall's shards, the Nethicite, must be kept out the Empire's hands. Balthier: They took them a long time ago. The Twilight Shard and probably the Nocturnal Shard as well. If they didn't have them they probably couldn't produce a synthetic Nethicite. Ashe: Then we'll use the power of the Dawn Shard to oppose the Empire. Dalmasca forgets neither kindness nor disgrace. By the blade, save a friend and kill an enemy. Nethicite will be my sword. For the people who died. To get revenge on the Empire. Vaan: Do you know how to use it? Fran: The Garif will. In Garif village legends of Magicite have been passed down for generations. They protect the old way of living there. They can probably hear the voice of the Nethicite. The whisper of a dangerous power. Ashe: Even if it's dangerous what we need now is power. If a powerless Dalmasca declares its revival it will just be crushed by the Empire. Please lead me to Garif Village. Fran: First we must pass through the Ozmone Plain. Balthier: Isn't that a little far? Ashe: Is it another reward that you want? Balthier: You're quicker to the point than I am. Hmmm, I'll take that as payment. HE POINTS AT HER WEDDING RING. Ashe: This...isn't there anything else? Balthier: If you don't agree I'll walk away. SHE TAKES OFF THE RING AND GIVES IT TO HIM. Balthier: I'll give it back. When you find me a better treasure, that is. Ashe: What's that? A 'better treasure'? Balthier: Hmmm, I guess you'll know when you see it. Vaan, what is it that you want. What are you looking for? Vaan: Me? You know...that...that thing....um... THEY LEAVE THE HIDEOUT AND EMERGE IN THE BAZAAR. Basch: I've heard that the Garif Village is far to the south. South of the Giza Plains. This is the rainy season. There may be roads that we can't use due to flooding. However, new roads may have been opened as well. Anyway, let's hurry to the south. Balthier: Don't rush. I know you're in a hurry but let's make sure we're prepared before we head out. Ashe: I've been prepared for two years. I can endure any hardship. Balthier: Glad to hear it. ______________________________________________________________________________ ======== THE OZMOZE PLAIN ======================================== FF12.11 ______________________________________________________________________________ MAKE YOUR WAY SOUTH THROUGH THE GIZA PLAIN TO THE OZOMOZE PLAIN. TRAVEL WEST TO JAHARA, LAND OF THE GARIF. TALK TO THE WARRIORS BY THE BRIDGE. Warrior: What? Who are you? This is the Garif Village. This isn't a place to bring Hume children. Spinel: They are just travelers. I watched them make their way across the Ozome Plain. They are skilled and weren't even phased by the monsters. Warrior: Captain, did to venture into the plains alone again? Spinel: (to Vaan) What business do you have in Garif? (to the guards) Let them pass. I'll bear all responsibility. Warrior: Yes, captain. You are free to pass. But what business could a Hume have here? CROSS THE BRIDGE AND TALK TO SPINEL. Spinel: I haven't told you my name. I am Spinel. I am the chief of the warriors. We are usually welcome to outsiders here but lately the Hume world has been turbulent. We've increased out security to protect our village. As the head of security I must ask, what is the business which brings you to our land? So you came to hear about Nethicite, did you? Then you should talk to the village elder. Here we all wear masks so it'll be hard for you to distinguish one of us for another. But, please have a look around the village. GO FORWARD AND TALK TO A WARRIOR ON THE RIGHT STANDING NEXT TO TWO WARRIORS WHO ARE SITTING. Zayal: Oh, we have Hume visitors. You're not a very big one, are you? I suppose you came to this village to learn more about Nethicite. We pass down the Nethicite legends only orally. So, many things have been lost through the years. I, myself, know nothing about Nethicite. If there's anyone who knows, it's the village elder. He knows more legends than anyone else. The village elder's hut is north across the river. There are guards out front but talk to the captain and he will let you through. By the way, could I ask you a favor? I have something I want you to hand Captain Spinel. ** YOU RECEIVE THE JAYA SPLINTER ** Please give it to him if you have time. I hope you find what you were looking for. HEAD TO THE BRIDGE TO THE NORTH AND TALK TO SPINEL. Spinel: Is that the Jaya Splinter your holding? (Give him the Jaya Splinter) (Don't do anything) Thank you. Did you find out about Nethicite? No, I can tell by your face that you haven't. I wonder if the Elder knows anything about it. Do you want to talk to him? (Meet with the village elder) (Give up.) I'm sure he will know what you are seeking. However, I can't permit you to meet with him so easily. Ashe: I must know about Nethicite. Please tell the elder that I am part of the royal family of Dalmasca and descendant of King Raithwall. If you still remember the ancient Garif legends you will no doubt be familiar with King Raithwall and the Nethicite. Spinel: What proof do you have that you are the tyrant's descendent? Ashe: I..... Spinel: Fine, I will believe you. You may cross the bridge and talk to the elder. GO TO THE ELDER'S HOUSE AND TALK TO THE GUARD. Guard: Up ahead is the village elder's hut. Do you wish to meet with him? (Meet with him) (Walk away) THE PARTY ENTERS THE VILLAGE ELDER'S HUT. HE HOLDS THE NETHICITE IN HIS HAND. Elder: You used this Nethicite, didn't you? Ashe: It wasn't me. I don't know how to use it. That's why... Elder: Ah...you don't know how to use it? Just like the Garif. Ashe: Huh? Elder: In ancient times the gods granted the Garif with Nethicite. But the Garif couldn't use the Nethicite. The gods, disapponted with the Garif, took the stone back. Next it was granted to a Hume king. He used the power of the Nethicite to suppress a troubled age. He became known as the Tyrant King. It's strange that a descendant of King Raithwall can't use the Nethicite. Ashe: Please wait. So you don't know how to use it? Elder: I am very embarrassed. Though honored to meet the descendant of King Raithwall, there's nothing I can teach you. Even if I did know how to use it, it wouldn't mean anything. It released all the Mist it had stored up all these long years and is powerless. Perhaps your grand children will be able to use it. The rock, devoid of power, is starving. It's empty and craving every possible power. The power of man, the power of evil, the power of good and the power of wickedness. The person who craves the Nethicite is in turn craved by the Nethcite. LARSA APPROACHES THE ELDER'S HUT. Ashe: Larsa! IT'S NIGHT AND ASHE IS STARING INTO THE FIRE. SHE REMEMBERS TALK FROM EARLIER IN THE DAY. Ashe: Bur-Omisace? Larsa: Let's leave tomorrow. I had planned to wait for my bodyguard to return but I feel it's extremely lucky to meet you here. Please lend me your strength to prevent a great war. Ashe: Great war? Larsa: You're familiar with the Rebel Army, sorry, I mean the Liberation Army that Ondore is creating to oppose the Empire, right? It be disastrous if he were to act now. It will cause Rozzaria to attack. Rozzaria will declare war on the Empire by claiming to be supporting the Liberators. This will lead the two Empires into a violent clash. Therefore, let's go to Bur-Omisace. If His Eminence, the High Priest Anastasis, agrees you can officially succeed the throne and declare the resurrection of the Dalmascan Kingdom. As queen we can build a friendly relationship between Dalmasca and the Empire. Please stop Marquis Ondore. Ashe: Friendly? Who do you think you are? You're the ones who attacked us. You took everything. You expect me to just let that pass. Larsa: Dalmasca will become the battleground. Do you want Rabanastre to become the next Nabudis? My brother has the Nethicite. I'm sorry to be so bold but I can't think of any other way to prevent bloodshed. If you can't trust me, please take me as a hostage. NIGHT... ASHE SEES RASLER ON THE BRIDGE BUT IT TURNS OUT TO BE VAAN. Ashe: Rasler... Vaan: Did you see him again? Like back at the tomb. Ashe: You, too? What's wrong? Vaan: It's strange. I didn't even know your face. I don't know a thing about the Prince, either. Maybe who I saw was my brother. Ashe: I heard about him from Basch. Vaan: He enlisted right before the surrender. Even though he knew we were going to lose. Ashe: He tried to protect... Vaan: He can't protect anything if he's dead. You understood that when the Prince died. To hate the Empire or try to pay them back...I was full of resentment. But that's it. I didn't think I'd be able to do anything and it made me hollow. Times like that I would think of my brother. I'd talk big and say things like I want to be a sky pirate. I wanted to run from my brother's death. I've come all this way here solely because I wanted to run away. But I'm finished. I'm done running. I want to find a goal. Or the answer as to what to do with my future. With you I am sure I can find it. Ashe: I wonder... Vaan: I will. THE NEXT MORNING ASHE TALK TO LARSA Ashe: Let's go together to Bur-Omisace. Larsa: I believed you would say that. Ashe: I still haven't made up my mind. I'll find the answer on the way. Larsa: I have someone I would like you to meet. We should meet up with him in Bur-Omisace. Ashe: Who? Larsa: He's an enemy. But also an ally. I'm looking forward to the meeting. LARSA TURNS AND CROSSES THE BRIDGE. Vaan: He's like that, isn't he? Ashe: Innocent, you mean. Vaan: I like him. Even though he is part of the Empire. BASCH, FRAN AND BALTHIER ARE IN THE DISTANCE WATCHING THE OTHERS Basch: The holy city of Bur-Omisace is in the northern part of Yakuto-Ramuda. Once we enter Yakuto I wonder if we can avoid being pursued by airships? Balthier: There's little hope of that. Leviathan flew across Yakuto-Yensa and pulled right up to Raithwall's Tomb. The new magic stones which allow ships to fly even in Yakuto have got to be Nethicite. That's all they're after. Basch: What is it that you're after? Not that I don't feel reassured by your presence. Balthier: You're asking if I won't steal your Nethicite? I don't know. I am real used to stealing it. Might be force of habit. But right now I don't feel that way in the least. Do you want me to swear on your sword or something? Basch: Sorry. Her Majesty is relying on you. I just wanted to get that straight. You looked like you had your eye on the stone. Balthier: I pursue the mysterious. That's what heroes do. ** LARSA JOINS AS A GUEST CHARACTER ** VAAN TALKS TO THE WARRIOR CHIEF ON THE WAY OUT. Spinel: You're leaving? Here, take this as a parting gift. ** YOU RECEIVE THE BOW-GUN** ** YOU RECIEVE THE ONION SHAFT ** Spinel: You should take a Chocobo if you need one. I'll talk to the handler and this time you can take a Chocobo free of charge. Take care of your self and stop by again if you are near. The great land will protect you on your journey. GET A CHOCOBO AND RIDE IT TO THE NORTHEAST UNTIL THE NEXT CUT SCENE BASCH AND ASHE ARE WALKING SIDE BY SIDE. Basch: A friendship between Dalmasca and the Empire? Ashe: I understand it in my head. It's the only way to prevent the war. But for me to help the Empire is humiliating. Basch: It is an embarrassment to us but it will save the people. Ashe: You're agreeing with this? Basch: I was used by Vayne and my good name soiled. Now more than ever, I cannot forget my knight's oath. If I can protect people from strife and carnage, I will bear any shame. I doesn't compare to the shame of not being able to defend your country. Ashe: The people hate the Empire and are not likely to agree to this. Basch: They have hope. That we will have a future where we can take each others hands. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - THE IMPERIAL CITY OF ARCHADES - THE IMPERIAL PALACE JUDGE MASTERS BERGAN AND ZARGABAATH WALK URGENTLY THROUGH THE PALACE. Judge Bergan: Whatever the Senate plots, it will not cause Vayne to fall from power. Judge Zargabaath: It's because the entire military, starting with the General Staff Office, is under Vayne's control. Judge Bergan: He alone has the power to destroy the enemies of the Empire. JUDGE DRACE WATCHES THE TWO TALK Judge Drace: Just like Zect from 2 years ago. He believed in Vayne's power and look what happened to him. He disappeared without a trace at Nabudis. Judge Bergan: I won't allow you to make a fool of Judge Zect. He was a consummate warrior. Are you saying that he was wrong to believe in Vayne? Judge Drace: Once he killed his own brothers. He's not a man. He is too heartless. Judge Bergan: Heartless? That's very welcome. Traitors, even those of your own flesh and blood, must be destroyed. He was doing what a man protecting his Empire should do. Judge Drace: He's a simpleton. Zargabaanth, you don't believe them do you? Those two are traitors! Judge Zargabaanth: That is Emperor Gramis's conclusion. Watch what you say Drace. That incident is far in the past. JUDGE MASTER GABRANTH ENTERS. Judge Gabranth: We are to move out as a group. Vayne has arrived. Judge Zargabaanth: We shall do as you say. Judge Bergan: Larsa is heading towards Bur-Omisace. He plans on appealing to the High Priest in an attempt to keep the Rebels from acting. I don't believe Ondore can abandon it, but he may be able to limit the Rebellion. That would slow down the Rozzarian invasion and give us time to fortify our defenses. Judge Gabranth: That's exactly Emperor Gramis's aim. Judge Bergan: In any case, it's a promising turn of events. I can picture the surprised faces of the incompetent Senate now. That old man, too. The young Emperor will be controlled from the shadows. But, Larsa will not remain a puppet forever. Judge Gabranth: What the Senate is hoping for is a puppet Emperor. Think about just how much the Senate despises Vayne's ability. If Larsa doesn't turn out the way they want the Senate will be sure to strike him down. Judge Bergan: This is no good. We must inform the Emperor. Together we can protect Lord Larsa. ______________________________________________________________________________ ============= THE GOLMORE JUNGLE ================================= FF12.12 ______________________________________________________________________________ MOVE THROUGH THE JUNGLE UNTIL YOU COME TO A MAGICALLY SEALED PASSAGE. Vaan: What is this? Fran: Golmore Jungle is refusing entry. Ashe: To us? Fran: To me, probably. FRAN WALKS AWAY. Vaan: What's she mean? What are we going to do about this? FRAN WALKS WITH BALTHIER. Balthier: Taking the shortcut? Fran: Yes. Balthier: Didn't you abandon your past? Fran: There's no other way. I'm doing this for you, too. Balthier: Hmm? Fran: You're anxious, aren't you?. The Nethicite's making you that way. It shows on your face more than you think. VAAN RUNS UP TO FRAN WHO IS WAVING HER FINGER IN THE AIR. Vaan: So what are we doing? Fran: This. A PATH THROUGH THE FOREST APPEARS. Fran: We'll borrow the strength of the Viera living in the forest. Penelo: Wait, is this Fran's village? Fran: Now I am an unwelcome guest. TAKE THE PATH INTO ERUYT VILLAGE. Fran: In the village up ahead there should be a girl named Murin. Please call her for me. ENTER THE VILLAGE AND GO UP THE STAIRS UNTIL THE NEXT CUT SCENE. THE PARTY IS GREETED BY SOME VIERA. Vaan: Hey, there's a girl named Murin around here, right. Could you get her for me? A VIERA EMERGES FROM A HUT. Yote: Get out of here. This is not a place where Humes are welcome. Vaan: We'll leave once we meet with Murin. Yote: You can't meet her. Vaan: I'm not leaving until you let me see her? Fine, I'll look for her myself. FRAN ENTERS THE VILLAGE. Fran: I heard the Voice of the Forest. Murin isn't here. Yote, where is she? Yote: Why do you ask? Viera should be able to hear where she went from the Voice of the Forest. Ah, you can't hear it, can you? Your senses are dulled. Punishment for falling in with Humes. Viera who abandon the forest are no longer Viera. The same goes for Murin. Balthier: So you'll abandon her? Yote: It's the opinion of the village. Viera must exist within the forest. The Voice of the Forest is our way. Vaan: Fine. You protect your ways. We'll go rescue her. You shouldn't have a problem with that, should you? YOTE COMMUNICATES WITH THE VOICE OF THE FOREST. Yote: Murin left the village and headed west. She's wandering around a Hume cellar of black metal. That is what the Forest whispers. Fran: The Viera are just a part of the forest but to the Viera the forest is all. Yote: Those words. I heard those same words 50 years ago. HEAD BACK TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE VILLAGE. Balthier: (to Vaan) You did good back there. They way you got the information out of her. She said something about a "Hume cellar". Larsa: She must be talking about the Henna Magicite Mines in Bankul. It's in the south of Ozmone Plains. That stretch is one of the Empire's colonies. The army will probably be there. Balthier: So what? Vaan, let's go. Vaan: Hey, before, Yote said that...you know? 50 years ago, right? Fran: And? Vaan: Fran, how old are you? FRAN WALKS AWAY AS BALTHIER SHRUGS HIS SHOULDERS. Larsa: That's rude. Penelo: You really are a child aren't you? GO BACK TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE FOREST, TOWARDS THE OZOME PLAIN. THERE ARE TWO SOLDIERS LYING ON THE GROUND. TALK TO THEM. Soldier: You...don't happen to have a potion on you, do you? My partner is injured..... He'll die if I don't do anything. Please, give me a potion. (Give him a Potion) (Walk away) Oh, thank you. I'm in your debt. Thanks to you my friend will live. I am very grateful. We came from the Henna Magicite Mines. We were attacked by something in the mines. We ran for our lives and ended up here. We'll rest here until my partner's wounds heal some. Please use our Chocobo in the interim. Close to here are paths that only Chocobos can use. Please talk to me again if you need anything. You are my friend's benefactor so I would like you to use the Chocobo. TALK TO THE SOLDIER AGAIN. Soldier: Do you need the Chocobo? (Borrow) (Don't) I see. Please use my Chocobo. Do you know the paths that are only for Chocobos? There's one really near here. Close to the Chocobo paths are Chocobo tracks. They are very use so please don't forget. The Chocobo path near here takes you right to the Henna Mines. But, it's very dangerous. Don't approach carelessly. RIDE THE CHOCO THROUGH THE CHOCOBO PATH TO THE HENNA MINES. AT THE ENTRANCE THE BODIES OF SOLDIERS AND SCIENTISTS ARE STREWN ABOUT. Larsa: They are from the Draklor Research Facility. What are they doing here? Balthier: I'd say that they were up to no good. ENTER THE HENNA MINES PRESS THE SWITCH TO OPEN THE GATE. THE NOTICE ON THE WALL SAYS: THE LIGHT ON THE SWITCH INDICATES WHICH COLORED GATE IS CLOSED. PRESSING THE SWITCH MAKES THE GATE OF THAT COLOR OPEN SO YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR ROUTE IF NECESSARY. BLUE GATES AND RED GATES CANNOT BOTH BE OPEN AT THE SAME TIME. PLUS, ALL GATES IN THE MINE OF EACH COLOR ARE CONNECTED AND WILL OPEN AND CLOSE AT THE SAME TIME. PLEASE PLAN YOUR ROUTE CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING. THIS WEEK'S SLOGAN: NO ACCIDENTS, NO INJURIES, A GREAT PLACE TO WORK. THE ARCHADIAN EMPIRE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PROCEED AND TALK TO THE WOUNDED SOLDIER. Soldier: I managed to run this far. Be careful. It is still back in the heart of the mine. Why....did this happen........? HEAD DEEPER INTO THE MINE. Larsa: This Magicite...It looks very similar to the ones in the Lhusu Mines. Draklor Research must be searching for new Magacite. If the Liberation Army acts, the Empire won't have access to Bhujerba's high quality Magicite anymore. LARSA RUNS OVER TO THE BODIES OF SOME SOLDIERS. FRAN GRABS HER CHEST. Fran: She's here. But, the Mist... Murin! MURIN IS WALKING AROUND IN A DAZE. Murin: The smell of Humes. The smell of power. Ashe: (to Fran) What's wrong with her? Murin: Stay away from me!! You Humes are starved for power. MURIN RUNS OFF INTO THE NEXT AREA. HEAD INTO THE NEXT AREA AND DEFEAT TIAMAT. AFTER THE BATTLE...MURIN STAGGERS FORWARD WITH NETHICITE IN HER HAND. SHE DROPS IT AND IT SHATTERS. A HUGE SPIRIT (VENUS) OF SOME KIND HOVERS ABOVE HER HEAD AND THEN FADES. SHE COLLAPSES. Vaan: What was that? Just now... Murin: (to Fran) Sister... LATER... Murin: The Viera were unconcerned when the Empire appeared in the forest. As long as it doesn't harm the forest, the Viera shut out the outside world. I was anxious, though. I wanted to identify what the Empire was looking for. Balthier: So that's what led you her and got you caught. You inherited your recklessness from your sister. Murin: Those people, they brought the "stone" near me. They said it took in Mist and that it was perfect for Vieras. When I saw the light of that "stone", I... Fran: Leviathan. The Mist released from the Dawn Shard put me into a frenzy. The one that affected her was... Larsa: Man-made Nethicite. Penelo, do you still have the stone I gave you? Penelo: Yes, of course. Larsa: This is more dangerous than I could have imagined. I shouldn't have given it to you. I apologize. Penelo: I always thought of it as a good luck charm. In Leviathan it saved us all. Ashe: Even if it is a dangerous power it can help us. Vaan: Maybe, but... BACK AT THE VIERA VILLAGE... Yuto: I heard the whisper of the Forest. Take it. You may have Lente's Tears. You should leave the forest. Murin: (to Yuto) That's it? The world is moving. I knew it when I left the forest. But the Viera do nothing about it. Yuto: Associating with Humes is not the Viera way. Murin: Ivalive is trying to move but the Viera shut themselves in this forest. I hate it. I want to leave the forest and live a free life. Fran: Stop it. Don't associate with Humes. Remain in the forest. Live with the forest. That is a Viera. Murin: But, sister... Fran: I am no longer a Viera. I abandoned the forest, my village and my family. In exchange for my freedom I had to sever myself from the past. I can't even hear the Voice of the Forest. Murin, is this what you want to become? Murin: Sister... Fran: No, you have only one sister left now. Forget about me. MURIN RUNS OFF. Yuto: That must have been hard for you. Fran: She's rebelling against the Viera ways. I thought it best that instead of you, who uses the ways to protect the village, I should be the one to stop her. I who renounced the ways. YUTO NODS TO THE VIERA BEHIND HER AND THEY WALK AWAY. Fran: I need a favor. Listen to the Voice of the Forest for me. Does the forest hate me? YUTO LISTENS TO THE VOICE OF THE FOREST. Yuto: It only feels nostalgia for you who left the village. Fran: I'm happy even for the lie. Yuto: Be careful. What the forest hates is the Hume who took you away. Fran: I'm the same as a Hume now. Isn't that right? Goodbye, sister. TALK TO FRAN AGAIN BY THE SAVE CRYSTAL. Fran: Let's use Lente's Tears to cross the seals and leave the forest. Bur-Omisace should be up ahead. I have to no reason to return here again. ENTER THE FOREST AND HEAD EAST THROUGH THE SEAL. SAVE AT THE SAVE CRYSTAL AND ENTER THE NEXT AREA TO FIGHT THE ELDER DRAGON. AFTER THE BATTLE HEAD THROUGH THE FOREST AND INTO THE... ______________________________________________________________________________ ============== THE PARAMINA RIFT ================================ FF12.13 ______________________________________________________________________________ HERE TALK TO THE MEN ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT. Follower of Kiltia: If you pass through the Rift you will come to the Holy City. Don't lose heart, just keep moving ahead step by step and you'll get there. Follower of Kiltia: The Holy City Bur-Omisace is to the northeast. If you go south you're bound to get lost so please be careful. May God be with you. Faram. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE NORTH UNTIL A SCENE BEGINS. Balthier: Because of some Empire I won't name the number of refugees is growing. Larsa: So the number doesn't increase further we need amity to prevent the great war. My father will absolutely choose peace. Balthier: Absolutely? That's some confidence. He may be your father but in the end he's just a stranger. Vaan: Don't let him bother you. IN ALCHADIA, VAYNE IS TALKING WITH HIS FATHER. Vayne: This is not a problem that will go away just by removing me. The Senate despises the Solidor family itself. An excuse to restrain them is necessary. Emperor Gramis: Necessary? That seems to be your favorite word these days. You choose spill blood without the least hesitation. Vayne: Doubt is unnecessary for the sword of Solidor. The sword that you forged yourself. Emperor: Are you planning revenge? Vayne: I said it was necessary. If we don't do it now, yet another future will be stolen. Emperor: In place of the innocent one, you'll dirty your hands? Vayne: They are already stained with blood. So it will be me until the end. Emperor: Is it all for the Solidor family? BACK IN THE PARAMINA RIFT...KEEP GOING NORTH UNTIL YOU ENTER MT. BUR-OMISACE. HEAD TO THE TEMPLE ON THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. ENTER THE HOLY ROOM AND WALK TOWARDS THE BACK. ANASTASIS IS MEDITATING. Vaan: He's not sleeping, is he? Anastasis: It's like sleeping. I am dreaming. Dreams and this world exist as sides of the same coin. Dreams are mirrors which reflect the truth. Ashe: Your excellency, I am... Anastasis: You don't have to tell me. You are Ashe, daughter of Raminas. I saw a dream of you. With the Dawn Shard in your hands you can succeed the throne of Dalmasca. Your dream of restoring the kingdom has reached me as well. Larsa: High Priest, Ashe's right to succession... SOMEONE ENTERS FROM BEHIND THE PARTY. Alshid: I suppose you couldn't give up this idea, could you? Hey, Emperor-in- training, you called? Larsa: This is the person I wanted you to meet. He's part of the Malgaras family. The family which rules the Rozzarian Empire. Ashid: (to Ashe) I have so many things to say, but I will say just this. I alone cannot stop a war. I'm depending on Larsa's cooperation. I am Alshid Malgaras. I am pleased to meet you, Princess Ashe. Beautiful flowers do bloom in the Dalmascan sand, I see. Anastasis: Larsa from Archadia and Alshid from Rozzaria. They have no dreams of war. They dream of joining hands with each other to create a new Ivalice. Alshid: That really is a dream, now. In truth, the war has already begun. Ashe: I came to help stop the war. I'll assume the throne and and declare the restoration of the Dalmascan Kingdom and then through amity with the Empire convince the Liberation Army to refrain from attacking. But now you want me to give it all up? Alshid: You'll tell the Liberation Army to stop and then Rozzaria will lose its justification for war. That was your plan, right? I'm afraid that the situation has changed. You were said to have died 2 years ago. If news of your survival gets out it will really only make things worse. Ashe: It's because I'm powerless. Alshid: No, no, it's not your fault. Larsa: Then, why? If Ashe asks for a peaceful relationship I can persuade the Emperor. If the Emperor pursues a peaceful course... Alshid: Emperor Gramis is dead. Assassinated. Larsa: Father? IN THE EMPEROR'S OFFICE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE ARE BEING ARRESTED. JUDGE GABRANTH ENTERS. THE OTHER JUDGES HAVE GATHERED AROUND THE EMPEROR'S BODY. Judge Grace: (to Vayne) You say the Senate did this? Vayne: The mastermind was Chairperson Gregos. He poisoned the Emperor and then committed suicide. Judge Bergan: The majority of the Senate also played a part in this. Vayne: Revoke their right to assemble at once. As temporary dictator I will get this situation under control. Judge Drace: Nonsense! You expect me to overlook the actual traitor? Judge Zargabaath: You've said too much, Drace. Judge Drace: Zargabaath! You're going to play along with this farce? Judge Zargabaath: Rozzaria will soon invade. We need Lord Vayne's power now more than ever. Vayne: Larsa and I are all that is left of the Solidor family. Judge Drace: Don't tell me Larsa also... JUDGE DRACE PULLS HER SWORD ON VAYNE. Judge Drace: Vayne Solidor. As Judge Master, guardian of the law, I place you under arrest! JUDGE BERGAN PULLS HIS SWORD ON JUDGE DRACE. Judge Bergan:Lord Vayne was designated as dictator by the Public Safety Office, which governs our laws. You understand, don't you, Drace? The moment you pulled your sword on Lord Vayne you violated the law. Judge Drace: You're another actor in this farce...! JUDGE BERGAN PICKS HER UP BY THE FACE AND THROWS HER ACROSS THE ROOM. Judge Drace: That power is... Vayne: Zargabaath. You and Bergan take the Alexander and retrieve Larsa. Judge Gabranth: Lord, I will protect Lord Larsa. Vayne: So you're not going spy on me for a change, huh? It seems that you've reported quite a bit to Emperor Gramis about my doings. Judge Gabranth: That was... Vayne: You were the Emperor's dog. If you're thinking about changing your master now....hmmm. Yes, allow me to see you carry out your duties as Judge Master. JUDGE GABRANTH LOOKS AT JUDGE DRACE. Vayne: Those who break the law must be judged. Judge Bergan: Lord, that is too much! JUDGE GABRANTH PICKS UP DRACE'S SWORD AND HOLDS IT TO HER NECK. Judge Drace: Go ahead, do it. Live, and protect Larsa. Judge Gabranth: I'm sorry. Judge Drace: Please... Vayne: It's all for the Solidor family. BACK AT BUR-OMISACE Alshid: Let's say that you managed a peaceful outcome. To Emperor Gramis avoiding war was a priority. But now it's Vayne. If you show yourself he'll denounce you as a fake. That will only provoke the Liberation Army. Vayne is hoping for war. Unfortunately, he's a military genius. Anastasis: I also saw it in a dream. Showing yourself will only invite battle and Vayne's name will go down in history. Alshid: The Imperial Army is ready and has begun preparing for the outbreak of war. According to my information...The armies under Vayne are now prepared for war. The new 12th Fleet has been dispatched. The 1st Fleet as well as the battleship Odion are waiting for refitting to be finished. The Keluon expeditionary force's 2nd Fleet is filling the hole left by the 8th Fleet. In other words, an immensely large army. Ashe: And their trump card is the Nethicite. High Priest, I'll forget about my right to succeed for now. Even if I became Queen, I am so powerless that I wouldn't be able to protect anything. Once I obtain an even greater power I will reconsider this course of action. Anastasis: That dream you see. Is it the power of the Nethicite? Ashe: A power greater than the Nethicite. Anastasis: Challenge power with power. Those words are just like a Hume. Ashe: I am a descendant of the Tyrant King. Anastasis: If that's so then seek the other power that Raithwall left behind. Ashe: Something like that exists? Anastasis: Pass through the Paramina Rift and visit the Stillshrine of Miriam. The power that Raithwall entrusted to the High Priest of the time is there, sleeping. The Tyrant Sword, which can eradicate Nethicite. Why would he who had the power to destroy Nethicite leave it not with his heirs, but with another? With the sword in your hand you must come to see that your dream of restoring the Kingdom is nothing more than a dream. THE PARTY LEAVES. Anastasis: Soon even I must wake from my dreams. ** LARSA LEAVES THE PARTY ** HEAD SOUTH THROUGH THE PARAMINA RIFT UNTIL YOU REACH THE... ______________________________________________________________________________ ============== THE STILLSHRINE OF MIRIAM ============================ FF12.14 ______________________________________________________________________________ HAVE ASHE, EQUIPPED WITH THE DAWN SHARD AND SET AS LEADER, ACTIVATE THE SWITCH. HEAD UNTIL YOU COME ACROSS ANOTHER SWITCH AND HAVE HER ACTIVATE IT AS WELL. DESTROY THE GREEN CRYSTAL TO MAKE IT REAPPEAR AS A SAVE CRYSTAL. CHECK THE LARGE SWORD AT THE END OF THE PASSAGEWAY. IT OPENS THE DOOR AT THE OTHER END. USE THE WARP TO RETURN TO THE FIRST ROOM. ONE OF THE DOORS IS NOW UNLOCKED. YOU WILL COME ACROSS 4 STATUES IN THE SHRINE WHICH MUST BE MOVED. THEY MUST FACE ANOTHER STATUE. ONE FACING NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST. DEFEAT THE BOSS AND THE SUMMON MONSTER AND MOVE INTO THE FINAL CHAMBER. THE DAWN SHARD UNLOCKS THE SWORD FROM ITS CASE. Vaan: If it can really destroy Nethicite how about we test it on the Dawn Shard. Balthier: That's a pretty good idea, for Vaan. The Dawn Shard is of no use, right? Ashe: The stone's Mist is... Fran: ...stirring. It fears the sword. THE GHOST OF RASLER APPEARS AGAIN. ASHE BRINGS THE SWORD DOWN ON THE DAWN SHARD AND...MISSES. Fran: The Mist is gone. Ashe: With this sword we can defeat the Nethicite. Balthier: If you can actually hit it. Ashe: (to Vaan) Hey, did you see him again? Vaan: I couldn't see him. My brother, either. Nothing. ** YOU RECEIVE THE TYRANT'S SWORD ** LEAVE THE SHRINE AND AIRSHIPS FLY OVERHEAD. ZARGABAATH IS IN ONE OF THEM. Judge Zargabaath: Reparations must me made. Fran: Look! THERE IS SMOKE OFF IN THE DISTANCE TOWARDS BUR-OMISACE. HEAD BACK TO THE HOLY ROOM IN BUR-OMISACE. JUDGE BERGAN IS WAITING. Judge Bergan: Ah, if it isn't the Queen of the dead country. In your wish for revenge against the Empire did you get the Tyrant's Sword? THEY SEE THE BODY OF THE HIGH PRIEST ON THE GROUND. Judge Bergan: He wouldn't tell me the whereabouts of the sword. He didn't believe in the power of people and clung to his gods to the last. A SPIRIT (VENUS) APPEARS ABOVE BERGAN'S HEAD. Vaan: Him? Balthier: The Mist is coming from his body. Fran: This Mist is the same as with Murin. He's possessed by the power in the stone. Judge Bergan: Don't make me laugh. Synthetic Nethicite is the power of Humes. The people who had the ambition to challenge the gods used their wisdom to forge this Hume weapon. A sword truly befitting a tyrant. Those who relied on the Nethicite like Raithwall were nothing more than false tyrants! I will resound the throughout the world the name of the true Tyrant King. He who can defeat the intentions of Gods and take history back to the people. That name is Vayne Solidor! There is no room for Dalmasca in the history he'll write. Heir of Dalmasca, sink into the darkness of time! FIGHT AND DEFEAT THE JUDGE MASTER. Balthier: He put Synthetic Nethicite in his body. How's the High Priest? PENELO SHAKES HER HEAD. Penelo: Hey, where's Larsa? ALSHID, INJURED, ENTERS. Alshid: Judge Gabranth took him back. Vaan: Alshid... Alshid: Larsa tried so hard to avoid a fight. But, Judge Bergan couldn't be contained. He relished even destroying the smallest fish. Princess, I want you to defect to Rozzaria. Ashe: You'll protect me. Is that it? Alshid: I'll give my life if it is your wish. In the end, you are the strongest, aren't you? My army fears Vayne and our military doctrine is to strike first. The Generals, if left up to them, will start the war by themselves. I'd like you, Princess, to do some maneuvering behind the scenes. Ashe: I decline. My work is here. With the Tyrant's Sword I will destroy the Twilight Shard. Alshid: So you know where it is? Baltheir: I can take a guess. The Imperial City of Archades, Draklor Research Facility. They are the sole developer of Imperial weapons. (to Ashe) I'll lead you there. Ashe: I'll go. (to Alshid) You can play the part of the spy. Alshid: You telling me I need to do something? I hope I can meet your expectations. I forgot, I have this message for you from Larsa. "Even if countries can't clasp hands, people can still have the same dream." Now I must be going. THE PARTY STANDS OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE IN THE RAIN AS MOURNERS GATHER AND PRAY. Ashe: How do we get to Archades? They're preparing for a Rozzarian invasion so the borders will be fortified. We can't approach from the air. Balthier: The Navy will be watching the seas as well. It's not very pirate- like but we'll have to walk. We'll cross the border at Salikawood. There are many paths we can take but the fastest will be to go through Nalbina and then go north. After Salikawood there should be a camp of hunters. If we make it that far we'll be in Imperial territory. The army presence should be lighter there. After that it's pretty long so we'll have to make sure to stock our inventories. ______________________________________________________________________________ MOSPHORAN HIGHWASTE/ SALIKAWOOD/ PHON COAST ========================= FF12.15 ______________________________________________________________________________ MAKE YOUR WAY THROUGH NALBINA TO THE MOSPHORAN HIGHWASTE. ONCE PAST THE HIGHWASTE YOU WILL BE IN SALIKAWOOD. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE BROKEN GATE AND TALK TO THE MOOGLE THERE. Master Moogle: When repairs on the gate are finished you'll be able to go to the Phon Coast. It'll only take a little while more, but...9 of my apprentices haven't returned from the forest yet. At this rate we'll never finish. I know they're all relaxing in the huts in the woods. All nine of them. GO TO THE HUTS MARKED ON THE MAP AND TALK TO THE MOOGLES. Moogle: Hi, we Moogles are here working on the gate. But, we're on our break now. What? The Master is calling? He's annoying when he gets cranky. Let's get back there quick! Bye bye! 7 more Moogles are on their break too. TALK TO THE NEXT BUNCH. MOogle: Hi, we're doing repairs on the gate. We're on our break at the moment. What? The Master wants us back there? He's really rough on us Moogles. Oh well, let's hurry up and get back. Bye bye! Only 4 more left. TALK TO THE LAST GROUP OF MOOGLES. Moogles: Now all of us are ready. Do you want to go back to the gate with us? (Yes) (No) HEAD BACK TO THE GATE. THE MOOGLES ARE HARD AT WORK. Master Moogle: With my apprentices back we finished work on this gate in no time. If Moogles really try, anything is a piece of cake. THE GATE OPENS. TALK TO THE MASTER AT THE END. Master Moogle: Because of your help the gate is now finished. This is a thank you gift from us. ** YOU RECEIVE QUISMOITE'S SHOES ** Up ahead is the Phon Coast. The scenery is nice but there are some nasty creatures to watch out for. ENTER THE PHON COAST. AIRSHIPS PASS OVERHEAD. Balthier: Taking the long way paid off. If we had tried to fly in, they're the ones who would've greeted us. This is like the backyard of the Empire. Army presence may be light but don't let your guard down. We've still a long way to go. ON YOUR WAY THROUGH THE PHON COAST YOU SHOULD SEE A BANGAA. TALK TO HIM. Mob Hunter: Ah, sorry. You can't pass through her right now. If you want to go east, would you mind going around the settlement? There have been a lot of rude Chocobo riders around here lately. They throw their garbage all over the place and it's dangerous for the Chocobos. I'm in the middle of picking it all up now. It might take a little while so please take the long way around. PROCEED FARTHER AND ENTER THE HUNTER'S SETTLEMENT. VAAN AND PENELO RUN OFF IN JOY. ASHE STUMBLES IN THE SAND BUT BALTHIER CATCHES HER. Balthier: Why are we going to Archades? Ashe: To seal away the power of the Nethicite. Balthier: And not to reclaim it? Use the power of the stone to resurrect Dalmasca? I understand what you're feeling but, come on... Ashe: I'm starved for power. Possessed by the Nethicite. Is that how you see me? Balthier: I know somebody like that. He became obsessed with Nethicite and blocked everything else out. Always saying nonsensical things to himself. "Was it Eidos or was it Venus." Who cares. Everything he did was for Nethicite. He developed airships, weapons and even forced me to be a Judge. Ashe: You were a...Judge? Balthier: It's one of the skeletons in my closet. Anyway, I soon ran away. From the obligation of being a Judge...from him. Cidifus Dem Bunanza. Draklor Research Facility's Dr. Cid. The Nethicite robbed him of his spirit and he stopped being himself. Stopped being my father. Don't end up like that. (pause) I left. I couldn't see him be taken in by that stone anymore. I left under the impression that I'd become free. And yet, not knowing it was Nethicite, I got my hands on the Twilight Shard, met you and ended up here. In the end, I couldn't run away at all. That's why I want to finish this. I'm done being strangled by the past. Ashe: Cut off the past to be free... ASHE HAS A FLASHBACK ABOUT HER AND LORD RASLER. Rasler: Our marriage is a symbol of the union between Nabradia and Dalmasca. That's what everyone is saying. Ashe: A symbol? Rasler: My duty as part of the royal family. It's tiring playing a part. Ashe: I'll honor it. Rasler: I'm glad it was you. BACK AT PHON COAST. Balthier: Don't give your heart to the stone. You're strong, Princess. Ashe: I pray to be. LEAVE THE HUNTER'S SETTLEMENT AND CONTINUE ON THE WAY TO ARCHADES. YOU WILL COME TO A VIERA NEXT TO A SAVE CRYSTAL. SHE SAYS... Viera: Travelers, which way are you going? If you go east from here you'll be in the Tchita Uplands. Go north from there to reach the Imperial capital. I'm heading further east than that. I'm going to the port city of Balfonheim. I've heard that it's very free there. HEAD INTO THE TCHITA UPLANDS. EVENTUALLY YOU SHOULD COME ACROSS A BOY STANDING NEXT TO A FALLEN BANGAA NEAR AN ORANGE SAVE CRYSTAL. Boy: This Bangaa is horrible, totally useless. The hunters my father hires are always the worst. Are you a hunter? If so I want to hire you. I want you to defeat the monsters in the Sochen Cave Palace. Some really frightening monsters have shown up there. I wonder if there's no one brave enough to fight them. I don't care about age or race. Please accept. Do you want to hear more in detail about these atrocious monsters? (Listen) (Walk away) To the east is a place where you have an unobstructed view of everything. Go north from there to an open grassland. It's said that past, present and future existences all intersect there. That's where the entrance to the Sochen Cave Palace is. The monsters I want you to defeat should be in the heart of the place. So many hunters have tried to defeat them but they always end up running home. I don't know exactly what the monsters look like. I've even tried asking the hunters who ran away but they couldn't even speak about it. So? Does it sound interesting? In order to try and pinpoint what the monsters look like my father tried to register them as a Mob. But, he got turned down. So, we hired a pair of hunters from the camp and sent them into the Cave Palace. The were awful. We waited for them at the entrance and everything but they ran home before we noticed. To ignore my father,the person who hired them, and run off is the lowest, isn't it? I got so angry I ran off after them and then got separated from my father. It's lucky that I ran into you. If I can hire hunters stronger than any my dad has found I can brag about it to all my friends back in Archades. So, I am hiring you. You can use this key to get in the palace. But don't come back until they're gone! ** YOU RECEIVE THE SEALED SPIRIT'S KEY ** LOCATE THE CAVE AND ENTER IT. Vaan: Can we really get to Archades by going through here? Balthier: We'll never be seen using a place like this. Can't say I'm bold enough to march up to Archades and knock on the front door. Penelo: How about once we get there? Won't the soldiers stop us if we walk around the city? Ashe: We'll lose ourselves in the crowd. They don't really know our faces. Vaan: Yeah, I didn't know your face at all the first time I met you. Ashe: Don't call me "you". USE THE KEY ON THE DOOR. DEFEAT THE MONSTERS AND RETURN TO THE BOY. Boy: Wow, you killed the monsters. Way to go. Someday I'll keep you on as my retainers so hone your skills. Here's your reward. This is the going rate for something like this. Please take it. *** YOU RECEIVE 1000 GIL AND 3 PANACEAS *** TALK TO THE BOY'S FATHER. Father: Are you walking to the capital? That'll be a tough walk. We're going to be returning shortly ourselves. Of course, in our own airship. GO THROUGH THE CAVE AND THROUGH THE SOCHEN CAVE PALACE. DEFEAT THE BOSS AND TAKE THE ELEVATOR UP TO... ______________________________________________________________________________ ============== OLD ARCHADES ======================================== FF12.16 ______________________________________________________________________________ Vaan: You know, for the Empire, it reeks of poverty. Balthier: This's another reality of the Empire. This is Old Archades. The people here have no citizenship and can't live in the capital. They are outsiders. A city for people fallen from above or those wanting to climb up there. Vaan: Is "above" cleaner? Balthier: Sure. But in another sense it's even dirtier. Let's go. Draklor is "above". TALK TO THE GUARDS AT THE VERY END OF THE CITY. Guards: You want to go to the capital? So you have the qualifications? (I do) (I don't) What? You don't have them. I am shocked that you would lie. There's no place in the capital for scum like you. Go away! THE PARTY WALKS AND IS THEN GREETED BY A MAN. Jule: Well, well, you sure bring back a few memories. I didn't think I'd see you again. Balthier: Ah, this guy's a pain. Jule: Don't make such a sour face, sir. You trying to ruin your good looks? Vaan: A friend of yours? Balthier: We go way back. This is Jule, a tightwad informer. Jule: Sometimes even a tightwad informer can come in handy. For example, times when you want to go "above". Vaan: You have a way? Jules: In Archades, information is power. If you only have information you can bypass most impossibilities. Therefore, information fuels trade around here. If you'd like me teach you, an adequate price would be... How about 1500 Gil? (pay) (quit) Thanks. Well then, let's begin. What information have you heard in this town? Vaan: I didn't really hear much of anything, I guess. Jule: First you have to collect information from around the city. That's how everything begins. TALK TO THE GUY NEAR THE BRIDGE TALKING TO AN ORANGE SEEQ. Guy: Hey, this is just between us. A little while ago I found something awesome. Do you know what I found? A bag full of money! It was stuffed in a barrel? With this kind of money I can go "above". But remember, this is just between us. GO BACK AND TALK TO JULE. Jule: Ok, now we can begin. What information did you collect? Vaan: Um, a guy told me that he found a bag of money in a barrel. Jule: Ah, money in a barrel. Around here should be a man named Bizure. Tell him what you just told me. BIZURE IS SITTING AGAINST THE WALL IN THE SHADE NEAR THE BRIDGE. Bizure: What's that? You know who stole my money? Ah, that bastard? Damn!! RETURN AND TALK TO JULE AGAIN. Jule: Did you tell him? Good, good. Vaan: Will we be able to go "above" now? Jule: Marvel at the power of information. Look...it's started. A MAN ENTERS. Man: Hey, a fight. That guy Bizure is on a rampage!! PEOPLE, AND GUARDS, RUSH TO SEE THE FIGHT. Vaan: Now we can go by. Thanks, Jule. Balthier: You helped us for that pittance we gave you. What gives? Jule: It's thanks for you giving me some great information. The great son of Bunanza returns home. There's no better information than that. ______________________________________________________________________________ ================ THE IMPERIAL CITY OF ARCHADES ===================== FF12.17 ______________________________________________________________________________ THE PARTY ENTERS THE CITY AND VAAN RUSHES FORWARD. Penelo: Hey, out-of-towner, what are ya doing? Vaan: What? I can't do a little sightseeing? This is the Empire... Penelo: Vaan, you've changed. Before you were agitated. Well, sometimes. Vaan: Maybe it's because of all I've seen. I never imagined I'd come some place as far as this. Larsa is probably somewhere in this city. I'm sure he's all right. He's strong for his age. Penelo: That's something that'll never change. For me, I thought I'd never have the opportunity to meet people like the Princess or Larsa. Vaan: Me, too. Although, I can't say I always agree with them. Basch: It looks like you've come understand what it's like to be in the service of the royal family. Vaan: Hey, I'm not one of her retainers. Penelo: Is it all right for him to talk like that? WALK A LITTLE WAY AND BALTHIER STOPS YOU. Balthier: Vaan, I'm going to go off on my own for a while. There's something I need to do. I'll catch up with you later. Vaan: Hey... GO TO THE AIR TAXI AND TRY TO BOARD IT. Taxi Guide: This taxi is for people who have more than 9 LEAVES. I'm sorry but I can't allow you to board. Vaan: Leaf? What's that? Taxi Guide: If you don't have any Leaves, you can pay with cash. It will be 1,000,000 Gil. Penelo: What? That's too much!! JULE SHOWS UP. Jule: You look troubled. I have a message from Balthier. He's waiting in the political district. He wants you to go there right away. Vaan: Do we take the taxi? But, it looks like we need Leaves. What are they anyway? Jule: You understand what happens when you want information, right? How about 2,500 Gil? (pay him) (quit) A Leaf is something that a citizen of the Empire carries as proof of identification. If anything is necessary in this city it is those. If you're going to the political district you'll need the politician privilege class. 9 Leaves should be about enough. Vaan: How do I get them? Jule: Well, boy, the answer is information. Use the information you collect around the city and you will soon have enough Leaves. It's easier than you think. People in this city love giving to charity. They like to bestow things upon strangers. It makes them feel superior. Vaan: I don't really understand but, sure, let's give it a try. Thanks. Jule: No problem. Balthier's friends are my friends. IN EACH SECTION YOU NEED TO FIRST FIND THE PERSON WHO HAS INFORMATION AND THEN TELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW IT. THE INFORMATION IS IN YELLOW. CHOOSE TO MEMORIZE IT AND THEN FIND THE OTHER PERSON. YOU NEED 9 LEAVES BUT THERE ARE 28 TOTAL. TALK TO THE TAXI GUIDE AGAIN. Taxi Guide: Hey. you got some feathers! This taxi goes to the Zenobel District. (Go to the Zenobel District) (Quit) BALTHIER MEETS YOU IN ZENOBEL. Balthier: That was slow. According to Jule's information there should be a shuttle nearby for Draklor personnel. We're going to use that to sneak in. Let's hurry. WALK A LITTLE FURTHER AND SOLDIERS RUSH BY. Soldier: (to Judge) The Senate resistance has been completely suppressed. There were only slight injuries on our end. Judge: You have permission to withdraw your troops. Leave one company to patrol Draklor. VAAN, BALTHIER AND BASCH DISCUSS THIS INFORMATION. Vaan: Were we found out? Basch: It doesn't appear that way. But, it will be much harder to break into there now. GO TO THE ELEVATOR AND TALK TO THE SOLDIER. Soldier: Passage to the political district is now restricted. Until the situation is under control please refrain from any strange behavior. WALK BACK TOWARDS THE TAXI. Balthier: Vaan, you guys really were slow getting here. Too busy sightseeing? Vaan: No, they said we needed Leaves to get here. So we had to collect some. Balthier: What? I gave some Leaves to Jule for you. Vaan: What? Jule: This is no good. The Judge outfit has been mobilized in Draklor. It's going to be real difficult to get in there now. Balthier: This is your doing. You seem to have a good grasp on what the Public Peace Bureau is up to, huh? You were only trying to buy time until the Judges were sent to Drakoa by having Vaan collect Leaves. Our information...how much did Public Peace give you? Jule: I have no intention of selling you to the Judges. It seems that another, better, visitor has arrived. Hey, sir, you know, don't you? Drakoa is your father's own personal toy box. Doctor Cid conducts whatever research and experiments he wants without the permission of the Senate. Not even the Emperor knew what he was up to. And now that Vayne has set up a dictatorship not a single rumor has leaked out of there. There are many customers who want "information" about that place. The people against the Solidors who lost the support of the Senate...Rozzarian spies who are on the lookout for new weapons being developed... Balthier: So after we make a bit of noise you're going to have some info to sell to them. Jule: And as thanks for you helping me, I talked to the driver of the Taxi. Tell him you want to go to "That place" he will take you to Draklor. Balthier: The Archadian way of business. The nostalgia brings a tear to my eye. Jule: Or are you overwhelmed with feelings of returning home? Anyway, say hi to your father for me. Mr. Famran. No,no,no. Sir Balthier. TALK TO THE TAXI GUIDE. Taxi Guide: Welcome to the Zenobel District. It is an honor for you to visit us here today. Here leaves and feathers are more important than life or money. Whatever happens, don't let go of them. So, would you like to go to Nilbas? (Go to the Nilbas District) (Go to "That place") (Quit) Do you really want to go to "that place"? (Go) (Quit) I see. Please climb aboard. INSIDE THE TAXI... Vaan: So, is Jule an old friend of yours? No matter what you say, you seem to get along pretty well. Baltheir: Hey, driver, could you go a little faster? I'm in the mood to punch somebody at the moment. Driver: Ye....Yes, sir! ______________________________________________________________________________ ============== THE DRAKLOR LABORATORY ============================= FF12.18 ______________________________________________________________________________ Basch: It's too quiet. Balthier: It's odd. But it doesn't mean that there aren't soldiers around. Vaan: I think it just means we're lucky. Balthier: I wish I had your carefree attitude. Basch: Something must have happened. We must proceed cautiously. Balthier: We don't have time for that. Let's hurry. Cid's room is on the upper levels. TURN THE CORNER AND YOU SEE A HALLWAY OF BODIES. Vaan: What happened here? TAKE THE ELEVATOR TO THE NEXT FLOOR AND MAKE YOUR WAY TO AN OFFICE. Fran: Someone was here before we were. Someone rougher than us. Vaan: Is he after the Nethicite too? BALTHIER WALKS OVER TO THE DESK. Balthier: 6 years since then... What happened at Yakuto Difol? What changed you? THERE ARE SOLDIERS OUTSIDE THE DOOR. Soldier: Up! He's headed up! Lower doors number 5 and 8. We can't allow him to escape. Vaan: They noticed us. Fran: No, it's the "previous visitor". It'll be dangerous to move now. Balthier: We should use the enemy's confusion. Let's look for Cid. That's all. ** YOU RECEIVE THE LABORATORY CARD ** IN ONE OF THE ROOMS TALK TO THE SCIENTISTS. Scientist: There was a bunch of noise outside. We need concentration for our work. Please be quiet. I've arranged all the new data on artificial Nethicite but I can't get in touch with Doctor Cid. He must be thinking things over on the 70th Floor as always. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE 70TH FLOOR AND YOU ARE ATTACKED. Reddas: Sorry. You don't look like one of Cid's stooges. Basch: So, you're the "previous visitor". Cid: Ah...he is a disappointing man, but perhaps he knows a little too much. REDDAS RUNS OFF. HEAD UP THE STAIRS TO FIGHT CID. REDDAS IN STANDING, SWORDS DRAWN, IN FRONT OF CID. Reddas: Cid, it was the God's Nethicite which destroyed the Leviathan. Are you still continuing with that? Cid: You're going to try and stop me? You don't know your place, fool. Balthier: You're bluffing. You do know how old you are, right? Cid: What have you come here, now, for? Sky pirate... Balthier: I came for the Twilight Shard. Just like a sky pirate... Cid: Is that what you want? What a boring man. Hmm, what? Oh...you are the Princess of Dalmasca! (to Venus) It doesn't seem completely devoid of promise. Try it out, you say? Ashe: What are you talking about? Cid: I'm saying let's try it out!!!!!! You want the power of the stone, am I right? Reddas: Don't listen to him. He'll only use you. YELLOW MIST SURROUNDS CID. Fran: The same as Bergan. Artificial Nethicite. Balthier: You, too? YOU, TOO?!!! FIGHT CID. A MAGIC FIELD SURROUNDS CID AND DEFLECTS REDDAS'S ATTACK. Cid: Venus, thanks for going to the trouble. Balthier: Venus? That's Venus? Cid: Ashe Banalgan Dalmasca. How far will you go for power? You want Nethicite so bad you can taste it. Bulls-eye. I hit the mark, didn't I? That is the sign of the Tyrant's descendents. Go to Giruvegan. There you are sure to be blessed with the gift of a new stone. Ashe: What is your purpose? Why tell me that? Cid: I'm returning history to the hands of the people. I'm headed for Giruvegan as well. Follow me, sky pirate! CID USES AN AIRSHIP TO FLY OUT OF THERE. Balthier: What is he doing... Reddas: I apologize for before. You're the Princess of Dalmasca. I am Reddas from Balfonheim. I'm a sky pirate. ============================================================================== Through severe measures, Vayne Solidor drove the Senate to dissolution and gained complete control over the Empire. While this brought confusion to the state it boosted the fighting spirit of the Imperial Army. Under the control of the Judges, the Imperial Army, due to intimidation from the Rozzarian Empire, united. We, the Resistance forces, strengthened our presence at the borders, and prepared for the coming battle. The battle to decide the fate of Ivalice was upon us. - Harem Ondore the 4th - Twilight and Daybreak, Chapter 17 ============================================================================== THE RESISTANCE ARMY FLEET - THE FLAGSHIP GARLAND Pilot: Flametounge and Organixs launched. No problems. Begin targeting practice with this ship as your target. Pilot: Roger. Full speed ahead. Ondore's Assistant: We will practice attacking the ships coming our way. Anti-aircraft personnel, keep a good eye on the enemy ship's targets. Pilot: Ready to begin. Pilot: (to Ondore) Sir, this news has come in from the Nabudis branch. That sky pirate has left Empire territory. Ashe is with him. Together they are headed for Balfonheim. Ondore: Of course nothing is more important than Her Majesty's safety. However, I wonder if she failed to retrieve the stone. Ondore's Assistant: Even without the stone, we'll give the Imperial Army a run for their money. Thanks to all this practice. Ondore: I hope you are right. IN BALFONHEIM... Ashe: You support the Resistance Army, but have no intention of fighting alongside them. Is that what kind of city this is? Reddas: This is a city for those who've abandoned their country, be they sky or sea pirate. Not the kind of people to risk their lives for their country in a war of liberation. Ashe: What about you? Do you also... Reddas: The Marquis, himself, also must settle things with the Empire. He was in defiance of the Judge who allowed you to escape from the Leviathan. It's a situation that can no longer be avoided. It seems that if possible no battle is preferable. But, if you're going to fight, the means must chosen. REDDAS IN TALKING TO ONDORE SOMETIME ON THE PAST. Ondore: For the time being we are going to continue the Resistance Army's battle maneuvers. If we can get our hands on a larger power, we can bring Vayne to the bargaining table. Reddas: Vayne is clinging to his Nethicite. Ondore: If he's got his hands on something powerful enough to sink the Leviathan, I doubt he'll respond to negotiation. Which is why I will support your infiltration into Archades. If Nethicite is a powerful weapon like you say, I want you to seize it. Reddas: I'm making no promise to give you the Twilight Shard. Ondore: Without the stone I'll be forced to rely on a different power. Reddas: You're going to join forces with Rozzaria? Ondore: We won't forgive failure. BACK IN THE PRESENT... Basch: That is Vayne's plan exactly. If Rozzaria and the Resistance move, we can strike at the Nethicite all at once. Balthier: Cid has the stone. If we use the Tyrant's Sword and smash it, Vayne will lose his trump card. We need time. We'll go after Cid. He's headed for Giruvegan. Ashe: Giruvegan. Fran: We sing about it in Vieran ballads: Long ago and far away Protected by the frenzied Mist The sleeping holy land, Giruvegan Somebody knows the road that leads you there Reddas: Yakuto Difol. Deep in the forest of Golmore is the Feywood, a place where the Mist is a tempest. Vaan: There. Let's go there. VAAN TAKES PENELO'S HAND AND RUNS OFF. Balthier: (to Reddas) Aren't you coming? I thought you had your heart set on the Nethicite. Reddas: I can't take Cid's words at face value. I'm going to walk a different line. Balthier: Hmm, you know of some others? You seem oddly informed. Reddas: In that respect I'd say we were about the same. Vaan: Hurry up. I'll leave you here. Reddas: Hey, boy, my people have researched the Feywood. Listen to what they have to say. Vaan: Got it. Thanks, Reddas. Reddas. Ha ha ha. Jump before thinking. Your apprentice is more Sky pirate- like than you. Balthier: He's not my apprentice. Reddas: Princess Ashe, answer me something truthfully. If Cid is right you can get your hands on a new Nethicite in Giruvegan. Do you want Nethicite, even now? Ashe: I want power. But, it's also frightening. However, when it comes to protecting Dalmasca, I'll have no fear. Reddas: Don't forget Nabudis. That's all I can say. OUTSIDE REDDAS'S MANOR... Rikki: Hey, if Reddas's talk is over, let us tell you about the Feywood. Elsa: Rikki, I can't be so nice to someone I've never met before. Rikki: I know, but it's Reddas's orders. Lars: Look at his face. He's OK. He seems compatible with Master Reddas. Elsa: You're always wrong when you look at people's compatibility. Rikki: That's enough. I'm not about to disobey Reddas. Let's continue with the explanation. Elsa: Go ahead. I don't like him. Rikki: Sorry, don't worry about her. Let's continue. The Feywood lies south of the Golmore Jungle, which stretches across the Keluon continent. The place is full of a thick Mist. According to Master Reddas, even if you manage to make it through the Mist, there is a place in the end which you cannot reach. However, if you solve the riddle of the Feywood, you can open the door to Giruvegan. WARP TO THE GOLMORE JUNGLE AND GO SOUTH TO THE FEYWOOD. KEEP GOING SOUTH. SOUTH OF THE SAVE CRYSTAL WALK INTO THE MIST WIND. Vaan: It doesn't look like we can go any further. ASHE SEES LORD RASLER AND FOLLOWS HIM IN. DEFEAT THE BOSS. KEEP GOING SOUTH. AT THE DOOR TO GIRUVEGAN SUMMON BELIAS AND HAVE HIM OPEN IT. ENTER.... ______________________________________________________________________________ ====== THE ANCIENT CITY OF GIRUVEGAN =============================== FF12.19 ______________________________________________________________________________ Ashe: Long ago and far away The sleeping holy land, Giruvegan. Penelo: Fran, what's wrong? Fran: The Mist is too dense. Vaan: Like back on the Leviathan. Fran: Don't worry. I won't go wild. This Mist is cold. But it looks similar. The same shadow. Baltier: Venus? It looks like Cid hasn't been here yet. We'll ambush him. Penelo: It's dangerous to go in there, isn't it? Balthier: It'll change you. Like it did him. Is something there? ASHE SEES RASLER AGAIN. Penelo: What's with her? Vaan: Ashe sees him. MAKE YOUR WAY THROUGH GIRUVEGAN. DEFEAT THE BOSS AND CONTINUE ON. Penelo: I feel like we've come somewhere we weren't supposed to come. Vaan: It's interesting, isn't it? Basch: You're not worried? If we keep going on ahead we are probably going to meet the ones who created Nethicite. Vaan: Maybe I'm a little worried. But, I'm excited to see who they are. Balthier: You'll make a good sky pirate. DEFEAT THE NEXT BOSS AND KEEP GOING. Penelo: (to Fran) Look at that Mist...are you all right? Fran: Thank you. I'm fine. Ashe: Is that Nethicite? Fran: I wonder. Ashe: If I had a Nethicite that size I could... Fran: You could destroy everything. If that was your wish. DEFEAT THE NEXT BOSS (A SUMMON) AND PROCEED ON. TOUCH THE MECHANISM TO BE WARPED FAR AWAY. ASHE IS ALONE... Ashe: Where is everyone? Oquelia: Don't be afraid, Princess of Dalmasca. We, the Oquelia, have chosen only you. Ashe Banalgan Dalmasca, your heart craves power. We will guide you to the holy power. Seek the "Cocoon of the Heavenly Sun" that sleeps in the tower in the sea. That is the mother of all Nethcite and the source of power. The Tyrant's remains were nothing more than fragments cut from the cocoon. Ashe: It's that powerful? Oquelia: Long ago, in an effort to save Ivalice, we chose Raithwall and bestowed upon him a sword. He used the sword to cut the cocoon. He procured the three fragments and became the Tyrant King. And now you, with his blood in your veins, must walk the same path. Ashe: That's what the Tyrant's Sword is for... Oquelia: Our ancient pact with Raithwall has lost it's power. Let us enter into a new pact. We will provide you with the Sword of the Pact as proof that you act as an agent of the Oquelia. Use it to sever the Cocoon and take the Nethicite. Receive the same power as your ancestor and use it to attack Venus. Ashe: Venus. An Oquelia, like you. Oquelia: A heretic!! Nethicite should only be in the hands of those chosen by us. However, Venus has taught the secrets of Nethicite to a Hume and is having him make imitations. We cannot allow the possession of false Nethicite. Take the true Nethicite and annihilate him. Ashe: Annihilate? ASHE SEES LORD RASLER AGAIN. Ashe: Are you telling me to exterminate the Empire? Oquelia: The children of man always upset history. Panicked by their short existences they chase meaningless desires and as their mistakes compound, run ever faster towards ruin. We, the immortal Oquelia, must, from time to time, lead an ignorant child to punish the others and bring ruin to Ivalice. We, as immortals, have a duty to determine the correct history. We have a duty to select the chosen one who will punish those who revolt against history. Princess, you are the chosen one. Exact revenge on those who robbed you of your country. Become the salvation of Dalmasca. Fulfill the duty of the chosen one. ASHE TAKES THE SWORD OF THE PACT. THE OQUELIA DISAPPEAR AND THE PARTY RUSHES IN. Vaan: Ashe! What was that? The Oquelia made a bunch of unreasonable demands. Fran: Are you taking revenge like they asked? Basch: We could hear everything. They must be something of Gods, but, Your Majesty, I am against this. Even if it is the Empire...annihilation? Penelo: Um, what happened to Doctor Cid? He said he was coming here. Basch: He's much too slow getting here. Balthier: I think we're much too slow in noticing. He's not coming. He played us. Think about Draklor. He wanted Ashe to obtain the Nethicite. That's why he made a show of its power and mentioned Giruvegan. He was planning on a meeting between the Oquelia and Ashe. Penelo: But if we get the Nethicite won't we hinder the Empire? Balthier: I think he wants to see what happens when two holders of Nethicite clash. That's the way he would think. Ashe: Let's search for the Cocoon of the Heavenly Sun. Balthier: History is built by the people...that was his cherished opinion. He doesn't have the patience to wait for the Oquelia and their stone to propel history. He...was talking to Venus this whole time. It wasn't that he had gone mad. ** YOU RECEIVE THE SWORD OF THE PACT ** IN ARCHADES, VAYNE AND LARSA TALK... Larsa: You should make peace with Princess Ashe and recognize Dalmasca's independence. That's the only way to prevent a war. Vayne: It's a necessary war. In the first place, it is she who is hoping for war. Revenge towards our country. Larsa: I think you're wrong. Ashe isn't that kind of person. Vayne: You're so young. Larsa: Why are you so sure about her intentions? Vayne: Gabranth, get to the bottom of this. Find out whether Ashe is seeking peace or conflict. Find out with your own eyes. Gabranth: If she desires revenge against us I will kill her. If that is acceptable. Larsa: I believe her. Please, Gabranth. I'm relying on you. I trust you. Gabranth: Understood. Cid: (to Vayne) He's so sweet it's hard to believe he's your brother. Vayne: And that's how I want him to be. Cid: Hmm? What's wrong, Venus? Oh, they took the bait? That was fast. The Princess obtained the sword from the Oquelia. Vayne: The holy woman led by the immortal gods to right history. So she'll obtain new Nethicite? Cid: Ha, the Oquelia stone? That good-for-nothing thing can only be controlled by enormous strength. It's nothing more than the raw material for an experiment. Vayne: We attacked two countries for that. Cid: I appreciate the sacrifice. Because of that we were able to complete artificial Nethicite, an excellent and reliable weapon. Venus, I make a pretty good apprentice, don't I? Venus: I did nothing more than give advice. It was the power of you, Humes, who completed it. An excellent item and in only 6 years time. Humes' passion surpasses imagination and impossibility. Cid: Life is short. Not being immortal like you we must learn to be efficient. Vayne: If we hadn't kept moving forward none of this would have come to fruition. Cid: Your work starts from now. Return history to the hands of the people and away from those who pretend to be gods, the Oquelia. Venus: Yes. King Gelun, stagnating in immortal time and shut away in Giruvegan is not qualified to guide history. Vayne, I pray for you. That you may achieve eternal glory. Vayne: I will. In a place more suitable for me. BACK AT GIRUVEGAN. Basch: Do you know about the tower in the sea where the cocoon sleeps? Vaan: Let's ask Reddas. He said something about walking a different line. Balthier: I don't want to be in his debt. Vaan: What's wrong? You're both sky pirates, you should get along. Balthier: I see you've gotten better at persuasion. WARP BACK TO BALFONHEIM AND GO TO REDDAS'S MANOR. Reddas: (to Elsa, Rikki and Lars) I don't care if they're sea pirates or whatever, just get the sailboats out. The Glosea Engines will be unusable. Abandon any ships that won't move but rescue the crews. Reddas: (to our party) Many ships have shipwrecked near the Ridorana Cataract. Without warning, all their electronics stopped. The cause is interference from an extremely powerful Mist. That area is Yakuto. Boats, not to mention airships, are being disrupted. Tell me what you learned at Giruvegan. I can see from your face that your expectations were wrong. Cid's words must have been lies. Ashe: Yes. But, we also learned some truth. We know what it is he is after. Reddas: So, the God's Nethicite is nothing more than a fragment. I don't know if it's the immortal Oquelian or not, but something is troubling... Fran: If we use the Tyrant's sword to rupture the Cocoon, no more Nethicite will be created. The Cocoon is the source of power for all Nethicite. So if we break it, the Twilight Shard will become powerless. I don't know if it will have an effect on Artificial Nethicite, however. Balthier: There's one other way. We use the Sword of the Pact to cut off a piece of the Cocoon and use it to resist the Twilight Shard and Artificial Nethicite together. Reddas: I can't allow the use of the stones. They need to be thrown away. Vaan: What should we do? First we need to find the Cocoon. It's in the tower in the sea, right? Do you know anything about that, Reddas? Reddas: That's a good question. There was mention of that in the memos I took from Draklor. The Naldoa Sea, the Ridorana Cataract and the Lighthouse. That was why I sent out the ships. The ones which were shipwrecked. Basch: It seems like the stories match. The Lighthouse in the Naldoa Sea, the tower. The Mist which is messing with the ship indicates the existence of the Cocoon. We need no further proof. Balthier: That's all well and good but how do we get there? That area is Yakuto. Reddas: Let's try this out on your ship. It's a stone that'll allow you to fly through Yakuto. Balthier: Is this more booty from Draklor? You should use it yourself. Reddas: My ship was made in Bhujerba. It's not compatible. Put it in the Strahl and you should be able to fly to Yakuto. Princess Ashe, allow me to go along with you. You don't mind, do you? Ashe: It's fine but tell me one thing. Why are you doing this? Reddas: The Necrohol of Nabudis. Ashe: That's where you're from? Reddas: Let's just say it's a place I can't forget. ** REDDAS JOINS AS A GUEST CHARACTER ** OUTSIDE THE MANOR. Rikki: Ah, you guys? Things are pretty serious. All the ships that went out to check out the lighthouse got stranded. Lars: We had some fishing boats that were coming back to port go rescue them for us. Elsa: The Ridorana Cataract's bottomless waterfall and lighthouse; A place where people from Balfonheim would never dare get close to. We've been told not to since we were children. That's why there were many people who were against going out there. But, since Reddas isn't from around here he didn't feel the same shudder that everyone else did. Rikki: Now you're headed out there? That's Yakuto. You're ship won't fly out there. NONO APPEARS. Nono: Sorry to keep you waiting. Maintenance on the Strahl is finished. You can board it anytime from the Airship Terminal. Do you have the stone that will allow us to fly to Yakuto? I'll install it right away. ** THE STRAHL CAN NOW FLY TO YAKUTO ** Lars: That's good news. With that stone you can fly to Yakuto. Now let me explain about the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse, or the tower in the sea, is in the Ridorana Cataract. To the southeast of this city is Yakuto- Naldoa. Even though you can fly there now, you should still be careful. AT THE AIRSHIP TERMINAL TALK TO THE WOMAN AT THE PERSONAL SHIP COUNTER. Woman: This is the private airship owner's counter. Customers who will be embarking please check in here. Your ship is...the Strahl, right? You left your ship in the charge of Nono, is that correct? There is a message for you. "I am going around doing preparations so that you can board the ship anywhere, be it from an airship terminal or anchor. Please take peace of mind." It looks as if preparations are ready and you are ready for take off. Do you want to board the Strahl? (Yes) (No) A MAP SCREEN COME UP. CHOOSE THE RIDORANA CATARACT. ______________________________________________________________________________ ============ THE RIDORANA CATARACT ================================ FF12.20 ______________________________________________________________________________ THE STRAHL LANDS AT THE TOWER. Fran: The tower in the sea. Just like they said. I can sense a sharp Mist at the peak. Ashe: It's sleeping in there...the Cocoon. Reddas: Princess Ashe, it still seems as if you're undecided. Please try to have a decision made by the time we reach the Cocoon. Ashe: And if I choose to take the Nethicite and seek revenge on the Empire? Reddas: You'll regret it. Balthier: Vaan. In the unlikely case that something should happen to me you'll have to fly the Strahl. Vaan: Unlikely case....like what? Balthier: There are many things that could happen. I am the hero, you know. After this I'll teach you how to fly it. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE PHAROS AT RIDORANA. DEFEAT THE BOSS. AT THE DOOR... Vaan: Hey, Fran, there's something written here. Fran: It looks like somebody etched it. It's pretty old. To the future generations of questers with the sword from the Gods, This tower reaches to the heavens themselves. The guardian who commands the three servants Will try to devour your soul. The one without power craves power. However, don't rely on power alone. Don't let yourself be led astray. Sever the phantom and walk the true path. - Raithwall Ashe: The Tyrant King was here? Fran: Does that really surprise you? Long ago, he obtained the sword from the Oquelia and came her to get the Nethicite. He thought that sometime someone else would be chosen and come here. Sever the phantom and walk the true path. Those words are riddled with mystery. The should be something that you, with the Tyrant's blood in you, should be able to understand. GO THROUGH THE DOOR AND MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. AFTER DEFEATING THE SUMMON MONSTER... Penelo: I wonder if she's going to choose revenge, with the new Nethicite. I understand what she's feeling. She lost a lot of people close to her in the war. Vaan: The same as us. Penelo: But, dead people's hearts don't move anymore. What ever happens, what ever you do. You close your eyes and they come to you like a dream. Never changing. Reddas: They never change. No matter how much time has gone, if you look back at the past, it all seems so fresh and vivid. That is how the past can strangle a person. Sever the phantom and walk the true path. TAKE THE WARP. Reddas: That is the Cocoon of the Heavenly Sun. Ashe: King Raithwall used this sword to cut the cocoon and receive power. Vaan: Yeah, but you are going to use the sword to destroy it. Ashe: Don't talk to me that way. LORD RASLER APPEARS AGAIN. Basch: Lord Rasler! Ashe: You want me to use the Nethicite to destroy the Empire? Is destruction what you're wishing for? Is my duty to seek revenge? I... Gabranth: Why do you hesitate? Just reach out your hand. Reach out for the sword given to you. The sword of revenge. Reach out and strike down your father's enemy. Yes, it was me, dressed as Basch, who killed your father. Can you live with yourself if you don't take revenge against your father's murderer? Ashe: You... Vaan: My brother... Gabranth: The person who killed the King and in turn your country is standing right before you. Good. Release your hate. Raise your sword and set free the hate of those who died. REDDAS KEEPS GABRANTH FROM SLASHING ASHE. Reddas: Once there was a Judge Master. This man stole the Twilight Shard from Nabudis and caused Nabudis to explode. It was all an experiment that Cid ordered in order to test the power of Nethicite. 2 years ago, when he vowed to seal away the power of the Nethicite, he abandoned his Judge armor. His name was... Gabranth: Judge Zect! Reddas: It's been a long time, Gabranth. Ashe, reach out your hand. That which you should grab is that which remains when revenge and despair have gone. The thing that is out of the reach of us bound by the past. Gabranth: No matter how much you struggle you can never escape the past. Isn't this man proof of that? Swear upon the past and take your revenge! That is the wish of those who died. Ashe: (to the ghost of Rasler) Rasler...I believe you. You are..you were not that kind of person. SHE USES THE SWORD AND SLICES AT HIS GHOST SEVERING IT IN HALF. Ashe: That person is no longer here. Ghost of Rasler (really an Oquelain): Ashe Banalgan Dalmasca, the holy woman using our Nethicite to correct history... Ashe: I'm not a holy woman or anything! Vaan: Ashe... Ashe: In the long history of Dalmasca, we never once used the power of the Twilight Shard. Even though it was tough, it was a country built by people who decided not to rely on the stone. That was the kind of Dalmasca I was trying to recover. Relying on the stone is the same thing as treachery. I'm destroying the Cocoon of the Heavenly Sun. I'm abandoning the Nethicite. Gabranth: Are you saying you don't need power? What will become of the disgrace of letting your country go to ruin? What will happen to the deads' hatred? Vaan: Nothing will change. My brother's hate will never be gone. My brother is...dead. Ashe: Even if you have power you can never change the past. So... SHE DROPS THE NETHICITE. Gabranth: Those who have no power have no future. They can't protect anything. Basch: That's why I'll protect her. Gabranth: Protect!!? You!!? You couldn't protect Landis or Dalmasca and are a living disgrace. Don't you know you always lose the things try to protect? DURING THE FIGHT... Gabranth: Basch! Do you really think you can regain your lost honor even if you manage to destroy me? When you threw away your family and your country you committed a sin that can never be cleared away. Basch: My sins will never go away. But, I will bear my past sins and sacrifice myself for the good of the future. Gabranth: Then come, hypocrite, no matter what you say, we are the same. Bloodthirtsy for revenge. AFTER YOU DEFEAT GABRANTH... Gabranth: Are you going to run from your obligation to get revenge? Cid: Oh, stop this unsightly scene. I'm disappointed in you. Don't you understand? When you raised your sword to the Princess, didn't you understand the betrayal you made? You betrayed Lord Larsa's trust. You're neither sword nor shield. Release yourself from the responsibility of protecting Lord Larsa and get out of my sight. GABRANTH ATTACKS CID. Basch: Stop! VENUS APPEARS AND HURLS GABRANTH ACROSS THE ROOM. Balthier: That's the thing that possessed you. Cid: What can I say. We're kindred spirits. The Oquelia tame the Humes and give them power like it's fodder. You resisted that temptation. Turning your back on their stone is the way to change people's history and win our freedom. Ashe: Your need for Nethicite robbed Dalmasca of its future. I won't let you have any more Nethicite. I'm breaking the Cocoon! Cid: Go ahead and destroy it. That's why I had the seal surrounding it released. However, don't use the Oquelian sword. The Cocoon will lose all the Mist it has saved up. Use this! Venus, go! CID THROWS SOMETHING INTO THE AIR. Cid: Nethicite! The Cocoon of the Heavenly Sun! Release all of your Mist!! We'll feed all the Mist in heaven and earth to Bahamut! Look! This light is a beacon. It's the war cry that the would be gods the Oquelia will be pushed aside and history will be in the peoples' hands. Balthier: Is that Artificial Nethicite? You forged the Oquelians stones so that you could be the next god? Cid: What's wrong with using the gods as a stepping stone? After disappointing me you ran and ran and ran but you couldn't get away. And now you've returned. Come, Famran! See what my stone can do! FIGHT CID. DURING THE FIGHT. Cid: The crystal of our wisdom and power. That is Artificial Nethicite. The power from this stone that Humes made will be burned into your consciousness. Come, Famfrit! AFTER THE BATTLE... BALTHIER RUNS TOWARDS CID BUT VENUS STANDS IN THE WAY. Cid: Venus, I don't mind. We've come this far. These 6 years have been fun. Venus: It is I who am grateful. VENUS DISAPPEARS. Balthier: You... Cid: That shameful face. If you're going to run, let me see how far you can run. You fool. CID DISAPPEARS AND FRAN FALLS DOWN. Penelo: Fran. Fran! Fran: The Mist is going to burn. The Cocoon is throbbing. It's going to burst open! (to Balthier) The Cocoon is going to split open. Get as far away as you can. Let me see how far you can run. The fastest sky pirate, Balthier. Right? Balthier: Fran, get up. Vaan: Ashe, the sword. Stop the Cocoon! THEY WALK TOWARDS THE COCOON BUT THE WIND IS TOO STRONG. Reddas: Get out of here, quick! It's critical and is starting to break open. It's on a scale thousands of times larger than before. For Nabudis! REDDAS RUSHES AT THE COCOON. Vaan: Reddas, it's impossible! Reddas: Don't underestimate a Judge Master! HE STABS THE COCOON WITH THE SWORD. BACK ON THE STRAHL... Vaan: Reddas... **DO YOU WANT TO SAVE YOUR GAME ** (YES) (NO) AT BALFONHEIM... Rikki: Dammit. I can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. Master Reddas is gone all too soon. Elsa: But surely you noticed. He was searching for a place to die. Lars: Master Reddas wasn't some weak person looking for peace in death. This city will be left with regret. Elsa: Do you think Master Reddas is having regrets? Do you want him to spend all eternity in misery and sadness? Lars: That's not what I mean. I just want him to sleep peacefully. Elsa: Then let's let him. If he leaves behind regrets or unfinished business, it is our job to pick up where he left off. Once we finish that we can be assured that he can sleep peacefully, without worry. Rikki: It is our role as the living to decide the feelings of the dead. Elsa: We have to and so do Vaan and his people. Lars: Shouldn't we assist him? Elsa: It's OK. He'll soon find what they're to do next. Master Reddas really thought highly of him. Did you tell them about the "visitor"? Lars: They should be meeting with him now. Who is that, anyway? IN THE MANOR... Vaan: Alshid? Alshid: Thanks for coming. We have a situation that demands urgency. Vaan: How did you know where we were? Alshid: My information department is spectacular. Princess, the war is beginning. Ashe: You couldn't stop the Rozzarian Army? Alshid: I used some tricks to get the die-hard Generals retired. That went well, but it seems the staff at the headquarters were also busy behind the scenes. Ondore's Resistance Army. Ashe: The Resistance Army? Alshid: Part of the Resistance Army ignored orders during training and broke away. In Old Nabradia airspace they engaged the Imperial forces in combat. Basch: Why would they go looking for a fight? Alshid: They were the unit from Rozzaria. Whether as volunteers or mercenaries, they pretended to join the Resistance Army, but in reality they were regular Rozzarian soldiers dispatched by the headquarters. That is the group that invaded Archadian territory and touched off the war. Unable to forsake his men ordered the main squadron into battle. The battlefield is Dalmasca. Balthier: If the Resistance and Imperial armies get bogged down in battle, Rozzaria will probably also enter the war with the excuse that it's protecting Dalmasca. Alshid: Yes. The Rozzarian Army will wait for the right moment and then nonchalantly enter the war and together with the Resistance forces, crush Vayne. Basch: Vayne has lost the Twilight Shard. He has no ace in the hole left. Alshid: He has another one. Our information bureau detected the movement of something huge. The Sky Fortress Bahamut. The unusual Mist near Ridorana seems to have woken it up. Fran: The Mist that rushed from the Twilight Shard caused Bahamut to start up. If Reddas hadn't stopped the Cocoon it would have absorbed thousands of times more Mist than it did. That was Doctor Cid's plan. Balthier: His last job. My job is to put an end to it. Ashe: Is Vayne, himself, going to board Bahamut? Alshid: He's coming. Towards Rabanastre. Ashe: I'll stop Bahamut and save Dalmasca. That's my... Vaan: ...our job. Penelo: We'll save our city. Alshid: Then I guess it my job to try and slow down the Rozzarian Army as much as I can. I'll see what I can do. Princess, when this is over you must visit Rozzaria. I'll show you around the Amber Valley at dusk in the birthplace of the Malgaras family. OUTSIDE THE MANOR... Rikki: Vaan, there's emergency news from the Resistance Army. The Sky Fortress Bahamut has made a sortie. At this rate the war is going to start shortly. Since it's a sky fortress there's nothing we can do from the land. With your airship you should be able to sneak aboard. ** BAHAMUT HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE LIST OF THE STRAHL'S DESTINATIONS ** ______________________________________________________________________________ ========= THE SKY FORTRESS BAHAMUT ================================= FF12.21 ______________________________________________________________________________ BAHAMUT, WRAPPED IN A CLOUD OF DUST MOVES TOWARDS RABANASTRE. Girl: What is that? ABOARD THE BAHAMUT. Pilot: Our target, the Rebellion force, is headed this way. Vayne: I see. So Cid was killed by his son. How trite. Pilot: Firing system on line. Ready to aim. Control valve open! Nethicite at critical. No problems in the reactor or subreactor. Larsa: Please stop. They've already surrendered. Vayne: It's an offering to be seen in the beyond. Isn't that right, Venus? Pilot: Main cannon is ready to fire! Larsa: Brother! Vayne: Fire! BAHAMUT FIRES AND THE SHIP IS DISINTEGRATED. Larsa: Why? Vayne: Surrendering even knowing that it's pointless...the rebellion has everything riding on this battle. So I smashed them to pieces. Right in front of the eyes of Dalamasca. Larsa: The people are going to hate you because of it. Vayne: Even if I let them go, they will just fight back another day. Larsa: I don't that is so. I believe in a future together. You are...wrong. Vayne: Then you need the strength to set me straight. Pilot: Several ships have appeared. It is the main squadron on the rebellion army. Vayne: Listen!! This is the first step in the history of our making. Every personnel, fulfill your duty and obliterate the rebellion army! Long live Archadia! THE FIGHTER SHIPS ARE RELEASED FROM ONDORE'S CAPITAL SHIP. Ondore: Everyone, come back alive! Prepare to fire! THE LARGE SHIP BETWEEN ONDORE'S AND BAHAMUT FALLS. Pilot: The line of fire is clearing. Ondore: Hurry with round two! ONDORE SEES BAHAMUT READY TO FIRE AT HIS SHIP. Ondore: No. IT MISSES HIS SHIP AND HITS ANOTHER IN THE REAR. Pilot: The Garaf Bal is down. THE STRAHL FLIES THROUGH THE WRECKAGE. Pilot: An unidentified ship is coming in from the rear! Ondore: That's the... Ashe: Uncle, it's me. We're going to land on Bahamut and stop Vayne. Ondore: What are you saying? That's too reckless. Your role is after the battle. Ashe: If we don't stop him now there won't be a time after the battle. Give us cover when we break in. Ondore: I can't do that. Stop the Strahl. Vaan (as Larsa): Wait! Please, wait. This is Larsa Solidor. I will be here, too. Please don't worry. I will protect Ashe. Ondore: Larsa, you say? Ah, he can be a hostage. Vaan (as Larsa): No, I'm going to fight with you against Vayne. Leave it to us! Ondore: I understand. I'm counting on you. Penelo: (to Vaan) He doesn't talk like that. Vaan: Really? Balthier: Be ready with the covering fire. Blow everything out of the sky! We'll swoop in when the time is right. RESISTANCE AND IMPERIAL SHIPS ARE LAUNCHED. Balthier: Quite the welcome party. Fran: We've got one on our tail. Balthier: Is that an invitation to dance? Fran: There's another one. Balthier: Unfortunately there's only one of me. HE LIFTS THE STRAHL UP SO THAT THE TWO ENEMY SHIPS HIT EACH OTHER HEAD ON. Balthier: There! THE STRAHL LANDS AND EVERYONE RUSHES OUT. Vaan: Hurry! INSIDE THE BAHAMUT... Balthier: Vayne is probably in the Command Room. I saw a structure like that on our approach. Should be right above us. Ashe: There's no need to fight every enemy here. If we can stop Vayne we should be able to stop the fighting. Vaan: I guess we should head up. Let's give that arrogant Vayne a taste a taste of what we can do. HEAD TOWARDS THE LIFT. OUTSIDE A FIERCE AIR BATTLE RAGES. TWO SHIPS ATTACK ZARGABAATH'S SHIP BUT DO LITTLE DAMAGE. Zargabaath: How ungraceful. ONDORE WATCHES THE BATTLE FROM HIS SHIP. Ondore: Hold it together. ABOARD THE BAHAMUT... Fran: The Resistance Army is putting up a good fight. We need to as well. Vaan: Don't worry. We'll win and then Ashe will be Queen. Penelo: Queen! But, things'll be tough as Queen. Basch: If they are we'll just have to have a sky pirate kidnap her, which will make his name known as well. Balthier: Ashe can run away from it on her own power. Ashe: You think I'm that strong? Vaan: Even if you're not...we came together, we'll go together. HEAD TOWARDS THE LIFT. PRESS THE BUTTON TO OPERATE IT. Basch: I see you lived. Gabranth: I am a Judge Master. But now nothing more than a stray dog. It's punishment for fawning over the Empire, the destroyer of our homeland. Basch: Stop it. Down look down on yourself. Gabranth: What do you understand? You couldn't protect Landis or Dalmasca. Why shouldn't we lose ourselves as well. Basch: I had someone I had to protect. That's all. The fact that you're here makes me think you're here to protect Larsa. Gabranth: Silence! Everything was taken from me. I'l never forgive you for abandoning your home. That's all that remains. You can't protect the things you most want to protect. Am I wrong? Basch: To answer your question is my duty...as a brother. FIGHT GABRANTH. DURING THE FIGHT... Gabranth: Your attacks have no effect. My hatred brought me here. As long as I hold hatred in my heart, I will never fall. Basch: Then come. Turn that hatred into power! AFTER THE FIGHT... Gabranth: Do you feel better? Basch: That's my line. Isn't that right, Noah? Gabranth: You have no right to use that name. Basch: Live and atone for what you've done. TAKE THE LIFT TO THE UPPER FLOOR. Vayne: Princess Ashe, welcome to the Sky Fortress Bahamut. I apologize for my tardiness in offering you a proper welcome. Let me ask you one thing. Who are you? The avenger of a dead country or the saint who will bring salvation? Ashe: I'm neither. I am who I am. I want to be free. Vayne: Your country won't allow a leader like that. Abandon Dalmasca. Larsa, watch and learn. Take to heart the suffering of the powerless monarch. Larsa: No. I...Even powerless I won't give up. Vayne: How promising. GABRANTH MANAGES TO STAND UP IN THE LIFT. Gabranth: Lord...Larsa... FIGHT VAYNE. DURING THE FIGHT... Vayne: With your death I will bring an end to the Rebellion and restore order to Dalmasca. Those who joined the Rebellion will be nothing more than useless sacrifices. I will end it with my own hands. AFTER THE FIRST BATTLE... Larsa: Brother! LARSA RUNS TO VAYNE AND IS ELECTROCUTED. A RED MIST STARTS TO ENVELOP VAYNE. Ashe: Artificial Nethicite! Vayne: The power left to me by a friend. Gabranth, protect Larsa. This place is going to turn into hell. GABRANTH DRAWS HIS SWORD. Gabranth: I will protect Lord Larsa (from you). Vayne: Stray dog, atone with your death. Gabranth: That's my intention. BEGIN THE NEXT BATTLE. DURING THE BATTLE. Vayne: I'll become your Tyrant King and use the power of people to usher in a new age. The time of Gods reign is finished. I will set the souls of people free and seize the freedom we've dreamed of. AFTER THE BATTLE... GABRANTH RUSHES AT VAYNE. Gabranth: Even stray dogs have spines. VAYNE HURLS HIM ACROSS THE ROOM. BASCH GOES TO HIS AID. Gabranth: This is my atonement. Vayne: This is unforgivable, Gabranth. VAYNE LAUNCHES AN ATTACK AT GABRANTH BUT LARSA ABSORBS IT WITH NETHICITE. VAAN LUNGES AT VAYNE WITH A SWORD AND KNOCKS HIM TO THE LOWER LEVEL. VAAN TRIES TO GO AFTER HIM BUT VENUS BLOCKS HIS PATH. VAYNE SLINKS OFF. Gabranth: Basch, he's not a bad master, is he? Basch: No, he's good. VAYNE ENTERS THE NEXT AREA. Vayne: Venus! I failed to become the Tyrant King. Entrust your dream in another person. Venus: It came true long ago. With the Cocoon broken, the age of Nethicite came to an end. The world no longer has any need for the immortal ones. I will oversee your progress. We'll walk together. Vayne: It's the dawn of a new history. Cid is waiting. VENUS'S BODY BREAKS APART AND IS ABSORBED BY VAYNE'S. FIGHT THE FINAL INCARNATION OF VAYNE. DEFEAT VAYNE AND HE EXPLODES. THE BATTLE STILL RAGES IN THE AIR SO THE PARTY RUNS TO THE STRAHL. Balthier: (to Fran) How's it look? Will she fly? Fran: There's no fuel getting to the Glosea Engine. Balthier: Damn. Vaan, take over for me. I'm going to the engine room. Fran, come on. Ashe: Look! Bahamut's Glosea Rings have stopped. Balthier: Vaan, as soon as I get the Strahl's Glosea Rings going I want you to take off. Just like I taught you. You can do it. Vaan: Got it. Fran: Penelo, be careful with interference from the stones on Bahamut. You have to control the Strahl's feelings. Penelo: I'll try. IN THE REAR OF THE STRAHL, GABRANTH IS PRONE ON A BED SURROUNDED BY BASCH AND LARSA. Gabranth: Basch, watch over Larsa. If the Solidor family falls the Empire will fall as well and civil war will reign. Basch: I understand. Basch: Lord Larsa is our last hope. ON THE BRIDGE... Penelo: We've got power. Vaan, we can take off. Vaan: Let's go! Everyone hold on. ABOARD ONDORE'S SHIP... Pilot: Sir, it's the Strahl. The Strahl has left Bahamut. Ondore: They got out. The Bahamut has fallen. This is our final battle. Wipe out the Judges in one fell swoop! The prime target is the Alexander! Basch (as Gabranth): Stop the fighting. This is Judge Master Gabranth. Repeat! All Archadian forces, cease hostiities. The battle is over. We've arranged a ceasefire with Princess Ashe Dalmasca. Larsa: This is Larsa Solidor. My brother Vayne died an honorable death on the battlefield. All forces are now under my control. ON ONDORE'S SHIP... Pilot: Sir, what should I do? Ashe: I am Ashe Dalmasca. Ondore: Princess Ashe is safe. Ashe: Judge Master Gabranth and Larsa Solidors' statements are correct. Please cease hostilities. The battle is finished. We are...free. Penelo: Look! The Bahamut! THE BAHAMUT STARTS TO CRASH INTO THE MAGIC BARRIER SURROUNDING RABANASTRE. Ondore's Pilot: There's a message from the Alexander. Zargabaath: This is Archadian Army's 12th Fleet, command ship Alexander. I am Judge Master Zargabaath. We must keep the Bahamut from crashing into Rabanastre. We're going to venture an attack on the Bahamut. Ondore: What? Zargabaath: The Magic Barrier cannot withstand so much. Rabanastre will be wiped out. We're going to crash into the Bahamut and when we break apart I want you to attack our fragments. Balthier: Don't you think it's a little quick to be throwing your life away? Vaan: Balthier? Balthier, where are you? BALTHIER AND FRAN ARE ON THE BAHAMUT WORKING ON THE GLOSEA RINGS. Balthier: Vaan, it looks like you got away safely. The Strahl is a nice ship, isn't she? Ondore: Balthier, what is it you plan on doing? Balthier: Gramps, do you think you could keep that idiot Judge Master from crashing into us? I'm working on repairing the Glosea Ring. I'm almost done so there's no need for stupid moves like ramming us. Ashe: You...do you understand what you are doing? Balthier: Princess, there's no need for worry. Who do you think I am? I'm the hero of the story. And the hero never dies. THE GLOSEA RINGS START TO MOVE AGAIN. Balthier: Yes. Fran, give the rings some power. WRECKAGE FALLS ON FRAN. Balthier: Always causing me trouble, aren't you? Ashe: Please, Balthier, get off of there quickly. Please. If you die...if you die...I.. Fran: It's hard to be the handsome young man, isn't it? Balthier: What are you taking about? Vaan, take care of the Strahl. I'll be back to pick it up. I won't allow any scratches. Vaan: Got it. I'll be waiting. Ashe: BALTHIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A LETTER FROM PENELO TO LARSA... Penelo: This last year has just flown by. Dalmasca is back the way it was when my mother and father were alive. Of course, there's so many things that we lost. But, I'm hoping to forget the past and think only about the future. Next month is, finally, Ashe's coronation ceremony. Ashe will become even farther from us but that can't be helped. She is the Queen. I'm looking forward to seeing you at the ceremony. Basch: (to Larsa) You called for me? LARSA HANDS HIM THE LETTER. Penelo: How is Basch? He went to your side to help peace reign in Ivalice. Really I want him to go back to Ashe's side. She has responsibilites and a position and doesn't say anything but she looks really lonely. BASCH REMEMBERING HIS BROTHER'S LAST WORDS... Gabranth: The Empire is not a monolith. Please, protect Lord Larsa. Basch: You have my word, Gabranth. I do it for Dalmasca as well. Gabranth: Hearing that eases me. I'm sorry, brother. BACK TO PENELO'S LETTER... Penelo: And now to the main point...the Strahl was stolen. THE NOTE WHERE THE SHIP WAS READS... "I found Clebados's hidden treasure. I'll be waiting in Belbenia." ASHE'S RING IS IN THE POUCH WITH THE NOTE. Penelo: We had just finished maintenance on it. But, since the owner came to reclaim it, I guess I can't complain. BALTHIER'S NOTE CONTINUES... "P.S. Give this to the 'Princess'." Penelo: Since there's still a while until the coronation ceremony, Vaan is excited to go meet them. Of course, I'm going, too. It's our sky pirate debut. ------------------------- THE END ----------------------------------------