WAXF Script
< Act 1-9 >
-Fort Molasar: Strategy Room-
Felius: So what's our next move?
Clarissa: That's a good question... Our objectives are apparent, at least.
Clarissa: One is going to the capital, and returning control of the government to its rightful rulers...
Clarissa: The other is freeing the people of Elesius from the oppression of the Martial Guard.
[She looks down.]
Clarissa: However...
Clarissa: While it may be clear what we need to do, it's not at all clear how we're supposed to do it...
Labyrinthia: Allow me, Your Highness.
[Labyrinthia puts her hands to her hips and puffs out her chest.]
Labyrinthia: Ahem.
[Tony yawns.]
Tony: ...
Labyrinthia: Your Highness has elucidated two separate challenges.
It wouldn't be easy to split our efforts between them. Therefore, I propose that we solve both at once.
[Levin puts his hand to his chest, sighing.]
Levin: Please, Ms. Wordsworth, go easy on us...
[Labyrinthia brings her hand to her chin.]
Labyrinthia: The plan itself is quite simple. From here, we begin our march to the capital.
Labyrinthia: As we travel, we'll stop to free the towns and villages we pass from the clutches of the Martial Guards.
Felius: But if we do that, they'll figure out exactly where we are and where we're going. We'll be an easy target.
Labyrinthia: That's exactly the point.
Labyrinthia: The Martial Guard is hardly a full-fledged army. The solders they send to stop us would have to be diverted from other locations...
Labyrinthia: Which, naturally, would bring relief to the towns in which they had been stationed.
Felius: In other words, we're to act as a decoy...?
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Marching on the capital, while provoking battles every step of the way...
Labyrinthia: That is correct, Your Highness.
Clarissa: So to execute that plan...
Clarissa: We would have to defeat all of the Martial Guard troops sent to fight us?
Labyrinthia: Yes.
Clarissa: ...
[Levin looks nervous.]
Levin: So much for going easy on us...
Levin: But...if that's the only way to restore order to this country, then I guess we don't have much of a choice.
Labyrinthia: You know the story. I may not look it, but I'm actually quite a capable woman. Trust me on this, Your Highness.
Felius: No matter your answer, I will be there to protect you.
Levin: --!
Levin: I...I too would do anything to protect you, Your Highness!
Clarissa: Thank you, everyone. But this decision is mine to make. I mustn't do it lightly...
Clarissa: ...
[She looks determined.]
Clarissa: We shall set forth towards the capital, provoking the Council every step of the way! So please--lend me your strength...
[On the world map, a path from Fallen Fowl Swamp forms to the town of Hanigar, marked with a yellow !. In the distance, the city of Elensia is marked in grey.]
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow: ...Hello.
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): I'm going to be honest with you, madam. You'd best leave this town once you've resupplied. We're under Martial Guard rule right now...
---
Martial Guardsman: You folks travelers? I'd like to see you out of here as fast as you can, then.
Martial Guardsman: All inhabitants of Hanigar are currently working for the kingdom under our jurisdiction. I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of our way!
---
Namby-Pamby Clerk: I, uh, I was just having a Martial Guardsman inform me about our new merchandise...
(Bar)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Welcome... Are you travelers? Take my advice, it'd be wise not to stir up much trouble in town right now.
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): You may have already noticed this around town, but Hanigar is under control of the local Martial Guard force...
---
Ore Miner: Day and night we're forced into hard labor by the Martial Guard, while we let them run around town doing whatever they want...
Ore Miner: It's tyranny, pure and simple, and I've had it up to here with it. But, well, you know...
---
Martial Guardsman: Hah! This's the easiest job I ever had! All I do is make sure no one's goofing off. I can do it with a mug of beer in one hand!
Martial Guardsman: And lemme tell you, the pay is incredible! Hah hah! I can't believe how lucky I was to get stationed in Hanigar!
(Synth. Shop)
Workman: ...If we could get that one thing taken care of, we wouldn't have to play the Guard's lapdogs like this...
---
Workman: I can't stand it! Our very own handiwork, being used to terrorize our own kingdom's citizens!
Workman: Damn them all to hell! This isn't what I worked for! I didn't cultivate my skills for this!
---
Foreman Phil (yellow !): This workshop has centuries of tradition behind it... And now we're being forced by the Martial Guard to manufacture weapons for them...
Foreman Phil (Talk): ...What? You guys are that Chevalet Blanc I've heard so much about?
Foreman Phil: ...
Foreman Phil: If you could, would you go talk to Jeune the Elder? He's the leader of Hanigar, more or less.
(The Elder's)
Housekeeper: Welcome, welcome. Please, listen to what the elder has to say...
---
Jeune the Elder (yellow !): Oh, it's you... You're finally here...
Jeune the Elder: It's been so long since I've seen you, Lady Alexia.
Jeune the Elder: Even after I heard news of the accident, I held on to the hope that you were still alive somewhere...and here you are now!
Jeune the Elder: And none the worse for wear, either. Oh, how wonderful it is to see you...
Jeune the Elder: ...
Jeune the Elder: Rumors of Chevalet Blanc's rise are well-known across Hanigar. They say you're taking a stand against the kingdom for the sake of Elesius.
Jeune the Elder: ...
Jeune the Elder: I apologize for throwing more trouble your way, Lady Alexia, but I hope you could lend an ear to the dire situation we face in Hanigar...
Jeune the Elder: Our town has been seized by the Martial Guard. They have taken over our ore mines, intimidated our workmen, and forced us to forge their weapons.
Jeune the Elder: The miners that live here normally wouldn't accept this sort of treatment from anyone...even Drifters.
Jeune the Elder: But they've taken my granddaughter hostage...and that's kept everyone from taking a stand. They fear my girl's life will be in danger if they do.
Jeune the Elder: I know it's presumptuous to ask you this, but please, do you think Chevalet Blanc could rescue my granddaughter for us?
Labyrinthia: Will you help me to save this town, Your Highness?
Clarissa: Of course I will! That's what Chevalet Blanc is here for, isn't it? We can't just avert our eyes and keep marching.
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): Hanigar is in what you could call a symbiotic relationship with the iron ore mine.
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Every time we find a promising deposit, new buildings get set up around th etunnel, creating a new mining zone... That's how we grow.
Shopkeeper Bigelow: The zones extend all across the mountain, but rumor has it that the elder's granddaughter is squirreled away in one of them.
---
Martial Guardsman: Whaddya want? Quit starin' at me like that...
Martial Guardsman: Hang on...that passionate gaze... Hah! So that's what it is, eh? Falling for Drifters always ends in tears, lady. Trust me on that.
---
Namby-Pamby Clerk: Y-you're Chevalet Blanc...
Namby-Pamby Clerk: I'm sure the yokels they've stationed here don't follow world affairs much, but there's still a chance at least one of them will recognize you.
Namby-Pamby Clerk: So watch your backs, all right? This is the Martial Guard you're dealing with.
(Inn)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Oh...hello. The Guard's using the tables in the middle, so you guys sit in the corner, all right?
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): If they find out the rescue plan, the girl's life will be in danger. Whatever you do, don't let them notice you.
---
Ore Miner: Whenever we go into town to buy food supplies, we miners always try to exchange as much info as we can with the townspeople.
Ore Miner: If we keep it up long enough, I know we'll drive the Guard out of Hanigar eventually...and to do that, information is indispensable.
---
Martial Guardsman: Corporal Mathis really had the right idea, huh? Find the biggest guy in town, hold one of his relatives hostage, and the place is our oyster.
Martial Guardsman: And the corporal's having us move her from hideout to hideout all the time, too. He thinks of everything! He must get all the ladies with that brain of his.
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil: What an honor! Having Princess Alexia herself step up for Hanigar! I feel like there's finally some hope for us!
Foreman Phil (Talk): The Martial Guard has taken up a section of Hanigar for use as their headquarters.
Foreman Phil (Synthesize): My equipment's been seized by the Guard... I'm not allowed to synthesize, sorry...
---
Workman: Jeune'S the one who's pushed Hanigar forward these past few decades...the guy behind all the development we've seen.
Workman: There isn't a man or woman in town he hasn't helped at one time or another.
Workman: And seeing the Martial Guard strike at him first... It's outrageous!
---
Workman (yellow !): You'll find work lifts near every mine tunnel, but the Martial Guard took all the activator keys, so we can't control them...
(The Elder's)
Housekeeper: It used to be that the young men in town battled with the Martial Guard in broad daylight...
Housekeeper: But now that they're using the young lady as a shield, we've been rendered completely useless.
Housekeeper: So it would be best if you could find a way to rescue Toco without stirring up the Guard's notice...
---
Jeune the Elder (yellow !): You're the only ones who can save my granddaughter. She's being held in one of the buildings the Martial Guard's commandeered around the area.
Jeune the Elder: She's being shuffled around from location to location, so it's impossible to say exactly where she is now... In some obscure old mining zone, most likely.
(Bar)
Ore Miner (yellow !): On my way home from the mine yesterday, I saw the elder's granddaughter being taken into a workhouse over in Zone 4!
Ore Miner: But there was no way I could get to her... The area's full of Guardsmen during the daytime.
Ore Miner: There aren't as many people on watch at night, but to get to the workhouse, you'd have to either go from roof to roof or use the mine lifts.
Ore Miner: Either way, though, making it to the elder's girl without getting noticed will be a tall order...
[The group meets up outside. Clarissa and Labyrinthia ponder on the situation.]
Clarissa: As long as they're holding a hostage, I suppose we can't just rush in and try to drive off the Martial Guard...
Labyrinthia: The usual procedure would be to rescue the hostage first, but...
Levin: I'll do it!
Levin: I'm light on my feet, and you know I'm small enough to hide easily!
Labyrinthia: That may be true, but I can't send you into the heart of an enemy encampment by yourself...
Levin: Then...then could I ask Her Highness to come with me?
[Clarissa is startled.]
Clarissa: Huh? M-me? Running around on rooftops, looking like this?!
Levin: I thought I saw Your Highness wearing simpler clothing back at Creedmore Prison...
Labyrinthia: Ah, yes.
Clarissa: Oh, right... I suppose that would work...
[Felius comes up to them and stops next to Clarissa.]
Felius: Then I'm coming too.
Levin: They'd see you coming a mile away!
Levin: We have to slip in light and fast, stealthily working our way toward the hostage!
Levin: And the only ones here who can do that are me and Her Highness!
[Clarissa brings her finger to her cheek for her moment before smiling.]
Clarissa: Yes... I think Levin's right.
Clarissa: Don't worry about me, Felius.
Felius: ...
[Levin grins.]
Levin: That settles that!
Levin: Our rescue mission will begin as soon as the sun sets. In the meantime...
Labyrinthia: We'll need to get you changed out of those clothes straight away, won't we, Your Highness? Leave it to me--I'd be delighted to help!
[Clarissa's smile shrinks.]
Clarissa: (Why is Labyrinthia always so excited about changing my clothes...?)
(The Elder's)
Jeune the Elder (red !): I'll have one of the townspeople guide you to Zone 4. Are you ready for the journey, Princess?
Jeune the Elder (No): In that case, let me know when you're ready.
[Selecting 'Yes' takes us the Zone 4 at night. Clarissa's back in her previous outfit. Her and Levin look around; he takes the lead and jumps down onto the roof of a lower house, and she follows suit.]
Levin: Whew! This is getting really exciting!
Clarissa: Yes...but keep yourself alert.
[Levin pumps his fist into the air.]
Levin: Oh, you got it! I feel like I can do anything when I'm with you, Princess. Everything'S going to turn out all right, I know it!
Clarissa: Uh...thanks, Levin. But do try to keep your voice down...
Levin: Oh...sorry.
[He turns around.]
Levin: Ahh! Someone's coming, Princess! Get down!
[The two crouch down.]
Clarissa: (I'm more nervous about Levin's voice than anything else. He's practically shouting...)
[Further away, two guardsmen, a Secutor and an Elementalist stop in front of each other.]
Martial Guardsman Janssen: ...Huh? That's odd...
Martial Guardsman Orson: What?
Martial Guardsman Janssen: Must've dropped the lift key somewhere.
Martial Guardsman Orson: Oh, man... The corporal's gonna tan your hide if he finds out.
Martial Guardsman Janssen: I must've lost it when I was on patrol earlier...
[Over in their spot, Clarissa and Levin stand up. Levin pumps his fist again.]
Levin: Man, what a break! Princess! Let's go find that key before they get to it!
Clarissa: I bet "Detector" will come in handy for the search. That's an Excavator ability, I think.
Clarissa: Once we find the key, we'll have to reach the lift without the guards noticing us. Then we'll head for the girl.
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Listen, Levin... We're undercover here, all right? You have to promise you won't shout or anything...
[On the mission map...]
Clarissa: Be careful. We can't let them see us...
Martial Guardsman Janssen: Arrgh...damnit! If only I could use Detector, I wouldn't have to deal with this!
Martial Guardsman Orson: Man, you're hopeless, aren't you, Janssen? Ah, well... I'm sure it'll turn up once it's brighter out.
[If Orson spots you...]
Martial Guardsman Orson: Intruders! Secure the hostage!
[If Janssen spots you...]
Martial Guardsman Janssen: Oh, man, not now...! It's the guys from Hanigar! They're after the hostage!!
[The mission ends once the key has been found and both ride the lift up. The two sneak up to the house.]
Levin: Smooth going so far, huh?
Clarissa: Thanks to your great work, Levin!
Levin: Even before all this happened, I always dreamed about serving you one day, Your Highness...
Levin: ...
Levin: Ever since that sword-fighting tournament two years ago. Man, you were on fire that day! But I'm sure I don't need to remind you, Your Highness.
Clarissa: Uh...yeah, right...
[Levin smiles and brings his hand to his chest.]
Levin: Your skills were amazing...
Levin: You were taking 'em straight up, hitting dead center... No feints, no tricks, no nothing...
Levin: I saw that, and I was like...
Levin: With that princess leading Elesius into the future, everything'll be aboveboard, straight and true...
Clarissa: ...
Levin: I knew that my sword skills would never be the equal of yours, but I wanted to do anything I could to be of use to you, Your Highness...
[He looks determined.]
Levin: So on the very next day, I started studying magic, and--
Clarissa: Levin, let's...uh, let's save the conversation for later, all right? Someone might hear you...
[Levin makes a total derp face.]
Levin: Oh, sorry... I just...
Clarissa: Rescuing the hostage is our priority. So let's hurry!
[The two head to the house and the screen turns black.]
Clarissa: We should be able to get to the room where they're keeping her from here...
[The darkness fades and a little girl in a blue dress is standing all alone inside a room.]
Hostage Girl Toco: Grandpa...
[Two knocks are heard and Levin and Clarissa enter the room.]
Clarissa: Hello.
Hostage Girl Toco: --!
Hostage Girl Toco: I, uh, I didn't...
Hostage Girl Toco: When I went outside, I...I wasn't trying to... I just wanted to see the stars... I'm sorry...
Clarissa: Don't worry. Your grandfather sent us here to save you. Everything will be fine, okay?
Hostage Girl Toco: Huh? Who...who are you?
[Levin puts his hands behind his head.]
Levin: Ta-dah! It's our princess!
Hostage Girl Toco: Oh! Princess Alexia?! Really?!
[Clarissa brings her fists up and pouts.]
Clarissa: Shhh!
[Levin's hands fall to his side and he looks shocked when a voice comes from outside the room.]
Martial Guardsman: Hey, is somebody in there?
Levin: Crap! They found us! We have to get out of here, Your Highness!
[The three of them leave the building and head outside. An alarm bell rings and they're surrounded by Drifters.]
Levin: Damn!
[Two more arrive from the side.]
Clarissa: Behind us, too...!
[One of the Sacred Slayers steps forward.]
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Hand the kid over, if you want to keep Hanigar free of bloodshed.
Clarissa: Kidnapping children for your political schemes? Have you no shame?!
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Don't be silly. Nobody wants needless fighting. Isn't this the most reasonable solution?
[Felius comes in running from the free side.]
Felius: Quick, get her over here!
Clarissa: Run!
[Toco runs past Felius. When she stops, Labyrinthia Warps in behind her.]
Levin: Take her out of here, Ms. Wordsworth!
Labyrinthia: I'll try! I'm a very capable woman, you know!
Levin: But you just warped in here, didn't you? I dunno how capable you can be when your MP's low, Ms. Wordsworth?
[Labyrinthia apparently crouches down or something.]
Labyrinthia: I...you have a point there, I must admit.
[She and the girl run off.]
Felius: It looks like there's no need for secrecy anymore. I trust you don't object to my help?
Clarissa: Felius!
Levin: ...
[They all brace themselves for battle.]
Clarissa: These people abuse children as if they were nothing! With the hostage safe, there's no way we can lose to them!
[Mathis does the same.]
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Hah! My breastplate was forged by a Hanigar master--it's as tough as the hide of a rhinoceros! Your pathetic offense isn't even worth my attention!
[There is no D.E.R. as Labyrinthia is absent.]
Felius: Levin, you back us up. I'll take the enemy leader!
Levin: Why're you bossing me around? I was here first!
[The battle ends when all enemies have been defeated. A Secutor runs up to Mathis.]
Martial Guardsman: Sir! The townspeople are revolting! They're coming at us all at once...
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Dammit! The moment we lose our hostage...!
This couldn't be... Is this that rebel force we've been hearing about? Chevalet Blanc?!
Martial Guardsman: We have to surrender...! Our collected forces aren't enough to suppress them!
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Damn, damn, damn... Damn it all!!
-Council Chamber-
[An illustration shows a furious Charlton holding up Magnus in a stranglehold, holding him above the ground.]
Martial Guard Corporal Magnus: G...gggaahhh! Forgive me...
Charlton: ...
[Magnus turns into a pile of ashes that fall from Charlton's hand.]
Martial Guard Corporal Magnus: Gyaaaa...aaahh....
[Rupert and Edna look on in horror and disgust while Weisheit smirks.]
Rupert: Man oh man. Yeesh... It' slike a piece of fruit rotting to dust in the blink of an eye. Damn!
Weisheit: The power to decompose a man alive... You, Sir Chairman, possess some truly fascinating gifts...
Edna: Fascinating? You find that fascinating?
Edna: Try utterly revolting! I won't be able to eat solid food for a week! Are you trying to make me ill?
[Charlton says nothing, just lights himself another cigarette.]
Charlton: ...
[The silver-haired girl from earlier walks into the room, eyes wide with a hand to her chest.]
Medium of the Guardians: ...
Rupert: Oh, man... What a time for a little girl to wander by. She looks like she's too shaken up to even speak!
[Edna smirks.]
Edna: Hah! You sure about that? Because she's not exactly the type to get "shaken up."
Rupert: What do you mean?
Weisheit: Well, if it isn't Princess Katrina. It is a pleasure to see you in such fine health, Your Highness.
Katrina: What was that...?
[Edna gnashes her teeth.]
Edna: We're busy with grown-up things, my little puppet princess. We haven't the time to explain ourselves to a freak like you.
Charlton: You should mind your manners, Reverend Mother.
Charlton: Remember that Her Highness Princess Katrina shall be the heir to the throne of Elesius.
Edna: I couldn't even begin to imagine the rule of Elesius actually passing to such a twisted husk of a person.
[Katrina hangs her head, eyes closed.]
Katrina: That man...disappeared...
Katrina: And at that instant... A gush of emotion, and then...nothing...
Rupert: Huh? Am I the only one who doesn't know what the hell she's talking about?
Charlton: ...
[Edna smirks again.]
Edna: Your pet just asked you a question, Charlton. Why don't you explain it to him, hmmm?
Charlton: ...
Edna: If you have trouble finding the words, perhaps I could do the honors?
Edna: You don't mind? Hmmm? You see, Dandridge, Katrina's soul is...incomplete.
Edna: This girls lacks any understanding of the concept of fear.
Edna: They say it might be trauma from the incident 14 years ago, but who knows? All anyone can say for sure is that the girl is completely broken.
Katrina: When you made him disappear, were those his emotions that washed over me? Tell me, Charlton.
Katrina: What was it? What did that feeling mean?
Katrina: It's like the feeling that the Guardians tried to convey to me. The kind that stabs at one's heart...
Charlton: ...
Rupert: Man, this is too much. She's just like you said...
[Edna throws her head back and laughs hysterically.]
Edna: Ah hah hah hah hah hah hah! The sole heir to the throne of Elesius! Ah hah hah hah hah!
Edna: It's like she's living in an entirely different world!
Edna: Can you just imagine this broken husk of a princess ruling the country and rallying the peasantry? Oh ho ho! What a joke of a queen she'd be!
Edna: Why don't you tell her, Charlton? Tell her that she's nothing more than a pretty bauble for us to dangle before the people of Elesius?
That she's a mere puppet?
Katrina: I'm...a puppet?
Rupert: Damn. It's just one thing after another here. This place never gets boring, that's for sure.
Weisheit: You're certainly not mistaken about that. In fact, I suspect that matters are only going to grow...more interesting.
Rupert: You just love to tease people, huh?
[The screen turns black and the player is prompted to save.]
-Fort Molasar: Strategy Room-
Felius: So what's our next move?
Clarissa: That's a good question... Our objectives are apparent, at least.
Clarissa: One is going to the capital, and returning control of the government to its rightful rulers...
Clarissa: The other is freeing the people of Elesius from the oppression of the Martial Guard.
[She looks down.]
Clarissa: However...
Clarissa: While it may be clear what we need to do, it's not at all clear how we're supposed to do it...
Labyrinthia: Allow me, Your Highness.
[Labyrinthia puts her hands to her hips and puffs out her chest.]
Labyrinthia: Ahem.
[Tony yawns.]
Tony: ...
Labyrinthia: Your Highness has elucidated two separate challenges.
It wouldn't be easy to split our efforts between them. Therefore, I propose that we solve both at once.
[Levin puts his hand to his chest, sighing.]
Levin: Please, Ms. Wordsworth, go easy on us...
[Labyrinthia brings her hand to her chin.]
Labyrinthia: The plan itself is quite simple. From here, we begin our march to the capital.
Labyrinthia: As we travel, we'll stop to free the towns and villages we pass from the clutches of the Martial Guards.
Felius: But if we do that, they'll figure out exactly where we are and where we're going. We'll be an easy target.
Labyrinthia: That's exactly the point.
Labyrinthia: The Martial Guard is hardly a full-fledged army. The solders they send to stop us would have to be diverted from other locations...
Labyrinthia: Which, naturally, would bring relief to the towns in which they had been stationed.
Felius: In other words, we're to act as a decoy...?
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Marching on the capital, while provoking battles every step of the way...
Labyrinthia: That is correct, Your Highness.
Clarissa: So to execute that plan...
Clarissa: We would have to defeat all of the Martial Guard troops sent to fight us?
Labyrinthia: Yes.
Clarissa: ...
[Levin looks nervous.]
Levin: So much for going easy on us...
Levin: But...if that's the only way to restore order to this country, then I guess we don't have much of a choice.
Labyrinthia: You know the story. I may not look it, but I'm actually quite a capable woman. Trust me on this, Your Highness.
Felius: No matter your answer, I will be there to protect you.
Levin: --!
Levin: I...I too would do anything to protect you, Your Highness!
Clarissa: Thank you, everyone. But this decision is mine to make. I mustn't do it lightly...
Clarissa: ...
[She looks determined.]
Clarissa: We shall set forth towards the capital, provoking the Council every step of the way! So please--lend me your strength...
[On the world map, a path from Fallen Fowl Swamp forms to the town of Hanigar, marked with a yellow !. In the distance, the city of Elensia is marked in grey.]
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow: ...Hello.
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): I'm going to be honest with you, madam. You'd best leave this town once you've resupplied. We're under Martial Guard rule right now...
---
Martial Guardsman: You folks travelers? I'd like to see you out of here as fast as you can, then.
Martial Guardsman: All inhabitants of Hanigar are currently working for the kingdom under our jurisdiction. I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of our way!
---
Namby-Pamby Clerk: I, uh, I was just having a Martial Guardsman inform me about our new merchandise...
(Bar)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Welcome... Are you travelers? Take my advice, it'd be wise not to stir up much trouble in town right now.
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): You may have already noticed this around town, but Hanigar is under control of the local Martial Guard force...
---
Ore Miner: Day and night we're forced into hard labor by the Martial Guard, while we let them run around town doing whatever they want...
Ore Miner: It's tyranny, pure and simple, and I've had it up to here with it. But, well, you know...
---
Martial Guardsman: Hah! This's the easiest job I ever had! All I do is make sure no one's goofing off. I can do it with a mug of beer in one hand!
Martial Guardsman: And lemme tell you, the pay is incredible! Hah hah! I can't believe how lucky I was to get stationed in Hanigar!
(Synth. Shop)
Workman: ...If we could get that one thing taken care of, we wouldn't have to play the Guard's lapdogs like this...
---
Workman: I can't stand it! Our very own handiwork, being used to terrorize our own kingdom's citizens!
Workman: Damn them all to hell! This isn't what I worked for! I didn't cultivate my skills for this!
---
Foreman Phil (yellow !): This workshop has centuries of tradition behind it... And now we're being forced by the Martial Guard to manufacture weapons for them...
Foreman Phil (Talk): ...What? You guys are that Chevalet Blanc I've heard so much about?
Foreman Phil: ...
Foreman Phil: If you could, would you go talk to Jeune the Elder? He's the leader of Hanigar, more or less.
(The Elder's)
Housekeeper: Welcome, welcome. Please, listen to what the elder has to say...
---
Jeune the Elder (yellow !): Oh, it's you... You're finally here...
Jeune the Elder: It's been so long since I've seen you, Lady Alexia.
Jeune the Elder: Even after I heard news of the accident, I held on to the hope that you were still alive somewhere...and here you are now!
Jeune the Elder: And none the worse for wear, either. Oh, how wonderful it is to see you...
Jeune the Elder: ...
Jeune the Elder: Rumors of Chevalet Blanc's rise are well-known across Hanigar. They say you're taking a stand against the kingdom for the sake of Elesius.
Jeune the Elder: ...
Jeune the Elder: I apologize for throwing more trouble your way, Lady Alexia, but I hope you could lend an ear to the dire situation we face in Hanigar...
Jeune the Elder: Our town has been seized by the Martial Guard. They have taken over our ore mines, intimidated our workmen, and forced us to forge their weapons.
Jeune the Elder: The miners that live here normally wouldn't accept this sort of treatment from anyone...even Drifters.
Jeune the Elder: But they've taken my granddaughter hostage...and that's kept everyone from taking a stand. They fear my girl's life will be in danger if they do.
Jeune the Elder: I know it's presumptuous to ask you this, but please, do you think Chevalet Blanc could rescue my granddaughter for us?
Labyrinthia: Will you help me to save this town, Your Highness?
Clarissa: Of course I will! That's what Chevalet Blanc is here for, isn't it? We can't just avert our eyes and keep marching.
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): Hanigar is in what you could call a symbiotic relationship with the iron ore mine.
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Every time we find a promising deposit, new buildings get set up around th etunnel, creating a new mining zone... That's how we grow.
Shopkeeper Bigelow: The zones extend all across the mountain, but rumor has it that the elder's granddaughter is squirreled away in one of them.
---
Martial Guardsman: Whaddya want? Quit starin' at me like that...
Martial Guardsman: Hang on...that passionate gaze... Hah! So that's what it is, eh? Falling for Drifters always ends in tears, lady. Trust me on that.
---
Namby-Pamby Clerk: Y-you're Chevalet Blanc...
Namby-Pamby Clerk: I'm sure the yokels they've stationed here don't follow world affairs much, but there's still a chance at least one of them will recognize you.
Namby-Pamby Clerk: So watch your backs, all right? This is the Martial Guard you're dealing with.
(Inn)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Oh...hello. The Guard's using the tables in the middle, so you guys sit in the corner, all right?
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): If they find out the rescue plan, the girl's life will be in danger. Whatever you do, don't let them notice you.
---
Ore Miner: Whenever we go into town to buy food supplies, we miners always try to exchange as much info as we can with the townspeople.
Ore Miner: If we keep it up long enough, I know we'll drive the Guard out of Hanigar eventually...and to do that, information is indispensable.
---
Martial Guardsman: Corporal Mathis really had the right idea, huh? Find the biggest guy in town, hold one of his relatives hostage, and the place is our oyster.
Martial Guardsman: And the corporal's having us move her from hideout to hideout all the time, too. He thinks of everything! He must get all the ladies with that brain of his.
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil: What an honor! Having Princess Alexia herself step up for Hanigar! I feel like there's finally some hope for us!
Foreman Phil (Talk): The Martial Guard has taken up a section of Hanigar for use as their headquarters.
Foreman Phil (Synthesize): My equipment's been seized by the Guard... I'm not allowed to synthesize, sorry...
---
Workman: Jeune'S the one who's pushed Hanigar forward these past few decades...the guy behind all the development we've seen.
Workman: There isn't a man or woman in town he hasn't helped at one time or another.
Workman: And seeing the Martial Guard strike at him first... It's outrageous!
---
Workman (yellow !): You'll find work lifts near every mine tunnel, but the Martial Guard took all the activator keys, so we can't control them...
(The Elder's)
Housekeeper: It used to be that the young men in town battled with the Martial Guard in broad daylight...
Housekeeper: But now that they're using the young lady as a shield, we've been rendered completely useless.
Housekeeper: So it would be best if you could find a way to rescue Toco without stirring up the Guard's notice...
---
Jeune the Elder (yellow !): You're the only ones who can save my granddaughter. She's being held in one of the buildings the Martial Guard's commandeered around the area.
Jeune the Elder: She's being shuffled around from location to location, so it's impossible to say exactly where she is now... In some obscure old mining zone, most likely.
(Bar)
Ore Miner (yellow !): On my way home from the mine yesterday, I saw the elder's granddaughter being taken into a workhouse over in Zone 4!
Ore Miner: But there was no way I could get to her... The area's full of Guardsmen during the daytime.
Ore Miner: There aren't as many people on watch at night, but to get to the workhouse, you'd have to either go from roof to roof or use the mine lifts.
Ore Miner: Either way, though, making it to the elder's girl without getting noticed will be a tall order...
[The group meets up outside. Clarissa and Labyrinthia ponder on the situation.]
Clarissa: As long as they're holding a hostage, I suppose we can't just rush in and try to drive off the Martial Guard...
Labyrinthia: The usual procedure would be to rescue the hostage first, but...
Levin: I'll do it!
Levin: I'm light on my feet, and you know I'm small enough to hide easily!
Labyrinthia: That may be true, but I can't send you into the heart of an enemy encampment by yourself...
Levin: Then...then could I ask Her Highness to come with me?
[Clarissa is startled.]
Clarissa: Huh? M-me? Running around on rooftops, looking like this?!
Levin: I thought I saw Your Highness wearing simpler clothing back at Creedmore Prison...
Labyrinthia: Ah, yes.
Clarissa: Oh, right... I suppose that would work...
[Felius comes up to them and stops next to Clarissa.]
Felius: Then I'm coming too.
Levin: They'd see you coming a mile away!
Levin: We have to slip in light and fast, stealthily working our way toward the hostage!
Levin: And the only ones here who can do that are me and Her Highness!
[Clarissa brings her finger to her cheek for her moment before smiling.]
Clarissa: Yes... I think Levin's right.
Clarissa: Don't worry about me, Felius.
Felius: ...
[Levin grins.]
Levin: That settles that!
Levin: Our rescue mission will begin as soon as the sun sets. In the meantime...
Labyrinthia: We'll need to get you changed out of those clothes straight away, won't we, Your Highness? Leave it to me--I'd be delighted to help!
[Clarissa's smile shrinks.]
Clarissa: (Why is Labyrinthia always so excited about changing my clothes...?)
(The Elder's)
Jeune the Elder (red !): I'll have one of the townspeople guide you to Zone 4. Are you ready for the journey, Princess?
Jeune the Elder (No): In that case, let me know when you're ready.
[Selecting 'Yes' takes us the Zone 4 at night. Clarissa's back in her previous outfit. Her and Levin look around; he takes the lead and jumps down onto the roof of a lower house, and she follows suit.]
Levin: Whew! This is getting really exciting!
Clarissa: Yes...but keep yourself alert.
[Levin pumps his fist into the air.]
Levin: Oh, you got it! I feel like I can do anything when I'm with you, Princess. Everything'S going to turn out all right, I know it!
Clarissa: Uh...thanks, Levin. But do try to keep your voice down...
Levin: Oh...sorry.
[He turns around.]
Levin: Ahh! Someone's coming, Princess! Get down!
[The two crouch down.]
Clarissa: (I'm more nervous about Levin's voice than anything else. He's practically shouting...)
[Further away, two guardsmen, a Secutor and an Elementalist stop in front of each other.]
Martial Guardsman Janssen: ...Huh? That's odd...
Martial Guardsman Orson: What?
Martial Guardsman Janssen: Must've dropped the lift key somewhere.
Martial Guardsman Orson: Oh, man... The corporal's gonna tan your hide if he finds out.
Martial Guardsman Janssen: I must've lost it when I was on patrol earlier...
[Over in their spot, Clarissa and Levin stand up. Levin pumps his fist again.]
Levin: Man, what a break! Princess! Let's go find that key before they get to it!
Clarissa: I bet "Detector" will come in handy for the search. That's an Excavator ability, I think.
Clarissa: Once we find the key, we'll have to reach the lift without the guards noticing us. Then we'll head for the girl.
Clarissa: ...
Clarissa: Listen, Levin... We're undercover here, all right? You have to promise you won't shout or anything...
[On the mission map...]
Clarissa: Be careful. We can't let them see us...
Martial Guardsman Janssen: Arrgh...damnit! If only I could use Detector, I wouldn't have to deal with this!
Martial Guardsman Orson: Man, you're hopeless, aren't you, Janssen? Ah, well... I'm sure it'll turn up once it's brighter out.
[If Orson spots you...]
Martial Guardsman Orson: Intruders! Secure the hostage!
[If Janssen spots you...]
Martial Guardsman Janssen: Oh, man, not now...! It's the guys from Hanigar! They're after the hostage!!
[The mission ends once the key has been found and both ride the lift up. The two sneak up to the house.]
Levin: Smooth going so far, huh?
Clarissa: Thanks to your great work, Levin!
Levin: Even before all this happened, I always dreamed about serving you one day, Your Highness...
Levin: ...
Levin: Ever since that sword-fighting tournament two years ago. Man, you were on fire that day! But I'm sure I don't need to remind you, Your Highness.
Clarissa: Uh...yeah, right...
[Levin smiles and brings his hand to his chest.]
Levin: Your skills were amazing...
Levin: You were taking 'em straight up, hitting dead center... No feints, no tricks, no nothing...
Levin: I saw that, and I was like...
Levin: With that princess leading Elesius into the future, everything'll be aboveboard, straight and true...
Clarissa: ...
Levin: I knew that my sword skills would never be the equal of yours, but I wanted to do anything I could to be of use to you, Your Highness...
[He looks determined.]
Levin: So on the very next day, I started studying magic, and--
Clarissa: Levin, let's...uh, let's save the conversation for later, all right? Someone might hear you...
[Levin makes a total derp face.]
Levin: Oh, sorry... I just...
Clarissa: Rescuing the hostage is our priority. So let's hurry!
[The two head to the house and the screen turns black.]
Clarissa: We should be able to get to the room where they're keeping her from here...
[The darkness fades and a little girl in a blue dress is standing all alone inside a room.]
Hostage Girl Toco: Grandpa...
[Two knocks are heard and Levin and Clarissa enter the room.]
Clarissa: Hello.
Hostage Girl Toco: --!
Hostage Girl Toco: I, uh, I didn't...
Hostage Girl Toco: When I went outside, I...I wasn't trying to... I just wanted to see the stars... I'm sorry...
Clarissa: Don't worry. Your grandfather sent us here to save you. Everything will be fine, okay?
Hostage Girl Toco: Huh? Who...who are you?
[Levin puts his hands behind his head.]
Levin: Ta-dah! It's our princess!
Hostage Girl Toco: Oh! Princess Alexia?! Really?!
[Clarissa brings her fists up and pouts.]
Clarissa: Shhh!
[Levin's hands fall to his side and he looks shocked when a voice comes from outside the room.]
Martial Guardsman: Hey, is somebody in there?
Levin: Crap! They found us! We have to get out of here, Your Highness!
[The three of them leave the building and head outside. An alarm bell rings and they're surrounded by Drifters.]
Levin: Damn!
[Two more arrive from the side.]
Clarissa: Behind us, too...!
[One of the Sacred Slayers steps forward.]
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Hand the kid over, if you want to keep Hanigar free of bloodshed.
Clarissa: Kidnapping children for your political schemes? Have you no shame?!
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Don't be silly. Nobody wants needless fighting. Isn't this the most reasonable solution?
[Felius comes in running from the free side.]
Felius: Quick, get her over here!
Clarissa: Run!
[Toco runs past Felius. When she stops, Labyrinthia Warps in behind her.]
Levin: Take her out of here, Ms. Wordsworth!
Labyrinthia: I'll try! I'm a very capable woman, you know!
Levin: But you just warped in here, didn't you? I dunno how capable you can be when your MP's low, Ms. Wordsworth?
[Labyrinthia apparently crouches down or something.]
Labyrinthia: I...you have a point there, I must admit.
[She and the girl run off.]
Felius: It looks like there's no need for secrecy anymore. I trust you don't object to my help?
Clarissa: Felius!
Levin: ...
[They all brace themselves for battle.]
Clarissa: These people abuse children as if they were nothing! With the hostage safe, there's no way we can lose to them!
[Mathis does the same.]
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Hah! My breastplate was forged by a Hanigar master--it's as tough as the hide of a rhinoceros! Your pathetic offense isn't even worth my attention!
[There is no D.E.R. as Labyrinthia is absent.]
Felius: Levin, you back us up. I'll take the enemy leader!
Levin: Why're you bossing me around? I was here first!
[The battle ends when all enemies have been defeated. A Secutor runs up to Mathis.]
Martial Guardsman: Sir! The townspeople are revolting! They're coming at us all at once...
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Dammit! The moment we lose our hostage...!
This couldn't be... Is this that rebel force we've been hearing about? Chevalet Blanc?!
Martial Guardsman: We have to surrender...! Our collected forces aren't enough to suppress them!
Martial Guard Corporal Mathis: Damn, damn, damn... Damn it all!!
-Council Chamber-
[An illustration shows a furious Charlton holding up Magnus in a stranglehold, holding him above the ground.]
Martial Guard Corporal Magnus: G...gggaahhh! Forgive me...
Charlton: ...
[Magnus turns into a pile of ashes that fall from Charlton's hand.]
Martial Guard Corporal Magnus: Gyaaaa...aaahh....
[Rupert and Edna look on in horror and disgust while Weisheit smirks.]
Rupert: Man oh man. Yeesh... It' slike a piece of fruit rotting to dust in the blink of an eye. Damn!
Weisheit: The power to decompose a man alive... You, Sir Chairman, possess some truly fascinating gifts...
Edna: Fascinating? You find that fascinating?
Edna: Try utterly revolting! I won't be able to eat solid food for a week! Are you trying to make me ill?
[Charlton says nothing, just lights himself another cigarette.]
Charlton: ...
[The silver-haired girl from earlier walks into the room, eyes wide with a hand to her chest.]
Medium of the Guardians: ...
Rupert: Oh, man... What a time for a little girl to wander by. She looks like she's too shaken up to even speak!
[Edna smirks.]
Edna: Hah! You sure about that? Because she's not exactly the type to get "shaken up."
Rupert: What do you mean?
Weisheit: Well, if it isn't Princess Katrina. It is a pleasure to see you in such fine health, Your Highness.
Katrina: What was that...?
[Edna gnashes her teeth.]
Edna: We're busy with grown-up things, my little puppet princess. We haven't the time to explain ourselves to a freak like you.
Charlton: You should mind your manners, Reverend Mother.
Charlton: Remember that Her Highness Princess Katrina shall be the heir to the throne of Elesius.
Edna: I couldn't even begin to imagine the rule of Elesius actually passing to such a twisted husk of a person.
[Katrina hangs her head, eyes closed.]
Katrina: That man...disappeared...
Katrina: And at that instant... A gush of emotion, and then...nothing...
Rupert: Huh? Am I the only one who doesn't know what the hell she's talking about?
Charlton: ...
[Edna smirks again.]
Edna: Your pet just asked you a question, Charlton. Why don't you explain it to him, hmmm?
Charlton: ...
Edna: If you have trouble finding the words, perhaps I could do the honors?
Edna: You don't mind? Hmmm? You see, Dandridge, Katrina's soul is...incomplete.
Edna: This girls lacks any understanding of the concept of fear.
Edna: They say it might be trauma from the incident 14 years ago, but who knows? All anyone can say for sure is that the girl is completely broken.
Katrina: When you made him disappear, were those his emotions that washed over me? Tell me, Charlton.
Katrina: What was it? What did that feeling mean?
Katrina: It's like the feeling that the Guardians tried to convey to me. The kind that stabs at one's heart...
Charlton: ...
Rupert: Man, this is too much. She's just like you said...
[Edna throws her head back and laughs hysterically.]
Edna: Ah hah hah hah hah hah hah! The sole heir to the throne of Elesius! Ah hah hah hah hah!
Edna: It's like she's living in an entirely different world!
Edna: Can you just imagine this broken husk of a princess ruling the country and rallying the peasantry? Oh ho ho! What a joke of a queen she'd be!
Edna: Why don't you tell her, Charlton? Tell her that she's nothing more than a pretty bauble for us to dangle before the people of Elesius?
That she's a mere puppet?
Katrina: I'm...a puppet?
Rupert: Damn. It's just one thing after another here. This place never gets boring, that's for sure.
Weisheit: You're certainly not mistaken about that. In fact, I suspect that matters are only going to grow...more interesting.
Rupert: You just love to tease people, huh?
[The screen turns black and the player is prompted to save.]