WAXF Script
< Act 1-10 >
-Elesius Castle-
-Martial Guard Command Post-
Rupert: Got organization reports pilin' up, gotta keep track of all these spears and axes and crap...
Rupert: Who knew commandin' an army meant polishin' a stool with your ass all day...? I feel like my body's aging a year for every day I spend rottin' down here...
[A Sentinel walks up to Rupert.]
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: If you feel that way, sir, perhaps you might enjoy putting us Guardsmen through our paces in the training yard?
Rupert: Yeah, great plan, dumbass. Like I'd even work up a sweat drillin' a bunch of rookies.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Forgive me, sir. Of course that would require little effort from a swordsman as infam--uh, rather, as renowned as yourself.
Rupert: Tch. Even when I'm stuck in the castle I'm surrounded by morons.
Rupert: You know, just 'cause they asked you to keep an eye on me or whatever, doesn't mean we have to chat all the time.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: No, sir, that's not what I...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: I...I apologize, sir.
Rupert: You gotta understand, there's only so much you can do with Drifters.
Rupert: At the end of the day, Drifters is all they'll ever be. Whatcha see is all you'll get.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: But sir, we have a duty to transform the Martial Guard into a sword of Elesius that can take the place of the Royal Knights.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: That rebel army commanded by the Princess Alexia imposter has been causing no end of disturbances lately.
The Martial Guard will need to become much stronger if it hopes to defeat them.
Rupert: So what, you think we should all just get together and have a big group hug or somesuch? Sorry, that's not how I work.
Rupert: I don't trust anyone but myself.
Rupert: Let me give you a piece of advice. You come to rely on others, and your life on Filgaia'll be a short one.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: I yearn to live like that myself, sir. I know all too well what it's like to be used by others...
Rupert: Huh...yeah, whatever.
Rupert: But never mind that...
Rupert: That rebel army you were talkin' about... Lately everythin's been dead princess this, dead princess that. It's got me wonderin' about her myself.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Indeed, sir. I too find it difficult to believe without seeing her face with my own two eyes...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Wait... Sir, surely you don't intend to...?
[Rupert smirks and closes one eye in some sort of wink.]
Rupert: Heh heh. You catch on pretty quick, huh? That's exactly what I intend to do.
Rupert: Just gonna go take a little walk, and if I run into any dead princesses, maybe I'll stop and say hi.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: But sir, you...you couldn't! The Council would be furious with me if you acted without their permission!
Rupert: I'm placin' a whole bunch of troops in their path anyway. If they happen to wander into that net, problem solved...
Rupert: But if not, couldn't hurt to cut off another path, now could it?
Rupert: It'll only take a few people, so we don't need nothin' from the Council.
If you're worried about the report, just say we were gatherin' intel on enemy troop movements.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Well...yes, the precise placement of troops is within your authority.
Rupert: Yep. It's all settled, then. Now get a move on, 'cause you're comin' too.
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Welcome! Life is finally back to normal here. Thank you so much!
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): The shields that Secutors can use have the ability to reduce damage from ranged weapons like bows, shuriken or slingshots, as well as magic.
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Think of a shield as your best protection against attacks from afar.
---
Suzuha the Drifter: Hey, did you hear? The new Martial Guard boss they hired about a month ago...he's not a nobleman at all. He's an experienced Drifter, they say.
Suzuha the Drifter: I guess it takes a Drifter to know how to deal with Drifters, huh...?
Suzuha the Drifter: The new boss is supposed to be pretty talented, to the point where some kids are inspired by him to join the Guard. He's got that wild look, they say...
---
Namby-Pamby Clerk (yellow !): Even...even a wimp like me summoned up enough bravery to get my town back... I surprised even myself back there...
Namby-Pamby Clerk: Speaking of which, do you know about Richala Rose? It's a town on a plateau up north, and they're waging a fierce war with the Martial Guard right now.
Namby-Pamby Clerk: When I first heard about them, I couldn't believe how foolish it all sounded...but now I think I understand how they feel.
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil (yellow !): Well, I've finally wrested my forge away from the Martial Guard. I really appreciate it, guys. You need any synthesis, I'm up for anything.
-You can now "Synthesize items at synthesis shops.-
-Tutorial: About Item Synthesis-
* At synthesis shops, you can enhance equipment such as weapons and armor, as well as create wholly new items.
* To synthesize items, you must pay a fee and provide the required ingredients.
* Synthesis ingredients can be found by progressing the story and by sending Drifters out on search.
Foreman Phil (Talk): It's like the life's finally back into Hanigar...and this workshop, too. Thanks very much.
Foreman Phil: Here's some helpful information for you: The more Item Scopes you collect, the more types of items you'll be able to synthesize.
Foreman Phil: There's a total of 12 Item Scopes in existence, apparently.
---
Workman: In the long run, it's cheaper to avoid buying new weapons and armor in shops. Run some synthesis on your old stuff, and you'll get the same thing for less.
Workman: Even when you factor the cost of searching for ingredients into the equation, it's still a bargain.
Workman: So don't go on a shopping spree every time you find a store with new stuff!
Workman: Don't get the wrong idea here... I'm not trying to put myself on top of anyone or anything.
Workman: If you don't believe me, go check out the prices at the shop for yourself, then come back here and compare it with the cost of synthesis.
---
Workman: Most synthesis components are found via searching. You'll need to have a hired Drifter in your party if you want to conduct searches.
Workman: It might be a good idea to have several Drifters on hand for search purposes, not just for battle.
Workman: Besides, if all you need is explorers, you can hire a low-level Drifter for chump change.
(Inn)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Thanks. You've been a big help.
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): Come to think of it, I had a traveling scholar in the other day asking about the Legacy Ruins. The first one in a while! I just brushed him off, though.
Innkeeper Gaspar: After all, no one has yet to discover those ruins anywhere, right? Not just here in Elesius, but they're nowhere to be found anywhere else in Filgaia, either.
Innkeeper Gaspar: Some people...you know, they can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality anymore. Grown men shouldn't become so obsessed with that occult junk.
Innkeeper Gaspar: Believing in things that don't exist...it's just weird. If you ask me, those ruins are as nonexistent as a totally platonic male-female friendship.
---
Ore Miner: Wow! What a fierce battle we had against the Guard! You should've seen us miners! We didn't give them a single inch!
Ore Miner: It's really true, isn't it? Prepare yourself for anything, and miracles really can happen! We'll never let the Guard seize this town again!
---
Funk the Drifter (yellow !): Huh...so there was a huge battle in Hanigar over the fate of the town? Too bad I missed out on it.
Funk the Drifter: Myself, I just arrived in town after going up the southeastern road...
Funk the Drifter: On my way here, I saw a group of Guardsmen gathering together on the side of the road.
Funk the Drifter: Something about "destroying the rebel army" and all... They looked like they were pretty serious. I bet it'll be a hell of a squadron when they're done.
(The Elder's)
Housekeeper: I don't know how to thank you enough. The elder and his granddaughter are overjoyed...and I don't think I've ever been this happy before.
---
Elder's Granddaughter Toco: Thank you, Princess!
Elder's Granddaughter Toco: My grandfather gave me this charm, but you can have it instead!
-Obtained a Dragon Fossil!-
---
Jeune the Elder (yellow !): Thank you so much, Lady Alexia. The forge is now out of the Guard's hands, and I hope it can be of some aid to your battle.
[When the player tries to leave the town, the party meets up and has a talk.]
Levin: Well, in theory it's a straight shot from here to the capital, but...
Clarissa: Yeah... From what we've been hearing lately, it sounds like a large force of Martial Guardsmen is gathering along the road to the southwest.
Felius: Assembling a large enough force to overwhelm your foes without having to outwit or outmaneuver them is a time-honored military tactic.
Blunt weapons can be the hardest ones to parry.
[Levin grins and puts his hands behind his head.]
Levin: But I bet Ms. Wordsworth knows a way! Don't you, teach?
[Labyrinthia puts her hands to her hips and puffs out her chest.]
Labyrinthia: Of course I do, Levin. It doesn't matter how much military force our enemies assemble. We have no reason to fear.
Levin: I knew you'd come up with something, Ms. Wordsworth! You never let us down! I love it when you get that girlish gleam in your eyes!
[She opens one eye to look at him.]
Labyrinthia: Don't stop know, Levin... I wish to hear more about how youthful and vibrant I look! There's no need to temper your praise--I won't be embarrassed.
Clarissa: Well, uh, that can wait... You said you knew a way to deal with the Martial Guard? How can we make it through an army of that size?
Labyrinthia: Oh, it's quite simple. We won't deal with them at all.
Levin: Huh?
Labyrinthia: In other words, the plan is not to fight the Martial Guard at all.
Clarissa: ...
Labyrinthia: We'll take a detour. Chevalet Blanc will circle all the way around the Martial Guard forces, and emerge behind them.
Felius: I see... If we launch a raid on their position from behind, we can counter their numerical advantage with the element of surprise...
Labyrinthia: No. We won't engage them at all. At no point will we do battle with the Martial Guard army to the southeast.
Clarissa: Um...maybe we should go through this one more time? I don't think we understand what you're saying...
[Labyrinthia closes her eyes.]
Labyrinthia: ...
Levin: Ah, I get it... What's the expression? "To deceive your foes, you must first deceive your friends?"
Labyrinthia: No... It's just that it's a bother to explain.
Clarissa: Good grief... Don't tell me you're just going to leave us guessing?
Labyrinthia: That had been my intention, but since it seems an explanation is required, I suppose I shall have to do my best.
Felius: ...
[Labyrinthia brings a hand to her chin.]
Labyrinthia: The Martial Guard force may seem insurmountable at first glance, but they are in fact committing a strategical error.
Labyrinthia: That error is...
Labyrinthia: ...Sending such a large force to confront us.
Levin: ...?
Labyrinthia: They've undoubtedly boosted their numbers in order to assure victory, but those very numbers make their movements obvious to all, just as we've learned of them here.
Labyrinthia: That makes their plans easy to anticipate.
Clarissa: Just as we're doing here, right?
Labyrinthia: Another problem is that, by gathering their forces in a single area, their ability to defend other positions has been diluted.
Labyrinthia: As long as we don't get overeager and launch straightforward frontal attacks, we alone should be able to take some of their former positions now.
Levin: Wow... When you say it like that, it almost feels like we really can do it...
Labyrinthia: So as I said earlier, we should continue on to the capital, but by taking a little detour.
Labyrinthia: Earlier, we heard talk that in Richala Rose, the people had united to resist the Martial Guard. Perhaps we should head that way and help them out.
Labyrinthia: That would put us in a good position to circle around the army and reach the capital.
Clarissa: I can't believe how deeply you've planned this...
Labyrinthia: Our enemy is an army.
Labyrinthia: Whether they confront us or not, each passing day brings fatigue to the soldiers and depletes their funds and resources.
Labyrinthia: We can erode their strength without ever confronting them directly.
Levin: Wow... When you put it like that, I almost feel sorry for them.
[Labyrinthia puffs out her chest again.]
Labyrinthia: This is how small armies battle against larger ones. In other words, we're guerrillas, and as a result, we must resort to using guerrilla tactics.
Labyrinthia: If you study history, you can learn all sorts of fascinating things.
Now, we're going to give a history lesson to the men and women of the Martial Guard. Heh heh heh...
Clarissa: I'd forgotten that the government had branded you a terrorist. Suddenly it's all flooding back...
Labyrinthia: Let us set forth on our detour route immediately.
Labyrinthia: Speed and footwork are the mightiest weapons a smaller force can wield.
[On the map, a link forms from Hanigar to Rainy Pass, marked by a red !. An unlinked path from there leads to Starlit Path.]
-Poliasha-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Brown: I haven't seen you in a while, Princess. Stories of Chevalet Blanc's exploits are making it all the way over here.
Shopkeeper Brown (Talk): You should take a breather here in Poliasha now and again. Everyone is always delighted to see you.
---
Gilliam the Drifter: I decided to help rebuild Poliasha. It's not very cheerful to see this town in ruins for so long, after all.
There's still a mountain of work to do, but it'S really fulfilling to see the village returning to its old self, bit by bit.
For someone like me who made his living breaking things, it's kind of a strange feeling to have...
---
Foreign Traveler: To tell you the truth, I came to Elesius to look for someone.
I'm searching for a female friend of mine. I wonder if you've seen her anywhere, perchance?
She's got kind of funny-looking red hair, and people often mistake her for a man after looking at her face...
I traveled across the land with her, but we got separated at an underground market in a certain port town.
The last time I saw her, she was on a ship bound for Elesius. She left without saying a word to me. Isn't that cruel?
The thing is, she looked...well, different than usual. Something's up, and that's why I've gotta find her...
(Synth. Shop)
Muehlen the Forger: Hello there! The Drifter's Anchor will handle all your synthesis needs! We'll polish your items to perfection!
Muehlen the Forger (Talk): I took some time off for a while, but I'm back, and I'm ready to ply the trade I honed at the capital's craft houses!
Oh, speaking of which... Are you the Chevalet Blanc group everyone's been talking about?
I heard all sorts of rumors about you while I was working in the capital.
Some called you an army of zombies, led by an unholy resurrected princess...others said you were a group of messengers from the stars...
But you look like a bunch of regular folks to me. Guess I shouldn't have expected so much...
---
Alejandro: Well, sheesh. Muehlen wasn't the least bit surprised to see you, Lady Alexia... Wonder why he's so unenthusiastic.
Alejandro: But anyway, the real shopkeeper's back, so I guess it's time for me to get serious about rebuilding Poliasha...
(Inn)
Ellen: You're makin' quite a name for yourselves, aren't you? Every time I hear word of your exploits, I feel so overjoyed, like I'm livin' 'em out myself!
Ellen (Talk): Feel free to stop by whenever you like. If you ever feel down, I'll always have a hot meal here to cheer you up!
---
Jim the Drunk: I slipped and hit my head on the sink yesterday, and then I remembered the other thing Item Scopes can do!
I'll just lay it out to you straight: They can raise the rank of the items you make at the synthesis shops!
In other words, the more Item Scopes you collect, the more items you can make in the shops!!
What an amazing piece of info! Dang, I'm awesome! I'm king of the world!
...So, uh, did that help you? 'Cause if it did, I wouldn't mind a quick pint...
---
Krelia: Oh my... You're off to Elensia to save King Hrathnir?
...No matter what, Princess, I will always be on the royals' side! I may not be able to contribute, but I will pray for a successful journey.
(Plaza)
Brandon: We've been getting a lot fewer Marital Guard visits lately. That's definitely cause for celebration...
But when I realize it merely means that your Chevalet Blanc is being exposed to that much more danger than before...
Well, it clouds my joy, Princess. I have rather mixed emotions about all this.
I pray to the Guardians every day that this war ends amicably for every man and women on Elesius.
---
Fellman: Ahhhhhh! Lady Alexia! Seeing your face like this again is more encouragement than I could ever ask for!
I've heard all the stories of your Chevalet Blanc army dispatching the Martial Guard over and over again! Such sweet, wonderful tales!
Forward, Chevalet Blanc! The world shall be yours!!
-Port Atraige-
(Shop)
Merchant Olrof: Welcome... I heard about your declaration of war against the Council. You sure you can handle this, Princess?
Merchant Olrof (Talk): When I thnk about how the weapons I sell here are being used by Drifters in the Martial Guard to injure my fellow Elesians...
Well, it puts me in an awkward spot.
I know it's people that hurt others, not the weapons themselves, but still...
---
Store-Minder Vitalie: The boss hasn't been himself lately...
---
Connie the Drifter: Why would a princess be fighting against her own country?
I'm not gonna pretend to know all the details, but it sure sounds strange to me. The nobles must have it tougher than I thought...
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Robb: Yep! I apologize for vacating the shop so long. I'm finally in good enough shape to do business again, so I look forward to your kind patronage!
Forger Robb (Talk): Yep! I,m doing much better now. Thank you for your concern. I suppose I shouldn't push myself so hard...
---
Mixing Girl: The forger's finally better, so the shop's back in operation!
If you need any medicine or berries synthesized, I'm your girl! Get me as many ingredients as you can, and I'll mix my little heart out for you!
(Inn)
Carefree Bartender: Welcome.
Carefree Bartender (Talk): Things are heating up across the kingdom, aren't they? This Chevalet Blanc group is trouncing the Martial Guard all over the country.
Amazing to think there's a war being waged right in our own backyards...
Every time I hear the latest reports, I can't help but feel like this is all some crazy dream...
---
Battle Fanatic: WGT (Weight) is one of the most overlooked parameters of a unit--but it's also one of the most important.
Every time a unit's turn comes up, the amount of VP (Vitality Points) expended depends directly on the WGT of that unit.
If you want to get more out of your turns, you should keep your WGT down and choose as light an equipment set as you think you can get away with.
It'd also be helpful to remember that the higher WGT a unit has, the more damage it'll take when falling victim to a throwing skill.
...But being heavy isn't all gloom and doom.
For example, when a Sentinel executes a Heavy Strike, you'll get knocked back only if your WGT is less than the attacker's.
If you're having trouble with enemy Sentinels, try storming in with heavier gear to keep from getting knocked around all the time.
(Outskirts)
Heinz the Drifter: According to the news I've heard lately, Elesius's Royal Knights aren't really seeing eye to eye with the Martial Guard.
I suppose the Knights see the Guard as a threat to the position they've kept for themselves all this time, huh?
---
Foreign Merchant: By the way, Princess, what's that weapon you hold in your hand? Hmmm...the Strahl Gewehr, you say?
It doesn't look like much of a precision instrument to me...err, not that I mean it's inaccurate or anything, mind you.
I see... So it fires balls of light, huh? Almost like a bow infused with magic power.
If we could just find out how it works and then put it on the market, I bed we'd become fabulously rich.
This alone has made the trip to Elesius worth the trouble! Come on, what do you think? Would you like to become my business partner?
...Hey, wait! Come back! You haven't even heard the rest of my glorious plan!
---
Gossip Girl: "Look at you! As old as you are, and you're still going on about your little 'land of abundance!'"
"Give up on that crap already and go earn some real money for us!"
...is what my mom said to my dad when she threw out his book!
[Upon entering Rainy Pass...]
[NARRATIVE]: Forced by inclement weather to postpone their crossing of the mountain pass, Chevalet Blanc makes camp in a nearby cave.
[Clarissa and Felius talk.]
Clarissa: ...That's a good point. Before we hike the ridge, we should--
Levin: Your Highness! Come quick!
[Levin runs up to them and looks a little shocked, then clenches his teeth when he sees Felius.]
Levin: (Man, that guy is always hanging around the princess...)
Felius: What's the situation?
Levin: ...
Levin: I came here to talk to the princess. I don't report to you!
Clarissa: Levin!
Levin: I hope you don't mind me asking, Your Highness... But who the hell is that guy?!
Levin: Every time I see you he's lurking nearby!
Levin: I can't help worrying about you, Your Highness. We don't even know for sure who he is!
Clarissa: Mind your tone, Levin. Felius is a loyal companion who has protected me for a long time.
Clarissa: No, he's even more than that. Felius is...
[The screen switches to an illustration of a wasteland, with mountains in the distance.]
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: My mother and I lived on the open road of an endless journey for as long as I can remember.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]:Mother never stopped chasing her dream of transforming Filgaia from a war-torn wasteland to a land of abundance.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: It was five years ago that we first met him...
[The image switches to one of a rocky hillside.]
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: I found him badly wounded and collapsed from exhaustion, but still gripping Iskender Bey tightly. I did everything that I could to save him.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Looking back on it now, I wasn't doing anything more than playing doctor, but I put my whole heart into it.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: It was Mother's skillful treatments that gradually restored his health, and eventually he recovered enough to speak.
[Then we see an illustration of Felius standing between a little girl in blue and a woman.]
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: He said that his name was Felius, but that he had no last name. It was almost like he didn't even understand the concept of having a last name.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Even when well enough to speak, he was a quiet man, and wouldn't tell us where he was from, of where he was going.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Once he was fully healed, Felius joine dus on our journey and helped protect Mother and I from the many hazards of the road.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Where at first I saw only a quiet man, I eventually came to see a gentle one instead.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Since Felius had no last name, Mother gave him the one we both shared: Arwin.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: "Melissa Arwin, Clarissa Arwin... And now, Felius Arwin."
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Mother smiled as she said it...
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: "We're now a family of three."
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Even though Felius was the last to join us, he felt like an older brother to me. For some reason that disparity really struck a chord with me, and I started laughing so hard I fell over.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Felius laughed, too. It was the first time i had ever seen him laugh, and I remember it clearly even now.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Though our time as "a family of three" was short, the bonds we shared affected me deeply...
[The illustration in the back brightens momentarily before going back to the three in the cave, the sound of rain falling just outside.]
Clarissa: Felius is family.
Levin: ...
Clarissa: But not just him. You, and Labyrinthia, and everyone else who helps us...
Clarissa: I think of everyone who shares the goal of liberating Elesius as family.
[Levin hangs his head, shoulders dropping.]
Levin: I understand. I'm sorry, Your Highness. I don't know what got into me.
Levin: I guess I just wasn't thinking. I already know how kind and considerate you are...
Clarissa: It's fine, Levin. Don't worry about it.
Clarissa: More importantly, what about your report?
[Levin looks up, surprised, a hand to his chest.]
Levin: Oh! I completely forgot!
[He looks sheepish.]
Levin: ...
Levin: Well...the thing is...
Clarissa: ...?
Levin: Well, it's just... I was going to report that I had completed my turn on watch...
Levin: Everything looked normal on the pass, but with the bad visibility, I couldn't see much of the woods on the other side.
I'm worried that our enemies might be planning an ambush.
Levin: Maybe we should send someone to check it out? Of course, I'd be willing to do it, but...
[Felius steps forward.]
Felius: I'm sure you're tired from having completed your watch. I'll scout the woods.
Clarissa: That makes sense. Be careful, Felius.
[Felius goes outside the cave.]
Levin: ...
[Time passes as the screen darkens and comes back to Clarissa and Levin inside the cave. The rain falls more heavily outside.]
Clarissa: The rain is getting heavier. I wonder if a storm is gathering?
Levin: ...
Clarissa: Hmm? What's wrong, Levin? You've seemed antsy ever since Felius went on watch.
Levin: N-no... It's nothing.
Clarissa: Felius should be back soon. I hope nothing happens before the rain lets up, but let's get ourselves ready just in case.
Levin: Yeah, I guess you're right, but...
[Labyrinthia runs up to them.]
Labyrinthia: Your Highness! The Martial Guard have been spotted near the pass!
[The other two look startled.]
Levin: --?!
Clarissa: But Levin just got back from patrolling the pass...
Levin: Please wait here, Your Highness! There's probably just a few of them--I'll take 'em on myself!
[Levin turns and runs out of the cave.]
Clarissa: You're going to get yourself killed, Levin!
[Clarissa chases after him. Levin arrives outside under the heavy rain.]
Levin: I'll show them that Felius isn't the only one who can be a hero!
Clarissa: What are you thinking, Levin?!
Levin: Your Highness?! It isn't safe here! Please wait in the cave!
Clarissa: But you can't do this by yourself!
Levin: You must find a place to hide, Your Highness! The enemy is coming this way!
Clarissa: What? That can't be...
[Briefly, the screen switches the Rupert standing with three Drifters.]
Clarissa: ...Rupert!
Levin: Your Highness... You know Rupert too?!
Levin: I can't believe the commander of the Martial Guard would come here personally...
Clarissa: Rupert's the leader of the Martial Guard...?!
Levin: (So she knows him. If I can take out Rupert, the princess will see me as a hero!)
Levin: Here it comes!
[Levin bares his fists and dashes off.]
Clarissa: Levin...? No! Stop!
Rupert: Huh? What do you want, kid?
Levin: Hyaaaaaaaaaa!!!
[Levin rushes towards Rupert, but a cut-in shows Rupert tripping Levin's leg with his foot.]
Levin: --!
[Rupert grins widely.]
Rupert: What, is that all you got, boy? That was quick! At your age, I'd expect a bit more effort!
[Levin picks himself up.]
Levin: Argh... I'm not a boy! I have a name!
Rupert: Only real men have names on the battlefield.
[Rupert reaches for his sword.]
Rupert: Now beat it, kid!
[He rushes towards Levin and the screen turns black while the sound of an impact is heard.]
Levin: Agh!
[Back to Rupert.]
Rupert: ...
Rupert: That's it, huh? Over so soon? ...Well then, so long, boy.
Rupert: I haven't got the time for puppies nipping at my shoes. I got a job to--
Clarissa: --Levin!
Rupert: What's this? The kid's got a little friend?
[An illustration shows Clarissa brandishing Strahl Gewehr.]
Rupert: --?!
Rupert: Huh? That weird weapon...
[A ball of light forms at the tip of Strahl Gewehr's barrel and Clarissa fires at Rupert. He shrinks back, wincing.]
Rupert: --?!
Clarissa: ...
Rupert: Hey! What the hell kind of joke--
[Kasselratt walks up to Rupert.]
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: ...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: The...the princess!
Rupert: ...Are you sure?!
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Yes...yes, I'm sure. I used to be stationed at the castle. I would never forget that face.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: that is without a doubt Her Highness Alexia, Princess Royal of the Kingdom of Elesius.
Rupert: ...
[Labyrinthia arrives behind Clarissa.]
Labyrinthia: Forgive my tardiness, Your Highness. I know we weren't prepared for battle, but we can't afford to run away now!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the enemy line looks like this.
Labyrinthia: It looks like Rupert's sights are set squarely on the princess... This is an extremely dangerous situation, no doubt about that.
Still, it means that we're fully aware of his goal, and that allows us to prepare for him well in advance.
Let's use the princess to bait a little trap for him. We'll need to right formation, and the right classes, for the job.
Labyrinthia: While the princess is luring Rupert in, the others will engage the rest of the units. Cut down their ranks first--we'll handle the stronger ones later.
Rupert: Who gives a damn whether she's a princess or not? Don't let stupid things like that distract you!
Fight! Pillage! Find your glory! the world's a whole lot simpler than those idiots say it is!
Don't you ever forget that!!
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Errgh... Now...I understand... This is for...the future of Elesius...
[The battle ends when four of the enemies have been defeated.]
Rupert: Dammit...didn't expect things to get this out of hand. Guess I'll have to figure out some kind of excuse for this waste...
Clarissa: You're running away?!
Rupert: Don't you worry your little head, Princess. I don't know whether you're real or not...
But either way, I'm sure we'll be seein' each other again before too long.
Hope you're lookin' forward to it--I know I am! See ya!
[Rupert runs off. Back at the cave...]
Felius: ...
Felius: I see. So Rupert's working for Elesius--and commanding the Martial Guard, no less...
Clarissa: It looks like that's why the Council sent for him.
[Levin walks up to them, head hung.]
Levin: ...
Clarissa: Levin, about before--
[Felius frowns and walks in between them.]
Felius: ...
Levin: ...
Levin: I just... I wanted to be the sort of man that could protect the princess... So I...
[The screen flashes black as a smacking sound is heard. Levin looks shocked, one cheek reddened.]
Levin: ...I...
Felius: You put your "family" in danger. Do you understand that?
Levin: I know that, I know! That's why I tried to protect her--
[Felius slaps Levin again. Now an illustration shows Felius standing before him, gloved hand raised from delivering the blow.]
Felius: You don't understand at all.
Levin: ...I...I just...!
[Levin runs off. Over at the pass, Rupert stops and smirks.]
Rupert: ...
Rupert: Heh heh heh. I just can't stop thinkin' about how much fun this is gonna be!
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Rupert... Sir...
[Rupert loses his smirk as he turns to see Kasselratt slinking over to him slowly.]
Rupert: Huh? You still kickin'? Thought for sure you got yourself killed back there...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: My wounds aren't that serious... It was just... It was my first real battle, and the enemy caught me by surprise...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Please... Help me, sir...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: My body will heal, but...I can't bear to think of the wrong I've perpetrated...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Please, sir, if you don't help me out here...I don't know that I can...
Rupert: ...
[Rupert smirks, unsheathing his sword.]
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: What...what are you doing, sir?
Rupert: I don't have a lot of free time on my hands. And that just sounds like a hassle.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: But... You wouldn't...
Rupert: Could've sworn I told you. You come to rely on others, and your life on Filgaia'll be a short one...
[The screen darkens as thunder rumbles in the distance.]
[NARRATIVE (Rupert)]: It's an important lesson... But the tuition ain't cheap.
[The player is then prompted to save.]
-Elesius Castle-
-Martial Guard Command Post-
Rupert: Got organization reports pilin' up, gotta keep track of all these spears and axes and crap...
Rupert: Who knew commandin' an army meant polishin' a stool with your ass all day...? I feel like my body's aging a year for every day I spend rottin' down here...
[A Sentinel walks up to Rupert.]
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: If you feel that way, sir, perhaps you might enjoy putting us Guardsmen through our paces in the training yard?
Rupert: Yeah, great plan, dumbass. Like I'd even work up a sweat drillin' a bunch of rookies.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Forgive me, sir. Of course that would require little effort from a swordsman as infam--uh, rather, as renowned as yourself.
Rupert: Tch. Even when I'm stuck in the castle I'm surrounded by morons.
Rupert: You know, just 'cause they asked you to keep an eye on me or whatever, doesn't mean we have to chat all the time.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: No, sir, that's not what I...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: I...I apologize, sir.
Rupert: You gotta understand, there's only so much you can do with Drifters.
Rupert: At the end of the day, Drifters is all they'll ever be. Whatcha see is all you'll get.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: But sir, we have a duty to transform the Martial Guard into a sword of Elesius that can take the place of the Royal Knights.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: That rebel army commanded by the Princess Alexia imposter has been causing no end of disturbances lately.
The Martial Guard will need to become much stronger if it hopes to defeat them.
Rupert: So what, you think we should all just get together and have a big group hug or somesuch? Sorry, that's not how I work.
Rupert: I don't trust anyone but myself.
Rupert: Let me give you a piece of advice. You come to rely on others, and your life on Filgaia'll be a short one.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: I yearn to live like that myself, sir. I know all too well what it's like to be used by others...
Rupert: Huh...yeah, whatever.
Rupert: But never mind that...
Rupert: That rebel army you were talkin' about... Lately everythin's been dead princess this, dead princess that. It's got me wonderin' about her myself.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Indeed, sir. I too find it difficult to believe without seeing her face with my own two eyes...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Wait... Sir, surely you don't intend to...?
[Rupert smirks and closes one eye in some sort of wink.]
Rupert: Heh heh. You catch on pretty quick, huh? That's exactly what I intend to do.
Rupert: Just gonna go take a little walk, and if I run into any dead princesses, maybe I'll stop and say hi.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: But sir, you...you couldn't! The Council would be furious with me if you acted without their permission!
Rupert: I'm placin' a whole bunch of troops in their path anyway. If they happen to wander into that net, problem solved...
Rupert: But if not, couldn't hurt to cut off another path, now could it?
Rupert: It'll only take a few people, so we don't need nothin' from the Council.
If you're worried about the report, just say we were gatherin' intel on enemy troop movements.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Well...yes, the precise placement of troops is within your authority.
Rupert: Yep. It's all settled, then. Now get a move on, 'cause you're comin' too.
-Hanigar-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Welcome! Life is finally back to normal here. Thank you so much!
Shopkeeper Bigelow (Talk): The shields that Secutors can use have the ability to reduce damage from ranged weapons like bows, shuriken or slingshots, as well as magic.
Shopkeeper Bigelow: Think of a shield as your best protection against attacks from afar.
---
Suzuha the Drifter: Hey, did you hear? The new Martial Guard boss they hired about a month ago...he's not a nobleman at all. He's an experienced Drifter, they say.
Suzuha the Drifter: I guess it takes a Drifter to know how to deal with Drifters, huh...?
Suzuha the Drifter: The new boss is supposed to be pretty talented, to the point where some kids are inspired by him to join the Guard. He's got that wild look, they say...
---
Namby-Pamby Clerk (yellow !): Even...even a wimp like me summoned up enough bravery to get my town back... I surprised even myself back there...
Namby-Pamby Clerk: Speaking of which, do you know about Richala Rose? It's a town on a plateau up north, and they're waging a fierce war with the Martial Guard right now.
Namby-Pamby Clerk: When I first heard about them, I couldn't believe how foolish it all sounded...but now I think I understand how they feel.
(Synth. Shop)
Foreman Phil (yellow !): Well, I've finally wrested my forge away from the Martial Guard. I really appreciate it, guys. You need any synthesis, I'm up for anything.
-You can now "Synthesize items at synthesis shops.-
-Tutorial: About Item Synthesis-
* At synthesis shops, you can enhance equipment such as weapons and armor, as well as create wholly new items.
* To synthesize items, you must pay a fee and provide the required ingredients.
* Synthesis ingredients can be found by progressing the story and by sending Drifters out on search.
Foreman Phil (Talk): It's like the life's finally back into Hanigar...and this workshop, too. Thanks very much.
Foreman Phil: Here's some helpful information for you: The more Item Scopes you collect, the more types of items you'll be able to synthesize.
Foreman Phil: There's a total of 12 Item Scopes in existence, apparently.
---
Workman: In the long run, it's cheaper to avoid buying new weapons and armor in shops. Run some synthesis on your old stuff, and you'll get the same thing for less.
Workman: Even when you factor the cost of searching for ingredients into the equation, it's still a bargain.
Workman: So don't go on a shopping spree every time you find a store with new stuff!
Workman: Don't get the wrong idea here... I'm not trying to put myself on top of anyone or anything.
Workman: If you don't believe me, go check out the prices at the shop for yourself, then come back here and compare it with the cost of synthesis.
---
Workman: Most synthesis components are found via searching. You'll need to have a hired Drifter in your party if you want to conduct searches.
Workman: It might be a good idea to have several Drifters on hand for search purposes, not just for battle.
Workman: Besides, if all you need is explorers, you can hire a low-level Drifter for chump change.
(Inn)
Innkeeper Gaspar: Thanks. You've been a big help.
Innkeeper Gaspar (Talk): Come to think of it, I had a traveling scholar in the other day asking about the Legacy Ruins. The first one in a while! I just brushed him off, though.
Innkeeper Gaspar: After all, no one has yet to discover those ruins anywhere, right? Not just here in Elesius, but they're nowhere to be found anywhere else in Filgaia, either.
Innkeeper Gaspar: Some people...you know, they can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality anymore. Grown men shouldn't become so obsessed with that occult junk.
Innkeeper Gaspar: Believing in things that don't exist...it's just weird. If you ask me, those ruins are as nonexistent as a totally platonic male-female friendship.
---
Ore Miner: Wow! What a fierce battle we had against the Guard! You should've seen us miners! We didn't give them a single inch!
Ore Miner: It's really true, isn't it? Prepare yourself for anything, and miracles really can happen! We'll never let the Guard seize this town again!
---
Funk the Drifter (yellow !): Huh...so there was a huge battle in Hanigar over the fate of the town? Too bad I missed out on it.
Funk the Drifter: Myself, I just arrived in town after going up the southeastern road...
Funk the Drifter: On my way here, I saw a group of Guardsmen gathering together on the side of the road.
Funk the Drifter: Something about "destroying the rebel army" and all... They looked like they were pretty serious. I bet it'll be a hell of a squadron when they're done.
(The Elder's)
Housekeeper: I don't know how to thank you enough. The elder and his granddaughter are overjoyed...and I don't think I've ever been this happy before.
---
Elder's Granddaughter Toco: Thank you, Princess!
Elder's Granddaughter Toco: My grandfather gave me this charm, but you can have it instead!
-Obtained a Dragon Fossil!-
---
Jeune the Elder (yellow !): Thank you so much, Lady Alexia. The forge is now out of the Guard's hands, and I hope it can be of some aid to your battle.
[When the player tries to leave the town, the party meets up and has a talk.]
Levin: Well, in theory it's a straight shot from here to the capital, but...
Clarissa: Yeah... From what we've been hearing lately, it sounds like a large force of Martial Guardsmen is gathering along the road to the southwest.
Felius: Assembling a large enough force to overwhelm your foes without having to outwit or outmaneuver them is a time-honored military tactic.
Blunt weapons can be the hardest ones to parry.
[Levin grins and puts his hands behind his head.]
Levin: But I bet Ms. Wordsworth knows a way! Don't you, teach?
[Labyrinthia puts her hands to her hips and puffs out her chest.]
Labyrinthia: Of course I do, Levin. It doesn't matter how much military force our enemies assemble. We have no reason to fear.
Levin: I knew you'd come up with something, Ms. Wordsworth! You never let us down! I love it when you get that girlish gleam in your eyes!
[She opens one eye to look at him.]
Labyrinthia: Don't stop know, Levin... I wish to hear more about how youthful and vibrant I look! There's no need to temper your praise--I won't be embarrassed.
Clarissa: Well, uh, that can wait... You said you knew a way to deal with the Martial Guard? How can we make it through an army of that size?
Labyrinthia: Oh, it's quite simple. We won't deal with them at all.
Levin: Huh?
Labyrinthia: In other words, the plan is not to fight the Martial Guard at all.
Clarissa: ...
Labyrinthia: We'll take a detour. Chevalet Blanc will circle all the way around the Martial Guard forces, and emerge behind them.
Felius: I see... If we launch a raid on their position from behind, we can counter their numerical advantage with the element of surprise...
Labyrinthia: No. We won't engage them at all. At no point will we do battle with the Martial Guard army to the southeast.
Clarissa: Um...maybe we should go through this one more time? I don't think we understand what you're saying...
[Labyrinthia closes her eyes.]
Labyrinthia: ...
Levin: Ah, I get it... What's the expression? "To deceive your foes, you must first deceive your friends?"
Labyrinthia: No... It's just that it's a bother to explain.
Clarissa: Good grief... Don't tell me you're just going to leave us guessing?
Labyrinthia: That had been my intention, but since it seems an explanation is required, I suppose I shall have to do my best.
Felius: ...
[Labyrinthia brings a hand to her chin.]
Labyrinthia: The Martial Guard force may seem insurmountable at first glance, but they are in fact committing a strategical error.
Labyrinthia: That error is...
Labyrinthia: ...Sending such a large force to confront us.
Levin: ...?
Labyrinthia: They've undoubtedly boosted their numbers in order to assure victory, but those very numbers make their movements obvious to all, just as we've learned of them here.
Labyrinthia: That makes their plans easy to anticipate.
Clarissa: Just as we're doing here, right?
Labyrinthia: Another problem is that, by gathering their forces in a single area, their ability to defend other positions has been diluted.
Labyrinthia: As long as we don't get overeager and launch straightforward frontal attacks, we alone should be able to take some of their former positions now.
Levin: Wow... When you say it like that, it almost feels like we really can do it...
Labyrinthia: So as I said earlier, we should continue on to the capital, but by taking a little detour.
Labyrinthia: Earlier, we heard talk that in Richala Rose, the people had united to resist the Martial Guard. Perhaps we should head that way and help them out.
Labyrinthia: That would put us in a good position to circle around the army and reach the capital.
Clarissa: I can't believe how deeply you've planned this...
Labyrinthia: Our enemy is an army.
Labyrinthia: Whether they confront us or not, each passing day brings fatigue to the soldiers and depletes their funds and resources.
Labyrinthia: We can erode their strength without ever confronting them directly.
Levin: Wow... When you put it like that, I almost feel sorry for them.
[Labyrinthia puffs out her chest again.]
Labyrinthia: This is how small armies battle against larger ones. In other words, we're guerrillas, and as a result, we must resort to using guerrilla tactics.
Labyrinthia: If you study history, you can learn all sorts of fascinating things.
Now, we're going to give a history lesson to the men and women of the Martial Guard. Heh heh heh...
Clarissa: I'd forgotten that the government had branded you a terrorist. Suddenly it's all flooding back...
Labyrinthia: Let us set forth on our detour route immediately.
Labyrinthia: Speed and footwork are the mightiest weapons a smaller force can wield.
[On the map, a link forms from Hanigar to Rainy Pass, marked by a red !. An unlinked path from there leads to Starlit Path.]
-Poliasha-
(Shop)
Shopkeeper Brown: I haven't seen you in a while, Princess. Stories of Chevalet Blanc's exploits are making it all the way over here.
Shopkeeper Brown (Talk): You should take a breather here in Poliasha now and again. Everyone is always delighted to see you.
---
Gilliam the Drifter: I decided to help rebuild Poliasha. It's not very cheerful to see this town in ruins for so long, after all.
There's still a mountain of work to do, but it'S really fulfilling to see the village returning to its old self, bit by bit.
For someone like me who made his living breaking things, it's kind of a strange feeling to have...
---
Foreign Traveler: To tell you the truth, I came to Elesius to look for someone.
I'm searching for a female friend of mine. I wonder if you've seen her anywhere, perchance?
She's got kind of funny-looking red hair, and people often mistake her for a man after looking at her face...
I traveled across the land with her, but we got separated at an underground market in a certain port town.
The last time I saw her, she was on a ship bound for Elesius. She left without saying a word to me. Isn't that cruel?
The thing is, she looked...well, different than usual. Something's up, and that's why I've gotta find her...
(Synth. Shop)
Muehlen the Forger: Hello there! The Drifter's Anchor will handle all your synthesis needs! We'll polish your items to perfection!
Muehlen the Forger (Talk): I took some time off for a while, but I'm back, and I'm ready to ply the trade I honed at the capital's craft houses!
Oh, speaking of which... Are you the Chevalet Blanc group everyone's been talking about?
I heard all sorts of rumors about you while I was working in the capital.
Some called you an army of zombies, led by an unholy resurrected princess...others said you were a group of messengers from the stars...
But you look like a bunch of regular folks to me. Guess I shouldn't have expected so much...
---
Alejandro: Well, sheesh. Muehlen wasn't the least bit surprised to see you, Lady Alexia... Wonder why he's so unenthusiastic.
Alejandro: But anyway, the real shopkeeper's back, so I guess it's time for me to get serious about rebuilding Poliasha...
(Inn)
Ellen: You're makin' quite a name for yourselves, aren't you? Every time I hear word of your exploits, I feel so overjoyed, like I'm livin' 'em out myself!
Ellen (Talk): Feel free to stop by whenever you like. If you ever feel down, I'll always have a hot meal here to cheer you up!
---
Jim the Drunk: I slipped and hit my head on the sink yesterday, and then I remembered the other thing Item Scopes can do!
I'll just lay it out to you straight: They can raise the rank of the items you make at the synthesis shops!
In other words, the more Item Scopes you collect, the more items you can make in the shops!!
What an amazing piece of info! Dang, I'm awesome! I'm king of the world!
...So, uh, did that help you? 'Cause if it did, I wouldn't mind a quick pint...
---
Krelia: Oh my... You're off to Elensia to save King Hrathnir?
...No matter what, Princess, I will always be on the royals' side! I may not be able to contribute, but I will pray for a successful journey.
(Plaza)
Brandon: We've been getting a lot fewer Marital Guard visits lately. That's definitely cause for celebration...
But when I realize it merely means that your Chevalet Blanc is being exposed to that much more danger than before...
Well, it clouds my joy, Princess. I have rather mixed emotions about all this.
I pray to the Guardians every day that this war ends amicably for every man and women on Elesius.
---
Fellman: Ahhhhhh! Lady Alexia! Seeing your face like this again is more encouragement than I could ever ask for!
I've heard all the stories of your Chevalet Blanc army dispatching the Martial Guard over and over again! Such sweet, wonderful tales!
Forward, Chevalet Blanc! The world shall be yours!!
-Port Atraige-
(Shop)
Merchant Olrof: Welcome... I heard about your declaration of war against the Council. You sure you can handle this, Princess?
Merchant Olrof (Talk): When I thnk about how the weapons I sell here are being used by Drifters in the Martial Guard to injure my fellow Elesians...
Well, it puts me in an awkward spot.
I know it's people that hurt others, not the weapons themselves, but still...
---
Store-Minder Vitalie: The boss hasn't been himself lately...
---
Connie the Drifter: Why would a princess be fighting against her own country?
I'm not gonna pretend to know all the details, but it sure sounds strange to me. The nobles must have it tougher than I thought...
(Synth. Shop)
Forger Robb: Yep! I apologize for vacating the shop so long. I'm finally in good enough shape to do business again, so I look forward to your kind patronage!
Forger Robb (Talk): Yep! I,m doing much better now. Thank you for your concern. I suppose I shouldn't push myself so hard...
---
Mixing Girl: The forger's finally better, so the shop's back in operation!
If you need any medicine or berries synthesized, I'm your girl! Get me as many ingredients as you can, and I'll mix my little heart out for you!
(Inn)
Carefree Bartender: Welcome.
Carefree Bartender (Talk): Things are heating up across the kingdom, aren't they? This Chevalet Blanc group is trouncing the Martial Guard all over the country.
Amazing to think there's a war being waged right in our own backyards...
Every time I hear the latest reports, I can't help but feel like this is all some crazy dream...
---
Battle Fanatic: WGT (Weight) is one of the most overlooked parameters of a unit--but it's also one of the most important.
Every time a unit's turn comes up, the amount of VP (Vitality Points) expended depends directly on the WGT of that unit.
If you want to get more out of your turns, you should keep your WGT down and choose as light an equipment set as you think you can get away with.
It'd also be helpful to remember that the higher WGT a unit has, the more damage it'll take when falling victim to a throwing skill.
...But being heavy isn't all gloom and doom.
For example, when a Sentinel executes a Heavy Strike, you'll get knocked back only if your WGT is less than the attacker's.
If you're having trouble with enemy Sentinels, try storming in with heavier gear to keep from getting knocked around all the time.
(Outskirts)
Heinz the Drifter: According to the news I've heard lately, Elesius's Royal Knights aren't really seeing eye to eye with the Martial Guard.
I suppose the Knights see the Guard as a threat to the position they've kept for themselves all this time, huh?
---
Foreign Merchant: By the way, Princess, what's that weapon you hold in your hand? Hmmm...the Strahl Gewehr, you say?
It doesn't look like much of a precision instrument to me...err, not that I mean it's inaccurate or anything, mind you.
I see... So it fires balls of light, huh? Almost like a bow infused with magic power.
If we could just find out how it works and then put it on the market, I bed we'd become fabulously rich.
This alone has made the trip to Elesius worth the trouble! Come on, what do you think? Would you like to become my business partner?
...Hey, wait! Come back! You haven't even heard the rest of my glorious plan!
---
Gossip Girl: "Look at you! As old as you are, and you're still going on about your little 'land of abundance!'"
"Give up on that crap already and go earn some real money for us!"
...is what my mom said to my dad when she threw out his book!
[Upon entering Rainy Pass...]
[NARRATIVE]: Forced by inclement weather to postpone their crossing of the mountain pass, Chevalet Blanc makes camp in a nearby cave.
[Clarissa and Felius talk.]
Clarissa: ...That's a good point. Before we hike the ridge, we should--
Levin: Your Highness! Come quick!
[Levin runs up to them and looks a little shocked, then clenches his teeth when he sees Felius.]
Levin: (Man, that guy is always hanging around the princess...)
Felius: What's the situation?
Levin: ...
Levin: I came here to talk to the princess. I don't report to you!
Clarissa: Levin!
Levin: I hope you don't mind me asking, Your Highness... But who the hell is that guy?!
Levin: Every time I see you he's lurking nearby!
Levin: I can't help worrying about you, Your Highness. We don't even know for sure who he is!
Clarissa: Mind your tone, Levin. Felius is a loyal companion who has protected me for a long time.
Clarissa: No, he's even more than that. Felius is...
[The screen switches to an illustration of a wasteland, with mountains in the distance.]
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: My mother and I lived on the open road of an endless journey for as long as I can remember.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]:Mother never stopped chasing her dream of transforming Filgaia from a war-torn wasteland to a land of abundance.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: It was five years ago that we first met him...
[The image switches to one of a rocky hillside.]
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: I found him badly wounded and collapsed from exhaustion, but still gripping Iskender Bey tightly. I did everything that I could to save him.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Looking back on it now, I wasn't doing anything more than playing doctor, but I put my whole heart into it.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: It was Mother's skillful treatments that gradually restored his health, and eventually he recovered enough to speak.
[Then we see an illustration of Felius standing between a little girl in blue and a woman.]
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: He said that his name was Felius, but that he had no last name. It was almost like he didn't even understand the concept of having a last name.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Even when well enough to speak, he was a quiet man, and wouldn't tell us where he was from, of where he was going.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Once he was fully healed, Felius joine dus on our journey and helped protect Mother and I from the many hazards of the road.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Where at first I saw only a quiet man, I eventually came to see a gentle one instead.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Since Felius had no last name, Mother gave him the one we both shared: Arwin.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: "Melissa Arwin, Clarissa Arwin... And now, Felius Arwin."
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Mother smiled as she said it...
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: "We're now a family of three."
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Even though Felius was the last to join us, he felt like an older brother to me. For some reason that disparity really struck a chord with me, and I started laughing so hard I fell over.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Felius laughed, too. It was the first time i had ever seen him laugh, and I remember it clearly even now.
[NARRATIVE (Clarissa)]: Though our time as "a family of three" was short, the bonds we shared affected me deeply...
[The illustration in the back brightens momentarily before going back to the three in the cave, the sound of rain falling just outside.]
Clarissa: Felius is family.
Levin: ...
Clarissa: But not just him. You, and Labyrinthia, and everyone else who helps us...
Clarissa: I think of everyone who shares the goal of liberating Elesius as family.
[Levin hangs his head, shoulders dropping.]
Levin: I understand. I'm sorry, Your Highness. I don't know what got into me.
Levin: I guess I just wasn't thinking. I already know how kind and considerate you are...
Clarissa: It's fine, Levin. Don't worry about it.
Clarissa: More importantly, what about your report?
[Levin looks up, surprised, a hand to his chest.]
Levin: Oh! I completely forgot!
[He looks sheepish.]
Levin: ...
Levin: Well...the thing is...
Clarissa: ...?
Levin: Well, it's just... I was going to report that I had completed my turn on watch...
Levin: Everything looked normal on the pass, but with the bad visibility, I couldn't see much of the woods on the other side.
I'm worried that our enemies might be planning an ambush.
Levin: Maybe we should send someone to check it out? Of course, I'd be willing to do it, but...
[Felius steps forward.]
Felius: I'm sure you're tired from having completed your watch. I'll scout the woods.
Clarissa: That makes sense. Be careful, Felius.
[Felius goes outside the cave.]
Levin: ...
[Time passes as the screen darkens and comes back to Clarissa and Levin inside the cave. The rain falls more heavily outside.]
Clarissa: The rain is getting heavier. I wonder if a storm is gathering?
Levin: ...
Clarissa: Hmm? What's wrong, Levin? You've seemed antsy ever since Felius went on watch.
Levin: N-no... It's nothing.
Clarissa: Felius should be back soon. I hope nothing happens before the rain lets up, but let's get ourselves ready just in case.
Levin: Yeah, I guess you're right, but...
[Labyrinthia runs up to them.]
Labyrinthia: Your Highness! The Martial Guard have been spotted near the pass!
[The other two look startled.]
Levin: --?!
Clarissa: But Levin just got back from patrolling the pass...
Levin: Please wait here, Your Highness! There's probably just a few of them--I'll take 'em on myself!
[Levin turns and runs out of the cave.]
Clarissa: You're going to get yourself killed, Levin!
[Clarissa chases after him. Levin arrives outside under the heavy rain.]
Levin: I'll show them that Felius isn't the only one who can be a hero!
Clarissa: What are you thinking, Levin?!
Levin: Your Highness?! It isn't safe here! Please wait in the cave!
Clarissa: But you can't do this by yourself!
Levin: You must find a place to hide, Your Highness! The enemy is coming this way!
Clarissa: What? That can't be...
[Briefly, the screen switches the Rupert standing with three Drifters.]
Clarissa: ...Rupert!
Levin: Your Highness... You know Rupert too?!
Levin: I can't believe the commander of the Martial Guard would come here personally...
Clarissa: Rupert's the leader of the Martial Guard...?!
Levin: (So she knows him. If I can take out Rupert, the princess will see me as a hero!)
Levin: Here it comes!
[Levin bares his fists and dashes off.]
Clarissa: Levin...? No! Stop!
Rupert: Huh? What do you want, kid?
Levin: Hyaaaaaaaaaa!!!
[Levin rushes towards Rupert, but a cut-in shows Rupert tripping Levin's leg with his foot.]
Levin: --!
[Rupert grins widely.]
Rupert: What, is that all you got, boy? That was quick! At your age, I'd expect a bit more effort!
[Levin picks himself up.]
Levin: Argh... I'm not a boy! I have a name!
Rupert: Only real men have names on the battlefield.
[Rupert reaches for his sword.]
Rupert: Now beat it, kid!
[He rushes towards Levin and the screen turns black while the sound of an impact is heard.]
Levin: Agh!
[Back to Rupert.]
Rupert: ...
Rupert: That's it, huh? Over so soon? ...Well then, so long, boy.
Rupert: I haven't got the time for puppies nipping at my shoes. I got a job to--
Clarissa: --Levin!
Rupert: What's this? The kid's got a little friend?
[An illustration shows Clarissa brandishing Strahl Gewehr.]
Rupert: --?!
Rupert: Huh? That weird weapon...
[A ball of light forms at the tip of Strahl Gewehr's barrel and Clarissa fires at Rupert. He shrinks back, wincing.]
Rupert: --?!
Clarissa: ...
Rupert: Hey! What the hell kind of joke--
[Kasselratt walks up to Rupert.]
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: ...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: The...the princess!
Rupert: ...Are you sure?!
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Yes...yes, I'm sure. I used to be stationed at the castle. I would never forget that face.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: that is without a doubt Her Highness Alexia, Princess Royal of the Kingdom of Elesius.
Rupert: ...
[Labyrinthia arrives behind Clarissa.]
Labyrinthia: Forgive my tardiness, Your Highness. I know we weren't prepared for battle, but we can't afford to run away now!
=D.E.R.=
Labyrinthia: Let's take a look at the Tactical Map we'll be fighting on.
Labyrinthia: We'll be starting here...
Labyrinthia: And the enemy line looks like this.
Labyrinthia: It looks like Rupert's sights are set squarely on the princess... This is an extremely dangerous situation, no doubt about that.
Still, it means that we're fully aware of his goal, and that allows us to prepare for him well in advance.
Let's use the princess to bait a little trap for him. We'll need to right formation, and the right classes, for the job.
Labyrinthia: While the princess is luring Rupert in, the others will engage the rest of the units. Cut down their ranks first--we'll handle the stronger ones later.
Rupert: Who gives a damn whether she's a princess or not? Don't let stupid things like that distract you!
Fight! Pillage! Find your glory! the world's a whole lot simpler than those idiots say it is!
Don't you ever forget that!!
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Errgh... Now...I understand... This is for...the future of Elesius...
[The battle ends when four of the enemies have been defeated.]
Rupert: Dammit...didn't expect things to get this out of hand. Guess I'll have to figure out some kind of excuse for this waste...
Clarissa: You're running away?!
Rupert: Don't you worry your little head, Princess. I don't know whether you're real or not...
But either way, I'm sure we'll be seein' each other again before too long.
Hope you're lookin' forward to it--I know I am! See ya!
[Rupert runs off. Back at the cave...]
Felius: ...
Felius: I see. So Rupert's working for Elesius--and commanding the Martial Guard, no less...
Clarissa: It looks like that's why the Council sent for him.
[Levin walks up to them, head hung.]
Levin: ...
Clarissa: Levin, about before--
[Felius frowns and walks in between them.]
Felius: ...
Levin: ...
Levin: I just... I wanted to be the sort of man that could protect the princess... So I...
[The screen flashes black as a smacking sound is heard. Levin looks shocked, one cheek reddened.]
Levin: ...I...
Felius: You put your "family" in danger. Do you understand that?
Levin: I know that, I know! That's why I tried to protect her--
[Felius slaps Levin again. Now an illustration shows Felius standing before him, gloved hand raised from delivering the blow.]
Felius: You don't understand at all.
Levin: ...I...I just...!
[Levin runs off. Over at the pass, Rupert stops and smirks.]
Rupert: ...
Rupert: Heh heh heh. I just can't stop thinkin' about how much fun this is gonna be!
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Rupert... Sir...
[Rupert loses his smirk as he turns to see Kasselratt slinking over to him slowly.]
Rupert: Huh? You still kickin'? Thought for sure you got yourself killed back there...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: My wounds aren't that serious... It was just... It was my first real battle, and the enemy caught me by surprise...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Please... Help me, sir...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: My body will heal, but...I can't bear to think of the wrong I've perpetrated...
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: Please, sir, if you don't help me out here...I don't know that I can...
Rupert: ...
[Rupert smirks, unsheathing his sword.]
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: What...what are you doing, sir?
Rupert: I don't have a lot of free time on my hands. And that just sounds like a hassle.
Aide-de-Camp Kasselratt: But... You wouldn't...
Rupert: Could've sworn I told you. You come to rely on others, and your life on Filgaia'll be a short one...
[The screen darkens as thunder rumbles in the distance.]
[NARRATIVE (Rupert)]: It's an important lesson... But the tuition ain't cheap.
[The player is then prompted to save.]