Ozmone Plains - Sunlit Path

[Vaan and Penelo chatter as the party enters the area. Basch speaks with Ashe.]

Basch: An alliance between Dalmasca and the Empire?

Ashe: Reason tells me ‘tis the only course. We must avoid war with the Empire at all cost. Yet I fear I could not bear the shame. Had I but the strength -

Basch: A shame perhaps for me and for you. But for Dalmasca it is hope!

Ashe: And you can just accept this, can you?

Basch: After Vayne’s ruse, I had abandoned hope for honor… yet never did I forget my knightly vows. If I could protect but one person from war’s horror… then I would bear any shame. I would bear it proudly. I could not defend my home. What is shame to me?

Ashe: My people hate the Empire. They will not accept this.

Basch: There is hope.

[He looks to Vaan, Penelo, and Larsa all chatting casually and joking with each other.]

Vaan: Larsa, this is serious.

Larsa: O-Oh, I’m sorry...

Penelo: Don’t be. Someone’s gotta put him in his place.

Basch: Hope for a future where we can join hands as brothers.

[The scene changes. Two Judges of Empire stride down a grand corridor.]

[The Imperial City of Archades - The Imperial Palace]

Bergan: The Senate may play at intrigue, but Lord Vayne will not be brought down easily. The entire military waits upon his orders, from the War Council to the rank and file. What better blade than he to strike down the enemies of the Empire?

[Another Judge appears.]

Drace: Your Honor reminds me of Zecht two years since. He, too, put his trust in Lord Vayne’s strength, and what became of him? Gone without a trace since Nabudis!

Bergan: I will not hear you malign Judge Zecht! He was a noble warrior. Or… do you think his trust in Lord Vayne ill-placed?

Drace: Vayne took two of his own brothers’ lives. He is ruthless beyond contempt.

Bergan: Ruthless, you say? Would he were more so! He gives traitors no quarter, be they of his own blood! How fitting for one who would bear the burden of Empire.

Drace: But could we bear him? [turning to the other Judge] Zargabaath, what of you? Surely you do not believe… his brothers were traitors.

Zargabaath: So found His Excellency, Lord Gramis. You would do well to mind your tongue, Drace. That matter is long past.

[The two see Judge Gabranth approaching.]

Gabranth: Your Honors, a summons! Lord Vayne has arrived at the palace.

Zargabaath: We come at once.

[Bergan and Zargabaath leave Gabranth and Drace lagging behind.]

Drace: Lord Larsa has left for Bur-Omisace. He hopes to enlist the aid of the Gran Kiltias in stopping the insurgents. I doubt this will be enough to deter Ondore… but even a slight hindrance to his operations would be welcome. This will delay the Rozarrian invasion… and we will have bought much-needed time to shore up our defenses.

Gabranth: Just as His Excellency had hoped.

Drace: No matter the result, I am pleased with the young Lord’s progress. I can already see the stunned faces of those mud-witted senators. The fools think a child emperor’s strings easy to pull from the shadows… but they will find that Lord Larsa is no puppet.

Gabranth: Yes. The senators would be most pleased with a puppet for an emperor. Recall, Drace, how the Senate fears and despises Lord Vayne’s ability? When they realize the truth, that Lord Larsa is no docile lamb to be sheperded… they will bare their teeth and devour him.

Drace: You’re right. I shall speak on this matter with His Excellency at once. Gabranth. It falls to us to protect Lord Larsa. Are we agreed?

Gabranth: Aye.

Game Hunter: We tried passing through Golmore Jungle, but we encountered some sort of barrier and could go no further. There must be a way through…

Swear by Your Sword or Some Such

[The scene changes to Ashe and Larsa’s conversation, shortly after meeting up in the garif camp.]

Ashe: To Bur-Omisace?

Larsa: I say we ought leave tomorrow. I was going to wait for my escort, but meeting you presents a great opportunity. This terrible war can be stopped, but I will need your help to do so.

Ashe: A war?

Larsa: You know the Marquis Ondore leads a group of insurgents - your pardon, he leads a large resistance force against the Empire. Lady Ashe, neither of our countries can afford this now. The Rozarrian Empire would stir. They would aid the Resistance and use this aid as a pretext to declare war on Archadia… and Archadia would have no choice but to answer. Lady Ashe, let us go to Bur-Omisace. With the blessing of his His Grace the Gran Kiltias Anastasis… you may rightly wear your crown, and declare the restoration of the Kingdom of Dalmasca. As queen, you can call for peace between the Empire and Dalmasca… and stop Marquis Ondore.

Ashe: For peace? How dare you say that! The Empire attacked us, stole all we hold dear… and you would have me save them from war?

Larsa: Dalmasca would be the battlefield! What if nethicite were used on Rabanastre? You know my brother would do this!

[As Larsa continues to speak, we see Ashe, later that night, walking away from the Great-chief’s fire with the useless Dawn Shard in her hand.]

Larsa: Forgive me. I presumed overmuch. I could think of no other way to avoid bloodshed. If you cannot trust me, then please, take me as your hostage.

[Ashe sees the ghost of Rasler again, this time standing on the bridge before her, looking out over the Sogoht.]

Ashe: Rasler.

[She starts to run for him. Suddenly, it’s not Rasler on the bridge, but Vaan. He turns to her as she approaches.]

Vaan: You saw him, didn’t you. Like at the King’s tomb.

Ashe: So you did see him, too. But why?

Vaan: It’s strange. Before, I didn’t even know what you looked like. And the Prince - I barely knew there was a prince. Who knows? Maybe the person I saw was my brother.

Ashe: Basch told me about him.

Vaan: He enlisted, right at the end. But for what? He knew we couldn’t win.

Ashe: To protect something.

Vaan: How can he protect anything when he’s dead? Was it different for Prince Rasler? Did that make sense?

[There’s a long pause. Ashe looks down.]

Vaan: Hating the Empire, getting revenge. It’s all I ever thought about. But I never did anything about it. I mean, I realized there was nothing I could do. It made me feel hollow, alone. And then I’d miss my brother. I’d say stuff like, “I’m gonna be a sky pirate”... or some other stupid thing. Just anything to keep my mind off it. I was just - I was running away. I needed to get away from his death. That’s why I followed you. Know what? I’m through with it. I’m through running. I’m ready to find my purpose. To find some real answers - some reasons. If I stick with you, I think I will.

Ashe: I wish I knew.

Vaan: I’ll find ‘em.

[The scene fades out, and then in on Ashe, Larsa, Penelo, and Vaan standing on the bridge near the exit to Ozmone Plain the next day.]

Ashe: I will accompany you to Mt. Bur-Omisace.

Larsa: I had hoped you’d say yes. I am glad.

Ashe: My heart is not set. I still have questions. I hope to find answers along the way.

Larsa: I had other reason to invite you. There is someone I’d like you to meet waiting on Bur-Omisace.

Ashe: Who is that?

Larsa: An enemy, and an ally also. You will just have to wait and see for yourself.

[Larsa turns and walks away.]

Vaan: That Larsa likes his secrets.

Ashe: He does not mean ill by it.

Vaan: He’s not bad. At least for an Imperial.

[In the background, Balthier, Fran, and Basch have a chat.]

Basch: Holy Mt. Bur-Omisace stands at the northern edge of the Jagd Ramooda. Once we’re in jagd, we need not fear pursuit by their airships.

Balthier: Don’t get your hopes up. You remember the Leviathan sailed straight over the Jagd Yensa, right up to Raithwall’s tomb. Skystone that works even in jagd. You know nethicite’s behind it. Little wonder they’re so keen on the stuff.

Basch: And what is it you’re after, Balthier? You’re a welcome hand, and a great aid, but why?

Balthier: Worried I’m out to steal the nethicite, eh? Can’t say I’m unaccustomed to people doubting my intentions. Nothing could be further from my mind. Shall I swear by your sword or some such?

Basch: Apologies. But I needed to know where you stand. Her Majesty depends on you. And you seem to have an interest in the Stone.

Balthier: I’m only here to see how the story unfolds. Any self-respecting leading man would do the same.

[Larsa joins the party as a guest!]

Muthru Bazaar

Basch: The garif are said to dwell in Kerwon.

Balthier: So they do. We'll need to head south, past the Giza Plains.

Basch: It is the Rains now in Giza - the wadis will be swollen with the deluge. Passage may be difficult.

Balthier: But those same waters may also lay open new routes to us.

Ashe: Regardless, we must go south, yes?

Balthier: First things first. You’re eager to be on your way, I know… but we should see that we’re prepared before setting out.

Ashe: I made my resolve two years ago. I swore to overcome any hardship I may face.

Balthier: Man cannot live by resolve alone, princess.

Rabanastran (seeq with turquoise horn): The guards were running about like mad the other day. I heard a rumor that it had something to do with the sinking of the Imperial Fleet. I haven’t heard a word since. What do you suppose happened?

Reks’s Friend: I couldn’t help but overhear – you’re leaving to find the garif? Well, I happen to know the way. You first need to pass through Giza Plains. From Giza, continue south, and you should come to the garif village. Whatever your errand there, good luck.

Rabanastran (man in white, yellow, and brown): The other day I tripped and bumped into an Imperial. Normally I’d count myself lucky to get away with a harsh scolding. But he didn’t even stop to look at me! Just ran off like nothing’d happened. I wonder what was going on to make him act like that?

Busy Messenger: The Rains have come to Giza. You’d be surprised how the land changes if you aren’t expecting it. The boss has me mapping the place out. Hmm, anything useful? Well, the most important thing I found out is that the Rains opened a passage leading to Ozmone Plain.

Headhunter: Hey there. Hear about any juicy marks, boy? I’m looking for the parts what you need to make serpentwyne. Don’t want to be beaten to the punch… least of all by the likes o’ you!

Traveler: Vayne was scheduled to make an inspection of the Bazaar, but it was canceled for some reason. I wonder what could have happened?

Merchant (blindfolded tan bangaa): I thought about stocking wares from the village on Giza Plains, but then I heard it was the Rains – not a soul to be found there.

Rabanastran (woman in pink top and headscarf): The Bazaar is one of the few places in Rabanastre where people can go to let off steam. Can almost forget the constant watch we’re under… Almost.

Merchant (blue seeq): Nanna cheese! Nanna cheese! Interest you in a wheel, m’boy?

Trader: I set off for the garif village to see about stocking some of their wares. But I got lost on the way and barely made it back. I’m fairly sure I had the right directions – south through the Giza Plains, then southwest across Ozmone Plain – but I didn’t get very far.

Merchant (tan seeq at bottom of stairs): Out hunting monsters these days, are you? Better than your old “work” with the Imperials, I suppose, but still dangerous enough. Monsters fight just like me or you – they go after the one they hate the most, first. Like how we might go for a poisonous monster, you know? And there’s nothing monsters hate more than healing. You remember that. It just might come in handy.

Patient Bangaa: My friend here’s in the foulest of moods. “Moogle” this and “sluice gate key” that. He’s goin’ at it  somethin’ fierce.

Troubled Woman: Vaan? I haven’t seen you around the city much these days. What have you been doing? Nothing too dangerous, I hope? I’m sorry… it’s really none of my business. But sometimes I think about Reks, and I get worried for you. Be careful, okay?

The Archadian Senate & Rabanastre, Four Days Later

[The Imperial City of Archades – The Senate]

Senator 1: The Rozarrian Empire assembles a vast host under guise of martial exercises. It is our belief they wait for the proper pretext… the sooner to make their strike against Archadia. The loss of Leviathan and her fleet at such a time comes as a most grievous blow. Were Rozarria to invade, the battle would be hard-fought. Had Lord Vayne not deployed the fleet so capriciously… we would not find ourselves in such perilous circumstance.

Senator 2: Lord Vayne shall be made to answer for his actions. It is the will of the Senate. Excellency, though he be your son, justice must be served.

Gramis: A convenient thing, justice. And so I must now make a choice… between my throne, and my son.

Senator 2: A most lamentable situation for us all.

Senator 3: Oh? For Lord Vayne, perhaps, yet surely Lord Larsa will make for a fine emperor.

Gramis: Larsa so adores his brother, and he is yet young.

Senator 1: But he will not remain young forever. Already he busies himself unraveling Lord Vayne’s tangled skein. Lord Larsa has found his role to play, and pursues it with some enthusiasm.

Gramis: Ah, yes… And who would set him at such tasks?

Senator 3: What matter? Lord Vayne himself once saw his elder brothers brought to like justice, did he not? At Your Excellency’s behest, as I recall.

Senator 2: You may put yourself at ease, Lord Gramis. So long as the Senate watches over her… Archadia’s well-being will ever be ensured.

Gramis: By your will. I shall bid Vayne return to Archades. 

[In a location we've previously not seen - the Nabreus Deadlands - Ashe stands on a dock looking out over the water. She turns to see Rasler's apparition again. He approaches her, and places the Dawn Shard in her hands. She watches as he fades away once more. When he is gone, Vaan appears, and they share a glance.]

[The scene changes once more to show Ashe, Basch, Balthier, Fran, Penelo, and Vaan all gathered together in a room somewhere in Rabanastre.] 

[The Royal City of Rabanastre – Four Days After the Sinking of Leviathan]

Basch: So it was the Dawn Shard which brought down the Imperial fleet.

Balthier: You know your stuff.

Basch: Destructive power of such force – I’ve seen it once before. Lady Ashe, you know of what I speak.

Ashe: Nabudis.

Basch: The capital of Old Nabradia – Lord Rasler’s fatherland. During the invasion, a division of Imperials entered the city – there was a mighty explosion. Friend and foe died alike. Something was there – one of the Dynast-King’s relics. The Midlight Shard was in Nabradia.

Balthier: More nethicite. Well, no wonder they invaded.

Ashe: That ridiculous war, the trap at the treaty-signing – all because Vayne wanted power. He must not be allowed to claim the nethicite. The Empire must never hold it.

Balthier: Oh? They already do. The Dusk Shard, most likely the Midlight Shard, too. Besides, can’t they manufact nethicite now?

Ashe: Very well, then the path set before us is clear. We’ll use the Dawn Shard to fight them! Dalmasca does not forget kindness nor ill deed done. With sword in hand she aids her allies. Sword in hand, she lays to rest her foes. This nethicite I hold must be my sword. I will avenge those who have died. And the Empire will know remorse.

Vaan: You even know how to use it?

Ashe: I – 

[Ashe sighs in frustration.]

Fran: The garif may know. The garif people live by the old ways. Magicite lore is a part of their culture. They may hear it. The cry of the nethicite’s power. Whispers of the Stone’s menace.

Ashe: Dangerous though it be, what we need now is power. Should we declare Dalmasca free without the means to defend our claim… the Empire would crush us. You must take me to meet with the garif.

Fran: They live beyond Ozmone Plain.

Balthier: Not exactly close.

Ashe: Compensation – is that what you want?

Balthier: Straight to the point, aren’t we. I like that. Compensation? How about the ring. 

[He points to the wedding ring on her finger.]

Ashe: This? Isn’t there something else?

Balthier: No one’s forcing you. 

[Grudgingly, Ashe turns to set the Dawn Shard on the table so she can take the ring off. She drops it into Balthier's outstreteched hand regretfully.]

Balthier: I’ll give it back to you. As soon as I find something more valuable. 

[Ashe turns away sharply at his words.]

Vaan: What do you mean “something more valuable”?

Balthier: Hard to say. I’ll know when I find it. What is it you want, Vaan? What are you looking for? 

[Vaan stands and wrings his hands as they all file out the door.]

Vaan: Me? What am I looking for? Well, I guess – well, I – you know…

The Dreadnought Leviathan & The Shiva

[On the bridge of the Leviathan, Ghis awaits them.]

Ghis: Such a tremendous honor to again be graced with your presence, Majesty. You left us with such great dispatch upon our last encounter that I must confess… I had begun to worry that we may have given some cause for offense.

Ashe: Such a heartfelt display of remorse. Now what is it you want?

Ghis: I want you to give me the nethicite.

Penelo: The nethicite?

[Penelo protectively grasps the nethicite from Larsa in her hands, behind her back.]

Ghis: That is a base imitation! We seek Raithwall’s legacy… the ancient relics of the Dynast-King: deifacted nethicite. [pause] Did you not tell them, Captain Azelas?

Vossler: Majesty, he speaks of the Dawn Shard. That is the nethicite.

Basch: Are you mad, Vossler?

Vossler: If we are to save Dalmasca, we must accept the truth. I will fight this profitless battle no more!

Ghis: Captain Azelas has struck a wise bargain. In return for the Dawn Shard the Empire will permit Lady Ashe to reclaim her throne, and the Kingdom of Dalmasca will be restored. Think on it. An entire kingdom for a stone. You must admit, ‘tis more than a fair exchange.

Balthier: And when all is said and done, your master will have another pet.

Ghis: Lady Ashe, let us take him for the people of Dalmasca. Your Majesty wallows in indecision on peril of their heads! [Ghis draws his sword and holds it to Balthier’s neck] And his shall be the first to fall.

Balthier: Well, at least your sword is to the point.

[Ashe hesitantly steps forward with the Dawn Shard in hand. Ghis lowers his sword and takes it from her; she sighs frustratedly as she lets it go.]

Ghis: To think the relics of the Dynast-King were deifacted nethicite. Doctor Cid will be beside himself.

Balthier: What did you say?

Ghis: Captain Azelas, take them to Shiva. They should have leave to return to Rabanastre soon.

[The party is escorted out. Ghis turns to one of the ship crew with the magicite.]

Ghis: I want you to assess its power.

Researcher: Did our orders not specify that we return the stone for testing?

Ghis: I will not chance returning with a Stone that is yet unproven.

[The 8th Fleet of the Archadian Imperial Army – Light Cruiser Class Ship Shiva]

Vossler: When we return to Dalmasca, we can announce that you are alive and well. I will then continue our negotiations with the Empire. I believe Larsa is the key. He’ll listen to us. We should trust him.

Ashe: Who are you, Vossler, to talk of trust?

Vossler: A son of Dalmasca.

[On the Leviathan, the researchers place the Dawn Shard inside a glass capsule; the instant the lid shuts over it, Fran perks up as if she can hear it. The researcher explains to Ghis as the capsule locks into place.]

Researcher: Our equipment here is limited, so we’ll be using the ship’s drive to make our assessment. Once we’ve connected the Stone, the reaction should be easily measured –

Ghis: Methods do not interest me. Only results.

[On the Shiva, the party hears Fran begin to pant, and turn to her, concerned. She is doubled over, seething.]

Vaan: Fran?

Fran: Such heat. The Mist – it’s burning!

[Back on the bridge of the Leviathan…]

Researcher: Sixty-eight hundred, sixty-nine hundred, seven thousand! This must be deifacted nethicite! The count still climbs!

Ghis: We’ve found it at last: true deifacted nethicite. The power of the Dynast-King in my hands. Blood alone does not an emperor make, Vayne.

[A red light starts flashing; alarms go off.]

Researcher: What is this? Something’s wrong!

Ghis: What is it?

[Back to the prisoners - Vaan and Penelo stand over Fran, who is slumped over on the ground as if in pain.]

Imperial: You! Stand!

[The Imperial is knocked back. Vaan and Penelo move away. Vossler makes a command to the other Imperials.]

Vossler: Hold her down!

[Fran scrapes her claws against the floor, then jumps up with a scream and starts taking down the guards. The rest of the party is fiddling with their cuffs while the Imperials fall around them.]]

Penelo: What’s wrong with her?

Balthier: I always knew Fran didn’t take well to being tied up. I just never knew how much. [to Ashe] How about you?

Ashe: I like Fran’s idea. Let’s get out of here!

Vossler: No farther! Sky pirates! The future of Dalmasca will not be stolen! [pause, as Vossler raises his sword] Why do this, Basch? This struggle is futile. You must know where it leads!

Basch: I do know. All too well.

[After defeating Vossler…]

[Vossler falls before Basch. Ashe looks on sadly from a distance. Back on the bridge of the Leviathan, all hell is breaking loose.]

Researcher 2: Engine power falling rapidly. It’s… negative? Impossible! We cannot maintain hover!

Ghis: I want to know what’s happened!

Researcher 1: The nethicite’s draining the ship’s power!

Ghis: Disengage it at once!

Researcher 1: We’re trying. It’s no good!

Researcher 2: It’s inflected! She’ll reach critical in three hundred! Cascade failure!

[Back to the party, who is scrambling to escape as the ship begins to shudder forebodingly.]

Vaan: Ashe, let’s go.

Vossler: All I have done – I’ve ever thought of Dalmasca first.

Basch: I know you do. I would ne’er gainsay your loyalty.

Vossler: Look on what my haste has wrought. Did I act too quick? Or was your return too late? [pause] I can serve her no more. You must take up my charge.

[Basch finally leaves him. On the Leviathan, flames break out. Vossler, alone, looks up as a bright light erupts.]

Balthier: This might get a little dicey.

Fran. The Mist. It manifests now.

Vaan: Is that what you call this?

Penelo: What’s that?

Ashe: I think it’s the Dawn Shard.

Balthier: Then what are we waiting for?