Travica Way

Bhujerban (moogle with green pom-pom sitting on wall): The Marquis Ondore’s estate is up those steps across the bridge… but the Marquis isn’t there, kupo. They say he’s ill and away resting!

Bhujerban (woman in white): I saw a parijanah here standing. He was counting the Archadian warships that passed beneath. He must be quite a military enthusiast. Ayi…

Bhujerban Sainikah: The Marquis is currently unavailable pending recovery from illness. Do not worry, he has posted a minister to govern in his absence.

Bhujerban (woman in white sitting on wall with her son): Do all boys love the sky so? I fear that, one day, he will say he wants to be a sky pirate! A pirate! What is his poor mother to do? Hanta…

Bhujerban (woman in green, pink, and brown sitting on ledge): Haa… I have heard that Lhusu’s output has dropped most severely of late. Without the mines, our wealth will fade. I worry for Bhujerba.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Welcome! I am a parijanah, a guide. May I be of assistance? Haa… it is you. The Marquis has quit Bhujerba, and now prepares his Resistance in the marches. You are aware this knowledge is most privileged. Please, be discreet.

Bhujerban (woman in white leaning against wall by Rithil’s): The Marquis Ondore has taken his leave of the city. I hear he has been taken ill. Without the Marquis here who shall protect Bhujerba?

Bhujerban Sainikah: Have you heard of the instability in the Empire? It is little surprise. Long have the Imperial House and the Senate been at odds.

City Parijanah: Haa, the young Captain Ronsenburg! You are to join Marquis Ondore’s Resistance? You will be pleased to know that there are many youths here in Bhujerba who sympathize most greatly with our cause.

Bhujerban (woman in white sitting on crate next to Targe’s): The dead Captain Ronsen-boori-boori walks again, and his Excellency the Marquis has fallen ill. Bhujerba has gone mad, along with all Ivalice.

City Parijanah: So… Rozarria has awakened her armies. She must have been preparing all along, while Archadia’s eyes were pointed elsewhere.

Bhujerban (woman leaning against wall in front of magickery): That magickery, it was quite popular upon its opening. I wonder how it fares these days? Competition in Bhujerba is quite fierce, you see.

Bhujerban (tan bangaa walking around in front of magickery): Ye know that Imperial fleet that was anchored here in Bhujerba? Turns out that’s just a fraction of the Imperial armada! Glad we’re not at war…

Bhujerban (man in green and brown shorts leaning against wall): Bhujerba is free today thanks to the Marquis’s keen sense of politics. Should something happen to him… I would fear for Bhujerba’s future.

City Parijanah: Haa, it is you. At last, the Resistance has begun to move in earnest. All depends on our resolve and our secrecy now. Please be discreet.

Bhujerban Sainikah: The parijanah guides work for the Office of the Marquis… Have you noticed their numbers are thinning of late? This does not surprise me. It is a difficult and most thankless job.

City Parijanah: I am glad to see you are… behaving yourself. His Excellency the Marquis may not be in the city, but our eyes are ever shining and watchful.

Street Kid: Tatah works in the mines, but he has not gone to work in a very long time. He says they are not sending so many stones to the Empire any more.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler. I must not speak too loudly of these things, but allow me to assure you that our organization is in perfect order.

Travica Way & Ondore's Estate

Travica Way

Bhujerban Sainikah: His Excellency has given orders that you are to be granted an audience. You are prepared?

>Take me to him.

Then please come this way, bhadra.

>Decline.

Then, please come back when you are prepared.

Ashe: When Vossler learned my father had been killed the night of the treaty-signing, he returned to Rabanastre to aid my escape. There was still time before Vayne’s reach extended too far. We thought that you could protect me.

Ondore: However, when I made the announcement that you had taken your own life… I must have seemed a model citizen of the Empire. The announcement, you see, was Vayne’s suggestion. At the time, I was reluctant, but I could not perceive his reasons. Now it is clear: he meant to drive a wedge between us.

Ashe: Halim, we are past all this. Bhujerba must stand with us. We can stop Vayne.

Ondore: I once knew a girl whose only wish… was to be carried in her uncle’s arms. Your Majesty is a woman grown now.

Ashe: Then Bhujerba will aid me?

Ondore: Suppose for a moment that you were to defeat Vayne… What then? You cannot simply rebuild your kingdom with the only proof of your birthright stolen. The Gran-Kiltias on Bur-Omisace cannot recognize you as the rightful heir without it. You may yet be a princess, but without proof of your identity, you are powerless. You will remain with me. We will do nothing till the time is right.

Ashe: I cannot just wait!

Ondore: Then what does Your Majesty propose we do?

Ashe: Uncle Halim –

Balthier: Incidentally, what is the going rate for rescuing princesses these days? Food would be a good start – the good stuff, mind you.

Ondore: This can be arranged, though it will take some time.

Balthier: Time enough for a bath, I hope. Dirty business, you know. Ah, best bring a change of clothes too.

[As Balthier lists his demands, Ashe walks away as if in a daze, disappointed. The scene fades to black. Fade in again on the Strahl docked in the Marquis’s private hangar. The camera switches; we are looking from the point of view of someone seemingly sneak up on someone else who is sitting at the controls, messing with the buttons.]

Vaan: What are you doing? This is Balthier’s ship.

[Ashe, in the pilot’s seat, turns her head in his direction.]

Ashe: I’m going to retrieve the Dawn Shard. It’s the proof that I need. I know where it’s hidden. I’ll return his airship later.

Vaan: Are you crazy?

Ashe: This is something that I have to do! For myself and all those who have fallen. I will not be made to hide! I’ll fight alone, if I must.

Vaan: You still have Basch, right? Besides, you can’t just go around stealing people’s ships. What are you trying to do?

Ashe: I’m trying to concentrate!

Ondore(?): That’s quite enough, Your Majesty.

[Ashe and Vaan turn. Balthier stands in the doorway with a device, like a microphone of some sort, held up to his mouth.]

Balthier: What do you think? A bit over the top? In my line of work, you never know when something like this might come in handy. [in Ashe’s voice, over the device] I’m trying to concentrate!

[Pause, as Balthier approaches the two.]

Balthier: I’m leaving you with the Marquis.

Ashe: You can’t.

Balthier: Trust me, you’re better off staying here.

[Balthier turns to leave, but Ashe’s next words stop him in his tracks.]

Ashe: Suppose you kidnapped me instead? You’re a sky pirate, aren’t you? Then steal me. Is that so much to ask?

Balthier: What do you have that I would want?

Ashe: The Dynast-King’s treasure. The Dawn Shard is but one of the riches that lie waiting in King Raithwall’s tomb.

Balthier: [whistles and turns to face Ashe again] King Raithwall, you say?

[Suddenly Basch enters the bridge.]

Basch: Kidnapping royalty is a serious offense. It won’t do much to lower the bounty on your head.

Balthier: How much is the price on your head these days, I wonder?

Basch: [to Ashe] Allow me to escort you in Vossler’s place.

[Fran and Penelo also appear in the doorway.]

Fran: [to Vaan] Will you be joining us?

Vaan: What, are you kidding? I don’t wanna stick around this place.

[Penelo runs to take a seat immediately behind Vaan.]

Penelo: Then I’m coming too.

Vaan: Penelo?

Penelo: Don’t leave me here!

Vaan: [sighing] Of course not.

Fran: [to all] Then it’s settled. We should leave before the Marquis realizes she’s missing. Like proper kidnappers.

[The scene fades to black, then fades in again on a grand city.]

[Archadian Empire – The Imperial City of Archades]

[The view switches to a grand drawing room draped in the colors and insignia of the Empire. Emperor Gramis is having an audience with the same Judge in the horned helm who interrogated Basch and spoke to Vayne earlier.]

Gramis: Doctor Cid does this at Draklor?

Judge: I have confirmed he receives funds from Lord Vayne. His agency in the fall of Nabudis is also certain… yet, with Judge Zecht, who led the assault, missing… the truth remains difficult to ascertain.

Gramis: The long, cold years have clouded my eyes. I cannot see my own son’s heart.

[Suddenly, Gramis is taken by a coughing fit. The Judge appears concerned.]

Judge: My Lord.

Gramis: [recovering] This illness will claim me. So then, who is to be my successor? The Senate fears the capable peregrine Vayne. They prefer a young, fledgling emperor. [Pause] Gabranth. Once in the past, I laid siege to your homeland.

Judge Gabranth: The Republic of Landis is long since gone. My allegiance lies wholly with the Empire.

Gramis: Perhaps, but what of your brother? He did not accept us as you did. He fled to Dalmasca. Did you never think to follow him?

Gabranth: I follow his every move. He is an enemy of the Empire. He will be cut down.

Gramis: So you would kill even your own brother for the Empire. Be that as it may, Gabranth. Your ruthlessness is not without merit. But it must not become this way with Larsa. You must ensure that it does not.

Gabranth: So then, you ask me to be his sword, to strike where he might not?

Gramis: Rather be his shield. Gabranth, keep your close watch on Vayne. His is the keenest blade of all.

Gabranth: My Lord.

Gramis: Do this for me, Gabranth. I could not – I could not bear… to see my sons war with each other again.

[Scene fades to black.]

Travica Way Shops

Rithil’s Protectives

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! This is a shop of armors! This is… haa! You are the one! The one making all the noise! Please, restrain yourself. Shocking!

Shop Clerk: Svagatam… (yawn) My son, he tells me to… to leave the work to him. But… (yawn) I must do my part, yes.

Targe’s Arms

City Parijanah: Svagatam, trav – Ah, it is you. I hear you have spoken with our leader directly. Very bold of you, bhadra, very bold.

Lhusu Miner (man in turban and blue shorts browsing): I came all the way from Nalbina to make some gil working the mines, but with the closings, and now the monsters, I haven’t worked a day!

Lhusu Miner (man in brown shorts examining sword): The depths of Lhusu are a nest of foul raksas. A paling there was to keep the creatures at bay, yet it has fallen, and they run wild, bhadra.

Bhujerban (woman in pink and green talking to man at table): The Lhusu Mines have been closed a long time now. If the sale of magicite stops, will the Archadians not attack in anger?

Lhusu Miner (man standing in line at the counter): Svagatam, traveler! Welcome to the finest armory in Bhujerba. Kah? No, no, I do not work here. I’m merely enthusiastic, you see.

Bhujerban (woman browsing weapons on upper level): Haa… I wonder if there is a weapon that I, too, might use? The Marquis has kept the peace a long time, but it is best to be prepared…

Mait’s Magicks

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler. Welcome to this fine shop of quality magicks, newly opened. Here shall you find all you need to prepare for your journeys.

Bhujerban Sainikah: I am a rakis guard of the watch, stationed here. Of late, I, too, desire to study magicks. Due to recent troubles… not to the lovely staff here, no!

Bhujerban (man bent over looking at bookshelf): Haa… Can one such as me truly learn magick? And… does it really matter? I am only here for the lovely staff, you see. Do not interfere.

Shop Clerk (woman in pink top and headscarf): Please, feel free to ask should you have any questions about our magicks, bhadra. Interest in magick is high these days! It is a good thing to see!

Bhujerban (man walking around on upper level): Until a short while ago, this shop was, in fact, a tavern, you see. Hungry, I came here to find that now it sells magicks, not food. Haa… If only they had a magick to make the old tavern reappear!

Travica Way

Bhujerban (man in turban and green shorts walking outside aerodrome): For hundreds of years, our magicite mines have made Bhujerba very rich indeed. Her history and culture are more than a match for Archadia’s!

Bhujerban (woman in white): The airships often pass beneath this bridge. How often I have seen a great Archadian warship pass and wanted to throw a stone down at it.

Bhujerban Sainikah: Last night, the 8th Fleet of the Imperial army docked here, along with the flagship Leviathan. That many ships… in one fleet of how many?

Bhujerban (man in red, blue, and green talking to woman): Is it true that Captain Ronsenburg lives? If that is so… why, it would mean Marquis Ondore has deceived us! He is in league with the Empire!

Bhujerban (woman in white sitting on wall next to her son): Did you see the great fleet come from Archadia? My son, he rejoiced to see so many airships at once. But I… I was frightened.

Bhujerban (tan bangaa traveling up and down slope): That Marquis, he’s no fool. So why does he let the Empire station soldiers here? Sure, there’s not many of ‘em, but you ask me, even one’s too much.

Bhujerban Sainikah: You have the look of a man who loves architecture. You have seen the great wings of magicite that unfold from Marquis Ondore’s estate? They are a symbol of our prosperity, made by special means known only to our builders.

Archadian Wayfarer: Ondore’s residence? It’s up these steps here and to the left. Though a commoner such as yourself isn’t like to be granted admission. Not when Imperial citizens are being turned away!

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! Welcome! I am a parijanah, a guide. May I be of assistance? Haa… it is you. You are aware that His Excellency’s ties to the organization are not public knowledge. Please, be discreet. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Street Kid: Amba, she always says the raksas Diabolos will come and take me away to the mines. When amba and tatah were little like me, the Diabolos came and took away all the children with hats. Now, it sleeps among the stones, they say. It is a silly story.

City Parijanah: The armorer just over there is the finest in Bhujerba. I highly recommend a visit, bhadra. You may find something out of the ordinary. Good travels to you. And, young Captain Ronsenburg, please, try to remain as discreet as possible.

Bhujerban (woman in white sitting on crates outside Targe’s): Is it true that Captain Ronsen-boori-boori – I cannot remember the name – the captain thought dead is, in fact, quite alive? I recall quite clearly at the end of the war the Marquis announcing that this captain had, indeed, been executed. Very odd.

Bhujerban (man sitting on crates outside Targe’s): My wife, she goes often into this shop of weapons. For many hours, she does not come out. We have no need of so many weapons!

Bhujerban Sainikah: No, it is not a hard life here, bhadra. The guides, the parijanah, they help the travelers find their way. We merely stand and are content with peace.

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler! I am a parijanah, a sort of guide to our wonderful city. Down this slope lie the Khus Skygrounds, a beautiful vantage point befitting of a skycity. And… I beg you to remain discreet about our operations here. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Bhujerban (tan bangaa walking around outside magickery): Sounds like the Imperial fleet’s weighed anchor at last. Never seen such an armada as that… Good thing we’re not at war with them.

Bhujerban (man in green and brown shorts leaning against wall): I give the Marquis credit for not bowing to the Empire… but he should know that if they wanted it, Bhujerba would be theirs or no one’s… just like Nabradia…

Bhujerban (moogle with green pom-pom sitting on crate outside magickery door): If we moogles weren’t keeping the mining machinery here running, Bhujerba’s economy would founder! That’s why we’re privileged citizens here, kupo.

City Parijanah: That magickery has only recently opened its doors, you see, but already it is quite famous. The staff there are all most pleasant. Take care that the girls there do not fill your head with murkha rumor and gossip. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Archadian Wayfarer: To tell the truth… I’m quite lost. I suppose I could speak to one of these guides, but it is quite beneath me to ask provincials for assistance…

City Parijanah: Traveler! May I be of assistance? Haa, it is you! I trust your days of making… trouble are ended? If you have time, may I suggest seeing the sights of beautiful Bhujerba? For example, down this slope you will find the Khus Skygrounds, a most recommended scenic spot. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Street Kid: Tatah works in the mines, but today he has off. We will play all day! Yes, quite a lot!

City Parijanah: Svagatam, traveler. Down the stairs to the west you will find the Khus Skygrounds, scenic pride of our Bhujerba. …Might I also remind you to keep your knowledge of our organization to yourself. Good journey to you, bhadra.

Travica Way & Ondore's Estate

Travica Way

Bhujerban Sainikah (on guard at Marquis’s estate): Haa, we’ve been expecting you. His Excellency the Marquis awaits.

>Take me to him.

You are ready for your audience, bhadra?

>I’m ready.

His Excellency the Marquis is otherwise occupied until sunset. Please, I will show you to a place where you may wait in comfort.

>I’m not ready.

>Decline.

Ondore: Sir Basch fon Ronsenburg. It was not so very long ago that I announced you had been executed.

Basch: And that is the only reason I draw breath.

Ondore: So you are the sword he’s strung above my head. Vayne has left not a thing to chance. And?

Basch: A leader of the Resistance has fallen into Imperial hands. A woman by the name of Amalia. I would rescue her, but I need your help.

Ondore: This resistance leader – this Amalia. She must be very important.

[Basch bows slightly in response.]

Ondore: You understand I’ve my position to consider.

Vaan: Would you let us see Larsa? He’s got my friend with him.

Ondore: I’m afraid you’re too late. Lord Larsa’s cortege has already rejoined the Imperial detachment. I am told they will depart for Rabanastre upon the arrival of the fleet this eventide.

[A very brief cinematic shows the fleet silently hanging over Ondore’s estate in the night sky, and a detachment of smaller craft flying out from the flagship toward the estate.]

[Fade back in on Ondore’s office, where Vaan is now being restrained by Balthier and Fran.]

Vaan: What are we waiting for?

Balthier: For you to calm down.

Ondore: Captain Ronsenburg. Surely the exigencies of position are not lost on you. Why, indeed, you should find the enemy’s chains… an easy burden to bear.

[A look of shocked comprehension crosses Basch’s face. Balthier catches on as well.]

Balthier: Wait!

Basch: Sorry. Can’t be helped.

[Basch draws his sword.]

Ondore: Summon the guard!

[His attendant opens the door to let in a string of sainikah, who proceed to restrain Vaan & co.]

Ondore: They’re to be taken to Judge Ghis.

[The scene fades to black once more, and fades into a different setting.]

[The Royal Palace of Rabanastre – Consul’s Chambers]

Vayne: Those decrepit, basking fools in Archades tie my hands, and look what happens! I tell you, this country’s obstinacy knows no bounds.

Judge: The insurgents in Rabanastre operate alone at present. However, should they garner external support, the situation could worsen. We have found the counter-Imperial elements in Bhujerba to be conspicuously well-funded. No doubt Marquis Ondore is behind this. Ondore must be reined in.

Vayne: By that way, the Marquis has written us a letter. He claims that he’s recaptured our runaway. He’s given him to Ghis.

Judge: He will die by my hand.

Vayne: Your fraternity is moving. Ah, Ghis returns with Larsa. Tomorrow morning they will leave Bhujerba. See him home safely, Gabranth. Now, I’m expecting Doctor Cid. You may leave.

[Gabranth bows, turns his back, and exits the room. As he leaves, he passes by Vayne’s next visitor, Doctor Cid, who appears to be enthusiastically talking to himself.]

Cid: We must see the real thing to be sure. Nabudis has taught us much! Yes, it’s well hidden. They’ll be off chasing after shadows, the fools. Ah, yes. The reins of History, back in the hands of Man. [turning to Vayne] Hah, Vayne! You seem to be enjoying your job as consul.

Vayne: I was kept waiting fully 2 years. What news of Archades? Our honored members of the Senate?

Cid: Hard at work as always, trying to find a dagger for your back.

Vayne: They are welcome to try.