Hall of the Light

Acolyte (nu mou to the left): His Grace Anastasis awaits ahead.

Acolyte (nu mou on the right): His Grace the Gran Kiltias is a dreamsage. He has known of your coming for some time.

[The party approaches the Gran Kiltias, who stands silent with eyes closed. Everyone waits patiently, except for Vaan.]

Vaan: Is he sleeping?

[Ashe quickly shushes him, but then another voice speaks. It is the Gran Kiltias, though he does not open his eyes or move his lips.]

Anastasis: No, my child. I do not sleep. I dream. For reality and illusion are a duality, two parts of a whole. Only the mirror of dreams reflects what is true.

Ashe: Anastasis, Your Grace, I am Ashelia -

Anastasis: Lay down your words. Ashelia, daughter of Raminas, I have dreamt your dream. Who better to carry on the Dalmascan line than she who bears the Dawn Shard? Your dream of a kingdom restored is known to me.

Larsa: Gran Kiltias, then give us your blessing. Grant the Lady Ashe her accession -

???: I do not suppose this is something you might... reconsider?

[A dashing, dark-skinned young man in sunglasses walks in with an attendant beside him; the party makes way for them as he approaches Larsa and Ashe.]

???: My little emperor-in-waiting. You called and I have come.

[Larsa reaches out to shake his hand, but the much taller man instead opts to ruffle his hair. Slightly annoyed, he turns to Ashe and gestures.]

Larsa: This is the man I wanted you to meet. Believe it or not, he is a member of the noble House Margrace, rulers of the Rozarrian Empire.

???: I am but one of very, very many. Try as I might, I could not stop this war alone… thus I came seeking Larsa’s assistance.

[He takes off his sunglasses and hands them to the attendant, while he lays his head back and groans as though exhausted, then looks to Ashe again.]

Al-Cid: Al-Cid Margrace, at your service. To think I stand before the Lady Ashe. It is truly an honor.

[He kneels and takes her hand, kissing it. Penelo is covering her mouth in shock in the background.]

Al-Cid: I see it is true after all. Ah, stunning is Dalmasca’s desert bloom.

[Larsa sighs with exasperation.]

Anastasis: In Archadia, Larsa. In Rozarria, Al-Cid. They dream not of war. Should empire join with empire, the way will open for a new Ivalice in our time.

Al-Cid: Hah, Gran Kiltias! You speak much of dreams. But in the real world, war is upon us.

Ashe: Gran Kiltias, I was told my coming here would prevent this war. I was to assume my father’s throne and announce the restoration of Dalmasca… treat with the Empire for peace, and persuade the Resistance to stay their hand. I have not come all this way to be asked to reconsider!

Al-Cid: A word from you and the Resistance would stop cold… and Rozarria’s pretext for joining the war… scattered, off to the four winds. This was what we had hoped. Alas, circumstances change. A full two years have passed since your reported death. Were it to become known you were still alive… I fear it could only worsen our current situation.

Ashe: Because I am powerless to help.

Al-Cid: [shaking his head] Nay, in fact it has little to do with you.

Larsa: Then what? If Lady Ashe were to extend her hand in friendship… perhaps I could then persuade the Emperor. His Excellency will solve things peacefully -

Al-Cid: The Emperor Gramis is no more. His life was taken.

Larsa: [sighing] Father.

[Scene change; Judge Gabranth marches down a corridor filled with soldiers.]

Senator 1: What possible cause could we have to lay hand on the Emperor?

Senator 2: A deception and an outrage! The Senate will not stand for this!

[Judge Gabranth enters the Emperor’s audience room, where Drace, Vayne, Bergan, and Zargabaath all stand over a body, collapsed on the floor.]

Drace: A viper amongst our Senators!?

Vayne: With Chairman Gregoroth as its head. He confessed and passed his own sentence.

Bergan: A viper with many tails. Much of the Senate is culpable.

Vayne: We had to strip the Senate of authority and assign powers of Autocracy to myself -

Drace: Spare me your lies! I see the serpent coiled here before me!

Zargabaath: Drace, you speak too freely!

Drace: Zargabaath! Do not tell me you join in this mummer’s farce!

Zargabaath: With Rozarria poised to invade at any moment, our leader must have a free hand.

Vayne: The once-great House Solidor is now reduced to myself and my dear brother Larsa.

Drace: Surely you would not go so far!

[Drace draws her sword and points it at Vayne’s neck.]

Drace: Vayne Solidor! As Judge Magister and upholder of the law, I hereby place you under arrest!

[Drace gasps; Bergan has drawn his sword and now holds it to her neck in turn.]

Bergan: Vayne did not make himself autocrat. It was the very Ministry of Law which you serve. Do you see it now, Drace? When you bared your sword at His Excellency, you bared your sword at the law.

Drace: You wear the mummer’s motley well, Bergan.

[Slowly, she drops her sword… then turns and slashes at Bergan, who quickly blocks. He reaches around and grabs her around her face, lifting her off the ground, and then throws her across the room. Her sword goes flying.]

Drace: Such strength - inhuman!

Vayne: Zargabaath, take the Alexander. Accompany Bergan and bring Larsa back to me.

[Zargabaath nods and turns to leave. Gabranth steps up.]

Gabranth: Your Excellency, Lord Larsa was placed under my charge.

Vayne: Oh? Perhaps you mistook your orders then. I see no other explanation for why you were reporting on my doings to my late father.

Gabranth: Your Excellency -

Vayne: A hound, begging for scraps at the Emperor’s table. Would you serve another master, hound? You may fulfill your duty as Judge Magister before us all.

[Gabranth looks to Drace, laying on the floor.]

Vayne: She has been tried and found guilty.

Zargabaath: Your Excellency, I beg you reconsider!

[Gabranth slowly kneels to set down his helm and pick up the sword that was thrown from Drace’s hand. He then moves to Drace, kneeling, with sword poised to pierce her armor. He pauses.]

Drace: Do it. I care not.

[Gabranth looks at Drace.]

Drace: Live, Gabranth. Protect the young lord. Protect Larsa…

Gabranth: Forgive me.

Drace: Pray be quick.

[Another long pause; then, he thrusts the sword. Drace stifles a cry, then quickly goes limp. Vayne takes Gramis’s hand and places it on his lap, as if to make him look more dignified.]

Vayne: And so House Solidor lives on.

[Scene changes back to the group in the Hall of the Light.]

Al-Cid: Let us suppose you approach the Empire with a peaceful resolution. The Late Emperor Gramis would have lent you his ear, that much is certain. But we are dealing with Vayne Solidor. Should the Princess return, he would claim her an imposter. All to tempt the Resistance into battle. Vayne wants this war, that much is certain. As our ill luck would have it, the man is a military genius.

Anastasis: The dreams have told me thus. To reveal yourself would imperil us all. I see war, and Vayne’s name writ bold on history’s page.

Al-Cid: Archadia’s banners fly high. They are making ready for the coming war. According to our latest reports…

[He reaches to his left; his attendant has papers in hand already for him; he takes them and reads them aloud.]

Al-Cid: The Western Armada prepares for war, under Vayne’s command no less. The newly formed 12th Fleet has already been deployed. The Imperial 1st Fleet stands ready. They’ll be under way as soon as the Odin’s refit is complete. And there is more: the 2nd Kerwon Expeditionary Force is being called in… to replace the missing 8th, so there will be no gaps. [folding the papers] The largest force ever seen!

Ashe: And then… the nethicite is the coup de grace. [turning to Anastasis] Gran Kiltias, Your Grace. I spoke to you of my succession. Let us put that aside. Should I become Queen of Dalmasca now, powerless as I am, I can protect nothing. With a greater power at my disposal, perhaps then.

Anastasis: It is the nethicite of which you dream?

Ashe: I require something far greater.

[Anastasis now opens his eyes and speaks in his live voice.]

Anastasis: To wield power against power. Truly the words of a hume-child.

Ashe: I am descended from the Dynast-King himself.

Anastasis: Indeed. Then you have but one choice. Seek you the other power Raithwall left.

Ashe: Does such a thing exist?

Anastasis: Journey across the Paramina Rift to the Stilshrine of Miriam. There rests the gift he entrusted to the Gran Kiltias of his time. Seek it out. The Sword of Kings… can cut through nethicite.

[Ashe nods and turns to leave, but Anastasis is apparently not finished.]

Anastasis: Why he would entrust the power to destroy nethicite, the instrument of his greatness… to another and not to his own progeny, I cannot say. Awaken Ashelia B’Nargin and take up your sword, or your dream will remain but a dream.

[Ashe turns and starts to walk. She stops when she sees Larsa, still frozen in shock; she gives him a regretful look, then continues on. The others follow her.]

Anastasis: [falling back into his mediation] My dream too, fades into day.

[Larsa leaves the party.]

Paramina Rift

Fading Vale

Kiltias (on left): Beyond this rift you’ll find the holy mountain. Take each step one at a time, and you shall reach your destination.

Kiltias (on right): Mt. Bur-Omisace is to the northeast. Should you go south you’ll enter the rift… take care. Gods guide your path. Faram.

Refugee (talking with seeq): The Kiltias of Mt. Bur-Omisace took us in and treated us warmly. Thanks to their aid I’m well enough to return home now.

Refugee (blue seeq): When newcomers what can’t walk on their own arrive, I carry them up the mountain. I’m glad to help the Kiltias, any way I can.

Freezing Gorge

(As the party climbs the mountain, they see the refugees also make their way to Mt. Bur-Omisace.)

Balthier: Empires parade down city streets, while refugees walk barefoot through the snow.

Larsa: And so I sue for peace to stop short war and ease their suffering. My father will choose peace.

Balthier: Will he now? You sound sure of yourself. You can never know another, even your father.

[Balthier and others walk away; Vaan is left with Larsa.]

Vaan: Don’t take it the wrong way, okay?

[Larsa doesn’t respond.]

[Scene changes to Emperor’s audience room in Archadia.]

Vayne: This crisis would not end were I gone. The Senate hates the very fact that House Solidor exists. By necessity, we must find reason to silence them.

Gramis: Necessity? Ah yes, necessity. Does that word free you, I wonder? You show no hesitation to solve matters with blood.

Vayne: The sword of House Solidor cannot be left to rust in doubt. It was you, Excellency, who tempered that sword.

Gramis: Is this your idea of vengeance?

Vayne: It is my idea of necessity.

[Gramis grumbles frustratedly.]

Vayne: If we do not act now, it is not only our future you imperil.

Gramis: So you would dirty your hands, to keep his clean?

Vayne: My hands are stained with blood. I see little reason to stay them now.

Gramis: So they are. And so House Solidor lives on.

[Back to the party at Paramina Rift.]

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.

The Consul's Parade

Imperial: We will have order! I give you your new consul his Imperial Highness Lord Vayne Solidor, Commandant of the Archadian Empire’s Western Arm – [noticing Vayne has stepped forward] Your Excellency!

[Vayne ascends the dais to speak.]

Vayne: People of Rabanastre! Is it with hatred you look upon your consul? With hatred you look upon the Empire?

Citizen 1: Spit on your Empire!

Citizen 2: Go back to Archadia!

Vayne: There was little point in asking. But know this – I harbor no idle hopes of frustrating that hatred, nor shall I ask your fealty. That is the due of your fallen king, and rightly so. King Raminas loved his people. Strove to bring you peace. His was a rule worthy of your devotion. Even now, he remains among you, protecting you. His ardor for the peace and weal of Dalmasca falters not. I would ask only that you do your king honor.  Together, let us embrace this peace His Majesty would surely desire. Two years now divide us from war’s bitter end, yet still its shadow looms over all, stifling the infant peace, a pall only you may cast off. Achieve but this one thing, and your hatred of me, and the Empire, will grieve me not! I will stand fast! I will endure your hatred! Suffer your slings and arrows! I will defend Dalmasca! Here I will pay my debts, I swear it now. Though King Raminas and Lady Ashe be gone, they stand ever at the side of their people.  In honoring peace, you do honor to their memory, and to Dalmasca. What I ask, I ask plain. My hopes now rest with you.

[The audience, somewhat stunned and reluctant, breaks into applause as Vayne bows.]

(Vaan is dashing through an alleyway, and Penelo is in close pursuit. He finally breaks onto the street where the consul's procession is going by, and pushes his way through the silently observing crowd. For a time, Vaan struggles to catch up to the vehicle that carries the new Consul. Finally, he sees the man's face; he stops running, slowing to a full halt. Penelo catches up and grasps his arm, and they watch as the procession continues on its way.)

(On the steps of the cathedral - in the same place where King Raminas once presented the sword to Prince Rasler - an Imperial soldier stands at a podium before the crowd.)

Imperial: We will have order! I give you your new consul his Imperial Highness Lord Vayne Solidor, Commandant of the Archadian Empire’s Western Arm – (noticing the Consul has stepped forward) Your Excellency!

(Vayne ascends to higher ground to speak to the assembled citizenry.)

Vayne: People of Rabanastre! Is it with hatred you look upon your consul? With hatred you look upon the Empire?

(The crowd erupts in boos and sneers.)

Citizen 1: Spit on your Empire!

Citizen 2: Go back to Archadia!

Vayne: There was little point in asking. But know this – I harbor no idle hopes of frustrating that hatred, nor shall I ask your fealty. That is the due of your fallen king, and rightly so. King Raminas loved his people. Strove to bring you peace. His was a rule worthy of your devotion. Even now, he remains among you, protecting you. His ardor for the peace and weal of Dalmasca falters not. I would ask only that you do your king honor. Together, let us embrace this peace His Majesty would surely desire. Two years now divide us from war’s bitter end, yet still its shadow looms over all, stifling the infant peace, a pall only you may cast off. Achieve but this one thing, and your hatred of me, and the Empire, will grieve me not! I will stand fast! I will endure your hatred! Suffer your slings and arrows! I will defend Dalmasca! Here I will pay my debts, I swear it now. Though King Raminas and Lady Ashe be gone, they stand ever at the side of their people. In honoring peace, you do honor to their memory, and to Dalmasca. What I ask, I ask plain. My hopes now rest with you.

(He bows deferentially. Hesitantly, some of the crowd break into applause. Among them, Vaan and Penelo, who have been sitting and listening to the speech, watch others around them clapping.)



(Afterward, one of the Imperials inquires politely of Lord Vayne.)

Imperial: Is Rabanastre to your liking, my lord?

Vayne: It is magnificent! (gesturing to the building behind them) Take this cathedral, for instance. Elegant, yet whimsical in its execution. A stunning example of Galtean architecture. I hope Lord Gramis might one day look upon it himself.

Imperial: The patron of this evening’s banquet, may it please Your Excellency.

(The Imperial gestures to the approaching Migelo.)

Migelo: I am Migelo, Your Highness. (bowing, on one knee) It is truly a profound honor to make the acquaintance… of our future emperor, Highness. The people of Rabanastre join me in welcoming –

Vayne: (cutting him off softly) That’s enough of “Highness.” Though indeed I am our emperor’s son, I am no prince. Archadia’s emperor is freely chosen by her people. I am but an elected official and nothing more.

Migelo: (looking down) I meant no disrespect.

Vayne: Now that I think on it… I would not have you address me as Lord Consul, for that matter. Henceforth, I am a citizen of Rabanastre. Why don’t you call me Vayne?

Migelo: Eh, I could not. That would not be right.

Vayne: You are overly fond of formalities. I’ve just the remedy for that. Tonight you will join me, and we shall drink until you call me by name.

(Vayne pats him on the back amiably before departing. Migelo gives one last bow. Vaan and Penelo comment on the scene from their stoop a ways away.)
Vaan: How can he stand to bow to him like that?

Penelo: Vaan, you just do not get it, do you. He’s not doing it because he wants to. You know what would happen if he didn’t?

Vaan: I know. It’s just – 

Penelo: So, what would you do different?

Vaan: I don’t know. Well, I’d do something.
(The scene fades.)

Penelo: Vaan? Vaan! You haven’t head a single word I’ve said, have you.

(The scene fades in. We see Vaan and Penelo at a bride on the North End, similar to where they were earlier.)

Penelo: This place has changed so much. It’s like it’s not even Rabanastre anymore. Like the Empire is swallowing it whole.

Vaan: Hey, Penelo. That fete tonight. You think they’ll let us in?

Penelo: Are you crazy? It’s in the palace, and we don’t have an invitation, if you hadn’t noticed.

Vaan: So… how are we getting in?

Penelo: As if I’d know. Why not ask Migelo to get you in? Or go see Old Dalan in Lowtown. Why the sudden interest, Vaan?

Vaan: I told you! I’m going to take back what’s ours! Give back to Dalmasca. C’mon, what do you think? If I find something, and it fetches a good price, how ‘bout I, uh… I buy you all dinner!

Penelo: Oh please! You know as well as I do the first thing you’d buy is an airship! (she strikes a pose as she takes on a teasing tone) All hail Vaan, sky pirate of Dalmasca! It’s got a nice ring to it! Stay outta trouble!

(Penelo waves goodbye and runs off.)

Vaan: Hmm. An airship. I dunno. Maybe. But not through Migelo. Time to pay Old Dalan a visit.

(A bangaa with a hammer slung over his shoulder passes by Vaan as he leaves, and goes around the corner to where a foreboding-looking green bangaa in black armor and with several piercings is dictating to another bangaa.)

[You are now free to enter Lowtown and leave Rabanastre.]

Previous: Eastgate: A Pedigreed Parader

Next: Chapter 2 - The Sunstone

Nalbina Fortress

Nalbina Fortress

Aerial Gardens

(The next scene begins from the point of view of someone apparently being roused from unconsciousness. Vision is dark and blurry, and the voices are distorted, but we see two armored men looking over "us.")
Basch: You, there. Can you hear me?

Vossler: It’s as I feared. They’re slowing us down.

Basch: Do not say that. Not all of us are here for love of battle. He fights to defend his homeland. Your name?

(Finally, "we" speak.)

Reks: Reks, sir. My name is Reks.

Basch: Good. Reks. You bore a few cuts, but you are still whole. Well, can you stand?

(As Basch holds out his hand, vision clears up and the sound becomes perfectly audible again. Back to third person - Basch helps the young man, Reks, up. The setting is a fortress at night; other soldiers are around them, a small unit. A label in the bottom right corner tells us more.)

(Nalbina Fortress – North Ward)

Basch: Think you can fight?

Reks: I’m fine, sir.

Basch: How old are you, Reks?

Reks: Seventeen, sir.

Basch: Young. Family?

Reks: My brother is all I have left, sir. He’s two years younger than I, living in Rabanastre.

Basch: So young. You’re barely old enough to be a man. You shouldn’t be forced to wield a sword.

Reks: No, sir. I want to fight. For my homeland, and for my parents.

Vossler: Time, Basch. Save the discussion for later. We must reach the King before they act, or all our efforts will be in vain.

Basch: I’m aware of the situation.

(Imperial soldiers emerge from around a corner.)

Imperial 1: We found them!

Imperial 2: Over there!

Basch: Vossler, go ahead! I will handle this rabble.

(Vossler gestures to Basch.)

Vossler: Godspeed.

(He then runs off with his detachment. Basch draws his sword and easily cuts through the five or six Imperials that lunge at him. Reks appears to be dazed by the action.)

Basch: Steady, Reks. Keep your wits about you and you’ll make it. (to all) We move!

Basch: You must always be mindful of your surroundings. Use the right stick to look around. It’s a useful way to spot Imperials. Go on, give it a try. 

[Move the right analog stick...]

Basch: Use the left stick to move, Reks. Tilt it slightly to walk, and further to run. You can walk, yes? Come, stand before me.

[Tutorial: Use the left analog stick to approach Basch.]

Basch: Do you see the marker above my head? That’s a Talk Icon. You can talk to any character showing one of these. To talk to someone, approach them and press X. Try talking to your friend by the gate.

[Tutorial: Approach the Dalmascan by the gate and press X to talk to him.]

Dalmascan: Life is worth too much to throw away, Reks. Do what you can, but don’t try to be a hero. Save the hero stories for your brother once we’re back in Rabanastre. Just listen to the Captain and we’ll get through this.

Basch: We’ll enter the fortress through this gate. We must go.

[Tutorial: Go to the iron gate.]

Dalmascan: Listen to Captain Basch, Reks. We’re heading in through the gate.

[Approach the gate as Basch asked...]

Basch: See the marker above your head? That’s called an Action Icon. One of these will appear when you approach a door, a switch, and item, or the like. To learn more about what you’ve found, walk closer and the icon will change. Then press X. Now, try opening the gate.

[Tutorial: Approach the iron gate and press X.]

Basch: It is time. We will drive back any Imperials standing between us and the King. Dalmasca’s future hangs in the balance. Stay focused on the foes before you, Reks. I will watch rearward.

Inner Ward

Basch: You can open the Party Menu by pressing triangle. From the Party Menu you can examine your equipment and inventory.

(The pair spots an oncoming Imperial, and the conversation transitions to a battle tutorial.)

That red line is a hostile target line. Take heed – you’re being targeted. When a foe targets you, the line is red. When you target a foe, the line is blue. If you see a red line, look for foes at once. If they are not readily apparent, use the right analog stick to look around. When you’ve found them, press X to open the Battle Menu. Once you’ve selected Attack and targeted a foe, close distance using the left stick. You’ll automatically attack until your foe is defeated. You can change targets or actions at any time. If your HP falls, press X and select Items from the Battle Menu, then use a potion. After using an item, you will automatically resume your previous action. There is no need to input your commands again. You can do it, Reks. Show me! 

(The party stops in the middle of the bridge. Basch looks up to the sky.)

Reks: Captain?

(A small aircraft appears in front of the luminous moon, and flies down to the bridge where Basch, Reks, and co. stand.)

[After defeating Air Cutter Remora…]

(Basch finishes the fight by hitting the Air Cutter with a Quickening - using a magickal stream of fire to strike it. Then we hear the operator of the craft radio in to a superior.)

Tonberry Pilot: Antlion, this is Tonberry! My engines are hit! She’ll not hold much longer!

Antlion: We receive you, Tonberry. You’ve leave to retire. Well fought.

Tonberry Pilot: My thanks, Antlion. Tonberry disengaging!

(With this, the smoking, short-circuiting Tonberry finally swoops away.)

Basch: There is no simple way through the fortress – the Minimap at the top right of your screen may not be enough to gain your bearings. Should you lose your way, consult your Location Map by pressing the touch pad button. This will bring up the map of the fortress we gave you before we set out. If you still find yourself at a loss, pressing the L3 button will allow you to view the Location Map as you move. Navigate your way through as you see fit.

Lower Apartments

Basch: Vossler. Where are you?

Reks: What if Captain Azelas has fallen?

Basch: Don’t talk such nonsense! Vossler’s laughed in the face of Death far too many times to stop now! Men like him don’t die in places like this. We must make haste to reach the King. We will take him to safety.

Reks: Is His Majesty unharmed?

Basch: He’ll agree to an unconditional surrender. They wouldn’t dare touch him until the wax on his seal is dry.

Reks: But if we arrive after he’s signed the treaty –

Basch: Wait. (he pauses, seeming to think a second) Quickly, Reks!

(They take off running.)

Basch: Ahead we will face many Imperials, but we need not fight them all. Oftimes retreat is the wiser course. Should the need arise, press and hold R2 to run from your foes. There is no shame in fleeing from a battle that serves no purpose.

Upper Apartments

Basch: This is a save crystal, Reks. You can save your progress by approaching a save crystal and pressing X. Touching one of these crystals will also fully restore your HP and MP. Though you will gradually recover MP as you move about, it can take time. Do not miss this opportunity to refresh yourself and your allies. There is more I would tell you, but we’ve no time. Heed the lessons of the battlefield and you will do well. Come – we must reach His Majesty before it’s too late! 

The Highhall

(As they go along, they are waylaid by four Imperial soldiers.)

Imperial: Intruders! Don’t let them escape!

Reks: Sir! We have little time! You must go to the king! I’ll handle these!

(Basch considers it a moment.)

Basch: Fight well.

(Basch leaves with the other soldiers.)

[After defeating the Imperials and moving to the red X on your map…]

(The door to the chamber is mysteriously ajar, and Reks enters cautiously. He gasps; the bodies of both Imperial and Dalmascan soldiers are strewn about; the King himself is sitting hunched over in his chair, lifeless.)

Reks: Your Majesty…

(When Reks turns around, Basch is there – and sticks a knife in his gut.)

Reks: Captain, why? Our King – What have you done?

(Basch retracts the knife and walks away slowly.)

Basch: The King intended all along to sell Dalmasca to the Empire. His Majesty was a traitor.

Reks: Captain, I –

(Reks turns to Basch, and then collapses to the ground. Imperials rush into the room. An authoritative voice commands them.)

????: Seize the insurgent!

Imperial: M’lord!

(Reks’s vision fades in and out, but he sees Basch, kneeling on the ground, his arms restrained by Imperial soldiers, and someone else standing before him.)

????: Well, so much for peaceful negotiations.

Basch: We’ll never surrender to you! We are not cattle to be sold by a traitor-king!

????: But the war is over, my dear captain. You have lost. Dalmasca is the property of the Empire, now. And to think, we intended to let you keep some of your sovereignty, out of respect. But now you’ve gone and ruined that. Haven’t you, Captain?

Basch: We will never bow to you!

????: And the people of Dalmasca will hate you for it. Take the Captain away.

(Reks’s vision finally fails him as he loses consciousness, leaving behind one last thought.)

Reks: Vaan…

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