Chapter 11: Blood Runs Red (Script)

This content was originally provided by Generic Officer.

Main story

Before battle

Ranulf
Well, we're here! Welcome to Toha, Crimea's westernmost port city.

Ike
What's with this place? The people are going about their business. Why aren't they worried about Daein? About the war?

Ranulf
It's because this area is fairly isolated. Daein's army hasn't come this far, and so life goes on as before. Daein's plan is to seize the capital, then slowly and steadily expand its sphere of influence until it controls everything.

Ike
Surely these people have some idea of what's happening.

Soren
Ignorance is a form of bliss, is it not? These people don't know what it's like to lose a war. They don't want to know. Crimea as a nation has always been blessed by peace. Perhaps this is due to the temperament of its rulers, but the country hasn't seen serious warfare for centuries. While minor skirmishes with the kingdom of Daein have been legion, only the eastern borderlands have taken damage.

Ike
And yet even I know this peace will not last. When we met Daein forces on our scouting mission, they attacked us merely for being within the Crimean border.

Soren
Humans are shameless creatures that carelessly ignore any misfortune which does not befall them directly. They can--and often do--turn a blind eye to all manner of wickedness so long as it does not touch them or their kin. They will bow their heads, condemning those victims for bringing calamity upon themselves, and then they will cast their eyes toward heaven in thanks while their neighbors lay dying around them.

Ike
But the war is happening here. This is their home, not someone else's.

Soren
When the Daein army darkens their doorsteps, perhaps they will understand. When the peace they take for granted is shattered, and their sons and daughters slaughtered in the streets...Perhaps then will they comprehend the misfortunes they so long pretended not to see. I have no sympathy for them.

Ike
...

Ranulf
My goodness, the nastier the truth, the blunter he gets...Quite a delightful staff officer you have there.

Ike
He, um...he has an undeniable streak of severity in him but...but this? Something's bothering him, that's for sure.

Titania
It's to be expected. Even I'm a bit shocked by this place. Can they truly be as placid as they appear? Soren's a very empathetic young man. The emotions of this place may have proven to be too much for him.

Ranulf
Ignoring impending doom because you cannot prevent it...Fatalism is by nature a disheartening beast. Well, for all those born with nothing, there are those born with everything. Perhaps those who never notice the difference are the ones we should envy.

Ike
What's that supposed to mean?

Ranulf
Huh? Oh, I was talking to myself. Pay me no mind.

Ike
Hmm...

Ranulf
Now then, I've got to see a man about a ship. While I'm gone, why don't you get your supplies squared away? I'm sure that the journey ahead will require a lot of packing.

Titania
Ranulf, I'll go with you.

Ranulf
No, no, that's all right. You should supervise the supply acquisition. You're going to be at sea for months, you know?

Titania
I know that, but...

Ike
What is it, Titania?

Ranulf
She's worried about me. She doesn't want to leave a solitary laguz wandering around a beorc city.

Ike
But I thought Crimea and Gallia were allied nations. Why would a wandering laguz be cause for concern?

Ranulf
Well, it shouldn't be, but...

Titania
Do you remember what King Caineghis told you? The friendship between Crimea and Gallia exists only between the ruling classes. It hasn't taken root in the minds of the common citizenry at all.

Ranulf
That being said, things have improved quite a bit since King Ramon ascended to the throne The reports of hunts and such other horrors have all but disappeared...Oh, don't worry! I'll be fine! I've got connections, see? It's not like I'll be roaming the docks begging for passage.

Ike
All right then, the job is yours. lease be careful.

Ranulf
You, too. Don't mess anything up!

Exit base

Ike
We should be leaving, but...Looks like everyone's going to be a while, yet.

Elincia
My lord Ike are you ready to go?

Ike
Me? As long as I've got my sword, I'm always ready.

Elincia
A sword? That's it?

Ike
If I've got my cape, I can sleep just about anywhere. And as for food, well...Something always turns up.

Elincia
Hee hee! That's delightful.

Ike
It is?

Elincia
Yes, very much so. Tee hee hee!

Ike
Princesses...I don't think I'll ever understand them.

Ike
What's going on? Why all the excitement?

Elincia
My lord Ike! There's a crowd gathering at the town entrance...

Ike
That's--

Daein Soldier
Attention citizens! We've received reports of Crimean army stragglers hiding in this town! From this point forth, the Daein army will blockade all points of entry! No one comes or goes without our leave! The harbor is also closed! No ships will be allowed to sail!!

Titania
Ike...Daein troops have--

Ike
I know. All we can do is move toward the docks and try not to be discovered.

Ike
Have you seen Ranulf?

Titania
Not yet.

Ike
Wait, here he comes now. Ranulf! Over here.

Ranulf
Hoo! Things sure are heating up, aren't they?

Ike
How are things on your end?

Ranulf
Everything's set. All you need to do is sneak down to the harbor. You'll be met there by a man with a dusky pallor. His name is Nasir. Nasir is a man you can trust. I've explained your situation to him, and he's willing to help. If you can reach his ship safely, he'll take care of everything and deliver you to Begnion.

Ike
Ranulf, aren't you coming, too?

Ranulf
I was planning on it, but...Daein's movements have me concerned. I'll stay behind and see what's going on.

Woman
Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going...

Ranulf
No, pardon me--

Woman
Ah! Eeeeeeek! Su-sub-human!!

Titania
Blast!

Youth
I-it's true! A sub-human! How dare you come prowling around here!

Man
Beast! Ya stinking sub-humans need to learn yer place! Human towns are too good for ya!

Lady
Eww! It's so hairy! Go on! Scat!

Woman
Get out of here! Monster!

Ike
Dang!

Ike
Mordecai!

Mordecai
Ike! We must leave!

Ike
What? No! We have to help Ranulf...

Mordecai
All of this noise will attract the attention of the Daein troops.

Ike
That's why we have to hurry up and help--

Lethe
He'll be fine! Leave him.

Mordecai
Ranulf is strong. Even stronger than me. It's all right.

Ike
Ranulf has no intention of defending himself! Look, he's not even changing forms! I can't just stand by and watch as he gets murdered!

Mordecai
Ike! Wait!

Lethe
...Idiot human...

Mordecai is dead

Lethe
Come on. Let's go.

Ike
What? No! We have to help Ranulf!

Lethe
Do you see this crowd? The Daien soldiers will hear this ruckus and come here.

Ike
That's why have to hurry up and help--

Lethe
He'll be fine! Leave him.

Ike
Ranulf has no intention of defending himself! Look, he's not even changing forms! I can't just stand by and watch as he gets murdered!

Lethe
...Idiot human...

Lethe is dead

Mordecai
Ike! We must leave!

Ike
What? No! We have to help Ranulf...

Mordecai
All of this noise will attract the attention of the Daein troops.

Ike
That's why we have to hurry up and help--

Mordecai
Ranulf is strong. Even stronger than me. It's all right.

Ike
Ranulf has no intention of defending himself! Look, he's not even changing forms! I can't just stand by and watch as he gets murdered!

Mordecai
Ike! Wait!

Conversation continues

Ike
Stop! Get out of my way! Keep your hands off him!

Man
Who do ya think ya are? Why would a human want to protect some sub-human?

Woman
He's a friend to this monster! I saw them talking earlier!

Ike
What's that to you?

Youth
Hey. the Crimean royals had sub-human companions, didn't they? Maybe you're one of those army guys the Daein troops are searching for!

Man
You there! Daein soldier! Ho! There are some suspicious folk over here!

Daein Soldier
Huh? That way! Hurry!

Ike
Are you mad?! Your king was murdered by Daein! And now you're going to cooperate with them?

Man
Well, um...

Youth
I heard the king was teamin' up with those sub-humans! That's what got him killed!

Lady
Yeah! That's right! If we need allies, I'll take flesh-and-blood Daein humans over some fanged sub-human freak!

Youth
Yeah! Yeah! At least we know what we're getting! Trust your own kind!

Ike
You people are insane!

Vigilante
Where's the sub-human everyone's screaming about?

Grandfather
Huzzah! The Toha vigilantes are here! Grab those guys and turn them over to the Daein army! That will prove our allegiance and gain our village favor!

Vigilante
Har har! If you want sub-humans hunted down, I'm your man!

Ike
Ranulf! Are you all right?

Ranulf
Why did you come back?

Ike
Because some fool was going to lay here and get beaten to death instead of defending himself!

Ranulf
Ah, Ike. What would you have me do? Gallia and Crimea have formed an alliance. I cannot jeopardize that by harming these people, no matter what ill they may bear me.

Ike
Even if none of them care two figs for their own country?

Ranulf
Even if. They're citizens of Crimea, after all.

Ike
Well, I'm not Gallian, so there's no reason for me to hold anything back!

Ranulf
Ike! Listen to me! They think that you and I are allies! If you attack, it's no different than if I do so myself! So...

Ike
Let me guess...you're telling me to avoid the Daein pursuit, leave the town vigilantes alone,
get to the docks as soon as possible, find a man named Nasir and get everyone on his boat. Is that it?

Ranulf
Exactly! I don't care what anyone else says, I think you're pretty bright!

Ike
All right, I'll play along. But mark my words, if they attack, heads will roll!

Ranulf
What? Hey! That's not going to do us any good!

Ike
Titania! Soren!Get everyone together! We're getting out of here!

Mackoya
Listen to me! Do not let a single Crimean soldier escape our grasp. Sweep the entire town! Arrest anyone suspicious!

Daein Soldier
General Mackoya! Sir, there's a group of vigilantes who want to help us. What shall I tell them?

Mackoya
Hmm...Very well. Let them do as they please.

Daein Soldier
Yes, sir!

Nasir
Pardon me, are you the commander of these forces?

Mackoya
I am. And who are you?

Nasir
I'm captain of the boat you see moored here. My name is Nasir. I stopped by to accomplish some brief piece of business, but...Your soldiers are now preventing me from setting sail. I need to leave this place.

Mackoya
I apologize for the inconvenience. However, we are trying to stop some Crimean soldiers from escaping. To that end we need the cooperation of all citizens...ship captains included.

Nasir
My ship is a simple merchant vessel, sailing under the flag of the Begnion Empire. If I present such documentation, surely it will prove I have no ties whatsoever with Crimea.

Mackoya
Under Daein rule, such...Begnion papers are nothing more than fishwrap.

Nasir
Yet--

Mackoya
You called yourself, Nasir, correct? Protest too loudly, Nasir, and we may think you a Crimean sympathizer. If that were to happen, who knows what...unfortunate fate might your simple merchant ship...

Nasir
...I see. So be it.

Mackoya
You there! Soldier!

Daein Soldier
Sir?

Mackoya
Strengthen the watch on this ship. That man is up to something...I can feel it...No matter what happens, that ship must not be allowed to set sail. Burn her and sink her first!

Daein Soldier
Yes, sir!

Mackoya
Now then, where is our special guest?[

Black Knight
I'm right here, General Mackoya.

Mackoya
Oh! Sir Black Knight! I hope I didn't keep you waiting.

Black Knight
No, I just arrived. Let us proceed...I would hear your report.

Mackoya
There are no problems whatsoever. I've nothing to report, save the tedium of it all. The farther west we travel, the weaker the Crimean fighting spirit becomes. Each town displays less and less resistance--now they literally throw wide the gates at first sign of our approach! With duty as humdrum as this, I worry that my troops may become sloppy and lose their edge.

Black Knight
As a fellow warrior, I can sympathize with your plight.

Mackoya
I thank you for your understanding.

Black Knight
This town was not scheduled for subjugation until much later...Tell me, why are you here now?

Mackoya
Yes, as to that...Mere days ago, a castle that held Crimean prisoners of war was attacked and the captives freed. The perpetrators were Crimean soldiers accompanied by sub-humans. According to our intelligence reports, their trail led here...

Black Knight
I see.

Mackoya
The princess of Crimea is said to have fled to Gallia. If we can capture this band, we may gain information on her location.

Black Knight
Do you require my assistance?

Mackoya
I thank you for the generous offer. However, if you were to enter the fray, it would be over in a twinkling. My men are starved for combat. I would beg your restraint so that they may be allowed some...entertainment.

Black Knight
As you will. The field is yours. Turn your soldiers loose, and may their blades run red with glory.

Mackoya
Your graciousness is greatly appreciated.

Map starts

Ranulf
Good luck, Ike! You'll be fine. As for me...I think I'll play a little game of cat and mouse with these Daein fools.

Daein Soldier
The Gallian sub-human! After him! Don't let him get away!

Ike
Everyone, move out for the harbor! Try to avoid conflict with the local vigilante group if you can. Let's go!

Zihark
Hey! Are there really sub-humans about?

Vigilante
Oh yeah, no mistake about it. And they'll as soon kill you as look at you!

Zihark
Where are they?

Vigilante
They're over there...Cunning beast! We're just about to start flushing them out of hiding.

Zihark
I see. If you find one, be sure to give me a call.

Vigilante
Har har! I like that guy. He came to our little town just for the chance to hunt sub-humans!

Lethe talks to Zihark

Zihark
Ah!

Lethe
Grrr! Flee. You're Crimean...I cannot fight you.

Zihark
Hold on! Please!...I am not an enemy to laguz.

Lethe
L-laguz...? How do you--

Zihark
I joined this vigilante group because I knew it would afford me a chance to help you flee.
Listen, I'll distract the townspeople. While they're worried about me you can make good your escape.

Lethe
I cannot trust the word of a human.

Zihark
...I see. Well, if I cut down these vigilantes, will you believe me?

Lethe
Huh?

Zihark
One? Two? All of them? How many do you want? Just give the word and I'll start the cutting!

Lethe
Hsss! Quiet! Why? Why would you...

Zihark
I want to help you....That's all.

Lethe
...I see... You're not an enemy. That much I'll believe...

Zihark
Thank you. Now, you must hurry away from this place.

Lethe
No, I cannot flee. I have fr-friends with whom I must board a ship.

Zihark
Will you not desist? It's much too dangerous. The vigilantes and Daeins want nothing  more than to kill laguz!

Lethe
I'm not leaving.

Zihark
I see...If that's your stance, then I've no choice.

Lethe
Hm?

Zihark
I will join your group.

Lethe
Don't...Don't be ridiculous!

Zihark
What's your name?

Lethe
I am Lethe, but--

Zihark
That's a good name.

Lethe
That's beside the point! You--

Zihark
I am Zihark. Well met, Lethe! Whoops! I don't think we have time for formal introductions. Let's hurry!

Lethe
H-hold it! I have not agreed to this!

Mordecai talks to Zihark

Zihark
Ah!

Mordecai
You are a vigilante. We must avoid vigilantes. You should flee.

Zihark
You would speak so to the vigilante group that's hunting you? You're a kind laguz, aren't you?

Mordecai
Hm? My words are not good. You must go quickly.

Zihark
No, you are the one who should flee. Leave the rest to me. I'll confuse the townsfolk and give you time to run.

Mordecai
What? Why?

Zihark
I don't want to see any laguz harmed, so I joined these vigilantes as a double agent.

Mordecai
Hmm...? I am confused. But...you do not smell like an enemy. Our group must get on that ship. We are taking it to Begnion.

Zihark
Will you not desist? It's much too dangerous. The vigilantes and the Daeins desire nothing more than to kill laguz!

Mordecai
Even so, we will go.

Zihark
I see...If that's your stance, then I've no choice.

Mordecai
...

Zihark
I will join your group.

Mordecai
You will betray your friends?

Zihark
I told you, they're not my friends. I am an ally to the laguz. What? You need proof? There!

Mordecai
Why do you drop your blade? That bright metal tool is your only fang.

Zihark
I want you to believe me....Please. You must believe me.

Mordecai
...I believe you. I am Mordecai, warrior of Gallia. Who are you?

Zihark
I am Zihark. Well met, Mordecai! Whoops! I don't think we have time for formal introductions. Let's hurry!

Turn 4

Jill
Commander Haar! Awake! This is no time to be sleeping! A sub-human has been spotted! Come,
let us join in the thrill of the hunt!

Haar
Yaaaawn...Mmm...let's not. Even if we don't lift a finger, Mackoya's pups will take care of everything.

Jill
Battle glory awaits! Would you allow others to steal this chance from beneath your very nose?

Haar
Yawn. Go entertain yourself, will you? Fight a soldier or lance a peasant or...what you will.
But for the love of flying, stop interrupting my sleep!

Jill
Ooh! You're such a--

Haar
The fighting? Um...Wake me when it's done. Yaaaaawwnn...Zzzzzzz...

Jill
That's it!! I'm going by myself!

Haar
Zzzzzz...Snort! Wha--? Jill, hold a moment.

Jill
Yes? Have you changed your mind?

Haar
You'll wait here with the rest of us. We don't move unless we're attacked. That's the word from the top.

Jill
...Graaarrr!

Turn 9

Black Knight
All these men, and they're still having problems? Did I make a miscalculation?

Ike
Ah! It's him!!

Ike attacks the Black Knight

Black Knight
We meet again, son of Greil.

Ike
...

Black Knight
Why do you challenge me? You are not worthy of being my foe. Flee while you are able.

Ike
You...

Ike
You! Die! Die now! Aaaaaaaarrrr!

Black Knight
...Fool.

Black Knight is attacked

Black Knight
...Move. One such as you cannot stop me.

Laguz attacks the Black Knight

Black Knight
...A sub-human warrior...I would test your strength.

Ike survived an encounter with the Black Knight

Black Knight
...Oh? You avoided my blow. Will you be so lucky next time?

Ike
!!

Mackoya is attacked

Mackoya
Hmm...They're not fleeing...They're actually headed this way. It appears that we have underestimated the courage of our foe.

Mackoya dies

Mackoya
So we were the ones guilty of miscalculation...How shameful...Your Excellency...The rest is...up to you......

Zihark is attacked

Zihark
I bear you no ill will, but I must...There are reasons I must fight.

Jill is attacked

Jill
Father, please lend me your protection in this, my first battle!

Enter first village

Man
What's that? Thieves are taking advantage of the commotion to sack our little town? We must close the front gate! Thanks for your help! Oh, I almost forgot! Please. take this as a token of thanks. Go on, take it!

Laguz enters second village village

Lady
AAAAAAHHH! S-s-sub-human! Noooooooo!!! H-h-heeeeelp!

(Character)
...

Non Laguz enters second village

Lady
Say, aren't you...You are! You're one of those Crimeans that the Daein soldiers are after, aren't you?...Go on, get moving. I'll pretend I didn't see anything. Don't worry, just go!  Wait a second..Here. Take this with you.


Laguz enters third village

Woman
Yaaaaaaah! S-stay back! Sub-human beast! Aaaaiiieeeeee!

(Character)
...

Non Laguz enters third village

Woman
Ohmygosh...are you...Are you really fighting Daein? Ooo...that's so brave! We've heard so many rumors about Crimea's defeat...That's why everyone in town acts like they do. No one has the courage to stand up to these fierce Daein forces. Everyone believes that if they just cooperate, life here will go on as it always has. Please, take this magic scroll. It was my brother's...He was murdered by the Daein army. Fight for him, too.

Laguz enters fourth village

Man
H-h-heavens! Please don't kill me! I'll give you whatever you want...Here, have some yarn! Uh... Dried fish?

(Character)
...

After battle

Black Knight
...The mercenaries boarded the ship safely. Now, how to proceed...

Ranulf
You're not impeding that ship. I won't allow it.

Black Knight
One of Gallia's beast warriors...I've met you once before. Yes...at the castle near the sea of trees.

Ranulf
From where I'm standing, we've actually met twice.

Black Knight
Oh?

Ranulf
I saw you that night...Standing in the light of the full moon. The night you murdered Sir Greil.

Black Knight
Ha ha! So you were the one traveling with the beast king, eh? Interesting. By measuring his aide's strength, I will naturally learn more of the king's true power.

Ranulf
Hate to tell you this, but my king is not to be measured against the likes of me. He is far beyond that.

Black Knight
All the better. Now then, let us begin.

Ranulf
...

Ranulf
...Ugh...why? Why do my attacks do nothing?

Black Knight
You fight impressively. However, you are no match for me.

Ranulf
Huh?

Black Knight
Hm?

Sephiran
Rise. Leave this to me.

Ranulf
You...you were one of the prisoners...

Sephiran
This knight will not raise his hand to me....Correct?

Black Knight
...

Sephiran
Go now, quickly!

Ranulf
If you insist! I'll give proper thanks when next we meet.

Jill is alive

Jill
Commander Haar! Let us pursue the enemy ship! They're friends of the sub-humans! We cannot allow them to escape!

Haar
Uwaaaaaahhh...That was a good nap. Well, looks like the fighting's over. Form up.It's time to withdraw.

Haar
Listen to me, Jill. We're scheduled to return home tomorrow. If you were injured in a place like this, your lord father would not be pleased.

Jill
It's because of my father that I must not return home empty-handed. I must have something to show him! Please--

Haar
Simmer down, girl. The Black Knight has ordered us to withdraw. Would you ignore his word?

Jill
Th-that...

Haar
Would be suicide. Correct. So let's move out!

Jill
Blast.

Mackoya is alive

Mackoya
M-my lord Black Knight! A ship is departing! If we ready our own ship and set sail without delay, we can overtake it immediately!

Black Knight
...

Sephiran
Listen to me, Daein general. You will withdraw from this place. I will not allow you to pursue that ship.

Mackoya
Who are you to speak to me so? Do you have any idea who I am?

Black Knight
Gather your men....Withdraw.

Mackoya
Yet we--

Black Knight
I will not repeat myself. Do it now.

Mackoya
Yes...yes, at once!

Mackoya is dead

Norris
M-my lord Black Knight! A ship is departing If we ready our own ship and set sail without delay, we can overtake it immediately!

Black Knight
...

Sephiran
Listen to me, Daein general. You will withdraw from this place. I will not allow you to pursue that ship.

Norris
Who are you supposed to be,fool? You've no idea who you're speaking to, do you?

Black Knight
Gather your men....Withdraw.

Norris
Y-yet we--

Black Knight
I will not repeat myself. Do it now.

Norris
Yes...yes, at once!

Conversation continues

Norris
Are you sure that's true?

Daein Soldier
Yes! You can ask these two for more details.

Mister
The two of us, we're here representing the townsfolk.

Norris
You say that a green-haired lass boarded that ship?

Youth
Y-yes! She had a very noble bearing about her...And she was beautiful.

Man
Her name was...Ellie? Ellen? They called her something like that.

Norris
It's true! Princess Elincia...Ha ha!  My luck has changed.

Youth
All of us, all the townsfolk, are ready to cooperate in any way we can! If you would keep that in mind...Um...

Norris
Believe me, I understand your...loyalty.

Man
Well then...

Norris
You there! Come here!

Daein Soldier
Yes, sir! Right here.

Norris
Get these two worms out of here. Find the hardest physical labor in this town and get these fools started. Work 'em from dusk to dawn without stopping. Work 'em until they can no longer move! You got that!

Daein Soldier
Yes, sir! Understood, sir!

Youth
B-but, that's...

Man
Why? Why would you...

Norris
Stop your whining. How else am I to reward worms vile enough to sell their own princess to the enemy? Enjoy your payment, you greedy dastards! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Youth
Our own...princess? That's not...It can't be. It can't!

Man
No...Nooooooo!

Ike didn't engage the Black Knight

Elincia
My lord Ike! How wonderful! I didn't think you were going to make it...

Ike
I'm sorry to have worried you.

Elincia
Oh, no, I'm just happy to see you well. So very...happy.

Ike engaged the Black Knight

Elincia
My lord Ike! How wonderful! I didn't think you were going to make it...

Ike
I'm sorry to have worried you.

Elincia
Oh, no, I'm just happy to see you well. So very...happy.

Mist
Brother, you stupid fool! Fighting a knight as strong as that...You idiot! I was...so scared...

Ike
I'm sorry, Mist.

Mist
Who cares...

Ike
You really were frightened...I'm sorry, I truly am.

Mist
...All right...

Conversation continues

Ranulf
Huff...huff...Whew! I doubt the enemy will pursue me this far.

Giffca
A warrior such as you, wounded? Did a beorc give you that bruise?[

Ranulf
Master Giffca! Owwwww!

Giffca
The king told me to come and check on you. Don't move...Hm, you're plenty banged up, but nothing appears to be broken.

Ranulf
There's one among the Daein army whose power is overwhelming. To move with such speed with all that armor...I tell you, it's not right! And now, the king's forced to use you, his shadow warrior, to check up on me...Our ministers are as obstinate as ever. No matter what happens, they will not approve of an alliance with the beorc.

Giffca
Nothing to be done about that. Every one of the older retainers has memories of laguz subordination. Even the king. If Princess Elincia were not King Ramon's orphan, I doubt he would be willing to aid her.

Ranulf
Perhaps you're right...At any rate, the princess and the others are now safely at sea.

Giffca
And the watchdog? No signs of carelessness, I presume.

Ranulf
Of course not.Even the elders will bend their ears to hear what that one says--that one is "special," after all.

Giffca
And how do you see this? Princess Elincia's drive for the reconstruction of Crimea. Does she have a chance?

Ranulf
Eh, who can say? Which way the wheel turns depends on Ike and his mercenaries. Success and failure are but a hair removed.

Giffca
So this company, which has done nothing but flee, controls the fate of the kingdom? That's a dangerous gamble, isn't it?

Ranulf
All gambles are dangerous, Master Giffca. But no mistake about it, Daein's next target is Gallia. We must go home and prepare!

Ashnard
...Princess Crimea, ]did she board the ship to Begnion with the remainder of Gawain's mercenaries?

Black Knight
Yes.

Ashnard
The hindrance that was Gawain is dead. The location of the medallion...will soon be known. Has our "worm" worked itself into the group?

Black Knight
It appears that our worm has been accepted as a trusted member of the company.

Ashnard
Heh heh heh. All is going as planned. Now, we let them swim as they please.

Black Knight
...There is one thing. I met someone unexpected at the harbor.

Ashnard
Who?

Black Knight
The prime minister of the Begnion Empire...

Ashnard
What?!...Is that true? If he is nosing about, we must not make any mistakes. Did he give any indication he had caught on to our plans?

Black Knight
That...I do not know. He did tell me to deliver a message to you..."Overreaching ambition invites disaster."

Ashnard
Pah. Nonsense. Our only concern is the princess of Crimea and the medallion. We must wait and watch until such time as we can strike.

Black Knight
...

Ashnard
In the interim, I want you to take charge of the invasion of Gallia. Be smart. You must not allow Gallia to bring their full might to bear. Understood?

Black Knight
...As you will.

Base Conversations

Merchant

Man
Hey there, traveler! Do you have everything you need? If you stop by my humble shop, you'll find the best deals in town! Whattya say? Interested?

Ike
Yeah, that sounds great. Listen, can I ask you a question?

Man
No problem! You can ask me anything.Especially if it's about my low, low prices!

Ike
What do the townspeople think of Daein? You knew that they were coming. Didn't anyone think to flee Crimea?

Man
Flee? Don't be absurd!

Ike
But Crimea lost the war.

Man
Yeah, I know. And honestly? That doesn't really affect us common folk, ya know? The truth is, we don't care who sitson the throne. To us, they're all just faceless beings who rule from on high. If they tried to raise taxes or something, you better believe we'd protest, but
otherwise...I mean, take the king of Daein. He's just another man, right? If we keep working, he can keep living the high life. So it's not like he's going to treat us poorly or anything. As long as we can live our lives and have a little happiness,we aren't going to[nl]
worry about it all too much. Oh, but if we were invaded by Gallia, well, that's a different story altogether. If our country were overrun by those savage beasts, who knows what could happen? Now THAT scares me!

Ike
...

Man
What the? Hey! Wait! Come back! What about my low, low prices?! Now what was that all about?

Man

Vigilante
Pardon me, buddy. I haven't seen you around town before. You a traveling mercenary?

Ike
Yes, I suppose you could say that.

Vigilante
Nice sword...You look like a man who knows his business. If you're looking for work, I've a proposition for you.

Ike
A proposition?

Vigilante
I run a vigilante group that helps keep our fair town safe. A strong man like you would be most welcome.

Ike
Thanks, but I've got something lined up.

Vigilante
Oh, really? That's too bad. Heading out to sea?

Ike
Maybe.

Vigilante
Har har! Cautious to the end! I like that! Well, just in case you are...I want you to have this.

Ike
Hm? What's this?

Vigilante
It's a special sword. It'll come in handy if you ever...find yourself at sea. Not that you would! Har har!

Ike
Really? You're giving me a sword? Are you sure?

Vigilante
Well, there is one condition...Once you've finished your job, you come back and see me. I'd like you to reconsider that vigilante position.

Ike
Understood. Thanks again for the blade.

Elincia

Elincia
...

Ike
Princess!

Elincia
My lord Ike...

Ike
Why are you here all by yourself? That's not very safe.

Elincia
I was looking at the town. I'm unfamiliar with the world outside the imperial villa where I was raised. This is the first time I've been able to see how other people live. Everything is so new and different to my eyes. This...is a town, isn't it? There's so much energy, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

Ike
With all the boats coming in and out of the harbor, this town's livelier than most. That's for sure.

Elincia
It's like nothing has happened. All the death and destruction we've seen feels like horrible dream...

Ike
Mmm...

Kieran

Kieran
Haa! Yaaa! Hiiii-yaaaa!!

Ike
What are you doing?

Kieran
I'm trying to regain the superb physique I lost when I was being held prisoner.

Ike
Are you ready to board the ship?

Kieran
I was born ready! Hoooo-ha! I don't need anything! Even as we speak, many of my fellow Crimeans are suffering at the hands of Daein. If I cannot rush to their aid today, then I can at least prepare myself for the day when I can.

Ike
I see.[pause 34] Well, when we're ready, I'll let you know.

Kieran
Understood.

Ike
Sorry to have interrupted you.

Kieran
My lord Ike!

Ike
What is it?

Kieran
You rescued and cared for Princes Elincia. You have my heartfelt thanks. She...For us, she is our one solitary hope.

Ike
Yeah.

Kieran
Right, enough talking.

Kieran
Until we make our triumphant return to Melior, all I can do is keep training! Haaa! Nyaaa! Whaaaaaaaaaaa!!

Ike
Careful! Don't pull anything...

Brom

Brom
...

Ike
What are you looking at?

Brom
Oh, just this. [pause 32]It's sort of a good-luck charm. My family gave it to me when I left home. We never had much money, so my parents gathered some stones from our farm back home and put them in this leather pouch. It's not much to look at, but it means a lot to me Every day, I take them out and talk to them like they're my family. "How is everyone?" "I'm out here doing the best I can." "Don't worry. I'll be home soon." Just stuff like that. I know it sounds foolish, but if I don't do this...I won't...I won't have the courage to fight.

Ike
...

Brom
Don't worry about my feelings. You can laugh. Acting like this at my age, what a silly man I am!

Ike
It's not silly, Brom. You're a strong man who has decided to fight for the sake of his family. I know that your family is very proud of you.

Brom
...Sniff...S-s-sniff...Mm. Thank you, Ike. Sniff... Thank you.

Nephenee

Nephenee
Well, that's that.

Ike
Are you ready to go, Nephenee?

Nephenee
Ah! Ike...

Ike
What is it?

Nephenee
...Um...Nope! Nothin'! I'm fine.

Ike
Are you sure?

Nephenee
Yeah! Sure I'm sure!

Ike
You know, it's hard being a prisoner. It's physically and mentally demanding...I need to know: can you fight?

Nephenee
Not a problem

Ike
It's easy for you to say, but you sound like you're about to fall over.

Nephenee
That? Aw, no! That's a habit...It's just the way I talk. Just talkin'!...Sorry.

Ike
No need to apologize. As long as you're not feeling ill, everything's fine. All right, I'll see you later.

Nephenee
Right then...