Chapter 17: Gra's Setting Sun (Script)
Opening
Marth once again departed from Altea,
heading towards the capital of Archanea.
However, the Kingdom of Gra, ally to
Archanea, stood in their path.
Gra allied with Dolhr in the previous war; King
Jiol fell in battle, and the kingdom was lost.
Gra was annexed to Altea at one point,
but, by Emperor Hardin's order, it was
returned to Archanea.
Hardin found King Jiol's daughter, Princess
Sheema, and allowed her to take the throne,
providing support to Gra.
Sheema received fanatical support from her
people.
To them, Sheema was their only hope.
The youths volunteered to become soldiers
one after the other.
And then, happily moved out to exact
revenge on Altea, their bitter enemy.
However, their dreams were shattered...
Before the fast approaching Altean elites,
the Gra soldiers lost the will to fight
and started fleeing for their lives.
Main story
Jagen:
Gra's army is renowned for its mighty armor knights and generals. The late king Jiol--our enemy in the last war--was a general himself.
Chris:
I see. An army with strong defenses...
Jagen:
In the past, yes. I hear that Gra's army now consists of new recruits. Hardly worthy enemies. Speaking of strong defenses, Chris...
(If Chris has high defense)
Jagen:
Your defense is truly overwhelming. Only a fool would dare approach you. Even Gra at it's prime could not compete with your defense. This battle has already been decided.
(If Chris has average defense)
Jagen:
Your defense is quite impressive. No man in Gra could match your defense. This battle has already been decided.
(If Chris has low defense)
Jagen:
Erm, your defense... could do with a little more work. This is quite worrisome. Chris, the enemies may be new recruits, but don't underestimate them.
(Map Start)
Samson:
Princess Sheema, the Altean army has come.
Sheema:
I see... The end draws near. Samson, I ought to apologize for burdening you. However I must see my kingdom through till the very end. You may go.
Samson:
That's quite enough, I think, Princess. King Jiol took your mother away from you: you should despise him. Now, you're just lettin' Hardin make a fool of you.
Sheema:
I probably am a fool. I did as he asked, because he told me the people of Gra wished for their motherland's restoration. But Hardin only intended to use us. Now that we've outlived our use, he's tossed us aside like rubbish. All the same, I won't move! My men are not disposable!
Samson:
How sad... You'll have new recruits hold back the elite Altean army alone? Fine. If you say you'll remain here, then I'll fight for you until the end, too. Well, this should be fun, at least.
Sheema:
Samson... Why would you do this? Don't you mercenaries only live for gold? I have no more to give you...
Samson:
Well, I don't quite get it, either. But... there are times when a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. That's all I can say... For now. Besides, I want to see how that kid fights. If he's a true hero, perhaps your decision will change.
(If you kill one of Sheema’s soldiers)
Sheema:
What...?! What have you done...? I believed you, Altea; I trusted you... How dare you... I'll kill all of you!
Samson:
Prince Marth... How unfortunate. I thought you a better man.
(If you kill one of Sheema’s soldiers while Samson is no longer alive)
Sheema:
What...?! What have you done...? I believed you, Altea; I trusted you... How dare you... I'll kill all of you!
(Recruiting Sheema)
Marth:
Princess Sheema? Thank goodness. It's good to see you're well. Let us be clear: I do not hold animosity towards the Kingdom of Gra. Our kingdoms were once one. It grieved me to watch us go our separate ways in the last war. Princess Sheema, I would like to try once more. I do not wish to fight with Gra.
Sheema:
Prince Marth... It surprised me to learn that you hadn't laid a finger on my fleeing soldiers. You may just be the second coming of King Anri. I believe you. If it's not too much to ask... Please, accept the people of Gra... as you would those of Altea. I entrust all of my country... to you, Prince Marth.
(Recruiting Samson)
Samson:
Well, Sheema. I guess my job here is done.
Sheema:
Samson... You're leaving...?
Samson:
I don't think you'll be needin' me. After all, the prince will protect you from here on.
Sheema:
Don't go! Please, don't go...!
Samson:
W-what? Why are you makin' me stay? This ain't like you. ...Well, whatever. If you still need me, then I'm not goin' anywhere. Wherever you go, I'll protect you. Is that the deal?
Sheema:
Yes...
(Houses)
Old Man:
Hardin placed soldiers 'ere to ensure Gra's loyalty. But only the Archanean soldiers have any will to fight.
Man:
Princess Sheema is the daughter of King Jiol's second wife. But unlike the king, Princess Sheema is a very kind person. She'd risk her own life for her soldiers. Isn't there anyone who'll help her?
Man:
The soldiers 'ere are all amateurs. Our country's knights all fell in battle. There's no one left to protect our country. And now, the Archanean soldiers do as they please. They're worse than thieves! Brutes, barbarians!
(Village 1)
Woman:
Oh... please, spare me. I have nothing left to give.
Marth:
Please don't get the wrong idea. We're not here to take anything from you.
Woman:
But didn't you Alteans come here to exact revenge on us?
Marth:
No, we've no intention to fight Gra. Gra and Altea were like siblings once.
Woman:
You speak truly...? Then, I shall give you... my dearest, most precious treasure♥
(Village 2 - Recruiting Tomas)
Tomas:
Prince Marth, I've been waiting for you. I'm Tomas, an Archanean soldier--or was. I've since retired from the army. The Archaneans here just want to sacrifice the defenceless Gra soldiers. This act of brutality by my former homeland... I cannot tolerate. Please, Prince Marth. Let me fight with you in some way.
(Fighting Sheema)
Sheema:
You dastards! How dare you slaughter my people! I'll kill you all!
(Fighting Samson)
Samson:
I know that Gra cannot prevail. But Sheema deserves better than this.
(Killing Sheema)
Sheema:
Forgive me, my people.
(Killing Samson)
Samson:
Sheema...
(Stage Ending)
Jagen:
Sire, to keep fighting like this is pointless. All we are accomplishing is buying Hardin more time.
Marth:
My thoughts exactly. If we continue like this, more blood will be spilt for naught. Chris, do you have any sort of plan?
Chris:
According to our information, the enemy's primary force is concentrated along the highway. I wonder if we can avoid that route, by passing through the mountains?
Jagen:
Hmph, we'd have to cross Adria Pass... But the steep mountains make it dangerous for an army of our size.
Chris:
That's true, and I fear the enemy may have prepared an ambush as well. Our bravery could be our undoing. But it is the fastest possible route. If we could just break through there, we'd be in walking distance of the palace.
Marth:
I am prepared for the danger. We managed to conquer the same perilous road that Anri walked. Compared to that... Jagen, Chris. We can overcome this challenge. Order the advance!
(Frost joins)
Frost:
Oof... Seems I've finally caught up.
Chris:
Hmm, and you are?
Frost:
My name is Frost. I am a priest of Macedon. When Macedon was taken over by those warmonging rebels... You came and saved our country. Thanks to you, my family's now safe. I have come to return the favor.
Chris:
I see. But hasn't it been some time since Prince Marth freed Macedon...?
Frost:
Your army marched at speed and this old geezer just couldn't keep up. Eventually I lost sight of you... But then I heard that Marth had freed Altea as well, and I finally managed to catch up with you here, in Gra. I am old now, but I can still fight. Please, allow me to to join you.