Chapter 20: Defending Talrega (Script)

This content was originally provided by Generic Officer.

Main Story

Before battle

Ike
I got it.

Soren
Ike, just a bit more...Would you mind hearing my report on our last battle?

Ike
Uh, sure. Go ahead, please.

Soren
Very well.

Soren
...This can only mean one thing: the enemy knows exactly how we are going to move. With your permission, I'll begin an investigation to see if there's anyone suspicious among the troops......Ike?

Ike
...

Soren
Ike? Are you all right?

Ike
Hm? , yes...Sorry. What is it?

Soren
Nothing. I was just giving you the standard update. Shall I put it off till later?

Ike
No, sorry, but can you start over from the beginning? I'll pay attention this time.

Soren
Understood.

Titania
Good morning, you two. What's wrong, Ike? You look so sleepy!

Ike
I've...had a lot on my mind. I meant to sleep last night, but I was up thinking. Before I knew it, it was morning.

Titania
Really? I never thought I'd hear that. Ike didn't sleep because he was thinking. I wonder if Soren will start being polite...

Ike
Listen, Titania... Can I just--

Mist
B-Brother! Ike!

Ike
What's wrong, Mist?

Mist
What am I going to do, Ike? My medallion's gone!

Ike
What? It's gone?

Titania
No!!

Mist
What am I going to do? It was my only memento of Mother--

Ike
Did you drop it? Or put it somewhere and forget? Something like that?

Mist
No! I always carry it with me! I would never lose it! I had it before I went to bed last night... It vanished while I was sleeping! Sniff...waaaa...

Ike
Don't cry. It's not your fault.

Mist
But...but...

Ike
I said don't cry! I'll find it! All right?!

Mist
All...right... Sorry...

Soren
...

This chapter has a different battle report quote than the rest

Soren
Ike, just a bit more...Would you mind hearing my report on our last battle?

Ike
Uh, sure. Go ahead, please.

Exit base

Shiharam
A-are you serious?

Petrine
You are to begin immediately.

Shiharam
Yet, that's... General Petrine! If we do this thing, Daein will suffer.

Petrine
It's for the good of the country. Besides, it's only one territory! Stop mewling like an old woman.

Shiharam
I hear you, and yet...If the goal is merely to stop the Crimean army, this is not necessary. The strength of my troops will suffice to--

Petrine
The last idiot who told me that ended up on a corpse pile! Now listen to me, and listen well. No matter how passionate you are when you tell me you'll defeat Crimea, I'll never pin my hopes on a bunch of foreigners. All you have to do is stop their forward progress. That's all. My plan will accomplish this.

Shiharam
General Petrine! Do you truly think so little of us? It's true that we were born in Begnion and not Daein, but my men and I have been loyal to this country for eighteen years. We have spared no effort to learn all the proper manners and customs of this land. But now, after all of that, to be dismissed as a "bunch of foreigners..."

Petrine
No one asked how long you've lived here. Want to know why? Because no one cares! Certainly not me! Where were you born? Huh? Where were you raised? Ha! This country doesn't
need squatters like you! The only people Daein can count on in times of crisis are Daeins themselves! Everyone else is just gutter leavings!

Shiharam
So we're useless...Is that what you're saying?

Petrine
You tell me, migrant! Why is it that your unit, which was trained to be an elite royal guard, is here patrolling this hick-infested backwater? The answer's clear to me! How about you?

Shiharam
I... I...

Petrine
Oh, I'm sorry... Am I offending you? Well, here's your chance to show us your worth. Halt Crimea's advance! If you are as skilled as you claim, you should be able to limit the damage to its bare minimum, should you not?

Shiharam
Grrr...

Petrine
Hmph! Angry is a good look for you. I look forward to seeing the results of your work. Get going, outlander.

Daein Soldier
G-General Shiharam... Must we truly go through with this? It's such a horrific act! It's only recently that the citizens hereabouts have even come to trust us.

Shiharam
We have no choice but to obey. It's as the woman says. The only thing we can do is ensure the Crimean army is defeated as soon as possible.

Daein Soldier
General--

Shiharam
Open the floodgates. DO IT NOW!

Elincia
My lord Ike, were you able to find the medallion?

Ike
No. It's gone. I fear that Daein may have somehow stolen it.

Elincia
What? Is such a thing possible?

Ike
I don't know to what degree, but there can be no questioning Daein's involvment.

Elincia
Is the medallion...special?

Ike
...Yes...Oh, yes...

Elincia
...I beg your pardon.

Ike
What is it?

Elincia
My question may have touched a sensitive area.

Ike
Oh, no... It's not that I don't want to discuss it with you personally. I just can't really talk about it to anyone. It's a private matter.

Elincia
Ah, I see.

Ulki was recruited

Ulki
Ike.

Ike
What is it, Ulki?

Ulki
I hear the sound of rushing water just ahead. A lot of it.

Ike
Rushing water?

Soren
According to the map, there's a large river up ahead.

Ike
That must be what you hear.

Ulki
This is unnatural. Warped. It is not the sound of a normal river...

Janaff was recruited

Bengion Soldier
General Ike! Sir, we've got trouble! The road ahead is blocked by water!

Elincia
What? How can that be?

Bengion Soldier
Perhaps a local river has flooded. The whole region is soaking wet.

Ike
Is the road completely impassable?

Bengion Soldier
No, sir! We can move forward, but the water's turned the ground to mud. And the water is still flowing at a tremendous rate, sir! This is going to cut back our speed dramatically.

Soren
This is the work of Daein. They thought to impede our progress in order to gain some time for themselves. And they've succeeded.

Titanai
Blast! Is there nothing we can do?

Soren
Well... If they were able to flood the road only when we approached, there must be floodgates in the area.

Ike
So if we can close them, we'll shut off the flow of water, right? That makes sense. Let's get some scouts looking for gates.

Janaff
What's that? Hey, if you're looking for something, leave it to me. I AM the hawk king's eyes, after all!

Ike
What do you mean?

Janaff
These peepers of mine can see for miles and miles. They're quite handy. It would be a shame not to use them.

Ike
Is that some laguz power? You're a hawk with the eyes of a...hawk?

Janaff
It beats your fantastic wit! My eyesight isn't a racial ability, it's just my own natural talent. Heck, my pal Ulki has ears that can hear grass growing on the other side of the country.

Ike
I see. Well then, the job's yours. Do you think you can find the floodgates?

Janaff
I just look for some openings with a lot of water pouring out, right? Yeah, I can handle that!

Janaff was not recruited

Bengion Soldier
General Ike! Sir, we've got trouble! The road ahead is blocked by water!

Elincia
What? How can that be?

Bengion Soldier
Perhaps a local river has flooded. The whole region is soaking wet.

Ike
Is the road completely impassable?

Bengion Soldier
No, sir! We can move forward, but the water's turned the ground to mud. And the water is still flowing at a tremendous rate, sir! This is going to cut back our speed dramatically.

Soren
This is the work of Daein. They thought to impede our progress in order to gain some time for themselves. And they've succeeded.

Titania
Blast! Is there nothing we can do?

Soren
Well... If they were able to flood the road only when we approached, there must be floodgates in the area.

Ike
So if we can close them, we'll shut off the flow of water, right? That makes sense. Let's get some scouts looking for gates.

Conversation continues

Shiraram
The Crimean army is here! All troops! Combat formations! Hit them fast and hard! We can't let this battle drag out!

Ike
So those are the floodgates.

Soren
If we can get them closed, the water will recede in about twelve hours or so.

Ike
All right, let's get going!

Deployed Jill and read the  base conversation  JIll in the previous chapter.

Jill
...

Ike
Are you all right? You look rather pale.

Jill
Um, General Ike... To be honest, I...

Ike
I know. The enemy general is your father, isn't he?

Jill
How did you know?

Ike
I overheard you talking to that man with the eye patch.

Jill
I see.

Ike
If you're having second thoughts, it's not too late. Do you want me to switch you out with someone else?

Jill
No... I'll be fine. At least, I think I will.

Ike
You don't have to be in the vanguard. Just keep that in mind.

Jill
Thank you...

Deployed Jill and reached an A support with Mist


Jill
...

Ike
Are you all right? You look rather pale.

Jill
Oh, General Ike...

Ike
What is it? Mist is worried that you're not feeling well.

Jill
To be honest... The man leading the enemy forces, General Shiharam...He's my father.

Ike
What? Hmm... That's not good. Do you really want to face your father in combat?

Jill
I joined this army based on my own convictions. I think I can meet my father with my head held high.

Ike
Well, if you're sure... Just remember, if you change your mind, let me know. There's no need for you to be in the vanguard if you don't want to be.

Jill
Thank you...

Deployed Jill and didn't read the support conversation Jill in the pervious chapter.

Jill
...

Ike
Are you all right? You look rather pale.

Jill
Um, General Ike...

Ike
What is it? Is there something you need to talk about?

Jill
No. It's nothing.

Ike
If you say so.

Jill
Uh-huh.

Ike
If it's too hard, you don't have to be in the vanguard, you know.

Jill
What?

Ike
These Daein wyvern riders... They're your old companions, aren't they?

Jill
Y-yes... Thank you for your concern.

Ike
You've nothing to prove to us.

Jill
...Father...

Jill attacks an enemy (Randomly generated?)

Daein Soldier
Lady Jill, is that you? What are you doing with the Crimeans?

Jill
I'm sorry... I've chosen the path that's right for me.

Daein Soldier
Pah! You would betray your own father?

Jill
...

Daein Soldier
You...traitor!

Jill
...

Daein Soldier
My lady Jill... No...Why does this have to be...

After a certain amount of turns

Daein Soldier
Ge-General! How long are the floodgates to remain open?

Shiharam
Until the Crimean army has been defeated.

Daein Soldier
Sir! If we wait that long, all of the neighboring farmland will be drowned! The locals are already quite upset. They may not abide this much further.

Shiharam
...

Daein Soldier
General!

Haar
Enough, soldier! If you've got the time to be bellyaching, take your butt out to the battlefield and kill some Crimean soldiers.

Daein Soldier
Captain Haar! Do you support this action? This is inhumane! Lives will be ruined! Daein citizens will die! Even if we claim that it's necessary in order to achieve victory... This is too much!

Haar
This is Daein's way. Are you ready to disobey the king and be put to the death for your troubles?

Daein Soldier
I would rather die than kill innocent Daein civilians.

Haar
If you're executed as a traitor to the throne, your parents and siblings will also pay. Are you still prepared?

Daein Soldier
...

Haar
Now do you understand what I'm trying to tell you? Go. Fight bravely.

Daein Soldier
...Y-yes, sir!

Shiharam
To gain the trust of the king, we've become cruel and heartless. First hunting and executing the laguz...And now flooding the lands these people call home?

Haar
General Shiharam... If someone hears you use the word laguz in this country, you'll be branded a traitor.

Shiharam
Hmm...you're right as always. To live in this land, where laguz prejudice is so virulent, we've had to seal away everything we know and teach our children to hate all sub-humans. All that just to survive here.

Haar
It's Ashnard's fault this country has become what it is today. Ah, what a terrible miscalculation we made...Even so, I... I hated the idea of furthering the corruption of the imperial senate. I will continue to support your reasons for leaving Begnion.

Jill was recruited and alive

Shiharam
...I wonder if Jill has distanced herself from the Crimean forces.

Haar
I did...give her warning.

Shiharam
Above all else, I would like to avoid meeting my daughter in combat.

Haar
I pray that she does not take to the field this day. Knowing her temperament, talking with you would only increase both of your sorrows.

Shiharam
I have but one favor to ask of you.

Haar
Say it, and it will be done.

Shiharam
Do not fight today.

Haar
What?

Shiharam
Only one side can win a battle. If we are defeated in the end, I want you to care for the survivors and their families.

Haar
...Yes, sir...Commander Shiharam.

Shiharam
Commander... It's been many a long year since you last called me that.

Haar
May the fortunes of war be with you. Through all that's...happened... It's been an honor to serve with you.

Shiharam
Mmm...

If Jill is dead or not recruited

Shiharam
Only one side can win a battle. If we are defeated in the end, I want you to care for the survivors and their families.

Haar
...Yes, sir...Commander Shiharam.

Shiharam
Commander... It's been many a long year since you last called me that.

Haar
May the fortunes of war be with you. Through all that's...happened... It's been an honor to serve with you.

Shiharam
Mmm...

Past the turn limit

Soren
Ike! It's no use! The water's too high!

Ike
I...wasn't fast enough... No!

Titania
Ike... We must retreat! I'm sorry, but...we lose.

Ike
How can this be? Father...forgive me.

Jill talks to Shiharam. (No A support with Mist or B with Lethe)

Jill
Father!

Shiharam
Jill...is that you?

Jill
Why...Why are you doing this terrible thing? You must close the floodgates now! The fields will be lost, but there may be time to save the homes.

Shiharam
I cannot...

Jill
Father?

Shiharam
If you wish to stop the water, you must defeat your father. That is...the...only way...

Jill
What is it? There has to be a reason! I know that an act like this cannot be what you desire.

Shiharam
...Jill, you must leave. Please! If you can't do that, then slay me! There's no more time!

Jill
...Very well! In that case, I will fight with you.

Shiharam
What did you say?

Jill
Not as a soldier of Daein, but as one of your soldiers. I will fight.

Shiharam
Jill, calm yourself. You mustn't get caught up in the emotions of the moment and lose your way.

Jill
Joining the Crimean army opened my eyes. For the first time, I was able to think about what I fight for. Until that moment, I only did as I was ordered...It was all for fame and glory. Now I finally understand. I fight for those I wish to protect. Father, I want to fight for you.

Shiharam
Even if you come to regret it?

Jill
Yes. I'm prepared for that. I...Jill Fizzart, hereby return myself to the command of General Shiharam. What are your orders, sir?

Enter first village

Grandma
Hold on, youngster! Who do you think you are? You can't just come barging into people's homes! Let me tell you something! You can ransack my home all you want, but you'll find nothing of value here. All our young men have been dragged off to war, and all that's left are women and children. If it's gold you're after, take that scroll on the floor there. You may be able to sell it. It's just something I picked up, so I don't know if it has any value. But take it anyway, you dirty thief!

Enter the second village

Grandpa
You! You filthy Crimean! Get out! Get out now! There's nothing in this shack that would make you happy!

Character that entered the village
...

Grandpa
Oh, so you won't leave till you get something, is that it? Here, take this old staff! Now hit the road! You've no need to steal anything else from us! Or will you take my life, as well?! In that last skirmish... My boy, my only son... You stole his life, curse you! I hope you're satisfied!

Shiharam is attacked

Shiharam
Neither of us desires a drawn-out battle. Come! Hold nothing back!

Shiharam is attacked

Shiharam
...Haar... The rest...is up...to you.........Ji...ll...

After battle

Bengion Soldier
General Ike, sir! The floodgates have been closed!

Ike
Soren, what's the damage to the surrounding area?

Soren
It's terrible. All of the fields and homes have been completely destroyed.

Ike
I see...

Titania
...I don't think this is what the enemy general wanted, either. So why did this have to happen?

Elincia
It's heartless... What will happen to those who've lost their homes? Can we do anything to help them?

Soren
You want to aid the people of our enemy? That is time and energy we cannot afford.

Ike
Soren. Take a portion of our supplies and distribute it among the locals.

Soren
What? Are you serious?

Ike
Our opponent is the Daein army. We've no quarrel with these people.

Soren
Ike, I know you feel for these people, but this is war! We don't have--

Ike
I don't know what it will accomplish, Soren. But, moving on without lifting a finger is something I cannot do.

Titania
I understand. I'd rather regret something I had done than regret taking no action at all.

Elincia
I would like to help, too. Perhaps I can aid the injured.

Soren
...Idiocy...

Petrine
Well, that's that. We gained some time by flooding the river, but it won't hold them for long. I knew that foreign cur was useless... It looks like the decisive battle will be fought near the capital.

Ena
Preparations are complete, General Petrine. In order to ease command for you, Sir Bryan will serve as your deputy. Regarding strategy, it would be easiest if you spoke with him directly--

Petrine
Sorry to tell you this, Ena, but I'm not the one who'll be directing our forces in the capital.

Ena
Will it be the Black Knight then? Hmm...the plans must be adjusted slightly. I'll select someone else to act as deputy...

Petrine
No. Not him either. His Majesty wishes you to direct the defenses, Ena.

Ena
Me? I am to take command...of the army?

Petrine
That's right. You're moving up in the world, General Ena.

Ena
I...it's too much for me... I must confirm this with the king...

Petrine
Ha! What a rare sight this is. I've never seen you so flustered! Listen, if you wish to meet with His Majesty, you must fulfill your duties. He's ordered that there be no communications until that time.

Ena
...

Black Knight
I'm a bit late.

Petrine
Well, if it isn't the big Black Knight! It's been such a long time. You're always so very busy, aren't you? Here one day, there the next... Your secret maneuvers are--

Black Knight
They are proof of the trust His Majesty has placed in me. Ena, go to the east gate. You have a visitor.

Ena
Very well...

Petrine
Is it the Worm? Did he bring it with him?

Black Knight
It appears so. He insists that he give it directly over to Ena, though.

Petrine
Hmph! As long as it is ours, it makes no difference.

Black Knight
When Ena returns, you will be the one to take it directly to the king. Show care that it is not unwrapped on the way there. That could be...unfortunate.

Petrine
I don't need to be told that! More importantly, what will you do now?

Black Knight
Me? I will...

Unknown
Ena... Have you been well?

Ena
Where is Lehran's Medallion?

Unknown
Right here. Take it, please.

Ena
It feels so heavy...and it's not all the wrapping, either. Could this be the chaotic energy... of an evil god?

Unknown
So, you can now return to King Ashnard's side, can you not?

Ena
No. Not yet.

Unknown
What do you mean?

Ena
I've been entrusted with the defense of the capital. I...must face the Crimean army.

Unknown
No!

Ena
Thank you. You've done so much for me...But now, it's... It's enough. Please...Reclaim your freedom. There's no need for you to follow Daein's orders any longer.

Unknown
And you? Do you mean to die?

Ena
No... I cannot retreat. Even if I have to slaughter the entire Crimean army... I will return to him...

Unknown
Yet he thinks nothing of you...

Ena
That matters not. The only place I belong is at his side. I will most likely never see you again... I will pray for your eternal happiness.

Unknown
Ena! Wait!

Ena
Forget about me. That is my final request. Farewell...Nasir.

Nasir
...Ena....

JIll
Oh, Father...

Ike
Jill... No matter the reasons, I'm the one who took your father from you. I can't use this war as an excuse.

Jill
...

Ike
If you want revenge on me for your father, I understand. You have...that right.

JIll
...

Ike
Once you've had some time to think things through, let me know what you will do. I'd like to have you stay with us, but... It's really up to you. That's all I had to say.

JIll
...Sniff. ...Sn...sniff......

Haar
One, two, three... Five in all. We're lucky to have that many.

Daein Soldier
Captain Haar... What are we supposed to do now? General Shiharam is dead, and our homes are gone. What are we to do with our families?

Haar
What do you want to do? We've lost any right we had to stay here. So that leaves Begnion or Crimea...

Daein Soldier
General Shiharam was slain by Crimea...Joining with them now is not...It's not possible.

Haar
Then all you can do is return to Begnion. I doubt you'll get a hero's welcome, but...I've an old friend in the pegasus knights. Shall I contact her?

Daein Soldier
Sniff... Ah, gods. Eighteen long years...What does any of it mean now?

Haar
Don't say that! No matter what, I'm proud to have served under General Shiharam.

Daein Soldier
You're right... It was an honor...

Base Conversation

Woman

Calil
Yoo-hoo! You there! Young man! I have business with the general of this army. Would you convey a message?

Ike
Who are you?

Calill
...Who am I? What kind of low-born greeting is that? My name is Calill, and I am a first-class mage.

Ike
And what would a "first-class" mage want with this army?

Calill
What's your problem? You look as if you don't believe me! Well,  suppose I can't hold that against you...It's not often you find beauty like this coupled with intelligence like mine. But it's true nonetheless.

Ike
A mage, huh? Well, I guess you can never have too many mages lying around.

Calill
Oh, and as a bonus, I'm quite skilled with a knife, as well. Beauty, brains, and brawn... Sigh! The goddess has seen fit to put the abilities of three people into one delectable package.Sounds like favoritism, doesn't it? A...Um...hellooooo? Are you listening to me? There's a beautiful woman talking!

Ike
Yeah, the point is that you want to join the Crimean army, right? How much are you planning to charge?

Calill
Well, aren't you the little businessman? Let's see... How does free sound?

Ike
Suspicious. What's the catch?

Calill
I like my fees to be based on performance. Watch how I do in combat, and make me an offer.Depending on what it is, I'll decide whether or not to grace you with my assistance.

Ike
You're not lacking for confidence, are you?

Calill
Of course not! I already told you, I'm a first-class mage.

Ike
...  

Hire

Ike
All right, you're in.

Calill
What? Are you allowed to make decisions like that on your own? Perhaps I should speak to the general!

Ike
I am the general.

Calill
Whaaaaaat?!

Don't Hire

Ike
Sorry, not interested. We've got enough mages as it is.

Calill
Pardon? Are you allowed to make decisions like that all by yourself? Perhaps I should speak to the general!

Ike
I am the general.

Calill
Whaaaaaat?!

Reyson

Ike
Reyson! Could you come down here for a moment?

Reyson
What do you need?

Ike
I've got something I want to ask you about.

Reyson
If I can help, I will.

Ike
Your... Your ancestors............

Ike
Forget it. It's nothing.

Reyson
What? Is something wrong?

Ike
I apologize. Please let it go.

Reyson
It seems like something important has happened, but if you do not want to discuss it, that is your right.However, if this weren't a battlefield, your secret might not be safe. Please take care in the future.

Ike
What do you mean?

Reyson
We of the heron clan...If we choose to, we can read the thoughts of others.

Ike
Seriously?

Reyson
However, this power is only available to us in a calm and peaceful environment.Here, in this desperate maelstrom of chaotic emotion, it avails me not. Energy here is warped and distorted.

Ike
You know, now that you mention it...Reyson, are you feeling sick?

Reyson
...

Ike
You're so pale that it's hard to tell, but I think your face looks more wan than usual.

Reyson
Pay it no mind. I'm...fine.

Ike
You've got nothing to prove. Why don't you stay off the battlefield for a while?

Reyson
Ike! I'm fine, I promise. Please, do not give me special treatment.

Ike
As far as giving you special treatment goes, I don't really have a choice.I promised King Phoenicis I wouldn't push you too hard.If anything were to happen to you, I'd be at war with Daein and the
bird clans at the same time!

Reyson
...I see.I came to repay my debt, but I'm really just being a burden.

Ike
That was not my intention. Hold on a moment! Who said anything about you being a burden?

Reyson
I cannot engage in combat, so I'm nothing more than an obstacle in the field.

Ike
Reyson, no! That's absurd! Don't you understand how useful your abilities are?No one else can do the things that you can. You're irreplaceable.So if you're not feeling well and try to do too much, you may not be there when we really need you.

Reyson
I'm of use to you, then?

Ike
That's what I've been trying to tell you. We depend on you, and that's why I need to make sure you stay healthy.

Reyson
In that case... I wouldn't mind taking a short break.But you can call me anytime. I'll come right away.