Chapter 23: The Great Bridge (Script)

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Main Story

Before battle

Narration
The information gathered at Palmeni Temple leads Ike ever closer to the hidden truths behind the war. The assassination of Begnion's former apostle led to the massacre of Serenes. A Serenes princess was kidnapped. The medallion is stolen. A complex skein seemed to connect these events, and now those threads have become clearer and cleaner. Ashnard's motives are still a mystery, but his silhouette lurks in the shadows of all that happens. Ike returns from the temple and renounces all rights to the rule of Daein. Those rights are then passed through General Zelgius of Begnion to the apostle herself. The Crimean army absorbs another troop from Begnion, and with its might increased, marches on the Daein/Crimean border. Its next goal is the Riven Bridge, a massive structure that connects the two countries.

Zelgius
If that's the decision you've reached, we'll respectfully comply.

Ike
If we can march quickly and know that someone's protecting our backs, it would be a huge relief.

Zelgius
As you wish. May the fortunes of war be with the Crimean army. If you have need of soldiers, send word. We'll move out at top speed.

Ike
I'll be counting on it.

Elincia
My lord Ike, may I have a moment?

Ike
Of course. What is it?

Elincia
The soldiers say that tomorrow we'll be able to see the great bridge. Once we cross it, we'll be in Crimea.

Ike
That's what I've been told.

Elincia
It feels like I've been away for many years. Crimea is the land where I was born and raised. To feel so removed from it... I feel now, at this late juncture, that I know almost nothing of my own country. It is an unreal experience.

Ike
I know what you mean. I don't have the sense that we're on the brink of being back in Crimea, either. I don't even remember this area at all. Maybe it's because I was born in Gallia
and raised in the countryside. But countries are joined together like this all over the continent. I'm really in awe of it all.

Elincia
So am I! For one who knew nothing of life outside the royal villa... Everything...is...So very big.

Ike
Big? Hmm... Yeah, I guess you're right. When we left Crimea, it was spring... The snows were melting, the days were getting longer, and the weather was mild.

Elincia
It's been almost a year since we departed. Only a year, but the distance we've traveled to get here has been long and hard...It feels like many years have passed us by. Yet this is the land where I was born and raised... Ah, my dear, sweet Crimea...How is it that you feel so far away?

Ike
For me, too, Crimea is my homeland. We're almost there... Let's go home.

Elincia
It is as you say, my lord Ike....Let's go home.

Unknown
Oooh, what a romantic setting. Makes it hard to make an appearance! I guess I could just leave you two...

Ike
Huh? I know that voice...

Ranulf
Hey there, Ike! Looks like we stayed alive long enough to be reunited! Aren't we the lucky ones?

Ike
Ranulf!

Elincia
My lord Ranulf! How nice to see you again!

Ranulf
My princess Elincia! Welcome home! I'd curtsy, but the tail makes it look silly.

Ike
What are you so darned chipper about?

Ranulf
Once I heard the news that the Crimean army had taken the Daein capital, I ran all this way to greet you.

Ike
How go things in Gallia? You're not engaged in open hostilities with Daein, are you?

Ranulf
Not yet.

Ike
What's that supposed to mean?

Ranulf
In light of your army's success, the elders have finally agreed on something. Gallia will lend its full support to Princess Crimea's efforts to liberate her homeland. It's a done deal!

Elincia
Really?

Ike
So, is the Gallian army going to--

Ranulf
We're going to establish communications with them and create a united front. That being said, Gallia is here to support you. The Crimean army will always be at the center of the effort. Don't forget that.

Ike
King Gallia is being most gracious. That posture will allow Crimea to lay claim to any victories we achieve.

Ranulf
Don't say things like that! I'm shocked that you would understand such subtleties. Who are you, and what have you done with Ike?

Ike
I don't believe you have the right to speak to me like that. Kidding. Actually, Soren just lectured me on the same situation when we received reinforcements from Begnion.

Ranulf
Of course. You were tutored by your nervous little staff officer. Now I get it... Has he snapped yet? He seems high-strung.

Elincia
King Caineghis is always thinking of Crimea, isn't he? How can I ever repay him?

Ranulf
Princess... Let's win your country back. When that's done, please rebuild the bonds of friendship between our nations. That would be the ultimate way to say thank you, wouldn't it?

Elincia
Yes! Yes, of course!

Exit base

Petrine
So they're finally here, are they? Has the work on the bridge been finished? And your answer had better be yes!

Daein Soldier
Y-yes, General! Do you think it will work?

Petrine
Sometimes the simplest of traps offer up the best results. Lure the enemy in, and then finish them off one by one. Got it?

Petrine
Listen up, dogs! There will be no retreating today! We stop Crimea's advance here! We will not allow them to gain the comfort of their homeland! Any who do not fight to the death will face my lance!

Ike
There's the bridge... Wow, it's huge...
I doubt if Daein's going to let us
cross over without objection.

Ranulf
Yeah, I think that's highly unlikely.

Ike
Titania! It's time to march! Make sure the troops stay alert and move with caution!

Titania
Understood, Commander!

Ranulf
Say, Ike. There's one thing I've been meaning to ask you.

Ike
What is it?

Ranulf
I haven't seen Nasir around. What's happened to him?

Ike
He was declared an enemy combatant and locked up.

Ranulf
What? Hey, I understand you being irked that he didn't mention testing you and all, but treating him like a criminal is too--

Ike
Testing me? What are you talking about?

Ranulf
Huh? Oh, um... Nice weather, eh?

Ike
We're going to talk. Now.

Ranulf
Nasir is a Daein spy? No way! That's not possible! He was our spy!

Ike
You're telling me he was a Gallian spy? None of this makes sense to me...

Ranulf
He worked for us on behalf of the king. But...Daein? As a laguz, he would have absolutely no reason to work for them.

Ike
But there was a Goldoan named Ena who was working as a general for Daein.

Ranulf
...Are you serious?

Ike
Yes, we were forced to fight her in the Daein capital. When we attempted to capture her, Nasir intervened and allowed her to escape. He betrayed us.

Ranulf
What? Hold on a minute...

Ranulf
Maybe that was... If that's the case, then I can see why...No, even so, teaming up with Daein is just too much...hmm......

Ike
I hate to interrupt whatever it is you're doing, but we've arrived at the bridge.

Ranulf
Let me speak to Nasir. Please!

Ike
Once we've finished this battle, we can go together. All right?

Ranulf
Of course.

Petrine
All right, Haar! Time for you to go to work.

Haar
Zzzzz... No, Mom, five more minutes...Zzzzzzzzzz...

Petrine
Dozing off on the battlefield... You've got a lot of nerve, don't you? Hey! Wake up or I'll burn you to a crisp!

Haar
Zzzzz... Snort! Huh? Wha--? Uh... Right! Has the enemy arrived?

Petrine
Yes, they just got here. Now get out there and do your job.

Haar
Oh, I'm all over it. Yaaaawwwnnn...

Petrine
What an absolute fool.

Ranulf
Well, here we are! And there's the Daein army on the other side as expected! They're already in battle formation and waiting to give us a warm welcome. Aw, that's charming!

Ike
That's just what I want.

Ranulf
Oh ho! Well said. And by the way, I thought I'd join you today.

Ike
Not as a Gallian, but as part of our army, right?

Ranulf
If it's a problem, I can always sit this one out.

Ike
Of course not! Thanks for your continued support, Ranulf!

Ranulf
Ha! The pleasure's all mine! Let's go carve us some Daeins!

1st turn

Haar
Attention... Let's...yaaawwnn...go. Hmm...maybe I can catch a nap while we fly...

Turn 6

Haar
...Now then...Let's see how things look.

Harr
Greetings, Jill. So you're still alive, eh? Good to see.

Jill
That's what I was going to say to you! You survived! I'm very pleased.

Harr
General Shiharam left me in charge. I'm supposed to get our survivors and their families to Begnion. I can't die until that's done.

Jill
Oh, I see... But then... Captain, why are you still in Daein?

Harr
I... Believe it or not, I'm a vindictive man. Revenge for the general is something I couldn't let go. Jill
Oh! But...that...
Harr
Don't get the wrong idea. You're not the enemy I'm seeking.

[targbox0] Huh? But...

Harr
The ones responsible for General Shiharam's death, are the Daeins. I pretended to return to the fold so I could get close to General Petrine...I'm just waiting for my chance. But I think they may be on to me. My unit's a bunch of tough guys who serve as Petrine's watchdogs. Plus, I've been ordered to charge the Crimeans head-on. It's Daein's way of killing two birds with one stone.
[targbox0] Don't do it! Come fight by our sides! If you're looking to kill Daeins, then we share the same goal!
Harr
Jill... I, um... I don't trust Crimea anymore than I do Daein. I'm sick to death of serving countries.

Jill
Captain...

Harr
Still... I can't abandon the daughter of the man to whom I owe so much... Guess I'm changing sides again. Jill
Really? Oh, thank you, Captain!

Harr
No, you've got that backwards.

Jill
Pardon?

Harr
I'm a new recruit... So I'm under you. Thanks in advance, Captain.

Jill
What? Don't be silly! Wait...Ah, Captain!!!

A unit is near the end of the bridge

Lucia
Is that the Crimean army?

Bastian
What ho! It is the army come again! I see the Crimean flag in the rear...But lo! Who do I spy in the distance? Green hair...orange dress...and eyes bewitching fair...Elincia comes! Let us to her aid ride!

Lucia
The princess has returned! Count Bastian, return to the castle and inform Geoffrey at once. I will move ahead and inform the princess that her retainers are here to meet her.

Bastian
Lady Lucia, keep your wits about you. That we are excited is fair to say... But show the enemy no weaknesses, lest he does cut us down like autumn's wheat.

Lucia
Good advice. And you watch that you aren't waylaid on the way back to the castle.

Bastian
Even if Daein unleashes on myself the full force of their army's wrath...They are no match for clever Bastian! I'll meet you at the castle gate anon.

Lucia
Right!

Two turns later

Lucia
Are you ready to fight?! Are you ready to die?! We must give our all to protect Princess Elincia!

Crimean Soldier
My fellow Crimeans! Now is the time we stand and fight for the life of our homeland!



Petrine is attacked

Petrine
Ha ha! Do you like your meat rare? Or do you like it charbroiled? Let me know, and I'll cook you up just as ordered! Wha ha ha ha ha!

Haar is attacked
...Combat. Tsk. It's one of those things you simply cannot control.

Petrine is killed

Petrine
Y-Your... Your Majesty...Forgive me...please... Oh, I don't want to die... So...scared...

Haar
The Dark Angel... She's found me at last... At least I can sleep now...

After battle

Lucia
Princess Elincia! Welcome home! It's so good to see you safe!

Elincia
Lucia? Lucia! Is it really you?

Lucia
I am no spirit. See? Flesh and bone, through and through.

Elincia
Ah, Lucia! You have no idea how I've longed to see you.

Lucia
And I you, Princess Elincia. When my brother Geoffrey told me you had been lost, my world went dark. When I learned you were still alive...I was...so...

Elincia
Then Geoffrey is safe as well? Happy day! Are there others? How many Crimean retainers have survived?

Lucia
Well, there's Count Bastian. That silver-tongued rascal is as loquacious as ever. Also, General Tagio, Marquis Katol's orphan, Silok, and Marquis Mitnala are all with us. The soldiers we have contacted so far do not even number one hundred. But if they know you've returned, retainers hiding throughout the land will surely come pouring in.

Elincia
Yet, my existence... It is not known to the general populace...

Lucia
There's no need to worry about that! Tales of your exploits in Daein have reached every corner of Crimea. In every village, in every town, the people are talking. "Our fair king had a hidden child," they say. "The secret princess of Crimea is fighting to save us all!" In addition, Daein soldiers have been frantically searching for a mysterious and elusive "Princess Crimea." All they've succeeded in doing is convincing the people that you truly are their princess. All of Crimea has been anxiously awaiting your return.

Elincia
Oh, Lucia, do you speak truly? They have...acknowledged my existence?...I never...expected this day...

Ranulf is alive

Ranulf
News of your actions in Daein reached the ears of King Gallia through Nasir. I then told Lucia, who passed it to the citizenry....You know, the thought that Nasir is a traitor just doesn't feel right to me. I can't believe it.

Ike
You think I don't see that? Look at what we know about the medallion. We discovered it thanks to his hints. He's helped us throughout our entire journey. In that, at least, he was not false. Yet, if he will not speak, there is nothing I can do to save him.

Ranulf
Let's go see him. One way or another, I will loosen his tongue.

Ike
This way.

Ranulf was killed

Ranulf
Ike!

Ike
Ranulf! Are you well?

Ranulf
No, not really... As good as I am, I made a mess of that fight. I won't be of use in combat for a while, but I'd like to be your guide. I've got to do something, or Giffca will have my hide.

Ike
As long as your life's not in danger, but... Don't you think you're doing too much?

Ranulf
Hey, it's me! Ike... News of your actions in Daein has reached the ears of King Gallia via Nasir. I then told Lucia, who passed it on to the citizenry. The idea that he is a traitor just doesn't fit.

Ike
You think I don't see that? Look at what we know about the medallion. We discovered it thanks to his hints. He's helped us throughout our entire journey. In that, at least, he was not false. Yet, if he will not speak, there is nothing I can do to save him.

Ranulf
Let's go and see him. One way or another, I will loosen his tongue.

Ike
This way.

Conversation continues


Ike
He's being kept in this supply tent. We wanted to keep him away from the other soldiers.

Ranulf
What is it?

Ike
He's... He's gone! I brought him breakfast this morning! He was here...

Base Conversations

Soren

Soren
Hmm...

Unknown
Soren! Are you in here?


Soren
Yes.

Soren
Ike? It's late. What do you want?

Ike
Shhh!

Soren
Um...Ike?

Unknown
Oh, no... How strange. I was sure he'd come this way. Yooo-hooo?!

Soren
That voice... It's the woman from the item shop, isn't it?

Aimee
Commander! Ike? Where have you gone, handsome?

Ike
Crud.

Soren
...Did you run in here to escape?

Ike
Look, whenever that woman corners me, it takes forever to get away. Let me hide in here until things simmer down.

Soren
We begin marching tomorrow morning...This is a waste of valuable time. I'll go and chase her away.

Ike
Wait! Soren!

Aimee
Iiike! Ikey-poo! Where aaaaare you?

Soren
Aimee?

Aimee
Oh. Soren. Ew. I mean, um...hi. Why are you out so late?

Soren
Do you have some business with Ike?

Aimee
Well, yes I do. I found a special something that I'd like to give to him. Do you know where he is?

Soren
Ike is...in a war meeting. If you have something for him, I can hold on to it for you.

Aimee
Hmm... What should I do? You see, I have this new staff... The staff is VERY valuable. I'm not sure if I feel comfortable simply handing it over to someone who doesn't...understand that.

Soren
That's a Hammerne, is it not? A rare staff that can take any item, no matter how battered and worn, and repair it completely.

Aimee
Why...that's right. You're quite knowledgeable, aren't you?

Soren
If I may continue, I believe that there is only one of these in all the world. It truly is priceless. And you want to give this to Ike?

Aimee
Well, I do want to be helpful.

Soren
...If you truly wish to capture Ike's attention, bringing him staves and whatnot will avail you nothing.

Aimee
What? Really? Oh, dear... I was so hoping he would like it.

Soren
Food, however, would be much more effective than a staff. He's particularly fond of spicy meat dishes.

Aimee
Is that so? Cooking is not something that I'm skilled at, but... Oh, I've got it! I know the perfect dish!

Soren
Ah, good! He will be very pleased! Um...what about the staff?

Aimee
Hee hee! You can keep it as payment for the cooking tip! Take good care of it.

Soren
... Well, she's unexpectedly generous. I received something quite nice from your admirer, Ikey-poo! Thank you so much!

Ike
Hey, wait a minute!

Shinon

Ike
Understood. Proceed as ordered.

Bengion Soldier
Sir, yes, sir!

Ike
What's next... Huh? Who's there?

Shinon
Sir, yes, sir... Hey, it's General Ike the Great! I heard all about it, you know? Those guys went and made you...a NOBLE!

Ike
Shinon?

Shinon
Good for you, huh? Har har! ...Hic! You're in love with a pwetty wittle princess, you're fighting side-by-side with yer sub-human pals. Yes! Yer moving up! Oooo, look at you! It's big mister Ike! Leading the good life!

Ike
They're not sub-humans. They're laguz.

Shinon
...Yeah, whatever. Here's the deal... Now that yer a high- class noble, you can't be running around with a...buncha broke mercenaries. All the other nobles...are gonna LAUGH at you! So...give it up! I'll do you a favor and take over.

Ike
I don't think so. I'm going to continue as commander of the Greil Mercenaries.

Shinon
Screw you! You always get everything! Don't you ever want to give up anything? Nooooo! Not big important mister Ike! You've always been like this! You act like you're not interested in something, then you swoop in and...STEAL IT AWAY!

Ike
Hey! Shinon?


Shinon
......Wh-what? WHAT?! And watch how you say my name, boy! Boy, boy, boy... Wittle boy Ike... Wittle Ikey...

Ike
...Shinon, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling all right?

Shinon
What do you care, you snotty whelp?! It's none of yer business! AND another thing! About the command of the company. If you refuse to give it up...at least change the name! Yer NOT...Commander Greil! Just because you're his son...That doesn't...give you the right...to use his name...

Ike
Shinon, are you sure you're all right?

Shinon
...YEAH! I'm fine! I'll be fine... Fine, fine... Ugh...I don't feel so good. Ooh...BLAARRRGGGHHHH!

Ike
It was never about the commandership...It was about my father....


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