Chapter 25: Strange Lands (Script)

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Main Story

Before battle

Narration
Ike and company break the siege of Delbray Castle and join ranks with the Crimean retainers therein. The army grows to its largest size yet, and with the addition of the retainers, truly becomes the armed force of its name. In addition, their recent heroic acts finally move the conservative Gallians to dispatch much-needed reinforcements.
The long-waited warriors of Gallia march through the treacherous Marhaut mountain range, a series of jagged peaks that spread across  southern Crimea. They then slip through the gaps in the Daein forces and move toward Crimea's army. "Gallia rises." This information emboldens Ike, and he marches the army at top speed to join their new allies.

Unknown
Leanne! I'm coming in.

Leanne
(King Tibarn!)

Tibarn
How are you feeling?

Leanne
(Today I am feeling most splendid.)

Tibarn
Ah, it is good to hear that you are well. Not surprising--it is a beautiful day!

Leanne
(I am growing used to the smell of the sea.)

Tibarn
Yes, we hawks enjoy the smell of the sea as well. Then you are starting to feel more at home here? Good, good. And how is Lord Lorazieh?

Leanne
(...Unchanged......)

Tibarn
Hm... I had thought his condition might have improved. Well, let's hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Leanne
(...Yes!)

Lotz
You can understand what the heron princess is saying, can't you, Your Majesty?

Tibarn
Hm? Yes. Well, some of it, at least. Oh, you weren't around when Reyson first got here, were you, Lotz? When he arrived, he was just like this. You'd never know it by how fluently he speaks our modern tongue, would you?

Lotz
Now that you mention it, he does use some funny words when he gets angry. But, the letter that just arrived is written in standard script, isn't it?

Tibarn
Over these twenty years, he's gained total mastery of...You...you read the letter, didn't you?!

Lotz
N-no, I just caught a glimpse of it in your hand. That's all. I'm sorry! Er...Your Majesty...

Tibarn
You little scamp...

Leanne
(A letter?)

Tibarn
Hm? Yes, that's right. It's a letter from Reyson. It appears the Crimean army has passed safely through Daein and is on its way to the homeland.

Leanne
(What good news! So he's doing well, isn't he?)

Tibarn
Yes, Reyson is fine, but... I wonder what happened. He doesn't give details, but he asks Phoenicis to send reinforcements.

Lotz
If Prince Reyson is asking for help, things must be fairly serious.

Tibarn
I'd like nothing better than to take wing immediately, but I can't leave Lord Lorazieh and Leanne here alone...

Leanne
(I'll go with you!)

Tibarn
No, that won't work.

Leanne
(But...!)

Tibarn
Don't try that look on me. There's no way I'm taking you with me.

Lotz
Yeah, that's crazy talk!

Leanne
(...Big meanie!!)

Tibarn
I suppose it's time to put my plan into action.

Lotz
What is it?

Leanne
(Plan?)

Tibarn
All right, I'm off to Gallia to get things settled. Lotz, I want you to watch over Leanne and help her pack.

Lotz
Yes, sir!

Leanne
(Please put that cloth in here.)

Lotz
Um, I... I don't have any idea what you're trying to say. Maybe I should talk louder...

Leanne
(Tee hee! You're not very smart! I wasnt you to take this. and put it in here.)

Lotz
Um, DO YOU WANT ME... TO PUT THIS...IN THAT BAG??

Leanne
(Yes, yes.)

Lotz
Got it! In it goes! I'm getting the hang of this. I'M PUTTING IT IN THE BAG!

Leanne
(Ah! Aaaaahhhh!!!)

Lotz
What? Is something wrong?

Leanne
(Who's there!?)

Lotz
What are you...? Over there? Behind me? WHAT? SOMEONE IS BEHIND ME??
Gwaaaa!!!

Leanne
(Lotz! No! Let him go!)

Black Knight
If you want your father to be killed, then by all means keep screaming.

Leanne
(...Brother...)

Ashnard
Ah! The prodigal son returns!

Black Knight
I have gained that which you requested.

Ashnard
Show me.

Black Knight
This way.

Ashnard
These heron royals all look alike, don't they? Perhaps it proves their bloodline, but it's unsettling how similar they are.

Black Knight
I believe you had one in your possession previously.

Ashnard
Yes, I tried to get her to free the dark god from the medallion, but all she did was get sick and die. Pah! They're ridiculously frail creatures. I should have just killed her in the first place and saved some time.

Black Knight
Might I suggest this one be treated with more care? Capturing her was not an easy task.

Ashnard
For you, it did take quite a long time...Didn't it?

Black Knight
Diverting the sharp eyes of the hawk king proved to be quite difficult. It required much planning and care.

Ashnard
Ha! Don't tell me it was difficult! I know you! I know you use that arcane powder to travel about at will.

Black Knight
The powder drains my strength. For that reason, I would rather not use it unless absolutely necessary.

Ashnard
You are an enigma, dark one. Everything you possess is fey and of unknown origin.

Black Knight
The armor I presented to you...Do you find it dissatisfactory?

Ashnard
No, it has my approval. My wyvern Rajaion, and this armor which renders any enemy attack impotent... Both are well suited to me. They both shine because they are mine! And now the medallion, and that galdr as well, both belong in my hands!

Black Knight
Will the revival of the dark god take place soon?

Ashnard
Let me see... The conditions aren't bad. But, how long will they continue...Har! It is no matter. As long as all my chess pieces are on the board, things will work out. Soon every knee will bow to Ashnard!

Tibarn
...What is going on? What's happened here?

Lotz
M-my...king...

Tibarn
Lotz! Hold on!

Lotz
I'm...so...sorry......the...princess......

Tibarn
Who did this? Who was the craven dastard that did this to you?

Lotz
...Knight...in...black armor...Gwaa...urrk!

Tibarn
Lotz! No! Curse you, Daein! This was evilly done! Well, if you think to play such a game, you'll not find me an easy mark!

Exit base

Ike
Ranulf! Whereabouts is the Gallian army encamped?

Ranulf
Just over those mountains.

Ike
So we're finally going to join forces...

Ranulf
Reports say that King Ashnard is gathering his forces in the capital. The time to work together is certainly upon us.

Soren
Ike! There's an enemy ambush waiting for us on that mountain.

Ike
Mmm... If we go around that mountain and avoid it, how much time will we lose?

Soren
A couple of days, at least.

Ike
In that case, we've no choice but to go through them, right?

Soren
Agreed.

Ranulf
Um, wait a second... Isn't this where there's usually some sort of discussion? Hello?

Daein Soldier
The enemy approaches, sir.

Gromell
Listen up, men! Let them get as close as possible before pushing the rocks over the cliff. We must not let Crimea join forces with those sub-humans!

Titania
Commander, the foes are encamped on top of the rise. I wonder what sort of trap they have this time.

Ike
Those boulders didn't get up there all by themselves... Are they seriously going to roll them down on us?

Soren
At first glance, it seems a simplistic trap, but these narrow paths make avoiding the rocks impossible. I think they may be surprisingly effective.

Ike
So...

Ranulf
"We run up the mountain as quickly as possible and smash the enemy commander!" Right?

Ike
Right... How did you--

Ranulf
I know...genius.

Soren
Actually, that is the best plan. Try to avoid the boulders and reach the top as quickly as possible. Once there, defeat the general.

Ike
Right. Move out!

Gromell is attacked

Gromell
Grr! So you've made it this far, have you? Then prepare to be sent down screaming!

Gromell is killed

Gromell
Heh heh...ha ha ha...Gather as many fools as you like...your weakness cannot survive...No one on this earth can withstand the might...of our king...
Ggghhhaaaa...


After battle

Ike
Is this the lot of them?

Ranulf
It looked like there were more of them from down there.

Daein Soldier
Now we've got you! Eat rock! Heh...eat rock... I'm pretty clever...

Elincia
Above us! Look out!

Tibarn
Need a hand?

Reyson
Tibarn! You came!

Tibarn
Well met, Reyson. And well met to the rest of you as well, warriors of Crimea.

Ike
How did you come to be here?

Tibarn
I thought I'd help you wipe out Daein.

Ike
That's good news for us, but has something happened? Why did you suddenly decide to help?

Reyson
I asked for his aid. We must defeat King Daein. To that end, the more powerful we are, the better. Yes?

Ike
So that's the story, is it?

Tibarn
It's true that Reyson requested my aid. However, that's not the only reason that I'm here.

Reyson
Hm? What is it?

Tibarn
In a moment. First, let us meet with the king of lions. He waits for us at the foot of the mountain.

Ike
Understood. Come on, everyone! Let's get off this peak and take a rest at the bottom.

Elincia
King Caineghis! It's an honor to see you again.

Caineghis
First, let me offer you my congratulations. You've made quite the triumphant return, Princess Elincia.

Elincia
Thank you. And allow me to express my gratitude for having the kingdom of Gallia fighting at our side. Your presence fills me with strength.

Caineghis
During this short interim, you've managed to turn the tide of the war. To be honest, I'm quite surprised.

Elincia
I didn't...I didn't come this far on my own. My lord Ike and his brave companions were with me. It was only with the support of many that I was able to return home.

Caineghis
Yes, my reports cover most of that. Everything that happened in Begnion, and in Daein as well.

Elincia
As to that... About Nasi--

Tibarn
King Gallia! Princess Crimea! I apologize for interrupting the festivities, but there's something I must discuss with you. Would you gather over there?


Caineghis
This group contains the people who were at the heart of that last battle, correct?

Elincia
Yes, it is.

Tibarn
What about those two children? Surely they weren't involved.

Soren
...Children?

Mist
Um...

Ike
This is Soren. He's my tactician.

Ike
And this is my sister, Mist. Before we begin this war council, there's something I need to share with all of you...It's a story that involves my parents as well. I've kept most of it from my sister, but I felt this would be a good chance for her to hear it, so I asked her to join us.

Tibarn
Understood. Go on.

Ike
It all begins when we meet Princess Elincia and escorted her into the forests of Gallia...

Ike
And that is everything I know.

Mist
F-Father...he... Is that how...Mom? That's...not true, is it?

Titania
Mist... Do you want to leave?

Mist
Um... No...I'm all right. I'm all right...I'm just a little confused.

Titania
Mist...

Ike
...

Caineghis
That's the whole of it, eh?

Tibarn
So this wasn't ever just a dispute between Crimea and Daein... There was something else at play the entire time.

Elincia
What could King Ashnard's ultimate goal possibly be? He has risked everything, even surrendering his own country...

Caineghis
Twenty years ago, even before he became king, he tried to release the dark god from within the medallion. However, he was thwarted by the actions of Greil and Elena.

Ike
What manner of being is this dark god? What would happen if it were freed from its prison?

Caineghis
I fear the world would once again be beset by natural calamity--much like it was 800 years ago. At that time, all the world, save Tellius, was drowned beneath the seas.

Elincia
That is a true story? I thought it nothing more than a fable...

Caineghis
We have living proof: Goldoa's King Deghinsea. He and two other heroes fought alongside the goddess herself to defeat the dark one.

Elincia
King Goldoa was one of the legendary heroes? But he's...still alive...

Tibarn
The Black Dragon King is a living fossil, and as stubborn as anything alive. He's been trying to control the rest of us for years, and he always says the same thing. "Do not fan the flames of strife." "As long as Lehran's medallion exists, you must never begin a war that engulfs the entire continent."

Soren
..."Never begin a war"? It's possible...Perhaps there is more than one way for the dark god to gain its freedom.

Tibarn
Oh ho! Aren't you the clever one? That's just what the Black Dragon King says. Yet, the truth of that is unknown. There's a war going on right now, but the dark god's nowhere in sight, is it?

Soren
...Could it be...? I think I may finally know Ashnard's intentions.

Ike
Really?

Soren
King Goldoa said that a conflict which engulfs the entire continent would free the dark god from the medallion. Let us assume that the war would have such an effect on the medallion no matter where it was...or who possessed it. And let's also assume that the king of Daein thinks this as well. I can hear him now..."Where is the tinder for the blaze I need?" The answer to this question proved to be an easy one. Yet he had to find a way
to test his theory...So, he attacked neighboring Crimea. It had to be Crimea. Begnion was too big, too powerful. Daein would have lost. Crimea, however, is a country known more for its scholarship than its military strength. Daein probably felt that a surprise invasion would let them win while taking minimal casualties themselves. And they were right. Crimea was easy prey.

Elincia
...

Soren
King Ramon was also friendly toward laguz...I imagine that this, too, influenced Daein's decision. If things went well, the conflict would be enough to engulf Crimea's ally, Gallia, and the fires would spread. First Crimea, then Gallia...And eventually Begnion as well. Daein's power would increase, and strife and discord would spread across the land, eventually reaching the lost medallion.

Ike
So you believe King Daein's goal is to awaken the dark god after all?

Soren
At the very least, it is one of his ambitions. There can be no mistaking that.

Caineghis
Which means that our plan to attack him at the capital fits right into his strategy, doesn't it? It's the trigger he needs to break the dark god's bonds.

Tibarn
Even if that's true, we can't stop now. This war's gone too far for that.

Ike
We have to smash Daein to end its menace once and for all. We bury every one of them and finish it.

Caineghis
Mmm... Agreed. That's the only plan that makes any sense.

Reyson
If only we had the medallion with us...

Titania
What is it, Reyson? Is there a way to avoid all of this?

Reyson
We, that is, the descendants of Lehran, we have a gift...Through the power of the slumber galdr, we have the ability to suppress the chaotic energies of the dark god in the medallion. So even if a massive battle occurred, if it were in my possession, I might be able to...

Mist
I'm so sorry! It's because of my carelessness that the medallion was lost in the first place!

Ike
Mist! I told you that it wasn't your fault, didn't I?

Mist
But--

Elincia
You were never careless, Mist. I know. You kept the medallion next to you at all times. You told me it was a keepsake of your mother's, and you always, always took good care of it. Didn't you?

Elincia
That's why it's not your fault. So please don't punish yourself anymore. All right?

Mist
Princess Elincia...

Ranulf
She's right. And besides, the dark god could be released no matter where the medallion is. So it's nothing to worry about.

Mist
Thank you, Ranulf.

Tibarn
All right... It's about time for you to hear what I have to say. Reyson!

Reyson
Yes?

Tibarn
I'm sorry.

Reyson
Huh? F-for what?

Tibarn
Leanne's been kidnapped. It may have been by Daein's hand.

Reyson
That...can't be...

Ike
Why would Leanne be taken? The release galdr can only be sung by the girl Altina. Right?

Reyson
But Ashnard doesn't know that.

Ike
Oh no...

Ranulf
What a mess... Nothing can ever be clear and simple, can it?

Tibarn
...

Ike

...

Base Conversation

Boy

Boy
Mister! 'Scuse me, mister! Are you guys gonna go into these mountains? There are lots of soldiers wearing black up there. Those guys...they killed my poppa and burned our village. That's why we went to the mountains in the first place. You're gonna go up there and take care of 'em, aren't you? Gonna make 'em pay? Please, mister, say that you are! My momma and my sister and me don't have anywhere else to go, and I wanna go back to the cabin my poppa built.

Ike
I understand. We're going to take care of those guys. You just stay here a bit longer.
All right?

Boy
Yay! Go give 'em heck, mister! Oh, wait! Wait! I heard those guys talking about something, too! They said if anyone comes up the mountain single file, they'd get 'em all at once. It was something like that anyway.

Ike
Really? That's a lot of help. Thanks.

Boy
Good luck, mister!! Kill 'em all! Do it for my poppa!

Bastian

Ike
Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Bastian
Forsooth! What ho! My eyes behold Sir Ike! Pray tell, what would you ask of me, good sir?

Ike
Um...well... I just wanted to chat. I try to speak with all the members of the army when I have a minute.

Bastian
I see! A fine idea that is, good sir. Some generals hope their soldiers all to be aloof, and ready always for the fight. If all goes well, sweet happiness abounds. But if the tides do turn, then anger grows. One wonders if he can lead men at all...I, too, am often plagued by such grim thoughts.

Ike
Uh...yeah. Listen, I--

Bastian
Yet you walk out among your men-at-arms; spin tales, tell jokes, and lend a willing ear. Huzzah, dear sir! Huzzah until the end! In truth, I did much fear your name at first. I swore to find the mettle of the man, and studied you with cautious, steady eye. I thought to find yourself a brutish rogue. A villain crafty in his fiendish plans! With status and great wealth his only goals. Had such been your own ethic and deceit, I would have taken measures sure and swift to see your person vanished in the night. Yet lo! What do I find before mine eyes? A man so noble, true, and without peer, as would beset the moon herself with lust!

Ike
...

Bastian
General?

Ike
Zzz...Wha--? Huh? ...Er... Sorry about that. Must have dozed off. What were you saying? Something about the moon or...something?

Bastian
Commander, you are tired and unaware of how your body doth cry out for rest. If it would please you, I was of a mind to partake in a sweet and soothing draught. A beverage warm, and pleasant to the lips.

Ike
...Um, if you're offering me a cup of tea in your tent, I'll accept. ...That IS what you're offering... Right? Oh, and I apologize in advance if I fall asleep again. I'm really tired.

Bastian
Your words do make my ears alive with joy! I shall regale you with a tale or two, and poems to ease the savage toll of war.

Man

Largo
Hey there, little man! I've got serious business with the general of this army. Take a message, will ya?

Ike
And you would be...?

Largo
The name's Largo, and I'm a world-class berserker!

Ike
World-class berserker... That's a rather dubious title.

Largo
What's this? You doubting my strength? I can pin a tiger with my bare hands! That's not just hot air either!

Ike
Dubious.

Largo
You think I'm fooling with you? Have your general hire me and then see for yourself! You can decide how much I'm worth after you see me in action. But let me tell you, if the gold's not good enough, pffft! I'm gone!

Ike
Huh? All of this sounds vaguely familiar...But at least you're confident.

Largo
Like I said. World-class berserker. Here, watch me bend this lance. Rrrrrrrrrr!!!

Ike
...

Hire

Ike
All right. You're in.

Largo
Yes! So, uh, how about taking me to meet the general?

Ike
I'm the general.

Largo
Wah? Bwaa ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa! That's good! You're a funny little guy! Bwaa ha ha ha haaaa!! So, seriously. Where's the general's tent? Must be that big one there.

Ike
...

Unknown
Largo?

Largo
Hey! I thought I'd find you here, Calill! You're looking hot! Almost as hot as me! Bwaaa ha ha ha haaaaaa!

Calill
Did you come looking for little old me? Oh, how sad for you. My contract with this army isn't up for quite some time.

Largo
Yeah, I thought you'd say that. That's why I'm joining up, too!

Calill
What? Are you really going to hire Largo, General Ike?

Ike
That's the plan.

Largo
Huh? This little guy really is the general? Bwa ha ha ha! Don't I look like the biggest fool around? And I mean big! Rrrrrrr! Sorry if I offended you, little guy!

Calill
Oh... He's such a clown. But you made a good hire. After all, he's a world-class--

Ike
Berserker. Yeah, I heard.

Calill
He pinned a tiger with his bare hands! Two of them, actually. At the same time.

Largo
Bwa ha ha ha haaaaa! Yeah, that was awesome!

Ike
...Definitely dubious...

Don't hire

Ike
Sorry, but I'm not going to be able to hire you. We've got more than enough axe- wielders already.

Largo
That so? That's all right, I can handle it. I'm a man. I can take rejection. Well, good luck out there, little man. No regrets, right? Save those for when you're dead.

Ike
Yeah...right.