Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World

READER'S KEY:

<> Beginning of script entry. NAME: Character's name. : Action. []: Spoken, but not written. {}: In-battle dialogue ~: where a "heart" symbol is in the dialogue
 * Name of area the text is in.

in my own comments on the writing. Most of these are snarky and are meant to be insulting. If you disagree, that's fine. Fair warning.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: At several places in this script, I simply have to write

SEARCH KEY: MOVIES: [M0001] Movie-In Chapter #- Number # SCENES: [T0001] Talking-in Chapter #- Number # SKITS: [S0001] Skit-in Chapter #- Number #

(2.0) - Intro - (GS0)

[M0001]  NARRATOR: Long ago, the Giant Kharlan Tree, the essence of balance and order in the world, withered and died. By the will of the heavens, the world was cleaved in two. (An image of Martel meeting with Lloyd and Colette) NARRATOR: Many years later, the Chosen of Regeneration planted a new World Tree to take the place of the withered Giant Kharlan Tree. (An image of a new map) NARRATOR: The birth of the New World Tree also brought about the unification of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. The two words were now reborn as one. (No image) NARRATOR: The world was at the dawn of a bright new era. Or so it seemed...


 * Palmacosta*

 (Flames rise up from every building. A red boot steps on a roof.  The shadowy Lloyd looks out over the ruins, then leaps.) (The scene switches to a maple-haired girl running for her life, clutching a red orb. She stops under an awning to catch her breath.  She looks down at the orb, a curious shape floating inside it.) ???: There she is! (The girl looks up and starts running again.) ???: Seize her. I'll follow Lloyd. (The girl runs as four men in strange masks pursue.)

 NARRATOR: With their high level of technological prowess, the Tethe'allan civilization looked down upon the people of Sylvarant as barbarians. The Sylvaranti blamed the Chosen of Regeneration for bringing this world into being, as they turned their backs on the Church of Martel that supported her. Amidst all of this chaos, the world itself began to cry out. (An image of a town covered in snow) NARRATOR: Scorching hot deserts were blanketed with snow. (An image of a barren, dried up town) NARRATOR: Bountiful lakes dried up and withered. (An image of a burning forest and a crashing ice mountain) NARRATOR: Forests burned to ash, as glaciers melted into the sea. (No image) NARRATOR: These phenomena fanned the flames of dissatisfaction within the hearts of the people, leading to the birth of a monster. A resistance organization was formed by the oppressed people of Sylvarant to defend themselves. (An image of the Vanguard flag) NARRATOR: United against the perceived evils of Tethe'alla and the Church of Martel, they called themselves the Sylvaranti Liberation Front, the Vanguard.

 (The perspective of a running person looking at the cobblestones; we can hear heavy breathing.) ???: This way! Hurry! (The runner looks up to see a man and a woman, also out of breath) WOMAN: [Y-]Yes. MAN: Emil, hurry! We must get away or we'll all be killed by Lloyd. (The camera switches to the people's backs) ???: Who did you say is going to kill you? (The man and woman turn around. Lloyd stands at the top of some nearby stairs) MAN: Lloyd Irving! (Lloyd leers down at them, then draws his two katanas) LLOYD: The people of Palmacosta have aided the Vanguard and undermined the authority of the Church of Martel and the Chosen. The punishment for this crime is death. (On "death," Lloyd leaps at the couple. The view switches to the black clouds as the woman screams.) ???: Mom! MAN: Emil, run! Get away from here!

 (The maple-haired girl hits a dead end, and the masked men surround her. She backs up against the wall, then presses the orb against her head, closing her eyes.) GIRL: Help me. Help me, Ratatosk! (The orb begins to glow, and white light engulfs everything.)

 (The girl lies on the ground, a red glow coming from her forehead.) ???: Are you all right? (The scene switches to a mysterious boy with blonde hair and gray eyes who wears a lab coat. The masked men lay nearby.) (The girl slowly looks up, clutching at the glow.) GIRL: Are you the one who saved me? (The girl and the boy stare at each other for a few moments, and then a mysterious howl echoes through town. The boy turns and listens.) GIRL: That's Tenebrae's howl. BOY: I have to go. (Starts to walk away, as if drawn by the noise) GIRL: (Reaches out) Wait! What's your name?

 (The boy comes across the man and woman, now slain in the street. He looks down at them, studying them.  He kneels over the woman, who suddenly stirs and tries to look up.) WOMAN: Emil, you came back. Oh, dear. I can't even see your face. [I...] I'm not going to last much longer. But you, you have to live. (She reaches up towards the boy, grabbing his knee) WOMAN: You have to run before Lloyd comes back. Go to Luin. To your Aunt Flora. Hurry. (She falls back down and grows silent. The boy stares at her for a while, then slowly reaches out.) BOY: [M...] Mom... (Screen goes black) BOY: (Wailing) Mom!

-- -- (2.1) - Chapter 1: World In Dischord (GS1) -- --


 * Luin*

 (The boy from before, Emil, is asleep on the bed, his clothes changed to a plain white shirt and black shorts.) (A howl from outside makes him stir, and he sits up, opening his green eyes.) EMIL: That howl... (Looks out the window, thinking) I feel like I've heard it before. (Hesitates, then looks back inside) Maybe it's just my imagination. (Emil gets out of bed.)

 EMIL: (Head low, nervous) Good morning, Aunt Flora. (She stares at him for a moment. The howl echoes again.) EMIL: (Looks out the window) That howl... FLORA: Monsters have been going down into the lakebed since dawn! EMIL: (Hangs head) [I-]I'm sorry. FLORA: Why are you apologizing? EMIL: (Looks up) ... FLORA: Despicable child. Always so indecisive. You're hardly like Lana at all. You must take after Reysol. EMIL: (Hesitates, then slumps) I'm sorry.

 (The howl echoes again) EMIL: (Steps back, looks around) There's that howl again. (Looks left) It sounds like it's coming from the fountain plaza.

 (Emil reaches the statue of Lloyd and watches others bow to it. He leers at it.) EMIL: (Snarling) Lloyd... (He glares again and turns away) ???: Hey, Emil, we saw that! (The town bullies, Dida and Moll, accost him.) MOLL: Bow to Lloyd the Great! EMIL: (Nervous) [I...] I already did. DIDA/MOLL: (Angrily) No you didn't! DIDA: You don't like Lloyd the Great, do you? MOLL: That's why you're trying to destroy our city! Because Lloyd restored it to its former beauty! EMIL: [W-]What are you talking about? DIDA/MOLL: (Angrily) Don't act dumb! DIDA: Ever since you came here, Lake Sinoa's dried up and there're more monsters! MOLL: You're planning on getting your monster friends to attack the town, aren't you?! EMIL: (Shakes head, waves his hands) [O-]Of course not! DIDA: Okay, then prove it! EMIL: What? MOLL: Swear your allegiance to Lloyd the Great right now! DIDA: If you do that, then we'll believe you! DIDA/MOLL: (Angrily) Come on, let's hear it!

 EMIL: (Glaring at the statue's plaque, flatly) I swear allegiance to Lloyd the Great. DIDA: (Mockingly) We can't hear you! MOLL: What was that? Say it a little louder! EMIL: (A bit angrier) I swear allegiance to Lloyd the Great! DIDA: We still can't hear you! MOLL: Hey! Are you trying to make a fool out of Lloyd the Great or something?! Have you forgotten that Lloyd is the hero who saved our town?! (Emil writhes, then whirls around in anger) EMIL: You think Lloyd is a hero but that's not true. He attacked Palmacosta. He killed both of my parents. He's a cold blooded murderer.

 EMIL: (Glares at the statue's plaque, growls) DIDA: What's the matter? MOLL: Swear it! EMIL: (Growls again, turns around) No, I won't! (The bullies jerk back in surprise) EMIL: (Shaking his fists this way and that, furious) Lloyd killed my parents and I'll never swear allegiance to that murderer!

(The bullies are stunned. Emil hangs his head) DIDA: (Angrily) We heard that! MOLL: So that's how you really feel [huh?!]? EMIL: (Growing scared) [N-]No. That's not what I meant to say. DIDA: Shut up, you monster! MOLL: We'll teach you a lesson! (Moll shoves Emil and he falls... right in the path of a mysterious red-haired stranger with glasses.  The newcomer looks down at him, then offers his hand.) ???: (To bullies, angrily) Get lost. DIDA: [Wha...] Who the hell are you?! (The stranger helps Emil up. Emil shies away, not looking at him) ???: (Angrily) I said go! (The bullies flinch, then take off.) [EMIL: (Still not looking at the man) Uh... I, um...] (Emil finally looks at the stranger.) ???: (Surprised) You. You are... EMIL: [Um,m...] Yes? (The stranger keeps staring) EMIL: [Uh, w-](What is it?) ???: (Shakes head) Never mind. You know, you should stand up for yourself. (The man walks away. Emil watches him go) EMIL: [I...] I was too scared to even thank him for that. [M...] Maybe that's why I haven't been able to make any friends. (Hangs head) [I...] (I wish I had friends. But I guess, I guess that'll never happen.) (Emil flashbacks to the man from just a moment ago) ???: Never mind. You know, you should stand up for yourself. (Back to present) EMIL: "Stand up for myself." He's right. I should thank him for helping me out the way he did. That's what I'll do!

Prince, the voice of the despicable Ken Ichijouji of the English dub of "Digimon Adventure 02." Uryu Ishida in "Bleach," too, I'm told. Sounds like he hasn't lost his touch.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Moll and several others are voiced by Derek Stephen

 ???: (Notices him) What is it? EMIL: (Shrinks back) (Maybe this was a bad idea.) ???: (Impatient) If you've got nothing to say, then I've got something to ask you. EMIL: [Uh... O-]Okay. ???: So they said that your name is Emil. Well, Emil, have you seen a girl around here with a red jewel on her forehead? EMIL: What? [Uh,] I [uh... Mmm-mmm]--no, sir. (Shakes head) ???: What are you so nervous about? EMIL: (Looks away) [Um,] I [uh]-- ???: (Turns to Emil) Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. [EMIL: Huh?] ???: (Looks off into the distance) They're words a human with a few screws loose said long ago. When you refused to swear allegiance to Lloyd, didn't you feel courage welling up inside of you? Those who would grovel and beg, or run away at the first sight of another's anger are dogs. Or even worse. Are you a dog? Or are you really a man? (The stranger looks at Emil. Emil hesitates, then slowly shakes his head) EMIL: (Looking away) [I...] I'm-- [Uh...] ???: (Turns back to Emil, chuckles) Just try to do your best to be a man, Emil. (The stranger walks off. Emil watches him go, then hangs his head) EMIL: Courage. The magic that turns dreams into reality. (Screen goes black) EMIL: (I'm not a monster. I need to stand up like a human being!)

 EMIL: That guy was really amazing. "Are you a dog, or are you really a man?" I could never say anything like that to someone. They'd only get angry at me. [Er...] Wait. Maybe I should have gotten angry at him.

 EMIL: It sounds like it's coming from the lakebed. (Thinking) What should I do? I want to know what it is, but I'd be leaving town to go down there. Aunt Flora will get mad if I leave without permission. (The howl echoes again) EMIL: What could it be?

<Skit "Howl in the Distance" appears [S0102]> EMIL: Why do I feel like monsters are calling me? It's because of stuff like this that make people say it's my fault that monsters keep appearing. I've got to ignore it! (Shakes head) It's just my imagination! (Hesitates, then sighs) But it's so hard to ignore.

<Skit "Lake Sinoa" appears [S0103]> EMIL: If I want to go to the Sinoa lakebed I need to leave town. I've never gone outside town on my own. [W-]Wonder if I'll be all right. Mom, please make sure I don't run into any monsters.

<Emil starts to leave town, but his uncle Alba shows up at the gate [T0104]> TOWN WATCHMAN: Alba! What is it? Is something wrong?! EMIL: (Recoils in fright) Uncle Alba... ALBA: (Notices Emil) What do you want? Get the hell out of here, you little nuisance! EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry. ALBA: Always getting in the way! Just go home and stay out of trouble! (Shakes fists) Just the sight of you puts the whole town in distress! TOWN WATCHMAN: Forget about the Vanguard-loving brat, Alba. Did something happen? ALBA: Monsters I've never seen before showed up in Lake Sinoa's lakebed! Several members of the city watch are down! TOWN WATCHMAN: (Shock) What?! ALBA: I'm going to gather reinforcements. Go tell the mayor what happened! TOWN WATCHMAN: Right! (Alba and the Watchman run off. The mysterious howl echoes again) EMIL: (Thinking) That howl again. (Speaking) If I go now, I could make it down to the lakebed. (Thinking, hangs head) But everyone will get mad at me. (Emil flashbacks to what the strange man told him) ???: Those who would grovel and beg, or run away at the first sight of another's anger are dogs. Or even worse. (Back to present) EMIL: (Raises head) I'll go. I'm not a dog. I'm a human being.

<Lake Sinoa Cave>

<Emil takes uneasy steps into the lakebed [M0103]> EMIL: (What should I do? I made it this far, but...) (He looks up and is face to face with a Lucrezia.) [EMIL: D'aaahh!!!] (He panics and falls back. The Lucrezia roars.  A battle begins.)

<Emil loses to the Lucrezia> (Emil falls back and drops his sword. The Lucrezia towers over him, growling) EMIL: I don't want to die like this! Get away from me! (The Lucrezia advances) ???: Watch out! (The maple-haired girl leaps out of the woods and strikes the Lucrezia, knocking it down. She retracts her spinning blade and looks up at Emil.  She walks over and helps him up.  He avoids her eyes.) (The Lucrezia starts to get back up, even angrier now) GIRL: It's not over yet! Are you gonna fight with me or run? [EMIL: Um...] GIR: Come on. You're a man! Speak up! (Emil looks at her, then flashbacks to the stranger) ???: Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. [EMIL: Huh?] ???: They're words a human with a few screws loose said long ago. When you refused to swear allegiance to Lloyd, didn't you feel courage welling up inside of you? (Back to present) EMIL: [I...] I'll fight! (Steps forward) GIRL: Okay. Then I'll leave the frontline to you! (Girl whips out her blade again)

<With the strange girl's help, the Lucrezia is beaten> (The girl sheathes her weapon and turns to Emil with a smile) GIRL: There, good work. It's pretty dangerous here, so you should probably get going. (The girl suddenly looks at Emil again, surprised) GIRL: Hey, it's you! EMIL: [Huh? W-]What do you mean? GIRL: (Gets closer) You don't-- you don't remember me, do you? Maybe I'm wrong? But you look just like him. EMIL: (Nervous) [W-w-]What are you talking about? GIRL: (Shakes head) It's nothing, never mind. I'm sorry. Anyway, you should leave here as soon as you can, okay? (The girl starts to walk away) EMIL: [Uh,] Wait a minute! (The girl stops and turns back) GIRL: Yes, what is it? I'm in a hurry. (Emil looks away, shifts his weight) EMIL: [Uh...] I wanted to thank you for saving me. My name's Emil. So, um, what's your name? GIRL: I'm Marta. Is that it? EMIL: [I-]If it's dangerous here then maybe you should leave too. MARTA: (Hesitates, then blushes) If things get dangerous will you save me again? (Emil blushes, too, scratches his head and looks away) EMIL: [Mm...] But you were the one who was kind enough to [s-]save me. MARTA: (Laughs) You don't remember, do you? I'm sorry to confuse you. But I really have to get going. Take care of yourself Emil! (As Marta turns away in dreamlike slow motion, Emil catches sight of a red shiny thing on her forehead) EMIL: (Curious) A red jewel on her forehead. (Emil flashbacks to the stranger again) ???: So they said that your name is Emil. Well, Emil, have you seen a girl around here with a red jewel on her forehead? (Back to present) EMIL: (Maybe Marta is the girl with the jewel that that man was looking for.) (I should probably let him know.)

<Skit "Strange Girl" appears [S0104]> EMIL: I wonder if that guy is still in town. He'll probably be happy if I tell him about that girl, Marta. It's strange, though. She seemed like she knew me. Have I met her before? I think I'd remember a cute girl like her. She must be confusing me with someone else. Yeah, must be.

<Emil starts back for town when Alba and more watchmen show up [T0105]> ALBA: You little--what are you doing here?! EMIL: (Head hangs) I'm sorry. ALBA: You just have to go out of your way to cause trouble. Thanks to your little grudge against Lloyd the Great, there are rumors that our family's secretly supporting the Vanguard. Go home and keep your mouth shut! When I get home, so help me...

<Skit "Lloyd's Fault" appears [S0105]> EMIL: (Worried) What should I do? Uncle Alba was really angry. [I...] I wonder if he'll hit me again. What should I do? I'm scared. I really should have just ignored that monster's howl. (Bitterly) If only Lloyd hadn't attacked Palmacosta, I wouldn't be going through all of this!


 * Luin*

<Emil finds the mysterious man talking with the mayor [T0106]> ???: (Notices Emil walking up) Emil. MAYOR OF LUIN: Oh. Do you already know Richter? EMIL: (Stammers) [U-um,] Well... RICHTER: I asked him earlier if he knew of Marta's whereabouts. MAYOR OF LUIN: [Ah,] I see. EMIL: (Looks up) [Umm,] Richter? RICHTER: What is it? EMIL: (Avoiding gazes) Well, [um], the girl with the red jewel on her forehead, I-- RICHTER: (Grabs Emil and shakes him) You saw Marta?! EMIL: (Shakily) Yes. Well you see-- RICHTER: (Angrily shakes harder) Where?! EMIL: (Still shakily) Oh. Well-- MAYOR OF LUIN: (Richter stops shaking Emil) Just calm down and try to explain what you saw. EMIL: (Avoiding gazes) Lake Sinoa. Where the monsters come out. Just before-- RICHTER: (Angrily swats at hair) Enough! EMIL: [Gyuh!] ... RICHTER: (Turns to Mayor) Mayor, I'd like to take him with me. (Turns to Emil) Can I count on you to take me to where you saw Marta? EMIL: (Looks up) [Y-]Yes. (Richter nods and walks off.) MAYOR OF LUIN: He certainly is determined. Take him to where you saw the girl. Just be careful of monsters, all right? (Emil looks at the mayor and nods weakly)

<Emil wanders outside to find Richter waiting [T0107]> EMIL: (Shakily) I'm ready now. I'm sorry to keep you waiting. RICHTER: (Turns around) You apologize too much. Of course if you want to become a dog, I won't stop you. EMIL: I'm sorr--oh. RICHTER: "..." EMIL: (Slumps) Sorry. RICHTER: (Shakes head) Stop apologizing. Anyway, I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier. (Richter walks off) EMIL: [Unh...] ... RICHTER: What are you waiting for? Hurry up and take me to where you saw Marta. (Emil walks up to him. Richter joins the party.)

<Skit "Falling Behind" appears [S0106]> (Emil trails behind Richter.) RICHTER: Hey, don't fall behind! EMIL: I'm sorry! (Emil gets ahead of Richter.) RICHTER: What do you think you're doing walking in front of me? EMIL: [Heh...] Sorry. (Emil pulls back) RICHTER: Hey. EMIL: [I, eh-heh...] I'm sorry. RICHTER: I'm not angry with you.


 * Lake Sinoa Cave*

<The party finds cave entrance, where Alba and the watchmen stand [T0108]> ALBA: (Turns around) You came back again?! What's wrong with you, you demonic little brat?! TOWN WATCHMAN LEFT: [Hmph!] A friend of the Vanguard, indeed. TOWN WATCHMAN RIGHT: He may be your nephew, but you sure took in a real pest. EMIL: (Hangs head) [I'm,] I'm sorry. RICHTER: (Walks up) The mayor's given his permission for Emil to accompany me. Step aside. ALBA: The mayor? But... RICHTER: (Gets in Alba's face) Move! (The three guards panic and get out of his way. Richter walks a few steps, then looks at Emil) RICHTER: What are you waiting for? Come on, let's go. ALBA: [W-w-]Wait! There are monsters in there. RICHTER: Yes, and? ALBA: I'm telling you it's dangerous! You can go if you want, but leave him here with us! RICHTER: Didn't you just call him a demonic little brat? (Alba and Richter look at Emil) RICHTER: Emil, what do you want to do? EMIL: (Stutters) [I-]I... ALBA: (Angry) Emil! You stay with us! EMIL: I... [um...] RICHTER: Make up your mind. Even dogs can think for themselves. (Emil recoils and flashbacks to Marta...) MARTA: Come on. You're a man! Speak up! (Back to the present) (Richter walks off into the cave) ALBA: Who the hell does he think he is?! Come on, let's go. (Alba moves and grabs Emil's arm. Suddenly, the howl echoes again; Emil looks haunted.) (Emil hesitates, then yanks his arm away, not looking at Alba) EMIL: (Quietly) I'm going with him. ALBA: (Angrily) Emil! EMIL: (Faces his uncle and speaks louder) I'm going! (Runs off after Richter)

<Emil goes into the cave, where Richter is waiting [T0109]> EMIL: [Um,] Richter-- RICHTER: Let's go. EMIL: Huh? RICHTER: Aren't you coming with me? EMIL: Yes! RICHTER: Don't get in my way. You're responsible for protecting yourself. I'll bail you out if things get too tough. EMIL: Okay!

<Skit "Richter's a Nice Guy?" appears [S0107]> RICHTER: Alba really laid into you. Why didn't you say anything back? EMIL: I'm sorry. RICHTER: You were like that with the kids in town, as well. Bullies like that will never leave you alone if you don't stand up to them. Do you understand? (Angrily) Nothing will change if you just take it! EMIL: [I...] I'm sorry. RICHTER: What did I say about over apologizing? EMIL: Oh! [R-]Right. RICHTER: I'm not blaming you. You're free to do as you choose. (Looking glum) Just don't be so submissive all the time. Have more respect for yourself. EMIL: (I can't tell if Richter's a nice guy or not.)

<The party enters the cave [T0110]> (Richter stops Emil.) RICHTER: Emil, you've fought monsters before, I assume. EMIL: (Recoils) [Huh?!] I mean, well-- RICHTER: Don't tell me you haven't? EMIL: [Uh...] I...  only a little. RICHTER: So, then you have. EMIL: Twice, I think? RICHTER: You think? (A Polwigle hops out of the darkness) RICHTER: (Looks at it) [Huh...] This one should do fine. EMIL: A monster?! (A battle begins!) {EMIL: R-Richter! What should I do?! RICHTER: Stop panicking, for one. Children hunt monsters like this for fun! EMIL: Uh... But I-- RICHTER: Relax. I'll give you instructions. EMIL: ...Okay.} INSTRUCTIONS: Attack the enemy with "A." Press the button again for a combo. If the control scheme is set to Semi-Auto, you will automatically approach the target. Switch target with "-". Guard with "Z." If the control scheme is set to Semi-Auto, you will automatically guard against attacks. Guard can be crushed if continuously performed. Tilt the control stick while pressing "Z" to freely roam the battlefield (Free-Run). Any attack received during free-run will register as a critical hit. That is the basics of battle. Defeat the Polwigle.

<Emil and Richter defeat the monster [T0111]> RICHTER: There, that should be enough. (Attacks the monster and kills it) Hah! EMIL: What was that? RICHTER: It's called an arte. You learn them the more you fight and develop your skills. EMIL: Even I can learn them? RICHTER: You will in time. So, now do you understand how to fight?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: [Um,] Could you explain one more time? RICHTER: Very well. We'll keep at it until you feel comfortable. (The Polwigle reappears, and the fight scene starts again.)

<Emil says YES> EMIL: [I...] I think so. RICHTER: Don't worry. I told you I'll back you up. I'm the one who asked for your help. I won't let anything happen to you. EMIL: [O-]Okay!

<The party goes a little further into the cave [T0112]> EMIL: (Head low) Um... RICHTER: (Turns) What is it? EMIL: (Looks up) Why are you... [Um...] why are you looking for Marta? RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) Is that something you need to know in order to live? EMIL: (Head low) [Um,] No, I was just wondering. RICHTER: (Looks away) I have no need to satisfy your idle curiosity. EMIL: (Slumps) I'm sorry. RICHTER: (Looks at Emil again) Don't apologize so excessively. EMIL: (Straightens up) Uh... RICHTER: (Folds arms) I am often accused of being short with people. I don't intend to change my ways, but it doesn't mean I have anything against you. EMIL: Thank you! RICHTER: That's not something you need to thank me for. EMIL: (Hangs head) Oh sorry. RICHTER: [SIGH] ...

<The party goes even further into the cave [T0113]> (Emil shuffles forward, Richter grows alert) RICHTER: Emil! Stop! (A Spider drops down before them. Emil runs back to Richter) RICHTER: Pay attention! You almost walked right into a monster. EMIL: (Slumps as the Spider wanders off) Sorry! RICHTER: If you touch any monster you see walking around, you'll have to fight them. Got it? (Pushes up glasses) If you stumble into an enemy, as you almost did just now, they're likely to get the upper hand and attack you from behind. EMIL: (Curious) So the way you run into monsters makes a difference? RICHTER: (Nods) That's right. Attacking an enemy from behind works out in your favor, but if they get behind you, they'll have the advantage. It's the same for both fighting and fleeing: Be aware of the enemy's direction and movements. Failing to do so can get you killed. EMIL: (Nods) Okay. I understand. RICHTER: (Folds arms) And one more thing. I can't have you wandering in a daze like that again, so listen: (Shakes head) It's not that I didn't appreciate your words of gratitude. I simply feel there's no need to give more thanks or apologies than a situation calls for. EMIL: (Nods) [A-]All right. RICHTER: We must express ourselves to convey our feelings to others. However, I feel emotions lose their strength once they're put into words. (Swats hair) So I prefer to speak only what is absolutely necessary. That's all. EMIL: [Nods] Okay! RICHTER: This is the first time I've ever had to explain this much to anyone.

<The party reaches a door [T0114]> ???: Master Richter! EMIL: (Recoils) [W-]What was that? RICHTER: Probably just a monster. Don't worry about it. EMIL: Of course I'm going to worry. RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) Then you can wait here. (Richter walks up to the door) EMIL: [W-]What about you? RICHTER: There's a monster in there. Probably a strong one. Wait here until I take it out. EMIL: [B-]But I-- RICHTER: You'll just get in the way. Stay here. EMIL: (Slumps) Okay. (Richter opens the door and disappears inside) EMIL: (Thinks) I'm just not cut out for this sort of thing. (Falls to his knees) ???: Aaah! EMIL: (Looks up fast) Was that Marta?! (Gets up and paces, fidgeting) What should I do? (Emil flashbacks to Marta's words) MARTA: If things get dangerous, will you save me again? (Back to present) EMIL: (Shakes head and thinks) I don't know anything about her. (Speaking) But I can't just ignore it.

<Emil goes through the door [T0115]> (Emil is shocked to see Richter pointing his sword at Marta.) RICHTER: Now, hand over that Ratatosk's core on your forehead. MARTA: (Shakes head) No. RICHTER: Then I'll just have to destroy it along with you. (Richter moves to attack. Emil panics and runs over to them as Richter swings) EMIL: Stop. Stop it, please! (Both Richter and Marta look at him) EMIL: Richter, what are you doing? RICHTER: I thought I told you to wait on the other side of the door. EMIL: This is why you were looking for her? So you could kill her?! RICHTER: That's right. EMIL: Why? RICHTER: Because she is trying to awaken Ratatosk, the demon lord. EMIL: Demon lord? What are you talking about? RICHTER: I agree, it's quite a foolish name, but "demon lord" is the most appropriate term to describe what he is. If Ratatosk awakens, the world will be destroyed. MARTA: (Shakes head) No, you're wrong! Ratatosk is not a demon! He's the lord of all monsters. He won't destroy the world! RICHTER: I'm not interested in semantics.

<Emil stops Richter> (Emil runs to Richter and trips him up, knocking him back) RICHTER: Agh... (Angrily) What are you doing?!

<Emil stops Marta> (Emil tackles Marta and drags her to the floor) MARTA: Aaah! [W-]What are you doing? EMIL: [I-]I'm sorry. I'm not strong enough to stop him.

(Emil runs between Richter and Marta) RICHTER: Step aside. EMIL: (Shakes head) [N-]No. RICHTER: (Angrily) Move! (Emil hesitates, then glares at Richter) EMIL: I'm not a dog! That's why I'm going to make my own decisions! RICHTER: (Surprised) Emil... (Marta runs out the door, then turns back) MARTA: Thank you! (Marta leaves. Emil blocks the door) RICHTER: I don't want to kill you. Move! EMIL: (Shakes head) [I...] I don't really understand what you two are talking about, but you can't do things like this! If you just talk this over-- RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) I thought I told you not to get in my way. Aqua! Show yourself! (A mysterious woman with both cat and fishy parts appears) AQUA: You called, Master Richter?~ (Emil looks surprised) RICHTER: Take care of the boy. Just don't overdo it. EMIL: (Shocked) A talking monster?! AQUA: (Irked) Who're you calling a monster, you human! I am a Centurion! Centurion Aqua! Now then, my cute little minion. Remove the boy from our presence! (A giant turtle appears and rams Emil out of the room) EMIL: Aah! (Emil falls on his butt outside and slowly gets up) EMIL: (Looks away) What was that? I won't be able to catch up with Richter with that thing in the way.

<Emil approaches the door again [T0116]> (A mysterious voice speaks) ???: You must forge a pact. (Emil looks around) EMIL: Huh?! (A black panther-like creature appears in the air) EMIL: Another talking monster?! ???: I am not a beast. I, too, am a Centurion. Centurion Tenebrae. EMIL: Centurion Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: You could never defeat the monster on the other side of this door as you are now. Forge a pact to become a Knight of Ratatosk. Then you will be able to accept Lord Ratatosk's power in battle. EMIL: [W-]What do you mean? TENEBRAE: There is no time to explain. Lady Marta is in danger. EMIL: But I mean, you're just a monster-- a Centurion, I mean-- and [I...] I don't know if-- (Emil clutches his head. Tenebrae howls a familiar sound) EMIL: (Looks up) That howl. Were you the one calling me? TENEBRAE: Lady Marta was looking for you. You saved her life and she has chosen you to be a knight. EMIL: [M-]Me? TENEBRAE: Now forge the pact!

<Emil doesn't form a pact> EMIL: (Shakes head) I don't even know what you're talking about. TENEBRAE: Well then, I suppose we'll see how long you last against the monster by yourself. EMIL: [B-]But-- TENEBRAE: Let me know if you change your mind.

<Emil forms a pact> EMIL: [I-]I'll make the pact. TENEBRAE: Understood. (Purple rays fly into Emil) TENEBRAE: Emil, I command you. Unleash the power within yourself. Awaken, "Hunter of Evil!" (Emil staggers and his clothes change. A flash of white light fills the room)

again.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: "Hunter of Evil?" Keep in mind this name never comes up

<Emil and Tenebrae walk back into the other room [T0117]> AQUA: (Angrily) Spiteful Tenebrae! What are you doing here?! TENEBRAE: Let's go. AQUA: What! You wanna fight?! You're gonna regret this! (Emil speaks, but with a different voice) R.EMIL: The only one who's gonna regret this is you. (Emil opens his eyes to show blood-red eyes instead of his usual green ones) R.EMIL: (Angrily clenches fists) Now, come on! (Emil engages Aqua's monster in battle) INSTRUCTIONS: Emil learned the base arte Demon Fang. Use it with "B." You can register up to four artes by combining "B" and the Control Stick. Open the menu with "+" and select "Artes" to register. Artes use TP. Aside from items, TP will recover slightly with attacking and winning. Base artes can be executed after a regular attack. This ends the explanation of artes.

<Emil beats Aqua's monster [T0118]> (Emil's eyes have gone back to green) EMIL: [W-]What just happened? TENEBRAE: (Moves in front of Emil) Lord Ratatosk's power took hold of you. EMIL: (Hangs head) It felt like I became someone else. TENEBRAE: Yes. That was Lord Ratatosk's power. EMIL: (Thinking) I'm not quite sure I understand. (Notices Aqua has passed out and speaks) Anyway, what happened to Aqua? I didn't even touch her. TENEBRAE: Centurions themselves do not fight. They employ monster servants to battle in their place. If their monsters are defeated, the Centurion's power will also fade. Right now she is only unconscious. EMIL: Oh that's good. I didn't want to hurt her. TENEBRAE: Come. We must go after Lady Marta!

<Emil and Tenebrae head for the next door [T0119]> (Emil turns to Tenebrae) EMIL: Did I learn something just now? TENEBRAE: It appears you've acquired a skill. EMIL: (Curious) A skill? TENEBRAE: Yes, a special technique for battle. Skills are acquired by meeting certain requirements. Everyone has their own set of skills they can learn. Once learned, you can set which skills to use from the skill screen on the menu. Select whatever skills you think will be the most useful. However, the number of skills you can equip at one time is limited. The total points of all selected skills cannot exceed a character's skill point limit. So think carefully when setting your skills. Do you understand?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: [Um...] Could you explain again? TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) If I must. (Repeat skill tutorial)

<Emil says YES> EMIL: Yeah, sort of. TENEBRAE: (Skeptical) Do you really? EMIL: (Hangs head) I've got it. I think. TENEBRAE: This should be an interesting journey.

<Skit "Seeing is Believing" appears [S0108]> EMIL: I wonder if I can do this. TENEBRAE: You can. I have every confidence that you can save Lady Marta. [EMIL: Mnnhhh...] TENEBRAE: You must believe in your powers as a Knight of Ratatosk. EMIL: But I-- TENEBRAE: Humans have a saying. "Seeing is believing." EMIL: [I-]I don't think that exactly applies here. Anyway, thanks, Tenebrae. I'll give it my best shot.

<Emil and Tenebrae come to yet another door [T0120]> EMIL: [It...] It won't open. TENEBRAE: Richter must have sealed it off. EMIL: (Turns) Then what should we do? TENEBRAE: I feel a draft. There must be another passage somewhere. Perhaps you should use the Sorceror's Ring to examine the walls. EMIL: What's that? TENEBRAE: There, on your finger. EMIL: (Notices the new ring on his finger) Huh?! TENEBRAE: That ring was given to you by Lord Ratatosk, as a symbol of your pact. Magical power dwells within it. EMIL: But, I'm a human. Only elves and half-elves can use magic. TENEBRAE: Don't worry. That ring can be used by humans as well. EMIL: [R-]Really? I guess I'll try it out. <Emil got the Sorceror's Ring!> INFORMATION: Aim the Wii Remote towards the screen and press "Z" to display a cursor. Move the cursor and press "A" to use the Sorceror's Ring on that spot.

<Skit "Only the Darkness Knows" appears [S0109]> EMIL: So, Tenebrae. Somewhere along the way I got all new clothes. TENEBRAE: I see you finally noticed. I've been wondering when you would bring it up. EMIL: (I noticed right away, it just never seemed like a good time to ask.) TENEBRAE: Along with the Sorceror's Ring, those clothes are a symbol of your pact with Lord Ratatosk. It's vital that a Knight of Ratatosk present himself with a certain degree of elegance. EMIL: [R-]Right. TENEBRAE: The outfit's fabric is prepared with a number of special incantations and hexes that make the garment waterproof, wrinkle-free, and mold-resistant. The design is meant to evoke Lord Ratatosk's fierce bravery and subtle grace. The effect is mesmerizing. EMIL: Wait a sec. One other question. TENEBRAE: Yes? EMIL: What happened to the clothes I was wearing before? TENEBRAE: That is the darkness'-- I'm sorry, forget I said anything. EMIL: The darkness' what? [TENEBRAE: (Laughs to himself)] EMIL: (Panicked) Hey, come on! Aunt Flora's gonna skin me alive if I lose those clothes! TENEBRAE: (Laughs) Only the darkness knows.

<Emil runs into an Imp [T0121]> TENEBRAE: [Ah,] An imp. It will do nicely. (Turns to Emil) Let us forge a pact. EMIL: (Steps back) Pact? TENEBRAE: Your power as a Knight of Ratatosk is granted to you by Lord Ratatosk himself. However, he is currently in a deep slumber. As a result, the power he grants you is very weak. EMIL: (Straightens up) This is weak? No way. TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk is very powerful. As you gain experience and grow your abilities, it's crucial you continue to unlock more of his strength. EMIL: But how am I supposed to do that? TENEBRAE: It's simple. We Centurions share a bond with Lord Ratatosk. If power is restored to the Centurions, Lord Ratatosk's strength will return as well. We can accomplish this by forging pacts with monsters. EMIL: How does that work? TENEBRAE: As I explained earlier, Centurions do not engage in battle themselves. We use monsters under our control. A Centurion's power depends upon the number and strength of the monsters it employs. I am the Centurion of Darkness, so any pact you make with dark elemental monsters will bring them under my control, and make me more powerful in the process. EMIL: So the more monsters I get on my side, the stronger I'll become? TENEBRAE: That's correct. EMIL: But how do I make a pact? TENEBRAE: Like this. (Tenebrae goes and pesters the Imp, and it gets mad) EMIL: (Panicked) What are you doing? TENEBRAE: In order to make a pact, you must first prove you are more powerful than your opponent. You must force them to yield to you in battle. EMIL: (Panicked) You didn't tell me I'd have to fight! TENEBRAE: I just did. [Ah,] It approaches. EMIL: [W-]Wait! (The Imp attacks Emil!) INSTRUCTIONS: Some artes have elemental attributes. The elemental grid on the bottom left will change when you use any arte with an elemental attribute. There are minor and major elements to the elemental grid. 3 identical minor elements change the major element. A pact screen will be displayed when a monster is defeated when the major and four minor elements are the same. This ends the explanation of elemental grids.

<Emil subdues the Imp and it joins [T0122]> TENEBRAE: Well done. You have made the imp your ally. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) Hey, Aqua is a Centurion too, right? Will I get stronger if she has more monsters under her control? TENEBRAE: No, Aqua has chosen to sever her bond with Lord Ratatosk. As such, even if she acquires more monster servants, your powers will not increase. EMIL: But there are other Centurions, right? TENEBRAE: Yes. You will learn about the others in due time. But you may enter into pacts with monsters without the Centurion of the same element. Later, when you befriend the appropriate Centurions, your strength will increase accordingly. EMIL: (Slumps) That's nice and everything, but I only became a Knight of Ratatosk because I needed to fight now. I'm not really interested in getting any stronger than this. TENEBRAE: Now, now. There's no harm in arming yourself with a little information. Also, to make pacts, you will need the pact magic appropriate for each monster. EMIL: (Straightens up) Really? TENEBRAE: Yes. When you have subdued a monster you wish to make your ally, I will cast the pact magic. EMIL: I'm not sure I understand, so I'll leave it to you. TENEBRAE: That's fine.

<Emil and Tenebrae walk a little further and encounter a Wolf [T0123]> TENEBRAE: [Ah,] Now there's a wolf-- just what we're looking for. Try making a pact with him. EMIL: (Looks at Tenebrae) But I just made a pact with a monster! TENEBRAE: Yes, but I'll teach you a way to make forming pacts easier. EMIL: (Looks at Wolf) There's an easier way? TENEBRAE: Yes. You can make monsters under your control fight beside you. If your ally and the enemy are compatible, the pact will go smoothly. Add the imp you gained to your combat roster, and then try fighting the wolf. EMIL: Okay. (Emil adds the Imp to his party and another fight begins) INSTRUCTIONS: Press "C" to perform a Unison Attack when the Unison Attack gauge at the bottom of the screen is over half full. Allies will join and the type of Unison Attack will depend on the attribute of the elemental grid. More detailed information can be found in the Help Menu. Press "+" to open menu during Battle and "Z" to open the Help Menu. This ends the explanation of Unison Attack.

<Emil subdues the Wolf and it joins [T0124]> TENEBRAE: Well done. Now the wolf has also become our ally. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) Why is making pacts easier depending on the monster you have fighting with you? TENEBRAE: Monsters have compatibility with each other. The type and strength of the monsters you befriend also have an effect on pacts. Make sure to experiment with this yourself.

<Skit "Well Done" appears [S0110]> EMIL: [T-]That monster joined us?! TENEBRAE: Bravo! EMIL: [Huh?] TENEBRAE: Beautiful! Fantastic! Simply excellent! I must admit, I am quite impressed. EMIL: [R-]Really? TENEBRAE: Of course, that monster is ideal for beginners. I would be rather concerned if you had failed. EMIL: [Unnh...]

<Emil hits a switch and part of a wall gives way [T0125]> EMIL: (Shocked) [Th-]The wall opened! TENEBRAE: (Turns to Emil) This may lead to where we need to go. Let's proceed. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) Okay.

<Emil continues on and finds Richter wounded [T0126]> EMIL: (Runs to Richter, shocked) Richter! RICHTER: Ugh... EMIL: Hang on! [H-]How did this-- RICHTER: I was careless. Lloyd-- EMIL: Huh? RICHTER: Lloyd Irving, he-- EMIL: Lloyd? You mean the servant of the Chosen of Regeneration?! RICHTER: The core. He-- (Falls) EMIL: (Kneels over Richter) Richter! (Emil shakes Richter, trying to wake him) TENEBRAE: (Walks over) It's all right. The attack missed his vital organs. EMIL: (Stops shaking Richter) So he'll survive? TENEBRAE: Yes. Just leave him here and he will be fine. It is more important to go after Lady Marta. EMIL: Leave him here? We can't do that! We need to at least tell someone! TENEBRAE: There's no time. Now that Lloyd has appeared, time is of the essence. Lady Marta's life is in grave danger. After all, this man is the enemy. Didn't you come here to protect her? EMIL: I did, but I can't just leave him like this. Richter said some mean things, but he also helped me. I can't just abandon him now. (Tenebrae is quiet) EMIL: Go on ahead and find Marta. I'll follow you as soon as I can! TENEBRAE: I believe you will regret this decision, but it is yours to make. (Tenebrae disappears)

<Emil stands still for a while> EMIL: (Thinking) I need to get someone. I wonder if Aqua is awake? Let's go see!

<Skit "Never Forgive Him" appears [S0111]> EMIL: (Angrily) Damn Lloyd. How could he do that to Richter?! First he took my mother and father from me, and now he's hurt Richter! I won't let him get away with this!

<Emil runs back to find Aqua [T0127]> (Aqua has woken up) AQUA: (Turns to Emil) Oh, you! EMIL: (Shocked) Aqua! You have to come with me! AQUA: [Huh!] You expect me to just go with you after what happened? EMIL: That doesn't matter right now! Richter's been hurt badly! Lloyd attacked him and-- AQUA: (Shocked) What, Lloyd?! EMIL: I think he'll live, but I'm still worried. Hurry and help him! AQUA: (Scratches her chin) You came back to tell me that? [Hmm...] You're not half bad. Nowhere near as cool as Master Richter, but still. [Hee hee!] EMIL: (Sweatdrops) Just come!

<Emil tries to leave the room> EMIL: (Turns back) I need to get back to Richter!

<Emil and Aqua return to Richter [T0128]> AQUA: (Bending over Richter, shocked) Master Richter! EMIL: Aqua, how is he? AQUA: He'll be fine. He took a sword to the back, but that's not the reason he collapsed. It's the wound from two years ago. EMIL: What happened? AQUA: (Straightens up) If you weren't my enemy, I'd tell you. Anyway, leave Master Richter to me. EMIL: (Nods) All right! Time to find Marta! Lloyd's after her. I better hurry!

<Emil tries to leave the room again> EMIL: (Turns back) I need to go after Tenebrae. I'm worried about Marta, and Lloyd is here.

<Emil opens another door [M0104]> (Marta and Lloyd are squaring off in Lumen's chamber. Emil recoils in shock) EMIL: Lloyd. Lloyd Irving why are you here?! (The two stop sparring. Lloyd looks at him.) LLOYD: Who're you? EMIL: Why did you kill them? MARTA: (Confused) Emil! EMIL: My mother and my father, and all those people in Palmacosta... Why did you have to kill all of them?! (Marta gasps. Lloyd stares at him silently, then closes his eyes, almost looking pained.) LLOYD: (Looks away, quietly) Not again with Palmacosta. EMIL: How dare you say that! What do you mean "again?!" I'll never forgive you for that! (Emil draws his sword. Marta strikes a fighting stance too, and a battle starts.) (Whatever the outcome, the result is the same; before Emil blacks out, he sees Lloyd walking up to the room's altar...)

(Emil comes to on the floor, Marta watching him worriedly) EMIL: [Mm-nmmmgh...] I'm alive. MARTA: I guess he decided not to kill us. TENEBRAE: (Goes to the altar) Lady Marta! Centurion Lumen's core is... MARTA: It's gone! (All of them stare at the bare altar) EMIL: [A-]Are you talking about a white jewel? I think that Lloyd took it with him. MARTA: He took it?! Are you sure?! EMIL: [Y-]Yeah. Was it important? TENEBRAE: Yes. Centurion Lumen's core is essential to our journey. Lady Marta, let's hurry. You and I must go after them. MARTA: [SIGH] OK, but first... (Beams) Thank you so much, Emil. I really appreciate you saving me once again! EMIL: [Uh...] I didn't do anything. I mean, I was pretty much useless. MARTA: But you did save me. You became a knight, a Knight of Ratatosk. That's why you were able to save me, right? I always thought that you would make a wonderful knight! It's true! That's what I thought, ever since the first time we met. EMIL: You what? MARTA: (Blushing) [Giggles] It's okay! I guess that it just wasn't as memorable for you. But honestly I'm very grateful to you for saving me. What would I have done without you? (Emil stutters) TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, we must hurry. MARTA: Yes, you're right. Emil, would you help us? Just until we make it out of this place? EMIL: [Uh...] Sure. (Marta is kind of a strange girl.)

<The party finds a yellow mask on the floor [T0129]> EMIL: What's this? MARTA: It looks like the mask that Lloyd was wearing. EMIL: (Looks at it again) It's pretty tacky. MARTA: Super tacky. TENEBRAE: Tacky indeed. (They pick it up anyway)

<Skit "Masked Man" appears [S0112]> MARTA: This is Lloyd's mask. It's probably inspired by that play, "The Phantom of the Operetta." EMIL: You think so? It reminds me more of "F for Feud." MARTA: Is that the one with the twin brothers where the one is king and at the end they switch places? EMIL: You're thinking of "The Man in the Aluminum Mask." How can you get those two mixed up? TENEBRAE: (Slumps) I have no idea what you two are talking about.

<The party tries to leave the way they came [T0130]> TENEBRAE: It appears the door has been sealed from the other side. MARTA: (Angrily) Damn! This must be Lloyd's doing. I'm sure he did this to trap us in here! [Uggh!] TENEBRAE: (Turns to Marta) There is a draft. There must be another way out. Let's have a look around.

<The party sees a weird poster on the wall [T0131]> EMIL: (Reading) "Jewel Hunter Lloyd Irving is here." What's this? MARTA: (Angrily) [Uggh,] That jerk! Set it on fire! TENEBRAE: Emil, burn it for her. EMIL: Burn it? Oh, you mean that.

<Emil torches the poster and finds a switch [T0132]> (Emil hits the switch and another door opens, surprising them all) EMIL: It opened! MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Great! Now we can go search for Lloyd! TENEBRAE: But I'm only able to pick up a small trace of Lumen. It may be to late to follow them. MARTA: (Slumps) No. EMIL: Is this Lumen's core really so valuable that you'd fight over it? MARTA: Oh, I guess a lot of this doesn't make sense to you. To put it simply, the Centurions' cores are the eggs of Centurions like Tenebrae. Lumen's core is the egg of Centurion Lumen. TENEBRAE: You might say that cores contain Centurions in hibernation. MARTA: And the core on my forehead is Ratatosk's core, and it's-- EMIL: (Shrinks back) [Th-]The demon lord's egg?! MARTA: (Flustered) I told you he's not a demon! TENEBRAE: Perhaps we should take the time to explain all of this to Emil. MARTA: True. But let's get out of here first.

<Skit "Eh-mule" appears [S0113]> EMIL: So, Marta, about this Ratotax. MARTA: It's Ratatosk, not Ratotax. EMIL: Oh, right. So this Ratattacks. TENEBRAE: His name is Ra-ta-tosk. EMIL: [Sheesh!] What's the difference? TENEBRAE: (Angrily) "What's the difference"?! How rude! How would you feel if someone were to call you Eh-mule? MARTA: (Beam) Actually, my Eh-mule is quite the combination of strength and servility. (Blush) TENEBRAE: (Laughs) Well played, Lady Marta, well played. EMIL: (So much for asking about Ratatosk.)

<Skit "Lardaceous?" appears [S0114]> EMIL: Why do you think Lloyd is collecting Centurions' cores? MARTA: [Hmm...] He could be trying to exterminate anyone who resists the Church of Martel. I bet it's something like that. EMIL: [Th-]That's why he's collecting them?! MARTA: I don't know. But in Palmacosta-- EMIL: Palmacosta?! MARTA: [N-]Never mind. (Angrily) Anyway, he's teamed up with the Church of Martel to oppress the people of Sylvarant. So he must be gathering the cores for some lousy reason or another! It makes me want to scream! Lloyd stands for lousy, with a capital L! EMIL: Yeah! And that second L in his name stands for loser! TENEBRAE: Or even lardaceous. EMIL: What does that mean? MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Beats me.

<The party walks out of the cave and into some ruins [T0133]> EMIL: (Looks around) [Um...] Where are we? MARTA: (Nods) [Ugh,] Of course. (Emil looks at her with confusion) MARTA: (Turns to Emil) This is where the Tower of Mana used to be. Lloyd and his companions came here on their journey of world regeneration. EMIL: So it's a historical site for the Church of Martel. MARTA: (Nods) Right. No wonder there are hidden passages, and of course Lloyd would show up. EMIL: Oh, so Lloyd's friends in the Church of Martel guided him. MARTA: (Shrugs) It's only a guess. (Tenebrae reappears) TENEBRAE: I am unable to sense Lumen's presence. It appears that Lloyd has escaped. MARTA: (Looks at Emil) I guess we'll go back to Luin for now. That okay with you? EMIL: (Nods) [Y-]Yeah.


 * The road back to Luin*

<The party comes to a stop near some stone walls [T0134]> MARTA: Why don't we take a break here? It'll give us a chance to explain to you about Ratatosk. EMIL: Sure. I want to know what's going on. TENEBRAE: All right then. (The party sits down in the grass) TENEBRAE: How much do you know about the world before its Regeneration by the Chosen, Colette?

<Emil says "A Little"> EMIL: (Nods) I know the basics.. TENEBRAE: As you know, our world was divided into two by the will of the Goddess Martel and the Hero Mithos.

<Emil says "Nothing> EMIL: (Shakes head) Not much. TENEBRAE: A brief explanation, then. Long ago, the Giant Tree that sustained our world withered, and the end of the world was upon us.	The Goddess Martel and the Hero Mithos managed to prevent this destruction by dividing the world into two.	But two years ago Colette the Chosen successfully reunited the two separated lands by sprouting the new World Tree to support the world.

While the world was divided in two, Lord Ratatosk transformed into his core and became dormant. MARTA: (Pushes up her bangs to reveal the red jewel) That's this core on my forehead-- Ratatosk's core. EMIL: (Panicked) [Y-]You mean that's the demon lord Ratatosk's egg?! TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk is not a demon lord. He was a summon spirit of the Great Tree of old, and is the lord of all monsters. MARTA: In order to awaken Ratatosk, we have to first awaken all of his servants, the Centurions, by hatching them. That's why we're on a journey looking for the Centurions' cores. EMIL: Why can't Ratatosk stay asleep? MARTA: If he's asleep, nature will be thrown off balance and destroy the world. For instance Ratatosk's sleep is the reason why Lake Sinoa has dried up. And without him around to oversee things, most monsters have cut ties with the Centurions they serve. So the monsters are running wild and causing the world's mana to fall out of balance. TENEBRAE: Even while Lord Ratatosk is dormant, the Centurions are supposed to form ties with monsters and maintain order. Yet, the Centurion of Water, Aqua, has allied with Richter, and is neglecting her duties. Which is precisely the reason why we have seen one water-related disaster after another. It's absolutely deplorable... EMIL: If all this is true, then why do you have to fight? TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk is exceedingly powerful. Though they may not be as powerful as Ratatosk's core, Centurions' cores still possess remarkable powers. MARTA: Some people are trying to get the cores for their own selfish reasons. TENEBRAE: Lloyd and Richter are among those people. Lady Marta recovered Ratatosk's core from them. MARTA: But somehow the core managed to attach itself to my forehead. To tell you the truth, it's a bit frustrating. TENEBRAE: Do you understand now? EMIL: (Nods) [Y-]Yeah I guess. (Looks down, thinking) But I still can't believe Richter would do something like that.


 * Luin*

<The party wanders back into Luin [T0135]> TENEBRAE: I'll drop out of sight since my presence may draw unwanted attention. EMIL: (Shocked) Oh, hey! You're not one of the monsters that attacked the people in town, are you? TENEBRAE: [Hmph!] Of course not. Those monsters were lured to the village by Lumen's core. When Centurions are in their core state, they're unable to control their powers. This results in the disruption of the mana balance and throws nature into chaos. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) That's why I don't want to give the core to Lloyd or Richter. EMIL: (Slumps) I guess Centurions' cores are nothing but trouble. TENEBRAE: How rude. (Tenebrae disappears) MARTA: (Walks closer to Emil) All right. Why don't we go to your house for now? EMIL: (Shakes head) Oh. [Um...] We should first go tell the mayor what happened with Richter. MARTA: Okay. Maybe we can ask him about Lloyd, too. Let's go. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. (Slumps, thinks) I don't want her to see me being yelled at by my aunt and uncle.

<Skit "Where Are You?" appears [S0115]> EMIL: Hey, Tenebrae, are you here? TENEBRAE: (Flies by) Yes, I'm right over here. EMIL: [Huh?] Where? TENEBRAE: (Flies by again) Here. EMIL: [Uh...] Over here? TENEBRAE: (Flies by again) No, over here! EMIL: Wait, you mean here? MARTA: Tenebrae! Stop teasing Emil! TENEBRAE: How rude. This is part of the training of a Knight of Ratatosk. Let's see, where am I now? [Laughs craftily] EMIL: [SIGH] Now I know why Aqua calls you "spiteful."

<Skit "Wishful Thinking" appears [S0116]> MARTA: Rats! Here I was getting all ready to visit Emil's house, introduce myself to his family, and make our status as a wonderful new couple official! TENEBRAE: So that's why you demanded he take you to his home so suddenly. MARTA: (Light bulb) I get it now! Emil's so shy, he must be too embarrassed to return home with his girlfriend. TENEBRAE: That sounds like wishful thinking to me. MARTA: Quiet, Tenebrae! (Bops Tenebrae) That settles it. I've got to get him to like me more! (Grabs Emil, beaming) Hey, Emil! When's your birthday? What's your favorite food? Do you like girls with long or short hair better? EMIL: (Nervous) [H-]Hey, Marta! Stop clinging to me! TENEBRAE: I'm afraid this will be an unrequited love.

<The party heads for the Mayor's house [T0136]> (Suddenly, a tall man and several masked ones come up behind them) ???: Lady Marta! We've been looking for you! (Marta whirls around, surprised) MARTA: (Bitterly) Hawk. EMIL: (Nervously) Is he a friend? HAWK: Commander Brute says that if you return Ratatosk's core, all will be forgiven, and you will be welcomed back into the Vanguard. EMIL: (Recoils, shocked) You're a member of the Vanguard?! MARTA: (To Hawk, angrily) You can tell Commander Brute that what you did--what all of you did-- isn't something I can forget. HAWK: Whatever do you mean? MARTA: Don't act dumb. I'm not giving up Ratatosk's core. HAWK: (Points at her) [Hmph!] Then we will show you no mercy! Men, seize Lady Marta! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Yes, sir! (A battle begins with the two grunts. Emil and company beat them down) (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, Emil! We must leave this place at once! MARTA: You're right. Let's go! EMIL: [Wh-]What?! (Slumps, thinking) How did I get wrapped up in this mess?! (Marta grabs Emil's arm and drags him offscreen)

<The party runs to the town plaza [T0137]> (Hawk and his men corner them) HAWK: (Points, angrily) Get them! Move! (Suddenly, a fat man in bronze armor appears with a platoon of armored soldiers. He clocks Hawk with his giant lance) HAWK: (Falls) What?! (The armored soldiers clobber Hawk's men) MARTA: Huh?! EMIL: What?! MARTA: (To the armored man, scared) [Y-you...] You're from the Church of Martel! ???: (Sheathes his lance) I am Magnar, Commandant of the Church of Martel. By the orders of Lloyd the Great, I have come to take the demon lord Ratatosk and the Centurion's core! MARTA: (Angrily) [Urrgh...] You're all the same. MAGNAR: Hand it over and I will guarantee that none of you will be harmed. However, if you refuse, this town will meet the same fate as Palmacosta. EMIL: Same as Palmacosta? What does he mean? MAGNAR: What, boy? You don't know? The foolish Vanguard planned to use Ratatosk's core to start a rebellion in order to destroy the Church of Martel and the Chosen. MARTA: (To Emil) Lloyd killed all of those innocent people to steal Ratatosk's core, and to quell the rebellion. EMIL: (Balling fists) That's what my parents died for? TENEBRAE: Imp, my servant! Go! (The Imp captured earlier appears and attacks the soldiers) TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, Emil! We must leave town, now! (The three of them run off)

<The party runs to a clearing just outside of town [T0138]> MARTA: (Stops) What should we do? If we leave the town will be destroyed. MAGNAR: (Offscreen) Foolish, barbarous Sylvaranti! Listen well! (The party turns back in horror)

<Back in town [T0139]> (Magnar stands before the statue of Lloyd, several knights around him) MAGNAR: I am Commandant Magnar, of the glorious Martel Knights. We have come here to arrest the vile Vanguard for their crimes: blasphemy against the Church and inciting rebellions and discontentment across the world. However, we have also recently received reports from Lloyd the Great stating that the people of Luin have been engaged in sinful cooperation with the Vanguard. Therefore, this whole town, along with the Vanguard, now face charges of treason against the Chosen! But I will grant one final opportunity to redeem yourselves. A girl named Marta is hiding in this city. Bring her to me. Do so, and Lloyd the Great may very well forgive your crimes.

<Back in the clearing [T0140]> EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Marta, hand them the core on your forehead. MARTA: (Turns to Emil, shakes head) But [I...] I can't. EMIL: (Angrily) Why not?! If you, the Vanguard hadn't attempted a rebellion, Palmacosta never would've been destroyed in the first place! (Tenebrae turns. Marta hangs her head) EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. But if we don't do something, Luin will be destroyed. (Looks up) And if that happens, everyone will blame me since I'm the one who brought you here. MARTA: (Looks up) You're right. I'm truly sorry about what happened in Palmacosta. (Turns and starts to leave) EMIL: Where are you-- MARTA: I'll give them Ratatosk's core. I'm sorry, Tenebrae. (Marta leaves) TENEBRAE: (Turns to Emil) Emil, Knight of Ratatosk. You just sent Lady Marta to her death. Lord Ratatosk's core on her forehead requires energy from her body. The core cannot be separated from her before Lord Ratatosk awakens. Removing it beforehand will surely cause he death. EMIL: (Shocked) No! We have to tell her-- TENEBRAE: (Darkly) She already knows. She intends to die for this town and for you. For your petty desire to protect yourself. I just wanted you to know the consequences of your words. EMIL: (Looks after Marta) [I-]I'm going to stop Marta! TENEBRAE: You'll be ostracized by the people in town. EMIL: (Angrily) I don't care! TENEBRAE: Well, then. I shall go with you. (Emil runs off. Tenebrae struts after)

<Back at the town square [M0105]> (Marta glares at Magnar) MARTA: I'm here now. Are you satisfied? MAGNAR: Tell us where Ratatosk's core and the Centurions' cores are. MARTA: I don't have a Centurion's core, but Ratatosk's core is right here. (Points to her forehead) If you want it that badly, you'll have to take it with my head. MAGNAR: (Scratches chin) What a marvelous idea. I think I will. Seize her, men! (Two soldiers grab Marta and force her to the ground) MAGNAR: All right, we no longer have any need for this town. Hand down the divine punishment they deserve! MARTA: (Wriggles, shocked) No, wait a minute! You said that you'd-- MAGNAR: That's enough. Silence! (Thumps his lance) The orders of Lloyd the Great are absolute! (Turns to his men) All right men the time has come! Pillage! Kill! Show them the divine punishment of the Goddess Martel! (Raises lance) SOLDIER: Yes, sir! (Soldiers run amok through Luin, terrorizing the populace and ravaging the buildings. The sounds of fires and screams fill the air)

<Emil and Tenebrae race to the town plaza> (Emil witnesses the carnage and is horrified) EMIL: Oh, no. Stop it! (An explosion goes off behind him and he's launched into the air with a scream. He tumbles onto the pavement before Marta and Magnar) (A ghastly silence fills the air. Marta stares in shock.  Suddenly, Emil's hands twitch.  Magnar looks on with curiosity.) (Emil's body starts to give off thick, black smoke, dark rings forming on the ground around him. He slowly gets to his feet, clutching at his face.  Marta watches anxiously.) R. EMIL: Didn't you hear what I said? (Looks up and reveals his red eyes) (Furious) I said stop, you miserable swine! (Emil charges the soldiers and takes out two of them with his bare hands, thrusting one's lance into the pavement. He turns his wild eyes on the other troops and yanks out his sword.) R. EMIL: (Snarling) I'll teach you the true meaning of divine punishment! (The remaining Martel soldiers attack. Emil and his monsters trash the knights)

(Emil stands over Marta and offers his hand) R.EMIL: Stand up, Marta. (Helps her up) MARTA: [Unh,] Emil... (Emil turns to Magnar, a smirk on his lips) R.EMIL: Now the. Time for your punishment. You better pray to Martel one last time. Pray to her for a painless death! (R. Emil bares his teeth, and the party engages Magnar and creams him)

(Grinning like a psychotic demon, Emil approaches the downed Magnar and sheathes his sword.) MAGNAR: [I...] I don't understand. Who are you! R. EMIL: The question is who the hell are you! (Emil puts his foot on Magnar's chest) R. EMIL: Well? Let's see your divine punishment now. Go ahead. Show it to me! (Emil slugs Magnar over and over mercilessly) R. EMIL: Are you listening?! MARTA: (Scared) Emil. That's enough Emil, stop it! (Emil recoils, then his head snaps back. His eyes switch from red to green and he slowly turns around, confused.) (He quickly lets go of Magnar's throat, and Magnar crumples in a coughing fit.) EMIL: What--what did I do?! (Emil runs off on his own)

<Emil sees Dida and Moll near his house [T0141]> EMIL: (Thinking) Dida, Moll. They didn't run away!

<Emil approaches the town bullies [T0142]> (Both are surprised to see him) DIDA: (Nervous) [Oh!] Hey. MOLL: (Nervous) [Ho-]How are you? You doing good? DIDA: We're pretty busy, so... [uh...] MOLL: [Y-]Yeah, it's not like we're afraid of you or anything. (The bullies run off) EMIL: (Slumps) Oh. (Marta walks up behind him) MARTA: Both the Vanguard and the Martel Knights have left town. (Emil is silent) MARTA: The mayor wants to talk to you. Will you come?

<Skit "Promise" appears [S0117]> MARTA: Emil, thank you. [EMIL: Mmm...] MARTA: You saved me again. [EMIL: N'gh...] MARTA: [I...] I'll always be on your side. That's a promise. So cheer up, okay? EMIL: Thanks, Marta.

<Emil runs into his aunt and uncle in front of the mayor's [T0143]> FLORA: (Nervous) Emil... EMIL: (Hangs head) [A-]Aunt Flora, I-- (Alba runs in front of his wife, balling his fists) ALBA: (Angrily) Get away from us, you monster! MARTA: (To Alba, angrily) How could you?! EMIL: (Shakes head) No, it's okay! It's okay.

<The party goes to see the mayor [T0144]> MAYOR OF LUIN: Emil, thank you for coming. I have a favor to ask of you. EMIL: [W-]What sort of favor? MAYOR OF LUIN: I want you to go find Lloyd for me. EMIL: (Surprised, dejected) [Is this...] Is this your way of telling me to leave? MAYOR OF LUIN: (Shakes head) No. I simply cannot believe what just happened here. The Lloyd that I know would never allow this kind of slaughter and looting, even on orders from the Church. EMIL: But-- MAYOR OF LUIN: I didn't believe what you said about Palmacosta until today. But it seems that the same thing almost happened to our town. (Shakes head) I'm just not sure what to believe anymore. EMIL: Mayor, it doesn't take much for people to change. (Thinks sadly) Like me. MAYOR OF LUIN: (Head low) That may be so. (Looks up) Which is exactly why I want you to investigate this. Why Lloyd changed like he did, and why he's looking for Ratatosk and the Centurions' cores. MARTA: (Hangs head) So this is how you plan to protect Emil from the fear of the townspeople? (Emil is surprised) MAYOR OF LUIN: (Hangs head) The people of our town are easily frightened. Please forgive them. But I believe this is for your own good. (Emil hangs his head in sad thought) EMIL: (Looks up) I'll look for Lloyd. And then I will avenge my parents. MAYOR OF LUIN: I understand. I won't try to stop you. Emil, our town may be full of people who fear you, but this is still your home. I know it may sound hard to believe now, but once things calm down, I want you to come back. EMIL: I'm sorry I caused so much trouble. (Emil starts to walk away) MAYOR OF LUIN: Emil... (Emil hangs his head) MAYOR OF LUIN: Thank you for saving Luin. (Emil hesitates, then walks out of the room)

<Emil starts to leave town [T0145]> (Marta runs up behind him) MARTA: Emil, wait! EMIL: (Turns around) [M-]Marta. MARTA: Tenebrae and I are going with you. EMIL: Why? MARTA: The whole point of our journey is to find the Centurions' cores and wake up Ratatosk. So Lloyd is our common enemy. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Since we share the same objective, it would be in our best interest to work together. EMIL: [Mmm...] But I'm-- MARTA: You also made a pact with Ratatosk as a knight, right? (Folds arms behind her back) And Ratatosk is stuck on me, so that means you have to protect me. TENEBRAE: As I told you before, Lady Marta had been looking for you. She wanted the boy who saved her back in Palmacosta, you, to be a Knight of Ratatosk. So please. MARTA: (Straightens up) It's partly my fault that things ended up the way they did. Let us go with you. EMIL: (Hangs head) I really don't remember meeting you before. Are you okay with that? MARTA: It's okay, because I remember. And you're brave, so I feel like I can count on you. EMIL: (Nervously) You think I'm brave? I'm nothing like that. MARTA: No, you really are. You already saved me several times since we met again. And you wouldn't have done that if you didn't have courage. That's why I want to go with you. We can start off as friends. Right? (Blushes, looks down) Of course I don't mind being more than friends. (Emil blushes and looks down, flashing back to Richter's words) RICHTER: Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. (Back to present) EMIL: It's just like he said. MARTA: (Gets closer) What? EMIL: (Shakes head) Oh, it's nothing. TENEBRAE: Why don't we get going? EMIL: (Nods) [R-]Right. Okay, let's go! (Marta beams. Emil beams back)

-- -- (2.2) - Chapter 2: Troubled Heart (GS2) -- --


 * Asgard*

<The party arrives at the gates [T0201]> (Emil, Marta and Tenebrae push forward against a fierce wind) EMIL: [Th-]This is some wind. MARTA: (Sharply) Come on! Take it like a man! EMIL: (Slumps) That's easy to say. (Marta keeps walking) TENEBRAE: (To Emil) It may be difficult to believe, but Lady Marta is depending on you. So please, try to act like a man in front of her. EMIL: (Dejected) I'm not sure if I can. MARTA: (Turns around) What's keeping you two? Come on, we need to ask if anyone's seen Lloyd. Let's hurry. (Jumps for joy) Wherever Lloyd is, that's where the Centurions' cores are! (Folds arms) So let's find the mayor and ask if Lloyd's come by. Okay? EMIL: (Nods) [R-]Right.

<Skit "Strange Weather Patterns" appears [S0201]> EMIL: Wow, this wind is really something. MARTA: Right now all sorts of strange weather patterns are happening around the world. It's all because of the joining of the worlds two years ago. EMIL: But everything will work out if the Centurions' cores are hatched, right? TENEBRAE: That should be true in theory. EMIL: Wait, what do you mean, "theory?" TENEBRAE: (Shakes head) Things are not always as simple as they appear. [EMIL: Wha?] (Marta looks down)

<The party heads down the main street [T0202]> EMIL: (Looks around) This town seems kind of desolate. MARTA: This is weird. The last time I came here with Daddy it wasn't like this at all. EMIL: Your dad? Now that you mention it, where's your family? MARTA: (Hangs head) [W-]Well... (Emil starts to back up) MARTA: Watch out! (Emil collides with a man in a tuxedo with dark blue hair) EMIL: (Jumping back) [Uh...] Sorry! ???: It's fine. (The man stares at where Tenebrae is hiding) EMIL: [Uh...] Are you-- ???: (To Emil) It's all right. You have an interesting creature with you. (Emil looks surprised) MARTA: (Runs up) Emil, what are you doing? We're terribly sorry. Are you all right? EMIL: Marta, this man, he-- ???: This town's changed, too. EMIL: Huh? MARTA: Excuse me. Are you originally from here? ???: A long time ago. Back then, this city wasn't even called Asgard. (Awkward silence) ???: Sorry. This is my hometown. It brings back memories of my friends from back then. It seems they got the better of me. Forgive me. (The man walks away. Emil watches him go) EMIL: That guy--he noticed Tenebrae. MARTA: (Surprised) Are you sure?! I've never seen anyone who could do that. EMIL: I wonder who he is.

<Skit "Strange Guy" appears [S0202]> MARTA: I wonder who that guy was? He said some strange things. What a weirdo. I mean it's been a long time since this town changed its name to Asgard. EMIL: Right. No human alive today could've been around then. Could he be an elf? Maybe that's how he noticed Tenebrae. MARTA: Yeah, but even elves and half-elves only live about a thousand years, tops. He must've been teasing us. (Muzzy) Jerk. TENEBRAE: He may actually be older than his youthful appearance would indicate. EMIL: Oh, you mean like you, Tenebrae. MARTA: Yeah, maybe that's it! TENEBRAE: (Angry) We Centurions are ageless! I will not be treated like a doddering old man!

<The party heads for the mayor's house, but nobody's home [M0201]> (As Emil stands on the doorstep, Marta wanders around on the lawn, holding out her hand to sense the wind) MARTA: I just don't get it. EMIL: [Huh? Wh-]What do you mean? MARTA: The wind isn't strong enough. There's no way a wind this weak could damage buildings like this. EMIL: [Hmm...] Well maybe some days the wind is stronger. (Almost as soon as he says it, the wind picks up fiercely.) MARTA: [Eyaahh!!!] (Grabs at her hair ornaments) [Wow,] What was that? EMIL: Marta, look! [MARTA: Huh?] (In the dark storm clouds above, there's a swirling mass of black and purple, like some sort of black hole. Suddenly, the wind gets even stronger and Marta is lifted off the ground) [MARTA: Hunnnh?!] EMIL: (Panicked) Marta! MARTA: (Panicked) Emil! (Emil runs and grabs her hand before she's blown away, and manages to drag her back into the mayor's doorway. They watch the storm for a moment, and then Emil notices he's still holding Marta's hand.) [EMIL: U'aahh!] (Emil yanks his hand away) EMIL: (Hanging head) [S-]Sorry. [W-]We'd better go find some shelter somewhere. (Tenebrae appears, seemingly unaffected by the wind) TENEBRAE: There's a cave-like area not far from here known as the Mural Cavern. If I may suggest, perhaps we should head there to avoid the wind. (Tenebrae disappears) EMIL: Sounds good. Let's go. (Starts to leave the doorstep) MARTA: [W-]Wait! (Marta clutches Emil's hand. He stares at it.) MARTA: It's safer if we hold hands.~ (Clutching hands, they head for the caves)

<Skit "Killing the Moment" appears [S0203]> (Both Marta and Emil blush) MARTA: Your hands are so warm, Emil.~ EMIL: [Mmph!] You think so? TENEBRAE: [Ah,] Two young hearts all aflutter. How sweet. EMIL: Aflutter? Who says stuff like that anymore? TENEBRAE: (Irked) I do. You got a problem with that? EMIL: [Laughs] You're funny, Tenebrae. MARTA: (Irked) Way to kill the moment, you two.

<The party makes its way to the Mural Cave [T0203]> (Still holding hands, Emil and Marta stop and look at the cave paintings.) MARTA: I think we'll be safe in here. EMIL: (Blushing) Yeah. MARTA: What's the matter? Your face is beet-red. EMIL: [Y-]Your hand. MARTA: Oh. Do I have to let it go? EMIL: I-- [uh-heh...] MARTA: [Giggles] Just kidding.~ [hee!] (Marta lets go of Emil's hand) EMIL: (Looking away) [Um,] I wonder why the wind got so strong all of a sudden. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: I believe it's linked to Lord Ratatosk's sleep. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) Yeah, I know that's the root of the problem. I meant why did the wind get so strong just now. TENEBRAE: Perhaps it changes, in a manner similar to you. EMIL: (Turns away and slumps) I know, I'm just a weak nobody without the help of Knight of Ratatosk. MARTA: That's not true! You're strong, kind, and cool. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Really? MARTA: Really! You're my prince, Emil! EMIL: (Thinking) I wonder if she really believes all that. TENEBRAE: I hate to interrupt this fascinating discussion, but the wind seems to have died down a bit. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) [I-]It did? (Marta gets irked) TENEBRAE: Yes, but now I head voices. There seems to be some sort of commotion. MARTA: Let's go and have a look. It'll also give us a chance to ask about Lloyd. EMIL: [R-]Right.

<The party heads outside [M0202]> (There's a gathering of people on the tier below. Marta doesn't react well.) MARTA: Damn! It's Alice! EMIL: Who? TENEBRAE: A top officer in the Vanguard. We better hide. (Marta grabs Emil and shoves him away. They hide just out of sight over the white-dressed girl and her soldiers.) ALICE: (Arms folded, pouty) [Awww!] I'm so disappointed you still haven't found Colettie. Poo! Alice is so tired! (One unfortunate soldier drops down and Alice lounges on his back) HAWK: (Kneels) Ma'am! If you'd just be a little more patient-- (Alice swats him with her swatter, knocking him over. She beams.) ALICE: [Giggles] I just said that I'm tired. (Raises it again) Now, now, you should know better than to... (Her eyes go evil. Emil flinches as she swats Hawk again) ALICE: Talk... (Marta flinches as she swats Hawk again) ALICE: back... (Tenebrae flinches as she swats Hawk yet agan) ALICE: to... (The other soldiers flinch as she swats Hawk once more) ALICE: me! (Hawk crashes down, clutching his nose. Alice plays with her swatter.) ALICE: No wonder you let Martmart slip through our fingers and failed so spectacularly in Luin. (Gets off the soldier) Must I do everything myself? (Alice places the tip of the swatter on Hawk's chin and lifts his face up, all while smiling cutely) ALICE: Hawkie, are you listening to me? HAWK: (Defeated) I apologize. (Alice withdraws the swatter and saunters off. The soldiers bow.) ALICE: Hurry and find that pesky Colettie. I'll be at the mayor's house. Ta-ta. HAWK: [Urgh...] (To his men as he gets back on his feet) I'll search the city's perimeter [Ungh...] while you do a thorough sweep of the city! The Chosen of Regeneration is a woman with blonde hair. Bring in anyone that fits that description! And do it quickly, or Lady Alice will have all of our heads! Now go! (The soldiers turn and salute stiffly) SOLDIERS: For the liberation of Sylvarant! (The troops spread out over town, jogging down roads and into caves) EMIL: So that girl is a member of the Vanguard? MARTA: That's Alice, the captain of the Vanguard's combat unit. (Gets up) She's a complete sadist. Be careful around her. EMIL: (Very puzzled as he gets up) (Be careful? But why?  What's that supposed to mean, "Be careful"?) TENEBRAE: Well, we won't be able to go to the mayor's house now. MARTA: All right, then let's go look for the Chosen Colette. EMIL: Oh yeah! The Chosen and Lloyd traveled together, right? MARTA: (Nods) [Mm-hmm.] If we can't find Lloyd, we might be able to ask about him. And maybe... (Stares at the ground) EMIL: Maybe what? MARTA: (Shakes her head) [Mmnh,] Let's just look for the Chosen. TENEBRAE: They said that the Chosen is a woman with blonde hair. Let's search the city for her. However, please remember to keep your distance from the Vanguard and stay out of their sight at all times. EMIL: (Nods) [R-]Right. I agree. There's no point in getting caught up with them. (They set out to look for the Chosen)

<Skit "Saddest VS Sadist" appears [S0204]> EMIL: Alice looks like a harmless girl, but she makes a powerful impression. Maybe scary is a better word. MARTA: Watch yourself around her. She's a sadist. Actually a super sadist. EMIL: What's a "sadist?" TENEBRAE: The term sadist is related to the concept of sadism. It is the deriving of pleasure by causing pain in others, physically or mentally. EMIL: Okay. How exactly am I supposed to be careful around her? MARTA: Don't go near her, don't speak to her, don't respond if she speaks to you, and swear to love only me. (Beams) Then you'll be fine! EMIL: [Wh-]What?! What are you talking about?! TENEBRAE: Lady Marta's search for love is among the saddest I've seen. [EMIL/MARTA: Huh?] TENEBRAE: It's the saddest versus the sadist. EMIL/MARTA: Ouch.

<Skit "Hawkie" appears [S0205]> EMIL: Why does Alice call Hawk, "Hawkie"? It's like she was making fun of him, or something. MARTA: Actually, Alice only comes up with those little nicknames for people she likes. EMIL: So the fact that Alice calls you Martmart must mean she likes you a lot. MARTA: No, it's the opposite for girls. That nickname means I'm on her bad list. EMIL: This is confusing. TENEBRAE: I hate to change the subject, but do I really come across like an old man? [EMIL/MARTA: Huh?] EMIL: Wow, you've been worrying about that this whole time?

<Skit "The Chosen" appears [S0206]> MARTA: The Chosen is a woman with blonde hair. Where can she be? TENEBRAE: She may be the Chosen, but she is still only human. Since I have not met her, sensing her will prove difficult. EMIL: I wonder what kind of person she is. Have you met her before? MARTA: (Angrily) I've never met the Chosen of Regeneration, and to tell you the truth, I really don't want to meet her now! EMIL: (Nervous) Oh. Sorry I asked. TENEBRAE: Why are you apologizing? EMIL: [Um...] (Because Marta's scaring me.)

<The party treks around and walks into Linar's house [M0202]> (A blonde girl in white, Colette, is talking with blue-haired Aisha.) COLETTE: So Lloyd hasn't stopped by here either. AISHA: (Hangs head) I'm sorry that I couldn't be of more help, Chosen One. (The scene changes to Emil and Marta at the door. Marta looks mad.) COLETTE: Oh no. It's quite all right. Thank you. EMIL: [Y-]You're the Chosen of Regeneration? (Marta pushes past Emil and struts up to Colette) MARTA: Chosen of Regeneration, I have something to ask you. COLETTE: (Turns to Marta) [Y-]Yes? MARTA: Two years ago the world regeneration caused the separated worlds of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla to become one. And during that process, a giant, fearsome tree appeared in Palmacosta and destroyed the city. (Colette's eyes grow sad) MARTA: I was told it happened because you tried to run away from your task of world regeneration. Is that true? (Colette is silent for a long while, then closes her eyes and nods sadly) COLETTE: Yes. (Marta looks surprised, then boils over with rage. She shoves Colette into the shelves behind her) MARTA: My mother was in Palmacosta when that giant tree attacked! (Colette recovers and looks at her. Marta turns her gaze to the floor, her fists balled) MARTA: You call yourself the "Chosen"?! You're nothing more than a coward! How dare you! (Looks up angrily) If you hadn't run away, my mother would still be alive today! (Colette doesn't look at Marta's face. She hangs her head again) COLETTE: (Sadly) I'm so sorry. (Marta leers at her for another moment, then turns and runs out of the house.) EMIL: Marta!

<Emil leaves Linar's house [T0204]> (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: I am worried about Lady Marta. EMIL: Yeah. She was really upset. TENEBRAE: (Sits down) Lady Marta and her father wandered the world after the death of her mother and the loss of their hometown. It must have been hard for her. EMIL: Yeah. (Tenebrae disappears)

<Emil finds Marta at the bottom of the stairs, her back to him [T0205]> EMIL: Marta... MARTA: (Calm) I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to see me like that. EMIL: It's okay. (Hangs head) When I saw Lloyd, I got so angry I could barely control myself. MARTA: You're not mad at the Chosen? EMIL: (Looks up) Hmm? MARTA: (Turns to Emil) You were born in Palmacosta too, right? What were you doing when that monstrous giant tree attacked Palmacosta? EMIL: I wasn't in the city then. MARTA: Oh. EMIL: (Thinking) Yeah, I wasn't there. MARTA: I joined the Vanguard because I blamed the Chosen for destroying Palmacosta. (Hangs head) But I do understand. I know that it must have been really hard for her to seal away the Desians and regenerate the world. I know that there's probably a good reason why what happened in Palmacosta was unavoidable. But she just admitted to the rumor she'd run away. I just can't forgive that. (Suddenly, a Vanguard soldier approaches) VANGUARD SOLDIER: Hey, you. You just said something about the Chosen. EMIL: Huh? VANGUARD SOLDIER: We're the Vanguard, the Sylvaranti Liberation Front. A resistance movement dedicated to punishing the Tethe'allans and the Church of Martel for persecuting Sylvaranti as if we were half-elves. We are currently looking for the Chosen of Regeneration, a Sylvaranti traitor who is sympathetic to the Tethe'allan people. If you have information about her whereabouts, tell us. MARTA: (Faces him) The Chosen left the city already. VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Angrily) What?! Damn it. (Takes off) EMIL: Why did you say that? MARTA: The Vanguard has declared the Chosen a wanted traitor who pretended to save Sylvarant even as she betrayed it to Tethe'alla. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: If they catch her, she may be executed for propaganda. EMIL: I didn't know the Vanguard was a group of such extremists. MARTA: Even though I can't forgive the Chosen, the Vanguard's latest actions are even harder to overlook. EMIL: (Curious) Wait, you mean the Vanguard's different from what it used to be? MARTA: (Nods slowly) It's because Commander Brute has changed. TENEBRAE: I hate to interrupt, but I think we should get going. With the Vanguard crawling all over the city I hardly think it's prudent to dawdle. EMIL: [Oh... R-]Right. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Sorry, I didn't mean to trouble you. Lloyd hasn't been around here, so maybe we should set out for Palmacosta next? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, good idea. Let's go.

<Skit "Fool of Myself" appears [S0207]> [MARTA: (Slumps) Mmnh...] EMIL: What's wrong? MARTA: I made a total fool of myself back there. I know the Chosen was responsible for saving the world, but I couldn't stop myself from yelling at her like that. I feel really stupid. EMIL: Well you're kinder than I am. [MARTA: (Surprised) Huh?] EMIL: Even though he helped save the world, I could never forgive Lloyd for killing my parents. I didn't think you sounded foolish at all. (Shakes head) Actually, I was impressed. MARTA: Thanks for being such a nice guy. You're strong, you're kind, you're the greatest! I love you so much!~ EMIL: What?! (She keeps raising my pedestal higher and higher.) [TENEBRAE: Laughs quietly to himself]

<The party starts to leave town [T0206]> (A little boy gets in their way) BOY: (Angrily) Hey, wait! EMIL: What? BOY: You're the ones who were mean to the Chosen. (Emil looks shocked. Marta is quiet.) BOY: Don't pretend you weren't. I saw you! You shoved the Chosen in Aisha's house! Why?! MARTA: (Angrily) Why not? She deserved it! She let Palmacosta be destroyed in the name of world regeneration! BOY: (Gets in Marta's face) You don't know what you're talking about! Tell the Chosen you're sorry! (A faint screech is heard) EMIL: (Listening) Hey, did you just hear something? It sounded like a monster's howl. BOY: (Turns to Emil) You stay out of this! (Suddenly the wind picks up fiercely, and the boy is blown away) BOY: Aaah! EMIL: Oh... MARTA: We have to help him!

<The party runs the way the wind is blowing [T0207]> EMIL: (Shocked) Marta! Over there! (The kid dangles from a ledge. They run up to it.  Marta gets down and crawls out to him) BOY: [Wh-]Why are you here? Did you come to laugh at me? MARTA: Don't be ridiculous! And don't move! We're here to help. (The boy loses his grip) BOY: Aaah! (Marta grabs him just in time, but she can't pull him up) MARTA: Emil! Tenebrae! Help! TENEBRAE: Understood. EMIL: (Thinking) [I-]I'm scared, but I have to do it. (Suddenly, a flock of Harpies fly down and blow them away. Alice appears on the ledge near Marta.) ALICE: [Giggle] Not so fast, darlings.~ EMIL: Oh. You're that sadist. (Alice looks irked.) ALICE: (Swats at her hair) Hawkie, go get him! (Hawk runs up and smacks Emil in the back. Emil falls) EMIL: Ugh! (Alice walks up to where Marta is holding the kid) ALICE: And look what we found while looking for Colettie! I'm so lucky!~ (Starts stomping on Marta's knees) Decus might not like it, but I'll be taking Ratatosk's core! EMIL: Stop! ALICE: (Still stomping on Marta's knees) Well aren't you a stubborn one? HAWK: Lady Alice! Commander Brute gave us explicit orders that Lady Marta was to be taken alive. ALICE: But it's not my fault that she fell to her death because of the wind. I'm sure the Commander will understand that accidents can happen.~ MARTA: (Pained) I can't hold on anymore. COLETTE: Angel Feather! (Colette shoots rings at Alice three times, grabs Marta and the kid and flies them to safety) EMIL: The Chosen! (Colette lands and puts Marta and the kid down) MARTA: Why did you save us? The Vanguard is after you! You're in danger! COLETTE: I know, but I couldn't just leave you. ALICE: Oh, I am so lucky! Now I can take out two little birdies with one stone! (Points) Hawkie! Athos! Portos! Take care of them! (Hawk and two of Alice's monsters attack the party. The party whups them) ALICE: (Stamps foot) What are you all doing?! You're so useless! Aramis, get us out of here! (Alice hops on a blue balloon bear thingy and flies off) COLETTE: Is everyone okay? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. BOY: Chosen One, thank you. COLETTE: (Turns to boy) Don't mention it. I'm just glad you weren't hurt. (Colette starts to leave, then turns back to Marta) COLETTE: (Hands clasped) I know apologies can never make up for what happened, but I want you to know I'm truly sorry. (Walks away) BOY: (To Marta, angrily) You have no idea what she went through! The Chosen was ready to give up her life to protect our world! My dad died in Palmacosta, too. But it's not fair to blame the Chosen for that! (Runs away) (Marta hangs her head) EMIL: Marta? We should leave before the Vanguard comes back. MARTA: I'm sorry. I'd like to see the Chosen one more time. EMIL: Are you sure? MARTA: (Turns to Emil) I still haven't thanked her for saving my life. I'm sorry, but I need to do this! EMIL: I haven't thanked her, either. Let's go together. MARTA: Thank you.

<Skit "Don't Get It" appears [S0208]> MARTA: The Chosen helped us even though she knew it would get her into trouble. But then, why did she try to run away from her responsibilities while regenerating the world? I just don't get it.

<The party goes to the mayor's house [T0208]> (Colette is speaking with the mayor) MARTA: (Slowly) Thank you for saving me. EMIL: I didn't get to thank you either. Thank you for your help. COLETTE: You came after me just to tell me that? I'm so happy! Please call me Colette. And you are? MARTA: [Uh...] I'm Marta. EMIL: I'm Emil. COLETTE: Marta and Emil? Great, now we can be friends. MARTA: (Recoils) You're joking, right? COLETTE: (Hangs head) Oh, right. Okay. MAYOR OF ASGARD: Excuse me, Chosen One. COLETTE: (Turns to mayor) Oh, yes. Please leave the matter of the stone dais to me. I'll have a look right now. EMIL: Dais? COLETTE: (Turns to Emil) Oh, well, I'm sure you noticed how the wind in this town was strong, right? I was wondering if the stone dais might have something to do with it. MAYOR OF ASGARD: A monster calling itself the Summon Spirit of Wind appeared there in the past. The Chosen believes it might be connected with all the gusts we've been experiencing. MARTA: But if you stay here much longer the Vanguard will come back for you. COLETTE: (Turns to Marta) Ever since the world regeneration, so many things are happening throughout the world. Since I'm the Chosen of Regeneration-- no, even if I wasn't, I still want to help in whatever way I can. EMIL: (In awe) You're really amazing. COLETTE: (Turns to Emil) No I'm not. You both tried to save that boy, right? It's the same thing. MARTA: We can't be friends, but I think I can help you. COLETTE: (Turns to Marta) Oh? MARTA: (Walks to Emil) She saved my life, so I owe her. EMIL: (Nods) Then I'll help, too. Since you're the first friend that I've ever had. MARTA: (Walks back to Colette) You can refuse us, but we're still going with you either way. COLETTE: Not at all! I'd love to have you come with me! Thank you, both of you! EMIL: (Curious) So we're going to the stone dais then? COLETTE: (Nods) That's right. Let's go!

<Skit "All Aflutter" appears [S0209]> MARTA: (Annoyed) Wow, you're really going all mushy over Colette. EMIL: (Nervous) No I'm not. MARTA: Are too. It's like you can't relax. Look at you, you're fidgeting! EMIL: I-- [Um--] TENEBRAE: (Enters in) Lady Marta, please calm down. I believe Emil was nervous, but I don't think his heart was all aflutter. COLETTE: (Walks in) What does "all aflutter" mean? EMIL: It's nothing! MARTA: (Angrily) Oh my gosh, you're blushing! You're such a jerk!

<The party reaches the stone dais [T0209]> (Emil, Marta and Colette look around) EMIL: Nothing here looks out of the ordinary. COLETTE: Maybe your summon spirit would be able to tell. MARTA: (Curious) Our summon spirit? (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: I believe she means me. COLETTE: Yes, you, doggie! I'm talking about you! TENEBRAE: I am neither a "doggie" nor a summon spirit. I am Centurion Tenebrae. You may call me Tenebrae. COLETTE: All right, Tenebie. So, do you notice anything strange? TENEBRAE: No, not especially. And my name isn't Tenebie. EMIL: Colette doesn't miss a beat. MARTA: Yeah. COLETTE: [Hmm...] Maybe it isn't related to the stone dais after all. (Colette starts to walk, then stumbles and knocks Marta over, just as a winged monster flies by) COLETTE: Aah! EMIL: (Shocked) What was that?! MARTA: (Sits up) A monster?! COLETTE: (Sits up) But it disappeared. TENEBRAE: Emil! Above you! EMIL: [Y-]Yeah! (A big, black bird is flying around overhead. It swoops down and attacks! It's too strong to beat, so the crew runs back down the hill> EMIL: (Slumps) What was that?  Was that the Summon Spirit of Wind the mayor was talking about? COLETTE: But the summon spirit we found here was a fake.  And besides, we defeated it. MARTA: Either way, it seems like that creature's responsible for these gusts. We've got to do something. (Tenebrae appears) EMIL: But our attacks just bounced off of it. TENEBRAE: Let's look for a winged dragon. EMIL: Huh? TENEBRAE: The winged dragon is the natural enemy of the garuda, the bird monster we just encountered.	The garuda is protected by a special membrane-- a barrier of sorts.  The only thing that can pierce it is the claw of a winged dragon. COLETTE: I might know where we can find one.  I met a man in Hima who tames dragons.  I can take us there. (Emil and Marta are surprised) EMIL: (Nervous) Hima is where adventurers go, right? Is it safe? COLETTE: Don't worry, they're all good people. MARTA: Excuse me, Chosen One? COLETTE: (Looks at Marta, smiles) Please, call me Colette. MARTA: Colette. Thank you. (Colette looks puzzled) MARTA: You saved us from that flying creature on the stone dais. COLETTE: (Plays with fingers) Oh, [uh,] no. I just tripped. MARTA: [Giggles] You're really strange, Colette. COLETTE: Really? MARTA: (Nods) Yeah. COLETTE: Oh, I'm sorry. MARTA: [Laughs] All right, let's go to Hima! EMIL: Okay. (Thinking) Girls are strange.

<Skit "I'm Not Giving Up" appears [S0210]> MARTA: Colette, can I ask you something? COLETTE: Of course. [Uh...] What is it? MARTA: Just be honest. How do you feel about Emil? COLETTE: Well, let's see. He's very kind, very warm-hearted. MARTA: Do you like him? COLETTE: (Beams) Sure. MARTA: (Angrily) [Agh!] Well, I'm not giving up! I won't lose! Not to you, not to anybody! (Runs off) COLETTE: [O-]Oh, right. [Um...] Good luck, I guess?

<Skit "Tenebie" appears [S0211]> COLETTE: Say, doggie-- TENEBRAE: I believe I said my name was Tenebrae. COLETTE: Oh, [uh...] you don't like me calling you that? TENEBRAE: No, it's just that my name is-- COLETTE: I've got it! I'll call you Mr. Doggy! How does Mr. Doggy sound? TENEBRAE: (Angrily) I am Tenebrae! COLETTE: Oh. In that case, I'll have to settle for Tenebie. TENEBRAE: (Sweatdrops) That's it. My reputation as a Centurion is done for.

<Skit "Collapsing Colette" appears [S0212]> (Colette falls down again) EMIL: Colette just collapsed. Are you all right? COLETTE: What? Oh, [I-]I'm fine. [TENEBRAE: (Chuckles)] MARTA: What's so funny, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: "Co-llapsing Co-lette." [Laughs] You can be quite comical, when you try Emil. [EMIL/MARTA: Hmm?] COLETTE: Oh, you're right! That must explain why I trip so much! (Beams) Centurions are smart! TENEBRAE: [Laughs] You flatter me. [EMIL: Mmnnhh...] MARTA: Those two are going to drive me insane.


 * Hima*

<The party arrives at Hima [T0210]> (Monsters swarm all over the place) EMIL: (Recoils) Yikes! It's filled with monsters! MARTA: It wasn't like this the last time I came here. I wonder what happened to everyone in town. COLETTE: Maybe it's because of the world regeneration. We have to do something. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Let's just look for that dragon tamer for now.

<Skit "Aura of the Demonic Realm" appears [S0213]> EMIL: Wow, there're so many monsters here. It's creepy. MARTA: Is this also because of the Centurion's core? TENEBRAE: No, I doubt that is the only cause. Like the situation at Luin, unless a core is nearby, monsters should not attack a human settlement in great numbers. COLETTE: Then what could it be? TENEBRAE: It's faint, but I sense the aura of the demonic realm. Maybe this area is connected to demons in some way. EMIL: (Nervous) Demons? TENEBRAE: Before Lord Ratatosk descended to this world, it was joined to Niflheim, the demonic realm. Eventually, a door was created and the path between worlds was sealed, but some traces of demons still remain in this world. COLETTE: Yes. I think I've seen some evidence of that. MARTA: Then, should we try and do something about it? TENEBRAE: No.	The demons in this realm will probably be subdued to some degree once Lord Ratatosk awakens. We should concentrate on what we came here to do. EMIL: [Th-]That's a relief. I was afraid you were going to say we had to wipe out the demons ourselves.

<The crew makes its way to the top of the hill [T0211]> COLETTE: The man with the dragons was right around here last time. EMIL: (Steps back) [Woah!] This place is crawling with monsters, too. COLETTE: I wonder what happened to the dragon tamer. I hope he's okay. (A gigantic imp monster, a Skirophorion, appears, startling all of them) MARTA: (FIghting stance) I think we need to worry about ourselves right now. (Colette's wings appear) EMIL: [H-]Here it comes! (The Skirophorion attacks! The party defeats it) (The group walks out to the summit and looks around. The place is deserted) MARTA: Looks like there aren't any dragons left here. Maybe they flew away. EMIL: (Slumps) Or maybe they got eaten by all these monsters. (There's a silence. Then Colette looks surprised) COLETTE: I can hear it. EMIL: (Turns to Colette) Hear what? COLETTE: (Looks out into the sky) A dragon flying. MARTA: (Curious) I don't hear anything. (Suddenly, a little white dragon appears, flying in circles around them) COLETTE: Look! EMIL: A winged dragon! (The dragon flaps down in the middle of the group) TENEBRAE: She's thanking us for avenging him. EMIL: Avenging who? COLETTE: Are you saying that the dragon tamer is dead?! TENEBRAE: No. Apparently the tamer was able to get away safely. It seems that she's thanking us for avenging the death of her father, who was eaten by those monsters we just fought. COLETTE: (Sadly) The poor thing. TENEBRAE: She says that she would like to repay us. Even a young winged dragon would be effective against the garuda. How shall we proceed? EMIL: I'm not comfortable asking her to fight in battle, but if she's okay with it-- TENEBRAE: She's agreed to help us. MARTA: Great! Thank you, little one! EMIL: All right, let's go back to Asgard! This place gives me the creeps.

<Skit "Childhood" appears [S0214]> MARTA: (Beams) The baby dragon is so adorable! Her eyes are so big and round. COLETTE: I wonder if you were even cuter when you were young, doggie. TENEBRAE: (Irked) I am not a puppy. However... I may not look it now, but during my childhood, the monsters in my neighborhood often discussed my level of cuteness. "As a button," I believe was the consensus. COLETTE: See! I knew it! EMIL: Do Centurions even have childhoods? MARTA: Or do monsters have "neighborhoods," for that matter. TENEBRAE: Forgive me. I was just jealous of the baby dragon getting all the attention.

<Skit "Like Best of All" appears [S0215]> MARTA: Emil, can I ask you a question? EMIL: You sound serious. What is it? MARTA: Answer truthfully. Who do you like more, me or Colette? EMIL: [Wh-]What are you talking about? MARTA: (Angrily) Just answer! EMIL: I, well, [th-]that is-- Tenebrae, what should I say? TENEBRAE: (Surprised) You mean to say you like me best of all?! I must admit, I'm stunned. MARTA: (Angrily) [Th-]That's not fair, Tenebrae! I won't let you steal him from me! (Runs off) [TENEBRAE: (Laughs quietly)] EMIL: (Muzzy) [Unnhhh...] This is starting to get old.


 * Asgard*

<The party re-enters town [T0212]> TENEBRAE: Before we go to the stone dais, I have a proposal. COLETTE: (Turns to Tenebrae) Oh? Well, what is it, doggie? TENEBRAE: I am a Centurion. Centurion Tenebrae. COLETTE: Oh, right. I'm sorry, Tenebie. (Tenebrae looks irked, but continues) TENEBRAE: Our winged friend is still too young and weak to deliver much damage if we attack the garuda head-on. EMIL: Then what should we do? TENEBRAE: (Sits) We could use a decoy to lure out the garuda and distract it, then have the dragon strike it from behind. EMIL: Decoy? Who's gonna do that? I'm not really up to-- COLETTE/MARTA: I'll do it! (Emil sweatdrops) MARTA: (Turns to Colette) Colette, you're too clumsy. I'll do it. COLETTE: (Turns to Marta) [I-]I'm not clumsy! And I'm pretty tough. MARTA: (Cross) I'll do it. COLETTE: No, I'll do it. EMIL: [E-]Enough! I'll do it! I can't let a girl be a decoy and hide. TENEBRAE: (Surprised) Emil, that may not be a good idea. EMIL: [I-]I really don't want to, but there's no other choice. MARTA: (Beaming) You'd do that for me? Thank you! You really are my prince! COLETTE: I know you can do it. Just believe in yourself! EMIL: (Slumps, thinking) How come they don't fight when I volunteer? TENEBRAE: All right then, Emil, please get on the stone dais to draw out the garuda. Make sure to give us some sort of signal when we should make our move. MARTA: (Nods) Okay, let's go to the stone dais.

<The party goes to the stone dais [T0213]> (The garuda waits for them at the top. Emil approaches slowly) EMIL: (Thinking) [Th-]There it is! I have to signal! EXPLANATION: Control Emil and avoid the garuda's wind. When the garuda is at a certain distance, send the signal. Swing the Wii Remote until the gauge at the top of the screen is full. -You will fail if you get hit by the wind. -Take the treasure chest to receive an item when you succeed.

<Emil gets blown away> (At the base of the dais, Emil slumps. Marta looks concerned) MARTA: Are you okay? Are you hurt? TENEBRAE: Emil. What are you doing? MARTA: (Turns to Tenebrae) It's not his fault. (Turns back to Emil) He's just a really nice person, and he feels sorry for the garuda, right? COLETTE: Oh, I see. Wow, you're so nice. EMIL: (I know they're not trying to rub it in, but still--)

<Emil gets blown away more than once> (At the base of the dais, Emil slumps. Marta looks concerned) TENEBRAE: Emil. What are you doing?

<Emil manages to signal> EMIL: Tenebrae, call the winged dragon! TENEBRAE: Go, my minion! Strike! (The winged dragon performs a multi-strike hit, and the shielding around the garuda fades) TENEBRAE: The Garuda's barrier has disappeared. Now's your chance! (The party fights and beats the garuda) (Marta, Tenebrae and Colette run up to Emil) MARTA: (Playful) That was such a dangerous enemy, but your timing was great! You're my hero! COLETTE: Good job. Now the strong gusts should die down. EMIL: (Blush) It was nothing. TENEBRAE: Though it's rather strange. The garuda is not aggressive by nature. I thought it would flee once its protective membrane was damaged. COLETTE: (Alert) Wait! Something's coming! (Another garuda swoops down from the sky) EMIL: (Shocked) Aah! (The party reappears at the base of the dais, along with the baby dragon) EMIL: [W-]What happened? MARTA: I thought we defeated it. TENEBRAE: (Listens) One moment. The young dragon is saying something. She feels like the stone dais is calling to her. COLETTE: What does that mean? TENEBRAE: It appears something inside the stone dais is drawing monsters to it. Perhaps the reason I can't perceive it myself is because it's targeting monsters of elements other than my own. MARTA: Inside the stone dais? But it just looks like a normal platform to me. COLETTE: (Turns to Marta) Aisha's brother knows a lot about the stone dais. Let's ask him about it. MARTA: (Turns to Colette) Good idea. Let's go. (Colette and Marta walk off. Emil looks after them) EMIL: Those two have really hit it off, huh? TENEBRAE: It seems that amidst all the frenzy, Lady Marta has completely forgotten her animosity. A rather fortunate development. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, definitely. What happened in Palmacosta was terrible, but Colette herself is a good person.

<Skit "Return to the Stone Dais" appears [S0216]> EMIL: You've been here before, right? COLETTE: Yes. I visited this place numerous times during the journey of world regeneration. We had an incident with a monster called Windmaster, who was posing as the Summon Spirit of Wind. EMIL: (Nervous) Do you think any monsters will show up now? COLETTE: (Beam) Oh, don't worry. We defeated Windmaster. EMIL: (Relieved) Oh, okay. TENEBRAE: Are you frightened, Emil? MARTA: Not a chance! He just can't help but feel sorry for his opponents, no matter what they might be. You were thinking it'd be better for the monsters if you didn't have to fight them, right? (Beam) You're so sweet, Emil. EMIL: [Heh heh...] Yeah. (Sweatdrop) (Should I say something? She read into that way too much.)

<The party goes to Linar's house [T0214]> (Aisha, Linar and red-haired Harley are waiting there) LINAR: (Turns around) Chosen One! COLETTE: (Nods) Linar, it's been a while. LINAR: I heard you were investigating those strong winds. Between that and the incident two years ago, I'm afraid we've caused you nothing but trouble. MARTA: (Curious) What happened? AISHA: I was offered up as a sacrifice to the Fake Summon Spirit of Wind, but the Chosen saved me. EMIL: Oh yeah, the mayor mentioned that. LINAR: That certainly brings back memories. If Lloyd hadn't disarmed that "breaker..." HARLEY: And that teacher kicked us around. Hey, how's Lloyd doing these days? I heard some ugly rumours, but I'm sure they're just misunderstandings. EMIL: (Hangs head, thinks angrily) Lloyd... COLETTE: (Lowers head) We haven't been able to track him down, but Lloyd wouldn't do anything bad. EMIL: (Angrily) That's a lie! Lloyd killed my parents! COLETTE: (Turns to Emil) Emil... HARLEY: Hey, let's just take it easy now. LINAR: [Uh,] So there was something you needed? COLETTE: (Turns back to Linar) [Ah,] Yes. I wanted to ask you about the stone dias. You see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) LINAR: Inside the stone dias would mean underneath it. Our studies have led us to believe some sort of facility lies below. AISHA: (To Linar) Linar, what if we preformed the Maiden Ritual? HARLEY: The Maiden Ritual calls on the Summon Spirit of Wind, right? AISHA: It is said that the ritual signifies the opening of a door. I'll perform it. HARLEY: It's too dangerous. There are flying monsters around there. MARTA: Then I'll do it. Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Please show us how the ritual is performed. EMIL: Marta... AISHA: Chosen One, Emil, please wait for us at the inn. Linar and Harley, you two will need to leave as well.

<Emil and Colette leave the house [T0215]> COLETTE: Emil, can I ask you something? EMIL: (Steps back) [W-]What is it? (Head low, thinking) Is it about Lloyd? COLETTE: Are you some sort of "maniac" too? (Emil looks confused) COLETTE: I mean, when you get into battle, you become a totally different person. I have a friend who's really into old ruins and she's the same way. People call her a "maniac." EMIL: (Head low) According to Tenebrae, it's because Ratatosk's power is taking hold of me. COLETTE: (Curious) What's Ratatosk? EMIL: Oh right. (To Tenebrae) Tenebrae, can you help me out here? TENEBRAE: I'm surprised she hasn't asked about it before. Well, shall we tell her the story of our journey? EMIL: Yeah. TENEBRAE: Then we'll talk at the inn since it's rather long.

<Skit "Ruin Mode" appears [S0217]> EMIL: So Colette, just what does going into "Ruin Mode" involve? COLETTE: Well, let's see. (Frenzied) Oh! It's the Asgard ruins! Emil, state the historical background of this ruin. EMIL: (Shrinks back) [I...] I-- COLETTE: (Still frenzied) When Cleo III held a ritual to offer a sacrifice to the Summon Spirit of Wind to quell a storm that had ravaged his kingdom for a week... he did it here! (Irked) [Ugh!] Have you learned nothing at all these past five years?! (Beams, normal voice) I'd say that about sums it up.~ EMIL: [Th-]That was sort of terrifying. COLETTE: Really? It's actually quite fun. I can't wait for you to see the real thing.

<The party goes back to the Inn [T0216]> COOL BREEZE OWNER: Linar and Harley have contacted me. Your room is ready. (Emil, Colette and Tenebrae hang out in the room) TENEBRAE: It all began with the withering of the Giant Kharlan Tree. Lord Ratatosk was the guardian of the Otherworldly Gate, which connected worlds through the Giant Kharlan Tree. So he was the guardian of the Giant Tree as well. He employed Centurions to distribute mana and maintain the balance of the Giant Tree and the world by using monsters. Until the Ancient War caused the Giant Tree to wilt. EMIL: The way I heard it, the Giant Tree dried up during the Ancient War, causing mana to run out. That almost destroyed the world, so Mithos the Hero borrowed the Goddess Martel's power to split the world into two. COLETTE: (Hesitant) [R-]Right. Mithos did that to protect the world. But then, after many years passed, he learned that a new mana-bearing tree would be born. (Hangs head) And then--well, a lot of things happened, but eventually a new World Tree was born, and the worlds became one again. (Looks up) That was the world regeneration. TENEBRAE: In the time between the withering of the first tree and the birth of the new one, Lord Ratatosk, along with the eight Centurions, became dormant. Now that the world had regenerated, it was finally time for us to awaken. However, a faction within the Vangaurd planned to abuse Lord Ratatosk's power. (Marta walks in on the conversation) MARTA: To prevent that from happening, I ran away with Ratatosk's core. EMIL: (Surprised) Marta! MARTA: (To Emil) You were explaining everything to Colette? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. Was that a bad idea? MARTA: (Shakes head) No, it's okay. I mean, I still blame Colette for my mother's death. (Turns to Colette) But now I know she's not a bad person. COLETTE: Marta... TENEBRAE: Allow me to continue. In order to wake Lord Ratatosk from his slumber... (Quickie explanation fade-out) COLETTE: I see. So you're looking for the Centurions' cores in order to wake Mr. Ratatosk. So Ratatosk's not a maniac after all. MARTA: (Confused) A maniac? EMIL: (Sheepish) [Eh-heh...] Don't worry about it. COLETTE: So what do you think Ratatosk will do when he wakes up? MARTA: He'll put a stop to all the strange weather we've been having and restore the balance of mana. COLETTE: (Nods) Right, but the World Tree we have right now already has Goddess Martel. EMIL: (Steps back) Oh! The tree Ratatosk protected is gone now. MARTA: Couldn't he protect it together with the Goddess? COLETTE: (Cheery) Good point. They could both work together to protect it. TENEBRAE: (Pregnant pause) Lady Marta, is the ritual ready? MARTA: (Jumps for joy) I'm all set. Ready to go whenever. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Okay, let's head back to the stone dias, then. COLETTE: (Nods) Okay.

<Skit "Preparations" appears [S0218]> MARTA: [Um...] First like that, then like this... EMIL: (Walks up) Hey Marta. About the ritual-- MARTA: (Angrily) Don't talk to me right now! I'll forget it! EMIL: Oh sorry. MARTA: [GASP!] N-no, I'm sorry. I didn't mean-- Don't hate me or anything, okay? EMIL: [N-]No, I-- TENEBRAE: Lady Marta. How are the preparations for the ritual? MARTA: (Sweatdrop) [Um...] I think I forgot how to do it...

<The party returns to the stone dais [T0217]> (As Emil steps up, another garuda shows up) EMIL: (Thinking) Here it comes! This time we should be okay! (Speaking) Tenebrae! Call the winged dragon! (Marta and Colette run up beside Emil) TENEBRAE: Go, my minion! Strike! (The winged dragon attacks again, the garuda's barrier drops again) TENEBRAE: The garuda's barrier has disappeared. Now's your chance! (The party attacks and wallops the garuda) TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, hurry and preform the ritual before another one comes. MARTA: (Nods) Right. (Marta kneels in the center of the dais, then stands tall with a special staff. She repeats the gesture at the four corners of the dais, and the symbol on the stone glows each time) EMIL: So that's the Maiden Ritual. COLETTE: (To Emil) Our friend preformed the ritual the last time I was here. EMIL: (Hangs head) Friend... (Thinking) (One of Lloyd's friends.) (Suddenly, the dais begins to glow with orange and pink lights) EMIL: (Steps back) Oh! COLETTE: This didn't appear the last time. EMIL: Ratatosk's core on Marta's forehead glowed. Maybe that has something to do with it. TENEBRAE: A Centurion's core must be somewhere nearby if Ratatosk's core reacted in such a way. (The party walks up to join Marta) TENEBRAE: It seems the combination of the ritual and the core had an effect on the stone dias. MARTA: (Pumps fists) Whatever. If we can snag a Centurion's core while we're in there, all the better. EMIL: You sound like you're going to rob the place. COLETTE: (Nods, giggles) She does, doesn't she?

<Skit "Fishing for Compliments" appears [S0219]> MARTA: (To Emil) So, what did you think of my performance? EMIL: Well, It was first ritual I've seen ever seen, so I can't really say. MARTA: No, I mean-- You're supposed to say I looked cute, or that I was mesmerizing. (Daydreamy) Even if you don't really mean it. (Irked, muzzy) [Phhh...] Never mind. EMIL: [Uh...] I'm sorry. It was really cute and mesmerizing, too. TENEBRAE: Yes, that sounded quite sincere. EMIL: (Irked) Forget it! I didn't really want a compliment from you anyway.

<Skit "Memory" appears [S0220]> EMIL: You looked relieved. MARTA: Well, I'm through preforming that silly ritual. I've never been good at memorizing little details like that. (Muzzy) EMIL: But, you did manage to remember it. MARTA: (Beams) Yeah, but now I've forgotten it. EMIL: (Surprised) Already?!


 * Beneath The Dais*

<The party ventures in [T0218]> TENEBRAE: (Alert) I sense a Centurion's core here. It seems to be the Centurion Ventus. (Everyone is surprised) MARTA: (Pumped) Great! If you can sense Ventus, it must mean Lloyd hasn't gotten it yet! COLETTE: (Curious) Lloyd? Why would Lloyd come here? (Emil and Marta are surprised) MARTA: Oh, right. We still haven't told you about the atack on Luin. COLETTE: (Shocked) What do you mean? I've been trying to find Lloyd. Please, tell me! EMIL: (Hangs head) [O-]Okay. Here's what happened. (Quickie explanation fade-out) COLETTE: (Hangs head) So Lloyd is actually going around collecting Centurions' cores? EMIL: Colette, Lloyd was your friend, right? You really haven't heard anything from him? COLETTE: No.	(Playing with her hands) And now you're both saying that Lloyd attacked you both and ordered the Church of Martel to strike Luin. (Hangs head) I can't believe this. MARTA: We wouldn't lie about this, Colette. COLETTE: (To Marta) Yes, I know that. That's why it's so unbelievable. TENEBRAE: Thinking about it now won't resolve anything. Right now, we are here to stop the terrible winds in town. EMIL: And get Ventus' core if we can, right? TENEBRAE: Exactly. MARTA: Colette, if you still can't believe us... COLETTE: (Shakes head) No, it's not that. It's just I want to believe the two of you and Lloyd as well. (Nods) But maybe Tenebrae's right. What we need to do now is search this place and help the townspeople. (Looks between Emil and Marta) We'll have plenty of time to think about what's going on with Lloyd once we're done with this. EMIL: (Steps back) Colette, you really believe us? Even though Lloyd is your friend? COLETTE: Well, both of you are my friends, too. I believe my friends. EMIL: (Nervous) You don't mind being my friend? COLETTE: Why would I? I'm your friend because I like both of you. EMIL: (Surprised) Thank you. (I made another friend! I can't believe it.) MARTA: (Irked) Hey, I never said you were my friend. COLETTE: (Nods) Oh, that's right. But that's okay. I still think of you as my friend. TENEBRAE: Perhaps this would be a good time to ask that you start calling me by my actual name?

<Skit "Tenebie Part 2" appears [S0221]> COLETTE: Do you really hate being called "doggie" that much? TENEBRAE: "Hate" might be too strong a word. I simply feel it gives the wrong impression. COLETTE: And Tenebie's no good either. Well, how about Tenby? [TENEBRAE: Hmm...] EMIL: What about Tennie, or maybe Trae? [TENEBRAE: (SIGH)] MARTA: I vote for Braebrae! COLETTE: (Beam) That's cute! EMIL: Yeah, I like it! TENEBRAE: In that case, let's just stick with Tenebie.

<Skit "Target of Affection" appears [S0222]> [COLETTE: (SIGH)] EMIL: Were you thinking about Lloyd? COLETTE: No, it's not that. I promised myself I'd save thinking about Lloyd until after all this is sorted out. EMIL: I don't think you'd need to be so strict about it. COLETTE: (Looks down) I'm sorry. MARTA: By the way, Colette... If Lloyd is that important to you, does that mean the two of you are-- COLETTE: (Flustered) No. It's not like that, really it's not. (Walks off) EMIL: But how could Colette possibly like someone like Lloyd? MARTA: (Irked) Why do you sound so heartbroken?! [EMIL: Um...] MARTA: (Angrily) Fine, you know what?! Well, I do love you, but I hate you! (Runs off) TENEBRAE: [Laughs] I guess being a target of affection is difficult. EMIL: (Annoyed) You're enjoying this, aren't you?

<The party finds a weird console [T0219]> EMIL: I wonder what this spinning thing is. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: It seems to be a switch device for the Sorcerer's Ring. EMIL: What's that? TENEBRAE: I believe it changes the function of the Sorcerer's Ring. Please investigate it. EMIL: That went way over my head. I'll just investigate it.

<The party goes further into the ruins> (A large sign hangs on a nearby wall. Emil notices it and reads.) INFORMATION: Choose the truth from the two gates and proceed. The truth is always far and steep.

<The party goes a little further [T0220]> MARTA: We're below the stone dias, right? It's so strange, going underneath ruins only to find more ruins. COLETTE: (Looking around) It looks similar. EMIL: Similar to what? COLETTE: When I was on the journey of world regeneration, I went to a place called the Balacruf Mausoleum. These ruins remind me of it. MARTA: I wonder if they are related? Maybe we should go and have a look around? TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, I admire your curiousity, but I think we should stick to the task at hand. MARTA: (Slouches) Tenebrae, sometimes you're just no fun at all. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. He's pretty stuffy. TENEBRAE: (Irked) Are you saying that I am a stick in the mud? COLETTE: Don't worry, Tenebie, you don't have any mud on you. (Everybody looks at her, silenced)

<Skit "Balacruf Mausoleum" appears [S0223]> EMIL: So, where is the Balacruf Mausoleum? TENEBRAE: If memory serves, it should be on an island to the northeast of this town. EMIL: But isn't it strange how two places so far apart would be so similar? COLETTE: When the worlds of Tethe'alla and Sylvarant were divided, the mausoleum was located just outside of Asgard. TENEBRAE: Actually, even before the world was split in two, a large kingdom existed where we now stand. The similarities in style between the two locations demonstrate just how vast that ancient kingdom truly was. MARTA: So this place might be connected to the Balacruf Mausoleum somehow. TENEBRAE: It is certainly possible.

<Skit "Stick in the Mud" appears [S0224]> TENEBRAE: (Dejected) Am I really that much of a stick in the mud? EMIL: (Sweatdrop) I can't believe he's still thinking about that. COLETTE: (Beam) I honestly don't see any mud on you. But what's wrong with mud, anyway? Everyone gets a little dirty now and again. MARTA: (Sweatdrop) I don't think he meant that sort of mud. COLETTE: (Puzzled) Well then, what sort of mud did he mean? EMIL: (Shakes head) No, listen. There was never any mud to begin with. COLETTE: (Light bulb) Oh! So was it more of a muck? Or maybe a slime? TENEBRAE: (Irked) So now I'm slimy? COLETTE: I have to say, I prefer mud to slime myself. It's easier to clean. TENEBRAE: Well it would depend on where the slime came from. EMIL: Yeah, but think about your fur. Slime would stick to it, while mud would just wash off, no problem. MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Someone, anyone, please, make it stop.

<The part approaches a statue of an archer [T0221]> EMIL: (Scared) They keep on coming. Which means we have to keep on fighting. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Emil, I'm counting on you. EMIL: (Scared) [Ehh...] I'll do my best. MARTA: (Walks back and looks around) But there sure are a lot of monsters here. You think it's because of Ventus' core? EMIL: Oh yeah. Centurions in the core state can't control their powers, so they can attract monsters without meaning to. TENEBRAE: Correct. I suspect the garuda we encountered on the stone dias was drawn by Ventus' powers. COLETTE: (Curious) But once Marta hatches the core, Ventus would wake up and all of that would stop, right? TENEBRAE: Exactly. EMIL: (Slumps) [Unh...] It's scary, but I'll do my best. Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. COLETTE: (Looks at Emil) What's that? Is that a Centurion oath? EMIL: (Looks at Colette) Oh, no. It's just sort of a mantra of mine. MARTA: (Turns to Emil, nods) It has a nice ring to it. EMIL: Do you want me to add "Come on, you're a man! Speak up!" too? MARTA: (Blushes) Hey, don't be a jerk!

<Skit "Come on You're A Man" appears [S0225]> COLETTE: What's the story behind "Come on, you're a man, speak up!"? EMIL: [Um...] Well, I'm not very manly to begin with, so when I hesitate, or have trouble making up my mind, it's something Marta says to encourage me. MARTA: (Angrily) Emil, you're not supposed to tell other people about that! EMIL: But it's true. MARTA: (Angrily) That's enough! EMIL: (Confused) What did I say? MARTA: Never mind. (Beams) Just try and be more like I imagine you to be, okay? [COLETTE: (Giggles)]

<Skit "Fruit Everything" appears [S0226]> COLETTE: Okay, it's finally ready. MARTA: Wow, it's so cute! (Beams) COLETTE: (Giggles, blushes) I thought I'd make a fruit cake. There's also a fruit salad, some fruit juice and-- EMIL: [Um...] Do you have anything with a little more substance? COLETTE: Oh, sorry. What would you like? EMIL: I dunno, maybe a steak or something. COLETTE: Okay! Leave it to me! One apple steak, coming right up! EMIL: On second thought this will be fine.

<The party finds the altar with Ventus' core [T0222]> EMIL: What's that? TENEBRAE: It's Ventus' core. (Suddenly, a big monster appears between the party and the altar.) COLETTE: That's the fake Sylph! EMIL: (Nervous) Didn't you all defeat it last time? TENEBRAE: (Surprised) No, that is Ventus. MARTA: What do you mean? So it's not the fake Sylph? TENEBRAE: It's form may be different, but its aura most certainly belongs to Ventus. EMIL: (Slumps) What should we do? With that thing there, we can't get anywhere near the Centurion's core. TENEBRAE: We'll have to retrieve it by force. There is no other choice. EMIL: (Flustered) Again? I sometimes wish Ratatosk would possess me all the time so I wouldn't be afraid! (The party attacks and defeats Wind Master Prime) EMIL: (Turns to Colette) Colette, you said that was the fake Sylph you guys defeated before, right? I wonder why it came back to life. TENEBRAE: Sylph's imposter must have come to life due to the dormant state of the Centurion's core. (Looks at Colette) Although it lost its power when you defeated it, I assume the core caused the beast to be reborn afer enough time had passed. MARTA: So the winds in Asgard will die down now? TENEBRAE: Once we hatch Ventus. COLETTE: I'll go get it. (Colette runs for the altar) MARTA: Stop! It's dangerous! (Colette plucks the core off the altar and turns around) COLETTE: What is? TENEBRAE: When Centurions are in a core state, they're dormant. During that time their power is out of control. They can attract monsters and cause abnormalities in nature, even disasters It's impossible for human beings to maintain their sanity while in contact with such a powerful being. COLETTE: (Scared) What?! (The others run to Colette) MARTA: If a normal person holds a Centurion's core, they get drawn into its chaos, and their mind is destroyed. Which is why you shouldn't even think about touching it. COLETTE: (Holds out the core) I see. I'm sorry I didn't ask you first. But what about you, Marta? MARTA: (Takes the core) I have Ratatosk's protection. I'll be fine. Anyway, it doesn't take long to hatch. TENEBRAE: All right, Lady Marta. Please release the Centurions's core. MARTA: (Nods) Right. (Marta hatches the core, creating a green orb) TENEBRAE: Ventus has awoken. As Ventus' powers return, as a Knight of Ratatosk, Emil should also awaken to new powers. EMIL: Don't we have to befriend some monsters to get the Centurion's power back? MARTA: (Turns to Emil, nods) Right. Ventus is the Centurion of Wind, so we need to get wind elemental monsters to join us. TENEBRAE: Please don't forget darkness elemental monsters as well. I'd like for my powers to return. EMIL: (Annoyed) I know. (Colette is nervously silent)


 * Asgard Stone Dais*

<The party leaves the Underground Ruins [T0223]> (The sky is a peaceful blue, and the wind has stopped) MARTA: (Pumps fists) We did it! It looks like the garudas are one. This should put an end to the gusts. EMIL: (To Marta) Nice work, Marta. MARTA: (Nods) Yes, all of our hard work paid off. (Colette hangs her head) MARTA: (To Colette) Colette, are you okay? You look a bit down. COLETTE: (Looks up) Huh? EMIL: Are you worried about touching the core? TENEBRAE: There's no need to worry. Touching the core for only such a short time shouldn't-- COLETTE: (Shakes head) That's not it! I'm not worried about me. It's about Lloyd. (Plays with her hands) He's collecting Centurions' cores, right? That would mean... (Unpleasant silence) EMIL: Colette, we're after Lloyd. We don't know where the Centurions' cores are, but if we follow Lloyd he's sure to take us to them. [Th-]That's why you should come with us. (Colette is surprised, hangs her head) EMIL: And when we find Lloyd, you can warn him about how dangerous it is. COLETTE: Thank you, Emil. But I'm going to to go my own way from here 	on out. MARTA: (Turns to Colette) Why? If you're looking for Lloyd-- COLETTE: (To Marta) Lloyd has a Rheaird, a type of machine that can fly in the sky. (To Emil) So I might not be able to catch up with him on foot. (Colette spreads her angelic wings) COLETTE: That's why I'm going to go look for Lloyd by air, like this. (Colette floats in the air for a moment) MARTA: Okay. EMIL: Colette... COLETTE: (To Marta, head low) So, [um...] I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for everything. (Looks up) I can never make it up to you, but I want to do everything I can. MARTA: (Shakes head) Don't apologize any more! (Hangs head) I mean, honestly, I can't forgive you for what happened to my mother. (Steps toward Colette) But as soon as I saw you, I knew you never meant for that to happen to Palmacosta. COLETTE: (Surprised) Marta... MARTA: I've never met anyone as kind and caring as you. COLETTE: (Nods, happily) Thank you. MARTA: We're friends, right? COLETTE: (Nods) Right! (Both beam) TENEBRAE: What a lovely scene. EMIL: (To Tenebrae) Not that I disagree, but things like that make you sound stuffy. (Tenebrae clams up) COLETTE: (Hides her wings) [Um...] Do you think it's be okay if I went with you two to see the mayor before we part? MARTA: (Nods) Of course. Right, Emil? EMIL: (Nods) Sure. Let's go.

<Skit "Centurions" appears [S0227]> COLETTE: Tenebie, you're a Centurion right? What exactly makes a Centurion, anyway? TENEBRAE: Allow me to explain. We Centurions, numbering eight in total... are the faithful servants of Lord Ratatosk, the lord of all monsters. We each belong to a particular element, and with the aid of the monsters under our control, we monitor the levels of mana in the world. You might call us the guardians of the world's mana. COLETTE: That sounds sort of like the Symphonian Eight. EMIL: (Excited) Hey, I remember that. That's the story of the eight warriors blessed by the spirits, who fought against the sinister Dark Five, right? COLETTE: That's right! And the Dark Five's leader turned out to be the long lost father of Symphonia Red! EMIL: (Beam) I used to love that story when I was young. COLETTE: (Light bulb) So that would make Tenebie Symphonia Black. EMIL: What? You mean that story was based on the Centurions? Tenebrae, that's so cool! TENEBRAE: Does anyone else notice how the conversation gets waylaid as soon as Colette joins? (Muzzy) Or is it just me?

<The party enters the mayor's house [T0224]> MAYOR OF ASGARD: So the stone dias is safe once again! You have our gratitude. COLETTE: Not at all. I'm just happy that I could help. MAYOR OF ASGARD: (To Marta/Emil) And you two. Thank you for lending your efforts along with the Chosen for our town. EMIL: (Blush, hangs head) It was nothing. MARTA: Excuse me, mayor? What happened to the Vanguard? MAYOR OF ASGARD: Most of them have left town, but it would be a good idea to stay cautious. (Hangs head) I'm ashamed to admit it, but the Vanguard's extreme ideology has begun to influence the people of our town. (Looks up) More and more people have turned their backs on the Chosen and the Goddess Martel. It's truly disgraceful. MARTA: (Hangs head) There's too much of a gap between the technological level of Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. (Looks up) The liberation of Sylvarant advocated by the Vanguard must sound very appealing. COLETTE: The Church of Martel has become biased toward Tethe'alla as well. I'm sorry, if only I was more effective... MAYOR OF ASGARD: (Shakes head) No, no that's not it at all. Chosen One, you've saved our town twice now. (Hangs head) Please, don't blame yourself for what has happened.

<The party leaves the mayor's house [T0225]> (Colette's wings appear) COLETTE: Well then, I've got to get going. Thank you both so much. EMIL: (Disappointed) You're leaving already? COLETTE: (Nods) [Mm-hmm.] I'm really worried about Lloyd. MARTA: Watch out for the Vanguard. COLETTE: (To Marta) You be careful, too. TENEBRAE: I look foward to the day when we may meet again. COLETTE: Thank you, Tenebie! See you later! (Colette flies a distance, turns back and smiles, and flies away. Emil and Marta wave goodbye.) MARTA: (To Emil) All right, we should get going, too. EMIL: (Nods) Right! So where to? MARTA: Well, I was thinking we might be able to get some information if we went to Lloyd's hometown. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) You mean Iselia? TENEBRAE: That will require us to find passage on a boat. MARTA: (Nods) Right. So I think we should head to Palmacosta. EMIL: (Nods) Okay. I'm fine with that. TENEBRAE: Shall we depart then?

<Skit "Colette" appears [S0228]> EMIL: Even though Colette is the Chosen of Regeneration, she didn't act aloof at all. She's actually pretty down to earth. MARTA: If by down to earth you mean ditzy, then yeah. EMIL: Okay, maybe she's a little spacey, but there's something soothing about her. MARTA: (Irked) Oh, so she soothed you, did she? EMIL: I just found it easy to relax around her. MARTA: (Angrily) That sounds like soothing to me! EMIL: (Shrinks back, nervous) [Wh-]Why are you getting so angry? MARTA: (Even angrier) Who says I'm angry?!

<Skit "Motion Sickness" appears [S0229]> MARTA: (Sweatdrop) It's hard to get around Hakonesia with all these hills. EMIL: Yeah, I know. MARTA: When you moved to Luin, didn't you pass by Hakonesia Peak? EMIL: We did, but I was inside a carriage, so I don't really remember it. MARTA: A carriage [huh]? I get motion sickness, so I never ride in those. EMIL: You mean you've done all this travelling on foot? MARTA: Well, I started riding from time to time after I met up with Tenebrae. EMIL: Wait, I thought you just said you got sick riding in carriages? MARTA: No, I meant riding on Tenebrae. [EMIL: Eh...]

<Skit "Emil's Cooking" appears [S0230]> MARTA: Wow, looks delicious! You're a good cook! EMIL: I wouldn't say good. Probably about average. MARTA: Don't be so modest. This is really tasty.~ EMIL: Thanks. I had to help out in the kitchen at home. Guess I must've picked up a few things along the way. TENEBRAE: I must say, you humans do eat the most peculiar things. EMIL: (Puzzled) Well, what do you usually eat, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: I absorb mana naturally, so I have no need to consume food. We Centurions are highly refined life forms, after all. MARTA: [Huh!] Not being able to eat would be no fun at all. EMIL: I agree!


 * Hakonesia Peak*

<The party comes down the hill [T0226]> (Emil and Marta see something and hide. Alice is standing further down the path, playing with her lash.  Hawk runs up to her.) HAWK: A messenger has just informed us that the Chosen is headed in the direction of Luin. ALICE: (Disappointed) [Awww,] Decus is in charge of that area. That's no fun! Guess that means we should just concentrate on the Centurions' cores. HAWK: Ma'am, you should also know that it appears Lady Marta is headed in this direction. ALICE: Oh, Martmart's coming? (Giggles) Then I'll leave the Centurions' cores to you, Hawkie!~ (Swishes hair) I'll go and set up a nice ambush for our sweet little Martmart when she gets to Palmacosta!~ (They leave. Marta is irked.) EMIL: Marta, did you just hear that? MARTA: (Turns to Emil) There's no choice. We'll go to Palmacosta and just do our best to steer clear of Alice. EMIL: (Nods) Okay.

<The party goes further down the hill [M0203]> (Suddenly, Emil stops and shuts his eyes, making a pained gasp) MARTA: (Turns back) Emil? (Emil's looks skyward, his face contorts in pain, and an image of Richter appears, looking furious and swinging his weapons) EMIL: (Scream) (Another image of Richter appears, also attacking with venom in his eyes) EMIL: (Shrieking) Stop it! (Marta runs to Emil and shakes him) MARTA: Emil! Are you all right?! (Emil looks back down at her, his eyes haunted and shocked) EMIL: [Unnnh...] [M-]Marta... MARTA: What just happened? (There's a silence. Emil looks away and moves back from Marta's clutches) EMIL: [I...] I don't know. I had a weird vision all of a sudden. [M-]Maybe it was a dream. MARTA: (Puzzled) A dream? While you were wide awake and walking around? You wanna rest a bit? EMIL: (Turns back to her and shakes his head) No, I'm fine, let's go. MARTA: (Worried) Are you sure? TENEBRAE: His color seems to be mostly back. It's probably safe to keep going. EMIL: See? Tenebrae thinks I'm fine too. MARTA: (Unsure) [Hm...] All right then. But tell us if you aren't feeling well again.

<Skit "Return to Palmacosta" appears [S0231]> MARTA: (Looking down) We're finally getting close to Palmacosta. EMIL: (Also down) [Y-]Yeah. MARTA: It's been six months. It's the same for you, right? EMIL: [A-]About that, yeah. MARTA: I'll bet you're looking forward to seeing your old friends again. EMIL: (Unsure) My old friends. MARTA: (Puzzled) Emil, what's wrong? EMIL: [W-]What? Oh, nothing.

<The party enters the house on the trail [T0227]> (Inside is Koton, a hunched old collector) KOTON: (Turns around) What is it? You kids wanna see old Koton's collection, too? MARTA: (Curious) Your collection? KOTON: (Sharply) You don't? Then get out. (Turns away) What a shame. (Looks at Marta) That young lass is quite the looker. Could have passed the time showing her a thing or two until Richter got back. (Emil and Marta look shocked) EMIL: (Surprised) Richter's coming here? KOTON: (Looks at Emil) You know that scoundrel? MARTA: Scoundrel? Sounds like Richter, all right. EMIL: (Looks at Marta) Marta... MARTA: (To Koton) When are you expecting him? KOTON: Should be here any minute now. Actually he's late. He must be having a hell of a time finding that Tower of Mana Mirror. EMIL: What's that? KOTON: (Snappy) Out of my face, boy. I have nothing to tell you. MARTA: (Playful) You can tell me!~ KOTON: (Bouncing on his heels, talking a mile a minute) So this Richter fella comes in and tells me to hand over this Spiritual Tome I worked so hard to get. I told him I'll trade it for the Mirror and the Balacruf Tombstone. MARTA: The Spiritual Tome? What's that? EMIL: (To Marta) I've never heard of it. KOTON: (Snappy again) A book that wouldn't mean a damn to a couple of ignorant punks like you two. I've had enough of you, so now get out. (Emil and Marta flee in terror)


 * Palmacosta*

<The party enters town [T0228]> (Despite being ravaged in TOS1, Palmacosta looks pretty good now.) EMIL: It's been six months. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Let's not get sentimental. We need to find out if Lloyd's come through here first, right? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, you're right. MARTA: We both know the town, so let's split up. We can meet at the pub. EMIL: (Nods) But watch out for Alice. MARTA: Oh, right. Tenebrae, can you keep an eye on Emil? EMIL: (Steps back, irked) That's not what I meant. MARTA: (Nods, lighthearted) No, it's okay. See you later! (Marta heads off on her own) TENEBRAE: Well then, shall we get started? EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) Are you sure? Marta is the one with Ratatosk's core. And I'm supposed to be protecting her, not the other way around. TENEBRAE: (Sits down) I'm able to easily sense where Lady Marta is at any time because she has the core. Frankly, I'm more concerned about you. EMIL: (Slumps, thinking) I'm so pathetic. I need to try harder.

<Skit "Spiteful Tenebrae" appears [T0232]> EMIL: Do I really scare that easily? [TENEBRAE: (Leaps up) RARRR! EMIL: N'AH!!! (Jumps back)] TENEBRAE: I'd say so. EMIL: (Muzzy) There's that "spiteful" side again.

<The party approaches the town church [T0229]> EMIL: (Stops, surprised) Ah! (Richter emerges from the church) RICHTER: (Surprised) Emil, is that you?! EMIL: Richter! What're you doing here? RICHTER: I should ask you the same question. What brings you to Palmacosta? EMIL: (Lowers head) I'm on a journey. I'm looking for Lloyd and the Centurions' cores. (Looks up, steps forward) Anyway, are you okay?! You were injured pretty badly. RICHTER: There's still some pain, but I have only myself to blame. The fact that I lost to such a fool pains me more. EMIL: (Hangs head) Oh, I'm sorry. RICHTER: It was a joke. EMIL: What? (Hangs head again) Oh, I'm sorry. RICHTER: (Pushing up glasses) Didn't I tell you to stop apologizing without reasons? EMIL: (Steps back) Oh, I'm sor--I mean, yes, you did. (Suddenly, Alice appears nearby) ALICE: Oh, Richter! There you are!~ (Walks towards Richter) Richter, are you looking for Martmart too? Hey! (Notices Emil, annoyed) You're Martmart's pet! (Alice moves towards Emil, but Richter gets in the way) RICHTER: Alice, he is an acquaintance of mine. ALICE: You're on his side? (Sweetly) You know, if you'd just let me play with him a little, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to tell us where Martmart is.~ RICHTER: (Getting angry) I said, he's my acquaintance. If you don't understand what that means... (Draws his weapons) (Richter and Alice glare at each other) ALICE: (Cross) [Ooh,] So scary! Fine. But all bets are off if I catch the little pet with Martmart. (Wicked eyes, sweetly) And if you're here that means Martmart is here, too. (Giggles) I'm so lucky.~ (Alice walks off. Richter sheathes his weapons) EMIL: (Hangs head) Richter, you're a member of the Vanguard too? RICHTER: (Not looking at Emil) I am. EMIL: (Looks up) What are you planning to do with Ratatosk's core? RICHTER: (Sideways glance) Revive the Sylvarant Dynasty or that's what they say. EMIL: The Sylvarant Dynasty? But I learned in school that it fell 800 years ago. RICHTER: You need to forget about Ratatosk's core, the Centurions' cores, about all of this. EMIL: Why? RICHTER: The Vanguard isn't just looking for Ratatosk's core. They're looking for the Centurions' cores as well. I don't want to involve you in all of this. EMIL: [Uh...]... RICHTER: [Hmph...] At least you no longer agree with everything I say. (Looks away) But I won't give up, either. I will take Ratatosk's core from Marta, even if it means her death. (Richter walks away) EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) I need to tell Marta about the sadist! TENEBRAE: Emil, her name is Alice. EMIL: (Steps forward) Does it matter? Anyway, where's Marta? TENEBRAE: It seems she's in the pub. EMIL: Got it.

<Skit "Vanguard" appears [S0233]> EMIL: I can't believe Richter is a member of the Vanguard. Did you know, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: Yes. EMIL: [I...]I just don't know what to think. (Shakes head) If he's with the Vanguard, then he and Marta started out on the same side. (Looks sad) Despite that, he's trying to kill her in order to take Ratatosk's core. TENEBRAE: As Lady Marta mentioned, the Vanguard has changed. They are only concerned with gathering Ratatosk and Centurions' cores for their own objective. They are our enemies. It is as simple as that. EMIL: (Looks up) But Richter keeps helping me out. I mean, he can be sort of gruff, even scary sometimes, but besides Ratatosk's core, everything he's said to me so far makes sense. TENEBRAE: (Irked) Emil, this is the man who is trying to kill Lady Marta! [EMIL: (Looks upset) Mn'uhh...]

<Skit "Where is Marta?" [S0234]> EMIL: I wonder where Marta is. TENEBRAE: Wait a moment. I will try to sense the presence of the core lodged on her forehead. (Meditative) [Hm...] EMIL: How's it coming? [TENEBRAE: Teh.. EMIL: (Puzzled) Eh? TENEBRAE: Teh...TeneTeneTeneTene....TeneTeneTeneTeneTene... TENE!!] EMIL: [Wh-]What? TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) It would appear she is in the pub. EMIL: Oh yeah? TENEBRAE: Yes.

<The party enters the pub [T0230]> (Marta is looking out the window. Emil walks over to her.) MARTA: (Turns around) Emil, did you find anything? I had no luck at all. Seems like Lloyd hasn't come through here. EMIL: (Nervous) Forget about that. I just ran into the sadist--I mean, Alice. And Richter. (Marta recoils in surprise) EMIL: (Hangs head) And I found out Richter is a member of the Vanguard as well. MARTA: (Hangs head) I'm sorry. You seemed to trust Richter so much. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you. EMIL: (Hangs head again) Thanks for considering my feelings. MARTA: (Shakes head) Not at all. I should have told you. I'm sorry. EMIL: It's fine. Right now we need to head to Iselia before Alice finds us. MARTA: (Nods) Okay. Let's go to the harbor. (A sailor with a poorly-done Irish accent walks up) SAILOR: You kids are heading to the harbor? EMIL: (Turns to him) Yes. SAILOR: I don't reckon you'll be going anywhere by boat. The seas been angry for weeks. MARTA: (Shocked) What?! There isn't any service? SAILOR: Well, let me think. If you really have to go, you might try asking Mrs. Dorr in the Governor-General's office. MARTA: (Quietly) Mrs.Dorr... EMIL: (To Marta) Is something wrong? MARTA: (Shakes head) No, it's nothing. Let's go to the Governor-General's office. EMIL: (Nods) Right.

<Skit "Governor-General's Widow" appears [S0235]> [MARTA: (SIGH)] EMIL: Marta, what is it? MARTA: I'm not really looking forward to meeting the widow of the Governor-General. EMIL: Why not? MARTA: It's just that I've caused so much trouble for her. EMIL: You have? MARTA: Yes. (Hangs head) If the Vanguard hadn't started meeting here, the Blood Purge might never have happened. EMIL: The Vanguard might be the ones who lit the spark, (Angrily) but it was Lloyd and the Church of Martel who fanned the flames into a raging inferno. Don't beat yourself up over it. MARTA: [Um,] Emil. [My...] My father was-- EMIL: What happened to your father? Wait, did Lloyd do something to him?! MARTA: (Shakes head) [I-]I'm sorry. Forget I said anything, okay? Let's get going to the Governor's Office. EMIL: [R-]Right.

<The party enters the Governor's Office [T0231]> (Mrs. Dorr stands at the desk.) MRS. DORR: Oh, you're Marta Lualdi, aren't you? MARTA: (Nods slowly) It's been a long time, Mrs. Governor-General. MRS. DORR: (Nods) Yes, since the Blood Purge. MARTA: (Hangs head) I'm sorry for all the trouble with my father back then. MRS. DORR: (Shakes head) You have nothing to apologize for. But tell me, what's brought you here today? MARTA: (Looks up) I'd like to take a ship out of the harbor. Emil and I are trying to get to Izoold. MRS. DORR: (Thoughtful) Emil... MARTA: [Oh,] Right. Emil was born here, as well. Do you know him? MRS. DORR: (Looks a Emil) Emil, Emil Castagnier, is it? Reysol's son. EMIL: (Nods) Yes, that's right. (Mrs. Dorr stares at Emil, puzzled) MARTA: (Curious) Is something the matter? MRS. DORR: (Shakes head) Oh, my. They say eyesight is the first thing to go. I hardly recognized you. I'm sorry, Emil. EMIL: (Shakes head) [N-]Not at all. (Slumps, thinking) (Maybe I'm just easy to forget). MRS. DORR: (To Marta) Regarding the ship, there's nothing I can do with the ocean in its current condition, but... MARTA: Is there some other way? MRS. DORR: Yes. Emil, perhaps you remember Thomas, the fisherman who lived next to you. EMIL: (Thoughtful) Thomas, the fisherman. MRS. DORR: He told me he'd figured out the source of the storms. He set out for the Dynasty Ruins up in the Kamisra Mountains, but no one's heard from him since. Perhaps if you found Thomas... MARTA: So basicaly, we should go to the Kamisra Mountains to look for Thomas? MRS. DORR: Oh no, the Kamisra Mountains are far too dangerous. We're sending out a search party to look for him. You can wait here until they return. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) What should we do? If we stay here, it's just a matter of time before Alice finds us. EMIL: (Steps back, nervously) Wait, you want to go? MARTA: (Surprised) Don't you? EMIL: (Slumps, muzzy) I'll go. I just don't like scary places. MARTA: Sorry, Emil. (To Mrs. Dorr) So we'll go and look for Thomas. MRS. DORR: I can see you've made up your mind. I won't try and talk you out of it. But please, do be careful.

<Skit "Kamisra Mountains" appears [S0236]> EMIL: So, just where are the Kamisra Mountains? MARTA: (Shocked) What?! You mean you didn't learn that in school? [EMIL: Ah?] MARTA: Anyone from Palmacosta should know where they are. EMIL: [Um,] I-- TENEBRAE: Perhaps he wasn't paying attention in geography class. Emil is a bit of a dreamer, after all. MARTA: I see. That's okay, Emil. You could be as bright as a star or dumb as a post, and it still wouldn't matter to me. (Beam) EMIL: (Upset) But that's sort of like saying it's okay that I'm an idiot. MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Oh, [Heh heh...] I suppose it is. So the Kamisra Mountains. They're just south of town. Now, let's get going! (Walks off) EMIL: (Down) Okay.

<The party leaves the Governor's Office [M0204]> (As Emil and Marta step out from under the awning, Richter drops down, his axe heading right for Marta.) (There's a loud clang. Emil has blocked the blow with his own sword.) RICHTER: So you're protecting her? MARTA: (Blush) Thanks, Emil! Thank you so much. EMIL: (Straining against Richter's force) I made a pact, a pact to borrow Ratatosk's power so I would be able to protect Marta. [So...] So I'm not going to let anyone hurt Marta ever again! Not even you! RICHTER: (Angrily) You actually made a pact with Ratatosk?! You fool! EMIL: (Looks surprised) [Y-]Yes! [Wh-]Why not? (Suddenly, a sword comes flying in from behind. Richter deflects it.	The camera changes to a red-haired young man in a pink shirt with a smug expression.) ???: Sorry about that! It looks like my hand just slipped there a bit. (The man walks over, picks up his sword and takes Marta by one hand, twirling her around and then clutching both of them) ???: My darling kitten, you're not hurt, are you? (Marta is weirded out. Emil gawks at the newcomer.) RICHTER: Wait a minute aren't you-- ???: (To Richter) Well, hello. I don't know who you are and normally I could care less about some guy knowing who I am. But, one thing's for certain, you need to learn the proper way to treat a true lady. (Smile disappears) Or perhaps you wanna go up against me and that kid? Doubt you'll get far with that battered body. (Tense silence. Emil turns to Richter) RICHTER: No thanks. I think I'll pass. You two are not my concern. (Richter turns away and sheathes his weapons.) RICHTER: Emil, Alice is plotting something. Be careful. (Richter walks away. Emil puts his own sword away.) MARTA: (To the man) Thank you so much for helping me just now. [What...] What was your name? ???: (Beams) I'm the great Zelos Wilder! But you can call me Zelos. I'd love to take you out tonight, but I have an appointment at the Governor-General's office. Until next time, ciao, princess! (Zelos releases her and walks away. Marta looks lost in thought.) MARTA: So that was Zelos Wilder?! EMIL: Zelos Wilder? How do you know him? MARTA: (Looks at Emil) A man with red hair. He might be the Chosen of Tethe'alla, and one of Lloyd's companions. EMIL: (Looks after Zelos, shocked) What?! MARTA: That's what I thought at first. But there's no way the Chosen would act like that. EMIL: Yeah! That guy couldn't be more different from Colette if he tried. MARTA: I know. Let's head to the Dynasty Ruins in the Kamisra Mountains, okay?! (Marta walks off. Emil quickly follows.)

<Skit "Chosen of Tethe'alla" appears [S0237]> TENEBRAE: So, Colette is not the only one who bears the title of Chosen. MARTA: Nope. Both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla each have their own Chosen. But only Colette is called the Chosen of Regeneration. EMIL: I wonder what sort of person the Chosen from Tethe'alla is. MARTA: From what I heard, he's good looking and has red hair. The guy we just met could have fit the description, if he hadn't opened his mouth. EMIL: I don't know. As far as redheads go, I'd say Richter is about a hundred times cooler. TENEBRAE: (Stern) Emil, Richter is our enemy. EMIL: Oh, I mean, I know, but-- MARTA: (Beam) And anyway, you're a thousand times cooler than Richter.~ EMIL: [Um...] Thanks. TENEBRAE: (Sweatdrop) Love is truly as blind as they say.

<Skit "Father's Love" appears [S0238]> VORC007 MARTA: (Beam) Here, Emil. Try my home-made cooking.~ EMIL: (Nervous) What? You want me to eat this? MARTA: You're so mean! I poured my heart into this! (Looks sad) EMIL: Oh, I'm sorry. MARTA: It might not look like much, but it tastes great! Try it! EMIL: Okay. Here goes. (Emil looks shocked) MARTA: Well? Daddy always said he loved my cooking. [EMIL: Eh... (Skull)] MARTA: Emil? TENEBRAE: He appears to have fainted.


 * Luin*

<The party enters Luin [T0232]> TENEBRAE: It's the Vanguard! Hide! (They hide. Richter and Alice walk past the inn) RICHTER: No luck getting a Cruxis Crystal from one of the Chosen? ALICE: (Turns to Richter) I've sent Hawkie out to get one, but it seems Zelos won't give him a chance to swipe it. As for little Colettie, she's got some kind of crazy luck. We haven't been able to get the jump on her. RICHTER: (Swats hair, scoffs) They're all useless. ALICE: So what are you going to use the Chosen's Cruxis Crystal for? Isn't it just a symbol to prove a Chosen was selected by the Cruxis angels? RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) Even if I told you, I doubt you'd understand. ALICE: Well, that's insulting. Oh, well, I forgive you. You and I are comrades in more ways than one, after all. RICHTER: (Looks at Alice) You don't curse that fact? ALICE: Not at all. It's my policy to make use of anything I can. I'd expect you to be the one cursing. Humans, that is, not yourself. (Richter folds his arms, looks angry) ALICE: Temper, temper! Looks like I hit a nerve!~ (Giggles) (Richter walks away) ALICE: (Running after him) Richter, wait! (The party comes out of hiding and watches them leave) EMIL: I wonder if they're going after Colette. MARTA: (Looks at Emil) Most likely, but if what Alice said is true, it sounds like she's holding her own.


 * Dynasty Ruins*

<The party enters the ruins [T0233]> (The place is lit eerily as the party looks around) EMIL: So these are the Dynasty Ruins? MARTA: (Nods) Yes. They say that this was one of the palaces of the Sylvarant Dynasty 800 years ago. (Emil suddenly looks surprised) EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Marta, I've been thinking about something Richter said to me. He said the Vanguard wanted to use Ratatosk's core to revive the Sylvarant Dynasty. (Marta looks shocked) EMIL: (Hangs head) Before all of this happened, I used to agree a little with what the Vanguard stood for. (Looks up) That they were fighting to save the Sylvaranti from the Tethe'allans. And that Lloyd was their sworn enemy. (Curious) But what does reviving an 800-year old dynasty have to do with saving the people of Sylvarant? MARTA: The Vanguard's commander, Brute, thinks that the people need strong leadership in order to live in peace. He wants to be crowned King of Sylvarant. (Hangs head) It's so stupid. EMIL: So you left the Vanguard because you didn't want to be part of their ridiculous plan. MARTA: (Down) [Y-]Yeah. That's right. EMIL: (Nods) Good. I was worried that maybe you felt the same way as the rest of them. MARTA: Of course not. EMIL: (Nods) Right. But where are they planning on doing with Ratatosk's core? TENEBRAE: I remember them saying something about a mana cannon. EMIL: (To Tenebrae) What's that? MARTA: It seems to be some type of ancient weapon, but that's all I really know. Anyway, shouldn't we be looking for Thomas? EMIL: Oh, that's right. Sorry for getting us off track.

<Skit "Reunited World" appears [S0239]> EMIL: So, the Vanguard is trying to revive the Sylvarant Dynasty, right? MARTA: (Hangs head) Yes. They say that the Tethe'allans treat Sylvaranti poorly because we lack a unified government. TENEBRAE: Considering the two sides' common human heritage, why is it that Sylvarant is without a more central leadership? MARTA: Before the Regeneration, Sylvarant was ravaged by the evil Desians. All the main centers of power were destroyed. After that, everyone lived in smaller towns and villages. TENEBRAE: And did Tethe'alla suffer a similar fate? EMIL: Their king apparently succeeded in keeping the country united. MARTA: And the Church of Martel has favored Tethe'alla ever since the two worlds became one. (Hangs head) Sylvarant has always ended up with the short end of the stick, both before the regeneration, and after. EMIL: Are the people of the Church really that bad? MARTA: They are if you ask me. You'll see for yourself soon enough. They've got a pretty twisted dedication to their religion.

<The party heads up a long flight of steps [M0205]> (As they reach the top, Marta notices something off to her right.) MARTA: Hey, that man! Is that him? (A man is sprawled out on the floor. Emil and Marta run to him) EMIL: (Kneels over him) Thomas! [You're...] You're Thomas, aren't you? THOMAS: (Weakly) [Uhhh...] Yeah I'm Thomas. Who are you? (Emil helps Thomas sit up) EMIL: I'm Emil, Reysol's son. We used to live next door to you! Are you all right? Are you hurt? THOMAS: (Puzzled) You're Reysol's son? Really? That can't be right. (Grunts in pain) EMIL: (Looks annoyed) (Has it really been that long?) MARTA: [Um...] Thomas, tell us why you came here. THOMAS: (Looks past them at something) I found that. I found it in the ocean. I think it's the reason [for the...] for the storm. (Thomas slumps back and falls silent) EMIL: Thomas! (Shakes him) MARTA: [Unh...] It's okay. I think he just passed out. (The camera changes to a blue, fanged fish lying nearby. Tenebrae looks it over) TENEBRAE: This appears to be a dead remora. Remoras are not actually sea monsters. They live in freshwater around this area. EMIL: So what does that mean? MARTA: First things first. Let's get Thomas back to town. (Emil nods.) ???: Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about him.~ (They all turn in surprise. Alice appears from the other side of the chamber, riding on Hypnos, her big pink wolf) ALICE: (Sweetly) These ruins will be the final resting place for you and your pet friend, my dear Martmart. MARTA: Alice! (Marta and Emil get to their feet, prepared for what's about to happen. Hypnos growls angrily) ALICE: And since Hawkie's away today, it'll be a special treat. (Beams) I'll handle you myself. (Points her lash at them, wicked eyes) Okay it's time to die.~ (Alice and her two monster cronies attack! The party beats them) (Hypnos rears back, throwing Alice onto the floor) [ALICE: Gyah!!!] (Hypnos turns around, its wild eyes locking onto Alice. She looks up in terror) ALICE: (Scooting back) Oh no! Look what you've done. You broke Hypnos! TENEBRAE: Fitting punishment for enslaving a once proud monster with a machine. (Hypnos glares at Alice, wheezing smoke) ALICE: (Swatting at it with her lash, scared) No. Stop it! Stop it I say! (Hypnos roars and Alice holds up her arm to protect herself...	Suddenly, there's a slashing noise. Alice looks up.  Hypnos falls.  Zelos stands behind it, his sword out and that smile on his face.) ALICE: [Who...] Who are you? ZELOS: (Sheathes his sword) Well hey there cutie-pie! I'll let this misunderstanding slide, if you just run along. ALICE: (Gets up, dusts herself off) Aren't you Tethe'alla's Chosen?! (Emil and Marta both react with surprise) ZELOS: That's right. And the Chosen is saying he'll let you off this time. So take your cute face and scoot on back to the Vanguard, Alice. ALICE: (Giggles) Well, since you put it that way guess I'll leave this to you. (Saunters past Zelos, spinning playfully) ALICE: Ta-ta, Mr. Big Handsome Chosen. I owe you one!~ (Alice brushes past Marta and Emil and disappears. The two watch her go.) ZELOS: (Walking to Marta) So, you must be Marta. The beautiful widow Dorr sent me here to save you my dear. She also said you had a fisherman and some kid tagging along. EMIL: I'm Emil, sir. ZELOS: (Still looking at Marta) [Uh,] Yeah right! Whatever kid. So Marta darling, you're not hurt are you? MARTA: (Head low) You're Tethe'alla's Chosen and one of Lloyd's friends. (Zelos straightens up, his smile gone.) EMIL: (Steps forward) Where's Lloyd?! Please tell us if you know! ZELOS: [Hmm?] Why are you two looking for him? EMIL: (Getting angry) Because, he-- that bastard killed my parents! ZELOS: So it's about revenge [huh]? MARTA: (Also angry) Lloyd is nothing more than a thief! He stole a very important jewel from us! ZELOS: (Annoyed) [Hmpf.] Well I don't have time for a couple of ignorant kids like you. (Zelos snaps his fingers. Two soldiers come, pick up Thomas and carry him away.) ZELOS: (Walking past Emil and Marta) Sorry but I have nothing to say to people who swear revenge on my "bastard" friends. If you'll excuse me, I have to go. (Zelos struts off. Emil and Marta watch him leave) MARTA: I'm afraid that he trusts Lloyd, too. Just like Colette. EMIL: (Looks at Marta, still angry) But he's different from Colette. I saw it. I saw it in his eyes. He doesn't believe us at all. If Lloyd were to slaughter someone right in front of his face he'd still worship the ground he walks on! TENEBRAE: Emil, I understand how you must feel, but please try to calm yourself. Don't forget about the storm in the ocean. If what Thomas said is correct, then the remoras living around here are to blame. EMIL: (Calming down) Oh. That's right. So what do we do now? MARTA: Well we've already made it this far. Let's explore some more and see what we find. Or do you wanna go back? EMIL: (Shakes head) No. We need to find out what's going on with the storm. Let's go. MARTA: (Giggles) Okay! Thanks so much Emil! (Grabs his arm) You're the best, you know that? Come on! (Marta pulls Emil off towards the inner chambers)

<Skit "Alice" appears [S0240]> EMIL: Alice kind of acts like a child. How old is she, anyway? MARTA: Eighteen. EMIL: (Shocked) She's that old? MARTA: And that's just what she says. She could be even older. (Irked) When is she gonna grow up and ditch that creepy baby talk? EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Sounds like it really bothers you. TENEBRAE: You're a bit short on experience, so you may not know, but young ladies like Alice who flaunt their cuteness aren't generally well-liked by their female peers. EMIL: Oh, I see. TENEBRAE: Be that as it may, there isn't a young lady alive who hasn't reveled in her own cuteness from time to time. EMIL: I'll never understand women.

<The party goes further into the ruins [T0234]> (They come to a place where water can be heard) EMIL: (Slumps) The sound of water in a dark place in really creepy. MARTA: (Playful) Really? I think it's rather romantic, myself? EMIL: You do? MARTA: Emil. What do you think of me? EMIL: (Steps back) [W-]What do you mean? MARTA: A lot of people tell me I'm too stubborn. They say I come across as too serious, too much. What do you think? Do you think I'm too much? EMIL: [Um...] I think you're on the skinny side, so I don't think you're too much. MARTA: (Slumps) [Th-]That's not what I meant. (Straightens up) Well, whatever. I'm going to work hard to make you like me. If there's anything I should do better, just say the word! (Marta walks away. Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Must be exhausting being such a heartbreaker. EMIL: You can't be serious. Marta's obviously built up this image of me in her mind as some sort of ideal man. TENEBRAE: (Sarcastic) Oh, you're smarter than you look. (Emil slumps) MARTA: (Turns around) What are you two talking about? EMIL: Nothing at all. TENEBRAE: Nothing at all, Lady Marta.

<Skit "Love, the Tender Trap" Appears" [S0241]> EMIL: (Muzzy) (SIGH) Why is this so hard? TENEBRAE: What seems to be the trouble, Emil? EMIL: Oh, it's Marta. I just don't know what I'm supposed to do. TENEBRAE: [Ah,] Love, the tender trap. EMIL: (Irked) Don't tease me!	No girl's ever been interested in me before.  I don't know the first thing about "going out" with someone.  (Muzzy) TENEBRAE: When dating a young lady, the greatest hurdle is choosing the perfect moment to first hold hands with her.	And I'd say you passed that test with flying colors. EMIL: [Huh?]  No, I'm talking more about-- TENEBRAE: (Surprised) My goodness!  How bold!  So, you wish to take the relationship to the next level. EMIL: (Flustered) [Th-]That's now what I said!  Just forget it!  I'll figure it out on my own!  (Runs off) TENEBRAE: Not to worry.  I highly doubt Lady Marta's wishes will come true. (Grows silent)

<The party reaches a larger room [T0235]> EMIL: (Steps back) I'm surprised there's this much water this deep down. MARTA: (Curious) Maybe it's an underground water vein? TENEBRAE: Interesting. I know why the ocean has been stormy. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae) Really?! TENEBRAE: Yes. I believe the cause is a territorial between monsters. MARTA: (Surprised) That can cause storms all the way out in the ocean? TENEBRAE: Indeed. Thomas said he'd found remoras in the ocean. Remoras are freshwater monsters, so that is unnatural. Monsters hardly ever change their habitats, so an underground lake here and the surrounding ocean must be linked somehow. EMIL: (Shocked) What?! MARTA: Tenebrae, can freshwater monsters live in the ocean, too? TENEBRAE: (Sits) I believe the family of monsters that the remora belongs to can tolerate saltwater. The ocean is the domain of Centurion Aqua. Centurions must form connections with monsters of their own element in order to maintain balance in the world. (Shakes head) However, Aqua is infatuated with that man, Richter, and is neglecting her duties. So all the water-elemental monsters are left to their own devices. (Shakes head) It's absolutely reprehensible. MARTA: (Whispering to Emil) He's like an angry old lady, isn't he? EMIL: (Nods) [Uh-huh.] Yeah. TENEBRAE: What was that?! MARTA: Hey, even old ladies know how to take jokes!

<Skit "Love and Hate" appears [S0242]> EMIL: So, Tenebrae, you and Aqua don't get along? TENEBRAE: That is a difficult question. EMIL: (Puzzled) It is? TENEBRAE: It's true that we are currently in opposition. But I must not allow personal feelings to dissuade me from my task of reawakening Lord Ratatosk. EMIL: She didn't seem to like you all that much, considering she called you "spiteful" and everything. TENEBRAE: You humans have an old saying: Love and hate are two sides of the same coin. EMIL: (Still puzzled) Don't think I've heard that one. TENEBRAE: It is quite true. Being popular with the ladies is rough, let me tell you.

<The party reaches an underground lake [T0236]> EMIL: It's an underground lake. MARTA: I wonder it's connected to the sea. (Suddenly, a gigantic whale monster pops out of the water) EMIL: (Shocked) Aah! MARTA: [Tha..]That's a manitou! TENEBRAE: That monster is the most territorial of all underwater creatures. I wouldn't be surprised if it's been clashing with the other ocean species. EMIL: (Steps forward) You mean that's been causing all the storms in the ocean?

TENEBRAE: It would seem so. EMIL: (Shocked) [Aah!] Here it comes! (The manitou attacks, but the party manages to beach it) (Still raring to go, the monster lunges, its mouth open) EMIL/MARTA: Ahh!

<The party comes to on a mysterious beach [T0237]> (All of them get up, groggy) MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Are you okay? EMIL: (Amazed) I'm still alive. What about you? Are you hurt? MARTA: (Blush) I'm fine. Thanks for worrying about me. (Looks around) But where are we? TENEBRAE: (Looks and stands up) Someone's coming. I will conceal myself. (Disappears) (A squatty, bearded man is walking along the beach, along with a strange, green, dog thing. Marta and Emil run over to him) MARTA: Excuse me! Do you mind if we ask you a question? ???: What is it? EMIL: (Thinking) He's not human. He's not a half-elf either. What is he? (Looks at the dog) And he's even got a monster with him. Really weird. MARTA: [Umm...] We seem to have gotten lost. Could you tell us where we are? ???: You're just north of Iselia. You want me to take you to the village? (Emil and Marta look at each other, amazed) MARTA: (To the man) No, that's all right. Thank you very much. ???: Sure. Well then, take care. (The man and the dog leave) MARTA: (Turns to Emil) So, that would mean... EMIL: (Shocked) We crossed the ocean?! (Tenebrae reappears) TENEBRAE: That would appear to be the case. MARTA: Well, at least we saved on the boat fare. TENEBRAE: Indeed. And we gained some valuable experience no amount of money could buy. EMIL: (Weirded out) You two sure are optimistic. MARTA: It's just we've already come this far. Might as well make the best of it. EMIL: Yeah, you're right. TENEBRAE: Now that we've had a chance to recover our senses, shall we continue on to Iselia? EMIL/MARTA: (Nod) Yeah!

-- -- (2.3) - Chapter 3: Footfalls of Tomorrow (GS3) -- --


 * Iselia*

<The party enters town [T0301]> EMIL: (Looks around) Iselia. This is Lloyd's hometown. (A little boy walks up, dressed in a red shirt and carrying two sticks.) ???: Did you just say Lloyd? MARTA: Yes? And you are? PAUL: I'm Paul, Lloyd's number one apprentice! I'm heading out to patrol the haunted ranch. You wanna come with me? EMIL: (Looks away) Lloyd's apprentice? What kind of idiot-- PAUL: (Angrily) What did you say?! MARTA: Emil! He's just a kid! PAUL: (Even angrier) I'm not a kid! I'm the great dual swordsman, Paul the Magnificent! MARTA: (Giggles) My apologies, Paul the Magnificent. PAUL: [Geez!] You outsiders have no manners. (Paul walks away) EMIL: (Hangs head) I can't believe kids still worship Lloyd even after what he and the Church of Martel did to Palmacosta. MARTA: I know you're upset, but try to calm down. The first thing we need to do is gather information. Maybe the town's mayor has an idea where Lloyd is. EMIL: (Grunts) ...

<Skit "Village of Oracles" appears [S0301]> MARTA: This village is so peaceful. And the air is so clean. EMIL: I don't know. It's almost too quiet. And the air feels charged. TENEBRAE: This is the Village of Oracles. Home of the Mana Lineage. The souls of the Chosen who perished in failed attempts at world regeneration may still haunt these grounds. EMIL: Yeah. That must be it. It's just the sort of village I'd expect Lloyd to come from. MARTA: (Irked) Shut up Tenebrae!

<The party goes toward the mayor's house [T0302]> (Some kids are playing in the street) CHILD A: (Laughs loudly) I am Forcystus, of the Five Desian Grand Cardinals! CHILD B: (Fighting stance) Lloyd Irving is here! Evil Desian, I will defeat you! (The kids race off) TENEBRAE: I keep hearing the word "Desian." What does it mean? MARTA: You don't know? The Desians were a group of half-elves who wreaked havoc on the world before the regeneration took place. EMIL: They say the Desians took people to places called "human ranches," and then did unspeakable things to them. MARTA: (To Emil) You make it sound like you weren't affected by them. There was a ranch right near Palmacosta and everyone was so afraid of it. EMIL: (Puzzled) We were? MARTA: (Sullen) Yes. Iselia got off easy, since the Chosen was born here. They entered into a non-aggression treaty with the Desians to protect the town's people from being taken to the ranch. Clever, huh? TENEBRAE: It seems we Centurions missed a lot while we were dormant. EMIL: (Hangs head, thinking) Yeah that's how it was. Yeah, of course.

<Skit "Non-Aggression Treaty" appears [S0302]> TENEBRAE: So I finally understand who the Desians were. But why did you sound disapproving of Iselia's non-aggression treaty with them? EMIL: What did the treaty mean, anyway? MARTA: It was an agreement that the Desians won't attack the village. (Down) Iselia was the only place to make such a deal. It wasn't fair. All the other towns were pillaged by the Desians over and over again. EMIL: So, how was Iselia able to make a treaty with them? MARTA: (Shakes head) Beats me. Whatever they did, they're lucky. They got off a lot easier than everyone else.

<The party goes into the mayor's house [T0303]> (The mayor and his dog are inside) MARTA: Excuse me. We're searching for Lloyd Irving--he used to live in this town. EMIL: Have you seen him recently? MAYOR OF ISELIA: (Sighs tiredly) Another one asking about Lloyd. Let me guess: this is about the Blood Purge in Palmacosta, right? It doesn't make sense. Lloyd would never lead the Church of Martel against Palmacosta. (Emil's eyes go blood red) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Lloyd killed my parents! (Marta turns in surprise) MARTA: (Thinking) Emil? MAYOR OF ISELIA: Before the world regeneration, a horrible massacre took place in our town at the hands of the Desians because of Lloyd. EMIL: See! Just like Palmacosta. Lloyd is nothing but a worthless murderer! MARTA: (Turns to Mayor) [B-]But I thought Iselia had a treaty with the Desians? MAYOR OF ISELIA: Lloyd tried to save a friend of his who was being held prisoner at the human ranch. It provoked the Desians into attacking. (Angrily) What a fool. Even a child knows that the life of one insignificant person in the ranch is nothing compared to the lives of everyone in the village. MARTA: (Shocked) One insignificant person? What a horrible thing to say! MAYOR OF ISELIA: Then which would you choose? Save one person with a thousand lives or save a thousand with one life. MARTA: (Hangs head) Well... R.EMIL: It's obvious. The one person must be sacrificed for-- (Suddenly, Emil grabs at his head. When he recovers, his eyes are green again) EMIL: (Angrily) Wait! That's not right! What if you were that one person? Would you still feel that way? (Slumps) And what if there was some way you could save all thousand and one people. MAYOR OF ISELIA: Yes, Lloyd thought that way as well. (Emil and Marta look surprised) MAYOR OF ISELIA: (Bitterly) But ultimately, he failed. Lofty principles are all well and good, but there's a difference between an ideal and reality. EMIL: [Ungh] ... MAYOR OF ISELIA: (Angrily) Lloyd is a fool. He believes all lives are equal. He imagines an ideal world where those who want to live can live. (Calmer) But he's also a man who works tirelessly to realize his ideals. Of course, whether that's good or bad is a different story. MARTA: Mayor, you believe in Lloyd. MAYOR OF ISELIA: (To Marta) Well, I don't like him much, but yes. EMIL: (Angrily) Why does everyone stand up for him? I know for a fact that he killed my mother. MAYOR OF ISELIA: Ask the people in town. His old teacher is back here right now as well. And Lloyd's father is at the Martel Temple. Perhaps he could shed some light on things. It's possible he's been in contact with Lloyd. MARTA: The temple? MAYOR OF ISELIA: It's located north of here and belongs to the Church of Martel. Lloyd's father is a skilled craftsman--he's been doing repair work there.

<Skit "Lloyd's Father" appears [S0303]> EMIL: I wonder what Lloyd's father is like. TENEBRAE: He contributed one half of Lloyd's genetic makeup, so I imagine they share similar physical characteristics. MARTA: Well, duh. Emil's wondering what sort of person was the man who raised Lloyd. EMIL: (Bitterly) Yeah. And I'll bet he has spiky hair, and a face just like an older version of Lloyd. [MARTA: ...Uh...]

<Skit "Flowers in Her Hair" appears [S0304]> EMIL: Marta, is that flower in your hair real? MARTA: Why do you ask? EMIL: [Um,] Well, I was just thinking, it never seems to wilt. MARTA: Exactly. They're just accessories. Actually, they belonged to my mother. She wore them in her hair on her first date with my father. EMIL: Oh, I see. MARTA: (Beam) These little flowers brought my mother and father together. And now they brought us together, too.~ EMIL: (There she goes again.) (Sweatdrop)


 * Martel Temple*

<The party reaches the base of the hill the temple is on [T0304]> (The strange green dog is there.) EMIL: It's the pet monster that belongs to that strange guy we ran into at the beach. (The dog sweatdrops) TENEBRAE: That is rather rude, Emil. That man was a dwarf. MARTA: And this guy isn't a monster, he's a dog. You think you could move for us, doggie? EMIL: I don't think he's a dog. TENEBRAE: Leave this to me. (Tenebrae and the dog silently communicate) TENEBRAE: Hahaha! (Emil and Marta sweatdrop) EMIL: Tenebrae's laughing. (The dog moves out of the way) TENEBRAE: Oh! He moved. EMIL: Hey Tenebrae, what was so funny? TENEBRAE: [Uh,] Perhaps some other time. Now then, let us proceed. (Laughs again) EMIL: He's still laughing. MARTA: It's weirding me out.

<The party enters the temple [T0305]> (The dwarf is standing inside) DIRK: Oh, you're the kids that were lost. MARTA: (Nods) Thanks for giving us directions. EMIL: [Um...] We heard we might be able to find Lloyd Irving's father here. DIRK: You're talking to him. We're not linked by blood, but he's my son. (Marta and Emil are surprised) MARTA: Have you heard anything from Lloyd recently? We're looking for him. EMIL: (Angrily) You! Aren't you ashamed of what Lloyd did in Palmacosta?! You're his father! DIRK: I'm proud to call Lloyd my son. I've got nothing to be ashamed of. (Emil's eyes change again) R.EMIL: (Furious) You-- DIRK: If Lloyd had anything to do with what happened in Palmacosta, he wouldn't have just disappeared like that. (Nods) I didn't raise a man who runs from his own responsibilities. (Shakes head) My boy may be a fool, but he's not a bad person. (Emil's eyes change back. He hangs his head) EMIL: [Ungh] ... MARTA: So, have you had any contact with him? DIRK: Nope, haven't heard a word. He was on a journey to gather Exspheres, but then he just suddenly came back about six months ago. He said he was on his way to save a friend and he had to travel light. So he left Noishe, that animal you saw outside. Haven't seen him since. MARTA: (Hangs head) I see. DIRK: If you kids happen to see Lloyd, give him a message for me, will you? Tell him Noishe is getting lonely, so come home soon.

<Skit "Tenebrae and Noishe" appears [S0305]> MARTA: Tenebrae, what were you and Noishe talking about? TENEBRAE: Oh, just a humorous anecdote. (Laughs) Last week, when Noishe was drinking down by the river bed... the most unbelievable thing came drifting down the river. (Laughs again) EMIL: Well, what was it? TENEBRAE: That's just it. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. (Laughs again) Oh, I can't. (Laughs) [Oh!] Oh, it almost hurts. EMIL: What is it?! MARTA: (Irked) Hurry up and tell us! TENEBRAE: [Laughs] Well, you see, it was a-- Oh no, no, it was nothing, really. (Laughs) EMIL/MARTA: (Angrily) Tell us!

<The party leaves the temple [T0306]> (Emil slumps, looking downcast) MARTA: Emil, what's wrong? EMIL: He's not related to Lloyd by blood, and yet he really seems like he's Lloyd's father. (Slumps) On the other hand, my uncle was always ashamed of everything I did. MARTA: Emil... (Suddenly, a woman with aquamarine hair and orange robes walks up to them) ???: Excuse me, do you have a moment? (Emil and Marta turn to her) ???: Paul, one of the village children, has gone missing. Have you seen a boy about eight years old around here? MARTA: Oh, we met him by the town entrance. He said something about going to a haunted ranch. (The woman hesitates) ???: So he went to the human ranch. Thank you. (The woman departs) MARTA: The "haunted ranch" he was talking about was a Desians' human ranch. I hope he's all right. EMIL: (Sarcastically) There aren't any Desians there anymore. I'm sure he'll be fine. Besides, he's an apprentice of the mighty Lloyd, remember? MARTA: I understand your grudge against Lloyd, but Paul has nothing to do with that. (Emil looks away silently) MARTA: The Emil I like wouldn't like like that. My Emil is better than that. EMIL: (Angrily) Whatever! (Marta recoils) EMIL: (Angrily) I don't even remember you! Stop trying to make me into something I'm not! I don't need you telling me who I'm supposed to be! MARTA: (Hangs head, defeated) I'm sorry. (Emil pulls back, looking away silently)

<Skit "Awkward" appears [S0306]> [EMIL: Um... MARTA: Um...] EMIL/MARTA: I just-- That is-- EMIL: What? MARTA: What? EMIL/MARTA: (Down) Oh, it's nothing.

<Skit "Awkward Part 2" appears [S0307]> EMIL: (I wonder if that was too harsh.) MARTA: (Emil must be angry with me.) EMIL: (But Marta refuses to see the real me.) MARTA: (I haven't been paying attention to who Emil really is. Of course he'd be upset.) [EMIL/MARTA: (SIGH)]


 * Iselia*

<The party goes back into town [T0307]> (Emil and Marta stop at the gate. There's a gathering of people nearby, one of them being a green-haired woman.) LILIA: (Hangs head) This is all my fault. If I'd just kept an eye on him, I could've stopped him before he left town. VILLAGER (male): Lilia, it's going to be all right. Professor Sage will find Paul. He'll be fine. LILIA: Right. VILLAGER (female 1): But Professor Sage is a half-elf. I don't know if this is such a good idea. VILLAGER (female 2): Stop that nonsense! Professor Sage saved the Chosen! She's a good half-elf. She's nothing like the Desians. She'll save Paul. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Hey, Emil. Do you think Raine is that woman we saw earlier? EMIL: Yeah, maybe. MARTA: She's a half-elf. I wonder if that's why no one went with her to search for Paul. EMIL: Huh? MARTA: I mean, people are prejudiced against half-elves. I even used to be afraid of them way back when. EMIL: (Hangs head) Half-elf. Prejudice. MARTA: I'm going to the human ranch. You and Tenebrae wait here until I get back. EMIL: (Steps back) Why? MARTA: Even if the Desians are long gone, there are probably monsters. I can't let her go alone. EMIL: There's no guarantee you'll meet up with her. I'll go with you. MARTA: But Paul is Lloyd's apprentice. EMIL: (Shakes head) It's okay. You don't have to keep worrying so much about my feelings. MARTA: (Hangs head) Sorry. EMIL: (Nods) Come on, let's head for that ranch.


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: How did Marta know Raine's first name?

<Skit "Human Ranches" appears [S0308]> TENEBRE: What sort of places were these human ranches? MARTA: It's where they used to make Exspheres, devices that raised a person's abilities to their fullest potential. EMIL: So they were like factories? MARTA: From what I heard they were more like labs for human experiments. The Exspheres were apparently stones activated by human suffering. So they implanted Exspheres in people, then tortured them in all sorts of ways. TENEBRAE: The hearts of men are more terrifying than any monster. [EMIL/MARTA: Huh?] TENEBRAE: (Shakes head) Oh, just the ramblings of a spiteful Centurion. [EMIL/MARTA: (SIGH)]


 * On the road to the Ranch*

<The party gets attacked by a group of monsters [T0308]> (The party beats the monsters, but Emil's eyes stay red after the fight is over) R.EMIL: (Gruffly) Let's go. MARTA: (Carefully) Are you still mad? R.EMIL: (Turns to Marta) About what? MARTA: I mean whenever you get mad, you seem to get possessed by Ratatosk, and you're that way right now. R.EMIL: (Shrugs) Now that you mention it, I suppose I am. MARTA: What can I do to make you forgive me? R.EMIL: (Shrugs again) [Hmpf.] Why worry about this wimp's feelings? MARTA: (Puzzled) Wimp? Are you talking about me? R.EMIL: I'm talking about the "normal" me. He's a weak, coward who takes his own insecurities out on you. He's worse than a dog. MARTA: (Angrily) Don't talk about yourself like that! (Hangs head) And sure, you might get scared sometimes, but you're one of the nicest people I've ever met! (Emil's eyes revert to green) EMIL: (Surprised) Marta... (Marta recoils) MARTA: I mean, I'm not trying to force myself on you or anything. I... EMIL: (Nods) Yes. [I-]I know. MARTA: I'm sorry. I just get so worked up sometimes. I know it's annoying. EMIL: (Slumps) No. I shouldn't have said what I did. I'm sorry. MARTA: Thank you.


 * Iselia Human Ranch*

<The party reaches the ranch [T0309]> (A thick fog surrounds the area) EMIL: It's really foggy. MARTA: We could easily get lost in this before we even find Paul. EMIL: (Waves, yelling) Hey, Paul! If you're out here, say something! (Silence) EMIL: (Slumps) I have a bad feeling about this. MARTA: (Walks in front of Emil) Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality, right? (Emil looks up in surprise and flashes back to Richter) RICHTER: Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. EMIL: Huh? RICHTER: They're words a human with a few screws loose said long ago. (Back to the present) EMIL: (Thinking) I'm sure I'll see Richter again if we keep searching for the Centurions' cores. He'll laugh at me if I'm still a coward. (Turns to Marta, speaking) It's a little spooky, but let's keep moving forward.

<The group goes a little further in [T0310]> (They reach the massive metal gates of the ranch. The fog is even thicker) MARTA: This fog is really thick. EMIL: (Slumps) Yeah, and something doesn't feel right. (Suddenly, Emil spots something in the haze) EMIL: (Straightens up) There's something here! MARTA: Really? Is it Paul? (Marta runs over to the object and looks it over) MARTA: (Turns back to Emil, disappointed) It's just a tree. EMIL: (Slumps) Sorry. I could have sworn I heard something moving. MARTA: (Giggles) A little jumpy, are we? EMIL: Well, it's scary! Actually, so is fighting. TENEBRAE: Look out, you two! (Suddenly, the "tree" comes to life!) EMIL: (Shocked) Aah! MARTA: (Gasps) A monster! (The "tree," actually a pair of hirsuta, attacks! The crew clips them) (The fog clears up) TENEBRAE: It appears we can continue along this route. EMIL: I wonder if Paul went this way too. TENEBRAE: Hirsuta is fairly mobile, so it is possible Paul went inside before it blocked this entrance. MARTA: (Happily) Emil, I'm so impressed! You sensed a monster that even Tenebrae didn't know was there! TENEBRAE: That was my mistake. It is quite embarrassing. But what you said is correct, Lady Marta. It seems that Emil's awakening is coming right along. EMIL: (Turns to Tenebrae, puzzled) Awakening? Awake to what? TENEBRAE: Awakening as a Knight of Ratatosk, to protect Lady Marta. MARTA: Tenebrae, enough of this Emil protecting me stuff, okay? TENEBRAE: [Mmm?] But being a Knight of Ratatosk means-- MARTA: He has to protect Ratatosk's core on my forehead. We'll do it together, right, Emil? EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Yeah. (Awkward silence) EMIL: (Thinking) It makes me kind of sad when she says that. Why?

<Skit "Spiteful Old Nag" appears [S0309]> TENEBRAE: Emil, is something wrong? You're looking rather sad. EMIL: [Uh,] No, I'm fine. It's just-- Is Marta really okay with the way things are? TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) I see. You miss hearing "I love you Emil!" all the time. EMIL: (Flustered) [Th-]That's not it at all! I just didn't know girls could change their minds so quickly. TENEBRAE: In other words, you want her to be more cuddly. EMIL: (Flustered) No! Just forget it! You really are a spiteful old nag, you know that? TENEBRAE: (Irked) Spiteful old nag?

<The party makes its way inside the ranch [T0311]> EMIL: So this is the human ranch. MARTA: Don't worry, all the Desians are gone now. EMIL: (Slumps) Yeah. MARTA: (Irked) I guess I'll have to be the big, manly knight that's protecting you. EMIL: (Turns to Marta, defensive) Hey, I can be manly. MARTA: (Giggles) Sorry. But just because you're a "man" doesn't mean that a girl can't protect you. EMIL: (Slumps) Well, I guess not, but-- TENEBRAE: Excuse me you two, but what are we doing here again? EMIL/MARTA: (Turn to Tenebrae) Looking for Paul. TENEBRAE: Thank you.

<Skit "Where is Paul?" appears [S0310]> TENEBRAE: There doesn't seem to be any sign of young Paul. MARTA: This place is way too dangerous for a child. We've got to find him fast. EMIL: Yeah, I hope he's all right. Well, let's hurry up and start looking.

<The party goes further in [T0312]> MARTA: We keep coming out in weird places. TENEBRAE: Well this is the only way we can go since all of the main passages seem to be destroyed. There must have been a large-scale assault on this facility. EMIL: (Steps back) The Desians were taken down by the Chosen and her friends, right? Did Colette do all of this? MARTA: She didn't look like the violent type. EMIL: (Balls fists, angrily) I bet Lloyd did it. MARTA: It's hard to believe he's Colette's friend. TENEBRAE: Indeed, she seemed quite the peaceful sort. It's difficult to associate her with Lloyd, the gleeful mass-murderer of the Blood Purge. MARTA: Colette didn't seem to favor Tethe'alla. I wonder about Lloyd. EMIL: It's pretty obvious that as far as he's concerned, anyone who's not Tethe'allan or part of the Church of Martel is nothing.

<The party runs into electric walls> WARNING: Violent electricity is generated and cannot be passed. You can eliminate the electricity in front of you by hitting it with a monster. Hit a monster with the Sorcerer's Ring to enrage it and have it come after you.

<The party reaches a small chamber [M0301]> (Paul is lying unconscious nearby) EMIL: (Shocked) Paul! (As the party goes towards him, Emil is suddenly snared by an invisible hand) [EMIL: N'errrgh!!!] (A gigantic tree monster bursts out of the floor) MARTA: [Huhhh!!!] What is that?! EMIL: [Th-]The monster's growing out of the floor! MARTA: I think this room itself is a monster! (Emil struggles, but the monster has him. It starts to lift him off the ground) EMIL: [Eh...] You know, [th-]there's a saying... ???: "You can't see the forest for the trees." EMIL: [M-m-]Maybe that's what this is. Wait! [Huh?] (Emil turns around. The orange-robed woman is behind him, casting a magic spell) ???: Photon! (A blast of light hits the monster and it drops Emil. As he recovers, the woman gets between the monster and the kids.) ???: Here it comes! You two know how to fight?! EMIL: (Gets back up) [Uh... y-]Yes! MARTA: We'll give this thing a taste of its own medicine! (The party attacks the Gerichtslinde!)

did was grab Emil.*
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: What medicine? That doesn't really work here...  All it

<The party defeats the Gerischslinde> EMIL: (Kneels before Paul) Paul, are you all right? PAUL: (Looks up) [Huh? O-]Oh! It's you. (Paul looks at Emil and Marta, then the woman. She stares at him, expressionless) ???: Well Paul? Would you like to thank them? They were very kind. They came all the way here to look for you. PAUL: Professor Sage! (Emil helps Paul to his feet) MARTA: Are you all right? PAUL: Yes. I'm fine. Thank you miss. PROFESSOR SAGE: (Hand on her hip) Now Paul, I believe I remember telling you that the human ranch was strictly off-limits. PAUL: (Nervously) [Y-]Yes, but you see [I...] I was patrolling while Lloyd was away. PROFESSOR SAGE: You know that job belongs to the town watch. Do you remember what happens to children who break the rules? (As Emil and Marta look on in surprise, Professor Sage slaps some sense into Paul's skinny heinie) PAUL: (Crying) I'm sorry Professor, I'm sorry! (After things have calmed down, Paul is clutching Professor Sage's hand and sobbing quietly) PROFESSOR SAGE: (Sighs) Sorry, I still haven't introduced myself. My name is Raine Sage. I teach in Iselia. How do you do? EMIL: [Uh,] Hi. My name is Emil. MARTA: And my name is Marta. We're traveling together. RAINE: There are a few things I'd like to talk to you about, but first let's return to Iselia. EMIL: [Uh...] Yes.

<Skit "Googly-Eyed" appears [S0311]> RAINE: Thank you for saving Paul. EMIL: Oh, [heh...] I mean [we, um...] we just did what anyone else would've done. RAINE: Oh? Most people wouldn't risk coming to a place like this for a child they scarcely know. EMIL: (Blush) [Eh...] Well-- MARTA: (To herself, irked) What's with you? I thought you didn't care about Lloyd's apprentice. And do you have to get all googly-eyed every time you meet a pretty lady? EMIL: Did you say something? MARTA: (Pouts) Forget it!


 * Iselia*

<The party comes back into town [T0313]> RAINE: I'm taking Paul home to his mother. Would you two wait for me at the school? EMIL: (Nods slowly) [S-]Sure. (Raine takes Paul away) MARTA: I wonder what she wants to talk about. EMIL: Yeah. She was glaring at me. (Slumps) MARTA: Do you think she's Lloyd's teacher, the one the mayor told us about? (Emil straightens up, shocked) EMIL: Lloyd...

<Skit "Murderer's Teacher" appears [S0312]> EMIL: So, Raine was Lloyd's teacher. MARTA: Looks that way. EMIL: (Bitterly) That murderer's teacher. TENEBRAE: Calm yourself, Emil. EMIL: (Teeth clenched) I know.

<Skit "School Days" appears [S0313]> MARTA: What were you like in school? Were you a good student? EMIL: Well, I didn't go to school when I was in Luin. MARTA: What about in Palmacosta? EMIL: [I...] I don't really remember. What about you Tenebrae? Do Centurions go to school? TENEBRAE: What do you think? MARTA: (Giggles) You really know how to change the subject, don't you? So you weren't a very good student. Sorry to bring up such a sore "subject." (Giggles)

<The party goes into the school [M0302]> (The walls are lined with pictures the kids have drawn, most of them involving Lloyd somehow. Emil and Marta look over them.) MARTA: Wow. These are all drawings of Lloyd. (Emil is silent) TENEBRAE: Humans never cease to amaze me. Let's have a look at these. MARTA: I never would have pegged you as an art buff, Tenebrae. TENEBRAE: How rude. (The party continues to stare at the drawings. Tenebrae notices one in particular.) TENEBRAE: This one appears to have been drawn by Paul, the boy you saved. MARTA: (Reading) "I love Lloyd"... [Hmm...] EMIL: (Under his breath, bitterly) How come everyone-- TENEBRAE: (Looks away) Someone's coming! (Tenebrae disappears, and Raine walks in) RAINE: Sorry that took so long. Oh. You've been looking at the drawings. MARTA: It looks like this one was drawn by Paul, right? He certainly is a big fan of Lloyd's. (A silence hangs in the room) RAINE: Paul's father passed away two years ago when the Desians suddenly attacked Iselia. Lloyd was the one who caused the incident. Well actually Lloyd and my brother, that is. (Emil and Marta turn to her) EMIL: So then, why does he... RAINE: When his father died he stopped smiling and closed himself in. Lloyd found out when he returned from the journey of world regeneration. He went to Paul's house every day even though Paul's mother Lilia tried to get him to stop. But Lloyd was persistent. Then one day out of the blue, he proposed to Lilia. (Emil and Marta completely whirl around) EMIL/MARTA: Proposed?! RAINE: (Nods) Yes. I think Lloyd wanted to take on the role of Paul's father. And in order to do that he thought he needed to marry Lilia and make her his wife. MARTA: But that's ridiculous. RAINE: (Chuckles, turns away) Lilia was mortified. She was so upset she took a tomato and threw it right at Lloyd. Lloyd instinctively hit it which sent it flying at Lilia... and it hit her right in the face. Before they knew it tomatoes were flying all over the place. When they realized what happened, Paul and Lilia began laughing for the first time in months. (Emil doubles over fuming, and his eyes change color. He punches the wall) R.EMIL: (Angrily) I don't wanna hear this crap anymore! Everyone's always all "Lloyd this" and "Lloyd that." I'm sick of it! Why are you even telling us this stupid story in the first place?! (Raine stares at him) RAINE: The mayor told me all about the two of you. I think that you should know that I was Lloyd's teacher. I traveled with him for a long time. You wanted to know why everybody here defends Lloyd, correct? R.EMIL: (Angrily) Enough! (Points angrily at Raine) I don't want to hear any more about how Lloyd is innocent in all this! RAINE: Oh really? When did I say that? MARTA: (Surprised) Wait, what do you mean? Are you telling us that you don't trust Lloyd? I thought you were supposed to be his friend. (Another awkward silence) RAINE: Trusting Lloyd... and believing the reports of what happened in Palmacosta are two entirely different things. Furthermore Lloyds character and past doings... have no bearing on what happened in Palmacosta. Calm yourselves. Otherwise, you will be blind to everything, including the truth. (R.Emil looks away angrily) MARTA: But why would you even care? RAINE: Maybe I don't care. MARTA: Unbelievable! (Storms off) (Emil's eyes revert to green) EMIL: Marta. Marta, wait! (Runs after her)

<Emil walks out of the school [T0314]> EMIL: (Hangs head) I wonder what's wrong with Marta. TENEBRAE: [Hmm...] Why don't we look for her? I can still feel Lady Marta's presence in town. I doubt she's gone very far. EMIL: Okay.

<The party finds Marta near the Sage house, sulking [T0315]> EMIL: Marta, why'd you run off like that? Raine seemed like she was on our side. MARTA: (Bitterly) I can't stand people like that. EMIL: Marta... MARTA: (Gets up) Raine was Lloyd's friend. So how could she say such cold things about him? (Turns to Emil) If it was me, and someone was saying bad things about you, I'd defend you to the end. I mean you're my friend. I'd get so mad if someone was bad-mouthing you, I'd give them a piece of my mind. (Emil suddenly realizes something) EMIL: I get it now. So that's why everyone defends Lloyd. MARTA: Huh? EMIL: There's no point in me getting mad at people just for saying they like Lloyd. We're the same. (Slumps) It's so obvious, but I didn't see it at all. I was too busy being angry. TENEBRAE: Perhaps that's why Raine suggested that you calm down. (Emil and Marta look at Tenebrae) TENEBRAE: Anyone would become mad if someone they liked and trusted was insulted. With that attitude, it's unlikely she'd have told you where Lloyd was, even if she knew. Am I wrong? EMIL: You're right, Tenebrae. Come on, Marta. Let's go back and talk to Raine. Maybe she'll help us if we explain. MARTA: All right.

<Skit "What Is Love?" appears [S0314]> TENEBRAE: What is it, Emil? You look puzzled. EMIL: I was just thinking about something I found strange about Raine. TENEBRAE: Strange? EMIL: Yeah. I thought she'd be really scary when she was scolding Paul, but she wasn't, at all. When my aunt and uncle scolded me, it was terrifying. I hated them for it. TENEBRAE: Perhaps you sensed the love behind Raine's words. EMIL: Oh. Yeah, I guess my aunt and uncle didn't really love me. MARTA: (Butts in crossly) Tenebrae, stop that! You're only going to make him more depressed, talking about things that you don't know about, like love. TENEBRAE: (Irked) How rude. I will have you know that I understand love perfectly well. Love is a brand of egoism that ignores the feelings of its mark, while insisting on its own selfish demands. [EMIL/MARTA: (Sweatdrop) (SIGH)]

<The party goes back to the school, where Raine is waiting [T0316]> EMIL: (Slumps) [Um,] About before... RAINE: (Folds arms) You don't have to apologize. To you, the fact is Lloyd is the man who killed your parents. But you must understand there are also those who were saved by Lloyd, and they owe him their lives. MARTA: So do you trust Lloyd? RAINE: (To Marta) I don't see how my opinion would aid you. MARTA: I don't get it. You were Lloyd's teacher and friend, right? RAINE: That's right. I like Lloyd. I think that he's a person I can count on. Those facts haven't changed. (Folds arms) But people change, for better or for worse. I don't know what kind of person Lloyd is now. My faith in him is not enough reason to contradict the accounts of those who suffered in the attack on Palmacosta. That's my opinion on the matter. EMIL: I'm not sure I totally understand. Are you saying you believe us? RAINE: (To Emil) I'm saying that I believe the attack on Palmacosta happened, not that I personally trust you. MARTA: (Surprised) You don't trust us? RAINE: (To Marta) Do the two of you trust me? We haven't known each other for all that long. I think we both have yet to prove whether we deserve each other's trust. MARTA: (Annoyed) You're just being difficult. RAINE: (Chuckles) Is that any way to talk to someone who might have information about Lloyd? EMIL: (Shocked) You know where he went?! RAINE: (To Emil) If you tell me about your journey, specifically, about the Centurions' cores, then I'll give you a hint. MARTA: (Surprised) [H-]How do you know about the Centurions' cores?! RAINE: (To Marta) Colette told me about you already. When you told me your names at the human ranch, I knew who you were. EMIL: (To Marta) Marta, what should we do? MARTA: (To Emil) Let's tell her. Colette wasn't out to get us, and I don't think Raine is, either. (Quickie explanation fade-out) RAINE: (Pensive) Very interesting. A Knight of Ratatosk, you say. (Raine is silent for a moment) RAINE: That's good for now. I'll leave the questions for later. Now then, regarding Lloyd's whereabouts, there's someone in town who says he saw him recently. EMIL: Really?! RAINE: (To Emil) Yes. Colette's neighbor, Pepe. Let's go and talk to him.

<The party goes to Colette's house. Pepe is there [T0317]> PEPE: Professor Sage! RAINE: Pepe, I'm sorry to bother you, but can you tell these two about when you saw Lloyd? (Pepe looks at Emil) PEPE: But aren't they out for revenge against Lloyd? RAINE: (Shakes head) Thats just a big misunderstanding, I assure you. PEPE: (Nods) Well, if you say so Professor Sage... (Turns to Emil) Not too long ago, I saw him on a strange flying thing headed towards the Triet Ruins. It was definitely Lloyd. I'd know that spiky hair anywhere. EMIL: (Happy) Really? Thank you so much! MARTA: Emil, let's hurry! We might still be able to catch up with him. EMIL: (Nods) Right. RAINE: Hold on, I'd like to go with you. MARTA: [W-]Why? RAINE: (Folds arms) I was Lloyd's teacher. If he really has strayed, I need to set him back on the right path again. Also, the fact that he is after the Centurions' cores troubles me. Six months ago, he was on a quest to collect Exspheres. It was an important mission to him. He promised his father he'd complete it. MARTA: His father. EMIL: (Curious) Do you mean Dirk? (Raine is silent) RAINE: Anyway, I'm interested to know why Lloyd would abandon his quest for Exspheres to look for Centurions' cores. MARTA: (To Emil) What do you think? EMIL: (To Marta) Let's have her come with us. With her along, we might be able to find out more about what happened in Palmacosta. MARTA: Yeah. RAINE: (Nods) Then it's settled. I look forward to traveling with you.

<Skit "Teacher Voice" appears [S0315]> [EMIL: U-um...] RAINE: Yes, what is it? EMIL: [Uh,] Oh, it's nothing. RAINE: If you have nothing to say, don't call out to others. EMIL: (Shrinks back) [S-]Sorry. TENEBRAE: I thought you weren't afraid of Raine. EMIL: She used her teacher voice on me. I couldn't help it!

<The party prepares to leave Iselia [T0318]> EMIL: Oh yeah. Marta, we should introduce Raine to Tenebrae. MARTA: Oh, right. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: How may I be of service? (Raine is surprised) RAINE: A talking animal--no, a monster? Oh, you're the one Colette was talking about. Tenebie, correct? TENEBRAE: (To Raine) It's Tenebrae. You seem like an intelligent person. I am grateful for your assistance. RAINE: (Pensive) You don't feel quite the same as a summon spirit. Much closer to a monster. TENEBRAE: No doubt because I employ monsters as my servants. RAINE: Very interesting indeed. I'd love to learn more about it. We must talk later. TENEBRAE: It would be my pleasure. EMIL: Wow, Raine is totally unfazed. MARTA: (Nods) Yeah, no kidding. I guess she's just naturally composed.

<Skit "Half-Elves" appears [S0316]> MARTA: So, Raine, you're a half-elf, right? RAINE: (Down) Do the two of you fear half-elves as well? MARTA: (Down) I was always taught that half-elves were evil. But you don't seem any different from us. RAINE: I leave it [to] you to form your own opinions of me. MARTA: To be honest, half-elves do sort of frighten me. But I don't want to think you're a bad person just because of your race. Some humans are bad people, too. (Looks down) RAINE: I see. TENEBRAE: What complicated creatures these humanoids are.

<Skit "Revolutionary Menu" appears [S0317]> RAINE: I thought the two of you must be getting hungry, so I decided to put together a meal. Here you are. EMIL: (Hesitant) Wow. MARTA: [Um...] What exactly is this? RAINE: Oh, right. I almost forgot to explain. These are rice-stuffed lemons. (Emil and Marta look shocked and scoot away) RAINE: You know how sushi rice can taste so good you sometimes forget how much you've eaten? (Light bulb) Well, I thought I'd try to create that same addictive quality in a more ordinary, everyday rice dish. (Emil and Marta leave) RAINE: I started by emptying out some lemons, then filled them with rice, and cooked them just like that. Last but not least, I added garam masala to punch up the flavor. (Beam) It's revolutionary! TENEBRAE: [Ah...] I am thankful that we Centurions are spared the "joys" of eating.


 * Triet Ruins*

<The party reaches the entrance, now coated with snow and wrecked [T0319]> RAINE: (Clutching her head, mortified) Aah! (Emil and Marta are surprised. Raine runs up onto the altar) EMIL: [W-]What's the matter?! RAINE: (Hyperventilating) What happened?! I'd heard the Giant Tree destroyed some of the area, but the precious ruins! The polycarbonate! Such a terrible loss of priceless history! MARTA: (To Emil) Maybe Raine has a split personality too. EMIL: (Puzzled) Too? MARTA: Well, I mean, when you're in battle, and sometimes even when you're not, you change into a different person. (Raine stops flailing and turns around, listening) EMIL: Really? I change when I'm not in battle? MARTA: [Y-]Yeah. I thought you knew. RAINE: (Folds arms) You said that the Knights of Ratatosk have the ability to change form in battle. EMIL: (To Raine) Ah, yes. It seems like I transform once I'm possessed by Ratatosk's power. RAINE: (Looks at Marta) And Ratatosk's core is living off of Marta? MARTA: (Nods) Yes. It's this jewel on my forehead. RAINE: (Pensive) I see. (Raine grows silent) TENEBRAE: Sorry to interrupt, but I sense both humans and monsters within the rubble. Perhaps we should investigate? EMIL: Really? Raine, let's go take a look. It might be Lloyd. RAINE: Yes, you're right. Let's go.

<Skit "Fascinating" appears [S0318]> RAINE: You really are a fascinating creature, Tenebrae. May I touch you? TENEBRAE: If you wish. RAINE: (Dreamy) [Oooh!] You don't feel quite like a cat, or a dog, or even Noishe. I've never felt anything so soft. So this is what it's like to touch darkness! TENEBRAE: You are too kind, really. (Raine yanks really hard, surprising Tenebrae) RAINE: (Pulling back) Your skin stretches this much?! [Aaahhh!] This texture can only mean, you're a shape shifter! TENEBRAE: You must be quite experienced to make such deductions from a single touch. RAINE: (Laughs) Your way of speaking is quite interesting as well. TENEBRAE: Your interest is flattering.

<Skit "Maniac" appears [S0319]> EMIL: So, when Colette was talking about "maniacs," did she mean you, Raine? RAINE: It's true that Colette and the others have often accused me of being an "archeology maniac." But what about the term "maniac" made you think of me? EMIL: Oh, it's just that Colette mentioned a friend of hers who seemed to act like a totally different person near ruins. RAINE: Like a different person? TENEBRAE: Yes, she described her friend's transformation as... Berserk, crazy, insane, frightening, dangerous, monstrous, inhuman, reckless, disturbing, and completely out of control. If I am not mistaken. RAINE: (PO'd) And you're saying that's what I'm like, Emil? EMIL: What? She didn't-- Tenebrae, stop doing things like that! [TENEBRAE: (Laughs quietly)]

<The party goes inside the ruins [T0320]> (A giant tree monster squats in the pathway. A silver-haired boy in blue stands in front of it) ???: (Shrugs) Man, I give up. (The others walk up) RAINE: (Surprised) Genis?! GENIS: (Whips around) Raine?! RAINE: What are you doing here? I thought the plan was to meet up back in Iselia? GENIS: I'm sorry. It's just that I saw Lloyd, so I tried to follow him. (Notices the others) Wait, who are these people with you? RAINE: [Ah,] Well, you see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) GENIS: Wow, so that's why you all came here. EMIL: So Lloyd came through here? GENIS: He did, but now this monster's blocking the path. I tried attacking it, but it won't budge. I wonder how Lloyd managed to move it. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Perhaps he fed the monster. GENIS: (Recoils) [Wh-]What the hell is that? TENEBRAE: I am Centurion Tenebrae. A pleasure. GENIS: Oh right. You're that Tenebie guy she mentioned. TENEBRAE: It's Tenebrae. Now then, when this particular monster is asleep, it absorbs all attacks. GENIS: This thing wasn't here the last time we came to the ruins. TENEBRAE: This type of monster thrives in warm environments. It likely fled here in an effort to escape the oncoming cold. MARTA: Okay, so first we need to get some food for this guy. What does he eat? TENEBRAE: His diet consists primarily of freshwater fish and monsters. RAINE: [Hmm...] If we're looking for fresh water, the Triet Oasis isn't too far from here. GENIS: If you're going to Triet, I'm coming with you. I'm tired of staring at this thing.

<Skit "Half-Elves Part 2" appears [S0320]> EMIL: Genis, you and Raine are siblings, right? So, that would make you a half-elf too. GENIS: Yeah. Though I'd think that was pretty obvious. MARTA: Half-elf... GENIS: What? (Down) The two of you don't like half-elves? MARTA: I don't mind the two I've met so far. GENIS: (Happy) Well then, that's good enough for me. We usually get dirty looks when people find out what we are. EMIL: Was it that way with Lloyd? GENIS: Lloyd's the kind of guy who couldn't care less if you were a half-elf, or anything else, for that matter. EMIL: (Puzzled) He is?

<Skit "Brother and Sister" appears [S0321]> RAINE: So this is what you've been up to. No wonder you've been away from Iselia an awfully long time. GENIS: With everything people are saying about Lloyd these days, I figured I should get the story straight from him. RAINE: I see. Well, I'm glad we ran into each other. GENIS: Yeah. By the way, notice anything different about me? RAINE: [Hmm...] What could it be? GENIS: (Irked) Come on! Can't you see I'm taller? Take a good look! (Forces voice deeper) My voice is even a little deeper. RAINE: You don't say. How much taller are you? GENIS: A sixteenth of an inch. [RAINE: (Hangs head) Hmmf...]


 * Triet*

<The party enters town [T0321]> (Snow is falling in the desert landscape.) MARTA: I can't believe it's snowing in Triet. This is a desert. EMIL: It must be related to all the strange weather we've been seeing everywhere. It was pretty cold in Iselia, too. MARTA: But I was just here a few months ago and it wasn't like this at all. RAINE: I heard it started snowing here about a month ago. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: This may be due to a dormant Centurion's core. MARTA: But would that cause the weather to change this dramatically? TENEBRAE: The natural balance could have been further disrupted by the awakening of another Centurion's core. GENIS: Man, these Centurions' cores sound like serious trouble. TENEBRAE: (Sarcastically) My deepest apologies.

<Skit "Kendama" appears [S0322]> EMIL: Hey, Genis. Why do you use a kendama as your weapon? GENIS: Lloyd made it and gave it to me for my birthday. It helps me concentrate when I use magic. EMIL: So you just started using it as a weapon after that? GENIS: Sort of. See, once when I was playing with it, the string broke and the ball hit Lloyd smack in the head. EMIL: (Surprised) Really? GENIS: Colette took one look at Lloyd passed out on the ground, and said I'd found the perfect weapon! EMIL: I thought these people were supposed to be friends?

<Skit "I'm Not a Kid" appears [S0323]> EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Aren't you cold? MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Yeah. It's freezing. It's not even dark yet and it's already this cold. How stupid is that? GENIS: (Sweatdrop) If we don't do something, and fast, I'm gonna freeze up solid. (Skull) RAINE: Really, Genis? I thought the cold didn't bother you all that much. GENIS: That was just when I was a kid. MARTA: You still pretty much look like a kid to me. GENIS: [Who-] Who asked you?! I'm gonna have my growth spurt any day now!

<Skit "Snow in the Desert" appears [S0324]> RAINE: Snow in the desert. I do hope the desert's ecosystem will be all right. The majority of creatures that make their home here should be able to weather the cold, but still. TENEBRAE: (Shakes head) I hadn't expected mana would be this far out of balance. Lord Ratatosk would be horribly dismayed at this state of affairs, I'm sure! MARTA: But it's so romantic! Arm in arm with your significant other. It's the perfect place for a stroll! (Beam) GENIS: Significant other! Yeah! Maybe me and Presea could-- EMIL: I think we just got a glimpse of Genis' true colors. (Sweatdrop)

<The party reaches the frozen oasis [T0322]> EMIL: (Amazed) It's completely frozen. MARTA: How are we supposed to catch water monsters now? GENIS: Do you want me to melt the ice with magic? RAINE: No, you may fry the monsters before we can even get to them. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Well then, how about we cut a hole in the ice and fish them out? EMIL: Okay, we need to go get a fishing rod, then. TENEBRAE: No need for that. I can transform into a fishing rod and we can use one of our monsters as bait. EMIL: (Surprised) You can actually do that?! TENEBRAE: Of course. MARTA: But do you really want to use one of our monsters as bait? TENEBRAE: Don't worry. I won't let it get eaten. Think of it as a lure and nothing more. RAINE: Let's go with Tenebrae's plan. Lloyd could be getting away as we speak. We don't have time to waste. EMIL: That's true. Go for it, Tenebrae. TENEBRAE: Then let's go to the lake's surface.

<Skit "Frozen Banana" appears [S0325]> EMIL: The cores must be really powerful if they can freeze an oasis in the middle of the desert like this. RAINE: If this keeps up, it won't be long before you can hammer a nail with a frozen banana. EMIL: (Puzzled) A nail with a banana? RAINE: Yes. An experiment quite popular when I was a child. I wonder if they still do that sort of thing in schools these days. EMIL: Not that I can remember. MARTA: If you ask me, I'd rather eat the bananas than use them in experiments. RAINE: (Chuckles) I suppose you're right.

<The party goes out on the ice [T0323]> (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Ready for some monster fishing?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: (Shakes head) [Um,] Not quite yet. TENEBRAE: In that case, please notify me when you're ready.

<Emil says YES> EMIL: Yeah, let's do it. TENEBRAE: Splendid. First, allow me to transform into a rod. (Tenebrae morphs into a fishing rod) TENEBRAE: Next, select a location where you'd like to fish, and cut a hole there. EMIL: Right. (Emil finds a hole) TENEBRAE: Now, choose a monster to use for the bait. EMIL: Okay this time... Let's try this one. TENEBRAE: Now let's get started. INSTRUCTIONS: Swing the Wii Remote like a fishing rod when the fish icon is in the green region.

<Emil hooks a fish [T0324]> EMIL: (Struggling) Woah, I think I got a big one! It's heavy. TENEBRAE: Don't you dare let go of me. EMIL: [B-]But... MARTA: You can do it, Emil! (Marta, Raine and Genis all grab onto Emil, creating a train) RAINE: Everybody, pull at the same time! EMIL/MARTA: Okay! GENIS: Right! RAINE: One... MARTA: Two... EMIL/MARTA/GENIS/RAINE: Three! (They all pull, and a giant turtle pops out of the ice) EMIL: What the heck is that? TENEBRAE: That is a favorite of barteks, our path-blocking friend in the Triet Ruins. However, it's rather large. MARTA: (Nervously) Hey guys, I think it's looking at us. GENIS: (Shocked) Here it comes! (The turtle, an Archelon, attacks! The party beats it) EMIL: [A-]Are we really going to carry this thing? It looks pretty heavy. RAINE: (Walks up to the turtle) It isn't dead yet. Why don't you form a pact with it? GENIS: What?! But we're going to feed it to the bartek. RAINE: (Pensive) If we can use it as a distraction it doesn't have to actually get eaten. TENEBRAE: This is indeed true. Emil, please make a pact. EMIL: (Slumps) I'll give it a try. But don't yell at me if I fail, okay? (Emil walks up and successfully makes a pact with the Archelon) MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Now we can finally make some progress in the ruins. EMIL: Right. Let's hurry and go after Lloyd.

<Skit "Centurion of a Thousand Faces" appears [S0326]> MARTA: Wow, Tenebrae, that was the first time I saw you turn into a fishing rod. RAINE: Truly fascinating! GENIS: What else can you change into? A dog? TENEBRAE: Please. I have been called the Centurion of a thousand faces. I could even become a jaw-droppingly beautiful woman, if I so chose. EMIL: A beautiful woman? MARTA/RAINE/GENIS: (Dryly) Yeah, right.

<Skit "First Time Fishing" appears [S0327]> EMIL: I'd never actually gone fishing before that. MARTA: Oh yeah? That's pretty rare for someone who grew up in Palmacosta. I mean it's right on the water and all. EMIL: Oh yeah. MARTA: Well, what did you think? EMIL: It wasn't easy getting a bite, and it was tricky knowing when to reel in and when to let out the line. TENEBRAE: That battle of wits between hunter and hunted is fishing's greatest joy. You'd never learn the thrill of the hunt fishing for Lady Marta though, she's far too easy a catch. MARTA: (Irked) Well excuse me! [EMIL: (Sweatdrop) (Chuckles awkwardly)]


 * Triet Ruins*

<The party returns to the sleeping bartek [T0325]> MARTA: There it is. Emil, do it. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Easy for you to say. GENIS: Tenebrae is the one that's actually doing it. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Excellent point. I'll lure him away. As soon as the monster turns its back, slip past it. RAINE: (Folds arms) Emil, Genis. Don't trip. EMIL: (Turns to Raine) Huh? GENIS: Why do you say that? RAINE: You two worry me. MARTA: I'm sure you'll be just fine, Emil. (Emil blushes) GENIS: (Defensive) I'll be just fine, too! (Muzzy) TENEBRAE: Well then, just let me know when you're ready.

<Tenebrae sets things up [T0326]> TENEBRAE: Shall we begin?

<Emil says NOT YET> EMIL: Not yet. TENEBRAE: All right then. However, we may not have much time before Lloyd gets away.

<Emil says YES> EMIL: Yes. TENEBRAE: All right. (Tenebrae disappears through the bartek and releases the Archelon. The hungry tree monster lumbers after it) EMIL: Come on! Let's go! (The party runs into the next part of the chamber, but then the Archelon turns the wrong way) TENEBRAE: Archelon, not that way! (The Archelon runs into Marta, knocking her down) MARTA: (Shocked) Aah! TENEBRAE: (Angrily) Archelon, I told you not to go that way! (The bartek approaches Marta. Emil's eyes go red and he charges out in front of her.  Genis and Raine both look surprised) R.EMIL: (Draws sword, angrily) You bastard! MARTA: (Sits up) Emil... R.EMIL: (Sideways glance at Marta) Get up and run! Now! MARTA: [O-]Okay! (Marta gets up and joins Raine and Genis) R.EMIL: (To bartek) You looking for a fight? RAINE: That's enough, Emil! Let's go! (Emil shifts a bit, then turns to them with green eyes) EMIL: [O-]Okay.

<Everyone runs to the next room [T0327]> GENIS: (Sighs with relief) We should be safe now. EMIL: (Slumps) I can't believe that monster actually attacked us. TENEBRAE: Indeed. Of course, even the most passive monsters will become aggressive when presented with a potential meal. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Emil, thanks for saving me. EMIL: Sure. No problem. Actually, I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I'm glad you're okay. GENIS: Hey, Emil. The way you were before, was that Ratatosk possessing you like in battle? EMIL: (Surprised) Did I change again? GENIS: (Reels) It wasn't just a change, it was a full-on metamorphosis! Ratatosk must be really powerful! EMIL: [Y-]Yeah. (Raine is silent) TENEBRAE: I sense Ignis's presence. There is indeed a Centurion's core here. Shall we keep moving, before Lloyd snatches it up? EMIL: Right, good idea. Let's go.

<The party goes further into the ruins [T0328]> MARTA: Wow. Everything is frozen over. EMIL: You said Ignis' core is here. Is that the Centurion of Ice? TENEBRAE: No, fire. GENIS: (Confused) Wait, fire?! But this place is freezing! TENEBRAE: I believe the core's loss of control is having a negative effect. The Centurion's power is working in reverse. EMIL: So that's why it's so cold in here. RAINE: Fire... GENIS: (Turns to Raine) What're you thinking, Raine? RAINE: (Folds arms) You said that there was a Centurion of Light in the basement of the Tower of Mana. MARTA: That's right. But Lloyd took it from us. RAINE: It seems that the Centurions' cores are located in the same places where the summon spirits used to be imprisoned. Tenebrae, are Centurions and summon spirits related in some way? TENEBRAE: No, nothing of the sort. Though Centurions' cores are located in places with unusually high concentrations of mana. The Centurions use their elemental attributes to counterbalance these mana anomalies. GENIS: So wouldn't that mean we'll find Centurions' cores by visiting all the places where the summon spirits were? There's no need to follow Lloyd. RAINE: I was just thinking the same thing. MARTA: (Excited) Really?! Maybe we can beat Lloyd to the cores now. RAINE: I'm not sure about that. Lloyd knows where the summon spirits were located as well. If he's realized this, it doesn't give us any advantage. EMIL: (Bitterly) There's no way I'm losing to Lloyd. (Genis is silent) RAINE: (Turns to Genis) Genis. I understand how you feel, but the only one who can erase Emil's doubts about Lloyd is Lloyd himself. GENIS: I know that, but it's still difficult.

<The party reaches the altar of Ignis [M0303]> (Raine races to the altar, gasping orgasmically) RAINE: So that is Ignis' core! Amazing! It sparkles so magnificently! [HAH!] (Starts dancing, little hearts flying everywhere) MARTA: Here we go again. GENIS: Again? So then I guess you've already seen my sister in Ruin Mode? EMIL: Ruin Mode? GENIS: Raine's an absolute menace about ruins, ancient civilizations, and stuff like that. RAINE: (Whirls around) I'm not a maniac! I'm a researcher! (Genis just shrugs) GENIS: Yeah, right, right. Anyway, she always gets like this when she sees ruins. MARTA: Hey, that's just like Emil when he's in his "Ratatosk Mode." EMIL: Wait a minute I'm not sure those two things have much to do with each other. RAINE: (Still wild) Marta! I want to see the ritual for hatching a Centurion. Perform it! MARTA: [R-]Right! (Marta goes up to the altar and turns the red teardrop into a jewel. Raine is ecstatic.) TENEBRAE: Ignis is now awake. As Ignis' powers return, Emil, as a Knight of Ratatosk.. you should also awaken to new powers. EMIL: So, now we need to recruit fire-elemental monsters. That would gradually bring back Ignis' powers. And I should get stronger too, right?

<The party reached the core fast enough> (Lloyd appears at the foot of the steps, removing one of his masks) LLOYD: I guess I was too late. (He tosses the mask. Everyone whirls around as it clatters on the stone floor) EMIL: (Angrily draws his sword) I knew you would show up. MARTA: Emil, wait! Alright Lloyd Irving! Tell us! Why are you trying to collect the Centurions' cores? [LLOYD: Hmm...] EMIL: Marta and I are doing all of this in order to save this world! We have to find all of the Centurions' cores so that we can wake up Ratatosk. MARTA: Please! Give us Lumen's core! (Lloyd draws his twin swords. Genis and Raine look shocked) LLOYD: All right that's enough. Hand over Ignis' core. EMIL: Marta, let's just take back the Centurion's core by force! Why even try to reason with this murderous man who killed innocent people in Palmacosta in cold-blood?!

<The party didn't reach the core fast enough> ???: Demon Fang! (Suddenly, a blast of energy blows Marta off the altar. The others look up in surprise.  Lloyd now stands at the altar, clutching the core and another of his masks.) LLOYD: The mysterious jewel hunter, Lloyd Irving, is here. (Lloyd tosses his mask and somersaults over the others.) LLOYD: I'll be taking Centurion Ignis' core with me. (Lloyd spatters several stupid posters up on the wall like silly string) EMIL: (Gasps angrily) Who do you think you are?! (Lloyd keeps walking, silent. Emil angrily draws his sword) MARTA: Wait Emil! (Emil hesitates. Marta looks at Lloyd) MARTA: Lloyd Irving tell us! Why are you collecting the Centurions' cores? (Lloyd backs away, facing them) [LLOYD: Hmmm...] EMIL: Marta and I are doing all of this in order to save this world. We have to find all of the Centurions' cores and wake up Ratatosk. MARTA: Please! Give us Ignis' core! (Lloyd draws his twin swords. Genis and Raine look shocked) LLOYD: No, you hand over Ventus' core to me. EMIL: Marta, let's just take back the Centurion's core by force! Why even try to reason with this murderous man who killed innocent people in Palmacosta in cold-blood?!

GENIS: Come on Lloyd! You have to tell them! Tell them that you didn't attack Palmacosta. (Lloyd remains silent, then looks away) GENIS: All of these rumors about you. You didn't do any of that stuff, right?! [LLOYD: Hmm...] GENIS: (Desperate) Come on Lloyd! Please answer me! RAINE: Yes, Lloyd. Is there something you can't tell us? What is it? Or perhaps the rumors about you are true. (Lloyd looks back at them, his expression hard to make out) LLOYD: I don't have to answer you. Now then hand over the Centurion's core! If you refuse me, I won't hesitate to take it by force! (Another thick silence) GENIS: But Lloyd. Why? (A roar echoes through the chamber. Lloyd turns around and walks away.  Emil doubles over and his eyes change red again) R.EMIL: (Bloodthirsty) This is for those you killed! Die! (R.Emil attacks, but Lloyd blocks his slash easily, without even facing him. He backs up a bit so he's level with R.Emil.) LLOYD: You still have much to learn. (He whirls around and clocks R.Emil with the edge of his sword, knocking him down. With that, he sheathes his swords and runs away.) GENIS: Wait a minute! Lloyd, wait! (Genis runs after, but the bartek crashes down on the path, looking more than irate.) [GENIS: Ahhh!] TENEBRAE: This doesn't look good. That monster is blind with rage. R.EMIL: (Gets up) Damn it. Here it comes! (The bartek attacks! The party whomps it) MARTA: That monster--It must have followed us all the way from the entrance. EMIL: Yeah I think you're right. Lloyd ran off when he heard its roar. Damn it! (Genis hangs his head, silent) RAINE: It may be too late, but let's go after Lloyd. GENIS: (Quietly) Right.

<Skit "Ratatosk Mode" appears [S0328]> GENIS: Ratatosk Mode, huh? It can't be easy making a pact that changes your whole personality on top of giving you new powers. RAINE: Indeed. I'm sure Emil has his hands full simply controlling the power he receives from Ratatosk, which is why he often can't control his own emotions. GENIS: (Light bulb) Then, he's just like Raine when she's in Ruin Mode, giving in to her desires, unable to control her maniac urges-- (Raine smacks Genis) GENIS: [OW!] That hurts! RAINE: (Surprised) Just like me? Could that mean he has another self sealed away inside him? If so... GENIS: What's wrong? RAINE: (Shakes head) It's nothing. (Looks sullen)

<Skit "Real Ruin Mode" appears [S0329]> RAINE: (Wildly) No! Such an invaluable cultural treasure. These poor ruins. (Skull) MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Here comes Ruin Mode. TENEBRAE: Raine truly is a multi-faceted individual. EMIL: Are you really that upset that the ruins are ruined? GENIS: [Woah!] Emil! Careful what you-- RAINE: (Loudly) Of course I am! Do you mean to say you're unaware of the cultural, the historic, the scientific value of the Triet Ruins?! (Emil, Marta and Tenebrae gasp and pull back) RAINE: Listen closely. (Reading from a book) The Triet Ruins first came to prominence two regenerations ago, when the spirit Efreet summoned his hellfire, and-- GENIS: Oh great, we're in for it now. (Sweatdrops)

<Skit "Believe in Him" appears [S0330]> GENIS: So I guess Emil really has it in for Lloyd, huh? MARTA: You still believe in him even after you saw how he behaved? GENIS: Here's what I think: Lloyd wouldn't be doing these things without some reason. MARTA: I guess. GENIS: I had a friend I failed to believe in at the final moment, when it mattered most. That's why I've gotta find Lloyd and hear what he has to say. I won't give up until I've talked with him. We'll see if my trust in him holds up after that. MARTA: I'm jealous of you, Genis. [GENIS: Huh?] MARTA: I could never do anything like that. Confronting someone that you know has changed. It's too much for me. (Looks down)

<Skit "Odd Poster" appears (Only if Lloyd took the core) [S0331]> EMIL: (Angrily) Damn that Lloyd! He played us! MARTA: (Angrily) I know! And what's the deal with those stupid masks?! TENEBRAE: I am more curious about that odd poster. Is it something Lloyd drew himself? GENIS: But Lloyd always hated those portraits of himself. I wonder what happened. EMIL: He did? RAINE: (Nods) Yes. The image resembles wanted posters of Lloyd that were circulating during our previous journey. It always made him angry to see them. EMIL: (Shakes head, angrily) But people change! GENIS: (Sweatdrop, dejected) That's the sort of change I can do without.

<The party moves to leave the ruins [T0329]> (The sound of an engine starting up fills the air) GENIS: (Shocked) Raine, did you hear that?! RAINE: That sounded like a Rheiard. EMIL: That's the flying thing Lloyd uses, right? RAINE: (To Emil) Correct. That was the sound of it taking off. It seems he's already gotten away. If only we hadn't returned the ones we had before... EMIL: You mean Lloyd's not the only one with a Rheiard? GENIS: We had them too, but we gave them back to their owner once the journey of world regeneration ended. Though it looks like Lloyd's borrowed one again. MARTA: The fact that Lloyd can fly anywhere puts us at a big disadvantage in the race for the Centurions' cores. RAINE: (Arms folded) But if he knew the cores were at the same places as the summon spirits, he would be finding them much more quickly. He must not have realized it yet. That might work to our advantage. EMIL: (Steps forward) I won't lose to him. GENIS: Emil, hold on. What happened in Palmacosta that's just not Lloyd. EMIL: (Turns to Genis) It's not just about what happened in Palmacosta. GENIS: What do you mean? EMIL: (Slumps) He wouldn't even explain himself to you. He's hurting his own friends. Genis, Raine, Colette, all of you are good and kind. Good people, who are worried about him. He should be honored just to have friends like you. MARTA: Emil... GENIS: Thanks for being concerned about us. RAINE: Regardless, Lloyd was never the sort to turn his back on his friends.

<Skit "Sighs Four" appears [S0332]> [EMIL: (SIGH) MARTA: (SIGH) GENIS: (SIGH) RAINE: (SIGH)] TENEBRAE: Too small for me, I'm afraid. [EMIL/MARTA/GENIS/RAINE: Huh?] TENEBRAE: A "sighs four," that is. [Laughs] GENIS: (Irked) Raine! RAINE: (Irked) Ready when you are! GENIS/RAINE: Prismic Stars! (Tenebrae gets hammered with Prism Stars) [TENEBRAE: Aaaahhh!!! (Skull)]

<The party walks out of the ruins [T0330]> (The snow has stopped falling) EMIL: It's stopped snowing. GENIS: The Centurions' cores are as powerful as summon spirits. MARTA: I wonder if this means the weather around here will return to normal. TENEBRAE: The snow will stop, but things won't truly return to their natural state until Lord Ratatosk awakens. MARTA: (Turns to Raine) Raine, can I ask you something? RAINE: Certainly. What is it? MARTA: Can you tell me where all the summon spirits are located? RAINE: (Folds arms) You're going to look for the Centurions' cores, then? MARTA: The only way that we can stop the strange weather and avoid the destruction of the world is by hatching the Centurions and waking Ratatosk. The cores are the reason we were following Lloyd in the first place. RAINE: The closest location is the cave where we found Celsius. It's near Flanoir. As for the others, here, I'll mark them on your map. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Emil, is it all right with you if we go to Flanoir instead of following Lloyd? EMIL: (To Marta) That's fine since in order to avenge everyone I'll need to get a lot stronger first. GENIS: (Turns to Raine) Raine, what about us? Are we going to leave Lloyd like that? RAINE: (Turns to Genis, pensive) Now that we're together, maybe it would be best to see what else we can find out about Lloyd. GENIS: (Nods) Okay. I'm with you, Raine. RAINE: Then we'll accompany you to the port in Izoold. We can figure out our next move once we arrive there. EMIL: Then let's head for Izoold together. GENIS: (Turns to Emil) Yep. Looks like you won't be rid of us just yet.

<Skit "Izoold" appears [S0333]> EMIL: Hey Marta, what's Izoold like? MARTA: It's a small seaside town that thrives on fishing. They have the second largest yearly catch in all of Sylvarant. The different seafood products they make there are known the world over, and everyone who visits buys Izoold's most famous souvenir, red blowfish cakes. (Surprised) Wait. Why do I know all this stuff, anyway? TENEBRAE: [Laughs] Lady Marta, you have discovered one of the Centurion of Darkness' seven hidden talents. I call it "midnight hypno-study." It would appear my hours of whispering random facts in your ear as you sleep have finally paid off. EMIL: Isn't that sort of a useless "hidden talent?" (Sweatdrop) MARTA: (Irked) Seriously! Branwash me into knowing something useful next time!

<Skit "Being Popular" appears [S0334]> RAINE: (Down) Izoold... EMIL: What's wrong, Raine? You look sort of pale. RAINE: It's nothing. I just have some bad memories of it. EMIL: It may not be much, but I'll do what I can to protect you! RAINE: Thank you. Though some things you can't really protect against. MARTA: (Through teeth) Calm down Marta. Count to ten. EMIL: Marta? Are you okay? MARTA: (Through teeth) I'm fine. I made up my mind. Things are different between us now. So I'll just-- (Storms off) GENIS: (Playful) Being popular is no cakewalk, huh? [EMIL: (Laughs weakly, sweatdrops)]


 * On the road to Izoold*

<Night has fallen on the plains [T0331]> (The party walks in and stops) RAINE: Let's take a moment to rest here. MARTA: Good idea. Come to think of it, I'm pretty hungry. GENIS: Okay, I'll fix us some food. RAINE: (Turns to Genis) Perhaps I could help? MARTA: (Turns to Genis) I'll help, too. GENIS: [Um...] Maybe it'd be best if you two sat this one out. People are going to eat this food, after all. (Raine and Marta look irked) RAINE: What did you say? MARTA: Just what do you mean by that?! GENIS: I'd say it, but I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. Hey, Emil, can you get some firewood? EMIL: (Nods) Sure.

<Emil walks off on his own, picking up kindling [T0332]> (Just then, Richter comes up behind him.) RICHTER: Emil... EMIL: (Turns around, surprised) Richter! (A Jabber comes up behind Emil) RICHTER: (Loudly) Behind you! EMIL: Huh?! (The Jabber attacks, but Emil defeats it) RICHTER: (Angrily) Stay on your guard, you fool! It's coming! (Another monster, a Schizos, comes up and attacks! With Richter's help, Emil beats it) EMIL: (Slumps) That was scary. RICHTER: So that's Ratatosk's power? EMIL: (Turns to Richter) [Uh...] Yes. (A tiny Schizos walks up behind Emil) RICHTER: Looks like that last monster had a kid. (Richter raises his weapons, but Emil gets in the way) EMIL: Wait! RICHTER: (Annoyed) What? EMIL: It's not attacking us. What's the harm in letting it live? (The little Schizos walks around Emil and looks at Richter) RICHTER: [Ungh] ... EMIL: (Whiny) Please! RICHTER: (Cross) You're so naive. (The little Schizo runs away. Richter sheathes his weapons and turns away) EMIL: Richter! Ratatosk isn't a demon lord! If you'd just listen to what Marta and Tenebrae have to say, you'd-- RATATOSK: Ratatosk is my enemy.

<If Emil has Ignis's core> EMIL: Why? I-- (Emil doubles over, clutching at his head. Images of a furious Richter fly through his mind) EMIL: What is this? What is-- (short gasp of pain) RICHTER: (Turns around, shocked) Emil?! (Runs to Emil's side, kneels) What's wrong? EMIL: (Strained) I don't know. I've been having these strange visions. Memories. RICHTER: Memories? EMIL: Where you're trying to kill me and-- [ungh...] RICHTER: Easy. Don't try to talk. EMIL: [Gasps] It's going away. (Emil straightens up. Richter walks a little ways off) RICHTER: You should hurry back to Marta and get some rest. I'll let the two of you go for today.

<If Lloyd took Ignis's core> EMIL: [Um...] There's something I want to ask you about. RICHTER: Too bad. EMIL: But... RICHTER: [Ungh...] ... EMIL: [Hunh] ... RICHTER: (Turns around, angrily) Damn it! Don't give me that pitiful look! Fine, I'll listen. What is it? EMIL: [Th-]Thank you. You see, I've been having these strange visions lately. RICHTER: Visions? EMIL: They feel like memories and you're trying to kill me in them. But nothing like that's ever happened. RICHTER: Maybe you're seeing the future, where someday I do actually kill you. EMIL: (Flustered) [N-]No, that can't be it! You saved my life just now! RICHTER: [Hmmph.] Things change. You never know. EMIL: [Ungh...] ... RICHTER: Are you afraid now? Then hurry back to Marta and get some rest. (Turns around) I'll let the two of you go for today.

EMIL: Why are you being so nice to me? RICHTER: (Not looking at Emil) I don't recall being nice. Now get out of my sight before I change my mind. EMIL: (Down) Okay. RICHTER: And don't worry about those visions. It was probably a dream. They say dreams where you die are good luck. EMIL: (Surprised) Richter... (Richter blushes, then gets irked) RICHTER: (Waves Emil away) Go, already! EMIL: [R-]Right! (Emil runs all the way back to the others' campfire) MARTA: (Playful) Took you long enough! EMIL: (Turns to Marta) [Y-]Yeah. I got attacked by this monster. RAINE: Oh, are you hurt? EMIL: (Turns to Raine) No. Sorry if I made you worry. GENIS: So, where's the firewood? (Emil turns to Genis, realizing that he dropped whatever he managed to find) EMIL: [Uh...] (Slumps) I'm sorry. (Marta, Raine and Genis all get irked)

-- -- (2.4) - Chapter 4: Light and Darkness (GS4) -- --


 * Izoold*

<The party enters town [T0401]> GENIS: Hey, do you guys smell something? It smells sort of familiar. EMIL: (Nods) Like someone's cooking fish or something. RAINE: (Pensive) Izoold does have a booming fishing industry. MARTA: (Clamps her hands over her nose) It smells like it's burning. TENEBRAE: It smells more like someone's incinerating fish than cooking it. GENIS: (Reels) [Ah!] I get it. It smells like Raine's cooking! RAINE: (Turns to Genis, arms folded) What do you mean by that?! TENEBRAE: (To Raine) I interpret it to mean you are a poor cook, Raine. RAINE: (Angrily) How dare you! EMIL: Forget about that, let's go find the source of this smell.

<Skit "Curiosity" appears [S0401]> MARTA: I thought you were perfect, but now that I know you can't cook, I somehow feel closer to you. RAINE: (Annoyed) I'm not really a bad cook. GENIS: No, it's just that her curiosity gets the better of her. EMIL: What do you mean? GENIS: Like one time she tried to develop spicy chocolate, and another time it was candied pickles. RAINE: (Defensive) New discoveries are only made when we question conventional wisdom. TENEBRAE: Perhaps it would be wiser to first question your sense of taste. RAINE: [Hmmph!] Maybe tonight's main course should be slow-roasted Centurion. GENIS: [S-]Sis, come on. Calm down!


 * Hakonesia Peak*

<The party reaches the peak [T0402]> (Emil notices Richter walking into Koton's house) EMIL: (Thinking) It's Richter. What should I do?

<Emil decides he'd rather not get involved> EMIL: (Thinking) I'd rather not get involved. (Marta and Tenebrae walk up behind him) MARTA: What're you doing? EMIL: (To Marta) [N-]Nothing. Come on, let's go. (The party leaves)

<Emil decides he'll go talk to him> EMIL: (Thinking) I'll go talk to him. (Marta and Tenebrae walk up behind him) MARTA: What're you doing? EMIL: (To Marta) Oh, I need to talk to Koton. Wait here, okay? MARTA: Why? I'll go with you! EMIL: (Nervous) [Eh, um...] No, I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. So-- MARTA: (Disappointed) So I can't come? Okay. [I-]I'll wait here, then. (Turns away) TENEBRAE: Don't worry, Lady Marta. I shall accompany Emil inside.

<Emil goes into Koton's house with only Tenebrae and his monsters [T0403]> (Richter and Koton are in the middle of something) KOTON: Right. Now the Balacruf Tombstone to complete the deal. RICHTER: I know. You'll give up the Spiritual Tome, then? KOTON: (Nods) Of course. (Emil runs up to Richter, Tenebrae close behind) EMIL: Richter! RICHTER: (Whirls around, shocked) Emil?! EMIL: What's the Spiritual Tome? Does it have anything to do with Ratatosk? RICHTER: Not directly. EMIL: So they are related somehow? RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) Why should I explain this to you? EMIL: Because you matter to me. Richter, why are you in the Vanguard? You're so nice to me, except when it comes to Ratatosk's core. RICHTER: [T'eh] ... EMIL: (Insistent) Please, tell me! RICHTER: No. EMIL: Then I'm going with you. If your plan has anything to do with killing Ratatosk, I have to stop you. RICHTER: Is Marta here with you? EMIL: (Steps forward) [I-]I won't let you kill her! RICHTER: All right. I'll let you assist me. But if I so much as glimpse her in the corner of my eye, she's as good as dead. EMIL: (Nervously) What do you want me to do? RICHTER: Come to Asgard. I'll explain things there. Now go. Or I'll head outside now and kill Marta. EMIL: Right. [Um,] Thank you!

<Emil goes back outside [T0404]> (Marta is waiting near the house) MARTA: You're back. What's the surprise? EMIL: [Uh! Um,] Well, we sort of have to go to Asgard, you see, but-- [unh...] MARTA: What?! Why? TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, I believe Emil is thinking about doing something for you. Please, give him your support. MARTA: [Hmm...] Well, I guess we can. But promise you'll explain all of this. EMIL: Sure! (Marta walks off) EMIL: (To Tenebrae, quietly) Thanks, Tenebrae. TENEBRAE: To be honest, I'm not comfortable with this. But it wouldn't hurt to know what Richter's up to. (Marta turns around) MARTA: What are you two whispering about over there? EMIL: (Turns around) Nothing!


 * Asgard*

<The party enters town [T0405]> (The mayor is waiting for them at the entrance) MAYOR OF ASGARD: Oh! What great timing! I have a favor to ask of you, Marta. MARTA: (Surprised) A favor from me? MAYOR OF ASGARD: You see, we've been planning to hold a festival here, to revive tourism. We've been wondering if you might perform the Maiden Ritual as part of the festivities? Please, come to my house. I'll be happy to fully explain things there. (The mayor gently pushes her a distance off, then runs to Emil) MAYOR OF ASGARD: (Quietly) Richter told me what's going on. I'll keep Marta busy while you're out with him. Please head to the inn. MARTA: (Turns around) Hold on! Emil, what're you going to do? EMIL: (To Marta) This works out perfectly since I've got some errands to run. I'll just meet up with you afterwards at the mayor's house. MARTA: (Annoyed) You're keeping a lot of secrets from me lately. EMIL: [I-]I'm sorry. MAYOR OF ASGARD: (Runs back to Marta) Come on, Marta! (The mayor eases her away) TENEBRAE: (To Emil) You should probably find something to make it up to her. EMIL: Yeah.

<Skit "I'm Screwed" appears [S0402]> EMIL: What am I going to do? TENEBRAE: Are you referring to meeting Lady Marta in Asgard? EMIL: You make it sound so simple. I just know she's gonna chew me out as soon as she sees me. (Muzzy) TENEBRAE: [Laughs] I can see who wears the pants in this relationship. EMIL: This isn't a laughing matter. I'm so screwed. (Sweatdrop)

<With only Tenebrae and his monsters, Emil goes to the inn [T0406]> (Richter is waiting for him in a room) RICHTER: There you are. EMIL: [Um...] So where do we go first? RICHTER: There's a researcher named Linar here who's an expert on the Balacruf Mausoleum. We'll see him first. EMIL: (Excited) I know Linar. RICHTER: (Dryly) Is that so? Then lead the way. EMIL: [Um,] About Marta... RICHTER: I made arrangements with the mayor. So long as she doesn't run into me, I won't kill her. At least for now. EMIL: [Eh,] Thank you! I knew you were a nice person! (Richter looks away, blushing a bit) RICHTER: (Flustered) Don't misunderstand! I still plan on taking Ratatosk's core from her. (Looks at Emil) And when I do, she will die. Don't forget that.

<Skit "Together Again" appears [S0403]> [EMIL: Hmm...] RICHTER: (Annoyed) Yes? What do you want? EMIL: [Um...] Nothing. RICHTER: Then what are you staring at me for? EMIL: [Uh...] I was just thinking, we haven't traveled together like this for a while. RICHTER: So? EMIL: [Uh,] I mean--Never mind. [RICHTER: Hmph.]

<The party goes to Linar's house [T0407]> LINAR: Hey, Emil! And who is this with you? EMIL: THis is Richter. [Um...] We'd like to go to the Balacruf Mausoleum. HARLEY: I thought it was destroyed when the giant tree went out of control. LINAR: Yes. The entrance is completely blocked off. RICHTER: (Swats at hair angrily) Damn it. Now what? EMIIL: (Lowers head) Actually, maybe we could get to the Balacruf Mausoleum from the altar under the stone dais. (Everyone looks at Emil in surprise) RICHTER: (Shocked) What do you mean?! EMIL: [Uh,] Well... (Quickie Explanation Fade-Out) RICHTER: It's worth a try. Come on, Emil. (Richter leaves) HARLEY: Hey, Emil. About that guy-- EMIL: You mean Richter? [Um...] He can be a bit curt, but he's a good person. HARLEY: You mean you don't know? Oh, right. Humans can't tell. (Emil looks puzzled) HARLEY: Sorry, forget I said anything. Be careful out there. EMIL: Right. (Emil leaves)

<The party goes up to the stone dais [T0408]> EMIL: [Um...] Can we get in without Marta? (Richter swats at his hair. Aqua appears) AQUA: Yes, Master Richter, you called? RICHTER: It seems there's an entrance to a Centurion altar here. Can you open the way? AQUA: The seal has already been broken once? Then it's quite simple. (Aqua opens the warp) EMIL: Whoa. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) It's nothing special. I could've done this. AQUA: (Angrily) What?! Spiteful Tenebrae, you're here too?! [Ungahhh...] This is awful! I feel gloomy and depressed already! Master Richter, if you'll excuse me... (Aqua disappears) TENEBRAE: My, my, only the Centurion of Water could be such a wet blanket. EMIL: (Slumps) Come on, you're both Centurions, right? You should be friends... RICHTER: Leave them be. Let's go. EMIL: Okay.


 * Beneath the Dais*

<Emil and Richter walk past a statue of a Harpy [T0409]> RICHTER: (Stops) Hold on. EMIL: (Turns around) Hmm? RICHTER: (Looks at the statue) Something seems out of place here. Let's investigate. EMIL: (Curious) Out of place? I don't see anything odd. RICHTER: Really? Oh, I suppose you wouldn't. EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry. RICHTER: (Softer) No, don't apologize. That was my mistake. EMIL: [Huh?] Oh, okay. (What was that about? Richter seemed a little sad just now.)

<Skit "I'm Sorry" appears [S0404]> [EMIL: (Tilting) Whew...] RICHTER: (Sharply) Emil! Don't touch the walls! (Richter yanks Emil back) [EMIL: Huh?!] RICHTER: These ancient ruins are often rigged with booby traps. Just pay attention, and don't do anything stupid. EMIL: [I-]I'm sorry. [RICHTER: (Sighs angrily)] EMIL: I really am sorry. RICHTER: (Annoyed) I heard you the first time. EMIL: (Shrinks back) I'm sorry. [RICHTER: (Sighs and looks sad)]

<Skit "Questions" appears [S0405]> EMIL: You really seem to know a lot about these ruins. Are you an archaeologist or something like that? RICHTER: (Coldly) I believe I told you I was in the Vanguard. EMIL: Oh, yeah. Right. (Looks down) [RICHTER: (Sighs crossly) EMIL: Mmf...] RICHTER: A long time ago I did some work involving ruins. That's why I know what I know. That's all. EMIL: (Happy) Thank you! RICHTER: (Surprised) What? EMIL: I'm just happy you answered one of my questions! RICHTER: It must have just slipped out. EMIL: I'd love to hear more about-- RICHTER: (Sharply) I have nothing else to say. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Oh I--Okay.


 * Balacruf Mausoleum*

<Everyone steps out of the warp in front of the ravaged building [T0410]> AQUA: (Ecstatic) Master Richter! I knew you'd do it! Isn't this the Balacruf Mauseoleum? EMIL: (Happy) Wow! We did it! (Richter glares at Emil) EMIL: (Nervously) [Um...] Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face? (Richter hesitates, then looks away) RICHTER: (Quietly) No, I'm sorry. It's nothing. (Richter turns away. Emil looks at the Centurions) EMIL: (Slumps) Did I do something wrong? AQUA: No, it's not you. It's just-- TENEBRAE: (To Aqua) Aqua, what would be achieved by telling him? AQUA: (To Tenebrae, irked) I know, I know! [Geez,] Tenebrae, you're such a pain! (Aqua disappears) EMIL: Tenebrae, is there something you're not telling me? TENEBRAE: (Uncertain) [Ah,] Well, you see-- RICHTER: (Turns around) You look like a friend of mine. That's all. EMIL: What? RICHTER: Just forget about it. Let's get moving. We have to find the Balacruf Tombstone as soon as possible.

<Skit "Mentor" appears [S0406]> RICHTER: Looks like your fighting skills have come a long way. EMIL: You taught me everything I know. RICHTER: That was only when we'd first met. EMIL: But that was enough for me to learn the basics of battle. I consider you my mentor. RICHTER: Would you say the same when I kill Marta? EMIL: Well... RICHTER: Don't grow too fond of me. I'm your enemy. EMIL: (Down) [R-]Right.

<The party heads deeper into the Mausoleum [T0411]> (They walk up to an old tombstone) RICHTER: That looks like the Balacruf Tombstone. EMIL: That piece of rock is the tombstone? (Emil walks towards it, but Richter suddenly grows alert. A big bird monster comes out of nowhere) RICHTER: (Loudly) Look out! (Richter leaps between Emil and the monster) EMIL: Richter?! RICHTER: Be careful! EMIL: I'm sorry! RICHTER: Let's get rid of this pest first. (The monster attacks! The party Kentucky-fries it) TENEBRAE: Are you all right? EMIL: Yeah. RICHTER: Ancient structures like this often have numerous magical traps. If you approach without carefully checking the area first, you could wind up dead. EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry. RICHTER: (Looks away) I wasn't looking for an apology. AQUA: (Scolding) Master Richter was warning you, so you wouldn't be injured or worse. And if you apologize after everything, your apologies become meaningless. EMIL: Oh. RICHTER: Aqua, that's enough. AQUA: [B-]But-- TENEBRAE: [Laughs] No one likes a chatterbox, Aqua. AQUA: (Shakes fists) [Arrrgh!] This is why I hate you! Just disappear into the shadows and never come back, you jerk! (Aqua vanishes)

<Skit "Let's Head Back" appears [S0407]> EMIL: All right, Marta must be waiting for us. Let's head back to Asgard. TENEBRAE: (Playful) Right. Time to face the music. EMIL: On second thought, I'm not in such a hurry to get back. (Sweatdrops)


 * Asgard*

<The party leaves the dais ruins [T0412]> EMIL: (To Richter) What will you do now? RICHTER: (Turns to Emil) I'll give the Balacruf Tombstone to Koton. EMIL: In exchange for the Spiritual Tome? RICHTER: Correct. All right, I think you've had enough fun. Time for you to go back to Marta. (Turns to go) AQUA: See you, Emil. (Richter and Aqua start to leave) EMIL: Wait! What's the Spiritual Tome? Why do you need it? RICHTER: The Spiritual Tome is a book on the Church of Martel. It was lost from the Academic Resources Building in Sybak. I'm recovering it for personal reasons. That's all. EMIL: But it's important enough that you're willing to ignore Marta to get it? (Richter hesitates) RICHTER: I could not have gotten the Balacruf Tombstone if not for you. Thank you, Emil. I appreciate your help. EMIL: It was nothing. But what about-- (Richter walks back to Emil and offers him something) RICHTER: This is the Balacruf Bracelet. Give it to Marta. TENEBRAE: It won't poison her or anything, will it? RICHTER: (Swats hair) If you're worried, feel free to examine it. I simply thought you might satisfy Marta's curiosity by telling her you went to the Balacruf Mausoleum to get this for her. (Richter leaves. Aqua turns back) AQUA: Master Richter is working for a man named Norton, in Sybak's Academic Resources Building. EMIL: So it doesn't have anything to do with Ratatosk? AQUA: Well, I wouldn't say that. RICHTER: (Yelling offscreen) Aqua! What are you doing? AQUA: [C-]Coming! (Turns to Emil) If you want to help Master Richter, come to Triet. TENEBRAE: Emil is not going to Triet. AQUA: No one's talking to you, Tenebonehead! (To Emil) Don't forget. It's Triet. (Aqua disappears) TENEBRAE: I must advise against this. Let's forget about Richter and continue our journey with Lady Marta. EMIL: (Down) Yeah. (Looks after Richter) (I wonder why Richter won't explain anything to me.)

<The party goes to the Mayor's house [T0413]> (Marta is at the table, waiting) EMIL: Marta, I'm back. MARTA: (Turns around) Finally! What took you so long? (Irked) You took forever coming back, so I had to do all the festival planning myself! What do you have to say for yourself?! EMIL: (Nervously) [Um,] Well, I-- TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, Emil went to the Balacruf Mausoleum to get a gift for you. EMIL: Yeah, that's right. Here it is. (Offers the bracelet) MARTA: (Surprised) A present for me? EMIL: (Nods) I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me. MARTA: You big dummy! You should've just said so in the first place! But I love it! I love you, Emil!~ (Marta bear-hugs Emil. He blushes, but looks down, too) EMIL: (I feel kind of bad lying to her.)

<Skit "Is Richter Bad?" appears [S0408]> EMIL: Is Richter really all that bad? MARTA: (Irked) Are you listening to yourself? He's out to kill Ratatosk and me in the process! EMIL: Yeah, I know, but-- MARTA: (Irked) What got you thinking about this, anyway? EMIL: It's just, back at the Balacruf-- TENEBRAE: (Bursts in) Lady Marta! It's awful! Your hair is in terrible disarray. It's sticking out every which way in the back! MARTA: (Shocked) What? Are you serious?! TENEBRAE: There, a little to the right. No, a little more to the left. Yes, a little higher. No, a bit lower. MARTA: (Flustered) Oh, I can't see! A mirror, get me a mirror! (Runs off) TENEBRAE: Emil, perhaps you'd better keep your whole Richter affair a secret. EMIL: Oh yeah, right. Sorry.


 * Izoold*

<The party tracks the fishy stench to a burned-out section of the pier [T0414]> EMIL: Look at that. MARTA: What do you think happened? The smell is coming from that box. (The party moves toward a man standing near the mess) RAINE: Excuse me, what happened here? FISHERMAN: There were seafood gels in there, but they all got burnt up. EMIL: Ah, seafood gels! That explains the fishy smell. RAINE: (Puzzled) You say they got burnt. How? FISHERMAN: An arsonist. Some punk's been lighting up the town. We finally managed to catch him though. GENIS: Wait, if you caught him wouldn't you mean there's someone else? FISHERMAN: That bastard must've broken out of jail. MARTA: What makes you so sure it's the same person? FISHERMAN: Whenever he sets something on fire, this strange bright light always appears. Same thing happened when these seafood gels went up in flames. I told them that dinky prison would never hold a huge guy like that. RAINE: (Angrily) That's horrible! We must put a stop to this arsonist before we leave! GENIS: Well, we could, but I'm surprised to hear this coming from you. You're usually all "stay focused. We have to find the Centurions' cores," and stuff. RAINE: [W-]What's wrong with that? It's not as if we're in a hurry. GENIS: But we have a job to do. I mean, maybe not you and I, exactly, but Emil and Marta still have to locate the Centurions' cores before Lloyd gets to them. Shouldn't we at least head to the harbor and find out when the next ship is leaving? RAINE: (Under her breath) The harbor... (Genis suddenly gets it) GENIS: Oh, that's right. You can't swim, so-- (Raine swats him in the face, then walks a bit away) RAINE: (Irked) Fine! We'll go to the harbor!

<Skit "Lead Heads" appears [S0409]> EMIL: Raine really can't swim? GENIS: Yup. She sinks like a lump of lead. It doesn't matter if it's an ocean or a stream. She hates water. She kind of tries to hide it, though. TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) Lead, you say? I certainly wouldn't expect that to float. MARTA: Right. That's why we sometimes call people who can't swim "lead heads." TENEBRAE: Well, that explains it then. Who could hope to swim with a head that heavy. EMIL: You think it's her head that causes her to sink? TENEBRAE: Doesn't it stand to reason? Plus, depending on where she would swim, the lead could contaminate the local supply of drinking water. [EMIL/MARTA/GENIS: Huh?] TENEBRAE: I must admit my surprise. I would never have imagined Raine to be made of metal. If that's the case, it might be possible to classify her as a new breed of monster. GENIS: Well, she is like a monster when she's in Ruin Mode.

<The party goes to the harbor [T0415]> SAILOR: Sorry buddy, no ships are gonna be leaving port anytime soon. EMIL: Why not? SAILOR: Well, you must've heard about that last fire we had. That arsonist must be on the loose again. If we shipped out now, he might escape by pretending to be one of the passengers. GENIS: What are we supposed to do if we're in a hurry? SAILOR: (Looks at Genis) We just had another fire, and you're in a hurry to leave town? Seems a little fishy to me. (Emil's eyes switch to red) R.EMIL: (Angrily) What did you say? Why don't you try saying that to my face, smart guy?! SAILOR: (Nervously) [W-]What? If you're saying you're not, then... (R.Emil grabs the sailor by the neck and hoists him up) R.EMIL: Then what?! SAILOR: [D'aaagghhh!!! I...] I can't breathe. MARTA: (Loudy) Emil, stop it! (Emil's eyes switch back to green and he drops the sailor) EMIL: I... (Walks away) SAILOR: Gha! [Various choking noises] (Raine stares at Emil intently) GENIS: You can't go into Ratatosk mode here! Apologize to the guy! EMIL: (Turns around, slumps) [R-]Right. I'm very sorry. SAILOR: (Freaked out) [Y-y-]Yeah, sure. MARTA: So back to the arsonist, let's find him. Once we do we can leave on the ship. GENIS: Yeah. Let's check out the jail first to see if we can find any clues. EMIL: (Staring at the ground) [Y-]Yeah. (Shuts his eyes, thinking) (What's wrong with me?)

<Skit "Stress" appears [S0410]> GENIS: Hey, Marta. Does Emil really go into Ratatosk Mode this often? MARTA: [Hmm...] I don't think it used to happen quite so much. I wonder if there's something keeping him on edge. GENIS: (Looks glum) Maybe having my sister and me around all the time is stressing him out. MARTA: I don't think that's it, but I'll ask him. GENIS: Okay, thanks. [RAINE: (Puts down her book) Hmm...]

<The party goes to the jail doorway and speak to the guard [T0416]> EMIL: Excuse me, I was wondering if you could tell us anything about the escaped arsonist. GUARD: [Huh?] The arsonist escaped? Don't be ridiculous. He's still there. See for yourself. (Puzzled, Emil looks into the bars) EMIL: [Uh!] He is. MARTA: What's going on here? GENIS: If the arsonist is still here then the latest fire must have been started by someone else. RAINE: Do you mind if we have a word with the criminal? GUARD: Sure, but be careful. (The guard steps aside)

<Skit "Arsonist" appears [S0411]> (Special Trigger: Leave Izoold and go to the world map) RAINE: Let's go see what the captured arsonist has to say. That should prove to be the key to this whole affair.

<The party goes into the jail and sees to the "arsonist" [T0417]> (The arsonist is a buff man with long, blue hair. His hands are cuffed.  Genis and Raine recognize him immediately) RAINE: (Recoils, shocked) Regal?! REGAL: (Surprised) Raine, Genis. What are you doing here? GENIS: That's what we should be asking you. REGAL: I'm embarrassed for you to see me like this. EMIL: (To Genis) Is this a friend of yours? RAINE: (Nods) Yes, this is Regal Bryant. He was with us in the journey of world regeneration. GENIS: He's also the president of the Lezareno Company. MARTA: (Shocked) Lezareno? But they're huge! Why would their president be starting fires? GENIS: So, Regal, tell us: what happened? REGAL: To be honest, I don't really know myself. I was in town on business when I happened to meet a man named Berg, a gel maker who said he'd seen Lloyd. While we were speaking, I suddenly found myself engulfed by this strange light, and just like that, I blacked out. When I came to, the building was in flames, and Berg was unconscious. I grabbed him and ran outside. RAINE: Where you were arrested and blamed for all the fires. REGAL: (Nods) Exactly. But I had nothing to do with any of it. GENIS: Of course, we would never think you would. MARTA: So you wouldn't know anything about the most recent fire? REGAL: (Shocked) What? There was another fire?! EMIL: We're looking for the person that started it. REGAL: Arson is one of the most cowardly crimes. If I could leave this prison, I would gladly join you in your search. MARTA: The man you met, Berg, he didn't vouch for you? REGAL: Unfortunately, he's still out cold. He may have inhaled a lot of smoke during the fire. EMIL: Hey, Marta. Do you think you might be able to use healing artes to help Berg? MARTA: [Hmm...] I'm not sure, but it's worth a shot. EMIL: Then let's go. If we can get him to wake up, maybe we can clear Regal's name. RAINE: Good idea. Let's do that. EMIL: (Nods) Okay! REGAL: I heard Berg was taken to his house. Please do anything you can.

<Skit "Regal" appears [S0411]> EMIL: Hey Genis, could you tell me a little about Regal? GENIS: Well we got to know him when he traveled with us on the journey of world regeneration two years ago. He's the type of guy you can always depend on. RAINE: And as president of the world-famous Lezareno Company, he's well-respected wherever he goes. GENIS: But he was a prisoner the first time we met him too. EMIL/MARTA: (Surprised) What? GENIS: It almost seemed like he'd started to enjoy being locked up. RAINE: I wish you were joking, but I think you might be on to something there. He's mentally exhausted. We have to do something and quickly.

<The party goes to Berg's house [T0418]> (Berg lies on his bed, out cold) EMIL: Raine, what do you think? RAINE: From the looks of it, he might have been poisoned by a light-frog. TENEBRAE: A light frog? Ah, yes. That's what you humans call it. What strange names you have for things. (The others turn to Tenebrae, puzzled) TENEBRAE: Yes, this man has been infected by the poison of the nazdrovie, the monster your people call the light-frog. MARTA: Nazdrovie? Light-frog? TENEBRAE: "Nazdrovie" is the proper term. "Light-frog" is the term you humans call it. The nazdrovie absorbs high amounts of energy and releases it in a burst of light and heat. It's enough to knock out any creature that touches it. EMIL: Light and heat! Then that must be what's causing all the fires around here! MARTA: (Surprised) Of course! It must be the light-frog! TENEBRAE: It's called the nazdrovie. (The others look at Tenebrae, then lose interest) GENIS: If I remember correctly, the light-frog is a rare species that only lives near Flanoir. TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) Nazdrovie! (The others look at Tenebrae, then lose interest) RAINE: (Folds arms) Izoold has a trade route with Flanoir. The creatures could have arrived in cargo bound for here, then flourished due to the unusual weather conditions. MARTA: So assuming this is the result of light-frog poison, an antidote ought to cure him, right? TENEBRAE: (Irked) Nazdrovie! (The others look at Tenebrae, then lose interest) RAINE: Unfortunately, there's no antidote for light-frog poison. It's more of a viral infection rather than a venom. TENEBRAE: [Sighs with annoyance] I believe rosemary is able to counter the light-frog's poison. EMIL: Tenebrae, you're giving in? TENEBRAE: (Grouchy) Just leave me alone. (Disappears) MARTA: But where do we find some rosemary? RAINE: It used to grow wild in the Camberto Caves, but I heard it became extinct with the recent climate changes. GENIS: (Down) Great, what do we do now? RAINE: Well, we know what caused the fires. Let's explain the situation so we can leave by ship. EMIL: (Recoils) But what about Berg? And we can't just leave Regal in jail like that. RAINE: I don't like it either, but the most important thing right now is to find the Centurions' cores as soon as possible, correct? MARTA: (Shocked) Raine, how could you say something like that. RAINE: It's our only choice. We've done everything we can here. EMIL: (Slumps) But I can't just ignore someone who's suffering right in front of me. RAINE: (Folds arms) Then what do you propose we do? Keep in mind that Lloyd could be taking the Centurions' cores as we speak. And what if he plans to use the cores to hurt others? GENIS: Raine... MARTA: (Angrily) I can't believe you! Wasn't Lloyd your student? Your friend?! RAINE: I'm merely pointing out a possibility. EMIL: (To himself) Be a man... (The others turn, puzzled) EMIL: (Boldly) I say we find a cure! RAINE: (Folds arms) And how exactly do you plan on doing that? Please, you don't even have the means. (Emil's eyes go red; Genis and Marta recoil) R.EMIL: (Angrily) We just have to find it in those damn Camberto Caves! How can you be so sure that they're all gone?! RAINE: (Calmly) And what about the Centurions' cores? R.EMIL: (Loudly) Shut up! We're the ones who need to find all the cores! What do you care?! (Raine hesitates, thinking) RAINE: All right then. Let's go to the Camberto Caves. (Emil slips out of Ratatosk Mode) EMIL: Raine? RAINE: I apologize. Please forget everything I said. Come on, let's go. (Raine walks outside) MARTA: What's up with Raine? GENIS: I think she was trying to provoke Emil on purpose. EMIL: (Looks down) Why would she do that? GENIS: I don't know.

<Skit "Definitely Weird" appears [S0412]> [RAINE/TENEBRAE: (Laughing)] RAINE: I must confess, you continue to fascinate me. If we could only tap into your memories, the mysteries of the ancient world would be at our disposal! EMIL: It's incredible how dramatically Raine changes from moment to moment. GENIS: Is it? I barely notice anymore. What I thought was odd was when she was needling you with all those questions earlier. MARTA: Really? The way she is now seems a lot weirder than that. GENIS: I don't know. There was something very curious about her interest in you. MARTA: No way. She was definitely weirder just now. RAINE: (Irked) Genis! Marta! May I ask what you find so "odd," "very curious," and "definitely weird" about me? GENIS/MARTA: (Shrink back) [N-]Nothing at all. (Run off)

<Skit "Old People" appears [S0413]> EMIL: Did you visit the place we're heading to right now during your journey of regeneration? GENIS: (Shakes head) No. We did our fair share of traveling then, but there were plenty of places we didn't see. MARTA: (Surprised) Really? GENIS: Well, it's not like we were sightseeing, but I'm pretty sure we passed through all the major towns. EMIL: Oh. I just figured you guys had pretty much been everywhere there is to go. GENIS: I'd think Tenebrae's seen more of the world than we have. He's been alive a really long time. TENEBRAE: (Irked) If you insist on treating me like a senile old buffoon, I have nothing to say to you. MARTA: He's very sensitive about his age. GENIS: (Playful) Still, it can't be much longer before all his fur goes white. TENEBRAE: (Irked) How rude! Especially coming from someone with a full head of white hair! GENIS: (Annoyed) It's silver! Old people are so grouchy.


 * Camberto Caves*

<The party enters the lush, green caverns [T0419]> (Everyone looks around in search of the elusive rosemary) RAINE: (Folds arms) There doesn't seem to be any here. Let's keep going. EMIL: [Um,] Raine... RAINE: Yes? GENIS: You made Emil mad on purpose earlier. MARTA: Why did you do that? RAINE: Oh, I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to hurry our journey along. GENIS: Raine! RAINE: (Chuckles) Emil, you probably won't like this, but Lloyd once said something similar. EMIL: (Surprised) Huh? RAINE: "How can we go on a quest to regenerate the world if we can't even save the people standing right in front of us?" EMIL: (Slumps) Lloyd said that? RAINE: Come on, let's keep moving. (Walks off) MARTA: Is it just me, or did she avoid the question entirely? EMIL: (Dejected) Yeah. GENIS: Why?

<Skit "Herbs" appears [S0414]> GENIS: This area has a lot of herbs. RAINE: You're right. EMIL: Herbs. I've never liked them much. MARTA: Why's that? EMIL: Well, they smell weird for one thing, and they're usually too spicy or bitter for me. They just don't taste good. RAINE: I guess you're still a child in that regard. EMIL: [I-] I am? RAINE: As you get older, you learn to appreciate the more bitter flavors. TENEBRAE: Yes. Darkness and bitterness are the two principal flavors of adulthood. GENIS: (Sweatdrop) [Uh...] I don't think darkness is technically a flavor. MARTA: In other words, since Tenebrae's the Centurion of Darkness, that means he's old. [TENEBRAE: (Irked) Mmmmmh...)

<The party goes further into the cave [T0420]> (A cold, blue river runs through the area) GENIS: (Shivering) [I-]It's cold. EMIL: Maybe it's because of the water running through here. It's really chilly. MARTA: But it's not frozen. The water must not be that cold. RAINE: It seems that way. TENEBRAE: Too cold one minute and too hot the next. Human beings are very inconvenient. MARTA: (Irked) Tenebrae, you are insensitive in every sense of the word, you know that?! TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) How rude! I have senses too, I'll have you know! EMIL: What sort of senses? TENEBRAE: For example, I can sense when it's dark, darker, or especially dark. GENIS: (Unimpressed) You're the Centurion of Darkness. That's your job.

<The party reaches a fork in the cave [T0421]> EMIL: (Slumps) There're a lot of herbs, but I don't see any rosemary. MARTA: (Pumps fists) Don't give up! I'm sure we'll find some if we just go in a bit deeper. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) You're right. I'm sorry for losing faith. I'm the one who said we should look for it, so I can't give up until the end. MARTA: (Surprised) Emil... EMIL: What is it? MARTA: (Shakes head) [N-]Nothing. It's just, you've changed a little. EMIL: (Puzzled) Have I? MARTA: (Nods) Yes. It's hard to put into words, but I think it's a good thing. EMIL: (Blushes) [Th-]Thanks. GENIS: (Baby talk) [Aww,] That's so sweet. MARTA: (Defensive) It's not like that at all! Right, Emil? EMIL: [Ah,] hahaha... (Slumps, thinking) I wish she didn't deny it so strongly now. I guess it's my own fault.

<Skit "Good Soap Opera" appears [S0415]> GENIS: Okay Emil, just be straight with me. How do you feel about Marta? EMIL: How do I feel? Well, I guess-- TENEBRAE: (Butts in) Don't say it! [EMIL/GENIS: Huh?!] GENIS: Are intra-party relationship's off limits? TENEBRAE: It's not that. Such questions must never be answered plainly. Any response should be vague, so as to create intrigue and suspense. Is this not the essence of any good soap opera? [EMIL/GENIS: (Annoyed groan)] GENIS: You know, "spiteful" may be the perfect word for Tenebrae.

<Skit "Hereditary Traits" appears [S0416]> GENIS: Well? What do you think of my cooking? Though this is just kind of so-so for me. MARTA: It's delicious! I can't wait for seconds! EMIL: Yeah! This is really great! You're a natural chef, Genis! GENIS: Oh, come on. You're gonna make me blush. RAINE: I have to agree with them. You've gotten better. GENIS: You think so? I've been experimenting with some new recipes lately. TENEBRAE: This is undeniable proof that true culinary genius is not simply inherited. MARTA: Yep! EMIL: Right. I almost can't believe the two of you are related. RAINE: (Annoyed) Are you trying to pick a fight? EMIL/MARTA/TENEBRAE: (Shrink back) I'm sorry.

<The party ventures to the last chamber in the cave [T0422]> MARTA: Looks like a dead end. GENIS: I don't see anything that looks like rosemary. RAINE: If we can't find any around here, I'm afraid we're out of luck. (Emil slumps, silent) EMIL: So I wasted everyone's time. RAINE: Emil, in archaeology, researchers work by starting with a hypothesis... (Puzzled, Emil and Marta turn to Raine) RAINE: then they make error after error until they start to figure out the truth. Even once they find their answer, it's often not the one they set out looking for. EMIL: Raine... RAINE: You said it yourself. You can't pass judgment until you know for sure. And you were right about that. Even with the odds stacked against you, as long as there's a chance you might discover something, you have to pursue it. MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Raine's right. We all came along because we agreed with you. We came because we wanted to and not because we had to. Got that? EMIL: Thank you. MARTA: (Pumped) All right then, let's get back to it. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, let's keep looking. GENIS: I've never been much of a quitter--let's scan this place from top to bottom.

<The party walks to a far corner of the room [T0423]> EMIL: (Recoils, shocked) Hey! Is that it? RAINE: That's it! (The party sees a browned plant) TENEBRAE: There's no doubt about it. That is rosemary. However, it appears somewhat withered. Its antidotal effects may be weak in this state. RAINE: (Pensive) It must be the lack of sunlight around here that keeps all the plans from thriving. EMIL: Sunlight...

<Emil zaps the rosemary with the sorcerer's ring [T0424]> (The plant jumps up, green and full... but there's something purple growing, too; a nasty-looking mushroom with legs) MARTA: Hey, I think something other than the rosemary is getting bigger. EMIL: (Nervously) Yeah. Wh-what should we do? TENEBRAE: (Shocked) Look out! That's an amanita! A monster! (The amanita leaps on the party and attacks! The party stamps it out) GENIS: [Whoo!] That was a close one. RAINE: The amanita was absorbing all the nutrients the rosemary needed. MARTA: (Happy) Oh, it looks like the rosemary's all better now. Great job, Emil. TENEBRAE: Indeed, this is just what we need. (Emil plucks some of the rosemary) EMIL: (Turns to the others) Now we'll be able to save both Berg and Regal. GENIS: Nice going. Way to tough it out. MARTA: (Playful) Thank goodness you're so stubborn. EMIL: (Confused) Is that supposed to be a compliment?

<Skit "Studying" appears [S0417]> [GENIS: (SIGH)] EMIL: What are you reading, Genis? MARTA: [Nihhh!] There's lots of strange equations. GENIS: Well, with all this searching for Lloyd and the Centurions, I've really gotten behind on my studies. MARTA: (Shocked) You mean you study this stuff on your own time?! GENIS: Why not? It's fun. You should try it. RAINE: Which reminds me, this little trip must be quite the vacation from school for the two of you. EMIL: [Y-]Yes. Btu if it means saving the world, we can put off school for a while, right? RAINE: No, I'm afraid that won't do. I am a teacher, after all. I'll see to your studies. EMIL/MARTA: (Shocked) What?! RAINE: (Firmly) I will see to your studies. EMIL/MARTA: (Defeated) Yes ma'am.


 * Izoold*

<The party returns to Berg's house [T0425]> MARTA: Emil, the rosemary... EMIL: (Nods) Right. (Emil gives the rosemary to Berg) BERG: [Hmm-mmmph,] Uh... uhhh... (Berg opens his eyes and looks at them) MARTA: (Jump for joy) You did it! EMIL: (Nods) Yeah! BERG: Who are you? (Quickie explanation fade-out. When we fade back in, Berg is standing) BERG: So that's what happened. Well, thanks for saving my life. MARTA: So, we were hoping you'd help Regal. BERG: (Nods) Of course! I'll go and explain everything to the prison guard right away! EMIL: [Uh,] Wait just a second! So, was the fire started by the light-- BERG: It was caused by this strange frog that gave off intense heat and bright flashes. It ate up all my seafood gels. Then it was surrounded by this white light, and all the surrounding crates burst into flame! Anyway, I'll tell you all about it later. (Berg runs off) EMIL: Uh... (Awkward silence) GENIS: Well, it looks like he made a full recovery. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. MARTA: Well, let's go see Regal. RAINE: (Nods, folds arms) Good idea.

<The party goes to the jail [T0426]> (Berg is waiting at the entrance) BERG: I've explained everything. They're releasing him. You can go see him now.

<The party goes inside the jail [T0427]> (Regal is out of his cell, though his hands are still handcuffed) GENIS: Thank god you're free! REGAL: I owe you a great debt. Thank you. GUARD: I'm sorry that I ever doubted you. Let me take off those handcuffs. Wait, huh? EMIL: (Turns to the guard) What's the matter? GUARD: I can't find the key! Maybe I dropped it somewhere? MARTA: (Sarcastic) Graduated top of your class at guard school? [Huh?] GUARD: (Angrily) What's that supposed to mean? GENIS: If only Lloyd were here, he'd be able to pick the lock in no time. REGAL: Hopefully I won't get arrested a second time for destruction of property. (Everyone looks at him, puzzled. Regal fiddles with the cuffs and then snaps them off himself) REGAL: The manufacturer of these handcuffs isn't exactly known for their quality craftsmanship. Perhaps you should try the Lezareno Group model next time. I'll send you a free sample. GUARD: [Y-]Yes, sir! REGAL: (Turns to the party) I'm sorry, but I would like to change my clothes. Would you mind if I went ahead to the inn? RAINE: Good idea. I never thought I'd see you in a prison uniform again. REGAL: I'm truly ashamed. I must thank you all again for what you've done. I really do appreciate it.

<The party goes back outside to speak with Berg [T0428]> BERG: What is it? You want to hear more about the fire?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: No, it's all right. BERG: Oh, really? I was looking forward to telling you all about it.

<Emil says YES> EMIL: Yes, please. BERG: So Regal and I were talking, and suddenly this bright ball of light appeared in front of us. EMIL: And that was from the light-frog? BERG: Yeah a lit up frog. It was really bright and Regal passed out almost as soon as he saw it. I was wearing sunglasses, so I was okay at first. RAINE: It started giving off light as soon as it appeared? That's a bit odd. BERG: I'm telling you the truth. Then it started to eat my seafood gels, and flames started shooting all over the place. I thought maybe I could put it out somehow, so I swung at it with my hand, but then I felt really weak. MARTA: You must have touched its poison when you hit the light-frog. BERG: (Flinches) So you can get poisoned just by touching it? Oh man, that's some frog.


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Sunglasses? Kind of a weird plot device, here...

<Skit "Light Frog" appears [S0418]> RAINE: I had no idea the nazdrovie poison could be that strong. TENEBRAE: It's called the light-frog. GENIS: Right, the nazdrovie doesn't usually knock people out for that long. TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) I believe you mean the light-frog. RAINE: Maybe the nazdrovie strengthened its defenses when Berg struck it, resulting in a stronger poison. TENEBRAE: (Yelling) Light-frog. MARTA: All the more reason to be extra careful around all monsters, not just the nazdrovie. TENEBRAE: (Irked) Fine, I see how it is. I get it. EMIL: Tenebrae...

<The party goes towards the inn [T0429]> (Regal is waiting near the entrance, dressed in business attire) REGAL: I was starting to get worried for a moment. Thank you for helping me. (Looks at Genis and Raine) I never imagined we would run into each other again in this manner. Did you come here looking for Lloyd? EMIL: Wait, you know where Lloyd went?! REGAL: (Turns to Emil) And just who are you? RAINE: [Ah,] Yes, things have gotten rather complicated. Why don't we give you the basic rundown. Tenebie, come out, will you? (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) It's "Tenebrae." (Regal reacts with surprise) (Quickie explanation fade-out) REGAL: I can't believe Lloyd would keep secrets like that from us. (Pensive) First Ratatosk, then the Centurions' cores. Just like with the summon spirits and the angels, we seem to be bound by fate to things of this nature. MARTA: So, [um,] what about Lloyd? REGAL: From what I heard from Berg, Lloyd is headed for Flanoir. Apparently, it was very recent. GENIS: (Turns to Raine) Raine! RAINE: (Pensive) We might be able to catch up with him after all. REGAL: If I may be so bold, I, too, am concerned about Lloyd. Would it be too much to ask that I accompany you on your journey? GENIS: (Turns to Regal) I'm sure Raine and I wouldn't mind. RAINE: (Turns towards the others) What about Marta and Emil? MARTA: (Nods) I'm fine with that. EMIL: We probably won't be of much help, but if you're okay with that. What about you, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: I will follow whatever course you and Lady Marta choose. REGAL: Thank you. On the name of my eternal beloved, I swear that I shall not betray you. RAINE: (Turns to Regal) Well then, shall we depart? (The others start to head for the harbor, but Emil hangs back) MARTA: What is it, Emil? EMIL: [N-]No, it's nothing.

<Skit "Troubling Him" appears [S0419]> MARTA: Finally, we can get on the boat! EMIL: (To himself) I hope we're doing the right thing. MARTA: Emil? [EMIL: (SIGH)] TENEBRAE: Is something troubling you? MARTA: Emil, come on. [EMIL: (SIGH)] TENEBRAE: (Surprised) [W-]What's Lloyd Irving doing over there? (Emil's eyes turn red) R.EMIL: What?! Where?! Show yourself, Lloyd! (Races off) TENEBRAE: I don't believe the problem is with his hearing. MARTA: (Looks down) What's wrong with him?

<Skit "Current Affairs" appears [S0420]> REGAL: I never imagined we would be reunited under these circumstances. RAINE: And we never expected to find you behind bars again. GENIS: I know, seriously. I thought for sure you'd be busy issuing orders from Lezareno HQ. REGAL: In addition to my duties as president, I'm also working as chairman on the board of a startup company. We're hoping to develop this new business mainly in Sylvarant. I was traveling around to get a feel for the market. GENIS: Oh that's right. Even though it's a Tethe'alla-based company, Lezareno is popular with Sylvaranti. RAINE: The efforts they invested into rebuilding Palmacosta must be playing a big role. REGAL: (Sober) Many Tethe'allans continue to treat Sylvaranti like savages. If my company can help change that way of thinking, it will have served its purpose. GENIS: But thanks to the conflict with Tethe'alla, half-elves aren't persecuted as much as they used to be. RAINE: Yes. Half-elves have become valued for their knowledge. The overall situation is unfortunate, but perhaps it can also be an opportunity. REGAL: Looks like we both have a few problems that must be dealt with. GENIS: But our problem right now is Lloyd. REGAL: (Looks down) Yes. I wonder what he's up to right now.

<The party goes to the harbor [T0430]> (The boat is rigged and ready to sail) SAILOR: Now boarding for Flanoir! MARTA: (Turns to Emil) What's the matter? You look worried. EMIL: (Slumps) Um... GENIS: The boat's about to leave. EMIL: Well, you see... MARTA: You're a man! Speak up! EMIL: [R-]Right. (Looks up) I'm still worried about the fire. The light-frog could appear again while we're out looking for Lloyd. That would mean the fires won't stop. RAINE: Yes, that's certainly true. Though the light-frog shouldn't produce enough heat to start fires, except under extraordinary circumstances. EMIL: But the fires in town have been going on for a while. So these "extraordinary circumstances" must be happening. TENEBRAE: Perhaps it's another side effect of a dormant Centurion's core. As its vulgar, human name would suggest, the light-frog is a light-elemental monster. And the core of the Centurion of Light is... MARTA: Oh, right. Lloyd has Lumen's core. TENEBRAE: Exactly. Therefore, the only way that we can resolve this problem is by finding Lloyd and hatching Lumen's core. REGAL: (Nods) Then we must hurry and go after Lloyd. EMIL: But I'm worried about what'll happen if we just leave the town without doing anything. You said so yourself, Raine. As long as there's a chance, you have to pursue it. RAINE: So you're saying that you'd like to look for a way to control the light-frog's incendiary tendencies. Now that we've explained the situation to the people in town, I'm pretty sure things should be fine for awhile. REGAL: (Turns to Raine) How about this: Raine, you and Genis can go on ahead to Flanoir and find out what you can about Lloyd. We'll stay here and try to settle this whole light-frog conundrum. RAINE: All right. That should be fine. SAILOR: The ship bound for Flanoir is departing! All aboard! RAINE: Emil, Marta, see you soon. You too, Tenebie. Take care of yourselves. TENEBRAE: I do hope you'll call me Tenebrae the next time we meet. EMIL: Raine, thank you! See you later, Genis! GENIS: (Nods) Good luck, guys! See ya! RAINE: (Turns to Regal) Oh, before I forget. I wanted to give this to you, Regal. (Raine offers Regal an envelope. He takes it, puzzled) REGAL: What is it? RAINE: (Chuckles secretively) I guess you could say it's a love letter. (Emil, Marta and Genis recoil) GENIS: Raine?! MARTA: (In awe) Wow. She's so bold. I better learn from her example. RAINE: Read it later when you're alone. Don't show it to anyone else. REGAL: I never thought I'd receive such a gift from someone as beautiful as you. I will protect it with my life. GENIS: (Sags, deflated) This can't be happening. What if Regal becomes my brother-in-law? (Raine drags Genis onto the ship and it departs) REGAL: (Turns to Emil and Marta) So, first off, shall we check out the places in town where fire had broken out? EMIL: (Nods) Yes!

<Skit "Maturity" appears [S0421]> MARTA: (Dreamy) Regal, you seem so mature. EMIL: Yeah. You're incredibly polite, kind, and strong too. REGAL: We're not all that dissimilar. Our only difference is I've been alive a little longer. TENEBRAE: You would do well to follow his example, Emil. [EMIL: (Sweatdrops) Um...] MARTA: (Irked) You're one to talk, Tenebrae! You've been around way longer than Regal, and all you do is nag and complain. TENEBRAE: (Irked) Yes, yes, I'm an old fogey, I know.

<Skit "Raine's Letter" appears [S0422]> MARTA: (Uncertain) Hey, [um...] Regal? REGAL: What is it, Marta? MARTA: [Um...] So you know that letter Raine gave you? I mean, was it really about you know. REGAL: (Chuckles) I hardly think it would be at all proper to reveal its contents. Raine, like all women, is entitled to keep her secrets private. MARTA: (Excited )Private secrets, like a confession of her love for you? REGAL: (Chuckles again) I'll leave that to your imagination. MARTA: (Excited) Oh my gosh now I have to read it.

<The party investigates the burned-out areas one by one [T0431]> (First, at the other ship at the dock) SAILOR: Some of the cargo we were loading onto the ship was burned. EMIL: What was in it? SAILOR: Apple, orange, seafood, every type of gel you can think of. Well, our policy covers this, so we'll survive, but Lezareno Insurance is pretty cheap. REGAL: I'm terribly sorry about that. I'll make sure people at the company hear about this. SAILOR: You work for Lezareno Insurance? No, I mean, what an amazing insurance company! Lezareno's fantastic! Life insurance that'll cover you until the age of 108! You can't get that just anywhere! (Emil looks muzzy)

(Secondly, a little boy near a shack) BOY: My hidden treasure burned to a crisp because of that stupid flaming frog! Man, I should've eaten those seafood gels when I still had a chance.

(Thirdly, a burnt heap of boxes near the inn) STORE OWNER: My entire stock was destroyed in the blaze. It was a huge loss. EMIL: What was in the boxes? STORE OWNER: Lots of stuff. You name it--bottles, gels. One big shipment of seafood gels had just come in.

(Lastly, Berg down by the beach) BERG: That blasted frog burned my grandpa's old seafood gel recipe.

<The party convenes when all four sites have been found [T0432]> REGAL: It appears we've seen all the fire sites now. TENEBRAE: However, none of the locations are places you'd expect to find a light-frog. MARTA: There must be some common threat tying them together. (They all think for a moment. Then Emil has an idea) EMIL: Gels. It's gels! REGAL/MARTA: Gels? EMIL: That's what all of the fire sites have in common. Seafood gels! TENEBRAE: Don't be ridiculous! Who ever heard of a light-frog with an appetite for gels? MARTA: (Turns to Tenebrae) But Emil's right. All of the fires happened in places where seafood gels were being stored. TENEBRAE: (Irked) Now see here, I am a Centurion! I am an expert on monster behavior! MARTA: I guess you're right, but... (Emil's eyes switch to red) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Quit it, Tenebrae! You're only the Centurion of Darkness! What the hell would you know about a light-elemental monster like the light-frog?! TENEBRAE: But... R.EMIL: Quiet! It's time to put our theory to the test. Let's go! MARTA: [G-]Go where? R.EMIL: To get some seafood gels from Berg. We'll use them to lure the light-frog out of hiding. (Emil stomps off. Marta and Tenebrae follow, but Regal lingers) REGAL: (To himself) So this is the Ratatosk Mode that Raine was talking about. Suppose I should see how things play out.

<The party goes to Berg's house [T0433]> (Berg has miraculously teleported back inside) BERG: (Turns around) What? You think seafood gels attract the light-frog? [Hmph,] Don't be stupid. R.EMIL: What do you know?! We'll never know if we don't try, so just hand over the damn gels. BERG: (Recoils) [Jeez,] What happened to you? It's like you're a completely different person. REGAL: Our apologies. I'm afraid he's a bit on edge today. BERG: (Turns to Regal) Well, I wouldn't mind giving you some, only all of my seafood gels burned up in the fire. MARTA: Then please make some more for us! BERG: Sure, if you bring me the ingredients. REGAL: What do you need? BERG: I'm all out of jellyfish. I need to go to Triet to catch some more. But I won't be heading there anytime soon. After everything that's happened, I need a few days rest. REGAL: (Turns to Emil) So, what do you want to do? (Emil snaps out of Ratatosk Mode) EMIL: Go and get some jellyfish, of course! BERG: Well then, you better take some of this with you. It's the only bait the jellyfish really respond to. (Berg hands over a special bait)

<Skit "Pull Back" appears [S0423]> MARTA: Regal, can I ask you something? REGAL: Sure, what's on your mind? MARTA: I want to know what makes men tick! Guys are always rejecting me, saying I'm annoying or too "serious" or whatever. REGAL: Any man who would say such things is not worthy of your time. You are a charming young lady. MARTA: But... REGAL: I cannot claim to be much of a strategist, but I have learned that sometimes it may be better to pull back when being assertive doesn't work. MARTA: Pull back. REGAL: However, if your question has anything to do with Emil, then-- MARTA: Okay, I've got it! I'll start with the pulling! (Runs off) EMIL: (Offscreen, flustered) Cut it out, Marta! Why are you yanking on my arm all of a sudden?! [REGAL: (SIGH)]


 * Iselia*

<The party walks back to the school [T0434]> (Emil and Marta walk in from the left. Suddenly, Alice appears from the right with some Vanguard goons) ALICE: Why, hello there! MARTA: Alice! ALICE: Just the people I wanted to see. (Suddenly, the school door opens and another fellow walks out) BERNIE: Alice! You're Alice, you must be! ALICE: (Turns to Bernie) And you are? BERNIE: It's me, Bernie! Don't you remember? We were in the orphanage in Hima together. (Alice looks surprised) BERNIE: I've heard a lot about you. You're some amazing bigwig in the Vanguard now, right? Looks like you're doing really well for yourself. We always knew you were destined for greatness. ALICE: (Turns back to Marta) Well, Martmart, little pet, I'll let you off for today. Come everyone, we're going. BERNIE: [H...]Hey. VANGUARD SOLDIER: Lady Alice, Sir Hawk has yet to rejoin us. ALICE: That's fine. We'll go and meet him ourselves. VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Salutes) Yes, ma'am. (Alice and her goons leave) BERNIE: (Angrily) Get a load of her! A half-elf acting like she's all hot stuff. EMIL: (Looks at Bernie, surprised) Alice is a half-elf? BERNIE: Yep. That girl's dangerous. She used her magic to control some monsters and destroyed the orphanage in Hima. A lot of people died. MARTA: Why would she do that? BERNIE: Hard to say. She got picked on a lot back at the orphanage for being a half-elf. Maybe it was her way of getting revenge. (Bernie leaves) MARTA: Wow, so Alice is a half-elf. EMIL: (Looks at Marta) Marta, you didn't know? MARTA: No.	I heard that she can use magic because she uses the power of monsters, so... EMIL: But that Bernie guy gave me the creeps. More than Alice. MARTA: (Irked) Yeah you're right! Can you believe that guy?! I can't stand two-faced people like that!


 * Triet*

<The party returns to the frozen oasis [T0435]> REGAL: [Ah,] Fishing. It's been a while. MARTA: Do you fish? REGAL: Yes. Every now and then I take the yacht out for marlin fishing. MARTA: (Recoils) Wow! It must be great being the president of Lezareno! EMIL: Marta, do you prefer rich guys like Regal? (Slumps) MARTA: What do you mean? TENEBRAE: Emil, please. I believe your petty jealousies can wait until after we've caught some jellyfish. EMIL: (Sweatdrops) [W-]What? No! I didn't-- MARTA: What? TENEBRAE: I know you're uncomfortable witnessing the first female interested in you complimenting another man. EMIL: (Defensive) No, you've got it all wrong! That's not what I meant! MARTA: (Blush) Emil, do you have a crush on me? EMIL: (Flustered) No, I didn't say anything like that! Come on, Tenebrae, cut it out! TENEBRAE: (Dryly) Yes, yes, understood.

<Emil catches a jellyfish from an ice hole [T0436]> REGAL: That was amazing. EMIL: (Nervously) Thank you. MARTA: Hey, Emil. About what you said earlier-- EMIL: (Defensive) Never mind about that! It wasn't anything important at all! MARTA: (Down) Not important at all? Oh, I see. EMIL: (Slumps) [Uh...] I'm sorry.

<Skit "Father Figure" appears [S0424]> REGAL: That was quite a catch. No marling I've ever caught can compare. TENEBRAE: It certainly was enormous. For a moment I believed I might snap in two. EMIL: Fishing is really more fun than I thought it would be. I'd like to try it again sometime. REGAL: I shall be happy to give you some lessons. Ocean fishing is enjoyable to be sure, but you simply must experience stream fishing. EMIL: You mean it?! That would be great! You almost sound like you could be my father, Regal. REGAL: (Shocked) Your father. EMIL: Oh, sorry! I didn't mean-- TENEBRAE: (Laughs) Welcome to the old fogey club.

<The party re-enters Triet [T0437]> (A long line has formed all through town) MARTA: [W-]What's going on over there? (A man walks up) TRIET MAN: The fortuneteller at the oasis is giving free readings! Everyone's lining up for tickets! MARTA: (Excited) Let's have her predict about our love! EMIL: [Eh...] It's not really my thing. MARTA: [Aww,] Come on! EMIL: If you want to go, I'll wait for you. MARTA: Really?! I'll go get a ticket then! (Marta runs off. Suddenly, a polwigle appears in front of Emil) EMIL: (Shocked) A monster in the middle of town?! TENEBRAE: It appears to be one of Aqua's servants. (Tenebrae and the polwigle have a silent conversation, and then the polwigle disappears) TENEBRAE: It's a message from Aqua. Richter wishes to see you. EMIL: He does?! TENEBRAE: He's at the inn. What will you do?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: (Thinking) It sounds like too much trouble. (Marta runs back in) MARTA: (Down) It looks like it'll take way too long to get a ticket. I guess I won't get my fortune told after all. EMIL: I'm sorry. Well, let's go, then.

<Emil says YES> EMIL: (Thinking) I'd like to see Richter. (Marta runs back in) MARTA: It looks like it'll take a while to get a ticket. Is that okay? EMIL: [Uh,] then would you mind if I took a walk around town in the meantime? MARTA: Not at all. I'll meet you back by the shape of the Chosen, okay? EMIL: Sure.

<Emil heads to the inn [T0438]> (Richter is waiting in the ground-floor room. Aqua appears) RICHTER: (Turns to Emil) So you came. EMIL: You wanted to see me? RICHTER: I heard Aqua asked you to come to Triet. Normally I would never stoop to asking for help from an enemy, but I need your assistance. TENEBRAE: It must be convenient to have such a flexible philosophy. AQUA: (Annoyed) Shut up, Tenebonehead! Master Richter isn't asking you! EMIL: What do you need me to do? RICHTER: I understand that you found some rosemary inside the Camberto Caves. EMIL: [Uh,] Yes. RICHTER: I'd like you to take me there. EMIL: Okay, but why? RICHTER: I'm looking for an insect that lives on the rosemary plant. EMIL: So you're a bug collector now? RICHTER: (Nods) Indeed. It is a fascinating hobby. EMIL: Oh... [Um...] RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses, annoyed) It was a joke. Let's go. (Richter walks off. Aqua vanishes) TENEBRAE: Not much of a comedian, is he. EMIL: (Sheepish) Hahaha.


 * Camberto Caves*

<The party warps to the Camberto Caves [T0439]> RICHTER: The last time I was here, the rosemary was all withered. EMIL: We only managed to find one plant still alive. RICHTER: Is that so? I didn't see any. EMIL: I'll show you where it was. RICHTER: (Nods) Yes, thank you.

<Skit "Perfect" appears [S0425]> RICHTER: I'm sorry for using you as a guide even though I insist we're enemies. [EMIL: (Surprised gasp)] RICHTER: What's with that face? EMIL: Nothing. I just don't think I've ever heard you apologize before. RICHTER: I suppose that's true. I can't recall apologizing to anyone but you recently. EMIL: (Surprised) What?! RICHTER: I'm just kid-- EMIL: Wow! I guess you really are perfect! I hope I can be like that someday. RICHTER: (Thinking) (I meant that as a joke.)

<Skit "Individuality" appears [S0426]> RICHTER: There are herbs all over the place. EMIL: Do you dislike herbs? RICHTER: No. I quite enjoy them, actually. EMIL: Oh. Okay then, I'll try to like them, too. RICHTER: There's no need to match my tastes. There's nothing I despise more than someone with no individuality. EMIL: Oh! Then I'll go on hating herbs! TENEBRAE: Emil, thats exactly what he's talking about. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Oh.

<Skit "Richter and Tenebrae" appears [S0427]> TENEBRAE: What do you intend, leading Emil out here? RICHTER: I just needed someone to show me the way. TENEBRAE: Emil is not him, you know. RICHTER: I am well aware of that. TENEBRAE: Are you? I see the hesitation in your eyes when you look at him. RICHTER: Emil is Emil. TENEBRAE: Yes. That is correct.

<Skit "Training" appears [S0428]> RICHTER: Hey. Don't you train? EMIL: Not really. I enter Ratatosk Mode when I fight, so. RICHTER: (Angrily) Stop depending on that. Fight with your own strength! EMIL: (Meekly) But I can't. RICHTER: (Angrily) Yes, you can. Learn to defend yourself at a moment's notice. Don't get cocky just because you've got a special power. EMIL: (Downcast) Okay. I'm sorry. RICHTER: (Quieter) Sorry, that was too harsh. Look, I'll teach you how to fight, so stop looking so pitiful. EMIL: (Perks up) Okay! Thank you!

<Skit "Richter's Cooking" appears [S0429]> RICHTER: Emil. Food's ready. EMIL: Thank you very much. RICHTER: Go ahead and eat it, if you can. EMIL: That sounds pretty ominous. It looks normal enough, though. Let me give it a try. (Emil takes a bite, freezes up) EMIL: (Weakly) Mom, wait for me, I'll be joining you shortly. (Falls down) RICHTER: I was afraid of that. This is the first time I've ever cooked.

<Skit "I'm Screwed Part 2" appears [S0430]> EMIL: I'm really worried. TENEBRAE: Are you referring to Lady Marta waiting in Triet? EMIL: Yeah. TENEBRAE: There were plenty of people waiting to have their fortunes told. We should have time. EMIL: It's not that. If she gets a bad fortune, I just know she's gonna grill the fortuneteller with tons of questions. And even if her fortune's good, it's only going to end up encouraging her. (Sweatdrop) TENEBRAE: (Laughs) Seems you've come to know Lady Marta quite well. EMIL: (Annoyed) I've come to know that laugh of yours pretty well, too.

<The party reaches the final cavern area [T0440]> RICHTER: It's this deep in? EMIL: Yes, it's at the far end of the cave. RICHTER: You saw all these dead plants, and you still had the resolve to search all the way to the end of the cave? Impressive. EMIL: Well, I had Marta and everyone with me, so-- RICHTER: I see. EMIL: What's the insect you're looking for? RICHTER: It's called the angelatops. I'm looking for its shell. EMIL: (Puzzled) The shell? RICHTER: When the angelatops changes from a larva to an adult, it leaves behind a shell. This shell resembles a Cruxis angel, so the Church of Martel uses it as a talisman. EMIL: So why do you need to find it? RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) That doesn't concern you. EMIL: (Irked) Of course it concerns me! I'm the one showing you the way, aren't I?! (Richter is silent) EMIL: (Slumps) [I...] I'm sorry. RICHTER: No, you make a good point. I plan to give the shell to a woman named Phaidra in Iselia in exchange for her Spiritual Apocrypha. EMIL: Are you getting that for Norton as well? RICHTER: (To Aqua, annoyed) Aqua, what else did you say? AQUA: [F-]Forgive me, Master Richter. TENEBRAE: (Playful) My, my, look at the faithful servant now. AQUA: (Angrily) Quiet you! Why don't you take a long walk off a short cliff, Spiteful Tenebonehead! RICHTER: Centurions, that is enough. Emil, I hope you'll stay with me a bit longer. EMIL: Sure.

<Skit "Useless Research" appears [S0431]> EMIL: The Spiritual Tome and the Spiritual Apocrypha. Do they both have the same kind of stuff written in them? RICHTER: This book is about Spiritua. When the world was still split in two, she was the most famous of all the Tethe'allan angels. I even heard Spiritua was once the Chosen of Sylvarant. Is it true? EMIL: (Uncertain) [Uh...] Yes? TENEBRAE: (Butts in) History is not Emil's strong suit. [RICHTER: Hmmph.] EMIL: [Ah, ha...] I'm sorry. I didn't study as much as I should have. RICHTER: Well, it's not exactly essential for everyday life. EMIL: You know a lot about history and all sorts of other stuff. That's really cool. RICHTER: (Looks away) That's all they ever let me do. EMIL: (Curious) What do you mean? RICHTER: I mean--Forget it. It was meaningless research, anyway.

<The party reaches the rosemary [T0441]> EMIL: This is the place. RICHTER: All right, let's dig here. EMIL: (Turns to Richter) Right. (The two of them dig and find an Angelatops) RICHTER: Thank you. If we hadn't found any rosemary here, I'd be forced to start my search all over again. EMIL: I guess good fortune comes to good people. RICHTER: Was that sarcasm? EMIL: (Laughs) Just a bit. RICHTER: (Laughs) You got me there. (Emil, Tenebrae and Aqua all recoil) RICHTER: What? Why are you all so shocked? EMIL: You laughed. RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) Of course I laugh sometimes. What do you think I am? AQUA: (Excited) Master Richter, your laugh is so dreamy.~ TENEBRAE: Of course, it's nothing compared to my handsome chortle. AQUA: (To Tenebrae) I'm about this close to killing you. EMIL: Anyway, you're taking that to Iselia, right? RICHTER: (Nods) Yes. EMIL: I'll go with you. RICHTER: (Shakes head) No thanks. EMIL: (Irked) Why can't I go?! I think I have a right to see this through to the end. RICHTER: (Turns around and swats at his hair) [Hmmph.] Do as you like. EMIL: I will!


 * Iselia*

<The party warps to Iselia's gates [T0442]> EMIL: Where does Phaidra live? RICHTER: I thought you'd know. EMIL: Huh? RICHTER: Phaidra is the Chosen Colette's grandmother. She lives in the Chosen's old home. EMIL: Colette's grandmother?! RICHTER: Let's go.

<The party goes to Colette's house [T0443]> (Phaidra and Frank, Colette's dad, are trying to calm down three angry men, one of which is Emil's uncle, Alba.) PHAIDRA: We don't know anything about the attack on Luin. ALBA: (Angrily) You expect me to believe that? The leader of the attack said the name Lloyd Irving himself. You can't deny the fact that our town was attacked by those in the service of the Church of Martel. The Church has to compensate us for our losses! EMIL: (Breathless, scared) Uncle Alba... ALBA: (Notices Emil and Richter) [Y-]You... (Emil hides behind Richter) RICHTER: Don't run from him. (Richter walks away and pushes Emil towards the mob) ALBA: (Nastily) Now there's a real monster. EMIL: (Nervous) [Um,] I-- ALBA: [Wha-]What is it?! You want to kill me, do you? EMIL: (Defensive) No. ALBA: (Shouting) Who took you in and fed you, boy?! EMIL: (Hangs head) ... [G'ih...] ALBA: I didn't come here to see your wretched face. You're nothing but a plague on us all. FRANK: How can you say such things? ALBA: (Angrily) Mind your own damn business. Anyway, think about what I said. (Alba and his followers stomp past Emil and Richter) RICHTER: (To Emil) Silent as usual? EMIL: (Nervous) I-- RICHTER: Don't want to rock the boat, hmm? But if you just shy away every time and never stand up for yourself, nothing will ever change. You're no better than a dog on a leash. EMIL: (Turns to Richter, angrily) [I'm not a...] I'm not a dog. RICHTER: (Folds arms) I'm not the one you need to tell that to. EMIL: ... RICHTER: As long as you waste your time worrying about making others angry, your life will always be this way. If you don't speak up, nothing will change. Then again, if you don't mind being treated like a "monster," feel free to ignore me. FRANK: Richter, not everyone can live the way that you do. Many people in this world must make compromises to get by. RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) Compromises? He's not making compromises with the world. He's rejecting it. Retreating into his shell and playing the victim is what makes him feel safe. But that's not living. It's just wasting away until you die. PHAIDRA: I see you haven't changed a bit. So, does your visit mean you've found the item we discussed? RICHTER: Yes, I brought the angelatops shell. (Richter hands off the shell to Phaidra) PHAIDRA: You did indeed. FRANK: Here is the Spiritual Apocrypha. (Hands Richter the book) PHAIDRA: I heard that a member of the Vanguard named Hawk has the Deep Sea Scroll you seek. RICHTER: Thanks for the information. (Richter turns to leave, then glances at Emil) RICHTER: I'll take you as far as Triet. EMIL: (Down) Okay.


 * Coast near Triet*

<Richter and Emil stop near the water [T0444]> RICHTER: You should be able to find your way back from here. Thanks for your help. (Richter turns to leave) EMIL: Wait! RICHTER: (Glances at Emil) What is it? EMIL: (Hangs head) [I...] I've always been afraid of my uncle. And I still am. And not just him, everyone in Luin, too. RICHTER: (Pushes up glasses) That's not my problem. But from what I could tell, Alba seemed to be afraid of you, too. EMIL: That was because I used Ratatosk's power back in Luin. RICHTER: He's feared you long before you ever made your pact with Ratatosk; for as long as you've feared him. EMIL: That's not possible! Uncle Alba's always screaming at me, and-- RICHTER: The smaller the dog, the louder the bark. EMIL: (Surprised) Uncle Alba's weak? RICHTER: His actions mirror your own. You were afraid and retreated into your shell, so he did the same. You both do what comes easiest, but that won't change anything. I was the same, once. EMIL: You were afraid, too? What were you afraid of? RICHTER: Humans. So I avoided and ignored them. But then, someone taught me that nothing would ever change if I stayed that way. EMIL: Who taught you? RICHTER: "Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality." A friend. A foolish, naive friend with a few screws loose taught me that. Courage is also what you need to break out of your shell. That's how you got Marta to join you. She opened up to you because you risked your life to protect her. EMIL: But Marta's so easy to talk to. RICHTER: You think I'm easy to talk to, as well? (Turns to Emil) Get yourself together, Emil. You already know exactly what you need to break out of your shell. EMIL: Courage? RICHTER: (Nods) That's right. (Turns and leaves)


 * Triet*

<Skit "Don't Remind Me" appears [S0432]> EMIL: Okay, I guess we shouldn't keep Marta waiting. Let's head back to Triet. TENEBRAE: I can't wait to hear what fortune she got. (Laughs) EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Don't remind me.

<Emil meets up with Marta at Colette's big hole [T0445]> MARTA: (Annoyed) Emil! Where have you been?! EMIL: I'm sorry. MARTA: The fortuneteller told me some amazing stuff! I've been dying to tell you! What've you been doing? EMIL: [Uh...] You see-- TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, Emil was concerned about what the fortuneteller might predict and found it difficult to return here. EMIL: (Surprised)Huh?! MARTA: Really?! You're such a worrywart! (Playful) But you can relax. The fortuneteller said we're a perfect match! EMIL: Oh, we are? MARTA: Yes. The fortuneteller said that in the near future, you're going to break out of your shell and become a new person! And then the two of us are definitely going to end up together! Isn't that great?!~ EMIL: Break out of my shell. Yeah, I hope that comes true. MARTA: (Beams) I'm so happy that you agree. I didn't know you felt so strongly about us. EMIL: What? I didn't it mean it like that. [Uh...] Marta? Are you listening? (Slumps)

<Skit "Bridging the Gap" appears [S0433]> EMIL: The Balacruf Mausoleum and the Camberto Caves. I think I was able to bridge the gap between Richter and me a little. TENEBRAE: I wouldn't be so sure. EMIL: He did laugh a bit this time. TENEBRAE: That was a surprise. EMIL: What sort of person do you think his friend is? You know, the one he talked about. TENEBRAE: I was a bit shocked to hear he had any friends at all. His friend must have the patience of a saint. [EMIL: (Laughs)] TENEBRAE: If I may say so, I believe you're that way as well. EMIL: (Dejected) I know I don't have any friends. You don't have to rub it in. (Leaves) TENEBRAE: I meant to say that you have some saint-like qualities yourself. [Hmmph!] I'll never master your confounded human language.


 * Izoold*

<The party returns to Berg's house [T0446]> BERG: Hey, it's you. Did you manage to catch any jellyfish? EMIL: Yep, here you go. BERG: Looks like you're in a much better mood. EMIL: Huh? BERG: Last time we spoke, you were all stressed out. EMIL: (Slumps) Oh, I'm sorry. BERG: [Nahh,] Don't worry about it. Anyway, you want those seafood gels, right? I'll make you some straight away. REGAL We'd hate to put you or this place in any danger. As soon as you're done, could you bring them to the harbor? BERG: Got it. You can all go on ahead. Though I still find it hard to believe that my seafood gels could actually attract that stupid frog.

<Skit "Discouragement" appears [S0434]> EMIL: I hope this works. MARTA: Don't worry about it! If this doesn't work, we'll just think of something else! REGAL: Marta's right. Even if we are incorrect and discover that seafood gels are not the cause, that is still progress. EMIL: Yeah, you're right. I really need to stop being discouraged so easily. MARTA: You're doing it right now. You've got to stop that. There's nothing wrong with you. You're only worried about what'll happen because you care about the rest of us. And there's nothing wrong with that. EMIL: (Nods) Right. REGAL: The two of you complement each other most impressively. Marta fills in your missing pieces, Emil. MARTA: (Beams, giggles) Hear that? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. Thanks for always looking out for me.

<The party goes to the docks [T0447]> (With his awesome teleporting powers, Berg has dropped off a big crate of nasty ol' seafood gels.) BERG: Here you go! Fresh seafood gels! REGAL: These look delectable. BERG: All right, now let's see you prove your silly theory about my gels attracting the light-frog. (There's a pause, and suddenly a bright flash comes from the top of the gel pile) BERG: That's it! EMIL: (Covers his eyes) Don't look directly at the light! You'll pass out! (Another flash, and a giant mohawk-sporting frog appears on the gel crate) BERG: [Th-]There it is! EMIL: (Nervous) Wow, it's bigger than I thought. MARTA: Maybe it mutated. REGAL: Save your theories for later. Here it comes! (The nazdrovie attacks! The party pulls its plug) NAZDROVIE: Croak! (Dies) BERG: [Woah...] I can't believe it. All those fires really were because of my seafood gels. REGAL: Well, it's possible the light-frogs are drawn to any type of gel. If you can, I'd recommend the entire town to stop dealing in gels for the time being. BERG: (Nods) You're right. I'll talk it over with everyone. You've done so much for our town. Thanks. (Leaves) (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Emil, I apologize. It appears you were correct. I would have never believed the nazdr--sorry, the light-frog--would be interested in seafood gels. EMIL: No, I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't mean to say all those harsh things. TENEBRAE: Emil... REGAL: (Folds arms) Well, hopefully this puts an end to all of the tragic frog fires. Perhaps it's time we considered booking passage to Flanoir? MARTA: (Nods) You're right. Come on, we've gotta get those Centurions' cores before Lloyd does. EMIL: (Pumps fist) Yeah, let's do it! (Marta jumps for joy)

<The party heads for a ship [T0448]> SAILOR: This ship's bound for Flanoir. Coming aboard?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: No thanks.

<Emil says YES> EMIL: Sure. SAILOR: Bon Voyage!


 * Out to Sea*

<Skit "???" appears [S0435]> TENEBRAE: (Groans) I had forgotten how much boats sway. EMIL: Tenebrae, are you seasick? TENEBRAE: Well yes. REGAL: I guess not even Centurions are immune to seasickness. MARTA: (Sounding sick) It looks that way. EMIL: What?! Marta, not you too?! MARTA: I told you I get motion sickness. REGAL: If only I had some of my company's patented motion sickness medication. Why don't the two of you lie down in the cabin for now. MARTA: [G...] Good idea. TENEBRAE: (Groans, skull) Curse this awful vessel.


 * Flanoir*

<The party arrives to a scene of carnage [T0449]> REGAL: (Shocked) What the-- (People lay in the smoking ruins of town, dying. Emil runs to one man and kneels over him) EMIL: Are you okay?! INJURED MAN: (Rasping) Lloyd, he... REGAL: Did you say Lloyd?! EMIL: Did Lloyd Irving do this to you?! INJURED MAN: (Straining) Yes, it was Lloyd. He came and attacked the city... EMIL: (Grabs the man's shoulder) Hang on! Stay with me! REGAL: He's gone. MARTA: (Gasps) [Th-]This is horrible. REGAL: I must find out what happened here.

<Skit "Where is Lloyd?" appears [S0436]> EMIL: (Bitterly) It's just like at Palmacosta. How could he do something so horrible? MARTA: Emil... EMIL: (Angrily) Damn it, Lloyd! Where are you?! REGAL: He couldn't have gotten far. Let's track him down before he can leave town.

<The party heads up past the doctor's house [T0450]> REGAL: (Shakes head) Did Lloyd actually do all this? I can't believe it. EMIL: (Angrily) But you heard what those people said! They said that Lloyd did this! REGAL: That is true, but... (Emil's eyes go red) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Face the facts! Lloyd did all this, just like he destroyed Palmacosta and Luin! (Suddenly, Lloyd runs out of the doctor's house. He notices the party, then starts to walk the other way.) REGAL: (Notices Lloyd) Lloyd, wait! Lloyd, did you really cause all of this death and destruction? Tell me. (Lloyd keeps silent) REGAL: I can't believe it. You despised this kind of cruelty--you more than anyone! Answer me, Lloyd! LLOYD: (Coldly) I'm in a hurry. R.EMIL: (Furious) You bastard! (Emil draws his sword and attacks. Lloyd blocks him) LLOYD: [Urrgh...] You've improved. R.EMIL: What?! LLOYD: Looks like I'll have to speed things up. (Lloyd leaps away, and the sound of an engine revving up fills the air) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Come back, you coward! REGAL: (Arms folded) So that's what Lloyd's become. MARTA: Yes. He's like that every time we see him. Why does he keep doing these horrible things?! R.EMIL: So Regal, what's it gonna be? We're gonna pay that bastard back for all this. You still wanna come with us? REGAL: If I recall correctly, your objective is to get all of the Centurions' cores. R.EMIL: (Annoyed) It's the same thing. REGAL: (Shakes head) Not quite. Doesn't locating the cores take priority? (Emil is silent) MARTA: (To Regal) But would you be able to fight against Lloyd, if it comes down to that? (Regal is silent for a moment) REGAL: (Down) If necessary, yes. (Emil looks surprised, then his eyes change back to green) REGAL: That wasn't the Lloyd that I know. I want to know why he's changed so drastically. And then, I want to save him, just like Lloyd saved me. I don't want to burden you, but I hope you would allow me to travel with you a while longer. EMIL: [I...] I trust you, Regal. You treat a kid like me as if I were an adult, an equal. I haven't met too many people like that before. (Tenebrae appears) MARTA: And you're no burden at all. We'd be happy to have you along. REGAL: (Nods) Thank you. TENEBRAE: So how should we proceed? Shall we follow Lloyd? MARTA: Like Regal said, the most important thing isn't revenge--it's the Centurions' cores. EMIL: There's supposed to be a Centurion's core around here, it's where Celsius used to be, right? REGAL: [Hmm...] In that case, I'll show you the way. But first, I think we should do whatever we can to help the people of this city. EMIL: Yes! I was going to say the same thing. MARTA: Me too! [Heh...] I think you're rubbing off on me, Emil. Now when I see someone in need, my first instinct is to help them. REGAL: Then let's split up for now--we can help more people that way. We'll meet back here once things have settled down. MARTA: Right! Emil, you take the church! (Emil nods. The party splits up)

<Emil heads for the church, but finds Regal back in his prison garb [T0451]> EMIL: (Surprised) Regal! REGAL: Oh, Emil. The city was hit hard, but they should be able to get back on their feet with the right help. I'll need to contact my company's disaster recovery division for assistance. EMIL: Your clothes. REGAL: I gave them to one of the injured. It gets pretty cold here at night. They're thin, but they're better than nothing. And... EMIL: And? REGAL: We're going after Lloyd. There's no telling what may happen. Those clothes are not appropriate for fighting. For my friend I shall endure these clothes, this humiliation for a while.

<Emil steps into the grand Flanoir church [T0452]> (A strange man with blue hair is praying at the altar, and a heavy, vile stench pervades the air) EMIL: (Recoils, thinking) [Woah!] What is this smell? ???: (Quietly) Please make her crazy about me. (Emil takes a few steps forward) EMIL: (Thinking) The smell's coming from this guy. ???: (Quietly) And then, make her say she likes me, and she'll hold my hand, and give me a long, passionate kiss, and she'll say "Decus, I could never live without you!" and then she'll plead with me and say "Marry me, I love you!" (Emil gawks. The man stands up and notices him) ???: [Hmm?] What do you want, kid? EMIL: [Uh,] Nothing. (The man makes a disturbingly slow swing of his arm, pointing at Emil) ???: Don't tell me?! EMIL: What? ???: (Strikes a flamboyant pose) You've got a crush on me too?! EMIL: (Recoils, shocked) Huh?! ???: (Strikes another flamboyant pose) [Ah,] Yes, the mail-order catalog did say that this "Eau de Seduction" cologne would affect men and women alike! EMIL: (Defensive) No, I don't-- ???: (Strikes yet another flamboyant pose, swaying and feeling around like he's checking for ticks) Don't be embarrassed, kid, I understand how you feel. But see, I've already promised myself to another. (Thankfully stops moving) But perhaps this little rendezvous was meant to happen. I shall leave you with a gift of some of my ever-fragrant "Eau de Seduction." (Emil backs away, but the man manages to drop a vial of the pungent stuff into his hands) ???: Farewell! (Swaggers out of the church, doing those crazy motions again) EMIL: (Baffled) What was that guy? (Suddenly, another, more normal man runs in) TOWNSMAN: Hey, young man! If you have a free hand, we could use some help carrying the injured! EMIL: (Nods) Yes!

guy has managed to completely out-gay Zelos.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Amazing. Within the thirty seconds since we met him, this

<Much later, the party convenes outside the inn [T0453]> REGAL: It looks like things have started to calm down. MARTA: I'm glad we could help. Though I wish they weren't needed in the first place. REGAL: By the way, did you see Raine or Genis? EMIL: No. REGAL: I see. EMIL: (Looks down) That worries me. They should have gotten here before us. MARTA: Do you think they got caught in the attack? TENEBRAE: Fretting over that now won't accomplish anything. Shall we depart to retrieve the Centurion's core? EMIL: (Annoyed) Tenebrae, you can be so cold-hearted. TENEBRAE: Why would you say that?

<The party moves to leave town [T0454]> CITIZEN: (Offscreen) Hey wait a moment! (Emil turns around as the man from the church runs up) EMIL: You're-- CITIZEN: Thanks a lot for helping out. Because of that foul-smelling guy, people were avoiding the church area, but you stepped right in to help. EMIL: Oh, it was nothing. CITIZEN: Anyway, I wanted you to have this. I bought it from a merchant that just came back from Mizuho. (The man gives Emil a Water Spider) MARTA: (Curious) What is it? CITIZEN: He said it allows you to walk on water! I have no use for it, so I want you to have it. Come on take it. It's a show of our appreciation. Well, thanks again! (The man walks away) MARTA: So, he just gave us something he doesn't want? He could've given us something better. EMIL: True.

<Skit "Previous Discussion" appears [S0437]> TENEBRAE: If I may bring up our previous discussion. EMIL: [Huh?] Which one? TENEBRAE: You mentioned that I was "so cold-hearted." Though it may seem that way, in actuality I am quite kind. EMIL: Oh, that. TENEBRAE: Yes. For example, if a monster is near death and suffering, I do not hesitate to use my powers to bring them under my control. And in battle, I always make sure to finish off an opponent, no matter how much they beg, before they have a chance to regret fighting me. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) And that's being kind? TENEBRAE: Yes. Among Centurions, I am known for my moderation. [EMIL: (SIGH)]

<Skit "Lloyd of the Past" appears [S0438]> REGAL: How could Lloyd not answer me? EMIL: You still want to save him somehow, don't you? REGAL: He is my friend. MARTA: What kind of person was Lloyd before? REGAL: Well, he was an optimistic, straightforward, and compassionate young man. He followed his heart, so he tended to act without thinking through his actions, but I found that innocence to be a positive trait. EMIL: That doesn't sound anything like the Lloyd I know. REGAL: (Sober) That may be. I wish I could somehow introduce you to the Lloyd I once knew. Maybe then you'd understand how confused I am at this situation. TENEBRAE: The flow of time cannot be reversed. No, there are those who can manage the task, but for humans it's exceedingly difficult. REGAL: Indeed. And as much as I long to see the Lloyd of old, we must deal with him as he is now. My apologies for having broached such a topic.


 * Temple of Ice*

<The party enters a surprisingly green area [T0455]> REGAL: This is a surprise. Flanoir was unusually warm, but now the ice here is melting. EMIL: Is it normally much colder here? REGAL: (Nods) Yes. This whole area used to be covered in snow and ice. (Off in the distance, a familiar figure stands staring at a large, icy vine in the rocks) RAINE: How unusual. It looks like this might be a Celsius' Tear. MARTA: That voice. Isn't that Raine?!

<The party runs to see their friends [T0456]> GENIS: (Turns and looks at them) Hi guys! REGAL: You're all right! RAINE: Did something happen? MARTA: It was terrible. When we got to Flanoir... (Quickie explanation fade-out) GENIS: (Hangs head) No way. All those poor townspeople. RAINE: This is very strange. Flanoir has never opposed the Church of Martel. GENIS: (Irked) Raine, is that all you have to say?! RAINE: This is important. Why would Lloyd attack Flanoir? EMIL: Maybe he just wanted to kill more people. REGAL: No, that doesn't make sense. You fought Lloyd before, but he chose not to kill you. MARTA: I see what you mean. All the cities attacked up until now had been opposed to the Church of Martel, or at least suspected of it. REGAL: (To Raine) Come to think of it, why did you two come this way? GENIS: Oh, right! We discovered something terrible, too! We came to look for the Centurion's core, but-- EMIL: (Shocked) Lloyd got to it first?! GENIS: (Smacks forehead) Not Lloyd. An accessory seller has it. MARTA: (Surprised) What?! RAINE: We ran into the owner of an accessory shop just as we arrived. He was carrying the Centurion's core. When we asked him to hand it over, he said he couldn't possibly part with such a valuable item. TENEBRAE: Most unfortunate. That man is in danger. EMIL: You're right. The core will warp the soul of any normal person who handles it. TENEBRAE: Affected parties are typically consumed with the desire to destroy everything in sight. He may become violent, or even murderous. REGAL: If that's true, wouldn't that explain Lloyd's attack on Flanoir? RAINE: You mean it's the Centurion's core that's making him act this way? GENIS: We have to go after Lloyd! Which way was his Rheiard headed? EMIL: [Um...] To the south, I think. RAINE: South from here. He could be headed for Meltokio. REGAL: We'll leave Lloyd to you two. The rest of us will go after the Centurion's core. MARTA: Regal, are you sure? REGAL: I'm the one who requested to come along, remember? EMIL: (Disappointed) Then that means we'll be parting ways with you two again. GENIS: You guys will go after the Centurions' cores, and we'll go after Lloyd. RAINE: The odds are good that our paths will cross again soon. Until then, be careful. EMIL: Right! RAINE: Well then, farewell. REGAL: (To Raine) Oh Raine, about that letter... I read every word. GENIS: (Nervous) Wait, does that mean that you two are? RAINE: Thanks, Regal. Okay, Genis, let's go. GENIS: Wait, but... [but...] (Raine drags Genis offscreen) MARTA: (Happy) [Ah,] The passion of love. It makes my heart race! REGAL: Anyway, we should find that accessory shop in town. Let's go. (Regal and Tenebrae walk off. Marta and Emil hang back) MARTA: (Beams) [Aww,] He was embarrassed, how cute! Emil, if you wrote me a letter, I'd read every word of it, too.~ (Snaps out of it) Oops, I'm not supposed to say things like that, right? Sorry. EMIL: (Blushes, shakes head) No, it's fine.

<Skit "Mature Relationship" appears [S0439]> MARTA: (Sighs, blushes) I'm so jealous. EMIL: Why is that, Marta? MARTA: I was just thinking what it would be like to be in a mature relationship like Regal and Raine. I mean it's so exciting. EMIL: A mature relationship? You mean like having meddling in-laws, being so poor you have to share a tiny piece of bread between the two of you, huddling under a single blanket to ward off the cold at night. MARTA: [Agh!] That's so romantic! EMIL: I was trying to be funny.

<Skit "History of Mana" appears [S0440]> EMIL: (Shivering) It's so cold. REGAL: Yes. Though it's much warmer here than it was before. MARTA: It's hard to believe things like this happen just because Ratatosk is asleep. TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk brought us, the Centurions, together to command the monsters and restore balance to the mana flow. It's the only way to maintain stability in a world where mana didn't originally exist. EMIL: What do you mean by that? REGAL: Isn't mana the source of all life? TENEBRAE: According to Lord Ratatosk, initially this world was without mana. As the mana from the comet Derris-Kharlan accumulated here, the Giant Kharlan Tree took root, and forever changed the environment of this world. MARTA: How long ago did that happen? TENEBRAE: Let's see. About 10,000 years ago, at the very least. REGAL: That long ago. It boggles the mind to think about it.


 * Flanoir*

<The party goes to the relic shop [T0457]> (A bald old man stands behind the counter) OLD MAN: [Hmm...] Something I can help you with? (Regal stares at the man questioningly) MARTA: [Umm,] Yes. We heard the owner of this shop brought back a strange jewel with him. OLD MAN: Oh, that. My son couldn't find any buyers for it, so he figured he might as well dump it back where he found it. EMIL: (Slumps) We must have just missed him. MARTA: Let's hurry after him! REGAL: Excuse me, what happened to the previous owner of this shop? OLD MAN: [Hmm?] I've always been the owner here. Perhaps you're mistaken? REGAL: (Surprised) Really. MARTA: Regal, let's get going. REGAL: (Nods) Right.

<Skit "Quick-Jump?" appears [S0441]> MARTA: (Irked) Are you serious? The Temple of Ice again? EMIL: I know. If we'd just hung out there a bit, we might've caught the accessory shop owner in the first place. REGAL: This sort of inconvenience is not uncommon. Anyway, I'm afraid we don't have much choice. MARTA: It just seems like a waste of time. TENEBRAE: Hopefully we'll get an option to just quick-jump there. EMIL/MARTA: (Puzzled) "Quick-jump?" TENEBRAE: [Ah,] Never mind.


 * Temple of Ice*

<The party goes back to where they met Raine and Genis [T0458]> (They stare at the mysterious blue vines in the rocks) REGAL: Didn't Raine say something about Celsius' Tear? MARTA: I've heard of them. Isn't it some type of rare ice flower? REGAL: That's right. It has the power to freeze what's around it. EMIL: (Walks up to the vine) Then is this one of them? (Touches the vine and jumps back) Ouch! REGAL: Are you all right? EMIL: Yes. MARTA: Be careful. They say if you touch Celsius' Tear with your bare hands, you'll get frostbite. EMIL: (Slumps) Seriously?! You could've said something before! MARTA: But I heard that Celsius' Tear is the size of normal flowers. (They all look at the size of the vine. It's huge) EMIL: (Flustered) There's no way I could lift this. TENEBRAE: Perhaps a dormant Centurion's core is affecting the environment, and causing it to grow at an accelerated rate. EMIL: This thing is way too big. TENEBRAE: Which means Glacies' core should be somewhere in the vicinity. MARTA: Assuming that shop owner really brought it back. TENEBRAE: Perhaps my senses are deceiving me, but I thought I detected the presence of Solum's core. MARTA: Solum? That's the Centurion of Earth, right? Isn't that a little weird? This is the Temple of Ice. TENEBRAE: Yes, indeed. I suppose it's just my imagination.

<Skit "Mistaken for a Criminal" appears [S0442]> REGAL: I believe it might be time to prepare a meal. MARTA: (Surprised) [Woah!] Is that your own personal cooking knife? REGAL: Yes. EMIL: And you just carry it around with you? REGAL: Don't laugh, but cooking is a bit of a hobby for me. MARTA: I wouldn't laugh! I think it's attractive for a man to know his way around a kitchen. REGAL: Thank you. However, carrying a cooking knife does come with its own problems. EMIL: Like what? REGAL: Well, for example, occasionally being mistaken for a criminal. I've been imprisoned numerous times because of it. EMIL: For such a perfect gentleman, you sure seem to wind up in jail a lot.

<The party makes its way in through another door [T0459]> (The inside of the temple is still coated with ice) EMIL: There's still ice left inside here. MARTA: (Shivers) You're right. It's kinda chilly. This is where Celsius used to be, right? REGAL: Well, perhaps it would be more accurate to say this is where she was imprisoned. EMIL: Oh, really? But why? REGAL: Apparently it was in order to split the world in two. Though it's a bit of a moot point now. EMIL: (Slumps) That's right. The world was divided into two. MARTA: What's wrong, Emil? You look like you're in pain. EMIL: No, it's nothing. I just felt like I remembered something important. REGAL: You remembered something? Maybe something to do with the Centurions' cores? EMIL: I wonder what it was. Well, if it really was important, I'm sure it'll come to me eventually. (Tenebrae is silent)

<The party reaches a lake that isn't frozen [T0460]> (Emil tries freezing it, but it doesn't work) EMIL: It looks like the flow of water is too strong. It's not freezing. REGAL: It's just as I suspected. The Sorcerer's Ring was unable to freeze the entire lake the last time we were here as well. MARTA: What?! Then what did you do? REGAL: We used Celsius' Tear, but I am unsure if it will have the same effect due to the influence of the core. MARTA: (Light Bulb) Oh, why don't we use that thing we got in Flanoir? REGAL: By that you mean... TENEBRAE: Oh, that thing. EMIL: (Puzzled) Huh? (Emil slaps on the Water Spider)

<Skit "Celsius" appears [S0443]> EMIL: So, Celsius was here, but now she isn't? REGAL: I'm not sure. A friend of mine is a summoner who once made a pact with Celsius, and the summon spirit hasn't been here since. MARTA: So that means Celsius is still with that summoner? TENEBRAE: That is the most likely explanation. However, summon spirits, unlike humans, are not physical entities. So I imagine they don't exactly stay "with" summoners in the strictest sense. REGAL: Do Centurions have much in common with summon spirits? TENEBRAE: More so than we do with humans. As I am not a spirit myself, it's difficult to say exactly. EMIL: Summon spirits... [Hmm...] I would've liked to see Celsius, or any of the other summon spirits.

<The party goes into the chamber where Celsius used to be [T0461]> (The giant vines jut out of the walls, just like outside) MARTA: The Celsius' Tear reaches even here. REGAL: It's possible that these flowers wrap around the entire temple. EMIL: (Notices Celsius's podium) What's this? REGAL: Something that was used during the world regeneration. I wonder if it still works. EMIL: Oh, you came here before with Lloyd? REGAL (Hangs head) Yes, with Lloyd. I still can't understand why Lloyd won't explain his actions to us. Maybe he really has been affected by the dormant Centurion's core. EMIL: If I were Lloyd, I'd never do anything to hurt the people who cared about me. REGAL: (Turns to Emil) Emil... EMIL: (Slumps) He has so many friends who believe in him, but he doesn't care. How could he?

<The party reaches the Centurion altar [T0462]> (The altar is empty) EMIL: Glacies' core isn't here. MARTA: That's weird. Maybe the shop owner isn't here yet. EMIL: Yeah, if Lloyd had it, we'd probably see one of his weird posters around. (Suddenly, everyone hears something) TENEBRAE: (Alert) Something's coming! Be careful! (A giant yeti monster drops down in front of them) MARTA: [Wh-]What is that?! TENEBRAE: It's an ice elemental monster-- a mirka! It must have come here to escape the harsh climate outside. It seems to be extremely aggressive! (A second mirka drops down behind the party) REGAL: (Fighting stance) [Argh!] We're trapped. TENEBRAE: They must have been accidentally imprisoned within the altar. They're mad with hunger! (The monsters close in from both sides) EMIL: (Gasps) Here it comes! (The mirka attack, but the party defeats them) MARTA: (Exhausted) I thought we were lunch there for a sec. EMIL: (Slumps) Yeah. But I kind of feel sorry for it. It's not like they asked to be put in here. REGAL: Emil, you are a mystery. Even though you're afraid of monsters, you still seem to sympathize with them quite readily. EMIL: I know I sound like a wimp, but I just don't like fighting and all that. MARTA: (Blush) No, not at all. That's part of what I like about you. (Awkward silence) REGAL: By the way, something has been bothering me. MARTA: What is it? REGAL: I believe we may have been tricked. EMIL: (Surprised) What do you mean? REGAL: The owner of Flanoir's accessory shop assisted us on the journey of world regeneration. He was not the old man we met today. (Emil and Marta recoil) EMIL: You mean he's a fake? Then Glacies' core is... REGAL: I'm quite sure someone from the accessory shop took Glacies' core as witnessed by Raine and Genis. However, whether they are bringing it back here is another matter. MARTA: But why lie to us about it? TENEBRAE: Perhaps they're after your Ratatosk's core, Lady Marta. EMIL: If you're right, we need to get out of here as fast as we can. MARTA: (Nods) Yes. REGAL: Let's hurry.

<The party leaves the room [T0463]> (As they walk, a voice calls from offscreen) ???: Marta... (Marta turns and looks. A bald man in a cape with a staff stands nearby) ???: Marta, I'm sorry. (Runs off) MARTA: (Walks after him, shocked) Daddy?! EMIL: "Daddy?" Marta, your father's here? REGAL: In this place? ???: (Offscreen) Marta, come here. I want to apologize. MARTA: Really?! You'll hear me out?! (Runs around a corner) EMIL: Marta, hold on! Something's not right! (The others race after her, but giant ice rocks fall down, blocking the path) EMIL: (Calling) Marta! Marta, are you okay? REGAL: Damn! We'll have to break it down. TENEBRAE: (Turns around) Wait! Behind you! (A slew of Vanguard troops appears) EMIL: (Fighting stance) The Vanguard?! REGAL: You're after Ratatosk's core. VANGUARD: (Angrily) We have no use for you! Die! (The Vanguard troops attack!, but the group drives them off) EMIL: (Looking at the rocks again) What should we do? Marta's in danger! TENEBRAE: Lady Marta will die if Ratatosk's core is removed from her. REGAL: You two, stand back. EMIL: [O-]Okay. (Emil and Tenebrae step back. Regal focuses for a moment, then uses a Hadouken-ish move to blow away the rocks) EMIL: (Stunned) Wow! TENEBRAE: Why don't you utilize that destructive power in battle? REGAL I swore that I would never again use my hands as tools of death. EMIL: "Never again," you mean... REGAL: Long ago, the woman that I loved died by my own hands. EMIL: ... REGAL: Scorn me if you wish. But right now, we have to save Marta. EMIL: I can't imagine you ever doing something like that. There must've been a good reason behind what you did. And even if you did kill someone, I've harmed countless people under the guise of protecting myself as well. REGAL: Emil...

<Skit "Richter and Me" appears [S0444]> EMIL: Regal killed the one he loved with his own hands. I wonder how it happened. If I end up fighting Richter will I be able to when the time comes? Wait, I mean, I'm not in love with Richter or anything. I mean, it's not like that! [Uh,] Not that I don't like him or anything. Actually I like him a lot, but... (Muzzy) [Nuhhhh...] I don't even know what I'm thinking anymore. REGAL: (Walks in) Emil, is something wrong? EMIL: What? No, I'm fine. [REGAL: Huh?]

<The party runs into the next room [M0401]> (Richter has Marta against an ice statue, his gloved hand around her neck. He shoves her against the statue) [MARTA: Unghh!] (As he raises his sword, Emil and Regal race in) EMIL: Richter! Please, stop! RICHTER: (Notices them) So you found me, Emil. I didn't want to to see this, but I guess I have no choice. (Aqua appears between Emil and Richter) AQUA: I won't let you get in Master Richter's way! Siren, go! (Aqua summons up a group of mermaid monsters! The party defeats them) (Unimpressed with the victory, Richter thrusts his blade into Marta with a sickening THOCK. Marta slowly sinks to the ground.  Emil shudders, then keels over and his eyes turn red) R.EMIL: (Screaming) Marta! (Richter pulls the glowing Ratatosk core off of Marta's body and looks it over.) R.EMIL: (Wild) You bastard! How could you? How could you do that to Marta?! (Emil charges, but Richter flips over him. Emil crashes into the icy dirt as Richter and Aqua make their getaway.	Emil staggers to his feet and turns to his fallen friend, devastated. Regal joins him in staring) R.EMIL: Damn it! If I was more powerful, I could've stopped this! If I was always me, I never would've let this happen! ???: You should take a good look at her before you start crying. (Their ears perk up. Regal especially seems to recognize the voice) REGAL: That voice... (With a poof of smoke, a well-endowed girl in a purple ninja robe appears.) ???: Sheena Fujibayashi at your service. (Marta hops out from behind her and strikes a pose) MARTA: And Marta Lualdi, the lovely beauty who rose from the dead!~ (Emil and Regal stand up, Emil's eyes reverting to green.) EMIL: Marta. Marta! Thank goodness you're safe! (Emil grabs Marta in a big bear hug.) MARTA: (Softly) I'm sorry for making you go through that Emil. REGAL: (Looks at the dead Marta) Then what is that body? (The corpse changes into a log with Marta's clothes. Sheena beams) SHEENA: It's an Igaguri ninja technique. Pretty good, huh? But not as good as Grandpa. REGAL: Thank you for helping us Sheena. But tell me, what brings you to the Temple of Ice? SHEENA: I came to rescue the kidnapped citizens of Flanoir and thought I'd give you a hand. EMIL: Kidnapped? [W-]What do you mean, ma'am? SHEENA: You know Flanoir was attacked, right? EMIL: (Nods) Oh, [y...]yes. SHEENA: During the attack, the Vanguard kidnapped the family that runs the accessory shop and I tracked them down here. (Everyone reacts with shock) EMIL: So then they were imposters after all! SHEENA: What do you mean? REGAL: It appears the kidnapping was all part of an even bigger ruse to lure us here. TENEBRAE: Perhaps we should continue this discussion elsewhere. It would be dangerous to stay here too long. (Sheena notices Tenebrae and recoils) SHEENA: [Wha...] What the heck is this thing! TENEBRAE: (Swoops down low) I am Tenebrae. Enchanted, I'm sure. SHEENA: [Oh, o-o-] Okay, well, whatever you are, I suppose you're right. We should get going. That guy from before might realize the core he has is a fake. And I don't think we want to stay around for that.

spell-check is giving me hell about the way used in the script.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: There are two ways of spelling "impostor," but my

<The party goes further up, towards another weird statue [T0464]> SHEENA: Let's see, it's Emil, right? EMIL: [Uh,] Yes. SHEENA: (Scratches her head) I feel like I've met you somewhere before. Maybe it's just my imagination. EMIL: I'm sorry. I don't think I remember meeting you. SHEENA: Oh yeah? That's so strange. Your face looks very familiar. Speaking of familiar faces, that Richter guy, I've seen him before, too. MARTA: (Surprised) Really?! SHEENA: Yes. I've definitely seen him somewhere. You don't think I'd forget someone dumb enough to fall for the oldest trick in the book. (The floor Sheena's on shudders) SHEENA: Huh?! (A trap door opens beneath Sheena and she drops down) SHEENA: (Scream) Aaah! (Emil, Marta and Regal stare down the hole) REGAL: (Stands up) I apologize for this. MARTA: [No,] Not at all. Let's go find her. EMIL: Right. She saved Marta's life, after all. TENEBRAE: How should we proceed? Follow her down the pit ourselves? REGAL: We lack the proper equipment to safely descend from here. Why don't we first try to find a path that might lead to the bottom of the pit? EMIL: Good idea. Let's look for another way.

<The party reaches a third weird statue [T0465]> MARTA: Thanks Emil. For before. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) About what? MARTA: When you thought I'd been killed, you got really furious. I half expected you to be relieved that this annoying girl was finally out of your hair. EMIL: I'd never think anything like that! When I saw you get stabbed... All I could think about was how I never told you how I felt. MARTA: (Blushes, surprised) What? EMIL: (Blushing) I want you to forget everything I said earlier--about you telling me who I'm supposed to be. I don't really think that! MARTA: [W-]Wait, do you mean that you... EMIL: [N-]No, not that! It's just, I know I'm not the person you think I am, but-- MARTA: (Shakes head) No. You're wrong. Sure, when we first started out together, I had it in my head that you were this all-powerful prince charming. But after a while I realized, you're actually scared of a lot of things. EMIL: (Slumps) Yeah. I'm sorry I'm so pathetic. MARTA: But that timid Emil is the one fighting for me with everything he's got, even though he never asked to get wrapped up in all this in the first place. (Blushes) It touches my heart far more than a hero who fights without fear. EMIL: (Puzzled) What-- MARTA: I think the real you is much, much cooler than the fantasy I had in my mind. TENEBRAE: I'm glad to see the two of you so happy. (Emil and Marta pull away quickly, not looking at each other) REGAL: (Chuckles) After all that, don't you have anything to say to Marta? EMIL: [Eh, um,] I... MARTA: It's okay. I'm going to go on loving you regardless of how you feel. You don't have to say anything. (Emil blushes) REGAL: Well, let's keep moving. I hope Sheena's all right. EMIL: Right.

<The party makes its way down into the basement [T0466]> (An overpowering funk makes everyone cover their noses) TENEBRAE: Something smells. REGAL: (Rasping) What is this terrible stench? EMIL: (Choking) That smells familiar. MARTA: That's Eau de Seduction! That means Decus is here! (The party runs ahead to where Sheena is holding up Alice, who looks pretty beat up. The weird man stands over them) SHEENA: This is bad. She's not waking up. DECUS: Alice! Alice, my darling! Your dear Decus is here! Now, open your eyes for me! SHEENA: I'm surprised she hasn't come to yet. Your cologne could wake the dead. DECUS: [Ha ha!] You're entranced by my alluring scent as well. However! I am pledged to my darling Alice! MARTA: Decus?! SHEENA: You came just in time! This girl broke my fall! Can you use healing artes to help her? DECUS: (Shoots up, pointing) Marta?! But Richter killed you! SHEENA: Just a minute. You know Richter? Are you guys friends with that creep? MARTA: Sheena, those two are both members of the Vanguard! (Sheena thinks for a moment, then unceremoniously drops Alice on the ground and runs. This brings Alice around) ALICE: (Gets up) [Owww....] What the-- DECUS: (Flamboyant pose) Alice, my darling! It's your prince, Decus! ALICE: (Runs back) What the--Why is Dumbo-Decus here? [Uuugh,] Get away from me, you reek! (Notices Marta) Martmart? Why are you still alive? What, Richter failed? DECUS: Yes, my dearest Alice. And after all that trouble I went to, transforming to lure Marta away from her friends. (Decus shape-shifts into the bald man) MARTA: (Shocked) Daddy! You--That was nothing but a disguise! REGAL: Sheena, is that similar to your ninja technique? SHEENA: (Surprised) No. Even the most advanced techniques of the Igaguri-style involve some sort of trick or device. ALICE: Well, well. Guess I'll just have to take care of little Martmart myself. I can't wait to see the look on Richter's face when I tell him.~ DECUS: Let me help, my dearest Alice. (The party floors it away from the dastardly duo) ALICE: (Angrily) Decus, you stink. Stay away from me! Now then, be a good girl and say your prayers before I send you off to heaven.~ SHEENA: Not so fast! Celsius! (The buxom ice warrior appears, throws up a frosty wall between the goodies and the baddies, and vanishes) ALICE: (Muffled) No fair! First you fall right on me, and now you throw up this stupid wall! SHEENA: (To the others) This ice wall won't hold forever. Let's get out of here while we still can!

<Skit "Eau de Seduction" appears [S0445]> TENEBRAE: Does anyone else smell that? MARTA: Yeah, something sure stinks. REGAL: It smells like an attempt to take a masculine fragrance and strengthen it to ludicrous levels. TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) I think it's coming from Emil. MARTA/REGAL: (Shocked) What? EMIL: (Defensive) [I-]It's not me. It's this Eau de Seduction stuff that guy Decus forced on me. REGAL: Eau de Seduction? MARTA: (Irked) You put that stuff on? That's so creepy! EMIL: Well, I mean-- REGAL: My apologies. I believe that is one of my company's products. EMIL/MARTA/TENEBRAE: What?! REGAL: I'll send an order to the factory to halt production immediately. This odor is a menace. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Just what sort of corporation is the Lezareno Group, anyway?

<Skit "Sheena's Destiny" appears [S0446]> REGAL: You really have a knack for falling into pits, Sheena. SHEENA: (Irked) Hey! It's not like I threw myself down that thing for the fun of it. By the time I realized that hole was there, it was already too late. REGAL: I thought it might just be part of your destiny as a descendent of the Fujibayashi line. SHEENA: Very funny. Besides, what kind of crummy destiny would involve falling into holes? TENEBRAE: Well, your ancestry could have a long history of falling into life's pitfalls. [REGAL/SHEENA: (SIGH)]

<The party runs back up to the altar door [T0467]> EMIL: I think we lost Alice and Decus. MARTA: Looks like it. EMIL: (Slumps) And Richter, too. MARTA: Emil... EMIL: I wonder if Richter had anything to do with the kidnapping of that shopkeeper. SHEENA: (Scratches head) If so, he certainly has a roundabout way of doing things. REGAL: Remember, he said something along the lines of not wanting Emil to see him kill Marta. (Emil is quiet for a moment, then realizes something) EMIL: Oh! Is the real shopkeeper all right? SHEENA: (Nods) Of course. My scouts should be escorting him back to town as we speak. EMIL: Thank god. TENEBRAE: Why do humans have this tendency to stop and talk? Need I remind you that we are currently being pursued? SHEENA: Come to think of it, I've been meaning to ask. What the hell are you? A summon spirit or something? TENEBRAE: (Sits) I am a Centurion. I'd be more than happy to discuss it with you in detail once we get away from here. SHEENA: Are all Centurions as moody as you?

<Skit "Speaking Ban" appears [S0447]> SHEENA: Man, that guy reeked to high heaven. EMIL: Yes, that was his Eau de Sed-- TENEBRAE: (Butts in) Sorry to interrupt this fascinating discussion, but if it continues much longer, our enemies are bound to catch up with us. SHEENA: [O-]Okay, I get it. [You-]You want us to stop talking, right? TENEBRAE: Exactly. I hereby proclaim a ban on speaking.

<Skit "Speaking Ban Part 2" appears [S0448]> SHEENA: (Huffs) I can't stand it! I just can't be so quiet for this long! TENEBRAE: Excuse me if I'm mistaken, but as your profession is akin to that of a spy, I'd imagine that silence would occasionally be essential in your line of work? SHEENA: (Irked) You sure talk a lot for a dog. TENEBRAE: (Irked) I am not a dog. I am a Centurion. We Centurions are not summon spirits, nor are we animals, but rather-- SHEENA: [Shh!] If we keep yapping like this, we'll get caught! TENEBRAE: But-- SHEENA: (Playful) Speaking ban in effect!

<Skit "Speaking Ban Part 3" appears [S0449]> TENEBRAE: My, my, this is wonderful. If only we could travel this quietly all the-- EMIL/MARTA/SHEENA/REGAL: (Yelling) Quiet! TENEBRAE: (Shrinks away) Oh right, my apologies.

<The party leaves the temple [T0468]> SHEENA: [Whew!] I thought we'd never get out of there. REGAL: It's just been one thing after another. The whole situation has become quite an ordeal. SHEENA: Hey, Regal. How did you end up with these kids, anyway? REGAL: Well, you see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) SHEENA: (Stunned) Lloyd was responsible for that attack?! No way, I can't believe it. EMIL: But if Lloyd's being affected by the Centurion's core, it's not unthinkable. SHEENA: I suppose it's possible, but still... (Awkward silence) SHEENA: (Loudly) Argh! (More awkward silence) SHEENA: I give up. There's no point in idle speculation. Raine and Genis are following Lloyd right now? MARTA: (Nods) [Uh,] Yes. SHEENA: Then I'm going with you. EMIL: (Recoils) Huh?! SHEENA: If something's the matter with Lloyd, maybe I can be the one to smack some sense back into him. And if I go with you, there's a chance we'll run into him, right? MARTA: Well yes, I suppose so. SHEENA: All right, then it's set. You mind? EMIL: No. MARTA: Yeah, welcome to the group. SHEENA: Great, now that that's settled, let's visit the Flanoir accessory shop. We've got to find where Glacies' core went. EMIL: (Nods) Yes, let's go.

<Skit "Sheena's Mission" appears [S0450]> REGAL: Sheena, it's been far too long. SHEENA: That's for sure. The last time we met was... REGAL: At the unveiling of Ozette's restoration plan. SHEENA: Right, that's it! REGAL: Were you on some kind of mission in Flanoir? SHEENA: No, I didn't have any official business to attend to. [REGAL: Hmm?] SHEENA: I was looking for Lloyd and just happened to be there when Flanoir came under attack. REGAL: You've been looking for him as well. SHEENA: Aren't you worried about him? REGAL: Yes, I am.

<Skit "Responsibility" appears [S0451]> MARTA: (Giggles playfully as she walks up) Emil! EMIL: What? MARTA: (Giggles again) Oh, nothing! (Walks away) [EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Huh?...] TENEBRAE: Emil, Lady Marta is indicating she is happy. EMIL: Yeah, but about what? TENEBRAE: She is pleased you were genuinely concerned for her welfare. EMIL: (Nervous) [B-]But that was-- TENEBRAE: As a man, you must now take responsibility. [EMIL: Huh?!] TENEBRAE: Those who carelessly spark false hope in a young lady's heart are doomed to scorn and resentment. EMIL: (Flustered) Who said I was trying to do anything like that?! TENEBRAE: (Laughs darkly) The world tends to side with young ladies. I urge you to proceed with caution. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Tenebrae, you've managed to surpass "spiteful" and graduate straight to "malicious."


 * Flanoir*

<The party goes to the relic shop [T0469]> (A Mizuho scout is waiting for them) MIZUHO SCOUT: Chief, we flushed out all the Vanguard members that were holed up in this house. MARTA: (Puzzled) "Chief?" Who's "chief?" REGAL: Sheena is one of the Mizuho. They're a secret group that serves the Tethe'allan royal family. Perhaps you've heard of them? MARTA: (Nods) I have! They're experts in intelligence gathering and combat. SHEENA: (Strikes a pose) That's us!~ EMIL: (Recoils) Experts?! You're joking, right?! SHEENA: (Turns on Emil, irked) [Wh-]What's that supposed to mean?! You little-- (Awkward silence) SHEENA: (Turns to the scout) I trust the family's unharmed. MIZUHO SCOUT: (Nods) Of course. SHEENA: Good work. (The scout disappears) SHEENA: The real accessory shop owner is inside. REGAL: I'm glad he's safe. MARTA: Come on. Let's go talk to him! EMIL: Right!

<The party goes into the shop [T0470]> PENGUIN GRANDPA: (Surprised) Oh, it's you! SHEENA: There you are! Thank goodness you're safe. PENGUIN GRANDPA: When the Vanguard took me, I thought I was done for. Anyway, thank you. I owe you my life. SHEENA: Don't mention it. There's actually something we'd like to ask you, if you don't mind. REGAL: We heard you discovered a strange jewel near the cave with the Celsius' Tears. PENGUIN GRANDPA: [Ah,] Yes, the Glassies or whatever it's called. My son took it to Meltokio. He said he was gonna try to sell it to some nobles there or something. (Hangs head) And I thought he'd finally come to spend some quality time with his old man. (SIGH) SHEENA: [Aww,] Don't be so glum. I'll come back to visit you again soon. EMIL: Meltokio... MARTA: We better hurry, or who knows what'll happen. REGAL: Yes. We need to set out for Meltokio as soon as possible. Allow me to prepare my company's high-speed transport. EMIL: (Nods) Thank you!


 * Iselia Human Ranch*

<The party ventures towards the ranch [T0471]> (Alice can be seen through the ruined doors) TENEBRAE: Someone's here! MARTA: It's Alice! Let's hide! (They all run and hide. Alice walks out, flanked by Decus, who is still writhing and twitching like he's having a slow-motion seizure) DECUS: Darling Alice, forgive me. I couldn't find any Exspheres. ALICE: (Jumps back) Hey, watch it, Dumbo-Decus! What did I say about personal space? DECUS: Oh Alice, go easy on the compliments! You're embarrassing me! ALICE: Compliments? I don't see anyone complimenting you. DECUS: (Flashy point) You did! ALICE: (Puzzled) When? DECUS: (Doing his flaming dance again) You're always calling me Dumbo-Decus. ALICE: You think that's a compliment? DECUS: Well, isn't it? "Dumbo" for Dashing, Undaunted, Majestic, Brilliant, and Oh-so-sexy! D-U-M-B-O-Decus! ALICE: You idiot, it's not an acronym! I call you Dumbo-Decus because you're D-U-M-B, dumb! (Trumpet "Wah-Wah") DECUS: (Shocked) What?! I had no idea! ALICE: Anyway, Exspheres! The brainwashing machines that keep my little pets so well-behaved need Exspheres to run. (Upset) Without Exspheres, I can't get more pets! I only want ten more or so. DECUS: (Not dancing) Alice, maybe you shouldn't obsess over power so much. ALICE: Why? Have you forgotten how my parents died? DECUS: They went on a pilgrimage following the teachings of the Church of Martel, and were killed by monsters. ALICE: Exactly. And I don't want to end up like them. They were weak, so they believed in a fictional goddess. And because they were powerless, they were killed by monsters. And you, weren't you bullied back at the Hima orphanage because you were weak? DECUS: But I'm stronger now, too. And I have an Exsphere. You don't need to do it all by yourself. I can be your knight. ALICE: Don't you mean my slave? DECUS: I'd be happy with that too. ALICE: I hate relying on others. And you're a human. You might start treating me like how all humans treat half-elves. You could betray me at any time. DECUS: I would never betray you. ALICE: I'm the only one I could ever trust. (Runs off) DECUS: Alice, wait! (Runs off) (The party walks back into view) TENEBRAE: So Alice is using Exspheres to control those "pets" of hers. Exploiting those proud monsters in such a vulgar way. It's utterly despicable. MARTA: (Hangs head) Alice... EMIL: Marta, what's wrong? MARTA: All that talk about need for power, it was kind of depressing. EMIL: Yeah. TENEBRAE: Nevertheless, those without power are helpless. MARTA: So all you need is power? TENEBRAE: I believe it's better to have it than not. MARTA: (Hangs head) That might be true. EMIL: I think everything should be in moderation. MARTA: Yeah.

-- -- (2.5) - Chapter 5: Truth Behind the Mask (GS5) -- --


 * Meltokio*

<The party arrives at the city gates [T0501]> EMIL: (Impressed) Wow, this is Meltokio?! It's huge. SHEENA: Is this your first time here? EMIL: (Nods) [Uh,] Yes ma'am, it is. SHEENA: (Scratches head) I should've said something earlier, but just drop the formalities. That kind of thing makes me itch. EMIL: Yes ma--I mean, okay. MARTA: I hope Glacies' core is still here. SHEENA: Regal and I both know this town like the back of our hands. I'm sure we'll find it. REGAL: Let's pay a visit to the item shop first. EMIL: (Nods) All right.

<Skit "Meltokio" appears [S0501]> EMIL: Meltokio is huge. I bet you could get lost here pretty easily. SHEENA: This was the capital of Tethe'alla when the world was still divided in two. So both people and goods gather here. MARTA: (Grunts angrily) It's no wonder the people in Tethe'alla look down on us. EMIL: Marta? MARTA: No town in Sylvarant can even come close to this size. We don't even have a leader to unite the people as a proper country. REGAL: But Sylvarant was ravaged by the Desians. The prosperity we Tethe'allans have enjoyed was at the expense of your people. If anything, we should be making every effort to repay what we've taken from you. Please forgive us. MARTA: Oh, that's not what I meant. I wasn't blaming the Tethe'allans. I was just thinking we're going to have to build a city to equal Meltokio ourselves. EMIL: You're amazing Marta. MARTA: Hey, you're Sylvaranti, too, so we're in this together. EMIL: [R-]Right.

<The party goes to the item shop [T0502]> (A smartly-dressed fellow walks out of the door and leaves just as your party shows up.) SHEENA: Wasn't that Tokunaga? REGAL: It certainly looked like him. MARTA: Someone you know? REGAL: Yes. The Chosen of Tethe'alla lives in this city and-- EMIL: Zelos. SHEENA: Oh, right. You met him in Palmacosta? REGAL: Yes, you said you did. Anyway, the man you just saw is a butler to the Chosen's sister, Seles. MARTA: Really? Maybe he's running errands for her, then. SHEENA: Yeah, probably. All right, let's go inside and talk to the shopkeeper.

<The party meets the shopkeep outside of his store [T0503]> SHOPKEEPER: What can I do for you? EMIL: [Um...] We're looking for a rare jewel that was found in Flanoir. Did anyone bring anything like that here? SHOPKEEPER: [Ah,] I know the item you're talking about. MARTA: Someone brought it then?! SHOPKEEPER: They sure did. But I already sold it. (Everyone recoils) SHEENA: Who did you sell it to?! SHOPKEEPER: Sorry, I can't tell you. Customer confidentiality and all that. You understand, don't you? MARTA: What do you mean? REGAL: Merchants are bound to keep their customer's information private. Especially where high-price items such as jewels are concerned. If the wrong people found out who possesses such a priceless item, the buyer could become a target for theft. SHOPKEEPER: It's just as the gentleman here says. Sorry, I can't help you. (Walks away) MARTA: But it's not just the person who bought it who'd be in trouble. The whole city would be in danger. REGAL: I have an idea. How about we go and ask His Majesty? EMIL: (Shocked) His Majesty, the King?! Why? REGAL: Most of the customers for fine jewels are members of the nobility. And they tend to show off their latest purchases. SHEENA: I see. We'll hobnob with the local aristocracy and find out which one has Glacies' core. Good idea, Regal. You never cease to amaze me. A duke and a scholar to boot. MARTA: (Shocked) Regal, you're a duke?! REGAL: I suppose I forgot to mention it. EMIL: This is the first I've heard of it! Wow, president of a huge company and a duke, too. Amazing. REGAL: I may have titles and rank, but under all that I'm still flesh and blood like you. All right, let's get going to the castle. MARTA: (To Emil) All of Lloyd's friends are really amazing people. EMIL: (Hangs head) It makes me wonder about the Lloyd that they believe in. If it wasn't for the Centurion's core, maybe he'd even be an okay guy. MARTA: (Nods) Yeah, maybe.

<The party heads for Meltiokio castle [M0501]> (Just as they reach the castle gates, though, footsteps come from nearby. They turn and react with shock; it's Alice again!) ALICE: My, my, if it isn't my slippery little friends from Flanoir. (She swings her swatter and a magical circle appears nearby. A huge rock monster, a Helion, drops down from above,  roars and stomps towards them) EMIL: (Nervous )[W-]We can't fight here! ALICE: Why not? I don't care if this city gets blown into tiny little pieces.~ (Giggles) It's time to die!~ (The Helion attacks! The party defeats it) (The rockhead falls flat on its back. Alice has changed her position and sits cutely on the castle steps) EMIL: Give up Alice. You lost. ALICE: (Giggling) Oh, I don't think so.~ (The Helion's hand rises up. Before anyone knows what's going on, it has Emil caught in a stony bear hug) [EMIL: G'uahh!] (Emil struggles, but to no avail. The Helion flashes a dangerous red) ALICE: I've rigged the little darling with a special collar that self-destructs if he gets defeated. Pretty clever, if I say so myself.~ SHEENA: (Shocked) [Wha-] What the hell?! ALICE: (Gets up) Bye bye, Martmart! I'll be sure to let Commander Brute know that you're dead. (Laughing, she hops on her balloon-cat-thing ride and takes off.	Emil still struggles to break free, but the big lug's just too strong) MARTA: Let go of him right now! (Marta swats at the Helion's back, but nothing happens) REGAL: I'll handle this! (Regal grabs at Helion's arms, but can't pull them loose) EMIL: (Panicky) No! Please! [I-]I don't want to die! Let go of me! MARTA: Emil! [Wha-]What should we do?! (Tenebrae, who has been watching this whole time, hesitates, thinking) TENEBRAE: Allow me! (Tenebrae hovers over the Helion and grabs its head with his tail.) TENEBRAE: Servant of darkness bend to my will! (After a tense moment, the Helion's arms part, and Emil drops to the ground, gasping for air. Tenebrae lifts the monster into the air and floats away. Everyone runs after him) EMIL: Tenebrae! (Tenebrae looks back) TENEBRAE: Please stay back! (Tenebrae takes the Helion higher and higher above Meltokio as the others follow below. The monster flashes much more rapidly as Tenebrae stops over the town square...  and then, it explodes, blowing rubble every which way) MARTA: Tenebrae! (Only a cloud of smoke remains where Tenebrae and the Helion floated) EMIL: Tenebrae! Answer me, Tenebrae! He's not dead is he?! MARTA: (Gasps) He can't be! SHEENA: [It...] It's just like what happened with Corrine. EMIL: (Screaming) Tenebrae! (Marta falls to her knees. Suddenly, the core in her forehead starts glowing. The awakened cores that the party has float out and hover over her) REGAL: (Surprised) What?! What is this?! EMIL: The Centurions... (As the cores hover, a mysterious voice speaks, presumably Ventus) VENTUS: Centurions will rise time and time again. All that is needed is the power of Lord Ratatosk. (The cores dive into Emil's head, snapping him back. When he rights himself, his eyes are red) R.EMIL: (Grunts angrily) This is the reason why I should be the one in control! (Starts to walk away) MARTA: Emil? R.EMIL: Don't worry, the Centurion told me that Tenebrae is only asleep. (Looks back at the others) I'm gonna go after him. SHEENA: What do you mean go after him? Where? R.EMIL: The Temple of Darkness. If it's the same as the other Centurions we've encountered, then there should be an entrance to the altar in there. MARTA: (Looks up) That's where we'll find Tenebrae! SHEENA: Now I understand. I'll go with you. What about you, Regal? REGAL: I'll meet with his majesty and advise him on the situation with the Glacies' core first. After that I'll follow you. R.EMIL: Whatever. MARTA: All right, then we'll meet you there!

<Skit "Our Journey" appears [S0502]> MARTA: Centurions are such mysterious creatures. SHEENA: You got that right. I mean they just return to their altars when they're injured. R.EMIL: Actually, when they are inflicted with so much damage that they revert to their core state, they're supposed to return to Ratatosk himself. MARTA: Then, Tenebrae is with me? R.EMIL: But Ratatosk is also currently in core form, without his powers. He doesn't have the strength to heal the Centurions, so Tenebrae returned to his altar or at least that's what they said. MARTA: You mean, the other Centurions? R.EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. SHEENA: Wait, so if Ratatosk wasn't taking his nap, there would be no need to go to the Temple of Darkness? R.EMIL: If Ratatosk was awake, we wouldn't be on this journey in the first place. SHEENA: Oh right. (Chuckles awkwardly)

<Skit "Really Okay?" appears [S0503]> MARTA: Hey, do you think Tenebrae is really okay? R.EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. MARTA: He's just changed back into a core, right? He's not dead or anything, right? R.EMIL: (Angrily) No, he's not dead! MARTA: (Irked) You don't have to yell at me, you know! [R.EMIL/SHEENA: (Surprised) N'gh!] MARTA: (Calm) [S-]Sorry. R.EMIL: A Centurion can always be revived as long as their mana source doesn't dry up. They're like summon spirits in that way. The Centurions say it's not a question of his being alive or dead. MARTA: Okay, I get it. I'm sorry. I shouldn't panic just because I don't understand. R.EMIL: No, I like you better angry than meek and apologetic. SHEENA: (Chuckles awkwardly) Emil in Ratatosk Mode tells it straight like a man.


 * Temple of Darkness*

<The party enters [T0504]> R.EMIL: I can feel Tenebrae's presence. MARTA: Really?! SHEENA: It's bright enough to see in here without the blue candle. Must be because Shadow's gone. MARTA: Blue candle? SHEENA: When Shadow was in this temple, it was pitch black. Without it, we couldn't see a thing. R.EMIL: Who cares? Let's go. SHEENA: (Irked) You know, I'm finding it pretty difficult to warm up to Emil in Ratatosk Mode. MARTA: Sheena... SHEENA: [Uh,] Right, sorry. I know he is Emil, but anyway, come on, let's go.

<Skit "Scared?" appears [S0504]> MARTA: I guess it makes sense that the Temple of Darkness would be so dark. R.EMIL: Are you scared? MARTA: [N-n-]Not scared, exactly. R.EMIL: Dark places always make you wonder what might be hiding in them. SHEENA: There isn't much that scares me though, thanks to all the training I've been through. R.EMIL: Sheena, there's something on your back. SHEENA: [UAAAAAAAHHH!!! What-]What is it?! R.EMIL: [It-]It was just a cobweb. SHEENA: Oh [c-]cobwebs, right. Don't startle me like that. MARTA: (Sweatdrop) That's some training.

<Skit "Harsh Words" appears [S0505]> MARTA: Damn Alice! How could she do this to Tenebrae?! Next time I see her, I'm gonna tie her up and toss her butt into Flanoir harbor. R.EMIL: [Hmph.] You're too soft. I'd sling a rope around her and hang her from the tops of the Fooji Mountains. SHEENA: I understand how you both feel, but I can't say I approve of your choice of words. Harsh words are evidence of troubled minds. MARTA: (Mock polite) Okay then, the next time I have the pleasure of a rendezvous with Lady Alice, I would truly enjoy the opportunity to politely wrap her up with ropes and kindly submerge her in the beautiful waters of Flanoir harbor! [R.EMIL: (Sweatdrop, sigh) SHEENA: (Sweatdrop, sigh)]

<The group heads down a set of stairs into the heart of the temple [T0505]> (They stop beside a high, flat wall) R.EMIL: Damn it. I have no idea where the core is without Tenebrae. MARTA: Too bad the other Centurions don't talk to us the way that Tenebrae does. R.EMIL: Bunch of useless twits. SHEENA: By the way, Emil, you've been in Ratatosk Mode for a while now. R.EMIL: Something wrong with that? SHEENA: (Scratches head) Not wrong, really, just... R.EMIL: (Looks away) [Shh!] Be quiet. (Emil walks to the wall and kneels, listening) SHEENA: What is it? R.EMIL: I hear voices from inside. (Sheena and Marta look surprised. Marta looks at the wall too) MARTA: (To Emil) It just looks like a normal wall. Maybe the Sorcerer's Ring will open this one, too. (Emil gets up and tries it, but nothing happens) SHEENA: Doesn't look like it. R.EMIL: There must be a switch somewhere else.

<Skit "Hidden Door" appears [S0506]> R.EMIL: (Angrily) Damn it, what's with this hidden door crap?! When I find it, I'm smashing it to pieces. MARTA: Emil. Humans have a saying, "a wise head makes a closed mouth." R.EMIL: And what's that supposed to mean? SHEENA: [Uh...] I'm not sure. MARTA: Placing the control mechanism for a secret door adjacent to that door would be of little value. This can only mean that the switch is in a remote location. R.EMIL: Oh I see, but you're using that wrong. MARTA: My apologies. R.EMIL: And what's with the impression of Tenebrae, anyway?! MARTA: (Down) I miss him. R.EMIL: Then, we'd better stop wasting time and find the real thing. MARTA: Yeah!

<The party descends deeper into the temple [T0507]> MARTA: (Looking down) I wonder if Tenebrae's really here. SHEENA: Don't worry, Marta. The other Centurions told us that Tenebrae would be here. I'm sure he is. MARTA: Okay. R.EMIL: Relax. I can sense his presence. MARTA: (Runs to Emil) Really?! R.EMIL: Yes. Trust me. I'm your guardian, a Knight of Ratatosk. MARTA: Yeah. SHEENA: Emil, you sure say some manly things when you're in Ratatosk Mode. (Emil looks shocked) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Shut up!

<The crew reaches the very bottom of the temple [T0508]> (They approach a mysterious altar, which has a stone block on it with a glowing nub) MARTA: What's this? SHEENA: I don't know. This is where we found Shadow, the Summon Spirit of Darkness, two years ago. But this wasn't here then. R.EMIL: Maybe it's some sort of switch.

<The party returns to the wall. A door has opened [T0509]> SHEENA: It's open! R.EMIL: Looks like that switch we found was linked to this wall. MARTA: I wonder if Tenebrae's up ahead. R.EMIL: Probably. Though I'm sure we'll find some enemies waiting for us as well. MARTA: You mean the voices we heard earlier. SHEENA: The only people with any business in a place like this would be Lloyd or the Vanguard. MARTA: We can't let them take Tenebrae. Let's go!

<The group gets to the altar [M0502]> (As they close in on the spot, they stop.) R.EMIL: [I sense...] I sense Aqua! (Everyone peers forward into the darkness. Aqua hovers near the altar, and Richter beside her, watching the teardrop-shaped crystal) AQUA: So that energy I felt was Tenebrae returning to core form. RICHTER: How convenient. If we destroy him here-- R.EMIL: Not so fast! RICHTER: (Turns around) Emil! MARTA: You're not taking Tenebrae! (Emil, Marta and Sheena all ready their weapons) RICHTER: For someone who had to resort to a cheap trick in Flanoir, you seem pretty sure of yourself. SHEENA: Just accept the fact you were beaten. RICHTER: (Chuckles) Yes, you're right. (Richter charges, surprising Sheena. With one swift motion, he kicks her square in the chest, knocking her back.  Emil attacks, but he blocks the blow and swings at Marta, who blocks it with her blade) RICHTER: Die! (Neither Marta or Emil will yield to Richter's force. He looks back at Emil) RICHTER: Stop interfering. I don't want to fight you. R.EMIL: That's too bad! Because I can't wait to kill you! (Richter grunts. A battle begins!... but unable to damage Richter, the party goes down) (Emil and Richter square off, Sheena and Marta having taken a back seat. Emil's sword starts to glow with a vile purple aura, and he readies it. Richter watches in shock as the aura creates its own wind, ruffling Emil's clothes) R.EMIL: Ain Soph Aur! (Emil lobs a huge ball of dark energy at Richter, who is genuinely flabbergasted) RICHTER: [Guh!] That arte is-- (The energy explodes all over Richter, and we hear him cry out. Sheena and Marta watch, not sure whether to be amazed or horrified.  Emil watches expectantly.) (The smoke clears. Miraculously, Richter has his weapons up.  He blocked it. The whole temple shakes, and bits start to drop from the ceiling.) R.EMIL: Guess you're tougher than I thought. Looks like I'll just have to hit you with another one! (Emil's sword starts glowing again, and he readies himself) RICHTER: (Stunned) Emil, you're--I just can't believe it... R.EMIL: (Grinning wickedly) [Heh!] I don't know what the hell you're talking about. RICHTER: Emil, listen to me. You must cease being a Knight of Ratatosk. If you won't, [then I'll...] then I'll have to-- R.EMIL: Quit your pointless whining! Die! (Suddenly, Sheena runs between Emil and Richter. She grabs Emil's free hand) SHEENA: Wait, Emil! Calm down! Return back to normal! You're destroying the whole temple! R.EMIL: Shut up! Get out of my way! (He easily hurls Sheena to the floor, then turns his attention back to Richter, his sword glowing even brighter now) R.EMIL: Ain Soph Aur! (Emil hurls the blast. Richter crosses his swords as the sphere hits, stopping it cold) RICHTER: Eternal Recurrence! (With a mighty motion, Richter hurls the blast back at Emil. Emil gawks, completely caught off guard) R.EMIL: [Wh...] What?! (The blast flies at Emil... but at the last moment, Marta leaps in the way) MARTA: Emil! Look out! (Marta takes the blow, her whole body smoking as it drops to the ground. Emil's eyes grow wide and horrified as he sees what's happened) R.EMIL: Marta... (As the temple shakes, the screen fades to black) R.EMIL: (Roaring) Marta!

<Emil awakens back on the bottom floor [T0510]> R.EMIL: [Ugh...] Where am I? (Emil shoots up) R.EMIL: (Looking around wildly) Marta? Marta, where are you?! (He looks around a bit more, but it's clear he's alone) R.EMIL: Damn it! Where did she go?! (Suddenly, he notices the purple teardrop object near his feet) R.EMIL: Tenebrae's core! It must've fallen with me. (He scoops it up and heads out)

<Skit "Find Marta" appears [S0507]> R.EMIL: I need to find Marta and have her hatch Tenebrae's core fast.

<Emil heads back up the stairs [T0511]> (Marta is waiting for him on the first landing) R.EMIL: (Shocked) Marta! You're okay! MARTA: (Walks toward him) Emil! [Argh!] (Falls on one knee) R.EMIL: (Runs to her) Does it hurt? MARTA: I treated myself, I'm okay. (Stands back up) R.EMIL: It's my fault. I never meant for you to get hurt. MARTA: (Shakes head) It's okay, but what's happening to you? Sheena mentioned it, too. You've been in Ratatosk Mode for a long time. (Emil looks surprised, then furious) R.EMIL: (Snarling) So you're on their side. MARTA: (Puzzled) Huh? R.EMIL: Sheena and Richter are both on my case to return to the "normal" me, and now you too! MARTA: No, I didn't say-- R.EMIL: (Angrily) Why?! Why should I? My normal self is a pathetic weakling! A cowardly dog who'll never amount to anything! MARTA: Emil... R.EMIL: You said you wanted me to protect you, as a Knight of Ratatosk. And that's exactly what I'm doing! So what's the problem! MARTA: Emil, I didn't mean it like that. R.EMIL: (Looks down) Maybe I should just disappear. None of you want me around. (Emil passes out) MARTA: (Shocked) Emil! Emil, wake up!

<Some time later, Emil comes to, his eyes back to green [T0512]> EMIL: (Woozy) [Huh...? Wh...] Where am I? (Emil gets up off Marta's lap and stands up) MARTA: Emil, you're finally back. EMIL: Back? (Sheena walks in from the side) SHEENA: Are you okay? EMIL: Sheena! Sheena, you're okay, too! SHEENA: Yes. I'm glad both you and Marta are safe. But... (Looks away) EMIL: But? MARTA: Tenebrae won't wake up. EMIL: Tenebrae?! So Richter didn't get him after all! SHEENA: What are you talking about? You grabbed the core yourself. EMIL: Huh? (Thinking) I guess I did? (Marta raises the core, but nothing happens) MARTA: Look. I've been trying the same thing I always do to hatch Centurions, but Tenebrae won't wake up. (Emil puts his hand on the core. Suddenly, it rises up on its own) EMIL: Whoa. SHEENA: [Wha-] What was that?! (A bright flash of light blinds them, and then the core turns into Tenebrae) MARTA: Tenebrae?! TENEBRAE: Emil, Lady Marta, my most humble apologies for worrying you so. EMIL: Tenebrae! Are you okay?! TENEBRAE: Centurions do not die. They only regress to their core state. Though I would not have been able to awaken had you two not come for me. EMIL: Tenebrae, you sacrificed yourself for me. I'm sorry. TENEBRAE: Please, think nothing of it. SHEENA: Thank goodness. I can't stand saying goodbye to friends. MARTA: Tenebrae! (Runs to hug him) SHEENA: All right, should we start heading back to Meltokio? Regal must be worried by now. MARTA: Right. EMIL: [Uh,] Wait. What about Richter? Any idea what happened to him? SHEENA: I was caught up in the cave-in, so I can't say exactly for sure, but it looked like that Centurion, Aqua, rescued him before he was crushed. EMIL: (Relieved) Then he's still alive! SHEENA: [Uh... Y-]Yeah, probably. EMIL: Good. (Awkward silence) SHEENA: The Ratatosk Mode you and the normal you are like night and day. (Emil sweatdrops)

<Skit "Welcome Back" appears [S0508]> EMIL: (Laughs) MARTA: (Laughs) TENEBRAE: [Wha-]What is it, you two? EMIL: Tenebrae, welcome back! MARTA: We really missed you. TENEBRAE: Oh my, well I am sorry for causing concern. SHEENA: Is that all you gotta say? Show some emotion! (Baby talk) Is old age making us a little grumpy? TENEBRAE: (Irked) How rude! I would ask that you not treat me like an elderly dimwit! EMIL: Look, he's getting angry! It's really him! MARTA: Yep! I wouldn't have him any other way! TENEBRAE: (Sweatdrop) [Wha...] What happened while I was gone?

<Skit "Omen" appears [S0509]> EMIL: (That's weird.) (When did I pick up Tenebrae's core?) TENEBRAE: (Appears) Is something wrong, Emil? EMIL: Well, yeah. My memory is-- TENEBRAE: Your memory? EMIL: No, it's okay, it's nothing. (My memory of when I arrived at the Temple of Darkness is really hazy. Why?) (Tenebrae is silent)

<Skit "Mom" appears [S0510]> EMIL: Hey Mom, do you-- [SHEENA: Huh?] EMIL: (Flustered) I'm sorry! That just sort of came out. I guess it's because you seem sort of "mom-like." SHEENA: (Irked) You think I'm motherly? Are you implying that I'm old?! EMIL: [N-n-] No! Not like that. I meant you were really kind, and grown up and stuff, and-- I don't know kind of like the middle-aged women who lived in my neighborhood. SHEENA: (Angrier) What?! EMIL: [Guh!] Hey, Tenebrae, help me out here. TENEBRAE: You see, on some level, Emil feels a sort of attachment towards you as a mother. And as we know, a powerful symbol of motherhood is the breast. The young man is simply expressing his appreciation for your ample bosom. [EMIL/MARTA/SHEENA: HUH?!] SHEENA: (Way angry) [I-i-]Is that how you've been looking at me?! [You-you-] You creep! MARTA: (Smacks Emil, just as angry) You jerk! You perv! How could you?! I hate you! (Runs off) TENEBRAE: (Laughs darkly) EMIL: (Sweatdrop) I guess reawakening didn't change you, Tenebrae.

<The party reaches the temple exit [T0513]> (Regal jogs in and greets them) SHEENA: Regal! REGAL: You're all right! What about Tenebrae? (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: As you can see, I am quite well. Terribly sorry to have worried you. MARTA: So Regal, did you talk to His Majesty about Glacies' core? REGAL: Actually there's been a bit of progress on that front--which is why I came to find you. EMIL: Progress? You mean you know who has the core? REGAL: That's correct. It's one of Meltokio's nobles, just as we suspected. SHEENA: So who? Hopefully someone who will fork it over without too much trouble. REGAL: I don't believe it should pose much of a problem. The buyer was one Seles Wilder. SHEENA: Seles. You mean that idiot Chosen's sister? EMIL: The Chosen Zelos' sister. REGAL: Indeed. We should head to Zelos' mansion. SHEENA: Does that sound good to you two? MARTA: (Nods) Of course. EMIL: (Slumps) I'm not exactly enthusiastic, but it's not like we have a choice. SHEENA: I'm not too eager, myself. But let's go.

<Skit "Darkness" appears [S0511]> REGAL: How was the Temple of Darkness? EMIL: It was really dark. TENEBRAE: It is, after all, the resting place of my altar. One should expect some darkness. REGAL: That's right, you're a dark elemental. TENEBRAE: Darkness is quite pleasant. It wraps the world in a warm, black blanket. It would seem though, that my altar was converted into a temple of some sort during my sleep. SHEENA: I think it was Cruxis that built the temples. MARTA: Cruxis is that institution in the heavens where Goddess Martel lives, right? REGAL: (Distant) Yes. I suppose that describes it well enough. EMIL: So the Church of Martel's followers turned the Centurions' altars into temples. TENEBRAE: Indeed. It's rather rude to remodel someone's home without asking permission. They've ruined the bleakness of my magnificent lair. MARTA: What's the big deal? It's still plenty dark. TENEBRAE: The quality of the darkness is as different as night and day! Can you truly not appreciate that fact?! REGAL: I guess some differences are too subtle for we humans to perceive.

<Skit "Seles Wilder" appears [S0512]> EMIL: [Um,] So who is Seles? SHEENA: Seles is the half-sister of Zelos, the Chosen. REGAL: She has a frail constitution. Without the aid of an Exsphere, even everyday activities are difficult for her. EMIL: Exspheres. Those stones with mysterious powers, right? And they were made by the Desians. SHEENA: Yes. They allow people to amp their abilities to their full potential. Both of us have one. REGAL: The King has issued an order demanding the surrender of all Exspheres. So we'll have to return these as well someday. SHEENA: At any rate, Seles didn't waste any time in giving her Exsphere back. And that's why Zelos has been so worried about her. REGAL: When Seles is involved, the Chosen has a tendency to lose his composure. SHEENA: Anyone so much as touches a hair on her head and he'd hunt them down to the gates of Hell itself. MARTA: (Dreamy) Wow, that's so dashing.~ I wish I had an older brother like that.


 * Asgard*

<The party runs into a group of Tethe'allan nobles hassling Aisha [T0514]> NOBLE A: I never thought I'd see such a lovely girl out in the savages of Sylvarant. AISHA: Please, just leave. MARTA: (Notices the spectacle) Hey, isn't that Aisha? EMIL: Yeah, that's her. NOBLE B: Oh my, you're a feisty one, aren't you? NOBLE C: Sylvaranti or not, with her pretty face, I think she'd make a fine servant on my estate. Hurry up, girl! Gather your things--you're coming with us! AISHA: No thank you. NOBLE A: What? An uneducated Sylvaranti peasant dares to defy a noble from glorious Tethe'alla? NOBLE B: No matter. I doubt anyone in these wretched slums would notice if she went missing. If she won't come, we'll just take her. (Noble B grabs Aisha. The party runs in) MARTA: (Angrily) Let go of her! (Noble B drops Aisha) NOBLE B: Who are you? NOBLE A: Oh, I see. This little girl is jealous. She wants to serve at the foot of an earl as well. NOBLE C: So that's what it is? I'm sure she could handle a few jobs for me. I'm feeling rather generous today. MARTA: You make me sick! SHEENA: Aren't you all ashamed of yourselves?! REGAL: You make me embarrassed to be a Tethe'allan. NOBLE C: Oh, Duke Bryant, as I live and breathe! I would have never expected to run into you in a place like this. Did you come to tame some Sylvaranti monkeys as well? REGAL: Apologize to them! NOBLE B: Why Duke Bryant, I must have misheard you. Surely you're not saying a proud Tethe'allan such as yourself would take the side of these savages? (Marta rushes up and grabs Noble B) MARTA: (Furious) That's enough! NOBLE B: (Angrily) You're getting my clothes dirty! Let go of me! (Noble B swats Marta away) EMIL: Marta! NOBLE A: Sylvaranti scum... (Suddenly, a fireball shoots down by the nobles. Harley runs in) AISHA: Harley! NOBLE C: That was magic! You're a half-elf?! HARLEY: So what if I am? NOBLE B: Associating with half-elves. How vulgar. (Emil's eyes turn red) R.EMIL: (Angrily) That's enough of your crap! NOBLE B: We are honorable nobles of Tethe'alla, and-- R.EMIL: (Angrily) Shut your mouth! (Draws his sword) AISHA: Please, stop it! R.EMIL: (To Aisha) But... NOBLE C: Well done, girl. I shall grant you a reward. How much would you like? You Sylvaranti are quite poor, aren't you? AISHA: That isn't necessary. Please just leave our town. NOBLE A: Who are you to tell us Tethe'allans what to do? NOBLE B: Savages and half-elves... You deserve each other! (The nobles run off. Emil's eyes turn green) MARTA: What the hell was their problem?! EMIL: I didn't know Tethe'allans were that horrible. MARTA: Tethe'allans are always like this. They're always insulting and belittling us Sylvaranti. (Angrily) I hate them! REGAL: As a fellow Tethe'allan, I apologize. (Marta turns, shocked) MARTA: Regal, I didn't mean you and Sheena. SHEENA: We know, Marta, but it's still embarrassing for us to see people like that. (To Aisha and Harley) Aisha and Harley, I'm sorry for their treatment of you. HARLEY: Well, I'm a half-elf, so I'm used to this sort of thing. AISHA: Humans and half-elves... Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. Why do people always find a way to hate each other for their differences? EMIL: Yeah, it's really sad.


 * Iselia*

<The party finds the same trio of nobles from Asgard, but things seem to be the other way around this time; a mob has formed around them [T0515]> NOBLE C: O-out of the way! We are nobles of the glorious Tethe'alla-- VILLAGER A: (Angrily) What's so glorious about Tethe'alla?! You mock our Chosen of Regeneration! NOBLE B: Insolent knave! The only Chosen in this world is the Chosen Zelos! You foolish Sylvaranti need to learn some humility! NOBLE A: Indeed. What have you trash or your primitive society ever accomplished to make you so proud? VILLAGER B: You're no better than common thieves, stealing food from our lands and kidnapping our people. And worst of all, you deny our Chosen of Regeneration! VILLAGER C: Kill them! They won't leave Iselia alive! EMIL: (To Marta) Marta, what should we do? MARTA: (Looks away) Those noble brought this onto themselves. EMIL: Yeah, but we can't just leave them like this! (Runs off) SHEENA: Emil! (Emil runs between the nobles and the mob) EMIL: Stop it! VILLAGER D: What? You're a Tethe'allan too?! EMIL: No, I'm not. VILLAGER A: Then mind your own business! VILLAGER D: Isn't he the little brat who said Lloyd killed his parents or something? VILLAGER C: So you're on the Tethe'allans' side! PHAIDRA: (Offscreen) All of you! Stop this right now! (Phaidra walks in, looking displeased) VILLAGER B: Phaidra-- PHAIDRA: If you don't stop this at once you will distress Colette--distress the Chosen One. Go back to your homes. VILLAGER A: Damn it. (The mob disperses) PHAIDRA: As for the Tethe'allan visitors, you should leave our town at once. NOBLE C: Rescued by the likes of a Sylvaranti... how ridiculous. NOBLE B: If you're looking for a reward, little one, it won't work! (The nobles leave. Marta runs up to Emil) MARTA: We should've just let them get what they deserved! EMIL: But... PHAIDRA: That is not prudent. Imagine the problems we would've had with Tethe'alla if it was allowed to proceed. The Chosen would be put into a very uncomfortable situation. Thank you for stopping our villagers from doing something they would regret. MARTA: But still, I hate people like that. REGAL: It is because of fools such as them that Tethe'alla and Sylvarant will never come together. I apologize on their behalf. MARTA: Regal... SHEENA: We'll do everything we can to get Tethe'alla to see things the way we do. But Marta, I want you to at least understand this: There are people in Tethe'alla who love Sylvarant just as much as you do. (Marta and Emil are silent)


 * Meltokio*

<The party goes to Zelos's mansion [T0516]> (A creaky old butler greets the party) SEBASTIAN: Duke Bryant, welcome back. [Ah,] And Miss Sheena. You grace us with your presence. SHEENA: It's been a while, Sebastian. SEBASTIAN: And you would be Sir Emil, Miss Marta, and Sir Tenebrae, correct? Duke Bryant was good enough to send word ahead of your visit. EMIL: [Th-]Thank you. We've come about the Glacies' core. SEBASTIAN: Yes. Well, one of our servants, a man named Tokunaga, informed us that he had come into possession of an unusual jewel. MARTA: Isn't that the butler we saw coming out of the item shop? REGAL: (Nods) The same. It seems that he had just purchased the core when we saw him. EMIL: Could you please call Mr. Tokunaga for us?! (Suddenly, there are several loud thumps from upstairs) SEBASTIAN: [Wh-]What could that be? (Tokunaga rushes down the stairs) TOKUNAGA: (Alarmed) [I-]It's Lady Seles! Lady Seles has been kidnapped by Sir Lloyd! (Everyone reacts with shock) SEBASTIAN: What?! Sir Bud kidnapped Lady Seles?! MARTA: (Puzzled) Sir Bud? EMIL: Are you talking about Lloyd? SHEENA: We'll explain later! Which way did he go?! TOKUNAGA: Out the second floor window. SHEENA: We have to go after him!

<The group rushes outside [T0517]> (Everyone looks around in different directions) REGAL: Where is he?! EMIL: Tenebrae! Can you sense Glacies around here?! TENEBRAE: I do sense a presence getting further from here. However, energy from another Centurion's core is causing some interference. SHEENA: Another core? Like Lumen's? Lloyd has that! TENEBRAE: No, this would be Solum's core, I believe. Why would Solum's core be here? MARTA: We can wonder about that later! Let's split up and start searching!

<Alone, Emil rushes back towards the town entrance [T0518]> (Emil descends the steps and looks around. He turns around to go back and crashes right into Zelos) ZELOS: [Woah,] Excuse you! It's you! EMIL: Zelos Wilder! ZELOS: [Huh.] Never expected to see you in my neck of the woods. EMIL: We don't have time for that! Lloyd kidnapped your sister! ZELOS: (Annoyed) What are you talking about? EMIL: It's true! (Looks left) [Huh?] (Suddenly, a red-shirted figure rushes past, the fragile under his arm) ZELOS: (Shocked) Lloyd?! (Lloyd stops for a moment, looking around) EMIL: Lloyd Irving! I-- (Emil's eyes go red) R.EMIL: (Angrily) I've been waiting for you! (Lloyd keeps running) R.EMIL: (Shouting) Come back here! (Emil and Zelos chase for a moment, but Lloyd has vanished) R.EMIL: Damn it! I lost him! ZELOS: You're saying that was Lloyd? R.EMIL: Of course! Are you blind? ZELOS: Don't make me laugh. That's not Lloyd. R.EMIL: (Angrily) You idiot! Your sister's been kidnapped! ZELOS: [Hmmph.] Don't get your britches in a bunch, kid. Lloyd wouldn't do something like that to Seles. That was not Lloyd. (Zelos turns and starts walking away) R.EMIL: Where're you going? ZELOS: I'm going home. If someone's gone to all the trouble of kidnapping Seles, I'm sure they left me some sort of message. You come too. You wanna see Lloyd, right? R.EMIL: (Looks away) [Hmpf!] ...

<The party returns to Zelos's mansion [T0519]> SEBASTIAN: Master Zelos! Lady Seles has been-- ZELOS: The kid already filled me in. SEBASTIAN: Duke Bryant and Miss Sheena are currently out looking for Lady Seles. ZELOS: (Surprised) Regal and Sheena? (Marta runs back in) MARTA: It looks like Lloyd's already skipped town. Oh! R.EMIL: Marta... (Emil's eyes revert to green) MARTA: Emil... ZELOS: Sebastian, tell me exactly what happened. TOKUNAGA: I was the one who witnessed it, Master Zelos. I had presented Lady Seles with an exceptional gem called the Glacies. I had just begun explaining its origins when it happened. Sir Lloyd suddenly came in through the window. He grabbed Lady Seles along with the gem, and escaped. MARTA: (Shocked) You mean Lloyd has Glacies' Core? EMIL: I'm sorry, Marta. If only I caught him... ZELOS: (To Sebastian) And there's been no word from Lloyd? SEBASTIAN: We have yet to hear anything. ZELOS: That's weird. MARTA: What's so weird about it? Lloyd's after all of the cores. ZELOS: Then why go to the trouble of kidnapping Seles? I'm telling you, that's not Lloyd. EMIL: (Angrily) You're wrong! It was Lloyd! I saw him with my own eyes! ZELOS: What would you know about Lloyd, anyway? You really think he smells like that? MARTA: (Puzzled) Smell? ZELOS: Yep. When he ran by me there was this horrible stench. I thought I was gonna pass out. Lloyd's never been the sort to wear cologne. And even if he was, he'd never put on something that putrid. EMIL: Now that you mention it, it did smell a bit familiar. MARTA: Was it Eau de Seduction? EMIL: That's it! Wait, that would mean Decus was disguised as Lloyd?! ZELOS: Hey, you guys want to enlighten the rest of us as to what you're talking about? MARTA: [Um,] Well, you see... (Quickie Explanation fade-out) ZELOS: [Hmm...] Ratatosk, huh? I gotta say that's quite the tale. So anyway, there's a good chance the "Lloyd" we saw was actually this Vanguard guy Decus in disguise. EMIL: Judging from the smell I think so. ZELOS: All right, come with me for an audience with His Majesty. Let Regal and Sheena know when they come back. SEBASTIAN: (Bows) Understood. MARTA: An audience? ZELOS: The house of Wilder is second in status only to the royal family. We have to report this immediately. Let's go.

<The party goes to the castle [T0520]> (The King and Princess sit on their thrones) TETHE'ALLAN KING: Zelos, Chosen One. I'm told that Bud has kidnapped Seles. ZELOS: To be more accurate, Your Majesty, she was taken by an impostor of his. We believe the Vanguard may be involved. EMIL: Excuse me, why do you call him "Bud"? ZELOS: Because he's my bud. PRINCESS: You say those barbarians who call themselves the Sylvaranti Liberation Front committed this crime?! How awful. MARTA: (Sad groan) ... (A soldier approaches) SOLDIER: Your Majesty, Duke Bryant and Sheena Fujibayahi of Mizuho have arrived. TETHE'ALLAN KING: I would speak with them. (The soldier runs off. Regal and Sheena walk in) TETHE'ALLAN KING: It seems matters have become quite grave. REGAL: Your Majesty, we come bearing new information about the current situation. SHEENA: Scouts from my village reported seeing a Rheiard overhead, flying east. MARTA: East of here. That could be the Cape Fortress. EMIL: Marta? MARTA: The Vanguard has a base in the Cape Fortress. ZELOS: So Marta dear, how do you know something like that? MARTA: [W-]Well... ZELOS: Former Vanguard, huh? TETHE'ALLAN KING: A member of the Vanguard? (The soldiers draw their weapons) EMIL: Stop, please! Marta has nothing to do with the Vanguard anymore! ZELOS: And right now my sister's life if more important. (Sternly) Put away your weapons! (The soldiers withdraw) ZELOS: (To the King) So far, the Vanguard hasn't made any attempt to contact me regarding my sister's kidnapping. Which is why I suspect they've abducted Seles in order to get to Lloyd, rather than me. EMIL: Why would they do that? REGAL: Emil, the Vanguard's after the cores too, correct? That would include whatever cores Lloyd has. EMIL: I see. They took Seles so they could make a trade with Lloyd. ZELOS: Well, it could just be coincidence. Seles came in possession of the core. They set out to steal it, and ended up grabbing her when they realized she'd be useful as well. MARTA: Decus. How could he? ZELOS: (To the King) We'll need to infiltrate the Vanguard's base. Your Majesty, in case our plan should fail, I would request the royal army be readied to take up the search for Seles. TETHE'ALLAN KING: Of course. I'll have my generals make the necessary preparations immediately. As for Mizuho... SHEENA: I've already asked my people to start a search. TETHE'ALLAN KING: Excellent. But Chosen One, shouldn't you consider staying behind in the city? ZELOS: If I don't get some thrills in now and then, I'll grow old before my time. Well then, your majesty, we will take our leave.

<The party leaves the castle [T0521]> EMIL: [Um...] I'd like to say something before we go. REGAL: Is something the matter? EMIL: (Slumps) I'm sorry. SHEENA: What are you apologizing for? EMIL: It's about Lloyd. I've been thinking. What if all these terrible things I've been blaming on Lloyd were actually done by his imposter? MARTA: Emil... EMIL: I don't know. EMIL: Maybe this is the only time it's his imposter. Of course it could turn out that the real Lloyd is responsible for this. But every time I hear one of Lloyd's friends talk about him, it's hard to believe he's the same person who did all of those terrible things. So... REGAL: I appreciate what you're trying to say, but we have no idea what the truth is. EMIL: Yes, I know. It's just, I finally realized I can't jump to conclusions when there's so much doubt about what's happened. That's why I wanted to say I'm sorry. ZELOS: Then let's call a truce. When you gave me the evil eye, I pegged you as just some punk. But now that I've gotten to know you, you're a pretty decent kid. SHEENA: Zelos! You don't have to talk like that. It was probably Emil in Ratatosk Mode that gave you the evil eye. REGAL: Indeed. It seems that Emil gets a bit abrasive when he enters this so-called Ratatosk Mode. (Marta runs in front of Emil) MARTA: (Angrily) Stop it! Stop talking about the other Emil like that! That Emil is Emil, too! And he's doing the best he can. So please stop talking about him like this. SHEENA: (Scratches her head) [Uh,] Right. I'm sorry. REGAL: Yes, I'm afraid I went too far as well. I'm sorry, Emil. EMIL: [N-]No, I'm fine. (Awkward silence) ZELOS: Well, moving on, I think it's about time we left. Sorry to rush you all, but I'm worried about Seles. EMIL: Yes, I'm sorry for delaying. Let's get moving!

<Skit "Chosen and His Sister" appears [S0513]> ZELOS: (Angry) Damn them! I don't care if they're the Vanguard or what, anybody who even looks at Seles the wrong way is gonna answer to me. After I string them up by their necks from the summit of Mt. Fooji, I'll tie them to a sack of bricks and dump them into Flanoir Harbor! MARTA: Wow, Regal and Sheena weren't kidding! EMIL: [Y-]Yeah. ZELOS: What did they say? MARTA: They said you cared a lot about your sister. EMIL: That you'd never forgive anybody who hurt her. TENEBRAE: Essentially, they said you seem to have a thing for your sister. ZELOS: Regal, Sheena. Come here a sec. REGAL: (Nervous) No, that's not what we meant. SHEENA: (Irked) Tenebrae! [TENEBRAE: (Laughs darkly)]

<Skit "Never Been Apart" appears [S0514]> ZELOS: Oh why hello, Miss Jubblies! I see you're keeping that sumptuous body of yours in top shape! SHEENA: (Irked) Say it again and I'll smack you! (Smacks Zelos) ZELOS: [OW!] You always warn me after you do it! Nice to see you haven't changed, Sheena. SHEENA: Nice to see you still can't have a conversation without slobbering over breasts! REGAL: The Chosen's personality is the picture of constancy. ZELOS: You haven't changed a bit yourself, Duke Bryant. REGAL: Chosen, we just saw each other the other day, at the salon of Countess Rattenmeier. SHEENA: (Irked) He was checking out her voluptuous aristocratic curves, no doubt. ZELOS: What's that, Sheena? Do I detect a note of jealousy? SHEENA: What?! REGAL: It's almost as if they've never been apart.

swear, these voices sometimes...*
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: I wonder if Zelos takes a bath with a "roobber duckie?" I


 * Cape Fortress*

<The party arrives at a grim castle. Nobody seems to be around [T0522]> REGAL: I expected the Vanguard's base to be better guarded than this. SHEENA: No kidding. EMIL: (Turns to Marta) Hey, Marta. You know this place, right? If there a place where they could imprison someone they've kidnapped? MARTA: I've heard about this base, but I've never actually been here, so it's hard to say. ZELOS: I see. Looks like we'll just have to search the place inside-out. Oh well. Let's go. EMIL: (Nods) Yes. (Marta is silent)

<Skit "Vanguard's Base" appears [S0515]> ZELOS: So this is the Vanguard's base. Man, what a total dump. TENEBRAE: Making it ornate would serve little purpose. ZELOS: But what kind of scum locks a guy's poor sister up in a diseased rat hole like this?! TENEBRAE: You were expecting one of those immaculate, luxurious revolutionary soldier camps? ZELOS: A little of you goes a long way, Tenny. TENEBRAE: I might say the same thing about you, sir. EMIL/MARTA/SHEENA/REGAL: You got that right. ZELOS: Come on guys, where's the love?

<The party goes further in [T0523]> (The group walks toward a square panel on the ground) SHEENA: I hope Seles is okay. ZELOS: If she's not, I'll make sure the Vanguard pays with their lives. MARTA: I'm sorry. ZELOS: I wish I could say "it's fine, don't worry about it." But I can't. SHEENA: Zelos! Don't you think that's a little harsh? (Suddenly, a wolf monster lunges at Sheena) REGAL: (Shocked) Sheena! Behind you! SHEENA: Huh?! EMIL: (Panicked) Sheena! Look out! (Sheena backflips over the monster and lands on the panel) SHEENA: No sweat! (The panel cracks underneath her) SHEENA: Huh? (The panel crumbles and she plummets into the hole) SHEENA: (Echoing) You gotta be kidding me! MARTA: What? Again?! ZELOS: [Heh...] What a klutz. REGAL: (Irked sigh) I'll go look for her. You all keep looking for Seles. EMIL: Right. Good luck, Regal.

<Skit "Pitfalls" appears [S0516]> ZELOS: Sheena was an assassin right? What's she doing falling into a low-tech trap like that? TENEBRAE: From what we've heard, she struggled with this a bit in your previous journey as well. MARTA: And this isn't the first time it's happened on this trip, either. ZELOS: (Sweatdrop) For real? EMIL: Yeah. Which reminds me, I've seen more pitfalls on this on[e] trip than I have in my entire life. [ZELOS/MARTA/TENEBRAE: (SIGH)]

<Skit "Friends" appears [S0517]> EMIL: I'm worried about Seles, but I really hope Sheena's okay, too. MARTA: I know. Why do bad things always happen in pairs? EMIL: How about you, Marta, are you doing okay? [MARTA: Huh?] EMIL: I mean everything that's happened with the Vanguard lately. MARTA: It's hard to believe I used to be in a group that would do all this. EMIL: But you're not in it anymore. You're with us now. MARTA: Yeah. Thanks, Emil.

<Skit "Gourmet Cuisine" appears [S0518]> ZELOS: [Ta-daaa!] Feast your eyes on this! Come sample my one-of-a-kind gourmet cuisine.~ MARTA: [Woah!] Look at it all! Everything from appetizers to dessert! I had no idea you were such a talented cook! ZELOS: Well, what did you expect? High-class men have high-class tastes. EMIL: This is great. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse. (Moves in) ZELOS: Not so fast. Your seat's over there. (Pushes Emil back) EMIL: Over there? But there's only bread and water over there. ZELOS: And what's wrong with that? (Irked) Bread is quite a luxury. And I'm such a gentleman, I even arranged for sparkling water. No need to be polite, eat as much as you like. Marta dear, step right this way. (Pushes Marta the other way) EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Isn't this taking the whole chivalry thing a little too far?

<The party reaches another room [T0524]> ZELOS: First Seles is abducted, then my bud gets impersonated, and now Sheena falls through a trapdoor. Why do things like this keep happening around me? EMIL: (Slumps) I'm sorry. MARTA: I'm sorry, too. ZELOS: Why are you two sorry? MARTA: [Um...] Well... (Awkward silence) ZELOS: Come on, now you're making me feel like the bad guy here. Cheer up. Lose those pitiful, depressing faces. MARTA: But it's all our fault. If not for us, Seles would be safe. ZELOS: If you really want to help, the best thing you can do is focus on the task at hand. None of your apologies are going to bring us any closer to saving Seles. EMIL: Right. I'm sorr-- ZELOS: Enough. I just want to save my sister. That's all. Making you two miserable is not my style. Understand? MARTA: Yes! EMIL: (Bravely) We'll save Seles! ZELOS: There, that's the spirit. TENEBRAE: You are much kinder than one would expect. ZELOS: (Irked) What? How can you gaze upon this beautiful face and this graceful figure and ever think otherwise? TENEBRAE: Ah, you'll have to excuse me. It would appear the standards of beauty between monsters and humans differ greatly. ZELOS: You might make a nice piece of steak.

<Skit "It's Not Like That" appears [S0519]> ZELOS: So, fill me in. How is dragging this tyke around with us going to help us rescue Seles? MARTA: (Irked) Hey! ZELOS: No, I don't mean you, Marta sweetie. I was talking about our little daydreamer over here. EMIL: [S-]Sorry. ZELOS: I don't know how you can be such a limp noodle with this lovely little lady fawning all over you like she does. MARTA: (Irked) Hey! I won't let you talk about my knight like that! ZELOS: Whoa kid, for a dim bulb, you sure put the moves on quick! EMIL: (Flustered) No it's not like that! MARTA: (Disappointed) [I...]It's not?! EMIL: (Flustered) Wait, I mean, huh? ZELOS: [Ah,] There's nothing like young love.

<The party reaches the bottom floor [M0503]> (Emil, Marta and Zelos stop. There's a heated battle going on in front of them...  between two Lloyd Irvings.  Both are fighting as hard as they can, swords clanging) EMIL: (Shocked) [There...] There are two Lloyds?! MARTA: Then one of them is really Decus! (The two Lloyds keep slashing at each other, then notice the intruders. One Lloyd knocks the other away and signals to them) LLOYD A: Come on! Give me a hand! Help me defeat this fake one once and for all! LLOYD B: Don't let him fool you! He's the imposter! (Lloyd A leaps at Lloyd B and the fight resumes. The party just stands there, not sure what to do) MARTA: If one of them is Decus, he should reek of that cologne. EMIL: But the smell is overpowering everything. I can't tell which one it's coming from. (Zelos stares at the dueling Lloyds silently, as if he can already tell) LLOYD B: (Falls to one knee) Damn it! This is ridiculous! LLOYD A: (Signals to the party again) I trust all of you! I know justice will prevail and that you will make the right choice! (Emil stares at the two Lloyds, still uncertain) MARTA: Emil! What should we do?

<Emil decides Lloyd B is the phony> EMIL: (Draws his sword) The fake Lloyd is this one! (Emil rushes at the fallen Lloyd, but suddenly the screen goes white) ZELOS: Demon Fang! (Zelos has blocked Emil's sword with his own. Emil looks up in confusion) EMIL: Huh? ZELOS: Sorry, kid. You're wrong on this one. This guy's the imposter! (Zelos turns on Lloyd A and sends him flying. He crashes down on top of a pillar and reverts to Decus)

<Emil decides Lloyd A is the phony> EMIL: (Draws his sword) The imposter is this one! (Emil swings at Lloyd A and sends him flying. He crashes down on top of a pillar and reverts to Decus)

(Decus slowly gets to his feet, dragging up his iron maiden) MARTA: Decus! I can't believe it! Then you're the one responsible for attacking Palmacosta and destroying all of those cities. DECUS: (Looks surprised, still twitching flamboyantly) [Aww,] Crap! So you found me out. Damn it! I was supposed to keep all of this a secret from you Marta! MARTA: [Wha...] What are you talking about?! So then Daddy ordered you to-- EMIL: (Puzzled) Daddy? [W-]What do you mean, "Daddy?" DECUS: (Smirks) Oh, I see! So you didn't tell them, did you? Yes, of course! If you did, you wouldn't be able to stay with them. EMIL: (Looks over at Marta) What does he mean Marta? (Marta looks sad and keeps quiet. Suddenly, in marches Alice, dragging the mushroom-hatted Seles along with her) ALICE: Our dear little Martmart is the only daughter of the Vanguard's great Commander Brute.~ ZELOS: (Shocked) Seles! SELES: Zelos! ALICE: (Giggles) Don't you dare take another step!~ I just love breaking the arms of cute little girls like you.~ ZELOS: (Furious) Why you little bitch. ALICE: Long as I win.~ DECUS: (Moving like he just got tasered) Yeah! You better not badmouth my precious little Alice, or you'll have to answer to me! ALICE: (Looks away, annoyed) Decus, shut up. Now be good kids and hand over your cores and weapons. Martmart can bring them to us. EMIL: Why are you doing this?! What do you want with the Centurions' cores?! DECUS: (Gyrating) We only really need Ratatosk's core. Commander Brute wants the rest for his little collection. ALICE: (Irked) [Agh!] Decus! Stop answering their questions! DECUS: (Harlequin bow) [Uhh!] Sorry, my dear Alice! ALICE: (Points her swatter at Marta) Now, Martmart. And please be quick about it. (Emil looks at Marta. Marta hesitates, then starts to walk forward.  Alice beams) ???: Not so fast! (Alice looks up, surprised. Sheena teleports in behind her and knocks her aside with a mighty elbow thrust) [ALICE: Eeeeehhh!!!] (Alice lands on her butt. Decus gyrates in surprise at the newcomer. Suddenly, a golden, flying ring zips in.  Decus guards with his iron maiden, but it still knocks him off the pillar.  The ring flies back into the grasp of Colette, who has joined Sheena.  Both strike combat poses) COLETTE: We're not going to let you! (Decus reels and gets back on his feet. Suddenly, though, Regal comes rushing in from behind, stomping on his head and knocking his eyeballs clean out) REGAL: So sorry to disappoint you! (Regal rushes past him and joins Sheena and Colette in blocking the escape. Lloyd has taken hold of Seles) ZELOS: Lloyd! Is Seles all right? LLOYD: Yeah. COLETTE: Zelos, we'll take care of Seles! Lloyd! This way! LLOYD: All right! (Lloyd leads Seles after Colette, Regal and Sheena. Alice gets to her feet) ALICE: You're not getting away! (Rushes after the fleeing band) EMIL: Wait! DECUS: (Skids to a halt in front of the remaining group, his eyeballs back in) Not so fast. Don't interfere with my Alice. I'll protect her no matter what! ZELOS: (Smirks) [Huh!] Oh really? You're going to stop me? You can't even put on cologne without screwing it up! (Decus attacks the party! The party squashes him) (Decus falls to his knees, and Glacies' core clatters onto the floor) DECUS: That damn mail-order exercise machine must've been a scam! (Marta picks up the core) DECUS: Damn it! MARTA: Decus, did daddy really order you to do all of that? Did he order you to attack Palmacosta? DECUS: I was ordered to use the power of the Centurion's core to transform into Lloyd, then attack a meeting of the Vanguard. That would allow us to wipe out our internal dissent and place all the blame on the Church of Martel. MARTA: (Shocked) [Uh!] No Decus... (Zelos looks behind and suddenly moves, his sword out. Richter has appeared and locks blades with Zelos) EMIL: Richter! RICHTER: (To Decus) I'll handle this. Now go! DECUS: (Gets to his feet and grabs his iron maiden) Thank you. (Decus grabs his iron maiden and happy-foots his way after Alice.) MARTA: Wait a minute! (Marta starts to go after Decus, but Aqua grabs her. Emil moves, and Richter turns his second sword on him.  Emil wisely backs off) ZELOS: Man! What is it with you people?! RICHTER: (Raises sword) Emil, farewell! (Richter attacks the party!)

<If the party beat Richter...> (Richter falls to his knees. Emil approaches him) EMIL: Richter, why are you doing this? (Richter rears up and grabs Emil by the throat)

<If Richter beat the party...> (Richter already has Emil by the throat)

RICHTER: Emil, I won't ask you to forgive me. You can curse me in hell instead! (Richter raises his axe) EMIL: (Choking) [N...] No Richter... (Richter hesitates, looking Emil over with shocked eyes. His axe slowly lowers) RICHTER: (Gasps) Aster... (There's a long silence. Zelos and Marta wait to see what Richter will do. Aqua flies back to him) AQUA: Master Richter! (Richter hesitates a bit more, then releases Emil's neck. Emil staggers backwards, gasping.  Richter turns and walks away) AQUA: Master Richter! (Follows him) EMIL: (Between gasps) Aster? MARTA: I guess that Richter didn't kill us after all. ZELOS: (Turns and runs the way Decus went) Seles! MARTA: Right! Come on Emil, let's go after them! (Starts to follow Zelos) (Emil stares at the way Richter left, rubbing at his neck) EMIL: I wonder who Aster is? MARTA: Come on Emil! EMIL: Oh! [Uh...] Right! (Runs after the others)

<The group chases Alice and Decus into a throne room [M0504]> (Alice is cornered by Lloyd, Sheena, Seles, Colette and Regal. Still, she isn't very freaked out) ALICE: The heroes of world regeneration. This isn't looking very good for me. LLOYD: I know you have the cores as well. Now hand them over. ALICE: Not a chance!~ LLOYD: You don't need them for the goals that you have in mind. (Just then, the rest of the gang rushes in. Zelos protectively takes hold of Seles) EMIL: Goals? You mean their intention of reviving the Sylvarant Dynasty? ZELOS: The Sylvarant Dynasty? Please, you guys can't be serious. ALICE: (Wicked face) Our commander is quite serious, I assure you. He is a descendant of the Sylvarant Dynasty which fell eight hundred years ago. REGAL: (Looks up) Someone's above us! (Decus is lurking on the balcony overhead, twitching and gyrating like he has termites in his undies) DECUS: (Can't even describe it, it's so stupid-looking) Did you know that the Sylvarant Dynasty was destroyed by the Cruxis Angels and the Church of Martel? (Alice's balloon-panda thing comes floating down and she hops aboard, floating up to join Captain Jibblies on the balcony) ALICE: (Sweetly) Martmart, come back to the Vanguard. If you bring back Ratatosk's core, Commander Brute will forgive you. MARTA: No way! I'll never go back! I took Ratatosk's core on purpose to stop Daddy's foolish ambition once and for all. ALICE: (Hands on hips) Nobody likes a strong willed little girl. All right Decus let's go. (Saunters off) DECUS: (Flaming pose) I'll follow you to the end of the earth! (Walks after her) (Both get on the balloon cat and fly away. Marta watches them, then hangs her head) [MARTA: Ungh...] TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, don't let them get to you. MARTA: Oh, right. REGAL: We're all wounded and tired. Let's go back to Meltokio for now. COLETTE: I agree. Seles isn't looking very good either. Is that all right with you, Lloyd? (Lloyd is silent)

<Skit "Who Is Aster?" appears [S0520]> EMIL: Richter said "Aster" while he was looking at me. Aster. I guess that's someone's name. But why say it to me? I don't know it really bothers me.

<Skit "This Is Impossible" appears [S0521]> LLOYD: [Ugh...] I can't believe this! ZELOS: (Angrily) You're not the only one! How could they involve my poor sister in this! COLETTE: But what does this all mean? [Ugh,] I'm so confused! MARTA: Okay, the real Lloyd was the one gathering the cores. Meanwhile Decus was posing as Lloyd and committing crimes in his name. Right, Emil? (Beam) EMIL: Who is Aster? What did he mean? TENEBRAE: What does Brute want with the cores? SHEENA: Is that exercise machine Decus ordered really ineffective? Has anybody tried it out? REGAL: Proving which Lloyd was real and which Lloyd was fake will be difficult with only his own word as evidence. EMIL/MARTA/TENEBRAE/REGAL/SHEENA/ZELOS/COLETTE/LLOYD: (Muzzy) This is impossible!

<Skit "Nothing to Say" appears [S0522]> EMIL: [Um...] Excuse me, Lloyd? ZELOS: Lloyd, bud. COLETTE: Lloyd... REGAL: Lloyd, answer us. SHEENA: Come on, Lloyd... LLOYD: I have nothing to say. [EMIL/ZELOS/COLETTE/REGAL/SHENA: (Sad Sigh)]

<Skit "Chosen Maniac" appears [S0523]> COLETTE: Emil, you and Marta know this Richter person, right? MARTA: (Surprised) You know him too, Colette? COLETTE: I think maybe we're friends? EMIL/MARTA/TENEBRAE: (Surprised) What?! COLETTE: Well, my Cruxis Crystal--it's this pendant-looking thing I have-- anyway, he asked me to give it to him. MARTA: Now that you mention it, the Vanguard has been on the lookout for the Chosen. Maybe they need the Cruxis Crystals for some plan of theirs. COLETTE: When I told him I couldn't give up something so important, he said he'd have to take it from me by force. TENEBRAE: Did he threaten to kill you?! COLETTE: No. But that scared me, so I tried to get away. Except I turned around and ran smack into the fence of a nearby house and broke it. The people who lived there were really angry. But Richter apologized with me, and even paid them for the damages. EMIL: And? COLETTE: He bid me farewell by saying he'd let me go this time, but he'd take my Cruxis Crystal the next time we met. And then he left. MARTA: Sounds more like a threat than a farewell. COLETTE: I think Richter's a Chosen maniac, so he's really into collecting their memorabilia. That must be why he wanted my Cruxis Crystal. [EMIL/MARTA/TENEBRAE: (Sweatdrop) (GROAN)]

<The party heads back to the fortress entrance [T0520]> EMIL: [Um...] Lloyd... (Lloyd turns around) EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry for the way I acted. LLOYD: It's nothing you should feel bad about. I had not intention of explaining myself from the beginning. COLETTE: Lloyd, why won't you tell us anything? REGAL: Won't you talk to us? LLOYD: [Ungh...] ... EMIL: There is only one way we can remove Ratatosk's core from Marta. We have to hatch all of the cores and wake up Ratatosk himself. Why are you after the cores? Maybe we can all work together. LLOYD: Then let's work together. (Draws his swords) You can start by giving all of your cores to me. MARTA: (Shocked) This isn't just about me! If we can wake Ratatosk, all the strange weather around the world will finally stop! LLOYD: Maybe you didn't hear what I said. Hand over the cores, right now! (Marta recoils) SHEENA: This isn't like you! REGAL: Lloyd, why? Surely there's some reason you've behaving this way. COLETTE: Lloyd... ZELOS: Talk to us! (Lloyd hesitates, then sheathes his swords and turns away) LLOYD: There's nothing I can say for now. (Runs off) COLETTE: Lloyd! EMIL: We have to go after him! ZELOS: It's no use. He has a Rheiard. He's probably soaring through the wild blue yonder by now. EMIL: (Deflated) Not again. ZELOS: And Seles isn't looking too good. Let's return to my estate for now. SELES: (Winded) I'm sorry for putting you all through this. EMIL: You're right. I'm sorry, I didn't even notice. SHEENA: Okay, let's hurry back to Meltokio!

<Skit "His Reason" appears [S0524]> MARTA: But I don't get it. The Lloyd you all talked about would never act like that, right? What is he thinking? Come on Zelos, I know you can explain this. ZELOS: I'd like nothing more than to grant your wish, Marta my angel, but I can't speak in Lloyd's place. MARTA: Is that all you can say? I trusted him because all of you did. EMIL: But it wasn't Lloyd who attacked Palmacosta and those other towns. I want to believe that the real Lloyd has a good reason for what he's doing. MARTA: And I'm saying I want to know what that reason is. If he'd just talk to us instead of giving us the cold shoulder, we might even be able to help him! EMIL: Marta... ZELOS: I understand you feel partly responsible for the things the Vanguard's done. But it's not a child's place to pay for the mistakes of their parents. And directing all that frustration at Lloyd isn't the right answer, either. Though I do wish Lloyd would've said something instead of just turning his back on us. MARTA: Zelos, I... ZELOS: (Suave) [Hmm?] Fallen head over heels for me, have you? (Laughs) MARTA: (Muzzy) You'd actually be pretty charming if you didn't say stuff like that.

<Skit "His Reason Part 2" appears [S0525]> SHEENA: Lloyd refused to talk to us. REGAL: But he did save Seles. We can rest assured he hasn't really changed. COLETTE: Yes. I'm sure he'll be able to explain all of this someday. ZELOS: Yep, sooner or later keeping so many secrets to himself will be impossible for a guy as trusting as Lloyd. SHEENA: You're right. [Ugghh,] But I just hate not knowing the truth behind all of this! REGAL: It looks as though all we can do now is wait. [COLETTE/SHEENA/ZELOS: (SIGH)]

<Skit "Shallow" appears [S0526]> ZELOS: Colette's still as cute as a button, Sheena's curves are as delectable as ever, and Marta's spunky attitude just gives me goose bumps! I think I've died and gone to heaven! SHEENA: (Sweatdrop) As soon as we rescued Seles, he's back to his usual self. MARTA: Zelos is so flighty. COLETTE: No, Marta, Zelos isn't flighty. He's "shallow." ZELOS: [K'eh!] Colette, [who...] who said that about me? COLETTE: Professor Sage. She said you're like a wading pool. Professor Sage can't swim, remember? I think she means she likes Zelos! ZELOS: (SIGH) Fine, fine, I'm a shallow man with obvious motives, so sue me.


 * Meltokio*

<The party returns to Zelos's mansion, where the butlers wait [T0521]> TOKUNAGA: [Oh,] Lady Seles! I'm so glad to see that you're all right! SELEA: Tokunaga, I'm sorry for worrying you. ZELOS: Tokunaga, Sebastian, see Seles to her bed. SEBASTIAN: (Bows) Yes, sir. SELES: (Turns to Emil) [Oh...] Emil, my brother told me everything. I would be honored to give you Glacies' core. Good luck on your quest. EMIL: Thank you!

<Later, everyone convenes in Zelos's parlor [T0522]> ZELOS: Man, this thing just gets worse and worse. The Sylvarant Dynasty, huh. I've no idea what went on in Sylvarant back when the world were separated, but the Vanguard is dead set on getting revenge on the Church of Martel. EMIL: Were they planning on using Ratatosk's core to restore the Dynasty? MARTA: Yes. They want to use it to destroy the Church of Martel and the Tethe'allan royal family as well. EMIL: (Steps back) Ratatosk's core can do that?! MARTA: They plan on using it for some weapon called a mana cannon. SHEENA: (Shocked) No way. EMIL: Sheena, you've heard of it? SHEENA: Yes, I've used one before. If left in the wrong hands, it could destroy the entire world. ZELOS: I'll need to inform the church officials and His Majesty about this. COLETTE: I'll head back to Iselia to tell everyone there. Is there any way we can get word to Professor Sage? SHEENA: Leave that up to my Mizuho scouts. They'll find her and let her know. REGAL: Emil, what are you going to do next? EMIL: I'll go after the rest of the cores with Marta. That way we'll free Ratatosk and also stop the Vanguard from using the mana cannon. Right, Marta? MARTA: [R-]Right. REGAL: Then I shall continue to accompany you. I don't pretend to understand what Lloyd is thinking. But perhaps I could be of help the next time you face him. SHEENA: Good idea. I'm going, too. What I know about the mana cannon might come in handy. And I can't throw my support to Lloyd until I know what he's about. ZELOS: Count me out. I'm sure Lloyd has his reasons. He would never do anything to put the world in danger. So I'm going after Lloyd. COLETTE: I feel the same way as Zelos. I trust Lloyd, no matter what. I want to find him and help him. REGAL: I wish you two luck. Well, I suppose we won't see each other for a while. ZELOS: Yeah. Take care. COLETTE: Everyone, stay safe. EMIL: Zelos, Colette, thank you. MARTA: (Hangs head) I'm so sorry, this is all my father's fault. ZELOS: A child shouldn't have to apologize for what their parents do. Cheer up, Marta. (Zelos and Colette leave) TENEBRAE: Well then, shall we? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah.

<The party prepares to leave Meltokio [T0523]> SHEENA: (Scratches head) Now then, time to hunt for more Centurions' cores. REGAL: Indeed. The Temple of Earth isn't too far from here. EMIL: (Lowers head) Earth, that would mean... TENEBRAE: In theory, it would mean we should find Solum's core. MARTA: What's the matter, Tenebrae? You don't sound too sure. TENEBRAE: No, it's just, recently, whenever we've been close to the Vanguard, I've felt the presence of Solum's core. EMIL: (Steps back) So they already have it? TENEBRAE: I cannot be certain. But Solum's specialty is his ability to deceive his enemies. It could be connected to the effortless transformations of that foul-smelling man. MARTA: You think Decus is using the core? But wait, wouldn't you have sensed Solum's presence if he was? TENEBRAE: I'm afraid that his Eau de Seduction interferes with my senses too much for me to tell. SHEENA: Well, if we go to the Temple of Earth, we'll know for sure, right? REGAL: Indeed. No use standing around discussing it. Let's head to the Temple. EMIL: (Nods) Right.

<Skit "Solum's Core" appears [S0527]> TENEBRAE: Solum's core may not be here after all. EMIL: Oh yeah, the Vanguard might have it. Do you know, Marta? MARTA: No, [I-] I'm sorry. [Unh...] Ever since Daddy started to change, I've been avoiding him, so... SHEENA: Hey, don't sweat it. Worrying about it won't help us now. Besides, things should clear up once we get to the Temple of Earth, right? REGAL: That's right. Let's hurry.


 * Temple Of Earth*

<The party reaches the temple, but a soldier runs up to them [T0524]> TEMPLE GUARD: Halt! This area is strictly off-limits! EMIL: (Steps back) Why? Did something happen? TEMPLE GUARD: It's all those earthquakes we've been having. The inside of the temple collapsed. It's a mess in there. REGAL: So we can't go inside? TEMPLE GUARD: Nope, don't think anyone is gonna be able to before they finish repairs. (Walks away) MARTA: What should we do? SHEENA: (Scratches head) Well, we could head to the Temple of Lightning in the meantime. A summon spirit used to be there, so the core could be as well, right? REGAL: Perhaps. (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: By the way, why don't we hatch Glacies' core before we set out again? MARTA: Oh, good idea. I almost forgot about it. We haven't touched it since we got it. (Marta hatches Glacies' core) EMIL Now Glacies has awoken too. That's good. (Trails off) (Emil collapses) MARTA: (Shocked) Emil?! (Regal and Marta run to him) TENEBRAE: Perhaps he's simply exhausted from everything that's happened. SHEENA: You may be right. Let's take him back to town.


 * Meltokio*

<Emil has more terrifying flashbacks of a furious Richter attacking him [T0525]> (Emil shoots awake, his eyes red) R.EMIL: (Yelling) Aaaahhh! (Marta runs in) MARTA: Emil! What's wrong? R.EMIL: (Looks over) Marta, it's you. MARTA: You're the other Emil, aren't you? R.EMIL: You can tell? Oh yeah, you didn't want me around. MARTA: No! It's just... ever since what happened, you only showed yourself when we were in battle, so I was worried about you. R.EMIL: You were? Come to think of it, you did stand up for me. MARTA: Huh? R.EMIL: (Sideways look) Marta, do you need me? MARTA: Of course! You're Emil, too! R.EMIL: So you don't mind if I show up again? MARTA: Of course not. R.EMIL: (Looks away) Thank you. (Emil's eyes revert to green) EMIL: (Looks at Marta) [Huh?] Marta, what just happened? MARTA: What do you mean? We were talking. EMIL: Really? MARTA: I'm sorry. It's nothing. My mistake. EMIL: Oh, okay. MARTA: You should get some more rest. EMIL: Yeah, I'll do that. Good night, Marta. MARTA: [Mmn...] Good night. (Emil goes back to sleep. Marta walks a ways, then looks back at him) MARTA: (Hangs head, thinking) Emil, what's happening to you?

<The party goes to the town plaza [T0526]> (An old woman is kneeling before a priest) OLD WOMAN: Please! My grandson is sick! I heard that a doctor in Tethe'alla might be able to cure him! PRIEST: (Turns away) And? What's your point, you old hag? OLD WOMAN: If I can't get a letter of introduction from the Pope in Meltokio, no doctor in Tethe'alla will treat a Sylvaranti. PRIEST: And why should I care? Just get one of your quacks back in Sylvarant to see the brat! Now, get out of my way! (The priest rams the woman and walks away. The onlookers heckle) NOBLE A: Just look at that old crone. [Ha ha ha!] NOBLE B: Surprised she wasn't swept up with all the other garbage in the street. MARTA: (Looking on with the others) [Wh-]What's their problem?! (Emil runs over to the fallen woman) EMIL: Ma'am, are you all right? MARTA: (To the priest, angrily) What's wrong with you? How can you be so cruel? PRIEST: Silence! Or the Goddess Martel's divine punishment will rain down upon you! (Suddenly, the red wolf, Hypnos, appears and knocks the priest down) PRIEST: Aah?! (Hypnos runs off. Alice and Decus appear) ALICE: Oh, look at that!~ It looks like you got some divine punishment of your own! PRIEST: [W-]What do you think you're doing?! ALICE: You talk so much about divine punishment in your rotten sham of a religion, I thought you might like a taste yourself.~ PRIEST: [Wh-]What?! ALICE: What'll the Church of Martel do for me? Will it bring my parents back to life? Will it bring back my mother and father killed by monsters while on a pilgrimage forced by the church? PRIEST: [You-]You're blaming the Church of Martel for that? You need to learn to fear the Goddess, you filthy girl! (Decus runs up and kicks the priest in the face over and over again) DECUS: (Angrily) You bastard! No one talks to Alice like that! ALICE: (Giggles) Don't get me wrong. My parents were killed because they were weak. Just like you'll be killed. Because you're weak, too. That's all.~ MARTA: Decus! Stop it! OLD WOMAN: [Tha-]That's enough. Please, stop hurting him. ALICE: My, it looks like this kind old lady saved you. Decus, you can stop now.~ (Decus doesn't stop) ALICE: (Startled) [I...] I said you can stop! SHEENA: [Y-]You heard her, Decus! That's enough! (Decus keeps kicking the priest. Emil and Regal try to stop him, but fall back) EMIL: [Ugh...] It stinks. REGAL: It's the Eau de Seduction. [Whugh...] My head hurts. ALICE: (Freaked) Decus! Stop it! (Decus finally stops, looking mystified) DECUS: [Wha...] What was I doing? ALICE: (Calm again) Let's go, Decus. DECUS: But Alice, what about Marta and Emil? ALICE: Leave them for later! Right now we need to find out what just made you flip out. DECUS: (Happy) Oh, Alice! You're really worried about me?! ALICE: I'm worried about myself! I don't care about you. (Turns to the old woman, sweetly) Ma'am, if you need a doctor, you can use me as a reference. Go to Flanoir and give the doctor there my name, Alice of the Vanguard. They should treat your grandson for free. OLD WOMAN: [Th-]Thank you so much, Lady Alice. (Alice, Decus and the onlookers leave) EMIL: I can't believe Alice just helped someone. MARTA: Well, the Vanguard's purpose is to help the Sylvaranti. [Ugh!] But the Church of Martel is just as horrible as ever. REGAL: Yes, the corruption within the church only increases. Their state must greatly concern the Chosen and His Majesty.

-- -- (2.6) - Chapter 6: Dark Premonition (GS6) -- --


 * Temple of Lightning*

<The party enters the purple, dark area [M0601]> (Two Martel Knights block the entrance with their heavy lances, and neither one looks very friendly.) SOLDIER A: This is a restricted area. No one is allowed to enter! MARTA: A restricted area? But why? (Moves closer) SOLDIER B: (Pushes her back with his lance) None of your business. Now go! EMIL: (Catches Marta) Marta are you okay? SHEENA: (To the soldiers, angrily) What are you doing? (Sheena has to jerk back as Soldier A jabs his lance right at her bosom.) EMIL: (Getting in front) [Uh!] Excuse me but if you would just listen to-- SOLDIER A: Shut up kid! Get out of here! (Soldier A smacks Emil with the side of his lance. Emil crashes into one of the electric pillars and falls) MARTA: Emil! REGAL: Stop! That's enough. (Emil twitches, then starts to get up) R.EMIL: Damn it. That's why I can't let you handle anything. SOLDIER B: [Mmn?] What're you mumbling about? (In one swift motion, Emil has Soldier B by the throat and dangles him over the temple's edge, only a purple abyss below) SOLDIER B: [N'grrrr!!!] R.EMIL: Nobody lays a hand on Marta! (Points his sword at Soldier A's neck) MARTA: [W-]Wait, Emil! Please don't hurt them! R.EMIL: Why not? This fool just attacked you! MARTA: We need their help Emil, so we can get inside the temple! R.EMIL: That won't be a problem if we kill them all! SHEENA: Emil! You're in Ratatosk Mode again! Pull yourself together. You've got to calm down and return to your normal self. R.EMIL: My normal self can't keep Marta safe! REGAL: (Calmly) Acting like this won't keep Marta safe, either. Will it, Emil? R.EMIL: What?! REGAL: Just put your blade away. Provoking unnecessary hostilities isn't going to help our cause. (Emil looks at the man he's dangling for a moment, then angrily tosses him back onto the pavement and puts his sword away) ???: (Offscreen) [Wh-]What's going on here! (An older gentleman in scholarly clothes stands behind the soldiers) SOLDIER A: Director Schneider! [Um,] These people were trying to force their way into the temple! REGAL: It's all right. This is only a simple misunderstanding. We were just wondering why this area's been sealed off. (As Soldier B gets back on his feet, Schneider stares at Regal) SCHNEIDER: Oh, [you...] you're Duke Bryant, aren't you?! SOLDIER A: (Shocked) Duke Bryant? You mean the president of the Lezareno Company? SOLDIER B: (Scrambling to his feet) [D'eh... uh... nuh... vuhhh...] You should have said so in the first place! We're glad to help the president of such a fine establishment. SCHNEIDER: I must apologize for this unfortunately rude welcome. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Schneider, the director of Sybak's Imperial Research Academy. Recently, the Temple of Lightning has become quite dangerous. We've restricted access to only those who have permission from the Academy. MARTA: Oh really? But why? What happened here? We really need to get inside, it's very urgent! SCHNEIDER: Well I can make some exceptions as long as your cause is justified. Once I've finished my work, I'll be glad to hear you out. Perhaps you could wait for me at the Imperial Research Academy until then? MARTA: (Happy gasp) Thank you very much sir! REGAL: Yes, thank you. (Looks at Emil) Emil, any objections? (Emil has been keeping quiet, staring off into space. Schneider looks at him and recoils) SCHNEIDER: (Gasps) [You-] You're-- R.EMIL: (Annoyed) What? What's wrong with you? What's with the stupid expression? MARTA: Do you know Emil? SCHNEIDER: Emil? Of course that's impossible. There's no way it could be him. SHEENA: What is it? Does he remind you of someone? SCHNEIDER: [Uh, (chuckles weakly) Eh,] No, it's nothing, please disregard my comment. Now, if you'll excuse me. (Schneider walks back inside the temple, and the soldiers block the path again) MARTA: (Turns to Emil) I wonder who you remind him of? R.EMIL: Who cares? How the hell would I know? SHEENA: Well anyway. Why are you always so aggressive when you're in Ratatosk Mode?

<Skit "Church of Martel" appears [S0601]> SHEENA: (Irked) Who do those jerks think they are?! I heard the Church of Martel was up to no good. Looks like the rumors were true! What the hell is Zelos thinking?! REGAL: The appeal of the Chosen has dropped sharply since the system that supported his status was abolished. Putting on the blame on the Chosen is unfair. MARTA: And Sylvarant's Church of Martel is completely controlled by the Church in Tethe'alla. R.EMIL: [Hmmph.] Sounds like the Church of Martel's days are numbered. REGAL: It would be difficult to imagine otherwise.

<Skit "Appearances" appears [S0602]> R.EMIL: (Sharply) Here, eat. MARTA: (Surprised) [D...] Did you make this? R.EMIL: Yeah. Something wrong? MARTA: No. It just looks a bit different. TENEBRAE: I believe "rough" might be the word you're looking for. You always did things like carve the apples into rabbit shapes, or shave carrots into flower petals. R.EMIL: Who the hell bothers with stuff like that?! MARTA: But I mean is this edible? R.EMIL: I'll throw it out if you don't want it. MARTA: No, sorry. I'm going to eat it. [Huh?] It tastes just as good as the food you usually make. TENEBRAE: My! Though comparable in appearance to the disturbing products of Lady Marta's cooking, it would seem the flavor is perfectly fine. MARTA: (Irked) Hey! Watch it!


 * Sybak*

<The party enters town [T0601]> MARTA: I wonder where the Imperial Research Academy is. SHEENA: We've been there before. It's towards the far end of town. R.EMIL: (Swats at hair) With Lloyd? SHEENA: Yes, that's right. REGAL All right, let's head to the Imperial Research Academy and wait for Director Schneider to return. MARTA: Okay.

<Skit "Contagious" appears [S0603]> R.EMIL: Why do they all look so pale? SHEENA: (Laughs) Well yeah... This town's packed to the gills with bookworms and eggheads. MARTA: So they're the complete opposite of you. SHEENA: (Irked) Well excuse me! And what about you, huh? MARTA: (Giggles) I'm in the same boat.~ REGAL: Looks like you both could stand a bit of polish at the hands of Professor Sage. R.EMIL: [Hmmph.] Better hope her "Ruin Mode" disease isn't contagious. SHEENA: Like you're one to talk.

<The party goes to the entrance of the IRA [T0602]> (A chunky man stands in the way) RESEARCHER: (Walks up to Emil, stunned) [Y... You're...] You're Aster! You're alive! See, I told you not to get all buddy-buddy with that half-elf! R.EMIL: (Angrily) Who are you?! And who the hell is Aster?! RESEARCHER: You're Aster. They said you died while looking for that summon spirit, Ratatosk. MARTA: Hold on, did you say Ratatosk? You're researching Ratatosk here? RESEARCHER: [Huh?] Are you a friend of Aster's? MARTA: His name is Emil. He's not Aster. REGAL: Settle down, everyone. I am Regal Bryant. Director Schneider instructed us to wait for him here. RESEARCHER: (Recoils) Duke Bryant! [M... my-] My apologies! The director is currently out in the field. REGAL: Yes, I'm aware. RESEARCHER: [Oh,] Oh, right, of course. Please, come inside. The director's room is on the second floor. It's the last room back. REGAL: (Nods) Thank you. (The man steps aside and the party goes into the building) MARTA: I wonder who this Aster guy is and if he really looks like Emil. SHEENA: Who knows. It sounds like they're holding on to that same old half-elf bigotry. I can't say I like that. REGAL: It is difficult for people to change. Prejudice against half-elves has been around for over four thousand years. It'll be a while before it starts to fade. SHEENA: I guess you're right, but still... I wouldn't be surprised if they were still locking half-elves up in the basement and forcing them to do research. MARTA: (Recoils) They actually did something like that? REGAL: Perhaps we should stop by the basement and check? MARTA: (Nervous) You mean go where half-elves might be? SHEENA: (Irked) I don't believe it, you too? You're friends with Raine and Genis, aren't you? MARTA: Yes, you're right. Feeling afraid like this, it isn't fair to Raine or Genis. I'm sorry. REGAL: Well then, shall we?

<The party goes to the basement [T0603]> (They look around at the dingy, badly-lit lab) SHEENA: This is where half-elves were forced to do research. They were locked up here their entire lives. MARTA: Imprisoned in here? That's horrible. Can you imagine? (Emil silently stares at a device) REGAL: Emil, are you all right? (Emil acts surprised, then turns around, his eyes green again) EMIL: Where am I? SHEENA: What is it? [Y-]You look like you just woke up from a dream. EMIL: Marta! You're not hurt, are you? What happened to those mean knights? MARTA: Are you okay? EMIL: Huh? SHEENA: Come on, wake up already. The Temple of Lightning was off-limits, so we came to the Sybak Imperial Research Academy, remember? EMIL: (Unsure) We did? (Awkward silence) REGAL: Perhaps you're just tired. Why don't you get some rest at the inn. I'll send a messenger as soon as the director returns. EMIL: Okay. MARTA: I'll go with you. EMIL: Sure. Thanks.

<Skit "Are You Okay?" appears [S0604]> MARTA: Emil, are you sure you're okay? EMIL: (Nods) [Uh,] Yeah, I'm fine. I just spaced out there for a second. MARTA: I wonder if you have a fever. Anyway, let's get you back to the inn for some rest. EMIL: Okay. I'm sorry to worry you.

<The group leaves the building [T0604]> (The same chunky researcher comes up to them) RESEARCHER: You look just like him. EMIL: Huh? MARTA: They've been saying you look like someone named Aster. EMIL: (Puzzled) I do? RESEARCHER: You're a dead ringer. You could be his twin. But I heard Aster was killed by Richter, so-- (Both react in shock) EMIL: Richter?! RESEARCHER: Oh, you've heard of Richter? He used to be a researcher here, a half-elf. MARTA: A half-elf. I did notice he's able to use magic. EMIL: Was this Richter a tall man with red hair? RESEARCHER: Yes, a redhead. He went off to investigate a summon spirit named Ratatosk, and ended up killing Aster. They were best friends, too. What a sick bastard. Damn those half-elves. EMIL: (Defensive) [Th-]That's a lie! Richter would never do something like that! (Emil runs off) MARTA: Emil, wait! (Marta runs to Emil, who is standing by the nearby river) MARTA: Please, try to calm down. EMIL: I must have reminded Richter of Aster. MARTA: Emil... EMIL: That's why he was so nice to me. If Richter really did kill Aster, it doesn't make sense why he'd be nice to someone who looks just like him. MARTA: Yeah. If you trust Richter, then I do, too. Now let's go get some rest at the inn. Okay? EMIL: (Looks down) Okay.

<Skit "Aster" appears [S0605]> EMIL: Marta, do you really think this Aster person was killed by Richter? MARTA: [H-]Hey, [ha-]have you heard this story? Long ago, a little boy and girl lived deep in the forest. EMIL: A little boy and girl. MARTA: One day, while out on a stroll, they came upon a house made entirely of gels. They were hungry, so they started to eat it, when suddenly this old woman-- EMIL: Why do I look so much like this Aster? Maybe he's a distant relative or something. [MARTA: (Disheartened) Uh...] TENEBRAE: It appears you were unable to alter his troubled mood. By the way, I'm rather curious about the end of your story. MARTA: [Ugh...] Does it really matter? They all lived happily ever after. The end. [TENEBRAE: Hmm...]

<Emil turns in, only to be plagued by the nightmares again [T0605]> (Emil shoots up in bed. Only Tenebrae is with him) EMIL: Aaah! That same dream again. (Thinking) Why would Richter try to kill me? TENEBRAE: Are you awake? EMIL: Tenebrae. Yeah, I had a really weird dream. TENEBRAE: A dream? EMIL: Yeah, a dream where I'm killed by Richter. Hey, where's Marta? TENEBRAE: She received word from Regal and left. Shall we follow? EMIL: Yeah.

<Emil head back for the academy [T0606]> (Marta, Regal and Sheena are standing nearby, seemingly talking) MARTA: Emil isn't Emil? (Emil sneaks out of the view) REGAL: At the very least, that's what Raine believes. She said as much in the letter she wrote me. I've been observing him for a while, and I believe his "Ratatosk Mode" cannot be fully explained by possession alone. SHEENA: I think Regal may be right. We once witnessed one of our friends being possessed. When Emil's in Ratatosk Mode, he's being possessed by Ratatosk's power, right? But it sure lasts a long time for a mere possession, and he recalls those periods as part of his own memories. MARTA: But recently, it seems like he doesn't remember what happens while he's in Ratatosk Mode. REGAL: In our experience, the possessed party is aware they are being possessed. However, here, Emil perceives the possession as a part of him. And recently he has no memory of the incidents. This is just as Raine predicted. MARTA: What exactly did she say? REGAL: Raine's hypothesis is that the real Emil is suffering from a form of amnesia. She theorizes that the Emil we know is an invention of his mind, created to fill in the holes of his missing memories. MARTA: I don't see how that's possible. His aunt and uncle recognized him as their nephew. REGAL: That puzzles me as well. But Raine believes that his real self lies dormant along with his memories. She suspects that perhaps his pact with Ratatosk stimulated his mind, unlocking this inactive portion. Otherwise, I see no reason why his personality would dramatically transform simply from borrowing Ratatosk's power. (Suddenly, they all turn around in surprise. Emil has been listening the whole time.) SHEENA: Emil! EMIL: (Slumps) In other words, the person I am now is a fake? REGAL: You heard us. EMIL: Regal! REGAL: (Shakes head) That's not exactly right. You're Emil, as well. But your personality was created as a way to face society after you lost your memory. EMIL: (Upset) Then what am I? REGAL: This is nothing more than my own hypothesis. Raine might disagree with this but... perhaps this person named Aster is actually you. EMIL: (Angrily) I'm Emil! Aster is supposed to be dead. (Hesitates, then pulls back, thinking) Could this be why I remember getting killed by Richter? Because I'm actually Aster? MARTA: They told us Director Schneider's back in the city. Let's go to the Research Academy and hear what he has to say, okay? EMIL: But Marta... MARTA: We can't just leave you like this. SHEENA: Marta's right. And there's something else you should know. Regal's reason for saying all that wasn't so he could call you a fake. He brought it up because he's worried that you'll disappear entirely. The you you are now is important to us. To me, Regal, Raine--to all of us. EMIL: (Quietly) Thank you. REGAL: (Hangs head) I am sorry for bringing all of this up. EMIL: (Shakes head) Please, don't apologize. I want to know what's going on inside me more than anyone. Let's go to the Research Academy.

<The party goes to Schneider's office in the academy [T0607]> SCHNEIDER: Terribly sorry to have kept you all waiting. Now, you wish to enter the Temple of Lightning? MARTA: Yes. And there's something else we'd like to ask you. EMIL: What can you tell us about the person named Aster? And Richter, as well. SCHNEIDER: [Aha...] I knew you and Aster were related the moment I saw you. So are you his brother? REGAL: No, you see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) SCHNEIDER: Quite an interesting tale indeed. You may very well be Aster. You certainly look enough like him. Did you meet your relatives in Luin when you were young? EMIL: No. I met them for the first time after Palmacosta was attacked. SCHNEIDER: [Hmm...] Then it's certainly possible that Aster took on your name and identity somewhere along the line. MARTA: But isn't Emil too young to have been a researcher here? SCHNEIDER: Aster began conducting research at our facilities when he was nine years old. (Everyone is shocked) SCHNEIDER: He was brilliant. It was hard to believe he wasn't a half-elf. If he were still alive, he'd be eighteen. Emil, how old are you? EMIL: (Slumps) I'm sixteen. But if I really did lose my memory... SCHNEIDER: Right, you wouldn't know how old you actually are. SHEENA: What did Aster research when he was here? SCHNEIDER: He was originally studying summon spirits. I believe you may have met him in Meltokio's Elemental Research Laboratory. SHEENA: (Scratches head) I knew I recognized Emil from somewhere. SCHNEIDER: While studying the relevance of summon spirits and the environments, he theorized monsters regulate the world's mana levels. To prove this, he set out to perform a field test with a summon spirit called Ratatosk. That was roughly two years ago. EMIL: (Straightens up) And Richter went along, too? SCHNEIDER: (Nods) Correct. Richter was a half-elf who worked here. He and Aster got along quite well, even collaborating in their research. The two left town to conduct the test together. MARTA: So what happened? SCHNEIDER: I don't know the details. Richter told us that Aster had died, and he subsequently left the Research Academy. REGAL: Is there any way to find out whether Emil and Aster are the same person? SCHNEIDER: A researcher named Rilena is currently at the Temple of Lightning. She started working here the same time as Aster. She and Aster were close friends. She also knows quite a bit about Ratatosk. I'll give you a letter of passage to go inside the temple. Go and see her. EMIL: Are you sure? It seems like you've been really strict about who you'll let inside. SCHNEIDER: Lately, we've had an unusual number of lightning storms around here and it seems the temple might be the source of it. What's more, the dimensional boundary in part of the temple has become warped. SHEENA: (Curious) Dimensional boundary? SCHNEIDER: In other words--[SIGH]How should I put this. This world and another world are starting to mix. The details explanation is far too complicated, so that will have to do for now. Anyway, it's not safe, so please be careful while you're in there. (Schneider hands Emil a letter) EMIL: (To Marta) Right. Let's head to the temple. MARTA: (Nods) Okay.

<Skit "Marta's Kindness" appears [S0606]> EMIL: I hope those guards don't give us any more trouble. MARTA: We've got an official okay from the Director. We'll be fine. EMIL: I guess. (But what if they attack us, and I lose my memory again?) MARTA: Emil. Give me your hand. EMIL: [Huh? Oh...] Okay. Hey! [Ouch!] MARTA: It hurts, right? That's proof you're here right now. EMIL: [Y-]Yeah. MARTA: Does my hand feel warm? EMIL: Yes. MARTA: That means I'm here too, right beside you. So, stop looking like you could disappear at any moment! EMIL: Thanks.

<The party reaches the town plaza (this happens only if the earlier Richter side quests were done) [T0608]> (Richter stands outside the library with a chubby man with brown hair) RICHTER: It seems that Hawk had his subordinates take it to the Cape Fortress. I'll go and get it. (Turns and starts walking away) NORTON: Thanks, Richter. You're the only one I can count on. RICHTER: Maybe you'll finally learn your lesson this time. (Walks away) (Emil and the others walk onto the scene) EMIL: Was that Richter just now? MARTA: I wonder if he's going to the Temple of Lightning. TENEBRAE: It sounded like he intends to visit the Cape Fortress. MARTA: I was thinking of asking him about Aster. EMIL: Do you think we should follow him? SHEENA: Shouldn't we go to the temple first? The core is more important, and we can't just leave Rilena there. REGAL: Indeed. I would like to hear what Richter has to say, but approaching him carelessly might not be wise. EMIL: (Hangs head) I guess. MARTA: Come on, let's go!


 * Cape Fortress*

<The party reaches the entrance [T0609]> MARTA: What are we doing here? You're not planning to go meet Richter, are you? EMIL: (Turns to the others) I'll go on alone from here. You guys head back to Meltokio and wait for me at the inn. SHEENA: Emil, Richter is dangerous! EMIL: [I...] I've been meeting with Richter several times now. MARTA: (Shocked) What?! EMIL: I just wanted to know what he was doing. It seemed like it had to do with killing Ratatosk. REGAL: But you're going alone? EMIL: If it's just me, Richter won't attack, so please let me go! TENEBRAE: Richter's motives concern me as well. I shall protect Emil. MARTA: (Worried) You'll come back safe? EMIL: Yes. MARTA: You promise to explain everything as soon as you get back? EMIL: Yes. I promise. MARTA: All right. I trust you and I'll wait for you. But I'm still going to be mad at you for keeping secrets. EMIL: I'm sorry. MARTA: (Shakes head) It's fine. Just be careful. (The others leave, and Emil heads in alone)

<Emil walks to the bottom of the staircase [T0610]> (Richter is walking along, Aqua trailing behind him) RICHTER: Looks like it's further in. AQUA: (Turns around) Master Richter! Someone's coming! (Richter turns around, surprised, as Emil comes down the stairs) RICHTER: Emil... EMIL: Richter! I-- RICHTER: (Turns away, folds his arms) Get out of here. EMIL: This has to do with Ratatosk, doesn't it? RICHTER: I don't have anything to say to you. EMIL: I'm coming with you! RICHTER: (Sideways glance) You'll get in the way. EMIL: I'm not going to retreat inside my shell anymore. AQUA: "Your" shell? You don't even know the first thing about what "you" are! EMIL: You mean about how I look like Aster? That I might even be him? RICHTER: (Whirls around angrily) Shut up! (Emil steps back. Richter calms down and turns away again) RICHTER: If you insist on coming, at least keep your mouth shut. EMIL: But-- RICHTER: (Sideways glance) Understood? EMIL: [Unh...] ...

<The party goes further in [T0611]> AQUA: I haven't seen anything that looks like it at all. I bet Hawk knew where it was kept and just didn't tell us. RICHTER: [Mmmnh...] ... EMIL: You mean the Deep Sea Scroll? I can help you look for-- RICHTER: Aqua, let's look a little further in. AQUA: Yes! (Richter and Aqua keep walking) EMIL: Richter...

<The party takes the Blue Knight path [T0612]> RICHTER: (Looks around) It's not here, either. EMIL: Richter! RICHTER: ... EMIL: (Louder) Richter! RICHTER: ... EMIL: (Yelling) Richter! RICHTER: (Angrily) I'm not deaf! EMIL: Then why are you ignoring me?! RICHTER: [Nghhh...] ... EMIL: You're the one who told me I couldn't go my whole life worrying about making people angry! You told me nothing would ever change if I just stayed inside my shell and I've been thinking about those words. But now you're the one retreating into your shell! You're treating me like I don't even exist! AQUA: (Angrily) You've got a lot of nerve for someone who doesn't even know who he is! EMIL: You mean the fact that I look like Aster? I know that! Or the fact that I might even be him. RICHTER: (Angrily) Enough! (Both Emil and Aqua recoil) RICHTER: (Turns to Emil) Emil, I'm sorry. I was not ignoring you because you resemble Aster. EMIL: Then why? RICHTER: Following me around isn't likely to help you answer your questions about Ratatosk. Do you still want to come? EMIL: Oh yes. RICHTER: Then let's keep going. But this will be the last time you and I work together. EMIL: Why?! RICHTER: After I've finished with this task, I'm going to take Ratatosk's core from Marta. Will you allow that? EMIL: No, of course not! RICHTER: Then you see my point. We will become enemies again, as before. So long as that's clear, let's go. (Richter turns and walks away) EMIL: Richter...

<Skit "Outcasts" appears [S0607]> EMIL: Richter, you're a half-elf, right? RICHTER: You couldn't tell? Only elves and half-elves can use magic. Everyone knows that. EMIL: I've never been clear on those things. RICHTER: No half-elf is free from discrimination. Well not until recently. We've been replaced by a new breed of outcast. EMIL: The Sylvaranti. RICHTER: Exactly. And the ranks of the disenfranchised will only grow. People are made to fight. With the rise of every new country, new outcasts are born. Before long the outcasts may become the majority, and perhaps discrimination will subside. EMIL: Is that the only way for discrimination to end? RICHTER: I never said it would end entirely. Only that it may lose some of its intensity. But even that would be an improvement. EMIL: [You...] You could be a half-elf, or anything else for that matter, and I'd like you just the same. RICHTER: (Disturbed) How can you say that? [EMIL: Huh?] RICHTER: Never mind.

<Skit "Hiding the Face" appears [S0608]> EMIL: Richter. Should I put this on? RICHTER: What is that? EMIL: It's the mask Lloyd was wearing. It should hide my face a bit. That way, looking at me wouldn't bring up any painful memories, right? RICHTER: Don't be ridiculous. You are Emil, not Aster. The two of you only share a resemblance. EMIL: But... RICHTER: (Quietly) That's how it has to be. Or I'll curse this fate. EMIL: Richter...

<Skit "Richter and Tenebrae Part 2" appears [S0609]> RICHTER: Tenebrae, I'd like to ask you something. TENEBRAE: I have nothing to say to you. RICHTER: Who is Emil? TENEBRAE: Emil is himself, Emil Castagnier. A young man who looks up to you, despite your faults. Nothing more. RICHTER: I know you're hiding something. TENEBRAE: I speak the truth. It is you whom I would ask to please not confuse Emil with a certain someone you know. RICHTER: I've done no such thing. I only pray that my suspicions are wrong. If they aren't, my hatred will be even stronger.

<The party finds some papers on the ground [T0613]> AQUA: Master Richter, it looks like this is it. RICHTER: Finally. I still can't believe that fool Norton went and sold this. EMIL: What do you mean? RICHTER: Norton sold off many of the Academic Resource Building's research materials to pay off his gambling debts. He was worried his colleagues were beginning to catch on, so he asked me to help. TENEBRAE: So what does that have to do with Lord Ratatosk? RICHTER: I never said it was directly related to Ratatosk. EMIL: Huh? RICHTER: Forget it. There's no point in telling you. In fact, I can't tell you. Since I can't be sure what'll happen. EMIL: (Puzzled) What'll happen? RICHTER: Let's go. I'll take you back to Meltokio.


 * Meltokio*

<Richter and Emil stop at the city gates [T0614]> RICHTER: Emil. The next time we meet, we will be enemies again. EMIL: I don't want to be enemies! RICHTER: This is fate. It was bound to be like this from the beginning. Most likely from the moment you were born. EMIL: What is that supposed to mean?! RICHTER: Farewell. (Richter and Aqua leave)

<Emil walks to the inn [T0615]> (Marta, Regal and Sheena are waiting outside) MARTA: Emil! We've been waiting for you! EMIL: I'm sorry. SHEENA: So what happened? EMIL: Well... (Quickie explanation fade-out) MARTA: So then, it didn't have anything to do with Ratatosk? TENEBRAE: I'm not so sure of that. I believe there may be some connection. SHEENA: (Scratches head) Richter is a very mysterious guy. REGAL: Yes. But whatever he intends, all we can do is what we can. EMIL: ...You're right. I'm sorry for getting sidetracked and wasting time. MARTA: It wasn't a waste. But next time, don't keep it a secret from me. EMIL: Right. I'm sorry, Marta.


 * Temple Of Lightning*

<The party enters the temple to a gruesome sight; the guards that bullied them before are splayed out on the ground, lifeless [T0616]> TENEBRAE: They appear to be dead. MARTA: Oh no. EMIL: Who could have done this? REGAL: If there's a core located in this temple, it stands to reason... EMIL: (Turns to Regal) Lloyd? SHEENA: It couldn't be! MARTA: Then maybe the Vanguard. EMIL: Marta, I'm sorry if this is hard for you. MARTA: No, its okay. I'm opposed to what the Vanguard does, and I want to stop Daddy. It's just such a waste. These people's lives were just tossed away. SHEENA: Yes. As bad as they may have been, they didn't deserve this. EMIL: I'd like to give these two a proper burial. We can't just leave them like this. REGAL: But if the Vanguard is here, we haven't a moment to lose. We have no choice but to leave them for now. EMIL: (Hangs head) Yes, you're right. I'm sorry.


 * Sybak*

<The party heads back toward the academy [T0617]> (Hawk is standing at the far end of the building with a few of his troops) EMIL: What could Hawk be doing in a place like this? (Emil and Marta hide and listen in) HAWK: Ten-hut! Commencing Division Commander Hawk's Weekly Reflection now! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Sir! Yes, sir! HAWK: First, close your eyes and focus on the events of the past week. Commence meditation! (Lowers head) VANGUARD SOLDIER A: (Lowers head) ... VANGUARD SOLDIER B: (Lowers head) ... VANGUARD SOLDIER C: (Lowers head) ... (Awkward silence; the soldiers start spazzing) HAWK: Cease meditation! Argh, I feel so frustrated! VANGUARD SOLDIER A: I broke out in a cold sweat! VANGUARD SOLDIER B: I felt a chill go down my spine! VANGUARD SOLDIER C: I felt like I was at a loss for words! HAWK: I see you've all had a terribly stressful week, just as I have. And we all know who's the source of our problems! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: She is! HAWK: I must keep advancing within the Vanguard so that you, my comrades, will not need to endure these hardships any longer! And this is why I beseech you to lend me your strength. Help me take Ratatosk's core from Lady Marta. Help me defeat anyone who stands in our way. Help me climb the Vanguard ladder all the way to the top! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Sir! Yes, sir! HAWK: And for some reason that scoundrel Magnar sees me as his enemy, and he's trying to interfere with our mission! Be wary of him! Men, I can't do this without you. So let's rise above the rest together! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Sir! Yes, sir! HAWK: All right! You're all dismissed! EMIL: What a bizarre meeting. I had no idea Hawk was so close to his soldiers. I'd better be careful...


 * Meltokio*

<The party goes toward Zelos's mansion [T0618]> (Magnar stands before the building nearby with some of his troops) EMIL: What's Magnar doing in a place like this? (Emil and Marta hide and listen in) MAGNAR: You still haven't found her?! How hard can it possibly be to catch a single little girl like Marta?! SOLDIER A: Sir, it's just that any number of deadly characters are at her side at all times and-- MAGNAR: I'm tired of your excuses! That Vanguard Commander Chickenhawk is looking for Marta as well. We won't let him get to her first! SOLDIER B: Chicken hawk? MAGNAR: I'd also accept "Yellow-bellied Hawk." Anyway, capture Marta before he gets any more feathers in his cap! SOLDIERS: (Salute) Yes, sir! (They march off) EMIL: I wonder why Magnar has such a bitter rivalry with Hawk. Is it just because they're enemies?

<The party goes behind the item shop [T0619]> (Hawk is there with his troops) EMIL: It's Hawk and his men. (Emil and Marta hide and listen in) HAWK: What? That imbecile Magnar called me a coward? VANGUARD SOLDIER A: Yes, sir! I heard it from someone who says he heard it with his own ears! HAWK: Then it must be true. How dare that Magnar--no, Maggotnar! He's making a fool of me, which is, like everything else, all her fault! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Very true, sir! HAWK: She thinks she can put everyone down just because she's stronger! So full of herself, with that mail-order cologne nut fawning all over her day and night. Trying to act all cutesy girl with her phony cutesy talk and her phony cutesy walk! No good will ever come of someone who makes nicknames for everyone she meets! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Very true, sir! HAWK She claims she's only eighteen, but we all know she's much older than that! She must be using some sort of age-reversing facial cream! Argh, just thinking about it makes my skin crawl! It's all her fault! Now tell me, men. What's the name of this scourge? VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Alice! HAWK: Yes, Alice. This would would be a better place if only she were out of the picture. And yet, we must tolerate her presence for now! Surely if we leave her be, she'll eventually meet the grisly end she truly deserves. Therefore, we must put up with her for just a little while longer. Just a bit more. Though she may insult us, we will stand tall and proud, so that when her time comes, our victory will be all the more glorious! VANGUARD SOLDIERS: Sir! Yes, sir! HAWK: All right! You're all dismissed! EMIL: Things in the Vanguard are more complex than I thought. They're bad guys, but listening to Hawk almost brought a tear to my eye.


 * Sybak*

<The party heads for the academy [T0620]> (Magnar stands with his back to the party at the door, alone) EMIL: That's... (Emil and Marta hide and listen in) MAGNAR: Why? Why must I always be in his shadow? I swore that I would weather any foe, endure any humiliation so that our noble goals might be achieved, and yet... I cannot allow this injustice to persist. How is it his stature surpasses my own? EMIL: Hierarchy structure sure are complicated. MAGNAR: That knave Chickenhawk. All gleeful at Lady Alice's endearment, "Hawkie." Someday, I too will have Alice anoint me with a tender nickname, her soft and sweet voice. "Oh, Maggy..." (Emil gets a muzzy)


 * Temple Of Lightning*

<Skit "Temple of Lightning" appears [S0610]> SHEENA: (Down) It looks like I'm tired to this place, whether I like it or not. EMIL: Something seems to be bothering Sheena. REGAL: She once failed to forge a pact with Volt, the Summon Spirit of Lightning. [EMIL: Unh?] REGAL: It was a disaster that took the lives of a quarter of the people of Mizuho. Because of that, she has led a lonely life, even among her own people. [EMIL: Hmm...] REGAL: But she overcame pain, sadness, and fear in order to save this world, and eventually succeeded in her pact with Volt. In that regard, Sheena may understand both of your struggles better than anyone.

<The party finds some papers on the ground [T0621]> TENEBRAE: What do you think that is? (Emil picks them up) EMIL: Looks like some research notes. Let's see... "In short, restricting the dimensional boundary to a certain level is Ratatosk's..." MARTA: (Shocked) Ratatosk?! Those notes are about Ratatosk? EMIL: It looks like it. This stuff is pretty dense. I can hardly understand it. SHEENA: Staff from the Imperial Research Academy are here, right? REGAL: Yes, this must have been left behind. EMIL: I'll hold onto it for now.

<Skit "Brilliant Researcher" appears [S0611]> EMIL: Paporo popporo pippity poppity pooh. TENEBRAE: (Laughs) And what does "paporo popporo pippity poppity pooh" mean? Is that some sort of new-fangled slang? EMIL: It was written in the research notes I found. It's in the language of the angels, so I might not be reading it correctly. TENEBRAE: But why would that be written in these notes? EMIL: Here, maybe you can read it. TENEBRAE: Let me see now. It says, "Some Centurions are stuffy and old fashioned." EMIL/MARTA/SHEENA/REGAL: How true. EMIL: Whoever wrote these notes must be a really brilliant researcher. [TENEBRAE: Hmm?!]

<Skit "Tall Objects" appears [S0612]> EMIL: How come there are lightning strikes indoors? It's really dangerous. MARTA: We may be safe though, considering the people in our party. TENEBRAE: Why is that? MARTA: Well, they say lightning strikes tall objects.~ SHEENA: (Light bulb) Tall objects. Oh yeah. EMIL: Now that you mention it, Regal's pretty tall. TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) Well then, we have nothing to worry about. We're counting on you, Mr. Lightning Rod. [REGAL: Uh...]

<The party goes up into the main chamber [T0622]> (Two panicked scientists come running up to them) RESEARCHER A: [A-]Are you with the Vanguard, too?! EMIL: No, we're not! We're here with permission from the Imperial Research Academy. RESEARCHER B: Then get out of here while you still can. The Vanguard broke in and they're killing everyone they see. (The party is shocked) MARTA: We have to stop them! EMIL: Yeah, let's go! SHEENA: Hold on a second! Emil, why don't you show them the notes we found? RESEARCHER A: Notes? REGAL: They appear to be regarding research on Ratatosk. RESEARCHER B: Maybe those are the notes Rilena said she'd dropped. EMIL: Where can we find Rilena? RESEARCHER A: She was working deeper in the temple. I hope she's okay. MARTA: Let's go! EMIL: We'll save Rilena. The rest of you, please get out of here. REGAL: Please request the Royal Army to be dispatched as well. RESEARCHER B: Will do. You should deliver those notes to Rilena. She was obsessed with finding them. EMIL: I will!

<The party goes up to an old altar, where three colored energy balls swirl [T0623]> TENEBRAE: I feel a presence of the core from beyond here. EMIL: But it's giving off electricity. I wonder how we get rid of this?

<The party enters a pitch-dark room> EMIL: It's really dark. Let's be careful where we step. INFORMATION: Rapidly press A if you are about to fall, to save yourself.

<The party climbs to another level [T0624]> (Everyone stops in surprise) EMIL: Lloyd! (Lloyd is nearby. As soon as he spots them, he takes off) EMIL: Lloyd, wait! VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Offscreen) Hey, this way! Lady Marta's with them! (A slew of Vanguard troops surround the group) EMIL: [Wh-]What should we do? MARTA: Looks like we don't have much of a choice. SHEENA: Yep. Here they come! (The troops attack, but the party defeats them) (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: We've lost sight of Lloyd. He could reach the core before us. MARTA: But finding Rilena is more important than Lloyd. If she gets caught up in the Vanguard's attack... EMIL: (Nods) Right! Come on, let's hurry!

<The party spots a rope with a lightning rod device at the end> EMIL: That rope is pretty old. It can snap at any moment. The Sorcerer's Ring might reach from here.

<The party opens the altar doors and reaches the next room [T0625]> (Decus is already there, menacing a girl scientist with a ponytail) EMIL: (Clamps his nose) That smell! DECUS: Woman! I can understand why a whiff of my alluring scent might cause you to freeze up, but if you don't get out of the way, I'll kill you! RILENA: (Shakes head) Don't be ridiculous! I have no interest in someone like you! But the Centurion's core up ahead is far too dangerous! TENEBRAE: I believe that must be Rilena. MARTA: Decus! Stop it! (Decus and Rilena both look surprised) RILENA: (Looks at Emil, shocked) Aster?! DECUS: Marta! Don't you dare get in my way! (Yanks his sword out of the weird iron maiden box nearby. Emil shoves Marta out of the way and brandishes his own sword) DECUS: You sure you can survive without going all Ratatosk Mode on me, kid? (Decus lays into Emil, slashing wildly. Emil can only block) EMIL: Ugh! DECUS: (Crazily) Hahahahaha! How do you like this power? How do you like this beauty? How do you like this aroma? EMIL: (Thinking) Why can't I go into Ratatosk Mode? Without it I can't-- DECUS: (Raises sword) Now die as you yearn for me! EMIL: (Thinking) I'm gonna die! Help me! The other "me," you have to help me! (Screen goes black) R.EMIL: You always make me do your dirty work. (Screen comes back. Emil's eyes are red) R.EMIL: Door to the boundary, open! (Emil raises his hand. A black hole opens behind Rilena, sucking her, Decus, and his iron maiden in.  Marta gets up, horrified) MARTA: Emil! Emil, stop it! R.EMIL: [Rrr...] ... MARTA: (Grabs Emil and shakes him) Emil! (Emil lowers his arm and the black hole disappears) REGAL: We're saved. But... SHEENA: Yeah. What was that, anyway? It sucked Rilena right in. MARTA: Emil, was that a power of Knight of Ratatosk? R.EMIL: (Shrugs) I think so. SHEENA: (Scratches head) You think so? That's a little vague. R.EMIL: I just said the words that popped into my head. You can blame Ratatosk for that. MARTA: Can you make the rift open again? Rilena is trapped inside. R.EMIL: (Annoyed) How the hell should I know?! I don't even know how I did it in the first place! (Shrugs) Who cares about that woman anyway? SHEENA: What are you saying?! We can't just leave her like that! Aren't you worried about her? R.EMIL: What do I care. Anyway, there's nobody in our way now. We can go look for the Centurion's core-- (Marta, furious, slaps Emil across the face. He looks stunned) R.EMIL: (Angrily) What the hell?! What was that for?! MARTA: You're despicable. (Turns away) (Emil is silent) TENEBRAE: I may have an idea where Rilena went. MARTA: Really?! TENEBRAE: The technique Emil just performed is reminiscent of that which Lord Ratatosk used to return the Centurions to their altars. Therefore, I believe Rilena may have been sent to one of the altars. REGAL: Ratatosk is able to transport people that easily? TENEBRAE: No, he should only be able to do it with Centurions. TENEBRAE: Which leads me to believe that someone inside the rift may be in possession of a Centurion's core. Power reacting with the core may have pulled in those nearby as well. SHEENA: (Scratches head) [Ugh,] That sounds complicated. So where are you saying Rilena is? TENEBRAE: If my theory is correct, she would be at the altar of a Centurion whose core neither we nor Lloyd currently possess. MARTA: So lightning or earth? R.EMIL: Then let's check out the altar here. Let's go. MARTA: (Looks away) [Unhh...] ...

<Skit "Insensitive Jerk" appears [S0613]> SHEENA: That arte you used back there was really something. R.EMIL: That wasn't me, it was Ratatosk. REGAL: You said something about a boundary. Can Ratatosk's power affect the very fabric of space and time? TENEBRAE: Such power can only be used to a limited degree. SHEENA: If Raine were here, she'd be demanding a repeat performance, no doubt. MARTA: Shouldn't we be hurrying to the altar? R.EMIL: (Annoyed) You're that worried about this woman? MARTA: (Angrily) Of course I am! Not that I'd expect an insensitive jerk like you to understand! R.EMIL: (Angrily) What?! [MARTA: Unghh! (Looks away)]

<The party reaches the altar [M0602]>

<The party reached it too late [got hit with 14 or more lightning bolts]]> (The party rushes to the altar, but Lloyd is already there, the core in his hand. He removes his mask and tosses it on the ground, then turns to the party) LLOYD: You're too late. R.EMIL: (Smirking wickedly) No, you are. LLOYD: What? R.EMIL: If you were just a little bit quicker, you wouldn't have had to deal with me. [LLOYD: Mnnhh...] R.EMIL: You zip around from one place to another like a pesky flea. But this time you won't be getting away! (Angrily) Now, hand over the core! (A bolt of lightning strikes a block near Lloyd. He glances at it for a moment, then looks back at them) LLOYD: I don't have time to play with you. R.EMIL: Oh, so you wanna fight? That sounds good to me. (Reaches to draw his sword) LLOYD: I wouldn't do that if I were you. R.EMIL: (Enraged) Just shut up and hand it over! (The second Emil draws his sword, a big bolt of lightning comes from above, zapping him over and over) [R.EMIL: UWAAAAAA!!! MARTA/SHEENA: Eyaaaaaa!!!] LLOYD: Don't say I didn't warn you. Catch you later. (Lloyd jumps away. The lightning stops, and Emil leans heavily on his sword) R.EMIL: (Strained) You damn bastard! (Suddenly, a sphere of purple lightning appears before them. It takes the shape of a Corduroy, a devil-looking monster) MARTA: (Gasps) What's that?! SHEENA: Watch out! That thing's giving off a lot of juice! R.EMIL: (Angrily) Damn it! Get out of my way! (The Corduroy attacks, but the party beats it) R.EMIL: (Wipes sweat from his brow) All right. Now, to take care of Lloyd. TENEBRAE: I'm afraid it will have to wait, Emil. I am unable to sense Tonitrus' presence right now. R.EMIL: (Sheathes his sword, bitterly) That coward sure knows how to run away. (The party approaches the altar) MARTA: Then I suppose Rilena isn't here either. TENEBRAE: Which means that she must be at Solum's altar. SHEENA: (Folds arms) Then we need to go to the Temple of Earth, right? It's been closed for a while because of the shaking from the quake. (Looks worried) Hopefully they've reopened it by now.

<The party reaches the core before Lloyd> (The party reaches the altar. The core sits there, glowing peacefully amid the wild lightning) MARTA: Well it appears that Rilena isn't here. TENEBRAE: [Which means] Then that means that she must be at Solum's altar. R.EMIL: [Huh.] Well, nevertheless we're taking Tonitrus' core, right? TENEBRAE: Yes, of course. (Marta stares at the core) R.EMIL: Come on Marta, what's wrong? Hurry up and hatch the core. (Marta hesitates, looking sideways at him) R.EMIL: (Annoyed) What's the matter? Are you still mad at me? (Marta looks away angrily, then reaches for the core... but suddenly a big blast of lightning knocks her away from it) [MARTA: Hyuh!] R.EMIL: (Panicked) Look out! (Emil catches Marta as she falls. The lightning arcs everywhere, zapping everybody wildly... and then it forms into a Corduroy, a devil-like monster) MARTA: (Gasps) What's that?! R.EMIL: It looks like the monster was lured by Tonitrus' core. REGAL: We have no choice, we have to get rid of it! (The Corduroy attacks, but the party beats it) (Emil sheathes his sword and takes the core from the altar) R.EMIL: [Hah!] That's what you get for getting in my way. (He brusquely tosses the core to Marta) R.EMIL: Here. Now hurry up and hatch Tonitrus. (Marta scowls at him, but hatches the core. A lovely purple crystal orb emerges) SHEENA: All right then. I guess we'd better head to the Temple of Earth and save Rilena. Though it's been closed off for a while due to all the shaking from the recent earthquakes. (Looks worried) Hopefully they've reopened it by now.

REGAL: That would mean returning to the Meltokio region. But before we proceed, I suggest that we talk to Director Schneider. MARTA: That's a good idea. (Regal and Sheena start to leave, and Marta starts after them) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Wait a minute! (Marta stops, not looking at him) R.EMIL: Look, I'm sorry, all right? So now will you stop ignoring me? (Marta hesitates, then keeps walking) R.EMIL: (Glare fades) Marta...

<Skit "Fight" appears [S0614]> MARTA: I hope Rilena is all right. SHEENA: I'm worried that she got sucked in with the Vanguard. I hope she isn't attacked by Decus. REGAL: It's the cores they're after. I doubt they'd harm a woman who has nothing to do with all this. R.EMIL: You're worrying over nothing. MARTA: Sheena, Regal, Tenebrae, let's get going! R.EMIL: (Angrily) Hey! Marta! MARTA: I make it a rule not to speak to insensitive creeps. R.EMIL: (Angrily) What are you talking about?! Damn it!

<Skit "Fight Part 2" appears [S0615]> R.EMIL: Hey, Marta. About that monster... MARTA: Sheena! I'm starving! Aren't you? SHEENA: (Uncertain) Yeah, I guess. R.EMIL: Marta! Are you listening? Hey! MARTA: Tenebrae! Are you picking up anything about Rilena's whereabouts? TENEBRAE: I'm afraid that is impossible. She would need to have a connection to Lord Ratatosk. R.EMIL: Come on! Marta! MARTA: Regal! We really should be getting back to see Director Schneider, right? REGAL: (Uncertain) [Uh...] Yes. R.EMIL: (Furious) Damn it! Enough is enough!

<The party heads for the temple exit [T0626]> (A soldier runs up to them) ROYAL ARMY: Duke Bryant! You're all right! REGAL: Thank you for coming. ROYAL ARMY: We received reports the Vanguard was here. REGAL: They were, but they've left. R.EMIL: [Hmpf.] So you're here cleaning up the corpses of wimps? At least you're making yourself useful. MARTA: (Turns and grabs him) Emil! R.EMIL: What? Why are you so pissed off? (He goes to push her away, then the flashbacks of an angry Richter shoot through his mind again. He reels back and crumples) R.EMIL: (Screaming) Aaaah! (The screen goes black for a moment) R.EMIL: (Straightens up) Yeah. I just had this weird memory again... REGAL: Memory? R.EMIL: The one where Richter is killing me. (Sheena and Regal are both surprised) R.EMIL: (Shrugs) Maybe you're right. Maybe I am Aster, after all. REGAL: We won't know for sure until we ask Rilena. R.EMIL: [Huh...] ...


 * On the road to Sybak*

<The party walks along [T0627]> (Suddenly, a man appears out of a puff of smoke) MIZUHO SCOUT: (To Sheena) Chief, if I may, I have a matter to discuss with you. SHEENA: (Scratches head) Well, we're in a bit of a rush. REGAL: Perhaps we should take a short break here. Even if we hurry to the Temple of Earth, the entrance won't be cleared yet. MARTA: I'm fine with that. REGAL: Sheena, I hate to impose, but might I possibly relay a message to my company via your messenger here? SHEENA: Sure. Come with us, then. Emil, Marta, you two can wait here. (Sheena and Regal leave with the scout) (Marta is turned away from Emil) R.EMIL: Why are you so pissed off at me? You don't like the fact that I got violent? MARTA: [Uh...] ... R.EMIL: (Angrily) It was my power that made it possible to protect you all this time! I'm sure you don't like me as much as that coward version of me, but he can't do anything on his own! MARTA: (Turns around) But Emil would never give up on saving Rilena. R.EMIL: Rilena? [Huh!] He only cares about her because he's so desperate to know who he is. Well, I don't care who I am. I only care about protecting you. No one else matters. MARTA: (Getting upset) No. That's not the Emil that I love! You're not Emil at all! (Pounding on his chest) Give Emil back! Let him come out! R.EMIL: (Bitterly) So even you would choose that coward over me. MARTA: What's so bad about being a coward? Afraid or not, Emil tried his best to protect me! R.EMIL: (Angrily) Sure, then he calls me in whenever things get too rough! He's the one who asked me for help. I'm not giving myself to him anymore. I won't do it! (Turns away) (Sheena and Regal come back. Neither Marta nor Emil is looking at the other) SHEENA: Sorry for the wait, I had a few things I needed to--hey, what's with you two? REGAL: Did you have a fight? (Awkward silence) SHEENA: If they care enough about each other to fight, they're fine. Leave them be, Regal. REGAL: (Uncertain) Right.


 * Sybak*

<The party goes back to Director Schneider's office [T0628]> (Quickie explanation fade-out) SCHNEIDER: [Ah,] I see. I'll hold onto Rilena's research notes for now. (Emil rudely tosses Schneider the papers) MARTA: (Crossly) Emil! R.EMIL: (Turns away, shrugs) [Hmmpf!] I'm not really Emil, right? MARTA: Then hurry up and let him come back out! SHEENA: You two, calm down. You're making a scene in front of Director Schneider. MARTA: [Uh...] I'm sorry. R.EMIL: (Shrugs) [Hmmph.] ... (Walks away) REGAL: Director, just how much do you know about Ratatosk? SCHNEIDER: I've heard that Ratatosk possesses the power to manipulate mana, the source of all life. I believe that he used monsters to balance the distribution of mana in the world. It's said he was the summon spirit of the Giant Kharlan Tree, which produced the world's mana. REGAL: Richter refers to Ratatosk as the "demon lord." Do you know anything about that? SCHNEIDER: Richter's been saying such things ever since he returned from his field study. But it's nonsense. If a demon lord were to exist, it would be a creature from Niflheim, the demonic realm. But Ratatosk is a summon spirit. He is of this world. SHEENA: Niflheim... MARTA: Sheena, you've been to Niflheim?! SHEENA: Of course not! But I did catch a glimpse of it, once. SCHNEIDER: The researchers of the Elemental Research Laboratory in Meltokio may know more about Ratatosk. Rilena is working from there nowadays and her research materials and notes are there, as well. REGAL: We are bound for Meltokio in any case. It might be worth it to pay the lab a visit. SCHNEIDER: (Nods) Please help Rilena.

<Skit "My Beloved" appears [S0616]> MARTA: So then, that letter from Raine wasn't a love letter after all. I'm a bit disappointed. REGAL: (Chuckles) A woman of her quality deserves a far better man than I. TENEBRAE: Perhaps Raine and Regal are both simply too attractive for the match to ever work. MARTA: No way. That's exactly why they're perfect for each other. REGAL: There is another to whom I've already pledged my heart. MARTA: (Surprised) What?! There is? REGAL: (Quietly) However, she has passed on. MARTA: Oh, I'm so sorry. REGAL: No, there is no need to be. I'm the one who can't seem to lay the past to rest. MARTA: I'm sure she's glad to have you keeping her memory alive, though. I'm actually a little jealous. REGAL: Thank you.

<Skit "Fight Part 3" appears [S0617]> [R.EMIL: N'grrrrhhh... MARTA: Unnhhhh!] SHEENA: [Ugh!] Why don't you guys say something. [R.EMIL/MARTA: (Angry grunts)] SHEENA: [Uhh!] I can't stand this sort of thing. Do something, Regal! REGAL: Let them be. The problem is theirs. They will solve it on their own. SHEENA: (Muzzy) Yeah, I guess. But they're driving me up the wall.


 * Meltokio*

<The party goes to the Elemental Research Laboratory [T0629]> (They are greeted by a scientist at the front desk) SCIENTIST: Sheena! I heard you've been busy. (Notices Emil and freaks) Aster?! R.EMIL: (Shrugs, angry) Damn it, not this again. (Turns away) SHEENA: (Scratches head) Sorry about his language. Actually, I'm here because there's something I need to ask you. (Quickie explanation fade-out) SCIENTIST: Rilena was working on research related to Ratatosk based on Aster's research notes and continuing where he left off. You should be able to find all of her records downstairs. Feel free to browse through them. MARTA: (Nods) Thank you very much. SCIENTIST: (Looks at Emil) I really can't believe that you're not Aster.

<The party goes into the basement [T0630]> (They find a stack of notes on the desk) R.EMIL: It looks like these are Rilena's notes. (Emil picks them up and rudely hands them off to Marta) MARTA: (Reading) "The guardian of the Ginnungagap, the door to the demonic realm, is named Ratatosk." SHEENA: Tenebrae, is "demonic realm" Niflheim? TENEBRAE: Yes. REGAL: Then can we assume this "Ginnungagap" is the door between Niflheim and this world? TENEBRAE: That is correct. Lord Ratatosk is its guardian. SHEENA: There's no way someone like that could be the demon lord. It sounds more like he's protecting this world. R.EMIL: [Hmmph.] Maybe Richter wants to use Ratatosk's power to get revenge on this world for its prejudice against half-elves. (Awkward silence) R.EMIL: (Angrily) What? SHEENA: It's just you never stand up for Richter when you're in Ratatosk Mode. R.EMIL: [Hunh.] If I'm really Aster, that means Richter tried to kill me. Why would I want to stand up for him? (Suddenly, Emil doubles over) EMIL: (Meekly) Richter's not that sort of person. MARTA: Emil?! (Emil rights himself) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Who said you could come out?! REGAL: Emil, what's going on inside you right now? R.EMIL: Who cares? SHEENA: (Angrily) We care! Tenebrae, what's going on here? TENEBRAE: I believe it's just his strong desire to protect Lady Marta. SHEENA: (Scratches head) Is that really all? R.EMIL: (Turns to the books, shrugs) Doesn't look like there's anything new in these notes. Let's hurry up and get out of this place.

<The group goes back upstairs [T0631]> SCIENTIST: Are you finished? SHEENA: (Nods) Yes, thank you. SCIENTIST: (Notices Marta) Hey, you're Marta, right? MARTA: Yes. SCIENTIST: That on your forehead--that's Ratatosk's core? MARTA: (Uncertain) Yes. SCIENTIST: Do you feel all right? SHEENA: [Wh-]What are you talking about? SCIENTIST: I heard from Rilena that Centusions' cores have a composition very similar to that of Exspheres. Of course, there are some minor differences between the two--organic vs. inorganic, etc. R.EMIL: (Irked) So what? SCIENTIST: Exspheres are toxic if attached directly to the body without the proper protection. Eventually, it will take over its host's body. If Ratatosk's core is similar to a Centurion's core, you should be careful about it. REGAL: Marta, do you feel a sense of emptiness anywhere? Or have you experienced any sort of changes? MARTA: (Giggles awkwardly) No, I'm fine. I don't feel anything strange at all. And anyway, if there was any sort of danger, I'm sure Tenebrae would let me know. SHEENA: [I...] I'm sure you're right. But maybe we should get someone to check just to be sure? MARTA: (Jumps for joy) I'm fine. Seriously, I feel great. Anyway, shouldn't we be worrying about Rilena right now? SCIENTIST: Oh, I heard that the path to the Temple of Earth has finally been cleared. MARTA: Oh, then we better get going right away! SHEENA: (Nods) All right. But promise to tell us the minute you feel anything out of the ordinary. (Emil is silent)

<Skit "Exspheres and Centurion's Core" appears [S0618]> MARTA: (So, Exspheres can hurt the people who equip them.) (I wonder if the same is true about Ratatosk's core?) (What if the core starts to affect me and I don't realize it?) (What will happen to me?) TENEBRAE: Lady Marta. You do not look well. MARTA: Oh, no. I'm just a bit tired. SHEENA: Oh yeah? Wanna take a break? MARTA: No, I'll be fine. We've got to get to the Temple of Earth. (R.EMIL: [N'ehhh...])

<The group starts to leave Meltokio [T0632]> (A soldier races up to Sheena) SHEENA: Is something the matter? ROYAL ARMY: We were clearing rubble in the Temple of Earth and found an injured woman inside. MARTA: (Gasps, recoils) That could be Rilena. REGAL: Where is she right now? ROYAL ARMY: She's still inside the temple. (The soldier leaves. Emil starts to walk away) SHEENA: Emil! Where are you going? R.EMIL: (Shrugs) We're going inside to find that Rilena woman, right? MARTA: (Gasps) ... REGAL: (Nods) All right, let's go, then.


 * On the road to the Earth Temple*

<The party is walking along [T0633]> (Marta stops, seemingly thinking. Emil runs back) R.EMIL: Hey, are you okay? MARTA: (Still looking down) I'm fine. (Awkward silence) R.EMIL: (Bitterly) I guess it has to be him. (Emil closes his eyes, then opens them again, still red) EMIL: Is something wrong, Marta? MARTA: (Shoots up, shocked) Emil! Are you really back to normal?! EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. But Marta, what's wrong. MARTA: (Shakes head) It's nothing. Nothing at all. EMIL: (Shakes head) Don't lie. I can tell. You're worried about something, aren't you? MARTA: I guess I can't fool you. I've heard about Exspheres, how they eventually turn people into monsters. What happens if we don't free Ratatosk in time? Will I turn into a monster, too? EMIL: You fool. Tenebrae would never put you in that sort of danger. MARTA: (Puzzled) "You fool?" EMIL: Oops, I guess I got used to talking in Ratatosk Mode. Anyway, it's okay. I'm sure of it. I'll protect you. I'll protect you from the Vanguard, and from Ratatosk's core. MARTA: Thanks. I'll be okay. I still don't believe that Ratatosk's dangerous, anyway. SHEENA: (Offscreen) Come on, you two! We're going! MARTA: (Calling back) Okay! (To Emil, fidgeting) Hey, Emil, if I'm wrong, I'm sorry. But you're the Ratatosk Mode Emil, right? (Emil recoils) MARTA: I'm sorry I'm always mad at you. You probably hate me. But you still tried to cheer me up. You're really just as nice a person as the other Emil. R.EMIL: (Turns away, blushing) [Egh...] You've got me all wrong. I was just sick and tired of you getting mad all the time. MARTA: (Blushing) You're right. I feel bad about that. I'm sorry. So you stop saying careless things about other people's lives, too, okay? SHEENA: (Offscreen) Come on, what's the hold up?! MARTA: (Awkward laugh) Sorry! (Runs off) (Tenebrae appears) R.EMIL: (To himself) I'm not nice. You were asking for help, so I helped you. That's all. TENEBRAE: Emil, has your memory returned? R.EMIL: I'm just going to shut up and handle the fighting. So if the time comes and the other Emil isn't up to the task, I'm counting on you, Tenebrae. TENEBRAE: Understood.

I liked, I'd be pretty honking mad... Marta's either really forgiving or really stupid.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: You know, if someone I didn't like pretended to be someone


 * Temple of Earth*

<The party enters. Emil's eyes are green again [T0634]> MARTA: I wonder where Rilena is. EMIL: [Um,] This is the Temple of Earth, right? Why are we here? SHEENA: [Huh?] What? You're out of Ratatosk Mode. EMIL: I'm sorry. Lately I've been having trouble remembering while I'm in that mode. REGAL: It does seem that way. What's the last thing you remember? EMIL: I remember being in the Temple of Lightning, with Decus about to kill me. SHEENA: All right, let me bring you up to speed. (Quickie explanation fade-out) EMIL: Thank you. At least now I know what happened. I'm sorry for causing trouble. SHEENA: Don't worry about it. (A soldier walks by. Regal stops him) REGAL: Where's the woman you found here? ROYAL ARMY: She's further in. They're just about to carry her out. EMIL: Let's go! I hope she's okay. MARTA: (Surprised) Emil. Right, let's go.

<Skit "Curry Favor" appears [S0619]> EMIL: This is where Gnome, the Summon Spirit of Earth used to be, right? SHEENA: Yeah. I remember how hard it was making a pact with him. MARTA: Was Gnome really that strong? SHEENA: Actually, it was everything we had to do beforehand to get to him. REGAL: That's right. We had to make curry. MARTA: (Puzzled) Curry? SHEENA: Yeah, which meant we had to hunt down some spicy ingredients. EMIL: Were you the one who made it, Regal? REGAL: Let's see. That time it was-- TENEBRAE: Well, like I always say, you can't "curry favor" without "curry," right? Get it? (Laughs) EMIL/MARTA/SHEENA/REGAL: [SIGH]

<Skit "Poor Luck" appears [S0620]> SHEENA: Okay, food's ready. EMIL: (Surprised) Wow! It's amazing. It almost looks too delicious to eat. (Choking up) And it smells incredible. I can't believe it. SHEENA: What's with you? You're staring at the food like you're gonna cry. EMIL: I, it's just, I thought women couldn't cook. SHEENA: [Heh!] Of course we can cook! You just happened to have poor luck in women so far. MARTA: (Irked) Would you two care to explain that conversation? EMIL/SHEENA: (Shrink back) [S-]Sorry.

<The party goes deeper into the temple [T0635]> (Rilena is sitting on the ground, watched by a soldier) RILENA: I'm fine. I can walk. (Rilena gets to her feet as the party approaches) EMIL: Rilena! RILENA: (Recoils) You're the ones from the Temple of Lightning. EMIL: (Slumps) I'm sorry. This is all my fault. RILENA: No, it's not your fault. The dimensional boundary was already warped. That's why the temple was off-limits. EMIL: But I used Ratatosk's power to-- RILENA: Seeing your face, and hearing you say the name Ratatosk brings back memories. MARTA: Do you mean Aster? RILENA: Yes. Aster and I were very close. But he was killed by Richter. EMIL: (Shocked) So Richter really killed Aster?! RILENA: I still don't want to believe it, but that's the only explanation that makes sense. He stole all of the research notes that Aster had left behind, and disappeared. (Everyone is shocked) ROYAL ARMY: I'm sorry, but we really need to be moving on. REGAL: My sincere apologies for keeping you, but there's one last thing I must ask. RILENA: Of course. REGAL: Did your friend Aster have any defining features? Any scars or moles? RILENA: He did have a small star-shaped scar on his neck. (Emil looks shocked) RILENA: Why do you ask? REGAL: Just wondering. Thank you. RILENA: Oh, I just remembered something I wanted to tell you. That Vanguard who was transported along with me. MARTA: You mean Decus? RILENA: Right, that was his name. He and his followers went deeper into the temple, past the altar. They seemed sure there would be an exit in that direction. They're your enemies, right? I thought you might want to know. MARTA: Thank you. (The party steps aside and lets Rilena and the soldier leave) REGAL: Emil, about that star-shaped scar... EMIL: There's something like that just above my collarbone. (The others are shocked) SHEENA: Then that means that you're Aster after all. EMIL: (Flustered) I don't know! I don't feel like I'm him! MARTA: You are who you are. EMIL: Marta. MARTA: Your name doesn't matter. Even if you used to be called Aster, it doesn't change who you are. Sure, you tend to get afraid, but you've kind, and you give your best. That's why I don't think you should worry so much about it. Time will clear up everything, eventually. EMIL: Thank you. SHEENA: Marta's right. Sorry I've been giving you such a hard time, I guess I got carried away. EMIL: No, not at all. I let myself get overwhelmed with everything. It's my fault.. But I'm okay now. I have Marta and all of you to look after me. REGAL: Indeed. We may not have known each other long, and there is a gap in our ages, but even so, I'll happily lend all of my power to your efforts as your friend. EMIL: (Nods) Thank you! (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: So everyone, how should we proceed? MARTA: Well, Solum's core is supposed to be in this temple, right? TENEBRAE: I doubt it. It would require one of the humans to be in possession of Solum's core to be transported here. SHEENA: Which would mean the Vanguard has it? REGAL: It would appear so. EMIL: Then we need to go after Decus. MARTA: But let's head to the altar to make sure.

<Skit "Darkness Maniac" appears [S0621]> [MARTA: (SIGH)] EMIL: What's with all the sighing, Marta? MARTA: We've been underground for a while, and it feels like it's hard to breathe, or like something's pressing down on me. TENEBRAE: The air here is quite earthy and dusty. EMIL: Yeah. And it's so dim I can barely see. TENEBRAE: That is most certainly bothersome as well. MARTA: I thought you were the captain of the "hooray for darkness" brigade. TENEBRAE: This does not come under the category of "dark." I speak of something much richer, much deeper, a beautiful world of ebony! EMIL: I think Tenebrae's what you'd call a darkness maniac.

<The group gets to the altar [T0636]> (It's empty, as most of us guessed) MARTA: It looks like Tenebrae was right. Solum's core is gone. SHEENA: (Scratches head) It doesn't look like Lloyd took it, either. None of his weird posters are around. REGAL: Then we can only assume the Vanguard has had the core all along. EMIL: But look, this is a dead end. I wonder where Decus went. TENEBRAE: I sense monsters from somewhere nearby. EMIL: Maybe there's a hidden passage somewhere. Let's look around.

<The party finds a glowing rune on the floor> INFORMATION: It seems to be a trap against intruders. It feels as though there's something hidden. Activate the device?

<Emil says YES> INFORMATION: The floor is in block shapes. Some blocks will shake violently and then fall immediately afterwards. Quickly move to a static block and try not to fall until the end.

<Emil says CLUE> INFORMATION: There are two types of shaking to the block floors. Those that shake slowly will not fall immediately. If it shakes violently, the floor will drop immediately after. Please move to another block. The floor falls at certain intervals. It may be good to note which floors remain until the end.

<Emil breaks the trap and a hidden passage opens up [T0637]> EMIL: Yes! MARTA: Did you mature a little? EMIL: Huh? MARTA: We looked for a hidden passage back when we first met, too, but you were a little different back then. EMIL: If I've matured, it's because of you and everyone else. MARTA: (Giggles) Hehe. EMIL: (Chuckles) Haha. SHEENA: One moment you two are fighting, and the next you're all lovey-dovey. MARTA: (Giggles) Bet you wish you were me. SHEENA: [Hah!] So that's how it is, huh? Well, you two made your point, so let's go down that passage. EMIL: (Nods) Right.

<The party heads into the exit [T0638]> (Three caterpillar monsters with carts attached to them are sitting in a dock) TENEBRAE: Those are lookins! SHEENA: (Grossed out) [Th-]They're caterpillars. MARTA: They're wearing the same sort of machines that Alice uses. You think? EMIL: Let's take those off of them! (The party approaches, but the lookins get angry) TENEBRAE: Stop. They're blind with rage. We must pacify them! SHEENA: Fight them, you mean? Sounds good to me. Let's go! (The party fights and defeats the lookins) TENEBRAE: It's calmed down a bit. MARTA: You think the Vanguard did this? TENEBRAE: Yes. This one says they were being used as vehicles to travel to a mine in the neighboring continent. REGAL: A mine? Could it be the Exsphere mine? TENEBRAE: I couldn't say. It's offering to carry us. What do you want to do?

<Emil says DON'T RIDE> EMIL: Let's hold off for now. Decus probably went through here, but we don't know what to expect. We should be cautious and think this through. REGAL: I agree. TENEBRAE: The lookin says to let us know if we want a ride.

<Emil says RIDE> EMIL: Sure, let's ride it. It seems like Regal really wants to know what's up ahead. MARTA: Yeah. REGAL: Thank you.


 * Toize Valley Mine*

<The party arrives in the mine [T0639]> EMIL: (Slumps) That was incredibly fast. MARTA: (Sick) I'm dizzy. REGAL: I can't believe it. This is the Toize Valley Mine. MARTA: Toize Valley. Wasn't that your... REGAL: Indeed, this is the Exsphere mine my company used to own. We blasted it and buried it into the ground along with the Exspheres. I never dreamed it would have remained connected like this. SHEENA: (Scratches head) Do you think the Vanguard is mining this place for Exspheres? MARTA: Daddy was looking for Exspheres. REGAL: All of the Exspheres around here were dug out long ago. They would have to fig deeper in the mine to find anything. But it might someday be put to malicious use. We should get out of here and let the Lezareno Company know at once. SHEENA: In that case, I really hope the exit from this mine isn't sealed off. EMIL: What'll we do if there's no way out? SHEENA: We'd just have to go back the way we came.

<Skit "HE Bomb" appears [S0622]> MARTA: So, this is what the Exsphere mine was like. REGAL: Yes. Though I doubt it would be possible to unearth any more from this area. EMIL: It's incredible there's still this much left of it intact, despite the explosion. I guess it was really built to last. REGAL: We built it to withstand whatever disasters might occur. Though this does present a problem. SHEENA: I'll have to ask for Raine's help in finishing the demolition. MARTA: (Curious) But why Raine? SHEENA: During our journey of world regeneration, she destroyed one human ranch after another. She earned the nickname "HE Bomb." EMIL: (Puzzled) "HE Bomb"? Shouldn't it be "SHE Bomb"? SHEENA: Emil could give Colette a run for her money.

<The party gets out of the mine [T0640]> SHEENA: [Ahhh,] Finally, fresh air! I missed the feeling of sunshine on my face. EMIL: Yeah, me too. MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Me three! TENEBRAE: How unfortunate you all don't appreciate the subtle beauty of the dark. REGAL: Probably because we don't have any good memories of dark places. SHEENA: (Awkward laugh) Okay, enough of that. We're going to the Lezareno headquarters, right? REGAL: Yes. Our headquarters are in Altamira. I hope you don't mind a slight detour? EMIL: Of course not.

<Skit "Wahoo!" appears [S0623]> MARTA: [Woo-hoo!] Altamira here we come! EMIL: Everyone travels around town in vehicles, right? REGAL: (Nods) Yes. The city was designed to be experienced as a resort. Even transportation has been carefully planned to be as enjoyable as possible. MARTA: And Klonoa is the town mascot! I wonder if he'll be there. EMIL: I hope we get the chance to meet him! TENEBRAE: Wahoo! SHEENA: (Surprised) Tenebrae, was that your Klonoa impression? TENEBRAE: Forgive me. I was jealous of Klonoa getting all the attention.

<Skit "Magnificence of Darkness" appears [S0624]> TENEBRAE: I will now explain to all of you the magnificence of darkness. SHEENA: You really take this seriously. TENEBRAE: Of course. Darkness is truly magnificent. When you're feeling down, the thing that allows you to sink even further, to truly plumb the depths of your depression, is darkness. When you wish to conceal the truth, darkness will hide whatever you don't want to be seen. Want to topple your foes without being noticed? Do so under the cover of darkness. How about it? Are you ready to come to the dark side? MARTA: (Sweatdrop) I don't know. Those things don't exactly get me all excited. EMIL: Doesn't sound like much fun to me. TENEBRAE: Oh, but it is! If you're still unconvinced, perhaps you'd like to try a bite of my famous "dark stew surprise." REGAL: That is a type of stew you make by throwing random ingredients into a pot, correct? A dish of that sort would be as likely to fail as to succeed. SHEENA: Right, it probably wouldn't be awful, but I doubt it would taste great, either. TENEBRAE: (Muzzy) [Ahh,] I can feel the darkness of your rejection blooming in my heart! (Skull)


 * Altamira*

<The group comes to the gates [T0641]> EMIL: (Amazed) Wow, this is Altamira! MARTA: It was much livelier the last time I came here. REGAL: The abnormal weather has made the sea treacherous. We've had to scale down our resort operations to compensate for the drop in visitors. EMIL: It seems plenty lively to me. Can't imagine what it was like before. REGAL: If we wake up Ratatosk, the city should return to normal, correct? (To Emil and Marta) Once that happens, I'd be glad to have you two as VIP guests. EMIL: (Recoils) Really?! SHEENA: Good for you. EMIL: Yeah! MARTA: Now we have one more reason to work hard to free Ratatosk! EMIL: So where's the Lezareno headquarters? REGAL: It's further into the city. Let's go.

<Skit "Lezareno Town" appears [S0625]> MARTA: It's like every little detail in Altamira has something to do with the Lezareno Company. EMIL: There was even a Lezareno emblem on that manhole cover we stepped on. SHEENA: "From the cradle to the grave." It's one of the Lezareno Group's most important slogans. MARTA: So, I guess that means they're behind pretty much everything here. TENEBRAE: It sounds rather risky. MARTA/SHEENA: Why? TENEBRAE: Since Lezareno provides this town with all its goods and services, if the company were ever to go bankrupt, the lives of those living here will fall apart along with it. [EMIL/MARTA/SHEENA: Uh...] REGAL: To assure that such events do not occur, our company dedicates itself to the continued pursuit of business excellence. TENEBRAE: Very good, then. (Laughs darkly) MARTA: What's with the attitude?

<The group heads for Lezareno HQ, namely the president's office [T0642]> (George, Regal's aide, is there. Regal has switched into Bruce Wayne duds) GEORGE: (Surprised) Master Regal! REGAL: Hello, George. Sorry to worry you. GEORGE: I'm just glad that you're safe. REGAL: Thank you. Now, right to business. I have something I need to discuss with you immediately. GEORGE: What is it, sir? REGAL: It's about the Exsphere mine. You see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) REGAL: So we'll need to demolish the mine again, and cut it off from the Temple of Earth. GEORGE: Understood, sir. I'll send an investigative team immediately. (Suddenly, another worker rushes in) LEZARENO EMPLOYEE: [The...] The Vanguard is attacking the city! (Everyone is shocked) EMIL: What?! REGAL: An attack here? Why would they? LEZARENO EMPLOYEE: [I...] I don't really understand, but they're requesting they hand over the daughter of their leader. MARTA: (Gasps) Oh no! LEZARENO EMPLOYEE: They claim we kidnapped her and are holding her hostage. Apparently this attack is in retaliation. MARTA: [That...] That's a lie! I'm going to set them straight! (Runs off) EMIL: Marta! SHEENA: It's too dangerous to let Marta go out there alone. We have to go after her! REGAL: Yes. (Turns to George) George, I want you to declare a state of emergency for Altamira. Institute a curfew until this situation is under control. GEORGE: Yes, sir. REGAL: (To Emil) Let's hurry.

<The party leaves Lezareno HQ [T0643]> (Marta is near the trolley depot) EMIL: Marta! Wait! MARTA: (Turns around) Why are you all-- REGAL: It's too dangerous for you to rush out there. You need to calm down and think this through. MARTA: But Altamira is in danger and it's my fault. (Hawk appears and starts marching towards the general area) TENEBRAE: Hawk is coming this way! REGAL: This isn't good. We need to find a place to hide. SHEENA: Let's retreat back to the hotel for now. We'll be able to blend in with the tourists there. MARTA: But none of the people in Altamira deserve this. EMIL: We don't want to cause a scene here, either. Otherwise it really would look like Lezareno kidnapped you. MARTA: You're right. I'm sorry.

<Skit "Under Attack" appears [S0626]> SHEENA: Man, things sure went to hell in a hurry. Is there anything the idiot Vanguard won't try? MARTA: (Down) I'm sorry. SHEENA: [N-]No, I'm the one who should apologize. I wasn't trying to blame you. REGAL: She's right. You shouldn't feel responsible. MARTA: But... EMIL: Let's go back to the hotel and figure out a plan. If we all put our heads together, we're bound to find a way to resolve this. MARTA: (Quietly) Okay.

<The party makes its way to the hotel [T0644]> (As they approach the desk, who but Alice walks in) SHEENA: Damn! You're that Vanguard girl! ALICE: (Playfully) It's Alice!~ What a coincidence! The Goddess Martel must be smiling upon me because I'm so adorable. EMIL: We're not handing over Marta. ALICE: Oh wow, so you mean you really did kidnap Commander Brute's one and only daughter? MARTA: Regal would never do something like that! He was worried about us, so he was helping me. ALICE: I really couldn't care less. You're with Lezareno and won't go back to Commander Brute. That's all the justification we need for the Vanguard to crush Altamira. MARTA: (Angry) Urgh. ALICE: I'd be more than happy to beat the stuffing out of you, but I have orders from the Commander, so I'll be patient. You have until morning. We've set up operations in the casino. If you return Martmart to us, we'll spare this town. (Evil Meowth face) But if you don't come back by tomorrow then we'll just have to kill everyone.~ REGAL: You wouldn't dare. ALICE: (Giggles) We've already rigged bombs all over the city. And don't even try to get the hostages out. Our people have the city surrounded. Have fun thinking it over. (Saunters away) MARTA: (To the others) I've got to go see Daddy. EMIL: Marta! SHEENA: Just wait. Like Lloyd always says, there has to be another way. First let's find a place where we can talk this over. REGAL: Sheena's right. You may use the royal suite on the top floor. I'm going to meet with the others at the company to discuss any course of action that might get the people out of the city. (Walks away) SHEENA: There should be some Mizuho scouts here too. I'll go see if there's anything we can do. You two stay here and rest. (Walks away) EMIL: Marta, let's go. MARTA: Okay.

<Emil and Marta head up to the suite [T0645]> MARTA: (Hangs head) This is all my fault. It's all because I was so naive. EMIL: (Shakes head) You can't think about it that way. You tried to stop the Vanguard from using Ratatosk's core for evil. There's nothing wrong with that. MARTA: But I'm just a kid, after all. I realize now how powerless I really am. If I didn't have the core on me, I'd probably be lying dead somewhere. EMIL: But you're alive. And Regal and Sheena are off trying to find us a way out of all of this. And maybe there's something we can do. MARTA: Thanks. But I probably only have two options right now. I can run away and abandon everyone in the city. Or... EMIL: Or what? MARTA: (Looks at Tenebrae) Tenebrae, hold Emil back! (Marta zips off. Emil turns around, but Tenebrae blocks the path) EMIL: (Irked) Get out of my way, Tenebrae! TENEBRAE: I cannot do that. EMIL: If Marta goes back to the Vanguard, they'll use Ratatosk's core to do terrible things! TENEBRAE: Your other self should already know. (Emil switches over) R.EMIL: (Angrily) Tenebrae, you'd betray me? TENEBRAE: Please remember. Remember the time when you were killed! R.EMIL: I don't care if I was Aster or not! Let me go! (Tenebrae hesitates, then steps aside)

<Emil rushes out of the room [T0646]> (Regal and Sheena are talking in the hotel lobby) REGAL: It appears she wasn't lying. They've planted bombs all over the city. SHEENA: (Scratches head) My scouts tell me they have the perimeter of the city surrounded as well. If we knew where all the bombs were, we'd have a way out of this. (Emil runs up to them) R.EMIL: Hey! Have either of you seen Marta?! REGAL: (Surprised) No. SHEENA: We just got back. What happened to her? R.EMIL: She's going to give herself up to save the city! SHEENA: That fool! REGAL: They're based in the casino, so she must have gone there. R.EMIL: (Angrily) Damn it! (Starts to leave) REGAL: Don't run off as well. R.EMIL: So we should just send her to die?! SHEENA: Calm down. Marta is Brute's daughter. They wouldn't just kill her like that. R.EMIL: But... REGAL: The fact that we know where they are works to our advantage. R.EMIL: What do you mean? REGAL: We know they've planted bombs throughout the city. It's safe to assume the detonator for those bombs is in the casino. We'll rescue Marta and destroy the detonator. They'll at least be powerless for a moment. SHEENA: I get it! And before they can recover, we evacuate all the citizens! REGAL: Exactly. SHEENA: All right, I'll go meet with my Mizuho scouts to hammer down a plan to evacuate everyone. I won't be long. (Leaves) REGAL: I need to make some arrangements as well. Emil, wait here, and don't do anything rash. It might do you some good to get some rest. (Walks away) R.EMIL: (Hangs head, thinking) Marta...

<Emil returns to his room [T0647]> (Tenebrae is waiting for him) TENEBRAE: Emil, forgive me. R.EMIL: I'll forgive you once we get Marta back in one piece. No, make that if we get Marta back in one piece and the citizens aren't hurt. Then I'll forgive you. TENEBRAE: You've changed. Lady Marta would surely be ecstatic to hear what you just said. R.EMIL: I'm gonna give the body back to him. He probably won't remember any of this, so you'll need to explain it to him. I'm sure you were listening to our conversation, anyway. TENEBRAE: I will do as you wish.

<Some time later, Emil is resting on the bed when footsteps approach [T0648]> SHEENA: Wake up, Emil! EMIL: (Green eyes open) Mmmm... mmm...  oh! (Sits up) REGAL: We're ready. EMIL: Oh, right. Tenebrae explained things to me. Is Marta still safe? SHEENA: Well, I haven't gotten word that she's left the city. REGAL: We must execute the plan while it's still dark. Now, to the casino. EMIL: (Nods) Yes.

<The party heads to the elevator [T0649]> REGAL: I'll need to wear these handcuffs for this part of the plan. (Regal straps on some weird-looking cuffs) SHEENA: Why do you have to wear those? REGAL: These are no ordinary handcuffs. They're actually a type of remote control device. EMIL: (Puzzled) Huh? REGAL: I can use these to control the casino's power grid. SHEENA: Wow, that's perfect! REGAL: However, the device is a prototype, and its viable control range is small. We'll have to get inside the casino for it to work. EMIL: So once we're in and use these handcuffs--Wait, why does it have to look like handcuffs anyway? SHEENA: (Nods) [Ahhh,] I see! You're going to use your status. REGAL: That's exactly right. I'm the president of the Lezareno Company and a Tethe'allan duke. I ought to make quite a present for them. SHEENA: You sure you're all right with this, Regal? I mean, being in handcuffs again. REGAL: Don't worry. I'm used to it. SHEENA: (Scratches head) It's the fact that you're used to it that worries me. EMIL: Um... REGAL: (Looks at Emil) Hmm? SHEENA: Hmm? EMIL: If he's a present for the Vanguard, should we tie a pink ribbon on him or something? (Awkward silence) SHEENA: Forget that. We want them to accept the present, not refuse it. REGAL: I'm afraid I have to agree. All right, let's go.

<Skit "Save Marta" appears [S0627]> EMIL: Do you think Marta's okay? REGAL: Well, it is Alice we're dealing with. It's impossible to be certain, but I doubt even she'd dare to kill the Commander's daughter. SHEENA: Exactly. All we need to do is find the weak spot in their plan and exploit it. Marta's going to be fine. Although, I'm gonna have to give that girl a talking to when this is over. She can't just run off like this. EMIL: Yeah. Marta, please be okay.

<The party leaves the hotel [T0650]> (Vanguard troops and banners are everywhere. Vanguard emblems are smeared on the major buildings in red paint... at least, I hope it's paint) EMIL: They've completely taken control of the city. REGAL: When you consider all the blood that would be spilled, our plan is far more desirable than open resistance. EMIL: Wow, Regal. REGAL: Hmm? EMIL: It's just, I was struck by your keen insight. REGAL: (Chuckles) You'll be like this when you're older, too. SHEENA: You mean walking around in handcuffs like a convict? TENEBRAE: It's better than wearing a ribbon. REGAL: (Laughs) That's for sure.

<Skit "Maybe a Rose?" appears [S0628]> EMIL: Regal, I'm sorry about earlier. [REGAL: Hmm?] EMIL: That thing I said about presents needing a ribbon. It was a stupid joke. I shouldn't have made fun of you like that. REGAL: It's all right. EMIL: I mean I actually sort of think wearing a ribbon would suit you. You know, being an aristocrat and everything. (Light bulb) Or maybe not a ribbon, but a rose? REGAL: (Uncertain) A rose... EMIL: Like, you could wear it in your hair, or clench it in your teeth. REGAL: I've sent roses to ladies before, but I can't say I've ever worn one. Besides, if I were to do something like that, Sheena would never let me live it down. SHEENA: Actually, it might look kind of good. EMIL/REGAL: (Surprised) What?!

<The party goes to the trolley [T0651]> (A Vanguard sentry stands guard over it) VANGUARD SOLDIER: What do you want? EMIL: We brought a present for Lady Alice. VANGUARD SOLDIER: A present? SHEENA: Yes. VANGUARD SOLDIER: What's the present? (Regal approaches) REGAL: I am. (The soldier is shocked) SHEENA: The renowned, super-powerful president of the Lezareno Company, Duke Regal Bryant. You may have heard of him. EMIL: Well, how about it? VANGUARD SOLDIER: Yes, but, why would you bring him here? EMIL: We want to become members of the Vanguard. SHEENA: This is our offering to Lady Alice. VANGUARD SOLDIER: [Uh,] All right. We will notify Lady Alice. Come with me.

<The party goes to the casino [T0652]> (The soldier converses with another trooper, then comes back) VANGUARD SOLDIER: She says you may enter. Be sure to watch your manners.

<Skit "Sweetie Pie" appears [S0629]> SHEENA: Sweet! Sneaking past these guards is easy as pie. REGAL: Yes, that was rather easy. TENEBRAE: They do seem to lack a certain dedication to their work. SHEENA: Exactly. Hey wait, Tenebie. Aren't you going to say something like "I quite agree, sweetie pie"? TENEBRAE: (Puzzled) Sweetie pie? I hardly think this is the time to be exchanging such pleasantries. SHEENA: You're missing the point. Making bad jokes and puns is your thing. Sweet. Easy as pie. Sweetie Pie. Get it? TENEBRAE: Let's see, sweet, sweet... It's sweetie pie until the bitter end. Correct? SHEENA: [Unh...] Never mind.

<The group goes into the casino, where Alice waits [T0653]> ALICE: (Plays with her hair) So you're the ones who want to join the Vanguard. EMIL: Yes. ALICE: Bringing Regal straight to me with such a transparent lie? You're more stupid than I thought.~ Hawkie, arrest them, will you? (Hawk and soldiers appear, surrounding them. Hawk is wearing an odd capsule-like object around his neck) ALICE: I'll go fetch Commander Brute. You lock them up in the prison. You're also in charge of the detonator while I'm gone. HAWK: Please leave everything to me. (Alice walks away)

<Our heroes are chucked in a small room, where Marta is [T0654]> MARTA: (Recoils, surprised) Emil?! VANGUARD SOLDIER: Fools. You can rot in here. (Walks away) EMIL: Marta! Thank goodness you're all right! MARTA: Why are you all here? SHEENA: We found a way to save you, along with the city. (Marta looks surprised) MARTA: I'd given up hope on finding a way to do both. EMIL: You're the one who taught me that you can't give up so easily. MARTA: Emil, thank you. EMIL: Have you seen Hawk with anything that could be a bomb detonator? MARTA: (Nods) Now that you mention it, yes. I saw Alice hand something like that to Hawk. MARTA: She said something about a switch that could destroy the city... SHEENA: Yeah, he did have some weird thing hanging from his neck. REGAL: All right, then we need to go after Hawk. Everyone ready? (The others nod) REGAL: Let the mission begin! (Raises the handcuffs and they glow) (All the lights go out with a fizzle) MARTA: (Shocked) Whoa. (Regal breaks free of the cuffs) REGAL: The power for the entire casino is out. The lock on this prison cell should be disengaged as well. EMIL: All right, let's go!

<Skit "Scarred for Life" appears [S0630]> EMIL: Looks like Alice is still abusing Hawk. MARTA: He probably doesn't have a choice. Especially when you consider their legendary duel. TENEBRAE: What is this duel? MARTA: When Alice joined the Vanguard, Hawk was the head of the combat unit. They apparently battled it out for his position, and he lost in a really bad way. EMIL: I'm almost afraid to ask. MARTA: I didn't see it, so I can't be sure, but I heard he still has scars from that battle on his back. Supposedly they form the words "Alice's Pet." EMIL: Talk about being scarred for life.

<Skit "Heart of Little Girl" appears [S0631]> MARTA: If things were normal, I would've loved to check out the casino. SHEENA: What are you saying? Kids aren't allowed to gamble. MARTA: (Irked) Hey! I'm not a child anymore! What do you say, Emil? Don't you think it sounds like fun? EMIL: Actually, I'd rather go play in the amusement park. MARTA: (Irked) [Ughhh!] Stop being so childish! SHEENA: Hold your horses. You two are the same age. You kids are gonna have to stick to the amusement park. REGAL: I believe you've always preferred the amusement park yourself, Sheena, or am I mistaken? MARTA: Seriously? (Giggle) Sheena, you've got the body of a woman, but the heart of a little girl! (Beam) SHEENA: (Flustered) [S-s-]So what?!

<The party leaves the prison cell [M0603]> (The power failure has made all the Vanguard troops stumble around, confused. As the lights come back on, Hawk and his men recoil at the sight of the escaped prisoners) HAWK: [Y-]You?! But, how did you escape?! EMIL: (Thrusts out his arm) Tenebrae, go! TENEBRAE: (Comes up from behind Hawk) Just leave it to me! (Tenebrae snatches the detonator from Hawk with his tail. As Hawk gawks, he holds it just out of reach) HAWK: (Grunts) You filthy beast! Give me back the detonator! (Tenebrae looks at it, then balances it on his nose... and then swallows it) HAWK: (Wailing) No! SHEENA: All right, we're done here. Let's go! HAWK: (Flustered) [W-]Wait! You won't get away that easily! If I let you all escape, Lady Alice will kill me! (Hawk and his troops attack. The party defeats them) (Hawk drops to his knees) ???: (Offscreen) What's all the commotion! (Everyone turns and looks. The bald, caped Commander Brute stands nearby. Marta looks very upset) MARTA: Daddy... (The others crowd around Marta to protecter her if something starts) BRUTE: Marta... You're the descendent of the noble Sylvarant Dynasty, and yet you associate with these low-born peasants. Have you no shame? MARTA: Daddy! Are you still obsessing about that?! The Sylvarant Dynasty has no bearing on who we are right now! BRUTE: I see you've yet to realize the significance of your heritage. (Brute thumps his staff and points it at them) EMIL: What? What do you think you're doing?! BRUTE: Consorting with filthy scum like yourselves has obviously clouded my daughter's mind! Taste the mighty power that has been granted to me by Solum's core! (Brute attacks... and he's too strong for the group to handle!) EMIL: (Out of breath) [He...] He's strong. BRUTE: [Huh!] Not bad, for a bunch of unworthy peasants. But you'll never make it out of here alive. That is unless you think you can defeat me. HAWK: [Agh...] This has gone on long enough. I can't let you humiliate me in front of Commander Brute anymore! (Hawk rushes at Emil as Brute picks up a downed soldier's sword) TENEBRAE: (Notices Hawk) Emil! (Emil quickly blocks Hawk's slash) BRUTE: Farewell, little boy! (Time slows down as Brute rushes at Emil with the sword) MARTA: (Shrieking) No Daddy! (Emil shoves Hawk out of the way... right into Brute's path. The sword goes into his back, killing him instantly) BRUTE: (Angrily) [Argh!] Get out of my way! SHEENA: Now's our chance! Let's go! (Nobody argues with Sheena. They all take off.  Brute unceremoniously kicks Hawk off of the sword and looks after them with wild eyes)

<The party flees the casino [T0655]> (Marta, Emil and Sheena hop on the trolley, but Regal lingers behind) REGAL: You all go on ahead! EMIL: Regal?! REGAL: What are you waiting for? (Brute steps out of the casino) REGAL: This man Brute is extremely skilled. If we waste time fighting here, more Vanguard will arrive and we'll be captured! (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: It would certainly be reckless for us to fight in earnest against an opponent who's using the power of Solum's core. (Sheena hits the trolley controls and the doors close) MARTA: (Shocked) Sheena! SHEENA: Regal, just hang on! We'll be back for you! REGAL: Go! (Sheena starts up the trolley and it rolls away. Brute approaches and Regal rushes him; the screen goes black) REGAL: Raaaaah!

<The rest of the party arrive back at the dock. The sun is rising [T0656]> SHEENA: It's already morning. Come on, we need to get out of the city! MARTA: (Quietly) Regal, Daddy... EMIL: Marta! If we stay here, what Regal did will be for nothing. MARTA: Yeah. SHEENA: Emil's right. Come on, let's hurry!

<The group heads for the town exit [T0657]> (As they reach the hotel, however, who should they tun into but Alice) ALICE: (Angrily) What in the world is going on here?! The entire city has fled, and you're roaming free? How did you even get here? Commander Brute's going to be mad at me! SHEENA: [Ugh,] Looks like our troubles aren't over just yet. ALICE: I won't let you get away this time! (Suddenly, a little girl with pink hair appears behind Alice, wielding a mammoth battleaxe) ???: Crescent Strike! (Swings) ALICE: Aah! (Falls) SHEENA: (Shocked) Presea?! PRESEA: This place is dangerous. Come with me! (Presea runs off. The others follow her)


 * Outside Altamira*

<The group convenes in a field [T0658]> PRESEA: We should be okay now. EMIL: Who are you? PRESEA: My name is Presea Combatir. SHEENA: Presea was one of our companions on the journey of regeneration. But what are you doing in Altamira? PRESEA: I came to tell everyone at Lezareno about what's happening in Ozette. But I ran into someone from the village of Mizuho. They filled me in on the situation here, so I decided to help. SHEENA: You couldn't have come at a better time. Take these two somewhere safe. I need to go back to Altamira. EMIL: (Bravely) If you're going to help Regal, I'm coming too! SHEENA: No. You have to protect Marta. PRESEA: Regal? Did something happen to him? SHEENA: He's off fighting the Vanguard all by himself. Marta and Emil can fill you in on the details! (Runs off) MARTA: (Hangs head) Sheena... PRESEA: I don't quite understand what's going on, but I'll take you to somewhere safe. You can fill me in once we get there. EMIL: (Nods) Right. Thank you.

-- -- (2.7) - Chapter 7: Reawakened Memories (GS7) -- --


 * On the road to Altessa's House*

<The party stops in the woods, looking at something [T0701]> EMIL: What's that? (A crew of Vanguard troops have build a roadblock) TENEBRAE: It appears to be a checkpoint. MARTA: This is my fault. The Vanguard's doing this to catch me. EMIL: We'll have to find another way around. MARTA: But I'm sure they'll be checking everywhere. PRESEA: Leave this to me. (Presea walks away. Marta and Emil look puzzled.) (Presea returns hauling a silver coffin-looking iron maiden, like the one Decus lugs around) EMIL: Um... MARTA What's that? PRESEA: IT's an iron maiden. Marta, please get inside. EMIL: It's the same thing Decus has. Why do you have one of these? PRESEA: This is a good luck charm from Lezareno Mystic Supply, a subsidiary of the Lezareno Company. I make charms myself, and Lezareno Mystic Supply wanted to collaborate. They sent me this as a sample. MARTA: Decus said he got that thing by mail-order. EMIL: Just out of curiosity, when you say good luck charms, what sort of effects are we talking about? PRESEA: They say that if you put a hair from someone you love inside here, 765 days later, you'll find happiness together. MARTA: Presea, is there someone you have in mind? PRESEA: (Looks down) That is a secret. TENEBRAE: But why do you have this iron maiden with you? PRESEA: I brought it to Altamira so I could return their sample. But it was impossible with the city under Vanguard control, so I hid it in the bushes here. EMIL: I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but Marta, maybe you should get inside this thing. MARTA: What?! But they'll know I'm in there the second they open the lid! PRESEA: It'll be okay. MARTA: (Defeated) All right. (Marta hops in) EMIL: (To Presea) [Um...] Can I help you carry that? PRESEA: I'm fine. Let's go. (Presea starts dragging the iron maiden at a brisk pace. Emil follows her to the checkpoint) PRESEA: (To the guard) We live in Ozette. May we pass? SOLDIER: (Approaches) What's that you've got with you? PRESEA: This is my iron maiden. It's a good luck charm. SOLDIER: Let's see what's inside, then. EMIL: (Worried) [N-]No, you-- PRESEA: You'll be cursed. (Both Emil and the guard look surprised. The wind blows eerily) SOLDIER: Huh? PRESEA: A terrible curse will befall anyone who opens this iron maiden before it grants its wish. First, you'll experience stomach-churning sickness and diarrhea for 77 straight hours. Then for the following 777 days, the king of demons will appear and stick his finger up your nose. Every. Single. Day. But if you're all right with that, go ahead and open it and be cursed. (Awkward silence) SOLDIER: [Heh!] You think I'd fall for that? PRESEA: (Steps away) I understand. Please, the curse is all yours. I don't mind. SOLDIER: (Stalls) Ugh. PRESEA: Go ahead. SOLDIER: [N-]No, that's okay. Go on through! (Walks away) PRESEA: All right then.

<The party passes through the checkpoint without incident. Marta emerges from the iron maiden a little later [T0702]> TENEBRAE: That was most impressive, Presea. EMIL: (Slumps) I was so worried he was gonna open it. My heart's still racing. PRESEA: This iron maiden actually has an internal lid. To anyone who opens it normally, it will appear empty. MARTA: Really?! EMIL: I had no idea. PRESEA: A dwarf named Altessa lives up ahead. We can take refuge in his house.


 * Altessa's House*

<Skit "Good Luck Charms" appears [S0701]> EMIL: So Presea, what other sorts of good luck charms have you come up with? PRESEA: Soul-mate shackles, hair-today hair-tomorrow tonic, fess up-ferns, the marry-me wand. EMIL: (Surprised) Hey, Aunt Flora had one of those! Anything else? PRESEA: An outfit that despite having a bare midriff, never allows your skin to get cold, and also protects against enemy attacks. I call it the Loni-Kyle. EMIL: Oh, I've heard of that. That was a big hit, but then it faded fast, right? PRESEA: It was a tough sell. EMIL: Was that everything? PRESEA: There was a mask that hid your face without actually hiding it, but still mysteriously prevented anyone from realizing your real identity. I called it the Judas Mask. EMIL: Haven't heard of that one. PRESEA: It was stolen while still in development, and the project had to be called off. It was my proudest achievement. A real loss. EMIL: You came up with all that stuff? You're incredible.

<Skit "Ozette" appears [S0702]> MARTA: So you're not from Altamira, right? PRESEA: No. I'm from Ozette. EMIL: Where exactly is that? PRESEA: It's just on the other side of the Gaoracchia Forest, but only a handful of people live there now. MARTA: Why's that? PRESEA: The town was destroyed once. The land was never considered very desirable, and the village had a reputation for opposing the Church of Martel. So people have been reluctant to move back. EMIL: That's terrible. PRESEA: However, my friends are helping out. I know the village will recover someday. Right now it's in no state for visitors, but I'll give you a tour someday. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, I'd like that.

<Skit "Waka Waka Waka" appears [S0703]> EMIL: I thought my heart was gonna jump right out of my chest when we were going past that check point. On the other hand, you were so calm Presea. You've got a real poker face. PRESEA: That's not true. My heart was pounding like mad, as well. EMIL: Really? PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. It was going waka waka waka, and my palms were sweating like mad. EMIL: Your heart was going waka waka waka? PRESEA: Yes, waka waka waka. EMIL: Waka waka waka? PRESEA: Waka waka waka. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) That's not how it looked to me. PRESEA: Waka waka waka.

<Skit "Axe and Pocket Knife" appears [S0704]> PRESEA: Are you hungry? EMIL: Yeah, a little. PRESEA: Then I'll cook something up. MARTA: (Shocked) [H-]Hold on! Why are you sharpening your axe? PRESEA: I don't have a proper cooking knife, so I thought I'd use this instead. EMIL: But you've got a pocket knife, right? PRESEA: That's for carving wood. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Yeah, but it's still better than the axe you chop up monsters with.

<The party approaches Altessa's house [T0703]> (Presea sticks the iron maiden near a fence) PRESEA: This is Altessa's house. EMIL: So what's Altessa like? He's a dwarf, right? Is he like Dirk? PRESEA: You've met Dirk? EMIL: Ah, yeah, I have. You see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) PRESEA: So that's how you ended up with Sheena. But I wonder what Lloyd is trying to accomplish all by himself. It worries me. MARTA: (Sighs) ... EMIL: Marta, are you tired? MARTA: [Uh,] No, not at all. I'm fine. EMIL: You sure? PRESEA: Let's head in and meet Altessa.

<Skit "Paw Pads" appears [S0705]> PRESEA: Mr. Fairy. TENEBRAE: Are you referring to me? I am not a fairy. I am a Centurion. PRESEA: Okay, Mr. Tenebie. TENEBRAE: "Mr. Tenebie"? Well, that's new--Whoa! [W-wh-] What are you doing?! Why are you grabbing my leg? PRESEA: (Surprised) You have no paw pads. TENEBRAE: Paw pads? Shall I make some? PRESEA: Wow! Poke, poke, poke, poke, poke... TENEBRAE: (Cracking up) [Th-]That tickles! Stop, [I-] I beg you, I can't take any more!

<The group goes inside. Crabby Altessa has his back turned [T0704]> ALTESSA: Who is it? PRESEA: It's Presea, from Ozette. (Altessa turns around, surprised) ALTESSA: Presea! And who's that you've got with you? EMIL: My name is Emil. MARTA: I'm Marta. TENEBRAE: I am Centurion Tenebrae. Pleased to meet you. PRESEA: These are all friends of Regal and Sheena. ALTESSA: I see. So what brings you all the way out here? PRESEA: Altamira's been occupied by the Vanguard. ALTESSA: What?! EMIL: They've captured Regal. Sheena stayed behind in Altamira to rescue him. PRESEA: Sheena asked me to get these two out of the city and take them to a safe place. ALTESSA: So you brought them here. PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. I am planning on taking them to Mizuho. But I expect the Vanguard to be on high alert right now, so... ALTESSA: I see. Well, you may stay here as long as you like. PRESEA: Thank you. (Suddenly, there's a racket outside) ALTESSA: Now what's all that commotion outside? TENEBRAE: It could be the Vanguard. EMIL: Let's go and see.

<The group looks outside. Magnar is investigating the silver iron maiden... with Vanguard troops [T0705]> VANGUARD SOLDIER: Sir, it's the same iron maiden from before! MAGNAR: All right then! Search this house! (The party reacts with shock) EMIL: Magnar? Why's he here? Isn't he with the Church of Martel? TENEBRAE: It seems he was only pretending to be a Martel Knight. The incidents in Luin and Palmacosta were most likely part of an elaborate scheme to cast blame on the Church of Martel. EMIL: Marta, did you know Magnar was with the Vanguard? MARTA: (Hangs head) I had no idea. (Presea walks to the door) EMIL: Presea?! PRESEA: We can't stay here. We're putting Altessa in danger. (Walks outside) MARTA: Yes, that's true. EMIL: I'm going, too!

<The group goes outside [T0706]> (Presea has her axe drawn) VANGUARD SOLDIER: [Huh?] Lady Marta! MAGNAR: So you've finally given up? Excellent. Now you can return to your father and the Vanguard. PRESEA: I won't allow that to happen. I intend to keep my promise to Sheena. MAGNAR: What, a child like you is going to stop me? You'll regret meddling in the affairs of the Vanguard! (Magnar and his soldiers attack! The party defeats them) (Magnar leans on his spear, exhausted) EMIL: Why did the Vanguard invade Altamira? What are they trying to do? MAGNAR: Even if you knew, there's nothing you could do to stop it... EMIL: Just tell me! MAGNAR: Commander Brute is planning to announce the revival of the Sylvarant Dynasty in Altamira. MARTA: So what? The Tethe'alla's Royal Army will just go and crush them and that's the end of that. PRESEA: Unfortunately, I don't think that's likely to happen in Altamira. The Lezareno Company's headquarters are located there. They'd have more than enough food and supplies to hold out for a long time. MAGNAR: (Laughs) That's right. And our supporters are staging revolts around the world as we speak. That should keep the Royal Army's hands full. Then, once we have Ratatosk's core, we'll use the Mana Cannon to give the Tethe'allans the divine punishment they deserve. EMIL: But why? What will that accomplish? MAGNAR: It's the only way the Sylvaranti will be able to win against Tethe'alla's advanced civilization. We can't let our people be persecuted like half-elves. (Marta recoils. Emil looks at the ground)

<Back inside, the group meets with Altessa again [T0707]> ALTESSA: The Vanguard sure is a troublesome lot. PRESEA: We should head for Mizuho as soon as we can. We'll be safe there. ALTESSA: Yes. You've still got Ratatosk's core--the most important thing you can do right now is run. MARTA: I understand. EMIL: But what about Regal? PRESEA: I'm sure my friends will sort things out. (Pregnant pause) EMIL: Friends... PRESEA: Altessa, you should leave here, as well. It's not safe. ALTESSA: (Shakes head) You don't need to worry about me. That Magnar fellow's still got some life left in him. I think I'll tie him up and keep an eye on him. But you'd best hurry to Mizuho as soon as you can. PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. (Emil and Marta both look down)

<Skit "Role Reversal" appears [S0706]> [MARTA: (SIGH)] PRESEA: Your spirits seem to be low. Are you tired? MARTA: [N-]No, that's not it, I just... EMIL: Are you worried about all those revolts Magnar was talking about? MARTA: The bigger [the] Vanguard becomes, the more it seems like it's turning into some rampaging monster. How can something I helped create have gone so wrong? What should I do? PRESEA: That I do not know. But Sheena said to make sure the two of you were taken to safety. I believe that means your safety is important to resolve these problems. EMIL: (Nods) She's right, Marta. Staying here and worrying about it won't give you answers. The only thing we know for sure is that we can't let them get Ratatosk's core. MARTA: (SIGH) It's like our roles are now reversed. [EMIL: Huh?] MARTA: When I first met you, I was always the one trying to cheer you up. Now I'm the one with no confidence and you're getting stronger. EMIL: Maybe, but it's only thanks to you and everyone else. I'll lend you my strength when you're feeling down. MARTA: Emil...

<Skit "Mana Cannon" appears [S0707]> EMIL: Is the mana cannon really that powerful? PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. It was originally developed to destroy the Tower of Salvation. I doubt there is any weapon more powerful. In our last journey, we used it to stop the Giant Tree when it threatened to destroy the world. It was Sheena's responsibility to fire the cannon. MARTA: The Giant Tree that killed my mother was stopped by the mana cannon. Then the cannon must be immensely powerful. I mean, it topped a tree that covered the entire world. PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. If such a weapon fell into the wrong hands, it could easily wipe out a town or two. EMIL: We'll never let something like that happen. Never.


 * Mizuho*

<The party arrives at the gates of the rustic, mysterious town [T0708]> (A blue ninja appears before them in a puff of smoke) OROCHI: Who goes there! PRESEA: Orochi, it's been a while. OROCHI: Presea? Who do you have with you? PRESEA: Sheena asked me to bring them to Mizuho. OROCHI: You spoke with the Chief?! Is she all right? PRESEA: Well, you see... OROCHI: Wait, we should discuss this at Elder Igaguri's place. We have other visitors who might like to hear. PRESEA: Visitors? OROCHI: Yes, Raine and Genis are here. (Emil and Marta recoil in surprise) EMIL: Really?! OROCHI: (Nods) [Uh,] Yes. You are acquainted with Raine? PRESEA: They apparently traveled with her before. OROCHI: I see. Anyway, you can give us the full story at the Elder's house. I'll see you there. (Walks away)

<Skit "Sister" appears [S0708]> TENEBRAE: This town has a different air about it than the others we have visited. PRESEA: That is probably true. While it is located in Tethe'alla, the people living here have their own unique culture. EMIL: So this is Sheena's hometown. MARTA: I hope she's all right. PRESEA: I'm sure she is. Though she encountered many dangerous on our previous journey, she always landed on her feet. We are all very lucky. It is the same luck that brought us together. So I'm confident things will work out. MARTA: Thanks for saying that. It's odd. You're younger than me, but you feel like an older sister. PRESEA: (Surprised) Older sister. You can call me "sister" anytime you like.

<Skit "Tethe'alla and Sylvarant" appears [S0709]> EMIL: I've been thinking about what Magnar said about how Sylvarant's less-advanced society leaves them vulnerable to persecution by Tethe'allans. MARTA: Yeah. EMIL: The worlds were united. Everyone is living together. So why is it still like that? TENEBRAE: They're scared. [EMIL/MARTA: Huh?] TENEBRAE: People reject those who are different, and assume that the world they know is all that exists. As a result they are unable to understand other points of view. Those thoughts lead to fear, and that leads to war. [EMIL/MARTA: Uh...] TENEBRAE: I believe that our ability to travel together despite our differences... is due to the efforts we make to understand one another. EMIL: I think you're right. TENEBRAE: On that note, let me take this opportunity to once again explain the magnificence of darkness. MARTA: (Irked) No!

<The party heads for the elder's house [T0709]> (A familiar pair of light-haired half-elves are standing nearby, talking with Orochi. The party walks in on the conversation) RAINE: Just as we thought, it's happening in other cities as well. EMIL: (Happy) Raine! Genis! (Raine and Genis turn around. Genis is surprised) GENIS: Presea?! And Emil and Marta, too! What are you doing here?! PRESEA: I brought these two with me from Altamira, at Sheena's request. GENIS: Altamira? Why were you in Altamira? TENEBRAE: Dreadful things have happened. You see... (Quickie explanation fade-out) RAINE: So that's what happened. You three were wise to come here. (Folds arms) It's just as Magnar said. The Vanguard is instigating violent uprisings in cities around the world. (Emil, Marta and Presea look shocked)

<The action moves to Palmacosta, where a slew of Vanguard stand in the street [T0710]> VANGUARD SOLDIER A: (Waves claw arm) Death to all Tethe'allans! VANGUARD SOLDIER B: (Raises sword) For the pride of Sylvarant! VANGUARD SOLDIER C: (Raises sword) Rise up against Tethe'alla! Long live the Sylvarant Dynasty!


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Pretty calm for an "uprising..."

<Back in Mizuho, the party keeps talking [T0711]> GENIS: The political situation was already unstable after the world unification. The Vanguard is fanning the flames of the populace's dissatisfaction with the Tethe'allans and the Church of Martel. And there's no way to stop the revolts. PRESEA: What about Tethe'alla's Royal Army? RAINE: I'm sure they have their hands full with just the Tethe'allan cities. (Pensive stance) And if the Martel Knights try to put down the riots, it will only increase the intensity of the Vanguard's opposition. It doesn't help that there's still no unified government in Sylvarant. GENIS: This isn't the sort of thing that a city watch could handle by itself. (Marta is silent) PRESEA: And they are planning on using a mana cannon. If they get that capability, not even the Royal Army could stand against them. RAINE: Let's report all of this to Elder Igaguri. If the Vanguard needs Ratatosk's core, then we still have a chance. EMIL: (Nods) Right!

<Skit "Translation" appears [S0710]> GENIS: (Nervous) [Pr...] Presea! [I-i-i] It's been a... PRESEA: Genis. It has been a while. GENIS: (Nervous) Presea [Um, I...] I, Ozette... PRESEA: Yes. Thanks to your help, Ozette is on its way to recovery. GENIS: (Nervous) [M-m-] Mys... PRESEA: Yes. With the support provided by Lezareno Mystic Supply, life in the village has returned to normal. RAINE: Presea, your ability to translate Genis' stuttering has improved immensely. PRESEA: Thank you. I'm used to it now.

<The party goes into the elder's house [T0712]> (The action picks up in the middle of the meeting) IGAGURI: So the enemy plans to use a mana cannon to attack a Tethe'allan city. If it comes to that, I have no doubt that the target would be Meltokio. OROCHI: If their mana cannon is as powerful as the one Sheena used, it could easily blow away an entire city. Once they get their hands on Ratatosk's core, it's all over. RAINE: Exactly. So we need to concentrate on Altamira and not the revolts in other cities. The Vanguard commander is stationed there right now. If a group as inexperienced as the Vanguard loses its leader, the rest of the organization will likely fall apart. TENEBRAE: If I understand you correctly, you're suggesting that we go after the Vanguard's commander. (Marta looks shocked) GENIS: But Raine, the Vanguard's commander is Marta's father! RAINE: I'm not saying that we have to kill him. PRESEA: Even if we captured him alive, after all of the things he's done he may be executed. EMIL: Marta... MARTA: (Glum) I understand. My father has done terrible things. Please don't worry about me. IGAGURI: Then we should send our units into Altamira as soon as possible. RAINE: Count me in. GENIS: Me too. PRESEA: I would also like to help. I'm sure I could be of service. EMIL: [Uh,] I-- RAINE: (Cutting Emil off) Emil, you stay here and protect Marta. (Both Emil and Marta look surprised) EMIL: Why? OROCHI: As long as Ratatosk's core is safe, the worst case scenario will not happen. So we must keep it that way. IGAGURI: We cannot afford any delays. Make the necessary preparations immediately. RAINE: All right, let's go and get ready. (The group splits up for the moment)

<Emil finds Marta looking at some statues of gods [T0713]> MARTA: Do you think we're doing the right thing? EMIL: What do you mean? MARTA: They'll capture Daddy, then they'll dismantle the Vanguard... then we can wake up Ratatosk. EMIL: Are you really okay with that? MARTA: Well, what other way is there? EMIL: You don't want to try talking with your father? MARTA: (Shakes head, angrily) Daddy won't listen to what I have to say! You heard him! He just won't listen! EMIL: Then why did you go to the trouble of running away from the Vanguard? MARTA: What? EMIL: You said you could never forgive your father's way of doing things. You were a member of the Vanguard yourself, and yet you're letting others do the most important work for you. You're okay with that? (Marta hesitates, then turns around) MARTA: (Exasperated) Then are you saying I should go fight my own father?! EMIL: No, I'm saying you should try talking with him! Just because it didn't work the first couple of times doesn't mean there's no hope at all. Brute's your father. If someone else captures him, then that's it, that's the end. Are you really gonna be okay with that? He's still your father. MARTA: (Hangs head) [Ungh...] ... EMIL: Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. Courage is what helped me make true friends. That's why I'm giving my courage to you. (Marta looks up) EMIL: Let's go to Altamira. Regal's there, and Sheena, as well. They both saved us when we needed them. And you need to talk to your father. MARTA: (Glassy eyed) Emil... (Suddenly, a Mizuho citizen runs up) MIZUHO SCOUT: The Vanguard is attacking! Everyone's at the village entrance right now holding them back! You have to get out of here! (Marta hesitates, looking conflicted)

<The party runs to the gates [T0714]> (Presea, Genis, Raine and Orochi stare down a gang of Vanguard goons) OROCHI: We may have to give up the village. (Presea notices Emil) PRESEA: Emil! We can handle this! Go to Elder Igaguri's house! (Suddenly, more Vanguard troops attack from the side) TENEBRAE: Look out! (Emil's eyes switch to red and he cuts down the troops mercilessly) R.EMIL: I won't let you into this village!


 * Outside Mizuho*

<Emil rushes out and confronts more Vanguard troops, Marta behind him [T0715]> R.EMIL: Who's next?! (The soldiers attack, but Emil and Marta defeat them. More troops come running) R.EMIL: (Looks around) There's no end to this. MARTA: [Ungh...] ... R.EMIL: They were after you like this the first time we met. MARTA: (Shocked) You remember?! (Emil glares at the oncoming soldiers. The party trounces them and another slew comes.) R.EMIL: (To Marta) And you've been running ever since. You were running because you thought once you wake up Ratatosk, the Vanguard won't be able to do anything. MARTA: That's-- R.EMIL: But Brute has Solum's core. You won't be able to wake up Ratatosk if you keep running from Brute. MARTA: [Ah...!] ... (The party cuts down the last set of soldiers. Presea, Raine, Genis and Orochi walk up) OROCHI: It looks like the enemy withdrew for now. R.EMIL: (To Marta) Are you still going to keep running? (Marta is silent for a moment) MARTA: (Thinking out loud) Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. I want to see Daddy one more time. GENIS: Are you serious?! The Vanguard is after Ratatosk's core, remember? MARTA: Yes, I know. But it's just--This whole time, I haven't done anything but run away. PRESEA: But you've been trying to wake up Ratatosk. MARTA: That was just a roundabout way of stalling the Vanguard. I was afraid to face my father. He had changed, so I just ran away from him. RAINE: You're not afraid anymore? MARTA: I'm afraid, but Emil shared his courage with me. (Emil looks glum, then closes his eyes. When he opens them again, they're green) MARTA: Emil and the "other" Emil, too. Thank you. EMIL: My other self said something to you? MARTA: Yes, he did. (To Raine) Please let me go to Altamira. OROCHI: Well, either way, the Vanguard knows that Marta's here. I don't really see a problem with her accompanying you. PRESEA: I think so, too. We can protect her. GENIS: Raine, what do you think? You're against it, right? (Everyone looks at Raine) RAINE: Oh? Why would I be against it? EMIL: Then it's okay! RAINE: (To Emil) To tell the truth, I'd prefer to leave you behind. EMIL: Huh? RAINE: Never mind. Marta, you can come with us. MARTA: Thank you! OROCHI: Then it's settled. I'll leave Marta with you, and we can meet up later in front of Altamira. (Disappears)

<Skit "Vanguard's Uprising" appears [S0711]> MARTA: Isn't there some way we can stop all the chaos the Vanguard is causing around the world? PRESEA: I'm sure the Royal Army is marshalling their forces to deal with the situation. EMIL: So, they'll be coming to Altamira, right? RAINE: No. That's precisely what the Vanguard's uprisings are designed to prevent. With their forces scattered, the Army won't even be able to approach Altamira. Especially now that the Vanguard claimed it as its base. MARTA: Then, the only way to bring down the Vanguard is from the inside. PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. And the only people that can do that now... EMIL: are us. GENIS: Yeah! So let's hurry to Altamira. Regal and Sheena need our help.


 * Outside Altamira*

<The party walks along an empty beach [T0716]> EMIL: Looks like Orochi isn't here yet. (Orochi appears in a puff of smoke, startling Emil) OROCHI: I'm right here. MARTA: [Ah!] You scared me! PRESEA: Yes, I was quite startled. EMIL: [Y-]You don't look very startled. GENIS: That's our Presea! Always so cool and calm! PRESEA: (To Genis) No, I told you, he startled me. OROCHI: The conversation is giving me a headache. Let's just drop it. RAINE: Thank you, Orochi. So what's the situation like in Altamira? OROCHI: It appears the Vanguard established their headquarters in Lezareno Company Building Number Two. MARTA: Building Number Two? PRESEA: It was built near Altamira's amusement park. RAINE: If we attract any attention, the Vanguard will have a welcome party all ready and waiting for us at their headquarters. EMIL: Then what should we do? PRESEA: Regal told me there's a tunnel underneath the hotel for employee use. If we can find that, it should take us right in front of Building Number Two. GENIS: You think of everything, Presea! TENEBRAE: You're quite composed for your age. OROCHI: We'll seal off Building Number Two, so they can't call reinforcements. We'll take care of the Vanguard soldiers in the city. We'll leave infiltrating their headquarters to you. RAINE: That's fine. OROCHI: The plan goes into effect at midnight tonight. Don't do anything that might arouse suspicion before then. (Orochi vanishes) EMIL: (To the others) All right, we should get going as well.


 * Altamira*

<The city is empty, aside from the Vanguard troopers [T0717]> EMIL: Wow, they've got this place wrapped up tight. (Two soldiers guard the hotel entrance) MARTA: There's no way we'll be able to get in before midnight. GENIS: What should we do? Starting a fight will get everyone's attention. TENEBRAE: We just need to get them out of the way, correct? (Everyone looks at Tenebrae) PRESEA: (Curious) Paw Pad. TENEBRAE: (Annoyed) It's Tenebrae. If you're going to call me something ridiculous like doggie or Paw Pad, I'd prefer you just call me Tenebie. MARTA: Chill out, Tenebrae. What are you planning on doing? TENEBRAE: I'm planning on doing this! (Tenebrae transforms into the jaw-droppingly hot Celsius. Everyone is shocked) TENEBRAE: (Feminine voice) Nobody can resist the sight of a beautiful woman. EMIL: Tenebrae, you can transform into anything you want? TENEBRAE: (Feminine voice) Yes, because I'm a Centurion. Now then, watch a master at work. (Flighty laugh)

<The group approaches the hotel [T0718]> (Tenebrae sashays past the guards, catching the attention of their hormones and drawing all of them away from the doors. The gang sneaks inside, where Tenebrae rejoins them) TENEBRAE: (Feminine voice) It looks like everything worked out beautifully! (Flighty laugh) EMIL: How long are you planning to stay like that? TENEBRAE: (Feminine voice) Why, Emil honey, don't you like it? MARTA: Wow, well, that's a switch. GENIS: Maybe changing his shape changes his personality as well. PRESEA: (Depressed) I miss Paw Pad. RAINE: Anyway, let's wait here until dark. Our operation begins at midnight. MARTA: (To Presea) Which way is it to the underground tunnel? PRESEA: Regal said all you have to do is get in the elevator and press the button marked for employees. TENEBRAE: (Feminine voice) Then let's relax until midnight. (Flighty laugh) (Everyone looks at him, annoyed)

<Skit "Most Beautiful" appears [S0712]> EMIL: Hey, Tenebrae. The lady you turned into, is that what Centurions consider to be beautiful? TENEBRAE: Yes. We Centurions have a highly refined aesthetic sense. MARTA: Well, what about Raine? TENEBRAE: Truly a vision of beauty. RAINE: My... MARTA: And Presea? TENEBRAE: Very lovely indeed. PRESEA: (Blush) How nice. MARTA: Okay, what about me? TENEBRAE: Why, you are beautiful as well, Lady Marta. MARTA: So then, which of us is the most beautiful of all? TENEBRAE: I believe that would have to be me. [EMIL/MARTA/RAINE/GENIS/PRESEA: (SIGH)] GENIS: (Sweatdrop) You really love yourself, don't you?

<At midnight, the party heads for the elevator [T0719]> (The group steps out into a futuristic-looking tunnel) GENIS: So this tunnel leads to Building Number Two. PRESEA: (Pained sigh) ... GENIS: Presea? PRESEA: I'm fine. My head just hurts a little. GENIS: Now that you mention it, I feel a little short of breath all of a sudden. TENEBRAE: I believe you may be experiencing the effects of Solum's core's increased instability. The core must have been used for some truly nefarious deeds. Its powers have grown even more chaotic. EMIL: What does that mean for us? TENEBRAE: The longer we stay here, those without Lord Ratatosk's protection may be affected by the core's precarious state and lose their sanity. RAINE: In other words, we don't have any time to lose. MARTA: (Hangs head) I hope Regal and Sheena are okay. TENEBRAE: Even if they've been affected by Solum's core, they should return to normal as soon as Lady Marta hatches it. RAINE: So if we find Brute and get the core back, everything will be settled. MARTA: That's right. (Hangs head, thinking) Daddy... EMIL: Marta, are you all right? MARTA: (To Emil) I'm fine. I have the courage you gave me.

<The party reaches a door [T0720]> PRESEA: This is it. I'm pretty sure Building Number Two is just beyond this door. EMIL: I wonder where Brute--where Marta's dad is. GENIS: Usually, the most important person resides at the top. EMIL: The top floor. They'll definitely spot us before we get up there. RAINE: Yes. And a large corporation like the Lezareno Company is bound to have some pretty advanced security installed as well. (Folds arms) No matter what we do, it's going to be quite difficult to stay undercover. MARTA: Do you think we can find the blueprints of the building somewhere? TENEBRAE: If we could locate the security room, I believe we might be able to find the blueprints. PRESEA: That kind of thing is usually located in the basement. EMIL: Then let's try to find a security room. RAINE: Yes, let's do that.

<The group makes their way into the security room [T0721]> (A Vanguard trooper is inside) VANGUARD SOLDIER: Intruders! (The party bumps him off easily. Raine and Presea rush for the computers) EMIL: (Slumps) [Aww, geez...] What's with all these weird machines? RAINE: Hold on. I'll bring up the structural blueprints. PRESEA: I'll work on disarming the security system. MARTA: You two are amazing. RAINE: There we go. Take a look at the screen. GENIS: (Looks at the monitors) The top floor. Maybe the president's office? PRESEA: There's an elevator that goes straight there. EMIL: So we could go directly to where Brute is? RAINE: Yes. However, security will be tight. That's why I suggest we split into two groups. TENEBRAE: Won't it be more dangerous to divide our forces? PRESEA: I agree. RAINE: That is certainly the case. But if we end up facing the full force of their soldiers, we'll fail. We have to divide the enemy's forces. MARTA: So you're saying we need a diversion. RAINE: Exactly. The decoy will create commotion around the elevator that leads to Brute. Our main unit will go up the emergency staircase. MARTA: Then I'll be the decoy. PRESEA: Marta, you want to talk to your father, right? You should be in the main unit. MARTA: But those in the decoy might get hurt. GENIS: Either way is dangerous. RAINE: Genis is right. Emil, Marta, and Tenebrae, you go up the emergency staircase. EMIL: All right. You guys be careful. GENIS: You, too. MARTA: I'm sorry, and thank you. (The party splits up, leaving Emil with Marta, Tenebrae, and the monsters)

<Skit "Nuance" appears [S0713]> EMIL: (Uncertain) It's been a while since we've been alone together. MARTA: (Shy) You're right. TENEBRAE: Please don't forget about me. EMIL: I haven't forgotten. It's just a matter of nuance. TENEBRAE: (Muzzy) Oh, it's quite all right. The elderly are always being shoved aside. MARTA: I thought you didn't like to be called old? TENEBRAE: It's a matter of nuance.

<Skit "Building Number Two" appears [S0714]> MARTA: (Irked) Oh, come on! Why does the Lezareno Company need to have buildings this big?! EMIL: Maybe as a symbol of their success? MARTA: But why do we have to suffer for it?! A company's building should be simple and small! TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) I know a way to make these buildings very small. EMIL: How? TENEBRAE: Easy. We simply cause the Lezareno Company to go bankrupt. [EMIL/MARTA: (SIGH)] EMIL: I think Regal would kill us if he overheard this conversation.

<The party reaches another floor [T0722]> (Alice appears from behind a corner) ALICE: When you didn't head for the elevator, I thought you might take this route. MARTA: (Crossly) Is Daddy here? EMIL: Where's Brute? If you know where he is-- ALICE: You don't have to act so scary. I didn't come here to fight you. MARTA: What do you mean? ALICE: I hate to ask you this considering all the times I've tried to kill you. (Worried) It's Dumbo Decus. I want you to help him. I'll tell you where Commander Brute is if you do. EMIL: Did something happen to Decus? ALICE: Commander Brute gave Solum's core to Decus so he could transform into Lloyd, but it's changed his personality. MARTA: Now that you mention it, he did seem more violent than before. TENEBRAE: A Centurion's core can make humans go insane. ALICE: (Pleading) Isn't there anything you can do to help him? Decus has completely lost it. We've got him locked up in the room back there. (Hangs head) I can't stand seeing him like this. TENEBRAE: If we hatched Solum's core, I believe he would come back to his senses. But doesn't Brute currently have the core? ALICE: Commander Brute gave it back to Decus after he fought you. Please, help him! MARTA: Tenebrae, can you feel Solum's core nearby? TENEBRAE: I've felt its presence ever since we entered this city. However, it's out of control and affecting the entire region. I'm having trouble pinpointing its exact location. ALICE: (Pleading) Martmart, please! If you help Decus, I'll take you right to Commander Brute, I swear! EMIL: Let's help them, Marta. It'll give us a chance to hatch the core, too. TENEBRAE: I must advise against it. Remember, Decus was the one who killed your parents in the Blood Purge. ALICE: (Desperate) Well make him face his crimes! Just please, help him! EMIL: (To Marta) The most important thing right now is hatching the core. Besides, Decus won't be able to tell us what happened in Palmacosta until he's back to normal. MARTA: All right. We'll help. ALICE: (Elated) Oh, thank you! He's in that room just over there. Please help him!

<The group walks into the room [M0701]> (Alice walking behind them, the party approaches Decus, who is chained to his iron maiden at the end of the room, rasping) DECUS: (Rabid) [G'uh... Huh...] Give me Solum's core! ALICE: (Sweetly) He hasn't been a very happy boy ever since Commander Brute took Solum's core from him.~ (Alice hits a button on her swatter. The floor beneath Marta vanishes and she falls) MARTA: [UWAAAAA!!!] (Emil races to the hole, but the floor slams shut again) EMIL: Alice! You lied to us! ALICE: No I didn't. Decus really lost it.~ (Bows cutely) So sorry. Commander Brute really wanted me to bring Martmart to him, so I had no choice. Have a fun time with Decus, okay?~ (Giggles) [Toodeloo!] (Alice runs back outside and slams the door. Emil rushes after as Decus wrenches free of the iron maiden's grip) EMIL: (Yanking on the door) [Uhh!] It won't open! (Decus runs up, grabs Emil and hurls him at another wall) DECUS: (Wild) Now give me Solum's core! (Emil hits the wall and the little vial of Eau de Seduction drops onto the floor, opening. As Decus shambles toward Emil like a flashy zombie, the funk catches his attention.  He picks up the vial and stares at it, then sideways at Emil.) DECUS: (Raspy) [Uhhh...] Wait a minute. [You... You're...] You're that kid. My fan. EMIL: (Trying to get up) Decus! [Ugh...] TENEBRAE: It appears that this strong odor has momentarily brought Decus back to his senses! DECUS: (Raspy) Tell me something kid. What exactly are you doing here, anyway? (Emil shifts his weight, getting both feet back on the ground) EMIL: (Angrily) Decus, you murdered my mother and father! (Suddenly, the wall he's against thumps loudly, startling him) ZELOS: (Muffled) [Woah!] Hey Colette! Be careful! COLETTE: (Muffled) Oh dear I'm so sorry. I tripped again. (Something that sounds like a car alarm goes off) ZELOS: (Muffled) Oh man! The machine's going crazy! COLETTE: (Muffled) [Wh-]What should we do, Zelos? Maybe I pressed something. (The alarm gets higher-pitched, then dies. The wall slides away and out falls Colette, Zelos nearby) EMIL: (Surprised) Colette! Zelos! COLETTE: (Grabs Emil's hand happily) Emil! Thank goodness you're all right! EMIL: How did you two get here? ZELOS: I guess your luck with klutziness is still going as strong as ever! Hey, Emil, I'll explain later. Come with us for now. EMIL: But he's the one who killed my parents... ZELOS: Sorry, but getting rid of the Vanguard is more important than revenge. (For some reason, Zelos and Colette grab Emil and drag him through the opening. Decus tries to follow them) DECUS: [Nuhh!] Hey, wait! (Another door slams in his face. Emil gets back on his feet) ZELOS: Why are you alone? I thought you were with Regal and the others. EMIL: (Hangs head) [W-] Well... [Um...] (Suddenly, another door opens, and a band of Vanguard troopers rush in) VANGUARD: Intruders! How did you get in here?! ZELOS: Let's get rid of them, Emil. Come on! (The troops attack, but are easily vanquished) ZELOS: We're not safe here. We need to keep moving.

<The party convenes in a storage room [T0723]> ZELOS: We should be okay in here. Sorry to drag you along like that. EMIL: It's okay. You were right, we have more important things to do. But why are the two of you here? COLETTE: Lloyd asked us to come. EMIL: (Curious) He did? ZELOS: We finally managed to catch up to Lloyd. Though he still won't tell us anything. COLETTE: Just then, we heard Vanguard had invaded Altamira. So Lloyd told us to go and help. EMIL: Is he here, too? ZELOS: Yeah. Though he said he couldn't work together with us for some reason, so he's off doing his own thing. COLETTE: [But] What about you? Why are you here all alone? EMIL: (Hangs head) Well... (Quickie explanation fade-out) COLETTE: (Down) So Marta was captured. ZELOS: This is not good. If Marta's in enemy hands that means they can use the mana cannon. EMIL: It's all my fault. If I didn't trust Alice-- TENEBRAE: There's no need to worry. I am able to sense where they're keeping Lady Marta. Now is not the time to blame yourself for what happened. COLETTE: He's right. Let's go save Marta. EMIL: (Nods) Right!

<Skit "Stumbles into Miracles" appears [S0715]> ZELOS: [Aha!] Colette! Sometimes I could just kiss you! Your ability to turn every simple stumble into a miniature miracle never ceases to amaze me! EMIL: (Puzzled) Her stumbles make miracles? ZELOS: See, every time Colette falls down or makes a mistake, something good always comes of it. EMIL: Now that you mention it, when Colette tripped and bumped into Marta, she saved her from being attacked by a monster. COLETTE: (Defensive) I'm not doing it on purpose! TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) Oh, I believe I've come up with quite a plan. ZELOS: Speak right up, Tenny. TENEBRAE: We'll have her take a tumble on her way to buy lottery tickets, then sit back and watch the money roll in. ZELOS: (Sweatdrop) That's pretty pathetic, Tenny.

<Skit "Full-Grown Man" appears [S0716]> ZELOS: I tell ya Emil, little old Alice really stuck it to you back there. (Laughs) EMIL: Are you trying to say [that] it was my fault? Don't worry. I know that already. ZELOS: Whoa, don't get your panties in a bunch, kid. I wasn't blaming you. EMIL: Then, what is it? ZELOS: You see, when a boy is tricked by a woman for the first time, that's when he becomes a man. You trust one, get betrayed, trust another, get betrayed. You swear you'll never trust again, but then you do. That's male-female relations in a nutshell, for ya. [EMIL: Mmn...] ZELOS: It's true she got the better of you this time. But now we've got another full-grown man on our side. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) You sound like you speak from experience. ZELOS: (Irked) Leave me alone! You'll see for yourself soon enough!

<The party makes it up a few floors [T0724]> TENEBRAE: I sense Lady Marta on this floor. Please search for her. EMIL: Okay.

<The party enters a library-like room [T0725]> EMIL: This room looks suspicious. Let's investigate. (Emil checks out something) EMIL: Marta! (Emil checks out something else) EMIL: I doubt she's here. (Emil checks out another thing) EMIL: Tenebrae said he senses her here. (Emil checks out one more thing) EMIL: Marta, where are you?

<The party convenes in the room's center [T0726]> ZELOS: Yo, Tenny, what's the deal? She's not here. TENEBRAE: Yes, it seems that way, but I feel her presence coming from this floor. I am sure of it. COLETTE: Maybe there's a hidden door, like how we found you, Emil. EMIL: (Hangs head) I wonder what we should do. (There's a clatter on the ceiling nearby, and Sheena drops into the room) EMIL: Sheena! ZELOS: Whoa, Jubblies! You're all right! (Sheena belts Zelos in the face) SHEENA: (Angrily) I'll smack you! ZELOS: [Oww!] I think you meant that to be past tense! SHEENA: (To the others) What the heck are you guys doing here? COLETTE: (Plays with her hands) [Uhhh...] Well you see... SHEENA: Wait, wait, just tell me later. But I'm glad you're here! You can help me out. We need to rescue Marta. EMIL: Marta's here?! SHEENA: (Walking back a bit) Yep, I was looking for Regal and I just happened to stumble upon Marta. It took me completely by surprise since I thought I sent her out of the city. She's in the stockroom, just past this well. You can get in through a crawlspace above the ceiling. Follow me! (Sheena leaps up into the ceiling) ZELOS: (Irked) Oh man, she expects us to jump up there? COLETTE: (Beams) I'll carry you. (Colette opens her angelic wings and flutters over to Zelos, lifting him up) ZELOS: (Dumb face) Huh? (Colette hauls Zelos into the ceiling) EMIL: (Dumb dace) That's Colette for you. TENEBRAE: You don't seem fazed at all. EMIL: Yeah. Well, it's Colette.

<The party sneaks through the vent system to another grate [M0702]> TENEBRAE: Lady Marta's below us. EMIL: Really? (Everyone peers down into the room. Marta is on the floor, her arms tied. Commander Brute stands in front of her) MARTA: Daddy! Why can't you understand? BRUTE: No, it's you who doesn't understand! The Church of Martel's riling Tethe'allans and trying to destroy the Sylvaranti. Or have you already forgotten? And let us not forget they are also responsible for the death of your mother! Now is the time for us to revive the Sylvarant Dynasty and to restore the pride of the Sylvaranti! MARTA: (Hangs head) It's true that some of the people in the Church have done some horrible things. But so have you! You attacked Palmacosta and blamed it on the Church! If you have a problem with the Church or the Tethe'allan people, then you should've found some other way to resolve it! BRUTE: Means and methods are insignificant in the eyes of justice. MARTA: Justice? What justice?! You aren't interested in saving the people of Sylvarant! The only thing you want is to become king! BRUTE: You poor girl. But I know you're not to be blamed. Your mind has been affected by Ratatosk's core. (Eyes turn mad, starts moving weirdly) Leave it to me, I will gather all of the Centurions' cores together... and then remove that cursed core from your body! Then together we will crush the Church of Martel and the Tethe'allans! (Walks away) MARTA: No, Daddy! You're the one who's infected! Solum's core is warping your mind! Please wake up! Please stop doing all of these terrible things. Daddy... EMIL: Marta... ZELOS: Oh yeah, he's gone! Good luck trying to reason with that guy. TENEBRAE: All we need to do is somehow incapacitate him and retrieve Solum's core. Once Lady Marta has hatched it, most of the harmful effects should dissipate. (Emil nods) SHEENA: Either way, we still need to rescue Marta first. We should be able to get down from the vent up ahead. Let's hurry.

<The group leaves the vent and rushes to the room [T0727]> (A single guard stands outside) VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Shocked) Who are you?! ZELOS: The great Zelos Wilder, and his hunnies! SHEENA: (Irked) Get serious! VANGUARD SOLDIER: Shut up! EMIL: Give Marta back!

<The party easily dispatches the guard and rushes inside [T0728]> (Marta is still sitting on the floor) EMIL: (Runs to her) Marta! MARTA: Emil! You came for me! (Emil cuts her lose) EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry. I never should have believed Alice. MARTA: No, it's my fault for letting my guard down. COLETTE: I'm so glad you're okay! MARTA: (Overjoyed) Colette. And Sheena and Zelos, too! TENEBRAE: (Irked) I'm here as well. MARTA: (Giggles) I would never forget you. Thank you, Tenebrae. ZELOS: So then, what's next? COLETTE: Like Tenebie was saying, we should get Solum's core back from Marta's father. Then Brute will return to his senses, right? MARTA: Yeah. At this point, I think that's the only way I can get Daddy to listen to reason. EMIL: I wonder where he went. MARTA: He said he was staying in the president's office. ZELOS: Then it's time to raid the president's office.

<Skit "Get Your Words Straight" appears [S0717]> ZELOS: Dearest Marta, am I glad to see you safe and sound! If we lost you, I'm not sure the people of this world would ever be the same. MARTA: (Sweatdrop) That's a bit over the top. ZELOS: No, Marta dear. You simply don't know your own value. You are far more lovely than any blossom. You sparkle more brightly than any diamond. [MARTA: U-um...] SHEENA: Sorry, Marta. Looks like the last of his screws finally came loose. ZELOS: (Irked) Was I talking to you, Sheena? You don't have anything going for you but your chest. SHEENA: (PO'd) I'm gonna smack you for that! (WHAP) ZELOS: [OW!] Ouch! [H-] Hold on, that was a kick! Get your words straight!

<Skit "Army of Spies" appears [S0718]> ZELOS: Man, what is with this building? It's more like a fortress than an office. Is Lezareno making stuff that really needs this much protection? COLETTE: I know Regal would never make anything dangerous. I'll bet whatever they make here is really fun! ZELOS: What makes you say that? The security in this place is pretty extreme. COLETTE: [Hmm...] I've got it! They must be for training spires. EMIL: Spies? COLETTE: Yeah, that has to be it! I'll bet they're training an army of spies to hide in cardboard boxes and steal top secret info from rival companies. MARTA: (Puzzled) Why cardboard boxes? SHEENA: Slow down, Colette. Wouldn't that make Regal some sort of nefarious corporate overlord? COLETTE: Oh, I guess you're right. Then they're training an army of spies to save the world from evil companies everywhere. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Maybe we should move away from the "army of spies."

<Skit "Sheena's Feelings" appears [S0719]> SHEENA: You said you met Lloyd, right? COLETTE: (Nods) Yes. SHEENA: (Nervous) Did he say anything to you? COLETTE: [Hmm...] Oh, he did ask if you were doing okay. SHEENA: (Elated) Really?! [Wha... nuh...] Now why would he-- COLETTE: You know, you fell in that hole back at the Vanguard base, and he wanted to make sure you weren't hurt. He may have changed, but he hasn't stopped caring about his close friends. SHEENA: (Goofy laughter) Well I'm made of sterner stuff than that. No reason to worry about little old Sheena, no sir. (More goofy laughter as she blushes and moves away) MARTA: Wait, so does Sheena like Lloyd? (Beam) EMIL: (Sweatdrop) I think that's pretty obvious.

<Skit "Public Displays of Affection" appears [S0720]> MARTA: (Excited) Emil! EMIL: What's with the grabbing all of a sudden? MARTA: I was just so happy you came for me! EMIL: (Blush) Oh, [w-]well, yeah, [I-]I'm glad you're okay. MARTA: Emil... EMIL: [Y-]Yes? MARTA: (Disappointed) Why won't you hug me back? EMIL: (Flustered) That's I... MARTA: (Softly) Meanie. TENEBRAE: I would argue that forcing others to watch your public displays of affection is considerably more cruel. EMIL/MARTA: (Shrink back) Sorry.

<The group leaves the room and heads down the hall [T0729]> (An elevator door opens and Raine, Presea and Genis step out. They're surprised to see everyone else) EMIL: (Surprised) Genis! Raine! Presea! COLETTE: I'm so glad you're all right. GENIS: Emil! You're still here?! And what are you doing with Zelos, Colette and Sheena? ZELOS: [Hah!] Lots of things happened on this side, too. (Quickie explanation fade-out) RAINE: I see. So it seems we still don't know where Regal is. SHEENA: (Scratches head) Yeah, by the time I came back to save him, he was gone. PRESEA: Regal has a tremendous influence within the world of Tethe'alla. I doubt the Vanguard would simply kill him. TENEBRAE: If we can restore Brute's sanity, perhaps we can get the Vanguard out of Altamira and save Regal as well. EMIL: Right. Marta, are you ready for what we're about to do? MARTA: Yes. I'm going to get my Daddy back! I'm sorry for dragging you all into this, but I'll need your help just a little bit longer. COLETTE: We're glad too! Isn't that right? (Everyone nods) MARTA: Thank you. EMIL: All right, here we go!

<The party busts into the president's office [M0703]> (Brute stands at the president's desk) BRUTE: Marta! MARTA: Daddy, I want you to give us Solum's core! (Brute clutches his rod and steps away from the desk) EMIL: If you don't hand it over, we'll have to resort to using force. But I don't want you and Marta to have to fight each other! BRUTE: You plan to take it by force? Surely you jest, boy! (Snaps his fingers) Alice! (A platform rises up in the corner. Alice has Regal tied up) BRUTE: Enough of these foolish games! The time has come. Hand over all the Centurion's cores you have, or your friend here dies. (Alice runs her swatter under Regal's chin) MARTA: (Gasps) Stop it! EMIL: You coward! BRUTE: (Wild eyes) It's obvious that you don't understand. Means and methods are insignificant in the eyes of justice! ???: (Offscreen) Don't even start spewing the word, "justice"! (A bright flash of light appears and knocks Alice to the ground) [ALICE: Eyah!] BRUTE: (Whirls around) What?! (Lloyd is helping Regal up, one of his swords drawn) LLOYD: Now, Emil! EMIL: Right! (Emil points his sword at Brute. The battle begins.  Amazingly, this time the party beats him) (Brute leans heavily on Regal's desk. Marta rushes to him) MARTA: Daddy! ???: (Offscreen, ravenous) I found it! (Decus charges into the room. Emil gets in his way, but he throws him aside. He races towards Brute) MARTA: Decus, how did you-- DECUS: (Grabs Brute and knocks Marta away, psychotic) Give it to me. Give me the core! BRUTE: Decus, you-- (Decus thrusts his hand into Brute's chest. As Marta watches in horror, Decus rips the unhatched brown core out of him.  Brute drops to the floor) EMIL: Decus! (Emil tackles Decus and they fall across the desk, crashing down behind it. Marta rushes to her fallen father.) MARTA: (Panicked) Daddy. Daddy?! TENEBRAE: (Puts a paw on the core) Lady Marta, hatch the core! MARTA: (Prepares to use healing magic) But [Daddy...] Daddy's gonna die! RAINE: Leave him to me! Just hatch the core! (Starts to cast magic) MARTA: But I-- (Decus scrambles up) DECUS: (Wild) The Core! Give me the core! (Emil barely manages to drag him off the desk) RAINE: (To Marta) Quickly now! MARTA: (Gasps) Yes! (As Emil holds Decus back, Marta picks up Solum's core and hatches it, releasing a chocolate-brown crystal orb. After that, she turns back to helping Raine heal her father.  The light has gone back into Decus's eyes as he stares into space) DECUS: (Dazed) [I-]I don't--[W-]Wait. What the hell just happened? ALICE: Decus! Over here! (Alice signals to Decus to run. She zips away with him flamboyantly tiptoeing off.  Yeah, he's back to normal) LLOYD: (Notices them) Wait! (Rushes after them) (Up at the desk, Raine's healing seems to be helping a bit. Brute's eyes are open again.  Marta clutches his hand) MARTA: Daddy... BRUTE: (Weakly) Marta dear... MARTA: Daddy! Hold on! BRUTE: [Muhhh... What...] What have I been doing? MARTA: Don't worry Daddy! I'll use my healing artes right now. BRUTE: Marta, [agh...] I did, your daddy did some very bad things. When did all this begin? I can't even remember anymore. We have to stop the Vanguard. RAINE: Please you mustn't try to talk. It'll only make things worse. BRUTE: (Looks over at Emil) Tell Richter that I'm dissolving the Vanguard. EMIL: (Puzzled) Richter? Why? BRUTE: Richter was the one who told me. He said that we could free the Sylvaranti people with the mana cannon. [H'agh...] He told me to become their king. [Heh...] It sounds so ridiculous now. Why did I agree? Ever since he handed me Solum's core, my memory, it's all so hazy. (Brute's eyes close and he slumps. Marta looks panicked) RAINE: Don't worry, he's still alive. But he needs a doctor right away. MARTA: (Gasps) Yes! (Gets up and starts for the door) EMIL: I'll come with you! REGAL: (Weakly) And I'll come as well. PRESEA: Regal, I'm afraid with your wounds, you'll only slow them down. (Regal looks back at her, realizing she's right) PRESEA: I will accompany Emil and Marta. You and Colette should stay here. COLETTE: You want us to protect Professor Sage, right? Leave it to us! REGAL: Thank you.

Adventure 02" is voicing Decus now. Total brain buster, that one.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: I can't believe the guy who voiced TK in "Digimon

<Skit "Let's Hurry" appears [S0721]> MARTA: (Worried) I hope Daddy's okay. EMIL: Marta... PRESEA: Don't worry. Raine and the others are with him. The best thing we can do for him now is to find a doctor. MARTA: Yeah! EMIL: Let's hurry!

<Skit "Confusion" appears [S0722]> EMIL: Why? I just don't understand. MARTA: What's wrong? EMIL: (Shakes head) I don't get it. Why would Richter want to make an organization like the Vanguard? He's a half-elf. Why would he care about the struggles between Sylvarant and Tethe'alla? It just doesn't make sense. MARTA: Emil... I'm sorry. I was in the Vanguard myself, but I didn't know anything. How could I have been so foolish? EMIL: (Shakes head) No. I'm the one who was foolish. I hurt your father. I was only thinking of myself. PRESEA: It was the only way for you to stop him. Rather than regret what's already been done, let's do everything we can to help him. EMIL: (Nods) You're right.

<Skit "Marta's Tears" appears [S0723]> [MARTA: (Sobs quietly)] EMIL: Marta. Are you okay? MARTA: (Thick) I'm sorry. I don't mean to cry. It's just I've been afraid for so long. I was prepared to fight Daddy. But I was so scared. [EMIL: (SIGH)] MARTA: He's the only family I have. I know he's committed terrible crimes and that he'll be paying for them the rest of his life. But I'm so glad he's alive. EMIL: I'm glad, too. I really am. MARTA: Thank you, Emil.

<The party descends the elevator [M0704]> (The doors open to quite a shock. Genis, Sheena and Zelos are on the ground, out cold.  Lloyd and Richter are squaring off, but Lloyd looks exhausted. Richter still looks ready for more) LLOYD: (Panting) [Why...] Why are you so powerful?! RICHTER: I guess the heroes of world regeneration are no match against the power of the demonic realm. (Emil rushes to Lloyd's side) EMIL: Richter, why? RICHTER: Emil, I've finally made up my mind. Your form no longer matters to me. I will kill you! (Richter attacks the party. After a difficult fight, he is defeated) (Emil pulls his sword back and launches another Ain Soph Aur. Richter blocks it with his weapons) RICHTER: This arte. This timing! So indeed, you are Ratatosk! (Richter hurls the blast back at Emil, who doesn't have time to react. As the giant energy ball comes at him, his mind flashes back...)

(We see a fiery chamber. Two figures stare at the camera.  Presumably, we're looking from Ratatosk's eyes.  One is Richter.  The other is a blonde boy in a labcoat with gray eyes... Aster) ASTER: You're Ratatosk, Summon Spirit of the Giant Kharlan Tree, correct? RATATOSK: Some have called me by that name. RICHTER: Ratatosk the current balance of mana in the natural world is in a state of chaos. We believe your power is necessary to restore the correct balance. RATATOSK: (Looking away from them) Even if I adjust the balance of mana, the world will die without a tree to sustain it. ASTER: We have heard that a new tree has been born. (Ratatosk looks down at them again) ASTER: But, as far as we can tell, the Summon Spirit of the new tree doesn't possess your power to control the flow of mana. RATATOSK: (Chuckles darkly) So? ASTER: So please! Please use your Centurions to restore the balance of mana! If you do that, then the world will be saved. RATATOSK: Awaken, Centurions! Restore the bond with your monsters, and repair the mana of the world! (Getting angry) And then go and eradicate mankind who destroyed my tree! ASTER: (Shocked) [Wha-]What are you doing?! RATATOSK: You want to save the world, right? ASTER: Yes but you don't have to kill everyone to do that! RATATOSK: Who destroyed the Giant Kharlan Tree? [Hmm?] It was the humans and the half-elves! That's why they deserve the same treatment themselves. ASTER: [Geh!] But a new World Tree has been born in the world! RATATOSK: And it's just a matter of time before you humans and half-elves destroy that one as well. Don't you understand? You "people" are nothing more than parasites on this world. ASTER: No! That's not true! Humans and half-elves are a very important part of this-- RATATOSK: (Roaring) Silence! (An energy ball flies out and blows Aster to the ground. His body rolls a bit, then falls silent) RICHTER: (Panicked) Aster! (Runs to him) RATATOSK: And there you have it. You see? The world is no worse off without that parasite. RICHTER: (Enraged) How could you?! [You...] You damn bastard! (With a wild scream, Richter whips out his weapons and charges at the camera, slashing. All goes white)

(The flashback over, Emil drops to his knees, switching back to green eyes) EMIL: [Agh...] I remember. And then-- (Emil switches to red eyes) R.EMIL: And then all of a sudden [he...] he-- RICHTER: (Raises his sword) I will avenge Aster's death! (Marta rushes in front of Emil and protects him) MARTA: So you think means and methods don't matter as long as you get what you want?! First you use Daddy to kill all of those innocent people, and now you want to kill Emil, who always believed in you?! RICHTER: Aster was also innocent! (Richter charges at Marta, but Lloyd gets in the way. Their swords clash) LLOYD: [Geh!] I can't let you kill Ratatosk. RICHTER: Lloyd Irving! Why do you insist on getting in my way? Why does it matter to you? LLOYD: At this moment, I'm going to stop you as Emil's friend! (Lloyd shoves Richter back and attacks. Their swords clash in a fervent, fast duel.  As Marta watches, Lloyd drives Richter back to the wall) LLOYD: I guess you can't use the power from the demonic realm as often as you'd like! (Richter growls) ALICE: (Offscreen) Aramis! (Richter looks up. Some of Alice's balloon panda things float down.  Richter gets on one and they sail off) LLOYD: They got away. Emil, are you all right? (Emil sags, then falls forward, out cold)

-- -- (2.8) - Chapter 8: Eternal Bond (GS8) -- --

<We return to Ratatosk's view as he lies on the floor of his chamber [M0801]> RATATOSK: (Weakly) Even if my powers are still weak from just waking a mere mortal wounding me? (He looks up into the eyes of a furious Richter, who raises his weapons) RICHTER: (Wild) Die! (Swings) [RATATOSK: EYAAAAAAHHHH!!!] (The screen goes white)

(A shining red orb drops at Richter's feet) RICHTER: What? What is this? (Aqua appears behind him) AQUA: That's Lord Ratatosk's core! Lord Ratatosk will keep coming back to life until you destroy it! (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Are you betraying us Aqua?! (Tenebrae snatches the core with his tail and floats up) RICHTER: Give that to me! (Tenebrae runs on air toward the ceiling, then turns and scowls at them) TENEBRAE: I cannot allow Lord Ratatosk to be killed! (He disappears)


 * Altamira*

<Emil wakes up back in the hotel suite [T0801]> EMIL: Where am I? (Emil looks around, then remembers Richter's furious vow at the Lezareno HQ) RICHTER: I will avenge Aster's death! EMIL: (Thinking) I'm Ratatosk? (Tenebrae appears) TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk. EMIL: I'm Emil. TENEBRAE: I'm sure you've remembered it all now. EMIL: I remember being killed by Richter. But how could that be my own memory?! Ratatosk's core is on Marta's forehead! TENEBRAE: On the night of the Blood Purge, you hatched from your core in response to Lady Marta's cries for help. By placing a fake core on her forehead, you were able to turn the enemy's eyes towards her and away from you. EMIL: You're saying I did that so they'd go after Marta instead of me?! TENEBRAE: Yes. EMIL: (Looks away) That's horrible! TENEBRAE: Having just awoken, you needed time to regain your former strength. And the power you once possessed has started to return, little by little. (Emil is silent)

<Skit "Cruel" appears [S0801]> EMIL: I can't believe this. I was using a girl to save myself. A girl who told me she loved me! It's cruel! TENEBRAE: You may have been cruel. As Lord Ratatosk, that is. [EMIL: Huh?] TENEBRAE: But the part of you that is Lord Emil has given everything to protect Lady Marta. And I detected no calculation or self-interest in that. EMIL: Tenebrae... TENEBRAE: This is only one Centurion's impression.

<Emil goes outside [T0802]> (Marta is waiting in the hallway) MARTA: Emil, are you okay? EMIL: Marta. Who am I? MARTA: Emil... EMIL: Tenebrae says that I'm not Emil. But I have memories of my childhood. Vivid memories with my mother and father. TENEBRAE: Memories can lie. They were added after the fact, so you could play the part of Emil more convincingly. (Emil hangs his head) MARTA: (Angrily) Tenebrae, stop this! TENEBRAE: Now that the enemy knows Lord Emil is Lord Ratatosk, it would be dangerous to keep him ignorant of his true identity. And as a servant of Lord Ratatosk, it is my duty to keep Lord Emil safe. MARTA: At least give him a minute to catch his breath! (Tenebrae looks away) MARTA: Emil, Daddy wants to see you. Will you come? EMIL: (Surprised) Brute wants to see me? Sure, I guess. MARTA: Good. He's downstairs. Let's go together. EMIL: (Nods) Okay.

<Skit "Memories and Misconceptions" appears [S0802]> MARTA: Emil... Tenebrae said that memories can lie and I agree with him. EMIL: Marta. MARTA: We all have a couple of misconceptions, or things we've convinced ourselves happened a certain way when they actually didn't. Memory isn't an exact science, but it's something we depend on. I mean, what else can we turn to, in the end? But that doesn't mean that the journey you and I have shared so far is a lie. There's nothing false about it. I'm not sure the best way to say this, but the Emil I know is really Emil. EMIL: Thanks Marta.

<Emil and Marta go to visit Brute [T0803]> (Orochi stands outside the door) OROCHI: Commander Brute's condition is still serious. Try to keep your conversation brief. (The Commander is lying in bed, still wounded) BRUTE: Your name is Emil, correct? I'd like to thank you for saving my daughter. EMIL: [I-]It's fine. [I...] I'm sorry. For what we did to you. BRUTE: You needn't apologize. It's thanks to you I came back to my senses. EMIL: [Um...] There was something you wanted to see me about? BRUTE: I hear that you are close to Richter. (Emil shifts his weight uncomfortably) BRUTE: I know I've done many terrible things, but allow me to give you one warning. The one who fashioned the Vanguard into the militant organization it is now was him. Do not trust Richter. EMIL: But-- BRUTE: I'm not saying this as an excuse for what I've done. I have a deep hatred for Tethe'alla and the Church of Martel. I founded the Vanguard for my own reasons. But if it wasn't for Richter, the Vanguard would have never attained the sort of power it now wields. His words had a strange quality to them. A strong pull that I couldn't resist. EMIL: A strong pull... BRUTE: I've ordered the surviving Vanguard members to lay down their arms. I'm sure most will follow my orders. But there are many others still loyal to Richter. They may regroup and thrust our world into chaos once again. EMIL: Marta, do you know where Richter went? MARTA: Regal and the others are trying to find out now. BRUTE: After all I've done, I have no right to ask you this, but I want you to stop Richter. You bested me even while I was using the power of Solum's core. I know you can do it. EMIL: But I-- (Turns away, thinking) I might be the one who's going to destroy the world. (Orochi walks in) OROCHI: I'm afraid I must ask you to let Commander Brute rest now. BRUTE: I'm counting on you.

<Emil and Marta leave the room [T0804]> (Presea rushes up) PRESEA: There you are. MARTA: What is it, Presea? PRESEA: We know where Richter went. (Both Emil and Marta are surprised) PRESEA: Regal's waiting in the rooftop garden at Lezareno headquarters. Let's go.

<Skit "Daddy's Girl" appears [S0803]> MARTA: Daddy looked like he used to. EMIL: He's been freed from the effects of the core. I'm happy for you. MARTA: Yeah. His wounds will need time to heal, but the doctor says he's making a strong recovery. EMIL: Take good care of him. MARTA: I will. I've been thinking. After our journey's over, and Daddy's well again, I want to help him make up for what he's done. EMIL: You really love him, don't you? MARTA: [O-]Of course.

<Skit "Effect of the Core" appears [S0804]> EMIL: First Decus and now Commander Brute. The effects of the cores are more dangerous than I thought. MARTA: But I can't imagine Presea would change that much from how she is now. EMIL: No, me neither. PRESEA: Really? Many people tell me I've changed a lot from how I used to be. EMIL: You have? MARTA: Like, how? PRESEA: Well, I didn't speak as much, and I didn't show any emotion. I also laugh more than I did before, and I have more of an appetite, but... MARTA: But? PRESEA: I've been told my original personality, before everything happened, was more bright and cheery than now. [EMIL/MARTA: Huh?]

<The party goes to the top floor of Lezareno HQ [T0805]> (Everyone is waiting for them in the rooftop garden, including Lloyd) EMIL: Lloyd! LLOYD: (Turns around) Hey, Emil. We found Richter. REGAL: It appears he went to an old ruin known as the Otherworldly Gate. MARTA: (Puzzled) Why would he go there? TENEBRAE: That is where the Ginnungagap is located. RAINE: (Pensive) The legendary rift between worlds? TENEBRAE: The Ginnungagap connects this world and Niflheim, the demonic realm. It is where Lord Ratatosk created the door which he guarded, and the very spot where Aster was killed. (Everyone is shocked) LLOYD: Richter might be using the Ginnungagap to get new powers from the demons. EMIL: Demons?! What do you mean? ZELOS: Richter's been making pacts with the demons of Niflheim in exchange for their power. MARTA: Can he really do that? LLOYD: He used that power to attack us. The only way he could've done that is if he'd already made a pact with them. TENEBRAE: That's ridiculous! The demons of Niflheim would not give their power without receiving something in return. (There's a silence. Suddenly Tenebrae realizes something) TENEBRAE: Wait. If Richter seeks the death of Lord Ratatosk that would be in their interest. COLETTE: What do you mean? TENEBRAE: The Ginnungagap is protected by Lord Ratatosk's existence. So long as Lord Ratatosk is alive, the demons are unable to open the gate. PRESEA: So Richter's borrowing the power of the demons in exchange for killing Emil. EMIL: Am I really Ratatosk? I still can't believe it. TENEBRAE: It's only natural that it wouldn't seem real to you. Your current personality is a fabrication put together by Lord Ratatosk. Lord Ratatosk's own memories are kept by the side all of you know as his "Ratatosk Mode." MARTA: (Angrily) Don't call him a fabrication! RAINE: I know it's hard to accept, Marta, but what Tenebrae's saying is most likely correct. REGAL: Raine has thought from the very beginning that Emil's personality was established to protect another identity within himself. MARTA: (Angrily) So you think Emil isn't real, either? PRESEA: No. I think both of his personalities are as much Emil's as they are Ratatosk's. EMIL: I can't believe this. SHEENA: I know this is difficult for you and it'll take some time for you to sort out. EMIL: So I'm Ratatosk? LLOYD: I think I can shed some light on Emil's questions. MARTA: [W-]What do you mean? LLOYD: I've made a pact, so I can't say anything about it for the time being. But I can take you to someone who can. EMIL: Please, take me to him. ZELOS: I'd like to know, too. And maybe whoever it is can tell us something about what you've been doing all this time, Lloyd. LLOYD: (Nods) Come to the World Tree. The Tree's guardian will tell you what you need to know. I'll wait for you there. (Starts to walk away) COLETTE: Lloyd! Wait! (Lloyd keeps walking) ZELOS: (To Emil) So, Emil, what will you do? Are you gonna go there? EMIL: Yes. Of course I'm still worried about Richter, but first I need to find out who I am. MARTA: You're taking me with you, right? EMIL: (Puzzled) Why do you want to come? I might actually be Ratatosk. I might be trying to destroy the world. MARTA: I don't care about that! I've traveled with you all this time, and I know you're not that sort of person! GENIS: We all know that. Right, guys? (Everyone nods) EMIL: Thanks everyone.

<Skit "World Tree" appears [S0805]> TENEBRAE: The World Tree is the mana-producing tree that was born after the Giant Kharlan Tree withered, correct? What is its name? ZELOS: Well, that came out of the blue. Who cares? It's just a name, right? MARTA: If it has a name, I've never heard of it. ZELOS: I'd like nothing more than to answer all your questions, Marta my dear. PRESEA: Zelos... ZELOS: Don't worry, Presea. I won't break my promise to Martel. EMIL: (Surprised) Your promise to Martel?! As in Martel, the goddess? ZELOS: Well yeah, that's the one. MARTA: You met with Martel? That's incredible! I guess you really are the Chosen of the Church! ZELOS: (Chuckles) Martel helped us out quite a bit during our last journey. EMIL: No way! You actually got to meet a goddess?! ZELOS: Okay, okay, one at a time, settle down now! TENEBRAE: What a clever way to change the subject.

<Skit "Guardian of the World Tree" appears [S0806]> GENIS: I wonder what the guardian of the World Tree is like. COLETTE: (Sweatdrop) What will we do if he's mean and scary? SHEENA: Come on, Colette. Don't start. You're gonna make me all nervous. ZELOS: I, for one, hope the guardian is a beautiful maiden. Come to think of it, I won't accept anything less. REGAL: At least you are consistent, Chosen One. ZELOS: Come on. Rather than some buff, axe-wielding dude, wouldn't you rather have a hottie guardian with a killer bod? I mean, I'd take an elegant, petite guardian too, of course. PRESEA: I hope the guardian has paw pads. REGAL: Yes, I concur. RAINE: Remember, we are speaking of the guardian of the World Tree. it's probably something akin to a Centurion, filled with knowledge of the ancient world. TENEBRAE: A creature like me? Then that would mean-- MARTA: The guardian's really old. [TENEBRAE: (Muzzy) Mnnnrrrgh...] COLETTE: So to sum up, the guardian is a wise old lady with a killer body and paw pads. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) I really hope not.


 * Tower of Salvation*

<The party reaches the place where Cruxis's base used to be [M0802]> (A hazy fog clears to reveal a peaceful spring, where a small tree stands. It is flanked by Lloyd, and also by the strange blue-haired man from the start of chapter 2.  Remember him?) RAINE: Yuan! So you're the guardian of the World Tree. YUAN: Lloyd told me everything that happened. So Ratatosk is beginning to awake. EMIL: [Please...] Please tell me what's going on. What do you know? YUAN: Emil, what do you think you are? The Summon Spirit, Ratatosk? Or are you a human? EMIL: Well, [I...] I want to be human. MARTA: What's the purpose of trying to figure out what Emil really is? Even if there's some other personality inside of him, Emil is still Emil! YUAN: (Hangs head) That's what I would like to believe as well. That Emil's human kindness is also the kindness of the Summon Spirit Ratatosk. EMIL: (Hangs head) [Then...] Then I guess I really am the Summon Spirit Ratatosk. YUAN: Essentially, that is true. Lloyd and I have been working to prevent Ratatosk from wiping out humans and half-elves. EMIL: [Then you...] Then you two have been trying to kill me, just like Richter was trying to. YUAN: No. While Ratatosk is the Summon Spirit of the Giant Kharlan Tree, he is also the guardian of the Ginnungagap. Without Ratatosk, the Ginnungagap would open, and our world would become Niflheim's domain. We must make sure that never happens. LLOYD: At the request of the Summon Spirit Martel, we've been working to seal Ratatosk within the Ginnungagap. MARTA: Wait, what do you mean by that exactly? LLOYD: We intend to bury Ratatosk and the Centurion's cores within the door as a permanent seal. It's the only way to ward off interference from Niflheim, and protect mankind. COLETTE: Why didn't you tell us all of this before? We could have helped. LLOYD: We couldn't let Ratatosk know anything about what we were trying to do. Ratatosk has a vast network of monsters. YUAN: It wasn't safe to discuss our plan except near the World Tree. The Tree is impervious to Ratatosk's influence thanks to the new name it received. Had Ratatosk known that we received these instructions from Martel, he would have sought the Tree's new name and then stolen it away from her. If Ratatosk gained possession of the Tree, we would have no means to oppose him. And all of you already know the name of the World Tree. SHEENA: That doesn't mean we would have said anything! We promised Martel that until the World Tree was stable, we wouldn't speak of its new name. YUAN: But you mustn't forget the cores. They're beacons for ill intent that can cause their owners and everyone around them to go mad. If you were affected, you could've easily spoken the tree's name without meaning to. PRESEA: But what about Lloyd? LLOYD: As the name giver of the World Tree, I had Martel's protection. The core doesn't affect those blessed by the tree's summon spirit. EMIL: But wait a minute. Why are you telling me all of this right now? Don't you remember? I'm Ratatosk. LLOYD: As Yuan said, we want to believe in you, Emil. [EMIL: Huh?] LLOYD: Think about it Emil. Have you ever even once enjoyed hurting someone? Even as Ratatosk's true will began to show itself, Emil didn't disappear. We want to believe that that has meaning. That Emil is not an artificially created personality. It's another spirit within Ratatosk. His conscience. MARTA: So, what you're saying is that even if Ratatosk wakes up, there's a chance he won't try to destroy everyone? LLOYD: Yes. If Ratatosk isn't the enemy, there's no need for us to seal him within the Ginnungagap. (Lloyd steps forward and offers Emil his hand) LLOYD: That's why I'll protect Emil and Ratatosk's conscience. Maybe together we can find a way for everyone to live in peace. (Emil stares at Lloyd's hand, then puts his own hand in it) EMIL: Thank you, Lloyd. YUAN: We must find a way to merge the two personalities of Emil and Ratatosk into one single entity. RAINE: If Emil's personality is able to survive, then Ratatosk will no longer be our enemy. EMIL: And what if I disappear? YUAN: (Hangs head) We'll see Ratatosk inside the Ginnungagap. GENIS: What'll happen to Emil's memory if we merge his two personalities into one? YUAN: We have no idea. Maybe only the stronger of the two will remain, or they could mix together. MARTA: (Nervous) Wait a minute. So you're saying there's no way to find out! Well, that's just the same as telling Emil he could die. LLOYD: You're right. That's why we asked Martel if there was a good way to do this. YUAN: She told us to seek the help of the Summon Spirit of Heart in Iselia. (Sheena reacts) YUAN: I will give you all Rheiards. With them, you can travel far more efficiently. EMIL: Thank you for your help. LLOYD: Emil, I hope you understand that there's no guarantee this will keep you safe, but it's all we have right now. Of course it's ultimately your choice. I'll leave the decision up to you. EMIL: I'll go and see the Summon Spirit of Heart. LLOYD: All right then. Let's go! (Everybody starts to leave. Marta lingers behind, staring at the ground)

<Skit "Summon Spirit Martel" appears [S0807]> TENEBRAE: You all knew the World Tree's name, but hid it from us. PRESEA: Sorry, Mr. Tenebie. TENEBRAE: I suppose I can forgive you. After all, the World Tree is no longer under the dominion of Lord Ratatosk. It has been entrusted to a new tree spirit. MARTA: Oh right. Which is apparently named Martel as well. Does it have some connection to the goddess Martel? ZELOS: I wouldn't call it a connection. They're one and the same thing. EMIL/MARTA: (Shocked) What?! RAINE: Think of it this way: There was this woman worshipped as a goddess. She risked her life to regenerate the world, and then she was reborn as a tree spirit. MARTA: So, the goddess became a summon spirit? This world doesn't have a goddess anymore? What about the angels of Cruxis? RAINE: I cannot say for certain whether or not any gods exist. But Cruxis, the host of angels so revered by the Church of Martel, no longer exists in this world. COLETTE: They set out for a destination much, much farther away than the heavens. MARTA: Then, they abandoned humanity? RAINE: There comes a time when all children must fend for themselves. Perhaps we should think of ourselves as having reached adulthood. MARTA: I see. But now that we're without a goddess, what will become of the Church of Martel? ZELOS: Jury's still out on that one. They might go on worshipping a god that's no longer there, or maybe they'll change their focus to Martel in her spirit form. Whatever the case, the Church of Martel is on the decline. It may just fade away on its own.

<Skit "Mithos the Hero" appears [S0808]> TENEBRAE: Lloyd, do you have a moment? LLOYD: Sure, what is it? TENEBRAE: I existed in this world even before it was divided in two. This was before the existence of both Cruxis and the goddess Martel, and naturally, the religion founded in her name. LLOYD: Right. I guess that makes sense. The Church of Martel wasn't formed until after the world split. TENEBRAE: It was way back then that I first met a half-elf by the name of Martel. She had a brother, younger than she by some years. He was called Mithos. The boy now known as Mithos the Hero. LLOYD: You met Mithos?! TENEBRAE: Yes. They were very close. At that time, they were searching for some way to save this world. The goddess Martel. Mithos the Hero. I cannot believe that the name of Mithos' sister was mere coincidence. Does this mean that the origin of the Church of Martel is-- LLOYD: Yes. It's just as you suspect. TENEBRAE: Then the spirit of this new tree truly is the Martel I once knew. LLOYD: It's not only Martel, though. TENEBRAE: Whatever became of Mithos? Have you heard anything? LLOYD: When we regenerated the world, Mithos lend us his power. TENEBRAE: (Surprised) Is that true?! Then, where is he now? LLOYD: Mithos became the World Tree. Or at least that's what I believe. [TENEBRAE: (Puzzled) Hmm?]

<Skit "Lloyd is Back" appears [S0809]> LLOYD: Sorry I couldn't say anything earlier. COLETTE: Lloyd! ZELOS: Hey, we figured you had your reasons, but still, you gotta let us join in the fun too. LLOYD: I plan to from now on. PRESEA: Please count on us. SHEENA: Besides, now that we're not spending all our time worrying about you, we can really focus on the task at hand. GENIS: I don't know. Having Lloyd with us might give us more to worry about than ever before. LLOYD: (Irked) What was that, Genis?! REGAL: I believe you'll be forced to endure accusations and aspersions wherever we go. Are you up to it? LLOYD: I'll just have to work to win back the trust I've lost, one day at a time. I think that's all I can do. RAINE: And we'll be there to help you. LLOYD: Hey, it's good to be back, everyone!

<Skit "Truth about Lloyd" appears [S0810]> EMIL: Lloyd, you're really something. LLOYD: How so? EMIL: Well, I could be the being who might destroy this world, but you called me your friend. You put your trust in me. LLOYD: There's nothing special about that. Besides, you're the one that's incredible. [EMIL: Huh?] LLOYD: I've seen the way you've lived in spite of what you are. That's how I know I was right to believe in you. I really like guys like you. EMIL: (Blush) Really? RAINE: Well then, Lloyd. You should also live in a way that merits the trust of others. LLOYD: Professor? RAINE: I recall giving you some homework six months ago. I assume you've completed all of it? LLOYD: Professor, I'm nineteen years old! I've memorized my multiplication tables. Haven't I studied enough? RAINE: (Irked) Silence! Ever since the world was restored you've done nothing but travel. You have yet to finish the curriculum! I will see that you finish what you've started! LLOYD: [Agh... C-] Come on! EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Lloyd...

<Skit "Yuan the Guardian" appears [S0811]> EMIL: So, the guardian of the World Tree. MARTA: Yuan. EMIL: Right, Yuan. Is he an acquaintance? ZELOS: We crossed paths when we were restoring the world. COLETTE: He always looks a bit cross, but he's really doing all he can to find happiness. REGAL: Actually, Colette, that's not exactly-- MARTA: [Hmm,] I think I know what you mean. He looks like he doesn't have much happiness in his life. EMIL: Really? ZELOS: Hmm, that's one way to say it. You could also say the guy's just got no luck. GENIS: [Hey,] Hey, guys. Let's stop talking about him behind his back, okay? Don't forget, he helped us out quite a bit. SHEENA: Then again, he's caused his fair share of trouble, too. EMIL: Sounds like a pretty complicated guy. MARTA: I guess good looks aren't everything.

<Skit "Paw Pad Playmate Society" appears [S0812]> MARTA: So Presea, you have a thing for paw pads? PRESEA: Yes. I like how soft and springy they are. Regal and I are members of the Paw Pad Playmate Society. REGAL: Yes. GENIS: [Huh?!] What the heck is that?! REGAL: It's a recreational club sponsored by the Lezareno Group. GENIS: Oh! [Ooh!] Sign me up, too! PRESEA: We'd love to have you, Genis. TENEBRAE: (Sweatdrop) They even have a paw pad club? MARTA: (Sweatdrop) I guess the Lezareno Company is not to be trifled with.

<The party goes back to the small tree [T0806]> (Emil stares at the tree) MARTA: What's the matter, Emil? EMIL: (Turns around) I'm the summon spirit of the Giant Kharlan Tree, and Martel is the new World Tree's summon spirit, so there are actually two tree spirits now? TENEBRAE: No, not two. LLOYD: What do you mean? TENEBRAE: (Turns around) It's said that the Giant Kharlan Tree originally protected Derris-Kharlan, the home of the elves. If the elves had simply transplanted the tree to this world, their own world of Derris-Kharlan would've quickly died off. YUAN: So the elves created a Giant Tree to remain on Derris-Kharlan, which means that there are three Giant Trees, and thus, three summon spirits. RAINE: If that's the case, then couldn't that Giant Tree's summon spirit have helped us when our Giant Tree died? For instance, that tree could've given us a Great Seed. TENEBRAE: I'm afraid that would have been impossible. Derris-Kharlan's Giant Tree was created from a cutting of the Giant Tree here. YUAN: It would still have been too young to produce a Great Seed. TENEBRAE: In the distance future, their Giant Tree may eventually be able to. YUAN: Even if we had wanted to borrow that summon spirit's power, at that time the spirits no longer trusted us. LLOYD: Which is why Cruxis was created. EMIL: Um sorry, but most of this is going over my head. MARTA: Are you talking about back when this world was divided in two? TENEBRAE: We're talking about why the world was divided in the first place. Basically, there is another tree somewhere far, far away, which is itself a source of mana and has its own summon spirit. EMIL: I wonder what sort of connection that spirit has to me. TENEBRAE: Well, since that tree was born from your tree, perhaps we could say you'd be its father? MARTA: (Hangs head) Emil, I can't believe you had an illegitimate child. EMIL: (Recoils) What?! You're blaming me for that?!


 * Meltokio*

<If Emil collected all of Lloyd's masks [T0807]> (As the party walks towards the castle, a priest and two soldiers come down the steps. Emil collides with them and falls) CHURCH SOLDIER A: You idiot! Watch where you're going! CHURCH SOLDIER B: Show some respect before His Eminence Ibsen, our next Pope! EMIL: I'm sorry! (Zelos and Colette step up beside Emil) ZELOS: Hey, he's a friend of mine. You're the ones who need to watch your manners. (The soldiers and the priest look surprised) IBSEN: Pardon me, Chosen Zelos and Colette, the Chosen of Regeneration. COLETTE: Ibsen. It's been a long time. IBSEN: Until the Chosen system is dissolved, you are the symbols of the Church of Martel. You'll be taken care of until then. (Ibsen and his troops leave) MARTA: Argh! I can't stand them! Stupid Church of Martel. COLETTE: I'm so sorry, everyone. MARTA: Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything wrong. RAINE: She's apologizing from the same guilt you feel for the terrible things the Vanguard has done. ZELOS: Exactly. Colette and I are both closely tied to the Church of Martel. Anyway, I'll get Yuan to step up and we'll give the Church of Martel the punishment they deserve before they do away with the Chosen system. LLOYD: (Looks down) Hey, this is... (Lloyd stoops and picks something up) EMIL: Oh, that's the mask you dropped. LLOYD: You're right! It's my special mask for jewel hunting. Why do you have this? EMIL: We picked it up back when we were after you. TENEBRAE: He had a burning desire to catch up to you, Lloyd, so he kept it safe. EMIL: Uh, I guess. LLOYD: So you wanted to catch up with me. (Blushes) Wow, I have to say, I'm flattered. (Emil and Marta looked confused) LLOYD: I never knew that you thought of me as such a role model. EMIL/MARTA: Huh?! EMIL: No, that's not exactly-- LLOYD: No, I understand. You wanted to surpass me, to defeat me. Yeah, looking up to someone can be like that. I used to have someone I saw in the same way. I understand, Emil. EMIL: Um, I'm not sure if we're talking about the same thing. LLOYD: I was planning on wearing this jewel hunter mask when I started looking for Exspheres again. But I changed my mind. I really want you to have it. (Gives the mask back to Emil) EMIL: Lloyd, I couldn't possibly-- LLOYD: I made all of the jewel hunter masks with my very own hands. That's the "Bird of Paradise Mask," my finest work! Take good care of it. EMIL: It's-- LLOYD: Now you're one of us, Emil! Welcome to the ranks of the mysterious jewel hunters! EMIL: I really don't know what to say. PRESEA: (To Tenebrae) Tenebritty, you phrased that to confuse Lloyd on purpose. TENEBRAE: Hehehe.


 * Communion Spring*

<The party arrives at the hot springs [T0808]> (A priest guards the entrance) PRIEST: Oh my, but if it isn't the Chosen One! It's been a long time. Will you be making use of our hot spring? EMIL: Oh wow, a hot spring. ZELOS: Marta, you know, the water here will make your skin as soft as silk! Fancy a bath? MARTA: (Recoils) With Emil?! Oh my, should I?~ EMIL: (Recoils) What?! Who said anything about that?! COLETTE: This hot spring sure does bring back some memories. Come on, let's have a soak! EMIL: Okay. PRIEST: Most excellent. So would the ladies like to go first? Or perhaps the men?

<Emil says "Okay, ladies first, as they say."> EMIL: Okay, ladies first, as they say. MARTA: (Pumps fist) All right! I can't wait!

(Some time later, Zelos is hiding out behind the bath barrier, listening in. Lloyd, Tenebrae and Emil stand nearby) LLOYD: Not again. You're a little too into this. Come on, man, cut it out. EMIL: He's right, Zelos. Please, stop this. You know this is wrong, don't you feel bad? ZELOS: Shh! I'm just listening to them talk, okay? TENEBRAE: Lord Emil, let's leave this fool and go back outside. EMIL: But if I'm not here he'll peek in on them. MARTA: (Offscreen) Sheena, those are amazing. SHEENA: (Offscreen) What? RAINE: (Offscreen) Seriously. SHEENA: (Offscreen) Raine, not you too! PRESEA: (Offscreen) What did you do to make them so big? SHEENA: (Offscreen) What do you mean? COLETTE: (Offscreen) Come on, tell us. I'm as flat as a pancake, and you, you're... ZELOS: Well, well! Sounds like Miss Jubblies is living up to her name, while Colette's the same old ironing board. TENEBRAE: If Colette's an ironing board, then the same goes for Lady Marta as well. EMIL: Marta's an ironing board?! MARTA: (Offscreen) Who are you calling an ironing board?! (The boys freak out. Zelos runs for it) TENEBRAE: Lord Emil, run! (Emil and Tenebrae hightail it out, leaving Lloyd alone) SHEENA: (Offscreen) Undine! Go nab the peeping tom hiding back there! (The screen cheaply goes dark so we don't see Undine) LLOYD: Aaaaaah! (Sounds of violence. The screen fades in with Lloyd on the ground, surrounded by the quickly-clothed girls) PRESEA: It's Lloyd again. MARTA: Again? SHEENA: When we came here on our last journey, we caught Lloyd spying on us then, too! MARTA: That's despicable. RAINE: It seems you still haven't learned your lesson. COLETTE: Lloyd, is that true? We can still trust you, right? LLOYD: Agh... you've got it...  all...  wrong. MARTA: (Irked) A repeat offender, and you're still trying to make excuses! You peeping tom!

<Emil says "All right, we guys will go."> EMIL: All right, we guys will go. MARTA: (Angrily) What?! Whatever happened to "ladies first"?! EMIL: Oh, sorry.

(Some time later, Emil is alone in the hot spring) EMIL: Where is everybody? MARTA: (Offscreen) I don't think anyone will disturb us. I put up a sign saying the baths were being cleaned. (Emil looks up. Marta is in the water with him, naked as a jaybird) EMIL: Marta?! MARTA: It's just you and me in here.~ EMIL: (Loudly) Aaaaaaaahhh! (Everyone else charges in on the scene) REGAL: Is everything all right? I heard a scream. (Everyone is shocked) ZELOS: Whoa, whoa, way to go, Emil! Nice thinking with the sign and everything, you sly devil. EMIL: No, I didn't-- GENIS: You wanted to be alone in here with Marta that badly? EMIL: That's not... RAINE: Emil, I thought you were better than this. SHEENA: Well, you can't blame him for having hormones. EMIL: (Defensive) You got it all wrong! I--that is-- MARTA: Everyone, this is just a big misunderstanding. Emil didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one-- REGAL: Marta. I understand that you want to cover for Emil. EMIL: Huh?! COLETTE: I don't approve of this at all, Emil. PRESEA: Yes, it's quite disgusting. EMIL: But... LLOYD: Emil... EMIL: (Pleading) Lloyd! You've gotta believe me! Seriously, I-- LLOYD: No, I understand. I tried to explain, too, but no one would listen. EMIL: Huh? LLOYD: But even if no one believes you, at least you know the truth that you've done nothing wrong, and that's enough. EMIL: Uh, in this case, not really. LLOYD: Congratulations, Emil. Today you finally join the elite ranks of peeping toms all over the world. (Screen fades to black) EMIL: (Yelling) No!


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Guys just can't win, can they.


 * Sybak*

<The party goes to the library [T0809]> (Aqua is talking with Norton, the librarian) AQUA: So that's why I'm here to make the exchange. Now please, Norton, give me the Sacred Stone. NORTON: All right then, here it is. Be very, very careful with it. (Norton hands over something) AQUA: Of course. My master will be pleased. (Aqua vanishes. The party runs up) EMIL: Norton! NORTON: (Recoils, panicked) [W-]What is it?! EMIL: What did you just give to Aqua?! LLOYD: It sounded like you were talking about the Sacred Stone. NORTON: (Flustered) [N-]No, you must be mistaken! I gave the Sacred Stone back to the elves. I don't know what you're talking about! EMIL: Then what were you just doing? NORTON: (Cowering) I can't tell you! I don't know anything about it! (Runs off) LLOYD: What's with him? MARTA: (To Raine) What's the sacred stone? RAINE: To put it simply, it's a stone that converts the body's mana into holy flames. (Emil and Marta are puzzled) EMIL: I wonder what Richter wants with something like that.


 * Palmacosta*

<The party walks back into town [T0810]> (Alice is standing there, with a few Vanguard thugs) VANGUARD SOLDIER: Lady Alice! These are the last remaining Exspheres from Palmacosta. ALICE: Good work. Shall we head back, then? (The party rushes in) MARTA: Alice! ALICE: (Turns around) Oh my!~ If it isn't Martmart, screwing things up for everyone as usual!~ EMIL: You're the one always screwing things up! ALICE: Is that so? My, my, so the little pet finally learned how to bark. But then, you have power now. EMIL: (Steps back) Power? ALICE: Ratatosk's power. Summon spirits are amazing! They make me all tingly!~ EMIL: Alice, are you doing all this because you were mistreated for being a half-elf? Or is it because your parents were killed by monsters? (Awkward silence) ALICE: (Giggles) Don't be ridiculous! (Emil and Marta look surprised) ALICE: You've done your homework, I'll give you that. But I don't care about what happened during my childhood and avenging my parents is the furthest thing from my mind. MARTA: [Y...]You don't have to act so tough. ALICE: Aren't you the one who's acting tough, Martmart? Of course I hate the Church of Martel and the monsters who killed my parents. But if you change the world, ultimately, you have to change yourself. If the world wants to give me misfortune, I'll just give misfortune back to the world. That's all. COLETTE: Don't say such sad things. If you believe that you can change yourself, then why not use your power to help everyone else... ALICE: Oh, Colettie, always the hypocrite!~ (Colette is shocked) LLOYD: (Angrily) You-- ALICE: I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I don't mind hypocrites at all. And hypocrites or not, only those with power have the luxury of being kind to others. But I'm sure you knew that. You and your friends are hypocrites with power, Colettie. I like people who can do things on their own. Don't you, Ms. Can't-do-anything-by-herself? MARTA: You... ALICE: I will change the world around me. And the only way to change your world is to do it yourself. I don't care about world peace of the fighting between Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. I live for myself. Well, ta-ta for now! See you at the Ginnungagap.~ (One of Alice's pets spirits her troops and her away) SHEENA: (Scratches head) She sure is something. ZELOS: Every rose has its thorns. GENIS: But [I...] I have to say, as a fellow half-elf, I think she's sort of amazing. Oh, I'm not saying I agree with her. It's just she's so sure of herself. RAINE: I understand what you mean. I wish all half-elves had the self-confidence she has.


 * Hima*

<The party goes to the town graveyard [T0811]> (Decus is there) EMIL: Decus! DECUS: (Turns around flamboyantly) Hey there, kid. Looks like you brought the whole gang. LLOYD: (Angrily) I didn't expect to find you here, imposter. DECUS: This is where Alice and I grew up. MARTA: You two were raised in the orphanage here, right? DECUS: Oh, so you know bout that? The orphanage used to be right here. It's been a good eight years since then. EMIL: A man named Bernie told us about it. He said Alice summoned monsters to attack the orphanage. DECUS: [Hmm...] That's not entirely true. Alice was only trying to save my life. MARTA: What do you mean? DECUS: There was this group of adventurers. One of them was killed, and his valuables were stolen. They blamed me. The real culprits were the orphanage director and his sons, but no one would listen to me. EMIL: That's terrible. DECUS: The others lynched me and were about to kill me. No one in the orphanage so much as lifted a finger, but then monsters attacked. The orphanage was completely destroyed. The director, his sons, and the adventurers were all killed. LLOYD: Alice did all that? (Decus walks to a grave, picks up something and holds it out for them to see) DECUS: This did that. TENEBRAE: (Surprised) That's the bone of a demon! DECUS: Exactly. The monsters in Hima were drawn to it. Demons live in our world in very small numbers. Of course, most are weakened by the mana flowing through this world. Alice made a pact with one such demon. She agreed to find the Forbidden Tome of Demon Lords, in exchange for the demon's power. LLOYD: You mean the book demon lords are sealed inside? DECUS: Or so they say. The demon who helped Alice was the servant of a demon lord sealed into the book by the Hero Mithos. However, the demon passed away leaving only its bones behind, and Alice was freed. But at the same time, she lost the ability to control monsters, which is why she has to rely on machines to do it for her. RAINE: (Pensive) The weaker demons must've been destroyed by mana when we burned the forbidden book, severing the connection to the demon lords. DECUS: Anyway, I don't know all the details, but Alice made a pact with a demon to save my life. EMIL: Decus, I-- DECUS: So I don't care about your approval. All I want to do is fulfill Alice's wishes, whatever they may be. If not for Alice, I'd be dead right now. The rest of my life belongs to her. MARTA: No, Decus! Your life belongs to you! DECUS: And I've decided to give it to her. (Decus breaks the bone and throws it away) DECUS: There. That should bring Hima some peace. Even if all my memories of this place are bad ones, it's still my hometown. I just wanted to set things straight before I left for the Ginnungagap. EMIL: The Ginnungagap-- DECUS: I'd prefer not to fight you, if I can help it. Later, kid. (Walks away) RAINE: (To Emil, surprised) You're just going to let him leave? EMIL: I wanted to confront him about Palmacosta, and a lot of other things. (Hangs head) But I never expected him to say what he said. LLOYD: The more you know about your enemy, the harder it is to fight them. And yet, I think it's better to have that knowledge than to fight in ignorance. EMIL: Yeah.


 * Martel Temple*

<The party arrives at the temple's base [T0812]> SHEENA: (Quietly) Corrine... EMIL: Who's that, Sheena? SHEENA: Corrine was a friend of mine. He was an artificial summon spirit created in Meltokio. PRESEA: He had such cute paw pads. REGAL: (Nods) Yes. He did indeed. (Emil and Marta sweatdrop) MARTA: Oh, that's right, you're a summoner. Is Corrine with you now? SHEENA: No, not anymore. He was reborn as the Summon Spirit of Heart, Verius. (Emil and Marta look surprised) EMIL: That's the summon spirit we're gonna see now. SHEENA: That's right. It brings back a lot of memories. EMIL: Verius, a summon spirit, just like me.

<Skit "Rheiards" appears [S0813]> GENIS: I'd forgotten how handy Rheiards are! ZELOS: Hey, I agree with you for once, Shorty. I've always said, a beautiful creature like myself belongs high in the majestic sky. GENIS: Beautiful? You? The dictionary in your brain has its definitions reversed. EMIL: I have to agree though, I've never felt anything quite like riding a Rheiard. I mean, what person hasn't dreamt of flying? MARTA: (Muzzy) Seems to me we were doing just fine on foot. TENEBRAE: Is the Rheiard not to your liking, Lady Marta? MARTA: It's just, what keeps a hunk of metal like that in the air? COLETTE: It's thanks to Wiener's law! RAINE: That's "Werner's law," Colette. MARTA: Yeah, but there's nothing protecting you! If you fall, you'll die! SHEENA: Actually, we crashed in a Rheiard once, but we're still here to tell about it. EMIL: Marta, are you afraid of heights? MARTA: (Defensive) [O-] Of course not! I just don't understand why everybody's so in love with the stupid Rheiards, that's all!

<The group goes up the temple stairs [T0813]> (Dirk is waiting for them at the door) DIRK: Lloyd, it's you! LLOYD: Dad! I'm back! DIRK: It's good to see you. LLOYD: I hope you don't mind looking after Noishe for a little while longer. DIRK: You do what you need to do, and don't worry about a thing back home. That's what being a man is all about. LLOYD: Right! EMIL: I envy you and your dad. I was never able to get along very well with my relatives. LLOYD: If you've got the desire, it's not too late to try. You still have time. EMIL: What do you mean? LLOYD: You can do anything as long as you don't give up. Of course, I know that's not really true for everything. But that's no reason to stop trying. EMIL: You're very sure of yourself. LLOYD: A lot of people tell me that. If I am, it's only because of the strength I got from my dad and everyone else. That's why I want to give my strength to others. That includes you, Emil! (Emil is surprised) EMIL: I feel like I understand why everyone stood up for you. (Lloyd looks puzzled) EMIL: I'm not sure if I'll ever be like you, but I'm happy I at least got the chance to know you. LLOYD: I'm myself, and you're you. We're all different. That's what makes us all important. So let's go and see Verius and find a way to keep you around. (Marta is silent)

<Skit "An Adult" appears [S0814]> LLOYD: It's been quite a while. COLETTE: Yes. This is where our last journey began. EMIL: Really? COLETTE: Yeah. It's where I received the oracle, and set out to regenerate the world. LLOYD: A lot happened. It's not like all that much time has gone by, but somehow it seems like it all happened so long ago. MARTA: It's sort of a strange feeling. [LLOYD/COLETTE: Huh?] MARTA: I thought I'd never forgive the Chosen and her companions for causing the Giant Tree to lose control. But now I find myself traveling with those very people. COLETTE: (Down) I'm sorry. MARTA: Don't apologize. I was the one who didn't understand. A Chosen has her own life to live. You have a past and a present. You didn't just appear out of nowhere to kill Mom. TENEBRAE: We all play the starring roles in our own stories. When those other than ourselves appear on stage, we tend to view them only as minor characters. MARTA: But in the end, it doesn't work that way. RAINE: Realizing that may be the first step towards becoming an adult.

<The group goes inside and wanders a ways in [T0814]> EMIL: So Verius is here? SHEENA: Well, actually, he's inside people's hearts. So I think we'll be able to meet him no matter where we are. It's just that I think it might be easiest to contact him here. EMIL: Okay. MARTA: Emil... EMIL: What's the matter, Marta? (Awkward silence) MARTA: (Shakes head) No, it's nothing. I'm sorry. Don't worry about it. (Emil is puzzled)

<The party goes further in [T0815]> (Marta stops as the party walks. Emil doubles back) EMIL: Marta, what's wrong? You haven't been acting like yourself. MARTA: I want to say something that you're probably not going to like. EMIL: What? MARTA: [I...] I don't want you to go away. I mean it. But if your personality stays, that means Ratatosk will disappear, right? EMIL: [Hmm...] ... MARTA: Ratatosk saved me just like you did. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. MARTA: Lloyd said that every single person is important because we're all different. So what about Ratatosk? You're very important to me, but I don't want Ratatosk to disappear, either. EMIL: [Mmnh...] ... MARTA: (Looks away) I'm sorry. I know I'm being awful. I know telling you this is only going to give you more things to worry about. EMIL: (Shakes head) No, not at all. [I...] I've been thinking about the same thing, too. (Marta looks up, her mouth open) COLETTE: (Walks back) Hey you two, try to keep up! EMIL: We're coming! Marta, I'll figure something out. So don't worry, okay? MARTA: Okay.

<Skit "Two Emils" appears [S0815]> [MARTA: Ugh...] ZELOS: Hey now, Marta my sweet. You look as though you've put your foot in your mouth and didn't much care for the taste. MARTA: (Annoyed) Leave me alone, Zelos. ZELOS: You took a question you haven't even answered for yourself and piled it on Emil's shoulders. But you knew you were doing it as you did it, and you regret it. Am I wrong? MARTA: What do you mean?! What question?! ZELOS: I mean the one that goes "Let's see now, which Emil do I like the best?" MARTA: (Flustered) [Y-]You're wrong! I--Both Emils are important to me! After all, they're both-- ZELOS: They're both Emil. You're not mistaken there. That's why it's hurting you so much. MARTA: But then what should I have done?! I knew what I was saying was unfair, but I couldn't stand to have the other Emil just disappear. ZELOS: If that's really what you think, you should stand by it. MARTA: What? ZELOS: If that's your true feeling, then be straight with it. Don't say things to Emil that you'll only regret as soon as they leave your lips. He's got more to deal with than any of us. If you honestly don't want to lose any part of him, then you did the right thing in saying so. MARTA: (Giggles) Zelos... ZELOS: Both personalities are Emil. It's only natural for you to fall in love with both. They're the same person. All that's left is to believe in him, and wait. MARTA: Right. Thank you.

<The crew reaches Verius's altar [T0816]> MARTA: So how do we summon Verius? SHEENA: Verius is the Summon Spirit of Heart. I'm sure it won't be much longer before he arrives. (The Ninetails ripoff Verius appears) VERIUS: You called, Sheena? SHEENA: (Delighted) Corrine! EMIL: So you're the Summon Spirit of Heart. VERIUS: Ratatosk. No, Emil. I see your heart is a very sad color right now. You are conflicted. EMIL: (Hangs head) I... VERIUS: A pact with me is something made in the heart. Once your heart has made its decision, Emil, I will give you my help. So please give careful thought to how it is you wish to live. LLOYD: What do you mean, Verius? VERIUS: I will protect Emil's heart in the manner it desires. However, he is still undecided as to what he wishes to do. He needs time. COLETTE: (Plays with her hands) That's true. It's hard to make a decision like that about yourself so suddenly. VERIUS: I shall appear and lend you my power when you wish me to. Let us meet again when you have come to a decision. (Verius vanishes) EMIL: (Turns to the others, head hung) I'm sorry to have dragged you all the way out here. LLOYD: Don't worry about that. You're the only one who can solve the problems inside you. We'll wait for your decision. EMIL: Thank you.

<The party starts to leave the altar room [M0803]> (Suddenly, the ground starts shaking violently, making everyone stagger) [MARTA: Aah! GENIS: Woaaahhhh! COLETTE: Guh-hah!] GENIS: It's an earthquake! (As soon as Genis diagnoses it, the shaking stops) ZELOS: [I...] I guess it stopped. PRESEA: Still, something feels very uneasy now. It's as if something dark and ominous is about to approach us. (Emil has fallen to his knees, seemingly in pain. Marta runs up to him) MARTA: Emil? What's the matter? [EMIL: (Quick gasps)] TENEBRAE: (Shocked) This awareness is--The door to the Ginnungagap is about to open! (In his mind's eye, Emil can see Richter standing before the door in that fiery chamber he saw before. Richter has his arms outstretched as he faces a sea of flames beyond the door, a look of insane glee in his eyes) COLETTE: No! But I thought the door would stay closed as long as Ratatosk is alive. TENEBRAE: (Gasps) The Vanguard! That's what Richter was using them for! (Emil switches sides and reels up, flames and red lightning shooting from his body) R.EMIL: (Roaring) Stop it! Stay away from that door! Don't touch it without my permission! MARTA: Emil?! TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk is holding back the demons trying to enter! If only he had all the Centurions under his will and regained his full power, this would never have happened. (The lightning and flames calm a bit. Lloyd walks over to Emil) LLOYD: Emil, is there anything we can do? R.EMIL: Yes, actually, there is... (Emil whips out his sword and swings at Lloyd) LLOYD: [Wha...] What are you doing?! (Emil jumps at him, slicing mercilessly. Lumen's core drops from Lloyd's pocket and clatters on the floor.  Emil picks it up with eyes as insane as Richter's) R.EMIL: (Wild) Lumen! Obey me! (Emil holds the core up and it shines brilliantly)

(We flashback to the Palmacosta Blood Purge) (Marta has her back against the wall, Vanguard troops closing in. She presses Ratatosk's core to her forehead and closes her eyes) MARTA: Help me. Help me, Ratatosk! (The core starts to glow. Marta falls, but the core rises into the air.  The soldiers don't seem to care) SOLDIER A: All right. Seize Lady Marta. SOLDIER B: What about the rest of the city? I say we should take whatever we can. (Soldier B readies his sword and heads for Marta) ???: (Offscreen) What are you doing? (The soldiers whirl around. Lloyd stands behind them) LLOYD: What did you do to Palmacosta?! SOLDIER C: It's Lloyd Irving! (The camera turns to the sky as sounds of metallic violence rip through the air. It returns to the scene as Lloyd offs a third trooper, then points his sword at the fourth) [SOLDIER D: Uh, uh, huaaaa! (Runs away)] LLOYD: Stop! (Chases after) (As soon as Lloyd's gone, there's a brilliant light, and a figure starts to appear in the middle of the carnage. It's Aster's body, just as it was when Ratatosk blasted him.  He looks around at the mess, confused) ASTER: [Wha...] What is this? Where am I? [Who...] Who am I? (He notices Marta, whose forehead now glows) ASTER: Are you all right? [MARTA: (Groans)] (Marta sits up and the two stare at each other)

(Back in Martel Temple, Marta clutches Emil's unconscious form) MARTA: (Worried) Emil, wake up! Please! Come back to us! (Emil slowly stirs and opens his green eyes. He looks at Marta) EMIL: Marta. [I...] I guess that I really am Ratatosk. LLOYD: Emil! (Marta lets go of him and Emil sits on the floor) EMIL: Lloyd, I'm so sorry. I took Lumen's core from you, and that wasn't right. I just betrayed your trust. LLOYD: (Shakes head) No. You came back to us. You haven't betrayed me at all. RAINE: Anyway, this is no place to have a long discussion. Why don't we go back to down? EMIL: (Nods, quietly) Yes.

<The party leaves the temple [M0804]> (The party walks out of the church to the sounds of a scuffle) DIRK: (Offscreen) What do you think you're doing?! You ain't entering the church! LLOYD: That's my dad's voice! (Everyone rushes down the steps. Dirk is in a heated battle with a band of Pale Riders and Crusaders.  He's holding his own with his big hammer, but there are too many for him to fight alone) LLOYD: Dad! (Draws his swords and rushes) MARTA: Emil, let's go help him! EMIL: (Nods) Right! (Everyone gets in on the fight and drives off the monsters) (The party reconvenes in front of the temple doors) LLOYD: Dad! Are you hurt? DIRK: I'm fine. If us dwarves are anything, we're tough, that's for sure! GENIS: Dirk tell us what happened? DIRK: I guess you felt that earthquake, right? Well a whole mess of monsters started flooding into town right after that. TENEBRAE: The earthquake must have been caused by the negative energy emanating from Niflheim through the opening in the door of the Ginnungagap. PRESEA: But wait why did the door open up in the first place? I thought it couldn't be opened while Ratatosk was still alive. TENEBRAE: Indeed, but Lord Ratatosk has lost some of his Centurions, so his power has diminished accordingly. In addition, the Vanguard has been spreading the type of negative energy the demons love. RAINE: The violence around the world. TENEBRAE: Correct. The scent of blood has loosened the restraints on the door. This must have been Richter's intent from the beginning. For now, Lord Ratatosk is just barely managing to hold the door closed. But if the situation does not improve, the monsters will break their bonds with the Centurions and this world will become one with Niflheim! R.EMIL: Yes, what Tenebrae said was true. The only way left is for me to regain my power and to seal the door. MARTA: Emil--No, I mean Ratatosk Is that the reason why you attacked Lloyd and took Lumen's core from him? R.EMIL: (Cutting her off nastily) What's wrong with me taking back what's rightfully mine? If you're going to get in my way, then I won't hesitate to defeat you all. (Suddenly, he doubles over again) EMIL: (Yelling) Stop!

(The scene changes to a strange, landless place... a perception of Emil's soul. The two Emils face off in the center) R.EMIL: Are you gonna get in my way? EMIL: One thing's certain. I won't let you hurt them. I won't let you hurt my friends. R.EMIL: You fool! Richter opened the door! What are you gonna do about that? (Glowers) The only choice we have is for me to fully regain my power! (Emil hesitates, thinking long and hard) EMIL: (Looks up) No. There is another way. R.EMIL: (Wide eyes) [You...] You mean you're going to-- EMIL: Don't you see? I am you. You and I have to take responsibility for what we've done. R.EMIL: (Furious) Do you understand what you're saying?! EMIL: (Looks up and puts his hand out) Verius! Lend me your power! I know that you can see what my heart has decided. VERIUS: (Offscreen) Yes, I understand. (A powerful burst of white light drops down, engulfing the suddenly-terrified Ratatosk Emil)

(Emil stands still with his eyes closed) MARTA: Emil? Are you all right, Emil? (Emil opens his green eyes) EMIL: I'm sorry. I'm okay now. SHEENA: Emil, what happened? I felt Corrine's--Verius' presence. LLOYD: So that would mean that you've made up your mind? EMIL: (Nods) Yes. I had Verius seal away Ratatosk's personality. The only thing that's left for us to do now is get the other Centurions' cores back and then close off the Ginnungagap. Marta, Lloyd, everyone. Please I need your help! REGAL: (Steps up) So you've chosen to live your life as the Summon Spirit Ratatosk. Well then, I'll be happy to help you as much as I can as your friend. COLETTE: Me, too! I will help you protect the door. It'll be my honor! (Beams) GENIS: Count me in too. I mean you are my friend, right?! PRESEA: (Clutches her chest) This pressure that I feel--If this is the effect of the demonic realm, then please, let me help you get rid of it. SHEENA: If Corrine is helping you out then there's no way that I won't do the same! (Emil looks at Tenebrae, who is silent) EMIL: Tenebrae, do you have any objections? TENEBRAE: [Uh...] No.

<If Lloyd stole any cores besides Lumen's [T0817]> LLOYD: Emil, I'll give you the Centurions' cores I have. EMIL: Thank you, Lloyd. (Emil gets back Ignis and/or Tonitrus)

<The party starts to leave the temple grounds [T0818]> LLOYD: So, are we heading to the Otherworldly Gate now? RAINE: No, we should make preparations for the trip first. ZELOS: I agree. And Emil, if you're really resolved to guard the Ginnungagap door as Ratatosk, then I think it's important for you to say goodbye to all the people who've helped you in your life. EMIL: Yes, you're right. ZELOS: (To everyone) I'm sure we all have matters we'd like to tie up before we go. Let's split up for now. RAINE: Let's agree to meet back in Altamira. Until then. (Everybody leaves but Emil and Marta) MARTA: What are you going to do? EMIL: [I...] I think I'll go back to Luin. (Awkward silence) MARTA: (Shyly) After I've checked on Daddy in Altamira, I want to spend the rest of the time together with you. EMIL: (Uncertain) Oh. Sure. I guess that'd be fine. MARTA: (Excited) Really?! Okay, then let's meet in Altamira tonight! EMIL: (Nods) Sure, got it. (Marta leaves, and Emil is left with only Tenebrae and his monsters)

<Skit "Final Memories" appears [S0816]> EMIL: (So this is my final time as Emil Castagnier.) (I've got to take one long, last look at this world.) (Take stock of what I've left undone...) (and finish the job!)


 * Iselia*

<Emil finds Colette in front of the school [T0819]> COLETTE: Are you all ready for tomorrow? EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. I'm just taking one last trip around the world. COLETTE: I get it. Remembering all the beautiful places you visit will keep you inspired while you're protecting our world from Niflheim. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, exactly. COLETTE: (Sounds down) But once you regain your power as a summon spirit, does that mean we won't see each other again? EMIL: I'm not sure, but probably. COLETTE: That's so sad. We just became friends and everything... EMIL: Yeah, but I have to accept my duty. COLETTE: I used to think like that, too. EMIL: Huh? COLETTE: I was told that I had to go on a journey to regenerate the world... (Shakes head) If that was my duty, then I was ready to give up my life for it. EMIL: Right, as the Chosen of Regeneration. COLETTE: (Nods) But you know, that's not right. You have to survive, too, while also protecting the world. No matter how naive people may say you are, you can't just decide from the start that it's okay to die. (Emil is silent) COLETTE: That's what I learned in my last journey. I love this world with all my heart, and that's why I want to keep on living and protecting it. EMIL: Colette... COLETTE: Tomorrow, let's show them what we're made of!


 * Sybak*

<Emil finds Raine by the library [T0820]> RAINE: Oh, Emil. What're you doing here in Sybak? EMIL: I want to etch the world into my mind, so I don't forget. How about you? RAINE: I thought maybe I could learn more about the Ginnungagap here. EMIL: (Curious) For tomorrow? RAINE: (Nods) Yes, that too, but also just out of curiosity. EMIL: I hope you find something useful. RAINE: (Pensive) Me, too. I might be able to learn something that could help you as well. EMIL: Help me? RAINE: Yes. How can I put this, I get the feeling you're going to make a tragic decision. (Emil hesitates, then shakes his head) EMIL: I wouldn't, [I-]I mean... RAINE: (Hangs head) During my last journey, I witnessed many people suppressing their emotions all for the sake of the mission, like you. (Looks up) You're not alone in this. Don't think we want you to suffer for our sakes. Open your heart and trust us. EMIL: (Surprised) Raine... RAINE: Let me be your teacher, at least until our journey's over.


 * Palmacosta*

<Emil finds Genis in the town square [T0821]> GENIS: Hey Emil, what brings you here? EMIL: I'm going around seeing the world since I might not be able to once I regain my powers as a summon spirit. GENIS: Oh yeah, you're a summon spirit. That must be weird. EMIL: So why are you here, Genis? GENIS: Well, on our last journey, we ended up destroying this city. EMIL: Oh, you mean the attack of that monster tree? GENIS: (Nods) Yeah. We were trying to save the world. We meant well, but it was a disaster. We took all the blame, since it was our doing, but it was really difficult to face. I think Colette took it the worst of all of us. EMIL: Why is that? GENIS: She was the Chosen of Regeneration, so a lot of people singled her out as the cause of it. Even so, Colette didn't run away, and she didn't hide behind excuses. EMIL: She's amazing. No way I could've done that. GENIS: But I don't think she could've done it without Lloyd's support. (Shakes head) Not just Colette, I don't think any of us could have made it without him. That's why I love Lloyd so much, and why I'm really glad you two have become friends. EMIL: Yeah, at first I misunderstood what Lloyd was trying to do. GENIS: Well, that was Lloyd's fault, too. Even if he couldn't tell us what he was doing, he could've done something about it. (Hangs head) I guess since Lloyd's human, he's growing up ahead of me. (Awkward silence) EMIL: You're a half-elf, right? GENIS: (Nods) Yeah. So even after all of my human friends die, I'll keep on living. I know it's gonna be really lonely. But you'll find some way to come and visit me, right?


 * Izoold*

<Emil finds Regal at the docks [T0822]> REGAL: Oh, Emil. What brings you to these parts? EMIL: I wanted to go out and see the world. What are you up to? I thought for sure you'd be back to work in Altamira. REGAL: I came to make certain the situation here was under control. EMIL: Oh, you mean to see if the fires stopped after we hatched Lumen's core? REGAL: (Nods) Indeed. Thankfully it would appear conditions have returned to normal. EMIL: That's good to hear. You really impress me, Regal. All I've been doing is thinking about myself. I didn't even cross my mind to check on things here in Izoold. REGAL: (Folds arms) Not at all. I think seriously reflection is exactly what you should be doing right now. And of course, we can handle anything that comes our way in the meantime. EMIL: You've been kind and supportive from the very beginning. I appreciate that. REGAL: You have treated me with courtesy from the first time we met. People mirror how you act towards them. One cannot hide an ugly heart, no matter how hard one tries to conceal it. If I've treated you with kindness and respect, it's only due to your own kindness and virtue. EMIL: (Hangs head) But I'm Ratatosk. REGAL: Well then, perhaps virtue like yours exists within Ratatosk as well. (Emil looks up) REGAL: We believe in your virtue that's why we're helping you. EMIL: Thanks, Regal. REGAL: Don't worry. You're here because you're needed. And you're needed because you exist. Nothing in this world is without purpose. EMIL: Thank you.


 * Mizuho*

<Emil finds Sheena near the god statues [T0823]> SHEENA: Well, if it isn't Emil! EMIL: Is the village all right? I mean now that the Vanguard knows about it. SHEENA: (Chuckles) No need to worry about us. We'd planned to move the village soon anyway. We've attracted too much attention to ourselves. By the time everything's worked out with Sylvarant, we'll already be gone from here. EMIL: (Hangs head) I'm sorry. SHEENA: (Shakes head) Don't apologize, it's not your fault. EMIL: (Nods) Okay. SHEENA: By the way. Once you regain your power as a summon spirit, can you make a pact with me? EMIL: I'm not sure, but all the other summon spirits can make pacts, so I don't see why not. SHEENA: If we make a pact, I could see you whenever I want. EMIL: (Laughs) That's true. SHEENA: If you can't leave the Ginnungagap after you've regained your power, we'll just have to go to you. EMIL: Sheena... SHEENA: I'll get those geeks at the Elemental Research Lab to figure out a way we can see you whenever we want. EMIL: Thank you. (Sheena scratches her head modestly)


 * Meltokio*

<Emil finds Zelos in front of the castle [T0824]> ZELOS: Yo, Emil. What's up? If you're looking for Marta, she's in Altamira. EMIL: I'm meeting Marta later. I thought I'd take a quick trip around the world first. ZELOS: I guess you've got it pretty tough. EMIL: (Puzzled) Huh? ZELOS: You're you, and the other you is you, too. You're a summon spirit, someone's arch nemesis, the destroyer of the world. Talk about an identity crisis. EMIL: (Hangs head) Yeah, I guess. (Zelos pats him on the head) ZELOS: Don't give it too much thought. It'll just mess you up. EMIL: Right. ZELOS: No matter how much time you spend thinking about it, in the end, you can't erase your feelings. So it's okay to wait until the last moment to decide. Don't go and set your sights on dying like some sort of tragic hero. (Emil balls his fists) ZELOS: That's all I wanted to say. I'll leave the rest to you. Whatever you decide, I'll back you up.


 * Altessa's House*

<Emil finds Presea outside with her iron maiden [T0825]> EMIL: Hi, Presea. What are you up to? PRESEA: Oh, Emil. (Turns around) I was thinking I should take this iron maiden to Altamira. EMIL: Oh yeah. You were on your way to return it before, right? PRESEA: (Nods) Yes, before I got wrapped up in everything. EMIL: I'm sorry you had to get dragged into all this. But you've really helped us out. PRESEA: I'm glad to hear you say that. In a way, I think of you as a kindred spirit. EMIL: How's that? PRESEA: (Hangs head) Well, you might find this hard to believe, but I'm a lot older than I look. I've been an adult for some time. EMIL: Huh? PRESEA: You know about Exspheres? EMIL: It's those things that Lloyd and everyone else have. PRESEA: (Nods) Yes. Equipping an Exsphere draws out your latent abilities and boosts them to their full potential. But I was subjected to the negative effects of an Exsphere, and I stopped aging for a long time. EMIL: Really? Hard to believe that's even possible. PRESEA: (Hangs head) So I'm not always comfortable about who I am. (Looks up) If Lloyd and the others hadn't offered me their support, I might not be here today. EMIL: I wasn't comfortable with who I was for a long time, either. PRESEA: Since you are a summon spirit, I haven't lived nearly as long as you. But still, I feel close to you. EMIL: (Nods) Yes. I feel the same way. PRESEA: That's why I want to help you. I feel like if you can get your identity back, it'll give me the courage to do the same. EMIL: Presea... PRESEA: Let's do our best tomorrow.


 * Flanoir*

<Emil finds Lloyd in front of the church [T0826]> LLOYD: Emil? What brings you all the way out here? EMIL: Oh, I just thought I'd see the world, since this is going to be my last chance. LLOYD: Guess you won't be able to get out as much as the guardian of the Ginnungagap. EMIL: So why are you here? Your imposter did some terrible things to this city. Are you okay about being here? LLOYD: (Shakes head) I didn't do anything wrong, so there's no need for me to feel ashamed, regardless of what anyone says. EMIL: Wow, you're amazing. LLOYD: Actually, to tell you the truth, it is kind of tough. EMIL: [Uh...] ... LLOYD: People are always saying how strong I am. Some probably think I don't feel anything at all. But I'm still human. There are times I want to run away. Times I just want to cry. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. LLOYD: But this is how I've chosen to live my life. During the world regeneration, I made up my mind to never lose to the weakness in my heart. EMIL: Why? Isn't it hard to be strong all the time? LLOYD: (Turns away) I have to be. I once had a friend who... just wanted a place to fit in in this world, and I killed him. I wasn't able to help him. Of course, he might not have wanted my help. But by killing him, I rejected his way of life. He's watching me now. He sees everything I do. That's why I have to prove myself to him with the way I live mine. EMIL: Who was he? LLOYD: He was a half-elf. Sure, he did lots of things that made me angry, but he was a good guy, pure and kind. During the world regeneration, we planted the World Tree's seed, but couldn't get it to sprout. I think he was the one who breathed life into it and got it to grow in the end. (Turns back to Emil) [Uh,] Sorry. I guess that didn't make much sense to you. EMIL: (Shakes head) No, it's okay. It sounds like you want to make things right with that friend again. LLOYD: There are still things I can't forgive him for. But yeah, I'd want to make things right with him, if I could. And I don't ever want to take the life of a friend again. (Emil is silent) LLOYD: Emil, I don't want to hurt any of my friends. Don't forget that, okay?

selfish racist twerp? Good? Either Lloyd sees more to it or he's dumber than we thought.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: What the hell is Lloyd smoking?! Mithos?  That crybaby,


 * Tower of Salvation*

<First playthrough [T0827]> (Emil and Tenebrae walk through a thick haze) EMIL: Wow, look at this fog... (Yuan is near the tree with his back turned. Another voice is heard, but there's no body; only a small image of a head) ???: It seems we've finally reached the limit of the communication range. YUAN: I see. (Emil and Tenebrae look at each other, then move closer) ???: From this point onward, we'll be swallowed up in the vast darkness of space. YUAN: Then this is our final farewell. Are you sure you don't want Lloyd to know? ???: There's no need. Lloyd and I said our goodbyes before I left there. My place is in the past. I'm counting on you to look after the World Tree. YUAN: Of course. ???: Farewell, Yuan Ka-Fai, my friend. YUAN: Farewell, my friend. (The image vanishes and the fog clears. Emil and Tenebrae walk up to Yuan.  He turns around, surprised) YUAN: [Ah,] Oh yes, you're a summon spirit, so the barrier wouldn't work on you. EMIL: Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything. YUAN: (Shakes head) It's fine. EMIL: [Um...] Do you mind if I ask who you were just talking to? I heard you mention something about Lloyd. YUAN: An old friend. That's all I can say. TENEBRAE: That voice. It's been 4,000 years since I last heard it. YUAN: Enough prying. And please, don't speak of this with Lloyd or any of the others. EMIL: (Nods) [Oh...] Okay.

<Second playthrough and onward [T0828]> (Emil and Tenebrae walk through a thick haze) EMIL: Wow, look at this fog. (Yuan is near the tree with his back turned. Another voice is heard, but there's no body; only a small image of a head) ???: It seems we've finally reached the limit of the communication range. YUAN: I see. (Emil and Tenebrae look at each other, then move closer) ???: From this point onward, we'll be swallowed up in the vast darkness of space. YUAN: Then this is our final farewell. Are you sure you don't want Lloyd to know? ???: There's no need. Lloyd and I said our goodbyes before I left there. My place is in the past. I'm counting on you to look after the World Tree. YUAN: Of course. (Emil and Tenebrae walk up) EMIL: Um... (Yuan and whoever he's speaking with look surprised) ???: I thought you set up a barrier. YUAN: He's the summon spirit that I told you about. He is Ratatosk, the summon spirit we met back then. That's probably why the barrier didn't affect him. (Yuan steps away) EMIL: I'm sorry. It looks like I'm interrupting. ???: No, we are the ones who should apologize. It was we who betrayed your trust. TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk's memory of your past meeting is currently sealed. ???: [Ah,] A Centurion. It's been quite a while. TENEBRAE: The world has changed a great deal while we were asleep. ???: Indeed, it has, but Lloyd and his friends seem to have straightened out all the problems we left behind. EMIL: Who are you? KRATOS: I am Kratos Aurion. I travel with Derris-Kharlan into the depths. YUAN: Kratos is an old companion of mine. I've kept him informed of what's transpired on this world since he left. And in turn he's done the same for me regarding our companions who've moved to Derris-Kharlan. Please do not mention anything about him to Lloyd or the others. In any case, this is the last contact he has with this world. EMIL: Yes. KRATOS: I hear you and Lloyd are traveling together. EMIL: Yes. He's helped me a lot. KRATOS: Please look after Lloyd and all of his friends. EMIL: Yes! KRATOS: We're about to lose our communication link. I'm afraid I must say goodbye. Farewell, Yuan Ka-Fai, my friend. YUAN: Farewell, Kratos Aurion, my friend. (Kratos's image vanishes. The fog clears) EMIL: [Um...] What's Derris-Kharlan? YUAN: It's the name of a world, very far away from ours. They say it is the native land of the summon spirits and elves. Right now, they're roaming the universe, looking for somewhere they can live in peace. EMIL: So Kratos is on Derris-Kharlan? YUAN: Yes. EMIL: I'm not sure I totally understand, but I hope they find a place to live in peace. YUAN: I do, as well.


 * Luin*

<Emil walks back into town [T0829]> EMIL: (Looks around) A lot's happened since we left here. TENEBRAE: Yes. (Flora walks by. She notices him with a start) FLORA: (Stunned) Emil! EMIL: (Uncertain) Aunt Flora. (Walks over) FLORA: (Nervous) Um... EMIL: I wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me. (Flora looks surprised) EMIL: Where's Uncle Alba? FLORA: I think he's probably home by now. EMIL: (Nods) I'll go and see. Thank you.

<Emil goes into his uncle's house [T0830]> (Alba is there. He turns as Emil walks in) ALBA: (Recoils, nervous) [I-]It's you. EMIL: I came to see you. ALBA: [Uh-] ... EMIL: Thank you for everything you've done for me. ALBA: (Looks away, bitterly) [Y...] You couldn't possibly mean that. EMIL: Why would you say that? I mean, it's true that I hated you, but that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate you taking me in. ALBA: [Uh-] ... EMIL: I wanted to come back and give it another try... (Shakes head) to be like a real uncle and nephew-- no, a real father and son, but there's no more time for that now. That's why I wanted to at least come and say goodbye. (Flora walks in between Alba and Emil) FLORA: (Nervous) Emil, I, we... (Awkward silence) ALBA: You still have time. EMIL: Huh? ALBA: (Looks at Emil) We heard rumors of you stopping the revolt in Altamira. I don't know the details, but it seems you've gotten involved in some serious matters. You wanted to say goodbye. I assume that has something to do with whatever's going on? EMIL: (Nods) Yes. ALBA: Then you should come back here to Luin, after you're done with all of that. That way your aunt and I will have a chance to give it another try. (Emil is surprised) ALBA: (Turns away) Though I won't make any guarantees. FLORA: We'll be waiting for you to come back home. Be careful. EMIL: Uncle Alba, Aunt Flora, thank you. (Emil walks outside, wiping the tears from his eyes. Tenebrae is waiting for him) EMIL: Courage really is the magic that turns dreams into reality. TENEBRAE: Lord Emil. EMIL: I was scared, and I didn't like talking to them, but I met them halfway, and they surprised me and did the same. TENEBRAE: Yes. EMIL: Okay! Let's go and visit "Lloyd the Great" one last time.

<Emil goes to the statue in the plaza [T0831]> (Emil looks at the statue) EMIL: (Chuckles) This statue looks a bit younger than the real Lloyd. I guess this is how he used to look. TENEBRAE: Lord Emil... EMIL: What is it, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: If I'm wrong please forgive me, but you didn't actually make up your mind to protect the gate as Ratatosk, did you? You regret having killed Aster, so you intend to somehow turn yourself back into a core, and become a lock on the door. Am I wrong? EMIL: Why would you think that? TENEBRAE: You're not the sort of person to settle for sealing away part of yourself inside your heart. If you sealed your other self away, then it must mean you will seal yourself away as well. EMIL: If I wanted to turn myself into a core, I would just need to get myself hurt really bad like you did, right? TENEBRAE: You've regained your power. It would take a formidable opponent to bring you down to such a critical state. EMIL: If the violent side of me that's locked away came back and tried to kill everyone, then the others would be forced to fight me. (Tenebrae looks surprised) TENEBRAE: Do you plan on acting that? EMIL: Tenebrae. You've always been Ratatosk's ally. Please don't forget that when I need you the most. TENEBRAE: (Looks away) You force me to do the most difficult things. EMIL: I'm sorry. TENEBRAE: I am your Centurion. No matter what you decide, I will obey you until the end.

<Skit "Time as Emil" appears [S0817]> TENEBRAE: Lord Emil, have you made your peace? Is there anything you've left unfinished, or have yet to do? EMIL: No, I'm ready. I even patched things up with my aunt and uncle. TENEBRAE: If you should change your mind, please tell me at once. EMIL: Tenebrae... Thank you. I'm glad to have had you as my Centurion. TENEBRAE: Lord Emil. I too am proud to have known you, Lord Ratatosk, in your time here as Emil.


 * Altamira*

<Emil goes to the casino [M0805]> (Both moons are out and shining. Emil finds Marta on the bridge to the theater, staring at the ocean.) EMIL: Sorry to keep you waiting. MARTA: (Turns around) Don't worry about it. Thanks for coming. EMIL: So how is your father doing? MARTA: [Mmm,] Much better, thank you. He's stable now. They're going to transfer him to Meltokio's prison soon. (Turns back to watching the water) EMIL: Oh, I see. (Joins her at the edge) MARTA: When this battle is all over I'll need to head over there and receive punishment as a member of the Vanguard as well. EMIL: You too? MARTA: Yes, of course! I guess first I'll need to dissolve the Vanguard in Daddy's place, and then I'll serve my sentence. And after that... (Awkward silence) EMIL: After that? MARTA: After that I'll find a different way from the Vanguard to bring peace to Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. Colette and the others will help out, too. EMIL: That's great. I'm sure you can do it Marta. I just [...I] wish there was something that I could do to help out too. (Another awkward silence) MARTA: So I guess... since you're the guardian of the Ginnungagap you would need to stay there and protect the door. EMIL: (Quietly) Yeah, probably. (Yet another awkward silence) MARTA: Then I guess we'll never see each other again after this is over. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. MARTA: (Turns on Emil, tearfully) Tell me something how can you just stand there and act so calm?! I guess I really don't mean anything to you even after all the time we've spent together! EMIL: No Marta! I didn't mean it like-- (Marta presses herself against his chest) MARTA: Emil! [I...] I want to stay with you! EMIL: [Unhhh...] Marta... MARTA: I don't care if you're a summon spirit. I know who you really are. You've always tried your best and that's the Emil that I love. EMIL: (Blushes, nervously) Oh Marta, [I... I...] I don't know what to say. Marta, you've always been there for me [and...] and I--Marta I love-- (Marta cuts him off by mashing lips with him. Camera zooms to the moons for a bit of privacy.  When it comes back down, the two are apart) MARTA: Emil, I want you to make a pact with me after you've regained Ratatosk's power. EMIL: Huh? MARTA: That way I'll be able to see you whenever I want to. EMIL: Marta... MARTA: But I don't have any summoning abilities. EMIL: I promise you. MARTA: Huh? EMIL: Look, I don't know whether or not I'll be able to see you again, but I'm a summon spirit, and I'll always exist in this world. And as long as I exist, you'll always be in my heart no matter what. Always. Even if you grow up and find somebody else to love one day. MARTA: Emil, don't be stupid! There won't ever be anyone else for me. (The two go back to looking at the ocean)

<Morning comes [T0832]> (The whole group convenes in front of the hotel as Emil, Marta and Tenebrae walk out) RAINE: Are you ready? MARTA: Yes. EMIL: (To Tenebrae) Richter's at the Ginnungagap, right? TENEBRAE: Yes. He has most likely made a pact with the demons to defeat you, and is waiting for you there. MARTA: Not just Richter. Alice, Decus, and the rest of the Vanguard members who follow him will be there, as well. EMIL: Right. LLOYD: But to reach the door that connects to the demonic realm, we'll need to go to the Ginnungagap. Isn't that right, Emil? EMIL: Yes. Everyone, let's do this! (Everyone nods)

<Skit "Self-Esteem" appears [S0818]> ZELOS: Yo, Emil. There's something I've been meaning to ask. EMIL: What is it? ZELOS: Listen. You never hesitate to ask Regal or Raine for their opinion. And now that you've met Lloyd, he's your regular best friend. So why don't you ever come to your old buddy Zelos for advice? EMIL: [Uh...] Well I guess I just didn't think to. Is that bad? ZELOS: I'm not calling it "bad." I just don't get it, is all. EMIL: It's not that I don't value your opinion. But not only are you older than me, you're also the Chosen. I guess I was a little intimidated. TENEBRAE: It's ironic that someone called the "Chosen One" would have self-esteem issues. ZELOS: (Irked) I could seriously have you roasting on a spit right now.

<Skit "Carving Food" appears [S0819]> TENEBRAE: I must say, your cooking has truly come a long way. EMIL: How can you tell when you don't eat? MARTA: Anybody could tell by looking at it. Just look at this turnip you carved in the shape of a dove. EMIL: (Blush) Once I get going I can't help myself. TENEBRAE: And this turtle is made from a pumpkin. It's a veritable work of art.

<Skit "Foolproof Method" appears [S0820]> EMIL: Your cooking has come a long way, Marta. MARTA: (Down) That makes it sound like I used to be terrible. EMIL: [Um...] I mean... MARTA: Okay, so I was pretty awful. Sorry about that. EMIL: But you've really worked hard at it. How did you improve so much? MARTA: I was hoping you'd ask. I came up with a foolproof method. [EMIL: Hmm?] MARTA: I taste-test my food as I make it! Once I figured that out, my cooking got a lot better. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) You hadn't been tasting it until now.

<Skit "Dwarven Pot-Luck Surprise" appears [S0821]> LLOYD: Food's ready! EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Is that-- MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Dark stew surprise? COLETTE: Hooray! It's Dwarven Pot-Luck Surprise! GENIS: I've missed this! This was one of Dirk's specialties. LLOYD: Yeah. This time the prize is a bracelet I made! COLETTE: (Gushy) I'm gonna find it! EMIL: (Sweatdrop) This is food, right?

<Skit "Older Women" appears [S0822]> [LLOYD: (Sighs)] GENIS: What's wrong, Lloyd? LLOYD: Okay, this is between you and me. Promise you won't tell anyone? GENIS: Of course. What is it? LLOYD: I just saw Paul's mother Lilia for the first time in a while and there was just something about her. GENIS: Something? Like what? LLOYD: Well, she just has that air of a full-grown woman. She's kind and lady-like, but she also gives off this warm, motherly vibe. It's sort of how I feel about Professor Sage. I guess I just find older women attractive. GENIS: So basically, Lilia's a mother and a wife, and you have a crush on her? LLOYD: Quiet. This is just between us. GENIS: (Loudly) Hey everybody! Lloyd just told me he's gonna have an affair with a married woman! COLETTE: (Down) Lloyd, how could you? SHEENA: (PO'd) You pervert! [I-I-] I can't believe I actually-- RAINE: (Sternly) Lloyd! What's the meaning of this?! PRESEA: (Coldly) That is despicable. MARTA: (Ecstatic) Wow! Not letting anything stand in the way of love! Way to go! LLOYD: [N-] No! It's not like that! I swear it's not!


 * Meltokio*

<The party walks into town [T0833]> (Those rich jackasses from earlier are accosting a plainly-dressed man) NOBLE A: A Sylvarant! You must be one of the Vanguard! (Emil and Zelos look over in surprise) YOUNG MAN A: No. I'm just here for my job. NOBLE B: You think you can fool me? My family was almost killed by the Vanguard! NOBLE C: Sylvaranti walk around Meltokio as if they own the place! Contaminating the city with their filth. (Pushes the man) YOUNG MAN A: (Angrily) You're ones to talk! You treat us Sylvaranti like we're vermin! That's why the Vanguard attacked you in the first place! NOBLE C: So that's how you really feel. You're just another piece of Sylvaranti trash, acting all high and mighty! NOBLE A: Teach this mangy mutt some manners! (Emil, Marta and Zelos run over) EMIL: What are you doing?! MARTA: Stop it! Not every Sylvaranti is in the Vanguard! NOBLE A: Mind your own business! MARTA: I'm telling you, he's not in the Vanguard! If you really want to beat up someone in the Vanguard, then try me! I'm genuine, bona fide Vanguard! EMIL: Marta?! NOBLE C: Fine with me! We'll beat you all the way to prison! ZELOS: Hey, hey. That's enough. How about you stop embarrassing Tethe'alla? Anyway, the Vanguard rebellion's already over. NOBLE A: What are you talking about, Chosen One? It's your fault they've gotten so cocky--associating with them like they were equals. ZELOS: What did you say? NOBLE C: The Chosen system will soon be dissolved. As long as you defend them, you're just another cowardly Vanguard sympathizer to us. (Suddenly, there's a noise, and something hits Noble B) NOBLE B: (Turns around) What was that?! (A poor family has come out of the slums) POOR MAN: Leave them alone, You're disgraceful. NOBLE C: You street rats have no business telling us what to do. POOR WOMAN: That attitude is the problem. Half-elf or human, rich or poor. You shove everyone into your pre-defined little boxes. NOBLE A: And what's wrong with that? Half-elves bring disaster. Sylvaranti are hopeless primitives. All you trash just drag the rest of us down. None of you are anything like us. (Another few people have gathered around the scene) MIDDLE-AGED MAN: Good! Because none of us would want to be grouped with such ignorant, foul-hearted people. NOBLE A: You peasants! You would side with the Vanguard? YOUNG MAN B: We're not siding with the Vanguard. We're trying to stop a bunch of stupid, stuck-up aristocrats from making trouble in our town. (Even more poor people gather, as do more middle-class folks. The nobles get nervous) NOBLE C: Damn it! Do you hear me? Get out of Meltokio now, you Sylvaranti swine! (The nobles take off, leaving the party with the harassed man) MARTA: I'm sorry. This is all the Vanguard's fault. YOUNG MAN A: No, they were harassing me because I'm Sylvaranti. Though the Vanguard has made it harder for me to get around lately. MARTA: I'm sorry. YOUNG MAN A: Though I do appreciate your help. Thank you. I'm glad to know there are good Tethe'allans, too. Well, see you around. (Waves and walks away) MARTA: The Vanguard have done some really horrible things. LLOYD: We can't change the past, but we can make sure the world starts changing now. Right? MARTA: Yeah. REGAL: But Tethe'allans like those nobles will be a problem. The way things are going, it's hard to imagine they'll ever get along with the people of Sylvarant. RAINE: And it's not just them. The Sylvaranti gold grudges, too. GENIS: But you heard those other Tethe'allans. Not everyone has the same prejudices. COLETTE: Yes. It won't happen immediately, but I believe someday, Sylvarant and Tethe'alla will be able to get along. EMIL: I think, maybe the problem is that we're still looking at people in terms of Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. PRESEA: Emil... EMIL: It doesn't matter where someone's from. I mean, I'm a Summon Spirit and you don't judge me based on that, do you? LLOYD: Yeah, you're right. ZELOS: We've been doing the same thing, dividing people into Sylvarant or Tethe'allan without realizing it. SHEENA: We're all companions born under the same World Tree. Isn't that right, Emil? EMIL: Yeah. I hope everyone can feel that way someday.


 * Iselia*

<The party walks back into town [T0834]> (Lloyd comes to a stop) LLOYD: You know, this really brings back memories. EMIL: I guess you're always on some kind of journey. LLOYD: Yeah, and I still am. It's taking much longer than I expected, though. (Hangs head) I knew it would take a while, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to keep my promise to my dad in time. EMIL: You made a promise to Dirk? LLOYD: Oh, [uh,] don't worry about it. Anyway, I've dedicated my whole life to searching for Exspheres, so no matter how long it takes, I'll see it through to the end. EMIL: But don't you get lonely, doing this all by yourself? LLOYD: I'm not doing it alone. I've got all my friends supporting me. And, until a few months ago, there were two of us. EMIL: Really? Who were you traveling with? Was it...

<Emil says COLETTE> EMIL: Colette? LLOYD: (Surprised) [Woah!] How did you know? EMIL: Well, She's obviously in love with you, Lloyd. (Lloyd blushes) LLOYD: (Hangs head) Yeah, well, [I,] I--she's [she's] very important to me. She hasn't had an easy life. That's why I want to keep her safe. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. I think the two of you are a good match. Good luck with that. LLOYD: Thanks.

<Emil says GENIS> EMIL: Genis? LLOYD: Wow, how'd you know? EMIL: You two are best friends, right? It just makes sense you'd travel together. LLOYD: (Nods) Right. Genis is definitely my best friend. A good guy--smart, too. He's fun to hang out with. EMIL: So you two just get along? LLOYD: Yeah, something like that.

<Emil says RAINE> EMIL: Raine, maybe? LLOYD: Actually, yes. EMIL: (Steps back) Really?! LLOYD: For me, Professor Sage is--Oops, I'm not supposed to call her that. Raine is, she's-- [uh...] EMIL You're dating her? Wow. LLOYD: (Nods) What can I say? She was my first love. Even now I can hardly believe it. EMIL: (Chuckles) I hope you two find happiness together!

<Emil says SHEENA> EMIL: Sheena? LLOYD: [Ha! Hey,] That's right. You know your stuff. EMIL: Well, Sheena's always talking about you. She seems to really care about you. LLOYD: Sheena's a truly good person. She's kind, she's got some domestic skills. She's a klutz, too, but it just makes me want to take care of her. Plus she's upfront and honest. I don't have to put on a show when I'm around her. EMIL: (Shrugs) All right, okay, that's enough. I'm getting embarrassed just hearing about it. LLOYD: Hahaha.

<Emil says ZELOS> EMIL: This is a long shot, but maybe Zelos? LLOYD: I can't believe you guessed it! I know. I don't know why him either. EMIL: (Steps back) [Huh?] Really?! I was just joking. LLOYD: Well it was kind of a joke! He never shuts up, that guy. EMIL: But you're smiling. LLOYD: (Laughs) He's a doofus, but he's a good friend.

<Emil says PRESEA> EMIL: Was it Presea? LLOYD: Bingo. It was me and Presea. EMIL: I'm a little surprised. LLOYD: Oh yeah? Well, yeah, at first glance, I can understand why you would be. EMIL: So [uh...] are you two-- LLOYD: [Uh...] Yeah, but... [um...] don't get the wrong idea. Presea is, [well,] she's much older than you think. EMIL: What do you mean? LLOYD: [Uh,] Never mind. Anyway, she's been through a lot in the past, but she's doing everything she can to figure it all out. So I want to be there for her. EMIL: I was a bit surprised, but yeah, maybe you two do make a good couple. LLOYD: It's okay if you don't get it.

<Emil says REGAL> EMIL: Regal? LLOYD: Exactly! How did you know? EMIL: He seems like the most serious and reliable of your friends. LLOYD: (Nods) Yeah, I can count on him for anything. Someday, I'd like to be mature and composed like him, but I've still got a long way to go. EMIL: Really? I would say you're a lot more grown up than most. LLOYD: You think? [Hmm...] Maybe I have matured a bit. EMIL: Good luck getting up to Regal's level. LLOYD: (Nods) Thanks, I'll need it.

EMIL: So then, once we finish this journey, you'll... LLOYD: The two of us will go off again. I'll still come home to Iselia every now and then. EMIL: (Nods) Well I hope it all works out.


 * Flanoir*

<The party walks into town [T0835]> (A young man charges in front of the crew) YOUNG MAN: (Angrily) Lloyd Irving! Stop right there! LLOYD: Do I know you? YOUNG MAN: You killed my sister! How dare you show your face in Flanoir after what you did! (Lloyd is shocked) EMIL: Hold on! Lloyd isn't the one who attacked Flanoir! YOUNG MAN: Shut up! I saw it with my very own eyes! This monster cut down my sister as she was trying to get away! MARTA: That's not what happened! There was an imposter, and he-- (The man runs up and slugs Lloyd in the face) YOUNG MAN: I don't want your excuses! REGAL: Please, let us explain. Calm yourself and listen. What actually happened was... (Fade-out. When we come back, the man is gone) EMIL: That man just didn't want to hear anything we had to say. REGAL: We may require assistance from his Majesty to prove Lloyd's innocence. Otherwise, the world may continue to blame you for what's happened. LLOYD: I'm sorry to put you all through this. MARTA: It's not your fault. LLOYD: (Folds arms) No, it is my fault. I didn't tell anyone my side of the story, and now that's come back to haunt me. (Awkward silence) LLOYD: (Quietly) If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone for a while. EMIL: But Lloyd, you shouldn't be by yourself. LLOYD: Don't worry about me. I just need a change of pace. I'll meet you guys in front of the inn later. (Walks away)

<If Emil said COLETTE> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Colette is there, too. She walks over to him) COLETTE: Lloyd, [a-]are you all right? LLOYD: Colette? Yeah, I'm fine. COLETTE: (Plays with hands) Liar. LLOYD: (Turns around) Huh? COLETTE: (Walks closer) You always say you're all right. But it's not really true. You're feeling hurt, aren't you? LLOYD: Colette... COLETTE: I know you're strong. (Plays with hands) But that strength, it's made from a big ball of kindness and so, what I mean is, you're really, really kind. And kind people get hurt very easily. LLOYD: You dummy. COLETTE: Huh? LLOYD: What are you trying to do? Make me cry? COLETTE: It's okay to cry. Sometimes tears are the best medicine. LLOYD: You're the only one I'd let myself cry for. COLETTE: Lloyd... (Lloyd hugs her) LLOYD: Thank you. It was so hard being without you. COLETTE: Yes, for me, too. LLOYD: I love you, Colette.

<If Emil said GENIS> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Genis is there, too.  He walks over to him) GENIS: Hey, Lloyd, what're you doing? LLOYD: [Hmm?] I was just taking a look at the city. GENIS: I see. (Walks over and joins him) LLOYD: This really brings back memories. You remember when we came here last time? All the stuff we talked about? GENIS: Yeah that was right before our final battle. LLOYD: Back then I knew Mithos' suffering, and yet I still couldn't forgive him for what he did. And I still feel the same way, even today. But I can't help wondering what Mithos would think if he were here right now, with the world the way it is. GENIS: Back when we were collecting Exspheres, people said all kinds of terrible things about us. But you took it with a smile on your face, no matter how hurtful they were. Was that because you were thinking about Mithos? LLOYD: Well, that wasn't all. The pain I went through could never compare to what he had to endure. GENIS: That doesn't matter. You can't compare one person's pain to another's. Or... do you regret what happened? LLOYD: I don't regret it. That wouldn't be fair to Mithos. GENIS: All right then. Because I don't regret it, and I don't think Mithos would, either. We all had choices to make, and we did what we thought was right. Our task now is no different. LLOYD: Genis... GENIS: I'm still a little angry with you for disappearing without so much as a goodbye. LLOYD: I'm sorry. GENIS: It's okay. But we're sticking together from now on, right? LLOYD: Yes, I promise.

<If Emil said RAINE> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Raine is there, too.  She walks over to him) RAINE: There you are. LLOYD: Profe-- RAINE: (Folds arms) When it's just the two of us? LLOYD: Oh, right. [Um...] Raine. RAINE: Shall I guess what you were thinking just now? LLOYD: (Turns around) Huh? RAINE: (Walks closer) "I've done nothing to be ashamed of. So no matter what anyone says, if I just hold my head high, everything will work out." LLOYD: You're brilliant, Raine. RAINE: Ever since the end of our last journey, I think you've been trying to grow up too fast. LLOYD: Maybe I have. RAINE: You have. Speaking up is important. Not just for your own sake, but for others as well. LLOYD: For others? RAINE: For the victims, and for us who believe in you. Taking the blame for something you didn't do hurts everyone around you. LLOYD: Yeah. I know that, but I'm just so tired of constantly having to defend myself. RAINE: You sound just like your father. (Chuckles) Of all the traits to inherit from him. LLOYD: I do? Maybe so. RAINE: I'm going to keep speaking up. For your sake, and for mine. LLOYD: (Gets closer) Thank you, Raine. RAINE: (Worried) Please don't ever go off by yourself like that again. I was really worried about you. LLOYD: (Softer) I'm sorry. I won't ever leave you alone again.

<If Emil said SHEENA> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Sheena is there, too.  She walks over to him) SHEENA: (Scratches hair) Lloyd, come on cheer up. LLOYD: (Nervously) Oh, Sheena. I'm fine. SHEENA: Come on, don't lie. You can't fool me. LLOYD: (Turns around) No, it's true. I cheered up as soon as I saw you. (Sheena turns around, blushing) SHEENA: (Irked) [Y-]You idiot! Stop joking. LLOYD: (Chuckles) You're blushing. SHEENA: (Whirls around) Don't make fun of me! I was really worried about you, and there you go and-- (Looks away) LLOYD: I'm sorry. But it's true--just the sight of you cheered me up. You're always so bright and happy. I don't know what I'd do without you. SHEENA: Lloyd... LLOYD: But if we were to travel together again, they'd curse your name in the same breath as mine because of what happened. SHEENA: I don't care about that! (Softer) Let them say what they want--I'd much rather be with you than have you run off again! (Turns away) (Lloyd hugs her from the back) LLOYD: (Quietly) Me, too. I don't care what anyone says, as long as you're with me... I'll be fine. SHEENA: You better not be joking this time. LLOYD: I'm serious. SHEENA: Okay.

<If Emil said ZELOS> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Zelos is there, too.  He walks over to him) ZELOS: Hey, bud! Why so glum, chum? LLOYD: (Chuckling) What do you want? ZELOS: What's with the attitude? You're in the presence of the great Zelos Wilder! The wise! The beautiful! The divine! Now, I understand it's natural to just say you're sorry and take all the blame in a situation like this, but listen. LLOYD: Right. I know, I know. (Zelos walks over and joins Lloyd at the balcony) ZELOS: You can't let something like that get you down. LLOYD: Let me have a pity-party once in a while. ZELOS: Bud, you're not too bright are you? Frown and bear it! Girls go crazy for a dark, brooding guy with an emotional scar! LLOYD: (Folds arms) Personally, I've always thought the fact that I don't have that kind of baggage was part of my appeal. ZELOS: Wow, Bud, I never figured you were aware of your charms. LLOYD: [Huh!] It was a joke. ZELOS: Well, go out and get hurt. No matter what happens, you'll always have me here to back you up. So don't worry. LLOYD: I'm not worried. I know you'd never abandon me. ZELOS: You sure about that? LLOYD: I trust you. ZELOS: [Oh!] Man, you know I'm weak against lines like that.

<If Emil said PRESEA> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Presea is there, too.  She walks over to him) PRESEA: Lloyd... LLOYD: Presea, what is it? PRESEA: I'm glad. I thought you might be crying. LLOYD: No way. Well, I was a little down, but no, I'm okay. PRESEA: (Hangs head) "Okay." That's not the first time you've said that. LLOYD: (Turns around) Huh? PRESEA: We talked about this before here. When we say, "it'll turn out okay..." LLOYD: "...it's because we're not absolutely sure, so we want to tell ourselves that." Yeah, I remember. (Presea gets closer) PRESEA: You didn't do anything wrong. I guarantee it. I'll say it. You're "okay." LLOYD: (Laughs) You got me there. You know, back then, I never imagined we'd be like this now. PRESEA: (Chuckles) You're right. But I understand now. The strength you possess isn't for protecting yourself. LLOYD: It isn't? PRESEA: Yes. When you go to help someone else, you become the strongest in the world. LLOYD: Well that's taking it a bit far. PRESEA: No, I really believe it. LLOYD: Thank you. If that's how you feel, then that's how I want to be. (Lloyd kneels and grasps Presea's hand) PRESEA: Lloyd... LLOYD: I want to be as strong as I can possibly be so that I can protect you. PRESEA: Lloyd... LLOYD: Hmm? PRESEA: Don't ever leave me alone again. LLOYD: (Softer) I'm sorry. From now on, I'll always be by your side. PRESEA: Then it's a promise.

<If Emil said REGAL> (Emil goes after Lloyd and finds him at the church. Regal is there, too.  He walks over to him) REGAL: There you are, Lloyd. LLOYD: Oh, Regal. Yeah, I just had to cool off for a bit. (Regal joins him at the balcony) REGAL: Don't work yourself up over this. These misunderstandings will get sorted out in time. LLOYD: (Folds arms) Yes, I know. But it still gets to me. REGAL: That's only natural. But you never attacked Flanoir. Actually you were trying to save it, correct? LLOYD: But I couldn't save it, which makes it just as bad. No, I guess I wouldn't go that far but still-- (SIGH) REGAL: No one is perfect. LLOYD: Sometimes I feel the temptation of darker thoughts like Mithos did. These days, it's much easier for me to understand why he chose the dark path. REGAL: But you've turned away from that path. Maybe those thoughts are simply how you honor his memory. LLOYD: It's just self-satisfaction. I'm only doing it because I'm convinced I'm right. REGAL: But isn't that important? So long as you can do that, you'll stay on the path of light. And I'll be here to support you, too. LLOYD: Thanks, Regal. I'm really glad you're here for me. REGAL: I would say the same to you. You're the one who brought light back into my dark life. I'll always be grateful to you for that. LLOYD: I guess that makes us even. We'll watch each other's backs. REGAL: Yes, of course.

EMIL: I was going to try to cheer Lloyd up. MARTA: Looks like someone beat you to it. Come on, let's go. EMIL: Yeah.

<Afterwards, Lloyd and his best pal rejoin the crew at the inn> LLOYD: Sorry for making you all wait. Well then, let's get going. EMIL: Right.


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Sheena gets my vote.


 * Luin*

<The party goes to the Lloyd statue in the plaza [T0836]> (Dida and Moll are there) DIDA/MOLL: What do you want? EMIL: I came to say I'm sorry. (Dida and Moll are puzzled) EMIL: I'm sorry about Lloyd. I didn't know anything about him, but I still hated him so much. MOLL: Why come now? EMIL: (Slumps) I know it's late, but I just wanted to say that I was sorry. (Dida and Moll are silent) EMIL: So, I guess that's it. (Starts to leave) DIDA: Wait a sec. (Emil is puzzled) DIDA: We're sorry too. EMIL: Dida... MOLL: You're traveling with Lloyd the Great, right? Tell us about him when you come back. EMIL: Yeah, I will. DIDA/MOLL: Good luck on your journey.


 * Gladsheim*

<The party drops down into a mysterious lair [T0837]> NARRATOR: A voice that is not a voice resonates in the mind. To the owners of lost souls that gaze into the abyss, defeat the four guardian pillars to proceed to the next world. When ten worlds are conquered you and I shall meet.

<The party makes its way through the painstaking, randomized labyrinth until they reach the 10th floor and Album Atrum> ALBUM ATRUM: Welcome, child of man. Now, let's enjoy this momentary feast.

<The party defeats Album Atrum> (Album Atrum sinks into the floor) NARRATOR: With the disappearance of the monster, the fog and darkness dissipated. However, much deeper presence is felt from the abyss. Another monster like it may appear. Now, let's go back above ground. (Emil happily clenches his fists)


 * Otherworldly Gate*

<The party reaches the Stonehenge-like structure as the sun sets and clouds roll in [T0838]> RAINE: (Folds arms) The Otherworldly Gate. It looks like you and I are linked to this place by fate, Genis. GENIS: But I had no idea it led to the demonic realm. I mean, before the world regeneration, it was the causeway between the two separated worlds. TENEBRAE: The Giant Kharlan Tree stretched to where the World Tree is now, and spread its roots to the Ginnungagap beyond here. The tree is a bridge that connects worlds. Perhaps that is why you were able to use it as a door between your two separated worlds. EMIL: I sealed away Ratatosk's personality and became Ratatosk myself. I will close the door. TENEBRAE: Understood. Now then, are we ready to go in?

<Emil says NO> EMIL: Not yet. TENEBRAE: All right.

<Emil says YES> EMIL: Yes. TENEBRAE: The gate will respond to your will. Lord Emil, concentrate on the Sorcerer's Ring and use it to shoot the ground. (Emil aims the ring and fires. Glowing mystical runes appear between the three pillar rocks) TENEBRAE: We can travel to the Ginnungagap from here. EMIL: Let's go. (The party steps into the runes)

<The crew reappears in an aquamarine-colored cave with runes and roots all around [T0839]> LLOYD: So this is the path to the Ginnungagap... MARTA: Richter and the others must be here, too. TENEBRAE: Yes. I sense many humans, and the presence of demons is strong as well. It's very dangerous. Please be careful. EMIL: I understand. Let's go.

<Skit "Demonic Realm" appears [S0823]> EMIL: Wow, there're a lot more enemies than I expected. PRESEA: Yes. Also, it may be my imagination, but my head feels heavy. TENEBRAE: No, you are not mistaken. That is energy flowing outward from the demonic realm. It would seem you are sensitive to the forces of demons. GENIS: Presea, are you okay?! PRESEA: Please don't worry about me. TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk is currently preventing the energy and inhabitants of the demonic realm from invading this world. However, it won't be too long before the door is opened completely. Unless my lord's power is fully restored, that is. MARTA: Right. We've got to hurry up and get that door shut! Let's go!

<Skit "Richter's Objective" appears [S0824]> EMIL: Richter, what's he trying to do? MARTA: Good question. He used the Vanguard to create a distraction and buy him time to open the door, but why? EMIL: Would he really sacrifice the entire world to get at me? MARTA: You still trust him, don't you? EMIL: I wouldn't call it trust. It might only be because I look like Aster, but he's always been kind to me. And I think he was sincere. He's not the type of person who would destroy the world. That's what I want to believe. LLOYD: Then it's about time we find out whether or not you're right. MARTA: Yeah, who knows, Richter might be willing to talk with you. EMIL: Yeah!

<Skit "Take My Hand" appears [S0825]> EMIL: I can't lose. No matter what. Even if it means I have to fight Richter. MARTA: Time to say you-know-what. EMIL: Yeah. Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. MARTA: Give me your hand. I want to give you whatever power I can. EMIL: Thank you. LLOYD: All right! Take my hand as well! GENIS: Mine too! SHEENA: And mine. COLETTE: Me too. PRESEA: Take my power too. REGAL: I may not have much to offer, but-- COLETTE: (Amazed) Wow, Regal. Your hand is huge! ZELOS: (Sweatdrop) Of all the--What are you guys doing? You remember what we're here for, right? MARTA: (Irked) You guys are killing the mood!

<The party reaches the bottom floor [T0840]> (There's a lot of mist in the air around this area) MARTA: This place seems different from the other places we've seen so far. COLETTE: [Aahhh!] Eeek?! (Vanishes) GENIS: [Whaaa?!] What?! (Vanishes) RAINE: What's going on? (Vanishes) SHEENA: Aaah! (Vanishes) ZELOS: No way! (Vanishes) REGAL: Don't worry about us! (Vanishes) PRESEA: Ah. (Vanishes) LLOYD: The Derris Emblem! (Vanishes) (Tenebrae appears) EMIL: Lloyd! Everyone! MARTA: [W-]What just happened? TENEBRAE: Amazing. The others must have had the Derris Emblem. EMIL: What's the Derris Emblem? What does it mean if they had it? TENEBRAE: The Derris Emblem was created on the world of Derris-Kharlan. It utilizes any mana surrounding it to protect its owners. MARTA: Protects its owners? But they weren't protected at all! TENEBRAE: That is because you, as Lord Ratatosk, were purposefully avoiding a visit from the owner of the Derris Emblem. EMIL: I was? TENEBRAE: Yes. Long ago, you gave the Derris Emblem to a young half-elf boy and his companions. But you were betrayed by them. MARTA: So Ratatosk set a trap in case the owner of the Derris Emblem ever came here? TENEBRAE: Correct. The others are imprisoned somewhere within this place. The only one who can save them is Lord Ratatosk... that is to say, you, Lord Emil. EMIL: I understand. Let's hurry and look for them! MARTA: Right. They've saved us so many times. Now it's our turn to repay the favor.

<Emil and Marta head down the path [M0806]> (In the eerie, hazy boneyard, Alice and Decus block the way one more time) ALICE: Welcome everyone to the Monster Graveyard. DECUS: So you came all the way here, kid. EMIL: Decus... MARTA: There's no reason to do this, Alice. You two were just being controlled by the power of the Centurion's Core. Can't you see that?! ALICE: Who said anything about me being controlled? The Commander and Dumbo-Decus perhaps, but I always knew exactly what I was doing. MARTA: What? ALICE: I was perfectly sane, when I fought you. Because, after all Martmart, I totally despise you.~ MARTA: But why? ALICE: You're just so annoying. You're powerless, and yet you always have to interfere. (Parroting Marta) "Stop it, daddy!" "Please help me, Ratatosk!" [(Stamps her foot) Phooey!] You can't solve anything by yourself. You're so pathetic it makes me sick.~ MARTA: Maybe that was true before, but-- ALICE: (Turning icy) I hate hypocrites like you. I couldn't wait to rub your cute little nose in the sad truth of what you really are. I knew if I stayed close to Richter, you'd come to me eventually. EMIL: Decus, the entire Blood Purge incident in Palmacosta, you're the one who's responsible for it, aren't you?! DECUS: Yeah EMIL: (Angrily) Why?! Even if you wanted to save the people of Sylvarant, how could you do that? DECUS: The only one I fight for is Alice! If she were to ask me. All she'd have to do is say the word. I'd sell my soul to the devil for her and never look back. ALICE: I'm going to gain unyielding power! That's what's needed to survive this world. If Richter calls upon demons, I'll use them as well. The world will answer to me and only to me. So to complete my deal with Richter, I need you to die.~ (Alice and Decus attack!) {EMIL: How can you hurt others so easily? How can you hurt Marta? DECUS: You think you're some kind of knight in shining armor, kid? I won't let you hurt Alice! MARTA: I don't care if you hate me, Alice! Why can't you realize it's wrong to turn the world into a demonic realm just so you can gain power? ALICE: Why is it wrong if the world is turned into the demonic realm? No matter what the world turns into, I will survive and persevere with my own powers. DECUS: And I will stand right by Alice! MARTA: Then I'll stop you! Those who rely on power will be doomed BECAUSE of power! ALICE: Hah! As if you would know what having power entails! You're nothing but a powerless spoiled brat! EMIL: The only reason you're obsessed with power is because you're powerless yourself! ALICE: Don't be ridiculous! I'm not gonna lose to anyone! Not to you, OR to demons! I will best anyone that mistreats us with my OWN powers! DECUS: The time for chit-chat is over! Taste the combined forces of our power!}

<The party beats the dastardly duo [M0807]> (Decus drops his sword and falls to one knee. Alice staggers around) ALICE: [Unhhh... eh... uhhhh... agh...] Martmart... MARTA: Alice... ALICE: Martmart, [agh... I...] I-- (Marta runs toward Alice) MARTA: Alice! (Alice rears up and slaps Marta hard, sending her reeling. Emil panics and rushes towards them) ALICE: (Grabs Marta and raises her swatter) I hate your guts! EMIL: Stop it! (Emil shoves her off of Marta and she swats at him instead, finally bopping him. Emil quickly yanks out his sword and slashes... but it goes through Decus instead; he stepped in front of Alice.  A ghastly silence fills the area) [DECUS: Du-haaaaagh...] (Emil is shocked. Alice looks truly horrified) EMIL: Decus! DECUS: Today is [GASP] the 765th day. [GASP] I guess [that...] that this one was just another scam too. Alice... [GASP] you always said that that I disgust you, but I... I love you. (Decus falls, dead) ALICE: Decus! (Both Emil and Alice stare at the fallen prettyboy) ALICE: (Choking up) [SOB] Oh Decus, [SOB] I love you too. I do. [SOB] I really [SOB] do love you! (Alice jumps up and swats Emil in the face over and over. He can only hold up his sword to block) ALICE: (Furious) How could you?! You did this to him! (Tenebrae knocks her away and she lands near Decus's sword) EMIL: Alice! (Alice grabs the sword and, despite that it's twice her size, she swings it at Emil, knocking him down. She raises it over him) ALICE: (Crying) Die! (There's a sickening slashing noise, and Alice freezes up, dropping the sword. Marta is behind her, her buzzsaw spinning) ALICE: [Agh... Ma... unnn...] Martmart... [Agh...] MARTA: (Gets up) Go ahead. You can hate me all you want, but [I...] I won't ever let you hurt Emil. ALICE: (Lurches forward, rasping) [Aghhh...] I never thought [that...] that you'd actually do it. [Agh...] Who would have known that you'd be the one to kill me. (Alice sinks to her knees next to Decus's body, crawling weakly) ALICE: Decus, [agh...] don't worry. I'll be with you again soon. Soon, we'll be together. (Alice drops on her face, her hand landing on Decus's. All goes silent in the misty graveyard) MARTA: (Sadly) If only I'd stopped Daddy, the Vanguard never would've been created and Alice and Decus wouldn't have resorted to this. EMIL: (Solemn) It's not your fault Marta. I don't claim to understand how Alice chose to live her life, but I know one thing the Vanguard wasn't responsible for it. (Gets up) I think Alice lived the way she wanted to live. She was exactly who she wanted to be. Wishing we could have saved her is just ego on our part. MARTA: (Shakes head) Even so, I just hate all of this. EMIL: I know. Believe me, I wanted to save Decus and Alice as well. And that's why I want to save Richter, too. MARTA: (Looks at him) Emil... EMIL: I was the one who started all of this, so I'm sure this is just my own ego talking, but... Richter was the very first person who gave me courage when I was still weak. MARTA: (Turns around) Emil, I wish for Richter to live through this as well. But I have my own reasons for that. Not for altruistic ones like yours. I want him to take responsibility for what the Vanguard did along with Daddy. EMIL: Yes I know. Come on, Marta. Let's go. Let's go and finish our journey. MARTA: Yeah.

<Skit "What Is Love? Part 2" appears [S0826]> MARTA: I guess I'm no better than Alice. When she attacked Emil like that, I didn't even hesitate. I had no problem hurting someone for my own petty reasons. TENEBRAE: Do you think so? I see the situation somewhat differently. [MARTA: Hmm?] TENEBRAE: You fought out of love for another person. Alice fought out of love for herself. To me, the motivations are as different as night and day. MARTA: I... TENEBRAE: That is not to say what you did was right. But regardless of whether is was right or wrong, is that not love? [MARTA: Uhm...]

<The group goes through a neon, stovetop-looking zone [T0841]> (Lloyd comes running up from the path ahead) LLOYD: Emil! Marta! EMIL: Lloyd! MARTA: You're all right! LLOYD: Unfortunately, I'm the only one who wasn't affected. TENEBRAE: Have the others been turned to stone? LLOYD: How do you know?! EMIL: I'm sorry. It seems that I--I mean, Ratatosk set a trap for the owners of the Derris Emblem. LLOYD: I see. That's why the Derris Emblem glowed. TENEBRAE: But why were you spared? LLOYD: Maybe because I have Martel's protection. MARTA: Come on, we need to save everyone. Emil, you can save them, right? EMIL: Yeah. MARTA: Okay, then let's hurry! (Marta runs off. Emil starts to follow, but Lloyd stops him) LLOYD: There's something I want to ask you. (Emil turns around) LLOYD: You've accepted the fact that you're Ratatosk, and made up your mind to do your duty and protect the door. Correct? EMIL: (Nods) Yes. LLOYD: You're not thinking of letting Richter defeat you and turn yourself into a core so you can become a lock on the door. (Emil hangs his head) LLOYD: If you feel guilty about Aster and planning on doing that. EMIL: No! I won't let Richter kill me. MARTA: Come on, guys! We don't have time for all this chit-chat! EMIL: (Turns around) Sorry! We're coming! LLOYD: I trust you, Emil. Don't let me down. (Tenebrae is silent)

<Skit "Bumbling Idiot" appears [S0827]> LLOYD: That was a mistake. We should've left the Derris Emblems behind. EMIL: Were the Derris Emblems something you needed during the journey of regeneration? LLOYD: Yeah. We couldn't have done it without them. Which is why I never expected them to work against us. I guess you never can tell. MARTA: But Martel's protection is really powerful. LLOYD: No, I think it's only that way against Ratatosk. They're both tree spirits, so maybe they cancel each other out or something. EMIL: You're probably right. [Hmm.] Lloyd, you really know your stuff. TENEBRAE: I agree. I must admit I had my doubts after hearing so many people describe you as a fool and a bumbling idiot, but it would appear I was quite mistaken. LLOYD: (Irked) And who, exactly, were these people?

<The crew reaches the others, who have become pigeon targets [T0842]> LLOYD: Look at them. MARTA: This is terrible! Emil, do something to help them! EMIL: Right! [Um,] Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: The curse should dissolve as soon as you touch them. EMIL: All right. I'll give it a try. (Fade-out. When the screen comes back, the statues are organic again) ZELOS: Man! I can finally move! LLOYD: (Shocked) You were conscious?! PRESEA: Yes. It was if I was in a straightjacket and couldn't move at all. COLETTE: I could see everyone around me was petrified, so I just assumed I was, too. GENIS: That was horrible. My whole body was tingling. It felt like I was frozen in place. EMIL: I'm sorry. It's my fault. REGAL: You could not have foreseen these circumstances. Don't worry about it. RAINE: (Folds arms) Well, it looks like everyone's more or less back to normal. SHEENA: (Scratches head) All right, now let's make up for lost time and kick some butt! MARTA: Yeah! Emil needs all our help! LLOYD: You can count on us! (Tenebrae is silent)

<Skit "All Downhill" appears [S0828]> ZELOS: Well, thank goodness! Can't say I blame ol' Ratatosk for wanting to gaze on this perfect specimen of Chosenhood forever, but without me, this poor world would drown in the tears of lovely ladies everywhere. SHEENA: Why do I feel like I've heard this before. EMIL: I can't say I have any desire to gaze at you. ZELOS: (Irked) Pipe down. GENIS: Don't mind him, Emil. The Idiot Chosen's just upset that he's past his prime. It's all downhill from here. LLOYD: (Laughs) You can say that again. REGAL: All downhill...

<Skit "Keeping the Promise" appears [S0829]> TENEBRAE: So, Lord Emil. EMIL: You've come to ask if I'm really going to do this? TENEBRAE: Yes. EMIL: I'm sorry, Tenebrae. I've made up my mind. I'm going to take on the role of Ratatosk. I know that's not what you want to hear. TENEBRAE: I will keep my promise to you. [EMIL: Hm?] TENEBRAE: I am your Centurion. Whatever you have decided, I will obey you to the end. EMIL: Thank you.

<The party heads for a gaping entrance [M0808]> (As they reach the platform before the door, they look up. Aqua descends from the ceiling, defiance in her eyes) TENEBRAE: Aqua... AQUA: Master Richter is establishing a pact with the demons right now. I won't let you disturb him. TENEBRAE: Centurion Aqua! Are you aware of what you're doing? AQUA: Yes, of course. Right now I'm doing everything I can to make sure Lord Ratatosk never comes back again. TENEBRAE: Why did you decide to side with Richter and betray us? AQUA: Because I want to help Master Richter avenge his friend. Master Richter and Aster first learned about Lord Ratatosk through their research of Summon Spirits. They found me, and told me that they wanted to advise Lord Ratatosk about the Centurions losing control. I brought them to the Ginnungagap, to the door to the demonic realm, just beyond here. But Lord Ratatosk simply refused to listen to what Master Richter and Aster had to say. I couldn't believe it... Instead he lashed out at them because of his hatred of mankind! He killed Aster, and Master Richter was gravely wounded. After surviving the ordeal, Master Richter searched for the power to bring Aster back to life. TENEBRAE: That's it! So that's why he's forming a pact with demons. AQUA: Yes. In return for resurrecting his friend, Master Richter will open the door leading to Niflheim. ZELOS: [Woah,] Wait a minute. Are you serious? AQUA: (Angrily) Can't you see?! You are the ones who are wrong! Lord Ratatosk ordered us to annihilate mankind. How can you possibly help him? He even took the form of Aster when appearing before Master Richter. He, the one responsible for his death! No one is going to make Master Richter suffer any more. If I can help Master Richter avenge his friend, if I can help him grant his wish... then one thing's certain. I won't hesitate to kill Lord Ratatosk himself! (Aqua summons up a ferocious Ladon and fuses with it. The party fights and beats it) (Aqua sinks to the ground, gasping and writhing) [AQUA: Ungh... huh...] MARTA: Why is Aqua in pain? TENEBRAE: She turned her own body into a monster. Now she herself has also been hurt by the battle. Aqua, although you are a Centurion, you loved Richter. (Aqua reverts to a blue teardrop core, just like the others) AQUA: (Whispering sadly) Master Richter, [SOB] I was only able to buy you a little time. [SOB] Please forgive me. (The core floats over to Emil. He stares at it, then turns to Marta) EMIL: Marta, will you hold onto her for me? MARTA: Okay, but aren't you going to make a pact with her? EMIL: No. It can wait. I think it would be cruel to hatch her and then form a pact with her right now. MARTA: Oh, I understand. (Emil gives Marta the core. Lloyd watches silently)

<Skit "Aqua's Love" appears [S0830]> EMIL: I still find it hard to believe that Centurions are capable of falling in love. TENEBRAE: I must admit my own surprise. However, just as cores may affect the hearts of people, a strong will may also affect the cores. LLOYD: I think I know what you mean. The human heart seems fragile, but it's actually pretty tough. GENIS: Yeah. When someone feels anger or sadness, they can affect other people with their emotions. And sometimes there's nothing you can do to help them, even if you want to. MARTA: But you can also spread positive emotions! And there are plenty of times when people's hearts are touched and they don't even realize it. TENEBRAE: That is true. Aqua must have been influenced by the strength of Richter's conviction, and it changed her. It may very well be your hearts that hold the key to success in the coming struggle. [EMIL: Hmm...]

<The group reaches a bridge in a fiery chamber [T0843]> (Tenebrae stands before the group) TENEBRAE: Lord Ratatosk's domain is up ahead. (Everyone looks at the ornate building on the other side of the bridge) MARTA: That's where the Ginnungagap is? TENEBRAE: Yes. Richter should be there. LLOYD: Emil. The time's come for you to regain your power as Ratatosk and close the Ginnungagap. That's what you've chosen to do, right? EMIL: Right. Everyone, it's almost over, but I still need your help. (Everyone nods)

<Skit "Final Battle" appears [S0831]> EMIL: Well, we're finally here. Marta, Tenebrae, thank you for all you've done. TENEBRAE: Emil... MARTA: Don't talk like this is the end. We're not giving up on you yet. EMIL: Yeah, you're right. Lloyd, everyone, I want to thank you as well. LLOYD: Come on, cut the formalities. It's time. Let's give this everything we've got! REGAL: We shall be right there beside you. GENIS: I won't hold back, even if we are fighting a half-elf. RAINE: We've come this far, after all. We must see our task through to the end. PRESEA: Richter may have his reasons, but nothing justifies turning this world into a demonic realm. COLETTE: We worked so hard to regenerate this world. We have to protect it! SHEENA: Right. We can't break our promise to Martel. ZELOS: This is a fight to reclaim your identity, too. Give him a show he won't forget! EMIL: Everyone, let's go!

<The group goes inside [M0809]> (Everyone lines up as they go inside. Richter is at the door, just like in Emil's vision.  He notices them and turns around, scowling) EMIL: Richter, there you are. RICHTER: I'm afraid that you're too late, Emil--no, Ratatosk. You see I have already summoned more demons. EMIL: Aqua already told us everything. She told us exactly why you're doing this. RICHTER: Did she? EMIL: (Hangs head) I understand that losing your friend was agonizing for you, even heart-breaking, (looks up) but turning the entire world into Niflheim just to resurrect a single person, one single life is not right! Do you really think that Aster would be happy to come back to a world completely ruled by demons? (Richter balls his fists, and an eerie fire rises up from below him) RICHTER: (Furious) You dare tell me what to do? You, who wears Aster's face? You, who murdered Aster in cold blood! (His whole body is engulfed in flames, his eyes sparking with pure hatred. Emil stares a moment longer, then frowns with determination and pulls out his sword) EMIL: Very well then. I'll just stop you by force! (The party attacks Richter!) {EMIL: Richter, this is not what Aster wanted! RICHTER: Don't you DARE talk about him while taking his form! EMIL: It's true that I killed him, but... RICHTER: Then cease! EMIL: I won't! Do you really think someone who said "courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality" would want to sacrifice the world just to come back to life? MARTA: He's right, Richter! I know you're better than this! RICHTER: What do you know?! My methods are MY business. I won't take orders from you! EMIL: Please tell me your true intentions... RICHTER: My true intentions?! That's simple: it's to kill you, Emil! To banish Ratatosk from this world! This is for the good of the world! MARTA: You blockhead! You may be hurt, but Emil is hurt by all this as well! RICHTER: Then curse me from the land of the dead! EMIL: I won't die. The courage you taught me spurred me on. We'll make sure that this world doesn't turn into a demonic realm! RICHTER: Silence! I won't be distracted by your appearance any longer!!!}

<The party defeats Richter [M0810]> (Richter drops to one knee, leaning on his sword. Emil walks past him and raises an arm to the door.  His hand glows, and the nine symbols on the door resonate in their own colors.  The fires beyond are swallowed in darkness, and something angrily bangs on the door) [EMIL: (Recoils) E'nughh!] (More bangs come, with unholy shrieks to follow) TENEBRAE: The demons are using all the power they have to open the door! RICHTER: [Guh...] Here use this. (Richter offers Emil a strange blue crystal) LLOYD: (Surprised) What the--That's the Sacred Stone! RICHTER: Yes, that's right. The stone that turns the mana in your body into flames. Mana is a toxic poison to demons. It will help keep the door closed for a while. LLOYD: But why do you have it? RICHTER: I sent someone out to the hidden village of the elves to get it for me. If you use it along with the Cruxis Crystal held by the Chosen, then it's possible to seal this door without Ratatosk being present. LLOYD: The Chosen's Cruxis Crystal has the ability to stop its host's internal clock, and grant them eternal life. You were willing to burn your own body's mana for all eternity and become a human sacrifice in order to guard this door. RICHTER: Yes, because that way Aster could come back to life, Ratatosk would die, and the door would be protected. The world would be saved. (Hangs head) But in the end I wasn't able to defeat Ratatosk. (Emil's hand stops glowing and the banging ceases. He stands still, staring at the glowing runes on the door... and then a familiar, wicked laugh starts to come from him) MARTA: What's the matter, Emil? (Emil's laughter gets louder and more psychotic, his back still turned... and then he whirls around and grabs Marta by the throat) [MARTA: Uhhh-hah!!!] R.EMIL: Now nothing can stand in my way. Once I bind Aqua to my will, I will regain all of my power! (Yelling) Now hand over Aqua's core! MARTA: (Choking) [I...] I can't breathe, Emil. R.EMIL: (Angrily) I said hand over Aqua's core, right now! (Richter gets up and rams into Emil, freeing Marta. Lloyd catches her as she falls) MARTA: (Gasps) Emil! Why are you doing this?! R.EMIL: I am not Emil! I am Lord Ratatosk! (Emil whips out his sword and slashes at Richter, then charges at Lloyd with a bloodthirsty roar. Lloyd blocks the swing at the last moment) MARTA: (Panicked) Emil! Stop this! (Emil slashes away at Lloyd with a wild fervor, laughing all the while) R.EMIL: (Psycho) Die! Die! Die! (Lloyd jumps away as Emil slashes again, and then Emil rears up and grabs at his neck with his free hand) R.EMIL: [Gyaaah!!! N'grrrgh!] Why you-- [Agh...!] EMIL: Marta! MARTA: Emil! EMIL: I'm so sorry. It seems Verius' protection can stop me from disappearing but that isn't enough to stop Ratatosk. MARTA: (Runs to him) No! You can't give up! R.EMIL: (Furiously) Why won't you stop interfering?! (Smacks Marta away) EMIL: [Guh!] Help me Marta, please! [Urgh...] You've got [egh...] to stop me! [Hah...] Turn me into a core and use me [ungh!] to seal the door. R.EMIL: (Enraged) Stop it! I won't let you! EMIL: [Ugh...] This is it. [Ungh] I can't hold myself back any longer. Please [egh...] Marta. (Emil drops to his hands and knees) MARTA: (Runs to him) Emil! R.EMIL: (Laughs evilly) There I finally got you outta the way. Now hand over Aqua! (Gets up) LLOYD: Emil, no! Come back to your senses, Emil! R.EMIL: (Furious) Shut up! That sappy little wimp is gone for now! MARTA: But Emil, no. [I...] I just want-- R.EMIL: What? You want to fight me? How amusing. I thought that you didn't want me to disappear, either. Now be a good girl and give me Aqua's core. If you do, then I just might spare your life. (Marta hangs her head, her face a mix of conflict. Several tense moments pass) MARTA: No, I'm going to fight you instead! R.EMIL: (Recoils) What did you say? (Marta's buzzsaw opens. She bares it, her scowl as determined as Emil's was against Richter) MARTA: I'll fight you for Emil and I will defeat you! R.EMIL: (Wild laughter) You defeat me? That's a laugh! You stupid humans are ridiculous! I warn you, you'll regret it! (R.Emil attacks!)

<R.Emil defeats Marta and Lloyd [M0811]> (Marta collapses on the floor) MARTA: (Weakly) [Emil... Ugh...] Emil? I'm so sorry. EMIL: (Mortified) Marta. Marta! (Runs and falls before her) LLOYD: (Shocked) Emil, no, you mean, you were just pretending that whole time?! EMIL: (Quietly, growing panicked) No. No! This can't be happening! [I...] I never meant to hurt Marta. How? How could this happen? (Emil takes his sword and runs himself through) LLOYD: (Horrified) Emil! (Emil starts to glow) EMIL: I'm so sorry. I should have done this in the first place. RAINE: (Runs towards Emil) Hold on! Let me heal your wounds! (Tenebrae gets in her way) TENEBRAE: I won't let you interfere with Lord Ratatosk! LLOYD: You idiot! Emil will--Ratatosk will die! TENEBRAE: (Shakes head) No, that's not true! He will only turn into his core. Sealing that door is what he really wants! EMIL: (Whispered) Goodbye Marta. Farewell. Lloyd, please see to it that it's done. Please. You must seal that door. (Emil's body fades away and Ratatosk's core drops onto the ground before Marta, who stirs. She stares at it, jerks back, and her whole body trembles violently as her eyes spill over.  The fake core vanishes from her forehead) MARTA: (Screaming) Emil!

(The scene fades to the journal) Emil, our battles are over. I know you won't be reading this journal, but I wanted to write down about the final battle. You were right about Richter. He didn't want to turn this world into a demonic realm.

He was going to sacrifice himself to seal the door to the demonic realm after defeating Ratatosk with the power of demons and resurrecting Aster. I don't think that was the right way to go about things, but Richter was trying to save the world in his own way.

After that, you attacked us as if you were Ratatosk. You were hoping that we would defeat you and turn you into a core. I was such a fool. I should've known that it was you, Emil.

I guess in the end, I never saw the real you. I wish I can go back in time and redo that moment. Now that I know, I wouldn't make the same mistake, and I would save you.

I'll never see you again, but please know that I love you Emil. I will always love you. I'm going to spend the rest of my life protecting the world that you've worked so hard to protect.

...I'm sorry.


 * End*

<Emil gets beaten by Marta and Lloyd [M0812]> [R.EMIL: UWAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!] (Emil drops to his knees, leaning on his sword. Marta readies her buzzsaw for the final strike) MARTA: Farewell, Ratatosk! (Emil just sits there, waiting. Suddenly, Marta realizes something) [MARTA: (Gasps)] (Marta walks to Emil and holds out Aqua's core. Nothing happens) R.EMIL: [Engh... ugh...] What? MARTA: You're Emil, aren't you? R.EMIL: (Flustered) Emil?! No, I am Ratatosk! (The others stare intently. Marta shakes her head) MARTA: No, I understand now. You really are Emil. LLOYD: (Shocked) What? Emil, is that true?! TENEBRAE: Emil intends to take responsibility for Lord Ratatosk's crime... in exchange for trapping Lord Ratatosk inside himself. He has already planned to be sealed away to atone for the murder of Aster. (Richter closes his eyes at the mention of his friend) MARTA: But that's crazy! EMIL: No, it's true. I used Verius' power to drown out my other self the one inside me, and I did it by force. I'm so ashamed. It's the same thing as killing him! I have no right to live a life of peace after what I've done. MARTA: (Grabs him and pounds on his chest) You idiot! You're such a stupid idiot! What are you thinking?! Is this what you meant when you said you'd figure something out?! [I thought that you...] I thought that you had already accepted Ratatosk as a part of yourself. EMIL: But there's nothing to accept. Don't you understand Marta? Once Ratatosk is sealed away, his will will be gone as well. MARTA: Then don't seal him away. Stand up to him and try to reach an understanding! Emil, don't you remember what you said? You and Ratatosk, both of you told me not to run away from Daddy! EMIL: But once Ratatosk and I combine our personalities, I could forget everything and then set out to destroy mankind. MARTA: Courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. (Richter looks up, surprised) MARTA: I trust you, Emil. No, I trust both you and Ratatosk. EMIL: Marta. LLOYD: You know Marta's right. (Emil looks up at Lloyd and the others) LLOYD: What you were trying to do, have your own friends who trust you kill you, would only cause more pain to the people you care about the most. (Emil looks shocked; guess he hadn't thought of that) LLOYD: We believe in you, Emil. We trust you. We always have. So why is it you can't believe in yourself? (All the others nod or make some gesture of agreement. Emil looks at Marta again, then gets to his feet) EMIL: Thanks guys. (Emil closes his eyes, going inside himself)

(In the strange expanse of his soul, Emil's two sides face off again) R.EMIL: I thought that you were going to have Verius seal me away... and then sacrifice yourself to close the Ginnungagap. EMIL: So then I guess you know what I'm thinking. R.EMIL: Now let's find out if there's enough room inside of me for you, for the both of us. EMIL: All right then. Let's begin! (The two Emils fight!)

<R.Emil beats Emil> (Emil slumps, defeated) R.EMIL: Hey, come on! You can't lose to me that easily. You were gonna beat me and prove that there's kindness somewhere inside of me, right? EMIL: (Weakly) Yes you're right. [I...] I'm sorry. R.EMIL: Don't worry. It's all right. I guess this is just like you. Or I should say just like me?

<Emil beats R.Emil> R.EMIL: Interesting. I always thought that a weak little boy like you would be no match for me. EMIL: This journey has changed both of us. I now realize that I need you. I need your strength. R.EMIL: And now I realize for the first time that your kindness is not a weakness. (R.Emil hangs his head in defeat)

R.EMIL: All right. Fine. I will accept you as part of me, as a show of respect for that tiny bit of courage you have inside. (The whole dreamscape is enveloped in white light)

<Back in the Ginnungagap chamber [M0813]> EMIL: Agreed and I will trust you, Ratatosk. After all, you are a part of me. (Marta hands Emil Aqua's core. He raises it and it glows brightly.  When it has faded, Emil looks up, his eyes red) MARTA: (Quietly) Emil? No, Ratatosk? RATATOSK: Don't look so sad. I take back what I said about annihilating mankind. (Everyone looks relieved) RATATOSK: However, I can't fully guard the door by myself. LLOYD: But what do you mean? RATATOSK: The ancient seal on the door is no longer working since another being forced it open. RICHTER: [Urgh...] That would be my fault. It looks like I'll need to go ahead with my original plan to seal the door with my own mana. RATATOSK: If that's how you really feel, then I'd be willing to help you as well. RICHTER: (Surprised) What? RATATOSK: Yes. I will rewrite the natural law of the world while you are guarding the door. I am willing to do this to help lesson your suffering as well. MARTA: What exactly do you mean by "rewrite?" RATATOSK: Well you see, mana didn't originally exist in this world. The arrival of the comet Derris-Kharlan and me, and finally the transfer of the Giant Kharlan Tree onto this world, resulted in mana creating life. So I will take mana from everything that comprises this world... and then use it as a seal for the Ginnungagap. GENIS: (Shocked) [But,] But you can't! If you do that, the land will die! RATATOSK: No, it won't. Although it will take time I plan to write a new law so that won't ever happen. All life that flourishes on this land will no longer require mana to live. Humans, elves, the earth, everything. SHEENA: Summon spirits, too? RATATOSK: No. Summon spirits are kept alive by the presence of mana. After all, we summon spirits are not native to this world to begin with. MARTA: Then what happens to the summon spirits when mana goes away? RATATOSK: Mana itself will remain in the world. It'll just disappear from all living beings that comprise it. And as long as the new World Tree keeps continuing to produce more mana, it will surround the world and will eventually flow freely into the door's seal. And from there on I will control the flow of mana in this world from the Ginnungagap. It will be my duty as overseer and as the other summon spirit of the tree. ZELOS: So what changes will come about to our world? RATATOSK: Once it's cut off from the protection of mana, the world will eventually decline and die. PRESEA: What do you mean by "decline?" RATATOSK: Well, the world will die once it reaches the end of its lifespan. It may be billions even trillions of years from now. Nobody really knows for sure. The world will return back to its original form to the way it was before the Giant Kharlan Tree was moved here. Back to the way it was meant to be. MARTA: Did Emil also returned to what he was meant to be? RATATOSK: Yes Marta. I believe you're right. I [will] returned to what I was meant to be. I am Emil, but I am Ratatosk as well. And this may very well be my true form. MARTA: But you remember us, don't you? RATATOSK: Of course. How could I ever forget you? The time we spent traveling together was not time spent in vain. (Smiles) I've learned that mankind isn't as bad as I thought. MARTA: Ratatosk... (Marta's forehead glows, and the fake core vanishes)

(Everyone turns and faces the exit) RATATOSK: Now, all of you need to go. I'm going to seal this space once and for all, so no one else ever approaches this door again. (One by one, the others walk past Ratatosk) ZELOS: (Claps Ratatosk on the shoulder) Well, goodbye, Emil. And thanks a lot for saving my sister. SHEENA: I won't ever forget you, Emil. You better take care of yourself, all right? REGAL: (Shakes Ratatosk's hand) It's truly been an honor traveling with you. Take care Emil. PRESEA: Just remember that you're not alone. (As she leaves, Presea puts a carved wooden bear by the door) RAINE: I wish that I'd have had the chance to work with a student like you. GENIS: I can't wait to tell everyone that I made friends with a summon spirit! Don't forget me Emil, okay? (Bumps knuckles with Ratatosk) COLETTE: We will always protect the beautiful world that you have saved for us. LLOYD: Emil, I want to believe that we'll see each other again some day. So I'm not gonna say goodbye. (Lloyd lingers, then walks away. Ratatosk watches him disappear, then turns around.  Only Marta and Richter remain) MARTA: (Head low) [You...] You're going to live forever, right? Even after you've sealed this place away? RATATOSK: Yes. (Marta takes a few uncertain steps toward Ratatosk) MARTA: Then I'm not saying goodbye, either, because no matter what my heart will always be with yours, Emil. [RATATOSK: Ungh...] (The two stare at each other a bit longer, and then Marta quickly walks away. At the exit, she looks back) MARTA: Emil, I'll always love you. (Ratatosk turns to her, his eyes back to the familiar shade of green. He smiles) EMIL: And I'll always love you too Marta. (The doors slam shut. Ratatosk and Richter look at each other) RICHTER: Is the ritual complete? RATATOSK: Yes it's complete. As of this moment none of us will be able to leave this room. RICHTER: An eternal hell. (Chuckles wryly) I suppose it's only fitting for a man who sold his soul to demons and who attempted to destroy the world. (Turns around) Well, it's time for me to make my sacrifice. I'm not sure how long my body will last without the Chosen's Cruxis Crystal-- RATATOSK: A thousand years. (Richter looks back at Ratatosk) RATATOSK: It will take one thousand years to draw out the mana from all living beings. After that, it will no longer be necessary to support the world with mana. Then I will use what's left to make a new seal for the door. And at that time, I will set you free from here as well. (Richter stares at him, then lowers his head solemnly)

<If the party managed to get Ignas's and Tonitrus's cores before Lloyd [M0814]> RICHTER: Then there's something I want to ask you. Since you're capable of dividing into both a core and a physical body... perhaps you could separate into two forms: Emil and Ratatosk, and live that way. If necessary, you could live off of my body. RATATOSK: (Shakes head) Impossible. I have the task of separating the mana from the world. TENEBRAE: (Offscreen) We Centurions and monsters would be happy to carry out that task, under your orders, of course. As long as you stay in contact, there's no issue with you dividing yourself in two forms. AQUA: (Offscreen) Lord Ratatosk, to us the lifespan of a human being is nothing more than the blink of an eye. RATATOSK: The fact still remains that I actually took a human life. That single act has led to all of this. And is affecting the lives of countless others. I caused all this tragedy. I can't just simply ignore it. RICHTER: But Emil, the other "you," regretted Aster's death, and even though the crime was not committed by his will, he tried to atone for it. Don't you think that Emil should be allowed to live out his full life as a human being? (Ratatosk looks surprised) RATATOSK: But Richter... VERIUS: (Offscreen) Ratatosk, your heart has spoken. It wishes you to live the life that Aster, who died at your hands, could not. I am prepared to carry out that wish for you. RICHTER: I'm sure Aster would've wanted it this way. He was such an idealist. (Richter's forehead begins to glow, Ratatosk's symbol appearing. Ratatosk stares at him) RATATOSK: (Smiles) Thank you. (A bright gleam of light envelops the room)

<Credits Roll>


 * Palmacosta*

<On the docks by the armor shop, Marta stares out over the ocean, calm on a wonderful clear day [M0815]> MARTA: Emil, I hope you're watching. I'm going to convince the Tethe'allans to accept the people of Sylvarant without resorting to any of Daddy's harsh methods. I will bring peace to the world that you are guarding for us. I think that would also be fitting in helping to pay for my crimes. It's the least I can do. (A familiar figure walks along the road. Marta hears the footsteps, then slowly turns.  Green-eyed Emil stands nearby.  He sheepishly scratches at his head.  The two stare at each other) MARTA: (Shocked) It can't be! (Marta's eyes spill over, and she rushes for him) MARTA: (Delighted) Emil! (The two meet in a big hug. Music swells.  Birds fly overhead)


 * The End*

-- -- --

(10) - Skits - (SKT)

All skits are organized by order of appearance, and they occur naturally as the plot progress, so triggers for the skits will not be listed. If you wish to see the exact location, you can check it (Ctrl - F) in the Game Script Section.

There are around 300 skits in the game.

-- -- (3.1) - Chapter 1: 17 Skits  (SK1) -- -- 1- Angry? [S0101]

2- Howl in the Distance [S0102]

3- Lake Sinoa [S0103]

4- Strange Girl [S0104]

5- Lloyd's Fault [S0105]

6- Falling Behind [S0106]

7- Richter's a Nice Guy? [S0107]

8- Seeing is Believing [S0108]

9- Only the Darkness Knows [S0109]

10- Well Done [S0110]

11- Never Forgive Him [S0111]

12- Masked Man [S0112]

13- Eh-mule [S0113]

14- Lardaceous [S0114]

15- Where Are You? [S0115]

16- Wishful Thinking [S0116]

17- Promise [S0117]

-- -- (3.2) - Chapter 2: 42 Skits  (SK2) -- --

1- Strange Weather Patterns [S0201]

2- Strange Guy [S0202]

3- Killing the Moment [S0203]

4- Saddest vs Sadist [S0204]

5- Hawkie [S0205]

6- The Chosen [S0206]

7- Fool of Myself [S0207]

8- Don't Get It [S0208]

9- All Aflutter [S0209]

10- I'm Not Giving Up [S0210]

11- Tenebie [S0211]

12- Collapsing Colette [S0212]

13- Aura of the Demonic Realm [S0213]

14- Childhood [S0214]

15- Like Best of All [S0215]

16- Return to the Stone Dais [S0216]

17- Ruin Mode [S0217]

18- Preparations [S0218]

19- Fishing for Compliments [S0219]

20- Memory [S0220]

21- Tenebie Part 2 [S0221]

22- Target of Affection [S0222]

23- Balacruf Mausoleum [S0223]

24- Stick in the Mud [S0224]

25- Come on You're a Man [S0225]

26- Fruit Everything [S0226]

27- Centurions [S0227]

28- Colette [S0228]

29- Motion Sickness [S0229]

30- Emil's Cooking [S0230]

31- Return to Palmacosta [S0231]

32- Spiteful Tenebrae [S0232]

33- Vanguard [S0233]

34- Where is Marta? [S0234]

35- Governor-General's Widow [S0235]

36- Kamisra Mountains [S0236]

37- Chosen of Tethe'alla [S0237]

38- Father's Love [S0238]

39- Reunited World [S0239]

40- Alice [S0240]

41- Love, the Tender Trap [S0241]

42- Love and Hate [S0242]

-- -- (3.3) - Chapter 3: 34 Skits  (SK3) -- --

1- Village of Oracles [S0301]

2- Non-Aggression Treaty [S0302]

3- Lloyd's Father [S0303]

4- Flowers in Her Hair [S0304]

5- Tenebrae and Noishe [S0305]

6- Awkward [S0306]

7- Awkward Part 2 [S0307]

8- Human Ranches [S0308]

9- Spiteful Old Nag [S0309]

10- Where is Paul? [S0310]

11- Googly-Eyed [S0311]

12- Murderer's Teacher [S0312]

13- School Days [S0313]

14- What Is Love? [S0314]

15- Teacher Voice [S0315]

16- Half-Elves [S0316]

17- Revolutionary Menu [S0317]

18- Fascinating [S0318]

19- Maniac [S0319]

20- Half-Elves Part 2 [S0320]

21- Brother and Sister [S0321]

22- Kendama [S0322]

23- I'm Not a Kid [S0323]

24- Snow in the Desert [S0324]

25- Frozen Banana [S0325]

26- Centurion of a Thousand Faces [S0326]

27- First Time Fishing [S0327]

28- Ratatosk Mode [S0328]

29- Real Ruin Mode [S0329]

30- Believe in Him [S0330]

31- Odd Poster [S0331]

32- Sighs Four [S0332]

33- Izoold [S0333]

34- Being Popular [S0334]

-- -- (3.4) - Chapter 4: 51 Skits  (SK4) -- --

1- Curiosity [S0401]

2- I'm Screwed [S0402]

3- Together Again [S0403]

4- I'm Sorry [S0404]

5- Questions [S0405]

6- Mentor [S0406]

7- Let's Head Back [S0407]

8- Lead Heads [S0408]

9- Stress [S0409]

10- Arsonist [S0410]

11- Regal [S0411]

12- Definitely Weird [S0412]

13- Old People [S0413]

14- Herbs [S0414]

15- Good Soap Opera [S0415]

16- Hereditary Traits [S0416]

17- Studying [S0417]

18- Light Frog [S0418]

19- Troubling Him [S0419]

20- Current Affairs [S0420]

21- Maturity [S0421]

22- Raine's Letter [S0422]

23- Pull Back [S0423]

24- Father Figure [S0424]

25- Perfect [S0425]

26- Individuality [S0426]

27- Richter and Tenebrae [S0427]

28- Training [S0428]

29- Richter's Cooking [S0429]

30- I'm Screwed Part 2 [S0430]

31- Useless Research [S0431]

32- Don't Remind Me [S0432]

33- Bridging the Gap [S0433]

34- Discouragement [S0434]

35- ??? [S0435]

36- Where is Lloyd? [S0436]

37- Previous Discussion [S0437]

38- Lloyd of the Past [S0438]

39- Mature Relationship [S0439]

40- History of Mana [S0440]

41- Quick Jump? [S0441]

42- Mistaken for a Criminal [S0442]

43- Celsius [S0443]

44- Richter and Me [S0444]

45- Eau de Seduction [S0445]

46- Sheena's Destiny [S0446]

47- Speaking Ban [S0447]

48- Speaking Ban Part 2 [S0448]

49- Speaking Ban Part 3 [S0449]

50- Sheena's Mission [S0450]

51- Responsibility [S0451]

-- -- (3.5) - Chapter 5: 27 Skits  (SK5) -- --

1- Meltokio [S0501]

2- Our Journey [S0502]

3- Really Okay? [S0503]

4- Scared? [S0504]

5- Harsh Words [S0505]

6- Hidden Door [S0506]

7- Find Marta [S0507]

8- Welcome Back [S0508]

9- Omen [S0509]

10- Mom [S0510]

11- Darkness [S0511]

12- Seles Wilder [S0512]

13- Chosen and His Sister [S0513]

14- Never Been Apart [S0514]

15- Vanguard's Base [S0515]

16- Pitfalls [S0516]

17- Friends [S0517]

18- Gourmet Cuisine [S0518]

19- It's Not Like That [S0519]

20- Who is Aster? [S0520]

21- This is Impossible [S0521]

22- Nothing to Say [S0522]

23- Chosen Maniac [S0523]

24- His Reason [S0524]

25- His Reason Part 2 [S0525]

26- Shallow [S0526]

27- Solum's Core [S0527]

-- -- (3.6) - Chapter 6: 31 Skits  (SK6) -- --

1- Church of Martel [S0601]

2- Appearances [S0602]

3- Contagious [S0603]

4- Are You Okay? [S0604]

5- Aster [S0605]

6- Marta's Kindness [S0606]

7- Outcasts [S0607]

8- Hiding the Face [S0608]

9- Richter and Tenebrae [S0609]

10- Temple of Lightning [S0610]

11- Brilliant Researcher [S0611]

12- Tall Objects [S0612]

13- Insensitive Jerk [S0613]

14- Fight [S0614]

15- Fight Part 2 [S0615]

16- My Beloved [S0616]

17- Fight Part 3 [S0617]

18- Exspheres and Centurion's Core [S0618]

19- Curry Favor [S0619]

20- Poor Luck [S0620]

21- Darkness Maniac [S0621]

22- HE Bomb [S0622]

23- Wahoo! [S0623]

24- Magnificence of Darkness [S0624]

25- Lezareno Town [S0625]

26- Under Attack [S0626]

27- Save Marta [S0627]

28- Maybe a Rose? [S0628]

29- Sweetie Pie [S0629]

30- Scarred for Life[S0630]

31- Heart of Little Girl [S0631]

-- -- (3.7) - Chapter 7: 23 Skits  (SK7) -- --

1- Good Luck Charms [S0701]

2- Ozette [S0702]

3- Waka Waka Waka [S0703]

4- Axe and Pocket Knife [S0704]

5- Paw Pads [S0705]

6- Role Reversal [S0706]

7- Mana Cannon [S0707]

8- Sister [S0708]

9- Tethe'alla and Sylvarant [S0709]

10- Translation [S0710]

11- Vanguard's Uprising [S0711]

12- Most Beautiful [S0712]

13- Nuance [S0713]

14- Building Number Two [S0714]

15- Stumbles into Miracles [S0715]

16- Full-Grown Man [S0716]

17- Get Your Words Straight [S0717]

18- Army of Spies [S0718]

19- Sheena's Feelings [S0719]

20- Public Displays of Affection [S0720]

21- Let's Hurry [S0721]

22- Confusion [S0722]

23- Marta's Tears [S0723]

-- -- (3.8) - Chapter 8: 31 Skits  (SK8) -- --

1- Cruel [S0801]

2- Memories and Misconceptions [S0802]

3- Daddy's Girl [S0803]

4- Effect of the Core [S0804]

5- World Tree [S0805]

6- Guardian of the World Tree [S0806]

7- Summon Spirit Martel [S0807]

8- Mithos the Hero [S0808]

9- Lloyd is Back [S0809]

10- Truth about Lloyd [S0810]

11- Yuan the Guardian [S0811]

12- Paw Pad Playmate Society [S0812]

13- Rheiards [S0813]

14- An Adult [S0814]

15- Two Emils [S0815]

16- Final Memories [S0816]

17- Time as Emil [S0817]

18- Self-Esteem [S0818]

19- Carving Food [S0819]

20- Foolproof Method [S0820]

21- Dwarven Pot-Luck Surprise [S0821]

22- Older Women [S0822]

23- Demonic Realm [S0823]

24- Richter's Objective [S0824]

25- Take My Hand [S0825]

26- What Is Love? Part 2 [S0826]

27- Bumbling Idiot [S0827]

28- All Downhill [S0828]

29- Keeping the Promise [S0829]

30- Aqua's Love [S0830]

31- Final Battle [S0831]

-- -- (3.9) - The Rest (SKR) -- --


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: These skits appear when you do certain things.

<Skit "Get Stronger"> (Trigger: Emil and Marta each reach level 25) MARTA: Hey, Emil, I think we're pretty strong now. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah. I think I've figured out a fighting style that suits me. But I've still got a lot to learn. MARTA: I guess once you think you're the best, that's when you stop improving. But you're only going to get stronger. I'm sure of it. EMIL: You too. MARTA: (Beam) Yeah, so let's get to it!

<Skit "Getting Stronger"> (Trigger: Emil and Marta each reach level 50) MARTA: Hey, Emil, I think we're pretty strong now. EMIL: I guess. I mean, I think we're stronger than we were before. But there's always room for improvement. MARTA: Modest as always. (Beams) I think you'll just keep getting stronger. The sky's the limit! EMIL: And you'll get stronger right along with me. We can do it, as long as we stick together. MARTA: (Dreamy) Right. Together forever. EMIL: [R-]Right.

--

<Skit "Different Kinds"> (Trigger: switching Marta's weapon often) EMIL: Wow Marta, every time I look you've got a new weapon. MARTA: Well there are so many different kinds. If I don't try them all, how will I know which suits me best? EMIL: I guess you've got a point. Is that how you pick your boyfriends too? MARTA: How can you say that?! You're the only one for me! I've got no interest in other boys! So don't go losing interest in me either, okay? EMIL: (Blush)

<Skit "Stubborn"> (Trigger: Keeping Emil's weapon on for a while) MARTA: So, Emil. Would you consider yourself stubborn? EMIL: Okay, that was random. No, not really. MARTA: You have to admit though, you've had that same weapon equipped for a pretty long time. There's plenty of other weapons. Why not try something different for a change? EMIL: I guess I like the feel of a weapon I've gotten used to. It's easier to fight with. It's not stubbornness, it's dedication. MARTA: What if you had a favorite pair of shoes you wore every day, and I said, "Why not try a different pair, and spice up your wardrobe?" EMIL: Yeah, but why stop wearing whatever shoes that makes you feel comfortable? MARTA: Yep, you're stubborn all right. EMIL: What's so wrong with being a little stubborn? MARTA: Nothing. I was just thinking it'll be tough once we're married. That's all. (Beam) [EMIL: Heh... eh heh heh... (Sweatdrops)]

<Skit "Loyal"> (Trigger: Keeping Marta's weapon on for a while) EMIL: Hey, Marta, you've been using that same equipment for a while now. You really like it that much? MARTA: I'm more loyal than you might think. To my equipment and to you too.~ (Beams, gets closer to Emil) EMIL: [Huh?!] When did this become about me? (Sweatdrops)

<Skit "Overachievers and Underachievers"> (Trigger: Don't change Emil's title from Timid Boy until you reach Izoold) TENEBRAE: [Hmm,] Quite the lazybones, aren't we, Emil? EMIL: Where'd that come from? People usually say I try hard to be an overachiever, that I worry about every detail. I was always getting teased. MARTA: Don't worry. I love overachievers.~ TENEBRAE: I'm not sure that describes Emil. He is still using the same title he had when we first met him. EMIL: Well yeah, but changing seems like too much work. TENEBRAE: (Dryly) Oh my yes, truly a grueling ordeal. EMIL: Well, it's just--Hey! Stop teasing me! Okay, fine! Yes! It's too much work! MARTA: Don't worry, Emil. I love underachievers.~ EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Marta...

--

<Skit "We Were Close"> (Trigger: Bomb fishing 2 times in a row) [EMIL/MARTA: (Sweatdrop) (SIGH)] MARTA: Can't seem to catch anything. EMIL: Nope. MARTA: We were close that one time, though. EMIL: Yup.

<Skit "Almost Had That One"> (Trigger: Nuke fishing 3 times in a row) TENEBRAE: Oh! [EMIL: (SIGH)] TENEBRAE: [Ah,] Almost had that one. [EMIL: Ehh...] TENEBRAE: Perhaps this is the wrong spot? Or maybe it's the bait? [EMIL: (Getting annoyed) G'eh...] TENEBRAE: No, no, I get the feeling the problem may lie with our aspiring angler here. (Laughs darkly) EMIL: (Angrily) Would you shut up already? I'm trying to concentrate!

<Skit "Try Again"> (Trigger: Phail Phishing 5 times in a row) EMIL: (Muzzy) [Ugh...] We failed again. MARTA: (Upbeat) Don't give up! If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! EMIL: Try, try again? MARTA: That's right, try, try again! Say it with me now! EMIL/MARTA: Try, try again! EMIL: Okay, I know we'll catch something next time.

<Skit "Concentration>" (Trigger: Disgrace fishermen everywhere 5 times in a row) EMIL: (Muzzy, whiny) I just can't catch anything. Wonder if it's the fishing pole. TENEBRAE: (Irked) The problem is your concentration! EMIL: (Recoils) [Woah!] Don't just transform back on me like that! TENEBRAE: Fishing is all about concentration! It is a battle of wits between the human and the monster that can be won or lost in an instant. (Getting hyped up) Attack, then retreat. Retreat, and fight again. You must always maintain this delicate balance! The only way to do that is through rock-solid concentration! EMIL: So then, what am I supposed to do? TENEBRAE: (Surprised) What? EMIL: You know, to improve my concentration. TENEBRAE: Well, you could-- EMIL: Yeah? TENEBRAE: Do push-ups upon the snowy frozen fields of Flanoir. Sprint over the sandy dunes of Triet Desert with a twenty-five pound weight strapped to your back. Kneel in quiet meditation beneath the black moonless night. EMIL: (Irked) Like I'm gonna do any of that stuff! Just hurry up and change back into a fishing pole already!

<Skit "Natural Fisherman"> (Trigger: 100 successful fishing tries; can only do this before chapter 5) MARTA: (Floored) You've really got a gift! You're a natural fisherman! EMIL: [I-]I am? MARTA: Come on, that was your 101st successful fishing attempt! EMIL: Actually I think it was number 100. MARTA: (Beams) Don't forget, your first catch was me! [EMIL: (Shrinks back) Ehh... Um...] MARTA: (Blushy) Don't ever throw me back, okay?~

--

<Skit "Secret Weapon"> (Trigger: Keep Marta out of battle for 20 rounds) [MARTA: (Sad sigh)] EMIL: What is it, Marta? MARTA: (Upset) Be honest now. You hate me, don't you? EMIL: Where did that come from? MARTA: Well, it's been a long time since you've let me fight alongside you. Or maybe it's that I'm just weak and useless. EMIL: (Flustered) That's not it at all. You're my secret weapon. I'm just saving you for the right time. And also, I mean, you're a girl, so I figured you wouldn't want to end up with a bunch of battle scars. MARTA: (Happy again) You're right. I've got to keep my skin silky smooth and blemish-free for you. EMIL: What? [Huh?!]

<Skit "Healing Strike"> (Trigger: Keep Marta out of battle for 50 rounds) MARTA: So, Tenebrae. I've got something serious to talk to you about and I don't want Emil to hear. TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, what is it? MARTA: Do you think Emil's gotten tired of me? He never puts me in battles anymore. TENEBRAE: This might be a good occasion to go on strike. MARTA: (Irked) How can I go on strike when I'm not allowed to fight in the first place?! TENEBRAE: Yes, but you could go on a healing strike. No matter how grievous his injuries, you could refuse Emil first aid, and withhold all of the gels. (Laughs darkly) MARTA: But that would be cruel. Though I guess it's cruel he won't let me fight. TENEBRAE: Indeed. MARTA: Yeah. It is, isn't it? [MARTA/TENEBRAE: (Laugh darkly)]

because of being prevented from getting bashed up.
 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Ah, empty-headed teenage logic. Deny vital replenishment

<Skit "Prisoner?"> (Trigger: Keep Emil out of battle for 20 rounds) EMIL: (To himself, down) Does this world really need me? That's twenty battles they've fought without me. Maybe I just don't have a place here. MARTA: (Walks up) What's with all the muttering? There's no one more important to me than you. EMIL: But not when it comes to fighting. MARTA: I don't know what I'd do if someone else saw you fighting and fell in love with you. [EMIL: Huh?] MARTA: I'm going to keep you safely tucked away and out of sight until our wedding day.~ (Beams) EMIL: Does that mean I'm your prisoner?

<Skit "What Was I Born For?"> (Trigger: Keep Emil out of battle for 50 rounds) [EMIL: (SIGH)] TENEBRAE: That was quite a sigh. What's on your mind? EMIL: (Down) What's my purpose in the world? Why was I even born? I don't even know why I'm alive. TENEBRAE: Rather hefty worries. Where did all this come from, so suddenly? EMIL: [It...] It's just been so long since I've been allowed to fight in a battle. TENEBRAE: I see. So that's the cause of your distress. EMIL: Always stuck playing second string. Maybe they just don't like me. TENEBRAE: (Light Bulb) Wait. I know what you were born for! EMIL: (Excited) Really?! TENEBRAE: (Enthusiastic) You were born to be a bench warmer. EMIL: (Runs away, tearing up) It's true. Nobody loves me!

--

<Skit "500 Battles"> (Trigger: Win 500 battles) EMIL: I can't believe the time's finally come. MARTA: What is it, Emil? EMIL: Counting this last fight, we've fought 500 battles. MARTA: Really?! That's incredible! EMIL: (Blush) Well, I mean, we've still got plenty of fighting left to do. MARTA: I can't believe you've actually kept track this entire time! You're amazing! EMIL: Oh, that's what you meant.

<Skit "Both the Problem"> (Trigger: Run away 5 times) MARTA: [PANT, GASP] That was close. EMIL: Seriously. Too close. MARTA: (Angrily) It's because you keep running into monsters without thinking! EMIL: (Angrily) You keep trying to fight instead of sticking to support! TENEBRAE: (Angrily) Enough! EMIL/MARTA: Huh?! TENEBRAE: You're both the problem! Listening? Good. Failing to properly estimate your opponent's strength will get you killed! EMIL/MARTA: (Sweatdrop) You're right. I'm sorry. TENEBRAE: Good.

<Skit "Escape From Battle"> (Trigger: Run away 10 times) EMIL: [SIGH] MARTA: What's with the sigh? EMIL: It's the 10th time we've had to run from a fight. Isn't that sort of pathetic? MARTA: Huh... I guess it has been ten. EMIL: That doesn't bother you at all? MARTA: He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day, right? Sometimes retreating is the best strategy. Not that you'll ever get away from me, though. (Beam) EMIL: [Wh-]What?

<Skit "50 Escapes"> (Trigger: Run away 50 times) EMIL: (Happy) Right on. That was our fiftieth! MARTA: Our fiftieth what? EMIL: Our fiftieth escape from battle. Remember what you said? About how retreating is sometimes the best strategy. So I've been keeping track. MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Well, yeah, but it's not exactly something to be proud of. (Muzzy) I'm kind of disappointed in you. EMIL: [Huh?] Why?

--

<Skit "Let's Keep It Up"> (Trigger: Successful pacting 5 times in a row) MARTA: Hey, we're doing a pretty good job of adding monsters to our side! EMIL: You think so? MARTA: (Beam) Let's keep it up.~ EMIL: (Blush) [R-]Right.

<Skit "Getting Along"> (Trigger: Successful pacting 5 times in a row) TENEBRAE: It appears you've grown quite proficient at making pacts. EMIL: I hope so. Then again, there's not much to it. TENEBRAE: You must always be wary of overconfidence. Pacts are a sacred ritual. For the monster, it means entrusting you with their very-- MARTA: [SIGH] Another lecture? Tenebrae, you're back in full stuffy mode. TENEBRAE: (Irked) What was that?! I say these things for Emil's own good. So he'll be prepared-- EMIL: Okay guys. We can't befriend monsters if we don't get along ourselves.

<Skit "Successful Pacts"> (Trigger: Successful pacting 10 times in a row) MARTA: You know what? That makes ten successful pacts in a row. Doesn't that make you proud? EMIL: (Blush) I didn't really try to form "pacts." I mean, I've just been hoping to befriend the monsters, and so far it's worked out. MARTA: Befriend them. Yeah, I guess you're right. After all, they do help out and fight beside us. Let's keep on making more friends! EMIL: (Nods) Right.

<Skit "No Way"> (Trigger: Successful pacting 10 times in a row) TENEBRAE: What a remarkable success! MARTA: [Yeesh!] You startled me. What was that about? TENEBRAE: Our success rate in forging pacts. It is undeniably on the rise lately. EMIL: Really? TENEBRAE: This is due, no doubt, to the flawless advice I granted you on the subject. EMIL/MARTA: (Dryly) No, not really. TENEBRAE: (Irked) It's thanks to me! EMIL/MARTA: (Dryly) No way.

<Skit "Cheer Him Up"> (Trigger: Fail 5 pacts in a row) EMIL: (sigh) MARTA: Come on, cheer up! You've just had a non-stop string of failed pacts, that's all! Don't let it get you down. EMIL: (sigh) MARTA: Hey, nobodies perfect. Even great people slip up here and there! It's not surprising to see to see you fail! So if you keep your chin up-- EMIL: (SIGH) MARTA: What did I do? It's like the more I try to cheer him up, the more depressed he gets.

<Skit "One Okay"> (Trigger: Fail 5 pacts in a row) TENEBRAE: Emil, if I may-- EMIL: I know! It's about failing multiple pacts in a row! TENEBRAE: Yes. As I've told you before, when forging a pact you must consider your familarity with the target, as well as it's elemental affinity. The way you are making pacts now-- EMIL: Okay, okay, I'll do better next time, so stop bugging me! TENEBRAE: Emil, I say this things only for your own good! EMIL: Okay okay! TENEBRAE: One okay will suffice, thank you. EMIL: OKAY! MARTA: Did...I just walk into a family meeting?

<Skit "Pact of Love"> (Trigger: Fail 10 pacts in a row) Emil (sigh): Another pact that didn't work out. I wonder what're we're doing wrong. MARTA: Maybe we're not putting enough love into it. EMIL:...Love? MARTA: Sure! Monsters are living things too! If we approach them with love in our hearts, it's bound to work out. EMIL: Oh yeah...maybe you're right. MARTA: So...you wanna practice by making a pact of looove with me? EMIL: What?!

<Skit "Words to Heart"> (Trigger: Fail 10 pacts in a row) TENEBRAE: Emil-- EMIL: Lecture again? TENEBRAE: Yes, that's right, it is pitiful. Anyone who fails this many pacts in a row must truly be clumsy and foolish. EMIL: But what are you crying for Tenebrae? I'm the one who should be bawling their eyes out! TENEBRAE: I beg you, if you have any compassion for me at all, please listen to my advice! EMIL: I know, I need to be more careful, right. Tenebrae, I'm sorry. TENEBRAE: Emil, Emil! Then you've finally taken my words to heart! MARTA: He's totally turned into Emil's father...

<Skit "Lively"> (Trigger: Catch 10 monsters) TENEBRAE: You have now befriended ten monsters. EMIL: It's getting quite lively. MARTA: Yeah! Let's see how many more we can get.

<Skit "Rather Sad"> (Trigger: Catch 25 monsters) TENEBRAE: You have now befriended twenty-five monsters. EMIL: (Looks sad) It's sort of sad. MARTA: What's wrong? Aren't you happy? Twenty-five monsters isn't bad. EMIL: Yeah, but this means I have more monster friends than human ones. TENEBRAE: That is rather... MARTA: (Looks sad) Yeah, okay, that's sad.

<Skit "Monster Circus"> (Trigger: Catch 100 monsters) TENEBRAE: You have now befriended one hundred monsters. Well done. MARTA: [Hmm!] With this many, we could open a three ring monster circus. We'll have to start teaching them tricks in our spare time. EMIL: Marta, you sound serious about this. MARTA: (Daydreaming) We'll start by practicing with an illusion where I, the Fantabulous Marta, appear to be devoured whole by a ferocious beast. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Enough already.

<Skit "Seriously High Number"> (Trigger: Catch 200 monsters) TENEBRAE: Excellent! You have now befriended two hundred monsters. MARTA: (Sad sigh) Two hundred. EMIL: What's wrong? That's two hundred monsters we got. Isn't that exciting? MARTA: That's also the exact number of times I've confessed my love to a boy, only to be told I'm too "serious." EMIL: (Uncertain) Oh, [um...] wow. TENEBRAE: That is a "seriously" high number.

<Skit "We're Full"> (Trigger: Monster storage full [232 max]) TENEBRAE: Oh my. EMIL: What is it, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: (Sweatdrop) A quick tally of the monsters you've befriended indictates that we have all that we can manage. MARTA: But how? You share a bond with all the dark elemental monsters in the world, right? And we definitely don't have all of them. TENEBRAE: While Lord Ratatosk continues his slumber, my powers cannot reach their full potential. I'm afraid this is my limit. EMIL: [Hmm...] So what should we do? MARTA: I don't know. There are still some types of monsters we haven't befriended yet, right? TENEBRAE: Yes. And as you add these monsters to your roster, strength will return to the Centurions that share their elements. Which should also increase Lord Ratatosk's power within you. EMIL: So to befriend new monsters, we'll have to set some free. MARTA: I'll miss them, but I guess we don't have a choice.

<Skit "Exactly"> (Trigger: All monsters in party are level 1) [TENEBRAE: (SIGH)] EMIL: What's the matter, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: (Muzzy) I'm not sure how to put this. EMIL: What is it? TENEBRAE: It's just, the monsters you've befriended haven't been growing--How should I put it. As monsters, they're still immature. When I see you playing together with them, I'm reminded [of a...] of a-- MARTA: A daycare center? EMIL/TENEBRAE: (Light bulb) Exactly!

<Skit "Too Powerful?"> (Trigger: All monsters in party are level 100+) MARTA: Say, Emil. Is it just me, or does it feel like some really powerful creatures are following behind us? EMIL: Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. MARTA: You know, lately, monsters just don't seem to be attacking us much. EMIL: I'm guessing the monsters in our party are scaring them off. MARTA: They're way stronger than we are. EMIL/MARTA: (Nervous laughter)

<Skit "Old Fashioned?" appears> (Trigger: Fight with the same set of monsters for a while) TENEBRAE: There's something I've been meaning to ask. Why do you consistently battle using the same monster companions? EMIL: [Huh...] I guess I just feel like they work well together. It seems to be working, so I figured I shouldn't fix what wasn't broken. MARTA: You're pretty conservative. It's manly, in a way, but maybe a little old fashioned. EMIL: [Y-]You think so? TENEBRAE: Oh, I quite disagree. Emil is the quintessential hip young fella. EMIL/MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Did he just say "fella?"

<Skit "Simply Splendid"> (Trigger: Get a Pellaidah) TENEBRAE: Simply splendid! MARTA: (Puzzled) What is? TENEBRAE: That monster you just made a pact with is a very rare specimen. EMIL: Really? MARTA: (Beam) Way to go, Emil! TENEBRAE: Yes! To come across such an exceptional creature in all this wide world--our luck is most astonishing indeed! EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Oh. You were talking about our luck.

<Skit "Joyous Trinity"> (Trigger: Put Kitty Kat, Izimbra and Aspidoceleon in your party) MARTA: (Ecstatic) Sweet! I can't believe we've befriended three different kinds of super-rare monsters! Emil, I'm speechless! EMIL: [Eh-heh...] You're making me blush. TENEBRAE: No, this is truly a remarkable achievement. These three monsters are known as the "Joyous Trinity." It is said that those who meet all three will enjoy happiness for the rest of their days. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Joyous Trinity, huh? That's kind of a weird name. MARTA: So, what form does this happiness actually take? TENEBRAE: Why, the sublime satisfaction of having met the world's three rarest monsters. EMIL/MARTA: (Sweatdrop) Oh.

<Skit "Complete"> (Trigger: Collect all types of monsters at least once) TENEBRAE: (Excited) Congratulations! Emil! Lady Marta! You've done it! MARTA: What have we done, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: You have discovered and made pacts with all possible monsters! EMIL: (Suprised) Really?! TENEBRAE: (Nods) Yes. Befriending any more monsters than this will not be possible while Lord Ratatosk remains Dormant. MARTA: (Excited) We did it! We caught 'em all! EMIL: Wow. We finally befriended all the monsters. What a milestone. I can remember each and every one. MARTA: (Slyly) Okay then, what was the 128th monster you befriended? EMIL: (Nervous) [Ehh...] It's just hard to think straight because I'm so emotional right now. TENEBRAE: (Dryly) Right.

--

<Skit "A Lie"> (Trigger: Defeat Album Atrum and win the Nether Traitor) EMIL: Nether Traitor? Never heard of it. TENEBRAE: (Surprised) Could it be?! EMIL: What? TENEBRAE: In the age of darkness, the fell god Nether gained this legendary weapon when he sold his soul to the demons in exchange for eternal youth. EMIL: (Shocked) What?! That's horrible. I don't want a weapon like that! TENEBRAE: Just kidding. EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Come on, don't scare me like that. TENEBRAE: (Laughs darkly) That was a lie. EMIL: (Laughs, then stops) Wait. Which part was the lie?

<Skit "Kismet"> (Trigger: Find the weapon Kismet and clear Gladsheim) MARTA: (Beam) Kismet, come to mama! TENEBRAE: (Surprised) [C-]Could it be?! MARTA: What? TENEBRAE: In the age of darkness, the bride of the fell-god Nether, took up this weapon to quell her husband's rage. MARTA: Yeah, okay, whatever. I was never really a big history buff. I'm just thrilled to have found something so rare!~ TENEBRAE: To quell him, she offered up her life to heaven, and--Oh, fine, never mind.

-- -- -- (4) QUESTS (QST) -- -- --


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Quests are in alphabetical order.

SUBJECT: The Vanguard has taken root in the nearby dungeon. They call themselves the Sylvaranti Liberation Front, but take money from us for "protection services." Please get rid of them!
 * Annoying Vanguard (QSTAV)*

<The party reaches the area> R.EMIL: So this is where the Vanguard's hyenas come to feed on their prey? MARTA: I just don't get it. The old Vanguard never would've done anything like this. (Muzzy) This sort of thing will only worsen their credibility with the people. R.EMIL: We'll just have to pound some sense into every last one of them! Let's go!

<The party meets a Vanguard trooper> VANGUARD SOLDIER: Oh, did they send you from the town? You've got our money, right? MARTA: Stop what you're doing right now. (Emil steps forward) MARTA: Emil. R.EMIL: If it's money you're after, we've got it here. VANGUARD SOLDIER: So you've brought it along like good kids. Well, bring it to me then. R.EMIL: No way. VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Angrily) What?! R.EMIL: Are you deaf? I said no way. You'll have to come get it if you want it that bad! VANGUARD SOLDIER: You're not from the town! R.EMIL: Oh, they sent us. They sent us to exterminate every last one of you vermin! VANGUARD SOLDIER: You'll regret this, brat! (The troops attack, and the group derails them) R.EMIL: He was nothing. MARTA: I wonder if we should have tried to talk some sense into him. R.EMIL: If you want to give a lecture, wait 'til we've rounded up every last one of these scumbags. MARTA: Okay.

<The party meets a second Vanguard trooper> VANGUARD SOLDIER: Hey, I heard some weird voices a bit ago. Did you see anything? R.EMIL: Yeah, I saw it. The look on your buddy's face when I pounded him into the dirt. VANGUARD SOLDIER: What?! Who are you?! R.EMIL: The fact that you don't know goes to show how much you losers are slacking off on the job. VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Notices Marta, recoils) Lady Marta?! MARTA: That's right. It's me. When did it become the Vanguard's job to steal from people who can't defend themselves? VANGUARD SOLDIER: I'd be happy to take the credit for bringing you both in. R.EMIL: If you're looking to make a name for yourself, try me on for size! (The party destroys the soldiers) R.EMIL: (Annoyed) Are there any real soldiers in the Vanguard?! MARTA: I'm not sure how I feel about all this, but I can't just ignore something this awful.

<The party meets a third Vanguard trooper> R.EMIL: Now they're just throwing themselves at us. It looks like these Vanguard haven't been keeping up on their training. VANGUARD SOLDIER: Who are you two?! MARTA: So, it looks like you don't recognize us, either. R.EMIL: Which is why these stupid apes never had any hope of catching us. VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Angrily) What did you say?! R.EMIL: (Draws sword) Spend too much time talking to these idiots, and we might catch whatever they've got. Let's finish the job, Marta! MARTA: RIght! (The party beats the troops) MARTA: They're all so nasty. What's happening to the Vanguard? R.EMIL: Who cares? As long as they're the enemy, I'll tear into them 'til there's nothing left.

<The party meets a fourth Vanguard trooper> VANGUARD SOLDIER: Lady Marta?! What are you doing here? R.EMIL: So, finally one of you guys recognizes her. I'll bet you consider this little operation another one of your duties, then. VANGUARD SOLDIER: (Angrily) I'm no criminal, like you. We do what we must to change the world in accordance with Commander Brute's grand scheme. MARTA: (Angrily) Nobody with a grand scheme would try to swindle poor townspeople out of their money! R.EMIL: We'll accept your apology once you're lying face down in the dirt! (The crew wipes out the rest of the troops) MARTA: The Vanguard just seems to be getting worse and worse. R.EMIL: Well? Are you going to lecture the assembled idiots? MARTA: No. That won't do anything to solve the larger problem. R.EMIL: All right, then let's send them packing. MARTA: Yeah.


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: This is the only Quest with Ratatosk Emil in charge.

SUBJECT: This is an emergency of the local martial art school. The strange, yet skillful swordmaster Sasaki has his eye on our school. No matter how many times we defeat him, he keeps sending challenges. We want you to defeat him once and for all!
 * Avenge Us (QSTAU)*

<The party heads to the beach, where Sasaki waits with his back turned>

-Dialogue A EMIL: He's left himself wide open. MARTA: (Loudly) Boo! (Sasaki jumps up in surprise) SASAKI: (Angrily) Only cowards attack their foes without fair warning! EMIL: But we haven't done anything yet. MARTA: It's not our fault you didn't see us coming when your back was turned like that. SASAKI: (Angrily) Enough, cowards! I'll give you a beating you won't soon forget! EMIL: (Slumps, muzzy) There's no reasoning with this guy.

-Dialogue B EMIL: There he is. (Sasaki rises and walks towards them) SASAKI: I've been waiting, Musashi! The time has come for you to answer my challenge! EMIL: Why do you keep sending me these challenges when I've already beaten you? MARTA: (Irked) Seriously! Nobody likes a guy who can't take a hint! SASAKI: (Angrily) Silence, you brats! A swordsman has not lost until he is willing to admit defeat! EMIL: (Slumps, sweatdrops) SASAKI: Now, it's time to settle this! Face me, if you dare!

-Dialogue C EMIL: What's going on? (Sakaki rises and turns to them, looking annoyed) SASAKI: (Angrily) You're late, Musashi! EMIL: Late? I don't remember making any appointments, and besides, my name's Emil. (Sasaki looks even angrier) SASAKI: Silence! You are Musashi! And you are late! I will not stand for it! (Emil steps back, confused) MARTA: Maybe we should just play along. SASAKI: Your feeble attempts at deception will never work on me! (Approaches and brandishes his axe) The time has come to fight! EMIL: Okay. (Sasaki is angry yet again) SASAKI: Idiot! You know that's not the correct response! You're supposed to say "You've already lost, Sasaki! If you intend to leave here alive, why did you throw aside your scabbard?" EMIL: (Slumps, muzzy) But you've still got your scabbard. (Sasaki is once again PO'd) SASAKI: (Raises axe angrily) Enough, Musashi! Prepare to die! MARTA: Just who does this bozo think he is?! Let's get him, Emil! (Emil draws his sword)

(The party defeats Sasaki)

SASAKI: (Dialogue A) I don't believe it! I won't! (Dialogue B) Today was just a warm-up! Don't think I'll let you off easy next time! (Dialogue C) Curse you, Musashi, relying on your cowardly tricks. Today's battle doesn't count!

We will meet again! Farewell! (Runs off toward the water)

EMIL: (Dialogue A) I guess he's tough, in his own way, or something. (Dialogue B) (Slumps) I can't help but feel a little sad when I see him. (Dialogue C) He's really a pain to deal with.

SUBJECT: Meow. It's a request from a monster. A good monster was turned into a human by a curse from a bad monster! If you defeat the bad monster and lift the curse, it'll join you. So help.
 * Curse of the Monster (QSTCM)*

<The party arrives at the location, where they meet a blonde-haired person> EMIL: Um... (The person says nothing) TENEBRAE: Emil, there is the monster who was changed into a human. Allow me. (Tenebrae and the person communicate silently) TENEBRAE: (To Emil) If we defeat all the monsters in this cave, he will be freed from the curse. EMIL: Right, I get that part, but what's the difference between a good monster and a bad one? Do monsters even have standards for good and evil? TENEBRAE: Perhaps good monsters are those that simply come out and declare their goodness. MARTA: (Looks away) Just saying something doesn't always make it so.

<The party beats one random monster> MARTA: (Jumps for joy) We did it. EMIL: (Nods) That makes three left.

<The party defeats a second random monster> EMIL: (Nods) Two left. MARTA: (Happy) Thing's are going great!


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Yes, that's an in-game typo.

<The party trounces a third random monster> EMIL: (Nods) Just one left! MARTA: (Nods) Don't let your guard down until we're done!

<The party squashes the last random monster> (Another monster [what it is depends on the quest's rank] appears) EMIL: That's all of them. TENEBRAE: (Listens to the new monster) He thanks you for freeing him from the curse, and says that he will join our party. EMIL: (To Marta) It was sort of fun to befriend a monster like this. MARTA: Yeah! TENEBRAE: Though we have yet to understand their notions of good and evil. EMIL: (Slumps, muzzy) I was trying to forget about that!

SUBJECT: A band of thieves are harassing the town and taking our money. If this continues, our town will go into bankruptcy. Please get our money back.
 * Defeat the Bandits (QSTDB)*

<The party arrives at the thieves' hideout> EMIL: (Slumps) A band of thieves, huh? They must be a pretty scary bunch. MARTA: (Playful) Don't worry, I'm with you. TENEBRAE: I thought he was supposed to be your shining prince. MARTA: Shut it, Tenebonehead.

EMIL: (Dialogue A) (Straightens up) They've pushed the town to the brink of financial ruin. We can't let this go on. (Dialogue B) We've got to get back the money they've stolen from the townspeople. (Dialogue C) But why don't they work like everyone else? Stealing from people seems like it would be too much trouble.

<The party runs into a wiry man> THIEF: Who the hell are you? This hideout belongs to us thieves. Beat it, unless you wanna get hurt. MARTA: You're the ones who should be worried. EMIL: (Looking down) Please give back the money you've stolen from the townspeople.

THIEF: (Dialogue A) Well, I'll be. That squeaky little voice of yours has got me shaking in my boots, kid. (Dialogue B) You're scared already?! (Dialogue C) What's wrong, kid? Your voice is shaking.

(Taunting) Why don't you go home to your mommy? EMIL: Right. MARTA: (To Emil) Hold on a second! What do you mean "right"?! (To Thief) And you! Nobody gets away with teasing my Emil like that! Come on, let's teach these guys a lesson! THIEF: How cute. If you think you've got what it takes, bring it on! (The party beats the Thief) MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Had enough?! THIEF: That was dirty, kid. You change in battle. EMIL: (Hangs head) Sorry. MARTA: Why are you apologizing? THIEF: I won't forget this. (Takes off) EMIL: I guess we won. MARTA: Let's hurry and get the money back. Why don't we check out the back?

<The party runs into a buff man> EMIL: (Angrily) Give back the townspeople's money! FROOS: That money is a tribute for our boss, Melissa. You kids aren't gonna get it! MARTA: Expensive gifts are the only way ugly guys like you can get a lady's attention! FROOS: (Irked) What did you say?! TENEBRAE: Lady Marta, you seem to have struck a blow to the enemy's psyche.

FROOS: (Brandishes sword) (Dialogue A) Damn brat! So, the ladies like you, so what?! (Dialogue B) I'll show you the pain of rejection!

EMIL: What? Why me?! (The party trounces Froos) FROOS: You're a vicious fighter and a smooth talker. I guess the gap between the two is what drives the ladies wild. I won't forget you! (Runs) MARTA: (To Emil) He just doesn't get it, does he? I couldn't care less about some silly gap. All I care about is you, Emil.~ EMIL: (Blushes)

<The party runs into a stupid-looking man> CHRISTOPHER: Who are you? EMIL: (Nods) Oh, I'm Emil. CHRISTOPHER: (Nods) I'm Christopher. I joined this band of thieves to help my friends. EMIL: Oh. Well, good luck with that. CHRISTOPHER: You're a nice guy. MARTA: (Angrily) Hold on! What's wrong with you! If you're a thief, then you should toughen up and act like one! EMIL: Yeah, but it sounds like he's got some special circumstances. MARTA: A thief is a thief is a thief! Come on, let's do this! (The party whomps Christopher) CHRISTOPHER: (Hangs head) They're gonna laugh at me for losing a fight like this. (Walks away) EMIL: Hey! I was going to ask more about his situation. TENEBRAE: It would seem he was no match for Lady Marta's fierce temper. MARTA: Well, what was I supposed to do? He's a thief, after all. TENEBRAE: That same temper may some day drive off poor Emil as well. MARTA: (Sweatdrops) Is that true, Emil? Am I that scary? Do you hate me? Do you? EMIL: Uh, well, um, anyway, Christopher's getting away! TENEBRAE: Way to change the subject.

<The party runs into a woman in a blue robe and hat> MELISSA: Well, well. Are you the little ones the folks in town hired to get their money back? EMIL: That's right. Are you the boss of this band of thieves? MELISSA: That's me. I'm Melissa.~ EMIL: (Blush) MARTA: (Irked) Hey! Don't you look at my Emil like that! Anyway, hurry up and give back all that money you took from the townspeople! MELISSA: Sorry, but no. I need this money to save some friends of ours. EMIL: I don't know the details, but I doubt your friends would want you to use stolen money to help them.

MELISSA: (Dialogue A) If you don't know the details, then don't go poking your nose where it doesn't belong! (Dialogue B) The world's not as pretty a place as you'd like to think! (Dialogue C) Not that you'd know a thing about it!

EMIL: (Sweatdrop) MARTA: Emil! Don't let her get to you! If that's how she wants to play it, we'll just have to take her down, no holds barred! MELISSA: I like your guys. Go ahead and try it! (The party crushes Melissa and the others) (Christopher walks in front of Melissa) CHRISTOPHER: Don't hurt Melissa. MELISSA: It's all right, Christopher. We've lost this one. (Christopher steps back) EMIL: You said you were trying to save your friends. Just what did you mean? MELISSA: (Hangs head) Well, back in the day, we tricked the Chosen of Regeneration to make a quick buck. And two of our members wound up getting captured by the Church of Martel as a result. CHRISTOPHER: (Hangs head) We were told by one of the priests that our friends would be freed if we made a donation to the Church. But we didn't have any money. So we... MELISSA: We got the thieving band back together, and started doing what thieves do best. MARTA: If that's how they're collecting donations, the Church is more twisted than I thought. EMIL: I'm sorry, but we have to take the money back with us. But if there's anything we can do... MELISSA: (Looks up) Forget it. We'll come up with some other way. As they say, we've made this bed, and now we've gotta lie in it. CHRISTOPHER: Emil, you're a good guy. I won't forget about you.

SUBJECT: This is an emergency! I need something delivered to a neighboring town. The tunnel is a great shortcut, but there are monsters. Can someone deliver the item to the client beyond the tunnel?
 * Delivery! (QSTDL)*

<The party arrives at the locale> MONSTER: (Offscreen) Graaah! EMIL: There's a monster nearby. TENEBRAE: This is a "monster cave," a place where monsters congregate. MARTA: A delivery through a monster cave. This is getting exciting!

<The party beats a random monster> MARTA: That's one down.

TENEBRAE: (Dialogue A) There are still plenty of monsters left. (Dialogue B) We are not here to wipe out all the monsters. Let's make the delivery our first priority. (Dialogue C) The monsters in this monster cave are far too aggressive for their own good.

EMIL: Let's keep moving!

<The party deletes a second random monster> MARTA: Emil, are you all right?

EMIL: (Dialogue A) Don't worry, the package is still fine. (Dialogue B) Yeah. It'll take more than that to stop me.

TENEBRAE: We must hurry, but we can't lose our composure.

<The party squashes a third random monster> TENEBRAE: Just a bit further.

MARTA: (Dlaogue A) It's sort of exciting knowing we're delivering something so important. (Dialogue B) Right, we're almost there. (Dialogue C) Knowing that someone's waiting for this delivery makes it easy to keep going.

EMIL: Yeah, just a bit more. Let's dig in and keep moving forward!

<The party trounces the last random monster> (A man stands in its place)

CLIENT: (Dialogue A) Hello. I'm from the parcel delivery in the next town. I've come to receive the package! (Dialogue B) So, it got through today! Yesterday was no good. This really helps a lot! (Dialogue C) Emil, I've been waiting for you! You don't know how much you've helped us!

I hope you'll be able to help us again! Goodbye! EMIL: I'm glad we got here in time. MARTA: I wouldn't mind delivering packages if we could do it together, Emil. We'd seal each delivery with a kiss.~ (Marta gushes. Emil sweatdrops)

SUBJECT: My husband is training in the mountains. He asks me to deliver to him, but there are monsters in that area. Will someone please deliver dinner to him?
 * Dinner Delivery (QSTDD)*

<The party reaches the area> MARTA: We're supposed to deliver dinner to the person who's in training here, right? (Suddenly, off in the distance, there's a sound) ???: (Offscreen) Oooooh... EMIL: (Slumps) Was that a monster?! I don't like the sound of that. MARTA: (Anrgily) Do you hear yourself?! Come on, Emil! Get it together! TENEBRAE: Lady Marta's right. We took on this request, so we'd better deliver this dinner as fast as we can. MARTA: (Pumped) We've got to get it there before this soup gets cold! Let's move!

<The party heads further in> MARTA: (Peppy) Okay, that's the spirit! ???: (Offscreen) Aieeeyaaah! EMIL: (Slumps, nervous) That sounded terrible! What kind of monster could it be? I hope everything's all right. MARTA: (Angrily) Stop whimpering, already! We've got to hurry, Emil!

<The party goes even further in> MARTA: (Jump for joy) Okay, let's keep up this pace! EMIL: You're sure in high spirits, Marta. MARTA: (Secretive) Well, yeah, I mean... EMIL: (Puzzled) You mean? ???: Gyaaaar! MARTA: (Shocked) Monsters might be attacking that poor man as we speak! We have to hurry! EMIL: (Nods) Right!

<The party heads much further in> MARTA: He's just a little further, I know it! Come on, hurry. EMIL: Jeez, Marta. You're really worked up over this. MARTA: (Secretive) Well, yeah, I mean... EMIL: (Puzzled) You mean? ???: (Offscreen) Somebody help me! EMIL: (Shocked) That's got to be him!

-Dialogue A <The party reaches the man, who is on his back> EMIL: Are you okay? HUSBAND: It's all over for me. MARTA: What is it? Were you attacked by monsters? HUSBAND: Ooh... EMIL: Hang in there! (They move forward, but a random monster attacks! The party beats it) HUSBAND: Ooh... EMIL: Please hold on! We've brought you the dinner your wife made you! (The man gets to his feet instantly) MARTA: (Surprised) Are you hurt? HUSBAND: No, I'm just so famished, I can't move a muscle. Quick, the dinner! EMIL: Right. Here it is. (Emil forks over the munchies) EMIL: If that's what happens every time you get hungry, maybe you should call off your training for a while. HUSBAND: No, I've got to keep training until I've gotten stronger. It's what my wife wants! MARTA: (Happy) How romantic! There's nothing like a young couple in love.~ EMIL: (To Marta) Wait. You mean, that's why you were so fired up about completing this quest? MARTA: Of course! It's every girl's dream to make a meal for her sweetheart, you know! (Playful) Someday I'll do the same for you, so pick a really treacherous spot to do your training, okay?! EMIL: (Shocked) What?! TENEBRAE: Ho ho ho...

-Dialogue B <The party reaches the man, who is on his back> EMIL: He's so hungry, he's at the end of his rope! MARTA: We've got to get this dinner to him! (They move forward, but a random monster attacks! The party beats it) EMIL: Here's tonight's dinner. (Emil hands over the dinner) HUSBAND: Man, I've been waiting for this! Thanks a lot! This is the best part of my day. MARTA: You really love your wife, don't you? HUSBAND: Of course I do! It's love that gives me my energy. That little lady means the world to me. MARTA: (Playful) Ooh, now I'm jealous! I want to marry you right this instant, Emil! (Emil Sweatdrops)

SUBJECT: There are rumors that there is a street where you see your doppelganger and then you are never heard from again. Can someone get to the bottom of this? -Dialogue A <The party heads to the location at night> EMIL: (Looks around) So, this is the place where the doppelganger is supposed to show up? (Suddenly, another Emil appears before them. All are shocked.) EMIL: That guy looks like me. MARTA: (Shocked) Forget looking like you, it's like there are two of you! EMIL: (Approaches) Who are you? (The other Emil vanishes, surprising everyone) EMIL: He disappeared. MARTA: What's going on here? (A random monster appears in its place) MARTA: Aaah! EMIL: Whoa! (Light bulb) So that's it! This monster takes on the appearance of whoever crosses its path, and then attacks them while they're surprised! MARTA: (Shocked) And now it's attacking us! (The monster attacks!)
 * Doppelganger Street (QSTDS)*

-Dialogue B <The party heads to the location at night. The second Emil appears right away> EMIL: There it is again. I won't fall for the same trick twice. (The party approaches. The doppelganger vanishes and a random monster drops down) EMIL: (Draws sword) All right, time to teach this monster a lesson! (The monster attacks!)

(The party trounces the monster) EMIL: (Slumps) That takes care of the monster for now, but there's no telling when it might show up again. MARTA: (Looks at Emil) Yeah, it's all about the follow-through with these things.

SUBJECT: We are the city watch that protect the city. However, we don't have much battle experience. That's why we're looking for someone to train us. Come and teach us how to be men!
 * From the City Watch (QSTCW)*

<The party arrives at the location> CITY WATCHMAN: (Nods) Thanks for coming. Please teach us everything you know! EMIL: (Nods) Okay. CITY WATCHMAN: (Fighting pose) Don't go easy on us. Give us everything you've got. We'll fight back for all we're worth! EMIL: (Shocked) What?! (The watchmen attack, and the party beats them) CITY WATCHMAN: (Nods) Thanks. We should be able to last a bit longer in our fights, now. EMIL: I'm glad I could help. Wait, last a bit longer? You mean you're still going to lose to the monsters?

SUBJECT: Our company provides a unique present for birthdays. Our client is looking for the Poropose Stone. We are offering a big reward for a trade.
 * Happy Birthday (QSTHB)*

<The party reaches the location> -Dialogue A MARTA: This request seems sort of weird to me. EMIL: (Curious) Why's that? MARTA: I mean, what's the fun in telling people exactly what you want for your birthday and having them get it for you? I'd be happy to get any present, as long as it was heartfelt. EMIL: I think you're just more caring and thoughtful than most girls, Marta. MARTA: (Turns to Emil) Emil, what did you say just now? EMIL: That I think you're caring and thoughtful? MARTA: (Excited) Say it again! EMIL: (Steps back) You're caring and thoughtful. MARTA: (Loudly) One more time! EMIL: You're caring and thoughtful. MARTA: (Playful) Again!~ Again!~ TENEBRAE: (To Emil) Emil, we should be going. EMIL: (Slumps) Yeah.

-Dialogue B MARTA: So, the poropose stone is at the bottom of this dungeon.

EMIL: (Dialogue A) Let's do our best to make this the happiest birthday ever! (Dialogue B) People need love, gifts and money! Do the right thing and spare no expense! (Dialogue C) The best present isn't only a surprise, it satisfies!

(Awkward silence) MARTA: What's gotten into you? EMIL: It's one of the Happy Birthday company's slogans. The president recommends repeating it before starting any job. MARTA: You don't have to pay attention to a word that money-grubbing president says. EMIL: But... MARTA: Just forget it! Let's go!

<The party meets a random monster> MARTA: It looks like we're stuck if we don't do something about this monster. TENEBRAE: It would appear we may need to use a bit of force. EMIL: (Slumps) I guess you're right. (The party beats the monster) EMIL: Okay, let's keep going.

<The party beats a second random monster> MARTA: (Pumped) All right, here we go! Let's keep this up! EMIL: Yeah, we're doing pretty well.

<The party beats a third random monster> TENEBRAE: We have nearly reached the bottom of the dungeon. Stay alert until we're finished.

<The party reaches a treasure chest>

-Dialogue A (The chest splits itself into five chests) EMIL: The treasure chest split apart?! TENEBRAE: It would seem that only one of these chests holds a real treasure, while the others are monsters in disguise. We wont be able to avoid a battle if we touch one of the fakes. MARTA: It's like Russian roulette. You choose, Emil. EMIL: Okay.

<Emil chooses the wrong chest> EMIL: (Slumps) Oh, looks like that wasn't it. MARTA: This is no time for pouting. We've got to do something about this monster! EMIL: Got it! (The party fights defeats the monster. Emil walks to the remaining chest and opens it) EMIL: So, this one was the real poropose stone. (Slumps) Why didn't I choose this one to begin with? I guess I'm just not very lucky. MARTA: Forget about it! If you spend your time thinking you're unlucky, your luck really will go sour. EMIL: Okay. MARTA: (Pumped) Never fear, you've got me, and I'll be your goddess of good luck! TENEBRAE: So you fancy yourself a goddess, do you? MARTA: (Angrily) Something wrong with that?! TENEBRAE: Oh no, nothing of the sort. EMIL: Anyway, we've completed the request. Let's take the poropose stone and head back.

<Emil picks the right chest [the one the farthest away from the party]> MARTA: Nice going, Emil! TENEBRAE: Very well. Let's try not to disturb the other monsters as we leave. EMIL: Right!

-Dialogue B MARTA: Now all we have to do is return with this, and we'll be done! EMIL: Let's get it and head back, then. (Suddenly, a man steps out from behind the chest) ???: (Loudly) Wait right there! I am Neighbird, the nefarious treasure nabber! And I'll be nabbing that poropose stone, thank you very much! EMIL: Okay. MARTA: What kind of loser thief introduces himself before trying to pickpocket someone? NEIGHBIRD: Quiet you! He who nabs last laughs last! (The party beats Neighbird into the ground) NEIGHBIRD: I'll let you go without nabbing anything this time. (Salutes) But I am Neighbird. Like a neighbor, I am always nearby, and like a bird, I swoop in to nab your most precious belongings! I won't let a minor defeat such as this get in the way of my treasure-nabbing exploits! W-we will meet again. (Sweatdrops, runs off) TENEBRAE: Neighbird the neighborly nabber. What a delightful young man. (Emil and Marta look irked. Emil goes and opens the chest) MARTA: At any rate, that about wraps up this request. EMIL: Yeah. TENEBRAE: NeighBIRD. It's just too much.

SUBJECT: Meow. A request from a monster. A rogue monster kidnapped its friend. You gotta help it now or it'll get eaten! So help!
 * I Don't Wanna Be Eaten (QSTBE)*

<The party arrives at the location> MONSTER: (Offscreen) Reowr! TENEBRAE: That cry is the warning sound a monster makes when it's in danger of being eaten. MARTA: It sounds like it's coming from far away! EMIL: Let's hurry!

<The party defeats a random monster> MONSTER: (Offscreen) Reowr! *Slurp* TENEBRAE: That cry means the enemy the monster is facing is licking its lips! EMIL: We've got to keep moving!

<The party offs a second random monster> MONSTER: Reowr! Eek! TENEBRAE: That cry is saved for emergencies, when a monster is staring at its enemy's gnashing teeth! EMIL: We've got to move faster!

<The party beats a third random monster> MONSTER: (Offscreen) HELP! EMIL: (To Tenebrae) And what about now?! TENEBRAE: It sounded like "help." You may be familiar with the word. MARTA: (Irked) How can you be so calm at a time like this?! EMIL: Hold on! We're coming.

<The party clobbers the fourth random monster> (The endangered monster, a Mandragora, stands before them) EMIL: We did it! MARTA: We saved the monster from being eaten! EMIL: (Slumps) That was close. MONSTER: Tyank... ruu. (Emil and Marta look up in surprise) MARTA: I think he's trying to say... EMIL: I think "tyank ruu" makes sense enough, Marta. MONSTER: Tyank ruu. MARTA: (Playful) You're right. Tyank ruu, too! TENEBRAE: Well, everything worked out in the end.

SUBJECT: Hi, I'm Mauro. The legendary Chosen Spiritua is said to have hid a treasure she received from the angels all over the world. But treasure hunting is really dangerous, so I'm looking for a bodyguard. Don't worry, I'll split the treasures with you.
 * Legend of Spiritua (QSTLS)*

<The party arrives at the area where Mauro is> MAURO: Spiritua's treasure should be located deep within this cave. (Salutes) I'll proceed along the path you opened up for me! Lead the way to the treasure. (Awkward silence) EMIL: The treasure of the legendary Chosen One. It doesn't feel quite right taking it. MARTA: (Playful) Oh come on, Emil. What's the harm? Anyway, let's focus on the task at hand. EMIL: (Nods) Okay.

<The party beats a random monster> MAURO: According to ancient texts, the treasure is guarded by a monster! (Salutes) There's no question about it! Spiritua's treasure is here! Onward, Emil! (Awkward silence)

<The party whomps a second random monster> MAURO: (Excited) The treasure is nearby, I can feel it! I sense the presence of the Chosen! The treasure is just ahead! (Salutes) Yes, Emil, keep going! (Awkward silence) EMIL: (Slumps) Isn't he acting a bit weird? MARTA: He's so obsessed with the treasure, he can't hear how he sounds.

<The party stomps a third random monster> MAURO: (Excited) I feel it! I'm tingling all over! The treasure's just around the corner! (Salutes) Don't stop now, Emil! Knock those monsters dead, dead, dead! (Awkward silence) EMIL/MARTA: (To each other) I hope I never wind up like him.

<The party bops a fourth random monster and reaches the treasure!> MAURO: (Excited) This is it! At long last Spiritua's treasure will be mine! (Mauro opens the box. An awkward silence) EMIL: This is Spiritua's treasure? MAURO: (Gets angry) Of course it isn't! Damn it! You're welcome to it! (Muzzy) So it wasn't here, after all. On to the next adventure! I'll be issuing another request! See to it that you sign up. I'll have plenty of work for you! (Emil and Marta hang their heads) MARTA: He's like a totally different person.

EMIL: (Dialogue A) I get the feeling he'll come to a bad end if he keeps this up. (Dialogue B) (Slumps) Whether it's ruins or treasures, people who are into antiques are just so--never mind.. (Dialogue C) We'd better find that treasure as fast as we can for Mauro.

SUBJECT: I'm Donero, a Ruin Maniac. I wanna investigate precious ruins, but monsters are gettin' in my way. Get rid of 'em fer me will ya?
 * Lookin' Fer Some Help (QSTLH)*

<The party reaches the area> MONSTER: (Offscreen) Aroooo... DONERO: (Offscreen) Yer in the way! Go on, git! Scram, you doggone monster! EMIL: (Recoils) It's Donero! TENEBRAE: What a strange manner of speech he has. MARTA: Never mind that, let's help him!

<The party fights a random monster> MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Well boy howdy, we did it! TENEBRAE: Lady Marta. You're starting to sound like him. MARTA: (Irked) And whaddya reckon's wrong with that?! DONERO: (Offscreen) Yer in the way! Scram, varmint! Go on, git! EMIL: W-we'd better hurry!

<The party fights a second random monster> MARTA: Ya think old Donero's still hangin' tough? TENEBRAE: Well shuck, I don't rightly know. Oh no. Not me, too. DONERO: (Offscreen) Dag nabbit! I'm tryin' ta investigate these precious ruins! I told y'all ta keep outta my way! EMIL: It sounds like he's doing all right. TENEBRAE: (Looks at Emil) I see you haven't picked up his peculiar speech patterns, Emil. EMIL: Enough about that, let's go!

<The party fights another random monster> MARTA: Well, yee-haw! Sounds like Donero's not pushin' up the daisies yet. DONERO: (Offscreen) Yeeouch! That hurt, ya big brute! Whadya go an' bite me 'fer?! EMIL: He might be in trouble! TENEBRAE: What I still ain't been able ta figure, is why Emil here ain't started talkin' like the rest of us. Can't figure how you can help it. EMIL: (Flustered) Forget that, we've got to hurry!

<The party fights the last random monster> (The party finally meets our blatant Southern stereotype) DONERO: Well howdy do, y'all? I reckon yer the ones that done answered my request. Much obliged! EMIL: I'm just glad we got to you before you got eaten up. MARTA: Wouldn't it be better to do your research somewhere a little less dangerous? DONERO: (Irked) Now yer talkin' like a plum idjit! It's ruins like these ones here that hole the secrets of tomorrow! If'n I turn my back on the ruins, I'd be sellin' the future down the river fer a wooden nickel! I'm stayin' put until my investigatin's all done! If I get in a pinch, I'll put out another request. I'd be much obliged if ya helped me again. TENEBRAE: Still, I find it curious that you never succumbed to his infections dialect, Emil. EMIL: I swear, Tenebrae! You can be downright ornery, when ya put yer mind to it! Oh no. TENEBRAE: (Cheerful) I just wanted to hear it that once. (Emil gets annoyed)

SUBJECT: My husband, a doctor, went looking for medical herbs and hasn't returned yet. Both his patients and I are very worried about him. Please help us find my husband.
 * Medicine is Benevolence (QSTME)*

<The party arrives at the location> EMIL: This is the place they said the missing doctor came to gather herbs, right?

-Dialogue A MONSTER: (Offscreen) Arooooo... TENEBRAE: Please be careful, Emil. It seems this dungeon is infested with plant monsters. There are even those that can swallow a person whole. EMIL: Do you think the doctor got swallowed up by some plant?! TENEBRAE: I would say the possibility is likely. EMIL: (Shocked) Then we've got to save him before he gets digested!

-Dialogue B TENEBRAE: This place is brimming with monsters. (Dialogue A) The good doctor may care greatly for his patients, but he should think of his poor wife as well. (Dialogue B) It may be for his patients, but this doctor does indeed have a flair for the dramatic, disappearing like this whenever he goes to gather herbs. (Dialogue C) You'd think doctors could learn a little about self defense with all that studying they have to do.

EMIL: (Dialogue A) I guess being a doctor is no easy job. Let's find him for the sake of his waiting patients! (Dialogue B) You might be right. Anyway, let's hurry up and find him. (Dialogue C) It must be sort of nice to be depended on by so many people. Okay, let's save the doctor!

<The party fights a random monster> EMIL: So this monster wasn't the one.

<The party beats a second random monster> EMIL: This isn't it, either. We've gotta hurry and find the monster that swallowed him!

<The party whomps a third random monster> EMIL: (Steps back) Wait, do you think the doctor disappeared along with the monster? TENEBRAE: No. If we defeat the monster that swallowed the doctor, we're sure to find him.

<The party reaches a fourth random monster> ???: Ooooh... EMIL: Is this the one? ???: Help! Someone, please help! EMIL: (Shocked) That sounded like a human voice! TENEBRAE: Yes, I heard it too. He must be inside this monster! EMIL: (Steps forward) Okay! Let's get him out!

(The party makes the monster cough up the doctor)

-Dialogue A EMIL: Thank goodness. DOCTOR: You saved me. Thank you! I got swallowed up when I came here looking for healing herbs. I thought for sure I was done for. EMIL: Your wife and patients are all waiting for you. Let's head back. DOCTOR: Right. I've got the herbs I came for, so I'll be able to cure my patients! EMIL: The health of your patients is important, but so is your own. You should stop going to dangerous places like this. DOCTOR: But a doctor can't afford to be afraid of monsters. I will come as many times as I must, so long as there is a need. EMIL: But... DOCTOR: If you're that worried about it, come and save me again the next time I get swallowed up! (Emil slumps)

-Dialogue B EMIL: The main thing is that you're safe. DOCTOR: Oh, so you were the ones who saved me. MARTA: I know your patients are important, and that you need these herbs, but you've got to take care of yourself, too. DOCTOR: But I've pledged myself to a life as a man of medicine. I can't afford to let something like this frighten me! I'll leave it to you guys if I get swallowed again! Thanks in advance for saving me in the future. (Emil slumps)

SUBJECT: The monsters in the forest are destroying our town. They'll probably stop once their boss is defeated, but it's too strong for us. Can someone defeat it instead?
 * Monster Forest (QSTMF)*

<The party goes into the forest at night> EMIL: The boss of monsters, huh?

(Dialogue A) (Curious) What does giving something "a good WHACK" mean? (Dialogue B) (Muzzy) Maybe we'll be able to settle all this by talking things over. (Dialogue C) (Slumps) He's probably pretty tough. Maybe he'll go easy on us. (Dialogue D) He must be some sort of V.I.P. Wait, he's a monster, so would that make him a V.I.M.?

MARTA: Are you going to stand there muttering all day?! (Suddenly, a random monster appears) EMIL: I'm going to whack this monster! (The party beats the monster)

-Dialogue A EMIL: I wonder if this means I've become the boss of the forest, now. TENEBRAE: Then, the next one getting whacked might just be you, Emil.

-Dialogue B EMIL: Well, I guess I gave him a pretty good whack.

-Dialogue C EMIL: That should keep the town safe for a while.

SUBJECT: Meow. A request from a monster. Four of our monster friends are sick and can't move. Someone needs to deliver medicine to them!
 * Monster Medicine (QSTMM)*

<The party arrives at the location> EMIL: Let's hurry and deliver the herbs! MARTA: It's just a simple delivery, so this job should be a cinch! TENEBRAE: I wonder. (Dialogue A) Sometimes when a monster falls ill, it grows very large and becomes quite ferocious. (Dialogue B) In the grips of a fever, a sick monster may lash out at anyone nearby. (Dialogue C) Sometimes when a monster falls ill, it travels the world in search of nourishment, gobbling up food wherever it goes. (Dialogue D) Sometimes when a monster gets sick, it falls in love with the first person who approaches it. (Dialogue E) When a monster becomes particularly ill, it can knock people to the ground just by sneezing.

EMIL: (Sweatdrop) It sounds dangerous. MARTA: Right, let's hurry up and deliver these herbs!

<The party comes across a random monster> EMIL: We've brought the herbs! Here, use these to-- (The monster gets aggressive, scaring Emil and Marta) MONSTER: Graaah! TENEBRAE: Oh no! This monster has "bad boy disease." It will pick a fight with any male that comes too near to it! We'll have to try and subdue it! EMIL: (Irked) That's sort of an inconvenient illness. MARTA: So, all we have to do is subdue it, right? TENEBRAE: Do try to show a little restraint. EMIL: (Nods) I know. (The party defeats the monster) MONSTER: Aroooo... TENEBRAE: There, he's calmed down. Now, use the herbs. EMIL: (Nods) Right. (Emil gives the monster the herbs) TENEBRAE: His illness appears to have been healed! MARTA: It worked, Emil. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah! Let's help out the other monsters!

<The party meets a second random monster> MARTA: We've brought some herbs. We aren't here to hurt you. MONSTER: Kuuu... MARTA: This monster doesn't seem violent at all. MONSTER: (Notices Marta, loudly) KUUUUU! MARTA: (Shocked) Aaah! TENEBRAE: Oh no! This monster has "good girl disease"! He's desperate to get the attention of any female that approaches! EMIL: What should we do? TENEBRAE: We must treat him like a spoiled child! The only cure is stern discipline! EMIL: If you say so! Let's give it a try, Marta! MARTA: Yeah! Emil's the only one I'll let beg for my attention! (Emil sweatdrops. The party trounces the monster) MONSTER: Purrr... TENEBRAE: Our discipline appears to have had the desired effect. He's ashamed of his behavior. Now, use the herbs. MARTA: (Nods) Right. (Marta gives the herbs to the monster) TENEBRAE: The herbs seem to have worked. EMIL: You did it, Marta. MARTA: (Nods) Yeah! Let's move on to the next one!

<The party finds a third random monster> (Tenebrae seems to talk to the monster, then looks annoyed) EMIL: What is it, Tenebrae? TENEBRAE: This monster is speaking to me, but it's actually asleep. This monster is suffering from "napper's lament," a disease that can make it fall asleep at any time or place. MARTA: So we need to wake it up? TENEBRAE: Yes. Please go all out. MARTA: Okay, ready? (To the monster, loudly) RISE AND SHINE! (The monster wakes up, and the party slaps some sense into it) TENEBRAE: It seems to have awakened, at last. Now, use the herbs. MARTA: Got it. (Marta treats the monster) TENEBRAE: There, that should do it. EMIL: (Nods) Great. Just one left. MARTA: (Nods) All right, let's finish this!

<The party runs into the final random monster> EMIL: Your friend hired us to bring you these herbs. MONSTER: Grrrrr! TENEBRAE: (Shocked) Oh no! This is-- (The monster multiplies itself) EMIL: (Shocked) The monster split four ways! TENEBRAE: This monster has "shock splitosis," a disease that causes it to break part when taken by surprise! MARTA: What are we supposed to do? TENEBRAE: You must first defeat all four of its parts, then apply the herbs when it has calmed down! MARTA: (Irked) What is with these weird diseases?! EMIL: I guess monsters are really sensitive. (The party beats the monster) MONSTER: Frooo... TENEBRAE: There, that's calmed it down. Now, use the herbs. EMIL: (Nods) Okay, relax. I won't hurt you. (Emil treats the monster.) TENEBRAE: Excellent! Now all of the monsters have been cured of their diseases! EMIL: It makes you realize how important a doctor's work really is. MARTA: (Playful) If you want to be the doctor, Emil, I'll be the nurse. EMIL: (Slumps) Not this again. TENEBRAE: Emil, Lady Marta is lovesick, after all. You must administer the proper treatment. (Emil is irked)

SUBJECT: Our family member disappeared in the grasslands at night. Others say that it's divine intervention, so we should give up our search, but I don't want to. Please find out what happened!
 * Mysterious Disappearances (QSTMD)*

<The party heads out to the plains at night> EMIL: (Dialogue A) So this is where people vanished. (Dialogue B) It's dark out here on the plains at night. (Dialogue C) The plains are pretty scary at night. (Dialogue A) (Slumps) Something's going to jump out at me, I just know it. (Dialogue B) (Slumps) I don't think it's a good idea to go out at night even if there weren't any disappearances. (Dialogue C) I wanna go back.

MARTA: (Dialogue A) (Playful) How is being scared going to get anything done, Emil? (Dialogue B) (Playful) I wouldn't mind disappearing as long as I was with you. (Dialogue C) (Playful) No worries, I'll protect you!

(Suddenly, a random monster appears) EMIL: (Straightens up) Look at that! Could those be causing the disappearances?! (The party beats the monster)

-Dialogue A (A dog is found) EMIL: (Shocked) What?! There was a dog inside that monster?! DOG: Woof! EMIL: So then, the missing family member was this dog? MARTA: Hey, dogs can be very important family members. EMIL: (Nods) I guess you're right. We'd be pretty lonely without Tenebrae around. TENEBRAE: Except that I'm not a dog.

-Dialogue B (A cat is found) EMIL: (Shocked) There was a cat inside that monster?! CAT: Meow! EMIL: So then, the missing family member was this cat? CAT: Mew! MARTA: (Gushy) Oh, losing a kitty as cute as this would be hard on anyone. EMIL: (Nods) Yeah, I guess you're right. CAT: Meow.

-Dialogue C (A child is found) EMIL: (Shocked) What?! There was a person inside that monster?! CHILD: Where am I? EMIL: These are plains near town. CHILD: Thank goodness! I thought I was done for when that monster gobbled me up. EMIL: What were you doing in a place like this? Your family's been worried about you. CHILD: Everyone kept saying how dangerous this place was, so I came to see what all the fuss was about! EMIL: What? CHILD: It was pretty cool, so I'll definitely come back. Come rescue me if I get gobbled up again, okay? (The party looks irked)

SUBJECT: Fight. Fight me... That is my only wish.
 * Mysterious Swordsman 1 (QSTMS1)*

<The party arrives at the location> (There isn't anyone around) EMIL: That's weird. This is the place written in the request. (Suddenly, there's a faint flash. The swordsman appears, his head down) EMIL: Are you the one who posted the request? SWORDSMAN: Fight. EMIL: What is it you're hoping to accomplish? Are you in training? SWORDSMAN: (Brandishes sword angrily) Fight. Fight me! MARTA: What's with him? It's like he didn't hear a word you said. EMIL: (Draws sword) I guess we've got no choice then. SWORDSMAN: Fight. (The party defeats the swordsman) SWORDSMAN: (Keels over) Gaaah. (Another faint flash, and the swordsman is gone) EMIL: Look, he's gone! I wonder where he went. MARTA: There was something not right about that guy.

SUBJECT: Fight. Fight me... That is my only wish.
 * Mysterious Swordsman 2 (QSTMS2)*

<The party goes to the spot> (Nobody is there) EMIL: (Looks around) We've answered this request before. I wonder if it's the same person. (Suddenly, there's a faint flash. The swordsman appears, his head down) SWORDSMAN: Fight. EMIL: Look, it is that guy from before! Just who is he? SWORDSMAN: (Brandishes sword angrily) Fight. Fight me! EMIL: (Draws sword) Maybe we'll get to the bottom of this if we fight him! MARTA: I'm willing to try. (The party beats the swordsman) SWORDSMAN: (Keels over) Gaaah. (Another faint flash, and the swordsman is gone) EMIL: Did his sword glow just now? TENEBRAE: Yes, it certainly did. MARTA: What was that about? And he's disappeared again. EMIL: That sword might hold some sort of secret.

SUBJECT: Fight. Fight me... That is my only wish.
 * Mysterious Swordsman 3 (QSTMS3)*

<The party goes to the spot> (Nobody is there) EMIL: (Looks around) This request must be from that swordsman again. MARTA: Yeah. The wording is the same and everything. (Suddenly, there's a faint flash. The swordsman appears, his head down) EMIL: I knew it. SWORDSMAN: Fight. (The sword the man holds glitters) EMIL: I think I've got it. The key to this whole thing is his sword! MARTA: Right! SWORDSMAN: (Brandishes sword angrily) Fight. Fight me! EMIL: I'm going to solve the riddle of this swordsman once and for all! (The party fights and beats the swordsman. His sword glitters once more, then shatters) SWORDSMAN: (Falls on his back) Gaaah. EMIL: (Surprised) The sword broke?! SWORDSMAN: ...You. EMIL: Huh? SWORDSMAN: Thank... you. (Rises up, ghostly) I have waited a long while... for a true swordsman to appear... and free me from this sword. What is your name? EMIL: It's Emil! SWORDSMAN: Emil. It is a good name. EMIL: And what's your name? SWORDSMAN: I am but a servant of Lord General Nebilim. A foolish, weak swordsman who not only failed to keep his master from the clutches of darkness, but fell victim to the curse of the sword himself. But now, at long last, I can sleep peacefully. Farewell Emil. EMIL: You're not foolish or any of that. You were dedicated to perfecting your skills as a swordsman. That's why you always rose again whenever you were defeated. It doesn't mean you were being controlled by any curse. SWORDSMAN: You're kind to say those words. Thank you. (Another faint flash, and the swordsman is gone)

SUBJECT: A garuda shows up in the stone dais to play, but the wind is too strong for us. We're looking for someone to play with it instead.
 * Play in Asgard (QSTPA)*

<The party arrives at the dais> EMIL: I guess garudas really have a thing for Asgard's stone dais. MARTA: We know it doesn't mean any harm, but we can't let it go on bothering people like this, either. TENEBRAE: Perhaps if we entertain it for a while, it'll be satisfied and go away. Emil, please give it a try. EMIL: Yeah, here's hoping I don't get blown away.

<Emil gets blown away> (Emil slumps, irked) EMIL: It's no good. I got blown away like a speck of dust. TENEBRAE: Lady Marta has had quite the appetite, lately. Perhaps she wouldn't be as easy to blow away. MARTA: (Irked) And what's that supposed to mean?! TENEBRAE: Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.

<Emil doesn't get blown away> (Emil steps off the dais) MARTA: (Pumps fists) Nice going, Emil. EMIL: It looks like the garuda's returned to the skies. TENEBRAE: It'll most likely come again once some time passes. Please come here again and play with it. EMIL: Yeah, I will. After all, it's humans who decided monsters always have to be the bad guys. TENEBRAE: Both the monster and I are quite happy that you admit to that.

SUBJECT: A monster is after our town. The men are useless, and the women can't go against a ferocious monster. Please defeat the monster and protect our town.
 * Protect Our Town (QSTPT)*

<The party rushes to the scene>

EMIL: (Dialogue A) And I can't just let the town go on being attacked. (Dialogue B) I know I agreed to hunt down the monsters... (Dialogue C) And I know I'm probably good enough with a sword to handle this, but still... (Dialogue A) (Slumps) I hope whatever monsters show up aren't too scary. (Dialogue B) (Slumps) There's something kind of creepy about this forest. (Dialogue C) (Slumps) Maybe I never should've agreed to do this in the first place.

(Several monsters pop up, surprising everyone)

EMIL: (Dialogue A) Here goes nothing! (Dialogue B) There they are! (Dialogue C) I won't lose!

(The party defeats the monsters)

EMIL: (Dialogue A) (Slumps) Wow, protecting towns is hard work. (Dialogue B) Guess I should head back before the next monster shows up. (Dialogue C) That wasn't too bad. I did pretty well! (Pumps fist, then gets quiet) Hope nobody heard that.

SUBJECT: Meow. There's a rumor that a famous treasure hunter hid a trophy in a nearby dungeon. All adventurers interested should try looking for it!
 * Treasure Hunter's Trophy (QSTTH1)*

<The party reaches the area> EMIL: So this is the secret spot? What do you think this treasure hunter's trophy is, anyway? MARTA: Well, we'll know as soon as we find it, I'm sure. We're got to make sure no other treasure hunters beat us to it either! EMIL: (Nods) Right!

<The party meets a man almost immediately> TREASURE HUNTER: You two are looking for the treasure, too? I'd love to get a glimpse if you end up finding it. Don't worry, I wouldn't try to steal it. EMIL: (Sweatdrops, slumps) That was fishy.

<The party beats a random monster> MARTA: Now we can keep going. Come on, Emil. EMIL: You're pretty into this, aren't you, Marta? MARTA: Well, the idea of a secret treasure's just so exciting! (Blush) I hope it's a humungous diamond. Then you could use it for an engagement ring and give it to me. EMIL: (Sweatdrops) Shouldn't we get going?


 * TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: "Humongous" is another way of spelling it.

<The party meets a little kid> TREASURE HUNTER: You kids have nerve, thinking you're treasure hunters. Shouldn't you be in school? EMIL: But you're just a kid yourself!

<The party thumps a second random monster> EMIL: All right, let's keep moving. MARTA: I wonder what the treasure is. Maybe it's a long lost wedding dress once used by a lady in ancient times. (Blush) If it is, I'll put it on right there and we can be married on the spot. EMIL: I seriously doubt it's a dress. I'm sure it's your typical gold and silver. MARTA: (Muzzy) Well, that's not very romantic at all! (Emil sweatdrops)

<The party finds a woman> WOMAN: Did you find any treasure? I don't think there are any around here. Why not run along home now? EMIL: But why haven't you left yet, ma'am? WOMAN: Oh, there's still something I have to do here. Okay, run along. Don't worry, I'm not planning on looking for it after you kids are gone. Not at all, you know. (Emil slumps, muzzy)

<The party whomps a third random monster> MARTA: We're almost to the deepest part. That's got to be where we'll find the treasure. EMIL: It is pretty exciting. MARTA: (Blush) What if the treasure hunter's trophy turns out to be a pair of wedding rings that once belonged to a king and queen? We'd have to use the rings in our wedding, of course. It's like our meeting was fated. EMIL: Your power of imagination just astounds me. MARTA: (Irked) What's wrong with it?! EMIL: (Sweatdrops, slumps) Whatever it is, I doubt I'll be able to compete with it.

<The party reaches a treasure chest, but a monster is guarding it> MARTA: Emil, look! That's the secret treasure! EMIL: If it's being guarded by a monster, it must be something good. MARTA: That's got to be the treasure hunter's trophy! Let's get rid of that monster and grab it for ourselves! EMIL: Right! (The party offs the monster) MARTA: We did it! Let's open it, and see what's inside! EMIL: Okay, here goes. (Emil walks over and opens the chest) EMIL: This is the treasure hunter's trophy? MARTA: Well, that's sort of a letdown. Where are my diamonds, or my dress, or my wedding ring? EMIL: There's something else in here. It looks like a note with the letter "L" written on it. TENEBRAE: Perhaps it's a message left behind by the great treasure hunter. If there are other notes like it, and you bring them together, then-- MARTA: (Light bulb) It will lead us to the hidden treasures of a lost civilzation?! TENEBRAE: I can't be sure, but if we have an opportunity like this in the future, we might be wise to take it. EMIL: Yeah! MARTA: Right!

SUBJECT: Meow. There's a rumor that a famous treasure hunter his a trophy in a nearby dungeon. All adventurers should try looking for it!
 * Treasure Hunter's Trophy Take Two (QSTTH2)*

<The party arrives at the spot> EMIL: A secret treasure. I wonder if we'll find another note here, too. MARTA: The first one we found was just the letter "L." EMIL: What sort of clue do you think it'll be this time? MARTA: (Pumps fists) I can hardly wait. Let's get going! EMIL: Right.

<The group meets a priest> TREASURE HUNTER: Are you guys looking for the treasure, too? Better watch out, there are monsters everywhere. Don't get me wrong. It's not like I'm just standing here because I'm too scared to move a muscle. (Emil slumps)

<The party beats a random monster> MARTA: (Pumps fists) Let's keep it up! There are plenty of other people gunning for the treasure, too. EMIL: Yeah. We've come this far, now we've got to find out what the treasure is.

<The group meets an old man> TREASURE HUNTER: Young man, why is it that people are drawn to treasure? EMIL: I don't know. TREASURE HUNTER: It is because we long for that which remains just out of reach. It's taken me these eighty years to realize this. And so, young man, I will give you my advice. Give up the treasure and go home. (Emil slumps)

<The group thumps a second random monster> MARTA: I've had it with all these monsters getting in our way. Tenebrae, isn't there something you can do? TENEBRAE: Well, if Lord Ratatosk were awakened... MARTA: Oh right, I forgot about that. EMIL: We'll just have to keep doing what we're doing. MARTA: Yeah. EMIL: Okay, let's keep going.

<The party meets a little kid> TREASURE HUNTER: A number of treasure hunters have lost their lives in their attempts to claim the secret treasure. There are even those that say the treasure was cursed by the legendary hunter himself. We must make sure to proceed with caution. (Emil nods)

<The group beats a third random monster> TENEBRAE: I feel the strong presence of a monster up ahead. It would seem we are nearing our goal. MARTA: He must be guarding the treasure. EMIL: (Skull, slumps) It sounds sort of scary when you put it that way. MARTA: (Playful) Oh, it'll be fine. I'm here, remember? Besides, just knowing we'll be getting married right after we find the treasure should give you the courage you need, right? EMIL: (Still slumped) Not exactly. MARTA: You're supposed to say "yes" even if you don't mean it! Come on, let's go. EMIL: (Straightens up) Okay.

<The party finds the treasure chest, but a monster is guarding it> EMIL: What's that?! TENEBRAE: It must be the treasure hunter's trophy. MARTA: Let's get rid of that monster and grab the treasure for ourselves! EMIL: Yeah! (The party creams the monster) EMIL: All right, and now the treasure chest. (The party goes and opens the chest. Emil is silent) EMIL: There wasn't anything that qualifies as treasure this time, either. MARTA: What about a note from the great treasure hunter? EMIL: There it is. It's the letter "A." MARTA: L, A, LA? La? That's not enough to give us any real meaning. TENEBRAE: There are most likely other memos waiting to be discovered elsewhere. EMIL: Yeah, it looks like this isn't over yet. (Stands up) It's sort of fun though. Like solving a riddle. MARTA: (Pumps fists) You're right. We'll just have to keep at it.

SUBJECT: Meow. There's a rumor that a famous treasure hunter hid a trophy in a nearby dungeon. All adventurers interested should try looking for it!
 * Treasure Hunter's Trophy Take Three (QSTTH3)*

<The party arrives at the area> EMIL: So, the notes we've collected so far have had the letters "L" and "A" written on them. MARTA: If we can find a third note, we might be able to make some sense out of all this. EMIL: Right. We'll have to be careful, though.

<The party comes across a man> TREASURE HUNTER: So, you've come in search of the secret treasure. EMIL: Well, yes. TREASURE HUNTER: Then, no hard feelings. But this is the end of the line for you! (He draws a sword. Emil and Marta are stunned) TREASURE HUNTER: The secret treasure's all mine! MARTA: (Irked) Yeah, right! You think we're gonna just give it up to somebody like you?! TREASURE HUNTER: Oh, so it's a fight you want? You're gonna regret saying that! EMIL: (Bravely) Right back at you! MARTA: You tell him, Emil! (Blush) (The man attacks. The party defeats him) TREASURE HUNTER: Gah... MARTA: Treasure hunting is everyone's dream, not just yours! EMIL: I don't think that's a reason to go around threatening people, Marta. TREASURE HUNTER: I'll remember this! (Gets up and runs away) MARTA: What a jerk! I should've really let him have it while I had the chance. EMIL: If we overdid it like that, we'd be no different from him. MARTA: But... EMIL: We've got to keep cool heads about this, and still find the treasure before guys like him. MARTA: You've right, I'm sorry. See, that's just what I like about you.~ (Blush) EMIL: (Blushes, then shakes it off) Okay then, let's keep going!

<The group meets an old woman> TREASURE HUNTER: Young man, why is it that people are drawn to treasure? EMIL: I don't know. TREASURE HUNTER: The treasure is actually beside the point. It's the time we spend searching that's truly worth its weight in gold. It's taken me eighty years to realize this. And so, young man, I will give you my advice. Even if you find the treasure, just let it be. I'll go through the trouble of disposing of it for you. (Emil slumps)

<The party beats a random monster> MARTA: (Jumps for joy) Okay, on to the next one. The coolest heads will prevail! Every hammer needs a nail! EMIL: (Puzzled) Every hammer needs a nail? MARTA: I just thought it had a nice ring to it, that's all. Come on, let's get going! EMIL: (Nods) Right.

<The party beats a second random monster> TENEBRAE: We're nearing the dungeon's most inner reaches. Let's proceed with the utmost caution. EMIL: (Slumps, muzzy) I wonder if there'll be a tough looking monster guarding this treasure, too. MARTA: (Playful) No worries. We'll just keep our heads cool and take him down! EMIL: (Sweatdrop) Yeah, right.

<The party comes across a hot girl> TREASURE HUNTER: My, you're quite the cutie, aren't you? (Emil gets flustered) TREASURE HUNTER: If you were to find the secret treasure, I'd have no trouble falling for someone like you. EMIL: (Steps back) F-falling for me? TREASURE HUNTER: There's so much I could teach you.~ MARTA: (Angrily) Hey, you hag! Don't you look at my Emil that way.~ TREASURE HUNTER: (Angrily) Hag?! EMIL: Marta, let's get out of here!

<The party reaches the chest, which is indeed guarded by a monster> MARTA: Look, there's the treasure chest! Let's get rid of that monster and grab the next note. EMIL: Okay. Let's go! (The party squashes the monster) MARTA: Okay, no more monster. Come on, open the box! EMIL: All right, I'm opening it. (Emil goes and opens the chest) EMIL: Is the note in here? There it is! It's the letter "E". MARTA: E? TENEBRAE: The notes so far have contained the letters "L" and "A", correct? If we rearrange all three letters, the only like word is. ALE. (Emil and Marta sweatdrop) MARTA: What does beer have to do with this? EMIL: (Stands up) No comment. TENEBRAE: I was only giving it my best guess. These letters can't be made into any other word though, correct? EMIL: What about "EAL?" TENEBRAE: I don't think that's how the word is spelled. Anyway, it would appear we have yet to find all of the notes. EMIL: Yeah. Finding the treasure hunters' trophy is turning out to be more difficult than I thought. MARTA: I know. But if we keep this up, we're bound to find it eventually. So we can't give up! EMIL: (Nods) Right.

SUBJECT: Meow. The truth of the famous treasure hunter's trophy is said to be hidden in the Twilight Palace. It's very dangerous, but all adventurers interested should go there! Truth lies there, meow!
 * Treasure Hunter's Trophy- The Truth (QSTTH4)*

<The party arrives at Twilight Palace> EMIL: The request said this is where we'd find the truth about the treasure. MARTA: This has got to be where we'll find the final note and the secret treasure! TENEBRAE: This place is crawling with monsters, as usual. You'll be attacked from behind if you don't look out. Do take care. EMIL: Right, let's go.

<The party gets wiped out> EMIL: (Slumps) I wish we could've seen the treasure.

<The party whomps a Pyanopsion, a big plant boss> EMIL: All right. That's one down.

<In an all-blue chamber, the party defeats Maimakterion, a giant bat> MARTA: Good, let's keep this up.

<In an all-red chamber, the party slays Poseideon, a giant polliwog> TENEBRAE: You're doing fine. Only one more to go! EMIL: (Pumps fist) Right!

<In the great green room, the party finds the final treasure chest> EMIL: Here's the chest, but there's no monster guarding it. MARTA: It might be some kind of trap. Be careful. EMIL: Yeah. (Emil walks to the chest) EMIL: Please don't be booby trapped! (Emil opens the chest. He looks puzzled) MARTA: What's wrong, Emil? EMIL: There's nothing but a note inside. It's the letter "S". MARTA: S? EMIL: If we look at all the notes together, we've got... MARTA: L, A, E, and S. EMIL: (Light bulb) Could it be SEAL? Maybe there's something being sealed up. MARTA: That's got to be it. The secret treasure's been sealed away somewhere. EMIL: But how are we supposed to break it? Do you think there's a password, or something? TENEBRAE: Break, seal, I command it! (Nothing happens) MARTA: Listen. Do you really think it would be anything that simple? (Suddenly, a horrendous creature, Album Atrum, appears where the chest was!) EMIL: (Shocked) It's working! MONSTER: Graaaah!! (Album Atrum and his four minions attack the party. Through some miracle of nature, our human heroes manage to defeat them) EMIL: Does that mean this monster was the secret treasure? MARTA: It didn't seem that special. TENEBRAE: You're right. (Suddenly, a little pink cat appears before them, surprising them all) ???: Meow, meow! EMIL: What's this? MARTA: (Gushy) It's adorable!~ TENEBRAE: (Excited) I can't believe it! It's the elusive Kitty Kat, a rare monster long thought to be extinct! EMIL: So that's what the treasure hunter's trophy was. TENEBRAE: It's amazing, simply fantastic! It warms my heart to know that even some humans would be concerned with the extinction of a poor monster such as this. KITTY KAT: Meow! TENEBRAE: Lord Emil, I would ask that you befriend this monster and look after it's welfare. EMIL: Of course I will. TENEBRAE: I owe you my most sincere thanks. EMIL: It's no problem. We'll take good care of the Kitty Kat until it can live with others of its kind. MARTA: The true treasure hunter's trophy might have been a desire for people and monsters to live together in peace. TENEBRAE: I do enjoy a happy ending. EMIL: I think you're right, Marta. MARTA: (Pumps fists) This treasure hunting business is actually really fun! This is the kind of experience money can't buy. TENEBRAE: Oh? Who was it that said they wanted jewels and a dress for their wedding with Lord Emil? MARTA: Oh, oops. EMIL: Heh heh. TENEBRAE: Ho ho ho.

SUBJECT: A ferocious monster comes from the nearby grasslands on a full moon and destroys the city. We are all living in fear. Please defeat the monster.
 * Visitor in Moonlight (QSTVM)*

<The party goes to the location, the full moon shining>

EMIL: (Dialogue A) It must be a nuisance to have a monster show up every time there's a full moon. (Dialogue B) I wonder if the full moon riles up monsters, somehow. (Dialogue C) So the monster shows up on the night of a full moon.

(Dialogue A) (Recoils) Wait, maybe it's a werewolf. (Dialogue B) (Slumps, muzzy) So much for enjoying the full moon in peace. (Dialogue C) You'd think monsters would be content just looking at the full moon like everybody else.

TENEBRAE: Do you think the monster still appears even if it's raining? EMIL: I thought you knew everything about monsters. (Suddenly, a random monster appears) EMIL: It's here! Let's take it down! (The party defeats the monster)

-Dialogue A EMIL: (Looks at the moon) Maybe we should admire the full moon a bit since we're here after all. TENEBRAE: A beautiful sight, to be sure. MARTA: (Playful) If I'd known, I would've brought snacks!

-Dialogue B EMIL: (Looks at the moon) I wonder if the man in the moon is smiling at us. TENEBRAE: That is quite a childish notion, if you ask me. MARTA: (Beams) You're so cute, Emil! (Emil slumps)

-Dialogue C EMIL: I felt hot all of a sudden when we were fighting just now. I wonder if it's because of the full moon. TENEBRAE: Well, full moons and werewolves do go hand in hand. You may just have a bit of werewolf in you, Emil. MARTA: (Playful) If Emil were a werewolf, getting attacked wouldn't be that bad. Oh, I didn't mean to say that out loud.~

SUBJECT: I am the Unnamed Swordsman. I travel the world in order to master the way of the sword. If you are proficient with the sword, come and challenge me. You will be rewarded.
 * Wandering Swordsman (QSTWS)*

-Dialogue A <The party finds the strange man> UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: Thank you for coming. Let us begin the contest. EMIL: (Nods) Okay. UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: (Irked) Fool! (Emil looks puzzled) UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: (Angrily) You must show more conviction or I won't get any satisfaction from defeating you! EMIL: (Thinking) He's pretty picky. UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: Now, do your worst! EMIL: (Nods) Okay, here I come!

-Dialogue B <The party finds the strange man> UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: ... EMIL: Hello. UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: ... EMIL: (Louder) Hello! UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: ... EMIL: You're the one who issued the request, right? Why are you silent? UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: (Angrily) Unnecessary speech only betrays one's faults! (Awkward silence) EMIL: (Hangs head, thinking) Is that one of the rules of swordsmanship? UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: (Angrily) A swordsman has no use for idle chatter! EMIL: (Nods) It makes sense, now that you mention it. Here I come!

-Dialogue C <The party finds the strange man> UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: Thank you for coming, young man. I am Musashi the 18th! (The party is surprised) EMIL: Weren't you supposed to be the nameless swordsman? (The swordsman recoils, then bares his sword angrily) UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: Now that you have discovered my identity, I cannot afford to let you live! EMIL: But you told me who you were yourself!

(The party fights and beats the swordsman)

UNNAMED SWORDSMAN: (Dialogue A) I would seem my training has been insufficient. I must start again from square one. The path of the sword is long indeed. (Dialogue B) You have talent, young one. That was a worthy contest. Let us meet again someday. (Dialogue C) (Slumps) The loss is mine. This is not evidence of my weakness, however. It is proof of your strength!

(The swordsman walks away)

EMIL: (Dialogue A) (Slumps) It's not like he's a bad guy. (Straightens up) It sort of makes me wish I had something I was dedicated to like he is. (Dialogue B) I think he takes himself a bit too seriously. (Hangs head) It sort of makes me wish I had something I was dedicated to like he is. (Dialogue C) I guess training is hard. (Hangs head) It sort of makes me wish I had something I was dedicated to like he is.

SUBJECT: Meow. A request from a monster. It lost its home to a rogue monster. If you get its house back it'll give you a treasure passed on for generations. So help.
 * Wanna Go Home (QSTWH)*

<The party arrives at the area> MONSTER: (Offscreen) Grrrr... MONSTER: (Offscreen) Ureee... MONSTER: (Offscreen) Reowrrr... MONSTER: (Offscreen) Gurgle, gurgle. EMIL: (Sweatdrops, slumps) It sounds like there's a lot of monsters. MARTA: (Pumps fist) We can do it, Emil!

<The party beats a random monster> EMIL: That's one. MONSTER: (Offscreen) Uree... MARTA: There's still more to go.

<The party pounds a second random monster> EMIL: That makes two. MONSTER: (Offscreen) Reowrrr... MARTA: (Points) There's another one over there.

<The party squashes a third random monster> EMIL: That's three! MONSTER: (Offscreen) Gurgle, gurgle. MARTA: (Pumped) We're almost there!

<The party clobbers the final random monster> EMIL: It looks like we defeated all of them. MARTA: Yeah, now the monster that was forced out of here can come home. TENEBRAE: A happy ending for all concerned.

SUBJECT: We Monster Busters headed out to defeat monsters, but were defeated by them. Some of our comrades got lost in the scuffle. We're too weak to help them ourselves. Please go help them!
 * We're the Monster Busters (QSTMB)*

<The party arrives at the locale> ???: (Offscreen) Help! MARTA: (Shocked) Over there! EMIL: (Loudly) Hold on! We're coming!

<The party reaches a man and a monster> EMIL: Hurry and get out of here! BUSTERS: (Raises sword) I'm with the Monster Busters. I won't run away. (Turns around, panics)

(Dialogue A) It's not like I'm too scared to move or anything like that. (Dialogue B) I could take this guy down anytime if I really wanted to. (Dialogue C) But this monster's a bit scared of me, so we're just staring each other down.

(Emil slumps, annoyed) EMIL: I'll take care of the monster. Just make sure not to get caught up in the fight. BUSTERS: Well, if you insist. I guess I don't mind leaving this one to you. (The man walks to the side and the party defeats the monster) BUSTERS: I could've handled him on my own, but I suppose I owe you one. Thanks, pal!

<The party reaches another man and a monster> EMIL: Are you okay?! BUSTERS: (Turns to Emil) No, actually, I'm not. I twisted my ankle, and I can't move.

(Dialogue A) (Defensive) I wasn't just waiting around for someone to come and rescue me. (Dialogue B) (Shuddering) It's not because I was thinking that if I played dead the monster wouldn't attack me. (Dialogue C) (Shuddering) It's not because I'm scared stiff or weak in the knees.

EMIL: I'll take care of the monster for you. BUSTERS: Right. You don't look to be injured, so I suppose you'd better handle the fighting! (Emil slumps, annoyed) (The party attacks and defeats the monster) BUSTERS: Thanks a million! I'm gonna head back to town! EMIL: (Slumps) But what about his ankle?

<The party reaches a third man/monster combo> EMIL: Are you hurt? BUSTERS: No, I'm not injured. (Muzzy)

(Dialogue A) I'm so sleepy, I've got no strength left. (Dialogue B) I've caught a cold and I can't find the will to fight it. (Dialogue C) I'm so hungry, there's no way I can fight.

EMIL: I'll take care of this monster, just take it easy. BUSTERS: If I was in top shape, I'd whip this monster in a flash. But I'll take you up on your offer today. (The man steps away, and the party squashes the monster) BUSTERS: Wow, I feel like my old self again! A little sooner and I would've been able to join the fight. Too bad I had to miss it. I'll fight alongside you next time! (Emil slumps)

<The party reaches a fourth man and his un-friend> EMIL: We're here to help! BUSTERS: (Slumps) Forget it, just leave me alone. EMIL: Huh? BUSTERS: (Turns to Emil) We haven't seen a single one of our so-called friends since they took off and left us here.

(Dialogue A) I might as well join these monsters and hunt them down. (Dialogue B) I might as well just let this monster eat me. (Dialogue C) I might as well live the rest of my life right here.

EMIL: Please don't talk like that. I'll get rid of this monster and you can escape with us. BUSTERS: You're not a bad guy, you know that? (Emil slumps, annoyed) (The party beats the monster) EMIL: (Nods) Okay, the monsters are gone. Let's head back together. BUSTERS: Thanks, kid. I'll consider you a true friend from this day forward. (Awkward silence) EMIL: Um, the Monster Busters aren't actually all that strong, are they? BUSTERS: No. EMIL: You should probably wait to hunt monsters 'til you're a bit stronger. BUSTERS: It may be dangerous, but going after monsters is the only way we'll get any better. I'll keep at it for as long as it takes. (Salutes) Just you wait and see, my friend! (Emil slumps)

-- -- -- (5) JOURNAL ENTRIES (JRL) -- -- --

-- -- Chapter 1: World in Discord (JRLCH1) -- --

-- Entry 1 - +++ -- Hi. My name is Emil.

I should probably tell you first that I only started writing this travel journal after I set out on my journey. I thought it might be best to make a record of what had happened in Luin as well, so I went back and wrote down everything that happened up until I set out on my journey. I tried to remember as much as I could, but if I accidentally left something out, I'm sorry. This is my first time doing something like this, but I'll try to do my best.

A monster's howl awoke me. It seemed like the howl was calling to me and I couldn't get it out of my mind. Things like these are why everyone's always making fun of me. There's something wrong with me. Anyway, I couldn't stop thinking about the howl.

It sounded like the howl was coming from the fountain plaza, so I decided to go there myself to see. -- Entry 2 - +++ -- Once I got to the fountain plaza, I ran into Dida and Moll. They started teasing me like they always do. This time it was because I didn't bow to the statue of Lloyd in the plaza. I tried to apologize to get them to leave me alone, but then a stranger helped me out. He was kind of scary, so I couldn't bring myself to thank him. He was the first person who had ever helped me out when people were making fun of me. I was so happy.

That's why I made up my mind to find him and thank him for what he did. -- Entry 3 - +++ -- I found the man who helped me in front of the mayor's house. When I tried to thank him, he gave me the harshest stare, and his voice was so scary that I wasn't able to say anything at all. Then, the man asked me if I've seen a girl with a red jewel on her forehead. I had trouble answering him, and then he told me someone who grovels in fear of another's anger is worse than a dog. He was pretty harsh, but I think what he said encouraged me to be stronger. He also taught me that courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality.

Maybe I can find some courage for myself as well. -- Entry 4 - +++ -- After that, I heard the monster's howl again. It sounded like it was coming from the lakebed of Lake Sinoa, and it still felt like it was calling to me. Lake Sinoa's water has all dried up, and it's possible to get down to the lakebed from outside of town.

My aunt and uncle told me not to go outside of town on my own but I couldn't ignore the howl. I decided to go down to the lakebed and check things out. -- Entry 5 - +++ -- As soon as I got to the town entrance, I ran into Uncle Alba. He said that monsters showed up in Lake Sinoa's lakebed and attacked members of the city watch. I thought maybe the monster that was calling to me had done that and I got a little scared. Uncle Alba told me to go home. I was really conflicted, but I just couldn't get that monster's howl out of my head.

That's why I decided to go outside of Luin by myself for the first time since I came here. -- Entry 6 - +++ -- As soon as I got down to the lakebed, a monster attack me. I tried to run away, but I got hurt and couldn't move. I was so scared and it hurt so much. I thought that was the end, but a girl saved me. Her name was Marta.

Marta asked me if I remembered her, which was odd since I've never met her. I told her the truth, and she seemed disappointed. After that, Marta went into the cave in the lakebed, and right then I saw a red jewel on her forehead. I realized she might be the one the man I met in town was looking for. I had to go and tell that man about Marta since he had saved me, after all. -- Entry 7 - +++ -- As I was coming out of the lakebed, I ran into Uncle Alba again. He told me that because I viewed Lloyd as a bad guy, people are starting to think that he and Aunt Flora are working together with the Vanguard. The Vanguard was formed by Sylvaranti who felt oppressed by Tethe'allans, and wanted to take back their rights. They say the world regeneration failed the people of Sylvarant. It's probably the reason why they hate the Church of Martel and Lloyd, the Chosen's right-hand-man, so much.

Personally, I don't think the world regeneration was a bad thing, but I can see where they're coming from as far as Lloyd's concerned. Lloyd murdered my parents. I feel really bad that my aunt and uncle are having problems because I feel this way, but I can't forgive Lloyd for what he did.

Sorry, didn't mean to go off on a tangent. Anyways, Uncle Alba yelled at me for going to the lakebed, and I decided to go back into town to find the man I saw before. -- Entry 8 - +++ -- I found the man from before in the mayor's house. When I told the man (his name is Richter by the way) about Marta, he asked me to take him to her. Well, actually, I think he had to have me show the way because I couldn't explain to him what happened.

I thought Richter would be furious with me, but instead, he said he was sorry for yelling at me. He's scary and he sounds mean when he talks, but I think he's a good person. Richter's also the first person who's ever really listened to what I've said since I moved to Luin.

I was so happy. To be honest, I felt a little proud to be leading Richter down to the lakebed. -- Entry 9 - +++ -- Once we got to the lakebed, Uncle Alba started scolding me again since I hadn't done what he said and gone back home. The city watch gave me the nastiest look, like I was a piece of garbage. I was really scared.

Then Richter stood up for me, just like he did the time with Dida and Moll. It was the first time anyone had ever stood up to Uncle Alba for me. I was so happy, I almost felt like crying. I knew it was dangerous, but I decided to follow Richter into the lakebed cave. I felt like I could count on him to keep me safe, and he even said he'd bail me out if I got into trouble.

The cave in the lakebed was packed full of monsters. I was really, really scared, but Richter showed me how to fight them, and I did the best I could. -- Entry 10 - +++ -- We found a strange door deep in the cave. On top of that a strange voice came from somewhere and I felt like I was about to lose it. Then Richter told me to wait in front of the door, and he went in by himself.

That was when I heard Marta scream. There were lots of monsters in the cave, so I was worried one of them attacked her. I mean, if Marta hadn't rescued me, I would've died, plus since Richter was on the other side of the door, maybe he was getting attacked too. I panicked and wasn't sure what to do. I was really scared, but I summoned up my courage and decided to go though the door.

After all, courage is the magic that turns dreams into reality. -- Entry 11 - +++ -- On the other side, Marta and Richter were fighting. I had no idea what was going on between them at the time, so I was just confused. I mean, both of them had saved my life, and now they were fighting. I tried desperately to stop them.

This was the first time I heard Ratatosk's name. Richter said he was going to kill Marta because she was trying to awaken Ratatosk, a demon lord. Then Marta said that Ratatosk is actually the lord of all monsters, and he won't destroy the world (it was all very confusing). While I was trying to stop them from fighting, Marta got away and ran deeper into the cave. Richter got a monster named Aqua to stop me, then he went after Marta (I learned later that Aqua's actually a Centurion, not a monster). I didn't want Richter and Marta to fight with each other, so I tried to beat the monster that Aqua summoned, but it was too strong for me. -- Entry 12 - +++ -- That was when I first met Tenebrae. Tenebrae is a Centurion with the power to command monsters to be his servants. He told me that I had to become a Knight of Ratatosk in order to borrow Ratatosk's power to fight. I didn't really understand what was going on, and all I could think about was how Ratatosk was the demon lord Marta and Richter were fighting over, and how scared I was to make a pact. But the one thing that seemed certain was that the only way to resolve the situation I was in was to become a Knight of Ratatosk. -- Entry 13 - +++ -- In the end, I made a pact to become a Knight of Ratatosk, thought it wasn't exactly clear if I'd made the pact with Tenebrae or Ratatosk himself. Anyway, after I made the pact, an unbelievable power welled up inside me, and I was able to beat the monster Aqua was controlling. It seemed like the only time Ratatosk's power would appear was when I fought.

I decided to use this newfound power to go after Marta and Richter. -- Entry 14 - +++ -- As I went after Marta and Richter, Tenebrae told me about pacts with monsters and all sorts of other things. And then we discovered Richter, lying defeated in the middle of the path. I was so surprised. Before he lost consciousness, he told me that he'd been beaten by Lloyd Irving. This made me hate Lloyd even more. Lloyd hurt the man who'd saved me. Why was he always hurting the people most important to me?

I decided to go and get Aqua, in order to help Richter. Tenebrae went on ahead after Marta, afraid that she might be killed by Lloyd.

I was worried for Marta too, but I couldn't just abandon someone who was lying in front of me injured like that. -- Entry 15 - +++ -- I went back to get Aqua, and told her about what happened to Richter. She agreed to go back with me. Aqua seemed worried when I mentioned Lloyd had shown up. I wonder how Lloyd and Richter know each other.

When we got back to Richter, Aqua took him with her and left. At this point, I had no choice but to leave Richter's well-being in Aqua's hands. I decided to hurry after Marta. Tenebrae said Lloyd was trying to kill her, and Marta had saved my life. I was finally powerful enough enough to help her. I was really scared, but I knew I had to try my best to be brave. -- Entry 16 - +++ -- Deep inside the cave I came across something like an altar. Marta was there fighting someone. I immediately knew who her opponent was. I recognized him from t he statue in the fountain plaza. All of the emotions I'd bottled up exploded out of me. The brutal murder of my mom and dad, and the merciless attack on Palmacosta. It was because of that I was taken in by my uncle in Luin, and ostracized by the entire Lloyd-obsessed village. Now Lloyd was even trying to kill Richter and Marta.

I was filled with bitterness, sadness, and anger. My feelings overwhelmed all of my senses. Before I knew it, Lloyd and I were fighting. But Lloyd was really tough, and I--that is, Marta and I--just weren't strong enough to beat him.

We ended up losing to Lloyd, and I passed out. He didn't finish us off, but when I came to, the white jewel that had been on top of the altar was gone. According to Marta, the white jewel is Centurion Lumen's core, and finding it is essential to her and Tenebrae's journey. (I understand just how important it is now, back then I had no idea why something like that could be so important to Marta.)

Anyway, there wasn't much point in staying there, so we decided to team up and leave the cave together. -- Entry 17 - +++ -- When we tried to leave the cave, the door was sealed. Maybe Lloyd did it? Tenebrae guessed that there was a hidden path somewhere, so we searched for another exit. -- Entry 18 - +++ -- We discovered a ridiculous-looking poster on one of the walls that looked like Lloyd had put up. It said, "Jewel Hunter Lloyd Irving has arrived." I used the Sorcerer's Ring to burn it and we discovered a hidden passage behind it. But it was too late. Tenebrae said that he could no longer feel any sign of Lumen's core in the cave. It was too late to follow Lloyd.

But I wonder why Lloyd stole the Centurions' core in the first place. Marta said that the Centurions' cores are the eggs of Centurions like Tenebrae and Aqua. Centurions apparently turn into jewels once they go to sleep. So maybe Lloyd is trying to collect the Centurions.

There were many other things I wanted to know about, but we decided to wait until we'd gotten out of the cave to talk about them. -- Entry 19 - +++ -- The hidden passage was connected to the ruins of the Tower of Mana. The Tower of Mana is a historical site for the Church of Martel, and it was destroyed two years ago around the time of the world regeneration by the Giant Tree Rampage.

They say that Lloyd's a servant for the Church of Martel's Chosen One, who was responsible for the world regeneration. It makes sense that he could have used the Church of Martel's knowledge to sneak into the ruins and steal Lumen's core. According to Tenebrae, Lloyd got away, free and clear. Maybe that was for the best. I wasn't any match for Lloyd in battle, even after borrowing Ratatosk's power.

We didn't know where Lloyd had gone, so there was no use remaining in the ruins any longer. We decided to head back to Luin. -- Entry 20 - +++ -- Marta and Tenebrare told me about all sorts of things on the way back to Luin. At the time I didn't really understand everything that they were telling me, but I'll still write down everything they said here.

The world we live in is one that was created anew by the world regeneration, two years ago. Up until then, the world was divided into two, Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. But they weren't two different countries. They were two different worlds. We Sylvaranti didn't even know about the world of Tethe'alla, and it seem the Tethe'allans didn't know of Sylvarant either. Tenebrae explained that long ago, a Gaint Tree that produced mana, the source of all life, withered, and the plant was in danger of dying out entirely. At the time, the Hero Mithos and the Goddess Martel divided the world in two in order to prevent its destruction.

A long time later, the world of Sylvarant fell into danger of dying out, so the Church of Martel's Chosen of Regeneration set out on a journey to regenerate the world. At the end of the her journey, a new tree to produce mana was planted, and once again the two worlds were reunited as one. We Sylvaranti were suddenly brought face-to-face with the Tethe'allans, and the people of the two societies were abruptly forced to live together in a single world. This was the "world regeneration." The world regeneration was the beginning of a lot of unrest between the Sylvaranti and the Tethe'allans. There are frequent disputes and conflicts between the two sides across the world.

While the world was divided in two, Ratatosk, the lord of all monsters, was sleeping. Ratatosk used his servants, the Centurions, to control the world's monsters, who maintained the balance of the world's mana. While the world was divided in two, the Goddess Martel oversaw the balance of mana, but now that the two words have become one, Ratatosk must wake up and control the world's mana himself. However, Ratatosk is still in a deep sleep. Thanks to that, mana has fallen out of balance. Strange weather and natural disasters are occurring all over the world, and monsters have cut ties with the Centurions they served and now run wild. The only way to fix all of this is to awaken Ratatosk and restore the balance of mana.

Ratatosk himself is in a dormant state, which is to say that's he's currently in the form of a core. Ratatosk's core is the jewel on Marta's forehead, and Marta also wants Ratatosk to awaken so she can remove the core from her forehead. However, Ratatosk can't wake up until we first wake all of the Centurions who serve him. This is the reason that Marta and Tenebrae are on a journey to find all of the Centurions' cores.

The problem is that Ratatosk and the Centurions' cores possess unbelievable powers, even when in a dormant state. For this reason, it seems that lots of people with various motives are trying to get the cores in order to use their power. Richter and Lloyd are two such people, and apparently Richter was originally in possession of Ratatosk's core. (Their explanation still left me with a lot of questions, like how Marta got the core to begin with or why it's stuck on her forehead.)

Okay, that got a little long, but I think that should sum it up. (I mean, that works, right?)

It didn't really seem right that Richter would be ignoring all of the natural disasters in the world and going after Ratatosk's core for his own desires, but it didn't seem like Marta and Tenebrae were lying, either, so all of this left me a little confused. -- Entry 21 - +++ -- Soon after we got back to Luin, Tenebrae told me something that worried me. Because Centurions can't control their own power while in the core state, not only do they make the nature around them go haywire, but they can also attract monsters and make people who hold the cores go crazy. That must be why there were so many monsters in the lakebed cave. I guess Centurions' cores are pretty scary things.

So much had happened that I thought it'd be a good idea to report back to the mayor. Marta insisted on coming with me for some reason (not like I minded or anything). The two of use (well, three of us if you count Tenebrae) headed to the mayor's house. -- Entry 22 - +++ -- As we were about to go into the mayor's house, a Vanguard named Hawk suddenly appeared with his soldiers and attacked us. It seems the Vanguard's looking for Ratatosk's core as well. Actually, it seems that the Vanguard used to be in possession of Ratatosk's core. How is that possible? Didn't Richter use to have it? Or maybe the Vanguard had it before Richter did?

Anyway, at the time, I didn't have time to ponder about these things. I was too distracted by the discovery that Marta was actually a member of the Vanguard!

I couldn't believe it. I mean, the Vanguard is building up an army to oppose the Church of Martel.

We somehow managed to slip away from the Vanguard, and we decided to run away. -- Entry 23 - +++ -- We ran and ran, but the Vanguard showed up and eventually caught us in the fountain plaza.

That was when the Martel Knights appeared. Their commander, a man named Magnar, cut down the Vanguard members mercilessly, and then told us to give them Ratatosk and the Centurions' core! Even the Church of Martel is trying to get the cores. Of course, Marta refused to give them anything. Magnar then told us if we didn't give him what he wanted, Luin would suffer the same fate as Palmacosta.

That was when I first learned the truth about the Blood Purge where Palmacosta was attacked by the Church of Martel, and my parents and many others were brutally murdered. I had believed the attack occurred because the Vanguard was holding a meeting in Palmacosta, and that was indeed correct. However, the purpose of that meeting was so they could launch a rebellion against the Church of Martel by using Ratatosk's core. Lloyd then led the Martel Knights into the city under the pretext of quelling the rebellion (though his real reason was that he planned to steal Ratatosk's core), and they killed many innocent people. My parents never did anything to deserve what happened to them.

We eventually managed to get away from the Martel Knights thanks to Tenebrae's quick wits, and we decided to stay outside the town for the time being, until we could decide what to do.

Soon after we got out of the town, we heard Magnar's voice. He said that, unless the people in the town brought Marta to him, he would punish the town for the crime of treason against the Chosen. In other words, the town of Luin would be the site of a second Blood Purge.

About this time, my head was swimming with thoughts that I now consider quite selfish. Everyone in the town of Luin hated me and thought I was a Vanguard sympathizer. If another Blood Purge took place in Luin, the town would lynch me. So I blamed Marta. I said to her that Palmacosta was attacked because she and the Vanguard were planning a rebellion, and now Luin was going to be attacked too.

Marta agreed with everything I said. She went back into Luin to hand over Ratatosk's core. Right then, Tenebrae told me that I had just sent Marta to her death. He told me that the core on Marta's head couldn't be removed until Ratatosk awakened, or else it would take Marta's life. Marta knew that fact, and she went to deliver Ratatosk's core to Magnar anyway.

There's no doubt that the Vanguard's attempt at rebellion is what triggered the Blood Purge. But Lloyd and the Church of Martel are the ones who attacked Palmacosta and killed scores of innocent people. What's more, Marta had saved my life, and now she was planning on giving up her own for a town she hardly knew. As a member of the Vanguard, she could've just joined up with them again and explained that the core couldn't be removed from her forehead. All of this made me realize that Marta wasn't a bad person after all. That's why I decided to go after Marta and save her. -- Entry 24 - +++ -- When I got to the fountain plaza, Marta had been captured by the Martel Knights. What's more, they went back on their promise and started attacking Luin. What a dirty bunch of goons! I can't believe liars like them think they can do whatever they want just because the Chosen One performed the world regeneration.

Before I knew it, I lost control of myself. I defeated the Martel Knights, and even beat Magnar. Even after I'd beaten Magnar, I still wanted to teach him a lesson.

In the end, Marta managed to stop me and bring me back to my senses, but I ran away from the fountain plaza, in shock at what I'd done. -- Entry 25 - +++ -- After this, the townspeople all treated me like a monster and fled when they saw me coming. Even Dida and Moll ran away from me. Everyone in the town saw me as the villain. I was at a loss for words when Marta came and told me that the mayor wanted to talk to me. Preparing myself for the worst, I made up my mind to go see the mayor. -- Entry 26 - +++ -- Uncle Alba and Aunt Flora were in front of the mayor's house. As soon as Uncle Alba saw me, he yelled that I was a monster and I couldn't deny his words. After all, I really had acted like a monster.

The mayor asked me to look for Lloyd. He said he didn't believe that the recent atrocities carried out in the village by the Martel Knights were done on Lloyd's orders. And if Lloyd's personality had changed enough to allow him to do something like that, he wanted to know what changed him so much, and why he was looking for Ratatosk's core. The mayor wanted me to find the answers to those questions. But really, it was nothing more than a nice way of exiling me from the town. Yet, the mayor himself realized that the only way to protect me from the prejudices of the townspeople was by making me leave. I thought that I didn't have a single friend left in the entire town, so hearing that the mayor still cared about me made it slightly better. But I would've been so much happier if, instead of being told that I should leave town, I was told that it was okay for me to stay.

When I was about to leave the town, Marta and Tenebrae followed me. Marta told me she wanted to travel with me! I couldn't believe it. After all the mean things I said to her, and the fact that I'd forgotten meeting her in Palmacosta, she still wanted to travel together even though I'm a monster.

But Marta didn't blame me for what had happened. She actually blamed herself for putting me in that situation, and she told me she wanted to travel with me because she thinks I'm brave! I had no idea what I would do out in the world by myself, so hearing Marta say all of those things made me really happy.

It was then that I realized that, even though I was scared, I took the first step. And maybe that was courage, after all. Maybe a series of small steps can add up so dreams turn into reality. Maybe that's what Richter was talking about.

As we left Luin, Marta said we could start off as friends, and I realized that I had made my first friend ever since I left Palmacosta. I had dreamed of having a friend for so long, and finally, with my own silly excuse for courage, I had managed to make my dream come true.

So Marta, Tenebrae and I set out on a journey to awaken Ratatosk's core. Our path would no doubt cross with that of Lloyd, who was also seeking the cores.

All right, Marta, let's go and find those cores! -- -- Chapter 2 - (JRLCH2) -- --

-- Entry 27 - +++ -- Hi! This is Marta!~

Thanks for agreeing to exchange diaries with me! Oh, oops, it's not a diary, it's a travel journal, right? Well, whatever! I'm happy I get to write in your journal a bit!~

Emil wrote in the first entry how he was going to try to sum up everything that had happened since the beginning of his story, and I thought he might not be able to remember very much of it. But he was super-detailed! I was really surprised. Now I have to write everything in super-detail, too! (I guess a travel journal is supposed to be like that?)

Right now, we're in the city of Asgard. This city is famous for its murals, as well as a monument called the stone dias. I hope Lloyd decides to stop by Asgard while we're here. I mean, even if we're looking for the clues to the Centurions' cores, we don't have any clues about where to find them, so our only choice is to follow Lloyd and snag the cores before he gets them. It seems like he's always a step ahead.

Oh well, there's no use writing all of my doubt and gripes in here. Let's go and ask Asgard's mayor if he knows anything about where Lloyd is!

Walking around Asgard, I noticed there aren't as many tourists here as there were last time I came. It feels lonely. And the buildings all over the city all seem run down, like they've aged. We were talking about how it might be the wind that's causing it when Emil ran into a man who was kind of handsome. (But Emil's a million times more handsome!~)

It seemed like the man noticed Tenebrae, even though he was hidden. That's very strange. Most people can't see a Centurion who's hiding at all. I don't know who he was was, but maybe we should be careful around him if we run into him again. -- Entry 28 - -- The mayor wasn't at home. We were decing what to do when all of a sudden, I thought I heard a monster's howl, and a huge gust of wind started blowing. I thought I was going to be blown away by the wind! And then my sweet prince Emil saved me. He grabbed onto my hand and protected me from the wind. He's so strong! Thank you, Emil. I love you!~

It wasn't safe for us to stay outside with all the wind, so we decided to take shelter in this cave with murals on the walls. We held hands the whole time! I was scared of the wind, but I couldn't stop smiling.~

Once we were safe in the Mural Cavern, we talked about possible reasons that the wind had gotten so strong. Asgard has always had strong winds, but apparently these these sorts of violent gusts only started after world regeneration. Then Emil suggested that there might be a reason the wind got so strong all of the sudden while we were outside. Come to think of it, the wind wasn't that strong when we first got to Asgard, and the strong winds only started once we got near the mayor's house. I think Emil's right; there must be some reason the strong winds started when they did. Emil is really awesome. He's strong but modest and really observant. And even though it's just the two of us traveling, he never tries to take advantage of me (I can't believe I just wrote that). He's such a gentleman!~

After we'd been talking for a while, the wind seemed to die down a bit. Then Tenebrae mentioned that he heard some sort of commotion outside. If there were people outside that would mean we could ask them about Lloyd, so we decided to go out and see what the commotion was. -- Entry 29 - -- The cause of the commotion turned out to be the Vanguard. And not just anyone, it was one of their top officers, Alice, who's in charge of the Vanguard's combat unit. She's a crazy sadist, and was bullying one of her subordinates, Hawk. I sort of feel sorry for Hawk.

Well, moving on, it seemed that Alice and her goons were looking for the Chosen of Regeneration, Collete. The Chosen Collete is this famous person who regenerated the world. Anyway, she's the sort of person who I think would definitely know where Lloyd is. So we needed to find the Chosen and ask her where Lloyd is, before Alice and the Vanguard can get to her. -- Entry 30 - -- We found the Chosen Collete in one of the houses in Asgard. As soon as I saw the Chosen's face, I couldn't help but ask a question I'd had inside me for so long. I had to find out the truth about the rumour that the Chosen tried to run away from her task of world regeneration, causing a giant tree to appear and destroy Palmacosta.

Two years ago, before the world regeneration, an incident known as the "Giant Tree Rampage" occurred in Sylvarant. That's what we call it, though apparently the Church of Martel has a different name for what happened. Basically, a giant tree monster appeared and stared rampaging through Sylvarant. This giant tree monster attacked Palmacosta too, and the city was destroyed. Many people died in the attack, and there are still countless townspeople who are unaccounted for. My mother was one of the people who died in that attack.

For that reason, I always wanted to ask the Chosen if the Giant Tree Rampage really happened because she was trying to run away from her responsibility of world regeneration.

The Chosen confirmed my fears. As soon as I learned the rumor was true, I became furious, and before I knew it, I was blaming the Chosen for everything that happened, and then I ran out of the house.

After I ran out, I think Tenebrae told Emil about how I traveled together with my father after my mother died. And then, I think Emil came out to look for me because he was worried about me. -- Entry 31 - -- After a while, Emil found me outside. Even though I had gotten all angry and shown him a really dark side of myself, Emil was understanding and didn't blame me at all. I really think Emil's an amazing person. Emil was also living in Palmacosta, so he must have experienced the Giant Tree Rampage, too. Even so, he didn't blame the Chosen at all. He's a very forgiving person.

I'm not as forgiving. My mom died, along with a lot of people who were close to me, so it was very hard for me. I know that if the Chosen hadn't regenerated the world, then I might have died too, but that didn't stop my hatred for her. The reason I was in the Vanguard wasn't because the Chosen had regenerated he world, it was because I couldn't forgive her for destroying Palmacosta during the journey for world regeneration. But somewhere in my heart, if the Chosen told me the rumours of her trying to run from her responsibility wasn't true, then I would've been able to forgive her. Or even if I couldn't forgive her, I might at least have been able to come to term with what happened.

But the Chosen told me the rumours were true. I guess I was really sad to hear that. I would have preferred she lie to me, to tell me that she never tried to run away. Then again, I might have gotten mad that she had lied. I don't know what I want.

While Emil and I were talking, a solider from the Vanguard called out to us. He told us the Vanguard's looking for the Chosen of Regeneration, since she's a Sylvaranti traitor who is sympathetic to the Teth'allan people. I knew if I told him where the Chosen really was, she would end up in a lot of trouble, so I lied and didn't tell him where she was. I still can't forgive the Chosen, but what the Vanguard's done recently is even harder to forgive. The Vanguard has lost all of its founding ideals, and it's nothing more than a military force now.

Ultimately, it turned out that the Chosen didn't know where Lloyd was. We decided to get away from the Vangaurd and head to Palmacosta. -- Entry 32 - -- As we started to leave Asgard, a little boy showed up and stopped us. He saw me fighting with the Chosen, so he came to tell me I was wrong for doing that. I knew it wasn't right to get mad at a child like him, but I was still mad from what had happened, and I couldn't hold my anger.

As the boy and I were arguing, we heard a sound like a monster's howl again, and then a strong wind started blowing. The wind blew the boy away! We hurried and went after the boy to save him.

The boy was about to fall off a cliff, and when I stretched out my hand to help him, I almost fell, too. And then Alice, the Vanguard officer, showed up and tried to push the two of us off the cliff. I hate her so much!

I thought we were goners for sure. And then out of nowhere, the Chosen Colette appeared and saved us! Thanks to her help, we managed to get away from Alice, but to be honest I wasn't entirely sure why she did all of that. I mean, I'd said all those mean things to her. Maybe she was just trying to save the boy who had defended her, but I feel like that's not all there was to it. That's why I told Emil that I wanted to see the Chosen one more time. Even if she was responsible for my mother's death, she saved my life, so I would've felt bad if I didn't thank her. Emil was so understanding. I'm sorry I'm always acting so selfish, Emil. But I love that you're so nice to me anyway! -- Entry 33 - -- The Chosen Colette was in front of the mayor's house. When Emil and I thanked the Chosen, she became incredibly happy, and said something about us being friends from now on. How could she think that? That's not something you say to someone who just called you a coward earlier in the same day.

At the mayor's request, the Chosen was making plans to investigate the source of all of the strong winds in Asgard. The mayor told us that two years ago during the journey of world regeneration, an imposter of the Summon Spirit of Wind appeared on Asgard's stone dais, and caused a lot of problems for the town. It seems that they thought that might have something to do with all of the recent winds in the town.

I wanted to believe that the Chosen was a good person, and I wanted to repay her for saving me. That's why I decided to help her. I said so without asking Emil first, but he immediately told me he would help, too. He's such a nice person.

The Chosen readily accepted out offer to help. We all set out together towards the stone dais on the far end of town. -- Entry 34 - -- Looking at the stone dais, nothing about it seemed out of the ordinary. While I wasn't paying attention, Colette suddenly fell in my direction and shoved me. I thought she had tripped, but then I saw a bird monster fly through the air, right where I had been standing. Colette had saved me! (Though it's possible she really had tripped on accident.) We tried to defeat the monster, but our attacks weren't working at all, and it just blew us away.

Tenebrae, said that the monster we fought was called a garuda, and it's protected by a membrane that's like a protective barrier. He said the only thing that can pierce its membrane is the claw of a winged dragon.

When Tenebrae said that, Colette said that she encountered winged dragons before, and she knew someone who tamed them in Hima. We decided to go to Hima to find that man and borrow a dragon from him.

But Colette really confuses me. When I'm together with her, I find it really hard to imagine her as the cowardly Chosen who tried to run from her duty of world regeneration. I'm starting to think that the rumors are just that--rumors. -- Entry 35 - -- This is Emil. I'd just like to say, I think it's okay for you to believe things as you see them. I'm not totally sure, but Colette seems like a good person to me. So much so that it's hard to believe she was ever Lloyd's friend.

All right, back to the travel journal.

When we got to Hima, the town was overrun with monsters. The townspeople were still there, but there were so many more monsters. I was too scared for words. The way things were, we were very worried about the safety of the dragon tamer, so we hurried and tried to find him.

When we got to the highest point in Hima, Colette told us that the dragon tamer was right around here the last time she came. However, all that was there now was a ferocious monster! The monster attacked us-- maybe it thought we were food? After we finally defeated the monster, a young winged dragon that had flown away from the monsters returned. Tenebrae translated the dragon's words for us. (Or maybe it's better to say he translated the dragon's emotions? I'm not sure how dragons communicate.)  The monster we defeated had eaten most of the dragons, and by killing the monster, we avenged their deaths. The young dragon wanted to thank us for this, so we asked her to help us fight the garuda. Though I do feel a little bad, since she's still a baby.

All that's left now is for us to go back to Asgard and fight the garuda on the stone dais. It's scary, but there's no turning back now. -- Entry 36 - -- Marta here.

Yes, Colette is a kind and good person. But you know, I get really jealous when I hear you complimenting Colette like that!

But she's a very good person, and it's easy to find things to compliment her about. I'm kind of torn.

Let's see, we tried to launch an attack on the stone dais, but Tenebrae said that a young dragon wouldn't be able to do any damage to the garuda in a head-on attack. So we decided to get our dragon friend to attack the garuda's membrane from behind while we distracted it with a decoy. Emil volunteered to take the dangerous task of being the decoy. He offered to put himself in terrible danger for us without any hesitation. He's so cool! I'm really worried that Colette's going to fall in love with him because he's so amazing. Then what would I do?

Anyway, we've planned out our whole strategy, so all we have left to do now is go to the stone dais. -- Entry 37 - -- Emil acted as a decoy on the stone dais, and he lured the garuda out.

He managed to emerge unscathed from his job as decoy, and the young dragon broke through the garuda's protective membrane. Thanks to both of them, we were able to finally beat the garuda. We thought this would stop the gusts once and for all, but out of nowhere another garuda appeared, and we were blown off the stone dais! I'm so tired of this! When will this end?

We were at a loss for what to do when Tenebrae told us something the young dragon had said. Some strange force inside the dais was attracting monsters to it. Inside the stone dais would mean it's underground, right? But there's no entrance, so we weren't sure what to do, when Colette told us that she knows someone in town who knows a lot about the stone dais--the brother of Aisha, the girl living in the house where we first met Colette. We'll find out a way to stop those gusts yet, just you wait!

All right, let's go and meet Aisha's brother. -- Entry 38 - -- When we got to Aisha's house, her brother Linar told us that his research revealed there was some sort of facility hidden underneath the stone dais. Hearing this, his sister Aisha suggested performing the Maiden Ritual on top of the stone dais. The Maiden Ritual signified the opening of a door. Pretty weird, if you ask me.

But since there's a garuda on the stone dais, it's far too dangerous for us to ask Aisha to go and perform the ritual herself. That's why I decided to do it. I'm not usually very good at these kinds of things, but it seems like this is our only option right now. We wouldn't want to have Colette try it and mess up with her tripping all over herself, either. So it was decided that Aisha would give me a private lesson in how to do the Maiden Ritual. -- Entry 39 - -- This is Emil.

While Marta was learning how to do the ritual, Colette and I waited at the inn. We hadn't told Colette anything about the purpose of our journey yet, so I decided to take this time to explain all that to her.

After we got to the inn, Tenebrae told us several things about Ratatosk. This was the first time I'd heard these things, too, so I'll write them down in this journal so I don't forget.

Tenebrae explained that it all started when the Giant Kharlan Tree, which produced the world's mana, withered. I already knew that Ratatosk was in charge of regulating the world's mana, but it seems that he was actually the guardian of the Giant Kharlan Tree and the Otherworldly Gate, but I guess it means he's the protector of a gate that connects this world to another.

Anyway, ever since the Giant Kharlan Tree withered in the Ancient War 4,000 years ago, Ratatosk has been asleep. Of course, Tenebrae and the other seven Centurions were asleep as well (Tenebrae said eight Centurions, so I assume that there aren't any more of them). Then, after a long time had passed, the time approached for them to all awaken, but Ratatosk's core remained dormant, and the Vanguard stole the core before he awakened. Marta, fearing that the Vanguard would use Ratatosk's core for evil, stole the core from them, and set out on her quest. Everything that happened after that is already written in this journal. (Wait, so when did Richter get Ratatosk's core? Didn't Marta say that she'd taken the core from him?)

It seemed like our explanation answered a lot of questions that Colette had had. Marta came back after learning how to do the ritual.

All right, now all that's left for us to do is to go back to the stone dais. -- Entry 40 - -- Marta here.

Who cares about Richter? Since Ratatosk's core has changed hands so many times, I just got mixed up when I was talking about how I got it.

More importantly, how did you like the ritual on the stone dais? You were watching me, right? Were you proud of me? Didn't you think I was cute? I'll ask you in person and see what you say. Anyway, just like Aisha had guessed, when I performed the ritual, a magical device in the stone dais activated! Tenebrae said that the ritual, along with Ratatosk's core on my forehead, probably caused some sort of reaction in the stone dais. And Ratatosk's core was glowing, too which means there's a good chance there's a Centurion's core somewhere beneath the stone dais. This might be our chance to beat Lloyd.

All right, let's go under the stone dais! -- Entry 41 - -- As soon as we went down into the stone dais, Tenebrae sensed a Centurion's core. He said that Centurion Ventus' core had to be somewhere nearby. But then, I said something that I didn't mean to. I said that must mean Lloyd hadn't gotten to Ventus yet. Colette heard me and immediately asked why Lloyd would come to a place like this. I had wanted to avoid this. If we explained to her how Lloyd factored into everything, we'd have to tell her Lloyd was responsible for the attack on Luin. I was afraid hearing that would make Colette sad, and talking about Luin might be hard on Emil too, which is why I hadn't said anything before.

Eventually, we ended up having to explain all of this to Colette. Sure enough, Colette seemed pretty down after we told her everything. I'm sorry, Colette. -- Entry 42 - -- Deep, deep below the stone dais, we found an altar, like when we had found Lumen's core. As you might expect, there was a Centurion's core there, too. But when we tried to take the core, a monster suddenly appeared! Colette had seen the monster before. She told us that it was the same imposter who had pretended to be the Summon Spirit of Wind in Asgard a couple years ago. I was surprised that the monster would show up again after being beaten by Colette and the others, but then Tenebrae said something really surprising. He said that he thought the imposter might actually be Ventus. I'm not sure how that could be, but whether it was Ventus, an imposter Summon Spirit, or whatever else, we had to defeat it to get that core! We decided to fight.

Once we'd beaten the monster, Tenebrae told us that the monster's rampage had probably been caused by the chaotic state of the Centurion's core. Centurions can make monsters appear at will. The fake Summon Spirit of Wind that Colette and her friends beat a few years ago was probably born due to the dormant core, as well. But if we hatched Ventus' core, Ventus would awaken and regain control of his powers. That would also make the garudas stop appearing, bringing an end to the wild gusts in Asgard and the damage they caused.

The time had come for us to hatch Ventus' core, and Colette ran up and got it herself. I meant to tell her before that that being in contact with a core can cause humans to lose their sanity, but I forgot to, so Tenebrae and I explained it to her, and then I hatched Ventus' core. Tenebrae had told me the way to hatch them before, and I think I did really well.~

Once Ventus had awoken, he looked like a sort of round crystal, really similar in appearance to Ratatosk's core on my forehead. According to Tenebrae, a Centurion that's lost its powers can't maintain a physical body, even after it's been hatched. The Centurion might return to its original form once Ratatosk wakes up, but I was expecting it to look like Tenebrae, so I was kind of disappointed. -- Entry 43 - -- Once we got aboveground, the gusts had stopped, and no garudas came to attack us. Total success! But Colette didn't seem very happy. I asked her if she was okay, and she said she was worried for Lloyd, after hearing that coming into contact with a core could destroy a person's spirit. Lloyd must be really important to Colette.

I was a little moved by Colette's feelings for Lloyd, and then Emil invited her to join us in our journey. We are following after Lloyd, after all. If Colette's worried about him, it might be best for her to come with us.

But Colette said she'd prefer to look for Lloyd by herself. Lloyd has a type of flying vehicle called a Rheiard, so she might not be able to find him if she stuck to traveling on land.

What a shame! But then, believe it or not, Colette apologized to me. I think it probably had to do with what happened in Palmacosta. But I don't want to hear anything about that anymore. Apologies don't change what happened, for one, and it's still not something that I feel like I can easily forgive. Even though I feel that way, I've really come to like Colette as a person. That's why I don't think she should have to apologize.

Sorry if I got off-topic there. Anyway, Colette said she'd go and report to the mayor about what happened under the stone dais, and we decided to go with her. We can put off saying goodbye for a little bit longer. -- Entry 44 - -- We told the mayor what happened, and you should've seen how happy he was! I think the town of Asgard should be able to come back into its own as a tourist destination now. It concerns me, though, that there are more and more people in this town, too, who support the Vanguard and see Colette as a nuisance. I guess it just goes to show how unhappy the Sylvaranti people are with the world after the regeneration. No, that's not right. The problem isn't the world regeneration, it's antagonism between the Tethe'allans and the Sylvaranti. I wonder what should be done about that. What if there's no other way to fix things than by doing what the Vanguard's doing?

Anyway, after meeting with the mayor, we ended up parting ways with Colette. After we saw her off, Tenebrae, Emil, and I talked about where we should go next. We decided to go to Palmacosta first because it's on the way to Lloyd's hometown, Iselia. I'm sad that we had to say goodbye to Colette, but I won't let it get me down. Let's go and find those cores, Emil! -- Entry 45 - -- Hi, this is Emil again.

Thanks, Marta. I guess I better do my best so you don't give up on me.

Going to Palmacosta means passing through Hakonesia Peak, doesn't it? You used to have to pay a ridiculously high fee to cross over Hakonesia Peak, but it's free now. Since we didn't have much money that was a huge relief.

As soon as we got to Hakonesia Peak, we ran into Alice and Hawk of the Vanguard. They didn't notice us, but they knew we were headed for Palmacosta, and said they were planning on ambushing us there. I don't want to go to Palmacosta now. But the best way of getting to Iselia is by ship, so I guess our only choice is to go there and try not to get caught by Alice.

Right as we were about to get through Hakonesia Peak, I had a vision. Or maybe it wasn't a vision. I'm not really sure. But it was really strange. Richter was in it and I guess that's all I remember about it.

Don't worry about me. I'm really okay. Let's forget about this and hurry to Palmacosta. Okay?

So I finally came home to Palmacosta. It's been six months, but the city didn't really feel very nostalgic. It felt more fresh, and new. Maybe it's because Luin is secluded in the mountains, and with Palmacosta's views of the ocean, it seems fresher and more invigorating.

Marta and I decided to split up, and we both went our separate ways to gather information about Lloyd's whereabouts. -- Entry 46 - -- I was wandering around the city when I saw Richter again. I was really surprised, but Richter seemed even more surprised than I was. It makes sense, though. There was no way he would've known that I was even traveling.

It looked like Richter had recovered from the injuries he got when he was attacked by Lloyd. I was relieved. But then something not-so-great happened: Alice showed up, and she called out to Richter in a very friendly way. That's when I realized that Richter was in the Vanguard. But Richter protected me from Alice, so that means he's not my enemy, right? There must be some reason why he'd do that.

I summoned up my courage and asked him what the Vanguard was trying to do, and he told me they were trying to revive the Sylvarant Dynasty. But why would they want to bring back a dynasty that ended 800 years ago? I have no idea. Also, from the way Richter talked about it, it didn't seem like he really cared about the dynasty at all, so I don't think that's why he's in the Vanguard. Richter then told me that he would get Ratatosk's core, even if it meant killing Marta, and then he left.

I wanted to go after Richter, but it's more important for me to find Marta and tell her that she's in danger now that Alice has seen me. She should be in the pub. I've got to hurry! -- Entry 47 - -- I met up with Marta in the pub and told her about my encounter with Alice. I also asked her about Richter, and she confessed that she had kept the fact that Richter was a Vanguard member a secret from me. She said she couldn't bring herself to tell me, because I trusted Richter so much. Thank you for being so thoughtful, Marta.

In the end, we didn't manage to get any information about sightings of Lloyd in Palmacosta, so we decided we needed to move on to Iselia before Alice found us. However, people said that the seas were too rough for ships to leave port. Maybe the unusual weather conditions have to do with Ratatosk being asleep.

But with Alice and the rest of the Vanguard here, we can't just sit around Palmacosta waiting for the weather to clear. We decided to visit Mrs. Dorr in the Governor-General's office to see if there was any way she could help us get a ship to take us to Iselia. -- Entry 48 - -- In the Governor-General's office, Mrs. Dorr told us about a man who had gone missing after he said he knew the reason for the rough seas and headed toward the Kamisra Mountains. His name is Thomas, and he's a fisherman who was my next-door neighbor when I was living in Palmacosta. If there's some underlying cause for the rough seas, other than problems from Ratatosk's core, then maybe if we got rid of that cause we could cross over to Iselia!

Mrs. Dorr told us that she'd sent out a search party to the Kamisra Mountains to look for Thomas, and I thought it sounded like a pretty good idea to sit tight and wait to see what they found. But it seemed like Marta wanted to go and search for him herself, and she seemed surprised that I didn't want to go. So I caved in and agreed. Maybe I'm too much of a pushover.

So that's how we ended up deciding to go to the Kamisra Mountains ourselves to look for Thomas. The mountains are supposed to be a really dangerous place. I hope we'll be all right. -- Entry 49 - -- When we left the Governor-General's office, Richter suddenly appeared and attacked Marta. I blocked his attack, and then I told him that no one was going to get her, not even him. I can't believe I said that! I may have bit my tongue a little bit, and I was really scared at the time, so it might have just come out as a mumble, but I said it.

I thought that I was going to have to fight Richter, but then a man with red hair named Zelos showed up and defused the situation. It seemed like Richter had met Zelos before. Richter told us to watch out for Alice, and left. Zelos walked off as well, saying that he had an appointment at the Governor-General's office. Marta and I kind of stood there confused since we had no idea what Richter was talking about and didn't know who Zelos was. Marta said that Zelos was the name of Tethe'alla's Chosen back when there were two separate worlds, but the man we met seemed really flaky and irresponsible, nothing like Sylvarant's Chosen, Colette. It must have just been a coincidence that he happened to have the same name as Tethe'alla's Chosen.

Anyway, we have to go and help Thomas before the Vanguard finds us. We're headed for the Dynasty Ruins in the Kamisra Mountains. It's scary, but let's give it our best shot. -- Entry 50 - -- People say that the Sylvarant Dynasty Ruins in the Kamisra Mountains are the ruins of a palace build during the Sylvarant Dynasty, which came to an end 800 years ago. These ruins are the only remaining structures from that time period, hence their name, the Dynasty Ruins.

Why would the Vanguard want to revive a Dynasty so old that it only has a single set of ruins remaining in the whole world? I asked Marta, and she explained it to me. The Vanguard's commander, a man named Brute, is trying to revive the dynasty so he can become its king. Marta said she thought that was stupid, and I was kind of glad to hear her say that. Somewhere inside, the fact that Marta was a member of the Vanguard had been gnawing away at me. I'm sorry, Marta. But that gnawing feeling turned into happiness when I found out that Marta thinks the Vanguard's ideals are stupid. I used to think that I understood where the Vanguard was coming from, but now I've come to think of them as an organization whose motives and behavior confuse me to no end.

Marta said that the Vanguard plans to use Ratatosk's core for something called a mana cannon. It sounds like some sort of weapon, but I don't know anything else about it. All that I really know is that I absolutely can't let Ratatosk's core or Marta fall into the Vanguard's hands. Right, Marta? -- Entry 51 - -- Marta here.

That's right, Emil! I'm glad I have you here to keep me safe.~

While we were exploring the Dynasty Ruins, we discovered a man lying on the ground. It was the fisherman, Thomas. He was injured and couldn't move, but before he passed out, he showed us the corpse of a monster that he claimed was the reason behind the rough seas.

Tenebrae said that the corpse was a monster called a remora, and it usually lives in freshwater environments. We were trying to figure out what a freshwater monster would have to do with rough waves in the oceans, when, yet again, Alice suddenly showed up. She said she would fight us herself for once, so we decided to take her up on her offer, and we gave her a beating she won't soon forget! Then it seemed like the machine controlling one of Alice's monsters broke, and the monster tried to attack her! But right before it could get to her, Zelos (who we met back in Palmacosta) appeared and defeated it. And then Alice said that Zelos was Tethe'alla's Chosen! I still can't believe that such a flaky guy could actually be a Chosen.

Zelos told us that Mrs. Dorr had told him to come and help us. Zelos was very friendly at first, but when we told him we were following Lloyd, he suddenly became very cold. He told us that he didn't want to talk to anyone who had sworn revenge on his friends, and then he left, taking Thomas with him. It made me wonder why he'd even come in the first place. Thanks to Zelos, Emil got to thinking about Lloyd again and got in a really bad mood. What a pain! But I guess I'm thankful he came and helped Thomas.

Though now that Thomas is gone, we still have no idea what the remora corpse has to do with anything. But we're sure there must be some answer here, somewhere. We decided to explore this area a little bit more and see what we can find. -- Entry 52 - -- Once we were deep, deep down inside the Dynasty Ruins, we came across an underground water vein. When he saw that, Tenebrae said he'd figured out why the seas have been so rough. Tenebrae's guess about what's happening went like this:

The freshwater monsters and the saltwater monsters are battling over territory. The underground vein and the surrounding ocean are connected to each other somehow, and freshwater monsters which can also survive in saltwater (like the remora) are entering the ocean and fighting the saltwater monsters, causing the rough waves everywhere. Not to mention the fact that the ocean is the domain of Centurion Aqua, who's always hanging around Richter. Since she's not paying attention to her duty, the monsters are free to fight and go wild all they want. -- Entry 53 - -- As if to back up Tenebrae's theory, we soon discovered an underground lake in the deepest part of the Dynasty Ruins, where an extremely territorial monster called the manitou was living. Tenebrae told us that he wouldn't be surprised if this monster was the one causing most of the territorial disputes with other monsters in the ocean.

Thinking there was a good chance the rough seas might calm down if we beat this monster, we decided to fight it.

And of course, we emerged from the battle with a thrilling victory! But the manitou wasn't finished yet, and it used its last bit of power to swallow us! We thought we'd end up digested in its stomach, but it seemed it had run out of steam, so to speak, as it soon spat us out and swam away.

When we got up and looked around, we were on some seashore. Emil, Tenebrae and I were at a complete loss as to where we were. Right then, a person (or something a little like a person) with a weird-looking dog passed by, and he told us that we were just north of Iselia.

That's when we realized that we had crossed the ocean, thanks to the manitou! Isn't that crazy? Being inside the belly of a monster is one thing, but to cross an entire ocean at the same time--that's something to write home about!

So now we can go to Iselia, and we can ask all about Lloyd. Maybe we'll even find some clues about where Lloyd's gone to. All right, I'm ready to rumble!

-- -- Chapter 3 - (JRLCH3) -- --

-- Entry 54 - -- This is Emil.

We finally made it to Iselia. Lloyd's hometown.

It really feels like I'm in enemy territory here. Right as we came into the village, we met a boy named Paul who proudly told us that he was Lloyd's number one apprentice. Absolutely unbelievable. Why the heck would anyone be happy to be the apprentice of a cold-blooded murderer?!

I really hate being here, but we have to find some clue as to which way Lloyd went, so we don't have any choice. We should go and talk to the townspeople here, and see the mayor as well. -- Entry 55 - -- When we got to the mayor's house, we saw a group of children playing, pretending to be Lloyd and the Desians. When he saw this, Tenebrae commented that he didn't know who the Desians were. I thought that was strange, but then again, Tenebrae was asleep while the world was separated in two, so maybe it makes sense.

As Marta no doubt knows as well, the Desians were a group primarily composed of half-elves, who wreaked havoc on the world of Sylvarant. The reason that half-elves are discriminated against is that people tend to associate them with the Desians. To be honest, I'm a little scared of half-elves too. Not that I've ever met one before.

I think the main reason that Desians were hated and feared so much was the existance of what were called human ranches. The Desians would kidnap people from nearby towns and lock them in facilities called "ranches" until they died. I've heard that they were doing it to make some sort of special stoned called Exspheres, but I don't really know anything more about that.

They say the Desians tried to interfere with the Chosen's quest of world regeneration. That would mean that Colette fought against the Desians. I guess Lloyd did too.

Whenever I think about Lloyd I can feel my blood pressure rising. I just can't help but remember the moment when my mother passed away.

I wonder if I'll be able to keep my cool when I meet the mayor.

We didn't get much information of use from the mayor. And although he spoke as if he wasn't too fond of Lloyd, he still seemed to take Lloyd's side. This is really hard for me. I know that Lloyd killed my mother and yet, everyone always takes his side in everything. Well, if "Lloyd the Great" is so wonderful and caring, then why did he kill my mom? She wasn't even in the Vanguard! They say Lloyd likes to say that all lives are equal. What a hypocrite! The mayor at least let us know that Lloyd's father is in the Church of Martel's temple north of town.

I want to go and talk to Lloyd's father. I'd like to see what he thinks of the terrible things his own son has done. -- Entry 56 - -- The man we met in the chapel, who turned out to be Lloyd's father, was Dirk, the same dwarf we'd met when we were coughed up onto the shore by the manitou.

Dirk wasn't how I imagined him at all. When I asked him if he was ashamed of the things Lloyd had done, he said he was proud to call Lloyd his son. I thought for sure that he would apologize for Lloyd's actions, or that he'd call me a liar. At first I got incredibly mad when I heard what Dirk said, but when I heard how firmly he believed in his own son, I just felt sad instead. I could tell that even though Dirk wasn't related to Lloyd by blood, he still trusted him and loved him. It was the polar opposite of my relationship of Uncle Alba. I didn't know what to think anymore. -- Entry 57 - -- So, Marta here.

In the end, it seemed that Dirk didn't know where Lloyd had gone off to, either. On the way back from the temple, a very pretty woman asked us if we knew where Paul was. You know, the little boy we met when we came into Iselia, who had said he was Lloyd's apprentice. No one knows where Paul is at all. When I told her that he had said he was going to the cursed ranch, she said that he must've gone to the human ranch, and left.

I got a little worried for Paul, but Emil didn't think we should care about him since he's an apprentice of Lloyd's. I'm sorry, Emil. I told you that the Emil I know doesn't think like that, but all that shows is that I haven't been paying enough attention to who you really are. I've just been trying to make you into my prince. I've been so foolish. Please forgive me.

Back in Iselia, everyone was worried about Paul. We decided to go to the human ranch to look for Paul.

Emil, if you're reading this, I want us to be friends again. From now on, I'm going to try hard to see you for who you really are. I can't stand you being mad at me when we're traveling together. I'm going to work hard to make myself better, so please forgive me. -- Entry 58 - -- This is Emil.

I'm sorry, Marta. I just saw you apologized to me in here, too. When we were on the way to the human ranch, you told me I was one of the nicest people you've ever met, even if I do get scared sometimes. That made me realize that you really have been paying attention to me, and to who I am. I mean, I'm really scared of monsters, I don't like fighting, and I'm kind of a wuss. And even though I said some horrible things to you out of my anger at Lloyd, you still told me I was nice. Marta, you're far, far nicer than I could ever hope to be.

So Marta, I hope that you'll forgive me, instead of the other way around. Let's travel together and not get in any more fights.

I feel a little awkward writing any more now, so maybe I'll leave the account of what happened next for Marta. -- Entry 59 - -- Marta here.

That means we're friends again, right?~

So then, we went to the human ranch to look for Paul.

But it was covered in a thick layer of fog, and Emil seemed scared. I was a bit scared too, to tell the truth, but we're more worried about Paul. Just think how scary it would be for him if he were lost in that thick fog! Come on, we've got to go and find him. -- Entry 60 - -- We found Paul deep in the human ranch. But before we could get to him, we were trapped by a monster, and it nearly got us! But the woman we met earlier named Raine appeared and saved us. Turns out she's a teacher in Iselia.

Once we'd introduced ourselves, Raine gave us a mysterious look and said she had something to talk to us about. But for now we need to take Paul home, so we decided to head back to Iselia. -- Entry 61 - -- When we reached Iselia, Raine went to take Paul back to his home, and told us to wait for her in the school.

I wonder if she is Lloyd's old teacher, who the mayor told us about. And also, what could she want to talk to us about? I feel a little anxious thinking about it. -- Entry 62 - -- This is Emil.

Raine turned out to be Lloyd's old teacher. She was a little different from the friends of Lloyd we already met, who all trusted him entirely. She talked about him in a very distant, emotionless way, almost as if she didn't trust Lloyd anymore. Marta seemed to be disturbed by Raine's attitude, and she left in the middle of our conversation. Tenebrae and I went out together to look for her.

It seemed Marta was shocked when Raine didn't stand up for Lloyd, who had been her friend. She said if she were in the same position, she would have stood up for me if someone claimed I'd done something wrong. When she said that, I realized why we were having so much trouble finding out about Lloyd's whereabouts.

If I were being followed by someone who saw me as their enemy, and this person came to Marta to ask about me, doing nothing but insulting me and blaming me for atrocities, Marta probably wouldn't tell them anything useful at all. I mean, I certainly wouldn't want to deal with anyone who came to me asking about Marta and only said bad things about her. But that applies to people who are so fond of Lloyd, too. I also realized that Raine had been trying to tell us this, but we hadn't listened to her. That's why we decided to go back to the school and try talking to Raine about Lloyd one more time.

Raine said a lot of complicated things, but it seems like she believes our claims, and she also believes in Lloyd. Maybe it's because there's no hard evidence to contradict what we're saying. She's a very calm and rational person, and I was very happy that she decided to believe us. Raine also told us that a man in Iselia named Pepe, Colette's next-door neighbor, saw Lloyd recently. So we decided to go and pay Pepe a visit. -- Entry 63 - -- We talked to Pepe, and he told us he saw Lloyd go in the direction of the Triet Ruins. We decided to follow after him right away, and Raine asked us to take her with us. It seems like Raine wants to know what's going on with Lloyd, too. Lloyd was Raine's student and her friend, after all. Since I have such a hard time keeping calm whenever I think about Lloyd, we decided it would be a good idea to have Raine come along with us. Raine's a cool and collected person, and if we happen to run into Lloyd, I think having Raine with us might help us to get an explanation of why he hurt so many innocent people in Palmacosta.

So we all headed off together towards the Triet Ruins. I'm not sure if Lloyd is actually going there or not, but I suppose we don't have any other option but to go and see. -- Entry 64 - -- Marta here!

When we got to the Triet Ruins, we saw a very unexpected side of Raine. She's crazy about ruins! Whenever she sees any ruins at all, her personality changes. She becomes extremely excited and goes nuts over all of their archaeological aspects. I remarked that she reminded me of Emil in that way. In the battles we've been in lately, it seems like Emil changes into a different person entirely. But Emil hadn't even noticed that he was changing. Maybe to him it just feels like he's getting angry or something. -- Entry 65 - -- We ran into someone very unexpected in the ruins. His name is Genis, and he's Raine's younger brother. I never thought that I would see so many half-elves, apart from the Desians. I used to think all half-elves were like the Desians, but Raine and Genis seem just like us humans!

Oops, getting a bit off-topic there. Genis was in the Triet Ruins because he'd followed Lloyd. Which means that Lloyd is in the ruins right now! Yes! Hopefully we'll be able to get Lumen's core back from him!

However, as we came to the path that led deeper into the ruins, we saw that it was blocked by some sort of weird monster. Tenebrae said that it probably fled into the ruins to escape the unusual weather outside, and that we might be able to get it to move if we can bring it a type of food that it likes. So now we need to get to the oasis in the city of Triet to fish for food for the monster. If we don't hurry, Lloyd might get away before we get back. Let's go quickly and not get sidetracked! -- Entry 66 - -- When we got to Triet, it was snowing. Isn't that a little strange? I mean it is a desert. If we don't hurry up and awaken Ratatosk things are only going to get worse.

But we can't get ahead of ourselves. First things first. We've got to go and catch ourselves a monster in the oasis! -- Entry 67 - -- At the oasis, Tenebrae surprised everyone by transforming into a fishing rod! Centurion bodies must really come in handy. Emil managed to catch a monster to serve as food for the monster in the ruins, but the monster he caught was way too huge to carry. So we decided to make a pact with it and have it join our party. Now we can all go back to the Triet Ruins together. -- Entry 68 - -- We felt too sorry for the monster we'd caught. It was invited into our party only to be eaten, so we promoted it to the role of a decoy to distract the path-blocking monster while we slipped past. Nothing went according to plan, but in the end, we managed to get into the inner part of the Triet Ruins. Tenebrae said that he can sense the presence of Ignis' core here.

We've got to get it before Lloyd gets it first!

We also learned something very interesting. A summon spirit named Efreet used to sleep in the Triet Ruins. Well, when Raine heard that the Centurion's core here belonged to Ignis, the Centurion of Fire, she suggested that each core of a certain elemental attribute might be located in the same place where that attribute's summon spirit used to be.

If that's true, we might be able to get all of the Centurions' cores before Lloyd by traveling around to all of the old locations of the summon spirits! This makes me feel like we might have some hope after all. Let's do our best! -- Entry 69 - -- Ignis' core was still on the altar when we got there. We hatched the core immediately, but right afterwards, Lloyd appeared! We beat him to it by a hair!

Lloyd left without stopping to answer Raine and Genis' questions at all. It seems like the only thing he's interested in is stealing Centurions' cores. I wish I knew what he's planning on using the cores to do. -- Entry 70 - -- Raine and Genis seemed really shocked to see how strange Lloyd was acting. The two of them decided to go on a journey to figure out why Lloyd is doing the things he is. We got Raine to tell us where all of the summon spirits used to be, and then we decided to make Flanoir our next desitation, so Raine and Genis offered to accompany us to the port at Izoold so we could take a ship across the ocean.

Even though we have a long way left to go, I finally feel like we have a ray of hope in our journey. It was so depressing to have no other choice but to follow Lloyd as he travelled, and to always be one step behind him. From now on, we're going to go around to all of the places where the summon spirits used to be, and we'll find all of those Centurions' cores before Lloyd can get his dirty hands on them!

-- -- Chapter 4 - (JRLCH4) -- --

-- Entry 71 - -- This is Emil.

Just like Marta said, I feel like we've finally figured out exactly what we're supposed to be doing. Let's do our best!

When we got to Izools, we immediately noticed the smell of something burning. It smells more like something's burning than the smell of cooking fish, so we decided to go and look for the source of the smell. -- Entry 72 - -- The smell was coming from some crates in the village. It seems that someone set fire to some boxes of seafood gels. One of the villagers told us that they've had several cases of arson in the town recently. A bright light is seen every time before the arsonist sets fire to anything. They thought they'd caught the arsonist already, but this fire happened in the exact same way as the earlier ones, so the villagers have been talking about how the criminal might have escaped. I don't know what to believe, but I'm a little bit scared of another fire breaking out.

All of us would like to lend a hand if possible, but right now it's more important for us to get the Centurions' cores before Lloyd does, so we decided to head for the harbor. But that really just seems like a lame excuse for leaving the villagers to deal with their problems on their own. I mean, we don't live here, so there might be nothing we could do to help, and this doesn't even really involve us at all, but I still feel a little guilty about not helping. -- Entry 73 - -- We went to the harbor, where a sailor told us that no ships are leaving the town right now. They think the arsonist might have broken out of prison, and they don't want to give him the opportunity to stow away on any of the ships and escape from town. The sailor we talked to even accused us of being arsonists when we asked about leaving on a ship!

I understand now that he was only half-joking (though he might have been half-serious, too). But at the time, it really affected me. I got really mad at being treated like a criminal, and before I knew it I had my hands around the sailor's neck. If Marta hadn't stopped me, I might have killed him. Marta said that I've had a few incidents where I suddenly get really mad like this in the past (everyone calls it my "Ratatosk Mode"). So this is what they were talking about. I've finally realized that there's something not quite right with me. Maybe I'm just not strong enough to effectively use the powers of a Knight of Ratatosk. If that's true, then I need to try a lot harder. But I'm not really sure how I'm supposed to "try."

Anyway, no ships are leaving town right now, but they should start leaving port again if the arsonist is caught, so we've decided to look for the criminal ourselves. In order to see if we can find any clues, we decided we better go to the prison where the arsonist escaped. -- Entry 74 - -- We went to the prison, and the arsonist was still there in his cell. What's more, his name was Regal Bryant, a companion of Lloyd's from the journey of world regeneration! According to Regal, his arrest for arson was a mistake, and he, too, was a victim. However, the only man who could attest to his innocence inhaled a lot of smoke in the fire, and is still unconscious. So Regal was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit. We've decided to go and check on Berg in order to prove Regal's innocence. -- Entry 75 - -- When we saw Berg's condition, Raine guessed that Berg had probably been poisoned by a monster called a light-frog (though its proper name is apparently "nazdrovie"). Tenebrae agreed. He explained that the light-frog gives off heat and light when it absorbs a lot of energy in its body. As soon as we heard that, we realized that the light-frog might be what had been causing all of the fires around town. In order to prove this, we need to help Berg regain consciousness, so that he can get Regal out of prison. However, Tenebrae says the only thing that can cure the light frog's poison is a rosemary plant. We decided to head for the Camberto Caves, where rosemary is said to grow.

I guess I should also write about an incident that happened. While we were talking about what to do next, I lost my temper again. Raine said that we should just forget about Regal and Berg, and I got angry.

Raine was actually lying, or maybe it'd be better to say "acting," to try to make me mad by saying something cruel. And I completely fell for it.

Why do I lose my temper so easily? Also, I wonder why Raine would go and do something like that. -- Entry 76 - -- We got to the Camberto Caves, but due to the unusual weather, all of the rosemary that should be growing here has withered and died. However, there might be some left deeper in the cave, so we're going to keep looking. -- Entry 77 - -- We kept looking and didn't give up, and eventually we found some rosemary deep within the cave. I thought that we were just wasting our time for a while there, but I'm glad we stuck it out and kept looking. It even occurred to me that refusing to give up when everything seems hopeless might be a type of courage, too. Of course, if I had been alone I would have surely given up. I wouldn't have had the courage to keep going if not for Marta, Raine, Genis, and Tenebrae.

All right, now we can go and cure Berg! -- Entry 78 - -- Marta here.

Emil, I'm not sure if you realize it, but I think you were the one who was the most adamant about not giving up when we were looking for the rosemary. So have some self-confidence! You're getting braver all the time. Okay?

So, thanks to the strong effects of the rosemary that Emil found (with all of our help, of course), Berg was back to full health. Nearly right after he regained consciousness, he ran off to the prison to attest to Regal's innocence.

Come on, let's go after him! We also need to talk to him to learn more about the fire. -- Entry 79 - -- When we got to the prison, Regal had been freed! And you know, he looked really handsome and refined. Quite the distinguished gentleman. He said that he was embarrassed to still be wearing a prisoner's uniform, and went to the inn to change clothes. But to tell the truth, there's something a little sexy about wearing a prison uniform.

(If anyone asks about this entry, you never saw it!) -- Entry 80 - -- We met up with Regal in front of the inn. We managed to get some good information from Regal about Lloyd. He was last seen heading for Flanoir. Even though Regal had come to Izoold for work-related reasons, he seemed to become very concerned about Lloyd after hearing about him. After we told him of our journey, he asked if we would let him join up with us. Raine and Genis both vouched for Regal, and he seems very polite and honest, so Emil and I quickly agreed. Now we have another companion in our party! It sort of worries me that they're all old friends of Lloyd, but on the other hand, it seems like if we come face-to-face with Lloyd, the best way to get him to hear us out and give us the cores would be to have people who know him with us. (Though considering what happened in the Triet Ruins, it might not help at all.)

Well, anyway, the ships should be able to leave the town now, so we should go to Flanoir as soon as we can. -- Entry 81 - -- When we got to the harbor, Emil suggested we should do something about the arsons (are they really "arsons" if they're caused by a monster?) before we leave Izoold. I was so surprised. I mean, the criminal is a light-frog! I was sure there was nothing we could do about it at all. But Emil said that he wanted to somehow stop the light-frog from causing any more fires. Hearing him say this, I suddenly felt very ashamed. All this time, I've been thinking of the town's fires as someone else's business, and nothing I should really care about. Emil is so considerate. I'm falling in love with him more and more every day.

But with the news that Lloyd's gone to Flanoir, and the fact that we can't waste any time in getting the remaining Centurions' cores, we decided to split up into two groups. Raine and Genis will go ahead to Flanoir, while Regal stays behind in Izoold with us to investigate the light-frog. I was sad to see Raine and Genis go soon after I realized that half-elves aren't really that bad, but I'm sure we'll see them again soon. Raine and Genis, good luck getting the Centurion's core! But make sure not to touch it. It's dangerous!

All right, now it's up to us to investigate just what exactly causes the light-frog to start fires around the town. Let's go and check the sites of previous fires first. -- Entry 82 - -- After a lot of investigation, we learned that seafood gels were present in all of the places where there had been fires. This led us to the conclusion that the light-frog had absorbed large amount of energy from eating gels, and this energy was released in the form of bright light and heat.

But Tenebrae insisted it's ridiculous that a light-frog would enjoy eating gels. Emil lost his temple, and entered Ratatosk Mode. Then he said that he was going to use seafood gels to lure the light-frog out of hiding. Emil is a very angry person when he's in Ratatosk Mode! But Emil is normally way too restrained, so as long as his Ratatosk Mode doesn't go too far, I think it's all right.

Berg is the only one who can make seafood gels, so we're going to go to his house and talk to him. -- Entry 83 - -- We went to Berg to ask for some seafood gels, but he told us that they had all been incinerated in the recent fires. He said he would make us some seafood gels if we brought him jellyfish (he needs it to make them). The oasis in Triet should be the nearest place around here where we can find jellyfish, which means we have to go all the way back to Triet! Helping people sure is a pain in the neck. -- Entry 84 - -- We managed to catch a jellyfish in Triet!~

I feel like drawing lots of little hearts right now! 23:44, April 22, 2018 (UTC)23:44, April 22, 2018 (UTC)23:44, April 22, 2018 (UTC)Louis Nguyen

I'm so glad we came to Triet! Now, let's hurry back to Izoold and get Berg to make us some seafood gels.~ -- Entry 85 - -- This is Emil.

When I asked Marta if she preferred guys like Regal, it wasn't like I was jealous or anything. I was just, you know, curious. That's all! I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea.

Anyway, we got back to Izoold and gave the ingredients to Berg, and he got right to work on making the seafood gels. We thought it'd be dangerous to try our experiment in his house, so we asked him to bring the seafood gels to the harbor once he'd made them.

At the harbor Berg came with the freshly-made seafood gels. We placed them on the ground and watched, and before long a light-frog appeared! Just as we'd predicted, the light-frog ate the gels and gave off a large amount of heat. So long as the town doesn't use any seafood gels for a while (or just to be safe, any gels at all), the fires should stop altogether.

Now we can go to Flanoir, worry-free. -- Entry 86 - -- Hi, Marta here.

I'm a little ashamed of how out of it and useless I was on the ship, so I'm going to write this entry in the travel journal, even though it's not quite my turn to write it yet.

When we arrived in Flanoir, the city was in ruins, and countless people were lying injured in the streets. The townspeople said that Lloyd had done this. Regal seemed pretty shocked. Emil started to lose his temper again, and I was kind of surprised, too. I always thought of Lloyd as our enemy, but after getting to know so many of Lloyd's friends and seeing what nice people they are, I guess their unfaltering trust in Lloyd had started to rub off on me a little. -- Entry 87 - -- But something even more shocking happened next. We ran into Lloyd in Flanoir! Regal asked if Lloyd was the one who had attacked Flanoir, but just like back in the Triet Ruins, Lloyd refused to give any answers, and ran off.

Regal said that he wasn't the Lloyd he knew, and he asked us to let him continue to travel with us, so that he could learn why Lloyd had changed, and how he could help him. Regal's words really impressed me. He's such a good friend! Or maybe it's just a reflection of Regal's selfless personality. Even after being betrayed by someone, he still wants to help him. I don't think I could do that for someone who betrayed me. I tried once, though.

Sorry, never mind about that. It's not important. Anyway, of course we welcomed Regal into our party with open arms. I wish that we--that I--could become the sort of person who can believe in my friends and help them like he does. Maybe I'll be able to someday.

The town of Flanoir is in shambles thanks to Lloyd's attack, so we decided to split up and go around helping the townspeople. All right, this is the time for my healing artes to shine! Here I go! -- Entry 88 - -- This is Emil.

Marta, if there's something that's bothering you, you can tell me about it. I think of you as my friend, and you've helped me so much, so I'd like to help you, too. Oh, but if you don't feel comfortable talking about it, that's fine too.

I searched in and around Flanoir's church to see if there was anyone injured or in need of help. While I was in the church, I met a very strange person. He stank of cologne. He reeked really bad and all he talked about was himself. He mistook me for his fan, I think. After all that he said goodbye and left. What was with him? I wasn't sure if it was worth writing about him in the journal, but he left a really strong impression, so I decided I might as well.

We ultimately spent the entire day running around Flanoir. Honestly, I'd like to stay longer helping the people, but we can't just forget about the Centurions' cores, so we'll need to go on to the Temple of Ice soon.

Come to think of it, Raine and Genis weren't in town. I wonder what happened to them. I hope they're okay. Hopefully, they weren't in Flanoir when Lloyd attacked. -- Entry 89 - -- It looks like I didn't need to worry about Raine and Genis, because they were at the Temple of Ice. It seems that they had already left Flanoir by the time Lloyd attacked the city.

When they heard about what had happened, they both turned pale. It makes sense. It was yet another massacre at Lloyd's hands, after all. Why does Lloyd have to hurt innocent people and make his friends suffer like this? It's reprehensible.

They also told us something pretty troubling. An accessory seller from Flanoir, picked up Glacies' core thinking that it was an expensive jewel. Centurions' cores are extremely powerful, and if they're held by normal people, they can warp their souls! (They make people extremely violent.) It seems that Marta and I don't need to worry about it because we have Ratatosk's protection, but the accessory seller is just a regular person, so he'll face the core's full effects.

After hearing all of this, Regal said something that really surprised us. He suggested that the changes in Lloyd's personality might have been caused by exposure to Centurions' cores. That might very well be the case. But I sort of get the feeling that it's something else.

However, even if Lloyd hasn't yet been affected by the Centurions' cores, there's no doubt that he will be sooner or later, as long as he has any cores in his possession. For this reason, we decided to split up into two groups again. Raine and Genis will follow Lloyd, and try to convince him to hand over his cores. The rest of us will go back to Flanoir and get Glacies' core from the accessory seller.

I was a little sad to have to say goodbye to Raine and Genis so soon after we rejoined them, but I guess this was our only option. Good luck getting the core from Lloyd, guys! -- Entry 90 - -- We stopped by the accessory shop in Flanoir, but the shop owner with the core wasn't there. The man we talked to said that the owner couldn't find any buyers for the jewel (meaning Glacies' core), so he went to take it back to the Temple of Ice. We must have just missed him.

It's a real pain in the butt, but it looks like we're going to have to go all the way back to the Temple of Ice. -- Entry 91 - -- The Temple of Ice has been affected by the recent unusual weather conditions as well. Not only had the temperature gotten warmer and melted all the snow and ice, but the entire temple was covered in this strange type of plant called Celsius' Tear. The original cause for this was Ratatosk being asleep, but it seems that the accelerated growth of Celius' Tears is due to the core of Glacies, the Centurion of Ice, being dormant. Centurions' cores possess some incredible powers. -- Entry 92 - -- We went to the altar where Glacies' core was supposed to be, but it wasn't there. If Lloyd had taken it, he would have put up one of those weird posters of his, so it probably wasn't him. I was thinking we might have just missed the accessory seller again, when Regal suggested that we had been tricked.

It seems that a while back, the Flanoir accessory shop owner helped Regal with something, and even though the shop should have still had the same people looking after it, he didn't recognize the old man we'd spoken to there. Of course, it might be strange to conclude we were being tricked just based on this, but it would be even stranger to have supposedly gone past this accessory seller so many times without having seen him.

Even if we haven't been tricked, there are a lot of people after Ratatosk's core, and we felt like Marta might be in danger, so we've decided to go back to Flanoir for now. -- Entry 93 - -- In the end, we walked right into the Vanguard's trap. Thanks to them, Regal, Tenebrae and I were separated from Marta.

This was when I actually learned a little bit about Regal's past, and since I think Marta should know about it, too, I'm going to write it in this journal. (Don't worry, I got Regal's permission.)

A long time ago, Regal killed a woman he loved with his own hands. He was so overcome with remorse that he swore never again to use his hands to fight, even to defend his own life.

There's probably a lot more to the story that he didn't tell me. His words really gave me a lot to think about. I'm sure there are people who might say the whole thing is a little ridiculous since he still fights, only with his feet instead of his hands. But I think that Regal knew that when he decided to stop using his hands for fighting, and as far as I can tell, he is very honest and trustworthy. That's why I'm going to continue to put my trust in Regal, and respect his decisions.

Oh, and thanks to Regal, we broke out of the Vanguard's trap. We'll save you, Marta! Hang on! -- Entry 94 - -- When we finally found Marta, I came across a sight that I never even wanted to imagine happening again, much less see in person. Richter was trying to kill Marta. Wait, so was Richter the one who tricked us and led us into the trap?

I ran to stop Richter, but I wasn't fast enough. Marta was killed right before my eyes, and Ratatosk's core was stolen.

Suddenly, I couldn't see straight. I could feel rage building up inside me, along with shame and frustration.

But then Marta appeared right in front of me, alive and well! Marta's death had actually been nothing more than an illusion created using something called "Igaguri ninja technique," in order to fool Richter into thinking he'd killed her. The person who fooled Richter and saved Marta was a woman named Sheena Fujibayashi. She told us she had been in Flanoir during the attack, and she witnessed the family that runs the accessory shop being kidnapped. She came to the Temple of Ice to save them, where she found us in the Vanguard's trap. Even more surprisingly, Sheena used to travel with Lloyd during the journey of world regeneration! If Regal hadn't been working together with us, Sheena might not have saved Marta from Richter. I'll have to remember to thank Regal and Sheena later.

Anyway, since it's not safe for us to hang around in the Temple of Ice, we all hurried for the exit. But it turns out that Sheena's surprisingly clumsy, and somehow managed to fall into a trap door. Of course we're going to try to help her out. She did save Marta's life, after all. But really, she's a much bigger klutz than she looks. -- Entry 95 - -- While we were wandering around looking for Sheena, we ran into someone completely unexpected: the guy I met in the church in Flanoir, who smells like really horrible cologne! I'm pretty sure his name is Decus. And right there with him were Sheena and Alice. It seems that Decus, in all his foul-smelling horror, is a member of the Vanguard.

Alice wanted to fight us, but before she could, Sheena helpfully summoned a summon spirit which let us get away. (Though I guess I don't feel too thankful, since it was her fault we were in that mess in the first place.)

So Sheena's a summoner. Wow. There are Chosen Ones, half-elves, a company president, and a summoner among Lloyd's friends. Nothing but amazing people. I'll bet a regular guy like me wouldn't be up to a crazy challenge like regenerating the world. -- Entry 96 - -- After a lot of hard work, we finally made it out of the Temple of Ice. Once we were safe, we got a chance to talk to Sheena, and it seems that she's just as worried about Lloyd as the rest of his friends. Also, she seemed shocked to find out that Lloyd was behind the attack in Flanoir. I can understand that. She saw the horrible sights in Flanoir with her own eyes. I can't imagine that a friend of Lloyd's would want to believe that their old friend had done something like that.

After we told her that Raine and Genis are following Lloyd, she told us that she wanted to join us in our journey. It seems that Sheena thinks she'll have a better chance of seeing Lloyd if she goes along with us to find the Centurions' cores, rather than going after Lloyd directly. And she said if there really is something the matter with Lloyd, she wants to knock some sense back into him.

I can't help thinking what good people all of Lloyd's friends are. It makes me really envious, and I feel like Lloyd's a horrible person for betraying such good friends. Seriously, why would Lloyd act like this? I still can't think of a good answer.

Right now, the most important thing for us to do is to start back at square one and look for Glacies' core. Let's hurry back to Flanoir and pay the accessory shop a visit. -- Entry 97 - -- The old man running the accessory shop in Flanoir said that his son took Glacies' core to Meltokio to see if he could sell it to a noble there. We have to go to Meltokio as soon as possible!

Also, Marta: I told you in person back in the Temple of Ice, but when I thought that you'd died, I took it really hard. You'd listened when I told you not to tell me who I'm supposed to be, and you were so considerate. Thinking about it now, I think I said some truly horrible things to you after you told me how much you cared for me.

That's not the only reason, but I wanted to tell you, well this is so hard! I'm embarrassed to be writing this in a journal, and it's probably not coming out right, but I take back everything I said to you in Iselia. And if you'll forgive me, I hope that we can keep having a nice journey together.

-- -- Chapter 5 - (JRLCH5) -- --

-- Entry 98 - -- Marta here!~

Emil, saying things like that is a really good way to make me fall in love with you! Don't worry I'll try to control myself so don't freak out. But really, thank you. I'm so happy to gradually learn more and more about you and becoming better friends. I'm just glad that we're traveling together!

Meltokio is the capital of Tethe'alla, and it's a large, busy city, just like I expected it to be. As a Sylvaranti, coming from a land without a unified government, just seeing this city is almost enough to make me feel inferior, but I'm not going to give up that easily! Once we manage to wake up Ratatosk, I want to do something to help the people of Sylvarant.

But for now, we need to look for Glacies' core. The accessory shop owner would probably go to an item shop to sell a jewel (or what he thinks is a jewel), so let's go to the item shop and ask about the core!

By the way, we spotted a man named Tokunaga in front of the item shop. He's someone who Regal knows. He walked off before Regal could even say hello, though. -- Entry 99 - -- As we guessed, the shop owner from Flanoir sold Glacies' core to the item shop here. But someone beat us and bought it first! The shopkeeper even said something about customer confidentiality and refused to tell us who had bought it. What should we do? That Centurion's core is very dangerous to whomever bought it!

Regal suggested that we go and see the King of Tethe'alla to ask about it. He said that most of the people who buy fine jewels are members of the nobility, so it's possible that the King may have heard about the noble who purchased the core. I was worried that it would be difficult to gain an audience with the King, but it turns out that Regal's a noble. A duke! Regal's even more amazing than I thought. I'm sure we'll have no trouble meeting with the King if Regal comes along. I am a little nervous, though. All right, let's go to the castle! -- Entry 100 - -- I can hardly believe everything that's happened.

On our way to the castle, we were attacked by Alice. We managed to beat her, but she rigged one of her monsters to self-destruct. Emil was about to be killed, and Tenebrae sacrificed himself in order to save him.

I thought that Tenebrae was dead, but Emil learned from the other Centurions that Tenebrae was actually still alive. He'd just returned to his core state after being injured. So now we are going to get Tenebrae's core from the Temple of Darkness and wake him up again. I'm still worried about Glacies' core, but Regal's going to go and talk to the King and see what he can find out.

Tenebrae, hang on. We're coming for you! -- Entry 101 - -- When we got to the Temple of Darkness, Emil told us that he could feel Tenebrae's presence. Thank goodness. We need to hurry up and find him!

When we finally got to the altar where Tenebrae was, Richter was there. It seems that he somehow learned that Tenebrae had changed back into a core, and came here to destroy him. We fought with Richter, and part of the Temple of Darkness collapsed due to the powerful artes that he and Emil were using! We got caught in the rubble and were separated from each other.

Come to think of it, Richter seemed surprised at the arte Emil used toward the end of their battle. I wonder why. -- Entry 102 - -- After all that, we all reunited pretty quickly. But as soon as we did, I opened my big mouth and mentioned that Emil had been in Ratatosk Mode for a long time. He'd been that way ever since Tenebrae returned to his core. But when I said it, Ratatosk Mode Emil seemed really hurt. He said maybe he should just go away and lost consciousness, just like that.

I didn't mean it to sound like I hated Ratatosk Mode Emil, or wanted to get rid of him, or anything like that. It's just that Emil had never been in Ratatosk Mode for anywhere near that long before. But even though I didn't mean anything by it, I think I hurt Emil's feelings.

I'm sorry, Emil. -- Entry 103 - -- When Emil woke, he was no longer in Ratatosk Mode. It was probably because of me. Emil, I really am sorry. I don't care if you're normal Emil or Ratatosk Mode Emil, I love you either way.

While Emil was unconscious, Tenebrae's core didn't show any signs of hatching at all. But once Emil woke, Tenebrae immediately emerged from his core. Tenebrae was right back to being his old prissy self, which I found oddly comforting. I'm so glad he's safe.

Well, now that we've saved Tenebrae, let's head back to Meltokio! -- Entry 104 - -- We ran into Regal just as we were leaving the Temple of Darkness. He had found out who owns Glacies' core, and had come to tell us the news. Seles Wilder, who happens to be the younger sister of Zelos, the Chosen of Tethe'alla, is the one who bought the core. Zelos is that sleazy guy we met back in Palmacosta. I can't say that I'm looking forward to seeing him again, but if we want to get Glacies' core, I suppose we can't let this opportunity slip away.

Let's head to the house of Zelos the Chosen in Meltokio. -- Entry 105 - -- Emil here.

Listen, please don't worry about the whole Ratatosk Mode thing. My memories of that time are sort of fuzzy. It's probably because of how chaotic everything was, but I don't think it's something I'd get mad about.

Anyway, once we got to Meltokio, we visited the mansion of the Chosen Zelos. We had intended to ask about Glacies' core, but we heard noise coming from the second floor. Seles had been kidnapped! And the kidnapper was Lloyd!

I don't know what's going on here, but if we act quickly maybe we can still rescue Seles. We'd better find Lloyd and fast! -- Entry 106 - -- While I was searching for Lloyd, I ran into Zelos. Just as I was telling him that Seles had been kidnapped, Lloyd ran by with Seles slung over his shoulder. Lloyd looked surprised and ran off in a hurry. We weren't able to catch up. Zelos said that the kidnapper who took Seles wasn't Lloyd. I got a good look at him, though, and I don't see how it could have been anyone other than Lloyd Irving.

Now that Lloyd's slipped away, there isn't any point continuing to wander around the city. The kidnapper might have left a ransom note, so we decided to go back to Zelos' mansion. -- Entry 107 - -- When we got back to Zelos' mansion, the household staff told us what they saw of the kidnapping. Lloyd burst through a window, grabbed Seles and Glacies' core, and made a quick getaway. While Marta and I were dismayed at the thought that Lloyd had taken the core, Zelos continued to insist that Lloyd was not the kidnapper. He based this on the fact that the kidnapper was wearing a particularly pungent cologne, while Lloyd didn't wear cologne at all. When I heard I realized that Lloyd smelled just like that Eau de Seduction cologne that Decus used! So maybe it was Decus who abducted Seles, while disguising himself as Lloyd?

When we shared that theory with Zelos, he said that he was going to tell the Tethe'allan King the whole story, and told us to come too. Since Zelos' family is second in status only to the royal family, he has to inform the king of such developments. I'm a little nervous about it, but let's go to the castle and see what happens. -- Entry 108 - -- Just as we were explaining to the Tethe'allan King that Seles may have been abducted by the Vanguard, Sheena and Regal joined us at the castle, and reported that Lloyd's Rheiard had been spotted flying to the east. When Marta heard that, she said that the Vanguard had a fortress in that direction, so that's probably where Seles is being held.

Zelos suggested that maybe the reason they kidnapped Seles was to lure the real Lloyd. Maybe in their pursuit of Glacies' core, the Vanguard found an opportunity to not only take the core from Seles, but to use Seles as part of a scheme to get any cores Lloyd has as well.

Zelos seems intent on saving his sister, and of course we cant ignore her either. We have to work together and rescue Seles! Our target is the Cape Fortress, to the east of Meltokio. -- Entry 109 - -- I figured I should probably write down this as well.

Before we left Meltokio, I apologized to everyone for being so fervent in my suspicions about Lloyd.

I still think it was Lloyd who killed my parents, but I can't deny the possibility that it could have been Decus in disguise. And it isn't just what happened to my parents. All the encounters with Lloyd, and all the atrocities committed by Lloyd--I have no way of knowing which times it was really him and which times it was an imposter. So until I know the truth, I can't blame him for everything.

I certainly haven't forgiven him, but I don't want to proceed under a false assumption either. The best solution would be to hear the whole story from the real Lloyd, but we'll see. -- Entry 110 - -- While we were exploring the Cape Fortress, Sheena fell into one of the Vanguard's pit traps. Sheena really is a klutz. We decided that Zelos, Marta, and I would look for Seles, and Regal would try to find Sheena. We're counting on you, Regal. -- Entry 111 - -- As we proceeded deeper into the Cape Fortress, we stumbled across two Lloyd fighting each other. So there was a Lloyd imposter after all! We managed to figure out which one was the real Lloyd, and when we attacked the imposter he revealed himself to be Decus. Decus even admitted that it was he who attacked Palmacosta and Flanoir. He used the power of a Centurion's core to disguise himself as Lloyd and attacked a Vanguard meeting so he could both wipe out a dissident faction within the Vanguard and frame the Church of Martel for the crime. That was the truth behind the Blood Purge.

But there was still one more revelation to come. Marta is the daughter of Brute, the commander of the Vanguard! I knew that Marta was a former Vanguard member, but I never would have imagined she was the daughter of its leader. Even so, Marta didn't seem to know that the Blood Purge had been a sham, and was really shaken up by it.

Of course, I was pretty shocked myself, but before I could even process that, Richter appeared and suddenly we were fighting again. But for this time, Richter seemed to be fighting for real, with every intention of killing me. When he raised his sword to strike the finishing blow, the world went white, and I flashed back to being bullied in Luin, and all sorts of other things. But just as I thought I was about to be killed, Richter muttered "Aster," and spared my life.

I don't know what to make of any of it. Ultimately, Decus and the rest of the Vanguard got away, but we rescued Seles and recovered Glacies' core. Maybe that's good enough. -- Entry 112 - -- As we left the Cape Fortress, I apologized to Lloyd for blaming him about Palmacosta and all the other misunderstandings, and asked if we could work together going forward. I told him that in order to awaken Ratatosk, we needed the Centurions' cores. But Lloyd drew his sword on me, and demanded we give him our Centurions' cores. Regal and the others intervened, so it didn't come to any real fighting, but it ended with Lloyd once again running off alone to who knows where. Why would he do that? He may not be the enemy I thought he was, but I guess he is an enemy all the same.

I don't know what to make of any of this! I just want to go back to Meltokio and rest. Too many things are happening at once, and my brain is completely fried. -- Entry 113 - -- When we returned to Meltokio, Seles presented us with Glacies' core as a reward for rescuing her. That was a relief. If she had wanted us to reimburse her for it, we wouldn't have had the money for it.

We all got together and discussed the many things we had learned. First, the Vanguard. Their goal seems to be reviving the Sylvarant Dynasty, and to do so they intend to use the power of Ratatosk's core in order to rebuild an ancient weapon known as a mana cannon, and use it to destroy the Church of Martel and the Tethe'allan royal family. Awakening Ratatosk seems to be our only hope to stop them. If Ratatosk is awake, they won't be able to use Ratatosk's core for their evil plans.

And then there's Lloyd. Lloyd turned out not to be the enemy I thought he was, but now the only thing we can be sure about is that he's collecting Centurions' cores for some purpose of his own. In that sense, Lloyd remains an adversary.

Marta and I will continue our journey to find the Centurions' cores, and Regal and Sheena have kindly offered to join us. Zelos and Colette said they would chase after Lloyd. (Oops, I forgot to mention Colette earlier! She helped us rescue Seles from the Cape Fortress, as she'd been in the area searching for Lloyd.)

The Temple of Earth is near Meltokio. We don't have the core of Centurion of Earth, Solum, yet so we talked about going there, but Tenebrae said that Decus might already have it. Normally, Tenebrae would be able to tell for sure, but he said that Decus' Eau de Seduction was wreaking havoc on his senses.

Since we don't know for sure whether or not Decus has the core, we decided to head over to the Temple of Earth and see for ourselves. -- Entry 114 - -- Hi, Marta here.

Emil, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you about daddy. I didn't say anything because I thought you'd hate me if you knew that my dad was the commander of the Vanguard. But you didn't change when you heard about it. Then there's the Blood Purge. After learning about that, I was bracing myself to hear that you didn't want to be around me anymore, but you didn't blame me. Of course, I really didn't know anything about the Blood Purge, but still, I was a member of the Vanguard and I'm the daughter of its commander.

Emil. Thank you.

Well, let's get back to the travel journal, shall we? We did go to the Temple of Earth, but an earthquake had caused a cave-in and they said we couldn't go inside. So we decided to go to the Temple of Lightning instead. But it was around that time we realized that, with everything that had been going on, we had completely forgotten to hatch Glacies' core. So we went ahead and hatched it, but then Emil collapsed for some reason. He was probably just tired from all that had been happening. Richter trying to kill him must have been a particularly big shock. -- Entry 115 - -- We rushed Emil straight back to the inn in Meltokio. After a little while, he woke up, but as Ratatosk Mode Emil. Not that that's a problem. Ratatosk Mode Emil always gives his all. He fights hard for us, and he always protects me.

That's all that happened. Ratatosk Mode Emil reverted to normal Emil almost immediately.

Anyway, Emil, please try to rest up and get a good night's sleep before we go to the Temple of Lightning, okay?

-- -- (8.6) - Chapter 6 - (JRLCH6) -- --

-- Entry 116 - -- Since the Temple of Earth is being repaired, we decided to put that off and head to the Temple of Lightning instead. But the Temple of Lightning is closed to visitors too! And worse yet, a bunch of thuggish Martel Knights are blocking the entrance. They treated us like dirt at first, but then this guy Schneider came along and said he was the director of the Imperial Research Academy. As soon as he recognized Regal as the president of the Lezareno Company, the knights totally changed their tune and started kissing up to Regal! What sleazebags!

When we told Director Schneider that we wanted to enter the temple, he told us to go wait for him at Sybak's Imperial Research Academy, so we could explain to him in detail what business we have there. -- Entry 117 - -- When we arrived at the Imperial Research Academy, one of the researchers confused Emil with some guy named "Aster," who must have been the spitting image of Emil. Aster belonged to the Imperial Research Academy, but died while researching Ratatosk. So as you can imagine, the researcher acted like he was seeing a ghost when he met Emil. Actually, now that I think about it, didn't Richter call Emil "Aster" too?

Regal said that he and his companions visited the Imperial Research Academy a bunch of times during their journey of regeneration. Back then, the Academy had half-elves locked up in the basement, where they were forced to do all sorts of research under imperial decree.

Supposedly the half-elves have all been set free, but just to make sure, we decided to go take a look in the basement. -- Entry 118 - -- There were no signs of life in the basement, so it doesn't seem that half-elves are being locked up there anymore.

While we were down there, Emil, who had been in Ratatosk Mode for a really long time, suddenly reverted to his normal self. But Emil looked really tired, and didn't seem to understand why we had come to the Imperial Research Academy. We decided that I would take Emil back to the inn to rest, and Regal would send for us when Director Schneider returned.

While Emil and I were on our way to the inn, we ran into the researcher who mistook Emil for Aster again. He told us that Richter killed Aster, when the two of them were researching Ratatosk together.

Of course, it was a surprise to hear Richter's name out of the blue, but Emil really freaked out. I was afraid he would collapse right then and there! He really needs to get some rest at the inn! -- Entry 119 - -- This is Emil.

I woke up from a deep sleep and found myself back at the inn. I didn't see Marta anywhere, but Tenebrae told me that was because Regal had already sent for her. Tenebrae and I decided to follow her back to the academy. -- Entry 120 - -- I found Marta and the others right away. I overheard them talking about whether or not I was this Aster person. Regal was saying that I might actually be Aster, and only survived being killed by Richter due to some fluke. But having lost my memories at that point, I came to believe that I was emil, and ended up in Luin.

But that can't be true! I remember watching my parents die. If I were Aster, there's no way I would have that memory and all my memories of living in Palmacosta.

On the other hand, Richter did look at me and mutter "Aster" that time. -- Entry 121 - -- If Aster was a member of the Imperial Research Academy, Director Schneider may have known him too. We've been told that Director Schneider has returned to the academy, so let's go ask him about it. We need to ask about the Temple of Lightning as well, but right now I really want to learn about myself.

Director Schneider didn't dismiss the possibility that I might be Aster. I guess we really do look that much alike. But if I'm Aster, what about my memories of Palmacosta?

Director Schneider also told us that Richter was a half-elf who used to work at the academy. Richter was very close with Aster, and the two were researching Ratatosk together. But Director Schneider didn't say that Richter killed Aster. I want to believe in Richter. He used to be so kind to me.

When we asked Director Schneider if there was any way to find out whether or not I am actually Aster, he told us that a researcher named Rilena used to work with Aster, and that she's currently investigating the Temple of Lightning. He gave us a letter of passage for the temple so we could go see her. Of course, the Centurion's core is there too, and that's all the more reason to go to the Temple of Lightning. -- Entry 122 - -- When we arrived at the Temple of Lightning, we found the Martel Knight guards dead. My first thought was that Lloyd had killed them, but then I remembered that he had been framed for attacking Palmacosta, so the real culprit was probably the Vanguard. It pained me to see how pale Marta looked. I hated to just leave the bodies of the Martel Knights lying there, but if the Vanguard is here, there's a chance they could snatch the core. So we decided to hurry ahead. -- Entry 123 - -- We found some research notes concerning Ratatosk. Those researchers must be pretty out of it to lose something this important. -- Entry 124 - -- A short while later, we came across the fleeing researchers. They said they were indeed trying to escape from a Vanguard attack. The documents we'd found apparently belonged to Rilena, who is deeper inside the temple. I hope she doesn't get attacked by the Vanguard. -- Entry 125 - -- We proceeded deeper into the Temple, and this time it was Lloyd we ran into. But Lloyd was being pursued by the Vanguard too, and ran off without saying a word. Tenebrae was worried that Lloyd might beat us to the core, but Rilena is in even more danger. We can always take back the core, but if something were to happen to Rilena, there would be no getting her back. -- Entry 126 - -- Marta here.

Emil isn't in any condition to write in the journal, so I'll do it this time.

As we proceeded further into the temple, we came across Decus, attacking someone who we assumed to be Rilena. But Decus wasn't acting like his usual self. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he seemed more irritable, or more reckless than before. Something was definitely not right with him. Decus attacked Emil with surprising ferocity, and Emil switched to Ratatosk Mode. Before I knew it, Emil had used some sort of power to open a "Door to the Boundary" or something, which transported Decus and Rilena away.

We were freaking out about how we had to rescue Rilena, but Emil, the Ratatosk Mode Emil, was all, "Who cares what happens to her?"

Until now, I had always thought that Ratatosk Mode Emil was Emil too. Maybe the influence of Ratatosk's borrowed power gave him a foul mouth, but I believed that inside he was just as kind and gentle as the normal Emil.

But I was wrong. He's not Emil.

The Emil I used to know may have been a coward, but he wasn't the sort of person who wouldn't care what happens just because someone is a stranger. He even worried about Rilena in his journal entries.

What happened? We call his transformation "Ratatosk Mode" like it's some sort of joke, but what's really happening to Emil? Isn't there anything I can do? Emil's saved me so many times. I want to do the same for him.

Tenebrae said that the power Emil used reminded him of the one Ratatosk uses to return his Centurions to their respective altars. That power only applies to Centurions, so that means probably either Decus or Rilena has a Centurion's core. And since Ratatosk's power only seems to transport Centurions to their own altars, they could only have been sent to the altar of whichever Centurion's core that is. Specifically, there are only two possibilities: it's either the altar that we presume is at the heart of this Temple of Lightning, or it's the altar in the Temple of Earth. For the time being, well search for the altar in the Temple of Lightning.

I don't care what Ratatosk Mode Emil says. I will rescue Rilena! Because that's what the real Emil wanted. -- Entry 127 - -- Tonitrus' core was still at its altar, but Rilena was nowhere to be found. That means that Rilena (and Decus) are probably at the Temple of Earth.

I wish we could rush straight to the Temple of Earth and find Rilena, but after all that's happened here, we decided to first pay a quick visit to Director Schneider in Sybak, and update him on the situation.

As we were leaving the temple, Ratatosk Mode Emil said something strange. He had a dream (or was it a memory?) of being killed by Richter. Normal Emil said that he'd been having waking dreams. I wonder if they're connected. If being killed by Richter was a recovered memory, does that mean Emil is Aster?

First the Ratatosk Mode and now this. What's happening to Emil? -- Entry 128 - -- I got into an argument with Ratatosk Mode Emil on the way back to Sybak. And once again, I found myself chastising him for not being who I wanted him to be. The last time I did that, back when Emil was reluctant to save Paul at the human ranch, I really hurt his feelings. I was so determined to see Emil as my fantasy protector, instead of seeing him as he really was.

I didn't mean it that way this time. I was just trying to say that the real Emil is always kind to others. But when Ratatosk Mode Emil mentioned how normal Emil always made him handle the dangerous situations, I realized something. The same thing that hurt normal Emil's feelings now also hurt Ratatosk Mode Emil's feelings. Without giving any thought as to what sort of person Ratatosk Mode Emil really was, I had been treating him as if he were the normal Emil. I wasn't accepting him for who he was.

I can't allow him to not care about others, but maybe I need to forgive him. I just don't know how to deal with this. -- Entry 129 - -- In Sybak, we explained the situation to Director Schneider and returned Rilena's research notes. Director Schneider was able to tell us a little about Ratatosk, saying that Ratatosk is indeed the summon spirit of the old Giant Kharlan Tree, and that he uses monsters to balance the distribution of mana.

Richter believes that Ratatosk is a "demon lord." But Ratatosk doesn't have anything to do with demons. Even Tenebrae said so. But when I look at Ratatosk Mode Emil, I can't help but wonder. Is that Aster's personality, or, as a Knight of Ratatosk, is Emil receiving some evil influence from Ratatosk himself?

Director Schneider said that the researchers at Meltokio's Elemental Research Laboratory were conducting more advanced research on Ratatosk. We still need to go to the Temple of Earth, but they may not be finished with the repairs there yet. So might make sense to visit the Elemental Research Laboratory first. -- Entry 130 - -- According to the notes we found in the Elemental Research Laboratory, Ratatosk is the guardian of the Ginnungagap, a door that seals the passage to the demonic realm. If that's true, then it's the complete opposite of what Richter was claiming. I feel like the more I learn, the less I understand!

At the Elemental Research Laboratory we learned something else that caught my attention. Ratatosk's core on my forehead may be toxic! Apparently Centurions' cores and Exspheres (strange stones that enhance the abilities of the humans who equip them) are very similar in composition, so Ratatosk's core may also be similar to an Exsphere. The problem is that, if humans attach Exspheres directly to their bodies, they ultimately end up being possessed by them! Ratatosk's core could potentially have a similar effect.

At the moment, I don't feel any different. And Tenebrae never said anything about there being any risk. So I think I'm okay. But it's hard not to be a little concerned! If Emil were here, he'd probably try to cheer me up. And if Emil were here to cheer me up, I probably wouldn't be worried at all.

It sounds like they've finished repairing the Temple of Earth, so now it's time to focus on saving Rilena. And besides, Tenebrae said that Ratatosk's core would fall off once we awakened Ratatosk, and I don't think he was lying about that.

On our way out of the Elemental Research Laboratory, we heard that they discovered an injured woman beyond the caved-in part of the Temple of Earth. That's got to be Rilena. Let's go! -- Entry 131 - -- On our way to the Temple of Earth, Emil reverted to his normal self, or at least that's what he pretended had happened.

Ratatosk Mode Emil had sensed that I was worried about the whole Ratatosk's core parasitism thing, and acted like normal Emil so he could try to comfort me.

To be honest, I still don't know how to act around Emil. I feel like treating normal Emil as the "real" Emil would be an insult to Ratatosk Mode Emil, and the reverse would be true if I treated Ratatosk Mode Emil that way. But I have figured one thing out, and that's that Ratatosk Mode Emil can be just as kind as the regular Emil. I want to accept them both. I don't know how exactly to do that, but I'm determined to find a way. -- Entry 132 - -- This is Emil. I guess for the first time in a long time.

When we arrived at the Temple of Earth, I finally regained full consciousness. I didn't remember anything from when I was in Ratatosk Mode, but Regal and the others explained what had happened. And Marta has been diligently writing in the journal, which made things a whole lot easier to understand. Thank you, Marta. Not just for that, but for thinking so much about me. I really have been awful to the other me. I truly am afraid to fight, but that's no excuse for making the other me fight instead. And yet, as soon as things get dangerous, I selfishly flip the switch and turn on Ratatosk Mode. Is that really any different from me just running away? All this time I thought that's what it meant to be a Knight of Ratatosk, but maybe I'm wrong about that. I don't know what to do.

I guess this isn't the time to think about such things. I'm worried about Rilena and her injuries, and since it's my fault she got send to this place, I really owe her an apology. I'm going to pledge here and now that, if the other me ever refuse to fight, I'll stand my ground and accept the responsibility. -- Entry 133 - -- While proceeding through the temple, we met Rilena as she was being lead out by the Royal Army. Rilena seemed very kind and even told me that it wasn't my fault when I tried to apologize. Of course, I still think it was my fault, but that was nice of her.

Rilena said that Richter did kill Aster, and after he did, he stole all of Aster's research about Ratatosk and disappeared.

The most important thing she said was that Aster had a small star-shaped birthmark on his neck. I have a star-shaped birthmark at the exact same place. In other words I probably am Aster. And the dream I saw about being killed by Richter probably was a memory. But if that's the case, what about my memories of the time I spent in Palmacosta? I don't know what to believe.

When Marta saw how upset I was, she told me that my name doesn't matter. So even if I really am Aster, it doesn't change that I'm still me. If that's the way Marta's going to look at it, then I can think of it that way too. I'm still me!

According to Rilena, Decus was transported here too, but while she went towards the exit, he went in the opposite direction. That might mean that there's another exit further inside. Let's continue going deeper into the temple and find out. -- Entry 134 - -- We arrived at the altar, but Solum's core wasn't there. We didn't see one of Lloyd's weird posters either, so Decus probably already has Solum's core, just like Tenebrae said.

What's strange is that we couldn't find any sort of exit near the altar. Tenebrae said he sensed monsters in the area, so there might be some sort of secret passage nearby. -- Entry 135 - -- There was a secret passage after all.

Further in, we encountered a group of caterpillar-like monsters called lookins. The Vanguard had fitted them with special machines so they could control them. Tenebrae was able to comunicate with the lookins, and they said that they had been used to transport the Vanguard to a mine in a neighboring continent.

Regal seemed pretty upset about this. He was concerned that the lookins might be referring to an Exsphere mine that he had sealed and demolished the entrance. If that were the case, the Vanguard could be excavating Exspheres that would heighten their own combat abilities. Regal wanted to go to the mine right away to investigate, but I wasn't quite so eager.

In the end, we did ask the lookins to take us and Regal's hunch was dead-on. The mine they brought us to was indeed the Toize Valley Mine that Regal's company used to own. There didn't seem to be any signs of recent mining activity, but with the mine being accessible again, there was a possibility that someone could use its Exspheres for evil purposes. So we decided to report our findings to the Lezareno company's main offices in Altamira. -- Entry 136 - -- I've never seen anything like the city of Altamira before. The entire city is one big vacation resort. But because of the recent weather fluctuations, there haven't been many people visiting. It seems pretty lively to me, but I guess it's usually much busier. -- Entry 137 - -- Something terrible has happened. Just as we were telling about the Toize Valley Mine at the Lezareno Company, we received a report that the Vanguard was attacking the city! They're claiming that the Lezareno Company is holding Marta and are demanding they release her immediately. I wonder what they're planning. -- Entry 138 - -- While we were still reeling from the Vanguard's demands, Marta became furious. She stormed out, saying that she was going to set them straight. But letting Marta face them alone would play right into the Vanguard's hands. Let's catch up to her before it's too late!

We caught up with Marta, but the city was crawling with Vanguard and we even saw that Hawk guy. This is a really dangerous situation. Let's take refuge at the hotel for now. -- Entry 139 - -- In a horrible coincidence, we ran into Alice at the hotel. But she didn't want to fight. She only threatened us. She said that if we didn't hand over Marta, she'd detonate bombs they placed throughout Altamira. -- Entry 140 - -- Marta said she should give herself up to the Vanguard, but we can't do that. They'll just use Ratatosk's core for evil, and that would only make things worse. Regal is going to talk to the other Lezareno Company executives, and Sheena is going to meet with her Mizuho scouts. They're both going to try to come up with some sort of countermeasure. Me, I'm just pathetic. I may have borrowed Ratatosk's power, but outside of that I'm just a useless kid.

But I shouldn't be worrying about myself now. I should be worrying about Marta. Regal arranged for us to have the hotel's penthouse suite, so I'll take Marta up there to rest for a while.

While we were talking in the hotel room, Marta came to the conclusion that her best option was to go to the Vanguard by herself. I tried to stop her, but I couldn't because Tenebrae got in my way! What could he have been thinking?! If Marta gets taken by the Vanguard, it would negate everything we've accomplished on our journey! I have to find Marta before it's too late! -- Entry 141 - -- I saw Regal and Sheena when I went down to the lobby, and I told them about Marta. Regal said Marta had probably gone to the casino, and that it might actually work to our advantage. The casino is the Vanguard's base of operations, so if we could get inside there, he thinks we could steal the bomb detonator from the Vanguard and safely evacuate the citizens of Altamira. And of course, this plan would also allow us to rescue Marta as well. Regal asked me to wait in the hotel room while he makes the arrangements.

Incidentally, all of that is just a record of what I heard from Tenebrae. I think I went into Ratatosk Mode again, because I don't remember talking to Regal at all. Too bad the Ratatosk Mode version of me never bothers to update the journal.

Regal came back later that night, and told us his preparations were complete. Hold on, Marta. We're coming to save you.

As we left the room, Regal put on a pair of handcuffs. That's part of the plan. Sheena and I are supposed to act like we want to join the Vanguard, and we are presenting Regal as an offering. It doesn't even matter if they figure out that we're lying, because our goal is simply to get inside of the casino.

Once we get inside, Regal will use the remote control concealed in his handcuffs to shut off the power to the casino. That'll give us a chance to search for Marta and the detonator. It's a pretty dangerous plan, but it's imperative that we strike quickly. As long as the Vanguard is still in the city with us, they won't be quick to flip the switch on that detonator.

I'm nervous, but I'm not going to let that stop me. The first step is to go to the casino. -- Entry 142 - -- Just as we had anticipated, Alice figured out that we were lying and had us thrown in prison as soon as we were brought to her. Marta was there in the cell waiting for us. We had considered the possibility that Marta might have already been taken somewhere else, but thankfully we managed to get to her in time. So all that's left is to cut the power, get the detonator from Hawk, and destroy it.

We managed to get the detonator away from Hawk. We had saved the people of Altamira--or so we'd thought, when Commander Brute appeared before us. Marta tried hard to get Commander Brute to listen to reason, but he wasn't interested in hearing anything that she had to say. Instead, he challenged us to a fight.

Commander Brute was stronger than any enemy we'd fought before, and claimed to be drawing his power from Solum's core. We thought that Decus had Solum's core, but he must have given it to Brute. (Or maybe Brute was the one who gave it to Decus to begin with?)

Anyway, if we have to keep fighting with Commander Brute, there's a strong possibility that Marta could get taken by the Vanguard again. So let's find a way to get out of here instead! -- Entry 143 - -- We fled all the way to the elemental railway station, but Commander Brute followed us there. Regal said that he would stay behind to slow down Commander Brute. There was no way Marta and I could bring ourselves to leave him, but Sheena activated the elemental railway car and left him behind. She must have known how determined he was, and decided not to let his sacrifice be in vain. That's when I realized that, as much faith as Marta and I have in Regal, Sheena has much, much more. We put our trust in hers, and left Regal to handle the situation.

We can't let the Vanguard capture us, for Regal's sake as well as our own. So lets leave Altamira as quickly as possible! -- Entry 144 - -- We bumped into Alice, of all people, on our way out of the city. Just as we were cursing our luck, a girl with an axe ran up and saved us.

Her name is Presea, and she says she's another of Lloyd and Sheena's companions. She had heard that Altamira was under Vanguard occupation, and had joined a group of Mizuho to help reclaim the city. Sheena asked Presea to take care of us and then ran off to save Regal. Presea said she'd take us somewhere safe, so all we can do now is follow her lead.

I'm so sorry for leaving you, Regal. But I believe in you too. Please make it back to us safely!

-- -- Chapter 7 - (JRLCH7) -- --

-- Entry 145 - -- Our first goal was to put as much distance as possible between us and Altamira, but we ended up stuck behind a Vanguard checkpoint. While we were discussing how to get past it, Presea pulled out an iron maiden like the one that Decus was carrying around, and told Marta to hide inside of it. It didn't make a lot of sense to me, but Presea seemed absolutely confident that it would work, so Marta went ahead and hid inside the iron maiden.

Just as Presea had said, we managed to get through the checkpoint. Though I kind of felt sorry for that guard.

Now Presea is taking us to see a dwarf named Altessa. Since he's a dwarf, I guess he'll be something like Dirk. -- Entry 146 - -- Altessa warmly welcomed us into his home. But before we even had time to catch our breath, the Vanguard came looking for us. Among them was Magnar, supposedly of the Martel Knights. Does that mean that the events in Luin were also staged by the Vanguard? Marta didn't know that Magnar was a Vanguard member either. She seemed really taken aback by it. I'm a little worried about her.

Magnar figured out we were in Altessa's home. We didn't want to cause any trouble for Altessa by continuing to hide, so we went out to face Magnar in battle.

We pulled off a victory against Magnar, and he told us some very disturbing news. He said that Commander Brute plans to announce the revival of the Sylvarant Dynasty from Altamira. Furthermore, he said that the Vanguard is stating uprisings throughout the world so that the Royal Army wouldn't be able to take back Altamira.

After hearing that, there was no way we could ignore the plight of Regal and Sheena any longer. We have to rescue them. Or at least, that's how I felt, but Altessa said that our top priority was continuing to flee so that Ratatosk's core doesn't fall into Vanguard hands. The Vanguard certainly do seem serious about using Ratatosk's core to rebuild a mana cannon, and that's exactly what Marta and I were trying to prevent when we fled in the first place. But is that really all we can do? Right now, running actually may be the right thing. We can only trust that we're fleeing towards the correct path.

Altessa generously offered to tie up Magnar and keep an eye on him for us. We're going to follow Presea to the village of Mizuho. -- Entry 147 - -- Marta here.

Emil, I'm sorry I've caused you so much trouble lately. I don't have any real power, and have become such a liability. Even fleeing to Mizuho was Presea's idea. I don't know what I'm doing anymore.

It sounds like Raine and Genis have come to Mizuho, too. I'm looking forward to talking with them.

Raine confirmed that, as Magnar had told us, the Vanguard really is staging uprisings throughout the world. My head is spinning. I don't have any idea as to what to do.

But Raine says we still have a chance of winning. She really is amazing. And it's not just her. Regal, Sheena, Genis, Presea, and even you Emil. I'm the one who's at the center of this whole thing, and I can't do anything.

I'm sorry. It's supposed to be my turn to write in the journal, but all I can do is whine about my own petty problems. I need to stop doing that.

At Raine's suggestion, we decided to meet with Elder Igaguri. That's where we'll probably get to hear about Raine's thoughts on winning."

Raine wants to go after Daddy--Commander Brute, I mean. Since the Vanguard is a young organization, she thinks that it would fall apart if it lost its leader. They said that they wouldn't necessarily have to kill him, and they would rather capture him if they could. Elder Igaguri agreed with Raine's plan, and promised to send troops from Mizuho to Altamira. And that's not all, Raine, Genis and Presea said they were going to fight for Altamira too.

I feel like I should be fighting as well since I'm Brute's daughter, a former Vanguard member, and the one who started this whole thing. But Raine told Emil and me to stay here. She said that if we can keep the Vanguard from getting Ratatosk's core, we can avoid the worst-case scenario. In a way, that was sort of a relief to hear because I'm afraid to face Daddy again. He's changed completely. It disgusts me to see what he's become.

Emil looks like he has something to say to me. If Emil wants to talk about this, I wonder what I should say. -- Entry 148 - -- Emil asked me if I would really be okay with not talking to Daddy before he's captured. And he asked why I left the Vanguard. His words hurt. Doesn't he think I've already considered these things? So when he was lecturing me about letting others do the important work, I lost my temper and yelled at him. I asked him if he expected me to fight my own father.

But Emil wasn't upset. He said that, just because talking with him didn't go well once or twice, I shouldn't give up. He asked if, as his daughter, I would really be happy leaving things like this.

Of course I've already considered these things!

It's just that I'm running away from them. -- Entry 149 - -- While I was talking to Emil the Vanguard attacked Mizuho. It looks like everyone has gone to the village entrance to hold them back. A villager told us to flee, but is that really the right thing to do while everyone else is fighting?

When we went to the entrance, we found Raine and the others locked in a desperate battle. I'm supposed to just run away? That can't be right! Before I knew it, Emil and I had joined the battle. Emil, or rather, Ratatosk Mode Emil asked me if I'm still going to keep on running away.

It really does feel like I've been running this entire time. I've been so afraid to face my father after what he's become. Or maybe the truth is that I'm not good at facing up to anyone anymore, but I have to stop running now. I finally see that.

So I asked Raine and the others to take me with them, and they agreed to it. I almost can't believe that they did, when I consider how much is at stake with Ratatosk's core. I guess this is what it means to face up to things and to believe in people.

And Emil, thank you. I wouldn't have found my resolve if you hadn't given me your courage.

Let's all go to Altamira! -- Entry 150 - -- This is Emil.

I'm the one who should be thanking you, Marta. You're the reason that I've become the person I am. So let's just keep trying our best, okay?

Orochi met us outside of Altamira and briefed us on the situation. He said that the Vanguard had set up their headquarters in the Lezareno Company's Building Number Two. Presea told us that there's a tunnel beneath the hotel for employees, and if we used that we could reach the entrance of Building Number Two undetected. The plan is then for Orochi's group to distract the soldiers in the city while we sneak inside. We'll begin the operation at midnight, so we have until then to sneak into Altamira.

Soldiers were guarding the entrance to the city. While we were trying to come up with a way to get past them without causing a commotion, Tenebrae transformed into a beautiful woman and lured them away from their posts. That gave us all the time we needed to sneak into the hotel. Tenebrae really can transform into anything!

It's midnight. Let's ride the elevator down to the tunnel. -- Entry 151 - -- When we reached the underground tunnel, Presea and Genis started complaining about head and chest pains. As Solum's core spirals more and more out of control, its influence is spreading beyond its owner to affect everyone in the city as well. If we take too long to complete our mission, everyone except Marta and I (who have Ratatosk's protection) could begin to lose their sanity. So let's find Commander Brute and hatch that core as soon as possible!

We reached Building Number Two. Instead of heading straight to the top floor in search of Commander Brute, it'd be safer to learn more about the building first. Let's start by finding the security room. -- Entry 152 - -- According to the blueprints we found in the security room, there's an elevator that goes straight to the top floor. Since it's the most direct route, we expect it to be heavily guarded. So we decided to split up into two groups: Raine's group will act as a decoy, using the direct elevator to lure out the Vanguard, while Marta, Tenebrae and I use the emergency staircase to reach Commander Brute's room.

Raine, Genis, and Presea. Be careful! -- Entry 153 - -- As we were making our way up to the top floor of Building Number Two, we ran into Alice. We thought for sure she'd come to capture us, but instead she asked us to restore the Decus' sanity, who she claimed had been losing his mind since being given Solum's core. When we said that he would probably return to normal once we hatched Solum's core, she told us that it was Decus who had Solum's core and begged us to help him.

I'm not sure that we can trust Alice. But if Decus has Solum's core, then there isn't much point going after Commander Brute now. I was conflicted about it, but decided to take Alice at her word.

I truly regret ever believing Alice. Everything she said was a lie. Well, everything except the part about Decus losing his mind, which turned out to be true. Commander Brute has Solum's core after all. Alice abducted Marta, and I ended up locked in a room with a deranged Decus. Just as I was about to fight him, a section of the wall slid open, and Zelos and Colette appeared. Thanks to their timely arrival, I was able to get away from Decus.

Zelos and Colette said that they had found Lloyd. Right around that time, they heard about the Vanguard's invasion of Altamira, and came to save the city. That's when they ran into me. They said that Lloyd is here too, but that he's working alone.

I briefly explained what had happened to me. When they heard that Marta had been kidnapped, they agreed that rescuing her was priority number one. I feel so much better having them by my side again! -- Entry 154 - -- We were searching the place where Tenebrae had sensed Marta's presence when Sheena dropped down from the ceiling. Needless to say, she was stunned to see not just me, who she had worked so hard to extract from the city, but Zelos and Colette as well.

It was our turn to be surprised when she said that she had been searching for Regal, but found Marta instead! Sheena then lead us through the ceiling to the place where Marta is being held. -- Entry 155 - -- We found Marta captive and arguing with Commander Brute. She tried her hardest to win him over, but as usual Commander Brute turned a deaf ear to her arguments. I guess Solum's core has indeed affected his mind. If that's the case, convincing Commander Brute to back down could be next to impossible.

For now, let's focus on rescuing Marta. -- Entry 156 - -- We defeated the guards and rescued Marta. All that's left to do now is get Solum's core from Commander Brute. Once we hatch Solum's core, hopefully Commander Brute will be willing to listen to Marta. Let's hurry to the president's office on the top floor.

Just as we arrived to the president's office, Raine's group stepped off the elevator to join us. Genis was surprised that it had taken us so long, but I'm glad that we were able to meet up with everyone. Although I'm still worried about Regal, all I can do is have faith that he's okay. We have to liberate Altamira for his sake as well.

It's time to face Commander Brute head-on. Let's give it our all, Marta. -- Entry 157 - -- As we had predicted, Commander Brute didn't seem interested in listening to what we had to say. Instead, he brought out a captive Regal and threatened to kill him if we didn't hand over our own Centurions' cores. It was Lloyd who swooped in to save Regal, giving us an opening to challenge Commander Brute in battle.

It was a difficult fight, but somehow, we emerged triumphant. Now we can finally recover Solum's core, or so we thought. A deranged Decus burst into the president's room. Decus sought to steal back the core, and severely wounded Commander Brute in the process. Decus and I struggled over the core, and ultimately Marta was able to hatch it. The pall that had enveloped the city cleared in an instant, and both Decus and Commander Brute's sanities were restored. Decus ran away with Alice, and Lloyd, Zelos, Genis, and Sheena ran after them.

Commander Brute's condition was dire. Even the use of healing artes couldn't stop the rapid degeneration of a body that had been artificially strengthened with Exspheres and a Centurion's core. In his weakened state, Commander Brute asked us to have Richter dissolve the Vanguard. It had been Richter who had given him Solum's Core, urged him to become king, and told him about the mana cannon in the first place! I wonder what possessed Richter to do something like that.

But now's not the time to worry about that. At this rate, Commander Brute won't survive. We have to save Commander Brute, as much for Marta's sake as his own. We'll leave him in Raine's care, while the rest of us go find a doctor. -- Entry 158 - -- As we stepped off the elevator, we found Richter locked in battle with Lloyd and his companions. Zelos, Sheena, and Genis had fallen to what Richter called the power of the demonic realm, and he even seemed to overpower Lloyd.

When Richter saw me, he turned his sword in my direction. From that point on, my memories are fuzzy.

As soon as the battle began I entered Ratatosk Mode. Lately, I haven't been able to remember anything that happens in Ratatosk Mode, so I can't clearly say how the battle with Richter went down. But then Richter said something that snapped me back to full consciousness. That I was Ratatosk.

The instant he said that, I remembered everything.

Suddenly, Aster appeared before me. Aster was calling out to me, calling me Ratatosk. Beside him stood Richter. The two of them had come to ask me--to ask Ratatosk--to restore the balance of mana in order to end the strange weather fluctuations. I had only just awakened, and despised the humans and the half-elves who had destroyed the Giant Kharlan Tree that had been my host. So I wanted to have then destroyed. Aster tried to stop me. As if swatting a bug, I killed him.

That's the full version of the waking dream I've been having.

I was the one who had killed Richter's friend.

I don't remember much after that. Marta defended me, but Richter still tried to kill me. It was Lloyd who repelled Richter's blade. I remember Lloyd saying that he was my--Emil's friend, and that he was going to stop Richter. This after I had hated Lloyd, and thought of him as my enemy for such a long time.

I remember Richter being kept at bay by Lloyd and then somebody saving Richter. It was probably Alice.

And that's where my memories ceased completely. I passed out.

-- -- Chapter 8 - (JRLCH8) -- --

-- Entry 159 - -- I still can't believe that I was Ratatosk all along. While I do have that memory of being called Ratatosk, I also have memories of growing up at Emil Castagnier. Besides, Ratatosk is supposed to be in the core on Marta's forehead.

But Tenebrae told me that the core on Marta's forehead is a fake designed to draw the attention of Ratatosk's enemies to Marta. If that's true, then that's totally despicable! I was using Marta as a decoy to protect myself.

Forgive me, Marta. I really am an awful person. I'm not going to write in this journal anymore. We won't be able to travel together anymore either now that I've betrayed everyone. -- Entry 160 - -- Marta here.

Daddy said he wanted t talk to Emil, so I came to get him, but Emil looks like he's in pretty rough shape. I guess that's no surprise. If I had suddenly found out that my entire life history was a lie, I don't think I'd be handling it that well either.

I have trouble believing that Emil really is Ratatosk, too, but Tenebrae said that all of Emil's memories of his past are a fiction created to help Ratatosk play the role of Emil. Emil was always very vague when he talked about growing up in Palmacosta.

But no matter who Emil really is, the Emil I've been traveling with all this time is anything but a despicable person. Whomever Emil really is, this time I'm going to face up to him and accept it. I won't run away, no matter what, so don't say such sad things, okay?

Well, shall we go to see Daddy now? He's resting in one of the rooms in the hotel. -- Entry 161 - -- Daddy wanted to talk about was Richter and Richter's role in the Vanguard. A lot of it was stuff that even I was hearing for the first time. Daddy had stopped telling me anything about the Vanguard a while back.

Richter joined after Daddy had already established the Vanguard, and it was Richter who transformed the Vanguard into a militant organization. Even now, there are lots of Vanguard who follow Richter, and will flock to him despite Daddy's orders that the Vanguard be disbanded. I'm really worried about that. But for the moment, Richter seems to be laying low.

Daddy is deeply ashamed of the things he's done and his inability to control the Vanguard. He seems much smaller than he used to be. Anyway, after all of that, Daddy ended the meeting by asking Emil to stop Richter. Emil looked sort of uncomfortable about that.

After our meeting, Presea came to get us, saying they've figured out where Richter is. She said that Regal is waiting to talk to us in the rooftop garden of the Lezareno headquarters. Should we go see what he has to say, Emil? -- Entry 162 - -- At the rooftop garden we found not only Regal, but Lloyd, Colette, and all the others as well.

They claimed that Richter seemed to be heading for some ruins known as the Otherworldly Gate. It leads to the Ginnungagap, the door to the demonic realm that Ratatosk guards. It's also where Aster was killed. Lloyd and Zelos thought Richter might be going there to borrow power from the demons of Niflheim through the Ginnungagap. They're probably right about that since Richter used the power of the demonic realm during his battle with Lloyd.

If that's true, the main concert is what the demons are getting in return. One disturbing possibility is that they're working together with Richter to kill Ratatosk, which would allow them to open the door of the Ginnungagap (which cannot be opened so long as Ratatosk lives), and transform our world into Niflheim.

This entire thing just gets bigger in scope, and I'm a little bit lost myself, but nowhere near as lost as poor Emil. It certainly doesn't help to have Tenebrae making it sound like Emil's entire personality is a sham, by saying that Emil's identity was created merely to help Ratatosk conceal himself. Since it's Ratatosk Mode Emil who has most of Ratatosk's memories, Tenebrae also said that it's natural for Emil not to believe that he truly is Ratatosk.

Is that really the truth? And if it is, why would Emil resemble Aster so strongly?

It was then that Lloyd said he might be able to shed some light on Emil's questions, including whether or not Emil really is Ratatosk. But since Lloyd has forged a pact, he couldn't say anything about it right now. Lloyd left then saying that he and the guardian of the world tree would be waiting for us

Emil has decided to go to the World Tree to find out more. Of course, everyone will be joining him on the journey, myself included. -- Entry 163 - -- Emil, I don't feel betrayed by you and I don't think you're a despicable person. Ever since you suddenly appeared in my life, you've shown me only courage and kindness. Even if you really are Ratatosk, and even if the memories of your past are fake, the memories of our journey together are very much real. I'm all the proof you need of that. And I'm quite certain that the Emil I know is not a threat to the human race. So let's continue our journey together, okay?

The guardian of the World Tree is a man named Yuan. (He's the guy we met back in Asgard.) He seems to be an old acquaintance of Regal and the others. He told us a great deal about Emil--or rather, Ratatosk.

He says that Emil is indeed the Summon Spirt Ratatosk, and that Lloyd had been working to stop Ratatosk from eradicating humanity. But he hadn't been trying to kill Ratatosk. On the contrary, if Ratatosk were to die, the door in Ginnungagap would open, and this would would become the demonic realm, Niflheim. So Lloyd and Yuan had planned to seal Ratatosk alive in the Ginnungagap instead. To do that, they needed the Centurions' and Ratatosk's cores.

Lloyd didn't tell this plan to anyone, because he didn't want Ratatosk to find out about it. Ratatosk has a wide ranging network of monsters, and he didn't know where they might be listening. They could only discuss the plan here at the World Tree, were Ratatosk has no influence.

All of Lloyd's companions know the name of the new World Tree and they'd promised not to speak it until the World Tree was stable, but if Lloyd had included his companions on his quest to collect the cores, they might have become corrupted by the Centurions' cores, and accidentally revealed the name of the World Tree to Ratatosk. (Lloyd himself had Martel's protection, and was immune to the cores' influence.) If Ratatosk had known the name, I guess he would have been able to take the World Tree from Martel, and then humanity would lose its only hope of resisting Ratatosk.

So there were plenty of good reasons for Lloyd to keep his mouth shut. And just as many good reasons not to tell Ratatosk/Emil any of this. But Lloyd and Yuan said that they believe in Emil, and that they don't think Emil is just some fake personality. They think that he's another spirit deep within Ratatosk--his conscience. If, as his conscience, Emil can restrain Ratatosk, then Ratatosk will cease to be a threat to humanity, and then they won't have to seal him in the Ginnungagap. Lloyd really seems to value Emil's existence, and is working hard to protect it.

Emil and Ratatosk need to be recombined into a single entity, so that Emil can be a counterbalance to Ratatosk. We've decided to ask the Summon Spirit of Heart for help to ensure that Emil's spirit isn't destroyed in the process. With the protection of the Summon Spirit of Heart, Emil's spirit should survive.

The Summon Spirit of the Heart resides in the Martel Temple in Iselia. Let's go pay him a visit. -- Entry 164 - -- Dirk was working on the repairs at the Martel Temple. Emil seemed really envious of the relationship that Lloyd and Dirk share. When Emil said that he didn't think he could ever be like Lloyd, Lloyd said that everyone was different, which is what makes us all so important.

I think that's true, too. -- Entry 165 - -- We finally entered the temple.

Verius, the Summon Spirit of Heart, actually dwells inside peoples' hearts, but the temple in Iselia is where it's easiest to make contact with him.

We're finally going to meet with Verius. -- Entry 166 - -- I'm sorry about this, Emil. There's something I've been meaning to say to you for a long time, and I can't let it go unsaid any longer. If the Summon Spirit of Heart is going to protect you, Emil, I have to ask what that means for the other Emil, Ratatosk, who has been traveling with us for just as long. I don't know quite how to say this, but I don't think that it would be right for Ratatosk to just disappear. Of course, I don't want you to disappear either, Emil, but I can't help thinking that you need to stand up to Ratatosk directly, without relying on the Summon Spirit of Heart or anyone else.

I'm sorry, I know it's easy for me to say that. I feel like I'm always making things harder for you. But you still laugh it off and say you don't mind, because you're thinking the same things.

But I know that only you can decide the fate of your spirit. Forgive me for butting in like that.

Verius, the Summon Spirit of Heart, appeared before us. But because Emil's heart was conflicted, he said that Emil needed more time and disappeared. Verius promised to lend his strength when Emil found his resolve. I'm sure it's my fault that Emil's heart was wavering. I'm really sorry, Emil.

As we were leaving the temple, there was a sudden tremor. But it wasn't a normal earthquake. It was door to the Ginnungagap opening. I thought the door couldn't be opened so long as Ratatosk/Emil lived?!

At the moment, Emil awakened as Ratatosk. After he blocked the demons from passing through the door, he grabbed Lumen's core from Lloyd, and hatched it. Hoping that Emil would return to us soon, I hugged him tight. He did come back, but he seemed really unsettled by the fact that Ratatosk had taken over and stolen the core from Lloyd.

On our way back to Iselia, we found Dirk fighting monsters, and managed to save him in time. A wave of energy released by the opening of the Ginnungagap seems to be driving monsters into a frenzy. The door was apparently opened because of all the negative energy spread by the Vanguard rebellion, which the demons thrive upon. Usually that wouldn't be an issue, but since Ratatosk had lost some of his Centurions, his ability to protect the door had diminished. Richter must have been manipulating the Vanguard for this purpose all alone.

Ratatosk took control of Emil once again. He said that while he was currently holding back the demons, in his weakened state it would only be a matter of time before the world was consumed by their realm. The only way for him to stop it would be to regain his full power and seal the door. That's why he took Lumen's core from Lloyd.

Right then, I felt the presence of Verius. And then Emil and Ratatosk became one. Emil said that he had Verius seal Ratatosk's personality away. He chose to seal away Ratatosk, and take Ratatosk's role as a summon spirit himself.

I'm going to miss Ratatosk a little, but I respect your decision, Emil. I'm sorry if you were lead astray by any of the things that I said. I hope this won't change anything between us.

Our next mission is to travel to the Ginnungagap via the Otherworldly Gate. Our target is Richter. This may be our final journey, and our final battle, so we decided to split up so that everyone could take care of their personal business before we head to the Otherworldly Gate.

Emil and I agreed to meet in Altamira after he's settled his affairs. I'll be waiting for you, Emil. -- Entry 167 - -- This is Emil. Or rather, it's Ratatosk, I guess.

I never thought I'd be writing in this journal again, but after this journey ends, I'll won't see everyone again, I feel like I need to keep writing. If I can leave them a record of everything that happened and everything that will happen next, they'll be able to remember me for who I was.

Thank you, Marta, for writing so many messages for me in the journal. If you hadn't been there, my spirit would have been consumed by Ratatosk's and destroyed. I'm sorry it wasn't me who saved you back then, but you were the one who wished me into being, and for that, I'm extremely grateful.

There's still something that I need to do. I'm going to go see Uncle Alba in Luin because courage is the magic that makes dreams come true.

In Luin, I saw Uncle Alba and Aunt Flora for the first time in a while. We spoke only briefly, but I felt like I was able to look my uncle in the eye for the first time.

I'm not really Emil Castagnier, and Uncle Alba isn't really my uncle. But still, when he told me that he wanted a chance to do things over again, it made me really happy. I won't ever have that opportunity, but the thought still pleased me, because the old me never would have felt that way.

I may never come back to Luin again. So I should probably pay my respects to the statue of Lloyd the Great before I go.

Tenebrae has guessed exactly what it is that I intend to do next, and we discussed it at length in front of Lloyd's statue. You've been keeping a close eye on me too, haven't you Tenebrae? Thank you for that. I'm counting on you to help me defend the door from the demonic realm.

I don't think there's anything else left I need to do, so I'm going to head to Altamira, where Marta promised she'd be waiting for me.

In Altamira I had a long talk with Marta. When our journey ends, she intends to join Brute in taking responsibility for the Vanguard's actions, and search for a way to end the animosity between Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. I wish I could help her with that, but I won't be able to leave the door, so I'll have to cheer her on from the Ginnungagap. I'll always be supporting you, Marta because I love you.

Well, it's time to head to the Ginnungagap, via the Otherworldly Gate. Let's get going! -- Entry 168 - -- Shortly after we descended into the Ginnungagap, Lloyd and the others suddenly disappeared. Only Marta, Tenebrae and I were left behind. Tenebrae thinks it's because Lloyd's group was holding the Derris Emblem, which is some sort of charm that I created long time ago, and gave to a young half-elf boy. That boy later betrayed me, so I set a trap to ensure that the holder of the Derris Emblem would never enter my domain. In other words, it's my fault that Lloyd and the others are in danger. We have to hurry up and save them!

As we were searching for Lloyd's group, we ran into Alice and Decus, who had been waiting for us. I had believed that Alice had done all those horrible things because she'd been corrupted by a Centurion's core, but I was wrong. Alice had been acting on her own free will, striving to carve out a place for herself in this world. I guess that's why she was so obsessed with power and strength.

I don't know if power is a good thing or a bad thing. When I didn't have any power, I couldn't create a place for myself in Luin. But the part of me that had too much power ended up being sealed away within my spirit.

To live only for oneself, like Alice, seems like such an incredible thing to me. I don't think I would like living that way, and I don't like those who do, but I think there are times in life when that kind of strength is necessary. I wonder if it's only because of Decus' support that Alice is able to live that way. If that's the case, I guess that would make Decus the stronger of the two.

Decus is the one who killed the real Emil and his family. It was Decus who attacked Palmacosta, and Decus who attacked Flanoir. I will never forgive him. I certainly owe that much to the real Emil, who loaned me his name and life. However, I think I understand a little about how Decus lives, and where he gets his strength. Because now I, too, have someone who's important to me.

When the battle ended, Alice and Decus fell before us. We didn't want to have to take their lives, but their strength left us with no other choice. I wonder if Richter will have to face the same fate. Even if we won't ever see eye-to-eye, does that really mean that we can't both live on?

That may be asking too much. After all, I couldn't forgive Decus, and to Richter, I am the enemy that can never be forgiven. -- Entry 169 - -- After traveling a short distance, Lloyd came running to us. He said that all of the others had been turned to stone. That was the trap I had said. It was only due to Martel's protection that Lloyd had been spared. As we set off to save the others, Lloyd guessed what my plan was. I tried to mislead him, but I guess it isn't hard to see through me. It hurt to have to betray Lloyd's trust, but this is the only way I know to resolve this crisis. I'm sorry, Lloyd.

We finally found Regal and the others, and as Lloyd said, they had all been turned to stone. As I transformed them back to normal, it hit me how, despite what I'd always thought, I wasn't a human being at all. It was a strange feeling.

No one seemed to have been harmed by the ordeal. So let's hurry on to the door to the demon realm.

Aqua blocked us from entering the room to the demonic realm. She told us that Richter hated me for senselessly murdering Aster, and that led him to forge his pact with the demons, in exchange for selling out this world, the demons promised to resurrect Aster. Aqua also accused me of modeling my human form after Aster to rub salt in Richter's wound.

I don't know why I chose Aster as my human form. Perhaps when Marta summoned me, and I had to be reborn as a human, I simply went with the form of the last human I had seen before entering my core state. I don't think that I--or rather, the Ratatosk of that time--had any intention of causing Richter pain. In fact, I doubt that Ratatosk had any interest in Richter whatsoever.

Aqua transformed herself into a monster and challenged us in battle. Centurions can't fight by themselves, so all they can do is create new monsters by shaping their own bodies into them. That's just how determined Aqua was to protect Richter.

We had to do whatever was necessary to reach the door to the demonic realm. After defeating the monster that Aqua had created, Aqua herself collapsed from her wounds, and reverted to her core state. Forgive me, Aqua. I know how much I've hurt you. I'm truly sorry.

Well, Richter is just ahead. With all that's happened, I feel that I can understand Richter's grief and hatred. But I can't allow him to turn this world into a demonic realm just so he can get Aster back. I must stop Richter at all costs.

As for what comes after that I'm counting n you, Marta.

When you learn the truth, I'm sure you'll be furious. I'm so sorry, Marta and thank you for everything.

-- -- -- (6) - Transcriber's Critique (TSC) -- -- --

If there's one problem I see in game writing these days, it's using too many words when less would be just fine. I'm sorry to say that "Tales Of Symphonia 2" is a prime example of this; there is an excess of dialogue in all fields, and the quality suffers because of it.

Characters are too long-winded and flowery for being who they are and the world they're in, and the few instances of casual, contemporary expression come off as sour notes in the midst of it. A lot can be derived from a character based on how they speak, but this game, much like the first "Tales of Symphonia," ignores that and makes everybody sound nearly identical. Instead of creating unique speech patterns for each character, the script comes off as blunt and colorless, as if the writers simply translated the original Japanese directly and didn't bother to add their own touches, or things that the American audience could relate to. Sure, that way of speaking would be right for someone with an upper-crust personality (like Regal or Tenebrae), but certainly not a spunky girl like Marta or a street-smart adventurer like Lloyd. At least half of the time I played, I thought I was reading an essay for school more than hearing characters speak.

Another problem I had was the severe lack of pronouns (words like "he, she, it, they, them, ours," for those of you not clear on that). Almost every line references a noun, even if that character already said it in the line before, or another one said it. Re-using nouns as often as this game does makes the reading tedious, and this gamer really had to grit his teeth through a lot of it... especially the journal entries.

There are also plenty of overused words and phrases in this game. Here's my list of the most grievous offenders and my reasons why:

-Anyway/In any case/Even so: this is a lousy way to segue into a new idea, giving the feeling that whatever was already said is being disregarded.

-As well: this just doesn't sound right for most of the characters and is grating on the ears after a short while; "too" would work just fine 75% of the time.

-I'm sorry, You're right, and Thank you: all three of these are really silly to hear as much as one does in this game; they lose their power fast, becoming little more than a waste of breath.

-It seems/It appears/It looks like/kind of/sort of: these make the characters sound too uncertain of what they comment on, making the reader either paranoid that a trap is coming, or it's just another way of slapping in more words to make them sound more observant than they really are.

-Bastard/Damn/What the Hell: Yes, I know we can't have major profanity with a game of this rating, but they could have mixed it up a lot more. "Bastard" used to be a powerful insult, but the way it's chucked around in this game, it ends up having the same impact as being hit with a dry sock. How about using worse words and bleeping them out? That can have a strong impact... Or what about angry snarls instead of humdrum curses? I'm not trying to teach the tiny tots new cuss words, mind you... but these just stop being effective really fast.

In closing, I definitely call for a rewrite of this script, should the game be re-released in the future. In the wake of Namco's earlier "Tales" titles, like "Destiny" and "Eternia," this script is detestably bland and lacks the soul that is needed for a memorable RPG.

-- -- -- (7) - Acknowledgments - (ACK) -- ---