chapter 1: THE MEAGER


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[OPENING]


I am called Alazlam, a historian specialized in the study of
medieval Ivalician history...

Perhaps you are familiar with the "Lion War"?

Long ago,
Ivalice was divided in brutal quarrel over the rights of succession
for the throne. It is said that it was the emergence of a great hero,
a young man named Delita, that beckoned this war to its close.

Of course, we are all well-versed in this tale.

Of course, we also know that truth is in the eye of the beholder.

Here is a young man.

In times past, he was the youngest son
born to a model of knightly virtue: the noble Beoulve family.

There are no current sources citing this man as
having ever played an active role in this stage of history,
however...

According to the "Durai Papers" released to the public this past year
(having been swept under the church's skirts for countless years)
this young man is said to be the true hero of this war.

The church balks at the mere idea,
denouncing this youth as a heretic, an anarchist,
and the source of disorder of all sorts.

Which, then, do you suppose is the "truth"?

Well then, shall we set out to find this "truth"?

Oh, yes, but before that,
won't you tell me your "name" and "birthday"?





the zodiac brave story
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS



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[ORBONNE MONASTERY]

(It storms. Within the monastery a girl is kneeling, her hands clasped in prayer. Behind her, a priest and a lady knight stand at attention.)



"...O God, by thy power
save us sinful children of Ivalice."

FEMALE KNIGHT "Now then, it's time for us to depart, Princess Ovelia."
PRINCESS OVELIA "Just a moment more, Agrias..."
AGRIAS "The convoy has long arrived."
PRIEST "Your Highness, ye needn't burden Sir Agrias so...
Come, child, make haste..."


(Three men enter the chapel.)

BLACK KNIGHT "Have you not moved a hair!? It's been nearly an hour!"
AGRIAS "Oh, please, let us try to be ruder, Sir Gafgarion!
Lest we forget we are in presence of Her Highness."


(The two warriors behind the black knight kneel. Gafgarion pays his respect with only the slight bowing of his head.)

GAFGARION "You're sure this is all right, Mademoiselle Agrias...?
Time is wasted with every second that races by."
AGRIAS "So it's true, there are boors like yourself even within the Northern Heaven Knights."
GAFGARION "Mind your leash. As this convoy's commanding general, ten minutes grace was overly gentlemanly of me to begin with.
Not to mention that we are hired arms of the Northern Heaven Knights, ouais? Meaning I have other duties besides exhausting graciousness to you."
AGRIAS "Impudent lout! What words do you dare spit!?"


(Ovelia stands. The room falls silent.)

OVELIA "I understand. Let us be off."
PRIEST "God be with you."
OVELIA "And you, Father Simon."


(The doors bursts open with a crash, and an injured, female knight stumbles in, falling on one knee. Simon tends to her immediately.)

FEMALE KNIGHT "Lord Agrias... th...the enemy—!"


(Agrias quickly rushes out of the monastery.)

SIMON "The Duke Goltana's dogs cometh!?"
GAFGARION "...Eh, what one must do to for coin, non?
What think you, Ramza? Do you have complaint now...?"
RAMZA "...I'm no longer of any knight following. I am the same as you: a mercenary."
GAFGARION "...I thought as much.
Well then! Allons-y!"


(Gafgarion, Ramza and the silent squire rush outside to the battle.)

OVELIA "O, God...."



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[OUTSIDE ORBONNE MONASTERY]

AGRIAS "Is that the crest of the black lion...!?
Ridiculous...! What in the Devil is the Duke Goltana thinking!?
Does he wish to start a war!?"
KNIGHT OF GOLTANA "You there, woman! Cease this futile resistance!
Hand over the princess peacably! If not, it shall pain me to report your fair face was not so for much longer!"
GAFGARION "Hn, a direct assault from the front, is it?
What foolery!"
AGRIAS "Whatever the case may be, leave this matter to us!"
GAFGARION "Don't take to their example for brains! How does that get me my pay!?
Rad! Ramza! Pick up your feet!
You know what to do! Send every bastard you see to the pits Hell!"
AGRIAS "What in God's name are you saying!? There's no need to kill these men!
Surely that's exactly what the Duke Goltana is counting on! Chasing them away is well enough!"
GAFGARION "Easier said than done! Care to share ideas on how!?"


(The battle wages. Soon after the last man falls, a scream is heard from within the monastery.)

OVELIA "Let go of me at once!"
AGRIAS "Damn!!"


(Agrias runs inside the church. Meanwhile, Ovelia is dragged out from the back of the monastery by a soldier.)

KNIGHT OF GOLTANA "Come this way! And won't you do it quietly—!?"
OVELIA "Who are you to ask me such a thing....!?"
KNIGHT OF GOLTANA "Such noise, Highness."


(The soldier punches Ovelia in the gut, knocking her out. He mounts her on a nearby chocobo with him as Agrias bursts from the back of the chapel.)

AGRIAS "H...hold!"
KNIGHT OF GOLTANA "Unfortunate, isn't it... By all means, curse your own name, or God's."


(The soldier makes his escape.)

AGRIAS "...What is the meaning of this."
RAMZA "....Delita!?
You live, Delita? ...But why are you with Goltana's forces...?
Why...?"



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The name of the Great King Delita
did not begin to appear within wrottem history
until a year before the outbreak of the Lion War.

The period following the end of the 50 Year War
had wrought an influx of knights homeward bound.

Most were welcomed back with little by way of employment
and even less by way of faith the Nobility and the Royalty
they once served. Often, this rendered many a man
to seek sustenance in the more sundry allegiances,
taken to conspiracy and rebellion...

Hence, the Dark Ages of Ivalice saw
robbery and murder as an everyday happenstance;
in response to a chaotic era, quite a number rose to become
men of God or great heroes of their time.

The city of Gariland was no exception...





CHAPTER 1: THE MEAGER







[GARILAND ROYAL ACADEMY]

(Students loiter in the main hall of the Gariland Royal Academy)

BOY CADET "Have you heard? Another cart bound to Igros got hit last night."
GIRL CADET
"Could it have been another act of the Death Corps?"
RAMZA "It seems as though something's brewing, doesn't it? Do you know anything, Delita?"
DELITA "I don't. ...But it's not too hard to guess."
RAMZA "Your thoughts, then?"
DELITA "Duke Larg is in town."
RAMZA "Duke Larg...? What for?"
DELITA "And it's not just the Duke. There's also... mmm, I don't know, Lord Elmdor of Limberry."
RAMZA "This is the first I've heard of it. ...not an official visit, I take it."
DELITA "Anywhere could be a deadfall in Ivalice today... Even with the whole of Knights working at their full capacity, there's a shortage of hands."
RAMZA "...and so us cadets are called to arms."


VOICE

 "All present, fall in!"


(The cadets suddenly snap to attention.)

NORTHERN HEAVEN KNIGHT "Young soldiers, you are assigned a mission!
Recently, as I think you know, our fine land Gallionne has been found ailing under the festering prescense of the lawless scum which plagues her!
Among them are the enemies of the Crown, the loathsome Death Corps. We cannot overlook this anarchistic infection.
As ordered by our Lords, we Knights of the Northern Heavens will proceed to exterminate these vermin. This is to be a large scale operation.
Various knight brigades shall lend arms to our cause. Among us is the Imperial Guard of His Excellency, Lord Larg, presently stationed at Castle Igros.
Cadets, your mission is this: you are assigned to stand watch at Igros. To lend your free hands to our call and cause."


(A female knight comes towards the commanding knight, murmuring a message. Once delivered, she leaves.)


NORTHERN HEAVEN KNIGHT "Young men and women of our Order, take up your swords!
We have just received word that a rogue band of thieves is seeking refuge in our city!
We will begin our purge with these wretches! Help our cause!
Consider this your preliminary mission! You're dismissed! Now to battle!!"








[MAGICAL CAPITAL, GARILAND]

THIEF "Well, hell, they're still wet at the ear! Lucky for us, wot!
Listen up, they're just babes with toys! Go ahead and make 'em taste the dirt!
Take care of them all! Kill every last one of the little buggers!"
DELITA "Ramza, keep your wits about you! Don't rush ahead recklessly!"
RAMZA "Oh don't patronize me, Delita! Am I not a Beoulve!"
THIEF "Beoulve!? Beoulve, you say?
HAH, ooh, I getcher digs now! You're cadets of the academy!
Feh, prissy noble ponces."
RAMZA "Hold your tongue! Surrender or I'll have you rot away in obscurity!!"
THIEF "You? A snot-nosed noble get? The hell can you do! God all mighty!
Do you really think you inbred little bastards can win against us!?"


(The battle commences. It's not much of a match, and soon Ramza's troop are standing among the dead rogues.)

RAMZA "How do you not see the foolishness of such petty crime?
If you had labored honestly, you wouldn't have lost your life in such a manner..."








[BALBANES' LAST BREATH]


The day that Balbanes Beoulve the Great achieved
the highest rank of knighthood, "Knight of the Heavens",
was the day that he spent his final hours with his kin....


The closing of the 50 Year War
The Beoulve's Estate

(Balbanes lies in bed, his two sons and daughter present within his chambers.)

KNIGHT OF THE HEAVENS, BALBANES "How goes.... the war....?"
ARCH KNIGHT, ZALBAG "With swift action, our men were able to recapture Limberry.
It's only a matter of time before the nation's forces retreat from Zeltannia. All is well. There's nothing to fret over."
LORD DYCEDARG "The Prince Renard's word has made way back through Count Lenario's trusted messanger.
It looks as though the Count has agreed to your proposal."
BALBANES "Is that so... then at least now... as a commander... I can rest..."
ALMA "Honored Father..."
BALBANES "There, there.... my daughter, don't cry..."
ZALBAG "Where in God's Name is Ramza...? At a time like this...!"
BALBANES "Dycedarg, Zalbag... my prided sons...
I leave Ramza in your care... You brothers may come of different womb... but you all share my blood...."


(Ramza clambers through the entrance, bursting the doors open wide.)

RAMZA "Father—!!"
DYCEDARG "...Boisterous as ever."
ZALBAG "...So you've made it after all. Now be quick. Let him look at you."


(Ramza approaches the bed, taking his father's hand in his.)

RAMZA "Father...."
BALBANES "How long has it been....? Aha... That's a good face you've grown into....
How goes your schooling....? You attend the academy in the spring, don't you...?"
RAMZA "......."
BALBANES "Listen here, Ramza...
For generations... the Beoulve family has... served and fought for the Crown... We carry the warrior spirit within us....
Tarnish not... that name with shame nor with injustice... A man must walk a true path...
I have faith you all... will walk that path...that selfsame path I have walked....
By the honor... of this legacy...."
RAMZA "Of course, Father....."
BALBANES "Delita is a fine boy.
Even if born to a different life, he will be an asset as your most trusted companion...
The administers at the academy office have agreed to overlook his status...
Hehehe... What a sight, the dean's eyes were larger than globes....
You've made a good friend.... He will be with you 'til your dying hour..."
RAMZA "O...Of course, Father....."
BALBANES "Take care of Alma...."


(Ramza retreats from his father a step.)

BALBANES "You and your brothers... will become splendid knights.... Ramza..."


(Balbane's eyes close, and death overcomes him.)









[MALANDIA PLAINS]

(A group of outlaws stands over a fallen boy on the plains.)

THIEF "This guy's still breathing. What now?"
THIEF "Don't play the idiot. The capture of the Marquis is fine enough."
THIEF "I getcha.
Oi brat, if you're gonna blame anything, blame fate."


(Suddenly, Ramza's troop stumbles across the scene, having been making their way West toward Igros.)

THIEF "...hnnn? Oh Glabados, it's the Northern Heaven bastards—!"
DELITA "Those of the Death Corps, I presume? And it looks as though they're assaulting someone...?"


[SELECT]
1. Our duty is to crush the Death Corps!
2. Saving him is priority!

1. Our duty is to crush the Death Corps!
RAMZA "Our duty is to crush the Death Corps! We need only concern ourselves with the enemies before us!"
DELITA "Are you serious, Ramza? You plan to just let him hang there!?"
RAMZA "How do you intend to fight when you worry over whether someone lives or dies?"
DELITA "....I'll show you. I'll save him."
(if Algus falls during battle)
RAMZA "He likely still breathes! Save him!"
(if Algus stands at the end of the battle)
ALGUS "Th..the Marquis... I must rescue the Marquis...!"
2. Saving him is priority!
RAMZA "We musn't ruin the name of the Northern Heaven Knights! Saving him is priority!"
(if Algus falls during battle)
RAMZA "...Da...damn it! Let not his effort be in vain!"
(if Algus stands at the end of the battle)
RAMZA "Do you live?"
ALGUS "Just barely...
However, the Marquis has..."
RAMZA "The Marquis? Do you mean say the Lord of Limberry, the Marquis Elmdor!?"
ALGUS "Aye, the very same.
What names does thee hold?"
RAMZA "We are cadets of the Gariland Royal Academy.
Ones I think are able to help you. Let us talk."








[ENCOUNTER WITH THE FENCER]

(The battle over, Algus holds Ramza and Delita's full attention.)

ALGUS "I am Algus... a knight of the Limberry Imperial Guard."
DELITA "'A knight'...?"
ALGUS "...A squire.
What of it? You are apprentices of knighthood as well, are you not?"
RAMZA "I am Ramza Beoulve. And this is Delita, my trusted friend."
ALGUS "Beoulve? Beo.... O God Almighty! You are of the Beoulve family, of the Northern Heaven Knights!?
This is wonderful news! What blessed luck!!"


(Algus presses forward, making Ramza step back uncomfortably.)

RAMZA "???"
ALGUS "I beg of thee!
Lend me the power of the Northern Heaven Knights, for the sake of the Marquis!"
DELITA "And I beg you! Your pardon, that is!"
ALGUS "No pray thee, no, you must hear me...The Marquis! He yet lives! Those bastards abducted him!
The Marquis' life shall end by the hand of those rats if we don't strike now!
If that were to happen, I'd not know what to do....
So then, I plead! Lend me thy hand! I beg of thee!"
DELITA "All right, that's enough. We don't know for certain if he'll be killed, do we?
Since it's the Death Corps, it's doubtful they've kidnapped him without some sort of aim, am I right?
There'll probably be a ransom."
RAMZA "...and furthermore, it's not as though we can do anything.
Our main concern is that the Marquis Elmdor was kidnapped. Surely, Igros must be in an uproar by now."
DELITA "Which means the best course of action is to continue on to Igros and report."


(Algus doesn't seem to want to agree, but logic against him, he subsides, nodding.)

"I understand. Let us do exactly that."








[REUNION AT IGROS]

(The party makes the last of their journey West, finally reaching Igros Castle. There, a meeting is arranged with Dycedarg.)

DYCEDARG "So you have been the victor in your first battle. We are pleased.
This, I believe, would be makes the most venerable line of the Beoulve so admired among noble stock."
RAMZA "...Thank you."
DYCEDARG "Here now, you are not pleased?"
RAMZA "No, on the contrary, I am honored to recieve such praise...
...and this I think you may know, but, the Marquis Elmdor's coach had been attacked, and he himself abducted.
What would you have us do?" "
DYCEDARG "Mm. Zalbag has long handpicked the assembly of the search party.
Though we are also half-expecting to hear of their ransom demands... if the case has it that the Marquis still lives, that is."


(Algus suddenly makes his stand.)

ALGUS "I beg of thee, Your Excellency. By your grace, lend me one hundred men."
DYCEDARG "............"
ALGUS "I throw myself upon thy mercies. Give me the power to avenge my comrades!"
DYCEDARG "There is a party already called to strike. Was there something that you did not comprehend?
You are not of this land. We of Gallionne will handle this."
ALGUS "Bu...but I beg of...!"
DYCEDARG "Was there something of your position that you did not comprehend, young Algus!?
Does the squire so easily forget that he tries to exceed even the status of one who has earned his knighthood?""
ALGUS "Nng..........."


(Algus once more takes his seat. Dycedarg easily moves to speak to Ramza once more.)

DYCEDARG "I will have you guard Igros Castle.
...What now? It won't be so difficult, danger is not likely to reach these castle walls."








[COURTYARD OF IGROS CASTLE]

(Algus picks up a stone, and stands in the courtyard with Ramza and Delita.)

ALGUS "...In older times, my family...it was once as respected as the Beoulves.
During the Fifty Year War, my grandfather had been caught by the enemy.
And my grandfather... he sold the lives of his comrades in order to save himself. Yes, to save his own skin.
But, as he took his freedom and left the enemy castle, he was cut down. ...by a cadet no different than I.
One of my grandfather's comrades escaped with his life, and spouted the story to everyone who had ears.
Of course, my father never believed a word. But, ah, as for everyone else... one by one, they deserted him."


(Algus throws the stone into the water of the catle's moat.)

ALGUS "Such is one's place in society...
Certainly, Lord Dycedarg would have never met with me otherwise."


YOUNG VOICE

 "Bro—ther!"
DELITA "Teta!"
RAMZA "Alma, Brother Zalbag!"


(Zalbag, Alma and Teta enter, crossing waters.)

ALMA "Brother Ramza, you've returned, I see!"
RAMZA "It has been some time, Brother."
ZALBAG "I've heard of your victory against the thieves in Gariland.
That is true to the way of the Beoulves. Our late Father would have been delighted, I'm sure of it."
RAMZA "....Thank you."
ZALBAG "Haha... the same, per usual. Always so plain with praise when you should be jovial, eh?
And you, Delita, don't you look strapping! I've also heard talk about your accomplishements. Look how jubilant Teta is, now."
TETA "Brother Delita, I'm merely happiest when you're well."
DELITA "As am I to you, Teta, to see you well. Have you settled nicely in school?"
TETA "I have, everyone has been more than kind to me..."
ZALBAG "I'd love to stay and chat, however, there are thieves that need hunting. My pardon."
RAMZA "Be victorious."


(Zalbag makes to leave, though pauses after a mere few steps. He glances back over his shoulder.)

ZALBAG "...The Death Corps have made their ransom."
ALGUS "What say you!?"
ZALBAG "...I can't understand it. They spout off anarchy and their hate for nobility, yet do not stoop to petty thievery against those who serve us.
Hence the corps kidnapping the Marquis for monetary ransom is despicable, especially by their own standards, no?"
ALGUS "Ridiculous! Ruffians, the lot of them!"
ZALBAG "Intelligence from 'Grass', our spy, has not yet returned.
We don't know what sort of valuable information 'Grass' may have uncovered, but the statesmen don't think it important enough to look into the matter."
RAMZA "Where do you think he has been intercepted?"
ZALBAG "East of Gallionne, in a trade city by the name of Dortar, I believe....
...You are on guard duty for the castle, yes? How very...tedious. Don't you think so?"


(Zalbag exits.)

DELITA "I'm sorry, Teta, we'll be going."
TETA "No need to fret over me. Please take care."


(Delita takes Teta in his arms, embracing her.)

DELITA "It's all right, no harm will come to me. Be a good girl until my return.
Now then, let's move out, Ramza."


(Algus, Delita and Teta make their leave. Ramza makes way to follow, pausing when Alma calls to him.)

ALMA "Teta may have sounded well, but truly she's...."
RAMZA "...truly what?"
ALMA "She's repeatedly tormented at school because of her class."
RAMZA "............."
ALMA "Forgive me, Brother. I didn't mean to make you worry.
Teta will be fine, since I will be caring for her! Please be peace of mind."
RAMZA "...And you tell me not to worry. Don't do anything brash."
ALMA "Same to you, Brother, as you're the one shouldering everyone's grand expectations of you.
Don't allow the Beoulve name to bind you; my brother is my brother."
RAMZA "And how you sound exactly like Mother! Hahaha!"


(They laugh. After calming, Ramza finally makes his leave.)

ALMA "Brother Ramza..."








[SWEEZY WOODS]

(Cutting through the woods at the edges of Gallionne, the party stumbles across wild goblins and walking skeletons.)

ALGUS "Damn! What a place to run into monsters, of all things. Oh such luck we're having."
DELITA "Stop complaining, Algus. I'd take this over guard duty, any time."
ALGUS "Feh! We are to fight for our lives against these things, and yet you are able to say such so casually..."
RAMZA "Enough talk! They come!!"


(Goblins and lichs alike attack the party in the swampy woods, but the battle is won.)

RAMZA "Dortar is not far beyond these woods. Let us move!"








[DORTAR SLUM QUARTERS]

KNIGHT "I told you, I know nothing!"
SIR WIGLAF "Do not lie to me! I know exactly what you've all done!
...Now, where is Gustav? Where the Devil is he!?"
KNIGHT "I... I know not....."
WIGLAF "Where is the Marquis? Where do you hide him...?
Speak!!"


(The weakened knight is lifted, one handed, off the ground by his throat. After a suffocating moment, he is tossed mercilessly into a puddle. Wiglaf draws his sword and points it at the other's neck.)

WIGLAF "I will repeat myself only once more.... Where?"
KNIGHT "De...desert......."
WIGLAF "I see, the 'Sand Rat Cellar', is it..."
RAMZA "Hold!!"
WIGLAF "Oh bloody... The Northern Heaven bastards."


(Despite Ramza's men rushing into the scene, Wiglaf easily makes his leave.)

ALGUS "Look at that, it seems our efforts to Dortar were well paid."
DELITA "....That man, could he be....?"
RAMZA "Do you know of him, Delita?"
DELITA "I've felt as though I've seen him before. In Igros? At the end of the Fifty Year War...?"


(Suddenly, the slums is far more crowded, members of the Death Corps filing in.)

RAMZA "It seems that battle is unavoidable. Forward!!"


(It was a hard battle, Ramza tiny troop outnumbered by more experienced knights, warlocks and archers, and surprising everyone when they earned victory.)

DELITA "I remember!! Of course! That knight is named Wiglaf. Advocate of the peasant militia, Sir Wiglaf, the head of a brigade of Death Knights."
ALGUS "What? Do you mean to say that.. that man...?"
DELITA "Yes. He is the leader of the Death Corps."








[AFTER GUSTAV!]

(Within an abandoned slum house, the Death Corps knight is on his knees and bound. Delita leans against a wall as he looks on Algus' interrogation with Ramza...)

ALGUS "...I understand it that you're of the Death Corps.
Where is the Lord Marquis? Where are you keeping him? Speak!!"


(Silence.)

ALGUS "Wiglaf... That was him earlier, wasn't it? Your master.
Where did the scumbag run off to!?"


(Silence.)

ALGUS "Yo...You dirty-blooded, lawless son of a... Speak..Say something! Anything!!"


(Algus' foot is lodged into the man's gut. Following the blow, he then grabs at the man's hair, pulling him up by the roots.)

RAMZA "Stop it! Algus!"
ALGUS "Hn."


(Algus releases the man's hair.)

ALGUS "...Hear now, listen well.
Not long now, the Northern Heaven Knights will launch a large scale massacre of you bloody boors.
Yes. Every last one of you will die. Every last one will be sent straight to the deepest reaches of Hell. How fitting for the final days of a thief, isn't it!
However, you... you should feel fortunate. If you speak of Wiglaf's whereabouts, we will save you. Well?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "...dunno a blasted thin'."


(Algus kicks the fallen knight in the face.)

ALGUS "Mind your mouth, dog! Do not dare to be so casual among nobility!"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "...We... are not dogs."
ALGUS "What drivel does thee spout!?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "...You inbred bastards, always the same. You all think the likes of us can't possibly be human....
In the 50 Year War...we've risked our lives for this God forsaken country...
And when the fighting ceased, we were cast away without a thought....
Yet... what difference is there between us and nobility...? Birth? Family? That shit you call 'class'?"
ALGUS "Oh, fine speech...and you speak it with the guilt of kidnapping and ransom on your head!?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "....The Marquis' abduction... was a mistake... Sir Wiglaf plans on correcting it..."
ALGUS "!?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "We are not ones who stoop to weasling money from nobility..."
RAMZA "Then what is happening? Who abducted Marquis Elmdor?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "................"
ALGUS "Speak! If not you, then who possibly would!?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "....Gustav."
ALGUS "Gustav? Who the Devil is that?"
DELITA "Gustav Margueriff... a respected Captain of the Death Corps."
ALGUS "So you were the ones responsible!"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "N-no! We of the Death Corps are fighting to overthrow you!
We take pride in fighting for equality!! We're different from Gustav!"


(Algus once more kicks the knight in the face.)

ALGUS "Pride? What pride! And trying to be heroes when you're barely the worth the fleas in your sorry hides! "
RAMZA "That is enough, Algus!"
ALGUS "...So. Where is this Gustav?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "...th... the 'Sand Rat Cellar'..."
ALGUS "Sand Raaaat?"
DELITA "Since Algus had come from far off, it's not surprising for him not to know...
'Sand Rats' inhabit the wide deserts North of Dortar."
ALGUS "!?"
RAMZA "Wasn't there something between here and Zeklaus Desert for a time?"
DELITA "There was, but not anymore. The desert natives once had a village there..."
RAMZA "...Hence a perfect hiding place for Gustav and the Marquis."
DELITA "...Very likely."
ALGUS "What are you speaking of...!?"
RAMZA "A 'cellar' is a rat's nest, or so the saying goes."
ALGUS "!?"








[SAND RAT'S CELLAR]

DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "...'ey, you heard? The Northern Heaven Brigade's movin' full out."
DEATH CORPS ARCHER "Aye, heard jus' fine. ...so where's that leave us?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "Got no choice but to wash our hands of the shit and get someplace nice before they kill us."
DEATH CORPS MONK "And we'll just die if we keep following Wiglaf, eh?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "That'd be it.
Once we get the Marquis' ransom like Gustav planned, we can say g'bye for good to this life..."


(Among the fringes of trees, Ramza's party makes their way onto the scene.)

DEATH CORPS KNIGHT "Th..There's trouble!! It's those damned Northern Heaven Knights!!"
RAMZA "Forward! Before the other watchguards know we've come!!"


(Immediately, the idling Death Corps readies their weapons and move to fight to protect the cellar's entrance. The battle, though, is won by Ramza.)

RAMZA "We've taken them unawares, they may not yet realize we've come..."








[THE RESCUE OF MARQUIS ELMDOR]

(In a deserted house, Wiglaf and Gustav confront each other, a third occupant bound and weakened on the ground near a wall.)

WIGLAF "How now, Gustav, why don't you rethink that brilliant notion of yours?"
GUSTAV "Your God forsaken revolution will just run afoul—!!
We don't need your lofty promises and your pretty ideal! What is necessary is food and a bed!"
WIGLAF "You can't see anything beyond present years. One has to treat the symptom, not the illness!"
GUSTAV "...And you think this a way to victory?
You're attempting the impossible, Wiglaf. You'll never succeed!!"
WIGLAF "Is that all you wish to say?
Then, Gustav, farewell."


(Gustav won't die passively; he charges, sword in hand, to score the first blow. Wiglaf parries and, seeing an opening, counters with a killing blow through the torso.)

GUSTAV "Uargh.....ugh......"


(Gustav's sword falls from limp fingers, and the man looks down at the weapon that had been thrusted into him. Wiglaf pulls the sword out cleanly, letting blood spill from the wound and Gustav to crumple on the ground, dead. No sooner as the body touched the ground did Ramza, Delita and Algus burst into the house.)

RAMZA "Wiglaf!!"
ALGUS "My Lord Marquis!!"


(In Algus' attempt to rush to the fallen Marquis, Wiglaf turns his sword on the hostage.)

WIGLAF "Halt!"
ALGUS "Bastard son of a whore!!!"
DELITA "Be quiet, Algus."
WIGLAF "Sir Marquis still lives. You may take the man back to Igros."
RAMZA "...What are you playing at?"
WIGLAF "We had no intention of kidnapping the Marquis. We have no use for such cowardly pursuits.
...Therefore I am willing to exchange the Marquis for my freedom. How's that?"
ALGUS "Do you take us all for fools! Do you think you can win when we have you outnumbered!?"
DELITA "Quiet, Algus! Do not test him!"


(The three start moving along the edges of the room cautiously toward the Marquis; Wiglaf follows suit by circling them on the opposite edge.)

MARQUIS ELMDOR "Uh...uuugh...."


(At the distraction, Wiglaf crosses the final distance for the door and makes his leave. Algus nearly gives chase. He is held back by Delita.)

DELITA "Stand firm, Algus!!"
ALGUS "Why do you stop me!?"
DELITA "Even if he escapes now, they'll have their end! Don't court such danger so heedlessly!!"
ALGUS "...Ngh!!"


(As Algus relents, Ramza aids the Marquis.)

RAMZA "All is well. He is merely weak, it's not grave."
DELITA "Let's return to Igros...."








[THE LORD OF GALLIONNE]

(Upon Ramza's return to Igros, he immediately attends an audience with his eldest brother.)

DYCEDARG "In the name of... What is the meaning of this? By what unearthly reasoning did you see fit to head to Zeklaus Desert?"
RAMZA "............"
DYCEDARG "And by what reasoning now do you stay silent. Explain yourself."
DELITA "My invitation. On Ramza's better judgement, that is. It's my doing."
DYCEDARG "Is that so, Ramza? Is Delita responsible?"
RAMZA "...No, I am. By my own reckless judgement. Delita is not at fault."
DELITA "Not so. That is a bald lie. The one to blame is—"
RAMZA "There is no need to protect me! It was I who chose to disregard my orders. I and I alone!"
DYCEDARG "...And if everyone were to act selfishly, then what purpose does the law serve?
We of the Beoulve family must hold sturdy the grand archway of the law. Its strength. Its importance. Such is what our family stands for, as a pillar of knighthood. Such is the Beoulve name.
Do you intend to disgrace that name?"
RAMZA ".......Forgive me, Brother."


MALE VOICE

 "Now, now, that's quite enough, Dycedarg."
(As a man enters the room, Delita, Algus and Ramza immediately fall to their knees in respect.)

DIGNIFIED MAN "They have done an exceptional deed by rescuing the Marquis, a deed that will not have them go unnoticed.
The eagerness of young soldiers wanting to prove themselves is one I can understand. After all, weren't we the same?"
DYCEDARG "....Spoil them with such words and they will lose any distinction between right and wrong, Your Excellency the Duke."
DUKE LARG "And I suppose you are Dycedarg's younger brother, no? ...Stand at ease."


(The three youths rise to their feet.)

LARG "Yes, I see now, he is the spitting image of the late General Balbanes, isn't he... A good face, he has.
I'm sure such excess of youthful vigor wasn't the work of mere guard duty... "
DYCEDARG "...The Death Corps operation is nearly at its end. I'll approve of your participation.
We are to raid the few remaining lairs left in one fell swoop. I'll entrust one strikepoint to you."
RAMZA "...Understood."


(Delita, Algus and Ramza make their leave. The Duke stands in front of the large window behind Dycedarg)

DYCEDARG "...Forgive me."
LARG "It is of no matter, Dycedarg.
Gustav wasn't all he promised, after all.
It should have been impossible for the plan to fail once the Marquis' abduction was carried out within Gallionne...
But as such... the Marquis' life had been saved. Now he must cede to our demands in his stay, in honor of his debt to us.
I daresay your younger brother's actions have turned the stars to our favor..."
DYCEDARG "The King's life hangs on its threads... If we do not move soon...."
LARG "Aye. My dear friend, I expect you'll know what to do..."








[FORT OF THIEVES]

MILUDA "So, communication with the main army has been cut, has it. And now we, too, will meet our end..."
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT
(1)		 "What are you saying! Has the battle yet ended so easily!?"
DEATH CORPS KNIGHT
(2)		 "Hear, hear! We will continue until those noble dogs beg for our forgiveness!"
MILUDA "Yet my Brother... O Brother, how naïve...."
DEATH CORPS GUARD "En...It's an enemy attack—!!"
ALGUS "It's thanks to Ramza's help that the Marquis was saved.
I'll see this operation through to the end!"


(Among the stormy setting, the battle commences at the fort.)

(Miluda at low health)
MILUDA "What say you of this 'nobility' you so possess!? We are not your cattle!
We are human! As human as you are!
What say you of the difference between you and I!? 'Tis the mere chance of the family you are born to, is it not!?
Have you known hunger as we have? Have you had only gruel for months at a time?
Why must we starve? It is because you noble pigs take from us! You pay no heed for our rights to live!"
ALGUS "As human as you, you say? Fn, do not compare us to filth!
From the very moment you are born, you mean to serve the nobility!!"
MILUDA "And who decided this!? I ask you, who decided such foul logic!"
ALGUS "It is the will of Heaven!"
"The will of Heaven? What God would decree this!
We are all equal in the eyes of God! Such a thing would never be spoken by Him! He would never let this be!!"
ALGUS "Animals have no God!!"
MILUDA "!!!!"
DELITA "Ramza, is she truly our enemy...?"
RAMZA "Throw down your swords and surrender. If you come quietly, we will spare your lives."








[THE LADY KNIGHT OF THE DEATH CORPS]

(Miluda is kneeling, weakened, in front of the young fighters.)

MILUDA "Kill us. Go on, do it. Kill us like the dogs you claim us to be!"
RAMZA "Does your hate for us run so deep...?"
ALGUS "Ramza! Do it! Kill her!!
She is your enemy! She is an enemy of the Beoulves! Do you understand? Your enemy to the core!!
She is a failure. A failure as a human being! Failures have no place in this world!
Kill her, Ramza! Do it by your own hand!!"
DELITA "Ramza, I don't think she's our enemy..."
ALGUS "What? Have you gone mad, Delita?"
DELITA "She is no animal... Yes, she is as human as us."
ALGUS "You would turn on us, Delita!? So even you...!"


(Miluda stands, holding her injuries.)

MILUDA "Oh. Don't start with your sympathies, now...
In the end, you are one of the Beoulve family. Hence, you are my enemy. Be sure to remember that..."


(Miluda limps off into the shadows.)

RAMZA "Delita, we....?"


(Algus crosses his arms and turns his head snottily.)

ALGUS "Ch', never the man."








[THE DEATH CORPS ATTACKS!]


Concurrently...
Gallionne's Capital, Igros Castle
Beoulve Mansion


(Knowing most of the Knights were out on their feudal crusade, the Death Corps reaped opportunity by assaulting the castle...)

TETA "No—! Stop, let go of me—!!"
GOLAGROS "Hurry it up and move!"


(The knight mounts a chocobo, Teta under arm. Another knight emerges from the castle, Alma being dragged mercilessly behind him.)

ALMA "Ow—!! Release me...!! Brother—!!"


(Zalbag suddenly rushes the knight, seemingly out of nowhere, cutting him down. He stands over Alma.)

GOLAGROS "Damn, so that be your end—!?"


(Golagros makes his leave quickly, before Zalbag makes way at him.)

ZALBAG "How fare you, Alma?"
ALMA "I'm well, I'm—but nevermind that, Teta's been...!"
ZALBAG "Yes, I know."


(Dycedarg limps outside, holding a grievous wound. Alma rushes to her brother.)

ZALBAG "Brother—!!"
DYCEDARG "I...I'll be fine...
What of... Alma...?"
ALMA "I'm here. Nothing ill has come of me. Oh. What a horrible wound..."
DYCEDARG "To...to think they'd have the gall to attack us here... So they aim to kill me...?"
ZALBAG "They've killed at least five... Teta was also taken....."
DYCEDARG "Leave no stone unturned until they're found...!"
ALMA "Please, Brother... try not to speak...!"
DYCEDARG "By the hands of those...."


(Dyecdarg collapses.)

ALMA "Brother, Brother—! Brother help me!"
ZALBAG "Quick, somebody! Anyone! Get someone the hell over here!!"








[IGROS CASTLE]

(Within Igros Castle, Dycedarg lies in bed, recovering.)

DYCEDARG "So I hear you've destroyed the enemy hideaway... Well done...
Now, though, you may trust what's left to Zalbag and rest... I've burdened you with much...
Do not worry.... 'tis but a flesh wound..."
RAMZA "Brother, Teta... What of Teta...?"
DYCEDARG "...Once the dogs are found, Zalbag will take the offensive and strike."
RAMZA "But tha...what!?"
DYCEDARG "The Death Corps is falling apart. There's nowhere for them to run.
Until this day, we had no opportunity to arrest their leader, Wiglaf. But now it is only a matter of time..."
RAMZA "But Teta... You intend to have Teta let die?"
DYCEDARG "Worry not. We have the upper hand. We won't strike until Teta's has been recovered. Be sure of it...
Truly, she is like a sister to me. Why ever would I let her die...?"








[DELITA'S WRATH]

(Delita storms through the front courtyard, quickly hauled back by Ramza.)

RAMZA "Hold, Delita! Where do you plan on going!
By God, get a hold of yourself!"
DELITA "'Get a hold of yourself'? How the hell am I to do that!?"
RAMZA "You don't even know where she is! It's useless to search aimlessly!"


(Delita takes sudden hold of Ramza's collar, lifting the boy off of his feet in anger.)

DELITA "Useless is it!? Useless! You speak of my only sister!!"
RAMZA "M...my brother.. he said...
he'd never...abandon Teta...didn't he...
b-but... mo.. rrrre... impor... ta.. nt... ly... can't... breathe...."


(Delita releases Ramza. Ramza drops to the ground on one knee, choking for breath.)

DELITA "I'm sorry, Ramza. I... Are you all right?"
RAMZA "A..Aye. ..Grk..."
ALGUS "Ah... But if I were to say 'never', I'd never mean 'never'."


(Algus makes his appearance, emerging from the castle.)

RAMZA "Do you mean to say my brother speaks lies?"
ALGUS "Why yes. That is exactly what I say.. I'd hardly bother saving something like a commoner's daughter."
DELITA "What the hell are you...!!"
ALGUS "I say I would never rouse good soldiers for the sake of rescuing one of your baser lot!"
DELITA "B... BASTARD—!!"


(Delita lunges, and punches Algus to the ground. The felled boy makes a swipe at his face, watching Ramza as he holds back his friend to prevent further attacks.)

RAMZA "Hold—! Delita!"
DELITA "Release me! God damn you, release me!!"
ALGUS "Hn. Once a commoner, always a commoner. You will never be nobility!
Like a dog walking about on its hind legs—you will never have a place here. Do you understand that, plebian?"
DELITA "TAKE BACK THOSE WORDS!!!"
RAMZA "Stand firm, Delita—! Pay Algus no mind!!"


(Algus stands.)

ALGUS "Oh, Ramza. Do wake up.. That thing is different from you and I.
Is it so hard to see? Man and animal cannot live side by side."
RAMZA "Absurd! Delita's the dearest friend I've known. We live like brothers!"
ALGUS "And that's why you must open your eyes. That friendship only exists in faery tales.
You bear the highborn name of the respected Beoulve family. You are a noble, by bone and blood.
Surely those blood brothers think much the same!"
DELITA "He is not a noble like you! I believe in Ramza!"


(Delita shrugs off Ramza, storming off in a fury. Delita gone, Ramza turns on Algus.)

RAMZA "Begone from my sight! I wish not to see hide nor hair of you again!!"
ALGUS "Such cold words. Haven't we been comrades?"
RAMZA "Do not make me repeat myself! Now leave!"


(Algus begins to do just so, but pauses within a few paces.)

ALGUS "They have their stronghold at Fort Zeakdon. I heard such from your brother.
There's no possible way to attack from the front, as they have drawn several cordons. It seems as though a rear attack is inevitable.
Ah, well, best of luck, I suppose. So long, O romantic noble son."
RAMZA "BEGONE!!"


(He leaves.)









[THE REED FLUTE]

(Once again disregarding conduct, Ramza and Delita start their journey to Fort Zeakdon. They reach Malandia Plais at dusk, and set rest.)

DELITA "How beautiful... I'm sure, somewhere, she sees the same sunset as I..."
RAMZA "...All will be well, Delita. We'll keep her safe."
DELITA "....I've felt misplaced. For very long now."
RAMZA "Have Algus' words stayed with you?"
DELITA "I suppose you can't change some things, no matter how you may try..."
RAMZA "Don't say such things.
You but only need strive..."
DELITA "And if I strive so much, could I become a general?
I wish to protect Teta with these hands, but in the end there's nothing I can do...
What I am is nothing but a 'meager man'..."
RAMZA ".............."


(Delita picks up a reed from the ground.)

DELITA "Do you remember? That Respected Old Man of yours taught us the reed flute..."


(Delita puts the reed to his mouth and plays it. After a pause, Ram