Chrono Compendium
Kajar Laboratories - Fan Works and Submissions => Fan Fiction => Topic started by: skylark on August 18, 2012, 02:39:35 pm
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(Okay, I think I've put this off long enough. Updates may be spread out due to game backlog.)
1. 2486 AD - A future about to change...
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Trann Outskirts
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FMV: Change and Arrival
Tutorial Battle: Porrean Scout x4 (Attacking)
Roas: Persistant bastards... (turns to Mysterious Girl) .......Well, I'll be damned. What are you doing all the way out here...?
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Braugnwein Residence
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(A black screen...)
?????: Schala...
?????: No...
?????: Good Morning, Schala.
?????: I can't... I...
?????: Hey! Wake up already!
(We open to a bedroom.)
Girl: Jeez, took you long enough.
?????: Where am I?
Girl: Roas' house.
?????: Who's Roas?
Girl: The guy who brought you here. Duh. So, what's your name?
?????: I... I don't know...
Girl: What? How can you not know? Did you hit your head or something.
(The mysterious girl suddenly holds her head in pain.)
Girl: Oh crap! I was just joking around! Roas! Roas!!
(The girl leaves and comes back with Roas.)
Roas: Hey, can you hear me? Stay with us.
?????: I can't... I can't remember anything...!
Roas: Are you sure? You have to try.
?????: I... Wait...
(Naming screen: Schala)
Schala: Schala... I think that's my name...
Roas: ..............
Schala: Umm...
Roas: You need to rest. Fin here can show you around once you do.
Fin: You going somewhere?
Roas: Off on business again, I'm afraid. Just behave yourself and look after everyone.
(Roas leaves.)
Schala: Everyone...?
Fin: You're not the fist person he's taken in. But are you sure you don't need to rest?
Schala: I think I'm fine now, but thank you.
Fin: In that case, let's go.
(After wandering around the house, they come across a large room full of children.)
Schala: Oh! I see what you meant now.
Fin: Hey, is Ninya around here?
Child: She needed to take a breather, I think. She's out back.
Schala: Ninya?
Fin: Roas' wife. She helps him take care of everyone.
Schala: Everyone... Wait. Are they the only ones? Where are these children's families?
Fin: ..............
Schala: Fin?
Fin: You really don't remember anything, do you...?
Fin: These kids... They're all orphans.
Schala: What happened?
Fin: Porre happened. They just showed up one day and bombed Choras to the ground.
Schala: !!!
Fin: Anyone who didn't kneel to them was shot. So many parents... My parents...
Schala: Fin... I'm so sorry. I didn't...
Fin: If Roas hadn't been there...
Fin: Sorry. You probably didn't want to hear my sob story.
Schala: It's my fault. I shouldn't have pried.
Fin: It's alright. At least there's a group out there standing against them. I think they call themselves the Radical Dreamers or something.
Schala: .....! That name... Why does my head hurt all of a sudden...?
Fin: What I wouldn't give to meet even one of them. Oh well, no sense dwelling on it. Let's go.
Schala: Radical Dreamers... Huh.
(Speaking with the other children at this point will cause Fin to relate a story of how they became orphaned. Upon leaving the room...)
Schala: For a nation to have left all these children without families...
Schala: How cruel...
(Upon returning to the living room, we see Roas, a woman assumed to be Ninya, and two others.)
Fin: Hey. When did you get back?
Roas: It wasn't as long a trip as I thought it'd be.
Dark-skinned Man: I take it this is the girl you spoke of.
Man in Glasses: Hmmm... Doesn't look like much.
Fin: Hey! Don't be rude!
Ninya: Tactful as ever. Welcome home, dear.
Roas: Thanks. If you all don't mind, I'd like to speak to Schala in private for a bit.
Dark-skinned Man: Alright, but don't take too long. We still have a meeting to get to.
(Ninya and the two men enter another room.)
Roas: You too, Fin.
Fin: Aww, no fair.
(Fin leaves.)
Roas: I asked around in Trann to see if anyone knew you. Came up empty-handed.
Schala: You didn't have to.
Roas: I should give this back.
Schala: What is it?
Roas: It's a pendant. It was clutched in your hand when I found you.
Schala: I see... Was there anything else?
Roas: Now that you mention it, there's that sword back there.
Schala: I... I think I'd remember owning a weapon...
Roas: I don't know. That thing was practically hovering over you, almost like it was protecting you or something.
(As Schala moves towards the sword, it starts to glow.)
Roas: The hell?!
Schala: ?! The pendant's glowing too?!
(The glow fades.)
Roas: Guess that settles it. Wierd.
Schala: ........
Roas: Anyway, it wouldn't be right to send you on your way in your condition. You can stay here as for long as you need to.
(Roas turns to leave.)
Schala: Mr. Roas?
Roas: Hmm?
Schala: ......What happened with this nation of Porre two years ago?
Roas: *sigh* Figured you'd learn about that sooner or later. Guess it can't be helped.
Roas: For over a millennia, the world had practically been at peace. But that day, a man named Gerald Arkham adreesed the entire world claiming that Porre had forgotten its former glory, assimilating itself within the 'tired masses'. As an envoy of the Immortal Emperor, he would make the world remember why Porre was once feared.
Roas: Boy, did he ever. I was there during the bombings. It was outright chaos. In the end, all I could do was find as many survivors as I could. In these two years, Porre has expanded to pretty much all of the world, although there are still those willing to fight. Still... It has nothing to do with us...
Schala: So these people don't care who they hurt as long as they have their 'glory'?
Roas: Well, some people are just screwed up like that. Why? What's this about?
Schala: I... I want to get in touch with the Radical Dreamers.
Roas: .....!!!
Roas: Do you realize what you're asking...?
Schala: I do.
Roas: You'd be throwing yourself head-first into a battlefield! You'd end up leading a life of death! You'd have to kill just to survive! Have you ever known what it's like to take a person's life?!
Schala: I... Wait, how do you know that? You know something, don't you?!
Roas: !! (Shit...! Me and my big mouth...)
Schala: Please! What do I have to do? Tell me!
Roas: ...You just wake up with no memory of who you are, and all of a sudden, you want to fight. Why are you being so adamant about this? It has nothing to do with you.
Schala: Maybe it doesn't, but I can't just sit and do nothing and still be able to live with myself. You've taken in so many as it is, haven't you? Survivors, orphans... At the very least, they deserve some kind of closure. If I can help even a little, then I think it would be worth it.
Roas: ........
Roas: Guess I can't really argue with that, can I? But I still need to know...
Roas: Are you prepared to take even one life, let alone the possibility of hundreds?
Schala: ........Is anyone, when you look at it honestly?
Roas: ....Huh. Didn't expect that answer. All right. Guess there's nothing left to do but see if you've got what it takes. But are you really okay with this?
Schala: I have to be. If I stayed, I'd probably go crazy.
Roas: Fair enough.
(screen goes black)
Roas: Maybe this is Fate... but isn't fate something we make for ourselves?
Roas: Maybe this is what she's trying to do...
Roas: Alphard... I don't know if I can find an answer to this one...
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2. Ark of the Black Lion: Prelude to Tragedy
Max Recruits: Roas (temporary), Fin (temporary)
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Caption: Six years later...
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Carrier
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(We see Schala step onto a large area. The Man in Glasses stands far off near a console.)
Man in Glasses: You know, the op is starting soon. You sure you want to do some last-minute training?
Schala: It helps to calm my nerves. You should know that by now, Techno.
Techno: I hear you. Just don't wear yourself out. We need everyone we can spare on this.
Techno: So, the usual?
Schala: From the basics.
Techno: You got it.
Tutorial Battle: Porrean Hologram (Attacking, Hit%, and Stamina)
Tutorial Battle: Porrean Hologram x2 (Elements and Recharging)
Tutorial Battle: Porrean Hologram x4 (Techs and Tech Points)
Tutorial Battle: Bit Hologram x2 (Healing and Item Use)
Tutorial Battle: Roas Hologram (Review - Unwinnable until New Game+)
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(In a New Game+, you get an option to skip the first four battles, heading straight into battle with the Roas Hologram.)
Schala: (choosing to skip) Actually, I think I need to push myself today.
Techno: Phew. Hope you know what you're doing.
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~~~Losing to the Hologram
Schala: Oww... Crap.
Techno: Ha ha ha ha! I think I made that one a little too good.
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~~~Winning against the Hologram
Techno: What the crap?! Did I get the specs wrong?
Schala: Looks like you're getting rusty.
Techno: Bah. The real one could still kick your ass.
Schala: Oh. Thanks. Step on my big moment a bit more.
Techno: That's what I'm here for.
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Techno: Anyway, if you really need to review, just come talk to me.
(Walking around towns and other places, one can get 'one time' unique dialog from certain NPC's.)
Dreamer: Pretty sweet ride, huh Schala?
Schala: I've been meaning to ask, but where did you get this?
Dreamer: Remember that job near El Nido? It was to secure this baby. Granted, it was kind of busted up when we got it, but Techno took care of that. I swear, the kid's a genius when it comes to tech.
Schala: It's too bad his people skills suck. Does he always have to be so touchy...?
Dreamer: You're still miffed about him getting a handful, aren't you? Can you really blame him, though?
Schala: I can, and you'll be next on my list if you keep this up.
Dreamer: Sorry, sorry. As a way of apology, drinks are on me when we make it through this.
Schala: I'll hold you to that.
(Talking to the Dark-skinned Man...)
Schala: Vathos, how long until we reach the Ark?
Vathos: We've just entered Porrean airspace. It won't be long now.
Schala: Six years...
Vathos: I have to admit, I was skeptical when Roas initiated you out of the blue, but since then, you've pulled your weight and then some.
Schala: Why did Roas agree to train me personally? He could have left it to you.
Vathos: I don't know the specifics, but I think you remind him of someone. Perhaps someone lost in the conflict.
Schala: Like a child?
Vathos: Maybe.
Schala: .........
Schala: Then I just have to work that much harder to repay him.
(Talking to Fin...)
Schala: So, you finally made it.
Fin: It was a bitch-and-a-half, but yeah.
Schala: What? Don't look at me like that! It's your fault for not seeing it sooner.
Fin: I know, I know. All those years and Roas ends up being the leader of the Radical Dreamers... But still...!
Schala: Okay, I'll stroke your wounded ego. I'm sorry I kept Roas and the Radical Dreamers from you.
Fin: .......and?
Schala: .........
Schala: Oh come on! Are you really going to make me say it?
Fin: .........
Schala: *sigh* Fine. And I'm sorry I ended up being a late bloomer... I'm sorry I have a bigger bust and am just that downright sexier than you.
Fin: Hey! What kind of ego-stroking is that?!
Schala: You love it.
Fin: Hmph! Fine then! I'll just have to take down more Porreans than you, that's all.
Schala: Heh. You're on.
(After talking with Fin and Vathos, Roas appears at the entrance to the cockpit area.)
Roas: This is it. You nervous?
Schala: Storming the villain's main HQ? No, of course not.
Roas: Heh.
Schala: Seriously though. Is this finally it?
Roas: Should be. Why? You have any regrets?
Schala: Not regrets, but...
Schala: It's been six years and I still don't know who I was.
Roas: Schala...
Schala: But to be honest, I'm okay with that now. The more I think on it, the more I realize the possibility that I might not like who I used to be.
Schala: And for all this time, you have all been like family to me. I wouldn't trade all this for the world.
Roas: I see. Thanks.
Roas: (Maybe it's for the best, then.)
(Vathos, Techno, and Fin enter.)
Techno: We've got five minutes till we reach the Ark. What's the plan, Chief?
Roas: Since these carriers were stolen from Porre, we'll have the element of surprise when we open fire. From there, our infantry will drop down and take care of the ground troops. I'll take the lead in infiltrating the Ark. Schala. Fin. You two are with me.
Fin: Finally, after all this time...
Schala: Just keep your head straight. Recklessness will only get you killed. Nobody here wants to lose you.
Fin: I got it.
Roas: Techno, Vathos. You two are with Ninya on lookout. Last thing we need is to be interrupted by reinforcements.
Pilot: Boss, we're in the vicinity of the Ark! Your orders.
Roas: Begin operations! All units stand by!
Roas: All right everyone, look alive! It's showtime.
FMV: Assault on the Ark.
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Ark of the Black Lion: Entrance
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Tutorial Battle: Porrean Warmech (Multiple Party Members)
Fin: Holy crap!
Schala: Fin! Stay with us!
Fin: That was... This is... What am I...?!
Schala: Roas!
Roas: Keep your wits Fin, or we'll leave you behind!
(Fin regains her composure.)
Fin: Sorry... I-I just lost it for a second...
Schala: Come on. We have to move.
Roas: Schala, take point.
Schala: Got it.
(Once the party gets to the front door...)
Combat: Porrean Warmech x2
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Ark of the Black Lion: Interior 1st Floor
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Tutorial: Save Points
Tutorial: Skits
(Upon reaching the central elevator...)
Roas: (into headset) What's the situation?
Ninya: High Command has already requested reinforcements, but we've got them pinned, and the Ark is already surrounded. Looks like all our hard work is finally paying off.
Roas: Good. Keep me posted.
Schala: So is this it? We're actually going to win?
Roas: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've still got Arkham and this 'Immortal Emperor' to deal with.
Fin: What are we waiting for, then? Let's finish this!
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Ark of the Black Lion: Top Floor
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(The party comes across an old man in a wheelchair on life support.)
Schala: What?! This is the Immortal Emperor?!
Fin: But he's just a decrepit old fart!
Roas: He's just a figurehead. Which means Arkham's the real power behind Porre.
?????: Very astute, my friend!
(Arkham, flanked by Black Wind Troopers, steps out of the shadows.)
Arkham: How does the saying go? "Cut off the head, and the body dies with it." A sound strategy. However, it seems both you and I share the same line of thinking.
(Two Warmechs burst through the large window, while another enters through the entrance.)
Roas: Tch! Should have known it was too easy.
Arkham: Of course. Everyone played their parts perfectly.
Schala: So it's not enough you have to kill innocent people? You send your own men through the grinder as well?!
Arkham: One cannot build a perfect world without sacrifice, my dear. Such we're the words of our ancient founder.
Arkham: Ahhh, Dalton. It was only one short year after liberating Guardia from its idealism that he disappeared. And then 200 years later, that fool Ishito ruins everything.
Fin: Sounds like sour grapes to me. Scum like you are the worst!
Arkham: Scum, you say? Perhaps. But history has shown that those who embrace conflict emerge the stronger. In fact, were it not for me, would you have been able to display the strength you have shown?
Arkham: You worms should be grateful!
Schala: Bastard! You're gonna pay!!
Arkham: I think not.
Boss Fight: Arkham, Black Wind Trooper x2, Porrean Warmech x3
Arkham: Gah! I-Impossible!
Roas: Why do they always use that line?
Arkham: This isn't over!!
(Arkham raises his gun, but Schala slashes at him, sending him flying into the previous room. Schala follows him.)
Arkham: Gh..! No... I'm not... Done...!
(Arkham reveals a hidden gun from his sleeve, taking Schala by surprise. Before he can fire...)
Fin: Schala!!
(Fin fires at Arkham, sending him over the railing and onto the lower area.)
Arkham: *Ghhhkk!!!* (Was I too weak...?! Am I... unworthy...?)
(Schala, Roas, and Fin head downstairs as Arkham meets his end.)
Fin: I... I...
Schala: Fin?
Fin: I did it... Mom... Dad... I did it...
Roas: Yes you did.
Schala: So it's over?
(Many members of the Radical Dreamers show up.)
Dreamer: Chief! Are you alright?! Wait... Is that...?!
Roas: Sound the victory, my friends! We've won!!
(The Dreamers begin cheering in victory.)
Schala: It's all over. Maybe now we can-
(The screen flashes white as a heartbeat sounds.)
Schala: Ghhh!
(Schala holds her head in pain.)
Roas: Schala! What is i- Gaaaah!
(Another flash and heartbeat. The Dreamers and Fin start falling over in pain.)
Fin: I don't... feel so good...
Dreamer: Can't... Can't hold it...!
(One by one, the Dreamers begin disappearing into light, as if being torn apart.)
Schala: Fin! Fin! Hold on!
Fin: H-help me...
(Fin vanishes the same way.)
Schala: FIIIIN!!!!
Roas: No... NO!!! (Through headset) Anyone who can hear me, respond!
Schala: What's going on...? Why is this happening...?!
Roas: Respond! Techno! Vathos?! Ninya!!
Vathos: You made it! Thank God!
Roas: What happened down there?!
Ninya: They're gone, Roas... Everyone just vanished... Are you alright? Where are the others?
Roas: ...Fin's gone. So's everyone else... Schala and I were the only ones left.
Techno: Roas, you and Schala need to get your asses out of there now. If this phenomenon is what I think it is, then- *static*
Roas: Techno? Techno!
Arkham: Hehehehehehehehehe...
Schala: You're-!
Arkham: He... did it... I never thought... he'd succeed...
Roas: You!! What's going on here?!
Arkham: All of us... have our roles to play... I simply... played mine to... to the end...
Schala: What?! You never intended to-?!
Arkham: My... sacrifice... is but a trifle... compared to the... New... World... Hahahahahahahahaha...
Arkham: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
(Arkham disappears like all the others.)
FMV: Temporal Recurrence
(The interior of the Ark has changed completely. Two Shock Troopers burst from the ceiling.)
Combat: Porrean Shock Trooper x2
Roas: Damn! What kind of tech was that?!
(The alarm sounds as more Shock Troopers appear.)
Trooper: Insurgents sighted!
Roas: Come on! We have to get out of here!
Schala: Fin...
Roas: Schala!! Stay focused! We have no time to mourn! Go!!
Schala: !!!
(Schala regains her composure and follows Roas.)
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Author's Note: Sorry this took so long. Like I said. Game backlog. FFXII is gonna be a pain, and I still haven't touched The Last Story.
I'm typing all this on my iPad, so I can't really do all the cool choice formats alfadorredeux did for Chrono Helix... at least not without going insane, anyway.
I'll be adding an FMV Description section on my sounding board soon, so keep an eye out.
Sorry if everything seems clunky.
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The choice formatting for Helix often came close to driving me insane, even though I was doing it in the crudest possible way, using a fixed-width font and the PRE tag. So don't feel bad about not pushing yourself. (And I wasn't trying to note down all the combats as they happened, either—just the ones that interrupted the dialogue.)
In general, keep up the good work. In specific, are you sure you meant arc, as in a curved shape, and not ark, as in a certain legendary boat built of gopher wood?
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Alrighty then, I think I will.
Yeah, I used arc instead of ark because ark is too overused, so arc was a themantic choice... Which probably won't work, so I might change it later. :?
Yeah the difference between this and Chrono Helix is that nobody's played my version at least 50 times like they've done with Chrono Cross. Hell, this is my first time bringing the game idea aspect to some sort of life.
So yeah, I'll occasionally do NPC dialog with character reactions and insert combat situations not only concerning dialog, but forced encounters in between, too.
Just in case some brave soul would want to take this up. I heard someone was trying to make a Chrono Engine. :P
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FFXII isn't too much of a pain in the ass. I found it a lot easier to go through and get a lot of the side quests done in it than in other final fantasy games. My suggestion to you would be to keep a strategy guide handy like the official Brady Games one; as it will let you know what side quests to watch out for where you're at in the game instead of going back later in the FAQ and saying something after the fact that you already screwed it up.
Lot's of fun with the bounty hunter sidequest and you'll find harder enemies there than the end boss; so if you feel unconfident about proceeding in the game, do as many of the quests for that as you can at the time and then proceed.
Everything else on your grid is really unimportant and can be gotten at any time; focus on finding where on the grid the special attacks are for each person and get them for each of them; because the sooner you get those rolling and learn how to chain them together, the faster you'll take out bosses with barely any damage to yourself.
Espers are good, too; especially when fighting elemental bosses; and the boss fights for some of the espers; to be able to use them; are also good indicators of where you are in the game and where you should be.
When you're first starting out, hook Vaan up with a rudimentary bow as soon as possible. Makes it so much easier to solo grind before getting other people in your party because you can then turn enemies into kites and hardly ever get touched.
Honestly, I really loved the real time fighting system they implemented and the gambit system is pretty involved (I personally like to do everything by hand when I'm really pressed because I can snap out commands faster than gambits can get activated, but that takes some practice.) I was really impressed with the story and everything else.
On a side note and back on topic; I like the fact that you used 'Arc' instead of 'Ark'; because instead of just imagining a vessel similar to a ship, people look at it and also imagine that it goes beyond that. People see the foreshadowing of a story arc centralized around it and it's really a type of foreshadowing that you can't achieve while being 'in-character' and has to be done from outside of the game during design. Very nice.
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Personally, I disliked FFXII because a) I don't like real-time combat and b) I get motion-sick playing 3D games with non-fixed cameras (if the camera motion is smooth enough, I can last around an hour, no more, and the pseudo-realistic "swinging" first-person motion you see in a lot of FPSs makes me nauseous almost instantly). But I did finish it, and didn't find it all that hard (and the characters didn't piss me off the way the ones from FFVIII did). If all else fails, take control of a character with a ranged weapon and circle the enemy at a distance. Oh, and don't take the early-game hunting job in the mine until you've finished the story-segment in the mine, or you could get hung up for hours like I did. ;P
The problem with "arc" is that it brought me up short with a "Whoa, what? Is that a typo? No, he's using it consistently..." Granted, in an actual game, if we got an exterior visual of an arc-shaped building, or whatever, before we were flung inside, it would clear up a lot of that problem.
I've heard of more than one engine project—there's been at least two in the past year, even. It remains to be seen which one will be finished first. <Shifty-eyed back-and-forth glance>
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On a side note and back on topic; I like the fact that you used 'Arc' instead of 'Ark'; because instead of just imagining a vessel similar to a ship, people look at it and also imagine that it goes beyond that. People see the foreshadowing of a story arc centralized around it and it's really a type of foreshadowing that you can't achieve while being 'in-character' and has to be done from outside of the game during design. Very nice.
Well, you're apparently reading more into it than I did, then. I never even looked at a possible 'vessel' angle to it. It's just the central HQ of Porre High Command and home of Emperor... You-Know-Who. Let's not beat around the bush, there.
However, there is a story arc surrounding it. It's actually the last one before the final dungeons. Think of it as Chronopolis before Terra Tower, only with a lot less infodumps and a lot more war sequences. :P
Actually, if this discussion's going to continue, we should probably move it to my sounding board topic. In-depth discussions are what it's there for. :)
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Well, a lot of the 'Arks' in video games and historical references do refer to a vessel; though there is also definition pertaining to the cabinet that holds the Torah scrolls.
1.
bible Noah's ship: in the Bible, the ship that Noah was instructed to build by God to save his family and the animals from the Flood
2.
judaism cabinet containing Torah scrolls: in a synagogue, a cupboard in a synagogue in which the scrolls of the Torah are kept
3.
judeo-christian
Same as Ark of the Covenant
I lot of people get 'Arc' and 'Ark' confused because of the similarities in the words.
curve: a curved or semicircular line, direction of movement, or arrangement of items
"swung in a high arc overhead"
"an arc of children around their teacher"
2.
mathematics section of circle: a section of a circle, ellipse, or other curved figure
3.
astronomy visible part of astronomical object's path: a section of the path that a planet or other astronomical object appears to follow, especially that seen above the horizon
4.
electrical engineering electric discharge: a luminous discharge caused by an electric current flowing across a gap in an electrical circuit
5.
geology
Same as island arc
What's interesting to note is both words use in video games in the past 20 years. 'Ark' has made it's way into Terranigma for the SNES, Final Fantasy IX for the PSX and probably a few others that I either haven't played or have forgotten. 'Arc' on the other hand comes into play in the 'Arc the Lad' series for PSX (pretty good series, imo) and more recently 'Luminous Arc' for the DS.
I am curious as to what definition of Arc/Ark you were thinking of when naming the Porre High Command HQ, though.
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....Alright, you caught me. I wasn't thinking of either definition when I thought it up. I just thought it sounded cool.
*dodges tomatoes*
I know, I know. Common fanfiction trap. So anticlimactic.
Though... Now you've given me a bit of an idea. Dalton is enough of a blowhard to always see himself as invincible. The first definition of 'Ark' would probably fit perfectly considering him. An ark saving him from the responsibilities of actual ruling so he can play tyrant. The dirty work is what High Command is for.
Thanks, idioms. I'll work on fixing the chapter later. :)
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tessaract
I suppose it is tesseract?
Because my dictionary failed that. :?
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3. Chronopolis: Forward into the Past
Max Recruits: None
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Ark of the Black Lion: Central Walkway
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(Schala and Roas are forced to climb down from the outside, chased by a humongous Warmech known as the Colossus. After making it to the entrance...)
Techno: You made it! Come on! We have to move!
(However, our heroes are stopped by another, more advanced Warmech.)
Ninya: Dammit! Of all the times!!
Combat: Alpha Squall Warmech Mk.III (Scripted. Must survive for 5 turns.)
(Suddenly, the screen flashes white again.)
Vathos: Now what?!
Techno: Another Recurrence?!
(The Warmech suddenly takes visible damage from an unknown source before vanishing like so many others earlier.)
Schala: What just happened?!
Roas: Doesn't matter! Now's our chance!
(With that, our heroes manage to escape.)
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Braugnwein Residence: Ruins
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Schala: It's... Gone... It's all gone.... Everyone...
Techno: ...........
Vathos: Just what the hell is going on here? What happened back there?!
Roas: You mentioned the word 'Recurrence'. Were you suggesting what I think you were?
Techno: I won't mince words here. History has been changed.
Ninya: Changed? Explain yourself!
Techno: I mean that somebody time-traveled into the past and messed up history.
Roas: That can't be right. Doesn't Chronopolis have laws preventing recurrences?
Techno: I don't think those laws are valid anymore. According to my historical Codex, Porre succeeded in conquering the world in 1227 AD. It was said that they did so by developing weapons far beyond what should have been available at the time. But the truth...
Vathos: Are you saying that...?
Techno: In truth, whoever is responsible for the Recurrence smuggled weapons from our time into the past, giving Porre the power needed to break the military stalemate of 1227.
Vathos: And this is the result? Our resistance ended before it began?
Roas: And if Porre truly has been in charge for a millennia, then those anti-recurrence laws...
Techno: Are most likely no longer valid. Any threat they perceive to their rule, they can just snuff out of existance by killing off their ancestors.
Schala: But why did we survive...? Shouldn't we have been affected by this too?
Roas: ...........
Techno: It's because we're immune to changes in the timeline.
Schala: Really?! How?!
Techno: ........For Roas, Vathos, Ninya, and myself, we all used to work in Chronopolis.
Schala: Chronopolis...?
Ninya: It's a facility in El Nido used to research space-time and temporal disturbances.
Techno: The place is surrounded by a temporal displacement field. Prolonged exposure to the field can make one immune to timeline changes, in the case the unthinkable should occur.
Schala: But I've never been to this place...
Techno: Which means the only other way for one to be immune is if they were from another era entirely.
..........
Schala: What....?
Vathos: You mean...?
Ninya: Of course...
Schala: N-No! That's ridiculous! I can't be...!
Schala: Roas! That can't be true, right?!
Roas: ...........
Schala: Roas! Say something!!
Roas: ........... I was scouting for possible recruits that day, when I saw a light emitting from a nearby glade.
Schala: !!!
Roas: I found this kid unconscious, not a memory in her heart but her name. I think I always knew, but I wanted to be sure. I just never thought my suspicions would be proven like this.
Schala: ...........
Roas: You wouldn't be the first, actually. All throughout history, certain events had caused time to become unstable. Quite a few people had ended up thrown through time, many ending up in Chronopolis.
Ninya: ...........
Vathos: .............
Roas: But are you really going to let this bother you? Didn't you say earlier that you didn't care what your past was?
Schala: I... I'm sorry... It's just...
Techno: We get it. It's a tough pill to swallow, but we need to focus. Maybe we might be able to fix all this.
Schala: How?
Techno: The only way I can think of is to go into the past, find whoever screwed things up, and stop whatever they're planning.
Vathos: Wouldn't that just make things worse?
Techno: Which is why we'll need eyes in this era, though if you ask me, it past too late to worry about all that at this point. All we can do is hope to mitigate the damage.
Roas: So what's the plan?
Techno: Well, everything went to hell around 1227 AD. We start there. But who to send...?
Roas: .......
Ninya: .........
Vathos: .........
Schala: I'll go.
Roas: Are you sure?
Schala: No, I'm not. But if there's a way to save Fin and the others...
Roas: Alright then. So what next?
Techno: Well, we'll have to go under cover of darkness. We can't just waltz into Chronopolis and ask if we can make a time gate. Besides, those Porre bastards are probably crawling all over the place. But I think it's time for that old fart to pay us back.
Schala: Excuse me?
Vathos: He's the curator and founder of Chronopolis. At least he still should be.
Techno: We got him out of a spot years back. He owes us one. Plus, he's a sympathizer. If anyone will help us out with this, it's him.
Roas: So we're settled then?
Techno: Well... there's one more thing.
Techno: Schala. Not to take a dump on your fashion sense, but something tells me you'll turn the wrong kind of heads if you drop into the thirteenth century dressed like that. You're gonna need to blend in.
Vathos: Wait, has anyone seen Ninya?
Ninya: Already ahead of you. The basement's still intact, and I found something Schala can use.
(Screen turns black.)
Ninya: This has been in my family for years, but I've never found a use for it. I've only worn it once.
Schala: It's a little tight...
Ninya: Well, you're bigger than I am in that area. Stop complaining.
Schala: Oh God, is that a corset...?
Ninya: Hold still.
............
Ninya: You're taking everything rather well. I thought you'd be more freaked out about everything.
Schala: I'm trying not to think about it. I need to focus. I won't be able to save Fin and the others if I don't.
Ninya: Good. As long as you don't forget why you're doing this, I think you'll be fine.
............
Schala: Ninya?
Ninya: Hmm?
Schala: Thanks.
(Back to the foundations, Ninya reappears with Schala, who has changed into a more period-appropriate attire.)
Techno: Wow. Who knew Ninya had something like that in her effects? Very nice.
Ninya: Well, it looks better on her than it ever did me, so I'm not complaining.
Techno: Oh right! Here.
Schala: What are you...?
(A glowing orb appears in Techno's hand, and disappears in Schala's bracelet. Suddenly, a holographic screen pops out of it.)
Techno: Like I said earlier, we need eyes in this era. You'll be able to access my personal Codex and keep in touch with me. Anything you need to know about people, places, or whatever, just give me a ring.
Tutorial: Codex
Vathos: Wait, that works through time?
Techno: Tested it myself back in the day.
Roas: Alright then. If we're all set, let's move out.
------------------------------------
Chronopolis: Gate Chamber
------------------------------------
(Black screen.)
Techno: So, the original facility disappeared due to unlawful time experimentation.
Schala: What happened then?
Techno: Well, somebody put up the funds for a new facility. Right in the same place as the old one. Since that first incident, security has been beefed up. It's almost like its own fortress in a way.
Schala: It's pretty unnerving...
Techno: Okay, so the old man's code... Ha! Got it! Come on, this way!
Roas: Vathos, Ninya. You two keep watch. There's no telling what might happen.
Vathos: Got it.
Ninya: Hurry back...
(Screen brightens into a large chamber. A Gate is being formed on the lower area. Roas and Schala are on the upper balcony.)
Roas: So this is it.
Schala: ............
Roas: Don't take any unnecessary risks. Considering the nature of all this, it may take you years before you get an opportunity to change things.
Schala: Will it really take that long?
Roas: Don't worry about it. Once we things squared away on our end, I'll join up with you as soon as I can.
Techno: Alright, Gate's ready! Waiting on you, Schala.
Schala: Right.
(Suddenly, alarms sound.)
Roas: What the hell?!
Ninya: Roas, they were waiting for us! They brought some kind of- *static*
Roas: Ninya!! Answer me!!
Vathos: Dammit! They must've been prepared! We can't hold- *static*
Roas: Vathos!!!
Schala: No...
(A platoon of Shock Troopers enters the balcony area. With them is another modified Warmech.)
Roas: Techno, get out of there! Schala, go!!
Schala: What about you?!
Roas: Don't argue with me! GO!!!
(Schala turns to run.)
Commander: Don't let them escape!!
FMV: Through the Time Gate - Death of a Mentor
(End of Schala's prologue.)
(Last of the Dreamers Trophy acquired.)
-
....Alright, you caught me. I wasn't thinking of either definition when I thought it up. I just thought it sounded cool.
Well, that's cool, too. I mean, how much of Chrono Trigger was on purpose and how much did the fanbase read into things? We may never really know.
-
woow this is cool!! :D
is chrono and the gang,also serge kid will appear in this story??
-
I really enjoyed how the TTI isn't exclusive to time travelers.
-
I really enjoyed how the TTI isn't exclusive to time travelers.
Yeah, I'm gonna try not to go too much into that, lest my head explodes. :P
But seriously, I read somewhere (might have even been here) that the entire area around Chronopolis is protected by TTI due to magnetic interference.
Or something. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
-
I just finished reading it while I was at work and I really liked the story. Don't worry about the TTI part, since you are the writer, you are the God of your world. So you do not have the duty to explain everything.
-
4. 1227 AD - Just Another Day on the Job
(From here, we change perspectives. An image of the World Map of 1227 AD appears.)
In the year 1220 AD, history began to take a brutal turn. A man believed to have died in the year 1006 AD appeared in Porre as mysteriously as he had disappeared. As such, he was given the moniker of "The Immortal Emperor". Under his leadership, Porre redoubled their efforts of world conquest.
Some nations, under the Emperor's unrelenting might, were cowed into submission. Others were wiped of the map. It seemed that the world would be united under a single banner.
But there were those in this world who served no lord. Followed no flag. They were known as mercenaries, living as they saw fit. Selling their services to the highest bidder, many were seen as opportunistic and dishonorable. Save for one group.
They were known as the Zweibreicht Company...
-------------------------------------------
Dorino Research Labs: Outskirts
-------------------------------------------
Naming Screen: Lark
(We see a large complex crawling with Porrean Privates. A single lone figure sneaks past the guards and enters the complex through a discarded vent.)
-----------------------------------------
Dorino Research Labs - Interior
-----------------------------------------
?????: What's your situation?
Lark: I'm in.
?????: Alright. The hostages are probably being held in the larger storage rooms at the east and west of the building.
Lark: What the hell did these guys see to be locked up in a place like this?
?????: Doesn't matter. Our job is to get the hostages and get out. I'm not having you go pyro on this one.
Lark: Tch. Fine. But I've got a bad feeling about all this.
(Lark crawls upon the upper wires and catwalks into the right storage chamber.)
Hostage: How long are you keeping us here? We're starving!
Porrean: I said quiet!
Hostage: You can't do this to us! We did nothing wrong!
Porrean: *cocks rifle* You want to see your families alive again?! Then shut up!!
(Lark drops down behind the soldier and incapacitates him.)
Hostages: !!!
Lark: You guys alright?
Hostage: Wait, you're not a soldier...!
Porrean: (from the next room) Hey, what's going on in there?
Lark: Play along. (grabs the rifle) These guys are starting to get uppity, sir!
Porrean: Just shoot them! ...and do you sound alr-
Lark: I said QUIET!! (Fires into the air.)
(One of the hostages thinks quickly and feigns death. The soldier runs in to investigate, only to see the body of the other one. Lark takes him out and tosses the soldiers' guns to the hostages.)
Lark: Now that that's taken care of, what happened to you guys? Why are you being held here?
Hostage: We were mining a new vein when one of the guys opened up a new passage. We were seeing where it led when we saw this big room with a lot of freaky machinery. Weapons, mechs, it was nothing like we've ever seen.
Hostage: Apparently, it wasn't something we were supposed to see, cause then we got tossed in here. Brian tried getting away, but we don't know what happened to him.
Lark: Don't worry. Your friend is wounded, but alive. We're here to get you guys out.
Hostage: Thank you...
(Reaching the northern exit after incapacitating more guards...)
Lark: Alright, what's the status? I've cleared the first group.
?????: They're changing the guard now. Now's your chance to slip out.
Lark: Alright. There's a small break in the outer partition. My partner's waiting on the other side. He'll get you out.
Hostage: Alright. We'll wait by the partition, but we're not leaving without the others.
Lark: Fair enough. Then keep out of sight.
Hostage: One thing. One of our guys is pretty prone to panic. He might blow your cover if you aren't careful.
Lark: (deadpan) Well, isn't that nice. I'll keep that in mind.
(As Lark makes it to the other chamber...)
Panicked Hostage: Get me out of here... Please...
Hostage: Shut up. You're gonna get us all killed.
Porrean: Guys, he's at it again. Should I just shoot him and get it over with?
Commander: Tch. Might as well. Nobody's gonna miss him.
Lark: 'Three guards. Two by the door. One of them's near an alarm. Gotta make this count...'
Panicked Hostage: Aaaahhh... AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! D-D-Demon!! In the rafters!!
Lark: !!!
(The solitary guard looks up.)
Porrean: What the-?! Someone's up there!!
(Lark drops down on the soldier. Unfortunately, the alarm is triggered.)
Lark: Dammit!
Combat: Porrean Private, Porrean Commander
Lark: Well, I hope you're all happy. Your friend just cut our odds of survival in half!
Panicked Hostage: S-Stay away... *whimper*
Lark: Tch!
(Another group of soldiers enters.)
Combat: Porrean Private x3
Hostage: Get a hold of yourself! We need to get out!
Lark: How good are you guys at carrying dead weight?
Hostage: We've got it! Just get us out of here!
------------------------------
Dorino Research Labs - Outskirts
------------------------------
(The two sets of hostages meet up at the hole in the outer wall. The panicked one is the first through.)
Hostage: Heh. Warned you about him.
Lark: Nevermind that! Is this everybody?
Hostage: We're all here.
Lark: Then get back to town! I'll hold them off!
Hostage: Good luck... And thanks.
(Lark turns to a small platoon as the hostages escape.)
Combat: Porrean Private x4
(In the walkway above, a sniper takes aim at Lark.)
Porrean: You're mine, freak!
Lark: !!!
(A shot rings out, and the soldier falls over, dead. We pan up to a man holding a smoking rifle.)
Name Entry: Glenn
Lark: Took you long enough.
Glenn: You were the one messing around. Let's get out of here.
Porrean: They're over there!
Lark: Can't do that yet. There's still trash to take out.
Glenn: Don't be stupid! We did what we came here to do!
Lark: The job'll be shot to hell if these guys follow us back to town. Someone's gotta hold them off.
Glenn: .......
Glenn: Tch. I'm not paying for your funeral.
Lark: Will you get going already? I'm not gonna die in a gutter like this.
(As Glenn leaves...)
Lark: I got too much to answer for, remember?
(As Lark heads to the main entrance...)
Lark: Woah! The hell is that?!
(A large aerial cruiser intercepts our hero.)
Porrean: Target sighted! Preparing to engage!
Boss Fight: ZPIII Aerial MkI
(The vessel soon crashes into flames. The alarms fade.)
Lark: Unbelievable... If this is the kind of tech the Porres are gonna start churning out...
Lark: Glenn, can you read me?
Glenn: Hey. You made it. Are we done now?
Lark: What did those miners tell you?
Glenn: Enough. Why? What's with that tone?
Lark: It's worse than what they said. I just swatted some major tech out of the sky. If they're mass-producing stuff like this...
Glenn: Let it go, man. Just once, let it go.
Lark: I can't! I won't risk letting these things see the light of day! Not when I can do something to stop it!
Glenn: Shit... I was afraid you were gonna say that. Fine. Go play hero, but if things get too hairy, then get your ass out of there. You hear me?
Lark: Thanks, Glenn.
--------------------------------------
Dorino Research Labs - Underground Station
--------------------------------------
(Heading underground from the interior, Lark makes his way above a large chamber. A researcher speaks to someone via monitor.
?????: Is the next shipment prepared?
Researcher: It's already on its way.
?????: Good. I'll be expecting results.
Researcher: To the Glory of Porre.
(Lark makes his way forward and checks out a large crate of weapons.)
Lark: What...? What kind of guns are these? I don't like this at all...
(Near the far end of the chamber, a strange device is set up. Suddenly, a large portal forms in the center of the device. A large Warmech emerges from it.)
Lark: What the hell...?!
(A Porrean commander steps forward to commandeer the Warmech.)
Commander: Okay, just like in the simulator. Running systems check.
(The Warmech glows for a few moments.)
Commander: Wait, what's this?! Scanners are showing an intruder!
Lark: ('Crap!')
(The mech fires in Lark's direction.)
Lark: ('Gotta think of a plan!')
(Lark knocks over a crate of munitions. Grenades. Lark forms a ball of fire.)
Lark: Hope this works!
(It works. A little too well. The cavern begins to collapse from the concussive force of so many grenades. Lark falls back into the inner hallway just as the chamber collapses.)
Lark: *phew* Somebody remind me never to do that again...
(Lark relief is short-lived as a beam of light cuts through the blocked passage. The mech punches through the remains.)
Commander: Fool! You think you're a match for the Alpha Squall?! You're dead!
Tutorial Battle: Cross Combos
Boss Battle: Alpha Squall Warmech MkIII
Commander: What?! Nooooo!!
(The cockpit area of the Warmech explodes.)
Lark: I did it... Hoo boy... Time to go...
(Without warning, the mech sparks and gets up on its own.)
Warmech: A.I. Systems online. Annihilation Protocol activated.
Lark: That's not good...
(What begins is a chase. Lark reaches the elevator...)
Lark: Tell me that thing's not trying to climb up?! That does it!! Here's a present, you jackass!!
(Lark burns the elevator supports, sending it crashing into the climbing mech.)
Lark: Ha! That'll teach you to-
(The elevator remains fly past and lodge into the ceiling. The mech leans forward over the shaft.)
Lark: Oh, you've gotta be shitting me!!
(The chase resumes. In one of the central labs, Lark gets cornered.)
Combat: Alpha Squall Warmech MkIII (Unwinnable. Must escape.)
(The Warmech swipes at Lark. By accident, Lark presses a button for the electromagnet while dodging. The results are predictable.)
Lark: Man... I can't let this thing get loose.
Lark: Porre wouldn't want this tech getting in the hands of their enemies. There's gotta be some self-destruct mechanism somewhere...
(As Lark leaves the room, a sickening crunch is heard. The mech bursts through the wall, having amputated it's own arm.)
Lark: Not again...
(In the next lab, Lark finds another magnet and the self destruct.)
Lark: Alright! Looks like I'll be seeing you in Hell!
(A timer counts down from two minutes. As Lark leaves the room.)
Porrean: That's him! Intruder sighted!
Lark: Dammit, I don't have time for you!!
Combat: Porrean Private x3
(Lark manages to leave the complex. He runs past the partition and the nearby hills.)
FMV: Research Lab Destruction
(Lark's prologue completed.)
(Burning Justice Trophy acquired.)
(Lark stands atop the hill overlooking the destruction of the lab. Glenn soon joins him.)
Glenn: Geez, what did I tell you about going pyro?
Lark: Didn't have a choice. It was the only way I could have taken that thing down.
Glenn: Hovering gunships... Self-aware Warmechs... What the hell is happening to this world?
Lark: It's not natural, I'll tell you that...
Glenn: It's gonna be harder for us to keep a low profile after this...
Lark: We'll manage. We always do.
Glenn: I hope you're right.
(A small light shines in the sky.)
Lark: Huh? What's that?
Glenn: Probably Porrean recon ships. Let's get the hell out of here.
FMV: Envoy from the Future.
-
Author's Note: I did it! I made it past the prologues! Woohoo!!
Now...
Now I'm gonna crash for a few days...
Maybe a few months...
Good night... :?
*collapses*
-
Yes; do not burn yourself out. Take time for yourself away from your writing; make sure to go out and see things and do things; excite your creativity and entice it to do more. Live with the same passion you write with and your writing will continue to contain the passion of life.
/me gives a thumbs up
-
5. San Dorino - Calm Before the Storm
------------------------
Lab Ruins (Schala's POV)
------------------------
(Schala stands amidst the flames. She then remembers that she still has Techno's Codex.)
Schala: Techno, can you hear me?! Please answer!
(Nothing.)
Schala: Vathos?! Ninya?!!
(Nothing.)
Schala: Roas...?
(She falls to her knees.)
Schala: Anybody.....
(Only the sounds of the flames can be heard.)
Schala: They're all gone. Everyone...
Schala: What am I supposed to do now?!!
(Slowly, she begins to stand.)
Schala: I...
Schala: I need to get out of here.
(As she leaves, the opening credits begin. Interspersed amongst the credits are the following scenes featuring future party members.)
(Schala on the hill overlooking the flaming Lab Ruins.)
(Lark and Glenn in the village of San Dorino looking on as the captured miners return to their families. Lark looks up at the sky, still wondering about that light.)
(Reika is at a cliff overlooking the Zenan Bridge. A group of unknown soldiers come up to her. She nods and poses before following them.)
(Gilbert and Schwann are on a boat leaving Termina. A group of Dragoons salute as they head off. Gilbert adjust his shades as Schwann salutes back.)
(Laura and a group of the earlier soldiers camp in a forest clearing. A soldier nods repeatedly as Laura sharpens her sword. The soldier lowers his head in frustration.)
(Finally, back to Schala, standing at the gates to San Dorino...)
---------------------
San Dorino
---------------------
(As Schala enters the village, she notices the town is abuzz with more activity than expected.)
Villager: Hoy there, miss. You look like you're in a spot.
Schala: I'm sorry. It's been a long journey.
Schala: (Too long...) Where can I find lodgings?
Villager: Just take the next right. It's on the second floor of the Tavern. You coming from Guardia by any chance?
Schala: (That should be up north, right?) That's right.
Villager: No wonder you look crashed. I hear they just finished setting up the checkpoints at the bridge.
Schala: ........
Schala: What's going on. Things look a bit more lively than I expected.
Villager: Heh. Some of the breadwinners got into a little squeeze earlier, but they made it out okay. Anyway, enjoy our little hamlet.
Schala: Thank you.
Schala: (Okay, I'll need a room, but...)
Schala: (I don't think they'll believe that what I have is currency... Maybe there's something I can sell.)
-------------------------------------------
(Entering the Forge, we see a foreman and a young smith.)
Foreman: No no no! The plating is supposed to be weaved between the layers, Zappa! Weave it on the inside, it becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable! Weave it on the outside, it becomes misshapen and unattractive! Do it over, and do it right this time!
Zappa: Come on, old man. It's already near midnight. Shouldn't we be closing up now?
Foreman: Not until I see a decent armorweave. Hell, you can barely sew!
Zappa: Come on boss! Geez...
Foreman: You're the one who came crying to me for training! If you think you can get by on just your family's name, you're mistaken! Now get back to work!
Zappa: Uhhhh, boss? Customer.
Foreman: Hmm? (Notices Schala) Ahh, hello! My apologies for that sorry display. What can I do for you?
-Ask about Zappa.
-Ask about armorweaving.
-Ask about forging.
-Nothing, thanks.
(Ask about Zappa.)
Schala: Just looking around. Ummm, if I can ask...
Zappa: Name's Zappa. My family's famous in El Nido, you know.
Foreman: Fame doesn't mean a damn thing if all you're good for is hammering plate! Get with the times!
Zappa: Bah!
Schala: *sweatdrop* Huh...
Foreman: My apprentice. Comes from a long line of blacksmiths, but he's too cocky and makes mistakes. That's all you need to know.
Zappa: Hey!
(Ask about armorweaving.)
Schala: I don't think I've heard of this armor weave before.
Foreman: Most people haven't. Back in the day, armor only came in three types; cloth, leather, or plate. A simple system for a simple time. However, times are changing, especially warfare. We can't just make same-old one-size-fits-all and expect to get by.
Foreman: Armorweaving is the next logical step in armorsmithing evolution. Simple cloth and leathers aren't going to cut it against enemy soldiers or stronger beasties anymore. They're too fragil. We start by hammering the plates thin and flexible, yet still durable enough to take a hit. Then, we sew them into the clothing. The process was first pioneered by a guy named Taben, but it never really caught on until recently.
Zappa: Takes a lot of time, though. We get orders like crazy.
Foreman: *groan* Dammit boy, I swear... Anyway, it is a time-consuming process, but the end result is always unique for the customer. We take a personal belief that if an armor that's just for you doesn't exist yet, we'll make it!
Foreman: Heh. Looks like I've been talking your ear off. Hmmm... You look like you prefer light clothing. Alright then, here's what I'll do. You find me some appropriate materials, and I'll make you a whole personalized set. Since you're a new customer, I'll ask Jainie at the Equipment Shop down the way to sell it to you free of charge.
Schala: Are you sure? O-okay then. Thank you
-Ask about forging.
Schala: What do I need to get a better weapon?
Foreman: Unlike armor forging, weapons are far simpler. Just bring in the materials and some gold and we can get one ready for you right away.
Schala: Wait, 'we'?
Foreman: Well, as much as I hate to admit it, the boy is actually pretty good with weapons. It's the only thing he seems to do right. Still, I'm the senior forger here, so I have the final say.
Zappa: Bah! I can smith you under the table, old man!
Foreman: Ha! Show me a decent armorweave, and maybe then you can brag! Now get back to work!
-Nothing, thanks.
Schala: I think I'm good.
Foreman: Alright. Don't hesitate if you have any questions, you hear?
-----------------------------------------
(Heading to the north end of the village, we see Lark and Glenn talking with the mayor of the village.)
Rogek: Once again, you two have done us a great service.
Glenn: It was nothing. One of the guys nearly blew our cover, though.
Lark: Tell me you aren't gonna ask him for hazard pay.
Glenn: Hey, if it was your screw-up, I wouldn't.
Lark: Look, just ignore him. The regular fee is fine. It's no problem.
Glenn: God, you always do this.
Schala: Hmm? What's this now?
Miner: Not a good idea to interrupt while they talk business.
Schala: Business?
Miner: They're mercenaries. Got my boys out of a jam earlier today. You ask me, they've earned every coin.
Schala: Who are they?
Miner: They call themselves the Zweibreicht Company. Drifted here a month ago from up north. The one on the right is Glenn. He's the brains of their operation. He'd be a pretty decent guy to hang around if he wasn't so stingy with the coin.
Miner: They call the other one Lark. He's the go-to guy. Does all the heavy lifting. It's thanks to him my friends are still alive.
Miner: I'd be careful though, if I were you. He's pretty notorious with the ladies if you get my drift.
Schala: I'll... keep that in mind.
Glenn: Alright, the normal fee's fine, but I'm getting the lion's share for bailing you out.
Lark: Fine with me.
Rogek: Yes, well... I thank you both for saving our livelihood.
Lark: Anytime, sir.
(As they turn...)
Glenn: What? What is it?
Schala: ???
Lark: Well well. What have we here?
Glenn: Oh no.
Lark: I don't believe we've been acquainted yet, miss.
Schala: It's no problem. I was just leaving.
Lark: You must be new here. I can show you around the village if you want.
Schala: (Is this guy even listening?)
Schala: *annoyed* Look. If it's not too much trouble...
Lark: I know a cozy little bluff on the outskirts if you-
Schala: Now listen here. It has been a long day. There's only so much I can stand, and I do not want to start any trouble. Am I clear?
Lark: *backs off* Okay, okay. Point made. So maybe later after you're rested?
Glenn: Alrighty. Time to go.
Lark: Hey! Let go!
Glenn: As much fun as it is to watch you get shot down, I don't want to risk us losing whatever goodwill we've gained. Sorry for the trouble miss. Put it on my tab.
[Recieved 50 Gold]
(Lark gets dragged away.)
Lark: Come on! I almost had her! Hold on!
Miner: Hahahahaha! I warned you about him!
Schala: As if that makes me feel better.
Schala: (Hmmm... This should be enough for a room, but I think I may need more than this if I'm going to keep traveling.)
---------------------------------------
(In the west part of town, near a fabric merchant stall...)
Noble: And just what is taking so long with my order?! I asked for it yesterday!
Shopkeeper: We are closed, sir! You have to come back tomorrow!
Noble: I did not travel miles into the boonies just to be turned away now, and I do not intend to stay in this sty of a hovel! Now give me my order!
Schala: (The nerve of this creep. Hmmm... That's a stingy-looking pouch there. That should do.)
-If you have visited the Tavern first...-
Schala: (Ahh, this must be the guy she was telling me about. That pouch looks pretty small, though. I guess it'll have to do.)
(Schala sneaks over and take the pouch with nobody being the wiser, then runs off.)
[Aquired 200 Gold]
Shopkeeper: Fine! You know the price. 200.
Noble: Better. I'll have you know that... Huh?
Noble: M-my pouch! It's gone!!
Shopkeeper: Of all the-! You barge into my home, and now you think you can cheat me?! Damned cheapskate!!
(A figure watches from the shadows.)
?????: Interesting...
--------------------------
(Afterwards, near the Tavern...)
?????: Excuse me, miss.
Schala: Y-yes?
?????: I couldn't help but see what you did back there.
Schala: !!!
?????: Relax. I won't turn you in. Fat bastard deserved it, really. It was priceless.
Schala: So what do you want?
?????: Where are my manners? My name is Rupert, and I might have some work for someone of your skill.
Schala: I'm not that special.
Rupert: Well, anyone can just swipe a pouch. The trick is not getting caught. The truly skilled makes sure the theft is never even noticed.
Schala: ...I'm listening.
Rupert: I can't discuss at length out here, but I'll give you this. It'll be up to you wether you accept or not. There will be a carrier cab parked in the village outskirts. If you decide to accept my proposal, just step inside.
Rupert: Good night, miss.
Schala: .......
Schala: (A job, huh? I suppose until I find a way to change things, it's something to consider...)
---------------------------
(Inside the Tavern, regardless...)
Schala: Excuse me!
Barmaid: Just a sec!
(After she dodges around patrons...)
Barmaid: Sorry, what can I do for you?
Schala: How much is a room?
Barmaid: You're on luck. We have one room left at 50 Gold a night.
Schala: (This dagger might sell, but... Roas gave this to me... But I have nothing else. I didn't get a chance to re-equip my Elements back at Chronopolis... before...)
Barmaid: You thinking of selling that?
Schala: I suppose I don't have a choice. It's all I have left to sell...
Barmaid: Well, that won't do. Nobody should be without a weapon these days. Actually, you look quick enough. I have an idea.
-If you've met Lark and Glenn...-
Schala: I see. Here you go.
Barmaid: Thanks. Hmmm...
Barmaid: That pouch of yours looks pretty empty. Was that all you had?
Schala: Well...
Barmaid: That's no good. Something tells me you're gonna be here for a while, right? Well, I might have an idea.
-Regardless...-
Barmaid: There's a Porrean noble who comes here from time to time complaining about fabric orders. I think he just uses that as an pretext to accost my friend at the apparel shop.
Barmaid: Between you and me, the pig could stand to be humbled once or twice. He always keeps a money pouch on his belt, if you get my drift.
Schala: Wait, you want me to steal?!
Barmaid: Oh, don't give me the innocent act. I've seen enough of them to know a thief when I see one. As long as you don't rob me or my regulars, I'm fine with it.
-If you've already met Rupert...-
Schala: Wait, I think I know who you're talking about. I already got him.
Barmaid: Really...? Huh. I would've heard something by now.
Barmaid: How'd it go then? So he only had 200 on him? Tough break. But I guess you're set then, huh? Just be sure to return the key when you're ready to leave.
(As Schala leaves upstairs, we switch POV to Lark as he and Glenn enter the Tavern.)
(Lark's POV)
Lark: Well, not bad for a day's work.
Glenn: I could've gotten more. The Wind Rider needs maintenance.
Lark: Will you come off it already?
Barmaid: Well, if it isn't my favorite patrons.
Glenn: Jessica. Is our usual ready?
Jessica: Always is.
(As they're led to their table...)
Lark: So Jess. We still on for later tonight?
Jessica: Sorry doll. A contract came for you boys while you were being heroes.
Lark: Dammit...
Glenn: Already? Can't even get a chance to unwind these days.
Jessica: I'll have your drinks ready in a bit.
(Jessica leaves them to discuss their new job...)
Lark: Hey Glenn. Isn't this seal...?
Glenn: Yeah. From your friendly neighborhood anti-Porrean insurgent group. Heh. Looks like she came through for us after all.
Lark: Now what would the Radical Dreamers want with us...?
--------------------------------
(Schala's POV)
Schala: !!!
Schala: (This symbol...! This is...)
Schala: (Roas... Everybody... Is this a sign?)
---------------------------------
(Lark's POV)
Lark: I... Can't believe this... They want us to... Us!
Glenn: The Immortal Emperor will be personally overseeing the annual unveiling of the Sun Stone in the South Porrean Opera House, after which he'll be attending newest production of the Zenan Players at 3 AM... Likelihood of him being underguarded is high... Are they serious?
Lark: Are they really asking us to kill Emperor Dalton...?
Lark: This is my chance...!
Glenn: .........
Lark: Finally. After all this time...
Glenn: Hold on... The assassination's not the real objective.
Lark: What?
Glenn: Take a good look and read between the lines. Dalton's life isn't the objective. They're after the Sun Stone.
Glenn: Bastards are hiring us to play decoy... Dammit!
------------------------------
(Schala's POV)
Contract: The Sun Stone was once one of the great treasures of Guardia. It was stolen from us by the Porrean usurpers during the Fall of 1005. To have it back in our hands would be the first step to regaining our sovereignity and freedom.
We will have a hired man posing as an assassin targeting the Emperor. It is at this time that you will aquire the Stone by any means you must. Afterwards, you will deliver it to your contact at the rendezvous point.
What you do from there will be up to you. By opening this seal, you show proof that you hold no love for Porre. We do not expect our assassin to succeed, but if the Emperor were to die, it would be a boon to us all. If you choose to aid our assassin in their endeavor, then we wish you Godspeed.
All we ask from here is that you burn this letter. We are counting on you.
Schala: The Sun Stone...?
(Schala hold her head. The screen turns black.)
Roas: Don't take any unnessesary risks... But if you do see an opportunity to change things, take it.
(The screen turns back to normal.)
Schala: My mission... That's right...
(Schala burns the letter.)
Schala: Rupert said there's transportation waiting, right?
(She leaves.)
-----------------------------
(Lark's POV)
Glenn: There's no way she would have known this would happen. She would have made a major stink.
Lark: A job's a job, Glenn. This one's worth doing.
Glenn: Again? Come on!
Lark: I'm not wasting this chance! Any chance is better than...
Glenn: Alright alright... I'll get things prepared. Just don't let this head too far south.
Lark: Come on. It's me.
Glenn: That's what I'm afraid of.
--------------------------------
(Schala's POV)
(Inside of the carrier cab...)
Rupert: It's good you decided to accept my offer.
Schala: I have my own reasons for doing this.
Rupert: Understandable.
Rupert: One more minute...
Schala: You think your assassin will show?
Rupert: I brought in a couple of my own men just in case our offers were refused.
(Lark eventually shows up.)
Schala: !!!
Lark: !!!
Rupert: Hmmm? Are you two acquainted?
Schala: We've... met...
Lark: Small world.
Rupert: Driver, we're ready.
(As the vehicle moves...)
Lark: So...
Schala: Don't try it. I wouldn't want to catch an assasin's germs before I start.
Lark: .......
Lark: Fine by me. Wouldn't want to have a thief swipe my weapons before I need them.
Rupert: Well, this'll be interesting.
Lark/Schala: ...........
[FMV: Porre in All Its Majesty]
-
Author's Note: Sorry for the late update. Once I got started on filling in the stuff on my sounding board, it got pretty hard to stop.
Speaking of which, for those who don't check the first page of that topic, I added portraits to the character bios. Glenn, Schala, Reika, Laura, and Schwann have gone through some major revisions since my first art topic a while back.
Well, here's my first two-parter. I kinda liked writing Zappa and the foreman. And it won't be the last we see of him, I assure you.
Just one question. What's the character limit for posts, and how do I check to see how many I have left?
-
100000 characters.
Some text editor has that function, but I think 100,000 is enough to write a book, isn't it?
-
Mmh, a novella maybe—the average English word is ~5 characters long, IIRC, so 100000 characters makes ~20000 words. That's about a quarter of an average romance novel, or a fifth to a sixth of a typical SF&F novel. More than enough for a chapter of almost anything, though.
-
6. Porre - Fate or Chance?
Max Recruits: Schala, Lark
--------------------------
Porre - City Streets
--------------------------
Schala: (So this is Porre...? This isn't good. It's too advanced already.)
Lark: First time I've been in the capital. This is nuts.
Rupert: 10 years was all it took for this place to transform. They say it's thanks to their Chief Scientist. Something doesn't feel right, though.
Schala: ...........
(Suddenly, a screen above the group flickers on. Pedestrians stop and look upwards towards it.)
(FMV: Emperor Dalton)
-------------------------------
(To Dalton's Address...)
Dalton: My comrades and countrymen; As you all know, it has been ten years since Porre has ascended past the rest of the world and stayed at the top of the food chain. In honor of this glorious milestone, I present to you: The reborn Sun Stone!
(A soldier pulls away a cloth showing the shining Sun Stone. It is attatched to a strange machine radiating light.)
Dalton: Five years ago, this stone's glow had nearly vanished, but look upon it now! It is thanks to the efforts of our chief scientists. This machine is capable of replicating the very light of the sun and amplifying it over a thousand fold. I am sure you all have heard the legends that it would take millions upon millions of years for it to be empowered, but now...
Dalton: What once took aeons can now be done in only five years! And the beauty is that it powers itself. This is the culmination of our science! Our power!
Dalton: And this is just the beginning. Soon enough, we may very well be able to rise above the very sky itself, as is our right! For we are the dominion! We are the absolute!
Dalton: And so, my friends, let us celebrate and rejoice the glory of our nation!
(The gathered audience applauds.)
(Back with our heroes. The pedestrians who watched the address are also cheering.)
Schala: (I knew this man would be dangerous, but this... And why...? Why does he frighten me so much?)
Lark: (These bastards are actually clapping for him?!)
Rupert: That vulture... That's our treasure.
Schala: Playing the part of the benevolent ruler as he strangles the rest of the world. How sickening.
Lark: So, what's the plan?
Rupert: Schala and I will head into the alleyways at the West side. She'll infiltrate the second floor and stand by once she locates the stone. Once you make your move, she'll grab the Stone and with any luck, we'll all meet back here.
Lark: And if Murphey decides to to screw us over?
Rupert: I won't lie. The chance of surviving the assassination is slim. However, our mutual friend has assured me that you're more than up to the task.
Lark: ........
Rupert: She seems like a nice girl. I'd hate to be the bearer of bad news.
Lark: Alright. I get it. Last thing anyone needs is her crying her eyes out.
Rupert: Very well then. We move now. For what it's worth, I wish you luck.
Lark: I'm not going down that easy.
(Lark leaves for his mission.)
Rupert: Schala. We should get going too.
Schala: Right.
-------------------------
South Porre Opera House - Outskirts
-------------------------
(Rupert and Schala head to the alleyways beside the Opera House.)
Rupert: I'll be right here. Get back to me as soon as you complete your objective.
(Schala scales the wall onto the second floor balcony.)
-------------------------
South Porre Opera House - Interior
-------------------------
(From here Schala must sneak past guards to get to the Sun Stone. It's really only one area, but if she gets caught, she must start over from the beginning. There will be a reward later for not getting caught.)
(Once Schala reaches the correct room, we switch back to Lark,s POV.)
(Lark is in disguise as a chef, pushing as dinner cart.)
Soldier: Hold! What is this about?
Lark: The boys put together a special meal for the Emperor in honor of the anniversary. He is in one of the Dining Seats, right?
Soldier: He is, but we weren't notified of this. You stay right there.
(As the soldier's attention is diverted, Lark incapacitates him. Unfortunately, he's seen by a soldier coming from the theater area.)
Soldier: What?! We're under attack! Protect the Emperor!
Lark: Shit. Hoping for the element of surprise here. Bring it on!!
(Back to Schala's POV, the soldiers guarding the Sun Stone leave their post as the alarms sound.)
Schala: (Looks like he did it.)
(She checks the controls for the machine.)
Schala: Okay, this looks easy enough...
(The machine powers down as the light from it fades. The Sun Stone is still shining brightly.)
Schala: Alright. Come to mama.
[Aquired Sun Stone]
(As Schala is about to leave, she turns back.)
Schala: (A machine like this shouldn't exist in this time...)
(She tosses a knife at it. It sparks before crashing apart in light and smoke.)
Schala: There. That should set Porre back a millennia.
-------------------------------
Opera House - Outskirts
-------------------------------
Rupert: Schala! Things are starting to get hot over here!
Schala: I've got it! Catch!
(She tosses the Sun Stone to Rupert.)
[Lost Sun Stone]
(Schala hesitates to follow Rupert.)
Rupert: What are you doing?!
Schala: ..........
Rupert: ...I understand. I won't stop you, but stay alive! I'll be at the outskirts of the city! You two meet up with me there!
(Schala heads back inside to try and help Lark.)
-----------------------------
Opera House - Theater
-----------------------------
(Lark's POV. He has cornered Dalton and two soldiers, but something seems off...)
Lark: At last... It ends here, you bastard!!
Dalton?: ............
Lark: What's wrong?! Scared of me?! Say something, you son of a bitch!!!
Dalton?: ..............
Combat: Dalton?, Porrean Lieutenant x2
(Upon victory, Lark stabs Dalton... Only for the man's wig to fall off.)
Lark: A decoy?! Shit!
(Lark quickly heads back the way he came.)
---------------------------
Opera House - Interior
---------------------------
(Schala head to Lark.)
Lark: What are you doing?!
Schala: I already did my part! Are you okay?
Lark: It was a decoy! We have to get ou-
(A ball of electricity immediately hits Lark. Schala turns around only to be hit with one as well.)
[FMV: Captured]
----------------------------
Porre - Outskirts
----------------------------
(Rupert stands, waiting for news.)
Dreamer: Well, that's that. Enemy chatter's telling us our hirelings got caught. There's no point waiting for them anymore.
Rupert: So... I've sent two more to their deaths...
Dreamer: Come on. We've got to move.
Rupert: Don't worry. (holds Sun Stone) I'll make sure your sacrifices aren't wasted...
-----------------------------------
Porrean Detention Facility - Cell Block 48
-----------------------------------
(Schala's POV)
(Lark is seen resting in a jail cot. Schala is unconscious in another.)
Schala: Nnnn...
Lark: Finally awake?
Schala: Where were we taken...?
Lark: If I had to guess, we're pretty deep in the Prison District. Right underneath the Ark too, most likely.
Schala: What do you think they'll do to us?
Lark: We're both tried for regicide, so they'll probably kill us.
Lark: .....You could have just run, you know.
Schala: I wouldn't have been able to live with myself...
Lark: ..........
Schala: Is there a way out?
Lark: Not that I've found. Our best bet is to make a break when they come to take us away.
Schala: Are you sure?
(From here on Schala can move around in the cell. Interacting with the bars...)
Schala: Let us out! You're not keeping us here!
Guard: Hey! Pipe down in there!
Schala: Why don't you come in here and make me?!
Guard: Rrrr... You think I'm falling for that?! You're crazy...
Lark: Hmm... Good plan. I should have thought of it.
(Second time...)
Schala: Is the big bad guard scared of a little girl like me? Then again, your balls must be shriveled up, so you probably would be.
Lark: Nice.
Guard: You little-!!
Guard: Oh no. No you don't. You're not gonna rile me up. Forget it.
(A button is heard being pressed.)
Lark: ???
(One more time...)
Lark: Wait.
Schala: What?
(Lark kneels to pick up a small stone and tosses it. Electricity arcs through the bars.)
Schala: !!!
Guard: Heh. Smart friend ya got. But you're not pulling one on me.
Schala: Dammit.
Lark: Well, it was sound, anyway. Probably would have worked 200 years ago.
Schala: Quiet, you.
(From here, there is little to do but wait. After a short while...)
Guard: Good news. You've only got a few more hours left. You two are getting front row seats to our own personal arena. You got quite the nerve taking our stone, but don't worry. We'll find your little friends soon enough.
Guard: We've been wonder how in the hell you managed to get past our security in the first place. You'd have to be a witch or something. So we figured we'd give an appropriate execution.
Guard: Heh. Hope you like barbecue.
(As the guard leaves...)
Schala: Arena?
Lark: Nobility in general has a rather sickening fascination with seeing people below their station suffer. So of course the military would find a way to give them that entertainment while lining their own pockets. Prisoners either fight to the death or get executed in various fashions.
Lark: In our case, we get our very own witch trial.
Schala: Burning us alive? So they can't just give us a quick death, huh? So what now?
Lark: Wasn't expecting this. This changes things.
Schala: You have a plan?
Lark: Sort of.
(A short while later, the guard returns with a small squad.)
Guard: Well, you're up next. Hope you've made your peace. They're all yours.
-------------------------------
Porrean Detention Facility - Arena
-------------------------------
(We come across a large open area. Porrean nobles are seated in the stands with soldiers ready for any unexpected developments. An execution stand adorned with a large pole in the center is set in the middle of the arena. Schala and Lark are securely tied to it. Schala is struggling to get loose.)
Judge: I hereby decree that for the crimes of the Theft of a national treasure, and of attempted Regicide, the Condemned have been found, without shadow of a doubt, Guilty. Due to the nature of their crimes, their Judgement shall be death by immolation. I now ask the gathered to stand in Reverence upon the dispersion of Divine Justice.
Judge: May the Gods have Mercy on your souls, for we shall not.
Executioner Commander: You heard the man. Light 'em up!
(Soldiers equipped with flamethrowers begin setting fire to the stand.)
Schala: If you have this big plan ready, now would be the time!
Lark: ..........
(The flames reach the top of the stand.)
Schala: (So this is how it ends... Roas... Fin... Everyone... I've failed you all...!)
Lark: ................
(Without warning, Lark's eyes begin glowing red.)
[FMV: A Demon Unleashed]
(Schala awakens freed to find their captors in cinders, the spectators fled, and a coal-skinned demon standing amidst the carnage. As quickly as he had transformed, the demon changes back into Lark.)
Schala: !!!
Lark: Oww... Been a while since I did that. Getting rusty. You okay over there?
(Schala inches backwards.)
Schala: W-what the hell are you?!
Lark: Here it comes... Look, I won't mince words. I'm a Fiend. A demon. A monster. And right now, your only chance of getting out of here alive.
Schala: .........
(A group of soldiers converges on the two.)
Lark: Of course. There's always reinforcements. If you can pick your jaw off the floor for just a second, I could use a hand!
Combat: Porrean Fighter x4
Lark: As I was saying, you've got a choice. You can try to get out of this hellhole by yourself and risk getting swarmed by angry soldiers, or you can come with me.
Schala: ...........
Schala: Sorry... It was just... I mean...
Lark: I get it, I get it. Freaks everybody out the first time. I'm used to it.
Schala: But how will we get out?
Lark: Well, we can follow the wave of pissed soldiers, or we can find the repository and get our stuff back first.
Schala: I like the second option.
Lark: Let's go, then.
[Lark joined your party!]
--------------------------------
Porrean Detention Facility - Cell Blocks
--------------------------------
[Dungeon: Porrean Prison District]
(Upon reaching the repository...)
Lark: Much better.
Lark: Hmmm, did you have any Elements on you when you were captured?
Schala: No. I... kind of had to give them up before arriving here.
Lark: Here. Take a couple of mine.
[Tutorial: Element Grid]
Lark: How you lasted this long without them is beyond me.
Schala: *sweatdrop*
(Upon reaching a large rectangular room...)
Executioner Commander: Dammit! Hey, where's my backup?!
Lark: Got locked in, did you? Well, consider this karma!
Tutorial Battle: Damage Types - Executioner x1
(Schala learns Skygate Tech automatically during the battle.)
Lark: Well, looks like I'm not the only one with secrets. That definitely didn't look like an Element.
Schala: .........
Executioner Commander: Great. They're both monsters!
(Soldiers enter through the now opened doors.)
Executioner Commander: It's about time! We can't let them through!
Tutorial Battle: Dual Techs - Executioner x1, Porrean Fighter x5
(You should get the Dual Basics trophy in this battle.)
Lark: Now that was awesome. You're pretty good in a scrap.
Schala: I've had practice. Now can we get out of here?
-------------------------
Ark of the Black Lion - Basement
-------------------------
Schala: Wait, now where are we?
Lark: So I was right. We were under the Ark.
Schala: So this elevator would lead...
Lark: There'll be too many guards at the front gate. Let's head to the upper floors.
-------------------------------
Ark of the Black Lion - 20th Floor
-------------------------------
(As soon as they get out of the elevator...)
Soldier: Escapees sighted!
Schala: Now what?!
Lark: Punch through!
Combat: Porrean Lieutenant x3
(They move forward to a balcony.)
Soldier: You can't escape! You're surrounded!!
[FMV: A Grand Escape]
[Fate or Chance? trophy acquired.]
_______________________________________
-
Author's note: Finally done. First real dungeon in the game and our heroes have joined forces. I also moved the beginning part of the chapter to the previous one, so scenes are roughly in the same area.
Question though before I continue on. For the FMVs, I realize that since I haven't made the descriptions except for in the Sounding Board thread, a lot of context to what happens afterwards would be lost.
My question is thus; Should I make detailed descriptions like the ones on the sounding board? Or should I make abridged descriptions so I both don't have to do so much work and people can get the gist of what happens? Or should I keep going as I have and keep the descriptions to the sounding board?
-
One option is to link to your FMV post in the sounding board thread as you reference the FMVs here. Every post has a hyperlink just to the left of "Reply #" that you can copy pasta by right-clicking.
This is for another thread I'm sure - sheesh, do we even have a Game Design and Planning thread? - but I've drawn a hard line against FMVs in my own musings. They've got to be a huge resource draw requiring numerous artists, and I'm not sure the payoff is any greater than putting those resources into additional sprite frames or in-game model animations. I think there's something to be said for tasteful minimalism. I remember being hugely impressed with the battle between Magus and Melchior in Prophet's Guile, far more than I was with the anime cutscenes in the PSX version of Chrono Trigger. But maybe I'm weird.
On the other hand! Since this is your best-of-all-worlds dream project, it's worth tossing out real-world considerations for the sake of your growth as an artist. FMV descriptions give you an opportunity to do prose in a work where you're hugely focused on dialogue. I think prose and dialogue are different skills, so I always worry about losing my edge in focusing on scriptwork.
-
One option is to link to your FMV post in the sounding board thread as you reference the FMVs here. Every post has a hyperlink just to the left of "Reply #" that you can copy pasta by right-clicking.
This is for another thread I'm sure - sheesh, do we even have a Game Design and Planning thread? - but I've drawn a hard line against FMVs in my own musings. They've got to be a huge resource draw requiring numerous artists, and I'm not sure the payoff is any greater than putting those resources into additional sprite frames or in-game model animations. I think there's something to be said for tasteful minimalism. I remember being hugely impressed with the battle between Magus and Melchior in Prophet's Guile, far more than I was with the anime cutscenes in the PSX version of Chrono Trigger. But maybe I'm weird.
On the other hand! Since this is your best-of-all-worlds dream project, it's worth tossing out real-world considerations for the sake of your growth as an artist. FMV descriptions give you an opportunity to do prose in a work where you're hugely focused on dialogue. I think prose and dialogue are different skills, so I always worry about losing my edge in focusing on scriptwork.
I'll try that out. Thanks.
Yeah... If I do decide to develop this past a game script, I will not be doing, or ask anyone to make FMVs. That would not be cool. :P
-
7. Fiona's Forest - So Close, and Yet So Far.
[Fiona's Forest]
(We find our heroes in a very familiar-looking clearing. The Wind-Rider is crashed and broken, billowing smoke. Glenn is the first to wake up.)
Glenn: Dammit, Lark... I knew you were gonna jinx us... (Sees the crashed vehicle) Oh no... No no no no no no nooooo!!
(Schala wakes up next.)
Schala: Did we make it...? Is everyone okay...?
Glenn: I just finished getting this paid off...!
Schala: .......
Glenn: I just gave it paint job, too! Dammit!!
Schala: Gee, I'm fine. Thanks for asking.
Glenn: *finally notices Schala* Oh! Sorry 'bout that.
Schala: Where's Lark?
Glenn: Damned if I know. Probably got knocked off a while back. It'd serve him right... *grumble*
Lark: *coming from below* Serve who right?
Glenn: You! Look what happened to my ride!
Glenn: I swear, you'd better have gotten the job done!
Schala: The Sun Stone? I got it out.
Glenn: ...and the other thing?
Lark: It was a trap. They were probably counting on catching any would-be assassins...
Glenn: So my new baby got blown up for nothing?! Dammit!
Schala: Enough about your... Car... Thing!
Glenn: Car thing?! I'll have you know-
Schala: *ignoring Glenn* Were you able to find anything?
Lark: The central road's no good. It's already crawling with Porreans. We're gonna have to cut through the middle of the forest to get back to town. You coming, Glenn?
Glenn: Just give me a sec. I need more time to mourn...
(Lark goes over and drags Glenn away from the crashed vehicle.)
Glenn: Nooo! Lemme go! She needs a proper burial!!
Schala: *sigh*
(Schala follows them offscreen.)
[Glenn joined the party!]
[Captain's Favor trophy acquired]
[Areas: North-West Woods, North Woods]
[Fiona's Shrine]
Lark: Huh? Getting dark already?
Schala: We must have been knocked out longer than I thought.
Glenn: Hey look. I think I see the Shrine. Think the keepers'll let us bunk?
Lark: Worth a shot. It would beat resting outside. And who knows what kind of creeps start crawling around here after dark.
(Nighttime, the group manages to get squared away inside the Shrine. As the guys have a separate room, Schala sits alone in her own chambers, fiddling with Techno's bracelet.)
Schala: Techno, come on... Give me a sign here...
????: *static*
Schala: !!!
????: C- hea- me-?
Schala: Techno?! Is that you?!
Techno: Scha-?! Hol- n- let m- ange- fre-cy.
Techno: Schala?
Schala: Thank god! You're okay!
Techno: Yeah... Guess you could say that...
Schala: What... what happened back there?
Techno: They came out of nowhere. Vathos and Ninya were holding their own until that white Warmech came... They were torn apart... If Balthesar hadn't pulled me into his office, I probably would've been next.
Schala: .......and Roas?
Techno: .....you don't want to know...
Schala: So that's it? We're the only two left?
Techno: After everything passed, I tried getting in contact with you, but I ran into too much interference.
Techno: So... How are things on your end?
Schala: I stole one of Porre's biggest treasures and escaped from prison.
Techno: Wait, seriously?! Oh man... Guess it's too late to ask you to keep a low profile, huh?
Schala: Techno. What...?
Schala: What can you tell me about the Zweibreicht Company?
Techno: The Zweibreicht Company? That sounds familiar. Hold on, let me look it up...
Techno: !!! You've got to be kidding me!
Schala: Shh! Keep it down! What did you find?
Techno: Do you know who these guys are?! They're a mercenary company that was pretty damn infamous among those times. They're more or less responsible for inspiring Guardia and other nations to rebel against Porre, leading to the Military Stalemate of 1227 AD! At least half of our old Dreamers were inspired by these guys!
Schala: You're kidding! What else?
Techno: Hold on. It says the company was composed of three members. The only documented member is a guy named Glenn. It says that they were seekers of justice rather than cutthroat mercenaries, and that they never accepted jobs from Porre, instead taking jobs that would try to cripple the superpower.
Techno: It also say that the company disappeared on the eve of 1228 AD during a mission in Choras... Although they were gone, their courage in their refusal to bow to Porrean standards lived on in others...
Schala: But nothing truly changed afterwards, did it?
Techno: Porre still ended up being to powerful to bring down... but if there was anybody that would have a chance to help you accomplish your mission... How did you know to ask about these guys, anyway?
Schala: I'm traveling with them right now.
Techno: !!! I see...
Schala: Techno?
Techno: I think it would be best if you stuck with them.
Schala: I don't think I'll have the money to hire them for a long-term contract.
Techno: Then join up with them.
Schala: You're... serious, aren't you?
Techno: If anyone can help you make a difference... Besides, we both know what's at stake.
Schala: You're right. I'll think on it.
Schala: Techno?
Techno: Hmm?
Schala: I'm glad you made it...
Techno: ...You too.
*static*
(The next morning)
Glenn: Alright. Are the roads clear?
Lark: Nope. Bastards are persistent.
Schala: Back through the forest, then?
Lark: Seems that way.
Lark: You alright?
Schala: Just doing some thinking. That's all.
Lark: Well, if you need any personal help with that...
Schala: Don't make me hit you.
Lark: Right.
Glenn: Heh.
[North-East Forest]
(A little ways in)
Lark: Hey, anybody else hear that?
Glenn: It's your imagination. Let's go.
(A bit further in)
Lark: Seriously, nobody hears that buzzing sound?
Glenn: Dammit Lark! Stop jinxing us!
Schala: *kneels down* He's right. There's something here.
Glenn: Oh, not you too!
Lark: Let's be careful. Maybe it won't notice us.
(At the end of the road)
Glenn: That's... a pretty steep drop.
Lark: Maybe if we roll...
Schala: Don't be stupid. Maybe we could fashion a vine or-
*buzzing sound*
Glenn: ......
Lark: Don't say it.
Glenn: I'm still gonna think it.
Schala: As long as you don't say it.
(A giant winged insect appears.)
Lark: A Wingapede?!
Glenn: I didn't think they migrated out here!
(The Wingapede prepares to attack... But a larger beast monster suddenly leaps up high and grabs it.)
Glenn: Woah!!
(The monsters disappear behind the plateau. Crunching noises are soon heard. The beast leaps back up in front of the party and wipes it mouth with its arm.)
Glenn: Well, he seems... friendly.
Lark: Maybe if we don't piss it off, it won't attack us.
(The beast roars angrily.)
Schala: Any other bright ideas?!
Lark: I'm thinking!
Glenn: Think faster!
[Boss Fight: Forest Troll - Innate: Green]
(Upon defeat, the Troll slips and breaks part of the plateau it's standing on. When the dust settles, the party now has a path to the exit... over the Troll's body.)
Lark: Will you look at that. We got ourselves a way across. Told you I'd think of something.
Schala: You didn't think of a damn thing!
Glenn: Guys, can we drop this and get out of here?! I just want to get back to town, and sleep this whole thing off like a bad hangover.
Schala: That's... a good idea, actually.
Lark: Drinks are on me today.
Glenn: Heh.
[World Map]
[Brave New World trophy acquired.]
[San Dorino Outskirts]
(As the group heads inside the village...)
Schala: Well, I suppose this is it.
Lark: Well, not quite. We still have to report to our clients.
Glenn: Yeah. A job's not over until we do that... but that'll be something you'll learn in time. If you're interested.
Schala: Wait. You don't mean...
Lark: Wait, what? You mean you were serious about that?
Glenn: I have to admit, you don't look like the type who would involve herself in grand theft, much less fighting. After what I saw in that forest, it would be stupid of me not to extend an offer.
Glenn: Lark and I were talking about it earlier, but I want to make it official. It's not every day we come across a human magic Innate, much less one that's good in a scrap. Add to that the fact that you knowingly took a job that would put you at odds with Porre tells me enough about your character. So I'd like to ask you to become a member of the company.
Schala: ......
Schala: ('Okay, I wasn't expecting this. I thought I'd have to ask or beg or something... but is this really the right way?')
(The screen turns black.)
Techno: If anyone can help you make a difference... Besides, we both know what's at stake.
(Back to normal...)
Lark: Hey, I uh... think you overwhelmed her.
Schala: Alright. I accept. On the condition that Loverboy keeps his hands to himself.
Lark: You wound me, Milady.
Glenn: Well, there we go then. We've got an HQ branch up the mountain path nearby. We'll handle your registration at the Tavern.
Schala: The Tavern?
Lark: Jess doesn't just run the counter. She works for the Mercenary's Guild as the town's liaison.
Schala: Is that right?
Lark: Well, now that that's settled, it's nice to finally get a real woman in the ranks.
Glenn: .......You know, I don't think 'she'd' appreciate being considered chopped liver.
Lark: Phht. She'll be fine. She can take it.
Schala: Who are you talking about?
Lark: .........
Glenn: Our third member, and now, officially your senior. We sent her over to the north to find some opportunities for us. She's the reason we ended up getting this job, but I think she'll be pissed when she finds out we got the raw end of the deal.
Lark: Oh, and fair warning. She's a bit of a spaz, so you might want to look out.
(As Lark and Glenn head into town...)
Schala: So these guys are supposed to inspire the world huh? ...*sigh* I really hope I don't regret this...
__________________
-
I got a question, what does Zweibreicht mean? I know it is a name, but was there any reason you picked that name?
-
I got a question, what does Zweibreicht mean? I know it is a name, but was there any reason you picked that name?
No special reason. I though it was an appropriate thirteenth-century name.
-
8. San Dorino - The Day-to-Day Grind
[Tavern]
(The party enters the tavern, empty save for a few occupants.)
Jessica: So I'm just supposed to take your word that this was necessary?! You sent those boys to their deaths!
Rupert: Believe me miss, if things weren't so dire, I wouldn't have even considered it.
Jessica: That's not good enough!!
Dreamer: Why are you getting in a twist? It's not like the world will miss a couple of filthy mercs.
Glenn: Hey! I prefer the term 'slightly dirty', thank you!
(There are surprised looks all around as the party interrupts the argument.)
Rupert: You! You're alive...!
Glenn: No thanks to you, considering you bailed.
Dreamer: Don't get all high and mighty when you're the ones who failed the job! Last I heard, the Emperor was still breathing!
Lark: First of all, the job was to provide interference, and second, we got led into a snare.
Rupert: A trap? Then...
?????: I warned you that the possibility existed.
Rupert: It wasn't an opportunity that could be ignored, Laura. You know that.
Laura: You could have used more discretion. But aside from that...
Laura: Which one of you is responsible for procuring the Sun Stone?
Glenn: That would be-
Schala: I did.
Laura: I see. You don't look the type, but perhaps that's the point. Here.
[Received 1500 Gold]
Laura: The Sun Stone has returned to its rightful owners. Guardia owes you a great debt. As for the rest...
Rupert: How was it that you escaped? The reports say that the assassins were executed...
Schala: Wait, they think we're dead?!
Lark: The masses, most likely. It'd be a pretty big blow to morale if they found out their precious penitentiary could be broken out of.
Glenn: Heh. So they're keeping it under wraps, huh? Guess they don't want to ruin their image of invincibility.
Glenn: But I'm surprised that Guardia's Governess is helping out the Dreamers. I thought the two were at odds. Why else would the Captain of the Guard be here?
Laura: ....Hm. I didn't think I'd be recognized in this area. It seems I have overstayed my welcome.
(As the other group turns to leave...)
Glenn: Hey! What about our pay?! It may not have been Dalton, but we still got the bastard!
Rupert: Do not worry. Our mutual friend will be receiving the payment on your behalf. Although...
[Received 500 Gold]
Dreamer: Boss...! Out of your own pocket?
Rupert: I realize this isn't much in the way of apology, but the lack of foresight was mine. You've proven as good as your word. Perhaps we might work together again one day.
Lark: I don't know. Are we gonna be decoys again?
Rupert: Heh. I doubt we will be attempting a mission that dangerous again for some time. Farewell.
(Rupert's group leaves the Tavern. After all the rest...)
Lark: Ow!
Jessica: You know better than to scare a girl like that!
Lark: Alright, I'm sorry! I'm surprised you had that little faith in me.
Jessica: Jerk...
Lark: I'll make it up you later. Alright?
Jessica: .....You'd better.
Glenn: Shameless.
Jessica: So, I was just about to open up when that group came in. So, you come in for something?
Glenn: We need to get word to the Guild. We've got a new member.
Jessica: Really? Oh! It's you!
Schala: Small world, isn't it?
Jessica: So you're really roughing it with these two, huh? For what it's worth, you have my condolences.
Glenn: Hey!
Jessica: Heh. I'll get matters settled with the Guild. You all make yourselves comfortable.
(As she heads to the back...)
Schala: So... Drinks are on you, right?
Lark: Wha...? Did I say that?
Glenn: *sigh* There goes our hazard pay...
(The next morning...)
(Heading downstairs...)
Glenn: So, that's everything?
Jessica: Yep. Your friend is now entered into the system. The paperwork still needs to be sent to the Guild HQ in Choras, but for all intents and purposes, she's now officially a merc.
Glenn: Hey Schala! Did you hear that?
Schala: I did.
Jessica: Well, from now on, talk to me if you're looking for a job. I'll have my eye open for new work opportunities for you.
[Tutorial: Missions]
Lark: Well, that's that. Shall we get started?
(From here on, you can explore most of Southern Zenan. However, the only new scenes that are available are in the Zweibreicht Company HQ and the Forge in San Dorino.)
(The following four missions will become available at this point:
1. Cat for Client
2. Imps on the Mountaintop
3. Copper Run
4. Element Blues
Cat for Client must be done first, as it is a tutorial mission, before you can do the others. You can do the remaining missions in any order.)
--------------------------
[Zweibreicht Company HQ, Dorino]
Schala: So this is your home...?
Glenn: It's not the only one. Our work doesn't exactly keep us in one place. As of now, we have three branches. The other two are in Guardia and El Nido.
Lark: Boring as hell up here, though.
Glenn: Anyway... Hold on. I need to give you something.
(Glenn head to the desk, then tosses a shiny object to Schala.)
Schala: What's this?
Glenn: That badge identifies you as a mercenary in our employ. Use it when you meet with a client, so they'll know who you are.
Lark: Just be careful. Don't go showing that thing to just everybody. There are quite a few people out there who don't care for our kind too much.
Schala: Why would they think that?
Glenn: Unfortunately, there are a lot of mercs out there who don't care about keeping their noses clean.
Lark: And it's guys like us who end up taking flak for it. So be careful.
Schala: Alright.
[Mercenary's Badge acquired]
(If you exit and enter again...)
Glenn: Dammit. Lark!
Lark: What?
Glenn: Have you been getting into our rations again?!
Lark: How many times are we gonna go over this? No!
Glenn: Well, she hasn't been here for a month, and Schala just joined, so there's only one person it could be!
Lark: I keep telling you that it's not me! You know, maybe you sleep-eat! You ever think of that?!
Glenn: Bah!!
(Schala notices movement from a section of the wall.)
Schala: Huh? Wonder what that is?
(Head to the section... and a wrapper flies out of a small passage.)
Schala: Guys! I think I see something back here!
Lark: Wait, what?
Schala: Hold on... I think I got it... Eeeyaaaghh! It's moving!
Lark: Hold on!
Glenn: Oh geez, don't tell me we have an infestation...
(Lark helps Schala with her task... After a short while...)
Lark: Alright! We pull on 3... 2... 1...!
(Out pops a Nu.)
Nu: !!!
Glenn: The hell is that?!
Lark: I think that would be our ration thief.
Nu: .......
Schala: Hmm? What are you giving me?
Nu: ......... (Heads back into its cubbyhole.)
Lark: .....*sweatdrop*
Glenn: ...... *sweatdrop*
Schala: *sweatdrop*
[Received Copper]
[Everything Begins With Nu trophy acquired]
----------------------
[San Dorino - Forge]
Zappa: Alright! You can't turn away in shame now, old man! Check this out!
Foreman: Hmmm...
Zappa: Well? Well?
Foreman: Hmm. Passable.
Zappa: Alright! Time for me to pack my things!
Foreman: Hold your dragon steeds, boy! I said it was passable, not presentable! You're not done here until I see a perfect armorweave!
Zappa: Oh, come oooooooon! Oh, hey there!
Foreman: Hey! Don't you go ignoring me, boy!
Zappa: Customer.
Foreman: Huh? Oh! What can I do for you?
Foreman: Oh-ho. Well I'll be. Didn't know you'd be traveling with this lot.
Schala: Things have a funny way of happening, don't they?
Lark: Heh. Still busting Zappa's balls, huh pops?
Foreman: Bah! He'll need a bit more than busting if he's ever gonna surpass his ancestors.
Zappa: I'm plenty good! I'm passable!
Foreman: Back to work, you slacker!
Zappa: Man...
(If you've acquired some Copper and Silk...)
Foreman: Well well. Looks like you came through, miss. A deal's a deal. Let's get you in the back and get your measurements.
Schala: Wait, what?
Foreman: It's like I said earlier. I do custom jobs. Have to get the dimensions just right or else the whole thing goes to hell.
Schala: Ah. I see.
Lark: Can I help?
Schala/Foreman: No.
Zappa: Ah don't worry. I'm sure you'll figure out her measurements by sight soon enough.
Schala: (Why did he have to go and say that?)
(Soon after...)
Zappa: Alright boss, let me take a crack at this!
Foreman: You out of your mind? Forget it.
Schala: Actually... Maybe it would do him some good to get some real-world experience instead of just simple practice. A deadline might motivate him a bit more.
Foreman: Hmm... Put him under pressure, huh? That might just work, but are you sure about this? If he screws up, the next one won't be free.
Schala: I'm sure.
Foreman: Alright boy, you heard the lady. You got one chance. Don't blow it.
Zappa: I won't let her down, boss!
(Leave and come back, and...)
Foreman: Oh, you're back already. He's taking a bit too long, though. I think it's safe to say that-
Zappa: Done!
Foreman: Well, it's about damn time. Alright, let's see how you managed... to... !!!
Lark: What's wrong, pops?
Foreman: This seam-work... And the plating is in perfect position... This is incredible! How the hell did you manage to pull this off?
Zappa: Haven't you heard, old man? I do my best work when under pressure!
Foreman: I see... In that case, don't you dare get complacent!
Zappa: Oh man! Are you kidding?
Foreman: Hmmph. If you can do work like this on a regular basis, and not just for rush jobs, then you can go with my blessing. Until then, you've got a lot of work to do.
Zappa: *sigh* Yes sir.
Foreman: Hmm. To think the braggart actually did it. Well, I was going to send this to the equipment shop, but since you're here already, here you go.
[Received Schala's Copper armor set... free of charge!]
Foreman: You just may have given that boy the push he needed. Come back anytime.
(This scene is required to forge the rest of the copper sets.)
(Return to the Forge with Copper and Leather...)
Foreman: Oh, welcome back! As much as I hate to admit it, the boy's gotten better. Is there anything you need?
Lark: Actually, I was wondering what you could do with this.
Foreman: Hmmm... Now this is some quality leather. Light, yet sturdy. I know just the thing. Zappa!
Zappa: 'Sup, boss?
Foreman: We have another special order. You have your deadline.
Zappa: Alrighty. Let's get you fitted in the back.
Lark: .....I don't like the way you worded that.
Schala: Will you get going already?
Lark: Alright, alright...
(Leave and come back...)
Foreman: Ahh, there you are. I just sent sent the items over to the equipment shop.
Lark: What? You mean I gotta walk?
Foreman: Not my problem. If I recall, you didn't stay for the lecture, young man.
Lark: Crap... Will you two quit grinning?
___________________
-
Author's Note: There. I did a two-fer in two days. I have a new question, though.
Do you all want me to continue doing side conversations like I did with most of this last chapter? Or do you want me to just skip to just the main storyline?
I may just decide to keep doing what I've been doing anyway, but I'd still like everybody's thoughts.
-
I think it is still easy enough to follow the storyline with all those side conversations, at least it's fine to me. :)
-
(Part 2)
[Tavern]
(After completing the first 4 missions...)
Schala: Huh? Jessica isn't here...?
Glenn: That's weird. The bar should be open by now. I got a bad feeling about this...
(The party automatically heads outside. There is a crowd of people near the entrance.)
Mayor Rogek: Has your party found anything yet?
Miner: We're still looking. She might have actually made it to the top this time.
Rogek: I'm sorry Jessica.
Jessica: ....
Lark: There you are. What's going on?
Jessica: Mina headed towards the mountains again.
Glenn: Geez, have you considered putting a bell on that girl?
Schala: Glenn!
Schala: Is there anything we can do to help?
Glenn: Woah there. We're not allowed to accept official requests from liaisons. Too much of a chance for abuse.
Schala: Well, let's make it unofficial!
(Suddenly)
Miner: Jess! The search party found this near the entrance to the mine!
Jessica: !!!
Jessica: Mina's hairpin! She'd never part with it! Not willingly... Oh no...
Lark: You said this was found near the mines?
Miner: Weird, I know. Even she knows better than to go near there on her own.
(Lark begins to head out.)
Glenn: Woah! You aren't thinking of-
Lark: It doesn't matter if it's a mission or not. I'm going.
Schala: Lark...
Schala: Wait up!
Glenn: *groan* Am I the only one who's thinking of trying to keep us afloat?
------------------------------
[Dorino Mines - Entrance]
Schala: Huh? Where did all these monsters come from?! They weren't here before!
Glenn: That was because of all the miners. But now they aren't here to scare these critters off.
Lark: Let's tread carefully.
[Dorino Mines - Forked Passage]
(The party heads forwards, but then suddenly, two Underlings drop from the ceiling.)
Lark: !!!
Underling: Well what do we have here? We haven't even sent the notes yet, and already the humans are sending in the ransom.
Schala: Ransom? Then you must be...
Underling 2: Wait, hold on! Isn't that..?
Lark: Tch!
Underling: Y-you! You're-!
Underling: So, decided you wanted to play nice with the humans after all, huh?! Blasted traitor!!
Lark: Alright, look. I'm only giving you random henchmen one warning. Take us to the girl, or I take it out of your hides.
Underling: R-random?!
Underling 2: Henchmen?!
Underling: You mouthy bastard!!
(Combat: Underling x2)
Underling: G... Get the the girl... I'll warn the Boss... Things just went south...
(The two underlings split up through different passages.)
Schala: What was that about?
Glenn: Those were Fiends, Schala.
Schala: Wait, you mean...?
Lark: ........
Lark: You two get Mina out of here. If their boss is who I think it is...
(Lark heads alone after the first Underling)
Schala: Lark, wait!
Glenn: He'll be fine. We have a job to do.
[Dorino Mines - Lark's POV]
(Lark has followed the Underling to a large chamber, where there is another Underling, three Diablos, and a Juggler.)
Diablos: Oh man, he was right! You're-!
Underling: Ha! You're outnumbered now, traitor!
Lark: Is that all? You see this badge? It means that if you screw with my clients, you screw with me. All there is to it, really.
Underling: Heh. The boss is gonna enjoy seeing your head on a pike. Get him!
(Combat: Underling x2, Diablos x3, Juggler)
Lark: What? That's it? That's all you have to show for your talk?
Lark: Now where's your boss?
???: Right here.
Lark: ?!
(Appearing before Lark... is Ozzie.)
Lark: Somehow, I knew it was gonna be you, Ozzie. I could smell your fat ass from the entrance. Did you have chili?
Ozzie: Ghhh! You've got a lot of nerve showing your face in front of me!
Lark: Cry me a freaking river. You know, it kinda figures you'd resort to kidnapping. What were you gonna do once you got your money? Kill the girl anyway?
Lark: You always did play dirty, Oz.
???. Compared to what you've done, you have no right to judge!
(Slash appears next to Ozzie.)
Lark: Slash, right? You always had a sense of honor. Why do you insist in following this clown?
Slash: At least he is looking out for what's left of our people. And I refuse to suffer cowards like yourself!
Lark: .......Fair enough...
(Flea appears on the other side of Ozzie.)
Lark: Flea. Figures you'd be here too...
Flea: Is that any way to greet a girl after all these years? It seems you still don't know any manners. Not since that one summer-
Lark: I'm sorry, but there are things in this world even a nice rack can't justify. And considering it's you, the term 'girl' is suspect at best!
Flea: Hmph. You should really learn to be more open-minded. If you were, then none of this probably would've happened. It is all your fault, you know.
Lark: .........
Ozzie: You know, this really is perfect. I get to keep my hostage, and you get to die, you miserable half-breed!
Lark: ...........
(As Lark prepares for combat, we return to Schala and Glenn...)
[Dorino Mines - Refinery]
(We see Mina tied to a chair in the center of the room, surrounded by an Underling and two Diablos. The Underling from earlier barges in.)
Underling: We've got intruders! Get the girl out of here!
(Glenn and Schala enter the chamber. The other Underling inches to Mina.)
Underling: Come any closer, and I snap her neck!
Glenn: Ghh...!
Schala: What now...?
Glenn: *whisper* You think you can make it around them?
Schala: *whisper* I'll try.
Glenn: Okay, hold on guys. Maybe we can talk this over. You were saying something about ransom, correct?
(From here, you have to guide Schala around nooks and crevices to reach behind the enemies while Glenn does his BS. Once close enough, Schala incapacitates the Underling holding Mina.)
Diablos: Crap!
Schala: Hello boys.
(Combat: Underling, Diablos x2)
Schala: Are you okay?
Mina: Oh! Hello. Are you here to help me find some truffles too? Kitty was getting hungry.
Schala: Ummm, you do realize you were just held hostage, right?
Mina: Oh? You mean these guys weren't going to help? Well that wasn't nice of them.
Schala: Oy...
Mina: I wonder if there are any over there...?
(Mina runs off)
Glenn: Hey! Don't go off on your own!
Schala: Unbelievable...
(Back to Lark's POV...)
(There is a good pause as both side prepare to attack... when suddenly...)
Mina: I know I smelled them somewhere in here...
Glenn: Hold up!
Schala: Geez!
Lark: *sweatdrop* (Oh, you've got to be kidding me...)
Ozzie: Reinforcements?! Ha! This is rich! I can just kill you all at once!
[Boss Fight: Ozzie (Green), Slash (Blue), and Flea (Red)]
Ozzie: Ghh! Oz...!
Ozzie: Ozzie's in a jam!
Slash: Sir!
Flea: Boss!
Ozzie: Grrrrr! This isn't over! You hear me?!
(The Mystic Trio teleports away.)
Mina: That's strange. I smelled truffles here earlier, but now the smell just disappeared. How strange.
Mina: Oh, Lark! Are you here to help me find truffles?
Lark: I'm sorry, but I think that fat bastard might have eaten them all.
Mina: Awwww... But I wanted to make a special cat food for Kitty...
Lark: It's alright. Maybe there'll be some in the market. By the way, you dropped this by the entrance.
Mina: My hairpin! Oh thank you! *heart*
Lark: Don't worry about it. Let's get back to town. Everyone's worried about you.
(Lark and Mina walk out of the chamber arm-in-arm.)
Schala: .........
Glenn: .......Why does that never happen to me?
Schala: Can we just go home, please...?
----------------------
[San Dorino - Entrance]
Jessica: Mina!
Mina: Sis!
(The two embrace.)
Jessica: Lark, thank you! I know this wasn't a mission, but there has to be something I can do...
Lark: Seeing your smile is thanks enough.
Glenn: Tell me he didn't just use that line...
Jessica: Mmmm... No that won't do. You're spending the evening with me, and I won't take no for an answer.
Mina: But Sis, he brought back my hairpin! I made plans...
Lark: Ladies, there's no need to fight over me. There's only one logical solution to this problem.
Jessica: I don't know... Things got kind of awkward last time...
Mina: I promise I won't fall asleep in the middle of it again...
Schala: Seriously?!
Glenn: Smooth bastard...
(Camera pans down to another female before panning back up.)
Glenn: Oh boy. This is gonna be good.
???: LARK!!
Lark: Ah crap...
[FMV: A Charming Companion...?]
(Lark is sprawled across the ground, with the twins checking on him.)
[Naming Screen: Reika]
Glenn: Nice hit, Reika.
Reika: Of all the things to come back to, too. How... Hmm?
Schala: ???
Reika: Glenn! You found somebody too?! What am I doing wrong?
(Reika inspects Schala closely)
Reika: ......6 out of 10.
Schala: Ghk-! (What?! I'm at least a 9!!)
Glenn: Hahahahaha! Actually, this is Schala. Our newest member.
*wind blows*
Reika: Wait, what...?
Glenn: Not the best first impression, there.
Schala: *glares*
Reika: Oh. ....Oh! *panicking* Ohgodohgodohgod! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't be mad! Please?
Schala: *groan*
Lark: *dazed* Hey... Where's my apology......?
(Camera pans up as the screen turns dark...)
(Meanwhile...)
[Porre - High Command]
(Dalton stands staring out a window overlooking the city. Behind him is a large table. Seated are the ten upper echelons of Porre High Command.)
Morrison (1st Seat): Has there been any headway in identifying our escapees?
2nd Seat: All that's known is that the male is involved with a mercenary company.
4th Seat: Do you know how many mercenary companies there are in the world nowadays? You might as well try to find a needle in a haystack!
7th Seat: All this will be moot if we don't recover the Sun Stone. We won't be able to hold off the inquiries forever. If word gets out-
Dalton: Shald is handling it. What is the word on the insurgency?
8th Seat: These 'Radical Dreamers' are obviously more cunning than we've given them credit for, considering they managed to play us as fools as we have done to them. They have a series of 'dummy camps' spread across the upper continent, yet there seems to be no evidence of a true main base of operations. Guardia has offered help in finding them, but their 'aid' seems rather lax.
3rd Seat: Of course it is. The governess is a prideful little minx. The insurgents were birthed in her lands, therefore, she believes it to be her jurisdiction alone. I think it's rather quaint myself.
5th Seat: We should just bomb the lot of 'em. Damn anyone who gets in the way.
Terrence (10th Seat): Just what would that accomplish? We would lose the people's support if we did such a thing in our own lands!
5th Seat: You're too soft Ishito.
Terrence: And you're too trigger-happy! We practically own the world as it is. There's no need for your measures.
9th Seat: We don't own Choras. We don't own El Nido. Your argument is moot! I say do whatever's necessary and be done with it!
6th Seat: And yet doing so would not only foster distrust, but it would encourage further insurgency. I'm afraid I must agree with Terrence on this one.
Dalton: Enough! I already have a plan to deal with our two issues. Bring in the Major.
(Another walks into the chamber.)
Dalton: Major General Hans.
Hans: Sir!
Dalton: Have you upgraded the security on the bridge?
Hans: All troops and weaponry has been accounted for, Sir!
Morrison: My Leige, what exactly are you planning?
Dalton: It's rather long-term, I admit. We wait. Our mercenary friends can't really stay in one place for too long, and they had succeeded in taking the Stone for the Dreamers.
Morrison: I see. It would only be a matter of time before the two would end up in contact again.
Dalton: I've had Hans tighten security around the Zenan Bridge. We will be halting trade and travel until our 'friends have been taken care of.
Terrence: My Leige, Guardia depends on us for its survival and prosperity. Would this action not alienate them further?
???: You have too little faith, Ishito. I would suggest you keep your mouth shut.
Terrence: Shald...
Shald: Closing off Guardia will motivate the Dreamers into seeking the assistance of our 'friends', as well as motivating the citizens to help stamp out the insurgency. They will have no choice but to try and cross Zenan Bridge.
Hans: Where my men and I will be there to crush them once they do.
Terrence: I see...
Dalton: Shald, have you taken care of our other problem?
Shald: Loath as I am to admit it, as the origins of the Sun Stone are currently an unknown factor, it is impossible for science alone to replicate it completely. However...
(He sets an artificial Sun Stone on the table.)
Shald: This should placate the masses for the time being. They will begin mass-production within the week.
Dalton: Well then. I believe that accounts for everything. This meeting is adjourned. Dismissed.
All: For the Glory of Porre!
(As everyone leaves...)
Dalton: Shald...
Shald: Sir.
Dalton: About the identity of our thief...
Dalton: Are you certain that the records and surveillance are accurate?
Shald: Indeed they are. As well as the fact that this thief destroyed the machine the Sun Stone was house in. She knew exactly what it was used for and where it came from. I believe this confirms your suspicions.
Dalton: Of all the people to try and stop me. I wonder if this is the planet's sick idea of a joke...
Shald: Sir?
Dalton: It doesn't matter, though. *laughing* I always get what I want in the end.
--------------------------
[San Dorino - Tavern]
(The party is sitting at their usual table. Jessica and Mina take turns with the customers and tending to Lark.)
Reika: I couldn't believe those jerks would use you like that! So I gave them a good piece of my mind! But they just started laughing...
Lark: That's usually because you really aren't that threatening. You getting angry is like a little kid throwing a temper-tantrum.
Glenn: Managed to knock you out.
Lark: Quiet, you.
Glenn: You seem pretty quiet, Schala.
Schala: ........
Reika: Are you still angry about that? It's water under the bridge!
Schala: It's only been fifteen minutes! It's not water under the bridge!
Reika: So anyway, as I was saying...
Schala: Is she always like this?
Glenn: Well, Lark did warn you.
Reika: So Glenn, what happened to that cool bike of yours?
Glenn: Grk-!
Lark: Heh. I think this would count as 'too soon', Reika.
Reika: Huh? What did I miss? Tell me! Tell me!
Schala: (One day at a time, Schala. One day at a time...)
[Reika joined the party!]
[Mermaid's Affection trophy acquired]
(The screen turns black...)
Narration: And so the days would pass between the members of the Zweibreicht Company. Schala would earn her place within the group. And then the fourth month would arrive...
________________________
-
Facepalming toward the end of the story.
:picardno
-
Facepalming toward the end of the story.
:picardno
Uh-oh. What did I do wrong?
Did I go overboard with Reika's intro, or the part just before it?
Also added a bit more to the part.
-
Uh-oh. What did I do wrong?
No, that just explained something.
"What did I tell you about..." so it means Glenn actually did? *cough*
As for whether Schala really resembles a harlot, maybe our concept artist knows. *cough*
-
Uh-oh. What did I do wrong?
No, that just explained something.
"What did I tell you about..." so it means Glenn actually did? *cough*
As for whether Schala really resembles a harlot, maybe our concept artist knows. *cough*
Oh, is that all?
Reika was in pissy jealous mode. Intentional burn on Glenn (unlucky with the ladies, and no, he didn't *cough*), unintentional burn on Schala. Also a case of hypocritical humor, since Reika would be far more likely to be seen as one by other people.
No, Schala does not resemble a harlot... Though opinions may vary on that. But that particular can of worms, I think, was already discussed in the Sexism thread. :P
-
Heh, sorry I didn't realized that. Though you mentioned unintentional, she did say that clearly and before their faces. And the line sounds assaulting to me (more like mad than jealous). Perhaps a metaphor could be better? What's more, Glenn just emphasized that after he explained Schala's a new member. He just emphasized that instead of trying to act like a peacemaker... *sweatdrop*
-
Hence the word pissy before jealous. :P
As for the rest, I changed Glenn's sentence.
It's 2:00 AM where I am. I'm tired. I'll find a way to change that scene tomorrow... *sweatdrop*
-
Okay. Changed the conversation so it doesn't seem as mean-spirited.
I might work on the next chapter, and then I'll be taking a break to play through Chrono Trigger.
I got it on my PSP. :)
-
[Part 3]
[San Dorino]
(After the events of the Breaking Them In mission, the village will change for a short while. All one needs to do is leave, go somewhere else on the world map, then come back, and it will be back to normal. However, you will miss some optional scenes and dialogs if you do so...)
(Schala will be on her own until you leave town or rest at the Tavern.)
[Mayor's House]
Rogek: Mmmm... I never thought Billy would go this far...
Schala: It's because we were here, isn't it?
Rogek: You know, three years ago, I would have agreed. I used to think the same as Billy back in the day, that all mercenaries were just animals and cutthroats, like those Bloodfangs...
Schala: ......
Rogek: But then I met Glenn's organization. I was coming back from the mines when my entourage was set upon by bandits. Glenn's group appeared from nowhere and drove them off. Of course I realized what they were right off and expected them to shake us down for coin, but before I could get my pouch and tell them to get lost, they were already on their way.
Rogek: To say I was confounded would be an understatement. We've never had a real militia, as the only men in this town who can fight usually end up becoming miners. We would be forced to rely on shady mercs in order to handle situations we couldn't take on, and they would always demand more than what was agreed upon...
Schala: I... I didn't realize it was that bad.
Rogek: Soon after the mines were taken over by the rest of that bandit group. We were desperate, so I decided to take a chance. Needless to say, my mind became a bit more open that day.
Schala: But after today...
Rogek: Now now. Don't misunderstand. While it's true that young man crossed a line, given the circumstances, anyone in the village would have done the same. Still, it's clear he's holding in a lot of anger. A lot of pain.
Schala: I wonder what happened to him...
Rogek: It's done now. All we can do is move on.
----------------------
[Tavern]
(Speaking to Glenn...)
Glenn: I can't believe he did that...
Schala: I've never seen Lark so angry before.
Glenn: The bastard set us up to get killed and endangered the town, but assaulting a client? There are rules about that, you know.
Schala: You seem a bit more tense than usual.
Glenn: It wasn't Lark's place to pass judgement, it was the town's. I just hope this doesn't bite us in the ass later...
(Upon speaking to Jessica...)
Schala: Are you two alright?
Jessica: Mina's doing fine, all things considered. *sigh* This whole thing's my fault. I never thought Billy would actually try something like this, so I never thought to read between the lines...
Schala: Just goes to show how little people really know each other, huh?
Jessica: Don't get me started...
Schala: So where's Lark?
Jessica: Holed up in his room. Hasn't come out since. Reika's up there with him now.
Schala: After what I saw today...
Schala: How much do you know about him?
Jessica: Depends. How much do you know?
Schala: ........ I'm not sure how much I should say.
Jessica: So you know what he is, then.
Schala: Oh, you know that much?
Jessica: Mina and I have known for years. Actually, I'm surprised more people haven't figured it out. The ears should be a dead giveaway.
Jessica: Well, I guess I can tell you some things, but what's the sudden interest?
Schala: Well, after four months, Glenn and Reika are pretty open books. But every time I'd ask Lark about something, he starts getting perverted again, and I end up getting pissed off enough to forget what I was going to ask.
Jessica: Heh. And that would be his way of deflecting. Does it to me all the time.
Jessica: Well, you see... Here's the thing...
(We cut to Lark's POV)
(Lark sits on the bed in silence. Reika sits next to him.)
Reika: Lark...
Lark: Why are you still here?
Reika: Because I know better than to leave you alone when you're like this.
Reika: You know that jerk deserved to get smacked around for what he did.
Lark: It doesn't matter! I attacked a client! Hell, if Glenn and Schala hadn't stopped me, I would have killed him in front of the whole town!
Reika: ........
Lark: Dammit...
Lark: Opportunists... Porreans... Liars...
Lark: Why can't they just die in a corner and leave the rest of us alone?
Reika: ............
(The screen turns black as Reika edges closer to Lark.)
Lark: *sigh* What are you doing...?
Reika: Shhhh... Just let me do this.
Lark: ........
(Back to Schala's POV...)
Jessica: Well, have you noticed that Lark doesn't really let anybody get too close to him?
Schala: You seem close.
Jessica: It's not the same thing. You have noticed how he tends to keep people at arm's length, haven't you?
Schala: ......
Schala: Now that you mention it...
Jessica: Well, it's because of the Purge.
Schala: Purge...?
Jessica: The Purge of Medina. How could you not know about...? Oh right. The whole amnesia thing.
Schala: Could you not trivialize that, please? What was this Purge?
Jessica: Seven years ago, Porre went on another expansionist kick. The Mystics of Medina had been fighting them off for years. The Emperor himself was present when Porre gained an advantage and invaded the city.
Jessica: According to Porrean soldiers who had been involved, the affair was a massacre. Everyone who hadn't fled was killed. Claimed that monsters and animals had no place in a world of humans. Lark was caught in the middle of all of it.
Schala: !!!
Jessica: Something...
Jessica: Something broke in him that day, I think. Considering how he doesn't let anyone in, I think it might have been his ability to love. To trust.
Schala: .........
Schala: Wait, so then...
Jessica: Why does he go out of his way to charm women into his bed? Well, think of it this way. It's a better outlet than ripping someone apart, don't you think? At least he makes sure the other party knows he's only looking for a fling.
Schala: That... kind of explains a lot, actually.
Jessica: I know it's not ideal, or probably healthy, but it's better than the alternative. He's done this often enough that I think he's made it a part of his character, so Mina and I don't really mind.
Schala: I see... So what set him off today?
Jessica: I think what Billy did reminded him of what happened in the Purge... or maybe even how it started.
Schala: ......
Schala: I had no idea about any of this...
Jessica: Well, like I said. He doesn't truly let anyone in. I think the only one who really knows him is Reika. They've apparently known each other since they were kids.
Schala: I thought I had him all figured out, too...
Jessica: Just so you know, you never heard any of this from me.
Schala: Got it.
(This scene, though optional, is required to get the Love Story Across Time trophy.)
------------------------
[Forge]
(Return to the Forge with Copper and Cloth)
Foreman: Ah, you're back. Let's see what you have.
Foreman: Pretty simple cloth. Going for the basics, are you Glenn?
Glenn: What can I say? I'm not good with close-range combat. Might as well be as light as possible.
Foreman: Zappa! We got one more!
Zappa: Yo! Right this way.
Reika: Wow. Usually you'd bust his chops by now.
Foreman: Well, at the rate he's going, he'll end up surpassing me soon enough. Just... don't tell him I said that.
Reika: Our lips are sealed, old man.
__________________________
-
Author's Note: Okay, that should be the last of the optional and side content before we leave San Dorino for the Zenan Bridge and the next leg of the story in Guardia.
Sorry this one was a little short.
So, we learn a bit about Lark in this part. I'm trying not to be too melodramatic, but I can't help but worry wether or not I'll end up taking my characters past Sue territory.
And I apologize to anyone who was offended by the last part. I hadn't intended that part of the conversation to be as mean-spirited as it was. I also apologize if I offended anyone with this part as well. It isn't intentional.
-
9. Zenan Bridge - The First Step
[San Dorino - Tavern]
(After completing the last of the 8 missions, you'll see a familiar face in the far corner.)
Schala: Rupert!
Rupert: Ah! It's you.
Reika: .....
Glenn: ......
Rupert: I suppose old wounds haven't quite healed yet...
Lark: Don't worry about them. Surprised you guys made it past the blockade.
Rupert: We literally had to swim under their noses, but we made it.
Schala: So what brings you here?
Rupert: .....I'm not sure how much I should say.
Schala: Hmmm...
Lark: How much?
Reika: Lark!
Glenn: What are you doing?! They might give us the boonie job again!
Rupert: 20,000. 10,000 in advance.
Lark: Are you guys serious?!
Schala: Have we ever gotten a reward offer like that before?!
Glenn: ......Keep talking.
Reika: Glenn!
Rupert: As you know, the blockade at the Zenan Bridge has been preventing trade to and from Guardia for the past four months. The state's supply of Elements is running dangerously low.
Glenn: So you're getting in some mining.
Rupert: As you can surely guess, we won't be able to carry such a large load across the river. They've upped their defenses on the water.
Schala: Meaning that your only way back now is through the blockade...
Lark: Now I know that this has 'trap' written all over it.
Rupert: Even so, the effort must be made. And I am sure it's not just a trap for us. Surely you all must mean to move on eventually, right? Mercenaries never stay in one place for too long.
Reika: Well, yeah. But...
Lark: The Porreans'll probably be counting on us joining forces. And even if we refused, once they take care of Rupert's men...
Schala: They'll end up trying to search for us here. That must be why they haven't officially done so, yet.
Glenn: I was wondering about that...
Rupert: They're forcing our respective hands, but I say that if we must walk into a trap, we walk into it on our terms.
Rupert: So, what do you say?
Lark: Your call, Glenn.
Glenn: .......
Glenn: Alright. You've got a deal.
[Received 10,000 G]
Glenn: So what's the plan?
Rupert: We cut their strength in half. I'll have a few battalions stationed on the Guardia side of the bridge. On my signal, they should be able to distract the forces at the third checkpoint. That should give us a bit more breathing room when they spring their trap on us.
Rupert: As for the rest, it will be our job to protect the convoy. Its safety is our top priority.
Glenn: This is gonna be a bloodbath...
Lark: Good. The more of those bastards we take down, the better.
Schala: .......
Reika: Hey! Don't go gung-ho on us! If the trucks make it through, then shouldn't we hightail it out of there too?
Rupert: She's right. Our goal is not to annihilate the enemy. Once the mission is accomplished, we get out of there.
Rupert: Miss Reika. I know it's a bit much to ask considering how we last parted, but would you be willing to aid the troops at the third checkpoint? You're probably the only one now who can bypass the river forces.
Reika: If it helps you guys out later, fine.
Rupert: You have my thanks.
Rupert: Now that everything is settled, meet me at the foot of the mountains. The convoy should be ready by then. I'd say my farewells, because chances are you might not be able to return here for some time.
(Rupert heads out of the Tavern.)
Reika: *sigh* Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
Lark: Eh. We'll be fine.
Reika: Of course you'd say that. Alright, I'll get going.
(Reika will leave the party for a short while. If she was in your main 3, you will automatically be taken to the character swap screen. Her picture will be darkened.)
(Speaking to Jessica...)
Jessica: Tell me you guys didn't just accept a job from that man...
Glenn: Come on, you know 20,000 G is nothing to sneeze at. Besides that, I think we might have overstayed our welcome anyway.
Mina: Awwww, you're all leaving?
Lark: We're all in hot water with Porre enough as it is. It's a miracle they've left us alone this long. And considering the rest...
(Kitty meows.)
Mina: Kitty's already going to miss you.
Schala: Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find our way back here eventually.
Jessica: ...........
Lark: What's wrong? You usually aren't this contemplative.
Jessica: Sorry. It's just that...
Jessica: I'm getting this funny feeling that when I see you again, you won't be... you.
Lark: Come on. You're worrying over nothing.
Jessica: I hope you're right. Even still, be careful.
Lark: Hey, it's me.
Jessica: That's what I'm afraid of.
-------------------------
[San Dorino - Forge]
Lark: Zappa!
Foreman: Oh, it's you all. If you're looking for the punk, you're too late. He left for Guardia some time ago.
Glenn: Really? You actually let him loose?
Foreman: Why not? He's already learned all I have to teach him. I sent him to my brother in Truce. I'm sure the boy will be put through his paces. Heh.
Schala: But the bridge is blocked. How was he gonna get through?
Foreman: Knowing him, he's probably stupid enough to swim north from the eastern coast... and possibly determined enough to pull it off.
Schala: *sweatdrop* Unbelievable...
Foreman: Anyway, if you need any weapons forged, I'll be right here.
-------------
[San Dorino - Mayor's House]
Rogek: Oh, it's you. What brings you here?
Lark: It's time for us to move on.
Rogek: Migration season again, hmm?
Glenn: Considering everything that's happened recently, we figured now was as good a time as any.
Schala: Thank you for your hospitality.
Rogek: It's no trouble at all. Stay safe, all of you.
--------------------
[San Dorino - Entrance]
Schala: .......
Glenn: You ready to go?
Schala: Yeah.
Lark: Don't worry. We'll be back here again sooner or later.
Schala: .........
(As Lark and Glenn head out...)
Schala: ...Why do I get the feeling that I'll never see this place again...?
-----------------
[Dorino Mountains - Foot]
(Rupert and the caravan are right where they said they would be. The caravan is made up of three carriers.)
Rupert: You made it.
Glenn: Wait, are these Army Carriers?
Rupert: Indeed. We managed to 'acquire' them from some out of the way patrols in the forest.
Lark: An infiltration op? Wait, I thought...
Rupert: What we discussed in the Tavern is our Paln B. Just in case things go south this time.
Glenn: I get it. If we play our cards right, we won't have to lift a finger. So what's Plan A?
Rupert: Thanks to our friends in Guardia's government, we have an opportunity. Officially, Guardia is expecting a shipment of Elements and Porrean soldiers to aid in the subjugation of the Radical Dreamers. The vehicles were meant to deliver this aid, but the soldiers seem to have met an unfortunate end on the way there.
Lark: So we play the role of the delivery boys. Guardia will get the Elements, but will not have any of Porre's men...
Glenn: And the insurgency continues on. Pretty clever.
Rupert: We have two more disguises... but...
Schala: What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Rupert: Female soldiers don't usually get sent out on deliveries or guard duty. Putting you in a disguise would make the checkpoint guards suspicious. Don't worry, though. We made a compartment for you to slip into when they make the checks.
Schala: *sigh* Well, isn't that nice...
Glenn: Look at the bright side. At least you'll have an excuse to take a nap.
Schala: ...You aren't helping.
Lark: So are we ready to go?
Rupert: Just say the word.
-------------------------
[Zenan Bridge - First Checkpoint]
(The caravan pulls up to the bridge.)
Commander: Halt! We need some identification.
Driver: Will this be enough?
Commander: Wait, this is signed by-!
Soldier: High Command did inform us of a delivery.
Commander: Heh. Looks like that governess got a bit too big for her britches after all. Alright, head on through.
(The caravan moves forward. In the back of the last car...)
Soldier? (Glenn): Heh. Who'd have though Porrean High Command would work for us?
Private? (Lark): Be better if they went away. You alright back there?
(Schala sticks her head out of the compartment.)
Schala: It's cramped, but other than that... Peachy.
Lark: Well, I can think of two big reasons why-
Schala: Finish that sentence, and so help me...
Captain? (Rupert): Quiet. They'll probably search at the second check. We're too far in to screw up now.
(One by one, the other two vehicles pass the Second Checkpoint. Our party, on the other hand...)
[Zenan Bridge - Second Checkpoint]
(The carrier rolls into the checkpoint building. Hans is standing by.)
Hans: So, you are the last, are you? I'll need the men in the back to exit the vehicle. You two check the contents.
Soldiers: Sir!
(Lark, Glenn, and Rupert are led out of the carrier. After a short while...)
Soldier: All clear, Sir!
Hans: Hmmm....
Hans: Very well. Initialize stage two.
Soldier: Initializing stage two! Preparing X-Ray Scan!
Glenn: X-Ray...?
Hans: One of the Chief Scientist's newer toys. Allows us to see through objects. Makes it rather difficult to smuggle contraband... or people. One can't be too careful.
Rupert: !!!
(In the back...)
Soldier: Preparing X-Ray Scan!
Schala: !!!
(Back outside... The alarm suddenly blares.)
Soldier: Sir!! Unidentified signature detected in the rear cabin!! It's human!!
Lark: 'Shit!!'
(The soldiers all point their guns at the party. Rupert presses a small button somewhere.)
Hans: I should have known. So this is how you'd spring my trap. That means the other two cars... (Through headset.) This is Hans. We've been infiltrated. Do not allow the other cars past.
Glenn: What now...?
Hans: You may have intercepted our communications, but I will not let you have your way. Men! Open fi-!
Soldier: Sir!! The Third checkpoint is being attacked!!
Hans: What?!
(Pan to outside, where Reika's group is indeed attacking the Northern Checkpoint. Back to the others...)
Rupert: Floor it!!
(With the distraction, the carrier peels out of the building, crashing through the doorway, with the disguised party following suit.)
Hans: After them!!
(The soldiers all head out. Hans stops to press a large button on the wall...)
[Zenan Bridge - North Stretch]
(Lark, Glenn, and Rupert, now out of their disguises, find the carrier being attacked. Schala manages to exit out and deal with the enemies up front.)
[Combat: Demolition Soldier x2]
(For at least a little while, Rupert will join the battle party as a Guest.)
Glenn: Schala! You alright?!
Schala: I didn't think they'd have something like that here!
Lark: I take it we've gone to Plan B?
Rupert: Here they come!
[Combat: Porrean Soldier x5]
Lark: Now what?!
(The roof of the Second Checkpoint opens. Within it is Hans, standing atop the hand of a giant Warmech.)
Lark: Oh crap! They DID make more of those!
Schala: What do you mean more?!
Glenn: Don't tell me this is like the one you found in those labs?!
Lark: We can't fight this thing and win! We have to go! Now!!
(After fighting through a few enemies, the Warmech fires a shot in front of the carrier, which skids and grinds to a stop. The driver falls out, dead.)
Rupert: Dammit...
Lark: Take over! We'll cover you!!
Rupert: Sorry about this!
(Rupert will leave the party here. Before getting in the vehicle, he grabs on of the Porrean launchers and fires at the Warmech, leaving a rather large crack in the chest plate. The carrier drives off.)
Glenn: Come on! We have to go!
Lark: Schala!
(A heartbeat sounds. Schala stares at the Warmech.)
Schala: That...
(Another heartbeat as the screen goes grey.)
Roas: Don't worry about me! GO!!!
(Flashback to Schala's escape from Chronopolis. Roas is facing off the Warmech. The mech has the same crack in its chest plate. Another heartbeat.)
Techno: Vathos... Ninya... They were torn apart...
(Back to the present, Schala is now visibly shaking. Another heartbeat.)
Glenn: Schala!! Wake up, will you?!
(At the North Checkpoint... or what's left of it, Rupert manages to join up with the other carriers.)
Reika: What are they doing?!
Rupert: What is that thing?! Is it gonna attack?!
(Back at the bridge, the Warmech begins charging up a large cannon on its chest.)
Hans: That's it! That's it! Turn those worms to ash!!
(The Warmech fires. Lark pushes Schala and Glenn out of the way as the large beam passes them. The beam continues on and Rupert pushes Reika out of the way just before some of his men are incinerated by the light.)
Rupert: No way... Porre has something like that?!
(Back at the bridge...)
Glenn: What...?! What the hell?! We can't fight that...!!
(Continuous heartbeat)
Schala: Roas... Vathos... Ninya...
Lark: Now what's she mumbling about?
Schala: Give them back...
Glenn: Schala! We've got to run! Now!!
(Heartbeat stops)
Schala: GIVE THEM BACK!!!!
(Schala charges the Warmech.)
Lark: You idiot!!
Glenn: The hell are you doing?!!
Hans: You wish to die first?! Very well. You have my attention!!
(Schala continues charging. Her sword begins to glow as it did in the prologue. She dodges a hail of gunfire and leaps just as the mech throws a punch. Using the arm as momentum, she leaps behind the mech and slashes through its flight unit. She proceeds to roll out of the way as it crashes to the ground, tossing Hans off of its hand.)
(The screen goes dark.)
Masa: *yawn* That was a good nap... Huh? Where are we?
Mune: Woah! Or current owner must be pissed! That is some righteous fury there! Hey, she looks different again...
Doreen: Will you two idiots knock it off?! She needs our help!
(The screen goes back to normal...)
Hans: How did you-?! Grrrr! It doesn't matter! I will not stand for this humiliation!
Schala: ..........
(Lark and Glenn appear to back up Schala.)
Lark: Dammit, I swear if you get us both killed-!!
Glenn: For what it's worth, it was a short life...
Warmech: Annihilation-Protocol-activated.
[Tutorial Battle: Element Drive - Hans, Ahriman 386-Z Warmech]
(The battle ends with Hans knocked out and the Warmech missing its chest plate. Once again, it begins to charge up.)
Schala: There! That's its weak spot!
Lark: How the hell do you know that?! Do you know what this thing is?!
Glenn: Who the hell cares?! If we don't do something, we're toast!
[Boss Fight: Ahriman 386-Z Warmech, Gatling Bit, Missile Bit, Beam Crystal]
(The Warmech falls over on its back. Schala immediately stands atop it and stabs the Masamune into its energy crystal. Schala leaps off as it begins to spark.)
Hans: No! No! That's impossible! How could you have-?!
(The machine explodes, knocking the Major General back.)
Lark: !!!
Glenn: Holy... We did it...! We really did it!
Lark: .........
Schala: .............
Schala: 'Roas, Vathos, Ninya... Was I able to give you peace...?'
(Suddenly, the squadron of soldiers from the South Checkpoint appear.)
Glenn: Uh-oh! Gotta go!
(Schala and Lark follow him. Back at the North Checkpoint...)
Reika: Lark!!
Rupert: I can't believe they did it...
Reika: I have to do something...!
(After a moment of hesitation, Reika begins chanting. Soon, Schala's group catches up.)
Schala: What is she doing?
Lark: !!!
Lark: Everybody get back!! NOW!!!
Glenn: SUMMON!!
(At the word, all of the remaining Dreamers get as far away from Reika as possible...)
[FMV: Leviathan Across the Bridge]
(As the dust settles, we see that with the damage of the Warmech and Reika's summon combined, Zenan Bridge has collapsed in its center.)
Reika: *phew*
Glenn: Uhhhh... I think you kind of overdid it a bit there...
Lark: Congratulations. You have officially cut off Northern and Southern Zenan even more than the Porreans did.
Rupert: Well, given the state of the bridge, I doubt it would have lasted long under the strain anyway...
Reika: ....Oops.
Glenn: So is this it? Mission Accomplished?
Rupert: Just a bit further. We have to take our cargo back to Guardia. We'll meet with our contact in the City Guard.
Schala: Shouldn't we rest a bit first? Considering what just happe-
Lark: *turning away from Schala* We can rest when the job's done. So let's get going already.
(Lark leaves to the east.)
Glenn: The hell?
Reika: What was that all about?
Schala: ..........
_______________________
-
Author's Note: There we go. With the trouble at Zenan Bridge behind them, the group plus their charges head into the Zenan plains towards the city of Truce. But just what is with Lark's sudden change in attitude towards Schala?
All I will say for those who didn't read the spoilers on my Sounding Board topic, things will get worse before they get better.
-
Greetings, Sir Leviathan from...um, Final Fantasy?
BTW, didn't Masa, Mune and Doreen know Schala?
-
Greetings, Sir Leviathan from...um, Final Fantasy?
BTW, didn't Masa, Mune and Doreen know Schala?
Trying to be intentionally vague. They know her, hence Mune's line of 'Hey, she looks different again...'
As for the rest...
Check the Summon List on my Sounding Board. It's on page 2.
Yeah, I'll be the first to admit that I couldn't come up with anything more appropriate for a giant snake/dragon made of water. I considered Undine, but that wouldn't have really fit.
Also, it's Lady Leviathan, thank you very much. :P
-
I always thought Leviathan is male? And in Final Fantasy IV it is surely a male creature/something.
XD But it doesn't matter since it's not ordinary creature.
Yeah, I'll be the first to admit that I couldn't come up with anything more appropriate for a giant snake/dragon made of water. I considered Undine, but that wouldn't have really fit.
Maybe you can try Cthulhu, hehe.
Kidding. I was not complaining about Leviathan, it is perfectly OK.
-
Yeah, I'll be the first to admit that I couldn't come up with anything more appropriate for a giant snake/dragon made of water. I considered Undine, but that wouldn't have really fit.
Maybe you can try Cthulhu, hehe.
(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/24160023.jpg)
I'm... so sorry...
-
Yeah, I'll be the first to admit that I couldn't come up with anything more appropriate for a giant snake/dragon made of water. I considered Undine, but that wouldn't have really fit.
Maybe you can try Cthulhu, hehe.
(http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/24160023.jpg)
I'm... so sorry...
I take offense to that.
*Crab-Walks away*
Whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop-whoop!
-
10. Zenan Plains- Onward and Forward
[Zenan Plains]
(We see the large expanse of the plains before stopping at the group. The carriers move ahead of them.)
Rupert: Well, it should be smooth sailing from here. Still, we had better stick close until we reach Truce.
Glenn: As long as we don't run into any more of those warmechs. Seriously Schala, what the hell were you thinking back there?
Schala: .........
Lark: .........
Reika: Hey, come on. You know it's not nice to pry.
Lark: Let's just get this job done.
Schala: .......
Rupert: Did I miss something...?
(Reika rejoins the party at this point. Rupert rejoins as a Guest.)
(After passing to the second screen...)
Schala: ......I remembered something when I saw that thing.
Glenn: Wait, really?
Schala: There were others with me when I started. They were the closest I ever had to family...
Reika: Uh oh. I think I know where this is headed...
Schala: We got separated by that... thing. For all I know, they could be dead.
Glenn: Well, that explains it.
Lark: .........
Schala: When I saw it, that time flooded back. I couldn't just let it go without doing something...
Lark: And that justifies it?
Reika: Lark!
Lark: You put us all in danger. You put our clients in danger!
Schala: I...
Glenn: What the hell, man? It's done. Let it go.
Lark: .......
Lark: Fine. Just don't do it again.
-------
(If Schala learned about the Purge of Medina from Jessica, the conversation changes...)
Lark: You put us all in danger. You put our clients in danger!
Schala: And you're any judge? How do we know you wouldn't have done it yourself?
Lark: And how do you figure that?
Schala: I know you were involved in the Purge.
Lark: !!!
Schala: If Dalton had been on that bridge, you would have done the same thing, wouldn't you? So don't try and claim the high road with me!
Lark: .......
Schala: .........
Lark: Tch... We don't have time for this. Let's just keep moving.
(This scene is required for the Love Story Across Time trophy.)
---
(Regardless...)
Glenn: That was... Yikes.
Schala: .....
Reika: I've never seen him like this before.
Rupert: He's a volatile one, isn't he?
Glenn: Schala. Don't let it get to you, alright?
Schala: I won't.
---
[Truce]
(After a short montage of the city, we see the caravan at the North Exit. Laura and a group of knights await them.)
Laura: Our messenger birds are quick. It's good to see that you made it.
Rupert: As agreed, three carrier's worth. Half for the city, half for the Guard.
Laura: Very well. If any important officials of Porrean demeanor happen to disappear in the next few months due to a certain insurgency, the Guard may be willing to look the other way.
Laura: As for the rest...
(Pan to the party for a bit.)
Laura: I was not expecting to see them again so soon. I trust you all will keep quiet of our involvement in these matters.
Glenn: Eh. Bribe a few officials, snipe a few witnesses. It's all good.
Schala: Not the words I would have used...
Laura: *ahem* Yes...
Laura: Well, from the commotion of the bridge's collapse, it seems you'll be stuck in our company for a while. The Porreans have closed down the harbor for some distinguished guests, who will apparently be here for some time.
Laura: While she may need some time to entertain our guests, the Governess has been quite anxious to meet those with the skill to escape from Porre's depths. I suspect that we shall meet again soon. By your leave.
(As Laura and the knights leave with the caravan...)
Rupert: A job well done... more or less.
Schala: Will this city be alright without the bridge?
Rupert: Considering their prey has already slipped through their grasp, I doubt the Porreans would have kept the boycott running even if the bridge had been spared. As it is now, there would be no real difference between now and the past few months.
Schala: .....
Rupert: I realize it's not really my place, but it was probably a good thing that you broke off to attack that warmech. I fear that machine would have had no trouble following us. Your actions may have saved far more lives than you realize.
Rupert: Anyway, you have all performed admirably. As promised...
[Received 10,000G]
Rupert: I am afraid we must part ways here, but we will keep an eye out. Stay well.
(Rupert leaves the party.)
Reika: *kicks Lark*
Lark: Ow! The hell was that for?!
Reika: You heard what the guy said. You owe somebody an apology.
Schala: Reika...
Lark: .......
Lark: Whatever...
Glenn: Where are you going?
Lark: Out. I need a drink...
(Lark leaves the party.)
Schala: ........
Glenn: Forget about him. If he wants to be pissy, that's his problem.
Schala: Do we have any lodgings?
Glenn: Even better. We have our own HQ right outside of the city.
Reika: Let's go. Lark may have been a jerk about it, but he had the right idea. I'm tired.
Glenn: It has been a long day. We'll get our bearings tomorrow.
---
[Flashback]
(Black screen)
???: What do you think of me?
???: What?
???: You know what.
(Open to a view of desert sands. Pan down to a young man and young girl each around 15 years standing atop the outer ramparts of Medina.)
Boy: How many times have I mentioned you're strange?
Girl: *giggle* Come on! Can you give me a straight answer this time?
Boy: Yeesh, you're getting almost as pushy as Reika. It's annoying.
Girl: ...It's difficult, isn't it? Not having a choice in what you want.
Boy: ......
Girl: You don't have to do anything you don't want to. I'll make sure of it.
Boy: Ha! How are you gonna do that?
Girl: Trust me.
(Fade to black)
Girl: So, what do you think of me?
Boy: Heh. I think you're the weirdest person I've ever met.
Boy: Thanks...
Girl: *giggle*
(Returning to the present, we see Lark sitting atop one of the rooftops in Truce. He has already had a couple of drinks...)
Lark: Trust, huh...?
(Lark takes a drink)
Lark: If I knew what would've happened back then, would I have been as quick to...
(Lark tosses the bottle away angrily...)
Lark: Trust... What a load of shit...
---
[Zweibreicht Company HQ - Truce]
Schala: At least this place seems more in shape than the one in Dorino.
Glenn: Not that surprising, considering it's the main branch of our little operation. I'm gonna head out for a while.
Schala: Oh?
Glenn: Knowing Lark, he's probably going to be in a stupor right about now. Just making sure he doesn't cause any permanent damage.
Schala: Alright then. Goodnight.
(Glenn and Reika leave the party. As Schala enters the sleeping quarters...)
Schala: .......
Schala: Techno?
*static*
Techno: Schala!!
Schala: Gah! You nearly gave me a heart attack!
Techno: Things a have been going crazy over here! I've been trying to get a hold of you for a while now! What did you do?!
Schala: What do you mean? What's happening?
Techno: There was a heavy grade massive Recurrence earlier! Shook the whole damn building! What. Did. You. Do?!
Schala: ......
Schala: I got it...
Techno: Got what?
Schala: The machine that took Roas and the others away from us... I destroyed it...
Techno: !!!
Techno: So that's it...
Schala: ......?
Techno: You realize you just set Porrean occupation off by 500 years?
Schala: What?!
Techno: That thing was an original prototype, one of the first sent over. Since you destroyed it, their research and development was set back for some time...
Schala: But...
Techno: They still had too much in the way of other tech, and ended up conquering the world eventually anyway. Even still, things are nowhere near as bad as it was when you left. It's little by little, but you are making a difference.
Techno: And... there's something else you need to know. It's about Roas and the others...
Schala: Huh...?
???: Hey, if it's something important, I can probably tell her myself.
(A long pause......)
Schala: .......?!!!
Schala: What......?! But....!!
(Cut to Techno's Lab in Chronopolis. Standing behind Techno are Roas, Vathos, and Ninya.)
Techno: You said it yourself. You destroyed the warmech.
Techno: Because of that, they never died.
Schala: !!!
Roas: Heh. Given all we've been through already, you'd think I would have remembered that. Figures, doesn't it?
(Schala breaks down in tears.)
Schala: I... You're okay...! I'm so glad...!
Vathos: Woah, save the waterworks there, kid. You know Roas taught you better than that.
Ninya: Ignore him. No need to hold it in of you're happy.
Roas: *sigh* Heh...
(Some time later...)
Schala: Nobody else made it...?
Techno: Only a few, and they're barely holding down the fort as it is.
Schala: Fin...
Roas: Hey, don't get discouraged. You've only just started, right?
Schala: What will you be doing?
Roas: There are still things we need to get squared away. We'll meet up with you once we do. Just hold out a bit longer, alright?
Schala: Roas... I...
Roas: Schala, listen to me. No matter what happens from here out, we're proud of you.
Schala: .......
Roas: Good luck over there. Stay safe.
Schala: I will.
(Schala's image fades. Pan down the screen where two familiar figures are standing in the shadows...)
_________
-
Author's Note: We're beginning to see results of Schala's changes to the timeline, and Lark is starting to turn into a belligerent douche. Maybe a few hours in the time-out corner will shape him up. I mean, it's not like that flashback had a thing to do with it or anything. Ha ha ha ha...
:|
Next up is side stuff in the City of Truce and some of the surrounding area.
-
11. City of Truce - The Cogs Begin to Turn
(The next morning...)
Reika: So, are you going to be civil, now?
Lark: .....
Glenn: You've only got yourself to blame, this time. I didn't stock up on any hangover cures.
Lark: Ugh...
Schala: Good morning. Oh...
Lark: .....
Reika: Lark...
Lark: Alright, alright. I'm... Uh... *cough*
Reika: Are you even trying?
Schala: It's alright. It's his choice if he wants to be difficult. Do we have a liaison for Truce?
Glenn: That would be Vent, but...
Schala: You sound hesitant.
Reika: I take it he hasn't forgiven you, yet.
Glenn: It's not my fault! The guy's a douchebag when it comes to women, and the girl hired me to keep him away from her.
Schala: How charming.
Lark: Could you guys keep it down?
Glenn: No. So anyway...
Glenn: Vent's office is on the west side of town. You ready to get going?
(The others rejoin the party.)
-----
[Truce Forge]
(An explosion is heard as soon as the party walks in.)
Overseer: And to think my brother gave you a letter of recommendation! Bah!
Zappa: Sorry boss.
Overseer: You're putting in too much power in the runes, boy! This is armorweave, not plate! You're in a new arena now!
Zappa: Hey guys!
Overseer: Don't ignore me, you little-
Zappa: Customers.
Overseer: Hmm? Ah. What are you here for?
Zappa: To bask in my awesomeness. What else?
Reika: Oh brother...
Overseer: How in the hells my brother put up with you is beyond me...
(Talking to Zappa...)
Zappa: Long time no see guys!
Glenn: It wasn't that long.
Schala: Have you settled in alright?
Zappa: It's me, remember? I'm Truce's newest, brightest star!
Overseer: Tch! You couldn't Runesmith your way out of a paper bag at this rate. Get back to work!
Zappa: Yeah, yeah...
(Talking to the Overseer...)
Overseer: So, what are you after?
1. What can you do for weapons?
2. I'd like to place an order.
3. You mentioned Runes earlier...
(Selecting #3...)
Overseer: You guys came from Dorino, right? Well, my brother's a bit old-fashioned, but I think he's too chicken to try this out. I call it Runecrafting! When armorweaving just isn't enough.
Glenn: Runecrafting?
Lark: Wait, I think I've heard of this...
Overseer: An old Mystic came by my shop a few years back and sold me these old parchments. What you do is craft these symbols into the armor, find someone with a strong Element affinity, and channel that power into the Runes. Too much power, and...
(An explosion is heard nearby...)
Zappa: *cough* Dammit...
Overseer: Control! How many times do I have to say it?!
Zappa: My bad!
Overseer: *sigh* I wonder if he really understands... His affinity is stronger than any I've seen, but his control is utter crap. You guys wouldn't happen to be the group my brother mentioned, would you?
Glenn: Depends. We might be.
Overseer: Well, I've heard of the kid's whole 'rush job' thing, but to be honest, if he can't make a rune without blowing it up, then I can't trust him with the armor. You guys might be waiting quite a while if you wan't something.
Overseer: Anyways... That's the gist of it.
Glenn: Hey, you okay, Schala?
Schala: I'm fine.
Schala: (I... I've seen those symbols before... but where?)
--------
(Truce Pier)
(Fanfare can be heard.)
Lark: Ow...!
Glenn: Huh. Wonder what the occasion is?
Reika: That ship...
Schala: Huh? What about it?
Reika: Ummm... Maybe it would be better if we steered clear of this area, huh?
Lark: Why? Think you'll get recognized?
Glenn: That would mean that ship belongs to the Dragoons. They must be the guests Laura spoke of.
Schala: Dragoons...?
Glenn: You don't know? Actually, that makes sense. You've never been to El Nido before, have you?
Schala: Are they an army of some sort?
Glenn: You'll see.
Reika: I'm doomed...
(A large crowd has gathered by this point.)
FMV: Enter the Dragoons
(Two of the Dragoons approach the party.)
?????: Hey, you think these guys are...?
?????: It seems that way. They match the descriptions.
(Reika hides behind Lark.)
(Naming Screen: Gilbert)
(Naming Screen: Schwann)
Schwann: So, these guys are the famous Zweibreicht Company.
Glenn: Huh. First the governess, now the Acacians. I didn't think we were making that much headway.
Gilbert: One cannot escape from Porre's prisons without hearing at least one story. Still, you don't seem all that impressive...
Glenn: What's that supposed to mean?!
Gilbert: Did I stutter?
Schwann: Gil...
Schala: You seem to have a lot of nerve, don't you?
Reika: Schala, don't rock the boat!
Gilbert: (Schala...? No, it couldn't be...!)
Lark: Hey, what's with the stare? I know she's hot, but...
Schwann: You alright, Gil?
Gilbert: I'm fine. Let's be off.
(Gilbert leaves, but Schwann stays a bit longer. Reika hides behind Lark again.)
Schwann: I know it's not my place, but if you guys are gonna drag a VIP around, the least you could do is make her look inconspicuous. Marbule may have closed itself off, but it would still mourn if something happened to its daughter. See ya!
(Schwann leaves.)
Schala: VIP? What did he mean by that?
Reika: Ha ha ha ha... About that... It's nothing, really.
Glenn: I wouldn't call being the daughter of Marbule's Sage nothing.
Reika: Glenn! What the hell?!
Glenn: What? It's not like you could've lorded that over her forever. We'd have to tell her eventually. I guess now seemed as good a time as any.
Lark: This is Reika we're talking about, remember?
Glenn: Ahh. Right.
Reika: *sigh* You both suck...
Schala: If you're such an important person, why join a mercenary group?
Reika: Because! *poses* Love has no obstacle! Duh!
Lark: Oh, for crap's sake...
Glenn: Okay, that's enough standing around. Let's get to the liaison so we can find some clients.
Reika: .....again, you both suck.
------
(Outside the city, if you try to enter Guardia Forest or Manoria Forest...)
Lark: What. The. Crap...?!
(We pan up to an entire flock of Nu crossing the path... and subsequently blocking it.)
Glenn: Huh. This is new.
Lark: *groans*
Schala: I... Think it's safe to say we won't be able to get past this.
Lark: Screw that! I want to see what's over there!
Reika: Lark, we can come back later- (Lark jumps into the fray.) -and he's not listening.
Schala: I'd give him about ten seconds.
(Lark attempts 'swimming' across the crossing.)
Glenn: I call five.
(Lark tries to push forward, but is eventually carried off-screen by the river of Nu.)
Glenn: Yep. Guess who's paying our next tab?
Schala: Dammit.
(Lark emerges from the side bushes.)
Lark: Alright... That sucked. This time, I'll get it for sure!
Reika: Unbelievable...
(Reika and Glenn drag Lark off-screen.)
Lark: Wait, I can do this! Guys, let go!
Schala: *sigh*
(Schala notices a sparkle on the ground.)
Schala: What's this?
[Discovered a Nu Starter Set!]
[Recieved 1 Health Potion, 1 Power Tab, 1 Magic Tab, and 1 Speed Tab!]
[A Nu Hiding Spot has been found!]
-----
(Truce Mercenary's Guild Liaison...)
Vent: *sigh* Welcome to the Mercenary's Guild. How can I... Oh. It's you.
Glenn: Yes, it's me. We need work.
Vent: We're closed.
Glenn: Your sign says 'Open'.
Vent: Apparently you're hard of hearing. We don't serve your kind.
Glenn: That's too bad. It seems I'm going to have to write yet another strongly-worded letter to the Headmaster in Choras.
Vent: ..........
Vent: Fine. Like I give a crap...
Schala: Well, he's certainly a charming guy, isn't he?
Glenn: Well, he's a self-entitled creeper, but he' the only guy who would take the job here, so it's kinda out of our hands.
Vent: I'm standing right here!
Glenn: Fantastic! You keep doing that.
Vent: ...Parasite.
------------
-
12. Manoria Cathedral - The First Battlefield - Part 1
(The following four Missions should be available at this time:
1. Iron Overload
2. Bloodfang Redeux
3. Wrath of Gonzalez
4. Freelancer Fracas
Once these Missions have been completed...)
-----
[Zweibreicht HQ]
Lark: Look, all I'm saying is that you need to watch your tells. You'd be up more than 500G if you did.
Schala: And what would these tells be, exactly?
Lark: Well, your breathing quickens a bit when you get a good hand. A true observer doesn't look just at their opponent's face.
Schala: What are you...?
(Schala turns beet-red.)
Schala: Y-you shameless bastard!
Lark: Doesn't make it any less true. Also, a flustered opponent is more prone to making bad calls.
Schala: Who asked you, anyway?!
Glenn: Well, it's nice that those two are getting on again. Relatively speaking, anyway.
Reika: I guess you don't need to put them both in the time-out corner now.
(A bird flies into the room, perching atop a pole.)
Lark: Jeez, I hate it when they do that!
Schala: Did we get a message?
(Reika removes the note from the carrier pigeon and lets it free.)
Reika: This is...
Glenn: What? What?
Reika: We've been summoned to the Governess' estate!
Lark: Are you serious?
Schala: Wait, this soon? I thought we'd end up waiting longer.
Glenn: Let me see that!
Glenn: .......
Glenn: Oh man... This is authentic! If this pans out...
Lark: Alright! We've finally hit the Big Time!
Schala: I don't know about this. Isn't the Governess originally from Porre?
Lark: Normally, I'd agree. But our dealings with the RD have proven that at the very least, she's a sympathizer.
Schala: That's true.
Reika: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!
[Vastor Estate]
(At the front gates...)
Guard: State your business.
Lark: We are here at the request of Lady Vastor.
Guard: Let me see that...
Guard: ........
Guard: I'm gonna need to confirm this. Wait here.
(After a short time...)
Laura: You made it. I will escort you to Lady Carmillia. Follow me.
(Inner Halls)
Laura: I believe this goes without saying, but please mind yourselves in front of the Governess.
(A pause)
Lark: What? Why's everyone looking at me like that?
Schala: Why indeed?
Glenn: Just keep it under control, Lark.
Reika: This whole thing could be a bust if you start flirting again.
Laura: *sigh*
(The large doors open, letting the party into the large audience chamber. Sitting on the throne is Governess Carmillia Vastor. Gilbert and Schwann are in the room as well.)
Laura: The Zweibreicht Company, Milady.
Carmillia: So these are them? Hmmm... They certainly aren't what I expected at all.
Lark: What is it you wish of us, Milady? If it is within our power, we will do our best to assist you. *bows*
Carmillia: My, so formal. Your are just full of surprises, aren't you?
Schala: (Am.. Am I seeing the same Lark, here?)
Carmillia: Very well. As you can see, we have drawn up an alliance with the Viper Clan of El Nido. What I am about to speak of must not leave this room.
Carmillia: It is no secret amongst us that Emperor Dalton is a despot. Although there is no sure way to remove him from power yet, at the very least we should be able to stifle what might he already has. Off the coast of Manoria, there is an off-shore laboratory known as the Aquarius Labs. Although unconfirmed, sources indicate that a new weapon is being cultivated.
Schwann: Great. As if they didn't have enough of them already.
Carmillia: From what we have been able to gather, this weapon has the potential to dwarf all of Porre's current armaments.
Lark: And you want this weapon for yourself, I take it.
Carmillia: You catch on fast. The problem is that not only is the weapon still in its testing phases, we have no intel on the inner workings of the complex itself. Both of these will take quite some time to deal with.
Gilbert: So what will you have us do in the meantime?
Carmillia: Officially, the Dragoons are here to discuss terms for our alliance. Unofficially, they will aid in the Dreamer's insurgency against Porre. As will the Zweibreicht Company.
Glenn: So keep doing what we've been doing?
Carmillia: After what happened with Zenan Bridge, would it really be so strange that those wanted in the Homeland ended up fighting with the insurgency?
Glenn: Good point.
Lark: ......
Carmillia: That's what I thought. Now, if there is nothing else...
Lark: I have a couple of questions, if you would.
Carmillia: Oh?
Lark: You mentioned the Homeland. Is Guardia not your home?
Glenn: Hey, what are you doing?
Carmillia: An odd question... Although I suppose it has merit. I may rule Guardia, but it is still a state owned by my birth home of Porre. I realize this may not be easy to believe, but it is because I love my home that I hate what Dalton has done to it. It is for that reason that I hope to one day overthrow him. So is that all?
Lark: Just one more. Suppose you succeed in overthrowing Dalton. What kind of world would you create?
Carmillia: .........
Lark: After all, there have been too many who have suffered under Dalton's regime.
Reika: Lark...
Carmillia: .......Ah. I had not noticed it earlier. So you are...
Carmillia: Yes, of course that would be a concern to you. Do not worry. Your people will be taken care of when the time comes.
Lark: ...........
Lark: Very well. That is all I needed to know.
Carmillia: If that is all, then I ask that you all head to Manoria Cathedral to speak with Rupert and his men. Also, until we will be able to begin the operation, the Archives will be open to any who need them.
Laura: Milady! If I may interject...
Carmillia: .........
Carmillia: Permission granted. Make it quick.
Lark: ........
Gilbert: ........
Laura: I know these are our allies, but is it really wise to allow them access to such sensitive information?
Carmillia: .......
Carmillia: Your concern is noted, but unnecessary. We cannot afford to have suspicions now at this juncture. Am I understood?
Laura: Y-yes, Milady.
Carmillia: In that case, this meeting is adjourned. Please be off.
(The others bow and leave the chamber. Outside...)
Glenn: Geez, you might have screwed us over back there, Lark!
Lark: There were things I needed to confirm.
Gilbert: A shrewd move, but necessary. I underestimated you.
Glenn: What? What's going on?
Lark: We'll discuss it back at HQ.
Schwann: And that would be where?
Reika: Huh? You're coming with us?
Gilbert: We've been all but ordered to work together, so we may as well pool our information.
Schala: That's a good idea.
Gilbert: I will rejoin you all shortly. I would like to peruse the Archives before we leave.
Laura: ........
(A soldier walks up to Laura...)
Guard: Captain, the Governess requires a word with you. She sounded terse.
Laura: ....Yes, of course.
(Laura heads back into the chamber as the group leaves. Schala notices the guard locking the door behind him and running.)
Schala: (What on earth...?)
Schala: Guys, I think I'll catch up with you later.
Lark: Huh? Why?
Reika: Lark. Don't be rude! She probably just has to use the latrine.
Schala: !!
Glenn: Now who's being rude?
Lark: Oh... right. *cough*
Reika: Though you probably should have asked Laura where the bathroom was...
Lark: *dragging Reika away* Okay, that's enough. We'll see you outside.
(After they leave...)
Schala: *sigh* For crap's sake, Reika... Still probably as good an excuse as I could find...
(Schala heads towards the big door and listens in. Inside the audience chamber...)
Laura: What is it you wanted from me?
Carmillia: Tell me something. What exactly were you thinking with your outburst earlier?
Laura: My... outburst? You mean the Archives? I was only trying to-
Carmillia: Help? All you did was embarrass me. What gave you the idea to even think of questioning my decision?!
Carmillia: If you ever try to undermine my authority again, I will have you flayed and sent to the stockades. Do I make myself clear?
Laura: But sister-!
Carmillia: *stands up angrily* SILENCE!! YOU KNOW BETTER THAN TO EVER CALL ME THAT!!!
Laura: ........
Carmillia: *huff* *huff*
Carmillia: How many times must I remind you of this? You. Are. A. Bastard. Child. You will always be a bastard child. The fact that we share the same blood at all disgusts me.
Carmillia: The only reason I even allow you to exist is that you are at least a halfway competent soldier. But do not misunderstand me. You can always be replaced. All I need is a good reason. Are you going to give me that excuse?
Laura: N-no. Forgive me, Milady.
Carmillia: Tch. Pathetic. *turns her back* Now get out of my sight.
(Back to Schala, she hears the door unlock and bolts.)
Laura: *sigh*
(However...)
Laura: ?!
Laura: Who's there?!
(In the hallway, Laura corners Schala...)
Laura: What are you doing?!
Schala: !! Ummm... C-could you tell me where the facilities are...? I seem to have gotten lost...
Laura: ......You were listening, weren't you?
Schala: *sigh* That obvious, huh?
Laura: Hmph. I suppose you would have found out sooner or later from the gossipmongers anyway, so I'll let this slide.
Schala: ......Why would you take that kind of abuse?
Laura: Any issues between the Governess and I are between myself and her. It is not your place.
Schala: ........
Laura: Your friends are waiting for you.
(Laura leaves...)
(Heading into the Archives...)
Schala: You're still here? I thought you might have finished by now.
Gilbert: There are a few more documents I need to look over. The last few hundred didn't offer as much as I'd hoped.
Schala: Wait, few hundred?! Since the meeting ended?!
Gilbert: Well, my colleagues say I've always been able to process information quickly.
Schala: I can't tell wether or not to be impressed or frightened...
Gilbert: ........
Gilbert: (The body has matured, but the resemblance is still uncanny. With her name as well...)
Gilbert: (This can't be a coincidence...)
Schala: Are you feeling okay...?
Gilbert: My apologies. You just remind me of someone I met briefly a long time ago.
Gilbert: Go on. I'm sure the others are waiting for you.
Schala: All right.
(At the front gates...)
Lark: Took you long enough.
Schala: Sorry. There was something I needed to check out.
Lark: Really?
Schala: It's... about the Governess.
Lark: Ah... So you think something's off, too.
Schala: ???
Lark: Come on. We'll discuss it back home.
Schala: Right.
(At this moment, Schala is jostled by a strange man.)
Masked Man: Ahh, my apologies miss. Did I startle you?
Schala: N-no...
(The Masked Man looks Schala over.)
Schala: W-what? What do you want?
Masked Man: Truly an enigma, this one...
Lark: Hey, you bothering her?
Schala: Let's go. I don't think I want to be here any longer...
(Lark and Schala leave the Masked Man to his musings.)
Masked Man: It's just as he said... I supposed it's to be expected.
(The Masked Man then seems to disappear into the shadows.)
(Back in the Archives...)
Gilbert: .......
Gilbert: I received your letter, but still... I never thought I'd ever see you again like this.
(The Masked Man emerges from the shadows.)
Gilbert: So, what do you call yourself these days?
Masked Man: I haven't quite decided yet.
Masked Man: .....I ran into her outside.
Gilbert: I see. Did she recognize you?
Masked Man: No. In fact, I wager she was rather put off... Though I supposed I could have made a better first impression.
Gilbert: So...
Masked Man: I want a second opinion. I'd rather not trust the word of that old fart.
Gilbert: ...I believe it's her. Even though she has no memories of back then.
Masked Man: Heh. Sounds familiar.
Gilbert: Given how things ended, I think it's for the best.
Masked Man: It's amazing how two hundred years can change a person, isn't it?
Gilbert: Indeed. I suppose in your case, it's only been six. Everyone always wondered where you disappeared to.
Gilbert: You couldn't let it go, could you?
Masked Man: With the way things ended... No. No I couldn't.
(As the Masked Man prepares to leave...)
Masked Man: Humanity suits you, Grobyc.
Gilbert: It's Gilbert, now.
Masked Man: Your old name, I take it?
Gilbert: .....
Masked Man: Must be nice to go back...
(With that, the Masked Man disappears back into the shadows...)
------
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Political intrigue at this stage of the game? Already? Things seem civil between Lark and Schala, but will that change in the coming months?
Something big is on the horizon. But what it means for our team, they have no clue. And finally, the last of our potential party members has shown himself. And of course, a secret is revealed that I think all of us saw coming a mile away. :P