Transcribed by ruination-fangs.tumblr.com

Status: Main story incomplete, skits not added, subquests not added
Last updated: 6/14/2015
Uploaded: 9/16/2023

NOTE 1: This was a personal project of mine many years ago, when I wanted to reference parts of the game but couldn't find a script. Sometimes a text search is so much easier than crawling through gameplay videos, you know? I now know of other partial scripts out there, but I thought I'd upload this one anyway as I like the formatting and the toggle options. Unfortunately, it was a massive undertaking and I never finished it, meaning MUCH of the script is currently missing. I may add to it now and then, or if anyone wants to contribute I will gladly accept help, but until then you should expect large gaps.

NOTE 2: Main scenes unique to one side of the story, along with all skits and subquests, are in expandable boxes that start out collapsed. To expand a box, click the * HEADER * at the top. To collapse it, click the header again. You will have to do this on both sides of a split to make both sets of text appear. Please note that text inside of collapsed boxes will not be included in searches, so if you're looking for something using your browser's search function, expand all the boxes first.
To expand all of the Jude Side Only scenes, click HERE. To expand all of the Milla Side Only scenes, click HERE.

NOTE 3: I have absolutely no idea how this looks on mobile, so if it's not working I recommend using Firefox or Chrome on a larger device.

Chapter Index:
0. Opening
1. First Encounter
2. Secret of the Research Center
3. Lost Strength
4. Escape from the Capitol
5. Landing at Auj Oule
6. Wavering Memories
7. The Tender Village
8. Off to Nia Khera
9. Village of Spirits
10. The Mission
11. Damsel and Doll
12. To Rashugal
13. The Pursued
14. The Deep, Dark Forest
15. New Town, New Faces
16. The Crags of Bermia Gorge
17. The Plot Thickens
18. Infiltrate the Fortress / Escape from the Fortress (arrival at gandala)
19. The Strong One's Burden
20. A Path for Just the Two of Us
21. Trials and Reunions
22. Your Actions, Your Responsibility
23. What's Inside the Barrel
24. Lay it On Us, Leia
25. Village of Rieze Maxia
26. Town on the Cliffs
27. Elize's Secret
28. Whose Responsibility
29. The King of Auj Oule
30. Soaring Through the Skies
31. Beyond the Mission
32. To Fennmont
33. After the Lance of Kresnik
34. Nachtigal, King of Rashugal
35. Miscalculation
36. Returning Anxiety and Brothers in Arms / Mounting Anxiety and The Mysterious Voice
37. Confession
38. Rumble in Kanbalar
39. Occupy the Airship
40. Before the Fated Battle
41. Mixed Emotions
42. An Intention
43. The Schism Still Stands / New Memories
44. Thoughtful Spirits
45. Gaius' Plot / Their Plans
46. Wingul's Concern
47. Muzet Attacks
48. To Nia Khera Hallowmont
49. Pride, Will, and... / Milla's Memory
50. Wavering Mountain / To My Dearly Beloved
51. Freedom to Choose
52. City in Another World
53. New Possibilities
54. The Lost Truth / Milla's Secret
55. All Our Souls
56. Back to the Temporal Crossroads
57. The Means to an End
58. Looking Ahead

Skit Index

OPENING MOVIE:
[The camera zooms through a cover of cloud, over a forest, and down to a path between the trees. It follows a long, long staircase up a hill to a round building in a brightly-lit clearing, surrounded by nature. Sunlight streams in through the ceiling to a woman meditating, eyes open, on a dais at one side of the room. The light from the torches around her wavers. A snake slithers down from somewhere above. The woman's eyes widen and she gasps. The room is still. She relaxes a little, then places one hand to her chin.]
Woman: The spirits are dying.
[She stands. The snake reaches over her shoulder, and then is suddenly obliterated by a blast of light. When the woman opens her eyes, a huge ghostly figure stands behind her.]
Woman: I fear the power of spyrix is behind this. We should investigate.
[She steps down from the dais and walks to the center of the room, where a multicolored gylph is drawn on the ground.]
Woman: So, how long has it been, six years? Time sure flies.
[She stops in the light and nods.]
Woman: Come! Fennmont awaits.
[She opens the doors to the shrine. Behind her, the first spirit and three others are engulfed in the light that floods through the entrance. Scene change to a sunny sky.]
Narration: When man and spirit coexist, dreams and wishes are fulfilled.
[The camera flies down and over a deep forest, then up a mountain.]
Narration: Such is the life of all who live in Rieze Maxia, where hope springs eternal.
[On the other side of the mountain is a seaside with high arching cliffs and flocks of birds.]
Narration: The spirits have the power to bring man's wishes to fruition, and in turn, those wishes preserve and protect the spirits' livelihood.
[The birds fly in front of the camera and the scene transitions to the floor of a forest with gigantic trees, looking up to patches of light between the leaves.]
Narration: Therefore, it could be said that Maxwell, the lord of the spirits, is in fact the guardian of all things.
[As the camera spins around, the light and treetops become a reflection on the surface of water, which brightens as the reflections of city lights appear.]
Narration: In this world, no known evil exists that could threaten this harmonious cycle. But if one did, perhaps it might lurk in the hearts of men...
[Pan up to a large, brightly-lit building above the water, set against a night sky. School bells ding. Inside, students start flooding out of classrooms. One boy runs out, bumps into some other students, and waves as he continues running.]
Boy: Oh, so sorry!
[He dodges through more groups of students along the hall, turning and apologizing when they protest.]
Boy: Sorry! [to himself:] I gotta move!
[He continues down the hall and around the corner.]

CHARACTER SELECT SCREEN:
Jude: A kind, clever medical student who left home to attend school in the capital city. Poised to graduate, Jude is eager to find his purpose in life.
Milla: A mysterious young woman accompanied by four unseen beings. She comes across as calm, collected, and wise beyond her years.

[Milla's path ends at a large grate in the wall of the research facility where water pours out. She closes her eyes, then opens them and raises her arm. When she gestures forward a glyph appears and a fiery explosion destroys the grate. Milla lowers her arm and then turns around, surprised, at the sound of a splash. Jude stumbles backwards onto the platforms and slowly turns around. For a moment both of them stare.]
Jude: Uh, hi.
[Milla raises a finger to her lips.]
Milla: [softly] Just keep guiet, and I won't need to hurt you.
[She turns back to the lab.]
Jude: Wait, why are you breaking into the lab? What are you...
[While he speaks Milla raises her arm and a blue glyph appears. A spirit flies around Jude and traps him in a bubble of water.]
Jude: [grabbing at his neck] Hmph! Hmph!
Milla: That's strange. What part of "keep quiet" didn't you understand?
[Jude flails, floating in the bubble.]
Milla: So? Ready to hold your tongue now?
[He nods repeatedly. Milla swings her arm and the bubble disappears. Jude falls back to the platform with all the water, coughing.]
Milla: So much noise. Could you try coughing quietly? What are you doing here, anyway?
[Jude continues to cough. He looks up and slaps his hands to his mouth, then lowers them slowly.]
Jude: [hesitantly] Can I talk?
[Milla looks down at him.]
Jude: I dropped something. I was just picking it up. See?
[He holds out the wet paper. Milla turns and walks away. Jude hurries to his feet as Milla looks in through the bent grate bars.]
Jude: What are you up to? The guards will be here any second.
Milla: That's why I need to hurry, and you need to go home... Before they arrest you for trespassing.
[She walks into the tunnel beyond the grate.]

Girl in Red: Oh, quit trying to act calm!
[Jude and the girl turn to see Milla standing off to the side.]
Jude: It's that girl.
Girl in Red: Ah-ha! [grabs her weapon again] So you're the visitor I heard about! This guy's no fun. I'll kill you first.
[She starts to cast.]
Jude: Run!
[Milla doesn't move and also starts to cast. A fireball knocks the other girl to the floor. Milla walks forward and Jude stands up. While Milla looks at one of the containers, the girl in red stands, clutching her head.]
Girl in Red: I'll rip that pretty face of yours to pieces! [starts gesturing wildly]
Milla: [draws her sword] I'd prefer you didn't.
[Next to her, Jude also takes a battle stance.]

[Battle:]
Jude: You're...
Girl in Red: Who the hell are you?!
Milla: I don't have time to explain. Leave now, and I may spare you from any bodily harm.
Girl in Red: Like hell!
[Upon victory, the fire spirit appears, screaming.]
Jude: Is that... Efreet?
Milla: You are correct. The lord of fire.
Jude: I can't believe you were able to summon him...

[The girl in red falls to the floor again.]
Jude: Whoa.
[Milla sheathes her sword and turns to Jude.]
Milla: I told you to go home. Don't tell me you live here?
Jude: No, of course not... I'm sorry...
[Milla walks back up to one of the tubes.]
Jude: Er, uh...
Milla: Is this the work of the spyrix?
Jude: The what-ix?
[A high-pitched sound can be heard.]
Milla: Could it be connected to the disappearance of the lesser spirits?
Jude: Huh? You're losing me. Disappearing spirits?
[Milla closes her eyes, then turns around.]
Milla: You really need to go home. Someone might not swoop to your rescue next time you're in trouble.
[Jude looks down, then at the tube where Haus was. Milla looks down at the unconscious girl. She picks up a keycard from beside her.]
Milla: The spyrix must be somewhere else.
[She starts to leave.]
Jude: Hey, wait.
[Milla stops and turns to face him.]
Jude: I'm kinda trapped here. If the professor were with me, they might've let me leave, but... Can I come with you?
Milla: Ha, I see. If you stick with the person who saved you, then you won't need any more saving. Clever boy.
Jude: [steps up in front of her] Boy? You don't look that much older than me. [offers his hand] My name is Jude Mathis.
Milla: I'm Milla. [shakes his hand] Milla Maxwell.
[They smile at each other.]

[When they exit the room, something on each of them starts sparkling.]
Milla: Hmm? What's going on?
Jude: Our Lilium Orbs are shining.
[They both put them away.]
Milla: I've been wondering what this thing is since I set off. My handmaid told me I had to carry it with me.
Jude: Well, it comes in handy if you face monsters. It gives you the power to fight them. I got one myself when I left home. Just in case.
[Tutorial.]
Jude: So that's how it works. This is actually my first time developing it, too.
Milla: I see. So it's a tool that taps into inherent abilities. I imagine that powerless humans never leave home without them.
Jude: You talk as if you're not human yourself.

[Farther into the facility is a huge, circular room with bridges connecting the walls to a platform in the center. A giant machine sits on the platform. Water cascades from the walls below the walkway into the open space below.]
Jude: What is that?
Milla: A spyrix weapon... I knew it.
[They look at it, then walk up to the control panel on the front, where text is scrolling rapidly across the screen. Jude hits a few keys and the screen changes.]
Jude: "The Lance of Kresnik"? That's the name of the sage from the Genesis Age.
[He turns around. Milla is moving her arms to create a gylph in midair.]
Jude: Huh? What're you doing?!
Milla: Hmph. So this is what humans call irony. Naming this weapon after Kresnik. Listen up! We must destroy that which harms man and spirit!
[She gestures forward. Four spirits appear in front of her.]
Jude: [surprised] Those are the Four Great Spirits. So that really makes her Maxwell?
[Milla pushes her arms forward against the glow of the glyph.]
Milla: Haaaaaah!
[The Four shoot into the air and surround the Lance, then shoot beams of energy above it to create a large circle. Jude backs up next to Milla. Suddenly the Girl in Red hits a button and the machine turns on.]
Jude: What are you doing here?!
Girl in Red: You are really starting to make me angry!
[She starts typing furiously on a keyboard. The end of the Lance opens, and an hourglass-shaped object is pushed out of a spot next to the front panel. A similar shape appears at the end of the open Lance, and starts sucking in the energy from the circle. Jude and Milla stagger.]
Jude: Urgh! What the heck's going on?
Milla: Fool! Are you insane? Don't you know this is going to drain you, too?!
Girl in Red: Aha! Aha ha ha! Your suffering... It's-- It's worth it!
[She collapses.]
Jude: It's acting directly on our mana lobes.
Milla: This wasn't part of the plan. But it's nothing I can't deal with!
[She starts forcing herself forward.]
Jude: Are you gonna try and stop it? Do you know what you're doing?
Milla: [looking at the hourglass shape] That's it.
[On her next step, the ground starts to glow beneath her foot.]
Jude: Milla! Look down!
[There are purple circles beneath each of them. Another circle rings their bodies.]
Jude: Huh...?
[The same circles close in on each of the Four.]
Milla: Stop! Or you'll be dragged in with it!
[She reaches for the hourglass. Jude falls to his knees. Milla finally grabs the object. Something sparks in front of Jude and the noise of the Lance is dimmed.]
Jude: H-Huh? The Four Spirits? Wait... Take Milla and then run? Huh? What? What are you trying to do?
[The Four blow off the circles around them, and the blast sends Jude flying. Milla clings to the hourglass. All the glowy figures collapse and the Lance clamps shut again. Milla continues to pull on the hourglass. Jude stands up on the bridge, only for it to start to crumble beneath him. Finally the hourglass comes free in a blast of light. The bridge crumples. Jude dangles from the edge as Milla lands on a slope nearby. The hourglass collapses into a flat disk. The bridge creaks. Below them is nothing but water. Milla makes the hand motions for summoning Sylph, but the gylph immediately disappears and nothing happens.]
Milla: Huh?
[Jude reaches out his hand, but Milla is too far away. She slides off the bridge and falls with the wreckage. Jude watches in dismay, gulps, and lets go.]
Jude: Aaaaaaaah!
[Someone watches from the platform above, then turns and walks away.]

[The opening plays.]

[Jude and Milla end up on the platform connected to the walkway outside, where they met. Jude stands, dripping wet. Milla, on her hands and knees, is still panting.]
Jude: You okay? Guess swimming isn't one of your powers, huh?
Milla: It's not as easy as Undine makes it look.
[She takes the hand he offers and stands.]
Jude: So you really have lost the power of the Four Great Spirits. What are you going to do now?
[Milla turns to look at the lab.]
Jude: There's no way you could destroy that device without their power.
Milla: You have a point. Perhaps if I were to return to Nia Khera... Listen, you've been a great help, Jude. Thank you. You should go home now.
[She walks off.]
Jude: Wait!

Jude: Milla! [runs up behind her]
Milla: How foolish, Jude. You should have gone home like I asked.
Guard: You in cahoots with her?
[Milla swings her sword... very badly, and stumbles forward.]
Jude: What?! Haven't you ever wielded a sword before?
Milla: Of course, but I always relied on the Four's power to guide my arm. It feels quite different without their help.
[Jude looks down, clenching his teeth.]
Guard: Come quietly or else!
[Jude runs up next to Milla and takes a battle stance.]
Jude: I can't believe I'm doing this!
[Battle. Afterwards, Jude bends over, panting.]
Jude: What's gotten into me?
Milla: You saved me again, Jude. Thank you.
Jude: Listen, you'd better get out of Fennmont while you can.
Milla: Right. You have my gratitude.
[She starts to walk away.]
Jude: The city entrance is always crawling with police. You'd be safer heading to the seahaven.
Milla: Hmm, the seahaven.
[She turns and looks around. Jude sighs.]
Jude: You don't know where it is, do you? [turns] This way.

[Shortly after Jude and Milla walk into the seahaven, guards surround them.]
Guard: You two, stop right there!
Jude: Huh, what's going on?
Eldin: Doctor? Doctor Jude? From the medical school?
Jude: Mr. Eldin? Is that you? Wh-What's going on here?
Eldin: I can't believe you're the one we're looking for. Jude Mathis. I have a warrant for your arrest. There's one for her too. I'm authorized to use force if necessary, but I don't want to hurt you.
Jude: But wait, just hold on a minute. We may have done a little breaking-and-entering, but that hardly makes us public enemy number one!
[The guards raise their weapons.]
Milla: So much for that. It looks like they're not listening.
Jude: Mr. Eldin!
Eldin: I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I have my orders.
Milla: Jude, I can't let them capture me. [draws her sword] I have to resist.
Eldin: Then we'll do it the hard way. Go on, get her!
[One of the guards casts a fireball. Jude and Milla both dodge, and it blows up the ticket booth behind them. The civilians that had gathered around start to run. Milla glances behind her as the boat in the harbor sounds its horn and starts to leave. Milla backs up.]
Milla: This is goodbye, Jude. Forgive me for all of this.
[She turns and runs. Jude still only stares ahead.]
Eldin: Think your next move over carefully, Doc. The more trouble you give us, the harder your sentence.
[The guards close in.]
Jude: It's just that... I just wanted to...
[Suddenly a man starts pushing the guards aside and knocking them out. He straightens his scarf.]
Man: Well, aren't these military types brave, protecting the world from pipsqueaks like you...
Jude: Wh-Who are you?
Man: Save the chit-chat for later. Your lovely lady friend's about to set sail, you know.
Jude: Wait, but I...
Man: Listen close, kid. [puts a hand on Jude's shoulder] The military issued your warrant, and with the Military Powers Act invoked... [slings an arm around Jude's shoulders] You're an X-marked criminal. If they catch you, you'll face... execution!
Jude: What, execution?!
[More guards come running up. The man tilts his head toward the ship and starts to move. Jude follows. Past the ticket gate, the man picks Jude up under his arm.]
Man: C'mon!
Jude: Ah!
[He jumps up onto a row of large crates.]
Man: I hope you're sturdier than you look.
[He leaps off the crates onto a long plank hanging from a crane, and off its other side onto the deck of the ship. Sailors scatter as they hit the deck. Milla stares.]
Sailor: What's going on here?!
Man: The military's doing drills or something on shore. We were just getting out of their way.
[He stands. Jude remains sitting on the deck.]
Man: Come on. Do you really think a pipsqueak, a pretty girl, and a dashing man like me would be up to no good?
[He winks at Milla. She tilts her head, impassive.]
Jude: [standing] Umm...
Man: It's Alvin.
Jude: Huh?
Alvin: That's my name. You said that you're Jude, right?
Jude: Uh, yes sir. And this is Milla.
[Milla walks up. Alvin puts a hand on Jude's shoulder.]
Alvin: Hang in there, kid.

[Later, Alvin and Milla walk across the deck.]
Alvin: That captain needs to lay off a bit. Is he planning to grill us the entire voyage?
Milla: What do you expect? We don't have any sort of identification.
Alvin: Speak for yourselves.
[They look at Jude, leaning over the rail.]
Jude: I can't believe we're heading to Auj Oule.
Alvin: Look. We're leaving Fennmont's spirit clime.
[The green, starry sky becomes bright and blue.]
Alvin: You said you're a med student? Didn't expect that.
Jude: Hey, can I ask you something?
[Alvin kind of shrugs.]
Jude: Why did you save us? What's in it for you?
Alvin: Well, cash, of course.
Milla: How does saving us make you money?
Alvin: Simple. I figure you must be in serious trouble if the military's after you. Now that I've swung to your rescue and impressed you with my derring-do, I can charge you for my services.
Jude: Charge us what? I'm nearly broke.
Milla: Same goes for me, I'm afraid.
Alvin: Seriously? I take more than just cash, you know. Don't you have any precious metals? Jewels? Rich relatives about to croak?
Jude: Nothing on me. Everything happened so fast.
Milla: I doubt I have anything that would sell for a high price either.
Jude: What exactly do you do, Alvin? You look like a soldier, but you sure don't act like one.
Alvin: Heh! You're on the right track, kid. I'm a mercenary. It's better than being a soldier. We don't have to follow orders. We set our own hours. And we help people... for a price.
Milla: Well, it would seem like you helped us for free.
Alvin: Ah, well. It's a risk of the trade. Maybe I'll find some paying customers in Auj Oule.
Milla: Sorry about that.
[Alvin shrugs again and looks out over the water.]
Alvin: Charity work... Wonderful. Are we there yet?
Jude: ......

-- ALADHI SEAHAVEN --

[On shore, Jude stops and looks around. Alvin walks up next to him.]
Jude: It's hard to believe we're in a whole different country. Although it feels just like home.
Alvin: Hmm? Well, this part of Auj Oule is hardly what I'd call exotic.
[Jude looks down, then shakes his head.]
Jude: Huh. Hey, there's a map! Let me check it out for a bit.
[He runs off. Alvin walks up to Milla.]
Alvin: Brave kid, the way he plays it cool.
Milla: Decided to make the best of it, has he? He's not as immature as he looks.
Alvin: Would it kill you to show a little concern? You dragged him into this, right?
Milla: He insisted on helping me. I told him again and again to go home, but he wouldn't listen. He's here of his own accord.
Alvin: Heh, I see. He believes he got himself into this mess, so now he has to put on a brave face.
[Milla goes to join Jude at the map.]
Alvin: Either way, he's still acting like an adult.
Milla: North of here.
Alvin: [walking up behind them] Hmm... So? You leaving now?
Milla: No... Alvin, you must be well versed with a sword. Mercenaries like you must have some battle chops.
Alvin: Well, yeah, of course.
Milla: Could you teach me how to use one? I don't have the Four to back me up anymore. If I can't wield a sword, what's left?
Alvin: The Four? Not sure I follow. But I'd be more than happy to teach you, if only you had some cash.
Milla: So you won't help?
Alvin: Here, how about we make some moolah while I train you?
Jude: What do you mean?
Alvin: Well... There's got to be some paying customers here in the seahaven, right? Let's take a look around.
[He walks away. Milla and Jude look at each other before following.]

Alvin: [to a nearby woman] Hey there. You've got a request, right? How about letting us handle it?
Woman: Oh, you're mercenaries? Perfect timing.
Jude: What kind of request?
Alvin: Someone's got a problem with monsters, and we get paid to solve their problem.
Milla: Ah. So by taking on these jobs, you get the reward and I get the practice.
Alvin: Right. Everybody wins. Except the monsters.
[Jude looks at Milla. She nods.]
Alvin: Okay, hit us with the details.
Woman: Some monsters we've never seen before are lurking near a lake west of this seahaven. A lot of people depend on that lake for water, so those monsters have become a real nuisance. I'm looking for someone to exterminate the beasts.
Alvin: What's the reward?
Woman: Cash, of course.
Alvin: You heard the woman. Thoughts?
Milla: Sounds fine to me. Fighting monsters will be good training.
[Alvin nods to the woman.]
Woman: Excellent. Now, these beasts are no pushovers, so please watch yourselves.
[After she leaves, Alvin turns to Milla.]
Alvin: About your sword training... The monsters aren't just going to stand there like training dummies, you know.
[Jude glances at Milla. She nods.]
Alvin: We should go over some basics first.
Milla: I appreciate it.
[They walk over to a deserted part of the port. Jude goes to sit on a nearby bench.]
Alvin: Ready your sword.
[A little later:]
Alvin: Well, that'll do.
Milla: [sheathing her sword] You have my gratitude.
[She smiles and looks at Jude, who's walked up next to her.]
Jude: Shall we go?
Milla: Wait, Jude. Take a moment to consider your situation. You don't have to stay with me anymore, you know.
Jude: [looks down] R-Right...
Alvin: Now that we've crossed the border, it'll be a while before any pursuers from Rashugal get here.
Milla: What are you suggesting?
Alvin: Just that he still has some time to think things over.
Jude: Sorry, I'll make up my mind by the time you set off.
Milla: Okay, very well. Let's go and complete that request.
[Milla leaves. Alvin steps closer to Jude.]
Alvin: You thought you were doing the right thing, and now you're on the run. That's a pretty tough lesson for a kid your age.
Jude: Yeah, but I brought it upon myself.
[He runs off. Alvin shakes his head.]

-- ALADHI TRAIL --

[A group of monsters waits right outside the port. Milla reaches for her sword, but stops when her chest starts to sparkle.]
Milla: Hmm? My Lilium Orb is shining?
[Jude's chest glows, and then Alvin's too.]
Jude: Mine too!
Alvin: Wait, you two have orbs, too? Great! We should try Linked Combat.
Jude: What's that?
Alvin: Lilium Orbs are handy things. They let you sense your companions' intent. That's a huge advantage in battle. You can coordinate your thoughts to pull off combination attacks. We call this Linking.
Milla: Sounds great, but how do we do it?
Alvin: Try it and see for yourself. Focus your consciousness into the Lilium Orb!
[Milla and Jude turn back to the monsters and prepare to fight. All three orbs start shining again.]

[Tutorial battle. Victory:]
Alvin: Victory born from cooperation and friendship! ...Not bad, right?
Milla: Yes, I quite like it.
Jude: I feel much better knowing I'm not fighting alone.
Alvin: Heh heh heh. Right there with you, buddy.

[Another group of monsters waits by the lake.]
Jude: There. Those must be the monsters we're supposed to get rid of.
Milla: Indeed. They certainly don't look like the normal fauna for this area.
Alvin: All right, let's get the job done!

[Once the monsters are defeated, they put away their weapons.]
Jude: [to Milla] You okay?
Milla: I can't complain. No better training than an actual battle.
Alvin: You got that right. Let's head back to Aladhi Seahaven and make a report.

-- ALADHI SEAHAVEN --

Alvin: Those monsters won't be tinkling in your water supply anymore.
Woman: Wonderful. Thank you for your help.
Alvin: [turns to Jude and Milla] And that's how it's done. More where that came from, too. Lots of people with problems out there, and gald to make 'em go away.
Jude: You're a real pro at this, Alvin.
[As Alvin and Jude start to walk away, Milla collapses.]
Jude: Hey!
[He hurries back to crouch next to her.]
Jude: Hmm, no fever. How are you feeling?
Milla: I don't seem to have any strength.
[Her stomach growls.]
Jude: Um, have you been eating properly?
Milla: I've never eaten.
Jude: Ever?
Milla: Through Sylph, I drew life from the air. With Undine's power, I received sustenance from the water.
Alvin: What's she talking about?
Jude: I guess the spirits gave her all the energy she needed. Well, now you're going to have to nourish yourself the old-fashioned way.
Milla: [sitting up] I see. So this is what you call hunger. Hehe. Fascinating.
[Jude does not look amused.]
Alvin: So, should we rest at the inn? Now that you mention it, I could use some grub myself.

[At the inn:]
Innkeeper: Welcome!
Alvin: Three rooms, please. But before that, can we get something to eat?
Innkeeper: Oh, my apologies, but our cook isn't in yet. [looks worried] Hey, is she okay?
[Jude and Alvin turn to look at Milla, who's doubled over. Jude sighs.]
Jude: Can we at least your your kitchen?
Innkeeper: Yes, please, help yourself. Your friend looks like she's about to pass out.
Milla: My stomach. It really is growling. [straightens up] Heh, and here I thought that was just a silly human expression.
[Her stomach growls again. Later, Jude places some bowls on a table and sits down with Alvin and Milla.]
Alvin: Hey, not bad.
Milla: Not bad? It's good! I quite enjoy ingesting calories with you. Humans should learn to cherish these simple pleasures.
[She smiles. Jude looks down, worried.]

[Alvin waits by the city exit.]
Alvin: Ready to hit the road?
Jude: Milla, you said it's north of here?
Alvin: How far?
Milla: Less than half a day's flight time, if we could fly using Sylph's power.
Alvin: Oh, well, I'm afraid my wings are, you know, nonexistent. I hope we can find a place to rest along the way.
Jude: The map showed a village in that direction, so we should be okay.
Milla: Either way, we can't just stay here. We must press forward.
Alvin: I know. I know.

-- ALADHI TRAIL --

-- HAMIL --

[At the end of the trail is a village filled with fruit trees.]
Jude: Wow, that's an impressive amount of fruit.
Alvin: [sniffs] I'm catching a whiff of cider. They must have orchards here.
Mayor: Well, well, well! We don't get many visitors here!
Jude: Do you live here, ma'am?
Mayor: I would hope so. I'm the mayor!
Milla: Is this the right road to Nia Khera?
Mayor: Nia Khera? Now that's a name I haven't heard in ages.
Alvin: What do you mean?
Mayor: It's what people called a long-forgotten village. I don't even know if it still exists. I heard tales of the village as a child. People claimed it lies beyond the Kijara Seafalls.
Jude: Where can we find it?
Mayor: You'll need to cross some seriously rugged terrain to get there. It won't be an easy journey.
Alvin: In that case, we should probably rest here before heading on.
Jude: Agreed.
Mayor: I'm afraid our little village doesn't have an inn. Not much call for one. But I've an extra room in my house. You're welcome to use it if you like.
Jude: Thank you for your hospitality, ma'am.

[A little boy stands looking up at some kind of purple box stuck in a tree.]
Jude: What're you lookin' at?
Boy: Nothing! Get lost!
Alvin: Wrong answer, squirt. Now we really want to know what you're looking at.
Jude: It's some sorta shiny object.
Boy: It's my shiny object! Finders, keepers!
[Alvin walks up to the tree and takes the box down. They huddle around it.]
Milla: Hmm. Looks like a puzzle. A difficult one at that.
Jude: How about this?
Boy: Whoa! What's happening?
Jude: This looks like our letters, but different. More like ancient writing.
Alvin: Let's see here... "Heed my words, for I am Aifread, the intrepid explorer who has crossed the world's edge without fear." Yada, yada, yada. More self promotion... Ah, here we go... "At last, I have reached terra incognita. But alas, I am unable to return home. I shall take my many treasures, seal them in arks, and scatter them about this land. It is my hope that they shall serve as beacons to those explorers who follow in my footsteps."
Milla: I'm impressed, Alvin.
Boy: But I still don't know what it means.
Jude: I've heard of this Aifread. He's a legendary pirate. He raided cities all throughout Rieze Maxia ages ago. He set off to find the end of the world and never returned, or so the legend goes.
Alvin: Nice of him to put his treasures in these boxes for us.
Boy: The pirate Aifread's treasures?! Ooh! Ooh! I wanna find them, too!
Milla: Maybe you should learn to read first, young man.
Boy: Yeah... Good idea. You'll all wait for me, right? And keep this Aifread treasure stuff between us!

[In the mayor's house:]
Mayor: Your room is ready. Would you like to turn in for the night?

[The next morning Jude walks outside, and sees Milla standing nearby. He walks up to her.]
Jude: Morning. What are you up to?
Milla: Watching people.
Jude: Oookay.
[More people walk by. Milla watches them. Jude turns to her.]
Jude: Say, Milla. Can I ask you something?
Milla: Hmm?
Jude: What's a spyrix? Why were you trying to destroy that device in Fennmont?
Milla: Spyrix technology is something humans were never meant to have. So, I must take it away from them.
Jude: Why?
Milla: That is none of your concern.
[Jude looks dismayed, then looks at the ground, saddened.]
Jude: So you don't trust me.
[Milla walks forward a few steps.]
Milla: That's not it. Look, if you saw a toddler playing with a knife, what would you do?
Jude: I'd probably snatch it away.
Milla: And what would be your reason?
Jude: Because it's dangerous. The baby doesn't know how to use a knife. He could cut himself, or worse.
Milla: There's your answer.
Jude: What? But we're not babies! If we understand what we're dealing with, and if we see the dangers, we can learn how to use it safely.
Milla: So you say. But to me, you're no different than infants.
[A group of Rashugal soldiers walk into the village.]
Jude: ......
Milla: I will do what I must to protect this world. If that means destroying the Lance of Kresnik, so be it. It's my mission.
Jude: I see.
Milla: Don't worry, Jude. None of this will concern you once we reach Nia Khera.
[Muffled voices can be heard nearby. Jude turns his head.]
Milla: What's going on?
[The mayor is speaking to the soldiers at the entrance to town. A huge man walks up behind her. Alvin runs up to Milla and Jude.]
Alvin: It would seem we can't linger around here anymore.
Jude: So they did follow us.
Alvin: I dunno, kid. They found us awfully fast considering this isn't their home turf.
Milla: Well, it's not like we can ask them about it. Let's go before they find us.
Alvin: There's an exit in the western part of town. That must be the way to the Kijara Seafalls.
[Milla and Alvin run. Jude follows a moment later.]

[When they get to the west exit, Rashugal soldiers are already blocking the path. Jude, Milla, and Alvin crouch behind an outcropping of rock.]
Jude: The soldiers beat us here.
Alvin: Great. Now what?
Milla: [stands] We force our way through.
Jude: Right, and fast, before any more arrive!
Alvin: So that's your plan? Just charge through? I thought I was hot-headed.
[Milla walks forward. Jude and Alvin stand up. Suddenly Jude turns, taking a battle stance. A little girl stands behind him with a doll in her arms.]
Girl: E-Excuse me...
Jude: What is it?
Girl: Um... What are you doing?
Milla: [walks back to them] We're trying to figure out how to get past those soldiers.
Jude: Way to cut to the chase.
Girl: So those people... They're in your way?
[The doll opens its eyes. Jude and Alvin flinch backwards, and Milla's mouth opens in surprise. The doll floats past the soldiers.]
Soldier: Hey! What?! Aah!
Alvin: What in the world?
Jude: How did you do that?
Man Offscreen: What's going on here?
[The huge man from before walks up.]
Man: Child! You know you're never to leave the shed! Rashugal troops? Curse you! How dare you come here!
[He runs off to where the soldiers are still struggling with the doll. Jude looks at the girl, but she's already running away, the doll floating after her.]
Jude: Huh? Where's she going?
[The big man uses a huge hammer to knock out the soldiers, then returns to the party.]
Man: Which way did she go?
Jude: Toward the square.
Man: What? No! She mustn't! You all must be outsiders. You should hurry and leave this place. [runs off after the girl]
Alvin: I have no idea what just happened, but I ain't complaining. Things just got easier for us.
Jude: Let's get out of here.

-- GALIA TRAIL --

-- KIJARA SEAFALLS --

Alvin: Once we cross the Kijara Seafalls, we'll reach Nia Khera, the village of the spirits. At least the soldiers didn't come after us.
Jude: I hope we didn't make trouble for those villagers. They were so kind to us, too.
Alvin: What else could we do but run? Rashugal's troops showed up.
Milla: The villagers picked the fight, not us.
Jude: How can you talk like that? Maybe they were trying to protect us?
Milla: If you're worried about them, then maybe you should go back. [turns and starts to leave] It was a pleasure knowing you, Jude. Thank you for all of your help.
Jude: How can you be so cold?
[Milla stops and turns back around.]
Milla: You'd rather I get emotional? I'm afraid I don't have that luxury. What is it you humans say... "I've no time for waxing sentimental."
Jude: Because of your mission?
Milla: Precisely.
Jude: So you think your emotions would prevent you from doing what you have to do?
Milla: Can a person still fulfill their duty if they become emotional?
Jude: Only one way to find out. You'd have to try and see.
Milla: Well then, you should take your own advice.
Jude: Huh?
Milla: Just be yourself, and do what you have to do. Maybe then you'll have your answer.
Jude: I suppose.
Alvin: Don't go thinking you have to act like the great Lord Maxwell here. You're only human.
Jude: Hey, are you on a mission, too?
Alvin: Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. [puts his arm around Jude's shoulders] Are you sure you really want to know?
Jude: Huh?
Alvin: I don't wanna make you feel like the odd one out now.
Jude: [looks up, frustrated] ......
Alvin: So, what're you gonna do, kid? Go back to the village?
[Jude looks at Milla, who's looking around up ahead.]
Jude: No.
Alvin: All right, then let's go.

[Farther along the falls:]
Jude: Now that we're almost to Nia Khera, I'm getting curious... Is it a nice place?
Milla: Hmm, yes. I'm very fond of it. It has a certain kind of serenity. When I meditate there, it feels like my power is concentrated.
Jude: Wow.
[He smiles. Behind him, Alvin looks around and stretches.]
Alvin: Let's take five. All those rocks were murder on my feet.
Milla: We can rest once we reach the village.
[Alvin slaps both hands on Jude's shoulders and shakes him lightly, then puts his arm around his shoulders.]
Alvin: Oh, come on, relax. Nia Khera isn't going anywhere. [winks at Jude] Right? Rest a while.
Jude: Oh, sure. Hey, I won't argue with that.

Jude: Who are you?
[Alvin looks at her more closely.]
Woman: You like her? Is she the one who caught your eye?
Alvin: All right, let her go. I could care less what you're here for, but she's my employer right now.
Woman: Then stay back. Unless you want me to kill your golden goose.

Woman: Oh, you're just going to watch her die then? With friends like that...
[Alvin fires three times at the rock. The bullets bounce off. After a moment the rock shifts, and after several more seconds legs and tentacles appear from underneath it and it crashes to the ground. The woman releases Milla. The monster jumps at the woman, knocking her into the water. Milla runs up, sword drawn.]
Milla: What's the expression? "Out of the frying pan"?
Alvin: And into the firefight. Come on, let's clean up this mess.
Jude: It's charging!

[Battle with linked arte chain tutorial. Victory:]
Alvin: And that's how we do it!
Jude: I didn't think that was possible.
Milla: We should practice chaining our attacks for the future.

Alvin: So you spotted that monster camouflaged as a boulder? Good eyes, kid.
Milla: Did you ever consider what would've happened if the creature charged at you instead of that woman?
Jude: It wouldn't have mattered either way. Alvin still would've gotten into that woman's blind spot.
Alvin: You thought of all the angles that quickly? What are you, a tactical genius?
Milla: Genius is a good word. Not many people can think that fast.
Jude: Hey, it was nothing.
Milla: Thank you, Jude. You too, Alvin.
[She smiles at them and tilts her head at Jude. He blushes and looks away.]
Jude: Hey, where'd that woman go?
Alvin: Hold your horses, Mr. Honors Student. We're not gonna get anywhere if we spend all day worrying about the bad guys. Come on, let's get moving.

-- NIA KHERA --

[The party stops inside the village gates.]
Milla: We've arrived.
Jude: So this is Nia Khera.
Alvin: Huh. I thought it would be fancier.
[Milla walks off to where an old man sits nearby. Jude and Alvin follow.]
Milla: Excuse me. Where's Ivar?
Old Man: [standing up] Hmm? He went off to find Lord Maxwell and... [turns] L-Lord Maxwell?!
Milla: Yes. I have returned.
[The man kneels and bows. Other nearby villagers start to gather.]
Old Man: I-I can't believe you deign to speak to me? I am unworthy!
Alvin: I guess she's the real deal.
[The other villagers kneel. Milla smiles.]
Jude: She's something, all right.
Alvin: Not everyone gets to road-trip with a major deity. I had my doubts.
Milla: Please relax. No need for formalities.
[No one moves. Milla briefly narrows her eyes.]
Milla: You say Ivar isn't here?
Old Man: Yes, but he should have returned by now. We're worried about him.
Milla: I see. He always did have a short temper. Please, return to your work.
[Milla turns to Jude and starts walking up a path. Jude and Alvin follow behind her.]
Milla: I need to perform the ritual to resummon the Four at my shrine. But it would seem my handmaid is away. Would you mind lending a hand?
Jude: What? You mean we can help you?
Alvin: I'm not exactly a religious scholar.
Milla: It's nothing difficult. The village has four altars, each with a temporal stone.
Jude: So you want us to bring those to the shrine you mentioned?
Milla: Precisely.
Alvin: Why not just ask the villagers for help?
Milla: You saw what just happened? Except for my handmaid, I don't really fraternize with the villagers. They can barely look at me, let alone hold a conversation.
Alvin: Ah, the trials of godhood. Well, I guess a little physical labor won't kill us. Right, kid?
Jude: We can handle it.
[They stop at the other end of the village.]
Milla: Don't worry, Jude. I'll explain your predicament to the villagers after the ceremony. Please be patient for just a little longer.
Jude: [looks down] Ah, sure. Okay, let's get hunting for those temporal stones. You said they were in the village?
Milla: Yes. Gather the stones and bring them to the shrine. It lies beyond the village.

-- MILLA'S SHRINE --

Milla: In here.
Jude: Is this your house?
Milla: My house? I've never really thought about it like that, but I suppose so.
Alvin: Boy, you're really in the sticks. What do you do for fun out here?
Milla: My mission is not to entertain myself. I do spend time reading books written by humans, if you must know.
Alvin: [uninterested] Sounds fun.
Milla: Let's perform the ceremony.
[They follow her up the steps. Inside, Jude sets one of the stones down on the floor.]
Jude: So is this okay?
Milla: Perfect. Thank you.
[Milla sits in the middle of the circle on the floor, the four stones laid out around her. Jude and Alvin step back. Milla closes her eyes, opens them, and makes the summoning motions. When the glyph in front of her lights up, a multicolored circle appears above her and shines down on the stones. They crumble into bits and Milla leans over as if pained.]
Jude: Milla!
Milla: [with a hand to her head] ...
Voice Offscreen: Lady Milla!
[A young man shoves Jude and Alvin aside as he runs up to kneel in front of Milla.]
Milla: Oh, is that you, Ivar?
Ivar: Lady Milla! I was worried sick! [slowly looks around] This looks like the rite of the Four's Advent... Why would you perform such a ritual? [pause] Wait, what's going on here? [stands] Efreet, where are you?! Undine, come out! Lady Milla, what has happened?
[Milla remains sitting. Skipping ahead, Ivar kneels in front of her while Alvin crouches and Jude sits to the side.]
Ivar: I cannot believe it.
Alvin: [looking bored] So, why do you think you can't summon the spirits? Are they dead or something?
Ivar: Idiot! A Great Spirit cannot die!
Alvin: [to Jude] Was I supposed to know that?
Ivar: Just like a lesser spirit, a Great Spirit becomes a fossil when it passes away. Yet its power transfers into the next Great Spirit!
Jude: [to Alvin] At least, that's what they say. Nobody's ever seen it happen.
Alvin: Ah, so I've heard.
Ivar: That's blasphemy! Spirits are undying beings that dwell in the spirit world! It's beyond your understanding!
Jude: Hm... Well, maybe that device captured the Four Great Spirits instead of killing them.
Ivar: Impossible! Mere humans could never capture the Great Four!
Jude: But, the Four Great Spirits aren't answering their lord's summons. If you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
Alvin: If you leave an egg in a box, and somehow that egg should get crushed, the cause must lie within the egg itself. Good ol' Howe's Egg Principle. You really are an honors student.
[Ivar clenches his fist, staring at them.]
Milla: A spyrix advanced enough to capture even the Four. When that happened... [flashback image to the Lance] I then lost my power as Maxwell.
Jude: Milla.
[Milla looks up, the flashback picture disappearing, and then stands and turns around. Ivar runs up behind her.]
Ivar: Now, you will all leave! This is holy ground and you'll desecrate it no more! I'm the only one ordained to serve Lady Milla! [strikes a pose]
Milla: Ivar, please leave, as well. You can go home.
Ivar: Huh?!
Milla: Let me see. How should I put this? [turns] You're annoying.
Ivar: [astounded] Huh?!
[He sinks to the floor, then dejectedly follows Jude and Alvin out.]

Jude: Oh, what's wrong? I thought you were going to rest.
Milla: I would say the same to you. You didn't go back to the village?
Jude: No.
Milla: Well then, let's go set you up with the villagers.
[Jude looks aside.]
Milla: What's wrong? Worried you won't fit in?
Jude: No, that's not it. [looks up] So, what are you going to do now? Will you return to Fennmont to destroy the Lance of Kresnik?
Milla: Yes. When you consider that the Lance drained mana from the Four, along with the other people there... We can assume the mana serves as some kind of fuel. The Lance must gather mana before it can be used as a weapon. I doubt it will be ready immediately. I suspect their mana-gathering activities will continue.
Jude: [holding his hands behind his back] Are you planning to go alone?
[She looks at him. He looks up.]
Milla: Stop beating around the bush. If you want to tell me something, just say it.
Jude: [looks down again] I want to know, how come you're so brave?
Milla: [pauses, then smiles] You've taken an interest in me, haven't you?
Jude: ......
[He reels back, mouth open, and blushes.]
Milla: Bravery. That's not really it. I have a task to perform. And I do whatever it takes to complete the task. It's that simple.
Jude: But you're only human now. Isn't this mission too big for just one person? I mean, you could die!
Milla: That changes nothing. The task must be completed.
Jude: You really are brave.
Milla: Any other questions? Then let's go back.
[She starts to leave.]
Jude: Hey!
Milla: Yes? [stops and turns]
Jude: Can I come, too? With you?
[They look at each other for a few moments.]
Milla: Your whole life was turned upside down because you got involved with me. You don't regret it?
Jude: Well, sure... A little bit. But it's too late to cry about it now. It's not like I can turn back time. Now that I'm neck-deep in this, I want to help you, if I can.
[Milla stares at him, then smiles.]
Milla: You really are a do-gooder, aren't you?
Jude: Y-You think so?
Milla: I didn't stay behind in the shrine to rest; I was hoping to sneak off without dragging you into things again.
Jude: Really?
Milla: Yes. Consideration for others was something I learned on our little journey together. It's not as easy as I thought. Anyway, let's head to the village. Now that you found me, I suppose I'm in no rush to leave anymore.
Jude: Okay.

-- NIA KHERA --

[When Jude and Milla walk back into the village, Alvin is sitting near the gate post.]
Alvin: Took you long enough. I didn't expect to see Milla with you. [stands and walks over to them] So you've made up your mind.
Jude: Yeah. I'm going with Milla.
Alvin: Whoa. You're quite the flip-flopper. I thought you regretted getting involved.
Jude: True, but, I've made my decision to help her, and I'm sticking to it.
Alvin: [turns around] Is that right?
Milla: Alvin, thanks for all your help. Oh, I almost forgot. We still need to pay you.
Alvin: Ah yes. My fee. I ran into some hayseed. He said he'd pay it.
Jude: One of the villagers?
Alvin: Yep. He was all, "Thank you for looking after Lord Maxwell!" And, "You saved our Spirit!"
Milla: Hmm. That sounds like the elder. He shouldn't have offered. Alvin, I'll pay you myself.
Alvin: You need to learn how to read your people, Milla. That old man was tickled pink to pay your debt. You'd crush him if you refused.
Milla: You think so?
Alvin: I know so. Anyway, he told me to wait here for him. That was ages ago, though. Not sure what's holding him up.
Jude: He's still in the village, right?
Milla: Most likely. We should find him.
Alvin: Don't forget to take care of anything you want while I'm still around. Once I get my reward, I'm outta here.

[In the assembly hall:]
Elder: L-Lord Maxwell! And your companions. Forgive me for making you wait.
Milla: Worry not. I hear you've prepared payment for Alvin.
Elder: Yes, yes. The villagers all pitched in and collected a small fund ages ago. It's the least we can do to help you, Lord Maxwell. We're farmers, not fighters, after all.
Milla: I see.
Alvin: Told you.
Milla: I appreciate everything you've done for me.
[The elder bows, then gives the money to Alvin.]
Milla: [to Alvin] So my debt is paid. Thank you for everything.
Jude: Yeah, thanks!
Alvin: It was fun. See you around.
[Jude and Milla watch him go.]
Jude: And just like that, he's gone.
Milla: That's a mercenary for you, I suppose.
Jude: Yeah.
[The door opens again. Ivar runs in and bows.]
Ivar: Lady Milla! Will you be departing again?
Milla: Yes. Look after the village.
Ivar: But I would rather accompany you! I wouldn't dare leave your holy care in the hands of this blasphemous, uncouth, shifty, backstabbing stranger!
Milla: Ivar! Tell me again of your duty.
Ivar: My duty? Why, it is to serve you, Lady Milla.
Milla: And what of your other duty?
Ivar: Uhh, to protect the people of Nia Khera. Those who can't protect themselves.
Milla: Exactly. And now you see why Jude shall accompany me on this journey. While you fulfill your second duty.
Ivar: But Lady Milla! You wouldn't have lost the Great Spirits if not for him!
Milla: No, the fault was mine and mine alone. Indeed, if Jude hadn't been there... I might never have returned safely to Nia Khera.
Jude: Thanks, I'm only trying to help.
Ivar: But Lady Milla!
Milla: The matter is not open to debate. Will you abandon your duty to this village?
Ivar: No.
Milla: Then let's be off, Jude. I hope they haven't closed off the seahaven.
Jude: So does that mean we'll be passing through Hamil again on the way?
Milla: Hmm. Yes, that's not a bad idea.
Jude: Really? Is that okay?
Milla: It will give us a chance to check up on Rashugal's activity here in Auj Oule. If we're lucky, we might even find a way to sneak into Fennmont.
Jude: Gotcha, we'll stop by Hamil then.
Elder: [kneels and bows] Safe travels to you, Lord Maxwell.
Milla: Thank you.
[Milla and Jude head for the door.]
Ivar: [waving dramatically] Lady Milla! Please, return to us safely!

[As Jude and Milla leave the village, someone watches from afar.]
Man: So, that woman is supposed to be Maxwell? And you claim she has lost her powers, Presa?
Presa: Yes.
Other Man: If she's already hidden the key somewhere, we could have a problem.
[Two men, the woman from the seafalls, and the big man from Hamil stand on a hill overlooking the village.]
Presa: The fault is mine. I underestimated the. I apologize.
Big Man: If I'd only known that woman was Maxwell, I would have forced her to reveal the key's whereabouts.
Man: No matter. It is in our best interest to let her wander freely for now.
Other Man: Yes. Let her attract the attention of Rashugal while we quietly put all the pieces in place.
Man: Any word from Agria?
Other Man: She says they appear to have decided to construct a new key to replace the one they lost.
Man: We cannot ignore that.
[He glances at the other man, who nods, and turns to the big man.]
Other Man: Jiao, you no longer need to watch over the girl. Join the search for the key.
Jiao: But, sir...
Other Man: If the Rashugal soldiers have withdrawn, you need not monitor her personally.
Presa: It only makes sense for priorities to change. The data is safe, after all.
Jiao: As you say...
Other Man: Presa, rendezvous with Agria and infiltrate Fennmont.
Presa: Oh, so it's truly safe to leave Maxwell alone?
Other Man: Yes. We still have another pawn on the board. I'll have him search for the key, as well.
[All four of them turn and leave.]

-- KIJARA SEAFALLS --

Milla: Hmm.
Jude: What is it?
Milla: I was mulling over our options. What if we can't take a boat straight to Fennmont?
Jude: Well...
Alvin [offscreen]: I vote against taking the land route from Auj Oule. Crossing the mountains would be a real pain.
Jude & Milla: Alvin?!
[He winks and salutes.]
Alvin: We could head toward Sharilton from Sapstrath Seahaven.
Jude: We? What do you mean, "we"?
Alvin: That handmaid of yours offered me a little job. He wasn't so crazy about his exalted Spirit traveling with a pipsqueak for a protector. Plus, the good villagefolk overpaid me. It'd be a stain on my professional pride if I didn't give them their money's worth.
Milla: Hehe, very well. Good to have you back.
Jude: Yeah, thanks for coming along.
Alvin: Thank Ivar and the villagers, not me. So, what's the plan?
Milla: First, we head to Hamil to investigate Rashugal's movements.
Jude: If they're still there, that is.
Alvin: Then you better take this. Keep it handy, just in case.
[He hands the world map to Jude.]
Alvin: Shall we go?

-- GALIA TRAIL --

-- HAMIL --

[On the east side of Hamil:]
Man: Get out of here!
[A group of villagers are gathered around the little girl from last time.]
Woman: This is all your fault, you evil brat!
[She and another villager bend down to pick up stones. The girl huddles on the ground as they throw rocks at her; her doll floats nearby.]
Girl: Eek... Aah...
Doll: Stop it! Sticks and stones can break bones, you know!
[Jude walks forward. Alvin shrugs. The villagers continue to throw the stones, until Jude catches someone's arm mid-swing.]
Man: What's the big idea?
[Jude walks up to the girl and crouches in front of her.]
Jude: You okay?
[He stands and turns around.]
Mayor: Do you have any idea what you people put us through?!
[Some of the villagers sit on the ground nearby, apparently injured. Jude stares.]
Milla: Is this Rashugal's doing?
Alvin: They couldn't find us, so they took it out on the village.
Mayor: Leave here at once! You outsiders are nothing but trouble!
[The villagers disperse.]
Jude: She was like a completely different person.
[The girl runs off toward the western district. They watch until she's out of sight.]
Milla: Let's see if the villagers know anything about Rashugal's activities. Don't forget, we'll be leaving soon.
Jude: Gotcha. Thank you.
[He runs off after the girl. Alvin watches him go, then follows Milla.]

Jude: Hey, there you are.
Alvin: Oh, it's the doll girl.
[They look at her. Elize blushes and looks away.]
Milla: We're finished here. We didn't learn anything useful. It's time to go.
[She turns and starts walking away. Jude follows her a few steps.]
Jude: Wait. We need to talk. It's about the girl.
[Milla sighs and turns around. After Jude explains:]
Alvin: The villagers do seem to treat her like a pariah.
Milla: Until that big fellow Jiao returns, I don't see her situation improving.
Jude: But Elize insists Jiao isn't her friend.
[Elize crouches nearby, bouncing Teepo against the ground.]
Alvin: He locks her up when he's around, and the villagers treat her horribly when he's away. Sounds like she's stuck between a jerk and a hard place.
Jude: [thoughtfully] Unless we bring her with us.
Milla: Bring her with us? And then what? Have you given this any thought? You do remember my mission.
Jude: Yeah. [sighs] ......
Milla: ......
[For a moment no one talks.]
Milla: Very well. She can come.
Jude: Really?
Milla: Jude. Do you remember what I told you at the falls?
Jude: Huh?
Milla: Be yourself, and do what you have to do. That's what I said to you.
Jude: Yeah, I remember.
Milla: Those words still apply. Can I assume your decision to bring the girl is just another step in your path? That it will help you find the answer you seek?
Jude: Y-Yes.
Milla: Then tell Elize she's coming.
Jude: You got it.
[He runs off to talk to her.]
Alvin: That was nice of you.
Milla: She won't affect my mission. If she slows me down or gets herself in trouble, I'll just leave her behind. My intent from the beginning was to do this alone, after all.
[She walks away. Alvin watches her carefully.]

[At the edge of town, Elize stops and turns around. Milla and Alvin keep walking, but Jude stops with her. Almost none of the villagers acknowledge her. She waves. The few people looking at her turn or walk away.]
Jude: ......
[Elize sadly turns back to Jude, and they leave.]

-- ALADHI TRAIL --

-- ALADHI SEAHAVEN --

Jude: Excuse me. When is the next ship leaving for Fennmont?
Clerk: I'm afraid the Rashugal government has blockaded the capital and its surrounding regions. That means all scheduled voyages to Fennmont have been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Milla: Are any ships sailing?
Clerk: Sorry, ma'am. Ah, but the route to Sapstrath Seahaven is still open. Would you like a ticket to Sapstratch Seahaven?
> No
Clerk: It'll be some time before any ships set sail for other seahavens.
> Yes
Clerk: Very well. Please board the ship and await departure.
[As Milla boards, Jude stands by Elize, who looks unsure. Alvin stands some distance away. A white bird flies over and lands on his hand. Alvin takes a message off it, puts something else on, and lets it fly away again. Jude approaches him. Alvin looks at the message.]
Jude: That's not something you see every day. You get your mail by carrier pigeon?
Alvin: Something like that. It's how I keep in touch with someone special from afar. I told her a beautiful woman has appeared in my life.
Jude: Hey, I didn't know you were married.
Alvin: Heh. Do I look like the marrying type to you, Mr. Honors Student?
Jude: Huh? You mean you're not?
Alvin: Who knows?
[The ships blows its horn.]
Jude: Oh, looks like we're about to depart.
Alvin: Yeah.
[On board, Elize looks over the ocean.]
Elize: Wow!
[She blushes as Jude walks up.]
Elize: I've never seen the sea before.
Jude: Impressive, huh?
[He goes to join Alvin and Milla, who are standing nearby.]
Alvin: Just what was that girl doing in the village?
Milla: Wasn't she being held captive?
Jude: Maybe it was the other way around. Maybe she was being protected.
Elize: Eek!
Jude: Elize?!
[He turns, but Elize is just blushing and laughing with Teepo.]
Elize: Haha. Teepo, look!
Teepo: Wah-hey! Check out that water! You'd die if you fell in!
[Jude sighs and looks at Alvin and Milla again.]
Jude: She's not a bad girl.
Alvin: It doesn't seem that way.
Jude: I wonder if we'll find someone who'll take her in.
Milla: That's your responsibility. You'll have to find someone on your own.
Jude: Right.
[Milla walks off.]
Jude: I guess she really is mad.
Alvin: Hmm. Isn't she always like that? To be honest, I thought for sure she was gonna shoot down your idea to bring the girl along.
[They watch Elize walk up to Milla.]
Jude: Why?
Alvin: She's just so single-minded. I bet she'd kick a puppy if it got in the way of her mission.
Jude: Come on, Milla isn't that cold-blooded.
Alvin: I wonder. [swings an arm around Jude] Speaking of her mission, I hear you two had a rough time at that lab in Fennmont.
Jude: Did Milla tell you about it?
Alvin: She must've swiped something big from there, huh, kid? Some juicy national secret that got the army all riled up?
Jude: I don't know. You'd have to ask her.
Alvin: Don't play coy, kid. I'll find out eventually. Why not just tell me now? It'll be our little secret.
Jude: I'm sorry. I really don't know.
[Jude frees himself from Alvin's arm.]
Alvin: Wow, I guess she really doesn't trust us.
Jude: No, that's not true. Wait here. I'll go ask her.
Alvin: No, no. If you really don't know about it, then forget I asked.
[Jude looks down.]
Alvin: I mean that. I'm not trying to give you a hard time.
Jude: But...
Alvin: I doubt she'd take kindly to me poking my nose in her business. So don't tell her I asked, okay?
Jude: All right. Got it.
[The ship's horn blows. Jude and Alvin walk up to Milla and Elize.]
Jude: Hey, we better get our stuff.
Milla: You're right. Looks like we're almost there.
Alvin: I wonder how tight Rashugal's security is right now.
[Alvin looks at Jude. Jude smiles. Milla tilts her head.]
Teepo: Milla! Milla's our pal!
Milla: ......
[She shakes her head and turns around to look over the water.]
Jude: [nervously] Hahaha... Looks like everyone's getting along, at least. [steps up to Elize] Don't worry. Everything will work out.

-- SAPSTRATH SEAHAVEN --

[On shore, everyone looks around.]
Alvin: Looks like security's not so tight after all.
Jude: Soldiers are still patrolling though. We'll have to be careful.
Milla: Strange, what changed? They were deploying soldiers across the border to find us before.
Alvin: Maybe they found something more important to do than chase after us.
Milla: I'm not complaining. Let's avoid the soldiers and head to Fennmont.
[She walks away. Alvin follows. Jude looks at Elize.]
Jude: Hang in there, Elize. It'll just be a little while longer till we reach the city. Then I'm sure we'll find the perfect person to take you in.
Elize: What? But, I--
Teepo: Take us in?! What the hay are you talking about?!
Alvin: That could've gone better. He just told the little lady he's unloading her on a perfect stranger. That's news to her. No wonder she looks surprised.
Milla: And he thinks I'm inconsiderate.
Alvin: He's just a kid.
Milla: Hmm?
Alvin: Nothing. [shrugs and winks]

[Near the exit to town, an old man sits cross-legged on top of a barrel.]
Storyteller: You there! Would you hear my story?
Alvin: Sorry, we're kind of in a hurry. Some other time, all right?
Storyteller: Come now, don't be like that. Linger a moment, and bring an old man some joy.
Jude: What kind of story?
Alvin: You don't want to go there, Jude. Give this guy an inch and he'll take a mile.
Storyteller: Don't worry, young man. I promise this story will be worth your time. Why, it might even save your life!
Milla: Sounds interesting. Tell us your story.
Storyteller: That's more like it. Now, hear my tale of monsters. Many years ago, a young man named Trille lived among a northern tribe. Trille had a talent for controlling monsters. An unusual gift that gave him the ability to draw out a monster's hidden powers. But Trille's genius was not easily sated, and he began to dabble in forbidden artes. By tampering with monsters' mana lobes, he sought to create a monster that would grow stronger with every battle.
Jude: Tampering with mana lobes? But that's not--
Storyteller: Possible? No. But Trille did it all the same. After over twenty years of research, he successfully created six new monsters. These creatures, with their hyper-enlarged mana lobes, could cast new spirit artes out of pure instinct. Each of the six monsters had a weapon growing out of its body, as if each was a living incarnation of the weapon itsef. These weapons were dubbed "Devil's Arms," and the monsters themselves, "Devil's Beasts."
Alvin: In all my years as a mercenary, I've never heard a story like that.
Storyteller: Heh heh heh... Of course you haven't, young man. Twenty years ago, Trille took his six Devil's Beasts and led them into a great war. But a huge tsunami hit the battlefield, and washed everything away, including Trille. And thus the secret knowledge needed to create these monsters was lost.
Alvin: That's it? Thanks for wasting our time, old fella.
Storyteller: Ah, but the story's not over yet. You see, the Devil's Beasts didn't die that day. Trille's death released them, and to this day, they still roam free somewhere in the world.
[Jude, Milla, and Alvin look at each other.]
Jude: And you said these Devil's Beasts get stronger with every fight?
Storyteller: I did. And now that they've been fighting for over twenty years. I can't even imagine how strong they must've become. So listen well: If you see a monster with a weapon growing out of its body, do not attempt to fight it! That, my friends, is the moral of my little story, and the secret to a long life.

-- SAPSTRATH HIGHROAD --

[Not far along the road, a group of Rashugal soldiers has stopped a couple wagons.]
Milla: A military checkpoint.
Alvin: I knew things were too easy.
Jude: What'll we do?
Teepo: Wha-hey! What's over yonder?
[They glance aside. There seems to be a thick forest in the distance.]
Jude: That's the Deepwood.
Alvin: If we can hike our way through there, we'll come out right near Sharilton.
Milla: Then our path is clear. [starts forward]
Jude: It won't be easy going. What about Elize?
Milla: You knew she'd face risks on this journey.
Jude: ......
[They stare each other down.]
Elize: I'm fine. Really. I can go with you.
Teepo: Don't argue, you guys. You're pals, remember?
Jude: Elize...
Milla: The girl has agreed, so this matter is no longer open to debate. [walks away]
Jude: ......

-- SAPSTRATH DEEPWOOD --

Milla: Quite a dense forest.
Jude: Let's try to stick together, okay?
[They reach a clearing and look around. Jude looks up and takes a defensive stance when he sees a wolf monster eyeing them.]
Elize: ...Eek.
[The monster pants, stares at Elize, and runs away.]
Alvin: What was that?
Jude: Was it warning us, maybe?
[Milla continues walking. Elize follows.]
Alvin: Well, Milla certainly seems unfazed.
[A few steps ahead, Milla and Elize peer through a tunnel of roots.]
Teepo: I see a way through! Hurry up, you two!
Alvin: Great. Even the spud is getting gutsy. Let's go.

[Not much farther in, the party comes face-to-face with a cliff. Before they can climb up, a monster attacks. It knocks Jude and Alvin back.]
Jude: Urgh!
Alvin: That thing's got reach. It can hit all of us with ease.
Milla: This could pose a problem.
[Elize comes up behind them. They turn to look at her. Jude holds out a hand.]
Jude: Elize, keep your distance.
Milla: We can't look after you and fight at the same time. Stay back!
[Alvin turns back around.]
Alvin: Jude!
[While he's still watching Elize, the monster smacks him, knocking him to the ground.]
Jude: Urgh...
Milla: Damn it.
[She crouches next to Jude. Elize runs up and kneels down.]
Elize: I... I can help!
[A glowing glyph appears under them. Jude sits up.]
Jude: You... You healed us?!
Teepo: Heh! Glad you brought us along now, huh?!
[Jude smiles and stands up. As the battle actually begins:]
Jude: Our wounds are healed!
Milla: Did Elize do this?
Alvin: Stay back, it's dangerous!
Elize: No, wait, hold on! I can help!
[Victory:]
Teepo: A grand victory!
Jude: That was amazing, Elize!
Elize: That was exhausting...

Alvin: Imagine, a little girl wielding artes like that.
Milla: Elize, you saved us.
[Elize continues to lean over with her face in her hands, seemingly sobbing. Jude steps closer.]
Elize: ...
Jude: It's okay, Elize. There's nothing to be scared of anymore.
Elize: That's not it...
Teepo: You two need to make up! Pals need to stick together!
Elize: [looks up] I promise I won't get in your way again. Honest!
Alvin: You heard the little lady. Now make nice with Jude here, for Elize's sake.
Milla: Make nice? It's not like I'm angry or anything.
Teepo: That's not how it looks to me. You were getting along better before!
Elize: I'll do my best, okay?
[Everyone looks at Milla. She closes her eyes.]
Milla: Why do I suddenly feel like the villain here? Heh. Fine. All is forgiven.
[Alvin puts one arm around Milla's shoulders and the other around Jude's.]
Alvin: And hey, don't you have something to say to Elize?
Jude: Sorry for making you worry. And thank you.
Teepo: This is some serious friendship stuff right here! Level 99 on the friendship meter!
[Alvin lets them go. Milla takes a few steps away.]
Jude: Elize's artes could really help us in a pinch, don't you think so?
Milla: Agreed. Thank you Elize. I'm counting on you.
[Elize blushes and smiles.]
Teepo: Sally forth, pals!
[Milla walks away. Jude and Elize follow.]
Alvin: Heh. What luck. Never expected a channeler like her to be along for the ride.

[Farther on, the party jumps from a ledge and lands on some mushroomy plants. A purple cloud rises into the air. Jude comes out of it coughing.]
Jude: Everyone okay?
[Elize stumbles out with her hands over her face.]
Elize: Where... Where is everybody?
Milla: This smoke... [cough] What is it?
[There are tears in Elize's eyes. Alvin coughs as the smoke clears.]
Alvin: Urgh, my eyes. This ain't smoke. Some kind of spore, more likely.
Jude: I bet these are smokeshroom spores. Once the spores get in your eyes or nose... [cough] You can't stop crying.
Teepo: It doesn't bother me. What a bunch of crybabies!
[Milla tilts her head. Jude and Alvin shrug.]

[They see the wolf monster again deeper in. Several more like it surround the party.]
Jude: We meet again.
Milla: They don't look ready to turn tail and run this time.
Teepo: Get along, little doggies!
[Something rustles, and the big man from Hamil comes out of the forest.]
Alvin: I sure wasn't expecting him.
Elize: What are you doing here?
Jiao: Good dogs. Thank you for telling me of these intruders.
Milla: I thought Ivar was the only one who could talk with animals.
Jude: You're Jiao, right?
Jiao: Hmm? I don't remember introducing myself.
Alvin: We heard your name from the people of Hamil. What do you want?
Jiao: Is that not obvious? Come, child. We're returning to the village. You had me worried sick. I never thought you would leave the village while I was away.
[Elize hides behind Jude.]
Teepo: No! No! No! Don't let him take us, Jude!
Jiao: Urgh...
Jude: Do you have any idea how the villagers treated Elize when you left her alone?
Jiao: I am truly sorry about that.
Milla: What exactly is Elize to you?
Jiao: Let's just say, I know where she used to live. Where she grew up.
Jude: So will you take her back to her home?
[Jiao looks down.]
Jude: Or, are you planning to lock her up in Hamil again?
Jiao: That is my business, and mine alone! You will hand the girl over.
[Jude holds up an arm in front of her.]
Jiao: Then you leave me no choice.
[He hoists up his hammer. The party draws their weapons.]
Alvin: The bigger they are, right?

[Battle:]
Jiao: You need to come with me.
Teepo: No!
Elize: I don't want to!
Jiao: Please, listen to me.
Milla: Well you're one to talk.
[Victory:]
Alvin: Girls don't like pesky guys. Ain't that right?
Elize: Um...
Teepo: Well, you're not much better!
Alvin: Ouch. Keep that up, I'll sew your mouth up.

Alvin: Lemme guess. You work out?
Jiao: Why must you remain with these people? They will bring you nothing but trouble. I'm sure of it.
Elize: I want to stay with them because they made me their friend!
Teepo: And friends don't leave friends alone!
Jiao: Elize.
[Jude scans the area around Jiao. A large tree trunk leans above him, and there are smokeshrooms on the ground near his feet.]
Jude: Milla! Alvin!
Jiao: If it were up to me... I would not bring her back. I'm not doing this by choice.
[Alvin raises his gun. Jiao shakes his head.]
Jiao: Just put that away.
[Alvin aims off to the side and shoots several times at the tree. The last shot blasts it open, and the wood cracks and falls onto the smokeshrooms.]
Jiao: What?!
Jude: Cover your mouths up!
[Everything is engulfed in smoke. Milla jumps through and starts running. The others follow, Jude holding on to Elize. Jiao stands watching when the haze clears.]
Jiao: You don't want to be alone, huh? Then perhaps all of those people are actually good for you after all.

-- SAPSTRATH HIGHROAD --

-- SHARILTON --

Jude: Sharilton. Well, we've finally made it.
Alvin: We sure took the scenic route.
Teepo: And that big bearded meanie didn't follow us, did he?
Milla: Don't worry. He'd never follow us into a place like this.
[Alvin watches two Rashugal soldiers talking to each other.]
Alvin: Hey, check out this shop. It looks pretty interesting.
Merchant: Welcome! Please, browse all you want.
Milla: Looks like antiques. They're very nice.
[She leans over to look. Alvin, crouched in front of the counter, speaks without looking up.]
Alvin: Why do all the folks around here seem so tense?
Merchant: Word is foreign spies broke into a military laboratory in the capital. The king sent his personal guards here. They're interrogating anyone who even looks at them funny. Not very good for business, that's for sure.
[He looks up at Jude and Milla and his expression changes.]
Jude: Uh, right, umm...
[Another woman crouched by the counter picks up a teacup. Elize looks over her shoulder.]
Elize: Wow, that cup is so pretty.
Teepo: Yeah, it's pretty all right. Pretty expensive! That's for sure.
Merchant: You have a good eye, young lady. That's a genuine Efreet-fired cup.
Woman: Is that right? So this was hand made by Efreet?
[Milla takes the cup out of her hand, tosses it in the air, and catches it on one finger, twirling it around.]
Milla: Huh. Well, I highly doubt that. It looks like these patterns are far too wild. Efreet values order over all else.
Man [offscreen]: Hoho! Well, you talk as though you've had the honor of breaking bread with one of the Four Great Spirits.
[An elderly man smiles at her from the woman's other side.]
Man: Your observation is accurate. True Efreet-fired ceramics are known for their geometric precision.
[He picks up the saucer the cup was on and looks at the back.]
Man: That's odd. The stamp here says that this set was made over 18 years ago, I see.
Merchant: Yes, what about it?
Man: That's quite peculiar. If I'm not mistaken, mankind lost the ability to summon Efreet around 20 years ago.
Merchant: [shocked] Err...
[The woman stands and takes the cup back from Milla.]
Woman: Efreet didn't make it? What a shame, that's so disappointing. But even still, I think it's a lovely cup, so I'll take it.
Merchant: O-Of course. I'll even be happy to offer you a nice discount.
[Fade out and in to where the woman stands with the party a little farther into the city.]
Woman: Hehe. I got quite a good deal, thanks to your help. I'm Driselle Sharil. Pleased to meet you.
Man: And I am the young madam's butler, Rowen. I'm happy to be at your service.
Driselle: Thanks again. You simply must join me for tea at my manor.
Alvin: Well, who are we to turn down a free lunch? Shall we swing by later?
Driselle: I live just south of the central plaza. I look forward to seeing you.
[The two of them leave.]
Milla: Do we really have time for that?
Alvin: Well, I can think of several reasons we might want to take advantage of her hospitality. [winks]
Jude: He's right actually. Staying at an inn could be risky with all these guards everywhere.
Milla: Hm, very well then. We'll take time for some tea after we traverse the town.
[Jude and Alvin laugh.]

[Driselle and Rowen wait at the edge of a circular courtyard outside her manor. She waves.]
Driselle: We've been waiting for you.
Jude: Wow. You live here?
[As they admire how huge the building is, the front door opens and a pair of armed guards walk out.]
Milla: Rashugal soldiers!
[She reaches for her weapon.]
Alvin: Wait.
[Milla stops. A large man with a scar on his forehead and another man with his hair almost covering his eyes come out of the building and get into a coach. It drives off.]
Milla: Who was that?
Rowen: Have our guests departed?
[Driselle looks at the party, tilts her head, and starts toward the manor with Rowen. The party follows. A young man comes over to greet them.]
Man: Welcome back. Brought your friends, I see.
[Driselle runs up to him.]
Driselle: Cline! Let me introduce you. Oh. Um, I never got their names.
Cline: I hear you came to my sister's aid. I'm Cline Sharil. I'm Driselle's older brother, as you've no doubt guessed.
Rowen: Lord Cline is the governor here in Sharilton.
Jude: Really?
Cline: How rude of us to keep you waiting outside. Please, let's continue our conversation in comfort.
[Inside, Alvin leans against a wall, and everyone else sits on couches and chairs around a coffee table.]
Cline: I see. So you protected my sister from wasting her money on worthless trinkets again.
Driselle: It's not worthless! Besides, I got a good deal and made some new friends in the bargain.
[She smiles at Elize.]
Teepo: Wha-hey!
Cline: Hahaha...
[Rowen comes in, bows, and whispers something to Cline.]
Cline: Rowen, please look after our guests.
Rowen: It would be my pleasure, sir.
Cline: I have some matters to attend to. If you will excuse me.
[He nods to Driselle and then leaves. Alvin follows him.]
Alvin: I've gotta run, too.
Jude: Huh?
Alvin: Nature calls. I better leave now before things get messy.
[He winks. Milla looks at Jude. Jude looks away. Alvin leaves.]
Driselle: So you're on some great journey, right? You simply must tell me all about your travels!
[She stands and looks at Elize.]
Elize: Well... Um...
Driselle: [sitting closer] I've never even been out of this town. I want to hear all about the faraway places you've been.
Elize: I've never been outside either... But then...
Teepo: Elly became pals with Jude and everyone! We crossed mighty oceans and explored forbidden forests! We saw giant waves and toadstools that made everyone cry!
Driselle: You actually sailed across the sea, Elly? I've never even seen the sea before! What was it like?
Milla: It's vast and wild, teeming with dangerous creatures. There are giant octopuses pretending to be rocks.
Driselle: Rock octopuses?! You don't say!
Elize: And fish and eels and clams.
Driselle: Oh, I've seen clams! The shells, anyway. They sell shell jewelry in the shops in the plaza! It's all so gorgeous!
Elize: [blushing] That sounds really nice.
Driselle: I'll give you one of my favorite pieces as a present next time. As a token of our friendship.
[Elize's eyes widen. She smiles and nods.]
Teepo: Icky clams turned into pretty jewelry? This I gotta see!
Milla: So giving presents is a way to establish friendship?
Driselle: Uh, why, yes. To the giver, a present is a symbol of trust. To the receiver, a present serves as a warm reminder of our friendship.
Teepo: And getting stuff for free doesn't stink, either!
Milla: I see.
Rowen: Hoho! It would appear my young mistress has made some very good friends. Make yourselves at home. Help yourself to tea and treats.

[Rowen stands off to the side.]
Rowen: I have been in the service of Lord Cline for about two years now. He is a fine ruler despite his youth. He believes in freedom and equality for his people. If he has any real flaw, it's that he spoils Lady Driselle too much.

Milla: The military is holding people captive and draining their mana to develop a new weapon.
Cline: [stands] Human experimentation? He would go that far?!
[Milla just looks at him. He sits back down.]
Cline: I'd like to believe you're lying, but all the pieces fit.
Milla: So Nachtigal is the man behind the experiments? The King of Rashugal?
Cline: He would have to be.
Milla: ......
Cline: It's hardly hospitable to keep Driselle's friends captive in our home. But you must leave this city at once.
[Milla stands and looks at Jude. He stands too.]
Jude: Thank you, Lord Cline.
[Cline stands and walks away.]

[In the central plaza, the party finds Alvin receiving another bird. He swaps out the messages and lets it go, then turns and salutes.]
Alvin: Hey.
Jude: Don't "hey" us!
Teepo: Alvin! You tattletale! You jerk! You, you... tattlejerk!
[He floats forward, only to run into Milla's outstretched hand and fall to the ground.]
Milla: How much did Cline pay you to sell us out?
Alvin: Sell you out? Such an ugly phrase. Money isn't the only currency, you know. It's no secret that Lord Cline is unhappy with the current government. If we want info, we have to give some in return. It's called a trade. I told him what I know, and he gave you some juicy info in return, right?
[Milla looks aside.]
Milla: King Nachtigal of Rashugal is the man responsible for everything. So long as he remains alive, he could construct a second or third Lance of Kresnik.
Jude: You're going to assassinate the king?
Milla: What choice do I have? I can't allow him to continue, even if his death throws your country into chaos.
Jude: I suppose it's the lesser of two evils. We can't let him keep sacrificing innocent people for their mana.
[A Rashugal soldier passing by sees them and runs up. More soldiers join him.]
Soldier: Hey! You're the people from the wanted poster!
Alvin: Whoops. I suppose strolling about wasn't the smartest idea.
[Milla reaches for her sword. Rowen walks up.]
Rowen: Hmm, wind from the southwest, two meters per second. A nice breeze.
Jude: What are you doing here?
Rowen: Please, allow me to handle this.
Soldier: Hey, gramps! Step out of the way before you break a hip.
[Rowen throws a couple knives into the air, then holds up his hands in sarcastic fear.]
Rowen: Oh, dear me. What a fearsome trio. A bit on the sloppy side, though. You two in the rear: Isn't your formation a little wide? If you stand so far apart, how will you help your comrades in a moment of crisis?
[The soldiers look at each other and step closer.]
Soldier: Shut up! Like we need your tactical advice!
Rowen: And you, good sir. Aren't you standing a little too far forward? From there, you might be able to catch me, but the good people behind me, on the other hand...
Soldier: Hmph. [steps back]
Rowen: There's a good soldier.
[The three knives fall and stick into the ground, lighting up a triangle around the soldiers.]
Soldier: Urgh! What the...
Rowen: [bows] Now, if you'll excuse me. [to the party] Everyone, please follow me.
[They stop to talk in the circular plaza outside the mana.]
Teepo: Rowen! That was awesome! You sure showed those meanies!
Rowen: Dear me. You misuse the word "awesome". It was merely a delay tactic.
Jude: Whatever it was, you saved us, uh, Mr. Rowen.
Rowen: Just rowen is fine.
Milla: What do you need from us?
Rowen: My, you get right to the point.
[Jude and Alvin look at each other.]
Rowen: Indeed, I have a favor to ask of you.
Alvin: Of us notorious criminals? This can't be good.
Rowen: The King of Rashugal came to the manor earlier and ordered our citizens be drafted into service.
Milla: What? Nachtigal was here?
Rowen: Yes. The man you saw leaving by carriage earlier was King Nachtigal himself.
Elize: So he's the King of Rashugal.
Alvin: Why's he forcing people into his service?
Jude: Maybe he needs more experimental subjects?
Rowen: My master couldn't abide seeing his people in danger. He set off to rescue them. But Nachtigal is not one who takes disobedience lightly.
Elize: Is Driselle's brother in danger?
Rowen: Undoubtedly, and I wish to rescue him. Will you assist me?
Teepo: Any brother of a pal is a brother of mine! Right, Elly?
[Elize nods.]
Jude: We can't turn a blind eye at this point. We should help!
Alvin: Here we go again. For an honors student, you sure are lousy at learning lessons.
Milla: [thinks for a second] It's settled. We cannot allow Nachtigal to proceed with any plan that involves using that weapon.
Alvin: There's your answer.
Rowen: You have my thanks. [bows] The people were taken to Bermia Gorge. We must make haste!

-- CULMAR TRAIL --
[Rowen stops the party just outside town. There are monsters up ahead on the trail.]
Rowen: We've no time for this. Clear the way!
[Battle with member switching tutorial:]
Rowen: It's a fundamental tactic to switch in members who work best in a given situation. Use this opportunity to practice teamwork.

-- BERMIA GORGE --

[Inside the gorge is a tall mountain-like set of cliffs with an open mouth leading inside.]
Jude: I've never seen anything like this.
Rowen: This is one of the few liminal regions in Rashugal.
Teepo: You don't expect us to climb this, do you? I don't even have hands!
[A crossbow takes aim at the party. Jude looks up and sees it.]
Jude: Look out!
[He jumps in front of Elize and tackles her to the ground just in time.]
Elize: Eek?!
[Everyone looks up. The Rashugal soldier fires again. Rowen dodges off to the side where Jude and Elize crouch behind a rock. Milla and Alvin shelter behind another boulder on the other side.]
Alvin: The military?
Milla: I suppose they don't want people seeing what they're up to here. Can you handle it?
[Alvin stands, and two arrows immediately lodge into the rock beside him. He crouches back down.]
Alvin: I can't. I'm pinned down.
[More arrows hit Jude's rock.]
Teepo: Aaah! Superpals, do something!
Milla: We need a distraction.
Jude: I'll draw the shooter's attention. You take care of the rest.
Milla: You're going to be the bait? That's quite dangerous.
Jude: It'll be fine. Trust me.
Milla: Very well. We'll leave this to you.
Jude: Thanks.

[Inside the cave, a purple shield blocks the path. Behind it is a large, circular room where machines are firing purple energy at somee cocoon-like structure on the ceiling.]
Jude: What?
[Attached to the machines are chambers with people inside, including Cline.]
Cline: Urgh...
Rowen: Lord Cline! So they were performing experiments on humans.
[Milla walks up to the shield and reaches out.]
Alvin: Stop! It'll tear your hand right off.
Jude: This device is just like the one that killed Professor Haus in the laboratory!
Milla: Are they trying to build a spyrix weapon here, too? They shouldn't be so easy to make.
[Milla looks at the shield, then pulls the Lance's key out of her clothes and looks at it too.]
Jude: Milla?
Milla: So this is why they gave up the search for us. A bit of knowledge is a big danger to these people.
Rowen: The channeling circle being generated here isn't a closed type. I would assume the surplus spirit energy is flowing out from the top. If we enter the cavern from the top of the gorge and destroy the core producing the spirit artes...
Jude: Then we can save everyone.
[Rowen nods.]
Milla: Let's go.

[Energy streams out of the top of the gorge.]
Jude: Ugh... The core is active now, but what can we do up here?
Alvin: Grow wings?
Rowen: Good thinking. I shall cast a channeling circle on the erupting spirit energy. We may be able to ride it down safely, but only if we can maintain control.
Milla: So, are we going to dive in?
Alvin: I should've kept my mouth shut. We're only gonna get one chance to hit the core.
Jude: ...... ...What are we waiting for? We have to save those citizens.
Milla: Right. There's no other way.
Rowen: Hoho. Your mettle is inspiring.
Alvin: Oh, thanks.
Rowen: [to Elize] Young lady, will you wait here, please?
[Elize shakes her head and takes Rowen's hand.]
Rowen: All right then, hold on tight, okay? This might be a turbulent flight.
[He throws his knives into the air and they form a green, translucent triangle. All of them ride the triangle down, dodging around objects sticking out from the walls.]
Jude: There! Alvin, the core!
[Alvin holds up his gun, but everything is shaking.]
Alvin: This ride is too rough.
[Jude puts his shoulder under Alvin's arm to steady it.]
Jude: Need a hand?
Alvin: Much obliged.
[He fires once, and the crystal-like core shatters. The cocoon object explodes and the machines seem to shut down. People spill out of the containers as the doors slide open. The party lands safely, looking around.]
Rowen: There's Master Cline!
[Cline staggers out and falls to his knees. Rowen holds him.]
Cline: ...Urgh...
Elize: Are you all right?
Cline: Forgive me. I dashed off again without heeding your warnings and I shouldn't have.
Rowen: I am just glad that you're safe.
Milla: Do you know if Nachtigal is still here?
Cline: I came here to demand answers about all of this, but his personal guard took me captive.
Milla: I see.
Teepo: Oh, I just hate, hate, hate this place! Let's skedaddle!
Alvin: The spud's right. I'm getting bad vibes here.
[The cocoon emits a pulse of light.]
Milla: Watch out! Get back!
[There's another pulse, and then a giant insect-like creature emerges and roars.]
Jude: Oh, no! What's that?!
Milla: We're about to find out!

[Battle:]
Rowen: I sense a strong amount of spiritual energy emanating from it.
Milla: Was their main objective creating this thing?
Jude: Something's not right. I think I know...
Alvin: You can analyze it after the battle!
[Victory:]
Milla: That was quite the nuisance.
Teepo: But it sure was pretty...
Rowen: I don't believe it evolved naturally.
Jude: Then that would mean...

[The monster collapses. Milla rushes forward.]
Milla: Aaaaaah!
Jude: Hold up!
[He holds out one arm and throws himself in front of her.]
Milla: What do you think you're doing?!
Jude: Wait, can't you feel it?
[He looks at the monster. It starts shining.]
Milla: What?!
Jude: They're lesser spirits!
[The monster's body glows and starts to raise up.]
Rowen: Oh, how wonderful!
Teepo: Wowie kazowie!
[The monster's whole body dissipates into tiny glowing particles. Cline staggers over to where everyone watches in awe.]
Milla: Thank you, Jude.
Jude: Huh?
Milla: I forgot myself and nearly destroyed those lesser spirits.
[She smiles. He blushes and looks away.]
Jude: Oh... Um...
Rowen: [holding Cline up] Then, shall we return to Sharilton? These people had intolerable amounts of mana extracted from them.

-- SHARILTON --

[Driselle waits outside the manor, looking worried, and runs forward when everyone returns.]
Driselle: Cline!
Cline: Don't worry about me. Someone get these people to a hospital.
Woman: Urgh...
Guard: Yes sir!
[The party waits inside. Everyone looks up when Cline, Driselle, and Rowen come in.]
Cline: The doctors say all of the captured citizens will recover.
Rowen: You have my deepest gratitute, everyone.
Driselle: Mine, too! I can't thank you enough.
Jude: I'm just glad everyone is okay.
Milla: Well then, we should be going.
Teepo: Already? What's the rush?!
Alvin: We'll have to pass through Fort Gandala from here.
Rowen: Fort Gandala. Then your destination must be Fennmont?
[Everyone gathers around Rowen and the Sharils.]
Milla: Yes. I have unfinished business there.
Cline: How do you plan to pass through the fortress?
Milla: We'll just have to fight our way through.
[Jude and Alvin stare, then look at each other. Alvin shrugs. Cline looks at Rowen, then back to Milla.]
Cline: Not the easiest of plans. I shall send men to infiltrate the base. They will facilitate your passage.
Jude: You sure you should be helping us? We are being chased by the military, after all.
Cline: House Sharil has never been particularly loyal to Nachtigal. In fact, I just issued a formal complaint with the military and ordered their troops to withdraw.
Milla: In other words, you're pretty much on the verge of war.
[Cline nods.]
Alvin: Then we should take him up on his offer. It's certainly more appealing than a suicide charge.
Milla: I see... Very well. We accept your offer.
Cline: Excellent. After what you've done for my people, it is the least I can do. It will take some time to put the pieces in place, however. In the meantime, please make yourselves at home. Rowen, please remain with our guests. Make certain they want for nothing.
Rowen: As you wish, sir.
Jude: Thank you.
Teepo: Wah-hooray! Sleepover party with Driselle!
Driselle: Hehe, you got it!
Cline: You all must be tired. I will have rooms readied. Speak with me when you wish to retire.
Milla: Thank you, and sorry for being a burden.

Cline: You must be exhausted. You should rest.
> No.
Cline: Your chambers are prepared. Feel free to rest anytime.
> Yes.
Cline: Allow me to see you to your chambers.

[Cline waits in the foyer again.]
Cline: I still haven't heard from my people at Fort Gandala. I imagine you're growing impatient. Would you like me to dispatch Rowen to check on the preparations?
> No.
Cline: Don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out.
> Yes.
Cline: Very well. I will send him at once.
[Everyone gathers on the porch. Cline nods to Rowen.]
Rowen: I'm counting on you, Rowen.
Rowen: [bows] I will not let you down.
Driselle: How long until you return?
Rowen: Let's see. It should take me no less than a day to get to and from on horseback.
Driselle: Oh, I suppose that means we'll have to bid farewell to our new friends tomorrow.
[Jude looks at Elize. She looks down.]
Alvin: Looks that way, if everything's on track.
Driselle: That settles it! Today, Elly, Milla, and I are going shopping!
Teepo: Shopping?! For real?! Hooray!
Driselle: Time's a-wasting. Let's go!
[Driselle and Elize each hook an arm under Milla's shoulders and drag her backwards toward the gate.]
Milla: Wait, where are we going?
Driselle: [stops] I promised to take Elly shopping, silly. If you're leaving tomorrow, today's our only chance.
Milla: Ah, very well. You two carry on with your consumerism.
[Driselle and Elize look at each other and smile, then hold their other arms up.]
Driselle: Everyone, to the shops!
Elize & Teepo: To the shops!
[Milla stares, open-mouthed. They start dragging her away again.]
Milla: Wait, put me down! I have no need for trinkets!
Alvin: It's not gonna kill you to tag along.
Jude: Yeah, you might actually enjoy acting like a human girl for once.
Milla: [voice fading away] A human girl? Strictly speaking, the concept of gender does not apply to me. I merely took the form of a woman upon manifesting in this realm--

[Fade in and out to where the boys remain on the porch.]
Cline: I can no longer obey the king. He uses his own people as pawns. It's time to stand against these tyrants. It is the only way to protect this precious peace of ours.
Alvin: Are you going to rebel?
Jude: Is there going to be a war?
Cline: I'm certain Nachtigal has consolidated his power for an invasion on Auj Oule. He has already shown that he's willing to sacrifice his own people to satisfy his ambition. If he isn't stopped, countless lives in Rashugal and Auj Oule will be lost, all for naught. I am the governor. And protecting the people who live here is something that I must do.
Jude: That's not easy.
Cline: You're right, but I'm responsible. Now, will you lend me your aid?
Jude: [looks down] But, well I--
[Alvin turns away, looking pained.]
Cline: Deposing Nachtigal is in everyone's best interest. We must unite for this cause.
[A soldier with a crossbow takes their position on a nearby rooftop. Cline extends a hand to Jude. Jude looks up, looks at Cline's hand, and slowly reaches out to take it. Before he can, an arrow thuds into Cline's chest. Jude stares as Cline falls backwards in slow motion and Rowen runs closer.]
Rowen: Master!
Jude: Cline!
Alvin: Damn it!
[Alvin pulls out his gun, looks around wildly, aims, and fires. The soldier on the rooftop collapses. Behind him, Rowen lifts Cline's shoulders.]
Rowen: Heal him, quickly!
Jude: Uh, right!
[Jude kneels and holds his hands, glowing, over Cline's chest. Alvin stands by them protectively, looking around, gun still in his hand.]

[Nachtigal grabs the tip of Milla's sword.]
Nachtigal: [scoffs] So is this girl really supposed to be the Lord of Spirits? Oh please, don't make me laugh.
[He twists aside, taking the sword from Milla's grip, and knocks her away. She lands in a heap on the ground.]
Milla: Urgh...
[Jude runs in on the platform above and leans over the railing.]
Jude: Are you all right, Milla?!
[Nachtigal and the man with the long bangs look up. Alvin looks down and seems a little surprised.]
Nachtigal: With the Lance of Kresnik, know that I will bring Auj Oule to its knees.
[Jude runs halfway down the curved staircase and then jumps over the rail.]
Jude: That's why you invaded Sharilton? How can you keep committing these atrocities?!
Nachtigal: Silence, boy! These matters are not meant for children such as you.
Jude: How dare you!
[Milla starts to lift herself up, head still bowed.]
Nachtigal: You didn't really think you could stop me, did you?
[He hurls her sword at her. Rowen leaps off the balcony, twirls, and throws a knife.]
Rowen: Ha!
[The knife hits the sword and deflects it so that it embeds itself in the wall next to Milla. Rowen lands gracefully on another wind kite and floats slowly down.]
Nachtigal: Hmm?! Ilbert? Is that you?
Guard: Rowen Ilbert...
Jude: Wait, what? The Ilbert from the history books?! "Ilbert the Conductor"?!
Alvin: I knew he was more than just an old butler.
Nachtigal's Deputy: What business could one who cast aside both his army and his kingdom have here?
[Rowen steps off the kite and approaches Driselle and Elize.]
Rowen: Lady Driselle, I'm so pleased to find you safe. I was beside myself with worry.
Nachtigal: Hmph. You have fallen far, Ilbert, but your new role as a servant suits you.
[Driselle and Rowen continue to talk, inaudible.]
Deputy: Your Highness, this way. You need not trouble yourselves with these criminals any longer.
[They walk away through another passage. The guards step forward. Milla jerks her sword out of the wall and runs after Nachtigal.]
Milla: Get back here!
[Milla gets through the door before the guards can stop her, and it closes behind her.]

Jude: Milla! ...!
[He runs up and crouches down next to where her body lies on the floor, unmoving, hair and legs singed.]
Jude: No way! You can't be... Milla!
[He pulls her shoulders onto his lap. Her boots are blackened and smoking. Alvin runs up.]
Alvin: You two all right? What's wrong?
Jude: She's... Elize! You have to heal her! Quickly!
[The others arrive right behind Alvin. Elize buries her face in her hands. Driselle hides her face behind Rowen's arm.]
Rowen?: Ugh.
Teepo: [crying] She doesn't look so good! She's all busted up!
[The sound of Jude's healing artes activating can be heard. Elize runs to Milla's other side and starts healing her too.]
Jude: C'mon, Milla! Open your eyes! Why...? Why did this have to happen?!
Alvin: [clenches his fist] I wish I could say.
Soldier: There they are! The escapees! Get them!
Alvin: Time to go. Nothing else we can do here. Let's get her back to Sharilton.
Soldier: Stop them! Activate the golems!
[Two huge machines at the end of the hall come to life, and start approaching as Rowen stands at the front of a carriage and takes the reins.]
Rowen: Quickly!
[Alvin jumps on top, and Driselle shuts the door. They drive away, dodging the golems, Alvin's gun ready to fire.]

Jude: Your legs.
Milla: Yes. No tingling, no pain, no anything.
Jude: ......
[He lifts her up and sets her on the edge of the bed.]
Milla: Jude, where's my sword?
Jude: Don't be ridiculous. You have to rest.
Milla: I have rested long enough. I must get to Fennmont.
Jude: You're still going on about your mission?! That's all over now! Don't you get it?
Milla: What gives you the right to make that decision?
Jude: Decision? Don't be stubborn. There is no choice here! You don't have any strength left. You can't even walk, let alone wield a sword! You have to accept reality.
Milla: Jude, do you remember the people of Hamil?
Jude: Huh?
Milla: They were forced into a situation they didn't choose, and they didn't have the strength to fight against it.
Jude: Well, yeah. Maybe things would've turned out differently for them if they were stronger.
Milla: So what is strength, exactly? Is it something you wield to fend off attackers? Is it something you use to control the Four Great Spirits? Is it something that lets you walk on your own two legs? It's none of those things. Not real strength.
[Jude walks a few steps away.]
Jude: You just won't give up, will you?
Milla: I can't give up. My mission won't let me. I must keep moving forward.
[Jude looks at her legs, then her face.]
Jude: Even if your body won't move at all?
Milla: That's who I am.
Jude: ......
[He runs out. That night he lies on the couch downstairs, awake.]

Milla: Oh, good morning. Is something on your mind?
Jude: It's just that... A long time ago, my father healed a patient who had lost the use of his legs.
Milla: Really?!
Jude: Yes, really. [offers a hand] So I was thinking, we could visit my hometown, Leronde.
[Milla looks down for a long moment.]
Milla: What changed? You were so determined to hold me back yesterday.
Jude: I was... I don't know why. I'm not sure what changed.
Milla: Heh, if you say so.
Jude: I just know there's nothing I can do to stop you. Even if you can't walk, you'll just crawl away and get into trouble.
[Milla stares at him, then closes her eyes and smiles.]
Milla: Hehehe. You really are...
Jude: A do-gooder. Yeah, yeah.
Milla: [shakes her head] Thank you. I'm in your hands.
Jude: Right. We can reach Leronde by boat, so let's head to Sapstrath Seahaven.
[In the plaza, Milla sits in the saddle of a horse, Jude standing next to her. Driselle, Elize, and Rowen look on.]
Milla: Driselle, you have my gratitude.
Driselle: And you have my hopes for a full recovery.
Rowen: Please, take the utmost caution on your journey. I'm truly sorry we cannot accompany you.
Milla: [shakes her head] No need to apologize. You have much to keep you occupied here. Driselle's life is about to get very busy. She'll need your guidance.
Rowen: Yes.
Elize: You're really leaving?
Jude: Yeah. Take care, okay? You don't have to worry about being lonely anymore. Driselle and Rowen will keep you company.
Elize: I know, but still...
[Jude looks around, then looks down a little sadly.]
Milla: We should get moving. Everyone, you've been a great help. I am in your debt.
Jude: Time to hit the road. Thanks, all of you.
[He takes the reins and leads the horse away.]
Teepo: Superpals, don't split up! We stay together forever!
Elize: I hope we get to see them soon.
[Alvin watches from behind the edge of a wall nearby.]
Alvin: So, they're really continuing on. [sighs] So be it.

-- SAPSTRATH HIGHROAD --

[Not far down the road, it becomes dark and starts raining. Thunder booms.]
Jude: It's about to pour down on us. Better call it a day.
Milla: Good idea.
[They shelter in an indentation in a cliff face, out of the rain, sitting next to a small fire. Empty bowls lay next to them.]
Milla: How did you become such an amazing cook? I can't even boil water without burning it.
Jude: That's not true. Anybody can become a good cook with practice.
Milla: Everyone has their own mission.
Jude: Hah! So you're saying my mission is to cook for Milla Maxwell?
Milla: Well, in my current state, I can't even do that. [closes her eyes] I can't make dinner. I can't even make a bed anymore.
[They look at her legs. There's a long pause.]
Jude: Don't... Don't worry. I'll do that stuff for you from now on.
[He looks up at her, blushing, then looks away.]
Milla: Heh heh.
[She smiles. He looks at her again, unsure, and away again.]
Milla: Hey. Sit closer.
[Jude hesitantly moves closer.]
Milla: I want to thank you.
[She pulls a pendant from her clothes.]
Milla: Please take this as a token of my appreciation.
[She leans forward to loop it around his neck. He reaches up to grab the pendant, blushing and still looking aside.]
Jude: Thanks.

[The next day, as they're walking down the road:]
Jude: We should reach the seahaven sometime today.
Milla: Glad to hear it.
[Off to the side of the road, a boar monster seems to be stuck in a hole in the cliffs. Jude and Milla look at it but don't stop walking. Finally it dislodges itself with such force that it goes flying backwards, and hits the horse squarely in the side. Jude, Milla, and the horse go flying. The moment the horse gets up it whinnies and runs away. Milla starts to push herself up. The monster roars and prepares to attack. Jude stands defensively in front of her. Battle. Afterwards, he comes back to find Milla sitting up.]
Jude: Milla! You okay?
Milla: Sure, I'm fine. But, now what?
[Jude thinks for a moment, closes his eyes, and opens them. In a moment he has Milla on his back, holding her legs, her arms around his neck.]
Milla: H-Hey!
Jude: Hold tight.
[He starts off down the road again carrying her.]

-- SAPSTRATH SEAHAVEN --

[Jude sets Milla on a bench.]
Jude: Lemme go check on the ship schedule. I'll be right back.
[As he walks back, Milla pulls the key from her clothes and examines it.]
Ivar: Lady Milla! I finally caught up with you!
[He jumps down in front of her. Milla puts the key away.]
Milla: Ivar, what are you doing here?
Ivar: When I saw your face on the wanted posters, I knew I just had to find you right away.
Milla: But what about your duty to protect Nia Khera?
Ivar: I begged the villagers to let me come to your aid. They were very understanding.
Milla: You imbecile! That's not the point! Don't you reali-- Ergh.
[She tries to stand, but collapses. Ivar starts to help her up.]
Ivar: Lady Milla. Are you okay?
[He looks at her legs and his eyes widen.]
Ivar: Your... Your legs...
[He helps her back on to the bench.]
Jude: Milla!
[Jude runs up. Ivar points at him.]
Ivar: You! Tell me what you've done to her?!
Milla: Stand down, Ivar. This wasn't Jude's fault. I brought this upon myself.
Ivar: But you wouldn't be in this predicament if I'd been by your side. Listen here, pipsqueak. Handmaids are made, not appointed! One must dedicate his life to serving and protecting Lady Milla! It is an esteemed position for real men! Manly men! She may have commanded it, but clearly it was a mistake to let an uncouth, unreliable, underhanded stranger like you serve her holy person! Now, come with me, Lady Milla.
Jude: Wait! My father might be able to heal her legs!
Ivar: If what you say is true... [points his sword at Jude] I will be the one to take her to see him. I've had you pegged as a phony from the moment I laid eyes on you. Now, know your place and begone!
Jude: You can accompany her if you like, but I'm coming, too.
[He calmly pushes the tip of Ivar's sword away. Ivar seethes.]
Ivar: Hmph.
Milla: Ivar! Stop this nonsense.
[Ivar takes a battle stance.]
Ivar: Please, Lady Milla, stay where you are. You will thank me for this later.
[Battle:]
Ivar: How dare you allow this to happen!
Jude: I--
Ivar: Shut up! I don't need to hear your excuses!
Jude: I tried...
Ivar: I said shut up! It's time for you to pay for your sins, you bastard!
[Victory:]
Jude: I must fulfill my duties.
[Ivar kneels on the ground, panting.]
Ivar: Pretty good for a phony.
Jude: Call me whatever you want. I just want to help Milla!
Ivar: [stands] How many times do I have to tell you? That's my job!
[Both of them turn to see Milla crawling away.]
Jude & Ivar: Milla?!
Milla: I don't have time for this. You two can duke it out as much as you want. I'm leaving.
[Both boys run over and take an arm under their shoulders to lift her up.]
Jude: I'm sorry.
[They set her down on the bench again and look at each other.]
Jude: If you still aren't satisfied, I'll fight you again later. Right now we need to get moving.
Ivar: Hmph.
[Milla looks closely at the key.]
Milla: Ivar, I have something very important to give you. It's crucial that no one else gets their hands on it. Consider it as precious as my life. The lives of the Four are counting on it.
[She hands the key to Ivar, who kneels to accept it.]
Ivar: And you're entrusting it to me?! I shall defend it to my last breath, Lady Milla!
Milla: I knew I could count on my handmaid. Now, return to Nia Khera.
Ivar: What?
Milla: Your duty is to protect Nia Khera.
Ivar: B-But Lady Milla! My place is with you.
Milla: Don't make me repeat myself.
Ivar: Guh... Hurry up and take her. [turns to point at Jude] But don't forget who's the real handmaid. This guy!
Jude: Uh, sure thing. And I promise I won't rest until Milla walks again.
Ivar: You got that right!
[Milla shakes her head.]

-- LERONDE --

[Two children, one pushing an older girl in a wheelchair, come running toward the docks.]
Older Girl: Faster! Faster! Let's burn rubber! Go! Go!
Jude: Huh?
Little Girl: Ah! Roadblock! Stop!
Older Girl: Ah! You're right. Slower! Go slower!
[The boy and wheelchair go rushing past Jude and Milla. The little girl stops beside them. The wheelchair and older girl go flying into the water.]
Older Girl: Do over!
[Jude watches her skip along the surface of the water. After they've been pulled out, the older girl kneels on the pavement, soaking wet.]
Older Girl: Sorry for the close call. Are you okay? [looks up]
Jude: Hi Leia... I'm home now.
Leia: What the-- Jude? Huh? Jude! What're you doing here?
Jude: I'm home, and what are you doing here?
Leia: [gesturing wildly] W-Well, I was just-- These kids wanted to have a race, you see? And well, um... And this little guy here is a real speed demon, so I had him push me in the wheelchair to keep things fair.
Jude: And lemme guess, you just had to be the winner, huh?
Leia: Oh, yeah. Nevermind that, Jude. So, tell me, who's your friend?
Milla: I suppose that you know this girl?
Jude: Uh, yeah. She's an old friend of mine. Umm, how do I explain this? Leia, meet Milla.
Leia: Hello, Milla. [looks at her legs] Hey, what's wrong with her legs? [to the boy] Run and get the doctor, stat! This woman needs help!
Boy: Right! Roger!
[Both kids run off, and Leia pushes the wheelchair up to Jude.]
Leia: Are you heading home? I'll come with you. Here, use this.

[Several other patients wait in the entrace hall at the Mathis Clinic.]
Old Man: Jude! How's the big city treating you? Do you like the capital?
Man: [looks at Milla] Hmm? Who's this?
[A woman comes around the corner, looks surprised, and then grim upon seeing Milla's legs.]
Man: Oh, you ready to see me now, Doctor?
Woman: I'm sorry, everyone. We have an urgent case here. You'll have to come back in the afternoon.
[Both men nod and leave.]
Leia: Sorry, everybody! We'll catch you later. Promise!
Old Man: Haha. You've really gotten into the swing of things here, eh, Leia?
Leia: Best nurse in town! Also the only nurse in town, but, hey, you know how it is.
Woman: Bring her in.
Milla: Thank you.
[Jude wheels her down the hall.]

[Milla is sitting up in bed when Jude and Leia come into her room.]
Milla: Huh?
[Jude nods to Leia as she shuts the door, then kneels by Milla's bed and opens a large, black case and takes something out.]
Milla: What are you doing?
[Leia and Jude both put fingers to their mouths.]
Jude: Shh! We can't let my dad hear us.
Milla: Why not?
Jude: We're going to use the aspyrixis on you now.
Milla: But your father just told me it was impossible.
Jude: Leia, give me a hand.
Leia: Ah, sure. [she helps Milla lay down] Here, you'll wanna lay down on your side.
[Jude stands up, looks at his clipboard, and places the device on Milla's thigh. It makes a noise.]
Jude: Feel anything? Any pain?
Milla: No, nothing at all. My legs still won't budge, either.
Jude: Why isn't it working?
[Milla sits up and takes the gray stone from the center of the device.]
Milla: I don't sense any mana in this stone. Your father said that an aspyrixis needs a spirit fossil or it won't work.
Jude: A spirit fossil?! Those things really exist?!
Leia: Ohh, so the special stone mentioned in the medical files is a spirit fossil.
Milla: Your father also said the fossil has to be used immediately after it's uncovered or it loses its mana.
Jude: Great, as if the procedure wasn't already tricky enough.
Leia: Hold on... I swear I remember that they used to find spirit fossils down in the Felgana Mine.
Jude: Are you serious?!
Leia: Whoa, geez, be quiet! It's just something my dad told me.
Jude: Milla, it sounds like we need to take you out for some field medicine.
Milla: That seems like a lot of work. You'll do that for me?
[Jude nods. Leia brings over the wheelchair.]
Leia: Here.
Milla: Thank you.
Leia: Jude, can you help her into the wheelchair?
Jude: What about you?
Leia: I have to get stuff ready. I'll meet you at the edge of town.
[Leia leaves. Jude brings the wheelchair closer to the bed.]

[At the edge of town:]
Leia: All right, I'm good to go! The mine's been closed for a while, so I hope you're ready for some spelunking!

Leia: Here we go. This must be the mine.
[They stop in the first cavern.]
Leia: So, from what I understand, spirit fossils are a very particular color. Oh, and they make sounds, too.
Jude: Huh, crazy.
[They look around at the degrading tunnels and abandoned tools.]
Milla: Strange. It's like the miners quit in the middle of their work.
Jude: Do you know what happened?
Leia: No. Maybe there was some kind of accident. They might have closed the mine because it was dangerous.
Jude: That doesn't sound good.
Leia: Come on, don't chicken out! We've come too far to quit now!
Jude: You sure are fired up today.
Leia: An adventure's waiting! Let's make the most of it! Ready to race? Whoever finds the most spirit fossils wins!
Jude: [sighs] ...... Just be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt.
Leia: Oh Jude. You always know how to poop on my party.
Milla: ......
Leia: [hands a pickaxe to Jude] Besides, shouldn't you be more worried about Milla than me? Now, let's see... I guess it's too much to ask to find some lying around in plain sight.
Jude: Milla, wait here.

[Jude finds a tunnel behind a rock.]
Jude: This has to be it.
Leia: You find something, Jude?
[She pushes Milla over to the tunnel, the entrance of which is sparkling.]
Leia: Whoa. What's that?
[Jude kneels down. Leia follows.]
Milla: No mistaking that color. Those are spirit fossils.
Leia: But... They're so teensy-weensy.
Jude: Hey, I think I feel a slight breeze. I don't think this is a dead end. [stands up] You two sit tight. I want to see where it goes.
Leia: [stands up and walks forward] And let you beat me? Ha!
Jude: Leia, come on. It's too dangerous.
Milla: And that's why we should all go together.
Leia: Yep. What's the point of bringing me along if you're just going to go all lone wolf?
Jude: ...... Just watch your step, okay?
Leia: Don't worry about it.

[Farther in:]
Leia: [panting] ......
Jude: Hey, you should probably head back.
Leia: Uh, hey, what exactly is a spirit fossil, anyway?
Milla: When a spirit loses its mana, it manifests in this world as a stone.
Jude: [frustrated noise] ......
Leia: In other words, you're saying the spirit dies? I've never really heard of something like that happening though. Is that like a city thing?
Jude: Not that I know of.
Leia: Hmm... So does that mean a whole bunch of spirits died ages ago?
Milla: Most of the spirits died before I was born.
Leia: What do you mean?
Jude: This can wait. We really should get moving. [starts to wheel Milla away]
Leia: "We really should get moving." Bleh!
[She sticks her tongue out and pulls at one eye. Jude stops.]
Leia: Whoa, hey, no need to get all angry on me.
Jude: Wait, did you just hear something?
Leia: Hear what?
Jude: [pauses] That! A ringing. Where is it coming from?
[They look around and see a large fossil on the other side of a chasm.]
Jude: There! It's a spirit fossil!
Leia: Good ears! Let's check it out!

[When they get to the other side, there's only a tunnel where the fossil used to be. The entrance glimmers.]
Leia: Huh? Where'd the fossil go?
Milla: This is definitely the right spot.
Leia: Did it move?
Jude: Hey, over there, more spirit fossil fragments. The big one must be in there.
Leia: Yeah, but rocks don't just get up and move by themselves.
Jude: If you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
Milla: Howe's Egg Principle. Yes, I suppose so.
Jude: You two stay here. This time I really am going in by myself.
Leia: Keep an eye on Milla. [runs into the tunnel]
Jude: Hey, hold on!
Milla: Leia?

[Inside is a huge cavern. Spots on the walls and ceiling glow.]
Leia: Whoa... Look at this place. It's surreal.
Jude: You hear that? All the sounds. They keep getting louder and softer.
Milla: Watch yourselves.
Leia: [walking forward] It's so pretty.
Milla: Watch out! Get back, Leia!
[The ground rises and bursts underneath Leia, throwing her backwards.
Jude: Look out!
[Jude runs in front of Leia as a giant rock-worm comes out of the ground.]
Leia: Jude!
Milla: What's that? Look at its head, Jude!
[There's a large blue shape on its head.]
Jude: Is that the spirit fossil?
[Leia moves forward.]
Jude: Leia! Don't get too close!
Leia: Don't worry, Jude. I'll get that fossil! Watch this!

[Battle:]
Leia: Geez, why is this thing so darn big?!
Jude: It must be using the spirit fossil as a source of energy. I can't think of any other explanation.
Leia: Let's just focus on beating it!
[Victory. The monster collapses.]
Leia: All right! Now let's go grab the fossil!
[Leia runs forward, Jude runs after her.]
Jude: Careful! Wait!
Leia: Come on, the hard part's over!
[A chunk of the fossil falls off. Leia picks it up.]
Leia: Yes... We did it!
[The monster rears up again. Jude grabs Leia and pulls her back.]
Jude: Look out!
[The monster hits them, sending them flying.]
Milla: Jude! Leia!
[The piece of fossil Leia picked up lands near Milla. She tips her wheelchair over. The monster approaches Jude and Leia. Milla crawls to the fossil and slams it into the aspyrixis, which starts to glow.]
Milla: Urgggh!
[Jude and Leia, still on the ground, look up.]
Milla: Urggh... [slowly standing up] You're going to pay for that. Get away from them, you beast! [swings her sword and charges forward] Haaaaa!
[Victory:]
Leia: Wow... we did it.
Jude: Thank goodness you showed up, Milla.
Milla: Ngh...

[The monster retreats into its hole.]
Jude: You were able to use the aspyrixis!
Leia: Whoa!
[Milla falls forward, looking pained, and Leia catches her and lowers her to the ground.]
Milla: Goodness. This is some device you humans have come up with.
Jude: [kneels next to Milla] How bad's the pain?
Milla: Urgh, well, it's not worse than I imagined but... It's considerable.
Leia: I'm sorry. I should've been more careful.
Milla: But you retrieved the spirit fossil for me. If anything, I'm in your debt.
Leia: Thanks.
Jude: [stands] Let's get back to town. I'll get the wheelchair. [walks off]

Milla: Urgh, sorry, I think I'm at my limit.
Leia: Milla?!
[Jude kneels down, places a hand on Milla's head, then holds her wrist.]
Jude: Don't worry. She just passed out.
[Once Milla is back in the chair:]
Leia: I don't mind pushing the wheelchair on the way back.
Jude: Uh, okay... Why the sudden burst of compassion?
Leia: Why? Is there anything wrong with it?
Jude: Well, no. Just unexpected, I guess.
Leia: What can I say? I'm feeling really inspired by your friend here. [pushes the wheelchair out]

-- LERONDE --

[As they walk into town, Milla opens her eyes.]
Milla: Urgh... Hm?
Leia: Milla, you're awake!
Jude: Thank goodness.
[Jude's mom runs up and throws her arms around Jude.]
Ellen: Jude! Are you okay? Is anything broken? You went to the mine, didn't you? Why didn't you tell us?
Jude: I-I'm sorry, Mom.
Derrick: Jude!
[Derrick runs up and slaps Jude.]
Ellen: Honey, don't!
Derrick: What if something had happened to the girls? Did you think at all before charging off?
Jude: [looking away] I did whatever I could do to help. I tried, unlike you, Dad.
Derrick: Why, you little--
[Derrick raises his hand again. Jude looks at him defiantly. Milla steps between them.]
Milla: Please, don't be so hard on him. He did well accomplishing his task.
Derrick: You're on your feet?
Milla: Thanks to these two.
[Derrick and Jude both look aside.]
Leia: Try not to overdo it now. Hurry up and get back into the chair.
Milla: Right. [sits back down.]
Ellen: [walks up to Derrick] Darling.
Derrick: Leia, take her to the clinic at once.
Leia: Yes, Doctor.
[Ellen and Derrick leave.]
Leia: Well, you know what, Milla? You're going to need some serious physical therapy.
Milla: Right. Sorry to be a burden, Leia.
Leia: Hey, no worries! That's my job!
[Jude touches his cheek. Milla and then Leia turn to look at him.]
Milla: Jude, are you okay?
Jude: Yeah, I'm fine.

[At the clinic:]
Ellen: I'm just glad you're safe. You should rest for now.

Three weeks later...
[Jude and Leia wait outside the clinic.]
Leia: The seasonal winds are kicking in. Time sure flies. But, I still can't believe Milla's being discharged today. I bet the doc was floored by her rapid recovery.
Jude: Heck if I know. Dad and I barely talk.
[Derrick comes out of the clinic.]
Derrick: Milla will be along as soon as she's ready. [walks up to Jude] Care to explain this? [holds something out to Jude]
Leia: What's that? A wanted poster?
Derrick: From honors student to fugitive, huh?
Jude: It's not like it affects you.
Derrick: What did you do? The poster makes it sound like you stole something.
Jude: Stole?
[Flashback to Milla handing something to Ivar.]
Jude: That thing Milla gave to Ivar. Was that it?
Derrick: Speak properly, young man.
Jude: F-Forget it. So, now what? You going to yell at Milla for corrupting me? You haven't exactly been nice to her.
Derrick: Jude, Jude... You're so naive. You still don't know what she is.
[Ellen comes out with Milla.]
Jude: She's finally out.
[Milla takes a few steps away from Ellen and falls to her knees.]
Leia: Milla!
[Derrick grabs Jude and Leia by the shoulders and shakes his head.]
Milla: I'm fine. [stands back up] Ah, I've missed the fresh air. How about taking a little walk?
Leia: Good idea. Let's stroll to the seahaven. We'll take it slow.
[Leia catches Milla as she starts to fall again. Jude moves forward but stops when Derrick speaks.]
Derrick: She never stops moving forward under her own power, no matter what happens. Do you know why, Jude?
Jude: ......
[Jude runs to support Milla's other side and the three of them slowly walk away. As Derrick heads back to the clinic, a white bird lands on the fence.]
Derrick: What's this?
[The bird flies away. Derrick holds the message.]
Derrick: No. Why now, after all this time?

[At the seahaven, Milla walks out on the docks. Jude and Leia watch her from a short distance.]
Milla: ......
Leia: What's the deal with that wanted poster? It has something to do with Fennmont, right? That's where you met Milla.
Jude: She's trying to destroy a secret Rashugal military weapon. It uses something called a spyrix. She swears it's her mission to save the world from those things.
Leia: A spyrix.
Jude: Huh?
Teepo: [offscreen] Jude, buddy, superpal! Slap me some face!
[Teepo flies up and latches onto Jude's head. Leia jumps back as Jude tries to pull him off.]
Leia: Gah! What in the world?!
[Elize runs up to Milla.]
Milla: Elize! What are you doing here?
Elize: [blushing] Well, we came to see you.
[Jude pulls Teepo off. Rowen walks up.]
Rowen: We wanted to congratulate you on your recovery. But we never expected a miracle. Nice to see you on your feet.
Milla: It's all thanks to Jude and Leia.
Jude: Rowen!
Rowen: It has been a while, Jude. And a pleasure to meet you, young lady. My name is Rowen.
Leia: Oh, uh, hello.
[Milla and Elize walk up. Fade to next scene, same place.]
Rowen: So this is the device responsible for your miraculous recovery. An aspyrixis, you call it? Fascinating.
Jude: Will you be sticking around for a while?
Rowen: Lady Driselle insisted that I take a vacation. And Miss Elize was most persistent in her desire to see Milla.
Teepo: Don't blame us, butler! You're the one who's been getting sloppy on the job lately.
Milla: That's not like you.
Rowen: It's true, this old butler has been quite distracted as of late. Indeed, one concern in particular is at the forefront of my mind.
Milla: I see. I wish we had more time to listen to the whole story, but...
Jude: Milla and I are planning to leave Leronde as soon as possible. Probably tomorrow.
Milla: I don't remember saying that.
Jude: I know you well enough by now.
Leia: ......
Rowen: But you are still recovering. What could be so important in Fennmont that you must leave at once?
Milla: A weapon they call the Lance of Kresnik. As long as it endures, mankind and spiritkind are doomed to extinction.
Elize: Who built it? The King of Rashugal?
[Milla nods.]
Rowen: You cannot reach Fennmont without once again heading for Fort Gandala. Things ended badly for you the last time you visited that place, if you'll recall. Are you not afraid?
Milla: No, I fear nothing in this world. Except that one day I may lose the willpower to complete my mission.
Teepo: Why's this mission so gosh darn important to you?
Milla: Because I am Maxwell. It is my duty to protect this world.
Rowen: Maxwell, you say?
Leia: The spirit? Milla's a spirit?
Elize: Is it true?
[Jude nods.]
Teepo: Wah-what?!
Jude: But that doesn't matter, does it? It's not going to change who we know her as.
[Jude and Milla smile at each other for three eternities.]
Jude: Come on everyone. No use standing around talking. Let's go back inside.
Milla: Sounds like a plan.
[Jude, Milla, Leia, and Elize start walking away. Rowen watches them and lowers his eyes.]

[In the hall of the clinic the next morning:]
Ellen: Are you all set?
Jude: Yeah, believe it or not.
Ellen: To be honest, I'm still in shock that you're leaving. You could've given us a little more warning.
Jude: Sorry.
Ellen: It's your decision, honey.
Jude: What about Dad?
Ellen: Still fuming.
Jude: I see.
Milla: Well, I'm eager to get going. Shall we be off?
Jude: Huh? We've still got some time until the boat departs.
Milla: True, but Elize and Rowen came all the way here to wish me well. It would be rude not to bid them goodbye before leaving.
[Jude looks a little surprised. Milla tilts her head. He smiles.]
Jude: Yeah, I suppose you're right.

[At the Lodge, Elize comes down the stairs right before Jude and Milla come in.]
Jude: Morning.
Elize: Good morning.
[Milla nods to Elize, walks forward, and nearly falls.]
Rowen: My goodness!
Milla: Sorry about that.
[Jude leads her to the couch, where she sits on the armrest.]
Rowen: Are you certain this is a good idea?
Milla: Yes. I have a responsibility to my mission... To the world.
Rowen: And you wish to remain true to that burden. You are such a strong, proud woman. Seeing your determination, it reopens some old wounds.
Jude: What do you mean?
Rowen: Lord Cline tasked me with saving this country. His dying words have weighed heavily on my mind lately. Am I even capable of such a task? Can I put a stop to Nachtigal's schemes?
Jude: Back at Fort Gandala, it seemed like he knew you.
Rowen: He is a friend of mine. One of my oldest.
Milla: So that's the source of your concern... Whether you can fight against a friend or not.
Teepo: No way! If he was a real friend, you wouldn't fight 'im!
Milla: Fretting over it won't strengthen your resolve. Only willpower can do that. For now, will you come with us?
Rowen: I'm sorry?
Milla: You can still grapple with these issues if you like, but a human life is short. Time is of the essence. [stands up] You might as well keep moving forward while you worry. Hesitation is a common human failing, after all.
Jude: Why not come along, Rowen? I'd feel safer with you around anyway.
Rowen: Hohoho! Your words ring true. Caving to worry and doubt would only waste my time, and this old man is not growing any younger.
Jude: Does that mean--
Rowen: Yes, please allow me to accompany you.
Elize: I'll come too!
Jude: Sorry, Elize. You should head back home to Driselle.
Rowen: [kneels in front of Elize] Miss Elize, I need you to give the young mistress a message. Tell her that I have headed to Fennmont.
Elize: But...
Milla: Hmm?
Rowen: [standing up] I will ask an acquaintance of mine in Sapstrath Seahaven to escort Elize home.
Jude: But Elize is heading back to Sharilton, right? Won't we be heading in the same direction?
Rowen: I have an idea. Would you allow me to handle this matter?
Jude: Sure. [to Elize] Let's stick together until we have to board the ship.
Elize: Okay.
Teepo: And here I thought we were superpals, Jude. Guess not! [rubs against Jude's arm]

[At the seahaven:]
Milla: Where's Leia? I wanted to thank her.
Jude: This ship is bound for Auj Oule. Is this part of the plan you mentioned?
Rowen: It is.
Milla: If you hatched this plan, then we know it will work.
[Rowen bows. Ellen comes up behind them. Jude and Milla turn around.]
Ellen: You're not going to make amends with your father?
Jude: What's the point, Mom? We're minutes from leaving.
Ellen: Your father is just worried about you, honey. Please understand that.
[Jude nods.]
Rowen: I hate to impose, but would you look after this young lady for a few days?
Jude: Someone from Sapstrath Seahaven will be coming to pick her up. Can you watch her until then?
Ellen: Oh, she's adorable. Yes, of course. I'll take good care of her.
Teepo: This kind of abandonment could really stunt our emotional growth and stuff and things.
Derrick: Jude!
[Jude turns his back as Derrick runs up.]
Jude: Dad, I've made up my mind. I'm going with Milla.
Derrick: You're not going anywhere with that woman. The things she's gotten you involved with!
Alvin: Lookee here. I just can't get rid of you people, can I?
Jude: Alvin?!
Alvin: My new job didn't really pan out. You know, I still haven't worked off the money I got last time, so I guess you're stuck with me.
Jude: You're coming with us?!
Derrick: Y-You know this man?
Jude: Yeah. We're old traveling buddies.
Teepo: Alvin! Can you believe these meanies are abandoning us?
[Elize runs up to Alvin. He pats her head.]
Alvin: You poor little spud. You can fight just as well as they can! Come on, let's bring the kid and her toy along.
[Jude turns away. Alvin throws an arm around his shoulders.]
Alvin: It'll be just like old times.
[He looks at Derrick. Derrick looks away.]
Rowen: But, Alvin...
Alvin: Don't worry. I'll protect her if things get dicey. Come on, Rowen.
Teepo: You're stuck with us, butler! [latches on to Rowen's face]
Sailor: Last call for boarding. The ship will be departing momentarily.
Milla: If we can't pry Teepo off, I guess they have to come.
Alvin: Well then, what are you waiting for? Hurry aboard!
Teepo: Yaaay!
[Elize runs to the ship.]
Rowen: It seems I am no match for you. [leaves]
Alvin: And now you two.
Jude & Milla: Yeah.
Jude: I better get aboard. [walks away]
Derrick: Jude!
[Jude and Milla both stop and turn around.]
Jude: Dad...
Milla: Don't you have something to say to your parents?
Jude: Goodbye.
Derrick: Remember. Taking responsibility for your actions is part of becoming an adult.
[Jude runs to the ship.]

Alvin: This tub's bound for Lakutam Seahaven? I thought you were heading for Fennmont.
Jude: You're asking this now? You really do go with the flow, huh? Like, literally.
Alvin: I couldn't care less where we wind up. I'm only here to look after Miss Elize.
Teepo: And me, me, me! The band's back together!
Alvin: You're not exactly part of the bargain.
[Teepo deflates.]
Elize: Ha ha.
Milla: Rowen, please tell us your plan for taking us to Auj Oule.
Rowen: Very well. I believe trying to force our way through Fort Gandala now would be a suicide mission, to put it bluntly. I saw the fortress' security golems being activated as we were escaping, right after Milla was injured.
Milla: And those are?
Elize: They're weapons made by humans using earth spirits.
Milla: Hm?
[Milla tilts her head and looks at Elize. Elize looks back at her.]
Rowen: It would take an entire division of soldiers to defeat those automata, and only if they had a clever strategy.
Jude: But the sea routes to Fennmont are still closed. So if we're heading to Auj Oule...
Milla: You mean to cross from Auj Oule to Fennmont over land.
Alvin: Heh, that's quite a hike. What'll we do about Fezebel Marsh?
Jude: Oh yeah, that's true.
[Milla and Elize both look confused.]
Jude: That swamp apparently stretches forever north of Fennmont. It's supposed to be the natural equivalent of Fort Gandala in terms of fortification.
Alvin: Isn't that marsh impossible to cross? Something about the spirit clime being too severe?
Rowen: Most of the time. But the interseasonal winds have blown, which means that Solum is upon us. That means the spirit clime has shifted from Efreeta to Ragnome. Fezebel Marsh should be passable for now, anyway.
Elize: If you say so.
Milla: I'm not sure I understand, either.
Jude: Uhh, in other words...
Alvin: We're good to go if we hustle through the marshes, right?
Rowen: Exactly. In any case, hustling is the order of the day. It seems we have little time left.
Teepo: Why? What's gonna happen?
Rowen: I have received word that even after you left Sharilton, the golems in Fort Gandala remain activated. This does not bode well for us. It's a clear sign that Rashugal is readying for open war.
Jude: With who? With Auj Oule?!
Elize: Why would they want to do that?
Milla: I must destroy the Lance of Kresnik before it can be used in battle.
Sailor: Ah, aaaah!
Jude: What's wrong?
[Jude and Alvin walk over to where a sailor is standing up next to a barrel.]
Sailor: Th-There's a person in there.
[He points at the barrel. Jude and Alvin look inside.]
Jude: Huh...
Leia: [inside the barrel] Zzz...Zzz...
Alvin: Friend of yours?
Jude: Heh heh... Yeah, a real barrel of fun.

-- LAKUTAM SEAHAVEN --

Leia: Ahaha... I got so bored waiting in there, I musta fallen asleep.
Jude: Then you'll be well rested for the return trip home.
Leia: Return trip? I'm coming with you.
Jude: This isn't a game.
Leia: I know. Right?
[She looks at Alvin. Alvin looks back at her.]
Leia: Who're you?
Teepo: This is Alvin, our little buddy!
Alvin: Pleasure to meet you.
Leia: [shaking his hand] I'm Leia. Pleasure to meet you too, little buddy!
Alvin: Little buddy?
Leia: [runs up to Milla] It's okay, right, Milla? I can come along?
Milla: Hmm, perhaps. Why do you want to?
Jude: Wait, seriously?
Leia: Your strength really inspired me back at the mine. I thought to myself: I want to be just like you!
Milla: Hmm...
[Milla looks at Leia. Leia looks at Milla and crosses her arms.]
Leia: Well?
Milla: Is that it?
Leia: I thought you might say that. Hold on.
[Leia takes a paper out of her pocket and hands it to Milla.]
Elize: What is that?
[Rowen shrugs.]
Leia: I filled this scrap of paper with all kinds of reasons. Take a look.
Jude: Reasons why you should come with us?
Leia: Yep. At least a hundred!
Milla: Hehe, very well. You can come with us. I like you. You're so very human.
Jude: [sighs] You gotta be kidding.
Leia: Okay, now that it's all official... I'm happy to join. Thanks for asking!

[At the exit to town:]
Alvin: Hey, aren't we close to Nia Khera?
Milla: Are we?
Alvin: Don't you want to drop by?
Milla: Why? I have no business there. Is there some reason you want to go?
Alvin: No, of course not. I just figured the villagers might be worried. They worship you, remember?
Milla: I appreciate your concern for the villagers' well-being, but we have no time for detours.
Rowen: If we follow the Lakutam Highroad north, we shall reach a city known as Xian Du. We should head there first.
Alvin: Hold your horses. What about that monster that prowls the highroad? What's it called? The Lord of Lakutam?
Rowen: My, you are well-informed. Rest assured the Lord of Lakutam is a slave to spirit climes just like any other monster. Now that we have shifted into Ragnome, the beast will be positively timid. I doubt it will venture anywhere near the highroad.
Teepo: See, little buddy! No reason to be scared!
Alvin: Don't expect me to pluck you from the monster's jaws, spud.
Jude: Right then. Let's hit the highroad.
[Everyone leaves. Milla watches Alvin closely as he passes.]

-- LAKUTAM HIGHROAD --

[A little way down the road, a bird flies overhead. Everyone stops.]
Jude: Expecting a message, Alvin?
Milla: Huh?
Jude: I've seen him using that bird to send letters before. [steps closer to Milla] To a woman, apparently.
Alvin: Sorry, folks. I'll be done in a jiff. Everyone, take five.
[The bird lands on Alvin's outstretched hand. Jude and Milla wait a short distance from the others.]
Jude: Hey, Milla. You gave something to Ivar a while back. Was it the thing you swiped from the laboratory?
Milla: Yes. It was the spyrix used to operate the Lance of Kresnik.
Jude: That little thing?! But, shouldn't you keep it with you?
Milla: No. In fact, it would be dangerous to get anywhere near the Lance of Kresnik with that spyrix in hand.
Jude: Oh, well, you know better than me.
Milla: There is a problem, however. The channeling circle that bound and captured the Four... I believe it was generated by that spyrix. I will need to generate a channeling circle of equal power to release them.
Jude: In other words, you'll need that spyrix to save the Four Great Spirits.
Milla: I may need the Four's power to destroy the Lance of Kresnik, too. The real question then, is when should I retrieve the key from Ivar.
Jude: Hey, does that mean you can also use spyrix to cast artes? It's not just for the Lance of Kresnik?
Milla: Hmm, what's the simplest way to explain this... Remember the street lamps in Fennmont? People light them with spirit artes. It's a simple parlor trick. Even a child could do it. But what happens if more powerful spirit artes are required?
Jude: Those require a powerful caster, someone with a mana lobe of sufficient capacity. The greater the capacity, the more mana can be produced when using artes. That capacity is determined at birth. It's immutable.
Milla: Precisely. That's one of the laws of Rieze Maxia. But a spyrix doesn't rely on the caster at all. A caster wielding a spyrix can power anything from a tiny streetlight to a gigantic object like the Lance of Kresnik. Mana capacity ceases to be a limitation.
Jude: But that sounds really handy.
Milla: [shakes her head] It is handy, and that's precisely why it's so dangerous. With a spyrix, anyone can wield artes potent enough to capture the Four. And anyone can use that power to kill others, just as they plan to do with the Lance of Kresnik.
[The bird flies away and the others rejoin Jude and Milla.]
Milla: Anyhow, we should get going. [walks away]

[Farther down the highroad:]
Ivar: [from in the distance] Lady Milla! There you are!
[Ivar lands on the ground behind them.]
Ivar: It's a miracle! You can walk!
Jude: Ivar? What are you doing here?
Leia: Who's this guy?
Jude: Milla's handmaid.
Ivar: Now that your legs have healed, you must return to the village at once. Please! If something else were to happen to you, I don't know what I'd do.
Milla: [finally turns around] I cannot return yet. I have business in Fennmont.
Ivar: In that case, allow me to accompany you!
Milla: That won't be necessary. I have all the help I need.
Ivar: From these people?
Milla: These people, Jude and Leia here, helped me walk again. They can be trusted.
Ivar: Jude again... Urgh...
Leia: Uh, I'm Leia. Nice to meet you.
[Ivar continues to fume. Leia hurriedly steps back next to Jude.]
Leia: [quieter, to Jude] He's got some issues, huh?
Ivar: You must feel pretty pleased with yourself now that Lady Milla is on her feet again.
Jude: Well, I did promise I would help her walk again, and here she is walking.
Ivar: How dare you take credit for this miracle! It was all due to Lady Milla's divine power! It must have been! (Maxwell curse you! I was the one who was supposed to heal her!)
Jude: Uh, sorry?
[Milla turns back around.]
Ivar: That's right! Beg for your forgiveness, you phony! Atone for your blasphemy!
Elize: What is he talking about?
Rowen: It would seem Jude keeps the most eccentric company. All of his acquaintances are so unique.
Milla: Ivar, I gave you an important mission. Why are you here?
[Ivar jumps in front of Milla and bows.]
Ivar: I've not forgotten about the defense of the village. And the item you entrusted to me is safe! I have it hidden in a place known to no other. However, I recently received this.
[He hands a piece of paper to Milla without looking up.]
Milla: "Maxwell is in grave danger. You must rescue her at once."
Ivar: I rushed forth immediately. I only just now caught up with you, Lady Milla.
Jude: Who could've written something like this?
Milla: [conveniently shifts her weight to the side so that Alvin is visible behind her] I wonder. But in any case, it's mistaken. As you can see, I'm perfectly fi--
[She stops and looks up as a huge monster charges toward them.]
Milla: Ivar, run!
[Milla moves to the side and Ivar stands up.]
Ivar: Huh?
[He turns around. The monster runs him over.]
Ivar: Ugwa!
[Battle:]
Leia: You have got to be kidding me.
Teepo: It looks really really pissed off!
Rowen: How did this happen?
Milla: That doesn't matter right now. Just focus!
[Victory:]
Milla: We finally stopped it.
Teepo: That was too close!
Rowen: What caused this? I did not expect it to be that active.

[Ivar stands up as everyone puts their weapons away.]
Ivar: Ow.
Alvin: You call that timid? I thought you said the monster would be a pussycat now that it's Solum and Ragnome is here.
Rowen: That should be the case... Unless! [looks up suddenly]
Ivar: With the Four Great Spirits missing, the spirit climes have essentially stopped shifting.
Jude: Great. How will we cross Fezebel Marsh to get to Fennmont?
Rowen: ......
Ivar: Cross Fezebel Marsh? Hehehe... Hahaha! You people are out of your minds! Only a wyvern could reach Fennmont at this point! Fortunately, it just so happens that I, the redoubtable handmaid, can be of assistance to Lady Milla.
Jude: You know a way to get there?
Ivar: I have in my possession a wyvern faithful only to me. I would be happy to transport Lady Milla to Fennmont.
Milla: Ivar, is there any other way?
Ivar: Huh? Uh, well, err...
Milla: There is, isn't there? Tell me.
Ivar: [slumps, looks away] I have heard of a clan in Xian Du that can control monsters. They raise wyverns there, apparently.
Alvin: I guess that's our next stop.
Rowen: Onward to Xian Du.
Milla: Ivar, thank you. Ivar?
[Ivar continues to look away and tremble.]
Leia: Uh, shall we go?
Jude: Yeah.
[Everyone leaves. Once they're gone:]
Ivar: You lying phony fraud!
[He takes out his sword, turns around, and swings it at a rock. The tip breaks off and bounces back to stick in his forehead.]
Ivar: Krrrrr!
[He rips the tip out. A bird lands on the rock.]
Ivar: That's the bird that delivered the letter. [throws the sword tip at it] You dirty bird!
[The tip misses and the bird flies away, dropping something. Ivar picks it up.]
Ivar: "When Milla saves the Four Great Spirits, she will need the key in your possession. This will be your chance to beat Jude once and for all. Wait until I contact you again. Then, you will free the Four Great Spirits and become Lady Milla's true champion?!"
[He crumples up the paper, throws it on the ground, and looks triumphant.]
Ivar: Hahaha! You won't get the upper hand this time, phony!

[The road into town runs between a steep cliff face and a steep drop to a river down below.]
Jude: So this is Xian Du. Seems like a tough place to build a city.
Rowen: Clans have warred against each other in Auj Oule since ancient times. Such constant conflict has led people to build cities where they can, even in places such as this.
Milla: The city seems especially lively. Are they having some kind of festival?
Leia: [looks up at a giant statue and smiles] Hey, check out this cool statue!
Alvin: These statues represent a fusion of international spirit faith and the local tradition of ancestor worship. Or so I've read.
Leia: Huh.
Alvin: Yep, keep your noggin pointed in that general direction.
Leia: Hmm? [looks back at Alvin]
Alvin: Don't look at me. Look up! This town is infamous for falling rocks.
Leia: What?! Don't scare me like that.
Milla: You speak as though you know the area.
Alvin: Been here before. Business trip.
[Elize steps forward and looks around.]
Jude: What's wrong?
Teepo: Hey, this place is familiar, ain't it, Elly?
Elize: Yes, it is. Umm... I think we were taken here, on our way to Hamil.
Rowen: Did you once live in this area?
Elize: I don't know.
[Alvin starts to walk away.]
Leia: Wha-huh? Where you headed off to?
Alvin: Duty calls. I'll see you all in a bit. [leaves]
Leia: Hmph! You're not much of a team player!
[Jude walks up to Milla, who's watching Alvin leave.]
Jude: You okay with this?
Milla: Leave him be. I know he'll be back. Let's look for those wyverns.

[Only a few steps forward... A group of kids farther down the path chants "Rock, paper, scissors!", throws their hands forward, and runs off. Some debris crumbles from the cliff above, apparently from a large boulder coming loose.]
Milla: It's going to fall!
[The boulder falls. Rowen runs for Leia. Milla tackles Elize to the side.]
Rowen: Miss Leia!
Milla: Look out!
[People all across the city look on as the boulder hits the road.

[Leia is lying on the ground. Rowen shakes her shoulder.]
Rowen: Miss Leia, please, wake up!
[Milla runs over, followed by Elize. Leia turns over.]
Leia: Haha, sorry 'bout that.
[Jude runs up and kneels down next to her.]
Jude: I'll have you fixed right up. [starts to heal her]
Leia: Rowen, you're hurt. I'm so sorry.
Rowen: Never fear. It is merely a flesh wound. You just worry about yourself.
[A woman runs out from the rubble.]
Woman: I'm a doctor. Let me help.
[She also starts healing Leia. As the boulder is pushed into the river, the woman helps Leia stand.]
Woman: There you go. Easy does it.
Leia: Thanks so much. Miss, uh...
Woman: The name's Isla. You're gonna be fine.
Milla: Take it easy, Leia.
Jude: You should sit down for a while.

[Elize rips Teepo from Rowen's hands.]
Jude: Thanks so much, Isla. That was really kind of you.
Leia: Yeah, that was very nice of you to help.
Isla: Not at all. That's my job. You folks don't look like you're from around here. What brings you to town?
Milla: We're searching for wyverns. We heard we might be able to find some here.
Isla: Wyverns, huh? In that case, you should head across the river. You'll find some big ones in cages over there. Go and see for yourself.
Jude: That's great news! Thank you for everything, Isla.
Isla: Hehe, I'm just glad I could help. Well, I've gotta run. Take care of yourselves. Bye now.
[She raises a hand in farewell and walks away.]
Leia: Goodbye, and thanks again!

[The party finds the wyverns.]
Teepo: Who's a good wyvern? Who's a good wyvern?!
[The wyvern roars. Teepo is startled and latches onto Jude's face.]
Jude: Gah!
[While Jude is trying to pull him off, someone walks up.]
Man: You there, what do you think you're doing? Those wyverns belong to our clan.
Milla: [turns to the wyvern] We've come to take them. I'm pondering how to break the cages.
Leia: Whoa, Milla?!
[Milla looks confused. Jude sighs and turns to the man.]
Jude: Uh, may we please borrow your wyverns?
Clan Member 1: You can't be serious.
Clan Member 2: Ignore these outsiders. We're running out of time to find a champion.
[Milla turns back to the wyvern and smiles. The wyvern bows its head to her.]
Man: What? It submitted to her without the use of beastcraft. These people might be our answer.
Clan Member 2: Wait, hold on. You can't possibly be thinking of recruiting these fools.
[The man looks at the party, looks at the clan members, and nods.]
Man: I'm Yurgen of the Kitarl Clan. You outsiders have arrived in Xian Du at a crucial time for us. I'm sure you've noticed the crowds in the city. Once every decade, Xian Du's clans hold a martial-arts tournament. That tournament is tomorrow. Our chief is the clan's only fighter, but unfortunately he is leagues away in the king's service. We're on the verge of having to forfeit the tournament. This is a desperate time for our proud and ancient clan. And yet I sense a special power within you. Would you be willing to represent the Kitarl Clan as our champions?
Leia: [raises her hand] Heck yeah! Where do I sign up?!
Jude: Leia, he's asking all of us.
Leia: Ah, haha...
Milla: If we enter the tournament on your behalf, will you let us borrow these wyverns?
Yurgen: That's the bargain. But you must do more than just enter. You must win. I'll need to see a demonstration of your abilities beforehand as well.
Leia: We can do it, right Milla?
Milla: Yes. We need those wyverns.
Leia: [pumping her fist] Awesome! I always wanted to be in a real martial-arts tournament. I'm stoked!
Jude: You're sure it's okay for outsiders like us to participate in the clans' tournament?
Clan Member 1: That's not a problem. Some clans have been known to recruit skilled warriors from the outside to boost their prestige.
Alvin: Huh. I figured you folks were bigger sticklers for tradition. I'm gone five minutes and you get us neck deep in contact sports? I can't take you people anywhere.
Teepo: Where have you been, little buddy?! We were nearly squished!
Alvin: Sorry about that, spud. I had a feeling you were all in trouble though, so I came running. No harm, no foul, right?
Yurgen: [turns back to Jude] He a friend of yours?
Alvin: That's right. We're a package deal.
Yurgen: Good, then you can show me your combat skills. Come to the aerial arena.
Jude: Got it.

[At the coliseum:]
Yurgen: Let's see what you're made of. We're going to have you fight some of our clan's monsters. Take care. This is strictly practice, of course, but accidents happen. And don't hold back, either. Speak to me again once you're ready.

Yurgen: This way.
[He leads them up the stairs. Leia runs into the arena and looks around.]
Leia: Oooh! Now this is what I call an arena!
[Everyone else walks in, looking around them. Jude steps up behind Leia.]
Jude: Maybe you're a little too into this, Leia.
Leia: Oh, come on. Aren't you ready to rumble?!
Jude: I'm not sure I'd put it like that. Your old wounds aren't acting up, are they?
Leia: Huh? Uh, no. It's fine! Now that we're doing this, it's going to have to heal whether it likes it or not.
Yurgen: Time to start the test. Are you sure you're ready?
Milla: Yes, go ahead.
Yurgen: We'll be watching from the stands.
[A bunch of monsters come in from the other side. Everyone draws their weapons. After the battle:]
Clan Member 1: I was afraid we might have to jump in and rescue you, but clearly that wasn't necessary.
Teepo: Of course not! We're unbeatable!
Yurgen: My apologies. I guess I underestimated you.
Teepo: Just me?!
Alvin: Hahaha. Pretty sure everybody underestimates you.
Elize: Hey, don't make fun of my friend.
Alvin: Heh heh. Sorry.
Yurgen: Tomorrow's tournament will be even more challenging. They used to be fought to the death. It was the only way to determine the ruling clan.
Leia: Whoa.
Yurgen: Fortunately, things are different now. The current King of Auj Oule outlawed that old practice.
Teepo: Sounds like the king's a real prince!
Yurgen: Anyway, the real test will be tomorrow. I've gotten you rooms at the inn. Make sure to get a full night's rest.

[The next morning, everyone comes down to the lobby to find Yurgen and his group already there.]
Yurgen: You look bright-eyed and ready to fight. Good. Today's schedule is packed. Because of the number of participants, the tournament organizers decided to cram all the fights into one day.
Jude: One day? Sounds rough.
Clan Member 1: We'll find out how many fights there'll be once today's matchups are announced.
Yurgen: When you hear the bell tolling, come to the arena at once. That heralds the start of the tournament. We'll be waiting up at the arena.
[They leave.]
Alvin: I guess we have some time to kill. What should we do?
Milla: I'm going to the plaza. Something's been bothering me.
Leia: Oh, I'll come with you! I'll get too antsy just standing around here.
Alvin: Hmm, maybe I'll tag along, too.
Jude: [mostly to himself] What should I do?
Teepo: Hey Jude, let's go sightseeing!
Elize: I want to look around the city too.
Jude: Oh yeah, you did say this place seems familiar.
Rowen: I shall escort Miss Elize. Will you accompany us?
Jude: Sure, why not.
Alvin: Don't forget. Race to the arena when you hear the bell.

[Everyone reunites up the stairs.]
Leia: Jude, guess what? Yurgen and Isla know each other. They're actually engaged!
Jude: [turns to Yurgen] You're kidding! When's the big day?
Yurgen: Haha, come on, stop it you two. It's not for awhile.
Leia: And get this: Isla is taking care of Alvin's mom. It really is a small world.
Jude: Wait, what's wrong with Alvin's mom?
Alvin: No need to worry about her, busybody.
Milla: [walks up to Jude and Elize] What about you? Learn anything about Elize?
Jude: A little. She seems to have remembered something about her parents. Not enough to give us any clues, though.
Milla: I see.
Yurgen: Playtime's over. We're just about to get started. Head to the reception desk when you're ready.
Clan Member 2: We're expecting big things from you.
Clan Member 1: Knock 'em dead!

[Before they enter the arena:]
Announcer: And now our next combatants: the champions of the Kitarl Clan!
[Jude looks through the entrance at the stands.]
Jude: Look at all the people.
Milla: You won't be at your best if you're nervous. Relax. [walks out]
Jude: R-Right.
[They walk into the ring.]
Announcer: They're the only combatants who won't be controlling monsters with beastcraft. Their skills are a complete mystery. This'll either be a short fight, or an interesting one!
Leia: Um, did he just say "monsters"?
Announcer: Here come their opponents!
[An armored man and a group of monsters come in. The party draws their weapons.]

[Victory:]
Announcer: And now, it's time for our next match!
[More monsters enter. Victory:]
Announcer: Okay, champions, make this one count!
[Another round of monsters appear. After the third battle, most of the party looks tired, panting or lying on the ground.]
Announcer: And there you have it, folks! The Kitarl champions have fought their way to a place in the finals!

[As they walk back down the stairs:]
Leia: We did it! We won!
Jude: It nearly went the other way, though.
Alvin: Come on, that was a cinch.
Rowen: I beg to differ. Those matches were quite demanding.
Teepo: Our little buddy Alvin's a big fat liar, right Elly?
Elize: Yes, it wasn't easy at all.
Alvin: Aw, come on guys.
[Milla stops on the stairs.]
Milla: It's clear that my strength has grown. I should be ready now.
[The others walk up to Yurgen and his people.]
Yurgen: Nice work out there! Those were some fantastic fights!
Clan Member 2: The finals begin after lunch. All the other entrants will be there too though, so don't expect cheery company. Anyway, you better grab some food.
[They leave. The party starts to follow. Jude notices Milla still standing on the stairs.]
Jude: What's up with her?

[At lunch, people sit around long tables as bowls of food are delivered to them. Jude glances at the table behind him.]
Alvin: Scoping out our opponents for the finals?
Jude: Well, yeah. Of course.
Alvin: What if you spy a cute little she-warrior? Someone who's totally your type?
Jude: [stands up] What?! Why would that make a difference?! I'm here to fight, not flirt.
Alvin: Heh heh heh.
[Milla narrows her eyes at Alvin.]
Yurgen: We've made it to the finals.
[He stands up as Jude sits down.]
Yurgen: To be honest, I wasn't sure you had it in you.
Leia: Why? We told you we'd win!
Yurgen: Hah hah, fair enough.
[He sits down as a server brings the last bowl of food to Milla.]
Yurgen: Anyway, please help yourselves. You'll need to have enough energy to win the finals.
[Milla stares at the food, then looks up as the server walks away.]
Milla: Huh?
[Clan Member 1 runs up to the entrance of the room.]
Clan Member 1: Yurgen, we've got a problem.
Clan Member 2?: What is it?
Clan Member 1: [walking in] Turns out that rockfall was no accident. They found signs that someone destroyed the cliff intentionally.
Milla: What?! [looks at the food and stands up] Don't touch the food!
[Next to her, Elize stands up. Alvin freezes with his spoon halfway to his mouth.]
Elize: What? Why?
[There's a clanging and thumping across the room. People have collapsed all across the room. Everyone else is standing up. Jude and Leia move to examine some of them.]
Yurgen: What? What's happening?
[Jude and Rowen kneel next to a collapsed man.]
Rowen: Do you detect that faint odor? I know of this. Yes, there can be no doubt. It's metecinia, a poison that dissolves in liquid.
Jude: Are you serious? Why would anyone do this?
[Rowen shrugs. Alvin grimaces at his food.]
Yurgen: Do our opponents want to win that badly?
Milla: No, it wasn't them. Only one group would use such cowardly means.
Alvin: ...... [runs out of the room]
Milla: Alvin, wait!
Elize: What's going on?
Leia: Things were going so well. Why is this happening?
[Jude looks at the floor, then at Milla.]
Jude: Milla, do you know something?
[Scene change to the inn:]
Milla: ...... [looks up] Exodus is behind this conspiracy.
Jude: What's that?
Milla: It's an organization that has been trying to assassinate me for some time.
Jude: Wait, so you're saying that poison just now...
Milla: [nods] Was likely intended for me. I am truly sorry for those who died instead.
Rowen: Goodness. To think they would murder a room full of people indiscriminately just to kill you.
Milla: Yes. They've never been very subtle with their measures, but this act was especially heinous.
Leia: That's terrible! Why are they after you?
Milla: [turns around, crosses her arms] Because I've been destroying their spyrixes. Ever since Exodus first appeared with them, twenty years ago.
Rowen: That's quite some time ago.
Jude: Hold on. Does that include the Lance of Kresnik? That weapon uses spyrix. Does that mean Exodus is involved?
Milla: [turns back around, nods] I suspect the Lance was originally made by Exodus, but I cannot prove it. It's not easy to identify their members. They've blended into the populace. Until now, I've only been able to do so when they used spyrix. I can sense the spirits dying because of it.
Jude: Wait, what?
Milla: Every time a spyrix generates artes, it drives spirits to their deaths. Humans and spirits have a reciprocal relationship. You borrow their power to live, while spirits live off the mana procuded by humans' mana lobes. At first glance, spyrix might seem like a dream come true. In actuality, it throws this delicate balance completely off kilter. As long as spyrix exists, neither humans nor spirits can live in peace.
Rowen: I feel like such a fool. This is all news to me.
Milla: Of course it is. I've been dealing with these matters on my own while ensuring that humans remain unaware.
Elize: [to Jude] Milla's been fighting this whole time?
Jude: [nods] Yeah, she's been struggling all by herself. For the world. For us.
Milla: Until recently, that is. Now that I've lost the power of the Four, I've dragged humans into my struggle. For that, I am sorry.
[Yurgen comes in.]
Leia: How is everyone?
Yurgen: We were the meal's only survivors. Naturally, the finals have been postponed. Don't expect to fight for two days, possibly longer.
Jude: They didn't cancel them?!
Yurgen: The tournament committee had a heated debate over the issue, but this tournament is only once a decade. Any sign of Alvin yet?
Rowen: Unfortunately, no.
Yurgen: I see. Well, please pass along the news. I'll return once the details are decided. [leaves]
Leia: Don't you think we should forfeit the tournament?
Elize: I think so, too.
Milla: You're probably right.
Rowen: We're all exhausted. Let's retire for the day and revisit this.
Jude: Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

[Fade out and in to everyone standing at the edge of the bridge.]
Jude: Where've you been? We were worried sick.
Milla: [surprised] Sorry about that.
Jude: You too, Alvin. Next time you storm off, tell us where you're going first.
Alvin: Simmer down, kid. Besides, looks like Elize wants to say something.
Elize: Umm, I think that Isla might know something about me.
Milla: Why do you say that?
Jude: She took a long look at Elize and went pale as a ghost.
Teepo: She dashed off like she was all scared of us and stuff!
Milla: I see.
Leia: If we spot Isla, we won't let her get away this time. We'll ask her what she knows, okay?
Elize: Okay.
[The arena bell tolls.]
Woman: Hey, shouldn't you folks be hightailing it to the arena?
Girl: The tournament's going to start up soon.
Teepo: Hey! We can't be late for our own tournament!
Leia: We'll be disqualified if we don't make it back in time.
Milla: Is that really so bad? Weren't you thinking of forfeiting?
Rowen: A wise woman once told me that hesitation is a common human failing. We must keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
Milla: Ah, I suppose so. Thank you.
[Jude closes his eyes, then looks at the woman.]
Jude: How did you know we were tournament fighters?
Milla: Hm?
Woman: Why else would you be here? Outsiders are either combatants or spectators when it's tournament time.
Girl: That's just common sense around here.
[They wave and leave.]
Elize: Why'd you ask them that?
Jude: Sorry. Something just clicked in my head. Let's head to the arena.

[The party runs into the coliseum.]
Milla: We heard the bell. What's going on?
Yurgen: Oh, thank the spirits you came! The tournament committee suddenly voted to hold the finals.
Clan Member 1: And they've decided to revert to the late king's rules.
Leia: The late king's rules? You don't mean--
Yurgen: I'm afraid I do. A fight to the death. I didn't mention it before, but the old rules also mandate that fights be one-on-one.
Jude: [looks at Milla] What'll we do?
Milla: Hmm. Well, we still need those wyverns, so forfeiting is not an option. But this is still very peculiar.
Rowen: Why would they revert to an older set of rules?
Alvin: Wake up and smell the poisoned coffee, kids. It's pretty obvious this is a plot by Exodus, the people trying to snuff you out.
Jude: Are you sure?
Teepo: Hold on! How do you know about those meanies?
Milla: Is it okay for you to say this?
Alvin: [turns around, rubs his head] My way of thanking you.
Jude: [to Milla] What are you talking about?
Milla: Alvin is working for Exodus.
Leia: What?! You're kidding me, right?
Alvin: I wish I was. They've been having me do odd jobs for them. [turns back around]
Jude: Don't tell me the poison was...
Alvin: That wasn't me! I almost choked down some of that stuff too, you know. I don't know who was behind it, either. I worked for 'em, sure, but it was always small-fry stuff.
Jude: Just tell me one thing. Can you promise us you'll never work for them again?
Alvin: Yes. You have my word.
Jude: Good.
Alvin: ......
Rowen: Were you privy to Exodus' plans?
Alvin: Uh, yeah. I mean, I heard some things. They hoped to change the rules for the finals and use it to kill Milla. Even if you win, they have a backup plan. They figure you'll be worn out, easy pickings for their snipers in the cheap seats.
Yurgen: How dare they stain our proud tournament with their foul tricks! This is an outrage!
Milla: Heh, their plan is a house of cards. If any one of you fights as a champion in my stead, the whole thing collapses.
Leia: Oh, good thinking.
Milla: Still, I'll take their bait. Anything to drag them out of hiding.
Alvin: Are you nuts? Why?
Rowen: It is far too dangerous. I cannot allow you to risk your life just to bait Exodus into the open.
Leia: Yeah, it's not worth it!
Teepo: Milla's gonna die!
Milla: It looks like Jude agrees with me, at least.
[She turns to Jude, who has a finger pressed against his temple, thinking.]
Jude: You want us to take care of the Exodus agents in the stands. [looks at Milla] That's your plan, right?
Milla: Exactly.
Leia: Are you serious?
Jude: Normally, we have no way of knowing when Exodus will strike. But now we have a time and a place. It's a logical plan.
Milla: If we don't strike now, they'll slip away and find time to prepare a new plan. There's no guaranteeing that one won't be even more devastating.
Yurgen: You're really going to enter?
Milla: The pride of your clan is on the line, isn't it? We both get what we want.
Yurgen: You really are something.
Rowen: Very well. So we're left with no choice but to ensure that everything goes right. Your strategy must succeed.
Milla: Correct. Let's go.
[Everyone starts to walk away except Jude.]
Jude: Milla.
[She stops and turns around.]
Jude: Let's give Exodus a taste of their own poison.
Milla: Agreed.

[Milla walks into the arena alone.]
Announcer: First up in the ring: The Kitarl Clan champion!
[An armored man steps in from the other side, carrying a large machine.]
Announcer: Tragedy nearly put an early end to the tournament yesterday. But cooler heads prevailed at the tournament committee, so today, the finals will go on! To ensure that everything will be conducted fairly, we will fall back on precedent and use the late king's rules.
Alvin: [walking through the stands] 'Cause that makes a load of sense.
[Elize, also in the crowd, looks a few rows up and sees Isla.]
Isla: ......
[Isla looks shocked, slowly turns, and runs away. Elize starts to follow.]
Elize: Uh? Wait a minute!
[In the ring, the front of the machine starts to buzz with electricity, then fires a blast at Milla.]
Milla: ......
[She dodges, then scowls. Alvin, Jude, and Rowen look on.]
Jude: What? He didn't channel that.
Rowen: And with that kind of power... Could it be?
[The machine starts to recharge.]
Leia: A spyrix...?!
[Elize runs through the crowd and abruptly stops when she runs into someone.]
Elize: Oof!
[Two people block her path, leering at her. She cowers back.]
Milla: I can hear the spirits' cries. We're too late again.
Elize: N-No! Stop! Give him back!
[Milla looks up to where the people are prying Teepo out of Elize's hands.]
Teepo: No! Stop it! Lemme go!
Man: Give up the doll, sweetheart!
[They wrench Teepo away and push Elize to the ground, then run.]
Elize: No, wait!
Leia: [from a few rows above] Elize!
Milla: What's going on, Leia?
[Alvin runs up to where Leia is.]
Leia: Someone kidnapped Teepo. Elize just went after them!
[More spyrix-wielders enter, and the machine fires again. Again, Milla dodges. All three attack in a row, and Milla flips away from each beam.]
Leia: Hey, what happened to just one-on-one?!
[She and Alvin look at each other. Leia nods and runs off. Alvin follows a second later.]
Milla: Alvin!
Alvin: [running through the crowd] They weren't after you! Their target must've been Teepo all along! There weren't any snipers in the stands either! I didn't know! I swear!
Milla: Then it's up to you to save her!
Alvin: [stops] What? Do you mean-- You're testing my loyalty?
Milla: I'm counting on you to do this!
Alvin: Wha-- [pauses, steps back] Just my rotten luck. [louder, as he starts to move again] Don't blame me if it goes south!
Jude: Is he going to help Milla?
Rowen: Perhaps there are no snipers in the stands after all.
Jude: Let's go then!
[Leia runs out next to Milla, twirling her staff. A moment later, Jude and Rowen follow.]
Jude: Huh, just Leia?
Milla: Exodus captured Teepo. Elize and Alvin went after them.
Rowen: Good heavens!
Milla: Here we go.

[Battle:]
Rowen: They look quite formidable.
Milla: No matter. We will end this quickly.
Jude: But look at their weapons. We should be careful.
Milla: It does not matter.
[Victory:]
Milla: It's over!
Rowen: Impressive.
Jude: Yeah... You were amazing!
Milla: Of course. This is my mission.

Announcer: Amazing! Is this a victory for the Kitarl Clan?!
[A small black box lies on the ground near the bodies of the Exodus members. Still panting, Milla eyes it, walks forward, and crushes it with her foot. It explodes into a cloud of smoke. She turns around to face Jude, then runs out of the arena. The others follow. Yurgen is outside.]
Milla: Any idea where Alvin and Elize ran off to?
Yurgen: I sent members of the clan after them, but I've yet to hear back.
Leia: Let's go look for them, too!
Yurgen: Hold on. We know they left the city. You won't have much luck finding them if you're not familiar with the area. Let us locals handle this. We'll find them. Just promise me you'll wait here until we do.
Milla: Very well.
Jude: Okay.

[The four of them wait at the inn.]
Rowen: This is taking much too long.
[Milla looks at Jude.]
Jude: You don't think that Alvin turned on us?
Milla: ......
Leia: How could I have let Elize leave her seat like that? If I had just noticed sooner...
Jude: [stands up] It's not your fault, Leia.
Leia: But...
[Yurgen and his clan members come in.]
Yurgen: We found their trail!
Milla: Where does it lead?
Yurgen: We were too careless. They've gone into the Royal Hunting Grounds.
Jude: Where is it?
Yurgen: It's a forest near the city that kings have used as their private hunting grounds for generations. It's a sprawling, primeval place. The Kitarl Clan looks after it.
Jude: Thank you, Yurgen!
Yurgen: The hunting grounds teem with dangerous monsters. Please be extra careful.

-- LABARI HOLLOW --

[Unlike the bright, grassy Hunting Grounds, the hollow is dark and crisscrossed with bridges.]
Jude: This place looks different from the rest of the hunting grounds.
[Rowen kneels down in front of some footprints.]
Rowen: Footprints, and still fresh by the look of them.
Leia: [kneels] These small ones must be Elize's!
Milla: Let's look around. But be careful.

[The party finds Elize and Alvin on the ground inside one of the numerous cave rooms.]
Alvin: Urgh.
Jude: [runs up and kneels down] Alvin! Pull yourself together, Alvin!
Alvin: Hmph. The gang's all here. I thought this was up to me.
Jude: I'll heal you right away.
[While he does, Leia and Milla turn to Elize.]
Leia: Elize?
[She's crouched on the ground next to Teepo. They walk up beside her, and Elize stands and latches onto Milla, crying.]
Elize: What should I do?
Milla: [holding her] What's wrong? You appear unhurt.
Elize: [is hold]
Leia: And look. Teepo's here, too. Glad you're okay.
[She picks Teepo up.]
Teepo: Hey! Let's play! But first, give me a name!
Leia: Huh?
Teepo: Hey! Let's play! But first, give me a name!
[The scene fades out while Elize continues to sob. Fade in to the same location. Jude is standing looking on.]
Milla: What's going on?
Teepo: Hey! Let's play! But first, give me a name!
Alvin: One of the Exodus agents ripped something out of Teepo, and that's all he's been saying since.
Jude: So he really was just a machine all along. A toy.
Elize: A toy?
Jude: Yeah, a stuffed animal designed to move and talk by itself.
Elize: H-He wasn't a toy. He was my friend.
Milla: Alvin, what happened to the Exodus agents?
Alvin: I killed one of them. The other gave me the slip.
Milla: Good work.
[Milla pushes Elize away to step on another spyrix box.]
Elize: What about Teepo?
Jude: [taking Teepo from Leia] If we can get back whatever they pulled out of him, maybe he'll go back to normal?
Milla: When did the Exodus agent leave?
Alvin: Ages ago.
Milla: Then the trail is cold. Trying to retrieve whatever they took will be a waste of time. We need to get moving.
Elize: But, couldn't you do both? Can't you help?
Milla: If you wish to search for Exodus, I won't stop you. But that means we'll have to part ways.
[Elize looks at Jude. Jude looks away.]
Elize: Hmph.
Rowen: Very well, let's get back to the city.

[Partway back up, after exiting a cave doorway:]
Teepo?: Hmph.
[Milla reaches for her sword.]
Jude: [distantly at first] Elize. Elize! Get back!
[Elize looks at Jude, surprised, as he takes a fighting stance next to her. Wolf monsters surround them.]
Jiao: Heel, you dogs! Heel!
[With a huge thud, Jiao jumps down next to the dogs.]
Jiao: My apologies if my pets frightened you. I had to sic them on some poachers.
Milla: Jiao?
Jiao: Hm? What brings you lot here? [sighs] I see you've finally returned to this place, child. You remember it, do you?
[Jude and Alvin look at Elize. She says nothing.]
Jude: What's he talking about?
Alvin: This is the lab where the little lady was raised.
Jiao: The laboratory has been abandoned for some time, ever since we had that intruder.
Milla: I take it that intruder was you, Alvin?
Alvin: Women's intuition, huh? I was investigating the boosters they were making here.
Jiao: What? So it was you.
Jude: What's a booster?
Alvin: A gadget developed by Auj Oule to ramp up the mana generated by the mana lobe. Elize is actually holding one right now: Teepo. The spud's apparently a third-generation booster.
Elize: So, you're just a gadget, Teepo?
Teepo: You have named me Teepo. Pleased to meet you!
Jiao: A booster reads the mind of its owner and speaks aloud his or her thoughts.
Jude: So all this time, Teepo was just saying what's on Elize's mind?
[Rowen looks at Leia, who seems a little downcast.]
Elize: That's not true! Teepo was talking on his own! Teepo... You might be a machine, but you're still my friend, right?
Teepo: Nope. I'm just a machine, Elize.
Elize: No! You're my friend!
Teepo: Nope. You are mistaken. I'm just a device that verbalizes your thoughts!
Jude: Elize, I'm sorry.
Teepo: Tell us, big guy. Where are lonely little Elize's Mommy and Daddy?
Jiao: They... They are no longer with us.
Elize: What?
Jiao: When you were just four years old, your parents were attacked by a bandit and murdered.
Elize: [hunching over] I'll never see them again. Not Mother, not Father, not even Teepo.
Jude: Hey.
Leia: I know how bad this must--
Elize: You still have your parents and friends!
Teepo: As if these people could ever understand how you feel.
[Elize runs away.]
Leia: Elize, wait!
[Leia goes after her. After a moment a gunshot sounds from further down the hollow.]
Jiao: Ugh, damn poachers again!
Milla: Hold on. Why was Elize at this laboratory?
Jiao: Well, she was brought here. Sold, really. There was this woman who would gather up orphans and take them to the laboratory. What was her name?
Jude: I don't suppose it was Isla?
Jiao: Yes. That's it. Isla.
[Milla, Jude, and Rowen look at each other.]
Alvin: A poacher of children, you might say.
Jiao: I have no right telling you this, but please... Never let that child be alone again.
[He walks to the edge of the cliff and jumps down.]

[Across the next bridge, they find Leia standing next to Elize.]
Jude: How is she doing?
Leia: She's fine.
Elize: [looks away] ......
Leia: Well, as fine as can be expected, given what she's learned. Anyway, this place is dangerous. Let's get back to the city.
[Everyone starts to walk away. Jude and Leia wait for Elize to come with them.]

-- XIAN DU --

Milla: [to Jude] Something on your mind?
Jude: Huh?
Milla: You haven't been yourself since we spoke to Jiao.
Jude: Yeah.
[Isla comes running up to them.]
Isla: I heard you followed the bad guys into the hunting grounds. I was worried.
Leia: Well, it was an eventful manhunt, but we made it back in one piece.
Isla: I'm so sorry you all got dragged into this. What a horrible coincidence.
Jude: [stepping forward] Isla, you can drop the act.
Isla: Wh-What do you mean? I really was worried about you. Why would I lie about that?
Leia: Jude, what are you saying?
Jude: I'm saying it was no coincidence we met Isla. Remember what those locals told us when the bell rang for the finals? At tournament time, any outsiders are either combatants or spectators.
Isla: Ah...
Milla: Right. I recall what she said when she came to help us.
<Flashback>
Isla: You folks don't look like you're from around here. What brings you to town?
<End flashback>
Jude: No one here would need to ask that, not at tournament time. You were ordered to make contact with us. By Exodus.
Leia: Isla, that's not true, is it?
Isla: They said you'd never find out. They promised. But I had no choice in the matter.
Jude: They blackmailed you, didn't they? They know your secret.
Rowen: Your former occupation.
Isla: They asked, "Wouldn't it be a shame if Yurgen found out?" What happened to the girl breaks my heart, but I had no choice back then, either.
[Fade to a picture of Isla, grinning wickedly, with her hand on a crying, baby Elize's shoulder, then fade back to the scene.]
Isla: Please, don't tell Yurgen! [falls to her knees]
Milla: He doesn't know?
Isla: How could I tell him?! He's a good man.
Milla: But it's all in the past, isn't it? Your fiance should know these things.
Isla: You're a woman. How can you not understand this? I'm damaged goods. If he found out about my past, he'd leave me. I finally found happiness with Yurgen. For once in my life. [pressed to the ground, bowing] Please... Don't tell him... Please...
Milla: Hmph. I doubt I'll ever understand human love. It has so many rules and conditions. What should we do, Elize? You decide.
Elize: Me? Why do I have to?
Milla: This woman's actions affected you far more than us.
Isla: There's nothing I can do now to make it up to you. But please, forgive me.
Elize: [walks away] I just don't care anymore.
Teepo: Elize is all alone now, no matter what you do.
[Teepo, Rowen, and Leia follow Elize. Isla sobs, then slowly stands and hobbles away. Jude watches her go.]
Leia: We better try to find Yurgen. We need to talk to him about the wyverns.
[Leia, Elize, and Rowen leave.]
Alvin: What's wrong, kid?
Jude: Isla said there was nothing she could do to make it up to Elize. But did she actually try? Is there really nothing she can do?
Milla: Isla is the only one who can answer that question.

[The party waits near the inn, spread out across the intersection and looking around. Leia walks up to Jude and Milla.]
Leia: No sign of Yurgen.
[They look at Elize, sitting alone a little distance away.]
Jude: I hope Elize is okay.
Rowen: Something has been troubling me about these booster devices. Do you remember the experiment Nachtigal was conducting at Fort Gandala? Might that have been a test of the booster's capabilities?
Milla: You're suggesting Rashugal already has booster technology as well?
Rowen: That would be a logical conclusion.
Jude: That's not good. Even kids like Elize are strong if they have boosters.
Milla: If both countries were to wage war with booster-equipped soldiers, it would be a catastrophe unlike any the world has ever seen.
Leia: Would they really risk having such a destructive war?
Milla: Nachtigal might. He seems convinced that he could actually win.
Jude: Especially since he has the Lance of Kresnik.
Yurgen: Oh, here you are! [walks up] Isla told me you were back in town. I'm so relieved to find you safe.
Jude: [looks down] Th-Thanks.
Alvin: Are the wyverns you promised us ready to ride yet?
Yurgen: [nods] Yes, but there's a hitch. Now that we're on the brink of war, we can't fly the wyverns without royal permission. For that, I'll need to head to the capital, Kanbalar.
Jude: [looks at Milla] Hey, maybe we should warn the King of Auj Oule how ugly things will get if war breaks out.
Leia: The king does seem pretty popular. Do you think maybe he'd fight alongside us?
Alvin: Whoa, hold on. This is a war we're talking about here, not a tavern brawl.
Milla: I'd like a face-to-face chat with the king myself, but for a different reason. I want to ask him for the truth behind the laboratory.
[Alvin turns around, frustrated.]
Milla: [to Yurgen] It's crucial that we meet the King of Auj Oule. We'll head for Kanbalar right away.
Yurgen: Er, okay. I'll get my things together. [leaves]
Leia: What does Milla mean by the truth behind the laboratory?
Jude: Apparently, Elize wasn't the only kid they kept at that place. Lots of other children were brought there, too.
Leia: Did Jiao tell you that?
[Jude nods.]
Milla: If the king truly wishes to protect his people, he'll give me the answer I seek. If he gives me the wrong answer, I'll remind him of his duty. I'll make him swear to never resort to such methods again, by any means necessary.
Leia: Good idea! Let's go pick the king's brain! Oh, I just remembered. All our luggage is back at the inn.
Rowen: Let us go fetch it.
[Leia and Rowen walk over to Elize. Leia kneels down in front of her, then stands up and shrugs at Rowen, and the two of them pull her to her feet and head toward the inn, holding her hands.]
Alvin: I'll catch up with you in a bit.
[He starts to walk away. Milla follows him.]
Milla: Alvin.
[Alvin stops, but doesn't turn around.]
Milla: You did well back there. I knew I could trust you to protect Elize for us.
Alvin: [starts to walk away again, stops, turns around] Well, I was prepared to honor my promise. [bows] Keep the faith, O Hallowed Spirit!
[He gestures at them almost like blowing kisses, then leaves, raising one hand.]
Jude: Never a dull moment with that guy.
Milla: Soon enough, I'll have to prepare myself, too.
Jude: Huh?
Milla: I am strong enough to destroy the Lance of Kresnik as I am now, without the Four's power.
Jude: Wait, you sure it's a good idea to destroy it with the Four Great Spirits still trapped inside?
Milla: [walking to the edge of the bridge] They would likely not survive. They would lose their forms and disintegrate.
Jude: But I thought the Four Great Spirits couldn't die?
Milla: Eventually, new Great Spirits will appear to take their place. [turns around to face Jude] But they will be a different Four, with different wills.
Jude: So that means the Four Great Spirits that you know, the ones that were always with you... They would just disappear?
Milla: A spirit's personality and memories are unimportant. What matters is the spirit's existence itself.
Jude: ......
Milla: [with a sad smile] Still, I doubt the Four will forgive me for this.
Jude: You really care about all spirits, don't you? Not just the Great Four, but the lesser spirits too.
Milla: Not just spirits. [looks at Jude, then turns back around] Humans, as well. To me, all lives, human and spirit, are equal and precious.
[Jude looks at her, surprised, then closes his eyes for a long moment.]
[The party meets Yurgen at the city exit.]
Yurgen: Let's head for Kanbalar.

-- MON HIGHLANDS --

-- KANBALAR --

Jude: Wow, and I thought Xian Du was an odd burg. Look at this place.
Alvin: The spirit faith is stronger here in Auj Oule than it is in Rashugal.
[Leia runs ahead to the middle of the intersection and looks down one street.]
Leia: Whoa, check those out.
Yurgen: That's something you won't see anywhere else in the world. It's one of Kanbalar's famous mountain slidecars.
Leia: What are they?
Rowen: Kanbalar was built along the peaks of a mountain range. Those slidecars connect the multiple districts together.
Leia: [to Elize] Don't they look fun? I bet we could see forever in one of those.
[Elize and Teepo both look away angrily.]
Milla: How do we go about meeting the king?
Yurgen: I'll request a royal audience for you when I seek permission to use the wyverns. Don't get your hopes up, though. Many people come to the capital seeking an audience, so you may need to wait a bit. I suggest resting at the inn until I get back.
[Jude nods, and Yurgen leaves.]
Jude: [to Milla] I bet right now you're trying to think of a way to do things without Yurgen's help.
Milla: Err...
Jude: Just try not to make trouble for him, okay? He's a nice guy.

[The party waits in a room at the inn. On one side of the room, Alvin lies on a bed and Jude sits reading a book. Milla stands nearby. On the other side, Rowen sits on one bed, Leia lies on another, and Elize sits on the floor with Teepo.
Leia: [rolling around] Yurgen still isn't back?
Jude: Not yet.
Leia: [sits up] Elize, wanna do some sightseeing?
Elize: [huffs] ......
Rowen: Miss Elize, why not join Leia?
Leia: Come on, Elize. Gosh, now that Teepo's giving us the silent treatment, I guess I need to pick up the slack.
Jude: [without looking up] You, talk more than before? Impossible.
Leia: [sticks her tongue out at him] Blehhh! [to Elize] Hey, just because Teepo's gotten quiet doesn't mean you have to. [sits on the edge of the bed] I'd love to hear more about you, Elize, in your own words.
Teepo: Shut up, Leia. You're the one holding us all back, after all.
[Rowen stands up. Leia looks shocked.]
Leia: Huh?
Milla: [walking over] Elize, that was uncalled for. You should apologize.
Alvin: [sits up] You must've really crossed a line if Momma Milla's scolding you.
Elize: [stands, turns away] I hate Milla! And Leia, too!
[Leia stands up. Elize bolts to the door. Jude also stands.]
Alvin: Hey, where're you going?
[The door slams.]
Leia: [embarrassed] Ouch. That stung a little. Not gonna lie.
Rowen: Please do not let it get to you.
Leia: Oh, I'm fine. We need to get Elize back!

[The party finds Elize farther up the street, standing in front of a fountain. Jiao is a little distance behind her.]
Elize: ......
[Jiao turns around as the party runs up warily.]
Jiao: No reason to be alarmed. This is purely a chance encounter, nothing more.
[He moves a few steps away. Leia walks up to Elize. Alvin watches Jiao.]
Leia: Elize, I'm sorry about before. I can't imagine how lonely you must be without the old Teepo. I know I have a bad habit of opening my big mouth without thinking. Please, forgive me.
Elize: No.
Leia: [surprised] Come on, don't say that. I'll beg if I have to.
[Elize turns around, angry.]
Elize: I thought you are Milla were my friends! I hate you! I hate you!
Leia: Can't you see that I'm just worried sick about you?!
Elize: Liar! You don't care about me at all! I don't want to be friends anymore!
[She runs past Leia and the others.]
Rowen: Miss Elize!
[She stops.]
Rowen: Everyone is being kind to you right now because you have them so concerned. You say that you feel hurt, but have you considered your own actions? Do you realize that Teepo's words were just as hurtful to Miss Leia?
Elize: [turns back around] I hurt Leia?
Leia: [walks up again with Jude] Well, hurt is a strong word, but... You took the wind out of my sails, that's for sure.
Elize: I had no idea.
[Jude steps up and leans over.]
Jude: Why don't you try apologizing to her?
Elize: But, I said such horrible things.
[Rowen comes up.]
Rowen: I am certain she will forgive you if you ask nicely. Forgiveness is the sign of a true friend.
Elize: [walks back to Leia] Leia, I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?
Leia: Sure, but under one condition. From now on, I want you to tell me more about yourself using your own voice.
[Elize smiles.]
Teepo: Hmph! You're not the boss of her! You're only three years older!
Elize: Teepo! Stop!
[She grabs Teepo and smothers him with her arms.]
Leia: Elize?
Elize: Y-Yes?
Leia: [puts her hands on her hips threateningly] Even if it's only three years, I'm still older than you.
Elize: R-Right.
Teepo: Bossy Leia is scary Leia!
Milla: Hehehe... Hahaha.
Jiao: There's a lesson here, child. Never take your friends for granted. [leaves]
Jude: So what do we do now? Yurgen still hasn't gotten back yet.
Alvin: We could just barge into the castle ourselves.
Jude: [sighs] For the hundredth time, let's not cause any trouble for Yurgen.
Milla: That's no good? Hmm. It sounded like a good idea to me.
[Everyone looks exasperated.]

[The party heads to the castle courtyard. The guards are holding up a line of people waiting to see the king.]
Jude: That's quite the line.
Leia: I guess this king really does listen to his people.
Rowen: The King of Auj Oule is well known for his charisma. It is said he unified this strife-torn country on the strength of his character alone.
Leia: A guy like that is sure to help us!
Milla: Charisma only goes so far. If his government is secretly producing children like Elize, then he must answer for it.
Elize: [smiles] Thank you.
[Alvin looks past Jude. Jude turns around to find Yurgen approaching.]
Jude: Sorry, we were getting antsy.
Yurgen: No, this is actually perfect timing.
Alvin: Are we good to go with the wyverns?
Yurgen: Yes, I got royal approval. And something incredible happened when I requested an audience for Milla.
Milla: What is it?
Yurgen: When I told them your names, they said His Highness was looking forward to meeting you, too. Are you all famous in Rashugal or something?
Jude: Ah, err... I don't think so.
Yurgen: Perhaps word of the tournament has reached His Highness. What a great honor for our clan! Anyway, I need to head back to Xian Du to ready the wyverns. [leaves]
Milla: Hmm, quite the unexpected welcome.
Jude: It's not a trap, is it?
Rowen: I have a bad feeling about this as well.
Leia: You do? It beats not getting to meet him at all.
Alvin: [looks down] ......
Milla: Keeping secrets from us again?
[Milla watches Alvin. He shrugs.]
Alvin: Of course. I have to maintain my mystique for the ladies.
[Jude looks utterly unimpressed.]
Milla: ......
[She tilts her head, confused, then turns to Jude.]
Milla: What does he mean?
Jude: They say men with secrets are attractive, or something. I'm not exactly the right guy to ask.
[Milla crosses her arms, still confused.]
Alvin: [starts to walk forward] Come on, let's go say hi to His Highness.
Jude: Alvin, we really need you to be straight with us.
Alvin: [without turning around] Don't worry. I know you've put your trust in me.
[He continues up the stairs. Jude smiles.]

[Inside the castle, a couple of guards stand in front of a large hallway.]
Guard 1: Halt. Citizens seeking an audience with the king are to wait in line outside the castle.
[Rowen glances to the side.]
Jude: We were told the king wished an audience with us.
[The guards look at each other.]
Guard 2: Is one of you Lady Milla?
Milla: That's me.
Guard 2: Very well. Please proceed.
[They step aside. The party starts to walk into the hall. Leia pauses and looks back to see Rowen and Elize talking instead of walking.]
Leia: What's the holdup?
Rowen: I don't believe a doll is appropriate at a royal audience. I thought we might leave it here.
Leia: You sure?
Elize: It's okay.
Guard 1: I'll hold that for you.
[He salutes. Rowen smiles, but then looks serious. The guard holds Teepo with one arm.]
Rowen: Now, let us meet this king.

[At the end of the hall and stairs is a large, ornate room with an empty dais and throne on the other end. Jiao stands near the throne.]
Jude: What are you doing here?
Jiao: I am Jiao the Immovable, of the Chimeriad.
Milla: The Chimeriad?
Rowen: Four warriors in personal service to the king. To think Jiao was a member all along...
[Jiao smiles, then turns his head as a door behind the throne opens. The other two men from Nia Khera step out. The first sits cross-legged on the throne and looks up. Jude slowly looks away. The other man stands by the throne.]
Other Man: It is a great honor to meet you, former Chief of Staff Ilbert.
Rowen: Ah, and you are the Ebon Wing of Auj Oule... Wingul the Nova...
Milla: You must be the King of Auj Oule.
Gaius: My name is Gaius, King of Auj Oule. Welcome, Maxwell.
Wingul: You have requested an audience with the king, have you not? Now, please state your business.
Jude: Boosters made in your country have already fallen into Rashugal hands. If a war were to break out between your nations, then the results would be catastrophic for everyone.
Gaius: Oh, and you came all the way here just to tell me that in person?
Jude: Uh, yes, Your Highness.
[He bows his head. Leia steps forward beside him.]
Leia: We're planning to destroy one of Rashugal's weapons. A really big one at that. Once that thing's gone, we know that Rashugal's king wouldn't dare declare war on you. In fact, we hoped that you might, you know, help us?
Wingul: Is there anything else?
[Jude and Leia awkwardly keep quiet.]
Rowen: Yes, there is one other matter we'd like to discuss: It is in regards to the booster laboratory within the Royal Hunting Grounds.
[Jiao looks down regretfully.]
Milla: Is it true you once abducted orphans for this facility and then you performed experiments on these children?
Gaius: [sighs? chuckles??] Well, I didn't see that one coming. What does any of this have to do with you, spirit?
Milla: I am Maxwell. It is my duty to protect both humans and spirits alike.
Gaius: Really? Spirits, protecting humans? Now that is quite an interesting tale.
Milla: You forsook your duty as king, and then you toyed with the lives of your own people, didn't you?
Wingul: The laboratory is entirely my responsibility. It was a haven for those children. They would have died without it. You imagine it as a mad scientist's lab, but I assure you, the experiments were entirely humane.
Milla: You expect us to take your word for this?
Elize: But I... I was...
[Wingul narrows his eyes at Elize. Jiao opens one eye.]
Wingul: This girl, she was that test subject?
Jiao: Yes, she was.
Jude: Even in Hamil, Elize was forced to live in a tiny room. Don't you consider that--
Gaius: Cruel?
Jude: Well, uh, yes. [looks down]
Gaius: Tell me something, boy. Have you ever considered what it takes to achieve happiness?
Jude: [looks back up] To achieve happiness?
Gaius: Yes, to try and live a satisfying life. How do you think one can achieve that? Do you even know?
Jude: Well... [pauses]
Milla: It takes freedom to make your own decisions and to form your own beliefs.
Jude: [looks at her and nods] Exactly. It takes freedom.
Gaius: Heh. Well, I disagree. [stands] When a man loses his way in life, the ground beneath him starts to slowly crumble, until there is nothing left.
Jude: What do you mean, nothing left?
Gaius: A man who cannot find his way becomes trapped. The more he struggles, the deeper he sinks into uncertainty.
Jude: ......
Gaius: True happiness comes from following a noble path across an entire lifetime without getting lost. My country does not produce failures. It is the king's duty to show his people the proper path. I must keep them from becoming completely trapped.
[Gaius continues to look at them. Milla continues to look defiantly back.]
Gaius: Now, let me tell you in no uncertain terms why I've called you here. Maxwell. I know you stole the key from the laboratory in Rashugal. Now hand it over immediately.
Milla: [cutting him off] No, I won't. The key was not meant for human hands. When faced with a power that could destroy the entire world, no human can control him or herself.
Gaius: It seems as though you haven't heard a thing that I just said, spirit.
Milla: Heh, something about royal guidance and noble paths? I've heard it before. You humans never change. I've watched you for 2,000 years.
Wingul: All right, then why don't /you/ just tell us where the key is?
[Alvin walks forward.]
Leia: What?
Jude: Alvin? What're... What are you doing?
Elize: But you can't!
Milla: Alvin.
Alvin: [still walking] Sorry guys. I'm just doin' my job.
Wingul: Alvin. Who did Maxwell entrust the key to?
Alvin: The handmaid Ivar. He's probably sulking back in Nia Khera as we speak.
[Jude glances uncertainly at Milla as the door opens again. The woman from the Kijara Seafalls runs in, then gets distracted when she sees Alvin.]
Woman: Al, what're you doing here?!
Alvin: [raises one hand] Hey, Presa. Long time no see. [winks]
[Presa stares.]
Wingul: Presa, what is it?
[She looks at Wingul, glances at Milla's group, looks to Gaius.]
Gaius: Ignore them. Give your report.
Presa: The Rashugal army has invaded Hamil.
[Gaius only looks at her out of the corners of his eyes.]
Rowen: What did you say?!
Presa: I'm afraid the casualties are high. Those not killed were captured. They were then sent to Rashugal. We also found evidence that the power of a Great Spirit was used upon the village.
Gaius: A Great Spirit? But no one has successfully summoned the Four Great Spirits for two decades.
[He looks at Milla.]
Milla: [quietly, then louder] Impossible. I would have known if the Four Great Spirits had been released. Could it be the Lance of Kresnik...? Is it possible that Nachtigal has made a new key?
Gaius: If that's the case, then we're declaring war. Send word to all the clans. I am going to crush anyone who dares to harm my people!
[He walks away. Wingul looks at the party.]
Wingul: Well then, we will no longer have any need for the likes of you.
[Guards approach from behind.]
Wingul: But, if His Highness were to have the Spirit Maxwell as his captive, even the unruly clans would be forced to bend their knees.
Jude: Ergh.
Rowen: Miss Elize!
Elize: [nods] Teepo, now!
[Teepo bounces out of the guard's hand, then twirls and hits him on the head.]
Teepo: Well, don't just stand there! Come on, run!
[Elize grabs Teepo and runs around the guard, who's starting to straighten up again. Milla hits him in the face as she runs by, knocking him to the ground. Rowen takes out another guard while Jude and Leia follow Milla. Jude looks back to see Alvin smiling and waving.]
Wingul: Capture Maxwell! Recover the test subject!

[In the castle courtyard, Elize stops.]
Elize: So Alvin really was a big fat liar.
[Jude and Milla stop ahead of her and turn around. Rowen walks back to her.]
Rowen: I assumed he had his reasons, but this time, he took it too far.
Teepo: Stupid traitor! Lemme at him!
Leia: Why would he betray us like that?
Milla: I'm afraid even I can't read his mind.
Jude: How could he do this to us? [with his back turned and head bowed] He better not show his face around us again!
[A bell starts ringing in the castle.]
Voice: They've left the castle!
[The courtyard gates close. When the party gets there, they're locked.]
Jude: It won't open!
[Rowen examines a pedestal nearby.]
Rowen: If we can reactivate the five control stones, we may be able to unlock the gate. Pour your mana into the stones until they glow red.
Elize: Just like at Fort Gandala.
Rowen: [nods] The gate will not unlock, however, unless we all activate the stones at roughly the same time.
Leia: Wait, I've never done anything like this before.
Rowen: Don't worry. Just use your mana as you would when casting an arte.
Milla: There's no time. We've only one chance.
[Milla and Jude run off. Leia hesitates before following. Jude and Elize take one side, with Milla and Leia on the other. Rowen stays at the central pedestal.]
Rowen: Let us begin!
[He raises his hands over the stone and glowing sparkles appear around it. The other four do the same. Leia glances behind her and sees guards running down the castle steps.]
Leia: Uh-oh.
[Rowen's stone glows and turns red.]
Rowen: Done.
Leia: Already?!
[Beside her, Milla's glows too.]
Milla: I'm finished, too.
Jude: Same here.
[Elize's glows and Teepo smiles.]
Elize: I did it.
Leia: [tearing up] Come on. Come on. I'm so sick of holding everyone back! Why? Why can't I do it?
[Milla puts one hand with Leia's.]
Leia: Milla?!
Milla: Leia. Relax.
Leia: I'm not good enough for this!
Milla: Quit thinking you're inferior to anyone here.
Leia: Thanks.
Milla: You can do this. Let's continue!
[Leia wipes at her eyes.]
Leia: Okay.
Milla & Leia: Haaaaaa!
[The stone glows and turns red.]
Leia: Yes!
[Milla and Leia smile at each other. The gate opens.]
Jude: Hurry up, you two!

[They run through the gate and down into the city, but when they get to the intersection near the Highlands exit, Presa blocks their path.]
Presa: Nobody leaves me behind at a party.
Milla: Presa, was it? If you've been Gaius' henchwoman all along... Then you've been after us ever since we escaped Fennmont.
Presa: Al sold you out to His Highness way back in Nia Khera.
Jude: He was on your side the whole time.
Presa: Hmph, hardly. That man's no ally.
Jude: Huh?
Presa: Hehe. I'll leave our relationship to your imagination. All I'll say is this: Al drifts from one group to the next like a ship without a compass. Trying to plot his course is impossible. Serves you right for trusting him.
Wingul: [leaning against the gate] It's obvious that the Lance of Kresnik is the greatest threat if war breaks out. Surely Maxwell realizes this.
Milla: Your territorial squabbles are of no interest to me. My only concern is keeping that thing out of human hands and preventing a miserable end for us all.
[Wingul and Presa take fighting stances. Wingul draws his sword.]
Wingul: So high and mighty. It's time someone broke your arrogance.
[Milla reaches for her sword, but Rowen holds a hand out in front of her.]
Rowen: Enough. You didn't become a veteran of countless battles through meaningless bloodshed.
[He looks at Milla. She relaxes.]
Rowen: Has your youth gotten the better of you?
Wingul: Don't lecture me on age, Ilbert. Your ways are old. Therefore, you falter.
Rowen: ......
Wingul: And then you flee! Haaaaaaaa!
[He crosses his arms in front of himself and starts to glow. When the glow disappears, his hair is white and he speaks a different language.]
Leia: Wh-What just happened?
Milla: A sudden burst of mana?!
Jude: He has a booster!
Elize: Why?
Teepo: Who are you?!
Wingul: (Elize, watch your tongue. You should know to respect your elders.)
Jude: What?
Rowen: Is that Long Dau?
Wingul: (I planned on capturing you, Maxwell. But it'd be easier killing you.)

[Battle:]
Presa: I warn you, he's quite strong like that.
Milla: Tch. I can't understand a word he's saying, though.
Presa: No matter. You'll understand soon enough. Once we're all finished with you!
[Victory:]
Elize: His hair completely changed!
Teepo: And his speech, too!
Rowen: His mana dramatically increased. There can be only one reason.
Jude: A booster.

[Wingul and Presa hunch over, winded.]
Wingul: What now?
[Milla draws her sword.]
Presa: Still want to play, do you?
[Jude holds an arm in front of Milla.]
Jude: Wait!
Milla: Don't try to stop me.
Jude: No, look.
[A group of Auj Oule soldiers rushes in from another gate.]
Milla: I suppose our time is up.
Wingul: Running away again, Ilbert?
[Rowen stops. The others run past him.]
Wingul: It's because you ran last time that King Nachtigal ended up the way he did.
Rowen: ......
[Rowen leaves. Alvin leans against a wall, watching the soldiers pursue them.]

-- MON HIGHLANDS --

-- XIAN DU --

[The party walks into the city, looks around, and sees Yurgen at a nearby merchant's booth.]
Rowen: Careful. Word of our altercation in the capital may have preceded us.
[As he speaks, Yurgen turns around, sees them, and starts walking forward.]
Yurgen: How was your audience with the king?
[Jude and Milla look at each other. Milla nods and steps forward.]
Milla: I'm sorry, we'll have to talk later. Can we depart right away?
Yurgen: Well, I guess that's possible. You in some kind of hurry?
Teepo: Yeah! The king's men are hot on our--
[Jude hastily covers Teepo's mouth. Yurgen tilts his head, confused.]
Alvin: [offscreen] No need to rush off.
[Alvin walks up behind them and they turn around.]
Jude: Alvin?!
Alvin: They're on a wild-goose chase in the mountains right about now.
Milla: [walking up to him] You threw them off our scent? Is this some kind of peace offering?
Alvin: What? It's only natural I helped you. We're friends, aren't we?
Everyone: ......
Alvin: Come on, you don't believe me? I know you've put your trust in me before.
[He walks past Milla and puts an arm around Jude's shoulders.]
Alvin: Would it kill you to give me another shot?
[Jude looks moderately annoyed but lowers his eyes.]
Jude: I-I guess not.
Alvin: [winks] Attaboy.
Elize: [flatly] Welcome back. I'm glad that you're safe.
[Leia crosses her arms. Neither looks happy. Alvin straightens up.]
Alvin: Heh heh, thanks. You almost sound sincere.
Rowen: If nothing else, it seems that Alvin has bought us some time.
Yurgen: I'd ask what's going on, but I don't think I want to know. You people sure have a lot of drama in your lives. I'll be in front of the wyverns. Come see me when you're ready to fly.
[He leaves. Milla looks at the sky.]
Milla: It's finally time.
Jude: We'll saddle up as soon as we're ready.
Milla: Right.

[Yurgen waits near the wyvern cages.]
Yurgen: Are you ready to head for Fennmont?
> No.
Yurgen: Talk to me when you're ready.
> Yes.
Yurgen: You can't possibly land right in Rashugal's capital. You'll probably have to touch down on a highroad nearby or find some other suitable spot.

ANIME CUTSCENE:
[Jude screams as the wyverns climb higher. Milla sits in front of him, holding the reins, while he holds onto her waist. On another wyvern behind theirs, Rowen holds the reins and Leia clutches at his clothes from inside his arms.]
Leia: Eeek! Stop this wyvern! I wanna get off!
Rowen: Urgh... This is quite difficult.
[Nearby, Elize and Alvin are in much the same position.]
Elize: Try to steer better, please!
Teepo: Help! I think I'm gonna barf!
Alvin: Teepo! Shut it!
Jude: Are we there yet?
Milla: No, not yet.
[Jude screams again as the wyvern dives. Milla tugs the reins so it pulls up just in time to avoid the water.]
Milla: Urgh!
[They fly higher, swerving between rocks and going through holes in cliffs, nearly hitting the water again. Finally they climb up above the clouds and soar freely. Jude slowly opens his eyes, leans back from against Milla, and looks around. All three wyverns are flying over an endless cloud cover, sunlight shining down above them.
Jude: It's amazing.
Leia: It's so pretty.
Elize: Wow...
Teepo: It's sparkly!
[Alvin smiles, then suddenly glances down. A huge monster comes up out of the clouds.]
Alvin: Wh-What the hell is that?!
Teepo: It's so huge!
[It roars and lunges at them. They fly away from its mouth.]
Monster: Urgh!
Leia: It's right on our six!
Jude: Everyone, dive!
[They barrel back into the clouds, and the monster follows. They come out the other side above a shoreline and city. The monster starts shooting fireballs from its mouth, most of which Milla dodges, but one hits the wyvern's side. It starts to fall rapidly and the others shoot after it.]
Leia: Jude!
END CUTSCENE

[A boom can be heard as the screen fades back in. Jude and Milla lie on the ground of the Sharilton plaza, the wyvern nearby. Milla slowly starts to get up.]
Milla: Urgh.
[Jude also sits up. Milla looks at him and grimaces.]
Milla: Watch out!
Jude: Huh?
[Behind him the monster flies down into the plaza. Alvin jumps down and uses his sword to shield them from the attack. It knocks Alvin away. Leia and Milla join them, while Jude remains crouched on the ground.]
Jude: Alvin, are you okay?
Alvin: No time to chat now, kid!
[Battle:]
Jude: Ergh... you'll pay for what you did!
Teepo: This is our home turf! We can't lose!
Rowen: Stay on guard! We're defending against the ruler of the skies. This will not be easy!
[Victory:]
Teepo: All right! We beat the king of the skies!
Leia: That makes me the new ruler!
Elize: Should we call you "queen"?
Leia: Hah, on second thought, forget it...

[The monster roars and fall back over the wall. Voices chatter nearby.]
Driselle: [offscreen] Please, no one panic! Women and children, seek shelter in your homes!
[Driselle comes up behind them flanked by soldiers and takes a fighting stance.]
Driselle: All able-bodied men, to me!
[Her eyes widen as Elize walks up to her.]
Driselle: Elly? What are you doing here?
Elize: I'm home.
Rowen: [walks up beside Elize] Young madam.
Driselle: Rowen? [looks at Elize, recoils] Everyone's back?
[The others walk up too.]
Jude: Good to see you again.
[Milla looks around. Alvin stands a little apart from the rest.]
Leia: Umm, nice to meet you. I'm Leia.
Driselle: [still shocked] Uh, hi.
Milla: I'm sorry to alarm you.
Driselle: I heard all the commotion. I thought Auj Oule was invading.
[Alvin falls to his knees.]
Jude: You okay? You took a tough hit when you saved me. [walks up and kneels down]
Alvin: Seemed like no big whup at the time, but now, it's really hitting me.
Driselle: [to the soldiers] Help us carry him.
[Scene change. The wyvern is curled up on the low wall around the plaza. A man examines it.]
Driselle: Does it look like it'll heal?
Man: My lady, I'm just a horse trainer.
Driselle: Which makes you the most qualified to help.
Man: [sighs] ......
[Driselle walks back to Rowen.]
Rowen: Young madam, please forgive me for the heavy burden I placed upon you when I left Sharilton.
Woman: Isn't that Ilbert-- the former chief of staff? He was a tactician for the Rashugal army, you know.
Man: Really? And he's on our side? That's great!
[They walk away. Driselle and Rowen watch them go.]
Driselle & Rowen: ......
Driselle: All these rumors of war have everyone on edge lately. Let's head back to the manor before we cause any more commotion.
[At the manor, Jude, Milla, and Leia sit around the table on the raised platform in one corner. Rowen stands next to them, while Elize crouches on the floor bouncing Teepo. Driselle comes up and Teepo stops.]
Driselle: The horse trainer says the wyverns need some time to recuperate. You all should rest here in the city while you can.
[The door opens behind her, and she turns around. A guard stands in the entrance. Driselle goes to talk to him.]
Milla: That may be for the best. We're on the eve of a great battle, after all. [stands] Everyone should get as much rest as they can.
Jude: [staring at her] Huh?
Milla: What's wrong? You look as if I just spoke Long Dau.
Rowen: Ho ho ho. Milla is making perfect sense. We have had little rest since our departure from Leronde.
Milla: And you could use some time to gather your thoughts.
[Rowen looks stunned, then smiles.]
Rowen: As you say.

[Jude and Milla meet at the gate to the manor. Milla starts to walk up the path. Jude follows.]
Jude: I never thought we'd end up back here again.
[Milla stops and turns around.]
Jude: It seems like forever ago that you were injured.
Milla: Have you figured out your mission? What you must do?
Jude: I... [hangs his head] I just want to help you out.
Milla: I see.
Jude: But that's not all! I want to protect the spirits as well. You go to such lengths to protect humans, so it's only fair that I become strong enough to protect spirits, too.
Milla: [closes her eyes and hums thoughtfully] You will strive to be our protector. [opens her eyes] A bold statement.
[Jude nods.]
Milla: Maybe I've been wrong about humans after all.
Jude: Hm?
Milla: I never imagined one of you wanting to protect our kind, let alone making it his mission. I'm almost speechless. I've never felt this happy. Now I really must destroy the Lance of Kresnik. For all our sakes.
[Jude smiles, then looks worried.]
Jude: That reminds me... What are you planning on doing after you've destroyed the Lance?
Milla: [looking at the gardens] Destroying the Lance and the spyrix devices is merely one facet of my mission here. My whole reason for existing hasn't changed.
Jude: [steps up beside her] So you'll return to Nia Khera and live the way you did before?
Milla: Most likely.
Jude: [looks down, rocks nervously] B-But with Exodus around, won't your life still be in danger?
Milla: Hmm. Also likely.
Jude: [faces her] What you need is a bodyguard, someone to watch your back.
Milla: Are you offering to stay with me?
[She faces him, too. Jude blushes and steps back, surprised.]
Jude: ...... [pauses, lowers his eyes] Is that possible?
Milla: [shakes her head] If that's what you decide to do, then you should do it. I'll need to create some story to keep you by my side.
Jude: [smiles] Really? Thank you.
Milla: [shakes her head again] It's the least I can do. You're the reason I am standing here right now, preparing to fulfill my mission. [tilts her head] I'm the one who should be thanking you.
Jude: Huh? Oh, no, you don't have to do that. We haven't even gotten to the real fight yet.
Milla: Heh, good point.
Driselle [offscreen]: Oh, just the pair I was looking for. Your wyverns have fully recovered.
Milla: Let's return to the plaza.
Jude: Okay.

[The three of them enter the plaza to find Rowen, Leia, and Elize already there. Jude looks around.]
Jude: Where's Alvin?
Leia: He hasn't shown up yet.
Elize: He's probably figuring out his next lie.
[Jude walks up to Elize and crouches down.]
Jude: That's not true.
[Milla surveys the others.]
Milla: What does everyone else think of Alvin? Would you feel safe going into battle with him?
Leia: He's just trying to help out his mom, right? I'm a sucker for that kind of stuff.
Rowen: I worry he himself will be unable to deal with that way of life much longer.
Elize: Hmph.
Teepo: Don't forget, Alvin was the one who saved me from the bad guys.
[Elize looks at Teepo, mildly shocked. Jude stands up and faces Milla.]
Jude: What do you think?
Milla: We'll need to keep up our guard around him until he reveals his hand. He remains trustworthy in battle, at least.
[Elize walks up to Milla. Teepo bounces up and down.]
Alvin [offscreen]: Now, now, it's not polite to talk about someone behind his back.
[Alvin stands off to the side. He salutes. Elize turns away.]
Elize: I don't care.
Alvin: [shrugs] What can I say? You guys are my only allies.
[Jude doesn't look convinced. Leia half-shrugs.]
Milla: That makes everyone. Let's be off.
Elize: Please wait!
Teepo: Rowen, are you really going to fight with your old buddy?
[Rowen smiles at them, then closes his eyes and frowns.]
Rowen: It is my fault that Nachtigal became the man he is. I am prepared to fight him when the time comes.
Jude: You have our support.
Leia: Don't worry. I'll be right behind you!
Teepo: I've got your back, too!
[Elize and Milla smile.]
Rowen: Thank you, everyone.
Alvin: Don't worry. I'll pick up your dentures if you drop 'em, grandpa.
Rowen: Please do.
[Alvin looks stunned, then crosses his arms and averts his eyes.]
Alvin: What, no pithy retort?
Jude: I guess that means we're all ready.
Milla: Let's make our final preparations before setting off.

[After talking to Driselle again:]
Milla: Thank you for everything.
[Driselle shakes her head, then turns to Rowen.]
Driselle: Please return home safely. For my brother, as well.
Rowen: [smiles and bows] You have my word, young madam.
Milla: Then let's be off.
[The wyverns take off one after another. The scene changes to the Barnauer Highroad, where everyone dismounts.]
Milla: I believe we just need to follow this road to reach Fennmont.
[Rowen nods.]
Jude: Yeah, let's go.

-- FENNMONT --

[Inside the city, a soldier leans against a railing while a med student crouches next to him. Civilians gather around. More soldiers come running by. Another soldier talks to a scholarly-looking man.]
Jude: What's going on?
Leia: Hey, look!
[She points into the distance. Smoke is rising into the air.]
Milla: Isn't that--
Jude: The lab!
[Milla's expression darkens slightly.]
Milla: The Lance of Kresnik is in there. Let's go!
[Jude and Leia nod. Alvin continues to look at the smoke.]

[Near Laforte, soldiers and researchers lie collapsed on the pathways or leaning against walls. Doctors kneel next to some. Jude runs up to a soldier and crouches down.]
Jude: Are you okay?
[Leia runs past, while Rowen sees to someone else. Jude takes the soldier's helmet off.]
Jude: Mr. Eldin?
Eldin: [opening his eyes] Doc... Doctor Jude?
Jude: Lie still. You're hurt pretty badly.
Eldin: Listen to me, doc. She tricked us. One of the researchers was actually an Auj Oule spy. When I tried to arrest her, she blew up the entire testing chamber.
Man: We'll carry the wounded to the hospital. Come with me.
[The man kneels. Eldin starts to sit up. Jude stands.]
Jude: It sounds like Gaius is making his move.
Milla: We can't waste any more time.

[Inside Laforte, the party finds the door Milla took to get to the Lance last time. It's locked.]
Alvin: Now what? Doesn't sound like knocking will get us in.
[Milla walks up to the door. Jude looks surprised and a sharp clang rings out as Milla swings her sword at it. She continues to attack. Alvin, Leia, and Elize stare.]
Milla: The Lance of Kresnik is just beyond this door!
[She closes her eyes and grits her teeth. Jude steps closer.]
Jude: There's got to be another way in. Let's look for it.

[Up the stairs on one side of the room, a noise comes from behind one of the second-story doors.]
Jude: What was that?
[He walks across the platform to the door.]

[Inside the room are more tanks containing people.]
Rowen: What?
[Jude runs up to a woman lying on the floor, grabs her shoulders, and rolls her over.]
Milla: You okay? [kneels next to them]
Woman: I don't know anything. I'm sorry.
Alvin: Isn't she--
Elize: It's the mayor! [runs up and kneels]
Teepo: Hang in there!
Milla: The mayor of Hamil? They did say that the Rashugal army invaded the village.
Mayor: Ah! All the villagers. Frozen solid! No! No!
Milla: Hey! Come back to us! Don't give up!
Mayor: Ugh... Ergh... Ah...
[Milla closes her eyes. Jude hangs his head.]
Elize: Oh no, mayor!
Jude: It's Professor Haus all over again.
[Milla and Elize stand. Elize runs to Milla.]
Rowen: The villagers were frozen solid? What could that mean? Is this what Gaius's henchwoman meant when she said the power of a Great Spirit?
Alvin: This woman was knocking on death's door. She might've been delusional.
Milla: [holding Elize and stroking her head] Either way, this is unforgivable.
[Jude touches a finger to his temple, thinking, then looks to the second story platform.]
Jude: I wonder if it'll work the same?

[Up the ladder on the platform is a computer. Jude starts typing on it.]
Milla: Can this contraption help us?
Jude: It might let us look in on the Lance.
[The computer makes a sound, then plays static.]
Jude: Here's the video feed.
Milla: That's remarkable, Jude.
[Jude smiles. On the screen is a grainy video feed of an empty platform.]
Leia: There's nothing there.
Jude: Huh?
Milla: The Lance of Kresnik is gone. Did that explosion destroy it?
Rowen: Surely it would leave some wreckage behind.
Milla: Perhaps the Lance was moved before the explosion occurred. That's the only logical explanation.
Rowen: But moved to where?
Jude: [stiiiiill typing] Milla, look! [she looks] I found a recording of what happened. Is that the spy Mr. Eldin talked about?
[The screen shows the girl in red swaying on a walkway.]
Milla: That girl. She's the one from our last visit.
Jude: You're right. She was the one that attacked us.
[In the video, a soldier walks up to her.]
Alvin: Hey, what's she got there?
[An explosion sounds.]
Milla: It looks like someone discovered her ruse, so she detonated a bomb.
Alvin: [after a pause] But isn't she an Auj Oule spy? If I were in her shoes, I wouldn't risk my life like that even if my cover was blown. In the game of espionage, a dead body can still provide valuable intel.
Jude: [facing the others now] Then how about this: Maybe she planned to blow up the Lance all along, and Mr. Eldin finding her was just a coincidence.
Rowen: If Jude's theory is true, then it's likely that the girl didn't know the Lance had left the facility.
Alvin: That means she's now either on her way to the location where the Lance was taken...
Jude: Or trying to find out where that location is.
Milla: In either case, we might find out something if we can catch her.
Jude: According to the time stamp on the video, the explosion only happened half an hour ago.
Leia: Then she's probably still in the city.
Milla: We need to find that girl.

[They find the girl outside the trading post, talking to people in yellow uniforms and masks.]
Milla: There she is! The girl in red!
[She turns around.]
Girl: I know you. [starts flailing] Yes! Yes! Yes! I finally get to finish you off! And it's not even my birthday! [laughs]
Milla: Sorry to interrupt your little psychotic episode, but we really need to ask you something.
Girl: Ah ha ha ha! Why would I answer you clods?
Rowen: Wait, I have seen you before. Is it possible? Are you Lady Nadia of House Travis?
Girl: [holding still, sounding genuinely surprised] Huh?
Rowen: I seem to be correct. But what would compel an heiress of one of the Six Ruling Houses to spy for Auj Oule?
Girl: I dunno anything about that stinking house. I'm Agria the Shadowless, of the Chimeriad!
Jude: The Chimeriad again?!
Milla: So you're working for Gaius.
Agria: What's it to you?
Milla: You tried to destroy the Lance of Kresnik.
Agria: Well, duh! Ha ha ha!
Milla: We want to destroy it, too. That makes us allies. If you know where the Lance was taken, tell us.
Agria: Ah ha ha ha! Like I'd tell you anything.
Leia: Please! You want to destroy it for the same reason we do, right? 'Cause it's dangerous?
Agria: You reek.
[Leia's eyes widen.]
Agria: Ah ha ha ha ha! Oh, I've got an idea! Before I destroy the Lance, I'll use it to blast Rashugal to itty-bitty bits! Ah ha ha ha ha!
Leia: What is your problem? We're working our butts off to save the world, and you think it's funny to stand in our way?
Agria: Ah ha ha ha ha! You really do stink!
Leia: What are you? Five?
Agria: You think you can fill the world with rainbows and kittens just by working hard? Ah ha ha ha ha! That sweet reek of yours is giving me brain decay!
Leia: What's your beef with hard work?
Agria: Zip it, you little pimple, or I'll pop you!
[The rest of the party looks exasperated.]
Leia: E-Excuse me!
[Agria picks up her weapon.]
Agria: I still remember the agony you caused me that day!
Milla: [as the party draws their weapons] This girl is making my head hurt.

[Battle:]
Agria: Ah ha ha ha, you seriously stink!
Leia: What the hell?
Milla: Stand in our way, and we'll be forced to cut you down.
Agria: Whatever! It's time we got rid of the damn stink around here.
[Victory:]
Leia: Umm...
Milla: What's wrong?
Leia: Milla, I don't stink, do I?
Jude: No, you're totally fine.
Leia: Aaahh! Did I ask you?!

[Agria falls to the ground. Milla finishes her sword swing and jumps down the stairs to land next to Agria, sword tip right above her head.]
Milla: I should warn you: I'm still not used to the sensation of sweating during exertion. Couple that with my somewhat clumsy sword grip and, well... You might consider being a little more cooperative. Where is the Lance?
[The rest of the party comes up.]
Agria: Hmph. A secret passageway runs under the laboratory. It connects to Orda Palace.
Milla: And that is?
Jude: That's the palace Nachtigal rules from.
Rowen: I've never heard of this passageway.
Milla: Is it still usable?
Agria: Only if you're a worm. It's caved in now.
Milla: [looks up] So we can't use it.
[Agria glances up and quickly scuttles away, still on the ground.]
Leia: [running forward] Hey, get back here!
[Agria stands up at the top of another staircase.]
Agria: Maxwell, one of these days I'm going to rip that pretty face of yours to pieces! [points at Leia] And you, pimple! Listen up. Work, work, work as hard as that scrawny body of yours can handle, and you'll still wind up with only two things: jack and squat!
Leia: Why do you say stuff like that?!
[She shakes her fists as Agria runs off.]
Leia: That girl has serious issues! [leans over, sticks her tongue out, and pulls at one eye]
Milla: [thoughtfully] Orda Palace. The enemy stronghold.
Jude: We should be careful.
Milla: I know. Let's check things out first.

[The party stops outside Orda Palace.]
Leia: Huh? I figured security would be tighter than this.
Jude: I don't suppose we could just charge inside.
[The others look shocked.]
Milla: That wouldn't be prudent. This is their stronghold.
[Rowen strokes his chin for an inexplicably long time. Elize looks up at him and tilts her head.]
Elize: Rowen? What's the matter?
Rowen: I was just weighing options. I think Jude might have the right idea here.
Alvin: Whoa, hey now, are you serious? For once, Milla is telling us to be cautious and not charge in.
Milla: [turns around to look at Rowen] Do you have a plan?
Rowen: More of a hunch, actually. Shall we test it?
Jude: If it's good enough for Rowen, count me in.
[Jude and Milla turn back around, look at each other, and nod. The party charges forward toward the guards.]
Guard: Stop right there!

[After the battle:]
Jude: Any reinforcements?
[Leia puts her staff away.]
Leia: Looks clear.
Elize: But this is the king's house. Shouldn't he have more soldiers?
Alvin: It could be a trap.
[Elize looks shocked. She turns to Rowen, who's stroking his chin again.]
Rowen: No doubt the Rashugal army has already been deployed for war with Auj Oule.
Jude: But wouldn't they tighten security around the royal palace in wartime?
Rowen: Except for the natural and man-made barriers that protect Fennmont in the north and south, it has few defenses in the event of a siege. If the enemy army breaches its walls, the city is as good as fallen. Troops are wasted here in wartime, so the majority of them are deployed to fortify the naval defenses and Fort Gandala.
Milla: That makes sense. But it also means war is imminent. We can't waste this opportunity.
Rowen: Indeed.

-- ORDA PALACE --

[Inside the palace is a circular platform with a shining ring on it.]
Rowen: This is a Lotus Ring, a device that ferries people throughout Orda Palace. We must use it to proceed further.
Jude: All aboard?
[The others nod.]

[On the second floor, as they approach the door it shines and a monster comes out. Battle:]
Jude: What is this thing?!
Milla: I admit, I haven't seen anything like it before.
Rowen: It seems to be an arte designed specifically for security. I've never seen such a thing.
Leia: I guess just walking through was too much to hope for.
Milla: Naturally. But this won't be enough to stop us!

[The same arte has been applied to the doors on the next two floors. As the party enters the last door, the scene changes to a pan of the Lance in a huge hall, then another, identical but emptier hall. Nachtigal sits on a throne at the far end; the wall behind him is nothing but windows.]
Gilland: It appears some rats have snuck into the palace. They should be here any moment.
Nachtigal: Who are these vermin?
[Nachtigal looks up, and Gilland, kneeling before the throne, turns around as the door opens.]
Nachtigal: I needn't have asked.
[Both stand. The party waits at the other end of the room.]
Nachtigal: So you've arrived, Maxwell. And looking much more spry than I expected after your injury.
Milla: All to stop you.
Nachtigal: [to Gilland] Go wait by the Lance. We'll obliterate those northern savages as soon as I'm finished with Maxwell.
Gilland: As you wish.
[He bows and walks away.]
Nachtigal: Ilbert, will you really raise your sword against your master?
Rowen: My only master is Lord Cline. There is no other.
Nachtigal: I'm willing to forgive such insolence if you return to my side.
Rowen: Once, I thought you had the potential to be a great king, but now I see you've become unworthy of the throne.
Nachtigal: Hmph. No one in this world is more worthy to sit upon this throne than I.
Milla: You still don't get it, do you? You lack the qualities needed to govern humanity.
Nachtigal: Foolish girl! A king only needs one quality: birthright. He is born into his power!
Milla: So he can sacrifice his own people?
Nachtigal: Of course. Again, that is my birthright. Now I'll extend my influence over the spirit realm, as well.
Jude: You will control no one! No man and no spirit either!
Nachtigal: Foolish boy. Has Maxwell's impudence rubbed off on you as well?
Jude: You can call me whatever you want. Do you have any idea how much your actions have tormented Rowen here? Any idea at all?!
Rowen: Jude, please...
Nachtigal: You people think peace is some sort of right. You are mistaken. Peace is a luxury, not a right! Surrender yourselves into my service. That is your duty as my subjects!
[Milla narrows her eyes.]
Milla: You are beyond salvation.
Nachtigal: I'm through wasting my time with you. Let's put an end to this right now.
[He draws his lance and holds it out. Purple light flows toward it. Nachtigal yells as the energy surrounds him and disappears into the lance.]
Nachtigal: I now share all of the mana absorbed by the Lance of Kresnik.
Rowen: Once I believed that you and I were two friends who traveled along the same path in life. [reaches for his sword] However, now it seems we've reached our journey's end.
Alvin: With a philosophy like that, life must be convenient. But your beliefs have become a royal pain to all of us. They're just delusions of grandeur! [swings his sword]
Leia: I can't believe that someone like this could be our king. [twirls her staff] It's time someone knocked some sense in you.
Elize: Jude and Milla and everyone. I have to protect my friends!
[She takes up her staff as Teepo flies out of her arms, wiggling.]
Teepo: Off with his head! Off with his head!
Jude: [smashes his fists together] Someone needs to put a stop to your ambitions. And that would be us! [takes a fighting stance]
Milla: [drawing her sword] Prepare yourself, Nachtigal!
Nachtigal: Now I shall show you the power that will unite Rieze Maxia!

[Battle:]
Nachtigal: If you wish to fall from grace, then let it be by my hand.
Rowen: Are you capable of such when your spear is dulled?
Nachtigal: This spear has granted unity and resolve to this country, now and forever!
Rowen: We shall see, old friend.
Nachtigal: But enough talk. There is no greater language than that of war! Have at you!
Rowen: Very well, so be it. It all ends here.
Nachtigal: Indeed! Hwaaaaah!

[Defeat:]
Nachtigal: You cannot comprehend the weight that I bear as king.

[Victory:]
Rowen: Nachtigal, you have lost. I request that you stand down.

[Nachtigal's lance falls to the ground. He collapses to his knees, clutching his arm.]
Nachtigal: Urgh... You fools. If you kill me, then you will be unwittingly handing Rashugal over to Gaius.
[He staggers to his feet and limps to his throne.]
Rowen: Regardless, as king, you must answer for your crimes.
Nachtigal: Nonsense! [leaning against the throne] With the Lance of Kresnik, I shall have absolute power.
Milla: That's enough! [raises her sword] Mankind wasn't meant to wield such power. It would destroy the world as we know it. And you as well.
Nachtigal: Urgh...
Elize: Milla, wait! This man is Rowen's friend so... Rowen should handle it.
[Rowen smiles, then looks at Nachtigal, frowns, and walks forward.]
Rowen: Nachtigal, a country without its king is doomed to chaos.
[Nachtigal sits in his throne now. Rowen stands in front of him.]
Rowen: You have turned away from the responsibility you must bear. We have both turned away. King Nachtigal.
Nachtigal: Ilbert, you're not saying that I should...
Rowen: Let us build a new future for Rashugal. Together.
Nachtigal: You mean... you would bear the burden of my crimes, as well?
Rowen: It's of no consequence.
Nachtigal: Rowen... [leans back, closing his eyes]
[The screen goes black.]
Male Voice: Tch. Do it.
Female Voice: Yes, master.
[Shards of ice shoot out of the sky and pierce through Nachtigal and his throne. The party steps forward, shocked.]
Nachtigal: Guwaaaaah! Ah... Ah... [slumps forward]
Rowen: Nachtigal!
[Rowen runs to the throne just in time for the ice to shatter. He covers his face with his arm. Jude and Milla, still on the steps, turn around.]
Jude: Who is it?! Who's there?!
Milla: No, they must be after--
Jude: The Lance of Kresnik!
Rowen: [still facing the throne] Don't worry about me. We must hurry.
[He slowly steps back, turns around, and walks away without looking back.]

[A few warp panels away is the other hall. The party runs in and comes to a stop in the middle of the room.]
Milla: [walking forward] We're too late.
[At the end of the room is a large, empty, glowing circle. Milla kneels next to it.]
Elize: It's gone!
Leia: [looks around] Are you sure it was even here?
[Jude turns to face them as Milla comes back.]
Jude: Nachtigal absorbed the Lance's energy before fighting us. It had to have been here.
Milla: Gilland's gone as well. Maybe he moved it?
[Long pause.]
Rowen: If the Lance made it outside, it could be anywhere by now. Let us leave the palace.
[Everyone but Alvin nods.]

[As the party runs out of the palace, two guards begin to chase them.]
Guard 1: Halt! Identify yourselves!
[Everyone stops. The guards take fighting positions.]
Alvin: Uh-oh. This ain't good.
[One of the guards approaches Rowen.]
Guard 2: Hey, hold on. Aren't you... Aren't you Chief Ilbert?
Rowen: That is correct.
[Another guard runs up.]
Guard 3: I have a message! Let me through!
Guard 1: What is it?
Guard 3: Auj Oule's army is on the march! The enemy force is said to exceed fifty thousand men!
[Everyone looks worried.]
Jude: The war. It's started.

ANIME CUTSCENE:
[Gaius walks to the edge of a cliff on a rainy battlefield. Below him, soldiers cover across the screen, divided by an open stretch of land. Wingul kneels behind Gaius. He looks up.]
Gaius: Order the troops to attack.
[He raises one arm. Wingul stands and points the other way.]
Wingul: Forward to victory!
[Another soldier shouts the same thing. On the field, troops on horseback run down the lines yelling the order and "Prepare to attack!" The Auj Oule soldiers raise their heads, march forward, and charge across the battlefield, screaming. The Rashugal soldiers on the other side take defensive stances. A huge number of troops on both sides run toward each other.]
END CUTSCENE

Guard 1: Fifty thousand? From Sapstrath?
Guard 3: No! They're coming from north of Fennmont! They're in Fezebel Marsh!
Rowen: Impossible! How do they intend to march across such impassable terrain? The spirit climes have stopped shifting!
Guard 3: [surprised] Chief Ilbert. We are unable to decipher their method of transportation.
Jude: This is bad, isn't it? All our soldiers are concentrated in Fort Gandala and at sea.
Rowen: At this point, we may not have time to move our troops into position.
Guard 3: You need not worry. Deputy Chief of Staff Gilland foresaw this attack. He is transporting our new weapon to the battlefield as we speak.
Milla: I knew it.
Rowen: Soldier, who ordered you to carry this message?
Guard 3: The Deputy Chief himself. Is something wrong?
Rowen: No. You are dismissed.
[He salutes and leaves. The other two go after him.]
Milla: Gilland is up to something.
Rowen: Whatever it is, we must head to Fezebel Marsh at once.

-- ARKLUND QUAG --

-- FEZEBEL MARSH --

[At the entrance to the marsh is a small army camp. Two soldiers block the path when the party approaches.]
Soldier: Identify yourselves. State your names, ranks, and divisions.
[Rowen steps forward.]
Rowen: I am Rowen Ilbert, Chief of Staff, Rashugal Army.
Soldier: The Ilbert? As in, the Conductor?
Rowen: Correct. I wish to be briefed at once regarding our troop strength and deployment.
Soldier: Yes, sir! Please, proceed.
[They move aside. Inside the tent, Alvin leans against a pole near the entrance while the rest gather around a table.]
Rowen: This table creates a tactical diagram of the battle by reading signals from the soldiers' Lilium Orbs.
[The map is covered in little circles. Near the bottom is a larger circle.]
Leia: Hey, how come this one looks different?
[The large circle is a tall rectangular piece, placed in between some chess pieces.]
Soldier: That division is taking part in a special operation being led by the Deputy Chief of Staff himself. Agria of the Chimeriad attempted to block them, but it appears they broke through.
Milla: Gilland's operation?
Soldier: [hesitantly] Yes. He should arrive at the operation site a little after 1300 hours. We've been given no details, although we hear this operation will turn the tide of battle in one fell swoop. We've been ordered to concentrate as many troops as possible around that site when the operation commences.
Rowen: Hmm, with this route, his destination must be here, correct?
[A line of arrows draws a path to a point higher on the map.]
Soldier: Yes, sir. Precisely. I should have expected nothing less from the Conductor.
[Rowen strokes his beard.]
Rowen: I do not like where this is heading.
Milla: Yes. No doubt he has plans to use the Lance of Kresnik. Yet why did he leave his own army in the dark?
Elize: Do you think we can catch up to them before they use the Lance?
Jude: I don't know. I hope so.
[He looks at Milla. She looks at him and nods.]
Milla: I stole the key required to activate the Lance. I entrusted it to Ivar.
[Alvin looks up.]
Jude: We figured that would be enough to stop anyone from using it.
Rowen: Nevertheless, it has been deployed, and they are likely readying it for use. That can only mean one thing.
Milla: They may have created a new key.
Rowen: How is the Auj Oule army marching across the marshes?
[Behind him, Alvin leaves the tent.]
Rowen: I don't believe Ragnome ever arrived.
Soldier: Are you familiar with the boosters that Auj Oule has developed?
[Milla, Jude, and Leia look at Teepo. Elize blushes.]
Teepo: Hey, quit staring at me like that! I hate being objectified!
Soldier: The enemy is using them to amplify their mana output and alter the spirit clime in their immediate area.
Rowen: In other words, they used mana to summon vast amounts of earth spirits and force the spirit clime into Ragnome. They've actually changed the seasons. A brilliant strategy. One only Wingul could have conceived.
Jude: How has Rashugal responded?
Soldier: We, too, have boosters.
Rowen: So you issued one to every soldier, and assigned one man in every squad with the job of altering the spirit clime.
Soldier: Yes, sir. Exactly as you said.
Teepo: That sounds like a job for us, Elize!
Milla: No, this is Rowen's turf. He's an expert in the use of earth artes.
[Elize and Teepo hang their heads. Rowen nods.]
Rowen: We have no time. We must intercept Gilland's division.
[Leia, Jude, Milla, and Elize leave. Rowen walks around the table to the soldier.]
Rowen: Might I borrow one of your spare boosters?
[The soldier hands him a cylindrical device. Rowen starts to walk away.]
Soldier: Chief Ilbert. There's one thing I should mention about the boosters. We keep hearing rumors that their use leads to a serious side-effect.
Rowen: Which is?
Soldier: They say prolonged use saps your strength.
Rowen: You mean, it leeches away your very life?
Soldier: [nods] The severity of this effect seems to vary wildly among those afflicted. Just to be safe, I suggest you avoid using the booster for long periods.
[Rowen turns to look at Elize, then walks outside. As Rowen joins the girls, Jude looks around and walks a few steps away.]
Voice: ...you certain... ...key... ...is ready?
Voice: ...sent off the bird... ...won't... ...any problems...
Voice: ...why... ...move the Lance instead... ...killing Maxwell?
[Jude seems to pinpoint the sounds as coming from behind a stack of crates.]
Voice: Because... ...will kill... ...Max... ...for sure.
Voice: ...you say so...
[Jude walks over to the boxes.]
Jude: Alvin?
[There's no one there. Alvin walks up from the direction Jude just came from.]
Alvin: You sure you want to be standing out there in the rain?
Jude: Wait, what? But I swear I heard you from over here.
Alvin: Say what? You hit your head or something?
Elize: Making up lies again?
Alvin: Geez, Elize. Gimme a break.
Teepo: I'll give you a break, all right! You big fat liar!
Alvin: [as Jude comes back] You ready to string me up, too?
Jude: ......
Rowen: Come now. Given the circumstances, it's only natural for us to become suspicious when you wander off on your own.
Jude: Just stick close to us from now on.
Leia: Seriously! Promise us!
Alvin: Fine, fine.

[The party heads deeper into the marsh.]
Rowen: Everyone, stay close to me.
[Rowen stops. The others turn to face him. He pulls the booster out, looks around, twists the top, and throws it on the ground. A glyph appears beneath him and then fades. The landscape is rainy and foggy. Jude looks around.]
Jude: It's hard to see anything. The enemy could be anywhere.
[Alvin walks up next to him.]
Alvin: Maybe we should try to find a safer route.
Jude: No, we don't have time for that. We just need to charge straight through.
Teepo: Hold on! This sounds like suicide!
Leia: W-We'll be okay. Jude says so.
Milla: Don't be afraid. We have nothing to fear but failure. The fate of humanity and spiritkind hangs in the balance.
Leia: Nice, I'll have to write that one down!
Jude: Let's go, everyone.
Milla: We will destroy the Lance of Kresnik.
[She runs forward. The others follow. Auj Oule soldiers on the path ahead brace themselves.]
Milla: Don't stop for anything else!

[Battle. Afterwards, the party runs amongst fighting soldiers. One Rashugal soldier charges.]
Jude: Watch out!
Milla: Huh?
[She turns. Jude goes flying past her, kicking at the soldier.]
Jude: What're you doing? We're on your side!
Soldier: Save it! We've received orders directly from Deputy Chief of Staff Gilland. Conductor Ilbert has defected to the enemy and must be stopped by any means necessary, including lethal force.
[More soldiers join him.]
Rowen: What?
Soldier: We won't let you destroy the cornerstone of Rashugal's strategy!

[Second battle:]
Jude: Urgh... Why did it have to come to this!?
Rowen: Gilland obviously wants us dead. It is not particularly surprising, given his past track record.
Alvin: You know how it is. If you want something bad, the end really justifies the means.
Milla: Although... I'm starting to believe victory is not his ultimate goal.
Leia: I have a bad feeling about all this...
Jude: Yeah... let's hurry on.

[Third battle:]
Milla: Let's make this quick.
Elize: I'm right here with you, Milla!
Alvin: How can you keep putting your life in danger like this? Don't you realize you'll throw everyone's lives into chaos if you end up dying?
Jude: ...What's that?
Alvin: Nothing. Better stay focused on the battle.

[Fourth battle:]
Jude: I'll take them down, no matter what!
Alvin: Hey! You're pushing yourself too hard. Fall back and rest!
Jude: I'm okay!
Milla: Alvin's right. We still have a ways to go.
Jude: I told you, I'm fine. Let's just focus on our task. Please.
Milla: All right. I'm glad you're on our side, Jude. ...I'm counting on you.
Jude: I have your back. Don't worry. I can do this!
Alvin: ...What?

[Fifth battle:]
Alvin: Ugh... When will this end? We're so damn close!
Leia: Hey... are you okay?
Alvin: Heh... come on. This isn't enough to take me down.
Elize: Alvin... are you sure you're all right?
Alvin: Would I lie at a time like this?
Elize: Well, I don't know...
Alvin: That part of me is gone.
Teepo: I'm sure that's a lie!
Alvin: Gotta be serious sometimes.
Elize: ...
Leia: Hey, come on, guys! Less talking, more fighting!

[Sixth battle:]
Jude: Ugh... we're so close!
Rowen: Are you all right, Jude?
Jude: So this is war...
Rowen: It's nothing but a scythe that cuts down the dreams and lives of our youth. I take no pleasure knowing most of my years were on the battlefield. And despite my efforts, such travesty continues...
Jude: Rowen... you can't give up! We'll find a way to stop all of this.
Rowen: You're right, of course. Our destination is just up ahead. Let us make haste.

[Seventh battle:]
Alvin: Ugh... dammit! Just leave us alone already!
Rowen: Hmph... if only battles could be ended by simply asking.
Jude: We can always wish.

[Eighth battle:]
Elize: *pant... pant*
Teepo: This is so rough!
Alvin: Don't worry! I got your back, Elize.
Elize: Ungh... No one asked for your help!
Alvin: Heh... You should be all right with that much energy.
Elize: ...
Teepo: (But hey... thanks, Alvin.)

[Ninth battle:]
Leia: Out of my way!
Rowen: Leia! Don't rush forward, lest you be completely surrounded!
Jude: Things are not looking good, Milla!
Milla: I know... but we can't retreat. We must keep pushing onward!

[Tenth battle:]
Milla: Engh...
Jude: Hang in there!
Milla: You too, Jude.
Jude: I'm not giving up!
Milla: Good. ...You hear that?! None of us will give up!

[Victory. Jude leans over, hands on his knees, while Milla kneels on the ground.]
Milla: Urgh... Can you still keep up?
Jude: O-Of course.

[A little farther forward is an open space with a lot of soldiers.]
Milla: Is that Gilland?
Jude: Doesn't look like it.
Rowen: It's the Chimeriad.
[Rashugal soldiers have Jiao, Presa, and Wingul surrounded.]
Jiao: More troops? They'll make us late for our rendezvous with Agria.
Presa: Doesn't bother me. Let us at 'em, Wingul. Pretty please.
[Wingul looks around and sees a soldier in a different set of armor.]
Wingul: That man in the back in the red armor. He's the king of this particular chessboard.
Jiao: Understood!
General: There are only three of them! Take them out!
Wingul: Hmph. He leads from the rear. [speeds off]
Presa: And off he goes, rushing in again. Not that I mind.
[Five soldiers surround her. She starts to cast.]
Presa: You're out of your depth.
[A huge sphere of water falls on two of them, knocking them back.]
General: Get the woman! Stop her!
[The other soldiers run at her. Jiao hoists his hammer over his head.]
Jiao: Hwaah!
[He swings, knocking two soldiers away.]
Jiao: Nice to get the blood boiling for a change.
[Wingul swings his sword and the general falls.]
Wingul: Checkmate. Although this king was no better than his pawns.
[He sheathes his sword. The party runs up. Wingul faces them.]
Wingul: So you've come, Maxwell.
Jiao: It appears we must face each other on the battlefield after all. What a sad end to this tale.
Presa: Thanks for wasting our time with that search in the mountains.
Alvin: My pleasure.
Jude: Have you taken out Gilland?
Wingul: I don't have to answer that.
Milla: Then let's change the subject. Step aside so we can pass.
Presa: Hehehe. I don't think so.
Milla: We will destroy the Lance. With it gone, Auj Oule's victory is assured. Why keep us from our task?
Jiao: It is the will of His Highness.
Wingul: This battle is merely a stepping stone toward our true goal.
Rowen: But it is an unncessary step, one that could cost your lives. Who would be left to support the king?
Presa: His Highness can look after himself.
Wingul: Unlike some people, he would never fight feebly from the rear.
Rowen: And what is that supposed to mean?
Wingul: Don't play dumb, Chief Ilbert. You were meant to lead, not hide. It was your duty to fight, not carry the rear. Nachtigal became a tyrant because of your inaction. Your only recourse was to stain your hands with his blood.
Alvin: Word spreads fast.
Jude: That wasn't Rowen's fault. Nachtigal was responsible for his own actions.
Wingul: Do not pass the blame. Individual fault is a petty thing when weighed against the good of a nation.
Leia: What do you mean?
Rowen?: ......
Wingul: The people need a leader to guide them. Otherwise they will go astray.
Jude: Rowen is fully capable of handling that. [turns to Rowen]
Rowen: It is not that simple. I am just a military strategist. I'm unworthy of the throne.
Jiao: But our king is.
Presa: And he has seen the path he must take to lead the people.
Wingul: The Lance lies on that path. We will take it and add it to his power!
Milla: Don't make me say it again. We won't hand over the Lance of Kresnik no matter what your reasons are! [reaches for her sword]
Jude: [takes a fighting stance] And I won't let you interfere with Milla's... with Maxwell's mission!
[Wingul activates his booster.]
Wingul: (Hmph! It's time to end this!)
Milla: Ready yourselves!
[Everyone draws their weapons.]
Alvin: So be it.
Jude: Everyone, stay sharp!
Leia/Elize/Teepo: Yes!

[Battle:]
Wingul: *yelling in Long Dau*
Jiao: Stand down, it's too dangerous!
Elize: No, I won't!
Presa: Don't blame us if you die.
Alvin: Now that's not very nice!
Presa: Like you're one to talk!
Milla: It doesn't matter who stands in our way. We will carve our path forward!

[Victory:]
Rowen: As expected from the Chimeriad.
Jude: I can't imagine fighting them all at once!
Elize: We'd still win, no matter what!
Alvin: That's right, as long as I'm--
Teepo: As long as Milla's around!

[Wingul kneels unsteadily before Milla, panting.]
Wingul: [falling over] Urgh... Unnh...
[Milla sheathes her sword and walks away. Rowen runs up.]
Rowen: Wingul, where is your booster?
Wingul: [pointing at his head] Right here.
[He falls forward onto the ground.]
Rowen: You were willing to go that far to serve Gaius.
[Presa half-lies on the ground nearby.]
Alvin: Sorry. I'm not interested in any last words.
[He aims his gun at her head. Jude runs up behind him.]
Jude: Alvin! The battle's over!
[Alvin grimaces and then shrugs.]
Alvin: Fine. I'll let her go, if you insist.
[Jude nods.]
Presa: This is really how you live your life, huh? I'd watch your back around him. He's just playing with you now, and someday he'll throw you away.
Jude: I'd like to think Alvin knows how I feel.
[Alvin practically whips his head around to stare at Jude. Jiao also kneels nearby. Elize approaches him.]
Elize: I have to know... Why do you seem to care so much about me?
Teepo: Speak up, big guy!
Jiao: [groans] ......
Elize: [angry] Why won't you tell me?
[Leia walks up next to her.]
Leia: Hey, it's okay.
Milla: The Lance of Kresnik is just ahead. I know you all have a lot on your minds. But I must push onward.

[At the end of the path, the Lance sits at the top of a hill/series of cliffs. Gaius stands beneath it, looking up. Jude and Milla come to a stop behind him.]
Jude: Gaius!
Gaius: So, you defeated the Chimeriad.
Rowen: I cannot say I'm surprised you came to the battlefield yourself.
Gaius: Of course. It is my path.
[Milla looks at Jude, nods, and walks forward. Jude moves as if to follow, but Rowen puts a hand on his shoulder. Jude stays. Rowen continues to watch Jude after he removes his hand.]
Milla: Answer me. Why do you want the Lance of Kresnik?
Gaius: With it, I will protect the people of this world. I shall gather all such sources of power and place them under my safe control.
Milla: There is a fine line between protection and domination. The Lance will become the bane of the very people you seek to protect. This path of yours will lead to ruin.
Gaius: Preposterous. I will never falter as long as I have this will to guide the weak.
Milla: Yet you have overlooked one crucial fact.
Gaius: And that is?
Milla: Despite your power and that will of yours, someday you will die. Then what? Can you guarantee that whomever inherits the Lance will share your vision and your will?
Gaius: .....
Milla: Eventually, those who follow will succumb to the Lance's unfathomable power. They will destroy your legacy, and themselves. It's just human nature. Your history proves this.
Gaius: [faces her] Then I will chart a new path for history.
Milla: In the end, you, too, show yourself to be human.
Gaius: Hmph, of course. And it's because I'm human that I yearn for a united Rieze Maxia. But I suppose you see it as only greed and ambition.
Milla: [reaching for her sword] Gaius, for the last time, I will not give you the Lance. Will you stand down?
[Gaius readies his sword.]
Gaius: Never!
[Jude walks up next to Milla.]
Jude: I thought you might understand. [takes a fighting stance] But regardless, the Lance of Kresnik must be destroyed!
Rowen: [pulls out his sword] Yes. For the sake of future generations.
Leia: [twirls her staff] We need to end this here and now!
Elize: [grabbing her staff] Yes, we can't stop now!
Teepo: We'll stand by Milla!
Alvin: [holding his sword] I think you know what happens next.
Milla: We will prevail!
Gaius: Show me your resolve!

[Battle:]
Milla: Gaius, in the name of the Great Spirits, I shall defeat you!
Gaius: You underestimate me.
Rowen: And yet, do you think you can handle us alone?
Alvin: I think YOU'RE underestimating US.
Gaius: You're all getting ahead of yourselves. Witness what humans are truly capable of!
Jude: You don't scare us!

[Gaius growls, swings his sword, and a shockwave blows the party back.]
Milla: You are quite formidable.
Gaius: And you are no less than I expected. Nevertheless...
[He runs a hand over his sword and it starts to glow.]
Gaius: The Lance of Kresnik shall be mine!
[He swings again, and red energy radiates from his body.]
Leia: Uh-oh. I don't like the look of that.
Alvin: [looking around] Damn it. Where is he?
Gaius: Farewell!
[Two swords hurdle at Gaius from above. He looks up.]
Gaius: Who dares?!
[A wyvern flies over. Ivar jumps off and lands next to the Lance.]
Ivar: Ivar to the rescue!
Milla: Ivar? Why are you here?
Ivar: Lady Milla, once your powers are restored, you'll be able to give that pretender a serious smiting!
[In a lot of dramatic motions, he takes out the key. It floats out of his hand and expands.]
Gaius: What are you doing?!
[Milla shakes her head.]
Ivar: Haha! Pay attention, Jude! I'll show you what separates the handmaids from the boys!
[He runs up and slams the key onto the control panel. The screen lights up and the top of the Lance opens.]
Ivar: See what I did there, phony? It's called saving the day. Look it up. Now the power of the Four Great Spirits shall be revived!

CUTSCENE:
[As the party stands looking up at the Lance, they start to glow purple and have trouble standing. Soldiers all across the battlefield stop moving. The purple energy flows into the Lance and disappears, then concentrates into some sort of beam and shoots at the sky. It appears to hit something beyond the clouds that shimmers and breaks, raining down in pieces. Time seems to stop, and then something flashes and the wind picks up. When it stops, Jude and Milla stand.]
Jude: What... What happened?
[Milla stares at the sky.]
Milla: [very quietly] It can't be. It broke right through it all.
[Jude looks at her, then looks up. There seems to be a chasm opening between the clouds.]
Milla: So... I was mistaken all along! And that means that the Lance was never a weapon at all!
Jude: Milla?
[An explosion goes off behind them. Milla continues to stare open-mouthed at the sky, seeming actually scared. Jude turns around to see green shapes hurtling through the chasm, fast. They crash all over the marsh in smoky explosions. After them comes a slower flying ship.]
Alvin: Wha...
[An entire fleet of ships covers the sky.]
Alvin: What the hell is going on...?!
[Something glimmers in the gap in the clouds. Up close, it takes the shape of a woman glowing blue. A huge blue sphere encompasses a bunch of the ships, pulling them together and imploding before disappearing back into the star-shape, which slowly falls toward the ground in the distance.]
END CUTSCENE

Leia: Wh-What are those?
Teepo: Someone please cover my eyes! I'm scared!
Gaius: A fleet of ships that sail the sky?
Gilland: [from offscreen] I've finally done it. Hehehe...
[He stands one cliff down from the Lance. His hair has been pushed back from where it used to cover his forehead.]
Gilland: Hahahaha!
Alvin: Gilland! What is going on?
Milla: You're telling me that's Gilland?!
Alvin: Damn it, you son of a--
[Alvin raises his gun, but before he can fire shards of ice fly at him, barely missing. They shatter on the ground.]
Gaius: Were you the one who attacked Hamil?
Gilland: Yes. That was the handiwork of my spirit, Celsius.
[He holds a device out to the side. It glows, a glyph appears, and an icy woman in blue rolls out.]
Milla: The Spirit Celsius? I've never even heard the name before.
Gaius: You dared lay hands on my people. [raises his sword] For that, you will pay.
[More red energy swirls away from him. The ships above shoot at the ground, making the party recoil and cover their faces. Milla looks up as heavily-armored soldiers float to the ground in rocket boots or jetpacks or something.]
Leia: I don't understand. Who are these people?
[One soldier approaches Gilland.]
Soldier: Are you Gilland of Exodus?
Gilland: Yes, I am. That's the woman right over there.
Milla: What? Exodus? Were you the one who told Nachtigal about spyrix?!
Gilland: Heh heh heh. Don't kill that woman. It would ruin everything.
Soldier: Mobile armored units, forward!
Soldiers: Yes, sir!
[They start to slide down the hill and skate across the ground, shooting at the party. Three soldiers with large spyrix guns fire, knocking Elize, Jude, and Leia into the air.]
Jude: Uwa!
[Milla goes sliding across the ground. Her sword sticks into the marsh a little distance from her. Alvin sees her, glances at the Exodus members, and hesitates for a long time while Milla tries to get up. He points his gun at her and grimaces, but a blast of ice shoots it out of his hand. Celsius floats next to Gilland, both looking at him.]
Gilland: Were you not paying attention? Stand pretty and stay out of this.
[Milla picks her sword back up.]
Rowen: Miss Elize!
[Elize lies on the ground, unmoving, as two Exodus soldiers approach her.]
Gilland: Bring the brat along, too. A fine specimen of booster compatibility.
[One soldier picks up Teepo by the foot, while another grabs Elize.]
Milla: [charging] Take your hands off of her!
[Gaius swoops over and elbows her in the stomach.]
Milla: [pained] Why are you doing this?
[She collapses over his shoulder.]
Gaius: Go to sleep. You'll just complicate things.
[He stands up with Milla still draped over his shoulder. Two soldiers charge at him, and he knocks them away.]
Jude: Gaius!
Gaius: We will settle our score later.
[He knocks Milla off into Jude's arms. Leia and Rowen run up behind them.]
Gaius: Maxwell is the one they're after. Take her and flee!
[Gaius continues to take out soldier after soldier. One man blocks his sword and they stand locked in that position.]
Gaius: What do you think you're doing?! I told you to go!
[Jude, having slung one of Milla's arm around his shoulders, seems to be thinking.]
Leia: But, we can't just leave Elize!
Jude: [looking up] Rowen, Leia! Take care of Milla!
[Rowen hurriedly grabs Milla, and he and Leia each get one of her arms around their shoulders.]
Jude: You all go on ahead!
[Gaius cuts down more soldiers. Jude and Alvin run past him. Gaius blocks a soldier on each of his arms. Another runs up behind him, but gets knocked back.]
Wingul: Your Highness!
[Wingul stands behind Gaius. Three soldiers get knocked away with a burst of water. Presa closes her book and winks. One of the soldiers holds Teepo; a huge hand grabs him by the head and lifts him off the ground. He flails and drops Teepo before he's thrown over Jiao's head. The one carrying Elize backs up into a rock, only for Jiao's foot to crush his helmet. He slumps, dropping Elize.]
Jiao: Come now, child. Open your eyes.
[Jiao holds Elize in his arms.]
Elize: [opening her eyes] Ugh. Ah!
[Teepo flies out of Elize's grasp.]
Teepo: Ah! Hey! What's the big idea, big guy?! Let Elize go right now!
[Jiao puts her down. She grabs Teepo again.]
Jiao: I have a confession to make, and an apology.
[Something hits Jiao in the back. He turns, grabs the soldier by the head, and picks him up, but another two soldiers blast him with their spyrix. Jiao throws the first soldier at the other two, knocking all three down. He collapses to his knees.]
Jiao: It is about your parents. The bandit who killed them... It was me.
Elize: Huh?
[Jude jumps over a body, Alvin and Presa still fighting behind him.]
Jude: Elize!
[He runs up and puts an arm around Elize's shoulders, then looks at Jiao. Another explosion goes off near Gaius. He gathers the red energy in his sword and body. The soldiers hesitate and Gilland grimaces. Wingul slices another soldier and Presa lands behind him. Gaius unleashes a huge beam of red light that sends the soldiers flying and destroys the ground. Gilland covers his eyes. When he looks down, Gaius is watching him.]
Jiao: I am afraid I will no longer be able to protect you. Forgive me, child. And live on. [stands]
Elize: Jiao. Why not?
[Jiao takes a few steps forward as Alvin joins them.]
Jiao: I want you to protect Elize for me. [slowly walks away]

ANIME CUTSCENE:
[Jiao walks away, holding his hammer. Jude and Alvin look after him. Elize looks up, crying. Another explosion hits the ground. More soldiers attack Gaius, but he kills them easily. Jiao knocks away one that tries to shoot Gaius from behind and then walks up to him. Gaius looks at him for a long moment, then walks past him.]
Gaius: Thank you for your faithful service.
Jiao: Look after everyone.
[Wingul and Presa join Gaius, bowing slightly to Jiao before they leave. Jiao approaches a mass of Exodus soldiers.]
Jiao: It's time for one last rampage.
[The soldiers fire. An explosion goes up behind Gaius, Presa, and Wingul, still walking away. When the smoke clears, Jiao is still there.]
Jiao: Mana lobe... Full power! [he charges] Aaaaaaaah!
[He runs forward and slams his hammer on the ground, creating a shockwave that destroys the entire area. After the smoke clears he throws his hammer to the side. One of the flying ships aims at him and powers up. Jiao raises one hand to block out the light as it fires. Jude, Alvin, and Elize, running away, recoil from the explosion. Jude turns around and sees the ships still firing. They shelter behind a rock as one blast after another hits near them. The last finally sends the whole area up in smoke.]
END CUTSCENE

[Elize latches on to Milla and smiles up at her.]
Elize: You're okay!
[Teepo bumps up against Milla's chest.]
Teepo: Milla! I missed you!
[Leia runs up to Jude.]
Leia: Am I glad to see you!
Jude: I'm so glad you're all safe. [looks at Milla] It's good to see you again.
Milla: I wholeheartedly agree.
[Rowen looks at Alvin. Alvin looks away.]
Muzet: Milla?
[Muzet floats up.]
Milla: Oh? Do I know you? I've never seen you before.
Jude: Huh?
Muzet: Why, I am your elder sister.
Milla: Sister? I don't have a sister.
Jude: What's going on, Muzet?
Muzet: [smiles] This may be our first time speaking, true. Yet we are both spirits born into this world at nearly the same time.
Milla: Well, you definitely are a spirit. That much I can believe.
Muzet: Hehe. No need to be so suspicious. What could a spirit gain from impersonating your sister? You are Maxwell, after all.
Jude: That's true, it wouldn't gain her anything.
Milla: Why did you appear before Jude?
Muzet: Hehe. Because you summoned me before him. Or, rather, your powerful feelings for him summoned me.
Elize: Really? Could that even be possible?
Milla: I don't know. I'll admit I've been hearing a voice in my dreams.
[A door opens somewhere nearby. Wingul walks out of the temple. The party takes battle stances.]
Rowen: Wingul?!
[He holds a hand out as if to stop them.]
Wingul: Hold that thought.
[Bells start dinging in Kanbalar.]
Wingul: So the information was correct.
[A speaker crackles.]
Gilland's Voice: Attention. Attention. I am Gilland. You have my most sincere apologies for forcibly occupying your city. Please understand that subjugation is not our goal! Such extreme measures were only necessary to prevent an apocalyptic war between two superpowers. You have my word that we at Exodus will do all in our power to preserve your safety and your livelihoods. We desire the same thing you do: eternal peace for Rieze Maxia!
Milla: I despise that man Gilland. He promotes peace even as he uses spyrix to hurt humans and spirit kind alike!
Muzet: We may have no choice but to eliminate him and his group.
Milla: I agree.
Elize: How will we do that?
Teepo: Those people have armored soldiers and flying ships and big cannons and... and... and...
Jude: Alvin, it's time you came clean. You should tell us everything you know.
[Alvin stands up and walks away without looking at him.]
Jude: Alvin!
[A little distance away, Alvin holds out his hand for his bird to land on. Milla looks at Wingul.]
Milla: I assume Gaius won't stand for this.
[Wingul glances at her and walks back to the temple.]
Rowen: He is inviting us in. Frankly, I'm surprised he even revealed himself to us.
Jude: Maybe they're testing us?
Leia: It's not a trap, is it?
[Milla narrows her eyes.]
Alvin: What are we waiting for? Let's go.
Jude: What happened?
Alvin: I'm on the straight and narrow now. I promise.
Milla: And why would we believe you this time?
Alvin: I have a score to settle with Gilland. Let me be the one to finish him off. If I betray you again, you have my permission to run me through with that sword of yours. So let me come with you.
Milla: And if I refuse?
[Long pause.]
Alvin: Then I'll kill him on my own.
Milla: Very well.
Alvin: [turns around] Thanks, I appreciate it.
[Milla looks at the temple.]
Milla: We have to find out what Gaius is planning.
Jude: Yeah.

[Inside the temple, Gaius stands on the raised platform at the back, with the Chimeriad crouching and standing around him.]
Gaius: You've come.
[The party stops in the aisle between rows of pews. Alvin leans against one.]
Wingul: So in the end you've chosen to trust that man. You're more naive than I thought, Maxwell.
Milla: Tell us what your purpose is for bringing us here.
Wingul: We will stand and fight against those invaders. If you intend to challenge them yourselves, we won't attempt to stop you.
Gaius: But first, there's something you need to tell us. I want you to tell us what you know about the schism.
Jude: [looks at Milla] What's that?
[Milla glances at him. He kind of smiles. Muzet tilts her head. Milla looks at the ceiling.]
Milla: Two millennia ago, I cast the spirit arte schism. It created a new world and sealed it away. That world is yours. It is known as Rieze Maxia.
[Leia leans over the bench Elize is sitting on.]
Leia: Did Milla just say that she created the entire world?
Teepo: Wow! She's like a goddess or something!
Milla: It was for protecting spirits and humans.
Gaius: Rieze Maxia is sealed. That implies the existence of another world outside the schism, does it not?
Milla: Yes, and that world is called Elympios.
[Elize and Leia look at each other. The Chimeriad looks at Gaius. Alvin looks up.]
Milla: I was gravely mistaken about the Lance of Kresnik's true purpose. Exodus convinced Nachtigal that it was a weapon, but all along they were plotting to create a device that would dispel the schism.
Gaius: Dispel the schism? To what end?
Milla: [shakes her head] I do not know. I wonder if perhaps they were looking for a means to siphon mana back to Elympios.
Alvin: No.
[The others turn to look at him.]
Alvin: All exodus ever wanted was to go home. Back home to Elympios. It's all we've wanted for more than twenty years, since we became trapped in Rieze Maxia. We needed to find a way to either break through the schism or dispel it completely.
Milla: But in order to dispel the schism, they would have to find a way to eliminate its creator.
Leia: I see. So that's why Exodus kept trying to kill you.
Gaius: It doesn't add up. What is Gilland's master plan?
Elize: I'm confused. I still don't understand.
Rowen: Gilland's actions are not going to get Exodus home any faster.
Alvin: He didn't need to bring the whole Elympion army. And unifying Rieze Maxia? That was never our original intention.
Wingul: Gilland must intend to make use of Rieze Maxia with the schism intact. But for what purpose?
[Everyone thinks. Alvin stands up straight.]
Alvin: That's it. The Otherworld Reactor Plan.
Jude: What?
Agria: Huh? The hell's that?
Alvin: Most folks know it as the Spirit-fuel Plan.
Leia: That sounds bad.
Alvin: I remember my cousin telling me about it when I was still a kid, back on the other side. Something about capturing spirits and using them as fuel for spyrixes.
Presa: So you're saying Gilland's ultimate goal is to corral all the spirits?
Jude: But that doesn't make sense either. If all he wants is spirits, then why bother with the lies? Unless... [turns around] He's planning on trapping us in Rieze Maxia for our mana lobes!
Gaius: He seeks to use the people of Rieze Maxia as a power source? The man is insane.
Alvin: Gilland most likely returned to Exodus HQ on the ocean. The Elympion army is with him, so getting there by boat won't be easy.
Wingul: Well then, prehaps we could commandeer one of the flying ships they have docked at Kanbalar.
Leia: [leans over to whisper to Elize] Oh, yeah right, because that sounds easy!
Rowen: It may indeed be our only option.
Gaius: Very well. We attack tomorrow.
[Agria stands up. Gaius starts to leave out some side door, the Chimeriad following him.]
Jude: Wait a minute, Gaius! Aren't we going to team up on this?
[The Chimeriad turns to look at him.]
Jude: I mean, we both want the same thing, so--
Gaius: It's not a social gathering.
Agria: Just how stupid are you, anyway?
Gaius: It was Maxwell who created the schism and trapped us all inside of it in the first place. Imprisonment is not so easily forgiven. It's entirely possible we may end up fighting each other again.
Presa: I'm sure you can understand why we're not ready to get all buddy-buddy with you.
[Agria leaves, Presa follows.]
Wingul: Like I said, do what you want. Just make sure to stay out of our way. [leaves]
Leia: Can you believe it?! The nerve of those guys!
Milla: They must be shorthanded. Why else would they share that kind of information with us?
Rowen: Despite what they said, I still believe that they are counting on all of us.
Alvin: For now, at least.
[Muzet smiles.]

Milla: Can't sleep?
Jude: No.
Milla: Hehe, me neither. You don't want to ask me anything about what I revealed earlier today?
Jude: No, no. You did the right thing, the just thing.
[He leans forward, elbows on his knees and head in his hands.]
Milla: At least I hope so. Justice is a complicated concept. It means different things to different people.
[The temple door opens.]
Gaius: And what is justice to you?
[Milla stands up as Gaius approaches. She walks into the aisle. Jude stands too.]
Milla: Heh. I thought this wasn't a social gathering.
Gaius: Answer me, Maxwell.
Milla: It is the power of will that resides within one's heart.
[Jude places a hand over his chest.]
Gaius: Hmph. In this we are both in agreement. Those with this willpower bear a responsibility to this world. The strong must protect and guide the weak.
[Milla shakes her head.]
Milla: Gaius, weakness isn't an affliction of the body, but of the heart. The world will always have weak-willed people, but that in itself isn't a bad thing.
Gaius: Then we must protect the weak until they can become strong. That is our duty.
Jude: We?
Gaius: Yes. All who are strong must look after the weak. It is the only way to ensure that future generations will have sufficient strength, as well.
Milla: So that's your solution to the problem I posed in Fezebel Marsh.
Gaius: As I told you then, I can chart a new future for mankind if I just have enough power. But if a man like Gilland takes the stage, a man who can only use power for his own gain, then mankind will be doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
Milla: I see. But I'm afraid it's not up to me to approve your answer. Your concept of justice is your own. It's not my place to interfere.
Gaius: Heh, as you say.
Jude: The two of you sure are alike.
Gaius: How so?
Jude: No matter how extreme her words are, I think there's always truth to them. [joins them in the aisle] I get the same sense from you.
Gaius: Do you want to be like Maxwell?
Jude: I wouldn't mind it, although I know that's impossible.
[Milla looks slightly surprised.]
Gaius: I see.
[Milla looks back to Gaius. He turns and leaves.]
Jude: We should probably get some rest.
Milla: Yes. The showdown's tomorrow.

[The next morning, the Chimeriad waits outside in the snow.]
Rowen: How do you intend to hijack a ship that's docked in the sky?
Wingul: We'll use the wyverns in the castle.
Milla: You have to get there first.
Gaius: I have no intention of sneaking into my own castle.
Wingul: We shall march up the main road and reclaim it.
Jude: What? You can't be serious!
Rowen: Indeed. At the very least, you should split into two groups. Create a diversion.
[Rowen pauses, and then looks thoughtful. Agria stands up.]
Agria: Keep your tactics to yourself, you old fart.
Gaius: Jude, do you know what you have to do?
Jude: [nods] Of course. I have to help Milla win. It's that simple.
Gaius: [after a pause] Then let's go.
[He leaves. Wingul narrows his eyes at the party before following. Presa stops in front of Jude and Milla.]
Presa: There's a path leading into the city off the side of the temple.
[She looks at Alvin and then leaves.]
Teepo: Hmph! Why can't we all stick together?!
Muzet: Hehehe, what shall we do?
Milla: Let's see.
Rowen: We can take that side path from the temple into the city, then move along the roofs to the castle. From there, we can both capture the flying battleship and retake the castle and its soldiers. Meanwhile, Gaius and the others will create their diversion.
[Jude and Leia look surprised, then smile. Leia shrugs.]
Leia: Sure would be nice if they let us in on their plan for once.
Milla: Anyway, let's go.
Jude: You got it.

-- KANBALAR --

[The party follows the rooftops to the main road. Jude stands at the edge of one roof, motioning to the others with one arm.]
Jude: Everyone, get down.
[In the street, Gaius sends a Demon Fist down the road. Presa and Agria cast at the Exodus soldiers. Wingul slashes the remaining soldier.]
Elize: He sure is strong.
Jude: [crouching on the roof] You could say that again.
[Milla, standing some distance away, turns around.]
Milla: Jude, behind you!
Jude: Huh?!
[A soldier on the rooftop above theirs aims his weapon at Jude's back.]
Soldier: Haah!
[A streak of light obliterates the soldier as Jude turns around. Gaius stands in the street in a post-swing stance. Jude smiles as the others run past him. Alvin stops.]
Alvin: You gonna gawk all day, kid? Let's go.
Jude: [nods] Right.

[When the party reaches the roofs around the entrance to the castle, Gaius's group is fighting down below.]
Rowen: They appear to be struggling.
Leia: Shouldn't we help them?
Jude: ......
Milla: Their diversion will be for naught if we join them.
[Below, a group of civilians and Auj Oule soldiers walks up.]
Civilian: We have to save His Highness!
Soldier: Don't let them lay a finger on His Highness or the civilians!
[They rush in toward Gaius.]
Jude: The people really do love him.
Alvin: If I'm not mistaken, your job here is still to help Milla win.
Jude: [nods] That's right. Let's go, Leia.
Leia: [nods] Gotcha.

[The party climbs over the gates and jumps down into the courtyard next to the wyverns, opens the cages, and takes off. The wyverns fly off, leaving the party on the deck of one of the flying ships.]
Rowen: We must commandeer the bridge.
Alvin: That it up there?
[A round platform sits above the rest of the deck on the other side of the ship.]
Soldier: Repel the hostiles!
[Armed soldiers come running. The party takes battle stances.]
Milla: We'll have to fight our way through.

[After the battle, the party continues sparring with soldiers across the deck. Leia sweeps a soldier off their feet with her staff, only for more to come up the stairs.]
Leia: Come on, how many soldiers does this tub carry?!
[Jude knocks someone out with a flying kick while Milla is engaged in the background. Alvin swings his sword down on a soldier behind Jude. Another attacks Jude, but he dodges and punches them in the face. Rowen and Elize join him.]
Jude: Let's split into two groups. One group can run over to the bridge and bring the ship to ground level.
[Alvin fires twice at a soldier in front of him, who collapses.]
Alvin: Good idea. That way Gaius and his crew can reinforce us. Then we can break through these troops.
Rowen: All right, then the question is, who shall go?
[Jude guards as another soldier attacks him. Milla locks weapons with a larger, armored man twice before Jude flies past and kicks him away. Jude punches his helmet twice to knock him out and then turns around.]
Jude: I'll [I'm] gonna stay here and fight. Milla, you should go.
Milla: Are you sure, Jude?
[A wyvern roars above them. Milla looks up.]
Ivar: [faintly] Ha ha ha ha!
[The fighting on the deck stops.]
Ivar: I couldn't help but overhearing your plan with these perfect ears of mine!
Jude: Isn't that--
[Ivar jumps off the wyvern, gets flipped around in midair, hits one of the big metal weapons near the bridge, and crashes to the floor. Even the soldiers are sweatdropping. Jude stands up, shocked.]
Soldier: Hey, who the hell are you?!
[All the soldiers near Ivar go flying from some blast. Ivar jumps onto the higher portion of the deck, head bowed, shaking.]
Milla: Ivar?!
[Ivar, laughing, lifts his head triumphantly. There's a huge lump on his forehead.]
Alvin: Oh, wow. That idiot survived?
Ivar: Hit the showers, fraud! The curtain just closed on you. I'm the new star of this show now.
[He swings his sword and points to himself. His teeth sparkle.]
Jude: Thanks, Ivar! I'll rest. I could use a breather!
[Ivar's grin fades. He leans backwards.]
Ivar: No, no, no, no, no! This is all wrong! Now you're supposed to explode into a jealous rage!
Jude: Uh, okay, [steps back and smiles] then in that case... I'll take care of it.
Ivar: Hah! [points at Jude] You think I'm just gonna let you play the hero?! Gangway!
[He kicks a soldier out of his way and scurries to the bridge, climbing up a beam.]
Alvin: You've gotten pretty good at handling him.
Jude: Nah. That just kind of popped into my head.
Leia: Well, he totally ignored Milla this time.
Milla: Maybe he's obsessed with you now, Jude. But if he pulls his own weight, I have no complaints. [steps forward] Anyway, let's go!
[Behind her, the party prepares for battle.]

[After the fight, few enemy soldiers are left. The party looks winded. A megaphone crackles.]
Milla: Finally.
Ivar: I have seized control of the ship! Drop your weapons and surrender!
[The remaining soldiers flee.]
Jude: Ivar! Set us down on the ground!
Ivar: What do you think I'm trying to do? Fly loop-de-loops?! Err... This button maybe? No? Hmm... This must be it!
[Robots emerge from part of the deck and begin advancing.]
Alvin: Idiot! What'd he do this time?
Milla: [shakes her head] Hopeless, as usual.
[Muzet flies up.]
Muzet: Quite a predicament.
Jude: Can you tell us anything about these things?
Muzet: Now's hardly the time to chat. You're under attack.

[Battle. Afterwards, the deck is clear.]
Milla: Glad that's over.
[The Chimeriad and Gaius jump down from wyverns, and stand with a group of Auj Oule soldiers.]
Wingul: We'll take over from here.
[He motions forward and the soldiers start moving.]
Jude: Gaius probably didn't need us after all.
[He sits down on the deck while the soldiers secure the ship. After a moment, Gaius walks up to him. Jude looks up and smiles. Ivar jumps down behind Milla.]
Ivar: Lady Milla? Are you unharmed?
Milla: Yes, thanks to everyone but you.
Ivar: [stands] What? [scowls at Jude's back] Grr...
Gaius: [walking across the deck] The ship is ours!
Soldiers: Hoorah!
Gaius: Let's return to the castle.
[Milla steps up in front of Jude and holds out her hand.]
Milla: Here, let me help you up.
[Jude smiles and stands.]

[Inside the audience hall, Gaius sits on his throne while the party stands near the door.]
Gaius: How long until we can set sail?
Wingul: I have every available man working to get the ship's systems under control. It may take a few hours.
Jude: Looks like we still have some time.
[Ivar starts stretching. Milla crosses her arms and thinks.]
Milla: Let's rest until then.

Jude: Why are you standing out in the cold?
Milla: [Huh?] ......
[She crosses her arms and stares at him.]
Jude: What's wrong?
Milla: [shakes her head] Nothing. Don't worry about it.
[She places her hand over her heart.]
Jude: Are you sure? Maybe you should sit down and rest for a bit.
Milla: Yes, maybe this is simply fatigue. I'll take up your offer.
Jude: [tilts his head] Hm?
[Scene change. Milla sits on a railing nearby. Jude stands next to her.]
Jude: Feeling any better?
Milla: Not really, but don't worry about it. Maybe if we just chat for a while, this will pass.
Jude: Okay, sure... So, uh, what's the outside world like?
Milla: Elympios? What do you wish to know?
Jude: Well, stuff like the climate, how the people are... Things like that.
Milla: I don't really know.
Jude: Huh...
Milla: Is that strange?
Jude: No. I just figured you'd know something. But, it sounds like it's been some time since you've seen it.
Milla: Well, I don't think it's a matter of memory. I simply just don't know. Hmm...
Jude: Oh, don't worry about it. I was just curious, that's all.
Milla: All I know is that spyrix use is rampant on Elympios.
Jude: Why would the people there rely on spyrix instead of just using their mana lobes?
Milla: Using spyrix is easier. No doubt the temptation was just too strong for them. [stands, steps forward] I have a question for you too, actually.
Jude: What is it?
Milla: Do you... uh... [looks down, crosses her arms] Err... How do I put this?
Jude: You sure everything is okay? You're acting weird today.
Soldier: The ship is ready for departure. Please return to the castle.
[Jude turns around. The soldier behind him salutes and leaves. Jude turns back around.]
Jude: I guess we should head ba-- Ahh!
[He recoils. Muzet is floating next to Milla. Milla looks up, surprised.]
Milla: Muzet, don't scare Jude like that.
Muzet: Hehehe. Milla, may I speak with you in private for a moment?
[Milla looks at Jude. He nods.]
Jude: You two can catch up. I'll just wait back at the castle.
[Milla and Muzet watch him leave.]

[On the deck of the airship, Gaius and Wingul stand in front of rows of Auj Oule and Rashugal soldiers. Agria and Presa stand off to the side; the party watches from behind the soldiers.]
Leia: What are Rashugal soldiers doing here?
Rowen: I summoned them here, although fewer came than I had hoped.
Jude: Ah, looks like Ivar's still here, too.
[Ivar, in the back of one row of soldiers, turns around and smiles.]
Milla: That fool. He abandoned his duty to Nia Khera.
[Jude's gaze drifts down a little. Ivar looks taken aback, then starts gesturing wildly.]
Wingul: Your Highness, perhaps a few words.
Gaius: Once, we turned our swords upon each other and fought for control of Rieze Maxia. Today, we come together not as enemies, but as allies. We have already located the enemy's headquarters, a ship known as the Zenethra. [holds out one arm] Fear not the battle to come, brothers. United, we will not falter. [clenches his fist] Together, we shall reclaim our world!
[The soldiers cheer, raising their fists. Ivar is still trying to get Jude and Milla's attention.]
Wingul: Launch the ship.
Soldier: Y-Your Highness! We have detected a high-energy channeling circle surrounding all of Rieze Maxia. Here it comes!
[Everyone is enveloped in purple energy.]
Presa?: Ugh!
Leia: [on her knees] What's happening? It's like my mana's being sucked dry.
Milla: [on one knee] I know this feeling!
[Jude, crouched next to her, raises his head.]
Jude: They're using the Lance of Kresnik to absorb the entire world's mana!
Wingul: The Spirit-fuel Plan.
Gaius: I won't let them hurt our people. I will protect Rieze Maxia! [turns and swings his arm] Make us airborne!
[The ship takes off.]

Jude: There you are. I've been looking for you. Mind if I join you?
[Milla turns to face him, then looks away.]
Milla: Sure.
[She goes back to looking over the rail. Jude walks up next to her.]
Milla: It's funny. I was once able to soar like this whenever I wished. But I'm not sure I realized just how beautiful the world is until now. I suppose I took it for granted.
[Jude looks at her for a long moment.]
Jude: Hey, Milla? We talked about this before, but... When this battle is over...
Milla: Yes?
[Jude looks down and pauses.]
Jude: Actually, never mind.
Milla: I see.
[After another pause, she turns to face him.]
Milla: Jude, there's something I need to tell you. It's about me, about who I really am.
Jude: What do you mean?
Milla: I never meant for this to happen, but in the end I lied to you.
Agria: [from far away] Hey! Loverboy! Get over here!
[Milla looks surprised. Jude continues to look at her.]
Jude: Wait, what do you mean you lied?
[Milla looks up, then walks to the very tip of the deck. Jude follows her.]
Milla: [without turning around] She's calling you. You should go. We can finish this conversation later.
Jude: A-All right.
[Jude walks away, but stops and looks back at her before continuing.]

Wingul: No doubt the Zenethra was the actual source of that light.
Milla: [turns, looking up] And I think that it put another hole in the schism.
Presa: You're right. At least no ships were able to come through this time.
Alvin: Maybe they sent the mana they gathered back to Elympios.
Jude: Looks like your fuel-plan theory was right.
Alvin: It seems like the only time that I'm right is when I'm talkin' about a worst-case scenario.
[Agria looks into the distance.]
Agria: Wait a minute. Haha! [pointing] Well, lookie there!
[Another flying ship is coming toward them.]
Ivar: [from the bridge] Enemy ship approaching! Everyone, brace for impact!
[The ships fire at each other, but none of the blasts hit. One rams into the other. Everyone on the deck staggers and/or falls.]
Milla: [on her hands and knees] There's our welcoming committee.
[Armored Exodus soldiers float down. The Rashugal and Auj Oule soldiers take up their weapons and charge. The Exodus soldiers fire their spyrix at them, knocking them back. Rowen draws his sword, Alvin fires his gun, Leia starts knocking people down with her staff.]
Gaius: [running forward and swinging his sword] Silence all of them!

[Battle.]

[Jude punches a soldier down.]
Jude: They just keep on coming!
Wingul: [swinging his sword] (Is this all you've got? Pathetic!)
[A bunch of soldiers go up in a vortex. Wingul charges forward. Milla blocks an enemy attack with her sword, barely holding them off.]
Milla: Gaius!
[He slashes the enemy away.]
Gaius: Helmsman! Maintain course and ram into the Zenethra!
[Lasers fly past the bridge, one finally hitting. From inside, Ivar looks at the enemy ship and grimaces.]
Ivar: [to himself] All right, fine, if you say so! Just don't try to blame me if we crash and burn!

ANIME CUTSCENE:
[The ship hits the water. A wave crashes over Gaius's feet as he stands on the deck. Jude stumbles forward next to him.]
Jude: Urgh...
[The deck of the Zenethra towers over them. The ship angles toward it and rams into the side. Jude jumps over the rail and lands on the other deck, immediately rolling out of the way as something shoots at him multiple times. He comes to a stop and crouches in front of a number of soldiers, aiming at him. A blast of wind knocks the foremost one away and Milla jumps down from above, twirling and landing next to Jude. The ship shakes. Both stand up, taking battle stances. More Exodus soldiers come down from above, firing at the ship. Some get blasted in midair as the ship fires back. The rest hit the deck and start running. Muzet flies up.]
Muzet: Enough! Naughty children must learn to play nice!
[She soars above all the ships, stops, and forms a blue ball of energy in her hand. It engulfs an entire ship and implodes it. The same happens to a number of other ships. The party watches from the deck. The wreckage of one of the ships falls to the ocean in between the Zenethra and their ship, creating waves that push them apart, and then explodes.]
END CUTSCENE

Jude: That was incredible.
[Muzet floats back down to them.]
Muzet: I seem to have regained my powers thanks to your tethering.
Milla: I never imagined you would possess such power.
Leia: Of course! She's your big sis!
Elize: I'm glad you're on our side.
Muzet: I am happy to lend my power to your cause.
Milla: What are you planning to do?
Muzet: The mission would fail if the ship were to fall, yes?
Milla: I see. It sounds like we'll have to continue asking for your assistance.
Jude: Thank you, Muzet. Take care.
Muzet: Be safe. Milla, never forget that you are Maxwell.
Milla: ......
[Muzet flies away. Milla looks downcast.]
Rowen: We must act quickly, while the enemy reinforcements are being blocked.
[Milla closes her eyes, then snaps them open.]
Milla: We should split into two groups.
[Gaius starts to walk off, then stops, glancing at Jude. Jude looks back at him.]
Jude: I know. "Do what must be done," right?
Gaius: We will put a stop to their plans right here. Our targets are Gilland and the Lance of Kresnik.
[Ivar jumps down in between Gaius/the Chimeriad, and the party.]
Ivar: At your service, Lady Milla. [smiles and stands]
Alvin: You again?
Teepo: Hey! Stay out of our way!
Ivar: Ha ha ha, but of course! I shall join Gaius' capable crew.
Milla: What?
Wingul: Think you can fill Jiao's shoes in the Chimeriad?
[Presa and Agria look at him. Ivar points at him.]
Ivar: Easily!
[The Chimeriad stares at him.]
Gaius: ......
[Ivar flinches a little.]
Ivar: Just watch me!
[Gaius turns and walks away.]
Gaius: Let's go.
Ivar: Guess they know a winner when they see one, phony!
[Leia shrugs. Milla shakes her head.]
Presa: Get over here, idiot.
Ivar: How rude! But, I shall let it slide.
[He walks off.]
Presa: Al...
Alvin: What.
[Presa looks away, closes her eyes, and walks away.]
Presa: Try not to die.
[Alvin continues to watch her. Leia watches Alvin. Milla turns around.]
Milla: Let's go.

-- E.S.S. ZENETHRA --

[A group of soldiers waits inside the first door. The party prepares to fight.]

[Battle.]

[Afterwards, Leia reaches down and picks up a small device with an antenna.]
Leia: What is this?
Alvin: It's called a radio.
[He holds out his hand. She gives it to him. The radio crackles.]
Alvin: Handy gizmo. You use it to communicate far distances.
Voice [over the radio]: We captured one of the intruders. Deploy all combat personnel immediately.
[The rest of the party recoils in shock.
Teepo: Whoa, it can talk!
Jude: [looking wryly at Teepo] Hahaha.
Ivar [patchy, over the radio]: What do you want with me? Who do you think you're talking to!
[Milla looks surprised, then closes her eyes, angry.]
Ivar [over the radio]: You can't do this! I will not lose again!
Jude: Sounds like Ivar got caught. Should we rescue him?
Milla: Only after we've finished everything else.
[The radio shuts off. The ship begins to shake. Jude looks around.]
Elize: What's happening?
[Milla steps forward and looks up as the shaking stops.]
Milla: A great number of spirits have perished again.
Alvin: Sounds like they used the Lance of Kresnik again.
Jude: We have to hurry!

[Inside the next door is a deck skirting the walls of a huge room with a chandelier in the center.]
Elize: Wow.
Leia: It's like a mansion in here.
Jude: I thought this was a battleship?
Alvin: No. The E.S.S. Zenethra was a cruise ship that plied Elympios oceans. It ended up here twenty years ago when part of the schism ruptured.
Milla: Wait a minute. That's when the Elympion army broke through the schism.
Jude: They did what?
Rowen: How could they break through from Elympios without the Lance of Kresnik?
Milla: [shakes her head] I don't know the details.
Alvin: The original Lance of Kresnik was developed by the Elympion army.
[They start to walk around the deck, Alvin leading the way.]
Milla: What do you know about it?
Alvin: Not much more. I know the current Lance of Kresnik was modeled after it.
Jude: And your people made it because they wanted spirits?
Alvin: Elympios is a world built on and developed around spyrix. They're the foundation of our entire civilization.
Elize: Why can't you find a different foundation for your civilization?
Teepo: I bet all Elympios people are big, fat, lying barbarians just like Alvin.
Alvin: Oh, now I'm a barbarian as well as a liar? It's not as simple as just giving up spyrixes for some other technology.
[They reach the other side of the deck, where one staircase leads up and another set goes down. Alvin stops.]
Alvin: We're not like you. We don't have mana lobes.
Leia: Wait, what?!
Alvin: We can't wield spirit artes. We lack the ability to manipulate mana.
Milla: So you used spyrixes instead.
Alvin. Exactly.
[Scene change. Alvin heads up the steps, Teepo floating behind him. Bars of red energy stretch across the path. He stops in front of them.]
Alvin: Damn it! They put up barrier bars.
Teepo: Ooh, pretty!
[He floats toward the bars, but Alvin holds up a hand to stop him.]
Alvin: Careful. Touch one and you'll be sliced in two.
Teepo: What?!
Jude: What should we do?
[The radio crackles.]
Voice [over the radio]: Security report! We've energized the barrier bars in the central sector. However, we're having trouble activating them in other sectors.
Second Voice [radio]: What?! Is something wrong with the generators?
First Voice [radio]: Negative. Both generators are functioning normally. The malfunction must lie elsewhere.
Second Voice [radio]: We can't disengage the central barrier bars. Use every available soldier to guard the port and starboard generators. Defend them with your lives.
First Voice [radio]: Yes, sir!
Alvin: Good timing.
Rowen: It appears these bars will disappear if we disable the generators on the port and starboard sides.
Jude: Okay, let's find them.

[Down a lot of hallways is a room with one of the generators.]
Jude: How do you disable one of these things?
Alvin: It takes a gentle touch.
[He walks up in front of it, aims his gun at the control panel, and fires. The generator crackles and goes dark. Jude looks at Alvin, unimpressed.]

[There's an identical room on the other side of the ship.]
Milla: Alvin.
Alvin: On it.
[He does the same thing. Jude looks at Milla, unimpressed.]

[With the barrier bars down, the party proceeds to the large hall containing the Lance. Gilland sits at the bottom of the steps leading up to it. The Lance sucks in white energy and then appears to power down.]
Gilland: What a pleasant surprise. How considerate of you to deliver Maxwell right to me. Tell me, Alfred Vint Svent. Why is it that you have betrayed us?
[Alvin steps forward.]
Alvin: It's simple. Because the truth is I've always despised you.
Gilland: [stands] I see, so you're prepared to spend the rest of your life in Rieze Maxia.
Alvin: Like that matters to me.
Gilland: Heh heh heh.
[He swings one arm and a bunch of icy glyphs surround him. Ice shoots out of them. The party dodges to both sides.]
Alvin: Huh? How'd you do that?!
Milla: I didn't feel any spirits die! What's going on?
Alvin: Eat this!
[He fires twice at Gilland, but another glyph appears in front of him. Celsius rolls out and creates an ice barrier that stops the bullets.]
Elize: There it is. It's that spirit again!
[Celsius breaks the barrier, sending ice shards flying back at Alvin. Milla jumps in front of him and creates a shield of her own.]
Celsius: I see, so you're Maxwell? You look quite a bit different now.
[Gilland smacks Celsius.]
Gilland: Be quiet! Who told you to speak?
Celsius: Yes, master.
Leia: What the heck was that? Why're you taking orders from that big jerk?
[Gilland puts one hand on Celsius's head.]
Gilland: It's only natural for tools to obey their wielders.
Leia: The only tool here is you! Spirits and humans are supposed to live in harmony!
Gilland: My servant here is hardly your garden-variety type spirit. She's actually a spyrite.
Jude: What?
Gilland: We used boosters to recreate the spirit Celsius from the spirit fossil in which she lay dormant. She is the physical manifestation of a spirit arte itself.
Alvin: So now you're using the spyrite's mana to perform artes?!
Gilland: [laughs] Heh, and that's why she's a tool. Does it all make sense now?
Leia: How could you?! You're despicable!
Elize: So that's why you took Teepo's data?! How could you do that to him?!
Gilland: Little lady, I need to personally thank you for that. It told us precisely how to give birth to the spyrites. And how to turn Rieze Maxia into energy. I take it those aren't tears of joy, little lady?
[Elize whimpers.]
Rowen: How can you be such a monster?!
Gilland: Conductor. I thought the curtain closed on your career long ago. Why insist on an encore even now?
Rowen: I'll have you know that I'm as stubborn as my king, Gilland. [pulls out his sword] And I'm not about to forgive you for toying with his life!
Jude: We won't lose to you! No way!
Gilland: Hmph. Is that supposed to frighten me? You really should know your place, boy. You don't have the power or ambition to make good on such threats!
Jude: You of all people have no right to talk of power or ambition! What do you know? You use them both for your twisted objectives!
Milla: I have little interest at all in continuing this conversation, but answer this one question. Do you know the difference between you and Jude?
Gilland: Hah! As if I care.
Milla: As I thought. [unsheathes her sword] And that's exactly what makes you a fool.
[The Lance powers up again. Gilland glances at it.]
Gilland: The Lance is spooling up to absorb more mana. Come Maxwell, I'll allow you to live. However-- [twirls his rifle around, loads it, and points it at the party] The rest of you will die.
Milla: I will protect all in Rieze Maxia, people and spirits alike!
Jude: That's it, Gilland. This madness ends right now!

[Battle:]
Gilland: It's time I got rid of you once and for all!
Alvin: Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.
Celsuis: I won't let you harm Master!
Milla: Out of our way!
Jude: Milla, wait!
Rowen: Jude's right. We should not underestimate Celsius.
Gilland: This is my ultimate creation. Taste true power and die!
[Victory:]
Milla: A power matching that of the great spirits.
Jude: The power of spyrite!
Alvin: Doesn't matter. Gilland's ambitions end here.

Gilland: Guh!
[He collapses to his knees, as does Celsius in front of him.]
Gilland: No, not now. Not when we finally created a spyrite. Damn it.
Alvin: The only thing you really want to do is gain favor with the outside to boost your influence. What's the point in making these spyrites, or whatever you call them?
Gilland: [sitting on the ground] Spyrites are different from spyrix devices. They allow us to wield incredible power without consuming spirits. Elympios is overflowing with people and technology. And we need spyrites to sustain ourselves.
Jude: What're you talking about?
[Gilland holds up a hexagon-shaped device.]
Gilland: As spirits have become scarce, so has the mana in Elympios.
[The device begins to glow and disintegrate.]
Gilland: Our world is now doomed to fade away.
Rowen: So that is why you implemented the Otherworld Reactor Plan.
Leia: But it's your fault for getting hooked on spyrix to begin with. Now you have to live with the consequences.
Gilland: But if spyrites become commonplace, the people of Elympios will have all the mana they need.
Milla: Isn't it a bit late for that? You were the ones who chose to rely on spyrix 2,000 years ago!
Gilland: That wasn't me!
[Jude's expression softens a little.]
Gilland: Gwaaah!
[His body starts to crackle with red energy.]
Alvin: Hey, are you okay?!
[Alvin starts forward. Gilland staggers to his feet.]
Gilland: My death is not going to change the fate of Rieze Maxia! O-Our plan can proceed so long as the schism exists. Everything you've done is for nothing! Ergh! Ahhhh!
[Celsius floats into the air, glowing. Gilland falls to the ground.]
Leia: Is he dead now?
Rowen: Perhaps that was the price he had to pay for using Celsius.
Milla: It was a high price to pay, even for that much power.
[Alvin picks up Gilland's gun.]
Alvin: Well, I'll be taking this back. Gilandor Yul Svent. Goodbye, Uncle.
[He reaches forward to close Gilland's eyes. Gaius and the Chimeriad come in.]
Gaius: Has everything been settled now?
Milla: You just missed it.
Jude: This doesn't feel right. Not at all.
Milla: [walking forward] Exodus must abandon their plans. They must be forced to for the sake of Rieze Maxia.
Jude: Right.
[He still looks unsure. Milla crouches next to a panel embedded in the glass floor. A beam of light shoots out of the panel. Milla does the hand motions to summon the Four, and each of them appears next to their glyph.]
Milla: Good to see you all again.
[She smiles, then turns serious and starts walking toward the Lance.]
Gaius: Maxwell.
Milla: Even you won't interfere here. I'll destroy it.
[She raises one hand. The Four shoot into the sky. The ship starts to shake, and Milla looks up to see energy crackling over the ceiling before a purple blast drags everyone to the ground.]
Wingul: (Such power!) [his transformation disappears] What the hell is this arte?
Elize: It hurts. Make it stop.
Jude: Did Gilland set a trap for us?!
Agria: Come on! Use your artes, for crying out loud!
Presa: I can't. It's far too powerful!
Gaius: Grrrr!
[He forces himself to his feet, but falls back to his knees.]
Gaius: This is nothing I can't handle. I'll break through this arte!
Jude: Break through? That's it! Use the Lance of Kresnik! [looks up] It has the power to dispel artes!
[Milla, lying on the ground, looks up at the Lance.]
Milla: That's true.
Leia: Can we even do that? Isn't it out of mana?
Rowen: If everybody here can just focus their mana into the Lance, then maybe...
Agria: Ah ha ha! So you're saying we should willingly give that thing power?
Wingul: It could mean the death of us.
Gaius: We're dead either way. We have no choice.
[Milla looks forward and starts to push herself up.]
Milla: Uuuuuurgh!
[Sylph flies past her to join the rest of the Four, waiting above. Milla takes slow steps toward the staircase and up it.]
Agria: Damn it! Hurry up already!
Presa: I... I can't take it anymore.
[Milla reaches the top of the stairs.]
Gaius: Now Maxwell, activate the Lance.
Jude: Milla...
[Milla falls to her knees, panting, and looks at the control panel.]
Milla: There is no need for everyone to risk their lives.
Jude: Wait, what?
[Milla looks back at him. Her expression softens for a moment before she grimaces and moves forward.]
Jude: Don't do it! No! You can't do this!
[The glass floor under them cracks.]
Alvin: What are you doing?! Aren't you supposed to stick around, to help protect the world? There are still so many things left you need to do!
[Milla stands at the control panel, surrounded by the Four.]
Milla: With the schism gone, Exodus' plan will come to an end. Isn't that right?
Alvin: What?
[Milla looks back again, scanning over the party and stopping on Gaius, then up at the Lance. She puts one hand on the control panel.]

ANIME CUTSCENE:
[Lightning crackles through the room.]
Leia: This can't happen.
Elize: Milla...
Teepo: Don't do it!
Rowen: Please reconsider!
Alvin: Urgh.
Jude: You can't do this.
Alvin: Huh?
[He looks up at Jude. Jude's fist clenches against the ground.]
Jude: Milla. If you leave us, then what? You can't!
[Milla, leaning against the control panel, looks back at him fondly.]
Milla: [softly] You'll be fine wthout me.
Jude: ......
[She smiles and blinks slowly.]
Milla: Farewell. Goodbye, Jude.
[She turns back around. Purple energy engulfs her.]
Milla: Aaaaaaaaah!
[The energy disperses. The Four each hold up one hand, glowing their own colors and purple. Jude's eyes widen.]
Jude: Mi--
[The lightning accelerates. The Lance glows and then fires, dispersing the dark circle surrounding the Zenethra. Milla's hair whips around her in the wind.]
Jude: Millaaaaaaa!
[The blue ball shrinks and disappears, leaving the ship nearly destroyed. Jude looks up as the smoke begins to disappear, and gasps. Milla is still standing in front of the Lance.]
Jude: [standing] Milla?!
[Slowly, she falls to the side. Jude starts to run forward, but stops when the floor beneath him cracks. Milla falls further.]
Jude: Milla!
[The ground beneath him shatters and he stumbles. Huge chunks of the ship come down next to him. One hits the place where Milla was standing. Jude grabs the chunk of glass in front of him and reaches out a hand, eyes widening.]
Jude: Nooooooo!
[The whole ship begins to fall apart, parts of it collapsing and going up in flame. The rest begins to sink into the ocean. Muzet recalls the blue ball back into her hand and looks down on the wreckage. Milla's body, looking unscathed, sinks into the ocean. It disintegrates into glowing particles and disappears.]
END CUTSCENE