A screenplay by Alexander S. Bobbs

Based on scenarios from the video game "Final Fantasy" (Square, 1987) as written by Yoshitaka Amano and Kenji Terada.

Screenplay adaptation and character concepts are copyright of Alex Bobbs, 2003

Forward:

Now, why did I pick Final Fantasy One, which is hardly a paragon of either plot or characterization, even as far as video games go? Partly for the creative challenge. Many recent RPG’s have so much dialogue and have such a cinematic story that there would be less opportunity for me to insert my own creative ideas. With FF1, I can come up with my own character concepts for the heroes and add many of my own embellishments to the plot. At the same time, the relatively simple plot of FF1 makes it easier to compress the events of the game into a script for a hypothetical movie, whereas lengthy stories such as those found in Chronotrigger or Xenogears would be impossible to capture in 2-3 hours. Lastly, I wanted to pick an older entry from the Final Fantasy series, because frankly I feel that the newer ones (FFVII and beyond) are overexposed. That’s not to say that they’re bad games; I would argue some are overrated, but that’s another issue entirely. The point is that I’d rather delve into plots and characters that people likely haven’t seen as recently, or in the case of the younger generation of gamers, perhaps they haven’t seen this at all.

The connection to the game will be pretty heavy throughout the script. Not only will the basic plot events and character roles come from the game, but so will little details such as locations, magic, items, a few lines, and of course, various subtle game references ("I’ve got to be getting a lot of experience"-Bren). The writing, however, is my own, although I pay tribute to other fantasy works, including Star Wars, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings. The determined warrior Akranoth, the flirtatious and quirky mage Timaldon, the contemplative martial artist Garris, the no-nonsense priestess Ariel, the hopeful, naive Bren, and the psychic Princess Sara are all based on character classes from the game, but their stories and personalities are original. Since the game itself did not deal with characterization of the party, working these ideas in was easy. Not so easy, however, was the task of taking the game’s story and reinventing it so that it would seem sensible within the context of a screenplay. The game had many dungeons, side quests, and disconnected subplots that would bore you if you had to read through all of them. In addition, there was very little in the way of explanations of motivations. The Light Warriors traveled to places because a passageway opened up, and they knew what was going on because some random shmoe in a town told them. In re-creating the story, I had to condense the plot: irrelevant fetch quests were removed and the Fiend dungeons were all condensed into one climactic battle. With what was left I sought to bring more rhyme and reason to the Light Warriors’ journey then the game ever gave us. The Light Warriors needed reasons to travel to the places they visited, and where reasons couldn’t be found, accidents would have to be invented to land them there. Lastly, I stuck in some quick early encounters with the Fiends so that our audience understands what we’re dealing with, and made various plot changes to give the story a bit more punch. Fans of the game may be delighted to know that while I’ve kept the final confrontation largely the same, I added some wrinkles to the end to shake things up a bit.

Perhaps someday I will be able to translate this script into a different medium, such as a Flash animated serial. Perhaps later I will have time to do similar treatments of other games. But for now I just sit here, hammering out on my little iBook, hoping that the next revision will further perfect my latest project. On this note I will leave you to go forward into the script itself, and evaluate for yourself whether I succeeded in my own quest.

Note: In this script, "Light Warriors" is commonly abbreviated LW

INTERIOR: TEMPLE OF FIENDS

GARLAND:

"The world is veiled in darkness. The wind stops, the sea is wild, and the earth begins to rot. The people wait, their only hope, a prophecy: 'When the world is in darkness, four warriors will come, each holding an orb’. These four shall be known as the Light Warriors." (laughs) So now the world of man harkens after prophecies and dreams and such toys as these? I know not whether to call this fascinating, confusing, or pathetic. Do you know, Princess?

GARLAND:

Why is the world of men in such a fit over these "Light Warriors"? I have seen the age of suffering many times, but never have I seen this before. Idle prophecies have moved the people, and four have risen to play the part. Now of course, it is the essence of illusion, of the fulfillment of man’s greatest desires, to create such catharsis. It is obvious why man would want such a prophesy to exist, but is there more to it? Do they know? Do they know what doom awaits them? (approaching Sara threateningly) Has the dragon told you?

SARA:

I don’t know any dragons.

GARLAND:

Of course you don’t. Furthermore, you likely have no idea why you’re here. Perhaps you would like to take a guess?

SARA:

You’re baiting the Light Warriors. You’re trying to lure them here.

GARLAND:

Impressive... Perhaps there is more to you than royalty and beauty, my dear Sara, for such perception is not common among your kind.

SARA:

There’s more.

GARLAND:

Indeed, my purpose is multifaceted, and what you have guessed is only secondary. You have what I want-

SARA:

Please leave me alone! Please don’t hurt me! (Garland draws a lute from her cloak and examines it)

GARLAND:

It appears that you have been given something important and unusual. At the very least, you family has, and- You can stop hiding behind that pillar. I am quite aware of your presence.

GARLAND:

To be honest, I expected more.

TIMALDON:

I am the great mage Timaldon, specialist of elemental black magic. Lower your weapon, you nefarious... um... evil guy. I’m serious here! You should have met the last people who tangled with me, they learned that you don’t mess with black mages when they’re getting angry-

GARLAND:

I must say I am impressed with your bravery, Timaldon, although your spirited words lack sense a eloquence. Now, who is this you’ve brought with you?

TIMALDON:

Oh ho! Now you see you’re outnumbered and outgunned. These are my assistants, Mr. Akranoth and Miss Ariel. They follow me around and aid me in all my many quests.

GARLAND:

Yes, of course. The Light Warriors, I presume. Aren’t there supposed to be four of you?

GARLAND:

You impertinent fools!

TIMALDON:

Oh, powers of fame... I mean, flame, I mean... oh nuts...

ARIEL:

Get the Princess out of here now!

AKRANOTH:

He’s too powerful for me.

ARIEL:

Don’t give up on me. He’s not too powerful for us. (she heals him)

SARA:

Thank you, Garris.

GARRIS:

Didn’t realize I was so well recognized.

GARLAND:

You four are indeed a force to be reckoned with. The time is now!

AKRANOTH (a little unsure):

You must... surrender-

TIMALDON:

-and return in our custody to Castle Coneria, where the forces of justice shall judge thee!

GARLAND:

I’m sorry to leave you but I’ve got some old friends to meet.

TIMALDON:

You’re not going anywhere! Eat flaming electric death, evildoer!

~~~

EXTERIOR: CASTLE CONERIA

BREN (voice-over of older Bren, the narrator):

I was only 15 years old when they first arrived. During times of darkness, the Light Warriors, the summoned ones, came to us from lands near and far, answering the call of our king. To be honest, there were many who doubted the prophecies of the Light Warriors, and even more who doubted that these four were the chosen ones. Akranoth, they said, was too short and inexperienced, Ariel too weak, Garris too young, and Timaldon... well, you just have to meet Timaldon. He just doesn’t seem like someone who inspires legends, at least not good ones. Even so, they were given a chance, and they proved that they were everything we needed.

BREN (running down from the walls to the main courtyard to shout the news):

They’re here! The Light Warriors have returned! The Light Warriors are back with Sara!

CASTLE GUARDS:

Open the gates! The Light Warriors have returned with the Princess! Open the gates!

BREN (voice-over):

They were everything we needed, and everything I needed to be.

GUARD:

Out of the way, boy! Clear this area!

CONWAY:

Oh, my beautiful daughter! To see you again brings new joy to my old heart. Warriors of the Light, thank you for your valiant deeds. You are indeed the ones we have waited for. Tonight, heroes, you will be our guests of honor!

~~~

INTERIOR: CASTLE CONERIA

TIMALDON:

So Garland’s facing me and he’s got his staff and his spooky horned helmet and he says in that big deep voice of his "Light Warriors, prepare to die!" And then he shoots this glowing stuff from his staff that fries all my assistants-

LADY:

Oh dear! Weren’t you afraid?

TIMALDON:

Not a bit, fair lady, because I knew this guys was just a poser. I dished out some of my own special brand of magic and wham! (he lights a small blast of fire from his hands, evoking some screams of surprise) I knocked him back like a rag doll. You should have seen the look on his face. You see, that’s what it takes to be a good black mage: fearlessness. Never look back. Just blast ‘em with what you got and let someone else sort out the bodies.

OTHER LADY:

I heard that it was Lord Akranoth who struck down Garland.

TIMALDON:

Well, yeah, after I’d worn Garland down, then Akranoth, you know, finished him off. It was good teamwork on our part, you know, coordinating his swordy stuff with my powers and-

BREN:

Sir?

GARRIS:

Garris.

BREN:

Garris, my name’s Brenien. I work here, and if you guys need any help- I mean, not with fighting or anything like that, but if you need someone to serve you while you’re here-

GARRIS:

Why are you interested?

BREN:

I... I just really look up to warriors like you. I’m going to be a warrior myself someday, or at least I hope so.

GARRIS:

How old are you Bren?

BREN:

Fifteen.

GARRIS:

Fifteen. Well, Bren, there’s no time like the present to start training. (stooping down and lowering his voice) And if you want some advice from me: you won’t get anywhere by serving these pampered royals.

BREN:

(a little taken back) Sir?

GARRIS:

The royal court doesn’t make anyone great, especially not heroes. It just publicizes what they already are.

BRENIEN:

I see. Thank you sir.

ARIEL:

You seem nervous.

AKRANOTH:

Am I that obvious?

ARIEL:

Yes.

AKRANOTH:

I’m not good at formal events.

ARIEL:

Everyone’s here to praise you. You just have to sit back and take it.

CONWAY:

Friends, family, and honored guests: Thank you for attending this evening’s celebration. Tonight we celebrate not only the safe return of my daughter Sara and the defeat of a cunning and elusive enemy; tonight, we celebrate a discovery. This is the discovery of four champions, warriors of light, who have come to us from near and far. Their quest, as the prophecies say, must be to end evil where ever it may stir. And so, tonight we celebrate not just what they have done for us today, but moreso, what they are going to accomplish for us and all the world. Light Warriors, I toast to thee! (A chorus of huzzahs echoes across the hall) But how could I have been so forgetful? I have not yet introduced them properly. Let us now give our hearts to: Akranoth, the duke of Melmond, master of the sword, Garris,prince of the northern kingdom of Gaia, guru of both body and mind, Timaldon, son of the acclaimed Mordac, wielder of dark magic, and our own Lady Ariel, the beloved priestess of my own court. Before they begin their journeys, let us give them a night to remember. Music, strike!

SARA:

My lord, will you dance with me?

AKRANOTH:

Well... You see, I’m not terribly good at-

TIMALDON:

I’ll dance with you, sweet Princess.

SARA:

Thank you, master elf.

(Sara and Timaldon begin a waltz)

ARIEL:

Never learned to dance out in Melmond?

AKRANOTH:

We’ve got our own types of dances out in my country... very different types. Our dances aren’t as structured as what people are doing here.

ARIEL:

Well, I’ll show you how it’s done. Come on, it’s not hard. Just step towards me, and then bring your feet together. That’s it. And now wait a beat, and then step back again. One, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three. That’s right.

ARYLON (breaking the ice):

You’re quite good on your feet, Sir Garris.

GARRIS:

You don’t need to flatter me, Miss-

ARYLON:

Arylon. I heard that you trained at the Aldea dojo.

GARRIS:

I did, for three years.

ARYLON:

My brother just traveled to Gaia to join them. Were you there when they had that big raid with the desert bandits?

GARRIS:

I was one of the ones kidnapped by the bandits.

ARYLON:

Oh, I’m sorry. How terrible that must have been!

GARRIS:

Actually, it wasn’t that bad.

(Sara and Timaldon)

SARA:

I’ve never traveled to the Elven country, what is it like? People say everything’s made out of silver, even the trees.

TIMALDON:

Well, we are quite fond of silver, it being one of major exports after all, but our way of life is surprisingly humble. We don’t have many towering cities like you have here. Everyone’s into the whole "being one with nature" craze... rather provincial if you ask me. You see, that’s the part I like best about being a Light Warrior: the chance to get away from the simple land and travel to fantastic places, defeat towering villains, and meet beautiful women, like yourself.

SARA:

Oh stop! You’ll make me blush. Are all elves like you?

TIMALDON:

Well, actually, I’m a half-elf. Best of both worlds my father used to say-

GARRIS:

-after the third ransom drop was botched they gave up on holding me as property and treated me like a brother. Almost better than my real family...

ARYLON:

Such a strange story... I’m sorry about everything that’s happened to you.

GARRIS:

Don’t be. If I hadn’t been kidnapped, I never would have fully developed the skills of a Light Warrior, nor found that orb.

ARYLON:

You have an interesting way of looking at things. Most princes I’ve met prefer the palace life, and become trained by scholars and noble people.

GARRIS:

I don’t fall in line with "most" princes.

ARYLON:

I’ve never met any man like you before.

ARIEL:

So, where do we go now?

AKRANOTH:

What?

ARIEL:

After all this huzzah and excitement dims, where are we? Do we even really know what we’re looking for?

AKRANOTH:

People who need help, I guess.

ARIEL:

That’s it? We’re going to need a lot more leadership than that.

AKRANOTH:

Am I now the leader?

ARIEL:

Frankly, I’d rather you took the initiative from time to time instead of that erratic elven mage always speaking for us.

AKRANOTH:

He’s a half-elf. Besides, Timaldon’s a capable fellow.

ARIEL:

Talented? Yes. Capable? Not entirely. He has a bad habit of rushing into things. I don’t think he even means to take direction, he just does because he’s always the first to speak.

AKRANOTH:

So what do you want me to do?

ARIEL:

Right now? Try spinning me. See? You’re learning well. It’s called leading.

TIMALDON (still going on about himself):

-and after that one incident, they never let me back into polymorph class. You see, that’s the problem with the magic education system today-

SARA:

Tell me about your companions. Do you know them well?

TIMALDON:

Oh, quite well! We are after all, a "dream team" of warriors, so to speak, and-

SARA:

What of Lord Akranoth? He’s said to be one of great nobility and leadership, but I have never seen him before. There is a strange aura about him. Where did he come from?

TIMALDON:

Oh, some place far to the south. The name slips my mind, but... Anyway, Sara, I just want to make the most of our time here because I don’t think we Light Warriors are going to be able to stay in Coneria much longer.

SARA (she knows what will happen):

You must leave tomorrow.

TIMALDON:

Pardon.

SARA:

I mean, must you leaving tomorrow?

TIMALDON:

Well, I don’t know how soon, but we’ve done our job here, and we’ve got a whole world to save-

CONWAY:

Excuse me, I hate to cut in, but I’d like one dance with my daughter before the evening is over.

TIMALDON:

Oh, of course, your highness.

BREN (voice-over):

As the evening went on, I thought about what Prince Garris had told me. As I watched them, with their fans and adoring women praising them, I could feel the burning desire strangle me again. I knew what I had to do, and that night I committed myself to do it.

COOK:

Boy! Get back in here! We got dishes to wash!

INTERIOR: CASTLE CONERIA (MEETING ROOM)

GARRIS:

How are we doing this morning?

TIMALDON:

Been better, been worse. I’d feel better knowing we could stay here and not go running off after some prophesy, but I’ll take what I can get. What can I say? We’ve got places to go and people to meet, and all we can do is wait for the next homecoming party. Ah, I can see the look on Sara’s face now when we return after taking on some real foes.

GARRIS:

I see.

TIMALDON:

You don’t talk much, do you?

GARRIS:

Only when I have things to say.

TIMALDON:

Very well then, I’ll give you something to talk about. How was she? You know, that pretty girl.

GARRIS:

I assume you are referring to Arylon. She’s a foolish girl, but it’s not her fault. And yes, I know that doesn’t answer your question.

TIMALDON:

Which you’re not going to answer?

GARRIS:

Not until you reexamine your assumptions.

TIMALDON:

Sigh. As I often say,you cant’ let your youth slip away. You have to make your moves while they’re young and single and you’re young and vigorous.

GARRIS:

She throws herself at princes hoping to snare one. I will have no part in that foolishness.

TIMALDON:

Well, then I respect that. It takes a strong man to turn down such a beauty. And speaking of beauty-

ARIEL:

Has the king arrived?

TIMALDON:

Haven’t seen him this morning. While we’ve got some time to kill, fair lady, I wanted to ask you something, you know, as one mage to another: What exactly do you priestesses, or so-called "white" mages do? Just cure light wounds?

ARIEL:

Mainly, yes, but I also specialize in protective spells, you know, illusions, immunities, anti-magic shields, and curse removal.

TIMALDON:

Fascinating. Show me one.

ARIEL:

We’re only supposed to use our holy powers in times of need. We shouldn’t drain our energy doing shows.

TIMALDON:

Let’s make sure your powers work. Go ahead, show me an illusion or something.

ARIEL:

Or something? Well, if you insist. INVIS!

TIMALDON:

What happened?

ARIEL:

Look at your hand.

TIMALDON:

Woah! I’m see-through! It’s like being a ghost! This isn’t permanent, is it?

ARIEL:

It’ll wear off in a few minutes.

TIMALDON:

This is great! I take back anything I ever said about white mages. Wooooo... I am the ghost of Timaldon... What can you do to make me even cooler?

ARIEL:

Well... mirror images are fairly impressive...

TIMALDON:

Let’s see it!

CONWAY:

It appears that we have a problem. (Looks at Timaldon) What happened to him?

ARIEL:

We were doing a magic demonstration. It’ll wear off.

CONWAY:

I see. Now, you each should bear an orb of the Light Warriors. May I see them? (The all unveil their crystal orbs) Indeed, they are all like that. I never noticed. Why didn’t it occur to me?

ARIEL:

What’s wrong with the orbs?

CONWAY:

Members of my trusted counsel examined your friend Akranoth’s orb this morning and were nearly convinced that his orb was... defective in some way. But now it appears that all the orbs you bear are dark.

TIMALDON:

Dark?

LUKAHN (an aging prophet):

Yes, dark. According to the prophecies of old, the orbs of the Light Warriors are supposed to be filled with a glorious light. The power of the orbs is said to be a sight that mortal men can barely behold. But, as you can see, yours are dark, and devoid of such power.

GARRIS:

Maybe the prophecies were not meant to be interpreted so literally.

LUKAHN:

Young prince, this is how they have been given to us, as passed down from age to age to age, and that is how we have always interpreted them. But what this means-

TIMALDON:

We need new orbs?

GARRIS:

No, he thinks we’re frauds.

LUKAHN:

Frauds? No... no... I do not suppose trickery is present.

TIMALDON:

I kinda like mine dark.

AKRANOTH (to Lukahn):

Then what do you think? What causes the orbs to become dark?

LUKAHN:

I only wish I knew such things. The prophecies do not help us here, but they do tell us that only the warriors with orbs of splendor will be able to defeat the Fiends.

ARIEL:

I don’t understand. What Fiends?

CONWAY:

Let us slow down and let Lukahn start from the beginning. The prophesy of the Light Warriors as you know is an oral tradition, which has been passed down through his line. You must have patience and let him advise you.

LUKAHN:

Thank you, good sire. Where shall I begin? Ah, yes... You see that sun? Every time it rises, men wake up, they plow their fields, they work their day, and everything they do, they do it thinking they are masters of the earth. However, they are quite wrong; we are merely stewards of the earth, taking each breath to the beat of a greater heartbeat than our own. This is the way of all life-giving worlds. Now, this world as you know it is a balance of four elements: earth, wind, water, and fire. These elements normally belong to the control of the planet itself, and life proceeds, the earth gives birth to new life, and thus, our world sustains us. But control of these elements can be seized by the forces of Darkness. The four Fiends, the oldest enemies of mankind, were designed for such an undoing. They embody this purpose, and it becomes them. When the time comes, they say, the Fiends shall ravage the Earth, and destroy all that lives.

AKRANOTH:

You believe that these Fiends are coming soon?

LUKAHN:

I believe they may already be here. The signs of the time are everywhere. Fields of crops die, disease runs rampant, the seas are nearly impassable-

CONWAY:

The alliances of the kingdoms are fractured-

LUKAHN:

The princess kidnapped, right from under royal guard, by an elusive magical foe-

ARIEL:

But these things could have happened at any time.

LUKAHN:

True, very true, they could have happened at any time. However, they did not happen at any time. They all happened in our time.

ARIEL:

Aren’t there more definite signs?

LUKAHN:

There will be, if the Fiends reveal themselves and rage across the earth destroying everything in their path.

AKRANOTH:

With all due respect, she does have a point.

CONWAY:

She does, which is why I believe that you are the most convincing evidence at hand. Four warriors, each which separate skills, each bearing a rare, perfect crystal orb, appearing all at the same time. No more than four, and no less. I see no coincidence here, but fulfillment of the prophecies.

TIMALDON:

So then... why are the orbs dark? I mean, what do we have to do?

LUKAHN:

Once again I am afraid that I don’t know. However, there is another who may be able to answer that question.

GARRIS:

Another prophet?

LUKAHN:

The witch Matoya is one whom you should seek. She knows much of magical crystals, and I believe she should be our first resource in solving this enigma.

CONWAY:

Didn’t you study under Matoya, Timaldon?

TIMALDON:

Uh... briefly. I doubt she remembers me, it was a very long time ago.

CONWAY:

Well then-

TIMALDON:

Now that I think of it, Matoya is probably not the best person to ask about the orbs. I’m sure we can find someone, maybe in-

AKRANOTH:

We will seek out Matoya and see what she can do for us, your highness.

CONWAY:

Good, then. I will see that all provisions are provided to you. The people will be sad to see you go, and so will I, but I believe that this is a course of action that you must take. Travel together, for if the Fiends are already out among us, they may be aware of your presence, and will take any action possible to stop you.

AKRANOTH:

Very well, your highness.

SARA:

Daddy? Are they leaving?

CONWAY:

Yes, my dear. It has just been decided. They will be traveling to the north.

SARA:

Is there trouble?

TIMALDON:

None at all, princess, and we will make sure things stay that way.

AKRANOTH:

We’re just going to look for some answers.

SARA (still uneasy):

Well, I guess you’d all better get ready for your trip.

CONWAY:

She worries for you. But don’t you worry, she’ll be fine. You must get going, and make the orbs shine again!

EXTERIOR: CASTLE COURTYARD

TIMALDON:

Hey, can I have the black chocobo? I always wanted a black chocobo. It just fits my theme so well. Did anyone else have dibs on the black chocobo?

STABLE MASTER:

You like her? Fast as lightning, but she’s a wild thing. You’re going to have to let her get used to you.

AKRANOTH:

How are we doing for supplies?

GARRIS:

We’ve got everything we need to make a straight shot to the Northern Mountains without any stops.

ARIEL:

So in other words, we’re ready to begin the quest to find out what our quest is?

AKRANOTH:

Ariel is not impressed by the prophet.

ARIEL:

He didn’t tell us anything!

AKRANOTH:

He told us about the Fiends. That’s important. We know that we have to stop the Fiends.

ARIEL:

And how are we supposed to find them?

GARRIS:

Let me give you my perspective: The prophet is a royal tool. Times are tough , so he conjures up tales of Fiends and sends us out with promises to the people that the Light Warriors are off fixing all their problems.

ARIEL:

So you don’t believe him?

GARRIS:

I’m not finished. Whether or not the prophet is correct is unimportant. He’s been given an old prophesy that predicted our own congregation, he acted in a manner that was necessary given his position, and thus has laid one, and only one path before us. And thus, his motives become irrelevant.

AKRANOTH:

I don’t understand.

GARRIS:

Some months ago I followed a vision and found an unusual crystal in the desert(shows his orb). I intended to sell it, as was my motive in searching for it, but decided that things found through mysterious ways should not be treated so lightly. Instead I am here as a Light Warrior, and the fact that I acted out of greed became irrelevant. The king is right: our calling is no coincidence. I don’t know if these Fiends are really here or not, but I believe that we must hunt for them. Perhaps the mere act of searching for them will lead us to the answers we need, regardless of whether they’re the ones we were looking for.

ARIEL:

That’s a rather odd way of looking at things.

GARRIS:

It is unorthodox.

ARIEL:

Well, as much as I’d like more direction... I’ll be there to bail you guys out when you get into trouble.

AKRANOTH:

Thank you, my Lady.

TIMALDON (riding the black chocobo):

Yee Haw!

AKRANOTH:

He’s just along for the ride, isn’t he?

ARIEL (to Garris):

Good thing motives are irrelevant.

GARRIS:

Indeed.

SARA (rushing out the door):

Akranoth!

TIMALDON:

Sara, my dear! (His chocobo starts bucking, and he struggles to maintain control)

SARA:

I wanted to make sure I saw you all again before you left. I wish you well on your journey.

AKRANOTH:

Thank you, princess.

SARA:

Just be careful. All of you. I’m afraid there may be more trouble out there than either my father or his advisers have told you of.

AKRANOTH:

We will return. You don’t need to worry.

SARA:

All the same, I want you to have this. (She draws out her lute) This lute has been passed down from queen to princess for many generations. They say it is over a thousand years old. Garland stole it from me when he kidnapped me, but I want you to have it now. Carry it for good luck, and I’ll always be with you.

AKRANOTH:

I will bring it back to you.

SARA:

Thank you, my lord.

EXTERIOR: THE CITY OF CONERIA.

SARA:

I’ll watch over you.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

They left us as quickly as they had come, and with just as much triumph. No one was sure what the Light Warriors were going out to do, but everyone was excited. It just seemed that they had to be going out to do something majestic.

TIMALDON (singing):

"And so they set upon the road,

The brave Four from the city strode,

The valiant warriors of our time,

Looking fit and full and fine.

The fighter, with his fighter sword,

Heading out to slay the hordes-

Of villains, which we shall subdue,"

Um.... subdue...

AKRANOTH (singing):

"And prove the prophecies are true."

TIMALDON:

Hey that’s good!

"The priestess decked up all in white,

Will save us all from dismal plights,

She’s the girl with crimson hair,

Oh, how I long to see her-"

ARIEL:

Don’t even-

TIMALDON:

"-there."

Oh come on, it’s just a bit of fun.

GARRIS:

I’ve never heard "fun" in so many different keys.

TIMALDON:

Here, I’ll make up a verse about you. Just give me a second... Here, how’s this?

"The man who’s good with hands and feet,

His fighting skills are really neat,

Watch out when he starts to attack,

The master who hails from Onrac."

GARRIS:

I’m from Gaia, not Onrac.

TIMALDON:

Gaia? Hmmm.. That doesn’t rhyme with "attack." Now, we need a verse for me.

ARIEL:

Oh dear...

TIMALDON:

"The man who summons flame and earth,

Of talents now he has no dearth-"

Hmm... how to finish this one... If only I had a dog...

EXTERIOR: THE LW CAMP

TIMALDON:

It’s such a cold night. I mean, this fire is nice and all, but even so, I wish we could have stopped at an inn.

AKRANOTH:

Well, we won’t be stopping at any towns between here and Matoya’s (Timaldon shudders slightly) . What’s this Matoya like, anyway? You don’t seem excited to see her.

TIMALDON:

Well, you see, she’s very grumpy, and very loud, and very... tempestuous. I don’t think she likes me very much.

ARIEL:

Oh really? Doesn’t like you?

TIMALDON:

Yeah, I can still hear her: (Mimicking the old hag) "Timaldon! Stop doing this, stop doing that! Cast the spells I tell you to cats when I tell you to cast them and where I tell you to cast them!" (Akranoth chuckles) No freedom. No experimentation allowed.

ARIEL:

I just hope she can help us.

TIMALDON:

Oh, well don’t get me wrong, she’s plenty capable. I never would have become the mage I am today without her. Well, I might have learned polymorphing, but that’s a whole different story. The problem is that she’s not a people person, if you know what I mean.

AKRANOTH:

Well, I’m about to check in for the night. How safe are these areas? Do we need to post a watch?

ARIEL:

It might be a good idea. There are wolves in these woods.

AKRANOTH:

Well, who’s going first?

TIMALDON:

I’d take it, but I get so bored without anyone to talk to.

AKRANOTH:

Well, it’s either now or later.

TIMALDON:

Doesn’t Miss White Mage have any sentry spells?

ARIEL:

I’m sorry, I don’t know any.

TIMALDON:

Sigh. That’s always one of those things you never think of until you need one. Sort of like branding irons. But if we’ve got to have a watch, I suppose... Hey Garris, you want to- Where’d he go? (Garris is indeed missing. After a pause, a crash is heard in the bushes)

BREN (unseen):

Don’t hurt me!

GARRIS (unseen):

Why are you following us?

BREN (unseen):

I didn’t mean any harm! I’m just a kid.

(Garris emerges from the foliage, dragging Bren behind him)

GARRIS:

He’s just a boy. He’s been following us since Coneria.

BREN:

I didn’t mean any trouble. I just wanted to... to...

AKRANOTH:

What’s your name, lad?

BREN:

My name’s Brenien. I served in King Coneria’s court.

AKRANOTH:

Did the King send you?

BREN:

No, sir, I came of my own. I just wanted to see where you were going.

ARIEL:

We have to send him back.

BREN:

Don’t send me back! They’ll be furious with me!

ARIEL:

Then maybe you shouldn’t have left.

AKRANOTH:

Brenien, why did you leave Coneria?

BREN:

I just... I took his (indicating Garris) advice! I wanted to be more than just some kid polishing the shoes of other men. I wanted to learn from you guys how to be heroes. So I left the castle behind me and set out into the world, just as master Garris said, hoping that maybe I could become part of the adventure of the Light Warriors.

TIMALDON:

Well, I’m flattered. Can we let him in if he takes first watch?

ARIEL:

Timaldon, we have to send him home. He doesn’t belong out here. Brenien, you misunderstood what Garris must have said.

GARRIS:

No, he didn’t. I just didn’t expect him to follow us around.

BREN:

I won’t be any trouble at all. I want to help you.

TIMALDON:

He could help us. Think of it, he could carry our-

AKRANOTH:

Timaldon! There is caution and wisdom in Ariel’s words, but it may not be our place to govern this boy. Bren, do you understand what you are asking?

BREN:

I think so.

AKRANOTH:

You need to know so. The road we are traveling is rough, long, and may be very dangerous. We can not take responsibility for you. Are you sure that you want to follow us?

BREN:

Yes, I am. I’m absolutely sure.

AKRANOTH:

You show admirable spirit, but spirit without judgment can be a dangerous thing. I will allow you to join us... for now.

TIMALDON:

I will too.

ARIEL:

Well, I don’t approve, but I guess I won’t object.

AKRANOTH:

Thank you again for your patience, Lady.

ARIEL:

Just don’t think that it can be tried forever.

AKRANOTH:

Timaldon, it looks like you get your wish. You’ve got first watch with the boy.

OLD BREN (voice-over):

And so I became part of the Light Warriors’ band. The Four had become five, well, if you count me, which I’m not sure all of them did. I tried to help, but moreso I tried to learn from them. As we traveled the countryside, I waited for my chance to see these heroes in action. Much to my disappointment, there was no trouble, just rough terrain. I suppose I should have guessed that our journey would only encompass as much at first but... I dunno, I guess I expected more random encounters. At last, we reached Matoya’s cave. We didn’t know it at the time, but this was only the first destination on what would be a very long journey.

INTERIOR: MATOYA’S CAVE

AKRANOTH:

Hello? Is anyone here? (no answer) We’ve come to speak with Matoya. (there is a scattering of footsteps) Who’s there? (A walking broom appears in the Light)

BROOM:

TCELES "B" HSUP!

AKRANOTH:

Excuse me?

BROOM:

TCELES "B" HSUP!

AKRANOTH:

Well, Timaldon, what do you make of this?

TIMALDON:

Hey, don’t look at me now. This thing’s new. I never met any jibberish-speaking cleaning supplies.

ARIEL:

What are you doing?

BREN:

I’m trying to sense the fire energy. Master Timaldon’s been trying to teach me.

ARIEL:

He’s trying to teach you to commune with flames?

TIMALDON:

You see, it’s the basics of any elemental magic. You have to sense the energies before you can learn how to control or summon them.

ARIEL:

So, like I said, you’re teaching him to commune with flames.

TIMALDON:

Personally I always liked to think of it more as just playing with fire.

MATOYA:

Hello?! Who’s there! Who’s come to Matoya?

AKRANOTH:

We’re warriors from Coneria. We come to seek your help.

MATOYA:

Ah, sheesh, they’re still coming? I’m retired, you know! And I’m not inclined to helping people who just barge into my home!

AKRANOTH:

We apologize for the intrusion, but the prophet Lukahn told us that you could help us.

MATOYA:

Lukahn? How is that old fool still alive? Maybe not as much time has passed as it seems down here. Time slows down when you’re getting old.

ARIEL:

What can you tell us about these orbs?

MATOYA:

Orbs? Orbs you say?! You come to Matoya to ask about orbs? Who do you think you are, the Light Warriors?

GARRIS:

Good guess.

MATOYA:

Who’s that? How many of you are there anyway?

AKRANOTH:

We are the Light Warriors. We’ve been sent from Coneria to have you inspect our orbs.

TIMALDON (lewdly):

Do we really want anyone inspecting our "orbs"? (Ariel gives him a dirty look, while Bren flinches)

MATOYA:

Is that... Timaldon! So you managed not to blow yourself up after all... What are you doing with the Light Warriors? Oh wait, let me guess, you are a Light Warrior. God knows how.... certainly didn’t get there by your wits. So, what are you Light Warriors troubling me for?

AKRANOTH:

Lukahn has told us that our orbs are darkened and... are there any lights in here?

MATOYA:

The lights? (she waves her hand, and the cave becomes illuminated) In case you haven’t noticed, I’m quite blind right now.

ARIEL:

These orbs are dark. The prophet told us that we won’t be able to complete our mission as Light Warriors until the orbs are illuminated, whatever that’s supposed to mean.

AKRANOTH:

They’re supposed to be filled with a blinding light.

MATOYA:

Yes, of course, and so he sends you to Matoya to examine the crystal orbs and determine the cause?

AKRANOTH:

Yes.

MATOYA:

Oh, for the love of- Can’t people just leave me alone? Light Warriors... Orbs... That rascal Timaldon... Timaldon, is this just some trick of yours? Well, anyway, I can’t help you.

ARIEL:

Why not?

MATOYA:

First of all, I’m retired! Second, I can’t even see your orbs, how am I supposed to examine them? Oh, when I find out who stole my crystal...

TIMALDON:

Wait, you mean your Seeing Crystal?

MATOYA:

Oh course I mean the Seeing Crystal! Was it you, Timaldon?

TIMALDON:

It wasn’t me!

MATOYA:

It was always you up to your tricks.

GARRIS:

Perhaps we’d better go before she turns our friend into a frog.

MATOYA:

I’ll do worse than that to the scoundrel who stole my crystal!

AKRANOTH:

If we find it, we’ll return to you. Thank you for your help.

EXTERIOR: OUTSIDE MATOYA’S CAVE

ARIEL:

Well, I think that could lightly be called a failure.

GARRIS:

This time I must agree with her.

BREN:

So what are you going to do now? You’re not turning back, are you?

AKRANOTH:

Maybe if we come back later-

TIMALDON:

No, she’s always like this, and very stubborn too. If she says she won’t help us, then she won’t. Believe me, I know. I’ve been right about her so far, haven’t I? Old, loud, tempestuous-

ARIEL:

You must have been quite a horror when you were her student. She really doesn’t like you.

TIMALDON:

Well, it’s more that she never forgets anything.

ARIEL:

Anyway, do we have a plan?

AKRANOTH:

I think we have to go back to Coneria and tell Lukahn.

ARIEL:

I was afraid you were going to say that.

BREN:

Are we in a hurry?

AKRANOTH:

We should probably just go straight back. Why do you ask?

BREN:

Because we’re near Port Provoka. We could stop there if we wanted to rest before heading back.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

To be honest, my suggestion was hardly anything clever. I was just tired, and actually expected them to shoot it down. However, it turned out to be wanted advice, and for the first time I was more than extra baggage.

EXTERIOR: THE GATES OF PORT PROVOKA

TIMALDON:

Excellent work, Bren. Let’s find an inn so we can finally get a good night’s rest.

AKRANOTH:

We shouldn’t stay long, but I suppose one night won’t hurt. We might also be able to catch a ship back to Coneria in the morning. Of course, we’ll have to figure out what to do with the chocobos...

ARIEL:

Doesn’t it seem a little quiet around here?

AKRANOTH:

Maybe.

ARIEL:

It just seems that there aren’t very many people out for this time of day.

TIMALDON:

It’s a retirement town, everyone probably goes to bed early.

BREN:

Actually, this is one of the most active ports in-

TIMALDON:

This way! I’ll bet there’s an inn down this street.

INTERIOR: PROVOKA INN

INNKEEPER:

Good day to you all. Out on some sort of hunt, are you folks?

AKRANOTH:

Something like that.

INNKEEPER:

Well, what can I get for you?

AKRANOTH:

We’d like a room.

INNKEEPER:

(chuckles) Shouldn’t be a problem. How long are you staying here in Provoka?

AKRANOTH:

Just one night.

INNKEEPER:

Anything else I can help you with?

TIMALDON:

Does the bar have a mage’s discount?

AKRANOTH:

Actually, there is something we need help with. We need to leave tomorrow for Coneria, and would like to travel by sea if possible. Are there any captains in this town who may be able to help us?

INNKEEPER:

Oh, for that you’d best talk to the boss. You’d have to clear it with him anyway.

AKRANOTH:

The boss?

INNKEEPER:

Aye, the boss: Bikke. He usually comes around here for drinks at night.

AKRANOTH:

Well, I’d like to talk to him, then.

INNKEEPER:

I’ll point him out to you later. Oh and... (lowers his voice) you might want to check your weapons in with me. It’s not looked kindly on for folk, especially strangers, to be carrying around weapons in town. You’d best check them here and avoid trouble.

GARRIS:

What kind of trouble?

INNKEEPER:

It’s... well... let’s just say that the people in charge don’t look kindly on it.

AKRANOTH:

Sounds fair enough. (he passes over his sword, and Garris and Timaldon somewhat reluctantly follow his lead)

INNKEEPER:

Now, how many are you checking in?

AKRANOTH:

Four, I mean five. Wait a minute, where’s Bren?

EXTERIOR: PRAVOKA

MAN:

You have no right to do this! We run an honest business in this town and you have no cause-

PIRATE:

Chit, chat, we’ve heard enough out of you! Maybe next time you’ll remember to pay your dues to the boss. Just remember, we can do many a worse thing to those who don’t show their support.

MAN:

Damn that Bikke! Damn you all!

PIRATE:

This will teach you some respect!

BREN:

Stop!

PIRATE:

What’s that? Stop, eh? Who are you to tell us to stop, boy?

BREN:

I’m... I’m one of the Light Warriors!

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

Sometimes I don’t know why we do the things we do. Some things just seem like a good idea at the time.

INTERIOR: PROVOKA INN

Timaldon is seated at the bar, alone. As he gets his drink, a female patron eyes him and spots his orb. She checks around her, and then approaches him.

YOUNG WOMAN:

Hello, stranger. I haven’t seen you before. Where are you from?

TIMALDON:

Oh me? Well, Miss, I’m originally from the Elven Country. Actually, you may have heard of me; I’m the black mage Timaldon.

YOUNG WOMAN:

No, I’m afraid I don’t recognize that name.

TIMALDON:

Well, I’m sure you’ll recognize it from now on. Can I get you something?

YOUNG WOMAN:

What is your business in Provoka?

TIMALDON:

I’m so glad you asked! I’m on a very special mission with some very worthy companions. You see, I’ve been sent from Coneria by the king himself, as one of the Light- (suddenly, several large men burst through the door , making a bit of a ruckus as they take their seats)

YOUNG WOMAN:

That’s fascinating. Why don’t you come to my room? (she quickly escorts him away)

TIMALDON:

Woah. Easy there, tiger.

EXTERIOR: PROVOKA

PIRATE #1:

Come on, Light Warrior, why don’t you show us what you’ve got?

PIRATE #2:

I guess he’s just so exhausted from fighting evil all day!

PIRATE #3:

Aren’t you supposed to do magic? Or have they not taught you that in Light Warrior school? (the pirates laugh heartily)

BREN:

Stop! I’ll go and get the other Light Warriors!

PIRATE #2:

Ooh, I’m scared! Are the other Light Warriors like you... or are they little girls?

ARIEL:

Do you have something against girls?

BREN:

Ariel!

ARIEL:

What’s going on here? Bren, what on earth have you gotten yourself into?!

BREN:

These men were beating up these poor people!

PIRATE #1:

That’s right boy, tell on us to your mommy!

ARIEL:

What?! Who are these men?

PIRATE #3:

I think it’s time we teach him a lesson (he raises his club)

ARIEL:

Don’t ever do anything that stupid again! Those ruffians could have killed you!

BREN:

Lady Ariel, we’ve got to tell the others! This town has been-

INTERIOR: A ROOM IN PROVOKA INN

TIMALDON:

Invaded by pirates?!

YOUNG WOMAN:

Three weeks ago they slipped into our harbor under cover of a fog as thick as pea soup. By the time the alarm was sounded, they had already landed and destroyed our ships, our only way of life. Now they control all the ports in this area and force us to support them.

TIMALDON:

Well, sweet maiden, never fear, for I will smite those pirates with a single shzap!

YOUNG WOMAN:

There are too many of them. You’ll need to get the other Light Warriors to help. There are others, right?

TIMALDON:

A couple. I keep them around for times like these. You see, that’s the motto of the Light Warriors: (pauses) Always... be... ready. And I am ready.

YOUNG WOMAN:

Well be careful. Bikke never goes anywhere without his goons.

AKRANOTH (to the bartender):

Excuse me, but is that Captain Bikke sitting over there?

BARTENDER:

That would be him.

AKRANOTH:

Mr. Bikke, allow me to introduce myself. I am Duke Akranoth of Melmond. I am seeking transport to Coneria for myself and my four companions. I was told you were the man to speak to about that.

BIKKE:

Indeed, matey? Well, you came to the right place. I suppose I could work something out for someone such as yourself. I assume you’ll be needing protection for your trip.

AKRANOTH (unsure):

I hope not.

BIKKE:

Don’t we all, lad, don’t we all? Well, I think we gots a ship leaving tomorrow morning heading in that direction, right mates? (One of his crew nods) We could take you along for... 2000 gil.

AKRANOTH:

2000 gil?! We only have-

GARRIS:

What fools do you take us for? 700.

BIKKE:

Arr... Clever folks, they are. 1500, no less. How’s that?

GARRIS:

1000.

BIKKE:

You’re driving a hard bargain, strangers.

GARRIS:

1000 and not a gil more.

ARIEL:

Akranoth! (she pulls him aside and whispers to him, while Garris shrugs and Bikke eyes Ariel)

AKRANOTH:

Are you sure?

ARIEL:

Yes.

AKRANOTH:

I’ve changed my mind. We’ve got a new offer for you, Bikke. We’ll take one of your ships to Coneria, and you’ll leave this town.

BIKKE (not taking him seriously):

Ha ha ha ha... that’s a good one, mate, but I have to say I liked your other offer better. Why the change of heart?

AKRANOTH:

It has come to my attention that you’ve been extorting these people and-

BIKKE:

Well maybe he’s right. Maybe we should go back to the old rape-and-pillage (a chorus a laughs echoes across the table). Well, how ‘bout you just hand over the lady, and we’ll settle for an even thousand.

ARIEL:

You pig! I won’t take this!

AKRANOTH (sternly and forcefully):

As leader of the Light Warriors, I demand that you withdraw your men from Provoka immediately, and compensate them for any damage you have done.

BIKKE:

You... you was serious? And if my old sea eyes be true, this short lad is challenging me. You scurvy dogs have the nerve to challenge me!

PIRATE:

There they are! Let’s pound them!

BREN:

Help!

TIMALDON:

Feel my wrath, pirate scum!

BIKKE:

Mates! Seize those meddlesome landlubbers!

BREN:

I don’t like this!

BIKKE:

OK, OK, you gots me. 1000 gil it is. (Akranoth pins him against the wall). I won’t be anymore of a bother! You can have a ship! I’ll send you out first thing in the morning!

AKRANOTH:

That’s better.

BREN:

And you’ll leave these people alone?

BIKKE:

Yes, of course!

AKRANOTH:

Just remember that if you ever start causing trouble again, we’ll hear about it. And even when we’re not here, the people will no longer be afraid of you. They’ve seen that your brutes can be beaten.

BIKKE:

I see your point. (they let him go and walk off) You mates are great! I wish I had men like you on my crew.

TIMALDON:

Well, that was some good fighting, comrades. Wow, those pirates sure got what was coming when I fried them! And Garris, nice work with the kick moves! Great stuff everyone, great stuff!

BREN:

Thank you, master Timaldon. Wow, that was more excitement than we ever got back in Coneria! Say, do we have a room here?

AKRANOTH:

Yes, we do. Room 240.

ARIEL:

How about you go ahead and show him where it is Akranoth? It’s been a rough day and I don’t want him getting us into any more trouble. (after they leave) It’s kind of funny how this all worked out. We failed to get anything out of that stupid witch, but we seem to have accomplished something here... I guess.

GARRIS:

Which of course raises the question of whether Matoya was ever relevant, or if she was just a landmark placed in our path to get us here.

ARIEL:

I think I’m starting to understand your philosophy.

GARRIS:

So am I.

TIMALDON:

Now you’re starting to scare me. Are you telling me that this is all part of some sort of master plan, and we’re all the pawns of fate?

GARRIS:

Not pawns, but followers.

TIMALDON:

Well, I just hope our fate is pleasant, and if it isn’t I hope we can choose to avoid it. I mean, I’d be really annoyed if we followed our "destiny" and, you know, we get to the end of our quest, or whatever you want to call it, and we just wind up walking into some big mean dragon’s lair-

ARIEL:

In any case, tomorrow we will be heading out for Coneria by sea, in a ship provided to us by a frightened pirate leader. Is this a good idea, or is it all too easy?

GARRIS:

Both.

ARIEL:

I just hope this isn’t all one big mistake.

INTERIOR: THE TEMPLE OF FIENDS (2000 YEARS AGO)

CHAOS:

Your entire quest, Light Warriors, is one big mistake. It may be no more harmful than doing nothing, but it is also no more useful than thrusting your swords into your own breasts. You are already beginning to realize that you have no control over your destiny, but what you do not realize is that destiny will find you before you even take another step. You will never return to Coneria, and even if you could, soon there will be no Coneria to return to. Such is the way things must be, for that is the way they have been before. Your failure, and the failure of mankind, is an irremovable event in timeless history. Kraken, I summon thee!

KRAKEN:

What is thy bidding, my master?

CHAOS:

These Light Warriors are but flys in my ear. However, they are already showing what a nuisance they can be. Dispose of them with haste! Do not let them reach their next destination.

KRAKEN:

I will do it.

CHAOS:

How do you feel?

KRAKEN:

I feel nothing. Unafraid, unrelenting, and unfeeling, I will be the end of the Light Warriors’ path.

CHAOS:

Good! Now, prepare for your entry. He begins chanting a similar chant to what Garland used in the beginning, creating a portal of blinding light.

INTERIOR: CASTLE CONERIA

SARA:

Watch after them. Keep them safe. Bring them back.

INTERIOR: PRAVOKA INN, THE NEXT DAY

TIMALDON:

I just thought of something.

ARIEL:

What?

TIMALDON:

Tomorrow we could be back at Coneria. I’ll get to receive my hero’s welcome from Princess Sara again.

ARIEL:

You’re quite enamored with her. Don’t you think she’s out of your league?

TIMALDON:

Out of my league? Nonsense! We’d be a perfect couple. The black mage with his beautiful princess... it’d be just splendid. After all, she did seem impressed with my feats of wizardry back at Garland’s place. Why would you think that we wouldn’t work out?

ARIEL:

To be honest, she just doesn’t seem interested in you.

TIMALDON:

Bah! You should have seen us on the dance floor together. (pause) Do you really think she isn’t interested?

ARIEL:

I’m quite sure, actually. In fact, I think she has someone else in mind.

AKRANOTH:

Here’s your dagger, Timaldon. Is Garris down yet?

ARIEL:

He should be down soon.

AKRANOTH:

And Bren? (Bren enters, decked in a red cape, a red hat with a jaunty feather, and carrying a bow) What on earth?

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

I still like this outfit. It was tacky as all hell, but it had personality.

BREN:

A shopkeeper in town gave them to me. I stood up for him yesterday when the pirates were beating on him and today he offered me some equipment so I can be a real warrior.

ARIEL:

Wow, that’s awfully generous!

BREN:

I tried to pay him some but he refused. The pirates wouldn’t let him sell weapons before, but now with them leaving he’s back in business and thanks us for it.

ARIEL:

Did you pick out these clothes yourself?

BREN:

Sort of. I said I wanted something to give me a more impressive presence. You know, so people wouldn’t laugh at me. The hat is also handy since it blocks the sun when you’re trying to aim, and I wanted a bow since we don’t have any ranged weapons in our group.

TIMALDON:

Ahem.

BREN:

Well, we’ve got Timaldon, but anyways, I’ve always liked bows.

AKRANOTH:

Well... that’s very resourceful of you. I just hope you aren’t planning on jumping into any battles too soon. You still need to stay behind us.

BREN:

I will sir. Actually, as an archer-

TIMALDON:

Well, I think it’s cute. Say, what kind of range do you get with that thing anyway?

ARIEL (aside to Akranoth):

Isn’t this going a little far? He was just supposed to tag along.

AKRANOTH:

And that’s what he’ll do.

ARIEL:

Can’t you see he’s not going to stop there? First he tangles with the pirates, and now he’s armed himself.

AKRANOTH:

I don’t think it hurts to dream.

ARIEL:

Dreaming is fine, but he’s going to get himself killed at this rate, and you know we’re going to feel responsible.

AKRANOTH:

Would you suggest we drop him off back in Coneria?

ARIEL:

I think it’s the best thing to do. He’s had his adventure. We need to let him go before things begin heating up again.

AKRANOTH:

Ah, so you think we may be heading into trouble soon? Perhaps meeting the Fiends?

ARIEL:

I don’t know. I don’t like extra liabilities in any case.

AKRANOTH:

You may have a point.

GARRIS:

Shall we find the ship we’ve been promised?

EXTERIOR: THE DOCKS OF PRAVOKA

PIRATE:

Why are we helping these stupid warriors? Let me at them!

BIKKE:

Arr, hold back, matey! These may be the legendary Light Warriors, and besides, they took down nine of my best men yesterday. We not going to trouble them, ya hear?

PIRATE:

But Captain, what about... him?

BIKKE:

Speak nothin of ‘im! We’re leaving quietly today. By the time he realizes we jumped ship we’ll be relaxing on a tropical island in the far-off seas.

PIRATE:

And if he finds out?

BIKKE:

Then we pray that these really are the Light Warriors. (The LW approach) Aye, my good mates! How be you this fine morning? I gots your ship all ready to take you back to Coneria. Now, this be my finest crew, so they’ll get you there even if there be rough seas.

AKRANOTH:

There won’t be any trouble here, right?

BIKKE:

Nope. You got my word on that as a captain. I’m leaving for the islands myself. So good voyage to you, and where ever you may be off to after that. (He heads down the pier to his own ship, which Akranoth can see is making preparations to leave)

AKRANOTH:

Bikke!

BIKKE:

Aye?

AKRANOTH:

Thank you.

ARIEL (surprised):

Augh! It’s a bird!

TIMALDON:

I’ll fry it!

AKRANOTH:

Calm down, it’s just a messenger dove. Let’s see what he’s got (takes the message tube off the dove, where after the dove hops on his shoulder. As Akranoth reads he looks grim).

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

You didn’t have to know what that bird carried to know that it was bad news, for it was all over Lord Akranoth’s face. However, he said something that I don’t think any of us expected.

AKRANOTH:

I have to go home.

ARIEL:

What?

AKRANOTH:

Melmond has been attacked. They’ve been sending out these birds as a distress call.

ARIEL:

Attacked?! By whom?

AKRANOTH:

It doesn’t say. It just says that the city has been sacked by "merciless and unearthly invaders". I’m sorry, very sorry about this, but I have to return to my people.

BREN:

What will the rest of us do?

ARIEL:

You can’t leave! We’re supposed to stick together.

GARRIS:

I see no reason why we wouldn’t be staying together. If I remember correctly our mission is to root out evil that may be connected to the Four Fiends.

AKRANOTH:

Oh God, you think this could be the work of the Fiends?

GARRIS:

I don’t know. My point was merely that if Melmond is been attacked as described, the Light Warriors should be there. However, intervention of the Fiends is a possibility.

AKRANOTH:

We’d better go quickly then! I mean, I’d better go...

ARIEL:

We’ll all go.

GARRIS:

We’ll all go.

TIMALDON:

Umm... I hate to bring it up, but Melmond is not exactly accessible by sea from where we are. We’ve got a lot of land, and a lot of mountains between us, and our little boat is not going to make it across unless we make it fly. Now, I won’t speak for our white mage, but I don’t think I can pull that one off.

AKRANOTH:

What about Nerrick’s canal?

TIMALDON:

Well, last time I was in Elf land, which was a few months ago, I heard from this guy who I think knew what he talking about that the canal wasn’t scheduled to be done for almost a year, but you never know-

AKRANOTH:

We’ll head out there anyway. If the canal isn’t passable, we’ll make by foot across
Northern Elf Land. I’ll talk to the captain.

TIMALDON (talking to the bird):

You know, you brought nothing but trouble. (pause) Oh but you’re so cute! Birds carrying messages... what won’t they think up next?

EXTERIOR: ON THE SEAS

ARIEL:

I’m sorry about what’s happened to your homeland.

AKRANOTH:

We don’t know how bad it is yet.

ARIEL:

Well, be prepared for the worst. Given the amount of time that could have gone by, your castle might be in ruins by now.

AKRANOTH:

My castle? Oh yes. I just fear for my people. They could all be enslaved by now.

ARIEL:

Well, there’s nothing we can do until we get there. (Watches Timaldon training Bren) What do you make of them?

AKRANOTH:

The boy seems very curious. He’s going to become some sort of warrior and there’s no stopping him. I don’t know if he’s our blessing or our curse.

ARIEL:

Timaldon confuses me as well. He’s a philanderous, self-centered braggart who won’t shut up, but I always feel bad for thinking any ill towards him. He’s got the charm of someone who only means well. And the way he looks after the boy, it’s... well, nicer than I’ve ever been.

AKRANOTH:

To the boy?

ARIEL:

To anyone. There’s a distinct difference between people who are good, and people who are nice. I like to think I’m the former, but I know the world values the later.

AKRANOTH:

Why can’t someone be both?

ARIEL:

It’s difficult. The world generally doesn’t deserve "nice" people, but no one likes it if you tell them what they need to hear. It’s a difficult balance, I suppose.

AKRANOTH:

I think you’re pretty nice.

ARIEL:

It’s nice of you to say that.

AKRANOTH:

Let’s go see how the lesson is proceeding.

TIMALDON:

No, no, that’s not quite it. You’re making a good effort, but you can’t concentrate on what how the fire appears. You have to feel the fire element. Here, try closing your eyes. (Bren closes his eyes) Now, try to sense the fire’s essence. Ignore what you think fire looks like. Ignore the heat. Just- (Bren sneezes, causing the torch’s flame to shoot out several yards, lighting Ariel’s robe on fire) A breakthrough! Great job! (sees Ariel stamping out the fire) Oh. (He shoots a ray of ice, putting out the fire) Sorry about that, fair lady.

BREN:

What did I do?

ARIEL:

You lit my robe on fire, you little-

AKRANOTH:

We probably shouldn’t play with fire on deck.

TIMALDON:

Yes, you’re absolutely right. However, that was quite good! Once you finish mastering control of the elements, then you can learn to summon them, and then you can-

BREN:

Lady Ariel, are you alright?

ARIEL:

I suppose so. My robe has seen better days, though.

BREN:

I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean to do anything. You know that, right?

ARIEL:

Yes, yes. I’ll be fine. So, I see you’re interested in power and destruction.

BREN:

Huh?

ARIEL:

Black magic. What that elf does.

BREN:

Well, I thought it might be kinda neat. I don’t know if I’d ever be able to use it like he does, but I’d like to at least understand how it works. Is white magic similar? I mean, does it require the same skills?

ARIEL:

Sort of. They both require using your spiritual energy, but that’s about as far as the similarities go. Do you have an interest in white magic as well?

BREN:

It seems like a really useful skill, but I imagine it takes years of training.

ARIEL:

It usually does. Maybe you’ll be able to learn some day.

BREN:

I hope to.

GARRIS:

I feel a bad omen. Something is coming.

AKRANOTH (looking out into the horizon):

Something is already here.

TIMALDON:

What’s out there? Another ship?

AKRANOTH:

Look into the horizon. The skies are becoming bleak. The dark clouds are multiplying and moving towards us.

ARIEL:

A storm?

GARRIS:

No natural storm travels that fast.

Sara’s lute begins to glow.

INTERIOR: A CHAPEL IN CASTLE CONERIA

SARA (in a whisper):

The shadow is coming. You must be ready.

EXTERIOR: THE SEAS

AKRANOTH:

I have a bad feeling about this. Captain! We’ve got trouble coming!

ARIEL:

What is this black magic?!

TIMALDON:

Hey, I had nothing to do with this!

INTERIOR: A CHAPEL IN CASTLE CONERIA

SARA:

Stand together or fall apart.

EXTERIOR: THE SEAS

PIRATE:

It must be Kraken, the demon of the seas!

ARIEL:

Kraken? What on earth is a Kraken?

INTERIOR: A CHAPEL IN CASTLE CONERIA

SARA (now shouting, drawing attention to herself):

The evil is here!

EXTERIOR: THE SEAS

KRAKEN:

Greetings, Light Warriors. I have traveled a long way to see you.

TIMALDON:

Let me at him!

INTERIOR: A CHAPEL IN CASTLE CONERIA

SARA:

Kill it! You must destroy it now!

CONWAY:

What are you talking about?

EXTERIOR: THE SEAS

AKRANOTH:

What do you want?

KRAKEN:

Only for you to remember... that the name of your doom is "Kraken"!

INTERIOR: A CHAPEL IN CASTLE CONERIA

SARA:

Watch out!

EXTERIOR: THE SEAS

AKRANOTH:

My God, how do you beat something like that?!

TIMALDON:

A little shocked, are we?

KRAKEN:

Let the seas be my ally!

BREN:

Man overboard!

INTERIOR: A CHAPEL IN CASTLE CONERIA

SARA:

Help him. You must! Take him to the shores of his homeland!

QUEEN JANE:

Sara, what is the meaning of this?

SARA:

We are lost. I can not save them now.

EXTERIOR: THE SEAS

CAPTAIN:

Hull breached! Everyone to the boats! Hull breached!

KRAKEN:

Now, drown like rats, Light Warriors!

TIMALDON:

Come a little closer and say that, you overgrown frog!

KRAKEN:

No, I think I’ll leave you to play in my swimming pool! Mwa ha ha ha...

BREN: Over there!

EXTERIOR: IN THE ELF COUNTRYSIDE

ARIEL:

Where are we?

PIRATE:

We could be anywhere, tossed around the seas like that.

TIMALDON:

We could, but I think this is elf country.

ARIEL:

You’ve been here before?

TIMALDON:

No, but the types of trees look familiar. This land just has that scent of home, or something like it.

ARIEL:

If it is, are these woods dangerous?

TIMALDON:

Probably.

ARIEL:

What do you mean, "probably"?

TIMALDON:

Well, you see, I haven’t actually seen anything dangerous in woods like these, but you always hear about the guy whose neighbor’s dog got eaten by a green ogre or poisoned by a scorpion or attacked by hordes of ravenous beavers or-

ARIEL:

I get the idea.

PIRATE:

We should stick together and get moving.

ARIEL:

Moving towards where?

GARRIS:

There must be a road or settlement somewhere. Let’s head west.

ARIEL:

Why west?

GARRIS:

I like west.

TIMALDON:

Yep, this country looks familiar alright. If I know the elves, which I do, they’ll probably find us first. If we’re lucky, we might get to go to one of the bigger towns. The elven girls go wild for warriors like us. (to Garris) Even a quiet guy like you could get one.

ARIEL (losing her patience):

OK, first it’s the ladies of the Conerian court, than it’s Sara, and now it’s whoever you can find in the next town. Do you ever stop flitting around?

TIMALDON:

Hey, I’m just looking for the right one. And there’s nothing in the Light Warriors’ creed against fraternizing.

ARIEL:

Unfortunately.

TIMALDON:

Now why are you always such a square? There’s more to life than just working and adventuring.

ARIEL:

There’s also more to life than breeding, Mr. "One-In-Every-Port".

TIMALDON:

Woah, woah, there. I never disrespect my women.

ARIEL:

Oh, so now they’re all your women.

TIMALDON:

It’s just an expression. And admit it: you gals like it when guys like me pay attention to you.

ARIEL:

Guys like you? Hardly.

TIMALDON:

Fair enough. So who is your type of guy?

ARIEL:

What do you mean, "my type of guy"? Why do I need to even have a type of guy?

TIMALDON:

I see. I’ve hit a sore spot. I apologize.

ARIEL:

A sore spot? No, it’s just that I don’t... Oh never mind.

TIMALDON:

Exactly: Never mind. We don’t need to talk about things you’re uncomfortable with.

ARIEL:

I’m not uncomfortable about it. I just don’t like the idea that women are always supposed to be looking for a certain type of knight in shining armor to sweep them off their feet and take them away. Even if there were such a man in this world, which sometimes I doubt, I wouldn’t want that.

TIMALDON:

Which is exactly why we don’t need to talk about it.

ARIEL:

I’m fine talking about it.

TIMALDON:

So let’s say that you found a guy who wouldn’t have to take you away from your life. You know, someone you already work with, like Mr. Akranoth, or, since he’s not around, me.

ARIEL:

No.

TIMALDON:

I mean, just hypothetically-

ARIEL:

No.

TIMALDON:

Well OK then, we don’t have to talk about it.

ARIEL:

I’m fine talking about it, but no.

PIRATE:

Are they always like this?

GARRIS:

Not usually. Before they had the swordsman to talk to. (he stops) Someone’s here. Quiet you two!

TIMALDON:

Don’t shoot!

ELF CAPTAIN:

Hold your fire! (several archers emerge from the woods) I know you, you’re Mordac’s son, aren’t you?

TIMALDON:

Yes. Timaldon.

ELF CAPTAIN:

Hmm... (the captain gets very close to him and looks him in the eyes) He’s clear. Sorry if we gave you a bit of a scare. We’ve had to be on the watch these days for Astos’ men.

TIMALDON:

Astos? I thought he was banished.

ELF CAPTAIN:

Apparently you haven’t heard the news. Quickly! We will escort you to Forest Haven. You can catch up on everything once we’re in safer territory.

EXTERIOR: A TROPICAL ISLAND

BIKKE:

Arr, this be better than stinking Pravoka any day! Right mates?

PIRATE:

Grr...

BIKKE:

Right?

PIRATE:

Captain, the men are getting restless. We’ve had enough of this vacation.

BIKKE:

Well, maybe you be right. Well, how’s this mateys: We could set sail for... Onrac.

PIRATE:

Onrac. There be pretty maidens in Onrac.

ANOTHER PIRATE:

The Light Warriors didn’t mention anything about not visiting Onrac, did they?

BIKKE:

Aye, they did not. We can be off as soon as-

KRAKEN:

Traitor!

BIKKE:

By Neptune! What is this?

KRAKEN:

You betrayed my master. You tried to help his enemies. Now, just remember that the name of your doom is- Hmm... I already used that one. Prepare to die!

BIKKE:

No!

AKRANOTH:

Where am I? Where is everyone else?

BREN:

Akranoth!

AKRANOTH:

Bren! So you’ve made it here too?

BREN:

Yes, sir. Did the other Light Warriors make it?

AKRANOTH:

I don’t know, Bren. I don’t know.

OLDER BREN:

As we trudged along in this wasteland, the swordsman and I, I wished that I never had left Coneria. I wished none of us had left Coneria. The Light Warriors were now a shattered dream: divided, scattered, and defeated. They never had a chance, and now it seemed that they would never get one.

SMITH:

Hello, what can I do for you?

AKRANOTH:

I’m sorry to trouble you. We are strangers in this land, and very lost ones at that. Our ship was wrecked in a storm and we’ve been cast onto these shores.

SMITH:

I’m sorry to hear that, lad. Where are you from?

AKRANOTH:

We’ve been sent from Coneria. (a deafening blast echoes across the skies, causing Akranoth to grab his sword, and his orb to slip out)

SMITH:

Oh that’s just Nerrick. His crew is still working on that canal.

AKRANOTH:

Wait, the Nerrick? So we’re near Melmond?

SMITH:

Yep, just over those hills far to the West.

AKRANOTH:

I need to get there immediately. Can I buy some food and fresh water off you?

SMITH:

I suppose I could spare some, but you don’t want to go to Melmond. Folks have been trying to get out of Melmond. There’s some bad trouble brewing there.

AKRANOTH:

That’s exactly why I need to go there.

NERRICK:

Smith, I need more TNT!

SMITH:

More? I’m all out, Nerrick.

NERRICK:

Well, damnit Smith. Get some more ready! Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you two there. I’m Nerrick.

AKRANOTH:

I’m Akranoth, sent from Coneria.

BREN:

I’m Bren.

AKRANOTH:

I’ve heard of your work, Nerrick. You’re one of the best dwarven engineers alive!

NERRICK:

Oh, I’m just a simple man trying to make his way in the world. Haven’t I seen you before...

AKRANOTH:

I doubt it.

NERRICK (noticing the orb):

By jimminy! You’re a Light Warrior! Smith, forget the TNT! These guys are Light Warriors!

SMITH:

A what?

NERRICK:

A Light Warrior. How could you not notice his orb? We’re honored that you’ve come, Lord Akranoth of Coneria. Here, let us sharpen your sword.

AKRANOTH:

I really need to be heading off to Melmond.

NERRICK:

To Melmond! Yes, they need Light Warriors in Melmond, for sure. Smith, get to work on this sword. It’ll just take a bit. I’ll get you some supplies to get to Melmond. A Light Warrior, in our house!

AKRANOTH:

Do you know what’s happened to Melmond?

NERRICK:

Not much. I don’t get out of the caves very much. We dwarves are quite fond of the dark. But the people that have escaped from Melmond... oh, they look as if they’ve seen the Devil himself.

BREN:

Can we still help them?

AKRANOTH:

Without the others? I don’t know.

CHAOS:

That fool Kraken! How could he have left them for dead like that?! But it is no matter. The Light Warriors are weak and now divided. They have only begun to understand the terror I have in store for them.

KARY (unseen):

Why do you fear them?

CHAOS:

I fear nothing! It is out of prudence, not fear, that I act. Whatever mischief my rival has worked, his plans must be halted before there is anything to fear. As for the moment, there are none left to oppose you, and you have your brother to thank for that.

ELDER:

Now, this is an unusual band of travelers. A group of sea men, a priestess of... Coneria? (Ariel nods) A Gaian... and Mordac’s son, if I’m not mistaken.

TIMALDON:

Timaldon.

ELDER:

Yes, yes. What brings you weary folk to Forest Haven?

ARIEL:

We’ve been shipwrecked and marooned on your shores.

ELDER:

Indeed, I am sorry to hear such ill news, but I cannot say that ill news is surprising in times such as these. The seas have been most unfriendly as of late, as is the Earth. These are dark times indeed, and I am afraid we’ve been plagued with our own troubles. But I’m forgetting something. Mordac’s son, aren’t you now part of-

TIMALDON:

The Light Warriors?

ELDER:

Yes, yes indeed. That is what they are called, isn’t it? If not for your appearance here by misfortune, I would suppose you had come to vanquish the shadow that haunts our sleep. The sorcerer Astos, as you may have heard, has reappeared, and now commands a much larger force than before. His Dark Elves have recently raided Kumton Palace and placed the prince and his court under a sleeping spell.

TIMALDON:

Well someone’s got to put a stop to that! This is a job for-

ARIEL:

Timaldon, we can’t go rushing into trouble again. We don’t even have Akranoth with us.

TIMALDON:

Hey, we’ve got three of the four Light Warriors, and that ain’t bad!

GARRIS:

What exactly are we up against?

TIMALDON:

Oh, you know, just the most evil warlock who ever lived, his wizard friends, an entire army of rogue elves, and-

GARRIS:

What about a tactical strike? Go straight for the head and chop it off.

ELDER:

That would actually be quite effective. With Astos gone, his corrupting magic over his followers would dissipate. We have, however, in all this time found no way to successfully pull off such a maneuver. Even approaching within a mile of the palace is a dangerous proposition. How do you suppose that you would do such a thing?

GARRIS:

I have my ways. There are more paths of war in this world than the ones dreamt up by noble military strategists.

TIMALDON:

Well, then let’s take that rat Astos on!

ARIEL:

Are you sure we can do this? Even without Akranoth?

GARRIS:

He will be completely unnecessary. I don’t plan on engaging any battles.

ARIEL:

Then I’ll be with you again.

GARRIS:

Good. We’ll need some of your tricks.

BREN:

How long did it take you to learn to sword-fight?

AKRANOTH:

Oh, I mostly learned by watching my master for many years.

BREN:

Your master?

AKRANOTH:

Yes, I mean, when I was young I was the squire of a great knight. After he died I went to be formally trained by the elves of the Northern Kingdom.

BREN:

How long did that take?

AKRANOTH:

My formal training?

BREN:

Yeah.

AKRANOTH:

A few years.

BREN:

Are there many knights in Melmond?

AKRANOTH:

There used to be. However, knights tend to stay where they are well-supported. Most of the people in Melmond are farmers, supplying grain to cities near and far, but... when our crops started to fail and we had our first famine, many of the land’s stewards left in search of better fortunes. They’ve been scattered since then.

BREN:

But you stayed?

AKRANOTH:

Yes.

BREN:

Do you think I could learn to be a great sword-fighter?

AKRANOTH:

So now you want to become a mage and a fighter?

BREN:

I don’t know. I guess I just can’t make up my mind. It would be great to be good at everything, wouldn’t it? To be able to heal like Lady Ariel can, shoot bolts of lightning from my fingertips like Master Timaldon, and fight with a sword like you?

AKRANOTH:

Aren’t you forgetting Prince Garris?

BREN:

You don’t think it would work, do you?

AKRANOTH:

Those who are good at everything tend to be exceptional at nothing. It’s usually a good idea to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

BREN:

I won’t. I mean, I’m not a real warrior yet anyway. But I’ve got to be getting a lot of experience with you guys.

AKRANOTH:

Of one type or another. (they reach a ledge, and can see Melmond. The city lies in ruins, with several buildings still smoking) No! We’re too late!

AKRANOTH:

No! I’ve failed... I’ve failed you all. I’m so sorry. Where did it all go wrong?

DR. UNNE:

Several hundred years ago, give or take a few parsecs.

AKRANOTH:

Dr. Unne?

UNNE:

Ah, yes... it is Unne. They have taken the walls, but they shall not take Unne. And they shall not take you either, Glaeser.

BREN:

Who is this guy?

AKRANOTH:

Bren, before we go on I should tell you... Well, this is rather hard to say, but...

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

I had a feeling for what was coming. He was going to tell me that he was a negligent guardian. He’d left his people and family to the wolves while he went off to seek a dream of fortune and glory, and this was all the result of his failure.

AKRANOTH:

I’m not Lord Akranoth.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

Oh course, I should have seen this coming instead.

BREN:

Who are you then?

AKRANOTH:

Just someone who wanted to help.

BREN:

So you’re not a Light Warrior?

UNNE:

Our Glaeser, a Light Warrior? Does your father know?

AKRANOTH:

I’m not a Light Warrior. My master, the true Lord Akranoth, was a Light Warrior.

UNNE:

Lord Akranoth... that name sounds familiar, but I can’t place the face.

AKRANOTH:

He was one of the last remaining knights of Melmond. He stayed with the people even when his noble peers left, but for his honor he paid a terrible price. One day he went fox-hunting like he did so often, only this time he never returned. One survivor came back, swearing that a terrible black figure had overcome them. I immediately sought the place of his death and found his body, completely drained of life. In his cloak I found this crystal orb. He was a Light Warrior... and he never told us! He knew that the times of darkness were coming, for only then are the Light Warriors summoned, and had refused to abandon us to the age of shadow. I buried my master and then... I didn’t know what to do.

BREN:

What did you do?

AKRANOTH:

I took up the calling. The Fighter, the swordsman of light was dead, and I knew that someone had to step up and take his place. I left, refined my sword techniques under the elves, and traveled to Coneria once I heard that others with orbs had been found.

UNNE:

Ah, so that’s where you went. Seems like an awful lot to take on, Glaeser.

AKRANOTH:

If only I’d known just how much would be placed on my shoulders when I picked up that orb. First I have to be a hero, then they wanted me to be a leader!

BREN:

I don’t understand. Why did you lie to everyone? Why didn’t you just tell them the truth?

AKRANOTH:

I needed my master’s papers and money to receive training, and later to travel Coneria. When I arrived, I explained my story in confidence to the first Light Warrior I met, and he advised me to keep it a secret. "The people will never accept a lowly squire as a Light Warrior," he said, "Do us all a favor and be Lord Akranoth as long as you are with us."

BREN:

Garris.

AKRANOTH:

Yes.

BREN:

He never let on.

AKRANOTH:

He’s better at this than I am.

DARK ELF #1:

Halt in the name of Lord Astos! Where do you think you’re going?

DRIVER:

I bear gifts of silver for Astos. The people of Forest Haven send him their fine crafts as an offering.

DARK ELF #1:

(skeptically) Really? This is a rather strange turnaround. (a few more Dark elves emerge) Check what he’s got.

DARK ELF #2:

It’s silver.

DARK ELF #1:

Check all his cargo. (looks at the driver, still a little suspicious) We’ll take them from here to Astos. You will take your wagon, return to Forest Haven, and tell the people that Astos accepts their gifts.

DARK ELF #2:

Chief, we’re going to need some help carrying all of this.

DARK ELF #2:

This one’s silver too. Ooh, this candlestick is pretty!

DARK ELF #1:

Keep checking them.

TIMALDON:

Let’s move. We won’t have to worry about their patrols now. It’ll take them forever to handle all that.

ARIEL:

What is it with elves and silver?

TIMALDON:

It’s so... shiny.

TIMALDON:

OK, Mr. Sneakedy Sneak, your number’s on.

GARRIS:

Just be ready, and don’t use any flashy magic.

TIMALDON:

Hey, no problem here, I’ll just paralyze them

ARIEL:

So you can perform feats that don’t involve blowing everything to smithereens?

TIMALDON:

I’m so glad you asked, because as a matter of fact-

GARRIS:

Quiet. Now, Ariel?

ARIEL:

INVIS!

TIMALDON:

Do you think this will work?

ARIEL:

Suddenly I’m scared. We have no back-up.

TIMALDON:

Well, if something goes wrong, I’ll protect you.

ARIEL:

Protection is usually my job.

TIMALDON:

I’ll stand in for you.

ARIEL:

Sigh... It’s nice of you to offer.

TIMALDON:

Hey, not bad, my swift friend. Now to get into the door-

GARRIS:

I don’t think that will be a problem (he reaches for the guard with keys)

TIMALDON:

Wait!

GARRIS:

This Astos is one tricky bastard. OK, Plan B. (He kneels and picks the lock, during which Ariel watches nervously)

ARIEL:

I think I hear someone coming!

GARRIS:

I’m just about there... (the lock snaps open) We’re in. Grab one of those guys.

ARIEL:

Hang on.

TIMALDON:

OK, now that was just cool. Teach me how to do that someday.

ARIEL (smiles):

I think the boy is in line ahead of you for lessons.

GARRIS:

How are you doing?

ARIEL:

Just a bit drained.

TIMALDON:

My turn!

GARRIS:

Shh!

TIMALDON:

This way!

TIMALDON:

At the top of those stairs is the main chamber.

GARRIS:

Looks like we’re in the clear.

TIMALDON:

HOLD! (the paralysis spell makes the Dark Elf unable to move)

DARK ELF:

Intruders! We’ve got intruders heading toward the royal chamber!

GARRIS:

Run!

TIMALDON:

I forgot that they can still talk when I cast that spell! Otherwise I would have blasted him.

ARIEL:

I’m sure that would have been much more discrete.

TIMALDON:

It would have been more fun.

TIMALDON:

Stand back!

GARRIS:

On a tangential note, this Astos I see was also quite a collector.

ARIEL:

These artifacts must come from all over the world!

TIMALDON (examining a staff mounted on the wall and reading the inscription):

A staff of reflection? I didn’t think I’d ever see one of these!

GARRIS: (holding a crystal)

This isn’t what I think it is, is it?

TIMALDON:

It is.

ARIEL:

Is what?

TIMALDON:

Matoya’s seeing crystal. Maybe now she’ll help us.

ARIEL:

Assuming we ever get out of here.

TIMALDON:

Maybe that flying chariot can help us.

ARIEL:

I’ve never seen anything like this. Where did all these things come from? Who made them?

TIMALDON:

And what does it do?

TIMALDON:

It’s the Prince! He’s under a sleeping curse just like the elder said!

PRINCE:

Is this a dream? Are you the warriors I have been waiting for?

TIMALDON:

We’ve come to rescue you and stop Astos.

PRINCE:

Stop Astos?

GARRIS:

We’re running out of time.

TIMALDON:

We have to get him away from here.

PRINCE:

Away from here? Why would I want to leave? Why become a Prince of weaklings, when I am already king... King of the Dark Elves!

TIMALDON:

Astos!

ASTOS:

Did you really think I would make it that easy?

TIMALDON:

I was kinda hoping.

ASTOS:

You will note that at this point you have two choices: You can make your time and remove yourselves from my castle, or you can wait until my warriors come in and hack you to bits. Except... (he grabs Ariel by telekinesis and looks at her closely) it appears that your companion lacks the ability to ensure your escape, so you’re stuck with the latter.

ARIEL:

What are you talking about?

ASTOS:

I see. They don’t even teach mass spatial displacement anymore, do they? Another magic forbidden by those too cowardly to use it. He was quite correct when he told me that my abilities and toys would surpass any of those in the "civilized" world.

GARRIS (holding a dagger):

Let her go.

ASTOS:

Does it really matter whether she is harmed now or later?

GARRIS:

To you it might.

ASTOS:

Oh I see. You are in no position to be making threats, young master, especially when you need to SLEEP!

ASTOS:

And now to deal with Mordac’s son...

TIMALDON:

My name is Timaldon!

ARIEL:

Wake up, your curse is gone!

GARRIS:

Give me some cover!

ARIEL:

I can’t!

GARRIS:

Just hold them back!

ASTOS:

You Gaians never did respect the power of magic. (he prepares another spell)

TIMALDON:

Garris, catch!

ARIEL:

Garris, hurry!

GARRIS:

You know what’s a nice thing about being a Gaian? (suddenly, the staff falls to the floor and Astos finds a dagger in his chest, delivered by Garris’ left hand) Ambidexterity.

ASTOS: No! This is impossible!

ARIEL:

What was he?

TIMALDON:

You see, there are those who become so powerful with magic, and have so much control over the forces of the world, that all boundaries are broken down for them. They become convinced that they are made to be rulers, tyrants, and they go mad.

GARRIS:

Without believing that we are subject to a greater power, we would all go mad. This is the curse of excessive power... and excessive arrogance.

TIMALDON:

Your highness!

PRINCE:

What has happened? Where am I? This resembles my throne room, but I do not recognize any of these furnishings.

TIMALDON:

It’s a long story, your highness, but the important thing is that Astos has been defeated.

PRINCE:

Who do I have to thank for this good news?

TIMALDON:

You can thank...

ARIEL:

Ahem!

TIMALDON:

Lady Ariel, and Prince Garris, and... Garris?

You all need to leave immediately.

TIMALDON:

Why? With Astos gone-

GARRIS:

Because someone knows we’re here (the image of Chaos appears in the Seeing Crystal).

CHAOS:

Greetings, mortals. Welcome to my world. I hope you didn’t expect a warm welcome. Then again, maybe you should have.

GARRIS (as he pockets the crystal):

Get the prince out of here!

PRINCE:

I don’t understand. Could you explain?

GARRIS:

Now, you idiots! Move!

GARRIS:

It’s another one of... them.

ARIEL:

Wait! We have to at least see what it is.

TIMALDON:

She’s right. We can’t just run.

TIMALDON (unable to resist the pun):

She’s hot.

ARIEL:

On second thought...

TIMALDON:

Come-on, techno-thing, work!

KARY:

No, it can’t be... and it isn’t. You are no Sky Warrior, you are but mere tinder!

TIMALDON (as if someone told him what to do):

Ice! Good idea...

ARIEL:

No!

ARIEL:

I don’t think this is a good idea.

GARRIS:

I’m sure it isn’t.

GARRIS:

How is he? Can you heal him?

ARIEL:

He looks pretty bad. We need to get him to a healing clinic.

GARRIS:

Is that where you’re taking us?

ARIEL:

I’m not doing anything. It wants to take us somewhere.

GARRIS:

It has wants?

ARIEL:

Incoming!

ARIEL:

I’ll give us cover.

KARY:

It can’t be! This is impossible! Tiamat has failed us all!

BREN:

So are the Light Warriors doomed?

UNNE:

Doomed? No, not doomed, just a little unprepared.

AKRANOTH:

It’s my fault, isn’t it?

UNNE:

Unlikely. Why would you say that?

AKRANOTH:

If they’d had a real warrior, and not me-

UNNE:

Who would they have then? Another swordsman, perhaps one better, but perhaps one worse. Bah! It is no matter. The Fiends require powers far beyond the blade. You lack the advantages our ancestors had. It is not the Light Warriors who are weak, or doomed, it is all of us. It is the kings, the warriors, the priests, the farmers, it is even Unne. They are kicking us while we’re down. They do not play fair.

BREN:

You mean the destruction of Melmond?

UNNE:

A mere microcosm of things past and things to come. Now, our ancestors would have defeated these fiends, but they understood the powers of mana. We do not. You do not.

AKRANOTH:

With all due respect Dr. Unne, not everyone supports your theory.

UNNE:

Theory? Is it a theory, Glaeser, or it is simply something that people refuse to accept? Our kind used to know great magics-

BREN:

Like what Master Timaldon can do?

UNNE:

Today we only have specialists, those who can tap into the forces of nature and use it in small ways. "Magic" as we call it, is an anomaly, something used for special purposes. A thousand years ago, no one would have said "We’ve got a problem, go fetch the great wizard." At least, Unne would not have said that. Magic would be integrated into society, as part of everyday life.

AKRANOTH:

But here’s the part that doesn’t make sense about your ideas: why did we lose that?

UNNE:

Many of the ancient paintings depict powerful mechanisms, grand creations that might have utilized magic so that people wouldn’t have to. Perhaps we became lazy. Hypothetical? Yes... but Unne has spent many years studying what is left of the past, and examined the Liefinish people, who may be our greatest ties to what we’ve lost.

BREN:

Aren’t the Liefiners mute?

UNNE:

Mute? Not mute. Note mute at all, but few know their tongue. Even Unne is not good at it. They have isolated themselves too much.

BREN:

What does this mean, Akranoth, I mean, Glaeser?

AKRANOTH:

It’s probably best for you to keep calling me Akranoth. All I can make out of this is that the Fiends have excellent timing. Melmond had no defenders left, especially after the death of my master- that’s it, isn’t it?

UNNE:

Yes. Someone wanted to make sure there was no one left before launching a full attack.

AKRANOTH:

And the other knights left... Water, Fire, Air, and Earth. Earth... The famine... Could it be?

UNNE:

Most likely. The ability to rot the earth may be well within the powers of the Earth Fiend.

AKRANOTH:

I’ve got a score to settle then! The Earth Fiend killed my master, and then led an attack on my homeland.

UNNE:

Speculation... speculation... but quite likely.

AKRANOTH:

Doctor, you live by speculation.

UNNE:

True... true... but will you die by it?

BREN:

I’ll go with you!

AKRANOTH:

I have to find him, whoever is behind this. Goodbye, doctor.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

Akranoth once told me that spirit without judgment is a dangerous thing. This time he should have remembered that, and so should’ve I.

UNNE:

Glaeser... heading out unprepared again. They never do learn, do they? No, we never learn.

GIRL #1:

Wake up, mighty Timaldon!

TIMALDON:

Where am I?

GIRL #2:

In Forest Haven, master. Oh, we’re so glad that you defeated that nasty, nasty Astos.

TIMALDON:

Astos? Of course! I defeated Astos, didn’t I?

GIRL #1:

We can all rest better now thanks to you. Oh, Timaldon, show us your powers!

TIMALDON:

Only for such sweet ladies as yourselves.

GIRL #1:

Oh, you’re so charming! (Timaldon creates a block of ice in one hand. He then changes it’s shape to be a figuring of himself) and so talented. Oh, I just go wild over guys like you!

TIMALDON:

You do? I mean, of course you do!

GIRL #2:

Oh, a friend of yours is here to see you.

TIMALDON:

Ah, Lady Ariel, my true love! Come to me, that I may adorn your beauty with my kisses! (she says nothing) There is no need to be shy my love, come hither! (he rises and approaches her) Come Ariel, I only wish to express-.

MATOYA:

He’ll be fine. Well, as fine as he was before in any case. Just a bad dream, probably. Now, let’s have a look at those orbs. (Matoya carefully examines each orb) Well, that old kook Lukahn was right, what you have here are nothing but empty spheres.

GARRIS:

So they are devoid of any power.

MATOYA:

Yes, for they have no power to draw on. Four Warriors, four fiends, four elements, four orbs... do you understand? Unfortunately, it places you in a marvelous dilemma. You wish to restore power to the four orbs, as a means to defeating the Fiends, right?

ARIEL:

Yes. Definitely.

MATOYA:

And given that the Fiends themselves are holding back those four powers, how do you suppose you bring power to the orbs?

GARRIS:

We have to destroy the Fiends.

MATOYA:

Well, so there are some brains in your merry band after all. Destroy the Fiends, to bring power to the orbs, to destroy the fiends, to bring power to the orbs... My god, who thought this mess up?

ARIEL:

So what do we do?

MATOYA:

There I can’t help you, but let me tell you something (draws out a large book of lore). You know, it takes more than finding some shiny ball to make you a true warrior. Back in the old days, even before my time, true warriors went to the Cardia islands to be christened.

ARIEL:

I’ve heard of this tradition. The patron of all warriors is said to live there, but... he couldn’t possibly still be alive.

MATOYA:

I don’t see how he could have died. He only will have an audience with earnest warriors, and you may only visit him once. He is called by only one name: Bahamut.

ARIEL:

Then we need to find Akranoth, if he’s alive. Matoya, can you locate him?

MATOYA:

Ah, you people and your demands! Well, I suppose I can manage one more favor. By the way, how did you get to Elf land and back so quickly?

GARRIS:

We flew.

BREN:

Wait, sir! I need a rest.

AKRANOTH:

We can’t stop now. We have to find him.

BREN:

There’s no one here. How do you know he would still be around?

INTERIOR: PRINCESS SARA’S CHAMBER

SARA:

You must turn back, you will only find death here. Only the One in White can defeat your enemy.

ATTENDANT:

She’s doing it again. Call the doctor.

EXTERIOR: MELMOND

LICH (disguised, in a cloak):

Who are you looking for?

BREN:

Augh! Don’t scare me like that mister!

AKRANOTH:

Are you OK? What are you doing here?

LICH:

I am a watcher, nothing more.

AKRANOTH:

Did you see who did this?

INTERIOR: PRINCESS SARA’S CHAMBER

SARA:

Do not trust the stranger. Do not give him your name.

EXTERIOR: MELMOND

LICH:

Yes, I did, but who are you?

BREN:

He’s-

AKRANOTH:

I’m just a farmer in this area.

LICH:

Indeed, than you are not who I am looking for... (turns away, but then turns back) unless you are.

AKRANOTH:

Sir?

INTERIOR: PRINCESS SARA’S CHAMBER

SARA:

Run, now! He knows...

EXTERIOR: MELMOND

LICH:

Let me ask you something: Why have you come back to this desolate place? There is nothing for you here.

AKRANOTH:

I am looking for someone.

LICH:

Someone who killed your master, the great Lord Akranoth? Oh there is no need to answer, for I was told that the one I was looking for would find me, and thus the same is true for you.

AKRANOTH:

Who are you?

LICH:

I am but a shadow. They call me, the Lich (he melts away, and the cloak falls to the ground).

BREN:

Oh god...

SARA:

Leave! Now!

CONWAY:

Calm down. There’s no need to act this way.

AKRANOTH:

I can’t leave. This has to end here.

LICH (unseen):

Well, you don’t have much time, is there anything else you want to know?

AKRANOTH:

Why did you do this? Why did all this have to happen?

LICH:

This destruction? This death and carnage? (the Lich appears, as a ghostly skeleton-like figure) It is because all living things were born to DIE!

AKRANOTH:

Don’t you run away from me! Why don’t you face me yourself?

LICH:

I see no reason to. The dead shall serve.

ARIEL:

They’re back there.

TIMALDON:

Hang on, hang on, I’m just circling around, you see. Trust me here. I’ve figured all the nuances out and know exactly what I’m doing here.

ARIEL:

Undead?! Get me closer! (Ariel casts a spell of holy light, causing the nearby zombies to shrivel up)

TIMALDON:

Wait a minute, I thought your magic doesn’t hurt anything.

ARIEL:

It doesn’t hurt any living thing. (they speed low past Akranoth and Bren) You missed them again!

TIMALDON:

OK, this is harder than it looks. Do me a favor and look behind you. (Timaldon sends the sky sled in reverse) Am I going to hit anything?

ARIEL:

Stop! (the sky sled stops right next to Akranoth and Bren) Get on! (Akranoth and Bren hop on the sky sled, just as the Titan is getting up) Now get us out of here!

AKRANOTH:

What sort of magic is this?

TIMALDON:

This? Oh this is nothing. Wait until you see the big one. (as they break through the clouds, the gigantic airship, a flying ship held in air by giant helicopter blades, comes into view)

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

You know, if anything was making sense right now I would have been really weirded out by this.

AKRANOTH:

Unbelievable! Where did this come from? And how did you guys find me?

ARIEL:

We asked for directions, and then found someone you met up with (indicating Dr. Unne).

UNNE:

You’re a lucky, lucky lad to have such friends. And lucky to have Unne.

AKRANOTH:

Doctor!

UNNE:

What did I tell you? What did I say? Fantastic magics, wonderful machines, all lost in the past, but real! Oh, they said Unne was a crank back at Crescent Lake University, but who’s laughing now, eh, who’s laughing now?

AKRANOTH:

This, thing, was built by our ancestors?

UNNE:

Everything fits!

AKRANOTH:

I still don’t believe it.

TIMALDON:

Well, believe it, because we’re taking this thing to the Cardia Islands.

AKRANOTH:

The Cardia Islands?

ARIEL:

It’s a long story. You should probably get some rest.

TIMALDON:

We’re ready to go. Anchors away!

GARRIS:

We don’t have any anchors.

TIMALDON:

Well I needed something to say.

ARIEL:

No sleep for the fighter?

AKRANOTH:

He’s still out there.

ARIEL:

Who?

AKRANOTH:

The Lich. The Fiend of Earth. Ever since I saw my master’s dead body I wanted to avenge his death. Today I finally found my enemy only to fail. I couldn’t even get close to him! (reflecting more deeply) I realized that I couldn’t do it. I can’t. I am not the one. As I was looking at him I just wanted to lunge toward him but I never got a chance, and the whole time it was just driving me mad, and soon I started hearing voices-

ARIEL:

Voices?

AKRANOTH:

Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

ARIEL:

What did the voices say?

AKRANOTH (he looks at Ariel, remembering Sara’s words):

I didn’t catch it.

ARIEL:

You know, for a group that’s supposed to save the world we can be rather dysfunctional at times.

AKRANOTH:

No kidding.

ARIEL:

Don’t break down on us. You are our cornerstone.

AKRANOTH:

I don’t know if I can be that.

ARIEL:

Then be my cornerstone.

AKRANOTH:

Why me?

ARIEL:

Because you’re a nice man. Better than that, you’re a good man.

AKRANOTH:

Thanks. Ariel, I don’t think I ever asked you this: How did you find your orb?

ARIEL:

It fell out of the sky.

AKRANOTH (thinking she’s joking):

No, really.

ARIEL:

Really. I was just in prayer one morning, and something crashed onto my balcony. I was amazed to find it in one piece.

AKRANOTH:

Sounds pretty miraculous.

ARIEL:

Not everyone thought so. One of the high priests claimed he dropped it there. What a liar... there aren’t even any balconies above mine. The sickening thing was, people believed him. They wanted to believe that he was the Light Warrior.

AKRANOTH:

A popular fellow?

ARIEL:

That and a man.

AKRANOTH:

I see. I’m sorry-

ARIEL:

You don’t need to apologize; you weren’t even there. Furthermore, the three of you never tried to hold me back. You were always pushing me forward, even when I wasn’t so confident, and for that, I consider you guys among the best men I’ve ever met.

AKRANOTH:

Even Timaldon?

ARIEL:

Even Timaldon. Well, I’m off to bed. You’d better get some rest too.

ARIEL:

Wait a minute. Isn’t it just supposed to be the four of us?

GARRIS:

I think that was implied.

BREN:

What’s going on? Is there danger?

TIMALDON:

None at all.

AKRANOTH:

Are you sure about that?

TIMALDON:

We’re just meeting some old guy who ordains heroes, right? I mean, really, what’s the worst that could possibly happen?

ARIEL:

Given your luck with meeting aged mentors?

TIMALDON:

Fair point.

BREN:

So can I come?

OLD MAN:

Yes, in fact, you are quite capable of coming, and furthermore, you are expected.

AKRANOTH:

Bahamut?

OLD MAN:

Come on, all of you, you are all expected.

TIMALDON:

So, Bahamut, tell me-

OLD MAN:

Please save your questions until we reach the Circle of Ordeal.

TIMALDON:

Well, fine, but I just like to get a head start. I mean, while we’re just walking here and not really accomplishing anything anyway, I thought we might get some basic things out of the-

ARIEL:

Timaldon...

OLD MAN:

We are here. Light Warriors, please stand in the circle.

TIMALDON:

OK, so can we start the... um... whatever you call this?

TIMALDON:

I knew it! This was all a setup! Prepare to meet thy doom, foul beast!

GARRIS:

Hold! Dragons are dangerous, but they are also noble creatures. (Garris approaches carefully)

TIMALDON:

Garris, get out of the way!

BAHAMUT:

Silence!

TIMALDON:

Ack! A talking dragon!

BAHAMUT:

I am duly impressed. While I have seen more flattering greetings, not one of you was afraid. You may indeed become the true warriors in time.

TIMALDON:

Oh, I get it... I guess I just expected-

BAHAMUT:

A human, or some form like one? You always suppose that only your kind may lead. I am Bahamut, the King of Dragons and ordainer of heroes.

TIMALDON:

Well, in that case-

AKRANOTH:

Ahem! Sire Bahamut, I am Lord Akranoth of the Light Warriors. We have traveled from afar to seek your blessing.

BAHAMUT:

Is that true? What makes you think you are ready to receive such an honor? (pause) Can none of you answer me? Surely you must have some idea why you have come here.

AKRANOTH (unsure how to answer):

We...

TIMALDON:

-defeated scores of pirates, bested the mighty Astos, and challenged three out of the four Fiends. I mean, that’s got to count for something, right?

BAHAMUT:

Ah... so one of you does have some idea why you are here. But that is not enough. Is there more?

AKRANOTH:

We have these orbs.

BAHAMUT:

Mere balls of crystal.

ARIEL:

A prophet told us that the orbs-

BAHAMUT:

Forget the prophet. Prophets are meddlesome fools. Why do you think it matters whether you have the orbs or not?

GARRIS:

It doesn’t. The orbs are meaningless. They just gave us motivation.

BAHAMUT:

Wrong! The orbs are not meaningless, but we are getting somewhere.

TIMALDON:

I don’t suppose you could, you know, move things along a little faster? We’ve got some Fiends to defeat.

ARIEL:

Timaldon!

BAHAMUT:

Impulsive... and perhaps very hasty. However, your motives are in the right place, and you do recognize the importance of your task. Time is indeed short, but if I am to be less pedantic, than you must listen more carefully, even if you don’t understand all of what I tell you.

TIMALDON:

Excellent. So you’re satisfied with us?

BAHAMUT:

There is one test. The Light Warriors wield extraordinary power and take on incredible responsibility. The fate of the entire world will rest upon your shoulders. Before I can give you my blessing, I must make sure you are fit to receive your final task of eliminating the Fiends. Are your motives pure? Is your past clean? Is there anything you must confess before I ordain you as true warriors of light? (there is a long pause)

ARIEL:

We have nothing to confess.

BAHAMUT (with fire pouring out of his mouth):

Arrogance! Do not toy with me! Confess your faults, for only those who acknowledge their weaknesses can overcome them!

BREN:

I will confess!

BAHAMUT:

How interesting... the boy, and not one of the Four, is the first to understand. What do you wish to tell me?

BREN:

I abandoned my responsibilities back in Coneria. I was so concerned about my own dreams that I never thought about others. I deserted those who depended on me in Coneria and burdened the Light Warriors in pursuit of my own desires. I won’t do it again.

BAHAMUT:

You are indeed wiser than you appear, which bodes well for this world’s future.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

The world’s future? Did I hear him right?

BREN:

Um... Thank you, sir.

GARRIS:

I never forgave my parents for treating my older brothers better than me. I blamed them for failing to rescue me from the desert bandits, and left my homeland angry.

BAHAMUT:

Anger must not become a Light Warrior. You must chop off your past and forgive those who now need your help.

TIMALDON:

Well, you know me, I’m just too darn slick for my own good!

BAHAMUT:

You have the most to confess! You, who command the forces of nature to increase your own power, delving into unholy magics! Why should I ever accept you as one of the Light Warriors?

TIMALDON:

I... I...

ARIEL:

Timaldon uses his powers to help people. He uses black magic only as a weapon to counter the dark forces of this world.

BAHAMUT:

Is this true?

TIMALDON:

Well, you see... looking at my actions from certain angles, and taking into account the various circumstances, you might conclude that... no. I haven’t always.

BAHAMUT:

Consider what you do and why, for only then will you be a true Light Warrior. You have gained the confidence of your friends, but do you believe that all you do is right? Meanwhile, you, Ariel, are the opposite: you are pure, and you indeed have no sins to confess. But what of your passions? Do you care about those you protect?

ARIEL:

I care for some.

BAHAMUT:

You must care for all, for all depend on you, and a true warrior must have love for all men.

ARIEL:

I will try.

BAHAMUT:

If I counted correctly, there is one more left .

AKRANOTH:

Sire, I wish to declare... my wish to leave the Light Warriors.

ARIEL:

Akranoth?!

BAHAMUT:

Such a hasty decision... You feel you are not worthy?

AKRANOTH:

I know that I’m not worthy. I never was a Light Warrior to begin with. I’m a fraud, and nothing more. This orb is not mine. I deliver it to you to bestow upon another.

ARIEL:

Akranoth, why?!

AKRANOTH:

I’m not Akranoth. The true Akranoth is dead and I can’t be him anymore. I realized that from the moment I confronted my enemy. I’m sorry, everyone, I lied to you.

GARRIS:

I was afraid of this...

BREN:

You can’t quit! You really are a great warrior.

AKRANOTH:

Bahamut, let this boy take my place. He is stout of heart and honest. If it pleases you, he could be a Warrior of Light.

BAHAMUT:

Your praise of him rings true, but he is not ready for such responsibility. His time will come when the orbs choose him, but now is not that time. For now, you must take up the call.

AKRANOTH:

But...

BAHAMUT:

You are the true Light Warrior. The orb came to you, did it not? Did you expect your dead master to fulfill the destiny instead? You found the orb, you answered the call, and you have passed every trial that you have come across. What do you think makes a true warrior? Noble birth? Divine selection? Chance? Perhaps all of these, but perhaps none of these. It is irrelevant how you became a Light Warrior. You are a Light Warrior, and you must take this cup. If that is not enough for you, consider this: not only do you have the Light Warriors’ orb, you have the lute.

AKRANOTH:

This lute? This is Princess Sara’s.

BAHAMUT:

She inherited it from the queens of the past. It is a gift saved for heroes, and it serves to connect the hero to the royal family. Now, Light Warriors, if you pledge yourselves to serve the forces of good, kneel before me. I, Bahamut, the ancient proclaimer of heroes, summon you to scour this world free of the dark influences that threaten it. You may rise. Now to business. The Fiends, as you have guessed, are aware of all who would oppose them. They have been trying to root you out since the day you began your quest, because their master recognizes that you are no ordinary threat. Even now, they know you are here, and they fear you because they fear me. They have retreated back to the ancient stronghold of Mirage Tower, a place secured for them long ago by their leader Tiamat, the fiend of Wind. You must meet them there and defeat them as soon as possible, for their hour of reckoning is almost at hand.

AKRANOTH:

Can we beat them?

BAHAMUT:

You will need help. Seek out those who remember the ways of the past, those who have set themselves apart from "civilization" to avoid its corruption, and they will lead you to the Fiends.

AKRANOTH:

The Liefiners...

TIMALDON (slowly as he’s processing all of this):

So what we need to do is find the-

BAHAMUT

Time is running short and there is more you must know! You can defeat the Fiends, but all will be for naught if you cannot defeat he who commands them. This vile lord commands them not from your world, but from another like it, and his wicked plan will destroy all you have worked for if you can not stop him. Once you have brought power to the orbs, you must meet him at the Temple of Fiends.

ARIEL:

You mean the ancient temple near Coneria? Where Princess Sara was held captive?

BAHAMUT:

Precisely. Once you understand your path, you must not hesitate to take it, for time may be short. I cannot tell you how much time will stand between your defeat of the Fiends and the doom of this world, but it will come and it will come soon. There is, however, one thing you must understand before you choose your final path: the door swings one way. Once you choose to eliminate evil from this world forever, the Four of Light will be past the point of no return.

ARIEL:

Why?

BAHAMUT:

You will understand in time. I must send you away, but first I sense that there is one more thing you need to know.

TIMALDON:

Actually,yes. All this weird stuff that you’ve just told us is so... confusing. How do you know all this? I mean, how could you possibly know what will happen to us?

BAHAMUT:

I questioned you about the orbs, and perhaps it is time that I provide the answers. The orbs are my creation, as I am the one who summoned you. All this is your purpose, and this is what I designed your path for. To answer your question, I don’t know what will happen to you, I only know what I intend to happen to you. It is up to you to choose your path, be it the one I had planned or not. I was sent down to this world to see that you succeeded, and I have waited 2000 years for this day, when the warriors with my orbs, lead by the one carrying my lute, would appear.

ARIEL:

Then you are sent from-

BAHAMUT:

There is nothing more I can tell you. You must leave now.

BAHAMUT:

Andricles!

ANDRICLES:

Yes, sire?

BAHAMUT:

Prepare your wings. She has called for our help.

AKRANOTH;

Dr. Unne, we need your help. We need to see the Liefinish people. You said you studied them. Can you talk to them at all?

UNNE:

Can Unne talk to them? Of course Unne can talk to them! At least, better than before.

GARRIS:

We’ll head out, then.

UNNE:

This airship is not as old as it appears. It was built but only four hundred years ago.

ARIEL:

Only four hundred years ago?

UNNE:

Yes, and here is the ship’s dedication, written in multiple languages.

ARIEL:

"This is the airship of the great Sky Warriors, the protectors of humanity, the heroes of all Liefiners, and the masters of the sky. Dedicated in the year 1604-" This is our language!

UNNE:

Yes, and it goes on, and there are other samples. Now look above it, the same passage, in Liefinish! Oh, this is a breakthrough for Unne, yes it is!

TIMALDON:

Well, this is all very cool, but doesn’t anyone else find it weird that we’re taking orders from a talking dragon?

ARIEL:

That is no dragon. If he’s who I think he is, he is a messenger from the heavens. Everything he told us makes sense, and finally our entire quest makes sense.

TIMALDON:

But, I mean, come on! How do you know that Bahamut isn’t an evil talking dragon. Or, wait, we could even be the last Fiend.

ARIEL:

If he were, we’d be dead already. Trust me, I’m trained to recognize divine encounters.

SARA:

We need to help them. They need all the help they can get.

CONWAY:

My daughter, please don’t start with this again. The doctor says-

SARA:

I don’t care what the doctor says. We need to send all the men we can spare to help the Light Warriors immediately.

CONWAY:

I’m sure the Light Warriors are fine.

SARA:

Then why aren’t they back yet? How do you know what’s happened to them?

CONWAY:

I know some.

SARA:

You do?

CONWAY:

I didn’t tell you because I was afraid that you were already too obsessed with the Light Warriors. I mean, certainly it is reasonable for a young woman with such a debt to them to care about them but-

SARA:

What have you heard?

CONWAY:

Only that heralds have been singing their praises. They have beaten ruffians and wizards across the world.

SARA:

Where are they now?

CONWAY:

I don’t know.

SARA:

I do. They are going far to the north, to the lost lands of Leifin. They are going to face the Fiends.

CONWAY:

How could you possibly know that?

SARA:

I see them. I see them even when I don’t want to see them. I have always seen them. I have always understood things that you couldn’t even begin to comprehend and you never believed me! (She looks off the balcony)

CONWAY:

Sara, if it will please you, I will send an emissary to wherever you think they are, and if we find them-

SARA:

Send me.

CONWAY:

Sara, please understand. I don’t want to lose you to some fantasy.

SARA:

I will go. Follow me if you will.

ELDER:

Unne! Teh wanit gehit?

UNNE:

Excuse me. (He talks in Liefinish to the elder for a bit) He says we are welcome here.

AKRANOTH:

Ask him about Tiamat and the Fiends. (Unne says something to them, and the villagers gasp and look frightened. Slowly, the elder responds. Unne translates as the elder tells his story.)

UNNE:

He says that his people fear Tiamat, for he attacked them long ago. Four hundred years ago, the Liefiners were the last bastions of true magic, and they knew their grip was slipping. Thus, they dedicated the Sky Warriors: five champions of the Leifin people. These five would be trained in all their arts and would pilot a mighty airship and keep the world safe from evil. However, at the dedication of the Sky Warriors, Tiamat, the Fiend of Wind, appeared and attacked their city without warning. The people and the Sky Warriors were completely unprepared. Rather than fighting the Sky Warriors, Tiamat cast an evil spell on them, and changed them into bats, as a shameful reminder to all who would oppose him. Tiamat ravaged the Leifin City, and then attacked their floating fortress, the Mirage Tower. The great serpent still lives their today. They don’t know anything about the other Fiends.

AKRANOTH:

Tell him that we found the airship of the Sky Warriors and wish to assault Mirage Tower.

UNNE:

He says you are very foolish. Not even the finest warrior could defeat Tiamat.

AKRANOTH:

Tell him we were sent by Bahamut.

UNNE:

He is impressed by your charge but says that there is no way to enter Mirage Tower. The gates have been sealed by an evil magic since Tiamat entered it.

TIMALDON:

Evil magic? Oh, come on... We have to give it a shot.

UNNE (after a bit of discussion back and forth):

He says they will send their best warriors to accompany you. However, if it appears that you can not assault the tower, he asks that you bring them back safely rather than doing anything foolish.

AKRANOTH:

Tell him that we thank him for his help. Light Warriors, prepare for battle.

GARRIS:

Here we stand at destiny’s gate. Can we break the seal?

AKRANOTH (quietly):

I understand, Princess. I’ll try to listen this time.

LEIFIN CAPTAIN (speaking in Leifin to his men, but subtitled in English):

I didn’t believe the old stories, but here they are! These machines were the servants of our ancestors!

ROBOT:

Yuti er polisna?

TIMALDON:

I beg your pardon.

ROBOT:

Are you the master? (beep)

TIMALDON:

Of course!

ROBOT:

Affirmative. Greetings, master.

AKRANOTH:

What have you done?

TIMALDON:

Hee hee... these strange things think that I am their master!

AKRANOTH:

Well then, command them.

TIMALDON:

We must see Tiamat.

ROBOT:

Tiamat. Does not register.

TIMALDON:

Then, um... we need to see the creature that intruded into this tower a long time ago. You know, the big guy, whatever you things like to call him.

ROBOT:

Understood. I will escort you.

ARIEL:

Wait, can you fight?

ROBOT:

Negative. Combat programs disabled. Offensive measures off-line.

GARRIS:

Coud you fight if your master ordered you?

ROBOT:

Affirmative.

GARRIS:

Tell him that all the machines must help us fight.

TIMALDON:

I would like all of you machines to fight our enemies with us.

ROBOT:

Please confirm command. Do you wish to enable combat protocols on all units?

TIMALDON:

Yes.

ROBOT:

Command received. (beep)

(all the robots in the area drop their work and approach)

ROBOTS:

Combat units reporting. Awaiting further commands from the master.

AKRANOTH:

Come with us!

TIMALDON:

All right! Now this is an army!

TIAMAT:

Ho ho ho... you fool, these are no Sky Warriors. These are but impostors.

KARY:

But they have the airship.

TIAMAT:

They have no power over us. We will put an end to their adventure! Attack!

ARIEL:

This isn’t going to work.

AKRANOTH:

Face me, you coward!

LICH:

Now, feel the life draining from you.

ARIEL:

Someone help him!

SARA:

The King of Dragons sends his greetings.

LICH:

I am invincible. No man can defeat me...

ARIEL:

And no man am I!

TIMALDON:

Strike!

KARY:

Make it fast.

TIMALDON:

We can’t let him get away! To the sky-sleds!

AKRANOTH:

Sara... you came to us.

SARA:

I wasn’t doing enough from Coneria. Now go! Stop the last one!

TIAMAT:

I spared your people once. Now there shall be no mercy for any of you!

CONWAY:

Attack!

GARRIS:

There he goes.

ARIEL:

We’re back at the Temple of Fiends, just as Bahamut said.

AKRANOTH:

I suppose this is where our journey ends.

TIMALDON (shouting out):

As soon as that lily-livered, snake-skinned, three-headed... um... moron shows his face!

AKRANOTH:

We were told that we needed to meet the master of the Fiends here when the orbs had their power. Do you think he is hiding here as well?

BREN:

But Master Timaldon’s orb is still dark.

TIMALDON;

Hey! Shoo, you little pests! What’s the deal here?

ARIEL:

I think they’re trying to tell us something.

TIMALDON:

Like what? "Your blood smells tasty"?

GARRIS:

Hmmm... If I had to guess...

AKRANOTH:

This is it! This is the resting place of the orbs!

TIMALDON AND BREN (together):

Look out!

TIMALDON:

Well, then, I guess it’s my turn.

BAT:

Wait!

TIMALDON:

OK, first first talking brooms, then talking dragons, and now talking bats?!

BAT:

We are the Sky Warriors of old.

TIMALDON:

The what?

BAT:

There is little time to explain. We are the Sky Warriors of Leifin, the first who could have challenged the Fiends, but we have failed, and as punishment we have been cursed to take on this form for all eternity.

OTHER BAT:

With the orbs shining anew, once again can we speak.

BAT:

This temple is a Time Gate used to traverse the ages. You must go back to before the one responsible for our destruction summoned the Fiends.

BREN:

We’re going to travel back in time?!

ARIEL:

Wait, where will we go?

BAT:

To the time of the real enemy. You must travel back 2000 years with the orbs shining to open the Time Gate.

TIMALDON:

OK, so I just put this orb here and-

AKRANOTH:

Wait! If we do as you say, travel to the past, and defeat this enemy, will we be able to come back?

BAT:

Uncertain. The Time Gate will take the Four to the time of the enemy. I do not know if it will take you home.

AKRANOTH:

Bren, take this back to Princess Sara (he gives him the lute)

BREN:

No!

AKRANOTH:

We have to go. Bahamut said our mission would not be complete until we confronted the one who commands the Fiends. I will go.

GARRIS:

I will too.

TIMALDON:

Oh... I suppose I’ll find a new life in the past.

AKRANOTH:

Ariel?

ARIEL:

As always, I’ll be right behind you.

AKRANOTH:

Let’s go!

ARIEL:

Are we in the right place?

TIMALDON:

That must be him! I’ll teach that rascal to mess with the present... or the future, whichever it is at this point.

AKRANOTH:

Let us see.

AKRANOTH:

Oh god...

GARLAND:

We meet again, Light Warriors. I am sorry, oh so sorry, that it had to come to this. I should have eliminated you myself in your own time, but no, I am such a devotee of style, so I stuck to my plan.

AKRANOTH:

What plan? Are you trying to tell us that you let us win?

GARLAND:

Win? What have you won? Do you believe there really is anything to win?

TIMALDON:

Your Fiends have met their doom, evildoer!

GARLAND:

I’d call you fools again, but perhaps you have seen past your own victory. The Fiends have only been destroyed in one reality. The Time Loop would have revived them.

TIMALDON: What?!

GARLAND:

Did the dragon not explain that part to you? Oh, don’t look so surprised, I am well aware of my ancient adversary, that pitiful Bahamut.

ARIEL:

The noble Bahamut plotted your ruin.

GARLAND:

True, true, and he is the only one who could have. You earthly, mortal folk never could have figured it out for yourselves. And so I must pause to explain it to you in simple terms. You see, originally the Fiends challenged humanity in this older age, and they were soundly defeated. However, I knew that in your age, or as I prefer to call it, my age, the Fiends would have stood a much better chance. And so I mastered the dark Time Magics to alter history. The only problem is that without power such as you have with your orbs, the Time Magics only allow the caster to send another back in time, and not oneself. So I sent the Fiends forward to my time, and they sent me back to theirs. The Fiends appeared at convenient moments in history, and destroyed everything!

TIMALDON:

Apparently you’re out of the loop. The Fiends were defeated in our time.

GARLAND:

Are you too thickheaded to understand? The two openings of the time continuum, my own travel back in time, and the travel of the Fiends forward, are interdependent. I never could have come here without them, and they could have never come to you without me.

ARIEL:

That’s a paradox.

GARLAND:

Yes, and as a result, something I did not expect happened. This twisting of time created the Time Loop. The same 2000-year period repeats itself over and over again, as all of time loops around itself. While you defeated the Fiends once, by the end of the year the loop would have reset itself. You people, of course, can never tell the difference, but your world has been destroyed many times already, and everyone you know has already died in many horrifying ways. I know because I have seen it myself, again, and again, and again. Believe me when I tell you there is no such pleasure in this world!

AKRANOTH:

You sick bastard!

GARLAND:

Oh, and as I went through the Time Loop repeatedly, I got better at it, making sure that the people would die even more pathetically. And so I formed history itself around my devices. I hid every relic of your noble past from you. I stopped the formation of the Sky Warriors League-

AKRANOTH:

-and plotted the famine in Melmond?

GARLAND:

Yes, but it goes further. It was I who supplied Astos with the dark magic and technology that would enslave the elves. It was I who sent the pirates by night to smash Provoka harbor. This you have seen, but it is only a sampling of my doings. My works were glorious and brilliant, and you never even knew. You never even had a clue. Someone had to tell you. Curse that Bahamut!

GARRIS:

I think we’ve let him talk enough.

AKRANOTH:

Agreed.

GARLAND:

I know exactly why you are here, even if you don’t.

AKRANOTH:

We are here to stop you.

GARLAND:

In doing so you would break the Time Loop. If you do that, you realize what will happen, do you not?

ARIEL:

We will never be able to go home. That’s what Bahamut meant. The door only swings one way. If we alter history, and change the fundamental things that make our world what it is, we must live back in this time, because our own reality will not include us. (Garland claps)

GARLAND:

Of course. There is no gain for you here. Now you know why the dragon never told you. Because if you knew the truth, you would have chosen the passive path of darkness!

ARIEL:

That’s not true!

GARLAND:

Oh, but it is. There is nothing for you here. You are only heroes because you defeated my handiwork, but what happens to you and your memory if you stop me from ever completing my summoning in the first place? You become lost ghosts; No heroes born, no villains slain, no memories to be had at all. Now, consider this: In your time the work is already done, and the Fiends are defeated. You and your people will live, at least in this cycle, so if you go back now you can enjoy the only victory you will ever obtain. You could have such glory back in your time! Praises and rewards worthy of heroes such as you! I have watched each of you, and I know what you want. You, black mage, imagine how the women will run to you when you return in triumph. You, young prince, can return to your homeland, finally greater than your brothers. The respect you’ve always lacked from your family will now be yours.

GARRIS:

I’ve learned to rely on self-respect.

GARLAND:

Is that what you need to tell yourself to keep from hating them? Oh, I can see how it burns within you. You were always the black sheep: never the handsome one, and never the popular one. Let that thought sit on your soul a while. You, warrior... you have a Princess waiting for you. You may have been afraid that people will know what a fraud you are, but now that you have bested my friends no one will care. And last of all, you, madam white mage. You despise most of those you see, don’t you? You think they are simple-minded dolts plotting simple plans and never giving you the chance to choose a life. Surely you will not sacrifice yourself for those people.

ARIEL:

I will have it no other way.

TIMALDON:

And don’t call her Shirley!

GARLAND:

No! Stop that you idiots! You only spell your own doom!

TIMALDON:

Aww.. you’re going to miss your summoning, now, aren’t you? Too bad!

AKRANOTH:

Bren, what are you doing here?

GARLAND:

Oh, when irony is cruel she is vicious. The Time Loop may be broken, but with the Time Gate I can end it all with destruction once and for all!

CHAOS:

Chaos beckons. The age of ruin shall come! You have no chance to survive.

AKRANOTH:

You shall not pass!

TIMALDON:

Why don’t you chill out?

ARIEL:

We have to close the Time Gate!

GARRIS:

We can’t get through! We are already be locked in this age.

TIMALDON:

Angry man is coming!

AKRANOTH:

Bren, go back now!

BREN:

Leave?!

AKRANOTH:

This is our time now, the world back there has no place for us. Your time has come. Go back through the gate and disable it from the other side. You have to do this to save the world from this demon!

BREN:

I’m going to miss you.

AKRANOTH:

We’ll miss you too. Now go!

CHAOS:

No!!! Curse you! Curse you all!

TIMALDON:

Well, he sure brought down the house.

ARIEL:

Indeed.

AKRANOTH:

Dr. Unne, eat your heart out.

AIR FORCE CAPTAIN (subtitled):

Who are those people?

AIR FORCE LIEUTENANT (subtitled):

They look very strange. Perhaps they are entertainers.

AIR FORCE CAPTAIN (subtitled):

Send someone down and bring them to the city.

BREN:

Who’s there?

SARA:

Bren, what are you doing out here? You promised you would take me to the gallery today.

BREN:

What?

SARA:

Oh, don’t try to get out of it now. Come on, we’ll be late.

BREN:

What brave new world have I stepped into?

INTERIOR: CONERIAN HALL OF RELICS

UNNE:

Come in... come in...

BREN:

Dr. Unne?

UNNE:

Yes, it is Unne. It is good to see you in such good health, Brenien the Red, after your skirmish with those bandits.

BREN:

Huh?

UNNE:

Right this way please. Unne will give you the tour.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

Walking into a strange world, one in which I had lived a life unknown to me, was the most confusing experience of this quest. I’d stepped into a role that was mine but wasn’t, assumed a title I never had, and received jobs I never dreamt of having. I wished Akranoth were still here to see me, but I knew that would never happen.

The Light Warriors had succeeded, and created a world free of the Fiends’ influence. But for their efforts they had sacrificed themselves. The Four: Lord Akranoth, Prince Garris, Master Timaldon, and Lady Ariel, had vanished into the realms of myth and legend, never to be heard from again. There were, however, some memories left of them.

OLDER BREN (voice-over):

The dragon said my time would come, and I suppose time found me. I later found out that I could work feats of magic, and was stronger at the sword then I had been before. This world that now was mine was now mine to protect, for I am the last of the Light Warriors.

As for the Princess, she was no longer haunted by dreams of the Light Warriors. She still kept her gifts, though, which were needed later to guide us through the future. But for me, I had no part in leadership. My role was simply to grow and stand guard against any tides of evil of barbarism that would threaten the world the Light Warriors had created. This is my quest. This is my tale. This is the tale of the Red Wizard.