Grandia II Script
Version 0.1

This script is owned by me, Stephanie Cotteret. If you wish to post it on your 
site, even partially, please ask me by mailing me at 
stephanie.cotteret@wanadoo

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UPDATES
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04/24/01
0.1
The script goes until the team cross the Granacliffs thanks to the Skyway.

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INTRODUCTION
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First of all, I must apologize to you guys for not writing down the script of 
some scenes... To be precise those scenes are the ones in which the characters 
are talking (I mean you hear their voices). The problem is that their talking 
is as fast as my typing is slow. Moreover, english is not my first language 
(I'm french) so you can understand I sometimes have a hard time for those 
scenes. Sorry but even though many of those scenes are important I just can't 
write them down for now (unless they're real short but it's not the case most 
of the time). By the way, I must say that if someone would like to help me by 
writing those scenes down and sending them to me, he would be more than 
welcomed! Help is always much appreciated and credit always given of course. 
:) All your comments, criticisms, questions or whatever can be sent at 
stephanie.cotteret@wanadoo.fr I'll be pleased to read and answer as soon as 
possible.


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KEY
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Name: text
Kinda obvious I guess... The name of the person speaking and what s/he's 
saying.

[text]
Small description of what's happening.

((...))
Hope all those stuff will disappear as soon as possible! Indeed those mean 
that I did not write down what was said because the characters were talking 
(you hear their voices) so it was too fast for me to type it all. Really truly 
sorry.

/heart/
Means in the game you see a little heart drawn.

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SCRIPT
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[OPENING MOVIE, TITLE]

[View of a forest and close-up on a few people. Half of them go across a 
bridge. Suddenly an eagle flies fast passed under the bridge, carrying some 
bombs, and heads toward a forest. Then we see the hero, Ryudo. He's clinging 
to a rope and there is a treasure chest surrounded by monsters below him.]

Ryudo: Don't let me down... Skye.

[There's an explosion somewhere in the forest and all the monsters but one go 
to see what's going on. Ryudo jumps down and slays themonster before taking 
the treasure. The monsters that were gone come back. Ryudo whistles.]

Ryudo: Skye! Over here!

[He jumps in the air and Skye dives behind him. Ryudo clings to Skye and they 
fly away.] 

Skye: Ryudo! I cannot take much more of this!

Ryudo: Quit your bellyachin' and fly, dammit! WHOAAAAHHH!!

[Ryudo falls down. Later in the forest, Ryudo meets up with his client and his 
daughter.]

Ryudo: I finished the job, didn't I?

Client: Yes, in your own crude fashion. Here... Take your money!

((...))

[They split up. There's a message in a tree.]

((...))

[Ryudo takes the message and reads it.]

((...))

[You have to go through a forest and then arrive at Carbo village. The group 
of sisters you saw in the intro are here, talking.]

Tessa: Bye, Elena. See you later.

Elena: I am sorry, Tessa. I would join you if I could. I wonder why I'm not 
permitted to leave with you...

Tessa: I guess your role is more important than ours. Don't worry, we'll do 
all the preparations for the ceremony.

Ismene: Tessa! We have to get going!

Tessa: Oh, all right! See you later, Elena! [She moves toward the other 
sisters] Let's go.

Ismene: Elena, it's time for the service. You ought to return now.

Elena: Yes, you are right.

Ismene: Don't worry. We've hired a bodyguard you'll catch up with us safely.

Elena: Please, take care of yourselves... And Tessa, I will see you later!

[All the sisters except Elena leave the village]

Carius' Wife: Now, Elena, let's go back.

[They leave]

Man: Thank you for all your hard work.

[The man comes nearer from Ryudo]

Skye: Probably none of our concern.

Ryudo: Are they collecting tithes? There's enough... what do they do - storm 
through your door and beat charity out of you?

Man: I understand they're off to a tower outside the village to drive away 
evil spirits. We're very fortunate to have the sisters.

Ryudo: Evil spirits?

Man: Yes. Things are fine around here during the day... but when the sun goes 
down, all kinds of terrible monsters are about.

Ryudo: What about the girl who stayed behind?

Man: Oh, Miss Elena? She's a Songstress of Granas. She sings such pretty songs 
for us. Maybe she will join after the service.

Ryudo: Hmm...

Man: You don't look like you're from around here. Word of advice: don't 
venture about at night.

Ryudo: Huh? They needed a bodyguard... What's this about driving out evil 
spirits?

[You regain control of Ryudo and go to the church. In front of the door, Ryudo 
stops and you can hear someone singing inside the church]

Ryudo: A song?

Skye: Maybe it's that "Songstress..."

Ryudo: Shhh! [Ryudo pauses] Strange... it's... calming.

Skye: Sounds like it's coming from inside.

Ryudo: Let's take a look!

[They enter the church and start listening to Elena's song for a few minutes. 
She finally stops singing]

((....))

[Father Carius enters]

((...))

[Elena leaves]

((...))

[At Carius' request, Ryudo goes to the inn]

Ryudo: The priest told me to wait here...

Inn Master: Oh yes, he'll be along shortly. Why don't you take a seat over 
there?

Ryudo: Tell him to make it quick.

[Ryudo is not yet sit that Carius enters]

Carius: I believe there is a Geohound waiting for me...

Inn Master: A... Geohound...? [He pauses] There is a man over there. A 
Geohound... Father, what need have we with his kind?

Carius: Ah, he has come. Peace, my son. It is not appointed to us to judge our 
fellow man. Granas alone reserves that power.

[Carius walks to Ryudo]

Carius: I apologize for our rudeness earlier. You must be Ryudo the Geohound, 
correct? I am sorry to have kept you waiting.

[Ryudo sits at the table]

Ryudo: So, what business does a noble Priest of the Church of Granas have with 
a lowly Geohound like me?

[Carius comes closer to Ryudo]

Carius: I believe that was stated in my letter... You can... did read the 
letter, did you not?

Ryudo: Come now, Father. For a priest, your lack of faith is most disturbing.

Skye: Easy, now...

Ryudo: Enough, Skye. So, Father, you need a bodyguard. Talk.

Carius: There is a tower outside of town - Garmia Tower. We will hold a 
ceremony there tonight, under the light of the full moon. I want you to take 
one of our Sisters there. And once the ceremony is over, I want you to bring 
her back here.

Ryudo: I don't buy it. The church has never sought help from outside before, 
and this is a job for a choirboy, not a "murderous Geohound".

Carius: Not all are against you, lad. You need not always walk in anger and 
pain. All troubles can be resolved with prayer and...

[Ryudo stands up]

Ryudo: Then I suggest you start praying your sister over to your tower.

Carius: I am sorry... I did not mean to offend... Please...

[Carius puts a bag full of money onto the table]

Ryudo: ... Fine, fine. I'll do the job. But save your sermons. Gold has a 
finer voice.

[He takes the money]

Carius: The Sister whom you will be protecting is waiting in the church. 
Please ready yourself and come along.

Ryudo: Don't worry about the girl. I've never botched a job. And I don't plan 
to start.

[Carius leaves. Later, you meet up with him and Elena in font of the curch]

Ryudo: So, Father, you want me to escort Her Fussiness here? Fine. Then come 
along, princess.

Elena (to Carius): Father. Am I the only one with a Geohound?

Carius: Yes. Your role is very important...

Elena: Oh, why can I not just go alone? Please, Father!

Ryudo: Hey hey! What are you trying to do? He already paid me in advance!

[Elena turns away from Carius and Ryudo]

Elena: I do NOT want to go along with that boor!

Ryudo: Hey, now... Who're you calling a boar?

Carius: Elena, your role is very important. Were something to happen to you, 
we couldn't hold the ceremony. Thus, the bodyguard.

[Elena faces Carius]

Elena: It's not fair that I'm the only one who has to go with a Geohound...

Ryudo: I don't care one way or the other. Look, are you coming or not?

Carius: Elena, please do not forget your role. We are depending on you, I beg 
you.

Elena: Yes... Father, you are right. I ought not to make Tessa and the others 
wait. I shall perform my part.

Carius: Well then, Mr Ryudo, please take Elena to Garmia Tower.

Ryudo: Fine. Let's go, princess.

[Elena comes turns towards Ryudo]

Elena: My NAME is Elena.

Ryudo: Princess Elena, then, move it.

[Elena joins Ryudo and they leave for Garmia Tower. On their way they have to 
pass through the Black Forest. Ryudo suddenly stops]

Ryudo: Hey!

Elena: Wha-!? What is it?

Ryudo: This your first time walking in the woods?

Elena: N-No, not at all. It's just that... at night...

Ryudo: Keep your head down and watch your step. LOOK! OVER THERE!

[Ryudo points the trees along the road and Elena looks at them, surprised and 
afraid. There's nothing]

Ryudo: Nice reflexes, princess. Unfortunately, we're not out here to pick 
berries or nurse hurt shrews. Newt time, you might want to duck and cover. 
Most bad guys won't stop killing you if you're trying to kiss their ouchies. 
... Hey. You frozen there or something?

[We see an enemy bird at the top of the screen]

Elena: Ryu- Mr. Ryudo! There's something ahead!

[Ryudo smiles, drawing out his sword]

Ryudo: Yeah. Back off!

[Ryudo runs to the bird and kill it after a short fight. Then he walks back to 
Elena]

Ryudo: You okay, princess?

Elena: Yes, Mister Ryudo. How are you? ... Are you all right?

Ryudo: I'm fine, as long as I'm getting paid. But... One thing.

Elena: Yes?

Ryudo: Drop the "mister" stuff, I'm not your teacher, your baby sitter, or 
your damn butcher. Just "Ryudo".

Elena: All right...

Ryudo: Bah. At this rate, we won't make it 'til dawn. Step on it!

[They keep going and finally reach the Garmia Tower. The Sisters are waiting 
in front of the entrance]

Ryudo: So, I take it you're the ones who've been waiting for the princess 
here.

Ismene: We are. You must be the Geohound. I thank you.

Eurydice: So that's a Geohound... He gives me the creeps.

Velda: The rumors speak truly...

Isolde: Yuck... He's looking this way.

Tessa: SILENCE!

Ryudo: Come on, get to it.

Elena: My sisters... I am ready. I have Mister Ryudo to thank for bringing me 
here safely.

Ryudo: Not even a ding or a scratch on her. Now, I don't suppose you'll tell 
me what this is all about...

Ismene: Please, wait outside until we have finished the ceremony, when it is 
concluded, you will escort Elena back to the Church.

Ryudo: How long you ladies going to take?

Ismene: It will take some time. This is all I may say. One more thing. Do not 
enter the Tower under any circumstances. The ceremony must not be disturbed by 
your kind... er, you.

Ryudo: "My kind." Right. I'll just sit over here and think filthy, unclean 
thoughts, then.

Ismene: ... Please, do not come inside.

[The sisters enter the Tower, except Tessa, Elena and Ismene]

Tessa: Elena, did he do anything to you?

Elena: TESSA! Ryudo kept his hands to himself! Though he did see fit to share 
his foul mouth.

Ismene: Come, we must begin the ceremony!

[The three of them enter the Tower. Ryudo is now sitting alone with Skye near 
a fire]

Ryudo: Man, how long is this gonna take? We've been waiting for like, hours!

Skye: Oh, stop your whining. This is part of the job.

Ryudo: Man, what're they doing in there?! This is why I hate church - 
everything takes foreeeever.

Skye: What's eating you, Ryudo? Thinking about that singing schoolgirl?

Ryudo: I just got a bad feeling about this...

[He stands up and walk to the Tower]

Ryudo: And this tower too... Don't you think it looks like a strange place for 
a holy ceremony? [He stares the mural] Check out the mural. What's the deal 
with these weird wings?

Skye: It's an ancient ruin... I figure it dates from the Silvery White Light 
Age.

[Ryudo turns toward Skye]

Ryudo: You mean the Battle of Good and Evil? Why would they do their exorcisms 
or whatever in a place like this?

[Someone screams. There's a blue flash of light and Ryudo runs toward the 
Tower entrance]

Skye: Hey, where are you going?

Ryudo: Something funny's going on! Best check it out!

Skye: But didn't they say not to go in?

Ryudo: Look, if anything happens to that Elena chick, it's my rep on the line, 
I'm not gonna blow this job.

Skye: True enough. And this IS out of the ordinary...

Ryudo: Quit stalling! Let's go!

[They enter the Tower]

Ryudo: ... Huh?

[The tower is full of monsters]

Ryudo: Great... just great... Where did all these damn monsters come from?

Skye: Careful, Ryudo!

[They make their way in the tower. At the top floor they find Tessa, who seems 
to be seriously injured, and two Gargoyles. After they defeat the Gargoyles, 
Ryudo crouches at Tessa's side]

Ryudo: What happenened?

Tessa: The ceremony... failed... sa... save Elena...

Ryudo: Hang on. We'll get you out of here. [He pauses] Dammit! She's dead...

Skye: Ryudo! No time for sentiment! Search for the others!

[Ryudo stands up]

Ryudo: Yeah. We're in waist deep here...

[He runs to the door and try pushing it]

Ryudo: This stupid door! It doesn't budge!

[Skye takes flight]

Skye: I'll look for another way in!

[He flies away]

Ryudo: Dammit!

Skye: Ryudo, this window!

[Ryudo runs to the window near the door and breaks through]

Ryudo: Holy...!

[Ryudo sees the dead bodies of the sisters]

Elena: EEK!

[Elena is surrounded by a strange black fog]

Ryudo: What IS that!?

[We see black wings behind Elena and Ryudo has a few flashbacks]

Ryudo: That Darkness!? ... I know that Darkness!

Elena: There is... no Darkness inside me. You cannot... I forbid you... 
Aaahh...

Skye: Ryudo! You there? Snap out of it!

Ryudo: ... Dammit! I'm gonna save her.

[He dives unto Elena]

Ryudo: YAAAaahh!!!

[The ground begins rumbling and shaking, as if the Tower was about to be 
destroyed. Ryudo is holding Elena, the black fog has disappeared]

Skye: Ryudo, we've got trouble!

Ryudo: Let's ride!

[They escape as much black fog spread in the tower. Later, in the nearby 
forest]

Skye: Anyway, she looks alright. Let's head back to town as soon as possible. 
Say, are you feeling okay? You were acting a little strange back there in the 
tower.

Ryudo: ... Yeah. Just some bad memories...

Skye: Oh... Hey, she's waking up.

Ryudo: Hey, wake up!

Elena: ... Ooohhh. Stop it...! STOP IT!

[She wakes up]

Ryudo: Hey. It's alright now. Hey!

Elena: Where am I?

Ryudo: In the woods, near that Tower.

Elena: Huh? Why am I in such a place...?

Ryudo: Look over there.

[He points his finger the Tower, which is shrouded in black smoke]

Elena: That is... the power of Darkness... ...! Where is everyone? Wh-Where is 
Tessa!?

Ryudo: You were the only survivor. Sorry. Come on, we've got to get moving.

Elena: NO! I'm... is... is everyone... ... everyone... [she pauses] I am going 
back! They must have...

Ryudo: Hey! HEY! Princess! The power of Darkness isn't coming this way to tell 
us about the neighborhood bake sale. We need to leave!

Elena: Are they really... gone...?

Ryudo: Yeah, they're dead. You nearly didn't make it yourself; you weren't 
looking so hot, never mind those wings you sprouted...

Elena: ... We lost to the power of Darkness. To the power of Valmar...

Ryudo: You still with us, Songstress? Hey, time to snap out of it! The dead 
won't be joining us anytime soon...

[Elena falls to the ground]

Elena: The ceremony has failed. All have perished. Why shoul I alone have 
lived? Why should I alone keep living...

Ryudo: Because I've got a job to do. Now get up and get your butt in gear!

[Elena stands up angrily]

Elena: You... you... monster! You cold, unfeeling BRUTE!

Ryudo: Geohound. Cold, unfeeling Geohound.

[They leave and return safely to Carbo village]

Ryudo: Looks like we escaped. I don't think they'll follow us this far. [he 
pauses] Well? You calmed down a bit?

Elena: ...

Ryudo: Anyway, I'll bring you back to the priest. That's what I was hired for, 
after all...

Elena: Ryudo, how can you kill so indiscriminately? [she pauses and lowers her 
head] I'm sorry... You are doing it to protect me...

Ryudo: ... Don't worry. Part of the job.

[They go to the curch. In front of it, Carius is waiting for them]

Elena: Father Carius... I... I...

Carius: Elena... Are you the only one to make it back? Where are the others? 
What has happened?

Elena: During the... ceremony... Oh, Father...

[Carius come closer to her]

Carius: Oh, child... you have said enough for now. Rest, and speak on these 
things a later time.

Ryudo: Well, anyway, my job here is done. You've paid me enough - I wasn't 
exactly the most successful bodyguard. [he pauses] But what the hell was that 
ceremony about?

Carius: Mr. Ryudo... You must be tired. We shall prepare some warm food for 
you. Come, please. Come inside... Elena, you as well...

[Inside the church]

Ryudo: ... I can't tell you much about the ceremony. But the last I saw - and 
this sounds odd - Elena had grown these black wings. Anyway... we cut out of 
there pretty damn fast.

Elena: Father, I... I had "wings"...

Carius: Hush now, Elena. You are tired. Go to your room and get some rest. 
Understood...?

Elena: ... Yes, Father.

[She leaves]

Carius: So the ceremony was a failure... And Elena possessed... by the 
"Wings"...

Ryudo: You mind filling me in, chief? Try finishing your sentences.

Carius: I knew it would be dangerous. Yet... even so, we had to do it. The 
Wings had to be sealed. The Wings of Valmar, Ryudo. The Wings of Darkness.

Ryudo: WHAT?

Carius: As Gransa is the God of Light, so Valmar is the Devil of Darkness. 
Long ago, the two met in battle, as was ordained.

Ryudo: The Battle between Good and Evil, right? Everyone knows the fairy tale.

Carius: Valmar was defeated, yes. But not destroyed. Even now, the foul one 
prepares for the coming of eternal night.

Ryudo: This is new...

Carius: Valmar grows in power with each passing day, seeking to break the 
seals which, for a time, have kept the Darkness bound. As is foretold in 
scripture, the Day of Darkness is at hand. The world groans with the heaviness 
of Valmar's rebirth. The Devils seeks again to blot out the light of Granas. 
Valmar will return our world to Darkness. Then, destroy it. Sadly, even the 
power of our Pope, Zera Innocentius, is not enough to ward the Seals against 
the very Darkness itself. Yet, it is the work of myself and my brethren to 
prevent the advent of that day, when all light shall fade away. [Carius pauses 
and walks away] Were it not so... I would not have sent my daughter to that 
doomed ceremony...

Ryudo: Your daughter...? Tessa...

Carius: The Sealing Ceremony failed. And if what you say is true, not only did 
it fail, but Elena has become possessed by Valmar's accursed wings as well.

Ryudo: What happens next?

Carius: The Pieces of Valmar devour the soul of those they possess... our dear 
Elena. Once she is... emptied... the Wings will move on. On to another host. 
This is how Valmar feeds, gathering strength to   re-enter our world. The 
fetters will be loosed... [He turns toward Ryudo and make a step in his 
direction] Ryudo. Will you lend us your services again? Will you help Elena - 
be her bodyguard?

Ryudo: ...?

Carius: These sad events may yet be made to work in our favor. I wish to send 
Elena to Granas Cathedral immediately. It is rumored that his Holiness, Zera, 
knows of ancient sacrament which has the power to cleanse the soul of 
Darkness. The rite would free Elena and shield others from the taint of evil. 
We may again be able to seal the Wings away. Such an act would delay Valmar's 
return. However, those that follow Darkness will not sit idly as our plans 
come to fruition.

Ryudo: ... I'm sorry, were you waiting for me to give a damn?

Carius: No, Ryudo, I wait for you to recognize an opportunity. For your 
services, you shall receive... say... a statue of gold? It belonged to the 
church, but needs outweight vanity. I believe it would make a pretty enough 
prize...

Ryudo: ... Let me think about it. I can't stand God or women...

[There's a big explosion outside]

Ryudo: What was that!?

Carius: Something outside?

[They run outside and see a woman with dark wings: Millenia]

((...))

[Millenia start destroying the church.]

((...))

[Millenia and Ryudo fight, Ryudo is defeated]

((...))

[Millenia flies away]

((...))

[The next morning, in the inn]

Skye: Ryudo, are you fine with this? Didn't you say that you don't like 
getting involved in matters of religion?

Ryudo: He said I'll get to meet that Pope Zera at the Cathedral. Think about 
it, Skye! The Pope! If we can get in good with him, we could get our hands on 
some ungodly amounts of loot.

Skye: Im' not a newly-hatched "chick", Ryudo. I suspect you have other reasons 
for your "broad" change of heart...

[Carius and Elena arrive]

Carius: Mr. Ryudo, sorry to keep you waiting. Here is your money.

[He gives a Gold Statue to Ryudo]

Carius: ... Please take good care of Elena.

Elena: Thank you for your help. Shall we go?

Ryudo: Granas Cathedral is a bit of a hike, princess. Better leave your silk 
slippers behind. Sure you're up to this?

Elena: I must go. I do not want the others to have died in vain... [to Carius] 
Farewell, Father. Please take care...

Carius: Elena, be careful during your travels. I shall pray for your safety...

Ryudo: And I'll pray for the patience I'm going to need...

Elena: I will not be a burden. I am quite able to fend for myself!

Ryudo: So the Songstress has spunk... Good. Let's move.

Elena: I must get to Granas Cathedral... no matter the cost.

[Ryudo and Elena decide to spend the night at the inn before going. At dinner]

Ryudo: We're staying here tonight. C'mon, let's eat, Elena.

Elena: Um... When will we get to Granas Cathedral!? Tomorrow!? The day after 
tomorrow!?

Ryudo: Ha! Even if we both rode on Skye, we'd never make it THAT quick! 
Besides, Skye's only good at DROPPING people in mid-flight.

Skye: YOU WERE HANGING FROM MY FEET! You try carrying someone 6 times your 
size and 50 times your weight... See how YOU do. Anyway, it is difficult to 
estimate when we will arrive.

Elena: You do not know when we will get there...? So the time we are spending 
eating here might be a waste?

Ryudo: No. It's not a waste of time. When you get the chance to eat right, you 
take the chance to eat right. Pipe down and eat, will you?

Elena: Huh? ... You mean you do not always eat a regular meal?

Ryudo: Princess, there aren't exactly a TON of restaurants in the middle of 
the wastelands or the untracked forest...

Elena: So... this could be my last chance to eat regular meals like this...?

Ryudo: Hey now! Don't go jinxing the rest of our meals! You're going to eat 
just fine during this trip... We'll surely visit some other towns along the 
way, but we can't be sure as to WHEN we'll sit at a table and have a meal.

Elena: Traveling is quite the hardship, I see. I hope I can make it to Granas 
Cathedral...

Ryudo: Uh, that's what we're hired for, remember? Your precious Granas knows 
you can't do it on your own... Come on... Eat up.

Elena: ... Fine then. [she pauses] Lord Granas... Please watch over me...

Skye: So Ryudo. What do you say we finish this meal?

Ryudo: Hmm... Yeah, I think I'm almost full. Whew! Ok then. Tomorrow I start 
my babysitting job with the Princess. I'd better get my rest!

Elena: WELL! I NEVER...!

[The next morning, the team leave for the Inor Mountains. After walking for 
quite a while, Ryudo stops]

Ryudo: Skye, mind looking around a bit?

Skye: No problem.

[He flies away]

Ryudo: Getting tired? We can rest for a little while.

Elena: No, I am still... All right.

Ryudo: Don't get too comfortable. The night has many eyes... ... teeth...

Elena: Your children's tales are neither frightening nor amusing.

[Skye comes back, stratling Elena]

Elena: EEEK!

[She falls down on her knees]

Ryudo: Don't overdo it. We're staying here tonight. Can you stand?

Elena: Yes...

[Later, night has fallen and they're sitting next to the fire, in front of a 
tent]

Ryudo: You calmed down a bit? Pay attention next time.

Elena: All right...

Ryudo: Anyway, what happened back at the tower? Ready to talk about it yet?

Elena: ... I do not remember much. It was... I believe it was a ceremony of 
sealing. I was to sing... I began my songs. My Sisters moved to restore the 
seal... and then...

Ryudo: What about the wings?

Elena: Forgive me, I do not wish to remember.

Ryudo: Uh-huh. [he pauses] We're missing something here. You must be able to 
remember - or did the clouds of incense fog your memory?

Elena: ... Do you assume...?

Ryudo: Hey, I'm not presuming to know what goes on behind closed doors, 
sister. I'm just saying you were there... Bah. Hopeless.

Elena: You do not understand.

Ryudo: Because I'm not sophisticated enough? Because I don't fall over myself 
to be the first in line at the temple doors?

Elena: Now you mock me.

Ryudo: No, I've been mocking you for the last half hour. A little slow to 
notice, aren't we?

Elena: Why do you persist in vexing me? Do you bait me to watch me suffer? Do 
you take pleasure in my pain? Please, I do not need your grief, as I have much 
of my own.

Ryudo: ... I'm s... surprised that you've managed to remain so naive and 
survive as long as you have.

Elena: Is that... what you think?

Ryudo: Forget it. Get to sleep. We've got a ways ahead of us in the morning.

[Elena walks to the tent]

Ryudo: Hey! Leave some space for me!

Elena: I hope you're joking.

[She walks away]

Elena: Never mind. I will sleep outside the tent!

Ryudo: ... i didn't mean it that way... uh... ... Hope you like sleeping on 
rocks!

Elena: !

[She goes behind the tent]

Ryudo: Suit yourself... 

[Later, Ryudo is alone by the fire]

Ryudo: So, she's finally asleep...

[Elena's sleeping behind the tent and Skye comes back]

Skye: What about you, lover boy? You going to sleep?

Ryudo: I can't... I keep seeing Elena surrounded by Darkness in the tower... 
Nightmares, man. 

Skye: Don't think about it. Nothing you can do now.

Ryudo: And, I pissed her off, man. She's so... perky and happy... Now she 
hates me. You saw her.

Skye: It can't be helped. You know how the church feels about us working 
types.

Ryudo: But I guess she HAS been sheltered her whole life. She's never seen the 
world outside her window. And then to have her friends die on her like that... 
And I couldn't save them...

Skye: Compassion, Ryudo? A little late for that. Your words would sound far 
better had they been spoken sooner.

Ryudo: Sometimes... all I can... I didn't want... She was to be kept from 
harm, yet even now she suffers. And I cannot bear to see it. It is my duty to 
protect her...

Skye: You're mincing your words again, Ryudo. Badly. You know as well as I 
that what you feel has less to do with duty than with...

Ryudo: With WHAT, Skye? With concern? With sentiment? That's... not me... 
Still, I've never felt... Bah, good night, Skye.

Skye: ... Sweet dreams, Ryudo.

[Ryudo lay on the ground to sleep. We see the back of the tent and Elena is 
not asleep at all]

Elena: ... Why did he not tell me...

[The next morning]

Elena: ... Ryudo, it's morning already. [she pauses as Ryudo wakes up] Good 
morning, Ryudo. Are you awake?

Ryudo: Cut it out. It's too early...

[Ryudo gets up]

Elena: Up until now...

Ryudo: Wha-what is it...?

Elena: ... I'm sorry. I misjudged you, Ryudo. I took you for just another 
detestable Geohound. [she looks at Skye] Skye, I misjudged you as well. Please 
forgive me.

Ryudo: What snuck into your sleeping bag? I AM a detestable Geohound.

[Skye lands on Ryudo's shoulder]

Skye: I agree.

Elena: Anyway... Ryudo, please help me get to Granas Cathedral. And you too, 
Skye.

[They leave the Inor Moutains and arrive at the devastated Agear Town]

Elena: Ryudo, is this a... town... or something...?

Ryudo: Not the kind you'd want to raise your kids in. Didn't used to be like 
this...

Elena: Today, I thought... we could sleep in a regular room...

Ryudo: Well, we're gonna have to make do. Anyway, let's find a place to bunk 
up.

[They enter the inn and greet the innkeeper]

Ryudo: Long time, no see. Looks like you had trouble...

Vyx: Ryudo. Still breathing, I see. Good. Monsters, kiddo. Monsters have taken 
up residence on the other side of town. As you can see, they haven't been too 
kind to us poor louts.

[They have a drink at the bar]

Ryudo: Nice place you got here, Vyx. I heard they tried to run you out of 
town. Stubborn as ever, I see.

Vyx: Aye, don't think the wretches that came crawling in here for shelter 
appreciates it. I tell you, if I had a few more men with blades, we wouldn't 
have to keep huddling in here like hens on omelet day.

Ryudo: You retired for a reason, Vyx. You can't win your battles with your 
reputation alone.

Vyx: I can still... Say, Ryudo, who's the girlie? You've gone soft on me, lad.

Elena: Huh!?

Ryudo: And you've gone senile on me, old man. It's work. Don't ask.

[There's a noise]

Ryudo: Huh? What's that?

[We see four people and a young kid]

Roan: That medal was a memento of my mother. Please do something!

Gonzola: No can do. We had our hands full just getting through there. There's 
no way we're going back to that place!

Ryudo: What's the deal with those clowns?

Vyx: Funny you call them that. They ducked in here to slip away from some 
monsters that apparently took a liking to their finery. Along the way, the 
monsters seem to have lifted some precious bauble from the lad. I figure him 
to be a runaway, and a wealthy one at that. Might look into it, Ryudo. 
Accidents do happen...

((...))

Elena: Ryudo, can not we do something for that little boy?

Ryudo: Gee, let me think about it. Yeah, I think we have time to find his lost 
jewelry. Hell, we could find him some matching earrings. Look, if we stop for 
every weepy brat - no offense - we might as well set up shop with Vyx here. 
Now eat these and relax.

Elena: "Eat these and relax?" What are you giving me?

Ryudo: Kuko Berries. The locals chew on them. They make the corners round. 
Take it easy the first time, though.

[Elena starts eating the berries while Ryudo is speaking]

((...))

[Elena falls asleep suddenly because of the berries and Ryudo leaves her in 
her room]

Ryudo: I can't believe that girl. She ate enought Kuko Berries to kill the 
Pope.

Skye: Strange way to put it. At keast it's finally quiet. She'll sleep well. 
Not bad for her first time, actually.

Ryudo: Whatever. Hopefully, she won't keep trying to outdo me after this. I'm 
getting tired of this high-maintenance stuff, man.

[Ryudo walks to his room]

Skye: What are you thinking?

Ryudo: Thought I'd take care of business while I can.

Skye: Going out alone?

Ryudo: I've got you, don't I?

[He enters his room]

Skye: What made you decide to get to work right now? Have a soft spot for the 
kid?

Ryudo: The circus brat? Hardly. We won't get anywhere unless we cut through 
those monsters first. And if an entire nest of them is involved... Well, you 
know. I work best alone.

Tee-hee-hee hee-hee-hee...

[Ryudo stands up hearing a laugh]

Ryudo: What in blazes...?

Found you.

Ryudo: Who are you? Show yourself!

Skye: Ryudo!

[Millenia magically appears in the room]

Ryudo: It - It's... you!?

Millenia: Awww... how sweet! You remember me! You remember my promise too? 
[she pauses] I won't let you get away this time...

[She casts a spell upon Ryudo]

Ryudo: I can't... move...

Skye: You! What are you doing to Ryudo!?

[She casts the same spell upon Skye]

Millenia: Same thing I'm doing to you, BIRD.

Ryudo: Ugh!

[Millenia comes closer to Ryudo and he fall on the bed]

Millenia: Now, Ryudo! Don't move, dear /heart/

Ryudo: G-get away!!

[Millenia comes closer when someone knocks at the door]

Risotto: Uh, hey, Roan's gone off somewhere. You guys seen him!?

Millenia: Oh, my. What do we have here?

Ryudo: Let me free first!

[Millenia cancels the spells of Ryudo and Skye. Ryudo walks toward the door]

Ryudo: What's happening? I'll be right there!

[Ryudo, Skye and Millenia go down to the bar]

Gonzola: Didn't think the kid had that much moxie. Running a one-man act's no 
good. Almost enough to make a man's sleep wicked.

Paella: Two can't walk a tightrope. If the boy wants to make his own bed, then 
let him eat it too.

Carpaccio: His own bed, mmm... He is not our problem. But still, he is young, 
very young... Too young to toe the line, perhaps.

Millenia: Ryudo, what's with these losers?

Ryudo: These carnies? They're all mopey 'cause the runt ran off to feed some 
monsters. A scrub like him won't make half a meal.

Millenia: And you didn't do anything? What's wrong with you? Go find him!

Carpaccio: We know where he goes, yes we do. But there are monsters... many 
monsters.

Risotto: Let's go! It's not right to leave the boy alone in a lion cage!

Gonzola: I reckon we could worry 'til the bearded lady sings, or we could find 
the little nipper and be done with it.

Ryudo: Hey, hang on. [everybody looks at him] I was gonna waste the monsters 
anyway, so if we find him, we'll bring him back here.

Gonzola: Now hang on there, feller. We'd better come with you. We're only 
circus folk, but you'll be needing some company anywise.

Ryudo: Keep your cream pies and seltzer water to yourselves. Your assistance 
isn't needed.

Millenia: Aww... you're a sweetheart, aren't ya? This should be fun!

Ryudo: If your idea of fun is wading through rivers of blood, gobbets of flesh 
and gut fresh upon your lips, then yes, it will be fun.

Millenia: Then what're we waiting for, tiger!? I'm getting antsy. 'Course, I 
COULD just have some fun right here, if you want...

Skye: This woman is a couple eggs shy of a basket.

Millenia: Hey, BIRD! Just how badly do you want to be turned into charcoal!?

Ryudo: Fine, fine. Come along then. But stay out of my way.

Millenia: See? That wasn't too hard, now as it? Confident, yet willing to 
listen to reason. Just what I want in a M-A-N. /heart/

[They leave the inn and enter the Durham Cave. After a while they finally find 
Roan, who is surrounded by Troglodytes]

Ryudo: He got all the way in here... He did good to get here alone...

Millenia: Say, is that the monster over there?

Ryudo: Noooo... He's the one we rescue!

[Ryudo and Millenia fight and kill the Troglodytes, thus saving Roan]

Roan: Thank you very much for saving me!

Ryudo: You're making me regret it already. You shouldn't be here, kid. Go 
home.

Roan: What about YOU two? What are you doing!?

Millenia: We're ridding the land of pests.

Roan: Really?! Then please take me along too!!

Ryudo: Gimme a break! We're not runnning a daycare, kid. Go HOME!!

Roan: I will not go... I am not playing around!! I cannot lose that medal. It 
is the last thing my late mother left to me...

Ryudo: Well, when you run into her, tell her that she should have left you 
some common sens instead.

Roan: It's precious! I cannot lose it... NO MATTER WHAT!

[Roan runs to Ryudo and start punching his chest]

Roan: I will absolutely, positively... get it back...

[Millenia suddenly hug Roan]

Millenia: Mmmmm. You're sooo cute! I've decided. I'll take you along! [She 
stops hugging Roan and he looks at her, as does Ryudo] My name is Millenia. 
What's yours?

Roan: I am Roan... Th-thank you very much, Miss Millenia. 

Ryudo: Hey, hey. I don't want any part of this. There's a rough road ahead. 
He'll only be a burden on you.

Millenia: I'm sooo happy! Ryudo, are you really worried about me? You are a 
good man, after all. As weak and frail as I am, I will show you I can protect 
this child. We'll be fine! Right?

Roan: Yes! I shall not give you any trouble!

[Millenia hugs Roan again as Ryudo turns around]

Ryudo: "Weak and frail"? Uh-huh. Just don't forget to feed him and change his 
litter twice a day. Hey! Turn off the waterworks, kid. There IS a tooth fairy, 
all right?

Roan: So, you'll take me along!?

Ryudo: For now. But, if you slow us down or just piss me off, your butt will 
be skipping down Lollipop Lane on its own.

Roan: Understood!

[They all keep going to the deepest part of the cave, where they encounter and 
fight the Durham Minotaur. But once defeated, the Minotaur stands again, as 
strong as ever]

Ryudo: Well, that did a lot of good. Might as well camp out here. We can wait 
until he dies of old age.

Roan: What do we do? At this rate...

[Suddenly, burning flames engulf the Minotaur, sending him to hell]

Millenia: Hah. Serves you right to be toying with the "Wings of Valmar"!

Ryudo: What was that? Who... or what... ARE you!?

Millenia: Oops! I said that out loud, didn't I? Never mind me.

Roan: We were sure in trouble there. What would have come of us if you had 
not...

Millenia: Forget about it. Now go get your medal!

Roan: Oh! That's right!

[Roan gets his medal back from the Minotaur's burnt dead body]

Roan: It's here! All because of you. Thank you very much!

Ryudo; Hang on a second... did she or did she not just refer to herself as the 
"Wings of Valmar"?

Roan: Huh? I do not know what you are talking about? Come on, let us hurry 
back. I feel so bad about making everyone worry...

Ryudo: ... Lollipop Lane, kid... Lollipop Lane...

[They go all the way back and exit the cave]

Millenia: Anyway, I don't want to overstay my welcome. And... Aaaa! The 
accursed light of the sun! It burns! It burns! Ha! Believe me, didn't ya? See 
you, Ryudo. Give my regards to Elena... [yawn] I'm a bit tired.

Ryudo: What do you mean by that? H-hey!

[Millenia is surrounded by light. When the light disappear, instead of 
Millenia, we see Elena, asleep on her knees]

Ryudo: Elena?

Roan: Mr. Ryudo, what just happened...? Miss Millenia is not really the Wings 
of Valmar, right!? Please tell me!

Ryudo: According to her, yeah.

Roan: No... But Valmar is the Devil... But Miss Millenia is so pretty and 
kind...

Ryudo: Hey, Elena. Wake up! Elena!

Elena: Oh. Good morning, Ryudo. Mmm... Huh? Where am I?

Ryudo: You all right?

Elena: How did I get to this place?

[Later in the inn]

Elena: Do you speak the truth? Or is this yet another of your amusements?

Ryudo: If it were, you'd fail to notice, remember? She calls herself Millenia, 
but she also said that she is the "Wings of Valmar."

Elena: This cannot be...

Roan: Miss Elena, I saw her too.

Skye: Ditto.

Elena: So, the Wings of Valmar are... inside of me...

Gonzola: Well, well. Sonny, you're back!

[Gonzola and Paella enter]

Gonzola: Right done, friend. You've made good on your fancy talk... And I see 
you have yourself a few women. Heh, I envy you, feller. Though, the other 
filly you was with got my blood a stirrin'.

Paella: Really, DEAR? Id' like to see this... maybe after my next knife act...

Elena: It cannot be... last night...! That woman is evil incarnate! She brings 
nothing but sorrow and misfortune!

Gonzola: That so? Then I reckon she ain't too much different from any other 
woman.

Paella: I can tell you about ONE woman who's going to be briging you sorrow, 
HONEY.

Roan: Now, now... [he turns toward Ryudo] I am uncertain... I do not think 
Miss Millenia is evil or anything...

Ryudo: Anyway, we can leave through the rear gate now. Unless you have some 
more missing jewelry, Roan...

Roan: If you are going across the Baked Plains, would you mind if I came 
along? Just me by myself is kind of... lonely...

Ryudo: ... Yeah, well... Elena, you probably don't want him around...

Elena: Oh non, not at all. I do not mind, but we need to move quickly. I must 
reach Granas Cathedral before long.

[Before going, they decide to spend a night at the inn and so have dinner 
together]

Ryudo: Well, now that everything's calmed down, let's grab a bite to eat.

Elena: Roan, you have such wonderful table manners. Who did you learn them 
from? Your mother?

Roan: My mother? Oh... She passed away a long time ago... She was very ill her 
whole life.

Elena: Oh... Oh my... I-I am so very sorry, Roan. I did not know. I never 
would have asked...

Roan: Do not worry, Miss Elena. I can hardly remember my mother, it was a very 
long time ago. I wish I could have known her better.

Elena: I am so sorry for asking about your mother, Roan.

Roan: It is not your fault, Elena. I never shared any of this with you all 
before. None of you could have known. [he pauses] I do not remember my mother 
too well. I don't know what it is about you that reminds me of her...

Elena: Me? W-What do you mean?

Roan: You are so... kind, yet strong. You are always putting others ahead of 
yourself. And you are so forgiving all the time. You are just so close to the 
way I have always imagined my mother... Of course, my image of her is of my 
own creation...

Elena: I do not ever want to upset you, Roan. I think of you as... as my 
little borther.

Ryudo: Ha! That's perfect! They say that little brothers are more dependable 
than bigger sisters!

Elena: Hey! Just what is THAT supposed to mean?! [she pauses] Roan, what did 
you mean when you said I remind you of your mother?

Roan: I do not know. But, when I look at you... Something reminds me of her. I 
cannot pinpoint it, but something...

Elena: Do not try too hard to figure it out, Roan. What remains most important 
is that you remember her.

Roan: When you hugged me tightly, I felt so secure. Maybe that is what 
reminded me of my mother after so long.

Elena: Hold on a second, Roan. "Hugged"? I have never hugged you before.

Ryudo: No, that was Millenia. She squeezed him REAL tight.

Elena: What?! [she pauses] The Wings of Valmar... We must hurry and see His 
Holiness Zera to have him exorcise the Darkness. Or else...

Ryudo: Hey! Whoa now. Milenia didn't do anything... bad... did she?

Elena: Do not say that name any more! If you knew the horror of Valmar, you 
would realize the seriousness of the situation!

Roan: Oh. I forgot. You have never met Miss Millenia. I apologize for bringing 
the whole situation up...

Elena: ... It... It is OK, Roan. But just what exactly is going on between you 
two?

Ryudo: You get jealous because she HUGGED him? Sheesh, Elena. Ease up on the 
kid a little.

Elena: Ryudo. That's not funny...

Ryudo: Well, I think we've talked and eaten enough. Are you ready to call it a 
night? Let's get some sleep. Man, Vyx sure can cook. Everytime I see him, I 
end up eating too much. I really have to be careful about how I eat...

Skye: Ah, a very admirable outlook, Ryudo.

Ryudo: Well, a certain soemone does constantly nag me about it... Besides, I 
should stay in shape if I want to stay a Geohound.

[The next morning the team leaves for the Baked Plains. After walking a while 
through the plains, they eventually arrive at the Granacliffs]

Roan: Look, I can see it! Miss Elena!

[He runs forward and, as not Ryudo nor Elena follow him, comes back]

Roan: Please, come quickly! 

[He runs forward]

Elena: He is a spirited one...

Ryudo: That wasn't the word I had in mind. I suppose we should take a look.

[They run to Roan]

Roan: These are the Granacliffs.

[FMV: View of the Granacliffs. END OF FMV]

Elena: So these are the Granacliffs...

Ryudo: A scar splitting the face of the Silesian Continent. I take it you 
haven't seen it before.

Elena: Scripture speaks of it, yet the size... The land still aches, its wound 
yet felt... The Battle of Good and Evil still so close.

Ryudo: And still... after all these years... No one has come up with a better 
name than "the Battle of Good and Evil."

Elena: How will we make our crossing?

Roan [pointing at something]: Look over there.

[FMV: We see the Skyway. END OF FMV]

Roan: ... That's called the Skyway. We ride on that across the Granacliffs. 
The ship lands in a town not far ahead. Once we cross here, it is only a 
stone's throw to the St. Heim Papal State.

Skye: Or, you could all grow wings and I wouldn't have to wait for you.

Elena: Incredible... This is just so exciting!

Ryudo: Don't overdo it. We're camping here tonight.

Roan: Good idea...

Ryudo: Hey, Elena. Sleeping on your feet again? Let's move!

Elena: Hmm? Oh, no, not at all!

[At night, near the fire]

Ryudo: Dinner with a view, kids. Watch your step when you go to the little 
girls room. [he pauses] Check it out. We're closing in on Liligue. And from 
there, the St. Heim Papal State.

Elena: The Granacliffs are incredible...! You must see them to believe them. 
The world is really in a pitiful state. [she pauses] These Granacliffs... they 
really are just like... they were in the legends...

Ryudo: The Skyway won't get us across the 'Cliffs at some points, and Skye 
doesn't haul folks around too well. Work on your vertical leap.

Roan: It sure is a hassle that the world is split in half by these 
Granacliffs... Now I remember! It was the Battle of Good and Evil that made 
these Granacliffs, right? Miss Elena, will you tell me about the Battle of 
Good and Evil?

Ryudo: Now that you mention it, I haven't heard the full story of the Battle 
of Good and Evil...

Elena: I don't really know very much myself, but... they say long ago the 
people lived happily, bathed in the light of Lord Granas. Then Valmar came and 
tried to take the light from the people. And so began the Battle of Good and 
Evil. At the battle's end, Lord Granas' sword which he raised to cut down 
Valmar, went right through Valmar into the earth, creating a huge fissure 
across the land... And that is how the Granacliffs came to be. 

Ryudo: You'd think that if Granas had a sword big enough to carve out the 
continent, he'd be a bit more careful about where he'd drop it.

Elena: It cannot be helped! Just think what the world would be like without 
Lord Granas!

Ryudo: Granas has a painful shortage of slack.

Roan: Now that you mention Valmar, the Devil of Darkness, can you feel Miss 
Millenia? Miss Elena?

Ryudo: Millenia, huh...

Elena: I cannot believe it! That Valmar is inside me... People must not be 
caught by Darkness. They will be able to live only in Darkness. They will no 
longer feel for other people. Darkness warps a person's soul... If someone is 
truly caught by Darkness, that person will have no future...

Ryudo: Hmm, then I guess I've... no future either. [he pauses] This is getting 
shadier by the moment. For some reason, I don't see sunshine and puppy dogs in 
the near future.

Elena: No, no. Ryudo you cannot be... one of the Dark Ones! Darkness is much 
more, um, wicked...

Roan: Mister Ryudo... you are neither wicked nor a Dark One... Darkness is 
something completely different.

Ryudo: You say "Darkness", I say "whirling black vortex of doom". What's the 
difference?

Elena: I do not really understand it myself, but - Darkness makes people sad 
and lonely... I hate it.

Roan: Wicked Dark Ones, huh... I do not think there is anyone anywhere who 
would say they love Darkness...

Ryudo: We gotta get going early tomorrow. Let's hit the sack.

[Later, they're all sleeping in the tent]

Stop, stop it... Stay away from me... My body is... melting! Stay AWAY from 
me!

[Elena and Ryudo wake up]

Ryudo: What's wrong, Elena? You were screaming in your sleep...

Elena: A huge tongue-like thing... was coiled around me... And it was... 
devouring me...

[Ryudo stands up and walk to the entrance of the tent]

Ryudo: ... Shhh! That's strange... It's too quiet. Hey! Roan, WAKE UP!

Groooowwwwwwwlllll...!

Ryudo: Shh. Something's here.

Elena & Roan: !

[They exit the tent and see a giant beast-like man]

Beast-Man: I'VE FINALLY... FOUND YOU... I'LL TEACH YOU A LESSON!

[They fight the Beast-Man and defeat him]

Mareg: Are you... not him?

Ryudo: WHAT? What's the meaning of this? Why did you attack me?

((...))

[Mareg leaves]

Elena: Ryudo?

Ryudo: Demon-man? Bringer of Ruination? He's just a common murderer!

((...))

[They depart and arrive at Liligue City]

Man: Dammit, this would otherwise be such a nice town...

Woman: You mean, "if this town weren't cursed by Darkness... it would be a 
nice town."

Elena: Oh my, what is the matter?

Woman: I can't live here any more! We're leaving.

Ryudo: Leave them alone, Elena.

Man: You planning on staying in town? I advise against it. Besides, the gates 
won't open until tomorrow.

Ryudo: Isn't the Skyway running?

Man: Not until tomorrow, but don't get your hopes up. They don't let people on 
it.

Ryudo: Come again?

Roan: Huh!? But people were on it just now...

Woman: For the private use of that miserable Gadan. Maybe it's for the best, 
since anyone who visits this town wants to leave as soon as possible.

Man: Hey, just forget about it.

Elena: Um, if there is anything I can do...

Man: Thank you for your kind offer. But we can't stay in this town. There's 
nothing left for us here.

[The family leaves]

Ryudo: Cheerful folk. But, if I listened to every piece of good advice I 
heard, I'd have killed all of you already and run off with your gold.

Elena: I am exhausted. Shall we find an inn?

Roan: Don't worry, Miss Elena. I heard this place has, what was it...? It is a 
delicacy around here... If I could remember the name, we could try it.

[They enter the inn]

Inn Master: Ah, some customers... how unusual. Here to stay the night?

Ryudo: Spend the night.

Inn Master: The only thing we got to eat is arum root. Still want to stay?

Ryudo: Whatever. Just serve it up quickly. I'm hungry.

Roan: That's it! The delicacy I forgot to try last time! Boy, are we lucky!

Inn Master: Ahem. Yes, the... delicacy. Anyway, that's all we got, take it or 
leave it...

Ryudo: Quite a sales pitch. How about it?

[At dinner time]

Ryudo: C'mon, let's try that stuff Roan calls a delicacy! [he pauses] Huh...? 
Hey, Roan... What's this? AGH! This is AWFUL! I'd rather eat dirt!

Elena: This food... it has no flavor... The texture is really weird. Do people 
really eat this? It has the oddest texture...

Roan: ... Yyyyyyyeecchhh!!! How can this be a famous local delicacy?! This 
must be an acquired taste... How can anyone call this a delicacy?! That is 
ridiculous! It is not appealing, it is appalling!

Ryudo: Agh! This CAN'T be edible! It's like eating sand!

Elena: I have never eaten anything like this before... It has the most 
disgusting texture...

Roan: It feels so rough in my mouth... Are you sure this is even edible? Ugh! 
How can anyone be expected to enjoy this!?

Ryudo: People actually eat this stuff?!

Elena: I have never had such mushy food... How can people even eat this 
stuff!? Hmm... This sure is weird... It has absolutely NO flavor...

Roan: Is this all they have to eat here? I think I will abstain from meals 
from here on out. Can we get on the Skyway soon? Please?! We should get on our 
way as soon as humanly possible...

Elena: I cannot imagine how ANYONE here can stomach this stuff...

Ryudo: I've been thinking we ought to go see this Gadan guy tomorrow... Let's 
go shake him up a bit...

[The next morning they enter the city. A small boy is sitting near the gate of 
the city, holding his knees]

Elena: Oh, my goodness! Are you all right?

Son: ...

Elena: What is the matter? Where does it hurt?

Son: ... I'm hungry...

Elena: Ahh... this is a problem easily remedied. I am sure we have something 
to eat. Please... a moment. [she takes an apple out of her jacket and crouches 
in order to give it to the child]

Son: Ooooh...

[Without taking the fruit, the child runs away]

Elena: Is... is the boy sick?

[A man approaches the team]

Man: Young miss, please do not give him any food. It is too much of a... 
temptation...

Elena: ... What do you mean?

Man: The people of this town cannot eat normal food even if they wanted to. 
They can only bear that disgusting arum root.

Elena: I do not understand... What do you mean, they cannot eat...?

[The man leaves]

Ryudo: Elena, don't talk to strangers. Besides, they could be diseased.

Elena: ... If so, we must help them!

[She runs into the house of the child, followed by Ryudo]

Son: I'm... hungry...

Wife: ... I can't stand it any more. If we have to keep eating only arum root, 
we're going to die!

Engineer: SHUT UP! You ask for too much. Here, eat THIS! Ooooh... Blecch! It's 
no use. I can't eat it either...

Wife: Dear, let's... leave this town. We can try starting a farm somewhere...

Engineer: But we don't know if we will be able to eat even IF we leave this 
town! ... I'm sorry. We will manage... somehow...

[Elena comes closer to them]

Elena: What exactly is going on in this town?

Engineer: You must be travelers... You ought to leave this town, quickly!

Elena: What is your difficulty? I serve Lord Granas, and I may be of some 
small help.

Wife: ... The people in this town have lost their sense of taste.

Elena: Their sense of taste?

Wife: Thanks to the Skyway, this town was once a bustling trade center. My 
husband had been working on the Skyway. The work was hard, but the pay was 
good so we were never at want for anything...

Engineer: But just ten days ago, all food began to lose its taste. It was like 
eating sand or rocks... Soon we lost all interest in eating almost any kind of 
food... We thought that only we were sick, but before we knew it, everyone in 
town was suffering.

Wife: The only thing we could eat was the arum root, which was tasteless to 
begin with... But now no matter how much we eat, we never even begin to get 
full...

Roan: I've never heard of a disease that makes you lose your sense of taste. 
How about you, Ryudo?

Ryudo: Ask Elena. She doesn't seem to have much taste in anything. Bonnets 
included.

Wife: ... Maybe this town is somehow cursed. I don't remember anyone doing 
anything against the will of Lord Granas...

Elena: You must be miserable. I wish there were something I could do...

[Ryudo comes closer]

Ryudo: You worked on the Skyway, right? How do we catch a lift?

Engineer: In the center of town, you will find the mansion of Mr. Gadan, 
manager of the Skyway. You can ask him, but I doubt he'll help you.

[They leave the house and go to Gadan's. When they enter, Gadan is devouring a 
HUGE meal. During all the conversation Gadan is eating]

Gadan: Shlurp. Delicious! DEE-licious! Well, well, I haven't seen you around 
here. Something I can do for you?

Ryudo: I heard you aren't leting anyone on the Skyway. I'm here to change your 
mind.

Gadan: Yes, we are not letting anyone on right now. This is a vital time for 
business. Carrying people drops our efficiency.

Ryudo: I'll make it worth your while.

Gadan: Ahh... I didn't notice you had a Sister with you. She must be headed to 
Granas Cathedral, hmm? Well. More business.

Ryudo: How much you want?

Gadan: 10,000 gold pieces should cover my costs.

Ryudo: Deal. Let's go.

Gadan: Ah, not so quickly, my friend. The last tram has already left. But do 
not fret - another will be available come the morrow.

Ryudo: Can't leave today, huh? Then...

Elena: Obviously, YOU can still stuff yourself with food! Why do you not share 
your secret with the townsfolk?

Ryudo: Elena, hush!

Gadan: A strange thing to say, my Sister. Do you imply that my health is 
something less than virtuous? That I should suffer as well?

Elena: Well, no...

Gadan: Ah, but I too am troubled by this cause. My employees all are stricken, 
which is hardly good for business. And with no cure...

Elena: Is that so...?

Roan: Even then, I am amazed you can eat so much...

Gadan: Perhaps the other have sinned before Granas. Perhaps I alone remain 
blessed. Who can fathom the mind of God? Ah, Delicious! [he pauses] [sniff]? 
[sniff]! Shlurp! Dear Sister, you smell quite nice. Were you aware that smell 
and taste are interrelated?

Elena: WHA-WHAT!?

Ryudo: He seems healthy enough, although I do question his taste in women.

Elena: ! How can you remain so smug and impertinent while others starve about 
you?

Gadan: I would watch my words, were I you. I pay my workers generously. This 
problem is none of my doing. The townfolk would do well to thank me for seeing 
to bring prosperity to this town.

Elena: How could such a thing have happened...?

Gadan: Indeed, this town was known by many to have been touched by the hand of 
Granas. Perhaps he does not wish to soil his hand any further. But I am no 
expert; you should inquire within the church outside of town. ... Oh, but my, 
you do smell fine, my dear Sister. A sweet delicious peach... SHLURP!

Ryudo: Tomorrow, then.

[They exit Gadan's house]

Elena: What a disgusting man!

Ryudo: I wouldn't know...

Roan: That Gadan's appetite is incredible! It is almost unnatural. But I am 
more worried about the money we have to pay tomorrow.

Ryudo: He's working us. We'd better start digging in our couches for change.

Skye: Why don't we just waste him?

Ryudo: That's why I like you, Skye. Always thinking.

Roan: Uh, Ryudo... Like it or not, we do have a Sister in our party.

Elena: But... Ryudo. We have to do something for these townspeople. If they 
are really blessed by Lord Granas, how could this happen to them? Like that... 
man said just now, we should ask the Father at the church.

Ryudo: Are we in a hurry to get you to the Cathedral or not? We don't have 
time for your church girl routine.

Elena: This town... everything... it is terrible. I just cannot ignore those 
in need.

Ryudo: Look, princess, we don't need any more trouble than we already have.

Roan: Please, Mister Ryudo. We cannot leave until tomorrow anyway. What's 
wrong with just going to the church?

Ryudo: Shut your damn yap, kid. This is not a stroll to the altar, and we're 
not in the bloody church choir! I'm sick of all this!

Elena: ... I-I am sorry, but still...

Ryudo: ... Don't be so quick to apologize... Come on. Let's find the church.

[They go to the church]

Father: May I help you, my dear travelers?

Elena: Father, we have come with a question.

Father: Ah, I see that you too are one who serves Lord Granas...

Elena: Father, what has happened to this town? To these people?

Father: Ah, this is a question that troubles me as well. I do not know what 
has befallen us. Some say that the face of Lord Granas has turned from us, but 
still... I do not believe it.

Elena: Yes, I have heard this tale. There are those in town who say they have 
lost the blessing of Granas.

Ryudo: Pretty unreliable for a deity. If you want to keep your job as supreme 
overlord, you should keep your naughty/nice list straight.

Elena: Ryudo!

Ryudo: And I don't quite get this "blessing" stuff. That one     lard-butt 
looked pretty damn blessed to me. About two hundred pounds more blessed than 
anyone else around here.

Father: Ah, you must mean Mr. Gadan. He too has changed. He was once a good 
man, loved by all. But then he began to change. He began to become obsessed 
with wealth and riches... and with, uh, nutrition as well. And as I recall, 
this occured roughly around the same time that our current misfortunes befell 
us.

Ryudo: People deal with depression differently. Some sleep. Others write. 
Others suck food down their throats like garbage chutes.

Roan: But what would that have to do with the townspeople not being able to 
eat?

Elena: Father, forgive my companion's lack of tact, but I too wonder why this 
town is known to be blessed by Granas.

Father: Of course. Please, go upstairs... You will see the truth for 
yourselves from above.

[The Father goes upstaires and the party follows]

Father: Please, look. You can see the whole town from here.

[The party looks by the window and sees a traveling of the town. Then the 
camera stops on a pillar]

Elena: Those pillars... They look to be part of a single ruin...

Father: They are said to be the ruins of a temple. They were severely damaged 
when the town was rebuilt, but Mister Gadan says that they're still not 
sufficiently destroyed...

[Back to the church's room]

Roan: I see. So this town was built on the ruins of an old temple of Granas. 
That is why this town is blessed... But, those pillars have a strange shape. 
As if there was something in the center...

Ryudo: As if something were buried.
: Now that you mention it, I've heard of an excavation at the base of the 
pillars. The pillars run deep - too deep to be removed.

Ryudo: I'm not liking what I'm hearing. What do you think, Elena? Sound 
familiar? Ruined temple, burial mound? Unholy pieces of Valmar sealed up 
inside?

Elena: Like Garmia Tower... It cannot be... Valmar...

Father: I-I have not heard of such a thing...

Ryudo: Terrific. Then we can be on our way.

Elena: Hold, Ryudo. The suffering of the townspeople may be a result of the 
breaking of a seal. We must investigate.

Ryudo: Whoa there, gumshoe! I don't recall "hunting down reawakening God of 
Evil" as being part of my job description.

Elena: Saving those in need is the duty of those who follow Granas. I will not 
ignore my duty, Ryudo, and I most certainly will not ignore these people. We 
must aid them!

Ryudo: Now you're just being stubborn. Let's try to be rational here. One: I'm 
not being paid. I repeat that - I AM NOT BEING PAID. Two: Granas should be 
more than able to take care of Valmar without us. Three: you need to get to 
the Cathedral as soon as possible.

Elena: Ryudo, please... I cannot ignore their suffering. If I do, I might as 
well never take another step toward the Cathedral!

Ryudo: ...

Elena: ... So you will not be moved, then. Very well, I will help them by 
myself.

Ryudo: ... I'll have to protect you, of course. [he makes a step toward Elena 
and grabs her cheeks with his hands, trying to force a smile out of her] Stop 
it with the self-righteous expression. C'mon, make a nice face for me.

Elena: Bwhad awe dou booing? Cut that out!

[Ryudo walks away]

Ryudo: We'll check out the ruins. But tomorrow... Tomorrow we take the Skyway, 
no matter how many kittens are stuck in trees.

Elena: Oh, Ryudo!

[Downstairs]

Elena: Father, you spoke of an excavation...

Father: Yes, but take caution; no one has been permitted to explore the ruins. 
There is much danger.

Elena: Thank you, Father. Ryudo, let us depart!

[They start walking to the exit when Elena turns back toward the Father]

Elena: Oh Father, I have had terrible dreams of late. In them, I am haunted by 
Darkness. Does it mean that my soul is weak...?

Father: Do not allow Darkness to have a doorway to your heart. A strong soul 
resists Darkness. Carry yourself accordingly.

Elena: Thank you very much. Father, may you be blessed by Lord Granas.

Father: The same to you, O Songstress of Granas...

Ryudo: Let's get this over with. We don't have room for any more of these 
roadside attractions in our itinerary.

Roan: Oh, Mister Ryudo...

[They leave the church. Outside, they see Mareg waiting]

Ryudo: Well I'll be...

Mareg: ... 

[The party comes closer to Mareg]

Ryudo: Mareg, what brings you here?

Mareg: The SMELL of this place... It offends the earth.

Ryudo: Wait! Tell me... is my brother here? What of Melfice? Where is he? What 
has he done?

Mareg: I sense the foul work of that demon here. Do not ask of what came by 
his hand, for I wish not to bear the remembrance of it.

Ryudo: But is he here? Or do you only suspect...

Elena: Mister Mareg, this town is now deeply troubled. Please, will you aid us 
in our search for the root of this evil? Will you help us put an end to it?

Mareg: To protect the power of which you speak from ever being used again, I 
shall join you.

Elena: Thank you very much!

[Mareg joins and they all go to the entrance of the ruins]

Ryudo: This must be the hole they dug.

Mareg: The SMELL of decay comes from below. The foul stench lof that 
villain...

Ryudo: ... Melfice... Heads up, Mareg!

[Ryudo draws out his sword and hit the panel on the ground]

Ryudo: YAAA!!

[The panel opens up]

Ryudo: All right. Let's go!

[They enter the Liligue Cave and make their way to a seal]

Mareg: Its stench... The smell of ruin... of decay.

Ryudo: What the devil is this?

Elena: This is a Seal of Lord Granas! It is used to seal in a piece of 
Valmar...

Roan: But... this seal is broken! Could whatever was sealed have left here?!

Elena: ... Ryudo. The culprit in this crime is not your brother...

[A monster comes up and swallows Elena]

Elena: EEEEK!

Ryudo: ELENA!

[He looks at the monster]

Ryudo: Right. We're dealing with a piece of Valmar here.

[A bright light comes from the monster and Millenia comes out]

Millenia: How dare you, you miserable...! I won't stand being EATEN!

Ryudo: Great. She's back.

Mareg: What? What just happened?

Roan: Oh! Is that you Miss Millenia? We meet again! [he start running to her 
but soon stops] Miss... Millenia?

Millenia: He-he... Eh-he-he-he... [to the monster] So now you get to meet my 
friends. Come over here. I'll make you mine...

[She starts to concentrate to cast a spell but the monster runs away]

Millenia: C'MON! Chase after him! That thing's the cause of all of it!

Ryudo: "It" is so vague... What're you referring to?

Millenia: Forget it, just GO!

[Millenia joins the team again and they chase after the monster and finnaly 
catch up with him]

Ryudo: Unless Melfice has put on some weight, this isn't him.

Mareg: This beast is the source of the village's troubles. Caution! Its SMELL 
augurs danger.

Monster: You look delicious! You little ones... I shall strip your bones of 
your fine flesh, yes? So tender... So succulent... Come, let me taste you! And 
the Wings of Valmar shall make a fine main course, yes?

Ryudo: That voice is familiar... ahh... Gadan, Gadan. Let me guess... new 
haircut?

Millenia: Ah, ha, ha, ha, hah!! So the Tongue of Valmar wants a taste of me? 
Here's something to chew on!

[They fight and defeat the Tongue of Valmar]

Millenia: He appears to be a bit tongue-tied. Or is that too    tongue-in-
cheek?

[She absorbs the Tongue of Valmar, leaving only Gadan's body on the ground]

Millenia: Aah... finally we got one... I feel full of power. Mmm, feels so 
good...

Roan: Miss Millenia! What just happened!?

Ryudo: Wha- what exactly did you just do!?

Millenia: Hee-hee, that's a S-E-C-R-E-T /heart/ See you later, Ryudo.

[She crouches]

Ryudo: Uh, hey! Millenia!

[Bright light around her, she vanishes and Elena appears]

Roan: I- I can't believe Miss Millenia is really Valmar...

Mareg: The SMELL... is gone... So it was not Melfice...

Elena: ... Ryudo? Where am I? It happened... again!

[Back at Gadan's house, with Gadan still unconscious]

Elena: Ryudo, just what happened to him?

Ryudo: You remember anything after being swallowed by the Tongue of Valmar?

Elena: No...

Ryudo: Well, Millenia appeared again. And, according to her, Gadan was 
possessed by the Tongue of Valmar. I won't comment on THAT, but apparently, 
this was the source of the town's troubles.

Elena: ... Our holy book contains a passage that speaks of this... First 
Valmar possesses one's soul... and then devours it. Maybe this is what 
happened to Gadan. The poor man. Valmar took advantage of the weakness of his 
soul...

Ryudo: After we beat Gadan... the Tongue of Valmar, Millenia did something to 
him... it. This is the result.

Elena: Each Piece of Valmar can feed off of another to increase their own 
power... How revolting... This man must have had his soul devoured...

Ryudo: I can't beleive she'd... do such a thing.

Roan: Me too. Didn't we manage to fiw the town's problems... only thanks to 
Miss Millenia?

Elena: I can't believe it either... I think it's just a coincidence.

Mareg: Millenia and the Tongue of Valmar... Lo, the Tongue of Valmar stank of 
ruin, as does Melfice.

Ryudo: Are you saying that Melfice is... possessed?

Mareg: I know not. No matter, he is dangerous, possessed or otherwise. But I 
WILL have my vengeance.

Ryudo: Mareg, when I'm finished with Elena... ih, this job, let me go along 
with you.

Mareg: I know not where to begin my search, and this land is unfamiliar to me. 
You would not be unwelcome should you choose to come.

Ryudo: Right. What about you, Elena?

Elena: ... I am sure that the Wings of Valmar are within me. Every night, I 
can feel the Drakness drawing across my soul like a shroud... The cold... ... 
I must see His Holiness Zera soon.

Roan: The townspeople seem to be all better!

Ryudo: Okay, so we go straight to Granas Cathedral.

[They spend the night at the inn first. At dinner]

Ryudo: As insane as it sounds, they have their sens of taste back. Now we may 
eat!

Elena: So, we are about to cross the Granacliffs! I can't believe we are 
really going to cross over that big chasm? It makes me nervous.

Roan: Yes. We shall cross the Granacliffs soon! Elena, is this the first time 
you have ever seen the Granacliffs?

Ryudo: Yeah. It's her first time. But remember, Roan, most things ARE new to 
country girls like Elena...

Elena: All right, that is about enough of that, Ryudo. So, tell me everyone, 
were you this nervous the first time you crossed the Granacliffs? Oooh, I am 
sooo nervous. I still cannot believe that we will be crossing over that chasm.

Roan: Actually, I do not recall the first time I crossed the Granacliffs... I 
guess my mind was on other things...

Elena: Eh...? Something was more attention grabbing than the Granacliffs? What 
could that have been?

Roan: I was riding with Gonzola and some others... At one point, Risotto 
started to panic, running and yelling, "I'm getting off!"

Skye: Risotto? You mean that big fool Risotto? I could see how his running 
about would distract passengers...

Roan: All I can remember is his face... Flinging forth tears and snot as he 
cried and shouted.

Mareg: The legends of my people say that the Granacliffs are where lost, 
wandering spirits are consumed. The first time I crossed the Granacliffs, I 
too, felt rather uneasy.

Ryudo: Hey! That reminds me of a legend I've heard! That you can HEAR the 
cries of all the people who've fallen into the Granacliffs!

Elena: ... Come on, now. You are kidding, right!?

Mareg: Ryudo, maybe the cries heard are from all the lost souls who gather at 
the Granacliffs...

Elena: Really, now... Ryudo, did you really hear of such a legend? That was a 
joke, right? About the voice of someone who fell in the Granacliffs...

Ryudo: No, it's true. It's a spooky, tortured voice - a shrill cry from the 
bottom of the 'Cliffs. Why, are you afraid, Elena?

Elena: There are many wandering spirits like that. Lord Granas, please grant 
eternal peace to those poor lost souls...

Ryudo: ... So, why aren't you afraid?

Roan: The wind blows through the Granacliffs, it starts swirling around in 
there, and the noise it makes sounds like human cries.

Elena: Oh, I get it... So, there are not any wandering spirits after all.

Ryudo: Kid, there's going to be ONE wandering spirit here real soon if you 
don't learn how to keep your mouth shut.

Elena: Anyway, I am happy to know that you were only joking about the 
wandering spirits! It would be so terrible if it were true. Even if some poor, 
lost souls really were wandering around, Granas is still with them...

Ryudo: Which begs the question: Why are there poor lost souls at all?! Is 
supreme-being Granas too busy to help them?!

Roan: You know, each region has its own stories about the Granacliffs. It 
would take forever and a day to tell them all.

Mareg: Ha! Elena, you should not allow yourself to be tricked by Ryudo. He is 
as sly as any fox I have ever seen.

Skye: Do not even get me started Mareg... It is unfortunate for Elena to be 
his victim.

Ryudo: So, has everyone had enough? Well, I guess we'd better get going now, 
before I forget to thank the innkeeper for the AMAZING food.

Skye: You really have a way with words...

[The next morning they go to Skyway Station, where they find the family they 
had met before]

Ryudo: Feeling better? 

Engineer: Yes, thanks to the Sister and your party. Thank you very much.

Wife: I'm so glad that we are back to normal. I just cannot thank you 
enough...

Son: Thank you, Miss!

Engineer: I have something important to do, so...

[The family leaves]

Elena: So... measure for measure, all's well that ends well. The townsfolk 
have been saved, and all is as it should be. Mr. Gadan... well... He took care 
of his body, but not his soul. Perhaps this was his error.

Ryudo: He was right, to a certain extent...

Elena: What do you mean?

Ryudo: The people of this town... They sacrificed their well-being for 
promises of wealth. Gadan didn't have to do anything, really; the people 
decided what they wanted. A subtle trap.

Elena: But still... the trap has been sprung. All has been put right. If 
everyone works together, happiness will retunr to even this broken world. Lord 
Granas yet watches over us...

Ryudo: You've missed the point entirely, princess. The story doesn't end here. 
We don't all hold hands and skip home.

Elena: Huh?

Ryudo: The world is not so black and white. The answers aren't as pat as you'd 
like to believe.

Elena: Wha- what do you mean?

Ryudo: You'll find out eventually. Come on, we've yet to cross the 
Granacliffs. Just a little farther to the Cathedral!

[They take the Skyway. Later, onboard...]
