======================================================================= VANDAL HEARTS SCRIPT Written by Kamau mglanville@hotmail.com www.rpgpalace.cjb.net Please ask my permission before putting any part of this script on your site by e-mailing me at mglanville@hotmail.com Transcription progress: Act I: A Premonition of War 100% Act II: Island of Madness 100% Act III: Escape to Tomorrow 50% Act IV: The Successor 0% Act V: The Legacy 0% Act VI: A Fool's Epitaph 0% Extra Dialogue and Notes 25% Seperate act scrips are available individually at RPG Palace (www.rpgpalace.cjb.net). Multi-script file is updated one act at a time. ======================================================================= Sostegaria... For over a millennium the fertile lands in the heart of this vast continent were ruled by the Holy Ashah Dynasty, descendants of Toroah the Messiah. However, it is man's doom to forget... Amidst all the wealth and exotic pleasures, the nobility lost their way and sank into corruption and depravity, forgetting even the holy teaching of Toroah. It was in these days of unrest that the citizens, struggling under an oppressive regime, rose up and - under the leadership of Arris the Sage - took up arms against the Kingdom. That was the first outbreak of violence in what would later be known simply as "The Revolution". The Royal Army's counterattack was swift and fierce, but time and time again they were put to flight by the cunning strategies of Arris and the indomitable will of the advancing Liberation Army. Victory in hand, the rebels set up a Council and worked to establish the continent's first democracy. And so, the republic of "Ishtaria" was born. However, Arris the Sage, whom all hoped would lead the country, mysteriously vanished and has not been seen again to this day. Now, 15 years later, the shadow of war once again threatens Ishtaria... ======================================================================= 1254 at Gillbaris Island "Castle Ruins" (We see three soldiers enter a large temple of some sort. One of them is unmasked. They examine the temple.) Soldier: What is this place? (A fourth soldier enters. He is also unmasked and wears a long, red cloak. He looks very important. He speaks...) Magnus: Ah... A hidden room. (Magnus, the cloaked soldier, walks forward.) Magnus: Hmm?... What's that? (The camera swivels round and we see a raised platform with an ornament of some sort on it. There is a red orb in the ornament. Magnus steps up to it and the other soldiers follow him.) Magnus: Oh... That sparkle... This must be it!... (Magnus reaches out and touches the orb and rays of energy blast out of it suddenly.) Magnus: Th... These rays... What's happening? (The orb glows white and the soldiers are blinded by the bright light.) ======================================================================= ======================================================================= ACT I: A PREMONITION OF WAR ======================================================================= ======================================================================= (Complete blackness. We can hear the sound of running water, and birds are singing.) ...Ash... ...Ash!!... (The blackness fades into a grassy area with hills and trees. Three men in long brown robes are standing side-by-side with some sort of cargo.) Merchant: Ash!... Man called Ash: Huh... Oh sorry... I was just thinking... Merchant: Well you better get up. We've got some trouble. Other merchant: We're surrounded! (The camera zooms out to show a large gang of thieves emerging from the hills and trees. It zooms back in on an archer.) Thief: He he... You're trapped. Don't you know that this valley belongs to the "Fangs of Umbaba"? Other thief: They're just some dumb wandering peddlers... Ignorance is the root of misfortune, as they say. Thief: If ya wanna live, hand over everything ya got! Although, we'll probably kill you anyway! ...Right boss? (The camera pans across to a large man with a big sword.) Zoot: Wa ha ha ha... Ya got that right! (The camera pans back to the three merchants.) Man called Ash: .................... Thief: Hee hee hee Too scared to talk baby? (The archer runs up to Ash, but the merchant pulls a sword from his robes and slices at the thief, killing him instantly.) Zoot: What the...! Merchant: Ha! Where's that stupid laugh now?! Other merchant: Now you're the ones who are trapped! Zoot: Who the hell are you guys? (Ash quickly removes his cloak to reveal a man in shining armor with a sharp sword and a solid shield.) Ash: Ash Lambert. 3rd Platoon, Ishtarian Security Forces. (The first merchant removes his robes. He is a grinning soldier with a red bandanna and a bow and arrow.) Diego: Diego Renault. From the same. (The third merchant removes his robes. He looks similar to Ash only with a larger sword. His hair is tied back into a small ponytail and he has short stubble on his face.) Clint: Clint Picard. Likewise. Zoot: Ash?!?... Ash of the Black Wind?! Ash: Surrender quietly and we'll grant you quarter! Zoot: Against only three?... Kill them now! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE AGAINST THIEVES ** VICTORY = Defeat of Zoot Gach DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * VICTORY * Zoot: Argh... Don't kill me! I'm pleading with you! (The screen fades to black and then back in again. Zoot has been tied up by Ash, Diego and Clint.) Diego: That should teach you guys a... huh? It's you! I knew I'd seen you before... Zoot Gach! Ash: What?! The same Zoot Gach that we threw in jail just 2 months ago? Diego: Yup. Same bonehead grin. Don't ya recognize him? Zoot: The pleasure's all mine. Diego: Wait a minute... Only 2 months and he's already out?! He must have busted out! Ash: True, but I don't think for a minute that this loser would be able to break himself out of prison. Zoot: Staves and stones may crack yer bones... But it don't bother me cause my friends won't forget about me! Diego: What does that mean?! Answer me! Zoot: Oh nothing... I'm just mumbling. Clint: Ah... I think I get it. Ash: .................... Clint: Bandits have shut off all trade in this valley. Whoever freed him is probably reaping huge blackmarket profits... A crooked politician or merchant pulled strings. So what else is new? Diego: That burns me up! Should I put an arrow in him right now, Ash? Zoot: No... Stop!... Ash: Hold it Diego. Killing this flea is no answer... Our job is finished. Let's go back to Shumeria! ======= CAPITAL SHUMERIA ============================================== Ash: First let's go to HQ and give our report. (Ash and his companions MOVE to Security Force HQ. We see a room with a desk. The three men are with another older man.) Ash: ...And that concludes my report. Clive: I see... Well done. Let's take a good look into the background of this... Zoot Gach. Ash: I agree. Diego: As always. The big guy gets away, the truth gets swept under the carpet, and only the small guy gets screwed! Clint: Hey! You're outta line! Clive: Hmm... You're right. There are lots of things wrong with this government... Corrupt politicians, oppressive taxes and not enough police. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. But no matter how filthy things get, as long as we remember who we are... We, the people, have the freedom to change things for the better. And it's that freedom that so many people died for 15 years ago! Ash: I understand... Diego: I had no right to mouth off like that. I'm sorry. Clive: No... It's all right. In any case, you all did a fine job. Why don't you relax a little. (It fades back to the town square again.) Diego: Now how about we head to the tavern for a drink? ======= CAPITAL SHUMERIA TAVERN ======================================= (Ash and the others go to the tavern and talk to the people there. If you try to leave the bar, a man enters.) Man: H.. Help... Somebody... ...Riot... Ash: What?! Clint: Calm down and tell us what happened. Man: A riot has broken out in the Dover District! Diego: Dover District... AKA the Royal Ghetto. But they hate bloodshed. They're always the first to negotiate. Man: That's the terrible part! The army decided that the Royalists were behind the assassination of Smetana, and they came to take Count Claymore away. Things got tense. The young nobles gathered around the soldiers... Then there was some shoving and someone drew a sword... Clint: What kind of fool... Ash: Let's get over there right away. ======= DOVER DISTRICT ================================================ (The three soldiers stand in an old street in the rain. A man is ahead with his back to them. He is wearing large crimson armor and has a very large sword in its sheath.) Ash: These are the advance troops? (The camera pans across the city. Crimson-coloured knights are duelling with rioters in light clothing.) Crimon Soldier: Hayahhh! Rioter: Waaaa! (The soldiers kills the rioter.) Crimson Soldier: Kiiiiyaaaaaaa! Rioter: Unnnnnh! (The soldier kills the rioter.) Rioter: We... We surrender! Crimson Soldier: Surrender to death! Rioter: Aaaaaahhhhhh! (The soldier kills the rioter.) Diego: Barbarians! Clint: Crimson Guard. Special anti-terrorist forces... An elite fighting force formed by the well known right winger, Hel Spites. They're famous for being ruthless with terrorists, but this is too much! Kane: (the man in the crimson suit) Troops... Assemble! (The camera swivels round to show the crimson soldiers forming a small unit in front of Kane, and he turns to face Ash.) Kane: Well if it isn't the Security Forces! What are you doing poking your little noses around here? Ash: .......... Kane: I know you... You're Ash Lambert. The son of a traitor becoming a platoon leader. What a joke! Diego: What did you say! Clint: You scum! Ash: Stop it both of you! Diego: But Ash... Ash: Let him talk. Kane: Always trying to sound like a saint, aren't you? As you can see, we've cleared the area of enemies. Some are still holed up in that church, but we have business elsewhere. As long as you're here, you can take care of those left in the church. Make sure you do a good job now! (Kane leads the crimson soldiers away and they watch him leave.) Diego: That lousy creep! Clint: Yes, but what are we going to do, Ash? Ash: Let's go and see if they will surrender. It looks like there are no enemies around, but don't relax your guard. (The camera rotates and zooms out to show the town, when some War Ghosts and Hunter Imps appear. It zooms back to show the soldiers.) Diego: Where did these monsters come from?! Ash: They've been summoned by a powerful mage! Clint: We're gonna have to cut through them! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE IN THE DOVER DISTRICT ** VICTORY = Arrival at church DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * AFTER 1 ROUND * Diego: This is a pretty filthy place for nobles to live! Ash: After the war, their estates were confiscated and a special tax was levied on them. They can't even vote. Clint: Just as the Ashah Dynasty did, we are oppressing them just for being who they are. Politicians always make the weak in society pay for others' mistakes. Diego: That would make anyone want to fight back! ======================================================================= * AFTER 2 ROUNDS * Ash: We have to release that drawbridge! If we 'examine' the switch, it should release it! ======================================================================= * VICTORY * (Ash, Clint and Diego enter the church where they find a small group of rioters with weapons.) Ash: You're surrounded. Drop your weapons. We don't want any more needless bloodshed. (A smartly-dressed man walks towards Ash from the altar. He has a stick in one hand. It is Count Claymore.) Count Claymore: You mean that, don't you? Ash: Of course I do. Young man: Don't listen Count! He's a blood drinking devil! Count Claymore: But if we continue, everyone will die. Other young man: Excuse me, Count... But how can you trust these soldiers that just slaughtered us? Count Claymore: Peace needs to begin somewhere. Also, this man seems different than those crimson murderers. I'll give him a chance. (Count Claymore steps forward.) Count Claymore: We surrender. (The men all drop their weapons and step back a bit cautiously.) Ash: I'm Ash Lambert. Ishtarian Security Force. Thank you for your quick compliance. Count Claymore: My name is Roland Claymore. This riot is my responsibility. Please do not blame anyone else. Ash: We have laws here. It's not for me to decide... But I will report that you offered us no resistance. Kane: That's enough! Stop right there! (They all turn to see Kane and the Crimson Soldiers enter the church, and they close the doors behind them.) Ash: The Crimson Guards have come back. Kane: Nice job for a bunch of weaklings like you! But we'll assume control from this point on! Or maybe this son of a traitor wants to take credit for this? Ash: I want no credit. Do as you like. (The Crimson Guards march forward and Clint and Diego move aside. Kane stops when he reaches Ash, waits a while, then Ash also steps aside.) Kane: Thank you, I will... Which one is Claymore? Count Claymore: I am... Kane: Good. Come over here. (Claymore walks over and stands next to Kane.) Kane: I have no need for the others. Kill them! (The Crimson Soldiers advance and the rioters try to run away. Diego steps forward in horror and we hear swords slicing flesh as blood sprays up from off-screen.) Count Claymore: What have you done?! (Claymore walks forward and falls to his knees. The camera pans across to show the corpses of the rioters, then pans back to show Ash and his companions.) Diego: Murderer... Clint: I won't forget this! Ash: Kane you bastard!!!! Kane: So the traitor finally shows his colors? Good! I've wanted to cross swords with you for a long time! (Kane draws his mighty blade, but the church doors swing open and Clive rushes in. He stands between them.) Clive: Stop it you two! Ash: Commander Beckett! Clive: Stop! You're both sworn to defend this country! Kane: Leave us be old man! Clive: You had best watch that mouth of yours, Kane! The Crimson Guard is already in enough trouble with the council. More trouble and even your dad, Hel Spites won't be able to help. Kane: Save your hollow threats for someone else... But I will be a big man and forget your rude words to me today. However, I'm taking this old blueblood with me! (Kane leads the Crimson Guards out of the church, taking Claymore with them. They close the doors behind them.) Ash: Damn him... Clive: Thanks for staying cool, Ash. It will be fine... ======================================================================= The next day... (We see Clive and another man standing in his office. The other man has long black hair and large metal shoulder pads. He is wearing an ornate royal-looking cloak.) Ash: Excuse me sir. (Ash enters the room and the other man steps forward. Oh! You must be Ash! Clive: Ash, this is Dolf Crowley, a representative from the Young Revolutionary Party. Ash: Nice to meet you. Clive: Dolf has been sent out as a mediator to deal with yesterday's incident. Ash: Hmm.............. Dolf: I understand exactly how you feel Ash. The Crimson Guards were completely at fault in yesterday's massacre. Normally there would be need for a mediator in a case like this, but there are a few complications. As you know, the Crimson Guards are the pet project of Hel Spites, the Minister of Defense. Hel's tactics may be questionable, but his power and influence in the council are not. I personally think that he is a dangerous man who needs to be watched. Ash: .................... Dolf: Two council members are competing to become head. Hel Spites and Renaldo Castille, who is as you know the head of the Domestic Security Forces, your boss. See the pattern? Ash: You're saying it's more than just a personal grudge between us and the Crimson Guard. Do you think it could escalate into a confrontation between the DSF and the army?! Dolf: Well... Let's not be overly pessimistic. But we need to act swiftly to avoid future trouble. Ash: ...So what do you want us to do? Dolf: As punishment we'll send you on leave away from your policing duties here in the capital. But that's just to establish your cover! The truth is that I have a top secret assignment for you... (The screen fades to black and fades back into a conference room. Ash, Diego, Clint and Clive are gathered around a large table.) Diego: So what is this top secret mission? Ash: Do you know who General Magnus Dunbar is? Diego: Of course. The greatest hero of our country! Why? Clint: He's also 2nd in line behind Hel in the Defense Ministry. Ash: Well 3 months ago he went to Gillbaris Island with a squad of hand picked soldiers and he hasn't been seen since. Clint: Gillbaris Island? In the Gadar Sea? Why? Ash: I don't know. But I've heard rumors that he was acting on secret orders from Hel who was planning a coup d'etat. Clint: That guy is out of control. Diego: And he wants us to investigate that, huh... Clint: But Magnus is known for his sense of justice. I don't think he would just blindly follow Hel Spites' orders... Clive: This secret assignment makes me uneasy... I'm still not personally sure how much we can believe this Dolf. It may be a wise idea not to accept this assignment... Ash: No. I'm going to go. If we stay here we may cause trouble for you. You've been a good friend to me. Clive: Ash, that's not why I had you assigned here! Ash: Of course I know that. But whatever Dolf's reasons may be, we can't ignore what happened to General Magnus. Clint: That's true. Diego: I wanted to take a vacation anyway. Clive: I understand... But this is a dangerous assignment. I want you to be careful every step of the way. ======= PALACE RUINS ================================================== (After leaving Shumeria and travelling to the palace ruins, we see the gang amongst old-looking columns and structures.) Ash: This was the palace of the Ashah Dynasty. Clint: 15 years ago Arris' army arrived here. This magnificent palace was burned to the ground. Even now, when it grows dark, the spirits of the dead haunt this place. Diego: Hey cut it out! You're giving me the creeps! Mysterious voice: Go back where you came from! Diego: Eeeeeeek! Mysterious voice: A curse will befall all who enter here! Ash: Don't be silly. Nothing to be afraid of. Mysterious voice: Fools! Die then if you wish! (The camera zooms out to show many Clay Golems teleporting down into the ruins.) ======================================================================= ** BATTLE IN THE PALACE RUINS ** VICTORY = Destruction of enemies DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * VICTORY * (A small girl with blonde hair emerges from behind a column. She is wearing red robes and has a staff of some sort in her hand.) Girl: My clay golems!... (She runs over to where the three soldiers are standing.) Ash: That doesn't sound like the same voice! Clint: So this is the one who created the golems... Diego: That was a pretty vicious thing to do! Girl: You're the vicious ones! Trying to make my daddy into a traitor!... Ash: Daddy?... Who are you?... Girl: Eleni Dunbar, daughter of Magnus Dunbar. Ash: General Dunbar!?! But it seems that you're misinformed. We're just trying to... Huxley: Miss Eleni! (The camera rotates to show an old man shuffle across the stone bridge. He is wearing white robes and has a long, grey beard. He is also carrying a staff.) Eleni: Huxley!... I told you not to follow me! Huxley: But Miss Eleni... Oh... Some gentlemen from the DSF, I hope she didn't bother you... Diego: 'Bother'! She tried to kill us!! (Huxley bows down to Ash and the others.) Huxley: A thousand humble pardons, my lords... I am Miss Eleni's tutor, Huxley Hobbes. It seems as if the young miss has heard some foolish rumors... Eleni: It isn't a foolish rumor! (Ash walks over to Eleni.) Ash: Please just listen to our side of the story... Some say that Magnus was planning a coup, but we never believed it! Eleni: So you think something happened to him? Ash: That's what we came to this island to find out. Eleni: I believe you. Let's get started! Huxley: Absolutely not! I won't allow it, Miss! Eleni: It's my decision! And stop calling me 'Miss'! Please Ash, I want to help my father! Let me come with you! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- * QUESTION * > 1. OK. Let's go! > 2. No you're too young! * ANSWER * > 1. OK. Let's go! Ash: OK. Let's go! But you better be able to take care of yourself! Eleni: Thanks Ash! Diego: Geez, Ash. I can't believe you! * ANSWER * > 2. No you're too young! Ash: No you're too young! This is no picnic! Eleni: Fine. I'll just go to Gillbaris Island myself. Diego: I guess we have to take her now, Ash... Ash: .................... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Huxley: What?!!!!..... In that case, I shall be forced to go as well. Although I appear frail, I am a master of healing. You will need my help! Eleni joined your party. Huxley joined your party. Diego: Even the old guy is gonna come with us?! Oh man! ======================================================================= (The screen fades into a dark prison somewhere. Count Claymore has been chained to a post and Kane is standing in front of him. Lurking by the door is a man in grand robes and armor, his grey hair elegantly combed back across his head.) Kane: C'mon old man, tell us what you know! (Kane steps forward and hits Claymore in the face.) Count Claymore: Oooof. I... know... nothing... Hel: Don't lie, Count. As the highest ranking nobleman, you must know! Count Claymore: ............... Kane: Fool! My father heard you! How about that?! (Kane hits Claymore across the face again.) Voice: Hey it's not nice to mistreat old people. (The camera pans back to the entrance and the gates roll down. Dolf walks in and stands beside Hel Spites.) Hel: Oh, it's you. Dolf: Don't kill the old fool... yet. There is still valuable information that we require. Kane: I like you. You're almost as evil as I. Would you like to take a crack at breaking this old man? Hel: Enough, Kane! So... Dolf... How goes our little plan? Dolf: Everything is going as scheduled... Just to be sure, one of my people has even infiltrated their group. Hel: Good... Now we just have to wait for them to arrive at Gillbaris Island. Count Claymore: Gillbaris Island! No... You mustn't! Dolf: Ho ho. I knew you knew something. Count Claymore: Ooops... Kane: Now you can tell me everything you know... ======= RHINE BRIDGE ================================================== (The group has assembled on a large wooden bridge held up by thick cables. Beneath them is a fast-flowing river.) Huxley: These kinds of bridges just aren't safe. Diego: C'mon! I'm going anyway! Clint: I'm not so sure about that... (The camera pans across to the other end of the bridge where there is a large gang of thieves. They look similar to Zoot's gang, only with a darker shade of green on their clothing.) Thief: Huh? Those aren't merchants. Other thief: Don't bother me none! We can always sell their stuff for money after we kill 'em. Diego: Oboy... Where did these guys come from all of a sudden? Ash: Don't worry. Piece of cake! Thief: Hey it looks like these guys are game! Other thief: Don't worry. We won't even bloody our hands! Clint: Look out! I smell gunpowder! (The camera zooms out and the part of the bridge behind the group explodes, leaving a wide gap back to the land. The cables still hold the rest of the bridge in place.) Thief: Huh? I missed. Well that's okay. This bridge will collapse soon anyway. They're headed for the bottom of the river. Huxley: This is not good. Ash: Let's cross this bridge before it collapses! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE ON THE RHINE BRIDGE ** VICTORY = Destruction of enemies DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * EVERY TURN * (A piece of the bridge will explode every turn. Any units, allies or enemies, are killed if they are standing on the part of the bridge as it explodes.) * AFTER 1 ROUND * Diego: Eleni, why don't you whip out some golems now? Eleni: Don't you remember? You destroyed them all! Do you know how long it took me to make those golems? One year to form them from the mud and two years to give them life! Diego: Okay okay, I got it... Next time you should make them a little more durable! Eleni: Hmph! * AFTER 2 ROUNDS * (An female archer dressed in pink garments appears on the other side of the bridge.) Female warrior: Looks like you guys could use some help! Ash: Who are you? Female warrior: My name's Kira Wulfstan. Let's fight together. * WHEN KIRA ATTACKS * Kira: Suck on this, brigand! Ash: What a fighter! * VICTORY * (Having killed all of the thieves, the group assemble on the safety of the land the other side of the bridge.) Ash: I'm Ash Lambert... Thanks for helping us. Kira: I'm Kira. A mercenary. Diego: A fierce warrior and a beauty as well. I think I'm in love... Clint: That's rude Diego. Kira: That's okay. Want to hire me as a bodyguard? It looks like you only have this one cute guy as your basic archer class. I'll bet you could use another archer in your party. How about it? Diego: He he. She called me cute! You're a fine archer! We welcome you to our party, right Ash? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- * QUESTION * > 1. Of course we do. > 2. But... * ANSWER * > 1. Of course we do. Ash: Of course we do. You'll be a great help. Diego: Now things are getting interesting! * ANSWER * > 2. But... Ash: But this is a top secret mission! Diego: So what?! What about Eleni and the old man? Ash: Okay... That's a good point. She can come. Diego: Yahoo! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Clint: Are you sure, Ash? We shouldn't involve some woman who we hardly know. Kira: Oh yeah? Well I bet I'm a match for even you! Clint: It's not your strength that I'm questioning... Diego: You sound like a grumpy old man, Clint! Clint: ............... Ash: The sun will set soon... Let's make camp. ======================================================================= (Night-time, Ash is standing beside the river playing a soothing melody on a small instrument (I think it's an ocarina). Eleni slowly wanders down and waits nearby for him to finish playing.) Eleni: That's beautiful... Ash: Oh... It's you. Couldn't sleep? Eleni: I want to apologize for forcing you to take me. Ash: Well I understand you're worried about your dad. But you should know that it's possible that your dad really is a traitor. It's also possible that he has reasons that neither of us know about. I want you to be ready to judge for yourself when the time comes. Eleni: ...I know what you're trying to say but I trust my father completely! Ash: ............... (There is a long pause as Ash and Eleni both watch the river flow by.) Eleni: The truth is... I'm adopted. 15 years ago, Magnus found me. My parents had been killed in the war and I couldn't remember who I was or what my name was. But Magnus loved me as if I was his own flesh and blood. That's why I'll always trust my father even if no one else does. Ash: That's beautiful. I'm jealous of you... Eleni: You don't trust your father? Ash: He died during the Revolution. Eleni: I'm so sorry! Ash: No. Don't be sorry. He doesn't deserve it. My father was a soldier in the Liberation Army, but he switched sides and died a traitor's death. My mother and I faced constant humiliation... After mother died I fell apart and only Commander Beckett trusted me. He saved me from myself... Eleni: Mr. Lambard... Ash: Anyway, I didn't mean to bore you with that... Please call me Ash. Okay Eleni? Eleni: Sure... Ash and you can call me Eleni. Sweet dreams, Ash. Ash: Goodnight, Eleni... (Ash watches as Eleni walks back to where she came from. He folds his arms and closes his eyes.) ======= PORT CITY MINATO ============================================== Ash: We need to find a ship to take us to Gillbaris Island. Let's go to the tavern and ask around. Clint: Hmm... It's strange. Last time I was here, this was a lively and bustling port city... ======= PORT CITY MINATO TAVERN ======================================= (Ash and the others go to the tavern and talk to the people there. If you try to leave the bar, the bartender stops you.) Bartender: Wait a minute! There is one chance... Nah... Forget it! He'd never do it! Ash: Tell me! What? Bartender: Well his name is Grog Drinkwater... He was a great sailor once, but his younger brother was killed by Hassan the Pirate and he hasn't been the same since... Ash: Let's go have a talk with this fellow Grog... ======= GROG'S HOUSE ================================================== (A small house with bottles of drink all over the place. A man is sitting on the rug in the middle of the room, gulping down drink from a bottle, which is supposedly alcohol. There is a knock at the door, but the man ignores it.) Ash: Excuse me?... (There are three more knocks on the door, and the man doesn't even look away from his drink.) Ash: Anybody home?... (Three more knocks and still no response.) Ash: I'm coming in. (The door opens and Ash, Diego and Clint all walk inside. Still, the man continues to drink, apparently oblivious to the world around him.) Diego: Man, this place stinks of wine! Grog: You bust into my place and then mouth off?! Ash: Sorry, we knocked but no one answered. Grog: Stupid punks!!! I didn't answer cause I didn't wanna be bothered! Clint: Well we're here anyway. We want to hire you and your ship to take us to Gillbaris Island. Of course we will pay you handsomely. Grog: Gillbaris Island?!... Even you strangers must have heard the rumors of Hassan the Pirate! If ya don't wanna die, you'll forget about goin' there! Ash: We're not leaving until you agree to take us... (The screen fades to black, then fades back in again. The room has got darker. They must have been waiting a long time...) Grog: ...C'mon already. We'd never make it there! Ash: We can protect you from those sea dogs. Grog: Okay. I'll make a deal with you. If you guys are strong enough to defeat the monster livin' in the sand dunes outside of town, I'll think about it. Ash: Okay. It's a deal. Diego: Ash, you don't even know what the heck it is! (Ash and Clint ignore Diego and leave the house, and the archer quickly hurries after them.) Grog: Don't get your fool selves killed... ======= SAND DUNES OF SEA ============================================= (The group are standing on the sand fields, dead trees here and there. It looks like a vast desert.) Huxley: Oh this sand is killing my flat feet! Eleni: I told you not to come along! Kira: By the way, what kind of monster is it? Clint: Huh? There's something moving under the sand! (The camera rotates to show six clawed hands burrowing out of the sand. In the middle of them, a large insectoid monster head emerges and the sand raises to form a hill with the monster's head at the top.) Huxley: Oh no! It's a bug!... I detest bugs!!! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE ON THE SAND DUNES OF SEA ** VICTORY = Defeat of monster DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * EVERY ROUND * (Any arms which have been killed previously are resurrected in the corners of the battlefield.) * AFTER 1 ROUND * Ash: We're gonna have to aim for its head! * VICTORY * (To the next scene...) ======= GROG'S HOUSE ================================================== (Ash, Diego and Clint are back in Grog's house. This time the man seems to have tidied up the place. He is no longer drinking and the bottles have been cleared up. Also he is... STANDING!!) Grog: I never thought you guys were really gonna do it. Clint: So that means you'll take us now, right? (Grog turns around and steps away, revealing a mighty sword and shield on his back. The camera swivels round to show us his face.) Grog: ............... Let me sleep on it, okay? Diego: Sleep on it?! You promised! Ash: Hold on... (There is a brief pause.) Ash: We'll accept your answer tomorrow, but let me just say one thing... Whoever it is you've lost, drinking won't bring them back... Just remember that... (Ash, Diego and Clint leave the house. Diego pauses for a moment to look back at Grog, then follows the others. After the front door has closed, Grog bows his head.) Grog: ...Little brother... I'm sorry... ======================================================================= The next day... (The four men are back in Grog's house.) Grog: All right. I'll take you! Ash: Thanks a lot! Grog: I thought about what you said and you were right. Grog joined your party. Grog: The ships docked just outta town... ======= GADAR SEA ===================================================== (Out in the ocean with no land in sight, a large ship sails past and we can see a number of menacing-looking pirates on board. It sails alongside Grog's ship and two bridges extend from the side, joining the two vessels.) Grog: Ha! I knew he'd show up! Ash: That's Hassan the Pirate? (The camera swings round to focus on Hassan, a muscle-bound pirate with a long ponytail, tanned skin and a gigantic axe in his hands.) Hassan: Been too long since we seen some action! Pirate: You're so famous that no ships even try to come through anymore. Look! This is no trader, but there's 2 women! Hassan: Eh? Who's that?! Grog: I've come to avenge my friends! Hassan: You really want to fight me!?! Pirate: Master? What's the problem? Hassan: Ho... Ho... No problems... Let's fight then! You ran away while you're* friends died * This should be "your", but one by one! I just copied it exactly from No drunken good for Vandal Hearts. nothing has-been can fight me and live! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE IN THE GADAR SEA ** VICTORY = Defeat of Hassan DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * VICTORY * Hassan: Argh! Brother... (The screen fades to black. When it fades back in, Hassan is laying on the deck of his ship, wounded. The others are all around him and Grog is kneeling beside him.) Hassan: Oooof... Ss... Strong... Always stronger... me Grog: Fool... You goddamn fool! Diego: ?!... What's going on here? Clint: He said his brother was killed by pirates.... But in reality Hassan was his brother?! Hassan: Ever since we were kids, I was always trying to catch up to you... Always trying to be stronger, tougher than you... For a while I thought I had passed you, but I was just a filthy pirate... I'm sorry for what I did to your friends!... Ugh! Grog: It's okay now... Try to relax!... Hassan: I wish I could go back... Do it over again... I... just... got... tired of... chasing you... Good bye.......... (The group watches as Hassan's breathing lessens and he dies. Grog bows his head and closes his eyes. The screen fades to black.) (When it fades back in, Grog is standing at the back of his ship, staring out into the ocean. Ash approaches him from behind.) Ash: I'm sorry, Grog. I got you involved with no idea of what I was doing... (Grog turns around, smiling.) Grog: No... It was a good thing. Didn't you notice how peaceful his face looked in death? He wanted to die... by my hand. He was consumed by guilt! I knew how he felt, but I ran away from it. I'm glad he's finally free! Ash: ............... Grog: Don't worry about it! You got yer own problems. Anyway, I want to come with ya. I have no life back there and I can see you'll need my help! ======================================================================= ======================================================================= ACT I: A PREMONITION OF WAR END ======================================================================= ======================================================================= Gillbaris Island.... Over the centuries, this tiny island in the Gadar Sea has given rise to numerous myths and legends. It is called the Island of Ancient Mysteries and has been the subject of much speculation over the years. It is the island of General Magnus' disappearance and it is here that Ash and his companions now venture. ======================================================================= ======================================================================= ACT II: ISLAND OF MADNESS ======================================================================= ======================================================================= (Fade in to show the group on the outskirts of a small town with tiny huts and wooden fences.) Grog: So here we are. The island's only city. Kira: But there's something wrong with this place! (The camera pans across the village. There are stone statues of weird beasts here and there and the villagers are all facing the group. Their skin is an unnatural green and their eyes are red. They are all holding dangerous-looking sharp farming tools.) Villager: Interlopers! (Pans across to an old man, also green.) Villagers: Interlopers are here! (Pans across to a young woman.) Villager: Kill the interlopers! (Pans across to another woman.) Villagers: Kill them! (Pans across to a young man.) Villager: Kill them all! (The camera finally pans back to the group.) Huxley: Not exactly what I'd call a warm reception... Eleni: Oooh!... There's an evil and malicious force coming from those statues! (The camera zooms across to one of the stone beasts and we hear an eerie wailing noise, then pans back to the group.) Clint: They're being controlled by those statues?! Ash: Destroy the statues but spare the villagers! Diego: Easy to say, but what if they attack us? Clint: The blocks can be used to slow them down. Push the blocks to guide them and maybe we can avoid killing them. ======================================================================= ** BATTLE IN YUZU VILLAGE ** VICTORY = Destruction of statues DEFEAT = Death of Ash and villagers ======================================================================= * VICTORY * (The group are bunched up in the middle of the village and still the zombie-like villagers are advancing upon them slowly.) Diego: We destroyed the statues but they keep coming! Eleni: Don't be so sure. Take a look! (There is a bright white glow and when it fades, the villagers have returned to normal, their skin regular colour and their eyes normal.) Villager: Huh... Where are we... What's going on?... Villager: It was like a horrible nightmare... Villager: Yech! My mouth tastes terrible! Ash: Ha ha! Well I'm glad you're better now. (The screen fades to black and then back in to the interior of a building, presumably in the village. The group are standing inside with a few of the villagers.) Mayor: Thank you for saving us! Ash: What happened to you anyway? Mayor: It all started 3 months ago... It started when soldiers came from the mainland to do an investigation. Clint: That must have been Magnus! Mayor: Yes! That was his name, Magnus! Diego: You said they came to investigate...? Mayor: Yes. The ruins of a fortress... But we never go near it... Ash: Why is that? Mayor: There are many scary legends about the ruins Some say they can see flickering lights or hear strange wailing... When Magnus told us why he had come, we tried to convince him not to go. But he just laughed at all our warnings... A few weeks went by as usual, and then one night... (The screen fades out and then in to show the same building. The mayor is standing alone inside when a villager rushes in.) Man: Mayor... Monsters... A whole bunch of 'em!!! Mayor: What are you talking about?! (The man runs to the back of the room as three creatures run inside. They have pink and purple armor and strange white eyes. Each one is carrying a curved knife in each hand.) Man: Aaaaahhhhh!!! Mayor: What in hell's name are you! (Another creature enters the building. It looks exactly like General Magnus only his armor is also pink and purple and his skin has turned purple. His eyes are glowing white and his armor is shimmering in an eerie way.) Mayor: You... I know you!!! (Beams of energy fly through the air around Magnus and three beams which look like electricity fire from his hand into the mayor and the villager. One is green, one blue and the other purple.) Mayor: Uggghhhh!... (The villagers' skin has turned green like when Ash and the others first met them. The screen glows white. When it fades we are back in the room with the group in the present again.) Ash: And you don't remember anything after that... Mayor: That's right... And yet I'm certain that it was Magnus that did this to us... Clint: It seems hard to believe and yet... Ash: We have to go to the ruins to check things out I know it's dangerous, but there's no other way! (Fade out. Player is free to explore the village and leave the town when they are ready.) ======= YGDRA CANYON=================================================== (There is a bridge with over a narrow but fast-flowing river. Three people run up to the bridge and then back and forth as if in panic. One of them is wearing silver knight armor, one is an archer and is wearing a blue outfit, and the other one is female and wears long white robes. The archer is the first to speak.) Amon: It's no good!... We're finished! Dolan: Don't give up! Over that bridge and we'll soon be in Yuzu Village. Amon: But what if they've taken the village too?! Sara: Enough, Amon! You're too pessimistic! Dolan: Uh oh! They've caught us! (Eight of the pink/purple creatures from the village and one dog appear nearby.) Dolan: I'll distract them while you two get away! Sara: We won't leave you alone! Amon: Look! Some strangers have arrived! (The camera pans across to the other side of the river where Ash and the others have arrived.) Huxley: Those people are under attack by demons! Ash: We're coming to save you! Hang on! Dolan: We'll try! Dolan joined your party. Amon joined your party. Sara joined your party. Diego: But how are we gonna get to the other side? (The camera shows that the river near Dolan and the others is, in fact, an aqueduct with a closing function. It is over another wider river.) Kira: If we can shut off the flow of water in the aqueduct, we can cross. Look for a switch! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE IN YGDRA CANYON ** VICTORY = Destruction of enemies DEFEAT = Death of Ash or Dolan ======================================================================= * VICTORY * (The group are standing by the aqueduct with their new-found companions.) Dolan: We owe you our lives... Eleni: Captain Dolan!... You're Captain Dolan! Dolan: Well if it isn't Miss Eleni! Ash: You know each other? Eleni: Yes. Captain Dolan is one of my father's men. Clint: Tell us Captain, what were those monsters? (Dolan and Sara look at each other, then Dolan and Amon.) Dolan: Those are my men trans- formed into monsters. And they are being led by General Magnus. Eleni: I don't believe you! You lie! Dolan: I'm sorry Eleni, but it's the truth. Ash: ...Well anyway, this place isn't safe. Let's go back to Yuzu Village. ======= YUZU VILLAGE ================================================== (The group are all inside the building in the village.) Dolan: Let me try to explain the whole story. As you know, we came to investigate the ruins on this island. We were sent after stone tablets, indicating that these ruins are the site of Toroah's Ark, were discovered! Diego: 'Toroah's Ark'? From the Holy Tome? Dolan: I know it's hard to believe, but this has tremendous political significance for the new government. (Clint steps forward.) Clint: Wait... I think I understand... The Ashah Dynasty claims to be descended from Toroah who used the Ark to survive the Great Calamity. Discovery of the Ark would provide evidence that Toroah is no legend. If the story of Toroah is real, then the Ashah Dynasty has a rightful claim to rule Ishtaria. Dolan: That's correct. Furthermore, with all of the recent terrorist attacks, we thought that this kind of news might cause a mass riot. That's why we came to this island secretly. Diego: I see why you came here. But where did those monsters come from? (Dolan looks at Amon and Sara and they look back at him.) Dolan: I'm not exactly sure myself. We were only away for a short time, but something happened. When we got back and saw how they had transformed, we tried to escape but they captured us. It wasn't until today that we managed to escape. Ash: So there's no clues as to what happened? Dolan: It's possible that Magnus had a secret mission. He did seem to be searching for something in particular... (The screen fades out and the player is free to explore Yuzu. The following occurs when you try to leave the village...) Dolan: Wait a moment, Ash. If you're going to the ruins, I'd like to go with you. Unlike the villagers, the soldiers can't be cured. There's no other way, so I'll free them from their nightmare with my own blade. Sara: I'm going too! If I don't, I'll regret if for the rest of my life. You're going too, right Amon? Amon: We just escaped and you want to go back there?! Sara: You're going to make me go alone? Amon: OK I got it! I'll go too... ======= LORIS BEACH =================================================== (The group are on some dead wastelands with bubbling purple pools all around them.) Sara: Enemies! Not too many, but... (The camera pans around the battlefield showing various monsters ahead of them all.) Amon: Uh oh! There are more behind us! Kira: I'll take care of the ones back here! (Kira walks off behind the group to the monsters.) Clint: Don't be a fool! (Clint chases after her. After he passes a small hill, two zombie- soldiers appear from behind it and then two golems teleport in.) Dolan: Damn! There's still more! Huxley: We're totally surrounded! Ash: Stick together or we'll never get out of here! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE ON LORIS BEACH ** VICTORY = Destruction of enemies DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * AFTER 1 ROUND * Ash: Look out for the poisonous areas! * VICTORY * (Ash, Diego, Huxley and Dolan are sitting around a camp fire at night.) Ash: There's one thing I don't understand... How can these fortress ruins also be Toroah's Ark? Dolan: I don't completely understand either, but the idea of an Ark may be the result of a bad translation from the ancient language of Dhuron. Huxley: Hmmm. If there really was a 'Great Calamity' as is written, then the people would have been more likely to go inside a fortress rather than a ship! Diego: By the way, where did Kira go? Huxley: Hmmm. Clint isn't around either... Diego: That creep... I saw her first! (Diego walks off and the screen fades to black. It fades back in to show Clint and Kira standing by a river or lake.) Kira: I hope you called me here for a good reason! Clint: A warning... You fight too recklessly! Kira: I think I've proven my prowess in battle... Clint: Oh I admit that you're a first class warrior. You fight as if you have nothing to lose. There's a sadness to you... It's almost as if you don't care whether you live or die. Kira: ............... Clint: Well... That's all I wanted to say. (He starts to walk away.) Kira: Wait! (Clint stops.) Kira: I guess I should thank you for saving me today. Clint: ............... (Clint walks away and Diego passes his as he enters. He looks back to watch Clint leave, then walks over to Kira.) Diego: Did you two have some kind of fight? I looked everywhere for you. Kira: He's a self-righteous jerk! Diego: Before you say that, listen to this story... He saw his lover slain right in front of his own eyes. Kira: By the gods!... (Diego walks down to the water.) Diego: It's been almost 3 years now... The scum who did it had a grudge against Clint, and Clint knew it... Bastard shot her and galloped away... All in front of Clint... He still blames himself for not preventing it. It eats him up inside... That's why he tends to come on a little strong. Cause he cares so much. Kira: I had no idea... ======= CASTLE RUINS ================================================== Ash: We've finally arrived. Eleni: Father is somewhere in there... (The camera rotates to show a wide fortress guarded by lots of monsters and zombified soldiers. There are two elevators leading up to the top of the fortress.) Amon: We need to use that lift machine to get inside. Let's split into two groups so we can use the lifts on either side. Ash: Good. We'll meet in front of the entrance! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE OUTSIDE CASTLE RUINS ** VICTORY = Arrival at entrance DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * VICTORY * (The group are standing at the entrance to the ruins at the top of some stone steps.) Clint: We made it. Diego: Yeah, but what's next? Grog: Are you sure we're ready, Ash? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- * QUESTION * > 1. Let's head back... > 2. We're ready to go. * ANSWER * > 1. Let's head back... Ash: Let's head back and resupply. * ANSWER * > 2. We're ready to go. Ash: We're ready to go. Stay alive everybody! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ======================================================================= (Fade to the interior of the ruins. Observant players will notice that this is the temple from the very first scene of Vandal Hearts. Magnus is standing in the middle of the hall with his back to the group.) Ash: General Magnus! Magnus: ............... Eleni: Daddy! (Eleni rushes forward towards Magnus.) Ash: Eleni, wait!! Magnus: L...Leni is it you? Eleni: Yes daddy! (Magnus bends over and begins to glow brightly.) Magnus: No!!!..... Get away from me!!! Eleni: Daddy, what is it?... Magnus: Hurry... I can't resist much longer!... Eleni: Daddy... What's happening to you?! Magnus: ............... Eleni: Daddy! Daddy!!! Dolan: He can't hear you! Get out of there! (Explosions of all different colours erupt around Magnus and he flashes and flickers. When the explosions die down, he has purple skin like the monstrous soldiers. White rays burst out of him and Eleni falls back.) Eleni: Ayaaah!!! (Magnus disappears and re-appears at the far end of the hall.) Magnus: ...Will... kill... you... all...!! (White rays shoot towards him and a large bronze rune image appears. A beam of purple light shoots up into the sky with strange runes flying around. The camera zooms out and many monsters appear in the hall.) Ash: We have no choice but to fight him! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE INSIDE CASTLE RUINS ** VICTORY = Defeat of Magnus DEFEAT = Death of Ash ======================================================================= * VICTORY * Magnus: Gwaaaaahhhhh!!! (Magnus falls to the ground.) Magnus: Uhhh... (The group are run to him as the evil colour fades from his skin. Eleni and Dolan kneel beside him.) Eleni: Daddy, don't die! Magnus: Uhhh... Dolan: He's back to normal! Magnus: Magic stone's curse... Finally ...broken? Ash: Magic stone? What's that? Magnus: I was sent here to retrieve the stone... But he never told me what could happen... Ash: Who is 'he'? Magnus: He used me... It was all his doing... (There is a silent pause as the group wait. Suddenly an arrow soars through the air from off-screen and lands in Magnus' chest.) Magnus: Aaargh! Eleni: Nooo! Daddy, no! Dolan: General! (Ash steps forward.) Ash: It's you!!! (The screen pans down as Kane and six Crimson Guard soldiers enter the temple ruins and surround the group.) Kane: Hey, don't be so mad! I came to help you! Eleni: Hang in there, daddy! Dolan: Don't worry. I don't think it hit any vitals. Kane: Darn, we missed. Ash: You bastard! Man's voice: Well done, Ash my boy. Ash: I should have known you were behind this! (Kane steps aside as Dolf enters and bows before Magnus briefly.) Dolf: Tee hee hee... Great job, Ash. You and your men can be proud! Thanks to you, Magnus' coup d'etat plans have been stopped. Ash: What?! Dolf: You truly deserve the title of 'hero'. And now... Eleni Dunbar and Huxley Hobbes... You are under arrest as followers of the traitor Magnus. Come with us. (Dolf starts to leave but stops.) Diego: But you can't just... Dolf: Of course I can! Eleni: Leave us alone! Can't you see he's hurt! (A Crimson Guard soldier approaches Magnus but Ash stands in his way.) Ash: Back off! Dolf: Ash my naive friend... As you know, interfering with us is tantamount to treason... Think well on whether you want to be known as a hero or whether you want to be known as a traitor like your father! Ash: ............... Diego: Don't worry Ash, we're behind you! Clint: Yeah! We know who's really behind this! Ash: ............... Dolf: Glory or shame, Ash. Which will it be? Ash: .....Okay. You win. Do as you will... (Clint rushes towards Ash.) Clint: Ash!!! Diego: Ash, you can't!... Ash: Put aside your weapons... We're officers who have sworn loyalty to the state... Dolf: Ho ho ho. A very wise decision Ash my boy... We're going to tour the ruins a few more days. In the meantime, put the prisoners in the dungeon downstairs. Diego: Ash, what's wrong with you? Say something! Ash: ............... Dolf: Ho ho ho. Ha ha ha. Hee hee hee... Cough. ======================================================================= (Fade to Loris Beach at night. Ash is wandering along by himself.) Man's voice: Ash!! (Clint appears and walks over to Ash.) Clint: Where are you going this time of the night? Ash: Clint... (Diego also appears and joins them.) Diego: You don't think we'd let you go alone, do you? (Enter Grog, who also walks over to Ash.) Grog: You're not as quiet as you think... Ash: Diego and Grog, too? Clint: You should have let us in on your plan... Ash: I didn't want to involve you all in this... There's no need for all of you to be labeled as traitors. Grog: We're already involved up to our necks! Besides, without you I'd just be a washed up old drunk... I want to do the right thing! I want to make my dead brother proud! (The screens pans across as Dolan, Amon and Sara wander across the beach and join the ever-increasing group of people.) Sara: What's everyone doing out here? Amon: Taking a midnight dip in the water? Dolan: Ha ha. We were planning the same. Clint: Ash, we're with you. You're our leader, just tell us what to do! Ash: Ha! Well it looks like we're in it together! Let's go and save Magnus and the others! Grog: Now you're talkin'! Diego: It's about time! (The screen pans down to show Kira standing behind a nearby tree, then fades to black.) ======= CASTLE RUINS ================================================== (Darkness has fallen. The group are gathered at the castle ruins where they had fought not long ago.) Sara: Magnus must be in the same dungeon we were in. So we should be able to just go back the same way we escaped. Grog Whoops... I got bad news... We've been spotted by guard dogs! (The camera swivels around to show a large group of menacing-looking guard dogs with spiked armor on their backs. It zooms back to Ash.) Ash: If those dogs raise a racket... It'll blow any chance of stealth we might've had! Let's take 'em out fast! ======================================================================= ** BATTLE OUTSIDE DUNGEON ** VICTORY = Conquest within 6 turns DEFEAT = Death of Ash or time up ======================================================================= * AFTER 1 ROUND * Ash: Make sure you cut off their retreat! * AFTER 3 ROUNDS * Ash: We're running out of time! * VICTORY * (Cut to a dark cell. Magnus is lying on the floor and Eleni is knelt down beside him. Huxley stands by his head.) Magnus: Oooohhh... Eleni: Try to be strong, daddy! Magnus: Eleni... I was a fool... I sent all my men to their deaths... For what?! (Eleni shakes her head furiously.) Eleni: It's not your fault! You were possessed! Magnus: I wish that were so... The Magic Stone isn't good or evi, it is only pure power... It just magnifies the user's true nature. When I touched the stone and felt its powers, I was seduced by my own demons... I let the power consume me... It's all my fault. Eleni: Why father? Why did you look for this stone? Magnus: To resist Hel Spites. I'm certain that Hel is planning a coup d'etat in the near future. I knew that in order to stop him, I would need more power... I was desperate and that desperation led me down the wrong path... We must get the stone back! It holds a frightening secret... (Huxley turns his head, then slowly walks over to the iron bars which block their exit.) Huxley: Someone's coming! (He stands back as the bars slide down and Ash strides in. Eleni jumps to her feet.) Eleni: Ash!... How did you?... Ash: Forget about it. Let's get outta here! (As the screen fades to black, Ash and Huxley walk over to Magnus. It fades back in to show the entire group and Magnus gathered outside of the dungeon where they had fought just minutes ago.) Magnus: Wait! We've got to get the Magic Stone! The person pulling Dolf's strings is Hel Spites! We can't let that madman get his hands on the stone! Man's voice: So you finally caught on, did you? (The camera swivels round as six Crimson Guard soldiers, Dolf and Hel Spites come marching across the field and stop before Ash and Magnus.) Hel: But you're too late now, Magnus! Magnus: What do you mean?... Dolf: I've got that stone you want right here! A grunt like you can't appreciate the true power of this stone. But I on the other hand... Magnus: You pampered little poodle!... You knew what that stone was going to do to me, didn't you?! Hel: You reap what you sow, General! You came here to betray me and you deserve what happens to you! Ash: That means that... We were just part of your scheme to frame General Magnus?! Dolf: Ho ho. Exactly! I'm disappointed in you, Ash. Your feelings led you the wrong way. Not that it would have mattered anyway... Let me introduce you to my beautiful young assistant. (The camera rotates to show Kira walking towards the group without her battle armor and bow.) Ash: Kira!! Clint: Kira... How could you? Kira: ............... Dolf: Thanks to her, I knew all your moves. Hahaha... Well, I think it's just about time for you to die. Magnus: I won't allow that! (Bright multi-coloured explosions errupt around Magnus' body and when they die down he has transformed into his possessed monster self from the castle ruins. He raises his arms and purple rays of energy fire from his eyes at Dolf, who points his hands at Magnus, sending blue rays in his direction. The rays clash between the two men, creating bright blue spirals of burning energy. They are locked in this position for about twenty seconds, the others watching powerless.) Dolf: You still retain some power from the stone?! Magnus: I...willl...stop...you! Dolf: No, we're tearing a hole in the time-space fabric! (With a mystifying roar, a dark blue warp hole grows from the point where the rays meet. In the middle of the hole are two runic symbols, one bronze and one blue, rotating and spinning randomly. They slowly move towards Magnus.) Magnus: Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!!! (The warp hole reaches Magnus.) Magnus: Iiiiyahhhh!!! (Magnus is sucked into the hole.) Ash: Wooooaaahhh!!! (Ash is also sucked in.) Grog: Ugh! What the!... (Grog is next.) Sara: Eeeeeeeehhhhh!!! (Finally, Sara is sucked in. They disappear as the hole closes and the runes vanish.) Eleni: Daddy!!!... Ash!!!... (Hel leans back and begins laughing.) Hel: Heh heh heh... Ho ho ho Ha ha ha Hee hee hee! ======================================================================= ======================================================================= ACT II: ISLAND OF MADNESS END ======================================================================= ======================================================================= Vanal Hearts (TM) is an original game developed by KONAMI COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT TOKYO KONAMI CO., LTD. reserves all copyrights, trademarks, and other industrial property rights with respect to this game.