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 100%
Act IV: The Successor 5%
Act V: The Legacy 0%
Act VI: A Fool's Epitaph 0%
Extra Dialogue and Notes 40%
Seperate act scrips are available individually at RPG Palace
(www.rpgpalace.cjb.net). Multi-script file is updated one act at a time.
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...
(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.)
(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:
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:
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.
(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...
(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.
(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.)
(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!
(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!
(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.
(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?
(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.)
(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.)
(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!
(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!
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.
(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.
(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.)
(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!
(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?!
(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.
(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.
(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.)
(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.
(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.)
(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!
After the disappearance of Ash and the others, it is announced that
General Magnus has been assassinated by an extremist faction within the
Security Forces. News that a national hero has fallen at the hands of
terrorists sends shockwaves through the country and most blame the
Domestic Security Agency which controls the Security Forces. This
results in the ouster of Renaldo Castille, Hel Spites' political arch
rival.
Defense Minister Hel Spites, highly praised for his quick handling of
the terrorist threat, is elected Prime Minister the following month.
In the name of national security, Hel requests emergency powers from
the Council, but as soon as he is granted those powers, his tyrannical
nature emerges. He abolishes the Council, creates a secret police and
establishes a privileged class.. Finally, he revives imperialism and
claims that he will place himself on the sacred and inviolable
Ishtarian imperial throne.
Realizing the danger, some citizens join anti-imperial movements, but
these are easily crushed by the Crimson Guard. It was the second coming
of the Dark Ages and terror reigned over all...
(As the screen fades in we see Ash and Grog standing on a very small
rocky island in a lake of molten lava. In the background Sara is
crouched down beside Magnus.)
Grog:
Where in the heck
are we?!
Ash:
I don't think we're in
Kansas anymore...
(The camera pans across to Sara and Magnus.)
Sara:
Ash! Something's wrong
with the General!
(Ash and Grog hurry over.)
Magnus:
Oooohh...
Ash:
General, hang in there!
Magnus:
Ash... It's no good...
It's the end for me...
Ash:
General... No...
Magnus:
I've stared death in the
face all my life...
I know what she looks
like and I do not fear
her cold embrace...
Ash:
...............
Magnus:
I was raised in a poor
farming village...
I was going to lead the
simple life, following in
my father's footsteps...
But then the Revolution
came and our lives were
thrown into turmoil.
For country!...
For ideals!...
For liberty!...
But however pretty the
slogan, there's no such
thing as a good war...
They call me a hero, but
I'm just a murderer with
blood on his hands...
Ash:
But think of the people
you saved, like Eleni!
Magnus:
Eleni....
15 years ago, I found
her wandering around
the ruins of her town.
Adopting her was my
attempt to make
restitution for my sins..
Ash, don't make the
same mistakes I
made...
You must stop Hel and
Dolf! Return this land
to its former greatness!
...I beg you, Ash...
Retrieve the Magic
Stone..........
Ash:
General!
General Magnus!!
(Magnus' body goes limp as the life fades from his soul. The screen
fades to black. When it fades back in, Ash, Grog and Sara and gathered
around a makeshift grave - two wooden sticks bound together to make a
cross.)
Grog:
Too bad we had to bury
him in this weird place.
(Sara looks around.)
Sara:
Hmm... Something
feels very wrong.
(The camera swoops around the tiny island as evil-looking flaming
skulls appear from the lava and surround them.)
(Ash, Sara and Grog are standing by Magnus' grave. A man approches from
behind them. He is wearing long black robes and has long white hair. In
his hand is a wooden staff.)
Mystery man:
Aha. So this is why the
spirits were so noisy...
Ash:
Huh?...
(The camera spins round and shows the man from the front.)
Mystery man:
You've destroyed the
spirits? That was cruel.
Those are the spirits of
people who died young.
They are harmless...
Grog:
Harmless?!
Are you crazy?
Those things tried
to bite our heads off!
Mystery man:
They were drawn by the
smell of blood.
You people have the
blood of many
on your hands.
Ash:
Who are you?
Mystery man:
My name is Zohar and I
am just as you see me.
I have been exploring
this strange land for
some time.
Just south of here is
this land's only town.
You should visit it.
Good luck,
strangers...
(The camera turns back as Zohar walks away.)
Grog:
What a strange guy...
Sara:
Zohar?...Where have I
heard that name before?
Ash:
In any case, let's go
pay this town a visit.
======= REMOTE TOWN ===================================================
Grog:
These houses are really
old looking.
Sara:
Not true. That house is
ultra-modern!
Ash:
You're both right.
It's both old and new...
(Ash, Grog and Sara go to the tavern and speak to people, then leave.)
Grog:
It looks like we might
be stuck here...
Sara:
A loophole in time...
I've heard legends.
The ship that was lost
at sea and found 10 years
later in the desert...
Or the ancient princess
who vanished while
strolling in the garden.
Ash:
But we've got to get back!
We promised the General
that we would stop Hel
and get the stone back!
Zohar:
Are you referring to
the Magic Stone?
Ash:
You're the guy
from before!
Zohar:
Yes...I am Zohar.
If you don't mind,
please tell me about
this Magic Stone.
Let's go to my home
outside of town and
talk of this...
(Fade to a very small house where the four people are gathered.)
Zohar:
I see...
You and your companions
are trying to stop this
man named Hel...
But are you absolutely
sure that's the right
thing to do?
Think about it. The
generation before you
gave up their lives to
build an ideal society
and what was the
end result?
We've let the Council
turn into a den of thieves
and liars!
There will always be
war, but by stopping Hel
now, who is to say you
won't be paving the way
for someone even worse
than him?!
(Ash, Grog and Sara bow their heads.)
Ash:
Maybe you're right.
(There is a pause...)
Ash:
But a brief
peace is better
than war!
I can't sit and do
nothing when I know that
people are going to die!
Zohar:
Hmmmm......
I suppose it is the
struggle that lends
dignity to our lives...
...It's decided. I will
help you in your brave
mission.
Zohar joined your party.
Ash:
So how can we...?
Zohar:
There's only one way to
get back to your time.
First we have to go back
to the exact spot where
you first arrived.
======= PLAIN OF SORROW ===============================================
(Ash, Grog, Sara and Zohar are gathered around Magnus' grave. There are
huge runic symbols on carved into the ground and four strange metallic
posts with red orbs on top in all four directions.)
Zohar:
The preparations
are complete...
The space-time warp you
entered was caused by a
powerful magic source.
This type of force
always creates a
counter-force.
These Mage Towers will
gather the force and
recreate the warp!
(Sara looks around.)
Sara:
I sense something!...
(The camera zooms out and more flaming skulls appear, surrounding the
group.)
Grog:
Not these creeps again!
Zohar:
Those spirits will drain
the tower's energy!
I suppose we have no
choice! We must protect
the towers!
If this doesn't work
now, you'll never
get back home!
(Any spirits which have been killed previously are resurrected in the
corners of the battlefield.)
* AFTER 2 ROUNDS *
Ash:
When will the warp
open up?
Zohar:
Just a little longer!
* AFTER 1 TOWER HAS BEEN DESTROYED *
Ash:
Things are looking grim.
* AFTER 2 TOWERS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED *
Ash:
They're destroying
the towers!
* AFTER 3 TOWERS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED *
Ash:
We must protect the
last Mage Tower!
* AFTER 4 TOWERS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED *
Ash:
Damn! They've
destroyed them all!
(Defeat.)
* VICTORY *
(The four characters are standing around the grave.)
Zohar:
The warp will open any
minute now!
(The blue and bronze runes appears just like before and grow.)
Grog:
There it is!
Ash:
Everyone jump in!
(They jump into the middle of the warp and are shrunk to invisible
specks. The warp closes behind them, leaving Magnus' grave alone in the
Plains of Sorrow.)
======= TERASU VILLAGE =================================================
(Fade to a large grassy area. There is a river with a bridge and a
small building on top of a hill. At the bottom of the hill are lots of
men in armor with weapons. One of them is wearing pink (yes, pink)
armor. He is quite fat and holds a large cutlass. It is Zoot Gach from
the very beginning of the game.)
Zoot:
Give up, traitors!
You're surrounded!
(At the top of the hill next to the building we see Diego, Dolan, Clive
Beckett and Huxley.)
Diego:
Zoot Gach, you
slimebag!
You may work for the
Empire now, but you're
still just a petty thief!
Huxley:
The Empire has hired
criminals to swell the
ranks of the army. Now
these scoundrels steal
from the innocent under
the protection of the
Empire. 'Tis a sad sight
to behold.
Clive:
And I was foolish enough
to trust Dolf...
Dolan:
Don't blame yourself!
We all fell for it!
Zoot:
What's the delay!
The villagers in this
area are all rebel
sympathizers anyway!
Torch it! We'll burn
all these villages to
the ground!
Dolan:
Not while I'm alive
you won't!
Diego:
That's double for me!
Clive:
We don't stand
a chance!...
But let's take as many
of them with us
as we can!
(Pan to the other side of the bridge where the warp is just closing.
Sara, Grog, Ash and Zohar are standing there.)
Ash:
Where are we?
Grog:
It looks like we
made it back!
Diego:
I can't believe it!!!
It's Ash!!!
Clive:
It can't be!...
Is it really you?!
Ash:
Clive, my friend!
Diego!
Zoot:
What the!! Where did they
come from?
Diego:
Haha! Now we can
turn things around!
Ash, they're Hel's boys!
Let's show 'em the
old crunch play!
Clive:
Ash! Beyond hope...
But where have you
been these past
3 miserable years!
Grog:
3 years! We've only
been gone 1 day!
Zohar:
The truth is we're lucky
to have come this close!
We might have easily
been off by 20 years
ore more!
Sara:
It can't be true...
Clive:
Let's go back to the
village and talk it out!
(Fade to the inside of a small building with a large wooden table in
the middle. Ash, Diego, Dolan and Clive are stood around it.)
Ash:
So that's what happened
while I've been gone...
Clive:
Many good people want to
resist Emperor Hel...
But all of their leaders
have been either
executed or exiled.
If only we could bring
everyone under the same
banner...
Ash:
Let's do it!!
We'll set off some fire-
works that will rouse the
resistance from sleep!
Diego:
Fireworks, huh?
What's the plan?
Ash:
We'll storm the Imperial
prison!
Clive:
The one that they brag
is impenetrable?!
(Dolan nods.)
Dolan:
It would be a great
victory for the rebels!
That's where they hold
the political prisoners.
If we could free them,
we might finally be able
to organize ourselves.
Diego:
Clint, Eleni and Amon
are being held their too!
It's perfect.
Two birds with
one stone!
Dolan:
I think we should
try it.
(They all nod.)
Ash:
I'll lead the troops
during the actual attack.
Clive, I want you to
start trying to galvanize
the resistance.
Clive:
I understand.
Diego:
Things are just starting
to get interesting!
(Fade to a palace room with a long table and valuable-looking ornaments.
At the head of the table is Hel Spites. Also at the table are Dolf,
Kane and three other men.)
Hel:
Dolf,
fill everyone in.
Dolf:
First take a look at this.
(The camera swivels round as Dolf takes a jar from his cloak. Inside the
jar on a rich velvet cushion is the Magic Stone.)
Dolf:
As you can see, this is
the Magic Stone that has
everyone so excited.
The Empire's greatest
scientific minds have
been studying this stone.
They found that this
stone is from when the
universe was born!
It contains a spark of
the original
Flames of Judgment!
Financier:
The Flames of Judgment?
Are you insane?
Dolf:
No. It's the same power
that we've all heard of.
The power that brought
this world to the very
edge of destruction!
Financier:
Don't make me laugh!
I admit that the stone
is unusual. But I don't
believe that it has the
power to evaporate
entire cities or destroy
the world!
Dolf:
You're right. Currently
something called the
Royal Ring is keeping
its true power in check.
Financier:
The Royal Ring?...
Dolf:
Remember your history.
Toroah saved the world
by sealing the Flames of
Judgment with a ring.
This ring was passed on
to his descendants along
with a holy command.
They were to found a
country to protect this
holy ring at all costs.
This was the Holy Ashah
Dynasty's task! But at
some point they forgot.
18 years ago when the
royal family was cast
down, the ring was lost.
Kane:
So you want us to find
this ring, huh?
Well I don't like it!
The Crimson Guard are
all the power we need
to rule this country!
Hel:
Kane, listen to me for
a minute.
Oppressing the people is
easy, but ruling them is
a different thing.
Kane, you and I are
strong. We make our own
path in life. But most
people are weak, relying
on the power of religion
or government to protect
them. These weaklings
need symbols to follow.
What better symbol to
rule the people then the
Flames of Judgment?
It's time for us to
unify this continent
under one banner!
We must find the Royal
Ring. Search this land
from high to low!
(Gradually fade to Kira alone in another palace room, unarmed.)
Kira:
Clint...
Dolf:
What are you feeling
sad about, Kira?
(Dolf approaches.)
Kira:
Oh!... Master Dolf...
(Dolf walks closer to Kira.)
Dolf:
You still feel bad about
betraying your friends?
Kira:
No.....
Dolf:
Hmmm... I wonder.
I wonder if you have
what it takes to get
your revenge.
Have you forgotten
what they did to
your family?
Kira:
Of course I haven't
forgotten...
Dolf:
Kira, I know exactly
how you feel...
But people must realize
what's happening
in this country.
Hel and his minions are
sacrificing countless
innocents and for what?
All to pursue his
insane goal of
world domination.
Kira:
!!!...............
Dolf:
I'll make my move soon.
I need your support!
Kira:
I'll help, Master Dolf.
(Kira walks over to the double doors, opens them and leaves. Dolf steps
over to the window and waits for a moment. Suddenly, a figure in black
and gold armor warps in. He wears a metallic helmet which shows only
his eyes, nose and mouth and holds a staff with a skull on top.)
Xeno:
Dangerous my lord...
Dolf:
Eh?!
Xeno!!...
Xeno:
You put too much
trust in that girl!
Dolf:
Take care how you
speak to me!
Xeno:
Forgive me...
(Xeno bows to Dolf.)
Dolf:
But as long as you
mention it...
I'd like you to keep an
eye on her for a while.
(The group are all assembled in the middle of the road. Diego runs
towards them.)
Diego:
We've got trouble, Ash!
An enemy patrol
is heading this way!
(Pan to further up the road where a group of imperial soldiers are, lead
by Lando.)
Ash:
If they spot us we lose
the element of surprise.
Zohar:
Once they see the gate,
they'll know anyway.
Dolan:
In either case, we can't
let them leave here...
Ash:
Hide behind the trees.
If we move, they'll
notice us and
flee for sure.
Wait until the time is
right and hit 'em with
everything you got!
(The group split up to opposite sides of the highway and hide in amongst
the trees. Huxley runs further down the road to the switch controlling
a large bridge.)
Lando:
What are rebels
doing around here?!
They can't be planning
to attack the prison,
can they?!
Somebody! Get away
from here fast and
warn the others!
(Inside the prison Clint is locked in a cell with another short, plump,
balding man with funny little glasses. Two jailers approaching with
Count Claymore between them. They open the cell door and push him
inside.)
Jailer:
I've got a new friend
for ya! Enjoy!
(The jailer kicks Claymore in the back and he collapses in the cell on
the floor. Clint and the other man rush over to him.)
Clint:
Hang in there,
old man!
Count Claymore:
Ooohhhh.....
Darius: (the other man)
Horrible... Treating an
old man like that...
Count Claymore:
Where...
Where am I?
Darius:
The dungeon. Don't
worry... we're friendly.
My name is Darius.
I'm a tinkerer by trade.
I quarreled with a
soldier... Next thing I
know I'm in here.
The big guy here calls
himself Clint...
Clint:
!!... I know you.
You're Count Claymore.
Darius:
You two know
each other?
Count Claymore:
Yes. But I'm sorry, I
don't...
Clint:
The riot in the
Dover District...
Count Claymore:
Oh yes. From the
Security Forces.
Clint:
But what have you done
to be beaten like this?
Count Claymore:
They're frantically
searching...
Searching for the
Royal Ring...
Clint:
The Royal Ring?
Count Claymore:
It has the power to
tame the Magic Stone.
Clint:
Magic Stone? Please tell
me what you know!
(Fade to black. When the screen fades back in Claymore has been propped
against one of the walls.)
Clint:
So that's the history of
the Magic Stone...
Count Claymore:
I truly don't know where
the ring is either.
But it must not be used
for evil or it will be
the end of the world!
(Darius turns his head to the cell gate. He walks over and peers down
the corridor.)
Darius:
Footsteps!..
The jailer again?
(Clint rises to his feet as Kira approaches, opens the gate and enters.)
Clint:
You!!...
Kira:
Clint... They're planning
to execute you tomorrow!
(She pulls a set of keys out from behind her back.)
Kira:
Here are the keys.
I have weapons outside.
Take me with you!
(Kira throws the keys on to the floor in the middle of the cell.)
Clint:
Why should I
trust you?
Kira:
I'm sorry... I couldn't
betray Dolf...
I understand if you
despise me, but please
don't die!
(She walks away.)
Clint:
Kira!!...
Darius:
You'd better run while
you still can!!
By the way,
I think I'll come
with you!
Darius joined your party.
Clint:
Count... You're
coming too.
Count Claymore:
It's no good...
I can't make it...
I'll be fine. They
won't kill me until they
find the Royal Ring.
Clint:
Sorry Count... We'll
come back for you!
(Clint takes the set of keys and leaves, closely followed by Darius.
Fade to a network of corridors in the Prison Fortress. Clint and Darius
have equipped themselves with weapons and armor and have met up with
Eleni and Amon.)
Amon:
They were gonna
kill us, huh?
Thanks for the
rescue, Clint!
Eleni:
But how did you
get the keys?
Clint:
I'll tell you after we
get out of here!
Darius:
Listen to me
carefully!...
Don't bother hittin'
these juggernauts from
the front or side.
Ya have to circle 'round
and attack their backs!
(Cut to a courtyard near the gate of the Prison Fortress. Clint,
Darius, Amon and Eleni have escaped but are surrounded by soldiers and
seem to be largely outnumbered.)
Clint:
Oh oh!
Where are we?
(The camera pans to show, up on the battlements, a large figure in
black robes with a bald head. He is carrying a rope with a scythe on
the end. He is Dumas.)
Dumas:
You are stalwart indeed
to escape my dungeon!
If you were wise, you
would have stayed below
and died quietly.
Now you shall die a
less pleasant death!!
(Pan to the other side of the courtyard where a jailer has appeared.)
Jailer:
Lord Dumas!!!...
The rebels!!!
Dumas:
Speak up!
(The jailer is out of sight but we hear swords slashing and the cries
of men.)
Jailer:
Gwahkkkk!!!
(The camera pans back to where the jailer was and we just see the last
drops of blood splash on the floor. Ash, Dolan, Diego, Huxley, Grog,
Zohar and Sara have arrived and are up on the courtyard walls!)
Ash:
We're taking over
this prison!
Lay down your
arms or die!!
Clint:
I can't believe it!
It's Ash!
Ash:
Hold on Clint!
We're coming!
Dumas:
Impudent whelp!...
You will beg to die!
* VICTORY *
Dumas:
Gwahkkkk!!!
(The group are assembled at the prison gate.)
Clint:
Ash, you're alive!
Ash:
My words exactly,
Clint.
Darius:
Claymore and the other
prisoners are free now!
Huxley:
I know that low-class
voice... Darius!!
Darius:
Well if it isn't
old man Hobbes!
(Darius walks over to Huxley.)
Ash:
Are you two friends?
Huxley:
Hardly. We are simply
from the same village.
He was always slapping
together some piece of
junk and making trouble.
Darius:
Look who's talking?
This guy's famous for the
time he was doing healing
experiments in town.
He accidentally turned a
farmer's pig into a
chicken. Ha ha!
(Huxley goes red in the face and begins to shake his staff at Darius.)
Huxley:
Well you burned down
the schoolhouse!
Diego:
C'mon you two,
cut it out already!
Dolan:
It looks like our plan
was a great success!
Ash:
But this is only
the first step.
The real war with the
Empire starts from
this point on!
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.
