9. Zenan Bridge - The First Step
[San Dorino - Tavern]
(After completing the last of the 8 missions, you'll see a familiar face in the far corner.)
Schala: Rupert!
Rupert: Ah! It's you.
Reika: .....
Glenn: ......
Rupert: I suppose old wounds haven't quite healed yet...
Lark: Don't worry about them. Surprised you guys made it past the blockade.
Rupert: We literally had to swim under their noses, but we made it.
Schala: So what brings you here?
Rupert: .....I'm not sure how much I should say.
Schala: Hmmm...
Lark: How much?
Reika: Lark!
Glenn: What are you doing?! They might give us the boonie job again!
Rupert: 20,000. 10,000 in advance.
Lark: Are you guys serious?!
Schala: Have we ever gotten a reward offer like that before?!
Glenn: ......Keep talking.
Reika: Glenn!
Rupert: As you know, the blockade at the Zenan Bridge has been preventing trade to and from Guardia for the past four months. The state's supply of Elements is running dangerously low.
Glenn: So you're getting in some mining.
Rupert: As you can surely guess, we won't be able to carry such a large load across the river. They've upped their defenses on the water.
Schala: Meaning that your only way back now is through the blockade...
Lark: Now I know that this has 'trap' written all over it.
Rupert: Even so, the effort must be made. And I am sure it's not just a trap for us. Surely you all must mean to move on eventually, right? Mercenaries never stay in one place for too long.
Reika: Well, yeah. But...
Lark: The Porreans'll probably be counting on us joining forces. And even if we refused, once they take care of Rupert's men...
Schala: They'll end up trying to search for us here. That must be why they haven't officially done so, yet.
Glenn: I was wondering about that...
Rupert: They're forcing our respective hands, but I say that if we must walk into a trap, we walk into it on our terms.
Rupert: So, what do you say?
Lark: Your call, Glenn.
Glenn: .......
Glenn: Alright. You've got a deal.
[Received 10,000 G]
Glenn: So what's the plan?
Rupert: We cut their strength in half. I'll have a few battalions stationed on the Guardia side of the bridge. On my signal, they should be able to distract the forces at the third checkpoint. That should give us a bit more breathing room when they spring their trap on us.
Rupert: As for the rest, it will be our job to protect the convoy. Its safety is our top priority.
Glenn: This is gonna be a bloodbath...
Lark: Good. The more of those bastards we take down, the better.
Schala: .......
Reika: Hey! Don't go gung-ho on us! If the trucks make it through, then shouldn't we hightail it out of there too?
Rupert: She's right. Our goal is not to annihilate the enemy. Once the mission is accomplished, we get out of there.
Rupert: Miss Reika. I know it's a bit much to ask considering how we last parted, but would you be willing to aid the troops at the third checkpoint? You're probably the only one now who can bypass the river forces.
Reika: If it helps you guys out later, fine.
Rupert: You have my thanks.
Rupert: Now that everything is settled, meet me at the foot of the mountains. The convoy should be ready by then. I'd say my farewells, because chances are you might not be able to return here for some time.
(Rupert heads out of the Tavern.)
Reika: *sigh* Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
Lark: Eh. We'll be fine.
Reika: Of course you'd say that. Alright, I'll get going.
(Reika will leave the party for a short while. If she was in your main 3, you will automatically be taken to the character swap screen. Her picture will be darkened.)
(Speaking to Jessica...)
Jessica: Tell me you guys didn't just accept a job from that man...
Glenn: Come on, you know 20,000 G is nothing to sneeze at. Besides that, I think we might have overstayed our welcome anyway.
Mina: Awwww, you're all leaving?
Lark: We're all in hot water with Porre enough as it is. It's a miracle they've left us alone this long. And considering the rest...
(Kitty meows.)
Mina: Kitty's already going to miss you.
Schala: Don't worry. I'm sure we'll find our way back here eventually.
Jessica: ...........
Lark: What's wrong? You usually aren't this contemplative.
Jessica: Sorry. It's just that...
Jessica: I'm getting this funny feeling that when I see you again, you won't be... you.
Lark: Come on. You're worrying over nothing.
Jessica: I hope you're right. Even still, be careful.
Lark: Hey, it's me.
Jessica: That's what I'm afraid of.
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[San Dorino - Forge]
Lark: Zappa!
Foreman: Oh, it's you all. If you're looking for the punk, you're too late. He left for Guardia some time ago.
Glenn: Really? You actually let him loose?
Foreman: Why not? He's already learned all I have to teach him. I sent him to my brother in Truce. I'm sure the boy will be put through his paces. Heh.
Schala: But the bridge is blocked. How was he gonna get through?
Foreman: Knowing him, he's probably stupid enough to swim north from the eastern coast... and possibly determined enough to pull it off.
Schala: *sweatdrop* Unbelievable...
Foreman: Anyway, if you need any weapons forged, I'll be right here.
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[San Dorino - Mayor's House]
Rogek: Oh, it's you. What brings you here?
Lark: It's time for us to move on.
Rogek: Migration season again, hmm?
Glenn: Considering everything that's happened recently, we figured now was as good a time as any.
Schala: Thank you for your hospitality.
Rogek: It's no trouble at all. Stay safe, all of you.
--------------------
[San Dorino - Entrance]
Schala: .......
Glenn: You ready to go?
Schala: Yeah.
Lark: Don't worry. We'll be back here again sooner or later.
Schala: .........
(As Lark and Glenn head out...)
Schala: ...Why do I get the feeling that I'll never see this place again...?
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[Dorino Mountains - Foot]
(Rupert and the caravan are right where they said they would be. The caravan is made up of three carriers.)
Rupert: You made it.
Glenn: Wait, are these Army Carriers?
Rupert: Indeed. We managed to 'acquire' them from some out of the way patrols in the forest.
Lark: An infiltration op? Wait, I thought...
Rupert: What we discussed in the Tavern is our Paln B. Just in case things go south this time.
Glenn: I get it. If we play our cards right, we won't have to lift a finger. So what's Plan A?
Rupert: Thanks to our friends in Guardia's government, we have an opportunity. Officially, Guardia is expecting a shipment of Elements and Porrean soldiers to aid in the subjugation of the Radical Dreamers. The vehicles were meant to deliver this aid, but the soldiers seem to have met an unfortunate end on the way there.
Lark: So we play the role of the delivery boys. Guardia will get the Elements, but will not have any of Porre's men...
Glenn: And the insurgency continues on. Pretty clever.
Rupert: We have two more disguises... but...
Schala: What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Rupert: Female soldiers don't usually get sent out on deliveries or guard duty. Putting you in a disguise would make the checkpoint guards suspicious. Don't worry, though. We made a compartment for you to slip into when they make the checks.
Schala: *sigh* Well, isn't that nice...
Glenn: Look at the bright side. At least you'll have an excuse to take a nap.
Schala: ...You aren't helping.
Lark: So are we ready to go?
Rupert: Just say the word.
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[Zenan Bridge - First Checkpoint]
(The caravan pulls up to the bridge.)
Commander: Halt! We need some identification.
Driver: Will this be enough?
Commander: Wait, this is signed by-!
Soldier: High Command did inform us of a delivery.
Commander: Heh. Looks like that governess got a bit too big for her britches after all. Alright, head on through.
(The caravan moves forward. In the back of the last car...)
Soldier? (Glenn): Heh. Who'd have though Porrean High Command would work for us?
Private? (Lark): Be better if they went away. You alright back there?
(Schala sticks her head out of the compartment.)
Schala: It's cramped, but other than that... Peachy.
Lark: Well, I can think of two big reasons why-
Schala: Finish that sentence, and so help me...
Captain? (Rupert): Quiet. They'll probably search at the second check. We're too far in to screw up now.
(One by one, the other two vehicles pass the Second Checkpoint. Our party, on the other hand...)
[Zenan Bridge - Second Checkpoint]
(The carrier rolls into the checkpoint building. Hans is standing by.)
Hans: So, you are the last, are you? I'll need the men in the back to exit the vehicle. You two check the contents.
Soldiers: Sir!
(Lark, Glenn, and Rupert are led out of the carrier. After a short while...)
Soldier: All clear, Sir!
Hans: Hmmm....
Hans: Very well. Initialize stage two.
Soldier: Initializing stage two! Preparing X-Ray Scan!
Glenn: X-Ray...?
Hans: One of the Chief Scientist's newer toys. Allows us to see through objects. Makes it rather difficult to smuggle contraband... or people. One can't be too careful.
Rupert: !!!
(In the back...)
Soldier: Preparing X-Ray Scan!
Schala: !!!
(Back outside... The alarm suddenly blares.)
Soldier: Sir!! Unidentified signature detected in the rear cabin!! It's human!!
Lark: 'Shit!!'
(The soldiers all point their guns at the party. Rupert presses a small button somewhere.)
Hans: I should have known. So this is how you'd spring my trap. That means the other two cars... (Through headset.) This is Hans. We've been infiltrated. Do not allow the other cars past.
Glenn: What now...?
Hans: You may have intercepted our communications, but I will not let you have your way. Men! Open fi-!
Soldier: Sir!! The Third checkpoint is being attacked!!
Hans: What?!
(Pan to outside, where Reika's group is indeed attacking the Northern Checkpoint. Back to the others...)
Rupert: Floor it!!
(With the distraction, the carrier peels out of the building, crashing through the doorway, with the disguised party following suit.)
Hans: After them!!
(The soldiers all head out. Hans stops to press a large button on the wall...)
[Zenan Bridge - North Stretch]
(Lark, Glenn, and Rupert, now out of their disguises, find the carrier being attacked. Schala manages to exit out and deal with the enemies up front.)
[Combat: Demolition Soldier x2]
(For at least a little while, Rupert will join the battle party as a Guest.)
Glenn: Schala! You alright?!
Schala: I didn't think they'd have something like that here!
Lark: I take it we've gone to Plan B?
Rupert: Here they come!
[Combat: Porrean Soldier x5]
Lark: Now what?!
(The roof of the Second Checkpoint opens. Within it is Hans, standing atop the hand of a giant Warmech.)
Lark: Oh crap! They DID make more of those!
Schala: What do you mean more?!
Glenn: Don't tell me this is like the one you found in those labs?!
Lark: We can't fight this thing and win! We have to go! Now!!
(After fighting through a few enemies, the Warmech fires a shot in front of the carrier, which skids and grinds to a stop. The driver falls out, dead.)
Rupert: Dammit...
Lark: Take over! We'll cover you!!
Rupert: Sorry about this!
(Rupert will leave the party here. Before getting in the vehicle, he grabs on of the Porrean launchers and fires at the Warmech, leaving a rather large crack in the chest plate. The carrier drives off.)
Glenn: Come on! We have to go!
Lark: Schala!
(A heartbeat sounds. Schala stares at the Warmech.)
Schala: That...
(Another heartbeat as the screen goes grey.)
Roas: Don't worry about me! GO!!!
(Flashback to Schala's escape from Chronopolis. Roas is facing off the Warmech. The mech has the same crack in its chest plate. Another heartbeat.)
Techno: Vathos... Ninya... They were torn apart...
(Back to the present, Schala is now visibly shaking. Another heartbeat.)
Glenn: Schala!! Wake up, will you?!
(At the North Checkpoint... or what's left of it, Rupert manages to join up with the other carriers.)
Reika: What are they doing?!
Rupert: What is that thing?! Is it gonna attack?!
(Back at the bridge, the Warmech begins charging up a large cannon on its chest.)
Hans: That's it! That's it! Turn those worms to ash!!
(The Warmech fires. Lark pushes Schala and Glenn out of the way as the large beam passes them. The beam continues on and Rupert pushes Reika out of the way just before some of his men are incinerated by the light.)
Rupert: No way... Porre has something like that?!
(Back at the bridge...)
Glenn: What...?! What the hell?! We can't fight that...!!
(Continuous heartbeat)
Schala: Roas... Vathos... Ninya...
Lark: Now what's she mumbling about?
Schala: Give them back...
Glenn: Schala! We've got to run! Now!!
(Heartbeat stops)
Schala: GIVE THEM BACK!!!!
(Schala charges the Warmech.)
Lark: You idiot!!
Glenn: The hell are you doing?!!
Hans: You wish to die first?! Very well. You have my attention!!
(Schala continues charging. Her sword begins to glow as it did in the prologue. She dodges a hail of gunfire and leaps just as the mech throws a punch. Using the arm as momentum, she leaps behind the mech and slashes through its flight unit. She proceeds to roll out of the way as it crashes to the ground, tossing Hans off of its hand.)
(The screen goes dark.)
Masa: *yawn* That was a good nap... Huh? Where are we?
Mune: Woah! Or current owner must be pissed! That is some righteous fury there! Hey, she looks different again...
Doreen: Will you two idiots knock it off?! She needs our help!
(The screen goes back to normal...)
Hans: How did you-?! Grrrr! It doesn't matter! I will not stand for this humiliation!
Schala: ..........
(Lark and Glenn appear to back up Schala.)
Lark: Dammit, I swear if you get us both killed-!!
Glenn: For what it's worth, it was a short life...
Warmech: Annihilation-Protocol-activated.
[Tutorial Battle: Element Drive - Hans, Ahriman 386-Z Warmech]
(The battle ends with Hans knocked out and the Warmech missing its chest plate. Once again, it begins to charge up.)
Schala: There! That's its weak spot!
Lark: How the hell do you know that?! Do you know what this thing is?!
Glenn: Who the hell cares?! If we don't do something, we're toast!
[Boss Fight: Ahriman 386-Z Warmech, Gatling Bit, Missile Bit, Beam Crystal]
(The Warmech falls over on its back. Schala immediately stands atop it and stabs the Masamune into its energy crystal. Schala leaps off as it begins to spark.)
Hans: No! No! That's impossible! How could you have-?!
(The machine explodes, knocking the Major General back.)
Lark: !!!
Glenn: Holy... We did it...! We really did it!
Lark: .........
Schala: .............
Schala: 'Roas, Vathos, Ninya... Was I able to give you peace...?'
(Suddenly, the squadron of soldiers from the South Checkpoint appear.)
Glenn: Uh-oh! Gotta go!
(Schala and Lark follow him. Back at the North Checkpoint...)
Reika: Lark!!
Rupert: I can't believe they did it...
Reika: I have to do something...!
(After a moment of hesitation, Reika begins chanting. Soon, Schala's group catches up.)
Schala: What is she doing?
Lark: !!!
Lark: Everybody get back!! NOW!!!
Glenn: SUMMON!!
(At the word, all of the remaining Dreamers get as far away from Reika as possible...)
[FMV: Leviathan Across the Bridge]
(As the dust settles, we see that with the damage of the Warmech and Reika's summon combined, Zenan Bridge has collapsed in its center.)
Reika: *phew*
Glenn: Uhhhh... I think you kind of overdid it a bit there...
Lark: Congratulations. You have officially cut off Northern and Southern Zenan even more than the Porreans did.
Rupert: Well, given the state of the bridge, I doubt it would have lasted long under the strain anyway...
Reika: ....Oops.
Glenn: So is this it? Mission Accomplished?
Rupert: Just a bit further. We have to take our cargo back to Guardia. We'll meet with our contact in the City Guard.
Schala: Shouldn't we rest a bit first? Considering what just happe-
Lark: *turning away from Schala* We can rest when the job's done. So let's get going already.
(Lark leaves to the east.)
Glenn: The hell?
Reika: What was that all about?
Schala: ..........
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