The Great Bridge/Script

Main Story
Before battle Narration The information gathered at Palmeni Temple leads Ike ever closer to the hidden truths behind the war. The assassination of Begnion's former apostle led to the massacre of Serenes. A Serenes princess was kidnapped. The medallion is stolen. A complex skein seemed to connect these events, and now those threads have become clearer and cleaner. Ashnard's motives are still a mystery, but his silhouette lurks in the shadows of all that happens. Ike returns from the temple and renounces all rights to the rule of Daein. Those rights are then passed through General Zelgius of Begnion to the apostle herself. The Crimean army absorbs another troop from Begnion, and with its might increased, marches on the Daein/Crimean border. Its next goal is the Riven Bridge, a massive structure that connects the two countries. Zelgius If that's the decision you've reached, we'll respectfully comply. Ike If we can march quickly and know that someone's protecting our backs, it would be a huge relief. Zelgius As you wish. May the fortunes of war be with the Crimean army. If you have need of soldiers, send word. We'll move out at top speed. Ike I'll be counting on it. Elincia My lord Ike, may I have a moment? Ike Of course. What is it? Elincia The soldiers say that tomorrow we'll be able to see the great bridge. Once we cross it, we'll be in Crimea. Ike That's what I've been told. Elincia It feels like I've been away for many years. Crimea is the land where I was born and raised. To feel so removed from it... I feel now, at this late juncture, that I know almost nothing of my own country. It is an unreal experience. Ike I know what you mean. I don't have the sense that we're on the brink of being back in Crimea, either. I don't even remember this area at all. Maybe it's because I was born in Gallia and raised in the countryside. But countries are joined together like this all over the continent. I'm really in awe of it all. Elincia So am I! For one who knew nothing of life outside the royal villa... Everything...is...So very big. Ike Big? Hmm... Yeah, I guess you're right. When we left Crimea, it was spring... The snows were melting, the days were getting longer, and the weather was mild. Elincia It's been almost a year since we departed. Only a year, but the distance we've traveled to get here has been long and hard...It feels like many years have passed us by. Yet this is the land where I was born and raised... Ah, my dear, sweet Crimea...How is it that you feel so far away? Ike For me, too, Crimea is my homeland. We're almost there... Let's go home. Elincia It is as you say, my lord Ike....Let's go home. Unknown Oooh, what a romantic setting. Makes it hard to make an appearance! I guess I could just leave you two... Ike Huh? I know that voice... Ranulf Hey there, Ike! Looks like we stayed alive long enough to be reunited! Aren't we the lucky ones? Ike Ranulf! Elincia My lord Ranulf! How nice to see you again! Ranulf My princess Elincia! Welcome home! I'd curtsy, but the tail makes it look silly. Ike What are you so darned chipper about? Ranulf Once I heard the news that the Crimean army had taken the Daein capital, I ran all this way to greet you. Ike How go things in Gallia? You're not engaged in open hostilities with Daein, are you? Ranulf Not yet. Ike What's that supposed to mean? Ranulf In light of your army's success, the elders have finally agreed on something. Gallia will lend its full support to Princess Crimea's efforts to liberate her homeland. It's a done deal! Elincia Really? Ike So, is the Gallian army going to-- Ranulf We're going to establish communications with them and create a united front. That being said, Gallia is here to support you. The Crimean army will always be at the center of the effort. Don't forget that. Ike King Gallia is being most gracious. That posture will allow Crimea to lay claim to any victories we achieve. Ranulf Don't say things like that! I'm shocked that you would understand such subtleties. Who are you, and what have you done with Ike? Ike I don't believe you have the right to speak to me like that. Kidding. Actually, Soren just lectured me on the same situation when we received reinforcements from Begnion. Ranulf Of course. You were tutored by your nervous little staff officer. Now I get it... Has he snapped yet? He seems high-strung. Elincia King Caineghis is always thinking of Crimea, isn't he? How can I ever repay him? Ranulf Princess... Let's win your country back. When that's done, please rebuild the bonds of friendship between our nations. That would be the ultimate way to say thank you, wouldn't it? Elincia Yes! Yes, of course! Exit base Petrine So they're finally here, are they? Has the work on the bridge been finished? And your answer had better be yes! Daein Soldier Y-yes, General! Do you think it will work? Petrine Sometimes the simplest of traps offer up the best results. Lure the enemy in, and then finish them off one by one. Got it? Petrine Listen up, dogs! There will be no retreating today! We stop Crimea's advance here! We will not allow them to gain the comfort of their homeland! Any who do not fight to the death will face my lance! Ike There's the bridge... Wow, it's huge... I doubt if Daein's going to let us cross over without objection. Ranulf Yeah, I think that's highly unlikely. Ike Titania! It's time to march! Make sure the troops stay alert and move with caution! Titania Understood, Commander! Ranulf Say, Ike. There's one thing I've been meaning to ask you. Ike What is it? Ranulf I haven't seen Nasir around. What's happened to him? Ike He was declared an enemy combatant and locked up. Ranulf What? Hey, I understand you being irked that he didn't mention testing you and all, but treating him like a criminal is too-- Ike Testing me? What are you talking about? Ranulf Huh? Oh, um... Nice weather, eh? Ike We're going to talk. Now. Ranulf Nasir is a Daein spy? No way! That's not possible! He was our spy! Ike You're telling me he was a Gallian spy? None of this makes sense to me... Ranulf He worked for us on behalf of the king. But...Daein? As a laguz, he would have absolutely no reason to work for them. Ike But there was a Goldoan named Ena who was working as a general for Daein. Ranulf ...Are you serious? Ike Yes, we were forced to fight her in the Daein capital. When we attempted to capture her, Nasir intervened and allowed her to escape. He betrayed us. Ranulf What? Hold on a minute... Ranulf Maybe that was... If that's the case, then I can see why...No, even so, teaming up with Daein is just too much...hmm...... Ike I hate to interrupt whatever it is you're doing, but we've arrived at the bridge. Ranulf Let me speak to Nasir. Please! Ike Once we've finished this battle, we can go together. All right? Ranulf Of course. Petrine All right, Haar! Time for you to go to work. Haar Zzzzz... No, Mom, five more minutes...Zzzzzzzzzz... Petrine Dozing off on the battlefield... You've got a lot of nerve, don't you? Hey! Wake up or I'll burn you to a crisp! Haar Zzzzz... Snort! Huh? Wha--? Uh... Right! Has the enemy arrived? Petrine Yes, they just got here. Now get out there and do your job. Haar Oh, I'm all over it. Yaaaawwwnnn... Petrine What an absolute fool. Ranulf Well, here we are! And there's the Daein army on the other side as expected! They're already in battle formation and waiting to give us a warm welcome. Aw, that's charming! Ike That's just what I want. Ranulf Oh ho! Well said. And by the way, I thought I'd join you today. Ike Not as a Gallian, but as part of our army, right? Ranulf If it's a problem, I can always sit this one out. Ike Of course not! Thanks for your continued support, Ranulf! Ranulf Ha! The pleasure's all mine! Let's go carve us some Daeins! 1st turn Haar Attention... Let's...yaaawwnn...go. Hmm...maybe I can catch a nap while we fly... Turn 6 Haar ...Now then...Let's see how things look. Jill talks to Haar Harr Greetings, Jill. So you're still alive, eh? Good to see. Jill That's what I was going to say to you! You survived! I'm very pleased. Harr General Shiharam left me in charge. I'm supposed to get our survivors and their families to Begnion. I can't die until that's done. Jill Oh, I see... But then... Captain, why are you still in Daein? Harr I... Believe it or not, I'm a vindictive man. Revenge for the general is something I couldn't let go. Jill Oh! But...that... Harr Don't get the wrong idea. You're not the enemy I'm seeking. Huh? But... Harr The ones responsible for General Shiharam's death, are the Daeins. I pretended to return to the fold so I could get close to General Petrine...I'm just waiting for my chance. But I think they may be on to me. My unit's a bunch of tough guys who serve as Petrine's watchdogs. Plus, I've been ordered to charge the Crimeans head-on. It's Daein's way of killing two birds with one stone. Jill Don't do it! Come fight by our sides! If you're looking to kill Daeins, then we share the same goal! Harr Jill... I, um... I don't trust Crimea anymore than I do Daein. I'm sick to death of serving countries. Jill Captain... Harr Still... I can't abandon the daughter of the man to whom I owe so much... Guess I'm changing sides again. Jill Really? Oh, thank you, Captain! Harr No, you've got that backwards.

Jill Pardon?

Harr I'm a new recruit... So I'm under you. Thanks in advance, Captain.

Jill What? Don't be silly! Wait...Ah, Captain!!!

A unit is near the end of the bridge Lucia Is that the Crimean army? Bastian What ho! It is the army come again! I see the Crimean flag in the rear...But lo! Who do I spy in the distance? Green hair...orange dress...and eyes bewitching fair...Elincia comes! Let us to her aid ride! Lucia The princess has returned! Count Bastian, return to the castle and inform Geoffrey at once. I will move ahead and inform the princess that her retainers are here to meet her. Bastian Lady Lucia, keep your wits about you. That we are excited is fair to say... But show the enemy no weaknesses, lest he does cut us down like autumn's wheat. Lucia Good advice. And you watch that you aren't waylaid on the way back to the castle. Bastian Even if Daein unleashes on myself the full force of their army's wrath...They are no match for clever Bastian! I'll meet you at the castle gate anon. Lucia Right! Two turns later Lucia Are you ready to fight?! Are you ready to die?! We must give our all to protect Princess Elincia! Crimean Soldier My fellow Crimeans! Now is the time we stand and fight for the life of our homeland! Petrine is attacked Petrine Ha ha! Do you like your meat rare? Or do you like it charbroiled? Let me know, and I'll cook you up just as ordered! Wha ha ha ha ha! Haar is attacked Haar ...Combat. Tsk. It's one of those things you simply cannot control. Petrine is killed Petrine Y-Your... Your Majesty...Forgive me...please... Oh, I don't want to die... So...scared... Haar The Dark Angel... She's found me at last... At least I can sleep now... After battle Lucia Princess Elincia! Welcome home! It's so good to see you safe! Elincia Lucia? Lucia! Is it really you? Lucia I am no spirit. See? Flesh and bone, through and through. Elincia Ah, Lucia! You have no idea how I've longed to see you. Lucia And I you, Princess Elincia. When my brother Geoffrey told me you had been lost, my world went dark. When I learned you were still alive...I was...so... Elincia Then Geoffrey is safe as well? Happy day! Are there others? How many Crimean retainers have survived? Lucia Well, there's Count Bastian. That silver-tongued rascal is as loquacious as ever. Also, General Tagio, Marquis Katol's orphan, Silok, and Marquis Mitnala are all with us. The soldiers we have contacted so far do not even number one hundred. But if they know you've returned, retainers hiding throughout the land will surely come pouring in. Elincia Yet, my existence... It is not known to the general populace... Lucia There's no need to worry about that! Tales of your exploits in Daein have reached every corner of Crimea. In every village, in every town, the people are talking. "Our fair king had a hidden child," they say. "The secret princess of Crimea is fighting to save us all!" In addition, Daein soldiers have been frantically searching for a mysterious and elusive "Princess Crimea." All they've succeeded in doing is convincing the people that you truly are their princess. All of Crimea has been anxiously awaiting your return. Elincia Oh, Lucia, do you speak truly? They have...acknowledged my existence?...I never...expected this day... Ranulf is alive Ranulf News of your actions in Daein reached the ears of King Gallia through Nasir. I then told Lucia, who passed it to the citizenry....You know, the thought that Nasir is a traitor just doesn't feel right to me. I can't believe it. Ike You think I don't see that? Look at what we know about the medallion. We discovered it thanks to his hints. He's helped us throughout our entire journey. In that, at least, he was not false. Yet, if he will not speak, there is nothing I can do to save him. Ranulf Let's go see him. One way or another, I will loosen his tongue. Ike This way. Ranulf was killed Ranulf Ike! Ike Ranulf! Are you well? Ranulf No, not really... As good as I am, I made a mess of that fight. I won't be of use in combat for a while, but I'd like to be your guide. I've got to do something, or Giffca will have my hide. Ike As long as your life's not in danger, but... Don't you think you're doing too much? Ranulf Hey, it's me! Ike... News of your actions in Daein has reached the ears of King Gallia via Nasir. I then told Lucia, who passed it on to the citizenry. The idea that he is a traitor just doesn't fit. Ike You think I don't see that? Look at what we know about the medallion. We discovered it thanks to his hints. He's helped us throughout our entire journey. In that, at least, he was not false. Yet, if he will not speak, there is nothing I can do to save him. Ranulf Let's go and see him. One way or another, I will loosen his tongue. Ike This way. Conversation continues Ike He's being kept in this supply tent. We wanted to keep him away from the other soldiers. Ranulf What is it? Ike He's... He's gone! I brought him breakfast this morning! He was here...

Soren
Soren Hmm... Unknown Soren! Are you in here? Soren Yes. Soren Ike? It's late. What do you want? Ike Shhh! Soren Um...Ike? Unknown Oh, no... How strange. I was sure he'd come this way. Yooo-hooo?! Soren That voice... It's the woman from the item shop, isn't it? Aimee Commander! Ike? Where have you gone, handsome? Ike Crud. Soren ...Did you run in here to escape? Ike Look, whenever that woman corners me, it takes forever to get away. Let me hide in here until things simmer down. Soren We begin marching tomorrow morning...This is a waste of valuable time. I'll go and chase her away. Ike Wait! Soren! Aimee Iiike! Ikey-poo! Where aaaaare you? Soren Aimee? Aimee Oh. Soren. Ew. I mean, um...hi. Why are you out so late? Soren Do you have some business with Ike? Aimee Well, yes I do. I found a special something that I'd like to give to him. Do you know where he is? Soren Ike is...in a war meeting. If you have something for him, I can hold on to it for you. Aimee Hmm... What should I do? You see, I have this new staff... The staff is VERY valuable. I'm not sure if I feel comfortable simply handing it over to someone who doesn't...understand that. Soren That's a Hammerne, is it not? A rare staff that can take any item, no matter how battered and worn, and repair it completely. Aimee Why...that's right. You're quite knowledgeable, aren't you? Soren If I may continue, I believe that there is only one of these in all the world. It truly is priceless. And you want to give this to Ike? Aimee Well, I do want to be helpful. Soren ...If you truly wish to capture Ike's attention, bringing him staves and whatnot will avail you nothing. Aimee What? Really? Oh, dear... I was so hoping he would like it. Soren Food, however, would be much more effective than a staff. He's particularly fond of spicy meat dishes. Aimee Is that so? Cooking is not something that I'm skilled at, but... Oh, I've got it! I know the perfect dish! Soren Ah, good! He will be very pleased! Um...what about the staff? Aimee Hee hee! You can keep it as payment for the cooking tip! Take good care of it. Soren ... Well, she's unexpectedly generous. I received something quite nice from your admirer, Ikey-poo! Thank you so much! Ike Hey, wait a minute!

Shinon
Ike Understood. Proceed as ordered. Bengion Soldier Sir, yes, sir! Ike What's next... Huh? Who's there? Shinon Sir, yes, sir... Hey, it's General Ike the Great! I heard all about it, you know? Those guys went and made you...a NOBLE! Ike Shinon? Shinon Good for you, huh? Har har! ...Hic! You're in love with a pwetty wittle princess, you're fighting side-by-side with yer sub-human pals. Yes! Yer moving up! Oooo, look at you! It's big mister Ike! Leading the good life! Ike They're not sub-humans. They're laguz. Shinon ...Yeah, whatever. Here's the deal... Now that yer a high- class noble, you can't be running around with a...buncha broke mercenaries. All the other nobles...are gonna LAUGH at you! So...give it up! I'll do you a favor and take over. Ike I don't think so. I'm going to continue as commander of the Greil Mercenaries. Shinon Screw you! You always get everything! Don't you ever want to give up anything? Nooooo! Not big important mister Ike! You've always been like this! You act like you're not interested in something, then you swoop in and...STEAL IT AWAY! Ike Hey! Shinon? Shinon ......Wh-what? WHAT?! And watch how you say my name, boy! Boy, boy, boy... Wittle boy Ike... Wittle Ikey... Ike ...Shinon, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling all right? Shinon What do you care, you snotty whelp?! It's none of yer business! AND another thing! About the command of the company. If you refuse to give it up...at least change the name! Yer NOT...Commander Greil! Just because you're his son...That doesn't...give you the right...to use his name... Ike Shinon, are you sure you're all right? Shinon ...YEAH! I'm fine! I'll be fine... Fine, fine... Ugh...I don't feel so good. Ooh...BLAARRRGGGHHHH! Ike It was never about the commandership...It was about my father....