Dawn of Mana script

Script

Opening Scene

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(The eight Mana Spirits are gathered around a campfire in a clearing at night)

Salamander: Aw, whaddaya mean, "When the world was still flat?" You can't make up stuff like that just to spice up a story! What if all the little kids out there take it as a fact!?

Gnome: Watch that mouth! You're hardly a scholar yourself, hot pants, you know! Half-grown spirits like you should listen more and talk less!

Salamander: Not all of us are as old as dirt, you know! ...and I'm not the one telling fairy tales, acting like I was there the whole time!

Shade: You two fools are at it again? Let save your little grudge match for later.

Dryad: Yes, the eight of us are here for a reason, and it isn't fisticuffs... We need to go over certain events, and make sure we got them right.

Jinn: Correct you are! Tonight is a super-exclusive spirit conference! We must discuss the link between us spirit and humanity––

Wisp: And the origin of the Mana Tree.

Luna: Fighting won't solve anything, Gnome.

Gnome: Ahh, you're right. Sorry. I ought to stay grounded and not lose my head.

Shade: The night is brief... And I've got more sinister things to do.

Undine: Listen up, my fiery friend... You can extinguish that temper, because you know we have a lot to do!

Salamander: Okay, okay. Go ahead. Go on with your story.

Gnome: Ahem. On the sacred island of Illusia stood a small and solitary village. There dwelt what were known as the Tree Folk. They lived in peace, blessed by the beauty and bounty of nature. Little did they know their peaceful days would soon come to an abrupt end...

(View switches to an open field with a village at the base of an enormous tree. A single Rabite hopping in the grass.)

Ritzia: Buju!

(Buju the Rabite continues to hop around the field.)

Ritzia: Buju! Wait up! Ohh! Keldy? Can you bring him back?

Keldric: Oookay!

(Keldric sprints toward him.)

Ritzia: Don"t be too rough with him, tough!

Keldric: You got it!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Prologue: More Than Friends

(Screen pans over Sunbeam Forest, while Keldric grabs a stick upon entering the woods.)

~Ritzia: Buju!~

(Keldric defeat some Mushbooms. Buju keeps hopping down further into the woods.)

Keldric: Hey, wait!

(Keldric defeat some more Mushbooms. Buju is still venturing away from him.)

Keldric: Aw, c'mon! Get back here, will you?

~Ritzia: Buju!~

Ritzia : Keldy! Buju's not over there! (If Keldric goes away from Buju's path.)

(Further down the way, Keldric destroys some more monsters while Buju elopes.)

Keldric: Hey, don't you ignore me!

(Same as above.)

Keldric: Hey, wait!

(Same as above.)

Keldric: Aw, c'mon! Get back here, will you?

(Keldric finally corners Buju.)

Keldric: Okay, that's enough for now. Let's get you back to Ritzia.

[CHAPTER SCORES]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Ritzia runs toward Keldric who is holding Buju in its arms. Buju wriggles in protest.)

Keldric: Woah, there!

(Keldric gives Buju to Ritzia, soothing him down.)

Keldric: That's better.

Ritzia: Thank you, Keldy. Oh, you're going to need a leash, Buju!

(Ritzia looks around the vicinity.)

Ritzia: Are we at...?

(Ritzia ponders while walking toward a tree.)

Ritzia: That's right. Do you remember, Keldy? When we were little, we carved you carved our initials here with your pocket knife.

Keldric: Naw, did I?

Ritzia: But we shouldn't hurt trees like that, you know? Because whenever we hurt any living things, we also end up hurting ourselves.

Keldric: Yeah, I know that.

(A distant marching sound is heard, alerting Keldric and Ritzia. The two of them head out to look for what is causing the raucous. An army of heavily armored men is seen marching on the main road, a giant vehicle in the middle with two imposing figures at its seat. Keldric and Ritzia watch the scene behind a tree.)

Keldric: Where are they going?

Ritzia: ...The village!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE BEGINS]

~Jinn: When the two of them rushed back to sanctuary, they found the village full of Gaulem soldiers from the Lorimarian army!~

~Gnome: Mhmm! And Stroud, the king of Lorimar himself, came riding in. He captured all of the Tree Folk and then herded them in to a few houses.~

~Undine: Keldric and Ritzia, when to awaken the Sacred Beast that guarded Illusia, and now slumbered beneath the Great Tree. But the Gaulem soldiers were one step ahead of them. They seemed to be looking for something there.~

~Gnome: The pair sneaked pass the soldiers, and entered the depths of the Great Tree, hoping to find the Sacred Beast before the Lormarians did.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]

Chapter 1: A Spirit and a Maiden

(Screen pans over various corridors inside the Great Tree, then winds back to the entrance with Keldric and Ritzia.)

Ritzia: The sacred beast should just be past here. Word has it that the feather you wear came from the Guardian Beast itself. Maybe it could give us a clue.

Keldric: (laughs) You ought to know––you're the one who gave it to me when we were kids!

Ritzia: Hmm. Those slabs looks like they could collapse at any minute. (If Keldric approaches said slabs.)

(Keldric destroys the slabs, causing the floor to collapes undergroud with them.)

Ritzia: Hey, Keldy. What do you think they're looking for?

Keldric: Probably the same thing as we are... the beast that protects the island. But to the invaders from the Lorimarian army, it's just another obstacle...

Ritzia: They must be planning to kill it, then...

Ritzia: I think we might be able to startle them if we drop something down on them... (If Keldric approaches the bunch of Mushbooms in the room.)

(Upon entering a new room filled with monsters.)

Keldric: Be careful, Ritzia.

Ritzia: Oh, I know, I know.

(In another room, near the center)

Keldric: It's easy to get lost in here!

Ritzia: Too bad we don't get to choose where the beast lives, huh, Keldy?

(A while later, after opening a path for Ritzia by stepping on a switch.)

Ritzia: Thank you.

Keldric: Lekius won't be happy that I brought a Tree maiden to a place like this...

Ritzia: You really have no idea why he gets angry with you, do you?

Keldric: What do you mean by that?

(The duo follows a path leading to a dead end with a giant stone gate in it.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Screen zooms over the ominous doors with a tree engraved on it. The duo slowly makes they way through it.)

Ritzia: Since time immemorial the Great Treehas stood here with the eight spirits, keeping watch over the world. But since then, the Tree has turned to stone. If only it could flourish again... Then, just maybe we cold live together with the elemental spirits once more.

Keldric: Maybe.

(A bright flash of light spurts from the gates, startling the duo. Keldric notices something on the ground.)

Keldric: Hey, look. what's this?

(He grunts as he tries to unwedge the item, sending him back a few feet on his behind after retrieving it.)

Ritzia: Keldy!

(The two of them inspect a mysterious seed Keldric has just unearthed.)

Keldric: What do you thing this––

(The seed shines a bright light in Keldric's palm.)

~Keldric: Woah!~

Ritzia: Oh, no Keldy! Throw it away!

Keldric: Uh? Waaah!

(The seed shines even brighter as it sprouts and as vines grows, latching onto Keldric's arm, who is screaming in pain. After the light recedes, Ritzia uncover her eyes.)

Ritzia: Keldy! (Gasp!)

(A giant sword is now attached to Keldric, immediately retracting into his arm who is ensnared with vines).

Keldric: What happened to me? My arm––

Ritzia: Are you alright, Keldy?

(Keldric stands up.)

Keldric: I... think I'm okay.

Ritzia: I'm not sure about that–– Maybe we should go see the village elder. He might know what all this is about.

Keldric: Good idea. Okay, let's go, Ritzia.

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Keldric and Ritzia continue to progress into the labyrinth.)

Shade (voice): Sanctuary has been defiled...

Ritzia: Keldy? Wait a minute!

Luna (voice): You are the Tree's chosen one...

Wisp (voice): You must determine for yourself...

Jinn (voice): The Great Tree will awaken...

(further down the path, while Keldric is using its newfound powers to shoot a target)

Ritzia: Wow! I didn't know you could do that!

(after opening the door to the next room)

Dryad (voice): The bond you will have with us...

Ritzia: These voices... who are you?

(The duo venture deeper into a narrow corridor, leading to a small room.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Eight balls of colored lights surround the duo.)

Keldric: Ritzia!

(Keldric runs toward her while the eight orbs collide into one. Keldric and Ritzia brace themselves, but nothing comes to harm.)

Keldric: What is it, Ritzia?

(A small glowing sprite comes falling down into Keldric's hand, yawning as she wakes up, looking around.)

Keldric: What do you think it is? Hm. say you're pretty up-close and personal.

Ritzia: Keldy. Could it–– Maybe it's a...spirit?

Keldric: Seems sorta––

(The spirit laughs as she spirals upward.)

Ritzia: But, why...? Say, Keldy?

Faye: Huh? ...Keldy?

Ritzia: Yes! Well, it looks like she's a quick learner, anyway... (To Faye) My name is Ritzia. And you are?

Faye: Keldy... Ritzia...

(Faye comes closer to Ritzia.)

Faye: And I am... Faye.

Keldric: Faye?

Ritzia: Are you Faye? That's your name?

Faye: FAYE!

(Faye repeats her name several times while swirling in the air.)

Keldric: Okay, we get the point.

(Faye plucks a flower and gives it to Ritzia.)

Ritzia: Oh, for me? Thanks so much.

(Faye resumes repeating her name while gliding around.)

Keldric: Ritzia, we'd better get going.

Ritzia: Right. Lead the way.

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Faye follows Keldric and Ritzia while they explore the area.)

Ritzia: Let's get moving! Keldy? Wait a minute!

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(The next room has some rocks floating around, making a small whirlwind appear. Jinn appears.)

Jinn: Blowing in on the wind!

(Jinn comes near Faye.)

Jinn: How do you do, friend! You're a spirit just like the rest of us, aren't you not? That is why we are going to help you! Give this to that little fellow over there. My mighty breeze creates a whirlwind, which sends all sorts of things flying! That goes for enemies, too!

(Jinn spins around very fast before disappearing, leaving a tornado-shaped stone behind.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(In the next room.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Gnome is seen hiding behind some rubble.)

Gnome: Hohohooo! Hey!

(Gnome, talking to Faye.)

Gnome: In need of my services, are you? The power of earth can bring things together! My magnetic charge will draw enemies and objects around it!

(Gnome jumps around, then surround himself with rocks to finally leave a crystal-shaped stone behind.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(A while later, in a room with a winding staircase.)

Faye: Ooh, it goes in circles. Be careful, don't fall. There are monsters below us. I wonder what could happen if we dropped something on them from up here...

(While going down the saircase.)

Faye: Keldy, your hair color is different from Ritzia's...

Keldric: I came to this island from far, far away when I was only a baby...

Faye: How far?

(In the next corridor.)

Faye: Ritzia's not here.

Keldric: She might be further in.

(A the bottom of a room with a swiveling platform.)

Keldric: Maybe there's some place to climb up.

(Upon entering a third room with a swiveling platform.)

Faye: Keldy, which faraway place are you from?

Keldric: Oh, I don't know. And I don't care, 'cause I'm one of the Tree Folk now!

(When reuniting with Ritzia.)

Ritzia: Keldy! Good, you made it. And Faye, you did, too.

Keldric: You're not looking any worse for the wear. Okay, let's go!

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(After climbing up a winding staircase, the Trio come across a graveyard.)

Keldric: (Sigh) Looks like a dead end. If there's a sacred beast here, he's doing a good job of hiding.

Faye: This place scares me, Keldy.

Ritzia: That's because it's a tomb...a graveyard. It's filled with the sorrows of the dead from long ago.

(Keldric jumps down from a higher platform, Faye following him.)

Keldric: (Yelling) Hey! Sacred beast! Where are you!? Come out, come out, wherever you are!

Ritzia: Keldy!

Grim Mortifer (Voice): Maiden prayers... Captive souls...

Ritzia: Who's that? Is someone there?

Keldric: Is that the guardian?

(Grim Mortifer drops down, nearly crushing Keldric who runs away screaming.)

Keldric: Oh, yow!

Grim Mortifer: Progeny of the black oracle...

(Grim Mortifer dashes toward Keldric, who nearly avoid it by rolling away.)

Keldric: Ritzia!

(Grim Mortifer tries to come closer to Ritzia who is still standing on the cliff.)

Grim Mortifer: You must not seek the Echoes' release.

Keldric: Oh, no! Get back, Ritzia! Now! Get your claws off her!

(Keldric's tendril sword grows back while Grim Mortifer turns on him.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Keldric: It doesn't have any feathers! It can't be the Guardian Beast, can it!?

Ritzia: Keldy! Watch out behind you!

Grim Mortifer: A forbidden prayer... A locked paradise... Bound for a thousand years...

(After defeating Grim Mortifer)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Grim Mortifer: (In agony) You must not disturb... ...the Great Tree's slumber.

(Grim Mortifer summons a pile of rubble by jumping for the last time.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Grim Mortifer: You must not heed the Echoes of the everlasting Tree.

(Grim Mortifer dies while Keldric's tendril sword disappears, making him collapse.)

Ritzia: Are you all right, Keldy?

Keldric: Yeah. How about you? Are you okay?

Ritzia: Yes, all thanks to you.

Keldric: But, why did he attack you like that? First my arm, and now that thing... And we still can't find the sacred beast. What are we doing wrong?

Ritzia: Forbidden prayers? A sealed paradise? What's it all about? Illusia is supposed to be a holy place guarded by a sacred beast.

(Ritzia gasps)

Keldric: Huh? Ritzia. Hey––

Faye: (to Ritzia) No, don't! Oh, don't... Please, don't...

(Unfazed by Faye's warning, Ritzia walks toward the petrified tree.)

Keldric: What's wrong?

Anise (Voice): I've been waiting... waiting for you, maiden.

(Ritzia touches the Great Tree's roots, making her hand glow of a purple aura.)

Anise (Voice): Finally the day has come when promises of old shall be fulfilled.

Keldric: Ritzia!

(A powerful magic field coming from the roots prevents Keldric and Faye to come close to Ritzia. An ominous black & purple gate is forming in from of Ritzia. Keldric is violently thrown back by the magic field.)

Keldric: RITZIA!

(Screen fades to black, then shows Ritzia on the ground. Keldric comes at her side.)

Keldric: Ritzia... Oh, no! Ritzia! Hey, can you move, Ritzia!? C'mon, wake up! Wake up, will you!?

Faye: (Gasps) Keldy!

(A blade is seen on Keldric's left shoulder, revealed to belong to one of several Gaulem soldiers surrounding the party.)

Keldric: What do you want!?

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE BEGINS]

~Gnome (voice): When Ritzia touched the root of the Great Tree, it enveloped them in light. All of the Tree Folk trembled in fear at the awesome sight, but Stroud merely snickered. After commanding his soldiers to take Ritzia away, Stroud ordered the group back to the base of the tree. AMong them, was the Village Elder, Keldric, and Lekius, the village guard and long time friend of Keldric.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(A group of Tree Folk are detained by Stroud and his followers at the Door to Mavolia, where Keldric previously got hold of his tendril sword.)

Gaulem soldier: Sire, I've brought the village elder and the head guard. And anothers miscreant of sorts.

Masked Guru: Capital.

(Stroud turns around to see the Village Elder accompanied by Keldric and Lekius.)

Stroud: Elder, if I may ask you... How does one open the sealed door to Mavolia?

Lekius: A door to Mavolia?

Stroud: Where have you been? This very island is the door to Mavolia. A thousand years ago this place was sealed cursed and sealed away.

Lekius: Who could it ever be cursed? Illusia is a holy place, a sanctuary!

Village elder: What exactly is it that you want?

Stroud: Power. to make the power of Mavolia my own.

Village elder: Nonsense! I you were to do that, the world would be consumed by Thanatos, plunging it into everlasting darkness.

Stroud: What of it? Do you think I really care what becomes of the world? I you plan to remain silent on the matter, perharps Ritzia will prove helpful. But how much torment can she endure before she finally talks?

(Keldric summons his tendril sword and tries to hit Stroud but misses. The two of them cross blades for a moment, but Stroud overpowers Keldric who is then back into a pillar.)

Lekius: Keldy!

Stroud: That's some trick up your sleeve.

(Stroud points his blade at Keldric who is still on the ground from his injuries.)

Stroud: So you'd prefer that I execute all of you. Let's begin with the Tree maiden!

Village elder: It's in Wonderwood! The key to that unholy realm lies deep within the forest.

Stroud: (Humph) You're easily swayed. Take them away!

Gaulem soldiers: Yes, Sire.

(The Gaulem soliders carry Keldric, Lekius and the village elder back to the village.)

Stroud: That brat with the weed on his arm isn't one of the Tree Folk.

Masked Guru: Correct. And he has that sword. The Great Tree must've splintered off and planted itself in his arm.

Stroud: Well, this is the entrance to Mavolia, after all. But there's something odd about him.

Masked Guru: How so, Your Majesty?

Stroud: Never mind. Opening the door is my first order of business.

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(The Gaulem army are standing before the village's gate, preparing its entrance into Wonderwood. Ritzia is held captive in their midst.)

Gaulem Captain: Listen up, troops! We're here to search Wonderwood! There's something deep inside the forest that'll help revive the Great Tree. It is essential that we achieve this critical objective! And to help us with our task today... We have this Tree maiden. She'll be serving as our guide! As proud golems, me must strive for the sake of King Stroud and the entire kingdom of Lorimar. Failure is not an option. Make this mission a success, or ELSE! Now, the world is brimming with the power of the spirits... (Gaulem Captain continues his speech)

(While the Gaulem company listen to their captain's speech, Keldric and Lekius observe quietly behind a boulder.)

Lekius: So the army's got Ritzia. It's a good thing we got out of the village.

Keldric: I'll get her back!

(Lekius grabs Keldric's arm before he leaves.)

Lekius: Hold on! There are too many to take on at once! We'll wait for them to split up...once they're in the forest. And then we'll get our chance.

Keldric: Lek, I can take care of Ritzia. You go back to the village.

Lekius: (Noticing Faye) Huh?

Kedlric: They need all the help they can get now. I'll bring Ritzia back safe.

Lekius: You're right. We're counting on you.

(Meanwhile, the Gaulem company is ready to take off.)

Gaulem Captain: Company! Forward march!

Keldric: Right...then we're off!

(Keldric sprints toward Wonderwood with Faye trailing behind him. Lekius is bewildered at her sight.)

Lekius: Huh? What was THAT!?

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Chapter 2: Lord of the Forest

(The camera pans around the plains near Tree Folk Village before zooming on Keldric & Faye.)

Faye: Who was that just now?

Keldric: That's Lekius. He's a village guard.

Faye: Lekius...?

(Futher down the road, upon meeting a barricade.)

Keldric: So goblins are on the prowl.

Faye: Are they with the same group that too Ritzia away?

Keldric: Nah, they're probably just a band of thieves.

(Keldric destroy the surrounding enemies, making the seal on the barricade disappear and opening the way.)

[CUTSCENE]

(Salamander appears from a campfire.)

Salamander: Hotchaaah! Burnin' for some firepower? Just bump into some burnable bits, and I'll flash-fry 'em flat! Givin' enemies that burning sensation is sure to wear down their strength!

(Salamander then spins vertically and leaves a flame-shaped stone behind.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Later, after crossing a narrow canyon.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Undine comes out of a patch of snow.)

Undine: Freeze, if you please! So, you need some cold comfort? When my power touches something, it get so cold enemies won't go near it! But wait, there's more! Ice an enemy with my power, and he's a snowman!

(Undine spins around, creating a whirlpoo, revealing an icicle-shaped stone.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(much later, after crossing a river.)

Keldric: (Talking about a bunch of goblins) Looks like some of them have teamed up.

Faye: Having friends around always helps.

(A bit further down the road, at the beginning of some ruins.)

Faye: Keldy, how come you wear a feather on your head like that?

Keldric: I wear this instead of my def flora.

Faye: What's a def flora?

Keldric: Well, that's what the Tree Folk call their guardian guardian plan charms.

Faye: Ritzia has one?

Keldric: Yeah, of course. Ritzia's charm is a white flower.

(After crossing the valley, Keldric & Faye end up in Wonderwood.)

Faye: The trees here are weird.

Keldric: So this is what the forest looks like.

Faye: This is your first time here?

Keldric: Yeah, they always warned me not to come in here...

Faye: How come?

Keldric: I don't know...

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(After crossing a tunnel, Keldric & Faye end up in an area inhabited by friendly Chobin Hoods. One of them comes to speak to him.)

Chobee: Keldric! Treant says he wants to talk to you and the spirit child about something.

(Chobee then proceeds to show the way to Treant.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Faye: Who's the little guy?

Keldric: He's one of the chobin hoods who live in Wonderwood. But I wonder what's up.

(After climbing the treetops.)

Chobee: Treant is right over there!

Chobin Hood: Treant is waiting farther up!

Chobee: (to Keldric) Come this way!

Chobin Hood: I don't feel like letting you pass, but...

(After climbing the second set of treetops and passing through the last tunnel.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Ritzia is listening intently on Treant's story while Chobee, Keldric and Faye tag along.)

Treant: The Great Tree, through all eternity, has absorbed hatred, misery, and the futility of life. Together, these constitute the Echoes of destruction.

Ritzia: The Echoes of destruction...?

Treant: Yes––Reverberations from the darkest corners of the human heart.

(Keldric now stands before Treant.)

Treant: So this is the young man the Great Tree has chosen... And the spirit child.

Faye: I'm Faye!

Keldric: We know. What do you want from us?

Treant: A thousand years ago, a young lady opened the door to Mavolia... And now, others wish to open it once again...

Keldric: The Lorimarian army!

Treant: As long as I live and am able to contain this wicked power here, the door will never be opened. However...

(A evil wind surges from behind the party, making Treant release some black fumes.)

Treant: The sword inside me reacts to the Echoes touched by the maiden...

Keldric: Chobee! Get Ritzia away from here!

Chobee: Um... What about––?

Keldric: Not now just hurry!

Chobee: Okay!

(Chobee brings Ritzia to safety.)

Treant: It's no use. The door will be opened again.)

(Treant transforms into Grim Treant.)

Treant: And from this world I've been imprisoned, I shall be released!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Grim Treant: (to Keldric) Good. You've come. I've been waiting for you, scion, keeper of the seed... Empty your heart. and plunge into the destructive wave of eternal darkness. Be enveloped by the witch's curse and despair.

Faye: (to Treant) Open wide!

Keldric: Good!

Faye: Watch out! Something is shining at the roots...and it looks pretty scary...

Grim Treant: Go forth! Illusia... the seal on the Door to Mavolia will soon be broken...

Faye: Oh, no more pumkin bombs!

Keldric: If only there was a way to make more of them...

~Grim Treant: You're fertilizer!~

~Grim Treant: I'll stir you...~

~Grim Treant: Punishment!~

~Gime Treant: (If both tendrils are destroyed) Ooohhhaaauuugh!~

~Grim Treant: (If hit by a pumpkin bomb explosion) Gaaaahhh!~

~Grim Treant: (Regenerating his tendrils) Yeeeaaah! Hahahaha!~

Keldric: Rrgh! This thing's shut tight!

Faye: If you could just pry it a little...

Faye: Keldy!

Faye: Duck!

(After defeating Grim Treant.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Grim Treant's mouth is glowing intensely, making the crystals inside shatter. A heap of dark smoke escapes his mouth.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Treant reverts back to his original form, but spits an ominous sword out, landing near Keldric. Chobee & Ritzia return next to Treant.)

Chobee: Treant! Are you okay, Treant?

Treant: For so long I had kept that filthy sword locked inside my body, but it seems I reached my limit. Maiden... Ritzia. Turn your ears to the whispers of the Tree. And to the murmurs of your soul...

Ritzia: But, how would I––

Treant: By believing. It will come. The setting of the stars... The dawn of Mana...

Chobee: Treant!

(Treant starts glowing.)

Treant: Go to Mortmont. See the conservator of the land...the Guardian Beast.

Keldric: The Guardian Beast? You mean the real thing?

Treant: You must go there for help. Go to Mortmont.

Keldric: Mountain...of Death...

Treant: Such is your destiny, though there are ways to resist one's fate...

Keldric: Fate, huh?

(The conversation is interrupted by a giant wyvern flying in their direction.)

Treant: I thought you might be part of this.

Masked Guru: So you were the one hiding the sword, keeping it inside you... I'm so glad to see that you've finally coughed it up.

Treant: Keldric. Ritzia. The world is in your hands now...

Chobee: Treant!

(Treant's whole body shines brightly, then disappears into thin air. Meanwhile The Masked Guru sneaks behind the party to grab the sword.)

Masked Guru: This sword, imbued with the Tree's power and the evil of the Echoes, is rightly called the sacred Sword of Mana.

(The sword begins to glow an eery purple hue, emiting considerable power.)

Masked Guru: I think I'll have you all accompany me on my errands. That way, you'll be able to share with me everything Treant told you.

(Chobee flees while screaming and Ritzia tries to protect Keldric.)

Keldric: Ritzia!

Ritzia: Keldy, Run away!

Masked Guru: Heroic posturing?

Ritzia: We both know that you won't hurt me.

Keldric: Ritzia... How come–– I don't get what's going on!

Ritzia: Keldy, please. For my sake, and the sake of the world, leave. I beg you...

(Keldric reluctantly flees the premises, but the Wyvern tries to get a hold of him before he escapes. Keldric tries to draw his sword, but is ultimately forced to escape back into the forest.)

Masked Guru: A pointless display.

(The Masked Guru raises his hand, making the Wyvern head to Mortmont.)

Masked Guru: I have a very good idea where's he's headed. There's no escape from me now.

(Ritzia stares a the Masked Guru helplessly.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE BEGINS]

~Gnome: Meanwile, the disturbing news from Illusia Isle reached the outside world. The leaders of each country hastily gathered at the palace in Topple.~

~Dryad: Lady Lusa Luca of Topple, the Kingdom on the lake. Brother Moti of Jadd, the Desert Commonwealth. Millionaire, the Niccolo of Wendell, the Kingdom in the woods...~

~Salamander: And from Ishe, the land of fire, King Watts.~

~Shade: But these leaders were unwilling to send their armies against the terrible might of Lorimar.~

~Gnome: And not only that, but they couldn't even agree on what to do next! Time dragged on, as meandering discussions led to nowhere.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]

Chapter 3: The Guardian and Gaia

(Camera pans around an uphill mountain side before zooming back to Keldric and Faye.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(A stack of rock shines brightly as Wisp emerges from it.)

Wisp: Oh, hallooo! Have no fear, for I am here! My light is so amazingly bright... it makes the enemies lose their sight! Brilliant, no?

(Wisp proceeds to emit a dazzling light, before leaving only a small statuette of her liking.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(A goblin on boxes can be encountered close to where Keldric first interacted with Wisp. Behind them stands a single Golem Scout.)

Golem Scout: So you showed up after all, eh, kid?

Keldric: The Lorimar army got the jump on us!

Faye: Hey! How did they know we'd be here?

(A while later, Keldric encounters a Great Boa on a liftstone.)

Faye: This stone...isn't like any other...

Keldric: How so?

Faye: Not really sure...

(Further down the road, where four liftstones are aligned.)

Golem Scout: Hey! It's the squirt with the feather!

Faye: Keldy! How come your charm isn't some kind of flower?

Keldric: Well, that's because I wasn't born on this island like the others. This feather was a gift from Ritzia, so the Guardian Beast will watch over me.

Faye: Ooh.

(After traversing some tunnels behind a barricade.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Dryad is summoned from a light casted by a green sprout.)

Dryad: What!? You need the power of the tree of life? My power creates a mist... that makes most living creatures drift off to a deep sleep!

(Dryad then transforms into a leaf-shaped stone.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Keldric reaches a Goblin mining facility.)

Faye: Lots of weird creatures!

Keldric: This mountain was one used as a mine, but it was taken over by goblins a long time ago.

(Later, after stepping on a wooden elevator.)

Faye: What is this for?

Keldric: It looks like some kind of lift...

(Near a locked door overlooking a lift.)

Goblin: Treasure is mine! Don't think to mooch! I'll gobber clobber you!

(After crossing a tunnel.)

Goblin: Aaah! Run away, gob! Retreat!

(Shortly after, inside another mine path.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Shade appears before some strange marking on a wall.)

Shade: Good eeevening. I bid you welcome. My darkness brings forth a mist of despair... that gradually sucks an enemy's strength!

(Shade summons a wave of dark energy, then transforms into a satuette of himself.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(In the area right after meeting with Shade.)

Golem Guardian: There you are! Right were the Masked Guru said you'd be!

(In front of a barricade guarded by Golems)

Golem Guardian: That's him, no doubt about it!

Golem Friar: Let's kill him, and present his head to the Masked Guru!

(After the aformentioned barricade, inside a tunnel.)

Goblin: Who you!? You'll not use my mine cart! And don't think I'll let you switch track, either, gob!

(Near the top of Mortmont, in a cave with glowing vegetation.)

Faye: Maybe there's some place you can climb up. If we look around, I'm sure we can find a way to climb up.

(In a winding staircase.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Luna emerges from a glowing orb.)

Luna: Hello, there! Say, would you like me to help you? When I shine my moonbeam on a creature, it goes lunatic and winds up utterly moonstruck!

(Luna then spins around and transforms into a statuette of herself.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Ascending Mortmont's peak.)

Faye: Hey, um, Keldy, how did you get to this island?

Keldric: I'm not exactly sure myself... I–I was told I was spirited away here when I was little.

Faye: Spirited? Well, it wasn't me, you know.

Keldric: Hahaha.. No, I doubt that.

(Upon reaching the top.)

Keldric: There's nobody around. And I worked so hard to get here quickly. Well, I hope Ritzia is doing okay.

Faye: Hey! Guardian Beast! Come on out! Hellooo! Hellooo! Hellooo!

Keldric: Let's rest for a while. Then we can look some more.

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(The whole area begins to rumble, making rocks fall from above. A face and two hands emerge from the mountainside.)

Gaia: I am Gaia, the face of earth. I've been waiting for you.

Faye: Hi there. I'm Faye!

Keldric: Wait you know who we are!?

Gaia: Yes, I know you and your little friend there. I am also aware that a Thanatos spirit has felled poor Treant.

Keldric: Could you please explain to me what the Thanatos are?

Gaia: They are spirits born of the Echoes that slumber deep below the Great Tree. Unhindered, they would flood the world with darkness. But if light pierces them through prayer, the Great Tree will heralrd a new age. Faye, you bring humans and spirits together... But there will come a day when you make the choice to follow you heart.

Keldric: But what about the Guardian Beast!? I thought it was supposed to protect us!

Gaia: Yes, the Guardian Beast... A millenium ago, the injured Guardian Beast, Flammie, came to me for shelter.

Keldric: Does that mean the beast is still here?

Faye: Keldy! Behind you!

(The Wyvern from Wonderwood appears.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Gaia: That's enough from the Lorimar army. Please. Allow me to join the two of you.

(After depleting half of the Wyvern's health.)

Keldric: Rgh! You won't outlast me!

(After defeating the Wyvern.)

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(The Wyvern is writhing in pain and tries to fly away, but ultimately plummets into the ground.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]

[CUTSCENE BEGINS]

(Several Lorimar airships are approaching Mortmont's peak, with Stroud, the Masked Guru, Ritzia, and some Golem soldiers are seen onboard.)

Stroud: You may commence firing.

Golem Soldier: Yes, Sire!

(The imperial airships starts nuking the area.)

Masked Guru: I assume the Guardian Beast sleeping inside couldn't survive the attack.

(Ritzia gasps.)

Masked Guru: Come to think of it, isn't that young friend of yours there, too?

(Ritzia falls on her knees.)

Ritzia: Keldy...

(The nuking sends both Keldric and Faye backwards and continues to target Gaia.)

Keldric: Gaia!

(One bomb knocks Faye off the mountain.)

Keldric: Faye!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CGI CUTSCENE STARTS]

(While the bombing continues, the ground below begins to crack and glow. The Guardian Beast emerges from it, spreading his wings and ascending into the air. Flammie is revealed to have taken Keldric in his front paws.)

~Keldric: (Coming to his senses) Uh...uh? Ugh! Could this be... Flammie? The sacred beast that guards Illusia!?~

(Flammie is revealed to also carry Faye in his mouth.)

~Faye: Uh? Oh, thank you!~

~Gaia (Voice): Together, they will rescue the maiden. They're the only hope the world has left.~

(Flammie is seen flying away from Mortmont.)

[CGI CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE STARTS]

~Gnome: Flammie set Keldric on his back, and soared high into the heavens. Swooping down from above, they began to drive the invaders [away] from the village. He trashed wyverns and rambulls alike.~

~Undine: The golems of Lorimar fled toward the coast, surrying to their homeward bound ships with their tails between their legs. Keldric and company returned to the village and were greeted with fanfare.~

~Shade: But non could bask in their victory for long. The Tree Folk needed to consider their next course of action. For the real fight had yet to start.~

~Gnome: So, Keldric set off by himself to the coast of the island, believing that Ritzia was being captive there.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]

Chapter 4: Ritzia

(Camera pans along the coast before zooming on Keldric.)

Faye: Ritzia is around here?

Keldric: She's close. The army's landing site is the coast up ahead. That's were we'll find Ritzia.

(Near the first entrance of a cave.)

Golem Warrior: We're under attack! Battle positions! Identify targets and fire at will!

(In a seaside settlement.)

Keldric: They aren't many boats here. They must be at the other beach, further up.

Golem Warrior: We're under attack! Battle positions! Identify targets and fire at will!

(Near a locked door on the second beach settlement.)

Golem Archer: Guard the door. Nobody gets near the cove. Is that clear!?

(After unlocking the door.)

Faye: Ritzia! RIT-ZI-A! Oh, I guess she's not here.

Keldric: If she's not with these guys, she must've been taken by ship somewhere else.

Faye: What should we do?

Keldric: Looks like we'll have to swim...

(Keldric swims up to the imperial flagship and enters the cargo.)

(After going through an elevator.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric wanders on the middle deck but quickly spots the Masked Guru on a crossing hallway. He also grabs Faye who was gleefully unaware.)

Masked Guru: I know you'd show up eventually, Keldric. You see, the Echoes in the depths of the Great Tree long for their freedom... And you'll help them on open the door to Mavolia with that sword of yours. It's just like a thousand years ago. ...Except for the presence of the spirit child.

(Keldric confronts the Masked Guru with his sword.)

Keldric: Tell me what happened back then!

Masked Guru: A Tree Maiden was possessed by the Echoes, and opened the door to Mavolia. Her name was Anise. Her conscience won out. She and... a certain man sealed the door shut. But this time the door will stay open. All thanks to the maiden Ritzia.

Keldric: Liar! Ritzia would never use her powers to help the likes of you!

Masked Guru: Oh really? If that's your opinion, maybe you should ask her yourself. She's in the hold near the engine room. Let's see if you and your boyish charm can talk her out of it, shall we?

(The Masked Guru leaves the premises.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Faye: Huh? Hey, where did he go?

Keldric: Why would he come all this way just to tell me that?

(In the engine room.)

Golem Centurion: If they destroy the ship's power supply, we're sunk! Get them, you bumbling fools!

Faye: She's here. Ritzia's a little further up.

(Approaching the last door of the engine room.)

Keldric: This must be where he was talking about. Ritzia's got to be here.

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Door opens.)

Keldric: Ritzia!

(Keldric runs toward a tied up Ritzia.)

Keldric: Ritzia! Did they hurt you!? Let's get you out of these binds.

(Faye takes a good look at Ritzia.)

Faye: Keldy... Ritzia looks sorta strange.

Keldric: I guess I'll have to break the chains with this.

(Keldric breaks the chains with his sword.)

~Ritzia: Dreaming...voices...in my head...echoing...~

Keldric: Ritzia, you'll be fine. We should get going.

Ritzia: A thousand years... Mavolia... Divine creature... Echoes... Everything... The maiden Anise... Her protector (Anise's voice in unison)...

(Ritzia's body starts to glow purple for a second.)

Keldric: Ritzia, what's wrong? Snap out of it!

Ritzia: Keldy... Am I really...who I think I am?

Keldric: Ritzia––

Ritzia: My head feels heavy... I hear voices...

(Ritzia looks at Faye)

Ritzia: What brings out all this way? Are you here to help us now? Or have you come to hinder us?

Keldric: Either way, we gotta go. Can you walk?

(Ritzia slowly nods.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(After taking an elevator, in a room full of golem soldiers.)

Golem Archer: We have orders from the bridge! Eliminate the invaders!

Faye: Keldy, look out! They're moving!

(After opening the next door.)

~Ritzia: Voices...in my head...echoing...~

(In the next room with a big staircase.)

Golem Fighter(?): The Tree maiden isn't below the deck. Search every inch of the ship! Find her!

(After getting off another elevator, in the command room.)

Keldric: The ship's leaving port! If it reaches the open sea, we won't be able to get back!

(Near the rudder.)

Faye: What's this do? It seems awfully loose.

(In a room next to the control room.)

~Ritzia: Everything... The maiden Anise... Her protector...~

Faye: Say, Keldy, are we almost out?

Keldric: Almost there. If we just go up here...

(On the bridge of the ship.)

Keldric: This ought to open the door...maybe.

~Ritzia: Mavolia... Divine creature... Echoes...~

Keldric: The door's shut tight! We've got to get it open––their friends aren't far behind!

(Upon entering a room full of rotors and conveyor belts.)

Keldric: What's with this place?

(After stepping on a switch opening a locker nearby.)

Faye: It's open!

Keldric: Let's go back to Ritzia!

(Keldric reaches a long corridor by climbing a staircase.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric & Faye lead the way while Ritzia slowly makes her way to the exit, still dazed from her encounter in the engine room.)

Keldric: Hey, Ritzia, we've almost made it.

Faye: Keldy, what's wrong with Ritzia?

Keldric: I have no idea. But I'm betting that if we return her to the island, she'll be back to normal. And so will everything else. Until then, I'm not letting her out of my sight.

(The party opens the doors leading to the front bridge. Faye looks around, but is blinded by a sudden light. Stroud and his personal guard are revealed to be waiting for them.)

Stroud: Not so fast. Did you think I would just let you two walk away like that? Let see how powerful the holy blade really is. No one is to interfere.

(Both Keldric and Stroud ready their swords.)

Stroud: This ends... NOW!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

~Stroud: (While activating a force field around him) Fool!~

~Stroud: There's no escape...~

Stroud: I've hardly even broken a sweat.

Keldric: Argh! You're strong... How much of that is the sword's power?

(After depleting Stroud's first bar of health.)

Stroud: Ah... I think the sword is finally growing accustomed to my body. I can feel the sword's power flowing into me...

Keldric: I can't let these fiends take over the isle!

Stroud: I do hate to interrupt just as you were about to succeed with your clever plan.

(After depleting half of Stroud's last health bar.)

Stroud: Exhilarating! Isn't this invigorating, my boy? To think that controlling the power of this sword could be so pleasurable...

(After defeating Stroud)

Stroud: Do you really believe that you can defeat me... with that ugly blade of yours?

(Stroud swaps blades.)

[CHAPTER SCORES]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric & Stroud still drawing blades.)

Stroud: Tomorrow at sunset, we unleash and all-out assault on your little village. You precious beast cannot possibly stop us! You have two choices. Either support our efforts to access Mavolia, or... Die right here!

(Stroud lunges at Keldric, ready to strike. They clash swords for a while, but Keldric, right arm glows, knocking Stroud away. Keldric's body begins to glow, making a strange dragon mark appear on his left cheek, the same Stroud bears on this right one. Meanwhile, cannons are aimed & fired at Keldric.)

~Golem Warrior(?): Fire!~

(Keldric is sent plummeting into the ocean by the knockback. The event momentarily snaps Ritzia's mind back into reality. Faye dives into the ocean to find a way to save Keldric. Stroud and one of his private guard overlook the scene by the taffrail.)

Golem Centurion: Are you injured, your majesty?

(Ritzia runs to the edge of the ship.)

Ritzia: Keldy! KELDY!

Stroud: Bring the ship around.

Golem Centurion: Sire?

Stroud: I can still see a light under the water. Hit him with a full salvo.

Golem Centurion: At once, Sire!

Ritzia: You can't! Don't do it! Please stop! I'll do anything!

(The flagship starts firing toward Keldric, still unconscious from the previous salvo. Faye creates a protective barrier to prevent Keldric from being unjured any further.)

Golem Centurion: Cease fire!

(Keldric's light quickly goes out.)

Ritzia: Keldyyy!

(Ritzia slumps on the floor.)

Stroud: The attack proceeds as planned. Let nothing stands in our way!

Golem Centurion: Yes, sire!

(Keldric wakes up in the morning washed up on a shore near an unconscious Faye.)

Keldric: Faye! Wake up, Faye! You all right?

(Faye comes to her senses.)

Keldric: What a relief! You made it.

Faye: Huh? What did I––

Keldric: So you're the one who saved me. But I don't...know how...

Faye: Mm... I don't remember.

Keldric: It's okay. Doesn't matter.

(A distant explosion can be heard.)

Keldric: What was that? Oh, no... They started the assault on the village! Time to go, Faye!

Faye: Okay...

(Faye slumps on the ground.)

Keldric: Are you all right?

Faye: (still weak) Good as new.

Keldric: (lending a hand) Atta girl! Grab hold. And off we'll go.

Faye: Okay!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CGI CUTSCENE STARTS]

(The tree folk village is attacked by the lorimar army. The village guardians, aided by Flammie, defend the stronghold as best as they can, but the imperial troops manage to pierce through the rampart. Lekius, lead by two guardians, start attacking the soldiers. Despite all their efforts, the villagers seem to be bested as Flammie gets injured and as the enemy forces rush through the Great Tree.)

~Lekius: Oh no! Flammie's hit! We're doomed... Ugh...~

(Lekius is almost trampled by a Rambull, but is saved in the nick of time by King Watts, piloting a war machine.)

~Watts: It's a funny time to pull back. We all roll our sleeves up and regroup the troops, and we won't give up 'till we're done. Now I'll show ye bull still what I can do!~

(Watts's machine manages to topple down the Rambull. He then proceeds to attack the surrounding soldiers. With the last of his strength, Flammie chases some wyverns away with his beam attack, before resting next to Watts.)

Watts: Bah! It's no go fightin' them here! Head for the other side of the village, lads!

(The village is seen surrounded by thousands of golems.)

[CGI CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Several tree folk villagers are gathered before the Door to Mavolia, including Lekius, Ritzia, and the village elder. They all seem worried and can be heard talking over each other.)

Ritzia: Everyone, stop your senseless fighting. I don't want anyone to suffer anymore.

Lekius: So, you're going to open the Door to Mavolia?

Stroud: Opening that door will rejuvenate the Great Tree. Though it slept for so long, life will return to our precious Tree. And then, as a result, it will deny all living things the capacity to die.

Village elder: Why would we want that for ourselves?

Stroud: The maiden's convinced it's a splendid idea.

(Indistinct chatter.)

Village elder: Ritzia, our ancestors warned us that only darkness waits beyond this point. And yet, you still believe that opening this door is the right thing to do.

Ritzia: Yes, because...you see, light can never exist apart from darkness...

Village elder: Well, then... In that case, I cannot interfere.

Lekius: Are you serious!? Obey the army of Lorimar? Have we sunk so low? Come one, Rtizia! What about Keldy? Ritzia, he came here to rescue you! Have you talked to him?

Ritzia: Keldy... I mean Keldric is dead.

Lekius: It can't be...he's gone?

(Ritzia & Stroud make their way through the crowd of villager, and then to the Door to Mavolia.)

Village elder: Ritzia... Farewell, my dear...

Ritzia: (Chanting) Heed this maiden's solemn request. for you to rouse forth from your rest.

(Ritzia lift her arms and creates an eerie ball of purple light. Stroud readies the Mana Sword.)

Ritzia: Bonds of a thousand years you'll break. As days the evenings overtake. From endless slumber, now awake!

(Stroud's Mana Sword is glowing the same light as Ritzia's. She is lifted from ground, then violently glows purple as well. Waves of powerful dark energy are released, the villagers screaming in fear.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CGI CUTSCENE STARTS]

(The Tree of Mana is shining a white light and is revitalized. The lorimar army is looking silently at its transformation.)

~Watts: (In his war machine) Time flows again through the Great Tree... Aye, what a sight.~

(The suddently turns dark as the evil energy seeps throught the Great Tree's foliage. A horde of Thanatos is released into the air. An ominous structure emerges from within the Tree of Mana.)

~Stroud (voice): Behold, Tree of beauty, Ruler of darkness. Your prayers will never be heard again! The ancient Tree is lost, FOREVER! Hahahahaha!~

[CGI CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Back to the Door to Mavolia, the villagers are transformed into grimslies, deformed creatures of pure evil. Stroud is admiring is new body.)

Stroud: Behold, my blade is purified with the black glimmer of Mavolia! The world is now undying, and I am your eternal master! I shall turn you all into grimslies and make you my loyal slaves... ...forever!

(Keldric & Faye are standing before Stroud.)

Stroud: Before long, you'll be praying your next breath will be your last, boy!

Keldric: Where's Ritzia!?

Stroud: Hmph! If you think I'll tell you, think again!

(Stroud lunges over Keldric to attack him, Keldric's body glows and he blocks his sword strike, but he's knocked back in the process. Stroud tries again, but he's stopped by Faye's magic shield.)

Stroud: Curse you! How'd you get such power, you pest!?

(Stroud strikes his sword, hitting Faye. Keldric catches the spirit child.)

Keldric: Faye!

Stroud: I'll make sure you're buried together.

(Stroud creeps near Keldric & Faye, but is interrupted by Watt's war machine bursting into the scene, causing smoke to appear.)

Watts: (To Keldric) Hey, ye! Quick! Hop on!

(Keldric & Faye escape on the machine. Meanwhile Stroud breaks Faye's shield and chase after them. The Masked Guru is revealed to be alone in the room. He goes toward the glowing Door to Mavolia, lifting both arms. Anise emerges from it.)

Masked Guru: Welcome back, Anise.

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]