Dawn of Mana script

This is the script for Dawn of Mana. It contains all lines spoken by characters, with some exceptions such as grunts in battle, stock phrases while picking up an item or using magic. Some of the lines are not written and/or repeated, especially during battle. They may be some discrepancies between what is heard compared to what's written here.

Legend

• Parentheses () indicate an action being held. It is significant enough that it could change a character line's meaning if it were not mentioned.
• Brackets [] indicate a change of scene. There is no gameplay during these. There are three types of brackets:
  • [CUTSCENE STARTS][CUTSCENE ENDS]: means there's a regular cutscene.
  • [CGI CUTSCENE STARTS][CGI CUTSCENE ENDS]: means there's a cutscene with movie-like graphics. Only used for key plot points & dramatic moments in the story.
  • [INTERLUDE STARTS][INTERLUDE ENDS]: means there's a picture book-like story-telling cutscene. These are narrated by the Mana spirits and are usually found between chapters.
• Text found between wavy lines ~~ are not depicted as text, but are heard during gameplay. All interlude scenes and CGI cutscenes do not display text.

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 STARTS]

(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 Tree has 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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

(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 STARTS]

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

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(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]

(Keldric & Faye are on Watt's boat in the middle of the sea. Keldric worrily looks at an unconscious Faye. Her body suddenly starts to glow, emiting a dazzling light. She transforms into her mature form.)

Gnome (Voice): And this, my friends, is how the end of the world began...

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE STARTS]

~Gnome: It had been a whole year since Ritzia opened the portal to Mavolia. The world was overrun by Thanatos. Evil spritits streamed through the portal, corrupted all manner of creature, and turned them into devilish brutes. The possessed roamed the world, hunting for the surviving human resistance. Keldric and Watts set out from Ishe, creeping from one country for another, as they tried to muster a force of survivors to vow to counterattack. Obviously, this would be no easy task.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(A horde of Thanatos gather on top of a Castle in the middle of a desert. Several cursed monsters creep in the same direction. Keldric jumps from above, landing on a flat rock.)

Keldric: Faye, let's drive those fiends out of here!

Faye: Right!

(Both of them head to the castle.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Chapter 5: Of Deserts and Friends

(Camera pans around the desert before zooming on Keldric.)

Faye: People from all over the world have fled here.

Wendellan Soldier: (If Keldric interacts with him.) You're just a kid!

Wendellan Soldier: (If Keldric interacts with him.) I don't know who you are, but I love you. Do all you can to save the castle!

Faye: (If Keldric falls into a quicksand.) What is this place?

Wendellan Man: (If Keldric interacts with him.) Someboy help me!

Grim Goblin: Haha! And I destroy you too!

(Keldric climbs a ladder and end up in a large hallway.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Faye: Keldy.

Keldric: What's up?

Faye: Well... We're going back to Illusia soon, right?

Keldric: I told you already. After Jadd, there'll be no more roaming for us. Once we've kicked all the Thanatos, then people from the other lands will help up make Illusia the way it was before. And after that...

Faye: Mm... It'll be all right.

Keldric: Is there...something on your mind?

Faye: I'm wondering... Is it a good idea to go back? I mean, how will going back to Illusia help us close the door to Mavolia?

Keldric: Well, I–I have to go see Ritzia. I need to know why she opened the door in the first place. I want to ask her face to face. That's why we have to go back.

Faye: Then we should go...

(Keldric goes off ahead.)

Treant (Voice): Child of spirit, child of hope...

Faye: Treant!?

(The background goes black while Faye hears Treant & Gaia's voices.)

Gaia (Voice): Soon the world will be covered by pure darkness.

Faye: Hey, that's Gaia's voice! Hello? Where are you?

Gaia (Voice): It will swallow the spirits, and change all living things into grimslies.

Treant (Voice): However, such a fate is once humans have brought upon themselves... You who were born from the spirits' power need no longer fight by his side.

Faye: I think I––I ought to stay with Keldy.

Gaia (Voice): Even at the risk of becoming overwhelmed by evil yourself?

Faye: If Keldy isn't giving up, then I'm not either.

Treant (Voice): Ah, child of hope. It is good for you to follow the voice of your heart.

Faye: You mean it?

Gaia (Voice): But know that the light that guides you on your way will, as it shines, also cast as small shadow of its own.

Treant (Voice): Even so, never forget that Gaia, myself, and the will of the Great Tree will be forever watching over you...

(Two balls of light, one green, one yellow, hover around Faye, then disappear.)

Gaia (Voice): Even when all hope seems lost.

Faye: Oh, thank you, Treant, Gaia...

Keldric: Faye... Faye! Hey, Faye!

(Keldric looks at Faye intently.)

Faye: Oh, Keldy...

Keldric: Are you okay?

Faye: Mm-hm.

(Keldric strokes Faye's hair.)

Keldric: I have to admit, I'm nervous about going to the isle to see Ritzia. So I'd appreciate if you'd stick around till then.

Faye: Sure!

Keldric: Good! So what say we get going? 'Kay?

(They both resume their exploring.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(The party find themselves in a big open room.)

Faye: Is this a drum?

Wendellan Soldier: (If Keldric starts striking the giant drum.) Ah, that invigorating beat!

Topplian girl: (If Keldric interacts with her.) Ah!

Wendellan Soldier: Move in! Time to take over! Were're with you! Charge!

(Upon entering a room with a giant purple energy orb in its center.)

Keldric: What's that humongous thing!?

Lorimarian Woman: I'm so glad you're safe!

Jaddian Child: You're supposed to stay with me!

Lorimarian Woman: Did King Stroud really want the world to be this way?

Jaddian Child: A man with a bow and arrow made it! Lots of grimslies pop out of it! Watch!

Wendellan Soldier: He was headed for the upper residential area. You can take the lift.

Jaddian Child: You should probably arrest that bow and arrow guy!

(Later, near the hanging gardens.)

Faye: Keldy, what's up ahead?

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Grim Lekius: Come in, Keldy! I see you're still alive. Frankly, I'm shocked.

Keldric: Lek...

Grim Lekius: What's wrong? Why the long face? You don't like what I've done with myself? You'd look just as good if you gave yourself over to Thaantos. You'd never get sick...or even hungry. If everybody became grimslies, there'd be no more conflict in the world. The maiden of a thousand years ago and Ritzia are well aware of that. They're guiding us on the path to perfection!

Keldric: You're wrong! I don't believe Ritzia would do anything like that––EVER!

Grim Lekius: I doesn't matter what you think. Right now, Ritzia is making ready the world's inevitable perfection. ah, but...there's still time to change your mind, Kel. Let Thanatos into your heart, and we'll go see Ritzia together!

Keldric: You know I can't.

Grim Lekius: Oh well. If that's your answer... Then I have no choice to carry out my orders from Ritzia! I am to bring the seed of the Great Tree back to the island, even if I have to kill you!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Faye: Are you going to fight!?

Keldric: Yeah, because that's not Lek!

Grim Lekius: Hahaha! Trying to get away, Keldric?

Grim Lekius: Stand still!

Keldric: (Adter being hit by Grim Lekius's barrier.) Dang, a barrier!

Keldric: Ugh, you're quick!

Grim Lekius: What's wrong, friend? Worn out so soon? You always were a sprinter!

Keldric: You can't beat me! Never could!

Grim Lekius: Or over there?

Grim Lekius: (When only half of his health bar remains.) Rest in pieces!

Grim Lekius: (Summoning Grim Mortifers.) Come, servants of destruction!

Grim Lekius: (If stunned enough times.) Ugh! Keldy! What have you done!?

Grim Lekius: (If Keldric dies?) But see? I'm much stronger than before!

Keldric: Ungh! I'm only getting warmed up, Lekius!

Grim Lekius: Keldy. Is he there?

~Grim Lekius: (When firing multiple arrows.) Traitor.~

~Grim Lekius: (When firing a powerful arrow.) Hold still!~

~Grim Lekius: (Upon recovering from being stunned without being attacked.) Don't bother, Kel!~

(Keldric defeats Grim Lekius.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Grim Keldric: Guh...graaah! Uh...gl...uuh... Argh!

(A powerful black vortex appears below Grim Lekius.)

Grim Lekius: Gwaaah!

(Grim Lekius looks dazed. Keldric and Faye rush toward him.)

Grim Lekius: Unh...ooph...

(Grim Lekius collapses.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]

Grim Lekius: In three...days... Although the door to Mavolia is open...the Echoes are not yet released from the Great Tree... In three days, Ritzia frees...the Echoes of destruction upon the world.

(Grim Lekius's body starts seeping black smoke.)

Grim Lekius: And if I know you, that's when you'll regret it... And you'll wish that you had taken the advice...of your brst friend.

(Grim Lekius dies.)

Keldric: Lek! don't go! Why––

Gaia (Voice): This young man, like so many others, could not escape his human frailties. Seduced by the Echoes and consumed by darkness, humand inflict pain and death to one another.

Faye: We have to go back, Keldy. Illusia's waiting.

Keldric: Faye. How do–– How can I––

Treant (Voice): Things may look bad, but I wouldn't abandon all hope just yet. As long as our brave hero keeps moving forward...and our little child of hope continues to stand by him, who knows?

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE STARTS]

~Luna: With his mind set on returning to Illusia, Keldric asked Watts to lead him in Jadd.~

~Undine: There, he told him of his plan to land on Illusia ahead of their armies, who were still preparing for the invasion along the island's coast.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric & Faye are inside Watt's study.)

Watts: The Echoes will be running wild in three days, will they? All right. And ye'll be goin' back to Illusia Isle, then?

Keldric: Yeah...

Watts: Surely, you haven't forgotten the dangers that prevent ordinary folk like us from approaching the shores of Illusia. But, the stories say that atop the ruins o' the tower there's a certain device that can crib the powers of Thanatos. Oh I know if we could just start that up, It'll make our landfall a fair sight easier. Now, I hope Thanatos doesn't get the best of ye...

Keldric: We know what to do. We'll go ahead and get that device up and running.

Watts: We're in your debt.

Keldric: No, you're not. We were heading in that direction anyway.

Watts: Or forces'll be waitin' for ye in the harbor. When the tower device comes on, give us the signal. Soon as ye do, we'll make our landin'.

Keldric: Thanks a lot, Watts.

(Both shake hands. Faye shakes Watt's finger. Keldric & Faye are on their way.)

Watts: Keldric! We're all behind ye, lad. And don't ye forget it!

(Keldric shakes his hand and Faye waves.)

Watts: Ye can do it! The sprits be with ye!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE STARTS]

~Gnome: Keldric & Faye's ship was beset by a ferocious storm on their way to Illusia. Jinn managed to lift it safely over the reefs, and it slammed stern first onto the beach.~

~Wisp: The impact of the sudden landing, threw Keldric to the ground, rendering the poor boy unconscious.~

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric is lying on a grassy plain surrounded by a purple haze.)

Ritzia: Keldy... Keldy...

Keldric: Ritzia...

(Keldric lifts his torso up, revealing Faye on his lap.)

Ritzia: Keldric...

(Ritzia strokes one of the surrounding Grim Rabites lounging under the famed tree Keldric carved back in Sunbeam Forest. She sports her possessed eyes.)

Ritzia: Welcome home, Keldy.

Keldric: Ritzia.

Ritzia: Keldric, don't resist the inevitable. Comme and live with me.

(The Grim Rabites leave.)

Keldric: Lek was saying the same thing earlier. And he said that he was going to kill me because you told him to.

Ritzia: But you're stil alive, and it's Lekius who's dead. What will be will be. No one can free themselves from the hand of destiny.

Keldric: Destiny?

Ritzia: I know...I am the last of the maidens of the Great Tree. In this world, I see the source of life for all living things. I can see the truth of it all, Keldy.

(Ritzia tries to touch Keldric's cheek, but he pushes her away, letting the white flower Faye gave her back in Chapter 1 fall on the ground.)

Keldric: Are you really the Ritzia I know?

Ritzia: Now, listen closely, Keldy. Hear our future...yours, mine, and Faye's... Stroud is not the true dark lord. That would be you, Keldric.

Keldric: Ritzia! Don't say that!

Ritzia: All you have to do is defeat Stroud to take your rightful place. And Faye, of course, you will be there to help us. Then, the three of us...will rule the whole world together.

Keldric: Stop it!

(Keldric draws is sword.)

Keldric: Ritzia. No more...please.

Ritzia: You're still clinging to that sword, even though it's brought you only heartache. If you cut me down with it, I'm sure the future will turn out differently. But...is that future the one you truly hope for?

(Ritzia summons a gust of wind. Keldric stabs the ground with his sword.)

Keldric: Ungh...

(Keldric leaves.)

Faye: Keldy!

(Faye grabs hold of the white flower while Ritzia stares at her.)

Ritzia: Faye. Do stop by again another time, won't you? Bring Keldy along too, eh?

(Faye leaves, visibly afraid.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric runs on a desolate road. Faye catches up to him, still holding the white flower.)

Faye: Keldy. Hey, Keldy? We don't have a lot of time, you know.

(Keldric looks at a leaf who fell on his right shoulder.)

Keldric: Yeah, you're right. Let's go, Faye.

(Both head on to their next destination.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Chapter 6: A Fool and a Sword

(An ominous tower looms over Keldric & Faye.)

(Keldric makes the bidge connecting the shore to the tower collapse.)

Golem Guardian: Look out below! Why you–– We'll get you for this!

(Near a secret passage below the main bridge.)

Faye: This hole must lead somewhere, right?

(While climbing the ladder in the secret passage.)

Faye: Be careful.

Keldric: Oh, I will.

(Near the tower's entrance.)

Faye: I wonder what that shed is for. Do you think it's like the last gate? Soldiers are coming out of the shed!

(After entering the tower and unlocking four consecutive doors, the last door closes behind.)

Faye: Oh, no! It's locked!

Keldric: Figures! And we can't go back...

Golem Centurion: Lock him in here!

(Further inside the labyrinth.)

Keldric: Why is there an indentation here?

Golem Centurion: We're gonna take care of you!

(Reaching a locked door.)

Keldric: It won't open.

Faye: Maybe there's some trick to it.

(In the basement, near huge roots and a blue switch.)

Keldric: Maybe this is it!

Golem Centurion: Finally!

(Upon destroying a root on the switch.)

Keldric: It worked!

(After jumping on several wind pads.)

Faye: This place sure is full of gadgets.

Keldric: Yeah, back when the spirits called it home, it was a training ground for guards.

(In a room with many platforms leading up.)

Faye: This looks like it works the same way.We just have to find a switch.

(In a room with several ferris wheels.)

Golem Guardian: Wish we'd thought of that.

(In a room under the previous one.)

Faye: This switch probably works like the other one!

(After unlocking a door leading to the main staircase.)

Faye: The device to subdue the Thanatos is up there.

Keldric: How can you tell?

Faye: Um, just a hunch.

(Upon crossing the door to the main staircase, it closes behind.)

Faye: Look! The door––

Keldric: No turning back now... C'mon, Faye, let's go!

Faye: This tower used to be a training area, right?

Keldric: Yeah, but they don't use it anymore.

Faye: I'm surprised all of the gadgets still work...

Keldric: They say this was built back when the Tree Folk used the power of the spirits. That's why it held up so well.

(Eventually, Keldric & Faye reach the tower's summit.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric steps on a switch, which activates the lighthouse mechanism. He is about to return to shore, when...)

Masked Guru: Just a moment, Keldric.

Keldric: You again!?

Masked Guru: The journey ahead will prove to be a challenging one for you.

Keldric: Probably.

Masked Guru: At this point, I don't think you'll be able to finish what you've started.

(Keldric draws his sword.)

Keldric: Maye not, but I'll try. I don't have anything to lose!

Masked Guru: Well, then... I am neither human nor grimslie. I maintain the wisdom of a millenium, and my soul wield the spirits's power. I shall open a path for you.

(The Masked Guru makes a fencing sword appear in his right hand.)

Masked Guru: See if you can outo me, Keldric. But I shan't hold back!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Faye: (The Masked Guru imbues himself with fire.) What the–– Did Salamander do this?

Faye: (The Masked Guru imbues himself with ice.) Is this made with Undine's power?

Faye: (The Masked Guru imbues himself with ice.) What's Undine up to!?

Faye: (The Masked Guru imbues himself with ice.) Salamander, we need your help!

Faye: (The Masked Guru imbues himself with fire.) Maybe one of the spirits could help us with this.

~Masked Guru: You can't hide.~

~Masked Guru: Come on, boy.~

~Masked Guru: I've got you now.~

~Masked Guru: (Creating a Sniper Visage) Pry his eyes!~

~Masked Guru: (Lunging a paralyszing bomb) Devour him!~

~Masked Guru: (Creating a green ball.) Catch.~

(Keldric defeats the Masked Guru.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(The Masked Guru slumps to the ground. However, multiple balls of colored lights hover aroud his body and revive him by fusing with him.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(The Masked Guru stands up and sends a strong energy wave at Keldric, knocking him back. The Masked Guru tries to impale him with this sword, but Keldric relatiates by disarming him. A blinding light coming from Keldric's fused hand makes his sword glow and detach from his arm.)

Keldric: The sword's... who are you, anyway!?

The Masked Guru: I woke from a thousand years' sleep when you arrived on this isle.

Keldric: A thousand... That's crazy!

Masked Guru: No, it is not, for I am Anise's lover...and the man who sealed her away.

Keldric: What kind of–– Why would you seal her off from everything? How could you!?

Masked Guru: I sought her salvation... I did it for her. No, it was...to be with her. If you could imagine, for a moment, that is was not Anise, but, say... Ritzia who was in her place, then I think you'd be more understanding. A thousand years ago, I too gave birth to a sacred sword. But together with Anise, the sword was corrupted by the Echoes and corrupted... Now Stroud bears it boastfully as proof of his lordship.

Keldric: If that's the case, This sword might––

Masked Guru: No, that sword was different. I think it was missing something. But it seems that element, absent a thousand years ago, is present now. Darkness cannot exist apart from light. And in turn, light cannot exist without darkness. Keldric, become that ray of light shining in the darkness. Yes, you must go, Keldric. Go back to your brother––back to Stroud.

Keldric: Wh-what did you say!?

Masked Guru: Human foolishness and ugliness have not changed a bit over the centuries. But I wonder who will really be judged a fool when all is said and one...

(The Masked Guru vanishes.)

Keldric: Stroud is... Stroud's my...brother?

Faye: Look! It's Watts's boat!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[INTERLUDE STARTS]

~Gnome: The light Keldric ignited momentarily weakened the Thanatos and an army of outsiders, let by Watts, made land for. Thus, on the darken shores of Illusia, a stage was set for the battle that would decide the fate of all.~

[INTERLUDE ENDS]

Chapter 7: Warriors of Hope

(The Great Tree shines an ominous light in its foliage.)

Grim Chobin Hood: Desperation will only cloud your thinking.

Keldric: Were are the Thanatos coming from?

Faye: I can sense Thanatos in the middle of the swamp!

Grim Chobin Hood: It's fun being a grimslie. Too little, too late...

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Further down the road, Watts appears in his war machine, trampling several monsters and golems alike.)

Watts: (To an Avikron) Here, you overgrown feather duster! How about a taste of yer own medicine! Come and get it!

(Watts' machine seems to be struggling with the monster at first, but eventually lift it up.)

Watts: Rrrraaah! This one's for ye!

(Watts' machine tosses the bird into a group of golems.)

Watts: Put that in yer pipe and smoke it! This one is called "Mark II" for a reason, mind ye! You'll find this one's go a wee more oomph than the last model!

Faye: Watts!

Watts: Oh, Faye! So yer all right, are ye? Good job!

Faye: Thanks! And thank you, Watts, for bringing everyone along.

Watts: Heh, my pleasure, lassie. Keldric! go on ahead, lad! I'll take care of this lot and meet up with ye later!

Keldric: You got it!

Watts: Their headquarters has got to be atop the Tree.

Keldric: I know! We'll be able to fight our way in through the caves below!

(Keldric & Faye go on ahead.)

Watts: Get ready, neebs, we're goin' in full force! If we don't win her here, we won't get another chance half as good. So stick yer hearts and fight with all yer pith!

(Watts fires his weapon and the resistance charges on. Watts' war machine follows Keldric on the battlefield.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Wendellan Soldier: Commander, we're going to send Lorimar packing! Hurry up ahead!

Watts: Keldric! We've got to take the fortress before they're out in full force!

Watts: (to the enemies.) You laddies got a death wish, have ye?

Watts: (to Keldric.) Bring it on, laddie!

Faye: (If Keldric strays too far from a struggling Watts.) Go help Watts!

Wendellan Soldier: (if Keldric defeats a siege tower.) We've smashed it!

Watts: (to Keldric.) Keep it coming!

(Watts destroys a fortress wall.)

Faye: Hooray!

Wendellan Soldier: They're too strong...

Watts: Muster some moxie, we can't afford to lose! We've a duty to put the world right!

Wendellan Soldier: There's plenty more of that!

Faye: We're not giving up either...right?

Watts: Golly, golem! Ye givin' it up?

Watts: Troops! Regroup!

Watts: (After Keldric destroys a Thanatos Ammo.) We've got a long way to go!

Wendellan Soldier: We're being bombarded!

Watts: Come on, lads! Now I can't do it all for ye!

(Later, Keldric falls from a flimsy bridge.)

Faye: It doesn't look very––

Keldric: Woah!

Faye: Let's go up, Keldy. Watts is waiting for us.

(Once back up and freeing Watts from the enemy force.)

Faye: Watts! You're on a roll now!

(Watts reaches the brocked bridge.)

Watts: Ah! The bloody bridge is out! Keldric! Climb aboard, and we'll get ye o'er right away!

Watts: (If Keldric falls off his machine after lending his help to cross the gap.) Quick, or I'll leave ye behind!

(After crossing the gap, Watts attempts to destroy a reinforced barricade.)

Wendellan Soldier: (After Watts successfully destroys it.) Nice work!

Watts: We've a long way to go!

Watts: (After destroying another barricade.) That's it, fellas! Movin' right along!

Watts: (After destroying another barricade.) Put yer backs into it!

Watts: (After destroying another barricade.) Alrighty! That's how we do it!

Wendellan Soldier: Almost there!

Watts: Give it one good push!

Wendellan Soldier: Get 'em on the run!

Watts: Hold yer ground!

Grim Golem Raider: So you finally made it?

Watts: Stroud's within our reach!

Watts: Press forward!

(Multiple enemies appear on the battlefield.)

Watts: Ach! What a bother! We'll have to go straight through 'em!

Watts: Ye can be proud of yerselves!

Wendellan Soldier: We can't lose now!

Grim Golem Raider: Well, you won't go any further!

Watts: Hard part's over; we're nearly done!

(After destroying one of the last barricade.)

Watt: We need to lend Keldric a hand!

Watts: There's a better world waitin' for us!

Watts: Hey! Listen up, lads! You've got to show some spunk!

Watts: Keldric's fightin' like there's no tomorrow!

Watts: Give it one good push!

Grim Golem Raider: Capture that kid!

(After destroying the last barricade, in an open field full of golems.)

Watts: I'll get the wall! Keldric, you lend us a hand, eh!? I'm coming through!

Grim Golem Raider: Aim for their weapons!

(After defeating enough enemies, the seal on the main door to the caves is opened.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Watts is destroying its last enemies before approaching Keldric.)

Watts: Keldric! Leave the rest to me, lad. Get, movin'!

Keldric: They're all yours!

Watts: (To the enemy force.) All right, bring it on! If any o' ye fools want to harry him, you'll have to come through me first!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(After defeating the first Thanatos Orcadactyl inside Tree folk village.)

Keldric: Huh? Did something move near the bridge?

(After defeating the second Thanatos Orcadactyl.)

Keldric: Okay! Any more left?

(After defeating the third Thanatos Orcadactyl.)

Keldric: Something else's blocking us?

(After defeating the last Thanatos Orcadactyl.)

Faye: Now we can go on ahead! Yay!

(Keldric unlocks the door leading to the caves.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric is almost struck by a missile fired by a golem riding a massive tank among the ruins.)

Grim Golm Generalissimo: Ha! Imbeciles! You cheer after one meaningless win! We're just getting started!

(The Generalissimo fires another missile toward Keldric, who barely misses him.)

Grim Golem Generalissimo: Opposing His Majesty is lunacy. So I'll pound some sense into you!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Keldric: (After taking significant damage: Whew! I'm sore all over!

Faye: We should take out the bad guy while we have the chance!

Grim Golem Generalissimo: (After depleting his health bar.) Rgh, impudent squirt!

Grim Golem Generalissimo: (After depleting half of his health bar.) Hey, brat! You won't get off easy!

Grim Golem Generalissimo: (After depleting half of his health bar.) How dare you! I'll fix you!

~Grim Golem Generalissimo: Take this for a spin!~

~Grim Golem Generalissimo: Pull out your lights off!~

~Grim Golem Generalissimo: (Spinning his wheels.) Get pass this, punk!~

~Grim Golem Generalissimo: (After shooting once.) Kill toy!~

~Grim Golem Generalissimo: (While being stunned.) Uh? HEY!~

~Grim Golem Generalissimo: (After recovering from being stunned.) You'll have to do better!~

(Keldric defeats Grim Golem Generalissimo.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Grim Golem Generalissimo: Ungh! How did you––

(The barrier behind him vanishes.)

Grim Golem Generalissimo: You'll... you'll never get past me... Never!

(The Generalissimo drives backward to the exit, firing a salvo at Keldric. Fortunately, Keldric manages to avoid them all. Keldric chases after the Generalissimo.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[SECTION SCORES]

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(The Generalissimo drives all the way to the entrance to the caves.)

Grim Golem Generalissimo: What made an impetuous whelp like you even think you could challenge the immortal King Stroud?

(The Generalissimo turns around and faces Keldric & Faye.)

Grim Golem Generalissimo: Long live King Stroud!

(The Generalissimo and his tank explode, blocking the entrance to the caves.)

Keldric: We'll never get through here! So...now... Huh?

(A distant cry is heard.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CGI CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Flammie is seen gliding through the night sky.)

~Faye: Flammie! You're all right!~

(Flammie lands near Keldric.)

~Keldric: Just in time! Flammie! Can you give us a ride to their castle?~

(Keldric is seen riding Flammie, who is dodging enemy projectiles.)

~Keldric: Flammie! Drop us off at the top of the Tree!~

(Flammie destroys some enemies in his way, then flies toward the Tree.)

~Keldric: Ready, Faye? Stay alert, now! Let's go!~

Final Chapter: The Great Tree

(Keldric stands before the ominous castle.)

Keldric: We'll finish this here!

(Keldric unlocks the main gate, leading to a magic portal.)

Keldric: Woah!

Faye: Keldy!

(The party is found in some weird dimension.)

Keldric: How'd I get sucked in here?

Faye: Let's find the exit.

(After defeating the enemies, a path opens, leading to a long, castle-like corridor.)

Keldric: All right! We're out!

Faye: We need to be careful. There might be more rough spots ahead of us yet.

(After the corridor, in a grand hall.)

Faye: What's that candlestick doing here?

(Later, in a room full of mushrooms.)

Faye: Some wind should get these spinning...

(Much later, in a deep cave-like structure with blue walls.)

Faye: Keldy... I feel hatred coming from beyond that door. It's overwhelming...

Grim Golem Raider: Kudos on reaching that milestone... But you're not gettign through this gate!

Grim Golem Centurion: Come! You're invited to a feast of spilt blood and rent flesh!

(Keldric defeats the Grim Golem Centurion and reach for the gate.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Keldric waits after the gate to slowly open. In the throne room stands Grim Stroud.)

Stroud: So you survived eighteen years just to come back and annoy me. Well done, dear Brother.

Keldric: Where is Ritzia?

(Stroud makes a head gesture to his right, when Anise stands. Keldric runs toward her.)

Grim Stroud: Is she more important than your own flesh and blood? Why did I ever throw you into the sea in the first place? Now I wish I had just disposed of you properly when you were still a baby. No matter. I believe we can settle our differences amicably. But first, allow me to cast off some dead weight...

(Grim Stroud impales Anise from behind. Keldric catches her.)

Keldric: Ritzia!?

Anise: Kel...

(Anise starts leaking purple smoke.)

Keldric: Ritzia! Don't die on me! Ritzia...

Grim Stroud: As for your plan for my brother to kill me, taking my place as Mavolia's king... Did you think I was unaware of your little scheme, Ritzia? And did you assume I wouldn't know about the Echoes being released? I am the eternal king! Wherever I go, that is my kingdom! And all I subjugate shall be my servants! I claim dominion over all! From the heights of paradise to the depths of hell.

Keldric: Mark my words. The only place...

(Keldric draws it sword.)

Keldric: you're going is... Down!

Grim Stroud: Hm. Bravo. I'm glad to play along, Little Brother. It'll be a delightful way to pass the time!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Grim Stroud: You dare to resist me? Haha! You might as well try to stay the sun in its course!

Grim Stroud: (Striking when he's guarding.) Wohoho! That's the best you can do!?

Keldric: Darn it! I've got to get him when his guard's down.

Grim Stroud: Come, kneel before my sword and be done.

~Stroud: (Making a sword swipe.) Smash it!~

~Stroud: (Getting stunned.) Cheap shot.~

(Keldric defeats Grim Stroud.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Grim Stroud is wincing in pain while his body is crackling with electricity.)

Grim Stroud: Hehehe. Ah, evil spirit Thanatos, servant of the Echoes. If you wish to destroy the will of the Tree, follow me! For this is your true path to freedom!

(Grim Stroud absorbs a considerable amount of Thanatos. He transforms into a huge insectoid version of his former self.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Keldric: Thanatos have possessed you...

Grim Stroud: No, I have absorbed them! This is my power as king! Now that the maiden is dead, you can't get what you want, even if you kill me.

Keldric: I'm going to make the word the way it once was...the way Ritzia wanted it to be!

Grim Stroud: Hmph! You're hopeless!

Faye: (Near a Night Tower.) Power is flowing out from here and into him!

Grim Stroud: (After being stunned from destroying a Night Tower.) Why, you little––I'm going to wipe that grin off your face!

Grim Stroud: Be a good boy and give up.

Grim Stroud: (After depleting his first health bar.) I'll give you a taste of death!

Grim Stroud: Good riddance!

Grim Stroud: Defy meand you'll reap your reward!

Grim Stroud: (After depleting half of his last health bar.) Accept your fate like a man!

Grim Stroud: Haven't you learned? Resistance is futile!

Faye: (When walking on higher platforms.) This doesn't seem too stable. You'd better be careful.

~Grim Stroud: (Summoning a black vortex.) Beg for your life!~

~Grim Stroud: (Slamming the ground.) Kneel before Stroud!~ (Keldric defeats Grim Stroud's second form.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Grim Stroud' body is leaking black smoke and lightning.)

Grim Stroud: How did I lose...to a brat like you? I am the true ruler of Mavolia!

(Grim Stroud's body is emptied of energy, reverting him back to his previous form. He collapses on the floor next to his sword. Despite his pain, he is still laughing.)

Keldric: What's so funny?

Grim Stroud: You didn't really want to save the world... Just the girl. And I've already killed her. So what will you do next? Keep runnign in circles, slashing at everything that gets in your way? Not bad, actually... Befits a brother of mine.

(Grim Stroud tries to get up and grabs his sword.)

Grim Stroud: Build a new world of darkness with your sword, freshly anointed in blood!

(Grim Stroud laughs maniacally while he vanishes in smoke.)

Faye: Keldy.

(Anise shows up from the ground below.)

Anise: That man's sword could never kill me. And even that shiny blade of yours cannot destroy me.

Keldric: Ritzia!

(Anise hovers before Keldric.)

Anise: Ritzia? She no longer exists. And tonight...the real destruction begins. Once we obtain all the power of the Great Tree and the spirits, the Echoes will finally be freed from the Tree and venture into the world above.

(Anise disappears in a powerful wave of energy. Keldric and Faye press forward.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Much later, in a long, winding hallway with blue walls after falling from higher ground.)

Village Elder (Voice): Keldric. Eighteen years ago, the Great Tree called you to this land. You are a knight, chosen by the Tree itself. Don't stop believing in yourself...or your ideals.

Treant (Voice): If you grow weary now, all you have done up to this point will have been in vain. The world is coming to and end...

Gaia (Voice): Are you full prepared to let it end like this? Or do you have the courage to accept the truth and go forward?

Lekius (Voice): I know you can do it, Keldy. You wouldn't abandon Ritzia. Shen entrusted you with...her wish...her final wish...

(A rabite is surrounded by Golem soldiers.)

Faye: Oh, look! They're teasing that poor rabite!

Keldric: That's Ritzia's pet! We've gotta save him!

(After saving the creature, Keldric continues to press forward, falling in deep holes twice before reaching a circular room.)

[CUTSCENE]

(Buju in grimslie form is standing still before Keldric, who decides to pick him.)

Keldric: He's all right. Just a little scratched.

Faye: Thank goodess.

Anise: You will soon prostrate yourself at my feet, just like your friend did!

(Anise appears.)

Keldric: The world is already like Mavolia... What more could you possibly do to it?

Anise: The Echoes are not yet completely free. They need the seed from your right hand and the aid of that spirit child. Even now, the Great Tree struggles to thwart the release of the Echoes. However, I should be able to persuade it, once I have the seed the Tree spawned...and the Thanatos take you.

Keldric: Then what Ritzia said to us in the forest that day was––

Anise: Yes. I forced the maiden to say all that for me. But I believe the girl was thinking about something else at the time. She realized the only way to revive the Great Tree, which had been accumulating Echoes for so many years, was to open the door once again. And in opening the door, she learned one more thing: To revive the Great Tree, the keeper of the seed must become one with the liberator of the Echoes by piercing her through with his sword. That's why Ritzia is actually looking forward to being slain by you!

Keldric: No...no way...

Anise: And now it's up to you, O keeper of the seed. Will you help me release the Echoes, or will you destroy them...and Ritzia?

(Keldric draws his blade.)

Anise: Ah, made up your mind already? Well then, I'll drink a toast to the Echoes with a chalice of your blood!

(Anise creates a blinding light.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

(Keldric & Faye wind up in an illusory Sunbeam Forest. Anise is waiting ahead for them.)

Faye: Keldy? Where...are we?

Keldric: This is...were Ritzia and I...

Medusa: Look, Keldy. It's our favorite meeting place... And the place where you shall die an agonizing death!

(Medusa is playing a goose chase with Keldric.)

Faye: Ritzia! Wait!

~Medusa: Come forth...~

Medusa: I suggest you take a nice, long nap here.

~Medusa: Time to come and play!~

Medusa: You've killed your best friend and your own brother.

Faye: You're Ritzia, right!?

~Medusa: My little ones...~

(Screen turns white.)

Medusa: I've prepared a place for you to die... However, if you'd rather prolong your agony, I'd be happy to oblige.

(Keldric & Faye are back in the circular room. Anise transforms into Medusa.)

Medusa: Begone!

[CUTSCENE ENDS]

Faye: Wow, she looks horrible.

Medusa: Now, Keldric! From your very corpse, I will claim that seed!

Medusa: I've had about enough of you. You remind me of the masked one. How he once was. Knowing that you killed my beloved makes killing you all the more satifying.

Faye: She's showing off her power again!

Medusa: Enjoy you lingering death.

Medusa: Feel the full force of my power!

Medusa: Enough of your righteous indignation!

Medusa: (After depleting her first health bar.) Spirit girl, you will obey me!

Faye: No way! I'm on Keldy's side, lady!

Medusa: (Summoning a magic seal.) This'll burn away any resolve you've got left!

Faye: What you did to Ritzia's unforgivable!

Keldric: (When Medusa' last health bar is close to zero.) One more hit and you're through!

~Medusa: You, pest!~

~Medusa: (One/two snakes attacking.) Catch!~

~Medusa: Dip around, Keldric!~

~Medusa: (After recovering her snakes.) You'll never...~

(Keldric defeats Medusa.)

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

Medusa: (Medusa explodes in a flashy display. Countless Thanatos releasing from her body.) Gyaaah!

(She reverts back to her Anise form.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CHAPTER SCORES]

[CUTSCENE STARTS]

(Anise is one the floor wincing in pain. Keldric comes near her. He's about to give her the coup de grâce when he hears Buju's cry to stop.)

Keldric: It's no use. I tried, but I couldn't do it.

(Keldy cries.)

Faye: Keldy...

(Anise's body glow purple as black smoke gathers around her.)

Faye: Keldy, let's go.

Keldric: Yeah. But... Faye...

Faye: Ritzia wouldn't want a world envelopped in darkness. She wants...for you to make the world beautiful like it was before.

Keldric: But how to I––

Faye: Follow the voice of your heart, Keldy. It'll be all right. You're not alone after all. Ritzia and I are always with you. We wouldn't let you carry his burden all by yourself.

Keldric: Faye.

(Anise opens her eyes and look a Keldric & Faye. Keldric's body glows and he draws his sword. Faye gives the blade a boost. Anise relatiates by casting a black orb of magic.)

Keldric: Ritzia, you know I'm sorry. I wish I could save you. But I have... NO CHOICE!

(Keldric lunges toward Anise, who fires her magic to him. Keldric is revealed to have leaped into the air and stabs her with his sword.)

Keldric: Ritzia.

(A vision of Anise is depicting her layed on a large flower.)

Masked Guru (Voice): Anise. Anise... Come. Time to go home, Anise.

Anise: Granz.

(Anise raises her right arm and is lift up. Ritzia takes her place, with Faye reaching to her forehead.)

Ritzia: Aah... Where am––– Faye.

(Buju in his normal form hops toward her.)

Ritzia: Buju.

(Keldric is seen slowly descending from the sky.)

Keldric: Ritiza.

Ritzia: Keldy.

(Both extend their arms and, as their hands meet, they shine brightly. Keldric gives his seed to her, releasing his right arm of vines.)

Ritzia: Keldy, thank you.

Faye: All right, Ritzia. Time for us to go.

Keldric: Ritzia?

(Keldric's body starts going away from Ritzia.)

Faye: A maiden of the Tree, the seed, plus as spirit...all become one, and then begins the birth of a new world... That's why...

Keldric: Oh, no. Don't do it! Faye! Ritzia!

(Ritzia & Faye descend into the void. A white flower pops into Keldric's right hand.)

Keldric: Faye!

(Ritzia starts shining brightly.)

[CUTSCENE ENDS]
[CGI CUTSCENES STARTS]

(The ruins below the Great Tree are crumbling, so as the Door to Mavolia. Stroud's castle is vaporized into the light. Coutless spirits are seen coming from he Great Tree, as the Goddess of Mana appears on top of it. The Goddess sends a myriad of mana spirits into the land. She then summons the Mana Sword in her hands, disappearing in the process. The holy blade drops down from the sky, planting itself in a root at the base of the Great Tree. A single rabite is seen glancing at the sword from a distance.)

[CREDITS]

Ending Scene

(The eight Mana Spirits are gathered around a lake.)

Gnome: This is the bond between humans and spirits in this world. The origin of the Mana Tree.

Undine: Time does fly by. Why it's been...thousands of years since all that happened. The sword's lost. And the Mana Tree, too.

Dryad: And now...around the power of Mana, a frightening and sinister shadow is on the move.

Shade: What are we to do?

Salamander: We've got to do something! We can't just walk away here.

Jinn: We have to help the Mana warrior and the Great Tree maiden!

Gnome: Hmmm... Well, then. Any objections?

(All spirits agree.)

Luna: People and spirits...

All: shall strive together for the sake of the world!

Gnome: Good! Then shall we get going? Everyone's waiting.

(Camera focus on the moon. Keldric is seen returning to his village all restored thanks to the Mana Goddess. Past memories of his adventure are revisited. Keldric is seen gazing at the revitalized Great Tree. Next, a scene of the carved tree in Sunbeam Forest is played.)

(Foreign text is automatically translated.)

Where there is Mana, there is love. Where there is love, there is Mana.

[THE END]