Lufia II Script Version 1.2 Transcribed by RHuse12345 {Robert W Huse} [r_huse@hotmail.com] Part III: End of Destruction *********************************************************************** [The party left the tower and warped back to Parcelyte to inform the King about the events concerning Gades] King: I see. Hmm...the villain who destroyed Gordovan was that strong... Selan: It is all my fault. I overestimated my own ability. King: That isn't true. In any case, we have to do something about Gades. Selan: Your Majesty. With your permission, I'd like to find out more about Gades. Of course, I'll go alone. King: Hmm. I guess we shouldn't rely on Maxim so much... [At that moment, a soldier rushed into the throne room] Soldier: Is there a Guy, here? [Everyone turned to the soldier] Guy: What is it? What do you want? Soldier: A messenger from Tanbel is here. He says your sister's condition has worsened. [A worried Guy went to the soldier] Guy: What!? Hilda! Maxim [urgently]: Guy, go back right away! Guy: Bu...but, Gades is so powerful...I can't just leave you like this. Maxim: What Hilda needs most right now is for you to be with her. Guy: That's true, but... Maxim: Besides, don't worry about us. I know someone who can help us. Guy: You mean... Could that by any chance be...? Maxim [to the King]: Your Majesty, might I ask for Selan's help? Of course, we'll help her find out more about Gades. King: Oh, that's excellent! Yes, yes, that sounds very good indeed. Is that alright with you, Selan? Selan [resigned]: Yes, Your Majesty... King: I shall entrust you and Maxim to investigate Gades. Selan: Yes, Your Majesty. Maxim: Well then, Your Majesty. By your leave, we'll be gone. [The group gathered in the same spot they had twice before] Guy: Well, I'll go back to Tanbel, then... Tia: I hope Hilda is ok... Guy: Hey, she's my sister. She won't give up so easily. Besides, Jessy is with her. Tia: Yeah, that's right. Guy: Maxim, I'll be back. Don't get knocked out until then, ok? Maxim: Hey, who do you think you're talking to!? Guy: I know, I know. You're the man. Well, see you guys! [Guy left the group] Tia: Hilda will be ok, right? Maxim: Of course. Selan: Maxim... Maxim: Before we go on, Selan, tell me the truth. Selan: The truth? Maxim: Are you coming with us because the King asked you to? Selan: No, that's not it. I'm also curious about what that woman said to you in the cave. Maxim: You mean, "Your fate is to fight on your journey"? Selan: Yes. Besides, I just can't let Gades beat me and do nothing. I've got my pride. Maxim [slight sarcasm]: So...you think you can beat Gades? Selan: True, his power is awesome. But if I could actually face him with my sword, I think it's possible. Maxim. I know you feel the same way. Maxim: Yes. Selan: That's what I thought. That's why I decided to go with you. Maxim: You trust me more now. Selan: Well, yeah. But not completely, no. Maxim: Whew. Tough, aren't you. Well, shall we, then? Selan: Yes! Let's go through the tower and head for Merix village. The tower barrier should be gone by now. [The group left the castle and teleported back to Gordovan. The people there were relieved Gades was gone. The party turned west and went through the tower. Then, they headed north for Merix village. In Merix, they learned Gades went through the North Cave, destroying the bridge behind him. Then the cave became overrun with monsters, which made it difficult for the village architect, Ugene's father, to repair the bridge. They found a little girl alone in a small house] Girl: My dad makes houses and bridges. He's fixing the North Cave bridge right now. [The group quickly surmised the girl is in fact Ugene] Selan: But, aren't there lots of monsters in the North Cave? It's dangerous. Ugene: I know... But my dad said this is something only he can do. Selan: What a great father you have. Ugene: Yes! So I'm staying home by myself until he comes back. I'll be ok. I can cook a little, too. [The group left the village and headed to the North Cave. Inside, they met a man by a broken bridge] Man: There are so many monsters that I can't fix the bridge. Before the bridge was destroyed I had never seen any monsters! [The party left the man, undoubtedly Ugene's father, and descended into the cave. They entered an empty room] Tia: There's nothing in this room... Selan: There's something really fishy about this emptiness... Tia: Isn't there a trick or something somewhere? [Tia walked about the room in a casual manner] Maxim: Hey, Tia. Don't walk around so carelessly. Tia: I'll be fine. [One step later, Tia fell through the floor] Maxim: Tia!! [Selan went to the hole] Selan: Oh my goodness! Let's go find her, quick! Maxim [frustrated]: Darn it! I can't find the stairs going down! Selan [urgently]: We should just go from here! We don't have time to look at stairs! [Selan jumped down the hole] Maxim: What the..? [Maxim followed Selan down the hole] [Below, Tia is confronted by a monster and Selan is nearby] Selan: Tia! Watch out! [wasted the monster] Whew! That was really close. Are you alright? Tia [shaken]: Ye..yes. I'm fine. Thank you. [Maxim rushed to Tia's side] Maxim: Tia! Are you ok? Tia: Yes, I'm fine. Selan saved me. Maxim [to Selan]: Thank you Selan. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't jumped down right away. Selan [shaking her head]: No, actually I reacted very carelessly. It was ok this time, because nobody got hurt. Maxim: Yeah, you're right. Don't be so careless in the future. Selan: Ok. But if somebody's in danger, I might do it again without thinking. Maxim: By the way, what's our next move? I don't see an exit. Selan: Let's see...There might be a door hidden somewhere... [Selan searched for a door, and fell through the floor] Maxim: Selan! [Maxim headed for the hole] Tia: Wait, Maxim! Maxim: What's wrong, Tia!? We should hurry! Tia: You...you're right. I'm sorry. Let's go. [Maxim and Tia fall down the hole to find Selan facing the door] Maxim: Selan! Are you alright!? [Selan turned to Maxim and gave him a slightly sarcastic smile] Selan: Tsk, tsk, Maxim. Maxim [taken aback by Selan's sarcasm]: Huh!? Selan: You just told me not to do such a careless thing. But you jumped down right away. Maxim [trying to justify himself]: I...I might have said that but... Selan: I'm just kidding. Thanks. I'm glad you came right away. [turned away] Maxim: Anyway, I'm glad you're ok. [turns and goes to Tia] Let's go, Tia! Tia: {You...Maxim, you're so sweet. It would have been much easier if you'd been cold.} Maxim: What's wrong, Tia? Tia [broken out of her train of thought]: Wh...what? Oh, I'm sorry. I was just spacing out. Let's go. [The group proceeded into the next room - a chamber filled with monsters. Whenever the group beat a monster, it soon reappeared. They fought their way to a black orb on a pedestal in the back of the room. Maxim smashed the orb, and the monsters vanished like mist. The door out of the chamber also opened. They went through the door and ascended the stairs to the first floor. They found themselves on the other side of the broken bridge, across from Ugene's father] Ugene's Father: All of a sudden, the monsters are gone. Is it you guys who got them? Maxim: Yes. We destroyed the source of the monsters in the basement of this cave. Ugene's Father: Amazing! Now I can fix this bridge in a jiff. Won't you stay behind and watch me work? I do better when someone is watching. I guess it's in my blood. My whole family's that way. Anyway, it'll be done in a minute, ok!? [Ugene's father repaired the bridge in record time] Ugene's Father: Isn't this great? Ok, I've done my job. My precious daughter awaits me, so I'll see you guys later. [left the cave to return to Merix] [The group also left the cave and returned to Merix. They met a man in the southwest part of town] Man: The bridge's fixed, huh? Good. That woman won't have any problems then. Maxim: What woman? Man: Never seen her before. Came a short while ago and said she wanted to go to Bound Kingdom. I told her she couldn't because the bridge hadn't been fixed. Didn't you see her in the cave? [The group then went to Ugene's house, where Ugene and her father were present] Ugene's Father: Oh, you guys! Thanks for the cave. I've nothing much here, but make yourselves at home. Ugene [to the group]: Thank you. [presented a huge egg] This is for you. This is my treasure. Maxim: Are you sure I can have this? Ugene: Yes. My dad came back early because you helped him! Maxim: Thank you. I'll treasure this, too. [Maxim received the Dragon Egg] [The group rested at the inn and then left Merix. They passed through the North Cave and turned northeast to reach Bound Kingdom. They had barely passed the greeter by the castle walls when they heard evil energy resonate behind them] Greeter: Wh...who are you!? [The greeter went towards the source of the energy only to be violently knocked back into the far wall. Maxim and the others stepped aside to see an evil man leading a horde of monsters through the castle walls] Man: Ha! Just what do you think you can do, wimps!? [A spiked-haired swordsman came out of the castle] Swordsman: What is it? What's going on? [Noticed the contingent of evil before him] What!? Who are you? Where do you think you are!? [The evil man approached the swordsman] Man: So, are you the strongest warrior in this castle? The top wimp? Swordsman: Not just here, ya big blob. I'm the strongest warrior anywhere! [The evil man smirked at the swordsman's retort] Man: Very amusing. I am called Idura. I was sent here by a certain someone. Swordsman [looks incredulous]: "Certain someone"? You take orders from someone without a name? Come on, get real! Idura [incensed]: Idiot! I choose to have him remain nameless. I see wit isn't your strong suit. Ha, ha! Swordsman: Enough talk. Why did you crawl out from under you rock to show up here? Idura [smirks again]: You ARE slow. Ok, I'll make it clear. I am here to destroy this kingdom. Got that? Swordsman: ...... Idura: Flabbergasted, huh? Swordsman [stifled a laugh]: Destroy this kingdom? With those silly monsters? Are you joking or just bonkers? In your face! Idura: Such a stinging tongue! [turned to his monsters] Come, my fiendish friends, TAKE HIM! [The monsters surrounded the swordsman, who showed no fear] Swordsman: Humph! You are one unlucky guy! You wouldn't have done this had you known I was here. Idura [to his minions]: You! Monsters! What are you doing!? Shut that idiot up!! [The monsters prepared to strike, much to Idura's delight] Idura [to the swordsman]: Ha! Words, words, words. Where is your real strength? [The monsters pounced, but the swordsman vanished] Idura: What the...!? [A voice was heard from above] Voice: Yoo, hoo! Up here! [The monsters looked up to see the swordsman above them in midair. He came down with incredible force and sent all but one reeling] Swordsman: Ha! This is one of 100 special tricks I have. This baby here is called BlastMaster. Against this, your monsters are, like...well, zeroes, like, even less than nothing! [Idura was greatly displeased at the swordsman's assessment of the monsters] Idura: Grrr! Don't think you can get away with this! You will pay with your life! [Prepared to teleport from the castle] Swordsman: Hold on! [Idura stopped in mid-teleport] Idura: What? Swordsman: Pay, huh! Pay is something you do when you buy something. You got nothing I want to buy. Idura: Pest! I'll take no more insults from you. I swear I'll get you! You can't hide! [Warped from the castle] Swordsman: What was he so mad about, anyway? Well, anyway, nobody in this world can outdo me. Aren't I great, really great? [Maxim and company continued to watch from nearby] Maxim: Strong, that's for sure... Selan: Well, yes...that's true, but...not so bright. Maxim: I agree. [Just then, the remaining monster made its way towards the swordsman, who finally noticed it] Swordsman: Huh? It seems that one tiny monsterette remains. [Before the "final battle" began, a man with a princely demeanor emerged from the castle] Regal Man: Where is the monster trying to destroy my kingdom!? [Another man came from the castle to his side] Man #2 [pointing to the jelly]: Your Highness, there it is! Prince [to monster]: Oh, there you are! [He and his servant approached the monster] Very well, Josef. You stay behind. I will get this one. [After a few light sword strokes, the monster was defeated] There, Josef! I defeated the monster! Josef: Excellent! Excellent indeed, Your Highness! I shall always remember your bravery. Prince: No need for compliments. As a prince, it is my duty to protect the land. Josef: Oh, excellent! I am so moved by your words! They nearly bring tears to my eyes. [The prince and Josef go to the swordsman] Prince: Oh, it's you, Dekar! Did you see that, too? Dekar: Your Highness, please do not endanger yourself. Prince: Nonsense! Without me, who would protect the land. Dekar, watch and be strong like me! Dekar [clearly not as moved as Josef]: Yes, Your Highness. Prince: Good. Josef, I am going back in. [The Prince and Josef re-entered the castle, and Dekar waited by the doors] Maxim: So, he was Dekar... Selan: This is one amazing country. ...In every way. [The group went to Dekar] Dekar [to Maxim]: I haven't seen you before. You look like a swordsman. Wait! Are you Maxim? Maxim: Yeah, that's right. Dekar: Well! I've heard about you. Seems like you've got yourself quite a reputation. Maxim: It's nothing, really... Dekar: You don't have to be so humble. I always wanted to meet you, and see your stuff. Maxim: What for? Dekar: There's only one reason to meet another swordsman. A duel, Maxim. [Dekar thrusted with his sword, and a surprised Maxim hastily parried] Maxim: Wa...wait a minute. I don't want to fight you right now. Dekar [visibly disappointed]: And it was just getting interesting... You're tired, right? Fine, fine. So, what brings you here. Maxim: I want to know about a man named Gades. Dekar: Yeah, I've heard of him. He destroyed Gordovan all by himself, right? Man, is that for real? Maxim: Very real, unfortunately. Dekar: I just can't believe there's someone who could destroy a whole city all by himself. Maxim: I know. It's a bit terrifying. Dekar: Yeah? I think it's great! I'd love to meet the bum. [tried badly to be humble] Of course, I'd take him down. Maxim: Really? Dekar: By the way, I heard Gades is around. Maxim [shocked]: Are you sure!? Dekar: Yes. And Idura, was it? I heard someone sent him here, too. Maxim: Are you saying it's Gades who sent him here? Dekar: Idura manipulates monsters, right? So Gades has got to be behind it. Maxim [unsure of Dekar's hypothesis]: ...... Dekar: Anyway, aren't you going to introduce me to those lovely ladies behind you? Maxim [glad to get off the subject of Gades]: Sure. [gestured to Tia] This is Tia, a childhood friend. Tia [went to Dekar]: Hello! Pleased to meet you. Maxim [gestured to Selan]: This is Selan, a Parcelyte Warrior. She's traveling with us to take out Gades. Selan [went to Dekar]: Hey. Dekar: Oh, so you're Selan from Parcelyte. I hear you're tough as nails. I didn't know you were so cute! Selan: A sweet talker, huh? Dekar: Well, I'm great with a sword, and not too bad at soothing words, for pretty ears. Selan: Ha, ha... Really? Dekar: The castle's not much, but make yourself at home. Hey Maxim, let's square off later, ok!? [went back inside the castle] Maxim: A straightshooter, isn't he? Selan: He's too honest. Doesn't he know flattery counts only when it's not flattery? Maxim: In any case, why don't we go inside the castle? [The group also entered the castle. There, they learn about Dekar, Prince Alex, the North Labyrinth, and the East Tower. They made their way up to the throne room. They'd barely entered when a soldier rushed past them to inform Prince Alex] Soldier: Your Highness! The evil Idura has escaped to the North Labyrinth. Alex: Very well! I shall go there and defeat Idura by myself. Josef? Prepare! Josef: Yes, Your Highness. [At that moment, Dekar entered the throne room and went straight to the prince] Dekar: Your Highness, the North Labyrinth is dangerous. Please leave Idura to me. Alex: I appreciate that. But he's not an ordinary villain. You wouldn't make it. I must do this. Dekar: You...Your Highness! Alex: Don't worry! He's nothing before me! You just wait here for the good news. Josef, be ready! Josef: Yes, Your Highness! [Alex and Josef left the throne room, and Dekar went to the King] Dekar: Your Majesty! King: I hate to call on you time and time again, but would you follow the Prince again, Dekar? Dekar: Of course, Your Majesty. I must say, though, we can't keep doing this forever. King: I'm aware of that. But it is like a disease, you see. I'm sorry, but please be patient with Alex. Dekar: Of course, Your Majesty. I'm off to the labyrinth. King: By the way, Dekar, I wonder if you could help Alex without...uh...you know. Secretly? Dekar: I understand, Your Majesty. [left the throne room] King: Good grief...! [The group followed Alex's and Dekar's trail to the North Labyrinth. They fought their way to the bottom where they found Alex and Josef. When they stepped onto the platform where they stood, the area around it crumbled and revealed a deep pit. One moment later, the smirking Idura materialized before them] Idura: Ha, ha, ha! Start saying your goodbyes! Maxim: What? Idura: I have blocked the spell, Escape. Well, let's begin. [Idura sent four mummies after the group, but they're defeated in short order] Idura [still smirking]: I see you can fight a tad. And how about this monster!? [Three trolls attacked the group, but they fell as well] Idura: Amusing, indeed. But you cannot win. As long as I live, I can send monster after monster against you. Selan [to Maxim]: What're we going to do, Maxim? There's no end to this battle! Maxim [frustrated]: Darn it! Idura [gloating]: Haha, haha, haha, haha! [A voice spoke from beyond the platform] Voice: What's so funny!? Idura: Huh? [Everyone turned to see Dekar across the pit] Idura: Who are you!? Dekar: Did you think up that childish trick? You certainly are a wimp! Idura: Enough! I will not take your insults any longer! Take this! [A horde of monsters surrounded Dekar] Dekar [sighs]: These guys? Not again. [Dekar made quick work of the monsters, then turned to face Idura] Why don't you stop sending those stupid monsters and come yourself, huh!? Idura [almost considered the challenge]: Mmm. Destroying you now would be boring. I will return to send you to your doom! [Idura warped from the labyrinth, while Dekar stepped on a switch that extended a small ledge across the chasm to the platform. He crossed and headed for Maxim] Dekar: Hey, Maxim. You're already here. I entered the labyrinth first, so you must have passed me. Maxim: Thanks. Dekar: No sweat. That wasn't even a fight. Oh, I almost forgot... [Maxim stepped aside so Dekar could talk to the prince] Dekar: Your Highness, are you alright? Alex [looked ruefully at Dekar]: I am just fine. My apologies, Dekar. Because of me, you had to go through all this trouble. Dekar: Please. It is you who entered the labyrinth for your country and people. Not everyone can do that. Alex: But, there was nothing I could do. Dekar: With practice, you will be a strong swordsman. And do not forget the good you will foster by trying. Alex [reining in his princely ego]: Dekar, would you teach me swordsmanship. Dekar: My pleasure, Your Highness. [Nearby, Josef clasped his hands together and got overly emotional] Josef: Oh...wonderful! I have never been moved like this in my entire life!! Dekar [to Alex]: Shall we go back to the castle, Your Highness? Alex: Yes, let's. [Dekar led Alex and Josef from the room, then returned alone to Maxim] Dekar: Maxim, I'll take the Prince to the castle. We never should have let Idura go. Maxim: He'll be back. Dekar: Yeah, you're right. I'll take care of him then. By the way, I need to talk later at the castle. Maxim: Sure. [Dekar left the room] Selan: Maybe he's not as dumb as we thought. Maxim: Yeah, maybe not. [Moments later, Dekar returned again] Dekar: Maxim... Maxim [surprised to see him again so soon]: What happened? Dekar: Do you...happen to remember how to open the door in the next room? Maxim: Push the pillar and put it on top of the switch. Dekar: Oh, that's right. I opened it a while ago, but I forgot. Whew! Thank you. [Dekar left finally for the castle] Selan: I think we were right about him the first time around. Maxim: He's definitely a little forgetful. Selan: But he really cares for Prince Alex. Maxim: That's true. The Prince wouldn't trust him so much otherwise. Selan: That's really impressive. Maxim: So are you, Selan. Many soldiers in Parcelyte think the world of you, you know. Selan: Why, thank you. [sighed ruefully] But that's the warrior in me. The other part... [shook her head] Never mind. Let's go back to Bound Kingdom. [The group left the labyrinth and returned to Bound Kingdom. The castle greeter stopped them by the castle walls] Greeter [a bit shaken]: Oh, Sir Maxim! I've been waiting for you! Maxim: What is it? Greeter: Gades came here while you were in the labyrinth! Maxim [utterly shocked]: What!? Greeter: Gades talked only with the King and then left. The King's been waiting to see you. Maxim: Alright, I'll go and see him right away. [The party made their way through the castle. The people there were still terrified at the recent appearance of Gades in their castle. When the group got to the throne room, they found the King, Prince Alex, and Dekar; all with deadly serious countenances] King: Maxim...glad you came. Maxim: Your Majesty, may I ask what you talked about with Gades? King: Yes...but it wasn't really a conversation, you see. It was a one-way warning. Maxim: Your Majesty, what did Gades say? King: A fearful time begins...so he said... He said we would begin by sinking Seim Island. Selan [appalled]: What!? He said he would sink Seim Island where Parcelyte is? King [nodding]: He also said he would destroy Bound Kingdom... Maxim: Oh no! And what did he ask of Your Majesty. King: Nothing. He didn't ask for a thing. Maxim: I don't understand! King [agitated]: He didn't ask for anything! In other words, this isn't a threat, it's a warning. Maxim [appalled by what he'd heard]: I don't get it. He just wants to destroy, for no reason...? Dekar: So that's the whole story, Maxim. You're going with me, aren't you? Maxim: Yes...but... Dekar: But what? Maxim: But I'm not taking Tia and Selan. Selan [turned to Maxim]: What do you mean? Parcelyte is in danger. I'll fight with you! Maxim: Thank you...but, my answer is no. [shook his head] Not this time. Selan: I could really help you in battle! Dekar: Hey, Selan. Don't you get it? This battle will be serious business, and Maxim knows that. Selan [huffy]: No, I don't. I'm not a decoration. Danger!? Fine! Wasn't that our purpose in traveling together? Maxim: I'm sorry, but not this time. Besides there are things only you can do. Selan [suspicious]: Like...what? Maxim: Go back to Parcelyte and tell everyone about this. And then lead them to safety. Selan [steely-eyed]: ............ Maxim: Please. People won't believe such calamity as this unless you tell them. Selan: Ok. I understand. I'll do it this time, but it's the first and last time. [Relieved that Selan finally, if grudgingly, consented, Maxim turns to Tia] Maxim: Tia, you can understand too, right? Tia [stubborn]: No, I can't! I want to go with you no matter how dangerous it might be! Maxim: Tia... Tia: No, you go. I was just being stubborn. But - promise me you'll return alive. I'll be waiting. Maxim: I promise. [Turned to Selan] Selan, please take good care of Tia. Selan: I will. Dekar: Well? Have you guys settled everything? [Went to Alex] Your Highness, I said I would show you my swordsmanship, but destiny now calls. Alex: But - you always tell me you're the strongest. And now you run off and deny me? Dekar [stammering]: I...I... Alex: Well, if your words be true, then may victory be yours. We'll spar upon your safe return. Dekar: Thank you, Your Highness. I won't let you down. [A voice called out from the doors] Voice: What? Whoa, so gloomy! [Maxim turned to see Guy enter the throne room] Maxim: Guy! [Went to him] Guy: Hey, Maxim. Great to see you again! [Panted from lack of breath] Whew! I've been out of it way too long. Maxim: Is everything ok with your sister? Guy: Sure. She's ok now. She can't really walk around yet, but she's fine. And boy can she eat! Jessy said she's worried about Hilda turning into a blimp! Ha, ha! Maxim: That's a good worry! So, what brought you back? Guy: A letter from the King. He needs my help. So I came as fast as I could. Maxim: He wrote? I didn't know. [Dekar came over to join them] Dekar: Hey, Maxim, who's this? Maxim: This is Guy. We used to travel together, but his sister got sick so he had to return home. Dekar: {I see.} Guy: {.........} [A short impromptu duel ensued, with no clear winner] Dekar: Pretty good! My name's Dekar. It's nice to meet somebody who can actually hold his own. Guy: I'm Guy. That was close, you know. If you hadn't been easy on me, one of us could have been hurt. [Guy and Dekar stared at one another] Dekar: Ha! Ha! Ha! You knew that much, huh? Anyway, welcome to the party, Guy! Guy: Good to be on board! King [to the three swordsmen]: I heard Gades left for the East Tower. I need your help. I know of no others who can defeat Gades. Maxim [went to the King]: Your Majesty, I've always known I'd fight Gades. And this...this is the perfect time. [Returned to the group] Guy, Mr. Dekar. Let's get going. Dekar: Before we go, Maxim, would you do something about that "mister" stuff? Maxim: But... Dekar: We're going to get Gades, aren't we? There's no time to be formal. Maxim: Alright. Well then, Dekar, let's just get Gades, huh!? Dekar: Yeah, that's my man! Guy: Yeah! Let's get him! [Tia and Selan watched the exchange from nearby] Tia: Male bonding - what a touching sight. Selan [pointed to her heart]: Gets me right here. Tia: Selan - I haven't given up on Maxim, you know. Selan [startled by Tia's statement]: Wha...? I...I'm not... Tia: Shall we leave for Parcelyte, now? Selan [relieved to be let off the hook]: Yes, let's do that. [The two women went to Maxim] Tia: Well, we're off to Parcelyte. Please, Maxim. Please be careful. Maxim: Thanks, I will. And you, too, Tia. Tia: I will. [Tian and Selan left the throne room] Maxim [to the guys]: Let's move! [The three swordsmen left Bound Kingdom and headed east for the Ancient Tower. They fought their way up to the top floor where the evil Gades appeared before them. The titan looked very unhappy to see them] Maxim: Gades!! Gades: You again! You were defeated once. Why do you keep trying? You have no chance! Maxim: That remains to be seen! [Gades looked at them in disbelief, hands firmly on armored hips] Gades: Why do not cease your senseless resistance? You need only bow down before us to live. Maxim: You ask the impossible! For you have destroyed whole cities for no reason! Dekar: I will bow to no one! Guy: So you beat us once! Don't let it go to your head! [Gades gave them a look of death] Gades: You are merely foolish mortals after all. Prepare for the end!!!! [The three fought against the sinister super being's black power. After a very long and hard battle, Gades was cast down. Mortally wounded, he backed down a corridor behind him, with Maxim in hot pursuit] Gades: How...how can it be? Mere mortals, with such power..!? [Gades continued to retreat, and Maxim continued to pursue him. The corridor collapsed behind Maxim] Dekar: The corridor! Guy: Oh, no! [On the other side of the corridor, Gades stepped on a switch on the floor. An unseen device was activated] Gades: Now, with Seim Island sinking...I will take everyone in Parcelyte with me... [A grim smile crossed Gades' face, and the tower began to shake] Gades: Ha, ha, ha, ha!! [The brutal behemoth faded from existence, and a voice called out from the other side of the corridor] Voice: Maxim! Maxim: That voice! Could it be!? [Maxim went to the edge of the collapsed corridor to find Tia and Selan on the other side] Maxim: Tia, and Selan! Why have you come here!? Tia [very emotional but not crying]: I was just so worried about you...I couldn't... Maxim: Selan, why didn't you stop her!? Selan [same state as Tia]: I'm sorry...but...I was worried, too... Maxim: Well, we've got to get out of here.! Dekar: What about you!? Maxim: Gades pressed the switch before he died. Something here has to do with the sinking. I must find out. Tia: I'll go with you! Maxim: The corridor's collapsed! You can't cross! The tower's ready to fall! Get out while you can! Tia: No! I can't leave you behind! Maxim: Tia! You have to understand! It's not safe here! Tia [not budging]: No! Maxim: Tia! [A shaken but resolved Selan turns to Tia} Selan: Let's go, Tia. Tia [furious]: How can you say that!? So it's ok for Maxim to die as long as your Parcelyte is safe!? Selan: No. That's not true! We can't do anything right now. Don't you realize we're in his way? Tia: But if something happens to him... Selan: Maxim can handle this and you know it. Tia [trying to save face]: Of course I do! Selan: I believe in him. So I'll wait for him in Parcelyte. Tia: In Parcelyte... [Tia's voice trailed off, and her stubbornness melted] Selan: Yes. The island will not sink. Maxim will stop it from sinking! Tia: Selan... Selan: Let's go. Tia: Ok. Guy: Alright. Let's get out of here! Tia [to Maxim]: Maxim. Promise me that you'll come back. I'll be waiting for you! [She and the rest of the group made their escape] [Maxim made his way through the small section of the tower containing the deadly device. At the bottom floor he found a switch similar to the one Gades pressed. He stepped on the switch, and the device was shut off] Maxim: I did it! [The device began to explode, and Maxim was struck by the sparks. He fell to the floor] Maxim: I never knew there was such a device in this tower... [As Maxim faded into unconsciousness, Iris materialized behind him] Iris: ...... [Iris warped Maxim out of the tower to the edge of Parcelyte, where he awakened] Maxim: Is this..Parcelyte? How did I get here? [He got no more than a few paces into the city when an ecstatic Selan rushed to meet him] Selan: Maxim! Maxim: What..? Oh, Selan! I guess Parcelyte's ok, then. Selan: Yes. Maxim: Is everyone alright? Selan: Yes. People in the city, Guy, Dekar, and Tia, everyone's just fine. Maxim: Good. That's a relief. Selan: I owe everything to you. Maxim: No, that's not true. I couldn't have done it alone. Selan: Yeah, I guess. But you're really something. Maxim: You finally give me credit, I see. Selan: No... Maxim: Still? Selan: I mean, I have for a long time. Maxim: Selan... Selan [quietly emotional]: Maxim...I'm so...It's nice...to see you again. [Maxim seemed puzzled. It wasn't the same Selan he'd first met, the Selan who preferred to work alone and considered Maxim almost an enemy] Maxim: What's wrong? Selan: I knew you were coming back...And I know this is no miracle, your standing here, ...yet... [Held Maxim tightly and buried her crying head into his shoulder] You're here. You're really here. You're not going anywhere again...right? I...I... [Lemmy came up to them] Lemmy: Selan, are you crying? You said girls shouldn't cry so easily. [Guy came to Lemmy's side] Guy: It's ok, little lady. It's ok to cry right now. [From a distance, Tia watched the whole scene. She turned to leave Parcelyte, and Maxim, behind forever. She passed by Dekar without noticing him] Dekar: You ok? [Tia turned to see Dekar come to her] Dekar: I thought you were in love with Maxim. Tia: Yes...I am... But it's ok. You know what? I couldn't cry. Dekar: So? Tia [turned away]: My name ...Tia, like tear. Because of this, I was always teased and I was always crying. Maxim always saved me. And one day he said "People tease you because you cry so easily." So I tried not to cry, no matter how hard kids teased me. Then they stopped. [turned back to Dekar] I've never cried since then. And I couldn't even cry when I really wanted to. [turned away] Maybe I just can't cry anymore... Dekar: You're wrong. Tia [turning to Dekar]: Why do you say that? Dekar: The time hasn't come when you'll really want to cry. To be sure, Maxim is a kind man, but you two live in different worlds. And you know it. Tia: Yeah. I noticed that when Maxim said he was going. It's ok now. I found out something at the tower. I'm in love with Maxim, but not Maxim the warrior. Dekar: Not the warrior? Tia: I chased him to the tower because I was worried. I just didn't have faith in him as a warrior. The mere thought that we might never meet again sent me after him. And I put him in danger. But Selan said she's wait. She believed in him. I waited, too. But, the thought of something awful happening to Maxim just kills mew. I don't think I can bear feeling this way every time Maxim goes into battle. It's true that I love him even now. But that's why I don't want to be in his way. Dekar: You're not going to say good-bye to him? Tia: No. If I see him now, I may cry. I decided long ago that I'm not going to cry so easily. Dekar: You will someday. I mean your tears haven't dried out yet... Tia: Thanks... You've really helped, you know. I feel a lot better now. Dekar: Humph, I am great at swordsmanship, but I'm also great at cheering people up, you know!? Tia [laughing]: Ha, ha! Thanks, really. Tell Maxim I'll find someone just as good as him! [Tia left Parcelyte, never to see Maxim alive again] [End Part Three]