Part 1: Chapter 5: The Lost Heir



Before battle (Desert)

Micaiah:
“We have to go back to the desert. We still have something we need to do.”

Sothe:
“It’d be great if it were to find Ashnard’s son. I’m burning up out here.”

Micaiah:
“I’m not sure what it is. I see a lot of images, stacked on top of each other. It’s hard to see what they all are. There’s danger, battles, and terrible sadness, but also…hope. Whatever our destiny is, I know we’ll find it in the desert. Let’s go.”

Sothe:
“I understand, Micaiah. I’ll tell everyone to make ready.”

Sothe:
“We’ve already been north, where we met Prince Rafiel and his party. That leaves east or south… Which way?”

Micaiah:
“What is it, Volug? Is something wrong? Volug says he senses beorc to the south. A lot of beorc.”

Sothe:
“That settles it then. We’ll head south.”

Before battle (Battlefield)

Tauroneo:
“Hmph!”

Zihark:
“Impressive as ever, General Tauroneo. However, we can’t hold out forever. We are seriously outnumbered.”

Zihark:
“It’s time we put these vermin in their place. Are you ready, Jill?”

Jill:
“Just give the word!”

Zihark:
“All right then, let’s get ’em!”

Sothe:
“Who could the Begnion soldiers be attacking out here in the middle of nowhere?”

Micaiah:
“Whoever it is, we have to help them!”

Sothe:
“Wait a moment. Those people fighting the Begnion soldiers… It couldn’t be… That white armor… Only certain generals were allowed to wear it. I may very well know that soldier.”

Micaiah:
“Really? Well then, all the more reason to help them. Let’s hurry!”

After battle (Outside hideout)

Sothe:
“General Tauroneo! Zihark and Jill, too. I haven’t seen you since the war ended three years ago. Who would’ve thought we’d meet again in such a desolate place?”

Tauroneo:
“Sothe, you’ve grown. I hardly recognized you.”

Sothe:
“We have a lot of catching up to do, but for now, I’ll just make introductions. This is Micaiah…”

Izuka:
“And who have we here? Hmmm?”

Sothe:
“Step back. Who are you?”

Tauroneo:
“Lord Izuka, there’s no need for concern. This young man is Sothe. We know him well. Sothe, may I introduce Lord Izuka. He is advisor and close confidant to Prince Pelleas, Ashnard’s son.”

Sothe:
“Micaiah! Did you hear that? The prince IS here. Still, I can’t believe we ran into you three–of all people–guarding the prince. What a lucky coincidence. General Tauroneo, we came here because we heard the prince was gathering forces in the desert. We want to help you in your efforts. Will you let us join you?”

Tauroneo:
“Certainly. Daein needs all the courage we can muster. Let us join forces.”

Izuka:
“See here! What do you think you’re doing?! You can’t just ignore me and start making decisions! These people are suspicious, verrry suspicious. You’re all Begnion spies, aren’t you? Come now, tell the truth!”

Micaiah:
“We’re the Dawn Brigade. We’d never work for those filthy curs!”

Izuka:
“The Dawn Brigade! But how? Then, perhaps the girl… No! Could it be? Are you the Silver-Haired Maiden? Do you have the healing touch of Sacrifice?”

Micaiah:
“Excuse me!”

Sothe:
“Take your hands off her!”

Izuka:
“What a coincidence! Or is it fate? Or maybe it’s my unrivaled skill as a revolutionary organizer? With the Silver-Haired Maiden at our side, we’ll surely win over the people of Daein! And then…yes! Incite scattered rebel movements, mm-hm, and then, further…the future of…change…”

Micaiah:
“Is he…touched in the head?”

Izuka:
“Oh, my, but yes. I’ll beckon to…no, demand that the vicious scalawags… surrender! Perfect! I am a genius! Come, come, my dear maiden! You must meet the prince!”

Tauroneo:
“Goddess help me, that man could try the patience of a stone.”

Sothe:
“Hmmm…”

After battle (Hideout)

Izuka:
“Look here! Before you stands the one and only, the grand Prince Pelleas, true-blooded son of the king of Daein.”

Izuka:
“And here we have the consort and queen of our late King Ashnard, Lady Almedha. And look at you! You’re standing? Did the desert dry out your brains? Kneel ye before these royal personages!”

Pelleas:
“It’s all right, Izuka. Please, don’t stand on ceremony.”

Pelleas:
“I didn’t know I was a prince until very recently. So, really, I’m not used to any of this.”

Micaiah:
“What do you mean?”

Pelleas:
“Until a half year ago–that is, until Izuka found me–I was raised as a normal commoner. To be frank, it still doesn’t feel real to me. That I…I myself could be the son of King Ashnard. It’s a little overwhelming.”

Almedha:
“Don’t talk nonsense, darling. You are my own sweet, sweet son, Prince Pelleas, yes… I’ll never let you be parted from me, no, never ever again…”

Izuka:
“Ahem! Enough of the pleasantries, then. Shall we get down to business? Well then, Micaiah of the Dawn Brigade. I henceforth appoint thee to the post of Vice- General of the Daein Liberation Army!”

Sothe:
“Excuse me?! What do you mean by that?”

Micaiah:
“Wait a moment! I appreciate the offer, Izuka, but I’m afraid I cannot accept. I have no war experience and no knowledge of battle tactics. Daein needs a general with both.”

Izuka:
“Are you not a member of the heroic Dawn Brigade, whose conquests precede them?! Do you not want to save the people of Daein?! Serve the prince, and you can step out of the shadows and face the empire boldly, without shame! Why hesitate?”

Sothe:
“This is a thinly veiled scheme…and I see right through it. You just want Micaiah to serve as a figurehead for your revolution.”

Izuka:
“Is that a problem?”

Sothe:
“Yes, that’s a problem! She’s not some fancy stoneware for you to set on display. If you’re going to do this…then I cannot sign on.”

Micaiah:
“Exactly.”

Pelleas:
“Micaiah, please, wait! That isn’t what we meant.”

Pelleas:
“You’re not the only one who knows nothing about battle. I don’t either. But if I don’t act, the devastation of Daein will grow ever worse. So, I have to be brave. Please, I’m asking you to do the same, Micaiah… For the sake of the future of Daein, will you join our cause?”

Micaiah:
“…Prince Pelleas…I will.”

Sothe:
“Micaiah?!”

Pelleas:
“Thank you.”

Micaiah:
“And in return, will you ensure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Daein will be freed from the rule of the Begnion Empire?”

Pelleas:
“I promise.”

Micaiah:
“I trust in your word.”

After battle (Outside hideout)

Sothe:
“I can’t believe you!”

Micaiah:
“Sothe, why are you so angry about this?”

Sothe:
“You have to ask? You know we can’t live in the public eye. Doing something that will deliberately make you stand out… I’m just saying, it isn’t like you, Micaiah.”

Micaiah:
“When we were separated during the war, you changed, Sothe. And I changed too. I want to protect Daein more than anything. Our people must be saved, and if I can help in that effort, I will.”

Sothe:
“So much so that you’ll risk your life and sacrifice who you are?”

Micaiah:
“Yes. But that isn’t all. Prince Pelleas cherishes the same wish that I do. I can feel it. Deep in his heart, he wants to save Daein. If we work together, I know that we can do it.”

Sothe:
“And you don’t hear that voice we spoke of? The voice that warns you of impending danger?”

Micaiah:
“It’s all right, Sothe. The visions I see spreading out before us…most of them shine with hope.”

Sothe:
“All right. I trust you. More importantly, I believe in you. I won’t resist anymore.”

Sothe:
“But let me just say one thing.”

Micaiah:
“What?”

Sothe:
“I will protect you.”

Micaiah:
“I know that! Why do you think you need to say it?”

Sothe:
“I just wanted to make sure you knew.”

Micaiah:
“…Thank you, Sothe.”