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Sonic and company pursue the thief who stole her bracelet.

Their chase leads them into the mountains, where Bazba's Bandits pillage at will.

Sonic cannot ignore her countrymen's pleas for help.

She leads her group in search of the bandits' stronghold.

Ch.3 Bandits of Borgo.

Shadow: The local villagers tell me that Bazba's Bandits keep their lair nearby.

A few of them saw a lad matching the description of our bracelet thief.

It seems a fair guess that the youth is one of these bandits.

Sonic: Bandits... Here in Renais, our homeland. I had no idea...

Burning our villages... Stealing from our people with no fear of reprisal?

Shadow: It wasn't always like this. The knights used to protect the citizenry...

However, with Renais in ruins and her army tatters, law and order are hard to find.

It doesn't look like the Grado army is interested in maintaining order here.

If nothing changes, Renais will continue this sad plunge into savagery.

Sonic:...

Amy: Uh... Hello?

Pardon me for asking...

but are you all some sort of ...mercenary troop?

Sonic: Why do you ask?

Amy: P-p-please you have to help Manic. You have to!

I told him it was too dangerous, but he wouldn't listen to me!

Sonic: Please, you must calm yourself. Start at the beginning, and speak slowly.

Amy: All right... Sniff.

I'm Amy.

I'm from... I used to be from a village named Lark...

Except the village is gone.

Sonic: Gone? What do you mean?

Amy: Bazba's Bandits burned it down. Only Manic and I escaped.

The other villagers... The bandits attacked them and...

Sonic:...

Shadow: Amy, what are you doing here?

Amy: Basba's Bandits... They have hideout in these mountains.

That's where Manic...

Um, Manic's my...uh... We've known each other since we were kids.

He went to steal back something the bandits took from me...

Sonic: He went alone? That's a very dangerous thing...

Amy: Yes, I know. Th-that's what I told him, but he wouldn't listen to me.

If I lose Manic, too, I don't know... I... I'll...sniff..

Sonic: Wait, please don't cry.

Don't worry. We'll find your friend and see that he's not harmed.

Amy: Really? Really and truly? Oh, thank you! Thank you!

I... I don't have much money, but...I'll do anything to help.

Shadow: Your Highness? What will it be?

Sonic: If the thief we're after has gone to the bandits' lair as well...

Well, it seems as though we share a common cause with Sonia.

She is a citizen of Renais, after all.

And isn't it our duty to defend our countrymen?

I'm only sad that we weren't here to protect her friends and neighbors...

So, yes, I feel we must help her.

Shadow: Very well. Amy, I trust you can lead the way?

Amy: Er, yes... It's this way.

Shadow: It figures. The doors are locked.

With no keys and no thief to pick the locks, we're stuck outside.

Sonic: I see. We're at an impasse then, aren't we?

Shadow: Actually... No, we're in luck. You see that wall there, milady?

Sonic: Yes, I do. It's cracked...

Shadow: That's right. A few well-aimed blows should bring it crumbling down.

(Walls with cracks in them can be attacked and destroyed.

Once a wall is destroyed, you can pass through the opening you've created.

When your way seems blocked, be sure to check all the walls.

Amy: Um... Is there anything I can do to help? I feel so...

When I was little I used to go hunting with my grandfather.

What I mean is I can- I'm not bad with a bow.

Sonic: A bow?

Amy: Uh-huh.

Sonic: What do you think, Shadow?

Shadow: An archer would come in handy in tight quarters like these.

With a good bow, we could attack from afar without fear...

Sonic: Well, Amy, can you take orders and keep out of danger?

Amy: I... I'll try, Your Highness.

*Amy attacks a bandit*
(Bows are ranged weapons. They can be used to attack enemies who are a space away.

Additionally, they can be used to attack over walls.

Bandit L: Huh? Don't know who it is, but it looks like we got guests.

Let's give 'em a warm welcome, lads!

Remember, use your axes to hit 'em from this side of the wall!

They can't hurt what they can't hit! Now, get out there and cut 'em up!

(The bandits' hand axes can be used in both direct and indirect combat.

They can be wielded like a normal axes in direct, hand-to-hand combat.

or thrown to strike enemies who are a space away or at an angle to you.

Like bows, they can also hit enemies on the other side of walls.

Place the cursor on a unit and press the R Button to display that unit's status.

For example, if you select a bandit and press the R Button, you'll see that he's carrying a hand axe.

If you press the R Button again, you'll see help information for each item on-screen.

You can use the R Button to see the properties of weapons and items.

If there's something you don't understand about unit information, press the R Button.)

Manic: And here we go!

Ha! And not a soul saw me. These bandits are easy picking.

I guess I might as well start with these chests here.

(The thief Manic has appeared)

Thieves can steal items form other units.

Also, they can open the locks of doors and chests. Thieves are handy allies to have around.

Manic and Amy are childhood friends. Try moving Amy next to Manic and have her talk to him. He may decide to join you.

Enemy units may sometimes drop items when they are defeated.

In the same way you searched for hand axes earlier, try looking at enemy items with the R Button.

Green items are the items that will be dropped. Check enemy items beforehand to gain the advantage in combat.)

Amy: M-Manic...

Manic: Amy?! What are you doing here?

I told you to wait for me, didn't I?

Amy: I couldn't... It's too dangerous.

C'mon, let's go home.

Manic: We don't have a home! Don't you get it? Look, just leave everything to me.

I can take care of it in a flash, but I don't need a clumsy oaf like you tagging along.

Amy: But...but...

Manic: Oh, this is ridiculous.

We'll talk later. Don't leave my side, Amy.

Amy: I- All right.

(Manic and Amy have an invisible bond that ties them together.

Units that have such a bond can develop a support relationship.

Units become closer and their bond stronger the longer they are adjacent to one another.

Eventually, they will be able to share a support conversation.

Units that share a support relationship fight with improved abilities when they are near each other.

There are three levels of support units can share: C, B, and A.

Levels are gained by staying side-by-side as much possible.

Manic and Amy are not the only units that can have support relationships. Sonic and Shadow, among others, can grow close to other units.

Watch how characters interact with each other to guess at who might share a support relationship with whom.

If you have two units you thinks may have such a bond, place them next to one another again and again.

Who knows: they may eventually share a support conversation.

However, bear in mind that each unit can have only have 5 support relationships.)

*Support between Manic and Amy*

Manic: Amy.

Amy: Oh, Hi, Manic... How are you doing?

Manic: This is no time for pleasantries! You need to concentrate in battle!

Amy: I was just being polite...

Manic: I never thought I'd see you on the battlefield.

Amy: Well, I might not be the best, but when something needs to be done... I do it.

Manic: It's amazing how war affects people. I mean, look at you.

You're a bumbling cry baby, but even you've pulled yourself together temporarily.

Amy: Uh...

Manic: When we were little, you followed me everywhere, tripping and crying...

Amy: Oh! Sniff... Why are you always so mean? Waaa!

Manic: And now look at you! You're still following me everywhere, tripping and crying,

but now you're doing it on the battlefield. Will you PLEASE stop your boo-hooing?

Amy: Sniff... OK... I'll try...

Manic: Man, you can't do anything without me, can you! And stop crying!

Amy: But... Sniff...

Manic: What is it?!

Amy: You're the one who's... making me cry.

Manic: Ugh!

*End of Support*

*Support between Shadow and Sonic*

Sonic: Shadow.

Shadow: What brings you, Princess?

Sonic: How fare you, Shadow?

Ever since the castle fell you have been protecting me, despite your own injuries...

Shadow: Would that I could have served you better, my lady...

You were not meant to see such things.

But my wound has closed up, and it does not affect my lance arm...

Sonic: Wait. Show it to me.

Look. The wound has closed, but it has not yet fully healed.

Shadow:...

What made you think of this, my lady?

Sonic: Your fighting is as superb as ever, Shadow.

But when you raise your lance, I see flicker of pain of your face, as if you were merely enduring it...

But it only lasts a moment. Perhaps it is all just my imagination...

Shadow: Your Highness, please put your mind at ease.

My wound has healed. There is no reason to worry.

Sonic: I would that were so, Shadow.

Please do not overextend yourself. I beg this of you.

Without you, I may not be able to continue this quest...

Shadow: You praise me too much, my lady...

*End of Support*

Bandit L: I'm the head of this bandit pack, the mighty Bazba!

Hope you've enjoyed your life, 'cuz it's about to end!

Bandit L: I'm the...mighty...Bazba...This...ain't-

*He's been defeated*

Amy: M-Manic...

Manic: What now? I told you not to worry.

I could've robbed these bandits blind on my own, thank you very much.

Amy: I was...worried...

Manic: H-hold on! I'm sorry! C'mon! Don't start bawling!

Amy: Aaah...sniff...

No more dangerous stuff... by yourself ...

Manic: Fine, fine. I promise.

But you have to stop crying all the time. All right?

Amy: Uh-huh...

Manic: Oh, yeah. Take a look at this.

Amy: Hm?

Manic: I got your mirror back.

Remember how you cried when we left Lark? You thought you'd lost this.

I knew it was your mother's, and I knew those thugs had taken it.

So I went and got it back!

See what happens when you give me a job? Guaranteed results!

Amy: Manic...

Aa... Waaah... Manic...

Manic: Hey! Wh-why are you crying this time?

C'mon! Stop! Knock it off! Please, Amy...

Shadow:...This is quite touching, but...

I think you'd best return Princess Sonic's bracelet to her now.

Manic: Wh-what are you talking about? Are you trying to say that I-

Manic: Whoa! Whoa there! Hold it! It's right here! Take it!

Shadow:...

Tell me, boy, is this the path you've chosen for your life?

If this girl matters to you, you must quit this dark road.

Manic: Uh, yeah... Right.

Shadow: We're leaving. Do not expect to be rescued again.

Farewell.

Manic:...Hey, wait!

Let us go with you. You can't just leave us here.

Shadow: Pardon?

Manic: Amy and I... We've got no home to return to.

No matter where we go, there's just gonna be more fighting.

You're mercenaries, right? Well, then take us with you.

I'm a handy guy to have around. I know I can help you out.

Shadow: I would prefer not, but I'll agree with Sonic's decision.

Our duty is a grave one however. We've no time to waste shepherding you.

Manic: That's fine with us.

You just wait-I promise you won't regret your decision.

Shadow: I retrieved your bracelet from the bandit' stronghold.

Here you are, Princess.

Sonic: Thank you, Shadow.

You know... Father gave me this bracelet when I was a child.

It has only one match in the world, and my brother wears it.

Shadow: Lady Sonic, you must take care never to lose that bracelet.

It is the proof the King Fado entrusted the future of Renais to you, his children.

Sonic: Shadow... What is it you're not telling me?

Shadow:... I apologize, Your Highness.

When the time comes, I will tell you what I know. Until then, I...

Sonic: I see.

If you tell me it must wait then it can wait. I trust you.

Shadow: Then we should get moving again.

We're safe from bandits for now, but I can't guarantee for how long.

Amy: This... This is just the beginning, isn't it?

If we hope to free our homeland, it will take battle after battle...

Shadow: I'm afraid so, Your Highness.

The day you and Prince Ephraim win back the freedom and honor of Renais will come.

But I fear it lies at the end of a long and treacherous road.

Sonic: I know. I must fight for that day.

In the names of all those I could not save, I'll lead us home.

Let's go. My brother awaits!

*Grado Keep*

Selena: General Chuck.

Chuck: Selena. Have you been back long?

Tell me, how fares the campaign in Renais?

Selena: Signs of chaos abound.

Brigands ride without fear, and the peasants' cries fill the air.

Chuck: Hmm...

If Grado's troops do not enforce public order, the situation will only worsen.

And still, His Majesty has given us no orders.

Perhaps, just this once, I should take the lead...

Glen: What could His Majesty be thinking?

Breaking out long-held alliance with Renais-invading without warning...

He's never been this way before. He abhors violence.

Selena:...

Glen: And have you noticed the recent promotions? Who are they going to?

Certainly not the soldiers who have Grado's best interests at heart.

I fear this invasion is the prelude to a much larger war.

I feel as thought His Majesty is no longer the man we knew him to be.

Selena: Glen, it doesn't matter what any of us might think of our orders.

We are his servants, and we will not question His Majesty's intentions.

Glen: I know that, Selena. And yet...

Chuck: That's enough. Both of you. His Majesty summons us.

Let's hope we can learn a little during our audience.

Vigarde:...I appreciate your work in fulfilling your previous orders.

You are the hammers that drive the nails of the empire's will...

You will continue to operate... without hesitation...

wherever I send you.

Chuck: By your command.

Selena: In Your Majesty's name.

Glen: Yes, sire...

Vigarde:...However, I know this...

You, my Imperial Three, lack the strength to conquer the remaining nations alone.

In the invasion of Renais, certain soldiers performed beyond expectation.

I have chosen them to join you as new generals in the empire's service.

...Come.

...The performance of these men surpassed even your own.

With the addition of these three...

The empire will have six generals strong enough to conquer this land.

Do you understand?

Riev: Heh heh heh...

I am Riev, given the name Blood Beryl by His Majesty.

I know I am a newcomer, but I pray for your favor.

Chuck:...Understood.

Caellach: I'm Caellach. I was a mercenary, fighting in the desert.

Seems I'm to be called Tiger Eye.

You're a fine-lookin' lass, aren't you? Yeah, I'm gonna love working with you.

Selena:...

Mephiles: So we meet again. You know me as General Mephiles, but you can call me the Moonstone.

I'll save you worthless dogs from your own incompetence. You'll thank me later.

Glen: Mephiles... You scum!

Chuck: Peace, Glen.

Vigarde: Selena. Caellach. You will bring me Frelia.

Selena: Yes, sire.

Caellach: Sure. Good as done.

Riev. Duessel. You are charged with the defense of the empire.

...I will speak to you individually with more details later.

Riev: Heh heh heh... Understood, Your Majesty.

Chuck: By your command, sire.

Mephiles: And me?

Vigarde: Mephiles, Glen... I have other duties for you...

Glen: Yes, Your Majesty?

Vigarde: Renais has fallen, but Princess Sonic still eludes us...

Her brother, Prince Ephraim, leads a resistance within our borders.

Bring the siblings to me.

Mephiles: Ha ha... Of course.

Glen:...


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