Tibarn: Ah, well met. From the looks of things, the battle ended in our favor.
RM: We claimed victory. Yet Daein had more troops than we expected, and it was a hard-fought battle.
Tibarn: I don't have the best news to report, either.
RM: What is it?
Tibarn: As the day ended, we withdrew as planned. But as we were leaving, reinforcements began flooding in from the capital.
RM: Mmm... That's a piece of ill news.
Tibarn: The men that were originally guarding the castle were nothing special, but... There was one who appeared midbattle and crushed an entire unit by himself. He was so much stronger than the others, it was as if a wolf had appeared in a kennel of blind, newborn pups.
RM: What did he look like?
Tibarn: He was covered from toe to tip in black armor. That made it difficult to judge his size, but I think he was bigger than me. If my intuition's right, he is the villain you've all been talking about.
RM: The Black Knight... He's in that castle!
(RM heads inside the current base and prepares for the next battle. A few minutes pass. RM exits the base.)
Bastian: General RM! Please come with me. We're getting ready to have a war council and discuss tomorrow's battle.
(Scene change.)
Titania: So the Black Knight's in that castle, is he?
RM: There's little doubt of it.
Ranulf: That beorc's a real handful. Even when I attacked him in cat form, I barely scratched him!
RM: It's his armor. It's apparently blessed by the goddess. Ordinary weapons, natural or no, can't damage it.
Ranulf: Oh, that's just swell. So how are we supposed to defeat him? Angry looks?
RM: Leave that to me. I've got a sword that should be effective against him...
Tibarn: I don't like it, but I suppose there's no choice. We don't use weapons or shields. Those are beorc tools for beorc alone.
Bastian: Very well, if the villain in question appears, we'll leave him to General RM. Now then, shall we determine who among us storms the castle?
Mist: RM... Can I talk to you?
RM: Not right now, Mist. We're discussing battle strategy.
Mist: I know that. Even so... Please? It'll only take a moment.
RM: Mist... I promise I'll make time later. Be patient and wait quietly.
Elincia: ...Ah...um...
Bastian: What is it, O beauteous one?
Elincia: I feel...a bit dizzy. May I rest a moment?
Bastian: Oh, what foul deed is this that rears its head? The gods of war do charge a heavy toll. Bewitch us, and attack our very minds! The princess, she is faint and o'er tired. Forgive your humble servant this trespass. Hark, my dear, and bless me with your arm. Good folk, we shall retire for a spell.
Geoffrey: Of course. Princess, please rest and allow us to proceed with these preparations.
Elincia: Th-thank you. I'm sorry.
(Scene change.)
RM : What is it?
Mist : ...Mmm...
RM : Come on, Mist. You realize the princess was making time for you to talk with me, don't you?
Mist : ...Well, um... I thought I could talk to you later, but then I changed my mind and wanted to talk to you now.
RM : I've been hoping to talk to you, too. I haven't heard very much from you since the other day.
Mist : Yeah... I'm sorry. When you told us that story... I was so shocked... That's why.
RM : The part about Mother's death... and about Father, right?
Mist : Uh-huh.
RM: That's only natural. So, you have come to some kind of understanding with it all? Is that it?
Mist : At first, I couldn't believe it. The stuff about the medallion and the revival of the dark god and all of that? None of it... None of it sounded real. And everything about Father... That was even more unbelievable. It was all I could think about. But... But I didn't want to think about it anymore. It made my head hurt. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't even sleep. I would just lie awake at night and stare at the tent walls.
RM: Yeah, I was the same way.
Mist : I guess my body finally reached its limit. Last night, I fell asleep. And when I woke up this morning... I don't know. It was all gone. I only had one emotion left.
RM : One emotion? What was it?
Mist : It's hard to say... Sympathy, I suppose.
RM: For Mother?
Mist : Uh-huh. And for Father. I think more for him than anyone else... Father and Mother were in love, weren't they? And then the medallion, it made Father go...what did you say? Berserk? When he returned to himself, he found Mother... When, when Father died, it hurt so much...I thought I was going to die. Father must have felt the same. No, he must have felt even worse.
RM: I think you're right. And Father kept it all to himself, too. Mother, the medallion, being hunted... He never said a word to us. It was his burden alone.
Mist : The man who killed Father was that knight we saw in Port Toha. Right? The one in the black armor?
RM: Yes.
Mist : You're going to fight him, aren't you. For Father.
RM : Yes, I am. That's one thing I won't let anyone else do in my stead.
Mist : Trying to stop you is pointless. I know. If I were stronger, if I were a swordfighter, I'd be doing the same thing.
RM : Mist...
Mist : But...you must keep your promise. You promised to lead the company in Father's place, and to protect me. If you go and get yourself killed, I'll never forgive you.
RM : I understand. That's why I'm not going to lose!
Mist : ...I know!
(Scene change.)
Bastian is alive Bastian : How are you feeling, Princess?
Elincia : Um... It was a lie. I'm not feeling unwell at all. I'm sorry I fooled you.
Bastian : Ah, I knew it all along. It was all for RM and Mist, was it not? It would appear, my dear Princess, that you care for them greatly.
Elincia : I witnessed the death of both my father and mother... Soldiers fell one after the other... And then I...I was separated from Geoffrey... It was RM and his friends who rescued me. If not for them, I... I'm sure I would be dead now. My lord RM and Mist, too, know the pain that I carry with me. The pain of losing one's parents in war. That may account for why the two of them, right from the beginning, were so warm and friendly. They gave me the support I needed to survive. Mist and I have continuously encouraged each other to go on. So...
Bastian : They rescued you and are your patrons. There are those among the soldiers who complain in jealousy of RM's station, but... It is a trivial matter. We, the retainers of House Crimea, find this general very much to our liking.
Elincia : ...Ah, Bastian. I'm pleased to hear it.
Bastian : Enough plain speaking! I must ready my silver tongue anew! Shall we return to the council?
Elincia : Yes.
(At Nados Castle.)
Hafedd : Sir Knight. The Crimean army will renew their assault of the castle momentarily. The troops we face are not the half-breeds we fought yesterday. It is the army that bested General Bertram. They are not what one would call an easy opponent.
Black Knight : Hmph. Resolve it.
Hafedd : I beg your pardon?
Black Knight : Hafedd, you are in command. The castle defenses are on your shoulders. I have business with General Ena.
Hafedd : Understood.
(Greil's Mercenaries arrive at Nados Castle.)
RM : Is everyone ready? The castle's strength has been bolstered with reinforcements from the capital. We must strike now, before any more can arrive. If the Black Knight appears, don't try to engage him. He is mine. I will take care of him!
(A Battle begins. A few minutes pass. Oscar approaches Hafedd.)
Hafedd : If not for a whim of His Majesty, I would not be facing you here. For a warrior, meeting a powerful foe is a joy above all others... And for this I give thanks to the king! Now, let us enjoy the gift we have been given.
(Oscar and Hafedd fight. A few minutes pass. RM approaches Hafedd.)
RM: Is the Black Knight in there?
Hafedd: Yes.
RM: Step aside. I have business with him.
Hafedd: Aha… It would seem you and Sir Knight have some connection! My curiosity knows no bounds, but… Before you reach Sir Knight, you must first vanquish me!
(RM and Hafedd fight. A few minutes pass. Lethe approaches Hafedd.)
Hafedd: It's one of the beast tribe… Quite a formidable foe, indeed! Yet, you will find that I, too, am a robust opponent. Begin!
(Lethe and Hafedd fight. A few minutes pass. Janaff approaches Hafedd.)
Hafedd: A hawk! Which means you hail from Phoenicis. Yesterday, we lost a virtual mountain of men to your king! Now then, if I may be so bold, I would be grateful for the chance to test the power of his subjects.
(Janaff and Hafedd fight. A few minutes pass. Hafedd approaches Reyson.)
Hafedd: Aha, you are one of the Serenes nobles I've heard whispers of… If only this were not war, I would request a song of you… What a shame.
(Reyson and Hafedd fight. A few minutes pass. RM defeats Hafedd.) Hafedd : It appears...this is the end... Gwaaa... Hurrrkkk... Aaahhhh...
(A few minutes pass. RM arrives at his destination and the battle ends.)
RM : The one I seek is behind these doors. Don't follow me. I'm going in alone.
Soren : RM! Wait! I'm going with-
Titania : No, Soren. We have to let RM go alone. The Black Knight is his. Defeating him is a crucial step that RM must take in order to truly get over the death of his father.
Soren : Idiocy! I'll hear no more of this naive nonsense! What if something happens to him? What then?
Titania : I think Ike has gained the composure to keep calm and judge whether or not he can match an opponent. If, in fact, he can't...it means he's reached his full potential, and that's all there is to him. We just have to accept that. But I believe in RM. I trust him. His life is not his alone any longer. I don't believe he's so irresponsible as to leave his companions behind by choosing to engage in a contest he cannot win. Please, Soren, you must feel the same way. Don't you?
Soren : ...I don't like it. Sometimes, bravery and good judgment aren't enough.
Titania : Commander Greil... Watch over your son.
Black Knight: Why did you return to Crimea? You had the perfect opportunity to escape.
Ena : ...I'm going to the capital.
Black Knight: No. You are not. The king has ordered me to put an end to you.
Ena : I thought as much... So be it. I am prepared.
Black Knight : Will you not resist?
Ena : I do not believe I could prevail against one of your power.
Black Knight : How extremely frank.
Ena : My only wish was to be beside the one I love. If that is not to be, then it matters not what happens to me.
Black Knight : As my last act of compassion, I shall make your end a swift and merciful one. Do you have any final words?
Ena : ...If you see Nasir, tell him that Ena was sorry.
Black Knight : If I have the opportunity, I will so tell him. Rest in peace.
(Black Knight attacks Ena as RM arrives.)
Ena : ...My...love...
RM : Turn and face me, Black Knight!
Black Knight : Hmph. I've been waiting for you, child.
RM : Ah! Did you kill that girl?
Black Knight : Despite my promise, the blow was not clean. She breathes still.
RM : I'll take her.
Black Knight : You'll have to do so by force. You brought the sacred sword Ragnell, did you not?
RM : It's right here. If using it is the only condition I need fulfill to defeat you, I will not hesitate!
Black Knight : It appears you've grown smarter. Good. There is no challenge in killing a fool. Shall we begin?
(Mist arrives.)
Mist : Brother!
RM: Mist? No! Stay back!
Mist : I... I will fight you! I'll never let you kill my brother!
RM : Mist, you-
Black Knight : Gawain's daughter, eh? Good. Now I can pull out the entire family tree by the root.
RM : You're not to interfere, Mist! This craven wretch is mine!
Black Knight : Hmph! Do as you will. This time, we begin in earnest!
(A Battle begins. RM approaches the Black Knight.)
Black Knight: What an odd fate. This will be the third time I have defeated you. The first was in the forest of Gallia. The second at Delbray in Crimea.
RM: We've met twice, and I've lost twice. But the third time will be different.
Black Knight : Oh?
RM : My sword-fighting skills were given to me by my father. If I stay true to them, I cannot lose.
Black Knight : Did you never think that using your father's techniques on the man who killed him would be futile?
RM : My father robbed himself of using his stronger arm. If he had, he would not have lost to the likes of you.
Black Knight : Hah... You think so? Let us test your stronger arm then. Come, son of Gawain...Show me your strength.
(RM and the Black Knight fight. A few minutes pass. Mist approaches the Black Knight.)
Mist: …Sniff…sniff…
Black Knight: Do you tremble in fear, little daughter of Gawain? How…entertaining. But if you value your life, you will leave this place at once.
Mist: You…you took my brother and my father! My sword may not even scratch you, but I don't care. This one blow… will contain… all my anger…and all my pain… Rrrraaaaa! I'll kill you!
(Mist and the Black Knight fight. 3 minutes pass.)
Daein Soldier : Protect the Black Knight!
Black Knight : Do not interfere! This man is my prey! I need no assistance.
Daein Soldier : Oh! Then...uh... Hey, get that girl! Kill her before she flees!
RM: Get out of here, Mist!
Mist : No! I'm not leaving you! I can protect myself. I won't run away!
(A few minutes pass. RM escapes the area.)
Black Knight: Will you flee? How appropriate. Tuck tail and run, child of Gawain! It is what dogs do best, after all. I like how you tremble with fear at the realization that you are no match for me. It suits you.
RM : Foul villain! I do not flee. I will never turn my back on you and run away!
(The battle ends.)
Nasir : RM!
RM : Is that you, Nasir? What are you doing here?
Nasir : RM, I'll take over from here. Hurry and leave this place.
RM: You know I can't do that. Besides, the Black Knight can't be defeated-not without this blade.
Nasir : RM, I cannot allow you to die here. Please...take care of the girl, Ena.
Black Knight : Nasir...I didn't expect to see you here. What a fool.
Ena : ...Aahh...Ah! Nasir!
Black Knight : Uargh... Yet, that's not nearly enough...
Nasir : RM! The castle's collapsing! Get out now!
Black Knight : What's this? It can't be...this entire castle...I...Ungh! I-I can't move! This c-can't be...happening...
Nasir : ...RM. Now's your chance...Take...Ena. Take care of Ena!
RM: Nasir!
Ena : Nasir...
(They run out as CGs of the castle collapsing appear.)
Ena : ...
Titania : RM! Mist! Both of you...You did so well...
Soren : ...
RM: I really had you worried, didn't I? But now it's-
Titania : Don't say anything. I understand.
RM: Let's get back to the others...I can't do anything else today.
Mist : Right!
(Scene changes to the army encampent at night.)
Titania : RM. She's awake.
RM : Good.
(RM enters the tent.)
RM : How are you feeling?
Ena : Where am I?
RM: In our camp.
Ena : ...You saved me, didn't you? Why?
RM : Because Nasir asked me to.
Ena : What? Where is he? I...I must speak to him!
RM : Nasir is dead...
Ena : What?
RM : He protected me and engaged the Black Knight. The castle fell around them both...
Ena : Is that...so... So, it wasn't a dream...
RM : Just who...who were you to him? Why were you serving King Daein?
Ena : I am Ena... He... Nasir was my grandfather.
RM : You're Nasir's granddaughter?
Ena : It seems impossible for beorc to believe it, but we of the dragon tribe live for thousands of years. Once we reach a certain maturity, we show no further outward signs of aging.
RM : A thousand years... I can't begin to imagine.
Ena : And...um...about Nasir...You must be aware that he betrayed you. And yet you saved me. I, who had once been your enemy. Why?
RM: Nasir helped us time and time again. No matter what, I couldn't see him as a true enemy. If there are reasons for all this, would you tell me about them? I'd like to help. In Nasir's stead.
Ena : I...I can't tell you now.
RM : That's not the answer I was hoping for.
Ena : However, in payment of my debt to you, I can provide information. I will tell you where the heron princess is being held.
RM : Ah. That's a good start.