Goodness Is Rare

Goodness Is Rare is an Adventure Mission on Penacony.
==Start Location==
To start this Mission, Listen to the conversation between Tizioc II and a Distressed Dreamchaser:
==Steps==
# Talk to Tizocic II
# Find Ephraim with Tizocic II
# Ask people around for news on Ephraim
# Ask the Bloodhound Family about Ephraim's situation
# Find out how Ephraim and the rest are doing
# Talk to Tizocic II
# Talk to Clockie
# Complete Tizocic II's missing emotions
# Find the assassins and protect Tizocic II
# Find Tizocic II and ensure her safety
# Help Tizocic II find her memories
# Accompany the Princess to the Florist
# Escort the Princess from the Florist
# Escort the Princess and drive out of the city
# Pour wine for the future Spymaster
# Witness Tizocic II become a ruthless ruler
# Talk to Tizocic II and the two assassins
==Dialogue==
===Talk to Tizocic II===
;(Idle quotes)
:Tizocic II: I have to think of a solution...
:Distressed Dreamchaser: Your Majesty, please help me...
;(Talk to Tizocic II and Chenapon)
:Distressed Dreamchaser: ...Can't find that idiot pooch anywhere... Your Majesty, I've never really been to the Golden Hour before, so I really don't know where he could have gone to...
:Tizocic II: Worry not. I will help you find him. *sigh* This city is a sprawling maze though. Even my capital was not this vast.
:Tizocic II: This is like finding a needle in a haystack. Do you have other clues? Like places he might go?
: Do you need any help?
: Your dog's gone missing?
::Distressed Dreamchaser: Eh? Dog? Oh oh, "idiot pooch" is just a nickname. It's a person.
: This looks like a chore. Time to leave.
:;(Exits dialogue)
:Distressed Dreamchaser: Err... Who might you be? Your Majesty, is this a subject of yours?
:Tizocic II: Hmm? Who isn't my subject in Penacony? But I don't think I know this one...
: You're the Emperor of this place?
:Distressed Dreamchaser: How rude... The Emperor of Golden Hour, Her Majesty Tizocic II stands before you. The Family may not recognize her sovereignty, but in the hearts of her subjects, she is none other than the true descendant of the dragon.
:Tizocic II: That you don't recognize your own Emperor, shows that your understanding of the Golden Hour is meager... No matter, if you wish to help as well, come with us. It's always good to have more helping hands.
:Distressed Dreamchaser: But I don't know ...
:Tizocic II: Heed my words, Mr. Chenapon: Goodwill can be spread.
:Chenapon: Understood, Your Majesty... Kind soul, about the matter at hand: I am a Dreamchaser from the Klimt Republic. I am to negotiate a record deal with the Iris Family in a few system hours.
:Chenapon: But that blister-brained business partner of mine went missing right after entering the dream. I was to meet him here to start negotiations, but he's nowhere to be found!
: Can't you return to reality to get him?
::Chenapon: I wish... That fool probably thought I'd be cramping his style — he refused to even tell me his room number. And if I don't know the number, the concierge can't help me contact him...
: You can't make a call?
::Chenapon: I did! I couldn't get through! His phone might be off, or he lost it... That moron is capable of anything.
: Can't ask the Bloodhound Family for help?
::Chenapon: Ask the Bloodhounds? For such a paltry matter? Forget it! There is only one person in all of Penacony who would aid in earnest for such a triviality — Her Majesty.
: I'll just have to look around in the city...
:Chenapon: ...He must have run off somewhere to have fun! Not the first time Ephraim's done something like that! Why am I so dumb to trust him every single time? That unreliable fool!
:Tizocic II: Enough. Mr. Chenapon, your aimless anger will not change the present. And you really do need him, don't you?
:Chenapon: ...*sigh* Your Majesty, you're right to admonish me. This fellow's still got some talent, having released several hit records. He's just obsessed with having fun and has no concept of time...
:Tizocic II: How about this, Mr. Chenapon — you stay here and wait for Ephraim, while I look for him in those entertainment spots. My loyal subject, walk with me if you wish to help.
:Chenapon: I'm really sorry for troubling you, Your Majesty.
===Find Ephraim with Tizocic II===
:Tizocic II: It appears that this Ephraim is very much a fun-seeker... Then I can guess where he has gone. Come with me.
;(Talk to Chenapon, optional)
:Chenapon: *Klimt profanity*... That nitwit Ephraim is going to drive me to the grave.
----
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: In the Golden Hour, if you lose contact with someone who has sunken into entertainment, odds are that person is stuck here.
: This is a house of criminal decadence?
: Did he get kidnapped?
:Tizocic II: More or less. This place is a bar called the World's End, a depot of debauchery for acolytes of Elation.
:Tizocic II: These believers will lure dream-seeking newcomers into the bar and egg them on to commit embarrassing acts in public. It's a form of low-brow entertainment.
:Tizocic II sighs, then immediately draws a deep breath, faces the bar entrance and yells out...
:Tizocic II: 
:
:Lady Greenham: Oho, if it isn't Your Majesty! Why didn't you call in advance? We haven't prepared for your arrival at all... Hmm? (Trailblazer)? What are you doing here?
:Tizocic II: Cut the chit-chat. There's a musician by the name of Ephraim, from the Klimt Republic. You've seen him before?
:Lady Greenham: Oh, indeed I have. He stopped by to have a drink. He later got drunk and said he wanted to "promote profound music on the profound planet of Penacony," and ran out while singing a tune. We... Heheh, left him alone.
:Tizocic II: It's because of you lot who egged him on anyway! Yet you treat it like a joke! Where is he now?
:Lady Greenham: I don't know. Why not ask the others near the bar? They might remember... Ephraim was a drunkenly flamboyant character — he's not easily forgettable, hahaha.
:Lady Greenham: That's all I know... Did you wish to know anything else, Your Majesty?
:Tizocic II: ...You scoundrels... So be it, my words fall on deaf ears anyway. My business with you is concluded. You're dismissed.
:
:Tizocic II: Follow me to inquire from the folks nearby. A wildly drunk person would be hard to miss.
===Ask people around for news on Ephraim===
;(Talk to Enthusiastic Passerby, optional)
:Enthusiastic Passerby: Your Majesty? Is there anything I can do to help?
: Did you see someone in a drunken frenzy?
:Enthusiastic Passerby: A drunken frenzy... This is the World's End bar right here, is it not? There are plenty of 'em around...
:Tizocic II: From what Lady Greenham said just now... this person should have been loudly singing on the road, and he sounded decent too.
:Enthusiastic Passerby: I did hear someone singing, and came by to take a look. But when I got here, the noise had settled down. I apologize, Your Majesty, that I couldn't be of help.
:Tizocic II: Oh stop it, and thank you. Let's go ask someone else.
;(Talk to Enthusiastic Passerby again, optional)
:Enthusiastic Passerby: My apologies, Your Majesty, I couldn't be of help.
:Tizocic II: It's all good, thank you.
----
;(Talk to Pleasant Passerby, optional)
:Pleasant Passerby: Ooh, if it's not Your Majesty! Come out for a patrol again?
:Tizocic II: Mr. Dorromancha, I do hope you observe a little more respect for your Emperor.
:Dorromancha: Heehee, I'll be mindful in the future!
: Have you seen a really drunk person?
:Dorromancha: Oh, oh, I did, a man singing loudly on the road, and it wasn't all that bad either. I shouted for my friend to listen, but he was already gone when I turned around.
:Dorromancha: I'd almost forgotten about it if you didn't ask... Anything can really happen in this dream — it's not really something to be flabbergasted about.
:Dorromancha: Speaking of singing, how about we hit up a karaoke bar later, Your Majesty? Didn't you proclaim that you had Emperor-tier vocals? You've gotta flaunt 'em a little to your subjects!
:Tizocic II: Next time. I still have business to attend to.
:Dorromancha: Sure, sure. You do you.
;(Talk to Dorromancha again, optional)
:Dorromancha: Your Majesty, karaoke session later?
:Tizocic II: Next time. I still have business to attend to.
----
;(Talk to Polite Passerby, optional)
:Polite Passerby: Your Majesty! It's been a while since you took a stroll here. This person with you is...?
: A kind soul who's helping out.
::Polite Passerby: You're not the Emperor for nothing! Your propensity to attract kindness blooms evermore!
: I am an imperial retainer.
::Polite Passerby: Haha, you look like you've got some skills.
: I am the consort.
::Polite Passerby: I see... Whaaaa???
::Tizocic II: Concubine!? I'm still single! And I'm so old, you're better off seeking a more fitting partner!
:Tizocic II: is a compassionate subject out on official business with me. Have you seen a drunken man nearby, singing loudly along the street?
:Polite Passerby: Ooh, how unfortunate... I just entered the dream, and didn't see a thing...
:Tizocic II: It's all right. We'll ask someone else.
;(Talk to Polite Passerby again, optional)
:Polite Passerby: Ooh, how unfortunate... I just entered the dream, and didn't see a thing...
:Tizocic II: It's all right. We'll ask someone else.
----
;(Talk to Impolite Passerby)
:Impolite Passerby: Oho, what winds have brought you here this time, Tizocic? I thought you detested such establishments of sinful pleasures?
: You will show respect!
::Impolite Passerby: Heh, brought an imperial guard with you too, eh?
::Tizocic II: There's no need to entangle yourself with such people.
: (Remain silent.)
::Impolite Passerby: Who's this person? Your imperial guard?
::Tizocic II: I doubt it's uncommon for an Emperor to have a retainer, is it?
:Tizocic II: I am obviously here on business... Did you see a drunken man just now, singing loudly on the street?
:Impolite Passerby: Singing? 'Course I did — there was a drunken fool singing and accosting passersby. He was taken away by the Bloodhounds.
:Tizocic II: Detained by the Bloodhounds... This is going to be a little troublesome then.
:Impolite Passerby: How much trouble could there be? Aren't you the Emperor? You just have to show your face and the Bloodhounds'll release him, no?
: You will show some respect!
::Impolite Passerby: Ha, a method actor, aren't you? You really think she's the Emperor?
: (Remain silent.)
:Tizocic II: I'm sure I can have them acquiesce to this request, but I can't simply flout rules by abusing my authority... *sigh* No choice then — I'll have to make an exception for this urgent matter.
:Impolite Passerby: ...You really think the Bloodhounds recognize such a lame Emperor as yourself? That's hilarious. You really believe in your own act?
:Tizocic II: Don't mind him. There's a member of the Bloodhound Family over there. Let's go talk to him.
;(Talk to Impolite Passerby again, optional)
:Impolite Passerby: You really have so much pull that you can persuade The Family?
:Tizocic II: It's not "pull." It's "prestige." I don't expect you to understand.
===Ask the Bloodhound Family about Ephraim's situation===
;(Approach Patient Hound)
:Patient Hound: It's a pleasure, Your Majesty. Is there something I can do for you?
:Tizocic II: At ease. I wanted to ask, have you arrested a guest named Ephraim?
:Patient Hound: Ah... Yes, we did. That man was drunk on the streets, and the Bloodhounds kicked him out of the Dreamscape. The Family's public relations officer is currently interrogating him.
:Tizocic II: So here's what happened...
:
:Tizocic II: So, can you take my honor as a guarantee and release Ephraim early? I promise he won't do it again.
:Patient Hound: This is too trivial to be worthy of Your Majesty's guarantee. I'll inform The Family's mansion to release Ephraim shortly.
:Tizocic II: Thank you, my loyal subject. I will remember your aid.
:Patient Hound: It is my honor, Your Majesty.
:Tizocic II: I shall return to reality and see to this release. As for you... what's your name?
: (Trailblazer).
::Tizocic II: A fine name. I admire that.
: I do good deeds not for glory.
::Tizocic II: You have great self-awareness, and I'm impressed.
: My name is Luke Skybatter!
::Tizocic II: Skybatter... Ah I see, it's because you're so skillful at using that bat, right? This name does have a certain charm to it!
:Tizocic II: Well... Since you've been accompanying me to perform good deeds, I shall reward you with a title. How about this, from now on... I'll knight you as the Gray Knight.
: My deepest gratitude, Your Majesty!
::Tizocic II: There's no need for gratitude. I only reward those with goodness in their heart. Good-hearted people are a rare find.
: Just like that?
::Tizocic II: Of course not. I only reward those with goodness in their heart. Good-hearted people are a rare find.
:Tizocic II: You need not accompany me out of the dream. I will go on my own. I'm always making rounds in the Golden Hour — if you run into any trouble, feel free to speak to me.
:Tizocic II: Take heed, Gray Knight — it's easy to be bound in this dream filled with carnal desires, and it's easy to forget where one should go.
:
:Patient Hound: Hahaha, congratulations, you're now a knight.
: She's really the Emperor?
::Patient Hound: Of course not... Wait, maybe she was in the past? Many Dreamchasers from Penacony were aristocrats from the fallen empire. Ha, who knows?
: Jealous?
::Patient Hound: What's there to be jealous about? It's a fake knight title given by a fake Emperor, and even has no fiefdom that comes with it, hahaha.
:Patient Hound: When Tizocic II first started to call herself "Emperor," no one really acknowledged her. But she's done a lot more than just call herself Emperor — there were many good deeds she performed: Locating missing people and items, resolving conflicts, and even helping The Family.
:Patient Hound: As time passed, at least in the Golden Hour, everyone has been helped by her in some way, so they are willing to show her the courtesy of addressing her as "Majesty."
: Do most people respect her?
:Patient Hound: How do I put this... Although I don't know why she calls herself "Emperor," she's definitely a good person.
:Patient Hound: Look, The Family's members theoretically should all be united as one under the banner of teachings, but you inevitably can't dismiss the tinges of personal avarice within them.
:Patient Hound: If it is so for The Family, it is even truer for Dreamchasers like yourself — not meant as a slight, no offense — who would consider everything from their own perspectives and can't put themselves in others' shows or would consciously ignore the interest of others.
:Patient Hound: That's why everyone supports Tizocic II. She's sincere, empathetic, and genuinely cares about others' interests, always putting herself in their shoes.
:Patient Hound: As Her Majesty said — good people are a rare resource in our time.
:Patient Hound: Ah, it's getting late. I'll need to continue my rounds... See you around.
===Find out how Ephraim and the rest are doing===
:(Trailblazer): (Her Majesty should have picked up Ephraim by now. Let's go back to our meeting point.)
----
;(Approach Tizocic II, Chenapon, and Ephraim)
:Chenapon: You dunce, why aren't you thanking Her Majesty?
:Ephraim: Thank you, Your Majesty! If it weren't for your generous aid, our business would have been ruined...
:Tizocic II: Mr. Ephraim, firstly, I'm not the one who you should be apologizing to. Secondly, rather than an apology, I feel that Mr. Chenapon would much rather have your promise.
:Ephraim: ...
:Chenapon: ...
:Ephraim: I'm sorry! I'll never slack off during work hours again...
:Chenapon: Sigh... I'll let it go this time. I'm used to it. However, I've placed my own honor on the line to get you out. If you return to your old ways, it'll be a slap in my face. Understood?
:Ephraim: Understood! Absolutely! I promise never to do it again!
:Tizocic II: It's getting late. You two should prepare for the negotiations. Now that I've finally gotten you out, you should return to your business.
:Chenapon: Thank you once again, Your Majesty. We will return to the hotel to prepare for the negotiations. See you next time!
:Tizocic II: Wishing you the best of luck with this deal!
===Talk to Tizocic II===
:Tizocic II: You've come, my Gray Knight. With our efforts, those two young men finally got their business settled.
: It's all thanks to you.
::Tizocic II: As an Emperor, it is my duty to help my subjects with their problems, and there's no credit to be taken.
: To be honest, I didn't feel too involved.
::Tizocic II: Haha, perhaps. I'm guessing that, instead of searching for missing people, you're more suitable for jobs that require your fists.
:Tizocic II: Head out there and do some good. You'll definitely find an avenue for your talents.
:Tizocic II: Let me think. If you're good at fighting... Are there any good deeds that are more suited to you? Oh, there is! I've always been running into this group of people...
:Tizocic II: Never mind. It's nothing.
: You've met a bunch of guys, then what?
: You can't teach a new dog old tricks!
::Tizocic II: You're speaking strangely...
:Tizocic II: No no no, it's not something major. I've always emphasized the importance of peace and avoiding conflict. But... those guys at the World's End bar are a little hard to shake off...
:Tizocic II stiffly changes the subject, and begins to talk about her battles with the Masked Fools — as if she wants you to quickly forget the subject that she regretted bringing up in the first place.
:Tizocic II: ...Since then, Lady Greenham has bent her knee. You see, today I called for her, and she came right out.
:Clockie: ...Tick-tock! Over here! Quickly!
:Tizocic II: What's wrong? Why are you glancing around?
: I have some urgent matters to attend to. Let's talk later.
:Tizocic II: Okay, speak soon.
===Talk to Clockie===
:Clockie: Tick-tock! There's something wrong with the Emperor! My instincts tell me that she's in some sort of danger, but she refuses to tell you!
: Is she being threatened?
: Is she being deceived?
:Clockie: If only it were that simple! She must be missing something! It must be because she is missing something, that's why she refuses to ask you for help.
:Clockie: (Trailblazer), we need to get to the bottom of this! It's the only way we will be able to keep her out of danger!
===Complete Tizocic II's missing emotions===
;(Voice Line)
: Tizocic II: Spare the formalities, noble one.
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: You're back, Gray Knight. Is there something you need my help with? Or perhaps you would like to chat?
: Try reading her inner thoughts.
: There's something I have to do.
::Tizocic II: Goodbye, Gray Knight. Keep up the good deeds.
----
;(Insert )
:Tizocic II clenches her teeth and furrows her brows. She seems to be going through an internal turmoil with a fury that hasn't surfaced in years.
:Tizocic II: Huh? What's going on... I feel...
:Tizocic II: ...You've arrived just in time, Gray Knight. I need to ask you for a favor.
:Tizocic II: I've always considered Penacony was, at the very least, a civilized place. That at worst, there would be meager riffraff who disrespected the Emperor.
:Tizocic II: But these days, there have been a bunch of unruly hooligans who assaulted me time after time. Benevolent as I am, I refused to stoop to their level, but the more I think about it, the more seething I become.
:Tizocic II: Each time I'm alone, I would be attacked by those scoundrels. There have been a few times when their attacks were even fatal, waking me from the Dreamscape — how is this any different from regicide!
:Tizocic II: And now I'm starting to worry, that those thugs may be plotting to end my life in reality...
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, I am aware of your skills in combat. Will you help me rehabilitate these ruffians?
: Who are they? Where?
::Tizocic II: No clue. I really don't understand: I've devoted my lifetime to doing good — why would disgruntled subjects be trying to hinder me?
: Are you sure one beating is enough?
::Tizocic II: Violence only begets violence. I do not wish for this to come to pass. But seeing as how things have transpired, I must dish out divine justice.
: Isn't it better to call the police?
::Tizocic II: It's an utter disgrace to ask for Bloodhound assistance in imperial matters.
:Tizocic II: I have a plan... They usually wait till I'm alone to ambush me. In just a bit, I'll pretend to be alone, and you hide behind me. When those assailants appear, we'll arrest the lot of them!
: What if they flee?
:Tizocic II: Then at least help me identify their faces! And then report them to the Bloodhounds!
: Let's do that then.
: I thought you didn't want to involve them...
::Tizocic II: I did not wish to trouble the Bloodhounds to help me look for the ruffians. Once we've found them, they should still be subjected to the legal system. How could I mete out personal justice? That is against the law.
:Tizocic II: I get angrier the more I think about it. What wrong exactly have I done, that I am relentlessly hounded by these scoundrels?
:Tizocic II: Let's go to a quieter place. We'll see if they take the bait.
===Find the assassins and protect Tizocic II===
;(Approach the ambush spot)
:Tizocic II: This spot is usually quite deserted — I was ambushed by them here once. Gray Knight, look for a place to hide. If I'm ambushed, that's your cue to capture them.
;(Hide behind the billboard)
: Hide
:Tizocic II: Okay, hide behind here and don't move. I'll go fish for some baddies.
:Tizocic II: Oh hoho, how dismal! The loyal retainers who patrol with me are busy today... All of them! It's good that they're keeping busy though, busy is good...
:Tizocic II: Alas, I'll have to make the rounds all by my lonesome self! Good thing Penacony's a super safe place, so safe that you won't even run into danger walking down a dark alley alone.
:Tizocic II: So very quiet, and no Family members on the streets, so different from the hotel premises.
:???: Your Majesty! Help! I'm stuck in the phone booth!
:Tizocic II: Who's calling for help? Stuck in a phone booth? How careless... Hold on. I will be right there!
:Tizocic II runs out of your line of sight in an instant, probably forgetting that she's still in dire danger.
:(Trailblazer): (Why did she suddenly run off? Gotta hurry and keep up with her... If she was assassinated right under my nose, I'd totally run the Nameless' repute through the mud.)
===Find Tizocic II and ensure her safety===
;(Idle quotes)
:Excited Assassin: Don't try anything funny!
:Calm Assassin: You really can't remember?
:Tizocic II: I don't know what you're talking about...
;(Approach Tizocic II)
:Excited Assassin: You can't have forgotten! Even soulless livestock would not forget such an atrocity!
:Calm Assassin: Illifan! Calm down. We're executioners, not bandits.
:Illifan: But... But... Swanga, how could she have forgotten everything and live life like nothing happened...
:Swanga: It's probably just as we feared — after coming to Penacony, she made a deal with The Family's upper echelon and sealed her past memories away.
:Swanga: *sigh* ...Even after so many ambushes, after assassinating her so many times, she still can't remember at all... This is more distressing than anticipated.
:Tizocic II: Gentlemen, I really do not know what you are talking about. I don't remember what I did that made you so vengeful. You must have mistaken me for someone else.
:Illifan: You really think you're some hotshot Emperor!? How about I kill you again and we'll see if you've really forgotten!
: Let's calm down and discuss this!
: Everyone! Eyes on me!
:Swanga: Illifan, stop. , this has nothing to do with you. Please leave now, as it's in everyone's best interests.
: I can't stand by and watch someone die.
::Illifan: It's not like it's a real death! It'll just give her a jolt. Maybe she'll remember what she did, and that's all!
: The Nameless and danger are never too far departed.
::Swanga: Oh? The Nameless... I know your creed, but you don't understand the ins and outs of this.
: Fine, I'll be leaving then.
::Illifan: Swanga, are you nuts? This one'll definitely report us to the Bloodhounds and wreck all our progress.
:Illifan: Swanga's right. We're not bandits, but we do have something we need to do! Sorry about that!
;(Begin battle against , )
----
;(After the battle)
:Illifan: Don't run. I... I can still fight!
:Swanga: Forget it, Illifan. Stop! Any more and we'll alert The Family!
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, please stop. You there, it's not that I revel in forcing your hand, but you will explain once and for all your repeated ambushes on me!
:Illifan: *Pupsha profanity*, looks like you really don't remember a thing.
:Tizocic II: What exactly do you want me to remember!?
:Illifan: Your crimes!!!
: Can we stop repeating ourselves?
: Spill it, now. Stop beating around the bush.
:Swanga: ...I know it's really annoying to do this, but she must recall her own crimes. Or else... it won't matter even if we bring her back.
:Illifan: It's because of the accursed arm of the law.
:Swanga: But if it weren't for that accursed justice system, you would be no different from her.
:Tizocic II: My memory's pretty good — I've never forgotten anything, nor will I!
:Illifan: Where were you born?
:Tizocic II: What sort of idiot question is that? I was born in...
:Tizocic II: Born in...
:Tizocic II: ...
:Tizocic II: I do have some memories... No, plenty of them... that feel like they didn't exist before...
:Tizocic II: I only remember I am an emperor, governing the citizens of Penacony... But where did I come from? When did I become Emperor? I... truly can't remember...
:Swanga: Those memories were too cruel, even for someone like you. After fleeing to Penacony, you asked The Family to seal them off.
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, I'm in a conundrum... Should I be finding those memories? Then at least it'll be clear... why these ruffians hate me so much...
: You should find your memories.
: You shouldn't do that.
: You decide for yourself.
:Illifan: She does not get a choice! She must find her memories!
:Tizocic II: ...I should find my memories. Especially if, in those memories, are buried heinous sins that I've committed...
: That's because you're a good person!
:Tizocic II: Yes! I'm a good person, and good people must face their evils.
:Swanga: ...It looks like Penacony has indeed changed you. It's a pity that... Never mind, I'll drop it for now.
:Swanga: If your memories have really been sealed by The Family, then... I don't know how to retrieve them either. It's a dead end...
: If The Family did it, I have an idea.
:Illifan: You do? What idea could you possibly have...
:Swanga: ...You are from the Astral Express, yes? I've heard that they... that you can do the impossible.
:Swanga: I trust , Illifan. Now... it's up to your skills, Nameless. How about you? Do you agree? Emperor?
:Tizocic II: ...
:Tizocic II: Yes, please help me retrieve my memories, Gray Knight. We can never escape our own past, for better or worse.
: You got any items that have to do with her past?
:Swanga: An item to do with her past... Let me think...
:
:Swanga: How about this: try using something that is connected to us. It is her past after all that created the present me and Illifan.
:Tizocic II: This is a... part?
:Swanga: This is a piece of the community center in Pasdrak City.
:Tizocic II: Pa... Wha? Where's that?
:Illifan: You beast! Does Pasdrak truly mean nothing to you!?
:Swanga: Illifan! Enough! Nameless, if this old part can let you do your thing, we'll leave it to you.
;(Obtain )
===Help Tizocic II find her memories===
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: Once you're ready, please help me retrieve my memories, Gray Knight. We can never escape our own past, for better or worse.
: Let me help.
::Hurry and use Tizocic II's replacement lock cylinder, tick-tock!
:;(Unlock the Emo Dial with Components From a Certain Ruin)
::You're about to enter Tizocic II's Emoscape. Are you ready, tick-tock?
:;(Enter Memories of the Pupsha Empire)
: Nah, I've got better stuff to do.
::Tizocic II: You go get busy. If you two don't mind, you can wait here with me for return.
::Swanga: That's fine. Please make it quick.
----
;(Enter the Emoscape)
:???: Hey, Gray Knight. Gray Knight! Stop standing there in a daze!
:???: Gray Knight? What's going on? Are you asleep?
: Who are you?
:???: Eh? Stop giving me a fright. Are you out of your mind? I am your most beloved Pupsha Empire's Princess Tizocic II!
: Why has Your Majesty turned into a child?
:Tizocic II: Your Majesty? You wanna lose your head? You call the Emperor "Your Majesty." I'm a princess, so you will address me as "Your Highness"!
:Tizocic II: How many times have I told you not to get the titles wrong! Why can't you remember! Bah, you knights risen from common lineage are excellent in everything but etiquette.
:(Trailblazer): (Your Highness? Looks like these are Tizocic II's sealed memories... She's an actual member of the Empire?)
:Tizocic II: Snap out of it! We're off to the florist!
===Accompany the Princess to the Florist===
;(Walk away from Tizocic II, optional)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, where are you going! Stop dawdling!
;(While walking)
:Tizocic II: I've had so much homework lately, it feels like forever since I've visited the city.
:Tizocic II: I've made an appointment for the florist to only cater to the both of us.
;(Enter the Florist)
:Florist Owner: For Your Highness to visit our humble shop, we are splendiferously honored to host you!
:Florist Owner: And for you to specially make this trip... All you had to do was make a selection of your favored blooms and I would deliver them personally to you. My lowly shop is not worthy of your glorious presence!
:Tizocic II: It was just an excuse to come out for a stroll. You probably don't know — we imperials rarely get any opportunities to leave that labyrinthine hellhole.
:Florist Owner: Ahahaha... In any case, please call on me if you wish to buy anything, Your Highness!
:Tizocic II: My older brother has ascended the throne for more than two years, and our relationship has grown distant. If I gift him with spindleblooms that he used to love, I think he'd be happy?
:Florist Owner: We have plenty of spindleblooms in storage. I'll fetch as many as you wish.
:Florist Owner: It's just, spindleblooms are bargain-bin flowers for commoners. To present them to His Majesty, would that be somewhat...
:Tizocic II: It's fine. Spindleblooms will do just fine. Even if he's the Emperor, he's still my older brother. No one knows him better than I do.
:Florist Owner: Your wish is my command... I will prepare the arrangement immediately. Please wait a moment.
:Tizocic II: Take your time. We aren't in a hurry anyway.
----
:Tizocic II: The gift of flowers is mainly to let my brother think that I'm still his naive younger sister. That will make the discussion of many future matters much more amicable.
:Tizocic II: Giving him some flowers to cheer him up, and maybe he'll be willing to lift the tax levies on those poor folk along the frontier star districts.
: You're really too naive...
::Tizocic II: No, I'm not. I just want His Majesty to think I am.
: It's a pretty adorable way of thinking.
::Tizocic II: Yes, that's exactly my goal — to remind His Majesty of how adorable his younger sister is!
: He's not a child, so he won't play into your hands.
::Tizocic II: But I am!
:Tizocic II: One must know the reason to move the heart. Those high officials have done this sort of stuff before, but none was able to move him. It probably wouldn't work either to verbally spar with him using facts and reason.
:Tizocic II: In the realm of governance, even children have their own weapons: They don't lie, plot, or vie for power — or at least that's how everyone thinks of them.
:Tizocic II: So when I skip in with a huge bouquet of spindleblooms, crying and waiting to beg him to remove tax levies, no one will think that it's an issue of governance, just an innocent desire of a little girl.
:Tizocic II: If the scene's reached that stage, and His Majesty still refuses to soften those people's hardships, the resulting pressure will surely be excruciatingly torturous for my silly older brother.
:Tizocic II: And, I know him... He may not care about the people, but he cares about what the history books will write about him.
: You've got some guts, girl.
::Tizocic II: Tee-hee! I was born into imperiality, after all. Just putting what I've learned and heard to practice.
: You're scary.
::Tizocic II: Tee-hee! I was born into imperiality, after all. Just putting what I've learned and heard to practice.
: That thinking of yours is pretty naive.
::Tizocic II: Hmph, you think of something better then! If we don't lift the levies in time, the frontier star district is seriously going to rebel!
:Tizocic II: *sigh* ...Where's the shop owner? Is he planting seeds or something?
----
:???: Your Highness... Your Highness... Gray Knight, you must take Her Highness and flee...
:Tizocic II: Lieutenant Chapuk? You... What's wrong with you?
:Dying Captain: ...It's a coup... Your Second Sister wants to usurp the throne... His Majesty has been assassinated...
:Tizocic II: What!? Second Sister... She killed...
:Dying Captain: Gray Knight! Run! Take her with you! That mad woman will exterminate all successors to the throne! Hurry!
:The lieutenant musters all his strength and yells at the top of his lungs, then coughs up blood... and stops breathing.
:Tizocic II: This... What in the world happened... I don't get it. I really don't...
: Let's leave this place first.
:Tizocic II: Y—Yes...
===Escort the Princess from the Florist===
;(Approach the soldiers)
:Fierce General: Your Highness is hereby requested to return to the palace. The Emperor wishes to reminisce on days past.
: But I heard that the crown has fallen.
::Fierce General: The crown will not fall, and the throne will never be vacant.
: Step aside. Her Highness has business to attend to.
::Fierce General: Business? More important than the coronation of a new Emperor?
: Get lost.
::Fierce General: Heh... Gray Knight, Her Highness has let a commoner like you live for far too long, and rise too high.
:Tizocic II: General Pattet, my older brother was nothing but generous to you...
:Fierce General: Your Highness, affairs of sentiment only mean something to people of your age, and that filthy commoner beside you.
:Fierce General: Since you won't return with me... forgive me for being brusque.
: Hide behind me.
;(Begin battle against , )
----
;(After the battle)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, when I think about it, Second Sister isn't my mother's biological daughter, and they've never seen eye to eye. Once she ascends the throne, the authority of the Empress Dowager's clan will be greatly reduced.
:Tizocic II: Which is why we should first escape to Kincharitges State — that's the Empress Dowager's fiefdom.
:Tizocic II: Second Sister's soldiers are crawling the streets... Let's find a car and set off and try not to alert these turncoats.
:Tizocic II: Gosh, why'd you park the car so far away from the florist? Oh wait... I think it was my terrible idea to "drive less, walk more"... Bah!
:Tizocic II: No point blaming yourself now. Let's go!
===Escort the Princess and drive out of the city===
;(Walk too far away, optional)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, quickly go get the car! There are rebels everywhere, now's not the time to potter about!
;(Interact with the car)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, you drive. Stay off the main roads and take a detour through the countryside to exit the city. They probably won't be able to set up stringent blockades so quickly.
----
:Later, the Empress Dowager rallied her army and overthrew my second sister's short-lived imperial rule.
:I ascended the throne and became the Pupsha Empire's Emperor. In order to protect her young daughter, the Empress Dowager began ruling in her stead.
:It was disheartening that when I was of age, the Empress Dowager passed away, and my extended family did not intend to return my imperial authority to me.
:My conflicts with the regents became intense, and our relations gradually soured.
:It was clear to me that I was fast losing my position as a puppet ruler.
:It was clear to me that they intended to kill me sooner or later.
----
:Tizocic II: General Daquette, I've know you since I was a babe-in-arms — you were so heroic back then... But now, here you are, pathetically denying your own crimes...
:Furious General: Your Majesty, even if you say that, I did not do it!
:Tizocic II: Tax Collector Turian, he was an upright and moral official! Yet you, Uncle, gave in to your vileness and burned their whole family of 49 to death.
:Tizocic II: I have received more than one memorial for you to pay your blood debts... But you are my blood kin, and I have not the heart to execute you. If you confess to your crimes on public broadcast and repent, I will only relinquish you of your duties and send you home.
:Furious General: Tizocic, you were the one who killed them, didn't you?
:Tizocic II: Such insolence!
:Furious General: You committed mass murder and dare frame family for it. You're worse than a beast!
:Tizocic II: General, do you remember? I was a puppet dancing in all your hands — how could I ever commit such a brutal deed?
:Furious General: I know what you want... You want your power back. You just needed an excuse to purge the loyal servants who've toiled for you all these years!
:Furious General: After my death, you will announce that the fiery tragedy was a result of consolidated authority among your relatives... And then you will force the council to pass a vote to reinstate your imperial authority.
:Furious General: I could tell when you were just a baby. You and your father, your elder brother and sister, you're all the same — all beasts of nature!
:Tizocic II: Enough! Retainers, take him away!
: Just accept your fate without resistance!
: Calm down first...
:Furious General: You repulsive tyrant, I will end you today!!!
----
:Tizocic II: Retainers, take my uncle... home. And then, summon Lenamar.
:Retainer: Understood! Summon Lenamar!
:A short while later, a young woman named Lenamar enters the throne room.
:Tizocic II motions for the retainers to leave them, leaving just the two of them in the throne room.
----
:Tizocic II: Lenamar, you've done well.
:Suspicious Woman: Your Majesty has naught to do but command me. It is my utmost honor to serve Your Majesty. I do not deserve any praise.
:Suspicious Woman: Especially when Your Majesty has even promised me that I would be the Empire's Spymaster... This is the fortune that my ancestors have bequeathed me.
:Tizocic II: How could I not reward you for such an important mission? But I do have some words of criticism — you overdid it this time.
:Suspicious Woman: Your Majesty's words ring true, and I reflect upon my acts as well. But forces of nature can't be controlled... Arson is something that is hard to grasp with precision.
:Tizocic II: That is true. All right, enough of this upsetting talk... Let me raise a glass to you. Gray Knight, bring out the wine for her.
===Pour wine for the future Spymaster===
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II nonchalantly tips a vial into one of the glasses. You witness everything.
:Tizocic II: Just pick any glass and bring it to her.
:The Emperor has decided to leave the decision to you.
: (Presents poisoned wine)
: (Bring the safe wine)
:Tizocic II nods her head. She agrees with your decision, because she trusts you, far more than anyone else in this world.
:A toast, Spymaster Lenamar!
:I thank you for your graces! Allow me then!
:This wine... is amazing!
:Over the next few months, I use the tax collector extermination as an excuse to eradicate the Empress Dowager's clansmen within and without the imperial chambers.
:I traded 49 innocent lives to restore my own sovereignty.
:I thought that I would be safe if I just slayed my political enemies.
:But, the more I slew, the more afraid I grew.
:It felt as if I had to kill more and more people who opposed my rule.
----
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight ... Gray Knight ... Gray Knight!
:Tizocic II: I have a matter to entrust to you. Come right now.
:(Trailblazer): (Where... is this?)
:(Trailblazer): (Tuzocic II's memories are muddled... Let's see where she's gone.)
===Witness Tizocic II become a ruthless ruler===
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: You consorted with insurgents in a plot to overthrow my imperial rule. My punishment to you was fair.
:Captured Rebel: There are winners and losers in war. This is only fair. But please release my family, especially those children... They know nothing about politics, treason or war...
:Tizocic II: ...
:Tizocic II: I don't want to do this either, of course, but... can you guarantee that when they grow up, they won't hate the one who killed their father, and attempt another coup?
:Capture Rebel: ...
:Tizocic II: That's right. Even I cannot promise that.
----
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, I've been waiting for you for a while. Once again, the impoverished plot another insurgency, rallying together in an attempt to overthrow my rule.
:Tizocic II: It's too important to leave to anyone else, so I'm entrusting you to handle this.
;(Talk to the Vagrant)
:Rebel Soldier: Gray Knight, your chivalrous repute is known among the commonfolk. We don't wish to kill you.
:Rebel Soldier: If you wish to abandon that villain, we would welcome a mighty warrior who fights for righteousness. But if you insist on being a tyrant's fangs... We do not fear death either.
: I am loyal to my Emperor.
:;(Begin battle against )
: Leave, and I will pretend we never met.
::Rebel Soldier: ...
::Rebel Soldier: I understand. You do not wish to break your oath, but neither do you wish to harm the people.
::Rebel Soldier: Thank you... I hope you will one day figure out where your true loyalty lies.
::Rebel Soldier: Goodbye, Gray Knight.
----
;(Approach the marked location)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight! Where are you? Gray Knight!
:Tizocic II: Get over here. There are plenty of matters I need you to handle! I can't do it all by myself!
----
;(If the player chose not to poison the Spymaster)
:Tizocic II: Lenamar, the Gray Knight has let you live for too long.
:Spymaster: Your Majesty... You... What is the meaning of this?
:Tizocic II: Did you not know? The Gray Knight let you go once... but that's not important. What is, is that he should not have done so in the first place.
:Spymaster: I don't understand... I've served Your Majesty with all my heart. I've gone through heaven and hell for you. Why would you...
:Tizocic II: I'm sorry, Lenamar. I am very grateful to you, really. But you overdid it.
:Tizocic II: When it could've been resolved with peace, you would meet it with violence. When strength was required, you'd massacre innocents. When you were in court, the other ministers stand uneasy.
:Spymaster: Heh... Weren't they all on your orders? And shouldn't you, Your Majesty, be the last one to accuse me of massacre?
:Tizocic II: Since you're about to die, I will forgive your verbal indiscretion.
:Spymaster: So... Your Majesty is going to kill me now?
:Tizocic II: I already have. With that wine glass half a system hour ago.
----
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: To have me eat ice cream first, and then roasted chicken later... I am very aware of your tricks.
:Terrified Chef: You... What do you mean...?
:Tizocic II: Using ice cream to numb my tongue, so I would not be able to taste the poison on the meat! You think me a fool?
:Terrified Chef: I... I would never do that! The weather was blazing today, and ice cream melts easily — that's why I advised you to eat the ice cream first... It wouldn't be tasty if it melted!
:Tizocic II: Don't deny it! Retainers, take him away!
:Terrified Chef: Your Majesty! I've been wronged! I've been wronged!
----
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, you're finally here.
:Tizocic II: Another batch of imperial guards has deserted. These guards have plenty of so-called evidence against me that they intend to use when they join IPC.
:Tizocic II: Intercept them for me. The IPC has no jurisdiction in the Pupsha Empire's affairs.
;(Talk to the Rebel Soldier)
:Rebel: Gray Knight... I knew she would send you.
:Rebel: You're different from her in that you can be reasoned with... Which is why you should understand that we have to do this.
:Rebel: Tizocic II's rule must be ended. Not just for the imperial guards, but for the entire Pupsha Empire.
:Rebel: Help me understand, Gray Knight: You fight for righteousness, but why would you wholeheartedly serve such a tyrant?
: She was not born cruel.
: She wasn't like that when she was young.
:Rebel: Of course, certainly, no one is born a brutish beast... But...
:Rebel: To walk a tyrant's path, one does not need a cruel soul, just a weak heart.
:Rebel: You wish to die for blind loyalty? Or will you muster your courage and do the right thing for once?
: My oath is unbreakable above all.
::Rebel: I understand. Draw your weapon, Gray Knight. It is my honor to fight you.
:;(Begin battle against , , )
: You should leave.
::Rebel: Thank you, Gray Knight. You've made the right choice.
----
;(Approach the marked location)
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight, get over here quickly.
:Tizocic II: You've toiled so long for me. I hope to reward you lavishly.
----
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: Pass down my orders: Execute a saturation bombing on Pasdrak City.
:Anxious Minister: Your Majesty? The uprising has been quelled — what in the world are you doing?
:Tizocic II: Three rebellions have occurred in that city within five years. You want me to believe that the insurgency has been quelled? Cease with your jesting!
:Anxious Minister: Your Majesty... Pasdrak City may have been the insurgents' main base, but it does not belong to them — it belongs to the four million citizens who live there...
:Tizocic II: I understand what you said, and I do not wish to do this either. But for the great Pupsha Empire... some brutal insurances are required. I hope you understand.
:Anxious Minister: But this... this isn't just some kind of insurance! You're just burning the forest for the trees!!!
:Tizocic II: Enough!
:Tizocic II: Since you love Pasdrak that much... Men, take this wizened thing up to the airspace of Pasdrak and toss him out along with the bombs!
----
;(Talk to Tizocic II)
:Tizocic II: I know you didn't mean to conspire. But I am clear that if I simply release you, it will send a signal to others.
:Righteous Minister: I was merely using my own assets to provide relief to disaster victims... How is that wrong?
:Tizocic II: The stellar winds this time were particularly intense, and disaster victims litter the Empire. While the whole empire is suffering from a famine, only your hometown's victims received your "kindness." How is this fair to the rest of the refugees?
:Righteous Minister: Is this really the time to discuss fairness? Your Majesty, every life saved is a precious one!
:Tizocic II: I know that! But the famished commonfolk don't! They'll think I don't care for them, and that only you do! But I do care! I do!
:Tizocic II: Which is why you can't be soothing relief with kindness. You must be the one who declares himself king of the hill as he prepares his army while the kingdom is weakened. This is why I must kill you. Don't you get it?
:Righteous Minister: ...
:Righteous Minister: Your Majesty, history will judge us all.
----
;(Approach the marked location)
;(If the player chose to remain loyal to Tizocic II)
::Tizocic II: Gray Knight, my most loyal Gray Knight...
::Tizocic II: The turncoats are breaching the inner walls... I must leave now.
::Tizocic II: I cannot take you with me, because if they find us in the future, you are the most dangerous piece of evidence.
::Tizocic II: You pledged your life in servitude to me... Last time, I promise this is the last time.
;(If the player chose to help the rebels)
::Tizocic II: Gray Knight, my most trusted one...
::Tizocic II: I believe in no one, but you. And this is how you repay me? You released those traitors!
::Tizocic II: The traitorous army has almost breached this place... If it weren't for you, would they even have had a chance to rise again?
::Tizocic II: I once thought... that in this world, there was at least one person I could trust... But it appears that I was too naive.
:Tizocic II: Retainers, do it.
----
:When the revolutionaries barged into the palace, I had already packed my valuables and fled to Penacony.
:I asked The Family to seal my past memories, for they brought me nothing but fear.
:In Penacony... I became a renowned "kind soul."
===Talk to Tizocic II and the two assassins===
:Illifan: So? You remember everything now?
:Tizocic II dejectedly looks at you, and suddenly starts bawling.
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight... Gray Knight... I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry... I should not have killed you. I did not want to... Why would I have done those things...
: I am not the Gray Knight.
::Tizocic II: I know you're not, but you two... look so much alike...
: You really are a beast.
::Tizocic II: Yes... I am...
: The Gray Knight will understand you.
::Tizocic II: Yes, yes... won't hate me...
:Illifan: What're you crying about? As if you didn't do of those things!
:Swanga: Illifan, let her cry. We can wait until after she calms down.
:Tizocic II finally quiets down after much sobbing, regaining her Emperor-like elegance.
:Swanga: Allow me to re-introduce myself: I am Swanga, Executive Leader of the Old Empire Dissolution Committee of the Pupsha Republic.
:Illifan: I am his second-in-command, Illifan, Executive Vice-Leader of the Old Empire Dissolution Committee of the Pupsha Republic.
:Swanga: We have come to take you back to stand trial, Tizocic II.
:Swanga: You have been charged with over 70 war crimes, 13.12 million murders, 127... Forget it. They're too many. This is an arrest warrant. Take a look yourself.
:Tizocic II: ...
:Tizocic II: If I return with you, what will you do with me?
:Swanga: What else can we do? A fair trial, and lenient judgement.
:Illifan: Be content with your lot, as your subjects have never had this chance!
:Tizocic II: ...
:Tizocic II: I feel that, Penacony has certainly turned me... back to my old self.
:Tizocic II: A good person... should be brave to face her former crimes, and stoically accept punishment.
:Tizocic II: ...I am willing to return with you.
:Swanga: Heh... Good person. You've certainly got some imagination, and that's good.
:Tizocic II: Gray Knight... I still have a question for you...
:Tizocic II: I've done so much good in Penacony, and am now willing to return to my kingdom to face judgement... Will this atone for my sins?
: It will.
::Illifan: ...You've gotta be kidding me!
: No.
::Illifan: You got that right!
: I don't know.
::Illifan: You don't know? I do! It can't!
:Illifan: Atonement? How do you intend to do that? You think the tens of millions you've butchered will find peace just because you've apparently made peace for your sins? You think evil will disappear with your death?
:Illifan: All a person can do is to pay the price. And you will pay for it. That much is enough... But don't think for a moment that your sins will be erased just because you've made peace — you are not worthy.
:Swanga: Illifan is a little overboard... But he's right.
:Swanga: Atonement is a fallacious concept in itself. No matter how much good you perform, your past evils and repercussions cannot be easily forgotten.
:Tizocic II: ...
:Swanga: Let's go, Tizocic II.
:Tizocic II: Mmm...
:Tizocic II: Thank you, Gray Knight.
:Swanga: Thank you, Nameless.
:The three of you say your goodbyes and leave the Dreamscape. You know that this is your final farewell to Tizocic II.
:(Trailblazer): (Perhaps she's not really a devil by nature...)
:(Trailblazer): (But Illifan has a point... Even though she has turned over a new leaf, does it even matter to those who died by her hand?)
:(Trailblazer): (Maybe I'll be able to get an update on her life when I browse the network in the future...)
;(Mission completed)
:;(Obtain )
:;(Obtain Achievement Crime and Punishment)
===Post Mission===
==Trivia==
* "Luke Skybatter" is a reference to the character .
==Other Languages==
==Change History==