Scenario:Albert - All for My Kingdom

All for My Kingdom

Albert and Yurius rush back to their kingdom after attending a gathering for various kingdoms as representatives of Levin. On their way to deliver the good news to the king, they are stopped by Mina who has news of her own.

---

Yurius left the Kingdom of Levin, seduced by the power of a primal beast sealed within the Astral Void Lacrima.

Meanwhile Albert continued his search for Yurius.

But one day Albert received an urgent message from the acting captain of the Sky Knights, Mina.

Mina: You have to come back at once! Levin... Levin is on the brink of destruction!

Once Albert arrived at Saint Lethan Castle, he learned the dark truth about Yurius.

He learned also that the king wanted Yurius killed.

Albert and crew were then forced to fight the Celestial Eye, which had begun to take control of Yurius.

The primal beast in the Celestial Eye then transformed Yurius into a monster that sought only to destroy.

Once defeated, Yurius regained control of his mind, and Lyria restored his body to its original state.

After the incident Albert protected Yurius.

He claimed that the late king had died in an accident relating to the Eye, clearing Yurius of any suspicion.

The cover-up story spread among the Levin people and was widely accepted as truth.

Yurius was named the Disaster Operations Planning Executive responsible for the restoration of the kingdom.

Even in a government dominated by prominent lords, Yurius and Albert became central figures in the Levin restoration efforts, bolstered by popular support.

Albert: Friend, who would have thought you were a natural salesman?

Yurius: Making amicable relations with other kingdoms while showing them what we have to offer will give them more incentive to work with us, will it not?

Albert and Yurius attended a gathering for various kingdoms as representatives of Levin.

While there, they succeeded in convincing other countries to invest in their famous hot springs and burgeoning wine industry.

Albert: Our work here is over. Let's go home.

Yurius: You want to leave right now? In the middle of the night?

Albert: I want to deliver the good news to the new king as soon as possible.

Yurius: The Thunderswift Lord is as devout as ever.

Albert: You and me both.

Albert: I didn't think things would go so smoothly, but I have you to thank for how well it turned out.

Yurius: So long as we're together, we can accomplish anything. Your words.

Albert: So they were.

And so Yurius and Albert walk along the mountain path, guided by the moonlight.

The two approach Levin territory when someone makes their presence known.

???: Captain! Yurius!

Albert: Mina!

Yurius: For you to be here at this time of night... What urgent news do you have?

Mina: I'm sorry if I startled you... but... I have something I need to tell you...

Albert: Mina, calm down. What's wrong?

Mina: For now... Don't return to Levin. Please...

Albert: ...

Yurius: ...

Yurius and Albert exchange concerned looks but urge Mina to share her worries with them.

All for My Kingdom: Scene 2

The three head to a mountain lodge where Mina explains that Galia, a lord in Levin, has spread rumors of the two throughout the kingdom. These rumors have sparked an extremist group into action. While listening to Mina's report, something causes Yurius to cry out in pain.

---

The panicked Mina guides Yurius and Albert to a mountain lodge.

Mina: I'm sorry that we're forced to use such a place, especially considering you've only just returned...

Albert: That's all right. Just tell us what's going on.

Mina: Of course.

Mina displays clear unease but bends a knee before Yurius and Albert.

Mina: Within the kingdom of Levin, rumors are beginning to spread.

Mina: Many are saying that Yurius killed the late king.

Albert: ...!

Yurius: Humph. The truth always comes out, as they say.

Mina: That's not all...

Mina: Some are also saying that Albert purposefully hid this information from our people...

Albert: I see...

Yurius: Apologies, friend. My mistake is now a stain upon your name...

Albert: I admit I'm surprised... But you don't need to worry about me.

Albert: Anyone who looks at what we're doing for Levin will forget those rumors quickly.

Mina: I wish... things were so simple...

Yurius: If they were, we wouldn't be here, would we?

Mina, sensing now that her sadness is legible on her face, hangs her head to hide it.

Mina: From what I have uncovered... This is a result...

Mina: Of a plot by other lords in Levin conceived during your absence.

Mina: And someone behind this has made sure the entirety of the kingdom is aware of these facts...

Mina: That someone... is the influential Lord Galia.

Yurius is a crew member

---

Albert: ...

Yurius: Even though we were able to resolve our prior differences, he still holds a grudge...

Go to "Continue 1"

Yurius not in crew

---

Galia had previously contested Albert and Yurius's proposal to finance a natural hot spring resort.

Despite Galia's attempts to sabotage the plans with his private army, the three were able to reach an agreement before the dispute got out of hand.

Albert: ...

Yurius: Even though we were able to resolve our prior differences, he still holds a grudge...

Continue 1

Yurius: And you're sure we're in danger?

Mina: Yes. After the rumors spread, an extremist group began violently storming the castle town.

Mina: They... want both of you to be punished for your treason against the crown.

Mina: If you were to return now, I would fear for your safety...

Albert: Damn it! I was naive to think all this would blow over...

Yurius: Steady yourself, friend. Now that we know who our enemy is, the path ahead is clear.

Albert: That's true... We need to speak with Lord Galia.

But just as Albert decides their next step, Yurius gasps in pain and puts his hands to his temples.

Yurius: Agh!

Albert: Yurius!

Mina: Yurius!

Yurius: Huff... Huff...

Yurius: Leave me. I'll be fine soon...

Albert: All right...

Seeing that Yurius's symptoms have abated, Albert begins to speak.

Albert: Friend, I've waited for you to share what causes your illness, but I don't think I can wait any longer.

Albert: Let me bear your burden, won't you?

Yurius: ...

Yurius folds under the pressure of Albert's stern expression.

Yurius: I can't hide anything from you... The wielder of the Skyblade lives up to his reputation...

Yurius: I didn't want to cause you unnecessary worry, but not speaking would do just that...

Yurius begins to share what is happening to him.

All for My Kingdom: Scene 3

Yurius explains that a remnant of the primal beast sealed within the Astral Void Lacrima still exists within him, causing pain when it lashes out. He asks Albert to cut him down should it take control of him again. As they speak, Galia's men surround the lodge.

---

Under pressure from Albert, Yurius shares the details of his condition.

Yurius: As you have deduced...

Yurius: A remnant of the primal beast that was sealed within the Astral Void Lacrima still exists within my body.

Yurius: And at times it tries to take control of me, compelling me to release its power.

Yurius: My sudden migraines occur during those moments.

Albert: ...

Yurius: Rest assured. I'm able to control it now.

Yurius: And even if it were to completely take control of me, I have measures in place to take my own life.

Albert: Yurius!

Yurius: I did say "if."

Yurius: I can't allow that dark power to consume me ever again.

Yurius whispers these words bitterly.

Yurius: I haven't found a way to liberate myself yet. But I am a researcher. I will find something.

Yurius: I have a responsibility to Levin. I cannot allow anything to get in my way.

Yurius: Should my measures fail me and the primal beast once again begin its rampage...

Yurius: I will need you, Thunderswift Lord... And your Skyblade.

Yurius: The Skyblade and the Astral Void Lacrima share the same power...

Yurius: There may even be hidden secrets in both that we have yet to awaken.

Albert: Hidden secrets...

Albert strokes his gleaming sword.

As if the Skyblade understands, it shakes ever so subtly.

Yurius: Hm... Whatever I do, I do for the good of the kingdom.

Yurius: No matter what happens, that is what I've decided.

Even though the beast within him threatens his life, he worries about his kingdom first and foremost.

Albert promises himself that he will never allow Yurius to be harmed for the crimes committed by the monster within.

Albert: First we should have a word with Lord Galia. From there we'll have a better idea of what to do.

Yurius: Agreed.

The three ready themselves to take their leave in the dead of night.

Albert: Wait! There's someone here...

Mina: That's not—

Mina peeks out the window to see something that startles her.

Galia's Troops: ...

Extremist Group: ...

Galia's personal troops and some extremists have banded together and now surround the lodge.

Mina: I was followed...

Yurius: So they are serious...

Albert: We have to avoid fruitless battles. We'll break through their lines and fly to Levin!

Mina: Yes, sir!

The three burst out of the mountain lodge, attempting to catch the mob off guard and run past them.

They succeed and use the cover of darkness to reach the kingdom.

All for My Kingdom: Scene 4

Initially Albert plans to make his way to Levin to speak with Galia directly, while Yurius and Mina distract the men surrounding the lodge. However, in the end they surrender themselves to Galia's men in the hope of securing more favorable speaking terms.

---

Albert, Yurius, and Mina flee the lodge.

They are then pursued by the roaring cadre of extremists and Galia's private troops.

Galia's Captain: Don't let them escape!

Extremists: Aye!

Albert: We're almost near the castle town. Just a bit further!

Mina: Captain! Yurius!

Albert: Mina? What's wrong?

Mina points, and Albert is stunned by what he sees.

A separate group of extremists led by one of Galia's platoons reveals their presence.

Yurius: A pincer movement...

Albert: We need to hide in the mountains.

Albert: Huff...

Albert: The irony of being hunted by the kingdom we're trying to protect...

Yurius: All because I was weak... I'm sorry my failures have put your lives in danger.

Albert: Don't apologize.

Albert: We've always done everything we could for our kingdom, right?

Yurius: We have. Sadly, now we have to waste our time defending ourselves from it...

Albert: We'll weather this storm no matter what it brings.

Albert: I know you feel the same way, friend.

Yurius: I do.

Albert: Humph... To do what needs to be done, we'll have to get through this first.

Albert: We'll lead our people to a full restoration of Levin. We have to.

Mina: And I humbly offer to do everything I can to help.

As the three come to a resolution, a terrifying fire catches their eyes.

Albert: How could they!

Yurius: They're trying to smoke us out...

Albert: Mina, extinguish these flames before they spread even further!

Mina: Yes, sir!

Mina races to the source of the fire using water magic to clear her path.

Albert: I'll distract them. Yurius, you must go speak with Lord Galia...

Yurius: Friend... I'm sorry, but I must entrust that role to you.

Yurius: I have to stop the pyromaniacs who've endangered a precious resource.

Albert: Yurius...

Yurius: I can do this. I won't engage in meaningless warfare.

Yurius: Old friend, leave this to me!

Yurius: Huh... I may have stolen that line from Foudre...

Albert: From the Saint Lethan Tales... Calm enough to make a joke, are we?

Albert: Then... I leave the fire-starters to you!

Yurius parts with Albert and exposes himself to Galia's men.

There is hate in their eyes. They make their move instantly.

Galia's Captain: Capture him for the Kingdom of Levin!

Galia's Trooper: Aye!

Extremist 1: Damn it! He just dodges all of my attacks!

Yurius: ...

Galia's Trooper: Is this a game to you? We know what you are, monster!

Yurius: You swing too broadly. Evading your attacks doesn't even require a swift move.

Galia's Trooper: Tch!

Galia's Captain: ...

The leader of Galia's troops in charge of capturing Yurius begins to feel uneasy.

No matter how many strikes the soldiers level at him, Yurius does not unsheathe his sword.

The captain begins to wonder if there is hidden meaning in Yurius's restraint.

Galia's Captain: Do you really think you can get past all of us?

Yurius: Pitiful... You still don't understand what's going on. I'm a distraction.

Galia's Captain: What!

Galia's Captain: Tch... Well played.

Mina: Yurius! I've stopped the fire around the mountain.

Yurius: Thank you, Mina.

Yurius: There was no way she could have done that if I had not forced you all to pursue me.

Yurius: And I did that because Levin is not blessed with many natural resources. What little we have should be protected.

Galia's Captain: Don't be stupid. Resources can be stolen from other kingdoms!

Yurius: Is that really what you all believe?

Galia's Captain: All?

Yurius: If that is what Lord Galia is preaching and you believe him, I will treat you all as traitors to the crown.

Galia's Captain: Are you finding fault in something as trivial as that? What a pitiful soul you are.

Yurius: ...!

Galia's Captain: You've committed patricide and ended a king... Yet you, a criminal, parade like a hero while you attempt to throw our great kingdom into chaos! You are the traitor!

Extremist 1: Yeah! You tricked us! And tried to take Levin for yourself!

Extremist Group: ...

The group begins jeering.

Yurius: ...

Galia's Captain: Do you remember what I asked you before?

Galia's Captain: But they'll know the truth sooner or later. And then what leg will you have to stand on?

Galia's Captain: Will anyone call a kingslayer a hero?

Galia's Captain: Now look at yourself.

Galia's Trooper: Die, traitor!

Yurius: Tch...

Insults accompany each attempt to injure. Yurius manages to evade each strike.

Extremist 1: You and Albert are nothing but criminals! You're ruining our homeland!

Yurius: No! He hasn't done—

Yurius: Agh! My head!

Mina: Y-Yurius?

Yurius: Aaaggh!

Meanwhile, Albert has begun making his way down the mountain.

The wind delivers a howl that is by no means natural.

Albert pauses and memories of Yurius flash before his eyes.

From behind him rises the shadow of a tentacle.

Albert: What is that!

Albert: (Yurius is going to lose control and transform...)

Albert: (If that happens, there will be no time for any discussion to occur.)

Albert doubles back immediately and races to Yurius's side.

Albert: Move!

Extremist 1: Ah!

Galia's Trooper: The Thunderswift Lord!

Albert: Yurius!

Yurius: Why! Why have you returned?

Albert: We need to submit to them. We can't fight anymore. Let them restrain us.

Albert: Once we get back, we'll have a civil discussion.

Galia's Captain: A civil discussion with Lord Galia? You mean you'll beg for your lives.

Galia's Captain: Our mission is complete. We have the renegades.

And so the three are restrained and led towards the castle town by troops and extremists.