MISSION 5: The Mad King - Part 1

The Cutscene:

At Alaric’s throne room, Alaric sits on his throne as he listens to his citizens speak their concerns.

: I shall look into that as soon as I may. For now, return to your daily doings.

: Thank you for your time, sir.

Once they leave, Alaric addresses Gauis.

: Did you write that down, Gaiu-

The doors slam open as Gawain rushes in. They are quickly slammed shut afterwards once he is inside.

: My lord!

: Gawain, what is it!?

: Hilderic! That madman has intruded the kingdom, and is headed your way!

There is a loud knock at the door.

: … Let him in.

:  My lord, are you sure?!

: Let him in, Gawian.

: Y-Yes, sire…

The doors are opened and two Gailamirian guards come in. After they are in position by the door, a Houndoom enters the room, coming closer towards Alaric with a wry grin.

: Well, well… So this is the much spoken of “King of legends”? Honestly, I had expected more.

: I have heard much of you as well...

: Oh, I’m flattered you do, honestly.

: What has brought you to my kingdom, Hilderic?

: Straight to the point, eh? I already like you.

: …

: You should know by now that your kingdom has been harboring two fugitives of mine for quite a while. I received an anonymous tip, not long ago. They committed an unforgivable crime in my own kingdom, and so, they are to face dire consequences. I command you to bring them to me at once. Your failure to cooperate will be recompensed in a… not so pleasant manner.

With a snap of his fingers, one of his guards burns a nearby Aetherian banner.

: And if you think you can fight back, go ask your Voluntian friends how “easy” that will be.

: I guess we do not have much of a choice…

: I am glad we could reach an accordance. Squire, bring me the illustrations!

A Fennekin carrying a large bag brings two pieces of rolled up parchment to Hilderic’s paws.

: H-Here you go, your highness.

Hilderic opens both parchments to show the image of a regal looking Lillipup with long fur painted onto one of the papers, and a hooded Swoobat in the other.

: Bring these two to me. You have three full moons to accomplish this task. Utilize whatever methods you prefer as long as they are brought to me alive and… bring little harm to the girl. The Swoobat on the other hand, do with him as you please.

He turns to leave, though looks back at Alaric once more before doing so.

: Remember… Three full moons. Unless you would like to get to know my military forces a little better.

He leaves, followed by his guards as the doors are closed behind them.

: Gaius, have a maid put out the flames and replace the banner.

: Right away, sire!

: Alaric, sir... What are we going to do about this?

: Send our men to scout for the fugitives and alert the kingdom. They might be hostile, especially now that their presence is known.

: Yes, sir!

As Gawaine leaves, Alaric takes a closer look at the illustrations that were left behind, trying to recognize them. The maid who had been ordered to take care of the burnt banner then approaches him.

: Your highness, if I may, I would like to have a look at the fugitive’s illustrations.

: Yes, you may.

He gives the fugitive’s illustrations to the maid.

: Hm…….. I knew it! I know this one! The pup, she is one of our castle maids. I knew she had something suspicious about her from the moment she was brought in! Hm, her hair seems longer in this picture... But I’m sure it is her!

: What about the Swoobat?

: I haven’t the foggiest idea. Although if he and the Lillipup are in cahoots, then finding her will surely lead us towards him! Hmpf! I shall go fetch her right way!

: Good! Tell the guards to make sure no one leaves the castle until she is found.

: I shall see to it at once!

From a distance, they are being watched.

: No… I-I must warn Tullius!

The Lillipup warily runs off into the halls to find her accomplice, carefully to avoid getting caught.

The Journal Text: