========= =============== --------=====================-------- Shadow Hearts Game Script Version 0.9 --------=====================-------- =============== ========= Original Script copyright Sacnoth and Midway. Transcribed and typed by gutterfiend (gutterfiend@hotmail.com). Completed 03/01/03 ---===========--- Table of Contents ---===========--- 1.) Disclaimer 2.) Introduction 3.) Game script a) Asia section b) Europe section c) Good ending d) Bad ending e) Sidequests --======-- Disclaimer --======-- I do not own this script as it was written by the people at Sacnoth and translated at Midway. I am not making any money off of this script nor do I plan to. Please don't try to pass off my work as your own, but feel free to use this script for a fanfic, etc. because that's what it was meant for. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, please contact me at the above email. ---======--- Introduction ---======--- When lines are in round brackets () it means they are actions, explaining the setting, etc. When lines are in square brackets [] it means they are part of the game and are usually explaining an action or are part of the narration. I included the little emotion bubbles found in the game because they show how the character is feeling. (...) is silence, (H) is love (the heart), (C) is confusion (the spiral) and (S) is sweatdrop. ---======--- Asia Section ---======--- [Rouen, France – 1913] (There is a picture of a nondescript street in Rouen.) [A travelling priest, brutally murdered before sunrise!] (Picture of a mangled body outside of a church, and a newspaper article depicting the incident.) [His body lay scattered in pieces, as if savaged by a beast! His daughter, believed to be travelling with him, is missing…] [South Manchu, autumn, that same year] (A train is travelling across the countryside in the night. Inside the train, an older, well-dressed English gentleman walks down the aisle and allows an elderly woman to pass. As he continues onward, he passes by a young man sitting sideways in his seat with his back to the aisle, covered in his jacket. As the gentleman passes, the young man’s eyes open. Meanwhile, in the luxury car of the Japanese army, several soldiers are on guard.) Major Tsugi: It’s already past 2300, and it’s a long way to Fengtian. Soldier: Major Tsugi, what’s this all about? Why this special train in the middle of the night to escort this girl to Japan? She looks pretty ordinary to me. Major Tsugi: Hell if I know…There’s no telling what the big shots in Tokyo were thinking. Next time I see you-know-who I’ll ask her, okay? (A young woman, the major and two guards are sitting in the back of the car. There are two guards at the door. Suddenly a cry rings out and one of the soldiers falls to the floor in a bloody heap. The other guard at the door tries to back away in terror but something flashes in front of him and his neck is broken.) Major Tsugi: What’s going on? (The two riflemen in the back of the car stand up and take aim as the English gentleman walks through the door of the car and smiles. His familiar, a small windshear, hovers over his shoulder.) Major Tsugi: Shoot! (The two riflemen open fire but all of their shots are blocked by the familiar as the English man walks calmly toward them. Both guards are killed swiftly as the girl and Major Tsugi watch in horror. The Major pulls out a pistol and begins to wildly shoot at the killer.) Major Tsugi: Die! Die! Die! (The Major’s pistol runs out of bullets yet he continues to try to fire. He is killed and the girl looks away.) Girl in Danger: Eeek! It’s you! English Man: Yes… Roger Bacon. I’m honoured that you remember me so well. (Bacon’s familiar threatens the girl and she cringes in terror.) You can’t escape. Come along quietly, sister. (Turns to look as the door behind him opens and the young man steps in.) Ah… A new actor in our play. (The windshear attacks the young man suddenly, severing his left arm. He grabs it’s head with his other hand and squeezes until it the small creature explodes. He then nonchalantly picks up his arm of the floor and melds it back on.) Roger Bacon: (shakes his head) I was fond of him. (The girl slowly starts to back away from Bacon while he is distracted. He grabs her arm and holds his hand in front of her face, a blue light appears and she slumps forward, unconscious. Bacon tosses her over his shoulder and turns to leave. The young man begins to run after him but suddenly a light flashes from Bacon’s eyes and he is knocked backwards through three of the train cars. When he finally comes to a stop he sits up, laughs, and continues after Bacon and the girl. The luxury car is empty when he returns but there is a large hole in the roof.) Rude Hero: Up there? (He jumps through the roof and pursues Bacon, who stops running when he hears the young man approaching.) Bacon: You’re a persistent little rat, aren’t you? Rude Hero: You ain’t getting away, pops! BATTLE Rude Hero Vs. Roger Bacon (The young man loses the fight because Bacon’s Revelation attack can deal 999 damage.) Bacon: You’re stronger than I expected… Rude Hero: Agh…! Bacon: Now, foul monster… you shall cease to be! (Bacon’s hand begins to glow with a purple light, at the same time the girl’s pendant begins to sparkle strangely) W-what on Earth!? (As the light from her pendant glows brighter the girl begins to float off the ground in front of Bacon, who cringes away in horror. The young man runs at Bacon and punches him in the face hard enough to cave in his skull.) Bacon: Wha… Damn! (The young man has picked up the girl and jumps off the train with her. Bacon pulls his hand away from his face to reveal that it is rapidly healing itself. The man lands on the ground and watches the train travel off into the distance.) ~~Plains~~ (An open field beside a small stream and the railroad tracks. The girl is asleep on the ground and the young man is standing nearby with his back to her. He turns around as she wakes up.) Rude Hero: Yo there. Finally comin’ to, huh? If you’re looking for the train, it’s long gone. (she looks around) Heh heh… pretty exciting, huh? You getting a tingly feeling? (reaches toward her) Right about here? Girl in Danger: (jumps back) N-no… Stay away! Rude Hero: Stay away?! I haven’t even done anything yet. Girl in Danger: Stay… stay back, please… I… I can’t. No… I… I can’t do anything, I…. (runs away) Rude Hero: Huh!? Uh… Where do you think you’re going? I’m telling you, it’s not safe that way. (shakes his head) Aw, give me a break… Hey, girlie! Don’t run off like that! (starts after her but then falls to the ground) Mysterious Voice: Dark… and Ligh… reun..ed… Prote… a… find yo… reas… fo… living… Rude Hero: AARGH!! That hurts…! Not that damn voice again…! (stands up) Stupid voices! Okay, I got it… I’m supposed to protect her, right…? (runs after her) Girl in Danger: (off-screen) Eeeek…!! (The man sees the girl laying on the ground nearby and runs over to her.) Rude Hero: Heh heh… Huh? Hey! What are you doing? Wake up! Were you attacked or something? I TOLD you it was dangerous, didn’t I… (H) Looks like I’m the one who’s getting all tingly inside. Maybe I should make a move. He he… (moves closer) Um, hello? Girl in Danger: … Rude Hero: (kneels down) Wonder if she’d mind if I… Girl in Danger: … Rude Hero: (C) (stands up and looks away, then back to the girl) Hey! Girl! Don’t just lie there like a dead fish! Get up! (she stands up and backs away from him) I bust my hump savin’ you, then you take one look at me and run off… Then you faint? (points at her) You got no manners, y’know that? Girl in Danger: A… A monster just suddenly… Rude Hero: (nods) Yeah. There’s lots of hungry wolves and bloodsucking bats around here. (looks around) You’re probably attracting them. You smell pretty good, y’know. Girl in Danger: (looks around) … Rude Hero: Anyway, don’t run off like that, okay? Cause if I don’t do like the voice says, my head’s going to split open! Girl in Danger: …Huh? Rude Hero: …Don’t “huh?” me. Someone, or something, is pretty damn insistent that I protect you. Girl in Danger: Protect… me? Rude Hero: That’s right. It’s always “Go protect that person!” or “Go to that town!”. Stupid voice jumps into my head all the time. And now it’s orderin’ me to protect you. Anyway, at least I’m never bored. Wherever it tells me to go, there are always plenty of monsters. Girl in Danger: So that’s why you were on the train? Yuri: Yup. But thanks to that voice, I'm changing from your ordinary bad-boy type into a real psycho. What about you? Hey, are you psycho, too? Do you see weird things? Girl in Danger: (nods) …Maybe. Rude Hero: Well you don’t seem quite like me, but… whatever. We can’t just chat all day. First, we’ve got to find a place to rest. And I’m getting hungry. (starts walking away, the girl hesitantly follows, he stops and looks at her) Whoa, almost forgot. My name’s Yuri. You can call me Yuri. Girl in Danger: Yuri… I’m Alice Elliot. Please, call me Alice. Yuri: Heh heh, Alice, huh? Even your name’s cute. Alice: … Yuri: (S) Okay! I got it! I won’t touch you! Right, we’re off! (The two find a path, unfortunately it’s covered in water and is uncrossable. Further on they find and old sluice gate.) Yuri: …Tsk, a dead end. Alice: Um… maybe if we do something with this sluice gate, we’ll be able to cross the river. Yuri: Huh? Ah, of course! Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing. Alice: … Yuri: (S) Er, anyway, let’s have a little search, then. (Alice shakes her head once he turns around) (The gates are investigated and found to be mostly rotten so the handle of one is placed on the one remaining solid gate.) Yuri: Okay! Perfect! A little rusty, but I ain’t complaining. Looks like it’ll take a while for the water to drain… Hey, I say we take a rest over there. Alice: R-right. (Later, a bonfire has been built and Alice is sleeping beside it. Yuri is sprawled nearby.) Alice: Zzz… Zzz… Yuri: She’s asleep. What’s that all about?! She’s got some nerve… (H) Yeah, to hell with it. I’m just gonna… Alice: Unh, uhhh… Father… Yuri: Wha… you talkin’ in your sleep!? Don’t scare me like that! (stands up) Boy! Why am I stuck protecting this damn girl? (kneels down beside her) Alice: Zzz… Zzz… Yuri: Oh, please. Don’t tell me she’s dreamin’ about her DAD. (stands up) Whew… I’m getting’ a bit sleepy myself… (as he walks back to where he was sitting earlier, the fire flickers ominously) Wh-what the!? This aura, it’s… (A man wearing a long trench coat and a fox mask appears beside Alice.) Fox Face: Heh. At last we meet… Yuri: (steps back, startled) Father! What… What are you doing here?! Fox Face: I’ve come to visit, boy. The souls of the monsters you’ve killed are quite lonely, you see… Yuri: Souls of the… monsters…!? Fox Face: (gazes at Alice) What a lovely face. And yet, I must show proper courtesy. It is thanks to this woman’s power that I am even here. Yuri: Her power?! What?! Fox Face: Haven’t you noticed? This world overflows with the ghosts of the monsters you’ve slain. The gate of eternal darkness was closed until now, you see… this woman is causing it to open! The ghosts sealed inside the darkest depths of your heart… they call to me, boy. And they demand that I devour your very soul! (laughs, disappears and reappears closer to Yuri) Yuri: Stay away! BATTLE Yuri Vs Fox Face (Yuri also loses this battle as Fox Face can deal maximum damage.) ~~GRAVEYARD~~ (A small, misty graveyard in the dark. There is an iron fence running around the outside and several large trees. There are two gates with lit lanterns on them, one is locked and the other is open. Yuri is laying on the ground in front of the open one.) Yuri: (stands up) Unh… What’s goin’ on… Where am I?! This is just like in my dreams!! (puts up fists) Huh?! Where’s…!? Where is he?! Heh heh, so he didn’t come with me, eh? Damn! I can’t believe this. Honestly, this is a pretty lame illusion. If… it is an illusion. (walks further in and looks at the gravestones) …Yup, this is it all right. The graveyard from my dreams. Aw, man, I don’t want to be remembering this! Now’s the part where I get lost, then wake up in a cold sweat just as a monster’s about to eat me. (looks around) No, no, NO! Nothin’ but trouble ever since that freakin’ voice showed up! Maybe I’ve lost it completely. First, Dad jumps out of my nightmare and shows up right before my eyes… and now I’M in the dream! I save that girl and don’t get so much as a SMILE. C’mon, aren’t they supposed to get all dewy-eyed, “Ooh, Mr. Yuri! Thank you ever so much! SMOOCH!” …Ain’t that how it’s s’posed to go? … (S) Oh man, now I’m all depressed. (Nearby there is a mausoleum with four mask floating in front of it. Yuri walks over to them.) Yuri: That door… …Now I see. So it was you all along pulling the strings, eh? Sword Mask: We are pleased to see you, boy… The detestable young Harmonixer who damned us to eternal hell… Yuri: He he, no need to thank me. But to be honest, I really haven’t missed you guys at all. Staff Mask: Ho ho ho… Your pathetic bravado can’t hide your fear. Yuri: (prepares to fight) Keep laughin’!! I’ll slice that stupid mask in two!! Gold Mask: Ha ha ha! Your mind may not comprehend this place, but your heart understands it full well. Yes. This world is a reflection of your own mind’s darkness, darkness you have created yourself. Yuri: … Grail Mask: Ho ho ho… The more of our brethren roaming about the world you strike down, the more you shall become saturated with venomous Malice, born of their bitter vengeance… And when the limit is passed, so then shall HE be reborn into the world of the living. Ho ho ho… The man, the very thought of whom make you shrink in terror… (Fox face appears behind the masks, laughs and disappears.) Yuri: (startled) Enough! Shut your stinkin’ mask face!! That’s enough!! You think I’m scared!? Don’t make me laugh! I’ve been huntin’ monsters for over ten years. I can handle one or two of those guys with the flick of a finger! You got that, you bodiless freaks! Sword Mask: Ha ha ha… Don’t get so excited. You loved your father so much, that now you’re wandering aimlessly in search of him. Yuri: Stay out of this! Look, I’m just out for revenge for my parents. It’s none of your concern! Staff Mask: Heh. Strange words for someone who still desperately wants to believe his father is alive somewhere… Yuri: (clenches his fists) You.. Now you’re really starting to piss me off! Say another word and I’ll smash your smirking faces in!! Gold Mask: Ha ha ha! Slow down, boy. Worry not, we have a proper opponent for you! To sweep away the accumulation of Malice, you must do battle! (The Masks call forth a Malice monster for Yuri to fight, which he defeats.) Yuri: Hah!! C’mon, at least give me some sort of challenge! Who’s next? You guys?! Grail Mask: Ho ho ho… Well done. Your victory has swept aside the vengeance of our brethren. And it appears that the reactions of that cursed talisman you hold have vanished as well. Sword Mask: Heh heh heh… It’s too early to get cocky, boy. This purification is only temporary. Yuri: What’s that supposed to mean?! Staff Mask: Ho ho ho… When you return to your world, killing our compatriots will only result in increased Malice. Then you will come back here to lower it. No matter how many you slaughter, this hell will continue. Gold Mask: Ha, ha, ha! Then, in due time, HE will be resurrected… The man you fear more than Death itself! Grail Mask: Tee hee hee… Do you intend to keep running forever…? Staff Mask: Ho ho ho… How much easier it would be for you if you’d simply come here in death. Yuri: (turns to leave) Enough! Shut up! Sword Mask: Ha ha ha… Be gone with you, boy! Return to the world of the living! (As Yuri leaves, he inspects one of the tombstones, which is glowing.) Yuri: Yeowch! Aren’t these tombstone thingies freaky? Almost like they’re alive. Ha ha! Wouldn’t it be hilarious if all the monsters I’ve killed started crawlin’ out of these? Heh heh… This one’s glowing. Seal of Earth, huh…? (there is a flash of light) Huh?! BATTLE Yuri Vs Raging Tiger Yuri: Heh heh! Yeah, I knew you’d show up! But it didn’t quite go as planned, eh?! Huh?! What the…? Suddenly I feel… awful…!! (falls to the ground) [A violent impulse wells up inside you… You’ve received the Soul of Tigerion!] Yuri: A new spirit to fuse with… Is this… my power? (Yuri approaches the gate to leave.) […ease! Wa… up!] Yuri: …Huh? That voice…? Alice: (off-screen) Yuri…! Please, open your eyes! Yuri: (falls to the ground) Aargh! …My head again!! (Fade out…) Alice: Wake up! Wake up, please! Yuri…! Please, open your eyes! ~~Plains~~ (The fire has gone out and Yuri is laying face down on the ground with Alice kneeling beside him. They both stand and Yuri turns away.) Yuri: So… he’s back. Alice: Are you all right? You were having a nightmare… Mumbling about masks… And ‘Malice’. Yuri: (turns around) …None of your business. My head’s really starting to hurt. That’s all. Whew… How long was I out? Alice: Only two or three minutes since I found you. But you seemed to be in such pain. Yuri: Nothin’ to worry about. I always have nightmares. Ever since I was a kid. …C’mon, let’s go. ~~Outside Zhaoyang Village~~ Yuri: Hey! Look at those lights! It’s a town. Alice: … Yuri: Why the long face? We’ll have food, and a bed to rest on! (starts walking toward town, falls to the ground) Mysterious Voice: Be caref… … … Guar..ian … Purg...tory … Man..eater… tr..p …wait… Yuri: Pant, pant… It’s… gone…? (stands up) Aaaargh!! Leave me alone! Damn you!! Leave me ALONE! I’m not a damn marionette, you hear me?! (kicks at ground) Alice: Um, Yuri… That voice. Yuri: (glares at her) Yeah, what about it!? Alice: I heard it, too… Yuri: Really?! Alice: (nods) Yes. I don’t think it means us any harm. I didn’t sense anything evil about it. I think… It feels like it just wants to tell us something. Yuri: … … … …Oh yeah? Alice: Let’s head for the village. (walks away) Yuri: That Alice… She hears the voice but it doesn’t bother her! Why? Hey, wait up! Don’t leave me here! (runs after her) (Alice and Yuri approach the town’s large wooden gate.) Yuri: We’re here. Looks like we’ll be able to get food and a place to rest. Alice: (looks at the gate) … Yuri: What’s up? Something wrong? Alice: The voice… It tried to warn us about danger in this village, something waiting to devour us. That’s what it started to say, anyway. I think we should be extra careful. Yuri: Ha ha, how cool’n’collected you are! You talk as if it’s happening to someone else. (Alice looks frightened) But not to worry. Nothin’ can surprise me at this point. (In the meantime, two children walk out behind the gate unnoticed by Yuri.) Yellow-eyed Child: Hey, look!! Yuri: (startled) Wh-Wha!? (runs up to the gate) D-damn brats!! Don’t freak me out like that or I’ll kick your scrawny little asses! Red-eyed Child: I knew it! Yellow-eyed Child: You’re right! It’s true! Yuri: (kicks the gate) Huh? Look, you brats live here, right? Here in town? Great. Open the gate. (kicks it again) Red-eyed Child: Um, nobody gets in at night, so you’re just gonna hafta stay out there. Yellow-eyed Child: Yup, we can’t let you in. Yuri: Run along and get your mommy. Tell her you’ve got guests. (Both children suddenly notice Alice.) Red-eyed Child: Hey… That’s a woman, right?! Yellow-eyed Child: Yeah, she’s TOTALLY a girl, right?! Nice and soft! Yuri: (C) Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth? Alice: (walks up to the gate) Sorry to trouble you so late, but we’re lost. Would you allow us to stay here for the night? Red-eyed Child: Ooh, she looks so tender! Yellow-eyed Child: A nice, juicy girl! Yuri: …… (The children open the gate and both run up to Alice.) Red-eyed Child and Yellow eyed Child: (H) Alice: (S) Red-eyed Child: Eh heh heh! It’s okay, you can come in! Yellow-eyed Child: Tee hee hee. Yeah, you can come inside now! Alice: Thank you. Red-eyed Child: Our house is at the very end of the square. We’ll be waiting! Bye! Yellow-eyed Child: Whee, whee, a girl, we have a girl! Gotta go tell Granny Mayor right away!! Alice: … Yuri: … (They follow the children into town and the gate swings shut behind them.) ~~Zhaoyang Village~~ (There is a dirt road with wooden shacks lining each side and a well in the middle. There is a large house near the end of the road with a small clearing beyond it. In the clearing beyond the house Alice and Yuri find a shrine made up of the bones of humans. There is a small altar in the middle.) Alice: Th-those are all… bones! Human bones!! The bones of people… killed here! What’s happening in this village…?! Yuri: (inspects some of the bones on the ground) Looks like the voice was right. These people’re cannibals. Alice: Look over there, that shrine… (points) It’s as if it holds all the anger of people that died here. Yuri: … Alice: … Vacant-eyed Old Man: (walks up behind them) Hee hee… Good travellers, you like the shrine? Yuri: What is it, pops?! Old Man: Hee hee… Looking for the Black Tortoise God that was enshrined here? He’s been gone for six months! Alice: The Black Tortoise God? Old Man: Yes, to pacify the Earth Spirits, humans deified him, and built this shrine. It’s all such nonsense! But now with the troublesome Black Tortoise God gone, we’re free to do as we please! We can even take the form of humans! We couldn’t ask for more! The only problem is now we get hungry… It’s all thanks to the new protector of our town, Yamaraja! Yuri: Yamaraja? What kind of a name for a demon is that? (looks at the shrine) I suppose I’d find him in that shrine there? Old Man: How… how insolent! But, no matter… You won’t last long… Tonight there’ll be a special feast, for our rare guests… Now, you just run along and say hello to the Granny Mayor. Hee hee… (walks away) Alice: (runs up to Yuri) Don’t tell me we’re going to be eaten…? Yuri: Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not too fond of the idea. Alice: (stamps her foot) I’m not happy about it either, I can tell you! Yuri: Ha ha ha! It’s all right, I’ll protect you. Alice: … (When they walk back into town they are met by the two children outside of the largest house.) Red-eyed Child: Ooh, it’s the girl from before! Thank goodness!! Yellow-eyed Child: You really came!! We’re so glad!! C’mon, c’mon, come inside!! (both children run back inside) Alice: … ~~Granny Mayor’s House~~ (An old woman is kneeling over an open pit in the middle of the main room. There is an altar with lit candles behind her.) Yellow-eyed Child: Granny Mayor! Granny Mayor! We got visitors! Visitors with lotsa juicy, juicy meat. Red-eyed Child: …Juicy! (The door creaks open and Yuri and Alice enter.) Yuri: You’re the mayor’s wife? Great! As you can see, I have a lady with me. We sure could use a bed for the night. Mayor Lady: (without looking up) Yes, yes! I heard all about you from the children. You just make yourselves at home. We rarely get visitors here. We don’t have much for you, but please rest your weary bones. Yuri: Hey, thanks, ma’am. We’ll be out of your way by early morning. Mayor Lady: Hee hee… Now, now, no need to rush. You just stay as long as you like! Alice: Thanks, ma’am. It’s kind of you to let us stay, having just shown up in the middle of the night like this. Mayor Lady: What a nice-mannered young lady. But you don’t have to worry about your manners so much here. …For, it won’t change the taste of their meat. Alice: … Yuri: Kind woman! You all talk as if you’re going to have us for supper! Mayor Lady: Hee hee hee… Well, at least one of you has brains! Eat you both, we will! (Alice looks frightened but Yuri laughs) I’ve got to go tell Yamaraja we have an offering for him. Hmph, let me get through here… Okay, okay… (stands up and leaves) Yellow-eyed Child: C’mon you two, here, take a load off! Red-eyed Child: Don’t worry, we’ll be right outside so you can’t get away! (both run off) Alice: … (Yuri has begun investigating the room) We’re in trouble now. Looks like they’ve got us trapped. Yuri: It appears so. Alice: (stamps her foot) How can you be so calm at a time like this?! Yuri: (walks over to her) Aw, c’mon, if you get too anxious, it’ll just make you hungry. Let’s take a rest, and see what their next move is. Alice: (C) (Fade out… There is the sound of a door creaking open.) Yellow-eyed Child: They asleep? Red-eyed Child: Looks like it! (Fade in… Yuri and Alice are both sleeping on the floor beside the pit.) Yellow-eyed Child: Hooray! Let’s just have a tiny little taste! Red-eyed Child: Quietly, now, or Granny Mayor’s gonna kill us! (Alice and Yuri suddenly stand up.) Yellow-eyed Child: Yikes! They’re NOT asleep! Red-eyed Child: Y-You tricked us!! Yuri: Well then, don’t sneak up on us! And if you do, at least do a good job of it… You’re finally ready to show yourselves for who you really are? Huh? Little goblin brats! Yellow-eyed Child: Darn! If we let you get away, everyone’ll get mad and then they’ll eat us up! And if we DON’T let you get away, they’ll know we tried to sneak a taste, so they’ll eat us anyway! Red-eyed Child: If we’re gonna get eaten no matter what, I at least wanna taste the girl! Lemme have the girl! Yuri: Hah! Tough luck, kids! If anyone’s going to eat her, it’s me! Alice: (C) Yellow-eyed Child: Ooh, you’re so bad! Red-eyed Child: We’ll kill you!! BATTLE Yuri and Alice Vs two Hellcats (Both kids fall to the ground.) Yellow-eyed Child: Oh nooo, Granny Mayooor!! Red-eyed Child: He’s not human!! Yuri: You’d just get the runs if you ate us, anyway! Got it, fools? Alice: (walks over to the door) Yuri, it sounds like something’s happening outside! Yuri: Oh? So the whole town’s decided to show their true selves, have they? ~~Zhaoyang Village~~ Alice: !? It’s like a sea of blood! Is this what the village really looks like? Yuri: Yes, this is what was left after the demons devoured the humans. Be careful. I think they mean business this time. (Granny Mayor is discovered at the shrine to Yamaraja.) Mayor Lady: Eh?! How did you get here?! What have you done to my beloved children? Yuri: (laughs) Hey, lady, I put the kiddies to sleep. Permanently. Why don’t you show us your true form, too? We’re tired of this endless procession of fiends. We figured if we came here, and took care of you… Well, you know how it always works! Mayor Lady: Ha! Fools! Even if I die, the monsters well remain and you’ll still be imprisoned in this town. Because all of this is the will of the great Yamaraja, protector of our village! Yuri: Yamaraja? C’mon, I could take care of him just by destroying the shrine back there. Mayor Lady: Take a good look! These are the bones of all those I’ve sacrificed to him! I used the malice of the townspeople, and made this fence to keep one and all away from her. As long as I’m alive, this fence will protect Yamaraja. Because without killing me, you can’t get near the shrine! Yuri: (laughs) So I was right after all! You ARE the one to get! Cat Lady: Hyahahah! First, you’ll have to catch me! POOF! And I’m gone! (disappears in a flash of light) Yuri: Where’d the demon-cat go? Cat Lady: (off-screen) Hyah hyah hyah! You’re going to wander aimlessly through this village forever! Wither and die in the village where morning never comes! Hyah hyah hyah!! Yuri: Damn it!! I’ll skin you hide!! Alice: Where did she run away to? I don’t think that cat-demon can escape this place any more than we can. Yuri: Yeah, she must be somewhere in the village. Let’s find her. (She appears again by the well.) Yuri: (prepares to fight) Found you! Cat Lady: (jumps back) Hyuk hyuk hyuk! You mean you didn’t get eaten by my underlings yet. You’re a tough cookie. Poof! (disappears) (She appears by the store next.) Yuri: Dammit! Yer not gonna get away this time! Cat Lady: (jumps back) Hyuk hyuk hyuk! Don’t you think it’d be easier to just give up and let us eat you? Poof! (disappears) Yuri: At this rate, it’s just the same thing over and over. I’m not getting anywhere. (At the front gate, a large seal covers most of the ground. Two strangers are inspecting it.) Wanderer Meiyuan: (sees Yuri and Alice) Well, well… Quack Oracle: Ah-hah. This is the “Reverse Seal of Tianfeng,” all right. The mark of Dehuai… But he was supposed to have lost his powers fifteen years ago… Surely it can’t be that he’s… (shakes his head) Yuri: (walks up behind Quack Oracle) Who’s that with you? An elder munchkin? Quack Oracle: (jumps back in surprise) Well, well. Still people here, eh? Yuri: Stand aside. (Quack Oracle moves out of his way, Yuri tries pushing on the gate, and when that fails, kicking it) Huh, it won’t open!! (kicks it again, everyone else shakes their heads) Quack Oracle: Unfortunately, you won’t be able to leave. See this? Yuri: (looks at the ground) What’s that? You mean that Wind of Heaven business you were talking about? In this country’s language, it means you can’t leave, right? (begins investigating gate) Quack Oracle: Yep, that’s about the size of it. Alice: Excuse me, but how did you men get in here? Quack Oracle: Through here. We just pushed the gate open. It would appear that anyone is free to enter. Wanderer Meiyuan: We got in, but it looks like we can’t go back out. Ah, I hate this, I hate it. Yuri: I see… (walks back to Alice) …And you are? Quack Oracle: Hahaha… You want to know who I am? I am the true ruler of the nine heavens. The absolute sage Master Zhuzhen. Among exorcists and spirit healers, I am quite well known. There are many adepts in the world, but only I will do that kind of work by the hour or day. I was hired by the elders in the neighbouring village to came and investigate this place tonight. Alice: An adept for hire by the day? That’s quite unique. Wanderer Meiyuan: This guy’s weird all right. But he’s invaluable to me, for all the great jobs he brings in. But wait, handsome, don’t you want to know who I am? (walks over to Yuri) (H) (Yuri jumps back) Zhuzhen: Hey, hey, hey, lay off. That’s how you scare customers away. Sorry about that, kid. This fellow here is a top-notch acupuncturist. Even brand new weapons feel like they’ve been yours for ten years once he’s worked on them. The only problem is, you have to learn to put up with certain predilections he has. Wanderer Meiyuan: He’s right. I can’t fight, but you’ll love the way I assist. Yuri: Do you two have any other acts besides and odd couple? Let’s hit it, Alice. We can find our own way out. (Alice nods and they begin to walk off, but Zhuzhen starts after them.) Zhuzhen: Now hold on a second, kid. You, too, honey. Yuri: I’m Yuri. And this is Alice. What is it now, pops? Zhuzhen: I admire your spirit, kid. No matter how much you walk, you’ll never get out of this village the way you’re going. Yuri: What’s that supposed to mean?! Alice: (steps between Yuri and Zhuzhen) That’s because of this mysterious mark here, isn’t it, Zhuzhen? Zhuzhen: Aha. She’s a smart one. Exactly. This seal’s power separates the village from the outside world. The seal itself is just like the lid on a pot. But this one has a lock that needs to be opened. Alice: How can we open that lock? What do we do to break the seal? Zhuzhen: That’s right. You get the idea. Now listen carefully, both of you. Someone in this village must be the key to this seal. You must find and defeat that person. …Well, as they say, the journey IS the destination, so I’m coming along to see how I can help out. Yuri: What a pain… (Zhuzhen laughs and walks back into the village) Wanderer Meiyuan: I’m no good at fighting. I’ll stay here and dodge monsters till you get back If you want to get the most out of a new weapon, come and see me anytime. I’ll show you it’s true power. (Back in the village, the cat-lady appears once again.) Cat Lady: Wh-what is that smell?! (jumps back and disappears) Yuri: Is she bothered? She isn’t acting the same as before… Is it because of pops? Cat Lady: (reappears) Go away! (disappears) ~~Granny Mayor’s House~~ Cat Lady: Ha ha ha! So, you’re here again! You’ll never leave. That is the Yamaraja’s decision. Zhuzhen: (steps forward) What you mean, granny, is it’s the decision of whoever’s controlling Yamaraja behind the scenes. Cat Lady: Wh-Who are you? Zhuzhen: Heh heh heh… I’m the adept hired to exorcise this village. So, are you ready to say uncle? Cat Lady: Ha ha ha! You couldn’t even catch me. Why would I be afraid of you? Poof! (disappears) Yuri: (to Zhuzhen) Hey, we missed her again. Zhuzhen: No, I can still feel her presence. She’s still hiding somewhere in this house. I guess it’s time to apply the secret formula for smoking out cat people. Alice: Do you have any idea what we should do? Zhuzhen: That I do. I suppose you know how cats take to catnip? (holds out something to Yuri) I made it by mixing catnip with a special dye! Well, this here is something called “Anti-Cat Powder”. Yuri: (jumps back) Man, these leaves really stink!! You just carry these around?! So that’s what that funny smell was… Now I get it! That’s why Granny hid herself!! Zhuzhen: (laughs) Right, she probably couldn’t stand the thought of running into me and having to smell this odour again. It’s actually an herbal remedy for stomach aches, but it’s smoke has a powerful effect on cat people. Simply carrying it is effective, but burn it and the power multiplies. Let’s smoke her out. Oh, but to do that, we’ll need a metal vessel and a torch. You need to go find those two things . When you bring them back, I’ll burn the incense in this house. Alice: (nods) A metal vessel and a torch. Right. (After retrieving said items and returning to the house…) Yuri: Okay, I’ve gathered up all the tools… Well, I guess I’ll give it a go! Let’s see, put the Anti-Cat Powder into the metal vessel… And light it with the torch… (lights it, a blue flame appears and Yuri runs back several steps) Whoa! Now this stinks! Cat Lady: (reappears) Hack! Hack! Wh-What is this?! Hack! Yuri: I’ve got you now, old hag! You ready to be skinned, cat? Cat Lady: H-How dare you! I’ll show you all! You’re all in big trouble now! BATTLE Yuri, Alice and Zhuzhen Vs. Felinus Cat Lady: (falls to the ground) Ug… I’ve been defeated by a human… You’ll never understand the pain of giving birth, only to have them devoured… My vengeance was in vain… Zhuzhen: I feel for you… But I suggest you let it go and give yourself some peace. I’ll ask my employers to pray for the souls here. Cat Lady: I won’t accept pity from you! Yamaraja! I leave everything in your hands… (dies) Alice: … So the monsters in this village actually came from the souls of domestic animals, huh? Zhuzhen: Now, now, Alice. We’re not done yet. Next comes that so-called “shrine” over there! Yuri: Heh, now for Yamaraja! ~~Zhaoyang Village~~ (The wall of bones in front of the shrine has been partially knocked down with the death of the Cat Lady.) Alice: Be careful, Yuri! Zhuzhen: (nods) Yamaraja is the Lord of Hell. He’s quite different from those cat people from before. Be on guard. Yuri: Piece of cake! Now let’s blow this joint. (he opens the sanctuary doors and there are several flashes of light) BATTLE Yuri, Alice and Zhuzhen Vs. Yamaraja (Earth) Zhuzhen: Whew, that takes care of him. I’m impressed, kid. You’ve got good stuff for a youngster. Thanks to you, too, girl. I guess my work here is pretty much done now. Alice: But, wait, something’s been bothering me… Just who is this “person” that’s supposed to be controlling Yamaraja? Zhuzhen: He probably thought that if the Black Tortoise was here, it would stand in the way of his evil plans. So he used the cat people to steal the Black Tortoise seal, actually just a small votive picture. It’s quite sad. He took advantage not only of the villagers but of the local, sleeping spirits. Alice: Is he a man named “Roger Bacon”? Yuri: Roger Bacon? Alice: He’s the warlock who tried to carry me off on that train. Zhuzhen: You two know Roger Bacon?! Yuri: Is he that famous? Zhuzhen: Hmm… If Roger Bacon has reappeared… Then probably… There can be no doubt… Alice: I was captured by the Japanese in Changchun, and was being escorted to Fengtian on a special train. Bacon showed up on that train, killed the Japanese soldiers, and tried to abduct me. Yuri: (laughs) But of course, I came in gallantly, and picked him off like a helpless rabbit! Zhuzhen: Picked who off? Yuri: Roger Bacon! Zhuzhen: Ah hah hah hah hah. Roger Bacon? You actually think you killed him? Sorry young man, but that’s impossible. He’s not likely to succumb to you, no matter how hard you may fight. Yuri: (clenches fists) Hmph! Well, thanks a lot, Zhuzhen! Zhuzhen: Now, now, don’t get all hot under the collar. I know you’re strong, kid. Anyway, here’s what I think. It wasn’t Roger Bacon who used the local spirits, but I don’t doubt that he’s involved somehow. Alice: Someone else behind the scenes? I wonder if this has to do with the army trying to take me to Japan? But the waves coming off this shrine seem to be a more deeply-rooted, purer kind of malice. It’s filled with hatred and lust… And vengeance. Zhuzhen: You’re really quite a girl, aren’t you? In my profession, people with powers of perception like yours are called “Demon Eyes”. Of course, in this country, anyone who has powers that others don’t understand will be tagged a demon. But your powers seem to be special You can see things others can’t see, and hear what others can’t hear… Best not flaunt those powers. You’ll soon be the target of those who would use you, and then kill you. Alice: (looks frightened) …… Yuri: Hey, old man! Keep your ominous fortune-telling to yourself! Zhuzhen: You too, kid. The art of fusion is a forbidden art lost in ancient Japan. It’s a double-edged sword. Yuri: A forbidden art from the Age of the Gods?! What ARE you talking about? Zhuzhen: If your heart becomes enclosed in darkness and your powers run wild, you’ll be a danger to everyone. Yuri: (laughs) Give me a break! I can cover my own ass, thank you! Zhuzhen: I suppose your father taught you how? Forget it. But I want you to know that the furor you’ve just been through is most likely only the beginning. Now, then, let’s be going. I expect we can open the gate now. (Back at the now-open gate, Meiyuan is waiting.) Wanderer Meiyuan: It sure is dead around here. This is terrible for business. Well, I’m off. Hope to see you again sometime. Zhuzhen: Yeah. So long. (Meiyuan flounces off) He DOES do good work you know… Yuri: …But who’d want to be touched by him? Alice: (?) Isn’t he a nice man? Zhuzhen: I’m sure he’s perfectly safe for you, missy. (They all leave the village.) Zhuzhen: Well, so long, kid. So long, missy. I need to return to my employer, so we go our separate ways here. Yuri: Well then, see ya. We’ll probably never meet again, but I hope your business doesn’t fail, pops. (laughs, Zhuzhen shakes his head) Alice: Thanks for all your help! Take care of yourself. Zhuzhen: (begins to walk off, but stops) Oh, by the way. One last thing I should tell you. You two meeting up, then me, and then the events in this village… Somehow I can’t help feeling like all this is connected by a single thread that somebody has spun. And if it is, it means we’ll be meeting again somewhere. Heh heh heh. Well, until then, take care! (laughs and walks off) Alice: What a strange fellow he is. He seems to know so much about everything, too! Yuri: Shoot! If only he were more generous about teaching me his secrets… The jerk! Alice: Hee hee hee. Well, if we’re going to be seeing him again, we can ask him then. Yuri: That’s true. A single thread spun by somebody… huh? Now that’s interesting! (looks up at the sky) Let’s pull that string for all it’s worth! ~~Trans-Siberian Express~~ (In the army car, Lt. Col. Kawashima and a soldier survey the bodies of the military escort.) Lt. Col. Kawashima: Well, well. What a lovely sight this is. You there. What were they escorting, anyway? A man-eating tiger? Private Mishima: No, ma’am. Alice Elliot. Caucasian female. Approximately twenty years old. Kawashima: (nods) Yes. That’s how I recall her as well. However, I don’t see a body here of that description. Am I to assume the girl killed all these men? Mishima: I… I never imagined a human being could… kill like this… It’s horrible… Kawashima: (laughs) Major Tsuji… After your exploits in Changchun, did you ever suspect you’d captured a monster? Hmph. If soldiers of the Imperial Army can’t bring in one little girl, they don’t deserve to live. Sigh. I was so looking forward to bringing a worthy souvenir back to Tokyo for father. What a waste. Private Fujii: (enters from the front of the car) Lt. Colonel! Lt. Colonel Kawashima! We have a witness! An elderly peddler says a suspicious-looking man passed her in the aisle! Kawashima: What kind of man? Someone from the Anti-Japanese Movement, perhaps? Fujii: No, ma’am… It seems he was a Western gentleman. Kawashima: … Fujii: And there was another man, as well. Kawashima: Another one, you say? Fujii: Yes, ma’am. A wiry youth. He seemed to be following the first man… Apparently, they both headed off in the direction of the salon car. Kawashima: … Does this mean he had help? A foreign gentleman and a youth… Hmm. A strange combination. Mishima: What are your orders, ma’am? Kawashima: Take care of the bodies. Have them sent to the Capital. I recall the Major saying his six-year-old granddaughter couldn’t wait for Grandpa to come home… The girl will surely shed tears of joy when she finds out he’s returning earlier than expected. Mishima: (salutes) Yes, ma’am! Kawashima: Place troops in Fengtian and surrounding cities! Heh. We must use this chance to crush all the vile little termites that have infested our Utopia. Fujii: (salutes) Yes, ma’am! (both soldier leave) Kawashima: This is getting interesting… Just as I suspected, it seems the girl possesses incredible powers. Now I see why that wizened old demon in Shanghai was so hell-bent. Heh! Beware, old man… As the hawk in flight snatches its prey away from the wolf on the ground, I mean to have that girl! (laughs) ~~Kuihai Tower~~ (Dehui is standing at an altar as Bacon appears behind him. There are many candles and strange symbols on the altar, walls and floor.) Dehuai: My, my, this is quite an anomaly! (turns to Bacon) Heh heh, perhaps I’m getting rusty. Have I somehow summoned you here by mistake? …It’s been fifteen years, Roger Bacon! Bacon: Ha ha ha, it HAS been some time, hasn’t it? I’m pleased to see you looking so well, O great magician, Master Dehuai, Fallen Ruler of the Nine Heavens, Earth Sage. Dehuai: I see you are still wearing that pasted-on smile. You have too much time on your hands, you infectious plague. What brings you to Shanghai? Surely not simply to pay me a visit? …Heh heh. No, say nothin, I already know. Bacon: Indeed. I’ve found myself at a loss in this strange land, and I’m afraid I’ve made a slight blunder. An unforseen meddler has entered the game, and my little bird is still outside her cage… Dehuai: Heh heh heh… How unlike you, to make excuses! You need not apologize for going behind my back and abducting the girl: indeed, I suspected you would. Bacon: (laughs) Come now, there’s no need to be so severe. I was merely indulging myself in a small divertissement. With your grand ceremony drawing near, you needn’t deal with minor trifles. I thought I’d lend a hand. Dehuai: Hah! You jest! Are you telling me you would have delivered me the girl upon her capture? Bacon: Why, of course. The progress of your secret ceremony is of great interest to me, Master Dehuai. If this girl called Alice truly is the key to the ritual, I will do everything within my power to help. Dehuai: (C) A sly old fox, you are… Bacon: The Divine Septagram! So, in fact, preparations for you Demon’s Gate Invocation are almost complete. Dehuai: I’ve taken the liberty of sealing up the Protector of the North, the Black Tortoise of Zhaoyand Village. It would have stood in the way of the rituals… but that no longer matters. The Spirit Machine of Kuihai Tower is finally operational! I can now focus entirely on finding the girl! Bacon: Well, well. I look forward to seeing the great sage himself in action. So then, have you discovered the girl’s whereabouts? Dehuai: Of course. I have eyes everywhere on the continent. Heh… Very well, I’ll tell you. …She’s in Fengtian. Bacon: Fengtian… Hasn’t the Japanese army set up operations there? Hmm… I can’t imagine how they caught wind of it, but it seems they lie in wait for the girl as well. Dehuai: Heh heh. We have nothing to fear from them. The Japanese Army is in disarray, and staffed with morons. They present little threat, save for a bothersome fly named Kawashima that’s been snooping about. The girl is already mine. Heh heh heh… Bacon: Splendid. I’ll be off to Fengtian, then. Dehuai: … Bacon: Please, don’t concern yourself with me. I haven’t got any intention of getting in your way, good sage. I’d simply like to observe your technique from afar. For future reference, you see. Very well then. (walks off) Dehuai: Hmph, do as you please… Bacon: (stops and turns around) Ah yes, I almost forgot. There’s a rather odd fellow accompanying the girl… Even stranger, he’s a Harmonixer, a master of fusion. Dehuai: What?! Fusion?! Are you absolutely certain?! Bacon: I’m afraid so. You yourself have substantial blood connection to the Harmonixer line, do you not? I’d rather not see a repeat of the events of fifteen years ago. Please, be wary… (turns to go) You wouldn’t want to lose the half of your body that remains. …Ah, that was uncalled for. Forgive me. (disappears) Dehuai: Hmph. The tricky old bastard… He spies on me with impunity! (turns to altar) Listen well, minions in Fengtian! That fraud of a warlock is headed for your city! Do not be outwitted! I shall be most disappointed should you fail to capture a single heretic girl! I shan’t allow anyone to stand in the way of the Demon’s Gate Invocation… Our success or failure depends entirely on that girl, Alice Elliot!! (laughs) ~~Fengtian~~ (Yuri is standing in a square with a fountain in the middle, there are many tall buildings surrounding it. Alice is asleep on a bench beside him.) Yuri: Ugh… Morning already? At least we got a little rest. Alice: Zzz… Zzz… Yuri: Even after all that crap that went down, she walked all night. Pretty impressive… for a girl, I mean. …I think I’ll let her sleep a little longer. (A puppy runs up to Yuri.) Puppy: Sniff, sniff… Yuri: Hmph. Y’are pretty cute, I guess, you dumb mutt. (drops to the ground) Mysterious Voice: … life … dec..pt..on… a … sma..l be..l… you… The puppy backs up and growls at Yuri. Yuri: …OW! What is it, you mutt?! …And, wait… Why the voice?! (Yuri talks to various people while Alice is sleeping. He meets the Silent Peddler, who explains how the pedometer system works, and the Building-loving Man who explains the lottery.) Alice: Unh, uhhh… (stands up and looks around) Wh-where am I? Yuri: …Oh, you’re up? You okay? You were sweating like crazy… have a nightmare or somethin’? Alice: It was terrible. I was in a dark room… maybe a hospital, and there was a woman, all alone, crying… She… she was staring at me. And then, that man! The one from the train… Bacon… appeared. Yuri: What happened to the woman? Alice: I don’t know. It got dark all of a sudden, I couldn’t see… Yuri: Hah! Don’t let it get to ya. It’s just a dream, right? And the old guy, what’s his name…? Bacon, right. If he shows up again… well, I’ll make him wish he didn’t. Alice: Tee-hee! (In the street beside the square, a shop-owner is pacing outside of his store.) Shopkeeper: Unbelievable. Damn soldiers hangin’ about, scarin’ off all my customers…! (sees Yuri) Oh hey, you there! We got lots a’ good stuff! C’mon, take a look! (Yuri and Alice go into the store. Meanwhile, there is a strange woman walking on the roof above. She opens a metallic briefcase to reveal some sort of radio and begins speaking to it.) Alluring Spy: This is Malcovich. I’ve placed the bomb in the South Manchurian Railway depot, as scheduled. We blow up those cars, and the Japanese Army’ll be stuck here for at least two months! Hah! I can see the look on that idiot Kawashima’s face now… Not that I know what she looks like. Person on Radio: Malcovich, why is a pro like you always letting your personal feelings get involved? Our objective is to track the movements of the Japanese Army, not cause unwanted trouble… Speaking of unwanted trouble, you didn’t set any unnecessary bombs this time… right? Alluring Spy: Don’t worry. Only one. Person on Radio: Malcovich?! Alluring Spy: What else could I do?! There are plenty of innocent people working in that depot, too, you know! And… and they all have these cute little lunchboxes! Anyway, all I did was set a little one outside. See? It’ll go “pop” BEFORE the big one, everyone’ll come running out to see what it was, then, KA-BOOM!! Person on Radio: … Alluring Spy: Ah, ah ha ha! D-don’t get into one of those moods on me! Look, I’d better finish up my work here. My handiwork’ll be in the papers again. Make sure you check out the morning editions! ‘Kay then, bye! (closes the case) (When Yuri and Alice go to leave the store there is an announcement over the radio.) Fengtian Radio, Japanese Army Broadcast: Kshh… Kshhhh… This is an emergency broadcast from Fengtian Radio. The Army has issued the following report: criminals suspected in the mass murder of army soldiers aboard the Changchun-Fengtian train today have disappeared into Fengtian. The ringleader is a thin Caucasian female. All suspicious person are to be reported to HQ immediately. (Alice and Yuri look at each other) Female Shopkeeper: Hey, that… that broadcast just now…! Don’t tell me… Are you people…?! Honey! Dear, help!! (the shopkeeper comes in from outside) Yuri: Damn it, what a bother… Let’s go, Alice! (They both run for the door while the spy on the roof prepares to set off her first bomb.) Alluring Spy: Right, here goes nothing! I’m setting off the bomb… NOW!! (Yuri and Alice exit the store below her) What the…? (There is an explosion. The spy jumps off the roof to find a pile of rubble and Yuri and Alice laying on the ground.) Yuri: …Ugh. H-hey now… What’s with the big boom alla sudden… (looks up to see the spy standing over his head, she just ‘happens’ to be wearing a skirt) Whoa! Lady, I can see your… Alluring Spy: Good, you’re alive. Thank God the bomb I designed to SAVE people didn’t end up killing them! Anyway, I hope you got a good look, sonny boy. Just think of it as my apology. (walks over to Alice) …And how are you feeling, Miss? Alice: I’m… I’m all right. (Alice and Yuri stand up as some soldier come around the corner.) Private Ogawa: D-damn it all, what WAS that?! Private Takeuchi: Hey look! A white woman! And there’s a guy with her!! They’re the people from the radio!! Private Ogawa: Call for reinforcements!! H-hurry, we gotta inform the Captain! (both run off) Alluring Spy: Ha! Cowards. About what I’d expect from Kawashima’s men… their main talent seems to be running away. Hee hee! So they’re after you too, are they?! Yuri: Us?! We’re not bomb-toting terrorists, ya hear? Jeez, lady, my ears are still ringing! Alluring Spy: Don’t worry, that’ll clear up. Now then, I’ve got to get out of here before they get back, but… What are you going to do? I can’t baby-sit, but you can come with me if you want. (walks over to open man-hole) Okay, I’m going on ahead. See ya! (crawls down the ladder) Yuri: My God, what’s her problem? We could’ve been killed! Alice: Yuri, did you hear that radio broadcast? Yuri: Yeah, sounds like they’ve blamed you for the attack on the train last night. Alice: Me…?! Yuri: Don’t worry. I’m your accomplice, after all. Wait a sec, we can’t stand around chatting! Let’s move! Looks like we can get out through here, like that woman did. ~~Fengtian Sewers~~ (Alice and Yuri climb down the ladder and find themselves in the sewers under Fengtian. They soon find another ladder leading up to the surface, however there is a large seal blocking the top.) Yuri: What the heck is this? It won’t open… Is it because of the spell written on this thing? Alice: Some sort of seal, I’d guess… Anyway, what’s this awful feeling of… oppression I’m getting? (Further on they find a hole in the wall and a pair of glittering eyes looking out at them.) Yuri: Is something there…? Alice: Another monster…? Yuri: I dunno… (A puppy jumps out and runs up to Alice and barks at her.) Alice: Eeeek!! Yuri: G-Goddamn it, don’t freak me out like that!! …Well, if it isn’t the little mutt from the station. Alice: (kneels down) What are you doing here, little fellow? Puppy: Whine, whine… Yuri: The little runt got lost in here, and now he can’t find his way out! Hah! How dumb! (laughs) Alice: Tee-hee! Just like us, no? Yuri: … (S) A-anyway, Alice! We’re off! Forget about the dog. Alice: But we can’t just leave it here! Let’s take it to the exit with us, at least. Yuri: Hey, suit yourself, baby! I sure wish someone would take US to the exit… (shots ring out offscreen) Gunfire!! (Alice picks up the dog and they go to investigate. They find the spy sprawled face down on the ground at the end of the tunnel.) Yuri: Hmm?! Alice: It’s that woman…! Yuri: Oh… Asleep again, eh? Heh heh heh… What should I do? Um, hello? Good heavens, she’s out cold. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if I just… Alice: … Alluring Spy: Go ahead. Yuri: (startled) Whoa!! You’re awake?! Alluring Spy: (stands up) Ooh, that hurts… Now look here, sonny boy. Aren’t you going to help me up with an “Are you all right, fair lady?” and a smile? Yuri: B-but, you obviously don’t need any help… Alluring Spy: I never imagined there’d be monsters roaming the sewers. I guess even I can slip up sometimes. That was almost the end of my epic saga! If the press were to lose me now, they’d be positively crushed. Ow! Ouch. Alice: Are you all right? Alluring Spy: (laughs) Yes, I’m fine. Thanks. Oh, you’re the two I met before, aren’t you? The terrorist boy and the mysterious girl. Yuri: YOU’RE the terrorist. We’re just a couple’a helpless “murderers”. Alluring Spy: Terrorist?! Don’t lump me together with those barbarians! I’m a spy. S-P-Y. Get it? A ravishing beauty that just happens to be Miss Spy Genius. The name’s Malkovich. Of course, “Malkovich” is only my CODE name. Say, tell you what… I’ll let you in on a secret, sonny boy: My real name. A little “thank-you” for coming to save me! Yuri: Look, I didn’t come to save you. And you don’t have to tell me your name. (starts walking away) Alluring Spy: H-hey, wait a minute! And here I was going to give you my telephone number and everything! Yuri: (stops) Jeez! I got it, already! Okay, so what’s your name? Alluring Spy: (H) You wanna know THAT bad, huh? My, my! I can’t keep them away with a stick! Yuri: Fine, forget it. Alluring Spy: H-hold on! All right, all right. Here goes. My real name is Margarete Zelle. Alice: Margarete, then? My name is Alice, and this is Yuri. Margarete: Nice to meet you both. You won’t regret having me on board! Alice and Yuri: … Yuri: I’ve got a bad feeling about this… (They then return to the seal which is blocking their escape.) Margarete: Hey, is this…?! Yup, no question about it. It’s a Taoist seal… Maybe to keep us from getting out? But who set it? I doubt there’s anybody in the Japanese Army that can use black magic like this. Alice: It’s a lot different than the kind of magic I know… Margarete: You’re right. This feels far more sinister… and evil. It simply reeks of it. Anyway, it doesn’t look like we’re going to be able to get out of these sewers unless we break it… Yuri: Break a Taoist seal? How? I don’t have a clue. Alice: It looks like something fits into the centre of this symbol. Margarete: I’ve heard about this kind of occult feng shui magic before. If memory serves… There are two ways to break that seal: Open the lock on the other side, or destroy it’s guardian… Yuri: (looks around) There aren’t any guards around. It’s just us three. Alice: But that terrible, oppressive feeling I get here… It’s like someone’s been watching us. Ever since we arrived… Yuri: Ah, what a pain. If you’re out there, save us both some time and show yourself! C’mon, let’s play! Margarete: Dear, dear. There are plenty of situations where brute strength just isn’t the answer, sonny boy! Alice: So that leaves the lock… And all we’ve got to do is find something to unlock it with! Right? Yuri: Awright, let’s start lookin’… …Huh? (a blast shakes the sewers) Margarete: Right on schedule! The bomb I set in the train depot just went off. Yuri: Damn, Margarete, how many firecrackers do you have up there? Margarete: Tee-hee! That was the last one. I bet the Japanese Army didn’t even know what hit’em! Yuri: Didn’t know what hit’em…?! If this whole sewer system collapses, we won’t know what hit US, either! Margarete: Oh ho ho ho! Come now, who do you think you’re talking to? I’m Margarete, Miss Spy Genius! As if I’d make that kind of mistake. It’s all according to plan! Every last detail! Alice and Yuri: … Yuri: I can’t believe this… (Down one of the tunnels, the explosion has caused one of the walls to crack and a blue light can be seen emanating from within.) [The blue light is found to be emanating from the “Sealing Stone” which is embedded in the wall. Yuri removes it.] Yuri: (points to wall) All according to plan, eh? So why is it caving in, Miss Spy Genius? Margarete: (S) …Oh, oh ho ho ho! Th-this is according to plan, too. See? We got the stone, right?? Alice and Yuri: … Margarete: (S) Okay, I admit it, it was a mistake. But it turned out all right, didn’t it? See? Now, let’s hurry! (They return to the seal to place the stone.) Alice: The evil I sensed before… it’s getting stronger! Margarete: Indeed, I’m breaking out in a cold sweat. This is just… icky. Yuri: (sets the stone) …C’mon, baby… (the stone glows blue and begins to shake) Alice: S-something’s… coming!! BATTLE Yuri & Co. Vs. Water Tiger and 2 Kappas Yuri: Whew, that frightened me to death… Hey, what happened to it being either – or, lock or guardian? Margarete: Jeez, what kind of trembling little coward double-locks? Hmph. At least it was an easy victory. (Alice suddenly looks startled.) Yuri: …What is it? Alice: I know we destroyed that thing, but… I can still sense intense evil… Margarete: Don’t worry. The seal’s broken! Up ahead’s a landing strip. We’re gonna go get us an AIRPLANE! C’mon! Alice: (looks around) I still feel like someone’s watching us, though… ~~Fengtian Airfield~~ (Yuri, Alice and Margarete emerge from the manhole in front of a large hangar containing a few airplanes. Tiny the dog runs off immediately.) Alice: Hey! Tiny! Come back! Yuri: Hmm? Aw, the mutt ran away, huh? Forget about him, Alice. He’s just happy to be outside. Alice: But… Yuri: Okay, fine! (All three go after Tiny, who runs toward the hangar.) Tiny: Bow wow wow! Bow wow! (A soldier comes out of the hangar.) Private Tamura: Huh…? A stray dog? You lost, boy? Hmm? Margarete: Uh-oh! Japanese troops! (Another soldier appears.) Private Tokizawa: …I-it’s THEM!! The wanted terrorists from Fengtian!! S-sound the alarm!! Prepare for battle!! Inform Lt. Colonel Kawashima immediately!! (The alarm is sounded and Tiny runs off.) Yuri: Tsk! Damn dog! Margarete: Looks like we’ve got no choice but to fight! Yuri: Hah! This should be fun! BATTLE Yuri & Co. Vs. 2 Elite Guards Private Teruda: Damn, they’re tough!! Keep your guard up!! BATTLE Yuri & Co. Vs. 2 Elite Guards Yuri: Over so soon! They’re hardly worth their salaries… Alice: What are we going to do now?! Reinforcements are going to be here at any minute! Margarete: Right. No time to waste! Let’s grab that plane of ours! (All three run towards the hangar, which promptly explodes. After the shock wears off they are laying on the ground near the burning wreckage. Yuri stands up, then Margarete.) Yuri: Hey Alice, you okay? Alice: (stands up) Y-yes, I’m… I’m all right. Yuri: (looks at the plane) Another ka-boom? What the hell’s going on? (Alice sees something off-screen and runs off while Yuri and Margarete are gawking at the plane.) Margarete: The plane, it… blew up… Alice: (off-screen) Eeeek!! (Margarete and Yuri run over to her to find Tiny surrounded by a red aura.) Tiny: Hee hee hee… Why, there’s nothing to fear, girl! I’m just your cute little dog, Tiny. Alice: … Margarete: T-the dog is TALKING?! …You’re the one that blew up the plane, aren’t you!? And just as we were about to make our escape!! Tiny: As if I’m going to go chasing you halfway across the continent! I think not. You’re coming with me. …The heathen girl, that is. Alice: Who ARE you…?! This evil aura…!! So YOU’RE the one that’s been watching us! Ever since the sewers! Tiny: Hee hee hee… That’s correct. Yuri: Ohh, I get it! You’re Bacon! What, did ya get reincarnated as a dog after I killed you on the train?! Haw haw haw!! This… this is too much!! H-how unbelievably LAME!! Haw haw haw!! Tiny: (aura grows brighter) No, foolish boy! How dare you mention me in the same breath as that… charlatan!! You want to know who I am?! Not that you zeros are even worthy of hearing my name. Hee hee hee… Margarete: Um, let’s see… Is it “Tiny”, after all? Tiny: (aura grows brighter) What…?! T-that does it, you wench!! Yuri: I can’t follow all this. Look, buddy, I don’t know who y’are, but we don’t have time to chew the fat. Tiny: (aura grows even brighter) Nnnghh…! I will not stand for this! You shall repent! Taste my wrath… the wrath of DEHUAI!! BATTLE Yuri & Co. Vs. Beast Dog Yuri: Now I get it… so this mutt’s actually some wretched old geezer named “Dehuai”. Ha ha! Giving yourself away like that… real smart, DEHUAI! Alice: He seems to know about Roger Bacon. Not only that, but… He seems to know about ME, too. Margarete: Hey, come on, you two! We’ve gotta stay on our toes! I know a little something about hta Dehuai character. I’ll tell you about it later. In the meantime, I’ll look for a plane we can use. Be right back! (runs off) Yuri: (looks at Alice) (H) Geez, Alice, you sure are popular with older guys! You DO have that whole innocence thing going on…. Or maybe it’s because… you have some big secret. Alice: (stamps her foot) Ooh…! Don’t look at me that way! (The sound of a plane can be heard sputtering to a start. A rickety-looking plane pulls up beside Alice and Yuri.) Margarete: Hey you guys, look what I found! What do you think? Pretty nifty, eh? It was abandoned, I think… but it started when I gave it a swift kick! Alice and Yuri: … Yuri: …Oh yeah, that’s a hand-me-down, all right. Alice: Y-you want us to RIDE in it? Margarete: Bingo! Stop your chattering, kids, and hop in! (Yuri and Alice get in the plane.) Yuri: Damn, is this thing made for midgets, or what? And what’s with the squeaking?! Will it really fly? Whoa!! Alice: Oh, I’m so sorry, Yuri! Yuri: N-no proble1 You’re plenty light, Alice! Margarete: Don’t you two get all cuddly on me now! This is it! Hold on tight! (The plane slowly gains speed, bouncing up and down on the runway.) Yuri: Y-yo, Margarete! Maybe this plane wasn’t such a hot idea…! Alice: It’s really sh-sh-shaking!! Eeeek!! Margarete: There’s no turning back now! Come on, Yuri, you’re a BOY for God’s sake! Show a little gumption!! Here goes! Full throttle!! (The plane lifts off the ground and flies away. Meanwhile, back at the airfield… Kawashima has arrived with some lackeys.) Kawashima: …Hmm. It appears that we are moments too late. And the garrison has failed to stop them, I see. Just how far do they think they can get in that rust heap…? Amusing little fools… Private: Koizumi: Lt. Colonel, the pursuit planes are prepared to fire! With your permission, we can shoot them down! Kawashima: Ah hah hah. No need to waste ammunition… they’ll crash before they get too far. One thing does surprise me, however. I never imagined they’d be involved with that “Malkovich”. Private Sonada: I-I apologize about the state of our troops, Lt. Colonel, I… Kawashima: Don’t worry about it. I’m heading for Dalian; make the preparations. I suppose we shall have to set traps for them, then lay patiently in wait. Pravate Yokoyama: (salutes) Yes, ma’am! Understood! (soldiers walk off) ~~Flashback~~ Anne: Yuri! Slow down, honey! You’re going to fall! Young Yuri: Hee hee! Don’t worry, Mom, I’m fine! I’m just gonna go tell Dad it’s suppertime! He’s been working so hard, he must be hungry! (Fade in, Hyuga is chopping at the ground at the base of a large tree with some sort of hoe. The sun is going down in the distance.) Hyuga: Hmm? You’re all out of breath, boy. Did you run all the way here? Young Yuri: Heh heh… Mom says supper’s ready! Hyuga: Oh. Well, I could use a break. Young Yuri: (looks at the ground) There’s still so many left! Can you really seed it all by summer? Hyuga: Sure. Winter’s much harsher here on the continent than in Katsuragi, where you were born. First we work to plant lots of seeds. Then, in fall, we split the harvest with everyone from town. If we all work hard and help each other out, we can make it through even the toughest of winters. Understand? Young Yuri: Yep! …Say, Dad… Will you have to go away again in the fall? To work? Hyuga: … Young Yuri: …For how long? Will you be back soon? It’s okay, Dad, I can wait for you! ‘Cause I’m a man! But, Mom’s different. She’s a girl so she misses you. She tries to hide it, but… I can tell how sad she is… Hyuga: …I know. I feel terrible about doing this to you and your mother. Yuri. You look after Mom when I’m away, all right? I’ll try to come back before winter. Young Yuri: Okay… I promise. Come back soon, okay…? Hyuga: Of course. I promise, too. C’mon. Mom’s waiting. (Both walk off. Fade out…) Mysterious Voice: … as the y..ng m..n search..s for … fathe..’s … f..ce d..stiny …Shanghai (Fade in. The plane is now bouncing badly and there is black smoke coming out of the back.) Yuri: Uh, uhh… Alice: Yuri. Wake up! Please wake up. Yuri: … Mnnh… huh? …What? Somethin’ happen? Margarete: Did something HAPPEN? I’ll say it did! How can you possibly sleep at a time like this, sonny boy?! Yuri: Time like what? Huh?! The engine’s busted!! Alice: Yuri, I heard what you said… in your sleep. You were saying, “Dad, Dad, they’re coming to kill Mom, help” …You seemed to be in so much pain… Yuri: … Margarete: Look here, Missy! This is no time for casual discourse on somniloquy! We’re going to crash! CRASH, I tell you!! Aiiieeeee!! (The plane goes into a nose dive.) Alice: Eeeek!! (The plane hits the water and rolls.) ~~Dalian~~ (A peaceful port town. Yuri, Margarete and Alice are sitting on the ground beside a dock with a few boats moored at it.) Yuri: Man, I thought we were done for… Alice: Me, too… I can’t believe we made it in one piece… Margarete: (S) I-I never dreamed we’d CRASH! Never in a million years! Who woulda thunk it, huh? What a… what a GUTLESS plane that was!! I thought we’d at least get past Dalian. Oh, ho ho ho!! Yuri and Alice: (stand up) … Yuri: Forget Dalian! You almost bought us a one-way ticket to hell!! Alice: … Margarete: Don’t glare at me, you two! That’s not very nice! C’mon, look on the bright side… we’re all still here! …Right? Yuri and Alice: (C) ~~Dalian~~ (If you try to approach the inn…) Fish-Drying Woman: Are you going to the inn? (Yuri turns around) Fine, but don’t bother Sea Mother. She’s the only person we can depend on now. ~~Dalian Inn~~ (The inn is dark inside, there is an innkeeper standing behind the front desk and in the adjoining room there is a man laying on a bed. An old woman is praying over him, there is another man standing nearby.) Old Innkeeper: Another victim of the curse… It’s so awful, I can’t bear to watch… Alice: Yuri, do you think that old woman is…? Yuri: (nods) Yeah, looks like it… Sea Mother: Mumble mumble… O almighty God, I beseech you, prolong this boy’s life… I beg of thee… Mumble… Yen Yen: Aaah… ugggh… I-it hurts… Brother, ask Sea Mother to… Yen Yen’s Older Brother: Hang in there, Yen Yen! Don’t give up! You’re going to be all right! Please, Sea Mother! You’ve got to do something! He’s the only family I have!! Sea Mother: … (stops praying and shakes her head) Yen Yen… I can’t help you. …You fought very hard. You’re a brave, brave boy… Older Brother: You can’t say that Sea Mother!! Oh, God, Yen Yen!! Sea Mother: I’m sure it was very difficult, but it’ll soon be over. I do not possess the power to eliminate Li Li’s curse… Forgive me, Yen Yen. Yen Yen: Ugh, ughh… Gurgle, gurgle… Margarete: T-this is horrible! Alice: Cursed and killed by someone’s hate…! Yen Yen: G-grgh… (twitches) Older Brother: Yen Yen?! Yen Yen!! NO-O-O-O!! Sea Mother: … (faces the wall) Spirits in the heavens. Spirits in the heavens. Our proud fisherman will be coming under your care. Please be good to him. Older Brother: Thank you, Sea Mother… At least I won’t have to worry about Yen Yen losing his way… (turns to his brother) Damn you, Li Li…!! How can you be so unthinkably cruel to our village… Sea Mother: … (Sea Mother walks out of the room and towards the door, past Yuri, Alice and Margarete who are standing in the hall by the front desk. When the passes Alice she stops and looks at her, then continues on her way.) Old Innkeeper: One burial after another… Hmmm? Are you guests? I’m sorry, but please, leave me be… ~~Dalian~~ (Outside the inn it’s grown dark and misty. Everyone has gone inside for the night… except for the glowing woman standing in the corner of the square.) Yuri: Hey… Hey you! The sun’s gone down… Shouldn’t you be inside? ??: Tee-hee… Everyone’s so scared of me, they won’t open their doors… (laughs) Alice: Th-that voice! You… you must be Li Li! Li Li: …That’s right. Tee-hee-hee, what a pretty voice! My voice used to be like that, too. Even prettier, maybe… ( begins to shamble towards them, Alice and Margarete jump back) Margarete: It’s you, isn’t it?! The evil spirit that comes out when the sun goes down! Yuri: Hmph. I thought I smelled a monster! Right, let’s see what you got!! (puts up fists) Li Li: Tee-hee. What’s the point? I only have business with her. So, the sacrifice for tonight… Y O U (a flash of lightning strikes Alice and she slumps to the ground) Alice: Eeeek!! (Yuri kneels down beside her) Li Li: (disappears and reappears on top of a fence nearby) At sunset tomorrow the girl will die. All you can do is sit by and watch. How glorious… She’ll be in agony until the very moment of her death. The same agony I tasted… Tee-hee-hee… (disappears) Yuri: S-stop!! Wait!! You little…!! (runs over to where Li Li stood) Margarete: (kneels down) Alice! Yuri: God damn it all to HELL!! (runs back over to Alice and kneels down) Alice, wake up! Alice!! (The door to the Sea Turtle Restaurant opens and Sea Mother steps out. She immediately notices Yuri and Margarete.) Margarete: (stands up) S-Sea Mother?! Help us! Please!! Sea Mother: I-it can’t be! But… it is! That sound… You saw Li Li, didn’t you!? The girl is in grave danger! Bring her inside!! Hurry!! ~~Sea Turtle Restaurant~~ (Alice has been laid on the carpet below the mural. Sea Mother is standing over her, Margarete and Yuri are nearby.) Sea Mother: It’s the same as Yen Yen, and all the other… Li Li’s curse has pierced deeply into her tiny body. Yuri: But what can we do, Sea Mama?! There’s gotta be something!! Please!! Sea Mother: Calm yourself!! I’ve called upon a warlock more powerful than I. He should arrive soon… And yet, fate is cruel… This girl seems to bear a destiny similar to Li Li’s . You lost your beloved father, did you? In a foreign land, far, far away. Poor girl… Margarete: Did Li Li lose her father, too? Sea Mother: Yes, but under different circumstances. Fate has dealt them both a terrible hand indeed… Yuri: So, who is this Li Li? Why did she turn into a ghost, and why is she menacing this town? Sea Mother: Curious, are you? About her tragic tale? Yes, I suppose you should hear this… Indeed, it seems to me that Li Li may have drawn you here. Hee hee hee. …It will be a long story, though. Yuri: Fine, go on. Sea Mother: Li Li… Her fate was cursed… Fifteen years ago, there was a sudden tornado that sank many ships, Li Li’s father was on one of them. He was her only blood relative. She stood on the docks, praying fervently for his homecoming… She waited and waited, but still her father would not return. So she called out to the stormy sea. “Blue Dragon! God of Fishermen! Anyone! Please save my father’s life. I will do anything!” At that moment, a massive bolt of lightening struck the water, and the ocean suddenly became calm. Her father’s ship returned safely, but the gods were cruel… They had taken away her voice. But that was not all. Her voice had become switched with her father’s . His rough, fisherman’s voice. The father now spoke in Li Li’s sweet, dulcet tones; from that day on, he refused to ever speak again. Sigh… That year, a traveling theatrical troupe visited the village. Such bad timing, it was… Li Li fell in love with one of the actors… I tried everything to get her voice back, to no avail The only way was to kill her father. One fateful night, Li Li came to me, speaking n her father’s voice. “Sea Mother, give me that dagger. The blade you use in your rituals. I’ve made a decision…” It was shameful, but… one look into her eyes, and I froze completely. (Cut scene…) Sea Mother: Ah, yes, I understand. I’ll make this short. Okay, okay. By the mercy of the Blue Dragon… no, no, it may have been a cruse; Li Li’s pretty voice was switched with her father’s gruff voice. And the only way to get her voice back was for her to kill her father. Having fallen in love with an actor in a travelling troupe, Li Li took my ceremonial dagger to kill her father. That’s where we left off, correct? That’s right. “Give me the sharpest knife so that my father won’t suffer for too long.” Horrible, isn’t it? Just thinking about it gives me the shivers. I still remember the horror, Li Li’s pretty lips spoke those horrible words in the gruff voice of an old fisherman. She didn’t kill her father right away, though. She couldn’t. Every night she would go to her father’s bedroom and stand beside his bed. She would lay the dagger n her father’s bearded throat. But still, she couldn’t commit the final act. She would just stand there in silence for awhile, and then leave the room with tears in her eyes. Every night, the same routine. But actually, her father was not asleep. He was ready to die if it meant his daughter could have her beautiful voice back. The daughter, standing at her father’s bedside. The father, pretending to be asleep while his daughter places a dagger to his throat. My heart aches every time I picture the scene. And finally, the troupe was ready to move out of the fishing village the next day. Li Li made up her mind and entered her father’s bedroom again. But the bedroom was empty! Her father knew she’d leave the village with the theatre troupe, so he thought, “I’ll send her off with a little something.” And he had gone out to sea to find some fish you could only catch on the night of the new moon. But irony of ironies, that very night a storm rolled in and the seas raged wildly. The next day, the sun reappeared and rose high overhead, but there was still no sign of Li Li’s father. It was just like that night some while ago. Then, as the sun was going down again, the debris of a fishing boat washed ashore from the crimson red ocean. Everyone knew her father was dead. Li Li cried and cried in despair. Now neither her father nor her voice would ever return! Her cries echoed all over the village, cries like a wounded beast! Ohh ohhh ohh ohhh ohh ohh… The young man from the theatre troupe went to Li Li’s house to console her, but she would not let him in. Of course, he never knew that the hideous cries coming from the other side of the wall were Li Li’s own. Late that evening after the sun had gone down, the cries came again. Ohhh ohhh ohhh… Li Li’s voice had grown hoarse from her endless wailing, making it sound even more fearsome. But then, another very strange sound joined in. Shloop, shlooop. Splat. Shloop, shlooop. Splat. It was like… a wet, sloppy piece of meat slithering across the ground. The sound was coming from the harbour, and it was getting closer and closer. Shlooop, shloop, shloooop, splat. …Shloo-oop. And then the gulls began to screech, too, perhaps because they wanted that meat! Shloo-oop, skree skree, shoop, shlooop, splat. Shloo-oop, skree skree, splat, shloop, shloop. The sound stopped right in front of Li Li’ house. Soon, the door began to open… Crea-a-a-crea-a-a-k… Man’s Voice: Sea Mother! Sea Mother! (End cutscene. Another man has entered the restaurant.) Cowardly Chen: Sea Mother!! It’s the Adept!! The Adept is here!! (notices Yuri and Margarete) Wha…!? You people are…!! Margarete: Well, I never! Aren’t you rude, then? You can’t just come barging in, yelling and flailing about! Now you look at me like you’ve seen a ghost! Have we met before? Chen: Uh, n-n-no, no! Not at all!! I… I just, uh, didn’t expect to see such a beauty in a place like this. M-my apologies. Heh heh, heh heh heh… (The door creaks open and Zhuzhen enters.) Zhuzhen: …Looks like I’m finally needed again! Yuri: Y-you?! It’s the quack oracle! Chen: … (runs out door) Zhuzhen: You can drop the “quack” part, kid. Long time no see. (looks at Margarete) Hmm? And who’s this? Someone from the railroad company? Margarete: I’m Margarete. I’m a high-ranking government official from a certain large country. Sigh… Another shady-looking old fellow. So, who are you? Sea Mother: Master Zhuzhen! Thank you for coming! We’ve been expecting you. Zhuzhen: Sorry to keep you waiting. Some idiot blew up the train depot, and the trains aren’t running. Margarete: (S) Zhuzhen: (!) (kneels down by Alice) Isn’t this… Alice?! …Whew. That’s a mighty powerful curse she’s under. …But you needn’t worry anymore. Sea Mother: My arts are as good as useless against it. More than ten have died so far… Zhuzhen: (stands up) It’s not about you lack of power, Mother. It’s the man pulling the strings… It’s “him”. Sea Mother: What do you mean?! You… you know why Li Li came back?! Zhuzhen: Oh, I have a pretty good idea. I’m starting to see who might be behind all this. Alice: Oh…! It’s… Zhuzhen… Zhuzhen: (!) (kneels down) Don’t worry. I know it’s hard. This’ll be over soon, I promise. Just stick it out a little longer. Alice: Li Li… is in… pain, too. S-somebody… forced her… to come back… Zhuzhen: Yes, yes… I know. I know exactly who it is, and what he’s up to. (stands up) You just take it easy and get some rest. I assure you, it’ll all be over by tomorrow morning. Okay? Alice: Yes… Th-thank… you… Zhuzhen: Now then, I’m going to need you two to help. Our first task is to rid this town of it’s ghosts! What do you say? Are you with me? What d’ya say? You want to tag along? Yuri: (nods) If that’ll save Alice? You’d better believe it!! Margarete: (nods) Same here! Zhuzhen: Okay, let’s strike while the iron’s hot! Good. Let’s get cracking then. First we’ve got to find the place they’re all getting in from. My guess would be somewhere down by the water. There’s sure to be a mark at the spot where they enter. …We need to destroy it. Sea Mother: Monsters are everywhere outside. Be careful… I shall look after the girl. Zhuzhen: (nods) Right! We’ll leave her to you. Don’t worry, it won’t take long. All right, let’s get going. ~~Kawashima’s Office~~ (A large, well-lit office containing a desk and two Japanese flags. Cowardly Chen has just entered.) Kawashima: So these three are in the port of Dalian. And the Caucasian girl has been stricken with a curse? Chen: Yes. The man and the woman have set out to destroy the monsters that’ve been appearing in town. That’s how they’re going to break the spell on the girl. At least, that’s what they said. Kawashima: Heh heh. There’ no question. It’s Alice Elliot, all right… So the other two must be the thin young man and Malkovich… Very well. The beast is caught in it’s trap! Yes, we must proceed with caution… Chen: E-excuse me… Kawashima: Sending in brute strength may not be the best way… In which case… …Perhaps I’d better do this myself. Chen: E-excuse me, Lt. Colonel… I was wondering, heh heh, that is, if you don’t need me anymore… Kawashima: Yes, yes. You may go. Get your money before you leave. And one more thing. You must not breathe a word of this to anyone. Have you got that? Chen: Huh? Oh, of course! Honestly, I’ve got a terrible memory. I’ve already forgotten the whole thing… (Kawashima laughs and Chen leaves quickly) Kawashima: (paces) … … … … … Somebody! At once! Soldier’s Voice: Yes, Lt. Colonel! (An officer and two riflemen run in and salute.) Kawashima: Hmm? I’ve never seen you before. Are you new? Sergeant Kato: I… I’m Sergeant Kato, ma’am! Reporting from Tokyo for my new post! My… my expertise is… Kawashima: I’m sorry, but could you leave the self-introductions for later? We don’t have time for this now. (turns to riflemen) I want you two to dispose of the man who just left this room. Make it look like a traffic accident. Robust Japanese Soldier: (salutes) Yes, Lt. Colonel! (both leave) Kato: Wh… wha… Kawashima: Sergeant Kato, you’re coming to Dalian with me. Get a boat ready. Kato: A… boat, ma’am? Kawashima: I don’t care what kind. Any old thing will do. Do you understand? If so, we leave now. Follow me! (leaves) Kato: Ah! Lt. Colonel! Please, wait! (follows) ~~Dalian~~ (A large red seal is discovered on the ground by the docks.) Zhuzhen: Hmph… Just as I expected. This is the mark that’s summoning all the spectres. Yuri: If we get rid of this, the monsters disappear, right? Awright, let me at it!! (Zhuzhen nods and begins gesturing. He is surrounded by a red aura and the seal is struck by red lightning.) BATTLE Yuri, Margarete and Zhuzhen Vs. Yamaraja: Wind (The seal disappears in a flash of light.) Margarete: Hah! That takes care of THAT!! But… I wonder why this village was targeted by evil spirits in the first place? Zhuzhen: For generations, the villagers have worshipped the Blue Dragon at an undersea shrine just off shore. A month ago, lightning struck, and the Dragon was sealed away. As a result, Li Li became a ghost. Yuri: Wait a minute, that sounds familiar… (!) It’s just like what happened at Zhaoyang, isn’t it?! Which means… Mr. Smarty-Sage, you know who the big boss is, right? …Wait, we were attacked in Fengtian, too! It’s that old geezer Dehuai, isn’t it?! Zhuzhen: (!) Oh? You’ve already met him, have you? …At any rate, you are correct. He plays puppet-master from his tower in Shanghai. He is attempting to gain control over the entire continent… by using his Taoist magic in forbidden ways. Margarete: What does Dehuai want from US? Zhuzhen: He wants Alice. Margarete and Yuri: (!) Zhuzhen: …In any case, we’ve successfully broken the spell that was cast over this village. Let’s go back to the restaurant from before. ~~Sea Turtle Restaurant~~ (Alice has recovered and is standing beside Sea Mother.) Alice: Oh, Yuri! Everybody! You’re back! Zhuzhen: Ah, you’ve recovered! Oh, and Sea Mother… I don’t think Dalian will be having any more ghost trouble. However… the fact that Li Li herself did not appear does concern me… Sea Mother: We are indebted to you. On behalf of everyone in this village, I thank you. Zhuzhen: Don’t mention it. But, you know… I feel like some sort of karmic bond brought us all together here. Will you listen to what I’ve got to say? Yuri: Aw, don’t go all formal on us. Just spill the beans. Zhuzhen: Heh heh… Well we have the Black Tortoise of the north, and the Blue Dragon of the east… They’re two of the four gods of directions. Someone is trying to seal them away to further his own evil ends. Alice: Dehuai…?! Zhuzhen: Yeah. Now, this is the most important part. The villainous Dehuai… He’s after you, Alice. Alice: (!) Margarete: Yeah, you were saying that before, too, but… why’s he after Alice? I don’t get it. Or, hey! Maybe this Dehuai guy’s just some sick old perv with a Lolita complex! Zhuzhen: Now, now. Well, Alice? Is there something YOU can tell us about this? Alice: I… Actually, I don’t know anything at all about this man named Dehuai. Except… When Bacon murdered my father in France a month ago, the last thing he said to me was… “There are dark warlocks trying to bring about the Valorization. I won’t let them make you their key!” Yuri: Alice… A “key”? Sea Mother: You’re no ordinary “Demon Eyes”, girl… The star within you shines far brighter than that. Li Li’s power was nothing compared to yours. I’m not surprised there are warlocks seeking to abuse it. Your father gave his life to protect you from them, correct? Alice: (nods) Yes. And in the end, he sent me far away. …He used up the very last of his strength to keep me safe… Yuri: What, so you’ve gotta keep running forever and ever? That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard. Alice: … Zhuzhen: We could always make for Shanghai and go after Dehuai ourselves. What say you? Sea Mother: Master Zhuzhen, if Dehuai is preparing another Valorization… Zhuzhen: Indeed. It would mean a repeat performance of the nightmare we lived through fifteen years ago. Alice: The nightmare fifteen years ago? The “Valorization”…? Zhuzhen: It’s a ritual that, in effect, turns the entire world upside down. Dehuai attempted the Valorization once before. Countless people lost their lives in the catastrophic earthquakes and disasters that followed. Yuri: Fifteen years ago, huh… So this Valorization didn’t work? Zhuzhen: Hah! You must be joking. If he’d succeeded, it would have meant the end of the world. As I recall… A certain man stood in Dehuai’s way, and gave his life to stop the process of the Valorization. Having lost half his body in that battle, Dehuai went underground… But now he’s plotting a comeback. Yes, plotting secretly to carry out the Valorization rite known as the “Demon’s Gate Invocation”!! Yuri: “Demon’s Gate Invocation”?! So if we don’t, like, stop it, this battle’ll go on forever, right? I like it!! I say we go to Shanghai. Alice: I want… I want to go to Shanghai, too. I can’t keep running like this forever… Not if confronting Dehuai will help me understand why my father died. Margarete: Y-you’re all going?! …Hmm. This means I’m outnumbered. Sigh. Guess I’m in this thing with you, then. Yuri: But how are we gonna get to Shanghai? If we go overland, the Japanese Army will catch us at a checkpoint for sure. And… I’ve… had enough flying. Margarete: (S) Female Voice: You can use my boat. (Everyone turns as Kawashima, disguised as a smuggler, enters.) Smuggler Boss: Evening, everybody. Margarete: Hey! Were you eavesdropping on us?! Smuggler: I didn’t mean to. I just happened to overhear. I didn’t expect to get into port THIS late, you see… There was some big fuss about monsters. It was all I could do to protect my goods! Zhuzhen: Oh? And what business ARE you in, Miss? I does seems rather late for honest traders to be out and about. Smuggler: Tee-hee. The same could be said of you, no? At any rate, I’m a courier. …Of course, “courier” is a bit euphemistic. To put it bluntly, I’m a smuggler. Based on what I overheard, you’re looking for a way into Shanghai. …And that means sneaking past the Japanese Army, right? Yuri: Heh. No need for explanations, I guess. So, you got a boat? Smuggler: Yes, but it’s old. The Army thinks it’s a fishing boat, and they let it right through the checkpoints. They never guess that there might be contraband under the floorboards… even if it’s human. Zhuzhen: Hmm. I don’t know how comfortable I am with this, but… what would you ask in return? Smuggler: You tell me. You could say I’m a little short on cash… Zhuzhen: (…) (nods) All right. It’s a deal. Smuggler: Excellent. I’ll go ahead to the boat. Make your preparations and meet me there at first light. (leaves) Margarete: (…) I don’t like this… and I don’t like HER. Zhuzhen: Don’t fret. You’ll find people making a living slipping under the eyes of the law anywhere you go. Margarete: Is that the kind of person you think that woman is? Zhuzhen: (nods) Most likely. Besides, do you have any better ideas? Margarete: … Sea Mother: Yes… You should call it a night and get some rest at the inn. Zhuzhen: Sea Mother has a point. Let’s be going. Margarete: … ~~Dalian Inn~~ (Yuri has just awakened and is standing in the hotel room. Alice and Zhuzhen are by the door.) Yuri: Ugh… Morning already? At least we got a little rest. Hmm? Where are the other kids? Zhuzhen: You’re finally up, huh, kid? Margarete’s already left. Yuri: Now, this is the most important part. The villainous Dehuai… Zhuzhen: (shakes his head) Oh, shut up. You were dead asleep. Yuri: (S) Alice: Yuri, let’s get going. ~~Dalian~~ (Margarete is talking to the smuggler’s subordinate (aka Sergeant Kato) down by the dock.) Margarete: Aren’t we done yet? Let’s go! Courier Subordinate: H-hey. The boss told me all about you! You ready to leave? Okay, all aboard! ~~Smuggler’s Boat~~ (A ramshackle room below deck with four bunks. There are many crates scattered about. Yuri is laying face down on the floor and Alice is kneeling beside him looking concerned.) Yuri: Ugh… (C) Ugh… Alice: Are you all right? Yuri: (S) …No. Alice: But you seem a little better than before. At least you can talk now. Yuri: (C) I-I guess… Oh, God, this isn’t right! Do boats always… ROCK like this…? Alice: Why don’t you try going out on the deck? The fresh air might do you some good. Yuri: (…) Uh… yeah… Maybe I’ll try that… Alice: Maybe I’d better come with you. You still look pretty shaky. Yuri: (shakes head) No, no! I’ll be fine. (Yuri walks up the stairs to find Margarete at the back of the boat writing in a book.) Margarete: …The girl, Alice, possesses extraordinary powers. She would make an excellent research subject. The young man, who calls himself Yuri, also wields unusual forces. In the future, our country must… Yuri: (…) …What about my future? Margarete: (turns around) Eeeek!! (S) H-hey! What are you doing there?! It’s not polite to try to find out a lady’s secrets, sonny boy! Yuri: …Uuuurgh! …W-what’s with the memo? What’s it say? Margarete: What?! Oh… you mean… th-this? (…) Oh, ho ho ho! THIS ol’ thing! It’s just my… diary!! I thought I’d better write down each and every detail of this exciting adventure! Good idea, no?! Yuri: I couldn’t… care… less… (S) (collapses) …Hrrkk!! Margarete: (jumps back) Eeeew!! Gross! Don’t you DARE throw up!! Yuri: Nnnhgh… Gulp. Margarete: Eeeew! Gross! Don’t SWALLOW it!! Yuri: (C) (stands up) Uurgh… I’m… I’m done for… Margarete: H-how filthy! How disgusting! Go lie down or something! Shoo! Shoo! (Yuri checks out the door to the wheel room on his way to the front of the boat.) Yuri: Hmm? Why’s this locked? What’re they up to in there? (The interior of the wheel room is shabby like the rest of the ship. There are bottles and creates scattered about. Kato is manning the wheel while Kawashima is standing nearby.) Kawashima: It’s gotten quite foggy. Kato: Yes, but not to worry. The boat is sailing smoothly. You know, I didn’t think we’d actually have it this easy. You’re incredible, Lt. Colonel Kawashima! They really think we’re their own personal couriers. So, from Shanghai, all we have to do is get them on the special charter and rush them off to Japan! Kawashima: We can’t let our guard down. These people butchered the soldiers on the Trans-Siberian Express. Kato: Yes, well… I heard about that incident, too, but… I can’t imagine that girl could be capable of such a thing. She seems so sweet… I mean, just look at how she takes care of the young man who’s been sick ever since we left port. Kawashima: (…) Hmm. It could have been him… that Yuri… that did the butchering. Kato… Kato: Y-yes? Kawashima: I wanted to see for myself. I wanted to see the girl and her friends with my own eyes. I assume you’ve heard about the old man in Shanghai who continues to plot against our Army…? Kato: Yes. I don’t know the details, but Dehuai seems to be a warlock, with the powers of an Adept. Kawashima: Correct. Thanks to him, we’re having great difficulty gaining any measure of power in Shanghai. Hee,hee. He’s a sharp old scoundrel, that Dehuai. They say he tried the ultimate Taoist magic fifteen years ago, and was about to blow Japan to bits. Kato: I… I had no idea… Kawashima: I don’t know how much of it is true… But I think at least some part of it really happened. The bloated desk-jockeys we take our orders from don’t have a clue about the size of the country. They know even less about the teeming varieties of people and ways of thinking here. This “Utopia” we’re pushing… It’s nothing more than a dirty trick shrouded in a cute name. Even I might be just another cog in the wheel of this scheme, helping it move ever onward. Kato: (…) Kawashima: The people here are victims of politics. All they really want to do is get on with their lives. It’s no surprise this land would s produce a warlock like Dehuai. At least he makes things interesting. Kato: …Lt. Colonel. …What do you think the connection between Dehuai and Alice IS…? Kawashima: Ah, forgive me for going on and on. It’s just boring talk. Kato: Not at all, ma’am!! I always like to hear you thoughts, Lt. Colonel!! Kawashima: …You’re a funny fellow, aren’t you? Fine, let’s get back to the subject at hand. I’ve been tracking Dehuai for some time. Eventually, I learned of the girl he was so desperate to catch. Kato: Is this… Alice? Kawashima: …Yes. She has a unique spiritual power. Even Tsuji met his death when he encountered her. Dehuai will stop at nothing to get her. If used properly, she’ll be an asset to the Shanghai offensive. I wish to find whether she’ll be a help… or a hindrance… to Japan’s invasion of the mainland. Kato: A Shanghai offensive… so the Japanese Army can take the mainland… Is that your real motivation, Lt. Colonel…? Kawashima: Hee hee hee… (Back outside the wheel room…) Yuri: Ugh… I can’t… hear ‘em. What are they babbling about? He continues on to find Zhuzhen at the front of the boat. Zhuzhen: …Whew. The sun’s gone down, and the fog’s rolling in… Hmm… Yuri: Urgg…! What’s with the scowl, pops? Don’t tell me you’re throwing up from seasickness. Uck… Zhuzhen: Heh heh heh. That would be YOU, if I’m not mistaken. Say kid, are you feeling better now? And what do you make of this unearthly aura…? It seems to rise from the sea and permeate the boat. Yuri: Unearthly aura?! Ulp… Sorry, buddy… I’m dealing with some pretty earthly problems right now. …Hrrkk!! (collapses) Zhuzhen: Hey! Watch it, will you? Do not soil my robes!! Yuri: (…) Nnnnhgh… Gulp. (stands up) Cough… Damn, now I’m just dry-heaving… Aren’t we in Shanghai yet? How much longer will it taaaake?? Zhuzhen: Ha ha ha, we should be there by a little after noon tomorrow. Yuri: What?! I won’t last that long, pal!! Zhuzhen: Hey, kid, if you’re going to kick the bucket, do it over there, will you? (turns to the sea again) Yuri: Hmph, some help you are! Couldn’t you have at least brought some medicine for this kind of thing? Hrk… You and Miss Spy Genius are big meanies… Alice is the only one who really cares about me! (Yuri returns to the room below the deck.) Alice: (!) Yuri, are you okay? You didn’t come back. I was getting worried! Yuri: Yeah, I’m fine. I learned just how kind you are, Alice… and how cold the rest of the world is! Alice: (?) Yuri: Whew. Zhuzhen and Margarete say there’s something wrong outside, but… what could it possibly be? Alice: (…) Yuri: (?) Alice: Speaking of there being something wrong… Yuri, your disposition has changed since I first met you. It seems like you’re changing more and more all the time. Maybe it has something to do with your powers… I’m worried about you. It’s like there’s a dark shadow hanging over you… and it’s getting stronger. Yuri: Oh? Well, yeah, my powers have just gone a little wild since I met up with you. And now I can fuse with more spirits. But hey, I say things are fine just the way they are. Alice: The way they are…? Yuri: I haven’t had any headaches lately. No mystery voice, either. I must be doing something right. If you’re right about the voice wanting to tell me something, and if what the voice says is true… then I want to know who’s voice it is! I’ve decided to protect you at all costs. Alice: (…) Yuri: (turns away) So, I’m fine with things the way they are. Alice: Yuri… Yuri: But you know… Alice: Yes? Yuri: If… if I were to get devoured by the spirits inside me that I’ve fused with… If they take over, and I’m not myself anymore… You’ve gotta kill me, Alice. No hesitation. Alice: …Oh, come on! That’s not funny. Yuri: (turns to her) It’s no joke… Alice: Don’t worry! You won’t lose to those monsters, so it won’t happen. (steps closer) I… I believe in you. Yuri: (…) Margarete: (off-screen) Hey, you two! Something’s going on! (runs down stairs) (S) Oopsie! Did I come at a bad time? Am I in the WAY, perhaps? Yuri: What is it already?! Alice: What’s going on? Margarete: S-something big! You two had better come outside… Let’s go!! (Up on the main deck everyone else has gathered.) Yuri: What’s up? Smuggler Boss: The boat’s turning circles in the same place, over and over. Alice: Turning… circles? Courier Subordinate: Yes!! There’s nothing wrong with the motor, but for some reason the boat won’t move forward. It’s as if… as if the boat was being held by something underwater… Haunted Voice: You should die… (Startled, everyone looks around for the source.) Yuri: What was that voice?! Alice: It’s Li Li… Yuri: Li Li?! Smuggler: What IS that? Subordinate: H-here it comes!! (Li Li can be seen standing on the prow of the boat.) Li Li: Die! Let the stinking saltwater fill your lungs, and DIE!! The mindless fish will pluck and poke at your rotting corpse, at you bulging eyeballs! Zhuzhen: Here she comes, kid! So this was what was raising the hairs on the back of my neck… (turns to Smuggler Boss and Courier Subordinate) You two better take cover! This monster’s likely to give us some real trouble. Smuggler: A-all right! Subordinate: Eeeek!! (both run off) Alice: (steps forward) Li Li! Li Li: Tee-hee… So nice you remembered. I’ve been waiting for you… Alice: Li Li, please, tell us what you want us to do! What can we do so that your soul may rest in peace?! What do you want from us? Li Li: (disappears and reappears closer) Taste my suffering… and die! That’s what I want! My friends are coming to greet you! (disappears, reappears back on the prow) Yuri: Damn! She STILL hasn’t moved on yet?! Sea Mother’s Voice: On-tei-naa… Kai-zei-chii-fuu-motsu-gyaku… On-tei-naa… On-tei-naa… (There are several flashes of light and Li Li cringes.) Li Li: Y-you…?! Alice: (!) Master Zhuzhen? Zhuzhen: (nods) Heh heh heh. When did you get her, Sea Mother? You must have masked your presence. Li Li: You think you can suppress my spirit with your feeble “power”? Eeeeyyaaah!! DIIEEEEEE!! (A bolt of lightning strikes the hatch on the deck of the ship.) Sea Mother: Aaaahh! (Zhuzhen opens the hatch, Sea Mother crawls out surrounded by some black smoke.) Margarete: Sea Mother?! Sea Mother: (stands up and faces Li Li) Li Li! I will save your soul!! You will not be made to suffer any more. Now, calm your spirit!! Li Li: S-SILENCE!! (jolts Sea Mother again) Sea Mother: (collapses) Gwaaaah! Yuri: Sea Mama!! Alice: Li Li, stop this!! Sea Mother: O-on… tei-naa… On-tei… naa… Kai-zei… chii-fuu… (There are more flashes of light and Li Li cringes again.) Li Li: Th-the pain…!! C-creatures of the deep, attack!! Drag these fools to the bottom of the ocean!! (disappears) Zhuzhen: She’s run away. Couldn’t stand up to Sea Mother’s incantations, I suppose. (looks at her) Are you all right, Sea Mother? Why on earth did you do that? Sea Mother: (stands up) Forgive me, Master Zhuzhen. I… I just wanted to send Li Li off to Nirvana… Zhuzhen: That was an old-fashioned exorcism you preformed just now, yes? Here, let me lend a hand. If it’s all the same, why don’t we place seals all over the boat to help Li Li’s spirit settle down? Sea Mother: Master Zhuzhen! Are you sure? Zhuzhen: Think nothing of it. At this rate, the ship’s going nowhere for the time being. Well, let’s get to it, then. (turns to Yuri) Hey, kid. I’m going to put up a seal here. Help Sea Mother rest until I’m done. And I imagine the monsters will be attacking, so I need you to buy me some time, too. Yuri: Okay! You got it. (Later, Sea Mother, Margarete, Alice and Yuri are below deck.) Sea Mother: Thank you… I feel better now… Margarete: Mother, did you hide on the boat to put Li Li’s soul to rest? What, you KNEW this would happen?! Sea Mother: Yes… I didn’t think Li Li would give up so easily. I would give my life to save that poor girl’s soul! Alice: Say, Sea Mother… What happened after Li Li opened the door that night fourteen years ago? Sea Mother: Ah… We were interrupted. When Li Li opened the door that day… Well, it’s just as you might have imagined. She saw her father, back from the dead… he was in a terrible state. He returned to let Li Li take his life. He returned to give Li Li her voice back. Yuri: He came back as a drowned corpse… to be killed by his own daughter? Alice: And did she? Did she kill her father, who had finally returned? Sea Mother: No. She came to return the dagger. Then, with her father’s drowned corpse on her back… she walked on towards the ocean, staggering under the weight… That’s the last time anyone ever saw them. We couldn’t find their bodies, either. Alice, Yuri and Margarete: (…) Margarete: No wonder her spirit isn’t at peace… Sea Mother: I-I couldn’t do anything for her… Hack, hack…! (collapses) Alice: Are you all right? I’m sorry to bring up all these bad memories. Why don’t you get some rest? Sea Mother: (stands up) Thank you… (Yuri, Alice and Margarete go back up on the deck, leaving Sea Mother in the room with the bunks.) Courier Subordinate: (off-screen) Aiiieeeee!! Smuggler Boss: (off-screen) Wh-what IS this?! Yuri: (?) Th-the wheelhouse? Has something happened there…? (He finds that the door to the wheelhouse is locked from the inside.) Yuri: Open, damn you!! (kicks it open and laughs) Yeah! Now we’re talking! (Inside, the Courier Subordinate is laying on the ground with the Smuggler Boss kneeling over him.) Courier Subordinate: (C) BATTLE Yuri, Margarete and Alice Vs 4 Ogre Flames Yuri: Tsk… They’re an ELUSIVE bunch, aren’t they? Smuggler: (stands up) Wh-what was THAT? Yuri: You said you saw them in Dalian, didn’t you? Or their relatives. Smuggler: I-I… never imagined they actually…!! Sea Mother: (off-screen) Foul monsters! I’m not about to lose to the likes of you!! Oryaaaaahh!! Yuri: Tsk, now Sea Mama’s in on the action?! Well, isn’t this fun… (runs out) (Downstairs, they find Sea Mother kneeling on the floor.) BATTLE Yuri, Margarete and Alice Vs 3 White Wolflings Yuri: Hah! Piece of cake. Sea Mother: You… you’re good, boy. (stands up) They must be after Master Zhuzhen, too! Please, boy… would you go and check? Yuri: Sheesh, Sea Mama, you sure know how to work people. Anyway, that old geezer won’t be beaten so easily. Sea Mother: Master Zhuzhen is in the middle of a ceremony! He’s extremely vulnerable right now… Yuri: (C) (They go upstairs to find Zhuzhen performing a ritual.) Zhuzhen: On-tei-naa… On-tei-naa… (several flashes of light) BATTLE Yuri, Margarete and Alice Vs. 4 Ogre Flames Zhuzhen: All right. That should just about do it! (Zhuzhen becomes surrounded by a red aura and begins gesturing. There is a flash of light and a large yellow seal appears on the deck surrounded by five lit candles.) Alice: (!) So this is an old-fashioned exorcism pentagram? Yuri: Whoa!! I have absolutely no clue what’s going on, but it’s damn impressive! (Sea Mother has come up from below the deck to investigate.) Sea Mother: Th-this pentagram… it’s incredible! Zhuzhen: Sorry to keep you waiting, people. Everything’s ready now!! Now, Sea Mother, I’ll need your help. We have to keep Li Li’s power in check. (to Yuri) Give me a shout when you’re ready, kid. Sea Mother: Master Zhuzhen, I shall assist you! Zhuzhen: Are you ready? Yuri: Any time!! Zhuzhen: All right then, Mother. Let’s do this!! Sea Mother: Yes, let’s! On-tei-naa… On-tei-naa… Li Li, come before me! (there is a flash of light) Alice: H-here she comes!! (Lightning strikes the pentagram and Li Li appears in the middle.) Li Li: Graaarrrgh! Damn you, mortals!! How DARE you invoke that wretched chant!! DIE!! BATTLE Yuri, Margarete, Alice Vs Li Li Li Li: H-help me… the pain… Sea… Mother… (Dehuai appears on the prow of the ship.) Dehuai: Hee hee hee… This doll’s just about served it’s purpose. Alice: Who…?! Dehuai: (laughs) How nice to finally meet you, Alice Elliot. And Zhuzhen! Long time no see. Alice: So you’re Dehuai! You brought poor Li Li back, didn’t you?! You were USING her! Dehuai: That’s right. Ah, Alice… You’re even more beautiful than I had imagined! Yuri: Well, well! We finally meet the real Tiny, eh? Except that you’re not nearly as cute. Dehuai: Hmph. So you’re the abominable Harmonixer, are you? Very well. I’m sure you and the old man will make a lovely snack for the Shanghai crabs. Li Li, I shall unleash all of your power!! Hate everything! DEVOUR them with your hate! Hee hee hee hee!! (Dehuai begins to glow with an orange aura. Light is drawn to the fallen Li Li, who also begins glowing and stands up.) Alice: Y-you not going to get away with this! Wait, Li Li!! I promise you, I WILL deliver you to your eternal rest! BATTLE Yuri, Margarete and Alice Vs Li Li Li Li: Th-thank you… (disappears) Dehuai: Grrr… not bad, not bad… Yuri: (steps closer) It’s your turn next!! Dehuai: Hee hee hee… (disappears in a ball of light) (Sea Mother collapses after Dehuai disappears.) Alice: Sea Mother!! (kneels down beside her) Zhuzhen: You… you’re really something, Sea Mother. You gave every last ounce of strength you had to save her… It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such fine magic. Alice: Rest in peace, good Sea Mother… (stands up and walks to the prow of the ship) Spirits in the heavens! Spirits in the heavens! Our beloved magic user will be coming under you care. (…) Our wonderful, wonderful magic user… Please be good to her… (Sea Mother’s body flickers and disappears. Yuri, Margarete and Zhuzhen are all startled.) Yuri: …Yeah, spirits. Be good to her for us, won’cha? See ya, Sea Mama… Zhuzhen: Heh heh. A fine send off. Sea Mother will be most pleased. (The Smuggler Boss and the Courier Subordinate come out from the wheel room.) Subordinate: It’s finally over, right… The monsters are gone. Margarete: …Yes. Everything’s all right now. Let’s get this thing moving. Full speed ahead, please! Subordinate: (nods) R-right. Smuggler: (looks around) (…) (Fade out…) Kawashima: What… what in God’s name did I bear witness to tonight…? ~~Kuihai Tower~~ (Dehuai is standing alone in front of a strange machine.) Dehuai: Grrr…! I’ve failed again! Fengtian, Dalian… and yet again on that rotten boat! I must not underestimate that boy’s power. And now that Zhuzhen has joined the girl… Time to take a step back, and conjure up a plan. Hmm… (A thin man enters.) Wugui of Kowloon: …You called, Master Dehuai? Dehuai: Ah, Wugui! So glad you could make it here from Kowloon. I did not wish to tear you away from Hong Kong, but I could not afford NOT to call you… Wugui: (nods) Do not worry. Not much is going on in Hong Kong, and to tell the truth I was growing a little bored. Indeed, we’ve already made puppets of the newly-appointed French parliamentary officials. Dehuai: Excellent. Damn the foreign superpowers. They believe this country is theirs for the taking! Ha! I’ll never let it happen… As long as I’m here, they won’t lay a finger on Shanghai!! Wugui: Master, if I may be so bold… are you experiencing difficulties with the Demon’s Gate Invocation? Dehuai: Yes, well… As you can see, the Spirit Machine of Kuihai Tower is complete and ready to go… But the girl… the KEY… is still running loose. An unwelcome guest blocks my way. Wugui: Unwelcome… guest? Dehuai: (nods) Absolute Sage Zhuzhen! Wugui: Master Zhuzhen? I never imagined he still lived. Dehuai: Well, he does. The bastard… he’s been standing in my way ever since we were in training together! My Blue Dragon trap only succeeded in killing an old hag. Grr…!! Pathetic, I tell you! Wugui: Not to worry, Master Dehuai. I shall deliver the girl to you immediately… along with the old man’s head. Dehuai: Hee hee. Good, good! You’ve always been my best student. A word of warning, though. Do not underestimate them. …One of them is a monster with the power of Fusion. Wugui: (!) Fusion?! The Japanese man… he can’t still be alive? Dehuai: No, this one is different. He’s still young, though there is no doubt he’s a Harmonixer. Two Yamarajas have fallen to him thus far. Wugui: Gods…! Heh heh heh. If what you say is true, Master, this should be interesting. I, Wugui of Kowloon, shall not fail you. Dehuai: Then I’ll wait for the good news. Show that grinning bastard Roger Bacon what we’re capable of. Now, Wugui! Go! Wugui: Yes, Master! (leaves) ~~Flashback~~ […Fifteen years ago. 1889 Shanghai] (A rainy street in Shanghai. Zhuzhen limps to the middle of the street and collapses.) Zhuzhen: Wheeze… wheeze… I really… made… a mess… of this…. didn’t I… (collapses) (Wugui follows behind him with two other men.) Wugui: Heh heh heh… What a surprise, Master Zhuzhen. An Adept of the highest rank… fallen. Underling Tachun: Kee-hee-hee!! Y’didn’t really think we’d letcha get away, did ya!! A little fly like you, always flitting about, causing trouble for Master Dehuai?! No, sir! Underling Shaolin: Y’know what happens to flies, old man? They get SQUASHED! (Zhuzhen struggles to his feet.) Wugui, Tachun and Shaolin: (!) (Zhuzhen collapses again.) Wugui, Tachun and Shaolin: (S) Zhuzhen: Hee hee hee… You’re a fine bunch. Attaching yourselves to the infamous Dehuai and calling him “Master”. If you wanted a master, you’d have been better off declaring loyalty to one of those mangy street dogs! Wugui: Hmph, scum! After that torture session, it’s amazing you have any energy left to oppose the Master’s teachings. Of course, a maggot like you can’t really be expected to comprehend the greatness of Master Dehuai… Zhuzhen: …Greatness?! Greatness, you say?! That’s a good one!! Wah ha ha ha ha ! That’s a real side-splitter!! I think I’m going to die laughing!! Shaolin: Enough!! Shut up, you maggot!! Lord Wugui, let’s kill him and be done with it! Wugui: Still, there’s one thing I do not understand. Why do you oppose the Demon’s Gate Invocation? Our continent is being hacked to pieces. Lacking military might, there is one path to salvation… The Demon’s Gate Invocation! If we can destroy Japan, we shall send a clear and firm message to the West! Do you know any other way to maintain peace on this continent?! Zhuzhen: Hmph! I’ve no use for such drivel! Destroy Japan?! A warning shot to the West?! You’re a fool! That’s not what a Demon’s Gate Invocation is about…. Sure, like he says, it might be easy to blast Japan out of the water! But… just one misstep… and you could wind up blowing the entire world into oblivion!! Tachun: Shaddup! As if you know!! Wugui: Bah! I could stand here all day explaining it to you… you’ll never understand. Alas, it seems our discussion has now come to an end. Allow us to aid you on your trip to hell. Quiet Male Voice: …Hold it right there. (Two men walk up behind Zhuzhen.) Shaolin: W-who are you?! This ain’t no show, man. Get outta here before you get hurt! Colonel Hyuga: It seems the streets of Shanghai have become considerably more dangerous than I remember them… Tachun: Y-you’re Japanese, aren’t you?! Butt out, buddy, or I can’t guarantee you’ll get outta this alive! Zhuzhen: W-wait! These people have nothing to do with this! S-sir. Gentleman from Japan. Please be on your way. There’s no sense in you getting hurt, too. Wugui: He’s right. It would be wise not to meddle in things that don’t concern you. No good will come out of opposing us. Colonel Hyuga: I’m sorry, but I heard you were in league with Dehuai. I simply cannot ignore you. Wugui: (walks up to him) W-who ARE you?! Colonel Hyuga: That is of little importance… to those who are about to die. Wugui: Heh heh… what an amusing joke!! All right, fool! We’ll see who’s about to die!! BATTLE Colonel Hyuga Vs. Wugui and 2 Kappas Wugui: W-what are you… a demon?! Colonel Hyuga: I’ve changed my mind. I will not kill you. Run back to your master, and tell him this: “A man has appeared, who is coming for you. Until he arrives, live out your remaining days in fear.” Wugui: Grrr… You… you will regret those words!! (disappears in a blue sparkly cloud) Mr. Zhen: Are you all right, old sir?! Zhuzhen: Ugh… I’ll be all right… Heh heh heh. Not to sound ungrateful for your help, but… I don’t… exactly… consider myself so old yet. Urgh… (stands up) Mr. Zhen: I’m Zhongyun Zhen, and this is Colonel Ben Hyuga. Zhuzhen: I thank you for coming to my rescue. My name is Zhuzhen. I’m an Adept. Colonel Hyuga: It would appear so. Zhuzhen: E-exactly what… sort of person are you? The Fusion technique… I heard about it a long time ago, but I never expected to see it myself… Heh heh… how amusing to hear that fiend call YOU a demon… Talk about… the pot and the kettle… (collapses) Mr. Zhen: Please, Zhuzhen, relax! Your wounds may be worse than you think… Zhuzhen: Damn! If I weren’t in such a state, I’d have made short work of those bastards. Urgh… Owww… Colonel Hyuga: Heh heh. It’s clear that your injuries haven’t affected that mouth of yours. Mr. Zhen: The shop I run is just down the way. Come with us, and I’ll treat your wounds. Zhuzhen: Th-there’s no need for that. I’m feeling much better already… Much bet… O-ouch…! Colonel Hyuga: Hah! Come, Master Zhuzhen. I will carry you there. (bends down) ~~Cypress Hotel~~ (Back to the present time. Zhuzhen is looking out of the window of a large hotel room. Alice stands behind him.) Zhuzhen: …And that was how I first met the man. The next thing I knew he was carrying me piggy-back, and I could feel my face burning red! He was an incredible man, and handsome to boot… so much so that he almost had ME swooning! Hah! Alice: Goodness! Was he really that strong? He must have been amazing. And he had Fusion powers, just like… (!) …You… you don’t think he could be Yuri’s…?! Zhuzhen: You guessed it. You’re not going to find too many people in this world who can wield Fusion. But I just can’t make up my mind to tell the kid, you know… I guess I’m too much of a coward… Alice: And then? What happened to Colonel Hyuga after that? Zhuzhen: (turns to the window and shakes his head) …It’s hard to believe that was fifteen years ago… Time sure does fly. The city’s completely changed, too. I feel like… I’ve been left behind to grow old and decrepit… Alice: Zhuzhen…! What are you saying? You’re still plenty young!! Zhuzhen: Heh heh heh. It’s nice of you to say that. You’re a sweet girl. (Both laugh and Alice walks over to the foot of the farthest bed where Yuri is sleeping.) Alice: Yuri sure has been sleeping a for a long time. And here we are in Shanghai and everything! Zhuzhen: Ha ha ha… He’s probably sleeping off the effect of his seasickness. Everybody’s got their weaknesses. Well, then, I guess maybe I’ll be going out for awhile. After all these years, I feel like wandering around a bit, maybe stopping by an old friend’s place. Alice: Tee-hee. All right. Zhuzhen: I don’t expect to be out all that late. (The lobby of the hotel is very fancy, with pattered wallpaper, Oriental rugs and a chandelier. Margarete is standing on the ground floor.) Margarete: Oh! Are you going out? Zhuzhen: Yeah. Thought I’d go kill some time. By the way, you haven’t seen our two smuggler friends, have you? Margarete: They both left a little while ago. Seems they have someone to meet more shady business, I’d guess. But what a metropolis Shanghai is! I just went and had a look… It’s nothing like Fengtian or Dalian! ~~Japanese Army Headquarters, Shanghai~~ (Kawashima and Kato enter a room similar to Kawashima’s office. They are met by an officer and two riflemen.) Lieutenant Suketani: We’ve been waiting for you, Lt. Colonel Kawashima! Kawashima: Ah, it’s been awhile, Lieutenant Suketani. At ease, please. Suketani: Ma’am how are we doing on the “package” for the mainland? The special charter is ready. Kawashima: Yes, about that… I was thinking we might postpone it for a bit. Kato: … Suketani: Understood, then I’ll relay a message to the mainland. Is that acceptable? Kawashima: Yes, please do. Lieutenant Suketani, how’s the investigation coming along? Suketani: Yes, ma’am. We’ve managed to get our probes rather deep inside. (He looks meaningfully at the riflemen who salute and depart. He then walks over to Kato and stands in front of him.) Suketani: (…) Kato: (S) Kawashima: Ah, yes. I forgot to introduce you, Suketani. This is Sergeant Kato. You may talk in front of him. Suketani: Is that right. Then you must excuse me, Sergeant. My apologies. (walks back to the centre of the room) An agent of the Investigative Committee recently arrived from Tokyo. Even I was cross-examined. It seems that it is YOU who are under investigation, ma’am. You’re safe with me, but please stay alert. Kawashima: I’M being investigated?! It must be a spy sent by one of my father’s political enemies… The Capital is a pit of schemes. I’ll be careful. Please continue with what you were saying before. Suketani: Yes. Dehuai, who’s fighting against our Japanese army, is planning a Demon’s Gate Invocation. But he still needs a few more things to cast the Taoist magic needed for the invocation. Kawashima: A few more things? Suketani: A catalyst is necessary for the main part of the ceremony. And that will be the English girl. Dehuai must also banish the four gods that block the ceremony by protecting the earthly veins. It appears that all of these factors must be in place to make the ceremony possible. In the past six months, Dehuai has collected the Black Tortoise, the Blue Dragon and the Red Phoenix. Kawashima: So the only one left is the White Tiger, then… And where is the White Tiger? Do you know yet? Suketani: It’s in Wuhan. More precisely, it’s sealed in the temple ruins on the edge of Wuhan. Kawashima: Of course Dehuai knows this? Then before it falls into his hands, we must send troops to seize it. Suketani: We’ve sent forces there… twice. But… Kawashima: However? Suketani: Every last man was lost. Not a single survivor. Some terribly powerful monsters have made a nest out of those temple ruins. Kawashima: Are those monsters protecting the White Tiger? And I wonder why they picked such a troublesome spot…? Suketani: I don’t know. But apparently, Dehuai isn’t able to handle them, either. Kawashima: (…) Suketani: (?) Wh-what is it, Lt. Colonel? Kawashima: I’ve just had an idea! Suketani: A… an idea? Kawashima: We fight fire with fire. We defeat the monsters with a monster… ~~Mr. Zhen’s Bar~~ (Zhuzhen enters a small club with a stage and a bar. There are a few people at the tables, drinking.) Zhuzhen: Sorry to bother you, but I’d like to see the proprietor. Just tell him Zhuzhen is here. Bartender Ten Ten: Sorry, sir. The boss isn’t in. Zhuzhen: Doesn’t this place belong to Mr. Zhen? Bartender: Zhen? Can’t say I recall the name… Zhuzhen: Let’s stop the kidding around, shall we? I’m talking about that young lady’s father. Bartender: Oh, if that’s who you mean, just have seat. He should be along any minute now. Zhuzhen: He’s not… the owner of this place? Bartender: Hah, give me a break. This place changed hands years ago. Zhuzhen: … (walks over to the tables) (A young lady with a Chinese fiddle walks out on stage, bows. As she plays Zhuzhen has a monologue. Cut scene…) Zhuzhen: You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman, Qiuhua. Since I saw you last, the sound of your playing has become so much richer. Well, what do you think, Zhen? Why is it that the march of time, the endless rising and setting of the sun, has to be so hard on us old folks? Heh heh. At any rate, Zhen, here I am back in Shanghai. I intend to clean things up once and for all… the legacy of Hyuga, who passed on so long ago. Well, perhaps next time. (End of cutscene. Qiuhua leaves the stage then returns without her fiddle.) Quihua: U-uncle Zhuzhen? Uncle Zhuzhen!! (runs over to him) Zhuzhen: It’s good to see you, Quihua. You’ve turned into a real knockout, then, haven’t you? Quihua: It’s good to see YOU! You look well. In fact, you haven’t changed a bit! Zhuzhen: So how’s your dad? How’s Mr. Zhen? Quihua: … Zhuzhen: …What’s the matter? (Quihua looks towards the door as a decrepit-looking Zhen shambles in.) Zhuzhen: M-Mr. Zhen…? Drunken Lee: What do you want now, man? Begging fer coins again, huh? Fine! I’ll give you some! Hoodlum Kan: So you’re living off you’re daughter’s scraps? Well, what a sob story that is! Gyahahah! Mr. Zhen: (!) Zhuzhen?! Quihua: That’s right, Father. Uncle Zhuzhen is back. Mr. Zhen: Y-you’re alive…?! But… how?! Zhuzhen: What kind of greeting is that for an old friend? Fifteen long years, and you look like you’ve seen a ghost! They tell me this place has changed hands. Is it true? Mr. Zhen: Err… Erm… Yes, it’s true. Zhuzhen: Aw, come on! What’re you being so formal with me for? That’s no way for the owner of this place to… Mr. Zhen: … Male Voice: …I am the owner of this business. (The curtains behind the bar open and a man in red steps through.) Zhuzhen: Y-you’re… Wugui! So you’re still alive… Wugui: Heh heh… I believe that’s my line, Master Zhuzhen. I’m finally back from Kowloon, and I find myself meeting old faces. Let me welcome you properly. Quihua and Mr. Zhen: (!) Quihua: Master Wugui, please leave Uncle Zhuzhen alone. He just came here to see father. That’s all. So please… Please…! Zhuzhen: M-MASTER WUGUI?! Wugui: Why act so surprised? Didn’t I just tell you? I am the proprietor of this place. Once, Zhuzhen, Zhen opposed Master Dehuai. Now, he and his daughter are among my employees. Zhuzhen: I-I can’t believe it! Is this true, Zhen?! Mr. Zhen: … …Yes. Zhuzhen: (shakes head) H-how could this have…? Wugui: Hah ha ha ha ha!! What’s the matter, Zhuzhen? Shanghai’s changed! Now then, to begin the welcome banquet! You remember how to play the old game, don’t you?! You two! (Lee and Kan approach) Back in his day, this old man was the toughest guy around. Beat him and I’ll reward you. (Zhuzhen motions to Quihua.) Quihua: (!) (runs off) Drunken Lee: Heh heh heh! I’ll be accepting that reward, Master Wugui. I’ll take you on first, old man. BATTLE Zhuzhen Vs. Kappa Zhuzhen: Th-these bastards aren’t human… Oh, I get it! You’re all Dehuai’s underlings, then, eh?! Well, in that case… In that case, if I win, I get this place as my prize. Wugui: …Hmph. In any case, your attempts will prove futile. You’re far too old for this. Hoodlum Kan: Not bad, gramps. But can you hold up? Maybe it’s time for a prayer. BATTLE Zhuzhen Vs. Kappa Wugui: Amazing! Zhuzhen, you truly are amazing. Your arts are as sharp as ever, even if you yourself haven’t fared as well. Zhuzhen: Hmph! Are you quite finished? Wugui: Enough talk. Now you face me. Heh heh heh… You DO remember, don’t you?! Your magic has no effect on me! Zhuzhen: … BATTLE Zhuzhen Vs. Wugui (Wugui has extendible limbs and performs the “Game of Death” which results in maximum damage.) Mr. Zhen: Zhuzhen!! Zhuzhen: (kneeling) (S) I-I’ll be all right!! Y-you magic-sucking, half-pint, slicked-back bastard… Wugui: Heh. And I was thinking of allowing you a quick death. As usual, you had to go and say too much… I’ll cut off your limbs and serve them to Dehuai. And that wagging tongue of yours as well! Young Male Voice: Ah, there they are! (Yuri and Quihua run in.) Yuri: (kneels down by Zhuzhen) What’re you doing, pops? I thought you were off eating pot stickers or something. Don’t tell me you’re half-dead? You hurt? This guy did this to you? Zhuzhen: Heh… What’s the matter, kid? You sound like you’re actually starting to care about me or something. Wugui: Some of your friends, Zhuzhen? Poke around in other people’s business and you’re bound to get hurt. I’ll forgive you this intrusion. Get lost! Yuri: (stands up and walks over to Wugui) Oh, it’s you?? Dehuai’s lousy servant!! I don’t care if you get down on your hands and knees, I won’t let you off the hook! Wugui: (S) W-who are you?! Yuri: Why would I tell you?! It doesn’t matter anyway, since you’re going to die right here! You really are dumb! Wugui: Wh-wh-wh… What an amusing joke!! A… all right, fool! We’ll see who’s who’s about to die!! BATTLE Yuri Vs. Wugui (Wugui’s Game of Death has no effect on Yuri and he defeats Wugui. Alice and Margarete run in after Wugui collapses.) Wugui: F-fusion!! Y-you… you’re… a demon…! Yuri: I changed my mind! I’m not going to kill you anymore, so you run along to Dehuai… Since I’m here, he better hide his girlie magazines, ‘cause he could get killed any day now! Wugui: Nnngh… Things’ll go a bit differently next time, kid!! (disappears in a blue sparkly cloud) Alice: Are you all right, Zhuzhen?! Zhuzhen: (stands up) Ugh.. I’ll be all right… Heh heh heh. Not to sound ungrateful for your help, but… couldn’t you have come just a little sooner…? Hey, I think I’m having déjà vu… Urgh… owww… Mr. Zhen: Arrgg.. No… What’s happening… I can’t believe it… Yuri: What is it? Something on my face? Mr. Zhen: There’s no mistaking it… His eyes… and his mouth… It’s an absolute likeness!! Like a twin… It’s as if he’s alive… and… grew to be this grand… ohh… urggh… Yuri: (S) (turns to Alice) Hey, he’s crying! Er… What should I do? Quihua: Master Zhuzhen, is he…? Zhuzhen: Heh heh heh… You guess right, Quihua, Zhen. Let me introduce you. The kid’s name is Yuri. It’s a memento from Colonel Ben Hyuga!! Yuri: (!) Hunh?! ~~Cypress Hotel~~ (Everyone has gathered at the hotel room, Yuri is staring out the window.) Mr. Zhen: …Yes, when I was in Tongliao, your father saved my life. Ever since then, I accompanied him in his travels. We opened a shop in Shanghai be