The cargo ship limps away from a smoking South Gate. It makes its way towards a busy airport city.
Bridge
Zidane: I think we pushed it a little too hard.
He gets up and turns.
Zidane: Why so silent, people?
Zidane: We made it! Come on, cheer up!
Dagger: South Gate was badly damaged...
Dagger: It was my fault, wasn't it...?
Zidane: Don't worry about it! They'll fix it up in no time.
Steiner: You idiot!
Steiner: The cargo ship was wrecked, we lost all the cargo, and South Gate was destroyed!
Steiner: I can't believe I played a part in this debacle!
(Dagger): Steiner.
(Steiner): Yes, Princess!
Dagger: I didn't mean to get you involved... But you saved us.
(Dagger): I thank you.
Steiner (kneels): Such kind words! I am not worthy!
Steiner: Well, now I've made up my mind!
Steiner: I vow to protect you, Princess, until we return to the castle!
Zidane: How do you feel about that, Dagger? He'll follow you to the end of the world.
Dagger: It's okay, Zidane.
Dagger: Hey, I can see the main gate of Lindblum!
Steiner: That's Lindblum Castle!? How gigantic...!
Dagger: The city of Lindblum is inside the castle.
Zidane: (I guess Dagger and I will go our separate ways once we reach Lindblum...)
(Steiner): I see...
Zidane: (Just when we were beginning to get close...)
Vivi: ...Zidane.
Vivi: Those...black mages and I...
Vivi: Are we...the same...?
(Zidane): ......
(Dagger): ......
Steiner: I don't understand, Master Vivi.
Steiner: Just what seems to be the problem...?
(Vivi) (turns): ...I don't know.
Steiner: Master Vivi, why would those mages be the same as you?
Steiner: And why would it matter if they were...?
Zidane: Rusty's right!
(Steiner): ?
Zidane: You're an individual, no matter what happens, Vivi!
(Vivi): R-Right!
Zidane: Let's go out to the deck, Vivi!
He runs out.
(Vivi): Why?
Zidane: You've gotta see Lindblum from above! It's the best!
Zidane looks back in through the window.
Zidane: Look, the Falcon's Gate is right in front of us!
Vivi goes to see.
Movie: They drift toward a large castle, surrounded with other airships coming and going. A gate with a falcon design opens up and lets them through. Inside, the float through a bustling city, the air full of ships. They head toward another gate in the large central building.
Royal dock
They get off the cargo ship, and look around.
Vivi: Wow! This castle is huge! It's even bigger than Alexandria Castle!
Zidane: Yeah. They don't call it Lindblum Grand Castle for nothing.
Steiner: An indoor airship dock! This is truly amazing...!
Steiner: Even Her Majesty's Red Rose would easily fit in here.
Zidane: ...Dagger, you don't look too impressed. Have you been here before?
Dagger: Yes, I came here a few times when I was little... I haven't been here since my father passed away.
Some guards come over to them.
Zidane: Here comes the welcoming committee.
Dagger steps forward.
Elite Guard: That's a really old airship.
Dagger: Greetings. I am Princess Garnet Til Alexandros.
Dagger: I humbly request an audience with Regent Cid.
Elite Guard: You must be kidding! No member of the royal family, let alone a princess, would ever ride in such a shabby airship.
Elite Guard: And look at the company you're keeping.
Steiner: How dare you accuse the princess of lying!? The princess was forced to come here under extreme circumstances!
Elite Guard: Then show me some kind of proof of your royal heritage.
Dagger: Very well...
She shows him her pendant.
Elite Guard: This pendant... Is it a Falcon Claw!? ...No. The shape is a little different.
Elite Guard: Call Minister Artania!
One of the other guards leaves.
Steiner (to Zidane): If you weren't such a filthy-looking oaf, they would not be so suspicious of us!
Zidane: Hey, I'm not the idiot with the loud voice, and the dirty, rusty armor.
Steiner: WHAT!!!?
Minister Artania enters.
Minister Artania: What is going on?
Elite Guard: Sir, we have unknown visitors who wish to see the regent.
Elite Guard: And one of them is carrying a pendant that looks like a Falcon Claw.
(Minister Artania): !
Minister Artania: You are dismissed. I'll take care of this.
(Elite Guard) (salutes): Yes, sir!
The guards leave. Dagger walks over to the Minister.
Dagger: Uncle Artania!
Minister Artania: It's good to see you, Princess.
Minister Artania: Please follow me. The regent is waiting.
(Dagger): ?
The rest of the party approaches Dagger as the Minister leaves. Dagger and Zidane converse a moment, and they follow.
Fountain area
* Officer: You're going to see the regent? Wow, you're so lucky.
Officer: The last time I saw him was over half a year ago, when I was promoted to officer.
Officer: He's a very busy man.
* Fountain
=The Blessing of Water=
By Maulissio, Court Artisan
Celebrating 20 Years of Rule under Cid IX
Zidane: Hmmm... Looks like there's no place to insert the medal.
* Umaeda: I'm takin' the day off.
Umaeda: You look a bit tense.
Umaeda: Why don't you relax a bit and listen to my story?
Umaeda: Come on, you'll love it.
Umaeda: This is your only chance to hear it.
Umaeda: Okay, here it goes. When I was 27...
(Umaeda): ......
Umaeda: zzzZZ...zzzZZ...
* Umaeda: zzzZZ...zzzZZ...
* Soldier: Welcome to Lindblum!
Royal dock
* Statue
=Statue of Cid Fabool I=
By Laurent, Court Artisan
To Commemorate the Birth of Cid I
* Soldier: The last regent, Cid VIII, was a great ruler. He developed the Mist-powered engine and helped modernize Lindblum.
* Aviator: Wow, check this baby out! She's a classic!
Aviator: They used this ship's engine as the basis for all other airships.
Aviator: Nothing compares to this baby. You can't call yourself a true airman until you've ridden a wooden barge like this one.
* Lower Soldier: Behind me is the air cab station.
Station
Engineer Zebolt comes down the stairs.
Engineer Zebolt: Hey, where can I find the...you know...
Attendant: It's in the main dock, sir!
Engineer Zebolt: Oh, okay. Thanks.
He leaves for the dock.
* Attendant: Dr. Zebolt hardly ever leaves the Airship Research Center.
Attendant: That cargo ship must be carrying something mighty special.
* Top dock
For descending passengers only. Please do not board.
Air Cab Management
Royal hallway
* Soldier: This is a restricted area.
* Airman
Zidane: You're an airman, right? Seems like a lot of girls are joining the crew these days.
Female Crew Member: Oh, hello...
Zidane: So what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the airship docks or something?
Female Crew Member: ...I passed the flight test for the new model.
Female Crew Member: I was really looking forward to flying No. 1, but it's gone now...
Female Crew Member: Who knows when they'll finish No. 2, with the regent's current condition...
Zidane: Don't worry. You'll get your chance someday, and you'll be the first pilot ever to fly the new model.
Zidane: By the way, what's your name?
Female Crew Member: Thank you! I feel much better now.
Zidane: Good. I'm Zidane and you're...
Female Crew Member: My name is Erin.
Zidane: Hey, that's a really nice name. Erin, I'm gonna go get something to eat now. Do you wanna-
Female Crew Member: I have to get back now. Goodbye.
She practically runs away. Zidane is crushed.
Guest room
- Glass Armlet: First chest.
- Ether: Top chest.
* Deliver letter to Mogki
Mogki: It's a letter from Kumop, kupokupo! Thank you very much! Kupokupo! (title: Stiltzkin Visited Me!)
From Kumop to Mogki
Stiltzkin visited me! Kupo!
He said he found a place that seemed interesting, and then he left.
I wish he had stayed longer, kupo. Where did he go, anyway? Let me know when you find out! Kupo!
Mogki: Stiltzkin! Stiltzkin! Kupokupo! I wonder if he stopped in Lindblum!
Lift
Minister Artania: Lindblum Castle has three levels, all connected by this lift.
Minister Artania: From the base level, which lies below the Mist, you can take a trolley to the harbor and the back gate.
Minister Artania: Ships hardly ever arrive at the harbor anymore since travel by air has become so popular.
Minister Artania: The Mist poses great danger, so we've sealed off everything.
Minister Artania: Just above the Base Level is the Mid Level.
Minister Artania: You can ride the air cab from the Mid Level to go to town.
Minister Artania: The Upper Level contains the royal chamber and conference room.
Minister Artania: Access to that level is restricted, because the regent himself resides there.
Zidane: Hey, Dagger, what's Regent Cid like?
Zidane: I lived in Lindblum for a while, but I've never met him.
Dagger: Regent Cid is very wise. He always thinks ahead.
Dagger: He may seems a bit odd at times, but he is very dependable. He and my father were best friends...
She turns away.
Dagger: ...I wonder if he will even listen to what I have to say...
Zidane: Don't worry. We're not leaving until he does.
Minister Artania: We will arrive at the Upper Level shortly.
Throneroom
The Minister enters and addresses an empty throne.
Minister Artania: Sire, Princess Garnet of Alexandria wishes to see you.
Dagger enters, and bows. She is followed by Steiner. She looks around.
Steiner: Princess, is something wrong?
Dagger: The regent isn't here, and I don't know who... Take a look at the throne.
(Steiner): ?
(Steiner): What in the world...?
An oglop with a moustache peeks around the throne.
(Oglop): <Gwok-gwok.>
(Oglop): <Gwok-gwok!>
It hops onto the throne.
(Oglop): Greetings!
(Steiner): !!!
It hops toward Dagger.
(Steiner): OG...!!!
(Steiner): OGLOP!!!
He throws it into the throne.
(Minister Artania): Sire!
(Oglop): What!?
(Dagger): Wh...!?
(Steiner): !?
Zidane (enters): Dagger, what's wrong? Why aren't you talking to-
Zidane: GEEZ! That's an oglop!
Vivi (enters): Wow... Even the oglops are big in Lindblum.
Steiner: What is the meaning of this!?
Steiner: How dare you greet the princess like this!?
Steiner: Get that repulsive bug off the throne immediately, and call the regent!
Minister Artania: Please, settle down! You ARE before the regent!
Steiner: What!? Enough of your nonsense!
Dagger: Steiner, stand down.
Dagger: I remember that moustache. Is that really you, Uncle Cid?
Regent Cid: Yes. Greetings, all <gwok>. I am Cid Fabool, Regent of Lindblum.
Regent Cid: I knew it was you-I recognized your pendant's description; it's so much like my 'Falcon Claw.'
Regent Cid: I'm delighted to see you again, Garnet. You have truly <gwok> become a fine lady. I, on the other hand...
Minister Artania: Allow me to explain.
Minister Artania: About six months ago, someone snuck into the castle and attacked the regent in his sleep.
Minister Artania: Unfortunately, we were too late...
Minister Artania: The regent had been transformed into an oglop, and his wife, Lady Hilda, was abducted.
(Dagger): My goodness...
Zidane: Whoever pulled this off had to be highly skilled, like me.
Steiner: Hmph! I'll bet it was you!
Regent Cid: That's not possible.
Zidane: How can you be so sure? Do you know who we are?
Regent Cid: Of course. I may be a bug <gwok>, but I am still the ruler of Lindblum.
Dagger: Uncle Cid, I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice. I desperately need to speak to you about my mother.
Regent Cid: That's what I figured.
Regent Cid: But I'm sure it can wait 'til tomorrow.
Regent Cid: Why don't you all get some rest for today?
Dagger: Thank you.
Minister Artania: It is time for lunch. Please follow me.
Vivi poings.
Street outside a pub
Zidane: I can't stand the food at the castle. It's way too high-class for my tastes.
Zidane: How can anyone get full on that stuff?
Zidane: The cheap food here is a lot better.
Zidane: Today's special is... Soup du Silence. Not bad.
He enters.
Pub
Zidane: Yo, Pops. I'll have the stupid special.
Bobo: Who said that!?
Bobo: Zidane... I figured it was you.
Zidane: How've you been?
Bobo: Alright, I guess...
Bobo: Have a seat. Your soup'll be ready in a minute.
Lilian: Do you mind? You're standing in everyone's way.
(Zidane) (turns to Lilian): Wow...
He watches her walk past, and then follows her.
(Zidane): Hey.
Lilian: Yeah? Do you want a drink?
Zidane: How about you and me go for a cruise on an airship?
Lilian: Really!? An airship!?
Zidane: Sounds like you've never been on one. You know, Lindblum is quite a sight from high above.
Woman at the Counter: Hey, monkey-tail, you're disturbing the other customers.
Zidane: What the- you've got a tail, too, rat-face!
Woman at the Counter: Rat-face... After I finish my drink, I'm gonna kick your butt.
Bobo: Hey, Zidane, take it outside.
She drinks up, and turns to face Zidane.
(Zidane): !!!
Woman at the Counter: Long time, Zidane.
(Zidane): Hey! What's up!?
Zidane: Wait a minute...
Woman at the Counter: You forgot my name?
(Zidane): No, I remember.
(Zidane): You're Helga, right?
(Woman at the Counter): Wrong.
Zidane: ...Christine?
(Woman at the Counter): No!
(Zidane): ...Oh yeah!
Zidane: You used to live next door to me. How's it going...Ratchel?
Zidane: Man, you've really gotten...big.
Woman at the Counter: You nasty little-
Zidane: Come on. I'm just kiddin'. You know I never forget a pretty girl's name.
Zidane: So, how've you been, Freya?
Freya: ...Same old Zidane.
Zidane: How long has it been?
Freya: About 3 years.
Zidane: Hey, did you ever find out anything about your boyfriend?
Freya: No...
Zidane: So... What brings you to Lindblum?
Freya: The Festival of the Hunt. What else? It's a good opportunity to test my skills.
Zidane: Oh... Well, I'm sure you'll find him someday.
Freya: Aren't you participating?
Zidane: ...Nah. I think I'll pass.
Freya: Lazy bum.
Zidane: ...Are you ever gonna go back?
Freya: I have no reason to return to Burmecia.
Freya: There is nothing there for me anymore.
Throneroom
Cid and Dagger enter.
Regent Cid: So, how is the queen? Is she still as vibrant as ever?
Dagger: Yes, but...
Dagger: Since Father died, Mother has been acting very strangely...
Regent Cid: I'm not surprised <gwok-gwok>. They loved each other so much...
Dagger: We haven't spoken much lately. Also, a suspicious man has been prowling around the castle.
Dagger: I don't know what's going on anymore... I fear that she might be planning something terrible.
Dagger: I've brought this matter to everybody's attention, but no one has taken me seriously.
Dagger: They all think I'm distraught over losing Father...
Regent Cid: I understand why you are so eager. I'm happy that you came to me for help.
Dagger: At this point, I think you're the only person Mother will listen to...
Dagger: When I heard that Lindblum's theater ship was coming to Alexandria, I decided to sneak on board and come here no matter what.
Dagger: I just never expected the crew to kidnap me...
Regent Cid: It was me... I was the one who ordered Tantalus to kidnap you.
(Dagger): !?
The scene changes. Dagger is seated, listening to Cid.
Regent Cid: I once promised your father <gwok>, that should anything happen, I would protect you.
Regent Cid: We've known about the disturbances in Alexandria for some time.
Regent Cid: But had we acted directly, it would've started a war.
Regent Cid: So, I asked Baku for help. He and I go way back.
Regent Cid: The play was the perfect cover to enter Alexandria and get you out. No one would suspect Lindblum was behind it.
Regent Cid: We were <gwok> forced to take action, because we knew Alexandria would never seek our help.
Regent Cid: I'm relieved we were able to get you here.
The scene changes again. Cid heads to the throne.
Dagger: At the village of Dali, we saw numerous black mages. They looked like golems, controlled by some powerful magic.
Dagger: On top of that, they were being created under Alexandria's supervision.
Dagger: I don't know how they're related to Vivi, but if Mother is planning to use them for war...
Regent Cid: We won't let that happen.
Regent Cid: Even if she were to command an army of black mages, she won't make a move as long as we have our airship fleet.
Regent Cid: Don't worry <gwok-gwok>. Everything will be fine.
Dagger kneels.
Dagger: I'm so sorry, Uncle.
Regent Cid: Now, now, come on. Don't be so formal.
Regent Cid: I'm helping you because I am your Uncle Cid, not because I am the regent of Lindblum.
Dagger: Thank you so much.
Research dock
(Dagger): What is this place...?
Regent Cid: The heart and soul of Lindblum: our airship dock. This is Dock No. 1, where we conduct our research <gwok>.
Dagger: But...where are the airships?
Regent Cid: Lonely, isn't it...?
Regent Cid: We had a new airship model in here about 6 months ago.
Regent Cid: It was our latest creation: it didn't require Mist to fly.
Dagger: The man who attacked you-was he the one who ran off with it?
Regent Cid: Good guess, but no... Actually... I met a lovely lady at the pub...
(Dagger): ...Um?
Regent Cid: When Hilda found out about my little affair, she used her magic and turned me into an oglop.
Regent Cid: Then she stormed off in the new airship, which I named Hilda Garde. Pretty ironic, eh?
(Regent Cid): ......
Regent Cid: She hasn't been back since <gwok>.
Regent Cid: I've been working on Hilda Garde 2, but it hasn't been going too well. My mind just isn't the same as an oglop.
Regent Cid: I'm hopeless...
Regent Cid: But that doesn't mean I can't help you. I'll do my best for Alexandria.
Dagger: Thank you... But with South Gate badly damaged, I don't know how we can get to Alexandria...
Regent Cid: Don't worry. South Gate is being repaired as we speak.
Regent Cid: Once the repairs are finished, we'll go to Alexandria.
Dagger: Yes. I'm sure Mother will finally open her eyes to the truth.
(Regent Cid): ......
(Dagger): Uncle, is something wrong?
Regent Cid: Huh? No, I was just thinking... about how the theater ship crashed.
Regent Cid: Baku sure has good men working under him...
