FF6 hh annotated script

This is an annotated script for Final Fantasy VI, written by hairy_hen.  It is based almost entirely on the live translation of the game found on Legends of Localization, though Mr. Mandelin was not involved with the writing of this script aside from having provided the necessary information on his website.  Some additional material comes from the kWhazit translation, though this was primarily used for non-story text.

Most of the notes provided here concern story and character details that were lost or distorted in previous releases of the game.  Specifics of Japanese grammar are rarely mentioned, and are raised only when necessary to explain why something has been written in a certain way.  Translation accuracy is the primary goal of this version, though sometimes instances of deviation from the source are noted, along with the reasons behind them.

Currently the annotations extend about halfway through the script, but more will be added as time allows.




[caption #0]
There's the city...
Hard to believe an Esper's been found there, a thousand years after the War of the Magi...

In Japanese the soldiers aren’t named during this scene, so it isn’t always clear which of them is saying each line, but it’s likely that whichever one is performing an action at the time is also meant to be the one speaking.

[caption #1]
Could it still be alive? Or is this just another empty rumor?
I don't know...
They wouldn't have sent the girl with us if the information wasn't good.

In Japanese, the soldiers are more doubtful about whether there’s actually an Esper in Narshe.  They don’t ask why Terra is with them, but acknowledge that her presence lends it credibility.

[caption #2]
The girl born with the power of magic...
I heard she burned up fifty of our Magitek Armored soldiers in only three minutes. Creeps me out just looking at her…

The soldiers referring to her as ’the girl born with the power of magic’ helps to set up the fact that Terra is different from other humans.

[caption #3]
Don’t worry. With that thing on her head, she’s nothing but a mindless puppet. She'll follow orders.

The mind control device does not have a specific title in the original.

[caption #4]
We'll approach from the east. Move out!

[caption #5]
Long ago, the War of the Magi reduced the world to a wasteland of devastation, and even the power of magic itself was lost.

The SNES script says that magic ceased to exist, but this isn’t really the case: we find out later that everyone who survived the war and still knew how to use magic (Esper and human alike) went into hiding.

[caption #6]
A thousand years have passed. Iron, gunpowder, steam engines: with the power of machinery, mankind is thriving once more…

The idea of machines bringing new life to human civilization isn’t quite there in the SNES version, although it’s not too far away from it.

[caption #7]
But though the power of magic has become but a legend, there are those who would revive this mighty force and use it to conquer all…

Magic becoming legend through the passage of time is not mentioned in the SNES version.

[caption #8]
Are those in power truly on the verge of repeating such a senseless and deadly mistake?

[caption #9]
A mysterious light fills the area…
Want information on Save Points?
   Yes
   No

[caption #10]
The girl goes on point. These guys shouldn’t be too much trouble. Forward!

There isn’t anything here about the soldiers putting her on point in order to avoid taking risks, as the SNES version says.  In the Japanese version they seem less concerned about the Narshe guards and more confident about being able to get through.

[caption #11]
The Esper must be in here. Move out!

[caption #12]
Guard: Imperial Magitek Armor? Not even Narshe is safe anymore!

[caption #13]
Guard: We won't allow the Empire to have its way!

The Japanese line is just about denying the Empire; there’s nothing about them riding machines.

[caption #14]
Guard: Narshe's freedom depends on us!

[caption #15]
According to our source, the frozen Esper was found in a new mine shaft.
...Maybe this one...

[caption #16]
I'll handle this. Stand back!

[caption #17]
Guard: We've got 'em surrounded!

[caption #18]
Guard: We must defend the mines!

[caption #19]
Locked.

[caption #20]
Girl: Where am I...?

[caption #21]
Old Man: You’re already awake? And I only just removed the crown…
Girl: My head hurts...

[caption #22]
Old Man: Careful now. This is an enslavement crown. The others had complete control over you while you were wearing it.

Though the mind-control device on her head doesn’t have a specific name, ’enslavement crown’ is close to the intended meaning.

[caption #23]
Girl: I can't remember anything...
Old Man: Don't worry. Your memory should return, in time.
Girl: ......

[caption #24]
My name is... Terra...
Old Man: Impressive… You must have a strong will, to recover so quickly.

[caption #25]
“Open up!”
“Hand over the girl who was in Magitek Armor!”

This scene is messed up in the original release because there seems to have been confusion about the scenario.  In this line, the guards are not saying ‘give us back the armor’ because it isn’t theirs to begin with.  These are the Narshe city guards talking, not Imperials.

[caption #26]
"Open this door!"
"We want that girl!"
"She's an agent of the Empire!"

The quotes around each sentence are there because it is supposed to be separate people talking.

[caption #27]
Terra: Empire...? Magitek Armor...?

[caption #28]
Old Man: You’ve got to get away from here. Even if I try to explain what happened, I doubt they'll listen to me!

He’s not explaining to Terra, he’s talking about explaining Terra’s situation to the Narshe guards.

[caption #29]
Old Man: Over here!

[caption #30]
A mysterious young woman, controlled by the Empire, and born with the power of magic...

[caption #31]

Please enter a name.

[caption #32]
Old Man: Make your way out through the mines! I'll try to buy you some time.

[caption #33]
There she is!

[caption #34]
She's up there!

[caption #35]
Kefka: My sweet little magic user...  Eee hee hee! With this enslavement crown, you’ll be all mine!

The SNES version generally inflates Kefka’s outward craziness right from the start.  In Japanese his dialog is a bit less outlandish, though he often speaks in contextually unusual ways that cannot always be translated literally.  Because of this, the general sense of the SNES version’s characterization has been retained in this script in order to avoid dulling down the unsettling nature of his speech.

[caption #36]
Terra: No! Get away from me!

This line is unused.

[caption #37]
Gestahl: Soldiers of the Empire… A new age is upon us! My Empire has revived the lost power of sorcery!
Gestahl: Yes, the power of sorcery, which only those chosen by destiny may wield…

[caption #38]
Cid: This is my finest work. These Magitek Converters combine the power of magic with machines...

This line is unused.

[caption #39]
Gestahl: With this divine power in my hands, the time has come for the Empire of Gestahl to rule the world!
Hurrah!!
Long live Emperor Gestahl!!

[caption #40]
Old Man: Took you long enough to get here! Still busy with robbing and plundering, I expect?

In Japanese he asks whether Locke has given up being a thief, though I phrased it less directly here.

[caption #41]
Locke: I prefer the term "treasure hunting"!
Old Man: Ha! That's the same thing...
Locke: Tsk, tsk... There's a huge difference!

This sound coincides with the finger-wagging motion he makes just after this line.

[caption #42]
Locke: Anyway, why did you send for me?
Old Man: Well, you see... I've met the girl.

Locke doesn’t ask if the old man is the one who sent for him, he asks why.  The old man refers to Terra as someone they both already know about.

[caption #43]
Locke: You don't mean...  the girl supposedly born with the power of magic?!

He doesn’t call her a witch or express any dislike towards her, just surprise.  ‘Born with the power of magic’ is a callback to the Imperial soldiers calling her this in the beginning, and shows that Locke has heard rumors of what the Empire is up to.

[caption #44]
Old Man: The city guards are pursuing her even as we speak.
This city has the strength to stand up to the Empire, but won't use it. And the people are too stubbornly independent to join forces with an underground resistance movement like the Returners. I tried to tell them the Empire enslaved the girl, but they won't listen!

There seems to have been a lot of confusion with who was talking about what in the original translation.  In the SNES version, the old man says Imperial troops are pursuing Terra; that Narshe is no match for the Empire; that they need to find and meet up with the Returners to have any chance of succeeding; and that they need to explain the situation to Terra.

In actuality, it’s the Narshe guards who are pursuing Terra, not the Imperials; Narshe does have the strength to oppose the Empire, but doesn’t want to get involved in the conflict; and it’s the Narshe people the old man is talking about explaining the situation to, not Terra.

[caption #45]
Locke: All right... I think we'd better get her out of Narshe...

[caption #46]
Old Man: Agreed. For now, take her to Figaro Castle.

He doesn’t say anything about talking to the king, so that part would come as a bit of a surprise (as Locke later indicates).

[caption #47]
Treasure hunter and trail-worn traveler, searching the world over for an arcane relic of the past...

The first of many indications in the original script that Locke is seeking a very specific item.  Though it was probably unintentional, the SNES script omitted nearly all of these references, making it seem as if Locke just wants to steal as much stuff as he can.

[caption #48]
Guard: There they are!

[caption #49]
Locke: Wonderful... There's a whole bunch of 'em...

[caption #50]

               Kupo...

[caption #51]
Locke: Moogles...! Are you saying you want to help?

Help in general, not just help Locke.

[caption #52]
Kupo!

[caption #53]
Moogle: Use us to save Terra from the city guards.
Need more information?
   Yes
   No

Clarifying here that it’s specifically the Narshe city guards you’re fighting.

[caption #54]
You'll fight using three different groups. Press the Y Button to switch between them.
Defeat the commander before his men reach Terra, or you lose…

[caption #55]
Terra: Unh...

[caption #56]
Locke: Thanks, Moogles! We're in your debt!

[caption #57]
Locke: I think this switch'll...

[caption #58]
Locke: Eh? You back with us now?

[caption #59]
Terra: You... saved me?
Locke: Save your thanks for the Moogles!

[caption #60]
Terra: Unh... I can hardly remember anything… past or present…

[caption #61]
Locke: You lost your memory?!

[caption #62]
Terra: A man told me it would come back, eventually...
Locke: Memory…
Don’t worry. You're safe with me. I give you my word!
Terra: ...?
Locke: I won't abandon you… I’ll protect you no matter what!

Locke’s agitation over her memory loss is emphasized to a greater degree in the Japanese script.

The line here in the SNES about remembering the secret entrance to the mines is not present in the original.  Apparently someone thought people would get stuck here later…

[caption #63]
King: So, this young woman is...?

[caption #64]
Terra: Who are you?

She’s just asking who he is, not expressing indignation.

[caption #65]
King: Oh... my apologies.

[caption #66]
King: That's no way to greet a lady I've just met.

[caption #67]
The young king of Figaro, bound in alliance with the Empire, and a leader in the age of machinery…

[caption #68]
Edgar: I am Edgar, King of Figaro.

[caption #69]
Locke: Heh... Surprised someone like me knows a king?

[caption #70]
Locke: Well, see you later.

[caption #71]
Edgar: So, you're an Imperial soldier? Not to worry. Figaro is allied with the Empire. Please, make yourself at home. Besides, I couldn’t possibly harm a lady.

[caption #72]
Terra: Look, why are you being so kind to me? Is it because of my... abilities?

[caption #73]
Edgar: I'll give you three reasons, my dear. First of all, your beauty has captivated me!  Second... I'm dying to know if I'm your type...

[caption #74]
I guess your... abilities... would be a distant third.

[caption #75]
Terra: …?  What’s with you, anyway?

In Japanese this is a more general expression of confusion, which may be Terra being confused about her own reaction, not necessarily what Edgar is saying.  It’s not entirely clear, though.

[caption #76]
Edgar: Guess my technique's getting a bit rusty...

[caption #77]
Edgar: Come find me when you feel rested.

This line is unused.

[caption #78]
Terra: Hmm... I suppose another girl might have been charmed by those words.
But I felt... nothing...

Saying a ‘normal girl’ would have been charmed by Edgar makes it sound like it’s Terra’s fault for not feeling that way.  Aside from the possibility of her just thinking Edgar is cheesy (ha), the reason she feels nothing is because the enslavement crown has robbed her of her emotions, in addition to her memories.  This becomes clear later on, but most translations have not picked up on this connection and neglected to include it.

[caption #79]
Feel free to wander about.

[caption #80]
Go see the king!

[caption #81]
Weapons and items manufactured here are sent to South Figaro.

[caption #82]
Long ago, people were able to wield a force known as [magic].  Those who mastered the art were called the [Magi].

The SNES says ‘Mage Knights’, but then this term is never used again.  It’s a consistency issue since the Japanese script uses the same term for magic users throughout.

For the sake of clarity, in this version ‘Magi’ is used to refer to humans who used magic in the ancient war, though the Japanese script doesn’t really give them a special name as such.

[caption #83]
Scholars everywhere have been researching magic. But it's hard to understand something you've never seen firsthand...

Nothing about them being silly for studying magic, just that it’s an obscure topic for them.

[caption #84]
To think that a thousand year old city would be lying buried beneath this very desert!
I've been researching the city in the ancient texts, but what they say about it isn't always clear.
"When the princess stands and takes five steps forward..."
I wonder what that could mean?

This line is for the ancient castle part near the end of the game.  It happens after you’ve already found the place, so the speaker is expressing surprise about the fact that it exists.  The character referred to as the ‘queen’ in other versions is most likely supposed to be translated as ‘princess’.

[caption #85]
I heard the Empire has acquired the power of magic...

[caption #86]
The Empire has conquered the three nations on the southern continent. Just a matter of time 'til they come here...

That they’ve conquered three nations sounds a lot more impressive than just three cities.

[caption #87]
Armed with magic power, Gestahl is bent on world domination...

[caption #88]
Our king showers his attentions on women, no matter what age they are. Fortunately, some of us are smart enough to ignore him...

The original translation omitted the reference to Edgar flirting with women of any age, and added the part about them ignoring it.  I kept this idea because you’d certainly hope some of them would be that smart.

[caption #89]
His Highness said he'd marry me when I get older!

[caption #90]
I wanna marry the king!

[caption #91]
He even tried to flirt with the high priestess recently...
Surely, he's... talked to you?

[caption #92]
Terra: ......

[caption #93]
Oh! King Edgar!

[caption #94]
"......"

[caption #95]
Error.
Contact a supervisor.
From: Development Team.

(I don’t know what this is about…)

[caption #96]
These thieves have been terrorizing the kingdom. Stay away from 'em.

[caption #97]
I demand to see the king! How dare they keep us in this stinking pit!

[caption #98]
Something smells terrible in here!  Wait, is it... me?

This joke is entirely omitted from the SNES version.

[caption #99]
Relax, they're just blowing off steam. But I'm sure we'll be out of here soon enough.
We're just small fry compared to the real threat lurking out there. And King Edgar knows it.

[caption #100]
I'm Lone Wolf, the pickpocket.

[caption #101]
High Priestess: Edgar's at it again? He flirts with anything that moves!

I generally used ‘flirt with’ instead of ‘hit on’.  Partially for stylistic reasons, but also because it sounds strange for an old lady to use this expression.

This character is the high priestess, but she is inconsistently referred to as a matron in the original translation.

[caption #102]
High Priestess: Edgar has a twin brother. He was such a nice boy, always thinking of his family...

[caption #103]
Youth: Brother… what's wrong with Father? What's all this talk of his successor?
Edgar: Are you blind? Look how thin his face has become!

[caption #104]
Youth: ...? What do you mean?

[caption #105]
Youth: Edgar!

[caption #106]
Youth: You're crying...?!

[caption #107]
Edgar's younger twin brother, who traded his royal status for his own freedom...

As the younger brother, Sabin likely wouldn’t be next in line for the throne, so in the Japanese he is trading away his status as royalty.

[caption #108]
High Priestess: Yes... his name is Sabin. By now he'll have grown to be a fine young man.
When he ran away, he was smaller and quieter than Edgar. I wonder what he's like now?

There isn’t anything in this line about Sabin looking like his father, nor him being a sweet child.

[caption #109]
Minister: The whole business of the succession was so repugnant to Sabin, the king's brother, that he fled the castle forever. The succession was settled with a coin toss...

[caption #110]
Merchant: I can't take money from the king!
Edgar: Look, don't you have a family? Just take it.

I took out Edgar telling him to ‘shut up and take it’ because it seems needlessly rude.

[caption #111]
Merchant: Sir Sabin, I can't take your money!
Sabin: Sure you can. My brother wouldn’t be happy with you if you didn’t!

He doesn’t say he’s prone to spending, just that he and his brother will pay for things like everyone else.

[caption #112]
Edgar: I hear you've overthrown three countries already. What are your intentions?
Soldier: That's none of your concern!

Edgar is less outwardly confrontational towards the Imperials at first.

[caption #113]
Sir Kefka?! What on earth brings you...
Kefka: Outta my way!

[caption #114]
Edgar: Well? How do you like my castle?

[caption #115]
King Edgar! Someone from the Empire is here to see you!

[caption #116]
Edgar: Probably Kefka!

[caption #117]
Kefka: Phooey! Emperor Gestahl's stupid orders!

[caption #118]
Kefka: Edgar, you pinhead! Why do you have to live way out in this wretched desert? These recon jobs are the pits!

[caption #119]
Kefka: Ahem... there's SAND on my boots!

[caption #120]
Soldiers: Yes, sir! All set, sir!

[caption #121]
Kefka: Idiots!

[caption #122]
Edgar: You seem poised to invade even here. We have an alliance, do we not?
Soldier: Alliance? With this pathetic little country? Ha!

Again, the wording is less confrontational.

[caption #123]
Edgar: What brings Kefka, court mage of Emperor Gestahl, to my humble castle?
Kefka: A girl of no importance recently escaped from us. We heard she found refuge here...

The fact that Kefka is able to use magic when so few people can is important information that got left out.  Also that as part of the Imperial court, he’s highly placed and not some lowly underling.

[caption #124]
Edgar: Hmm... this wouldn't have anything to do with the girl born with the power of magic, perhaps?
Kefka: Nonsense! She merely… stole something of minor value. But that’s none of your concern. Is she here?

In Japanese he doesn’t try to cover anything up, but the SNES version is more interesting.

[caption #125]
Edgar: That's a tough one, I’m afraid…

[caption #126]
Edgar: You see, there are more girls here than grains of sand out there. I just can't keep track of them all…
Kefka: I'd hate to be you if we find out you're lying... Mwa ha!

He compares their number to stars in Japanese, but saying grains of sand fits the situation well.

[caption #127]
Kefka: I truly hope nothing happens to your precious Figaro...!

[caption #128]
Locke: I don’t like the sound of that…

In Japanese he refers to all the Imperial visitors as being sinister, though it makes sense to focus on Kefka since he’s obviously nuts.

Edgar: ...Where's Terra?

[caption #129]
Edgar: Take her to the room...

‘The’ room because it’s indicating a specific one.

[caption #130]
Edgar: I'd love to chat with you, but the ministers and I must plan our strategy.
It's hard being a king sometimes! If you'll excuse me.

Edgar refers here to consulting with multiple people, not just one.

[caption #131]
Locke: Follow me.

[caption #132]
Locke: I’m sorry we’re making you feel uneasy.
Terra: Locke... is it true what they say? That you're a thief?

He’s apologizing to her, rather than telling her not to worry.

This part is rather strange, because in all versions Terra suddenly acts like she’s never met Locke before.  She also says Edgar told her about him, which certainly isn’t shown.  Who knows, maybe in an earlier draft of the script they actually were meeting here for the first time, and it didn’t get updated?  I tweaked the dialog slightly here to remove the continuity error, and to sound like there was general talk around the castle of him being a thief, rather than Edgar specifically saying it.

[caption #133]
Locke: That's "treasure hunter"...

Removed the ALL CAPS TREASURE HUNTER so he isn’t shouting.  This is part of a general trend throughout the script of toning down capitalized dialog and removing excessive exclamation marks, so that people are speaking in a normal tone of voice most of the time.  That way lines that should be emphasized will actually stand out more from the rest.

[caption #134]
Locke: On the surface, Edgar pretends to support the Empire. But really he's collaborating with a resistance movement called the Returners. I'm his contact with that group.

[caption #135]
Locke: The old man you met in Narshe is one of us.
Terra: But... I'm a soldier of the Empire...

[caption #136]
Locke: Not anymore! They were using you and controlling your thoughts. But things are different now.

Literally something like, “That was your false face.”  This sounds a bit odd in English, but other lines in the Japanese game sometimes talk about a person’s true face or true self being hidden, so the wording is interesting in connection with that.

[caption #137]
Terra: It's just... I don't know what I should do. Whenever I try to think, my head hurts even worse...

[caption #138]
Locke: The important thing is that you have your own free will from now on. You don't have to decide what to do right now. You'll soon find your way.

[caption #139]
Terra: My own will...

The emphasis here is on Terra being able to make her own choices, rather than wondering how to tell right from wrong.

[caption #140]
Edgar: ...?  What the...?!

[caption #141]
Edgar: What's happening?
Soldier: It's the Empire! It's Kefka!

[caption #142]
Edgar: What's the meaning of this?!

[caption #143]
Kefka: Bring me the girl. Now!
Edgar: I don’t know what you’re talking about!
Kefka: Then... welcome to my barbecue! Wah ha ha!

This was more generic originally, but the SNES translator was really good at coming up with these crazy lines for Kefka.  No sense in getting rid of them!  In Japanese his insanity is often represented through the bizarre switching of personal pronouns, but since this is something that is completely lost in translation, it is helpful to show it in other ways.

[caption #144]
Fire!

[caption #145]

Burn and die…

The SNES put in a Beavis and Butthead reference here.

[caption #146]
Edgar: Get it ready...
Soldier: Yes, sir!

He’s telling the soldier to get a specific thing ready, not just to get ready in general.

[caption #147]
Kefka: Changed your mind...?

[caption #148]
Edgar: I guess I have no choice...

[caption #149]
Edgar: ...or maybe I do!

[caption #150]
Kefka: Oh, I say… It seems the brave and noble king has fled, and left the rest to burn in his stead! Eee hee hee! How delightful!

This wording suits the falsely-reverent mockery in the Japanese line, which uses an overly-polite speech style that is intentionally at odds with the actual words being spoken.

[caption #151]
Edgar: Jump!

[caption #152]
Locke: Yeah! Here we go!

[caption #153]
Edgar: Okay! Dive now!

[caption #154]
Soldier: Activating Figaro subterranean mode!

[caption #155]
Minister: Now, villains, bear witness to the glory of Figaro as she dives beyond your reach! No one can bring harm to our people!

The Japanese line here is a bit strange; he goes on at some length about the majesty and gallant appearance of the castle as it descends into the glorious golden ocean of the desert.  It sounds… kinda goofy, so I tweaked the wording to be a bit flowery without going so much over the top.

[caption #156]
Edgar: Bravo, Figaro!

[caption #157]
Kefka: Go! Kill them!

Obviously this and many other references to death and killing were censored out of the original SNES release.

[caption #158]
Kefka: Son of a submariner! They'll pay for this...

The Japanese line is more generic.  But this sounds so awesomely weird that removing it would just make the script less good.

[caption #159]
Locke: That was great!

[caption #160]
Terra: Were those bad guys?  I... I'm scared...

Terra refers to multiple bad guys here, not just one.

[caption #161]
Edgar: Terra, there's someone I'd like you to meet...

[caption #162]
Locke: We're members of the Returners, like I said before.
Edgar: Would you be willing to meet our leader, Banon? It seems magic is going to be the key to winning this war.

Again, there’s a continuity error in all versions.  Locke talks about the Returners as if he’s never mentioned them to Terra before, so I tweaked his line to make it follow from his previous explanation about them.

[caption #163]
Terra: Magic...

[caption #164]
Edgar: That frozen Esper seemed to react to your magic power. Could there be some connection?
Terra: I have no idea. These abilities just come naturally to me…

[caption #165]
Edgar: But no human is ever born with the powers you have...!

[caption #166]
Edgar: I apologize.
Terra: What should I do...?
Edgar: The Empire will be coming after us for the secret of your powers.
If it falls into their hands again, the world's finished...
Terra, you want to understand your own powers, right?

Specifically, they’re coming after them so that they can learn about and exploit Terra’s power again.

[caption #167]
Edgar: In that case, I'd like you to meet with Banon and see the truth for yourself.
Terra: ......

[caption #168]
Locke: Please...

[caption #169]
Edgar: Okay! To the south there's a cave that leads to South Figaro.

[caption #170]
This cave leads to South Figaro. I’m afraid I can't let you through now, though.

[caption #171]
Soldier: King Edgar! Where are you headed?
Edgar: Through the cave, and eastward to South Figaro. We'll then make for the Returner base to the north.
Edgar: Return to the castle and pass the word along.
Soldier: Understood, sire! Take care!

The part about going north to the Returner base was left out of the SNES translation.  I remember I was a bit confused here the first time I played it as a result of this information not being included.

[caption #172]
Zzz... zzz...

[caption #173]
There's a clock key in his pocket...
   Take it.
   Stealing is wrong.

[caption #174]
   Wind the clock?
   Leave it.

[caption #175]
An old clock...
It's not ticking...

[caption #176]
An old clock...
It's ticking...

[caption #177]
Took the Clock Key.

[caption #178]
Welcome to South Figaro.

[caption #179]
You'll find lots of excellent weapons, armor, and relics in our shops.

Oxford-comma usage helps with clarity.

[caption #180]
Did you hear? Figaro Castle dove into the sand! You couldn't find it even if you knew where to look.

[caption #181]
Mt. Kolts is to the east.

[caption #182]
Beyond Mt. Kolts you'll find the Saber mountain range.

[caption #183]
Equip relics to gain a variety of abilities. For instance, these double my walking speed.

[caption #184]
My husband, Duncan, is a world-famous martial artist. He's taking his disciples to Mt. Kolts for meditation and training.

[caption #185]
Sabin, what happened with my husband and Vargas?

[caption #186]
Sabin: The master was...  Vargas...

[caption #187]
Duncan's Wife: How could Vargas sink so low…?  But my husband left his secret arts to you, so I’m sure he had no regrets…

[caption #188]
Sabin: For ten years you've treated me like we were family. I owe you so much…

[caption #189]
......

[caption #190]
Locke: At the very least you could give me a response...

[caption #191]
Edgar: Stand back.  That guy looks familiar...
Yeah, it's him, all right...

[caption #192]
He owes allegiance to no one. His true self lies hidden beyond the depths of his cold eyes…

There is no reference here in Japanese to Shadow doing anything for money, or coming and going like the wind.  But the description of him as coldly unknowable gives a rather sinister impression.

[caption #193]
Edgar: That's Shadow, the assassin. He'd kill his best friend for the right price...

The estimation of Shadow's ruthlessness is less extreme in Japanese.  The specific use of ‘best friend’ here is a reference to his hidden backstory, where it turns out he actually couldn’t kill his best friend.  Because of this story connection, it couldn’t be left out without changing the intended character writing.

[caption #194]
Locke: Guess we'd better steer clear of him.

[caption #195]
Shadow: Leave us. The dog eats strangers...

It just says the dog doesn’t like strangers, but this does sound cooler, so it stayed in.

[caption #196]
The guy at the counter... He's kinda creepy...

[caption #197]
That guy at the counter...  Hey, where'd he go?

[caption #198]
You look just like one of Duncan's students.

This line is about someone thinking Edgar looks like Sabin.  It’s not about the skill of Duncan’s students.

[caption #199]
I'm so sorry to hear about Duncan.

[caption #200]
Duncan's been training his son, Vargas. But I heard it wasn't going so well...

Vargas actually really wants to learn martial arts.  What he resents is being slighted by his father—he isn’t upset about having to learn it in the first place.  It isn’t going well because Vargas is too arrogant and prideful to understand what the training is really about.

[caption #201]
The house in the northern part of town belongs to our wealthiest citizen.

[caption #202]
The Empire's been invading one city after another. I don't think even South Figaro is safe.

[caption #203]
Figaro Castle defied the Empire? Great, now we'll all be drawn into this war...

[caption #204]
I can't believe it! The Empire will crush us!

[caption #205]
This town will go down fighting! Even with their Magitek Armor, we'll make it tough on 'em!

[caption #206]
Attack the town from the east.  That way,  ...?!
Wh-what is it? You really shouldn’t just barge in. I’m in the middle of writing a letter!

[caption #207]
Oh, uh, sorry...   Even a very rich man can be... startled.

He doesn’t say ‘millionaire’, since that can mean a lot of different things depending on the value of the currency involved.

[caption #208]
Oh, what have I done?! I betrayed the town, and I didn't even need the money!

[caption #209]
Clang clang...
Clang clang...
Magitek Armor!

[caption #210]
My dad's really important, so famous people come eat here a lot. Just the other day, he and General Leo...  ...
Er, um, never mind.

[caption #211]
Wind the clock! Wind the clock!
Er, that doesn’t really mean anything.

[caption #212]
Has war really begun? I'd better return to my home town...

[caption #213]
The Imperial Troops have turned this house into their headquarters.

[caption #214]
There's always a nasty draft in this room. Where's it coming from?

[caption #215]
I don’t like strangers. Bring me some ale, and maybe I'll talk to you.

This is only a general reference to alcohol, not to any specific kind, but ale seems fitting.

[caption #216]
What? No ale?

[caption #217]
Harrumph... Dog!

[caption #218]
Ah, you’ve brought me ale! Glug, glug...
Huh? Secret passage? Well, there is one that leads to the rich man's house.

[caption #219]
Go downstairs and give my grandson the password. It's...  uh, umm...  I forget...!

[caption #220]
My grandpa used to be a servant for the richest man in town.

[caption #221]
Only merchants may pass through. You don't look like a merchant...

If a gameplay hint was needed, this is more subtle than saying people dressed as merchants can pass through.

[caption #222]
You're a merchant, right? You may proceed.

[caption #223]
The password is...
   Wild Rose
   Courage
   Failure

[caption #224]
You're an Imperial spy! Can't fool me!

[caption #225]
Secret entrance.

[caption #226]
Good luck!

[caption #227]
Outta the way! I gotta get this ale over to the old man. That's my job! Now scram!

[caption #228]
I'm off work. Get lost!

[caption #229]
Are kids allowed in here?
“…What do you think?”
Oh, all right...

[caption #230]
Hey, you! Come to steal my ale, have you?

[caption #231]
You thief!

[caption #232]
Took the old man's ale!

[caption #233]
The ship isn't leaving port any time soon.

[caption #234]
The town is crawling with Imperial soldiers. I’ll make sure to get you out unnoticed.

[caption #235]
Use caution.

[caption #236]
Edgar: Hmm… That smell...?

[caption #237]
Edgar: Those flowers... they’re…

[caption #238]
Edgar: And this… a favorite tea…

[caption #239]
Edgar: This dish…? An old favorite…

[caption #240]
Edgar: Was Sabin here…?

[caption #241]
Edgar: Hey…

[caption #242]
Edgar: Do you know this man?

[caption #243]
Man: Yep, sure do. He done went up the mountain a couple days ago, after Master Duncan got killed. Dunno where Duncan’s son Vargas got to, though. I got me a bad feeling ‘bout this...

This guy’s speech is meant to indicate a more informal-sounding dialect than most characters in the game would use.

[caption #244]
Edgar: He must have gone to pay his respects to his mentor...

This line is unused.

[caption #245]
Scum! You're Returners!

[caption #246]
What about Sabin?

[caption #247]
Vargas: Did Sabin send you?

[caption #248]
Locke: Who are you?

[caption #249]
Locke: Were you the one shadowing us earlier?
Vargas: What are you talking about?

[caption #250]
Terra: YOU! You're the coward who murdered Master Duncan!

This line is unused.

[caption #251]
Vargas: Hmph! It doesn't matter who you are. I cannot afford to be caught...
How unlucky for you that you have run into me!

‘I cannot afford to be caught’ makes it clear that Vargas is on the run for killing Duncan.

[caption #252]
Edgar: Sabin? Is he here?

[caption #253]
Edgar: Sabin!

[caption #254]
Sabin: Brother?

Japanese has separate words for older and younger siblings, making it easy to distinguish between them.  In English this distinction is lost unless you keep referring to them as ‘big brother’ or some such, as the SNES translation often does.  This can easily sound awkward or childish, so I dropped it.

[caption #255]
Locke: Wait, you're his brother?

Locke is surprised.  Clearly he’s never met Sabin before.

[caption #256]
Terra: Brother?  At first glance I thought he was a giant bear...

I don’t know if Terra is joking or not, but she doesn’t say anything about him being one of Vargas’ bears, like in the GBA.  Nor is there anything here about bodybuilding or gyms.

[caption #257]
Sabin: A bear?!

[caption #258]
Sabin: I'll... take that as a compliment...

[caption #259]
Sabin: Anyway... Edgar, what are you doing here?
Edgar: We're on the way to the Saber mountains.
Sabin: To the Returners’ headquarters, you mean?

[caption #260]
Sabin: I've been watching from afar, horrified at what I’ve seen. I was afraid Figaro would be reduced to a puppet state before long.

[caption #261]
Edgar: Our time to strike back has arrived. I'm through with pretending to be the Empire’s lapdog.

‘Pretending’ emphasizes that he was never on their side to begin with and has been working against them all this time.

[caption #262]
Sabin: Do you think my skills could help the cause?

It’s odd that the SNES version suddenly brings up the idea of him being a bear, when it didn’t say so earlier, and the Japanese version doesn’t use that term in this line.

[caption #263]
Edgar: You’ll come with us?
Sabin: …

[caption #264]
Sabin: I’m sure Master Duncan would rest easier if his teachings helped bring peace to the world.

This line is about putting Duncan’s training to good use, not just about his student doing things.  A subtle distinction, admittedly.

[caption #265]
Locke: Well then, let's get going!

[caption #266]
King Edgar! This way, please.

[caption #267]
Did you speak with Banon?

[caption #268]
Not even the Empire would think of looking for us here!

[caption #269]
Aha!

[caption #270]
Welcome!

[caption #271]
Thank you!

[caption #272]
Take a nap?
   Yes
   No

[caption #273]
250 Gil per night.
Lights out?
   Yes
   No

[caption #274]
250 Gil for a Chocobo ride.
Well?
   Yes
   No

[caption #275]
Banon: So this is the girl the Esper reacted to...
Terra: Esper...
Edgar: Apparently the Empire had complete control over her.

This whole scene has a lot of issues in the SNES translation.  In this line, Banon doesn’t say she can talk to Espers; he says that the Esper reacted to her presence.  This difference appears repeatedly throughout.

[caption #276]
Banon: Carrier pidgeons have brought word to me of what’s been happening. She destroyed fifty of the Empire's best soldiers in just a few minutes, or so they say…

[caption #277]
Terra: No! That can't be true!

She’s not accusing Banon of slandering her, but expressing shock and disbelief that she could have done such a thing.

[caption #278]
Locke: Terra!
Edgar: Banon, don't be so harsh! She doesn't remember anything!

[caption #279]
Banon: Hiding from the truth won't change it!

In the SNES he orders her to stay where she is, but that’s not what he’s saying at all.

[caption #280]
Edgar: Banon! We brought the girl with us.

[caption #281]
Banon: Perhaps you've heard this story? Once, when people were pure and innocent, there was a box they were told never to open. But one man went and opened it anyway. He unleashed all the evils of the world: envy...  greed...  pride...  violence...  control...
All that was left in the box was a single ray of light: Hope.

[caption #282]
Terra: ......
Banon: Whatever may happen, do not consider your power a curse. You are that last ray of light, our only hope...

Banon telling her not to fear her power is omitted from the SNES.

[caption #283]
Edgar: Banon!

[caption #284]
Banon: Please excuse me. I'm so tired... Let me rest for a while.

[caption #285]

        2000 Gil inside.

[caption #286]

        Found “Hi-Potion”.

[caption #287]

        Found “Hi-Ether”.

[caption #288]

        Found “Panacea”.

[caption #289]
We're a small organization now, but our membership is starting to soar.

[caption #290]
Banon: Terra... Talk to everyone here, heed their advice.

This line is unused.

[caption #291]
Sir Banon? He went outside a moment ago.

[caption #292]
Welcome back! Glad you're okay.

[caption #293]
Welcome back!

[caption #294]
Is Banon well?

[caption #295]
My wounds are healing.

[caption #296]
The Empire is attacking and killing Returners everywhere. We have to find some way of fighting back, or...

[caption #297]
Locke: The Empire took someone very important away from me. I've hated it ever since...
If no one stands up to the Empire, more people will be left like me. That's why I joined the Returners.

Censorship changed these references to death and loss into simple imprisonment.  Locke’s motivation is clearer in Japanese: he doesn’t want other people to go through the same things he has.

[caption #298]
Someone dropped a scrap of paper...
   Toss it in the trash.
   Leave it there.

[caption #299]
Banon: Who did this? Who left this piece of paper here?

[caption #300]
Terra: But... I have no one important in my life... no family or friends...
Locke: That's not entirely true. Besides, there are people who feel you're important to them! They're counting on you...

Terra isn’t talking about finding a love interest, she means anyone important to care about.

[caption #301]
Edgar: It's not easy asking so much of you...
If we push too hard and force our own ideas on you, we're no better than the Empire...
So... we want you to make up your own mind.

Edgar sounds more concerned about how she feels, rather than fretting about whether they’ll get her help or not.

[caption #302]
Sabin: I don't know what to tell you... but I do know that I trust my brother completely.
He's always been fair and honest with me, ever since we were kids. You can trust him, too, Terra...

[caption #303]
But don't you dare tell him I said that!

[caption #304]
Banon: Have you made a decision?
Will you become our last hope?
   Yes
   No

[caption #305]
Banon: Excellent!

[caption #306]
Terra: But...  I'm afraid...

[caption #307]
Banon: I see...

[caption #308]
Banon: I thought as much...

[caption #309]
Banon: You're sure about this?

[caption #310]
I understand your unease. But even as we speak, innocent lives are being lost...
Please. We need your abilities.
This relic will keep you safe.

     Received “Genji Glove”.

[caption #311]
We truly need your help.

[caption #312]
Please join us in our battle.

[caption #313]
Banon: It’s only natural that you’d feel uneasy…

[caption #314]
Banon: I'd like you to take this with you.

[caption #315]
Terra: What is it?

[caption #316]
Banon: If everyone works together we'll be successful. Never give up hope.

[caption #317]
Banon: A useful item. Take it!

     Received “Gauntlet”.

It’s a bit odd that the dialog refers to keeping the user safe, when the items you can get here boost your attack power, but whatever.

[caption #318]
Banon: I have some ideas. Please get everyone together in the main hall.

[caption #319]
Terra: Hope... How can anyone put their hope in me?

[caption #320]
S...South Figaro...

[caption #321]
Hey! What've we got here?

[caption #322]
Banon: What's going on? What happened?

[caption #323]
Terra: He's badly wounded!

This line is unused.

[caption #324]
Banon: What awful wounds…

[caption #325]
The Empire… coming this way from South Figaro…

[caption #326]
Banon: They've found us...  We haven't a moment to lose!

[caption #327]
Edgar: Locke!
Locke: I know... Someone has to sneak into South Figaro and slow the Empire down, right?
Edgar: This is right up your alley. Good luck!

[caption #328]
Locke: Terra... be careful while I’m away.  And especially…
...don't let a certain lecherous king, who shall remain nameless, anywhere near you!
Edgar: Locke!

[caption #329]
Sabin: Still haven’t grown out of it, Edgar?

[caption #330]
Banon: What are we going to do?
Edgar: We'll escape down the Lethe River, and make our way to Narshe. I want to see that Esper for myself.
Banon: Right. We’ll take a raft from the rear exit. It's a gamble, but we're fresh out of options.

The name ‘Lethe River’ is a mythological reference.

[caption #331]
Edgar: You're in danger here. Come with us to Narshe. You'll probably even gain some understanding of your own abilities...

[caption #332]
Banon: We've no time to dilly-dally. Let's make for Narshe!

[caption #333]
We'll handle things here... Please leave for Narshe!

[caption #334]
You must protect Banon!

[caption #335]
The Lethe River runs through some underground caverns.

[caption #336]
Banon: We all know the Empire has begun a war using magic power. The question is, how have they obtained it?

Localization matters abound here.  No word like ‘Magitek’ is ever actually used in the Japanese version; it doesn’t have a term like this that sounds like it’s referring to the combination of magic and technology.  It only uses two more generalized words for magic; one of them seems to refer to magic as a force, and the other seems to refer to it as a skill that people can learn.  But the distinction is somewhat vague (sort of like ‘wizardry’ and ‘sorcery’ , which are more or less the same and don’t have an easily articulated difference), and their usage is not governed by hard and fast rules.  Because of this, the frequent use of the term ‘Magitek’ in the SNES version very often seems to indicate that technology is involved, when in fact the Japanese script usually says no such thing.  The GBA version adds to the confusion by retaining this usage in many places when it isn’t actually there in the source.

To try to make the meaning of the story clearer, my script usually uses ‘magic’ for the first of these general terms, and ‘magic power’ or ‘sorcery’ for the second. ‘Magitek’ only appears here in contexts which specifically indicate that technology is also involved.  It is a useful term, and credit is due to the SNES translator for coming up with it; but preserving these distinctions makes it easier to keep track of what is being talked about.

Banon doesn’t say the Empire ‘created’ the power, rather that they ‘obtained’ it.  This seems to go back to the line in the introduction saying that magic had ceased to exist, which would imply it had to be recreated before anyone could use it.  But in actuality, magic still existed all along, just hidden away from people, and unable to be used by them before they found it.

[caption #337]
Edgar: I had Locke look into it. It seems the Empire has assembled the world's finest scholars in order to study Espers.

Locke didn’t look into a rumor about scholars; he investigated the known matter of the Empire’s magic use directly.

[caption #338]
Locke: All the trouble in Narshe is over an Esper, too...

[caption #339]
Banon: Right...

[caption #340]
Terra: So you’re saying that Espers and magic power are somehow connected?
Banon: Espers and magic power… There is only one thing brought to mind by the association of those words…

[caption #341]
Edgar: You don't mean...
Banon: Exactly… the War of the Magi.

[caption #342]
"No!"
"It can't be!"

[caption #343]
Locke: My grandma used to tell me bedtime stories about the war... Were they really true?

There is nothing whatsoever in the Japanese script to indicate that magical machines existed a thousand years ago or were ever used during the ancient war.  Though it isn’t a hundred percent clear, the impression it gives is that machinery is a new thing in this world, and that the combination of magic and machines is something that has never happened until now.  Even the GBA version, which is for the most part quite accurate, seems to get this wrong by continuing the notion that magical machines existed back then.

[caption #344]
Edgar: Are you saying the tragedy of the ancient war will happen again?
Banon: No one knows for sure what happened all those years ago. But historians have proposed a number of terrifying theories…
According to one theory, the power of sorcery was extracted from Espers and infused into humans…

[caption #345]
Terra: Could that be where magic power comes from…?

[caption #346]
Edgar: So the only way to fight the Empire is to use magic ourselves...
Banon: No! Then we’d be repeating the same mistakes of the War of the Magi!
Edgar: …then what are we supposed to do?
Banon: I’ve been wondering if there’s a way for us to speak with the Esper. What do you think?
Locke: With the Esper?!

A bug in the dialog code of the SNES version caused all but the first line of this caption to be omitted.  This had the effect of making it seem like Banon agreed with Edgar’s proposal to use magic against the Empire, but in the Japanese script it is clear he is opposed to the idea.

[caption #347]
Banon: It's risky, I know… but if we could get that frozen Esper to react to Terra again, it might wake up.
Edgar: Is that really such a good idea?

This line is about getting the Esper to react, not about talking to it — they wouldn’t be able to talk to it in the first place unless it reacts to Terra.

[caption #348]
Banon: I can’t be certain if this will work… but regardless, we need Terra's help.

[caption #349]
Locke: Terra...

[caption #350]
Terra: I'll do it.
Sabin: I'm not entirely sure I understand the plan... but what the heck! This sounds like fun!

There was a weird mixup in the SNES with Sabin’s line here, so what he said in that version didn’t make any sense.

[caption #351]
Emergency! Sir Banon...

[caption #352]
Banon: What was that?
That noise just now...?

[caption #353]
Gah! The Empire's invading!

[caption #354]
Urgh... uhnn...

[caption #355]
!

[caption #356]
What the...? Sleep talking?

[caption #357]
Here we go! This raft will take us to Narshe.

[caption #358]
Hop aboard the raft?
   Yes
   No

[caption #359]
Fleeing the Empire's troops, Banon, Edgar and Terra ride the rapids toward Narshe. But the going won't be easy...

[caption #360]
Head toward Narshe, but protect Banon at all costs.
If Banon is put out of commission, your journey's over.

[caption #361]
Which way?
       Straight

    Left           Right

[caption #362]
Now which way?


    Left           Right

[caption #363]


[caption #364]


[caption #365]
Hey, which way?
             Up

    Left

[caption #366]
Edgar and Terra race toward Narshe while protecting Banon...
...but what about Sabin, who was swallowed by the raging waters...?
And...
...how is Locke faring, after having penetrated the Empire's defenses in South Figaro...
Is all going according to plan...?

[caption #367]

Choose a scenario, kupo!
   Terra and Edgar
   Sabin
   Locke

[caption #368]
Sabin!

[caption #369]
Locke: Damn it! Gotta find another way out of here...

[caption #370]
Locke has worked hard to stymie the efforts of the Imperial troops. But now his escape route has been cut off…

[caption #371]
Halt!

[caption #372]
Locke: Ouch! I gotta steal me some new clothes, fast!

[caption #373]
Return to your post!

[caption #374]
Gotta get moving! The attack on Narshe is imminent. Who knows what's going to happen next?

[caption #375]
Imperial soldiers are pigs! The low ranking green suits are brawlers...

[caption #376]
Locke: I've seen her before...  Of course! She's an Imperial general…

[caption #377]
A mage warrior of the Empire, her powers artificially forged. Hardened by battle, her true self is known to no one…

There is nothing here about Celes being a product of genetic engineering.  She was given magic power artificially, but she wasn’t actually grown in a laboratory or anything like that.  I called her a mage warrior rather than ‘Magitek Knight’ because the Japanese term is the same one used for anyone else who fights with magic powers.  It doesn’t say she has a pure spirit, just that nobody really knows her apart from the tough face she presents.  A possible implication is that she herself may not know who she is apart from the military life, either.

[caption #378]
Guard: This is what happens to traitors!

[caption #379]
Guard: So, the mighty General Celes has fallen!

[caption #380]
Celes: I will not serve those who oppress the weak...
Guard: Hold your tongue!

[caption #381]
Celes: Kefka is going to poison the entire population of Doma!
Guard: Shut up!

[caption #382]
Guard: Keep running your mouth while you can! Your execution is tomorrow.

[caption #383]
Keep a close eye on her!

[caption #384]
Yes, sir! I can go for days without sleep!

[caption #385]
What will you do?
   Remove her chains.
   Just leave her there.

[caption #386]
Celes: You’re a little short for an Imperial soldier, aren’t you?
Locke: Oops, forgot I was still wearing a uniform.

Star Wars reference, perhaps?

[caption #387]
Celes: What could you possibly hope to peddle down here?
Locke: Oh, right. Forgot I was wearing these clothes.

[caption #388]
Celes: And you are...

[caption #389]
Locke: My name's Locke. I'm with the Returners.
Celes: The Returners? I used to be General Celes... But now I'm just a traitor...

[caption #390]
Locke: Let's go!
Celes: Huh? You'd take me along?

[caption #391]
Celes: Don’t bother, I can barely walk. I’ll only slow you down…

[caption #392]
Celes: Look, I’m grateful, but... Even if you got me out, you'd never be able to protect me the whole way.
It's better if I stay and meet death bravely. At least that way I…

Locke cuts her off before she can finish this thought.

[caption #393]
Locke: I'll protect you.

[caption #394]
Locke: Trust me. You'll be fine!

[caption #395]
Locke: Come on, let's go.

[caption #396]
Soldier: …some nice meat, too…

[caption #397]
Soldier: ...wanna eat curry rice...
 mumble...   mumble...

Curry rice is a Japanese food not well known elsewhere, so this tends to get dropped.

[caption #398]
Celes: Wait.

[caption #399]
Celes: This soldier might have something on him that could help us get out of here.

[caption #400]
Celes: Why are you helping me?
Locke: You remind me of someone...

[caption #401]
Locke: But what's it matter, anyway? I just want to, that's all.

[caption #402]
Celes: This passage leads out.

[caption #403]
Locke: Huh?
Celes: Something's coming out of the wall!

[caption #404]
Locke: Whew! Looks like we're in the clear.

[caption #405]
Locke: What is that noise we keep hearing?

[caption #406]
It seems our famous lady general turned traitor! I heard she's locked up somewhere in this town.

[caption #407]
I'm supposed to be guarding the passage under the big mansion...
Oh well. Better never than late...

This guy is specifically talking about blowing off his shift on guard duty so he can keep drinking.

[caption #408]
I heard there are two secret tunnels under the rich man's house.
One leads out of town, the other to one of these houses...

[caption #409]
Thanks to our informer, this town fell instantly.

[caption #410]
Rascals! Knock it off!

[caption #411]
   Change clothes?
   These are fine.

[caption #412]
Lower ranking soldiers like to brawl. If you stole their uniform, they'd be humiliated...

[caption #413]
Uh huh!

[caption #414]
Avoid the armored soldiers. They’ll kill you on sight!

In the SNES they don’t have a sense of humor.

[caption #415]
Hey, lady... didn't you just bust in here wearing Magitek Armor?

[caption #416]
Banon: Wait a minute!

[caption #417]
Get out of here! If you don't...

[caption #418]
Edgar: Hold on. I'm King Edgar of Figaro...
Guard: Liar!

[caption #419]
Banon: Good grief...
Edgar: This is exactly why men get such a bad reputation. They never listen...
Terra: I'm sorry. It's all my fault...

“Aye yai yai” is perhaps a little silly for Banon to say.  Edgar talks about men in general not knowing how to listen, rather than just those specific ones.

[caption #420]
Arvis: Banon! King Edgar!
...and Terra!

[caption #421]
Banon: Arvis! How do things stand here in Narshe?
Arvis: Same as always. The town's neutral. I've tried to get the people to side with the Returners, but... it's no use.
Of course, maybe with you and the King of Figaro here...

The possibility of persuading them to reconsider got left out of the SNES.

[caption #422]
Edgar: How are the townspeople doing?
Arvis: After seeing the Esper in the coal mine, everyone's become uneasy.

They’re uneasy, but not berserk.  (There isn’t even such a thing as ‘slightly’ berserk, anyway; it’s a contradiction in terms.)

[caption #423]
Banon: This young woman may be able to help us get answers about the Esper.
Arvis: The townspeople are very curious about it as well. If we approach them the right way, they may be willing to let her see it.

The Narshe people are curious about the Esper, but not what it looks like—they’ve already seen it.  The hope is that Terra can help change their minds, but there’s nothing in the Japanese about restoring order.  Since they’re not berserk, they’re presumably still orderly.

[caption #424]
Edgar: That Esper is either going to save us... or dig us an early grave...

[caption #425]
Terra: When Locke first helped me, he fiddled with something right around here.

[caption #426]
Edgar: He told me there's a secret switch in this rock wall...

[caption #427]
Edgar: I think this is the place...
Terra: What place?
Edgar: This must be where they test applicants to the city guard. If we follow the light exactly, we'll probably be okay.
But if we make a mistake, then we'll be trapped, and only the red light will let us out again.

The part about testing applicants got left out.

[caption #428]
Aged Man: You the clock repairman?
I’ve been waiting for ages.

[caption #429]
“Uh... no. I'm not a repairman.”

[caption #430]
Aged Man: Look, it’s right there on the wall, see? Hasn’t worked for years now.  One… five… no, maybe ten years?

[caption #431]
Aged Man: Oh?!

[caption #432]
What dire fate has befallen Sabin, who fell from the raft after the fight with Ultros...?

[caption #433]
Come to think of it...
I saw some weird kid when I last went south, to the Veldt.
Watch yourselves in those parts!

In the SNES version, ‘weird kid’ got mistranslated as ‘geek’.  Quite obviously, Gau is hardly someone you’d associate with that term.

[caption #434]
Aged Man: Lawnmower repairman? The front yard’s a mess thanks to your lousy service. The grass is fifty feet high!

50 feet instead of 25, but a conversion from meters is needed to reach this number.  It’s also the front yard, not the back.

[caption #435]
Aged Man: Oh, that’s it!

[caption #436]
Aged Man: You're here to fix my bed! It's squeakin' like crazy!

[caption #437]
Aged Man: No more lip, repairman! Fix that stove, on the double!

[caption #438]
Aged Man: Oh…?  Then you must be...

[caption #439]
Aged Man: You've come to fix the door?!

[caption #440]
“Good grief… This is worse than a kid’s pranks…”

[caption #441]
“Yeouch! Hot, hot, hot!”

[caption #442]
Take a nap?
   Snooze.
   No thanks.

[caption #443]
Aged Man: Kid? I ain’t got no kids! Balderdash!
Giving me the chills, you are. Don’t talk about that stuff! Go on, get out! Or I'll toss you out onto the Veldt, too!
“…What just happened?  That geezer’s completely cracked…”

The old man saying he’ll toss them out, too, is foreshadowing of what he did to Gau.

[caption #444]
Merchant: Welcome. Need anything?
   What do you have?
   No thanks.

[caption #445]
Merchant: See you around.

[caption #446]
Who are you?

[caption #447]
Merchant: Howdy. I own the dry goods business out here.

[caption #448]
Merchant: You're... not from these parts, huh?

[caption #449]
Merchant: Well, no matter.
   See the goods.
   Not interested.

[caption #450]
Merchant: Good day. Need anything?
   See the goods.
   Not interested.

[caption #451]
Sabin: You a traveler? I got separated from my friends. Say, can you tell me how to get to Narshe?

[caption #452]
Man: The Empire has built a base beyond the eastern forest.
Sabin: The Empire?!
Man: It seems to me that their target is Doma Castle.
Sabin: So Doma's next, huh? But I have to get to Narshe right away...
Man: Your only path to Narshe is through Doma. I wouldn’t mind guiding you.
Just know that I may change my mind and leave at any time…

[caption #453]
Shadow: The Empire has built a base beyond the eastern forest.
Sabin: The Empire?!
Shadow: It seems to me that their target is Doma Castle.
Sabin: So Doma's next, huh? But I have to get to Narshe right away…
Shadow: Your only path to Narshe is through Doma. I wouldn’t mind guiding you.
Just know that I may change my mind and leave at any time…

This caption is repeated because the game needs to allow for the possibility of the player not having spoken to Shadow on his previous appearance in South Figaro.  The SNES version had slightly different text for each despite the Japanese dialog being identical.

[caption #454]
Stay back... The dog can't stand strangers.

He’s not eating strangers this time… oh well.  ;)

[caption #455]
Sabin: The going is bound to be pretty rough.

[caption #456]
Shadow: The Reaper is always just a step behind me...

‘Death’ is a step behind him, but sometimes using euphemisms can liven things up.  Even censorship can sometimes inspire creativity when it results in more interesting word usage to get around saying things straightforwardly.

[caption #457]
Welcome a partner?
   Yes
   No

[caption #458]
Baram: Clyde... how could you... I was your partner...
You should be here with me... Join me, Clyde...

This part was unclear in the SNES because it sounded like Baram was still alive and wanted Clyde to find him, when actually he’s dead and in the dream is inviting Clyde to die too.

[caption #459]
Baram: Aw yeah! We did it, Clyde!
Clyde: A million Gil! What a blast! I love this!

[caption #460]
Baram: Guess it's time to think up a name for ourselves.
Clyde: A name?
Baram: Every great robber should have a cool name! I've got one in mind for us.
Clyde: Yeah? What is it?
Baram: ...The Shadow Bandits! Not bad, huh?

[caption #461]
Clyde: The Shadow Bandits... great train robbers of the century...

[caption #462]
Clyde: Open your eyes!
Baram: How bad is it? ...is this... is this MY blood...?
Clyde: You... you're gonna be okay!

[caption #463]
Baram: I'm sorry...  I... I let my guard down...
Clyde: Save your strength. We're almost to a town.
Baram: You don't have to pretend. I know. I've lost... too much blood. I'm done for...

He doesn’t say he’s scared in this line, though he does later on.

[caption #464]
Baram: Get going! I'm only gonna slow you down.
Clyde: But...!
Baram: You wanna get caught?

[caption #465]
Baram: But, before you go... You have to use your knife... kill me!

[caption #466]
Clyde: How... how can you ask me to do that...?
Baram: Think what they'll do to me if they catch me alive. I don't want to go through that. Take my hand...

[caption #467]
Baram: Feel it shaking? I've never been afraid of anything, and now I'm shaking like a little kid. Please, before I lose it completely... just grab your knife and...
Clyde: I can't do it!

This part is quite different.  In the SNES, Baram asks if Clyde is shaking at the idea of killing him and then calls him a coward.  It’s actually Baram who is shaking.  He’s terrified of being caught and wants his friend to comfort him as he kills him.

[caption #468]
Baram: Clyde!!

[caption #469]
Clyde: I'm sorry...

[caption #470]
Baram: Clyde! How could you?!

[caption #471]
Woman: Hey... are you all right?

[caption #472]
Clyde: Where... am I?
Woman: A small village called Thama...
...Come on, hang in there!

[caption #473]
Shriek! Help... HELP!!
Talk to the Impresario!

[caption #474]
Thank goodness!

[caption #475]
A dragon is sitting right in the middle of the stage!

[caption #476]

              Surprise!

[caption #477]
Looks like you've saved the day once again!

Said after you save the day.  Not saying that you’re going to have to do it.

[caption #478]
There's something strange about the ground here...
It's as if we've bumped into something...
   Continue journey.
   Stop and explore.

[caption #479]
Soldier: Who in blazes are YOU?

[caption #480]
Soldier A: Shhhh! Do I always have to tell you to keep it down?! You're hopeless...!
Soldier A: You've gotta be more careful.  General Leo may be a decent man, but Kefka's just twisted!
Soldier B: Yeah...

[caption #481]
Sabin: What the...?
Where'd these soldiers come from?

[caption #482]
Commander: You two! We're about to storm Doma Castle. You will join the assault team!

[caption #483]


[caption #484]
Soldier: Rogue!

[caption #485]
This is an Imperial base. Too many soldiers...

[caption #486]
Soldier A: Hey, have you heard?
Soldier B: Oh, you mean...
Soldier A: Shhh! Quiet down.
If Kefka catches us, we're toast.

[caption #487]
Soldier A: I heard Kefka's plotting to drive General Leo out of our battalion, so he can take his place.
Soldier B: Don't even joke about things like that. If that freak becomes a general, I'll quit!

It’s more clear in the Japanese that Kefka is actively plotting to get Leo out of the way and take his place.

[caption #488]
Soldier A: Shhh! What if he hears you? You'll be locked up!
Soldier B: All right, all right!

[caption #489]
Soldier B: Uh, oh... Here he comes... Back to our posts!

[caption #490]
Kefka: Hey, you! You keeping a sharp lookout, hmm?
Soldier A: Yes sir, Mr. Kefka, sir! How are you today, sir?
Kefka: Please! Save your petty small talk! Just do your job. And don't let me catch you slacking, or I'll make you regret being born!

[caption #491]
Soldier B: Man, someone's gotta put that guy away!
Soldier B: I'd like to tell him to his face he's nothing compared to General Leo...

[caption #492]
Soldier: General Leo. The citizens of Doma seem to be playing a waiting game...
Leo: So, their usual strategy.

The Doma people are said to frequently rely on the strategy of waiting out a siege.

[caption #493]
Soldier: General. We're ready to take the castle. Just give the order...
Leo: Patience! Attack now and we'll have to sacrifice too many lives.

[caption #494]
Soldier: But, General! I'm ready to lay my life down at any time for the Empire!

[caption #495]
Leo: You're from Maranda, right?
Soldier: Y...yes, sir. Why?

[caption #496]
Leo: And your family lives there? Fall in battle, and I'll have to deliver the bad news... What shall I say to them?
You have a life to go back to someday. Don't throw it all away for nothing. I'm sure the Emperor wouldn't want that.

[caption #497]
Soldier: Yes, sir!

[caption #498]
Soldier: General Leo!

[caption #499]
Soldier: Hey! What are you doing?

[caption #500]
Soldier: A carrier pigeon from the Emperor.

[caption #501]
Leo: What...?

[caption #502]
Leo: The Emperor summons me. I must return to the capital immediately.

[caption #503]
Soldier: I understand, sir.

[caption #504]
Leo: Right. I'll leave Doma in your hands.
Soldier: Yes, sir.
Leo: Don't make any mistakes here. That's all I ask.

[caption #505]
Soldier: Sir! Leave it to us, sir!

[caption #506]
Leo: Right.

[caption #507]
So that's General Leo... He could be my friend, if he weren't my enemy...

[caption #508]
That was too close...!

[caption #509]
Urrgh! The top won't open.
Right...
   Kick it.
   Hit it.
   Leave it.

[caption #510]
Yeeeouch!

[caption #511]
No! A sentry!

[caption #512]
Soldier: Who goes there?

[caption #513]
Soldier: ...?
I knew I heard something...
Meoooow...
Soldier: Just a cat...

[caption #514]
Kefka: Once Leo's out of the way, I'll turn this water into a flowing river of poison! Anyone who touches it is a goner! Eee hee hee!

Again, the Japanese makes it clear that Kefka has planned this: the letter was a ruse to get Leo away from the area, so Kefka can go ahead with the poison attack.

[caption #515]
Leo: The Emperor has ordered me to return to Vector. I don't want any mistakes here while I'm gone.
Kefka: Fwah! Unlike you, I’ll take care of this situation in no time!

He doesn’t actually insult him, but is rude in an indirect way that doesn’t translate exactly.

[caption #516]
Leo: Don't be a pompous fool. And DON'T forget that they're still people, even if they are the enemy.
Kefka: We need not spare those lands that side with the Returners!
…Not that I have any mercy to give, anyway…

[caption #517]
Kefka: You just go and be a good little boy...

[caption #518]
Kefka: Is the poison ready?
Soldier: But, General Leo said...
Kefka: He's no longer here! I'm in charge now. Hand it over!
Soldier: Some of our people are prisoners inside the castle! If we poison the river...
Kefka: Who cares? They were stupid enough to get caught!
Now do it! Take 'em all out!

The part about them being stupid for getting caught was left out of the SNES.

[caption #519]
That's inhuman!

[caption #520]
Kefka: Wah? Silence! You're history, bub...

[caption #521]
Kefka: What an oaf! When I get my hands on him...

[caption #522]
Kefka: pant...  wheeze...
...What a persistent little toad!

Kefka isn’t laughing here, he’s out of breath from being chased.

[caption #523]
Kefka: Huh?! How long do you expect me to put up with you? Next time, you're a goner.

[caption #524]
Wait!

[caption #525]
Kefka: Argh! Hey, if you know what's good for you...

[caption #526]
No! Unless we act now, Kefka will use the poison to...

[caption #527]
Kefka: Heh heh… I’ll bet nothing can beat the music of hundreds of voices screaming in unison! Wah ha ha!

Kefka speaks of this as something he’s looking forward to finding out—he doesn’t already know what it sounds like.

[caption #528]
Commander: Attack!

[caption #529]
Doma Sentry: It's hopeless. We can't keep them all out.

[caption #530]
Doma Sentry: So, this is the end...

[caption #531]
Despair ye not!

Cyan’s introduction.  His old-fashioned ‘samurai’ speak in Japanese is represented by archaic English, but in the SNES version its application is very inconsistent and the usage frequently incorrect.  One of my biggest aims in this script has been to write Cyan’s dialog in a way that, in addition to fixing grammatical and consistency issues, would go well beyond what has been done in any other version with writing in the style of Early Modern English.  In order to suit the style, his speech sometimes strays from the more literal meaning of the source, but the overall intention behind it is still clear.

[caption #532]
I shall lead us to victory!

[caption #533]
Cyan: If we can fell their commander, they will surely withdraw.

[caption #534]
Cyan: I shall meet him on the field of battle.

[caption #535]
Cyan: I must not give up the fight!

[caption #536]
Doma Sentry: Sir Cyan! Defeat their commander!

[caption #537]
Doma Sentry: Sir Cyan!

[caption #538]
Cyan: I am the warrior Cyan of Doma. I challenge thee to honorable combat!

Nothing about him being their worst nightmare; this is meant to be a warrior’s challenge.

[caption #539]
Cyan: Doth not the water appear... strange?

[caption #540]
Trooper: The commander's been defeated! Retreat!

[caption #541]
Cyan: This is...  poison!

[caption #542]
Cyan: Your Majesty! Fear not!
King Doma: Who's there?

[caption #543]
Cyan: Cyan, Your Highness!
King Doma: Indeed! My sight is failing... I cannot see your face...
Cyan: Courage, Your Majesty!
King Doma: Cyan... You have defended the realm since the days of my father... I thank you for your service. Urgh... Forgive me... I could not protect the kingdom...

[caption #544]
Cyan: Nay, thou wast not to blame!
King Doma: I fear for your family.  Uhh... my chest burns...
Cyan: Speak not, my liege. Save thy strength!
King Doma: Go... to your family... cough...  gasp......
Cyan: Your Majesty!!

[caption #545]
Cyan: Elayne! Elayne, wake up!

[caption #546]
Cyan: This is... unpardonable...

[caption #547]
Cyan: !  Owain... No!

[caption #548]
A noble warrior from a foreign land. Faithful retainer to his liege, he holds courage that does not fear death...

[caption #549]
The Imperial base is bustling with activity. Something must be happening!

[caption #550]
Doma Sentry: What vicious, evil...!

[caption #551]
Cyan: We must warn the king!

[caption #552]
Cyan: Walled up inside the castle, we can wait out our enemy.

[caption #553]
Cyan: D...Dear me...

[caption #554]
Doma Sentry: We're through.

[caption #555]
Doma Sentry: Hurry, to the king!

[caption #556]
Cyan: The king's room is nigh!

[caption #557]
Cyan: Your Majesty…

[caption #558]
Cyan: There may yet be survivors in the castle...
Doma Sentry: Let's split up.

[caption #559]
Cyan: Here, too...

[caption #560]
Cyan: This is not possible... It cannot be happening!

[caption #561]
I will show no mercy!  The Empire shall pay!

[caption #562]
Trooper: This is off limits.

[caption #563]
Cyan: I am the warrior Cyan of Doma!

[caption #564]
Cyan: Ye shall not live to boast of your evil deeds...!

[caption #565]
Cyan: Gahh! Who among ye hath released this poison?!

[caption #566]
Soldier: The enemy! Take your positions!

[caption #567]
Sabin: That guy's got guts! But he can't do it alone. Gotta help him, fast!

[caption #568]
Sabin: Aaahh! It's that poison! We can't go that way...

[caption #569]
Sabin: Need a hand now?

[caption #570]
Cyan: I am in thy debt, sir.

[caption #571]
Sabin: Let me help you out!

[caption #572]
Cyan: Grr! They be quite formidable!

[caption #573]
Sabin: Look... we're gonna have to do this together!

[caption #574]
Cyan: Yea, the thought hath entered into my mind also!

[caption #575]
Sabin: I'm Sabin, from Figaro. I'll explain more later. First, let's finish this!

[caption #576]
Cyan: Verily, thou hast my gratitude.

[caption #577]
Cyan: Uohhh! Art thou friend or foe?!

[caption #578]
Sabin: Ouuuch! ...didn't MEAN to step in there...

[caption #579]
Sabin: !!

[caption #580]
Sabin: No need to thank me! I am Sabin, from Figaro. Now, let's scram!

[caption #581]
Cyan: But I must avenge my family and my countrymen!
Sabin: Look... If we stick around any longer, we'll have an entire regiment down our throats.

Cyan isn’t talking about abandoning anyone, he’s talking about getting revenge for their deaths.

[caption #582]
Cyan: Sir Sabin, it goeth in circles!

This line is about being unable to control the machine; not about being in Sabin’s debt.

[caption #583]
Sabin: Never mind. Now, come on!

[caption #584]
Cyan: I cannot halt this loathsome beast!

It isn’t clear in the SNES, but this is about him not being able to stop the machine, because he doesn’t know how to drive it.

[caption #585]
Sabin: Then let's just bust through!

[caption #586]
End of the line!

[caption #587]
There's nowhere to run!

[caption #588]
Who said anything about running?!

[caption #589]
Sabin: Well, we've made it this far... So, how do we get to Narshe from here?
Cyan: Narshe, sayest thou?  The southern forest shall be our only road thither, but…

[caption #590]
Sabin: All right. We won't need these hunks of junk in the woods. Let's get going!

He specifically mentions getting rid of the Magitek Armor once they leave the base.

[caption #591]
Sabin: Nothing but poison this way!

[caption #592]
Soldier: Got 'em! Over here!

[caption #593]
Sabin: Hoo, boy...
Sabin: I have a great idea... Come over here.

[caption #594]
Cyan: Sir Sabin... What manner of monstrosity are these?!

[caption #595]
Sabin: I'll explain later. Just climb in!

[caption #596]
Cyan: Sir Sabin! How might these abominable devices be manipulated?

[caption #597]
Sabin: Oh, for...
Thou art such a pain in the...
 Great, now I'm even starting to talk like him!
Sabin: Now listen! See those levers by your hands? Push down on those.

[caption #598]
This is a school for the adventurous beginner. Here we answer your questions about the world. Think of us as your advisors...

This explanatory text was mostly left alone, but a few lines were rewritten for better clarity.

[caption #599]
Welcome to our school for adventurers. We'll be here for you even if the world should crumble.

[caption #600]
This is water from a recovery spring. It'll restore your HP and MP. Such springs are located throughout the world.

[caption #601]
This is a Save Point.

[caption #602]
Valuables are often hidden in pots such as this one.

[caption #603]
Use curative items to restore your HP. Staying at an Inn will revive your party in full.

[caption #604]
Ha! Sometimes monsters lurk inside of treasure chests!

[caption #605]
Heard about Relics?

[caption #606]
Choose with the A Button. Cancel a choice with the B Button. View the Main Menu with the X Button. Dash by holding the B Button.

[caption #607]
When buying armor and weapons you'll see some symbols next to your characters:
Triangles pointing up indicate increasing battle power.
Triangles pointing down indicate decreasing battle power.
"=" indicates no change in battle power.
"E" means the item is already equipped on that character.
A symbol under a character means that person is now in your party.

[caption #608]
If you select the "Wait" Battle Mode from the Config Menu...
You can take all the time you need to select spells or items without being attacked.

[caption #609]
Run from some battles by pressing (and holding) both the L and R Buttons.

[caption #610]
A full meter in the lower right means that character will be next to accept battle commands.
Press the X or Y button to pass that character's battle opportunity to the next character.

[caption #611]
When selecting a spell, press the L or R Button to select multiple targets.

[caption #612]
During a battle, press left or right on the control pad to select "Row" or "Defense".
"Defense" cuts received damage in half, and works until your next command input.

[caption #613]
Damage is more severe when caught in a pincer attack. Beware enemies attacking from behind!

[caption #614]
White numerals appearing during battle are damage points. Green numerals are recovery points.

[caption #615]
In the back row, damage and attack power are halved.
Change rows using the Main Menu: press left on the Control Pad, then press the A Button.

[caption #616]
Need status info?
   Yes
   No

[caption #617]
“Invisible”
Enemy can't strike you, but you're an easy target for spells.
You'll revert to normal if a spell hits you.
"Kappa"
Lose use of spells and special techniques.
"Zombie"
HP drops to 0, and you attack friend and foe alike. Use "Holy Water" to reverse.
For "Confused" and “Asleep"
You'll revert to normal when struck by a weapon.

[caption #618]
Use a curative spell or item on an undead creature for maximum damage.

[caption #619]
"Reraise"
Automatically revives fallen party members in battle.
"Regen"
HP will gradually be recovered.

The text for Reraise (Life 3 in the original release) was totally garbled, but now it actually makes sense.

[caption #620]
The three primary spell attributes are fire, ice, and thunder.

[caption #621]
"Reflect" spells will fade over time, and can't block certain magic attacks.

[caption #622]
"Runic"
Absorbs many magic attacks into MP. Must be reused to remain effective.
"Morph"
Increases Attack and Magic power. Duration increases with battles fought.
"Dance" and "Rage"
Once selected, will continue until the battle is over.

[caption #623]
Use Decoy, and attacks will have a hard time hitting you.

[caption #624]
You might want to go out and get some experience in the world before coming in here!

[caption #625]
Critically wounded party members may occasionally perform powerful, hidden techniques when you select "Attack".

The wording here wasn’t clear in the SNES, so this is now explained better.

[caption #626]
Seems you have a piece of Magicite.
Want to learn more about Espers?
   Yes
   No

[caption #627]
To use an Esper it must be equipped. Choose "Skills" from the menu, then select "Espers." During battle, select Magic, and press up on the Control Pad. Press the A Button to use the Esper. Remember, an Esper can only be used once per battle.

         Learning Magic
Learn new spells by equipping Espers. Switch Espers to learn different sets of spells. The higher the "Learning Speed" the faster a spell is learned. When equipped, some Espers will raise qualities (Strength, HP, MP etc.) to their maximum limits at the next "level up".

[caption #628]
Each sword technique has its own unique name. You'll gain more sword techniques over time.

[caption #629]
"About Reflect"
"Reflect" doesn't block spells that have been "Reflected" off others.
Enemy protected by Reflect?
Try bouncing an attack off a Reflect-protected individual in your party!

[caption #630]
Color changes indicate changes in status.

[caption #631]
Blue = Reflect

Spells are reflected.

[caption #632]
Yellow = "Protect"

Defense up!

[caption #633]
Green = "Shell"

Magic defense up!

[caption #634]
Red = "Haste"

Speed up!

[caption #635]
White = "Slow"

Speed way down!

[caption #636]
Pink = "Stop"

Time stops!

[caption #637]
Locke: I think I'm gonna...

[caption #638]
Locke: Ooh...  ohhhhhh...

[caption #639]
Stay clear of the engine room. It's dangerous.

[caption #640]
We're almost to Great Triangle Island.

The name here is written as ‘Great Triangle Island’ to distinguish it from the smaller triangle island that can be visited later.

[caption #641]
The Magitek Armor's being refurbished.

[caption #642]
Celes: Hey... Locke...

[caption #643]
Rumor has it that some weak magic still exists on Great Triangle Island.

Specifically, ‘weak’ magic is rumored to be there.

[caption #644]
We need to find the Espers quickly so we can make peace with them.

This is meant to emphasize the urgency of finding the Espers.

[caption #645]
Terra: ...Where's Gau...?
Locke: He hates ships. We'll have to leave him behind.

[caption #646]
Soldier: All systems are running smoothly, sir.

[caption #647]
Locke: Urgh...  uooh...  argh...

[caption #648]
Waiter: Please order at the table...

[caption #649]
Sabin: Food! Chop chop! Bring me everything ya got!

[caption #650]
Can't leave the train now!

[caption #651]
Waiter: Care for something?
   Yes, please!
   No, thanks.

[caption #652]
Sabin: Food! Food! Food! Bring me everything ya got!

[caption #653]
Sabin: You worried? C'mon, eat up! Can't wage war on an empty stomach!

[caption #654]
Cyan: Do what thou wilt, sir. I am sure there is no stopping thee...

[caption #655]
Sabin: Well!  I've stuffed down all I can... Let's go!

[caption #656]
Waiter: One moment, please.

[caption #657]
Cyan: Is this train's food tr...truly safe to eat?

[caption #658]
Shadow: ... Interceptor... are you hungry?

[caption #659]
Gobble...  snarf...  snap...

[caption #660]
Conductor: Stop the train? Search for the controls in the engineer's compartment...

[caption #661]
Conductor: I manage this train. What business have you here?
   Tell us about the train.
   How do we stop it?
   Nothing, sorry.

[caption #662]
Conductor: The Phantom Train ferries the dead to the other side. There they can take their eternal rest.

[caption #663]
Can't follow us now.

[caption #664]
Cyan: Be these time schedules?
Sabin: Hmm... they're all blank.

[caption #665]
Conductor: In this world of conflict, there is no use in making schedules for death...

A significant and chilling detail was omitted from the SNES here: so many people are being killed in the war that the Phantom Train has to be ready to receive them at any time.

[caption #666]
Sabin: What's this? Let me just give it a...

[caption #667]
Cyan: Sir Sabin... Perhaps thou shouldst not tamper with that.

[caption #668]
Sabin: Cyan... You're not... scared, are you?

[caption #669]
Sabin: Gave it my best shot.

[caption #670]
Cyan: How couldst thou...?

[caption #671]
Cyan: How canst thou...?!

[caption #672]
Cyan: What sayest thou?! I certainly do not... fear machines, or... or seek to avoid them... Nay, I do not!

There isn’t anything about leaving others’ things alone; it’s just about (feebly) trying to deflect attention away from his own nervousness with machines.

[caption #673]
Sabin: Cyan... You're no good with machines at all, are you?

[caption #674]
Cyan: Argh... How didst thou know?

[caption #675]
Cyan: A train?  But was not Doma's railway destroyed in the war...?
Sabin: There could be survivors inside. Let's take a look.

[caption #676]
Cyan: Sir Sabin...!

[caption #677]
Sabin: We can't just wander around out here. We have to go on board!

[caption #678]
Sabin: What on earth...?

[caption #679]
Cyan: We must escape this train ere all is lost!

[caption #680]
Cyan: We seem to have arrived.

Cyan doesn’t express fear in this line.

[caption #681]
Sabin: Hoo, boy! Finally got off...

[caption #682]
Sabin: Hey!  We can get in right here!

[caption #683]
Whew... What the heck was that all about?

SNES is mistranslated here, because there seems to have been confusion about who was saying this.  It’s Sabin speaking, even though it doesn’t label it as such, and he’s wondering what just happened.  Also, there isn’t any laughing, but instead a sound to indicate breathing heavily.  The SNES version sounds like one of the ghosts is mocking you, but that’s not what it is.

[caption #684]
Huh?!

[caption #685]

      ...No...es...cape...!

[caption #686]
Who's there?!

[caption #687]
It came from this direction.

[caption #688]
Oh, no… They’re following us!

[caption #689]
This way too!

[caption #690]
   You can't escape...
     Nowhere to run...
       Nowhere to hide...

[caption #691]
“Bloody persistent…!”

[caption #692]
Cyan: ’Tis a dead end!

[caption #693]
Sabin: Wait, I know!
Cyan: Hast thou an idea?

[caption #694]
Sabin: Okay...  It's time to see if all my training has paid off. Come on, Cyan!

[caption #695]
Sabin: Graaahh!

[caption #696]
Hey...   Could they be…?

[caption #697]
Voice: Stop where you are!

[caption #698]
Man: I am Siegfried, the world's greatest swordsman! That treasure chest is mine.
If I were you, muscle-head, I'd grab the old man here and run!

This guy uses the most arrogant personal pronoun there is, so he should definitely sound like an egotistical jerk.

[caption #699]
Sabin: World’s greatest windbag, more like. Now beat it, before you get hurt.
Siegfried: You dare…?! You bellowing ox! I’ll turn you to rust on my blade!

[caption #700]
Sabin: Not so tough after all…

[caption #701]
Siegfried: Impossible!  I...I'm the greatest... But I'll still laugh last!

[caption #702]
Siegfried: Wah ha ha! This treasure is mine!  Ta ta, cretins!

He actually says “adios amigos” in Spanish, but that’s not as foreign-sounding as it would be to a Japanese audience.

[caption #703]
We have to detach the rear train cars!

[caption #704]
This is the engineer's room. Gotta stop this thing...

[caption #705]
Something's written here!
What’s this?
To stop the train, shut the first and third pressure valves, and operate the switch outside, near the smoke stack.

[caption #706]
Press this switch and the train'll stop.

[caption #707]
Just throw this switch, and...
 Huh? Nothing's happening!

[caption #708]
Sabin: Won't open!

[caption #709]
Cyan: We are too late.

[caption #710]
Sabin: What's with this train?

[caption #711]
Cyan: This is the Phantom Train...
It carrieth the souls of the deceased to... the land of the dead.

[caption #712]
Sabin: The land of the dead? Wait a sec, does that mean we’re gonna…?
Cyan: Except the train be halted, thither shall we go, and not return.

Cyan isn’t musing about the inevitability of death; he’s just saying that’s where they’ll end up if they can’t get off the train.

[caption #713]
Sabin: Forget that! If we can’t get off, we’ll have to stop this thing. Let's make for the engine.

[caption #714]
Look out!

[caption #715]
Sabin: What's with this guy?
Cyan: It seemeth to wish to accompany us.
Bring it along?
   Sure.
   No way.

[caption #716]
Sabin: No way! That's just gonna slow us down.

[caption #717]
You’re leaving?

It’s more clear the ghost is going away.

[caption #718]
Guess we're on our own now...

[caption #719]
Howdy, folks. I have some great, value-priced items!
   Shop.
   Don't shop.

[caption #720]
Sabin: It's moving!
Cyan: If we escape not…

[caption #721]
Sabin: Don't worry!

[caption #722]
Phantom Train: So! You're the ones slowing my progress!

[caption #723]
Phantom Train: I will allow you to leave... but first there is something I must do...

[caption #724]
Elayne!

[caption #725]
...The train's leaving?!

[caption #726]
Sabin: Cyan... is that your wife and son?

[caption #727]
Cyan: No!  Elayne!  Owain!

[caption #728]
Cyan: Please, wait!

[caption #729]
Sabin: Let's leave this crazy train behind!

[caption #730]
Owain...

[caption #731]
My love... You made me so happy. Don't forget me...

[caption #732]
Dad! I'll keep practicing with my sword so I can keep Mom safe!

[caption #733]
Shadow: Best leave him alone.

[caption #734]
Cyan: ......

[caption #735]
Sabin: This must be Baren Falls.

[caption #736]
Cyan: To the south lieth the Veldt. 'Tis a wild and dangerous land, inhabited by many ferocious beasts...
Sabin: And we have the Empire behind us.
Cyan: If we can slip through the Veldt, we can reach the town of Mobliz, to the east...

[caption #737]
Sabin: Shadow!

[caption #738]
Sabin: Thanks for your help! Let's team up again sometime!

[caption #739]
Shadow: I have served my purpose...

[caption #740]
Jump?
   Why not?
   You crazy?

[caption #741]
Though he looks like a beast, his eyes shine with a kind and gentle light...

[caption #742]
And you are?

[caption #743]
You came via Baren Falls? Unbelievable! It's flowing like there's no tomorrow...!

[caption #744]
Only carrier pigeons link our village to the outside.

[caption #745]
Letters tell us that war has broken out...

[caption #746]
Duane and Katarin are both sixteen and in love. It’s such a romantic age…

[caption #747]
Katarin: ......

[caption #748]
Duane: ......

[caption #749]
Have you seen the house in the far northern plains? The old guy there's a tad psycho.
Threw out his own kid, thinking it was a monster!

The part about abandoning his kid is omitted from the SNES.

[caption #750]
This region's called the Veldt. Monsters from all over the world migrate here.

[caption #751]
One time I was out hunting, and I thought I saw a kid running with a herd of beasts! Wonder if it was just my imagination...

Nothing about the kid’s parents; just wondering if he really saw what he thought he did.

[caption #752]
Strong currents run through the Serpent Trench.
Heard about it?
   Yes
   No

[caption #753]
If you had a diving helmet you could make it to Nikeah.

[caption #754]
Hop into the current, and you'll be swept to Nikeah. Too bad our only diving helmet was stolen...

[caption #755]
A wounded soldier wandered here recently. Busted up pretty bad, too. It doesn't look good...
Only the letters coming from Maranda are keeping him going.

[caption #756]
The soldier in here is hurt pretty bad.

[caption #757]
Keep your voices down!

[caption #758]
I threw some dried meat into a herd of hungry animals, and some kid emerged and grabbed it!

[caption #759]
I am at your service. I send things all over the world.

[caption #760]
The entrance to the Serpent Trench is in Crescent Mountain on the southern tip of this continent.

[caption #761]
Injured Lad: I'm from Maranda. The Empire invaded, and made me join the Imperial army.
I fled when I heard we were heading for Doma. They caught me... and did this...
Now I can't even move.  I’ll never see Lola again...
There’s a letter on the desk. Will you please read it to me?

[caption #762]
I can't get used to Imperial troopers walking the streets of Maranda, but otherwise things are okay.
Flowers are blooming in the garden, telling me spring is here.
How are you doing? I'm so worried. I wish I could fly to your side!
I hope you get well soon, and know that I think about you every day.
Your love,
                      Lola

[caption #763]
I'd like to write her back, but I can't even pick up a pen. Even my fingers are broken!

[caption #764]
Postage to Maranda is 500 Gil.
Gonna send a letter for that soldier, right?
   Send it.
   Forget it.

[caption #765]
I want to get better and return to Maranda. I want to see Lola...

[caption #766]
Another letter has arrived. Could you read it to me?

[caption #767]
I can't find your favorite record...
I thought I'd play it and you'd be with me, but...

[caption #768]
For 500 Gil you can send a record.
   Send it.
   Forget it.

[caption #769]
Mother's taken ill. We can't afford medicine. If only we had more Potion...

[caption #770]
For 500 Gil you can send a Potion.
   Send it.
   Forget it.

[caption #771]
I haven't heard from you. I'm so worried...

[caption #772]
For 500 Gil you can send a letter.
   Send it.
   Forget it.

[caption #773]
You said you were reading a book. If only I could read it, too...

[caption #774]
For 500 Gil you can send a book.
   Send it.
   Forget it.

[caption #775]
A letter came from him! He's all right!

[caption #776]
He sent me a record! I'm so happy!

[caption #777]
He even sent medicine for my mom! He's so kind!

[caption #778]
He sent that book! I'll read it every evening, before bed!

[caption #779]
My love hasn't sent me back any letters since he's been gone. I'm sick with worry...

[caption #780]
I'd give Lola everything... If only I could move...

[caption #781]
I heard... you've sent Lola many things in my name...
I wish to thank you. Please accept this as a token of my appreciation.

     Received “Tintinabulum”.

[caption #782]
Gau: Treasure... yes...
Cyan: 'Tis naught but a dirty glass bowl...
Sabin: Looks like it just might fit over your head...

This dialog makes it clearer what the object actually is.

[caption #783]
Sabin: Hmm... Could we use this thing?

[caption #784]
Sabin: Will this really let us breathe underwater?

[caption #785]
Sabin: Cyan! That shiny thing Gau mentioned is in here.

[caption #786]
Cyan: Sir Gau... where is the treasure thou spakest of?

[caption #787]
Gau: Gau... forget!

[caption #788]
Sabin: Shall we look around?
Cyan: Indeed.

[caption #789]
Sabin: Not over here...

[caption #790]
Sabin: A Potion...

[caption #791]
Cyan: This is Sir Gau's treasure?

[caption #792]
Sabin: Hey, Gau. What's wrong?

[caption #793]
Gau: Gau!

[caption #794]
Sabin: Hey! My pouch! There was 500 Gil in it...!

[caption #795]
Cyan: The current is... quite fast.
Sabin: No kidding.
Sabin: But unless we hop in, we won't make it back to my friends…

[caption #796]
Sabin: Gau... you…!

[caption #797]
Cyan: Oh, dear. Sir Sabin, I shall handle this.

[caption #798]
Cyan: Sir Sabin... Recall that thou badest me keep safe thy pouch.  Here.

[caption #799]
Sabin: Argh!

[caption #800]
Cyan: Is this it? Gau's "treasure"?

[caption #801]
Sabin: Let's go!

[caption #802]
This is Nikeah, one of the world's few port towns.

[caption #803]
We used to be a prosperous trading port, but the Empire shut us down.

[caption #804]
Is it true the kingdom of Doma fell to the Empire?

[caption #805]
Move along now. You're in the way!

[caption #806]
Nikeah is isolated from the rest of the world. No one can reach this island unless they have a ship.

The Japanese says that Nikeah is isolated because it’s an island, which is information left out of the SNES version.

[caption #807]
A rock slide has blocked the path leading north.

[caption #808]
The path leading north is now clear.

[caption #809]
South Figaro-bound ferry.
   Still need to shop.
   Board the ferry.

[caption #810]
The Empire has overrun our destination.

[caption #811]
Nikeah-bound ferry.
   Still need to shop.
   Board the ferry.

[caption #812]
There used to be ships sailing to the southern continent, but now…
Tzen, Albrook, Maranda...
They've all been conquered by the Empire.

[caption #813]
You met that odd man, lives near the Lethe River? His wife bore him a son thirteen years ago. It was a problem birth, and the woman passed away. The man totally lost it.
He thought the newborn was a monster. Wonder what happened to the poor little baby?

[caption #814]
Dancer: Yoo hoo! You handsome thing. How 'bout a drink with me? Tee hee!

References to drinking were of course censored in the SNES version.

[caption #815]
Cyan: W-what...?! Thou licentious howler! Cease this debauchery at once!

‘Licentious howler’ is an awesome phrase.  The Japanese is more generic, but he’s clearly telling her to back off.

[caption #816]
Dancer: Oh, don't be a stick in the mud. Let's just have some fun! Come on, take a look at my assets.

Literally ‘valley’, which can refer to only one thing in this context.  The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ stuff in the GBA version sounds way too goofy for my taste.

[caption #817]
Cyan: Assets?!

[caption #818]
Sabin: Cyan... Don't let it get to you.
Cyan: Th-thou art unaffected by these... charms?!

“I’m not like that!” he says in the SNES… which doesn’t even remotely sound like archaic speech.  It would be silly to point out every instance because there are so many, but I went to a great deal of effort to make Cyan’s dialog consistent in tone and usage, which includes removing anything that sounds too modern.

[caption #819]
Sabin: One of the benefits of all my years of ascetic training!

Sabin can sit back and laugh about someone getting breasts shoved at them because his training has apparently rendered him immune.  Naturally this didn’t make it into the censored SNES version, either.

[caption #820]
Dancer: Oh, don't leave me standing here all alone!

[caption #821]
Cyan: Enough! A proper woman should have modesty, and... and decency! And...
...rant, rant...

[caption #822]
Sabin: Oh, Cyan, you're too much!

[caption #823]
You took one look at me and thought I was a loser, right? You're obligated to buy from me now!

[caption #824]
Looks like junk, but...

[caption #825]
Have any imported goods?

[caption #826]
Cyan: Narshe is but a short way ahead.

[caption #827]
Sabin: I hope the others arrived safely...

[caption #828]
Cyan: Fear not.

[caption #829]
Gau: Uwao...

[caption #830]
Aged Man: Go, unless you're a repair person!

[caption #831]
Gau: W...what...?

[caption #832]
Aged Man: Haven't seen any skilled repair people in ages...

[caption #833]
Aged Man: Oh, hello again! Yep, your repairs were tops!
Sabin: I told you, I'm not...
Aged Man: Now, hurry up and fix that chair! Then you can use it to reach the roof.

[caption #834]
Sabin: You don't suppose... Can this be Gau's father?

[caption #835]
Gau: Uwao...

During the “Gau’s father” scene, Gau suddenly sounds like he has a speech impediment in the SNES.  But there’s nothing to indicate that would be the case.

[caption #836]
Elder: I understand all of it...
But... How can you ask us to cause bloodshed?
Arvis: I never said... that!
Elder: Something like it.

Significant error here: they’re talking about “causing” bloodshed, not “encouraging” it.

[caption #837]
Banon: Ha! He's right, you know!

[caption #838]
Arvis: Banon!
Banon: We're asking you to shed blood.

As in, “we’re asking you to kill people.”  An even more significant error: in the SNES it sounds like he’s saying the Returners are going to die because of the Narshe people, but that makes no sense at all.

[caption #839]
Banon: Emperor Gestahl's racing to acquire magic power. That's why he's after the Esper that was found here. So much use of magic could lead to global destruction...

Another example of saying ‘Magitek’ in the SNES when technology isn’t specifically mentioned.  It could fit in this context, though.

[caption #840]
Elder: The War of the Magi...

[caption #841]
Elder: The mythical battle that laid waste to the world... You believe it could really happen again? I thought people had grown wiser...

[caption #842]
Cyan: I am Cyan, warrior of the kingdom of Doma.

The SNES frequently refers to him as the ‘retainer’ of Doma, but usually he just calls himself a warrior.

[caption #843]
Gau: Gau... Gau!

[caption #844]
Sabin: The people of Doma were wiped out by the Empire.

[caption #845]
Cyan: Everyone... poisoned unto death by Kefka...

[caption #846]
Elder: Barbaric!

[caption #847]
Banon: Elder!
Elder: But... that was because Doma was collaborating with the Returners.
As long as we remain neutral, we've nothing to fear from the Empire.

A difference in emphasis: the SNES line sounds like he’s afraid of Imperial retaliation; but in the Japanese he’s more confident they won’t be attacked if they stay out of the war.

[caption #848]
Locke: Think again!

[caption #849]
Terra: Locke!
Locke: The Empire's poised to attack Narshe right now!
Edgar: What?!

[caption #850]
Banon: Locke, where'd you hear that?
Locke: Celes here was one of the Empire's gen...

[caption #851]
Cyan: So it is her! I thought it a face I had seen before. Sir Gau, stand aside!

[caption #852]
Cyan: Yea, the infamous General Celes, who in her iniquity hath caused the destruction of Maranda!  Thou wretched dog of the Empire! Stand and meet thy judgment!

Let’s face it, ‘iniquity’ is a fun word.  I punched up some of Cyan’s dialog deliberately in order to suit the style of speech I’d chosen for him, but this is saying essentially the same thing as the Japanese line.  In the SNES he accuses her of being a spy, but there’s nothing about that here.

In the GBA, it sounds like he’s going to call her a bitch, but I don’t believe that is anything like the context of how ‘dog’ is being used—especially considering it is said by the old-fashioned archaic guy.  Contrary to what some translations would have you believe, the profanity level of the Japanese script is extremely low, so this would seem doubly out of place.  Really it’s probably closer to calling someone ‘swine’ (which I did consider using).

[caption #853]
Locke: Wait! Celes has promised to help the Returners! She's left the Empire!
Cyan: But...!
Locke: I won't go back on my word to a woman I've sworn to protect!

[caption #854]
Edgar: Locke... Are you still thinking about... that?

[caption #855]
Terra: I was also an Imperial soldier.
Cyan: WHAT?!

[caption #856]
Edgar: The Empire's evil. But not all of its citizens are!

[caption #857]
Emergency! The Empire is come! We're under attack!

In the SNES this was, “The Empire cometh!”  But there’s no apparent reason for a Narshe guard to be using archaic grammar.  As a nod to this, I used another old-fashioned grammatical form (with ‘to be’ as the auxiliary verb instead of ‘to have’, as we would usually say now), but one that’s not so obviously out of place.  Now it sounds more 18th-century instead of 16th.

[caption #858]
Kefka: I don't care what you have to do, just GET ME THAT ESPER!

[caption #859]
Soldier: Lord Kefka! What about the civilians...?
Kefka: Dispose of all who oppose us! Wipe them all out!
Soldier: But, Lord Kefka, Narshe is neutral...
Kefka: Idiot!

[caption #860]
Kefka: Read my lips! Exterminate everyone! March!

I flipped around the order of Kefka’s threats, so that the most extreme would be said last. This fits better with him saying ‘read my lips’ for emphasis on the last line.

[caption #861]
Elder: It seems we really have no choice. Let's make ready for war!

[caption #862]
Banon: They're here for the Esper.
Elder: We moved it into the cliffs above the valley.

[caption #863]
Edgar: Then we're going up after it! We'll make our stand there.

[caption #864]
Edgar: Locke has a complicated past. I wouldn't go thinking he's fallen for you or something!

[caption #865]
Celes: I'm a soldier, not some love-starved twit!
Edgar: Cold as ice...

[caption #866]
Celes: So, Terra, who'd have thought we'd meet again... like this?
Terra: You... can use magic, too... can't you? But... it's different from mine...
Celes: When I was a child I was artificially infused with magic, and raised as a mage warrior.
Terra: Is it possible for you to... love others?
Celes: ...? Are you mocking me?!

This exchange got messed up in the original release.  In that version it sounded like Terra and Celes had never met before, Celes remarked on how great it was to have magic, and then it sort of sounded like Terra was asking if Celes had a boyfriend.  None of that is in the Japanese at all.

In actuality, they have met before, they talk about how their magic powers are different, and Terra asks if Celes knows how to love, since she herself doesn’t.  And of course Celes reacts indignantly for different reasons.

Also, it doesn’t say Celes received magic as a baby, but rather as a child.

[caption #867]
Cyan: Think not even for a moment that I trust thee!
Celes: Fine. Use your own eyes, then decide which side I'm on.

[caption #868]
Sabin: Brother!

[caption #869]
Edgar: Sabin! You're all right!

[caption #870]
Edgar: Who's with you?

[caption #871]
Sabin: I think we should defer to my brother on this one...

Sabin’s line here was messed up and what he said didn’t connect with the rest of the conversation.  Understandable since it’s out of order from the other lines.  This also happened in other places in the game as well.

[caption #872]
Banon: They're coming!

[caption #873]
Banon: Prepared?
   Yes
   No

[caption #874]
Kefka: Oho! If it isn't General Celes, the traitor! How delightful! This'll be fun!

[caption #875]
Kefka: Go! Squash those vile insects!

[caption #876]
Protect the Esper from Kefka!
Need some info?
   Yes
   No

[caption #877]
You'll fight in three groups. Use the Y Button to switch between them.
Defeat Kefka before his men reach Banon. Otherwise, you lose!

[caption #878]
Terra: Kefka... He stuck that crown on me?

[caption #879]
Locke: Bloody Empire! We are your worst enemy!

[caption #880]
Celes: I'm free... The Empire can't control me!

[caption #881]
Edgar: Kefka... grr... What's he up to...?

[caption #882]
Sabin: Master Duncan's techniques mustn't fail me.

[caption #883]
Cyan: I shall avenge the people of Doma!

[caption #884]
Gau: Gau hit hard!

[caption #885]
Banon: We're history if they reach me! Good luck!

[caption #886]
Kefka: Ack! I won't forget this!

[caption #887]
Edgar: Where's the Esper?
Locke: Did anything happen to it?

[caption #888]
Edgar: That was a close call!
Cyan: Could the Esper yet be alive?
Sabin: Impossible... right?!

[caption #889]
Locke: Terra! What is it?!

[caption #890]
Terra: Nooo!

[caption #891]
Sabin: Terra and the Esper...
Edgar: They... they're reacting to each other!

Specifically, they’re reacting to each other, not just some general reaction.

[caption #892]
Locke: Unhh...
Celes: You're awake?

[caption #893]
Locke: ...Where's Terra?!

[caption #894]
Celes: She changed into a... something, and... took off. She looked just like...

[caption #895]
Celes: She looked like an Esper...

[caption #896]
Edgar: Locke! You okay?

[caption #897]
Edgar: Something happened to Terra... There seems to be some connection between her and that Esper...  Anyway, we need to find her. Witnesses saw her streaking westward across the sky, past Figaro!

[caption #898]
Locke: Let's go! I promised her I'd...

[caption #899]
Celes: Locke...
Edgar: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The Empire still wants that Esper.
Sabin: Banon still needs our help, too...

[caption #900]
Edgar: Let's split up. Those who aren't searching for Terra will stay and protect Narshe.
Figaro Castle can take us to the western province. Then we'll make for Kohlingen or Jidoor to track down clues.

The reason for going to Kohlingen and Jidoor was left out of the SNES version.

[caption #901]
Change group members?
   Yes
   No

[caption #902]
Cyan: A former Imperial soldier...  But we have no choice. We must help her!

[caption #903]
Locke: I promised Terra I'd keep her safe...

[caption #904]
Celes: Terra zoomed out of here! She looked just like an Esper...

[caption #905]
Cyan: We must help her!

[caption #906]
Edgar: Find Terra!

[caption #907]
Sabin: I'll watch over Narshe! Go quickly!

[caption #908]
Gau: Gau... Gau do his best!

[caption #909]
Cyan: Can we enter into the Empire so brazenly?

[caption #910]
Edgar: The Empire's Magitek Research Facility... Could the secret be there?

[caption #911]
Sabin: Leave Narshe to me!

[caption #912]
Gau: Gau do his best!

[caption #913]
Banon: Please find Terra… The future of the world rests in her hands.

[caption #914]
Arvis: Heard Terra turned into light and streaked away toward the west.
Make your way to Figaro Castle. Maybe they can help you there.

[caption #915]
Elder: I'm troubled... I want to avoid war. But...

[caption #916]
Moogles live deep within the mines.

[caption #917]
We obey the Elder's will.

They obey his commands, not just listen to his advice.

[caption #918]
So... magic really does exist?

[caption #919]
Magic? Pshaw! What nonsense!

[caption #920]
Narshe is a neutral city. We want no war here. But that damned Empire won't listen...

The SNES used #@%!* as a stand-in for profanity here.

[caption #921]
I hear that Figaro Castle can burrow under the desert, and take you to Kohlingen.

[caption #922]
The house to the far right contains the treasures I've collected. Take them, before the Empire does!  Only one of them is locked. I'm sure there was something good in it...

[caption #923]
A glowing form soared off toward Figaro Castle. It seemed almost... human.

[caption #924]
Curse the day we dug up that Esper! That's what brought the Empire here!

[caption #925]
Looks like war's coming…

[caption #926]
There's a yeti that lives inside the mine... or so I heard.

[caption #927]
Lone Wolf, the infamous thief, has been sighted here. Are my treasures safe?

[caption #928]
Weapon and Armor shops are selling some new stuff for the coming war.

[caption #929]
Asking the Espers to join us? Not a good idea...

He’s skeptical about the wisdom of seeking out the Espers, not expressing doubt about the possibility of exploiting their power.

This sort of confusion is often seen in translations from Japanese, because the phrase ‘ask for your help’ is literally something like ‘lend me your power’.  As a result, many games translated from Japanese to English have this kind of phrasing in them, and tend to incorrectly base their dialog around the altered nuance it seems to suggest.

[caption #930]
I saw some Moogles walkin' with a yeti.

[caption #931]
Steam engines keep this city warm.

Steam engines, not geothermal devices.  Also, Narshe is a city, not a town—this difference is seen frequently throughout, both here and with other places.  After all, a mere town couldn’t hope to stand up to the Empire, could it?

[caption #932]
Wanna know how to ride a chocobo?

[caption #933]
Press the A Button, or up on the Control Pad, to go forward. Steer with the Control Pad.
Press the B Button to dismount. Careful! Once you get off, the bird will return to its pen!

[caption #934]
Chocobo ride, 100 Gil.
How about it?
   Yes
   No

[caption #935]
King Edgar! Welcome back!

[caption #936]
It was great seeing Kefka so enraged as we dove into the sand.

The SNES line says that Kefka was sighted in the area, but that’s not what this guy is saying at all.

[caption #937]
That girl... wrapped in light… She headed off to the west...

It doesn’t say she was in a fireball, although that is an effective image.

[caption #938]
Who'd have thought a person could fly over a mountain range?

[caption #939]
Submerged, this castle could even travel under a mountain range.

[caption #940]
Wanna get past the mountains? This castle can't fly, but it can submerge. Find the person in charge of the Engine Room.

[caption #941]
We're no longer allied with the Empire.

[caption #942]
You must be tired. How about a rest?

[caption #943]
Edgar: If only Sabin were here...

[caption #944]
Sabin: This is like old times! I have to wander around for a while!

[caption #945]
Sabin: Hey, wait! I'm going too.

[caption #946]
High Priestess: Sabin... Every bit an adult, now...  I remember that time so vividly. You were so angry...  I think you taught me something very important that day.

[caption #947]
Chancellor: Welcome back, King Edgar!

[caption #948]
Chancellor: Huh? Sabin... What a splendid young man you've become!

[caption #949]
Chancellor: Make yourselves at home here.

[caption #950]
Sabin: Hmm... Castle hasn't changed much...

[caption #951]
Sabin: And yet it's all different... Mom and Dad are gone...
Everyone's gone... Since that day...

[caption #952]
...tonight...  ...took a turn for the worse...  ...there's a chance he might...

[caption #953]
Nooo...!  Y...you're wrong...!  This can't be...

[caption #954]
High Priestess...  ...The King... he's...

[caption #955]
...Sabin...  ...Sabin!

[caption #956]
...My father...  ...I don't believe this...

[caption #957]
Sabin: Edgar...  sob...   sniffle...
Edgar: So... Dad didn't make it...

[caption #958]
High Priestess: Edgar! Here you are...

[caption #959]
High Priestess: Your father...
He just uttered his last wish to entrust Figaro to the two of you...

His last wish wasn’t to divide the kingdom, but rather to entrust it to both of them.

[caption #960]
Sabin: You fools! Everyone's saying that the Empire poisoned Dad...  And the only thing on your minds is, "Who's going to be the next king?!"  You're all pathetic!

[caption #961]
Sabin: I'm sure no one cared when Mom died in childbirth, either...
High Priestess: That's not…

The part about her dying in childbirth got left out, as well as the fact that Sabin only thinks no one cared—he doesn’t actually know that.

[caption #962]
Sabin: You were as bad as any of 'em!
Edgar: Sabin...
Sabin: Empire of murderers...  They won't get away with this!

[caption #963]
Sabin: I'm outta here! I'm forsaking this war-sick realm for my dignity and freedom.
Sabin: You said you were sick of it too, right?
Edgar: ...freedom...

[caption #964]
Edgar: High Priestess... Please leave us...

[caption #965]
Edgar: What'll happen to this realm if we both leave? And what would Dad say...?

[caption #966]
Edgar: Let's settle this with a toss of a coin. Dad gave me this one...

Edgar getting the coin from his father was left out.

[caption #967]
Edgar: If it's heads, you win. We'll choose whichever path we want, without any regrets. Okay?

[caption #968]
Edgar: This is for Dad!

[caption #969]
Edgar: And then, you opted for your freedom.

[caption #970]
Edgar: It's been... ten years. The little shrimp's grown into a whopping lobster!
Sabin: And you're a king crab!

This amusing exchange was more generic in Japanese.

[caption #971]
Edgar: Sabin... I often wonder if he'd be proud of me...

[caption #972]
Sabin: Don't you ever doubt that!

[caption #973]
Edgar: Ten years...
Sabin: Where has the time gone...?

[caption #974]
Edgar: Here's to a couple of confused grownups!

They don’t say they’re confused in Japanese, but it fits.

[caption #975]
Edgar: Here's to Dad...

[caption #976]
Sabin: ...to Mom... and to Figaro.

[caption #977]
Lots of requests this month! If it's your wish, I'll take you beyond the mountains.

[caption #978]
   Go to Figaro?
   Stay here.

[caption #979]
   Go to Kohlingen?
   Stay here.

[caption #980]
Beyond is Figaro Castle’s engine room. It is currently undergoing maintenance.

The engines being unavailable due to maintenance is not present in the SNES version.

[caption #981]
That's dangerous!

[caption #982]
Urgh!

[caption #983]
Next stop, Kohlingen! Watch your step!

[caption #984]
Next stop, South Figaro. Watch your step!

[caption #985]
I don't know what that thing was, but it tore up my house! Some kind of glowing monster...

His house being wrecked got left out of the SNES, and he doesn’t say it looked human.

[caption #986]
Everyone was scared when the glowing creature stopped here. It left to the south, toward Jidoor.

[caption #987]
Everyone was scared of that shining creature! But in a way it was...  beautiful!

This line is said by a little kid, so the wording was adjusted accordingly.

[caption #988]
My dream is to see an opera at the opera house south of Jidoor.  I'd wear a sequined dress... and bring a handsome escort...!

[caption #989]
Hey, is that you, Locke? Have you stopped to see Rachel?

[caption #990]
You a friend of Locke's? He always stops by Rachel's house when he comes here.

[caption #991]
Best stay away from the house on the eastern edge of town. The old coot there spends his days mixing curious herbs. I heard he keeps ghosts under his house!

[caption #992]
My brother's a bit... crazy. Lives alone to the north, and dreams of building a colosseum!

[caption #993]
Was it really a monster? It stopped in front of my little girl, and I could see it had gentle eyes...

A monster, not a ghost.  The fact that it stopped in front of her child was left out of the SNES.  This is actually somewhat significant, since it fits with Terra’s affinity for children.

[caption #994]
Shadow: We meet again...

[caption #995]
I’m a man who abandoned his name. Some people call me...

[caption #996]
Shadow: Leave me alone...

[caption #997]
People call me... Shadow...

[caption #998]
Shadow: Just need enough to feed my dog. Say, oh... 3000 Gil.
Buy Shadow's help?
    Yes
    No

[caption #999]
Locke: ...wasn't able to...  save her when she needed me...

[caption #1000]
Rachel: Locke! What are we off to find today?

[caption #1001]
Locke: Soon, you'll see...

[caption #1002]
Locke: There’s supposed to be an amazing treasure hidden somewhere on this mountain. And we’re gonna find it!

He doesn’t mention how much it might be worth.

[caption #1003]
Rachel: Locke! Look out!

[caption #1004]
Locke: RACHEL!!

[caption #1005]
Locke: Rachel! Are you awake?

[caption #1006]
Rachel: ...   ......?
I...  I can't remember anything...

[caption #1007]
Rachel's Father: Get outta here! It's your fault she's lost her memory!
Locke: Please, wait! Just let me talk to her...

There isn’t anything in Japanese about Locke and Rachel being engaged, although that could fit given how much he cared about her.

[caption #1008]
Rachel: Go away! I don't know who you are, but ever since you came here my parents have been upset!

[caption #1009]
You'd best leave Rachel alone.  She's going to have to make a new start of it. With you here, she can't even do that...

[caption #1010]
A year passed... When I returned here, I learned that Rachel had been killed in an Imperial attack. Her memory came back just before she passed away.  The last thing she said was... my name...   I never should have left her side.  I...  I failed her...

[caption #1011]
A girl named Rachel used to live in that house. Now it's deserted.

[caption #1012]
Rachel's...  memory returned just before she died. She said, "If a man named Locke returns, please tell him I love him..."

[caption #1013]
Stay away from that guy. He's an assassin!

[caption #1014]
I never want to go back to Zozo...

[caption #1015]
Some pretty bad sorts come in here. That guy's an assassin!

[caption #1016]
There was an assassin sitting over there just a moment ago!

[caption #1017]
Oh! Is that you, Locke? It's been a while!  Eh? Oh, that?! Worry not! Your "treasure" is quite safe!  Kwa, ha, ha!

[caption #1018]
Are we through here? All done? Finished? Kwa, ha, ha!

[caption #1019]
Locke: Rachel...

[caption #1020]
My herbal concoction is keeping her preserved. Now she won't age a day! Wa ha!
Couldn't very well refuse, what with you begging me like that...

Rachel is not in suspended animation.  She’s dead, and her corpse is being preserved.  Also, Locke actually begged the old man to keep her here like this.

[caption #1021]
Locke: You're sure those herbs will actually work?

The herbs will ‘work’ in the sense that they’ll keep her body from rotting.  They haven’t saved her from death.

[caption #1022]
Of course! Her remains will stay like this forever.  Kwa, ha, ha!

Again, she’s not sleeping, she’s completely dead.

[caption #1023]
Locke: If only there were some way to... call her spirit back...

They’re talking about raising her from the dead, not waking her from a coma.

[caption #1024]
You mean the mythical treasure that can summon the souls of the dead? Kwa, ha, ha!
Yes, perhaps with that you could bring her around... Kwa, ha, ha!

There’s a very specific legendary treasure they’re talking about here, which forms the basis of this whole subplot.  Unfortunately this was almost entirely left out of the SNES version, and what was left was somewhat obscured, so it doesn’t come across anything like how it was supposed to.

In addition to clarifying what’s going on, this also makes the whole thing a lot creepier.

[caption #1025]
I...  failed her...

[caption #1026]
Celes: Locke...

[caption #1027]
That? Oh, that's Locke's...  Dear, me! Almost spilled the beans! Kwa, ha!

[caption #1028]
This is Jidoor, the western most town on the world map.

[caption #1029]
This region is very class-conscious. The middle classes live in the southern part of town. The rich folks live to the north. See that huge mansion up there?

The mansion, which is important later on, isn’t mentioned in the SNES.

[caption #1030]
The poor people were kicked out of town. I hear they built a new town in the mountains to the north.

That the poor people were kicked out of town was also not included.  In the SNES it sounded like they just left on their own.

[caption #1031]
Maria, the opera singer, is gorgeous!

[caption #1032]
I wanna be an opera singer when I grow up!  Opera house? It's far to the south.

[caption #1033]
A girl wrapped in fire sped off to the north, into the mountains.

[caption #1034]
To the north is the town of Zozo. Watch out for the people there.

[caption #1035]
They’re all a bunch of liars up in Zozo. Never can trust those people…

[caption #1036]
Oops! Sorry.

[caption #1037]
Once in a while someone from Zozo will come here, looking for an easy mark. Watch your wallet!

They’re not referred to as idiots in Japanese.

[caption #1038]
You're clearly not from around here...  Look sharp! Make yourself presentable!

[caption #1039]
Are you interested in art? No? How tragically vulgar!

[caption #1040]
You can get some priceless things at this auction. But I doubt someone like you could afford them...

These three lines are all meant to be extremely snooty.

[caption #1041]
I want that mythical treasure that will bring back departed souls. No one else has one yet...  I've heard it could be in the Imperial capital...

This is a reference to the treasure that Locke is looking for to revive Rachel.  In the SNES this is not clear.

[caption #1042]
Zozo? Never heard of it.

[caption #1043]
Great people, here. You can trust everything they say.

[caption #1044]
Beautiful weather!

[caption #1045]
It's now 2:00.

[caption #1046]
Time? It's 4:00.

[caption #1047]
You can trust me! It's 8:00.

[caption #1048]
10:00! Time to go home!

[caption #1049]
It's already 12:00.

[caption #1050]
A girl? Ain't seen one. And there's definitely not one on the top floor of this building.

Since the people in Zozo are liars, he’s supposed to say there’s not a girl in the building, to indicate there actually is.

[caption #1051]
It's completely safe here!

[caption #1052]
Clock's hands have stopped.
Please reset the hour.
   2:00        4:00
   6:00        8:00
   10:00      12:00

[caption #1053]
Jeez! How long we gonna hafta do this?!

[caption #1054]
Clock's hands have stopped.
Please reset the minute.
   0:10        0:20
   0:30        0:40
   0:50

[caption #1055]
Clock's hands have stopped.
Please reset the second.
   (0:00:10        0:00:20
   (0:00:30        0:00:40
   (0:00:50

[caption #1056]
Clock's second hand's pointin' at 30.

[caption #1057]
That clock has no minute hand. It's never pointing to the right time anyway!

[caption #1058]
The seconds? They're divisible by 20!

[caption #1059]
"Some woman flew up to the top floor!"
Did you say... "flew"? That must be Terra!
“Creepy monsters live up there. Look out fer 'em!”

[caption #1060]
The second hand of my watch is pointing at four.

[caption #1061]
Climb the stairs of the building with the Pub sign on it, and you can find a path leading to Mt. Zozo.  The monsters up there are fast! You'd better have a way to make sure you can hit them reliably... like one of those sniper things...

The part about the fast monsters, and the advice for how to deal with them, is not in the SNES.  Of course, with the Evade bug in that version it didn’t actually matter anyway, but in any version with the bug fixed it becomes important.

[caption #1062]
With this Rust-Rid you can open that door.
Yours for 1000 Gil!
   Yes
   No

[caption #1063]
Purchased Rust-Rid.

[caption #1064]
This place is dangerous! Be careful, and don’t get any crazy ideas like jumping between buildings.

[caption #1065]
Hand's pointin' at the two.

[caption #1066]

    Didn't reset clock...

[caption #1067]
Get in line!

[caption #1068]
Oh, hello. Where are you headed on such a fine day? I’m a respectable citizen of this town.
I’m not very good at fighting, so I’ll just let you pass without any trouble…

[caption #1069]
Rusted shut.

[caption #1070]
Rust dissolved.

[caption #1071]
Unnhh... grrr...

[caption #1072]
"Terra?"

[caption #1073]
Ramuh: She's frightened...

The Esper exposition scene.  There are a lot of translation issues here, so many corrections were needed.

[caption #1074]
"Who are you?"

[caption #1075]
Ramuh: This girl is your friend?

[caption #1076]
"Is Terra all right?"

[caption #1077]
Cyan: Is Miss Terra well?

[caption #1078]
Celes: Is Terra okay?

[caption #1079]
Gau: Terra... she okay?

[caption #1080]
Ramuh: Oh, so her name is Terra. How interesting…

He doesn’t say her name is odd, but may possibly be remembering her from before…

[caption #1081]
Ramuh: Her life is in no danger. She used a power she didn't know she had, and it overwhelmed her.  Now her body won't listen to what she's telling it to do. As for me, I am the Esper, Ramuh.

It doesn’t say Terra can’t understand, although that’s possible.  The Japanese gives the reason for her being unable to change back to her human form.

[caption #1082]
"You're an Esper?!"

[caption #1083]
"But don't Espers live in another world?"

[caption #1084]
Celes: But don't Espers live in another world?

[caption #1085]
Gau: Espers... from other world?

[caption #1086]
Ramuh: That doesn't mean we can't live here, too. Espers come in a variety of forms. My appearance is similar to yours, so I can live among you without fear of being discovered.

Big problems here.  The SNES says Espers live in the human world disguised as humans, and that they’re harmless.  This is completely wrong: it only says Ramuh looks like a human, and that his appearance is what keeps him safe from humans.

[caption #1087]
"Why do you hide the fact that you're Espers?"

[caption #1088]
Gau: Why hide that you Esper?

[caption #1089]
Ramuh: Humans and Espers can't coexist together.

Espers and humans can’t live together because they’ve been enemies for ages; it’s not about surviving.

[caption #1090]
Locke: But my grandma told me that Espers and humans both used to live in this world.
Was that just a fairy tale?

[caption #1091]
"But grandmother once told me that Espers and humans both used to live in this world. Was that just a fairy tale?"

[caption #1092]
"I heard that Espers and humans once lived in the same world. Was that just a fairy tale...?"

[caption #1093]
Gau: Gau knows fairy tale. People and Espers once lived in same place.

[caption #1094]
Ramuh: No, that was no fairy tale. That was true. We started out as friends. Then came the War of the Magi...

[caption #1095]
“The War of the Magi..."

[caption #1096]
Ramuh: It took place... long ago. Espers fought humans who had been infused with magical power, extracted from Espers...

[caption #1097]
Fearing our magic would once again become a target, we fashioned a great barrier, and sealed ourselves away behind it.

It doesn’t really say they literally moved to a new world; what seems to be going on here is that they found a place where they could hide, and sealed themselves behind a magical barrier to keep humans out. The terminology here is a bit tricky, though.

[caption #1098]
About twenty years ago, humans stumbled upon it... humans who knew about Espers, and the secrets of our powers.

[caption #1099]
Thus began a hunt for Espers. For Emperor Gestahl knew he could use us to create an invincible army.

[caption #1100]
In response to this, we erected a massive gate, and forced the humans out.

A massive gate, not just a doorway.

[caption #1101]
Ramuh: Even as we speak, many of my kind are trapped in the Empire's Magitek Research Facility, being... drained of their powers...  I fled here to avoid a similar fate.

[caption #1102]
Ramuh: She seems to have calmed down.

He’s not telling Terra to relax; he’s noting that she’s calmer now than before.

[caption #1103]
Ramuh: I sensed that Terra was in trouble. My magic... summoned her here.

[caption #1104]
"So... Terra's an Esper?"

[caption #1105]
Ramuh: No, she's a bit different from us...

A bit different, but not very different.

[caption #1106]
"She looks like she's in pain."
Ramuh: Yes, because she is confused and frightened by what she is.

Not frightened by the fact that she exists, but because she doesn’t know what she is.

[caption #1107]
"How can we help her?"

[caption #1108]
Ramuh: Once she understands her true nature, the fear and doubt should subside.

[caption #1109]
"Is there nothing we can do?"
Ramuh: The others of my kind imprisoned in Gestahl's Magitek Research Facility may be able to help her.

He says they may be able to help, but it isn’t definite.

[caption #1110]
"And if we can get inside the facility, you're sure we'll find them?"

[caption #1111]
Celes: The Magitek Research Facility? Your people are still there?

[caption #1112]
Gau: Magitek Research Facility...?  There... your people?

[caption #1113]
Celes: Magitek Research Facility...  Your people are...

[caption #1114]
Ramuh: I left the others behind, escaping alone and hiding here. But now that is all over.

It isn’t the end of the Espers; he’s talking about the end of his hiding in Zozo.

[caption #1115]
"What do you mean?"

[caption #1116]
Ramuh: Gestahl's methods are flawed. Power drained from a live Esper is never complete.  It is only when we become Magicite that our abilities can be transferred in total...

[caption #1117]
"What?"
Ramuh: I will turn myself into Magicite so that my power can aid you.
"Magicite...?"
Ramuh: That is what is left behind when we die. The complete essence of our power is contained within it.

The SNES glosses over the fact that he’s essentially going to commit suicide in order to give his magic to Terra’s friends.

[caption #1118]
Ramuh: These are my comrades who fell while escaping the Empire. And I will give you my power, as well...

[caption #1119]
"Why are you doing this...?"

[caption #1120]
Ramuh: If used for evil, our powers could end all life on this world. The War of the Magi must not be repeated...

He doesn’t directly mention saving lives, but rather he’s warning about the dangers of improperly used magic power.

[caption #1121]
"Old man... Are you really gone...?"

[caption #1122]
Shadow: You old fool... Why throw it all away?

[caption #1123]
Cyan: He is... gone...

[caption #1124]
Celes: Ramuh...  Why...?

[caption #1125]
Gau: Ramuh...  You leave...?

Again, Gau doesn’t have a speech impediment.

[caption #1126]
"So this is Magicite...?"

[caption #1127]
"He gave up his life to help us..."

[caption #1128]
Cyan: Ramuh...  Thou hast traded thine own life, so that others might live...

[caption #1129]
Celes: He gave up his life to help us...

Ramuh’s death was again glossed over in these remarks.

[caption #1130]
Gau: Uwao...!

[caption #1131]
"Terra... wait for us. We'll be back!"

[caption #1132]

     Received the Magicite
              “Ramuh”.

[caption #1133]

     Received the Magicite
              “Siren”.

[caption #1134]

     Received the Magicite
              “Kirin”.

[caption #1135]

     Received the Magicite
              “Cait Sith”.

[caption #1136]
"Everyone here? I was thinking..."
Edgar: Let's talk on the way back.

[caption #1137]
Edgar: So, the Empire's trying to drain magic from Espers...

[caption #1138]
Sabin: Is it true, Celes?

[caption #1139]
Celes: I'm not sure, because we were asleep when we were... augmented.  But I've heard rumors to that effect.

Celes isn’t only talking about herself; she’s referring to multiple people who have received magic power artificially.

[caption #1140]
Cyan: Then we must infiltrate the Empire...
Edgar: We'd better split up again. We still need to fortify our defenses in Narshe.

[caption #1141]
Cyan: Indeed.

[caption #1142]
Celes: I'll go to the Empire. I know it well...
Sabin: But alone...?

[caption #1143]
Locke: Don't worry, I'll go with her.

[caption #1144]
Celes: Locke!

[caption #1145]
Cyan: Thou shalt be in want of help.

[caption #1146]
Locke: Please wait for us in Narshe. We'll find our way back safely.
"If you wish to change group members, head for Narshe."

[caption #1147]
Shadow: There's no need for me to remain with you.

[caption #1148]
Celes: So... how will we get there? The Empire's on the continent to the south. No ships go there...
Locke: Some of the aristocrats in Jidoor might know a way to get there.

Specifically the aristocrats of Jidoor, not just any people.  It also isn’t definite.  He may be implying they have ways of smuggling valuable artifacts or some such.

[caption #1149]
Celes: Locke.
Locke: Yes?
Celes: Why are you coming with me?

[caption #1150]
Locke: Well... there's the rumor about the legendary treasure being there and all.
I wouldn't mind having a look around.

This is another reference to the treasure that he wants to use to bring Rachel back from the dead.  Again, in the SNES, this fact was completely obscured, making it sound like Locke hungered mindlessly for any old treasure.

[caption #1151]
No one is crazy enough to go to the Empire these days.

The tone of this line just seemed off in the SNES version.  It’s supposed to be the town of snooty rich people, and the girl who speaks here sounded very ‘unrefined’.  It’s likely the translator didn’t have any way of knowing who said this line while working on it.

[caption #1152]
The only way to reach the Empire is by air. Of course you realize you'd need an airship!

[caption #1153]
There's only one airship in the world. It's owned by a gambler, or should I say scoundrel…?

[caption #1154]
The Gambler likes a flashy show. He's always at the opera. I heard he's really into the leading lady...

Specifically, it’s the star of the show he’s into, not just any of the performers.

[caption #1155]
You're the spitting image of Maria! Wait, you haven't heard of her? She's a famous opera singer!

[caption #1156]
Impresario: Maria?!

[caption #1157]
Celes: Are you talking to me?

[caption #1158]
Impresario: Sorry... my mistake. Wow, you could pass for Maria in a heartbeat! Oh boy, now I really am in trouble...

[caption #1159]
Celes looks just like Maria...?

[caption #1160]
That man dropped something.

[caption #1161]
Master: He's the director of the operas here. Everyone just calls him "Impresario”.
He's been in a tizzy ever since that letter arrived.

[caption #1162]
Locke: Who's this "Wandering" what's-his-name?
Master: You born on a farm, son?

[caption #1163]
That's Setzer, owner of the world's only airship, the Blackjack. He’s so fond of gambling he built a casino into the ship!

[caption #1164]
A gambling vagabond, sailing the skies in a world where morality has no meaning…

Note the difference in emphasis: rather than just being a ‘free spirit’, Setzer is entirely unconcerned with normal views of right and wrong.  In Japanese it also says his airship has a casino built into it, but this doesn’t really fit into the SNES text box in a way that sounds good, so I added this information to the above NPC dialog to compensate.

[caption #1165]
My Dear Maria,
   I want you for my own.
   I'm coming to kidnap you…
       The Wandering Gambler

In Japanese it doesn’t mince words: it says he’s coming to abduct her.  It also doesn’t say she is to be his wife.

[caption #1166]
Celes: If we could get that airship, we'd make the Empire in no time.
Locke: Let's set up a meeting... with Setzer...

[caption #1167]
The Opera House is closed.

[caption #1168]
Performance underway.

[caption #1169]
Impresario: Ah! You again!

[caption #1170]
Locke: I read that letter. Setzer's coming to steal her...
Impresario: He'll probably appear right at the climax of the show. He loves an entrance...

Setzer will be coming in at the climax of the show, not the first act.

[caption #1171]
Locke: Right! If we could only grab him then...

[caption #1172]
Impresario: Dear me, no! You'll ruin the performance! I'll lose my job!

[caption #1173]
Celes: But if you don't do anything...
Impresario: This is simply horrid! I want the performance to be a success!  But I don't want Maria to be abducted...!

[caption #1174]
Locke: We'll let him grab her.

[caption #1175]
Locke: We'll use a decoy. After she's abducted, we'll follow him right to his airship!

He doesn’t say that Celes is to be the decoy right away, so the others don’t understand the plan at first.

[caption #1176]
Impresario: Are you mad?! If something should happen to Maria...

[caption #1177]
Locke: That's why the decoy! We'll hide Maria somewhere safe!
Impresario: Come again?

[caption #1178]
Locke: You said Celes looks like Maria, right?

[caption #1179]
Celes: Huh? ...Me?

[caption #1180]
Locke: Celes will be our Maria! She'll lead us to the airship!

[caption #1181]
Impresario: Brilliant!

[caption #1182]
Celes: Now wait just a minute! I'm a former general, not some opera floozy!

Since Locke didn’t say she was to be the decoy right away, her surprised reaction here makes more sense.

[caption #1183]
& Mii...  Mii...
Do, re, mi...
Faa...   hack, cough... &


& Maa...  rii  aaaa &

[caption #1184]
Locke: That's the spirit!

[caption #1185]
Ultros: Mwa ha ha! I'll pretend to be Setzer and foil their little plan!

[caption #1186]
Locke: Let's get ready. We've got to make a star out of Celes!

[caption #1187]
Ultros: Aw, come on! Read it...!

All of the lyrics for the opera scene come from the GBA version, since it does a great job of capturing the essence of the Japanese lyrics while matching the music.

[caption #1188]
The war among the East and West
was growing worse by the day...

Draco, a soldier from the West,
thinks of his love, Maria,
back at home...

[caption #1189]
& Oh Maria, Oh Maria
   My beloved, do you hear
   My words whispered in your ear
   As if I were by your side? &

[caption #1190]
Locke: I'm going to the dressing room.

[caption #1191]
Edgar: Go right ahead.

[caption #1192]
Sabin: Uh? Why's everyone singing?

[caption #1193]
Cyan: Whither goest thou? Canst not thou calm thyself?

[caption #1194]
Gau: Gau.

Gau doesn’t comment on the song being pretty.

[caption #1195]
Impresario: Is everything okay?

[caption #1196]
Impresario: Your friend left. Said he'd have fallen asleep in another five minutes...

[caption #1197]
Locke: Whoa! Izzat... you?  ...Were you always this pretty?

He comments on her appearance in Japanese, rather than just implying it.  This line is a combination of that and the SNES version, since they fit together.

[caption #1198]
Celes: Locke. Why did you help me escape back there?
Locke: I’m tired of losing girls I like because I couldn’t help them…

[caption #1199]
Celes: Somewhere inside, you were saving... her, weren't you?
So, am I her replacement, or...

The idea that Celes is a stand-in for Rachel is stated more directly in Japanese.  Like Locke’s line above, I combined the ideas of both the Japanese version and the SNES translation here.  ‘Or’ is an addition by me, but is meant to suggest that Celes is open to the possibility that Locke actually cares for her and not solely seeing her as a dead girl whom he lost.

[caption #1200]
Locke: ...That ribbon suits you.

[caption #1201]
Celes: I have to go on soon. This is a big scene where Maria pours her worries about Draco into song!

[caption #1202]
Locke: Don't make any more mistakes!

[caption #1203]
Locke: You'd better check the score one last time.

[caption #1204]
Read the score?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1205]
Scene 1
Oh my hero, My beloved. Shall we still be made to part?
Though promises of perennial love yet sing here in my heart...
I'm the darkness, you're the starlight shining brightly from afar.
Through hours of despair, I offer this prayer to you, my evening star.
Must my final vows exchanged be with him and not with you?
Were you only here to quiet my fear. Oh speak, guide me anew!
...here you pick up the flowers.
Climb the stairs to the balcony high atop the castle. Raise the flowers to the stars.
(Hurry! You have just moments before Scene 2 starts!
       The Impresario)
Scene 2
..............................

[caption #1206]
Locke: Good luck...!

[caption #1207]
The Western armies were defeated,
Maria's castle captured by the East.
Forced to wed Prince Ralse,
Maria still thinks only of Draco
As she gazes at the stars at night...

[caption #1208]
The next line is...?
      Oh my hero...
      Alas, Draco...

[caption #1209]
& Oh my hero,
   my beloved.
   Shall we still be made to part, &
&  Though promises of
    perennial love
   Yet sing here in my heart? &
      I wish I...
      I'm the darkness

[caption #1210]
& Alas, Draco!
   You are gone…

[caption #1211]
Something's wrong... eh?
 Oops... sorry!

[caption #1212]
& I'm the darkness,
   You're the starlight.
   Shining brightly from afar. &
&  Through hours of despair,
    I offer this prayer
    To you, my evening star. &
       Must my...
       Prince Ralse...

[caption #1213]
& I wish I... uh?

[caption #1214]
& Must my final
   vows exchanged
   be with him and not with you? &
&  Were you only here
    to quiet my fear.
    Oh speak! Guide me anew! &

[caption #1215]
& Prince Ralse... yeah, so?
   I hate him!  Everyone does.

[caption #1216]
Uhnn... not in time...
We messed up.

[caption #1217]
&  I am thankful,
    My beloved
    For your tenderness
    and grace. &
&  I see in your eyes,
    So gentle and wise,
    All doubts and fears erased! &

[caption #1218]
&  Though the hours
    take no notice
    Of what fate
    might have in store, &
&  Our love, come what may,
    Will ne'er age a day.
    I'll wait forevermore! &

[caption #1219]
Draco: Come, Maria! Dance with me...

[caption #1220]
Draco: Ha, ha, ha...

[caption #1221]
Chancellor: Prince Ralse is looking for his dance partner.
Please, leave the past behind!
Our kingdom is part of the East now...

[caption #1222]
Locke: Well done, Celes.

[caption #1223]
I owe you guys one, so I'm gonna jam up your opera!
                     Ultros

[caption #1224]
Locke: Uh oh...
Better tell the Impresario!

[caption #1225]
Locke: Again!

[caption #1226]
Impresario: What?!

[caption #1227]
"The Western survivors attack!"
Ralse: Impossible!

[caption #1228]
       Attack!

[caption #1229]
       Wait!

[caption #1230]
& Maria!

[caption #1231]
& Oh, Draco!
   I knew you would
   Come for me, my love. &

[caption #1232]
& Insolent rogue!
   Knave of the Western horde!
   You would address my
   queen to be, Maria? &

[caption #1233]
& Never shall
   you have Maria's hand!
   I would die before
   that day comes! &

[caption #1234]
  Then it's a duel! &

[caption #1235]
Locke: Impresario, what's up above the stage?

[caption #1236]
Impresario: But how might he disrupt the opera?  ...With that?!

[caption #1237]
Locke: That has to be a joke!

[caption #1238]
Ultros: Mwa ha ha! Let's see if Maria can shrug THIS off!

[caption #1239]
Locke: We haven't a second to lose!
Impresario: Talk to the man in the room to the far right! He'll help you get up there!
Locke: It's as good as done!

[caption #1240]
Ultros: Gah!  This is heavier than I thought! It'll take me five minutes to drop it!

[caption #1241]
Ultros: Oof!  And it only weighs four tons...!

[caption #1242]
Ultros: Phew! Rats!

[caption #1243]
Impresario: Disaster! If the two heroes are flattened, the opera's over! Then who'll win the girl?!

[caption #1244]
Locke: Neither Draco nor Ralse will marry Celes!

[caption #1245]
Locke: I, Locke, the world's greatest adventurer, shall marry her!

[caption #1246]
Impresario: Aya...  What awful acting!

[caption #1247]
Ultros: Silence! I may not be royalty, but I am still an octopus! A thug like you could never defeat me!

In Japanese he doesn’t call himself royalty as he does in official translations.  However, speaking of himself in a grandiose way does make sense, since he does exactly that in the scene with Relm later on, so I tried to retain the idea to some extent.

[caption #1248]
Impresario: Hmm...  Might as well make the most of this. Music!

[caption #1249]
Hold it right there!

The wording here makes more sense for Setzer’s entrance.

[caption #1250]
Bravo! What a performance!

[caption #1251]
Impresario: Setzer!
Setzer: I'm a man of my word, maestro! I'm taking Maria!

[caption #1252]
Celes: Aaah!

Celes just lets out a startled yell at being abducted, rather than articulating anything.

[caption #1253]
Impresario: What a reversal! Thinking she's Locke's new queen, Maria is instead nabbed by Setzer! What fate lies in store for her? Stay tuned for Part 2!

[caption #1254]
Impresario: Sorry, but yesterday's performance was awful! I'll give you just three more chances.

[caption #1255]
Impresario: You have two more chances.

[caption #1256]
Impresario: You have one more chance.

[caption #1257]
Impresario: We're all in this together.

[caption #1258]
The party lacked any talent for theater…

[caption #1259]
Stage Master: Off limits! Please turn around.

[caption #1260]
Stage Master: The Impresario asked me to have you press the far right switch.

[caption #1261]
Stage Master: Don't press the wrong switch, or...

[caption #1262]
Stage Master: Enter the room to the far left of the stage, then make for the rafters above the stage.

[caption #1263]
Ultros: Gah ha ha! Wheeeeeee!

[caption #1264]
Setzer: Don't worry, I'll give you plenty of attention later.

The wording doesn’t sound so creepy as it did in the SNES version…

[caption #1265]
Locke: What a performance, Celes!
Celes: Enough! You don't have to tease me...

[caption #1266]
Locke: But the real show starts now. Time for Act 2!

[caption #1267]
Locke: ...Where's Setzer?

[caption #1268]
Celes: He's coming.

[caption #1269]
Setzer: Who the hell are you guys? …Hey, you're not Maria!

[caption #1270]
Celes: Setzer, we need your help. We have to go to Vector… and we need this ship to get there.

[caption #1271]
Setzer: Look, if you're not Maria, I want nothing to do with you.

[caption #1272]
Celes: Wait!  We were told your ship is the finest vessel in the world.

[caption #1273]
Locke: And that you were the world's greatest gambler...

Calling him the ‘greatest’ gambler is meant to flatter his ego and get him to listen.

[caption #1274]
Edgar: I'm the King of Figaro. If you cooperate, you'll be well rewarded...

[caption #1275]
Sabin: My brother's the King of Figaro. Cooperate, and you'll be well rewarded!

[caption #1276]
Cyan: I am a warrior of Doma. Wilt thou listen?

[caption #1277]
Setzer: Come here.

[caption #1278]
Celes: Then you'll...?
Setzer: Don't misunderstand me. I haven't said I'll help you.

Celes doesn’t just acquiesce; she’s starting to ask if he’ll help.  Setzer, in turn, isn’t quite ready to acknowledge that he’s thinking of helping.

[caption #1279]
Setzer: Hmm...  The Empire has been making business awfully slow lately...

This one is a rather famous mistranslation.  The Japanese expression is idiomatic, but he’s definitely saying the Empire is making things tough for him financially.  This one line changes Setzer’s entire character motivation—rather than acting against his own best interest by fighting the Empire purely for the thrill, he’s actually helping himself by joining up with the heroes.  Nonetheless the luck of the draw is still very much a guiding factor in why he does things.

[caption #1280]
Celes: You're not the only one. Many cities and villages have been taken over by the Empire.

Naturally Celes’ response to the previous line has to be different since he’s saying the exact opposite of what he said in the SNES version.

[caption #1281]
Locke: They're using magic power for evil. They want to rule the whole world!

[caption #1282]
Edgar: The Empire and my kingdom were allies... until recently.

[caption #1283]
Sabin: The Empire will end up owning you!

[caption #1284]
Cyan: ...I lost my friends... and my family, sir.

[caption #1285]
Setzer: The evil Empire…  hmm…

[caption #1286]
Celes: We all have reasons for hating the Empire. That's why...
Setzer: You know... you're even more stunning than Maria.
Celes: Huh?

They all have their own reasons for hating the Empire; not that they all hate it for the same reason.

[caption #1287]
Setzer: I've decided. If you...  If Celes agrees to be mine, I'll help. Otherwise...

Again, he doesn’t say he wants to marry her.  More likely she’s to become his mistress.

[caption #1288]
Locke: WHAT?! Are you crazy?!

[caption #1289]
Celes: We haven't any choice.

[caption #1290]
Setzer: All right, it’s settled!

[caption #1291]
Celes: But I have conditions...

[caption #1292]
We'll flip this coin. If it's heads, you'll help us. If it's tails, I'm yours. Well, Mr. Gambler...?

[caption #1293]
Setzer: Oho! Fine! I accept!

[caption #1294]
Locke: Are you serious? Celes... you can't become his woman! You… you just can't!

[caption #1295]
Cyan: Trust not this scandalous rogue...

Possibly an expression of worry for what might be done to her sexually, but unclear.

[caption #1296]
Celes: Ready?

[caption #1297]
Celes: Heads... looks like I win. Now, honor your part of the bargain!

[caption #1298]
Setzer: How... unusual! A coin with identical sides...!

[caption #1299]
Celes: I think you've been hustled, Mr. Gambler. But that's part of the game, isn't it?

[caption #1300]
Setzer: Ha! How low can you get?! I love it!  All right, I'll help you. Gambling against the Empire, eh? Nothing to lose but my life...

[caption #1301]
I haven't felt so excited in years! My life is a chip in your pile! Ante up!

[caption #1302]
Customers! Need any refreshment?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1303]

    Locked...

[caption #1304]

Can't open or shut during flight.

[caption #1305]
Sabin: That coin...?!  Brother! Don't tell me...!

[caption #1306]
Locke: This clunky-looking ship really flies! Could it crash?

[caption #1307]
Setzer: When things fall, they fall!  It's all a matter of fate...

[caption #1308]
Locke: This thing will attract a lot of attention if we fly in too close. Better land a safe distance away.
Setzer: Right. I'll stay and keep the ship ready to leave at a moment's notice.

Specifically, he’s waiting in case they need a quick getaway, rather than for a general emergency.

[caption #1309]
Setzer: What's the matter? Getting scared of the Empire?

[caption #1310]
Setzer: I'll have to repair the airship. Go scout around and let me know what's happening.

[caption #1311]
Setzer: Repairs aren't finished yet. You'd better take the ship from Albrook.

[caption #1312]
Setzer: Go ahead, take a turn at the wheel.

[caption #1313]
Operating instructions:

[caption #1314]
Control Pad:
L/R = direction
Up/down = Altitude
Press the A Button to move forward. Press the X Button to go amidships. There you can change your party or purchase items.
Press the B Button to land.
Press the A Button to lift off.

[caption #1315]
All right?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1316]
Shall I teach you a technique, too?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1317]
Press the Start Button to view the world map.
Hold the Y Button down and use the Control Pad to move in all directions.
Use the L and R Buttons with the Control Pad for high speed turns.

[caption #1318]
   Find the Enchanted Continent.
   Lift-off.
   Not just yet.

This area is called the ‘Enchanted Continent’ in Japanese.  The name indicates that it is magical in origin, rather than just saying that it floats.

[caption #1319]
Change party members?
   No
   Yes

[caption #1320]

   Only three members, please.

[caption #1321]
   Lift-off.
   Not just yet.

[caption #1322]
Locke: We wouldn’t want to overstay our visit. Let’s get out of here!

[caption #1323]
Setzer: That would have been a good idea five minutes ago... But now we're a bit too late!

[caption #1324]
Cyan: What is that?!

[caption #1325]
Edgar: Something huge is coming this way!

[caption #1326]
Sabin: Whoa! What are those?

[caption #1327]
Gau: Gau! Gau go!!

[caption #1328]
Ugly brute... Better make tracks!

[caption #1329]
Pledge your allegiance to the Empire?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1330]
What?!

[caption #1331]
Fine.

[caption #1332]
Magitek Research Facility. No Entry!

[caption #1333]
Cid, the director of sorcery research, is a genius! He gave my son the gift of Cure magic!

[caption #1334]
Hey, you! ... ...  You're Returners!

[caption #1335]
Peaceful times are here...

[caption #1336]
And...  Cure!

[caption #1337]
General Leo's a good man. Compared to him, Kefka's a...
Oh! What am I saying?

[caption #1338]
Tzen... Maranda... Albrook…
They're all been conquered by the Empire. It's for their own good...

This person is claiming that being ruled by the Empire is a good thing for the people in the conquered lands.  It does not say anything about it being the fault of the Returners.

[caption #1339]
You're Returners?

[caption #1340]
Not a problem by me. Shall I tell you something neat?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1341]
All the soldiers in the Magitek Research Facility can use magic. Thanks to Professor Cid, apparently...

[caption #1342]
Here's one for you...  That guy Kefka? He was among the first of Cid's sorcery experiments. But the process wasn't perfected yet, and way too much power went into him. Something in Kefka's mind snapped that day...

It doesn’t say Kefka was the first of Cid’s experimental mages, just one of the first.  Also, a more specific reason for why the process didn’t work as intended is given in Japanese.

[caption #1343]
General Leo doesn't use magic power. He's a warrior's warrior!

[caption #1344]
General Celes turned traitor. Why? The other side's sure to lose!

[caption #1345]
Your friends... They went to the pub.

[caption #1346]
Banon: What happened here...?!
......!!  Did the Espers do this?! No, they couldn't have...!

[caption #1347]
Arvis: It was like this when we got here.

[caption #1348]
Returner: What the hell...?

[caption #1349]
Banon: Could Gestahl have meant such a thing? Team up with the Empire to look for the Espers...   Hmm...

[caption #1350]
Arvis: Makes sense. Can't just leave the Espers alone...

[caption #1351]
Returner: The war... it's over... right?

[caption #1352]
Narshe Guard: We didn't have to do a thing! The Empire's troops just ran away in terror!

[caption #1353]
Narshe Guard: What's going on?

[caption #1354]
Is it true they extract magic from monsters inside the facility?

[caption #1355]
Shh! I'm a Returner sympathizer! I've heard of you!

[caption #1356]
While I distract the soldiers, climb onto the steel tower from this box, and enter the facility!

[caption #1357]
All ready?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1358]
Who goes there? This is off-limits!

[caption #1359]
Man: Ugh... I'm so drunk...
Soldier: Get outta here!

[caption #1360]
Man: Urghh... think I'm gonna hurl now...
Soldier: Hey...

[caption #1361]
Phew!

[caption #1362]
Right... I'm sure you can do it!

[caption #1363]
Young people... Hang in there!

[caption #1364]
That was close...

[caption #1365]
Soldier: Returner scum!

[caption #1366]
Guess I'll stay here and volunteer to be a soldier...

[caption #1367]
In the army that destroyed our village? What about your promise to begin anew in Maranda?

[caption #1368]
Have a snooze.
It’s on the house!
   Yes
   No

[caption #1369]
1000 Gil stolen!

[caption #1370]
Eee, hee, hee, hee, hee!

[caption #1371]
Kefka: I'm a god! I'm all-powerful! Wah ha ha!
I’m collecting Espers... I’m extracting magic... And...  ...  ...
I'll revive the Warring Triad!

Naturally, Kefka calling himself a god was censored originally.  The name ‘Warring Triad’ comes from the GBA, and stands for a tough-to-translate term that literally means something like, ‘Three Battling Gods’.

[caption #1372]
Kefka: You've been completely drained of your powers! Now you're useless to me!

[caption #1373]
Kefka: And you! Take a hike!

[caption #1374]
Ifrit: Impressive...
Shiva: I can see why Ramuh entrusted them with his power.

Ifrit indicates he is impressed with the heroes’ power, rather than just a general, ‘Hmm…’

[caption #1375]
Ifrit: Gestahl has captured our friends and is trying to drain them of their power.
I, too, suffered my turn in one of the glass tubes...

[caption #1376]
Shiva: They drained our powers, then threw us away to die...  We haven't long to live...

[caption #1377]
Ramuh was our brother. If he trusted you with his power, we will do the same...

[caption #1378]
Our friends are also...
running out of time...
I’m sure they will lend you
their strength as well...

This line isn’t a reflection on the Espers’ choice to side with the heroes, but more of a dismal estimate that the others in the factory don’t have long to live either.

[caption #1379]

     Received the Magicite
              “Ifrit”.

[caption #1380]

     Received the Magicite
              “Shiva”.

[caption #1381]
Esper: You want to help us...
But...  we haven't long to live.
Just as Ifrit did before us,
we'll give to you our power...

The only difference here is that the Esper says ‘we’, and not ‘I’.

[caption #1382]
Cid: What are you doing there?

[caption #1383]
Cid: W...what are these?!

[caption #1384]
Cid: So... when Espers die, they can leave their power behind...
The power within these stones is hundreds of times stronger than anything we could've ever extracted from them...

Cid’s estimate of how much power the Magicite contains is not in the SNES version.

[caption #1385]

     Received Magicite.

[caption #1386]
Celes: Professor Cid.
Cid: General Celes! Who are these dubious characters? Your underlings?

[caption #1387]
Celes: No... you see...
Cid: Is it true that you infiltrated the rebels as a spy?

The Japanese uses ‘spy’ in the exact opposite way: while the SNES version says she’s a spy for the Returners trying to cause trouble in the Empire, Cid is actually suggesting that she is a spy against the Returners.  Locke’s subsequent loss of faith in her makes much more sense in this context.

[caption #1388]
Kefka: Celes! W... what are you doing? Stop it!

[caption #1389]
Locke: Huh?! Celes...?

[caption #1390]
Kefka: So that's it! Magicite...
I suppose even a miserable blockhead like Cid can get things right once in a while!

In the Japanese version, he simply praises Cid for figuring out how Magicite works.  In the SNES version, he insults him.  I took this to mean that he thought Cid was stupid for taking so long to figure it out, which is more like how you’d expect Kefka to act, really.  I ended up combining the two, so that he now praises and insults him simultaneously, for both of these reasons at once.  It certainly fits his off-the-wall personality to say something unexpected like this.

[caption #1391]
Kefka: General Celes!  We can dispense with the charade now. Bring me those Magicite crystals!

[caption #1392]
Locke: Celes! You... deceived us?!
Celes: Of course not! Please, trust me!

[caption #1393]
Cyan: So, her treachery hath been exposed...

[caption #1394]
Kefka: Eee hee hee! She has tricked you all! Celes, that's so... you!

[caption #1395]
Celes: Locke... Please believe me...
Locke: I...  ...  ...

[caption #1396]
Kefka: Now!

[caption #1397]
Kefka: Exterminate all of them!

[caption #1398]
Celes: Locke...  Let me protect you for once...  Maybe now...  Now you'll believe me...

[caption #1399]
Locke: Celes...

[caption #1400]
Cid: cough...  What happened?

[caption #1401]
Cid: This is a disaster! The blast has reversed the energy flow of the capsules!

The explanation for what happens to the factory is different.

[caption #1402]
Cid: Quick! Over here!

[caption #1403]
Cid: What have I done? There is no excuse for it, no matter what Kefka's threats...

There’s nothing about Kefka ‘using’ the Empire, or Cid himself.  Just that he threatened Cid to make him continue this horrible work.

[caption #1404]
Cid: Draining the life-energy of those Espers just to gain power...

The fact that their lives were drained away for the sake of power is emphasized.

[caption #1405]
Cid: You've helped me come to a decision. I'm going to speak to the Emperor and have this stupid war stopped once and for all!

[caption #1406]
Cid: I've known Celes since she was a child. I doted on her as if she were my own daughter. But I did an awful thing by forcing her to become a mage warrior. I wish I could apologize to her for all my mistakes...

Major differences here.  Cid has known Celes since she was a child, not since she was a baby.  It says he ‘doted’ on her, but it doesn’t say he actually raised her himself.  Also, most significantly, in Japanese Cid himself was the one who forced Celes to undergo the infusion procedure.  The ‘awful thing’ he mentions is the fact that he forced her to have this done; there is nothing in the line about Celes having done awful things herself.  (Although she certainly has from having led Imperial campaigns, if Cyan’s earlier rage towards her is anything to go by.)  Lastly, Cid wants to apologize to her specifically for his own mistakes, not just a general regret about how her life has gone.

[caption #1407]
Cid: No! It's Kefka!

[caption #1408]
Cid: Go!

[caption #1409]
Setzer: You took a while... I was starting to worry...

[caption #1410]
Setzer: Huh? Where's Celes?
Locke: ......

[caption #1411]
Setzer: Huh?

[caption #1412]
Kefka: Crap! Well, in that case...

He doesn’t say anything about a mess; this line is implying he’s about to do something to prevent their escape.

[caption #1413]
Setzer: We'll talk later. Let's get out of here!

[caption #1414]
Kefka: I don't think so! You won't get away!

[caption #1415]
Locke: I'm worried about Terra. Let's return to Zozo.

[caption #1416]
Setzer: Terra? Who's that?
Locke: I'll explain on the way...  ...about Terra... Espers... the Returners...

[caption #1417]
Terra: Father...?

[caption #1418]
We're all here...

[caption #1419]
Locke: Terra...

[caption #1420]
Locke: The Magicite!

[caption #1421]
Terra: I remember it all... I was born in the Espers' world.

[caption #1422]
Terra: I remember it all... I was born in the Espers' world.

Not sure why this line is duplicated; but in any case it is Espers in plural, not singular.

[caption #1423]


    The Land of the Espers…

There are many major translation errors during this scene in the SNES version…

[caption #1424]
Maduin: Hey! Pull yourself together...!  Wait, is this a...?
What will you do?
   Return together.
   Leave her here.

Nothing about listening, or thinking.  It’s about Maduin finding a human unexpectedly.

[caption #1425]
She's pretty weak. Better let her rest for a while.

[caption #1426]
Elder: She's a human?
Maduin: She must have wandered here by mistake.

[caption #1427]
Elder: This is an evening of ill omen...

[caption #1428]
You okay, Maduin?

[caption #1429]
We should kill it right away. Humans and Espers cannot coexist...

‘We’ should kill it; not ‘you’.

[caption #1430]
Your turn to watch the gate, Maduin?

[caption #1431]
Everyone here's feeling uneasy.

[caption #1432]
You just want to peer into the human realm beyond the north gate, eh, Maduin?

[caption #1433]
Why'd you bring that... thing here?

[caption #1434]
Nasty storm... Be careful, Maduin.

Not just winds, but a storm.

[caption #1435]
The magical barrier must have weakened over the past millennium.

It’s the barrier that has weakened, not the link between worlds.  Therefore, it’s actually easier to get in than it used to be.  Even though this place is sometimes referred to as the ‘Esper world’, it’s not really an alternate dimension or anything like that.

[caption #1436]
You okay, Maduin?

[caption #1437]
Do you even realize what you've done?

[caption #1438]
Elder's orders... No one passes through the gate.

[caption #1439]
Emergency! Something's coming through the gate!

[caption #1440]
They say a human girl is here...

[caption #1441]
......

[caption #1442]
......

[caption #1443]
Maduin: Did I awaken you?

[caption #1444]
Young Woman: You're... an Esper? Why am I wearing this pendant?

[caption #1445]
Maduin: It's a gift. A charm from the Esper world.
Young Woman: Esper world... So, that's where I ended up.
Maduin: Everyone is at a loss as to how a human came to our land…
Young Woman: Are you the one who saved me?

Maduin doesn’t say the pendant protects the Esper world; it’s just a trinket he gave her.  The young woman doesn’t insult the Esper world; she’s just expressing comprehension about where she is.  Maduin doesn’t say the other Espers are upset about her being there, just that they’re wondering how she got there.  (They are upset, but he doesn’t say so in this line.)

[caption #1446]
Madeline: I am Madeline. I was sick of living in the human world...
That world is filled with desire, greed, and loathing. So I wandered into the storm, and I ended up here...

Huge mistranslation here.  This line is said by the young woman, not by Maduin, since it would make no sense for him to say any of this.  (The names ‘Maduin’ and ‘Madeline’ sound somewhat similar, so it may have just been a mixup, but who knows.)  There’s nothing about human flaws being infectious, just that she wanted to get away from them.

[caption #1447]
Maduin: They say Espers and humans cannot coexist...

He isn’t asking whether they’re different, he’s musing that that’s what people always say about them.

[caption #1448]
Madeline: So... I'm not wanted here, right?
Maduin: No, I mean...

She doesn’t ask if they think she’s evil, just whether they don’t want her around.

[caption #1449]
Madeline: I'll return to my world tomorrow.
Maduin: You'll need a guide.

[caption #1450]
Elder: That human already left. I wonder if she'll be all right without a guide?

The Elder isn’t surprised the human has left; he’s saying that’s the case.  Then he seems concerned for her safety.

[caption #1451]
If humans today knew about our abilities, and decided they wanted our powers for themselves...  It would be a total disaster!

[caption #1452]
That human girl has gone to the gate.

She’s gone to the gate in order to leave the Esper world, not to try to get into it, as the SNES version seems to imply.

[caption #1453]
Why has this happened now after so many centuries?

Centuries, not just years.

[caption #1454]
Young Esper: What's wrong, Maduin?

[caption #1455]
Maduin: If you don't want to return to your world, you may stay here.
Madeline: But humans and Espers cannot coexist...

[caption #1456]
Maduin: How do we know for sure unless we find out for ourselves?

‘Find out’, as in ‘live together ourselves and see’.  Not just observe.

[caption #1457]

    How do we know...

[caption #1458]

        ...unless we...

[caption #1459]

   ...find out for ourselves...?

[caption #1460]
Maduin: I've chosen her name...
Madeline: What is it?
Maduin: It's Terra. Beautiful, isn't it?

Maduin chooses Terra’s name himself; there is no ‘we’.

[caption #1461]

      Two years later...

[caption #1462]
Humans! The nexus between our worlds has opened again!  The storm... just like two years ago...

A storm again, not just wind.

[caption #1463]
But this is different than when Madeline came... An army has come seeking our magical power.

[caption #1464]
Blast it! Fall back to the elder!

The Espers are deciding to retreat to the elder’s house; they’re not saying that the soldiers have made it that far.

[caption #1465]
Gestahl: Aha! I've finally found it!
After all that time decoding the secrets of those ancient texts!

[caption #1466]
Gestahl: Grab them! Riches to any man who captures an Esper! Go!

[caption #1467]
Elder: We have no alternative...  We must take our final option...
Maduin: You mean... the magical barrier?

[caption #1468]
It's dangerous out there!

[caption #1469]
Soon the humans will arrive!

[caption #1470]
Madeline: Terra's all right.

[caption #1471]
Elder: I'll create a tempest that will sweep all the invaders out of our realm.
Then I'll seal the gate... I am the last of our kind able to cast this magical seal.

[caption #1472]
Maduin: But at your age...
Elder: ...I may not survive. And without me, you'll never again be able to open the gate, but at least you'll be safe!
Maduin: Madeline?

The elder’s doubt that anyone will ever be able to open the gate again got left out.

[caption #1473]
Madeline: The other world holds nothing for me.

[caption #1474]
Elder: Then it's decided. We have no other choice.

[caption #1475]
Wolf: This is all because of that human girl!
Maduin: Nonsense!
Wolf: I'm sure she helped the others find us!

[caption #1476]
Maduin: That's enough!
Wolf: No! She's the same as them! Using us from within!

He doesn’t say she’s going to wear an Esper’s hide, just that she’s been using them.

[caption #1477]
Maduin: Damn it! Madeline...

[caption #1478]
Madeline took Terra with her!

[caption #1479]
Elder: Where are you going?!
Maduin: It's Madeline. She...!
Elder: Impossible! It's too late! I've already begun casting the barrier. There's no turning back!
Maduin: I don't CARE...

Maduin doesn’t call anyone a fool; he’s freaking out about Madeline getting sent back to the human world.

[caption #1480]
Maduin: Madeline!

[caption #1481]
Terra!!

[caption #1482]
Madeline: Maduin... I'm not one of them...
Maduin: I know that!
Madeline: Thank you...
Maduin: Will you come back home with me?
Madeline: Yes, of course...

Maduin asks her if she is willing to come back home with him, not whether she is physically able to.

[caption #1483]
Gestahl: No! Just when the ultimate prize was within my grasp...

[caption #1484]
Soldier: We're being pushed out!

The soldier is reacting to the elder’s tempest that is pushing the humans out of the Esper world.  He isn’t remarking on something popping out.

[caption #1485]
Gestahl: A... human woman?  Wh...  Whose child is this...?

Asking who the child belongs to, because he didn’t know there were any humans living here.

[caption #1486]
Madeline: Stay away... from my daughter...
Gestahl: Yours?! What...?  Then she's half human and half...  How fascinating!
Gestahl: Mwa ha... It seems my dream of an Empire will come faster than I ever imagined!

Major translation problem.  Madeline tries to protect Terra from Gestahl, not ask him to take care of her!  That puts a very different slant on things.

[caption #1487]
Madeline: No!
Gestahl: Quiet!

He orders her to be quiet; there’s no politeness in it.

[caption #1488]
Gestahl: This world will be mine to rule! Wah, ha, ha...

Gestahl only speaks of himself as being the one to rule; there is no ‘we’.

[caption #1489]
Maduin: Madeline!!

[caption #1490]
Terra: Father, is that you...?

[caption #1491]
Terra: I'm the daughter of an Esper and a human. That's where I got my powers...
Now I understand... I finally feel I can begin to control this power of mine... if only a little.

Terra says she’s the daughter of an Esper and a human, not just the ‘product’.  She also says she can only control her power a little.

[caption #1492]
Edgar: So Gestahl already knew the secret of the Espers' power back then.
Locke: And those Espers at the facility were grabbed during that expedition.
That means Celes's power came... at the expense of an Esper...

[caption #1493]
Sabin: They can't get away with this! We have to strike back!

[caption #1494]
Terra: What's happening in Narshe?
Locke: Hmm... Maybe we should head back that way.

[caption #1495]
Setzer: The airship's ready!

[caption #1496]
Terra: Let's go!

[caption #1497]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       7 dragons remain.

[caption #1498]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       6 dragons remain.

[caption #1499]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       5 dragons remain.

[caption #1500]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       4 dragons remain.

[caption #1501]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       3 dragons remain.

[caption #1502]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       2 dragons remain.

[caption #1503]
       8 Legendary Dragons -
       1 dragon remaining

[caption #1504]
     All 8 Dragons Defeated...
    The Dragon Seal is broken!

[caption #1505]

     Received the Magicite
              "Crusader”.

In Japanese this is named ‘Jihad’.

Jihad is a somewhat nebulous term in Arabic.  Its literal meaning is that of ’striving’ or ‘struggling’, usually in the pursuit of some noble or praiseworthy goal.  This can be anything from living a more decent and moral life, leading others to moral betterment, conquering one’s inner evil nature, following a divine will or plan, etc.  It can also be used in a military sense: historically some have used the term in association with religious wars, while others interpret it in the context of defensive warfare.

Since in recent times the term has often been evoked by violent extremists, using it as a name could be potentially problematic.  But at the time of the game’s initial release, the change to ‘Crusader’ in the SNES version was likely more about removing references to religious material, given Nintendo of America’s strict policies on the subject, rather than any specific political consideration.  It works since ‘crusade’ can be used with roughly the same meaning as ‘jihad’ in the general sense.


[caption #1506]
Duncan: Look out! Move!  cough...  wheeze...
Damn this old body...  Hey... you deaf?

[caption #1507]
Sabin: Master!

[caption #1508]
Duncan: Wah ha! Why the surprised face? Did you think I'd died or something?

[caption #1509]
Sabin: Master Duncan... I'm so glad you're safe!

[caption #1510]
Duncan: Whoa?! Sabin, are you crying?!

[caption #1511]
Duncan: Wah ha ha... Did you think a little thing like the end of the world was gonna do me in?!  The earth tried to swallow me up once or twice, but I just pried its jaws open and climbed back out!

[caption #1512]
Duncan: Sabin! The time has come to complete your training. You’ll be able to defeat Kefka with my ultimate technique!

[caption #1513]
Put 'em up!

[caption #1514]
I call this the “Ghost Rush"!

In Japanese this is something like “phantom battle dance”.

[caption #1515]
Duncan: Go! Tear Kefka apart!

[caption #1516]
I've been waiting for you!  I wanted to give you this.

[caption #1517]
Duncan: cough...  wheeze...  Don't worry about me! Go! Destroy Kefka!

[caption #1518]
I ran a weapon shop for seventy years, but I've never felt a power like the one in this stone.  If I forged it into a sword, I'm sure it would be very powerful!
Should I make this stone into a sword?
   Keep the Magicite "Ragnarok”.
   Make it the sword "Ragnarok”.

This guy doesn’t say there’s an eerie aura coming from the stone, specifically, just that he can tell it is very powerful.

[caption #1519]
Right.

[caption #1520]
I'll stay here. Narshe is my home.

[caption #1521]
cough...  Take... this...

[caption #1522]
The "Cursed Shield"...
If only there were a way to break its curse, it would be the finest shield in the world!

[caption #1523]
What's with this carving? Looks like bone...
Something... in that eye...   ... Magicite?!

[caption #1524]
Remove the Magicite from the eye of the carving?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1525]

     Received the Magicite
              "Midgardsormr”.

[caption #1526]
Ooh...

[caption #1527]
Mog: I'm your boss, kupo! You're gonna join us, kupo!

[caption #1528]
An unruly sasquatch who admires bone-carvings, and has the strength to knock down trees...

Umaro’s introduction says he is unruly, and quantifies how strong he is.

[caption #1529]
Ooh... me Umaro... Yes, boss...  Me join you!
Mog: Umaro! No slouching, now!

[caption #1530]
Ooo... me wait for you in big airship!

[caption #1531]
This Magicite can be yours for 10000 Gil.
   Buy it.
   Don't want it.

[caption #1532]
This Magicite can be yours for 50000 Gil.
   Buy it.
   Don't want it.

[caption #1533]

     Received the Magicite
              "Quetzalli”.

[caption #1534]

     Received the Magicite
              "Midgardsormr”.

[caption #1535]

The upcoming section has a ton of problems with the NPC dialog.  A great deal of the lines were mistranslated in the SNES version, probably because lines from different scenes that take place in the same area are next to each other without clear context.

[caption #1536]
He won't stop asking me to marry him!

This woman isn’t asking anyone to marry her; she’s saying the soldier won’t leave her alone about it.

[caption #1537]
Aisha, come back!

[caption #1538]
Can't believe I'm stuck guarding this town... How will I ever get a promotion?

There isn’t anything about gossip, just this guy’s lamentation on being stuck here.

[caption #1539]
Fight! Fight!

Not a sigh, but an exhortation to the dogs to keep fighting.

[caption #1540]
My dog's the fiercest!

[caption #1541]
Place all bets here!

[caption #1542]
Yeah! Get 'im!

More dog-fighting talk that was cut out.

[caption #1543]
How else can we have fun in this backwater dump?

Clarifying that there isn’t much to do, aside from this questionable activity, because they’re stuck in the middle of nowhere.

[caption #1544]
Maranda used to be the most beautiful place on the continent. Look what the Empire's done to it!

Maranda is a country, not just a town.

[caption #1545]
My son's being forced to serve in the Imperial army... I hope he comes home safely...

Her worry for her son’s safety got cut out.

[caption #1546]
These troopers are crazy! How long can things keep going on like this?

[caption #1547]
Tzen and Albrook fell to the Empire too.

[caption #1548]
200 Gil per night.
Need a rest?
   Sure.
   Nope.

[caption #1549]
Heh heh... We can do whatever we want here!

Sounds more like a bully talking than in the SNES version.

[caption #1550]
We must begin to rebuild!

[caption #1551]
That boy forced to serve as a soldier has returned!

[caption #1552]
When peace was declared, the soldiers left our town.

[caption #1553]
The Imperial troopers are gone! Let's dance! Let's sing!

[caption #1554]
I was forced into the Empire's army. They made me do some awful things...

[caption #1555]
I feel a little down...

[caption #1556]
Most of the young men were conscripted into the Imperial army.

[caption #1557]
The youngsters who were forced to join the Imperial army should be back soon.

[caption #1558]
My grandfather told me there's a huge gate deep inside a cave to the east.

The part about the grandfather saying this got cut out.

[caption #1559]
Time to put Tzen back together!

[caption #1560]
Our royal family was slaughtered by the Empire.

[caption #1561]
Thanks to you people, the war is finally over!

Not just rejoicing about peace, but about the war being over.  A subtle difference in emphasis, but it may place more importance on the Empire being stopped, rather than just agreeing to stop.

[caption #1562]
Some friendly advice! There's an Imperial weapon called the Guardian. It can't move, but it's ridiculously powerful.  Run, if you meet it!

[caption #1563]
The world seems to be getting back to normal...

[caption #1564]
Mom says I'm not supposed to play outside 'cause it's dangerous!

This is the kid talking, not the mother.

[caption #1565]
Yay! I can play outside again!

This is the kid being happy he can go outside, not crying because he can’t.

[caption #1566]
Where's my son? I told him not to play outside because it's dangerous with all these soldiers around...

‘I’, not ‘we’.  Also specifically names the reason why it’s dangerous.

[caption #1567]
The Imperial troopers are gone. Now we can live in peace.

[caption #1568]
Oh, no!  Whew... don't scare people like that! I thought that you were a trooper!
A while ago someone broke into the Magitek Research Facility, and raised a ruckus! I took the opportunity to grab this.
For 3000 Gil this glowing stone's yours.
   Yes
   No

[caption #1569]
The world's going to hell in a handbasket... just look at this weird stone!
If you want it, just give me 10 Gil.
   Yes
   No

[caption #1570]
Got any juicy gossip?

[caption #1571]

     Received the Magicite
              "Seraphim”.

[caption #1572]
The Empire will execute anyone who opposes it.

Obviously this got censored.  The method of execution isn’t named, though.

[caption #1573]
Three cheers for the Empire!

[caption #1574]
You're in the way! Git!

[caption #1575]
Everything belongs to the Empire!

[caption #1576]
Defy us and you'll regret it!

[caption #1577]
350 Gil per night.
Rest a while?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1578]
This is Albrook, the occupied city...

[caption #1579]
They said they'd be reopening the harbor soon. Maybe some life will come back to this town.

The harbor is not open yet, and business has not picked up.  This is just expressing hope that it will.

[caption #1580]
How could an island float in the sky?!

[caption #1581]
They say there's something valuable to the east...  The Empire built a base there, and no one may enter.

[caption #1582]
I heard monsters flew out of the mountains near the base and attacked the Empire. Is it true?

This person calls them monsters, not Espers.  Also, they attacked the Empire as a whole, not just the one base.

[caption #1583]
Yeah, thanks to that flying island, this town was shrouded in darkness!

[caption #1584]
We have to bribe the troopers to do business here...

[caption #1585]
I've got nothing to sell to Imperial scum!  Man, I've wanted to say that for so long...

This guy is gleeful about being able to tell the Imperial soldiers where to stick it.  There isn’t anything about anyone being a tightwad or raking in cash.

[caption #1586]
Now it's us having to bribe them to do business here...

The situation is reversed, so now the Imperials are having a hard time getting anyone to deal with them.

[caption #1587]
People are disappearing, islands are flying... I have a bad feeling about this...

[caption #1588]
Vector, the Imperial capital, is at the center of this continent.

[caption #1589]
You'll find some good weapons and armor in Tzen, to the north, and Maranda, to the west.

The directions to go to these areas got left out.

[caption #1590]
Some strange guy's tryin' to sell glowing stones... When I wouldn't take one, he said he was going to Tzen.

[caption #1591]
I'm a scholar of magic. Monsters on this continent are only weak to magical power.

This is supposed to tell you that the monsters are vulnerable to magic attacks, not that the monsters’ own magic is weak.

[caption #1592]
I found this in a thousand year-old text: Eight dragons seal away an awesome power.
Its name is Crusader... Defeat all eight dragons, and its power can be released...

[caption #1593]
I'm a scholar of weapons. A thousand years ago, during the War of the Magi, two so-called Ultima Weapons existed. One was a sword powered by the wielder's strength. The other was a terrifying monster, bred for mass destruction.

[caption #1594]
The harbor is off-limits!

[caption #1595]
Ah... welcome! Tee hee!

[caption #1596]
Hey... you're not of the Empire! Get outta here!

[caption #1597]
In any case, you're probably broke!

[caption #1598]
I think I drank too much...

[caption #1599]
Who'd have thought we'd end up working with the Returners?

[caption #1600]
Now maybe we can get on with our lives.

[caption #1601]
I couldn't believe it when I heard the Espers had attacked the Empire...

[caption #1602]
Nothing new to report.

[caption #1603]
Is the war really over...?

[caption #1604]
Jeez! Those soldiers act like they own the place!

[caption #1605]
This pub is like an Imperial soldiers' dormitory!

[caption #1606]
Business has really dried up with all the soldiers gone...
Oops... better keep my mouth shut.

This line contained the exact same translation mistake as the one that changed Setzer’s whole character motivation.  The Imperial soldiers were sustaining the business, and its financial prospects are looking worse since they’ve left the area.

[caption #1607]
Yeah, baby! Whoo!

[caption #1608]
300 Gil if you wanna stay.
How 'bout it?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1609]
General Leo told us about you.
By all means...

[caption #1610]
You look tired!
100 Gil for a snooze.
   Yes
   No

[caption #1611]
We've been waiting for you. This way, please...

[caption #1612]
Banon: Oh, you're here! The people of Narshe have finally decided to battle the Empire. How did it go at Vector?

[caption #1613]
Arvis: I see... We've been trying to work out a plan for combining Narshe's resources with Figaro's machinery to storm the Empire. Not enough manpower, though...

[caption #1614]
Banon: We have to open the Sealed Gate...

[caption #1615]
Terra: The gate to the Esper world?

[caption #1616]
Arvis: We'll never defeat the Empire without their help.

[caption #1617]
Banon: When the gate has been opened, the Espers can attack from the east. We'll storm in at the same time, from the north.

[caption #1618]
Banon: We must get the Espers to understand. We have to establish a bond of trust between humans and Espers. Only one person can do this...

[caption #1619]
Half human, half Esper... My very existence is proof that such a bond can exist...

[caption #1620]
Terra...

[caption #1621]
Terra: I'll do it. I'm the only one who can!

[caption #1622]
Terra?

[caption #1623]
An attack on two fronts.

[caption #1624]
Elder: Now we have no choice but to battle the Empire. I suppose this was inevitable...

[caption #1625]
Banon: Get the Espers to understand, and we can bring this war to a screeching halt.
Terra... I know you can do this...

[caption #1626]
Arvis: The Sealed Gate stands at the eastern edge of the Empire. There's a base there, but somehow we'll have to slip through...

[caption #1627]
Locke: The Sealed Gate... Can you sense anything, Terra?

[caption #1628]
Terra: ......

[caption #1629]
Locke: Terra...

[caption #1630]
The Espers wouldn't give us the time of day without Terra...

[caption #1631]
Terra: I can do it... But why do I feel so uneasy?

[caption #1632]
That's odd...  No Imperial soldiers...

[caption #1633]

      Chucked out...!

[caption #1634]
Terra: Let's get this over with.

[caption #1635]
Terra: ......

[caption #1636]
This is the Sealed Gate...

[caption #1637]
Locke: Beyond is the land of the Espers…

[caption #1638]
Cyan: This seemeth a place of ill omen...

[caption #1639]
Edgar: From here on, it's all up to Terra...

[caption #1640]
Sabin: We're counting on you, Terra...

[caption #1641]
Setzer: Why did you bring me to such a ghastly place?!

[caption #1642]
Terra: Espers... Please heed my call...

[caption #1643]
Uwa ha! So, it's true!

[caption #1644]
Kefka: Emperor Gestahl was right!

[caption #1645]
Terra!  ... the gate... quickly!

[caption #1646]
What the...?!

[caption #1647]
Espers?

[caption #1648]
Hey! The gate!

[caption #1649]
Where did those Espers go?

[caption #1650]
Terra: We'd better head back to the airship.

[caption #1651]
Kefka: Damn it all! I won't forget this!

[caption #1652]
"Something happened..."
"I'm not sure..."

[caption #1653]
Anyway, let's return to the airship.

[caption #1654]
Terra: I'm all right. I'm sure peace is within our grasp!

[caption #1655]
Terra: I'm all right. I'm sure peace is within our grasp!

[caption #1656]
Locke: We'll restore peace with our own hands!

[caption #1657]
Locke: I'm sure the Espers were headed for Vector...

[caption #1658]
Cyan: The Empire deserveth all of our wrath.

[caption #1659]
Cyan: I could feel the warrior spirits of those Espers!

[caption #1660]
Shadow: ...Why am I here...?  For the money, I guess.

[caption #1661]
Shadow: Rumor is that Kefka's out for General Leo's hide.

[caption #1662]
Edgar: This is no time to play around. We need to be planning our strategy.

[caption #1663]
Edgar: Somehow we need to convince the Espers to help us...

[caption #1664]
Sabin: Let me at the Empire!

[caption #1665]
Sabin: Let's see what's become of the Empire! Hurry!

[caption #1666]
Celes: I may have been an Imperial commander, but I still know evil when I see it.

[caption #1667]
Celes: Kefka's sure to come up with another demented plan. We need to do something fast!

[caption #1668]
Strago: In all my travels, and in all my years...

[caption #1669]
Strago: ...I've never seen anyone as malicious as Kefka.

[caption #1670]
Relm: I know. I’ll paint you a portrait!

[caption #1671]
Relm: I'm sure those Espers are all very kind!

[caption #1672]
Setzer: What's the most important thing in life? Being free of obligations! Otherwise, you lose the ability to gamble...

[caption #1673]
Setzer: Damn it! For the time being, I don't own the skies...

[caption #1674]
Mog: Kupoppo!

[caption #1675]
Mog: ...puuh...

[caption #1676]
Gau: Gau become stronger on the Veldt.

[caption #1677]
Gau: ...ooh... high place... Not good... don't like...

[caption #1678]
Gogo: ......

[caption #1679]
Umaro: Ooohh...

[caption #1680]
Terra: ...the Espers...
they were angry...

[caption #1681]
What happened?

[caption #1682]
The Espers flew off together...

[caption #1683]
Then the Imperials ran away, as if they were terrified.

[caption #1684]
Which way did the Espers go?

[caption #1685]
Toward the Imperial capital...

[caption #1686]

There's something under the ground...

[caption #1687]
Vector...

[caption #1688]
Setzer: We're almost at Vector.

[caption #1689]
There! What's that?

[caption #1690]
There's a switch inside.
What will you do?
   Flick the switch.
   Leave it alone.

[caption #1691]

    Heard a distant sound...

[caption #1692]
Nuts! I thought I had a monopoly on the stuff buried in the plaza beneath the grand stairway...

[caption #1693]

        Got "Vanish Scroll".

[caption #1694]

        Got "Super Ball".

[caption #1695]

      Something's buried...

[caption #1696]

        Got "Bolt Scroll".

[caption #1697]

        Got “?????”.

[caption #1698]

        Got "Flame Scroll".

[caption #1699]

        Got "Water Scroll".

[caption #1700]

        Got “Decoy Scroll".

[caption #1701]
The Emperor is expecting you. This way...

[caption #1702]
Emperor Gestahl awaits inside.

[caption #1703]
The Espers that emerged from the gate attacked us. The Empire's in shambles!

[caption #1704]
We've lost our will to fight.

[caption #1705]
Kefka's been imprisoned for unspeakable war crimes. I hear it's a life sentence...

[caption #1706]
The war's over...

[caption #1707]
The power of the Espers is terrifying...

[caption #1708]
The Espers surely came to free their friends...

[caption #1709]
Peace at last...

[caption #1710]
The Magitek Research Facility's been shut down.

[caption #1711]
You?! How'd you get in here?

[caption #1712]
The Empire's talking peace now!

[caption #1713]
When the Emperor learned that Kefka used poison in battle, he imprisoned the fiend!

[caption #1714]
Using poison... how despicable can you get?! I've always hated Kefka!

[caption #1715]
Kefka: Grrr! How DARE they put me in a place like this!

[caption #1716]
Kefka: I don't believe this!

[caption #1717]
Kefka: What a bore.

[caption #1718]
Kefka's scum... It serves him right!

[caption #1719]
My whole family was lost in the war...

[caption #1720]
The war ended before we could use this machine...

[caption #1721]
Kefka's in jail!

[caption #1722]
Gestahl: I've lost my desire to wage war...

[caption #1723]
Cid: The Emperor's had a change of heart...

[caption #1724]
Cid!

[caption #1725]
Cid: The Espers came to save their friends. But when they learned the others had all been killed, they went berserk. They laid waste to the city and left... I'll never forget their shrieks of rage... nor the screams of terror...

[caption #1726]
Sentry: We're hanging up our weapons for good.

[caption #1727]
Gestahl: The power of those Espers... I had no idea... They'll destroy everything! We are powerless to oppose them. Somehow, we must calm their rage...

[caption #1728]
Cid: No human should ever have power they can't control...

[caption #1729]
Gestahl: My friends, let us speak more over dinner tonight.

[caption #1730]
Cid: There are some here who'd prefer to keep fighting. Please, before we dine, talk to as many soldiers as you can. Make them understand!

[caption #1731]
Dinner preparations underway. One moment, please.

[caption #1732]
Trooper: Please talk to as many soldiers as you can. You have four minutes until dinner.

[caption #1733]
Only the chest in the back is locked. Can it be opened...?

[caption #1734]
Shoot! I've been made!

[caption #1735]
I'm Lone Wolf, the pickpocket! That treasure is mine!

[caption #1736]
Gah!

[caption #1737]
Persistent, aren't you!

[caption #1738]
Hold it!  Keep back or the Moogle gets it!

[caption #1739]
Kupo!

[caption #1740]
Gah! Got a wild one, here...! Uwaaa!

[caption #1741]
Took the treasure from Lone Wolf, the pickpocket!

      Got a “Gold Hairpin”.

[caption #1742]



Kupo...

[caption #1743]
Locke: Couldn't hold out...?! Oh no…

[caption #1744]
Banon: Couldn't hold out?!  I have a bad feeling about this...

[caption #1745]
Relics give your party members a variety of abilities. For example...
Sprint Shoes double your speed.
True Knight lets you shield others during battle.
Dragoon Boots add the "Jump" command to your battle list.
Gauntlet allows you to hold a sword with both hands.
Use the Main Menu to equip up to two relics per person.

[caption #1746]
Shadow: I've worn out my welcome...

[caption #1747]
At Save Points you can use a Sleeping Bag or Tent, and also save a game. If you should perish, you'll automatically be able to play from your last save. Though any Gil, treasures, etc. you found will have to be found again, your Level and Exp. data will be retained. You can save a game anywhere on the world map.

[caption #1748]

[caption #1749]
Emperor Gestahl himself asked me to do his portrait... What if he doesn't like it...?

[caption #1750]
I finished the Emperor's portrait. It was a true likeness of him... But he disappeared before I could show it to him. I ended up selling it to Owzer, a rich man who lives in Jidoor.

[caption #1751]
This Chocobo stable is my life! I'm not gonna quit just because the world's falling apart!

[caption #1752]
Wolf: Hmph... if this is how it's gonna be, then... take this!

[caption #1753]
Look out!
Get outta the way!

[caption #1754]
We destroyed the Warring Triad... But the power of magic isn't fading like it should be...
Could Kefka have extracted the very source of magic from them...?

[caption #1755]
Unequip some party members?
   Those not now in your party.
   All members.
   Don't do anything.

[caption #1756]

      Obtained "Holy Lance”.

[caption #1757]
Thankupo!

[caption #1758]
You can talk?!

[caption #1759]
A Moogle who speaks human language and whose dances can summon the power of the earth...

[caption #1760]
That old dude, Ramuh, came to me in a dream and taught me your language, kupo!
He kept telling me to help you, so... Now I'm gonna join your party, kupo!

[caption #1761]
I'll wait in the airship, kupo!

[caption #1762]
Kupo!

[caption #1763]
Locked...

[caption #1764]

     Grrrr... You'll never get this Gold Hairpin!

[caption #1765]
Kupo...   ...   po!

[caption #1766]

That evening, the banquet with the Emperor took place...

[caption #1767]
Trooper: This way, please.

[caption #1768]
Cid: I'll sit with the Returners.

[caption #1769]
Gestahl: Imagine. All of us here together, sharing a meal. First, we must have a toast!

[caption #1770]
   To the Empire...
   To the Returners...
   To our homelands...

[caption #1771]
Gestahl: Well then... to our homelands.

[caption #1772]
Gestahl: Well then... to the Empire.

[caption #1773]
Gestahl: Well then... to the Returners.

[caption #1774]
Gestahl: As you may know, Kefka's been imprisoned for poisoning Doma. What shall we do with him?

[caption #1775]
   Leave him in jail.
   Pardon him.
   Execute him.

[caption #1776]
Edgar: You'll be leaving for Great Triangle Island from Albrook on an armored transport ship....  We'll keep a close watch on the Empire. You deal with the Espers!

[caption #1777]
Sabin: Can we really trust the Empire?! I have an awful feeling about this...

[caption #1778]
Cyan: Never shall I forgive Kefka...

[caption #1779]
Gau: Smells like alcohol... smells like old man...

[caption #1780]
Mog: Kupo!

[caption #1781]
Emperor: General Leo's waiting in Albrook. Please head for Great Triangle Island and look for the Espers...

[caption #1782]
Gestahl: Hmm... Well, let's let him stew in his cell for a while. Then we'll decide what to do.

[caption #1783]
   Why'd you start the war?
   Why do you want peace now?
   Why'd we have to talk to
      your men?

[caption #1784]
Gestahl: I was overcome by my desire for power. Now I have come to regret it.

[caption #1785]
Gestahl: I believe it is in our best interests to help each other at this time.

[caption #1786]
Gestahl: Some of my men refuse to embrace peace. I felt they'd understand if they actually met you face to face.

[caption #1787]
Gestahl: Well then...
If I may, I'd like to talk about the Espers...

[caption #1788]
   One more question, please!
   Okay.

[caption #1789]
   One more question, please!
   Let's talk about Espers...

[caption #1790]
Gestahl: I assure you, I have answered your questions truthfully.

[caption #1791]
Gestahl: My Empire's been decimated by the Espers that emerged from the Sealed Gate.
Their power is too great. Unless they are stopped, they will destroy everything.

[caption #1792]
   Yes, the Espers are too powerful.
   But you brought them here!

[caption #1793]
Gestahl: After the Espers went on their rampage, I knew I could not go on with my war.
I asked myself why I had started it in the first place. But there is no excuse for what we have done. By the way... what was the first question you asked me before?

[caption #1794]
Gestahl: Right...
Anyway, I truly desire peace. I want you to understand that.

[caption #1795]
Cid: You seem a bit tired. Shall we take a break?

[caption #1796]
   Yes, let's take a break.
   Let's keep talking.

[caption #1797]
Shall we begin again?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1798]
Gestahl: Is there anything you wish to hear me say?

[caption #1799]
   That you really want peace.
   That your war's truly over.
   That you're sorry...

[caption #1800]
Gestahl: ......

[caption #1801]
Cid: I hope we're really able to achieve peace...

[caption #1802]
Troopers: We want to test your strength! Won't you fight with us for a couple minutes?
   Sure.
   Sorry.

[caption #1803]
Trooper: Just as we thought...

[caption #1804]
Gestahl: I understand. My only dream in life now is... peace. Now I must ask for a favor...

[caption #1805]
Gestahl: I understand. I have ordered this war to be ended. Now I must ask for a favor...

[caption #1806]
Gestahl: I understand. I am truly sorry for what I have done. Now I must ask for a favor...

[caption #1807]
Gestahl: After they devastated my Empire, the Espers flew north, toward Great Triangle Island. We have no way of knowing when they'll decide to go on another rampage. We need to find them and convince them to make peace before that happens. But after all the Empire has done to them, I doubt they would even listen to us.  That is why...  I need Terra's help.

[caption #1808]
Only Terra can bridge the gap between human and Esper.

[caption #1809]
Gestahl: I would like to send an armored transport ship from Albrook as soon as possible.
Will you go aboard it?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1810]
Gestahl: We cannot simply ignore the Espers.
Please... come with us.
   Yes
   No

[caption #1811]
Gestahl: I'll have my finest warrior accompany you. General Leo!

[caption #1812]
Leo: I'm General Leo. Pleasure to meet you.

[caption #1813]
Sabin: Didn't I see him at Doma? ...Oh yeah, he was the one with principles...
So, that was General Leo...

[caption #1814]
Leo: You… you're Cyan, the retainer of Doma, aren’t you? Please forgive me for not being there to stop Kefka...
Cyan: …  … …
Thou wast not to blame.

[caption #1815]
Leo: I'll be waiting for you in Albrook.

[caption #1816]
Gestahl: We must find the Espers and come to terms with them. You are our last hope.

[caption #1817]
Locke: If Terra goes, I'll go.

[caption #1818]
Terra: Locke... Thank you...

[caption #1819]
Locke: The rest of you wait here. I smell a rat...

[caption #1820]
Edgar: Agreed... It's hard to trust the Emperor just like that...

[caption #1821]
Cyan: We shall remain here and keep watch on the Imperials.

[caption #1822]
Locke: Please do. We're counting on you!

[caption #1823]
Edgar: Right. And you be careful!

[caption #1824]
Gestahl: I truly apologize about what happened in Doma. No one dreamed Kefka would use poison.

[caption #1825]
   What's done is done...
   That was inexcusable.
   Apologize again!

[caption #1826]
Gestahl: I am so terribly sorry. Kefka will be severely punished, and I vow to rid the world of all such poisons.

[caption #1827]
Gestahl: By the way...
With regard to General Celes...

[caption #1828]
   Was she an Imperial spy?
   Celes is one of us!
   We trust Celes!

[caption #1829]
Gestahl: Kefka was lying. General Celes realized the foolishness of this war before anyone else. That is why she joined the Returners. Have you any other questions for me?

[caption #1830]
         1 person

[caption #1831]
         2 people

[caption #1832]
         3 people

[caption #1833]
         4 people

[caption #1834]
         5 people

[caption #1835]
         6 people

[caption #1836]
         7 people

[caption #1837]
         8 people

[caption #1838]
         9 people

[caption #1839]
         10 people

[caption #1840]
         11 people

[caption #1841]
         12 people

[caption #1842]
         13 people

[caption #1843]
         14 people

[caption #1844]
         15 people

[caption #1845]
         16 people

[caption #1846]
         17 people

[caption #1847]
         18 people

[caption #1848]
         19 people

[caption #1849]
         20 people

[caption #1850]
         21 people

[caption #1851]
         22 people

[caption #1852]
         23 people

[caption #1853]
         24 people

[caption #1854]
I've killed too many people. I'll never live a normal life.

[caption #1855]
Leave me alone!

[caption #1856]
I don't want peace!

[caption #1857]
Some people fight harder after they're cast down!

[caption #1858]
The Empire will never die!

[caption #1859]
You deserve a thrashing!

[caption #1860]
You're strong... Maybe you really can stop the Espers' rampage...

[caption #1861]
Espers... Who'd have dreamed they were that powerful...

[caption #1862]
We'll never surrender...

[caption #1863]
I heard you're the strongest of the Returners. So, just how strong are you?

[caption #1864]
Not bad... pretty strong!

[caption #1865]
Someone oughta thrash ya!

[caption #1866]
Hmph. Returner scum!

[caption #1867]
Hmm. Not bad!

[caption #1868]
Everything will be settled after the banquet...

[caption #1869]
A message from the Emperor... Because you were able to talk to so many soldiers, you are to be rewarded as follows.

[caption #1870]
Imperial troops have withdrawn from South Figaro.

[caption #1871]
In addition, our troops have also pulled out of Doma.

[caption #1872]
We hereby give you the right to take any weapons you desire from the Imperial base to the east, near the Sealed Gate.

[caption #1873]
And this is from the Emperor himself...

     Received “Tintinabulum”.

[caption #1874]
Cid: Wow, what a ship!
Setzer: That landing really messed up the engine. It'll take a while to fix...

[caption #1875]
Your behavior at the banquet was impeccable. Please take this as well!

     Received “Ward Bracelet”.

[caption #1876]
Cid: I'll help. No machine can stump me!

[caption #1877]
Well then...

[caption #1878]
Setzer: Don't touch anything!

[caption #1879]
Cid: You know, we could really speed this baby up if we took out the casino and streamlined her a bit.

[caption #1880]
Setzer: ......
We're not taking out the casino, you little...!  Oh, just get outta my sight!

[caption #1881]
Cid: But I really could make this thing faster...

[caption #1882]
Terra: You love this ship more than anything, huh?
Setzer: I may live a carefree life now, but actually, when I was young there was something I was mad about...

[caption #1883]
Terra: ...Really?

[caption #1884]
Setzer: I wanted to make this the fastest ship in the world, and fly it across the open sky...

[caption #1885]
Terra: What changed?
Setzer: Back then there was a woman who piloted the Falcon, the fastest vessel ever made. Sometimes we were the worst of rivals... but other times we were the best of friends. We always egged each other on to go faster and higher. When she disappeared along with her ship... I felt like I lost my spirit.

[caption #1886]
Setzer: ...Poor Daryl...

[caption #1887]
Leo: There you are. Another Imperial general and a man I hired in town will be traveling with us as well.

[caption #1888]
Leo: We should arrive tomorrow morning. Why not rest until then?

[caption #1889]
Terra: Celes...
Celes: ......

[caption #1890]
Locke: Celes...

[caption #1891]
Leo: Right... let's go.

[caption #1892]
Shadow: I'm working for the Empire. But don't worry... they didn't hire me to kill you.

[caption #1893]
General Leo's waiting for you.

[caption #1894]
I'm talking to General Leo now.

[caption #1895]
Leo: Let me introduce... General Celes... and Shadow.

[caption #1896]
Leo: Is something wrong?
Locke: No...

[caption #1897]
Leo: Our departure isn't till tomorrow. I've arranged some lodging for you.

[caption #1898]
Leo: Please, get some rest.

[caption #1899]
Shadow: I’ve got to let him stretch before we board.

[caption #1900]
Locke: Ugh... world's greatest treasure hunter, reduced to this...

[caption #1901]
Locke: Come on...!  Why won't you speak to me?

[caption #1902]
Locke: Celes...

[caption #1903]
Locke: Even if it was only a little... I doubted you... But I'm still your friend...

[caption #1904]
Locke: Celes!

[caption #1905]
Leo: Having trouble sleeping?

[caption #1906]
Leo: It seems your emotions have returned...

[caption #1907]
Terra: Funny, isn't it... I was used by the Empire... had my very thoughts ripped from me...
But now here I am, cooperating with them...

[caption #1908]
Leo: People from the Empire are still people. Not all of us are like Kefka.

[caption #1909]
Terra: So...  what about you?

[caption #1910]
Leo: I knew you were half Esper, and that you were being used in terrible experiments... And because I did nothing about it, I'm no better than Kefka.

[caption #1911]
Terra: If a human and an Esper could love each other... Is it possible for me to find love with a human?

[caption #1912]
Leo: Of course!

[caption #1913]
Terra: But...  I don't know what that feels like...

[caption #1914]
Leo: You're still young.  ...Someday you'll come to understand.  I'm sure of it...

[caption #1915]
Terra: But...  I want to know what love is now...

[caption #1916]
Terra: Who's there?

[caption #1917]
Shadow: I thought I'd sleep out under the stars.

[caption #1918]
Terra: Did you...  ...hear what we were talking about?

[caption #1919]
Terra: Umm...

[caption #1920]
Shadow: I can't help you. You must find your own answers.

[caption #1921]
Shadow: I didn't mean to overhear anything.

[caption #1922]
Shadow: Terra.

[caption #1923]
Shadow: In this world are many who have killed their emotions. Don't forget that.

[caption #1924]
Leo: We're almost at Great Triangle Island. When we disembark, we'll split into two groups. Celes and I will form one group. Terra, you go with Locke and Shadow. If you find a clue about the Espers, report back at once!

[caption #1925]
Leo: Terra, we'll continue yesterday's conversation later.

[caption #1926]
Locke: Let's go.

[caption #1927]
Celes: Um, I...

[caption #1928]
Locke: Come on.

[caption #1929]
Oh, wow! Strangers!

[caption #1930]
Mayor: Welcome, welcome!
 Magic...? What do you mean by "magic"?

[caption #1931]
Mayor: Please, don't tell anyone that we can to use magic!

[caption #1932]
Use rods as items during battle for some amazing results! Only problem is they break after being used once!

[caption #1933]
Have you talked to old man Strago? If you do, the innkeeper may be more reasonable.

[caption #1934]
For some reason the innkeeper doesn't like strangers. Always overcharges them.

[caption #1935]
You're strangers...
1500 Gil if you wanna stay.
   Well, okay.
   No way!

[caption #1936]
Espers? What in blazes are they? If they're animals, talk to the old guy that lives on the edge of town.

[caption #1937]
Ha! No admittance!

[caption #1938]
Old man Strago looks like he's on his last legs, but he used to be an amazing hunter.

[caption #1939]
Have you met little Relm? She loves to paint pictures! Wonder if she'd do my portrait?

[caption #1940]
Actually, Relm isn't Strago's real grandchild.  I heard she's his good friend's daughter.

[caption #1941]
Strago is a Blue Mage by training. He can learn attacks from monsters he has fought.
Of course, he can't learn them if he's asleep or confused at the time!

[caption #1942]
Listen, I have to tell you...
Nah... never mind.

[caption #1943]
My house burned down!

[caption #1944]
Get out of the way!

[caption #1945]
I've never seen you before.

[caption #1946]
......  Right!

[caption #1947]
And who might you be?

[caption #1948]
1 Gil per night.
Why not relax for a spell?
   Yes
   No

[caption #1949]
What do you want with me?

[caption #1950]
A pure-hearted elderly gentleman, who has spent his life learning the ways of monsters...

[caption #1951]
Fire!

[caption #1952]
Huh? What was that?

[caption #1953]
Gah! Oh no!

[caption #1954]
Mommy… it hurts…

[caption #1955]
Oh, all right. Cure...

[caption #1956]
...medicine... where is my cure medicine?!

[caption #1957]
Mommy, please use Cure on me!

[caption #1958]
Strago: Espers? Espers... hmm... Haven't heard that word in years.
Locke: But you have heard it before?

[caption #1959]
Strago: Nope... Can't say I have. Don't know a thing.  Not  one  thing!

[caption #1960]
Grandpa!

[caption #1961]
Strago: Ow... Hey!

[caption #1962]
Strago: What in blazes... What are you doing?

[caption #1963]
In her pictures she captures everything: forests, water, light...
the very essence of one's true self…

[caption #1964]
Something’s fishy here…

[caption #1965]
Relm: Grandpa. Who are these people? Friends? Can they use magic, too?
Strago: Yaa! Hush!

[caption #1966]
Relm: What a cute doggy!
Shadow: Get away. He bites.

[caption #1967]
Strago: Go to your room!
Relm: Why? You never let me have any fun!

[caption #1968]
Strago: Please... leave us!
Relm: ...Oh, fine.

[caption #1969]
Relm: Hmph!

[caption #1970]
Strago: Oh dear… It seems your dog...

[caption #1971]
Strago: That child...

[caption #1972]
Strago: My apologies.
Shadow: I don’t mind. The dog usually doesn't like people, though...

[caption #1973]
Strago: Anyway... I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to help you.
Locke: I see...
Strago: This is just a backwater village. No one here knows anything about Espers.

[caption #1974]
Locke: Hmm... There's something wrong here...
Terra: Let's have a look around.

[caption #1975]
Locke: We'll be going now.
Strago: Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[caption #1976]
Shadow: Interceptor! Come!

[caption #1977]
Relm: Bye-bye!

[caption #1978]
Strago: What a beautiful day.

[caption #1979]
Relm: Interceptor, please come back again and play!

[caption #1980]
Strago: This is awful! Relm... she's...

[caption #1981]
Terra: Relm's in danger?
Strago: She caught on fire... I mean, she was at a neighbor's house when it caught fire... I'm so worried I can't think straight!

[caption #1982]
Strago: Please! Won't you help?

[caption #1983]
Locke: Shadow!

[caption #1984]
Shadow: Interceptor...  Where are you?

[caption #1985]
No… my beautiful house...!

[caption #1986]
Strago: Relm's inside that house!

[caption #1987]
Fire!

[caption #1988]
Strago: Relm!!

[caption #1989]
Locke: What're you doing?

[caption #1990]
Flames begone!

[caption #1991]
Mayor: Magic is forbidden!
Terra: Magic...?!

[caption #1992]
Strago: I don't care!  Relm's inside!

[caption #1993]
Mayor!

[caption #1994]
Mayor: All right...  We really have no choice.

[caption #1995]
Mayor: Stand back.

[caption #1996]
Strago: It's no use. The fire's too strong!
Mayor: I think that's because they keep so many Flame Rods in here...

[caption #1997]
Strago: I'm going in!

[caption #1998]
Terra: Wait... I'm going too.
Locke: Count me in. You'd better stay out here, gramps.
Strago: Fool! I may be old, but I'm not powerless!

[caption #1999]
Quickly!

[caption #2000]
Is this the source of our blaze...?

[caption #2001]
Locke: The fire's spreading fast.
Terra: Looks like this house could collapse any moment...
Strago: Hurry! We have to find Relm!

[caption #2002]
Aah! Too late!

[caption #2003]
Huh?!

[caption #2004]
Strago: Relm! Where are you?!

[caption #2005]
Shadow: Come on, get out of here!  I'll use a Smoke Bomb!

[caption #2006]
Strago: Are you okay?
Relm: Yes. Thanks, Grandpa!

[caption #2007]
Strago: Be sure to thank these people, too.
Relm: Thank you...

[caption #2008]
Strago: I guess our town's little secret is out now...

[caption #2009]
Locke: Can everyone here use magic? What's going on here?

[caption #2010]
Strago: This is...  ...the village of the Magi...

[caption #2011]
Strago: Long ago humans used Magicite to gain magical powers. They came to be known as the Magi.

[caption #2012]
Locke: But I thought they all perished centuries ago...

[caption #2013]
Strago: After the War of the Magi, the Espers created a great barrier and sealed themselves away. They wished to live peacefully, without fear of being used by humans. So only humans were left in this world. But ordinary people had experienced horrifying tragedy during the war. They feared our powers...

[caption #2014]
Strago: They sent people to hunt us down. Most of us were executed following unfair trials.
Terra: Even though the only difference was that they could use magic...?

[caption #2015]
Strago: A few of the Magi escaped and found their way here. They were our ancestors.
Our powers have weakened over time as our bloodlines diminish, but some of it remains.

[caption #2016]
Terra: Look, if you're up to it, we could use your help.
Strago: You said something about Espers, right?

[caption #2017]
Strago: Well, I owe you for saving Relm.  I'll help you find your Espers.

[caption #2018]
Relm: I wanna go too!
Strago: I think not, young lady.

[caption #2019]
Relm: What a bore…

[caption #2020]
Locke: But... where do we start looking?
Strago: Hmm... If they're here, they must be hiding in the mountains to the west.

[caption #2021]
Locke: Why there?
Strago: Those mountains have powerful magical properties. They say the Espers consider it holy ground...

[caption #2022]
Terra: Perhaps the magic of that place drew them there after their attack...?

[caption #2023]
Locke: I think it's worth a look.

[caption #2024]
Shadow: Don't get the wrong idea. I just wanted my dog back.

[caption #2025]
Locke: Where are you going?
Shadow: I'll search for the Espers in my own way.

[caption #2026]
Ultros: Heh heh... these shiny golden statues are all mine! Now I'll finally get some respect from Siegfried!

[caption #2027]
Ultros: Ooooh! They're all shiny and sparkly! So purdy...

[caption #2028]
Locke: Hey, squidball! Don't you ever learn?
Ultros: Uh, well they always said I was a slow learner... but I eat FAST!

[caption #2029]
Relm: Hey! Did you see me? I was awesome! Wouldn't I be more helpful than this geezer?
Strago: Geezer?!

[caption #2030]
Terra: I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have her along...

[caption #2031]
Strago: I can't believe it... Are these... statues of the Warring Triad?!
Terra: The "Warring Triad"?

[caption #2032]
The dawn of magic... Three gods descended to this world from the heavens. Fearing and distrusting each other's power, the gods soon began to war endlessly. Those mortals caught amidst their war became Espers, and were forced to serve the gods in battle...

[caption #2033]
Locke: There are words carved on the surface of these things...

[caption #2034]
Locke: So, what exactly is the Warring Triad?

[caption #2035]
Strago: They're the legendary gods who created the power we know as magic.
Locke: So they're... what, the gods of magic?
Strago: You could say that.

[caption #2036]
Terra: This place is brimming with magic...
Strago: The three gods are the creators of magic... meaning they also created the Espers. It is said that the Espers made images of their creators, and placed them on holy ground. This must be it!

[caption #2037]
Terra: The Espers must have been drawn here by the magic of these statues.

[caption #2038]
Realizing the futility of their unceasing battle, the gods at last agreed to seal away their power. With the last of their strength, the gods granted free will to the Espers, and transformed themselves into stone. Their last command to the Espers was that they should never be woken for all eternity.

[caption #2039]
The Espers created these statues as a symbol of their vow to let the Warring Triad sleep in peace. Let them serve as a warning to all that the terrible power of the gods must never again be unleashed.

[caption #2040]
Locke: Okay... now I get it.
Terra: If the Espers were drawn here by these statues, then they must be nearby...

[caption #2041]
Locke: So what happened to the gods after they created the Espers?
Strago: Supposedly, they tired of battling each other, and petrified themselves into eternal sleep. Legend says they're hidden away beyond the Sealed Gate...

[caption #2042]
Terra: I wonder if the barrier around the Esper world is generated by the three gods?

[caption #2043]
Relm: This is... an Esper?!

[caption #2044]
Terra: There are so many...
Locke: Strago, take Relm and clear outta here!

[caption #2045]
Strago: Where'd they all come from?

[caption #2046]
Yura: Wait!

[caption #2047]
Relm: What is it?
Strago: I sense some immense magical power in Terra... No... it's more than just magic...

[caption #2048]
Locke: I wonder if she's gonna go ballistic again...?

[caption #2049]
Yura: You... you're different from the others... You possess the same power we do.
Terra: Yes.

[caption #2050]
Strago: You're all young Espers from the world beyond the Sealed Gate, aren't you?
Yura: Entering this world is forbidden to us. But we wanted to do something for our friends who had been taken. We had already gathered at the gate when Terra appeared...

[caption #2051]
Terra: I could feel the strength of your emotions through the gate.
Yura: We bolted the moment Terra opened the gate. But once in your world, we lost control of our powers.

[caption #2052]
Yura: We completely leveled a city... and took many innocent lives...

[caption #2053]
Terra: The same thing happened to me before... I lost all control of my power...

[caption #2054]
Strago: There must be something in your world that allows you to focus your magic differently. Freed from restraint so suddenly, your powers ran wild...

[caption #2055]
Yura: We are deeply sorry to have caused you humans such suffering and pain.

[caption #2056]
Locke: The Empire seems to want to talk peace with you. Why not come with us?
Yura: They would forgive us so easily?

[caption #2057]
Locke: Let's head back to Thamasa and talk with General Leo.
Terra: Right!

[caption #2058]
Locke: General Leo.
Leo: Locke! It seems you've found the Espers. Well done!

[caption #2059]
Leo: I am General Leo. May I have your name, please?
Yura: I am called Yura.

[caption #2060]
Yura: What we have done to your people is inexcusable.
Yura: We are in no position to ask for your forgiveness, but...

[caption #2061]
Leo: Speak no further. It is we who should be ashamed. We hungered for your power...
How close we came to repeating the War of the Magi!
Yura: We must put this all behind us.

[caption #2062]
Kefka: This place is entirely too boring for my taste… so let’s liven things up! Burn everything!

[caption #2063]
Locke: I think our work is finally done. I, for one, could use some peace and quiet...
Celes: Let's return to Vector.

[caption #2064]
Celes: Please, don't say anything.

[caption #2065]
Relm: Those two need to get a room, huh, Grandpa?
Strago: They're young, dear...

[caption #2066]
Leo: Kefka! What do you think you're doing?!
Kefka: Hee hee! Orders from the Emperor! I'm to bring him the Magicite remains of these Espers! And now, let me show you my new technique for converting Espers...
It's gonna be a Magicite motherload!

[caption #2067]
Leo: Kefka! Stop this!

[caption #2068]
Kefka: Shut up!

[caption #2069]
Armored Soldier: General Leo, prepare to meet your end!

[caption #2070]
Leo: It's no use. I'd better retreat!

[caption #2071]
Leo: Kefka, I cannot allow you to continue with these evil deeds!

[caption #2072]
Kefka: Hee hee! How about a little Magitek mayhem?

[caption #2073]
Kefka: Now for a little Magicite hocus pocus...

[caption #2074]
Kefka: Whoa, what's this? I feel such tremendous power! Wave after wave of pure, magical energy...

[caption #2075]
Kefka: So, you all came to my party? I wasn't expecting you...  but I'm delighted you've brought me so many presents! Let's add them to my collection right away! And be sure to tell me if you see any familiar faces!

[caption #2076]
Kefka: First, let's neutralize those pesky powers of yours…

[caption #2077]
Kefka: Now, little Espers... Let's see whatcha got!

[caption #2078]
Kefka: This is ridiculous. I had no idea you were such wimps! This isn't even fun...
Well, time to wrap things up.

[caption #2079]
Kefka: Oh, you wanna take me on? Fine. Here I am…!

[caption #2080]
Kefka: Heh heh...  I think I have plenty of Magicite for the time being...
...that is, until I make my way through your precious Sealed Gate!

[caption #2081]
It hurts...

[caption #2082]
Damn it! Curse the Empire... Curse Kefka!

[caption #2083]
The Espers... are they all... dead?

[caption #2084]
Mayor: I can only take some comfort that there were so few casualties among the townsfolk.

[caption #2085]
Terra: General Leo...

[caption #2086]
Terra: People only seem to want power. Do they really want to be like me?

[caption #2087]
Terra: I... I wanted to learn so much more from you...

[caption #2088]
Interceptor? That's a nasty wound!

[caption #2089]
Locke: We not only lost Leo, but Shadow, too...  Curse the Empire!

[caption #2090]
Locke: This'll have to do for now, buddy...

[caption #2091]
Celes: You're so sweet...

[caption #2092]
Relm: Don't worry, Interceptor. I'll take care of you!

[caption #2093]
Locke: Now I'm worried about Edgar and the others back in the Empire.
Terra: I hope they're all right...

[caption #2094]
Setzer: We've been had! The Emperor is a liar. The whole thing was a trap.

[caption #2095]
Cyan: Thanks to King Edgar, we managed to escape before their trap was sprung...

[caption #2096]
Locke: Well done, Edgar.

[caption #2097]
Edgar: I got to know the lady who brought us tea. After a while, she just blurted out the whole crooked plan.

[caption #2098]
Sabin: Well, isn’t that a useful skill…

[caption #2099]
Edgar: It’s a matter of courtesy, dear brother, courtesy. To meet a charming lady and do nothing would be unthinkably rude!

[caption #2100]
Locke: General Leo's dead.
...Kefka murdered him.

[caption #2101]
Cyan: Sir Leo? Dead?! What a terrible waste...  One of the few in the Empire who understood truly…

[caption #2102]
Edgar: We need to rethink our plans. Let's return to the airship.

[caption #2103]
Strago: May I accompany you?

[caption #2104]
Edgar: And you are…?

[caption #2105]
Locke: He's from this village.

[caption #2106]
Terra: He's a descendant of the Magi. He'll be helpful to have along.

[caption #2107]
Strago: The Empire has abused its power for the last time.  We cannot allow them to get away this.

[caption #2108]
Relm: ... You're weird. I'm going on ahead.

[caption #2109]
Sabin: No way. A kid would just slow us down…

[caption #2110]
Relm: What? Who is this muscle-head, anyway?
Sabin: Kid's got quite a lip!

[caption #2111]
Relm: Grr! I'm gonna paint your portrait!

[caption #2112]
Aah! No, stop!

[caption #2113]
Strago: Oh, all right. If you must...
Relm: Yay!

[caption #2114]
Relm: What's wrong, lover boy?
Edgar: How old are you?
Relm: Ten... why?

[caption #2115]
Edgar: Pull yourself together!  ...Are you a king, or a criminal?

[caption #2116]
General Leo...

[caption #2117]
Gestahl: Fwa, ha, ha! Now THIS is power! With this, and my Magicite... The world will be mine to command!

[caption #2118]
Strago: The source of all magic...
Terra: The Warring Triad?
Strago: It's said they turned themselves to stone facing each other, to neutralize each other's powers...
Strago: If they were ever moved out of alignment, the resulting power imbalance could destroy the world!
Terra: What?!

[caption #2119]
Quick! Back to the airship!

[caption #2120]
Setzer: The Imperials are headed for the Sealed Gate. They've found some kind of statues or something.
Strago: No! It couldn't be...!

[caption #2121]
Celes: What's wrong, Terra?
Terra: The island... The earth is crying out…

[caption #2122]
Gestahl: What fools the Espers are! To think they opened the gate themselves…
The Warring Triad should be just ahead. Once I get my hands on them, I'll have everything I ever dreamed of!

[caption #2123]
Gestahl: Come quickly!

[caption #2124]
Setzer: Quick! Let's jump onto that thing!
Only three allowed in your party. The others must stay on board.

[caption #2125]
Only three allowed in your party. The others must stay on board.

[caption #2126]
Oh no! The Imperial Air Force! They've got us surrounded! We're gonna have to engage them!

[caption #2127]
There's something strange up ahead. It's coming this way!

[caption #2128]
Kefka, Gestahl, and the Warring Triad are just ahead.

[caption #2129]
Shadow: To hell with the Empire! Once I'd served my purpose, they tried to kill me…
"We thought you were a goner!"

[caption #2130]
Shadow: Is Interceptor all right?
"He's fine. Come on, let's go!"

[caption #2131]
Shadow: Forget about me.
"We can't just leave you!"

[caption #2132]
Shadow: I sold my skills to the Empire... I have no right to fight alongside you.

[caption #2133]
Shadow: We meet again.

[caption #2134]
The airship's below!
Do you wish to return?
   No
   Yes

[caption #2135]
Gestahl: Well, well...

[caption #2136]
“Celes! What are you doing here?”
Celes: I followed you. I have a score to settle with the Empire.

[caption #2137]
Gestahl: Heh heh heh… So you all came to die together. Behold... The Warring Triad!

[caption #2138]
Gestahl: Oh! I've got goosebumps! What power...
Celes: Emperor Gestahl! Please, stop this madness!

[caption #2139]
Gestahl: Come, Celes. I shall make an exception for you alone…
Why don't I give you and Kefka the task of producing magical offspring to ensure the legacy of my Empire?

[caption #2140]
Kefka: Kill the others and we'll overlook your treachery!

[caption #2141]
Kefka: Take this sword. Kill them, now!

[caption #2142]
Gestahl: Celes... together we can rule an entire world! Think of it...!

[caption #2143]
Celes: Power only breeds war... It would be better if none of this had ever existed...

[caption #2144]
Kefka: Yeouch!

[caption #2145]
Kefka: Blood?! I...I'm bleeding!

[caption #2146]
Kefka: Argh... damn it...!

[caption #2147]
You worthless little...
How dare you...

[caption #2148]
Hate…
hate hate hate
hate hate hate…
hate hate hate hate hate
hate hate hate hate hate

     HATE HATE HATE!!!

[caption #2149]
Kefka: Warring Triad... you were born only to fight! Now is the time to demonstrate your power!

[caption #2150]
Kefka: Let me IN! Show me your power! Arrrgh! Curses!

[caption #2151]
Kefka: Listen to me, or you'll be sorry! Show me... POWER!

[caption #2152]
Gestahl: Kefka, stop it! If you revive them, you'll destroy the very world we're trying to possess!  There's no point in doing such a thing!

[caption #2153]
Gestahl: Terror will soon cover the world...

[caption #2154]
Celes: Damn you, Kefka!

[caption #2155]
Celes: Kefka... you mustn't! If you disturb their balance... their power will go out of control...!

[caption #2156]
Kefka: Who are YOU?!

[caption #2157]
Kefka: Oof!
...Hey, stop that!

[caption #2158]
Shadow: Go! There are people counting on you...

[caption #2159]
Shadow... Come on! We have to get out of here!

[caption #2160]
Shadow: Forget about me. Run! There's no stopping this now. I'll find my way back without fail. Count on it.
Kefka: I won't let you escape!

[caption #2161]
The airship's below.
   Jump!
   Wait!

[caption #2162]
   Jump!!
   Gotta wait for Shadow...

[caption #2163]
"Shadow!"
Shadow: I'm not going to die without collecting my pay...

[caption #2164]
Is there no way to stop the Warring Triad?!

[caption #2165]
Setzer: Hang on!

[caption #2166]

     On that day,  the world
     was changed forever...

[caption #2167]
Cid: Celes... at last...!

[caption #2168]
Cid: You're finally awake!
Celes: I... feel like I've been sleeping forever...
Cid: For a year, actually... I thought you were out for good.
Celes: A whole year...  You've watched over me all this time?

[caption #2169]
Cid: Yes. But I'm running out of energy at last...

[caption #2170]
Cid: We're on a tiny, deserted island.  After the world crumbled, I awoke to find us here.
Celes: The world...!  So, it wasn't just a dream.

[caption #2171]
Celes: What about the others? Where's Locke...?
Cid: I don't know. I only know that we're here... Maybe we're the only people left alive...
Cid: Since that day, the world has continued to slide into ruin. Animals and plants are dying...  The other survivors on this island lost hope, one by one, and threw themselves off the cliffs to the north.

[caption #2172]
Celes: My friends...  they're probably all gone...

[caption #2173]
Cid: Celes... you're the closest thing to family that I have. We could just live out our lives here peacefully...
Celes: I suppose so, Cid...  Or should I say, Granddad?! May I call you that?
Cid: Granddad, eh? ...Well, I'm overwhelmed! All of a sudden I have a granddaughter!
 cough...   wheeze...
Celes: Hee hee... Granddad...

[caption #2174]
Cid: Heh heh...  hack...  cough...
Celes: Hey, are you hungry?
Cid: I... haven't eaten in three days or so, ever since I became ill.
Celes: What would you like?
Cid: Unless I ask for fish, I won't get anything! That's all there is here...
Celes: I'll go catch some.

[caption #2175]
Cid: I feel much better!  Thanks, Celes!

[caption #2176]
Cid: I'm starting to feel more hopeful...

[caption #2177]
Cid: Celes, thanks for all you've done for me!

[caption #2178]
Cid: cough…  I feel a little better.

[caption #2179]
Cid: cough... wheeze...  I can't bear this any longer...

[caption #2180]
Cid: I fear I'm not long for this world...

[caption #2181]
Cid: No matter what happens to me, you mustn't give up...

[caption #2182]
Cid: cough... hack...  While I can still talk, I...
wheeze...  pant...
...want to thank you...   cough...

[caption #2183]
Cid: Goodbye...

[caption #2184]
......

[caption #2185]
Celes: Granddad, here's a fish!
Cid: Oh! Yum...  chomp, munch, chew...

[caption #2186]
Celes: What's up?
Cid: Celes... the project that kept me going over the past year is down below. Go have a look at it!

[caption #2187]
Celes: Granddad. You have to eat, or else...  W...what's the matter?

[caption #2188]
Celes: Cid...

[caption #2189]
Celes: No... NO!! You promised you'd stay here with me!

[caption #2190]
Celes: Granddad, answer me! Tell me you're just joking!

[caption #2191]
Celes: Cid... Granddad...!

[caption #2192]
Celes: Granddad.
Cid: Celes... You must leave this place. You have to find your friends!
Celes: I know... but I'll be back one day. I'll bring 'em all to meet you!
Cid: That Locke fellow, too, no doubt...

[caption #2193]
Celes: I'll make you proud of me... Granddad...

[caption #2194]
Cid: The other survivors on this island lost hope, one by one...  and threw themselves off the cliffs to the north.

[caption #2195]
Celes: Everyone's gone... Even Locke, who promised to...
This really is the end of the world...

[caption #2196]
Celes: Uhhhn...  Were you watching over me? Why would you want to help someone like me?  I've already given up...

[caption #2197]
Celes: A bandana? No... it couldn't be...
Celes: Hey, little bird... Where did you come from? Is the person who healed you still alive? Please, tell me...

[caption #2198]
Celes: He's alive...  Locke must still be alive...

[caption #2199]
You need to leave this island. Somewhere out there, your friends are waiting for you.
Go down the stairs next to the stove. Down them lies the road to your freedom.
           Love, Granddad

[caption #2200]
Thank you so much for saving my son's life!

[caption #2201]
Whenever I think about Kefka watching us, I...  Man, talk about scary...

[caption #2202]
Anyone who opposes Kefka is doomed. He uses the Light of Judgement from high atop his tower to burn entire towns.

[caption #2203]
I saw it! Kefka used the Light of Judgement to burn the village of Mobliz, far to the east.
Most of the adults there died trying to save their children...

[caption #2204]
The Serpent Trench used to be deep under water. Now it's above sea level. Some crazy fanatics known as the Cult of Kefka have built a tower there...

[caption #2205]
Many monsters nowadays attack with Zombie, Petrify, and the like. Have you equipped suitable Relics?

[caption #2206]
To the east you'll find the Serpent Trench. Further east you'll find the village of Mobliz.
Boy, the Light of Judgement really tore up that place...

[caption #2207]
Head north on the Serpent Trench and you'll reach Nikeah. Ships still sail from there.

[caption #2208]
sob...
That was so scary!

[caption #2209]
My son's inside! Do something! Please...!

[caption #2210]
Must have irritated Kefka...

[caption #2211]
There are monsters inside! They keep petrifying everyone who goes in to help. You using suitable Relics?

[caption #2212]
We resisted Kefka, so he unleashed his Light of Judgement on us!

[caption #2213]
Hurry up, or the house will collapse!

[caption #2214]
Celes: Sabin!
Sabin: Hey! Celes!
Celes: Let's head in and help!
Sabin: Wait...!

[caption #2215]
"Sabin!"
Sabin: Hey! You're alive! Get in there, quick!

[caption #2216]
Sabin: If I move... the whole house will collapse. First...  save the kid that's in there...
I can't hold this up forever, so... Get in and out quickly... urgh...

[caption #2217]
Sabin: I... I... I'm losing my grip...
Keep up the fight, Brother!

[caption #2218]
Sabin: It's about time!

[caption #2219]
Celes: Sabin! You're alive!

[caption #2220]
Sabin! You're still alive!

[caption #2221]
Sabin: But of course! You think a minor thing like the end of the world was gonna do me in?

[caption #2222]
Celes: I thought everyone was dead... I'd given up hope...  But... I was wrong. I'm sure we're not the only ones left. We need to find everyone! And then...

[caption #2223]
We thought everyone was dead... We'd given up hope...  But... I was wrong. I'm sure we're not the only ones left. We need to find everyone! And then...

[caption #2224]
Sabin: I know... We defeat Kefka, and bring peace back to the world! All right, count me in!

[caption #2225]
Come on! Please help!

[caption #2226]
All I can do now is restore your health. Please... go back inside and save that child!

[caption #2227]
"I'm scared...!"
"Don't worry, you're safe now."

[caption #2228]
Did you see that tower...?

[caption #2229]
Kefka's up there with the power of the Warring Triad... He's become the god of this world...

[caption #2230]
Everything changed on that day...  There's nothing left to live for...

[caption #2231]
Anyone who opposes Lord Kefka ends up having their town destroyed by the Light of Judgement.

[caption #2232]
That fateful day, debris from all over the world was drawn eerily to the center of this continent, and formed a tower.

[caption #2233]
How can you make any money in a world like this?

[caption #2234]
When the world was ripped apart, many long-sealed monsters were released...
Humbaba, Deathgaze... and the Eight Legendary Dragons...

[caption #2235]
I saw Deathgaze soaring through the sky! If you had an airship, you might run into it.

[caption #2236]
Hmm? Are you...?  Oh, sorry. You remind me of a monk who was here searching for his friends...  He said he was going north, to Tzen.

[caption #2237]
That sparkle in your eye...  It reminds me of a monk who came through here recently. He had that same determined look...

[caption #2238]
Oh... I think back on how nice the world used to be...

[caption #2239]
...and wonder if it'll ever be the same again...

[caption #2240]
Relm: Hey! You old fool! Snap out of it!

[caption #2241]
Strago: Relm! Is it really you, my dear? You're alive!

[caption #2242]
Relm: Grandpa, you idiot. Cheer up already!
Strago: Oh, Relm...  I was sure you were...
Relm: Did you really think I was gonna bite the dust before you, you senile old geezebag?  Hee hee!

[caption #2243]
Strago: And you’re just as foul-mouthed a girl as ever.
…I’m glad.
Relm: Let's go, Grandpa. You're coming with us!

[caption #2244]
Strago: Wow, suddenly I feel energetic! All right, I'm ready to do my part!

[caption #2245]
This tower is home to the Cult of Kefka. There's supposed to be some priceless treasure on the top level...  You can only use magic attacks inside, so unless your magic's strong, you'll never make it to the top!

[caption #2246]
Treasure... treasure...

[caption #2247]
Want me to tell you about some secret treasure? 100,000 Gil will do the trick.
   Hand over 100,000 Gil?!
   No way!

[caption #2248]
How generous of you!  Right, here's the information:
There's an ancient castle buried beneath the desert of Figaro. It’s bound to be filled with all kinds of treasure…  Also, I heard the old man who lives in the weapon shop in Narshe is looking for you guys…

[caption #2249]
No use talking to them. They've sold their souls to Kefka. All they do is mope around, worshipping him...

[caption #2250]
   Master Kefka's treasure...
      Return it...   Now...!

[caption #2251]
Ack! Someone's coming!

[caption #2252]
You're gonna have to fight your way in here, chumps!

[caption #2253]

               Wait!

[caption #2254]
Terra!

[caption #2255]
Mother! Are these your friends?

[caption #2256]
Terra: Oh! I'm so glad to see that you're safe! I've missed you!

[caption #2257]
"Terra... come on, let's go! Unless we stop Kefka, all's lost..."
Terra: I...

[caption #2258]
Terra: That is...  I...  um...  I've lost my will to fight...

[caption #2259]
Terra: The very day the world fell, Kefka turned his Light of Judgement on this town. Almost all of the adults were killed trying to save their children...

[caption #2260]
Terra: There were only children here...  The moment I arrived, I felt needed...

[caption #2261]
Duane: You can't take Terra away!

[caption #2262]
Katarin: Duane...
Please excuse him. It's just that if we lose Terra, we lose the only thing keeping this village together...

[caption #2263]
Terra: I don't know why these kids need me...  But they've made me feel things I've never felt before.  The moment I sensed this, I lost my will to fight.

[caption #2264]
Terra: I feel like I'm on the verge of understanding something important...  And the more I try to understand it, the less inclined I am to fight.

[caption #2265]
Help! Run! Humbaba's coming!!

[caption #2266]
Terra: Humbaba is an ancient demon who was released when the world was undone. I have to protect the village!

[caption #2267]
Terra! Wake up! Uh, oh... here it comes!

[caption #2268]
Terra: I knew it... I have no power to fight anymore...

[caption #2269]
"Mother!"
"Are you okay?!"

[caption #2270]
Terra: I'm going to stay here. I would just slow you down.  And besides, the children really need me.
"But Terra...!"

[caption #2271]
Terra: Maybe after a little more time passes... I need to understand what's happening to me...

[caption #2272]
Thanks for scaring Humbaba away! This fell off the chain around his neck. Here, you can have it!

     Received the Magicite
              "Fenrir”.

[caption #2273]
Mother... be brave!

[caption #2274]
You can't take Mother away!

[caption #2275]
Oh no! Is Mother gonna die too?

[caption #2276]
Terra: I'm sorry... I'm staying! The children need me.

[caption #2277]
Katarin ran off...

[caption #2278]
Duane was being mean to her, so Katarin took off!

[caption #2279]
Katarin's belly's growing bigger!

[caption #2280]
Katarin's gonna have a baby! I know because my mom looked like that before my brother was born!

[caption #2281]
Duane: I... don't know what to do. Katarin's pregnant...

[caption #2282]
Terra: Hey you guys!

[caption #2283]
Terra: Katarin's having a baby.

[caption #2284]
Katarin: I'm so happy to be having a child... But Duane seems cold...

[caption #2285]
Duane: Katarin...  ...  I'm sorry. I didn't know how to handle this. I'm pathetic...
But I'm gonna pull myself together. Please... come back home with me.

[caption #2286]
Aaaaah! Humbaba's back again!

[caption #2287]
Terra: Please! Save this village!
I don't have the power to fight...

[caption #2288]
Duane: I'll keep Katarin safe.

[caption #2289]
Katarin: I feel safe when Duane's around...

[caption #2290]
Please, beat Humbaba!

[caption #2291]
"It's another monster..."
"It's scary..."
"I'm afraid..."

[caption #2292]
Mother...
It's you, isn't it?
I can tell...

[caption #2293]
"Huh? Mother?"
"Terra?"

[caption #2294]
"Mother!"
"Terra!"

[caption #2295]
Terra: I... I can fight!

[caption #2296]
Terra: I think... I finally understand... The feeling that's been growing inside me...
I'm sure it's called...
......  ......
Love!
I know now that I must fight... for everyone living now, and for all the new lives who have yet to be born!

[caption #2297]
Terra: Duane... Katarin needs your help... so does your new baby.
Children, your Mother has to go away for a while. But I'll be back, I promise!

[caption #2298]
"Mother... I'm not gonna cry!"
"Me either!"
"We'll be good, so come back soon!"
"Don't forget, you promised!"

[caption #2299]
Terra: Thank you...  You helped me understand what it means to love. Now it's time for me to fight. I'll make this world a safe place for new lives, so children can grow up in peace!

[caption #2300]
Our parents protected us, but now they're all gone...

[caption #2301]
But we'll be happy, if Terra comes back to us!

[caption #2302]
A wounded soldier was here before. But now he's dead, too...

[caption #2303]
Everyone here calls Terra "Mother."

[caption #2304]
Duane and Katarin are the oldest. Terra's our mother and they're our big brother and sister.

[caption #2305]
I saw Duane kissing Katarin!

[caption #2306]
You're not gonna take Terra away, are you?

[caption #2307]
The light took everyone...  ...everyone...  Dad... Mom...

[caption #2308]
Duane: This is our land. You can't just waltz in here and start barking out orders!

[caption #2309]
Katarin: Terra's helped us all to survive. Ever since she's been here, we've felt hopeful for the future.

[caption #2310]
I wanna see Katarin's baby!

[caption #2311]
We'll be okay 'til Mother comes back!

[caption #2312]
Mother... don't feel sad. We'll be okay.

[caption #2313]
Duane and Katarin will take good care of us.

[caption #2314]
I'm not gonna cry. If I do, Terra will feel sad...

[caption #2315]
The baby in Katarin's belly is kicking!

[caption #2316]
See! It just did it again!

[caption #2317]
Say, Katarin. What're you gonna name the baby?

[caption #2318]
Duane: A new life... I've got to do my best to help make the world a safer place...

[caption #2319]
Katarin: We'll be okay. Just make sure these kids'll have a world to grow up in!

[caption #2320]
It's heading this way! Protect the kids!

[caption #2321]
      Mom!
      Dad!

[caption #2322]
We're trying not to attract Kefka's attention.

[caption #2323]
The ship to South Figaro is just barely managing to stay in business.

[caption #2324]
This ship has been hired by the Crimson Robbers.

[caption #2325]
A group of bandits are hanging out at the pub. They all escaped from Figaro Castle.

[caption #2326]
The road you followed here used to be underwater.

[caption #2327]
After the end of the world, I awoke all alone in Doma Castle. When I tried to sleep there, demons would appear in my dreams... Oh! I don't want to remember that!

[caption #2328]
I heard Figaro Castle ran into some kind of trouble under the desert and got stuck.

[caption #2329]

     Received the Magicite
              "Quetzalli”.

[caption #2330]
There's a creepy tower at the end of the Serpent Trench. The Kefka fanatics built it.

[caption #2331]
What are you doing? Get away!

[caption #2332]
Gerad: So, you definitely know how to get into Figaro Castle, right?
Thief: We sure do!

[caption #2333]
Gerad: All right, you lead the way. I'll take charge once we're in.

[caption #2334]
They said they escaped from Figaro Castle's prison.

[caption #2335]
From out of nowhere a bunch of huge sandworms burrowed into the prison!  We followed their tunnels back to the surface and escaped.

[caption #2336]
Our last boss bit the dust that day. We met up with Gerad in this town.

[caption #2337]
The boss wants to sneak into Figaro Castle. He wants to get the treasure from the storage room there.

[caption #2338]
We'll enter the castle through a secret cave only we know about!

[caption #2339]
The boss of this gang, Gerad, was flirting with me. He's kinda handsome!

[caption #2340]
All right, let's go!

[caption #2341]
Gerad: ...What's your problem?
Celes: Aren't you... Edgar?

[caption #2342]
Celes: Edgar?
Gerad: I have no idea what you're talking about... I'll take this too, kid!

[caption #2343]
Gerad: Look, I'm busy here. I have to get ready for our trip to Figaro.
Celes: Don't play stupid with me! ...Wait, Edgar... you didn't lose your memory, did you?

[caption #2344]
Gerad: Listen, my lady... I've been "Gerad" all my life!

[caption #2345]
Sabin: What's going on, here? Brother!

[caption #2346]
Celes: Only Edgar would say "my lady".

[caption #2347]
Gerad: What's all the bloomin' fuss about? The words "my lady" are used the world over!

[caption #2348]
Figaro Castle disappeared the day the world was torn apart...

[caption #2349]
Figaro Castle had an accident under the desert. The people have probably run out of air by now...

[caption #2350]
That sweet little girl stopped coming around right after the world ended...

[caption #2351]
I'm so relieved the Empire's finally out of here!

[caption #2352]
Now these thieves are demanding all our time. Phew... I'm exhausted.

[caption #2353]
There's nothing left of my home town.

[caption #2354]
Jump on the turtle. Oh, jump on the turtle...  Oops... never mind.

[caption #2355]
Just when we thought the Empire was gone... now we have Kefka to worry about!

[caption #2356]
I'm so relieved to know my grandson's alive!

[caption #2357]
Duncan's Wife: No, dear! Duncan's still alive and well! He's meditating just north of Narshe.

[caption #2358]
Gerad's a boss we can trust! But he does seem kinda familiar...

[caption #2359]
It's like the Empire left us a souvenir...

[caption #2360]
Gerad: You still here?!

[caption #2361]
We're storming Figaro Castle! That treasure is rightfully ours!

[caption #2362]
We won't stop ’til we get those treasures back!

[caption #2363]
We can't rest now. We have to start rebuilding!

[caption #2364]
They may be thieves, but they do have goals in life. We could learn something from them...

[caption #2365]
For each life lost, a new one can arrive to fill the void!  I'm just doing my part!

[caption #2366]
Oh, that man...

[caption #2367]
Whoa! Am I dizzy!

[caption #2368]
If the Light of Judgement burns down our town a hundred times, we'll rebuild it a hundred and one times!

[caption #2369]
Did you hear that Duncan's alive? His wife thinks so!

[caption #2370]
Some guy came through here a little while ago, looking for some secret treasure to bring back the dead.

[caption #2371]
The boss of those thieves is on the second floor of the inn.

[caption #2372]
The thieves have all left town!

[caption #2373]
Gerad: I'm on my way to help...  ...Hang on a sec...   Are you people STILL here?
Celes: You are Edgar, aren't you?

[caption #2374]
Boss, everything's ready. Let's go!
Gerad: Case of mistaken identity, my dear. Give it up!

[caption #2375]
Gerad: Now, where were we...?

[caption #2376]
Thief: Here, boy... Here's some nice food for you!

[caption #2377]
Thief: Presto!
Gerad: Good job.
Thief: I used to have a pet turtle...

[caption #2378]
Siegfried: It's dangerous from here on. I, the great Siegfried, will go in first and clear out all the monsters. Wait here.

[caption #2379]

    Ta ta, cretins!

[caption #2380]
Gerad: You all right? Just hold on a bit longer, okay?

[caption #2381]
Can't... breathe...

[caption #2382]
Gerad: Here's the problem...  These things are all tangled up in the engine...
"Boss! What're we gonna do? The treasure's in the storeroom back there!"

[caption #2383]
Gerad: You guys get in there while I keep this thing busy!
"But boss! That's dangerous!"
Gerad: Get going!

[caption #2384]
Celes: Edgar!

[caption #2385]
Edgar: What are you just standing around for? Give me a hand!
Celes: Edgar! It IS you!

[caption #2386]
Celes: Why the stupid farce? Acting like you didn't know me...
Edgar: Well, I heard that Figaro had run into some kind of trouble. But with the castle stuck, I couldn't get in here to help.  Then I heard that those guys had escaped from the dungeon.
Celes: So you used them...
Edgar: Bingo. And I obviously couldn't let them find out I was the king of Figaro...
Celes: ...considering that you threw most of them in jail to begin with!

[caption #2387]
Sabin: You could've told us.

[caption #2388]
Edgar: Uh, oh... Let's hide!

[caption #2389]
Boss!  ......?  Boss?

[caption #2390]
Must've been eaten by that thing...

[caption #2391]
Poor boss... didn't even last as long as the last boss...  Oh well, let's go...

[caption #2392]
"You don't want that treasure back...?"
Edgar: None of it was important.  Besides, Kefka's the one we need to worry about. Those guys haven't committed any serious crimes...
Celes: So... you'll come with us?

[caption #2393]
Sabin: Let's go shake things up again, brother!

[caption #2394]
The engine's working again! Next stop, the surface!

[caption #2395]
Who'd have thought air could be so precious!

[caption #2396]
Several of the castle's citizens left to join the Cult of Kefka.  They might come to their senses if they heard the voice of a loved one...

[caption #2397]
Magicite gives humans magical powers? Amazing!

[caption #2398]
Has magic really returned...

[caption #2399]
Kefka's as cracked as you can get.

[caption #2400]
I think we all know who deserves to be locked up in here...

[caption #2401]
Some ancient texts have been discovered in the library.

[caption #2402]
No more Returners... no more Empire. Now it's time to think about what's really important...

[caption #2403]
What is this place...?

[caption #2404]
'Tis an Esper attack! Quickly, send for Lord Odin, that he may smite them with Esper magic of his own!

[caption #2405]
This is the site of a thousand year old battle...

[caption #2406]
Chancellor: Lord Odin is the only Esper who remaineth with us!
Soldier: Hath he recovered from his wounds?

[caption #2407]
Chancellor: No other choice have we, but to leave this battle in Odin's hands...

[caption #2408]
A city, ruined during the War of the Magi...

[caption #2409]
Odin: Impressive...  To think that thou couldst turn me into stone...

[caption #2410]
There's a legend that tells of an ancient battle between Odin and a powerful mage. It took place in a great hall of the castle...

[caption #2411]
A book with a gem-encrusted cover...
"Princess's Diary"
"I realize now that I am in love with Odin. I know this breaketh every rule of our society..."
"But my desire obeyeth not rule nor reason. My heart longeth for this noble, elegant man. How then may I justly be blamed?"
"When the fighting hath ended, I shall confess my love to him..."

[caption #2412]
Terra: Love between a human and an Esper...

[caption #2413]
Even the princess was turned to stone...

[caption #2414]
Something came out of the stone...
Was that... a tear?

[caption #2415]

   The Magicite "Odin" gains
              a level...

   and becomes the Magicite
              "Raiden"!

[caption #2416]

   Odin turned into Magicite...

[caption #2417]
           Zantetsuken!

[caption #2418]
400 Gil per night.
Wanna rest?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2419]
Care to fight in the Colosseum?
   With pleasure.
   No thanks.
   Explanation, please.

[caption #2420]
The toughest fighters from all over the world come here to compete.

[caption #2421]
I'm gonna make a fortune in this place!

[caption #2422]
There's some guy here who's dressed all in black. He's looking for a legendary blade known as the Ichigeki...

[caption #2423]
We can't let the world become too peaceful. People are at their best when they're at war...
My Colosseum will be a monument to war! That is, if I can ever get the help I need to finish it...

[caption #2424]
This is my Colosseum. Finally, the whole world is at war. I'm so happy! And I owe it all to Kefka!

[caption #2425]
"Ultros is your receptionist?"
He couldn't pay his debt, so I put him to work. I figure he'll be here about another hundred years.

[caption #2426]
Ultros: To think the great Ultros could be stuck here, reduced to a mere receptionist...  sniff, sniff...
Oh yeah, you'd better not bet any useless items, or Mr. Typhon will just come and punish you!

[caption #2427]
We fight for items, etc. here. First choose the thing you want to wager. Next, your opponent will appear. Choose someone from your party to fight this opponent. A one-on-one auto-battle will then take place. The item you wagered covers your participation fee. If you win, you'll be rewarded with an even better item. That's all there is to it!

[caption #2428]
The more precious the item you wager, the better your prize will be.

[caption #2429]
Battles at the colosseum are one-on-one.

[caption #2430]
Siegfried: Apparently an imposter has been pretending to be me recently. Don't be fooled.

[caption #2431]
This is the Dragon's Head Colosseum. Champions from all over the world come here to fight for prizes.

[caption #2432]
"What are you doing here?"
Shadow: Fighting… it’s the only thing I know how to do.

[caption #2433]
"Why not come with us?"
Shadow: I guess I could...

[caption #2434]
Shadow: Seems like it’s time to put my skills to the ultimate test…

[caption #2435]
Hmm? Locke? He's probably searching the world over for that legendary treasure...
Find the treasure, and you'll find Locke.

[caption #2436]
Those beautiful days will never return...

[caption #2437]
Narshe is filled with monsters. I don't have any place to go home to...

[caption #2438]
When I heard you talking, I realized I can't give up either. Why don't you head to Narshe sometime? You guys might be able to wake up that frozen Esper...

[caption #2439]
Locke just left here a while ago. He was happy... he said something about learning where some mystic treasure was...

[caption #2440]
Celes: Locke... he's alive!

[caption #2441]
We planted some flower seeds, but nothing's growing...

[caption #2442]
The plants have all stopped growing. It's as if they've have lost their will to live...

[caption #2443]
There's a really strong guy fighting at the colosseum. Seems he's looking for a weapon called the "Ichigeki".

[caption #2444]
Unless life begins to flourish again, it doesn't matter how beautifully we restore our village.

[caption #2445]
A handsome man with a mustache came through town recently. He kept saying "thou" to everyone! I think he said he was headed for Maranda...

[caption #2446]
Celes: Setzer!
Setzer: You're alive?!

[caption #2447]
Celes: Come with us! We're going after Kefka!
Setzer: Hmm...  I don't know if I have it in me anymore...
Celes: What are you saying?
Setzer: I'm just a gambler. My world's always been one where a man's spirit could soar free...  Not anymore. It's like the weight of the world's crushing me. On top of that, I've lost my wings...

[caption #2448]
Celes: But before the world collapsed, you fought with all your heart! You were absolutely fearless...
Setzer: That was then... All my dreams are gone now.
Celes: With things as bad as they are now, shouldn't you be dreaming of taking the world back?

[caption #2449]
Setzer: Heh heh...  You know, maybe you're right. Maybe my luck hasn't run out after all...

[caption #2450]
Setzer: All right... I'll go with you. I think it's time to pay a visit to Daryl's Tomb...

[caption #2451]
Setzer: It's time for my new dream to come to life... with a new pair of wings!

[caption #2452]
There are still some people with dreams, even in this world. My brother up north managed to make his come true...

[caption #2453]
Don't step there! Give the seedlings a chance!

[caption #2454]
hic... This world's done for...

[caption #2455]
I overheard you talking...  I, too, will pursue my dreams.

[caption #2456]
Hope...

[caption #2457]
Hope... we must never give up hope.

[caption #2458]
Celes: This is... your friend's grave?
Setzer: Yeah. She was really something. Nothing scared her...

[caption #2459]
Setzer: Could be anything lurking down here, so keep your eyes peeled.

[caption #2460]
Daryl: This next test flight could be dangerous.

[caption #2461]
Setzer: This brings back a lot of memories.

[caption #2462]
Setzer: Watch your step.

[caption #2463]

      HERE LIES DARYL

[caption #2464]
Setzer: What are you trying to prove by pushing your ship to its limits? It's crazy!

[caption #2465]
Daryl: If something should happen, take care of the Falcon for me.

[caption #2466]
Setzer: Nonsense! I'll win the Falcon from you when I whip you in a race. You'd better clear outta my way!
Daryl: Big talk, buster!

[caption #2467]
Setzer: There's nothing like flying!

[caption #2468]
Setzer: I couldn't bear to fly it after what happened to Daryl. Then I lost my own wings, too...  But now, with the Falcon's help, I can have my dream back again.

[caption #2469]
Daryl: Come on, quit lagging back there! Aren't you gonna try to pass me?

[caption #2470]
Daryl: Or do you just find my butt to be that captivating?

[caption #2471]
Setzer: Incredible.

[caption #2472]
Daryl: This time's for real. I'm gonna break every record!  I'll be known as the woman who flew closest to the stars!

[caption #2473]
Setzer: Be back before sunset! I'll be waiting for you on our hill.

[caption #2474]
I found the wreck of the Falcon a full year later, in a distant land...

[caption #2475]
Setzer: I restored the ship, and then put it to rest down here.

[caption #2476]
Edgar: So, this is the Falcon?

[caption #2477]
Edgar: With this, I finally think we can pull this off.
Celes: We can attack Kefka's tower from the air!
Edgar: The Falcon's going to give us one last chance at that guy...

[caption #2478]
Setzer: And we'll be able to look for the rest of our friends...

[caption #2479]
Edgar: Right. First things first. I'm finally starting to feel hopeful!

[caption #2480]
Celes: That bird...
Could it be...?

[caption #2481]
Celes: Setzer! Follow that bird!
Setzer: But why?
Celes: I'm not sure... But something tells me it could lead us to our friends...

[caption #2482]
   DLRO
   ERAU
   QSSI
   WEHT

[caption #2483]
   ERAU
   QSSI
   WEHT

[caption #2484]
   DLRO
   QSSI
   WEHT

[caption #2485]
   DLRO
   ERAU
   WEHT

[caption #2486]
   DLRO
   ERAU
   QSSI

[caption #2487]

   QSSI
   WEHT

[caption #2488]

   ERAU
   WEHT

[caption #2489]

   ERAU
   QSSI

[caption #2490]

   QSSI
   WEHT

[caption #2491]

   DLRO
   WEHT

[caption #2492]

   DLRO
   QSSI

[caption #2493]

   ERAU
   WEHT

[caption #2494]

   DLRO
   WEHT

[caption #2495]

   DLRO
   ERAU

[caption #2496]

   ERAU
   QSSI

[caption #2497]

   DLRO
   QSSI

[caption #2498]

   DLRO
   ERAU

[caption #2499]

ERAUQS SI DLROW EHT

[caption #2500]

QSSI ERAUDL ROWEHT

[caption #2501]

QSSIRO DLERAUWEHT

[caption #2502]

DLROQSSIAU ERWEHT

[caption #2503]

DLROERAU QSSIWEHT

[caption #2504]

AUERDLRO QSSIWEHT

[caption #2505]

QSSIAU ERWEHTDLRO

[caption #2506]

ERAUQSSIWEHTDLRO

[caption #2507]

QSSIWEHT ERAUDLRO

[caption #2508]

WEHTQSSI ERAUDLRO

[caption #2509]

WEHT ERAUQSSIRO DL

[caption #2510]

ERAUWEHT QSSIRO DL

[caption #2511]

ERAUDLROHT WEQSSI

[caption #2512]

DLRO ERAUHT WEQSSI

[caption #2513]

DLROWEHT ERAUQSSI

[caption #2514]

WEHTDLRO ERAUQSSI

[caption #2515]

WEHTERAUDLROQSSI

[caption #2516]

ERAUWEHTDLROQSSI

[caption #2517]

QSSIDLROWEHTERAU

[caption #2518]

DLROQSSIWEHTERAU

[caption #2519]

DLROWEHTQSSIERAU

[caption #2520]

WEHTDLROQSSIERAU

[caption #2521]

WEHTQSSIDLROERAU

[caption #2522]

QSSIWEHTDLROERAU

[caption #2523]
The tombstone is blank.
Carve something?
    Yes
    No

[caption #2524]
Nothing appropriate comes to mind...

[caption #2525]
Letters have been carved here...

[caption #2526]

DLRO

[caption #2527]

ERAU

[caption #2528]

QSSI

[caption #2529]

WEHT

[caption #2530]

    Find the "Growth Egg"
    hidden in a back room
    in the third basement...

[caption #2531]
A swordsman came through here recently. His skills were amazing! But his heart was full of chaos and despair... If he could learn to cope with his pain, he'd probably become even more powerful!

[caption #2532]
I used to be a thief. But one day I uncovered a secret so terrible, I had to go into hiding!

[caption #2533]
I used to be a thief. One of my old accomplices used to mumble, "To the right of the treasure chest" in his sleep. Weird, huh?

[caption #2534]
I used to be a thief. I climbed the tower of Kefka's followers, in spite of the danger.  But I was almost killed, and had to turn back after the first treasure room...

[caption #2535]
Some weird guy came through town not too long ago. Kept callin' people "thou".

[caption #2536]
I've learned a lot about this ruined world from the thieves and travelers who come through here. What shall I tell you about?
   Narshe
   The Veldt
   Doma Castle
   Nothing

[caption #2537]
You know that guy in Zozo who says, "This place is dangerous"?  He's the only one in that whole town who tells the truth. Maybe he can help you.

[caption #2538]
Your own past can be your worst enemy. Lost friends, families, homelands... These are the things that torment people the most...

[caption #2539]
You’re Cyan, aren’t you? I can see the confusion and doubt on your face…
Maybe returning to your homeland could help in such a time…

[caption #2540]
Lola's been receiving a lot of letters lately. Must be from her boyfriend in Mobliz...?

[caption #2541]
Lola: Look! My boyfriend in Mobliz sent me all these flowers! They're all hand-made of silk, since real ones won't grow anymore. And this is a letter he wrote to me...

[caption #2542]
But... wasn't Mobliz destroyed by Kefka? Somebody else must have written that letter...

[caption #2543]
Read the letter?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2544]
My beloved Lola,
  Art thou well? We are still busy trying to rebuild this town...
  If all goes well, I should be able to return to thy side before too long...

[caption #2545]
This writing... it sounds a lot like Cyan... But where did he send it from?

[caption #2546]
Lola: Could you please attach this reply to the carrier pigeon outside?
Do this favor for Lola?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2547]
Lola: Thank you.

[caption #2548]
Lola: I hope his reply comes soon!

[caption #2549]
Silk flowers... Beautifully made, too...

[caption #2550]
Lola: I knew these flowers and letters weren't really sent by my boyfriend. I just didn't want to admit it. I was lying to myself...
But I'm all right now. As I read those letters...
...the pain I felt in my heart became bearable... I'm sure whoever wrote them has suffered greatly...  I wish I could meet him...

[caption #2551]
Actually...

[caption #2552]
Cyan: Cast now thy gaze to the future... We have much of life still to live...

[caption #2553]
Look to the future! I'll take your words to heart...  I'll try my best.

[caption #2554]
Cyan exchanged the letters...

[caption #2555]

  A world on the brink of ruin…
Yet the light of dawn changeth not.
  Nor changeth the heart of man...

[caption #2556]
Cyan!

[caption #2557]
Cyan: What? Thou art alive?!

[caption #2558]
Cyan...

[caption #2559]
Cyan: I shall go with thee...  I shall not leave the world as it is.  But how didst thou find me?  W...wait! Tell me thou didst not read my letters...?!

[caption #2560]
Cyan: These...   they be...  um...   Merely a diversion of mine...

[caption #2561]
Cyan, these flowers are gorgeous!

[caption #2562]
Cyan: Mm...!  Must thou embarrass me so...?

[caption #2563]
Cyan: ...Dost thou truly think so?

[caption #2564]
Cyan: I wondered oft what had become of that poor girl, ever awaiting word of her beloved. I entered into Maranda, that I might discover the truth. When I learned that she sent a letter each day, but received naught in reply... I could not bear to think of her disappointment...

[caption #2565]
Cyan: As I wrote unto her, I saw that we were become like unto one another. Mine eyes were blinded... In mine anguish, I could look only behind. But the time is now come to face the future...

[caption #2566]
In Maranda I encountered Sir Gau. He spake unto me, saying that he was in want of strength to defeat Kefka. Knowing Sir Gau, he hath surely gone to the Veldt.

[caption #2567]
Dear Lola,
I write to beg thy forgiveness. I am guilty of perpetuating a terrible lie...
Only now have I realized the error of my ways. I hope that I can set aright a great wrong.
Thy beloved, whom thou believest to be in Mobliz, passed away some time ago. I have written unto thee in his stead...
How oft we humans become trapped in the past and allow it to rule our lives! I implore thee not to let this happen.
It is time to look forward, to rediscover love, and embrace the beauty of life.
Thou hast so much of life left to live...
            Cyan

[caption #2568]
Locked!

[caption #2569]
What are these...?
“Understanding Machines Magazine“
"An Illustrated Guide to Machinery"
"Cure Mechanical Ineptitude in Six Easy Steps!"
“Machinery for Dunces“
...and...
a somewhat naughty book…

[caption #2570]
Cyan: What meanest thou by this intrusion? Those are mine...!

[caption #2571]
Found the key to Cyan's treasure chest.

[caption #2572]
Shrouded in odd clothing,
...is this a man...?
...or perhaps a woman...?
Maybe not even human at all...

[caption #2573]
Gogo: I am Gogo. I've been a mimic all my life...
You're the first visitors I've had in a long time.

[caption #2574]
Gogo: Yes... I have been idle for too long. Perhaps I ought to mimic you. So, what are you doing now?

[caption #2575]
Gogo: I see... So, you're saving the world. Then I shall mimic you saving the world.
Lead on! I will copy your every move.

[caption #2576]
You want us to follow you?

[caption #2577]
These wounds are awful...

[caption #2578]
We can't treat these wounds here. Let's fly back to Thamasa on the double.

[caption #2579]
Must be having a nightmare...

[caption #2580]
Let's rest here for a while.

[caption #2581]
......

[caption #2582]
Are you okay?

[caption #2583]
Relm: I'm still a bit groggy...  But I'm okay. Interceptor always makes me happy!

[caption #2584]
Shadow: It's only a scratch.  Besides, I can rest easy with this guy standing guard.

[caption #2585]
The three of us went hunting on the Veldt recently. We saw some weird kid there dressed like a beast...

[caption #2586]
You came to fetch me...  But I won't be coming back...
Stay here with the girl...  You can both live in peace...

[caption #2587]
Papa...?  Where'd he go?  Is he ever coming back?

[caption #2588]
For some reason he never came near when all four of us were together.

[caption #2589]
The others left me behind when they tried to find that kid...  Well, I didn't want to go hunting with them anyway.

[caption #2590]
Huge dinosaurs live in the forest north of the Veldt. No human could ever defeat them...
I guess if anyone did somehow manage it, it would be something to brag about...

[caption #2591]
“Locke!”

[caption #2592]
Locke: Guys!  I finally found it...  The legendary treasure that can restore the dead to life…

[caption #2593]
“Is that...  Magicite…?”
Locke: It is...  Legend has it that the Phoenix turned itself to stone ages ago.  Looks like the legend really was true... This has some major cracks in it, though... I don't know if it has any power left.

[caption #2594]
Celes: Locke... That's for Rachel, isn't it...?

[caption #2595]
Locke: I wasn't able to protect Rachel... I’ve lost my only truth. My life will have no meaning until I can get it back...

[caption #2596]
“So, we’re going to Kohlingen…?”

[caption #2597]



   The village of Kohlingen...

[caption #2598]
Old Man: It's too bad it's cracked all over like that... I doubt it's gonna bring anyone back to life in this state! Nope, nobody!  Too bad, really... too bad...

[caption #2599]
Locke: Rachel!

[caption #2600]
Old Man: Whoa! The Magicite, it... it shattered!

[caption #2601]
Rachel: Locke...

[caption #2602]
I'm an Imperial soldier. Probably the last of 'em...  I passed along a secret to your friend with the bandana.
"Talk to the Emperor twice."
It's a hint about finding the place where Emperor Gestahl hid some legendary treasure.
Not sure what it actually means, though...

[caption #2603]
Rachel: Locke... Oh, how I've wanted to see you again... I wanted to hear your voice.
Locke: Rachel...
Rachel: The Phoenix used the last of its power to give me some time... But I have to leave again soon... Before my time is gone... there is something I want to tell you... Something I never had a chance to say before...

[caption #2604]
Locke: ......
Rachel: Locke...  With you I was so happy...  While I was dying, my memory returned...
I drifted away thinking only of you, and of the joy you brought me...
Thank you, Locke... I'll never forget you...

[caption #2605]
Locke: Rachel!
Rachel: I have to go now...  I'll always love you...
You must now cast off the anguish you've been harboring inside for so long... Today I set your heart free.  Give your love to the person who dwells in your heart.
......  Phoenix! Be reborn again! And give your power... to Locke!

[caption #2606]
Locke: Rachel!

[caption #2607]
Celes: Locke...

[caption #2608]
Locke: Thanks, I'm okay.  Rachel put my heart at ease...  From here on...  I'll be all right.  Let's go! We have work to do!

[caption #2609]
Celes: What is it?

[caption #2610]

      Obtained “X-Potion”!

      Obtained “Phoenix Down”!

      Obtained “X-Ether”!

      Obtained “Elixir”!

      Obtained “Flame Shield”!

      Obtained “Valiant Knife”!

[caption #2611]
Locke: Treasures from the Phoenix Cave!

[caption #2612]
Locke: Right, let's go. We wouldn’t want to miss our appointment with Kefka, would we?

[caption #2613]
Have you heard of something called the Growth Egg? Huh? Have ya?
They say it was buried in a tomb to the west a long time ago... It's totally true, you know!

[caption #2614]
Split up into two groups. Use the Y Button to switch between them.

[caption #2615]
Lone Wolf: Eh? Haven't we met someplace before...?  Doesn't matter, really... nothing left here anyway, 'cept for a Moogle...  Doors are all locked, and you'd have to be some kinda treasure hunter to open 'em...

[caption #2616]
Esper: So, you humans freed me from that prison of ice...
You possess Magicite?! Who are you?  I sense war and destruction...
Could that foolish war really have lasted a thousand years?
So, you would seek to put an end to this madness...?  Then I shall put my trust in you...

[caption #2617]

     Received the Magicite
          "Valigarmanda”.

[caption #2618]
There's an opening in the cliff.
Jump into it?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2619]
Mog: Kupoppo! You're alive! I thought you were all feeding the worms, kupo! I'll help you fight, kupo!

[caption #2620]
Mog: Say, we should team up with the yeti. He's very reliable, kupo! He can be a bit... violent, though...  He must be somewhere in the mines. He'll join us if I tell him to. Let's look for him, kupo!

[caption #2621]
Kupo...!  Don't scare me like that!

[caption #2622]
Art that evokes the end of the world is popular now.

[caption #2623]
Say... you look like...
...aren't you... Maria?!
Sorry, my mistake...

[caption #2624]
See anything you want?
The auction's about to start!
   Bid on items.
   Another time.

[caption #2625]
If you want to participate in the bidding, talk to the man near the entrance.

[caption #2626]
Dang it, I didn't get anything today...

[caption #2627]
Here's a splendid chest. Inside is...

[caption #2628]

    Some “Angel Wings”!

Do I hear 500 Gil?!

[caption #2629]

 Bought some “Angel Wings”.

[caption #2630]

        An “Angel Ring”.

Do I hear 1500 Gil?!

[caption #2631]

    Bought an “Angel Ring”.

[caption #2632]

        A “Brave Ring”!

Do I hear 3000 Gil?!

[caption #2633]

    Bought a “Brave Ring”.

[caption #2634]

        A “Zephyr Cloak”!

Do I hear 3000 Gil?!

[caption #2635]

  Bought a “Zephyr Cloak”.

[caption #2636]
Today's auction is over.

[caption #2637]
Well, how 'bout it?

[caption #2638]
   Buy it for 3000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2639]
Ho, ho, ho...
There's nothing I can't buy!

[caption #2640]
   Buy it for 5000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2641]
   Buy it for 30,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2642]
   Buy it for 40,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2643]
   Buy it for 60,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2644]
   Buy it for 7000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2645]
   Buy it for 8000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2646]
   Buy it for 12,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2647]
   Buy it for 15,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2648]
   Buy it for 18,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2649]
Argh!
I knew I should have bid higher!

[caption #2650]
   Buy it for 10,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2651]
   Buy it for 50,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2652]
Are there any more bids?

[caption #2653]
   Buy it for 20,000 Gil.
   I'll pass...

[caption #2654]

        8000 Gil!

[caption #2655]

        12,000 Gil!

[caption #2656]

        15,000 Gil!

[caption #2657]

        18,000 Gil!

[caption #2658]

        10,000 Gil!

[caption #2659]

        30,000 Gil!

[caption #2660]

        40,000 Gil!

[caption #2661]

        60,000 Gil!

[caption #2662]

        20,000 Gil!

[caption #2663]

        50,000 Gil!

[caption #2664]

        70,000 Gil!

[caption #2665]

    How about 100,000 Gil?!

[caption #2666]

        10 Gil!

[caption #2667]

        50 Gil!

[caption #2668]

        100 Gil!

[caption #2669]

        500 Gil!

[caption #2670]

        1000 Gil!

[caption #2671]

        1500 Gil!

[caption #2672]

        2000 Gil!

[caption #2673]

        3000 Gil!

[caption #2674]

        4000 Gil!

[caption #2675]

        5000 Gil!

[caption #2676]

        7000 Gil!

[caption #2677]
In a world like this you have to keep an open mind.

[caption #2678]
This is the Auction House. Bunch of lousy aristocrats inside...

[caption #2679]
Yes! Now I'll be able to go play at the art-lover's house again!

[caption #2680]
Every once in a while something very rare is sold here...

[caption #2681]
The house to the north belongs to Owzer. He's a collector of fine paintings.

[caption #2682]

    A still-life of flowers.

    They almost look alive...

[caption #2683]

    Picture of an old urn.

[caption #2684]

  Looks like a treasure chest.

[caption #2685]

        A lamp, maybe?

[caption #2686]

     This looks ancient...

[caption #2687]

      Ah! Some armor.

[caption #2688]

  Emperor Gestahl's portrait.

[caption #2689]

   Picture of a lovely lady.

[caption #2690]
Owzer sought out a highly skilled artist to come and paint for him.

[caption #2691]
I saw the Emperor recently!  A painting of him, that is...  It's in Owzer's house.

[caption #2692]
The people here love the opera!

[caption #2693]
Lately I've seen a lot of carrier pigeons flying towards Maranda. I wonder who's getting all those letters?

[caption #2694]
Tee hee… I read Owzer's journal the other day. It was just sitting there!

[caption #2695]
I saw a little girl go into the art collector's house a while ago.

[caption #2696]
Th…that was a spirit!

[caption #2697]
I went up to talk to Owzer, but he's nowhere to be found.

[caption #2698]
The world's so different now...

[caption #2699]

          Received the
      “Emperor's Letter”.

The letter reads as follows:

"The legendary treasure is hidden where the mountains form a star..."

[caption #2700]
Relm: Hey, wait. Aren’t you gonna take the stone?

[caption #2701]

   Looks awfully familiar...

[caption #2702]


       Stay... away...


[caption #2703]

  Emperor Gestahl's portrait.

[caption #2704]
Owzer's journal was left here…
Read it?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2705]
   Read the next page.
   Read it later.

[caption #2706]
I just made my first big purchase in a long time. It’s larger than most of my other paintings, so I can’t put it on the first floor.  I’ll think about where to put it later.

[caption #2707]
An artist from Zozo came today. I had him show me his work, but none of it was even worth talking about. A waste of time.

[caption #2708]
The lamp by the stairs broke, so I went to the item shop and bought a new one.  It was a bit expensive, but it lights up quite nicely with just the flip of a switch.

[caption #2709]
I invited an artist from Kohlingen to come here. Didn’t have enough skill to satisfy my expectations, however.

[caption #2710]
I’ve been feeling off recently. I think it started around the same time I had that painting done.  And it seems like there’s been some kind of odd noises coming from the basement lately…

[caption #2711]

    The journal ends at this point…

[caption #2712]
Owzer: Relm... Please, come back soon...  cough...  wheeze...

[caption #2713]
Owzer: Please... save that painting…
"The painting?!”
Owzer: My prized goddess painting has been possessed by a monster...
"A monster?"
Owzer: Yes... and now it hides in the painting and rarely shows itself...

[caption #2714]
Chadarnook: Well, well...  Here comes another nuisance…
I haven’t had such a fine painting in ages… and I won’t let the likes of you get in my way!

[caption #2715]
Owzer: No! What if you damage my precious goddess painting?! Aim only for the monster!

This line is unused.

[caption #2716]
Relm: Eep!
Owzer: Relm! You mustn't attack the painting. That would be outrageous!

[caption #2717]
Relm: Hey! The monster bit the dust, so just chill out.

[caption #2718]
Owzer: Thanks to you, it’s safe… That painting’s more precious than my life, don’t you know.
Relm: Oh, really. More precious than your life.

[caption #2719]
“By the way… why was there a monster in that painting?”
Owzer: I’d bought a stone at the Auction House, and as I gazed upon it, I was overcome with the desire to have a painting of Lakshmi. Since then, I’ve had all sorts of artists attempt to paint one, but none of them could satisfy me. When I heard rumors around town about Relm, I brought her here at once to work on painting Lakshmi… but while she was painting, that thing came along and possessd it.  It must have been drawn here by the magic of the stone.

[caption #2720]
"Where is the stone?"
Owzer: The stone? I put it on that bookshelf over there.

[caption #2721]
Owzer: Hey, not that. That's priceless! But... seeing as you saved my hide, I'll give it to you as well.

This line is unused.

[caption #2722]
"This is Magicite..."
Owzer: It’s brought me far too much trouble already. I’ll give it to you if you’ll take it away from here.

[caption #2723]
Owzer: The stone in question is in the middle of the shelf.

[caption #2724]
I found out something incredible... Deathgaze can't restore his HP after battle! Just keep fighting him, and in time you'll defeat him.

[caption #2725]
First time I've been here... This ain't the kinda place a poor person usually comes.

[caption #2726]
Okay!  Here's our next item!

[caption #2727]

   The Magicite, "Zona Seeker"!

Who'll give me 500 Gil?

[caption #2728]

    The Magicite, "Golem"!

Who'll give me 1000 Gil?

[caption #2729]
This is astounding! A real, talking Chocobo!

Do I hear 1000 Gil?

[caption #2730]

    1/1200 model of an airship!

Do I hear 5000 Gil?

[caption #2731]
You're not gonna believe this! Quality, high-tech merchandise! A "Kappa Robot"!

Do I hear 5 Gil?

[caption #2732]

     Received the Magicite
              "Lakshmi”.

[caption #2733]
Child: Daddy, I want that! Please!

[caption #2734]
Father: No, you don't. Now, pipe down!

[caption #2735]
Child: I want it... I want it! Buy it!  Pretty please?

[caption #2736]
Father: Ho, ho, ho... All right! But just this once! And...  Keep it a secret from Mommy!

[caption #2737]
Child: Yay! Thanks, Daddy! Yippee!

[caption #2738]
Father: 500,000 Gil!

[caption #2739]
Huh? 500,000 Gil?!

[caption #2740]
Father: One million Gil!

[caption #2741]
What? A million Gil?!

[caption #2742]
Sold, to this lucky person. Take it away, please!

[caption #2743]
Father: Well, we have our treat for the day. Let's go home.
Child: Yeah! All right!

[caption #2744]
Well, that's all for today.
Come back again real soon!

[caption #2745]
Daddy, let's buy lots of stuff today, too.

[caption #2746]
Oh, how could I refuse those cute little eyes? Ho, ho, ho...

[caption #2747]

    Not enough money...

[caption #2748]
Owzer: What a tremendous gift! This young lady's pictures could help to salvage this rotting world.
"We need to take Relm with us."
She might be our only chance to restore the sunny days of our not-too-distant past...

This line is unused.

[caption #2749]
Owzer: cough...  hack...
Relm: Old man!  Are you all right?
Owzer: Do you think things will ever be as they were?
"...We don't know..."
"But if we don't try..."
Owzer: We'll lose everything...
"We haven't much time. We need Relm's help now..."

This line is unused.

[caption #2750]
Owzer: Let me at least hug her one last time...

This line is unused.

[caption #2751]
Owzer: Relm...  cough...  hack... Will you come back some day? And paint me another of your masterpieces?

This line is unused.

[caption #2752]
Relm: I'll come back.
Owzer: Thank you... Such a nice girl!

This line is unused.

Maybe some of this discarded Relm and Owzer stuff was considered a bit too creepy to include, or perhaps it was just thought pointless.  Who knows.

[caption #2753]
Relm: I have to go now. But don't worry, I'll be back to finish this painting!
Owzer: I'll be waiting for you...

[caption #2754]

     Received the Magicite
              "Zona Seeker”.

[caption #2755]

     Received the Magicite
              "Golem”.

[caption #2756]

My beloved...  We'll always be together...

[caption #2757]
I am Phobetor.

[caption #2758]
I am Morpheus.

[caption #2759]
I am Phantasos.

[caption #2760]
We are the Three Dream Brothers.

[caption #2761]
We will take his soul.

[caption #2762]
Today we will feast.

[caption #2763]
"Wait!"

[caption #2764]
I didn't think you'd follow us into his dream. I'm not foolish enough to fight alone. Goodbye for now...

[caption #2765]
Now that we're all here, there will be no escape for you.

[caption #2766]

Please... Save my husband... Save Cyan...

[caption #2767]
Where are we?!

[caption #2768]

We're inside...  Cyan's mind...

[caption #2769]

My husband... continues to torment himself for what happened...

For being unable to protect us... for being unable to defend Doma... for what happened to the world...

[caption #2770]

And because of the depth of his despair, a beast known as Wrexsoul has seized his mind.

[caption #2771]
Wrexsoul is a monster formed from countless wretched spirits who died during the War of the Magi...

[caption #2772]

They're hurting my dad! Please help him!

[caption #2773]
Please...  help Cyan...

Dad doesn't deserve this...!

[caption #2774]
Dad… fishing is boring!

[caption #2775]
’Tis but another part of thy training. We all must learn patience.

[caption #2776]
I love fishing!

[caption #2777]
Thou hast grown quite strong!  With a little more practice, thou wilt be Doma's finest swordsman!

[caption #2778]
Yay! Dad told me I'm strong! I'm gonna go tell Mom!

[caption #2779]
Sweetheart...
 Do you love me?

[caption #2780]
What dost thou ask of me?  A true warrior saith not such things!

[caption #2781]
I...  love thee.  I love thee more than anything...

[caption #2782]
I heard that! Yay!  "I love thee... I love thee..."  Dad loves Mom!

[caption #2783]
Owain! Hush!

[caption #2784]
You must be Wrexsoul.  We want Cyan back!

[caption #2785]
I heard that!

[caption #2786]
You are too late.  He cannot escape me... He is overcome by despair at his own powerlessness.  I am fed by his anger...  hatred...  and sorrow.  And now, you shall become part of me as well!

[caption #2787]
Cyan: I thank thee.

[caption #2788]
Cyan: I thought I could hear my wife and son calling out to me...  Their voices gave me the strength to endure.

[caption #2789]

Thank you, my love...

[caption #2790]

I knew Dad was strong!

[caption #2791]
Cyan: No... I could do nothing... not then...  and not now...  I am a man with no honor...

[caption #2792]

No...  You've always had more than enough...

[caption #2793]

Dad... We love you!

[caption #2794]

We'll always be  at your side...

[caption #2795]
Cyan: Elayne and Owain live on in my heart. I can dwell on the past no longer… Henceforth I must follow the righteous path that lieth before me.

[caption #2796]

Cyan's soul has been cleared of all doubt and confusion.

[caption #2797]

Cyan mastered all of his samurai sword techniques.

[caption #2798]

     Received the Magicite
              "Alexander”.

[caption #2799]
Memorize the positions. This knowledge might save you.

[caption #2800]

    Received a lump of iron.

[caption #2801]
Sabin: You don't suppose... Gau, could this be your father?
Gau: Uwao...

[caption #2802]
Sabin: Come on, Gau.
Don't you think...?
Gau: ...Father...?
Sabin: Yeah. That guy's gotta be your dad.
Gau: ...?  Gau's... father?! Ooogauoooo!

[caption #2803]
Sabin: Right, let's go tell your father the news. He needs to know you're his son!

[caption #2804]
Sabin: Just a minute... We can't just go there with you looking like this.
Sabin: I know! Let's go to Jidoor and get you spiffed up!

[caption #2805]
Sabin: No, Gau! Don't eat with your fingers!

[caption #2806]
Gau: Uwao...

[caption #2807]
Sabin: Don't say "Uwao" when you mean "Yes"!

[caption #2808]
Gau: Yaoh!

[caption #2809]
Sabin: ......

[caption #2810]
Terra: How do you like these? Wait! What about those?
"Nobody should ever wear that…"

[caption #2811]
Terra: Did you say something?
"N...no! Nothing..."

[caption #2812]
Celes: Which should we go with? Oh! This is nice... but... Do you think it will look good on Gau?
"Oh, just pick something already..."

[caption #2813]
Celes: What did you say?!
"Nothing..."

[caption #2814]
Cyan: A hat such as this would be splendid, would it not?
“Talk about having awful taste…"

[caption #2815]
Cyan: What?! Thou art indeed strange, if thou wishest to taste a hat!
"......"

[caption #2816]
Sabin: Now this has to be it!
"But that's a martial arts outfit..."
Sabin: Perfect! Functional yet sporty! Done!
"Uh, that's not exactly what I..."

[caption #2817]
Setzer: sigh...  Not an ounce of fashion sense among the lot of you.
Setzer: Say, old timer. Could you order another set of clothes like the ones I'm wearing?
"Setzer, no! He would look ridiculous dressed like you!"

[caption #2818]
Edgar: I got it! A tuxedo, silk hat, and... a rose in his teeth!

[caption #2819]
Locke: I think that's overdoing it just a bit.  I know, he should have a bandana on his head!

[caption #2820]
Edgar: Bandanas never make anyone look respectable!  Of course, maybe that doesn't bother you, Locke...

[caption #2821]
Locke: Hey! What do you mean by that?!

[caption #2822]
Sabin: Okay, Gau. You're ready to show your father what a fine young man you've become.
Gau: Yaoh...

[caption #2823]
Sabin: Excuse me, sir...
Aged Man: Who in blazes are you guys?  Oh! Repairmen!
Sabin: Sir, you... had a son once, didn't you? You did, right?

[caption #2824]
Sabin: Now, sir...
Aged Man: Oh! Yes! I'd like you to make those repairs right away!
Sabin: Sir, you... had a son once, didn't you? You did, right?

[caption #2825]
Aged Man: ...son?
Sabin: Right. The truth is, he's alive! Speak up, Gau!

[caption #2826]
Gau: Father...

[caption #2827]
Aged Man: Huh? What's this "son" business? I've never had a son!

[caption #2828]
Aged Man: But now that you mention it, I once had a terrible dream...  I dreamed some kind of demon child was born!  I grabbed the creature, and rushed off to the Veldt with it.  It was crying like crazy by the time I got there...
Sabin: But, sir...!

[caption #2829]
Aged Man: I left the child there...  And then I ran, trying not to look back...
Sabin: I'm trying to tell you...

[caption #2830]
Aged Man: Suddenly the crying stopped. I turned around and saw a frightful monster...
Hideous! Still gives me the shakes when I think about it.
Sabin: I give up... this man's hopeless...

[caption #2831]
Aged Man: But you, young man, your parents must be proud of you!
I still dream of being chased by that demon child... Frightening... those dreams...

[caption #2832]
Sabin: Why, you old... Not even thinking of Gau's feelings. I'm gonna knock some sense into him!

[caption #2833]
Gau: Uwao...

[caption #2834]
Aged Man: Eh? Say, is everything fixed yet?

[caption #2835]
Aged Man: The repairman, at last!
"Uh, no. I was wondering if you knew anything about Emperor Gestahl's map..."
Aged Man: Map...?
Everyone's askin' 'bout that map!
"Pardon?"
Aged Man: Little while ago, some guy wearin' a bandana asked for the map. So I told him!
"Where is it?"

[caption #2836]
Aged Man: It's where the mountains form a star-shape! You should have just come out and asked me. No need to be shy!

[caption #2837]
Aged Man: Got it?! Where the mountains form the shape of a star!

[caption #2838]
Sabin: I... I'm sorry...

[caption #2839]
Gau: Father... alive...  Gau is...  happy...

[caption #2840]
...Not enough money.

[caption #2841]
HP and MP recovered.
Status ailments cured.

[caption #2842]
First time I've been back in a while, and the village is in shambles. What on earth happened?

[caption #2843]
I am Gungho, the greatest hunter in Thamasa.

[caption #2844]
Strago: Gungho?

[caption #2845]
If you're looking for the man dressed all in black, he left for the colosseum.

[caption #2846]
One day, a man working for an aristocrat in Jidoor came and took that little girl back with him.

[caption #2847]
I saw a monster flying through the sky a while ago. It looked like a giant stingray!

[caption #2848]
All the fun places are gone now.

[caption #2849]
Ebot's Rock is above water for the first time in fifty years. Maybe it's because of those huge earthquakes a year ago...  Anyway, head north of town if you want to see it.

[caption #2850]
Gungho: Is that you, Strago? Have you come back to hunt Hidon?

[caption #2851]
I hear Strago has joined you, but he’s nothing but a bag of hot air.

[caption #2852]
Gungho: You haven’t changed at all, have you… You’ve always been like that.

[caption #2853]
Tried to hunt the legendary monster Hidon as a young man, but gave up partway through…

[caption #2854]
Strago: I, er, didn’t exactly give up…  It's just that, well, the monster lives only on Ebot's Rock, which has been submerged for some time, and…
Gungho: You always were prone to making excuses.

[caption #2855]
Gungho: What a buffoon…

[caption #2856]
Mayor: It's only been a year since the world was ripped apart… But it feels like forever.

[caption #2857]
Relm: Yay, we're home! I'll be in the house, okay?

[caption #2858]
Strago: She's so full of energy...  Or have I just gotten old?

[caption #2859]
Relm: You've gotta come quick! Mr. Gungho's hurt!

[caption #2860]
Strago: Gungho, wake up!

[caption #2861]
Strago: Who did this to you?
Gungho: It was... Hidon, the legendary beast you and I used to hunt for. I almost had him...

[caption #2862]
Gungho: Ugh... cough, cough...

[caption #2863]
Gungho: Strago... Please... you must avenge me...

[caption #2864]
Strago: You took on Hidon...?

[caption #2865]
Relm: Grandpa! Why are you hesitating?

[caption #2866]
Strago: Well...  I spent my youth chasing that creature. But I never thought I'd be doing it again at this age...

[caption #2867]
Strago: Gungho... rest easy, I'll get him for you!

[caption #2868]
Relm: Wait a minute! You're not thinking of going alone, are you?

[caption #2869]
Strago: I have to face the thing that escaped me all those years ago. It is my obsession, not yours.

[caption #2870]
Relm: Grandpa, stop being so stubborn! I can't just sit around and watch you get in trouble.

[caption #2871]
Strago: I'm sorry, Relm. I'm grateful that you care so much! But as its name implies, the Hidon is extremely difficult to find. No one will ever find him if I don't go myself.

[caption #2872]
Strago: Now, to Ebot's Rock!

[caption #2873]
Relm: Phew...

[caption #2874]
Treasure Chest: I'm hungry!
Hungry hungry hungry
hungry hungry hungry
hungry hungry hungry
hungry hungry hungry!!
Feed me!
Otherwise, I won't let you through!

[caption #2875]
Skinflint! Git outta here!

[caption #2876]
You don't even have any!

[caption #2877]
I'm not happy unless I have plenty to eat!

[caption #2878]
Munch…  munch…  munch…
Muurp... that was great.  Bring me some more!

[caption #2879]
Munch…  munch…  munch…
Wow, what a feast! I'm stuffed. Completely full!

[caption #2880]
I like to eat coral! Have any?
Hand over some coral?
   Sure.
   I don't think so.

[caption #2881]

  Received a piece of coral.

[caption #2882]

  Received 2 pieces of coral.

[caption #2883]

  Received 3 pieces of coral.

[caption #2884]

  Received 5 pieces of coral.

[caption #2885]
Treasure Chest: Bluuurp! Whew!

[caption #2886]
Treasure Chest: Oh yeah, you wanna pass through here, right?

[caption #2887]
Treasure Chest: Okay, see ya...

[caption #2888]
Strago: That's Hidon!

[caption #2889]
Strago: I did it! I...  I actually beat Hidon!

[caption #2890]
Strago: I must tell Gungho he is avenged!

[caption #2891]
Strago: Gungho...!

[caption #2892]
Gungho: What's all the fuss?!
Strago: Listen to me! I defeated Hidon!

[caption #2893]
Gungho: You WHAT?!  You... beat Hidon?!  You're lying!

[caption #2894]
Relm: No, he's not! He really did it.

[caption #2895]
Strago: Wah ha ha! I'm so skilled that Hidon didn't stand a chance!

[caption #2896]
Gungho: I hate to admit it, but I guess I'll have to concede defeat.
Strago: Heh heh heh...
Strago: ...by the way, how are your wounds healing, Gungho?

[caption #2897]
Gungho: Hmm?  Oh, they're fine...

[caption #2898]


        That evening...

[caption #2899]
Strago: There I was, in a cave that seemed endless. Then, before I knew it, Hidon appeared!

[caption #2900]
Strago: I stared Hidon straight in the eye, lifted my staff, and let him have it!

   Pow!

   Thwack!

   Crash!

[caption #2901]
Strago: I wish you could've been there to see it!

[caption #2902]
Strago: And then...

[caption #2903]
Relm: Where's Grandpa?
Gungho: Hmm? Oh, he finally tired himself out from talking so much and fell asleep.

[caption #2904]
Gungho: Well, let's let him be. He's nice and...  quiet...
But... do you think it's okay to let him keep thinking I was really hurt?

[caption #2905]
Relm: Oh, it's fine. He needed a reason to defeat that thing. Otherwise he'd have spent the rest of his life doing nothing but talk...
And even though you were faking, that creature meant business!

[caption #2906]
Gungho: What an amazing granddaughter he's raised...
Relm: ...and what a terrible actor you are!

[caption #2907]
Relm: Grandpa's probably the only man alive who'd fall for that performance!

[caption #2908]
Gungho: How are you doing?

[caption #2909]
Gungho: Hidon has appeared at Ebot's Rock again!

[caption #2910]
During the past year I've traveled the world over.
Want to hear some of my stories?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2911]
North of the Veldt is a small, triangular island.

[caption #2912]
The island is home to a monster that sucks in anything that comes near it. What do you suppose might happen if it sucked you inside? That much I don't know!

[caption #2913]
Gungho: What did you say?!

[caption #2914]
This is Figaro, the desert castle.

[caption #2915]
Halt!

[caption #2916]
Oh, it's you. Proceed.

[caption #2917]
Figaro and the Empire are allies.

[caption #2918]
Figaro Castle is the most modern structure in the world.

[caption #2919]
It doesn't look like it, but this castle incorporates some of the most high-tech devices in existence. For example...

[caption #2920]
Heh... they're all top-secret!

[caption #2921]
You've seen it, haven't you?

[caption #2922]
Eh? ...Who might you be?

[caption #2923]
Locke: This is no good. We'd better hightail it south, to Figaro.

[caption #2924]
So... this is the frozen Esper?

[caption #2925]
Guard: We won't hand over the Esper!

[caption #2926]
Guard: Ymir! Get them!

[caption #2927]
Scram, you blockhead.

[caption #2928]
Back to your post.

[caption #2929]
Time's up? Good, I'll take a break.

[caption #2930]
I'm not buying anything!

[caption #2931]
The Empire has taken possession here.

[caption #2932]
A detached force is making its way toward Narshe. We'll link up with them soon.

[caption #2933]
That Kefka scumbag is about to attack Narshe. Of course, it’s “sir” to his face… can’t call him anything else.

[caption #2934]
Duncan's Wife: I'm sure there's a hidden passage under the rich man's house. Find the room that's drafty.

[caption #2935]
Merchant: You're that notorious thief, Locke, aren't you?
Locke: Hey! I'm a treasure hunter, and don't you forget it!

[caption #2936]
Merchant: Excuuuse me!

[caption #2937]
Merchant: Look! As luck would have it, I'm fresh out of merchandise!
   I'm gonna pound your face!
   Guess I'm out of luck.

[caption #2938]
Merchant: Thanks to the Empire, my business is up!

[caption #2939]
Peace has been restored, but my husband never returned.

[caption #2940]
You say peace is really here to stay?

[caption #2941]
There's nothing like being free!

[caption #2942]
Now I can relax and drink my ale in peace.

[caption #2943]
Need a rest?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2944]
Kue!

[caption #2945]
   Ride a chocobo?
   Not now.

[caption #2946]
Recovery spring.

[caption #2947]

The three groups have reached Narshe, and a decisive battle is about to take place...

[caption #2948]

     Received “<I>”.

[caption #2949]

     Learned “<S>”.

[caption #2950]

     Found <N> Gil.

[caption #2951]

             Empty.

[caption #2952]
80 Gil per night.
Well?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2953]
Good mattress for 150 Gil.
Stay a while?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2954]
You can stay for 250 Gil.
Well?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2955]

   Choose a scenario... kupo!

[caption #2956]
Right. We're going in!

[caption #2957]
Chocobo ride for 80 Gil.
Hop aboard?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2958]
Chocobo ride for 150 Gil.
Hop aboard?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2959]

     Monster in a box!

[caption #2960]
Use the crane to go down?
   Yes
   No

[caption #2961]
The Warring Triad are up ahead...

[caption #2962]
   Divide into three groups. Use the Y Button to switch between them.

[caption #2963]
Terra: General Leo... I think I understand what you were trying to tell me.

[caption #2964]
Locke: As long as there are people who need to be protected, I'll fight.

[caption #2965]
Cyan: What an astonishing device!

[caption #2966]
Shadow: ......

[caption #2967]
Edgar: If something happens to me, every lady in the world will grieve!

[caption #2968]
Sabin: All right, let's do this!

[caption #2969]
Celes: I'm glad I made it this far... I feel I have a lot to live for...

[caption #2970]
Strago: You all have that sparkle in your eyes... Well, I won't let any of you outdo me!

[caption #2971]
Relm: Let's do it! Let's go get that madman!

[caption #2972]
Setzer: We've got good fortune on our side!

[caption #2973]
A piece of Magicite fell from Deathgaze's maw!

[caption #2974]

     Received the Magicite
              "Bahamut”.

[caption #2975]
Edgar: It's time to infiltrate Kefka's domain.

[caption #2976]
Setzer: What's wrong?
Celes: …

[caption #2977]
Celes: The Warring Triad are the gods of all the magic of the Esper world. If we destroy them...

[caption #2978]
Edgar: What'll happen?

[caption #2979]
Celes: I'm really not sure, but...

[caption #2980]
Celes: The Espers, and magic, too, may cease to exist.

[caption #2981]
Strago: The Espers, and even magic itself, may vanish from the world.

[caption #2982]
Edgar: And then...

[caption #2983]
Celes: What will happen to... Terra...?

[caption #2984]



     Welcome, friends!

[caption #2985]
I knew you'd make it here, so I've been practicing my greeting!

[caption #2986]
How long are you going to continue this destruction, Kefka?
Kefka: I've acquired the ultimate power. Behold...!

[caption #2987]
Kefka: Such magnificent power... You are like insects to me!

[caption #2988]
Kefka: Embrace your destruction... It is the fate of all things.

[caption #2989]
People will always rebuild, no matter how much is taken from them!

[caption #2990]
Kefka: And time will destroy all of those as well. What's the point of creating things that will inevitably be destroyed? Why do people cling to life, when they know they can't escape from death?
...Why, when they know that nothing they do will have meant anything in the end?

[caption #2991]
Because it's not the end that matters! It's what we live for now, what we've created, and what we protect!

[caption #2992]
If people can find that in their lives, isn't that what's most important?

[caption #2993]
Kefka: And have you found those things, in this world so close to death...?

[caption #2994]
Yes!

[caption #2995]
Terra: I know what love is...

[caption #2996]
Locke: A person worth protecting…

[caption #2997]
Cyan: The memory of my wife and son…

[caption #2998]
Shadow: Friends... and family...

[caption #2999]
Edgar: My duty to build a free and peaceful kingdom…

[caption #3000]
Sabin: A loving brother who looks out for me… Wah ha!

[caption #3001]
Celes: Someone who can accept me for who I am…

[caption #3002]
Strago: My darling granddaughter…

[caption #3003]
Relm: An obnoxious grandpa I can't live without!

[caption #3004]
Setzer: Wings from a dear old friend!

[caption #3005]
Mog: My new friends, kupo!

[caption #3006]
Gau: Everyone here! All them... Uwaoo!

[caption #3007]
Kefka: Blech... You people make me sick. You sound like chapters from a self-help book!

[caption #3008]
Kefka: Well, in that case... I'll make them all disappear. Every one of these revolting things that give your lives meaning...!

[caption #3009]
No! Kefka, stop!

[caption #3010]
Kefka: I command the greatest power in the world! You're nothing but dirt beneath my feet... or dirt stuck to the bottom of that dirt!

[caption #3011]
Kefka: I will destroy everything... I will create a monument to non-existence!

[caption #3012]
Life will still go on, Kefka. There will always be new people, and new dreams!

[caption #3013]
Kefka: No! I will hunt them down. There won't be anything left to dream about! I will destroy it all...  Destroy, destroy, destroy!

[caption #3014]
We won't let you to hurt any more people!

[caption #3015]
Kefka: Eee hee hee! But what fun is destruction if no "precious" lives are lost?

[caption #3016]
It ends here, Kefka!

[caption #3017]
Kefka: Oh! But it hasn't yet begun! And I'm giving you a front-row seat!

[caption #3018]
The tower's collapsing!

[caption #3019]
There's no time to lose! The airship's just ahead.

[caption #3020]
Celes: Terra! What's wrong?

[caption #3021]
Edgar: The Espers... they're fading away...

[caption #3022]
Terra: Come with me. I'll use the last of my power to guide you out of here.

[caption #3023]
Celes: Come on, everyone! We have to work together.

[caption #3024]
The Magicite...  Magic is disappearing from this world...

[caption #3025]
Celes: Even Terra's going to...?

[caption #3026]
Terra!

[caption #3027]
Terra: Everyone's calling out to me.

[caption #3028]
Celes: Terra! You're back!

[caption #3029]
Terra: Come with me!

[caption #3030]
Edgar: The last Magicite!

[caption #3031]
Celes: Terra, you've done enough! Your power is fading...

[caption #3032]
Celes: Terra isn't going to be able to hold out much longer...

[caption #3033]
Edgar: Follow her!

[caption #3034]
Setzer: Leave it to me!

[caption #3035]


     You can do it, Katarin...

[caption #3036]


     I'm still here...

[caption #3037]

     ...for a while longer...

[caption #3038]
Just a little longer...

[caption #3039]
Where's Terra?!

[caption #3040]
Celes: Terra!

[caption #3041]
Terra: Thank you, Setzer...

[caption #3042]
Setzer: Didn't I say it before?! This is the fastest ship in the world!

[caption #3043]

Edgar: Cyan! Hit that switch!

Cyan: My strength lieth not with machines, sir...

[caption #3044]
Cyan: But I do believe I am improving!

[caption #3045]
Setzer: Wait!

[caption #3046]
Setzer: Whenever you think you're right, you're wrong.

And that could be a big mistake...

[caption #3047]

Setzer: That's what Daryl always used to say...

[caption #3048]

Mog: Help me, kupo!

[caption #3049]

Mog: The hair! Watch the hair! I'm not a stuffed animal, kupo!

[caption #3050]

Celes: It won't open!

[caption #3051]

Umaro: Ughaaaa!

[caption #3052]
Edgar: Where's Sabin when you need him...?

[caption #3053]
Sabin: I didn't want to dump all that responsibility on you...  I knew you'd look out for the kingdom. But I wanted to be able to look out for you.  That's why I went off to become stronger!

[caption #3054]

Edgar: Ladies first!

[caption #3055]
Gau: Gau find shortcut!

[caption #3056]
Celes: Both buttons have to be pressed in exactly the same way...

[caption #3057]

Setzer: Gogo! Watch Celes and do exactly what she does!

[caption #3058]

Come on! This floor's about to break apart!

[caption #3059]

Celes: Locke!

[caption #3060]

Locke: I won't let go...  ...I promise!

[caption #3061]
Setzer: Don't fall! I still want to see your Maria act again sometime!

[caption #3062]

Are you crazy? You almost died... for that?!

[caption #3063]

Setzer: What a woman! Going after a bandana at the risk of your own life!

[caption #3064]
Celes: This is my good luck charm...  When I found this, it changed my fate...

[caption #3065]
Celes: Locke... Are you still out there watching over me?

[caption #3066]

Terra: Father...?

[caption #3067]
Maduin: Terra... we must part now. We Espers will disappear from this world. You may fade away as well...

[caption #3068]
Maduin: But if the human part of you feels something strongly enough...

You might be able to remain in this world as a human...

[caption #3069]

Relm: Grandpa, you can't give up yet!

[caption #3070]
Strago: Sorry, dear...
Relm: Any more complaining from you and I'm gonna draw your portrait!

[caption #3071]

Strago: No! Anything but that!

[caption #3072]
Relm: ...But you know...  Someday I'd really like to do a real portrait of you.

[caption #3073]
Strago: Oh, Relm... Now look what you've done. I'm all misty-eyed. Can't see where we're going...

[caption #3074]

Shadow: Go on, Interceptor! Get going!

[caption #3075]
Shadow: Baram... It looks like I can finally stop running. I'll be seeing you again soon...

[caption #3076]

Shadow: Take care of yourself, boy...

[caption #3077]

Strago: I'm not done yet... I won't be shown up by you whippersnappers!

[caption #3078]

Strago: Gotcha!

[caption #3079]

Relm: No older woman’s gonna outrun me!

[caption #3080]

Relm: Hey! Wait up, lover boy!

[caption #3081]

Relm: You can't just leave me behind!

[caption #3082]

Relm: Argh! I’m gonna paint all your portraits!