Final Fantasy I

(pp. 12-13)

As Foretold, the Warriors of Light Appeared
~When they are received in audience with the king of Cornelia
King: “LIGHT WARRIORS…. Just as in Lukahn’s prophecy. Garland has kidnapped the Princess. Please help her!!”

Jane: “I am Jane, Queen of Coneria. Please save my daughter, Princess Sara.”

(Upon discovering Garland and Sarah at the Chaos Shrine)
Garland: “No one touches my Princess!! LIGHT WARRIORS?? You impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!!”

(After defeating Garland)
Sarah: “So, you are the LIGHT WARRIORS! Thank you.”

(Upon returning to the castle with Sarah)
King: “Thank you for saving the Princess. To aid your quest I ordered a bridge built to the continent. Go now, and make the ORBS shine again!!”
Sarah: “This LUTE has been passed down from Queen to Princess for 2000 years. Garland stole it when he kidnapped me. Please accept it as my gift, it just might come in handy.”

(After receiving the Lute from Sarah)
Sarah: “Now, get ready for your trip, and make the ORBS shine again.”
—

Departure to Adventure
~The prologue displayed while crossing the bridge the king of Cornelia had constructed
“And so, their journey begins….

What awaits the Four, they do not know.

Each holding an ORB, that 2000 years ago shined with beauty from within. But now, only darkness.

Come!! Start your journey! Return the light of peace to our world.”
—

Bahamut Tests the Heroes’ Quality
~When they visit the dragon caves
Dragon: “If you are brave enough, try meeting the King of the Dragons, BAHAMUT.”

Dragon: “Have you met BAHAMUT, the Dragon King? He honors those with courage as true warriors.”

Dragon: “We are going to the Castle of Ordeal to the northeast. There we will test, and bring back proof of our courage.”

Dragon: “Only the courageous ones bring back the proof of their courage.”

Dragon: “The proof of your courage might be anything.”

Bahamut: “I am BAHAMUT, King of the Dragons. Bring me proof of your courage, to receive the honor due true Warriors.”

(Upon entering the Citadel of Trials and meeting the lone old man)
Old man: “Possession of the CROWN is required to test your courage. Take it to the royal throne, and bring back proof of your courage. GOOD LUCK!”

(Upon acquiring the Rat’s Tail on the top floor of the castle and returning with it to Bahamut)
Bahamut: “The TAIL of a rat proves your courage. I shall give you the honor due true Warriors.”

(After he acknowledges the courage and power of the four warriors, and empowers them)
Bahamut: “WARRIORS. Revive the Power of the ORBS!”
—

The True Enemy Waits in the World 2000 Years Past
~Listening to the Sky People in the Chaos Shrine who were turned into bats
Bat: “Help! The FIEND’s curse turned us into bats. With the ORBS shining anew, once again we can speak!”

Bat: “We are the five lost SKY WARRIORS. 400 years ago we battled against the cause of the world’s destruction.”

Bat: “The Four FIENDS power is rooted 2000 years ago. The real enemy is in that time.”

Bat: “When the 4 ORBS cover the black ORB in the center of the palace, the Time Gate can open.”

Bat: “You must travel back in time 2000 years. Now, with the ORBS shining, stand in the Time Gate.”
—

Final Fantasy II

(pp. 34-35)

Scott’s Last Request
~While infiltrating the town of Fynn, in the pub’s hidden room
Knight: “If you intend to sell me to the emperor…kill me. You’re not taking me alive.”

(When Firion and co. choose to ask about option “Wild Rose”)
Knight: “Ah, you’re rebels, are you? I am Scott, prince of Kas’ion.”
Firion: “You’re Prince Scott? We heard you were killed in combat.”
Scott: “Yes, I am. But my strength is fading. I’ve a favor to ask. Deliver a message to my brother Gordon. Tell him that he has all the makings of a great leader. He should believe in himself. And tell the king of Fynn that Count Borghen serves the empire now. That traitor is behind Fynn’s downfall! And to Hilda… My love will be with her always. No, do not tell her that. I am a dying man. She should find another love.”
Maria: “Your Highness, do you know a man named Leon? He is my brother.”
Scott: “I am sorry, but…I don’t. Please take this Ring. It should prove useful. Oh, how tired I am… Please let me rest now…”
—







Josef’s Sacrifice
~On the way back from obtaining the Goddess’s Bell in the ice cavern
Borghen: “So you got me, but I’m not going alone. Take my final gift… It’s going to be a hell of a ride! Ha ha! See you down there!”

(As Borghen dies, he causes a boulder to roll down the hill. Although Firion and co. try to out run it, there isn’t enough time)
Josef: “No, it’s coming too fast!”

(Josef catches the boulder)
Josef: “Now, go! Run!”
Guy: “You coming with us. We want you come.”
Josef: “Just…go… I can’t hold up…too much longer! Go! Now!”

(After Firion and co. head on down the slope)
Josef: “It’s up to you now… Molly, I’m always with you!”

(Finally, Josef is crushed under the full force of the boulder)
Firion: “Josef!”
—





Risking His Life to Break the Seal
~In front of the sealed door on the top floor in the Tower of Mysidia
Minwu: “You’ve come at last! The magic seal on this door is strong. I will give it all I have. Stand back!”

(Minwu releases all of his magic at once, directed at breaking the seal on the door)
Maria: “Mindu!”
Minwu: “I…I have fulfilled my duty. The door…has opened. Now…go…!”

(Minwu dies)
Firion: “Mindu!”
—







The Emperor Resurrected
~On the top floor of Palamecia Castle
Leon: “I knew you’d come, Firion. You think you can defeat me?”

(He rises from the throne and faces Firion)
Maria: “No, please stop this! Why do you have to cross your sword against your friend?”
Leon: “Let me ask you one thing: What conquers the world? The answer is power. I am the emperor now, and I will not let go of it! Now, move out of my way!”

(Suddenly, the Emperor appears on the throne)
Emperor: “Leon… I’m surprised to see you on my throne. I have returned from hell with the ultimate power to conquer the world! You? The emperor? Ha! You do not know that you only deserve to work in the shadows of the real emperor!”
Leon: “What can a ghost do now? The empire is mine!”

(The Emperor conjures flames that surround Firion and co.)
Emperor: “You, pathetic fool. I’m not interested in the empire anymore. I shall kill all living souls and destroy this world! You will be joined by the others soon.”

(The flames close in on Firion and co.)
Richard: “We must flee this place now. Take my Wind Drake!”
Firion: “Gareth! What are you doing?”

(Richard springs at the Emperor)
Richard: “Come, I will take you to where you belong.”
Emperor: “You…You worthless fool!”
Richard: “Rrraaaagh!”
Maria: “Gareth!”
—

Final Fantasy III

(pp. 58-59)

Birth of the Warriors of Light
~When talking to the Wind Crystal in the Altar Cave
Voice: “You have been chosen.”
Luneth: “Is this crystal…talking to me?”

Wind Crystal: “You must take with you the last of my light…and the last of our world’s hope. Unless you act, the light will be lost, and the equilibrium forever broken… Once you take in the light, you will be able to extract the power from the other crystals.”

Wind Crystal: “You must drive darkness from this world, and restore light to its rightful place. You are our last hope.”

(After the four have received the light from the crystal)
Wind Crystal: “Now, go–step on the shining circle behind the altar to return to the surface. Embrace your destiny, Warriors of the Light!”
—







Aria’s Last Moment
~While returning the light to the Crystal in the Water Cave
Aria: “Crystal of water… It is time for you to regain your light!”

(Kraken appears)
Aria: “Look out!”

(Aria takes an arrow that was meant for one of the Warriors of Light)
[Original script only] Aria: “Uhn…”
Luneth: “Aria! No!”
[Original script only] Aria: “[name chosen by the player for the character at the top of the formation; e.g. ‘Douglas’]…”
[Original script only] “Douglas”: “Aria…!!!”
Kraken: “It seems luck is on your side today, Warriors of the Light. I am Kraken, tasked by Lord Xande to steal the light from the crystal of water… And you…you are all about to die!”

(The Warriors of Light defeat Kraken)
Luneth: “Aria!”
Aria: “…The crystal has regained its true light. Th-thank you…”
[Original script only] “Douglas”: “Aria! Don’t try to talk!”
Aria: “I… You must take this… The… The power of water…”
Luneth: “Aria! Be strong! You can’t leave us!”
Aria: “N-no… It’s too late…for me. You…you must go. Promise me… Promise me you will banish the darkness, and restore peace to the world…”
[Original script only] “Douglas”: “Aria…!”
[Original script only] Aria: “Goodbye…”
Luneth: “Aria…! Ariaaa!”
—

The Battle With Doga and Unei
~When meeting with Doga and Unei in Doga’s Grotto
Doga: “Good! You have come. We must now make the key to Eureka whole once more.”
Unei: “That’s right. Put ’em up!”
Refia: “What!? But… No, we can’t!”
Doga: “Listen to me very closely. In ancient times, there were weapons too powerful for mankind to use. Those weapons were sealed in Eureka…but now their time has come.”
Unei: “And the Eureka Key needs the energy from Doga and myself to be complete. Understand?”
Luneth: “No! You can’t ask us to… Doga, Unei… We can’t fight you!”
Doga: “It must be done! Have it your way… If you do not defeat us, you will die!”

(The Warriors of Light reluctantly defeat Doga)
Luneth: “Doga! No…!”
Unei: “It’s my turn now! Let’s see what you’re made of!”
Luneth: “Unei! Don’t make us do this!”
Unei: “Be quiet! There’s a time for talk, but this isn’t one of them! Now have at you! But don’t worry; even if our bodies are lost, our souls will still remain… Now, take this!”

(With Unei attacking, the Warriors of Light have no choice but to defeat her)
Luneth: “Doga! Unei!”
—

World of Life and Death Struggles
~After obtaining the cooperation of the 4 Warriors of Darkness, and then confronting the Cloud of Darkness
Cloud of Darkness: “We are the Cloud of Darkness… None shall stand before the flood of darkness. With it, we will bring the Void to this world, and your world of light as well…”
Luneth: “We won’t let you! Not if we have anything to say about it!”
Cloud of Darkness: “Hah hah hah… This is the world of darkness…you cannot defeat me here with only the power of light!”

(The Warriors of Darkness appear)
Warrior of Darkness: “That is why we are here!”
Warrior of Darkness: “The hopes of light and darkness now unite! We shall not let the Void run free!”
[original script only] Cloud of Darkness: “What!? If you do such a thing, you will perish!”
[original script only] Warrior of Darkness: “We will not allow you to return this world to the Void!”

(One after the other, the Warriors of Darkness leap into the Cloud of Darkness)
Cloud of Darkness: “You are trying my patience! You may have destroyed the dark crystals…but that is of no consequence… We will devour your power of light, and use it to return this world to the Void!”
[original script only] Cloud of Darkness: “Hah hah hah… Die, Warriors of Light!”
—

Final Fantasy IV

(pp. 90-91)

Cecil’s Turmoil
~While returning from robbing the Crystal from Mysidia
Soldier: “Captain Cecil, we are about to arrive!”
Cecil: “Good.”
Soldier: “Why are we robbing crystals from innocent people?”
Soldier: “That’s our duty.”
Soldier: “Do we really have to keep doing this?”

(Everyone reflects on what they did in Mysidia)
Soldier: “We take pride in being members of the Red Wings! Looting is out of the question!”
Cecil: “Stop it!”
Soldier: “Captain!”
Soldier: “We can’t stand doing this anymore!”
Cecil: “Listen! Possessing the crystal is an essential factor for our prosperity. Moreover, His Majesty judged that Mysidians know too much about the secret of the crystal. We are the Red Wings, the air force of the Baron Kingdom! The Royal Command is absolute.”
Soldier: “Captain!”
—







Golbez’s Mysterious Behavior
~When Tellah releases Meteor on Golbez in exchange for his life
Golbez: “You used… the… Meteo… GRRR……”
Cecil: “Tellah!”
Golbez: “But, I have the crystal. Now come, Kain!”
Kain: “……”
Golbez: “I guess that Meteo broke my control over him! So be it, you no longer serve my purpose. I will settle this score later, Cecil!”
Cecil: “Never!”
Golbez: “HA!”

(Cecil is launched away from Golbez by his energy blast, then collapses)
Golbez: “…!?”
Cecil: “Ugh… Why not… finish me off…”
Golbez: “You…”
Cecil: “?”
Golbez: “Who are you…”
Cecil: “…?”
Golbez: “I shall see you again!” (Golbez leaves)
Yang: “Cecil!”
Cid: “You Okay!?”
Cecil: “Y-yeah. Golbez must have been weakened by Meteo. But Tellah!”
Tellah: “I… failed…”
Cid: “Don’t speak!”
Tellah: “I brought this upon myself… Because I lost myself in hatred. Avenge my daughter for me, please!”
Cecil: “Tellah!”
—

Edge’s Wrath
~Upon witnessing the demonized last moments of King and Queen Eblan
Edge: “Graaaagh!”
Rosa: “No…”

(Rubicant suddenly appears in a flash of flame)
Rubicant: “Wretched Lugae! How dare he…!”
Edge: “Rubicant! I’m not gonna forgive you! ……Never!!”
Rubicant: “Lugae turned your parents into monsters on his own. I apologize for that. I’m not like the others you see. I want to play fair.”
Edge: “Shut up!”
Rubicant: “How brave! But you’ll never gain real strength as long as you are swayed by emotions.”
Edge: “I’ll show you the power… of anger!”

(This causes Edge to learn new abilities that had been dormant)
Rubicant: “I see. But my Cloak of Flame cannot be penetrated even by cold!”
—









Zeromus is Born
~When Golbez and FuSoYa Expel Zemus
FuSoYa: “Do the Meteo now!”
Golbez: “I’m ready!”
Zemus: “Silly!”

(Golbez and FuSoYa cast Twin Meteor)
Zemus: “This is just the beginning…… …” (Zemus vanishes)
Golbez: “We defeated him.”
FuSoYa: “It’s a pity. He was consumed with evil and could not use his powers for good.”
Edge: “Right on!”
FuSoYa: “Oh, you’re here!”
Edge: “Man! I was to get Zemus!”
Golbez: “Cecil…”
Cecil: “……”
Rosa: “Cecil…”

(Zemus’s body bursts into flame and the area is enshrouded in darkness)
Zeromus: “I am the Absolute Dark Substance……product of Zemus’ hatred…… My name is Zeromus… I am… the hatred…!!”
—

Final Fantasy V

(pp. 122-123)

The Mission of the Warriors of Light
~Before the shattered Wind Crystal
Voice: “Rein…na…”

(The form of King Tycoon appears on the altar)
Lenna: “FATHER!!”
Faris: “?!??”
King Tycoon: “Hear me. You are the four chosen warriors… The keepers of the four essences.”
Lenna: “Father! What does it all mean?”
King Tycoon: “The Wind Crystal is shattered, and the other three are at great risk. Go and protect them. The very essence of evil is trying to return… If it does, it will turn all to darkness…”

(The form of King Tycoon begins being swallowed up in darkness)
Lenna: “Father!!”
King Tycoon: “And now, you four go forth and defend the remaining crystals…”
Lenna: “Faaather!!”
—





By His Mother’s Grave
~In Bartz’s hometown, the village of Lix
Faris: “Butz…what’re ye doin’?”
Bartz: “Oh, it’s you, Faris…”

(The gravestone epitaph says “Stella, rests here…”)
Bartz: “It’s my mother.”
Faris: “Heh?”
Bartz: “My mother died not long after I was born. After that, my father took me on a long trip… Then, three years ago, after a long illness, he died too…”

(Bartz approaches the gravestone and writes something on it)
Bartz: “That should do it…”

(The epitaph now reads “Here lies Drogan and beloved wife Stella”)
Bartz: “He always wanted to be buried next to mom… He was a good man…”
Faris: “…fathers…? Dg’aar! Who needs ’em, says I!”
Bartz: “Faris?”
Faris: “D’aar! Let’s head back! Th’ others are waitin’!”
—

Galuf’s Fight to the Death
~During the confrontation with Exdeath in the Great Forest of Moore
Exdeath: “Think, Galuf! Resist and the crystals are powder!”

(Galuf frees Krile, who was overcome by Exdeath’s power, and takes her place)
Galuf: “X-Death!!”
Exdeath: “Now I’m really mad! And now…you DIE!”

(Galuf doesn’t fall, even after taking many fierce attacks from Exdeath)
Exdeath: “Not dead yet!?”
Galuf: “Not yet! It’s not my time to die! I’ll win, X-Death… Even if it kills me!”
Exdeath: “Neither rage nor hate alone will defeat me!”
Galuf: “This is not… mere rage or hate…!”
Exdeath: “Then…what?”

(Galuf’s unyielding resolve prevails and Exdeath’s body collapses)
—

Bonds Between Enemies
~During the hard fight with Necrophobe in the Interdimensional Rift
Bartz: “Gilgamesh!!”
Gilgamesh: “Made it! Leaving me in the lurch… is gonna make me look bad, for all of history!”
Necrophobe: “Heh…. What’s your problem? You’ll be the first to go!”
Gilgamesh: “Hah! Try it! That is if you think… ..you’re good enough!”

(Gilgamesh turns in Necrophobe’s direction and begins talking)
Gilgamesh: “Krile! Your Grandfather… was a mighty warrior!”
Krile: “Grandpa…”
Gilgamesh: “Faris! Find someone to love… ..and act like a woman!”
Faris: “……….”
Gilgamesh: “And Reina! Stop spoiling the animals, and be nice to others…”
Lenna: “……….”
Gilgamesh: “And you Butz… Just once more… I wanted to fight 1-on-1! You have good friends!”
Bartz: “….Gilgamesh….”
Necrophobe: “Die!!”
Gilgamesh: “That’s… MY line!!!”

(Gilgamesh takes Necrophobe with him in an explosive self-sacrifice)
—

Final Fantasy VI

(pp. 160-161)

A Light Named Hope
~In the Returners’ base
Banon: “Is she the girl who can talk to Espers…?!”
Terra: “Espers…?”
Edgar: “Seemed the Empire had complete control over her.”
Banon: “Carrier pigeons brought word that she wiped out 50 of the Empire’s best soldiers in a few minutes.”
Terra: “That’s a lie!!!”
Locke: “TERRA!”
Edgar: “Banon! She doesn’t remember ANYTHING!”
Banon: “Stay where you are! 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.”
Terra: “… …”
Banon: “We now confront those evils… And you are that last ray of light, our only hope…”
—

The Power of Magic, That Which Drives Men Mad
~When arriving at Emperor Gestahl’s location on the Floating Continent
Gestahl: “Fwa, ha, ha… Then you’re just in time to perish. Behold! The Statues!! Ooh! I’ve got goose bumps! What power…”
Celes: “Emperor Gestahl! Please, stop this madness!”

(Emperor Gestahl releases magical energy that binds the party in place)
Gestahl: “CELES… Come to me, my pretty! You and Kefka were given life to serve me!! It is your birthright to rule the world with me!!”
Kekfa: “Kill the others and we’ll overlook your treachery! Take this sword! Take care of them. Immediately!”

(Celes takes the sword from Kefka)
Gestahl: “CELES…together we can rule an entire world! Think of it…!”
Celes: “Power only breeds war… I wish I’d never been…born.”

(Celes decides to run Kefka through with the sword instead)
—

For the Sake of Protecting the Future
~After defeating Punbaba, Terra regains the will to fight
Terra: “I…I can fight! Finally… I understand that feeling… Even though I kept it buried for so long. I’m sure it’s called… …… …… ‘Love’! I now realize that we must fight for the future of our children. Duane… Katarin needs your help… so does your new baby. Listen children, your ‘Mama’ has to go away for a while. I’ll return when I feel your future’s guaranteed!”
One of the children: “Mama… I’m not gonna cry!”
Another child: “Me either!”
Terra: “I’ll be back. I promise! Till then…you behave! Thank you. You helped me to understand a part of myself. Now I must go to war. We must all believe we have a future. We must fight for those who aren’t even born yet!”
—





Dancing Mad
~When confronting Kefka, the reigning god
Kefka: “Welcome, friends! I knew you’d make it here, so I’ve prepared some suitable entertainment for you!”
One of the companions: “How long are you going to let the destruction continue?”
Kefka: “I’ve tapped into the ultimate power. Observe…!” (Kefka easily lifts one of the party members into the air) “Such magnificent power! You are like insects to me! I will exterminate everyone, and everything!”
One of the companions: “People will keep rebuilding the things you take from them!”
Kefka: “Then I’ll destroy those too. Why do people rebuild things they know are going to be destroyed? Why do people cling to life when they know they can’t live forever? Think how meaningless each of your lives is!”
One of the companions: “It’s not the net result of one’s life that’s important! It’s the day-to-day concerns, the personal victories, and the celebration of life…and love! It’s enough if people are able to experience the joy that each day can bring!”
Kefka: “And have you found your ‘joy,’ in this nearly dead world of ours?”
One of the companions: “Yes!”
Terra: “I know what love is…!”
Locke: “And I have learned to celebrate life…and the living.”
Cyan: “My family lives on inside of me.”
Shadow: “I know what friendship is… and family…”
Edgar: “It is my dream to build a kingdom in which I can guarantee freedom, and dignity.”
Sabin: “I have come to experience anew the love of my brother!”
Celes: “I’ve met someone who can accept me for what I am.”
Strago: “I have a special little Granddaughter.”
Relm: “And I have a brave Grandpa who’ll stand by me through it all.”
Setzer: “My friend’s airship…and her love!”
Mog: “I have my friends here!”
Gau: “You my friends! Me uwaooo all of you!”
Kefka: “This is sickening… You sound like chapters from a self-help booklet! Prepare yourselves! Now, for my next trick, I will make you all…disappear!”
—

Final Fantasy VII

(pp. 198-199)

What is Mako Energy?
~On the way into mako reactor no. 1
Barret: “Yo! This your first time in a reactor?”
Cloud: “No. After all, I did work for Shinra, y’know.”
Barret: “The planet’s full of Mako energy. People here use it every day.”

(Cloud shrugs)
Barret: “It’s the life blood of this planet. But Shinra keeps suckin’ the blood out with these weird machines.”
Cloud: “I’m not here for a lecture. Let’s just hurry.”
Barret: “That’s it! You’re comin’ with me from now on.”
—

New President Rufus Shinra
~On the top floor of the Shin-Ra building
Rufus: “Who are you guys?”
Cloud: “I’m Cloud, former SOLDIER First Class!”
Barret: “I’m from AVALANCHE!”
Tifa: “Same here!”
Aeris: “…a flower girl from the slums.”
Red XIII: “…a research specimen.”
Rufus: “What a crew. Well, I’m Rufus. The President of Shinra, Inc.”
Barret: “You only President, ’cause yer old man died!”
Rufus: “That’s right. I’ll let you hear my new appointment speech. …Old man tried to control the world with money. It seems to have been working. The population thought that Shinra would protect them. Work at Shinra, get your pay. If a terrorist attacks, the Shinra army will help you. It looks perfect on the outside. But, I do things differently. I’ll control the world with fear. It takes too much to do it like my old man. A little fear will control the minds of the common people. There’s no reason to waste money on them.”
Tifa: “He likes to make speeches just like his father.”
—

Embracing a Motionless Aerith
~In the Forgotten Capital
Cloud: “…Aeris. This can’t be real!”
Sephiroth: “Do not worry. Soon the girl will become part of the Planet’s energy. All that is left is to go North. The ‘Promised Land’ waits for me over snowy fields. There, I will become a new being by uniting with the planet. As will this girl……”
Cloud: “…Shut up. The cycle of nature and your stupid plan don’t mean a thing. Aeris is gone. Aeris will no longer talk, no longer laugh, cry…… or get angry…… What about us…… what are WE supposed to do? What about my pain? My fingers are tingling. My mouth is dry. My eyes are burning!”
Sephiroth: “What are you saying? Are you trying to tell me you have feelings too?”
Cloud: “Of course! Who do you think I am!?”
Sephiroth: “Ha, ha, ha…… Stop acting as if you were sad. There’s no need to act as though you’re angry either. Because, Cloud. You are…”
—

Their Time Alone
~Before the final battle with Sephiroth
Tifa: “Everyone’s gone…”
Cloud: “Yeah, we don’t have anywhere or anyone to go home to.”
Tifa: “You’re right… But… I’m sure someday… they’ll come back, don’t you think?”
Cloud: “Hmm… I wonder…? Everyone has an irreplaceable something they’re holding on to… But this time, our opponent…”
Tifa: “Hmm… But that’s all right, even if no one comes back. As long as I’m with you… As long as you’re by my side… I won’t give up even if I’m scared.”
Cloud: “……Tifa……”
Tifa: “No matter how close we are… We were far apart… before this. But when we were in the Lifestream surrounded by all those screams of anguish, I thought I heard your voice… …sniff…. you probably don’t remember this… But deep in my heart I heard you calling my name… Or at least I thought I did…”
Cloud: “Yeah… At that time I heard you calling me. You were calling me back from the stream of consciousness in the Lifestream. After all, I promised. That if anything were to ever happen to you, I would come to help.”
Tifa: “Cloud…? Do you think the stars can hear us? Do you think they see how hard we’re fighting for them?”
Cloud: “I dunno… But… Whether they are or not, we still have to do what we can. And believe in ourselves… I’ll find the answer someday. Right, Tifa? That’s what I learned from you when I was in the Lifestream.”
Tifa: “Yeah…… that’s right…”
Cloud: “Hey Tifa…… I…… There are a lot of things I wanted to talk to you about. But now that we’re together like this, I don’t know what I really wanted to say… I guess nothing’s changed at all… Kind of makes you want to laugh…”
Tifa: “Cloud… Words aren’t the only thing that tell people what you’re thinking…”
—

Final Fantasy VIII

(pp. 238-239)

Edea’s Speech
~In Deling City
Edea: “…Lowlifes. …Shameless filthy wretches. How you celebrate my ascension with such joy. Hailing the very one you have condemned for generations. Have you no shame? What happened to the evil, ruthless sorceress from your fantasies? The cold-blooded tyrant that slaughtered countless men and destroyed many nations? Where is she now? She stands before your very eyes to become your new ruler. HAHAHAHAHA.”
President Deling: (…?)
Edea: “A new era has just begun.”
President Deling: “E-Edea… Are you alright…? Ede…!”

(Edea skewers Deling on her claws)
Edea: “This is reality. No one can help you. Sit back and enjoy the show.”

(Edea tosses Deling’s body down on the floor)
Edea: “Rest assured, you fools. Your time will come. This is only the beginning. Let us start a new reign of terror. I will let you live a fantasy beyond your imagination.”
—

Laguna of Winhill
~During the friends’ reunion in Raine’s pub
Raine: “You understand, Ellone? Now go to your room and play.”
Ellone: “(I got in twouble.)”
Laguna: “That’s ’cause you broke your promise. Too baaaad…)”
Raine: “Laguna! Use proper English when speaking to Ellone!”
Laguna: “(I got’n trouble.)”
Ellone: “(Toooo baaaddd!)”

(Kiros walks in)
Kiros: “It’s been a while, Laguna.”
Laguna: “Kiros!!!” (to Ellone) “He’s Uncle Laguna’s friend. He dresses funny, but he’s not a bad guy.”
Ellone: “Yoo dress funny, but yoo’re a good guy, right!?”
Kiros: “You seem well.”
Laguna: “Yeah… You, too. Hey, how long has it been? You know, our grand escape from Centra?”
Kiros: “That was… One would usually call that being chased out…”
Raine: “I thought so…”
Kiros: “Well, I would say about a year or so.”
—

The Truth About Himself
~Confession on the Horizon Bridge
Squall: (…It’s pretty far… Didn’t think it would be this far… What am I doing…? Go to Esthar… Find Ellone… Talk to Ellone… But there’s no guarantee that everything will be resolved if I talk to Ellone. Even so, I’m… I……..sure have changed.)

(Squall sits Rinoa down from his back, sits down beside the tracks and looks out at the setting sun)
Squall: (I wonder what everyone’s doing…? They’re probably laughing at me. Or maybe they’re angry…?)

(He asks the sleeping Rinoa)
Squall: “What do you think? To tell you the truth… I worry too much about what others think of me. I hate that side of me… That’s why I didn’t want anyone to get to know me. I wanted to hide that side of myself. I hate it. Squall is an unfriendly, introverted guy. It made it easy for me when people perceived me that way.”

(He finishes talking to her)
Squall: “That’s a secret between you and me. Got that?”
—

I Need to Know I’m Alive
~After entering the drifting Ragnarok in space
Rinoa: “Thank you, Squall. You rescued me again. I can’t thank you enough.”
Squall: “Don’t worry about it. I just did what I wanted to do.”

(Rinoa straightens her clothes, then opens her arms wide)
Squall: (Now what?)
Rinoa: “The space suit was in our way before.”
Squall: (Huh?)
Rinoa: “Give me a hug.”
Squall: (…?)
Rinoa: “A real tight one! I need to know that I’m alive!”
Squall: (…Alive? We still have to get back.) “We may be alive right now… But look at our situation…”

(Rinoa looks around, then nods her head in assent)
Squall: “You want to live, right? You want to go back and see everyone, right?”
Rinoa: “And not become other people’s memories?”
Squall: “That’s right.”
—

Final Fantasy IX

(pp. 278-279)

Abducting the Princess
~In the dressing room of the theatre ship Prima Vista
Hooded Girl: “Do you… do you work on this theater ship?”
Zidane: (Aww… So, she figured it out, huh?)
Hooded Girl: “As you have no doubt suspected… …the truth is that… …I am actually… Princess Garnet Til Alexandros, heir to the throne of Alexandria. I have a favor I wish to ask of you… I wish to be kidnapped… right away.”
Zidane: “H-Huh!? I don’t… I mean…”
Steiner: “Princess! Where are you!?”
Garnet: “Please… They’ve come for me!”
Zidane: “Aha… So that’s what’s going on… Alright! Leave them to me!”
Garnet: “Thank you. You have my gratitude.”
Zidane: “Alright then, Your Highness! I shall hereby do my best to kidnap you!”
—

The Meaning of Life
~At night, in the Black Mage Village’s cemetery
Vivi: “Um… I wanted to ask you something.”
Black Mage No. 288: “What is it?”
Vivi: “I was wondering how many people have…stopped…moving.”
Black Mage No. 288: “You’re very kind to use our words. But you already know what it means to live…and to die. You’re asking about our friends who have ‘died,’ not ‘stopped.'”
Vivi: “Um…”
Black Mage No. 288: “Seven of our friends stopped functioning recently… I think our life span is limited… I’ve suspected this ever since the first one came to a stop. It varies a little, but most of us stop moving one year after production.”
Vivi: “No…”
Black Mage No. 288: “I haven’t told anyone else about this. If I did, they’d feel the same way I do.”
Vivi: “What do you feel?”
Black Mage No. 288: “I don’t know… Fear? I don’t want to stop. And maybe I want to run away from it all. But living in the village with everyone fills me with joy. The joy of living with them far outweighs the fear of death. Isn’t it the same for you? Traveling with your friends gives your life meaning.”
Vivi: “I…”
—

Protecting Zidane
~In Pandemonium, when Zidane’s friends help him as he tries to go on alone
Zidane: “You’re all a bunch of babysitting bastards! But trust me, I know that I’m the worst bastard here.”

(Dagger rushes to Zidane’s aid while he is having a difficult fight against a monster)
Zidane: “Dagger!”
Dagger: “Is this how you want to solve the problem?”

(The two of them defeat the monster)
Zidane: “Dagger…”
Dagger: “You try to do everything by yourself, don’t you?”
Zidane: “Try to understand… I don’t want to cause trouble to anyone.”
Dagger: “Aren’t we your friends!?”
Zidane: “I want to think so! That’s why I always… Look, I’m not from Gaia. I was just a hairbreadth from becoming the destroyer of Alexandria! I can’t accept your friendship so easily!”
Dagger: “You’ve always protected us. But you still don’t understand that we looked out for you, too! We watched your back while you watched ours. And we believed in you the same way you believed in us! Just like you protected us… We want to protect you.”
Zidane: “Dagger…”
—

Confrontation With a Despairing Kuja
~In Crystal World
Zidane: “Kuja!”
Kuja: “Nice of you to come. I’m surprised you beat the 4 Chaoses that I created from the crystal’s memory. But…you’re too late. Take a good look. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s the original crystal… This is where it all began… The birthplace of all things… Once I destroy it, everything will be gone. Gaia, Terra, the universe, everything… Your live and memories, too, of course. HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!”
Zidane: “Shut up!!! the only thing that’s gonna be gone is you! I’ll take you out right now!”
Kuja: “Hmph. You honestly think you can beat me? Even if you do, Gaia’s already doomed. Its assimilation by Terra has begun, and the Iifa Tree will incite a cataclysmic destruction of Gaia. It’s all over for you and your friends. See. I win, either way.”
Zidane: “It doesn’t matter! Even if Gaia is assimilated, the planet will remain, and we’ll start over to make a new home. Kuja, you’re nothing but a coward! If you’re gonna die, leave us out of it!”
Kuja: “Why should the world exist without me? That wouldn’t be fair. If I die, we all die! Zidane, you will be my first sacrifice.”
—

Final Fantasy X

(pp. 328-329)

Practice Smiling
~When Tidus talks to Yuna while feeling down after learning that his father is Sin
Yuna: “It’s embarrassing to say this myself… But summoners and their guardians are kind of like Spira’s ray of light. A lot of people in Spira depend on us. I learned to practice smiling when I’m feeling sad, you know? I know it’s hard.”
Tidus: “Yeah… I understand, I think.”
Yuna: “Right, now let’s see what you can do!”
Tidus: “Huh?”
Yuna: “Come on!”

(Tidus forces himself to form a smile)
Tidus: “This is weird!”
Yuna: “Next, try laughing out loud!”
Tidus: “What?”
Yuna: “Come on, show me!”
Tidus: (after a deep breath) “A-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! A-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!”
Yuna: “You probably shouldn’t laugh any more.”

(Seeing that Tidus doesn’t stop, Yuna joins him and begins laughing in tandem with him)
Yuna: “Too funny!”
Tidus: “It was your idea!”
Yuna: “Um…thank you. I want my journey to be full of laughter.”
—

The Sorrowful Pair
~In the sacred spring
Yuna: “What’ll I do if I give up my pilgrimage?”
Tidus: “Hey! Zanarkand! Let’s go to Zanarkand! Not the one in Spira, the one I’m from. Yeah, we can all fly there. Everyone can go! Then we’ll have a big party at my place!”
Yuna: “And then we could see Blitzball!”
Tidus: “Yeah!”
Yuna: “Your Zanaraknd Abes would play! We could all watch you play, in the stadium all lit up at night! I’d cheer and cheer till I couldn’t cheer anymore!”
Tidus: “Right on!”
Yuna: “Well, what about after the game?”
Tidus: “We’d go out and have fun!”
Yuna: “In the middle of the night?”
Tidus: “No problem! Zanarkand never sleeps! Let’s go to the sea, before the sunrise. The city lights go out one by one. The stars fade… Then the horizon glows, almost like it’s on fire. It’s kinda rose-colored, right? First in the sea, then it spreads to the sky, then to the whole city. It gets brighter and brighter, till everything glows. It’s really…pretty. I know you’d like it.”
Yuna: “I’d like to see it, someday.”
Tidus: “Well you can, Yuna. We can both go!”

(Yuna begins shedding tears)
Tidus: “Yu…?”
Yuna: “I can’t. I just can’t! I can’t go!”
—

Our Story
~When they are told by Yunalesca that Sin will never disappear
Yunalesca: “Now, choose. Who will be your fayth? Who will be the one to renew Spira’s hope?”
Yuna: “No one. I would have gladly died. I live for the people of Spira, and would have gladly died for them. But no more! The Final Summoning… is a false tradition that should be thrown away.”
Yunalesca: “No. It is our only hope. Your father sacrificed himself to give that hope to the people. So they would forget sorrow.”
Yuna: “Wrong. My father… My father wanted… to make Spira’s sorrow go away. Not just cover it up with lies!”
Yunalesca: “Sorrow cannot be abolished. It is meaningless to try.”
Yuna: “My father… I loved him. So I… I will live with my sorrow, I will live my own life! I will defeat sorrow, in his place. I will stand my ground and be strong. I don’t know when it will be but someday, I will conquer it. And I will do it without…false hope.”
Yunalesca: “Poor creature. You would throw away hope. Well… I will free you before you can drown in your sorrow. It is better for you to die in hope than to live in despair. Let me be your liberator.”
Auron: “Now! This is it! Now is the time to choose! Die and be free of pain or live and fight your sorrow! Now is the time to shape your stories! Your fate is in your hands!”
Kimahri: “Yuna needs Kimahri. Kimahri protect Yuna.”
Rikku: “Well, I’m fighting!”
Wakka: “I can’t believe we’re gonna fight Lady Yunalesca! Gimme a break!”
Lulu: “You can always run.”
Wakka: “Hah! I’d never forgive myself–no way! Not if I ran away now. Even in death, ya!”
Lulu: “My thoughts exactly.”
Tidus: “Yuna! This is our story! Now let’s see this thing through together.”
—

Father-Son Reunion
~When meeting Jecht inside Sin
Jecht: “Hey.”
Tidus: “Hi.”
Jecht: “Hah! You got tall, but you’re all bones! You eating right, boy?” (his tone suddenly becomes very emotional) “You’ve really grown.”
Tidus: “Yeah, but you’re still bigger.”
Jecht: “Well, I am Sin, you know.”
Tidus: “That’s not funny.”
Jecht: “Well, then… I mean…you know. Let’s end this.”
Tidus: “Dad?”
Jecht: “Yeah?”
Tidus: “I hate you.”
Jecht: “I know, I know. You know what you have to do.”
Tidus: “Yeah.”
Jecht: “I can’t hear the Hymn so well anymore. Pretty soon, I’m gonna be sin. Completely. I’m glad you’re here now. One thing, though… When it starts, I won’t be myself anymore. I won’t be able to hold myself back. I’m sorry.”
Tidus: “That’s enough. Let’s finish this, okay?”
Jecht: “You’re right. Well, then… Let’s go!”

(Jecht transforms into Braska’s Final Aeon)
Tidus: “I promise this will be quick! Hit me with all you got, dad!”
—

Final Fantasy X-2

(pp. 368-369)

Reunion with Lulu
~During the homecoming in Besaid
Lulu: “So, what’s so important that you’d run off without telling us?”
Yuna: “This.”
Lulu: “The sphere. Wakka told me about it.”

(Yuna shows her the projection of the man resembling Tidus)
Rikku: “Kimahri said he found it on Mt. Gagazet.”
Lulu: “It does look like him. Though something seems a little off. Have you found anything?”
Yuna: “Nothing. But there’s still a lot of places we haven’t looked yet.”
Lulu: “Must be fun, being free to go where you please.”
Yuna: “It is fun. I never expected a journey quite like this.”
Lulu: “I’m not there, so you can spread your wings.”
Yuna: “Maybe.”
Lulu: “You have spread your wings. Well, good luck. But, Yuna, never forget who you are. You’re the high summoner that defeated Sin. There are those who would use that, Yuna.”
Yuna: “I’ll be all right. I won’t let myself be used anymore. Not by anyone.”
—

Shuyin Addresses Her as “Lenne”
~On the Farplane Glen
????: “I finally found you.”
Yuna: “Is that really you?”
Shuyin: “It is me. Shuyin. I’ve waited so long, Lenne.”
Yuna: “But I’m not Lenne.”
Shuyin: “Lenne. We disappeared together, but when I awoke, I was alone. I looked for you for so long. While I wandered, I realized something: Spira hasn’t really changed at all. Everyone’s still fighting over nothing. Still dying like they used to. A thousand years have passed, and they can’t leave the hatred behind. I’m through waiting. I’ll fix it. This world continues to fail us, and what’s worse, I failed to protect you. Vegnagun will make that all go away. And we’ll fade again, together. Help me do it, Lenne.”
Yuna: (Don’t touch me.)

(Shuyin embraces Yuna)
Yuna: (Whose feelings are these? Lenne’s?)
—

Paine and the Crimson Squad’s Past
~On the deck of the airship, after meeting Nooj and Gippal on the Farplane
Paine: “They’re old friends. The three of them were candidates for the Crimson Squad. And I was the recorder assigned to their team. Yevon created the Squad and started training members two years ago. It was supposed to be an elite fighting force. The best were to be assigned leadership of Crusader chapters across Spira…”
Yuna: “But?”
Paine: “The Squad was destroyed before that happened. Most of the candidates died. An accident. The four of us were separated then. Things happened. I don’t get it. I was there. I saw everything. But still. I don’t know why it happened that way. Even now. So I went to look…for some answers.”
Yuna: “You became a sphere hunter.”
Paine: “I always did want to fly on this thing anyway.”

(Rikku shows up)
Rikku: “Whatcha talking about? Or is it another one of those secrets? That’s all right. I didn’t wanna know anyway.”
Paine: “Too bad. And I was just about to tell you.”
Rikku: “Really?”
Paine: “Too late now.”
Rikku: “Oui pimmo!” (“You bully!”)
Paine: “We used to laugh like this once. The four of us. I’ve been chasing my past for so long… Sometimes getting it back is all I can think about. Other times, I just want to forget. What about you? Shuyin isn’t who you thought, is he?”
Yuna: “No.”
Paine: “Maybe we should both let go of our past and focus more on what’s to come.”
Rikku: “You’re not leaving the Gullwings?”
Paine: “Always a possibility.”
Yuna: (So many things seem intertwined. But nothing leads to you. Why be a sphere hunter if what I’m hunting for can never be found?)
—

The Secret Weapon is “Love”
~Before the final battle at the core of the Farplane
Gippal: “Vegnagun can be destroyed. Abso-posi-you better believe it. Wanna know why?”
Rikku: “‘Cause people built it!”
Yuna: “Right! Everyone! It looks like we can stop that thing after all.”

(A roar rises from Vegnagun)
Ormi: “Bwahahah! Now it’s pissed!”
Logos: “Witless little widget, isn’t it?”
Nooj: “What about Shuyin?”
Yuna: “Plan B!”
Nooj: “Oh?”
Yuna: “Love.”
Gippal: “Ruu puo.” (“Hoo boy.”)
Nooj: “The ultimate illusion.”
Yuna: “It’ll work! I’ve come this far to bring Lenne’s feelings to Shuyin. I’m not stopping now.”
Leblanc: “The power of love conquers all! So romantic! Count me in.”
—

Final Fantasy XI

(pp. 398-399)

He Who Carries a Vendetta Against the Royal Family (from Kingdom of San d’Oria mission “Coming of Age”)
~At the start of Princess Claidie’s coming of age celebration parade
Curilla: (drawing her sword on the intruder) “Silence, infidel!”
Claidie: “Who are…”
Pieuje: “Where did this vagrant come from!?”
Rochefogne: “No, I do not expect you to know who I am. This is the first time I have been to this cathedral.”
Trion: “Wait, you look familiar. But you couldn’t be…”
Rochefogne: “But I am. My name is Rochefogne I Tavnazia. Son of Altedour, and sole surviving heir to the Tavnazian throne.”
Claidie: “My mother’s…brother!?”
Trion: “Rochefogne!? You were slain in the Great War!”
Rochefogne: “You doubt your own eyes? Pitiful d’Oraguille. That will be the downfall of you all. Know this, d’Oraguilles: I will find the Lightbringer. It is the destiny that drives me.”

(Rochefogne runs away)
Curilla: “After him!”
Rahal: “Stop, scoundrel!”
Pieuje: “Wait!”
Trion: “That Rochefogne is a poison in our fair country. Dispatch the knights and have them comb the countryside–no, all of Vana’diel– for him!” (murmurs) “But how could it be…and what could he want with the holy sword…?”
—

20th Year Reunion (from Republic of Bastok mission “Where Two Paths Converge”)
~During the battle between Zeid and The Adventurer in Castle Zvahl Keep
Zeid: “Is this the extent of your power? Why do you hesitate? This will not appease… …!? (he stops fighting) Volker…”
Volker: (he appears) “I apologize for making you wait.”
Zeid: “Wait? I’ve waited twenty years…”
Volker: “I want some answers, Zeid. Why are you doing this? Why do you have to play these games? If you want my position so badly, why don’t you just come back to Bastok and take it? It’s yours!”
Zeid: “I will answer your question with another. What has brought you here, Volker?”
Volker: “I…”
Zeid: “How dare you! You vehemently deny that your success has been a result of your uncle’s deeds; however, when you learn of the crime has has committed, you are at a loss for words.”
Volker: “What…?”
Zeid: “Do not mock me! Do you not realize!? You are just another page in the bloody history of the Talekeeper!”
Volker: “You… How can you know the pain that I feel!?”
Zeid: “And if you cannot find within that pain the answers that you seek, then learn from my blade the true meaning of your pitiful existence!”
Volker: “If it is our destiny, then so be it…”
Zeid: “From this point, twenty years ago, our lives took different paths… And this is where those paths are to end!”
—

Their Meeting (from the Federation of Windurst mission “To Each His Own Right”)
~While visiting the Heavens Tower to receive the mission briefing
Shaz Norem: “Halt! Do not prrroceed any further!”
Vahn Paineesha: “Lady Semih Lafihna has prohibited you from entering this arrrea!”
Semih Lafihna: “What is the meaning of this!? You are no longer allowed to have audiences with the Star Sibyl. Leave at once, traitorrr!”
Ajido-Marujido: “The leader of the most powerful War Warlocks in Windurst… a traitor? Give me a break! Do you actually think that a mere group of kitty cats can save Windurst?”
Semih Lafihna: “Well, I’m sure we can fare better than some power-hungrrry minister with his head in a hole.”
Ajido-Marujido: “How–how dare you! Look around. Does the Windurst you see around you look peaceful and happy-wappy?”

(Semih Lafihna receives the Book of the Gods from Ajido-Marujido)
Semih Lafihna: “What is this?” (to Ajido-Marujido, who is leaving) “Wait! Ajido-Marujido! The pages… They’re all blank. Is this some kind of joke?”
Ajido-Marujido: “Joke? Show those blank pages to the Star Sibyl, and see if she’s laughing. The Book of the Gods has gone blank! The broken Cardian soldiers are up to no good! And all Windurst has is an ancient, worn out, good-for-nothing army! And you just sit here, with your tails between your legs! Well, I’m tired of waiting! I, Ajido-Marujido, will save Windurst from these terrible-werrible times!”
—

Stirrings of Darkness (from the three nations shared mission “The Three Kingdoms”)
~At Horlais Peak, after defeating the Dark Kindred and Dark Dragon
Spotter: “This…this cannot be! Defeated…by these weaklings!?”

(Lion approaches the magic circle)
Lion: “Looks like I missed the show.” (upon seeing the Dark Dragon that The Adventurer defeated) “Hey, wait a minute. This dragon… No doubt about it, it’s a nether beast from the cursed Northlands! What’s it doing here!? We’ve not seen their kind since we destroyed the Shadow Lord and sealed the Northlands… To see on here, with the beastmen, it’s as if…”
Spotter: “The dark one will soon return to this world. I was merely preparing his return…”
Lion: “What? Who are you!?”
Spotter: “I am Spotter, servant to the Shadow Lord. The ‘Great Hero’ who saved you twenty years ago is gone; none can defeat my lord now! While your people were squabbling amongst themselves, we have been preparing for his return. And when he comes…he will destroy you all! Enjoy your lives, while they last… Foolish…weaklings… Hah-hah-hah…” (he dies)
Lion: “The Shadow Lord is back! War will come again! Our days will be filled with hatred and sorrow.”
—

Final Fantasy XII

(pp. 458-459)

A Young Man Chasing A Dream in the Sky
~When Penelo snatches the pouch Vaan stole from an Imperial soldier
Vaan: “Hey, that’s mine!”
Penelo: “What do you mean ‘yours’? You’ve been stealing again. What happens if they catch you? We need you to be there for us, Vaan. You’re no good to anyone if you’re locked away in a dungeon!”
Vaan: “Oh, what, am I the leader now? We’re orphans. The first thing you learn is you gotta watch out for yourself. C’mon, Penelo. You know it as well as I do.”

(Vaan turns around and sees that Penelo is looking through the pouch)
Vaan: “Hey, you give that back! What do you think you’re doing?”
Penelo: “I thought that this money was the people of Dalmasca’s property. The Imperials stole it from us, so it’s only fair that we take it back. It’s our duty as Dalmascans. Well, wasn’t that what you said?”

(Penelo pulls some coins out of the pouch)
Vaan: “Yeah, but I never said anything about taking it back from me!”
Penelo: “This is for that bread you took the other day. Just because I help Migelo out every now and then… it doesn’t meant that you get to eat for free, too, you know.”
Vaan: “I know that. You think I like living like this?”

(They look up at an airship passing by)
Vaan: “One of these days I’ll fly an airship of my own. I’ll be a sky pirate, free to go where I will.”
—

Princess Ashe “Kidnapped”
~In the Aerodrome at the Skycity of Bhujerba
Vaan: “What are you doing? This is Balthier’s ship.”
Ashe: “I’m going to retrieve the Dawn Shard. It’s the proof that I need. I know where it’s hidden. I’ll return his airship later.”
Vaan: “Are you crazy?”
Ashe: “This is something that I have to do! For myself and all those who have fallen. I will not be made to hide! I’ll fight alone, if I must.”
Vaan: “You still have Basch, right? Besides, you can’t just go around stealing people’s ships. What are you trying to do?”
Ashe: “I’m trying to concentrate!”
Balthier: (in Marquis Ondore’s voice) “That’s quite enough, Your Majesty. What do you think? A bit over the top?” (he switches his voice changer off) “In my line of work, you never know when something like this might come in handy.” (in Ashe’s voice) “I’m trying to concentrate!” (he switches the voice changer off again) “I’m leaving you with the Marquis.”
Ashe: “You can’t!”
Balthier: “Trust me, you’re better off staying here.”
Ashe: “Suppose you kidnapped me instead? You’re a sky pirate, aren’t you? Then steal me. Is that so much to ask?”
—

Balthier’s Secret Past
~On the Phon Coast
Vaan: “Race you to the water!”

(He and Penelo run off toward the beach)
Balthier: “Why the capital?”
Ashe: “The nethicite. I must destroy it.”
Balthier: “Are you sure? You don’t want it for yourself? Use its power to restore Dalmasca—something like that? The best intentions invite the worst kind of trouble.”
Ashe: “Lusting for ever greater power, blinded by the nethicite. Is that how you see me?”
Balthier: “That does sound like someone I know. He was obsessed with nethicite. It was all he cared about. He’d babble nonsense, blind to aught but the Stone’s power. He’d talk about some ‘Eynah,’ or was it ‘Venat’? No matter. Everything he did, he did to get closer to the nethicite, to understand it. He made airships, weapons… He even made me a Judge.”
Ashe: “You were a…a Judge!?”
Balthier: “Part of a past I’d rather forget. It didn’t last long. I ran. I left the Judges…and him. Cidolfus Demen Bunansa. Draklor Laboratory’s very own Doctor Cid. That’s when he lost his heart to nethicite, lost himself. And I suppose that’s when I lost my father. Don’t follow in his footsteps. I ran away. I couldn’t stand seeing him like that, a slave to the Stone. So I ran. Free at last. Funny I went for the Dusk Shard. How could I have known it was nethicite? And then, of course, I met you. All that running, and I got nowhere. It’s time to end this—cut my ties to the past.”
Ashe: “It’s hard to leave the past behind. I know.”
—

Ashe’s Decision
~In front of the Sun-cryst
Ashe: “Rasler, my prince. Our time was short. Yet I know this: You were not the kind to take base revenge!”

(Ashe slashes her sword through the phantom of Rasler)
Ashe: “The Rasler I knew is gone.”
Phantom of Rasler: “You are our saint, Ashelia B’nargin. You must be the one to straighten history’s weave!”

(Ashe cleaves the phantom a second time)
Ashe: “I am no false saint for you to use!”
Vaan: “Ashe…”
Ashe: “In all Dalmasca’s long history, not once did we rely on the Dusk Shard. Our people resolved never to use it, though their need might be dire. That was the Dalmasca I wanted back. To use the Stone now would be to betray that. I will destroy the Sun-cryst! I will discard the Stone!”
Gabranth: “You claim no need of power? What of your broken kingdom’s shame? The dead demand justice!”
Vaan: “You’re wrong. What would change? I can’t help my brother now. My brother’s gone. He’s dead!”
Ashe: “Even with power, we cannot change what has passed. What is done, is done.”
Gabranth: “Yet without power, what future can you claim? What good a kingdom you cannot defend?”
Basch: “Then I will defend queen and kingdom both!”
Gabranth: “Hah! Defend? You? You who failed Landis and Dalmasca? What can shame hope to keep safe? Your shield is shattered! Your oaths poison those you would protect!”
—

Notes

—The dialogue presented here for the various passages is copied from the first official English localizations of each game. For FFII and FFIII, it was impossible to present screenshots from the NES iterations of these games (the versions used in the Ultimania) with matching dialogue due to there never being official English localizations for the NES versions of those two games. As such, screenshots with the Japanese dialogue matching that in the Ultimania have been used instead. Meanwhile, the accompanying scripts are taken from the official English localization of FFII included in Final Fantasy Origins and the DS version of FFIII. Some added lines from the DS script have been removed here in order to match the script used on the Ultimania page

—As FFV was never released for the SNES outside Japan, the dialogue presented here is from the Final Fantasy Anthology edition of the game for the PlayStation. Other than the presence of an official English script and altered controls, however, this edition is identical to the game as it was when released on the SNES

—The Final Fantasy Origins edition of FFII localized Minwu and Richard’s names as “Mindu” and “Gareth”

—The Final Fantasy Anthology edition of FFV localized Lenna, Bartz Dorgann and Exdeath’s names as “Reina,” “Butz,” “Drogan” and “X-Death”

—The official English localization of FFVII for the PlayStation localized Aerith’s name as “Aeris”

—Every effort has been made to match the screenshots here up with those accompanying the passages on the page. In the case of FFXI, making an exact match was impossible due to other players’ designs for The Adventurer differing from those used in the screenshots from the book, and because the screenshots featured there did not have text windows. The images are otherwise identical

—FFXI screenshots taken from videos made by YouTube users Showmo456 and Korvana