Script of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 - Shadow of Enmity

The following is the script of dialogue used in Teach's ascension quest Shadow of Enmity.

Head for the Commander's Office

Teach

I've gathered some feedback from the new recruits. Training seems to be progressing satisfactorily.

Mio

Right! We've really been trying to do our best.

Eunie

Didn't realize how hard it was to hammer things into folk, though.

Taion

It's gratifying to see you acknowledge how much work I've put into it, sir.

Lanz

You're just a big bag of lectures, aren't ya? Either that, or snide remarks.

Teach

Heheheh... You're such a lively bunch. I can see why you're so popular.

Mio

Uhm... Leaving that aside for a moment. Is the training going to continue?

Teach

Ah, yes, about that. I do believe that the time to apply the finishing touches is approaching.

Mio

Finishing touches? You mean...

Teach

Yes! We're going to perform large-scale maneuvers that encapsulate everything we've done so far.

Eunie

Yeah? Large-scale maneuvers? Now we're talkin'!

Noah

Do you think they'll be up to scratch when we've completed these maneuvers, Teach?

Teach

I'd say so. Especially if all of you are prepared to participate, as well.

Mio

Of course! So when do we start?

Teach

Right now.

Mio

...Huh?

Teach

Actually, to be honest with you... the preparations for the maneuvers are already complete.
All we need to do now is to get everyone over to the designated location, in fact.

Eunie

You've got everything squared away ahead of time? Oh, that's so crafty!

Teach

You see, I anticipated that you'd reach the end of the exercises at around this point in time.

Mio

Teach can be a touch pushy sometimes...

Teach

No, I don't think so! I just have so much faith and confidence in your abilities.

Noah

Well...where should we go to get started?

Teach

Do you know Everblight Plain?

Lanz

Yeah, 'course. We've even been in a dust-up there, as I remember.

Teach

The new recruits have already departed for the target location. They're probably there already.
I'll share the full details of the maneuvers once we've rendezvoused with the rest of the forces.

Sena

Lemme think... The place you're talking about is...

Teach

It's Everblight Plain. Well, then? Shall we set out?

Head for Everblight Plain

♫

The Two Off-Seers

Teach

Everyone present and correct? Then I'll proceed with the mission briefing.
Before we start, please turn your attention upward for a moment.

Mio

Upward...?

Sena

Oh!

Three Supply Drops land around Everblight Plain.

Teach

A number of containers, arranged by me for the purpose of this maneuver have just this moment made landfall.
Foots, Zakir and Kyrie... Your squads will get to the containers and recover the contents. Quick as you can!

Mio

What about us?

Teach

You're going to be acting as an enemy. You'll do whatever you can to prevent the recruits from performing the recovery.

Kyrie

Huh? We'll be fighting against Mio's crew...? But we'll get pulped!

Zakir

Oh, please, no need to make quite such a fuss about it. This is simply a training exercise.

Foots

Yeah, I mean, the big boys aren't gonna go full tilt at us newbies, surely?

Teach

You three. Listen very carefully to what I'm about to say.
Whatever opponent you may face, I forbid you to belittle or think ill of them.
From the moment you raise your Blade against theirs, you must project every ounce of your power when you fight.
In that way, you do an honor to your opponent.

Kyrie

Honor...?

Teach

If you do not offer that honor to your opponent, then all that remains is the shadow of enmity.
If pure power is the only prize of battle, then surely, this war will never end.
For the most sacred duty of every soldier is this: to stamp out evil at its source.

Lanz

Bustin' out the big words as usual...

Sena

Heh... That's our Teach for ya!

Teach

Mio and companions! Do not hold back! Bring your full strength to bear on your juniors!

Mio

All right. We'll do our level best to assume the role of "enemy".

Teach

Very well.
Squads, to your positions. Wait for the designated start time!
Iris communication is forbidden from this point. That is all. Disperse!

All soldiers salute. The music stops as the scene cuts to the party alone with Teach.

Teach

It's time. We should commence with our battle plans as well...
...Huh...?

Something catches Teach's attention. He turns to look around.

Mio

Teach...? What is it?

Teach

Ah... I just had the feeling I was being watched. A trick of the mind, perhaps.

Lanz

C'mon! Let's get out there and grab these containers, yeah? The rookies are gonna beat us to it!

Teach

Yes, indeed. We elders need to demonstrate a bit of spirit!

Noah

Roger. Starting mission!

♫

Indescribable Unease

A mysterious man watches them from a distance, hiding.

Get the first drop

Teach

We should start out by looking for the containers.

Taion

There should be three in all, right? Let's hurry.

Soldiers are attacked by Famished Volffs near the container.

Lanz

Hey, over there! That lot's in trouble!

The Volffs are defeated.

Zuno

Uhm... Thanks for helping us out there, I guess?

Lanz

Yeah, uh... No worries.

Taion

Considering we're meant to be your enemy, I'm not sure "help" is the right word.

Eunie

Even so, we couldn't just leave 'em to get mown down there, could we?

Teach

Hah. Chaos reigns supreme on the field of battle. Let this be a lesson to you.

Mio

Huh...? Aren't you guys in Kyrie's squad?

Zuno

Yeah, that's right.

Mio

So where's Kyrie?

Zuno

She's not here... I guess she's gotten lost, as usual.

Teach

Ah, life's compass is never set on a single course.

Noah

Huh? So she wandered off again?

Sena

That's our Kyrie...

Mio

What should we do, Teach? Do you want us to look for her?

Teach

No... Let's leave it to them. This too is a part of the training.

Zuno
(saluting)

Roger that! I'll track her down, then. Though to be honest, I don't fancy my chances...

After getting the first drop

This part will play no matter which drop is found first.

Kyrie is walking alone. No music is playing.

Kyrie

Zuno! Namuki!
Anyone! Is anyone there?
Urgh... I picked a great time to get lost, didn't I?
So what now...?
No... I can't just stay here. It's getting worse!
I need to step up to the plate... Be more like Mio!

The mysterious man is watching her from a distance.

???

...

This part will only play after encountering Zuno and Namuki.

Mio

I hope Kyrie's all right...

Teach

Kyrie's a stout-hearted soldier. Have faith in her.

Get the second drop

Team Zakir is guarding the container and are defeated by the party.

Zakir

Crap... Nothing else for it. All units! Retreat, double quick!

Zakir's team runs away. Taion, Teach, Noah, and Mio watch them go as Lanz, Sena and Eunie check the container.

Taion

Considering the state of play, they picked a good moment to withdraw.

Teach

Indeed. Zakir's going to be a solid addition to the force, thanks to your instruction.

Taion

I can't take all the credit. It's down to their superb teamwork, as much as anything.

Lanz

Yeah! We bagsied the container!

Sena

Can't wait to see what we got!

Eunie

Shouldn't give the others a chance to regroup. Let's just swipe it and skedaddle!

Teach

Ha! It seems you're relishing your roles as the bad guys. Good casting by me!

Taion

...

Get the third drop

Eunie

What? There's no one here? Are we the first?

Lanz

Huh? That sucks. What an anticlimax! Oh well. Let's recover the container.

Foots

Not so fast!

A strong light momentarily blinds the party.

Sena

Who, what, where?!

Noah

W-we're surrounded!

Teach

So it seems.

Foots

You thought us rookies were gonna be a pushover, didn't you...? Well, joke's on you now.

Nagumo

Fork it over!

Ysorra

We've got a full head of steam over here! And you're gonna get all of it. Sorry!

Lanz

Haha! Just how I like it! Come at us, mudders! Nothin' like a chump with a death-wish!

The battle begins.

Nagumo

Snuff it... I think we're stuffed here.

Ysorra

You really handed it to us... We're gonna have to call it quits.

Noah

Hey, don't think of it like that. You drew a pretty sharp line in the sand there.

Mio

Right! And I'd say that means you've still got room to grow. So don't let up now!

Foots

That means a lot.

Sena

Well, guess we'll be yoinking the container then. Unless you rookies got another round in you.

Foots

No... I know when I'm beat.

Sena

You sure about that? I thought you liked a bit of hard sparring. Even more than strength training!

Eunie

You still bitter about that, Sena?

All drops retrieved

Teach

Excellent! Your duty is fulfilled, and admirably at that!
Let's return to the original rendezvous point.

The scene cuts to Kyrie walking alone.

♫

Indescribable Unease

Kyrie

Oh... That's weird. I thought it was round here...
Urgh... Did I go off in the wrong direction again?
...
N-no! I-I can't have. Everything's totally fine. Nothing to worry about!

She turns around. The mysterious man who was watching Teach before is standing behind her.

Kyrie

...Ohh...
Waaaaah! A K-K-Kevesi soldier?! Wh-what am I gonna do?!

The man walks towards her.

Kyrie

(whimper)

The scene cuts to black as the man reaches her.

Kyrie

Nooooooo!!!

Go back to the rendezvous point

Teach

Everyone, thank you for your perseverance.
In these maneuvers, you showed quality, doggedness and grit in the pursuit of excellence.

Zakir

But...we've gotta face it. We got trashed.

Lanz

Hey, don't be down on yourself. You proved you got the right stuff, yeah?

Taion

The amount of pressure and problems you gave us... I'd say that's pretty promising for new recruits.

Teach

While the leader of each squad is present, there's something I'd like to announce.

Zuno

Ah...I guess I'll have to stand in for Kyrie. We haven't found her yet.

Teach

What...?

Noah

I guess we'll need to mount a proper search for her.

Eunie

Sheesh... She's a real test of patience, that one.

Someone calls Teach via Iris.

Teach

Yes, Teach speaking.

♫

Quiet Intrigue

???

So, you're calling yourself "Teach" now? Interesting.

Teach

Wh-what?! Who...?

???

But that's not all that's interesting. For example...
...what became of that soldier of yours, the one blindly wandering around the battlefield back there. Where is she now?

Teach

You...! What have you done with Kyrie? You'd better not have hurt her.

???

It's all down to you now, "Teach". You'd better start the search for her.
Seek help from your comrades, then. Bring your reinforcements. It makes no difference to me.
But, hear this. I won't let you escape.

Teach

Forgive me, but I cannot follow your meaning. You aren't making a shred of sense!

???

A clue... "Remember Chi"!

Teach

(gasp)

???

Think of me as... a ghost from your past.

Noah

Teach... What just happened? Is something up with Kyrie?

Teach

It appears that Kyrie has been abducted by a mysterious party.

Mio

Abducted...? But...who would...?

Teach

I don't know yet. I sense a Kevesi hand in this, or...perhaps...

Noah

Well, we'd better get out there and help her!

Teach

No! Kyrie is my responsibility!
Please lead the troops back to the colony.

Lanz

Hey... C'mon...

Zuno

Uhm...Commander! Don't worry about us! We'll be OK!

Foots

We may be a buncha rookies, but I think we can get ourselves back to the colony in one piece, Commander, sir!

Teach

Zuno... Foots... But...

Zakir

Commander! I also think...that might be the best course of action!
We'd just slow you down. But if you take Noah and the others, you've got a much better chance of finding Kyrie.

Eunie

Spark, guys...

Teach

Understood. You're right. Take yourselves back to the colony.
Everyone, listen up. I'm going to have to ask you to assist in the search for Kyrie.

Mio

We were here for that from the start, Commander! Let's find Kyrie.

Noah

That means we're going to have to find a way to search this vast expanse... It'll be tough.

Teach

Perhaps it won't be so tough. I've already formed a broad concept of Kyrie's current location.

Sena

Huh? Really?

Teach

Rottswoe Battlescar is the site of an ancient battlefield in the west of Everblight Plain.
I surmise that Kyrie is deep within that zone.

Lanz

How come you're so certain, Teach?

Teach

Time is short. I'll explain on the way!

Zuno

Commander! Please... Bring Kyrie back safely!

Teach

On my honor, I swear it! And you must promise to be vigilant until you've safely returned home!

Teach

We have to get to Rottswoe Battlescar. I must find Kyrie...

Mio

Kyrie... Please be OK...!

Head for Rottswoe Battlescar

♫

Suffocating Reverberation

Teach

There's...something I need to tell you about before we proceed.

Mio

Is it...to do with why you knew where Kyrie was?

Teach

That's right. You see...I have an idea that our mysterious opponent's true target is...myself.

Sena

So then...he only snatched Kyrie to get to you...?

Teach

Exactly. He took her as nothing more than a hostage to lure me out. Considering this angle, the pieces start to fit together.

Taion

Commander! Does this mean that you know the identity of our opponent here?

Teach

Not for certain...but I have a hypothesis.
And if that hypothesis is correct... then Kyrie should be just up ahead.

Lanz

So...what is it then?

Teach

Cause and effect.

Mio

What...? Something you did in the past?

Teach

A colossal struggle took place on this battlefield, a long time ago.
Keves and Agnus lost countless lives in that battle. In the end, both sides were annihilated.
Afterwards it was said that the ones that let loose the dogs of war were Colony Chi. That this slaughter was their doing.
"Remember Chi", they said.

Taion

Of course, I've read the tales of that battle too. But what does that have to do with all this?

Teach

We'll need to save Kyrie, if we're to truly untangle the whole of this intrigue.

Mio

Well, whatever the truth of the matter, one thing doesn't change: we need to save her!

Teach

(But if I'm right...I need to put an end to this for good. Stamp out evil at its source.)
(Or otherwise...)
(Kyrie... Please...be safe.)

Teach

To think I would return here, of all places...

Noah

Teach...?

Find Kyrie

Teach

Kyrie!

Kyrie

C-Commander Teach!

Teach

Are you all right? Are you injured?

Kyrie

I-I can't...stand... I'm...sorry...

Mio

You're in one piece at least... Something to be thankful for.

Teach

Yes. It looks like we've narrowly avoided the very worst outcome. But...

The mysterious man turns around and walks towards Teach.

♫

Against the World

???

The way you talk... The way you act... It's as if you're a different person.
Or do my eyes deceive me? No. You knew the meaning of this place. It must be you.

Mio

Are you alone? Do you have allies?

???

Look at that Ferronis.
The last bit of life burning within its Flame Clock...is mine.
This is where my friends died. ...Slaughtered to the last.
By the hand of Colony Chi's commander, the man dubbed the "All-Slayer"...

Taion

You... You're a survivor of that battle!

???

That's right. Just like him.

Teach

I can understand well what it is you want... But why act in this way?

???

Luring you in with this little nobody, you mean?
Heh... If I hadn't taken such measures, you would have gotten away from me.
Just as you'd given me the slip by changing your identity. Running from the past.

Teach

I know that I can never escape my past, not ever.
But I chose a different path. I chose to live with the past as a burden I must bear.

???

A wonderfully convenient use of logic. Do you suppose it will persuade the dry and dusty bones of the dead?

???

Enough of your sophistry and lies!

Teach

Ngah!

???

THIS is the purpose I lived for! Why I endured the pain of being the final survivor of my people!

???

Well, it's all about to come to an end. I will kill you as an offering to my friends!

Teach

It seems you're bent on fighting me. What if there were another way?

???

Bah! Please, enough! You dare to despise me? To look down upon me as a worm, an insect?
I...I'm not the weakling you think I am... At least I don't throw away my friends like spent trash!
I'll kill you... I'll kill you all...! You'll see! Oh you'll see!

Noah

Teach! Be careful! That's no regular Kevesi soldier!

???

Your death is long overdue, Oleg!

Fight Avenger

Avenger

What's the matter, Oleg? Is this all the strength you can muster?

Teach sheathes his Blade.

Teach

Your hope, your desire, is to kill me.
That being so, there is no meaning in our fighting. Just do what you will, now.

Avenger

You mean to insult me even now? Fighting a weakling like me isn't worth the effort? Is that it?

Teach

No, you're wrong! You don't understand at all.

Avenger

Then fight! Fight like you fought my allies, like you crushed the life from their bodies! Show me your true nature, your fangs!
Kill me, Oleg, crush me!

Teach

...

Avenger

Coward! I won't stop, not until I bring the red mist down upon you!
If it takes laying down this rookie's corpse to get a rise out of you, I'll do it!

Kyrie

Hey! I'm no rookie!

Avenger

Wha-?!

Teach

Huh? Kyrie?!

Lanz

Uh? Hey! When'd she get back up?!

Mio

Kyrie, if you're back on your feet, escape while you can!

Kyrie

N-no! I won't run away! I'll fight by your side, with all of you!

Eunie

Don't be a fool!

Kyrie

I-I'm not! I'm doing what the Commander told us to do!
Do honor to your opponent! Fight them with every ounce of your strength!

Teach

Kyrie, you're...

Kyrie

Th-that's why I...why *we* fight! Me, you, Mio, Commander... All of us!
I am a warrior of Colony Gamma!

Teach

...
She's right... I forgot the very thing I told my students to guard in their hearts.
It was me that lacked maturity, that hadn't grasped the basic truth.

♫

The Two Queens of Aionios

Teach

Certainly, your technique... It's amazing.
It's only natural. You've applied yourself to discipline which forces you to stare death in the face.

Avenger

...

Teach

Since you've borne that burden, I ought to fight you with my whole strength and spirit!

Teach summons his Blade.

Teach

To meet your passion, I will unbind my darkest arts!
Kyrie! Please! Lend me your powers!

Kyrie

Roger that, Commander! I'll give it everything!

Avenger

...As you wish. More kindling for the carnival of carnage!

Avenger

Show me these darkest of arts, Oleg! Teach me what you mean!

Teach's "All-Slayer" Art has been unlocked.
It can nullify the avenger's complete defense from "Critical Vengeance".

Defeat Avenger

Avenger

Is this it then...? Is this the end for me?

Teach

...

Avenger

Your past...will always...haunt you...
I want you to live...live on, in my pain. Mere death is not your fate.

Teach

...I will remember these words for ever, until my dying day.

Avenger

You there... Agnian...

Kyrie

M-me...?

Avenger

I said you were a rookie, a nobody... I take it all back...

Kyrie

...!

Avenger

You're strong... Much stronger than... than I could ever...

Kyrie

I...I...
Ah...

Red motes are escaping Avenger's husk.

Teach

Mio... I need to ask you a favor.

Mio

You...want me to see him off, don't you?

Teach

That's right. Thank you.

Mio sends Avenger off.

♫

A Life Overflowing

Teach

Thank you. Perhaps now, his soul will find some respite.

Noah

Yeah... I hope so, too.

Teach

Please, allow me to thank you once again. If you hadn't backed me up today, who knows what could have happened?

Mio

Teach, don't mention it. We did exactly what we had to.

Teach

Kyrie, you acquitted yourself very well in battle. You've made true progress.

Kyrie

R-really? I-I was really useful to you?

Mio

Yeah! I'm seeing you in a whole new light now, Kyrie. You're a credit to the Agnian forces!

Kyrie

Whoa... I'm so happy to hear you say that, Mio. Feeling a little dizzy now...

Taion

Teach... I need to ask. Just who are you exactly?

Teach

...

Taion

The Kevesi soldier was calling you "Oleg"...
That was a name that used to ring out in Agnus, too... A commander whose martial prowess was nigh unmatched.
According to the official records, Oleg fell in battle, many years ago.
If what that soldier said was true, then you're...

Teach

Taion... It's wise of you to press me on this matter.
But... You must forgive me.
I'm afraid...I cannot tell you any more about that name.

Taion

Is that because...we haven't earned your trust?

Teach

No, it isn't that... It's something else. I'm bound to a promise, an oath.

Mio

An oath...?

Teach

"To impart wisdom to those who will succeed us. To teach them of strength, and the tenets of battle."
"That this humble wish should spark, we pledge never to divulge the secrets of the past."
That's the oath that I took with Consul G.

Noah

Consul G? The same Consul G that we took down?

Teach
(nod)

By way of that oath, Consul G gave me a new name and a new role, as an educator.

Taion

But...why would you be forbidden from talking about the past?

Teach

Because you see... I have no right to do so.
However many words I expend talking about the past, they would be nothing more than a collection of empty excuses.
I'd merely be setting down the burden of the past in the hope of being forgiven.
So...the Consul...strictly forbade it.
I must preserve my oath, as long as I draw breath.

Mio

I see... But this must be a huge weight for you to carry.
I mean, you can't share your worries or your troubles with anyone.

Teach

...

Noah

Teach... About the past...
Are you also against us trying to find out about it?

Teach

No...
Of course, you are not bound by oath.
Just as I have no right to divulge the past, I have no right to obstruct those seeking the truth, either.
If you want to uncover the past, that is a matter for you, and you alone.

Lanz

Hey, sorry mate, I kinda lost the thread a bit there...

Taion

Perhaps we can revisit that another time.

Eunie

It's getting on. The others must really be stewing in their juices about Kyrie.

Mio

You're right. Let's get back and let them know she's safe!

Kyrie

Roger that, Mio!

Teach

...Please, go ahead without me. I'll catch you up.

Mio

I understand.

They walk away while Teach stays behind, staring at the now extinguished Flame Clock. Kyrie hesitates and pauses to look back at Teach. He has his back to her, but eventually turns around and nods at her, before joining her as they all go home.