CHAPTER III: CONFESSIONS OF SIMON

[Alma enters the Orbonne library to find the bodies of clerics strewn on the ground. Simon is collapsed on the stairs before her.]

ALMA: Simon!!

[She rushes over to him, with Ramza entering the room and following her. Both kneel over the old man.]

ALMA: Please answer me!!

[Simon lifts himself up slightly.]

SIMON: U, ugh...Alma... Why...are you...here?

ALMA: What happened?

SIMON: It's dangerous....here. Hurry....run. They...came for the Holy Stone 'Virgo'...

RAMZA: Holy Stone!? Then Alma was right...!
[Simon turns to him.]

SIMON: The Stone's been a royal treasure for generations... When Princess Ovelia came here, they gave it to us as proof of her status.

RAMZA: Who are 'they'? Who's trying to get the stone?

SIMON: You're Alma's older brother Ramza, aren't you? Don't get any more involved. You'll be killed.....

[All turn as voices sound from the chambers below.]

MAN'S VOICE: Where is the Holy Stone!!

ANOTHER VOICE: Wait! It must be here somewhere! Look for it!

ANOTHER VOICE: We can go underground from here. Let's go!!

RAMZA: I'm a fugitive, branded by the church as a 'heretic'. Is it because of the stone? Please tell me. Who are they?

[Simon turns to him.]

SIMON: High Priest and his sect are trying to regain power. First, they're reducing Larg and Goltana's military power by causing in-fighting. If the war drags on, it not only reduce their power, but trust in the royal family.

RAMZA: What's the real reason for collecting the Stones... and reviving the Zodiac Braves?

SIMON: To gain the people's trust, of course.

RAMZA: But the Cardinal's already joined Lucavi. If it's only the stone's power, it'd be strong enough to replace the military. Funeral wants that power?

SIMON: You're different from your brothers. More like Balbanes. Perhaps you might be able to destroy their ambition.

[Simon turns back to Alma.]

RAMZA: You stay here. I'll gog after them.

[Alma stands.]

ALMA: I'll go with you!

RAMZA: We can't leave Simon alone. Hide in a safe place!

ALMA: ....OK, I will.

[Ramza turns to her and hands her the Taurus and Scorpio stones.]

RAMZA: Hold on to this stone, just in case. If I don't come back, make sure to throw it in Bugrosa Sea. OK?

[Alma drops to her knees.]

ALMA: I regret I can't help you. I wish I were born a man...

[Ramza turns to her.]

RAMZA: Don't be silly. You're the only one I trust.

[She looks up at him.]

ALMA: Brother....

RAMZA: Take care of Simon!

[Ramza moves downstairs.]