Let's play Star Ocean 3! Part 18

[paranoodle]

As soon as we're done sleeping, we meet up with Clair at the edge of the battlefield.




We get dropped off next to Clair on the battlefield, and talking to her gives us a little more context as to where we're at exactly.

Clair: I have reports that say the central unit under Tynave's command has succeeded in splitting the enemy's forces. Unfortunately, our left wing has been split off from our central core as well, due to a joint attack by the enemy's Dragon Brigade and Storm Brigade. Neither side has a particular advantage at this point. I bet their commander Vox is on pins and needles as well.
Clair: It concerns me that the Black Brigade has slowed down. I've been having Farleen's unit counter their movements, but as of yet, they have not tried anything too obvious. I have reports that say Albel the Wicked has not been seen on the front lines. I wish I knew how much of this information I could believe.



The battlefield is... basically just the Aire Hills, but with less visbility, all the enemies are soldiers, and you can see some of them fighting around you. It's a little more sparse than the dialogue indicates, but I'm not sure they could have much more onscreen without the PS2 struggling.

At any rate, like Clair said, our goal is to beeline for Vox, who's all the way across the battlefield.


Nel: Vox! You die here, now!
Vox: You've got a lot of guts, but we'll bury you just the same... Leave these scum to me, men!
Fayt: Let's go!

The fight against Vox is similar to all the dragon riders we've fought so far, he's just a bit stronger than any of them.

Vox: You put up a nice fight! But I wouldn't have it any other way!





Cliff: It's them...




At this point the screen shakes every time a laser shot hits the ground, which is often.


Fayt: No... That's the Vendeeni...
Nel: Vendeeni...?
Fayt: What are they doing all the way out here? Are they planning on conquering this world!?
Cliff: Hey! We'd better get outta here! I know what THEY're after.
Fayt: What do you mean?
Cliff: Uh, actually...
Nel: Can't it wait? We need to get back to headquarters. Staying here is not a good idea.
Fayt: O-okay!


Dion: Great, wait until you hear the word.
Male Soldier: Yes, sir!
Dion: (I'll come home alive, Ameena... I promise. Wait for me.)
Male Soldier: Dion, sir!
Dion: Yes... YES, FIRE! Begin the attack!





After that cutscene, we gain control again, in a more damaged version of the battlefield from just earlier. There's a lot more wandering enemies now (still all Airyglyph soldiers, mostly dragon knights), and a lot of corpses on the ground.



So we run all the way back to our starting point where Clair originally was, trying not to run into too many surviving soldiers.



Dion: Uhh...
Male Soldier: Dion, sir!

We see a lot more lasers hit people around where the party is standing.


Cliff: Run! You'll be captured!
Fayt: Captured? What are you talking about?
Fayt: Wait - they're not - they're not after me, are they? Was that why they attacked Hyda? Was that MY fault!?
Cliff: Calm down, Fayt! I can explain-
Fayt: No - I see now.
Fayt: It IS all because of me. Everything...
Fayt: That's why Hyda was attacked! That's why the Helre was attacked! And now Elicoor, too! It's all my fault!
Cliff: I said calm down! Listen to me!
Fayt: What do they want me for? Why do they want me enough to kill so many innocent people?
Fayt: Who - who the hell am I?







The screen fades to black.


Nel: How is Dion doing?
Male Soldier: Not well...
Nel: I see...
Fayt: Uhh...
Nel: Oh... you're awake.
Nel: What a relief. I thought you might not ever wake up again.
Fayt: Where am I?
Cliff: Castle Aquaria. We're back. It looks like the Airyglyph soldiers went back home, too. Now's not the time for war.
Fayt: And the Vendeeni...?
Nel: Don't worry about them. How are you feeling?
Fayt: I'm all... argh... I'm aching all over!
Fayt: And Dion... Is Dion okay?
Nel: He's been seriously injured. He's still breathing... but it doesn't look good.
Fayt: Oh no, I promised Ameena I'd make sure he got home safely!
Nel: Wait, you should stay in bed.
Cliff: She's right. You're not in such great shape yourself, you know.
Fayt: I'm more worried about Dion right now. Where is he?
Nel: He's in a private room across from the fabrication room.

We run across the castle to go find Dion.


Fayt: I'm sorry... How is he, doctor?
Doctor: Well, he's stabilized a little bit, but he's still in grave danger. Whatever attacked him, it injured him so greatly that healing is almost impossible. We don't have the tools to help him!
Fayt: No...
Fayt: Dion, hang in there! I'm bringing Ameena to see you!

Just like how we did before the war, we run over to the inn again to go see Ameena.


Fayt: Mirage, how is Ameena?
Mirage: Her condition is not good. She really strained herself coming all this way.
Fayt: Yeah.
Mirage: Is something wrong?
Fayt: Yes...
Fayt: Ameena?
Ameena: Fayt...

Ameena sits up in bed.

Ameena: If you're here, that must mean... the war is over. That's good news.
Mirage: Don't overexert yourself.
Fayt: Ameena, it's Dion. He...
Ameena: What...?
Fayt: Come with me. Dion's here, in the castle.
Mirage: That's impossible. The doctor ordered us not to move her - it's too dangerous.
Fayt: Please, it's important...
Ameena: All right, I understand.
Fayt: Thank you.

And we run back to the castle again.



Dion: Lady... Nel.
Dion: Please... That... box...

Nel walks over to the box and opens it.


Dion: I promised... to end... this war... So I could see you... in Airyglyph... again...
Ameena: I know... Please, you must rest!
Dion: I couldn't end the war... But... I saw you again... It's... all I ever wished for.
Ameena: Dion... That was my wish too.
Dion: I'm glad... I saw you again.
Ameena: Me, too.
Dion: Amee... na.

Dion goes limp.


Fayt: Doctor!

The doctor shakes her head.

Fayt: No... After all this time! You had your whole lives ahead of you! Ameena, I failed you. This is all my fault.
Fayt: Ameena...?

Fayt puts his hand on her shoulder and she slumps forward.

Fayt: Ameena...!?

The doctor leans down to examine Ameena and shakes her head again.

Fayt: No...
Fayt: Nooooooooooo!!!

The screen fades to black.


Cliff: No, it's not your fault, Fayt.
Fayt: Isn't it, though?
Fayt: The Vendeeni came here for me!
Fayt: Who am I? Why do the Vendeeni want me so badly!?
Cliff: ...



Cliff: Those guys, the Vendeeni, they-


Nel: What!?
Cliff: Damn!

Cliff runs out of the room.

Aquaria XXVII: Is this, too, an Arrow of Apris?


Aquaria XXVII: Lately, it seems that hiding does not help. Is anywhere truly safe now?
Aquaria XXVII: You know what this thing is, do you not?
Aquaria XXVII: Is it a weapon from Greeton?
Fayt: No, it's not.
Nel: Then what is it!? What is a Vendeeni!?
Fayt: (The Vendeeni are after me... If they catch me, they'll leave.)
Fayt: I'll explain, Your Majesty. The Vendeeni are...
Cliff: Hey, come here a second!


Cliff: Damn! What now?
Fayt: I'll give myself up. Then they'll leave.
Mirage: Fayt, no!
Cliff: That's enough of that. You say that again and I swear I'll smack you one.
Mirage: Cliff, calm down. Anger won't solve anything!
Mirage: But he's right, Fayt.
Fayt: Then what should we do!? This country's military doesn't stand a chance against the Vendeeni ships!
Fayt: Hey... But you chased away the Vendeeni ship before! Why not do it again?
Nel: Huh? But-
Mirage: It's as I thought.
Cliff: *sigh* ... You don't remember a thing, do you?
Fayt: What are you talking about!?
Nel: Wait - another one's coming!
Mirage: Cliff!
Cliff: Yep, it's them. Finally.





We hear a teleporter sound.


Cliff: Hey, took you long enough.



???: At least, now that this planet's a part of this mess, we don't have to hide anything anymore.
Cliff: True enough. But I bet you that Mr. Super-Square, champion of the UP3 would disagree with you.
Fayt: Hah hah, very funny.
Fayt: Who's that girl?
Cliff: Ah, yeah. Sorry. I'm slacking in my introductions. This here's the leader of Quark, Maria.
Fayt: What!?
Maria: I'm Maria Traydor. But please, call me Maria.
Fayt: Ah, umm, hmm... Nice to meet you. I'm...
Maria: I know who you are.
Maria: Fayt Leingod. The only son of the universal authority on symbological genetics, Professor Robert Leingod. Born on Earth, currently nineteen years of age. Favorite sport: basketball, position: point guard. Your favorite food is-
Fayt: Hang on a second, how do you know so much about me...?
Maria: I did some research.


Nel: So, I take it you're not all from Greeton after all? Come on, answer me. No more concealing the truth.
Aquaria XXVII: That is enough, Lady Nel.


Aquaria XXVII: I said that is enough.
Nel: ... Yes, Your Majesty.


Maria: Please forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty, but would it be all right if we talked among ourselves first? We have a lot of catching up to do. I will explain all of the details and how the facts are connected afterwards; that I promise.
Aquaria XXVII: ... So be it. Show them to the conference room.
Nel: ... Yes, Your Majesty.


Fayt: Oh, all right then. Maria, please tell me what happened. Why did the Vendeeni capture my dad? Why are they after me? ... What is it about me that they're so interested in?
Maria: Relax, there's no need to rush things, and there's much to explain. But first... his powers manifested, didn't they?
Cliff: They did, just once. He was stronger than expected. Particularly, his destructive capabilities are far beyond yours.
Maria: And his memory?
Cliff: Nah. The whole thing was completely wiped from his mind.
Maria: I see...
Fayt: What in the world are you guys talking about?
Maria: Just a moment - first, I have some new information. It's not exactly good news...
Fayt: ...
Maria: You know that your father, Professor Leingod, was captured by the Vendeeni, right?
Fayt: Yes...
Maria: We have learned, after investigating the situation, that your friend, Sophia, was captured as well.
Fayt: What!?
Maria: They grabbed her after the two of you escaped from the Helre.
Fayt: They got Sophia!? Noooo!!! But what do the Vendeeni want with them!?
Maria: You really have no idea, do you?
Fayt: So tell me what's going on!
Maria: Fine. Your father took it upon himself to carry out forbidden research.
Fayt: Forbidden research?
Maria: That's right. He researched and designed a genetically modified, living weapon - forbidden by the laws of the Pangalactic Federation.
Fayt: My father? I can't believe it!
Maria: Of course he didn't talk about it. Other than those involved, only the top levels of the Federation government knew anything.
Fayt: Then how come you know about it?
Maria: I was one of his... guinea pigs.
Fayt: What...?
Maria: I'll never forgive them.
Fayt: My dad... I- I can't believe this! Living weapons? You.. a guinea pig? You just look like an ordinary girl!
Maria: Exactly.
Maria: Watch this.




It's a bit hard to see in screenshots, but Maria shot the vases and the glowing one was left intact.

Fayt: (What was that?)
Maria: This is the power I received from the symbological genetic modifications that Professor Leingod and his lab performed on me. I possess the ability to manipulate the structure of matter. So... still think I'm an ordinary girl?
Fayt: But... why would my father do such a thing?
Maria: And not just to me.
Fayt: What?
Maria: I wasn't the only one they modified. Another came before me - I was the second subject.
Fayt: What are you saying?
Maria: The first subject... was you.
Fayt: Me? The first subject? What are you talking about? My dad would never do something like that to me!
Maria: I can understand if you don't believe me. Your power hasn't fully awakened yet. But if I'm not telling the truth, can you explain one thing for me? Who knocked that Vendeeni battleship out of the sky? Why are the Vendeeni so relentless in going after you and everyone else related to the Leingods?
Maria: Everyone who was there knows the answers to these questions... Everyone but you, that is.
Fayt: Well...
Maria: I know you don't want to admit it, but there's only one truth. I'm going to steal the Professor and everyone else back from the Vendeeni and ask him why he did what he did. But to do this, I need your help, Fayt. I can't do it alone...
Fayt: (Me? A weapon? She's gotta be crazy.)
Maria: I wouldn't expect you to object to saving your father and Sophia... I know how important they are to you.
Fayt: Of course I want to rescue them. They mean everything to me.
Fayt: All right. I'll help you.
Maria: All right, now that we're decided...



Nel was right behind the door, and does a backflip away as soon as Cliff opens it.

Fayt: Nel!
Maria: It doesn't matter if she heard us.
Cliff: So, how are we getting off this rock?
Maria: I made arrangements. I came in a small ship to avoid the Vendeeni. The Diplo will be arriving later. Everything else is up to Marietta's skills.
Cliff: Your preparations are thorough, as always.
Maria: Yes, well, we still have a lot of problems to deal with.
Fayt: That's right. Even if your ship can make it, how do we know the Vendeeni won't interfere?
Maria: Right... Entering orbit, transporting, and warping out will take a total of five minutes.
Mirage: Even our flagship will have trouble withstanding five minutes of concentrated fire from the Vendeeni.
Maria: Exactly.
Maria: The ideal solution would be to create some diversion from the ground as well. But... with the technology available on this planet, that will be difficult. Still, we must think of something.
Cliff: If only Fayt could control his power.
Maria: Even I can't completely control my power... Either way, we need a sure thing if we're going to pull this off.
Maria: Mirage, what's the strongest and most effective weapon on this planet? I'm not saying we need to use it to break through the Vendeeni shield. All we'd need to do is buy some time while they reevaluate our military capabilities.
Mirage: Hmmm... Our best option is Aquaria's runological weapons.
Cliff: Hey, what about Dion's weapon?
Fayt: You mean the Thunder Arrow?
Cliff: That's the one.
Fayt: I don't know how much damage it could do to the Vendeeni battleship, but as far as I know, it's the most powerful weapon on this planet.
Maria: All right, then let's start making preparations immediately.
Fayt: The thing is, it's still under development. It's not ready for actual combat. And I doubt its range is long enough to reach the Vendeeni ship. In any case, the weapon belongs to Aquaria - we can't just use it as we please.
Nel: The Vendeeni - you mean the ones from before?


Nel: They're coming back?
Maria: There's no doubt of that.
Nel: And you need our Thunder Arrow to fight them?
Cliff: That's about the size of it.
Nel: All right, I'll talk to the queen about it.
Fayt: Huh? Are you sure?
Nel: Honestly, I don't really understand the situation. One thing I do know: if that celestial ship comes back again, it will cause another catastrophe. And... I believe that the two of you are worthy of my trust.
Fayt: Thank you.
Cliff: Regardless, we did promise the queen that we'd explain the situation to her.
Fayt: I don't think she'll be as easy to convince.

Well, no time like the present, so we make our way to the throne room.


Aquaria XXVII: Very well.
Magistrate Lasselle: You say you're from another world - you ask us to believe this? Nonsense! Stop wasting Her Majesty's time!
Aquaria XXVII: Silence, Lasselle.
Magistrate Lasselle: Your Majesty!


Aquaria XXVII: This is quite sudden, not to mention quite difficult to believe. However, recent events in our country leave me with no choice but to believe.
Nel: Your Majesty, these people can be trusted. I believe they are telling the truth.
Aquaria XXVII: And... you say this new enemy will return again? Why would that be?
Fayt: I think that I am their objective.
Aquaria XXVII: So, you are the cause of this entire affair?
Fayt: I don't want to believe it myself... but yes.
Magistrate Lasselle: Then all we have to do is hand you over to them! Then they will go home, no?
Aquaria XXVII: Lasselle, you are to remain silent!
Magistrate Lasselle: Your Majesty...
Aquaria XXVII: Can we fight these... Vendeeni with our Thunder Arrow?
Fayt: I can't be sure, but I believe so. The Thunder Arrow would divert the Vendeeni long enough for us to leave the planet... and fix this situation.
Aquaria XXVII: For the sake of our country, it might indeed be best to simply hand you over to them. However, you are our guest. It would not be proper for us to abandon you now.
Nel: Your Majesty, you mean-?
Aquaria XXVII: Yes. We shall let you use the Thunder Arrow.
Fayt: Your Majesty, thank you very much!
Maria: We are grateful, Your Majesty.
Cliff: Yeah, but what are you gonna do about the range problem? It's not much good to us if we can't reach them.
Fayt: Yeah, I know.
Soldier: We've got a problem!!!
Magistrate Lasselle: Watch your tone! You are in the presence of Her Majesty, the Queen!


Magistrate Lasselle: What!?
Aquaria XXVII: Who!?
Soldier: It was one of those celestial ships, Your Majesty. They landed right next to the shrine! We believe they're headed for the Sacred Orb!
Aquaria XXVII: The Sacred Orb!?
Soldier: They wear a strange kind of armor and are equipped with weapons that emit glowing beams of light! The runologists have them stopped for the moment, but they can't do anything against those weapons! At this rate, they'll be at the Sacred Orb in no time!
Maria: Glowing weapons... Those would be disruptor rifles. They must be remnants of the Vendeeni fleet.
Cliff: If that's the case, why are they going after the Orb, instead of us?
Fayt: What's Kaddan? And what's this Sacred Orb?
Nel: Kaddan is the holy land of our church. It's where the Sacred Orb is enshrined - a mysterious sphere that emits the purest light. Holy water flows freely from it. It is said that in the hands of Aquaria's ruler, the Orb is capable of all kinds of miracles. The waters of this lake which surround Aquios are also of the Sacred Orb.
Maria: Hmm... Your Majesty, which way is Kaddan?
Aquaria XXVII: To the east of Aquios...


Cliff: What is it?
Maria: I'm picking up an energy reading in the location you described that is too technologically advanced for this planet... It's even beyond our ability to identify.
Fayt: What?
Maria: It may be a so-called 'Out-of-Place Artifact', or OPA. I bet the Vendeeni detected this Sacred Orb while they were searching for us.
Nel: So you think they're after our Sacred Orb?
Maria: It's the most likely explanation. If you look back at history, anyone who got their hands on OPAs acquired incredible power. It would pretty much go without saying they'd want it.
Magistrate Lasselle: That's terrible! We can't let them steal our Sacred Orb! Your Majesty, we must send soldiers immediately!
Aquaria XXVII: Yes.
Aquaria XXVII: Take your unit and make for Kaddan at once.
Nel: Your Majesty!
Fayt: Please wait a moment, Your Majesty.
Aquaria XXVII: We are sorry, but we must attend to your business later. Responding to these thieves at Kaddan must take precedence.
Fayt: That's what I'm saying: I don't think Aquaria's military could stand up to them with their current equipment.
Aquaria XXVII: We are aware of this, but we cannot let them steal the Sacred Orb.
Fayt: Look, I'll go to Kaddan.
Nel: What are you thinking?
Fayt: It's my fault the Vendeeni ever came here in the first place. I have to accept responsibility, somehow.
Cliff: Hey, wait a second. You mean 'we', right? You plannin' on going there alone?
Maria: He's right.
Maria: Going alone would be suicidal. If you die, then I've come here for nothing. I'm going, too.
Fayt: Thank you.
Aquaria XXVII: Very well. Then we shall leave it to you.
Nel: Your Majesty, I'll go with them as well.
Aquaria XXVII: Yes. Please do. As the situation is grave, we give you permission to use the Sealed Cavern. Show them the way.
Nel: The Sealed Cavern?
Aquaria XXVII: Yes, it is a place in which only members of the royal family are allowed - but I'm making an exception. ... Do not fail us.
Nel: Your Majesty!

So, Maria showed up, we're starting to get back to the "main" plot hook after an entire war and 20+ hours of gameplay on Elicoor, so all in all a productive update! In my opinion Maria does kind of steal the show as soon as she shows up, but it's mostly because Fayt just rolls over and lets her.

Next time: Kaddan, and some more context from Maria.