paranoodle | Entries tagged with so3lp

We get right back to the cutscene we interrupted last time.

Mirage: Incoming communication from the Aquaelie... What do you want to do?

Maria: I'll be right there.

Fayt: Thank you...

Commodore Wittcomb: However, all we have now is you. This may have dashed the Federation's hopes.

Maria: What do you mean? What do you know that we don't?

Commodore Wittcomb: I can't tell you over the comm link. Can you come over to my ship?

Maria: If that's okay with you? Quark and the Federation aren't exactly friends.

Commodore Wittcomb: The Aquaelie is my ship, and on my ship, I decide who is friend or foe. And if anyone objects, they can visit the brig while you're here.

Maria: We'll be there shortly.

Commodore Wittcomb: Excellent.

Fayt: Commodore... I have a request.

Commodore Wittcomb: What is it?

Fayt: We want to go to Federation Station #5 - Moonbase. But they would never let us near them on a Klausian ship. I'd like to ask you to take us there in the Aquaelie.

Commodore Wittcomb: Moonbase? That's where Dr. Leingod's research lab is.

Fayt: That's right... 'Go to Moonbase' were my father's dying words. I think he meant for us to go there and find the truth.

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, but after Dr. Leingod was captured, we searched the lab's database thoroughly. Yet, we did not find any useful information.

Fayt: Still, we'd like to check for ourselves. You might've overlooked something, and there may be some things that would only interest us.

Maria: That's right. And there are most likely things in there that only we would understand.

Commodore Wittcomb: Right, understood. We'll transmit a homing beacon. Bring only the minimum number of personnel required.

Fayt: Thank you, Commodore.

Commodore Wittcomb: Then we have a deal?

Maria: Yes.

Commodore Wittcomb: Oh, and about Earth... You had better brace yourselves.

Fayt: Huh?

Commodore Wittcomb: ...

The communication cuts off.

Sophia: 'Brace yourselves'?

Fayt: Wonder what he means.

Cliff: I suppose we'll find out when we get there.

Maria: Only we will go to the Aquaelie. Stand down weapons and wait until further notice. Mirage and Marietta, take care of her while we're gone.

Mirage: Roger.

Marietta: Captain... I mean, Maria...

Marietta: Don't worry about us, we'll take care of things here. We have Lancar and the others to keep us company. Be careful.

Maria: Thanks.

Maria: That's right. And you are?
Federation Officer: Please forgive my manners. I am Lieutenant Fields. I serve under the command of Commodore Wittcomb.
Lieutenant Fields: The commodore has bade me to show you around.

Maria: I see. Thank you. In that case, I apologize for the rush, but could you please take us directly to the commodore?
Lieutenant Fields: Very well. Please follow me.

Maria: All right, let's go. There's no time to waste.

Commodore Wittcomb: The two of you in particular have been on Elicoor for some time and probably know little of what is going on.

Fayt: Please, fill us in.

Commodore Wittcomb: The Earth and the entire galaxy are facing an unprecedented threat.

Fayt: You're not talking about the war with Vendeen and Aldian, are you?

Commodore Wittcomb: That is correct. I imagine you are also aware of those powerful bursts of energy?

Maria: Yes, exceeding magnitude 3, right?

Commodore Wittcomb: They were aimed at Earth. The planetary defense shield managed to partially block the attack. But it still caused considerable damage.

Fayt: It was too much for the planetary defense shield?

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, and those energy bursts were a message. A declaration of war.

Fayt: Declaration of war? What alien power has the ability to mount such a devastating, long-range attack?

Commodore Wittcomb: A new power, previously unknown to us, emissaries of an entity known as the Creator. They call themselves the Executioners - Enforcers of the Creator - come to sentence us to our death.

Sophia: The Creator?

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, it is not uncommon for dictators to claim divine origin. Their message states that our science has delved into forbidden areas, and thus the Creator has decreed our annihilation.

Cliff: That's insane.

Fayt: Sounds like a plain old invasion to me.

Commodore Wittcomb: We believe that is correct. They are, without a doubt, a power to be reckoned with. They have technology far exceeding our own.

Cliff: So in other words, we'd better say our prayers.

Commodore Wittcomb: Take a look at this.

Commodore Wittcomb: Their energy blasts passed through an unknown dimensional space - faster than the speed of light.

Maria: An unknown dimensional space?

Commodore Wittcomb: Indeed. The blast traveled through neither subspace nor gravitic space. This alone hints at the capabilities of their technology. Shockingly, the energy pulses were released from an uncharted region over 50,000 light-years away.

Fayt: 50,000 light-years!?

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, the data stunned us. Several of our analysts rushed to get their eyes examined.

Maria: Have they sent out a fleet?

Commodore Wittcomb: We don't know. If there is one, we haven't detected it. Still, a declaration of war has been made. Surely it will not be long. An attack by a fleet of such power would spell trouble for the Federation.

Fayt: This is bad.

Cliff: So this means Klaus, Vendeen, and Aldian are all in deep trouble.

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes... And it seems Vendeen was attempting to capture and use the Federation's secret weapon. They would consider any offer of cooperation with the Federation an insult.

Fayt: Secret weapon... Me.

Commodore Wittcomb: Correct. That is what I've been told.

Commodore Wittcomb: Apparently, Dr. Leingod and his team developed you after they detected the Executioners' presence years ago. But frankly you do not look like much of a weapon to me. How can a man of flesh and blood fight a fleet of starships?

Maria: Yet it was I who destroyed the battleship Invisible.

Commodore Wittcomb: What? You did that!?

Maria: Yes. Like Fayt, I too, am the product of Dr. Leingod's genetic engineering.

Commodore Wittcomb: I see. Is that so? Only upper echelons of the Federation were privy to Dr. Leingod's top secret research. But if what you say is true, if there is another, then we may have a chance.

Maria: Unfortunately, our powers are still unreliable. We can't just invoke them whenever we want.

Commodore Wittcomb: What do you mean?

Maria: Exactly what I said. Neither of us can fully control our powers.

Commodore Wittcomb: Perhaps the late Dr. Leingod placed some means of security on you. Losing him was a great tragedy.

Fayt: Another reason we need to get to my father's lab on Moonbase.

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, but as I said before, the lab's database has already been searched. Don't expect too much.

Maria: Maybe you're right. When I investigated the lab before, I found no information of that kind.

Commodore Wittcomb: Hmm... If we cannot rely on your powers, we shall have to face the Executioners with what we have.

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes?
Male Operator: We have a transmission from Federation Station #9.

Commodore Wittcomb: Give me a display.
Male Operator: Right away, sir.

Commmander of Station #9: Req...ing immediate- Gah... Th... those aren't ...ips! What... are ...? Are ...ey gods?
Male Operator: We've lost the signal. Report from Headquarters: Federation Station #9... has been obliterated!

Commodore Wittcomb: Obliterated!?
Male Operator: Orders, Commodore?

Commodore Wittcomb: ...
Male Operator: Commodore?

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, yes, I know. Maintain our present course to Earth.

Commodore Wittcomb: Not a ship? Did I hear him say what I think he said? What could this mean?

Cliff: I think he's saying the Executioners are gods.

Nel: No god would kill as they do.

Albel: Hmpf. Gods? Utter nonsense.

Roger: Wow! Gods? Oooh, now this is gettin' exciting!

Maria: Whatever they are, I fear we'll find out soon enough.

Fayt: Yeah.

Lieutenant Fields: Yes, sir! Connecting...

Commodore Wittcomb: This is the Aquaelie calling Fleet Headquarters.

Commodore Wittcomb: This is Wittcomb, sir. What's our situation, Admiral?

Admiral Hermes: The enemy has not been identified, but we do know they are, in all likelihood, headed straight for Earth.

Commodore Wittcomb: I see, sir. Our orders?
Admiral Hermes: Stay your present course. Other ships are being dispatched to block the enemy. Battleships and combat explorers have already been deployed. 162 ships are stationed around Earth, 112 around Station #9, and 215 around Station #20.

Commodore Wittcomb: Understood, sir.
Admiral Hermes: Oh, and Commodore? Word is the Enforcers have already attacked and destroyed Aldian.

Commodore Wittcomb: What!?
Admiral Hermes: They were the closest to the enemy's point of origin. Though we were not friends, I mourn their loss. The same fate awaits us if we don't keep our wits. It's the most powerful threat the Federation has ever faced, yet in the past we've always managed to overcome difficulty. Godspeed, Commodore!

Commodore Wittcomb: Yes, sir.
Admiral Hermes: Over and out.

Fayt: Agreed!

This frees us up to wander about the ship, but the first thing we do is talk to Wittcomb to get a tiny bit more context on Fayt and Sophia's remaining family:

Commodore Wittcomb: We are currently searching for the missing professors, Dr. Ryoko Leingod and Dr. Clive Esteed, but with the current military sitaution, it is going to be very difficult. At the very least, I won't be able to assign any more personnel to this task until the current crisis passes.

Fayt: I see. All right, I understand.

Commodore Wittcomb: I'm sorry.

And after that we get to wander around! We can talk to the party members a little, who mainly just comment on how they feel about the whole situation, ranging from "i dont care, i'll fight god" for Albel and Peppita to other characters like Nel who are a little more worried about the current state of things.

When we go see Maria though, she has a little more to say.

Maria: I thought I could get a head start with a remote search, but it didn't work. I know nothing more than the last time I checked.

Fayt: When you checked before - could you show me what you found?

Maria: I... could, yes.

Fayt: Please, I'd like to see it.

Maria: Okay.

Robert: Although my research is banned by Federation law, it is far too important to abandon now.

Robert: I'm conducting my research in secret with the help of my wife, Ryoko, Jessie Traydor, and Dr. Esteed. Over the past few years, we have successfully developed two special symbols: 'Destruction' and 'Alteration' - the power to destroy and the power to alter.

Robert: We have selected our own children to be test subjects. Jessie protested, but I believe it to be an even greater sin to use the children of others.

Robert: Although we are tormented by our guilt, we had no other choice. We have embedded 'Destruction' in my son and 'Alteration' in Jessie's daughter. There are no signs of rejection at this point. Our research was a success.

Robert: We've now achieved our initial goal. The next step is to track their development...

Fayt: No way.

Maria: This is how I first learned about you. I still don't know what purpose your father had in doing this, but I do know for sure that they embedded special symbols within each of us.

Fayt: I wonder how they intended us to use our powers.

Maria: I'd rest much easier if I knew.

Maria: We may learn more when we get our hands on the Research Lab's database.

Fayt: I agree. It's our only hope.

Maria: Let's place faith in what your father said. There must be something there at the lab.

Fayt: Right.

And if we talk to her again:

Maria: Destruction and Alteration... Hey, Fayt. Do these two words mean anything to you?

Fayt: I'm sorry, but they don't mean a thing to me. My mom and dad never talked about their work.

Maria: I see. I guess all we can do is take the professor at his word, and go to Moonbase.

After that we get a PA if we go talk to Sophia, who's still having a bit of a hard time with all the rapid-fire revelations from the past hour or so.

Sophia: I had no idea what kind of work my dad was doing. I wonder if my mom knew.

Fayt: Your mom...

[If we choose She must have known, don't you think?]

Fayt: I think your mom must have known. It would have been too much to hide.

Sophia: Yeah, I think you're right.

Sophia: I wonder why my dad never told me, though.

Fayt: Because it was such a crazy story? He probably thought you wouldn't believe it.

Sophia: I see... My dad must not have trusted me. Oh well, I guess it makes sense. I mean, as far as they were concerned, we were just kids, anyway.

[If we choose She must not have known about it.]

Fayt: She must not have known about it. It was a top secret government project, after all.

Sophia: I still can't believe it. I can't believe they were making weapons. Not only that, they were doing evil research that was against the law.

Fayt: Don't tell me you don't believe in your father?

Sophia: Huh?

Fayt: I believe in my dad. It's an undeniable fact that there's some mysterious power locked up inside of me, and I think it must be because my dad and the rest of them thought it was the right thing to do. That's what I'm going to Moonbase to prove.

Fayt: Isn't that how you feel, Sophia?

Sophia: Yes, of course I believe in them! I trust both Uncle Robert and Aunt Ryoko, and, of course I trust my dad!

Fayt: Good! All right then, let's go and clear up all of our doubts together. At Moonbase.

Sophia: Okay!

Once we've talked to everyone, we can rest for a bit until we get woken up by Wittcomb over the announcement speakers.

Fayt: Yes, sir.

We meet up back at the bridge again.

Commodore Wittcomb: You cannot transport directly to Dr. Leingod's research lab. That area is protected by transport jamming to prevent direct access. You'll have to transport to the nearest location: the Recreational Zone.

Fayt: Right.

Commodore Wittcomb: Do what you must do. The fate of the galaxy is in your hands.

Fayt: Yes, sir.

Commodore Wittcomb: Move out!

We have to manually take the teleporter, but there isn't anyone new to talk to so we just beeline for Moonbase.

Roger: This is Moonbase?

Cliff: Ah... This is the station in Lunar orbit, Federation Station #5. Otherwise known as Moonbase.

Nel: Wow...

Albel: ...

Roger: It's all shiny and twinkly...

Fayt: This is where my dad and his team had their research lab. I've only been here a few times.

Sophia: I only came here once when I was really little, myself. I transported directly to the Research Zone...

Cliff: I guess this time, we'll have to walk.

Fayt: Yeah. But it shouldn't be too far.

Maria: It sounds like Dr. Leingod's research zone is to the west from here.

Fayt: Let's go.

Second Operator: The Executioners have been sighted. They've already engaged our front line!

Commodore Wittcomb: So, they've come!
Second Operator: Oh no... We've lost the Battleship Sterling, and the Radiant's been hit in its starboard warp core! The Independence has lost its shields!

Commodore Wittcomb: We're outmatched.
Second Operator: Displaying Executioners on screen.

Commodore Wittcomb: Quickly!

Male Operator: What the-? What on earth are they? They're not ships... Are those things alive?
Second Operator: We've lost the Quicksilver! They've already destroyed 37 Federation ships! And we've only disabled eight enemy units! Twenty-four still remain! They're annihilating us!

Commodore Wittcomb: Gods... This is far worse than I thought. I'm counting on you, kids.

Next time: DOLPHIN BOY IS BACK

Disc 2 start!!

Mirage: Engaging gravitic warp.

Marietta: Our long-range sensors have picked up a ship - fast approaching.

Maria: Ship registration?

Marietta: It's the Aquaelie, a Federation battleship.

Maria: A battleship? What is a Federation battleship doing out here?

Fayt: Could they be after us?

Maria: ...

Marietta: Incoming transmission.

Maria: Full stop. Display the transmission on screen.

Mirage and Marietta: Roger.

Maria: Likewise. I would never have expected to meet Commodore Wittcomb, star officer of the Federation fleet, in these parts.

Commodore Wittcomb: Heh heh. I'm flattered you'd remembered my name. But first things first. That's Dr. Leingod's son standing behind you, correct?

Maria: Yes it is.

Commodore Wittcomb: Well, what I am about to say will no doubt come as a surprise. There's no time for details now, so I'll be brief.

Maria: Go on.

Commodore Wittcomb: A Vendeeni ship is approaching you. Our analysts believe they will not attack, so we expect the same of you. None of us want there to be any hostilities.

Fayt: What are you talking about? How could you possibly know that the Vendeeni will not attack!?

Commodore Wittcomb: Because-

Marietta: Captain, our sensors have picked up the Vendeeni ship. They're sending out a transmission.

Wittcomb nods.

Maria: Switch signals.

Biwig: Surrender immediately and submit to our orders.

Maria: Nice to meet you, too.

Biwig: Dr. Leingod, enemy of the galaxy, and the girl, are in our hands. You are in no position to refuse our demands.

Fayt: Dad! Sophia!

Fayt: What do you want with my father!?

Biwig: We have but a single demand. You must exchange Leingod's son for Dr. Leingod.

Fayt: Exchange me for my father?

Maria: And the method of exchange? I suppose we don't trust one another enough to transport them between our ships.

Biwig: Obviously not. We will reach your location in a few minutes. Further orders will be issued at that point. You will standby until then.

Biwig cuts the communication feed.

Maria: Marietta, encrypt our signal to the Aquaelie.

Marietta: Done.

Commodore Wittcomb: I heard everything.

Maria: So that's the situation.

Commodore Wittcomb: Dr. Leingod's safety is paramount. As long as they hold him, we're unable to attack.

Maria: I suppose you're right. Commodore, just how much do the Federation and Vendeeni really know?

Commodore Wittcomb: About what?

Maria: Don't play dumb with me. You wouldn't be trying to get Dr. Leingod, let alone Fayt, unless you had some sort of information on them.

Commodore Wittcomb: I suspect our intentions are not that different from your own. As for the Vendeeni, I'm not sure what they want, but I do have my suspicions.

Maria: I see.

Cliff: So... What'cha gonna do? You gonna give him up without a fight?

Fayt: You gotta be kidding! I still have things I want to ask my father!

Maria: Don't worry, Fayt. I won't let them have you or your father. I won't stand for that.

Fayt: Maria.

Commodore Wittcomb: As long as you can secure Dr. Leingod, the Aquaelie will be able to deal with the Vendeeni ship.

Maria: The timing of the hostage exchange will be key. No doubt, they will specify a neutral location for the exchange. I'm not sure what we'll do then. We'll have to think of something.

Cliff: 'Think of something'? We'll be flying by the seat of our pants!

Maria: Not much else we can do. We've no time, and the cards are stacked against us.

Mirage: Just the sort of situation you like, isn't it Cliff?

Cliff: S'pose so, but...

Commodore Wittcomb: Give it your best shot. I place it in your hands.

Cliff: Well, we aren't doin' this for you, ya know.

Commodore Wittcomb: Nevertheless... Dr. Leingod and the boy must not fall into Vendeeni hands.

Maria: Right.

Commodore Wittcomb: I imagine it will not be much longer until we arrive. Sit tight until then.

Maria: All right.

Commodore Wittcomb: Best of luck to you.

Maria: I know... Remember, I have some unfinished business with him. We won't fail to free your father.

Cliff: Heh heh. I can hardly wait.

Maria: I'm glad you're on my side.

Cliff: You know it.

Fayt: I hope Sophia's holding up well. This has to be hard on her.

Marietta: Captain, we're receiving a transmission from the Dasvanu.

Maria: On screen.

Fayt: (On Elicoor?)

Biwig: Prepare to transport down. ... And no heroics.

Marietta: The Dasvanu's sent the coordinates. 147.5834, 34.8874.

Maria: Location.

Marietta: Right away.

Fayt: Hey, isn't that-

Cliff: Heh, oh yeah.

Maria: You've been there?

Cliff: Yup, sure have.

Maria: Understood. We'll hold you to that as well. We'll exchange Fayt for Dr. Leingod and the Esteed's daughter. That's the deal.

Biwig: Yes, that is the deal.

Cliff: We can only transport six at a time. Their capacity shouldn't be any different.

Maria: Most likely.

Cliff: Well, I guess six should be enough.

Fayt: Remember, they've got my father. Whatever you do, be careful.

Cliff: You're such a worrywart. Put a little more trust in me.

Fayt: I trust you, I really do. It's just...

Maria: Don't worry.

Maria: It'll be okay... Believe me. We'll get everyone back safely.

Fayt: Maria...

Fayt: Okay.

Maria: Mirage, prepare to transport us down.

Mirage: Roger, Captain.

Cliff: I'll go with you.

Cliff: Hey Steeg, you're coming, too.

Maria: Lancar, you read me?
Lancar: Sup, Maria?

Maria: Ready three combat personnel, equipment level A. You pick the team. They'll transport down with us.
Lancar: Level A? This must be serious.

Maria: It is.

Maria: Our suits are no match for the disrupter rifles the Vendeeni use, but they're better than nothing.
Lancar: Got it. I'll have them ready ASAP.

Maria: I'm counting on you.

Fayt: Nothing. I was just thinking you really are Quark's leader.

Maria: Not too sharp, are you? I've been telling you that from the start.

Fayt: I know, it's just that...

Maria: Yeah, whatever. There's still some time before we transport down, so you're free until then. There's nothing I need you for right now. I'll make an announcement when it's time to go.

Fayt: Okay.

We get to run around the ship for a bit and talk to people, but there isn't really much noteworthy other than Lieber getting jealous of Fayt getting to hang out in space with Maria. Eventually we get beeped back up to the bridge.

Cliff: You've got the bridge, Mirage.

Mirage: Roger.

Cliff: Yahaa, let's do it!

Mirage: Good luck. See you soon.

Maria: If something happens, you have command of the Diplo.

Mirage: Understood.
Lancar: Well, let's just hope nothing happens.

Maria: My thoughts exactly... We'll be back shortly.

Mirage: Take care.
Lancar: Stay sharp and keep an eye on the captain.

Starting at this next scene, there'll be slight variations in cutscenes depending on which character got flagged as our first optional character between Nel, Albel, and Roger. I'll be using Nel as the "default" for screenshots but I'll include the variants for each one in the transcript.

From now on, anytime a line is in teal that means it's unique to whether that character is in the party or not. Usually this'll only be a single line at at a time (and everyone else says the same thing regardless) but when responses change as well I'll indicate it more explicitly.

Fayt: (Hang in there, you two. Shouldn't be long now.)

Fayt: (Hmm?)

Fayt: A transport jammer!

Biwig: Hand over the boy, now.

Maria: What do you mean? I thought we had a deal.

Biwig: Hmph. Did you? Your equipment suggests otherwise. You Federation scum are always up to dirty tricks.

Maria: It'd be plain stupid to come unprepared. Besides, we're not from the Federation.

Biwig: What's the difference? Hey, boy... Get over here.

Fayt: Grrr...

Maria: No!!! How dare you!

Biwig: Take the boy alive. Kill the rest!

We have a quick and trivial fight against some Vendeeni soldiers.

Cliff: Seems you underestimated us.

Biwig: It would appear so.

Maria: The tables have turned, Biwig.

Biwig: Heh heh...

Cliff: What's so funny, bag-head? You're the only one left.

Fayt: Something's being transported down!?

Maria: How's that possible!? There's a transport jammer here!

Biwig: Ahahahaha! Fools! Our technology only blocks who we want it to block. We can bring down as many reinforcements as we need!

Cliff: Grrr!

More reinforcements appear.

Cliff: Run for it!

Sophia: Don't worry. I just tripped.

Fayt: Let me see your leg.

Fayt: Why didn't you tell me you were hurt!?

Cliff: Must've been hit in that fight back there.

Cliff: !!!

Cliff looks out the door behind them.

Cliff: ... You guys hide here. I'll try to draw them away.

Fayt: What, alone?

Cliff: I'll be fine. I can handle these guys. Her injury is gonna slow you down.

Vendeeni Soldier: I've spotted one over here!

Sophia: Huh?? Oh, right here.

Maria: It doesn't look too bad. We'll fix you up in no time once we get back to the Diplo... I know it hurts, but hang in there a bit longer.

Sophia: Okay, thanks.

Maria: The transport jammer should have about a 2-km radius of effect, right?

Robert: That's the Federation spec, but the Vendeeni technology is more advanced. No doubt it has an even greater area of effect.

Maria: It will be hard getting clear of it.

Fayt: If we try to run, they'll only come after us. We have to make a stand.

Robert: You've grown, Fayt.

Cliff: Let's talk it over with Cliff when he gets back.

Maria: Okay.

Fayt: In the meantime, Dad, there's something I have to ask you.

Robert: So you've finally found out.

There's an awkward pause during which Sophia looks back and forth between Robert and Fayt.

Robert: But you must understand. I never once thought of you as a tool for my research. You were born because your mother and I always wanted a child.

Maria: Well then, tell us why! How could you treat your own child like a guinea pig!?

Robert: By the way, who is she?

Fayt: This is Maria. Maria Traydor.

Fayt: She's the leader of Quark, the anti-Federation group.

Robert: Maria Traydor... Traydor?

Fayt: You performed genetic engineering on her, just like you did to me.

Sophia: Uncle Robert - genetic engineering...?

Robert: What!? So that means you're- I see. That's why your last name is Traydor.

Maria: Explain yourself, Dr. Leingod... I think we have the right to know.

Fayt: Dad, tell us why... Why did you do it, Dad? Why did you manipulate our genes?

Robert: I did it... for the sake of our universe.

Maria: Our universe? That's quite a grand scale. How could modifying our genes have anything to do with the universe?

Robert: But it's the truth. I performed symbological genetic engineering on you because of a force that would one day threaten all we know.

Fayt: Threaten all we know?

Robert: I don't expect you to believe me right here and now. It's a long story. I'll explain everything once we get out of here. Just be patient.

Maria: Is that all!? You think we'll accept that poor excuse for an explanation!?

Fayt: Maria...

Maria: That's not what I wanted to hear!

Robert: I'm sorry.

Fayt: It's nothing, really.

Cliff: O-kay...

Cliff: I've cleared out all the enemies in the immediate area, but we can't waste any time. I'm sure they'll keep calling in reinforcements. And there are still Vendeeni soldiers here and there. Seems to b eno end to them. They're like roaches!

Fayt: I think we should destroy the jammer. Otherwise, we don't stand a chance. We'll be picked off one by one.

Fayt: What do you think? I'd like to hear your opinion.

Maria: Hmmm... Seems we have no other choice.

Maria: Maria to Diplo.

Marietta: I'm here!

Maria: That Biwig's using a new type of transport jammer. We're going to destroy it. Be ready to transport us up as soon as we do.

Marietta: Cannot comply!

Maria: What's wrong?

Maria: What happened to the Aquaelie? It should have been here by now...

Marietta: They're being blocked by another Vendeeni ship. They need a little more time.

Maria: Where's Mirage?

Marietta: She's on damage control. Lieber and Lancar are with her!

Maria: All right. Find some way to hold out until the Aquaelie arrives!

Marietta: We'll do our best!

Fayt: Hey! If the Vendeeni are engaged, maybe they're also too busy to use their transporters.

Cliff: Yeah. There's a good chance of that.

Maria: If so, then they've got all the soldiers they're going to get.

Maria: Let's take out their jammer then. In the meantime, let's just hope the Aquaelie shows up to lend a hand.

Cliff: Relying on the Federation sticks in my craw, but I guess we have no other choice.

Fayt: It's gonna be tough, you two, but hang in there.

Fayt: Let's go.

This last scene had us up in the kitchen section of the training facility (floor 3) so now... we get to run all the way back to floor 1 so we can take the elevator to floor 4. Thankfully there's less enemies here than back when the Black Brigade was still stationed there, but it's still a little tedious.

Biwig: I will say it once more. Resistance is futile. I can keep calling in reinforcements, no matter how many of my soldiers you defeat. There is no escape! Muwahahahaha!

Fayt: Grrrrrr!

???: That's because of this thing, you fool!

???: That's because of this thing!

Cliff: Huh!?

Fayt: What!?

Maria: How the-!?

Nel: I think that did the trick. What the heck was it, anyway?

Fayt: Nel!

Albel: Hmph, are you still so confident, now?

Fayt: Albel!

Roger: Jackpot! Hehe, sweeeeeet!

Fayt: Roger!

Biwig: Damn you!

Biwig starts shooting at Nel/Albel/Roger.

Albel: Huh!?

Roger: Uhwaaa!?

Nel: Aaaaaahhhhhh!

Albel: Gaaaaaaah!

Roger: Aiiiiiieeeeeeee!

Fayt: Biwig!

Biwig: Destruction of our transport jammer means nothing! Our battleship can crush your flagship at any time!

Lieber: Captain, are you ok?

Biwig: What is going on!? Where are the reinforcements!?

Biwig: What? The Aquaelie!?

Biwig: Damn! Pull us out now! Dasvanu, transport us up!

Fayt and Cliff rush over to Nel/Albel/Roger.

Maria: Thanks, that was close.

Lieber: No problem. I'm just glad we're in time.

Maria: Give me a status report. I assume the Aquaelie has arrived?

Lieber: Yes, it arrived a few minutes ago and joined the fight against the Vendeeni. Even the Dasvanu should have a hard time against both our ships.

Maria: Good.

Fayt: What are you doing here!?

Nel: ... I had... a lot on my mind... And so... I came here. Then... I saw you all and...

Nel: I'm glad... I could help... before... the end. ... I never... thanked you... properly.

Cliff: Hey, I don't wanna hear any of this 'the end' crap from you!

Albel: What am... I... doing here? ... This is... my turf. Just thought... I'd drop by... And look what... happened.

Albel: You worms... are... my prey... I'm not going to let... anyone else have you...

Cliff: Stop joking around! Hey! Open your eyes!

Roger: Glad... I could help... you guys... before the end. ... You guys... helped me... before.

Cliff: Hey, I don't wanna hear any of this 'the end' crap from you!

Nel/Albel/Roger passes out.

Maria: You're right.

Maria: Diplo, report.

Marietta: The Aquaelie has just destroyed the Dasvanu with its creation cannons!

Mirage: We'll be able to transport you in one minute's time.

Mirage: Just a second. What is it, Marietta?

Marietta: We detected transporter activity right before the Dasvanu was destroyed. We can't tell what they sent, so be careful down there.

Mirage: Did you get that? Be very careful.

Maria: Okay, thanks...

Fayt: Dad!

Maria: Doctor!

Sophia: Nooooooooo!!!

Robert: Fayt... Maria... Sophia...

Fayt: Dad, save your strength...

Robert: ... Aaaahhhh...

Biwig: Haha, it serves you right for interfering! This never would have happened if you had done what I asked.

Maria: Slime!

We get to fight Biwig for real this time, and he's not that difficult, he goes down like he deserves.

Robert: ... Forgive... me...

Robert goes limp.

Maria: Dr. Leingod...

Fayt: No, it can't be! Dad!

Maria: Diplo... It's over. Transport us up.

Mirage: Roger, Captain.

Mirage: We'll transport you up as soon as we can.

Maria: How long do you plan on moping around?

Sophia: That's a mean thing to say!

Sophia: His father just died, you know! How about a little more sympathy?

Maria: Fayt, your father left something to the two of us! What are you going to do about it?

Fayt shakes his head.

Maria: I don't care what you do. I'm going to Moonbase. ... Even if I have to go alone!

Fayt: Sorry.

Fayt: I'll go, too... to Moonbase. We'll go get whatever my father left behind.

Maria: Good.

Sophia: Fayt...

Sophia: Maria has a point. It's not like you to be so depressed.

Sophia: But... don't be too hard on yourself.

Fayt: Ok...

Fayt: I'm sorry for worrying you.

Sophia: That's okay.

Cliff: All right. So it's off to Moonbase, then?

Maria: Yeah, that's the plan. I've already given the crew the order.

Albel: Moonbase, hmm? Sounds interesting. I think I'm ready for a new world.

Roger: Moonbase... What in the world's that? Huh, hope they have lotsa good stuff to eat there!

Fayt: Huh, what did you just say?

Maria: Do you know what you're saying? You might never make it back home again!

[Nel's version]

Nel: I realize that.

Cliff: I don't think you understand what you're getting into!

Nel: We were able to end the war with Airyglyph thanks to all of you. But now that the war is over, there is no longer a need for me there.

Nel: So, now, I'd like to help you all out. That's the only way I can pay you back for helping to end the war.

[Albel's version]

Albel: Yeah, I know. So what of it?

Cliff: I don't think you understand what you're getting into!

Albel: No thanks to you, the war's over, and Vox is dead.

Albel: There's no excitement left in Airyglyph. Means I gotta find it somewhere else.

Albel: You got that, worms?

[Roger's version]

Roger: Hmm? Oh, yer probably right.

Roger: After seeing such interestin' stuff, ya think I could leave now? I'm with you guys till the end.

Fayt: Yeah, but...

Nel: But if you feel that I'll just get in the way, I'll leave.

Albel: But it's a different matter if you think I'll weigh you down.

Roger: Am I... a nuisance?

Cliff: You won't be in the way, but still...

Fayt: I think... it's a good idea.

Cliff: Huh!?

Sophia: You sure?

Fayt: Yeah. I think so. C'mon.

Maria: Fine. If that's how you feel, I've no objections.

Cliff: Ok, what can you do?

Fayt: Good to have you with us.

Nel: Good to be here.

Albel: Hmph.

Roger: You can count on me!

This is actually the middle of a cutscene, but it's the cleanest stopping point for now, so that's it for this update! As of now, whichever Elicooran saved us is permanently a party member again :D

Since we did the totally reasonable thing of stopping right before the dungeon boss on this last update, let's get to that now. With the Ring of Disintegration in hand, we can clear the door to the Marquis's lair.

Maria: Now that's just too big.

Cliff: I can see why they call him the Marquis. Impressive.

Nel: I really hope he'll go along with our proposal...

Albel: It won't be that easy, fool.

Nel: What did you call me!?

Fayt: Huh!? It moved!

Cliff: Whoa! The dragon talks!?

Dragon: ... Another ill-mannered human, I see.

Dragon: Do you believe you are the masters of all creation? Why are you so surprised that other creatures can speak? You act as though you know everything. Ages pass, yet you humans never learn.

Dragon: A maiden of Aquaria? Speak your purpose.

Nel: Yes, Your Excellency. A great threat is menacing these lands. We need Your Excellency's help to stop it.

Dragon: Hmph. I sensed the restlessness outside. What would you have me do?

Nel: We'd like you to bear the runological weapon we developed, so that we can deal with this threat.

Dragon: Imbeciles! You would have me bear on my own back something made by human hands!? Do not insult me, humans. I am great and ancient, and you are nothing. How could you think I would acquiesce to such a foolish request?

Nel: Even so, we cannot leave until you agree!

Dragon: I could not care less!

Cliff: Nel, forget it. Turkeys like this need to be smacked around a bit before they'll listen.

Albel: Now that's a first. We're both of the same opinion.

Maria: I agree that humans are nothing special. But I wonder if you are as great as you say you are. Perhaps you need a lesson in humility.

Fayt: Your Excellency... Is there no way you'll agree to cooperate?

Dragon: None!

Fayt: Oh well. We'll have to force you to listen!

Dragon: You are free to try. Convince me of your worth and I shall listen to all you have to say!

Maria: We'll hold you to your word, Your Excellency!

Dragon: It is a promise I shall not have to keep!

The Marquis is REALLY BIG. He is so big that you will take damage when he steps on or around you, and he essentially doesn't stagger. If he starts stomping around and you're not out of the way, it's really easy to get stunlocked to death because you won't have an easy way back out of the attack. He thankfully doesn't have a ton of HP, but it's easy to run into trouble especially if you're playing an all-melee party.

Surprise! If you thought you had beat him, there's a second fight against him immediately after the first one. That's the more difficult part, not because that second fight is tougher or anything, but because it's easy to not be in great shape after the first one, and you're not given time to heal or anything. We get him pretty okay though.

Maria: You'll keep your word, right?

Dragon: Though it is humiliating to serve your kind, breaking one's word is a despicable act. I have no choice.

Nel: All right then.

Dragon: You may ride on my back, small but powerful humans. I shall bear you wherever you desire.

Dragon: Call me Crosell, little one.

Fayt: Well then, Crosell. Would you start by heading towards Castle Aquaria to the east?
Crosell: As you wish!

Runologists: Yes, Lady Nel.

Fayt: This may be hard for you, but please bear with us.

Crosell: There is no other choice.

Maria: That's right. Besides, the strong must be magnanimous toward the weak.

Crosell: This young lady speaks the truth.

Aquaria XXVII: You have done well.

Airyglyph XIII: To think you were actually able to capture him...

Crosell: No one captured me. I just agreed to help you a bit. Do not misread the situation, foolish king.

Airyglyph XIII: Hmph, it matters not. So, Romeria, who shall ride the Marquis?

Aquaria XXVII: A good question, indeed... I was hoping you would lend us the services of someone from the Dragon Brigade.

Crosell: That is unacceptable. Only those who personally requested my help may ride me.

Aquaria XXVII: Then we must let them decide who will ride.

Airyglyph XIII: It seems we have no choice. Anyway, the Dragon Brigade is short on men. They are already too taxed trying to form a unit bearing runological weapons.

Aquaria XXVII: That settles it, then. Nel, I must ask you and the others to handle this.

Nel: Yes, Your Majesty.

At this point, the runologists need a little bit to get Crosell ready, so we're free to roam around Aquios, but we're not allowed out of the city. This is the time where we can visit Elena for the sidequest from part 21. The requirement for the runologists to finish readying up is to talk to every party member, all of whom are wandering around the castle/city. I constantly forget where Roger and Adray are because I've often done playthroughs where I didn't grab them.

Nel is in her room in the castle:

Nel: What's wrong? Feeling restless? Me, too... But it won't help to rush things. We can only do what we can right now.

Nel: Hopefully, they'll finish modifying the Thunder Arrow before the enemy mounts a full-blown attack. Go directly to the garden behind the audience chamber if anything goes wrong.

Adray is in Clair's room in the castle:

Adray: I just experienced my first ride in a flying vessel. It was fairly enjoyable. Now I think I understand why Glyphians admire the Dragon Brigade so much.

Mirage is in the room Cliff and Fayt shared in the castle:

Mirage: The Diplo's Marietta and I will transmit the coordinate trace and data. The Diplo will be within range to transport us up in as little as 4 minutes and 30 seconds. But i'll most likely be in about 5 minutes. We only need that much more time. Don't do anything rash.

Mirage: The Diplo may look like a diplomatic flagship, but she's made from 100% military hardware. That means she has speed, firepower, and defenses rivaling a corsair. So, shaking off a Vendeeni ship is by no means impossible. If we can get within the region controlled by the Federation, they won't be able to pursue us any further.

Cliff is just walking around in one of the castle hallways:

Cliff: Relax. I'll keep you safe. Even a battleship wouldn't have it easy against me.

Albel is standing in the main street of Aquios, somewhat close to another NPC:

Albel: Hmph. These people keep casting reproachful glances my way. If they have something to say to me, they should just come over and say it! The people of this city are nothing but useless garbage!

... And if we talk to said NPC:
Earnest Youth: Umm... That man over there keeps glaring at me, and it's quite frightening. Have I done something wrong? He's not going to suddenly attack me, is he? I sure hope he won't.

Roger is hanging out in the Aquios grocer:

Roger: I'm not directly tied to this feud or anything, but ya can count on me to stand with you till the end. Anyway, this is a cause worth fightin' for!

And Maria is in the castle chapel:

Maria: Oh, Fayt. Saying your final prayers? Well, I can kinda relate. I mean, if the gods could guarantee that our strategy would succeed, even I'd become a believer in an instant.

Once we've talked to everyone, we can go back to the castle garden, where everyone is ready to go.

Maria: All right. Keep in mind that there may be a Vendeeni ship lurking nearby. Put us into low orbit.

Marietta: That will increase atmospheric friction. Are you sure?

Maria: Our enemy will have the same problem. Stay on your guard.

Marietta: Roger!

Maria nods at Fayt and they both start walking off.

A quick note: this next section is all a pre-rendered cutscene, and it does NOT have any captioning in-game. As such, these transcripts might not be 100% accurate (including who the speaker is) because I had to try to caption by ear and I am very bad at that, and several lines specifically gave me trouble so, mea culpa if anything seems off.

Marietta: Captain! Three Vendeeni ships are closing in!

Maria: Prepare for battle. We'll provide backup down here.

Marietta: Backup? With what?

Maria: There's no time to explain. Just hang in there, we'll cover you from here.

Marietta: Roger!

Maria: Crosell, head towards that huge object over there.

Crosell: Yes, little one.

Maria: Okay, fire when you get within range.

Nel: Got it.

Maria: Don't give up! Keep firing.

Nel: I know, I'm trying!

Cliff: Argh, come on and blow up already!

Fayt: Don't worry, it must be working, just keep it up!

Fayt: What was that!? That wasn't the-

Maria: No, it wasn't the diplo. I think they've pulled it off!

Fayt: Yes! We've got a chance now!

Nel: What's this? There!

Crosell: They're retreating.

Marietta: Captain! We're history unless we do something fast!

Maria: Make a run for it. We're coming to help!

Cliff: Man, this is bad!

Fayt: Crosell, hurry!

Crosell: I AM hurrying!

Maria: Diplo!

The pre-rendered cutscene stops here and we return to regular cutscenes.

Cliff: What was that?

Marietta: Captain.

Maria: Marietta! Are you okay!?

Marietta: Yes, thankfully... Did you see that?

Maria: What was it? Do we have a computer analysis?

Marietta: Hold on a second... Here it is. What!?

Maria: What's wrong?

Marietta: I don't believe it! The computer says that narrow beam of light was packing an energy magnitude of 3.2!

Cliff: Did she say magnitude 3.2!?

Fayt: That can't be... Even the creation cannons on the latest Federation battleships can only emit an energy magnitude of 2, tops!

Cliff: So what the hell was it?

Maria: Marietta, can you determine the light beam's origin?

Marietta: No. All I can tell is it's somwhere extremely far away. Even the Diplo's sensors couldn't detect the source.

Marietta: Oh!!! Hold on a second.

Marietta: Captain, our sensors have picked up multiple instances of the same type of energy reaction! They're all heading in the same direction! One of them is exceeding magnitude 4!

Maria: Magnitude 4!? Where are they headed!?

Marietta: Earth!!!

Cliff: Not a chance. Do you think a Vendeeni weapon could do what we just saw? Or an Aldian weapon for that matter?

Fayt: ... True. It's highly unlikely that either has an energy source exceeding the magnitude of creation energy.

Maria: But if it's some new weapon, we're in big trouble. I'm not even sure the Earth's planetary defense shield could block it.

Fayt: Let's get back to the castle. We're wasting time here.

Maria: You're right. Marietta... Give me a damage report on the Diplo.

Marietta: The gravitic warp engine's been damaged. ... Repairs should take about six hours.

Maria: Do it in four. I have a bad feeling about this...

Marietta: Roger. We'll try our best.

Maria: I'm counting on you.

Marietta: Understood.

Fayt bows.

Fayt: I am very sorry for causing all this trouble.

Aquaria XXVII: On the contrary. We have learned that there are entire civilizations out there beyond our world. And we have learned this is not the time for foolish struggles between our countries.

Airyglyph XIII: Precisely. In order to avoid bringing the final prophecy of Apris to fruition in its worst form, we must not wage war.

Aquaria XXVII: Indeed.

At this point, the cutscene diverges a little bit, but I'm not entirely sure based on what (either some flags or affection values), and there's three different versions, one for each of the optional Elicooran characters.

[If you get Nel's variant]

Fayt: Okay, everyone, we're off. Again, I'm sorry for all the trouble.

Maria: I'm glad we got a chance to know each other, even though our time together was brief.

Nel: I'm glad, too. I'm glad Apris granted me the opportunity to meet you all. I wish you could stay.

Maria: Unfortunately, that's not an option. As you have your world, we have ours as well.

Nel: I thought you might say something of the kind... I pray for your success in rescuing your father.

Fayt: Thanks.

[If you get Roger's variant]

Fayt: Okay, everyone, we're off. Again, I'm sorry for all the trouble.

Maria: I'm glad we got a chance to know each other, even though our time together was brief.

Roger: Me too. Are you sure I can't go with you?

Maria: Unfortunately, that's not an option. As you have your world, we have ours as well.

Roger: Well, yeah...

Fayt: Thanks for everything.

Roger: Aww, you're making me blush! ... I hope you rescue your dad okay!

Fayt: Yeah, thanks.

[If you get Albel's variant]

Fayt: Huh? Where's Albel?

Woltar: He went back home. Said something like, 'The danger's past, so there's no need for me to stay here'.

Maria: He didn't even say good-bye... He'll never change.

Woltar: Ah, don't say that.

Fayt: I wanted to at least say good-bye.

Airyglyph XIII: We will tell him for you.

Fayt: Thank you very much.

Airyglyph XIII: No, it is we who should thank you.

[All variants merge here]

Maria gets a transmission on her communicator.

Maria: It's me.

Marietta: The repairs are complete, ma'am.

Maria: Already? That was fast.

Marietta: We did our best.

Maria: Thanks. I owe you one. Be ready to receive four via transportation in one minute.

Marietta: Roger.

Everyone warps away.

Maria: Good work, everyone.

Lieber: I'm so happy you made it back safely. I've been worried sick... I haven't been able to sleep a wink!

Maria: No time for chitchat. Any progress analyzing that energy?

Lieber: Uhh... yeah. It appears that blast of energy came from neither Federation, Aldian, nor Vendeeni forces.

Maria: How do you know that?

Lieber: We don't have much information right now, but according to intercepted communications, all three groups are currently under attack by another entity.

Cliff: From where?

Lieber: Don't know yet. There are limits to the communications we can intercept at this distance. Marietta is continuing to analyze the data.

Maria: I don't know if they're friend or foe, but they sure did a number on those Vendeeni. Let's take advantage of the situation. And keep gathering that data for analysis.

Lieber: Leave it to me!

Maria: I'm going to the bridge.

We can wander around the Diplo a little bit but there isn't anything super fancy to see so we follow Maria.

Maria: Let's proceed as planned to point S317. All hands standby!

Marietta: Right!

Fayt: W-wait a sec... 'Secure Dr. Leingod'? So you know where my father is?

Maria: That's right. He's being held in a cave on a planet located at point S317.

Maria: It's been cleverly disguised, but it'sa secret Vendeeni base, no doubt.

Fayt: A secret base!? How do you know about it then?

Maria: Don't underestimate Quark's information network. We'll be entering gravitic warp at once. Go sit over there.

Fayt: Oh, okay.

Maria: Set a course to point S317 via gravitic warp. Break out of orbit with one-quarter thrust.

Mirage: Okay. Breaking out of orbit with one-quarter thrust.

\o/

That's it for disc 1! We're officially halfway(-ish) through the game!

Next time: DISC 2 BABY. Also we're finally in space again after 14 updates on the same space rock.

This update's gonna be a bit of a mix between side content and story content! Some side content opens up right after we sort things out in Airyglyph, so we're going to do that first before we get on with the story. We have some PAs, and a sidequest that takes place in fives parts: the first three open up right now, the fourth opens up at the beginning of part 22 (so I'll show it right now already), and the fifth isn't until a good chunk of the way through disc 2 so we'll have to wait for that pay-off.

The other important optional thing that opens up right now is that we start having to worry about optional party members. Like I mentioned in the opening post, the game has a total of 10 possible party members, but only 8 slots for them. 6 of them are mandatory, so that leaves us to pick 2 out of the remaining 4. Those four characters are Nel, Albel, Roger, and Peppita. Specifically, our 7th party member is going to have to be one of Nel, Albel, or Roger.

The way the "choice" works, is that if you see a special cutscene for Roger, he's automatically your 7th (and I believe takes precedence over Albel's scene), and if you see a special cutscene for Albel (and give the right response) instead, he'll be your 7th. If you see neither before finishing the Urssa Lava Caves, which is quite likely if you're playing through the game blind, you get Nel. You don't see the effects of this until a little bit later, though, since all three are currently still in our party. Anyway, since this is an LP, let's go see both those cutscenes, shall we.

Roger's cutscene requires him to have joined the party temporarily during Duggus Forest, and then picked him up and invited him again when we visited Surferio. We go find him in Lucien's house in Surferio to trigger this:

Lucien: I thought maybe you were hidin' somewhere cuz you can't beat me.

Roger: Who'd you say can't beat you? Ha, you're pretty funny, aren't ya?

Lucien: I was talking about you, goofball. Hey, Lezard. What's the score sheet say?

Lezard: ... 48 wins for you, 47 wins for the goofball, and 1,504 ties!

Lucien: So, there you go, goofball.

Roger: Hey, wait a second! That can't be right! I won last time, so shouldn't that be 47 wins for you, and 48 wins for me!?

Lucien: You talkin' about that Real Man Contest we had in Duggus?

Roger: Yeah, that!

Lucien: I won that one.

Roger: What are you talking about!? I'm the one who stole that statuette from the boss of the Moonshadow Clan!

Lucien: Don't think I don't know! You had help from someone!

Lezard: Yeah, that's what my information says. Lessee... It was a blue-haired swordsman, a blond warrior, and a red-haired secret agent...

Roger: Huh? How did you know all that?

Lezard: Hehehe... The leopard never changes his spots... Just remember that I have my sources!

Vellion: Wow, Lezard... You're like, some kinda villain.

Lezard: What are you talking about, Vellion? What about me is like a villain?

Vellion: Well, um... Er... You're dressed all in dark colors, and your mouth is kinda twisted, like a sneer...

Lezard: VEL-LI-ON!

Vellion: Bu-bu-bu-t...

Lezard: No buts! If you keep talking back to me like that, there'll be no more of your favorite donuts for you, how about that!

Vellion: So-so-so-rrr-y-y-...

Lezard: Well, all right then.

Roger: Heh, you guys never change...

Lucien: Heh, who cares about donuts, anyway? In any case, you can't get help from anyone. That's against the rules!

Roger: Yeah, but... There are reasons for that, mountains of 'em...

Lucien: Still, you broke the rules, so you forfeited. In other words, I won. Lezard?

Lezard: Yep... You won 48 times, the goofball won 47 times, and there were 1,504 ties!

Lucien: Hehehehehe!!! I guess you're not match for me after all, eh goofball?

Roger: Oooh, you make me so mad...

Lucien: Huh? Who the heck are you?

Lezard: Blue... hair? Could it be that swordsman!?

Lucien: W-w-, what is it?

Fayt: He helped me out a little while ago.

Lucien: He helped you?

Fayt: We were looking for a girl who collapsed in Duggus Forest. That's when we met Roger. When he heard about our problem, he decided to help us, no matter what happened to the contest. Well, we happened to run into the boss of the bandits, so that's why we helped him, but...

Lucien: Hmm?

Fayt: Don't you think that's the sort of thing a real man would do?

Lucien: Well, yes, you could say that.

Fayt: I know he broke the rules. But he showed us he's a real man. So, can't you just strike that last contest from the record?

Lucien: Hmm?

Lezard: Hmph. Of course we can't accept that kind of excuse.

Lucien: Okay. I don't mind.

Lezard: Wh-what, are you kidding? Lucien!? You're gonna accept that...?

Lucien: Yep. You can't call it a loss when a guy bows out of a Real Man Contest to help someone who's in trouble.

Lucien: But next time! Next time, no matter what the reason is, remember that the rules are the rules!

Roger: O-okay!

Lezard: Gee... Some guys'll believe anything. Throwing away a victory like that!

Vellion: Even more proof that Lucy's the better man. Hehehe...

Lezard: Vellion, what are you so happy about...

Vellion: Uh...

Lucien: Hey, Vellion! How many times do I have to tell you, never call me Lucy!!!

Vellion: But, that's your name ain't it? It's Lucy, right?

Lucien: You little punk...

Fayt: Heh, well. It was nothing. You did help us out, after all.

Roger: You're a good dude, I can tell.

And with that, Roger is guaranteed to be our 7th party member! Guess he liked us that much for being a good big buddy :)

Albel's cutscene requires sleeping at the Peterny inn, at which point a cutscene plays instead of letting you sleep as usual:

Fayt: What do you think you're tryin' to pull!? That's dangerous!

Albel: Heh, it's not like I was trying to hit you. I was just testing my aim.

Fayt: Just testing your aim!?

Albel: Shut up and come over here, fool.

Fayt: What's going on?

Fayt: What kinda question is that...?

Albel: Just answer the question, fool.

Fayt: All right...

[If we choose I hate you.]

Fayt: Yeah, you know I hate you.

Fayt: Even though you act under the banner of war, you hurt too many people. It's just so you can brag about how strong you are. I'll never accept that.

Albel: Heh, no surprise there.

Fayt: But now's not the time to act based on personal feelings alone. The situation is too serious to allow us such luxury. ... Why did you ask anyway?

Albel: Heh, don't fre about it, worm. Dawn's not far off. You'd better get some sleep.

Albel starts walking off mid-line.

Fayt: Now he tells me to sleep... after waking me up...

[If we choose Not really.]

Fayt: Not really.

Albel: Why not? I've hurt lots of your friends. Shouldn't you hate me by now?

Fayt: Yeah, but that was not your intention, was it? It was war, after all.

Albel: ...

Fayt: It's true, it is kinda scary how obsessed you are. I guess you're one of those guys who has to prove himself by fighting.

Fayt: But, the idea of only trying to be strong... It's something I can't do, and it's something I can't even relate to, but...

Fayt: But I don't think there's anything wrong with someone else living that way.

Albel: Heh...

Fayt: And I have a feeling you won't just hurt people for no reason anymore.

Albel: But I could attack you right now, just like before.

Fayt: It's all right. I trust you.

Albel: What a happy little world you live in. Dream on, fool. Dream on.

Albel starts walking off mid-line, and Fayt shrugs.

This scene is actually a PA on top of determining whether he'll permanently join, but Albel only joins if you say you don't hate him.

And while we're in Peterny, there's another PA if we talk to him right outside at any time after recruiting him:

Albel: Try as we might, we were unable to destroy Aquaria. In other words, we failed. There was something lacking that prevented us from winning. Do you know what it was? It's really quite simple.

Fayt: Are you referring to why Aquaria won?

Albel: That's right. Despite the very real differences in strength between our kingdoms, we waged war against you because we thought we had a chance of winning. However, you can see the outcome. Why do you think this happened?

[If we choose You lacked compassion for others.]

Fayt: You lacked compassion for others. If the Glyphians had been able to see things from the Aquarian's standpoint, surely the outcome would've been different.

Albel: Ha! That sounds like something read straight from a textbook. Spare me your sentimental drivel! Compassion? Seeing things from another's standpoint? You know nothing about the real world.

Albel: What if someone important to you were starving right before your eyes? Would you still be concerned about people you'd never even seen before? Are you saying you'd continue to lead a life of hardship just to help people you don't even know!? Listen up, Fayt! After all is said and done, we are creatures that are only able to think about ourselves and a very limited number of people around us.

Albel: Only those who have never gone hungry speak such foolishness as compassion for others. Or perhaps you are suggesting we can use that compassion to fill our bellies?

Fayt: (Albel certainly has a point. The people of this kingdom are far better off than the people of Airyglyph. There is almost no one in Aquaria who has suffered through cold and hunger. I suppose it's only natural for the Glyphians to want to lead a better life like the Aquarians. Even so...)

Fayt: You may be right, Albel. However... Even if compassion won't satisfy your hunger, it will satisfy your soul. To me, that is a thousand times better than repeatedly waging senseless wars.

Albel: What nonsense. What's the point if you can't make yourself, your friends, and the woman you love happy? You intend to force that hare-brained idea of the 'good life' on the people around you?

Fayt: I have no intention of forcing anything on anyone! It's just... I want you to see my point.

Albel: You mean you want to force me to see it. What nonsense.

Albel: You can just go on living your pampered life. Well... I suppose you will wake up to reality one day.

[If we choose I suppose it was bad luck.]

Fayt: I suppose it was bad luck. Both Airyglyph and Aquaria were fighting for their people. This outcome is nothing more than the whim of the gods.

Albel: Luck, hmm... I suppose that's one way to look at it.

Albel: But what exactly is this luck you speak of, Fayt? If you try everything and still lose, I suppose you could chalk it up to bad luck. But that is not the way it really is. The losing side always lacks something. They might lack back-breaking effort and unrelenting action, or the ability to analyze and select the best course of action and make split-second decisions. The only people who say it was bad luck are those who try to divert attention from the real reason why they lost.

Albel: However, in this case I can understand how you'd want to attribute everything to such a random force. After all, who'd have thought such unimaginable things would happen?

Albel: All I can say is that Airyglyph was unlucky this time. But there's nothing that can be done about it.

[If we choose The king should've been more ruthless.]

Fayt: The king should've been more ruthless. Ruling a kingdom requires making tough decisions. It is important for a ruler to always consider the big picture and sometimes even be heartless.

Albel: Well... You do have a brain in that head of yours. There is no end to people's desires. If you want to control the masses, you have to throw away the carrot and use the stick!

Fayt: And Airyglyph had two big carrots for its masses to chew on: plenty of food and stable government. But that was the beginning of their mistake. To the people of Airyglyph, their standing wasn't something they had to fight for, rather it was something given to them by their eminent leader.

Albel: That's correct. Manipulating the masses doesn't require hope for the future. Rather than hope, we should have instilled fear among the masses about Aquaria itself. Kill or be killed, as they say.

Albel: The king is an eminent leader to a fault. That is why he yielded to the masses. The king's indulgence of the people ruined our kingdom. What utter foolishness.

Albel: I put everything I had into bettering Airyglyph... But I've made this place into nothing but a nest for spineless maggots. It's utterly ridiculous.

Let's give him a minute.

And before we move on to the sidequest, there's another important PA worth checking out in Kirlsa, if we go visit Woltar's mansion now, which opened up to us during part 20, and head up to his study.

Woltar: We've released all political prisoners, just as we promised. Are you satisfied now?

Nel: You've kept your promise. I've confirmed it myself. With this, the alliance between our two kingdoms is official at last.

Woltar: I would never lie in matters concerning faith between kingdoms. Of course, there are sometimes matters for which the entire truth cannot be told.

Nel: Is that so...? In all the Kingdom of Airyglyph, you may appear to be the most noble of people, but you really are the most treacherous. Compared to you, that snake Vox was somewhat easier to read.

Woltar: You overestimate me. It's nothing more than the wisdom of age.

Nel: Well, it doesn't matter really. What matters is our conditions: guaranteed freedom to spear the word of the Church of Apris, the release of all those wrongly imprisoned, and formal punishment for the war crimes committed by Vox and his men. We'll be satisfied as long as these conditions are met.

Nel: Well, thanks for your time. I'm short on time as well, so I must be off.

Woltar: W-wait a moment. No matter how hurried you may be, there is always time to talk. You have no questions to ask about your father?

Nel: No - nothing in particular. When your Storm Brigade attacked my father, he tried to divert the attention of your forces himself so that as many of his men as possible could escape. He's not been seen since. I've heard at least that much from those who served under my father.

Nel: Ultimately, I suppose he was killed, but such is the way of the battlefield. No matter how I might feel personally, I don't have the right to criticize what you people did, do I?

Woltar: It was I who personally defeated your father. Still of a mind to keep your criticisms to yourself?

Nel: I stand before you as Nel Zelpher, Crimson Blade, and humble servant of Her Majesty the Queen. I do not intend to let personal feelings influence the fate of our kingdom.

Woltar: Yes, I understand.

Woltar: Your restraint it most impressive. Now that I know how you feel, I suppose you would not mind if I gave you something.

Nel: Huh...?

Woltar: I believe they are known as the Blades of Ryusen. They were the swords your father wielded. I was asked to give them to you once you became worthy of the honor.

Nel: My father... But why? Speak the truth, Lord Woltar. You wanted the swords for yourself, didn't you? There's no reason for you to abide by a promise no one else knew about, especially one made with your foe.

Woltar: It was a promise made between two men of valor who crossed swords in a deadly duel to the death. How could I break my oath and still call myself a warrior?

Nel: You do realize that there's no guarantee that these swords won't once again be taken up and wielded against you and your kingdom. Will you still give them to me knowing that?

Woltar: If it once again comes to that, I shall simply lay claim to them once more. Until the next time their keeper enters these halls in anger, it belongs to your kingdom.

Nel: All right then. I'll take back my father's swords. And I pray that we'll never have to wield them against your kingdom again.

Now for the sidequest! This quest is really easy to miss, because while picking up the first part of it is fairly straightforward, it's really easy to not realize that you need to finish the second (and third!) parts before finishing the Urssa Lava Caves. And after that it's also really easy to miss the fourth part, since it has a very tight window. For our first part, we just go visit the king in Airyglyph at any point after we get access to the castle (so, end of part 20):

Fayt: Wait, it wasn't like I did anything rude...

Airyglyph XIII: Our kingdom, too, lost a great deal of its people. Under such circumstances even I, the king, must help with daily affairs myself.

Fayt: Oh... I...

Airyglyph XIII: In any case, you have your own circumstances as I have mine. It was not my intention to chastise you. Rather, the fault lies with us. It is nothing you need worry about. However, as king of these lands, it is quite difficult for me to acknowledge the errors of our ways...

Fayt: ... I understand. You don't have to say any more.

Airyglyph XIII: Hmm... Perhaps there was a good reason for you to disturb me here after all. I would ask a favor of you. Will you hear me out?

Fayt: A favor!? What could I possibly do for you? After all, you are the king.

Airyglyph XIII: It is no great matter. I was referring to this letter here. I would like you to deliver it to someone.

He places a letter on the desk.

Airyglyph XIII: It has nothing to do with politics. Please think of this as a personal favor to me as an individual, rather than as the rule of the Kingdom of Airyglyph. Can I count on you?

Fayt: Uhh... So who exactly am I supposed to take that letter to?

Airyglyph XIII: Are you acquainted with a woman named Elena Frahm? From what I have heard, she serves as the head of the Runological Weapon Development Division.

Airyglyph XIII: I would ask you to deliver the letter to her.

Fayt: Did you just say... Elena?

Airyglyph XIII: That is correct. Is something wrong?

Fayt: No... It's just... I didn't expect to hear her name.

Airyglyph XIII: Hmm, unexpected, you say. I see... I understand why you might say that.

[If we choose Okay, I'll deliver the letter.]

Fayt: Okay, I'll deliver the letter.

Airyglyph XIII: Do not fear. The letter is not about trying to lure her away or anything of the sort. As I said earlier, it is purely a personal matter.

Fayt: I will not fail to deliver it for you.

Airyglyph XIII: I must apologize for having to burden you such, as you are n ot even one of my subjects.

[If we choose I'm sorry, but I must refuse.]

Fayt: I'm sorry, but I must refuse. Your Majesty says it's purely a personal matter... But why can't you just send it as an official letter from the ruler of the Kingdom of Airyglyph?

Fayt: Although relationships between Airyglyph and Aquaria have improved lately, I wouldn't say they were friendly. Under such circumstances, I couldn't possibly imagine a kingdom's ruler taking any sort of action that might cause needless disturbances. People are weak at heart. Even if what Your Majesty has written is true, that doesn't mean everyone else will take it that way.

Airyglyph XIII: I see... You are right.

Airyglyph XIII: I have been foolish. I must thank you for having the foresight to stop me.

Fayt: No, I should apologize for being so rude. Please forgive me.

Obviously, if we refuse the quest ends right there, so we say yes and go walk ALL THE WAY to Aquios to deliver it to Elena. This is the first part that's easy to miss because we have absolutely no other reason to go to Aquios right now. But we do, and we find Elena:

Elena: What is it? I thought you had gone off to capture a great dragon.

Fayt: That was the plan, but someone asked me to deliver something to you.

Elena: Deliver something... to me?

Fayt: Yes. King Airyglyph XIII asked me to.

Elena: Airyglyph... Who's that?

Fayt: You mean you don't know? He's the ruler of the Kingdom of Airyglyph...

Elena: Hmm? Airyglyph, you say? Hmm... Airyglyph... Oh!

Elena: You must mean Arzy. I couldn't figure out who you were talking about when you said Airyglyph XIII. It sounds so important.

Fayt: Arzy!? Is that what you really call him?

Elena: It seems he has an impressive title now, but his real name is Arzei. I used to call him 'Arzy'.

Fayt: Oh... I see.

Fayt: Well this 'Arzy'... er... the King asked me to deliver this to you.

Elena: A letter?

Fayt: He said the letter was a private matter, not an affair of the state.

Elena: Okay...

Elena rips the letters into pieces and throws them to the side.

Fayt: Lady Elena!? What's wrong!?

Elena: It's not that I don't know who he is... But I have my own pride, too.

Elena: So, you see, I cannot accept this letter now... ... Especially if it deals with matters that require him to deliver it in such a clandestine manner.

Elena: Still, I don't want to cause any trouble for you, Fayt. Let me see... Would you please tell Arzy this: 'if there's something you'd like to talk about, come say it yourself, you fool!'

Fayt: Huh!? You really want me to tell him that!?

Elena: That's right. I'm counting on you.

... And now we run all the way back to Airyglyph again to tell the king, which is another easy step to forget, because this still has to be done before the caves. At least it's fast to go there from Airyglyph.

Fayt: Umm... You see...

Airyglyph XIII: Hmm... So if I have something I want to speak about, then we should meet personally... Is that what she said?

Fayt: Yes.

Airyglyph XIII: Ha ha ha... It is quite like her to say that. Yes indeed. She is just as I remembered.

Airyglyph XIII: I must apologize. It seems I have caused you to suffer needlessly.

Fayt: No... I should apologize, as it seems I've been no help.

Airyglyph XIII: That is not so. You have been quite helpful. Ha ha ha ha ha...

Fayt: (?)

The next part of the quest technically happens right after finishing the Urssa Lava Caves (at the beginning of part 22), but it's a lot less flow-breaking to show it now so I might as well. This requires visiting Elena's room during the free-roam section early in part 22, which is again pretty easy to miss.

Elena: Besides, I know where everything is. It's easier this way.

Airyglyph XIII: You'll never change, Elena.

Elena: Well, you've changed too much. Trying to look so important with that silly moustache...

Airyglyph XIII: What do you know? Appearances are important, after all.

Elena: It seems that it was quite cold in your kingdom this summer. If nothing is done, this winter might see some of your people starve, I hear?

Airyglyph XIII: Yes.

Elena: Vox must have taken advantage of the situation. Am I wrong?

Airyglyph XIII: I cannot deny it. However, the final decision was mine. I take full responsibility.

Elena: Well... You're just saying whatever you think will justify your actions. But there is no excuse for what you've done.

Elena: I'll be satisfied as long as you understand that. So... What brings you here today? I assume you didn't come merely to visit an old friend.

Airyglyph XIII: Let me get straight to the point. When this latest matter is settled, how about visiting my kingdom? There is nothing much to see, for it is but a cold and barren land. However, I...

Elena: That's out of the question. There are other things both you and I must do. You know that.

Elena: Many have suffered because of what we've done. We must make amends for that.

Airyglyph XIII: Perhaps you are right. However...

Elena: Arzei... I think we were not meant to be happy. I think our right to happiness, bestowed by the gods, was burned to ashes in the flames of war.

Airyglyph XIII: I see. So you've made up your mind, then?

Elena nods.

Elena: Don't look so disappointed. Anyway, I'll be unhappy right along with you. Understand?

Fayt: (...)

And that's that for that sidequest until something like 10-15 hours from now, as you do.

With all that side content out of the way, let's actually go up to Barr Mountains. A cutscene plays right as we enter.

Nel: An old legend says people used to live in these mountains.

Maria: With the dragons!?

Fayt: They probably had some way of communicating with them.

The Barr Mountains are technically a dungeon area and not a field area, and they're not too huge but they are very very easy to get lost in on account of being pretty twisty. We find our way to a big cave with a big dragon in it soon enough though.

This is a really weird boss battle, because the sort of smoke you can see around the boss deals damage if you're standing in it, which you're always going to be doing if you're playing melee. So you're best off either using ranged characters or playing chicken with your health bar. Outside that it's not too bad because it's pretty slow.

Maria: ... Dragon skeletons!

Cliff: It must be a dragon graveyard.

A strange cry is heard.

Cliff: Sounds like an air dragon! Where the heck is it?

Nel: There's no need to panic.

Fayt: It's a dragon's windpipe.

Nel: A dragon's windpipe is quite a valuable item. I've heard that flutes made from them can produce special sounds.

Albel: Hrmm...

There's a workshop just down the mountain, so we use that real quick to fashion a flute out of the windpipe (screenshot missing). The flute is a... puzzle mechanic of sorts? It can play 4 different tunes, based on whether the O button is pressed soft or hard, and short or long. We can hear what the tunes are if we try it right now, but we don't really have context for what they mean, so let's explore a bit more.

If we stand around in a dragon nest too long we get carried off, it's cool.

Fayt: This doesn't look good. I think we'd better find somewhere safe.

This area is a nightmare to navigate because there's a million little dragonlings running everywhere and they are roughly as densely packed as that screenshot, so you start a fight every 3 seconds when you're trying to cross the area. Thankfully there's a cave near here that they won't enter.

Fayt: A baby dragon?

Fayt: I wonder if it wants us to follow.

This baby dragon will stand near the exit to the cave harmlessly, and serves as a tutorial for the flute. If we play the flute near it, it'll react with an emotion, which lets us figure out which song is which:

I know I normally don't go into a ton of detail about puzzles but I just think the baby dragon is really cute. I like to walk up to it and play the happy song. This part is entirely optional and it's actually really easy to miss on account of the "standing around in a dragon nest with a looming shadow overhead" part.

Now that we've figured out the songs, we can address this weird painting in a cave in the mountains:

We play the happy song and the relief disappears, letting us in. This next area is a combination cool old ruins and abandoned research lab.

Fayt: They entered the dragons' lair, hunted them down, and then performed all kinds of experiments on them.

Cliff: Seems so. If they were really living together, they wouldn't mercilessly slaughter them like this.

Nel: How terrible.

Albel: Hmph.

Nel: Something wrong?

Albel: Do you realize how many dragons we've killed so far?

Nel: But we-!

Albel: 'We had no choice', is what you were going to say, right?

Albel: Either way you look at it, there's really not much of a difference.

Fayt: ...

There's an even bigger relief painting a little further in (and another puzzle).

Maria: Yeah.

Nel: There's something written here. It looks like Dragon Runes.

Nel: 'Offer the dragon's cranium while within the cross. The dragon reliefs seek nothing more than their favorite sound.' What could that mean?

It means play the angry song in front of the dragon painting to make it disappear, then run around the dungeon stepping on those light-up stones, and go back to the lab area to grab a cranium. Once we do that, the door in the next room opens up, but trying to go through starts a cutscene.

Winged Boy: It's gonna be fun having somebody to beat up again!

Hello you little jerk! This fight is one of the hardest fights to date, because not only is he very fast and has several AoE attacks, he heals from any wind damage you deal to him (which, if you're not lucky, might be some of the skills you have equipped). If you're well-geared and good at the game it's not too bad, but if you're not you're going to be feeling it.

Beating him lets us through into the Lava Caves though! They're caves that are full of lava. Standing on the half-hardened lava makes you take damage.

We wander around a little bit to find a weird rabbit-shaped monument, behind which is a key.

And after more wandering, a matching door.

Fayt: Look! There's something written on the door.

No Monsters Allowed
Don't go looking for a spare key!
By the Bunny

Fayt: Wonder if it's talking about the Rabbit Ears Key. Let's give it a try.

Fayt: Guess we'll have to feel our way.

This area is by far the worst thing to try to navigate in this game, because every time you move, the camera wobbles side-to-side so that you're never actually walking straight forward, and it's REALLY hard to keep going in the direction you mean to, you're constantly running into walls. We do find another door a little further in, which seems like someone's house.

Fayt: Spare key?

Maria: He probably means the Rabbit Ears Key.

Fayt: Oh, yeah. That key.

Rabbit-Like Humanoid: Well, no matter. Besides, you don't seem to be monsters. So, what do you want?

Fayt: First, let's introduce ourselves.

Fayt: I'm Fayt.

Fayt: This is Maria.

Cliff: Hey, I have a name, too, you know!

Rabbit-Like Humanoid: I'm Vanilla. Pleased to meet you.

Fayt: We've come to speak with the Marquis, the dragon who lives somewhere in these caves.

Vanilla: Speak with... him? Hmm...

Vanilla: The entrance to his lair is blocked by volcanic rock. You can't get in.

Fayt: Aren't you in charge of these caves?

Vanilla: I have nothing to do with this place. I'm just an uninvited guest.

Albel: Bah... I told you this place was a waste of time. Fool.

Nel: I don't remember you saying that.

Albel: Me neither.

Nel: ...

Fayt: Is there any way to remove the volcanic rock?

Vanilla: There's a way, but... I'll need a glowstone to make a Ring of Disintegration. You could use that to remove it.

Maria: A Ring of Disintegration?

Vanilla: 'Disintegration' refers to a special runological force that makes objects disappear forever. A Ring of Disintegration is an item with just such a power. Anyone can use it.

Fayt: Are you saying you can make a Ring of Disintegration for us?

Vanilla: Well, I am an inventor, appearances notwithstanding.

Vanilla: A glowstone... Hmm... Do you know the Airyglyph Aqueducts? I believe there's one hidden in the ice-covered room there.

Vanilla: Do you really want a Ring of Disintegration that badly?

Fayt: Yep. We have to speak with the Marquis.

Vanilla: ...

Vanilla: When do you need it by?

Maria: Then you'll make one for us!?

Vanilla: Well, it'll put food on the table. So, when do you need it by?

Maria: As soon as possible.

Vanilla: How much will you pay me to make it?

Fayt: Umm... Let's see...

[If we choose We'll pay 1,000 Fol.]

Vanilla: Very funny. Let's just forget we ever had this conversation.

[If we choose We'll pay 10,000 Fol.]

Vanilla: Well, that's a fair price, I suppose. It's a deal.

[If we choose We'll pay 30,000 Fol.]

Vanilla: Really? You'll pay that much? Yippee!

Fayt: Oh, uhh... Hold on a sec.

Vanilla: A man never goes back on his word. Isn't that right, young lady?

Maria: ...

Vanilla: All right then, the entrance to the room where you'll find the glowstone is covered in ice. Use these disintegration bombs to break through, and then bring the glowstone back to me. I'm only giving you ten, so don't go wasting them.

Vanilla: Oh, and... Take this, too. Equipping it will give you more experience for beating even weak enemies. Of course, it makes them more challenging, too.

Fayt: Thanks.

Vanilla: I'll be waiting right here.

Before you ask: no, there is no shortcut available. We have to run all the way out of Urssa Lava Caves, all the way through the Barr Ruins, all the way down the Barr Mountains, then back to Airyglyph (though there is a dragon right outside the mountains that will take us back to just outside the city, at least). And then run all the way back. And Barr is an area that is REALLY hard to dodge monsters in, to boot.

Vanilla: I see you've brought the glowstone. All right, wait just a moment. I'll make the ring for you.

Vanilla: Done! Here's your Ring of Disintegration.

Vanilla: This is something that really requires more time and money. But, since both are in short supply, I only could make a ring that disintegrates certain things. Time and money are far more important than talent, so it couldn't be helped.

Fayt: ...

We only have a tiny bit left of the Lava Caves (the boss!) but given that it puts a bunch of story things in motion I'd rather take a breather here for the time being, since this is already a pretty long update.

Next time: we go fight a really big dragon!

Alright we're off to see what miracles Nel and Cliff accomplished during the last update, back to the throne room again.

Aquaria XXVII: According to your report, the King of Airyglyph has accepted our story at face value.

Nel: Yes. However, he did insist on speaking directly to Your Majesty.
Magistrate Lasselle: Directly? How absurd! We could never allow a hostile party to speak with the queen!

Aquaria XXVII: And the place for this discussion? Surely he does not mean to come here?

Nel: No, he specified the hall with the round table, in the Ancient Ruins of Mosel.
Magistrate Lasselle: In Mosel!? It's a dusty old ruin! They may have air dragons, but we'd have to walk!

Nel: He said that he wouldn't cooperate unless we accepted that single condition...

Aquaria XXVII: I see... Very well then. Let us go to Mosel.
Magistrate Lasselle: Your Majesty!?

Aquaria XXVII: Normally, we would never go to such a place. Now, however, is no time to be worried about such things. This is not the time to remain isolated within our own land. We shall travel to Mosel, and I myself shall persuade the King of Airyglyph.
Magistrate Lasselle: But it could be a trap!

Aquaria XXVII: Everything begins with trust. If we cannot trust him, then how can he ever trust us?

Aquaria XXVII: Did he say anything about bodyguards?

Nel: Nothing in particular. I guess that means we can do as we see fit.

Aquaria XXVII: Very well. Then you shall be our bodyguards.

Nel: Your Majesty.

Aquaria XXVII: Then we are agreed?

Fayt: Yes, Your Majesty.

Aquaria XXVII: Lasselle.
Magistrate Lasselle: Yes.

Aquaria XXVII: Give your full cooperation to Lady Elena while we are gone. And do not worry, I am in good hands.
Magistrate Lasselle: Your wish is my command. And the rest of you... Take good care of Her Majesty.

Fayt: We will.

The queen isn't a party member, but she is traveling with the group, which means we get to speak to her when we stop in cities, the same way we can with party members (or Tynave and Farleen whenever they were around). I'm not going to show the dialogue here, it'll be for extras, but she WILL say unique things if we decide to run all the way to Airyglyph right now and I think that rules.

Since we're reasonable during these story segments though, we just walk up the road to Surferio, since Mosel is past there, until we run into a cutscene halfway through the field.

Cliff: What!?

Maria: What is the meaning of this?
???: This war is not over. If Lord Vox were still around, he'd have stopped this sissy negotiation by brute force.

Fayt: What?
???: I am Schweimer. Now that Lord Vox and Lord Demetrio are gone, I lead the Dragon Brigade. I will not recognize any peace with the dogs that killed Lord Vox!

Aquaria XXVII: Does the king know of this?
Schweimer: Hah! How could he? I should imagine he's waiting for you fools to arrive at the rendezvous point!

Nel: Cretin! Watch your tongue when you speak to Her Majesty!

Aquaria XXVII: You shall let us pass.
Schweimer: And I say you shall not pass! There's no need for peace! Airyglyph rule is the best thing that could happen to Aquaria!

Cliff: You really are an idiot.

Nel: You can say that again.

Maria: All right, whatever. Shall we teach this idiot a lesson or two, guys?

Fayt: Yeah!

Schweimer is just another dragon rider miniboss like we've had several so far, so he goes down easy and doesn't even have a post-fight cutscene.

We run through Surferio, and through the caves past it, until we reach the Mosel Dunes, which is a big desert that we'll find the ruins in, and that has a fun little gimmick.

A water gauge! Any time we stand in an oasis, we recover water. Any time we're standing on sand, we lose water. So it's like a puzzle! The hardest part in my opinion isn't the water mechanic itself, since if you're careful it's easy to always find an oasis in time, but it's that it's REALLY HARD to see where the ruins are and where you're supposed to be heading to. We get there eventually, though, and eventually run into the gimmick of the Mosel Ruins:

Fayt: That sounded like a lock opening.

Fayt: Hmm... What was that all about? A battle between white and black pieces... I wonder if it's showing how to win at some kinda game?

Basically, we need to play the baby version of Runic Chess (which is a minigame that will show up again much later) in order to open up the locks to the central room of the ruins, which is where our meeting is set to take place. The Glyphians didn't need to worry about it because they have dragons and can just land there directly without all that fanfare.

The dungeon itself is really short and simple, and there's only three locks to open, but that's because there's two more optional floors we don't have access to just yet. So, off to our meeting.

Airyglyph XIII: Likewise, Romeria. You are as beautiful as ever.

Aquaria XXVII: And you have not changed one bit, I see.

Nel: Don't play dumb with us!

Airyglyph XIII: By that, I take it that something did happen. Please accept my deepest apologies.

Airyglyph XIII: Those troublemakers had the impudence to suggest that we need not ally ourselves with Aquaria if we could stand up to the new enemy alone. They urged me to conquer Aquaria and take your new weapon for ourselves.

Aquaria XXVII: A simple plan for simple minds.

Airyglyph XIII: They do not understand the dire consequences of misjudging this new enemy's strength. We are facing a much stronger threat this time and cannot affort to exhaust our strength.

Aquaria XXVII: Then you agree to our proposal?

Airyglyph XIII: Yes. We have no other choice.

Airyglyph XIII: Our military forces also sustained terrible losses in that recent attack. Out of the three brigades of Airyglyph, only the Storm Brigade still has a captain. Woltar is the only one left.

Fayt: (Hmm? What happened to Albel? I wonder if he was killed.)

Airyglyph XIII: But tell me, who is this enemy we face? I heard your agent's explanation the other day, but it made no sense to me.

Aquaria XXVII: I felt the same way. Perhaps they can explain it to us again.

Fayt steps forward and the screen fades to black.

Airyglyph XIII: Hmm... I have to admit I find it hard to believe. What about you, Romeria?

Aquaria XXVII: I must believe, Arzei. Lest both our countries be destroyed.

Airyglyph XIII: Turning these outsiders over to this new enemy is another option, is it not?

Aquaria XXVII: That might have been possible before, but now I am afraid it is no longer an option.

Airyglyph XIII: Why is that?

Aquaria XXVII: The enemy attacked the Shrine of Kaddan.

Airyglyph XIII: Kaddan was attacked!?

Aquaria XXVII: Kaddan has nothing to do with these outsiders. Once it came under attack, we realized that our lands had become the target of the enemy's aggression... Hence, there is but one thing left to try.

Airyglyph XIII: Engage them on our own terms...

Aquaria XXVII: Correct. We must unite the power of our nation's runological weapon and Airyglyph's air dragons.

Airyglyph XIII: This is no time to fret over national honor.

Aquaria XXVII: That is correct.

Airyglyph XIII: All right. Let us join forces. However, at present, having our air dragons carry your runological weapon will not be an easy task.

Aquaria XXVII: Please explain.

Airyglyph XIII: First, it is a matter of size. According to information obtained by our spies, your weapon would be too big to be carried by an air dragon.

Maria: How about carrying it with more than one dragon?

Airyglyph XIII: That too would be difficult.

Cliff: Agh, then what's the point of this alliance?

Fayt: Huh?

Airyglyph XIII: I said it's a matter of size. To carry a big weapon, we need a bigger air dragon.

Nel: Where could we find such a beast?

Woltar: In the Urssa Lava Caves near a place you have already been: the Bequerel Mines. An air dragon of immense size dwells within the caverns there.

Cliff: So all we have to do is capture the critter?

Airyglyph XIII: That is correct.

Airyglyph XIII: However, mistaking him for a mere air dragon would be suicide. The Marquis, as the beast is known, is a creature of immense size and strength. Even Vox was unable to subdue him.

Aquaria XXVII: Do not fear, Arzei. I trust they will be capable.

Airyglyph XIII: I do not doubt you feel that way. However, our trust is not so easily given.

Aquaria XXVII: Then what do you propose we do? Did you not consent to joining forces?

Airyglyph XIII: I only request that a representative of Airyglyph be included in their party. Then I shall withdraw my objections.

Aquaria XXVII: A just proposal... But who would you have go? Woltar?

Airyglyph XIII: No, Woltar is much too old. I do not have the heart to send him into the Urssa Lava Caves. I was thinking of someone else.

Fayt: And who might that be?

Airyglyph XIII: ... I was thinking about sending Albel.

Nel: Albel?

Airyglyph XIII: Do you object? I, for one, am quite fond of him. What do you think, Romeria?

Aquaria XXVII: I consent. This Albel shall travel with the party... You do not mind, do you?

Fayt: I personally don't mind, but...

Cliff: It doesn't matter what we think. The problem's gonna be what Albel thinks.

Airyglyph XIII: Then it is settled. Albel will be waiting for you in Airyglyph. You can meet him there.

Fayt: We understand.

Airyglyph XIII: We will be expecting you.

We have to go through Peterny anyway if we want to reach Airyglyph, so thankfully there's no extra detours for once. We do have to backtrack the entire way, but there's at least no extra interruptions this time.

Clair: Yes, leave it to me.

Aquaria XXVII: I do not believe it is a trap, but nevertheless, please, be careful.

Fayt: Don't worry, Your Majesty. We'll be fine!

Maria: It's just like Her Majesty said, 'Everything begins with trust'.

Aquaria XXVII: So it does. May Apris guide you in your path...

Nel: I look forward to bringing you good news.

Clair: And we look forward to your safe return.

And off to Airyglyph we go! This is technically the first time the game expects us to return since allll the way back in part 8, but we could have waltzed in at almost any point until now if we wanted, because no matter what we do none of the guards recognize us. I'll cover a lot of those times in extras because there's some fun ones. Most notably, every party member (and Tynave, and Farleen) complains about the cold at least once.

That said, it is our first time being allowed into the castle, so let's get to that.

Earnest Gatekeeper: ... Who are you and what business do you have with His Excellency?

Fayt: I'm Fayt Leingod. I'm here to pick up Albel Nox.
Lax Gatekeeper: Just a moment.

Cliff: Yeah. We escaped underground the last time we were here.

Woltar: Ho ho. You are the first people to ever enter Airyglyph Castle alive after attempts by all three of our military branches to hunt you down.

Cliff: I guess we should take that as a compliment...

Nel: Hold on... Don't those stairs lead to the dungeon? You're not trying to...

Woltar: You misunderstand me. You're here for Albel, are you not? He is down there.

Fayt: ?

Woltar: Just come with me and it shall all be clear.

Like with Nel in part 15, running off to explore is a PA, as well as talking to Woltar to hurry him up. This applies twice, both on the ground floor and once we're down the cellar stairs.

Fayt: Here?

Woltar nods and opens the door.

Woltar: Of course, the one who brought the charges against him is no longer in this world...

Cliff: Vox, right?

Woltar: Wait here.

Woltar: You have been given a mission to accompany these people to the Urssa Lava Caves. If you complete this task, you will be acquitted of all charges.

Albel: With those scum!? Those... Aquarian scum!? You must be joking!

Albel: You're senile, old man! They're the enemy!

Woltar: The situation has changed while you were imprisoned. Airyglyph and Aquaria are currently observing a truce.

Albel: What? That warmonger actually agreed to a truce?

Woltar: Vox is no more.

Albel: Dead!? Did they kill him?

Woltar: While they did engage Vox in combat, the killing blow was dealt by another.

Albel: Who? Other than these Aquarians and myself, there's no one in this world who could defeat Vox.

Woltar: They are not of this world.

Albel: Haha! You really are going senile, old man. From another world, you say? Tell me another one.

Woltar: I can hardly blame you for reacting that way. I'm not sure I believe it myself. But believe this, boy. A new, incredibly powerful enemy has appeared before us. Of this, I have no doubt. That's why we have to work together with Aquaria.

Albel: People from another world? Are you serious?

Woltar: Why would I make something like that up?

Woltar: In any case, without this new weapon, we have no chance of standing against this new enemy. That's why you must go to the Urssa Lava Caves and tame the Marquis.

Albel: The Marquis!? You're joking! That monster!?

Two soldiers walk up to Albel to unchain him.

Woltar: The way you brag of your skills, I would think the Marquis would be no match for you.

Woltar: Am I wrong, Albel the Wicked?

Albel: Rotten old man.

Woltar: I bet your father would gladly have risen to the challenge.

Albel: You make it all sound so simple, old man.

Woltar: If you fail, the rest of us are doomed along with you. There'll be no more Aquaria, and no more Airyglyph. This world will be wiped clean.

Albel lets go of Woltar.

Albel: Then I must go.

Woltar: Indeed.

Woltar: So, everything's settled. Try to get along.

Cliff: Aah, what can you do?

Maria: I feel like I'm missing something here, but I'll do my best.

Fayt: Me, too.

Nel: Just don't hold us back.

Albel: Bah.

New party member! Not that anyone is happy about this, for once, even if Maria is doing her best to be polite.

Next time: we completely ignore the Marquis and go do side content instead :D

Long update again this time! Maria talks a lot in this one and it made more sense to keep it all in the same place instead of breaking it up. Enjoy :)

While we could go down to the entrance of the Sealed Cavern already, there's a time-limited PA we can go grab in Arias, so we're going to go do that first. If we walk down to the cemetery behind the mansion, we'll find Maria paying her respects there.

Fayt: Yeah. And there were many casualties in the previous war, too.

Maria: I'm overwhelmed by the thought of all the people buried here in each one of these graves.

Fayt: That's because in our world, war is just something we experience on a 3D monitor - it doesn't even seem real.

Maria: You're right. I think that not realizing the cost of war in terms of human lives breeds further brutality.

Maria: You must be careful. If you were to unleash your true power, the devastation would be far beyond what we see here.

[If we choose But you have the same strange power, right?]

Fayt: But you have the same strange power, right? Don't say it like I'm some special case.

Maria: Yes, both you and I are the same - we were both guinea pigs. If I could somehow combine my power with that runological weapon, I'm sure we'd be able to even penetrate the shields of a Vendeeni battleship.

Maria: However, I won't be able to harness my power until I figure out what's missing. You could say my power is like a giant battery. It isn't useful until it's connected to something. You, on the other hand, are different.

Fayt: Battery? Connected?

Fayt: Wait a sec... You're saying that our powers are related, aren't you!?

Maria: I suspect they are. I won't know for sure until I can speak with Dr. Leingod, but I think it's highly likely. I actually saw you take out that Vendeeni ship. Now you must know how much energy it takes to destroy a battleship protected by a powerful shield, right?

Maria: You may not want to accept it, but a fact's a fact. If you were to unleash your power without being fully aware of what it can do, it would only lead to sorrow.

Maria: Don't worry. You're not alone. After all, I'm in the same boat as you.

[If we choose No! I'm just a normal human being!]

Fayt: No! I'm just a normal human being! I'm not some sort of weapon!

Maria: A normal human being? That's a good one! Have you already forgotten that you took out a Vendeeni battleship all by yourself? There's no way a mere Earthling could do such a thing.

Fayt: Uhh... That was... That was just an accident. That's right. What else could've it been?

Maria: An accident, you say!? No way! You took out that Vendeeni battleship all by yourself! And in the process, you killed a large number of Vendeeni. You must at least acknowledge that fact. If you don't, I guarantee you will be really sorry someday.

Maria: Listen to me, Fayt. Those with power so terrible that it can harm others must be fully aware of what they are capable of doing. And it doesn't matter whether they wanted such power or not.

Maria: I'm not going to insist that you join us, yet. However... Face the facts. You owe it to us to do so.

[If we choose You may be right, but...]

Fayt: You may be right, but... Something like that won't happen. If my power was something my father created, just like you've said, then shouldn't there be a way to control it somehow?

Maria: Control it... Well, it wouldn't make sense to incorporate a power into a weapon without some means of controlling it, true...

Fayt: Right. So then I should be able to control that power myself. So there's really no problem at all.

Maria: You're quite the optimist, aren't you? Not at all what I expected.

Fayt: I'd rather you'd say I was a 'positive thinker'. But really... it's more like I'm just not worried about it anymore. Besides, what good will it do worrying about things you can't do anything about? Ultimately, whatever will be will be.

Maria: You mean like that saying 'Only the gods know'?

Fayt: Well... I suppose so.

Maria: Only the gods know... I like that saying. But let's do all that we can before we start calling on divine powers.

And with that little detour we head right back to Aquios again! There's no fast travel in this game so I hope you appreciate how many times I'm running across the entire countryside for this LP. It's a lot.

The entrance to the Sealed Cavern is down in the chapel in Castle Aquaria, but we need Nel to open it for us:

Cliff: Whoa...

Maria: ... A secret passage.

Nel: The Sealed Cavern lies ahead. It's an underground passage that will take us to the Shrine of Kaddan. It was built long ago as a way for the royal family to travel to the Shrine, but it hasn't been used for several centuries. It's the fastest way to reach Kaddan, for it passes directly under the lake. We'd have to travel all the way around the lake to reach the Shrine over land. However, the passage has been neglected for ages. Who knows what we'll find inside there now.

Fayt: Let's hurry.

Nel: Yes.

We head down into the Sealed Cavern. It's a pretty short dungeon, because we're going to have two dungeons directly in a row. It's more of a prologue to the shrine of Kaddan than a real dungeon.

This place is pretty quick to go through, there's a handful of puzzles but we reach a (mini-)boss soon enough.

It's an easy fight, about the same level of effort as the rest of the dungeon, which is to say not a lot.

But right after, we get to step through that door and enter the shrine of Kaddan! This is by far the longest dungeon on disc 1, and it's really easy to get lost on account of how similar all the corridors look. We start with a couple of mini-bosses really early on, starting just past the entrance:

They're not necessarily super difficult, but they're really inconvenient because they don't really stagger, and their main attack is a charge that takes them halfway across the screen. Most of the fights against them involve a lot of running back and forth.

A little further past that first hallway with them, we find some soldiers.

Aquarian Soldier: Lady Nel... Forgive me... I couldn't stop them from entering the shrine...

Nel: It would appear so. But don't fear. We'll protect the Sacred Orb, no matter what.
Aquarian Soldier: Thank... the... gods...

Nel: They'll pay for this!

Fayt: Nel, let's hurry!

Nel: Right... Better brace yourselves. Only members of the royal family or messengers of the gods have been allowed in here until now. I've also heard that countless traps have been set to prevent looting.

Cliff: It'd sure make things easier if those traps would take care of them for us.

Maria: Don't get your hopes up. They'll most likely be carrying powerful scanners.

Cliff: You're probably right.

Fayt: In any case, let's hurry!

A couple more mini-boss fights and a minor earthquake later, we have a beefier version of them to fight.

I'm not going to go into a lot of detail about the inside of Kaddan, because there's a lot and it's not super interesting in screenshots, but I do want to mention something about this little bastard above. In order to fight him, you need to first defeat two of the crystal statues from earlier, and find a workshop where Fayt can craft the Saint's Medallion. Without it, the boss takes no damage from any source. If that happens, your only choice is to flee the fight before it kills you. It's a real little bastard to figure out without a guide if you happen to miss the entrance to the workshop.

But at any rate, once defeated we get access to the second part of the shrine. I'd roughly describe the shrine as having 3 major "puzzles" to cut it up. The crystal cerberus from just now, a 1v1 gauntlet midway, and a weird gem about 2/3 of the way through the dungeon. Right before it we can find an engraving that tells us not to touch the gem, but it's required to get past the next room.

Fayt: It stopped... What caused that tremor? The gem started spinning.

Touching the gem is what activates the next puzzle, which you can see in blurry, blurry action as I try not to get crushed to death by giant evil cubes. If they so much as graze you, you get sent back to the beginning of the room, and they only move a little slower than you. There's two rooms in a row of this and I hate those cubes so much, their movement is mostly random so it's really easy to get stuck between two of them.

But if we survive the cubes (somehow) we're allowed into the last part of Kaddan, finally.

Maria: So that means the Vendeeni are there, too.

Nel: Most likely.

Maria: Everyone ready?

This cutscene auto-plays as soon as we approach the door to the sanctum, but thankfully we're given a chance to save before we step through for the boss fight proper.

Vendeen Soldier: I think it is. How lucky for us - and we thought we were taking a detour to check out this OPA. We got us two birds with one stone.

Nel: Get your hands off our most sacred treasure!!!
Vendeen Soldier: That is not an option. Did you really think we'd abandon an OPA of this power so easily? The OPA and the boy are ours!

Cliff: Not gonna happen!

Maria: You got a little too greedy. Let's get 'em!

The fight against the soldiers isn't too hard, but like the cockatrice we have to be careful because they can cause petrification with certain attacks. Outside that though they're not too too bad.

Maria: As we thought, its power clearly exceeds anything that should be on this planet.

Cliff: So it really is an OPA...

Maria: That's the only possible conclusion.

Cliff: No wonder it's a holy relic.

Nel: I'm just relieved that it's safe. This will save Her Majesty considerable grief.

Fayt: Let's get back to Aquios and let the queen know that the Sacred Orb is safe.

Nel: Right. Let's go.

This is the part of every playthrough that makes me scream because we're not teleported out, we have to walk all the way back out of Kaddan (thankfully with no more enemies left), and THE EVIL CUBE PUZZLE IS STILL ACTIVE. Despite that, we make it out, somehow.

Cliff: Huh?

Nel: Thanks to you, the Sacred Orb is safe.

Fayt: There's no need to thank us.

Fayt: It's really our fault to begin with. They never would have known about the Sacred Orb if we hadn't come here!

Nel: You're wrong. They came here of their own accord. No fault lies with you.

Fayt: Nel...

Nel: I gathered from what you were saying before that there are many worlds like our own.

Maria: That's right.

Nel: And the Sacred Orb... is an exceedingly rare object... An OPA, you said - correct?

Maria: Correct. At least, there's no record of anything like the Sacred Orb in the Federation's database.

Nel: That means, most likely, someone would have come here seeking its power sooner or later. It just so happens that time is now. You have nothing to apologize for.

Fayt: Nel...

Maria: ...

Cliff: All right, time to go.

Fayt: Oh, yeah. Let's get back to Aquios.

Fayt: Right.

We're not teleported out at this point either, so we get to redo all of the Sealed Cavern in reverse, too. At least that one has a shortcut we can unlock. Once we're truly back out, we go find the queen in the throne room.

Aquaria XXVII: Thank you for your hard work, all of you.

Nel: We couldn't have done it without their help.

Maria: And now that we have defeated them at Kaddan, they have even more reason to attack this country.

Aquaria XXVII: It would appear that the only option remaining is to work together to drive off the Vendeeni.

Maria: Yes, agreed.

Cliff: But how will we do it? The only weapon that might help isn't completed yet, and it doesn't have the range. What's the point of an attack that can't hit its target?

Fayt: That's a good question... Even if we hurry up and finish the weapon, there's no way to make it achieve the range we need.

Aquaria XXVII: We shall request cooperation from Airyglyph.
Magistrate Lasselle: I beg your pardon? Y-Your Majesty!

Aquaria XXVII: If you had the means to carry the weapon into the sky, range would no longer be an issue, correct? Airyglyph has this ability. ... All we need to do is borrow it.

Nel: A means for carrying... The air dragons!

Aquaria XXVII: Correct.
Magistrate Lasselle: Yes, but will they cooperate? Even if they approve our request, how are we to be sure that they will not betray us?

Fayt: He has a good point.

Aquaria XXVII: We do not believe this will happen. The Vendeeni attack also dealt a great deal of damage to their country. Of this, we are sure. They cannot afford to worry about taking our lands now. Furthermore, it was the warmonger Vox who kept pushing for conflict in his country, and he is now in his grave. The King of Airyglyph will understand. This is not the time to fight amongst ourselves.

Nel: Your Majesty...

Aquaria XXVII: I shall prepare a personal letter and send a messenger immediately. Can I count on your help?

Nel: Your Majesty.

Cliff: I'll go, too.

Cliff: Don't you think he'll trust me more? I don't think a person from Aquaria could explain the whole picture, anyway.

Nel: That may be so, but... You realize this is dangerous?

Cliff: Yeah, so? A little danger doesn't worry me.

Aquaria XXVII: Very well. You shall accompany her.

Cliff: Leave it to us.

Aquaria XXVII: Elena, you are to hurry and prepare the Thunder Arrow.

Elena: Yes, Your Majesty. Right away.

Maria: Mirage, can you help her get the weapon ready?

Mirage: Roger.

Aquaria XXVII: We are counting on all of you.

Fayt: Your Majesty, what should I do?

Aquaria XXVII: The two of you should wait until she returns. I shall have a task for you then.

Fayt: Yes, Your Majesty.

Maria: Fayt...

Fayt: Huh?

Maria: Could we talk outside?

Fayt: Um, sure. Okay.

Maria: It's so peaceful.

Fayt: Mmm-hmm...

Maria: So... Don't you have something you want to ask me about?

Fayt: Huh?

Maria: If not, that's fine.

Maria: Yes?

Fayt: ... When did you become aware of your power?

Maria: Why do you ask?

Fayt: Well, I mean, I'm curious. I found out because everyone told me, so I was wondering how you figured it out.

Maria: All right. I'll tell you.

We fade into a flashback.

Maria: But... Daddy, why do you have to stay?
Richard: I've got a job to do here, Maria.
Jessie: Listen to your father. It's hard enough for him already. Come along with me. And don't worry about Daddy, he'll take care of those Aldians and then meet up with us on Arakh.

Richard: I promise!
Maria: You really promise? Really and truly?
Richard: I do.

Richard: Jessie, take good care of her.
Jessie: I will, dear.

We're controlling a tiny Maria! We have no menu available in this state, but thankfully we're allowed to save because this flashback section is pretty long.

Like with the segment early on in the Helre ship, we have to talk to everyone to progress. Most of them talk about the state of the war with the Aldian Empire. Their fleet is bigger, and they're attacking remote stations like the one we're currently leaving from.

Jessie: Maria, let's go back to Federation Station #5, where Mama used to work, a long time ago. We'll be okay. I'm sure your father will chase the bad guys away and come back to us real soon.
Jessie: Maria, do you remember Federation Station #5? I guess you probably don't. You were still just a baby, after all.

Once we've talked to everyone, a cutscene starts.

Captain: I see... Connect me to Headquarters.
Male Operator: Yes, sir... Going to screen.
Commander: What is it, Captain?

Captain: ... Yes, sir.

As with before, we need to talk to everyone again before we can process. People are mostly worried about the safety of the ship and whether we're going to make it out of this or not.

Jessie: Oh no! Why!? How could this happen?
Jessie: No matter what happens, Mama's gonna keep you safe. Don't worry, Maria.

Jessie: Are we being attacked!?
Jessie: They must've overtaken us...

They run over to the escape pods.

Official Announcement: One minute to warp engine core collapse.
Jessie: No, if I don't say this now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.
Jessie: Your father and I are not your real parents.
Maria: Huh? What are you talking about?
Jessie: We love you with all our hearts, just as i f you were our own child. But, your real parents are still out there somewhere.
Maria: Mommy, I don't understand. What are you-
Jessie: You don't need to understand right now. You'll know the truth someday.
Official Announcement: 30 seconds to warp engine core collapse.
Jessie: You're very important! You must not give up. You must survive! You have the power within yourself...
Official Announcement: 15 seconds to warp engine core collapse.

Fayt: (Finding out her parents weren't her own at the age of twelve? That must have been tough.)

Maria: There's more.

Computer: Unidentified ship approaching the pod.
Maria: Huh? What kind of ship?
Computer: Origin unknown. Transponder signal not detected.
Maria: ...

Maria collapses in her chair.

Cliff: This her?

Mirage: Yes.

Mirage: She's quite weak... but she'll survive.

Cliff: She's an Earthling.

Mirage: So it seems.

Mirage: Based on our analysis of the escape pod data, it seems she's a victim of the battle against Aldian at Federation Station #17 the other day.

Cliff: She's so young. Poor thing. The Federation and Aldian destroyed themselves in a foolish struggle for power. It's always the common folk who end up suffering.

Mirage: ... That's why you created this group, isn't it?

Cliff: Nah, nothing so lofty. I just can't stand taking orders from people I don't like.

Mirage: Come on, there's more to it than that. You can tell me.

Cliff: Ah, shaddup.

Mirage: Hee hee...

Mirage: Does it hurt anywhere?

Cliff: This is the sick bay of the spaceship Diplo. We recovered your escape pod when it drifted near our course.

Mirage: We're traders. We just finished a deal and were on our way home when we found you.
Maria: You saved me?

Cliff: ... Yeah. You could say that.
Maria: ...

Mirage: What's wrong? Are you in pain?
Maria: ... I'm hungry.

Cliff: Ha ha ha, is that all? Hey, Mirage. Let's get this girl something to eat!

Mirage: Coming right up.

Maria: That's right. I was taken to the Klausian home world. I no longer had any place to go home to, so I joined their organization.

Fayt: You mean Quark.

Maria: That's right. They told me it was a trading corporation at first, but it was actually an anti-Federation organization. But that doesn't mean that it was involved in guerrilla warfare or in acts of destruction. We would assist planets affiliated with the Federation or unaffiliated planets that were being pressured to join. In other words, our primary role was to act as an intermediary.

Fayt: And how did you become the leader? I can't picture you-know-who stepping aside so easily.

Maria: Well... there was an incident. And it just so happens, that incident is also the answer to your question.

Maria: It was four years after I joined Quark...

Cliff looks over at Maria.

Mirage: That's right.

Cliff: So that's what she's been up to. I knew she was studying computers, but...
Marietta: The Federation hasn't detected her yet, but I'm worried about what will happen when they do. I stopped her once before, but she just won't give up.

Mirage: Thanks for telling us, Marietta. We'll take care of it.
Marietta: Understood. Thanks. Oh, and-

Cliff: Yeah? What is it? Another problem?
Marietta: Not really... Just don't be too angry with her. I'm sure she has her reasons. She wouldn't do something like that without thinking it through.

Cliff: That's all? Don't worry about it. We won't be too hard on her.

Mirage: Thank you, Marietta. You may go now.

Mirage: What should we do? Should we call Maria over here for a little talk?

Cliff: Nah, it's okay.

Mirage: Let it slide then?

Cliff: Yup. Just like Marietta said, Maria wouldn't do it if she didn't have a reason. No sense in stopping her.

Cliff: Besides, I'd like to find out what she is trying so hard to uncover.

Mirage: Oh, I see what you're up to now.

Cliff: Well, yeah. Keep an eye on her, but don't let her know we know, you know?

Mirage: Roger.
Marietta: Captain.

Cliff: What is it?

Mirage: There's an incoming audio distress signal. It's coming from the direction we're heading, about 12 minutes away.

Cliff: Pretty close. Route it to the speakers.

Static plays.

Cliff: ...

Cliff: Ship registry?

Maria: Verifying data... Can't tell at this stage.

Cliff: (An unknown ship. I've got a bad feeling about this. Still, I shouldn't jump to conclusions.)

Cliff: Aah, what the heck. Let's check it out. Proceed at max warp. Position us 50,000 kilometers from the signal location.

Mirage: 50,000 kilometers?

Cliff: Just in case. I wanna assess the situation first.

Mirage: Roger.

Mirage: Conventional space. Target location reached. ... No sign of any ships.

Cliff: No sign? That's weird. I wonder what's up.

Cliff: What the-!? Full power to lateral engines! Emergency evasion!

Marietta: Evasion... successful.

Cliff: We probably would've been hit if that first shot had come from a phase cannon.
Marietta: Enemy confirmed. Going to screen.

Cliff: A battleship!?

Maria: Data analysis complete. It's the Invisible, a Federation battleship.

Cliff: The Invisible? Great! Their newest model.

Cliff: Damn, this is bad. They mean business. We won't be able to outrun them.
Marietta: We've been hit by two quantum torpedoes! Shields down to 83% power. 100 seconds until creation cannon fires again!

Cliff: Activate emergency evasion program! Ready quantum torpedoes! Fire phase cannons!

Every time the colors invert, the screen pulses.

Mirage: I'm on it! Readying quantum torpedoes... Firing phases cannons!
Marietta: Quantum torpedoes and phase cannon scored a hit on the enemy's shields! But their ship appears undamaged! Their shields absorbed our attack!

Mirage: Only an advanced ship could do that. They're carrying the best shields.

Cliff: This is no time to be impressed, ladies.
Marietta: Here comes their third salvo! Eight quantum torpedoes incoming!

Cliff: Damn, they're giving us all they got!

Mirage: Maria! What's wrong!?

Cliff: What? What is it!?

Maria: ... Aah...

Maria: Mommy... Mommy...!

Cliff: Oh man, what a time to be having a childhood flashback!
Marietta: Captain! Shield's down to 67% power! They can't protect us from their creation cannons! 25 seconds to impact!

Cliff: Switch programs! Set a course to evade their creation cannons. Don't worry about the other weapons. Warp us outta here the instant we evade their shot.

Mirage: Program switch complete. Course computed. Preparing to warp immediately after we evade their creation cannons!

Mirage: No good! We can't avoid them!
Marietta: The engine room's been hit! Warp engines down! Evasive action's impossible on backup engines!

Cliff: Damn. So this is how it ends. Sorry, guys. We're sitting ducks now.

Mirage: Cliff, you're giving up?

Cliff: Hey, I don't want to, but I don't see any way out of this.

Cliff: What's gotten into you?

Mirage: But-

Maria: Now!

Cliff: What the hell! Mirage, fire!

Mirage: Uh... Roger!

Cliff: How in the hell...

Maria: I still haven't been able to reproduce the power that took down the Invisible... Anyway, after that incident, everyone wanted me to become the leader of Quark.

Fayt: (How can one human - a girl like this - possess that much power? And... I have the same power?)

Maria: What's wrong? Are you surprised?

Fayt: Well, of course. And you're saying that I have the same power, too?

Maria: That's right. I have proof.

Fayt: What proof?

Maria: I investigated the research facility where my mother worked when I was born... to find out more about my own birth. I found what I was looking for, and something else: a report of a terrifying experiment.

Fayt: Research facility?

Maria: The lab where my mother worked at the time was a symbological genetics research facility, inside district 16 of Moonbase...

Fayt: But wait, that's-

Maria: That's right. The Leingod Research Facility. My mother worked for you father as one of the lab assistants there. I was a test subject at that lab, scheduled for disposal - I still don't know why. She rescued me.

Fayt: That can't be...

Maria: I analyzed every last bit of information in that database and learned the basic outline of the research. That's how I learned there was another subject who underwent symbological genetic modification, just like me - you.

Fayt: But why? That kind of experiment is forbidden...

Maria: That I could not tell you. That's why I want to rescue your father, to ask him directly.

Fayt: I understand. Let's rescue my father... We'll ask him... together.

Maria: All right...
Soldier: Ah, there you are.

Soldier: Everone else waits in the audience chamber. Please hurry.

And now that we've seen all of Maria's backstory, Nel and Cliff get back with perfect timing.

Next time: we find out how that meeting with Airyglyph went.

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.

The trip back to Aquios is uneventful, but we do get a cutscene as soon as we walk into the city.

Fayt: Mirage!?

Mirage: Cliff, Fayt.

Mirage: Reunited at last.

Cliff: What have ya been up to?

Mirage: I've been tracking you down. It was easy enough, with all the stories you left in your wake. I just arrived here - only to see this girl collapse in front of my eyes.

Mirage: We need to get her to a doctor, quick.

Cliff: Is it that bad?

Mirage: I'm afraid so.

Fayt: Flowers...?

Nel: What is she doing here?

Fayt: How should I know!? We gotta get her help!

Nel: Take her to the inn and I'll go summon the doctor.

Fayt: Please hurry!

Doctor: For now, just make sure she gets plenty of rest.

Fayt bows to the doctor, who leaves.

Fayt: Damn, why'd she have to go and pull a thing like this!?

Cliff: Hey, keep it cool. You'll wake her up.

Fayt: But...!

Cliff: I said relax.

Cliff: Do you think you beating up the walls will somehow help her get better?

Fayt: Grrr...

Mirage: The disease is in her lungs. If the Eagle were operational, I think we could heal her.

Fayt: Are you sure, Mirage?

Cliff: It may be a small ship, but its medical facilities are better than anything on this rock.

Mirage: Unfortunately, the impact destroyed most of the equipment. And, the Eagle's been heavily guarded ever since you two were taken away. The door's locked, so the soldiers can't get in, but unless we deal with them - neither can we.

Cliff: That's the thing, isn't it. If we started raising a ruckus in the middle of their royal city, you can bet the Dragon Brigade'll be on us in no time. And I don't think that Albel guy'll take too kindly to us, either.

Fayt: But Ameena... She's running out of time!

Cliff: I know. But what can we do?

Nel: I'm sorry.

Cliff: Is something wrong?

Nel: You'll hear all the details inside the castle. It looks like Airyglyph's invasion has begun. Their troops are already approaching Arias. Not only that, we have information that indicates this time all three of Airyglyph's brigades are taking part in the battle...

Cliff: Oh man.

Nel: I think they are going to try and wipe us out before we can complete the Thunder Arrow. Duke Vox is commanding them.

Fayt: So they're trying to end it all in a single blow?

Nel: It looks like that. At any rate, Dion will head to Arias with every completed weapon at our disposal. I don't know how much he'll be able to accomplish.

Ameena: Fayt...?

Fayt: Don't worry about that. Why did you push yourself so hard!?

Ameena: Because... my friend - an old man I know told me I could find him here, in Aquios.

Fayt: He's here?

Ameena: Yes... The man said he works in the royal research facility...

Fayt: You did say that your friend is an engineer... but are you really sure he's in the lab?

Ameena: I don't know... But when I heard... I just had to come...

Cliff: And so you came all this way by yourself.

Fayt: The royal research facility... Does that ring a bell?

Nel: There's only one research lab in Aquios - Lady Elena's Runological Weapon Research Facility.

Fayt: Really? If that's the case, I may have already met him! Ameena, what's your friend's name?

Ameena: His name... is Dion.

Fayt: What!? Dion's your long-lost friend!?

Ameena: Do you know him? That means Dion... He's... He's really here... I'm going to see him.

Mirage: No, wait, you're sick. You have to stay here.

Ameena: But...

Fayt: Ameena, you can't move in the state you're in. Look, I'll bring Dion here to see you.

Ameena: Fayt...

Fayt: Ameena, listen to me. I don't want you running around and collapsing again!

Ameena: Okay.

Fayt: Mirage, can you please stay by her side?

Mirage: Yes. Leave her to me.

Fayt: Dion is still in the research lab?

Nel: Yes, he is... He's still preparing the runological weapons they're going to take to Arias.

Fayt: I'll be right back.

We run all the way up to castle to go get Dion.

Dion: I want you to take the completed runological weapons to Arias by wagon.

Dion: Good luck.
Male Soldier: Yes sir!

Fayt: Dion, it's...

Dion: I've heard about what Airyglyph is doing. It's unfortunate that we won't have time to use the copper that you worked so hard to get for us. But there's no time for regrets. I have to take all of the usable runological weapons to Arias...

Fayt: No, who cares about that now! It's not that!

Dion: Huh? What do you mean, 'who cares about that'...?

Fayt: Dion... Do you remember someone named Ameena?

Dion: Ameena? How do you know that name? Did someone tell you...? How embarrassing...

Fayt: So you do know her?

Dion: Ameena was the name of a childhood friend of mine. I haven't seen her in years. My, that brings back the memories. I wonder how she's doing...

Fayt: So it is you! Come with me a minute!

Dion: Wait a second, what's going on? I can't leave my work now! How do you know about her, anyway?

Fayt: Your childhood friend Ameena is here in Aquios! She came to see you.

Dion: What... No... She lost her folks in the war and went to live with relatives in Airyglyph... How could... She can't be in Aquios...

Fayt: I'm telling the truth! Please! I know you're really busy, but please come!

Dion: Okay... Okay, where is she?

Fayt: She's at the inn... Will you see her?

Dion: Of course I will! I've missed her!

Fayt: Let's go.

And now we run all the way back down to the inn.

Fayt: I have to tell you something first.

Dion: What?

Fayt: She's suffering from a serious disease. That's why she couldn't go see you.

Dion: What? Ameena, sick? She was never the most energetic girl, but...

Fayt: You are her only strength now. The thought of seeing you again is all that keeps her going.

Fayt: I don't know if it's my place to say this, but... Please... take care of her...

Dion: I understand. She means a lot to me, too.

Ameena: I'm so happy... Dion, my Dion! I missed you so much... I've been working on my Wishing Charm every day! Every single day!

Dion: Don't cry... It's all right now. I'm here.

Everyone except Dion and Ameena clear out of the room.

Nel: I'll be honest with you. It's pretty bad. The enemy forces have already swept past Kirlsa and they have established a front by the national border, close to Arias. I also have reports that indicate that this is the largest force they've ever fielded...

Cliff: That's not good... The enemy's serious this time. Vox is spearheading the attack, right? And all three Airyglyph brigades are participating?

Nel: Yes, but apparently Albel the Wicked is not participating in this operation.

Cliff: Is that so?

Nel: The reports indicate as much. There is a possibility that the events at the Bequerel Mines are somehow related.

Cliff: Ah, makes sense.

Cliff: Well, whatever. We'll take on whoever they throw at us.

Nel: I'm sorry... I didn't bring you two all this way to help fight our war.

Cliff: Hah, now you tell me! Don't worry - being here was our decision.

Nel: I appreciate you saying that. And I know our leadership is counting - whether they come out and say it or not. Have no doubt; you will be a vital part of our defense.

Cliff: Well, it's not like I can just let things go their merry way now. In for a penny, in for a pound, right?

Fayt: Uh, yeah, that's right.

Cliff: You weren't listening, were you? What's on your mind?

Fayt: It's just... Watching Dion and Ameena... I couldn't help be remember Sophia. ... I wonder what she's doing right now. And then there's my dad... I just hope everyone's safe.

Nel: It's not really my place to say this, but...

Nel: I'm truly sorry. Sorry for keeping you here so long. I know you want to go help your father.

Fayt: Don't worry about that. It's not like I have a way to get to him now, anyway. It was just bothering me.

Cliff: I said this before, but worrying won't help. You have to focus - do what you can now.

Mirage nods.

Fayt: You're right. All I can do is help this country... And figure out how we're going to survive this.

Cliff: That's right.

Mirage: So, what do you want me to do? I can fight, if you want me to.

Cliff: Ah yes... What DO you want her to do? She's a great fighter, like I told you before.

Fayt: I think I'd like her to stay with Ameena.

Cliff: Hm... I guess you're right. No sense getting her involved now.

Cliff: Mirage, you okay with that?

Mirage: Fine.

Nel: Are you ready?

Dion: Yes... And we've no time to spare.

Dion: I'm looking forward to having time to chat with Ameena once the war's done.

Fayt: That's right... Another good reason to win this war.

Dion: Yes, we'll win this one. I promised Ameena we would.

Cliff: Okay, let's do it!

Nel: All right, Dion, hurry up and finish your preparations.

Nel: We'll go on ahead to Arias.

Fayt: Okay.

We leave Dion and Ameena, and head back to Arias like Nel asked. The trip back is thankfully pretty uneventful again.

There's nothing else to do in town at the moment so we just beeline for the conference room as usual.

Clair: If we fought them head on, we'd be playing right into Airyglyph's hands. We must maintain our distance and avoid close combat at all costs.

Clair: The operation begins at the break of dawn tomorrow. I want all units ready.
Commanding Officers: Yes, ma'am!

Clair: Dismissed.

Clair: I want you to break through enemy lines and destroy Airyglyph's command center.

Nel: Vox?

Clair: That's right.

Clair: Fayt, Cliff, I'd also like to request your assistance if I may.

Cliff: Of course. That's why we're here.

Fayt: Sure.

Clair: I never meant for you to become so involved in this, but...

Nel: We have to involve them. They're a bigger asset in combat than anyone else in my outfit.

Fayt: Please don't worry about it. I have my own reasons for wanting to fight. I want to end this war as soon as possible...

Cliff: Right.

Clair: Okay. Thank you, both of you.

Clair: Fayt, Cliff. Please assist Nel in her operation.

Cliff: Yes, ma'am!

Fayt: All right.

Clair: There's still some time before you need to leave. Please make preparations. Check your equipment, and rest if you must.

Clair: It's all up to you, Nel.

Nel: Leave it to me.

Clair: I'm counting on you.

There isn't a lot to do in town so we head up to our room, where Cliff is already staying.

Cliff: Well? You gonna go to bed now?

Fayt: I think I'll go to bed early in preparation for tomorrow. I suppose there's nothing else I can do now, anyway.

Cliff: That's probably a good idea. The last thing I wanna see is us losing because you didn't get enough sleep.

We're taking a break here for this update. The next story segment is... pretty long, unsurprisingly, so we'll be having a longer update for part 18 instead of drawing things out now.

Next time: uh, all-out war, apparently.

Before we actually get on with the next part of the story, I'm going to have a slight intermission, hence the decimal in this update number.

Like most JRPGs, Star Ocean 3 has a number of sidequests and other forms of optional content (optional party members, private actions, optional dungeons, you name it). Several of those have interesting stories to them, but without really integrating into the main plot, and that plus the fact that some are open during a wide window makes it really hard to just place in the regular updates without completely breaking the flow.

As such, I'm going to shove a couple of the more notable ones in this update, and relegate the minor ones to an extras post later on. So, small break from the main plot, but now's probably the best time for it since we aren't going to have any "calmer" spots narratively until a couple more hours from now.

So, first off: If you remember Roger from part 14, he left the party right after the end of that dungeon. We can actually rush off to find him in Surferio, a town to the northwest of Peterny, as soon as we've brought Ameena back safely. If we do so (and choose to cooperate), he rejoins the party until a certain story point at the end of disc 1. Choosing to cooperate with him now is also one of the requirements if we ever want him to be a permanent party member in disc 2.

Cliff: Yo...

Melt: ... Hmm...
Dribe: Hey, who are these guys?

Roger: Oh. These guys are trying to be my henchmen. I guess that'd make them your underlings or something.

Cliff: Huh?
Melt: ... You're joking.
Dribe: Come on, Roger, tell the truth!

Roger: Sorry, hehe, just kiddin'... I had them help out in the 'Real Man Contest' a while back.
Dribe: Ah, okay then. Heh, I thought there was something funny going on. These guys seem pretty strong and all.

Fayt: The name's Fayt Leingod. Nice to meet you.

Cliff: Cliff Fittir.

Nel: Nel Zelpher.

Melt: Heh, don't bother speaking. I see all, and know all.

Fayt: ?
Dribe: Heh, yeah, this guy can read the stars, just a little. He says weird things sometimes, but don't let that bother you.

Fayt: Wow... The ability to read the stars...

Cliff: What are ya guys doing!?

Roger: Hey! I just found this awesome item!
Dribe: Hey, you didn't find that, Geloro of the Greem tribe found it...

Roger: You fool! Yah didn't have to tell 'em that!
Melt: ... This is it.

Roger: That's right.

Roger: A mysterious book, dug from the ruins on the bottom of the lake bed... It just reeks of adventure! But I don't really understand what it says.

Fayt: You don't understand what it says?
Dribe: I don't know these characters. Only Melt can read it, and even he doesn't understand the whole thing. All I know is, it seems to be talking about a certain place.

Melt: Caves as dark as death. The five attributes come into conflict. What light can reveal them? The rotted corridor, guarded by archers of the gods. The Sun King sleeps in his coffin. What shall the mute corpse say? Which of the three shall claim the kingless throne? Does the sacrifice of the winged messenger of the gods gaze at hope or despair? At the end of the caverns where the copper sleeps, the northernmost wiseman gazes upon the lake. Is it an ancient power sealed below the roots? Burning flames of the underworld. The red twins, looked down upon by the giant from the tribe of long ears. Who can release that inner power? ... That's all of it.

Roger: Hmm... I don't get it. What's it talking about?
Dribe: All I know is, it sounds like a bunch of riddles telling you where to find stuff...
Melt: Verily so.

Roger: Guess all we can do is go on an adventure and find out!
Dribe: Nooo, are you kidding!? It's daaaaangerous!

Roger: Well of course it is! Adventure's gotta be dangerous!
Dribe: I haaaaate danger.

Roger: Grr, you gutless wonder! You call yourself a man!?
Dribe: ... But, it said 'burning flames of the underworld'!

Roger: ... Hmph.
Dribe: This'll be nothing but trouble!

Roger: Oh, all right! You guys, help me out here!

Cliff: What?

Roger: What's wrong with that? All you gotta do is help out with our treasure hunt while you're on your own adventure.

Cliff: So what'll it be?

Nel: I'll leave it up to you.

[If we choose Cooperate.]

Fayt: All right, you've got a deal.

Roger: Yahoo! All right!
Dribe: Take care of our crazy brother...
Melt: He's in your hands now.

Roger: I'll see you guys then! I'll pick up some presents for you guys too, don't worry!
Dribe: Great.

Roger: Laters!

???: A book of riddles describing places... Guess I'll go tell my excitable young boy about that right away.

[If we choose Refuse to cooperate.]

Fayt: Sorry, I can't help you with this.

Roger: Why not!?

Fayt: We've no time to play around. We can't follow you around out of curiosity.

Roger: This ain't a matter of curiosity!

Fayt: Sorry. That's just the way it is.

Roger: You moron! That's the last time I ever ask you for anything!

Melt: Yes, you leave that to us.

This also starts a sidequest, where every location Melt described contains a treasure for us to find, if we can figure out where to look. As far as I'm aware though there's no final reward (or cutscene) if you get all of them, your reward is just the items themselves as you get them. Some of them are pretty decent, I mostly got them offscreen between some of the later updates.

Second off: another party member! This actually takes places midway through part 17, but would have been really impractical to break the story pacing over. This character isn't optional in the same way as Roger, because regardless of whether we pick him up now or not, he always joins permanently during disc 2. Getting his ending requires asking him to join at this point though.

This cutscene starts when we exit the Aquios throne room at a certain point during part 17:

Nel: Y-You!?

Aquaria XXVII: It's been a long time, Adray. Were you off on some mission in distant lands?

Adray: Hehehe... You can say that again. I was investigating an island nation off the northern coast of Gaitt.

Adray: Makes me wonder how important it is to investigate places so remote, they aren't even shown on the map...
Magistrate Lasselle: You're back much earlier than I expected. Did you complete your investigations? We have reports that there was a new king in that land last year. And we also heard that the younger brother of the previous king has come to Gaitt. This situation warrants...

Adray: Warriors should always be sent to where their country needs them the most, right!?

Nel: He's one of the best swordsmen and engineers Aquaria has ever known, over the course of its long history. Although he's not the man he once was, even now, there are many who think he's still the best fighter in the entire kingdom.

Fayt: Wow! Wait a second - did you say Lasbard... does that mean?

Nel: Yes. He's Clair's father.

Fayt: ...

Nel: Can't you see the resemblance?

Fayt: Uh, honestly, no.

Nel: That's what everyone says.

Nel: So, what are you going to do?

Fayt: Do?

Nel: Looks like Adray really wants to come along with us.

Fayt: Whaaaat!?

Nel: You've seen how he is. If you're planning on saying no, you'll have to think of a really smooth way to say it.

Adray: I've heard all about you. Let's work together to drive out those Airyglyph weasels!

[If we choose Yes]

Fayt: Let's fight together, to protect this great land of Aquaria.

Adray: Indeed. Good answer. I bet I could trust you to watch my back.

[If we choose No]

Fayt: We're fine by ourselves, thanks.

Adray: Why so reticent? I can't just sit on my posterior and relax while our visitors from Greeton are exposed to mortal danger. Leave the rest of the fighting to me. Just relax. Think of it as a pleasure cruise.

Fayt: No, I'm not being reticent, really...

Adray: Don't you worry. I may be old, but I'm still Adray. I'm not too old to trounce the young fellows; not just yet, mind you.

Fayt: That's not what I'm saying...

Nel: Um, Fayt. He's not listening.

Regardless of our choice, Adray joins the party anyway. Getting his ending requires having said yes though.

Nel and Adray are wandering around the throne at this point, and talking to either of them gives uh... some context as to what he's like.

Adray: You know... You really are much scrawnier than I thought you would be, after hearing all the rumors. What is the matter, Master Fayt, do you hate meat? You'll never grow unless you eat what's on your plate. Hahahaaa!

Nel: You want to know why Lord Adray is not wearing his clothes? Hey - don't ask me!

Last but not least on this update: a slightly longer sidequest! As soon as we've visited Aquios for the first time, we can go back to the inn in Peterny and meet a pretty odd pair. Every cutscene in this sidequest is technically a PA, but basically everyone approves if you tell them the right answers, and everyone disapproves if you say it wrong. For the one question that has several correct answers, then all party members have different opinions on which is the "better" one. Doing this sidequest also opens up some really good equipment (and extra lore!) late in disc 2.

Ruddle: So all you gotta do is follow the setting sun, right?

Rumina: Ruddle... I can't believe you got us even this far... Do you know the planet's axis of rotation or latitude, or that sort of thing?

Ruddle: Please, stop mocking me. The planet's axis of rotation is 32.6 degrees. Our latitude is 30.4 degrees, south. I have that much memorize. EXCUUSE me!

Rumina: Oh really... Okay, then let me ask you this. In which direction does the sun rise in this season, and at this location?

Ruddle: Ummm... Noth?

Rumina: Ah, forget about it... You can stop looking at maps now. I'm not ready to die yet...

Ruddle: What!? Was I wrong? Uh, hehe, I was just kidding! It was a joke! I know it really rises in the west, right?

Rumina: Ah, a country bumpkin!

Fayt: Huh!? Bumpkin...?

Rumina: Don't sweat the details! I said you're a local, a lo-cal!

Rumina: Perfect timing. Let's ask him. A country bumpkin should know his way around, right?

Ruddle: Uh, yes. Let us do that.

Rumina: Okay, it's decided!

Rumina: We want to go to the town Kirlsa, but we really don't know our way around this area. That's why we want to ask a, er, local like you. Got it?

Fayt: I got that much. The thing is, I don't know this area very well either...

Rumina: Don't worry about it. You gotta know a lot more about this area than we do. It's all relative, you know. So anyway, what I want to ask you is... Which way is it to Kirlsa? Which gate should we leave by?

Fayt: Kirlsa...

[If we choose You should take the north gate.]

Fayt: You should take the north gate. That's about all I know...

Rumina: What!? North!? Ah, that was a close one... We were gonna go in a totally different direction. Hey, Ruddle! Looks like you had us going in the wrong direction from the very start!

Ruddle: Ah... Are you sure... I wonder how that happened...

Rumina: Lemme put it bluntly, Ruddle. I think your very existence is the source of all our mistakes.

[If we choose Go east, of course.]

Fayt: Go east, of course. I'm sure of it.

Rumina: East? East, okay... That's not the direction I expected. I wonder where we took a wrong turn? Ah well. Whatever. All right, let's go east then. Are you ready?

Ruddle: Hey, wait just one minute here. You may have nothing to carry, Miss Rumina, but I have stuff to get ready.

Rumina: Ugh, fine. But, you'd better make it fast!

[If we choose It's south. Didn't you know that?]

Fayt: It's south. Didn't you know that?

Rumina: Hah! Listen to that! It's just like I said! Sheesh... If I'd left it up to you, we'd be in really serious trouble.

Ruddle: Huh? That's strange... I wonder where we went wrong?

Rumina: You really wanna know? We went wrong when I let you be our guide, that's when.

[If we choose West. No question about it.]

Fayt: West. No question about it.

Rumina: Huh!? Really?

Ruddle: Hey, didn't I tell you? Unlike you, miss, I'm used to traveling. Just leave it all to me, and you've got nothing to worry about.

Rumina: I thought people who are used to traveling didn't always get caught up in weird adventures in the middle of their travels...

If you tell them the wrong answer, not only do your party members disapprove, but Ruddle and Rumina will go in the wrong direction, and it'll end the sidequest early.

The next time we find them is in Arias, where they're arguing again:

Rumina: If we go out the north gate, we'll just head off into the middle of nowhere!

Ruddle: Um, no, that's not right. The map does say that this village is farther to the southwest, but if you consider the shape of the tree stumps we saw on the way here, I think it proves that the directions on the map are a bit off. Did you know? If you check the rings on a tree stump, you can pretty much tell the direction. The wider the ring, the more to the south. That's why we have to leave here from the northwest gate.

Rumina: You just keep growing more and more confident in yourself... Are you sure that trick works in this area too? What's the angle of the planet's rotation? What type of tree? Does it work in the southern hemisphere, too? Are you 100% sure about this?

Ruddle: Um... Maybe.

Rumina: Hmm, I wonder... I really wonder about you... My merchant's instincts are telling me there's no way I should trust you when it comes to maps and directions. They really are...

Rumina: You know... No matter how bad the map is, we were able to get as far as this town on the way. How badly were the directions messed up so far? Not at all, right? All we have to worry about right now is not how to get to Kirlsa from our starting point, but rather how to get to Kirlsa from this town. Isn't that right?

Ruddle: Well, yes. Um, but still...

Rumina: Ugh, enough already! We can't afford to waste any more time here. Let's decide quickly. We'll just pick someone, anyone, and ask for directions one more time. And of course, we will NOT worry about whether or not the directions we get are correct. No if's, and's, or but's. How about that idea?

Ruddle: Works for me. Let's do it.

Rumina: All right then! Okay, now we just have to decide who to ask... Is there anyone around... Huh!?

Ruddle: What the!? You're the same gentleman we met in Peterny, aren't you...

Rumina: What!? Ahh, yeah! Well, then, this'll work just fine. Let's have this guy decide which way we should go, one more time. That'll save the time of explaining it all over again.

Ruddle: Sounds good. Let's do it that way.

Rumina: So you see, we still need directions... Please tell us one more time, how to get to Kirlsa. Sorry for the hassle, but could you please tell us one more time?

Fayt: (Ah, man... Which way should I tell them to go?)

[If we choose Go out through the northwest gate.]

Fayt: Go out through the northwest gate. The way may be a little hard to figure out, but I think you'll manage if you're careful.

Rumina: Northwest...

Ruddle: The gentleman has spoken, Miss Rumina.

Rumina: I know what he said! I never change my mind!

Ruddle: True... For better or worse, once you've said something, you never go back on it, as stubborn as you are...

Rumina: Wha'... What... Hmph! Well! Say what you will. Whatever, just hurry up and get ready to leave!

Ruddle: Yes, yes.

[If we choose Easiest way is through the southwest gate.]

Fayt: Easiest way is through the southwest gate. Well, unless someone's chasing you, that is.

Rumina: See! See that!? Sheesh... If we went where you said to go, we could have walked forever and never reached our destination.

Ruddle: Wait, but! That can't be right...

[If we choose Actually, you should go east.]

Fayt: Actually, you should go east... If you take the northwest of southwest gate, you'll never reach Kirlsa.

Ruddle and Rumina:Whaaaat!?

Ruddle: What-what do you want to do, Miss Rumina?

Rumina: Do? What do you think!? We gotta head back, immediately!

Ruddle: Well... Well then... I'll hurry up and pack.

Rumina: Then hurry up about it! Sheesh... Why did I ever let you lead the way in the first place...

As with before, the wrong answer will end the sidequest early.

You'd think we'd be done by this point, but our geographically challenged friends make more mistakes, and can next be found all the way back in Airyglyph.

Ruddle: Keep a good distance, there.

Rumina: That's easy for you to say! I'm COLD!!! If I have to freeze to death like this, then I can't wait until I'm dead already!

Ruddle: Oh dear... It's not good for the body to get cold and then hot again so fast like that...

Rumina: But I'm so cold... How do you stay so calm? You'd better not have a thermostat hidden on you somewhere!

Ruddle: No, of course not. I used to live in snowbound mountains, you know. So I'm just a little more used to the cold wind of these snow fields than you are, that's all.

Rumina: A little? So you say this is just something I need to get used to?

Ruddle: Ah yes, to an extent... Compared to back then, this is actually not so bad.

Rumina: Hmph... You sure don't look like you've experienced half as much as you say you have.

Rumina: You again!? This can't be just a coincidence!? Hey... You aren't just following us around, are you?

Fayt: I'd have to know where you were really trying to go before I could start following you. I thought you said you wanted to go to Kirlsa?

Ruddle: No, no, we don't really have any particular destination, we're just wandering around. It's not like we're hiding our destination. Actually, that'd almost be better...

Rumina: We're not really proud about it, you know...

Fayt: (Huh, it looks like they're really just lost... Maybe these two are just not cut out for life on the road.)

[If we choose You already passed Kirlsa.]

Fayt: You already passed Kirlsa... You should head back.

Rumina: You're kidding!

Fayt: You can think what you want... But why would I want to lie to you in a situation like this?

Rumina: Well...

Ruddle: You're kidding, right? ... I guess not.

Rumina: Hey, Ruddle! Didn't you say that we'd never get lost again, now that you bought a compass! So then why are we in totally the wrong place again? What were you looking at!?

Ruddle: Yes, isn't that weird? I looked at the compass, and walked in the direction of the map... You know, I bet the magnetism's different here. The compass has been pointing straight up for a long time, and I thought that was odd...

Rumina: Grrr, you...! If you think something's not quite right, then say so!

[If we choose You're almost at Kirlsa.]

Fayt: You're almost at Kirlsa. Hang in there.

Rumina: Thanks. We couldn't have come this far without you. I really appreciate it. I wonder where we'd have ended up if I left it all to Ruddle here...

Ruddle: We'd have passed on to the next world, for sure.

Rumina: So you admit it!

Thankfully, they're not so incompetent that they miss Kirlsa this time around. If we go find them there, they're hanging out in the tavern and getting ready to set up shop, and we'll have some really interesting stuff to buy if we come back much later. This quest has to be done before the end of disc 1 though, or they... probably get lost in the wilderness.

That's it for the optional narrative content for now (there's been an optional dungeon at this point in the LP, but it's just block puzzles and no narrative so I glossed over it), but we'll have more to see especially during disc 2 when the party member choices open up more variations.

When we leave Aquios, Nel and Cliff ask if we're ready to go - not posting it because there isn't anything more to it than that. After that, we can head straight for Arias for real to go meet up with Nel's associates.

On the way there, there's a PA in Peterny if we decide to talk to Cliff there:

Fayt: Hey, Cliff. Have you ever actually seen copper ore?

Cliff: Nope. Can't say that I have.

Fayt: I wonder if Nel has? No, it's just that... I've only seen photos of it.

Cliff: I suppose copper ore isn't something you see everyday. But what good will it do to worry about it now?

Fayt: Okay, then lemme ask you this. How do you plan on picking out the copper ore we need from among all the other rubble?

Cliff: I'll tell you how. A quad scanner will tell us in an instant. We've already 'interfered' with things down here this much - there's no reason why we shouldn't use it now.

Fayt: Oh... Yeah...

Cliff: These primitive conditions have affected your thinking. Quad scanners were developed for such uses. Features like a communicator or organizer are just something that were added later.

Fayt: Yeah, you're right.

Cliff: Hey, don't go mental on me now. But I will admit that being on an underdeveloped planet like this has a way of messing with your head.

Literally everybody disapproves of Fayt for that conversation, by the way.

Once we get to Arias, we get another PA with one of the villagers in Arias, who I'll give more context on in one of the extras. Suffice it to say he's one of the soldiers defending Arias and who was previously resting at the church.

Fervent Man: Leave the village's defense to me. You must get to Aquios as soon as you can and help build a new weapon that will change the tide of the war.

[If we choose I'll do what I can.]

Fayt: I'll do what I can. But the war can't be won by a weapon alone, no matter how powerful it may be. Don't forget that ultimately, it's the ability of common soldiers like you that really matters.
Fervent Man: Ho ho ho... Well said! Some people focus only on impressive things such as runology and dragons, but in the end it's the efforts of we common soldiers that really matter.

Fayt: That's right. The best I can hope to do is give your kingdom a little more leeway in fighting this war.
Fervent Man: I understand. We shall do what we can. And we'll do it as best we can. That means you can't fail to do your part, too. After all, we're gonna need all the leeway we can get!

[If we choose Leave it to me.]

Fayt: Leave it to me. I'll build a weapon so terrible that it will rout the Glyphian forces in an instant.
Fervent Man: Wow! I can't wait to see it. I fear the leaders back at Castle Aquaria expect us to hold off the enemy here and wait for the Glyphians to grow weary of the war. But, unless something is done, our village will no doubt fall before then.

[If we choose So you're saying the situation is grave?]

Fayt: So you're saying the situation is grave?
Fervent Man: Well it certainly doesn't look good! We're barely holding back a force that is superior to us in numbers, will, and fighting ability. The only advantages we hold are the support we get from the runologists and the absolute loyalty people feel for Her Majesty because of her ties to the Church of Apris. I think us holding back such an elite Glyphian force this long is quite praiseworthy.

Fayt: The Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria would be doomed if this village were to fall. You'll have to hold out a bit longer.
Fervent Man: You can count on me! Of course it's easy to just say that. Actually succeeding at it will likely be a bit harder.

Fayt: Hey... Why do you want to fight so badly? By what you were saying earlier, I take it you're not a particularly devout follower of the Church of Apris.
Fervent Man: I suppose it's just human nature to want to help somehow after seeing Lady Nel and Lady Clair fight desperately day after day, without ever thinking of themselves. They don't even say a word even though I know they must bear incredible pain. After witnessing such bravery, a real man would not choose to flee.

Fayt: I see. I guess you're right.
Fervent Man: Of course I am. I'm not very fond of people like the Queen or her consuls, who think they are so important, but only offer empty words as they stay far from any danger themselves. I really want to help people such as Lady Clair and Lady Nel, who are always in the thick of things.

And there's one last PA to go grab before we leave, if we talk to Clair in the Arias mansion.

Clair: Fayt... Have you found Nel to be useful? I'm a bit worried about her naivety - she hasn't changed since she was a child.

Fayt: Uhh...

[If we choose She's been more than useful.]

Fayt: She's been more than useful. I can't even remember the number of times she's come to our rescue.

Clair: I'm so glad to hear that. It seems I've worried myself for nothing. Fayt... Please keep looking after her for me.

[If we choose I'm disappointed, to tell you the truth.]

Fayt: I'm disappointed, to tell you the truth. We're probably better off with her than without her, but that's about all I can say. I wish we could get somebody who was a little more useful.

Clair: Perhaps Nel is too kind of a person for such work. Such traits are ill-suited to the age in which we live. I hope her gentle nature doesn't turn to a naivety that ends up costing her her life one day.

And if we talk to Clair again:

Clair: Ever since Nel decided to follow in her departed father's footsteps, she has portrayed herself as being composed and coldhearted. But the truth is, she's really just a kind, ordinary girl. Fayt... Please look after her for me.

:')

And with that we can get around to actually meeting up with the everyone at the northwest gate.

Nel: What's this?

Clair: It's a talisman. You are heading into a den of dragons, after all. Better safe than sorry, right?

Clair: Be careful

Nel: I will.

Clair: Fayt, Cliff, I expect to see you again soon.

Cliff: You can count on us. We'll take care of Nel.

Fayt: We'll get you that copper; don't worry.

Clair: May good fortune in battle smile upon you.

Nel: This is not where they're usually stationed.

Cliff: Well, it looks like we'll have to take 'em on. They're blocking our way into the mines.

Fayt: They're probably here after air dragons to beef up their army.

Nel: Yes, it's likely you're right.

Nel: Tynave...

Tynave: Yes?

Nel: You two wait here. We'll take care of them.

Tynave: Ma'am!

Farleen: Yes, Ma'am!

Fayt: Cliff, Nel, let's go!

Dragon Brigade Soldier: Who are you!?

We have a quick fight against some Dragon Brigade soldiers. They're pretty easy to fight, just inconvenient on account of how high their hitboxes are.

Nel: Any last words?
Dragon Brigade Soldier: Grrrrrr... You won't get away with this!

Nel: I'm sure he'll be back... with reinforcements. We shouldn't have let him escape.

Fayt: Then we'd better hurry.

Nel: Right.

Nel: Tynave, Farleen!!!

Tynave: Yes!

Farleen: Right here!

Nel: You two follow a little ways behind us.

Tynave: Okay.

Farleen: Please be careful.

Nel: Let's go.

Fayt: Okay.

Bequerel Mine is a pretty neat dungeon, it's not super long but it has a variety of puzzles, mostly based around light sources. There's predictably a lot of dragons in it.

After running around for a while, we get deep enough into the mines.

Nel: I think you're right.

Nel: We still have some time before Tynave and Farleen return, so we should explore the area a bit.

Cliff: Wait. Don't you hear that?

Fayt: What is it!?

It's a boss! The cockatrice can be pretty tricky for underleveled/undergeared parties, most notably because it has access to the petrify status effect, which can easily KO your entire team if you're not careful (petrify counts as a KO for the purposes of game overs), a nasty little chicken.

In this case, "exploring" means "walk to the back of the small room we are in", where we find the copper we're looking for.

Fayt: This area shows little sign of being mined and the purity looks quite high. Let's search around here, Nel.

Nel: All right.

Nel: Everyone, start digging around here.

Farleen: Yes, Ma'am!

Nel: All right, let's take it to the refinery. You go ahead on the hauler.

Tynave: Yes, Lady Nel. Please be careful.

We're around 3/4 of the way through the dungeon at this point, but there's a bit more walking to do before we can reach the refinery. Once we do, there's a bunch of people busying themselves with the copper, and we can talk to one of them to get healed up. Once we're ready to leave...

Runologist: Lady Nel, there's...
Runologist: Outside...

Nel: Did you see something?

Fayt: Reinforcements!?

Nel: Looks like we took too long...

Farleen: Yes, right away!

Farleen: Hurry everyone! Let's get that copper loaded!
Demetrio: Lay them to waste!

Cliff: In your dreams!

We fight a couple of Dragon Brigade soldiers, same as when we entered the mines.

Nel: No! Someone has to deal with the Dragon Brigade. You go on ahead! We'll hold them off!

Farleen: What!?

Cliff: Just go, hurry!

Fayt: Don't worry, we'll catch up with you later, I promise. Now, get that copper to Dion!

Tynave: ... Good luck! Farleen, let's go!

They drive off with the cart.

Cliff: Don't even think about it!

Nel: I think we avoided the worst-case scenario.
Demetrio: Bah. What could you possibly accomplish by looting some copper? Or... maybe it's for that new weapon of yours?

Nel: How do you know about that!?
Demetrio: Don't underestimate us. We've known about it for quite some time now. You don't have a monopoly on spies, you see.

Nel: Why you...
Demetrio: Whatever this runological wonder of yours turns out to be, it won't help you win the war. The weak will always fall to the strong. But enough with this pointless posturing. Surrender!

Nel: Don't make me laugh!
Demetrio: So these two are Fayt and Cliff, huh? You both are quite impressive. It's not too late, you know. Join with us.
Demetrio: If you refuse, you'll die.

Cliff: Wait, join you or die? I can't decide which is worse.

Fayt: We'll never join you! And I don't intend to die, either!
Demetrio: I thought you'd have a little more sense... What a pity.

Time for a boss fight against Demetrio proper! He's really similar to all the soldiers so far, just a bit beefier. He goes down fast enough anyway.

Nel: We better get back to Aquios, fast. Now that Airyglyph knows we are working on the new weapon, we don't have much time.

Fayt: You're right.

It's a bit hard to see in screenshots, but Demetrio fell off the cliff and into the abyss.

At this point, Fayt says that we should probably go rest up at the mines again, just in case. Which is really just a nice way of telling the player "if you don't save you're going to regret it", because we have another boss battle coming up right away. As soon as we reach the end of the mountain path towards Arias, a cutscene starts.

Fayt: Tynave! Farleen!

Cliff: Damn, they didn't get away!?

Albel: Hmm!

Albel: I thought something intriguing might be afoot. And now we meet again. I'm glad I came out to play today.

Fayt: Albel!

Albel: What a pity. We had to seize your precious cargo.

Tynave: Argh...

Farleen: ... I'm so sorry.

Nel: Albel Nox! How dare you do this to my people!

Albel: Huh? You mean these two? They resisted when we tried to seize the goods. They didn't put up much of a fight.

Albel: They... dropped like flies! Bwahahahahaaa!

Farleen: It... It hurts...

Tynave: Argh...

Fayt: You...

Nel: You won't get away with this...

Albel: No getting off the hook for free today, ladies. I'm not through playing. Besides, this time you might even give me a little sport.

Cliff: Oh yeah? Try us! We have a way of taking the fun out of things for our enemies.

Albel: Hah! I'll be the judge of that! Now, let's see what you've got!

Fayt: Ahhh!

And there's the boss battle. As with the cockatrice, it's not too bad if you're appropriately leveled/geared, but otherwise it can be a pretty tough fight, because Albel is more mobile than any other boss so far. Careful stunning (or MP bombs, as he has low enough MP to make them worthwhile) gets the job done though.

Cliff: Huh?

Fayt: We gotta get Tynave and Farleen to a doctor, fast. And we got the copper. No reason to stick around here.

Nel: ... Yeah, you're right.

Cliff: But shouldn't we take care of this little problem first?

Fayt: Yeah, well, it's just like he said: Easy wins have never been my style.

Albel: !

Cliff: Hehe, yeah, I gotta agree with you there. I've no interest in trouncin' weaklings either!

Fayt: Let's go.

(I have legit no idea why that line is captioned like that since it has nothing to do with the noise he's making)

Clair: Of course... don't worry about them.

Clair: Are you going back to Aquios?

Nel: Yes; somehow, information about the top secret new runological weapon that we developed, the Thunder Arrow, was leaked to Airyglyph. I must report to Her Majesty as soon as possible. They're not fools... They must be planning something.

Clair: As for that leak, one of my subordinates has gone missing. He disappeared right after you came back. There is a good chance he was passing information on to Airyglyph... This is truly unfortunate.

Nel: I see...

Fayt: Nel.

Fayt: Let's go.

Nel: Right.

We'll leave Arias to report to the queen in a minute, but first we might as well check on the girls, and specifically Farleen who has a PA.

If we talk to Farleen...

Fayt: (Is she really sleeping? It looks like her eyes are slightly open.)

[If we choose Leave her alone.]

Fayt: (I don't want to disturb her. After all, she's been working so hard.)

[If we choose Try poking at her cheek.]

Farleen: Huh? What? I'm exhausted... I really am.

Fayt: But...

[If we choose Try tickling the end of her nose.]

Farleen: Ahhh!

Farleen: I'm trying to sleep. I'm exhausted, you know.

Fayt: But...

[All choices merge here]

Farleen: Zzz...
Narration: It almost sounds like she is pretending to be asleep.

Well, that could've gone slightly better, but we did get the copper we came here for, and Cliff got his fight so it's not all bad.

Next time: we go back to Aquios!

There's actually some side content to do before Aquios if we really want to (which I'll get into later), but there's a wide window for doing it so I'll head there a little later. First, let's actually go to Aquios like we'd been meaning to for a while now.

There's just the one field map between Peterny and Aquios, and it's pretty short and trivial, like most field maps, so we get there really fast.

Nel: But there are people trying to take this city for themselves.

Cliff: Airyglyph, huh?

Nel: Yes.

Fayt: Nel, what happens next?

Nel: First, I'll introduce the two of you to our ruler.

Fayt: You mean... the queen?

Nel: That's right.

Cliff: So, what's this queen like, anyway?

Cliff: I was kinda hoping she'd be hot, myself.

Fayt: Shall we go, then?

Nel: Let's. The castle is straight down this road.

Cliff: Hey. Hey! Wait up, you guys!

We can start looking around Aquios now, and it's a pretty big city, similar in size to Airyglyph. There's a couple shops, an inn, and lots of townspeople we can talk to, like the little boy who really likes bunnies. As usual, I'll cover them in an extra (probably around the end of disc 1). Interacting with a specific citizen is actually a PA, but due to its nature I'll cover it in extras as well, since I'll need to advance further in the story to get all his dialogue.

Once we're done looking around, we can head to the castle.

Male Soldier: If you are here to worship, come back later. Otherwise, you'd best leave.

Nel: At ease.
Male Soldier: Lady Nel!
Male Soldier: So these guys... I... I mean, these gentlemen are...?

Nel: That's right.

Nel: We'll be going in, now.

Nel: That's the Chapel. Pilgrimages to Kaddan, the holy land of Apris, involve such a long and treacherous journey that most people just do their worshipping here, in the castle Chapel.

Fayt: A chapel...

Nel: If you're interested, go take a look later.

Fayt: I might just do that.

Nel: The audience chamber is this way. Follow me.

Nel starts walking towards the northwest staircase, and there's actually a PA here depending on how we act. If we start entering random rooms instead of following her, she gets mad. So we'll just be nice and slowly follow her up to the staircase.

Once we're up the stairs, the same thing happens again but this time while heading to the throne room.

Aquaria XXVII: I am the Queen of this country, Romeria Zin Emurille.

Fayt: My name is Fayt Leingod.

Cliff: My name is Cliff Fittir, Your Majesty. I am deeply honored and grateful for this audience with your royal person.

Aquaria XXVII: We have summoned you to this Royal Palace to request your assistance. As you may have heard, our country is at war with Airyglyph. And the war is not going well for Aquaria... The situation calls to mind Chapter Fifteen of Ikelos' Book of Prophecies, a book that contains the holy teachings of Apris.

Fayt: Ikelos' Book of Prophecies?

Aquaria XXVII: Chaos in the holy land. The chaos shall spread catastrophe, and from that catastrophe shall be born a new maelstrom of war.

Aquaria XXVII: It is our belief that this prophecy is about to come true. And we believe that you are the arrow of which the prophecy speaks.

Aquaria XXVII: Our country is now embroiled in a war with Airyglyph. Unless something is done, our innocent citizens shall perish...

Fayt: I don't know what we'll be able to do, but we will do all we can. That is why we came here.

Aquaria XXVII: We are in your debt.
Magistrate Lasselle: Guard-

Soldier: Yes, sir!

Soldier: If you need something, ask the nearest soldier.

Cliff: Thanks, pal.

The soldier exits the room and Cliff stretches.

Fayt: What do you mean, 'do'?

Cliff: They said you could walk around the castle if you want to. I think I'm gonna go check out the Chapel.

Fayt: The Chapel?

Cliff: Yeah... Well, I'm an atheist myself, but I'm sorta interested in the art.

Fayt: You... interested in art?

Cliff: Hey - don't laugh. I'm actually a bit of an artiste myself, although you wouldn't think it to look at me. Mirage said as much.

Fayt: She did?

Cliff: That's right.

Cliff: She said 'you're the kind of guy who decides with his emotions before using his head'... In other words, she thinks I'm an impressionist.

Fayt: I don't think that's what she meant...

Cliff: Yeah, and she also said I'm 'always looking at pretty women', which I guess was her way of praising my keen sense of aesthetics, don't you think?

Fayt: I wonder...

Cliff: Well, anyway, there you have it. Be back in a bit.

Since we've been good and followed Nel earlier, we're finally allowed to explore the castle! In the northeast corner of the ground floor we can find Nel and Clair's rooms, in the central part there's a library (with a LOT of books to read, which I'll cover in an extra, there's a ton of lore in there), and in the southwest part (of both floors) there's research facility stuff but they're all pretty busy at the moment.

If we check out the chapel, Cliff's there (as he said he would be) and we can chat a bit.

Fayt: Yeah. I was just walking around the castle, checking it out, so I thought I might as well stop by here.

Fayt: But enough about me. How about you, Cliff? Picked up any interesting information?

Cliff: Well... I suppose so.

Fayt: Oh... So what did Mirage say?

Cliff: She's one cold lady. She said, 'I sneaked the emergency subspace communicator out of the Eagle. I need you to secure a power source to operate it, and you must also protect the target.' I wanted to complain, but I couldn't get through to her. She might've been underground or something. Bah...

Cliff: Still... Thanks to her, we've picked up a little bit of information. Interplanetary transmission is out of the question, but intercepting communications in the immediate area doesn't take that much energy.

Cliff: Wait a second! How'd you know Mirage contacted me? I'm sure I hadn't told you that yet.

Fayt: I just pretended to know more than I did and got you to spill the beans. Besides it's not at all like you to be in a place like this.

Cliff: Damn! You're craftier than I expected. But you're right... Even I can't deny that I'm a bit out of place here.

Fayt: So... What have you learned?

Cliff: Not much, to tell you the truth. About all I know is it's teeming with Federation and Vendeeni ships out there, and it seems it'll be a while before Quark's main fleet gets here.

Fayt: You mean to tell me the war between Vendeen and the Federation isn't over yet?

Cliff: That's right. The Federation has strength of numbers on their side, but Vendeen still dominates some regions. I suppose the Federation will prevail as long as Aldian doesn't butt in, but it will still take some time.

Fayt: What about my mother and father? Any word about them?

Cliff: Nothing at all. Unfortunately, we don't even know if they are alive and well.

Cliff: But it's no use getting all upset about it. After all, it's not like we heard they've been killed or something.

Fayt: I understand. Thanks.

We can do some more exploring if we want, but we're not allowed out of the castle and there isn't a ton left to see here so whenever we're done we can just go back to our room.

Cliff: See anything interesting?

Fayt: Not really. Cliff...

Cliff: Hmm?

Fayt: You told me I'd understand everything once I met Quark's leader, right?

Cliff: I don't think I said 'everything'... But yeah...

Fayt: But, you didn't expect things to turn out this way either, did you?

Cliff: Ahh... Not really...

Cliff: I don't know everything, but what I do know wouldn't do you any good anyway.

Fayt: But I may never find out!

Cliff: You'll see your dad again. I'll make sure of it. Just be patient.

Fayt: ...

The screen fades to black.

Cliff: Mornin'.

Fayt: Good morning.

Fayt: Yeah, thanks.

Nel: Today we're going to the Runological Weapon Research Facility.

Cliff: Ohhh, that where they're making that weapon?

Nel: Yes... It's time - time for you to lend us your knowledge.

Fayt: Sure, but until we actually see it, we can't make any promises.

Nel: Of course.

Nel: First, I want you to meet the person in charge. Her lab is on the west side of the castle... Shall we then?

Nel knocks on the door.

Nel: It's me. I've brought the engineers.

Elena: Please, come in.

Nel: Lady Elena, these are the two engineers from my report.

Elena puts down her book and walks over to the others.

Fayt: Nice to meet you. I'm Fayt Leingod.

Cliff: Howdy. Cliff Fittir.

Elena: A pleasure to meet you.

Elena: I... have to admit, they're much younger than I expected.

Nel: Yet they are knowledgeable.

Elena: I read the report. I do not doubt your information. It looks like we have no choice but to rely on that knowledge. We still haven't been able to analyze that metal fragment...

Elena: Yes, Dion. Come in.

Dion: Pardon my interruption.

Elena: This is my right-hand man, Dion Landers, Chief Researcher of Runological Weapon Development.

Dion: I'm Dion. Pleased to meet you. I hear you are men of learning. We're hoping you can impart some of your wisdom upon us.

Elena: I don't mean to rush you, but would you take a look at the runological weapon we're working on? A number of structural issues have been troubling us.

Fayt: Sure, no problem.

Elena: Dion, can you show them the way, please? I can't leave my desk right now.

Dion: Absolutely. Please, this way...

Fayt: I'm impressed that you're Chief Researcher at such a young age.

Dion: Well, I'm still an apprentice compared to Lady Elena.

Elena: Dion?

Dion: Ah, yes Lady Elena. Please forgive me!

Dion: Ah, she's mad at me now. Let's go. This way, please.

Dion: The weapon we'd like you to take a look at is in the fabrication room.

Dion: The device itself is basically complete, but it lacks the punch we need for it to work as a weapon... But if we increase the output, we run into durability problems...

Cliff: I see.

Fayt: (Wait... Something's not right... Should a planet at this level of civilization even have a weapon like this? This technology is obviously too advanced for them to have.)

Dion: What do you think? You see the problem? If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them.

Fayt: No, I don't have any questions, but...

Fayt: I'm sorry. Can I take a look at it a little longer?

Dion: Sure, no problem at all. Take as long as you need.

Fayt: Thank you.

Fayt: (Should I really complete this thing? Even if I wasn't worried about the UP3, I get the feeling this is going a little too far...)

Fayt: Yeah... It's definitely too advanced. This sort of thing shouldn't even exist on a planet at their stage of development.

Cliff: So, you gonna help them?

Fayt: I'm not sure. What do you think?

Cliff: Me? Well, if we finish it, lots of people are going to die. Question is: are we okay with that? I mean, I don't like doing something that I can't take responsibility for myself. It'd be different if I were the one making the decision to fire, but... the idea of some other guy who ain't me deciding what to do with a weapon I created... that kinda bugs me.

Fayt: But this country, with its symbological technology, might be able to complete this weapon eventually even if we don't help them. Maybe.

Cliff: Yeah... Maybe.

Fayt: ...

Cliff: Anyway, like I said before: you make the call.

Fayt: (What should I do?)

Fayt: I'll help them.

Cliff: What about your beloved UP3, huh?

Fayt: I know this weapon might cause great suffering - but, on the other hand, think of the suffering it can prevent.

Cliff: Okay- so what do you want me to do?

Fayt: Huh? But I thought you didn't-

Cliff: Who said I wouldn't help you? You've prepared yourself for the consequences, so as your bodyguard, I'd best do the same.

Fayt: Thanks.

Cliff: Well, I don't exactly want to die like a dog on this backwater planet either, so let's hurry up and finish this, make a communicator, and get outta here. We still gotta rescue your dad, too. So let's not waste any time.

Fayt: Right.

Dion: What is it?

Fayt: Dion, can I see the blueprint for this weapon?

Dion: Sure, no problem. Come on over to the lab.

Fayt: Thank you. Can I also have some paper and something to write with, please?

Dion: Sure, use this.

Fayt: Dion, what kind of wire are you using to conduct the runological power?

Dion: Iron wire, why?

Fayt: Iron... Okay, that explains why the wire can't take the heat when you increase the output...

Dion: Yes, that's our biggest problem.

Cliff: When you increase the power, it breaks. And when you decrease the power, you can't use it as a weapon, that it? Bummer!

Fayt: Superconducting aluminum would easily solve this problem, but... that's not an option here.

Dion: Superconducting aluminum?

Fayt: Um, never mind. Just talking to myself.

Fayt: Dion, have you tried copper?

Dion: No, well, I know that copper would probably solve the overheating issue, but...

Cliff: Is there a problem?

Dion: We can't obtain enough copper to complete this device.

Fayt: You don't have any mines?

Dion: No, there's a mine, it's just...

Nel: Wild dragons have taken up residence there.

Dion: Even one dragon would be a terrible enemy, so there's no way we could ever enter a whole nest of them. And mining is out of the question...

Cliff: Dragons. Well that explains it.

Nel: The mine in question is in Airyglyph territory, and is under the jurisdiction of the Dragon Brigade.

Fayt: The Dragon Brigade...

Dion: Even if we were successful in obtaining the copper, there's no guarantee that we'd be able to make it back here safely...

Nel: So you see the problem.

Cliff: Your average guy doesn't stand a chance against wild dragons and the Dragon Brigade.

Fayt: Hmm... Copper's really our best bet... What should be do?

Cliff: What are you talking about? All we have to do is go and get it.

Fayt: Can we?

Cliff: Of course we can. Do I look like an 'average guy' to you?

Cliff: I got no problems with dragons. No problem at all.

Fayt: It's not that I don't admit it. I just think you're a little overconfident, that's all.

Cliff: Whatever.

Dion: You can't be seriously considering going, just the two of you!?

Nel: What are you talking about? It won't just be the two of them. I'm going too!

Dion: You too!? It's still insane!

Nel: Don't worry. They may be engineers, but they really can fight. They've already proven themselves against the Black Brigade.

Dion: Maybe so, but still...

Nel: Hmm... But we won't be able to carry all that copper by ourselves. We'll need to bring several people with us just to transport it. How much do we need?

Fayt: Several dozen kilos, I'd say.

Nel: All right, no problem. My subordinates should be able to handle that much by themselves. We'll take Tynave and Farleen.

Dion: You insist on going, don't you. Well, all right, but don't take any unnecessary risks.

Nel: I know. I swear, you're just like Clair! Always worried!

Dion: What's this?

Fayt: I glanced over your blueprint and jotted down a number of problem areas and possible solutions.

Fayt: You can deal with these while we're out getting the copper.

Dion: Of course! Yes! Yes, I see! This should be a dramatic improvement.

Fayt: It's really nothing.

Nel: All right, get to work, Dion.

Dion: Yes, ma'am. ... And please, be careful.

Nel: I'll go gather my team. Let's meet up at the entrance to Aquios once you're ready.

We're now free to leave Aquios again!

Next time: dragons?

Nel starts talking to us as soon as we're up.

Nel: Well, did you get a good night's sleep?

Cliff: Yeah, not bad. This place is just about right for a man of noble birth like me.

Fayt: (...)

Nel: As you people say, very funny...

Nel: But at any rate... We must leave for Aquios at once.

Cliff: Hey, wait! You act like you don't believe me!

We can talk to the guests in the inn, but there isn't especially fancy to check out, so we might as well get ready to head for Aquios right away. As soon as we exit the inn, though:

Fayt: You're Ameena's neighbor - what's wrong?
Middle-Aged Woman: Please, you've got to help me! It's Ameena!

Fayt: Ameena? Did something happen to her?
Middle-Aged Woman: Ameena was on the Mountain of the Gods when she suddenly had an attack - she can't move! I-I'm too weak to carry her so I came back to get help!

Cliff: An attack? Then there was somethign wrong with that girl after all!
Middle-Aged Woman: I'm afraid so. Ameena has always been a frail girl... Oh, I should never have taken her up that mountain!

Fayt: Ma'am, where did Ameena collapse?
Middle-Aged Woman: In the mountains on the way to Sanmite. It's the forest to the west of the animal trail that runs alongside a pointy rock... Can you help her!?

Nel: Past a pointy rock... That'd be Duggus Forest. It's the forest that lies to the west of this town.

Fayt: To the west, got it!

Fayt: Look, Cliff and Nel, you wait in Peterny. I'll go rescue Ameena myself!

Cliff: Bah. You really think we'd let you go by yourself?

Nel: Not a chance.

Nel: Not only that, Duggus Forest is full of bandits. I think it'd be safer if we all went together.

Fayt: Bandits!?

Cliff: That ain't good. Come on, let's hurry and get over to that Dugga-whatchamacallit Forest, pronto!

Fayt: Let's go!!!

At this point I actually ignore the story and run off to hire inventors for half an hour, but I'll cover that in an extra. So let's pretend we were reasonable and ran after Ameena right away.

Duggus Forest is a pretty big dungeon, but smaller than the training facility was. It's roughly as easy to get lost in, though, especially once you go past its first part. But we're stopped from progressing fairly early on, because some paths are blocked by large trees. Thankfully, we find someone who can maybe shed some light on this.

Nel: They're rare. This is the first time I've seen one, too.
Fairy: ....

Cliff: Hey! Don't look at me! I don't eat bugs!

The fairy tumbles back down to the ground.

Fayt: Are you okay?
Fairy: If I could only feel the mountain mists on my face and drink pure water from her springs, I'd feel much better...

Fayt: Okay. We'll go get you some spring water.

There's three different types of springs in this zone: boiling springs, gushing springs, and sparkling springs. She's actually looking for sparkling spring water specifically. Giving her gushing spring water does nothing, and giving her boiling spring water is a PA that makes absolutely everyone dislike you because what the fuck, Fayt.

Fayt: Here, spring water.
Fairy: Gulp, gulp...

Fairy: Thank you! Tell you what, I'll let you in on a secret!
Fairy: Did you know that in this forest, there are trees that have turned into monsters? They block the forest paths, they do!

Fayt: I see... So what should we do?

Cliff: Burn 'em down?
Fairy: No, stupid!!!
Fairy: I'll be your guide! Those old trees can't fool my eyes! But it'll be up to you to deal with them.

So now we can get past the weird trees, because some of them are actually monsters! If so, the fairy will tell us when we approach them and it'll start a fight. Any trees we kill will stay down, so we don't have to worry about optimizing our way through the woods or anything. They're roughly mini-boss difficulty, except if you use MP damage in which case they die real real fast.

Starting with the new areas this unlocks, we also run into a fun new gimmick: falling boulders! Similar to the slopes/ice in the Aqueducts, if we get hit by one of those Fayt falls over and we reload at the start of that room. I'm going to be getting hit by rocks a lot.

After a bit more wandering around in the forest, we find a small building. This entire next part is optional. It's completely possible to miss this area of the forest and just beeline for Ameena instead. If we do, though, we permanently lose our opportunity to ever recruit Roger at any point. So, let's go meet Roger.

Nel: Yeah. Wanna check it out?

Fayt: Okay.

Nel: I'll go scout out the area. You guys take care of this.

Fayt: That's not... Ameena.

Cliff: Who the heck is this little guy?

Fayt: Some little boy the bandits captured, I guess. Don't worry. We're not here to hurt you.

Fayt: What happened? How'd you end up in there?

???: I didn't do anything wrong... Wahhh!

Fayt: Okay... Is there no one else but you here?

???: Nope... *hiccup*

Fayt: So you haven't seen a girl around here? Her name's Ameena...

???: ...

???: Just get me outta here, now!

Fayt: Huh!?

???: Oops... hehe...

Cliff: Well, well, the cat's outta the bag. He's really a little brat.

???: I blew it...

Fayt: You can say that again...

???: I'll be good, I'll be good! Oh, get me outta here, guys! Come on!

Fayt: Who are you anyway?

???: Me?

Roger: Shuddup, ya big lummox! If someone's askin' for help, shouldn't ya just lend a hand? Yeah, you should care about others. Least, that's what my Papa always said. And he was always right!!!

Roger: Come on, have you no hearts, ya big bullies!

Fayt: Unbelievable...

Nel: What's going on in here? Did something happen?

Fayt: You might say that...

Roger: Huh? Where'd that lovely voice come from?

Fayt: Looks like Ameena's not here. Let's go.

Cliff: Huh, sounds good to me. I'm sick of this brat anyhow.

Nel: You can say that again.

Fayt: Yeah.

Roger: That's just plain cold! I'm askin' for help!

Roger: Hey look, the morons are back! My boys are gonna tear ya to pieces!!! Better say yer prayers!!!
Bandit: What did you just say!?

Cliff: Hey, when he said 'my boys', did he mean...

Fayt: Yeah, I think he meant us...

Nel: I'm afraid so.

Bandit: Yer dead meat!

Roger: Too late to grovel now! There'll be no mercy this time. Get 'em, boys!!!

We have a quick and very trivial fight against the bandits.

Nel: You're a Menodix, from the Sanmite Republic, right?

Roger: Yes, that's right, Miss!

Fayt: The Sanmite Republic?

Nel: It's a country of humanoids located northwest of Aquaria.

Nel: I'm sure you noticed lots of humanoids in Peterny. Almost all of them are from Sanmite.

Fayt: Huh...

Nel: But it's strange to find a Menodix around here. Everyone knows they almost never comme down from their highlands.

Roger: Well you see, Miss, it's kind of complicated.

Cliff: Complicated... yeah right.

Fayt: Why did the bandits capture you?

Roger: That's a secret! You know, a real man has things he can't even tell his girl.

Cliff: Huh? A secret? After we just saved your... tail?

Nel: What an odd kid. Let's leave him. I really don't want to hear his story anyway.

Roger: Huh, huh...?

Nel: We're not interested.

Roger: Oh, but I'd really want you to hear about it, Miss... I really do!

Cliff: Somebody stop me before I wring this brat's neck.

Fayt: So? Why did they capture you?

Roger: It was a dare.

Fayt: A dare?

Roger: Yup, that's right. Ya see, me and my gang are enemies with this other gang back in Surferio. I challenged their leader to a dare to see who was the bigger man.

Nel: A dare, huh? What was it that you did?

Roger: A test of courage. We dared each other to slip into the legendary Moonshadow Clan's hideout in Duggus Forest and steal the treasure therein!

Roger: A test fit for real me!

Cliff: I see... So you screwed up and got caught.

Roger: ... Shaddup, moron.

Fayt: So now we know how you got here. Be more careful on your way home. Later.

Roger: ... What'd you guys come here for, anyway? Not to clear out the bandits, I guess?

Fayt: We're looking for someone.

Roger: Looking for someone? A girl?

Fayt: Huh? Yeah.

Roger: I see... Well, I'll give ya a hand then.

Cliff: Huh?

Roger: I said I'll give ya a hand, ya big lummox! Besides, I know this forest much better than you guys do.

Fayt: Thanks for the offer, but...

Roger: Huh...? You're gonna refuse an offer from someone as irresistible as me!?

Cliff: You're up to something, I can tell! You really gonna help us?

Roger: Doh!

Cliff: As I thought.

Roger: Oh, well, Miss, ya see... I... um... uhh...

Fayt: Go on, we won't get angry.

Roger: Well, I haven't exactly gotten the treasure from that dare I made, you see.

Cliff: Treasure?

Roger: That's right, moron. It's a gold statuette...

Cliff: Well, what's stopping you? Go get it!

Roger: Well, I would if I could, but the bandits' leader has it. And all I know is he's somewhere here in the forest.

Fayt: I get it...

Cliff: So your plan is to leech on to us and hope you get lucky and we'll get that treasure for you?

Roger: Uhhh... that's one way of putting it...

Nel: Well, why not? We might need some help after all.

Cliff: Are you outta your mind!?

Nel: It's been some time sine Ameena collapsed in the forest. We need to find her soon and bring her back to town. If this little guy really knows this area as he says, he could guide us.

Cliff: Well... I suppose.

Roger: That's right!

Cliff: ... Okay. What now?

[If we choose Ask Roger to help.]

Fayt: Hmm... Rogers... was it? So, you'll help us out?

Roger: I owe it to ya guys! Heh he he, just leave it to me!

Cliff: Yeah, but what about that dare? Yer not done yet, are ya?

Roger: Heh, does it really matter?

Roger: I mean, you guys are searchin' for someone in the forest, right? So, that means we might run into the guy I'm lookin' for! I'll help you guys find that girl, and if we run into the bandit leader, you guys can help me slap him down! That way, everyone ends up happy.

Fayt: Okay. Let's hurry!

Roger: Go, go, go!

Roger joins the party.

[If we choose Turn down his offer to help.]

Fayt: Thanks, but...

Roger: What...!? You're saying I'm no help?

Fayt: That's not what I meant. We'd really like your help, but you're in the middle of a dare, aren't you? Don't you want to finish it off?

Fayt: Thought so. Look, thanks for the offer anyway.

Roger: I see... Oh well. Stop by my place if yer ever in Sanmite. Me and the gang'll take good care of ya!

Fayt: Thanks. We just might take you up on that.

Roger: Great. See ya later!

Roger walks out of the cottage without joining the party.

If we don't let Roger join at this point, we also permanently lose out on him as a party member (though at least he doesn't stay locked in his cage). He's definitely one of the more minor party members, and is magically absent from a number of story cutscenes even if he's supposed to be in the party, but he has a couple of unique cutscenes and sidequests if he's around, starting as we walk back into the forest:

Roger doesn't watch where he's running and runs right into someone.

Roger: Yowww!

Nel: Yep, no doubt about it.

Cliff: Yeah, has to be. He looks kind of evil.
Moonshadow Clan Thief: So it's you, that little brat from before. What're you doin' here? Didn't we put you in a cage or something?

Roger: How do yah think you're gonna get away with putting Roger, man among men, in a steenkin' cage!? Purdy women are the only ones who can catch this man, let me tell you!

Moonshadow Clan Thief: Shaddup and do as I say! What's this 'Real Man Contest', anyway!?

Roger: It's a contest to see who's the real man, duh!
Moonshadow Clan Thief: Wha'?

Roger: Never mind that! Just hurry up and gimme your treasure!

Cliff: Wait a minute, who said anything about that?

Roger: Huh? Didn't I mention it?

Nel: No, not a single word.

Roger: Um, er, anyway. Cough it up! Shut yer trap and gimme the goods. Stop wastin' time! Argh, just... just gimme it!
Moonshadow Clan Thief: Who do you think you're kiddin'? Why would I give you my treasure!?

Roger: You don't understand anything, do you!? What kind of fool are you? Wait, I know! You're a dumb-dumb, that's what kind! Gimme the treasure!
Moonshadow Clan Thief: Who're you callin' a dumb-dumb! I've had enough of you! I'll smash you to smithereens!

Roger: Hah! Like you could ever beat me!

Fayt: Can I ask you one thing first? Did you see a girl with long hair picking flowers around here?
Moonshadow Clan Thief: I don't know! And why would I tell you guys if I did, anyway!? You come around here, cracking jokes about me! Man, do you think it's my fault I look evil!?

Cliff: Oops, he heard us.

Nel: It certainly looks that way. And I think you hurt his feelings, too. Maybe you'd better stop talking now.

We have a "mini-boss" fight against the clan chief, but he's as much of a pushover as his underlings were.

Roger: That's a win for me! Hehe, take that, Lucien!

Fayt: Congratulations.

Roger: Woohoo! This is thanks to you, m'lady!

Cliff: Hey, hang on a second, there. What're we then, window dressing?

Roger: Oh yeah. Thanks, I guess.

Cliff: ...

Roger: Thanks, kinda, in a way.

Cliff: ...

Roger: Well, it's not like I don't want to, um, thank you or something like that.

Cliff: ...

Roger: Whew. Nice work.

Roger: Wait a minute!

Our search for Ameena thus continues! Next step involves getting crushed by boulders again.

Once we're past that part, the last section of the forest starts out as what seems to be a teleporter maze, but it's actually just that every path except one is blocked off in a way that makes you walk around in circles.

Only one of the paths actually allows progress, around the north side of the map. When we get there...

Roger: Either way, there's definitely something suspicious about this place.

Cliff: Okay, what do we do next?

Nel: Something's coming.

Roger: This looks like trouble!

Boss fight! Some of his attacks can be weird to dodge but overall he's not too bad.

Fayt: Come on, we'd better hurry up and find Ameena.

At this point, the fog lifts entirely from the previous area, and the teleport effect is gone, meaning we can explore the other paths in the forest. We get a couple for loot, then head for where Ameena is.

Fayt: Ameena! Ameena!

Roger: This who yer talkin' about?

Cliff: Yeah.

Fayt: Let's get her back to town quick!

Ameena: Uhh... Ohh...

Roger: See ya guys later then. Glad we found the girl!

Fayt: Thanks, we really appreciate your help.

Roger: Don't sweat it. One good turn deserves another.

Roger: See ya!

Cliff: Let's hurry.

Fayt: Yeah.

Fayt picks Ameena up and the screen fades out.

Cliff: Aah, it was nothing.
Middle-Aged Woman: No, no, the doctor said that, had you found her much later it might have been too late.
Middle-Aged Woman: Oh, I feel so sorry for the poor girl. She lost both of her parents, and now this disease...

Fayt: Ma'am?
Middle-Aged Woman: Oh, it's all the war's fault! If it wasn't for this war, Ameena's parents wouldn't have died, and she could have lived in peace...

Nel: That's why the killing has to end.
Middle-Aged Woman: Indeed - but there's not much we can do. All we can do is make Wishing Charms and pray that Apris ends the war... If only I had the power. I'd smash those Airyglyph scum into little pieces... I... I feel so powerless!

Fayt: Power...

Ameena: Mmm...

Ameena: Why are you here? I...

Fayt: Don't get up, Ameena. You have to rest!

Ameena: Why are you here, Fayt? I thought you were going to leave for Aquios today...?

Fayt: Well...
Middle-Aged Woman: These people brought you back here after you collapsed.
Middle-Aged Woman: You collapsed on top of the mountain, Ameena. I couldn't carry you all the way home - so I came back to get help. Well, that's when I saw this boy...

Ameena: I see... Fayt, everyone, thank you very much. I am so sorry for the trouble I've caused you all...

Cliff: Nah, don't worry about it.

Nel: He's right. You just concentrate on resting up and getting better.

Ameena: Okay.

Nel: And, Ameena?

Ameena: Yes?

Nel: I asked that doctor to take care of you for me. If you start feeling worse, go see her right away.

Ameena: But... how will I pay her?

Nel: That's not a problem. We've already come to an agreement about the fee. It's all taken care of.

Ameena: I, I can't let you do that!

Nel: You need to learn to take favors when they're offered. Don't worry - you don't owe me anything. That doctor is an old friend of mine. I'm happy to use my connections to help.

Cliff: She's right. Liste, she says it's okay, so it's okay!

Ameena: But...

Nel: How about this? Just think of it as payment for the Maiden of Irisa? Does that sound fair?

Ameena: That was a gift.

Nel: Come on, just say 'yes'.

Fayt: You want to see your friend again, don't you? You'll need to get better as fast as possible if you want to do that, right?

Ameena: I... don't know how to thank you.

Cliff: Don't mention it. Fayt?

Fayt: Yeah. Ameena? Sorry, but we have to go.

Ameena: You do?

Fayt: I'd like to stay and help you get better, but there's something important I have to do.

Nel: ...

Fayt: It's something I've thought about a lot. At first, I was just going to run away from it all, but then I realized: sometimes, you're the only one that can make a difference. And if it's something that might help people you've got to give it a try!

Ameena: Yes...

Nel: Fayt, you don't mean-?

Nel: Uh... okay!

Cliff: You're as easy to read as always.

Fayt: I'll take that as a compliment.

Fayt: All right, we have to go now. I'm sorry, ma'am - please take good care of Ameena.
Middle-Aged Woman: I will. You folks take care of your own work, whatever that may be. Leave Ameena to me.

Fayt: Thank you.

Ameena: Fayt.

Fayt: Huh?

Ameena: I'll see you again, right?

Fayt: Yes, you will.

Ameena: I'm looking forward to it.

Fayt: I am too... Take care!

Ameena: All right.

We can chat with Ameena again before we leave, but she just apologizes again, so it's time to go.

Fayt: Yeah.

Cliff: So, whatever happened to that precious UP3 you used to worry about all the time?

Fayt: Ah yes, well... I've made up my mind. I'll do whatever it takes to end this war. That's all.

Cliff: 'There are things I can do, that no one else can do! If there's a chance I can help...' Hah! Cool, kid, very cool.

Fayt: Either way, we've interfered so much already, it's not going to make any difference, is it? And there's no guarantee we'll ever get off this planet.

Cliff: Making a virtue of necessity, huh?

Fayt: Is that wrong? I have to do something if I'm ever going to get out of here and find my dad...

Cliff: You got the right idea. And I think you could use a little gung-ho, y'know?

Fayt: You think?

Cliff: Well, that's the way I prefer to do things, anyway. All right, let's go. She's waiting.

Fayt: Lay off the teasing, all right? It's not like we're going out, geez!

Nel: Heh heh...

Fayt: Oh yeah, about the doctor... Thanks.

Nel: Don't thank me. I was just doing... what I wanted to do.

Fayt: But...

Nel: Actually... That doctor is one of my subordinates.

Cliff: You mean like Tynave?

Nel: Well... they're not all doing the same thing - but they are all agents of Aquaria, and they help me out when I need it.

Cliff: How nice.

Fayt: Just the same, please accept my gratitude.

Nel: I said don't worry about it.

Nel: ...

Fayt: What is it?

Nel: That you'll do what you can. I take that to mean you'll cooperate with us?

Fayt: Yes, I will.

Nel: Hmm... Well, I welcome your change of heart. I'll have to thank Ameena and her friend. But are you really sure about this?

Cliff: I'm just going along with what he decides.

Fayt: Right... I've made up my mind.

Nel: In that case... Thanks in advance.

Fayt: You're welcome. Now - let's get to Aquios!

Like he said he would, Roger's left our party again at this point. We could theoretically go get him at the beginning of the next part, but we'll hold off on that until a tad later so we can do a little less backtracking.

With that detour done...

Next time: We go to Aquios for real?

As I said in the last post, we're taking a little detour before Peterny... by walking right back into Arias! This is the only time available to view a short cutscene with Tynave and Farleen, so we head back into their room to talk to them.

Tynave: We're members of the Secret Legion serving under Lady Nel.

Farleen: It's a pleasure to meet you.

Fayt: I'm Fayt. I'm an... uh... engineer from Greeton. Nice to meet you.

Tynave: My main duties consist of manual labor. And Farleen over there...

Farleen: I'm the brains here.

Tynave: That's right! And since we're in the same unit, our pay is the same.

Farleen: Huh!?

Tynave: What? You mean... it's not?

Fayt: (Uh-oh...)

Now that we've sown that discord (which they say they'll talk about in private after), we can get back on track and head to Peterny for real. It's a fairly quick treck through a new field area, Palmira Plains, that honestly doesn't have much of significance to talk about. Entering Peterny starts a new cutscene.

Nel: Yes, that's because this town is closer to the sacred royal city of Aquios. Plus, it borders on the Republic of Sanmite, and is therefore a center of commerce.

Cliff: Makes sense.

Cliff: No wonder it's so lively.

Nel: I have to attend to some business. You can do what you will until I get back.

Nel: We'll meet... We'll meet in the central plaza.

Nel: Go to the plaza when you're ready.

Fayt: Okay.

Cliff: Got it.

We're not allowed to leave Peterny, but there's a couple different things we can get a look at! The first notable stop is the Craftman's Guild, which opens up the entire Item Creation mechanic, and I'll cover everything related to that in an extras post. Partly because the little story there is is pretty detached from the main plot, but also because it's easier to talk about inventors in their own update as opposed to putting them in main updates and breaking pacing. On top of that, if I want to explain Item Creation at all as a mechanic, it'll need its own post.

So, second off is there's a lot of villagers to talk to, including this PA if we start talking to weird people in seedy taverns:

Fayt: I've been through a lot. I'm in the middle of a journey to Aquios with a certain lady.
Strange Man: A lady, eh? You don't say?
Strange Man: Oh yes! Have you ever heard of the Moonshadow Clan? You must've passed through many a town on your travels. So, you obviously must've heard of them, right?

Fayt: (Moonshadow Clan... Hmm...)

[If we choose Yeah, I've heard of them.]

Fayt: Yeah, I've heard of them. I mean, they're famous, aren't they?
Strange Man: You could say that. They're a band of thieves that strikes fear into the hearts of all they meet. I'm not surprised a kid like you knows about them. Their leader is amazing. He's a fine swordsman and very handsome. He's the ultimate man.

Fayt: I wonder why such a gifted man would be leading a bunch of bandits? If he was that magnificent of a person, he'd be able to find a more creditable line of work than thievery.
Strange Man: *gasp* You little brat! Did you just say what I think you did!? Listen to me! Being a thief isn't as easy as you think it is. You never know if you're going to be killed. Only a real man could handle such a profession.

Fayt: Well, I don't think I'd call it a 'profession'.
Strange Man: You just can't keep your big mouth shut, can you!?

Fayt: I apologize if I've offended you. But I don't understand why you're taking it so personally. Do you know someone in that band of thieves?
Strange Man: Hmm!? Oh, umm... Well, you see... It's just that I think the life of a thief is a rather admirable profession for a man. At least, it's better than being one of those spineless fools you see everywhere these days, don't you think? Well!?

And if you talk to him again after the PA:

Strange Man: Well... You'd understand if you came across the Moonshadow Clan. I guarantee that you'd be overwhelmed by the sheer presence of their leader.

[If we choose No, never heard of them.]

Fayt: No, never heard of them.
Strange Man: What? You're joking, right? I'm talking about the Moonshadow Clan, a band of thieves that strikes fear into the hearts of all they meet. They're the most powerful band of thieves, and they follow an amazing leader, a handsome swordsman of superb skill. You must have heard at least something about them, right?

Fayt: Nope, it's news to me.
Strange Man: You're not serious, are you? Normally, people say things like, 'That Moonshadow Clan's leader is incredibly powerful', or 'that Moonshadow Clan is the best'.

Fayt: I was in Airyglyph until just recently, and I haven't been in this town very long.
Strange Man: Oh... I see, I see... Well, I guess it's to be expected if you've been in Airyglyph. Yes indeed. I suppose you wouldn't know then.

And if you talk to him again after the PA:

Strange Man: The Moonshadow Clan is the ultimate band of thieves. They strike fear into the hearts of all they meet. You had best remember their name. I guarantee, you won't regret it.

Either way, we'll be seeing this guy again for a minute in the next update, and maybe getting the tiniest bit of context as to why he's so desperate to praise this "amazing leader".

With that done, the "only" thing we have left is talking around to the remaining townspeople, and there's a lot of them. I'll cover them in an extra when we're a bit further into the story, so we can see what they've all been up to this whole time.

Anytime we want to stop wandering around, we're free to stop by the plaza in front of the church and let Fayt take a break. The next choice isn't a PA, it's just to give us an out if we don't want to progress.

[If we choose Relax while waiting for the others.]

Fayt: I think I'll relax while waiting for the others. I've been pretty tired lately.

Fayt: What are you doing here!?

Ameena: Huh?

Fayt: Uh...

Ameena: Umm... I'm really sorry, but I think you have me confused with someone else. My name is Ameena.

Fayt: Ameena?

Ameena: That's right.

Fayt: I'm so sorry! You look just like a girl I know. For a moment I thought...

Ameena: Oh, I see! Sorry if I seemed a bit startled when you shouted like that.

Fayt: Sorry about that.

Ameena: That's all right. Don't worry about it. Um, well...

Fayt: Nice to meet you.

Ameena: Fayt Leingod?

Fayt: That's right.

Ameena: I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Ameena Leffeld.

Fayt: Nice to meet you, Miss Leffeld.

Ameena: You can call me Ameena. That's what everyone calls me around here.

Fayt: Okay, Ameena. And you can call me Fayt.

Ameena: Ah... Okay... Thank you Mr. Lein... I mean Fayt.

Fayt: (She sure reminds me of Sophia... And her voice is exactly the same.)

Ameena: Please, don't look at me like that. You're making me blush.

Fayt: Oh! I'm sorry. But you really look just like her.

Ameena: Really? Who is she?

Fayt: She's... an old friend of mine.

Ameena: Where is she now? Has she gone shopping?

Fayt: No... She's very far from here now. That's why I was so surprised to see you. There's no way she'd be here...

Ameena: I see... *cough*

Fayt: (Hmm?)

Ameena: I used to have a good friend like that. He'd be just about your age.

Fayt: Used to?

Ameena: Yes, I haven't seen him for many years. I was born in this city, but I used to live in Airyglyph for a while...

Fayt: Airyglyph...

Ameena: We had been exchanging letter, but that was no longer possible after the war started... I don't even know where he is now. His last letter mentioned something about becoming a researcher.

Fayt: Is that so...

Ameena: But I have faith that I will see him again someday.

Fayt: I'm sure you will.

Ameena: Yes, thank you. *cough*

Ameena: *cough cough*

Fayt: Do you have a cold? You've been coughing since you sat down...

Ameena: I'm fine. Yes - it's just a little cold. It's... nothing.

Fayt: Oh, I see. Okay.

Ameena: This? I grow flowers and sell them in this town. It's my job!

Fayt: You sell flowers?

Ameena: That's right. I live alone, and that's about all I can do... I grow them in my garden, or I find herbs in the hills to sell.

Fayt: You live alone? What about your parents?

Ameena: They died in this war.

Fayt: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

Ameena: It's okay. I've gotten used to it. And, the lady who lives next door takes really good care of me...

Fayt: I'm really sorry...

Ameena: Please don't worry about it. So, Fayt, are you here on a pilgrimage? You don't look like you're from around here.

Fayt: Um, yeah, well, it's not exactly a pilgrimage. I'm on my way to Aquios.

Ameena: By yourself?

Fayt: No, there are two others traveling with me.

Ameena: Really? Oh! Wait-

Fayt: Are you sure? You sell these, right? I can pay...

Ameena: No, that's not for sale. It's my own, personal good luck charm.

Fayt: A good luck charm?

Ameena: Yes, it's been a local tradition for generations. It's called the 'Maiden of Irisa'. It's a flower that represents Irisa, the goddess of the moon and the wind. They say that if you carry this flower, Irisa will use her powers to keep you safe during your journeys.

Fayt: Wow... That's amazing.

Ameena: I carried it with me when I came back home from Airyglyph.

Fayt: I can't take something so precious from you!

Ameena: Don't worry. I don't need it anymore.

Fayt: Thank you, Ameena. I'll take very good care of it.

Ameena: Please do.

Fayt: Hehehe.

Ameena: Hehehe.

Cliff: Hitting on the ladies?

Fayt: N-no! Ah, umm... She just looked like someone I know. And, well...

Cliff: Come on, you can come up with a smoother line than that! I'll teach you a few for next time.

Fayt: I told you I'm not hitting on her!

Cliff: Hey, hey, simmer down! Can't you take a joke? Look, if you don't wanna get teased a little, then don't play lovey-dovey while you wait around for us, got it?

Fayt: Who's playing lovey-dovey!?

Nel: Anyway...

Fayt: What?

Nel: Aren't you going to introduce her?

Fayt: Oh, yes. This is Ameena. She sells flowers in this town.

Ameena: Hi, I-I'm Ameena.

Fayt: Ameena, these two are the people I'm traveling with: Cliff, and Nel.

Cliff: Ameena, what a nice name. Nice to meet you. I'm Cliff Fittir. Guess you could say I'm this kid's bodyguard.

Nel: Nel Zelpher.

Ameena: Nice to meet you.

Nel: That's a rare flower you're holding. Where did you get that?

Fayt: Oh, this? Ameena gave it to me.

Cliff: Huh? A rare flower?

Nel: It's the Maiden of Irisa. The current war has pretty much devastated the lands where it grows, so it's a hard flower to find these days. In the stories of Apris, it represents the goddess Irisa. These days it's used as a good luck charm for travelers. It's much the same as Palmira's Wishing Charm, or the Wreath of Erinia, which we use to pray for victory in battle.

Cliff: Wow... That's pretty amazing. You sure you want to give him something so valuable?

Ameena: Yes, I don't need it anymore. I'm sorry, but I need to get back to work...

Fayt: Oh...

Ameena: Please excuse me. It was fun talking to you. Have a safe journey to Aquios.

Fayt: Thank. Ameena, tese are tough times... Take care of yourself!

Ameena: Thank you.

Fayt: I'm sure you'll meet your friend again. I believe it.

Cliff: Hey, is she sick or something? She sure was coughing a lot.

Fayt: Uh, yeah. She said she had a cold.

Cliff: Right...

Nel: All right you two, let's not talk out here. Let's get to the inn.

Fayt: Good idea.

Nel: Peterny has two inns, but there're some issues with the one on the east side, so we'll use the one on the west.

Cliff: Issues?

Nel: It's a cheap inn that's also a tavern. Put bluntly, it's got a lot of questionable patrons. This may be Aquaria, but we want to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

Fayt: All right. Let's use the one on the west side.

The cheap inn Nel is referring to is the place we went to earlier with the weird thief-enthusiast, so I can't fault her. We go to the inn and talk to the receptionist:

Inn Receptionist: This inn is reservations-only. If you would like to stay here, the earliest available room won't be for another six months.
Inn Receptionist: Oh... It's Lady Nel! W-will you be staying with us? No, there's no problem at all. We'll prepare rooms for you at once.

Nel: I'm going to visit a subordinate who is stationed in this town. Feel free to walk around, but whatever you do, stay out of trouble!

Cliff: All right... don't worry so much.

Cliff: I don't know about him, but do you really think I'd cause trouble?

Fayt: Hey... Why are you worried about me?

Nel: I'm just saying what I think.

Nel: This town is lively with commerce - and that has attracted more than its share of shady characters. Guys like you are easy to pick fights with.

Cliff: If that happens, then I'll just give as good as I get. No worries.

Nel: That's what I'm worried about.

Cliff: Ah, right.

Nel: *sigh* ... Okay, I'm off. I'll be back by nightfall.

Cliff: I think I'll hang out at the local tavern. You go amuse yourself.

Fayt: I think I will.

We've got free roam again, but there's a little less new things to explore this time, so we just wander around through town a little bit until:

Middle-Aged Woman: Well, of course it's right.

Fayt: (That voice...)
Middle-Aged Woman: Ah, mercy!
Woman's Voice: Hehehe.

Fayt: (Is that Ameena?)
Woman's Voice: Of course I'm okay.
Middle-Aged Woman: Well, that sort of thing happens too...
Woman's Voice: Yes, I agree.

Fayt: Hi there, Ameena.

Ameena: What are you doing here?

Fayt: I was walking around outside and I thought I heard your voice...

Ameena: What a coincidence!

Ameena: Oh, this is Fayt. He's traveling to Aquios.
Middle-Aged Woman: My! All the way to Aquios? On a pilgrimage?

Ameena: No, he's just traveling there.

Ameena: I thought you might have left by now.

Fayt: No, not yet. We'll stay in Peterny for one night, then leave tomorrow morning.

Ameena: Really? Tomorrow morning... I won't be able to see you off.

Fayt: That's all right, you don't have to see us off - but thanks, anyway. Did you have something you have to do tomorrow?

Ameena: Yes, the two of us are going into the mountains to pick some flowers.

Fayt: Flowers from the mountains? To sell? I thought you grew your own flowers?

Ameena: These flowers aren't the kind you can buy. You have to pick the flowers of the Wishing Charm for yourself, or they say it won't work.

Fayt: The Wishing Charm?

Ameena: Right, you may not have heard of it. It's another one of the traditional charms of this area, just like the Maiden of Irisa.

Ameena: That's what that bouquet is...

Ameena: The Palmira flower is pretty hard to find, you know.

Fayt: Huh.

Fayt: (Kind of like the four-leaf clovers that Sophia used to love finding.)
Middle-Aged Woman: They say that your wish will come true when your bouquet reaches one thousand flowers. Palmira, the goddess of the moon and rain, will hear you... but only if your wish is as true as your tears that fall like rain.

Fayt: She really grants your wish...

Ameena: That's right.
Middle-Aged Woman: All of us want the war to end! Everyone in town feels that way; that's why we're making our own Wishing Charms. Unfortunately, no one's wish has come true, yet.

Fayt: Is that what you're wishing for, too, Ameena?

Ameena: Me?
Middle-Aged Woman: This girl wants to see her long-lost friend again; that's her number one wish. Of course she wants the war to end, too.

Ameena: Oh, don't tell him that!

Fayt: Right, your old friend...

Ameena: Umm... Er...

Ameena: I mentioned him, didn't I? I'd really like to see him again. Well, that's not all I'm wishing for, you know.

Ameena: My dis... uhm...

Fayt: What did you say?

Ameena: Umm, never mind. It's nothing.

Fayt: I... I hope so.

Fayt: And I hope you get your wish.

Ameena: Thank you. I have to believe that my wish will come true. If you give up, then it's all over.

Fayt: Yeah, you're right.

Ameena: I have faith.

Fayt: Well, I have to get going. Take care of yourself, Ameena.

Ameena: Please take care of yourself too, Fayt. If you come through Peterny again, please stop by.

Fayt: I'll do that.

Ameena: May the grace of Apris be with you on your journey.
Middle-Aged Woman: Take care of yourself. May the grace of Apris be with you on your journey.

Fayt: Goodbye.

And now we're done running around for real, so let's meet back up with Nel. Again, no PA, just an option to let us back out.

Nel: Have you finished exploring?
[If we choose Yeah, I'm done.]

Fayt: Yeah, I'm ready.

Nel: I see. Well then, you should rest up. I know you must be tired, but we'll be heading out to Aquios tomorrow morning as planned.

Fayt: (I wonder if she's worried about me.)

Cliff: Can't sleep?

Fayt: Yeah... Speaking with Ameena reminded me of Sophia. I hope she got away safely.

Fayt: I'm also worried about Ameena. I hope her cold isn't serious...

Cliff: I don't blame you for being worried about Sophia, but there's nothing you can do about it. We gotta focus on what we can do here and now.

Fayt: Yeah, I know.

Cliff: That goes for Ameena, too. You'll only end up making things harder for both of you.

Cliff: Good night.

Next time: We depart Peterny for Aquios?

Once done with Kirlsa we run out through the south gate to Granah Hills, which is a pretty standard field area. Similar enemies as before, just more Black Brigade soldiers than in other places, which makes sense since we're heading towards their stronghold. We cross the field easily enough and enter the Facility proper.

Oh no, soldiers! They're the same as the soldiers we fought on the way here, so they're really no trouble, they're just there to set the tone. We dispatch them quickly and easily.

Cliff: What a bunch of pushovers. It'll be smooth sailing if they're all that easy.

Fayt: Still, keep alert.

Cliff: I know!

Cliff: Who do you think I am, anyway?

Fayt shrugs. The scene fades to black.

Knight: We're sorry, My Lord. We had her cornered, but she put up quite a fight...
Shelby: I ordered you to apprehend her, not admire her!
Knight: Yes, m'Lord!

The scene fades out and back into another scene.

Shelby: What is it? You've got the Crimson Blade spy?
Knight: No, Sir... a report - and a missive from Duke Vox.
Shelby: From the Captain of the Dragon Brigade? Hmph. Give me your report, first.
Knight: Our sentries have spotted two suspicious men within the compound. Based on our intelligence, they might be the two escapees...
Shelby: Hmm... so they've come to the rescue, too? This is unexpected.
Shelby: I thought sending only one Crimson Blade was a bit light. The compassion of these followers of Apris is really playing into our hands.
Shelby: Find and capture them all. Do not fail me.

Knight: What is it, Sir Shelby?
Shelby: Aha ha ha ha! This is rich! It seems Albel will not be back for some time.
Knight: Our Captain? But why?
Shelby: Seems the Captain of the Dragon Brigade has little love for our captain... Albel is being detained a while. We're supposed to take care of things in the meantime.
Knight: I see. By capturing the two escapees before Sir Albel returns, m'Lord will get all the credit. With such accolades, you might even be promoted to captain yourself!
Shelby: Exactly. Our prey is now within our grasp. We must act quickly - before he returns!
Shelby: Don't kill the escapees. They must be taken alive!
Knight: Sir!

And with that friendly intro, we're off to the dungeon proper! The Kirlsa Training Facility is by far the largest dungeon we've seen. It features three full floors (and a very simple fourth floor) that we'll have to wander around before we can find Nel. While there's a handful of wolves, lizardmen, skeletons, and other monstrous foes in here, most of the enemies we'll run into are black brigade soldiers like at the entrance.

I won't go into a ton of detail on the dungeon itself since it's a lot of corridors to get lost in, but they make it clear that this place is a training facility turned barracks turned executing ground, and we fight (and it's confirmed later, kill) a lot of soldiers in here. Once we're done running up and down the stairs to find an elevator key, we finally unlock a door to see:

Cliff: This is bad. They've got her cornered!

Fayt: We've gotta help!

Cliff: Let's do it!

This fight is similar to the one at the entrance, except Nel's back with us for this one.

Fayt: We know - Clair told us.

Nel: So, why then!?

Fayt: Nel, weren't YOU charged with bringing us to Aquios? How could you neglect your duty?

Nel: I...

Cliff: Yeah, what he said. Besides, I didn't appreciate the fact you left without saying goodbye.

Nel: Cliff...

Fayt: We'll give you a piece of our minds later. Let's rescue Tynave and Farleen first.

Cliff: With the three of us, we won't even break a sweat!

Nel: Thanks guys.

Now that Nel's back in our party, we're good to head to the fourth floor to fight the dungeon boss. That said... I know I've mentioned this like 50 times now, but the specific point in the game of "save nel but don't fight the boss yet" actually has unique party dialogue if we leave the dungeon right now. The trigger of "save Nel" and the trigger of "beat the dungeon boss" are separate and I'll go over the new dialogue we get from it in one of the extras, I'm just absolutely floored, not only that this is a thing but that through some twisted impulse I found it. You can run back to Airyglyph and get unique dialogue. I love this.

Anyway let's take the <5 minutes it takes to take the elevator up to the fourth floor and get this boss.

Fayt: Tynave, Farleen! We're here to help!

Farleen: Uh... Uuh...

Tynave: What- What are you doing here!?

Fayt: We'll get you out of here!

Tynave: No, run! It's a trap!

Farleen: She's right... They're hiding... behind those pillars!

I haven't talked about it prior to this, but there are two ways you can be disadvantaged at the start of battle. The first is "Ambushed", which happens if an enemy initiates combat by touching Fayt's back, and it makes you start the battle staggered and at 0% fury, with your back turned to the enemy. The second is "Surrounded", which happens if an enemy initiates combat by touching Fayt's sides, and it makes you start the battle at 0% and with enemies on both sides of your party.

All this to give context that when they say "it's a trap", they mean that the next fight against Black Brigade soldiers is going to start with us in the "surrounded" state, making this next fight a bit harder than the previous ones so far.

Tynave: Thank you so much.

Farleen: I'm okay. The pain's... not too bad.

Tynave: You faced incredible danger to rescue us... You should not have come!

Farleen: Thank you so much.

Nel: Don't worry about it. If you're going to thank anyone, thank them.

Cliff: Forget about it. It was nothing.

Fayt: Our pleasure - but we'd better get moving!

Cliff: Right. Our work is done here. Good riddance to this hellhole.

Cliff: So what if we are?
Shelby: Surrender peacefully, and I shall spare your lives.

Fayt: Who the heck are you?
Shelby: I am Shelby... Lieutenant of the Black Brigade, soon to be Captain by the looks of things. You should curse your luck for falling into my hands.

Nel: After all that, now we have to fight Shelby!?

Fayt: Is he dangerous?

Nel: Yeah... He's the Black Brigade's second in command. They didn't leave him here for nothing!

Cliff: I can see that. He looks way too powerful to be some watchdog. Not like the last bunch.
Shelby: Of course, we'll only spare the two men. The women may die.

Shelby: If it comes to that, yes. Now, come quietly...

Cliff: I'll give you quiet! And you, kill me? Hah!
Shelby: You will regret those words.

Cliff: Not before you do!

Nel: Tynave, Farleen! You two stand back.

Fayt: Here he comes!!!

Shelby's a step up in difficulty from the previous fight, but he's fairly slow so it's still pretty manageable. The main difficulty comes from the fact that he's flanked by two other soldiers, so we want to take this from a 3v3 to a 3v1 as soon as possible. Once we've done that though we're home free.

Nel: That gauntlet... You're Albel Nox!

Albel: So, you've heard of me.

Fayt: Who the heck is he?

Nel: He's the best swordsman in all of Airyglyph and the Captain of the Black Brigade. Better known as 'Albel the Wicked'...

Albel: Ha...

Cliff: Hey, I'm gonna smack that cocky look off your face!

Albel: I'm not interested in fighting a bunch of tired fools. Easy wins have never been my style. And unlike Vox, I take no joy in trouncing weaklings.

Cliff: Who ya callin' a weakling?

Albel: Go back to your own lands. This is your only warning, fools.

Cliff: Come down here and say that!

Cliff walks towards Albel, and Nel puts her arm in the way to stop him.

Nel: You're gonna let us slip away? That's pretty nice for a guy like you.

Albel: Don't get me wrong - I just can't be bothered. And taking hostages isn't the way I do business.

Fayt: What do you call this, then?

Albel: Those maggots did this without my consent. I knew nothing about it. Besides, your escape is his blunder. I've no obligation to clean up his mess.

Fayt: But he was your subordinate! You have to take responsibility for his actions.

Albel walks off.

Fayt: Let's hurry up and get back, I'm sure everyone's worried about us.

Nel: Yes, let's go.

Thankfully getting out of the facility is easy enough, and there's no major obstacles in the way to Arias (other than my dogged insistence on stopping by Airyglyph anyway because good news: Tynave and Farleen tag along with us if we do!)

We're just going to stop by the Kirlsa inn on our way back though, to get a PA with Nel we'd otherwise miss. Star Ocean 3 presents: philosophy, more specifically, the trolley problem.

Nel: You guys were supposed to be indebted to me. Funny how things go sometimes, eh?

Cliff: I suppose. Of course, I was thinking we shoulda made a run for it. But this guy wouldn't hear of it.

Nel: I see. You may think it strange for me to say this after you helped me, but... I think Cliff is right. Whether you wanted to cooperate or not, there isn't a whole lot you had to gain from helping Aquaria. No... the truth is you have absolutely nothing to gain if you consider the time you'll lose and the danger you'll face. But agree you did... Why?

Fayt: Why? Well, you know...

[If we choose I just felt like it.]

Fayt: No reason really. I just felt like it. If anything, I just felt that you might get into some trouble out there on your own.

Cliff: Well, I suppose there really was nothing in it for us.

Nel: I see... Then let me say this... If such a situation arises again, just make your way to Aquios. Don't think twice about it. I'd rather you abandon me than be captured again yourselves.

Fayt: You can't expect us to do that. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing I abandoned someone in need - especially you.

Cliff: Yeah, he's right.

Nel: That's not what I'm talking about here. The fate of all who live in the Kingdom of Aquaria rests in your hands. You cause me a lot of trouble when you risk your lives for me. I don't need you to save me. I've prepared myself for the worst ever since I was given this mission.

Fayt: It's hard for me to relate to that. Ultimately, it boils down to two choices. Do I protect the person who stands before me right now, or do I protect the many people of Aquaria whom I've never met? One thing I do know is the death of someone I know personally would affect me far more than the death of a number of people I never even met.

Nel: I don't intend to sacrifice the lives of others just so that I can survive!

Fayt: I understand how you feel, but... Just as you have your own reasons, I have mine. Let me ask you this, Nel: do you think you have the right to keep me from a good night's sleep? That's what'll happen if I let you have your way.

Nel: What!?

Cliff: Haa ha ha ha. That was good! Match point! The kid's determined to help you even though he knows the risks involved. And now after hearing what he said, I've decided that I'm in with him, too. We've both decided on our own. Nobody else has the right to say anything about it. Right?

Fayt: Something like that. Now that I've heard what you have to say, Nel, I've decided to respect your views from now on. However, when it comes to making a final decision, I will not be swayed by others. I will do what I think is best.

Nel: Hmph... Then do as you please!

[If we choose I thought I should make it up to you.]

Fayt: I thought I should make it up to you. After all, you saved our lives. That's true, no matter what ulterior motives you might've had. That's why I wanted to help you. It's really as simple as that.

Nel: I see... Then let me say this: if this situation arises again, just make your way to Aquios. Don't think twice about it. I'd rather you abandon me than be recaptured on my account.

Nel: I risked my life because I thought you two could save Aquaria. If you were both captured, all my efforts would be in vain. If you really do feel that I saved your lives, then do not risk them for me next time.

Cliff: Okay, okay. Message received, loud and clear. We'll remember that next time. Happy now?

Nel: Fair enough. Anyway, I don't think arguing the matter further will do any good. Let's just leave it at that. So then, do we have an agreement?

[If we choose You can't expect us to abandon you!?]

Fayt: You can't expect us to abandon you!? Do you really think we could do that, knowing you'd be killed?

Nel: Listen to me, Fayt. I only saved you two because I thought you could help save the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria. That is why I risked my life and infiltrated Airyglyph Castle to save you. Putting your lives in danger just to save one person is absolutely pointless. On one hand you have the life of one person, and on the other, the fate of an entire kingdom and all its people. It's a very simple choice. Even a child would know which was more important.

Fayt: You cannot place a value on human life. Abandoning a life that could be saved is wrong, no matter how you look at it! Life is too precious to reduce it down to your two simple choices.

Nel: Ideally, that would be so... But we are at war! It's just not possible to save everyone who needs saving. My only choice is to do my best to help as many people as possible by ending the war.

Fayt: Then let me ask you this, Nel: do you plan on teaching that to your children, too? Will you tell them to abandon somebody they could help in order to save even more people?

Nel: That's...

Cliff: Alright already. I understand what you're saying. Both of you, that is. Logically speaking, you should try to save as many people as possible. I agree with that, but I also agree that each life should be treated equally. The fact is, it all depends on the circumstances at the time and the person who has to make the decision. I guess you could say it is the most difficult choice you could make.

Nel: You don't have to agree with me. There really is no other way.

If we chose either of the first two replies, Cliff and Nel's idle dialogue if we talk to them will be as follows:

Nel: I must thank you for helping me. But remember. We're at war. There will be times where saving many outweighs saving a single person.

Cliff: Anyway, we'll be stuck on this planet for a bit longer. That means we gotta choose sides if we want to move around with any degree of freedom.

But if we chose the third reply, it'll change to this:

Nel: Helping someone always means sacrificing someone else. Such is the way of war. I have chosen to protect the people of my own kingdom, even if that means sacrificing my own life.

Cliff: Yeah, really. It gives me the willies just thinking about those guys standing around tallying up people's lives like some bean counters. But there's something to what Nel said. Don't forget it.

But once we're done with that little break we can finish running over to Arias.

Nel: Yes, I'm fine... I'm sorry to have worried you... Where is Clair?
Female Soldier: She's at headquarters. She was worried - she'll want to see that you're back.

Everyone in town is happy to see us back! They're all relieved that the girls are okay, and it's finally some good news in a period that's been really wanting for those. We run straight for the mansion though because we don't want to keep Clair worried longer than we have to.

Fayt: Don't mention it.

Cliff: We didn't do much. It was mainly small fry.

Nel: Don't sell yourself short.

Nel: And, we were able to defeat the second-in-command of the Black Brigade, thanks to your help.

Clair: You defeated Shelby of the Black Brigade!?

Nel: Correct.

Clair: I can't believe it...

Cliff: Yeah, but that show-off in shining armor is still cruisi' for a bruisin'.

Fayt: Oh, you mean that Albel guy.

Cliff: Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. He won't get away so easily next time I run into him.

Clair: Albel!? You can't mean... Albel the Wicked!?

Nel: Amazing, isn't it? Frankly, I'm surprised we made it home in one piece.

Fayt: Is he really that strong?

Nel: Indeed. I'm sorry Cliff, but I'm not sure even you could beat him.

Cliff: Bah, I've heard enough of this.

Clair: All right, enough talk. You must all be very tired.

Clair: I'll have them prepare dinner - it won't take long.

Fayt: I'm still thinking about it. The whole prospect of making a weapon doesn't sit well with me.

Clair: I see... Well, you don't have to answer immediately. If you can decide by the time we reach the royal city, that will be soon enough.

Nel: Clair, I think I'll ride with them all the way to Aquios after all. Is that okay with you, Fayt?

Fayt: Of course it's okay. Isn't that your mission?

Nel: That it is.

Nel: After we've obtained supplies there, we'll head to Aquios.

Fayt: Okay, understood.

Cliff: Gotcha.

Clair: Everyone, please be careful.

Fayt: You guys, too.

Farleen: We'll be just fine!

Clair: Yes. Take care of Nel for us, please.

Tynave: May Apris guide your path!

Farleen: May the grace of Apris be with you!

Next stop: Peterny? Though we'll take a tiny detour first.

We start a cutscene as soon as we enter Arias.

Nel: Yes, that happened during the Airyglyph attack.

Cliff: Wow, they did a lot of damage.

Nel: The large mansion in the middle of the town is our base of operations here.

Nel: We'll check in there first.

We can visit around town a little before heading to the mansion. The townspeople are generally relieved to see Nel again, and are friendly towards us. A number of them are injured or worried, and several are considering evacuating the town in an attempt to stay safe, while others proudly stay in a show of defiance. Some complain about how food has gotten more expensive and more scarce, but the bakery here looks to be in much better shape than the grocer was back in Airyglyph.

Once we're done chatting around, we can head into the mansion conference room to meet up with Nel's colleagues.

Female Runologist: They will arrive in three days.

Female Soldier: Yes, ma'am.
Female Commander: Nice work, all. You are relieved.
Both Runologists: Yes ma'am.

Nel: I'm fine. I see you still worry too much.

Clair: It's only because you're too reckless. If you don't want me to worry about you, try being a little more careful.

Nel: That's the line of work I'm in. It can't be helped.

Clair: That may be so, still...

Clair: Are these the ones?

Nel: That's right. They're engineers from Greeton.

Nel: They're still reluctant to help us.

Clair: I see...

Clair: I'm Commander Clair Lasbard of the Aquaria Runological Unit. I'm honored to meet you.

Cliff: The name's Cliff Fittir.

Fayt: I'm Fayt Leingod. Nice to meet you.

Clair: I must apologize for forcing our problems on you. However... you must understand our situation.

Cliff: I think we understand.

Fayt: But, I'm not sure-

Clair: I would like to hear what you have to say, and I will provide a thorough explanation of our situation as well. But, you must be exhausted. Why don't we continue this tomorrow? You need your rest.

Nel: That's right... He may seem fine now, but Fayt is still under the weather.

Fayt: I'm fine.

Cliff: Hey, never pass up a chance to take it easy, kid.

Cliff: It was a real trek crossing those mountains.

Fayt: Okay, okay.

Clair: There's a guest room upstairs on the second floor. Please feel free to use it. Nel, stay behind. We have much to discuss.

Nel: Right.

Fayt: Yeah, and the view's pretty good, too.

Cliff: I'll rest up first. Take a stroll and come back whenever you feel like it.

Fayt: Will do.

We're given another opportunity to walk around and chat. Cliff is staying in our room again, and Nel's down in the conference room. We're just going to go to sleep but some of them say slightly different things than earlier so I'll cover that in extras.

Cliff: Well? You gonna go to sleep now?

[If we choose I'm getting kinda sleepy.]

Fayt: I'm getting kinda sleepy. The sun's still out, but I think I'll get some extra sleep in preparation for tomorrow.

Cliff: That's what I'd hoped you'd say. I don't want you collapsing and making all sorts of trouble for me.

Fayt: I'm not a rough-and-tumble guy like you, Cliff.

Nel enters the room, stares for a moment, then bows and walks back out.

Fayt: I was probably just worn out.

Cliff: Glad to hear that! I have a feeling things are gonna get hectic today.

Fayt: ... Why do you say that? How do you know?

Cliff: Just... a hunch.

Fayt: Oh, we know all about those...

Cliff: Funny guy.

When we talk to the runologist just outside our room, she says Clair's waiting for us in the conference room. We could talk to everyone in town again, but let's humor her for now.

Clair: Did you sleep well?

Cliff: Yes, thank you kindly.

Clair: I'm glad to hear it.

Clair: Right, let us begin the negotiations.

Clair: Please, sit anywhere you like.

Clair: She had other duties to attend to.

Fayt: What?

Clair: Don't worry, I'm taking over her duties as far as you two are concerned.

Fayt: Well, all right...

Clair: Let's begin.

Clair: but you may provide us with your answer at that point.

Cliff: Wow, you're really bending over backwards to meet us halfway. You should've heard Nel!

Clair: Nel is very frank. Although she is extremely skilled, as I am sure you have noticed, she tends to be rather inflexible at times. It can be... problematic.

Cliff: Yeah, I know the type: mission, mission, always the mission.

Clair: To be honest, I, too, would like you to work for us, but I realize this is not your war. Our deaths, and the life of our country, are not in your hands - you need feel no obligation, and we have no right to force you to help.

Cliff: Now you're making me feel guilty.

Clair: It is only the truth. At least, we thank our blessings you did not fall into Airyglyph's hands.

Cliff and Clair look at Fayt.

Cliff: So what do you wanna do? It looks like they'll let us go after we reach Aquios, anyway.

Fayt: No, it's nothing...

Clair: If you have any questions, I will answer to the best of my abilities.

Fayt: All right, then I'll ask. What is Nel's new mission?

Clair: Why would you ask that? She is no longer your concern.

Fayt: She told us her mission was to take both of us safely to the royal city! How could she just leave us here-

Clair: To you, it appears that she has abandoned her mission?

Fayt: Well... yes. I didn't know her long, but I got the impression that she would never leave a mission incomplete.

Clair: Well, she...

Cliff: She went to rescue Tynave and Farleen, didn't she?

Fayt: What?
Female Soldier: Lady Clair, is this true?

Clair: Why would you think that?

Cliff: Last night... She came to our room.

Fayt: Huh? When?

Cliff: While you were snoring like a babe.

Cliff: I was wondering what she wanted, but all she did was bow and leave without saying a word.

Cliff: I was pretending to be asleep, so I don't think she realized I was watching her.

Cliff: It makes sense, though, considering the situation. That's probably what you overheard them talking about in Kirlsa.

Fayt: Is that true, Clair? I can't believe it!

Clair: Yes. It is... She left to rescue Tynave and Farleen.

Fayt: If you knew what she was doing, why didn't you stop her!?

Cliff: We all got our missions: mine's to bring you back to our leader. And I stick to my missions.

Fayt: But...!

Clair: All right. I will explain.

Clair: They told us that the two women are hostages, and they demanded you in exchange. This is not possible... So she went to rescue them.

Fayt: But... All by herself...?

Clair: That's Nel for you.
Female Soldier: Why didn't she tell us!? We'd have gone with her!!!

Clair: Perhaps because the odds of her success are essentially zero.

Clair: She'll likely walk into an Airyglyph trap.

Clair: I tried to stop her, but... there was no way. Nel would never abandon those who work for her.

Cliff: She pretends to be all business, but she's the type that can't let go.

Clair: At any rate, that is our situation. Please do not worry about Nel. We must hurry on to Aquios. Although this is a relatively safe area, nowhere is completely safe.

Fayt: Where'd they demand it take place?

Clair: Why do you want to know that?

Fayt: I can't let her do this. Her life is more valuable than that. Do people think the only way to end this war is to throw away their own lives?

Fayt: I'm going after Nel. I have a few words to say to her!

Fayt stands up and Cliff immediately does the same.

Cliff: All right Fayt! I was waiting for you to say that.

Clair: I cannot allow this! Nel told us of your skills, but this enemy is too strong, even for you!

Cliff: Hmph, don't worry about us. I don't kno wwhat she told you, but we can fend for ourselves! And besides, when he gets riled up like this, Fayt can get even nastier than Nel. He's the most stubborn, hardcore kid around.

Clair: In that case... I'll send some soldiers with you.

Cliff: No need.

Cliff: We'll just be asking for them to spot us if we march in there with an army. We'll be more maneuverable in small numbers. And... I doubt you can spare the guards, given your situation.

Clair: That's true, but...

Clair: A building on the southeastern side of Kirlsa. It was originally constructed as a training facility, but now they execute people there. It's also the base of the heavy cavalry Black Brigade - one of Airyglyph's three military units.

Cliff: How do we get there?

Clair: Return to Kirlsa, then follow the road from the south gate of the city and you'll find it. I think you'll get there faster if you avoid the mountain road you took before, and take the south gate from Arias, head across the wilderness, and enter Kirla from that direction.

Cliff: Got it.

Fayt: We in this together?

Cliff: Of course.

Clair: Please, wait a moment.

Cliff: Leave it to us.

Fayt: Don't worry, we'll bring them home. Forgive me if I give Nel a good smack for this.

And we're off back to Kirlsa, whoop whoop! Thankfully no backtracking though since we're going through the hills route and not the mountain route.

This region is a bit weird because the half of it close to Arias is called "Aire Hills" but the half of it close to Kirlsa is called "Kirlsa Hills", but they both correspond to the same map. The Aire Hills part has more natural enemies like wolves and the Kirlsa side has Storm Brigade riders that are significantly less trivial to fight. We get across easily enough though.

Once back in Kirlsa, most of the townspeople are talking about how they've heard that two spies were captured and are to be executed. They reactions to that range from morbid excitement, to worried relief, or upset (when they hear the spies are very young). Kirlsa contains multitudes. As per usual, we could also run all the way back to Airyglyph again if we wanted, but as with before I'm going to keep that for the extras. I just like pointing it out because there are so many points in this game where you can just run all the way back to Airyglyph when you're absolutely not meant to, and not only are you not penalized for it, but you get extra little dialogue chunks you'll never hear otherwise. I kind of love it honestly.

Next time: we head for the Kirlsa Training Facility to go rescue Nel!

Content Warning: Mild references to war crimes again. This'll be a semi-frequent thing in the Elicoor section in general (due to being in the middle of a war on a planet that hasn't invented the Geneva conventions yet), so consider this a blanket warning for the rest of that part of the game, though I'll make notes if anything more notable comes up.

While the game expects us to finish walking to Kirlsa, which is pretty close, we actually have the option to run allll the way back to Airyglyph and get some extra dialogue! I'll cover this in extras and not the main updates, but that's going to be a thing. We're not expected to go back to Airyglyph at all until a good 10-15 hours from now, but there's at least 5-6 separate occasions where we can visit it for some unique dialogue, mainly with party members. One of them is even a PA, and it's the first since the one back on the transport ship Helre way back when. I wasn't kidding when I said the game is frontloaded with them.

So with that, we're just going to follow the mountain path down to Kirlsa. We get pretty close to the gates, when:

Fayt: Uhh... I just felt dizzy there for a minute.

Nel: We'll be in Kirlsa soon. Can you make it that far? Why don't you have him carry you...

Nel: Very well.

Cliff: ...

We stopped right before the gate, so let's walk that final couple feet.

Cliff kneels down next to Fayt.

Cliff: Don't overexert yourself. Remember, you're not as strong as we are.

Fayt: Now even you're treating me like a baby. I said I'm fine!

Cliff: Yeah, well, I'm saying you don't look fine at all.

Nel: I'd prefer to just leave this town now, but that won't be possible with Fayt in this condition... Let's stay here tonight.

Cliff: What about those guys chasing us?

Nel: We'll be okay if Tynave and Farleen succeed in leading them off... And in any case, we have nothing to gain by forcing a sick person to march.

Cliff: True enough.

Nel: And we're in luck. There's an inn right over there, in that building with the wagon outside.

Cliff: Where're you going?

Nel: I'm just going to check things out. I'll be right back.

Cliff: All right, but are you sure you should leave us alone? Aren't you afraid we'll just run away?

Nel: No. You won't run out on me. I trust you, remember?

Cliff: Oh, don't say that. Now we can't run away...

Nel: Heh heh.

Nel smiles warmly.

Nel: I don't mind you walking around, just don't leave the town. And don't do anything... conspicuous. We're still in Airyglyph territory. There's no telling where the enemy is hiding.

Cliff: Gotcha.

Fayt: All right.

Cliff: What're you gonna do?

Fayt: Don't worry about me. What are you gonna do?

Cliff: I'm conspicuous just walking around... Well, it's gonna be pretty boring, but I guess I'll just have to wait right here.

Fayt: I think I'll take a walk - I'm sure it'll do me good.

Cliff: All right, but be careful. Like she said, we're still in enemy territory.

Fayt: Yeah, I know.

We're free to explore Kirlsa now! All the gates are locked, as well as the doors to Woltar's mansion, but everything else is open. It's a little bit smaller than Airyglyph (the city) but not by much. First off we can talk to Cliff in our inn room:

Cliff: Even if we make a run for it, we've got nowhere to go. Let's just keep a veil of trust up for right now.

And going down to the ground floor we can check the guest register for the inn, where we're listed under the alias "Scarlet Rathgrith".

Walking around town to get a feel for things, the important topics today include information about how this used to be a mining town but they had to close the mines on account of being infested by dragons, which doesn't seem like a great situation to be in. Some of the townspeople mention that there's apparently spies in town that the guard are trying to find, which is why all the gates are closed. Most of them are worried at the idea of Aquarian spies infiltrating their midst, but a handful are excited about the idea of the spies being captured and executed as they deserve.

There's a lot to explore in here, but I'll cover it more in the extras when we get there. There's a lot of interesting townspeople in Kirlsa and many of them have defined little arcs/progression. When we're done wandering around, we find an old man near a barred-off mine, who's really anxious to find someone to talk politics with.

Sermonic Old Man: One day, the church in our town was suddenly surrounded by dozens of soldiers who proceeded to arrest the many followers of the Church of Apris whom had gathered there. A subsequent investigation by Duke Vox, Captain of the Dragon Brigade, concluded that the believers of Apris who gathered there were plotting the assassination of His Royal Majesty. When His Royal Majesty heard about the assassination plot, he declared war on the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria, which was thought to be behind the plot. That is why all the temples of the Chuch of Apris were burned to the ground and even the worship of the Father God, Apris, was banned. It's actually quite a simple matter... Our country merely needed a reason like that so it could invade a sacred kingdom like Aquaria.
Sermonic Old Man: Based on the investigations conducted independently by Duke Vox and the Black Brigade authorities, most of the war protestors have been branded as spies from the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria. They have all been executed at the Kirlsa Training Facility to dissuade others from joining in. No matter how hard His Majesty, Airyglyph XIII, tries to win the war against the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria and make our kingdom flourish, I cannot imagine that the gods would ever forgive him for such sins.
Sermonic Old Man: It would seem that there are more than a few in this world who extol His Royal Majesty as either the second coming of the kingdom's founder, Airyglyph I. However, no matter how much our kingdom flourishes, we must not forget the many who sacrificed their lives to make it possible.

I swear I didn't just transcribe this out of a want to infodump about the politics of this game as well, but this is actually one of the required triggers before we're allowed to continue the story, so the game expects you to have read it for context. Now that we have, if we walk back up to the small graveyard on the north side of town, we run into a familiar face.

We can see Nel is talking, but can't hear them from where Fayt is standing.

Fayt: (What's she doing in a place like this?)

Nel: I see... They're up to the same nasty tricks as always.

Nel: Is it the Dragon Brigade?
???: No, it's the Black Brigade. Of course, the Dragon Brigade is backing them up.

Nel: I see. Good work.
???: Whatever you do, please don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong. You know they plan to-

Nel: Huh? Shh!

Fayt: Nothing really. I was passing by and saw you, so...

Fayt: Who was that?

Nel: She works for me, gathering intelligence here in Kirlsa... I was just checking up on her.

Fayt: Is something the matter? You looked pretty grim...

Nel: Nothing unexpected: I've found out our pursuers are getting close to this town.

Fayt: That's it?

Nel: Yes... Why?

Fayt: Oh, well, no reason, really.

Nel: We leave first thing in the morning. We can't afford to waste any time here.

Fayt nods and the screen fades to black.

Fayt: I ran into her at the entrance.

Nel: Like he says.

Cliff: Ah, I see.

Cliff: So how are you feeling now?

Fayt: I'm okay. It must have just been the fatigue catching up with me.

Cliff: Right. Well, hope that's all it was.

Fayt: Sorry to worry you guys.

Cliff: Well, as long as you're okay. Don't sweat it.

Cliff: The Kirlsa Caverns?

Nel: Mineshafts to the north of town. We'll go through there to Arias. Of course it'd be faster to go through the wilderness to the east, but we can't be sure that they aren't waiting to ambush us if we go that way.

Fayt: And the Kirlsa Caverns are safe?

Nel: Well, at least we can be sure there are no Airyglyph soldiers to worry about.

Cliff: Spit it out. What's dangerous about the mineshafts?

Nel: Well, a number of monsters have taken up residence there. I'm not saying it's 100% safe.

Cliff: Riiight.

Nel: Let's just say I'd rather face them than the soldiers. So now that everyone knows the plan, let's get some sleep. We leave early.

Fayt: All right.

Cliff: Okay...

The screen fades to black as they all get some sleep.

Nel: What?

Fayt: Do you think Tynave and Farleen got away okay?

Nel: They'll be fine. Those girls can fend for themselves. They are trained for these eventualities...

Fayt: I hope you're right...

Nel: Hurry up and get ready. Our pursuers are not far away.

Cliff: Yeah, yeah...

Funnily enough, at this point we can just decide to run back to Airyglyph (again). There's a handful of new dialogue from the townspeople if we do (which I'll post in extras), but more importantly there's a PA if we decide to talk to Cliff near the Aqueducts.

Cliff: Who'd have thought it would ever come to this. What a mind-blowing experience. Where've you been anyway? I can't find that Mirage either.

Fayt: Yeah, I wonder where Mirage is.

Cliff: Beats me. Wonder what she's up to.

[If we choose I'm worried about Mirage.]

Fayt: I'm worried about Mirage. Guess it really is dangerous for a woman to be all alone on an underdeveloped planet like this.

Cliff: Gimme a break! You really think she's just a pretty face? You wouldn't say that if you really knew her.

Fayt: Look, Cliff. You're right about the physical abilities of you Klausians being far superior to the people of Elicoor. But that doesn't make me feel any better about leaving a woman all by herself on this planet.

Cliff: Well, I suppose we Klausians aren't invincible or anything. We're just like anyone else if surprised in our sleep, and we'll die if someone poisons our food. However... Mirage's weakness lies somewhere else. How should I put it... I don't think she knows the meaning of the word "hesitate". Once she determines that someone is an enemy, she'll never hesitate to act. It makes no difference if it's someone that she's met before.

Cliff: Anyone who's come up against her and lived can only be described as lucky.

Fayt: Hmm... I see.

Cliff: Just remember this. Don't do anything to ruffle her feathers. If you get her really angry, even I won't be able to save you.

Fayt: I'll try to remember that.
[pause]

Cliff: Man, what's up with her? She could at least contact us once while she's out there. I suppose it'll be okay as long as she's safe.

[If we choose I never dreamed something like this would happen.]

Fayt: I never dreamed something like this would happen. Crashing on an underdeveloped planet and then getting mixed up in a war...

Cliff: Well of course you didn't. I'd have to smack you if you knew about all this ahead of time and didn't tell me.

Fayt: No, you're missing my point. I always assumed I'd lead a completely ordinary life in which I'd go to college, get a job, and so on... What I'm trying to say is, such assumptions about one's life are meaningless. After all, look how easily the ordinary life I was leading was shattered.

Cliff: Ain't that the truth. You guys lead pretty sheltered lives there in the Sol System. I bet you didn't even know that the Pangalactic Federation and Aldian Empire are still duking it out in Lambda Sector and Gamma Sector. It might seem that it's peaceful over there, but that's far from the truth.

Fayt: What!? But I heard that the front had recently stabilized, and that for the last several years no battles to speak of had occurred.

Cliff: Oh, come on! You don't actually believe everything the Federation government says, do you? Granted, there haven't been any battles big enough to shake up the balance of power in the galaxy for sometime. Still, small skirmishes between a few battleships happen all the time.

Cliff: Well, I suppose it's because your planet is so far from the frontlines. I shouldn't be surprised that you are so cut off from reality.
[pause]

Cliff: But enough about that. Right now, let's concentrate on getting ourselves off this planet. We can worry about other stuff later.

With that little detour out of the way, let's run all the way back to Kirlsa and maybe check out those caverns we were supposed to go to.

The Kirlsa Caverns is set up in two halves, and the first is pretty small and fairly straightforward. We just kind of go into a counter-clockwise loop (with a handful of branches for loot), run into a device that needs power, and then keep going until we reach a boss and a power generator.

Nel: These days, it's only used as a passage through the mountains. But even that's become dangerous because of cave-ins and such.

Fayt: I see.

That's the boss, it's a big rock. It hits hard but it's fairly slow, so if you're careful with timing your hits right it's really easy to avoid taking damage. It goes down pretty quickly.

Cliff: Kinda late for that now.

Cliff: Wonder if he's behind that cave-in?

Nel: It's a possibility. Don't let your guard down.

Fayt: Yeah.

We turn on the power generator and get power, hurray! The door locked behind us though, so we have to keep following the loop until we get back to where the device was.

And with that, welcome to the bane of my existence. The hauler beasts. This "minigame" (puzzle?) makes up the entire second half of the dungeon, where you have to try to drive a hauler beast around on the tracks to either pick up loot or try to find and head for the exit. These are a nightmare to drive. If you go too fast they miss turns or get scared by rocks, if you go too slow they miss jumps or get scared by wood barriers. You need to not only figure out what path you're going, but constantly adjust your speed up and down so your hauler doesn't either go on the wrong path or gets so stressed out it panics and takes you back to the beginning. This gets exponentially worse if you're trying to get all the loot, because it requires using the "special" abilities of more than one hauler, one of which is "walks around at random" where you have to just cross your fingers and hope it picks the right path because it's the only one that has the stats to reach one of the items. Every time I play this game I reach the Kirla Caverns and remember "OH NO THE HAULER BEASTS" and rethink my entire life.

I'm not going to cover everything about this minigame, just have a couple screenshots and imagine me screaming in frustration in the background. (Disclaimer: I actually managed to exit the caverns on my very first try for this playthrough and it's the first time I've managed that)

Fayt: Yeah, I did, but uh...

Old Soldier: There's also been some terrible rock slides and holes have opened up in some of the tunnels. It's a complete mess in there.

Fayt: Umm... Who are you?
Old Soldier: Oh, I forgot to introduce myself.
Old Soldier: I'm Gregory von Dermein III, administrator of these caverns. I'm a member of the Glyphian army.

Fayt: Gregory... Uhh...
Gregory: Ha ha ha... Just 'Gregory' will do. I'm only a rank and file soldier. This is a job suited to an old man such as me. Not that I like being old, mind you...

Fayt: How interesting...
Gregory: Whoops. There I go bellyaching again.
Gregory: Well now, if you made it here on that hauler, that must mean the tunnels are clear.

Fayt: Yep. There were a few dangerous parts, but nothing that prevented us from making it through.
Gregory: I see... Well then, I'll drive this one back. I was a fine hauler driver back in the day.

Fayt: Thank you. That would be great.
Gregory: There's a wide expanse of wildlands from here on. Be careful.

Fayt: You be careful, too, Gregory.
Gregory: Don't worry about me. I can still keep up with you youngsters.

Gregory is the MVP, because from here on out if we want to cross the caverns we can just talk to him and he'll take us across without requiring us to do the minigame again (though we still have access to it if we want to hunt for any treasure we might have missed/skipped). Big thank yous to Gregory.

We're now out on the Bequerel Mountain Path, which we'll revisit a couple times during the game. If we explore this area we can go to three different places:
- Arias, our destination
- the mountains of Barr, an area we can already visit ~50% of if we want, but that we're meant to go later and that's significantly higher level than we are right now
- or the Bequerel Mines, an area we're also meant to go to much later, though slightly before Barr, and that we can't progress past the first room in

So with nothing better to do (I say as if I didn't spend half an hour exploring Barr to see how far it would let me go before missing story flags would stop me), we head straight for Arias.

Next time: Arias! We get to meet some more of Nel's coworkers.

Aqueducts time! This is a fairly short dungeon, but it feels a bit more "real" than the Coffir ruins did. There's half a mechanic in it! Most notably, large parts of it are blocked by ice, and we'll run into some sections that require we slow down and walk instead of just run everywhere.

About halfway through, we run into some large icy slopes:

Fayt: Nothing. It's just the ground's frozen.

Cliff: Hmm?

Fayt: Right.

If we run on them, we start sliding down, and doing so too fast will cause Fayt to smash into the wall at the bottom and reappear at the top of the slope. This can be worked around by either running upwards (which slows you just enough), running off the slope before reaching the bottom, or just being a reasonable person and walking instead, which prevents slipping entirely.

A little further in and we run into the dungeon boss:

It's a slightly tougher fight than what we've had so far, but not by much.

Nel: I'm surprised such a creature would make its lair here.

Nel: Based on the distance we've traveled, we must be nearing the exit.

This room's floor is entirely made of frozen-over water, but it's fragile enough that it'll break if we run. So we're stuck walking super slowly until we reach solid ground again.

But it's the last room of the dungeon, so once we're out we get to breathe some fresh (read: freezing) air again!

Cliff and Fayt walk out from behind her and Cliff stretches.

Fayt: You were talking about technology, but what exactly do you want us to do for you?

Nel: I'll explain, but remember: refusal isn't an option.

Fayt: I don't know about that... I won't do anything that I don't want to do. And there's always a chance we won't be able to do what you ask.

Nel: I told you in the dungeons that I required your technology, did I not?

Fayt: Right, but what does that entail?

Nel: Look, if this was going to be a problem, you should have asked me before you accepted my conditions. By agreeing to cooperate - even just to get out of the dungeon - you're bonded to me. Those were the conditions of your release, and I expect you to uphold them.

Fayt: I... But...

Nel: Or are you planning on breaking your word?

Cliff: Look, you didn't even give us a real choice!

Cliff: 'You can live or you can die' - that's called 'coercion', you know.

Nel: So, you won't cooperate.

Cliff: When did I say that?

Fayt: Huh?

Cliff takes Fayt aside.

Fayt: What are you talking about!? What about the UP3?

Cliff: This is hardly the time or the place, kid...

Fayt: That may be, but still...

Nel: Excuse me.

They turn around to face Nel.

Nel: Can we save the discussion for later? We're not exactly safe here. Of course, if you want to head back to the dungeon, be my guest...

Cliff: No thanks!

Nel: All right, then be quiet and follow. I'll tell you everything when we get out of town.

They both nod at her.

Fayt: Okay.

Nel: Good... My people have a wagon waiting for us outside town. The exit's to the east - let's go!

Despite what Nel said, we're actually perfectly safe to take our time and explore the bits of the city we currently have access to. This is by far the largest combat-free area we've had access to so far. There's an inn, a tavern, a workshop, four different shops, and five more random buildings to rummage through. I'll cover those in an extras post sometime, but suffice it to say there's plenty to visit.

The people in town are for the most part friendly-ish, other than the guards who are pretty abrasive and thankfully don't seem to recognize us. The innkeeper threatens to let us die of hypothermia if we don't pay for a room at the inn, but most of the other shopkeepers are nicer than that. Some chatting around gives us context about how Airyglyph is currently at war with Aquaria, and that it was partly for economic/military growth and partly because they were running out of resources to the point where the populace was starving. Everyone at the grocer comments on how lucky they are to finally have plenty of food since the war started, but examining said food reveals that it's mostly spoiled, wilted, or moldy. Things don't look great here!

After getting distracted talking to everyone and annoying the guards, we make our way to the eastern gate, our only way out of the city.

Nel: Nice work, Tynave.
Tynave: I'm just glad you're safe.

Nel: Yes, Farleen. They're engineers from Greeton, as we thought.
Tynave: So we were right!
Farleen: Great! Then we'll be able to complete it!

Nel: That's right. But we don't have time to kick back and chat now. Our pursuers are right behind us. If the Dragon Brigade shows up, we'll be in serious trouble.
Tynave: Yes, ma'am!
Farleen: Ma'am!

Nel: Get in the wagon. We leave immediately.

Cliff: Hey, you gonna introduce me to these fine young ladies?

Nel: This is Tynave and the driver's Farleen. They serve directly under me - my ears and eyes in Airyglyph. They're the ones who told me about you two.

Fayt: Lucky for us.

Cliff: All women, huh? Not that I'm complaining!

Nel: Aquaria is ruled by the Holy Mother of the Church of Apris. We employ many more women than Airyglyph.

Fayt: The Church of Apris?
Tynave: Yes, the church of the Sun God Apris. The Holy Mother leads the church - and is also Queen of Aquaria.

Fayt: A theocracy...

Cliff: I gotcha. What you're saying is your country's packed with temple maidens. Now I HAVE to see this place.

Fayt shakes his head.

Fayt: Nel, I'd appreciate it if you'd answer my question now.

Nel: Right. But before that, might I ask one thing?

Fayt: What?

Nel: Are you two really engineers from Greeton?

Fayt: Well, umm...

Cliff: Hey, you still don't believe us?

Nel: It's not that. It's just... The fact that you possess special technology and knowledge is clear to me - so, yes, it does seem likely that you are who you say. Still, something doesn't fit. The way you respond to danger, and your fighting ability indicate that you are not telling me everything. And... you are certainly not average engineers. So you see... I believe my doubts are well founded.

Fayt: Well...

Cliff: Okay, you got a point.

[pause]

Cliff: But, it seems to me you're just going to have to take our word. We got nothing to gain by lying to you anyway. Wait, you don't think we're Airyglyph spies, do you? Oh, please.

Nel: Yes, I see what you mean.

Cliff: But... you still don't trust us?

Nel: No, I trust you. In any case, I was ordered by Her Majesty to bring you to Aquaria. I must fulfill my duty.

Fayt: ... Well then, Nel?

Fayt: Please answer my first question.

Nel: Yes... Since you're unfamiliar with this region, I'll fill you in on the details while explaining our current situation.

Fayt: Please.

Nel: Tynave, the map.
Tynave: Yes, ma'am.

Nel: As I mentioned earlier, Aquaria and Airyglyph are at war. Airyglyph is a militaristic nation that reveres power above all else; Aquaria is a peaceful nation that worships the Church of Apris.

Nel: Aquaria and Airyglyph maintained friendly relations until several years ago. But one day, they invaded our territory without warning.
Tynave: It seems they'd been planning their invasion for some time. Airyglyph's a frigid land ringed by mountains. Food production has never been easy here - especially in winter. We believe they were after our land, fertile with the blessing of Apris.

Cliff: A war of aggression, huh?

Nel: Correct. There was no diplomacy, only outright military aggression. We resisted, but we were outmatched. Somehow, we managed to hold them back, but the bordertown of Arias was laid to waste.

Nel: Still, the war has not been completely one-sided. We may be lacking in military power, but we do have runology.

Fayt: Runology?

Nel: A secret art handed down by the followers of Apris. We inscribe special runes into our flesh that enable us to invoke normally impossible phenomenon...

Nel: Thus the name 'runology'.

Cliff: So that's how you broke the prison bars.

Nel: Correct.

Fayt: (Special runes? They look like tattoos... I can't help feeling I've seen something like this before.)

Cliff: Hey, isn't that like symbology?

Fayt: Symbology! Right, that's what it reminded me of!

Cliff: Yeah.

Nel: Symbology?

Cliff: Er, never mind that. Just continue.

Fayt: But - what's stopping you from using runology to keep Airyglyph back?

Nel: There's only a few of us that can use runology. Far too few to help us stand up to Airyglyph.

Nel: That's why we decided to develop a weapon that makes use of runology. It's a man-made weapon that uses the special energy evoked by runology as a power source.

Nel: The engineers have named that energy 'channeled force'.

Fayt: 'Channeled force'?

Nel: Correct. It's similar to lightning. But there are still a number of problems preventing us from completing the weapon.

Fayt: A power... similar to lightning?

Nel: Just when our research ground to a halt, Tynave and Farleen told me about you two. They also brought back a fragment of that thing that fell into Airyglyph. It was of great interest to our researchers.

Nel: They said the fragment was of a material they could not identify, and that we should enlist your aid in our weapons development. And that's where I came in.

Fayt: So you're asking us to help develop a weapon that uses channeled force?

Nel: Yes. That is correct.

Fayt: Yeah - a radio wave device, maybe. I don't really know much about this 'channeled force', but my guess is it's electricity - and if we can make that, we're home free, but...

Fayt: Nel, I can't do it. We can't help you.

Nel: Didn't I say refusal wasn't an option?

Fayt: But you're talking about a weapon that will kill many people! I don't want to have any part of that.

Fayt: Plus, we don't have any time to spare.

Nel: I understand your situation - you need to hurry to save your father, correct?

Fayt: Yes.

Nel: You admit this is a personal problem - not one that concerns us?

Fayt: True, but...

Nel: Our country's in a state of war. Both the people of Aquaria and Airyglyph are dying, energy weapon or no. A quick end to this war will reduce the number of lives lost. That is why we need to complete our new weapon as soon as possible.

Cliff: This is starting to remind me of my old Earth history lessons...

Fayt: Even so, that's not a good enough reason for me to build a weapon.

Nel: So you're going back on your word?

Fayt: That's coercion!

Nel: Call it what you will. I already told you back at the prison I could not let you live if you refused to cooperate. I don't have anything against you two, but my duty comes first. And I don't need to remind you that you can't help your father if you're dead.

Fayt: Now wait a second!

Nel: What do you think Airyglyph would do if we abandoned you here?

Fayt: We wouldn't help them, either!

Nel: I wonder if you'd sing the same song after their Inquisitioner had his fun with you.

Fayt: ... I would. I've already had a taste of it. Believe me.

Nel: Confident, aren't you?

There's an awkward pause as Fayt and Nel both glare at each other.

Cliff: Hey, don't get all bent outta shape. And you, chill out.

Fayt: But...!

Cliff: No buts, kid. Nothing good comes of acting hastily.

Nel: We have no other choice. Frankly, the war with Airyglyph will escalate unless something is done soon.

Nel: If we could only complete the new weapon, the situation would shift in our favor. If that means we must force uncooperative people into submission, then so be it.

Fayt: Is that a teaching of Apris?

Nel: Of course not. The Sun God Apris and our queen would never wish such things. Yet if we do not act, they will find themselves lacking for followers.

Nel: Would you rather we submit to their swords, like lambs to a slaughter?

Fayt: That's not what I mean.

Nel: But that is what you are saying.

Fayt: You're just twisting my-
Farleen: Oh no!

Nel: They've caught up with us? Damn, we were so close to Kirlsa, too!

Cliff: What are you gonna do? Fight?
Tynave: Lady Nel...

Nel: What is it, Tynave?
Tynave: It would be best for you to slip off and find shelter in the rocks - We'll lure them away!

Fayt: That's too risky!
Tynave: Don't worry.
Farleen: We'll be fine! We've lost their kind before!

Fayt: But...

Nel: Tynave, Farleen, I'm counting on you.

Tynave: You are too valuable for us to lose! We'll be fine - fewer people means more speed. We'll outrun them! So please, go!

Cliff: No time for chitchat. Let's move!

Fayt: But...!
Tynave: Fayt-
Tynave: Please, look after Lady Nel.

Fayt: You be careful yourself!
Farleen: Don't worry about us! May the grace of Apris be with you!
Tynave: May the grace of Apris be with you!

Nel: It shows how important you are to them.

Cliff: That's the Dragon Brigade?

Nel: Correct. They're one of Airyglyph's three military branches - Knights riding powerful air dragons. Not to be trifled with.

Nel: Time to go. While Tynave distracts them, we can go through Kirlsa and enter Aquaria territory.

Fayt: And we can't leave them here! There's no way they'll be able to escape with those dragon knights chasing them...

Nel: Yes, there is an extremely good chance that they'll be caught. But there's nothing we can do about that.

Fayt: What!?

Nel: They knew the dangers of their mission when they accepted it.

Fayt: !

Nel: If I became a burden to the mission, they would leave me behind in the same way.

Fayt: Mission, mission - what's the matter with you!?

Cliff: Hey, Fayt. Shut up.

Cliff: I'll leave whether or not we cooperate up to you, but save the debate for later! We got to get somewhere safer first.

Fayt: ....

Cliff: We'll be safer once we reach Aquaria, right?

Nel: Yes, I can guarantee that.

Cliff: There you are. So let's go there, then we can decide what's what. Make sense to you?

Fayt: Yeah, but still...

Cliff: You want Tynave and Farleen's sacrifice to go to waste? Whatever their objective might be, they're risking their lives to save us!

Fayt: ... You're right.

Cliff: Atta boy.

Nel: Let's go.

We're all by ourselves in the middle of a mountain path now o/

Next time: We follow Nel's directions for once, maybe.

Content Warning: With context that the game is Rated 12+ or 13+ depending on region, there's some minor discussion of war crimes and a very short non-graphic torture sequence in this part.

This part is almost all cutscenes again aw yeah. Welcome to the Elicoor section of the game! We're going to have a little more to do here than on Vanguard.

Airyglyph XIII: Very well. Continue with your investigation, and step up the pace of the invasion of Arias. If the enemy has indeed brought a new weapon into active service, then time is of the essence.
Guard: Your Majesty!
Airyglyph XIII: What think you, Woltar?

Vox: Lord Woltar appears to lack confidence.

Vox: They stand no chance against our legions, Sire.
Vox: Their weapons have proven themselves little threat to us. Anything they throw at us, we return in spades.
Woltar: Pride comes before the fall. Surely a measure of prudence would do us no harm.

Woltar: If only things were as simple as you say...
Vox: Regardless, we have yet to see any evidence the object is a new Aquarian weapon.
Vox: My men have already begun to interrogate the crewmembers. They'll talk before long.
Woltar: The Inquisitor? He always seems to enjoy his work a bit too much...
Vox: He is the best.
Woltar: As long as they do not die before they talk. We are not barbarians - even prisoners have certain rights, you know.
Vox: You speak absurdities. Prisoners have no 'rights'. We'll hurt them until they squeal. If they die as a result, then so be it. You've grown much too soft in your old age, Woltar.
Woltar: Compared to you, that may be true. I'm willing to do what's necessary, but I think your men have a tendency to take things too far.
Albel: What's the big deal? Just find out whether they're enemies or not. If that's too much trouble, I'll be happy to take care of them.

Vox: We know what we have to do, m'Lord. Don't worry - if we do kill them, we'll make sure they cough before they croak, eh?
Woltar: I certainly hope so.
Airyglyph XIII: That will be quite enough. Now is not the time for us to haggle over such matters.
Vox: Indeed it is not.
Airyglyph XIII: Vox, continue your interrogation. Woltar and Albel, return to your posts. We are counting on your knights. You are the pride of our great kingdom.
Woltar and Vox: Yes, Sire.

Inquisitor: That thing you were riding - what waaaaas that? A new Aquarian weapon? Ehh?

Fayt: (Aquaria...?)
Inquisitor: Answer the question!

He hits Fayt.

Fayt: Oof!

Fayt: I... told... you... I... don't know...
Inquisitor: Suuuuure you doooon't! Aahahahaha!

He strikes Fayt several times in succession.

Fayt: Oooh...
Inquisitor: Hmm...?

Fayt: ....
Inquisitor: Damn, he fainted on me. And it was juuuuust getting fun! See you again soon, my little kitten! Hahahaha...

Fayt: Look who's talking.

Cliff: Well, yeah - but I'm more used to torture than you are.

Fayt: Because you're a member of an anti-Federation organization.

Cliff: You could say I've been around. Hey, you held up pretty well, though.

Fayt: What could I do? It's not like they'd believe me if I told them I came from outer space.

Cliff: Good point.

Fayt: Why'd you let them catch you, anyway? I mean, you could've gotten away, right?

Cliff: Hunh? Nah... it would've been too much of a hassle.

Fayt: A hassle?

Cliff: Yeah, a pain in the butt. I couldn't just leave you there, anyway, and I kinda wanted to see what was going on first hand.

Fayt: So? You find anything out?

Cliff: As a matter of fact, I did.

Fayt: What?

Fayt: Very funny...

Fayt: Say, do you know what Aquaria is?

Cliff: Aquaria?

Fayt: The interrogator kept mentioning it. He kept referring to the Eagle as a 'new Aquarian weapon.'

Cliff: Hmph, must be the name of their enemy.

Fayt: So, what - they think we're spies?

Cliff: I'm thinking you got that right.

Cliff starts wriggling in place and pulling at his restraints.

Cliff: These restraints are pretty solid. Damn... They're too tight, I can't move at all...

Fayt: Um... that's why they call them 'restraints'.

Cliff: Don't bother me with semantics, kid, how are we gonna get out of these?

The screen fades out and back in.

Fayt: Do you think Mirage got away okay?

Cliff: Aww, she'll be fine. Like I told you, she's a Klausian. I bet she snuck off into town a long time ago.

Fayt: I hope you're right. Grr... How'm I supposed to rescue my dad trapped like this? I don't know why the Vendeeni captured him, but I doubt they're showing him much hospitality.

Cliff: Hey, cheer up. Somebody'll show up to spring us outta this place soon enough. Then we'll be on our way, you'll see.

Fayt: And who would that 'somebody' be? You told Mirage she shouldn't bother coming in after us - and it's not like we know anybody else. And I doubt your leader's found out about what happened to us yet...

Cliff: They're here already.

Fayt: What? Who?

Red-Haired Woman: and die here. It's your choice.

Fayt: Huh!?

Cliff: What kind of options are those!?

Red-Haired Woman: The correct choice should be obvious.

Cliff: Our help?

Red-Haired Woman: That's right. You two were riding that lump of metal that fell on the town, correct? We want your technology.

Fayt: Our technology... We can't let you have that!?

Red-Haired Woman: Why not?

Fayt: Why not!? Well-

Fayt: (I can't tell her about the UP3... How am I gonna explain this?)

Cliff: And what would you do with our technology, if we gave it to you?

Red-Haired Woman: We'd use it to end the war that rages between this country and mine. With our side victorious, of course.

Fayt: Hold on a minute... 'your country'? So you're not one of the people that threw us in here?

Red-Haired Woman: No. I'm not from Airyglyph. I'm from Aquaria.

Fayt: Aquaria... The interrogator kept mentioning that name.

Cliff: Makes sense, now.

Red-Haired Woman: If you've been interrogated, I wouldn't think you'd have any particular loyalty to Airyglyph. Why not help me?

Cliff: Good point. We'll help you.

Fayt: What are you saying!?

Cliff looks down at Fayt, then back at the red-haired woman.

Cliff: Give us a moment, all right?

The woman stands back a little and crosses her arms.

Cliff: C'mon, you saw this civilization's level of technology. Look, all they need is a little college physics - and I don't know about you, kid, but I was paying attention in class.

Fayt: You're right about that - but what about the UP3!?

Cliff: Man, what a square! Then again, maybe that's your redeeming feature, huh? Straight as an arrow, just like... well...

Fayt: Just like who?

Cliff: Huh? Did I say something? Never mind, kid.

Fayt: I'm minding.

Cliff: Geez, forget about it! Listen - based on what she said, we must be in Airyglyph right now, and this place is at war with her country, Aquaria. You with me so far?

Fayt: Yeah.

Cliff: Good. Okay, both sides think we have some kind of unknown technology. Well, that makes sense - a big flying metal thing did land in the middle of a medieval town, what else could they think?

Cliff: Even if we don't cooperate with her, Airyglyph will want our help, too. I doubt their terms'll be any better.

Fayt: Yeah, but...

Cliff: So what I'm saying is, if we're gonna cooperate with someone, it might as well be that hot chick over there, know what I mean?

Fayt: I can't believe this. You're insane.

Cliff: Well, okay, let's say that was a joke. Either way, we can do whatever we want once we're outta this place. We'll just wait for our chance and make a run for it.

Cliff: We're not doing much better here in prison with our hands all in shackles. And if we die here, who's gonna rescue your dad, huh? I figured you'd want to meet him in this life, not the next.

Fayt: All right, you win, for now.

Cliff: Atta boy.

Red-Haired Woman: Then we have a deal. Step back from the bars.

Cliff: *whistle*

Fayt: (What did she just do!?)

Cliff: Yeah, thanks.

Red-Haired Woman: No thanks needed. I'm just doing my job.

Red-Haired Woman: But I'm going to hold you to your part of the bargain.

Cliff: Huuhh?

Cliff: Gah!

Fayt: Hey... She heard us.

Red-Haired Woman: I should thank you for calling me 'hot', though 'chick' I can live without.

Cliff: Sca-ree.

Nel: I'm Nel Zelpher - agent for the Sacred Kingdom of Aquaria.

Fayt: My name's Fayt Leingod. And this is...

Cliff: Cliff Fittir.

Nel: Fayt and Cliff... My pleasure. So - where are you from, and what is the metal thing you came here in?

Fayt: What do we tell her?

Cliff: Just follow my lead. I'll handle this.

Fayt: Y-yeah, sure...

Cliff: We're from a country on a continent far to the east of here. It's a pretty small country, so nobody's really heard of it, but we've got some pretty solid technology.

Nel: From the east? One of the countries in Greeton? Not the country that invaded Aquaria...

Cliff: That what you call it here? Yeah, that's where we're from. We're engineers.

Cliff: We were on our way to rescue him in this newly developed, uhh, vehicle, but it broke down on the way - and we ended up here.

Nel: I see...

Fayt: (Wow, he sure is a smooth talker... And not all of it is lies, either.)

Nel: So you are from Greeton. I thought as much.

Fayt: How so?

Nel: There is no country on this continent with that level of technology. It was an easy conclusion.

Cliff: Well, you satisfied?

Nel: More or less. What I am sure of is: there's no way we can let Airyglyph have you. You must cooperate with us.

Fayt: Nel... That's your name, right?

Nel: Yes?

Fayt: What do you mean by cooperate? What technology did you want, exactly?

Nel: Yes, well...!

Fayt: Huh? Why?

Nel: Because you're about to get some.

Cliff: Don't you worry about us. You could say we're above average.

Fayt: You might be able to fight with your bare hands, but I need some kinda weapon...

Nel: I thought this might happen. In there.

Cliff: Great. Thanks.

Nel: One more thing... ... Fayt - right? You can't go around dressed like that. I don't know if the size will match or not; anyway, put those on.

Fayt: Th-thank you.

We finally have control again \o/ And Fayt trades his autographed shirt and sandals for a real outfit this time, which we'll see more of in the coming cutscenes. There's very little we can explore (our cell, empty) and two fellow prisoners we can talk to, who tell us to be careful and not worry about them. As soon as we turn the corner, we run into the inquisitor and a pair of guards, who we quickly and efficiently dispatch.

Fayt: W-wait a sec...

Nel: Yes?

Fayt: How are we gonna get out? There are lots of soldiers outside...

Cliff: Looks like kind of a tight fit.

Nel: Don't complain. If we can get through there, it widens out a bit. We'll just have to squeeze through that first part.

Cliff: Yeah, yeah...

Nel: Fayt, you go first. I'll bring up the rear.

Cliff: Aqueducts, huh?

Cliff: Hey, it's all frozen over.

Nel: This comes as a surprise to you? It IS winter in Airyglyph. Didn't you see the snow falling outside?

Cliff: Hm, good point.

Nel: Careful. You're no good to us if you fall in the water and freeze to death.

Cliff: Sca-ree...

Cliff: Let's get moving. This way leads to the city, if we can make it through.

Next time: let's visit the Aqueducts (dungeon #2) and go back outside.

It's all cutscenes this time because we've got some STORY to catch up on!

Cliff: My ship's not so big, but it's packing a gravitic warp engine. ... It's quite the speed demon.

Fayt: Hey, Cliff...

Cliff: Yeah?

Fayt: There's something I've been meaning to ask you...

Cliff: What's that?

Fayt: Why does Quark's leader want to meet with me? I'm just a college student from Earth!

Cliff: Oh... um... 'no comment'? Heh.

[pause]

Cliff: That's... that's not doing it for you, is it?

Fayt: No, it's not.

Cliff: Let's see, well... I guess the biggest reason would be... Our leader wants to chat with you?

Fayt: Nice try, but that's avoiding the question. Why's your leader want to meet with me?

Cliff: Hey, how should I know? I just do what I'm told. There's probably something our leader wants to talk to you about.

Fayt: And that 'something' is...?

Cliff: Well- You'll just have to come with me and find out for yourself. Sorry, kid, but I don't know much more than that.

We get a pan over Whipple, and it zooms into Niklas and Meena's house specifically.

And we're off! Finally done with Vanguard III, and we can get back to our main quest of saving Sophia and Fayt's parents :D

Cliff: The rendezvous point is Beta-747-372-406. You got that, Mirage?

Mirage: Engaging conventional engines... Gravitic warp core, normal.

We then immediately fade into a flashback from a couple minutes ago. I have no idea why things are in this order, it took me ages the first time to realize it went present-past-present in the middle of this cutscene for no discernable reason.

Mirage: Yes. I knew right away. Nice to meet you, Fayt. I'm Mirage Koas.

Fayt: N-nice to meet you, too.

Fayt: (She's beautiful...)

The flashback ends here and we get back to Fayt zoning out in the present.

Cliff: Fayt, you okay?

Cliff: Oh, and listen, don't fall for her- She may look pretty but she's a Klausian. Any funny ideas, and yer liable to meet a swift, yet painful, death.

Fayt: Hey, w-wait a sec! Who said I was falling for anyone?

Cliff: Relax! I was just warning ya.

Fayt: I... was wondering. Just how long will it take till we get to your leader?

Cliff: Oh, we'll be there soon. It's about three hours to the rendezvous point. Mirage, I'm gonna go take a shower. I'm leaving you in charge.

Mirage nods, then looks back to her screen.

Mirage: Oh Cliff... It looks like you can forget that shower.

Cliff: Huh? What is it?

Mirage: I've just detected a gravitic space anomaly up ahead. I'm bringing us out of gravitic space to avoid it.

Cliff: You serious? You think it's hostile?

Mirage: Hold on.

Mirage: Connection confirmed... Okay, the link's open.

Cliff: Uhhh... This is the Eagle, a Klausian ship. We don't want any trouble with ya...

Mirage: You're wasting your time.

Mirage: The enemy ships are already prepared to attack.

Cliff shakes his head.

Cliff: Seems they know who we've got onboard. Escape's our only hope. It'll be tough without using gravitic warp, but we've got no choice... Reverse course! Conventional engines, full power!

Mirage: Roger.

Cliff: Full power to rear shields! And lemme see a chart for this region!

Cliff: Alright, course 116, mark 267! Activate auto-evasion program! Fasten crew safety harnesses!

Mirage: Roger.

Mirage: ... Course entry complete. Speed, maximum... Program activated.

Fayt: !?

Cliff: Hey, feeling lucky, kid?

The screen starts shaking a WHOLE lot for the next few minutes.

Mirage: Nearing objective point.

Cliff: All right, as soon as we're there, go into gravitic warp.

Mirage: Cliff, gravitic warp is currently nonfunctional...

Cliff: I got a hunch it'll function the moment we reach the objective point. Get us on a straight line between the ships and that planet, then pop us up starside - we'll open up the distance that way.

Mirage: Very well... but we won't be able to designate our warp destination.

Cliff: Well, we're toat if we stay here, Mirage! Anyhow, space is big, right? Our odds ain't that bad!

Fayt: You got a hunch?

Mirage: Roger.

Cliff: Four, huh? This is gonna be close. Either we enter gravitic warp first or we get pummeled. Now's the time to pray, gentlemen!

Mirage: Unfortunately, it looks like we might lose the race. Here comes the first round now, and we're seven seconds from objective point.

Cliff: Aaah, who cares if we take a few rounds? Warp our butts outta here!

Mirage: Warp engine damaged, but... still functioning.

Cliff: You bet it is! Activate gravitic warp!

Mirage: We've thrown off the Vendeeni ships.

Cliff: Phew... That was close.

Mirage: Yes, but now we're pretty far from the rendezvous point.

Cliff: Well, it can't be helped. Besides, it won't hurt to make her wait a little longer. Let's take our time.

Mirage nods.

Fayt: Wow, your hunch really paid off.

Cliff: Finally, some respect!

Fayt: Yeah, a healthy respect for your recklessness.

Cliff: What is that supposed to mean? A little more honesty would be nice- like 'Heey, that Cliff sure is something,' or 'You're a genius, Cliff!'

Mirage: Sorry to interrupt while you're having so much fun...

Cliff: What is it, Mirage?

Mirage: The gravitic warp core is overheating. We should reduce speed immediately. The engine will scram if we don't.

Cliff: Whaaat!?

Cliff: Didn't I specifically request that ya tell me these things sooner? Get back to conventional space, pronto!

Mirage: Roger.

The ship slows down and returns to conventional space.

Mirage: Bad news.

Cliff: Now what?

Mirage: Both the conventional and gravitic warp engines have scrammed. The backup engine isn't functioning, either. I'd say we have a problem.

Cliff: Damn it!

Cliff punches his armrest.

Cliff: Where're we now?

Mirage: We're currently within Elicoor II's gravitational field.

Cliff: If all our energy sources are shot, then we can't communicate either... Well, I'm sure she'll figure out something happened to us after we don't show up when we're supposed to.

Mirage: One would hope so.

Cliff: Well, Mirage, come up with something.

Mirage: I'll see what I can do.

Fayt: What CAN we do? Aren't all the engines scrammed!?

Cliff: For starters, we gotta land before we crash. Then, we wait to be rescued.

Fayt: Great plan.

Cliff: Look, my mission is to bring you to our leader. Until then, I'll watch out for you - trust me! You're safe as... as a turtle in its shell!

Fayt: A turtle dropping out of orbit...

Cliff: Huh? Did you say something?

Fayt: Nothing.

Mirage: We'll be entering into Elicoor II's atmosphere in another 30 seconds. Get ready for a bumpy ride, you two.

Mirage: And... keep wagging those tongues and you'll bite them off. I wouldn't want either of you to die of blood loss.

Fayt: Roger.

Cliff: Yes, ma'am!

The screen finally stops shaking.

Fascinated Girl: A star, fallen from the sky?
Panicked Man: Nonsense! It looks nothing like a falling star!
Fascinated Girl: Well, what is it, then?
Panicked Man: How am I supposed to know!?

Cliff: Not to mention we're outta power and the helm is outta whack. You should be happy to be alive.

Fayt: *sigh* ... I guess this is no time to be worrying about the UP3. What do we do now?

We're allowed to move around in the cockpit at this point, but the exit door is locked and all we have available is talking to our new "friends".

Cliff: All right, calm down. Panicking won't change a thing.

Fayt: How can I 'calm down'? We just crashed our spaceship into the middle of a city on an underdeveloped planet! This is more than just a simple violation of the Underdeveloped Planet Preservation Pact! Oh, man.

Cliff: You know what? You worry too much.

Fayt: And you don't worry enough!

Cliff: Yeah, you're probably right.

Fayt: Mirage, what kind of planet is Elicoor II?

Mirage: The second planet in the Elicoor System has an axial tilt of 32.6 degrees, and is 0.8 AUs from its parent star. The gravity is 0.9G. Other than the fact that its atmosphere is mostly comprised of noble gases such as neon, instead of nitrogen, it has an atmospheric composition which closely resembles that of Earth. According to my data, the technology level on this planet is near that of Medieval Earth, or around the 17th century. Although the planet is registered in the Galactic Atlas as an underdeveloped planet, it appears to be in a constant state of conflict, so there are no figures for the total population of sentient beings.

Fayt: So we're stuck on an underdeveloped planet...

Fayt: Do we at least have the information for our current location?

Mirage: Well, sentient life forms do live in this area. We don't have any detailed information, like government, but this is a pretty large city. External air temperature is minus five degrees Celsius. Both falling and deposited snow have been detected.

Fayt: A city...

Mirage: *nods* We also know that there are two major continents on this planet. There's the one we're on now, and another one to the east. The continent to the east appears to have a slightly higher civilization level.

Fayt: I see...

Fayt: Did you figure anything else out?

Mirage: This ship's database contains no other information.

Fayt: I see...

Old Soldier: One of Aquaria's new weapons?

He taps the hull of the ship with his halberd.

Cliff: Not much we can do with the Eagle scrapped like this. Fighting our way out isn't really an option... Well, at least we're still in one piece!

Mirage: For now, maybe...

Cliff: Oh well - let's just step outside and see what happens.

Fayt: Hold on just a second!

Fayt: Even minimal contact with the inhabitants of an underdeveloped planet will get us in trouble - besides, we've no idea what they'll do to us once we're out there!

Cliff: You got any better ideas? I hate to point this out, but I think we've already made contact, rather forcefully, anyway.

Fayt: Well, still...

Cliff: C'mon! Trust me! Didn't we make it here safely? I tell you, my hunches are always right!

Mirage: How about that time when we almost crashed into that asteroid because of a... hunch?

Cliff: Aw, but that was ONE time!

Fayt: One time!

Cliff: At any rate, I don't think we have any other choice.

Fayt: What do you think they'll do?

Cliff: Well, we'll probably be taken prisoner.

Fayt: You say it like you don't even care...

Cliff: Yeah, but only you and I will go out.

Fayt: Huh? What about Mirage?

Cliff: We'll have Mirage wait until later to make an escape.

Cliff: Mirage, stay until nightfall, then leave under the cover of darkness.

Mirage: Right. That shouldn't be a problem.

Fayt: But Mirage... All alone?

Cliff: You're forgetting she's a Klausian. She'll be fine - I pity the soldier that tries to take her in.

Mirage: Want me to come rescue you?

Cliff: Nah, no need. There'll probably be too many of 'em, anyway. We'll think of something... You scout around and find a way to contact the Diplo. Don't put yourself in danger trying to hook up with us. They should be able to home in on our position as long as we make contact. They can come get us then.

Mirage: Roger.

Cliff: All right, time to go.

Mirage: Fayt... Be careful.

Fayt: Thanks. You too, Mirage.

Mirage: Cliff...

Cliff: I said it'll be okay. ... I'm counting on you.

Mirage: Okay... Be careful.

Snooty Soldier: There's people in there!

Fayt: Uhh, umm... We...
Soldier: Get 'em!!!

Fayt: W-wait, please!

Cliff: Give it up, kid. Nothing we can do about it.

Fayt: Give up!?

Cliff: Look behind you.

Fayt: Huh?

It's been all cutscenes for this part but let's end on that terrifying face so we can start the Elicoor section of the game proper in the next part :)

Next time: more cutscenes, some politics, we get a new party member.

Alright, time to run around some ruins to try to find Niklas.

The Ruins of Coffir are fairly straightforward, since they're our first real dungeon. Most of the enemies are pretty easy, though the mushrooms can get you surprisingly easily if you don't pay attention, since their attacks deal MP damage and we have fairly little of that. The thieves and noblemen are pretty trivial though, and both will flee from combat if you wait long enough. We've got a bunch of chests to open, but past that there's no fancy mechanics in here, just a couple numbers painted on the walls here and there that we'll use in a minute.

Once we reach the northern-most part of the map we'll find a large (and mostly intact) building. If we circle around it to the back, we run into some of the elves who used to block the road in the forest:

Norton's Underling: A little boy?

He stops to tap his forehead thoughtfully.

Norton's Underling: Oh, you mean Niklas. Yeah, he cam 'round here, blabberin' 'bout getting somethin' back, and wantin' to see Lord Norton.

Fayt: Then what did he do?
Norton's Underling: Being the kind-hearted fellas we are, we gave the stupid kid what he wanted. I bet Lord Norton's reeducatin' the undisciplined lil' brat right now.

Fayt: What!?
Norton's Underling: It's the kid's own fault. Nothing good can come from messin' with Lord Norton. Don't worry - he'll learn it's better to join us than fight us!
Norton's Underling: It's a shame - the apple don't fall far from the tree. Idiocy must run in the family.

Fayt: You rotten little...!
Norton's Underling: Woah there, didn't I just say ya can't pass through here? Wanna see that brat, you got to beat us, first!

Fayt: You punks! What gives you the right!?
Norton's Underling: Looks like we got another village idiot in need of some education!

And with that we've got a mini-boss battle against the three underlings. They're basically the same as the basic thief enemies in the ruins, but with a little more HP. They'll still escape if we damage them and wait long enough, but it's fairly quick and easy to beat them up as long as we don't get greedy.

With them gone and piled up, we can enter Norton's hideout proper. There's a couple skeleton enemies in here but it's fairly small. The hallway splits into two, with one path ending in a locked door, so we visit the other and find what looks to be his base of operations:

There's a bunch of technology in here, but the only thing we can interact with is one of the consoles:

[If we choose to read the instructions]
Screen: Welcome to the Password Entry Screen! I'm your guide, Boss Norton, so you'd better be thankful! I mean it! You enter the password here, but remember, you only get three chances! If you make three mistakes, then you're through! I'll kick you outta here! So you better be ready! But hey, I'm feeling generous today, so I'll give you a little hint! The secret numbers are located somewhere in these ruins! Just type those in! Even an idiot like you should be able to do that. So come on, enter the password!

If you remember the "2" painted on the wall a couple screenshots above, that's one of the "secret" numbers. There's two others you can find on other walls in the ruin, and if you read them in order of when you're expected to find them (one is near the entrance, one is around the middle, and one is on the wall next to the door to the hideout) you get "256" which is our password. Entering it unlocks the door at the other end of the fork in the hallway.

Fayt: That's what I want to ask you! You should never have run off like that!

Niklas: The music box parts... I wanted to get them back. I... I could not ask you to do this for us.

Fayt: But that's crazy!

Niklas: It is dangerous here! You... must leave, quickly! He'll... get you.

Fayt: Niklas? Hang in there, Niklas!

Niklas: Must leave...

Fayt: This is bad... I better hurry...

Fayt: Think... think... Oh yeah!!!

Fayt: I could short the batter in my communicator, or- Wait. I might be stuck here if I lose my communicator.

Niklas: Meena...

Fayt: What am I thinking? There's no time! Hold on, Niklas, I'll get you out!

Niklas: @#*$&#%... *$&^#%A$*A... &#.

Fayt: Huh!?

Niklas: ... *@$*@^%*&$^#@.

Fayt: No time for regrets, now. We better get out of here!

Fayt: Let's go.

???: No funny moves if you wanna stay alive. Play nice and I'll let you live a little longer.

Fayt: That was a phase gun. So you must be Norton.

Norton: Ah, it's so nice to hear genuine Terran being spoken, eh? Seems like ages.

Fayt: Why are you here? You're not from this planet, are you?
Norton: I'm from Rezerb, boy. We're not part of the Federation.

Fayt: Rezerb... I've heard of that world.

Fayt: Right - that planet filled with joy-seekers that keeps rejecting Federation membership. So what are you doing here? This is an underdeveloped planet, you know!
Norton: Not much to tell... I... was involved in this er... unfortunate accident. Guess it was a bit much even for Rezerb. So I was sentenced to spend the rest of my days in exile on a deserted planet.
Norton: But... The escort ship they were transporting me on had engine trouble and ended up crash landing here.
Norton: Can ya believe it? All I had to do was mess with their engine codes.
Norton: Those stupid pilots ended up frying their engines!
Norton: Ohhh, man! All I was trying to do was create a distraction so I could make my escape. But... we ended up crashing, and this planet's become my prison.

Fayt: And the others, Norton!
Norton: Huhhh?

Norton shoots a couple crates behind Fayt again.

Norton: That's 'Lord Norton' to you!

Fayt: There must've been others. What happened to the other peope on the escort ship?
Norton: Oh, those guys? They're dead, the poor fools. They were trying to send out a distress signal and a bolt of lightning smote 'em where they stood. Bam! Heh heh.
Norton: That crash part was unfortunate. But no use crying over spilt milk... I've been devoting myself to making this planet my kingdom. Ya get my drift?

Fayt: So that's why you've been raiding Whipple!?
Norton: Yeah, something like that. You're a smart kid. That's why I've been raiding the village, and that's why you gotta die. Sorry!
Norton: You'll be happy to know I'm gonna make the most of those parts I stripped from yer escape pod.

Fayt: Grr!

???: Might never have found you if it weren't for those explosions.
Norton: What do you want? You're not one of them Federation guys, are ya?

???: Who, me? A Federation soldier? Ha, yeah, that's a good one!
Norton: Well then, who are ya?

??? points to himself.

Norton: A K-Klausian!?

Cliff: Sorry, no time to explain. I'm kinda in a hurry.

Cliff: Just lemme have Fayt, that Earthling boy over there, and I'll be on my way. I don't plan on butting into whatever ya got going on over here.

Fayt: How do you know my name!?

Cliff: Let's not sweat the details. Suffice it to say, you're my man.
Norton: Hold it right there, or I'll blast ya!!!

Cliff: Huh? You talking to me?
Norton: You think ya can fool me? There's no way a Klausian would come here! You're probably some sorta spy. It's so obvious! Har har har!

Cliff: Look, since I'm such a nice guy, I'm gonna fill you in on a little secret. That gun you have there has no effect on us Klausians.

Cliff: You didn't know that?
Norton: Shut yer piehole!

Cliff: All right. I'm done lecturing - Time to teach you a lesson!

And with that cutscene done, we start the fight against Norton, with Cliff helping us out! He does a lot of the heavy lifting in this fight and if we time things well we can keep Norton functionally stun-locked. As long as we don't do anything stupid it's a pretty easy fight.

Fayt: (I've heard the physical abilities of Klausians far outstrip those of Earthlings, but man. And he said Quark? Wasn't that an anti-Federation group?)

Cliff: Looks like I over did it. Shoulda held back a little bit. This is about the only thing that still works. The rest is ruined. ... Here.

Cliff throws Fayt something.

Fayt: Is this... a communicator?

Cliff: Can't live without one! I can't figure out why you wouldn't have one with you.

Fayt: Ahh... Umm... Thanks for getting me out of that mess. You saved my life.

Cliff: Whoa there. Don't go thanking me yet. Ya see, I've come to abduct you.

Fayt: What!?

Cliff: Now don't get all worked up... I'm not going to hurt anybody. It's just my boss wants to meet you. That's why I came all the way out here to find you.

Fayt: Boss... you mean Quark's boss?

Cliff: That's right, our leader wants to see you.

Cliff: But you've sure made it a tough job. First, I went to Hyda and ran into that mess, thanks to you. Then, I get here and find you poking your nose into matters better left alone...

Fayt: You make it sound like it was my fault Hyda got attacked, geez.

Cliff: ...

Cliff: Just kidding, don't sweat it. At any rate, I got you now. And I did rescue you, so no complaining.

Cliff: And besides, you wanna see your old man, don't you? He's been captured by the Vendeeni.

Fayt: Dad? But why!?

Cliff: Hey, don't ask me. All I know is your old man was abducted from the Evacuation Facility on Hyda.

Cliff: I don't know about the girl. I've had my hands full just trying to track down your escape pod.

Fayt: ... How do you know all this? What else do you know?

Cliff: Not much else... sorry. Oh yeah, I do know what yer old man, Dr. Leingod, was researching.

Fayt: You mean symbological genetics? My dad's an authority in that field, so it's no surprise you've heard of him.

Cliff: Right, symbological genetics. And 19 years ago... Ah, never mind. That doesn't matter right now.

Fayt: Uh...

Cliff: C'mon! Ya don't have any other way off this planet, do ya? Look, I'm sure things will clear up if you just come with me. Besides, you'll be able to see yer old man again.

Fayt: But according to you, my Father's been captured by Vendeen. So how could I possibly see him?

Cliff: Simple! Quark'll go rescue your old man, too.

Fayt: Why would an anti-Federation group want to help my father?

Cliff: Well... tell ya what, it's kinda complicated. Let's not get into that right now.

Cliff: So, are you coming or not?

Fayt: Okay... I'll go with you.

Fayt: But could we stop by Whipple first? I want to make sure the boy gets back there safely.

Cliff: Sure, whatever. But I still think you shouldn't have gotten involved...

We take Niklas with us, but before heading directly to Whipple we stop by Norton's lair again to replicate some music box parts and to uh, "solve" the Norton problem.

Fayt: You're wrong, things aren't back to normal. Niklas's and Meena's parents are gone forever.

Fayt glares and walks away, and Cliff scratches his head awkwardly.

With Norton's hideout exploded, we can head to Whipple one last time to drop Niklas off before we leave this planet.

Cliff: Don't keep me waiting too long, kid!

Fayt: Got it.

Fayt: Don't worry, he's just asleep. He wouldn't leave you alone, Meena.

Meena: Really?

Fayt: Really!

Fayt: (Time for me to go. Goodbye.)

The music box quietly starts playing.

We can wander around the village a little before leaving, and most of the villagers apologize for distrusting us and thank us for helping rid them of Norton, other than a handful of youths who are unhappy about getting back to menial work. The chief specifically gives us a nifty little accessory as thanks, which we can equip in combat to lower the HP cost of skills.

Once we're done here (not that there's a lot to do), we can meet up with Cliff at the village exit.

Fayt: Yeah.

Cliff: Alright. Now, you remember that cliff near your escape pod? Our way out lies beyond there. Let's go!

Fayt: Okay.

There isn't anything left to do in either Whipple, the ruins, or at our pod, so we head straight for the cliff.

Next time: we meet up with Cliff's crewmate and finally get off Whipple.

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aurel

Entries tagged with so3lp

Let's play Star Ocean 3! Part 24

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