Part 6: Press N To Switch Teams

Music: Blackwater - Final Fantasy VIII, "Breezy"



Welcome back. Last time on Exit Fate, we got the fuck out of Dodge and headed to the Zelmony mainland. Now it's time to figure out what exactly it is we can do here, and where we're headed next.



Is this your home?
Nah, this is just a shelter. Me home's the sea.
Thanks a lot. I guess we'll be relatively safe here for the time being.



Well, that seems like a reasonable way to get the plot moving forward. Let's see what there is to see around here and then head for the inn.



Yeah, just go. I couldn't care less.

I guess this explains why we're able to get into the country without anyone giving a shit: because the guy who's supposed to check us out actually doesn't give a shit



Hey, you look important!



Apart from making us wonder what the fuck kind of name Griever is, this woman doesn't have anything of importance to impart to us.



Inside the town proper, we can get a bit of a history lesson.

Woman: After the Zelmony kingdom fell apart over a century ago, Mayfall became a prosperous independent nation. It's still the second most powerful state in Zelmony.



Woman: She seems kind of lonely. I only ever see her smiling when she's feeding the stray cats around here.

That doesn't sound like a recruitment method or anything, nosiree. I'm sure that will never come up again.



Oh hey, what a coincidence, a cat!



Unfortunately it runs away immediately after we talk to it, and we can't find it anywhere else around town.




We also find a treasure chest in a random house. The Battery, aside from being a complete anachronism, is an attack item that casts Lightning.



This girl is also hanging around.

My name is Meiko. I'm an aspiring reporter. I came here to cover the war in the hope to make my big break. From the looks of you, I can tell you've fought in the war recently. I'm right, am I not? I have a knack for that sort of thing.




The game fades to black here, as Daniel presumably tells Meiko horrific stories of the war that end up scarring her for life.



Thank you very much for your time! This will help a lot!



The only other amenity in Blackwater is an item shop that doesn't sell anything new. So let's head over to the inn.

I don't think I posted this before, but there's a short melody that plays when the game fades to black at an inn, which is Back to Sleep #2 from Xenogears.




Is Ljusalf up already?



(Actually, he's still in the party with us. But for narrative's sake let's ignore that.)



As we head downstairs, we find Ljusalf and Stromgaard talking with a new face.




Daniel, this lady has been looking for you.



No, wait! You're mistaken! Go on, Ayara. Tell him.



Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot that there were thousands of men under you. You wouldn't remember every single one of us. I was a soldier in the second division, sir. I was there with you at the Kelsinger Pass.
You were in my division!? Then... you must know what...




I knew it! I knew that you weren't that kind of person! I'm so glad I was right about you. I took a great risk trying to find you, but I just had to know for sure!
Uhm, excuse me, but it seems you two have a lot to discuss. Perhaps we should find a quiet place to talk.
Yeah, I guess we should.

Fade to black...



So you really know nothing about what happened, sir? No wonder you didn't come back... Well, I'll tell you my side of the story... but it might come as a shock to you. That night, me and the rest of my squad were asleep inside our tent, when I was woken up by the noise outside. Just when I got up to see what was going on, a couple of soldiers stormed inside, dressed in Kirgard uniforms. We thought they were part of our division, but when our captain walked up to them to ask what was going on, they...

Music: Sadness - Final Fantasy VII, "On That Day, Five Years Ago"



It was terrible. Suddenly, they were all coming at us, and most of us were still half asleep.
So that's where the shouting I heard came from... Go on. What happened after that?
I tried my hardest to protect my team, but there were too many of them. We didn't stand a chance. We were down to just a handful when reinforcements finally arrived. It's thanks to them that I'm still alive. But many of us... weren't so lucky. In our camp alone, half of us were dead or seriously wounded.
How awful...
So far, this all sounds like a carefully prepared sneak attack. They even disguised themselves as Kirgard soldiers.



Yes, I'll get to that. After a long, restless night, we were all gathered at the center of the camp. General Leonius had just arrived from Jargo with his troops, and he was there to speak to us.





Yes... According to this prisoner, the attack was organized by a small group of traitors.







I know! I kept believing in you, sir! And I wasn't the only one either! Many of us had trouble believing their story. They told us that you had turned against us in an attempt to stop our invasion. Then they said we were going to conquer the entire island in one swift move, so they had a higher chance of capturing you.



Why would I do that? It doesn't make any sense.
I felt the same way, sir. From the way you always spoke to us, you didn't seem like the kind of person who'd kill his own men. I was confused. I felt like I couldn't trust anyone anymore. Finally, I decided to run away and look for you. I knew that no matter what the truth was, you'd know the right thing to do. Are you all right, sir?



I don't know. He wasn't with us. I only saw him briefly, before we moved in to take the Kelsinger Pass.
....




Elsewhere...

Music: Kirgard - Suikoden V, "Harbor Town by the Lighthouse"




Although this was but a training match compared to what's to come, you've taken the island swiftly and with acceptable losses. The king is very pleased with your results.
Hmph. Acceptable losses? We've lost far more men than we would have if we had taken the capital last. Using brute force rather than strategy is a costly way to wage a war.
General Keyser, we had no choice after one of our officers betrayed us. Who knows how much damage he could've done with the information he possessed.



Enough, Keyser. What's done is done. You'll get to show your worth soon enough.
I can still hardly believe one of your most trusted officers would turn on us, General Knight. Wasn't he a childhood friend of yours?



Jovian is, understandably, a bit shaken up. Man, you let one little ellipsis infection pass you by and suddenly everyone's got it...




Nearby, we find Angel.




You need to rest. You look exhausted.
No, I can't rest. I have to keep busy, keep my mind off of things. If I sit still or try to relax, I'll just go crazy.
I understand, Jovian. The three of us grew up together. It can't have been easy on you. It wasn't easy for either of us.

Back in Blackwater...

Music: Reflection - Chrono Trigger, "At the Bottom of the Night"




A flash of white...



It's wrong, but I'm willing to do the wrong thing to achieve my ideals. Someone has to make that sacrifice for it to end. I don't want this war to be another temporary measure. We have to go all the way. I can't hesitate, and I can't turn back.

Another flash of white...



Don't you think that's too important to ignore, even at the risk of hurting our friendship?



Could this be your way of putting me out of action? Why did things have to end up like this? I only tried to do good, and look where it got me.



Ljusalf suddenly arrives.

Answers... Maybe I already have the answers I'm looking for, and I just don't want to accept them. Have I been set up by people I trusted the most? I never knew just how much they were willing to sacrifice in order to fulfill their ideals.
So you think it was a Kirgard conspiracy? But then... why did they let you escape?
I don't know, I don't know. If only I could remember... Maybe they did it on purpose, to boost morale for the war by giving them a target to hunt down. Or maybe it was just mercy, to allow me to escape to another country and live in exile. But Ljusalf, what if... What if it is true?



Why can't I remember? Why do I feel so uneasy about this?
Daniel... what do you believe to be true, deep in your heart?



And just like that, sulk time is over. Yet another jRPG protagonist trope to strike off the list.

First of all, Daniel, you'll have to think about what you're going to do in the future. There is no turning back. But there is no need to hurry. Go get some sleep first.
The future... Yes...

The next morning...

Music: Blackwater - Final Fantasy VIII, "Breezy"



I want you to know that I can't force any of you to come with me. It's up to each of you to choose your own path.
What is it you've decided then?



I've been set up. That much is obvious now. Returning now would be far too dangerous. I shouldn't cling onto the vain hope that everything will be cleared up just like that. But my ideals are still the same. I still want nothing more than to end this meaningless fighting. So even though it may ruin all my chances of ever returning to my homeland, I've made my decision.





T-The State Army? And fight for the enemy!?
The enemy, Ayara? Who is our enemy? Isn't it Kirgard who made me their enemy in the first place? Helman Island is disputed, but the rest of the country belongs to Zelmony. What right does Kirgard have to take it? I can't sit around and do nothing while this war continues, and if the only way I can stop it is by joining the other side, then that's something I have to do.



Well, even if I wanted to, it would be impossible for me to return home at this moment. I will gladly accompany you.



As long as it means I'll get to see more of this country, count me in.

Stromgaard just gives no fucks. "So, you're going to cause a major incident by defecting to another country? Eh, whatever, I guess I'll stick around."



Even though I feel strange about this, I would be honored to fight by your side. Please let me help you in any way I can.





Thank you, everyone. Hmm... We should see if we can speak to any authority around here. Maybe we'll find someone in Mayfall City. It's directly south from here, right? Let's go!

All right! We have a new party member and a new goal. Let's take a look at Ayara...



Ayara is... basically Jovian, honestly. She hits very hard physically, and her A-rank relation with Daniel is basically a permanent stat boost since Daniel is always present. She's slow, however, and somewhat inaccurate, along with having one of the worst MP+ rates in the game. She does have a special, Wild Attack, but it's rather useless, hitting an enemy for 120% normal damage at the cost of giving up her next turn. I guess it could be used as a desperation move, but regular attacks work just fine for the most part.



Her armor is the same as Daniel's, which is to say that it's rather protective but slows her down even further.






Despite her downsides, Ayara is not someone you want to fuck with. She deals double to triple the damage that Stromgaard or Daniel can put out with their regular attacks, so she'll be sticking with us as a frontliner for some time. She just won't be casting any magic.

Interestingly, Ayara is one of the only characters in the game whose attack animation is more than a single frame. This doesn't actually affect anything, but I just thought it was notable.

Now then, let's head over to Mayfall.





Mayfall is, like most of the places we've needed to go on the world map, right next door. We really aren't going to be spending much time on the world map, are we?



Music: Mayfall - Final Fantasy VI, "The Wedding Waltz ~ Duel"



The first thing we find in Mayfall is these stairs. These stairs are really dumb. See, you'd think that when you walk up the stairs, Daniel would move up and to the right, because that's the way the stairs are going, right? Except he doesn't. If you hold right, Daniel just moves straight to the right and ends up hitting the wall. I forget this and smash into the side every--single--time I come here.




In town we find a blacksmith who's level 3, but we're so poor that upgrading anyone's weapon isn't really an option right now. His armor selection is nothing new.




The magic shop has all of the basic spells on display, but again, we can't afford any of them.






The NPCs around town, like in Harlinton, are all talking about the war.



We also find this scary-looking lady in one of the houses in the northeast.

Oh wow, look at you. You all look strong. I'd rate your magical power 92. Hmm... that's about a D rank.

Hey! (The rating she gives us is the sum of every character's MAG. Obviously, we'll get a better grade once we level up some.)



In the southwest of town, we find a pub, which is sure to be full of reputable individuals.




Like this guy. If we play along...



I'm selling it for 500 Arn, but believe me, it's well worth it. Are you interested?

We of course cannot afford this, but we'll keep in mind for later.



Hirelings, you say? A few extra party members might be useful...




Unfortunately, while there are a few guys here with names and portraits, there doesn't seem to be any way to offer them a job with us. We'll have to remember these guys for later as well.



Our actual destination is in the northeast of town, which, as this guy helpfully explains, is the army headquarters for the Mayfall state.




Inside, we find a locked door...




... and this guy. He doesn't have anything else to say to us though.



To the north, we also find an exercise yard, where a few soldiers are running laps.



So of course I get in their way and let them pile up on each other.




There's also a Stone Amulet hidden in the corner. This goes to Daniel, since the extra MP+ always comes in handy.



Talking to the officer in the middle triggers a scene.

Ah, well... I'm thinking about joining the State Army.
Recruitment office is open till noon every day. Come back tomorrow.
Ah, no, wait! That's not exactly what I'm looking for. I need to talk to someone in charge here. You see, uh...
Come on, what is it?



Yeah, what are you, dense? Are you retarded or something? Don't you know who I am?

Colonel?
That's right! He's a former colonel of the Kirgard third legion!
W-What?



I'm kind of in a complicated situation, but the point is that I want to join your side.
A... Kirgard colonel? Uhm, I... I don't think I'm qualified to deal with things like that. You know what, let me take you straight to Colonel Merrick. He'll know what to do. Follow me.

Fade to black...



I heard a rumor from the people who fled Helman Island that the Kirgard army's been looking for a renegade officer. Guess that's you, then?
That's me, but it's not like I betrayed them. It's actually the other way around. It's kind of a long story.
Hmm... Oh, I'm Colonel Merrick. I'm in charge of the Mayfall Army, for what it's worth. Not like we've got much of a say in anything.




The captain?



Well no, since I'm pretty sure a captain that outranks a colonel is a thing that does not exist. But whatever, we'll roll with your silly upside-down ranks and whatever the fuck else it is that you guys do in the State Army.

Oh, right. I've heard her name before. If I could get to speak to the commander of the State Army, that might be even better. Can you arrange that?
Lieutenant, get me someone to take this guy to Matrech.
Of course, sir. I'll find someone immediately.




Well, we certainly seem to be starting off on the right foot here.



Yeah, these people here. Can you take care of that?
Yes, sir! So... you are the Kirgard colonel? Wow... My name's Col. Please come with me.
Thank you for coming with us, Col. Just call me Daniel.
Yes sir... Daniel!





All right. Looks like you'll be fine now.
Yes, thank you, Colonel.



Well, you know, maybe you should have looked into that before you handed me that letter of introduction? You guys don't really seem to be sticklers for security here.

Well... get going, Col. I got to get back to work.
Yes, sir! To get to Matrech, we'll have to pass through Amen Corner first. It's just west of here.

All right. Before we head out, let's see what Col's got.



Col is fairly mediocre. He's fast and accurate, and his strength and magic aren't bad, but he's not great. He does have some use in his special, though. Scan does what it says on the tin, using Col's turn to give you all the stats and info on one enemy.



He also is a C-rank relation for Stromgaard, for whatever reason.



Col comes with the next tier of light armor in the Feathered Hat and Quilted Coat. Interestingly enough, at 4 PDF and 2 WGT, the Quilted Coat has the exact same stats as Daniel and Ayara's Kirgard Platemail. What the fuck were they making armor out of back in Kirgard? It's starting to look like defecting to Zelmony was a good move just thanks to what Kirgard considers protection, let alone that whole betrayal thing.




Col fights by shooting a crossbow. Nothing special.






Anyway, time to head to Amen Corner. It is, once again, a trivial journey.



Music: Amen Corner - Final Fantasy VI, "Gau's Theme"





Amen Corner is a fairly small town, there isn't much here aside from an inn and an item shop with nothing new for sale.



We can head over to the inn's bar if we like, but the game won't actually let us buy anything.




We can also get a short lesson on Zelmony's government in one of the buildings, which appears to be a school.







As you could probably discern from the world map, we're going to have to head through the forest to the west in order to make it to Matrech. So let's get on with it.



At the west end of town, we find a soldier guarding the way into the forest.



Oh, hello Col. You have to be an escort again? You know you can come and go whenever you like.
Thanks.



Before we leave, however, a totally honest friend of Col's shows up.

Hey Joe! Haven't seen you in a while. Yeah, I have to take some people to Matrech.
You mean those guys over there? They look a bit suspicious to me. Who are they? They don't seem to be Mayfall officers.
I only know part of the story, but... I hear they're from Kirgard.
Kirgard? What are they doing here?
I don't know. My orders are to take them to the capital. I'm not supposed to be asking them all sorts of questions.




Uh... yeah?
I see... Sorry I bothered you then. Oh, and when you're travelling through the forest...




Asshole.

W-What?
Mist Monster?



My money! It's gone! That boy stole it!



Oh that dick.

What!? Joe!! What are you doing!? Come back!!
We don't really have time to deal with this now. Can we get into Matrech even without the papers as long as you're with us?
No way! I'll get into big trouble if they find out about this! Please, we have to find Joe and get back what he took from you.
Hmm, okay.



Welp, looks like we don't have a choice except to find that asshole.



Just like Daniel said, all of our money is gone. It wasn't all that much, but it's the principle of the thing!




We find Joe nearby, but he runs off.

Joe! Wait!!




Then, when it looks like we have him cornered, he jumps onto a roof and runs offscreen. Unfortunately I missed the screenshot of this.




When we have him cornered again, he jumps the fence.



Sir! We should split up and trap him! Go ahead and find him. I'll make sure he won't be going anywhere!
All right, Ayara. He can't run away from two people at the same time.



Ayara will actually leave the party for a short duration here.




We find Joe in the item shop, but this time, when he tries to run away...

Music: Thieves - Final Fantasy IX, "Vivi's Theme"




Big -what-!?
Ahh! Nothing! Nothing! T-That hurts!
Look what you've gotten yourself into, Joe. What the hell were you thinking?
Ugh! They're the enemy, aren't they? They're taking whatever they want from us too! What's the difference!?
Stop it, Joe! I'll get into trouble because of your stupidity! I'm responsible for these people, you know! Please, give them back what you stole and leave us alone.
Hmph, fine. But I'm only doing this for Col! I don't give a shit about the rest of you! Now let me go so I can give the money back!



Heh. Making sure I won't go anywhere? Well, a promise is a promise.




This is, in fact, all the money we had--I scrounged up a bit more cash on the world map to buy another Mend.



Forget about it. We've already wasted enough time. Let him go. He's just a kid.
... Yes, sir. If that's your decision.





What is this Mist Monster you were talking about? I think I've heard other people mention it too.
Oh, that? Seems like there's a bunch of mist creatures attacking travellers in the forest. Richard's trying to get rid of them, but they just keep coming. Only a few people have been attacked recently, but I guess you should still watch yourself.
Oh great, I bet you just jinxed it. Now we'll run into one of those things for sure!
Come on now, please be reasonable. Just knowing about it won't increase our chances of encountering a mist monster.



Very well, I'll accept. The odds are in my favour. Shall we leave then, Daniel?
Yeah, before any more trouble finds us...



And after that pointless waste of time...



... it's time to head into the forest.

Next time: We definitely do not run into a mist monster.