Exit Fate Part #34 - All For One

Part 34: All For One

Welcome back. Last time on Exit Fate, we launched our attack on Mayfall, and managed to wrest control of the state from Zelmony. We also managed to pick up new allies in Merrick, the former colonel of the Mayfall army, and Nashal, a general from the distant country of Gojistan. Now that we've done this, the only states that remain in Zelmony are Matrech and Oischin. What's going to be our plan to deal the deathblow to the State Union? It's time to find out.

Music: Elysium - Chrono Trigger, "Frog's Theme (Orchestral Version)"

We begin this update in Daniel's room, one week later. Our task for now is pretty straightforward, but before we head to the meeting hall, we have a few new allies that are worth talking to. So let's chat them up first.

First up is Merrick, who has taken up residence in a room off the armory.

We can re-enact battles you've fought. I've got experience with it. It'll be just like the real thing. As long as you have the battle plans, we can try any battle you want, even ones that never happened in reality, like what-if scenarios. Here, take these to start with.

If you find any more plans, come to me and you can try even more battles.

As he says, Merrick is our way of going back and retrying war battles we've previously fought. It's strictly for fun and/or bragging rights, as you won't get any rewards for the battles, but it's still a cool feature. The only problem is that all of the battles will be fought with our full army, even if some of the units weren't originally present, so older battles will suddenly be a hell of a lot easier. Like with Venkal and his Menu Sets, we'll need to find Battle Plans scattered throughout the world in order to unlock all of the available scenarios.

We have access to battles 6 and 14 right now. Battle Plan #6 is Mayfall City II, the battle we just fought. The battle list records our high scores and will take into account our original rank on the battles, if applicable.

Battle Plan #14, on the other hand, is one of the "what-if" scenarios that Merrick alluded to.

Namely, it allows us to see what might have happened if we had stayed and fought at Gaia's Heart instead of fleeing to Amen Corner. I won't be playing out these scenarios during this LP, since like I said, they're strictly there for fun and we won't get any rewards for doing them. I'll make sure to at least show what each of the "what-if" battles are though, since there are some pretty cool ones.

We can also talk to Nashal, who's staying on the same floor as Angel.

I don't know a lot about him myself. Why are you asking?

Did you know that the Yan Angwa are an order of scholars in the kingdom of Issuria, our northern neighbor? There's not a lot I know about them, but those robes he wears are definitely what all of the Yan Angwa wear. So who is that man? Is he one of them? Why does he call himself "Yan Angwa"?

You could ask him, but I have a feeling you won't get any answers. What do you think? Is he a real member of the Yan Angwa or not?

Hmm... strange. He never claimed to be one of the Yan Angwa either, he just said to call him that.

I'm sorry, I can't be of more help.

Thank you for telling me anyway. I might go check with him some time, but it's probably going to be futile.

Welp, that's probably one of the best leads we're ever going to get about what the hell Yan Angwa's deal is. Let's go ask him about it.

I have a few questions for you. I talked to Nashal, and she told me some interesting things. For one, I found out that the Yan Angwa are actually an order of scholars in some faraway country, and that they wear robes exactly like yours. So, why are you calling yourself by that name? It's not your real name, clearly. What do you have to do with the Yan Angwa?

Surprise, surprise

You're still part of the Elysium Army. That means you're following my command. My patience is running thin. If you don't answer my questions, I may throw you out.

Do what you want. It's your loss. You can learn more from me than I can learn from you.

So you say, but what can I really learn from you if you keep your mouth shut all the time?

There has not been any need for me to interfere so far. I don't want to take too active a part. My actions could have unforeseen consequences.

Let me ask you a different question, then. Will there ever come a time where you can tell me exactly who you are?

Some day, yes, but it will not come before the end of the war or before I leave this country again. My time has not yet come. There is no point in waiting for it. You can either accept my help without question, or I will leave you to your own fate.

Even though I know little more than before, I feel like I finally got you to open up a little. I just hope I'll be there when that day comes to hear what all of this was about.

You should definitely hope that'll be the case.

Well, better than nothing, I guess. That's all for that plot thread for now, so let's head for the meeting hall.

Music: Mission - Xenogears, "Leftovers from the Dreams of the Strong"

It's been a while since I heard you guys criticize my sleeping habits. I thought I'd finally gotten away from that. Anyway, welcome back, Rock. I heard everything went smoothly on your side too. I'm glad the mission was a success.

No problem. It was a pleasure to send the State Army running for once.

So, we're officially allies now, huh?

Right, now that that's over with, let's focus on what's ahead of us. We're not completely there yet.

About that, I first want to--

Music: None

Col? What's wrong?

It... It...

Fade to black...

Music: Sadness 2 - Suikoden V, "Despair and Hope"

Fade to black...

Why are you here by yourself? I heard you were in Matrech, but I didn't know what your purpose was. What's wrong? I thought you people might be planning something, but it doesn't look like it.

This is all your fault anyway! How dare you show your face again!

Would you calm down? I didn't ask you to come here.

As long as you are in Matrech, I have the right to know what you're doing here. I could arrest you if I wanted to. It doesn't look like you came here to cause trouble, so what happened? Did you actually leave?

You wouldn't understand. Why do you care so much all of a sudden?

Because I'm curious. I've never seen you leave the colonel's side before.

So what? That was before. The colonel doesn't need me anymore. He's got thousands of people looking after him now, he has his old friends... There's no place for me anymore. No matter what I do, it's not even going to be noticed anymore. I'll never be on equal standing with the colonel.

So that's what this is about? You're being selfish. You can't expect the colonel to have time to thank every one of you. I've dedicated myself to protecting the captain, whether she notices it or not. I'm not doing it for gratitude. If you're expecting something in return, then you're not as loyal as I thought you were.

Fade to black...

Music: Suspicion 2 - Suikoden V, "Standing Firm"

Have you confirmed that she's actually gone?

Of course, sir! She's really nowhere to be found!

That doesn't sound like a good idea. I don't know if the State Army is behind this or whatever, but going in alone is asking for trouble.

But what's the point? It must've been Zelmony, right? Do they really think this is going to work at all?

I agree, it makes little sense, as desperate as their situation may be.

I don't know, but...

Do you have an idea, Col?

Well, I was talking to Ayara a while ago, and... she was feeling kind of down. I think she was a little depressed because we've been with you from the beginning, but we haven't spent much time together lately. Maybe she ran away and got captured?

Hmm... Is that what it's all about...?

Are you sure about that, Daniel? At least let the rest of us come with you.

No, you don't have to. I have a feeling that it won't be necessary. You can guard the entrance in case anything strange happens, but I'll go in alone. Trust me.

Well... if you say so. Just make sure you come back in one piece.

Fade to black...

Time for a rescue mission. There's not much to do but head over to Fading Dream.

Music: None

Music: Suspicion - Suikoden V, "Suspicion"

This has nothing to do with the State Army. I have personal reasons for wanting to meet you.

Why did you come here, really?

I'm here to bring back one of my soldiers.

I see... I had a feeling you'd do that. Ayara doesn't know how fortunate she is to have you.

Where is she?

She's safe. We have business of our own, first.

This isn't about the State Union. In the first place, I am a Knight of Matrech. I am the protector of Captain Erin of the Matrech Guard. Do you have any idea how much stress you've caused the captain? How much she's suffered because of your actions? She gave you a chance. No matter how much she disagreed with the chancellor's wishes, she was willing to let you prove yourself. If it weren't for her, you would've never been able to set up the Elysium army. Everything you have now, you owe to her. But you betrayed her trust. You hurt her, and I will not forgive you for that.

It was a farce to get rid of me, nothing more. I can't believe you wouldn't be aware of that.

Even if that's true, it only happened after -you- disregarded the captain's orders. You're even helping our enemies, the Highland Rebels. You're destroying everything the captain worked so hard to build up. Wasn't it you who said Kirgard has no right to invade our country?

I was wrong about Zelmony, I admit that. I tried my best, but I couldn't change the system, and in the end, it rejected me. It's too late to save it now. No matter how much people like you, like Erin or like Ryan try to prevent it, the country is falling apart. If you really care about Zelmony and its people, then lay down your weapons. Convince the captain that resisting any further is pointless!

I don't care about any of them! Zelmony, Kirgard... they could all vanish for all I care. This is about you and me. This is about the pain you've caused the captain.

Music: None

Music: Sadness 2 - Suikoden V, "Despair and Hope"

I feel the same way towards the people in Zelmony who betrayed the colonel. It makes me so angry to think of it, I want to go there and get revenge, no matter the consequences. But I don't think it would really make him happy. I'm sure Captain Erin worries about you, too. I know she'd be hurt if you threw your life away like this.

Ayara... were you really...?

I'm sorry, sir. I'm so sorry... I thought... I thought I no longer meant anything to you, but...

So... my hunch was close to the mark. I'm sorry you had to feel this way, Ayara. I've been busy with a lot of things lately, but you've been a great help to me since the beginning. I shouldn't have ignored you.

No, Jasper was right. It was selfish of me. I should've supported you, especially at a time like this, I realize that now. I just want to help you, sir. I want to do anything I can to help the Elysium army. Jasper, stop it. If you can't do it for me, then do it for the captain. If you don't, I'll protect the colonel with my life.

Ayara, I understand how you feel too. There are people we want to protect, no matter the circumstances.

Maybe there is a future for us beyond the State Union. If there is, you may be the right person to lead us into it.

Jasper, please try to convince the captain that surrender is the only option. There's no way you can win this war any longer. It's in the best interest of everyone.

I can try, but I doubt she would listen to me. If she doesn't, I will continue to support her, even if it means fighting against you. Our paths haven't crossed for the last time, Colonel Vinyard.

There's just one thing I want to ask you. Please look into the colonel's trial. You can do that, can't you? There has to be some evidence that it was rigged. I don't care if the State Union will vanish and it doesn't make any difference. I just want the colonel's name cleared.

Thank you, sir. I'm really sorry about this.

Don't be. It turned out fine, didn't it? We may even have secured a potential ally...

All righty then, I believe we were in the middle of preparing for Zelmony's downfall. Let's head back to the meeting hall.

Music: Mission - Xenogears, "Leftovers from the Dreams of the Strong"

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. You haven't seen what we just received yet.

What do you mean? And come to think of it, where's Leonius? I didn't see him before, either.

Gone? What do you mean, gone?

He's taken the fourth legion back to St. Reinard. Apparently he requested this some time ago without telling any of us.

What? He left at a time like this?

That's only half of the story. Leonius isn't abandoning us, he's trading places.

Fair trade, isn't it? It's not like Leonius has been of much use so far.

I guess so, but why only now?

Well, we really wanted to use the first legion at the frontlines from the start, being the most experienced troops and all, but we didn't have a choice.

It's been eight years since the last war with the Almenga empire and four years since the mountain tribes tried to invade us. Those wars are still fresh in people's memories. Even though Emperor Siegfried ended the war himself and there's been no signs of aggression since, we can't really trust him. Eander had to stay behind, not just as a deterrent to our enemies, but also to keep public opinion on our side. The people of Kirgard had to feel safe while we were away.

General Eander's help will come in handy for the battle of Matrech. It's not going to be an easy battle, after all.

I see... The first legion...

But that's for later. There's still some time before Eander gets here. Anyway, forget about that. You need to see this.

Read it.

This is...

Music: None

Well? What do you make of it? Do you think we should go check it out?

You have to ask? Of course we should!

There's something strange about it. Why didn't she come here if she wants to meet you?

She probably doesn't think it's safe here. Besides, it doesn't matter. Brunhild sought me out before, and who else knows about her?

Yes. If you're going, please let us come with you.

I'd be happy if you came along. Let's go see her together.

So, as I mentioned awhile back, Angel and Jovian are required for this next segment. But when the game asks me to set up my party here, I run into a bit of a weird bug. See, Angel and Jovian are already in our party, but there's also an Angel and Jovian on the left side of the screen that the game wants us to swap in. And it won't let us leave the screen until they're in our party.

So I have to put the clones into the party before the game will let us continue.

When the game gives us control again, the clones have disappeared. Oh well. I load our regular party back in.

We take the teleporter to Bayside...

... and once there, we head straight for the tavern.

Music: None

That's weird. Did we miss her or something?

Are you sure the letter didn't give a specific time or date?

So, how many of you noticed the guy with the hat as we walked in?

Music: Banisher - Final Fantasy VII, "Turks' Theme"

Yeah, who the fuck do you think you are with that getup, Clint Eastwood?

... oh. Uh... hm. Moving on then.

This can't be a coincidence. You set this up, didn't you? Brunhild wasn't here to begin with.

It's a hunter's job to know everything about his prey. After tracking you down to that town in Kirgard, I found out your sister had disappeared. I knew if I used her as bait, you'd come here.

So it's me you're after? What are you? An assassin sent by Zelmony?

I don't work for any government. I'm here to cleanse this world of diseases like you! Hunting you down is my life's purpose!

It's called a "gun", a new weapon developed in Cayeska. It's the perfect tool for hunting devils. Get ready! Your time has come!

BOSS FIGHT: Clint

Music: Clint - Wild Arms 3, "The Weight Of A Heavy Life, The Meaning Of Life"

Well, if he wants a tussle, we'll give him one.

First things first though, we steal the jacket right off him. The Adventurer's Jacket is a fantastic light armor that grants +13 PDF for only 4 weight.

Clint is one of the few bosses in the game that is explicitly long-range. His pistol allows him to attack any character on the field, which probably would have been worrying had Midian or Myst still been in our party. Daniel is man enough to take a few gunshots to the chest though, apparently.

In fact, Clint doesn't seem like much of a threat at all when the battle begins. The problem is that on his second or third turn he'll cast Haste on himself, and there's no way in the game to dispel enemy buffs. The boost from Haste is enough to immediately grant Clint a second turn, which he uses to shoot Rorschach.

But that point is made moot when Klaus switches in for him.

Aside from shooting people with his gun, Clint apparently can also taunt a lawyer well enough to send him into a berserk rage. I actually forgot that we have a copy of Clearmind, so this basically took Beau out of the fight.

His other signature move is Roulette Shot, which targets everyone but (judging from the name) likely has low accuracy overall. It does decent damage to those it hits, though.

In any case, Clint puts up a decent fight, but his HP is rather low, so the battle doesn't last long.

Music: Boss Battle Won - Chrono Cross, "Victory (A Cry In Summer)"

Our reward for the battle is a pair of Blue Glasses, which grant +8 ACC.

Music: Banisher - Final Fantasy VII, "Turks' Theme"

That can't be... I've trained my whole life for this moment...

I'd better get some answers now. Who are you? Why did you try to kill me?

I've got no reason to tell you.

I didn't come all the way here for nothing. Even if Brunhild is not here, you still know more than I do. If you tell me why you're after me, I'll let you go.

... Hah, what a joke. If you want to know so badly, I'll tell you.

Even though it's been twenty years since he passed away, me and the other students have been working hard to uphold his legacy. But you, you're mine alone.

A gathering of evil forces? What did your master mean by that? You're from Cayeska, aren't you? How do you even know me?

Hold on, your master died twenty years ago? That's long before anyone outside Levier knew about Daniel!

It took me fifteen years to find out it was you. Your past has been covered up well.

What makes you think Daniel is some evil force? Is there any reasoning behind all of this?

He didn't know anything about you. He was a spiritualist. I didn't understand everything he said, but he was a wise man.

He said it could mean nothing else than the birth of someone who, as he put it, would bring ruin to the world. And you... you are thirty-two years old, aren't you?

I may be thirty-two years old, but I wasn't born in Almenga. You've got the wrong person.

You don't know that, do you? I know you were raised an orphan. You have no idea where you were born yourself.