Part 7: Update 7 – Escape from Valua

This track plays for the time it takes you to walk one entire corridor. I'd say I don't know why they bothered, but it really does help with the atmosphere.


Click for video!

It gets interrupted because this guy is at the end of the corridor. His pose looks really odd now that he's not actually leaning against anything.

Marco! What are you doing here?

I told you before, right? I live here. I know everything about these sewers. This wall was built with a secret door. I took your friends into the secret room just behind me.

You can actually examine the wall where the hidden passage appears and get a message that it seems different, but I totally forgot. Anyway, it leads to a hidden room full of relieved Air Pirates.



Borris the Gunner: They got these metal boxes all lined up one after the other, like some big, long bug...that's one strange way to get places.



Luke the Raider: But I'm glad you showed up. We all owe you one.



Patch the Deckhand: Now we just have to try and figure a way to get out of Valua. Heh...easier said that done, I suppose. But, we've made it this far, at least...







No sign of Mabel the Raider . How odd.





Vyse, I always knew you were tough, but breaking into a public execution and freeing us all... Now I think you're crazy too!

Heh heh... what can I say? I'm not ready to take over as head of the Dyne family just yet.

Wait a minute... Where's Fina?

Fina? When they captured us from Pirate Isle, they took her somewhere else. I overheard some soldiers talking about her... sounded like she was taken to the Valuan Imperial Palace.

What? Why was she taken to the palace?

It appears that the Empress herself wanted to meet Fina. I've got a feeling that there's more to that girl than meets the eye. She knows something important enough to have Valua after her.

Fina...

Vyse, what are you going to do?



Valua is in chaos right now, but it's only a matter of time before they get organised and hunt us down. We need to act now.

Of course we have to go save Fina! The guards are scattered... The whole island is in chaos.

Hmm... It'll be dangerous, but it looks like now is our best chance to strike...Here, take this with you, Vyse. It's a little early to be giving this to you, but considering the circumstances, I'll make an exception.

Wow! It's your Yellow Moon Stone! Thanks, Dad!

If you use it with your weapons, they'll take on the properties of lightning.

I will take all of the Air Pirates back to the Little Jack. We'll be waiting for you. You need to be at the Little Jack when they open the gates!

I know... when the gates open, it's our only chance to escape.

First, you'll want to go to Upper City. You might be able to sneak aboard a rail car that's on it's way to the Palace.

I see... Upper City, huh? Marco, how do I get to Upper City from here?

Um... If you go down that tunnel over there, you'll reach Upper City. But there are tons of guards in Upper City! You shouldn't go! It's too dangerous!

I'm ready for anything, Marco. In the midst of the storm, I can see the path that will get us out of Valua. I've got to try. Let's go, Aika! We gotta save Fina!



Not to sound ungrateful, but using this right now would be a terrible idea. Thematically accurate to give you the Yellow stone in Valua, yeah, but from here out we'll be fighting Valuan soldiers who are all Yellow-element themselves, so naturally Yellow weapons are pretty useless against them.



Anyway, it's only a short jaunt to the ladder leading to Upper City, but before we can climb it...





Marco... you followed us? What's wrong?

Vyse... Don't... go... please...

My.. mother... and father... were both killed by Valuan soldiers while they were trying to escape from this city! There's no way out! Trying to get through the Grand Fortress... it's impossible! No one has ever escaped from Valua! You're gonna die this time! I just know it!

Your parents... I'm... I'm sorry to hear that, Marco. But, I have to go. I don't have a choice. And every time I hear the word "impossible", it makes me want to prove everyone wrong. A long time ago, a handful of sailors took a small boat out into uncharted skies. They had no idea what they would find... Monsters... a maelstrom... then end of the world... It was because these sailors challenged the unknown, that new land were discovered.

If we challenge ourselves, and never give up, our own horizons will broaden... in our hearts, and in our minds... I need to push myself everyday, I have to know what I can accomplish... I never give up, and so far, nothing has ever stopped me.

But... but... Vyse...

Don't worry about me. I believe that we'll make it out... I will find a way... That's what's keeping me going. I'm going to prove that it's not impossible to escape. Impossible is just a word to let people feel good about themselves when they quit.

.....

Vyse... Do you think I could ever be a sailor? If I would ever... sail the skies?

Heh, of course! You've got what it takes... I'll be waiting for you... out there!

Thank you...



Meanwhile...


Click for video!



Indeed I do... Your Highness... I am sure you will be pleased. As you have requested, my forces have captured a Silvite.



I can't help but hear this line in Eeyore's voice. “You have yet to fail me, but I'm sure it'll happen soon. ”

So, this is what a Silvite looks like. Hmm... such a beautiful girl. Her clothes are... interesting... a nice specimen... Today we have taken another step closer to our main objective. Soon the Valuan Empire shall rule the world.

......

You seem... sad, young one. Why do you not rejoice with us? You shall witness our finest hour. You have the knowledge that we seek. You can assist us. Hahaha... All who oppose us shall fall... Their islands will be reduced to ash and dust. Anyone who stands in our way will be destroyed! And you, young one, shall help us...



An Empire that does not listen to the plight of its people is destined to fall.

JRPG cliches hard at work here. Emperors/Empresses are inherently evil, Kings and Princes are unfailingly good and pure. Fortunately, the son of an Empress is also called a Prince so Enrique here will want nothing but the good of his people, right up until he actually starts to rule them.

Enrique, you still have much to learn. You cannot walk the path of an emperor and concern yourself with the petty worries of the "people."

But, Mother!

Now now, Enrique... I am building an empire for you... Since you shall inherit the throne when I pass on, you should pay more attention.

Well then, young lady! I know that there are 6 Moon Crystals and that they have been scattered all over the world. I also know that he who controls the Moon Crystals controls weapons of mass destruction. I believe your people refer to them as... Gigas! When the Gigas are ours, we shall rule the world!!! Now, young lady... You will tell me where to find the Moon Crystals.

I will die before I tell you.

What did you say!?

You do not understand how powerful the Gigas really are. The Gigas were great weapons of destruction built by the Old World... they are more powerful that you can imagine.

And that is precisely why Valua must obtain those weapons. Since we are the most powerful empire, we should have full control over them. And once we have them, we shall rule the world!

No! Humans must never control the Moon Crystals and they Gigas ever again! Power hungry dictators like you are the reason humans must never control them!



In my own palace?!? Kill her! Kill her! Kill the little wench! Off with her head!

Mother! Think about what you are saying! You cannot kill her, she's done nothing wrong!

Are you saying that this girl is innocent, Enrique... even after she insulted me so?! Kill her! Kill her now!

Please! You must believe me! The power of the Gigas is not to be understimated!

Imperial Guard: Silence, wench! You shall pay for your insolence!


*Thunk!*

Ugh...

Messenger: Lord Galcian, I bring you urgent news! Someone has broken into the Coliseum and freed the Blue Rogues!

There's actual no character model for this mysterious messenger, he just sort of shouts at Galcian from offscreen.

What?! I am on my way. Take the girl to the ship and bring her to the Grand Fortress immediately.

Imperial Guard: Yes, Lord Galcian!

Your Majesty, I request permission to deploy the Armada. I will take the girl with me and she will guide me to the Moon Crystals.

Very well, then! Use the power of the Armada and bring the Crystals to me!

Of course, Your Majesty. However, I have but one humble request... I would like to request that a new addition be made to our highest ranking officers... I would like to recommend my Vice Captain, Ramirez for the position.


*gasp*

Do as you wish. In return, I want you to give me your word that you will bring me those Crystals!

As you wish, Your Majesty.

Soldier: You heard the Admiral... Get up!





I kinda wish the game wouldn't keep doing those cut-away segments, it's a bugger to tie them together in text and screenshot form. So, Upper City. There's actually next to nothing to do here apart from talk to the townsfolk.



Upper City Valuan: It's a much harder life here in Upper City than you think...there are so many plays, so many parties...I'm a very busy person.



But that's stupid...if they can't eat bread, why don't they just eats cake? Hehehe...





This isn't a Swashbuckler choice, but I'll be damned if I don't see them remember the name of Dyne.

Me? I'm one of the members of the Dyne family.

Upper City Valuan: Hm...the Dyne family, you say? I don't recall any noble families of such a name...Well, just looking at you I can tell that you come from a noble military family. I shall try to remember that name.



We can't leave the little plaza area, because go near the exit and you walk straight into the next cutscene.



I think you're right, Aika. Looks like it can only ride on those rails. I guess it would be hard to steal... Let me get a close look!

I love how Vyse's first instinct is to try to steal it.





What are you talking about? I thought Fina was supposed to be at the palace.

That's what I though, but it looks like that rail car is going to the Grand Fortress. If she gets taken into the fortress, we'll never be able to get her out! We have to move.. now!

It looks like the engines are starting... We'll never get down there in time.

Vyse, what should we do?

We've got to jump onto the roof!

What?! Isn't there a Plan B?

Come on, Aika!

This shouldn't be too tough.






Splat!



Okay, so seriously. What happened to Aika being the quick, athletic one? Cutscenes!

Fina should be at the front of the rail car. Let's go!



Meanwhile. Again.


Click for video!



What? And the Air Pirates who escaped the execution... Are they still free?

Valuan Guard: Yes, Lord Galcian. My humblest apologies...

It matters not...

Valuan Guard: I'll summon the City Guards and sweep all of the rail cars. We'll find them.

That won't be necessary. We know where they are heading... they are going to try to rescue the girl. What's the status of the Grand Fortress gates?

Valuan Guard: They are currently open, sire. They aren't scheduled to close for a while.

Close the gates immediately. Place all ships in the bay on full alert. Dispatch the Imperial Rail Car immediately. I shall deal with these pirates myself.

Valuan Guard: Yes, Lord Galcian.



Back with Vyse and Aika, there's a sudden crash from the rear carriage.





I didn't even know trains could do that.

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Oh fuck.



Oh, fuck.

Y'know, people have been saying Galcian doesn't seem so bad. Let's go and see, shall we?


Click for video!


_{One of my favourite songs in the game!}









Oh.

Yeah, Galcian is nasty. He doesn't actually hit that hard all things considered, only 500-600 damage, and his only Super Move is Devolver, basically a swanky-looking Counterstrike. On the other hand, he has infinite health and casts Eternum – instant death to the entire party.

Who's that? Vyse, there's something about this guy... I'm not sure what it is, but I don't think we can take him.

Yeah... And he looks really mad too! Aika, here's the plan... Run!!! We have to get Fina before he catches us!

Yeah!

Yeah, you want to run like buggery. Like the Terminator, Galcian never moves above a walk, but it's not like we have anywhere to go. It'll only be so long before we run out of train.

Fina, as predicted, is at the far end of the train, so at least we have a nice headstart on Galcian before he catches us.



Valuan Soldier: Who are you?!

Sorry we took so long, Fina! We're here to get you out!

Valuan Soldiers: Insolent pests! You'll have to get past us first!

Bring it on!





Okay. These guys may have the boss music but they really don't deserve it, they're just slightly beefed up Valuan troops. I can't even make any sense of their names, “Sceptrum Praeses”, which is Latin for fuckall. The words make individual sense, meaning “scepter” and “patron”, but what a Scepter Patron is I have no idea. The guards on the way over were called Custos, which means Guard, by the way.

Anyway, the only interesting thing about them is that they use Counterstance a lot, another clone of Vyse's Counterstrike without the flashy animation.



This is Vyse's Counterstrike, by the way



Which I used on a whim during the battle. Neither of the enemies decided to attack Vyse, so using it accomplished absolutely nothing.

Anyway, I'm not even going to dignify these two with a death shot. They both got wiped out by a Cutlass Fury to the face.





Vyse... Aika... Why did you... Why?

Why do you think? We're here to save you!

You mean... you did all this... just for... me?

Aw, Fina... We're friends! We weren't going to let them take you from us.

Thank you both so much! Honestly, I... I was so scared... I was all alone I was afraid they were going to hurt me. Oh, thank you... I'm... I'm so grateful!

Everything is okay now, Fina. Now, let's get out of here!





What?! He found us!

I am Galcian, Lord of the Imperial Armada. You have caused us a great deal of trouble, boy. What is your name?

I'm Vyse of the Blue Rogues. I just thought you were the guy that cleaned the rail cars.

Ah... so you're the one who made a fool out of Alfonso. That girl is worth nothing to you Air Pirates. Hand her over to me. I guarantee that your lives, as well as that of the girl, will be spared. Is it a deal?



I have a sneaking suspicion that Galcian is asking this specifically because he knows Vyse will refuse. Let's not disappoint him.

Never! I don't know what you want with her... But you're Valuans. Whatever it is, it can't be good.

Oh dear. Really, Vyse? I mean, he's completely right, but really?

Do you honestly think that after attacking the Valuan Armada you'll be able to fly the skies freely?

We're Air Pirates. We don't need your permission for anything... If we see something we want, we take it.

That's very disappointing. I'm afraid you leave me no choice... I must destroy you.

*unscreenshottable woosh!*

The Little Jack!









God damn. I hope that wasn't Drachma shooting, he still has the Mace Hand equipped.


Click for video!



So when he saves you from execution, he was a little late. When you save him, it was just in time?

Fina, are you alright?

Yes. Thank you very much. I'm very grateful that you've gone through so much trouble to rescue me...

Relax Fina... We're all okay now... Save the mushy stuff for later...

She is right. We can all be thankful after we've gotten out of Valua.

Timmus the Gunner: Captain, emergency! They're closing the gates!!!

If the gate closes, we're all dead!

Timmus the Gunner: We're under attack! Valuan ships, dead ahead! They're blocking the entrance!

We've got to act fast! We need to take out that blockade! Looks like I'm going to be able to test out the Harpoon Cannon earlier than I thought! All hands to battle stations!







Oh boy, I'm going to enjoy this. See the new icon in the grid? Those are the turns we can fire the Harpoon Cannon on. It's completely possible to win the fight without using it, but why would you want to when you can do this?







Oh yes. That's now a standard option in all ship battles with the Little Jack. It costs a whopping 15SP and can only be used on certain turns, but my god does it get results.



Vyse! It's closing! Hurry!!!



You're going to have to watch the video to see this one, because there's just no way to do it in screenshots. The Little Jack just barely squeezes through the door, scraping sparks from the wall!





Alright! I knew you could do it Vyse! You're the greatest!

You got us through there by the skins of our teeth. You had me worried for a second there.

We can finally say good-bye to Valua! Alright! Let's go back home to Pirate Isle!



*music sting!*

No, seriously. Galcian gets a music sting remix of his own theme tune for this one scene.


_{Recorded by me from the game}

Now, back to Pirate Isle! Specifically, Lookout Point.


Click for video!



I just wanted to tell you how much I... I...

Heh... don't worry about it. The Valuans went through a lot of trouble to capture you. We just like making them mad.

Vyse is just kidding, Fina. You're our friend now. But while we were there, I did want to grab some more loot...

What? Aika! You wanted to stay in Valua?! We barely made it out of there!

Hey! It's an Air Pirate's duty to liberate any treasure that can help the needy.

Umm... Fina... there's something I want to ask you... what is this mission that you're on? What are you looking for? And why is the Valuan Empire after you? We might be able to help...



...Alright, I'll tell you... I am a Silvite, a descendant of the Silver Civilizaton.

Silver Civilization?

Hundreds of generation ago... the world's population was divided into 6 civilizations.




_{Another one of my favourite songs!}

Each civilizaton harnessed the power of the moon by learning how to use Moon Stones as a source of energy. The entire world went through a technological revolution, but technology advanced faster than the people wielding it. The leaders of the civilizations became corrupt... and their ambition led them to war. They used their technology to create weapons.



I heard about these Gigas before. There's a giant, and a dragon... But I thought those were all tales parents told their children... I never thought that they were real.

Oh, Aika, they were very real. When the Ancient Civilization went to war, they unleashed the Gigas on each other. So many people died... Then something happened... The Rains of Destruction fell... No one knows exactly what caused it...



It was almost as if the Moons wanted to make sure that their powers would never be misused again. Millions died in the Rains... The stones battered the lands and leveled the cities... All of the Ancient Civiliations were destroyed. Only a few survivors remained.

But even if the Rains of Destruction never happened, the Gigas would have destroyed the world anyway. Now, there are people who are trying to reawaken the Gigas.

You mean... The Valuan Empire?

Yes, But to command the Gigas, it is necessary to find the Moon Crystals. A Moon Crystal is a highly concentrated form of Moon Stone. The original Moon Crystals used to control the Gigas are scattered throughout the world. Valua is searching for those Crystals so they can reawaken the Gigas!

And that's why the Valuan Empire kidnapped you... to find out where they were hidden!

Yes. I was sent here to gather the Crystals before the Valuans could find them and put them somewhere where they can never be used again. ... Vyse... Aika... I know I have caused you enough trouble, but I have another favor to ask of you. I would like you to go with me. Help me travel the world in search of the Crystals. Please... without my ship, I can't do it... and if Valua gets the Crystals... I don't even want to think what would happen...





As if we're going to turn down an adventure like that. Also, saving the world is a bonus.

Heh... leave everything to us! We'll go with you and find those Crystals!

Yeah, Vyse... I guess this is your chance to see what lies beyond the sunset!

You're right, Aika...

Thank you so much! If you two were to come with me, I would be so honored!

*squeak!*

Huh? Vyse, what was that noise? Was that your stomach?

Oh... I'm sorry. It's okay, you can come out now.



Huh?

Wh... what is that thing?! Where'd it come from?

It's been with me ever since I was a baby. It's from my homeland... It can change it's shape... And it's usually shaped like a bracelet around my arm.

Heh... actually, the thing is kind of cute. What's its name?

Its name is Cupil. Come, Cupil... say hello to everyone.

*squeaky-gurgle!*

The noises Cupil makes always kinda remind of of Mocchi from the Monster Rancher series.

It's so cute! I'm very pleased to meet you, Cupil!

Well, Fina, we've got a long journey ahead of us. We'll do our best to help you get the Crystals.

Thank you... I'm so glad that you're helping me.

Now, the only problem left is Cap'n Dyne... I wonder if he'll let us go.

What are you worried about? Even if he does say no, we'll just go anyway! Alright! Once we're finished getting everything ready, we'll leave from the underground port!





And thus the trio is complete, along with our set of moonstones.

So, a quick recap. So far, we have stolen the ship from a Valuan Admiral, narrowly escaped from an Arcwhale, rescued a crew of pirates from execution and escaped from the clutches of the most powerful man in the world. Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.

Right after we climb back down that ladder.

Video list

Marco
Teodora
Train Chase
Game Over
Escape from Valua
The Adventure Begins