Part 35: Update 33 – The Battle of Yafutoma

Chapter 33 – The Battle of Yafutoma

I swear, I'm as bad at remembering to put journal entries in the right places as I am at updating threads. This one is from when we first discovered Yafutoma.



Ominous, because the only other Silvite we've encountered so far is Ramirez, and god help us if the rest of the population are like him.

Having spent the night in Yafutoma, it's time to recover the Blue Moon Crystal from Lord Mikado and begin the search for the next one, Purple being the obvious choice.




Click for video!

Yes, I slept like a rock. That was my first time sleeping on a... floor... mattress... thing.

Mikado: Hahaha, I see. I am glad you were comfortable.



Uh oh.

Yafutoman Soldier: Black ships have surrounded the city! And what appears to be their flagship is attempting to dock in our harbor.

Mikado: What?!



Black ships...? Oh no...

It must be the Armada!! Vyse, let's hurry back to the port!

Black ships? Armada ships are mostly gunmetal grey .



Kangan: Yes... Yes... I know...

No matter, just give me five minutes in the Delphinus and I'll have the Armada -



What.

No!!!


_{Yet another track missing from the OST. There's more of those than I thought.}



Well, well... hello there, handsome. Haven't seen you in a while.



Okay, despite his incredibly disturbing introduction I just can't hate Vigoro. Yafutoma marks the start of his rapid lurch from “Oh god he is going to rape Aika” to “comic relief”.

Oh, no!! What's he doing here?!

It's so cute how she pretends that she doesn't want me. Come aboard my ship, maybe the two of us can rock the boat.

Vigoro, please... We are in the presence of Prince Enrique. Prince Enrique, I trust you are in good health. If you are wondering how we got here, we blasted a hole in the stone reef near Ixa'taka and travelled west. Our goal is the same, my Prince. We also seek the Blue Crystal.

What?!

Belleza... Do you plan to burn down Yafutoma as well?!

Relax, handsome. As I told you before, I am against unecessary destruction. We have no intention of fighting with you. We were merely planning to dock and speak with the king of these lands.

You are wasting your time. King Mikado is an honorable man. There's no way he would strike a deal with the Valuan Armada.

We'll see about that... Everyone has their limits, their codes, their morals. But everyone also has a weakness. If you find that weakness and exploit it, those limits, codes and morals seem to fade away. I'd love to chat longer, but I have an appointment with the king. Stay out of our way.

...

Vyse! Shouldn't we stop them?!



As tempting as it may be to try to stop the Armada, right now they hold all the cards. They have Yafutoma surrounded by ships, plus the Delphinus is back in Valuan hands.

Sorry, but there's nothing we can do right now. There's no way we can take on all of these soldiers.

We can't even get to the Delphinus right now...



It is not an easy decision to make.

Let's return to our quarters. There we will wait until they have concluded their talks.

Meanwhile, in the palace...





But, King Mikado... you do realize that your country's pitiful army wouldn't last a day against the Armada. To prevent unecessary bloodshed, I recommend that you surrender.

Mikado: We will never surrender! We will never hand Yafutoma over to a band of bloodthirsty warlords like yourselves. We are protected by the Blue Moon. In the past, whenever our country was threatened, the Blue Winds came to our aid and saved our lands. If you attack us, the winds will blow you into the Dark Rift. Valua will never occupy Yafutoma. Do you hear me? Never!

I'm sorry you didn't see things our way. It appears that this meeting is at an end. Then, I will gain possession of Yafutoma... by my owns means.









Well gee, who could have seen this coming?

Mikado: What sort of treachery is this?!

Muraji: Heh heh heh... If you do not keep quiet, you'll be a head shorter.

Mikado: Muraji... You traitor!



Mikado: Kangan! What are you saying?!

Kangan: King Mikado... as Lady Belleza stated, we have no hope of winning a war against Valua. To save our people, we shall usurp your power and assume our role as leaders of Yafutoma.

Wow! Belleza... I'm glad we're on the same side!

Don't relax yet, big guy. Not while the kid is still around. Take King Mikado prisoner and find those Air Pirates.



A good backstabbing takes time, y'know.

Well, you know how formal those diplomatic talks are. It takes forever for them to decide who gets to sit down first.





Princess Moegi?! What happened?!

Kangan and Muraji have betrayed us! My father... has been taken prisoner! It was Belleza's doing...

What?!

Belleza! It figures. She probably met with those two before the meeting and had the whole thing planned out.

Vyse! What should we do?!



Not only does Valua still hold all the cards, now they have Lord Mikado hostage and effectively rule the country. Sometimes you just have to make a tactical retreat.

I'm sorry, but we have to run for now. Belleza has probably already convinced the Yafutoman Guards that we are criminals.

I agree. We should run for now and figure out what to do next.

Very well then. Quickly, follow me!





Convenient!



And even more convenient, the secret passage holds a sort of escape capsule, along with a chest we couldn't access earlier.



Yeah... the powers of the Blue Moon are amazing...

We will be safe here.

It's great that we escaped from the guards, but now what do we do?

...There is an ancient temple on a small island to the north. My brother... Daigo should be there.

What?! You have a brother?!

...Yes. He is the true heir to the throne. A long time ago, my brother directly disobeyed my father's orders. He was exiled from Yafutoma, and sentenced to live on the island.

Marooning him on an island was kind of harsh, don't you think?

My brother had a tendency to go out sailing on his own and disregard his duties as Prince. But, I don't think that my father should have disowned him. I think that Muraji and Kangan convinced my father to exile him... With my brother out of the way, they have a chance of taking over Yafutoma.

That makes sense.

Vyse. It looks like we have no other choice. It looks like we're going to have to rely on Daigo.

Yeah...

Princess Moegi, do not worry. We will save the people of Yafutoma... and your father!

Prince Enrique... Thank you. You can reach my brother's island by heading north from here.

One Northward journey later.


Click for video!



Welcome to Exile Island. This isn't so much a dungeon as it is a gauntlet. It's basically a linear path with the party at one end and the palace-looking thing at the other. There are no random encounters as such, but there are a number of fixed encounters in certain spots.



Encounters with the Tenkou. What are they doing on Daigo's island? Who knows. They're kinda unusual as far as enemies go, because they'll use items on themselves and their fellow Tenkou, specifically healing crystals and Speed/Power Potions, which work exactly like our Glyphs.

Anyway, despite fierce opposition from the Tenkou, getting to the temple at the top of the island isn't too hard. Once we get there, however...



...It appears that we meet again.

Aww, not them again! What are you doing here?!

This is the headquarters...

...of the Tenkou.

It was very foolish...

...for you to come here.

The time has come...



Oh boy! Who's up for round two with Ryu and Ken?







Not this guy, apparently!

Lord Daigo...

These are the Westerners...

...that dared to defy us.

They came through the Dark Rift...

I'm Vyse of the Blue Rogues. You're the leader of the Tenkou?

Daigo!

What?! He's your brother?

Huh?! This is Prince Daigo?!

Moegi! How have you been? I never would have thought that you would bring foreigners to my temple.

I never thought I would, either. But what are the Tenkou doing here?!

A long time ago, the twins challenged me to a fight. They wanted my sword, so I beat them senseless. And for some strange reason, they pledged their loyalty to me. I've been their leader ever since. And I figured, as their leader, I could control them a little, so they'd stop attacking everyone. Besides, who else do you know that has twin bodyguards?! Hahahaha!

Moegi... Is he really your brother? It's hard to imagine that the two of you are related.

I know he is a Prince... like Enrique... but it seems that Princes is Yafutoma act differently than Princes in Valua.

...But what is the purpose of your visit, Moegi? Has Father changed his mind?

Daigo... he...

...What's wrong? Did something happen to him?!

One explanation later





Is...is that a joke? Have you seen the guy?

Daigo...

Moegi... I'm sorry. If I was still there, this would never have happened. When I was exiled, I welcomed the freedom! I disregarded all of my duties and did whatever I wanted, here in this temple. But, now my people need me. I must go back there and reclaim my title as Prince of Yafutoma! Vyse, I can't thank you enough for saving my sister. Now, I must get ready for battle. I will fight against Valua and give Yafutoma back to the people! I would be honored if you'd fight alongside me.



One path leads to getting the Delphinus back, the other leads to the probable destruction of the world. Tough choice.

Of course we'll help! We share the same enemy.

Excellent! We will fight together and reclaim Yafutoma and the Maga Sphere! Also, Prince Enrique... I heard that you defended my sister from Muraji. My family thanks you for your bravery.



I did only what is expected of a gentleman. Think nothing of it. ...And, Prince Daigo, I know how you feel. I, too, have been exiled from my lands. I wish to change the views of my country by changing the world around it. And that is why I wish to aid you... from one exiled prince to another.



As a Valuan Prince, it is my duty to stop them. This is not only your battle... it is mine as well.

...I understand. I will gladly accept your aid. Prince Enrique... you are a very noble man. Much more noble than I. If a man such as yourself were to be at my sister's side, I would sleep well at night.

Um... I... um...

Daigo...!

And from the looks of it, the two of you wouldn't mind either.

Hahahaha.

Now then... Vyse. I need to prepare for the battle... Meet me at the port. We will depart for Yafutoma as soon as you are ready.

To the port! We have a ship to reclaim. Also saving the world.




Click for video!



All ships, prepare for battle! We must take back Yafutoma! Our scouts have reported that the Armada and the Yafutoma fleet are patrolling Kazai Lake. Vyse, your ship is also patrolling with the Armada.

Now, it's personal!

Hahaha... I understand your frustration... If we can get your ship back, we can win this battle. The Tenkou will attack the Armada from the front and keep them distracted. While they're keeping the Armada busy, I want you to get the Delphinus back. Without the Delphinus, we don't stand a chance.

Sounds like a plan!









No, she really won't.



Boy, if that ship has a single scratch on it when I catch up with you they're going to have to bury you in a matchbox.

Muraji: But, I never dreamed that I would be able to kill Prince Daigo so soon. Now, Moegi will be mine for sure... as well as the throne! Hehehehehehehe!!!!



Can't blame her for not wanting to fight really, not after how bad we whupped her the first time around.

But, for Valua... and Lord Galcian... I must.

Valuan Soldier: Tenkou ships, straight ahead! They are in range of our cannons!

Alright everyone, listen up! This is it! If we win this battle, we will rule the East! Let them feel the power of the Valuan Armada. Fire at will!







Vyse, keep an eye out for your ship! It's got to be around here somewhere.

Alright, everyone! Be ready for action! When we find the Delphinus, let's take it back... Air Pirate style!





Yafutoman Soldier: My Lord... the Tenkou are swarming all around the Valuans, but the Armada is holding their position. We seem to be at a stalemate.



Let's be honest: There was never even the slightest chance that thing wasn't going to be woken up. The only thing that confuses me is why the Armada let Kangan and Muraji keep the Delphinus and the Moon Crystal. My guess is that both sides were planning to backstab one another as soon as the battle was over.



I don't think we can take much more of this. I'm going to give the signal to retreat! Today... Valua has won.



Watchman: My lord, a ship fitting the description of Captain Vyse's ship is heading our way!

What?! Are you sure?

Watchman: Yes, my lord! I'm positive it's the Delphinus!

Daigo... if you can get us close to the Delphinus, we can take it back and win this thing! We're Air Pirates, remember? We do this stuff all the time. All you have to do is get us close.

Hahaha... I see. Okay, Vyse... You got it!





Huh?





I'll be right behind you...











Let's throw these goons off of our ship!

One de-gooning later.





Muraji, Muraji, Muraji. You have about ten seconds to think of something smaller than a matchbox.


Click for video!

There is absolutely no mercy in those expressions. Even Fina looks pissed, and with good reason – Muraji took down her adorable dolphin flag to hang up that gaudy piece of shit.

Muraji! We'll be taking back our ship now...



Muraji: Why are you fools just standing there? Get them!

You betray those that trust you and needlessly endanger the lives of innocent people... all for your own personal gain! For the honor of Princess Moegi... and for the people of Yafutoma... I will strike you down!







Actually, Enrique isn't getting to do shit. Partly that's because Muraji is vulnerable to petrification, but mostly it's because of this.



Behold...









Pirate's Wrath!



Now get the hell off my ship.



Pirate's Wrath is Vyse's ultimate Super Move, which I quietly acquired offscreen. It costs a whopping 21SP, but the damage is second to none. I might do an mini-update later talking about some of the more interesting localisation changes, but in the Japanese version it was known as Jolly Roger.



Muraji: I, I... I'll give back your ship! Just... just spare my life! Please... let me live...!

You're too pitiful for me to run you through... I'll spare you, but you'll pay for all of your treachery.



Oh yes. With the Delphinus back in the hands of its rightful owners, this battle is as good as over.

So then, next time we teach Valua just exactly why the Jolly Roger is feared all across the seven skies. See you then!

Video list
Usurpers
Exile Island
The Battle of Yafutoma
Pirate's Wrath