Part 36: Update 34 – Two Princes

The place we left off last time was in the middle of a cutscene, so here's a quick reminder of where we currently stand:




Click for video!

And even them we shall. Just give me a target, the bigger the better!





I...take it back. I take it all back.

There's something about it... that disgusts me...

That ship... It's the Draco... It's Vigoro's ship!







Once again, this is where Vigoro makes lurches violently into comic relief territory, and it is glorious. Also, Aika flips through all those expression in about two seconds.

The Armada is being led by Belleza and Vigoro. If we can take out their ships, the rest of them will fall!







Vigoro does not do subtle. I don't imagine I have to tell you this, but for completion's sake the Draco is named after the constellation of Draco, the Dragon.



Yeah, that's the battle grid for this fight. Once again, Vigoro does not do subtle. This fight plays more like a Gigas fight than a normal ship battle, with every round consisting of two chances to fire the Moonstone Cannon, in exchange for taking a hit from Vigoro's cannon.



Once again, Vigoro does not do subtle. Watch the video, by the way, because still pictures cannot do this cannon justice. Also, I love the quote Vigoro has when firing it.



The idea is that the two of you exchange shots from your mighty cannons until one or both lie exhausted and limp. At least, that's what Vigoro thinks, but I have other plans.



See? Aika may think he has a complex, but I don't know, it seems pretty simple to me. Have I mentioned that in Japan the effeminate, pretty-boy type is considered the height of manhood, while bodybuilders are the gay stereotype?





Mmmmmyep.



So you know what, I decided to beat him without using the Moonstone Cannon at all. Just to prove that it's not the size that counts, y'know.




Click for video!

Yes, his Vigoro Cannon, which was the name of the Draco Cannon in the Japanese version. I really, really don't think the change helped matters a great deal.



...Belleza!



As an Admiral in the Valuan Armada... I shall defeat you.







I don't know. It seemed like...wind.

Aaaahhh!!! Vyse! Look!









Well, there you have it. Never get into a game of backstabbing and betrayal with a Grand Vizier, for much the same reason you shouldn't enter an arse-kicking contest with a porcupine.



Especially a Grand Vizier that can make a face like that.





The Armada never stood a chance. Even taking out Kangan's ship isn't an option against a Gigas that can blow you out of the sky just by flying past.



Watchman: The winds are too strong. Our ships are losing control... We can't hold our formations!

If this keeps up, all of our ships will be destroyed... I didn't want to do this, but we have no choice. All ships retreat!



We might be able to take him on with the Deplhinus!

I really hope so... It doesn't look like we have much of a choice. Alright everyone, let's go! It's up to us!





So here we are. This time there are no tricks, no handy ankle-deep valley, no retreating. With this ship, and this crew, we can take on the Blue Gigas in his own element.

Well, we don't have much time to think of a plan at this point, so we'll just have to look for a weakness as we fight it!



Bluheim's “number” is a little harder to spot than most, partly because it's so damn fast, but here it is. The number of the Blue Moon is three, and so Blueheim has three tails.









He also has three attacks, although that's probably just a coincidence. The first two, Phoenix Ray and Blue Lightning, are more or less interchangeable, although Blue Lightning is the most powerful of the two. It's the third attack that you need to watch out for, because it's Bluheim's ace in the hole.







This is your warning that Blueheim's signature attack is coming. Those double Moonstone Cannons sure look tempting, don't they? They're supposed to be – baiting you into throwing caution to the winds so you walk right into Bluheim's trap.







Blue Winds is what makes Bluheim unbeatable to normal ships. If they're not sent careening into the rocks or just outright destroyed by the wind itself, they're right in position for a punishing series of attacks the next round.



Unless they have Pinta onboard, that is. Gigas attacks count as cannons, so Pinta confers total immunity to them for a turn.

The “correct” way to handle it is to defend on the final turn instead of succumbing to temptation and launching the Moonstone Cannon. Doing that allows you to maintain position against the Blue Winds and catch Bluheim off guard. Had he survived long enough I would have shown that off, but thanks to the magic of torpedoes he didn't last that long.







And there you have it. The Blue Gigas is dead. Not merely defeated, but utterly broken, never to stir again.



Kangan: I need to get out of here!!!





Ahahaha. Sorry Kangan, but you're not getting away that easy. Daigo is pissed.

Kangan: I... I... surrender.



And the Valuan invasion fleet retreats, battered and bruised. I'd say we came off quite well out of this, all in all.





But it was my country that caused all of this... I am terribly sorry for all of the trouble caused by the Valuans... I don't know how I can make it up to you.

Mikado: Prince Enrique, please... raise your head. Daigo has explained everything to me. You feel responsible because you are a Valuan Prince, but it is not your fault.

Thank you for understanding... but we have only won the battle. As we speak, the Armada is regrouping... Until Valua sets itself back down the path of righteousness, I will continue to fight them.

Mikado: I see... very well then. I will pray for your well being. And perhaps the Maga Sphere will aid you in your fight. Take it with you.

Really? Are you sure it's okay? Didn't you say it's necessary in appointing a successor to the throne?



I've also decided to return to my father and accept the responsibility of defending my people.

That's great... Hey, what happened to Kangan and Muraji?

They were exiled to Tenkou Island. We figured that if they spent some time in exile, they'd realize what they've done and become better people. Or kill each other.

Ahaha, I like that plan! It serves them right!

That reminds me, I noticed that your ship isn't capable of going to great heights or depths. Here, take this with you.



Wow! Thank you!



And so yet another boundary crumbles before the Delphinus.



...Father. I have something to ask of you. I... Please, let me go with these people.

Mikado: What?!

If what they say is true, then there are matters of great importance occurring in the West. You and Daigo both said you will stay here to protect our country. But I am helping defend our country... by helping these people on their quest.

Mikado: Hmmm...

Well said, Moegi. I am proud to have you as a sister. Prince Enrique... I speak to you not as a fellow prince, but as a brother concerned for his sister's well being. Please take care of her...

You have my word. I will defend her with my life. Princess... Let us join forces and return peace to this world.



Not that they have an ulterior motive or anything, you understand.

Mikado: Very well then... It appears I do not have much in this matter anyway.

That's true. He's kinda run out of places to exile disobedient offspring too.

Enrique! You're getting much more reliable by the minute! You seem like a different person! Just until recently, all I ever saw of you was the back of your head leaning over the railing of the ship!

AIKA!!! Do you have to constantly remind me about that?!

Ahahahaha!!! She's right, Enrique! Alright! Let's go home!





The Blue Moon Crystal, some powerful new technology and three new crew members! Not a bad haul form Yafutoma, all in all. Moegi is competing for the position of Delegate against the mighty Pinta, who of course renders the ship immune to enemy cannons for a turn. Moegi, meanwhile, renders the ship immune to enemy magic for a turn, which is nothing like as useful for all practical purposes, but again, vote for whichever you like the look of more.

Next time, then, we put a proverb to the test: A man can never go home, because it's not the same home, and he is not the same man. See you then!