Part 50: Towards a New Future Part I
Last time we dealt with the remaining God-Generals and activated the final passage ring. However Van was one step ahead of us, and now we're gearing up for the final battle!Before The End & Party Conversations
: “Noelle! What are you doing here?”
: “...Actually, the Albiore's hover drive has frozen over in the cold.”
Chill, Anise.
: “I'm working with Nephry to repair it, but it'll take at least the rest of the night.”
: “Oh... I was hoping we could set out as soon as we let Ion rest...”
: “Oh well, some things can't be helped.”
: “Yes, let's use this time to prepare for tomorrow.”
: “Our enemy is Dorian General Grants. You saw what he was like at Belkend. We need to be prepared as we can.”
: “Okay, I'll go leave Ion with Nephry. You guys work on getting ready to go.”
: “...All right, then. Let's split up here for today and make preparations.”: “I'll get the Albiore in top shape. Please get some rest.”
: “When you're tired, head for the inn.”
This is a thing that Tales games love to do at climatic moments: split up your party across a town or area for you to talk to each of them individually. Once you're done, you go rest. We did it a long time ago after Tear saved Luke from the Oracle Knight attack after they fled the Tartarus, remember?
Anyway, let's make the rounds.
: “You? Hmm...”
: “Should I breathe fire in Van's face? Or...”
: “You can hide in the item bag like normal.”The devs missed a perfect opportunity for adding in a mechanic that gives a 1% chance to throw Mieu when you go to use an item. It would have been magical.
: “Really? But then I won't be helping...”: “You already help plenty. You're annoying, but you do cheer us up.”: “Master praised me!”
: “Mieuuu...”
Guy's actually one of the more hidden characters, chilling in the corner of the casino out of sight when you first enter.
: “Really? Well, maybe so. We are going to fight Maser Van, after all.”
: “Yeah, we're going to fight Van...”: ?: “Ah... sorry. I was just thinking about when we were kids.”: “That's right, you and Master Van were childhood friends.”
: “Heh heh, well, yeah. I used to be scared of everything. My sister used to scold me for not being a man. It was Van who always defended me.”: “It's hard for me to imagine Master Van having been a child.”: “Don't be stupid. Everyone was a kid once.”: …
: “What are you talking about? I don't remember being that young!”: “You idiot, you're only seven now.”: “...Oh. That's what you meant.”
: “Guy... thanks. I'm glad I grew up with you.”: “Hah hah. Come on. Say 'shut up' or 'what a pain' or something. That'd be more like you.”
: “Just don't say it in front of His Majesty. He'll give you that look of his.”Ah yes, Ingobert's old fashioned “I'm going to murder you to uphold the Score” look.
But really, I like this conversation. It has a healthy mix of natural levity and serious topics that makes it sound like two old friends having a chat, instead of something more forced. It helps me buy the 'childhood friends' past.
This should be good.
That didn't take long.
: “I felt the same way. You were obnoxious and insulting.”: “But, well, since we've been traveling together, I've come to think that you're... not so bad.”: “...Are you being serious for a change?”
: …: “For you, the fall of Akzeriuth still isn't a part of the past.”: “Well yeah, what do you expect?”: “On nights when you've killed bandits or Oracle soldiers, you lie there awake, shaking.”
: “...I'm a coward.”
: “Jade...”: “I've learned a lot of things watching you.”: “I'm glad I've traveled with you, Jade. Thanks to you, I've learned what I need to do. It's not the same as Master Van, but you're still a teacher and a mentor to me.”
: “I hate teaching. I don't take apprentices. I don't impart knowledge.”: “That's okay. I'll just steal it on my own.”
: “Oh? Heh heh. All right.”I think that's the closest we're ever going to get to a
conversation with Jade. Surprising, but I enjoyed it.
Anise, what are you doing in the corner?
: “I....I'm not crying! I was just thinking about a bunch of stuff.”: “Don't try to hide it. I see the trails left behind by your tears.”
: “...Man, how cheesy. You sound like Guy.”: “I'm not trying to sound cool. I'm just worried about you.”
Ugh, are we back to this again?
: “Th-that's not what I meant.”
: “Really? I might not mind marrying you now, if you want.”…I think that's a compliment? It's an Anise compliment.
: “Oh. Gee.”
: “...It must have been cold, under all that snow...”: “So that's what you were crying for.”: “N-no! No it wasn't! ...Arietta never knew that the person she loved was no longer part of this world. But the Commandant knew it and used her. And she died because of it... it's just...”It's hidden in a lot of subtext, but Anise and Arietta used to be friends. Arietta was Fon Master Guardian to the original Ion, whom she loved. After Ion died and the replica Ion took over, Arietta was reassigned and Anise took over. Arietta, who didn't know Ion had died, saw this as Anise stealing the fon master from her, which caused the fallout of their friendship.
Where I'm going with this is I think that's the reason Anise stopped Ion from telling Arietta the truth: Anise knew they were going to have to kill the God-Generals there anyway, and she didn't want Arietta to be told the person she loved was dead just before she was going to die as well. You could argue it's cruel, but the intentions are obviously good.
I'm just saying: I dislike Anise as much as the next person, but cut her some slack here: she was trying to spare an old friend grief in her last moments.
Anyway, sorry for the wall of
Back to the conversation.: “I don't think that's really the kind of person Master Van is.”: “...You honor the Commandant way too much, Luke. Tear's suffering because of him... and he used Ion just like Arietta... I hate that old fool!”
: “...O-old fool...”
: “...I know. I won't lose. I have all of you with me.”Surprisingly
. I do have a higher opinion of you now though, Anise.
Ion, being the pope, is chilling in the Governor's mansion.
: “Yes, Van made me. We were examined to find out who would be most appropriate as the Fon Master...”: “And you were chosen.”: “Yes. I always thought, 'it doesn't matter if I die because they can just replace me with another.'”: “No, they can't! I mean, if they could do that with you, then they could with me, too...”
: “You're right. When I saw Sync die right before my eyes, I finally understood. I'm Ion's replacement, but there are no replacements for me.”: …: “Sync and I both hated being someone's replacement. So I suppressed my feelings. And Sync cursed that he had ever been born.”
: “I think I probably know what you want to do.”: “What?”: “Van holds the answer. I think you'll realize when you're free of Van. When you stand on your own.”Existential!
Natalia's hanging out on a bench, watching the kids snowball fight.
: “Yeah.”: “You and I are both completely different people than we were before this journey.”: “I'm sorry, Natalia.”
: “My, what is it? It's rare for you to apologize.”: “I couldn't keep my promise.”: ?
: “...You heard us talking. In Sheridan.”
: “Y-you knew I was there?”
: “Wh-why...?”
: “...I think it will help me put a lot of things to rest.”She has been, after all, waiting seven years for Luke to say the words to her. It's closure.
: “Change it so that no one has to be poor. Change it so that war never happens. Let's work together to change our country. For the rest of our lives. Together.”
: “Just as I've accepted that I'm not of royal descent, I'll accept you as you are.”: “Natalia...”: “You're my dear childhood friend, just like Asch. Let's make it through all this alive and together make Kimlasca good.”: “Yeah. Thanks.” Compare this to post-Akzeriuth Natalia who was willing to let Luke rot once she found out the truth about him and Asch. It's amazing how many people gloss over Natalia as static, when she undergoes tremendous character development of her own.Anyway, we have one person left to talk to.
Yeah.
: “Tear, are you really okay with fighting Master Van?”
: “To tell the truth...”: “Yeah?”
: “...I don't want to. Van was like a father to me. Even after he left for the Outer Lands, he still came back to see me.”: “...Yeah.”
: “It's impossible! He'll never listen!”: “Still, one last time. We'll start with what we can do, right?”
: “...What's with you all of a sudden?”: “People really can change... but Van doesn't think so. My brother is the biggest fool, the real slave to Yulia's Score.”: “Tear... if it's too painful, you don't have to come with us.”
: “Tear...”
: “And besides, as his sister... it is my role to end his life.”: “Just don't push yourself.”
I feel stupid just reusing the
over and over again, but I can't help it. Isn't all of this just such a magnificent turn around from Akzeriuth? Just look how much Luke's redeemed himself in the eyes of the party, and how much we've come to learn and understand about them. Tear's right: Luke has changed. We decide to head for bed, but...
Last Resort
: “Hmm?”
: “Did something happen?”: “He told them to prepare because we don't know when the Outer Lands will begin to descend.”: “Why? We still have the Absorption Gate and Radiation Gate left.”: “The Colonel said to keep this between you and me... because of what Van has done, the Outer Lands could fall at any time. He said there may not be time to activate the Radiation Gate.”
: “But we've set the Outer lands to descend when the Radiation Gate activated.”: “He seems to have a plan, though he said he wanted to avoid it if possible.”: “Okay. In other words, the two of us need to be ready to deal with it.”
A plan that even Jade doesn't want to utilize. For some reason that doesn't sit well with me...
Our party's off to bed, but they have some conversations between them in their respective rooms.
Skit: The Night Before – Girl Talk
: “I'm getting a little nervous...”: “As am I. The fate of Auldrant rests in our hands.”: “We can't lose this battle. Van shows no mercy to those who oppose his ideals... not even his own sister. We need the same resolve.”: “We have to give it everything we've got!”: “Yes... for the sake of everyone who helped us get this far, and for the sake of the world.”: “Even if it means taking my brother's life, we must see this through.”: “Tear... don't push yourself too hard.”: “Remember, you are not fighting alone.”
: “Anise, Natalia... thank you.”Similarly...
Skit: The Night Before – Guy Talk
: “Guy, can I borrow you for some sword practice?”
: “Huh? What for, all of a sudden?”: “Are you worried, Luke?”: “I've never fought a real battle with Master Van before, so... yeah, I guess.”: “Well, he's a top-class swordsman, and a Seventh Fonist on top of that. I can't blame you.”: “To be honest, I'm scared... really scared. But we can't lose this!”: “Well, let's do it! I could use the workout myself!”
: “Hmm... perhaps I'll take advantage of this opportunity as well.”: “That's unusual.”: “To what do we owe the honor?”: “I'm not particularly fond of such activities, but after all... we can't afford to lose here.”: “Yeah!”I just imagine the sparring session being Luke and Guy running around while Jade just throws fonic artes at everybody.
Asch's Ultimatum + Departure
That night, Luke finds himself unable to sleep, tossing and turning.
And hearing a familiar sound.
: “Take care.”
: “What do you want, Replica?”: “Didn't you call me? I heard that noise that always gives me headaches.”
I see Asch is still master of vagueness.
: “Who cares! Are you okay? Master Van wounded you...”
: “...I don't need YOU worrying about me!”
: “...Thanks. Even though you hate me, you still keep helping us with everything...”
: “If you ever say that again, I'll kill you!”
: “No!”
: “Why?!”
: “Asch, your stomach is bleeding!”: “Damn it! If I wasn't in this shape, I'd have headed for the Absorption Gate ages ago! ...If you don't take Van out, then I'll kill him, even if I have to go down with him.”: “All right. I swear I'll stop him.”: “Not stop! Kill!”: “Right...”Grumpy as usual.
The following morning...
: “Ion, are you feeling okay?”: “I'd like to say I'm fine, but... I think I'd be a burden if I went with you.”: “...Okay.”: “I'll await your return here. So, Anise, I want you to see things through for me.”
: “Well then, it's finally time. Are you ready, Luke?”: “Yeah. Ready, guys?”
: “You bet! I've got to go stop the Commandant's scheme for Ion.”: “Yes... even if we have to take his life.”: “Tear, are you really sure?”: “...Yes.”
: “If Tear is that resolved, we all need to be as well.”
: “...Even if it means fighting Master Van!”: “I'll do my best, too!”: “Hah hah. I'm counting on you, Mieu. Everyone.”
Time to kick down Van's front door.
Skit: The Decisive Battle
: “So this is it... everything gets settled today.”: “The Outer Lands, the miasma, Van's ambitions...”: “I'm excited!”: “It sure has been an eventful journey, though...”
: “Reminiscing like that is a sure sign of old-fogeyness you know.”
: “Hey, I'm not that old!”: “Heh heh. It certainly forced us to confront what our duties truly are.”: “And we still have one duty left.”: “Yeah. Let's head for the Absorption Gate and stop Master Van!”
The Absorption Gate is, fitting of a final dungeon, fairly creepy. The outside doesn't even have any music.
Dungeon Video: Abosption Gate Part 1
: “The Absorption Gate is one of the largest Sephiroth. It's part of what creates the Planet Storm.”: “You're staying here all alone, Noelle? Don't you get scared doing that every time?”: “Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine. I'll stay here and pray for your safety. Please take care!”Read: If you suckers screw up and the land drops, I'll be safe in my flying machine. Later!
: “Thanks, we'll see you when we get back.”
Two steps in and I smell a puzzle.
: “My, is this the Absorption Gate?”: “The Planet Storm is begin sucked in... what's that sparking stuff?”: “Memory particles. It's beautiful, like falling snow...”Music: The Farthest Place
You'll recognize the above puzzle from earlier passage rings, where we have to collect colored fonons to correspond to a music sheet. Also for right now, both fires are blocking our path and can't be bypassed.
The dungeon reminds me a lot of the final dungeon in Graces, that being that it's just a giant open shaft. Pathways snake in and out all over the place, and the goal for us is to get to the bottom where Van is waiting for us.
After a bit of searching, we find the fonons we need, breaking the seal.
Activating a teleporter. Onward!
: “What the...?!”: “Whoa... that was close.”
: “The Outer Lands may be approaching their limit.”: “...Let's hurry. We can't allow the world to end.”Skit: Carefully and Quickly
: “How far down does this go?”: “Well, this is the end of the Planet Storm. So it goes at least to the bottom of the Outer Lands.”: “The bottom of the Outer Lands...”: “Depending on the location of the passage ring, we may have a long way ahead of us. We need to proceed carefully.”: “Carefully, yes, but also quickly. We don't have much time left.”: “Yes.”
Let's move quickly, then.
These side areas are much more rigidly structured and stable. Support structures for the shaft, maybe? Also, the music changes in these parts.
Music: The Farthest Place (Premonition)
We continue to snake our way between the center shaft and side areas. Gradually, we're getting deeper in.
Up ahead, we find a rather unique enemy.
We take it down. All of the enemies here aren't all that difficult, they just have boatloads of HP. So the annoying kind of difficulty, lovely.
Defeating him removes all the red fire in the dungeon. There's a bunch of treasure we can go back and get as a result, and a few new paths are opened for us.
One of these paths is a nice spiral that runs the length of the dungeon, at least so far. Now that the fire's gone, we can take it all the way back up to the start.
I run back real quick and solve this puzzle that used to be blocked off. We get a few goodies as a result, but this isn't required by any means.
Heading back in the right direction, we reach the end of this spiral and find another teleporter. Are we finally close to the end?
Darker lighting? Green save circle? We are near the end!
Collapsing World
The ground shakes violently.
: “Be careful, the floor's-!”
Next Time: Everything comes to an end.
Synopsis:
In Keterburg, Noelle told us that the Albiore's hover drive had frozen
over due to low temperatures, and it would take the entire night to get back
into working order. We have to prepare for tomorrow ourselves, so we split up
to each do what we needed.
I wonder what I'll do. Maybe I'll go and talk to everyone...
When I went to rest at the hotel, Tear had news for me from Jade.
Apparently the Outer Lands are in a seriously bad state, and we probably
won't have time to get to the Radiation Gate.
We were planning to use the Radiation Gate to lower the Outer Lands, but
that plan might change, so he said we need to be ready.
Then I went up to my room, but just as I was lying down on my bed, I felt
that headache that always happens when Asch opens the channel to me. He's
nearby, and he's calling me--that must be it, I decided, so I went outside to
look for him.
And he really had come to Keterburg. It looked like he'd been asking
Noelle about our plans.
I asked Asch to help us. He's helped out before, so I figured we should
have him along in this final battle with Master Van.
But he still hadn't recovered from the injury Master Van gave him at
Ortion Cavern. He told me to make sure we kill Master Van and left.
Asch may not have wanted to, but he's left everything to me. I can't
afford to lose. I'll beat Master Van tomorrow...!
The next morning, the Albiore had been repaired. Ion said he'd wait in
Keterburg for us to return.
So this will be our final battle... To be honest, I'm not confident I can
beat Master Van, but everyone's with me, so I'm not worried.
...No, that's no good. For the sake of everyone who's given their lives,
for Asch's sake, I'll win! So let's get going to the Absorption Gate.
We parted with Noelle at the entrance to the Absorption Gate. Noelle's
helped us a lot up till now. We need to take care of the rest ourselves.
We'll find Master Van inside the Absorption Gate...and kill him.
As we were heading down toward the deepest part of the Absorption Gate,
there was a big earthquake. The Outer Lands must really be about to fall at
any moment.