Part 53: Chapter #12: Andrew's Test, Part 2

As far as you know, it's quite common vernacular in the American Midwest, not in Massachusetts, though, that's for sure...

Chapter 12: Andrew's Test, Part 2



: Well, I know that he and my dad got into a totally fierce battle when they were both young and stuff.
: Who won?
: Daddy said it was a tie.
: We can then assume that Dionne and Logan are equally strong. And since we defeated your father...
: You don't get it, Sadira, like always. Daddy challenged Bastion to a sparring match. It wasn't a battle! If he'd been fighting you guys for real, you'd be squashed. So, like, if Dionne wants a real fight instead of a sparring match...We might be toast.
: You always know just how to boost my spirits, Claire.
: Dionne's castle, straight ahead!



Before I get started on this scene, let me explain a question you may or may not have been wondering. The sprite animators in this game weren't exactly workaholics. The reason that there are so few screenshots in these scene is because the characters barely ever move or even gesture. So, if you're thinking, "Damn that Smashered Dynamum, but for his laziness, I'd surely see a wealth of action in this game," think again.

: I am Prince Bastion. Thank you for meeting with us, Dionne.
: Andrew tells me that you were able to pass his test quite easily...and he is my most skilled warrior. If you are truly that strong, you may indeed be the one to claim Gratia.
: I WILL be the one to claim it, Dionne.
: There is little difference between confidence and foolishness, Bastion. But I digress. Please make yourselves comfortable. I rarely have visitors.
: Like, thanks, Dionne! You're a lot nicer than Daddy said you were!
: Is your father still insisting we fought to a draw, Claire? Someday, perhaps he will admit defeat.
: While I appreciate your hospitality, Marquis Dionne, I really don't want to waste any time.
: Are you in such a hurry to possess Gratia? Very well, Bastion. Answer these questions, if you would. Why have you allied yourself with the Empire? And for what purposes will you use the Ultragunner? Take you time, Bastion, and speak the truth.
I guess this is the Thesis Defense portion of Dionne's test.
: I have joined with Princess Sadira because, like me, she wants only to bring peace to our world.
: (I hope that isn't the only reason he stayed at my side.)
Hey, that's up to the thread...
: But I do not consider myself an ally of the Empire by any means. From your tone of voice, I take it that you consider the Empire to 'evil'...which also means you consider the Kingdom to be 'good.' But from what I have witnessed, Marquis Dionne...the issue is not so clear. There are many good people in the Empire, and many evil ones in the Kingdom. It is foolish to simplify the issue by ignoring the shades of gray between the black and the white.
Bastion rejects the Manichean premise of the Kingdom-Empire war! Incidentally, that showing of moral complexity would be much more impressive if the final battle of the game wasn't a literal confrontation of good and evil in mech form.
: And what will you do with the power of Ultragunner, Bastion?
: I don't entirely know yet. I know that with the Ultragunner in my possession, I can prove my lineage to the world. And I can end this meaningless war once and for all. I haven't considered what comes after that. Not yet. Are those suitable answers, Dionne?
Somehow I don't think the best answer to "What do you intend with a weapon of unimaginable power?" is "I don't know, I'll probably figure out something later."
: Indeed, they are. I have a final question, Bastion. Are you and your friends ready to show the degree of your determination?
: And how will we do that?
: On the field of battle.
You're...you're shitting me, right? We just did that!
: A tournament of sorts, with five warriors on each of our squads.
We did that too!
: The format will be strict, and the combat will be real, Bastion. None of my warriors will hold back. There will be no second chances. If you are defeated, Gratia will never be yours. Do you agree to my test?
: My quest has nothing to do with my friends, Dionne! I will gladly fight you myself, but--
: Your friends are inextricably a part of your quest, Bastion. Have they not helped you make it this far? If you are to be a great leader, Prince Bastion, you must surround yourself with capable companions.
: Don't worry, Bastion! We'll gladly fight together!
: Of course!
: Let's, like, get ready to rumble!
: I would be honored to represent you in this battle, Prince Bastion.
: Thank you, everyone. I accept your challenge, Dionne.
: How shall we structure our squad, Bastion? It's obvious you should be the last to fight...but which of us should go first?
: Like, I'll go first, Sadira. I'll beat the first four of Dionne's guys and make it really easy for the rest of you.
: Alright. Franco will be second, Cecilia will be third, and I will be fourth. Does that sound good?
: It sure does to me, Princess!
: I would argue to include you in our group, Halak, but I know that your hip has been giving you trouble.
: Your kindness is noted, Franco.
: Know that I will take your fighting spirit into battle with me.
: Our team has been decided, Dionne.
: Then follow me to the arena.

Next Time: Bread and Circuses!