Wandersong Part #11 - The Mermaids

Part 11: The Mermaids

Update 11 - The Mermaids

MUSIC: Sailing with the Coffee Pirates

We've got a piece of the Mermaid's Tear... So now we need to find the other piece and then we can head back to the Fortune Teller.

After consulting with the map, Turtle Shores is probably where we need to go... but there's also a hidden landmass in the bottom right hand corner. Oh hell, let's just sail around until we find something!

I dunno!

Right... Don't forget ye can push any button to see the map! But wanderin's fun too, aye?

I wouldn't have included that, were it not for that last line.

I do have a surprising amount of fun just wandering around the map watching the pirates sing.

We do finally arrive at the island in the bottom corner... It's... kinda weird yet familiar looking. It also doesn't have a name...

This place is... bright. Like really bright, holy crap!

As we make our way inland, we find Mask standing off the shore! It seems we found his secret hiding place.

Hey now, wanderer. You did good, finding me here... I feel something... Lurking within you... just beneath the surface. It's another DANCE, wanderer. I think it's time to wake it up.

VIDEO: Third Dance

Beautiful dance, wanderer.

Isn't it.

Carry it with you on your journey. Show the world the dance that lives inside you...

We most certainly will...

I prefer the crab-walk dance, but this one is really fantastic.

Ok, now it's time to head to Turtle Shores.

The game drops off on the island with the captain, same as on the Mermaid Ruins. We'll chat with him before we press on.

The mermaids have magic vocal cords... and made magical inventions to use 'em...

You uh... are a bit obsessed there matey.

Not too far inland, there's a fork in the road for a higher path or a lower path. We'll take the lower path.

We pass by some nice flowers! I haven't shown this off in a while, so let's change their color!

There we go, purpl-- wait, why didn't the big one change colors? I guess we should keep that in mind for later.

This island is... pretty deserted and boring! I was hoping for more from something called Turtle Shores.

An arrow? Why's it pointing in the way we came from? There was nothing over there.

Another sneaky arrow. This one's pointing towards nothing, since we can't jump down and see whatever it's pointing at.

We come to the end of the road, with a door blocked by a musical note stone. There is another arrow on the top of the door. Since there are three arrows in this area, we'll try singing in the directions it pointed to.

SFX: Puzzle Solve Sound

That did it! Time to head inside...

Another stone with a song note on it. The symbols on it are a rock, a bird, and a flower.

We did see a flower, and I may have taken a screenshot of a rock and just not mentioned it

But we still need the bird, so we'll have to double back and try to find what color this bird is.

Once we go a little past the rock, we see that the paths branch, yet again. Since we went down the lower path and didn't see any birds, we can only assume the higher path has the bird.

There it is! A yellow toucan!

It will also sing with us.

We've got the colors we need, now we just head back to the stone...

Sing the colors it wants...

SFX: Puzzle Solve Sound

And we have the 2nd part to the Mermaid's Tear! We completed our Heroic multi-step side quest, that's not really a side quest! We must truly be a hero!!

Though we couldn't have done it without our crew! It's time to head back to the ship, and find those mermaids!

I got the other part of the tear!

ye don't say! Well done, matey. Does this mean we can...

I think!! I just gotta show the fortune teller!

SFX: YAR

THEN THERE'S NO TIME TO WASTE!!

To the fortune teller!

MUSIC: Calliope's House of Fortune

Well she's ready for us this time!

SO. I know why you're here... And listen. I get it! Hero stuff isn't for everyone.

I totally got the Mermaid's Tear!

You... uh... really? _{Is that even possible...?}

...that's definitely it.

So you can find the mermaids with this??

Yes I CAN!!

Here we go!!

Hmmm... Can you lend me a hand? Like... try singing, maybe...?

Uh, sure. I'm not sure what good singing will do for a divination but alright.

When we open up the radial wheel, we get this strange white line connecting the wheel. There's also a large amount of static heard. Nothing will happen until we press in a direction.

The line starts to form a graph with varying heights depending on the direction we choose. If we search around the graph, we will find...

One with a spike! Hold down that direction long enough and...

Some kind of magic will happen! Er, I assume anyway. The point is the spike on the graph goes away, and we need to find the spike anew amongst the other directions.

Yeeessssss... I solved it!!! I'm totally marking it on your map or whatever. And, as payment... I'm keeping this jewel!!! This thing is worth a fortune. I'm gonna have myself a nice pre-apocalypse vacation now... NYA ha ha ha!

Well, look Calliope... You don't sound too convinced that you actually did find it. And you seem WAY too interested in getting the fortune of the jewel. Maybe we should keep it until after we find the mermaids and then we ca-

Sure, whatever.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHATEVER?! WE CAN'T EVEN AFFORD A CUP OF COFFEE!

So... Does this mean I'm a hero now?

Uh... hm. I guess it might.

On you, this time. Let's see if you're really the hero foretold...

Holy cow... There's...!

...

...None?

None whatsoever.

What does that mean?

I don't even know! Usually you at least see something... You're for sure NOT the hero foretold... But I guess you're not NOT a hero?

Well, good luck with that. World's still ending. I wanna get outta here and to the beach.

So time to scram, okay? Who cares about being a hero anyways? It's not even that cool. Being a rad fortune teller... now THAT'S cool! Life is what you make of it, and I'm about to make mine full of beaches and chill. You should be like me and quit worrying.

...Ok so we're not the hero. And according to Destiny... we're a statistical rounding error. But we still got the Tear back! And we're gonna go find the mermaids!! That will prove we're some kind of hero... right?

Poor Bard is trying to take the news well and... kinda failing

Let's... just head to the ship.

_Nothing

...

Well, I guess now we can find those mermaids, huh.

Maybe some sea air will make us feel better.

Um... guys? It takes more than one person singing to move the ship.

... Uh... hello...?

Hmm, strange... checking the lower deck and everyone's gone! There's not a soul here. Are they all throwing a coffee party on the surface?

Oh no... not this guy.

MUSIC: What a Jerk!!!

A-HA!! It's you.

Did you tie up my friends??

Yes. And I'm very sorry about that.

At least he's honest about this... I guess?

But you see, I believe the reason my wife left me... was my finances. What I'm saying is, I'm poor. But I understand you now have a very valuable jewel. So you see, I had no choice... But to sneak onto your ship, tie up your friends, and demand it as ransom.

What a jerk!!!

SFX: Miriam Angry

I AGREE!!!

Even if this guy's a jerk, we don't have to blast him!!

I'd honestly be okay with it at this point.

Seriously, what a jerk!!!

UUUuuuUUUUUuUuGH. I can see where this is going. Little Bard wants to save the day without hurting anyone.

SFX: Miriam Angry

But that doesn't work in this situation!! Some dudes need to be blasted!!

Just give me a chance!!

And so, we're going to try and help this jerk from being torn assunder by a Miriam who's just tired of his shit. You really shouldn't impede a magic user if you aren't prepared, that's my personal life motto. But hey, everyone needs to learn their lessons I guess. Before we make our way over to Markus, Lou has some things to tell us.

_{grumble grumble} Can't believe I let this fool get the drop on me... Listen, youngun. I got a STASH'a stuff in the mess hall for this kinda occasion. Go do this right, now. It's up to you, youngun. Do this fool right!

Something in the kitchen? Okay, what could he possibly mean?

Whoa... there's a bunch of stuff back here! I guess I'll take...

Oh jeez, this is such an obvious answer.

Heh, he'll never see it coming.

Cup of coffee in hand, we're now ready to face off against Markus... right after we talk to Miriam.

This is ridiculous. You are ridiculous. I'm totally going to blast this jerk.

Don't do it!!!

_Ugh. I don't know what his deal is. He's just... standing there, like he doesn't know what to do. _{This could be over so fast...} I guess you could just give him the jewel...

I don't have it!

Oh. Well good luck with that then.

I tried to warn you Bard. I tried to convince you to take the damn jewel. But no... too worried about some fortune teller's prophecies.

Grr, anyway, the captain also has a few... choice words for us.

Dirty scallywag... After all that coffee... the crew had a rough caffeine crash... He caught us nappin. I'm still too tired for this... I always knew Markus was dirty, but not like this. Ye think ye know a guy... And we were so close to findin the mermaids... If yer gonna do something, do it soon, matey!!

Alright alright, cool your coffee cups. We're just a couple of steps away from him, with this... purely innocent cup of coffee.

From far away, I thought you were bringing the jewel... But that's... a cup of coffee.

"Yes!" by all means Markus, drink the coffee...

Oh! Well... thank you. I have to say, I'm surprised at this gesture.

...

You aren't going to give me the jewel, are you...

I really don't have it!

I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to do. How will I ever win back my wife...? She left without saying anything... I'm sure money was the reason she left... As a man of the sea, I'm no millionaire. But the sea was my first love. I can't give that up.

Markus why are you bumming a therapy session off of your captives?

When was the last time you talked?

The last time we talked...

...

I said some things I regret... That might be why she left.

...

I'm not sure what I'm doing here anymore. I'm going to remove myself from the situation. Thanks for the coffee.

You won't be thanking me later when the laxatives hit, buddy!

With Markus gone, the crew have freed themselves and are ready for another round of talking before we cast off.

Ugh! Peh! That guy was so gross... Thanks a million for dealing with that. I feel for that guy. I really do. Sounds like he's having a hard time. _{(Still a jerk though.)} Honestly, I could really go for some more coffee now...

The word coffee is starting to lose all meaning to me.

THANK ye, matey! Now we can finally set sail...

Eeesh, this desperation won't be sexy to the mermaids you know

I guess that worked. Good on you. What do you even need me for when you're so great? Can't believe the nerve of that guy. You ask me, he deserved a lot worse. But whatever.

He probably did. Still, the box of laxatives will have to be enough revenge.

Lastly, Lou wants to thank us.

Youngun, ya really did it! I'm proud'a you.

Fer your accomplishment, I'll cook up something REAL good! And a LOT a it!

...

Ye better eat it.

No... promises Lou.

I ain't like being out here in the sun. Being in the mess hall just feels right, ya dig? I'd be happy livin out my whole life on just this boat.

I'd be down with a house boat. Neighbors are a drag, just go out far enough until there are none. Though I guess you'd be really vulnerable...

Alright! This markus situation is now over, it's time to find some dang mermaids!

MUSIC: Sailing with the Coffee Pirates

After, what feels like forever, we've finally made it! It's time to find the mermaids on this island.

VIDEO: The Mermaids

(I usually don't have the video so far back, but... the captain's walking sound really needs to be heard.)

We're finally so close... Ye don't mind if I come with ye, aye? We don't know what we'll find here... They could'a been imprisoned by a great beast'a the sea! Or worse... But what's really terrifyin... The idea 'a seein 'er again... It's making me heart tear itself apart.

The captain is coming with us this time, to face his biggest fear... love! (You really should click the video to hear his walking sound, if nothing else)

SFX: YAR

Were you holding your breath?

I'm losin' it here, matey. Ye gotta understand... I been thinkin' a this moment for YEARS

It'll be okay! Even if it's not okay, it'll be okay.

That... doesn't make sense? It seemed to calm him down though, so yay for that.

SFX: YAR

MAYBE I SHOULDN'T DO THIS

What!!!

If they really are in danger... What if I can't help her, matey? I'll be the fool, not the hero...

...

You can be the hero! I believe in you!!

Well someone's got to be the hero, since we aren't the hero apparently. Enough with these distractions, let's go captain! We'll drag him forward if we have to!

SFX: Mermaid Intro

...Wow, they're real?

MUSIC: Mermaids

ARE YOU IN DANGER?

Uh. No?

...Oh.

How did you get here...?

Not a day's gone by that I ain't thought of ye, yer kindness and yer beauty... SO! I decided... I wanna spend the rest of my life with ye!

SFX: YAR

WILL YE TAKE MY HAND IN MARRIAGE??

Uh. Whoa. You remember this guy, Mel?

Hmmm... ...nope!

...I tried to tell you, you were coming off a bit creepy mate. Maybe your first date shouldn't be asking her to marry you??

You mean you chose to run away...?

Oh my gosh, you humans...

And your demands!

We couldn't like, live our lives...

But the thing I need is really important! I'm trying to learn the Overseer song to save the world!

BUT

If we teach ya'll the song... You gotta PROMISE to keep this spot secret, y'hear? We can't be dealin' with humans all up in our faces anymore.

Are you sure...? Everyone misses you...(And I kinda promised I'd bring you back)...

Well...

Okay sweet.

Come down here in front of the waterfall. We can make a whole thing out of it.

The poor captain got his heart torn into a billion little pieces by an uncaring mermaid. I'd feel more bad if his depressed/shocked face wasn't so funny. Also our poor Bard is upset, but that's a lot less funny... since he's realizing that Tatanago isn't going to be happy about the mermaids not coming back. But, the world comes first. A surprisingly mature decision made by the guy who gave up a priceless jewel earlier.

It's gotta be a major compliment when a mermaid thinks your voice is kick-ass.

OK let's do this.

VIDEO: The Mermaid's Song

Ahuh. That's the song. Now scram!

Hey, your friend...

...Oh God... I hope somebody keeps him away from the espresso...

I probably hurt his feelings. I feel kinda bad... He is kinda cute. And... I know it makes me like, SUCH a cliche... But I really dig his pirate aesthetic. I guess... He can come back, whenevs, if he wants. But just to hang out!!! It gets kinda lonely here... ONE human to chill with sounds ok.

The Captain will definitely be happy to hear that!... We just need to teach him about... uh, self control, and not starting a relationship with a marriage proposal. Also, we should find him before he does something... drastic.

Oh hey Miriam! Have you seen the captain? He's uh... not well.

Jeez was the captain upset! Guess the mermaid thing didn't pan out, huh?

...

Falling in love... seems pretty dumb.

Can confirm, it is quite dumb.

Well, you got the song at least... right?

We do have the song in hand, or well... in heart. Which is something the captain no longer has. So, let's leave the mermaids, and our hero-dom, behind and head to the nexus point.

The captain is... fine but uh... I guess it depends on your definition of fine.

The song has been taken from him

MUSIC: Sail into the Sunset

We've arrived at the nexus point! The pirates have all gotten off the ship, to wish us good-bye. This is... maybe the last time we'll see them. You don't spend that long with these characters, and yet the time you do spend with them feels like a long time. The game's biggest strength, in my mind, is the fact that you meet so many characters and can still actually give a damn about so many despite not really spending real life hours or days with them.

Well... let's get to it. Miriam is first, as always, to start our conversation spree.

Yep, Queen Chaos' nexus point is ahead. You know what to do.

You sure you don't wanna come with? It could be fun!

Pass. Apparently all I do is get in the way. I'm fine here.

What? It's not like that!

_Ugh. I don't need you to tell me what it's like. I don't even care. I'm just gonna chill here, okay? Go be the hero or whatever.

Well... okay!

Miriam's clearly dissatisfied with our current working relationship. We are kinda doing everything compared to her. We'll have to get her more involved in the future!

Lou has left the mess hall, but refuses to leave the ship. Still, we can talk to him from the shore.

Youngun... I heard you was leavin. Be careful out there, y'hear? Kid like you could run into trouble real easy. But you can always come back to us. Want me to cook you up somethin for the road? Somethin GOOD, hah?

Ummm. I'll be okay! Thanks!!

...

Jeez Bard! The least you could do was accept it, then dump it around the corner.

Ye brought somethin good to us, youngun. We all love singin, but we ain't a choir of angels, y'hear? Ye made us sound real good though. We'll miss ye.

Awww Lou! You were a pretty cool guy in the end. Still a bit creepy, but the other male pirates are also pretty creepy... so I'll just blame the scurvy.

One last chat with Francisco and Penny...

When you first showed up on our boat, I was sure you were going to be a huge nuisance. And I was right... but I'll miss you anyway. Good luck on whatever strange, silly thing you're doing next...

Wow Francisco! I didn't know you had it in you! We'll miss you too buddy!

Hey, before you go... Be honest...

You just told us you're gonna miss us, so I'll be kind in return.

"No!"

Huh. Okay... I feel like I do, but it's hard to get a straight answer from people. Sorry if it was weird to ask that now. I just always wonder... OK, see yah.

Goodbye... Not-Scary Face Francisco. It's time to say our goodbyes to Penny now.

You really left an impression on this crew... I think even grumpy old Francis wamed up to you!

Please stop calling me Francis. And old.

See! He doesn't even like me yet! And I'm very charming! Bye forever! Just kidding. You'll come back, right? Maybe I'll actually get 69000 beans to sweeten the deal!... Okay, just kidding again. We spend a lot of time at sea, so we don't make many friends. It was nice having you around.

Don't tease me with those beans, Penny!! One day we will get our hands on those 69000 beans... and it will be delicious.

Just... two more goodbyes now. Both of which are really hard.

Hey, ditchin us, huh?

Well, I have to go save the world...

Maaaaaaan. You're so cool. Well bye and stuff. I suck at sayin bye. Come hang out with us again someday!! Good luck on your cool adventure. We'll miss you and stuff.

These goodbyes are getting to me. It's time... for the final goodbye.

...

SFX: Sad Yar

Well matey... we had a good run, aye? Even if we're both losers... A'least we were losers together.

Oh yeah! Actually, the mermaids said you could come back "whenevs"!

SFX: YAR

_{What does that mean?

I think it means anytime...}

SFX: YAR

!!!!!! Guess my salty charm worked on her sweet heart after all... Thank ye, matey. Ye made my wildest dreams come true!

Word of advice, maybe not confess your undying love to her again? That could go bad, yeah? Maybe start with like a question about how her day went? Then get the ball rolling from there.

Even if ye couldn't bring the the mermaids back...