Part 20: Gemstone Cave

Last time: we got a new medium, Janus pulled some bullshit out of nowhere, and we solved a puzzle. Today, we're going mining for diamonds.


Update 20: Maya the Teenage Bitch

A couple of updates ago, we were told there was a large vein of gems nearby that could offer some clues about why the world is decaying. Where is it again?

There's a huge crevasse northwest of here. It's as if the planet was gashed by a huge knife. It hurts just looking at it.
The vein of gems is northwest of here. However, I hear there is a fissure in the ground that prevents visitors from entering.



Fortunately jumping the ravine is child's play for our horses, and searching this cliff face reveals the mine entrance.

MUSIC: Lets Run Around, lets Look Over There!



It's beautiful... Although it's rather cold.
Yeah, you're right. There's no doubt about it... This place is as cold as death.
I can't feel the warmness in the air we usually get when we come in contact with a medium.
It reminds me of a morgue, except much prettier.



With that we're free to explore the Gemstone Cave, a disorienting series of snaking tunnels. It is unbelievably easy to get turned around in here considering how much you need to rotate your camera to navigate about these ledges and the lack of landmarks.
I've clearly been playing Minecraft too much, as I was constantly struck by an urge to put MORE TORCHES EVERYWHERE all through this dungeon.

It's worth noting the random enemies in here straight away.



Rock Baboons are pretty tough for their level, having a meaty physical attack called Drill Arm and a large amount of health. You can't come close to killing these guys quickly without powerlevelling.



Hodacs are just as difficult, being both strong and durable. These enemies always appear in large groups of three or four as well.
It's a tough prospect facing these two, but there is something we can take advantage of.



They HATE each other.

They will always default to attacking each other if they can, and ignore us until we're the only targets left. Thus, siding with the underdog in these battles and then turning on him will get you through much more easily.
Hm, when I say it like that, it seems a bit bastardly.

A couple of rooms in, we encounter...



Oh man...

I didn't expect to see you so soon.
Maya!



So, someone <<tipped you off>> about the gemstones, too? Is that what you're after?
<<Tipped you off>>
Y-Yeah, but... Not for the same reason you are!
You are always so vague! I don't know what your intention is, but one thing is for sure. You perpetually appear wherever I go, and pester me! You might have an altruistic reason for being here, but if you get in our way, I won't hesitate to take you down.
I just want to be true to myself and live honestly! I know you tried to stop me, but I want to know the truth behind this world! I want to solve its mystery! I have to keep going in order to keep up with my father's trail!

Whoa! Slow down there! Just how many motivations do you have, Pearl?



I want to research the gemstones found in this cave. These shards are pieces of the planet's existence.
Hmph... Despite your reasoning, you're still after gems, which makes us <<enemies>>.
<<Enemies>>
Don't look at me like that. Didn't I tell you it'd be no holds barred, the next time we meet? Well, see ya.
You'd better hurry. Or else all the gems will be mine.

Welp, looks like it's time to chase Maya through another ruin. First off though, we'll get a treasure she missed.



Blowing up these rocks under the platform she stood on gets us access to 5000 gil.

Pearl has some questions in the next room.

What are gems, exactly?
Gems are composed of life energy of the planet. This life energy can be likened to the blood of living organisms. This coagulation of the planet's lifeblood becomes what we know as gems.

Somehow I doubt anyone's told Maya she's collecting blood clots. Speaking of which, we find her again a little deeper in.

I just can't seem to get away from you. I can't believe how much time, energy, and body fat can motivate you Drifters this far. I'm really getting fed up. You really want some gems that badly? Then here's a present for you!



She shoots the ceiling and drops a massive boulder in our path.

Oh, how big and beautiful! Just look at the lovely color and cut! It's perfect for you, don't you think? Well, I'm off to find my perfect gem, then. Ta-ta...!

Luckily for us, we already know how to shatter this thing. Remember cracking Trask's shell?



Using Pearl's Tindercrest to heat it and Boone's Freezer Doll to cool it allows Doc to blow it up with his bombs.
Not pictured: Billy being useful.



The next room has a chest on a platform we can use the Steady Doll to reach, getting us a Gella Card. More importantly, there's a secret part of the mine hidden away behind a cracked wall.



There's some treasure and gems here, like a Gimel Coin and a Revive Fruit, but maybe more importantly there's another bombable wall, leading to a double-secret passage.



It leads outside, to an isolated crop of land. The mine is the only way to reach this area.



The funny thing is, there's not really anything to do here except fight some tough enemies. Grabsks can cancel actions with their attacks, and love to victimise Doc with it, while Kobolds have Leyline Cannon - a powerful Earth attack. They're a real pain to fight, though Pearl can at least wreck the Grabsks with electrical damage. Once they're down the entire battle gets much easier.

(challenge: find the Kobold in the picture. Great use of brown on brown on brown, guys)

Regardless, it doesn't look like we should be here yet. Maybe somewhere to bear in mind for later? Back to the cave...

A bit further in, Doc has some insights to share.

As I mentioned earlier, gems can be likened to blood exuding from the planet. Blood that has coagulated. Which in turn means that this place is full of wounds. Wounds translate into the decay of land -- an impoverished planet. Gems can be found within ruins and buildings for this very reason.
So that's why this place feels like a morgue...
We feel it even more so because of the medium and the planet's life force. And also because we have been in contact with the guardian's power.
So this is one of the more damaged places on Filgaia...



(Even with the large quantity of gems in this cave, the actual size does not differ from other locations. Perhaps my professor's theory is true... It may seem preposterous, but there is evidence here to back it up.)

The next room is full of holes.



If it were me... I would lure the enemies here, and while they're distracted, I'd kick their little behinds into these holes!



Damnit Maya



Well, we have to fall down a hole to proceed, it's just that Maya kicked us down the wrong one. There's a path back up to the upper room so we can try again. This bit's pretty annoying, but if we want to take the time we can try out different holes and find an Amulet (Nullifies status ailments while you guard, a steal at only 1 PS point) and a Lucky Card.



Upon finding the right hole, we get to watch Maya suffer.

AGHHHH!! I don't get it!? Why do I keep ending up in the same place!? The mystical mega-sized gem is waiting for me to embrace it! I don't have time for this!





Heeeey!? That's not fair! How'd you get up there!? I make the path that leads to the treasure! Not you! Stay where you are! Don't move! Take a nap or something! Lock yourself up somewhere!
She doesn't seem to know her way around the caverns, either... Which means she won't be able to hinder our progress. I believe it is safe for us to press on.

The next room is pretty sprawling, but there's a pair of Heal Berries to be found. As we try to leave...

MUSIC: That's Just a Rumor...!

Stop where you are! You're not worthy of the gem!



If you're going to give it your all, then I'll gladly accept your all, and then I'll crush you!
Quit hiding, Maya! Show your face!
Hiding...!? I wouldn't want you to think that! Fine, behold the true powers of Maya Schroedinger!



A book falls at Pearl's feet, and they look up to see...



I think I'm gonna puke...

BOSS BATTLE: WONDER WITCH MAYA (and friends)

MUSIC: There's Only One Family Named Schrodinger

VIDEO: Witch Maya Battle



What's with the gaudy costume!?

Surprised? This is my true power!
Milady possesses supernatural powers where she can convert information into her own special abilities. Even nonsensical information can be processed through the medium of a book to wield unlimited powers!
In other words, she is able to channel certain characters from comics or novels?
Very good, Four-eyes!

So book cosplay is her superpower? Why isn't this girl working for British Library Special Operations?

So basically, she's a freak that can mimic the abilities of fictional freaks she reads about. She's gonna freak out!



Heh heh...You all look impressed...
(No, sis...They've been taken aback.)
I am 'Wonder Witch'! And I have the power to cast any kind of magic!

The Schrodingers are fun to fight. Though finishing this battle really comes down to defeating one of them, and it's not Maya.



Maya's tough, but Todd - who was already dangerous in the last fight - has got a lot tougher too. While he has no new moves he'll now very frequently use Psycho Crack to confuse your characters, and still automatically tosses heals on Maya or Alfred when they're attacked. You will want to bring him down first.



But you can still set his afro aflame!



Shady and Alfred have increased stats, but no new abilities to worry about. You don't even need to defeat them to finish the battle.



Maya can't quite cast all kinds of spells, but she does have water, fire and wind and makes them target everyone to boot. She's also got a single target dark spell, and can put out quite a lot of damage.
She's technically the only enemy we need to defeat here, but defeating Todd first makes that a LOT easier.



Pesky, aren't we? But how about some of this!? Feel the might of the forbidden spell!
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!

For our troubles, we get a free Duplicator. Nice.



The Schrodingers dogpile Maya to keep her from casting Dragon Slave or whatever.

Not here, sis! We'd all be buried alive if you cast something that powerful!



We have only come here with the intent of research in mind. And it has proven fruitful... at least for us. If you're still interested in striking a vein, please proceed. We won't get in your way.

A sulky Maya starts heading for the door.

But I doubt you'll find any precious gems...

MUSIC: In a Cold Sleep



Huh...? These are all just ordinary gems...
We went through all that trouble to get here, and...



How did you know there weren't any special gems of value here? Answer me!
We have all been deluded. It was a big misunderstanding on all our parts.
You mean... we've been had?
Maybe so... We, and everyone on this planet, have been deluded.



Then, let me ask you something. So what drives you to face danger?
That's easy! Gems! Jewels! The more I get a hold of their sparkle, the more I sparkle!



She reaches out to grab a nearby gem, but since it's one of the white ones that refill your encounter gauge it immediately disappears.
... does this mean the Schrodingers have an encounter gauge of their own? Do NPCs have to fight random battles? A strange lack of gameplay and cutscene segregation here.

But that's just a fleeting glitter.
The sparkle I'm looking for is the <<real sparkle>>.
<<Real sparkle>>
I don't care how many false leads I have to follow. One of these days I will find it. And I will shine because of it...



Well, I have absolutely no business being here now. The next gem is calling me, so I must bid adieu.

Maya and her friends leave.

She's trying to find the real sparkle among the many fake ones in this world... Let's head back to Humphrey's Peak for now. We don't have time to waste, either.

We're brought back outside the mine, and can return to Humphrey's Peak. As we arrive, we get a cutscene...

MUSIC: He Who Holds the Word of God



The planet is incomplete. Imperfect to be endowed the full wisdom of Hyades. It rejects us, and is therefore unsightly... It's unsightliness is like a pupa waiting to emerge... This planet must reincarnate into utter beauty... like a butterfly, like...
...'me'? Is that what you were thinking?
Malik!? Since when have you...
I heard your vainglorious looks had no effect on that man. I think I liked the old you better...

Hm, I wonder who Melody is in this picture?



A completely un-animated Melody slides toward Malik, who dodges out of her way.
I'm not sure if this is meant to look comedic, but it definitely does look cheap.

Temper, temper...

Melody spends a little time shaking in the corner, then turns about and starts lecturing Malik.

It is not very admirable of you to use the wisdom of Hyades for your own personal matters... Like resurrecting the dead... A spin-off of life control technology? You think I haven't noticed?



I... apologize. I said a little too much. And I didn't mean to hide my experiment from you either. I was going to let you know after I made more progress.
There is no need for the three of us to quarrel. We all strive for the same goal.
Our goal: to recreate this entity of life we call Filgaia...



Ever since we were evolved by the wisdom of Hyades, the environment of this planet is too much of a burden on us.

These guys keep saying "evolved." Things aren't necessarily more evolved if they are incapable of surviving in their natural environment.

And that is why we must carry out the terraforming. To alter the make up of the environment using the wisdom of Hyades, to evolve this planet into Terra, a planet that is suited for us!
And by doing so, we are also promoting the analysis and practice of the lost wisdom from the information library Hyades. We will be in charge of this lost technology of the gods. This has been a long-cherished ambition for us as disciples!
However, should our plan fail... we will be nothing but an alien element to this life entity we call Filgaia. The planet will no doubt deem us as parasites, and begin to cleanse itself in order to exterminate us. Our deaths would not simply be our own, but the stagnation of evolution. In other words, the end of the human race.



The future is meant for the evolved! We are the only ones worthy! That is why we must evolve Filgaia into a form suited just for us! It is the Dark Spear that points to Filgaia's future and ours. Melody... Accompany Asgard and eliminate those unwanted Drifters.
Yes, sir!
YES, MY MASTER...
It speaks!?
The internal Gemini circuit enables him to learn, and the evolutionary analogism gives him the ability to reason. Looks like they are beginning to take effect. Accumulating past battle data and analyzing the proper action to take is what forms his simulated spirit. So, if the Gemini circuit is his soul, then all the data he collects can be likened to his memories. Depending on the type of data he gathers, he may form emotions one day...

I hate the prophets for their ability to use ten words where one would suffice.

Hmph, this isn't my field, but very interesting, indeed... The formation of memory...



Malik, continue with the download. I want you to bring up the schedule by seven steps.
Seven steps!? Sir, why the rush? Is there a problem?
I have just received word from Balazs. Janus has just stored the extracted guardian life energy into his own body.

Balazs is behind the pillar if you missed him.

Janus has reached his final level!?
His motive, and ours... If we don't act now, the future may fall into the hands of one with unsuitable ambitions.


That's it for now. Next time: we travel to Faraway Lands.


One last thing though...

Technically I did this after the first cutscene of the next update, but it'll fit better here. I took a trip back to the Secret Garden, and picked up the harvest.



Not bad. Also did some breeding. After you breed a plant, Florina will say a sappy line that corresponds to how strong that breed is and the chances of its harvest failing. Once she says...

This seedling should grow strong. No, not should... It will definitely grow strong.

... this breed of plants is at 100% and will never fail to grow again.

I achieved this with Heal Berries today, and Florina has a reward for the first time you manage this.

You all seem to have a kind heart towards flowers. Please take this as a token of my appreciation. I hope you find it helpful.

This gets us the Dried Flower gear, which gives a medium the Green Thumb PS. At rank four, that PS DOUBLES the effectiveness of berries when the character with it uses them. This is an excellent PS to give to Pearl for use in conjunction with Mystic. Not only will she heal much more, but the PS activates FOUR times when she uses mystic with a berry, increasing her XP for the battle by 40%. Insanity.

The only problem is that you can only get the Dried Flower once, and once you give it to a medium you can never remove it without destroying it. Once a medium has it, Pearl needs to keep that medium. This and a few other gears can screw up your end game plans if you haphazardly assign them to the "wrong" mediums. While the final boss is defeatable regardless, bonus stuff could become pretty difficult without the right setup. It's kind of a pain.