Earning our JRPG black belt - Let's Play Legend of Legaia!

Thirded. (I really enjoy the "new update each day" thing; makes it easier to procrastinate at work in measured doses.)

And dude, seriously, don't sweat a bout of being down. I've been there, and it sucks. But now you're back, and we're all set to appreciate the fruits of that.

I would go further and say that two or three days apart is better. I like looking forward to LPs, not looking back at them.

Looks like it's been awhile since I caught up with this LP... the last thing I remember is this boss battle here, though I went ahead and reread a previous update or two.

The video version of the battle was resource-intensive, using up all of the healing leaves. Ruby used the very last one right before the boss was defeated! Quite long, too--over ten minutes for the battle part of the video. Must be heartbreaking if something goes amiss eight minutes in.

I'll edit in some more comments as I go through the other updates.

Edit 1 (from page 9):

I had wondered whether choosing Spirit helps against AoE attacks like this, and at about the 4:50 point of the Songi2 battle, there's an example that shows "yes." Ruby uses orb and takes 500 damage, Umber uses Spirit and takes approx. half that. Even though his turn hadn't come up, Blue's Spirit also seems to defend against it.

Edit 2 (going through page 10)

I'm enjoying the visuals of this game. Chunky? sure. But they did a good job adding both color and character to the settings.

Van Saryu battle

Thanks for the videos of the boss battles, as these seem to be the gameplay centerpieces. On the whole the boss battles seem largely about damage output, damage mitigation, and resource management. I find myself wishing there were more buffs (for either side) or debuffs (for you), something to liven up the cycle. I think you've picked up some buff items, but you haven't needed to use them yet.

Curiosity question: does Spirit increase absorption rates?

The updates are ready. I'm too tired to start posting them today, but rest assured I'll post the first one tomorrow. I still haven't decided whether to post the updates one or two days apart - I guess I'll leave that up to the audience.

'Till then, thank you guys for your support. See you soon! =)

Art design >>> graphical stuff. I have a huge fondness for old school graphics. (psst and the Wii graphics too).

Gotta wonder though... is this game on PSN now? I'm pretty interested in it.

I honestly don't know, and the last time I was able to check was several months ago. Ike has a copy over in the trading thread for cheap if you're really interested, though.

In any case, it's been almost a month since I've updated this LP. I'd say it's high time I change that.

Chapter 24: Revelations in Uru Mais

Do you like backstory? I sure hope so, because this update has quite a bit of it!



♪♪Usha Research Center♪♪

After getting that key from Mrs. Usha, of course.

Mrs. Usha: I heard you talking to the Doctor through that speaking tube over there. Now, I may be a worrywart, but I'm a little uneasy about this... Here are some questions to see if you properly understood everything! Answer all of them correctly, and I'll give you a Ruins Key as a prize.



Um... okay then? I'm not sure why this is necessary, but oh well.

Blue: Uru Mais.
Mrs. Usha: Pretty good! OK, next question.



Why, dream for Fire Droplets, of course.

Blue: Dream dreams.
Mrs. Usha: Correct! You're pretty smart!



*sigh* Come on, game, we just went over this five minutes ago. (Technically.)

Blue: The Fire Droplet.
Mrs. Usha: Almost there! OK, last question!



I wonder if Mrs. Usha has ever considered running a game show.

Blue: Usha Research Center.
Mrs. Usha: Well done! You certainly are heroes - and smart! You got every question right! Here's your prize!



Why couldn't you have just given it to us? That was kinda pointless.

Mrs. Usha: It's my husband's collection. It may have some connection to Uru Mais. Good luck! I know you'll be able to bring back the Fire Droplet!

Well now that that's out of the way, let's set off. First, though, we'll head back to Sol to buy a few more Healing Flowers. Who knows, we might need them.



♪♪Brand of the Holy Knuckles (Mist version)♪♪

We'll be walking at least part of the way there, to learn a couple more Super Arts.



This one in particular is used by combining Ironhead, Flying Knee Attack, and Back Punch. It's actually more damaging than I thought it was; I remembered it being Back Punch x2 for some reason.





Tri-Somersault is used by combining Somersault (duh), Cyclone, and then Somersault again. We've almost learned all the Super Arts now; just a few more updates and we should be good to go.



♪♪Barren Fields of Mist♪♪

Right, enough messing around; Uru Mais isn't gonna find itself, after all. (I took care of item-purchasing off-screen.)



I'm betting that place is it; either that or somewhere beyond it. Let's be off, shall we?



Hmm... looks like some kind of monument or temple. Time to investigate!



♪♪The Calling of the Relics♪♪

Looks like we found it. This place kinda reminds me of the Shadow Gate.



Umber: Those strange structures in the distance must be Uru Mais, the ancient ruins, Dr. Usha said.

Yeah, I have - there's no Mist here at all. Not even in the surrounding area. Not sure what the hell that's about, but I don't think I like it.

Blue: There's no Mist here?
*The camera switches back to the party.*
Umber: That's right. There's no Genesis Tree to be seen, yet the Mist doesn't flow in here. Those ruins must have the power to hold off the Mist.
*The camera circles slightly to the left as Ruby looks around.*
Ruby: Blue, Umber, there's no one here. Where could Tieg be?



Sure I do.

Blue: Of course I do!
Umber: Very good, Blue! Well, let's go dream, like Dr. Usha told us to do. Then we'll see if Tieg will actually give us the Fire Droplet!
*Ruby walks a bit to the right and points at the building behind the group.*
Ruby: Blue, Umber! There's some weird house here! Let's go inside!
*Ruby runs off.*



Umber: *turns to Blue* What are we going to do with that kid?
*The two follow Ruby inside the house as the camera begins panning to the right.*



*Cara turns to the camera as the screen fades to black.*



Eh, I don't see why not. (The chest had a Healing Berry.)

The cover reads: "Guidelines for Seru Trapping."
Seru come out at midnight! A trapper must therefore patrol Uru Mais only at sunrise.
Uru Mais is off-limits from sunset to sunrise because that is when the Whispers are frequent.
A trapper must never wear a captured Seru.
All Seru should be sent to Sol as soon as they are caught.
The Whispers are the voices of a demon! Trapper, never listen to the Whispers, even in daytime!
A trapper must never touch the three doors on the side of Uru Mais.

That was... a bit unsettling. Maybe now would be a good time to see if Cara's still outside.



Huh... guess not. Still, it wouldn't hurt to look around a bit while we're here.



Warning! Uru Mais is Sol territory! Do not enter without permission of the Emperor!

Pleasant. Let's check out the top of the pyramid-thing.



Umber: I don't see any place where we could use the Ruins Key from Mrs. Usha.
*Ruby suddenly looks away, cupping her hands to her ears.*
Ruby: What?
Umber: Ruby, what's the matter?
*The camera pans around the pyramid a bit as Ruby looks around.*
Ruby: I hear something! I hear something! It's a voice! I hear a voice!



Umber: ...! Blue, Ruby! I hear it, too!
*The camera zooms out to show the entire pyramid.*



*The centerpiece of the pyramid suddenly begins to glow. A golden beam of light shoots out of it as the three entrances of the pyramid light up in red, blue, and green.*



♪♪The Ra-Seru Speak♪♪

who has...
door... dreams...
will be ope...
Gather at... dream...!
Door... open...
*The lights fade away as the camera zooms back in to Blue and co.*



Ruby: Blue! Umber! Did you see that light? I saw a light down there!
Umber: Whoever it is seems to have opened the door because we have the Ruins Key!
Ruby: Blue, let's go inside!
Umber: This must mean that this door leads to the Fire Droplet. Alright, let's go inside!
*The music goes back to "The Calling of the Relics".*

I'm still not entirely sure what just happened, but I guess we have our way inside now. Let's proceed cautiously.



♪♪The Quiet Tree of Creation♪♪

Uh... gotta admit, I wasn't expecting the floor to be made of what seems to be light. And weird runes. This place is a little weird...





At least it's a straight line, though; it would probably be pretty annoying navigating a maze in here.

Well, here goes nothin'.





I'm reminded of Curse of the Golden Flower all of a sudden. Weird.

*As Blue reaches the end of the hallway, he begins to run automatically. When he reaches the end, there is a flash of light.*



This place keeps getting weirder the farther we go...



Blue. Blue. Blue and Meta. Welcome, human. Welcome, Ra-Seru. The Stone Stage awaits you. It awaits your dreams, it awaits your minds.
*Blue begins walking forward, as if in a trance.*



*Blue continues walking. There is another flash of light and a banging sound as Umber and Ruby follow him.*



*Blue walks toward the edge of the platform. There is another flash of light, as a transparent pyramid forms around him. Blue slowly collapses.*



*The ground under Blue flows up and down.*
Terra: Ruby! Can you hear me? You musn't awaken Blue! Blue is dreaming! Dreams mirror the heart. Blue is looking into his own heart, and Tieg is watching.
*The room shimmers as the screen fades to black.*



♪♪Night Requiem♪♪

Village Elder: If only we had Drake Water, then Nora would be alright. With this Mist, it would be next to impossible to reach Drake Castle.

Blue! Blue!



*Blue shakes his head and runs inside the house.*



*The camera switches to a side view; there is a baby in a crib on the other side of the room. Next to it is a bed, upon which a woman is sleeping.*
Village Elder: Ah, Blue! You're such a good child! I'll be going now. Blue, take good care of your mother!
*The village elder leaves.*

...I think we're playing a flashback.



Yep, definitely. That would make the woman in the bed...



Nora: So, please... Look after... Nene...

Um... okay. Let's... let's talk to Val.



Val: *pause* Don't worry, Blue. I was just talking to myself. Your mother will get better.
*Blue runs outside.*



*The screen fades to black. A few seconds later, a knocking sound is heard.*
Val! Val!

♪♪Dream, Teague♪♪

Hunter: I couldn't find Blue! Just as I thought. Blue must have sneaked outside the Wall when we weren't looking.
Val: Oh, no! He must be going to Drake Castle! He must have heard me talking to Village Elder! He's going to get Drake Water!
*Val and the hunter leave the house.*



*Val shakes his head.*
Village Elder: If I cannot convince you otherwise, then so be it! I give my permission to open the gate!



*Val walks out of the village.*



Blue managed to return safely from Drake Castle, but Val was attacked by a Seru. He survived, but they say his leg will never be the same again! And Nora! Oh, what a poor family!



Um... that explains a bit.

*Blue leaves the house. As he does, the village fades away, leaving only a black expanse filled with stars. Blue begins to fall.*





Do not feel guilty.
The past cannot be changed.
Instead, you must be brave
and work to create the future!
That is what it means to be human!
For humans are those who are brave
enough to create their own future.
*The screen fades to black.*



♪♪The Quiet Tree of Creation♪♪

Blue, my child! Your dream is fulfilled.





What the- what just happened?





♪♪The Awakening of the Tree of Creation♪♪

Oh, a warp.

Ruby: Blue... Are you alright? Were you having a bad dream?
Umber: Blue, if you don't want to tell us what you were dreaming about, that's O.K.
*Ruby notices something.*
Ruby: Hey! Blue, look!





*The camera circles a bit around the centerpiece.*
Umber: Whoever it is must be using the light to show himself to us. Maybe that's Tieg! Blue, let's go look!
*The music fades into "The Calling of the Relics".*

Well, this is certainly interesting. I wonder what these spirit things have to say?



First spirit: Those... hum... ...Seru... also divid... ...world... ...two... ...human... ...Seru......
Second spirit: To pr... ...two... T... placed ... Gene...ees ... ...human w...ld and... ...Tree in the...kai.
Third spirit: To go... ...S...... ...chose a... ...gro... ...... from... ...and g... ...pow... as Ra....
Fourth spirit: ...thous... years... ...human... ...cal... ...the ...... plot... ...Tie... Ro... ga... humans ...>... the ...ans cov... ......'s power... ... ...to ...human world.
Fifth spirit: ...Ser... ...seal... ...in the... ...for all etern... ...put the... ...world and...
Sixth spirit: The ... is... ...of the... ev... ...gue... the M... that covers... human... was... by hum...
Seventh spirit: Tieg... the ... into... ...world... Ge... Tr... An... he... ...em... ...help... ...com... ...humans sa... ...wor... ...if... Ro... ...evil... ...pear...

Wow, that's a lot of gibberish. Maybe the spirit in the middle can speak more clearly?

Or not! So... do we just leave, then? We still don't have the Fire Droplet. Hang on... the light on the centerpiece faces the direction of the door we went through. I bet we need to head through each door in succession.



It's worth a shot, at least. Let's just hope those spirits don't go anywhere.





♪♪The Quiet Tree of Creation♪♪

Hmm... these rune-things are the same color as Terra. Kinda like the first doorway matched Meta. Interesting...



In we go.







Ruby. Ruby. Ruby and Terra. Welcome, human. Welcome, Ra-Seru. The Stone Stage awaits you. It awaits your dreams, it awaits your mind, Ruby.
*Ruby begins walking forward, as if in a trance.*



*Ruby walks to the Stone Stage, where a transparent pyramid forms around her. She collapses.*



Ozma: Umber! Ruby is being drawn into Tieg's spirit world! She's going to have an important dream now!



Ha! Caught the shimmer this time.



♪♪Dream, Teague♪♪

King Nebular: I am thinking of naming this child Ruby.
Queen Minea: That's a lovely name. Ruby, the promise of a new era!



Jette: Your Majesty!
*The king and queen turn to a doorway, where Jette's voice is coming from.*
Jette: Your Majesty! I've come on a most pressing matter!
King Nebular: Jette, enter.
*Jette walks into the room and stands in front of Minea. He bows, and Minea nods in return.*



*Jette walks over in front of Nebular.*
Jette: Actually...
*Jette begins whispering to the king.*
King Nebular: What?! Cort did that?
Jette: You see, Your Majesty... *continues whispering*
King Nebular: I understand. I'll go at once!
*Jette backs up a few steps and bows to the two of them. He then begins leaving the room.*



*Jette leaves the room.*
Queen Minea: Did something happen to Cort?
King Nebular: It's... It's nothing to worry about. I'm sure... I can't talk now. I'm going below to investigate the matter for myself.
*Nebular leaves the room.*

Queen Minea: *looks down at Ruby* Ruby, I want you to have a happy, prosperous future.
*The screen fades to black.*



Get rid of the Seru! Lock the doors!









*The screen fades in to Minea standing in front of a Soren, Ruby in her arms.*



Queen Minea: I care nothing of my own life. Let the Mist take it. After all, I am the queen! I must share the same fate as this nation.



Queen Minea: Please, take this child to a land untouched by the Mist! Take her to a world with a future! Please!
Soren soldier: Your Majesty, your courage is inspiring! I will take Ruby as far as I can, however far that may be.
Queen Minea: Thank you! Now, hurry! The Mist is getting closer.
*Minea kisses Ruby's cheek.*



Soren soldier: Your Majesty...
Queen Minea: Go now! Hurry! The Mist draws near!
*The Soren soldier nods wordlessly and extends his wings.*







*As the Soren flies away, Minea reaches her hand out to wave goodbye. The Soren soon fades into the distance; as he does, Minea sinks to the ground.*



*The screen fades to black. It fades back in a few seconds later...*





*As the Soren flies over Mt. Rikuroa, his energy finally gives out, and he falls to the ground.*

*The wolf walks over to Ruby and barks a few times.*



*The wolf gives a mournful howl. As it does, a familiar Ra-Seru appears.*



*Terra spins around a bit.*
Terra: I am Terra. I have decided to live with you!
*The scene fades away, and only Ruby is left, in a black expanse filled with stars.*



The past etched
in your mind
is now revealed!
The past of your past may
have left large scars
and may gnaw at your heart.
But never lose hope!
For when there is hope,
you can draw strength from
the past.
That is what being human
is all about!
For humans are those who, with hope
in their hearts, find the future
through the past.
*The scene fades to black.*



♪♪The Quiet Tree of Creation♪♪

Ruby, my child! Your dream is fulfilled.





♪♪The Awakening of the Tree of Creation♪♪

Umber: Ruby... Are you alright?
Ruby: Uh-huh. Blue, Umber... Let's go to Conkram after we destroy the Floating Castle!



Well we'll have to find it first, but sure. It's not every day you find out you're a princess, after all.

Ruby: So we have to go to Conkram, O.K.? Do you promise?



Ruby: Blue! Umber! There it is again -- the light!
*The camera circles a bit around the centerpiece.*
Terra: That light is called the Phantasmal Light. It's activated by your dreams.
*Ruby begins jumping up and down in excitement.*
Ruby: Phantasmal Light? Blue, Umber, that's neat! This is fun!
*Umber suddenly looks startled.*
Umber: Ozma, you've heard of it before?!
Ozma: What?
Umber: Now why would a Ra-Seru like you know about the Phantasmal Light? Why?



Umber: Tell me about it if you know. Or are the Ra-Seru trying to manipulate us for some purpose?
Ozma: No! That's not it at all! Umber, you must believe me! We just wanted to talk to your minds, rather than explaining things with words.
*Umber begins to calm down.*
Umber: Well if talking is that disagreeable to you, do what you must. But listen, Ozma... If your intentions ever diverge from mine... Then, believe me, you won't get away with it!
*Ozma falls silent.*
Ruby: What are you so angry about, Umber? I don't understand! Boo-hoo! Come on, Blue, we have to have the last dream.
*Umber shakes his head.*

Well that was a little weird... ah, well. Maybe these spirit things have become more understandable, since two of us have dreamed now? It's worth a shot.



♪♪The Calling of the Relics♪♪

First spirit: Those w... human... Seru. Tieg also divided... world... two: ... human world... Seru-kai.
Second spirit: To pr...ct ...two worlds, T... placed ... Gene...ees in human... ...a Mother... Tree in Seru-kai.
Third spirit: To gov... the Seru, Tieg chose... a small... gro... Seru from... and gave... powers as Ra-S....
Fourth spirit: ...thousand years... ...human... ...cal... ...the ...eru Ro... plot... ...Tie... ...back. Ro... gave... humans Seru... the humans cov... Seru's power... bringing... to ...human world.
Fifth spirit: ...the Ser... sealed him in the... for all etern... But in view of... who... ...with the Seru... ...have decided to...
Sixth spirit: The Mist... is... ...of the evil... gu... Mist that covers... human world was... by human...
Seventh spirit: Tieg... the Ra... into... ...world's Ge... Trees. And he... ...them... To help... compass... humans save... world if... Ro... ...evil... appear...
Middle spirit: Tieg is...

Seems I was right. Okay then, time for Umber to dream about stuff. To the top entrance!







♪♪The Quiet Tree of Creation♪♪

This path seems a bit twistier for some reason. Curious...

Here goes...



Umber. Umber. Umber and Ozma. Welcome, human. Welcome, Ra-Seru. The Stone Stage awaits you. It awaits your dreams, it awaits your mind, Umber.
*Umber begins walking forward, as if in a trance.*



Ruby: Blue, Umber is walking away!
*There is a flash of light as Umber stands on the Stone Stage. A transparent pyramid forms around him, and Umber collapses.*



I find this funnier than I probably should.

Terra: Ruby! Can you hear me? You musn't awaken Umber! Umber is dreaming! Dreams mirror the heart. Umber is looking into his own heart, and Tieg is watching.



Two out of three's not bad, right?

*The screen fades to black.*



♪♪We Are the Biran Priests♪♪

He has to be! Songi can train all he wants, but he could never match Umber's spiritual strength!
Silence! It's Master Zopu!
*The sound of a door opening can be heard.*



Zopu: I am pleased at how hard each of you is devoting yourself to your training.
*The camera shifts to an over-the-shoulder view from Zopu's viewpoint.*
Zopu: Now, as you all know, tomorrow is Biron's Transmigration Festival. As always, we will hold the ritual tournament.Umber!
Umber: Yes, Master Zopu!
*Umber steps forward.*
Zopu: Songi!
Songi: Yes, Master Zopu!
*Songi steps forward.*



Zopu: You must fight with all your skills in order to make this a chivalrous tournament.
Umber and Songi: Yes, sir!
*They both give a monk-salute.*
Zopu: That is enough training for today. Time to begin your individual tasks!
*Everyone except for Songi and Umber files out of the room.*



*Umber doesn't respond, instead crossing his arms and tapping his foot on the ground.*
Songi: Hey, I don't like that look in your eyes!
*Songi spits near the ground at Umber's feet, with the accompanying sound effect. Umber continues to say nothing.*
Songi: Umber! I bet you think you're going to win, don't you?
*Umber uncrosses his arms and stops tapping his foot.*
Umber: No, I...
Songi: To hell with you! I'm not stupid! I can tell by that look in your eyes! Hmmf. Ah, forget it. Let's just have ourselves a good time tomorrow, alright?





"Songi is a dick" count: 6

*Umber shakes his head as the screen fades to black.*



If you take Jigul grass, your body will go numb and you won't be able to fight!



Songi: Besides, everyone knows that Jigul grass is the best thing for a headache.
*Songi spits on the ground... for some reason. Are we going to need a separate counter for this?.*
Songi: So quite yapping and just give me the Jigul grass now!
Female monk: Alright, but don't blame me if things go wrong.
*The monk walks to a nearby cabinet and takes some Jigul grass out of it. She then hands it to Songi.*
Female monk: Songi, do you want water?

*Songi walks away, presumably to do just that. A few seconds later, the monk suddenly gasps in surprise.*



*The screen fades to black.*
Songi: Oh, Umber. This is so embarrassing, but... I was afraid that you'd beat me tomorrow, and... I knew I shouldn't, but I took Fury Boosts to help me fight better tomorrow!



*Songi holds out his hand.*
Songi: So here! You take a Fury Boost, too!
Umber: But why?
Songi: This is a contest, so we gotta be fair, right? And I want this to be a fair fight! So go ahead, take it!
Umber: Well, I don't know... Alright! I'll do it!
*Umber takes the Fury Boost from Songi and drinks it.*
Songi: Pretty good! You just gulped that right down! Ha ha ha!



*The two of them walk out of the room as the screen fades to black.*



*Umber and Songi turn to each other and give a monk-salute.*
Zopu: In praise of the great benevolence and miracles of Biron, we hold this ritual tournament!
*Umber and Songi each take a fighting stance.*
Zopu: Let the tournament begin!



Umber: Uh...
*The camera switches to Umber's viewpoint as the screen flashes blue, then red.*



*Songi dashes forward too fast to screenshot, complete with after-images, and hits Umber, who falls to one knee.*



Umber lost!
I don't believe it!
Songi: Ha, ha, ha! That's right! I beat Umber! Me, Songi! I win!
*Zopu slowly shakes his head and walks away as the scene fades.*



*The scene fades in to Songi and the monk talking once more.*
Songi: Aw, be quiet! How should I know what medicine he takes, anyway?
Female monk: Stop playing dumb! You may think you've tricked Umber... But he knew! He knew all along!
Songi: What?



Female monk: And I warned him not to take any medicine you gave him!
*Songi stares at the monk in surprise.*
Female monk: But Umber just laughed. "Oh, Songi's my best friend. Don't worry!" he said.
*Songi shakes his head and walks out of the room.*

"Songi is a dick" count: 7



♪♪Dreams in Uru Mais♪♪

Songi: Darnit! He's sleeping! He's still numb!



Songi: You think it's funny to make a fool of me like that? Some best friend! You hypocrite! You'll never get away with this -- Never!!
*The scene begins fading out as Songi continues ranting.*
Songi: I'll crush you! Umber, I'll beat you to a pulp!
*The scene fades out to show only Umber, sleeping in a black expanse filled with stars.*



You have nothing to be ashamed of.
After all, even when unavoidable
misfortune occurs, it is the spirit
that remains in the end.
So be proud of yourself! And use
that pride to create happiness!
That is what it means to be human!
For humans are those who create
their own happiness with their
pride.
*The screen fades to black.*



♪♪The Quiet Tree of Creation♪♪

Umber, my child! Your dream is fulfilled.

♪♪The Awakening of the Tree of Creation♪♪

Ruby: Umber, you seem sad.
Umber: In my dream, I remembered something I didn't want to. So that means we are all finished dreaming?



*The screen flashes a brilliant white.*



You did well, my children! Your dreams are now all fulfilled, and our souls are recalled to life. We shall teach you the Past! We shall teach you the Future! That is Tieg's gift! That is the mission of Tieg, the Seru-human, both Seru and human!



Umber: Tieg... Both Seru and human...?

Well... this should be quite interesting. I bet we can understand these spirits now.



First spirit: Those were human and Seru. Tieg also divided the world into two: the human world and Seru-kai.
Second spirit: To protect two worlds, Tieg placed ten Genesis Trees in human world and a Mother Genesis Tree in Seru-kai.
Third spirit: To govern Seru-kai, Tieg chose a small group of Seru and gave them special Ra-Seru power.
Fourth spirit: A thousand years ago, by the human calendar, the Ra-Seru Rogue plotted behind Tieg's back. Rogue gave the humans Seru, but humans coveted the Seru's power, bringing chaos to the human world.
Fifth spirit: Tieg learned of the plot of the Ra-Seru Rogue and sealed him in the eternal dungeon of Rogue. But a few Seru in the human world were left to serve humans, who had built civilization with Seru.
Sixth spirit: The Mist is the breath of the evil Rogue. But the Mist covering Legaia was created by humans.
Seventh spirit: Tieg sealed the Ra-Seru into the human world's Genesis Trees. And he ordered them: Help the compassionate humans save the world if a Rogue or other evil presence should appear.



I believe so, yes.

*Blue nods.*



I think we have a pretty good handle on the situation, yeah.

*Blue nods once more.*
Middle spirit: Tieg knows all. Now Tieg will entrust you with the Fire Droplet! The Fire Droplet! From an age when chaos was the world and the world was chaos... The Fire Droplet is chaos, and chaos is the Fire Droplet.



Middle spirit: He shall now answer the hopes of human and Ra-Seru by opening the door to His world here and now!



Umber: We must make room for Tieg.
*Blue and co. hurriedly make their way to the edge of the pyramid, while the spirits continue moving around the centerpiece.*



*The spirits begin circling around the centerpiece.*
The Fire Droplet is chaos. Tieg now returns to chaos.









Ruby: Tieg's gone.



Holy crap, the centerpiece shattered!

*The screen flashes white. It then shows Blue and co. standing in a black void.*







Blue, use your courage...
Umber, use your pride...
Ruby, use your hope...
With these three things, knowledge will create the future.
Never forget that.







*Blue walks over to where the Fire Droplet is laying and picks it up.*



*Blue steps back. Ruby begins waving into the air.*
Ruby: Thank you, Tieg. I hope we can meet again some day.



I'd say this update was pretty productive - we learned some backstory for our party and Legaia, talked to this game's equivalent of God (or a spirit representing it... I think), and acquired the key component of the TimeSpace Bomb. Next, we'll blow us up a troublesome Seru and free Buma from the Mist... but we'll save all that for later. See you guys then!

Next time: Making and using the TimeSpace Bomb!

Huzzah! For lo, an awesome LP has returned!

And we can add Tieg and the dream sequences to the list of things I totally didn't remember.

It's interesting that Umber's "pride" is his big strength/virtue, when pride is usually considered a vice. Cultural differences?

Indeed, indeed. I had some troubles for one of the videos this very update, actually. Had to redo a fight a couple of times. You'll see what I mean.

I'm glad someone agrees with me.

I had covered this earlier - like, way back in the first update, I think - but Spirit reduces damage from any damage-dealing attack. It also works if a party member's turn hasn't come up yet - the very act of using Spirit that turn protects them.

There are debuffs - in the form of higher-level attack magic - but those spells take just as long to train as your healing magic, and healing magic is a tad more important to level-up (to me, at least). I think I address this a page from where you seem to be.

I... I honestly don't know. I don't think I've ever thought of that before. I'll have to remember to test this, if I get the opportunity.

Aw shucks. =)

Heh, yeah, I didn't remember it at first, either. Well, I did remember Umber's dream, but not when it happened. I've recalled pretty much the rest of the game, though, so I shouldn't run into too many surprises. You guys, though? Oh, man, you're in for some interesting happenings.

Yeah, I'd have to assume so.

Anyway, today's update is really, really big. Like, you know a couple pages ago when I split an update into two to keep it from being too big?

Well, I couldn't figure out how to effectively do that here, so this is the largest update yet by a considerable margin. I'll start posting it in a minute - in the meantime, you might want to keep this thread open in another tab.

Chapter 25: Showdown at Nivora Ravine



♪♪The Calling of the Relics♪♪

Welcome back, everyone. I think it's high time we head back to the Usha Research Center. We'll be going back on foot, both to get a little more cash and to learn a couple more Super Arts.



Uh... after the ground starts shaking for no reason? What's going on?



♪♪Juggernaut's Approach♪♪

Ruby: No, that's not Tieg! Look! The whole forest is shaking!
*The camera cuts briefly to the surrounding forest, which is indeed shaking, before going back to Blue and co.*
Terra: Ruby! That is a Seru that doesn't belong on the surface! It's evil Sim-Seru, Juggernaut!
Ruby: Juggernaut...
Meta: We must run away! Blue! It's too dangerous! The only thing we can do is flee!



Crap, this is not good - gotta book it!



Oh jeez, the game switched to FMV mode. This is definitely not good.









Good god, this thing is huge... where did it even come from?! It literally was not here a minute ago. How could something like this sneak up on us?







Oh crap...

JESUS TAP-DANCING CHRIST. How are we supposed to kill this thing? We'll have to deal with it eventurally...









And it has teleporting powers! This just keeps getting worse...



♪♪The Calling of the Relics♪♪

It's a good thing we got out of this pyramid when we did; if we were still dreaming when Juggernaut came along, we'd have been friggin' incinerated.

Ruby: Uru Mais is all destroyed.
Umber: Now we can never borrow the power of Tieg again?
Terra: The enemy... The Mist's henchmen must have felt the Words of Tieg.
Ozma: Tieg was an obstacle to their goal.
Meta: That is why they unleashed Juggernaut on this holy place!

Umber: Come on, everyone! Let's teach those hemchmen of the Mist a good lesson!
*Ruby begins jumping up and down.*
Ruby: Yeah! Let's teach them a lesson! Let's get 'em real good!
*The music abruptly stops. From offscreen...*
Cara: Ha, ha, ha!
*Cara walks towards the group.*



♪♪Cara♪♪

Umber: Cara! What are you doing here?
*The camera does a close-up on Cara.*
Cara: Ha, ha, ha! Well, that's a fine how-do-you-do! I can do whatever I want, whenever I want!
*The camera switches to show everyone as Ruby walks forward a bit.*
Ruby: Hey, Cara. Why don't you give us that egg of a Ra-Seru you have?
Cara: Egg of a Ra-Seru? Oh, you mean this Ra-Seru Egg. Hmmm.
*Cara appears to think on it for a second.*
Cara: O.K.!



Ruby: *jumping up and down* Yeah! Hooray! Let ME have it! I want it! I want the egg!



I wish I knew how to make a .gif of this.

Ruby: *stops, looks down* I knew it...
Cara: If you awaken Buma's Genesis Tree, like you did the one in Sol... Then I'll give you my Ra-Seru Egg as a reward.
Umber: That was your plan from the very beginning.
Cara: Well, get to it, kids.
*Cara begins walking away.*



Cara: Well, if I said it was for love, little kids like you wouldn't understand anyway. Ha, ha, ha!
*Cara performs an unnecessary backflip and runs away.*



Er... not exactly. Besides, since Ruby was born around the time the Mist arrived, she couldn't be much older than eleven or twelve. Which... is actually kind of awesome, considering she's just as badass as Blue or Umber. But that's beside the point.

Blue: You're still too young to know.
Ruby: Blue, you're so mean! I don't care anyway! I'll figure it out on my own!
Umber: Hurry, both of you! We have to deliver the Fire Droplet to Dr. Usha!

He's got a point. We'd better leave behind the large, smoking crater that is now Uru Mais before someone - or something - else shows up to try to kill us.



♪♪Brand of the Holy Knuckles (Ver. 2)♪♪

Of course, now that the pyramid has been destroyed, enemies show up here... which means we can learn those Super Arts a tad early. Sweet!
Oh, Freeds show up here as well, but I couldn't get Blue or Ruby to absorb one. Ah, well.











As the name might imply, Super Tempest is used by combining Dolphin Attack and Tempest Break. Here, though, Ruby punches the enemy six times in a row before delivering the last two kicks. If I'm not mistaken, this Super Art might have more hits than any of the others.







Heaven's Drop, meanwhile, is used by combining Flying Knee Attack, Headsplitter, and Black Rain. It's not quite as powerful as Super Tempest, but calling down lightning on dudes with an overhead blow is pretty awesome in its own ways.

But enough about that - we need to head back to Dr. Usha. I'll do that offscreen since it isn't very far away.

♪♪The Cave of Warmth♪♪

Dr. Usha: Good work! I'll send down the elevator right away!



*Blue and co. ride the elevator up to the research center.*



♪♪Usha Research Center♪♪

Just a quick heal and we'll be seeing Dr. Usha shortly.



Dr. Usha: You came back with the Fire Droplets! {But there's only one...} Tell me! Tell me about Uru Mais! Tell me about your dreams! About Tieg! About the Fire Droplets! {No, seriously!}
*A nearby scientist looks up from his work.*
Scientist: Doctor! Dr. Usha!



*Dr. Usha and the scientist continue whispering.*
Dr. Usha: Yes, I suppose you are right. We have no time to waste if we are to free the world from the Mist!
*The scientist steps back a bit, and Dr. Usha faces the party.*
Dr. Usha: Now then! Give me the Fire Droplet! {Well at least it's only occasional typos and not straight-up mistranslations we're dealing with.}
*Blue takes the Fire Droplet out of his... vest, I guess.*



Dr. Usha: So this is the Fire Droplet, the mysterious treasure! I feel such powerful energy!
*The music abruptly stops.*



♪♪Wild Declaration♪♪

*The assistants in question gather around Dr. Usha, who hands the Fire Droplet to one of them.*



*A humming noise and the crackling of electricity can be heard.*
Assistant 1: Temperature set to 8400! Reactor heating smoothly! Standby complete!
Dr. Usha: Begin heating once the imperial solvent is ready!



*The assistant tosses the Dragon Stone into the reactor, which begins humming more loudly and flashing different colors.*
Dr. Usha: All set? We're going to insert the Fire Droplets into the Imperial Solvent!
Assistant 2: Flash protection ready!
Assistant 1: Fire extinguishing system ready!





*The assistant tosses the Fire Droplet into the solvent.*



*The screen flashes white as the assistants on the reactor jump off.*



*The music goes back to "Usha Research Center".*
Dr. Usha: Sometimes I even impress myself! Ha, ha, ha! Here they are, the TimeSpace Bombs!



Rad. Now we can get rid of Koru!

Dr. Usha: Why four TimeSpace Bombs? There is a reason. Listen! One is for blasting open the entrance to Nivora Ravine. Place it in front of the block of ice at the entrance and press the switch. The bomb will explode three seconds after you press the switch, so find shelter quickly!



Dr. Usha: In Nivora Ravine, the road splites into three tunnels. Thunder Tunnel, Fire Tunnel and Wind Tunnel. You must each enter a separate tunnel! Each tunnel leads to Koru. When you all get there... you must set the TimeSpace Bombs at the same time! Koru can only be destroyed by the combined blasts of all three bombs!

All right, we have a plan and the means to carry it out. Next stop, Nivora Ravine!



Or we could get stopped by Mrs. Usha again. Whatever works, really.

Mrs. Usha: I'm afraid I have to give you a test again.



I bet she'd make a good Jeopardy! host. "I'll take Nivora Ravine for 300, Mrs. Usha."

Blue: Nivora Ravine.
Mrs. Usha: Very good! Now, second question. Where will you use the Timespace Bomb first?
Blue: The entrance to Nivora Ravine.
Mrs. Usha: Ooh, you're all so smart! Now, how long after the switch is pressed will the TimeSpace Bomb explode?
Blue: Three seconds.
Mrs. Usha: Correct. Now for the last question. Why do you want to destroy Koru with the TimeSpace Bomb?
Blue: To awaken Buma's Genesis Tree.
Mrs. Usha: Precisely! If you're lucky, it will stop the flow of cold air from Nivora Ravine and melt the ice around Buma's Genesis Tree! Well done! You certainly are heroes - and smart! You got every question right!



Wow, seriously? Awesome! Now the quiz doesn't seem so annoying. Also, I hope you don't mind my showing you the rest of it by text - this update is large enough as it is.

Mrs. Usha: Those are your prizes! Nivora Ravine is cold, so make sure you don't catch a cold there! Good luck! I know you'll be successful!

Yeah, hopefully. We'll head to Sol first for some equipment upgrades, though.



♪♪Sol Tower♪♪

I end up purchasing the Battle Axe for Umber, finally giving him a new weapon after who knows how long. It also allows me to switch out the Power Ring he was wearing for the Speed Chain - this is gonna be really important in a few minutes. I'll put the Power Ring on Blue once we're in the ravine - we can still earn a bit more cash on the way there.



♪♪Barren Fields of Mist♪♪

Nivora Ravine isn't very far - just a short walk from Buma and we're there. I didn't even get into any battles on the way.



♪♪The Quiet Destruction♪♪

Well, here we are.



Wow, that's... that's a lot of ice. No wonder we need the bombs.

Ruby: Oh, goodie! Goodie! There's gonna be a BIG explosion!
*The camera switches to a view closer to the party.*
Umber: I'll set the TimeSpace Bomb. When I press the buttons, I'll give the signal. When I do, run and find shelter!
Ruby: Umber, it explodes in three seconds, right?
Umber: *nods* That's right.
Ruby: In three seconds Nivora will change! In one, two, three!
*Umber puts his hand to his head for a second before moving to place the bomb.*



*Blue and Ruby nod to each other and run to find safety.*
Umber: All set!
*There is a clicking sound.*
Umber: Alright! I pressed the switch. Run!





*The screen fades to black as a large explosion is heard.*



*Ruby and Blue get up.*
♪♪An Unpredictable Happening♪♪
Ruby: Dr. Usha, you liar! I counted right! I counted one-two...
*Umber walks over to the two of them.*
Umber: Was it defective? Why did it explode so soon? *looks at the two of them* Is everyone alright?
*Blue and Ruby nod.*
Umber: *crosses arms* Well, there are no doubts about the TimeSpace Bomb's power. Look at the entrance!
*Everyone does so. The camera pans down the entrance of the ravine.*



Ruby: If the TimeSpace Bomb is so powerful, why didn't they use it on the Genesis Tree in Buma? Then they could have melted the ice on the Genesis Tree right away. {I think "they" is supposed to be "we", but I can't be sure.}
Terra: No, no, you can't do that! Now listen, Ruby. A powerful bomb like that would destroy the Genesis Tree -- and Buma and everyone there!
Ruby: Oh... I guess the TimeSpace Bomb is too powerful...
*The music goes back to "The Quiet Destruction".*

Okay, that was kind of unsettling... Let's just hope that doesn't happen when we try to blow up Koru.





Geez, how far down does that pit go? Better watch our step...

♪♪Brand of the Holy Knuckles♪♪

New enemies! The Lucifers are merely palette-swaps (though strong ones), but... I honestly don't know what the hell that Lava Face thing is. It's kind of creeping me out!



It can also do this, which deals a moderate amount of damage. The good news is that it can be hit by Low attacks despite the fact that it's floating. It also doesn't have as much health as the Lucifers seem to.



But enough about that; we need to keep going.



Keep going right into a cutscene!

*The Soren retracts his wings and lands gently on the ground, but not without stumbling a bit.*
Second Soren: Careful! If you slip, you'll fall right into the Mist!
First Soren: Aaahhh...
*The Soren with the green headgear turns around.*



First Soren: This is our chance to charge the Floating Castle!
Second Soren: Don't be hasty! Zora is powerful!
Luctes: Quiet! Someone's coming!
*Ruby runs out of the cave entrance.*



*The group of Soren extend their wings and fly off.*





*Ruby looks around in silence .*
Umber: What's wrong, Ruby?
Ruby: *turns around* That's strange... I thought I saw someone nearby...
Umber: *looks around* I don't see anyone.
Ruby: *nods* Never mind! Blue! Umber! Let's go!

Sounds like a plan.





Rock climbing, Legaia style - for when safety gear just isn't Manly Enough (tm)



Ooh, nice - this accessory allows the wearer to counterattack enemies. I'll leave it in the inventory for now, but it might be fun to try out once we're done here.



A Memory Statue, huh? This would be a good time to heal your party if necessary - you'll see why in a minute.

*Ruby runs ahead a bit as the three enter the cave.*





The camera actually circles with Blue here, instead of just switching viewpoints. Just thought I'd point that out.

Umber: This must be the entrance to the three tunnels. We'll have to split up from here and make way on our own.



Well Buma isn't exactly going to save itself. We've got a Seru to blow up, and damn it that's what we're gonna do.

Umber: *monk-salute* Good! I'll take the Thunder Tunnel on the right, and head for where we'll set the bomb.
Ruby: I'll take the middle tunnel. That means you have the left tunnel, Blue.
*Everyone nods and begins running toward their respective tunnels.*

Uh... sure?



Oh, okay. This doesn't sound too bad.



Let's hope these tunnels aren't too long.



That side tunnel you saw earlier led to this. This accessory is great; it causes the wearer to consume 50% less AP. I'm totally putting it on Blue right away.





This tunnel is pretty straightforward, honestly.



♪♪Brand of the Holy Knuckles (Ver. 2)♪♪

You can still get into battles, of course, but only with one enemy at a time, so you should be able to handle this place just fine.



I dunno what this thing is, but it's in our way. Push it we shall.

It won't budge an inch no matter how hard you push.

Uh... okay then. How do we get past this thing? Hmm... maybe there was something earlier we missed, like another path or something.



One more new enemy. Not too tough, as long as you keep up the pressure.

There isn't anything else here for now, so we'll switch to Ruby.



♪♪The Quiet Destruction♪♪

I'll be switching around the Mettle Gem, to make this place a bit easier.



This accessory is found in a side-path a short ways from the entrance. It's also pretty awesome; it increases the wearer's defense against every element. I'll save it for later.



Huh, wasn't expecting any Alurus here. Sweet! Now if only Ruby can absorb one before we get to the end...



Hey, what's this?



Ah, it's one of those dungeons, huh? Alright, we can handle this. Let's switch to Umber.

This is found in another easy-to-spot side-path, though this one has two entrances. The Spirit Jewel allows the wearer to use 25% less MP when casting a spell; pretty snazzy.



What the hell is this? Ah, well, better switch back to Blue.



Sweet. Onward!



We're makin' good progress. There's a Fury Boost in a side-path just before this area, should you want it.



Seems like a job for Ruby.



Might as well try it out.



Ah, cool.



These things aren't very tough, but they have more HP than you'd think; it'll take a few turns to bring one down with one character. Also, their Ultrasound attack hits twice now. Fun!



These guys, meanwhile, like blocking attacks and can heal themselves. Not too bad other than that, though.





Man, this area is a bit long. There's a Magic Fruit down that side-path; it's a good idea to grab it.



Well that wasn't very tough - not that I mind.



It... kinda looks like a conch shell. A giant, floating, breathing conch shell.

Terra: We have to wait until everyone is in position.



Alright then, back to Umber.



This thing is tough; it doesn't attack more than once, but it does have pretty good defense and a lot of health.

And for some reason it can use Van Saryu's Earthquake attack! It's not as strong, but still.



I certainly do, game.





Worked like a charm! Time to keep going.



*A bit more walking later...*



Ozma: Now we have to wait until everyone is in position.



Speaking of, we're all here. Time to blow up a Seru!

Umber: Hey! Blue, can you hear me? Let's set the TimeSpace Bombs!
*Blue and Ruby both nod.*



Wow, that's a lot of ice... no wonder Buma's frozen over. Ah, well, as long as the TimeSpace Bombs work properly, we should-





♪♪Disciples of the Mist♪♪

Oh crap.

*The camera view switches to behind the Delilases as they overlook the room.*
Gi Delilas: The Mist is salvation! The Mist is eternal, perfect harmony!
Lu Delilas: A millennium of Mist and followers is our goal! That is what we promised Lord Zora!





*Gi performs a couple more somersaults and lands gracefully on the ground.*



*Gi strikes a pose as Lu backflips, then teleports to the ground below.*



*Lu strikes a pose as Che simply jumps to the ground, causing the ground to shake a bit.*



*Che strikes a pose. The camera cuts between the three of them a bit too fast to screenshot, then...*

*The music fades; the sound of the wind blowing can be heard.*



♪♪Attack♪♪



Wow. Friggin' priceless. XD

*Umber looks over at Ruby, who is mimicking Lu's pose with a grin on her face. He turns back to the Delilases.*
Che Delilas: Aieee! This will be your final resting place!
*Gi and Lu run off while Che faces Umber and bangs his hammer on the ground.*



Alright, bring it on!



Wow, I forgot the game let you set up your characters. That's rather nice of the developers.







Here's my equipment setup before the fight(s). Only the Speed Chain on Umber and maybe the Mettle Gem on Ruby is absolutely necessary; otherwise, you're free to equip whatever you think is best.



Heaven or Hell...



Duel 1 - LET'S ROCK!



Boss Battle 11: Che Delilas

Perhaps not surprisingly, Che Delilas is actually the toughest of the three.







He has a lot of attack power and a bigass hammer, and he'll use both to throw Umber around like a ragdoll. What's even worse, though, is his special attack, used every three turns.

It hits more than ten times. If you're blocking, it will only deal maybe 400 damage or so. But if you're not? Try somewhere around 1300. If you don't block this attack, you could very well be killed. But there's good news:





Like I said earlier, Che only uses it every third turn. Using this knowledge, you'll want to fall into a rythym of Heal -> Attack -> Spirit, using Spoon to heal if your HP falls into the yellow and a Healing Berry if it goes into the red. This is why the Speed Chain is so crucial; without it, Che will always go first, and you might not be able to heal yourself in time.



Che has 12,000 HP to work through, which is a fair bit for one character to deal with. Keep at it, though...





And eventually he'll go down, leaving behind the third and final Thunder Book. We'll look into that later.



SLASH

YOU WIN!

Che Delilas: Arrggh!
*Che casts himself into the pit.*



Lu Delilas: You! Get over here, kid! I'm gonna send you to the next world!

The wheel of Fate is turning...



Rebel 2 - ACKSHUN!

Boss Battle 12: Lu Delilas

In contrast to Che, Lu Delilas isn't actually that tough.







The main thing about Lu is that she's insanely fast; the two of you will likely take turns going first. However, there's a bright spot: she has a definite attack pattern, just like Che.



Every third turn, Lu will use Plasma Strike.





















It doesn't deal too much damage as long as you remember to use Spirit on the turn it's coming. Even better?