Rue's route, Part XVI: Rue in the Sky with Dragons
Some crazy stuff happened, I think we need to visit a local pub to calm our nerves.
Wait. Those may in fact be legendary items.
Are you talking about this sword, shield and helmet?
I suppose most people would see them as a sword, shield and helmet. But they are not what they seem. That sword is actually a kitchen knife, the shield is a frying pan, and the helmet is a pot. What are you holding is not battle gear but kitchenware.
Really...? Then I guess they're of no use to me.
I'll hold on to them for you if you wish. I could really use those items.
Thank you. Now, I'll be able to prepare my special dishes. My monster dishes are very nutritious. I'll serve them to you for free from now on. Of course, you'll have to provide me with the ingredients.
I don't have that much gudons on me, so it's hunting time.
...
We then go hunt some more.
While
grinding hunting at the Raging Mountains I accidentally stumble upon this guy and advance the plot
Whassup?
What are you doing here!?
What are you, stupid or what? I'm here to kick your butt. What, you thought you'd just sneak by and ride some washed-up dragon into Valen's fortress? Pshhh, I can read you like a comic book. So what's it gonna be? You gonna back down, or you gonna fight?
I have to go to Valen's fortress. I'm getting the Dewprism, no matter what!
Can't let you do that no matter what.
I ain't holdin' back! I don't care if you beg or cry! Yeah. I'm warm. You're over.
This fight goes almost exactly as the previous one.
He just jumps around, no new tricks.
I'm Trap Master! I NEVER lose! Never! This is bull!!!
What the...!?
You're such a wuss! I got no power left for that kinda crap. Used it all up in our fight. I prolly can't even give you a scratch with what I got left. Maybe I shoulda done it anyway... But I promised him I wouldn't die in vain. What are you waiting for? Get outta here!
So we're done here?
Yea... But your battle ain't over yet. Mode Master's waiting for you up ahead.
It doesn't matter. I'm not stopping now.
Oh yea!? Then go on and get killed!
......
Mode Master! You can't affect me with that disguise anymore!
Shut up and take off that disguise!
... And if I refuse?
Then I'll make you!
I see... Well, I guess I won't be able to fight like this. Rue, this is your last chance. Submit to Doll Master. He is your brother, after all.
I don't care if he's my brother! I'll never forgive him! And I'll never forgive you for taunting me with Claire's image!
How foolish... You and I have the same power, yet we're at opposite ends. I serve Doll Master, and you defy him...
Now you die. Goodbye, Rue. Let's see who's better.
I must admit that she (?) is quite tough!
...and it's only now that I realized, that her portrait should've been
Sorry, but what else can I do?
Hey!
I can't stop you from getting to Valen's fortress. But remember, you won't accomplish anything there. Psycho Master will surely defeat you. You're no match for him. Even if you defeat him by chance, you will never defeat Doll Master.
He will surely achieve his goal and prevail in glory. I'm gonna live to see that day and be reunited with him. It's too late, Rue. You will never stop him.
......
Wylaf, I've come again to ask for your help.
I KNOW. YOU WISH TO GO TO VALEN'S FORTRESS. I WILL HELP YOU. TAKE THIS.
I GIVE YOU MY POWER. YOU CAN ASSUME MY FORM ONCE. NOW GO. SOAR TO VALEN'S FORTRESS.
Thank you. Um...
I SEE YOU ARE TROUBLED. TELL ME.
...Alright.
Later...
I've come this far because I believed it was my duty to save Claire. But Doll Master told me that I'm just another doll forged by Valen... He said my real duty is to resurrect Valen.
SO YOU WILL JOIN DOLL MASTER TO ACCOMPLISH THIS?
No! But...there's a chance it might happen. Doll Master has the power to control me. He made me destroy the Book of Cosmos... If I go to Valen's fortress, he might gain control over me again to use me for his plan. I might end up destroying the world!
Hurr, hurr, hurr, hurr, hurr.
MY JUDGMENT HAS NOT CHANGED. YOU WILL NOT DESTROY THE WORLD. YOU HAVE STRENGTH BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION. YOUR STRENGTH COMES FROM YOUR WILL, NOT FROM YOUR DUTY. RUE, IT IS YOUR WILL TO SAVE CLAIRE, NOT YOUR DUTY.
What?
WHY DO YOU WISH TO SAVE CLAIRE? ARE YOU FOLLOWING SOMEONE'S ORDERS?
No.
INDEED, YOUR WISH TO SAVE CLAIRE CAME FROM WITHIN YOU. IT IS YOUR SWORN PROMISE. IT IS YOUR WILL.
My will...?
FULFILLING DUTIES FOR THE SAKE OF OTEHRS IS IMPORTANT AT TIMES. HOWEVER, IF YOU BECOME BOUND BY YOUR DUTIES, YOU WILL BE NOTHING BUT A PUPPET. RUE, IF YOU WISH TO BREAK OUT OF YOUR WRETCHED DESTINY, FOLLOW YOUR WILL TO THE END.
YOU ARE YOUR OWN. NOW GO, AND CARRY OUT YOUR WILL.
Thank you, Wylaf! Goodbye!
:p
:D
Some more incline awaits us at the tavern.
Why don't you join us for a drink?
...
No way! You got the dragon's wings!? How did you get a dragon to help you? You're like one of those dragonslayers in the games.
You really are something. You've come a long way.
I didn't make it alone. I made it this far because the doctor, you guys, and everyone helped me. Also savestates.
Oh, come on. Don't get all humble on us.
He's always been humble. Unlike the immature idiot I've been hanging around.
I was talking about you.
What!? Oh, come on, Milady! ...Immature, huh? Maybe you're right. I better start gettin' my act together, or Rue's gonna leave me behind.
What do you mean?
You forgot!? I told you. You're my lifelong rival. We'll fight again, someday.
You don't stand a chance.
I have my acts. Maybe if I act like Rue, I'll be able to beat him.
... You're hopeless. So when are you leaving. You're gonna go get the [relic] pretty soon, right?
Yeah and--
You're gonna save... Claire, was it?
Sheez, how can you be so selfless and risk your life?
I'll be fine. Really. I can't wait to get her back.
That's the spirit.
Good luck, Rue.
Happy hunting, man!
Thanks, guys. I hope I see you again.
Hmm, I don't have those. But I remember seeing them at Mel's place. Let's pay her a visit.
Didn't Wylaf give you his wings?
Yes.
Well, what are you waiting for? Aren't you gonna go after the [relic]? Ohh... You're having second thoughts?
...
You can't answer me? So you are having second thoughts.
...Maybe.
Ok, let me ask you something else. Rue... Why do you want the Dewprism?
To bring Claire back.
But you know that there's a big risk if you get the Dewprism. It might start an irreversible catastrophe that could destroy the world. You might be able to save Claire, but thousands, even millions, may lose their lives. Worst case, Claire might not return, and the world comes to an end.
Is Claire more important to you than the world? Or is it the other way around?
I don't know... I promised I would save her, but I don't want to see this world destroyed. I'm gonna save Claire AND prevent world destruction. That's my answer.
You honestly believe you can do both? Are confident that you can keep that promise?
Ok, enough of this.
There you go. Just trust yourself and move forward. You'd better not fail. Otherwise, I'm gonna make you do chores around my atelier for life.
That oughta give you some motivation. Rue, you'll do just fine. I trust you.
We grab some mushrooms and go back to town.
It was quite an anecdote, really. I'm sorry, please take this.
All that's left is to fight Rod.
After we beat him a few times he tries to overwhelm us with numbers:
HP is huge, but otherwise he's on par with us.
Your favorite jump-kicks are useless against me.
My goodness. How vulgar, HUAHH-HA-HA-HA-HA!
What are you guys doing?
Oh...well... So good of you to come, Rue. It's such a lovely day, yes.
Dang it! You two-faced (expletive)!
My dear sister, please watch your language.
What!? Did you just say 'sister'!? No way...
What's so surprising? Can't you see the resemblance?
...
Oh, puh-lease. You must be kidding.
WHAT!? What do you mean by that!?
I've never been so insulted in my life! Please, take it back! Goodness, I should smack you with my book for just saying that.
That's it...
(Actually...they are alike.)
I'm gonna beat you to a bloody pulp!
My dear sister, it's time to teach you a lesson.
My dear sister... I must admit, your groin kick was quite painful.
Why are you two fighting?
It's her fault. I asked for her help, and she just laughed at me... I just wanna go to Valen's fortress. Her Book can get me there easily!
I already told you, I can't. Doll Master completely absorbed the Book's powers. The Book of Cosmos is powerless now.
Then think of something else!
My goodness, you will never change! How can anyone be so selfish...? I am so ashamed that you are my sister.
(...I better get out of here.)
This is it!
Phew. I'm so glad I made it.
What's up?
Oh...um, I wanted to tell you something... Rue.
...Huh?
I'm gonna make the best pumpkin pie, so please come. Please come back!
Elena... I'll look forward to it.
Be careful, ok?
AAAHH!
Wow, what a strong wind!
I'm coming, too! You think I'm gonna let you hog the Dewprism!? Guess again! I deserve it, too!
...
Mint jumps but fails at reaching Rue.
UNGHHHH!
This is my battle. I have to go alone.