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Hello everyone and welcome back. Last time was a shorter update just so I could have this one all on its own. The back end of 2.0 has a lot of quests that take ages to resolve because there's a million cutscenes interspersed. The next arc coming up, I shit you not, is only 5 quests long.
The last quest takes over an hour from start to finish.
How go your preparations, Ginger? We leave as soon as you're ready. Glaumunt! You came!
Aye-thought I'd give you all a roarin' send-off. 'Tis the least I can do for the fine men an' women what're about to make my lifelong wish come true.
Well, we'll do our best! Hmmm... It occurs to me, for all the help you've afforded us, we know little and less about you. What did the Empire do to earn your ire? ...Ah, but I fear I've put curiosity before consideration. I quite understand if you'd rather not relive those memories.
No, no, I don't mind, really. Truth be told, a part o' me was itchin' to tell you my tale. Mind you, 'tis hardly novel-I ain't the first to suffer at imperial hands.
Like most folk, I used to have a mother. She was a sweet, carin' woman with a smile never far from her face. There was a sister too. Pretty little thing, she was-gentle as a lamb, but tough as nails. We were poor folk livin' simple lives, but we knew happiness just the same.
An' then the imperials came an' took it all away. When Ala Mhigo fell, they put my family in a camp. Bein' a lad, I was made to do hard labor, while my mother an' sister were forced to do far worse... They hid their sufferin' from me as best they could, but I knew, an' the thought of it drove me mad. We had to escape. An' so I hatched a plan to get us out o' the city.
We were pickin' our way around a gorge not far outside the walls when they caught up with us... An' rather than allow 'emselves to be taken again, my mother an' sister leaped over the edge before my very eyes. Heartbroken as I was, I didn't put up a fight when the imperials clapped me in chains an' dragged me back.
'Twas some years after that I escaped again, an' that time, I got away. I swore then that I'd get revenge on the Empire, an' became an adventurer so as to hone my skills an' earn the coin I needed. But nigh on two decades've since gone by, an' what've I achieved? Bugger all, that's what. Not like you lot. You ain't been here ten minutes, an' you've already done more'n I managed in ten bloody years.
You give us too much credit, Glaumunt. We seek only to rescue our friends.
Well, what's more important than that? An' anyroad, after you've got your friends back, you're plannin' on goin' after the Empire, an' don't pretend you ain't. I've helped a few folk take on the imperials over the years, an' every time I have, it's helped stave off my appetite for revenge. But summat tells me I won't be goin' hungry for a while what with everythin' you've got planned.
And you are sure that will satisfy you? If you wish to strike back at the Empire with your own hand, you need only say the word. We would be glad to have you with us.
Temptin' though your offer is, I'm afeared I must decline. I swore I'd get revenge on the Empire, 'tis true, but I've long since realized that the front lines are no place for a man like me. Aye, there's some as would call me craven, but I prefer to think o' myself as a realist. My talents lie in schemin', ye see, not swordplay. Helpin' folk like you is how I can make the most difference.
...But that's quite enough storytellin' for one day. Best not keep your friends waitin' any longer. I'll be prayin' for your safety an' success. May Rhalgr give you strength!
And just like that Glaumunt leaves the story never to be seen again. Goodbye person whose name I have already forgotten!
Wherever the Empire goes, misery invariably follows in its wake. For the sake of all who call Eorzea home, we must put an end to Gaius's ambitions. But first, we have friends to rescue. Biggs, Wedge, and I will lie in wait east of Castrum Centri, just outside the stronghold's patrol perimeter. Join us when you're ready.
Oh, and don't forget to wear your disguise, or this will be the shortest rescue mission in history.
We actually need to wear the disguise to start the mission.
I look like a tool. I want to punch myself.
Let's review the infiltration plan. Castrum Centri lies just beyond. A short while ago, an imperial patrol left to do its rounds. Alphinaud and I will create a diversion out here and keep them occupied for as long as we are able. Meanwhile, the three of you will enter the stronghold, posing as the patrol returning from duty. Should Alphinaud and I prove less distracting than hoped, I will contact you via linkpearl. Be ready to beat a hasty retreat.
Wedge will lead the way in the reaper. Stay close to him. And I hardly need tell you this, but don't do anything suspicious!
The animation so nice they used it twice.
Oh, and lest you wonder, Yda and Y'shtola left shortly before you arrived. We had planned that they should linger in the vicinity, to cover our retreat in the event that Alphinaud and I attracted too much attention-but the approach of an imperial vehicle forced us to improvise.
Don't be too disappointed-they did at least leave a message for you. Something along the lines of "don't do anything reckless," if memory serves. Wise words. All right, the imperial patrol should be returning any moment now. You'd best be off. Good luck, Ginger! May the Twelve keep you!
Everyone holds their wrists to their mouths and then they're allowed into the castrum.
SMACK
Ugh!
You have spirit, that I will allow. Yet you struggle to the benefit of none, least of all yourself.
This "Echo" of yours intrigues us. We desire only to understand it. And for that, we need your help. You wish to be rid of the eikons, do you not? You would have saved yourself a great deal of torment had you accepted our aid from the beginning.
Livia kicks Minfilia square in the stomach.
Ugh! Ugggh...
Tell me everything, and I shall end it quickly. Refuse, and though you beg for death, you shall not have it. Which will it be?
Ugggh! Ugh...
As you wish, my dear Minfilia. Unpleasant though it will be for all concerned, you leave us no choice but to employ more rigorous methods of study. Be so kind as to deliver the prisoners to Castrum Meridianum.
Yes, milady!
<whimper> <moan>
Looks like we're working against a time limit.
Ginger needs to randomly salute a bunch of different soldiers.
Oh, my apologies! I didn't notice you there, so engrossed was I in my task. You'd be engrossed, too, had the tribunus commanded you to arrange for the prisoners to be transported. What prisoners do I speak of? ...You mean you haven't heard? Only the infamous "Scions of the Seventh Dawn," captured by the tribunus herself! If you don't believe me, have a look in the storage tower when next you pass that way.
Hm, that's a fine salute. Part of the maintenance crew from Occidens, are you? Welcome to Castrum Centri, engineer. What? Prisoners? Ah, you've heard the rumors, then. Yes, they're being held in the storage tower-but I strongly suggest you pay them no mind. You were summoned here to work, not to gawp at Eorzea's defeated heroes. Now show a bit of enthusiasm, or I'll have you reported.
Greetings, comrade. Forgive me for asking, but you haven't visited the storage tower recently, have you? I only ask because I dropped something in there, and...um... Oh, who am I fooling!? I've fallen for one of the prisoners, all right!? I daresay you know the one I mean. ...Eh? The svelte blonde? Goodness, no!
It's the Lalafellin lass I'm smitten with! She's so adorable, it hurts! I want to sweep her up into my arms and squeeze her till my arms ache! What do you reckon it would take to convince the centurion to lend me the key so I can see her?
What's this? You need access to the storage tower? What business have you there? ...At the tribunus's behest, you say? This is highly irregular, but it would not do to make my lady wroth. Take my identification key. See that it is returned when your errand is concluded.
Signs you're a terrible military commander: your soldiers, at merely hearing your name, are suddenly willing to go against established regulations just to avoid one of your temper tantrums.
Security's tight, just as we expected. We're going to need a special key if we want to get past this bulkhead.
These guys are idiots. Just drop the tribunus's name and everyone will fall all over themselves to accommodate you.
The actual duty starts over in the distance.
We could run around, but there's nothing to see in the area yet. So let's just start the duty. This update has a lot of ground left to cover!
Minfilia...and the rest! Thank goodness they're safe!
I am the one you want! Leave the others be! If you harm my friends, I swear I shall take my own life-and you shall answer to your mistress!
Tataru is looking around... paying attention!
<gasp> T-Tataru! We must do something!
We risk letting the entire castrum know we're here.
Ginger steps forward. She's got some new godlike equipment she's been aching to break in.
Aye...you're right. We may not get a better chance.
This is the third squadron. What is it? ...A reaper? Seized when? ...And this came to light only NOW!? The culprits will have left a trail. Take as many men as you need and scour the area! I want that reaper found!
Now's our chance!
What the-!? Strike my last! Eliminate the intruders!
That moment when everything looks at its darkest and you realize rescue has not only come, but it's the best puncher that ever did punch.
We're supposed to use the ropes to untie Urianger and Papalymo. We don't, but the game is going to assume we did because Ginger isn't supposed to be so badass that she can solo the whole damn fort without breaking a sweat.
The skirmish takes two minutes. Ginger is like Neo at the end of the Matrix.
<whimper> Ginger! I was so scared!
Poor Tataru.
It was foolish of you to come here. You might have been killed! But...thank you. I shudder to think what might have happened had you not arrived when you did.
I say, did you not see Thancred anywhere? I'm beginning to fear for the fellow...
To linger here shall yield us no answer. Let us away, ere the window to our liberty closes shut.
Then recapture them! Fail and I shall have your head.
...And what have we here?
...The tribunus herself, just as you said. You have the eye of an ahriman, Yda.
Well...she's kind of hard to miss in that showy armor of hers.
Accursed Scions... How did you slip our defenses?
With unexpected ease, if truth be told. There chanced to be a commotion outside the castrum's walls which allowed us to avail ourselves of the comforts of your vehicle.
Y'shtola's just being polite. That was one of the most uncomfortable things I've ever stowed away in. It's no wonder it's called the Phantom Train-no passenger would be seen dead on it!
So you scuttled in amidst the freight, like the vermin you are. I shall be sure to have words with our ratcatcher. Such negligence is unforgivable.
That is far from your most pressing concern. First, you must answer for your own wrongdoing, Livia sas Junius.
Ever seen someone threateningly pull a twig out of their pocket?
'Twas you who led the raid on the Waking Sands-you who butchered unarmed men and women for the crime of being unworthy of capture.
You killed our friends! We'll never forgive you!
Nor shall we suffer you to plague Eorzea a day longer. Betake you to your guard.
More intruders! Protect the tribunus!
Confound it! Yda, with me!
Yda and Livia punch at each other...
When Yda actually wants to do something, she's actually quite capable.
The girls run off.
After them!
Where is His Excellency?
In the hangar, my lady-in discussion with our guest!
Alert him at once!
Yes, my lady!
No! No, no, NO!
All the temper tantrums in the world are gonna stop everything from unraveling around Livia. She's had this coming for quite a while.
There they are! Fan out and surround them!
Must...protect...Tataru! Biggs-I'm going in! See everyone to safety!
Oh, no... Ginger-hold them off! I'll look after Minfilia and Tataru!
The duty continues. This is a gimmick section. We need to kill everything that moves. But the big guys are protected by barriers.
Whatever is generating its shield must be near! Find it, Ginger!
In one of the obscure corners of the map is the field generator and a guy guarding it.
Ginger can punch real good now.
Two more sets of big guys, which means two more generators.
As soon as the shield falls, the mechs crumple like tin foil.
They even think to bring out a new mech. Ginger punches it to death with zero sweat.
Minfilia hears a noise.
Oh no. Not six more guys. Ginger might actually have to hit some of them twice. 
Excuse me. I was wrong. She might have to hit the red one four times.
Two guys are managing, somehow, to herd five. Sure...?
Take the leader! Kill the rest!
These are Cutscene Bullets. So Ginger has to pretend that she can't destroy this entire base by flexing.
Y'shtola comes in with the last minute save.
Y'shtola!
Pray forgive us our delay!
Yda is also pretty good at punchmans.
Papalymo! Minfilia!
Yda!
What took you so long!?
Well, it's nice to see you too!
The reunion must wait!
Right! First things first!
Yes, let's get back to being heavily outnumbered...
Uwaaaaaah!
You ditched your magitek armor!? Fool of a Lalafell!
Well, excuse me! She's all yours if you think you can do any better!
Maggie lurches to life.
And apparently wants to be with Ginger!
<gasp> But there's no one in there!
This is Cid! Can you hear me!? I need you to count to five, then jump! Understood!?
One...
Two!
Three!
Four!
I'd say that went about as well as it possibly could have gone!
With the exception of losing Maggie...
I know not which is more pitiful: the charlatans who rule Eorzea... ...or the masses that clamor for their implausible panaceas. I see that which they cannot. This realm founders for want of a ruler with true power-the power to cast down eikons. If you continue to deny this truth, it is the people who will suffer. Embrace reason.
<gasp>
What in the seven hells-!?
Oh no... It's here!
Twelve preserve us... They finished it. Ultima Weapon...
So it has a name...
It is a relic of ancient Allag, excavated from its resting place deep beneath Ala Mhigo. The Allagans used it to crush primal and foe alike...and now the Garleans mean to do the same!
Damn you, Gaius!
Look! There, beside the Black Wolf!
An Ascian! An overlord, no less. His garb attests to that.
Lahabrea! It could only be him!
Lahabrea is taking off his cowl...
I tried so hard to make a portrait out of smug Thancred. But none of the smirk came across in the shrunken version. Such a pity.
Thancred! He was Lahabrea...? No... No, this cannot be!
We have to go now! Hang on!
Ahahaha... Muahahahahaha!
All that time, the enemy was beside me, and I never even suspected. And to think that it was I who suggested that Thancred investigate the Ascians! How could I have been so blind!?
Small wonder the enemy knew our every move-and where to find us! Confound it all!
No... No, this is not the time for self-doubt. The Alliance leaders staked their hopes on the Scions, but now they believe us all dead or missing.
When they learn of the Empire's new weapon, we cannot be certain what they will do. We must go and offer them what assurances we can that defeat is not inevitable!
Krile? This is Minfilia. I am in some haste, so forgive me if I seem brusque. The item I requested-is it ready? Wonderful! I am sorry to press, but we need it urgently. How soon can it be delivered? ...I am in your debt, my friend.
The situation may have taken an ill turn... But the battle is far from over. And so long as we stand together, there shall ever be hope of victory. The people of Eorzea falter for want of such hope. Let us provide it. Let us bear to them the tidings that the Scions of the Seventh Dawn are returned!
Everyone nods.
Matters are coming to a head. I hope we can count on you.
I wish I had changed out of this awful outfit before now.
...My regards to Grandfather.
I am ready. Let us pay a visit to the council of the Alliance leadership.
Things are quickly heating up! This is another "short" update, but it covered a lot of ground. We're almost 160 screenshots deep! I told you all in the OP that once the boil started really going, that it didn't let up!
NEXT TIME: An especially dumb cutscene in a game full of really dumb cutscenes.