Chapter 11: Liberty or WipeP. Meepel: So we’ve killed another primal and liberated Castellum Veldonya. What’s next on the agenda?
Lyse: Apparently, Krile got kidnapped and needs rescuing…
P. Meepel: When did THAT happen?
Conrad: While you guys were away liberating Doma…
P. Meepel: ...and WHY wasn’t that the first thing you told us?
Conrad: Because we needed to get back Castellum Veldonya…
S. Meepel: Dios Mio, esta muy estupido.
Quinn: Whatever, we can probably let her rot there. Be one less person to worry about.
D. Meepel: Nay! We must rescue her! She is a valuable ally! WE CAN’T LEAVE THEM BEHIND!
Quinn: And how is that little pipsqueak valuable again?
W. Meepel: She have echo…
Lyse: And there’s probably a good chance we’ll run into Fordola there. She’s apparently stalking us and wants both of us dead...and she’s apparently gained super powers from the Garleans to.
P. Meepel: Wait really? I thought she was bluffing seeing as we kind of just ignored that!
Lyse: YOU ignored it, I actually fought her and she’s a lot stronger!
P. Meepel: Seriously? Why didn’t you bring that up sooner?
Lyse: I tried too...but then you went all uncharacteristically gungho to go fight a primal that you weren’t listening…
D. Meepel: Ah, so an obstacle we must overcome...how do we deal with this chall-...er...problem?!?
Alphinaud: Well, Urianger said he has a solution! We should go meet up with him!
P. Meepel: Please don’t tell me you’re about to...
Alphinaud: Yes, indeed. Pray, we should return to the Waking Sands!
*one Alphinaud strangling, wrestling Paladin off his neck, and a trip back to Vesper Bay later*
W. Meepel: Paladin, you ok?
P. Meepel: I’m fine *is fuming*
Alisaie: So what is it Urianger wants to give us?
Urianger: Ah, it is verily imperative that I deliver unto thee this object of incredible importance that should suffice in accomplishing the goal thou hast set out to deal with!
P. Meepel: ...Samurai, what the hell did he just say?
S. Meepel: ¿Por qué iba a saberlo?
Alphinaud: I think he is saying he has something that can help us.
P. Meepel: At the risk of losing my sanity further, what do you want to give us?
Urianger: The object in question is but none other than one based off of White Aetheryte, that is capable of being used to draw forth the aethers from another source unto itself, thereby rendering it temporarily unusable. It should serve sufficient for dealing with the threat thou is about to confront in order to achieve thine goals, which Lyse has so graciously informed me of unto thy current predicament anon.
R. Meepel: My head, like, totally hurts…
Thancred: In other words, he has something similar to White Aetheryte that can help you deal Fordola.
P. Meepel: Wait, you understood that?
Thancred: I’ve had the luxury of spending many long summers with him, so it was only natural I picked up a thing or two about his way of speaking.
P. Meepel: ...I don’t know if I should applaud you or pity you…
Lyse: Either way, we have the means to deal with Fordola now, and save Krile. We should hurry off to do that!
*at the enemy base*
Garlean Soldier #93: Hark! It’s the Warrior of Light and the Scions!
P. Meepel: Ok, before we get into a fight and you throw your life away, probably mentioning about how you’re important or something, let’s make this easier on EVERYONE and you simply give up and walk away like nothing ever happened.
Garlean Soldier #93: I...actually like that idea! GOOD DAY LADDIE!
P. Meepel: ...I’m starting to regret giving him that option…
Lyse: I feel like we’re forgetting someone…
Fordola: LYSE!!!! TIME FOR OUR REMATCH!
Alisaie: ...how did we forget about her right after we just went out of our way to get an object to deal with her?
Fordola: I AM EVEN STRONGER NOW! TASTE MY STE-...
P. Meepel: Oh shut up *kicks the object into Fordola*
Fordola: Ow! How dare you disrespect...wait, why do I feel weaker?
Lyse: Ah, it worked! Excuse me, I’ll solve this problem!
*one fight and rescue later*
P. Meepel: So, we got Krile back and everything is good! What’s next?
Alphinaud: Everything is good? Alisaie is injured and bed ridden! How can you be so heartless!?
P. Meepel: Wait, when did THAT happen?
Alphinaud: YOU WERE THERE AND SAW IT!
R. Meepel: OMG, Paladin, what’s wrong with you? I expected that kind of behavior from Quinn!
Quinn: Meh, she’s not wrong for once.
D. Meepel: Nonetheless, we must push forward! How many more problems are there?
M’naago: Well, Conrad took a force to take Specula Imperatorius in hopes to take that! It’s a good thing the Empire doesn’t have a MASSIVE CANNON stationed at Castrum Abania that just happens to be aimed in that direction!
P. Meepel: That is an oddly specific problem you bring up…
*Explosion happens in Specula Imperatorious*
Lyse: ...what just happened?
M’Naaga: ...looks like Castrum Abania had a giant cannon aimed in that direction and they fired it at Specula Imperatorious…
P. Meepel: ...guess we should probably investigate what happened there…
*at Specula Imperatorious*
P. Meepel: ...well, I think I speak for everyone when I say this mission is a failure…
Lyse: PEOPLE DIED!
P. Meepel: Yes...it ended in failure. We can’t sit and mull over everyone.
Lyse: Conrad was like a father to me! He’s gone!
D. Meepel: Alas, fair Lyse, I understand your problems! It is important to mourn but we have more pressing matters! We can honor his untimely demise by destroying that which destroyed him!
M’Naago: In other words, we need to head to Castrum Abania and take out that cannon. Can’t get anything done until that cannon is taken care of after all. Probably should occupy the fort as well, that’d be a huge blow to them! Sources say Zenos is nowhere near that area too.
W. Meepel: Sound good. When we go?
M’Naago: I suppose now! But who said you were going?
*Various forms of Meepel glare at M’naago*
M’Naago: ...ok, fine, yes, I was planning on sending you.
*Castrum Abania*
M’Naago: ok, your goal is to go in there with your adventurer friends…
P. Meepel: Can they even be called friends?
Natia: TREASURE!!!
Quinn: Meh...
William: Why do you keep relying on me?
Asher: *impaled by the Ame-no-Murakumo*
M’Naago: ...fine, your misshapen companions. You go up there, destroy the cannon, and take the fortress. Got it?
P. Meepel: So do what I usually do, got it.
R. Meepel: Yeah, but you know what would be like TOTALLY AWESOME? If some Azure Dragoon would just jump up there and destroy the cannon for us, and like we have to only deal with half the problems!
P. Meepel: That is also very oddly specific…
*atop the cannon in Castrum Abania*
Estinien: Finally, time to repay my debt to the Warrior of Light! This is where I atone for my sins! I WILL MAKE A MARK ON ALA MHIGO’S LIBERATION!
*Estinien effortlessly destroys the cannon by jumping on it*
Estinien: And so, my duty is finished!
*back at Meepel, explosion at the cannon is seen*
P. Meepel: ...what happened this time?
M’Naago: I think someone jumped up there and destroyed the cannon for us, thereby cutting the amount of work you have to do in half.
Lyse: It is important we check it out! We must make sure they cannot use Castrum Abania on us!
P. Meepel: *sigh* Alright, you know the drill. Quinn, William, Asher, let’s get to it.
Lyse: What about Natia?
Natia: TREASURE~ *charges into the Castrum*
P. Meepel: What ABOUT Natia?
*in Castrum Abania*
D. Meepel: Ok, I believe at this point we all know our roles. I or one of my fellow tank sisters…
P. Meepel: ...please stop calling us that…
W. Meepel: Me not think so bad…
D. Meepel: ...shall divert enemy attention, William will heal our wounds and Quinn and Asher shall make short work of the enemy!
P. Meepel: I think you’re giving way too much credit to everyone else here…
D. Meepel: What makes you say that?
William: I’ll heal only if I think you deserve it.
Asher: *smoldering corpse as a result of a recent Susano encounter off-screen*
D. Meepel: ...it appears this may be more difficult than I initially expected…
R. Meepel: Like, seriously! We have to rely on Quinn now to do all the work we don’t do! That’s, like, totally going to ruin everything.
Quinn: Look, you color confused black horned little whelp, I’ll have you know I am worth more than you ever will! Afterall, YOU’RE just a personality, not a full person! You can just cast your magic and stab things with your dinky rapier while I can master multiple professions!
William: Well, that was unfairly harsh...
R. Meepel: ...Paladin?
P. Meepel: Yes?
R. Meepel: I’m tanking this dungeon, can I borrow your sword and shield please?
P. Meepel: What? Seriously? That’s so unlike you...
R. Meepel: I, like, totally need to prove Quinn seriously wrong! Can I borrow them just for this dungeon puh-lease?
P. Meepel: I...guess? I’ll just...hold onto your rapier and magic gem in the meantime...just don’t hesitate to ask Dark Knight or Warrior for help if things go south.
R. Meepel: Omigod! This is going to be TO-TA-LLY awesome!
Quinn: ...you have got to be kidding me…
S. Meepel: Bueno, esto de repente se volvió interesante…
*one dungeon later, successfully tanked by Red Mage but only because William felt pity for once and actually did his job*
R. Meepel: Wow, that was like totally rough. I think I broke some nails there. How do you do it all the time?
W. Meepel: Is not hard if train…
D. Meepel: I just let the BURNING PASSION of JUSTICE guide my blade through all the punishment the enemies dare inflict upon me!
P. Meepel: ...yeah, sure, let’s go with that…
Quinn: ...what the heck did you just force me to go through? I refuse to believe that actually just happened! No way that worthless blackhorned little harlot actually did that!?
S. Meepel: Un Mago Rojo estancó la mazmorra con éxito y tú lo niegas.
Quinn: Meh, not worth it.
P. Meepel: In any event, I think we’re done here, let’s go tell everyone!
*back at Rhalgr’s Reach*
Alphinaud: Ah, good, so now that we’ve accomplished that, we can start planning the assault on Ala Mhigo and reclaim it!
P. Meepel: ...how’s your sister?
Alphinaud: Oh, she’s recovering still…probably going to have to sit out the last moments of the liberation.
D. Meepel: That seems unfortunate...she is a powerful ally for our cause!
Lyse: Yes, but soon we shall have our liberation! For just like my father and his kin before us have said, Liberty of Death!
P. Meepel: Just where did...nevermind.
M’Naago: ...maybe I should warn you that there’s some suspicious activity in front of the gates of Ala Mhigo...looks like wolfmen…
Alphinaud: Lupine? But they’re from Doma! What are they doing...come! Warrior of Light, we shall deal with them together!
P. Meepel: Wait, you’re actually going to do something?
Alphinaud: Well, someone needs to fill in for Alisaie’s absence, and I’ve pretty much told everyone our plan...and we need to kill time until the necessary reinforcements get here.
P. Meepel: You just want an excuse to get out of this almost literal mudhole, don’t you?
Alphinaud: That is an added benefit, I won’t deny.
*Meepel and Alphinaud at the gates of Ala Mhigo*
Alphinaud: Well I don’t see any Lupine in the open, and given there’s only two of us, and them acting suspicious, I might guess…
P. Meepel: This was a trap that M’naago fell hook line and sinker for, that we were lucky she asked us to deal with them?
Alphinaud: Bluntly, yes.
Lupine #63: AHA! There she is! The one that hurt many of our kin!
D. Meepel: Wait, I know I have hurt many in the name of justice, but not once have I or my sisters (...even White Mage…) hurt any of your kin!
Lupine #64: QUIET! We know a villain when we see one! You black horned Xaela scum from the Azim Steppe all look the same!
W. Meepel: ...Lupine racist…
R. Meepel: They must be seriously related to Quinn!
*back at Rhalgr’s Reach*
Quinn: *sneezes*
William: Ah, it would appear one is talking about you behind your back!
Quinn: ...that cerulean bitch…
*back against the Lupine*
P. Meepel: Wait, I’m not even from the Azim Steppe! My home is Ul’dah!
Lupine #78: Nonsense! Just what is that tribal ring you’re wearing?
P. Meepel: Well, it’s one of my pride and joys! Absolute proof that I am functionally Queen of the...Azim...Steppe...
Alphinaud: ...don’t think you can talk your way out of this one...
Lupine #78: ALL THE PROOF WE NEED! GET THEM MEN!
D. Meepel: Methinks we might be in trouble…
P. Meepel: Gods damn it...
Alphinaud: So...I have this new trick…
P. Meepel: Will it prove effective against a bunch of wolfmen in a way that requires minimal effort?
Alphinaud: I don’t know, let’s find out! COME MOONSTONE CARBUNCLE!
*Moonstone Carbuncle spawns, creates a barrier, which all the Lupine charge into and get repelled, knocked out in the most embarrassing way*
Lupine #23: You haven’t seen the last of us! We’ll come back with MORE men and lose in MORE embarrassing ways next time!
Alphinaud: ...that worked way better than I could have possibly envisioned.
P. Meepel: I’ll say. Not even sure what happened but I won’t argue with the results!
R. Meepel: And I didn’t even have to comb my hair again! Quinn’s going to be SOOOO jealous when she hears of this!
S. Meepel: Bueno, en cualquier caso, probablemente deberíamos volver?
*back at Rhalgr’s Reach*
M’naago: Where did you two go?
Alphinaud: Well, there were a bunch of Lupine from Othard here, and we figured they might be allied with the Garleans…
P. Meepel: Then they sort of kind of defeated themselves...somehow...which means we may have wasted our time considering that just proves they weren’t much of a threat, thinking on it…
D. Meepel: Ah, yes, but pray tell, where is our ally Lyse!?
Raubahn: Oh, she’s doing something important she said. In the meantime, we have good news. We’ve gotten reinforcements to help take Ala Mhigo!
P. Meepel: Let me guess, a few soldiers from the Maelstrom, Adders and Flames which you could have gotten at anytime…
Aymeric: *from behind Meepel* ...nice to see you too, Warrior of Light…
P. Meepel: ...wait, Ishgard’s helping!? Why are you here?
Aymeric: ...we joined the Eorzean Alliance. You were there when we officially signed it.
Salo’wen: Yep! And she’s the reason you were able to do it, killing your father, overthrowing a giant Dragon, pissing off a bunch of nobles by giving a voice to the commoners!
P. Meepel: ...and where have YOU been Salo’wen?
Chunyi: We’ve been busy dealing with problems in the Lochs. Trust me, the less you know what happened there, the better. Salo’wen and I promised to NEVER go back there under any circumstance.
Natia: Sounds like you’re a little salty!
Quinn: Great, you just HAD to activate HER didn’t you?
R. Meepel: Pshaw, not like you’re any better.
Quinn: Meh.
Aymeric: In any event, our forces of Ishgard are going to be the brunt of the initial wave. This is mostly due to how our forces are relatively unhurt compared to the Grand Companies, putting us in a prime position to take it up.
Alphinaud: Sounds good. I feel we’ll need more than just Isghard’s support though, seeing as they have defenses around there through their towers.
P. Meepel: Yeah, be nice if we had help from another country from across the sea, but pity that won’t hap-...
Hien: Pardon my interruption and potential tardiness, but given the presence of certain individuals, I can only imagine this is the base the Ala Mhigan rebellion?
P. Meepel: Seriously, how do you guys do that?
Hien: To be fair, a large part of my army consists of Ninjas.
P. Meepel: ...touche…
Raubhan: Good, it seems we’re all here! Anyway, as noted by Aymeric, Ishgard will take the front lines once we invade Ala Mhigo itself. Our new Doman allies will handle taking down the defenses such that Isghard can get in there. Of course, we’ll need a small attack force…
P. Meepel: ...to do all the hardwork, including potentially fighting Zenos himself, who no doubt is waiting in the throne room specifically for me. Seriously, just come out and say “Oh Warrior of Light, please shoulder a majority of the burden with your adventurer allies.”
Natia: Now I’m wondering if Meepel went to the Lochs!
William: It is not the Lochs that brings salt, but the salt that brings the Lochs.
Aleph: Aha! But that makes swimming all the easier, COME MY LOVELY FELINE COMPANION! WE SHALL SPEND TIME CLEANSING OURSELVES THERE! FOR NOTHING COULD SINK IN THOSE DEPTHS!
Asher: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
*runs off to go sink and drown in the Lochs*
P. Meepel: ...between the saltiness of the lakes there AND the fact that Asher gained the Kojin blessing letting him breathe underwater, what are the chances of…
W. Meepel: Me saw Susano there…
P. Meepel: ...nevermind…
D. Meepel: The important thing is it sounds we are ready to take back what is rightfully yours. Ala Mhigo shall be liberated and justice shall be served!
Lyse: Yes! Nothing excites me more than how close we are to victory!
P. Meepel: Oh, nice of you to join us, Lyse…*notices her dress* ...what’s with the change in outfit?
Lyse: This was my sister, Yda’s. I decided to wear it to honor her and her legacy, such that she could be with us in spirit. Only now do I feel like I’ve earned the right to wear this!
P. Meepel: ...sure, why not.
Lyse: I do, however, feel I must acclimate myself to these new garbs. They are not the same as what I once wore, as well as I need to see how far I’ve grown. Perhaps you can aide me in this, Warrior of Light, in a simple sparring match?
P. Meepel: That...actually sounds like an interesting idea, but I’d rather sit this one out. Any takers?
S. Meepel: Suena como un buen trabajo, ¡cuenta conmigo! ¡Yo me encargo!
W. Meepel: Samurai volunteer. Me fine with that.
D. Meepel: Agreed! It will be symbolic of an epic battle of Ala Mhigo and Doma, two allies fighting together!
R. Meepel: Like, you’re so dramatic Dark Knight!
*cue iconic sparring match scene at the start of Stormblood’s trailer between Samurai Meepel and Lyse*
*the next day at the gates of Ala Mhigo*
P. Meepel: Ok, so I’m going in with my usual group, but I feel I might need more support given we’re going up against Zenos and I get the sneaking suspicion that there might be something we’re overlooking.
D. Meepel: What pray-tell is that, my shieldmaiden self?
P. Meepel: Look, if I knew the answer to that, do you think it’d be a “sneaking suspicion” and not an outright “worried we’re dealing with something big?”
Salo’wen: I for one am just grateful you chose me to help you in this quest!
Chunyi: Yes, but a warzone is no room for a fair-maiden!
Quinn: I agree with that!
R. Meepel: Like, you both are totally correct. It’s also a totally true fact that none of us are, like, “fair maidens”.
W. Meepel: Me surprised Red Mage not count self.
R. Meepel: Like, if I was one of those, I couldn’t totally fight at close range? OMG, do you think I’m some kind of healer?!
Wh. Meepel: ^_^ *cracking knuckles*
P. Meepel: AND WE’RE DONE ON THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT. Anyway, William, you ready to heal?
William: No.
P. Meepel: Great! Asher, do you have a pulse now?
Asher: *Dead, apparently via lightning bolt*
P. Meepel: Yep, he’s fine! I think that accounts for everyone!
S. Meepel: ¿Qué hay de Aleph?
W. Meepel: Me think he dead too.
D. Meepel: Well, no time to waste! Let’s end this war! LIBERTY OR-...
P. Meepel: ...or we give up and walk away. I am NOT dying here one way or another.
D. Meepel: That is less than heroic.
P. Meepel: It is, however, embracing my own survival instinct!
*in Ala Mhigo itself*
P. Meepel: Ok, I’m not even going to bother explaining what we’re going to do here. If it’s a Garlean, kill it. If it’s not a Garlean, don’t kill it.
Quinn: ...damn…
W. Meepel: Look like we have bad guys.
*20 imperial soldiers, some in magitek armor show up*
Garlean Soldier #5896: COME MEN! THERE’S THE ENEMY! WE HAVE THEM OUTNUMBERED 20 TO 8!
Garlean Soldier #6722: Sir, I think there’s only 7?
Garlean Soldier #2734: Bah, none of you can count! There’s clearly only-...
*Samurai kills them effortlessly before he can finish*
S. Meepel: Ninguno de ustedes, que es lo único que importa.
Chunyi: That seemed unnecessarily brutal…
P. Meepel: It was, however, efficient…
R. Meepel: Like, why do I hear the sound of a car starting?
*Meepel looks up and sees a bunch of Mag Roaders charging them*
P. Meepel: ...well crap, that aint good...quick! Everyone! JUMP TO THE SIDE!
Quinn: Pfft, DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO YOU STUPID BLACKHO-
*gets run over by Mag Roaders*
Natia: Wow, Quinn! You should have learned how to Dodge!
Quinn: *incomprehensible gibberish on the ground*
D. Meepel: It seems those vile creatures wish to fight us on fair grounds. Have at thee! IN THE NAME MY BLADE I SHALL SMITE THEE!
P. Meepel: They’re not technically alive being machines and all, can we actually call it “smiting” as a result?
D. Meepel: Philosophical arguments can be discussed later, WE HAVE MORE PRESSING MATTERS AT HAND! LIKE SMITING THESE VILE CREATURES!
P. Meepel: ...I’m not sure if I should agree with you or simply facepalm...but either way, yes, let’s take care of…
W. Meepel: MEEPEL SMASH GIANT WHEEL MONSTERS!
*Warrior Meepel uses Decimate and explodes them both*
P. Meepel: ...them…
Salo’wen: M-E-E-P-E-L! What’s that spell? MEEPEL! YAY!!!!
P. Meepel: So...what’s next on our agenda?
*next room, a GIANT MAGITEK SCORPION APPEARS*
William: So guys...attack while the tail is up...
Asher: A SOUND STRATEGY!
*Asher charges in and starts fighting it, attacking while the tail is up*
William: ...and it’ll counter attack with lasers!
*Asher gets fried by a tail laser beam to the face and dies horribly*
Natia: The competition is really heating up against that Scorpion! That attack sure looked like it stung!
D. Meepel: It would appear we must battle this with caution…
S. Meepel: Podría matarlo rápidamente y terminar con él...
D. Meepel: Nay, we have lost one companion already, we dare not lose another!
P. Meepel: ...does Asher dying even count as losing a companion?
*On Linkpearl*: KWEH!!!!
P. Meeple: Shut up, Dumplin!
*the
Guard Magitek Scorpion aims guns at Meepel*
P. Meepel: ...ah crap…
*Gun Shots, Targeting reticles, etc. later in the fight that the team survives, the Scorpion starts charging a big move involving a flamethrower from the front and a laser from behind*
P. Meepel: Ok, I think it’d be a wise idea to NOT STAND IN FRONT OR BEHIND IT. It seems immobile while it’s doing that.
Quinn: Ok, fine, I’ll listen this time!
*Quinn starts running away*
William: Hey, I have an idea!
*Uses Rescue on Quinn, proceeding to get her fried by the flamethrower and lasers simultaneously somehow*
Quinn: FUCK. YOU! *drops to the ground fried*
P. Meepel: What in the twelve’s name was the point of that?
William: Entertainment!
R. Meepel: OMG, this is totally taking way too long!
*Red Mage throws a bunch of lighting bolts at it and it dies*
P. Meepel: ...well done, Red Mage. So what’s next on the agenda?
S. Meepel: Muchos perros enojados, parece.
W. Meepel: Me not think we call Garleans that…
*looks up, an army of angry dogs appear*
Salo’wen: EEEEEH! SAVE ME!
Chunyi: Get me out of here, now!
Asher: CHALLENGE DECLINED!!!
P. Meepel: What’s up with them?
D. Meepel: Nay, is it not obvious? Dogs are the natural vile nemesis of the Mi’qote!
P. Meepel: ...we’re seriously doing that?
D. Meepel: Tis not mine decision, just a casual observation. Surprised you did not know that, sister.
Natia: This is going to be a ruff one!
Quinn: Shut. The fuck. Up!!!
*Quinn tries to limit Natia with Meteors, misses, hits all the dogs*
Natia: Well, that certainly made space!
Quinn: AAAAAHHH!!!!!
P. Meepel: ...well can’t argue with results…
*Quinn chases Natia in the background with an axe*
William: Ah, but when the dogs fall, not only is it the cats that return…
Salo’wen: Are they gone?
Chunyi: Please tell me I maintained my feminine complexion!
Asher: *Ame-no-murakumo’d*
P. Meepel: ...wait, William, you’re a Mi’qote, why weren’t you…
William: ...but so to the giant colossus of red and blue!
D. Meepel: ...that does not portend well, my brethren!
*team looks up and sees two giant colossus, one glowing blue and one glowing red*
P. Meepel: *Sigh* I don’t have time for this ****. Samurai, can you deal with this?
S. Meepel: Seria un placer!
*one Samurai ass kicking later*
R. Meepel: That was like...totally anticlimactic.
W. Meepel: Me not think they make like use too…
P. Meepel: Well, thankfully, we have one more obstacle in front of us before we finish the liberation...and it’s the one we’ve been dreading too...
*Giant doors to throne room open, revealing Zenos*
Zenos: Ahahah, yes, WELCOME WARRIOR OF LIGHT! Is this not a fitting stage for our final confrontation?
P. Meepel: You have got to be crazy if you think I’m going to fight you alone, I HAVE FRIENDS TO HELP ME THIS TIME!
William: I’ll help if I feel like it...which I don’t...
Quinn: Meh.
Natia: *busy looting the random chests*
Salo’wen: GO GET HIM, MEEPEL!
Asher: *Still dead*
Chunyi: ...am I seriously the ONLY one who actually intends on actually helping?
D. Meepel: We may have made a grave mistake in this instance…
P. Meepel: Is it too late to ask Raubhan, Aymeric or Hien for assistance at this point?
Zenos: Like a moth to the flame, why else would you come, if not for this?
P. Meepel: I can think of MANY reasons actually...
Zenos: LET US BEGIN!
*cue fight scene*
Zenos: REND!
*knocks Meepel’s team a distance*
P. Meepel: Ok, geez! Guys, if he starts charging wind, GET CLOSE TO HIM so we don’t hit the damage walls.
Chunyi: What about when he glows blue like he is now?
W. Meepel: Me not want to be close to that to find out…
Zenos: KILL!
*Lightning strikes, they miss thanks to Warriors advice*
Zenos: Well played, hero!
R. Meepel: Like, it was pretty obvious you were totally going to do some scary move right next to you…
*He starts glowing red*
William: Ah, glowing red! That’s how I feel everytime you guys take avoidable damage!
P. Meepel: ...you took as much damage as the rest of us…
William: Mostly because you didn’t warn me!
P. Meepel: ...William, I swear to the Twelve, I’m going to personally MURDER YOU if you don’t start getting your act together.
William: And I’m going to insured you GET murdered by not healing if you don’t stop arguing wtih me!
*Large red blasts hit both Meepel and William, William gets knocked out, and Meepel survives*
Salo’wen: HEALER DOWN! AAAAH!
Chunyi: To be fair, I don’t think we’re going to notice the difference…
D. Meepel: Nay! We still have him outnumbered! We can do this!
Zenos: Let this moment last forever!
*Zenos makes clones of himself*
P. Meepel: Now that is just unfair!
S. Meepel: ¡Los números no significan nada para mí!
*the clones stand there doing VERY OBVIOUS TELEGRAPHED ATTACKS, being not very notable*
Asher: AHA! AN INTIMIDATION TRICK! CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
*Asher charges the clones slicing them*
P. Meepel: ...let’s just focus on the main one…
Zenos: Show me your all!
D. Meepel: That was indeed the intent, villain!
*Zenos throws his 3 swords and they start doing stuff*
P. Meepel: ...I don’t like where this is going. Any ideas?
Natia; Attack the swords?
P. Meepel: ...well I got nothing better, let’s do it!
Quinn: You can’t make me!
R. Meepel: Hey Quinn, I think you’ve put on some weight since we started here!
Quinn: OH NO YOU DID NOT!
*Throws a fireball at Red Mage, who proceeds to dodge, blasting one of the swords, which Asher proceeds to finish off...somehow…*
P. Meepel: That’s one down, how should we get…
W. Meepel: MEEPEL SMASH PUNY SWORD!!!
*Warrior does exactly what she said she would*
D. Meepel: There be but one left! Can we get there before he charges?
Natia: TREASURE!!!
*Natia pulls the sword like it’s treasure, gets blasted away, somehow interrupted Zenos’ attack*
P. Meepel: ...sure, let’s go with that…
Zenos: Have you the strength!? THE POWER TO TRANSCEND!
*big explosion occurs, everyone still standing*
Zenos: Yes, you are a worthy rival indeed. LET US CONTINUE!
S. Meepel: ¡Ahora somos tú y yo!
*Zenos and Samurai Meepel get into a big Katana duel, ending in one of those cliche slashes*
Zenos: Hmm...seems you have grown stronger…
S. Meepel: Ciertamente…
Zenos: Alas, but I have more pressing matters.
*Zenos retreats back to THE MENAGERIE*
P. Meepel: He just ran...I don’t like where this is going…
D. Meepel: How bad can it be? Tis not like he a giant primal locked behind him that is far stronger than the standard one that we must face!
*The team gets to the Menagerie, Zenos is standing in front of an imprisoned Shinryu*
D. Meepel: ...I stand but corrected…
P. Meepel: Ok, I REALLY don’t like where this is going...wait, are you just showing off that you managed to subdue Shinryu? PLease tell me this is just you showing off a trophy!
Zenos: Aha, yes, this dragon is worthy of me! I shall show you the true power it contains, and only then shall I truly assess how strong you are! MWAHAHAHAHAH!
P. Meepel: ...I think that just confirmed that things are about to go from bad to WAY WORSE THAN WE COULD HAVE IMAGINED.
W. Meepel: Methink you get dramatic…
P. Meepel: We’re about to fight Shinryu, the primal that we needed to unleash an ancient mechanical monstrosity even the Allagans couldn’t control. I think I have EVERY RIGHT to be a little worried.
D. Meepel: Fear not, sister! If we stand together, we can take it.
Zenos: But before we do this, perhaps I shall offer you a deal. Given you have earned my respect, would not like to join me? Then we can rule this world as the greatest warriors in the land, unopposed! What as you, adventurers!? WILL BE MY ALLY IN THIS NEW EMPIRE?
P. Meepel: ...yeah, not happening.
D. Meepel: That would be a most unjust decision.
W. Meepel: Me think it not thinkable…
R. Meepel: Like, spluh. Totally uncool!
S. Meepel: Es una idea terrible.
William: It’s far more entertaining to be with THESE people than you!
Natia: That is not a treasure I want!
Salo’wen: If Meepel says no, I say no!
Asher: CHALLENGE DECLINED!!!
Chunyi: ...what they all said.
Aleph: If the lovely lady Mi’qote stay, I am by their side!
P. Meepel: Where did YOU come from, Aleph!?
Aleph: Would you believe I was waiting up here the entire time, hoping to save time?
P. Meepel: ...strangely, yes.
Quinn: ..sure, I’ll join.
P. Meepel: See, even Quinn’s being sarcastic.
Quinn: Sarcasm? No, I’m serious. I’ll join him.
R. Meepel: Quinn, now is totally not the time to joke!
Quinn: I’m not joking. I want to join his team.
D. Meepel: But why, Quinn!?
Quinn: You guys are asses to me. I fucking hate all of you, why wouldn’t I join him?
Zenos: I was not asking YOU, you inferior white horned sub-human curr! You have not proven yourself! I have no room for weaklings on my team such as yourself!
Quinn: ...well fuck you too!
P. Meepel: Well, I think it’s unanimous...we all RUDELY decline your god awful offer.
Zenos: Well I suppose I have no choice but to destroy you! Come my pet! Show them your power!
D. Meepel: ...verily, I think not that was the best word usage on him.
P. Meepel: Verily I think we’d be fighting Shinryu one way or another.
D. Meepel: Mayhap you are not wrong!
*Shinryu appears imposing as expected*
P. Meepel: ...I guess there’s no time like the present. Alright everyone, you know your roles!
Quinn: *sigh* Fine, I’ll throw fireballs at the thing.
Salo’wen: You have my full support! Want to hear my theme song of yours!?
P. Meepel: NOW’S NOT THE TIME FOR DRAGON SONG! ...despite fighting a huge dragon…
Natia: Well, you have my lance!
Chunyi: And my bow!
Aleph: And my gun!
Asher: AND MY MANLINESS!!!
D. Meepel: Good, so all we have left is William’s excellent healing, ARE YOU WITH ME YAY OR NAY!?
William: Nay.
P. Meepel: ...what?
William: I don’t feel like healing through this. You’ll probably be hit with big things and expect me to get you out of it. Whatever, you can deal with it yourself.
R. Meepel: William, seriously, this is like TOTALLY not the time to be a jerk. Take a chill pill!
William: Meh, not worth it. You guys can have fun, I’m just going to go over there and craft a nice looking ring.
P. Meepel: THAT’S IT! I’ve had enough of your BULLSHIT William!
D. Meepel: Sister! Please! Calm down! Think not of the anger and more of the enemy beforehand!
P. Meepel: No, I have ONE SOLUTION to this problem!
William: Wait, what are you doing? No, wait, don’t do this! You don’t have-...
*Paladin throws William at Shinryu, results are exactly as you expect*
W. Meepel: What point of that?
P. Meepel: Therapy…
*Shrinryu starts charging a big move up*
Quinn: ...I think we should move…
P. Meepel: Say, what’s that giant water pillar over there...with a giant wave behin-...oh…
D. Meepel: I think what my sister means is we might want to get close to that!
Asher: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
*Asher actually does as told*
S. Meepel: ... No puedo creer que esté diciendo esto, ¡pero todos sigan a Asher!
*everyone but Natia listens and survives*
Natia: Why, that attack sure looks like it’s going to be an absolute SPLASH!
*Natia gets hit by the Tidal Wave and knocked off the platform*
Natia *while falling*: AAAH NO WHY DID MY PUNS BETRAY ME!?
*Natia dies*
P. Meepel: Well, we’re already down TWO allies…
Quinn: And one of them was ENTIRELY your fault too…
R. Meepel: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Quinn is TOTALLY right…
P. Meepel: And I’m standing by that was the right thing to do!
Chunyi: So...are Primals suppose to be able to lay eggs?
P. Meepel: No, why?
*Points out a bunch of eggs have suddenly spawned*
S. Meepel: Ay, mierda…
Salo’wen: It’s ok! WE CAN TAKE THIS! It’s only 2 more small dragons!
*4 more eggs appear*
Salo’wen: Make that 6! We can take them!
*8 more eggs appear*
Salo’wen: Or it’s 8 no-...
P. Meepel: Salo’wen, PLEASE STOP SPEAKING! You’re just convincing him to make more egg-...
*16 more eggs appear*
D. Meepel: ...are you going to take the blame for that one?
P. Meepel: I think Hydaelyn decided today was when she wanted to prank me…
*big fight with 38 smaller dragons commences, things are going ok until one attacks Meepel from behind*
Salo’wen: Meepel! No! I MUST PROTECT YOU!
*Salo’wen takes a hit for Meepel*
P. Meepel: Salo’wen! You didn’t have to!
Salo’wen: But I saved you! My dream is complete!
W. Meepel: No mention you survive because tank…
P. Meepel: ...I guess that would be mean wouldn’t it?
Chunyi: Salo’wen! NO! My love! How can I live without you!? I...I…
*Chunyi jumps off the side*
Chunyi: I”ll be with you soon!
P. Meepel: ...gods damn it…
Aleph: NO! MY LOVELY FELINE GODDESSES! I will not give in! I MUST FIGHT ON THEIR BEHALF! BEHOLD THE POWER OF...MY FLAMETHROWER!
*Aleph somehow roasts all dragons in a dramatic moment, while epic emotional, tragic music plays*
S. Meepel: ...Eso servirá, inútil. Eso servirá...
P. Meepel: Say, guys...where is Shinryu…
Asher: Hark! Is that the sound of a GIANT DRAGON coming from below!?
W. Meepel: Me think we should GRAB ONTO HIM!
**ACTIVE TIME MANEUVER**
P. Meepel: GOT HIM! This is...harder...than it seems...hope everyone is doing ok…
Asher: AHA! I HAVE RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE! *hanging on because his foot is caught in one of the spikes*
Aleph: I knew this ONE TIME USE Grappling Hook Drill will come in handy! *hanging on via a wire attached to said drill*
Quinn: FUCK. YOU. ALL!!! *gives everyone the finger as she falls failing to grab the dragon*
*they all land on a different platform*
P. Meepel: Ok, there’s 3 of us, since we just lost Quinn...but we can still do this! Let’s just make sure none of us die!
Aleph: Aha! Yes! I WILL STAND BY YOU TIL THE END!
*Giant tail crushes Aleph out of nowhere, killing him, Asher nowhere insight*
D. Meepel: I mean...he was not wrong there…
P. Meepel: ...well crap...looks like it’s us alone. Alright girls, I think it’s time we finally do...THAT!
R. Meepel: Like, Paladin, do you mean…
P. Meepel: Yes, THAT! Come on, everyone! By my lead...IT’S ECHO TIME!!!!
*Power Rangers sequence*
D. Meepel: Darkside!
R. Meepel: Dualcast!
W. Meepel: Inner Release!
S. Meepel: Iajustsu!
P. Meepel: Requiescat!
*cue impossible image of the 5 of them posing*
P. Meepel: Alright...let’s do this!
*Cue the second half of Worm’s Tail playing, as Meepel shifts between her forms back and forth. Paladin Blocking energy blasts with her shield, Dark Knight slashing, being knocked away, Warrior Smashing the every crap out of Shinryu’s face, Samurai diligently slicing away elemental attacks, Red Mage blasting spells like crazy...I can’t explain it in words because shonen fights are HARD like that!*
P. Meepel: We’re doing well, everyone, keep it up!
D. Meepel: Our stamina reserves are dropping, this is not looking good!
W. Meepel: Me concur…
R. Meepel: And my mana is running out! Vercure isn’t going to be enough!
S. Meepel: Sí, necesitaremos un milagro...
*All of a sudden, a Benediction appears on Meepel fully restoring her*
P. Meepel: Huh? Where did that come from? Who did that?
Wh. Meepel: ^_^
P. Meepel: WHITE MAGE!? You...actually...healed for once?
Wh. Meepel: Of course! If you don’t keep your life, we can’t have fun stripping the life away from others!
P. Meepel: ...I’m not going to question your logic, simply going to thank your action!
D. Meepel: Ay! Let us slay this vile beast ONCE AND FOR ALL!
*Cue second half of dramatic fight that I really suck at explaining in great detail*
R. Meepel: I totally got this!
*Red Mage drops meteors on Shinryu*
S. Meepel: Mi turno!
*Samurai uses Sword Dance limit break*
W. Meepel: Meepel SMASH!!!!
*Fell Cleave Infuriated*
D. Meepel: FOR THE LIBERATION OF ALA MHIGO!
*Dark Knight uses Bloodspiller*
P. Meepel: And one last push...CIRCLE OF SCORN!!!
*Shinryu goes into dramatic death animation, cue victory screen with each Meepel doing a victory pose one after another*
P. Meepel: Phew, we actually did it!
D. Meepel: Ay, but at what cost? All our comrades have fallen! Lots was lost this day!
Asher: INDEED! VICTORY IS OURS THIS DAY HOWEVER!!!
P. Meepel: Oh, Asher, you’re back to life already...should have figured…
Asher: ...I never died…
P. Meepel: Yeah I-...wait what!?
Asher: Yes, this Dragon was merely but an obstacle that we overcame together!
D. Meepel: Praytell, Asher, why did you not assist us in defeating Shinryu if you were alive this entire time!?
Asher: I did...I was attacking the tail when you were focused on the body. I prevented it from hurting you multiple times!
P. Meepel: Really?
Asher: Indeed!
P. Meepel: Oh...well...good job then!
Zenos: Ah, Warrior of Light, you have successfully defeated Shinryu! I should have expected nothing less from you, my one true rival...and friend!
P. Meepel: ...I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that last word…
W. Meepel: Me not think you stand chance now…
Zenos: Nonsense, I only wish to face you even more! Do not think I will back down so easily!
R. Meepel: Like, can we take a break or something? I’m TOTALLY tired…
Zenos: AHAHAHA! Wretched currs! You dare defy me!? I, the single most important person in the Garlean Empire after my father!?
P. Meepel: ...wait, did he just say…
S. Meepel: Si.
D. Meepel: I think we should let fate run its course here!
Zenos: Have at thee, Warrior!
*Zenos slips on a puddle left by shinryu, somehow slices his throat, and falls off the edge*
P. Meepel: That was embarrassing even by Asher standards…
Asher: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
*Grabs the corpse of Aleph and jumps off the top of the castle trying to use him as a parachute, plummeting to a painful death as he impales himself on a steeple of the castle*
Lyse: Ah! Zenos is finally defeated, Ala Mhigo is liberated!
P. Meepel: Where have you been this entire time? And why do you have basically the ENTIRE ALA MHIGHAN ARMY BEHIND YOU!? Oh no, that wouldn’t have been helpful against the Garleans or Zenos, or FREAKING SHINRYU or anything, nope!
Lyse: I...uhh...anyway, yo know what this calls for?
P. Meepel: Going back to the Drowning Wench in Limsa Lominsa and getting drunk to recover from the headache this past day has caused me?
Raubhan: Nonsense! This calls for...THE GREAT ALA MHIGAN ANTHEM!
*The Ala Mhigan National Anthem is sung, Quinn can be seen in the background barely mustering the strength to give everyone the finger, transition to Rhalgr’s Reach*
P. Meepel: Wait...so let me get this straight. Y’shtola was sliced in half, and a simple bed rest and a few healing spells and she’s back on her feet?
Y’shtola: Yes, that’s correct!
P. Meepel: And Lyse wants to quit the scions to rebuild Ala Mhigo?
Lyse: I don’t see what’s wrong with that, everyone’s fine with it!
P. Meepel: And Alphinaud still can’t swim?
Alphinaud: I’M TRYING OK!?
D. Meepel: And yes, Thancred is still flirting with the ladies, Urianger doing nothing of import, and Papalymo is still dead, that covers everyone.
Alisaie: Oh yes, glad you’re not forgetting SOMEONE who only happened to save you from a bunch of giant turtle men or anything. Nope, that’s can’t be happening!
Alphinaud: ...yes, sister, we know...by the way, Meepel, we got an important message from our liazon in Kugane. You may want to speak to him about matters. Bring the usual crew with you too!
P. Meepel: *Sigh* Ok, I’ll go deal with him…
*in Kugane*
P. Meepel: Ok, Glasses Guy, what do you want?
Glasses Guy: I told you, my name is Hanco-...
D. Meepel: Ay, Glasses Guy! What is the news!?
Glasses Guy: …*sigh* Anyway, I wanted to inform you about your partners debt situation…
P. Meepel: Oh? Do tell.
Glasses Guy: Well, of note, Natia’s debt has been worked off, and she’s free to go as she sees fit!
P. Meepel: Wait, really? She’s done already?
Glasses Guy: Yeah. Turns out her debt was relatively low, due to how most of them were just rookie mistakes and general medical bills.
P. Meepel: Oh...well...Natia, what do you say?
Natia: I’d say my hard work has PAID off! This was an absolute TREASURE of an adventure!
W. Meepel: Good luck, Natia. Hope you safe.
Natia: Aha! I shall MAP OUT the next treasure and go forth! I hope your adventures take you TO THE MOON, and then you end up FIRST!
P. Meepel: ...I have no idea what you’re talking about but pleasure working with you, I guess. Stay safe!
William: Wait, what about us!?
Quinn: Yeah, what the fuck? Why aren’t we allowed to leave?
Glasses Guy: You two have a significantly more amount to pay off. Let’s use this chart. IF this is Natia’s amount *shows a small bar*, then yours, William, is this one here *Shows a bar magnitudes higher, making Natia’;s nearly invisible by comparison*
Quinn: And mine?
Glasses Guy: Yours is so bad, it’s unquantifiable…
Quinn: ...can I pray to Zodiark for a quick death, please?
P. Meepel: And Asher?
Glasses Guy: ...never had any to begin with. He kind of just demanded we force him to join your team so he can pay off a non-existent debt because…
P. Meepel: Let me guess…”And I quote ‘Challenge Accepted’?” Did I get that right?
Glasses Guy: More or less…
P. Meepel: ...ok, I guess we have a lot of post war stuff to work on now. But hey, we at least ended a war! I’d say it all ended well, right?! But I feel like I’m forgetting something…
*Loud “Kweh” from the distance*
P. Meepel: SHUT UP DUMPLIN!!!!!
Narrator: And so, Meepel has restored order in Ala Mhigo! And thus our story comes to end...except not since there’s a crap ton more stuff to work on. TUNE IN NEXT TIME FOR…
SEASON 2 OF STORMBLOOD ABRIDGED!!! (which may take forever)
********
Ok, this is the end of Season 1. Season 2 will have characters in new outfits, and basically be everything from 4.1 to 4.55, with some side stuff thrown in. I’ll try to do this more efficiently, I promise!
Also…
This chapter dedicated to the memory of our good friend John, aka the one who created Natia Ravenclaw, who so recently passed away. You were a joy to talk to, and hilarious to work with. I cannot in good faith torture Natia anymore as a result (the one death here was requested by he himself), and so I gave her a proper send off. May you rest in peace.