Xebek’s Blog

The group arrives in the Malkuth capital and Guy’s past is revealed.

Impressions:

Well about time we got into Guy and where he came from. Some things still haven’t been addressed like why his phobia is there. But a huge part has been covered regarding why he began serving the Fabre family. While some may have guessed that he was from Hod not sure how many were calling for Guy to be from a important noble family. Once again Hod comes back into the story as a source of tragedy for the characters. We even spotted Van in those flashbacks which helps reinforce his own issues with Luke’s family. Heck even the gardener was from Hod. Now that I didn’t expect when playing the game and talking to the gardener at the beginning. Wonder if that guy planned to chop Luke up when he was a kid as well? But seriously it explains why Asch wasn’t surprised at Guy deciding to stick with Luke. While the blood would be Fabre, Luke is a replica so perhaps the reason to hate him is less. Though obviously why Guy stuck around is more to do with caring about Luke since he was placed in the Fabre household like that.

Curse slot definitely made a tough time for Luke. One of the few times in the series where the blood wasn’t almost neon colour. The cut on Luke’s face and the mess made when Sync pulled out the arrow both looked more realistic than usual. It wasn’t a bad fight really with Largo drawing the attention and having Sync work from the rear. Anise was a no show since she was likely standing back with Ion in case someone else showed up. Tear having little excuse to stand around until near the very end when she was going to get involved. But of course Jade has to arrive with the cavalry and force a retreat. That guy has a pretty solid sense of timing. Overall the fight wasn’t bad considering how short they have to make these things for the sake of the series fitting. I can’t get why they have Natalia’s bow invert right after she fires her arrows. Anyways she didn’t do bad in this one. Managed to get Largo’s attention and knock Sync out from the tree. Guess they figure she can only be rescued so often before people get tired of it.

You know when Jade gets one of those serious looks that something big is up. Ion has made it clear that Daathic fonic artes can only be used by a Fon Master. Yet Sync clearly has been able to use the curse slot on Guy. I’m sure many have a pretty good suspicion about what is going on there. Oddly when playing I didn’t pay much attention to it since other things seemed to be more pressing at the time.

That Emperor is always a great character. What an odd guy when you compare him to the ruler of Kimlasca and how he behaves. But I guess being raised in a strange environment and having Jade as a friend would warp even the best of us. All kidding aside he really is a strange fellow. Having those pig-like pets just adds to the oddity that he represents. But at least he’s a reasonable guy and the only ones really holding him back is the likely more conservative council. Definitely need one friend that they can rely on when times are bad like this. Though one side can very easily start a war so they have to go back in order to convince Natalia’s father that there is no reason to be fighting right now. Really it can only help Van to have a chaotic situation like war disguise his actions with the Sephiroth. On that note I like to stick it to the old man who didn’t think that St.Binah would fall. Though it does mean the annihilation of a city, I can’t wait until they run into him again so it can get rubbed in.

Overall I say this was a pretty good episode. You had a nice LukexTear moment in the middle which really signalled how close these two are becoming. Found it funny how he commented on her attempts to cheer him up as being too harsh. Both Tear and Guy seemed determined to not allow Luke any moments of self-criticism. Do think they should let him be depressed now and then. Sure moving forward is a key thing, but you have to let him think about it. Still I’m looking forward to the next episode since the series flying machine has arrived to save the day. Not a bad piece of support to send in.