=============================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guilty Gear 2: Overture Game Script ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- =============================================================================== Transcribed by Cantido Edited by Tobal360 (blackgenma) march 9, 2010 =============================================================================== Preface =============================================================================== SUP FOO! In hype for BlazBlue, I caved and purchased Guilty Gear 2: Overture for Xbox360. Like other's, I did not bother because the game changed dramatically. But the game’s RTS features pleasantly surprised me. Most people are not going to get much out of its purchase now, unless they can find only friends to compete with. But the Campaign mode fleshes out the world of Guilty Gear further. I originally purchased it because I couldn't find a Game Script. Now, I made one for all to enjoy. I do hope that whether a true sequel is made, whether it is an action/RTS or a fighting game that it keeps getting better. I will add character information and Lore later. Scene descriptions are in asterisks and will sometimes contain my strange comments. Enjoy! -Cantido I really don't have much to say, other then that I REALLY took my time to get this into a proper format for gamefaqs, haha. anyway, cantido wrote this script a while ago, and lent it to me for editing. I really enjoy this sleeper title, but I understand many GG fans don't have any interest in playing the game, so I hope you can enjoy the story with this script. - Tobal360 --------------- version history --------------- version 1.00 - released on December 3, 2009. =============================================================================== Table of contents =============================================================================== 1) Chapter #0 - Noise 2) Chapter #1 - The Unyielding Silhouette 3) Chapter #2 - The Alarm Always Rings Unexpectedly 4) Chapter #3 - Yesterday's Sun is Yesterday's Sky 5) Chapter #4 - Aware, but Unable to See 6) Chapter #5 - Gaze of the Chronicle 7) Chapter #6 - Budding Keyhole 8) Chapter #7 - Cynical Wise Man 9) Chapter #8 - Water Drop 10) Chapter #9 - Underworld Hill 11) Chapter #10 - For Whom Do I wield the Sword 12) Chapter #11 - Even If I Reached Out 13) Chapter #12 - Glaring Self-Interest 14) Chapter #13 - A Cell Called Paradise 15) Chapter #14 - Lantern at Noon Day 16) Chapter #15 - Roaring Compass 17) Chapter #16 - Light on a Peaceful Night 18) Chapter #17 - Demon 19) Chapter #18 - The Birth of a Girl 20) Chapter #19 - Overture 21) Chapter #20 - Curtain Call 22) legal info =============================================================================== Chapter #0 - Noise =============================================================================== Two men wandered the countryside. Bounty hunting was just an occupation to them, but it also shaped their beliefs. They traveled to destroy living weapons known as Gears. However, any information on them started to decline. Even hard-to-find leads often ended up being false. The frustrations of the man wielding a great sword were piling day by day, and a familiar face appeared in his head. What's he up to right now? "Hmph, whatever..." With a feeling of self-contempt, Sol Badguy shook his head. What am I getting sentimental for? He swung his sword diligently to free himself from his idle thoughts. The area was silent. The wind was soundlessly pushing the clouds; moonlight shone through the occasional break in the skies, and all you could hear was the futile sound of a sword cutting the dry air. *Nighttime outdoors. A full moon is out. Sol and Sin are in some ruins. Sol his practicing with his sword, the Fireseal. Sin watches, irritated. * Sin: Old man... Are you still doing that...? We should change locations tomorrow. Man, there isn't anything left around here. *Sol stops * Sol: I guess... Sin: Come on, where did all your energy go? Lately, all we've been fighting are rabbits, wild rabbits, or pet rabbits. That's a disgrace for bounty hunters, huh? Don't you think? Sol: Sleep or shut up. Choose one. Sin: I can't sleep because of the noise! Tch, all right, all right. I'll tell you your quota, so do that and call it quits, 'kay? Sol: Quota? Sin: If you keep going, I'm never gonna be able to sleep. Okay, let's start with footwork. *A tutorial mission begins, going through movement. * Sin: Okay, next is combat! Sol: Who the hell do you think you are? Sin: Your bloody apprentice! I'm usually the one being bullied, so it's time you experience this end for a change. *Another tutorial segment for combos and gauge reading. * Sin: Now let's start aerial combat. Sol: You’re so annoying. Let me do what I want. Sin: Do you want to kill me with insomnia? Do it. Go. Sol: Tch… *Special attacks tutorial* Sin: Next is targeting. You're okay with dummy targets, right? Sin: Ha! *Sin flings his staff* *Two enemies appear* Sol: Hey. Aren't those royal fencers? Sin: I hate those guys, anyone with the kingdom. They're so stuck up, they don't even know anything about the people at all! Beat them up for me. Sol: ...*sighs* *Targeting tutorial. * Sin: 'Kay, next up is -- Sol: That’s enough. Go ahead and die from insomnia. Better yet... I'll put you to sleep! *Sol hit's Sin really hard. Sin flies back and hits the ground on his back. * Sin: GUAAHHH! *Sin spins and gets back up. Metal starts playing* Sin: Now you've done it, old man! I'll send you to the afterlife! *Fight starts. You control Sol and give Sin a beating. After the fight Sin stands, hunched over in pain. * Sin: Man, you don't hold back, do you...? I guess I...can call it a day then... *Sin collapses* Sol: Damn it, you made me waste my time. *Tutorials on items. The mission is over* Sol: What the... My head's acting up... *He faces the moon. Fade out* *New scene fades in. Some caves are visible. It appears to have been mined. * "United Kingdom of Illyria South - Bel Canto Valley" *A knight is running through the cave. * Soldier: Brrr, it's cold. It's time for the next Gear... *Approaches another soldier overlooking a large inactive Gear in the distance?* Soldier: How’s everything going? Soldier 2: Everything checks out all right. No, wait, what are these numbers?! Soldier: It can't be... Is the dormant Gear going berserk? Soldier 2: No! The Gear is...disappearing? What is this? Soldier: Hey, we need to report this to Sir Ky! *Chapter End* =============================================================================== Chapter #1 - The Unyielding Silhouette =============================================================================== Long ago, there was a conflict called the Crusades, a cynical war between humanity and their living weapons known as Gears. The Great War went unbroken for one hundred years and came to a close with humanity's victory. Most Gears were destroyed, and the majority of their survivors ceased to function, entering a dormant state. Presently, only certain Gears are safeguarded for their worth as data. Illyria Castle. Between the throne and the alcove. An early summer rain falls on the stone-built palace, giving it an irregular rhythm. A young monarch listens to the beat as he stands near a window, staring off into empty space. His wisdom and courage are enhanced by his determination, his balanced physique, and his beauty. He used his abilities to the greatest extent possible, rose to the top, and became the King of a Nation. At an exceptionally young age, he attained the highest honor. But even then, his heart was not satisfied. *Inside a castle, a man with long blond hair looks to the distance. Intro credits appear. * ????: It's raining a lot. I hope that doesn't affect the harvest. Soldier: Your Majesty? *Soldiers armed with large hammers stand behind him. I can't tell their voices apart and will call them both Soldier* ????: Hm? Oh, my apologies. Continue your report. Soldier: Those were the demands of the United Nations Senate. In reality, It is a revocation of the King's supreme command authority. What would you like to do? ????: So I become their puppet or divide the whole world into a civil war... I don't like either option. Soldier: You have us my lord. ????: That's right. Avoid contact with the Guild for now. *Lighting flashes, and the man's face is seen. It's Ky Kiske. * Ky: Yet another bolt... Soldier: The heavens must be lamenting the infidels' evil deeds. Ky: I have a bad feeling about this. Thunder does not erupt from nothing. It needs a storm... On that note... Soldier: About the disappearance of the Gears... We have a total of forty cases reported, including those not subdued. Ky: Five cases this week... It's accelerating. Soldier: It is indeed mysterious, Your Majesty, but it is harmless for now. As for the remnant magic, we thoroughly investigated the matter as you ordered, but we could not find anything. Since Gears were unnatural beings to begin with, perhaps they have reached the end of their life span. There are other matters that require your attention, my liege. Ky: I understand what you're saying, but as long as we don't know the cause, we shouldn't jump to conclusions. Please continue investigating. Soldier: What is the matter, Sir Ky? You look as if you're in a hurry. Is something worrying you? Ky: .... *An explosion is heard and the ground shakes* Ky: What’s going on?! *A royal fencer runs to Ky* Fencer: Are you safe? We're under attack! The enemy's aim and identity are still unknown. They're soldiers I've never seen before! The royal guards are fighting back, but our magic spells aren't working! Ky: Understood. I'll be there shortly. Let's go! All Soldiers: As you wish! *Large soldiers run off together, the Fencer remains with Ky.* Ky: Oh, and please summon him. Send a message throughout the country. Fencer: Him? But, sire, you...you don't mean...? Ky: As monarch I must prepare for the worst. This incident...I have a feeling it wont end with our Kingdom of Illyria. *Fade to White. The game title appears* "GUILTY GEAR 2: OVERTURE." =============================================================================== Chapter #2 - The Alarm Always Rings Unexpectedly =============================================================================== Illyria was raided by unknown armies. Countless footsteps and battle creies resounded within the castle walls. As head of the arm, King Ky Kiske himself led the counterattack, but even the magic of his elite soldiers was useless against the onslaught. Nevertheless, the soldiers of Illyria boldly continued to fight back. The state of battle teetered on the edge, and Ky began to feel uneasy... Countless foes were cut down, but their assault still continued. Were the enemy waves gradually increasing? No, it wasn't an illusion. There were no signs that the enemy forces were dwindling. Even if Illyria's elite soldiers were dispatched, they're still human. Fatigue would eventually settle in. If they kept going at this rate, the outcome would be clear... Something trickled down Ky's forehead, blurring his vision. Was it blood or sweat...? Wiping his face with his cuff, He picked up his sword once more. He would have faith in the support of that outlaw. *The game's logo appears. A narrator is heard* Narrator: In a world far into the future, humanity succeeded in developing an endless energy called magic. However, even this obtained wisdom was not enough to discard mankind's foolishness. Tension among the major powers led to the creation of living weapons based on magic - Gears. Justice. The herald of destruction. The only Gear able to command the legions of living weapons suddenly revolted and declared war upon humanity. That was the beginning of the worst war in history--The Crusades. In response, humanity formed the Sacred Order of Holy Knights, and with their participation, Justice was defeated. With her fall, all Gears ceased to function and entered a dormant state. The long lasting Crusades came to an end, and it seemed that humanity restored peace. However, true history has not yet revealed itself. *Fade in to what looks like a mountainous village with bridges and buildings with twisted features, like a Dr. Seuss look. * "Federation of Tioria East Village of Witches" Sin: Old man... Old man! Sol: Be quiet. Sin: This sign...Isn't this a picture of you? Sol: Read it. I taught you how to read, didn't I? Sin: Wan...ted...Dea...d or Al...ive...., I think. *Sin struggles to read because he's not even five years old, lol. * Sol: He’s beating around the bush as usual. Sin: This is a bounty then, right? What stunt did you pull? Sol: You got it wrong. It’s Ky's messed up way of calling for help. Sin: Ky...The King? Sol: Whatcha gonna do? You wanna go? Sin: That’s not even funny. You think I wanna deal with the King? *A bubble with a pink aura appears. A pink flash appears and a structure appears in the distance, with pink light inside. Another flash and a human shaped creature appear. It appears to be a female with a gasmask and a gothic-lolita outfit. It drags around a wrench and its knees are shaking. She speaks softly, with no emotion. Her voice sounds muffled and artificial. A member of the Vizuel. * Vizuel: Huh? Where are we? This is a strange place. *There are many more Vizuel revealed to be behind her. Some have an aura of pink hearts. I will call them all Vizuel * Vizuel: We got split from everyone. I get feedback though. Vizuel: A key is reacting... Let's just retrieve it. *Sin and Sol see the Vizuel in the distance* Sin: What are they? They don't seem normal. They're coming this way...and are showing obvious Signs of hostility. Shall I take 'em? *The Vizuel, and Valentine's * Sol: Something seems wrong...Don't let your guard down. They're acting strange. Sin: Heh, don't treat me like a kid! *Sin kills some different enemies. They are Capture units. * Sin: What the heck? There's more coming! *Sol, Sin, and of course, the player don't know the game's RTS elements yet... The player controls Sol to beat up some more Capture units, up until they reach a blue barrier. * Sin: Tch, what a pain in the ass! I'll finish 'em all off at once! *Sin outstretches his hand and uses a spell, but it vanishes. * Sin: Wha-?! Old man, magic has no effect, it gets cancelled out! Sol: !! *Grunts* There’s noise in my head again. Is my magic going through a phase variation? Vizuel: Eat this. *One Vizuel slams her wrench against the ground with one hand. Sin becomes trapped in a pink aura. * Sin: Ugh, my arm! Damn, she's bound me! Sol: Dispel it! Sin: I can't! It's an invalid access chord! Sol: They’re using a tuning outside of the twelve steps? Impossible! *Sin is yelling and bickering in the background. * Sol: This phenomenon...it can't be... *A silly voice speaks* ????: If you keep fighting like that, they're just gonna keep producing more, ya know. Sol: Who’s there?! ????: Ooh! Heh, no need to raise your voice, man. I'm on your side. Sin: Huh? I can hear him in my head... What are you!? ????: Details later! Your priority is to get rid of the ghost first. Sol: Ghost? ????: That thing. *Camera turns to the tower with pink light inside. Capture units spawn beside them. * ????: These lil' guys are called capture units, ya know... They don't have much power, but if ya leave 'em alone, Infinite numbers will be produced from the ghost. Sol: Who cares? They're all weaklings. ????: It's not that easy, man. Capture Units restore life for nearby comrades, ya know. Sol: So you're saying we have to get rid of that first, or it'll be hard to beat the others, huh? ????: Oooh, you are a fast one. Okay, just gimme a second...Hyup! It's a little last minute, but magic should be useful now. *The Player controls Sols to beat up a large group of capture units and shut the Ghost off with one hit. * *The ghost's pink light immediately fades. The ball in the middle shows an empty black void. * ????: Nice! Now the capture units won't be produced. *Some Vizuel stand in the distance* Vizuel: Wh-wh-wh-What's with that guy? He's strong for a human. Sol: So all that's left are those over there? Sin: Those are different from capture units, right? ????: Yup. Those are servants. They're uh, combat soldiers. Sol: Combat soldiers? So they're an organization? ????: Questions later! Unlike capture units, their attack abilities are high, so... be careful. Sol: I see something in the back... Is that a ghost too? *A blue, translucent obelisk with a white glyph shaped like a queen crown in Chess floats in the distance* ????: Huh, you are good. That is a masterghost. It's a ghost that calls the servants forth. Sol: This feeling... It's like my consciousness is being contained. It can't be a soul sinker... Sin: Um...so basically, you're saying all we have to do is beat that masterghost? ????: Yup. If you do that, the servants won't be able to come out no more. *Player controls Sol to crack the obelisk. * Sol: I cleaned up the mess. ????: *Talking sillier* Daaang, that was like, crazy. You're just what I thought. *Sin is still stuck and bickering in the background. * Sol: What the hell... Do you know something or me? *New Vizuel appears in front of another blue masterghost* Vizuel: Hm? Huh? Where are we? Vizuel: Isn’t this the city? There's a response, but... Sin: Whoa, there's more! What's up with them!? Sol: A masterghost, two ghosts, and five--no, six servants. With Sin like this, we're at a disadvantage. ????: Uh, n-n-no problem. Ya know, in situations like these...um... *A flash of red light reveals a massive, crazy looking building behind Sol. It is primarily red, white and metallic, with large grinding gears and jittering smokestacks and holes, and a large pole in the center. The whole thing obviously resembles Sol' Fireseal. This is Sol's Masterghost* Sol: What the? Isn't this a masterghost? ????: ?! *Gasps* No way! Did you already grasp the incantation? *Capture units appear. Except instead of pink light and hearts, they have a red aura and flame. Sol goes to an offensive stance upon seeing them. * Sol: Tch. ????: Time out! Wait! Those are your capture units! Sol: Those are mine? ????: Uh huh. And the thing back there, that's your masterghost. You see, in other words, that's your soul itself, don'cha know! So if that gets destroyed, then...uh, you die. Sol: So it is a soulsinker. And to think it embodies that... ????: Listen up! You see that ghost over there? It hasn't been caught by the enemy yet. It's an empty ghost. So if your capture units control it first, it'll be yours. Sol: How do I do that? ????: Capture units automatically go to the nearest ghost. If a couple of them come in contact, it becomes your ghost. Sol: *sighs* What a drag. *Player controls Sol and attacks the black, neutral ghost. It becomes engulfed in red light. At its base, a magic emblem composed of spinning gears floats inside, representing Sol.* Sol: Done. However... ????: It looks like the ghost over there was taken. Plus, it seems like the servants get stronger just by being near it. ????: Don't worry. Even if it's an enemy ghost, you can gain control of it if a couple of your capture units come in contact with it. Sol: Tch, I guess I'll kick it up a notch. *Player controls Sol, goes to the pink Ghost, cuts the power and turns it red. * Sin: All right! Hell yeah! Old man, all you have left is the masterghost. It'll be cake, huh? Sol: .... ????: *Talking in a silly tone, with a deep, slurry redneck voice. * Wait a minute. Take a look at that there. * Vizuel are guarding another obelisk, with a pink wall of light. * Sol: Is that a protective wall? Doesn't look like any existing magic spell. ????: Yup. As long as that barrier is there, most of your attacks won't have any effect. On the other hand, that barrier's a piece of cake for your servants. Sol: What do you mean servants? Do I look like I have any? ????: I'm gonna letcha borrow my powers, so don't worry about it, mkay? *Talking spooky* I'm gonna release the powers in you that you normally won't use. *Two red, floating robots appear. The have teeth, many silver studs where their eyes would be, and giant arms with flame spouting behind them. They look representative of Sol. They have a deep robotic voice. They are Sol's most basic Soldier's, called The Drill. * Sol: This is...summoning magic? Wait, this magic is optimized beyond the twelve steps. It's my magic being summoned! ????: Hmmmm… yeah, I dunno the specifics, but those are your servants. Ya know, I just made your powers suitable for combat; ya know what I'm saying? *Sin watches behind Sol and the new Servants. He still can't move, but he's calmed down. * Sin: Wow... what an avant-garde form. ????: Yeah, they’re gonna fight on their own, so just do whatever with them. Oh, and one more important thing. Servants can take out strong barriers, but only you can finish off the masterghost. Gotta do it right, ya know what I mean? *Player controls Sol and destroys the enemy masterghost. * *Sol falls to his knees* Sin: Old man! ????: Oh, he'll be fine. He's just tired 'cuz he used powers he's not used to having. Sin: We don't have time for that. There are still remnants. ????: Can you uh, move yet? Sin: No… Hey, the bind wore off! *Many Vizuel obverse the heroes. * Vizuel: He’s strong. Strong. No one told us this. We must report to Miss Valentine. Sol: Sin, stop em. Sin: Leave it to me! *Player controls Sin in a tutorial to learn how to dash and drift to cover long distances and chase down the Vizuel and kill them.* *Sin stands in front of some Vizuel. Some alive, some dead.* Sin: Heh, that's right! Surrender. *The Vizuel babble and talk over each other* Vizuel: It’s over. We're useless now… We have no purpose anymore. *The Vizuel burst and scream in a blast of red light, resembling flower petals.* Sin: Th-they self-destructed. What's up with these guys? *Fade out. Fade in to Sol.* Sol: Never mind. So what kind of freak are you? Are you a Gear? *A white figure is becoming more visible. He is the source of the silly, voice* ????: You can see me already? You're amazing! *He looks vaguely human, but he is pale, his hair is pure white, and he has a fox's ears. He wears a Japanese looking robe with a long sword at one side and one hand hanging at his waist, (a ronin custom, and like Auron from FFX). His name is Izuna. * Sin: Hey, I can see too... What the!? Those are some sadistic ears you have... Izuna: That’s rude! These are the real deal. And after I saved you... Sol: You and those things have been using irregular magic I've never seen before. Is The Backyard involved with this? Izuna: Ding! That's right! Sin: The Backyard is...what now? Sol: It’s a long story. Sin: Well shorten it. Sol: Ugh. It's a virtual space. Sin: That’s too short! Izuna: It’s the other way around. This world's the one that's a virtual space. Sin: Hey, come on. Don't just talk among yourselves. Sol: *sighs* For over a hundred years, it was assumed to exist as a theory. It's the term used to give reason to the five-element configuration. In other words, it's "something" that conveys the information that defines the fundamental truth of this world. The magic we use is different from the alchemy that uses resources from present numbers. We forcefully borrow that kind of "reason" for that "something." It's an obscure world that our magic temporarily accesses to gain power. Though extremely restrictive, that world is called The Backyard. Sin: My bad, but can you explain that one more time? Sol: Just as the Earth can't exist if there's no universe, this world can't exist unless we have that "something." Sin: So it's larger than the universe? Sol: *sighs* Yeah, sure. Izuna: So in other words, the Backyard is like a book that has the theory of this world written on it. Erm, more like a library? Sin: Hmph. I'm so lost. Well, not that it matters. I'm Sin. You saved us back there. Thanks. Izuna: Oh, well...Wait, I don't have time for this! You all need to come with me, mkay? Sol: Wait. Who the hell said I'm gonna be friends with you anyway? Izuna: You don't have the time to say stuff like that, no? Don't you want to know about those things from earlier? Sol: Start talking. Izuna: My name is Izuna. Like you said. I'm connected with The Backyard. And those things you saw earlier are the Vizuel. I dunno why they do it, but they destroy any Gear they come across. I think, Sol… they were probably after you. Sol: What did you say? Now that you mention it, you do seem to know about me. Izuna: Yeah, I'll explain that later! This is the main part, okay? Those Vizuel started to attack the Kingdom of Illyria. I dunno why, but they're attacking in hordes.. Sin: Huh? The Kingdom? Sol: So that's why Ky called me... Did something happen to the Maiden of the Grove? Sin: O-Old Man, are you thing of going there? Sol: Quit babbling. We're going, Sin. *Fade Out, Chapter Over* =============================================================================== Chapter #3 - Yesterday's Sun is Yesterday's Sky =============================================================================== Izuna, a character hard to understand, is dressed in eccentric clothes and seems detached from the world. He says he's from the Backyard, but how does he know me? Why's he on my side? He acts friendly, but what does he really want? It's odd though, since I've never met him before, but I feel a sense of nostalgia and warmth.... And Illyria. As far as I know, Ky Kiske is a rare kind of human that has more than enough combat ability to taken on Gears. His subordinates are another story though. If they're up against the Vizuel, there's no doubt it'll be a difficult fight. How long can they hold out? If the Vizuel's objective is to exterminate Gears, then the reason behind Illyria's attack is... Sol clicked his tongue after he realized his hunch was correct. *Sol, Izuna and Sin are teleported to a Japanese inspired land. There are shrines and red maple trees. Supernatural creatures from Japanese myth are standing around. They are Izuna's servants. * Sin: Whoa... How'd we get here? Izuna - *Talking fast* Something-something jump, yadda-yadda warp; Let's just call it a shortcut. Sol: Teleportation magic of this magnitude...It disproves the fundamentals of magic. Sin: You’re talking about difficult things. That isn't like you at all. Sol: This looks like a den for freaks. Relatives of yours? Izuna: Yup, so be nice to them, 'kay? *One of Izuna's servants, a Kappa, suddenly claws at Sin, who hops back to dodge. Izuna jumps in between them. * Izuna: Hey! What are you doin' to our guests?! Sol: Brainwashing? No… Parallel recognition and decentralized control of a wide area... Izuna: No way! Aside from Justice, no one should be able to take control of us! Sin: H-Hey, whaddaya mean by Justice? The herald of destruction during the Crusades?! Wasn't she defeated? Izuna: That doesn't matter right now! We gotta run to the gate! *The camera quickly flies through the upcoming stage, showing many brainwashed servants and twists and turns, stopping at a bright glowing portal.* Sin: THAT gate!? There's so many servants in the way! And what's with that barrier? Why's that there? Sol: Hey, freak, how many of my servants can you summon? Izuna: No matter how many I take out, we're no match for that number. Our only chance is to retrieve and re-summon! You can retrieve and re-summon a few of your servants. In other words, you can carry them around with you. Sol: I see. In short, retrieve my servants, get to the gate, and re-summon them to take down the barrier. Sin: Are you serious!? Isn't that reckless? Sol: It's a pain, but we have no other choice! *A mission starts. Basically, the player must reach the gate at the end while carrying four of Sol's servants like items, dash through Izuna's servants in a short amount of time, then bring back Sol's servants to crack the barrier and escape. Then the mission ends* *The barrier breaks and a column of light swirls upward, no different from a destroyed masterghost. * Sin: Yes! The barrier came down! Izuna: Great! Last one to the gate's a rotten egg! *Izuna and Sin perform their dashes and the chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #4 - Aware, but Unable to See =============================================================================== The teleportation magic Izuna used was truly unconventional. Even though civilization was at the height of prosperity, magic of that sort was an unauthorized technique not without risk. As far as Sol Knew, it was a skill that was developed with some ten thousand people, and even then, they would only transfer one person. However, the Vizuel had mastered skills that Sol knew little about. Brainwashing and controlling monsters, neither were skills that just anyone could acquire. ...Anxiety builds. The situation was a lot worse than they anticipated. Sol and the others eventually reached Illyria with Izuna's help, but by then, it was already too late... *Fade in to Illyria, in front of the castle. A girl dressed in black, is holding a large balloon, looking away, toward the castle. She speaks, devoid of any emotion.* ????: There's noise in my head. Why can you use the powers of The Backyard? Sol... I must memorize that name... *The scene changes to a bridge in Illyria, where the three teleport. * Sin: Ugh... We went through a lot back there. Izuna: Th-they doesn’t usually do anything like that, ya know. Sol: This is Illyria, huh? What happened to the angular velocity and inertia? Sin: What are you talking about? Sol: The Earth is rotating. If the longitude and latitude suddenly change, we'll be thrown out of gravity. Izuna: I just made a few tweaks here and there, ya know. Well, this transportation magic isn't almighty. It won't reach Illyria Castle. *All three run toward the castle* Sin: You're spouting incomprehensible things again... *Scene shows the girl in black, turned away. Behind her are three Vizuel. They are her servants. The girl in black is Valentine, but her face is still not shown.* Vizuel: We have a report, Mistress Valentine. They’re too strong. They can't be human. Valentine: Yeah, you're right. They're odd, aren't they? Sin and Sol... *She crouches a little, pulling her balloon, which transforms into a portal, and disappears. * *The trio are shown running again. * Sol: Hmph, there's no one around. Maybe they're already... Ugh, my head... *Sol gets another headache but gets back up. A pillar of pink light appears. * Sin: What is that?! Sol: This power... Sin! Get back! *Valentine appears face to face for the first time, swaying back and forth. She has short, reddish brown hair and wears a sexy black gothic-lolita outfit, a huge jester's hat with a skeleton emblem, and her balloon is revealed to have a scary face, with one eye covered by stitches running down the forehead. It has bat wings that look like antennae or ears, and a huge smile with large, yellow teeth. * Izuna: *Panicky* Might you be...the master? Valentine: Hello. Sol: You! A-no, you can't be... Sin: Old man? What's wrong? Sol: Nothing. Focus on the enemy! Valentine: You don't run... People who are like you are quite rare. Izuna: Was it you? Did you brainwash my friends, hm?! Valentine: Who me? I am valentine. Sin: Old man, her powers are like no other. Izuna: She's definitely the master. Sol: Master? Izuna: Yup. Just as you are the master of your own servants, she is the master of all those things we fought until now. Valentine: You three are getting in Valentine's way. I don't approve of any obstacles. *Red pillars of light can be seen in the distance, one by one. They are ghosts spawning. * Sin: The placements of the ghosts are getting more complicated. Sol: If she's the master, then all we have to do is beat her down. Izuna: That’s not really the case, ya know. *The camera shows Valentine's masterghost. It's a gothic looking structure with a large bell in the center, a castle's outline, and a pointy spear in the center, swaying like a metronome. * Izuna: If there's a masterghost, that's where her soul is. Even if you take out the master, she'll revive after a while. Sol: Huh? *Izuna is teaching the mechanics of what will be the first real battle in this game. * Izuna: You can beat the masterghost eventually by taking down the master a few times... But if you spend too much time on the master, no one will be watching the other ghosts. Sol: *Cracking his neck and rolling his shoulders* So in the end, we're at a disadvantage...Whatever. Let's just see what happens. *The players begins the first REAL battle in the game begins, and must beat Valentine by seizing the most ghost territory and breaking her masterghost while defending his own. And of course, when Sol and Valentine come face-to-face, metal starts playing and you can beat her by force. The masterghost will then respawn her but become easier to destroy. * *After the fight, the three heroes face Valentine by herself. * Valentine: Your ability is rather low. Finding the "key" takes priority. Good-bye. (But the minute they showed up, the key's response got stronger... I wonder why.) *She waves and teleports away. * Sol: Wait! Tch, did you track her? Izuna: You see about that...Uh...sorry man... Sol: Fine... Sin: What's wrong? You don't look so good. Sol: Don't worry about it. We gotta hurry to the castle. Sin: Yeah... *They run to the castle and the chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #5 - Gaze of the Chronicle =============================================================================== Valentine, the master of the enemy, spoke without emotion. The girl with extraordinary magic opposed Sol and the others. She consequently disappeared, but it was clearly their loss. Either that, or the girl's appearance got the better of Sol. Regardless, the group was able to avoid further problems with the Vizuel's powerful onslaught. If Valentine cause all of these incidents-No… Now was not the time to be anxious about an unknown future. Worries of Ky's well being arose. As they shook the thought, the party hurried inside the castle. *Fade in to Ky's castle, there are dead soldiers. Some on fire* "Within Castle Illyria - Throne" Izuna: This is bad, ya know. Most of the guards have been defeated. *They run closer and find Ky, trapped in a transparent blue diamond shaped aura. * Sin: Is that...whoa. The King?! Ah... *Sin dashes in and the others follow. * Sol: Calm down. He's not dead. Hm?! Izuna: What's wrong? *Wind is heard. * Sol: This wind reeks of blood. *Someone is hiding behind Ky. He has a green cape, and a metallic mask covers his face with a horn sticking out of its forehead. A green emblem of a bird is below the collar, over his chest. He is Raven. His voice has a tight echo to it. Sol recognizes him and becomes angry. * Raven: It’s about time you made it. You're late. Sol: Damn you! Sin: Who are you!? Raven: Do you have a message for my master? Sol: Your dead body shredded in pieces! *Raven's song plays (complete with crazy vocals!) and the player is Sol in a tough fight with Raven. They talk in the beginning of the fight when Raven throws a needle creating a field that slows Sol's movement. * Sol: Slowfields. What an annoying attack. Raven: You’re as ruthless as ever, huh, monster? Sol: Look whose talking. Raven: Can you not put your sword down and talk? I understand your upset seeing Ky Kiske defeated. Sol: I’ll ask your corpse for answers. Raven: Splendid, splendid. I don't dislike that side of you. Sol: If you're here, That Man is involved. I saw the brainwashing abilities on my way here. I've never seen such techniques. Raven: What? It looks like you don't know anything. Why is his holiness so caught up with you? At any rate, the word "misunderstanding" is resounding in vain with you. *The player can break the slowfields, keep the green needle and throw it back at Raven to stun him, but needs to use Tyrant Wave to get serious damage dealt. Then Raven teleports to the center. * *Raven yells "THAT FEELS GOOD!" With each hard hit. * Sin: Whoa, what a masochistic guy. He must be nuts! *Raven disappears in cloud of fog and black feathers that spreads through the room* Sol: Hmph. Don't think going all out will help you. Now where are you coming from? *Raven has turned into many black ravens. The player must hit them as they attack. When the fight ends, Raven spins around and backs away from the group.* Raven: I see. You seem to have acquired the Backyard's abilities. As I thought. You're one of the wheels that move the world. I wish I could kill you now, but I guess it's not the right time. *Feathers float up as he starts to disappear. * Raven: How unfortunate, Flame of Corruption. How unfortunate indeed... *Sol slashes at the feathers and hits nothing but air. * Sol: Wait the hell up! Goddamn it! Sin: Uh, old man? Who was that just now? Sol: The Undying Disease, Raven. Sol: He’s that guy's henchman. Sin: That guy? Sol: The root of the Crusades. The Creator of Justice. The Gear Maker. Sin: So then, you're referring to That Man, huh!? He's that evil person, right? Izuna: That Man… So what the Doctor said was true... Sol: You knew about this? Sin: O-Oh yeah. How's the King? *Ky is still stuck. Izuna circles him. * Izuna: What a bothersome seal he's caught in. Sol: Can you undo it? How long will it hold? Izuna: I don't have a clue. Sol: Damn it. *A blast roars and the castle shakes. * Sin: Oh, come on! What is it now?! *Outside the castle, figures are seen running from up high. The heroes are seen outside. * Sin: Old man, it looks like the castle town below is under attack! Sol: The town? Hey, freak. You said they were after the Gears, didn't you? Neither the town nor the King is a Gear. Izuna: Hmm, yeah, I guess maybe they have no mercy on people who get in the way? Sol: So then the town and the castle become obstacles in their path now that they know what they want in the end huh? Izuna: Ah-hah! Then does that mean that there's a Gear in Illyria? Sol: Right. That's not the problem though. What we need to know is how they figured that out. If we assume they have some way of figuring out the whereabouts of a Gear in advance, then any city with a dormant Gear in their care becomes their target. Izuna: Oh... Well, that would be bad, wouldn't it? Sol: Exactly. We don't have time to screw around. *Chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #6 - Budding Keyhole =============================================================================== Illyria Castle was filled with the stench of blood. The palace guards were exterminated, and the building lay in ruins. The air was stagnant, and corpses were strewn about the halls. The kingdom's foundation was lost. At its center was Raven, the Undying Disease, a man with an invulnerable body and an eternal life. As one of the three associates of That Man, the creator of the Gears and the ringleader of everything that transpired, his appearance confirmed That Man's participation. The situation became far more grace. To Sol, it wasn't a premonition or a prediction, but rather an understanding and a mystery at the same time. Unable to find the reason behind the endless onslaught of the Vizuel, the war raged on. *It is now dusk in Illyria outdoors. Valentine is looking at the town, now in ruins and signs of fire. Two Vizuel stand behind her. * Valentine: How about the castle? Did you find the key? Vizuel: I don't know. Our sisters aren't coming back. They're strong. Those weird humans are strong. Valentine: Maybe it was a mistake to let them go. I should kill them now, before they get in my way again. *Sol suddenly appears out of nowhere and performs Gun Flame. The fire burns the two Vizuel as others watch. * Vizuel: They’re here. Valentine: Perfect. *Sin twirls his flag around* Sin: What a coincidence. We were thinking the same thing. Valentine: Sol...the key... You give me a headache. But something's wrong. What is making me feel so sick? The response is a little different... I have to find out. I have to find out. Sol: I’m only gonna ask you once: What is your purpose? Valentine: Errands for Mother. Sin: Huh? Sol: *sighs* In that case, go to hell! *Two of Sol's Drills spawn. * Izuna: These are... What the, you can already summon servants on your own? Sol: Tch, thanks to that pain-in-the-ass tuning, a diatonic composition is the best I can do. *They player starts the second real fight, and now has control over resources and commands and must crack Valentine's masterghost like before. * *After the battle, Valentine is seen, hunched over in pain. * Sol: Did we do it? Valentine: I've been discorded. It's probably...pain. So this is what pain is. Sin: What’s with her? What's she talking about? Valentine: With pain like this, I can't run errands properly. I need to reorganize myself. *Sol dashes forward a bit and she dashes back. * Sol: Think you can run? Valentine: There was a misunderstanding. Sin? Sin: Uh, huh? Wh-What? Valentine: *Pauses* I like you. Sin: Huh?! *Sin is either very lucky, or very unlucky! Valentine teleports away.* Sol: Damn it. We messed up. Did you track her? Izuna: ...My bad. *Sol steps towards Izuna. * Sol: You... Izuna: Chill, chill... Let's just focus on saving the King for now. Sin: Can you? Izuna: There’s a person I want to introduce you to. He's a genius in using magic. He may know something. Sol: Take me to him. Sin, you stay here. Sin: What?! Why?! Of all the places, it's the castle. I don't wanna be left behind here. Sol: Keep an eye on the king. Sin: *sighs* Sol: No detours. *Sol and Izuna run off, leaving Sin behind. * *Chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #7 - Cynical Wise Man =============================================================================== Along the way, Sol was continuously in hesitation. The girl named Valentine and her persistence in attacking Illyria. Her motives were unclear. Why was she after the Gears? What was her relation with That Man? "...Ugh, again?" There was a sudden noise in his head, and his vision blurred, it happened the moment he thought of Valentine. It could only be explained as noise. That sensation racked Sol's head again and interrupted his train of thought. Having the slight hope that Ky may know something, Sol followed Izuna's lead since he seemed to have an idea on how to deal with the seal. *Fade in to an establishing shot of one SICK looking island surrounded by crystal clear water with reefs vaguely visible. The island itself is sand colored but is composed of bridges with massive towers in the center, with arms spinning, as if with the wind. The center tower is tallest and has a dome shaped bubble of water floating miraculously. * "Ganymede Archipelacho" Izuna - Doctor, we're heeere! *Sol and Izuna look up a flight of stairs to see a small green creature floating in a bubble of water. He wears scholarly robes and a huge flat hat. He sits on a pedestal with a large book. One of his servants, a Georappa, stands beside him. He is Dr. Paradigm. He speaks with a mature, aged voice...* Paradigm: It's rare of you to bring a guest here, Izuna. Sol: What is he? A bird...? A Gear? Paradigm: Indeed. But you need to make a correction. I'm a dragon, not a bird. Sol: Izuna...what the hell? Izuna: Chill, chill. They're a harmless group of gears, dontcha know. And this is the genius in using magic that-- Sol: *Interrupting* It’s rare to find harmless Gears. *Camera gives a shot of the island* Paradigm: This is the last resort for those unlucky Gears that gained self-consciousness when the curse of Justice was broken. Living on this deserted island, away from the public's eye, avoids any complications with humans. Don't you see it? Sol: With a bird as their leader, huh? Paradigm: *annoyed* That's dragon. Who is this rude monkey? Sol: What about the humanoids? Paradigm: They "were" here. But humanoids are never satisfied. They multiply like rabbits and eat up possibilities through mutual destruction. A low grade species, they are. They all left. Sol: Hmph, some paradise. Paradigm: There are no humanoids after all. But, true, it's not as much of a paradise as it looks. Sol: What do you mean? Paradigm: Valentine's army. They appear out of nowhere and terminate any Gears they come across. You're talking about the recent disappearance of Gears, right? We are also being targeted…but it looks like you didn't know that. Izuna, what's the reason behind bringing this monkey here? Izuna: The King was sealed with a magic spell. I tried touching it, but I couldn't do anything against the encrypted chord, ya know. Paradigm: The King...Ky Kiske? Leave him be. For the scale of...conspiracy we are dealing with here, he's a cheap topic. Sol: Conspiracy…did I hear that right? Bastard, what do you know? Paradigm: You're rather rude for someone who's asking me for a favor. Sol: Tch. Sorry, but I'm in a rush. You're coming with me chicken-man whether you like it or not. *Sol draws his sword, and Dr. Paradigm scribbles in his book and turns pages. * Paradigm: If you want me to help, you need a new attitude. And again, I am a dragon. *Due to Sol's nastiness, the player must perform a standard battle with Dr. Paradigm. Izuna give some tutorials about classes* Paradigm: You think that thin veneer of knowledge will help him? Izuna: We got off on the wrong foot, but he's exactly what you asked for, ya know? His name is Sol. He was a scientist by the name of Frederick some time ago. Paradigm: You can't certainly judge a book by its cover, huh? Very well. Let's see if you have what it takes to know the conspiracy... Sol: Quit your yapping. *After some time passes in this mission* Paradigm: Hmm…It looks like you can hold your own. I want you to tell me something. What drives you to risk your life? Is it loyalty? Or patriotism? Or does it hurt your pride to speak to a beast like me? Sol: The King's time is short. That kid might be the world's last line of defense. If he dies and something happens, the world will fall into chaos. It'll be the Crusades all over again. Paradigm: Such a typical and boring answer. But something interests me. What did you mean by "if something happens?" Sol: Who knows? That "something" is what Valentine has planned. Paradigm: You are mistaken. You refer to Valentine like she is a balloon ready to burst. But her plans alone can't be compared to a great war like The Crusades. Sol: What are you saying? Paradigm: You're worried aren't you? Worried that “That Man” is threatening the world once again. Sol: Just who the hell are you? Paradigm: Call me Dr. Paradigm. I may sound foolish for saying this, but I'm a fan of your upbringing. Sol: Huh? *Dr. P's masterghost is a large library with moving parts like a clock tower. The fight ends when you destroy it. A scene begins with Izuna and Sol facing the Doctor.* Paradigm: I'll be brief. If you're the scientist from 100 years ago, you can guess the origin of magic, can't you Frederick? Sol: Magic... A scientific impossibility, a power close to omnipotence. All of it is information of an unknown origin. However, there was no room to question that kind of innovative resource. At the time, scholars who were in a precarious position between technological progress and environmental ethics jumped on it like moths to a flame. Like me...and That Man too... And as we studies this energy that shouldn't exist in this world, a theory arose: That is the Backyard. A superior dimension. Roughly put, it's a world that can rewrite the rules of this universe any way it wants. Paradigm: Good. Now the main question: What if we developed a program where magic could gain access and enter the Backyard? Sol: Impossible. By the time magic reached scientists hands, only the surface level was accessible--its inner framework was not. Paradigm: That's where the past you don't know comes in: The Gear cells. Sol:!? Paradigm: You are aware that the cells constituting us Gears are created from the applied technology of magic, right? However, the Gear cells that That Man completed contained unknown technologies that you yourself said were impossible. Sol: But if we assume that's true...it's possible that humanity can enter the Backyard...! *Gasps* Then Valentine...she's destroying any footholds... Paradigm: Yes. In other words, the disassembly of Gears is a sublimation. Sol: But what will that accomplish? If she can freely access the Backyard, then she can also mess with the world's fate. She'd be able to do whatever she wants. Paradigm: Just because you can get into the Backyard doesn't mean that you can do things right away. In that case, Valentine is probably sublimating Gears to prevent others from trespassing, so that she can do "something." Sol: How did you come to that conclusion? Paradigm: I was only successful once, but I was able to get a glimpse of the Backyard. There, I confirmed that an artificial, isolated space was created. Sol: What!? Paradigm: That quarantined space was arranged in a way that isolates the area that constitutes the present world from the outside. I named that space the "Cube." Sol: A man made space within the Backyard? That's hard to believe. Paradigm: Its creator is probably That Man…The Gear Maker. Sol: !! *Gasping a little* Paradigm: I don't blame you for being surprised. A drop of water becomes a drop of water only when it obtains a location where it can actually trickle. And when that drop of water is thrown into the sea, there is nothing left to identify that drop, nor is there a method to restore it to its former shape. Mankind can be seen as a drop of water in the Backyard. If a human did create the Cube, then he is the only one who could make the impossible possible. Sol: No doubt. Paradigm: The problem is, what is That Man trying to do with the Cube? If he can hack into the Backyard's chord, he can change the present world in any way he wants. It will be easy for him to cause an unprecedented disaster. Sol: So that "something" is That Man's plot... And he's using Valentine for that cause. Paradigm: I'm afraid so. That's why in order to figure everything out; I was interested in the one who had ties to That Man. But I never imagined that Izuna would bring you before me in this manner. Sol: I see. I thought it was strange for him to be Ky's messenger... *Izuna rubs his head, suddenly the ground shakes. * Paradigm: My apologies. I meant for it to be short, but it took too long. Izuna: Hey, we have pursuers! Sol: Tch, what a pain in the ass. Paradigm: Be careful Frederick. They seem to have new soldier types. *Chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #8 - Water Drop =============================================================================== It's extremely rare for Gears, which were created as living weapons, to have a mind of their own. Furthermore, most Gears--harmful or not--were disposed of after the Crusades, making it difficult for even Sol, who made a living off the bounty of Gears, to encounter them. But who would have thought that these "stand-alone" Gears, which weren't even supposed to exist, were living in a place like this, forming a community and starting a civilization... To repeat Paradigm's hypothesis: That Man made a Cube, an isolated space in the Backyard, and is scheming something. In order to go unhindered, he has Valentine exterminate Gears, which function as keys, to enter the Cube. Sol may not like it, but he has no choice but to accept Dr. Paradigm's insight. The party got a hint in resolving the calamity, went back on the road, and was attacked by the Vizuel again. *A mission starts immediately. The player must command Sol while Cooperating with Dr. Paradigm to take down Valentine's masterghost. A very difficult mission. * *After the conflict. * Dr. Paradigm: well in that case, there's no point in us staying here. We Gears will join the fight. First though, we need to save that Ky Kiske. Sol: Do you know how? Dr. Paradigm: I have to examine it first, but if it’s the same type of key used in the outer wall that conceals the cube, I may have a solution. My research scores are hidden in the underworld hill. We need to head there first. Sol: Underworld Hill? Izuna: It's my den we passed earlier. Sol: Tch, I thought I said we're not gonna take any more detours. *End of chapter. * Chapter #9 - Underworld Hill After acknowledging Sol's abilities, Dr. Paradigm promised to join the battle to beat the situation and retake his comrades' paradise. After concluding that King Ky Kiske's safety was a priority, Dr. Paradigm headed toward Illyria Castle. But in order to undo the seal, Dr. Paradigm needed the research scores that he hid in the Underworld Hill. Sol suppressed his impatience to collect the scores and headed toward the ark-type phase variation space. *The Japanese inspired land appears again. All the types of Izuna's servants are around, still possessed. * "Underworld Hill" Izuna: I knew it. It looks like the brainwashing hasn't been lifted. Sol: What a pain. Let's just get rid of them. Izuna: Heywaitaminute! They may be brainwashed, but they’re still my pals, ya know? Sol: Then you go. Izuna: I'm…uh…not too good with the fighting… Sol: Tch. Paradigm: Hmmm, you have quite the temper. Try to avoid useless combat as best you can. Got it? I'll tell you the locations of my scores as we go, so please do as we say. Sol: Whatever. *A really horrible mission starts. You get photos that get more detailed over time, find a spot on the map and cast Dispel to find five hidden chests with the data Paradigm needs. After the mission, Paradigm writes in his book...* Paradigm: Hmm. Good job. Sol: I’ve never seen all these key signatures. *A portal opens up in front of Paradigm; it appears to be sucking in words. * Paradigm: This is the foundation of when mankind first achieved the magic. It is a record of humanity's first contact with the Backyard. Unfortunately, it's only a small fragment of it. Sol: Where did you get this thing? Paradigm: I obtained it when I was analyzing the Cube. These score of information are simple notes that I put together...But they're dangerous goods that rival the forbidden magic. I separated them from the present world for that reason. Sol: The steps are more than doubled, and the chords are too complicated. Paradigm: With this, I can determine the phase of the brainwash. *The portal disappears and Paradigm raises his hands, in a flash of light, Izuna's servants are healed and rise. A catgirl, called Nekomata, speaks with a cute voice. * Nekomata: Ooh my, my! Hey, Uncle Izuna. Izuna: Oh ho ho, goodie, goodie! You're all back to normal. But I didn’t think such a dangerous thing was buried in my place. That's pretty bad, Doctor... Paradigm: We don't have time to dawdle. Now then, let's go. *Chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #10 - For Whom Do I wield the Sword =============================================================================== After retrieving the scores and undoing the brainwash on the monsters, the party traveled back to Illyria where Sin and Ky awaited. At this time, Sol was concerned about Dr. Paradigm's hypothesis. It was That Man's style to secretly maneuver things from the shadow, But even so...What in the world was That Man planning to do in the Backyard, which determines the laws of this universe? An annoying memory of the past resurfaced in Sol's mind: The man who created the living weapons known as Gears, caused the Crusades, and remodeled his body into a Gear. Meanwhile, Sin, who was waiting for Sol's return, was staring at Ky's unpleasant face. *Sol, Paradigm and Izuna run to the throne, back in the castle. Sin is waiting, watching over Ky.* Izuna: *Redneck voice* Well, well, lookie there. The King is still okay. Sin: Old man! Sol: Sorry. It took a while. *The heroes surround Ky. Paradigm observes Ky closely. * Paradigm: Hmm, it's an application of the space curve. The magic's five context is the basis, and there is a link to the nth's mapping. Do you understand it? Sol: Yeah, I get it…a variant of the Ouroboros loop. (This chord habit…I definitely recognize it.) Sin: Can you save him? Paradigm: Just a moment. *He turns some pages and raises his hands. The seal fades from Ky.* Paradigm: That should do it. Sin: Hey, Ky! Ky: Where am I...? What happened to me...? Sol: You're useless as usual, boy. Ky: Sorry to put you through the trouble, Sol. *turns away* Given the situation... I've once again sacrificed the lives of my people. Sol: The attack is related to the disappearance of the Gears. Do you know if the Maiden of the Grove is safe? Ky: I can't say… Sin: Is that it? Hey. He's asking you a question...Answer him. Don't ignore us! Paradigm: Hm? Izuna: What’s wrong, Sin? Sin: I always knew you were a shitty King. You can't even protect anything! Sol: Sin. Let it go. Sin: You make me wanna puke. *Turns and runs away. * *Everyone is silent while Ky lets out a sigh. * Ky: ...I'm sorry that you had to see that. Paradigm: Sorry to intrude, but can you explain the situation to us? I am Dr. Paradigm. Ky: A Gear moving of it's own volition... So Gears like you still exist? Paradigm: I am going to omit the details, but we do our best to go unnoticed. Ky: At any rate, I'm not sure what's happening either, given the circumstances... We suddenly came under attack… So this is related to the disappearance of the Gears? Paradigm: Well, something like that. Earlier we were talking about the Maiden of the Grove. She is a Gear, is she not? She was most likely that bounty in the past. Ky: How do you know that? Paradigm: Hmph, just as I thought. Years ago there was a bounty on a Gear for having both great strength and a powerful sense of awareness. Shortly after, there was news that it was destroyed. However, there were no remains to prove it, and the matter was never concluded. For a major incident, so many things were left untold, but I see now that it must have been detained in Illyria. Ky: Detained... You're mistaken! Paradigm: Am I? Then why are you so worried about it's safety? You were eyeing it for its value as a weapon, right? Ky: *very upset* She was never a weapon! She is-- Paradigm: You shouldn't lie, King. That foolish conduct is what got us into this situation. Ky: What do you mean? Paradigm: Hmph, very well. I can lecture you later, but you need to show me the Maiden of the Grove first. We will continue then. *Chapter ends. There is no mission. * =============================================================================== Chapter #11 - Even If I Reached Out =============================================================================== With Dr. Paradigm's help, Ky was released from the seal. Sin's irritation grew as he saw Ky grasping the situation and mourning the loss of his subjects. "I always knew you were a shitty King, You can't even protect anything!" Sin's harsh words pierced Ky's heart. Ky lived his whole life having faith in his beliefs and his justice. Even when he was a knight. Even after he became King... In the end, the kingdom flourished, the people were stable, and his kingdom took charge of reconstructing the world after the Crusades. He sacrificed many things in order to fight for what he believed in. However ...Could he say that he made the right decisions? If it was the old him, he would have said yes. But he learned the truth. No, he might have noticed it a while ago. He just didn't want to admit it. He didn't want to admit that his conduct caused considerable pain and suffering to some people. But before he realized the truth, Sin was already long gone... *The city outside fades in. It is raining at night with heavy rain and lightning. Sin is watching the castle from a distance, standing on top of a bridge's support tower. Suddenly he sees some of the Vizuel be heard speaking incoherently. * Sin: Them again... Vizuel: You wanna start heading out? Vizuel: No! They're strong. Vizuel: Yeah, I don't wanna go either. Vizuel: But we have to bring him back, or we don't have a purpose. Vizuel: But if we go, we'll die. Vizuel: But if we don't go, we'll die anyway. *Sin jumps down beside them.* Sin: Let's play a game... Vizuel: Hey, it's that kid! Vizuel: He came alone! Sweet! What luck! Sin: No...you're actually unlucky! *He flashes with red lightning and the player controls him beating up Vizuel by himself. There are no ghosts or mana. After the mission, Sin stands alone and flings his flag. * Sin: Heh...that's right... *Valentine is behind him, but he doesn't see her yet. * Sin: ! *Chapter end.* =============================================================================== Chapter #12 - Glaring Self-Interest =============================================================================== No one ran after Sin. Acknowledging his attitude would only complicate matters further. Sin frantically released his frustration. He knew it was a mistake he couldn't take back, but he let go of his self-control anyway. His frustration shaped itself in a haphazard manner and started playing a vicious tune. *Back in the castle, but in a dimly lit hall. * Paradigm: They have the ability to detect the location of Gears. If we leave them be, the whole world will drown in a sea of flames. "Castle Illyria - Room of Seals" Ky: I knew it wasn't going to be an easy case. The Backyard, The Vizuel, and That Man…It's too much to handle. Paradigm: And with the Maiden of the Grove in this condition... *They look at her. She is seen for the first time, trapped in an icy diamond held up by large golden chains attached to the floor, as if it's defying gravity. She is wearing a frilly dress, appears hunched over in pain, her legs partially faded away. She has wings spread high over her head, and a tail. Her hair is in a long braid. Sparkles, bubbles, and electricity moving freely inside surround her. Her face is hard to see... (But all evidence points to being the one and only Dizzy, with a new look!) * Ky: It started a few days ago. She began to vanish before my very eyes. I did everything in my power to prevent her from disappearing. After using up the power of the Thunderseal Sword, I was finally able to settle her in this frozen state. But probably because I rushed it, I can no longer release the seal now, nor do I know how long this condition will last. Paradigm: Oh my, you converted one of the sacred treasures? No wonder it's a time distortion of high granularity. Time has almost stopped for everything within this seal. Ky: Is there... Is there anything you can do to save her? Paradigm: I can undo the seal placed upon her. But if I do, she will begin to fade once again. Ky: No! Paradigm: Calm down. All we have to do is defeat Valentine, who is an intermediary for Gear sublimation. Ky: Thank goodness. It's nice to know that I still have hope. Paradigm: Oh, what a shame, are your concerns really that important? I heard that Ky Kiske was a man of character, but it seems that was a mistake. Ky: Uh, I... Paradigm: It’s fine. Thanks to you, I've made an unexpected discovery. After examining the Maiden of the Grove, I was able to figure out their objectives, Frederick. Sol: What do you mean? Paradigm: First of all, the purpose of sublimation wasn't the termination of Gears. Rather, they were searching for a "Key" to enter the Cube: the Gear cells. Sol: What? Paradigm: Frankly speaking, Valentine isn't a guardian of the Cube; rather, she's an invader of the Cube. Sol: Wait, I don't see it. So are you saying that Valentine's going against That Man? Paradigm: Hmm… Or possibly both are vying for dominion of the Cube. It makes sense in that case. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that we're in danger. Sol: *sighs* But if their aim is to harvest the Gear cells, there are plenty of other Gears around. What's the enemy's motive for concentrating on Illyria? Paradigm: Well not just any Gear will work. If it would, then I'm sure they'd be done by now. The reason why their attacks are continuing is they haven't obtained the complete "key". Izuna: Don't tell me the complete key is-- Paradigm: That's right. It's her, the Maiden of the Grove. Ky: ..!! *Gasp* Sol: ...*Exhale* Paradigm: It's no wonder they were after Illyria, King. She was said to have had great powers. But surprisingly, her Gear cells resemble those of the Herald of Destruction. In other words... The Maiden of the Grove is a reproduction of Justice! Sol: ... Izuna: Holy-- Paradigm: I knew humanity was foolish beyond help. *He flicks through his book rapidly* Ky: Wh-What are you doing? Paradigm: We have to prevent the key from falling into there hands, no matter what. Before she is sublimated, we must destroy her completely. Ky: What did you say?! Paradigm: Whether it's That Man or whether it's Valentine, I can't think that they're doing all this for something good. I said before that the intervention of the Cube is a threat to the present world. Currently, her existence affects the destiny of this universe. Ky: That may be so, but I won't stand by and watch you kill her! Paradigm: Don't miss the whole point, King! This matter affects far more than your organization! Don't tell me that you have somehow fallen in love with this Gear. Ky: That’s right, I did! Paradigm: *Choking in shock* Nngh! Uhh? Huh? Ky: She was never detained in Illyria, nor do I see her as a weapon. The simple fact is, we fell in love with one another. As a ruler, and as a human, I knew it was a forbidden love. But as an individual, I lover her with all of my heart ...Even for Sin's sake, I just can't abandon her to die! Paradigm: He...h-he's pulling m leg, isn't he? Sol: He’s not the type that can. Paradigm: Ohhhh.... Hm? Wait a second, did you just mention Sin? The youth that headed out a moment ago? What does he have to do with this? Ky: Sin is...my son. The child born of our love... Paradigm: WHAAAAAAAAAAT!? (Simultaneously) Izuna: WAOH… Ky: Because he has the genes of a Gear, he matures quickly. If the public found out, they would be after his life, so we entrusted him to Sol. Paradigm: Well, it seems like you're serious. Hmmmmm. But I must say, this is not how a King should act. Ky: I have no excuses. Regardless, I won't stand by and watch her die. Paradigm: Do you still not understand? We obviously don't have time to discuss this. Remember, this universe is still at stake. Sol: Hey wait. If the Cube is the source of our problem, we should have a say in the outcome. Ky: Sol... Paradigm: Hmph. Well...you do have a point. Sol: However...Wait! Where is Sin now? Paradigm: Who knows? He's as reckless as his father. No… Wait a minute... It changes everything if that's the case! If the Maiden of the Grove's Gear cells are the key... It's possible Sin has inherited it too! Ky: I’ll go after him! Sol: Be logical! Don't forget your position... Ky: But-- *The ground shakes from a blast. * Paradigm: The ground shakes. Izuna: They’re heading toward the castle! Paradigm: They aren't hesitating at all. As I thought, their target is the Maiden of the Grove. Izuna: Hmm? Aren’t those? *The street of the city show not only but the Vizuel, but Dr. Paradigm's servants, they look purple instead of green like normal. * Paradigm: How absurd! Are they brainwashed? Ky: Are those Gears your companions? Izuna: That’s Valentine's favorite trick. My friends were taken that way too. Paradigm: Ugh...But...in this situation, Sin is our priority. Frederick, the King and I will protect the Maiden of the Grove. You go find Sin! *Sol grunts and runs away. * Paradigm: You must hurry! The fate of the world... This is no exaggeration! *Chapter Ends. Evidence makes it clear that The Maiden of the Grove is the one and only Dizzy.* =============================================================================== Chapter #13 - A Cell Called Paradise =============================================================================== Valentine was after Gears' prime fields, which have the possibility of becoming a key for the entrance to the Cube. It's said that the prime field was the original Gear. The closer it is to Justice, the better. The Maiden of the Grove was almost her complete duplicate and was a perfect match to function as a key. Sin, the offspring of Ky and the Maiden of the Grove, was also a possible candidate. Valentine must have come to that conclusion. His abduction was the same as obtaining a key. They must retrieve Sin as soon as possible... Sol left the Maiden of the Grove with Ky and Dr. Paradigm and ran after Sin. *Fade in to the city of Illyria. Paradigm's minions are standing around possessed, thrashing and flinging weapons, with some Vizuel standing behind them. Ky and Paradigm are watching...* Ky: Can you undo the magic? Paradigm: *upset* Impossible. I can't break it if they're raging like that. ...It's unavoidable. We have to exterminate them. Ky: But then...aren’t they-- Paradigm: I am aware of that. They're all my companions! *Piano music...* Paradigm: However, there's no time to contemplate it. Ky: In that case, I'll render each one of them powerless. Please undo their magic after that. Paradigm: You'll take that mob alone? You're reckless. Ky: Even if we were able to obtain peace by killing them, we would end up having no one to celebrate that joy with... I know the solitude that brings. Paradigm: Listen King... Ky: I’ve continued to refine my skills. Please back me up. Paradigm: I've always...hated humans. They concluded that we were evil only because we were Gears. They never learn from their mistake either. But you paid no attention to my attitude, and you tried to meet me halfway... Even after I tried to destroy the Maiden of the Grove. Hehe, now I don't know who's rejecting who after that. Are you sure you're still going to lend a hand? Ky: Humanity’s foolishness knows no limit, but neither does their wisdom. History will determine the value of us humans and Gears. Paradigm: Foolish King. In that case, may I throw my lot in with you in this so-called history? Ky: Of course. *Draws his sword and takes his classic stance. * I'm Illyria's King, Ky Kiske! Get ready! *Mission starts. Ky's Theme "Holy Orders - Be Just or be Dead plays." The player controls Ky and the AI controls the Doctor. The player uses Ky's Stun Edge to paralyze any enemies that belong to the doctor, then command Paradigm to heal them. By the end of the mission, you have so many allies it becomes crazy hard to see what the hell's going on! Playing as Paradigm in Exibition helps you learn what all of his advanced units look like, but in this mission, you can just look for enemies with ??? above their head.* *After the mission, Valentine watches from on top of a distant building with some Vizuel behind her, and Sin, floating and unconscious.* Valentine: They couldn't take the castle. Vizuel: The ones you brainwashed, they're Gears, right? We didn't have to sublimate them? Valentine: Uh-huh. They just needed to buy us time. We don't need them anymore. *She turns to look at Sin. * Valentine: We have the key after all. Except for Sin, nobody else is required. *She raises her hands high, and in a flash of pink light, they are all gone. Izuna and Sol run up. * Izuna: Wh-What the... Where'd they go? We didn't make it in time! But don't worry! This time I managed to tra-- Sol: I have them already! Move it. Izuna: Oh, really? *They both dash away. The chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter #14 - Lantern at Noon Day =============================================================================== Thanks to Ky, the two were able to protect Illyria and save Dr. Paradigm's comrades at the same time. Mankind and Gears... They're obviously in conflict with one another. For one hundred years, humanity oppressed the weapons with a mind of their own... But after the Crusades, things took a complete change, and Gears were in a position were they were exterminated by mankind. In the end, humanity was the source of all the problems and was a detestable existence for Dr. Paradigm. But what about Ky Kiske? If a man with youth and power like him could lead the world... But it's too early to have hope. The group that attacked Illyria was a feint. Valentine's true intentions were to abduct Sin. The subordinates she left in Illyria were used to buy her time. Maybe he had the foresight, but Dr. Paradigm sent Sol and Izuna after Sin. He could only entrust his hopes on them. *Fade in to the caves of Chapter 1. * "United Kingdom of Illyria South - Bel Canto Valley" *Valentine and one Vizuel stand in front of a monorail that whizzes by. * Valentine: We're going back home to Mother. Huh? What's this? Again? I have another headache. Sol: Sin! *Valentine sees Sin and Sol in the cave. * Valentine: We were followed? *Huge pink barriers appear throughout the area. * Izuna: Wha-they started! And they have barriers to boot. Sol: Barriers?! Valentine: It takes a while for another sublimation. Protect the barrier, okay? Vizuel: Yes, ma’am. Sol: What a pain in the ass. You can tell it's a heavy chord. Izuna: That’s a cosmic barrier. It's a tuning with some tiresome magic incantations, something like a fourth. They're using unique chords on purpose, ya know. Sol: What an annoying way to buy time. Izuna: Mmmhmm. But I'm familiar with this chord. Sol: What? Izuna: Aw man. I really hate to fight, ya know... I'm not like you at all. I'd rather be a coward and live in peace than fight to win. Mmm, but ya know, you risked your life to save my friends, and now both you and Sin are my friends. A person who won’t fight when a friend is in need is not a coward. There's a different word for that...A Chicken Breast! Sol: Chicken breast!? Izuna: And I am no chicken breast, sir! *Oh Izuna, you crazy guy! * *Draws his sword while traditional Japanese music plays. * Izuna: This long thing is only an accessory. But if there's darkness, it's Heaven's decree for an ornament to shine forth! From now on, anyone getting in my way will suffer the endless cycle of death and rebirth! Sol: That stupid freak...he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. *A Mission starts, and you finally play as Izuna. You have to seize ghosts, but there is no enemy masterghost. Izuna just has to crack every pink barrier. His masterghost is a white shrine with a statue of a nine-tailed fox in the center. There is no scene afterwards. * =============================================================================== Chapter#15 - Roaring Compass =============================================================================== A cosmic barrier created from special powers... Izuna knew how to capture these powers due to his unique upbringing. Each layer of the barrier made Izuna feel as if he was fighting the very hands of time itself. However, Izuna was able to destroy each barrier. What was waiting for them as they went to rescue Sin...? *Sol and Izuna dash to Sin. * Sol: Sin! *Valentine stands next to Sin, still trapped, only now, he is transparent and his clothing and flag are black with purple trim. Black flames surround him. * Valentine: You didn't make it in time. Sol: Dammit! Izuna: There still might be a way. He's been disassembled, but he hasn't been purged. If Sin himself remains, it's possible to reconstruct him! Sol: You mean the "idea of being a drop of water in the sea" line, huh? Sin! Sin: Uuuggh.... Valentine: You can't do that. As you can see, Sin already belongs to me. Sin: I...I belong...only to Valentine... Valentine: All right. I'm going on ahead toward the gate. Sin, kill them, okay? *She waves and teleports away. Sin's aura is gone and he stands up.* Izuna: Hmmm, this is not good people... Sin: Hahahah...HAHAHAHAHAH! Whoa, what is this? I feel freakin' great! Sol: Dumbass, he was so easily brainwashed. I guess teaching him nothing but survival sure backfired... Izuna: Heey...you're Sin's teacher. You're stronger than that, right? Sol: What the hell are you saying? Don't tell me you're the type who'd give up. Izuna: No, it's just I'm all outta power. Sol: .... Sin: Sol, *twirls his flag* I've always wanted to fight you seriously once. Did you know? Up until now, I never once went all out when we sparred. I was being considerate, you know. With my skills, I can easily kill you now. Sol: So you say... Izuna: Uhhh... *The player controls Sol in a fight with Sin. They talk during the fight...* Sin: Can you see it? Can you feel it? This is my true power. This is my mother's strength. Sol: But it's light... It must be from your father. Sin: Shut up! Don't mention him! He abandoned my mother using justice as an excuse! Who cares about the King?! Who cares about the people!? That man...and that kingdom...can't protect a damn thing! Sol: I don't give a damn about your family. But you know what, Ky may be a stubborn idiot, but at least he's true to his beliefs. A punk like you is still alive thanks to his justice. Sin: Shut up! Stop talking! Izuna: Oh my! Heheh... That's one crazy battle... *After the fight, Sin is white again, hunched on his flag. Sol is kicking him. Nonstop. * Sin: Oowowowowow...Ow...OW! *Sol is still kicking. * Sol: You back to yourself!? HUH!? *Still kicking. What a jerk. * Sin: I’m back! I'm back! I said I'm back old man! *Sol stops. * Sol: Then let's go. Sin: Let’s go? Where to? Sol: Those guys got a hold of the key. Sin: What now? What are you talking about? Sol: We know the truth behind the disappearance of the Gears and the attack on Illyria. Valentine and company were harvesting keys from Gear cells to enter the depths of the Backyard. And they real key was your mother, but you were targeted as well since you inherited her genes. Sin: Heh. As usual, I don't get a word you're saying. So you're telling me that's why they attacked me? Sol: That’s right. I'll explain in detail later. Sin: Uh, wait up! Before we go, old man... ...How's my mother? Sol: Don’t worry about it. I can't say that she's fine, but there's a way to save her. Sin: She’s alive? That's good... Sol: If Ky didn't do everything he could back then, I'm sure it would've been bad by now. Sin: HE did that?!... I see. Izuna: Blah blah blah. Right, listen. We don't have time for this! If we don't catch up to Valentine, we may all be destroyed! Sin: Are you serious? *Fade out. Chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter#16 - Light on a Peaceful Night =============================================================================== The duo secured Sin. But Valentine already took the key from Sin's body to enter the depth of the Backyard. To Sol's disdain, Valentine disappeared into the Backyard despite how fast they trailed her. A feeling of dread fell over the group. Maybe it was too late... *Sol, Sin, and Izuna are running through the caves. * Izuna: I think she ran over there! Please, let us make it in time! *The stop and look to the distance. Vizuel of very kind are blocking the way. Hundreds of them. * Vizuel: Humans. Humans. They've come. *They all begin talking. * Vizuel: Break them. Break them. Break the humans. *They're all saying this as the trio speaks. * Sin: What the hell is this?! Izuna: I’ve never seen so many people, not even on the holidays. Sol: We don't have time to waste. We'll charge head on. Izuna: That’s reckless, even for you! Isn't there any other way-- Sol: This isn't the time to talk! Ky: Hold on, Sol! Sol: Ky!? *Ky and Dr.Paradigm run up. * Paradigm: We made it in time. Izuna: Doctor! Paradigm: We saw Sin being taken away. Ky: We’ll provide you with backup. *Ky waves his hand and over a hundred of Ky's servants drop down, raise their weapons and roar. * Sol: Hmph, you fail as King. You left the throne. Ky: Hmph, maybe you should save your breath for the battle. Sol: I owe you one. *The soldiers are moving on, and the Sol, paradigm and Izuna start to follow.* Sin: I’m with you old man! Sol: Ky! *Sol dashes and deliberately hits Sin, who goes flying next to Ky. Sol runs off with the Doctor. Sin gets up, but Sol is lost in the crowd. * Sin: Wait for me! ...Damn it, it always ends up like this. Ky: Sin... *Ky turns to Sin, but he just turns away. * Sin: I’m telling you now: I don't care what the hell happens to you. Ky: This isn't the time for bickering. Are you going to fight or run after Sol? Decide. *Ky sees a Vizuel and kills it. He's in front of Sin, but Sin turns away again. Fighting can be heard. * Ky: I know I wasn't a good father figure to you. If I lived six lives, I don't know whether or not I could make it up to you. But rather than giving in to regret, I decided to struggle and take back the light. For that reason alone, I cannot lose this battle. To protect the people's light, and prove to them that I've chosen the right path, it's my responsibility to be here. Sin: Damn it. I'm so tired of this. Why is everything you say always right? But I'm not... I'm not gonna fight for the people like you. That'll always be your job, Ky. Ky: Sin... Sin: When I was a kid, Mom always said...she said that you were busy protecting the people's families. But seeing your downcast look, avoiding eye-contact with me, I was always curious. Why were you fighting so hard for people you've never met? Were we considered "family" or even "people"? What am I? *Sin finally faces Ky. A dead enemy flies in the background. * Sin: Even then, Mom always said you were an irreplaceable family member. That's why... *Sin kills a Vizuel behind Ky. Ky turns away and take his stance. * Sin: That’s why... I'm gonna fight for Mom. So for her sake...just for now... *Sin twirls his flags and take a stance. * Sin: I’ll fight by your side...and save your ass! *A mission starts. The player controls Sin with many item slots filled with attack and support abilities, both for him and Ky. Sin must break many generic masterghosts and help Ky's army fight the Vizuel, keeping Ky safe too.* *After the fight...* Ky: All right. It looks like we survived. *More Vizuel can be heard babbling. * Ky: Sin! *He waves to stand back. A portal appears in front of them. * Sin: What is this? Ky: You should still be able to catch up to them. Please help Sol and the others. Sin: But... there are still enemies-- Ky: It’s okay. It was my intention from the beginning. I am indebted to Sol. If only for a little while, I wanted to see how much you've grown. *Sin gasps a little* Ky: Now hurry. And son, come back alive for your mother's sake. *Sin gets upset and turns away* Sin: Don’t...start acting...like my dad! The old man is my only dad. But at least...now I know that you love Mom. That's why...the same goes for you. If you die and make Mom sad, I'll never forgive you. Ky: Yes. I promise. *Sin walks to the portal, only to stop. * Sin: And one more thing! Ky: !? Sin: If you wanna act like a dad, don't talk so formally. Just "hey you" or "what the hell" is fine. *He vanishes into the Portal. * Ky: Heh. Now then... *Ky takes his stance and the Chapter ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter#17 - Demon =============================================================================== Father and son put their backs to one another and fought the enemy that came their way. Sin's staff blocked many foes, and Ky's blade cut them down. Sin realized it then. There was no hesitation in Ky's sword. He felt his father's resolve in protecting the ones he loved, even if it cost the Thunderseal. The enemies that his father fought against were not Valentine's minions, The enemies he was gazing at were far more intangible. It was his father's, Ky Kiske's future, the Illyrian Kingdom's tomorrow, and Sin and his mother's days to come... Ky and Sin. The two hearts whose differences clashed were gradually, but certainly, coming together as one. Meanwhile, Sol and his party chased after Valentine... *Sol, Izuna, and the Doctor stand in front of a floating, Thin line of light in a cave. * Paradigm: These are traces of the gate. She must have escaped into the Backyard. Sol: Valentine... I sense her close by. Paradigm: But, it seems we are a little late. In order to open this... *He flicks through his book quickly* Paradigm: What!? *The thin line spreads open, spewing flame. * Paradigm: The gate is opening?! *A person floats out of the gate, wearing white robes. His face is covered by a white drape with a red cross on it. He speaks with a very young, almost teenage sounding voice. * ????: Long time no see, Frederick. Sol: That voice... Tch, what is this? What's with that look? ????: Yes, staying as an adult doesn't help me much. Izuna: Erm. Whoizzat? Sol: He’s the creator of Justice... The source of the Crusades... And the man that turned my body into a Gear. Paradigm: The Gear Maker! That Man: We really don't have the time to talk about me right now. Sol: Tch, what do you mean by that? Gonna open the gate, and let us through, are you? That Man: If someone strays too far into The Backyard, their soul breaks down under the pressure of the information's density. Do you think you can endure it? Let me see for myself. Sol: Bring it on. RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! *Sol performs Dragon Install. His appearance is more fitting of a Gear. His Fireseal has become a long bar of fire, pointing backwards like how Sol holds it. The handle has become whiter flames. He is a dragon-like creature with insect’s wings that look chewed up, with fire spouting out of them. Fire swirls all around him. A dragon's tail grows out of his upper back. * That Man: It’s grown this much already... So that is your karma. Still, I'm delighted. Just as I thought. You're only thinking of me. *A fight starts and That Man's theme song plays. The camera stays very far away from the whole fight, because the player must see all the lasers and bullets and weave Gear Sol though them, like a danmaku shump. That Man is openly toying with Sol. Mockingly saying things like "Be careful!", "You can do it!" and "Look carefully!" Gun Flame becomes infinite, not consuming any Tension, so spamming it works great. A conversation happens between the fight...* Sol: What the hell are you trying to pull! That Man: This attack, or do you mean our reunion? Sol: I don't have time to mess with you. All these problems have to do with that Cube you created. What do you intend to do? That Man: Everything started within these past few centuries. The Cube can no longer take anymore. I know this is so sudden, and I apologize for that. Right now, I need you to focus on Valentine. If she comes in contact with the center of the Cube, humanity will most likely go extinct. Sol: Valentine. What is she? What's more, her appearance... That Man: The illegitimate child of a merciless apocalypse... At it's present stage, it has no consciousness. But if it makes contact, "something" will be broken. Sol: A merciless apocalypse? That Man: We have no time to talk. Sol: Tch, how the hell do I know you're not just using me to kill Valentine? That Man: Hmhmhm… Well I am self-righteous after all. *After the fight, Sol changes back to normal. * That Man: I’m impressed. You can probably adapt to the Backyard's tuning with the way you are now. You've become a warrior, Federick. Sol: It’s you're damn fault. You made me that way, you bastard. *Pillars of light touch Izuna, Paradigm, and Sol and the gate opens again.* That Man: Now go. There is no time to waste. I've given you an effect that will hold for a while even beyond the gate. *He vanishes behind the gate. * Sol: Hold it! Damn! Paradigm: I don't understand it! It looks as though That Man is trying to save us. Izuna: I don't know why he's being nice all of a sudden, but we don't have time to doubt him. Let's move! *They run toward the gate. Chapter Ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter#18 - The Birth of a Girl =============================================================================== The group, as a result, was saved by That Man and successfully entered the Backyard. Or maybe their success was all part of That Man's plan... The Backyard. A higher-order world that determines the present world's laws. A world were all information is turned into high-density elements, carried, collected, and reconstructed eternally. An ordinary person would lose their consciousness within seconds, and their being would break to the pressure. What is Valentine seeking in the corner of a scarlet red world whose color is similar to blood? The noise didn't stop. Neither Sol nor Valentine knew what that meant. *Fade in to the Backyard. The land is as red as Mars, but entire islands are floating in the sky in the distance. The three heroes look throughout the land. They are standing on a gray, stone surface, contrasting all the red.* Paradigm: Ugh, what pressure. I feel like my head is about to crack open. So this is the force That Man was talking about. Izuna: If we go this far in the Backyard, it's even hard for me to breathe. Sol: Endure it! This is a pain you bring upon yourself by trying to break free from the external pressure. Izuna: So does that mean it's easier to die? Sol: Open your eyes, grit your teeth, and remember your name. You'll get used to it eventually. *They run forward. The cube is in sight. It is big and pink, but the corners are made of gold, as if to hold it in place. Many magical symbols that look like wheels and gears spin inside. * Paradigm: That's the Cube! Sol: That chord... I knew it. Paradigm: It doesn't look good. See over there? The key is in motion. Sol: Does that mean the Cube is being torn apart?! Paradigm: Hmm… how very mystical. So many avoid notes, I can't specify the scale. Is magic even practical like that? Izuna: Over there! *Valentine is far away, on the same platform as the heroes. * Valentine: How did you get here? How odd. What is this... feeling? The reason for me to exist, is the value low? Your conduct is much too peculiar. This low probability is continuing too much. Why is it? I don't get it. Can I not perform well unless I understand "feelings?" I cannot comprehend. I didn't fail, and yet... it doesn't feel good. Hmm. Hmph. What is it? Ah, this must be...frustration, I think... Paradigm: Ooh, what is she mumbling about? Sol: She was always mumbling from the beginning. That Man said she doesn't have a conscience... Izuna: No conscience? Oh yeah, it was the same with me. At first, you only have a body. You learn emotions as you go along. Don't tell me... was she born in the Backyard? Paradigm: What? Why on earth would she do such a thing? Is it that she seeks destruction without a cause? Valentine: I don't feel good...I don't feel good...I don't feel good. *The ground shakes a little. She lowers her head, and suddenly speaks with a deeper, older voice. She sounds furious. * Valentine: All of you, enough is enough! *She becomes enveloped in a black ball surrounded by a pink aura. The trio struggle to keep from being pushed back. The aura fades and becomes a red pillar of light around her. She has transformed into a robotic monster similar to Justice. Except she is colored black with red trimming. Her feet are pointed, barely touching the ground. Her massive hands have chainsaws grinding from the end opposite ends. She is also about three times the height of Justice. * Izuna: Her magic's so big, it's not even funny. Sol: Listen. The Cube isn't fully unlocked. We might be able to dispel it right now. Paradigm: Can you do it? Sol: It’s That Man's style. I should've recognized it before... It pisses me off, but that chord over there resembles the same chord that's in my Gear body. Izuna: Yeah, but even so, can we really stop-- Paradigm: No time to chicken out! Prepare yourself! This may be our last chance! *Valentine curls up into a ball and a pink magic symbol appears.* Izuna: Oh man! *A portal opens up, and Sin jumps through. He jumps in front of the group. Valentine's symbol becomes a giant laser, but Sin's staff nulls it. * Sin: Sorry. Traffic sucked getting here, so I'm a little late. Paradigm: Sin! Izuna: Wow, how reliable. Sol: Tch, that freaking Ky. He's always late. Sin: Get going, old man. Lemme see what I can do. Paradigm: It's up to you, Frederick! Sol: Yeah! *Sol dashes around Valentine and heads toward the Cube. Valentine faces him for a time but Sin slaps her from behind with his flag.* Sin: Hey! You have a date with us, you know. *A fight starts. The player controls Sin with Izuna and Paradigm as backup. They fight Valentine with special support abilities specifically for protecting themselves from her tricks.* *No scene afterwards. The Chapter Ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter 19 - Overture =============================================================================== Thanks to Sol, assisted by Sin's desperate attempt to hold back Valentine, the Cube averted a crisis and returned to it's original form. Valentine fell to her knees. No one knew if she was filled with despair, fear toward nihility, or something else entirely... *Valentine, still in her robotic form, is kneeling, but gets back up, and roars, looking into toward the Cube. * Sin: Ugh! Old man, you done yet? *Sol is floating, up against the center of one of the Cube's walls. * Sol: Almost there. This should be the last of it! *Sol performs the Tyrant Rave, and an explosion composed of many small squares appears from the cube. Valentine watches as the symbols inside the Cube come together to form one perfect outline. In a flash of white light, the Cube becomes white instead of pink, and has simpler, more orderly symbols rotating inside it.* Izuna: Woohooo! Paradigm: Impressive that he figured it out within this time span... *Valentine falls to her knees, then on the ground completely. Sol watches from up high. * Sol: Now then, what are you gonna do? *She speaks with a woman's voice, with distortion making it sound very deep. * Valentine: It's over.... It's hopeless now. Valentine no longer has a purpose. *Sin twirls his flag. * Sin: Hell yeah! That's right! We won! Paradigm: We don't have time to worry about the Cube anymore, but we can't relax yet. We have to get out of here while she's still docile. Sin: It’ll be all right with the way she is now. Which reminds me, we had a situation like this before... *Valentine is covered in an electric aura. * Sin: Oh crap! Old man, she's planning to self-destruct! Paradigm: What?! Izuna: We gotta go! Don't stop for anything! *All three dash away, but Sol doesn't move. He still observes Valentine from above, standing in midair. * Sol: You’re an odd one... The key hasn't completely disappeared. Why give up? *Izuna stops his dash, swinging on one leg to look at Sol.* Izuna: Helloooo? What's the hold up!? *The white gate begins to become thinner. * Izuna: Oh crap, the gate's closing! She's tryin' to lock us in! Paradigm: Hurry up, Frederick! *Sin stops his dash to look at Sol* Sin: Huh? Old man? What are you doing!? Sol: Just get going! Sin: Old man! I'm not leaving without you! Sol: Hey bird! Take care of Sin. Paradigm: That's Dragon!! Leave it to me. *He intentionally crashes into Sin, who goes flying into the gate. Izuna stands beside it. * Sin: OLD MAAAAAAAAAAAN! Paradigm: Frederick, you're not planning too...*gasps* *Valentine is getting back up. Paradigm waits beside the gate. * Paradigm: O God in the Heavens I don't believe in. If I have the right to call upon your name, despite the sin on being born as a Gear... Somehow, please save this man... *He goes into the gate, which fades away. Valentine is back up, arched backwards, looking at the sky. Valentine: It's all over now... There's nothing left for me here... You are giving me a headache... You need to die already. What Mother wants...doesn't matter anymore! YOU'RE PISSING ME OOOOOOOOOOOOFF! *Everything becomes covered in light. Sol and Valentine appear black. She begins changing shape, becoming larger, her whole body shaking with rage.* Sol: What the, now that's interesting. I like you even better than your old self *He looks at part of Valentine's new body. * Sol: Ya know, this would've been a lot simpler if you'd just done this from the beginning. *The camera reveals Valentine is now the size of a skyscraper. Six arms float, far away from her main body. Valentine's final form is called "Diva." Sol stops floating and lands on the bottom of the backyard, standing on red earth covered in about one foot of water. Diva turns to face him. * Sol: Finally. My headache is gone. Are you ready for this? *The final mission starts. The player controls Sol, who must dash miles while drifting through walls of fire and columns of blue light to get close to Diva. A pillar of light below her takes Sol to her head. The final boss song is Diva (yes it's metal.)* *The light takes sol to a platform, where a head does not seem visible at first. It opens up wide to reveal Valentine’s first Gear form, sitting inside the larger body. Sol has to attack her body. She claws and thrashes primitively. Her voice is no longer distorted and sounds like an older woman, furious. She says things like "YOURE ANNOYING!", "I'LL TURN YOU TO ASH!", "GO TO HELL!", "YOU WEREN'T HERE!", "I DON'T CARE ABOUT MOTHER ANYMORE!" and "I'M GOING TO GET RID OF THIS WHOLE WORLD!"* *Sol gets sucked into an area that is completely black mid battle, except for subtle circular outlines. Everything is silent. Sol can hear many voices. It sounds like regular Valentine, but with emotion, mostly cheerful, saying things like "Good for you", "I hate you!" "Alright!" "I love you," "It's too bad," "It's okay," "I like you," "It feels so good," "It'll be okay," "I'm embarrassed," all talking over each other. Copies of Valentine's original gothic-lolita appearance stand around Sol, who senses something else in the voices. Sol: What is is this place? The flow of consiousness... This is knowledge? …No. Emotion...What the hell are you? Dammit. Don't talk with that voice! Don't show me that! Damn you! *Many copies of regular Valentine appear, and Sol can fight them for a while until some time passes and Sol returns to the platform with Diva. * *Reducing Diva's health to zero sends Sol to this place for one final fight with the original Valentine. When she is beaten, she disappears in a flash of bright squares. * Valentine: It's okay. Frederick... Sol: Aria!? *The Chapter Ends. * =============================================================================== Chapter#20 - Curtain Call =============================================================================== The Cube returned to normal, and Valentine disappeared. The situation would not likely settle. However, things couldn't be that simple. That Man's existence and his goals: neither was clarified. If this incident truly was a "merciless apocalypse," there's no doubt that it all stemmed from That Man's actions. "Tch, how tiring..." Sol mumbled to the scenery that was becoming an empty white. He was losing consciousness. *Fade in to a grassy, hilly plains. Throughout the area, small pillars of rock stick out of the grass. It's almost unnatural, but they do not look man made. Sin, Izuna and the Doctor look at the fading gate, again, a thin white line.* Sin: Old Man! Izuna: It's no use. The exit's almost gone... Paradigm: Even if you were able to go in and save him, if Frederick was not able to win, then we'd have no chance. Sin: Shut up! There's no way the old man will lose! *Fade to white. Sol stands alone in a white light, unable to find a way out.* Sol: ...Aria. Heh...Couldn't get home, huh...? That Man: You gave in so quickly. I'd be worried if I were you. Sol: You bastard! *Sol turns around to face him. * That Man: This isn't the end of a "merciless apocalypse." When that time comes, I will need you. Sol: Tch. So I was controlled by you this whole time? That Man: You should feel lucky for being able to do something. Many innocent people weren't given that opportunity. Now go. Live on...Flame of Corruption. *Sin sees the gate opening above the plains again. * Sin: Hey, look! The gate! *Back to Sol and That Man...* Sol: Damn it, wait! I'll kill you! *Sol starts to run toward him, but stops and kneels down in pain. * Sol: Answer me one thing! Valentine... She looked as if she was a living copy of Aria...! No... She herself was Aria... Bastard, was that your doing too? That Man: Not at all. But that girl... You and I both...already killed her. Sol: ! *Sol gasps and looks up for a moment, but goes back down, even more upset. * Sol: Next time... Next time we meet... I'll kill you for sure. That Man: I know. I'll be waiting for you, Frederick. *Sol stands up. * Sol: Shut up! My name... My name is Sol. Sol Badguy! *Sol is pulled into white light from behind him. The others watch the gate and watch him fall from the gate and crash into the ground.* Sin: Old man... It's him! Old man! *Sin runs up and the others follow. * Sol: Quit worrying about me. It's annoying... Izuna: Oh man. Boy, are we glad you're safe. *Ky is in the distance now. Some of his knights are behind him. * Ky: Sin! Sol! Are you all right? Sol: So being loud runs in the family. *Fade out. *Credits are rolling*, still shots of the heroes Appear. They are talking in the castle. * Ky: We were able to restore communications with each nation. The termination of Gears has stopped. For the moment, we can conclude that this situation has been dealt with somehow or another. Sol: .... *huffs* Paradigm: What's wrong? Is he worrying you? Sol: What are you talking about? Paradigm: A "merciless apocalypse." I overheard your conversation. Sol: That Man was just kidding. Don't take him seriously. Paradigm: Don't hold it in, Frederick. It's not your problem alone. But if Valentine really was a resident of the Backyard, why did she do such a thing...? Sol: .... *gasps a little* Ky: Dr. Paradigm, you have my gratitude for taking part in this battle. What that said, may I talk to you about the future? Paradigm: Hm? Ahh, yes, it will be troublesome if all of us Gears are out in the open. You don't need to tell us. We will go. Ky: No. I'd like to officially establish a dominion for your kind in Illyria. Paradigm: Don't be foolish. Is that intelligent conduct for a King? Ky: I promised you that we'd create history together. Paradigm: Hmm. Ky: Please. This incident is something too large to hide. The world will eventually find out about it. And when that time comes, we won't be able to win them over without your cooperation. I'd like to spread the word rather than continuing to conceal your existence. For my wife...and for my son. Sin: Ky... Paradigm: S-sure. Ah, speaking of the Queen... Sin: That’s right, old man. Valentine's gone now, right? Can't you just take off Mother's seal? Just do what you did with the Cube. Sol: I broke it back then. Sin: Huh? Sol: My analysis actually went well, but it was a pain in the ass, so I just broke it instead of dispelling it. It's not gonna open with the same spell anymore. You probably can't open it from the inside either. Izuna: I cannot believe you just did that... Paradigm: At any rate, we need to thoroughly examine if there's any danger of sublimation when we release the seal. I'm sorry, but I will need a little more time. Sol: Yeah, let's leave her to him. I'll just be in the way if the bird's gonna start from scratch. Paradigm: That's dra-- Sol: It doesn't matter what you're called. If you don't like bird, then I can rank you up to a parakeet. Paradigm: That's not what I call ranking up. Bah, call me whatever you want. Ky: I’ll have a room prepared for you within the palace then. Paradigm: I am grateful. Thank you. I will return after I tidy up the village and gather my materials. Izuna: Ahh, the case is closed for the time being. All's well that ends well, and things like that. I'm a little worried about my pals, so imma head home. But, if something's up, I'll rush over again. *redneck voice* Y'all get along now, ya hear? Ky: Of course. Thank you for your help. Sin: Yeah, thanks. Sol: Ahh, hold it, freak. I have lots of things to ask you. Gimme your ear for a bit. Izuna: Aww, gimme a break... *Sol is leaving with Izuna in the picture* Ky: Hahaha... Hey, Sin. Sin: Wh-what? Ky: Aren’t you going to run after Sol? Sin: Huh!? Aw, what the--!? He left me again... I'll chase him later. I can catch up pretty quickly. I'm gonna stay with Mom for now. Ky: Is that so? In that case, do whatever "the hell" you want. Sin: Heh! You can listen to me complain then. *After the credits, everything fades white. That Man and Raven stand beside one another, turned away. * That Man: The next time probably won't go this easily. Raven: I agree. I expect it will be difficult to find the next Valentine. That Man: Possibly. Or tens of thousands will appear. The gears are finally starting to turn. Will it be me? Or will it be him? One of us should put an end to it. Raven: "Him?" Do you mean the Flame of Corruption...The Dragon Install has started to encroach. Do you expect him to stand in your way again, sir? That Man: Yes. We share infinite possibilities of misfortune. I'm fairly certain that he'll appear. Raven: I vow to protect you. That Man: That wont be needed. Raven: ? That Man: We'll let history write its own course. It is your responsibility to be there at that time. Raven: But, sir-- That Man: The time of the apocalypse draws near. Aria won't wait any longer. Frederick, you or I will carry out the work of the devil. *Fade to black. * "To be continued..." *Fade Out* =============================================================================== Legal Info =============================================================================== This script may not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright. All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their respective trademark and copyright holders. This guide is authorized to be posted on GameFAQs and guiltygear.ru only. Copyright 2010 by Gabriel Tobal. All Rights Reserved.