Shadow Hearts: Covenant Part #89

Part 89: Infiltration

Time to do this. Hopefully, Kato isn't setting us up.

There's a couple guards loitering around the entrance.

Sentry B: There were strict orders from the top. No mishaps this time! Jeez, playing around with all this research. They really need to get their thinking straight!

After oh-so-conveniently hinting about another experiment, the two wander off-screen.

It'll be tricky getting in there...

Yeah...

I think these people are a bad influence on Kurando.

Come on! Let's give it a try!

Candygram!

Iron Soldier A: Aaargh!

Iron Soldier B: Huuurgh!

Now, to see what horrors await us in the Hojo Lab!

Hm. It's a bit more ordinary than I was expecting.

There's an elevator past one corner of the lobby.

Sentry B: You're Stag Team, right? The guards for the underground lab? You'd better get down there quick. Use the elevator.

It's too bad they only modeled one character. It would have been interesting to see how our more eccentric team members fit into the armor.

Anyway, time to look in on Kato.

The Astaroth separation experiment is about to begin.

Very well.

What is it, Master? Are you not feeling well?

No, I'm fine. I was just thinking about the past.

About the past?

Lt. Col. Kawashima, killed in Shanghai. I realized my life was changed the moment I met her. I was sent over to China as a simple geologic analyst. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that my life could take the path it has.

Do you have...regrets?

Hah! No.

Master...

She yearned to live in the same manner that Yuri does. To live life freely, no matter what the cost. To hold fiercely onto your own beliefs. She said that anyone could do it if they tried. Now I realize that it's much, much more difficult than I thought.

But Master, you have strong beliefs! For example-

The path I walk, there are some times that I truly fear it.

But why?

I've been working for Minister Ishimura, helping him reach his goals... But all along I've had my own goals in mind. I've just been using him.

And during that time, I've learned to lie and cheat...and kill. But the one thing I haven't learned is how to forget my pain, my sadness.

The Yoshiko Kawashima that died in Shanghai is the Master's true love...

I'm...being too emotional.

My Master feels pain because of all his memories?

I...I feel jealous of her.

Hmm?

My face, my voice, everything! I'm just a poor copy of her!

Don't say that. You are my creation, pure, untainted. You are no mere copy!

It's fine! I don't mind being a substitute for her.

Ouka...

My only wish is to be of use to my Master. To be near my Master. To spend time with my Master.

She leans against Kato again. And Kato...

That is all I wish for! All that I want!

Kato just stands there.

Back to the main action, the elevator stops in a small room. The only place we can go is a door off to the right.

With that, we automatically walk to another door.

The room turns out to be an observation room with a great view of the lab.

What are they trying to do to Nicolai?

Suddenly, the lights go out.

It's starting...

Meanwhile, Hojo is up in the control room getting ready to start the experiment again.

Hahahaha hahaha! This time we'll achieve separation! Begin!

He blasts Nicolai with the lasers.

Computer: Beginning Astaroth Separation, round 2. Subject's pulse, blood pressure within acceptable parameters.