Super Robot Wars MX Part #50 - Mission 29 (MXP Version)

Part 50: Mission 29 (MXP Version) - What Gnaws at the Heart

These next updates are related to MXP’s missions 29 and 30, which were originally together in MX’s mission 29. If you’re on the PS2 version of the game, check that part.
Once we’re done with these missions, we’ll be back to the usual format of following the PS2 version while adding the MXP bits in.

: It appears the Tekkoryu have entered the final stage of their plan.

: That’s far too soon.

: Hm, now was not the time for it. Not yet.

: That man is likely at fault for this…

: The deterrent may not be capable of impeding what comes next. Worst case scenario, even we will be affected.

: They’re a necessary force for the future, though… we cannot afford to lose them now.

: … We are left with no choice but to revise some of the schedule, then.

: Do you mean we’ll let him do as he pleases?

: That man is familiar with some of the project. Were he to join Bähbem’s side, it’d be problematic.

: That is not an issue. His wish is to open the doors to the Underworld by his own hands… It is far too different from what Bähbem desires.

: So, rather, you’re implying he is more similar to us?

: Indeed. And, regardless, his wish will be fulfilled… Even if he was against, it still would happen.

Location: Last Guardian Base

Oki’s just gotten a call about three Hakke Robos headed towards Japan, which means the Omzack of Thunder has finally been completed; the one said to have power comparable to the Zeorymer’s. It seems the Haudragon intend to challenge us to one final battle with this.
One thing to note, however: the Federation’s just rescinded the Zeorymer’s transfer to the ranks of the Magnate Ten. The bot will once again be operating under Oki’s command. The plan right now is for the Magnate Ten to coordinate with the Federation to intercept the Hakke Robos, while the Zeorymer goes and destroys the Haudragon’s stronghold. Miku confirms and, slowly, sets out to inform… him.
Inwardly, Oki realizes that the brass is planning on having Last Guardian take the fall for this.

: Please… launch the Zeorymer.

: Launch and do what, exactly?

: …Urk… this battle is pointless…

: Why? Didn’t you steal the Zeorymer in order to stop the Haudragon whenever they started their rampage?

: Hah! Do you take me as someone so altruistic? Someone like those Magnate Ten, willing to fight even at the risk of life and limb?

: !

: My theft of the Zeorymer was insurance, pure and simple.

: Insurance…?

: Indeed. To make sure that I’d take the throne of Hades…!

: …!

: Hmph… your body certainly doesn’t strike me as being made of growing memory silicon. And your AI is quite impressive, so dramatic and clever…

: But you’re still just a puppet.

: And you’re the one who made it all, weren’t you?!

: Correct. Even back then, I expected to be assassinated whether I stayed with the Haudragon or fled.

: They wanted to take the Zeorymer and the Dimensional Coupling System from me, you see. All so they could salvage the “God” that lies in the world beyond the doors.

: (“God”… beyond the doors?)

: So I went and took several steps to secure my return from the dead. So many pieces of trash were grown… yourself included.

: Stop that!

*Slap!*

: Aah! Hrm…

: I destroyed the Haudragon’s stronghold when I escaped, but I expected them to eventually return and resume the Hades Project.

: And in both the Haudragon and Japan, where I fled to, I left some of my own blood. Hmhmhmhm…

: …

: Haudragon and Federation… whichever one is victorious, a clone of mine will remain. Do you understand now why I won't sortie?

: I've no problem with ascending the throne of Hades after the Hakkeshu have plowed the land clean; after the old men who tried to use me, the people of the Black Moon… after every single person has been driven into the Underworld!

: …

: Hmhmhm… and even if I was beaten by the Hakkeshu, that would mean that my other self would ascend the throne of Hades…!

: What a wonderful game this is, no? A battle of me against me, with the world at stake!

: You mean the clone you left with the Haudragon… ?!

: But that’s nothing a… puppet like you… needs to concern yourself with…!

: Urgh?! Kch…rrgh…!

: Masa… to…?

: Don’t touch me!

: ?!

: Curses… my head…!

*Door opens.

: Masato… rather, Masaki Kihara.

: What is it, Oki…?

: I am here to once again request your cooperation in the name of the Japanese government…

*

: Launch the Zeorymer.

: … And if I say “no”?

: Then I’d be forced to apply some mind control, much as I’d rather not.

: … Would you kill me again, Oki?

: !

: Fifteen years ago, I’d just escaped from the Haudragon and you gunned me down – after taking the Zeorymer and the zygote I’d registered as the pilot, of course.

: Exactly as I knew you would.

: …

: You found Miku in the Zeorymer’s cockpit and assigned some foster parents to raise my zygote. Though you never realized that what you sought, the core of the Zeorymer – the Dimensional Coupling System – was Miku herself.

: …

: And, after all that, you formed Last Guardian. Were you hoping to eventually take the Zeorymer for yourself and fulfill your own agenda? How childish. In your quest to control the Zeorymer, you resurrected the man you killed in order to do just that.

: …

: Hm…hmhmhm… Very well done, indeed, Oki.

: What are you going to do, Kihara…?

: I've changed my mind... I’ll destroy those Haudragon in order to secure the throne of ruler of the Underworld…!

: ...

: (Why... why was Ms. Mitte aboard the Medius? Does this mean she helped in its theft?)

: (Why did she…? There’s so much that I don’t know…including what I should do now…)

: (Ms. Mitte… I need to know what’s on your mind… Why do we have to fight? Why did you let me go? )

*Beep!*

: …!

: Ah…? A Dragoon was sent for Aqua?

: Just now, yes.

: But what for…?

: The Tsentr Project simply sent people over and they’re delivering, just like that…

: It’s meant as a replacement for the Garmraid/Cerberus, then?

: That’s what it looks like, yes…

: Awfully cold of them, that. Hugo has barely been gone…

: I guess that’s their way of telling Aqua that her mission still needs to be fulfilled, regardless of what happened to her partner.

: What the hell do the Project’s people think she and Hugo are…?!

: I can hazard a guess.

: Still, telling Aqua to fight with that Dragoon in her current state is…

: Hardly fair, yes.

: Speaking of, does she know about this?

: She does. She’s watching over the delivery.

*Door opens.*

: …

: Aqua…

: Did the Project’s people say anything to you?

: Hm. That a new model of TE Absorber is undergoing its final checks and, until that’s done, I’m to fight with that Dragoon to get used to piloting humanoid weapons…

: …!

: That’s absurd. Your injuries haven’t even fully healed…

: She’s right! You don’t have to listen to a crap order like that!

: Still, we can’t do anything about the Dragoon proper.

: …

: Captain, you’re not suggesting…

: We’ll just receive the unit for now. What we do with it is something we’ll decide later.

: You won’t have her pilot, then?

: Right. She should be resting for the time being – inform the Tsentr Project about that, Harry.

: Yes, ma’am.

: …No, Captain. I will fight using that Dragoon.

: …

: Aqua…!

: I…I have to stand and face against the Medius Locus. For myself… and for Hugo…

: Have you ever flown a robot by yourself?

: During training, yes. And this Dragoon has been specially outfitted with a DFC System.

: But that’s crazy. You just went through so much…

: I know… but I need to grow as a pilot.

: (If I don’t, I’ll never be able to figure out what Ms. Mitte’s thinking…)

: …Very well. If you’re so set on this, I won’t stop you. But please don’t push things too hard.

: I understand, Captain.

*Alarm!*

: What is it?!

: A transmission from the Nahel Argama: the Hakke Robos are on the move!

: Have we heard anything from Last Guardian?

: No, nothing!

: Then the Nadesico’ll rendezvous with the Nahel Argama and move to intercept them. All hands, battle stations.

: Roger that!

Mission 29 – What Gnaws at the Heart

Saiga’s making a beeline for Mount Fuji, after the Zeorymer, and Gisou wants to know what he’s playing at. He jokingly asks if the big guy’s scared of the bot, but still explains his reasoning: the Zeorymer has its Dimensional Coupling System back after the last battle but despite the fact that the Tekkoryu are acting, it’s nowhere to be seen.
Thus, Saiga thinks something must be up or, maybe, the bot could be getting an upgrade as they speak. In that case, isn’t it best to get rid of it before that happens? Besides, they can lay waste to Japan at any time.

Gisou isn’t taking it, remembering that the Empress told them not to mess with the Zeorymer anymore. Will Saiga act against that? Rockfell, however, concedes that there's logic to Saiga's words: while the Zeorymer still exists, there is no victory for them. So she also figures the better choice is to head to Mount Fuji and close the book on this.
Gisou grunts at her agreeing with Saiga but will go where she will. Shouldn’t they relay this to the Empress, though? Nah, let’s not give her cause to be mad at those who’ll defeat Heaven. It’s obvious to Gisou that Saiga’s up to something… but he’s got more pressing matters to worry about.

Us! As Bright orders everyone to stop the Hakkeshu’s assault on Japan, Ginga tells Aqua to pull back right away if things get too dangerous. She confirms and thanks him for his concern; inwardly, she tells Hugo to watch: she’ll be fighting as well and will figure out what Elde’s up to when next they meet each other.
Gisou knew his group would need to dispatch us sooner or later and leads the charge with Rockfell… Saiga, however, tells them to wait. The Zeorymer seems to be elsewhere – it’s possible the thing is headed straight for Tekkoryu Castle. What, so he wants to just wait and see? Sounds to Gisou like he’s the one who’s scared – Saiga can sit there but he’s going!
Rockfell watches on as Saiga laughs inwardly: “Heheheh… good, Gisou. That’s the way.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeqgQxYcUAw
So Aqua has the distinct honor of being one of the few originals to get to pilot another series’ grunt bot – at least it’s a good one. I can’t record her attacks but, thankfully, Youtube had me covered.

Now, this update’ll simply be focusing on the plot of these MXP missions – if you want the gameplay bits, check the PS2 version. I’d suggest you read through both this mission and the next before you do since, like I said, MXP split the PS2’s 29 in two.

Enemy Phase!

Gisou starts moving… but no one else does.

Why isn’t Rockfell joining on his offensive? She doesn’t answer, further bothering Gisou.
Everything’s coming up Saiga and now he just needs to wait for the Zeorymer to arrive – if it doesn’t, Gisou will make for a good distraction to our people while he heads for Mount Fuji.

Player Phase!

Torres pings something on approach and in comes… something. Its name tag says it’s called Ragou and Ginga and Hokuto figure it’s some Gulfer RoBeast.
Whatever the thing is, the mere sight of it sends our Data Weapons berserk: the Unicorn, Leo and Dragon all rush out the Gear Commanders to attack it! Maria can sense the hostility they’re emanating, so there’s clearly something between Ragou and them.
Saiga has no idea what’s going on but having more stuff attacking the Magnate Ten only helps him. Now to wait some more to see if the Zeorymer will come.

Enemy Phase!

In come more Gulfer, and Ginga wonders if they’re here to pick up Ragou. Regardless, we’ll just get rid of them as well.
Their appearance makes things a bit more troublesome in Saiga’s eyes but they’ll certainly serve to keep our group pinned.

-Vs. Ragou-

: !

: What’s wrong, Fuunsaiki?!

: …

: Fuunsaiki’s afraid… this beast is that strong?!

--

: This guy’s a whole lot different from the other RoBeasts!

: We’ll be in trouble if we let this drag on, Ginga! Let’s win this in a hurry!

: Alright, you got it!

Player Phase!

: (I suppose there’s no point in waiting here anymore – time to set out for Mount Fuji…)

: Going somewhere, Saiga?

: Mount Fuji, you know that.

: You’ll leave us behind and go by yourself? What in blazes are you up to?

: Hmph. I’ve no reason to—

: Hold on, you two!

: Hmhmhmhm…

: The Zeorymer!

: What is this…?! Wasn’t it supposed to have gone after the Haudragon’s HQ?

: More important than that is which Masato is at its controls…!

: Hahahah… I have been waiting for you, Zeorymer.

: So, the last of the Hakkeshu have banded together… but it is still impossible for you to defeat Heaven.

: Silence, Masato Akitsu! You’ll die here and now!

: ?!

: Saiga… what are you doing?!

: Hmhmhm… hahahah…

: Kch…urgh…! What… is…?!

: Masato Akitsu… I have a proposal for you.

: What…?

: The Omzack’s Proton Thunder is the only force that can oppose the Zeorymer…

: Hrrmm… And…?

: And, if one looks at that from a different angle, it means that nothing in this world could stop us if the two of us worked together…!

: Saiga!!

*Gisou runs back, towards Saiga.*

: You’re scheming to betray the Empress, you snake?!

: What of it? Your Mountain and its basic missiles is but a mere pebble face the Omzack. Surely you can see that.

: …!

: What’s up with them…?

: A split between them, maybe?

: Uck…urgh…!

: Very well… I’ll take this as an opportunity to show how committed I am, Masato Akitsu!

: Saiga!

: Hrm! Is that?!

: It is the Burrston of the Mountain’s ace in the hole: nuclear weapons that will, with a mere shot, reduce this entire region to cinders!

: What will you do now, Saiga? I will not hesitate to face death in order to crush your ambitions!

: To Hell with you, Gisou! Proton Thunder!

: SHOOT!!

*Rockfell moves after Gisou.*

: Gisou, stop! If you’d attack Saiga, then you’ll have to go through me!

: !!

: He is the one you love? That man?! He’s simply using you!

: That matters not…! (Is there a hidden clause that says the women Reccoa’s actress voices always make terrible choices in men?)

: Rockfell… I…!

: (Kch… grraaargh… uurk…!)

: Hahahahaha! Cat got your tongue, Gisou?

: (Urgh… kch… argh…!!)

: I love you too, Rockfell. And I’ll say it as many times as necessary! I love you. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

: ENOOOUGH! ENOUGH! ENOOOOOUGH!!

: !!

: ?!

: “Love”…?! Are you kidding me?! The lot of you are genetically engineered clones, born of the same embryo! You’re not even brothers and sisters – you’re the same person!

: And I am your God, your Creator… Hades!

: !!

: … And what difference does that make? Even if you were the one who created us… that does not change the life I’ve led.

: And in the emptiness of my life, I met Saiga, admired him as a warrior and eventually loved him! All of it of my own free will!

: And I will not allow you to deny that love!

: All of that was just your programming at work…!

-Vs. Masaki-

: Damned fool…! You still fail to grasp your situation!

: Silence! Whoever you actually are, I will not allow my heart to be denied!

--

: You filth! There is absolutely no forgiveness for how you toyed with us!

: “Forgiveness”? You’re quite impudent for someone standing before his own Creator!

--

: Even if you did create us, all that will be water under a bridge once you’re dead!

: You dare bare your fangs at your Creator? See now the size of your idiocy, Hakke!

Get Ragou low enough and...

: …

: Huh?! It’s—!

: !!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvPH2eJNnY

: L-Leo!

: Unicorn!

: ?!?!?!?!?!

: !?!?!?!?!

: What’s wrong, Leo?!

: Oh, no… was that…?!

: …

*Ragou flies away.*

: It ran…?!

: Cpt. Hoshino, please recover the Unicorn Drill and Leo Circle! But don’t let Omoikane—

: Access them in any way, yes?

: Right!

: Understood. Harry, once the Unicorn and Leo have been recovered, have them undergo a thorough scan and prepare an emergency vaccine.

: Roger!

*The two Data Weapons are pulled back.*

: Wh-what happened?!

: I’ll explain later – focus on doing something about the remaining enemies!

Once either of the Hakkes or Masaki gets low enough…

: Kch… rrgh…! It’s time for me to… finish this… Hakkes!

: !!

: Saiga… I—

: Ro-Rockfell…!

: Now stop… resisting! You’ll all… share her miserable fate!!

: Curse you… Masaki…!

: You’ll pay for this, Zeorymer!!

: Haah… haah… you dare defy… your Creator…?!

: HAAAAAAAH!!

: You… You!!

*Saiga and Gisou both move in after the Zeorymer*

: U-urgh…hrrmm!!

: GWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!

: Wh-What just happened!?

: Urk…aah…

: Masato… Masato…!

: I… I…!

: Masato… it’s really you…?!

: No… I’m…!

*The Zeorymer retreats*

: … Torres, what’s the status on the enemy?

: The Gulfer and Haudragon are gone… as is the Zeorymer.

: I see.

: Cpt. Bright, the Data Weapons are in poor condition. We should return to GEAR HQ with haste.

: Hm, alright.

Back at the Spiral Castle, the Gulfer have just finished busting their asses to get Ragou leashed. They had to sacrifice a few RoBeasts to be used as bait for the thing, though Giga Absolute asks the Castle if he could put a call in with the Emperor and ask why he sent Ragou to Earth.
No, the Castle isn’t crazy to question the Emperor’s decisions… much less when the big man phones in to ask how Ragou’s doing. It’s… very energetic, the Castle stammers. The Emperor figures it’s because it hasn’t been outside for a while; just leave the thing to acclimate for now as it’ll be very useful against the Dendoh.
Giga Gurumei meekly asks when they can send it back – they haven’t a lot of food available for the beastie. The Emperor disagrees, figuring there are plenty of useless goons that can serve quite nicely... including three incompetent commanders who’ve yet to produce any results.

As the Gigas collectively gulp, Absolute lets out a dry laugh at the Emperor’s “joke”… though whether it remains a joke or not is up to them. Finally, the Emperor tells them not to let his pet get hurt and signs off.
The Castle ponders what happened in the previous battle, witnessing the power the Emperor himself had sealed within Ragou – something never meant to be unleashed. Yet, the creature itself went and broke that seal anyway and said power now courses through its fangs. What is it, then? And what will happen to the Data Weapons? The Castle seems worried…