Part 41: Mission 17 (Japan Route) - Time Ebbs Away
Alright, last time we closed off the last unique mission in the US route, now were gonna do the same for Japan. Joes deploying solo as an event unit, but everyone else is free, so heres how were going:
Mamoru/Rennie
Yamashita/Mike
Sun Quan/Saya
Arnie/Deceive
Kenji/Sun Shangxiang
Shinn/Moritsugu
Sakura/Eida
Kazuki/Luna
Kouichi
Tactician: Zhou Yu
Off we go.
We open up at the Federation Army HQ in New York, where Hazard is getting the memo on The Boom Armys main fleet being on its way to Earth only, no, Grathan says he was just bluffing in a bid to unsettle Ylbora. Thats a relief to Hazard, as itll take some more time before Earth is ready to welcome His Majesty, the Emperor.
Is he talking about his plan to reform the Federation Army? Right, and once it is in place, taking over the Earth Sphere will be simplicity itself. Hazard is certain Emperor Annex will be pleased, and promises that Grathan will reap enormous glory from all this. Grathan knows who hes dealing with, of course, and sniffs that Hazards first priority has always been himself. Oh, but thats what quid pro quo is all about, no?
In any case, Grathan is moving in troops to attack the village of Akoro to try and put Ylboras back against the wall, and Hazardll take care of feeding the Federation government some bullshit excuse to justify it.
As the call ends, Hazard harrumphs at the guys attitude. The last laugh will be his, though, as once the Earth Sphere is under his control, everything else will follow suit. Dog Tack is a bit concerned, though: was Grathan really bluffing in regards to The Boom fleet coming here?
Theres no way to tell, as the guy clearly doesnt trust them enough to come clean about everything. Regardless, they must hurry: Hazard wants the upcoming battle recorded in full. Theyll have some very amusing stuff to showcase when the federal parliament reconvenes.
Cut to halfway across the world, Ylbora just compiled a new star chart and checking the Sherma System there is no data collected on Planet Ladorio. Hes tried it again and again, and nothing. Was Grathan actually telling the truth and their world is gone ?!
Shaff walks in right then. Theyd been wondering where he was last night Gameran searched high and low, and couldnt find him. Ylbora grunts that he was in his room, as even he needs a good nights sleep once in a while.
That was one of the first places Gameran checked, of course, but Ylbora simply handwaves the question away. Where is the princess? In the briefing room, with Joe and the others, checking whether the legend we heard of that undying ninja in Akoro was true or not.
Ylbora fumes at the princess being with Joe again and stomps away.
And, unfortunately, Domyoji reports that there are no ninja to be found in Akoro. He says the story was just a cover to protect the villages secret or, better put, to protect Soubis secret. What does he mean by that? And where is he? Damian says theyre in a cave inside that sacred mountain behind the village.
Damian had found the place when he was prowling about before and Domyoji declares that the answers to all our questions were waiting inside. Hell have to save the explanation for later, though theyll come back as soon as theyre done combing the place. And he cuts the comm right there, leaving Kouichi to wonder what the guys up to.
Still, considering the certainty with which he declared that there were no ninja in the village, Zhou Yu figures he must have found some definitive evidence. But, as Joe and Mike remember, the villagers DID manage to capture Kouichi and Sayas group (setting aside Damian, who got caught due to his peeking in the girls bath) how could a bunch of regular old men and women pull that off?
Well, to begin with, Saya notes that her group never actually fought against the villagers when they showed up. How did they get captured then? Well, they got spooked after hearing voices and, in their confusion, they got hit from behind and knocked out.
Quite the surprise attack and exceedingly well-executed if anything, Arnie takes it as a valuable learning experience. And it tells Soushi that villagers must have dealt with trespassers that way many times to have grown so proficient at it, so it begs the question from Kenji: what is this secret that theyre so dedicated to protecting?
Moritsugu figures well just have to wait for Domyojis report on that, but Ylbora runs in and says no. The investigations over and the Elshank is departing NOW. Joe asks what the hell hes on about, and Ylbora says that The Boom Army caught wind of our presence here theyre headed this way right now, and he begs Romina to give the word to depart.
The princess notes that Damian and Domoyji are still out, but Ylbora yells that theres no time. They need to leave immediately or itll be too late! Zhou Yu warns Ylbora against rash decisions what happened to the prudence he displayed before?
Joe can tell that Ylboras hiding something, but the guy snarls that its none of his beeswax. Before Joe can get in his face for that, however, the alarm sounds: The Boom Army is already here, so Richard orders everyone ready to scramble.
As we run off, Joe turns to Ylbora: Damn it, Ylbora, Id just started to think that maybe you were a decent-ish commander! You let me down big time! He leaves, and Romina suggests they head to the bridge. Ylbora asks her to wait, though he wants to take her some place safe.
Location: Village of Akoro Soubis House
: *Cough, wheeze*
*Door opens!*
: Kaoru!
: Oh, my. Why the rush, Emi? Is something wrong ?
: Yes, its too dangerous for you to stay here! Come with me, quick!
: Why, thank you for your concern but you really dont need to do that.
: But ! Theres going to be a battle soon youll be caught right in the middle of it!
: Honestly, you dont have to worry. I dont have much time left anyway
: ?!
: What beautiful hands a young girl like you has
: Kaoru ?
: I wonder if used to be as pretty as you when I was your age Its been so long, I cant even remember
:
: Emi Im fine where I am. Rather than helping me, Id like you to
: Id like you to help Soubi *cough, cough, cough* !
: ?! Kaoru !
: There. Thats the last of the ancient books they kept in the shrine.
: Theres a lot of interesting stuff here the start of their demon faith, how it connects to this sacred mountain, and even the truth about that undying ninja
: But the best one is this: a diary belonging to the village chiefs dad.
: You can actually read these squiggly lines?
: Well, you can call me something of an expert on this. I reckon thats why the boss let me tag along
:
: Domyoji who are you, really ?
: Alright, come on, Damian. I think its time for an exorcism.
: An exorcism ? Of what?
: Of the proverbial demon thats binding Soubi.
Mission 17 (Japan Route) Time Ebbs Away
*Insert enemies spawning all around us!*
: Battle stations, everyone!
: H-Hold on! Sir Ylbora and Her Highness havent made it back to the bridge yet!
: What?! The hell are they doing while this is going down?!
: Where are you going, Joe?!
: Ill comb the ship for them! You guys go on ahead!
*Joe runs off.*
: Joe, wait just a!
: Let him go; we dont have any more time to sit around!
: (Hmhmhm What will you do now, Ylbora? I hope you wont disappoint.)
: Your primary goal is to eradicate The Boom Armys forces, but be mindful of the Elshank. Its currently immobile, so you will need to defend it as well!
: May we be victorious, my friends!
And thats all there is to it: we need to wreck everything and make sure the Elshank doesnt get dropped. Not too difficult (especially since our ship already has its barrier), as while the enemies will close in, theyll always take shots at whatevers close by, so your guys can intercept them all if you spread them out nicely.
Prioritize the Banks as not only are they stronger, the little Shamans can likely be oneshotted on their turn. Grathan has brought his C-Terahertz ship along for this, but hell hang back for a long while ignore him until then.
SRW UX - Linebarrel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXOWt5Z_Qms
Ah, and heres Kenji best non-combined attack.
SRW UX - Love Survivor
: They just keep coming !
: Is the Elshank still stuck, Gameran?!
: I cant move the ship all by myself, you know!
: Tsk Ylbora, Princess Romina, where are you?!
: Ylbora, where are you taking me?
: I told you, Your Highness: some place safe.
: But, still, this is !
: Here you are, Ylbora!
: Joe?! You didnt deploy?!
: I was going to, but you were acting so weird that I had to come back!
: Rrgh, you meddling fool ! Stand aside, Joe!
: If you dont then Ill have to gun you down!
**
: ?! Ylbora !
: You Youre serious?!
: Yes, I am! Ive a duty to defend Her Highness life!
: Ylbora, stop! For what reason would you do something like this?!
: Your Highness, I have always served you faithfully, willing to sacrifice my very life for you, have I not? Then I beg that you trust me!
: B-But !
: Or do you trust this man more than me?!
: ?!
: Princess
:
: Put your gun down, Ylbora.
: ?! Your Highness !
: To this day, I had never known someone I could count on more than you.
: However, how could anyone trust a man who points a gun at his companions?
: Y-Your Highness !
: Shes right. I dunno whats going on with you, but
: If only
: What ?
: If only you hadnt come here, Joe !
: ?! Ylbora, stop!!
*Bang!*
: Gch !
: N-No !
: Princess! Ylbora, what the hell did you do?!
: N-No, I didnt mean to! Your Highness, I would never I !
*He runs off.*
: Stop right there!
: U-Urgh Joe
: Are you alright, princess?! Hang in there!
: D-Dont worry its just a scratch. Ylbora is more important
: Yeah, that guy! I was totally wrong about him! How could he shoot you like that ?!
: No, that was just an accident! His gun misfired nothing more
: ! Princess
: Please, Joe, you have you bring him back! Save him from the abyss hes running towards !
:
SRW UX - Love Survivor
: Okay, Princess. I promise you Ill drag him back here even if I gotta knock out a tooth or two to make it happen!
: Thats one of the Elshanks fighter crafts? Whos piloting it ?
*The fighter moves towards the C-Terahertz.*
: Everyone stop that plane! Thats Ylbora!
: Ylbora?! But why is he ?
: Ah, Ylbora! Is Romina in there with you?!
: No, shes not. I failed to bring her
: What?! And you still dare show your face around here ?!
: I dont expect you to take me in without any compensation
: Let me have one of your machines! Ill sink the Elshank myself!
: ?! Heheh, now youve got my attention! Have it your way!
: What?! Thats !
: Ylbora !
: I pointed a gun at Her Highness I no longer have a home to return to
: But I can still end your life, Joe ! I stake my pride as a Ladorian warrior on it!
: ?! S-Sir Ylbora ?!
: What in heavens name !
: You you dumbass ! Is that how youre hoping to make Princess Romina happy?!
: Joe
:
: Unfortunate as it may be, it seems Ylbora has sold his soul to the devil
: Your Highness !
: And as princess of Planet Ladorio, I cannot allow his aggression to continue!
: My friends, please lead me your strength so that we may strike down that madman!
: Princess
: How could you put the princess in that position, Ylbora ?!
: Get over here! Im gonna knock some sense back into your skull!
And now we cant lose Joe, either. Ylbora has been replaced by Gameran aboard the Elshank (his current spirits are: accelerate, strike, invincible).
Skeleton (Ylbora Saro)
Pilot Skills:
Ninja L1
Prevail L5
Support Attack L1
All Attack L1
Commander L1
Comparing Ylboras stats to bigger bosses weve had recently, like Garan, and hes not QUITE on that level still pretty good, though, especially with a very high Prevail and that Ninja skill.
Thankfully, the Skeleton remains rather middling, so he wont be too dangerous with it. Ylboras primary stats are Melee, Evasion and Accuracy, so hell pull some not-insignificant numbers against your guys (but his bot cant dodge worth a damn). Make sure youre packing defensive spirits and down him quick, but take note
Secret Alert!
Tobikage secret #2 3rd step: Have Joe finish off Ylbora.
He doesnt run, so just make sure you remember to do this. Your guys should already have morale, Ylbora will always prioritize Joe and his max range bait him in while your guys get in position and then swarm for the kill.
: I never took you for a great guy, Ylbora, but even Im surprised at what an idiot you turned out to be!
: I doubt you can even imagine the humiliation of having your pride as a warrior crushed!
: So what?! Does defending your pride make it OK to betray the Princess?!
: None of this wouldve ever happened if you werent here !
: If you didnt exist, I !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlBOUiyXjFg
Ylbora attacking: This spot will be your tomb, Joe Maya!
Joe taking big damage: Ylboras running circles around me with all that speed!
Ylbora taking little damage: Youve a long way to go, Joe. Kill or be killed thats how battles are!
And, oh, boy, you fucked up now. That was a 30% chance to hit, but Ill absolutely take it!
SRW UX - Tobikage Appears!
SRW UX - Love Survivor
: I wont tolerate any more of this nonsense, Ylbora! But if you lay down your weapons and surrender, I !
: Forgive me, Your Highness but I was a traitor the moment I turned my gun on you!
: Sir Ylbora ! Damn it all how did this happen?!
Romina attacking: We must restore peace to the Sherma System even if doing so will pit us against Ylbora !
SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend
: Cmdr. Ylbora, it is truly regrettable to see a man like you fall!
: I dont expect you to understand, but my loyalty still remains !
: Youre right I dont understand! Where exactly is the loyalty in turning your blade unto those you were supposed to defend?!
SRW UX - Shadows that Rend Darkness
: Cmdr. Ylbora, I do not share in Ensign Berges tenderness.
: The one standing against me can even be an old comrade, I still wont show him any mercy!
: I say the same! I wont hesitate to put down any one of you!
SRW UX - Linebarrel
: You can try and justify yourself as much as you want, what youre doing is betrayal pure and simple!
: Youre free to say whatever you want. I might be branded a traitor, but Ill still !
SRW UX - Shangri-La
: Whyd you point a gun at your teammates?! Is that your so-called pride as a warrior at work?!
: A child whos lived a life as secluded as yours shouldnt speak of things he doesn't understand!
Soushi: Hes not our ally anymore!
Kazuki: I know, but ! Damn it!
SRW UX - Life Goes On
: What is wrong with you...?! Is your ego really that important?!
: Its not in my nature to be so subservient that I could laugh away a wound upon my pride!
SRW UX - Future-Bound Fighting Spirit
: Whyd you do it, Cmdr. Ylbora?! You took a vow to protect Princess Romina with your life! How could you betray her?!
: Hmph You shot down your sworn friend, no? I doubt youve any right to criticize me!
: ?! Rrgh, I !
SRW UX - Tobikage Appears!
Our prize is a Damian's Karate Instruction Book (+10 Melee and Skill, +5 Accuracy).
: U-Urgh !
: Now you stay right there, Ylbora!
: Kch Id never fall to a worm like you!
: Kaoru, what are you still doing here?! I know I asked that girl to get you away from here !
: N-No, Soubi its fine I told her not to bother
: And more important than me Dont you have something you should do ?
: Kaoru ?
:
: So-Soubi that strength of yours
: Id like you to use it to help those who really need you use it to protect others
: Kaoru, I !
: Thats my final wish
: ?!
: Soubi
:
: I I !
*Soubi leaves the room.*
: Thank you, Kaoru
: I-I hope I helped *cough, cough*
: Kaoru !
: I-Its all right Now Ill finally be able to set him free
: Im sure Soubill rise to the occasion because of you with both his feet planted firmly on the ground
: Yes I know he will !
: Aargh !
: Joe ?!
: Youre finished!
SRW UX - Linebarrel
: ?!
: Th-Thats !
:
: Soubi !
: I dont know what someone like me can accomplish
: But, if theres something anything I can do, then !
: Wh-What ?!
: Now!
: Hrk !
: Ylbora ?!
: Damn you straight to hell, Joe ! I swear that Ill be the one to end your life !
: W-Wait!
: (Ylbora why?)
: Haah, haah
: Soubi
:
: Can a demon like me really be a protector to others ?
: Whatre you on about, huh? Didnt you just protect one of my teammates?
: ! Thank you, Hayase
: Alright, now lets take it to em all of us together! We gotta keep these bad eggs from messing with your village!
: Yes!
Talisman (Soubi Nakajima)
Pilot Skills:
Factor baseline D-S.O.I.L. is 50
Prevail L3
Support Attack L1
Support Defend L2
Guard
All Attack L1
Spirit Commands:
Strike
Invincible
Mech Features:
Sword
10% HP Regen
Squad Bonus: Armor +100, Melee weapons +100 (Armor +150, Melee weapons +200, Barrier 1250)
Soubis voice actor: Hirofumi Nojima (other roles: Gainer in King Gainer, Mamoru in RahXephon, Siegfried in MJP and several more)
Soubis a bit of a jack-of-all-trades kind of guy in relation to our other Machina: his stats are decent enough, he has a focus on melee and defense, and his range is fine, though not spectacular.
Like in L, the Talisman only has two attacks (stab you; stab you then zap you both are cheap, too), with his best applying Mobility and Movement Down debuffs. As far as attack power goes his best move doesnt beat Yamashitas cannons, meaning hes the second weakest Machina we have. Thats not a big problem right now, but hell really fall behind as we progress.
And thats pretty much it, really. He doesnt have a whole lot going, but his Squad Bonus can make him an decent fit to a Super that doesnt require a dedicated Resupplier.
And, with that, well set our sights on Grathan.
SRW UX - Tobikage Appears!
: Dont you ever give up?! I dont have any time to waste on you!
: Took the words out of my mouth! Ill make sure this encounters our last!
SRW UX - Love Survivor
: Why are you still doing this, Princess Romina?! Your quest for ninjas is pointless!
: Everything I do is in the name of the restoration of my homeworld!
: And despite the hardships we may encounter, we will never surrender! We cannot!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW-86b_wG9Q
Heres the C-Terahertz' best attack.
SRW UX - Love Survivor
: Youre not beating us, guy! Just call it quits and run off!
: Cheeky little gnat! Well see if that attitude lasts after Ive flung you into the pits of Hell!
:siren: SRW UX - Love Survivor
: You never learn, dont you ? All youre doing is making yourself look like an idiot again and again!
: You wont be giving me sass for long, you insolent girl!
:siren: SRW UX - Linebarrel
: Ill protect the place and people that are dear to me! Thats something I can do!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD9AIHlgpK8
And heres his best attack well get this DK out of the way.
Grathan drops a Book of Secret Ninja Arts (Evasion and Ranged +10, Skill +5).
: Rrrgh Blast you earthlings! Ill get you for this!!
: Looks like its over at last
*Beep, beep!*
: Guys, weve an emergency! Kaorus taken a turn for the worse !
: Ka-Kaorus ?!
: Kaoru! Stay with me, Kaoru!
: Sou bi
: She... shes got terminal cancer? Thats whats happening to her ?
: Mom, isnt there anything you can do?!
: I-I
: You dont have to hide anything. Ive already made peace with this
: Kaoru
: Soubi, thank you I wouldnt trade our fifty years together for anything
: F-Fifty ?! Wh-Whats she talking about?!
: Kaorus not his mother or grandmother. Shes actually Soubis wife.
: Wh-Whaaaaat ?!
: His wife ?!
: Hmhmm. And, truth be told, Soubis a seventy-year-old man
: Huuh?!
:
: Seventy years ago, the villagers found the great demon that is, the Machina that legend said lied within their sacred mountain. Inside its cockpit was a sleeping baby.
: That baby was Soubi.
: A baby sleeping inside the Machinas cockpit ?!
: And always being the Machinas Factor, Soubi had superhuman abilities even as a small child
: Pair that with the villages own legend about its great demon, and Soubi was named and worshipped as the demons own child.
: Then that story about an undying ninja
: Right. It was one of several rumors about Soubi that found their way out the village.
: Those rumors spread far and wide and, in time, he couldnt stay here anymore. And so he left for Tokyo.
: And thats where Soubi and Kaoru met
: It was over fifty years ago
: I worked at a movie theater in Kamata back then. Soubi was a regular there, always looking so happy while he watched the days screening and I found myself attracted to him
: Kaoru
: But Soubi isnt a normal man, so he was shunned from Tokyo as well
: With nowhere else to go, he had no choice but to go back to his old village and he brought you along with him.
:
: And from the moment I came back, I became the villages religious icon.
: I severed all ties with the world outside the village and took up the duty of protecting it from trespassers as the avatar of the great demon
: So thats the truth behind the demons legend
: The village isolated itself, and I went on as its religious icon. In doing so, I lost my freedom
: But I was content. The people here took in, raised and needed me someone completely unknown and alien to them.
: And so it was and is my lifes duty to protect this village, even if it meant losing my freedom !
: Actually, no, Soubi. Thats just how you presumed things were.
: What ?!
: The villagers didnt take you in because it was a matter of faith.
: They did it just so they could keep you safe.
: ?! T-To keep me safe ?!
:
: They made that decision when they saw you after your return.
: It might be impossible for this child to live outside our village And, so, well watch over him ourselves, they thought.
: !
: And from that moment on Kaoru and all the villagers gave up on their own freedom. And to keep you a secret, they isolated the village and hid it from the rest of the world
: Th-Then Then, I !
: Soubi
:
: I-It was me I took away their freedom, tying them to this village ?
: No, no I never felt like it was an imposition. I was truly happy throughout it all.
: ?!
: Because I was with the man I loved
: Ka-Kaoru
: You brought me so much joy, Soubi and Im sure you can do the same for others, too
: But, I !
: I know youll be all right
: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for staying with me until now
: ?! Kaoru ? Kaoru!!
: Kaoru
:
: Kch Youre wrong youre wrong, Kaoru All I wanted
: All I ever wanted was to grow old with you
: He sought to protect them, but they were the ones protecting him what a sad story
: But now the bindings around him have come loose.
: Adding Soubi Nakajima and his Talisman is quite the boon to our team more so since one of ours turned traitor
: Wh-What did you say ?!
: Soushi! Do you really need to say it like that ?!
: Im just stating facts.
: No, youre lying! Sir Ylbora would never betray us I wont accept that!
: No? They whyd he leave?
: Whyd he fly The Boom Armys machine?! You saw how sad he made the Princess! Isnt she supposedly the most important person in the world for him?!
: That only happened because of you!
: What ?!
: You heard me! None of this wouldve happened if you werent here, Joe! Its your fault that Sir Ylboras pride was !
: Oh, cry me a goddamn river! That ain't pride, that's just throwing a pity party!
: What did you say?!
: Thats enough!
: ?!
: Y-Your Highness
: Ylbora has left us such is harsh reality.
: Well now have to steel ourselves to fight our old companion, and we cannot hesitate. Rather, we must see it done for his own sake.
: B-But !
: Dispense with the objections, Gameran. You will now take up the position of commander of the Elshank.
: I-Im ?!
: Indeed. And Ill replace Ylbora in regards to providing tactical commands.
: We must strive to fill in the gap left by him. Understood ?
*Romina leaves.*
: H-Hey! Princess, wait!
: Joe!
: W-What, Rennie ?
:
: You should just let her be for now
: Rennie
:
: *Sniffles* Ylbora why ?!
: Why did this have to happen ?! Gch- Aaah !
Cut to the C-Terahertz, Grathan surmises Ylborall work with The Boom Army, but only to save Rominas life. But, first, the latter would like to ask something: was Grathan just bluffing when he said that their main fleet was coming to Earth?
And if I say it was? Will you kill me? Grathan sniffs and, at length, Ylbora confirms that hed love to do just that. But, as both men know, he no longer has anywhere he could turn to ergo, his only option is to try and steal Romina away from us.
Ylbora fumes at Grathans gloating, but the guy tells him to chill: hes sure Emperor Annex will welcome him with open arms IF he manages to snag the princess. Youd best give this everything youve got the lady you love depends on it. Hmhmhm Mwahahaha! Grathan laughs.
Inwardly, Ylbora tells Romina to feel free to shun him: However, even if Im to wear the mantle of an enemy, even if Ive to suffer the flames of Hell for my crimes Ill gladly accept it if itll let me protect your life !
Location: JUDA Presidents Office
: So they managed to secure the new Machina?
: Yes, though it looks like a lot happened there
: A Machina that was sealed away for hundreds of years, with a baby Factor inside its cockpit Does that mean ?
: I think so, yes. Hes likely just like little Emi
: A human from the world where Machinas existed.
:
: Well, I suppose well see whats what sooner or later.
: More important than that right now is our local issue.
: You mean the so-called Anti-Machina weapons that Kiriyama Heavy Industries developed, yes?
: I wonder Theyve no Machinas of their own to research on, so how were they able to create such a thing ?
: If I had to guess Id say our companys classified data is being leaked
: Th-Then theres a spy in our midst, sir ?!
:
Location: Kiriyama Heavy Industries Office
: We only managed to complete those as quickly as we did thanks to the data you provided.
(On the phone):
: And now our plan can finally be set in motion
: I trust youll be here for the reveal
: Wont you, Moritsugu?
: I intend to, yes