Part 59: Mission 25 - Life ~ Awakening - Part 2
Draupa (Ayul Dylan)
Pilot Skills:
Prevail L4
Support Attack L2
Guard
All Attack L2
Command L2
Mech Features:
20% EN Regen
All Canceller
Ayul’s voice actress: Ai Nonaka (other roles: Kyoko Sakura in Madoka, Tora in Xenoblade 2, Honoka in Dead or Alive, and several more).
Vijaya (Jin Spencer)
Pilot Skills:
Prevail L4
Support Attack L2
Hit & Away
All Attack L2
Command L2
Mech Features:
Gun
20% EN Regen
All Canceller
Jin’s Vijaya is pretty much a straight upgrade to his old Riot A, packing more of everything and, this time, with a focus on tanking stuff with its superlative armor. It’s still meant primarily as a sniper, and its best attack is range 3-9, but it now has a biiiig directional MAPW that blasts everything in a 3x9 AoE (4x9 near the end). All his main weapons have impressive accuracy modifiers, too, so just come packing Invincible and Alerts.
Repeat what I said about Jin apply that to Ayul, only she has a wee bit less of nearly everything. She covers her melee range better than him, but the Draupa doesn’t hit as hard; mind you, with Guard, she’s actually a bit tankier. Also has a 3x8 directional MAPW, so watch it. Both enemies can only use those over 130 morale, but they’ll get there easily.
The plot will kick in when either one of them is downed, but note that Ayul is the only one carrying a Skill Part (though I reckon Jin would be worth more cash). Your choice which you wanna go for.
SRW UX - My Fate
: Whatever the situation, I’ll carry out my orders to the bitter end.: (And, then, I will finally…)
SRW UX - A Bird’s Song
: The second the Festum are gone, you start gunning for us, eh? You guys got a whole lotta nerve.: We’re simply carrying out our missions in order of priority. With the more threatening target eliminated, we move on to the next. That’s all.
: “More” threatening, eh?: Sounds to me like you’re selling us short. Give us a sec and we’ll give you a wake-up call, though!
SRW UX - Deus Machina
: You say this is to help you beat the Festum, but what’s the goddamn point if you gotta hurt people to make it happen?!: It’s not my place to ponder that. I simply carry out the mission given to me…!
: Hmph. Words are wasted on those unwilling to listen, indeed.: She forces our hand, Kurou! Strike with all your might and open her eyes!
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter: Our top priority is to capture a Nothung Model… and I’ll eliminate anyone who opposes that…!
: (Persistent to the point of obstinance… It’s almost like I’m looking at my old self…)
: The mission is a failure… Shifting to the final phase of Plan B. 
SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend
: Our flagship’s booked it and it’s near impossible to keep the island under control…: Yeesh, why am I still fighting around here?--
: Like bandits, you wield strength to take what you want from your fellow men… Tell me, where is the justice in your actions?!: Justice, huh…? It’d be real nice if that’s all it took for people to survive…!
SRW UX - Envoy from Jupiter: Your father worked to help mankind to his last breath!
: And if you want proof, just look at Kazuki’s Mark Sein!: I’m sure you, of all people, can understand its reason for being!: Hmhmm… Dad really was who he was to the very end. : But I’m afraid I’ve already moved past the point of no-return!
SRW UX - My Fate
: Why are you working against Tatsumiya?!: I’m sure there’re a ton of people you know around here!: I’ll get back to you on that. Mind you, I left the island because those folks are around…!
: That’s all I can take…: (I’m worried about that “Plan B” of theirs, but I need to back off for now…)
And with them out of the way, I’ll clear the rest and take out Ayul for the Skill Part – be mindful of their MAPWs on approach, because they’ll likely have enough morale to blast you.
SRW UX - Life Goes On
: So much can be wiped out by the fires of war… and I’ll protect it all with these wings!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL3QgNooa0o
Bam, here’s Shinn’s best attack plus the DK.
Leave me alone, Jin!
SRW UX - The Proud Challengers
: Jin, stop! That mech’s dangerous!: I know you understand that accelerated particle engines are—
: Are you implying you’re the only one who can handle one of those?: No, I aim to soar even higher than you… and, then, I’ll grasp everything! With my own two hands!
Too bad, you can’t soar higher than GOUBINE!
*Tweep.*
: (This sensation I’m getting off her… it’s almost like…)
: (Like when I awakened…? Why is that…?)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROw6EuVX4G8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3oA8LM8ibA
: My mother’s told me that your group is a trial that we need to overcome!: Your mother? “Trial”? What’re you on about?!
SRW UX - The Proud Challengers
: What’s this I’m feeling from that unit…?
: Something up, Magami?!: (This presence… it’s the same…!)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APVbwZTrgrc
And here’s Ayul’s best attack.
: Do you have any idea how dangerous that unit you’re flying is?!: Yes, and we’ll master it. That’s what Ayul and I are here for!
: You’re called Jin, right?! Then listen up: you got things all wrong!: Arnie never betrayed the Federation, ya hear?!: You being for or against the Federation isn’t important – I’m not fighting because of that anymore.: What I’m after is to use the Vijaya to grasp life itself!
SRW UX - The Proud Challengers
: Hey, weren’t you and Arnie best friends?! How do you figure you two gotta fight?!: I’ve left my past behind…! And I’ll spare no one who gets in my way – not even him!
: Please, stop this! You’re Arnie’s best friend, aren’t you?: He’d been thinking about what happened to you all this time…!: The two of us have chosen different roads to follow…: And those roads are not parallel. Conflict is all that exists between them!
: A bona fide Innovator… I won’t let you and your dangerous powers anywhere near the Captain!*Tweep.*
: (What presence is this? It’s not Quantum brainwaves, but…)
SRW UX - The Proud Challengers*Tzeeeeoooooop.*
: …?!: (This presence… what’s going on?! Why does that feel so familiar…?!): (What’s this…?! Who are you?!)
There. Ayul drops Fei’s Disk, which gives +10 to Melee and Ranged, and +5 to Accuracy.
: Uurk…!*Ayul flies away.
: I’ve got you now…!: Ayul…!*Arnie tries going after, but Jin blocks the Orphes.*
: Jin…!: Y-You’re not taking us down…!: We… We’ve something we need to see through! Something worth risking our lives for!
: W-What?! Is that… Aura Power?!
: But I don’t feel any hate. That’s…!
: ‘Tis the strength of his resolve…! Nay… ‘tis the light of his soul?!: Jin… What happened to make you like this?!: I’ve finally found it, Arnie… my purpose in life!: Your purpose…?!: You heard me… All these years, I was just an empty shell of a man – soulless. : Anger and ambition controlled my every breath, and I mistook it all for actual pride. I was just a fool…: Cpt. Spencer…: But not anymore! Now I really have a duty to fulfill… I have pride! I have resolve! I have a soul!: Arnie! You represent the last piece of my past that I’ve to overcome!
: Gwaaaargh!: Ensign Berge!: I-I’m fine… I’m not letting myself be beaten by him…!: But…!: Jin, you’re absolutely right. I, too, was soulless throughout all these years… : I didn’t understand what it truly meant to protect life, and I did just drift aimlessly…: But not anymore!: What…?: Now I’ve people I want to protect! I’ve taken the burden of our future onto my shoulders…!: Just as you’ve your pride, I’ve an unflinching belief within my heart!
: Arnie…!: … SRW UX - Roaring Deathblow: Ms. Saya… we’re doing the Hell Stringer!
: ?! Arnie…!
: H-Hey, isn’t that…?!: You’re going to use that warp ability again?!: You can’t, Arnie! If you do that, you’ll…!: I’m prepared to face whatever might happen!: Because, Jin… you also represent the last piece of my past that I’ve to overcome!: …*Beep, boop! Power uuuuuuuup!*
: Lepton Vectrers, emergency acceleration!
: S-Saya…?!: Synchronization coefficient 97, 98… Pressure set, safety lock released!: SEEEEIIII!
: Captain, that light is…!: Get back, Ayul!: HAAAAAH!
: C-Captain…!: Behold, Arnie! This is… my PRIDE!: That won’t break me, Jin! I swear it on my beliefs!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQncJI9BXeU
Captions are available!
: Rgh… Gaarrgh!: Arnie…!
: Hrgh…!: Cpt. Spencer!*Ayul moves next to him.*
SRW UX - Prologue: Hang in there, Captain! : S-Sorry, Ayul… Turns out I’m the one tripping you up…: No, no… your proud soul left a deep mark in me.: Just getting a chance to experience that light is more than good enough…: Thanks, Ayul…: I promise, I’ll bring about your awakening – in time…: …?!: I believe in you, Captain…
: …*Saya moves after Arnie.*
: Ensign… Do you hear me, Ensign?!: Gch… M-Ms. Saya…: Thank goodness, you’re awake.: Come in, Elshank! The Lyras is bringing the Orphes back to the ship!: Have medical teams ready to see to Ensign Berge as soon as we land!
: C-Copy that!
: Oi, Arnie… you’re pushing it way too much…!: Still, it was due to him that we could repel those troublesome foes. : Now we simply pray for his recovery. 
: All Army of Mankind forces have been silenced.
: It seems to be over.
: That mech’s one of theirs…!: This is Canon Memphis of the Army of Mankind. I surrender.
: (Surrender…?)
: What should we do, Your Highness?
: We can’t well attack someone who’s lost their will to fight. Make preparations to receive our units—
: S-Stop! That unit… SRW UX - Mark Sein: It’s engaging its Fenrir!
: F-Fenrir?!
: That bomb that went off when Shouko and Kasugai died…?!: There ain’t gonna be anything left of the island if we let that thing go off!: …
: She’s going to blow herself up to take us out…?!
: What now?! Want me to see if I can snipe just her cockpit?!: N-No, don’t! Listen, Canon’s got her heart in the right place! If we just talked to her—
: You wanna talk to her?! That bomb might go off at any second!: Please…!
: Michio…: Canon, we’ve failed our mission! What’s doing something like that gonna accomplish?!: That’s irrelevant. These are my orders.: Still with “order this, order that”?! Is there even a person in there?!: There was before. She doesn’t exist anymore.: …?!: I see it now... You also…
: Kazuki…: (She feels no sense of self… She really is like how I used to be.): Canon, come with me and we’ll surrender together! I’m sure the people here…: Triple Six, why are you trying to stop my mission?! On whose orders are you doing this?!: You really don’t understand?!
: S-Stay away!: I can’t see your face if I do that. : What…?!: I’ll give you three minutes. If you wanna press that switch and power up that bomb, go right ahead!: Aah?! What’s he talking about?!: But if you don’t make a decision in those three minutes, then I’ll really make you stop existing!: Kazuki, what is this?! Do you know something we don’t?!: She… She can’t make her own choices…: …: Hrm, say whatever the hell you want! I’ve nothing! I am nothing!: I once knew a girl very much like you…: All she did was fight as others told her to. I tried my best to save her, but I couldn’t…
: Shinn…: Wh-What are you…: But that’s not the case with you! It’s not too late yet!: You can still choose your destiny...! Your own wishes, your own strength can still shape it! : Choose my destiny…?: There’s no such thing as someone with nothing. There has to still be something inside you.: N-No, I… I don’t…: Canon, can you tell us the meaning behind your name?: I-It’s a type of musical composition… a melody that’s slowly reborn, bit by bit… That’s what my mom…: See?: …?!: You still have that beautiful name, no?: And that name carries all of your mom’s wishes.: Y-You… What do you want from me?!: We want you to make a decision, Canon!: B-But… I…!: W-We’re running out of time! Her Fenrir’s going to…!: Decide, Canon! As scared and uncertain as you might be, the only way you’ll have a future is if you choose one yourself!: I… I…! : Five seconds…!: You’re there, aren’t you, Canon?!: I… Aaaaargh…!*Click.*
: …!
: Wh-What happened…?!
: I-I don’t see an explosion… then…! SRW UX - Separation: I… I cut off the Fenrir’s control… why?: You made a decision, Canon.: N-No, I… My orders…!: Those orders were your shackles and they’ve just come loose.: What you have now… is your own free will – a strong will that said “I want to live”. : No, you’re wrong…! I’ve no will! I’m nothing!: No, you’re definitely someone. : The girl standing right there is the one who saved the lives of all of us and everyone who lives on this island. : I-I…?: Thank you, Canon…: N-No, listen to me! I… I’m…!*Canon sprints over to Michio.*
: T-Triple Six…!: It’s alright, Canon… It’s alright…: No… It’s not, Michio… I… I just…! *sniffles*: Aaaaahh…!: …: We ought to have them both arrested right away.: Just leave them alone a bit.: Heh, I thought you’d say that.: Aaah… Waaaahaaaaaaa!
: …: …: Why did you come back?: Truth is, I wanted to do this for a while now.: But a lot of stuff happened. I also did a fair share of bad deeds with the army. : And every time I did, I just felt like I couldn’t bring myself to come back and face everyone.: Hrm, you idiot! You should’ve just come home sooner instead of digging yourself deeper into that hole!: I guess so…: But maybe I can still turn this ship around?: Michio…: I’m going to join the UX in their battles. That’s the least I can do to start making amends…: …: You go and do whatever. I’ll be tagging along, though.: Huh…?! Y-Yumiko…!: You have no idea how much I cried when you left the island.: So I think I’m entitled to some of those amends. : Hah-Hahah…: Yeah, alright. But, FYI, kick-starting your idol career’s waay beyond me, okay?: You idiot…
: Thank you. It’s only because of you that Shinn and the others are safe.
: No, I didn’t do anything. This island is safe because everyone chose to make it so. : Just as you chose to have a heart of your own?: Yes, that was my choice. I am here. : And, next, it will be your turn to choose, Athrun.: …?!: You’ve once again chosen to live not as Alex Dino, but as Athrun Zala…: What’s the next road you’ll choose to travel?: I…: Heehee, let’s talk more when we meet again, Athrun… : …
: Th-This is…! Where on earth did you get this from?!
(on TV): We happened across it while searching the coastal waters around that other Tatsumiya – the one that was blown up by the Fenrir.: Then it belongs to the sunken Mark Vier…: Now, this is outside my field of expertise, so I can hardly speak with certainty…: But I believe Dr. Bartland can put this to excellent use towards that, yes?
: Of course. We are deeply grateful for your offer, Prof. Novel. : And the Special Mobile Troop is always standing by to take part in any operations that arise. If there’s any way we can assist, do let us know.*Bloop.*
: What an amazing stroke of luck. No sooner does our mission to capture Tatsumiya fail, this happens. : Though it sounds a bit too good to be luck… : All’s well that ends well. Dog Tack’s rather aggressive tactics took me by surprise, but we can let it slide this time.: He may be a fine officer, but he had absolutely no idea what the point of capturing Tatsumiya was. : I’d never have given out such an order, were I in command.: Hm, that’s true. Still, now it’s finally time…: You may count on me. I’ll build a new one, just as I said I would.: And unlike Hino’s and all its wasted potential, this one will be a true decisive weapon…!
: The Destiny is safe and back in Shinn Asuka’s hands. We thank you so much for your help with it, Cmdr. Makabe.
: Please, it was nothing – especially considering all the support Orb has given us over the years. Do give my regards to Rep. Athha when you speak to her.
: I gotta say, I didn’t expect Tsubaki Minashiro to intervene in that mess.: From what I’d heard, she’s the core of Tatsumiya and more or less its guardian? 
: You heard right, yes. She used to be inside an artificial womb set within the “Valkyrie’s Cave”; from there, her mind was crossed with everything on the island…: Even the Festum…: …: But now she’s awake, and willingly left that Cave. : I suppose that’s her trying let us choose how we’ll deal with the Festum… and what we, as people, want to do with our lives. : I see… And that was why you hired the UX, wasn’t it, Makabe? You wanted to show Tsubaki that you were prepared to square off against the Army of Mankind – against your fellow men… : Though I should have been the only one to carry that weight. : Sorry, man, but I don’t think you got wide enough shoulders to carry both the kids and their parents. : No, we’ll all take up our share of the kids’ pain. : Mizoguchi…: …: Commander, would you be willing to let me look after Tsubaki? I feel responsible for her, considering I was the one who placed her in the Valkyrie’s Cave. 
: Dr. Toumi…: As you will. I had thought of returning her to your care now that she’s awakened.: Are you sure about this, sir? That means Dr. Toumi would have to stay here on the island, so who would be watching out for the kids’ physical and mental health?: In truth, I’m considering asking Yumiko to take up that torch.: Yumiko…?!: Hm, not only is she a very reliable woman, she is personally very much hoping to get this assignment… : But I will only extend that offer if you approve of it, Dr.: I see… Yumiko is…: Very well, commander. You can go ahead with it…
: Yumiko aside, Makabe, I need to ask: are you serious about also assigning that girl, Canon, to the UX?: I am. It was a request from Tsubaki Minashiro. 
: From Tsubaki…?: Well, I don’t think you can say no to that.
: Canon Memphis, pilot of the Babylon Model, unit code J-017. 
: You don’t have to act so formal, Canon. I’m just your guardian, not your superior officer.: “Guardian”? Not a POW overseer?: We’re not a military force. And, more importantly, you’re not a prisoner either: you’re free to come and go as you’d like.: …: Then I ask permission to exchange information with the other pilots.: Oh, right. They’re all around the same age, so I’m sure you’ll be good friends.: But those dirty clothes of yours just won’t do. Here, why don’t you try these on?: What are…?: These belonged to Shouko… my late daughter.: But they’re still very new. She was a very frail girl, you see, so she couldn’t go outside very often. I’d be happy if you used them. : Is that an order…?: Hahah, not at all. It’s just a request. : I’m not sure what I should do without orders…: Then you’ll need to think hard and figure it out. Consider that my one and only order to you.: …: What a difficult mission this is…
: Sheryl passed out?!
: Yes, I just saw it on the news. It looks like she’s taking some time off to recover…
: That story’s spreading like wildfire – even Men’s Gossip Monthly is all over it.: Speculation’s the name of the game right now, and we’ve even got people with theories that this is actually a serious disease she’s come down with.: Sheryl…: You’re worried about her, aren’t you, Alto?: Hm? And you are…?
: I’ll introduce you. This is Tsubaki Minashiro… my little sister.: Pleased to meet you.: You… have a sister?: It’s complicated. She was elsewhere until recently.: (I see. This girl is the island’s core…): You’re Saya, yes?: ?!: Do you two know each other?: Heehee… so to speak. My mother was called Saya too.
: “Was”?: She passed away before I was born. : Still, she was the one who gave me life…: Tsubaki…: Hey, Saya. I know that name has lots of different meanings but…: What does your Saya mean?: My name means…
: H-Hey… H-How’s everyone?
: Canon… why are you dressed like that?: … Youko Hazama asked me to.
: Shouko’s mom?: D-Damn it, I knew this wouldn’t work. I’m getting my old clothes!: No, those look good on you, Canon.: Ah…?
: And you’re gonna be one of our pals from now on, so don’t be a stranger!: P-Pal…: There’s no rush. Take things one step at a time and see what’s around you.: And as you find friends and family… you will, then, find yourself for the very first time.: Right, Saya?: …: Yes, that’s right…
SRW UX - Prologue: U-Urgh…!*Door opens.*
: How’re you feeling, Arnie?: Maj. Richard…!: You’ve finally taken things too far. You’re officially Richard #2. : …: But I don’t regret it. And I’m sure that’s the same for you.: Hm…?
: When I started piloting the Orphes, I felt something like fate at work.: There’s something with that mech that makes me feel this… this grand, unseen power.: You know what I’m talking about don’t you? That’s why you kept using that power yourself.: …: I understand now. Once you make it past that point, the only option you’ve left is to face off against your fate.: Even if what you’ll find waiting down that road is Hell itself…: And I think Jin might also be doing the same…: You poor man. I suppose a good death is just beyond you… (Hissatsu Shigotonin quote.)*Richard leaves.*
: Maj. Richard…
: …: Here you are, Major. : Hm? Is something up?: A message came in from the president of the Hadou Financial Group. It seems she has a new job for us.: From the Hadou princess herself? Alright, I’ll look into it.: And… there’s something I’d like to ask you.: What about?: That pilot, Jin… he mentioned an “awakening”.
: …: That’s still up in the air. But I suppose we’ll have our answer soon enough…: Do you also think they…?: Yeah… I’ve the feeling that the time has come at last…: …
Few more Tactician bonuses for us: Michio’s just joined and his first bonus provides a 10% boost to all support actions; Soushi and Moritsugu’s second bonuses are, respectively, +5% to evasion rate and 10% attack power during the player phase.
We’re coming upon the best mission to grind for secret kills. The Fafner trio is up to 123 combined kills, so I don’t even NEED to do it with them to make that threshold in time, and Joey’s up to 66, which is just past ¼ of the way – I’ll grind him just a wee bit to give myself some leeway.
And here are the convos we didn’t get today (mostly because Shinn and Kazuki moved waaay too far during the events):
: Why do people need to fight each other?! Your enemies are supposed to be the Festum, no?!: Sorry, but the bigshots kinda see everything that’s not in with us to be an enemy.: And you’re seriously okay with that?!: I couldn’t tell you. The longer you fight, the harder it becomes to figure out who your enemy is!--
: How did you ever get your hands on that unit, Kazuki…?: Your father gave it to me…: So even with him gone, his will continues “to be”…: Tch, fighting this is about the last thing I wanna do…!--
: Moving to immobilize and capture. The pilot’s life is a nonissue…: The red Fafner…! You’re not taking me out like you did before!