Part 89: Mission 36 - The Conqueror Chosen by the Heavens / The Hero Chosen by the Heavens - Part 2
: Hrrrm!
: Farewell, Lu Bu!
: …?!
: Hm-hmhmhm… Did you believe that would avail you against me, Cao Cao?! Do you even know who I am?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3Kk9WWC-o0
“The time has come for us to duel, chosen of the heavens!” > “My name is Lu Bu!”
: A-Argh…!
: M-My lord...!
: Wh-What was that machine…?!
: That was a Celestial Armor!: It is a grand power made manifest by the Yùxǐ… It’s a personification of the heaven’s judgment, born anew from ancient times!
: The heaven’s judgement…?!
: He might just wear us down if the tide doesn’t turn… Mina, what’s the status on Sheryl’s team?!
: We’ve just received confirmation that all three of them have safely made it to the ship!
: She should be safe here. Alto, we must set out as well!
: Right!
: Hold on, Alto. I’ll sing too!: What did you say?!: Ranka risked her life to sing for you… The great Sheryl Nome couldn’t just cower inside, right?: But your vocal cords are—…!: Still there. Living without song would be no different from dying for me; and if that’s the case, I’d much rather go on singing for as long as my life allows it…: Sheryl…: Besides, you’re facing the Vajra, so my song should be of use.: Just keep my earring close by. My song’ll come through it and I’m sure it’ll help you…: …May’n & Megumi Nakajima - Lion
: Alright. I’m counting on you, Sheryl.: Leave it to me!: Let’s go, Alto!*Back outside…*
: This song is…!
: Sheryl…!
: (We hear you, Sheryl. The earring – the Fold Quartz – is relaying all your emotions…!)*Alto casts Alert and Strike.*
: (I’ll help you, Sheryl! I’ll pour all that I feel into this song!)
*Everyone gets a full SP restore!*
: What?!
: Th-This is…!
: My body’s awash with power…!: Their song dispelled the Yùxǐ’s influence?!: Hmhmhmhm… The voice of their souls compels the very heavens!: This is it! The power that I sought! This is… SOOOOUUUUL!
: Fengxian…!: Then you may return to the Underworld draped in that soul’s embrace!: …?!
: Cao Cao…!: I acknowledge the strength and conviction you possess! However, I shan’t bow before them!
: CAO CAO!
We’ll be seeing this attack properly in a jiffy.
: Gwaaaaaaargh!
: Cao Cao has also beckoned his Celestial Armor…!
: The hell’s going on here?!
: That is the power of the divine beast Quèshùn, one of the Three Sovereigns of legend!: O-Oooh…! The light of their souls overlapped, causing my lord to manifest the power of the heavens once more…!: This is the moment Cao Cao had been waiting for…!
: Aah! W-We’ve got even more incoming!
: Let ‘em come! We’re not getting dropped by any Vajra now!: Sheryl… Ranka!: (If our emotions can bring everyone strength…!)
: (Then let them sail across the dimensions and back…!): Hmhmhm… Mwahahahahaha! This thrill! This scorching excitement! : It ignites—MY SOOOOUUUUL!!
: You blasted Shura…! I won’t allow your rampage to continue!*Sun Quan casts Iron Wall and Drive.*
: Sun Quan…?!: Young lord, stop! Do not allow yourself to be swallowed by darkness…!: All your predecessors stood courageous, and I am certain that true courage also lies within you! Do not forsake it!: (I care not if I must consign my soul to darkness…!): Receive ye the judgment of the heavens, Lu Bu!
: Just what are you thinking, turning up unannounced like that?! We’re busy here, if you can’t tell!: Interesting… I feel a torrent of vitality flowing through your music! And now I shall ascertain the contours of your soul!
: Why do you keep fighting just for the sake of it?! You don’t defend, much less create, anything… Can’t you see how pointless that is?!: My ears hear not the inanities of a pup who is ignorant of the true essence of battle!: Still your mouth, and try to stop me with your body and soul!
: The voice of the heavens reached your ears as well, hm? Now I command you to step forward and lay bare the destiny given to you!
: “Heavens”…? That voice just now? It apparently gave him a power boost, but, for me, it only…: But this isn’t the time or place to think about that! I’m a goner if I don’t pay attention to him!
: I see it in you! The light of the soul – the light of life – flaring as it collides with the lives of others!
: The real light of life only comes from defending, cultivating and creating!
: And if we clash with others, it’s only so we can make one another better… There’ll be no future if all you do is take!
: Sheryl’s emotions and Ranka’s song are echoing within me!: They’re both pouring their lives into this song! What kind of a man would I be if I went down now?!
Alto attacking Lu Bu: “Every move he makes is calculated…!”
Also, at the start of every turn…
: (Nani no tame ni umareta no ka... Nani no tame ni, koko ni iru no ka! ♪): (Ikinokoritai... mada ikitetai! Anata to isshoni, kono omoi to tomo ni...! ♪): (Sheryl, Ranka! Your prayers are filling me with power!)*Alto casts Alert and Strike.*
: Power is only just when you use it to protect something! Use it the wrong way and all you have is violence!: Strength cares not for notions of right or wrong! It is meant to determine who is mightier, who stands above all others, and nothing else!
: You’re messing with our battle just to feed your fighting spirit?! Can’t you see how self-absorbed that is?!: It is by facing the strong that one proves his very existence! If you cannot grasp that, then begone from the battlefield!
Shinn attacking Diaochan: “Your attacks won’t confuse me, Diaochan!”
She drops a Mirishan Rice Ball (Skill and Melee +10, Evasion +5)
: H-Hrrrgh…! I will not… I cannot fall just yet!: Not until Fengxian’s soul has become the light of the very heavens…!
: (What that woman feels… it’s not the Shura’s usual bloodthirst.)
: (I wonder if she’s realizing that it’s love that she’s feeling…): I sense your violent souls! A pair of wills that fear not death, but rather long to feel alive by exposing themselves to it!
: Yeah, I hear you! I’m getting all tingly squaring off against ya!
: You’d best enjoy it while you can. Because we’re about to pull you down from cloud nine and straight into the depths of Hell!
Kaido attacking Lu Bu (and I reckon he’d also give this for Diaochan and Jack): “Oho… Maybe I oughta get down there and take him on in the flesh!” > Magami: “Don’t be stupid.”
: I dunno what trick you used back there, but it doesn’t matter! The usual ‘find bad guy, beat him into the dirt, repeat’ strat’ll work fine!: The will of the heavens scalds your flesh and mind, yet you do not falter, hm? However, that is also due to the heavens’ guidance!: Now come! I shall feast well upon that powerful resolve of yours!
: How the hell can anyone enjoy taking life this much?! It makes no sense! There’s no way I’m putting up with the insane way you look at battle! : I do not need your comprehension! All I require is that you stay your course, fearless, and fight! Fight and set my soul ablaze!
: The worst thing about you is that you’re not even fighting to accomplish anything! You just fight for fighting’s sake… That makes you nothing but a demon!: I have long since consigned myself towards trailing the path of the Shura! It is only within the flames of war that I may show who I am – that I may express my life!
: What was it that called out to you, Lu Bu?! None here have any desire for the brutal battles you so fancy! : What I sought are simply battles overflowing with life! The explosive clash of strengths energizes my soul!
: I see the raging flame of the life within you! A flame spurred by conflict!
: Calling me out just like that, huh? Alright…: Then, get over here! I’ll show you which burns hotter between your soul and my life!
: You battle-obsessed Shura! Whatever the will of the heavens may be, I will never excuse your crimes!: However, the fact remains that the Yùxǐ has blessed me! The Mandate of Heaven is clear!: And if you do not wish to be crushed by my might, then you will show me how strongly your soul shines!
: Indeed, I shall ignite your soul… and your very flesh! Not even ashes shall remain to rue your poor choices!: ‘Tis time we brought this to a close… Let us see with whom the will of the heavens truly lie, Lu Bu!: Such a powerful drive… such ferocious ideals! Indeed, I would expect no less from my worthy quarry!: And that is precisely why I long to devour your soul and its brilliance!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SE4c6tO7kw
Captions are available.
Also, Lu Bu drops a Kongming’s Book of Strategies.
: R-Rrgh… I am far from defeated!
: Uooooh! Boufuu Gekiretsuzan!
: U-Uwaaaah!
: What incredible tenacity… We have pressed him so, yet he shows no signs of stopping!: Kch… LU BU!!: Young Lord, stop…!*Sun Quan charges after Lu Bu!*
: Begone!*Sun Quan’s tossed aside.*
: A-Argh…!
: B-Brother…!: Your life is mine, Sun Quan!: Y-Young Lord!
*Stab!*
: O-Oorgh…!: Zhou Yu…!: Hmph… Impertinent worm!: Zhou Yu… why?!: Y-Young Lord… The spirit of the Sun family is too strong to be consumed by darkness…!: I-I beg that you recall… the spirit you inherited from Lords Sun Jian and Sun Ce!: From my father and brother…!: T-True courage means standing as a glimmering moon, shining its light upon the people as the night’s darkness surrounds them…: Young Lord, embrace that spirit… the true courage that lies within you… Urgh...!: Zhou Yu…!
: …
: N-No… Master?!: ...: Why does this always happen…?!: My father, my brother, Cheng Pu, Han Dang, and now Zhou Yu…! Why must everyone…!
: Dost thou desire power…?: …?! SRW UX - The Legend of Mirisha: Dost thou desire power?! Power beyond measure…?!: …: I do! Power, but also the courage to keep my family and comrades safe!: Then manifest thine soul before me!: Haaaaaaah!
: Hrm?! That is…!: Ye heavens…! Hǔxiǎo…! Behold my soul!: This desire to defend those that I love… That is my true courage!
SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend: Brother…!: Sun Quan, your soul also has ascended to the heavens?!: Hah, the soul of Quèshùn whispers to me. It says now is when we must sear away the darkness…!: With me, Sun Quan!: Aye!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfBIoVv1njM
Captions are available.
: Urk…!
: Th-They did it… Sun Quan route only, since Cao Cao gets his Armor second there:
: That’s Cao Cao’s Celestial Armor...?!: Judgment has been passed…!Common ground:
: Ha-Hahahah… Very well done, Cao Cao… and Sun Quan (Quan Route: he calls out Ultimate Cross as a whole.): The light of your soul has carved into my being!
: Lu Bu—…!: (Lu Bu… Just what are you truly after…?)Were there any enemies left, they’d also retreat.
: …: (We have prevailed, Zhou Yu…)
: Heheheh… I knew I could count on you to come for me, my loyal right-hand man.: But I have to say, I’m very impressed you knew that the UX were going to stage an attack here.
: All due to information The Advancers passed me.: The Advancers…?: Well, I don’t really care. Whatever that group is planning, I’m not one to turn away useful pawns.: Speaking of pawns, I’ve taken the liberty of securing the Machine Island prisoners for future use.: Once we have left here, we’ll rendezvous with the Army of Mankind. Secretary-General Hester will be expecting you.: Hm, you did good, Dog. Lead the way.: Please, wait…: Ah? You are…
: Minami, once project leader for the Union Army’s weapon R&D.: Dr. Minami! You were also imprisoned here?: If you’re making your escape, then please take me with you.: I’m sure my brilliant intellect could be of much use for you, yes?: Oho…
: Sheryl Nome and Ranka Lee’s Fold Waves are in unison. Protocol analysis is complete.
: Hmhmhm… We know just what wavelengths can stimulate and which can hinder the Vajra…: This is it! Victory over the bugs is just around the corner!: All we have to do is connect this data to their Fold Network and…!
: …: But I suppose this means neither of those girls will return to my supervision, hm…?: …: Oh, and I should inform you that the Galaxy commanders you were reporting to have agreed to cooperate with us in exchange for their lives.: What…?!: Still, I can’t help but feel some measure of pity for them. Who in their right might would be so desperate to survive that they’d turn into such abominations…?: But what about you, Col. Grace? What will you do?: …: (Dr. Mao… I…): Grace, she… she used to work as my grandmother’s assistant while she was researching the Vajra.
: Grace…?!: My grandmother and her team searched their whole lives for a singer – a weaver of the wind – capable of bonding with not just the hearts of other people, but with the hearts of the birds, the animals, the grass, the flowers… the air, the sea and the sky. 
: Bonding with the hearts of the birds and the air…?: Yes. They were looking for someone like you, Ranka.: Me…?: My grandmother once told me that if someone could weave the wind, then that person should also be capable of communicating with the Vajra.: But her plan ended in failure, and the Vajra attacked the research team. That’s what Grace informed me. : No, they weren’t attacking.: I think… what the Vajra were doing was trying to save me.: Save…?: …
: …! Ranka, did your memories…!: Yes… I remembered everything. Of what happened in Galia 4, of how Brera is my real brother…: Ranka…: Our mother was also working with Sheryl’s grandmother researching the Vajra.: And through that research, they discovered a song that could be used to communicate with them.: And was that Aimo…?: Right…
: Hmm… It may be that since Ranka emits the same Fold Waves as the Vajra, they took her to be a friend?: A friend…?
: Meaning the Vajra were trying to rescue her from these unfamiliar humans…?: I think that was the reason behind the incident at Galia 4, eleven years ago…
: But then… that would mean that the Vajra are intelligent creatures, with a mind and emotions of their own…!: …: Not just the Vajra, I think. That might also be the case with the ELS and even the Festum…: I guess Setsuna had the right idea all along…: Alto…
: To try and communicate with them in a way that doesn’t involve fighting, huh…?: Then, Alto… I’ll keep on singing for you and your team!: Sheryl…?!: What? Remember, we’re the only ones who can impart out feelings to the Vajra.: If you’re looking to communicate with them and avoid any more pointless battles, then you’ll need the powers of one weaver of the wind.: But you’re…: I ask the same! Neither of us can return to the Frontier anymore…: So, we want to stay here and help you with our song!: If we can bring peace back to this world even a few moments faster, then we’re ready to do whatever we can!: Sheryl, Ranka…
: Master…
: He barely escaped with his life, but there’s no telling if he’ll ever wake up.: He must have been struggling for quite a while now…: And despite his condition, he still took the time to teach us…: This is my fault… If I hadn’t let my emotions cloud my judgment, he..!: If that is what you feel, then do not shy away from your destiny. : …!
: Cao Cao…: All of Creation possesses two sides to itself. Light and darkness both share the same origin.: Light and darkness…: Thus, ‘tis by bearing light within one’s heart and facing the darkness that one becomes a true warrior…: And I believe you to be capable of doing so, Sun Quan…: …: To stand as a glimmering moon, shining light upon darkness… such is true courage…: I shall fight as well…!: …: My master… and Ladies Sheryl and Ranka all risked their lives in battle today!: And while I don’t know of how much use I’ll be, I, too, will ante up my life just as my master did…!: …: I’m sure Zhou Yu’s proud to hear you say that…: G-Gch… Master…! Maaasteeeeeeeeer…!
: We’re heading to Tatsumiya…?
: Hmhmm. We believe ALVIS’ medical facilities might be able to do something for General Zhou Yu and Sheryl…
: They are our best bet, yes, especially now that JUDA’s no longer functioning as a medical company…
: I also agree. Have the Elshank set a course for the island of Tatsumiya.
: I’m informing the Macross Quarter and the Ptolemaios as well.
: Now that the battle is over, does anyone have any idea what that Yùxǐ actually is?: I mean, it’s capable of both interfering with the Vajra’s Fold Network and summoning those amazing Celestial Armors…
: And it also made us hear that voice, don’t forget about that. I was sure it was Tobikage speaking, but…
: I thought it was the Linebarrel…: (And I thought I heard that girl’s voice…)
: Everyone heard a voice, it seems. Cham and Erebos said the same thing…: Therein lies the mystery.: During that event, every single one of you heard the voices of different beings, yes?
: Of different beings…?: In which case, what would the “voice of the heavens” be? Consider: what do all the people who heard the voice have in common?: Odyssite, Fold Waves, Ninja, Quantum Brainwaves, Aura Power, and more...
: Do you mean...!: Yes. If my hypothesis is correct, all those who heard the voice of the heavens are people whose will is capable of crossing through time and space.: Our wills…: And, thus, I believe the identity of the voice you heard is…
Nope, we don’t get to find out just yet. We do have new tacticians/cheeleaders in the form of Sheryl, Ranka and Lu Xun, so here’s what they bring:
- Sheryl: Spiritual Fortitude, morale limit +10
- Ranka: Spec debuff immunity, starting morale +5
- Lu Xun: Ranged attacks and chain attacks’ power +10%
And I should note, Sun Quan unlocks Courage with the Celestial Armor event. He doesn’t even need to have unlocked his penultimate spirit command – it’ll always happen.
Now, here are the convos from the other version of the stage – the ones with Sun Quan and Shangxiang only play BEFORE he unlocks his Celestial Armor:
: Nothing else matters to me! If it’ll help me end that monster’s life, then I’ll readily pay any cost!--
: Pray to whichever gods you have, Lu Bu! On the honor of the Sun family, I will not tolerate you drawing breath for another day!: I will eradicate every last trace of you from the face of this world!: The spirit of the Shura has taken of hold of you, hm? Then unleash your ferocious hatred upon me!: That is what I desire! A clash to ignite my soul! To battle, tiger cub!--
: The heavens lead us to one another! A lone thread binds our raging lives, our mighty beliefs together! Where are you, Cao Cao?! Where are you?!: If the tiger has, indeed, awakened, then I shall also earn the Yùxǐ’s blessing! : Prepare yourself, Lu Bu! The blazing hellfire within my heart shall burn your life to cinders!--
: I can’t stand to see my brother gripped with hatred…!: And that’s why I’m ending you myself – I swear it on the Sun family name! Come, Lu Bu!: You may try and conceal it, but your burning thirst for revenge is patently obvious! : And I approve of what I see! Rise, young tigress! Display the ardor of your life to me!Now, for the different scenes. After Lu Bu zaps half our team:
: Why?! How can that Shura ascend to the heavens…?!: N-Nay… I refuse to accept this! I cannot!
: What’re you doing, Sun Quan?!: Alto, you go on ahead with the others! I…*Sun Quan deploys*
: I have a duty to fulfill!: Hm… I see you, tiger cub!: Lu Bu! I shall grant my father and brother’s spirits peace today!*Sun Quan maxes out morale and casts Valor.*
: B-Brother…!: Troops, many of our pilots are being affected by the Yùxǐ’s power!: Rally around Sun Quan and do whatever it takes to stop Lu Bu!
: Th-That’s easier said than done…!: If you fear death, then stand back! This is my battle to fight!: Young lord, stop! Do not allow yourself to be swallowed by darkness…!: All your predecessors stood courageous, and I am certain that true courage also lies within you! Do not forsake it!: I care not if I must consign my soul to darkness…!: Face me… LU BU!At 70% HP, things play out the same as Cao Cao, with Sun Quan going for the kill, getting blasted by Lu Bu and his Celestial Armor and it cuts directly into Zhou Yu taking a spear for him. Sun Quan then unlocks his Celestial Armor. The only difference is at the end of the sequence:
: Sun Quan has also beckoned his Celestial Armor…!: The hell’s going on here?!: That is the power of the divine beast Hǔxiǎo, one of the Three Sovereigns of legend!: Hmph… At long last, the sleeping fierce tiger has awakened to his destiny!: Alto, take Sheryl and head towards the Macross Quarter!: What about you?!: Sun Quan’s soul has reached the heavens…
: And, thus, I am obligated to also ignite my inner flame!: Lord Cao Cao…!: Hmhmhm… Mwahahahahaha! You have arrived as well, Cao Cao!: This thrill! This scorching excitement! It ignites—MY SOOOOUUUUL!!*Lu Bu heals up.*
: I won’t allow your rampage to continue, Lu Bu!: I shall take the true courage that I’ve inherited from my predecessors to heart… and stand in the defense of my family and my companions!Oddly enough, Alto only delivers Sheryl to the Quarter, kicking off the full SP restore, after you down Lu Bu… but, then, the mission ends right after, so the restore is effectively wasted (this is one of the reasons why I think Cao Cao’s route is the intended one)!
The scene that follows is the same, including Sheryl and Ranka singing the lyrics (which, this time, causes Alto to cast SOOOOUUUUUL), and it segues into Cao Cao unlocking his Celestial Armor, which changes a wee bit:
: I acknowledge the strength and conviction you possess! However, I shan’t bow before them!*Casts valor.*
: Th-That flame is…!: Behold…: There is a power in this world far beyond any strategy, beyond the realm of any and all imagination!: CAO CAO!: Receive ye the judgement of the heavens! Alto, with me!: Got it!And then Alto sets up for Cao Cao’s kill, which is, frankly, more than flyboy there deserves.