Click to see the mission!
And we’re back. For today’s mission, I’ll be following the Cao Cao route of things but, like I said, the mission is mostly unchanged regardless of who you choose. I just feel like Cao Cao’s version is the “intended” one due to how events progress in it. Still, whatever changes in the Sun Quan route’ll be posted as we go.
Now, on both sides we get Fei, Eida, Miu, Alto, Cao Cao and Sun Quan deploying as event units, so here’s how we’re going:
Joe/Athrun
Heroman/Domyoji
Arnie/Saya
Kouichi/Kiki
Kazuki/Allelujah
Liu Bei/Rennie
Canon/Shouko
Burn/Marvel
Shou/Tsubasa
Maya/Michio
Mazinkaiser/Soubi
Dancouga/Lux
Kurou/Deceive
Shinn/Lunamaria
Moritsugu/Yulianne
Aesap/Klan
Tactician: Zhuge Liang
FYI, this mission is the cutoff point for the Fafner secret involving Michio and Canon’s kill count. If you’re going for it, you need to get their total over 100 by the time we’re done.
Off we go.
: Hey, I got a favor to ask you.
: E-eh…? Since when do you ask me for stuff?
: Listen to me! Pleeeeaaaase sign this!
: Let’s see… A petition to spare Sheryl Nome’s life?
: The Galactic Fairy’s such a great gal! She’s like a proper goddess, and I’m not letting someone as irreplaceable as her get the death penalty!
: A-Alright, alright. If you think this’ll help her, I’ll sign as many papers as you want.
: And, I gotta say, I’m impressed you’ve gathered so many signatures by yourself.
: I reckon there’re some other celebrities also working to try and save her?
: Right you are. Princess Marina, for example, made a speech for the entire world to try and stir the public opinion against it.
: And there’s also talk that Ranka Lee’s made a secret detour to Japan not long ago…
: …!
: (Y-Yo, Domyoji, is Ranka…?)
: (Yeah, she should be coming to the old JUDA building right about now. Apparently, she’s got some new info about Sheryl…)
: What’re you two whispering about?
: Y-Yaaah!
: Risako! Don’t scare me like that!
: Psh, you only come to school once in a blue moon, and, when you do, you keep us out the conversation?
: O-Okay, okay, never mind that! There’s someone I want you to meet.
: Hm? Is there a new student or something?
: Maybe. Or maybe it’s someone you know…
: You’ll understand in a jiffy. Hey, come in!
Door opens.
: …
: N-No way…!
: H-Hey…
: Yajima… But… how?!
: Well, a lot of stuff happened. He’ll explain it to you later.
: And it’s really you?! You’re not a ghost or anything?!
: Yeah, it’s me – in the flesh.
: Ya-Yajima…
: Sob Waaaaaaaaaah!
: There, Risako. You don’t have to cry so much.
: But, you’re… you’re really alive…
: …
: (Congrats, you two…)
Cut to Ex-JUDA, where Ranka’s arrived and relayed Brera’s info for us. Can we believe what he said? Saya thinks so: the guy’s currently wanted by the Federation Government, so she doesn’t believe he’d risk getting arrested just to pass misinformation to Ranka. Furthermore, Canaria adds credence to his report by relating that exams HAVE confirmed that Ranka’s is host to the same Fold Bacteria as the Vajra.
As Luca tells, the Frontier’s research has revealed that said bacteria reside and multiply in the buggers’ intestines. It’s through them that they establish their trans-dimensional Fold Network and communicate with one another. And what, exactly, is that network? Rachel explains: simply put, it’s a network that works via Fold Waves, allowing for the Vajra to communicate even across time and space.
That’s essentially the same property as the Odyssite, meaning that by emitting Fold Waves, Ranka’s song is also crossing through time and space. Seems to Kurou that her Superdimensional Cinderella nickname was perfect in every way. Mind you, as Rachel points out, Ranka isn’t the only one that can do that: there’s also Sheryl.
And on that subject, Ranka tells what Brera said of her V-Type Infection and how the only thing that could save her would be removing her vocal cords – which she refuses to do. When Aesap asks, Canaria explains that V-Type Infection is a deadly disease that occurs when a person’s infected by the Fold Bacteria. Thus, Sheryl also emits Fold Waves and her voice also travels through time and space.
Said Fold Song of theirs is also capable of messing with the Vajra Network, Dr. West adds, which is how their songs affected the things so. And now the Frontier Government’s looking to weaponize that power of theirs. Lockon doesn’t appreciate that jerkwad, Mishima, cooking up this plan behind our backs, and it’s clear to Cathy that the SMS made the right choice to break away from the Frontier Government.
Ozma asks if Brera said anything else, but Ranka stammers a denial – inwardly, she figures it best not to tell him YET about Galia 4 and Brera actually being her brother. But the question now remains: what are we going to do about Sheryl?
Well, as Jeffrey remembers it, Sheryl waaaay overpaid us for that past job she and Richard set up. That ain’t gonna fly, now, will it? We need to give her her money’s worth, so how about we chalk all that extra cash up as medical expenses? Arnie likes it: “Then we should get her ‘transferred’ out of Alcatraz on the double so she can receive all the help she needs.”
“Heheh, why all the insinuations? Just say we’re gonna nab the broad and leave it at that,” Kaido laughs. One problem, though, is that Alcatraz’ security is top-notch, meaning we’ll need a good plan if we’re going to break her out. Ranka speaks up right then: she has an idea.
Cut to the Frontier, Mishima’s getting informed of this “Humanitarian Concert” at Alcatraz – apparently it was Ranka’s idea. Grace shrugs that the girl wants to cheer Sheryl up, but Mishima figures that’s just an excuse: this is likely part of a plan to free Sheryl.
Mishima tells Grace that the only reason she’s not locked up as well is because they figured she could keep Ranka under control. If she can’t, then things’ll change. Grace understands, and asks why don’t they make an experiment out of this concert and use it to analyze Vajra Communication Protocol?
Is she suggesting they call the Vajra to Earth? She is: they’ll give Ranka a Fold Wave-amplifying microphone and, if the Vajra do turn up, the UX’ll have no choice but to fight with them. And while that battle’s going on, they’ll have ample opportunity to analyze the bugs’ comm protocols.
Mishima likes the idea and gives her the green light. And, while they’re at it, considering there’s a person in the UX that is capable of something very akin to Fold Wave Communication, they might as well also use this opportunity to look into that as well.
But Grace has a question to ask: how is Sheryl doing right now? From what he’s heard, she’s been writing some lyrics in her cell’s walls. A total waste of time, as even if she did successfully escape, her days are already numbered.
Inwardly, Grace thinks of her: “Sheryl… you still haven’t given up on your music…”
: Cao Cao and I are to guard the escapee?!
: Alto’ll be in charge of locating her cell through that earring he has, but if her escape is discovered, the guards might shoot to kill. And if that happens…
: You have that Aura Barrier… That is, your Azure Wall, yes? It’d be ideal for shielding the songstress from harm.
: I-I understand that… but why also Cao Cao…?
: …
: And that will be all for today’s lesson.
: Thank you very much.
: We apologize for always taking so much of your time. We know you’re busy.
: It is no trouble. There’s nothing as gratifying as teaching such fast learners as yourselves.
: Yes, I’d best redouble my efforts of you’ll catch up to me in no time…
: You are being modest. Our strategic insight is still lacking compared to yours.
: Then we shall continue this tomorrow.
: Yes, sir. See you tomorrow!
: …
: Hrk… cough, wheeze!
: You do not seem well…
: …! Master Kongming…
: Your accepting Arnie and Saya as pupils… is it because not much time remains for you…?
: Hah… I cannot hide anything from you.
: But you are right. I suppose overturning my fate was beyond me…
: …
: For the world to lose a man of your caliber… it is truly regrettable.
: However, unlike my Romance of the Three Kingdoms counterpart, I shan’t leave this life with regret in my heart.
: I am content with what I have accomplished. And it was truly an honor to have lived in the same era as you…
: General Zhou Yu…
: Maj. Richard has left some wonderful heirs. I wonder if I will be capable of saying the same for myself…
: Master Kongming, should anything happen to me…
: Please look after Lu Xun, the young Lord and the Princess.
: …
Sun Quan version:
: …
: Are you thinking about Cao Cao?
: About a lot of things. Cao Cao, Lu Bu…
: And of why we wound up in this world.
: Why, hm…?
: If what Kongming and the others say is true, and there is this underlying truth – the will of the heavens – governing this world…
: Then it would be that same will that beckoned us here.
: But that does not answer the “why”. Even a Shura like Lu Bu, someone who seeks only battle in this world, was summoned…
: For what purpose did all this happen…?
: Sun Quan…
: …
: I understand how you feel, but it is best not to let this dominate your thoughts.
: To fight with doubt gripping your heart is the way for it to be tainted by darkness.
: I know…
: (But I cannot simply…)
Cao Cao version:
: …
: I have heard that it was you who proposed this jointed offensive with Sun Quan, my lord.
: Hah, I confess that the sight of his current state annoyed me…
: Do you seek to awaken the fierce tiger that sleeps with him…?
: I feel no such obligation. However, if his will is true, then he shall, in time, also commune with one of the Souls of the Three Sovereigns.
: Lóngdì, Quèshùn and Hǔxiǎo…
: Do you believe the Souls of the Three Sovereigns depicted in our legends would manifest themselves in this world as well…?
: Indeed.
: …
: (And when they do… my soul shall once again ascend to the Heavens…!)
Mission 36 – The Hero Chosen by the Heavens (Sun Quan Route) / The Conqueror Chosen by the Heavens (Cao Cao Route)
SRW UX - Interstellar Flight (LIVE in Alcatraz)
: Hold me to the edge of the galaxy!
: Yeaaaaah! You’re the best, Rankaaaaaaaaa!
: You’re our idooooool!
: It’s started…
: Excluding the stage crew, all those participating in the operation are at their assigned posts.
: Hey, those prisoners are from those Machine Island gangs, right? Didn’t think they’d all be locked up in here…
: Word around the grapevine says this is where that guy, Hazard, is also being kept.
: Even him…?
: Now, let me introduce you to everyone taking part in tonight’s very special concert!
: First off, on the keyboard, we’ve Japan’s nº1 idol – Eida Rossa!
: This is my very first time crossing the Pacific to sing on a Union stage! I hope you’ll have a great time!
: Wow, I didn’t know Eida could also play the keyboard.
: Looks pretty real, doesn’t it? But, actually, all instruments are pre-recorded… I can’t say anymore, though. It’s classified. (Reference to Haruhi’s Mikuru Asahina, who was voiced by Eida’s VA. “It’s classified” was a common answer when questioned about stuff.)
: R-Really? Man, I wish you hadn’t told me…
: On bass, we’ve a rising star, also from Japan! From the Smash Dolls group, Miu Kujo!
: Everyone calls me Miumiu back home. We’ve got a wonderful show for you tonight!
: Oh, lordy, Miu just glows when she’s up on stage. No wonder Furuya’s so into her.
: Kouichi, you really might wanna watch what you say…
: Huh…?
: …
: Aack…!
: On the drums, the beautiful Virtualoid that’s the talk of town! Fei-Yen!
: Hey, everyone! Come and dance to our beat!
: “Our” beat…? But Fei’s the only one playing the drums?
: Fei just says some weird things from time to time. (Since I know someone’ll ask: Fei’s talking about herself and Miku.)
: On lead guitar, the top artist in New York’s Indies’ Chart! Holly Jones!
: YEAAAAAAAAAAH! We’re gonna bring down the house!
: Crap, she’s really getting amped up. Our Father, who art in heaven…
: (Sis, please, don’t do anything crazy…)
: And, finally, on rhythm guitar, we’ve got a special, one-night-only guest!
: The mysterious gothic lolita, Alty Saotome!
: Whuh?!
: ALTYYYYYYY!
: Look over heeeere!
: O-Ohohoho. Make way for Alty…
: Now there’s the world-famous kabuki onnagata. He’s still got it.
: Aaah, magnificent! That is apex of beauty… A true princess! Oh, how I wish to hold her in my embrace!
: H-Hey now…
: (“Mysterious gothic lolita”, my ass! I’m gonna get you for this, Ranka!)
Away from the stage…
: ‘Tis almost time for us to begin. I trust you are ready, Sun Quan?
: A-Aye…
: Hmph, such a weak-kneed answer.
: Do you expect to surpass your father and brother with that attitude? Because you shall not.
: Wh-What…?!
: Hm? Hold, this presence is…!
: Th-The Vajra…!
: Are you kidding me?! What’re they doing here…?!
: What’s going on, Luca?!
: I-It’s… I’m detecting powerful Fold Waves coming from the Alcatraz stage!
: Powerful Fold Waves?!
: Hmhmhm…And that’s phase one of the experiment complete, Col. Grace.
: Your microphone’s called out much more Vajra than expected.
: …
: Now fight the good fight, Ultimate Cross! Our analysis of the Fold Network depends on you!
: Aaiieeee!
: U-Uwaaaah! Ruuuuun!
: Everyone, please calm down! You’re all going to be alright!
: Ms. Kujo…?
: Miumiu… What’dya mean?!
: …
SRW UX - Linebarrel
: Come, Painkiller!
: Th-That’s…! One of the UX’s robots?!
: That’s right… We’re of the Ultimate Cross!
: We’re Champions of Justice – your protectors!
: Whaaaaaat?!
: U-Um, should she really just come out and tell everyone that?!
: (Kujo…)
: I don’t believe it… These pretty girls are with the UX?!
: Well, I’ll be damned! Kickass, Miumiu!
: (Heeheehee, did you see that, Hayase…?)
: I guess that’s that. We’re heading out too!
: Alto, you stick to the plan and go get Sheryl!
: Aye, aye! But Ranka can’t stay here or the Vajra might try to attack her!
: Holly, take her someplace safe and stay there!
: You got it, flyboy!
: I’m not cutting the Vajra any slack if they’re coming after us!
: Alto has made his move. The Vajra’s unforeseen appearance notwithstanding, we must proceed with the planned operation. Into the prison!
: A-Aye!
: The infiltration team’s started-robo. What do we do?
: The Vajra leave us no choice – we must set out as well.
: Deploy all mobile squadrons!
: The power to control the Vajra… It’s likely that this was orchestrated by…
: Regardless, their appearance is an obstacle to our rescue operation! Support the diversionary team and eliminate the enemy!
Kill everything, don’t lose your ships. The Vajra don’t bring anything that we haven’t seen in the Boddole Zer battle, but there’s a ton of them to deal with. No ships, though, so just set forward and start thinning the bugs out. Mind you, try to keep people not TOO far away from each other, in light of events down the line.
Safest approach is to head up north and spread out a wee bit to intercept all the groups that’re coming to you. Keep Confuse casts on standby for later, and don’t be a afraid to use the Deceive to boost your guys until the enemy numbers start to dwindle.
SRW UX - A Bird’s Song
: Hrm, all that effort to put this concert together, down the drain…
: Still, I better pull myself into shape and get on with the mission. I am a professional, after all!
SRW UX - Linebarrel
: I finally, finally, got Kouichi to see me on stage…
: And I’ll make you pay dearly for ruining that for me…!
SRW UX - Obelisk
: All those beauties up on stage… Operation or no, I was having a blast watching the show.
: What’re you mumbling about?! There’s a battle going on, so pay attention!
: He’s got a point, though. I hope we’ll have another chance to see their act.
: But we first need to clear out these Vajra for that to happen!
SRW UX - LOVE 14 ver. HD
: Aw, our show got interrupted… I’d love for us to have a do-over, but the rub of it is that I can’t exactly just call for one…
SRW UX - Obelisk
: While we didn’t expect these to turn up now, we still have to get rid of them. Psych yourselves up, crew!
: (Ranka… I’ll give this my very best, just as you are.)
: (I’ll fight in a way worthy of your brother!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9Lf2Dt9TuU
And here’s Canon’s second best move.
: M-More Vajra…?!
: These roaches never know when to call it quits!
: Ooh, boy, things are looking real bad out there. We gotta get back to the Elshank lickety-split!
: …
: I’ll sing for them!
: What, are you nuts?! You do that and aren’t all the Vajra gonna make a beeline for you?!
: I know. But if I really do have the power to control the Vajra, then…!
: Ranka…
: I… I won’t go through what I did in Galia 4 again. I won’t just watch, impotent, as the people I love are hurt!
: You… Did you get your memories back…?!
: …
: Alright. Hold on a sec.
: Your Highness, we have an urgent message from Lady Holly.
: Put her through.
: Hey, it’s Holly. I wanna ask y’all to let Ranka sing on the Elshank’s deck.
: Ah?! Are you stupid?!
: Shush, Psy! Ranka’s telling me she wants to help hold back the Vajra, even if it means putting herself at risk!
: And if she’s that sure, then what we gotta do is support her all the way through it!
: Sis…
: Very well. The Elshank will set off to receive them both immediately!
: Gameran, set a course for Alcatraz!
: Y-Yes, Your Highness!
: Did everyone hear that? The Elshank’s rendezvous point is over there!
Oh, that’s convenient.
: All mobile troops, maintain the offensive and keep the enemy away from the Elshank!
: Roger!
: (Thank you, everyone…!)
So now you just need to get the ship there. If you wanna play things safe, you can shave off another 10 enemy squads and the plot’ll kick in regardless.
We’ll just go right now, though.
: We’ve confirmation that Ladies Ranka and Holly are aboard!
: Okay, Ranka, get out there and let ‘em all hear your heart!
: I will!
SRW UX - Interstellar Flight (LIVE in Alcatraz)
All Vajra lose 30 morale.
: The Vajra have stopped…!
: Alto, Cao Cao, Sun Quan! Make haste and rescue Sheryl…!
: Sheryl, where are you?! Answer me!
: Hey, girl! Wait a minute!
: Y-You’re…!
: Hm…? I thought you were a girl, but you’re actually a boy…?
: Bah, that doesn’t matter. What’s all this racket? Is something happening outside?
: Sorry, but I don’t have time to waste on you.
: You’re gonna stay in here and think for a long time of everything you did, Hazard Pasha!
Alty leaves.
: W-Wait, you know who I am?!
: Please, help me get out of here! I’ll pay you anything you ask!
: You need not pay her anything…
: ?! Y-You’re…!
: It’s been ages, Director Hazard.
: Dog Tack! Why are you here…?!
: Why else, sir? I have come to escort you out.
: Ooh… Oooooh! :qq:
: This voice… Ranka…?
: Sheryl!
: A-Alto?!
: Thank God, you’re safe!
: You have found her, Alto? Then I am going to destroy this wall! Take cover behind the cell’s bed!
: DAI GURENZAN!
Boom!
: Kch… cough, wheeze
: Are you okay?!
: Huh…? There’re lyrics on the wall… You were still…?
: W-What I want to know is what possessed you to come here…
: I told you before: you’re not alone!
: …!
: You idiot…
: Hey! What’re you doing there?!
: Crap, they’ve found us!
Prepares to fire!
: Azure Wall!
Tweeeoooop!
: Gyaaaah! Wh-What’s that thing?!
: Sun Quan…!
: Leave now! Quickly!
: Ranka Lee’s Fold Waves are increasing and generating interference with the Vajra’s Fold Network!
: Protocol analysis at 97.5%… It won’t be long before it’s finished.
: Magnificent! The Fold Bacteria grow more and more active as the host pours her life into her song…
: Yes, excellent! Keep singing, my dear!
: Sir, the prisoners are escaping! There’s pandemonium within the compound!
: Don’t panic! We were expecting that to happen from the start!
#2: This is…! Sir, we’re picking up a new interference with the Fold Network!
: What?!
: It’s here…
: The Willpower that, like Sheryl and Ranka, is also capable of interfering with Fold Waves…!
: “Willpower”…?! Is that?!
: ?! Wh-What is happening?!
SRW UX - The Legend of Mirisha
: Hmhmhm… I hear the cry of one’s soul!
: I-It’s…!
: Who is it that beckons the Shura?!
: L-Lu Bu?! What’s he doing here?!
: Were even these fiends called out by Ranka’s song?!
: M-My song…?!
: Hmph, I see… It was this song! A song bearing your life upon its lyrics!
: This song that rouses the soul of all who hear… the heavens themselves are stirred by its tunes!
: Fengxian… That’s…!
: It is the Yùxǐ…!
: The Yùxǐ?!
: Domyoji, what’s that thing?!
: A seal that was passed down through generations of Chinese emperors back in the day. It’s essentially the crest of the Emperor.
: But the one Lu Bu’s holding is…!
: Correct… It is the Yùxǐ of our land of Mirisha – the seal bestowed from generation to generation, since the age of legend, said to embody the will of the heavens!
: The will of the heavens…!
: Hear ye the voice of the heavens!
: H-Hrrgh! Th-There’s… something in my head…!?
: Wh-What’s going on?! Someone’s talking to me?!
: That’s… the Linebarrel?!
: A-Aaargh!
: Grrgh… Calm down, Hallelujah!
: Is that Lady Ciela speaking?! N-No… Lady Jacoba?!
: This voice… It’s the Festum…?!
: Tobikage… Is that you?!
: …!
: No, this is…!
: A-Are… you there?!
: I-I am here! I exist – I’m certain of it!
: Rrk… Gwaaaaaaaah!
: M-Ms. Saya…?!
: I-It hurts… inside!
Liu Bei, Joe, Shouko, Karen, Burn, Fei, Cham, Erebos, Arnie, Saya, Kouichi, Allelujah and Soma lose 30 morale and all SP!
And all enemies get max morale!
: The Vajra have been invigorated…!
: Wh-What just happened…?! What kind of power does that Yùxǐ have?!
: (If Ranka Lee’s song transcended space and time, causing the Yùxǐ to manifest here… then what in blazes is that Fold Network?!)
: (What is the will of the heavens that resides within the Yùxǐ…?!)
: Hah-Hahahah… The Shura would climb its way from the bowels of the Underworld and ascend to the heavens… I would not believe it to be true, had I not witnessed it!
: What’re you doing, Cao Cao?!
: Take the others and go. I…
: Have a task to see through!
: Cao Cao!
: How have I waited for this moment – this very moment, when the Yùxǐ would cross space and time and manifest itself!
Cao Cao casts valor and maxes out morale.
: C-Cao Cao… You’re…!
: Troops, many of our pilots are being affected by the Yùxǐ’s power!
: Rally around Lord Cao Cao and do whatever it takes to stop Lu Bu!
: Th-That’s easier said than done…!
: If death concerns you, then away! This battle is mine!
: To arms, Lu Bu!
Don’t lose Sun Quan/Cao Cao either. That’s not too difficult since Lu Bu doesn’t seem to prioritize them, so just make sure the gaggle of Vajra don’t build up evasion decay too high.
And, as you saw, the reason why I told you to keep your group decently closer together is to make sure your debuffed guys won’t suddenly find themselves pitted against all those Vajra and unable to cast any spirits. They can still attack and move, but being unable to cast Focus and taking a whole bunch of extra damage from the morale-boosted bugs means it won’t take much to kill a Real.
Pull those guys back if you’re not sure they can handle themselves in that debilitated state, use Confuse if you’d like, and what I’d suggest you do depends on which route you’re taking: if you’re with Cao Cao, send everyone after Lu Bu and get him under 70% HP immediately; if you’re with Sun Quan and care about maximizing your cash and kills, then pop Confuse and clear out the Vajra before dealing with him. If not, go after Lu Bu as well.
Secret Alert!
SD Gundam secret – 5th step: destroy Lu Bu with either Sun Quan or Cao Cao, depending on whose mission you’re on.
Keep this in mind, too.
SRW UX - Shangri-La
SRW UX - Tales of Mirisha ~ The Brave Legend
: The will of the heavens, destiny… Everything has been leading to this moment!
: None shall stand in my path towards conquest! 'Tis the Mandate of Heaven that guides me!
SRW UX - Life Goes On
]Even with my debilitated guys, it doesn’t take long for the Vajra to go down when everyone’s so powerful and command auras are plentiful.
Dynasty Warriors 6 - Theme of Lu Bu -DW Prime Mix-
And, bam, he’s under 70%. The order of events changes here, so we’ll see the rest of Sun Quan’s stage at the end.
: 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.