MARREND'S PROFILE

I recall anklyo commenting about how the email server was being flagged as spam? Not sure how he was able to unflag it.

Downloads hosted on RMN will be missing for the time being. Please refer to this topic for more information.

author=Eggbertx
Also the locker appears to be acting up. I'm unable to delete files or make them private. When I click delete, it disables the delete button, but after reloading the page, the file is still there.

To delete a file from your locker, you press delete, then the update button on the bottom of the page. It might be possible that setting a file that is already there to private/public requires similar steps (ie: click on the access indicator to switch between public or private access, then click update)?

In the case one has not noticed, RMN has been in a bit of a blackout state. While I eventually discarded the LP of The Witcher 3 - Wild Hunt, I was more stubborn about keeping this LP running, even if there wasn't a place to publish it for the foreseeable future. Thus, this write-up effectively consists of not one chapter of the game, but three. I originally had them separate, but, decided to combine them at one point. Perhaps only time will tell if this was a good idea, or not.

In any case, this entry is going to be lengthier than the typical entry. However, I've made subdivisions representing the chapters covered by this entry for my own reference purposes.



Chapter 4: Fourth Time's the Charm

Last time, Shion and company managed to get KOS-MOS out of the trash. In turn, she used her powers to punch a hole in the hypersphere surrounding a floating landmass, and allowed the party to reconvene with the Elsa. However, the Elsa wasn't responding, and couldn't move. The only thing anybody could figure was that there might be something on the landmass that was messing with the Elsa's systems.

While they didn't find an answer they did find the Blue Testament (revealing he's Vergil), T-elos, and Roth Mantel (revealing he's the Red Testament). A fight ensued between KOS-MOS and T-elos, but, KOS-MOS was severely overclassed, and went down for the count. As T-elos gloated over her victory, Shion, filled with emotion, cried out for her to stop. Her pendant reacted strongly, and another sphere began to expand as the original hypersphere began to retract.

This chapter forgoes all that, and starts off with a flashback. Shion stands before a vast picture window gazing up at a moon, with Kevin coming into frame in due course. Their conversation revolves aronud the Gnosis, Kevin's reasons for starting the development of KOS-MOS, and is the moment where Shion receives the pendant from Kevin. The two share a smooch before the game switches back to the present, where U-DO asks if Shion feels happiness from this memory. To which, of course, she answers the affirmative.

Shion: I want to stay like this forever.
U-DO: Forever...
Shion: Even if I were to be born again...
U-DO: Eternally...
Shion: Over and over...
U-DO: Over and over...
Shion: Over and over. But...

The link, or whatever you want to call it, is cut off here, and Shion wakes up in some kind of forest? She does a quick recap of events before realizing she's also alone here. Dungeon-delving time?


Well, sort of. Going in one direction leads us to a (currently) dead end with a save point and shop point. The other way runs into the rest of the party, sans KOS-MOS, of course. In case the name of this track wasn't a hint by itself, the game reveals that we're somehow on Old Miltia...


...and if the condition of Labyrinthos, here, is any indication, this is before the infamous Miltian Conflict? Have we actually traveled back in time? That speculation can be answered later. At the moment, our priority is to find the Elsa, then, get everybody's head together to figure out our next move. There is, at the very least, the small mater of getting out of this forest first. We can find, in an alcove behind a waterfall, an EX Skill I. This unlocks additional skills for us to purchase, but, I can hold off on this for a little while.

As we proceed, we hear gunshots. Moving toward them, we find a younger version of Vergil, pinned down by a pair of realian soldiers. We end up saving his butt, but, I can't exactly blame him for being suspicious of us, and drawing his weapon on us. However, his wounds are too severe, and passes out before following through with his threat to shoot us. We move along the path, and see Febronia at a flowerbed before shoving off. With Vigril's condition worsening, the best option we have is to take him to a nearby church. Note that this is the self-same church that we met with Nephilim during the dive into KOS-MOS' subconscious during Episode 1.

Inside we meet a younger version of Shion. She wears glasses, which, is just... weird? I dunno, maybe there is some kind of symbolism at work. Still, I can't help but to note that Episode 2 established that she never needed corrective eyewear, and the ones she wore in Episode 1 were to display data.

Be that it may, Virgil's condition is such that nanotreatment alone isn't going to cut it. He's going to need a transplant of organ tissue, and Febronia volunteers herself for the task. This, despite her affiliation with U-TIC, and that U-TIC and the Federation to which Virgil belongs are considered enemies during this time period. After the operation, we get a hint from child Shion of the appearance of a "pretty green ship" in a nearby cave. Sounds like it could be the Elsa.

The Dabyre Mine is home to a cantankerous old man by the name of Balthasar Aizen Magus. His granddaughter, Maria Mai is inside, investigating the ship with an Auto-Tech, made by Nikolai Tethlla, Aizen's son, that goes by the name of Seibzehn Leupold. The references I'm making here to Xenogears will become more apparent, but first, a bit of dungeon delving. Our musical accompaniment here is one we've heard before...


...but no less appropriate here. There is a section with a pretty cool-looking vista while on the "Wild Roller Coaster"...


...which I can't help but to recall memories of Calamity's entrance in Xenogears. After a brief cut-scene at the end of the Wild Coaster Ride, we come face-to-face with Mai...


...and at this point, there should be no further need to convince anybody who has played Xenogears that these two are a reference to Maria and Seibzehn from that game. My strategy for this fight was to deal with Leupold first, then move to Mai. Ziggy was on Road Rage I (AOE break attack) for most of the fight, but, got in a few Penetrates for good measure. Shion was either on Break Bash or Break Blow I, depending on how much Boost I had. Jin was mostly on Twin Dragon I or Skeletal Slash after Leupold fell, but might've gotten in one Spark Waltz.

After Mai concedes, Aizen reconvenes with her, aaaaaaaaand this is pretty much the last we'll ever hear from these characters. Though, given where and when we are apparently at, perhaps this is understandable.

Reconvening at the Elsa, we get a situational report. The first bit of news is that while the ES craft and KOS-MOS are recovered, KOS-MOS is out of commission. Her core is severely damaged, among other systems. While those other systems could be repaired with Allen, Shion, Professor, and Scott putting their heads and skills together, the damage to the core could only be repaired by Kevin. To say that Shion doesn't take the news concerning KOS-MOS particularly well is a gross understatement. She's utterly demoralized. Thus, it is on this sour note that the chapter ends.



Chapter 5: Inflitration of Labyrinthos
Last chapter, we've made our fourth visit to Old Miltia in some capacity in this series. However, unlike previous instances, we're going to be sticking around for a bit longer than just one or two dungeons.

Before the party made any kind of plans to do whatever the hell needs to be done to get out of here, Shion gets hit with the news that KOS-MOS's core was severely damaged in the battle against T-elos, and the only person capable of repairing the damage is no less than Kevin Winnicott. Given that he's died in a previous incident involving the development of KOS-MOS' archetype some two or three years ago, it's largely assumed she just isn't going to wake up again.

I've got mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I feel like we barely got to use KOS-MOS. On the other, I suppose it follows some kind of series tradition for her to become unavailable for varying reasons? She was a more consistent character in Episode 2, which saw her join the party around the last two dungeons of Disk 1, and never leave. Episode 1, however, saw KOS-MOS as a bit of a more transient character. In so saying, one might note that the game, itself, was jumping perspectives between the perspectives of Jr, Shion, and Ziggy for a bit, and that didn't help the case for KOS-MOS. Though, the first dungeon where you have the entire compliment of the party roster in Episode 1 is the Song of Nephilim, which is among the last dungeons of the game. That doesn't help things either.

All that aside, the game picks up on board the Durandal. The disappearance of the Elsa can not be tracked, nor does there even appear to be any log of the event on the UMN transfer system. While I doubt that such logs would be accessible to the common person, the Kukai Foundation might have a backdoor. Either way, there is a sense of tensity here, as both Gaignun and Jr are missing, or otherwise cannot be contacted. Jr we more or less know about, but, I get the feeling Dr Yuriev might be commandeering Gaignun's body again.

A message from Juli comes through. While she also is surprised that the Elsa's position is still unknown, she can only pile onto the disaster with news of the Federation making a full-scale invasion of Michtam, and that they are bringing the Merkabah along. From what Juli figures, they aren't coming to suppress Orums, but to secure an object known as Zarathustra. I'll do a bit of an aside here, under a hide-tag.



Back to the Elsa, where Shion is lying down. She's having a dream/memory of Virgil's surgery, which certainly plays out differently than what we just experienced moments before! She wakes up, recognizes that she was dreaming, and that, yeah, Jin wasn't there to perform the surgery. The duty ultimately fell to a rather unwilling U-TIC researcher to do it. The researcher in question was one we also meet, and came off as a bit of a jerk. It's a bit surprising that, in the original timeline, he allowed himself to be convinced to do the surgery?

Be that as it may, we take control of Shion. I take a visit to the handy-dandy save point, and note the shop has new stuff to buy. Of note is a new armor for KOS-MOS, which one can take as a sign that things might not actually be as dire as the story makes it out to be concerning her. Our objective, however, is in the gunroom, where we learn that the Vessels of Anima are gone, and with them, the ability to use our ES. If having KOS-MOS out of commission wasn't enough, the fact that we can't use ES either cuts our effectiveness all the more.

If that wasn't enough, Professor reports that a possible side-effect of our being in this time period is an expansion of heat energy. Should it be allowed to expand, it would at least destroy this region of space. He posits that it's theoretically possible to set up a field to capture this energy, and use it to interact with the space-time continuum, but, the size of the field needed might be beyond their capabilities on the Elsa, and does not go on to mention what might be capable of the feat before the game moves to KOS-MOS' lab on the Elsa.

Shion is standing next to the pod, while Allen approaches. This isn't the first time he's seen her there, and tries his damnedest to be positive...

Allen: Wh-when we get back to our original time, I'm sure we can find a way to fix KOS-MOS.

...despite being the person who told her earlier that only Kevin Winnocot would be able to fix the damage that she sustained. Let's not also forget that KOS-MOS was slated to be scrapped. So, even if they do somehow find a way back to their own time, who would provide a financial backing for the repairs? The Federation, the Contact Subcommittee, and Vector are pouring what resources that would've gone to KOS-MOS to T-elos instead, if what Roth Mantel was saying has any truth to it. Given that he's actually the Red Testament, we can probably take his statements at face value.

That aside, the conversation moves to the fact that this really does seem like we're on Old Miltia of the past, and that the Militian Conflict is but a few days away. Shion seems to think this might be an opportunity to change the past, somehow. Allen is, of course, not too sure if they should mess with known history, though acknowledges that most people would like to make changes to the past, if they had an opportunity. Shion is restless, and wants to take a stroll outside. Allen advises against this, as he believes they shouldn't go outside unless they understand the situation better. Shion counters that they won't know said situation unless they go outside. Thus, does Allen get roped up into going with Shion in a probably ill-advised outing.

Thankfully, we don't need to go through the entire Dabrye Mine again, as there's a short-cut to the city just outside the cave where the Elsa lies. Along the way, they notice a U-TIC transport that's been in an accident. Another vehicle drives up, and out from it is two solders and a "Supervisor Uzuki". Yeeeeaaaaaaah, it's Shion's dad, Suou. After the contingent leaves, Shion gets it into her head that this is a great opportunity to steal some of the the extra/spare uniforms from the the scene, and modify IDs to pose as U-TIC scientists them to get a first-hand scoop on her father's doings. Shion wears a pair of glasses as part of her disguise (despite how nobody should recognize her anyway), so, I guess I was wrong about her never wearing glasses again after T-elos' demonstration at the CAT Factility.

Our ultimate goal is Labyrinthos, but, the game will not simply let us skip the town sections leading to it entirely. I will note that there is a chest locked behind a gate on the "overworld map" in the vicinity of town, and requires a passcode to enter. Of course, I already know it...



...but, there are hints to this code elsewhere in-game. On entering the city, proper, there is a brief cut-scene. Afterwards, I head towards the shop computers. One is a more typical shop, providing a method to restock on traps and other consumables on revisits through the UMN. The other is running a raffle, of which you can buy up to five tickets. Only three ticket numbers are winners...



... but, the only way the game will tell you what they are is after the raffle concludes. While one could save scum, you could also look up this info on GameFAQs, or what-have-you. I believe in my very first play of the game, I considered the first option, but ended up doing the second. So sue me. There's also a semi-annoying balloon-catching mini-game to play, as well as the ability to use paid binoculars to get vistas of the city. There is at least one you can use that overlooks the playground. You can make out the younger Shion on the swing set without them, but, it's a bit of a continuity nod to the flashbacks/events within KOS-MOS' encephalon dive back in Episode 1. Strewn about are various Federal Reports. There are 6 total to find, and while not all of them can be found in the city limits, there's an NPC we can talk to to get a small benefit if we deliver all 6 to them.

Dilly-dallying aside, a lone solder guards the entrance to Labyrinthos. As we approach, he stops us, and asks for our ID. As he should. However, he seems to "recognize" us as part of the transport that had an accident. Allen relays as much, and while the solder talks about hoping that the loss of realians won't delay the project, also mentions a connection project, a test subject, and that Supervisor Uzuki would not be happy if we keep Professor Mizrhai waiting. Which very much suggests those two had some kind of contact, and would be further evidence that Suou may have had some involvement with the gnosis phenomenon that has yet to happen.

The Acute Neurosis Treatment Facility, which has...


...this spooky tune serves as our initial foray into the greater building that is Labyrinthos. There is, of course, a door right smack dab in front of us that goes to more restricted areas, but, is guarded. Naturally, the IDs we modified/swiped don't have the clearance requirements to enter/access that door/area. However, if we can't access that area, and our cover would have us report to either Professor Mizrahi, or Supervisor Uzuki, that should mean they are in this section of the building, no?

The elevator we do have access to only allows us access to the 4th and 5th floor. This narrows down where we can find our objective. On the 4th floor we find a hallway. The first door we come across holds a console that gives us the passcode on the Old Miltian map, as mentioned above. The next room over we meet face-to-face with Joachim Mizrahi, himself. For a guy that's supposed to be a madman, and responsible for bringing in a bulk of gnosis into this reality, he doesn't come off as particularly insane. Maybe a bit angry, but, once he gets it in his head that Shion and Allen might be new hires, he speaks more softly and is actually somewhat amicable? When Shion asks what this data they just uploaded was, Joachim actually answers her, rather than be dismissive, and say that it's none of her business. In his own words...

Joachim: This is the data from test subject capable of linking with the Vessels of Anima. We're going to control their fear and perform a Zohar connection experiment. Weren't you informed?
Shion: N-no, I'm sorry.

The scientist explains nothing further, moving his attention back to the console display in front of him. Shion and Allen confer with each other. That there are Vessels of Anima here is an interesting, if rather convenient, happenstance. The two have a bit of an exchange about the nature of the Vessels of Anima before Allen notices a name on the list of test subjects. He calls Shion's attention to it, and there is no way she wouldn't recognize her own mother's name. What this could possibly mean is interrupted by Joachim's request to the pair to fetch his assistant, Kevin Winnicot. I dunno how common "Winnicot" is as a family name, but, Kevin might be a common enough given name. Still, the possibility that it's the same Kevin that build KOS-MOS certainly exists. The fact that Joachim wants to know Febronia's condition gives us an additional hint of who to look for.

By all accounts, he should be in the first room we poked our nose in this floor. We enter that room, and as it turns out, yeah, this Kevin is the same guy we meet at the church earlier, and is the person Joachim is looking for. Shion is partially in shock at this revelation, because she's used to Kevin being more mellowed out.

Now, to be fair, this is 14 years ago. Let me remind players that whereas Shion might have been 18 at the start of Episode 1, we've meet the younger version of her in this time period, and she looks and acts enough like a 4-5 year old. Kevin, here, looks like he could be 18, maybe 16 at the absolute youngest, which would make him in his 30's if he was still alive today? Which would put him in about the same age group as Allen, interestingly enough.

That aside, Kevin disappears into the back room, and Allen notices a display on the nearby console, and asks Shion to take a gander.


Wait a sec. This is the basic theory for KOS-MOS! Shion gets it into her head to make a backup of the data, despite how risky it is. However, she thinks it's worth the risk, as they might have a better chance to reboot KOS-MOS if they had access to this data. Of course, this is the cue for Kevin to come from out of the back room, and Allen does his damnedest to distract him while Shion does her thing. He barely manages it, but, they are able to leave the room in relative peace. For now, they'll keep their cover a bit longer, and report to Joachim that Kevin will be with him momentarily. Though, at this point, I feel Kevin himself would be practically right behind Shion and Allen, but, whatever.

We're now asked to go up to the 5th floor to deliver the test subject data there. The person who receives the data turns out to be none other than Suou Uzuki. Shion really shouldn't be surprised at this, yet, she is. She notices her mom on the table, and assumes that she's the test subject for today. When she attempts to question Suou about the morality of using one's own family as a test subject, he either disregards her queries, or evades them. This only fuels the fire for Shion, and takes the entrance of child Shion to diffuse the situation.

Our task then becomes to escort young Shion back home. Of course, adult Shion already knows where she lives, but the kid isn't ready to go home just yet. A diversion to the church to visit Virgil seems to be in order. There's a brief run-in with young Kevin along the way, and Shion can't help but to question aloud if he really is the Kevin she would eventually know.

Jin tries to get Virgil to lie back down. Virgil is as dismissive as ever, but doesn't exactly makes any moves in any direction. When Shion comes in, we get a somewhat interesting exchange.

Jin: Shion?
Shion: Wha? Y-yeah, I brought Shion!
Jin: Ah, r-right! Wh-what brings you here?

Virgil begrudgingly accepts the flowers young Shion presents to him. Febronia enters a bit after that, and Virgil's response to her is to go on a verbal offensive. She does her best to take things in stride, accepting that Virgil doesn't see her as a person. Now, maybe I'm reading too much into this, but, could this be some kind of parellel to racisim? The issue of racisim was raised a few times in Xenogears. First, in relation to how the Gazel Ministry -Abel- (natural-born Solarians) treated -Lambs- (pretty much anybody else). Second, in relation to the people that were not affected by the mutation cause by limiters being released versus those that were mutated. However, I've digressed enough on this point for now.

After young Shion and Feb kneel in prayer, the game cuts to what I presume to be the depths of Labyrinthos, where Commander Marguils stands before Proto Omega. The camera angle is set to give us a decent view of the machine, but also the pods where Cecily and Cathe are encased, to say nothing of what is probably the original Zohar set in it's stomach as the power source. The scene includes a standing Sellers (he's typically seen in something akin to a wheelchair), and is, effectively, a fluff piece that relays no information we don't already know, or care about. However, suffice it to say, U-TIC is prepared for what is about to occur, and is absolutely going to make Joachim Mizrahi into a scapegoat. Given the legacy of Joachim, the exchange implies that they know the gnosis entering reality in greater numbers/instances will be part of the mess that's about to happen. It is on this note that the chapter concludes.



Chapter 6: Another Awakening
So, not only did Kevin work with/for U-TIC during this era, but, already had plans for KOS-MOS. Thanks to Shion making a copy of the data, repairs might not be as much of a lost cause as they were before. If that wasn't enough, the scouting Shion and Allen did in Labyrinthos seems to place Vessels of Anima in Labyrinthos. Despite the looming peril that is the Miltian Conflict, things seem to be actually looking up for a change.

That aside, the chapter starts off with a cutesy scene between Virgil and Febronia. I mean, Virgil isn't nearly as aggressive with his comments as before, but still can't understand why Febronia is risking so much to save him. All he is able to understand is that he's a solider, his mission is to kill realians, yet here's one who was willing to donate her organs to save his life, despite completely understanding the previous two points.

Next up is a scene with the young Shion and Kevin. Kevin rambles about how pointless it is to attempt to raise flowers in an impending war zone, but Shion will have none of that. Her kid-logic dictates that since he's just sitting there, apparently not busy with anything, he should stop complaining, and give her a hand instead. He actually ends up helping too, though, my guess is it's because Shion is just that pushy about it.

On board the Elsa, Scott and Professor are looking over the data Shion copied from Kevin's console, relaying her basic theory. Professor seems to think that it might be possible to restore her to her original form, but, cannot make any guarantee that any repairs they make, regardless of how perfect they are, will allow KOS-MOS to wake up again. Their other points of contention is that their specialties is more in the line with the design of Erde Kaiser. Which is to say, mecha that transform and/or combine into one larger mecha. KOS-MOS, herself, might not have either of these functions, but, if I remember Episode 2 properly, her bicycle can combine with Dinah? Still, they will do what they can with what they have.

The game proceeds to tell us about the mini-game in the lounge, and that this might be a good opportunity to give it a go. I did some investigation, and I was surprised to learn that you only need to log into the game and log out for the story to continue. You don't actually need to play the mini-game. However, for the sake of completeness, I'll go over a few things.

First, the name of this mini-game is HoKox. It has some cool music associated with it...


...with the "Theme 3" version one might recognize from Episode 2.


HaKox a 3D maze/puzzle game where the goal is for players to get characters from point A to point B. Each stage has a minimum quota for characters to get to point B, and there are map features providing either dead ends, or death traps, to prevent players from achieving said goal. The player has access to specific points on the map, which the game calls "gimmicks", that alters the map to a generally more advantageous position. Gimmicks are indicated on-map by what buttons on the controller can activate them. It's not always to a player's advantage to have all gimmicks active at the same time, or even have one gimmick be always active. The challenge of the game is in recognizing when and where to activate gimmicks, and manipulating them so that you can reach the minimum quota as efficiently as possible. There are some stages where it is required that you perform a "combo" with characters leaving the stage at the end goal, as doing so provides bonus lives/stock, depending on the length of the combo. As an example, you can only have four characters on the screen at a time, but, if you can manipulate the board/maze to pull off a combo with all of them, you add three characters to your stock.

All that aside, once the player logs off from the mini-game, there's a small quip from Jr, Ziggy, and Shion before the game moves on. It does so with a scene in KOS-MOS' maintenance room, where Scott is typing away at a console. He shortly gives a report to Professor that he's finished attaching the exterior. Elated, Professor proclaims they will attempt to reboot her, and call upon Assistant #2 Allen. Allen is not as enthusiastic, but, proceeds in the attempt regardless. The revving of machines hum, but then power down. The attempt was a failure. The dialog that follows has some humor value...

Professor: That's strange. With the data she brought back, the core repair should have been flawless. Where could the problem be?
Scott: Professor, it's gotta be "that"!
Professor: Oh, yeah. "That!" Love and courage!
Scott: Yeah, love and courage!
Allen: No, I'm pretty sure the problem lies with you two.

...thanks to Allen. However, either because of this comment, or because he wishes to hear the opinion of a specialist (despite how Allen, himself, is a specialist in this matter) Professor sends him to fetch Shion. He leaves, with Professor and Scott making a bit more commentary. Behind them, the Black Testament fazes in, totally unnoticed. He is definitely going to be a problem soon.

The game jumps to a shower scene with Shion. In it, Shion has another internal monologue largely concerning the upcoming Miltian Conflict, while a piano version of "Maybe Tomorrow"/"I Love You, Sincerely" plays. I think this is the same version that played earlier, when she was talking with chaos on Fifth Jerusalem? Her train of thought ceases when she hears a chime. Shion opens comms, and it's Allen on the other side. I don't dare to comprehend what Shion is thinking, but, she also actives a visual. Even if there isn't anything naughty showing on the screen, Allen is quite shocked at the sight. After much embarrassment and fumbling of words, Allen eventually manages to tell her that Professor is looking for her. She responds that she'll be there momentarily, but, the ship shakes.

Allen directs his attention to the door, then pounds on it, worried sick that something may have happened to Shion. She's more than fine, though. Certainly fine enough to give Allen a good shove, making him fall to the ground. It happens pretty fast, but, the arm that shoves him looks bare. Yet, it's within seconds that we see Shion in her regular outfit. I'm inclined to believe that the idea was that only her jacket was off, but they didn't want to make a separate model for that. However, there are more pressing matters to attend to. Such as what's going on in KOS-MOS' maintenance room.

A big explosion throws both Scott and Professor clear out into the hallway, with the Black Testament casually walking with KOS-MOS' pod in one hand like it was nothing.


Jr, Matthews, and Tony appear on the scene, firing off at the intruder to no effect. Hammer protests that, with their security, not even a fly could get in. Mattews doesn't chew him out on that, saying instead, that this guy is a monster. Which might not be far off. Ziggy gets to the scene, a lot more calm and collected against this opponent than before. Hell, he even dares to ask questions. Not that they are answered, and Ziggy attempts to resort to violence regardless. Thankfully, Ziggy's smarter than to try missiles again, and resorts to fisticuffs. However, the shield that has been protecting the Testament blocks even that, and Ziggy is throw to the ground. The Testament launches his own offensive blast, but, Jin makes an appearance, and deflects it with his blade.

Shion then enters, making the observation that it's the Black Testament, then notices what he's trying to carry off the Elsa. She launches her own assault, oblivious to the warnings of the others, and is caught in something akin to a force hold. The Testament moves his arm to his front, and Shion follows suit. His hand reaches closer to her, with Shion reeling back. Then, something interesting happens. The Hilbert Effect activates. The next thing you know, the camera is panning, showing the Black Testament's forearm being held fast, and that hand that is holding it fast is extending out from KOS-MOS' maintenance pod. The hum of a machine revving up is heard, and a moment later..


...KOS-MOS breaks out of her pod with a flip, tossing the Testament to the other side of the room as she does. The Testament produces a force field to not just soften the blow, put to prevent the impact, which would've easily slayed a lesser opponent. She tosses the lid of the maintenance pod, which the Testament parries with ease. She then pulls out a pistol, and fires off a number of rounds, the Testament's shield absorbing those. The Testament pulls a long pipe from the ground, and launches it towards her, but, she catches it in mid-air. After landing, she takes a brief moment of pause, reassessing her opponent.


She then launches another assault, using the pipe as a makeshift tri-section staff? One of the sections falls off, due to the force of impact it had on the ground, and the remainder was destroyed on an impact from both the force of impact on the Testament, himself, and his counter. The rest of the party come behind KOS-MOS after this amazing display...

Jr: Whoa! She's way more powerful than she was before!
Shion: KOS-MOS! You're alright!
KOS-MOS: Shion, I will need your assistance in defeating the enemy unit.
Shion: Right. I understand. Come on, KOS-MOS!
KOS-MOS: Acknowledged. Engaging with maximum attack force.

...before the boss fight ensues. Since it is such a cool scene...


...here it is from the regular source. Call it fate, call irony, call it interesting timing on my part. However, with the return of KOS-MOS, so, too, does RMN, and this LP.

The battle, itself, isn't too bad? Like most boss battles, I focus on break attacks, and use Tech Attacks when I can. KOS-MOS manages a G-Shot, but, having Ziggy pull off a Penetrate is a point of irony. However, since this is a Testament, it's a fight where winning doesn't translate to anything in-game. Except, of course, being able to see the next cutscene. Here, Ziggy tries and question the Testament again, while firing off rounds from a rifle. The Testament only bothers to raise his hand, as the shield continues to absorb anything that comes at it. However, what he didn't expect was that this was a distraction. KOS-MOS appears behind him, turns a hand into a force sword, and runs him through the chest. The Testament glides through the wall, with KOS-MOS reappearing moments later. The Testament floats in midair for a moment, but is soon recalled by the Red Testament.

After he ditches, Shion runs to KOS-MOS, and gives her a hug. KOS-MOS is at least aware that her downtime caused Shion some undue stress, and as part of the apology, embraces Shion? It both feels a little off, as KOS-MOS hasn't particularly been one to make such moves, but also feels completely natural at the same time. Be that as it may, Shion passes out again. Sheesh!

She appears yet again on the Beach of Eternity. We were here in Episode 1 when we said goodbye to Commander Cherenkov. Joachim is rather vague...

Joachim: That man's words are merely shackles.
Shion: That man?
Joachim: He is a man possess by his own narrow-minded ego. He brings suffering to all those he comes into contact with. I don't want to see you with a sad face.

...but one gets the distinct impression that he is not referring to Shion's father here, but somebody else entirely. Despite the fact that Shion's father was the topic before he said this. He then refers to a "she", who would answer Shion's call, should she do what her hearts tells her to. At this, the duo turns to see a woman who looks suspiciously like KOS-MOS/T-elos before fading to black.

Shion wakes in her room, and has a talk with Jin. Here, she lays out a plan to steal the Vessels of Anima from U-TIC. If they do so, they could prevent the Zohar experiment that caused the catastrophe, and save their mother. To say nothing about the possibility that they might generate enough power to get us out of this time period. Shion is dead set on changing the past, but Jin isn't so sure because the past is needed to be who we are today.

Cut to the gun room, the explanation made to the others. Professor thinks her plan could work. That the Vessels are in Labyrinthos is a matter Shion doesn't see as an issue, as they have forged IDs. Soon after, we finally have control of the party again, so one could use this opportunity to either play HaKox (More? At all?) , or revisit old dungeons for Segment Addresses, or what-not. I'll be the idiot that advances the plot, because while having KOS-MOS again is certainly a plus in my book, I also would like to have the ES back. So, Shion points the to the elevator that would very likely lead them to where the Vessels of Anima are stored. Or, at least in that general direction. It's very much still guarded. Jr mentions the IDs, and how that's not a problem because of that. However, Allen is quick to say that they cannot actually go further in that direction with these IDs. Which, really should have been mentioned in the debrief earlier, since this whole plan seemed contingent on Shion's rather confident statement that the IDs would get them to the Vessels? I dunno, Shion knew the IDs weren't good for that area, I don't understand where her confidence came from that they could be used to access that area in the first place.

Either way, the party isn't particularly angry, or phased by a possible change in plans, and end up charging the guards, which turns into a standard encounter not worth mentioning. As a further note, the music in this area has changed to the "Creeping Into" track...


...though, given how we enter this section of the dungeon, the stealth approach has long gone out the window. This is another area where there's an announcement blaring in the background.

Announcement: Security level has been switched to A. All access to standby hanger and storage is cut off.

We still manage to get the drop on a few soldiers patrolling around, thanks to our stock of traps. As we move through the building, Shion stops at a door labeled "Area 13". This apparently connects the Acute Neurosis Treatment Facility section with the rest of Labyrinthos. Shion immediately makes the comment that it connects to "mom's room", but the precision of that statement might be a tad off? Regardless, we don't have access to this area, but probably will later. Further in is a pair of elevators, one of which needs a key to activate. The fact that there's a shop and save plate in this location largely suggests we might want to poke our nose in the area that isn't locked for said key.

Aside from regular encounters, we run into a puzzle-room. There's two exits here that can only be opened by manipulating cubes onto the tiles next to them. Cubes are destroyed with the vaporizer plug-in, but, moves any cube that happens to be adjacent to them. I don't think it's possible to get into a position to open both doors in one go, but, there's a console where you can reset the cubes at any time.

As we turn a corner, we spot Joachim Mizrahi having a chat with Sellers. It kinda sounds like Joachim wants nothing to do with the experiment, and the pair break off in separate directions. MOMO can't help herself, and chases after her father. Her lies of being lost, and not being a realian are too transparent for a guy like Joachim. Particularly that last point, considering who he is, and what relationship he has with MOMO, even if he doesn't recognize it. Upon asking what he's researching, the scientist falls into a monolouge about his delves into the UMN, the Zohar, and even U-DO. During this research, he's discovered that there was a collective unconsciousness residing in the UMN. He theorized that, perhaps, human consciousness comes from the UMN, and returns to it after expiration. His hope was to use that theory to revive his daughter into a realian body. However, his attempt ultimately failed, but, is totally okay with it.

Joachim: Through my research of the Zohar, I discovered the existence of what appears to be human consciousness within the UMN. Consciousness are born from the UMN, and they return to the UMN. If I could discover that process, I could fulfill my wish. But, my daughter's consciousness has disappeared. The new consciousness, which is growing, is not hers.
MOMO: (to self) Uh.
Joachim: But I think that's alright. This child will surely become the hope of all realians. That hope may become a way to stop the looming threat of the expansion of the universe. Our second daughter. I'm sure Sakura would have wanted that.

During this speech, MOMO goes from depressed to sky-high happy. Not only because she was referred to as a daughter, albeit indirectly, but because of his declared intentions to protect this world (universe?) for people like her. Episode 2 has revealed that Joachim was but a scapegoat to the Miltian Conflict, but the question still remains of who actually was responsible for the mess? U-TIC seemed at least vaguely aware that gnosis population could increase with the link expiriment, but, I'm not sure what benefit such an increase would have for their goal to return to Lost Jerusalem.

A bit further in, we see Kevin and Suou coming out from a door, and pausing to converse for a bit before continuing on their way. Rather than try to follow them, then enter the room the came from. There's a list of the test subjects here, too, and MOMO attempts to directs Shion to it. Shion initially brushes her off, as she's well aware that her mom is on there. However, MOMO isn't concerned with that, and directs her attention to the name below that of Aio Uzuki's. She did not expect to see the name Shion Uzuki to be there.

Shion: Shion Uzuki!? What? Why is my name here!? Jin! What does this mean!? You know something, don't you!?
Jin: Ah...
Shion: No. You're the same as dad. You knew everything, and yet, you still let them do that to mom!
Jin: No! Shion, it's not like that!
Shion: Then what is it? If you haven't done anything wrong, then, explain it to me!
Jin: Shion...

Jin is saved, as it were, by a distraction. Scott activated the lights in the other room, and in it are the pods for the 27-Series Asura. These are combat realians, but, have no sense of ally or enemy. These were let loose on the night of the Miltian Conflict, with a number of them getting into the room of Aoi Uzuki, killing her. I don't know by what evidence Shion has that makes her think Kevin activated them, but, her minds races to that possibility first, then moves to denial, before attempting to rush out of the room, with Jin stopping her. After the event clears, we can pick up the security key from the desk, and backtrack to the other elevator. The game gives us a bit of a shortcut in this matter, which is greatly appreciated.

As we arrive at another elevator, Jin makes a suggestion to not go all the way to the bottom, but one level above that, and use the catwalks to get to where they need to be. As we do, we can see a gathering of U-TIC scientists on the walkways below, and a pair of guards before the main gate. It would certainly cause too much commotion if we tried going through the main gate if there were so many people there. Even if it was just the guards, I've doubts the door they are guarding would be easily opened. Still, from this vantage point, we eventually come across the room where Proto Omega lies dormant. The party can also make out Commander Margulis, Kevin, and Suou, and listen in on their conversation. It largely concerns being on time for the link experiment, how they have already lost one transgenic-type realian, and since they only have on left whose condition might not have stabilized (ie: Febronia), they must exercise some amount of caution. Both Kevin and Suou sound like they know exactly what they are doing, and name-drop Lemegeton.

Suou: In order to control the Zohar, we must use Lemegeton, and convey human will from the Vessels of Anima via the UMN. But, that results in direct contact with U-DO, and U-DO invokes primal fear in human beings.

In fact, Suou mentions it twice.

Suou: If we had the original source of the Lemegeton, then, things might be different. But, we are limited in what we can do with this emulation that's based on incomplete data. And because of that deficiency, we've already wasted one transgenic type unit.

A quip from Shion after they leave...

Shion: Dad, I can't believe you. You betrayed mom, me, and everyone!

...gets a silent head-shake fron Jin, but nothing further. There's a save point before gong in further, so, let's use it for a brief breather. The elevator ahead leads to a cut-scene were we steal the Vessels of Anima, install them into our ES, and trigger an alarm by doing so. One will note that the cage for Asher's Vessel is empty. Which makes a certain amount of sense, as Asher is not only under Federation jurisdiction, but, as one recalls the , will be launched soon enough. However, since the original Vessel cannot be used, and no other Vessel is available, or even compatible, Professor still has a plan regarding Asher. Undoubtedly with Scott's help, he's constructed a reactor for it, based on his Erde Kaiser designs. As the ES move out, another resonance phenomenon occurs, but, thankfully, it doesn't last long.

What all this translates to is that, with the exception of Asher, the ES can now activate Anima Awakening 2. When we move up an elevator, there's a bit of a cutscene of U-TIC soldiers and Pellegri, the latter of which orders the preparation of a particular weapon...

Pellegri: Prepare the interstellar strategic integrated weapon system!

...in order to cut/eliminate the intruders/thieves. The machine is apparently still in testing phase, but, Pellegri doesn't particularly care about such matters. Her concern is that someone was able to complete ES before they did, and won't let whoever is responsible get away with such blatant thievery if she can help it.

We get into a number fights, building Anima Gauge and pulling of the Tech Attacks for Anima Awakening 2 when I can. At the bottom of an incline, we gain access to a save plate, and a shop plate, with the shop plate providing new equipment for the ES. As the party climbs upwards, they pick up on some intermittent radio chatter, which happens to include the name Aoi Uzuki. Despite the situation they are in, Shion gets it into her head to ditch Dinah, and fly off to where her mom is. It is soon after this that the party comes under attack by another enemy unit, which we engage as the boss of this sub-area. The name of the unit is called Omega Universitas. We've a different boss theme this time...


...however, there is no doubt it's a pretty blatent callback to Weltall from Xenogears. It looks like Weltall, moves like Weltall, and can even go super saiyan like Weltall.




Wait. What?


Just when one starts to think about how screwed over one could be, the transformation subsides, and is incomplete. Watching it...


...is, at the same time, awesome, terrifying, and a relief. However, let it be known that one has the option to fight Omega Universitas later. However, in so doing, we will also actually have to fight Omega Id. Yes, it's transformed state is called Omega Id, and does not pull any punches whatsoever.

After Weltall Omega Universitas retreats, throngs of enemies come from behind. Unable to either hold their position, or rescue Shion, the party is forced to retreat to the Elsa. Meanwhile, Shion makes for the Area 13 elevator. A group of guards move out just in time before Shion enters the hallway, approaching another door. However, the Red Testament appears, and removes his mask to reveal a face of a man she thought long dead.

Kevin Winnicot? Is this a trick? How is that possible? Wasn't the Red Testament Roth Mantel? Such queries may cross her mind, but, her heart speaks a different tune. I dunno if it's the same guards as before, or not, but, a group of U-TIC soldiers surround and capture her. While she struggles, calling out for Kevin's help as she does, they knock her out. The visage of Kevin in the red cloak fading even as she calls out to him. It is with this the chapter ends. I've no doubts the remnants of our hardy party is going to launch a rescue mission, but, who knows how much longer it will be until the Miltian Conflict starts in earnest? Maybe they can use the chaos it ensues to their advantage here? Find out next time, when we can hopefully return to a one-chapter-per-post format, on the Xenosaga Episode 3 LP!