Super Robot Wars/BX/Story Summary

Credit to Chen Gong

Source: https://pastebin.com/TXERyEyg

Note: lost the transcriptions of stages 10-13

Prologue

A mysterious figure sits at a bank of computers, musing on a great discovery. A particle that conveys human consciousness, created by a pseudo-perpetual machine. He turns to his cohort, commenting on how unfortunate it is that his friend despises humans. But his friend denies that he hates humans - he simply hates the misuse of knowledge, and those who lose sight of the truth. The other man sighs wistfully, stating that would refer to the vast majority of mankind. And that, is why misunderstandings and conflict are born. That is the world he seeks - one where mankind uses their knowledge properly. If they are to strike out into the universe, they have to evolve beyond what they are now. Otherwise, they will merely spread the flames to the world beyond, and that would be a true tragedy. The other man asks Aeolia if he still intends to go through with this. Aeolia nods, stating that he still wants to believe in humans...

A year before the present, a man rests in a bed staring up at a virtual image of the Earth. Cardeas Vist inquires about Laplace's Box and whether the older man is serious. The older man, Syam, replies that it has been nearly a century since the world ushered in a new era. But the wish that bore that age, once filled with light and warmth, has instead created a world that is dark and cold. Cardeas reflects that just in the past few years, mankind has come into conflict with both the Jovian Lizards and the Martian settlers, the Vagans. And the unrest that precipitated in the One Year War still festers upon the Earth. But even still, says Cardeas, the opening of the Box may yet serve to intensify the chaos. Syam replies that Man awaits God. The power that surpasses the "now" - possibility, the god within the self.

On an island, covered in magma, a pair of robots clash. Kiba yells if the pilots of the other robot have a death wish, and the man Kaidou yells back that it sounds like fun. If need be, they'll continue their fight on the other side of the River Styx. The Mazinkaiser SKL unleashes its Inferno Blaster, incinerating Kiba.

In a gap between worlds, Knight Alex asks his comrades if they're prepared to storm the Zeon Tribe's stronghold. Swordsman Zeta replies that their leader, Siegzeon should be there. If they can triumph over him, then surely peace will return to their world. But before they reach their destination, space begins warping and something approaches from behind. The three Jingi adorning Knight Gundam suddenly vanish, to his horror. The five Gundams disappear in a flash of light.

High in the sky above an alien world, Alto apologises to Ranka, that he couldn't reciprocate her feelings. He turns to Sheryl, saying that he made her wait long enough, but that he... but before he can finish his sentence, the barrage of Macross Cannon shots from the allied fleet impact the Vajra Queen and Alto vanishes into the light.

In an unfamiliar landscape, a man named Shou gets to his feet. He remembers riding his motorbike, but somehow ended up here. A man named Burn Burning expresses his surprise that the "fifth" has arrived from the surface. He informs Shou that he will not be returning to the surface. For this is the resting place of souls, nestled between the land and sea - Byston Well.

High in the sky, Ruri reports that the Crocus has changed course toward the Chulip. The enemy batter the ship, and Ruri states that if he self-destructs his ship after they've passed through the Chulip, the enemy will not be able to pursue. As the Nadesico continues on its course into the Chulip, Admiral Fukube comments that this is for the best. He wasn't a very good admiral, or even a good adult for that matter. But let him be selfish just this once. But he tells Yurika that the Nadesico is her ship. But before he finishes his statement, the reactor of the Crocus goes critical and the ship is destroyed. Akito screams in anguish about the meaninglessness of it as the Nadesico passes into the Chulip.

In an office in Olivernotes, Yunoa asks her father Flit if he intends to drag even his grandson into the war. Flit nods, and Yunoa protests, saying all the sacrifices her brother made for Kio. But, says Flit, her brother is dead. She asks if he's going to do the same to Kio, and Flit replies that the war with the Vagans isn't over yet. Flit suffers a fit of coughing and curses his aging body, for preventing him from taking to the field himself. Yunoa asks why he's like this, and Flit replies that this is the destiny of the Asuno family. And that's why he will continue to make them: the machines that will save mankind, the Gundams.

In Atami, the Mazinger Z defeats the Doublas M2 with its Breast Fire attack. Kouji gets a rush from the incredible power. This, says his grandfather Juuzou, is his penance for stealing the lives of Kouji's parents. Once he's gone, Kouji and Shiro will have nobody to rely upon, but that doesn't matter. So long as Kouji has the Mazinger Z, he's the strongest in the world. The iron castle that soars through the skies. Beyond Man, it can make him either a God or a Devil... but Juuzou trails off, and slumps over.

At Hinobori, a boy named Jin and his friends are approached by a strange being named Eldoran, who introduces himself as a guardian of Earth from an age long past. He explains that the Earth is being targeted by the Jaaku Empire. And they will be the heroes who will protect the Earth. Hiroshi protests, saying that they're only children. Sadly this logically sound argument never holds up in super robot shows, and Eldoran instead gives them medals as proof of their status as guardians of Earth. He tells them to fight on his behalf, together with Raijinoh.

In Tokyo, Pasdar expresses his surprise that the weaklings of Earth have grown so strong using the legacy of Cain. Gai yells that he will bring an end to everything that began that fateful day and leaps forward brandishing the Goldion Hammer. As Pasdar is reduced to photons, he screams that he will, in time...

In a wasteland, a man named Makoto breaks through an encirclement of enemies. Visibly injured, he wearily states that he has fulfilled his promise to Falsaber. Falsaber nods gravely, and Makoto airly comments that he thinks he overdid it this time. Now he won't be able to fulfill his other promise. He wonders if "they're" alright and Falsaber replies that there are no effects from "Life". Makoto says that he'll leave the rest to Falsaber, because it would appear that his own body is about to give out. Falsaber begs for his forgiveness, but Makoto tells him that there's no need. He will leave behind some proof that he existed, and that proof will surely...

At a cemetary in Japan, a young boy visits the grave of their father. He is joined by his mother Mari, who is accompanied by a young girl who introduces herself as Yuki. She asks his name. He introduces himself as Hiiragi Youta.

Flash forward half a year later to the Hiiragi Antique Shop. Mari smacks Youta upside the head for teasing Yuki. Youta comments that it's hard to try and play family when his dad's distant relative or whatever Yuki is shows up out the blue. Saji tells him to grin and bear it, because she's the token amnesiac. Saji delivers a requested item to Mari, who thanks him for helping out. Youta comments that they haven't had any real customers in the half year they've been open, but Mari says that the "right" client will show up eventually. The door opens and in comes Yuu, who was sent by his dad to pick up an order. Their store always seems to have stuff you can't find elsewhere, and Mari playfully comments that it's a trade secret how they manage that. Youta says that it must be a drag having to help his dad all the time, but Yuu replies that he does get some free time here and there. He just went to see that Celestial Being movie that's in theaters at the moment. Youta asks Saji if he's seen it too, and Saji sheepishly replies "er, in a manner of speaking". Yuu says it was pretty cool, and Youta likens it to a classic anime from over a century ago, Gekigangar 3. Yuki chimes in about how awesomely hot-blooded the Meister of 00 Raiser was, and Saji shuffles his feet awkwardly. The topic of Youta's father is raised. Evidently he was a soldier who was killed in action. Yuu apologises for broaching a soar subject, but Mari says not to worry about it. Youta puffs out his chest and mentions a promise he made with his late father to protect the family in his dad's stead.

Over at the Bay Tower Base, Uchiyama picks up something disquieting. Disturbances in the fabric of space, not unlike the incident a year ago. The Yuusha Robots are still undergoing emergency repairs after their battle with EI-01, and if worst comes to worst, "they" might rear their ugly heads again...

Back at the antique shop, Yuu inquires about the stone that Yuki carries, which he recognizes as a "stone of fate". She's strangely protective of it, and Youta mentions that she had it when they first met. Yuu comments on the strange properties it exhibits, and Saji wonders aloud if it might be some Protoculture relic or something. Mari mentions Yuu's father, who's researching some ancient island, and Yuki suddenly excitedly asks to hear more. Yuu starts to talk about his father's research, but there's suddenly an explosion nearby.

Stage 1 - The Stirring of Fate

Robots being marauding in the town, as they so often do in the first stages of Super Robot Wars games. Youta doesn't recognize them, but strangely Mari seems to - though she doesn't say anything out loud. Yuu realizes they're in the direction of his dad and takes off running. Saji tells Youta to get the others to a shelter while he makes sure Yuu is okay, showing more backbone than he did in two whole seasons of 00. Youta protests but Saji reminds him of his promise with his dad. The robots detect something and begin firing upon the area around the shop, taking out the escape routes. The family take shelter in the basement of the shop. The explosions outside get louder and Youta curses being powerless at a time like this. But even still, he says, even if he can't be like his father he still wants to do what he can. A voice from nowhere tells him that it has heard him loud and clear. The voice, coming from Yuki's stone, tells them that if they wish to change fate, to call his name. For his name is...

"FALSABER!!"

In the blink of an eye, Youta and Yuki find themselves... somewhere. Falsaber tells them that they have assumed a spiritual form and merged with him. The enemy robots recognize Falsaber as being their quarry, and Yuki senses great anger coming from them. Falsaber explains that as of now, he himself has no ability to fight. But Youta, who has merged with him, can provide him with the means to fight back through his imagination. What Youta imagines in his mind's eye will enable Falsaber to fight. Youta agrees to lend a hand. Falsaber delivers a proclamation to the enemy, who he names Destrook: that no matter how many times they appear, the outcome will be the same. He, Falsaber, will grind their petty ambitions beneath his heel! Falsaber asks their names, and seems intrigued when Youta introduces himself.

After scoring a couple of kills, Youta seems oddly exhausted. Falsaber thinks to himself that even with his lack of combat experience he's coping, but it's probably... but before he can finish, Yuki yells that she can feel some bad vibes coming from nearby. Enemy reinforcements appear, and they comment on how Falsaber seems rather weaker than they were lead to believe. One of them rationalizes that Falsaber is likely still injured from the previous battles. Falsaber realizes that Youta is reaching his limit, and decides to take desperate measures. But before he does, one of the enemy units is destroyed. A mysterious man in a robot shows up just in the nick of time, and yells for approval. And in the Bay Tower Base, Taiga gives his approval in a voiced event.

"FINAL FUSION, APPROVED!"

Mikoto smashes the glass, and Final Fusion is go. The robot combines with a number of other machines to assume a new form. Youta recognizes it from the news, the robot who saved Tokyo from mysterious interlopers six months ago. Gai introduces it as GAO! GAI! GAR! Falsaber is glad to see an old friend, and and Gai is surprised to see Falsaber here of all places. But they'll have ample time to catch later. Gai asks Youta if he's still good to go. Youta truthfully replies that he's worn out, but he'll knuckle under until the town is safe. He recovers SP and Gai praises his tenacity. GaoGaiGar has a fun toy in the form of the Dividing Driver, which gives allied units in the area of effect S for their terrain ranks while lowering enemy ranks by one tier.

Once you've Falblazed all of the enemies into smoldering wrecks, Youta exhaustedly wonders if they won. Gai comments that they weren't really fighting like they meant it, but who cares, the city is safe. Falsaber dumps Youta and Yuki into the street, and Yuki notices that Youta is pretty pale. Falsaber comments that there's nothing for it, it was his first time merging. Gai tells the two of them to take a nice long rest now that they've won their first fight. He introduces himself himself as the pilot of GaoGaiGar, and Falsaber thanks him for the timely assistance. Gai replies that ordinarily a reunion would be cause for celebration, but if he's here then the situation doesn't call for it. Youta asks how they know each other, and Falsaber replies that Gai lent him his aid against Destrook in the past.

In spooky space, a Destrook soldier apologises to "Devotee", saying that Falsaber's reappearance was unexpected. Devotee seems uninterested in his excuses and hits him with some manner of attack, inflicting pain on him. She wonders why Falsaber is back, and a voice tells her to keep an eye on Falsaber, since what lays ahead is probably... but he trails off, and Devotee assures her lord Balgias that he can leave it to her. All that they strive for, is to bring back the intended shape of the world.

Back in town, Falsaber has explained that he's from another world and as a consequence of his injuries from his previous battle with Destrook, had taken the form of Yuki's stone in order to lay low. Youta scratches his head as to why Yuki was carrying around a super robot, and Falsaber theorizes she might that which he is supposed to protect. Falsaber does not remember who created him or why he's fated to fight the enemy, but he has long had a strong memory that he's to protect somebody. And that somebody is Yuki, concludes Gai. But in order to fight properly, Falsaber needs a Fusioner. Youta agrees to fill that role, because he wants to be like his father - somebody who fights to protect others. But Falsaber politely refuses, saying that they only merged this time out of necessity.

Yuu arrives back home, glad to see that casualties from the enemy attack were minimal. But as soon as they enter, Saji feels an unsettling atmosphere about the place. Yuu yells for his dad, who doesn't answer. Saji stumbles upon what appears to be the body of Yuu's father, who is unresponsive. As Yuu runs over to his father's prone form, the scene fades to black.

Stage 2

The Hiiragi family return to the ruins of their antique shop, accompanied by Gai. Mari demonstrates a degree of knowledge she ought not to have, referring to GGG as a secret organisation for which Gai is the head of the mobile taskforce. Falsaber projects himself out of his stone form as a hologram of sorts, and Youta demands to know why Falsaber won't let him be the Fusioner for Falsaber. Falsaber replies that while he's close to the right aptitude for the job, he wasn't able to convey his will sufficient. Hence the results of the previous battle. Youta argues that they defeated the enemy, but Falsaber replies that it was due to dumb luck and the arrival of Gai. Falsaber doesn't mince words: he says directly that merging with Youta would be nothing but a fetter. The equivalent of trying to run a marathon while your feet are encased in concrete. This shuts up Youta, and Yuu and Saji arrive. Mari asks Yuu if he found his dad, and Yuu begins to tear up. Before he can explain what happened, a mysterious woman puts forth the theory that he was murdered in order to put a stopper in his research. The woman, Tsubasa, introduces herself as the owner of a humble inn.

Halfway across the world on Bardos Island, Dr. Hell receives a status report from his subordinates. Pygman considers the time ripe for an attack on the Photonic Laboratory, but Dr. Hell instead asks if they're heard from Baron Ashura. But there's been no word from him since his undersea fortress was destroyed by the Mazinger. Dr. Hell sends Blocken over to Japan to take care of things.

Back in Japan, Tsubasa explains that she was an old acquaintance of Yuu's father and came to pay him a visit. Kouji explains that they're unsure of who killed him yet, but notes the peculiar timing of a Destrook attack to his murder. Tsubasa demonstrates her talent for knowing way too much, and deflects by reiterating her humble profession when Saji asks. More pressing is the possibility that Yuu might be targeted next, as he knew about his dad's work. Furthermore, Destrook might come gunning for Youta and Yuki on the basis of the fact that they were (however briefly) merged with Falsaber. Gai suggests the three of them head back to GGG with him and Falsaber. Yuu asks for a bit of time to get his head on straight, and Gai says he'll step outside until he's ready. Privately, Mari asks what Falsaber's going to at GGG, and he replies that it'll be easier to find a new Fusioner with their assistance. Mari suggests that Youta won't give up now that he's made up his mind, and she suggests Falsaber's partner was probably the same. Falsaber curtly replies that Youta is insufficient, therefore he's not coming along. Kouji comments on how rough it sounds to hear him say it straight up like that, but wonders if Falsaber's speaking his true thoughts on the matter. Falsaber replies that he exists to defeat the enemy, and that he thusly judged Youta to be unnecessary. Mari asks what Falsaber's previous partner would have done in the same situation, and Falsaber states that it doesn't matter - since he's no longer around.

In a nearby park, Saji asks if Youta and Yuki are going to GGG. Yuki asks Youta to come along to protect her, but Youta reminds her that Falsaber claims he can't protect anyone. For the briefest moment, he thought he was some kind of "chosen one" like in anime and movies. But reality isn't quite as kind as that. Saji suggests that he do what he wants to do, regardless of what others think. Like a certain somebody he knows. The moment is ruined when explosions ring out nearby, and Gai tells him to scarper: Mechanical Beasts are on the attack. Youta tells Yuki that he's going to take care of this and takes off running.

Blocken yells for Kouji to show himself, and Yuu freaks out at the decapitated head talking. Gai appears in the GaoGaiGar, and Tsubasa comments that she rather likes brave men like him, but he doesn't need to overdo it. An airship appears overhead piloted by Yuuki, who drops off the Mazinger (minus Pilder) and Sayaka in the Venus. Kouji gets a bit of dramatic introduction from Tsubasa, and Pilder Ons. Blocken seems pleased to have the opportunity to eliminate all of Dr. Hell's enemies in one fell swoop.

The enemy force consists of six Talos, enemies that anybody who played the Z games will be sick of seeing already. On the second turn, Blocken appears in the Gule which Gai recognizes for some reason. Blocken proclaims his intentions to turn the city to ashes with his army of Groizer X10s, and Tsubasa bitterly laughs that Dr. Hell REALLY wants her dead. Falsaber tells the others to run, and he'll... what, sacrifice himself? asks Youta. Falsaber asks why he's here, and Youta replies that the promise he made to his old man won't let him sit by and leave it to others. If having Youta along is that much of a handicap, then he'll just have to become the kind of man who can overcome that limitation. He asks Falsaber to promise him that the two of them can fight together until Falsaber has achieved his goals. Falsaber says nothing.

Blocken laughs at how his Groizers are going to turn the sea of Yokohama red with blood, but an attack suddenly unseats him. An Iron Cross soldier reports that the launch hatch for the Groizers took a direct hit, and Blocken angrily demands they close the bulkheads. Falsaber, who arrived with perfect timing notes Kouji, asks Youta if he's okay with the fact that there's no going back from now on. Youta confidently states that he'll never break a promise, and Falsaber says that he'll trust in him. Yuki arrives, and Mari comments to herself that she'll have to watch over the situation, to see Youta keep his promise. Blocken commits the cardinal sin of SRW antagonists and bellows that a single reinforcement won't change anything. As if to prove the point, more Talos units appear on the field. The Gule has 24000 HP, which a decent chunk for a boss in the second stage but it's nothing you can't handle with ease. When the Gule is defeated, Blocken considers the possibility of a kamikaze attack using Gule itself but a mysterious figure with a split face tells him not to rush to his death. Blocken heeds this advice and makes good his escape. Tsubasa comments that it's out of character for him to give up so easily, and wonders if a certain somebody cheated death as well.

Back on Bardos Island, Ashura prostrates himself before Dr. Hell and offers up his head. But Dr. Hell has no interest in executing his most loyal subordinate, and instead tells him to get back to work. They're gonna be busy with the whole world domination thing, after all.

Youta thanks Saji for giving him a push in the right direction. Which means that Saji has been more useful in two stages of a SRW game than he was in two seasons of his original show. Yuuki of the WSO says that she'll make sure that the kids get safely to GGG. She introduces herself to Mari, in a manner suggesting that she knew Mari's late husband. Falsaber promises to bring the kids back in one piece. Tsubasa sends Kouji and Sayaka along too, as the Photonic Laboratory and GGG recently entered into collaborative efforts. Kouji comments that this is all rather sudden, and Tsubasa asks him if he's afraid to visit an unfamiliar place. Kouji gets rather taken aback and assures her that he's perfectly willing to go to the ends of the universe and back (and maybe even fight a gay Angel or two!). On the other hand, Yuu won't be going to GGG. He's decided after seeing Youta's resolve, to head to New Yark (ニューヤーク).

Stage 3

On the mean streets of New Yark, Yuu arrives at his destination on the East Side. He's oddly accompanied by the rest of the cast, who apparently decided to come with him off-screen. We're here to meet a student of Yuu's father. Gai's here as well, saying that he had business had the American branch of GGG anyway. New Yark is apparently less safe these days, as a result of constant fighting of an unspecified nature. But that's alright, since their other chaperone is Cross of the Kurogane House. GAIL gets namedropped here, a company who has enjoyed skyrocketing growth at the hands of one Roy Balboa, CEO. However, Gai's heard some less than savory rumours about them. Backroom dealings with high ranking Federation officials and the like. Though, says Cross, the same can be said for all the major corporations: such as Anaheim Electronics and Nergal Industries.

Meanwhile in GAIL headquarters, Roy (whose face appears to be melting) intends to send Rod to "the island", a prospect that Rod finds less than appealing. Roy assures him that there's good reason to send him there, a secret that may well define the future of humanity.

Meanwhile our heroes arrive at the apartment of the man they seek. Youta and Kouji note the architectural styling of a slumlord, and wonder if it might collapse at any moment. The sudden barking of a dog nearly sends Yuu airborne in fright, and a young girl pulls on the dog's leash telling him to give it a rest. She apologises, saying that strangers have been visiting constantly and Yuki wonders if she's the Dr. Wave they're searching for. The girl indignantly states that she's DORIS Wave, and her older brother is the one they're looking for. She apologises for you having wasted your time, but her brother took off for the nearby Federation research facility to talk about "the island".

At a nearby research facility, Marina and Shirin are grilling a man named Aaron Simmons about some unsettling reports they've been getting from Luna Base. Rumours of disappearances and illegal employment practices. He evades, stating that they can't investigate the colony because they've been fending off attacks from the Vagans and the Jovian lizards and doesn't want them caught up in it. Marina tries to protest but Simmons cuts across her, and invites in his next meeting, Dr. Wave who brings news of his research into Austral Island.

Meanwhile our heroes were temporarily foiled by a rent-a-cop, who didn't believe Doris is related to Dr. Wave. Thankfully though, they had Gai whose GGG credentials evidently checked out. Yuu states the possibility that whoever killed his father might target Wave next, given that they both were researching Austral Island. Yuu realizes somebody overheard him and snaps around, with Sayaka identifying the woman as being Marina, the queen of Ali Al Saachestan. Yuki notices that Marina looks under the weather (or perhaps just notices Marina's permanent sadface) and takes off after her. Yuki offers her some delicious food in the form of a hot dog she bought earlier and tells her to cheer up, but Yuu chastises her for her lack of propriety. Dr. Wave wanders over and wonders if he's finally become famous when Yuu asks if he's Dr. Wave. After being scolded by Doris, Wave apologises for breaking their appointment but says that he's finally found somebody interested in his research! And they're probably an honest bunch who won't murder him after he's served his purpose, no sir. Wave sadly comments that Simmons laughed him out of his office, saying that his work was nothing but scholarly fantasies. This, despite him saying it was interesting just the other day. This proclamation has both Gai and Shirin a bit suspicious, but Wave says that they should be heading out. Where, asks Yuu. But before he can answer, an alarm begins sounding right on time. While the heroes try to figure out what's going on, a mysterious bearded man tells them to hurry up and move. They hesitate for a moment before Falsaber yells for them to listen. But the Captain grabs them and pulls them out of the way just before a section of ceiling collapses. Wave recognizes the beard as belonging to the "Captain", who grins.

Wave introduces the team to the Captain, who is an old friend of his who has saved his bacon many a time. Yuu wonders if they can trust him, since he doesn't look like an ordinary man. Captain chuckles at this, but suggests he directs his attention elsewhere. The attackers appear to be Jovian lizards, and Wave wonders aloud if they're a new species of lizard. Doris tells him to look at a bloody news programme for a change. They've been around for several years now, and appear to have joined forces with the Vagans to boot. The Lizards begin moving toward the team, but the leading unit is destroyed by one of the Celestial Being Gundams. Yuu is impressed by the spectacle but Captain roughly tells him to swoon later, they need to focus on not dying. As they head for a safe location, the 00 Raiser begins the murderkilling of the Lizards. Yuki stops and yells for it to unleash its Hyper Rising Sword Final Attack, and Youta grabs her and drags her along while Marina muses that while the details have gotten a bit confused, many more people have witnessed Setsuna's battle.

I sigh sadly as I fail to find Hyper Rising Sword Final Attack anywhere in the 00 Raiser's weapon list, and instead have to make due with Trans-Am Actuation. The Jovian Battas appear to be made of paper mache and will explode in a fireball if Setsuna so much as glares at them. Yuki expresses her disappointment at how mundane its attacks are compared to the movie though. Enemy reinforcements appear in the form of Ghosts who open fire on the 00 Raiser immediately. Marina worries that Setsuna might be outgunned, but Yuuki arrives carrying the team's mecha. Yuki tries to come along but Falsaber asks her to sit this one out, with Youta saying that if anything happened to her, his dad would kill him. Your team go to help Setsuna, and Setsuna thinks to himself that things are proceeding just as Sumeragi planned. He will now ally with GGG and continue combat.

The Battas will likely finish suiciding on 00 Raiser here, leaving you free to deal with the twelve Ghosts. It's worth noting that the Ghosts here don't appear to be anywhere near as dodgy as they're traditionally known for being. Setsuna can likely solo the lot of them since they can't hit him, while they don't seem able to penetrate GaoGaiGar's Protect Shade.

After the battle is over, Falsaber tries to thank Setsuna for saving his friends but Setsuna disappears without so much as a word. Captain recognizes it as optical camouflage, but Gai points out that considering CB's position it makes sense he didn't stop to chat.

Back on the Ptolemy 2, Setsuna returns home. Lyle asks him if he visited Marina and Setsuna says no. Feldt offers him a drink, but Setsuna replies that he has ingested sufficient nutrition. Lyle puts his head in his hands at the "Innovator" Setsuna F Seiei. Veda predicted that the AI program of the unmanned weapons would go haywire, and the culprit is probably... but Feldt trails off. Sumeragi suggests that their next destination will probably be the old Newtype research facility at Augusta.

Onboard an airplane, Simmons receives a call from Martha, who comments on how fortunate he is that the berserking machines didn't harm his precious guests. With a sinister undercurrent, she says that she awaits him at Augusta and wishes to hear all about what happened.

Back in New Yark, Wave proclaims his intentions to head to Austral Island. Apparently his apartment has vanished without a trace, according to Taiga at GGG. Their satellites picked up an unexplained collapse, and while it could be a coincidence, it seems more likely an act of sabotage. Wave suggests it's the work of GAIL, who've an eye to acquire the secrets of Austral Island. He's convinced it was them who murdered Yuu's father to boot. Doris think he's out of his tree, but he seems adamant it was GAIL. And that's why he needs to get back to the island as soon as possible, before the island's secrets are lost. He wants Yuu to come along too, and Captain assures them that they'll be in his capable hands. Doris doesn't seem convinced though, and Falsaber comments that Captain's movements when they were evacuating were those of a highly trained person. He asks who Captain is, and Captain cryptically replies that everybody has one or two skeletons in their closet. Isn't that right, he says, turning to Shirin and addressing her by her alias from her stint in Katharon. Taiga vouches for him, saying that he'll get the job done. The two of them appear to be old acquaintances, but Captain evades as usual. Yuu decides to go to Austral, and Doris invites herself along as well. Kouji comments on the strange group we've got going there: Captain, an archaeologist, a couple of kids, and a dog. Gai gives Yuu a GGG pager to use in case of emergencies.

At GGG, Taiga thanks Raiga for his assistance in getting Mike operational. Raiga comments that it's a piece of cake for him, unlike his good-for-nothing brother. Leo insults his fashion sense, instead of going for the throat and pointing out that Raiga screws anything that walks. The two continue squabbling and Mikoto reports that the visitors from the WSO have arrived. A young man and two women enter, with one of them introducing herself as Aisha Blanchett of the SMS. She cuts right to the point: she'd like GGG's information on the Fold Fault abnormalities they've detected.

Stage 4

Our heroes arrive at GGG, and Leo gives them a quick crash course in the Zonders. Of course, now that the Zonders are all destroyed, they're mostly fighting Dr. Hell and the Jaaku Empire. Falsaber greets the GGG staff, who are all familiar with him, which Youta seems to be slightly jealous of. They mention the Fold Faults, which took out the transdimensional network that research facilities and various nations use for communication. Youta's somewhat familiar with the concept of Folding from school, and the faults are pretty much what it says on the tin. "Fractures" in space that block Folding. They're fairly rare all things considering, but the ones that have popped up nearby of late have been playing havoc with the fabric of space. As a result, contact's been lost with some of the migration fleets that left Earth a while back. At this point, Aisha enters the room accompanied by her two companions, Leon and Mina. They're leading an investigation of the Fold Faults up in space.

Down in the hangars, Falsaber enters. He looks at the Yuusha Robots, who are all silent and still. He concludes that their AI really still cease to function after the final battle with Pasdar, and apologises for not having been there in their time of need. Galeon roars though, and Gai translates it to mean "don't worry about it". Mikoto explains that they've been out of commission for the last six months, as a consequence of the means invoked to defeat Pasdar. Youta points out that Galeon woke up, but Mikoto replies that Galeon isn't one of their robots - he is in fact a space lion, made of space technology. Falsaber declares that he will continue to fulfill his duty until the day that they awaken again. But first, to space!

In spooky space, Balgias asks if the distortion has been located. Devotee nods, and says that the "Guardian" has left for space as well. She worries that the distortion will grow ever stronger, and Balgias states that they will need to eliminate it in order to return the world to its rightful state.

Up in space, Yuki and Mina have become fast friends, bonding in their mutual amazement at everything. Aisha explains that part of the reason they're investigating the faults is because of the danger they pose. If you Fold out in one, there's a very real possibility that you'll never be able to return to normal space. Youta freaks out at the possibility and Leon explains that while she's exaggerating, they are dangerous. He himself Folded to Earth from another star system and ran into them, and had a hell of a time as a result. And the time displacement as a result of passing through them can vary wildly, though the YF-30 that Aisha designed is capable of mitigating that particular problem. She's a gorgeous genius, she says, though the former adjective is self-proclaimed. Unfortunately you can't have Leon tool around in YF-30 because it's in the shop for repairs. At this point, the Cargo arrives at the target and Falsaber feels some kind of strange feeling inside of him. He dismisses it as nothing, but wonders what it could be.

Aisha begins examining the area, and notes that previously stable areas are starting to distort. She starts looking for the focal point of the phenomenon, but enemies begin to arrive in the form of Destrook. The team piles out of the car to fight them, but Youta immediately begins having trouble. He's not used to zero gravity and is having difficulty imagining the proper way to fight. Gai asks Aisha and Leon to provide support to the folks new to fighting in space. Your new toys this stage are Leon's YF-25 Prophecy and Aisha's VF-19E Excalibur.

After you shoot down a few enemies, Youta is still struggling to get his bearings. Yuuki determines that the core of the instability is the large chunk of space debris nearby. The Destrook mooks seem to be have been expected what happens next, when the debris suddenly disappears in a flash of light. Aisha sees some kind of sped-up vision, and a lance that appears to belong to an old mobile suit appears in place of the debris. Falsaber seems to recognize it, but before you can do anything, a group of Destrook mooks appear and spirit it away. Their mission evidently complete, they scarper. Youta goes to ask Falsaber about the lance but Yuuki reports that space is distorting again. Aisha recognizes it as a Defold signature, and a Valkyrie suddenly appears from the Fold. It's Alto in the YF-29 and he seems a bit confused as to why he's here, since he recalls being on the Vajra homeworld. He looks in the rearview mirror and gapes in horror as he realizes that the Queen Frontier and a swarm of Vajra ALSO ended up here. Leon seems to recognize Alto and tries to talk to him, but Alto seems a bit out of sorts. The Queen Frontier opens fire on your forces and then takes off, but the other Vajra stay behind to make a nuisance of themselves.

You now command the awesome power of the YF-29 and its terrible theme song The Target. The former will prove a short-lived boon, but the latter is ageless and undying. At least it's not Aimo though? The smaller Vajra have a 1000d reduction barrier called Energy Shield, while the larger Destroyer class have a 1500d one called Fold Barrier.

Once the field is clear, Alto questions why Leon knows who he is. The answer appears to be that Alto has time-slipped six months as a result of the Fold that he was pulled into. This is especially peculiar since Leon and friends met Alto in the intervening span of time.

Stage 5

At Big Ring, Misumaru is infuriated that the first defensive line has been breached so easily. The Vagans were able to sneak-attack the defenders using their old tactic of stealth camouflage, the so-called "invisible umbrella" that Grodek named. Misumaru states that while his daughter was killed in action on Mars, the hope of any military man, they must stand their ground to protect the people behind them. Algreus agrees. Now that the former Commander Asuno has entrusted him with the Federation, he will see this through.

On the way to Big Ring, a bit of flavour about the Vagans is revealed. They mostly stopped attacking in earnest after the incident with Nortrum some 23 years ago, but infighting on Earth afforded them time to lick their wounds and regroup. The Federation realized the extent of the Vagan's momentum, but two years ago the Jovian Lizards showed up to complicate matters. And to make matters worse, the two forces appear to be colluding with one another. Eight months ago, Nergal Industries launched their new battleship to Mars but it's gone missing. Falsaber returns to Mars as the Vagan's home territory, and comments that heading there in a single ship was tantamount to suicide. Gai tells the rest of the gang to head back to GGG, but Youta wants to fight as well. This isn't the same as beating up invaders from another dimension. The enemies this time are humans. Everybody basically exchanges bemused glances and tell Gai to knock it off, since nobody wants to pass up the opportunity to wreck some Vagans. Also the Earth will be in danger if Big Ring falls, so there's that too.

Back on the Vagan's home of Second Moon, Ezelcant is giving a sinister speech. A century has come and gone since they were left here to die by their fellow man, but their hatred burns just as it ever did. All - be they soldiers or civilians - have suffered greatly to reach today. Zanald contacts Ezelcant and reports that "it" is almost ready, and that the Earth will become the foundation for their Eden. Ezelcant muses on the nature of their ideal, but his plan has finally reached the final stage. He invites his wife along to view the fireworks.

At Big Ring, the Federation soldiers are managing to hold the line. Our heroes arrive on the scene to lend a hand. The gravity of a fight between humans finally dawns on Youta, but Yuki and Mina radio in to say that they're going to help out, and Falsaber tells him that everybody's got his back.

The enemy force is compromised of a few Vagan mobile suits and their pet Jovian Battas, the latter of whom can still be defeated with harsh words and disappointed expressions. In a twist from the SRW norm, the NPC GN XIVs are more than capable of handling the Battas, whose weaponry can't seem to penetrate the GN Field. In fact, the NPCs might actually steal kills from you as the Battas hilariously suicide on them. The Vagan mobile suits have a 1000d reduction barrier vs ranged attacks called the Electromagnetic Shield that activates at 100 morale. Therefore, punch them instead.

After you've defeated a sufficient number of enemies, Gai notices that the enemy's movements are abnormal. The remaining enemy units suddenly scarper, and Mina reports that the same is true for all of the other battle zones. The reason for the sudden retreat becomes clear when Yuuki detects a massive energy signature headed for Big Ring. It's an enormous beam, that narrowly misses your team but hits Big Ring directly. The station is more or less incinerated by the beam, with little possibility of survivors. The weapon that fired the beam, appears out of nowhere, having been hidden from view by the "invisible umbrella". The enemy's main force arrives. Mina suggests that, due to the fact that Big Ring has been destroyed, you beat a hasty retreat but enemy reinforcements appear behind you and cut off your escape route.

The enemy forces now consist of Ronald McZanald in the Xamdrag, a pair of Jovian battleships, a handful of Vagan mobile suits, and a small contingent of Battas, some of whom are wearing adorable little hats~.

When you've sufficiently damaged the Xamdrag, a Jovian Chulip appears on the field. It deposits enemy reinforcements, and Aisha immediately sizes it up as a sort of transport system for the Jovians. In other words, it needs to be destroyed or the stage will rapidly become SRW J. However, something else is coming out of the Chulip, and whatever it is, it's a battleship-class. But Yuuki checks the IFF signal and announces, just as the ship breaches the Chulip, that it's the Nadesico. The crew of the Nadesico seem a little confused as to why the Big Ring is missing. Ruri delivers a terrifically understated status report: "Currently, the Federation is engaged in combat with the Vagans. In addition, our ship is completely surrounded." Yurika gives orders for the ship to turn about and let the enemy have it with the Gravity Blast.

The Gravity Blast works a treat and vaporizes the entire contingent of Jovian reinforcements in one shot. Yurika announces that they're going to assist you, and Prospector wonders if they're in any condition to do so considering what they just went through on Mars. Yurika replies that they won't be able to face Admiral Fukube or the people of Mars if they don't help, and orders the Aestivalis team scrambled.

Ryoko gives a bit of gameplay advice in the form of an admonishment of Akito, reminding him not to stray too far from the Nadesico or risk losing connection to the ship. The range of the gravity wave beam affects a 5 block radius centered on the Nadesico. Aestivalis units within the range will get a full recovery of EN on the next turn, and the game helpfully displays 圏外 if you move out of the field. The Nadesico reinforcements are a bit late to be really useful, unless you happen to be winded from beating Vagans to death. Zanald appears to run at about 11k HP remaining or so, so make sure to keep that in mind so as to not let him get away in one piece. He doesn't drop a skill part though. Everybody piles on board the Nadesico and leaves the battlefield. Zanald gives chase, but Ezelcant tugs on his lead and tells him to get back in his crate.

Onboard the Nadesico, Taiga thanks the crew for their assistance. The bridge crew do their usual comedy routine while Taiga grits his teeth on the other end of the communicator. Prospector begs his pardon, saying that the crew were selected for their abilities rather than their dispositions. Taiga awkwardly replies that GGG's hiring practices are somewhat similar. Yuuki asks the burning question of where the hell the Nadesico has been and why it came flying out of a Chulip. Goat relates the story of how they went to Mars on a rescue mission, ended up surrounded by the Jovians and Vagans and flew into a Chulip as a last-ditch effort. The crew is rather startled to learn that they've been displaced eight months in time by flying into the Chulip, which to them was just a moment ago. A bit of flavour here regarding Fukube, who was a veteran going back to the First Space War with the Zentradi. Aisha seems excited to meet somebody who remembers the war, being a Zentradi herself, but Yurika relates his fate. A woman named Inez enters the bridge and states that Nergal is hereafter referring to the method of travel involving the Chulips, "Boson Jumping". Aisha recognizes her, and Goat explains that she was the sole survivor they found on Mars.

Down in the hangars, Uribatake is attempting to beat down a furious erection at the sight of your super robots. He attempts to drag Akito over to talk to Falsaber, but Akito is a killjoy and slouches off. It's explained that it's because Fukube was responsible for the death of Akito's family, yet it was Fukube's sacrifice that saved their bacon on Mars. Yuki feels her meddling sense tingling and runs off after him. She finds him moping in the hallways, still moaning about war when he's supposed to be a cook. Yuki sneaks up behind him and offers him food and nearly scares him to death in the process. She tells him that he strive to be courageous, or at least that's what Gai told her. Akito freaks out at the name, but Falsaber explains that it's a different person. Akito thanks her for her concern and says that he's realized something that he needs to do.

The boffins Aisha and Inez talk shop about the time discrepancy from Boson Jumping but Goat kindly asks them to focus on the matter at hand. Yurika decides that for the time being, the Nadesico will head for Kawasaki City for repairs. Megumi reports that the Vagans are broadcasting a message all across the Earth.

Ezelcant introduces himself as the representative of the Vagans, and a Federation soldier reports to Algreus that they're fielding reports of mobile suits thought to be of Vagan origin across the planet. Ezelcant accuses the Earthlings of sending their ancestors out into space and then abandoning them to die out of convenience, taking from them their very right to life. And yet the masses don't know this, and why? Algreus declares that henceforth, the Federation High Command will be moved here to Rostroulan, a.k.a notJaburo. Ezelcant goes on to accuse the Earth of whitewashing history to hide evidence of their sins.

On board the Ptolemy, Lyle notes that Ezelcant is conveniently omitting the Vagan's role in this bloody history. However, the Federation will never acknowledge Ezelcant's claims because it won't change anything, except perhaps to turn sentiment against the Federation. Ezelcant yells that they will purge the Earthlings from this planet and create a new world just for them. On Palao, Angelo comments that ghosts like the Vagans should just disappear back into the darkness where they belong. Frontal comments that it's because they're "ghosts" that they long for the light. But for the time being, they're going to respond to the invitation they received, so they might take Laplace's Box into their custody.

At the Asuno house, Kio watches the broadcast in shock. Flit leans forward in his chair to hide his vindicated erection and tells Kio to watch carefully. They are the devils who would destroy mankind.

In a mysterious location, a young boy comments that "they" have come to this planet. A disembodied voice comments that it was only a matter of time. A man in armour stares off into space silently, and the boy asks him if he's thinking about the "lion-like man". The man replies that they're both warriors, and both have their own roles to play.

Stage 6

Today we begin at Industrial 7, where Banagher stares off into space while people try to talk to him. We get an explanation of the X Rounders from AGE from Micotte rather than an AGE character, and they're likened to Newtypes. Supposedly if you're an awesome enough X Rounder, you can predict the future. Takuya suggests that the former Commander-in-Chief of the Federation Flit Asuno was that level of X Rounder, which seems doubtful given how the last arcs of AGE played out.

Down on Earth, people are gathering to watch the fragments of Big Ring enter the atmosphere. Worried talk of the possibility of the Vagans invading the Earth ensues, and an old woman reminisces about the day her child fell from the heavens. She's startled by the voice of a child behind her and wheels around. A young boy, who introduces himself as Amami Mamoru, engages her in conversation. We learn that her son Kaidou has disappeared, and she wonders if he's returned to his "real family". This statement triggers a flashback to the final battle with Pasdar, who referred to Mamoru as a "destroyer, built by Cain" who liberates the weak from their fate as Zondars. Mamoru wonders if what Pasdar said is true, and if so... but before he finishes his thought, he notices something glimmering in the sand.

Back at Bay Tower Base, everybody is alternatively bummed or frustrated at the previous mission's failure. Taiga points out that it's not their fault, and that they should get some rest. But Youta doesn't want to rest, and instead wants to get in some more training. But Taiga puts his foot down and tells him that keeping himself rested and ready is a duty of a warrior. The gang all head off to the mess hall to get some food, while Taiga mentions that he's got a meaning with some "small guests".

The Raijinoh kids arrive at Bay Tower Base, while Jin rifles through his pockets, unable to find his missing medal. He and Maria get into a squabble, while Mamoru tries to explain that he thinks he picked up the thing they dropped. Jin thanks him profusely, and apparently the exploits of Jin and his classmates are all the talk at Mamoru's school.

In the main order room of GGG, it's reported that the Vagans are in full invasion mode. They're primarily targeting Federation military installations, but reports of civilian casualties keep coming in. The WSO by contrast has experienced fewer losses, but that won't last as the theatre of war expands. Especially since their secret weapon, the Kaiser went missing during the gravity reactor operation six months. Leo comments that if not for their sacrifice, the Earth would have been dealt a blow worse even than the colony drops. The head of the WSO starts to outline his plans for the future when, you guessed it, an alarm goes off. A number of Jaakujuu have been detected inside of G Island City.

Jin is spoiling for a fight, but Maria reminds him of how far removed they are from the school. Jin grinds his teeth at having to sit on his hands while the enemy is right in front of him, but a building nearby suddenly topples over onto the group. But miraculously, nobody is flattened. Mamoru activates his powers and shields the group with what Tsutomu comments resembles telekinesis. Their escape routes are cut off by debris though, and Mamoru tells them to follow him.

Down in the briefing room, Ushiyama reports that repairs on the team's units is nowhere near complete. And because of the situation with the Vagans, it's unrealistic to expect reinforcements from the Federation. But Jin shouts that there's no need to fear, since they'll handle this. But Taiga points out that they can't fight without first returning to the school. And Tsutomu points out that GGG has that technology to coat stuff in mirror particles and launch it. It's merely his conjecture, but he thinks it might be possible to stick them in an escape pod and launch them at the school. Swan worries that the pod might be intercepted midflight, but Kouji points out that we could just fight the Jaakujuu and keep their gaze off of the pod. Gai states that they'll just have to offset the damage to their units with courage, while Alto and Leon point out that if a bunch of kids are willing to fight, how can they not? Taiga likes the cut of their jib, and decides he'll roll with this plan.

Your team sally forth, and the pod is launched safely. Falsaber reminds everybody that just stalling for time isn't enough, they'll need to protect the city while they're at it.

All of your units are at half HP/EN, and their base morale is 90. Ammo and SP are unaffected though. The enemy force consists of seven Exhausts, who lack any noteworthy traits. After you kill a couple of the Exhausts, a few more appear. Falsaber appears to be in bad condition but he assures Youta that he's fine. The situation looks bad, but Taiga is unconcerned: after all, the cavalry has arrived. There's a voiced event while the three machines gattai to form Raijinoh. For a dynamic entry, they vaporize the nearest enemy with Raijin Flash. Asuka suggests that the rest of the team back up and leave it to them, and your team basically reply with raised eyebrows and smirks. A shadowy figure on the edge of the map comments that Raijinoh ranks at 25 on its "absolute threat index", and that the operation will move to the next phase.

After the battle is over, Yuki asks Jin to deliver the catchphrase. "Zettai muteki..." but once again, alarms ruin the moment. A massive influx of energy is detected at the Bay Tower Base and a flash of light whites out the screen. After the light fades, the base and the surrounding city have been reduced to ruins. Mamoru seems to have failed to shield the occupants of the briefing room, but more bad news arrives. Three strange purple pillars appear in the sky over the city, and Yuuki reports that they're the ones that destroyed the base. Everybody (minus Jin) is a little wary about attacking enemies that just flattened a city in one shot, but Gai tells them to calm down. He tells the more damaged units to retreat inside what's left of the base, while he takes the vanguard. Everybody else decides to go too, since they're not about to head home with their tails between their legs.

The objective changes to destroy any one of the pillars. They only have 12000 HP and despite hitting like a truck, aren't too dangerous. Their Zonder Barrier is a 1000d ranged reduction barrier, so punch them instead.

When the pillar is destroyed, it leaves behind a Zonder core. Mamoru flies over in order to purify it, but his faerie space magic has no effect and the pillar reconstitutes itself. Gai shields Mamoru as the pillar unleashes a counterattack that hits the entire field. The pillar begins whaling on GaoGaiGar, and a group of Jaakujuu appear and begin attacking the rest of the team, preventing them from assisting Gai. The pillar hits GaoGaiGar again and again until there's barely enough of it left to fit into a matchbox, but Gai refuses to retreat. He attempts to use Hell and Heaven on the pillar but bounces harmlessly off the enemy's barrier. The three pillars surround GaoGaiGar and prepare to deliver the coup de grace, and Mamoru cries out. But a voice tells him that it's impossible for him, and a rain of beams destroy the Jaakujuu and nearly the pillars (identified as Primevals) as well. A white battleship enters the scene, and the Primevals go after it. The pilot of the battleship screams MEGA FUSION in a voiced event, and the battleship transforms into a massive robot called King J-Der. It proceeds to one-shot the Primevals with its finishing move, the J-Quarth.

The King J-Der has its own faerie shota, who is revealed to be Kaidou, the missing son of the old woman earlier. He successfully purifies the Cores, and the battleship departs with nary a sideways glance. The rest of the team run over to the GaoGaiGar, and try to pull Gai out of the wreckage.

Meanwhile in the Jaaku Empire's space fortress, the shadowy figure from before (Pagliaccio), identifies the pilot of the battleship as Soldato J - a survivor of the Ternary Star System. Falzeb is impressed by an opponent with that kind of power, and a large man called the Arm Primeval states that they still completed their intended objective. Belzeb comments that thanks to their assistance, GGG's American branch was wiped out without any interference from Raijinoh. Pagliaccio declares GGG, the greatest obstacle to their goal of mechanical sublimation, removed as a threat. Arm Primeval states that GaoGaiGar will likely never rise again, now that they crushed the thing that gives it its power.

Back on Earth, Yuuki explains about how Gai became a cyborg. Mamoru blames himself for Gai's condition, since he wasn't able to purify the core. And he couldn't protect the staff of GGG either. Jin tells him to stow the pity party, since it's not his fault. Kouji tells him not to try and shoulder all the blame himself. Nobody's quite sure about what to do with Gai, since the Bay Tower Base is in shambles and its personnel presumed dead. A woman's voice from behind them offers to fix Gai up at her place, and everybody turns around. A woman, who introduces herself as Erina Kinjou Wong. She invites them to come to Nergal.

Stage 7

In a hospital room at Nergal, Gai remains unconscious. Nergal fixed him up, and Falsaber comments that as the G-Stone hasn't lost its light, his courage is still intact too. The G-Stone is referred to as an "infinite information circuit" that produces limitless power in response to courage. Gai starts to come around, and he asks how Mikoto and the rest of the GGG staff are. Falsaber replies that they weren't able to find anybody - not even the Yuusha Robots. However this is fiction, so the lack of bodies is tacit confirmation of continued survival.

In Nergal's briefing room, Yurika introduces herself as the captain of the Nadesico and flashes the V sign. Prospector interrupts to explain that as of right now, your team is part of an independent taskforce of the Federation. This being the future plans that the WSO head alluded to in the previous stage. Erina explains that ten more Tulips have appeared since the destruction of Big Ring, meaning the Jovians are moving in earnest. In other words, says Leon, what's needed is a force that can respond to threats in the shortest possible time. Alto's YF-29 is taken into the shops for repairs, but Nergal placates him with a tuned VF-25 like his old mount. An older man enters the room and introduces himself as Munetake, their CO and the replacement for Admiral Fukube. Mina notes his feminine introduction (use of あたし) and asks if he's a woman, and he angrily declares that he's obviously a man. In any case, he's brought along a new playmate for you. A man named Akatsuki Nagare, who will be replacing Akito on the Nadesico. It looks like after all his bellyaching about having to fight, he's finally getting his wish.

Gai isn't sure about joining up with this new team, but with GGG all but destroyed... but Yuuki gives him a bit of good news. As his final act, Taiga sent a copy of the Final Fusion approval code to Kojindani, head of the WSO. An argument drowns out the conversation, with Yurika trying to talk Akito out of leaving the ship. She plays the love card, and he tells her that he has no such thing for her. Gai tells him that's a bit harsh, and Akito gets defensive. Gai has no interest in whether he stays or goes, and Akito comments that unlike Gai, he doesn't have an awesome robot body. Even Megumi flinches at this, and Gai sardonically replies that it sure did him a great lot of good. He couldn't protect his friends or his loved ones. He's the strongest cyborg in the world, and all it meant is that he got to outlive the people he cares about. Falsaber retorts that Gai has saved plenty of other people, and not to forget that. Akito, the wind taken out of his sails, apologises. Erina asks Akito for a word, and shows him a stone that used to belong to his dad. Aisha is a bit worried about what Nergal's angle is, and Yuuki agrees since that stone is probably...

In another room, Erina shows off a bunch more of the stones, revealed to be Chulip (apparently!) Crystals. She theorizes them to be "triggers" used to initiate Boson Jumps. And what's more, Akito appears to be an exception to the generally held theory that organics can't Boson Jump. If they could, you could be sure that the Vagans would be teleporting into people's houses to set fire to their Christmas presents or whatever. The basis for her theory is that two years ago when the Jovians attacked Mars, Akito used a Boson Jump to flee to Earth. Erina implores Akito to help them, since organic Boson Jumping would be a boon in the war against the Jovians and the Vagans. But Inez enters, stating that Nergal's already done human experiments already to that end. Akito gets upset that they're treating him like a guinea pig and Erina gets angry at him. But he storms out, and Inez teases Erina about him. Alarms go off and a massive Distortion Field is detected. Inez comments that they're coming.

Out in the streets, Jovian machines bearing an alarming similarity to the titular mecha from Gekiganger 3 appear. Akito looks like he wants to go back to the Nadesico but Megumi chews him out. He agrees, saying that she's right. And that he has something to talk to her about.

Ruri explains that the Jovians are coming through the Chulip that was being experimented on, and Aisha comments that they really need to rethink where they put their laboratories. The team, minus Gai who is still convalescing, sorties in pairs. Ruri breaks the fourth wall a bit by suggesting you check partner bonuses and compatibility when making pairs. Amusingly Akatsuki is paired with Ryouko, and sardonically apologises for not being Akito. She replies that since he's got a new Aestevalis, he damn well better impress.

The enemy force is finally a decent size, consisting of two bosses (Tetsujin and Majin), five of the Jovian battleships, and a small army of Battas (including the ones with the cute little hats). The objective is to defeat either of the two bosses.

Once you damage one of them, a bunch of tanks from the JSDF show up to help. The Majin begins gathering power and Akatsuki yells for the tank crews to bail out. They escape just in time for the Majin to destroy the tanks using a Boson Jump.

In the ruins of the laboratory, Erina comments that attacking them in melee range when they can Boson Jump at will is tantamount to suicide. Inez pokes fun at Erina's research reaping what it sowed, but Erina says that it won't be a problem. Akito shows up and asks that they give him some of their Chulip Crystals.

The Gekigan-types begin showing off by Boson Jumping around the field at random, but Akatsuki predicts their jump points and the Nadesico is able to land hits on them. These calculations are forwarded to all the units. Once you defeat one of the Gekigan-types, it begins to overload itself. If it goes off, it could drag more than just the city in with it. Yurika orders everybody to shoot the thing, but it remains standing. Gai asks Yuuki if the GaoGaiGar is ready to launch, evidently intending to sortie even though he's still injured. After all, that's why he has this body. A voice comments that people named "Gai" all like to talk like that, but that it won't be Gai risking his life today.

Akito appears in his Aestevalis and yells for everybody else to get clear. He latches onto the Majin and the long version of You Get To Burning starts to play, which could be construed as a really ominous foreshadowing. Megumi yells at him to stop, but in a voiced event, Akito ponders his role and whether there's something that he can do or not. Ruri reports that a boson reaction is occurring in Akito's unit, a precursor to a Jump. He Boson Jumps with the enemy unit in tow, and disappears in a flash of light. Yurika stares in horror but Gai appears in the GaiGar and tells her to keep her head in the game, since the battle's not over yet. Gai says that Akito showed his courage, and now it's time for him to do the same. He forms GaoGaiGar, and Akatsuki comments that he looks pretty badass, showing up in the nick of time while covered in wounds. Unfortunately, the field was already more or less clear in my case so he didn't get to do anything.

When the remaining Gekigan-type is defeated, it shuts down without a fuss and Munetake orders its retrieval as a valuable sample. Yurika cries out for the lost Akito. Devoid of context from gameplay, everybody thanks Gai for his timely save. Megumi blames Erina for getting Akito killed, but Erina replies that he's not dead. And indeed he isn't, since communication is re-established with him on the bridge. Yuki wonders if he's a ghost, since he Boson Jumped, which organics supposedly can't do without dying. Yurika proclaims that he came back from the dead because of his love for her, but he tells her to knock it off. He apologises for worrying her, and Minato casts a knowing look at Megumi, who whispers that it's fine. Ryoko chews him out for not contacting them, and he confusedly replies that he's been trying nonstop since he arrived on the Moon. Which was two weeks ago.

Stage 8

In the Colony Builder, Cardeas Vist hands over the "key" to Laplace's Box to Zinnerman. However, they're not handing over the Box itself because of its potential to ruin the world. If they're only interested in the Box as a means to revive Zeon, it will never open for them anyway. Cardeas' man Gael reports that something is going on outside of the colony.

In a forest in Industrial 7, there's a flashback to Banagher rescuing a young woman named Audrey who unexpectedly fell from the sky. She urges him to show her the way into the Colony Builder, because there's something she has to do before the worst comes to pass. He brings her to the Vist Mansion in the Colony Builder, but Cardeas turns him away. Banagher makes an impassioned plea to Audrey, who also tells him that he'd be best off not associating with her. Audrey is broken out of her reminiscence by explosions inside of the colony. The lights go out and Audrey feels the barrel of a gun pressed into her back. A voice tells her not to move. But suddenly the mysterious assailant is knocked out by another unseen figure, who tells her to come with them or else the Box will end up in Zeon's hands.

In the residential area, Banagher and his friends are watching Federation mobile suits engaging Zeon hostiles. Banagher tells Takuya to go with Micotte to the dock, where there's a docked Federation vessel. He runs off, saying that there's somebody he wants to help.

In a hidden hangar in the Colony Builder, Cardeas is badly injured. He is trying to protect the Unicorn, the mobile suit that acts as the key to Laplace's Box. Banagher bursts into the room. Banagher yells at Cardeas for being so powerless despite his high-minded attitude, and Cardeas lapses into a monologue. He recites a bit of prose, and Banagher reflexively completes the passage. Cardeas tells him that if he wishes to go with Audrey, he will need the resolve to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders. Banagher doesn't have it, but soredemo... and Cardeas tells him that he'll need to take this. He grabs the two of them and shoves them into the cockpit of the Unicorn, sealing it behind them. Banagher is registered as the pilot, and Cardeas explains that if he proves a suitable wielder, it will lead him to Laplace's Box. Depending on how it's used, the Box could illuminate a new age, just like the thing that "he" created. Explosions start erupting in the hangar and Cardeas apologises, saying that he wanted more. He's lost in an explosion, muttering to his late wife that his wish finally came true.

In an office belonging to Anaheim, Martha talks to Albert, who reports that they have successfully secured the Unicorn and their target. She tells him to send the Nahel Argama on to Von Braun on the Moon. He signs off, and she apologises to her other "guest" for the interruption. She airly comments on how the battle in Kawasaki City was terrible, but Algreus replies that it's nothing she need concern herself with. She demonstrates her knowledge of the successful organic Boson Jump, which Misumaru finds somewhat suspicious. But that's not all, she also knows about the little taskforce they set up with Nergal.

At Luna Base, Simmons inquires about the test subject Tenkawa Akito. A woman named Girard reports that they've been investigating the reason why he was able to successfully Jump without much success. But that's to be expected, says Simmons, if it were that easy to figure out they would have solved the riddle long ago. He tells her to continue on her mission and to protect Akito, since it's possible that the facility might be targeted. She signs off, and he comments to himself that organic Boson Jumping might prove to be the key to helping secure their future.

On board the Nadesico, Yurika wants to head to the Moon to pick up Akito but Erina is against using a military vessel for the benefit of a single person. Munetake is cool with it though, since they were ordered to head to the Moon anyway. Yurika lays down the law a bit by establishing that they reserve the right to refuse orders that go against their will. In other words, Munetake concludes, they refuse to be mere pawns. He gives them two options, they can either head to the Luna Base or head to Olivernotes. Yurika agrees without hesitation, partly because her darling Akito is on the Moon but also because the orders came from Algreus, who isn't the kind of man who arbitrarily give out orders. She divides up the party with the Macross characters heading to the Moon, and Gai and the Mazinger folks heading to Olivernotes. She leaves it to Falsaber's judgment as to where Youta and Yuki go. He confers with the voices from nowhere, and decides to head to Olivernotes, on the basis of the fact that Gai's not at 100% still.

Yuki wonders what kind of place Olivernotes is, and Yuuki says that she's heard there's plenty of tasty hot dog stands and bakeries. Yuki's face lights up like a Christmas tree, and Youta comments that she didn't used to be like this. When they first met, she was completely introverted and wouldn't talk to anybody. It's hard to believe that she's become this outgoing in such a short time.

Over at Olivernotes, Rody is getting help in fixing up the Diva with an unlikely set of allies: the psychic girls from SKL. Misty wonders why they're fixing up a fifty year old relic, and Flit explains that they'll need it, and the Gundam, to defeat the Vagans.

Stage 8B

Onboard one of the Vagan fortress, Zanald greets Zeheart, who has just woken up from cold sleep for the first time in two decades. Zeheart curtly asks him what he wants, and Zanald is just checking to make sure that his character development from the 2nd arc has been undone. Zanald snidely intimates that he'll need to work hard to make up for his failure at Nortrum all those years ago. Zeheart hangs up on him, and Leil asks why he takes that kind of lip, and Zeheart replies that he's not incorrect. Zanald did manage to take out Big Ring after all. Zeheart rolls up his sleeves, swearing that he'll take out the Diva as a substitute for settling the score with Asemu.

In a park in Olivernotes, Kio talks to his friend Wendy. Reading between the lines, we learn that Kio's dad Asemu left him the AGE Device before dying. The MacGuffin used to activate the Gundams running on the AGE System. When Kio received it, he decided that he would be like his father and grandfather before him, and fight to protect the Earth.

In his office, Flit talks to his old XO Algreus. Flit states his intentions to head back into the fray. Earth is endangered by not just the Vagans but a whole manner of enemies, and he will pick up the sword once more even if he becomes a demon in the process. Algreus tells him that he'll become no such thing. They will guide him toward becoming the saviour he always strove to be.

In the hangar, we're introduced to two of the Diva's pilots, Seric and Shanalua. Seric apologises to Gai, saying that they were sent to help reinforce GGG America on the day it was destroyed, but couldn't do anything about it. Gai tells them that it's not their fault, it was right after the destruction of Big Ring anyway.

Meanwhile Youta and Yuki are wandering around the Diva's hangar, and Falsaber warns them to watch their footing. Yuki chafes under the yolk of her robot dad and tells him that he worries too much. Kouji spots the Hachiryoukaku girls and gets excited at their mode of dress, while Sayaka gets annoyed at him. Yuuki warns Kouji, reminding him of the adage about roses and their thorns. Hurricane seems bemused by the attention though, saying she doesn't mind honest boys. Fancy explains that they joined up with the WSO after the whole incident with the gravity reactor. Yuki excitedly states that she wants to try on an outfit like theirs, and Falsaber tells her that he won't allow it - she's too young to dress like that. Kouji inquires about the large egg-shaped machine and Rody explains that it's the AGE Builder, the... oh bollocks, another alarm. The Vagans are attacking. Yuuki goes to run to the Cargo, but Hurricane tells her that there's a more suitable mode of transport for her available. Yuuki is excited to finally get upgraded from bus driver to actual combatant.

In the park, Kio and Wendy flee from the attacking mobile suits. The AGE Device transmits a message to Kio, and a woman drives up in a vehicle, telling them to get to the evacuation site. Kio asks for a lift for Wendy, and the woman asks what he's intending to do. Kio explains that his grandpa has sent him orders and that he's got stuff to do. The woman tells him to be careful and takes off, and Kio apologises for lying.

Meanwhile, the Vagans are hard at work earning sympathy points with the audience by murdering civilians. Hurricane and the others appear in their Psycho Gears and stop them from finishing off a woman with their barriers. Yuuki sorties in the Wingle, warning the Vagans not to underestimate them. The rest of the team arrives, and Sayaka's eye twitches at the sight of the Wingle. Seric sizes up the Vagan attack on the city as a distraction, surmising that their real goal is the Diva. Falsaber suggests that the Vagans might be getting inside information on the Federation's movements, and Shanalua replies that to the Vagans, this is a battle of life and death just the same as for us. The Psycho Gear girls head off to provide aid for the townsfolk, while we're stuck having to keep the enemy off the Diva.

The defense zone is a 3x3 block of tiles on the east side of the map, and you lose if any enemies reach the point. The enemy force is a bog standard assortment of Vagan mobile suits and Battas.

After you pare down the enemy force, Falsaber comments that the enemy commander seems pretty skilled. Meanwhile the Diva's ready to take off, but the captain still hasn't arrived yet. Enemy reinforcements arrive in the form of... Kiba grunts from SKL? They eyeball the Mazinger and decide that it's the "Skull" that they've sworn vengeance upon. The woman who picked up Wendy appears on the Diva's bridge, and introduces herself as Natora Unfortunatesurname. The Diva launches and Natora immediately yelps with fright as the Kiba grunts jeer at the Diva. Strange oscillations are detected at the gravesite of Grodek Ainoa, baffling seismologists.

The Kiba forces consist of the notDoublas and notGaradas, and are here in force with five pairs to the north and south of you. After you defeat more enemies, the Psycho Gear girls reappear. But something's wrong, and their units collapse to the ground. Zeheart appears, and Olbright immediately recognizes him by his movements. One of the Vagan X Rounders, and one of their best pilots. But while Zeheart's been napping for 23 years, the rest of us haven't been sitting on our hands, yells Olbright. As a side note, I like that the King of Braves has lines for Zeheart.

Zeheart's steed, the Ghirarga has 40000 HP, making him pretty beefy considering you have very little firepower on your side. After you beat him up, he regens to full in an event but Flit interrupts his little speech. But Flit's not in a mobile suit and Zeheart mocks his powerlessness. Kio appears in another unit and the two gattai to form the Gundam AGE-3. Rody reports that the AGE Builder just coughed up a new weapon for them as well: the Sigmasis Rifle. Zeheart moves in at high speed to attack the Gundam, but he's caught in a trap. The Psycho Gear girls, who were playing possum, leap up and entrap him. Kio hesitates to take the shot, and Flit demands to know if he intends to waste the girls' efforts. Kio yells and lets Zeheart have it with the Blustia Cannon, but the girls are caught in the blast as well. A woman named Fram calls Zeheart, telling him to pull back since he's in no condition to keep fighting. He angrily acquiesces and flees the battlefield. Kio looks at the burning town and Flit tells him to burn this image into his mind, since this is what the Vagans will wreak upon the whole Earth. Kio declares that he will use the Gundam to defeat them.

Onboard the Vagan ship, Zeheart returns in disgrace. Fram introduces herself to him, and Zeheart gives her the cold shoulder, since he doesn't trust Zanald who she claims sent her to check up on Zeheart. Fram tells him that the pilot of the Gundam who just beat him is none other than Asemu Asuno's son. Zeheart wonders if this is the machinations of fate, while Fram sizes Zeheart up.

Kio introduces himself to the team, along with the Gundam that his grandpa made for him. Thanks to the magical powers of the AGE System, which conceives of new mobile suits and manufactures them using a mixture of faerie dust and plotnium. Kio reveals that his grandpa has been teaching him how to pilot a mobile suit using simulators in the guise of video games. Shanalua rains on his parade, pointing out that while he beat the enemy ace, he also nearly vaporized a bunch of his allies in the process. Of course, the girls are completely unharmed due to their psycho barriers which kind of derails Shanalua's preaching. She leaves, telling Kio not to forget that war implies the taking of lives, and that doesn't change just because he's a child. Youta sums up what a lot of people probably think about her: "She's hot, but that bad attitude is a turn-off." We are also introduced to little tosser Wootbit, who introduces himself with all the tact of a sucker punch.

On the bridge, it's stated that Flit will be joining the Diva as an "observer". Flit states that he doesn't intend to second-guess the crew, but has one thing to say: this is a war that we cannot afford to lose, and we WILL win regardless of what we need to do so. Gai gets his back up at Flit's ruthless tactics, but Flit states that you strike when the opportunity presents itself and not a moment later. Sparks fly between the two, and it doesn't help that Kio bursts into the bridge to complain about his friend Wendy being dragged along with the Diva. Our next destination is revealed to be Japan, to visit with the Raijinoh kids.

Stage 9

On the Vagan mothership, Zeheart dispatches a subordinate named Godom to pursue the Diva to Japan.

Over in Japan, the Diva is docked at a JSDF base, the commander of which is a jolly bearded fellow who seems pleased to help. However, the possibility of an enemy attack is ever-present, so it's not as though we can put our feet up and relax either.

On the Diva, Wendy is still blue, having not heard from her parents yet. Sayaka urges her not to get despondent just yet, and to pray for their safety. She and Yuki attempt to get Wendy to help out around the ship in order to take her mind off things, and she agrees to help tidy up around the ship.

Down in the hangar, Wootbit is talking smack about Flit, and Kio is arguing with him. Wootbit accuses Kio as a kid who sees war as a game, and who is getting his kicks from playing hero in the Gundam. The adults Gai and Falsaber decide to keep out of it, rationalizing that the kids will eventually get it out of their system. However, Kio's aunt Yunoa yells at the two of them to shut up. She reveals that she's part of the ship's medical staff, and berates the two of them for picking fights constantly. She wonders why they aren't more behaved, like Mamoru, who she was asked by Nergal to bring along with her. After all, he is a special member of GGG. Wootbit continues to be a little tosser, commenting on how Mamoru is only a member because of his faerie powers but Falsaber and Gai assure him that they'd treat Mamoru the same even if he lost those powers.

Over at Hinobori, Jin and Maria are arguing as per usual, this time over what their role should be in these troubled times. Jin thinks they should be fighting all of the bad guys, not specifically the ones from their own show. There's some agreement but also some quiet dissent, and Jin accuses them of being scaredy cats. The teacher reasonably has the position that if they're (rightfully) scared, they shouldn't fight. This seems to annoy Jin some more, and he storms off. However, as he leaves, Maria confides to Kirara that while she disagrees with his attitude, he has a point. There's a lot of friends and loved ones here in town, and they may not be able to afford sitting on their hands...

Back on the Diva, Wendy was able to get in touch with her mum. Yunoa dragged Kio along in order to keep him from another squabble with Wootbit. Kio's mum Romary doesn't seem keen on him fighting, but Kouji shrugs and comments that there's not likely a mother out there who fancies the idea of their child going off to war. Cross shrewdly replies that there's all types of people in this world. Youta agrees, saying that his mum is always nagging him with "Are you bothering Falsaber? Are you taking care of Yuki?" and such. Shanalua enters the comms room, and Kouji asks if she's checking up with her family too. She playfully replies that adults have more people to talk to than just their folks. She changes gears by suggesting they all disembark for a change of pace, and insists Kio come along too.

Youta makes a beeline for the nearest game center, where Kio impresses with his Flit-trained video game skills. The angry (yet familiar) yells of Kio's opponent can be heard from the other side of the row, which makes Kouji laugh. The speaker is revealed to be Jin who, upon realizing that Maria has caught up to him, yells for the lads to scarper.

They head to a nearby park, where the Raijinoh kids are introduced to the new folk. Maria explains that in the wake of GGG getting blown up, the class' determination is wavering. Kouji asks why Kio fights and he replies with a perfectly simple answer of "to defeat the enemy". He seems politely confused that he needs a deeper reason other than "grandpa told me to defeat the bad guys". Elsewhere, a single tear is seen rolling down Flit's cheek. Said tear instantly evaporates at the news that a Vagan force is approaching the city. Kio states his intentions to fight, and Kouji and Youta crack their knuckles. Back at the school, Jin throws open the door and yells that they're heading off to war. Some of the other kids protest but he loudly reminds them that on the day they got Raijinoh, they swore to protect the Earth. But what, they're gonna get cold feet now when the situation starts to look a little bad? Even Maria agrees with this, and the other kids start to come around. Maria yells for the class to sally forth.

Flit states that the Vagans breaking through the SDF's first defence line is just a matter of time, so they're going to intercept. Natora meekly starts to say something, but he firmly tells her to stop dawdling and send out the robots. Flit tells Kio that he's flying solo today, since he's stuck on the Diva doing all the heavy thinking. Wootbit mocks Kio's fixation with his grandpa until Rody bops him upside the head. Right on schedule, the SDF reports that the Vagans are on their way. And the Raijinoh kids arrive as well, to protect their home. Godom arrives on the scene with a squad of flunkies, and the kids respond with a Muteki Gattai. Godom has to beat down his erection at the prospect of fighting, and Tider of the Jaaku Empire scampers off to deliver news of the human infighting to Belzeb.

The enemy force is led by Godom, who is held in such high esteem by the Vagans that he doesn't even have a custom unit. On the second turn, Jaakujuu show up thanks to Tider running off the tattle on us. The Exhausts immediately open fire on Raijinoh, and Godom follows suit, apparently unwilling to be denied his "prey". IMAGE: The Space Messiah is kind of a letdown, though not an unexpected one. Also Captain Moe being unprepared has already gotten old.

After you sufficiently damage Godom, the Raijinoh suddenly has some kind of malfunction and loses all of its EN. It appears as though that earlier attack hit a crucial spot, and Belzeb immediately sics the Exhausts on the crippled Raijinoh. Kio yells for Jin to back off, and Jin calls him an idiot. This is their town, and they're not about to run away just because they lost their power to a cutscene. The Exhausts go to deliver the killing blow on Raijinoh, but Kio throws the AGE-3 in the path of the attack and takes the hit for them. Flit tells him off for this, but Kio replies that a true saviour doesn't just defeat the enemy, but protects others. Now both units are more or less crippled, and Belzeb shrugs and orders the Exhausts to attack again. But Wootbit shows up in the G-Hopper, apparently moved by Kio's earlier proclamation. But there's no clear path to deliver the new Wear to the AGE-3. "So we'll just have to make one" yells Kouji. The Raijinoh draws upon the power of the land and regains its power. It busts out God Thunder Crash on a nearby Exhaust, while the AGE-3 docks with the G-Hopper to form the AGE-3 Virtu- er "Fortress". The Fortess isn't a new unit though, but rather a new attack that is (somehow) a goodly amount less powerful than the Blustia Cannon. Hiyama evidently recorded a ton of lines for Gai too, it appears.

After you clear the map, Belzeb leaves in a huff. Kio tells Flit that compared to yesterday, today's battle has left him feeling a lot happier. Flit doesn't have much to say about this, most likely because Godom left the battlefield under his own power instead of in a matchbox. Everybody praises Kio for his heroic stunt, while he and Wootbit bury the hatchet. Shanalua has no complaints to register at this time, and Kio heads off to find Wendy.

Wendy is apparently in the captain's room talking to Flit. She's decided that she wants to help out on the ship in any way she can, and Natora babbles at suddenly being asked to make a decision. Yunoa leans into her and Flit airily comments that the infirmary is understaffed, and she agrees to allow her to stay.

Meanwhile the Raijin kiddies are going to riding shotgun here on out, with Jin claiming that he'd lose sleep at night just leaving the world's peace to you. Youta points out the obvious that them riding on the Diva is a bit odd considering they need their school in order to launch Raijinoh. But there's no need to worry, because an exact copy of their classroom has somehow appeared on the ship. They're all enveloped in light, and a voice speaks to them. It's Eldoran, who says that this small gesture is the least it can do, that you're fighting on his behalf. Falsaber asks why he's not fighting himself, and Eldoran replies that his body is too worn out, leaving him to have to rely on you. Tokie points out how this is kind of irresponsible, but Eldoran replies that it'll be fine. And as quickly as he appeared, he's gone. Jin cackles, because even if the classroom is here, there's no teachers. In other words - they get to cut class all day every day. Except not, since the teachers Shinoda and Himeki are going to be tagging along to nip the issue of truancy in the bud. Youta smirks at Jin, but Himeki points out that Youta is a student too, and will similarly be spending his free time studying as well. Yuki is excited to be going back to school, though in the weirdest situation imaginable. Falsaber thinks about how he can't sense Yuki's will, but... before he can finish the sentence, he feels something is wrong. A similar sensation to when Destrook or the Jaaku Empire appear, but even stronger. Yuuki reports from the bridge that unknown mobile weapons have appeared all across the planet, including right here in Japan - in Shinjuku.

Stage 10

Akito formally introduces himself to Gai, and plans to fight using that "courage" stuff he's always hearing about. Youta notices that there's something different about Akito, and he replies that he's finally made up his mind about fighting. And it turns out that the other route split unveiled the horrible truth that the Jovians are actually not aliens at all, but humans! So uh, just like the Vagans then. Neo Zeon is mentioned, which causes both Kio and Jin to stare blankly. Kouji explains that they're the lunatics who tried to drop an asteroid on the Earth three years ago. Sayaka asks if they don't remember the mysterious light that enveloped the sky, and Youta recalls it was called the Axis Shock or something. They mention the Unicorn Gundam (Kio freaks out at the use of "Gundam") and the NT-D System. Apparently the pilot of Celestial Being's Gundam was identified as a target by that system and it went after him. They also saw a human-sized Gundam. Youta asks if Falsaber has any idea about the new baddies, but there's no response. Yuki explains that he's busy right now, conferring with the captains on the bridge.

Falsaber relates that he's unsure of who the mysterious new force is, only that they too hail from another world. It doesn't appear to be Destrook or the Jaaku Empire, since we haven't gotten any reports of Tokyo being on fire yet. However, we suddenly get a visual of the interlopers and it's a... flying castle?

Onboard the Will Wips, Drake inquires as to whether this is actually the surface world. Shot Weapon reports that they're currently in Japan, Shou Zama's homeland. Drake states that in the midst of the last battle, he heard Jakoba Aon's voice. The JSDF contact the Will Wips and order them to stand down or they will be fired upon. Drake laughs, saying that even if this isn't Byston Well, he'll simply have to take over the surface instead. The JSDF are routed by the enemy's Aura Machines, and our team arrives on the scene. The enemy units are small, but pack a surprising punch. Drake comments that the output of their Aura Machines is increasing. Shot explains that the Aura Power generated in Byston Well is weakened, but they can release it freely here. Lousa calls it a sign from the heavens justifying Drake's conquest.

The enemy consists of the Will Wips (which doesn't look very castlelike) and a heap of Aura Machines who aren't particularly threatening but have the potential to become obnoxious due to gaining an evasion skill at 130 morale. Be sure to destroy the Will Wips in this stage, as it's a flag for unlocking the Sirbine. The Will Wips will retreat if you destroy too many of the enemy, so be careful. Note that if you're going for the Sirbine flag, the Will Wips has 90000 HP and it doesn't take very many kills to trigger the event that results in his retreat. Also, pack a sandwich because it is incredibly tedious.

After you defeat some of the enemy, reinforcements appear. The Nadesico is suddenly hit by some kind of attack, causing its field to go down. The rest of your team suddenly take damage as well. An Aura Machine piloted by the Black Knight appears, who delivers the bizarre proclamation that courage and friendship are meaningless before his Aura Power. He gets ready to finish you off, but suddenly feels something that makes him laugh. He yells that Shou Zama has returned to the surface as well. A pair of Aura Machines and a ship appear suddenly. They seem to be a bit shocked to see themselves on the surface, but gird themselves upon seeing Drake's forces here. Ciela says that she'll leave it to the "servants of Hell". The Will Wips suddenly takes damage from above, and the Mazinkaiser SKL drops from above and lands a hit on its Aura Converter with its sword. The two pilots switch places in the cockpit and the SKL switches to guns, using them to dispatch several of the enemy Aura Machines. Yuuki introduces the new guys as the WSO's strongest soldiers, the Death Caprice and their unit the "Majin" Kaiser. The Will Wips is left in no condition to keep fighting, and retreats.

Magami asks if Ciela doesn't mind if they slaughter the enemy, and she gives the go-ahead (she notably refers to Magami and Kaidou by their surnames Ryou and Ken, with no honorific). The two of them lick their chops and get ready for the second round. The remaining enemy forces will be supplemented by a large number of reinforcements lead by the Black Knight in the Zwaus, which has 38000 HP. Finish him off with Shou for another Sirbine flag.

After the battle is over, Magami suggests that Shou pull off at the motorway services. Marvel's confused at first, but the Bilbine's Aura Converter overloads. Ciela asks if you'd like to exchange intel, which Yurika happily agrees to do.

Ciela explains about Byston Well to your team, who find it a bit far-fetched. So did Magami and Kaidou at first, but since they ended up there for six months after their fight with Iron Kaiser, they can vouch for it. Yurika takes the "resting place of souls" thing and the conditions under which the Kaiser team ended up there and assumes they're both dead. She attempts to exorcise them, but Magami clarifies they were *summoned*. Ciela explains that Surfacers are filled with rich and tasty Aura Power, and that Drake's been summoning them there to further his own ambitions. Which explains the mysterious disappearances of late. Kaidou and Magami try to explain their adventures, but end up in an argument and death threats. Yuuki yells and hits both of them upside the head, causing Kaidou that she's become more like Scarlet since the last time they saw her. Yuuki apologises to Ciela, who says that on the contrary, they were a great aid to her. But she asks you to lend her your aid in defeating Drake, and Munetake's lip curl like a furled window shade.

But Ciela explains that devoid of a means to return to Byston Well, Drake will settle for conquering the surface instead. Of course, she's not asking you to do it for free: she will pledge her country's resources to your cause in exchange. Yurika gladly agrees, and Munetake flips out at her. Yurika coolly explains that securing the safety of "drifters" falls under the purview of their team's authority. Munetake tries to undermine her by asking Natora's opinion, and she meekly squeaks out an answer (while Flit fixes her with a stare) that taking along the Dunbine folks under the auspices of surveillance would be a good idea. She breathes a sigh of relief when Flit doesn't yell.

In the hangar, Shou has brought the team up to speed on his backstory off-screen. He's originally Japanese, while Marvel was originally from the Union. Youta is surprised that people with the title of "Holy Warriors" are of such mundane origins, and Marvel explains that any human could qualify - even him. He gets excited but Falsaber brings him back down to Earth by pointing out that even if he was, it wouldn't actually change anything. Cham introduces herself as a notfaerie, a Mi Feralio, giving a few people quite a start. Yuki is thrilled to meet real faeries and greets them excitedly. Kouji shrugs and comments on how they're basically faeries anyway, and Cham gets annoyed and calls him the person with the Kaiser knock-off. Kouji insinuates that Kaiser's the imposter. Juuzou never mentioned anything about another Mazinger, but then he again he DID kind of die the first time Kouji took the thing for a spin. Kaidou asks Kouji if he's interested in the Kaiser, but not to get too close unless he wants to die. Sayaka freaks a bit but Shou says that Kaidou's just messing with them. Magami points out that Shou's in good health, which is more than can be said for the Bilbine, whose Aura Converter has shot the bed. Marvel loans Shou her Dunbine, and says that she'll just use a Bochune if need be. Kaidou and Magami stalk off somewhere after being their usual selves, and one of the Raijinoh kids gets the impression that while they're kind of scary, they're not actually bad people. In any case, says Leon, they're definitely professionals. Gai bursts into the hangar at this point looking for Youta and Yuki. He tells them that he's gotten a call from Yuu, who is asking for their help.

Down in the seas of Austral Island, the ship carrying Yuu and company is breaking up. Doris freaks out about the situation with GAIL chasing them to boot, and Captain picks her up like a carrier bag and throws her in the drink with her brother. Captain yells for Yuu to leap overboard, but before he can, something mechanical comes at him from out of the darkness...

Stage 14 - Zero Gravity Valley

In a campsite in the White Valley, the gang is chowing down on some grub provided by Jojo, who is pleased to see that Earthers have similar tastes to him. Talk turns to bailing out the SMS folks who are being held prisoner by Mardal and his terrifyingly huge skull. The level of security in the valley seems excessive, even considering the presence of hostages. A mysterious fellow shows up and explains that it's because the ostentaciously named Treasure Manor is there. This fellow is a bandit by the name of Red Window (really?) and he'd like to offer his assistance. He'd very much like to pilfer the loot stashed in the Manor, but he can't do it alone. Everybody is rather hesitant to trust a thief, except Knight Gundam who's willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Captain is prepared to go along with it, but handles his sidearm and suggests that he not betray them. Anyhoo, the plan is the typical SRW plan for busting out allies: have the crazies (such as the SKL boys) set fire to the garden to lure the enemy out and then send in the extraction team. Who, in this case, will consist of Azbeth, Knight Gundam, Captain, Allelujah and Marie, with Red Window on point. Captain notes that Al is a Celestial Being Meister, leading Marie to wonder who the hell this guy is. This surprises people - as in the Celestial Being movie, the pilot of the transforming Gundam was a woman.

The gang arrives in the valley, in the so-called "Floating Graveyard" due to the extremely low gravity. The bones of long-dead animals slowly float through the air, justifying the name. Knight Gundam suddenly hurls the rest of his entourage into the undergrowth, as Mardal's goons show up with Klan and Luca in their custody. They saw through the diversion... or so they thought. Knight Gundam deliberately allowed himself to get rumbled, the enemy not realizing there's a second group of infiltrators. However, Window doesn't fancy Knight's odds and flees into the night. Knight Gundam is alone here against Zaba and his centaur mooks, along with Klan and Luca who are forced to attack you. After two turns, the scene turns to the manor's interior where the infiltration team is cracking skulls. Al and Marie both sense a strong power, which suddenly triggers the resurfacing of Hallelujah who gleefully slaughters the attacking soldiers.

Outside, Knight has to survive another turn. The situation looks dire until Window suddenly yells for Knight to jump over to where he is. Knight complies, and the ground collapses under the enemy force as Window detonates some buried explosives. However, Hy shows up with the airborne cavalry immediately after. But the infiltration team successfully busts the Macross Quarter's crew out of the pokey, and not a moment too soon. Knight Gundam's exhausted, but not so exhausted he can't deliver a heroic speech to Window about how heroes never give up. Zaba flies at Knight to finish him off, when suddenly a black Aura Battler bursts from the ground and cuts him down. The Macross Quarter launches from the enemy base and vaporises the enemy frontline with the Macross Cannon. The gang arrives, with the black Aura Battler acting as an NPC support. And by that I mean as a Tobikage, who plunges into the thick of the enemy and devours all of your money. Worse still, the enemy AI loves to target it. When the field is clear, the black Aura Battler buggers off and leaves everybody wondering what it's deal is. Falsaber seems to know something but dismisses it as his imagination.

After the battle, Michel wastes no time in flirting with Ryoko. Similarly, Bobby does the same with Allelujah who backs away slowly. Everybody thanks Window for his help. He wasn't just a thief after all. The Frontier folks explain that they were attacked by unmanned units, specifically of the Ghost variety. Ranka apparently got blown out an airlock during the attack right before the Quarter initiated an emergency Fold. Due to the Fold faults, they ended up here on the planet Arst. And it transpires that we apparently missed one of the hostages - Sheryl Nome.

Stage 15 - The Wind That Blows Through Space

It transpires that Sheryl was on the Quarter at the suggestion of Ranka, who thought she might wake up from her current condition if Alto was there. As for why Mardal wants her, it seems to be that she might be related to a method he's discovered of reaching Earth. And speaking of which, it sounds as though his troops are suddenly mobilising. Unsurprisingly, this is something that we would prefer not to happen. Alas, Mardal's goons nicked all of the Ghosts that were being stored on the Quarter. As for rescuing Sheryl, Flit's not sure he wants to gamble all their lives for a single civilian... but if she's the key to Mardal's plan, they'll have to go for it. Everybody tells Alto that they've got his back, and Alto swears that he'll restore the ménage à trois status quo.

On the field of battle, Mardal passes the time by waxing poetic about what meaning there can be to a world of everlasting peace and the intracacies of desire and ideals. Hy wipes a tear from his eye at the beauty of it all, just in time for the heroes to arrive. The Mradal forces deploy the Ghosts that they stole from the Quarter, though fortunately there's no spooky hypno-song playing as accompaniment. Luca says that he should be able to crack the Ghosts' transmission protocols and send the shutdown command within 3 minutes. Falsaber, Jojo, Alto and Luca are all forced deployments. The objective is nominally to protect Luca for 3 turns, but the Ghosts aren't particularly dangerous even though more of them show up each turn. When Luca goes to transmit the shutdown command, he takes a hit to his Fold transmission system. The culprit is Zenon Mantha, one of the servants of Siegzeon. And what's more, he brought along a friend - Bruvictor of Destrook, who is here for Falsaber's head.

As you cull the enemy ranks, Hy sends out some Ghosts whose limiters have been disengaged. They strafe the team, and Akatsuki asks if there's a plan B. Luca replies that strong song energy could disrupt them, but with both Sheryl and Ranka absent, that plan won't work. Except Mina from Macross 30 is right there, belting out Planet Cradle. She's repaying the favour for Sheryl saving her during the course of 30's story. The Ghosts fall out of the sky, and Alto thinks that the song feels somehow nostalgic. Leon yells at him to pull his head out of his arse and go find Sheryl. Alto flies at the enemy ship and Hy appears to repulse him, only for Jojo to jump him and challenge him to a duel. Alto blasts his way into the enemy ship and rescues Sheryl, and Hy slaps his own forehead for falling for the obvious trick. The primary foes at this point are Hy (38300 HP), Zaba (33300), Rodan (33300), Zenon Mantha (50300), and Bruvictor (50300). When you deplete Bruvictor's HP, he regenerates. Falsaber moves off to the side, stating that he'll end the battle with the next attack. Youta yells that just like Alto, he and Falsaber will risk their lives as well. The music swells and Falsaber unleashes the Falblaze... which comically fails to so much as scratch Bru's paint job. Bruvictor slaps Falsaber upside the head and knocks all his HP off. He prepares to finish Fal off, but Yuki screams for him to stop and he stops dead in his tracks. All of the strength leaves Bruvictor's body and he gasps that his time has run out. Mardal contacts him and asks him to retreat, stating that it would be a shame to lose so fierce a fighter as he. Bruvictor pulls back, apologising to Devotee as he leaves.

When the field is clear, Mardal shows up and commends your efforts. Meanwhile down in the nearby excavation site, Hilmuka and Window find a huge machine at the bottom of the pit. She realizes a moment too late why Mardal chose this location for the battle, as the machine suddenly lights up. The battlefield shakes and Mardal smirks, asking if they feel the wind that blows through space. A UFO rises out of the ground and from within it, Hilmuka yells for everybody to flee - they've been dancing in the palm of Mardal's hand. The whole battlefield is swallowed up by light. The disturbance is detected by a couple of spacemen, who recognize the phenomenon as a dimensional jump. One of the men, Uzuben, is told to pack his bags and head to Earth.