Guilty Gear -Strive- script

The following page comprises a full verbal transcript of Guilty Gear -Strive-.

Notes

• This transcript contains cutscene dialogue from Story and Arcade Modes.
• Transcriptions of battle dialogue and arcade quotes are found on character's individual quote lists.
• Dialogue is sorted by chapter name, or by character name, then by location.

Arcade Mode

Main article: /Arcade

Story Mode

Prologue

Intro

The Original: How could this be?! Mankind's emotions have overtaken the world! And one girl is supposed to shoulder it all? The world tore itself from its origin. Her godhood is nigh! The only solution is to rid her of human desire. Humanity's hope for the future comes at the cost of her own. Forgive me. All I can leave her is her name...

Illyria Castle -- Prison

Swordsmen: [run towards the entrance, ready to fight] It's I-No!

I-No: [walks in] Do any of you really think you can stop me? [no one moves] Wow. No idiots in your little group, I see.

Swordsman: If you turn back now, we can all stay that way.

I-No: These days, chivalry's worth as much as shit on your shoe.

Swordsman: Be that as it may, we bear our country's flag. We're not afraid to step in it.

I-No: I feel for you. Really, I do. [teleports behind them, continues walking, then looks at the gate]

Swordsman: You-- You witch! [prepares to attack]

I-No: [to herself] Our first idiot. [destroys the gate, leaving everyone unconscious; enters a white room] Sorry about the mess. Didn't know you were such a neat freak.

Ariels: [in maiden] Why... are you here?

I-No: How about you? Why are you here? You wouldn't have ended up like this if you'd just gone and died when you lost your war against humanity.

Ariels: Hah. And you believe you won? Witches have such vivid imaginations.

I-No: Better than not having one at all. I'm not the one who had to give up my crown and castle.

Ariels: Be careful, now. That rug under your feet is a lion's mane. You might be on the other side of the cage for now, but you won't get away with it for long.

I-No: [leans over] I could stop, if you'd like. So long as you return what's mine.

Ariels: ...Yours? Ha, hahaha. You think it will obey you just because you put a leash around its neck? That power needs no master.

I-No: Today it does. And once you see someone wielding it... You'll know who the master really is.

Ariels: You may think you know everything, but you can never foresee your mistakes. You're just a child excited over a new toy.

I-No: No. You're the child here. [breaks lock, opens maiden, starts to pull out] You've dreamed up the boogeymen under your bed and in your closet... But you didn't have the imagination to drive them away.

Ariels: ...What are you planning?

I-No: Limitless creation.

Ariels: Gaaaaaah! [Happy Chaos falls to the ground.]

Chaos: Aww. Someone finally found me out, huh? And you're the most dangerous "someone" it could've been.

Ariels: U-Urgh...

Sol: [voiceover as Ky and guards run to the prison, hear a swordsman's explanation, then examine Ariels' state] Someone once said... ...that if mankind's endless want could be sated, inequality and conflict would come to an end. Or, to look at it another way... If you were to rob humanity of its desire, you would bring peace to the world. But who wants a world like that? And what is the peace people desire? Asking that is to ask... ...what humanity is.

Washington DC

[Car, driven by Giovanna, speeds up.]

Asuka: Is everything all right? I can hear tires screeching.

Vernon: These windows have great visibility, wouldn't you agree? You wouldn't even know they were there.

Asuka: Indeed.

Vernon: They're 110 millimeters thick, too. A 100% wurzite. Just as fast on land as in the water. Worst case scenario, she can even move without wheels. And our driver's more than her good looks: she's got 42 manuals worth of emergency protocol committed to memory. Not bad, huh? Miste--

Asuka: Asuka. No need for a "mister".

Vernon: Asuka, then. Anyway... This car you've chosen for your little hitchhike could put any tank to shame. My only complaint is that I can't find an insurance company to cover it. Do you know why that is?

Asuka: Well, um... Yes, I do. Because you are the 76th President of the United States, and this is your personal car. A little flashier than I would have chosen on my way to propose demilitarization at G4, but nonetheless.

Erica: I agree with you there...

Vernon: ...

Asuka: I do apologize for forcing my way in like this. I had considered alternative approaches, but...

Vernon: Save the explanation for later. For now, we need to get all these eyes off us.

[Aircraft follows the car. Reporters talk in voiceover.]

Reporter #1: Our intrepid reporters can confirm firsthand that the Gear Maker is currently seated in the President's car!

Reporter #2: That is correct. It seems that the most heinous criminal in history, commonly known as "That Man" may have surrendered himself into United States custody.

Reporter #3: While we haven't been able to get a clear view of the situation, witnesses are reporting that he was speaking with the President. Now, there is a possiblity that this may be a copycat...

Reporter #4: --the mastermind behind innumerable crimes during the Crusades, the monikers "That Man" and "The Gear Maker" should be familiar to anyone who's ever opened a history textbook...

Reporter #?: His true identity has remained a mystery until now...

Reporter #?: Some speculate that he may be involved with the United States' expected demilitarization announcement at G4.

Reporter #?: Citizens have started to gather in protest, resulting in confusion unseen since the 42 Club incident...

Reporter #?: What is he after?!

Reporter #?: Be wary of the recent spread of unfounded speculation. As of now, we don't have any confirmation...

Reporter #?: He's a man of many names. But perhaps we should call him by the one most familiar to us: The Devil.

[Inside car.]

???: Vultures, all of 'em. They can spot prey from a mile away.

Asuka: Oh, actually, I leaked the story to them.

Vernon: You don't say... Wait, HUH?!

Erica: I hate to say it, but you heard that right.

Asuka: It was a necessity. I want my actions to be just as transparent as the glass of this window. I know that my request is unreasonable, but--

Stryper: You call it a request... But with all those eyes on us, this is a demand. You might not realize, but if the pen is mightier than the sword, then the microphone's stronger than a cannon.

Erica: You're supposedly the mastermind behind a hundred-year war. Whether that's true or not, it's what the people believe. If the victims of that conflict or their families are nearby... They aren't just here to get a look at you.

Giovanna: [sniffs] ... [Noise on the car's roof.] Huh?!

Stryper: ! Get down! [covers Vernon]

Anji: [jumps over and makes the roof disappear] So it is you. [lands on the street, then to comm] That's a negative, Boss. Looks like the "other one" is in Illyria.

Giovanna: [looks through the roof's hole] Skies sure are clear. We're going to need a 43rd manual, Mr. President.

Stryper: Worry about that after we've--

Erica: Mr. Asuka. They say that there's nothing you can't do. So what could you possibly want from us?

Asuka: ...Confinement.

Vernon: For you? I don't think there's a cell in this world that could hold you.

Asuka: No, not for me. For the Tome.

Vernon: The Tome... You mean, the Tome of Origin?!

Asuka: To be more precise, I need a place that cannot be accessed by any outside force. One that cannot be forced open by any weapon or spell, no matter how strong.

Erica: ...Now I see.

Vernon: So, like Alcatraz?

Erica: No, Mr. President. He's referring to an even safer location. The Presidential Emergency Operations Center. In other words... The White House.

Wasteland

[Sol drives Firewheel Mk.2 before his bounty.]

Bounty: Huff, huff... Rgh, this ain't good...! Sol Badguy...! I saw ya in the newspaper, y'know!

Sol: You can read? Shit, you're smarter than I thought. How 'bout you read this for me? [shows a bounty poster]

Bounty: Who's that handsome devil?

Sol: C'mon, read it. Says you're worth two months' worth of meals.

Bounty: Two whole months? Figured a big world-savin' hero would have more expensive tastes. Shouldn't you be puttin' up your feet at the castle right now? What're ya doin' out here bounty hunting?

Sol: Do I look like I got any table manners? [walks towards him] Ah, hold on now. Hear me out. I get it. Between the name and the look, I can seem a little scary. But... You make the right choice here, and I'll show you my softer side.

Bounty: D-Don't screw with me! Hyah! [throws spear at Sol, which he stops by piercing his hand] Heh heh! [spear extends and pierces Sol's chest, but he takes it out] Huh?!

Sol: [wound heals immediately] That was the wrong choice.

Bounty: N-N-No freakin' way! [walks backwards until he stumbles upon Jack-O'] Who the--?!

Jack-O': Um, I'm with him.

Bounty: [attacks] Dammit! [is kicks mid-air towards Sol, and crashes into concrete that Sol kicks up] You... monster... [falls unconscious on ground]

Sol: That's Mister Monster to you. The army didn't burn their morals and budget a hundred years ago to make someone you could disrespect.

Jack-O': You mean Asuka, right?

Sol: Huh?

Sol: It wasn't the army who made you. It was Asuka.

Sol: This guy sure as hell doesn't need to know that. And I'll settle things with him in due time.

Illyria Castle -- Prison

Daryl: Our citizens have both freedom of thought and freedom of speech. They may voice their complaints to the government as they see fit. This is a democracy, after all. In short... Ky... Our administration is not a popular one.

Ky: You're telling me that someone came to complain about a top-security containment cell 300 meters underground?

Daryl: You catch on quickly.

Ky: And you chose to leave the comfort of the castle and come take a look for yourself.

Daryl: I didn't plan on doing so, until I heard that the First King himself was inspecting the site. Are you really so desperate for supporters?

Ky: In terms of pure accomplishment, people say I should be the Third King.

Daryl: Lines like that are why you keep making enemies. What are the damages?

Ky: 32 injured, and the sturdiest door in the castle kicked down.

Daryl: What was stolen.

Ky: Nothing. Nothing I could include in a report, at any rate. The culprit took something from Ariels. Whether that's a weapon, a power, or something else we should be afraid of, I couldn't say.

Daryl: It's as if we're cursed. How has it only been three weeks? Three weeks between the end of the war... and our culprit deciding to shake things up again. What did you say her name was...?

Leo: [at the gate] I-No. If you're planning on becoming a detective, you chose one hell of a first case. [holds papers for them to see]

Illyria Castle -- Corridor

[Ky, Leo and Daryl are walking.]

Daryl: [with papers on hand] This is an extensive criminal record. If even half of these accusations are true, then ten life sentences wouldn't be enough. And she's a combat genius with the ability to move through time? It's no wonder the police in the military have thrown in the towel.

Leo: Spare us the barbs and read, would you?

Daryl: Barbs? I like to think of them as staples, holding the pages together. Otherwise, it's an endless list of excuses for why I-No's running wild.

Daryl: But on that note, Leo... I do have one question about all of this. What is her goal?

Leo: All of our info's on those pages in your hand.

Ky: She's the strongest performance criminal in history. Other than that, we don't know a thing.

Daryl: Even where she came from?

Ky: We don't even know if I-No's her real name.

Daryl: Saves me the trouble of looking her up in the registry, at least.

Ky: She's been known to work with the Gear Maker, though again, we can't say why. Or at least, she was working with him until recently.

Daryl: What makes this time any different?

Leo: She's never made a move this big before. Not to brag, but I'm a video surveillance fiend. If I caught it on camera, I could track a flea to the end of the world. But I-No destroyed all the footage from last night.

Daryl: Of course, that's criminal behavior 101.

Leo: Not for her. Usually she wants the spotlight. But this time, she didn't want to be seen.

Ky: She was hiding something. Which can only mean... She's got a sequel in the works.

[They stop.]

Daryl: How grateful I am that we have your brain. But what is it about this that has you so rattled?

Ky: The timing. It's too close to the G4 Summit for this to be a coincidence. And we've got two troublemakers in play here: the Gear Maker and I-No. They may have different motives, but I can't imagine their actions are entirely unrelated. When two tornadoes collide, they create an even bigger storm.

Daryl: You're right. The timing couldn't be worse. We need to put an end to all this. Or rather... We need a tornado that can snuff out the other tornadoes.

Ky: Daryl...

Daryl: Sol Badguy is still a bounty hunter, is he not?

Leo: The man spent a hundred years trying to get his life back.

Daryl: It's not that I don't appreciate what he's gone through... But heroes are put on a different pedestal. We shower them with praise... ...because we expect them to risk their lives.

Wasteland

Jack-O': Making sure he won't fall off?

Sol: Just about done.

Jack-O': Kaaay. [lifts the Outrage from the ground]

Sol: Hey, Jack-O'. Careful with that. I just put it together, so it's not stable yet.

Jack-O': What, is it gonna blow up or something?

Sol: Yeah, and take the whole damn mountain with it. And that's before I've even got batteries in the thing.

Jack-O': Well, that's terrifying. You really want ME to carry this around?

Sol: You ever get an entire century to tinker away at a hobby? You'd be amazed at what you can make.

Jack-O': Huh? You call this a hobby? That's a little aggressive. [snaps fingers and McFire-Wheel ONE appears]

Sol: No different than brand-name clothes or jewels. Think of it as a bouquet of roses. And handle it that way, too.

Jack-O': Maybe I'd know how if you ever gave me any.

Sol: Hah. ...By the way. Don't pull a stunt like that again.

Jack-O': Huh?

Sol: You're a regular human now.

Jack-O': Biologically, you mean?

Sol: You know what I mean. Wouldn't you rather have stayed back at the castle?

Jack-O': Aria's still in here. [points to head] I'm nothing more than a temporary, replacement personality. Just an AI put in place to steer this body. Save that question for when your real girlfriend is back.

Sol: I'm asking you.

Jack-O': I have no desires beyond fulfilling my role.

Sol: And your role wants you here with me?

Jack-O': Am I the one who was at your side for ten years? I have a thousand years' worth of knowledge of my role, and not even one year's knowledge of this world. Besides, what would you do if I did say I wanted to stay at the castle?

Sol: [comm activates] I'd tell you too bad. You need a royal decree just to open the damn refrigerator. Even a rat wouldn't last two days there.

Ky: [via comm] Sol.

Sol: [to comm] Yeah?

Ky: I need you at the castle.

Area 42

Chaos: Mm...! You smell that? Dust and plants everywhere.

I-No: And, uh... you're happy about that?

Chaos: You try spending all day locked in a windowless room. Then you'll get it. I was stuck in one for a hundred years. What'd you pull me out for, anyway? It's my fault you lost your power. You want it back, right? Look, I know it sounds cheesy, but... It'll make you a god. Does that intrigue you?

I-No: Does it matter?

Chaos: Sure does. [takes a gun out of his holster and shoots at her, but the bullet stops before her face and falls]

I-No: Ah. [makes a gesture with her hand; Chaos is thrown and stuck to a cliff] That's an awfully personal question.

Chaos: There's a reason behind this world. Things only ever start to exist when there's a reason for them to. Even me. As long as you exist, you're needed. By something. [gets to his feet] I was wondering if, for me, that something was you.

I-No: Fallen for me, have you?

Chaos: Your power, at least.

I-No: What else is there?

Chaos: I realize this may sound a bit contradictory now, but I've never been big on the idea of fate. So even if we only know, I dunno, four percent of what makes up the universe... Discovering the remaining 96 percent doesn't really interest me. Neither does wealth, honor, influence... The most important thing for me... ...is drama. What kind of story are you about to write for us?

I-No: The god who made me did so with a tequila in hand. If he could do that, I can do anything. But what I want is simple. A future.

Chaos: Well... That's interesting. [snaps fingers, and car appears] Happy Chaos.

I-No: Happy...?

Chaos: My name. You're my boss. And I'm gonna be your sacrifice.

Washington DC

Pilot: Avalon, this is Firefly 3. Special patrol, complete. Requesting permission to RTB.

Operator: Avalon Clay, confirming. Firefly's patrol logged as complete. Return to base, Firefly.

White House -- Corridor

[Asuka, Erica, Vernon and others are walking.]

Erica: Mr. Asuka.

Asuka: Hm?

Erica: I won't ask you to walk with your eyes closed, but try to save your curiosity for the guided tour.

Asuka: Oh, right...

Erica: I really don't mean to be so uptight, but this is a highly restricted area. Which is, to be fair, exactly what you asked for. The most difficult room in the world to enter. Though I hope you don't expect five-star luxury.

[They stop before a door.]

Asuka: So it's just through this door?

Erica: No, that room's just a room... You could just open the door and walk right out for a coffee. [activates a mechanism, and the floor below them starts to descend]

Vernon: Quite the antique, isn't it? The White House hasn't changed since the Crusades. It's got little shelters and hideaways all over the place.

Asuka: I'm rather used to this sort of environment.

Vernon: Meanwhile, I don't even know what's safe to touch. [opens a door via a pad]

Asuka: [looking at ID pad] (Good. It hasn't changed...)

Vernon: Asuka.

Asuka: Coming! This should suit me perfectly.

Erica: Do you have many friends? I'm afraid that all private communication from this bunker is strictly forbidden.

Asuka: Signal blocking, I presume?

Erica: That's right. Communication's less "forbidden" than it is impossible. This room uses 13th generation AES encryption--- the highest standard of security in the universe. So make your personal calls now, before your friends start to wonder where you've disappeared to.

Asuka: Oh, er, thank you... But... I don't believe that will be necessary.

???: (He's awfully unassuming for the Devil.)

???: (Yeah, I'm almost disappointed, to be honest.)

[Asuka casts a spell.]

???: What're you--

Asuka: Don't panic.

???: !

[Everyone's comms activate.]

Erica: !

Vernon: Hm?

[Alarms outside begin to ring. Asuka ends his spell. The comms and alarms are turned off.]

Asuka: See? [Erica glares.] S-Sorry...

White House -- Garden

Goldlewis: [looks at his wristwatch] ...What're they up to in there?

White House -- Corridor

Udo: Chief, Secretary Dickinson has already arrived.

Stryper: That's why we're in such a hurry.

Udo: Honestly, I'm not sure if this whole exercise is really worth our time. I mean, the Secretary's stronger than all of us agents combined.

Stryper: Yeah, and he's pissed off that we let the Gear Maker into the compound. Being late may cost us some trust, sure, but skipping this training would cost us our lives.

Udo: Tell that to Gio.

White House -- Roof

Stryper: Little early for moon watching, isn't it?

Giovanna: [looks at them from above] It's too gloomy indoors.

Stryper: It'll get a lot gloomier if you piss off the secretary. Come on, you've got a training exercise to get to.

Giovanna: [jumps over] You recommended me for the secret service, remember? I read the brief, I know what I'm doing.

Stryper: Oh? Did it say anything about paying you to take a nap? You're so much stronger than I am, yet you still haven't earned this badge. Why is that, Giovanna?

Giovanna: Because it looks incredibly stupid.

Stryper: I don't disagree, but don't go around saying that, got it? This was designed by the president himself.

Giovanna: [looks at Udo] Did he design that ugly shirt, too?

Stryper: Enough already, just prepare for your training. And button up your shirt.

Giovanna: But then how will I catch a good man?

Stryper: It sure didn't work on me...

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Vernon: Now, Asuka... I think I've got a good read on you. I've seen that you're a good man. The people who don't know you may say you're the Devil, but it doesn't seem like you're looking to cause trouble. That's why I opted to grant your request. But now that I've done so... Mind telling me why you're really here?

Erica: You said that you wanted to protect the Tome. Do you intend to remain within these walls forever? We aren't idiots. We realize that your "surrender" coincides with the G4 Summit. And you'll be right under the representatives from the four most powerful nations in the world. So what exactly do you intend to do?

Asuka: Rather than protecting the Tome, per se... I want to erase it for mankind's history. It's been done before... Are you familiar with Project Tír na nÓg?

Erica: Impossible. That's just an urban legend...!

Vernon: Fill me in.

Erica: ... People say, there's a massive strategic weapon hidden somewhere within the White House. But that's a completely unfounded rumor.

Asuka: As the former president, Ms. Bartholomew, you would know. It is indeed mere gossip. But what makes it a rumor of note... ...is that the truth is far more surprising. The Crusades may be over, but many sad relics of the era remain, lying dormant and undiscovered. Some of which are extremely dangerous. I consider it my duty to eliminate them all.

Vernon: And you intend to raise this issue at G4.

Asuka: [stands up and walks over in front a bust] The blame for the Crusades rest solely on my shoulders. I put humanity on the brink of extinction. There's very little difference between a good statue and an evil bystander. For too long, I've chosen to avert my eyes. But if there are two things I truly need to erase from this world... ...they are the Tome of Origin... [summons the tome] ...and Sol Badguy.

Chaos

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Marketplace

Axl: [stops at a balcony] This is where we could finally see each other... [looks at a photo of Megumi] Just one last time... [surroundings turn gray with time-stop sound effect; the tower is destroyed] Hm?! [Chaos' figure appears behind him, time returns to normal] What... What was all that...? It wasn't real... Was it the past? No, maybe the future? [looks at wristwatch, then the tower] Hm?! Oh, hell... Does that mean he's gonna show up here?

Highway

["Trigger" plays.]

Jack-O': Thought you said you hated the castle.

Sol: If you had royalty in your family, you'd get it.

Jack-O': What sort of treat is the king dangling in front of you this time?

Sol: I'm not a dog, y'know.

Bounty: [tied to the motorcycle] But you are a son of a bitch!

Sol: Oh, like you're one to talk. Well, if you're not a dog, I guess we don't have to worry about feeding you, then.

Bounty: W-Wait wait wait wait! Let's not be hasty here!

Jack-O': The king's got him well trained, too. He wouldn't go to the castle when I asked.

Bounty: Heh. Woof!

Sol: Stow it. We get to skip the bounty processing fee if we turn him in at the castle anyway. [Jack-O' looks at him] Tch. Listen, Ky accepted my terms.

Jack-O': Terms?

Sol: Bah, I'll tell you later. You really like chatting that much?

Jack-O': Yeah.

Sol: Then save your questions for this evening. We've got a whole day before we reach the castle.

Jack-O': Hey, just how often is the world in danger, anyway?

Sol: Wow, evening already? Time flies.

Jack-O': Teehee. Frederick.

Sol: Yeah?

Jack-O': You're... smiling

Sol: [stops smiling] So what?

Jack-O': We talked with our friends once, about the nature of human happiness. [Sol looks away.] And my answer was different than everyone else's. I may have a human body now, but my role... Protecting the world is all that's left to me. So maybe the human one here... ...is you.

Aria: [static] (You still haven't realized it yet.)

[Jack-O' is startled.]

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Asuka: I'm not certain about this room just yet... ...but everything else is just as I remember it. Finally... I'm finally here. Asuka R. Kreutz. For the first time ever, you exist.

White House -- Oval Office

[They are watching Asuka via security feeds.]

???: So that's the infamous Gear Maker. I never imagined I'd get to see his face.

Goldlewis: Looks awful young to me. You sure he's the real deal?

Erica: His power is, at the very least. He even offered us a little present. A historical record written by That Man himself. [hands over the document]

???: [opens it] Christmas came early this year, I see... Assuming he's only here to talk, that is.

Vernon: Oh, I'd be the first to tell you that Asuka's no Santa Claus.

Goldlewis: But he came on down the chimney and entered our home. If he ain't Santa, then I'm afraid I gotta see him out.

Vernon: I'd like to believe Asuka's being honest with us. He understands the purpose of the G4 Summit.

Goldlewis: And by "purpose," you mean takin' out Sol Badguy, the man who saved the world?

Vernon: Well... I must admit, I couldn't get Asuka to reveal his true intentions... So we'll all be keeping our cards close to our chest until the day of the summit.

???: It's undeniable that Sol poses a real risk. Perhaps Asuka intends to subvert our plans for him.

Goldlewis: Could well be. But let's just table this issue for now and move on.

Vernon: Wait, there's more?

Goldlewis: Based on this morning's report, it seems we got ourselves two Santas.

Erica: [presses button, screen appears before Vernon] Our second Santa's name is I-No. She's an internationally wanted criminal. The Illyrian government has designated her a potential terrorist, as well.

Vernon: A terrorist? Then what's she after?

Erica: It seems they have no clue.

Goldlewis: She's a total unknown, from her motive, to her plan, to her whereabouts. I'd say she's a ghost, but we'd probably have more intel on her if she was. All we know is that the Illyrian Army, the strongest military force in the world, have got themselves a name for her: The Calamity. And she's chosen this moment to make her move.

Erica: They haven't said so outright, but Illyria might be hoping that we'll cancel G4.

Vernon: When we don't even know where this woman is or what she wants?

Goldlewis: That's the problem. We don't know just how dangerous I-No could be. Or how the Gear Maker might respond if the G4 Summit's cancelled.

???: That's true. He seems peaceful enough now, but he wouldn't have to come to the table just to have it overturned.

Erica: We're between a rock and a hard place...

Vernon: Dickinson... Our demilitarization promises aren't just some vote-grabbing scheme, correct? We're building a new generation. A new era of peace. People will only follow a leader if that leader's moving forward.

White House -- Corridor

Erica: I have to admit, you surprised me. I thought you'd prioritize national security over all else.

Goldlewis: I don't trust the Gear Maker as far as I can throw him. If he's so innocent, then who's responsible for the scars that have been raked across our history? Is "That Man" somehow two different people? All that bein' said... Protecting our country means protecting the ideals and people our president believes in. Besides, how could I say no to those eyes?

Erica: It's not like we have the time to be squabbling amongst ourselves anyway.

Goldlewis: Still, Erica, what are we gonna do about Sol? We can't exactly mosey on up to him and ask him to take a comfy seat in the electric chair.

Erica: I know how the president would respond, so I've already made a few arrangements. Even if they did involve a little white lie.

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Leo: Ky!

Ky: Leo.

Leo: I heard the news. So the US sent us a summons letter for Sol?

Ky: That's right. The presence of the Gear Maker has done nothing to slow their plans to hold G4. They're asking Sol to come as a knight.

Leo: Americans don't even know how to make sausage right. I-No! Is on the move! And they're holding a party! It doesn't take a genius to see how this ends!

Ky: President Vernon is quite passionate about making G4 a success. Between that and his demilitarization plan, he truly does hope to change the world. Which means our only course of action now is to capture I-No, just like Daryl said.

Leo: ...I almost forgot. You may look like an honor student, but you're a hot-blooded fool. Why does this always happen whenever I'm about to go home? I must be cursed.

Ky: Heh.

Leo: What? What is it?

Ky: It's just that the word "cursed" coming out of your mouth is starting to sound all too familiar...

Leo: The hell's that supposed to mean...?

Forest

[Sol looks at their campfire, then at Jack-O', who is sleeping, then reminisces. At a park, Frederick is sitting on a bench, working on a holo-screen, and Aria is on her feet next to him.]

Aria: So, it's my birthday... You asked me to spend some time with you.... [sits down] Aaaand it's for work.

Frederick: Sorry. Work's all I'm any good for.

Aria: Is that machine code? What year is it?

Frederick: Hey, magic-machine hybrids are plenty modern. This is ROSE. It was a popular programming language a long, long time ago. Here, I'm gonna call an undeclared variable. [presses]

Aria: Won't that result in an error?

Frederick: That's normally how it works...

Aria: Oh, is there something hidden in the error message?

Frederick: ...Could you stop being so perceptive?

Aria: Could YOU stop being so mysterious? Fine, fine. I'll wait till you're ready to pull the curtain back.

Frederick: Well, shit. Now this is just awkward. [They sit in silence until a error message sounds.] That's what I get for trying to be clever, I guess. [shows her]

Aria: ...A ring.

Frederick: Well... Yeah.

Aria: A digital one.

Frederick: Yeah, sorry. The real one wasn't quite ready in time. [She looks away.] Did I... screw things up?

Aria: [shakes her head] ...Frederick. If I were to vanish from this world, what could I leave behind for you?

Frederick: What? Hey, don't talk like that. It's bad luck.

Aria: I promise you, no matter what happens, I'm never going to forget this day. ...But I want to leave you something to remember, too.

Frederick: All right, then. Let's see... How about your hat?

Aria: My hat?

Frederick: Yeah. The forecast said it was gonna be overcast the whole day. [points at the sky] You gotta be some kinda eccentric to wear a hat on a day like today.

Aria: ...Wow, way to kill the mood.

Frederick: ...

Aria: But, sure. If it can help you remember this moment; you and me, together under the cloudy sky... Then my hat is all yours. And maybe that way... I can always be by your side.

Frederick: ...

Highway

[Car speeds up.]

I-No: Tree... Tree... Tree... Tree... Tree... Tree...

Chaos: Keep that up for the whole ride, and you'll lose your mind.

I-No: This might be news to you, but I can teleport. Instantaneously.

Chaos: People these days. It's about the journey, not the destination. You've confused your goals for your duties, and it's stressing you all out. You see, and forgive me if I'm being indelicate here... You're cursed. You were born without something that humans need: Desire. And unlike the common cold, it's not something you can fix with some ginger tea and a nice bath, oh no. Yet, miraculously, you still awakened to your emotions. Society granted them to you.

I-No: So, what, you want me to start singing culture's praises? In a convertible? Once you confuse cost for class, you lose sight of yourself, y'know.

Chaos: Spare the philosophy. I don't even have a self to lose sight of.

I-No: Oh, come on. You're telling me your pointy head's empty?

Chaos: Not exactly. Problem is, there's too much in here.

I-No: Isn't it about time you tell me where we're headed?

Chaos: Oh, right. Let's start at the very beginning. [makes aprojection of the Tome] We need a special book. That's how we can get you your power back. But we've got three problems to deal with. [makes a projection of Asuka] First: Asuka, the owner of said book, is in the White House, and I don't have a clue what's going on in there. Second: If G4 gets canceled because of us, our boy Asuka might run away. I can take care of the first problem on my own. I'll let you deal with the second. The real issue is the third one. Any guesses what it might be?

I-No: "The Flame of Corruption." Sol Badguy. Our plan's completely shot to shit if he shows up.

Chaos: Bingo. Which is why we're headed where we're headed. We're gonna pick up somethin' we need. Manpower.

Illyria Castle -- Entrance

Sol: Didn't think this'd be ready for a while. You sure I can have it? [takes Iseo envelop from Ky]

Ky: It IS a fairly hefty reward just for showing up... I won't ask what you plan to do with it, but try not to cause too much trouble.

[Inside the castle, they walk.]

Sol: By the way, what's up with the new look?

Ky: Hm? Oh, you mean my clothes? It's nice not to be so formal all the time. Besides, right now, King Ky Kiske is officially "out on an expedition."

Sol: What'd you screw up this time?

Ky: I merely said that I planned to make my family public at G4.

Sol: You could at least pretend to play nice with the new Conclave.

Ky: It wasn't an easy choice. Unlike my wardrobe, family isn't something you can put on and take off. This year, even Leo agreed with me.

Sol: Just think what your conviction will cost you in taxes.

Ky: Heh.

Sol: So, what'd you call me for?

[They halt.]

Ky: There's something I want you to see, first.

Illyria Castle -- Prison

Ariels: [chained] Red, blue, yellow... When you put all these beautiful colors together... It all becomes black... But polish that black surface enough... And it will show you your reflection. Please, stop I-No...

Encounter

Illyria Castle -- Prison

[Looking at Ariels' room from a vantage point room.]

Sol: What am I looking at here?

Ky: The former Sanctus Maximus Populi, Ariels-

Sol: Hardly looks like the one I know. What the hell happened to her?

Ky: I wish I knew... The reports say that I-No showed up and took something from her.

Sol: I-No?

Ky: Yeah. I'd press Ariels for more details, but I can't get anything out of her in this state.

Sol: I get it now. Listen, nobody out there has a sharper tongue than I-No does. Probably knocked her down a peg. Ariels is still down in the dumps from whatever verbal beatdown I-No dished out, that's all.

Ky: ... [stands over Sol's shoulder]

Sol: No.

Ky: What-- ... Listen--

Sol: No.

Ky: At least let me--

Sol: I said, "no."

Ky: I haven't even said anything yet.

Sol: I know what you're going to say.

Ky: You think I'm trying to put you to work?

Sol: It's what you've wanted every other time.

Ky: ...I wish I could have a word with my past self. Though I have a few complaints for you, as well. [hands over a letter] Whenever people need something from you, they come to me.

Sol: And what's that?

Ky: Not much of a segue, but it's the other reason I called you here.

Sol: [takes and opens the letter.] A summons for knights... A request for security at G4, huh?

Ky: The United States has specifically requested you.

Sol: Aren't they supposed to be throwing away their weapons? I know they know what my alias is.

Ky: That's not all. They're calling for all countries involved in G4 to help with security. They've also shared confidential information in the hopes of facilitating that. Even after we told them we'd hire specialists.

Sol: Since when did the summit become a battlefield?

Ky: You never did keep up with the news, did you? The Gear Maker will be taking part in G4.

Sol: And all while I-No's making the rounds. Why's Vernon so in love with this summit? Can't he cancel the damn thing?

Ky: We can't let talk of peace be drowned out by threats of violence. Perhaps that's his line of thinking. In any case, I have a bad feeling about this that I just can't shake.

Ariels: [from below] ...Sol Badguy. I know you're there. Stop her, before it's too late. Stop I-No. The future is coming to attack us.

Sol: It'll have to wait a few days.

Illyria Castle -- Entrance

Sol: We're leaving.

Jack-O': What's the job this time?

Sol: I'll tell you later.

Jack-O': Then you accepted it, huh? I bet that king was a champion breeder in another life.

Sol: ... Heh, I told you, I'm not some damn dog. [shows her the envelope] Sounds like someone doesn't want her present.

Jack-O': Tell me it's roses. "Iseo Inspection Permit"... ...Iseo, as in the level-four isolation zone?

Sol: That's our next stop.

Jack-O': Huh? Why?

Sol: We're going on vacation.

Jack-O': ...In a military zone that's been abandoned for twenty years?

Sol: Don't think too hard about it. Work, or vacation. Say it.

Jack-O': Huh?

Sol: Not "huh," work or vacation.

Jack-O': ...Work or vacation.

Sol: I can't hear you! Work or vacation!

Jack-O': Work or vacation.

Sol: Louder!

Jack-O': Work or vacation!

Sol: That's more like it! Which would you choose?

Jack-O': V-Vacation!

Sol: Good answer. [chuckles]

Jack-O': [smiles timidly, gets on the McFirewheel] Can work really wait?

Sol: This one's a real mess. I-No's all mixed up in it. Sounds like she took something from Ariels.

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Marketplace

Merchant: Still haven't found it yet?

Axl: Eh?

Merchant: People come here to shop. So it's hard not to notice the same guy showing up every day without even one bag in hand. You're looking for something, aren't you?

Axl: Ah... Yeah, something like that. Name's Axl.

Merchant: Well, hello, Axl.

Axl: So, the truth is... I've got superpowers. I know something bad's gonna happen soon. Here, I mean. I can feel it. [winks] So, Mister Observant... You see anyone suspicious around here lately? Heh. I'm kidding! Haha... Can't even bend a spoon.

Merchant: Hah... Hahaha! Phew, you really had me going there. Haha...

Axl: Sorry, mate... This place is my go-to date spot, y'see.

Merchant: Did you get separated from your girlfriend?

Axl: Yeah. Few decades ago.

Merchant: Ah. So that's how it is. Plenty of people come here in search of their past. They can't find a new path for themselves, so they just gaze down the one that got cut off somewhere along the way. But, really, it's not that their path went away. They just can't see it anymore. They've forgotten how to look for it.

Axl: ...Do you think we could remember how?

Merchant: Sure, it's not so complicated. This one's on the house. [grabs an apple] Just don't get so stuck on the past that you miss out on all there is to see in the present.

Axl: Thanks, mate... [Merchant throws the apple at him; it stops mid-air as time freezes.] This again... [Chaos' figure is behind him; Axl's surroundings turning into a hotel-like corridor.]

Chaos: Scales... A well-calibrated scale uses counterweights to keep itself from breaking. Order, systems, stability. A scale that doesn't move is no scale at all. [Chaos walks upside-down on the ceiling.] That's not allowed. The world as we see it is shaped by mankind's emotions. Your conclusion is meaningless.

Axl: [turns to face him] Who are you?

Chaos: [squatting on the door] Axl Low... Haven't seen you since 2192.

Axl: Yeah, I think I'd remember if we'd met before. Where're you from?

Chaos: [holding a glass of Milpico] Somewhere very deep. [Returns to frozen time at the market.]

Axl: Something... Something's going to happen, isn't it? This is bad, Chief... [teleports away; time resumes and the apple falls to the ground]

Merchant: Er... What...?

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Bridge

Sol: What is it?

Jack-O': Huh?

Sol: Don't want the vacation after all?

Jack-O': It's not that... Hey, Frederick... With the destructive force that was Justice gone, and Ariels, who tried to use her, captured... Who do you think currently poses the greatest threat to the world?

Sol: What's this all about?

Jack-O': Just answer.

Sol: Huh... Axl, probably? He can stop and reverse time. Science and magic don't got shit on that.

Jack-O': Exactly. If he wanted to, Axl could basically become a god. [Heaven's Edge can be seen in the distance.] Why do you think he has those powers?

Sol: Enough with the riddles. What's your point?

Jack-O': What if... I-No had those same powers?

Sol: She doesn't. There's no way in hell.

Jack-O': How do you know?

Sol: The world's still turning.

Jack-O': But her powers are still incomplete.

Sol: Incomplete...? You know something, don't you. [Axl teleports, falls on the front of Firewheel Mk.2.] ...Axl?!

Axl: Hey, Chief. Hello, Jackie.

Sol: What the f--

Axl: There's no time. Just listen. Something real bad's about to happen in that city over there. I've got no idea what it is, but I'm gonna try to stop it. Meet you there, Chief? Countin' on ya!

Sol: Wai-- [Axl teleports away.]

L'oro Di Illyria? -- ???

[Happy Chaos and I-No get out of the convertible.]

Chaos: Oh, wow, this place sure has changed. Back during the Crusades, it was wasteland all the way up to that mountain.

I-No: Is there something special here?

Chaos: An old friend of mine.

I-No: We're going up against the "Flame of Corruption," y'know. Can they really help?

Chaos: He's more or less immortal, and his weapon works on Sol. I can copy it, too. Anything else?

I-No: I think that covers all the bases.

Chaos: Thought so.

I-No: [looks at the building before them] Is your friend a celebrity?

Chaos: Heh. The price he's paid makes top-floor rent look like peanuts. For more than half a century... He's been stuck underground. [snaps fingers, destroying the building entirely; they walk towards Nagoriyuki, who is covered in concrete but starts to peel away.]

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Bridge

Sol: [sees explosion] !

L'oro Di Illyria? -- ???

Chaos: Rise and shine.

Nagoriyuki: [masked] I'll kill you.

I-No: Not exactly a morning person, is he?

Chaos: Perhaps you mean to say you'll "erase" me. You can't kill someone who's already dead.

Nagoriyuki: [starts to free himself] Die!

Chaos: Oh, yeah, gotta do a check. Raise your right hand.

Nagoriyuki: I... re...fuse...! [raises hand, forced by magic]

Chaos: Okay. Now... [snaps fingers, letting go of Nagoriyuki's hand]

Nagoriyuki: [falls on his butt] ! [unmasks] Rgh...

Chaos: Let's work that rust off.

Nagoriyuki: [tries to attack Chaos, but I-No intercepts him] I don't know who you are. I have no business with you.

I-No: Oh, but I do.

Nagoriyuki: Business with an undertaker? What an unusual woman.

I-No: [is pushed back] I am your boss, you know. Assuming you make it through the interview, that is.

Nagoriyuki: You fiend!

[Fight ensues.]

I-No: Not bad.

Nagoriyuki: What a tepid interview. I've yet to show you what I can do. [eyes turn red, sees I-No's weak points] And what a mediocre show of your true power.

I-No: Hm? [sees his fangs] So you're a Nightless. [attacks; Chaos snaps fingers]

Nagoriyuki: [is restrained by the hands and feet] Tch.

Chaos: Look at that, rust's off.

Nagoriyuki: You plan to make me an accomplice to your evil deeds yet again.

Chaos: You could say that, I guess. Heehee. All right, that's one down. Do you remember the next step?

I-No: I do, thanks to that long-ass car ride. ...Hm? Mind if I take a little detour?

Chaos: We don't have much time.

I-No: I just want to say hello. There's an acquaintance of mine around these parts.

Chaos: I suppose this will be the last time. But let me warn you now. Soon you'll be so bored that you'll long for our road trip. But after this is all over... You might start longing for that boredom again.

I-No: Only if I have any feelings left by then. [teleports away]

Chaos: An acquaintance? Oh, I think I get it...

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Coast

[Axl, overlooking the city and the smoke from the destroyed building, has an unconscious girl on his arms. Then reminisces.]

Chaos: He's been stuck underground. [snaps fingers, destroying the building; it stops mid-way in frozen time]

Axl: [teleports in, rescues the people inside] ...I-No? Ah...! It's really him... ...He's not human. [Chaos' eye turns in Axl's direction despite being frozen; Axl looks again, but Chaos' eye never moved. Back to present.] What is he...? [puts girl on the ground]

I-No: You've gotten better. You learn fast, I see.

Axl: You could say I've finally learned how to stand. What about you? Trying to run before you can walk?

I-No: I've seen the Roman Empire fall three times now. I'm in no rush.

Axl: I'm sure you realize, then, that the West fell because they lost sight of themselves...

I-No: But you haven't seen my face in your textbooks, have you? Well, if you want to erase me from the future, too, go ahead. If you can do anything other than eat, sleep, and stress, that is.

Axl: That's not who I am anymore. I could bring her here, to this era, right now.

I-No: Oh?

Axl: Our very existences are the axes of time. If I swapped my place for hers, I could bring her here.

I-No: I don't know what you're on about. Wouldn't that just make you disappear?

Axl: Heh. Can't say you're wrong. But still... If I could tell her how much she means to me, even once... Problem is, I've been looking down a cut-off path this whole time. But that's changed.

I-No: Good for you. If you have that much power, I suppose you could erase me.

Axl: Just... stop working with that freaky thing. Keep that up, and you'll never remember how to see your path. [disappears, with all the people he rescued]

Soldiers: [approach her] Don't move!

I-No: Okay, okay...

Illyria Castle -- War Room

[Anders deactivates comm and turns to Ky.]

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Bridge

[Firewheel Mk.2 comm rings.]

Ky: [via comm] Sol, I-No's been captured. Police at the scene are taking her into custody as we speak.

Sol: At the scene, huh?

Ky: Yeah. Something's not right. Be careful. [ends call]

L'oro Di Illyria? -- Coast

Sol: What is this bullshit?

Jack-O': I-No wouldn't let herself be captured so easily.

Sol: Yeah. This isn't like her. Not at all. [sees Chaos' convertible on the highway below] ? [goes after it]

Jack-O': Frederick? What's going on?

[Anji and Chipp are looking at Chaos from above.]

Chipp: That him?

Anji: Yeah. Just as you predicted, boss. Honestly, I never expected him to get out of the castle.

Chipp: He's a true anomaly. Ariels may have been a shithead, but we were better off when he was trapped inside her. Now that he's free...

Anji: He's that bad?

Chipp: Bad? No. Problem is, he's too pure. Once you know everything, good and evil cease to exist. This world isn't fit for anything so complete.

Anji: ...And he's the target of Baiken and Delilah's ire. Hey, don't get any funny ideas. I told you, we're just taking a look.

Chipp: Yeah. So I'm having a look. Just a look! [jumps]

Anji: Aw, dammit. [jumps after him]

[On the road.]

Chaos: Oh, good. I figured you'd notice me. [accelerates]

Jack-O': What're you doing? I-No's back the other way.

Sol: The real mastermind's the one who flees the scene of the crime. It's hard to believe, but it'd all make sense if I-No was working with someone. [closes in on Chaos; Chipp attaches a chain to the car and slides on the road]

Chaos: Huh. I'm popular today.

Sol: Is that...?

Chipp: I remember you from the victory celebration. Though this is the first time I've seen your face.

Chaos: Oho. Someone's got sharp senses.

Chipp: I'm puttin' you back in your box. Hold on... Those eyes...!

Chaos: [shoots, Chipp parries the bullets with his gauntlet blade] Nagoriyuki! [falls on the trunk of the car]

Nagoriyuki: [sees Chipp's weak points] Run.

Chipp: ...! Ganma Blade? How do you--

Sol: [narrowly avoids Nagoriyuki's attack] Shit! [Nagoriyuki cuts Chipp's chain; Anji comes "flying" over a cloud of butterflies from behind Sol and Jack-O'] Son of a... [Anji helps Chipp regain balance; he starts to run after the car.] It's just one thing after another.

Jack-O': Let me handle this. [transforms McFirewheel into a mini-bike; Sol takes the Outrage out]

Chaos: This is turning into a real party...

[Sol clashes swords with Nagoriyuki.]

Nagoriyuki: With one hand? ...Such incredible strength. So you're a monster, too, are you?

[Anji closes in on the car, but he looks into Chaos' eyes.]

Chipp: Look away from him! Anji!

Chaos: Uh-oh. [points gun at Anji]

Chipp: Dammit, no! [pushes Anji out of the way; due to the curve, they are both to fall off the cliff; Chipp, while falling, throws Anji to the side of the road, saving him; Jack-O' deaccelerates and helps Chipp with her pumpkin chain as a lifeline] I'm all right. Just let him go. He's not someone any normal person could kill.

[Sol continues the chase.]

Jack-O': Frederick!

Chaos: Sol Badguy. The god-killing "Flame of Corruption." [slides a finger over the blade of Nagoriyuki's katana and creates a bullet] I'd better make sure this works. You can go. [Nagoriyuki jumps off the car; Chaos stands up on the car, looking at Sol] Nice to meetcha. So you're the famous hero.

Sol: Nah, I'm just a freelancer, trying to enjoy his vacation. [shoots with the Outrage, vaporizing the left side of Chaos' torso and arm] Hm?!

Chaos: Haha. [regenerates] I'm just like you. But... [shoots; bullet pierces Sol's shoulder]

Sol: Heh.

Chaos: What keeps you alive, I wonder?

Sol: [looks at his own wound] (That should be healing by now...) What the hell are you?

Chaos: Happy Chaos. That's my name, but a name's all it is. I am whatever you see or feel me to be. Ah, except... "Which came first, the chicken, or the egg?" You know the question. But do you know the answer?

Sol: What?

Chaos: The omelette. The omelette came first. The omelette is the reason the chicken and egg exist. I could be anything you like, or nothing at all. But... I do exist. [makes a vision of a pitch-black cloud appear] Anyway, later! [shoots repeatedly, forcing Sol to stop the Firewheel, and leaves]

Jack-O': [catches up to Sol] ...What just happened?

Sol: Hell if I know. But I bet I-No might.

Omen

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Daryl: What a relief that things settled down before I left for the states. I must admit, my mandatory attendance at G4 had been stressing me out.

Leo: Did you read the documents I gave you? I-No's never been captured. Still hasn't. She's not sitting on a prison cot so much as our dignity.

Daryl: Well, that certainly eases my pre-summit anxiety. Thank you ever so much.

Leo: Hey, I'm only warning you out of the kindness of my heart.

Daryl: Oh, I am keenly aware. It's why I've called in some specialists for their assistance. They're investigating the security situation in America. I'm sure they've already--

Millia: [off-screen] It's a dog.

Leo: A dog? [turns to see Millia and Zato approach]

Millia: And as they say, it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Daryl: You made it.

Zato: King Daryl.

Leo: These two are the "specialists" you mentioned? Seriously?

Daryl: I'm sure you remember them, but allow me to reintroduce you. This is Zato-1, and Millia Rage.

Millia: That's "Director" Millia Rage, Your Majesty the Third King.

Leo: Director of what?

Daryl: We've reinstituted the Post-War Administration Bureau. And no one tops their former guild at informational warfare.

Leo: Sure, because their methods are illegal.

Zato: They're "specialized." I think that's how the government puts it.

Daryl: They're from the largest intelligence agency in the world. It'd be a waste not to recycle them.

Leo: Does Ky know about this?

Daryl: His response was much the same as yours.

Leo: ...Ugh. [walks up to Zato] Don't get the wrong idea. You could be reborn as a buddha, and I'd still hold your every sin against you. You're just lucky we don't have any way to prosecute the dead in this country, got it?

Zato: I'll keep that in mind, Second King.

Leo: Hmph. Good. Now, what was it you were saying about dogs earlier?

Zato: If I may have your attention... [opens screen files for Millia, Leo and Daryl to see]

Highway

Chaos: [gets out of the convertible] Okay, it's about time. Better bust out the travel brochure. [sits on the hood of the car, and casts a spell]

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Millia: We were tasked with checking the security system for G4 and the architecture of the White House for any blind spots. To make a long story short, they're both immaculate. We couldn't interfere even if we wanted to. However... We can only speak to the areas we could get eyes on.

Zato: While we were inspecting the White House floor plan that the United States provided us... We discovered a black box.

Daryl: A black box?

Millia: As far as we know, not even the President is aware of it. The file's creation is attributed to a number of military-industrial complexes the world over. It appears as though, at one point, Illyria was involved in the construction of the White House.

Daryl: So what's in the box?

Zato: It's protected by a nonlinear 3-way matrix authentication encryption process.

Leo: Translation?

Millia: We don't know what's inside.

Daryl: You can't open it?

Zato: Therein lies our issue. We don't believe that we should.

Leo: Why not?

Zato: Millia, what sort of data do we encrypt?

Millia: The kind we don't want people to see.

Zato: And who loves encryption most of all?

Millia: Bad people. Well, most of the time, at least.

Zato: That's why the United States didn't notice it, and we did. In essence, King Leo... If we open this and it's a mere jack-in-the-box, we can all laugh it off. But if it turns out to be Pandora's Box, well...

Daryl: What, just looking at it will put a curse on us? Don't be so superstitious. It's the 22nd century. Archeologists and grave robbers have a name for this kind of thing.

Millia: You're calling it a treasure? Regardless, we were tasked with tightening security. We can't predict whether this black box will threaten the safety of G4 or not. Still, whether we open it up and take a look is entirely up to you.

Daryl: Do it.

Leo: Wha-- You can't be serious!

Daryl: What? It's outdated intel anyway.

Leo: The problem's not how old it is, it's where it's from! We should at least check in with the US about it first!

Daryl: I never knew you were so by the book. But all right. I'll leave this matter in your hands.

Leo: Leaving already?

Daryl: G4 waits for no man... No matter how hard you drag your heels on this.

Leo: No need to get snide. [while they aren't looking, Chaos' heart appears on the screen]

Highway

Chaos: [opens many files] Well done, Post-War Administration Bureau. This is quite the treasure trove of talent. Oho...? Tír na nÓg. Hey, come on. This is too juicy to ignore. I knew Asuka had to have something fun in the works! Now, let's see where this story takes us.

White Hourse -- Oval Office

Asuka: [via screen] I-No, you say?

Vernon: Yeah. Your former ally has been detained by the Illyrian government. It's a real weight off my shoulders. You don't look too happy about it, though.

Asuka: ...I once promised her a future. However, it seems I took too long to deliver. She chose to leave me.

Vernon: So you feel responsible?

Asuka: In part, yes, but... The I-No I know would never let herself be captured so easily.

Vernon: I imagine they're interrogating her right now... So why don't we save the anxiety-inducing conversations for after she's escaped?

Illyria Castle -- Interrogation Room

[Ky is talking to I-No.]

Swordsman: W-Wait, hold it! You can't just barge into the middle of--

Sol: [kicks the door down] Hey, I-No! Who the hell is this Chaos bastard?!

I-No: Long time no see, @*$&head. Should I be looking for a good lawyer?

Sol: [kicks table in front of her into the wall] Better find one who can take a beating.

I-No: What do you want to know?

Sol: Oh? Since when are you so generous?

I-No: I'm hurt. Have I ever lied to you?

Sol: I don't think you've ever told me the truth.

I-No: If you don't wanna talk, you're welcome to leave.

Sol: Fine, then. What'd you take from Ariels?

I-No: Her pride. I had my tongue nice and sharp. Gave her a verbal beatdown. Must have left her down in the dumps.

Ky: Don't give me that "told you so" look. She let herself get captured. We're not getting the truth until we bring in that Chaos fellow.

Sol: You think? I bet I could get it out of her sooner.

I-No: Oh my, were you looking to make some renovations to the castle? [builds up power]

Ky: Enough property damage, both of you! [I-No stops.] This isn't a question I ask lightly, but... Do you plan on becoming a god?

I-No: [startled, looks at the one-way mirror, behind which which Jack-O' is] And here I thought you brought me in just for destruction of property.

Ky: Don't dodge the question. Do you intend to destroy the world?

I-No: Hah. Is the destruction of the world all you ever think about? Would it kill you to get a bit more creative?

Sol: We'll work on that. Maybe that Chaos guy could give us some ideas. Call him over.

I-No: You want a ticket, you're gonna have to wait in line. You gotta put in the effort to get something worthwhile.

Sol: This is an interrogation room. Didn't you see the sign? It says, "Sorry, I can cut the line whenever I want."

I-No: Sounds like you'd be better off taking that sign with you to the White House, then. I bet the Gear Maker's got a hell of a story to tell you.

Ky: Excuse me? Are you suggesting the Gear Maker's up to something?

I-No: You think he's not? Really? What was it again? The "Accumulation of Goodwill?" Well, it's not like I know much about it myself. I'm not going to be the one setting off the fireworks.

[She waits. Outside the room.]

Sol: I-No's never needed a reason to cause trouble. This is the first time I've ever felt intent behind her actions.

Ky: That's tripping us up, as well. If only we knew what's motivating her... Could her past be the key?

Sol: Jack-O'? Looks like you could shine some light on this.

Jack-O': I thought I could... but now I'm not so sure.

Sol: Explain.

Jack-O': There were originally supposed to be two Jack-O' units. One of them was me. My role was to make your girlfriend human again. And the other's role was to make I-No...

Ky: To make her what?

Jack-O': Asuka knew that I-No would pose a threat if she ever awakened. So he created a Jack-O to prevent that. No, in order to save her. That other Jack-O'... ...was given a name to distinguish us: Happy Chaos.

Ky: What are you saying? That the Gear Maker created Chaos? No, more importantly... Is I-No trying to become a normal human?

Jack-O': That's what I don't get. The plan was kept secret. I-No shouldn't know about it. And weirder still, even though the Gear Maker was making Happy Chaos... He never finished. [Pause.]

Sol: Two different parents gave their kid that name? The world really has gone to shit. This is all new to me. You said I-No's incomplete, right? Why? Tell us everything you know.

Aria: [static] (This is a good opportunity for you, too.)

Jack-O': Do you have any hot chocolate?

Illyria Castle -- Ky's Office?

Jack-O': [holding a cup] The world in which we live is governed by a programmatic space that controls all of creation. This space is known as the "Backyard." One day, however, the Backyard got sick.

Ky: But you said it was a program?

Jack-O': You know how they say dolls can get possessed by spirits? It's like that. Though in this case, the world got possessed by humanity's emotions during the war. So the backyard cut off the source of the illness. That was the first mistake. The part that got cut off was given tremendous authority. And became all-powerful.

Sol: And that's I-No?

Jack-O': To be precise, it's Axl, too. Asuka's teacher was the first to discover I-No. He decided she was a threat... And took away her power and her sense of self.

Sol: So that's why she's incomplete. Then if I-No isn't trying to become a human, but rather her original self...

Jack-O': She'd need the other half she lost.

Ky: Is that what she took from Ariels?

Sol: If it was, then why isn't she complete yet?

Ky: Perhaps she requires something else. An energy source, or even a specific moment.

Jack-O': No matter what she needs, there's something that can give it to her.

Sol: Asuka's "Tome," right? Looks like I'll be taking Vernon up on his offer after all.

Ky: Let us take care of I-No and Chaos. Chipp seems to have vanished, but he may know something as well.

Jack-O': This is just a hypothetical, okay? What if I could stop I-No... ...but if I did, Aria would never be able to wake up? What would you do?

Sol: Is that part of your role, too?

Jack-O': Huh?

Sol: What would happen to you? [Jack-O' looks away.] Never ask me that again. Not even as a joke. I will not let you erase Aria on a whim. No matter what. [Ky looks at her.]

Jack-O': It was only a hypothetical. Just forget about it, okay?

Illyria Castle -- Quarters

Jack-O': [sitting at a table] Do you need a map?

Sol: [leaves the Outrage on the bed] Only if it can direct me away from trouble.

Jack-O': Trouble's like your persistent ex, isn't she? You tried ending things, but she's always hitting you up.

Sol: [sits] That was an awfully short vacation.

Jack-O': On the bright side, it was your longest yet!

Sol: Heh. Got me there.

Jack-O': [stands up] Say, that isolation zone, Iseo... What's it like?

Sol: Empty. It's just mountains, a big old field, and a lake. But the floating island reflecting in the lake at sunset made it popular with painters. I decided a long time ago... [stands up] ...that that was where I wanted to live. Sorry. About, y'know, just now. When a woman makes a face like that, a man's to blame. [takes a few steps and turns his back to her] Asuka told me that way back when.

Jack-O': Do I look sentimental to you? I can't cry, or even feel.

Sol: If I go to the White House, I'll see Asuka there. And I'll give him the ass kicking he deserves. Feels like that'd be a faster road to forgiveness than some drawn out heart-to-heart.

Jack-O': Forgiveness...

Sol: That's where people belong. [turns to face her] So listen up, this is important. [points to her forehead] Your past is kept up in here. But the present; this very moment... [points to her heart] ...is in here. And right now, Aria's there too. Whenever you're feeling lost, this is what you should trust.

Aria: [static] (You must be aware of it by now, right?)

Washington DC -- Skyscraper

[On top of the building, Chaos cast a mind-control spell on an agent.]

Guard: [with bunny head] Understood. I will leave an opening in our security on the day of the event. [leaves]

Nagoriyuki: Not only can you control people's actions, but their mind and appearance as well?

Chaos: Anyone but you, yes. [Nagoriyuki sees Chaos' weak point.] Using those fancy eyes of yours?

Nagoriyuki: Why do you let me live?

Chaos: You're the only one in the world who knows my weakness. That makes things interesting. You could be the key to real drama. That, and, well... Honestly, I like you. There aren't many folks out there who hold themselves to their own standards.

Nagoriyuki: You baffle me. One cannot go far without a destination in mind. Without that, how can you ever know if you've arrived? And yet, you see meaning in pressing ever onwards. Just like Bushido...

Chaos: I just want to go someplace that's not on the map. The United States of America! You've only ever seen the world before the revival. Isn't this a view? You could say it's a work of art crafted by culture and civilization. But as of tomorrow... It might be called hell.

Nagoriyuki: So a path without morality leads to the root of evil, then?

White House -- Oval Office

Vernon: [closes letter] ..."Good luck," huh. [Erica opens a stash of zeal.] I'm amazed you managed to get so many of these.

Erica: It was no easy task, I'll tell you that. They don't build them to this standard anymore.

Vernon: Well, I can't imagine they'll be necessary for a summit on world peace.

Erica: They're not for the world, they're to protect you. I need you to know what we'll be packing.

Vernon: Erica, it's not like G4's a war...

Erica: For me and Dickinson, it is. [smiling] Do you know why I grew my hair over my ears?

Vernon: Not a clue.

Erica: Because Dickinson talks too loud. Maybe it's old age, but he's been telling me the same thing for three years. "Listen, Erica. To our mission, we stay true...

Erica & Vernon: whether the President's tie is red or blue."

Vernon: Hah, still saying that, is he? Make that six years. I want to put an end to the era of might makes right. To let the people look to the future and see a newfound hope.

Erica: To bring about an era where the president designs the badges of his secret service himself?

Vernon: Exactly! And the thing that'll save the world... [grabs a oval-shaped football] ...is football.

Erica: Football.

Vernon: They say that sports once captivated people of all stripes, from all over the country. We should be thinking about how best to enrich the time we spend with our loved ones. Isn't that the world you dreamed of as well?

Erica: Let's go greet our hero.

White House -- Gardens

[Airship lands at the gardens and Sol comes out.]

Vernon: How's it feel being back home again?

Sol: It's not exactly Turin in November.

Vernon: What do you think of the White House, then?

Sol: Same shit as Illyria Castle. Now I see why taxes are so high.

Vernon: The laws of this country are grand, you see. If you steal something, you've got to put it to use.

Sol: Heh.

White House -- Quarters

Sol: Okay, be frank with me. I thought we knights were supposed to guard the conference room. Why am I the only one on standby?

Erica: On the day of G4, each country will bring along their most highly-accomplished knights. If our country were represented by a world-renowned hero, it might appear we're making a mockery of the others.

Sol: So, what, should I nap through the thing?

Erica: That's our hope. If you slept here through G4, then headed home when you woke up... That would be our ideal outcome.

Sol: Vernon, you know you can be straight with me. It's Asuka who wants me here, isn't it?

Vernon: You knew that all along and you still came?

Sol: Yeah, well... This is between him and me. You just got caught up in it.

Vernon: Do you know what he's trying to do?

Sol: Can I see him?

Illyria Castle -- Interrogation Room

[Outside the room.]

Aria: (Why didn't you go with Frederick?)

Jack-O': Because I'm the only one who can stop I-No.

Aria: (That's not true. You want to learn about I-No, don't you?) (You're projecting yourself onto her.)

Jack-O': You can't make friends just by looking down from the top of your castle. [Transition to mindplace.] How long do you intend to stay in here... Aria?

Aria: You finally came to see me.

Jack-O': Because you wouldn't come out.

Aria: Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. But we both need a future, don't we?

Jack-O': Are you saying you called me in here?

Aria: We both called out to each other. The two of us are a single Aria. But it's about time that you remembered why you're here.

Jack-O': Do you ever intend to come back?

Aria: Aria's mind was destroyed along with the world, back before the Crusades. We can no longer be sure of her intentions.

Jack-O': But you're Aria, aren't you?

Aria: A piece of her. Just like you. The only difference... ...is that you have emotions.

Jack-O': Artificial ones, sure.

Aria: Is your love for Frederick artificial, too?

Jack-O': ... How would I even know if it was?

Aria: Why don't you take off your halo? It's from before you were human, is it not?

Jack-O': [looking at halo] Is my ego starting to become independent...?

Aria: That may be so. Or, perhaps... Even after she lost everything, Aria refused to throw everything away.

Jack-O': But the Aria Frederick wants is the one from the past.

Aria: Do you feel as if he's rejected you, for living only to fulfill your role?

Jack-O': We're all searching for our place in society, aren't we? For me, it's saving the world. So what's the difference?

Aria: Nothing at all. Provided that it's what you wish for.

Jack-O': What do I wish for...?

Aria: There is not merely one world. In fact, there is one for each and every one of us. Your world hasn't even existed for an entire year. What value does it hold for you? You don't yet have the courage to accept yourself. If you can't find your answer, then Aria will disappear. But in order to do so, you need to be prepared.

Jack-O': To do what?

Aria: Destroy the world.

White House -- Conference Room

Erica: We can't approve an in-person meeting between the two of you before G4, so you'll have to settle for this.

Sol: It'll do. First you're "That Man," then the "Gear Maker," and now the Devil himself. How many names does one man need?

Asuka: [via screen] As of right now, none of them apply to me.

Sol: Then who the hell called me here?

Asuka: Just Asuka. The boring man with a fondness for math that you know so well.

Sol: [turns his back to leave] Let G4 end peacefully. Once it does, I'll kick the shit out of you and head home.

Asuka: Frederick... [Sol stops.] I've never decided anything for myself before. I followed the influences around me, tried to adapt myself to them. My long list of aliases is a testament to that. I've never truly been myself. Thinking back on it now, it seems the same could be said for my becoming a scientist. In turn, I've always pushed the responsibility for my presence in this world... ...onto everyone else. But that changes today.

[Sol smirks.]

The Pentagon -- ???

Goldlewis: All right... Listen up, people! We're on high alert till each and every ambassador is back in their room with a warm bed and a full stomach. Now, I know you good folks never give anything less than your all. But today... Today your all won't be enough. This is gonna be the longest damn day of our lives, make no mistake. Now let's get to it.

Operator: S-Sir, I've got to ask... Is the Gear Maker really that big a deal?

Goldlewis: Excuse me?

Operator: I mean, I've never been ordered to deploy five whole security divisions for one conference before...

Goldlewis: I've never issued an order like that before, either... But by the same token... You've never met an individual who could take down the entire goddamn Union Fleet empty-handed, now, have ya?

Operator: ...I have not.

Goldlewis: If we make it to tomorrow, you'll have someone else standin' next to ya, Lincoln.

White House -- Roof

Giovanna: [standing over the head of an eagle statue] ! ...What's up with this scent?

Intruder

Washington DC -- Airspace

Reporter: [voiceover] As we've previously reported, it appears the Gear Maker will indeed be participating in G4. Originally centered around peace efforts, the summit was rumored to include an announcement of America's demilitarization and discussions of human-Gear coexistence. However, with the interference of the Gear Maker and the questions about security, the current plan for the conference is unknown. All we do know is that the whole world will be watching. Against expert opinions, each country in attendance has opted to converse with the Devil himself. Perhaps their curiosity has outweighed their common sense.

White House -- Conference Room

Vernon: Thank you for coming, everyone. Though the last-minute inclusion of the Gear Maker has changed today's schedule somewhat... The purpose of our meeting today remains the same. A new peace for a new era. And with our allied nations and the Gear Maker united around one table... I firmly believe that this day will be one for the history books. Now then, allow me to introduce you to the man who will be acting as our moderator in my stead. The Gear Maker: Mr. Asuka R. Kreutz.

Asuka: [via screen] Thank you. I don't intend to waste your time by introducing myself. Please turn to your pre-provided materials and-- [reads papers] Oh?

Daryl: Forgive me, I couldn't help but notice that there was no mention of certain recent incidents, so I went ahead and added that information personally. I attempted to maintain objectivity as best I could. I trust you'll find it agreeable.

Asuka: Th-Thank you. But when did you have the time?

???: Haha, he lives up to his nickname. People call him the King of Groundwork.

Daryl: They do?

Ming Wei: He's awkward.

???: Yeah. Whatever I imagined, it wasn't this.

Vernon: May we continue?

Illyria Castle -- Interrogation Room

[I-No and Jack-O' are sitting at the table. Ky and a Swordsman observe through the one-way mirror.]

Ky: ...I-No could escape at any time. I assumed she'd vanish the moment Sol set off, but...

[Inside the room.]

I-No: Should I go get you a blanket? Only thing you'll catch in here is a cold.

Jack-O': Asuka wanted to save you.

I-No: What, did you forget? You're the one who changed me.

Jack-O': I didn't change anything. I merely showed you the truth.

I-No: Well, that explanation sure takes a lot of responsibility off your shoulders.

Jack-O': Then what would you say I did?

I-No: You showed me too much. I realized that I am the world. And because you fear me... You're trying to make me a simple human.

Jack-O': ...You knew?

I-No: Yeah, learned that along with a whole lot of other shit I didn't want to know. All thanks to you. I also know... That you can turn me human at the cost of your own life. Wanna to give it a try? Maybe before G4 ends?

Jack-O': I could, if you'd like. But there's something I have to ask you first. This world you're after... What exactly is your "wish"?

I-No: It was around the 20th century, I'd guess. There was a man in the slums named Will. The son of some rich guy and his wife. I can't even remember his face, but I recall he had beautiful blonde hair, like a woman's. He was a weird one. He'd always get into fights, but he'd cry after he hit someone. Told me that after he'd lost the strength to throw a punch, he couldn't get anything out but tears. And I couldn't say why, but everyone always ended up on his side in the end. That included me. Well, our relationship was a little... closer than that. We swore our futures to one another, throwing away our old lives and names. I'd like to say... we were happy. Until one day, Will suddenly disappeared. Didn't say a word to anyone. And he never came back. No cop or journalist could ever tell me why. I didn't plan on giving up on him, but I made myself a promise anyway. No matter what happened, I would never forget my memories with Will. And yet, all those memories... are fuzzy. Any guesses why? Because they never happened. Not in the second version of the 20th century. I have no past. Which means I have no future. I just want to get out of this empty cage.

Jack-O': Even at the cost of everything else?

I-No: A deer runs, and a lion chases. Which one would you say God supports?

Jack-O': I can only measure things in terms of loss and gain.

I-No: Then mind if I ask you something? Is your world so valuable that it's okay for you to crush mine?

Jack-O': Nothing is mine, nor yours. The world is simply... the world.

I-No: So if we do find ourselves in an era of everlasting peace... Will there be any place for you in it?

Illyria Castle -- Corridor

Ky: We need to go join Sol.

Jack-O': Why?

Ky: I-No let something slip during your conversation. She said, "before G4 ends." It's likely that she let herself be captured so that G4 could proceed. That's when they'll make their move, I'm sure of it.

Jack-O': But that means it's even more important that we stay here. If you were listening in, you have to know why.

Ky: I do. Your hypothetical was true. You have the power to stop I-No. But are you really all right with never being able to see Sol's face again?

Jack-O': My goal is to awaken Aria. But at my very core, my role is to protect the world.

Ky: Then why did you ask I-No that question? [She hesitates.] As I thought. You can't save the world as things are now.

White House -- Conference Room

???: This is most puzzling. This story of yours conflicts with history as we've come to know it and the incident reports we've seen.

???: Indeed. According to these documents, you're more of a guardian angel than a devil.

Daryl: I'll give you this much: regardless of the veracity of what you've shared with us, you do have a way with words. This is incredibly detailed and easy to understand. Which raises a question. If you merely wished to share this information with us, you easily could have written this up, signed it, tossed it in the mail, and been done with it.

Asuka: [via screen] I believe that a document alone might have been somewhat lacking in credibility.

???: Not to be rude, but I'm sure you realize that we can't take your words at face value either. So why risk a lifetime of imprisonment by showing up here? I must admit, it has us curious.

Asuka: That's certainly fair. I'm here because... I have a request for all of you.

???: A request?

Asuka: That's right. Though having this conversation... ...may bring us rushing to our main point of order. Is that all right with everyone?

???: How ominous. You make it sound like we should batten down the hatches.

Vernon: Very well, tell us.

White House -- Gardens

[From second floor balcony.]

Agent #1: [to comm] A suspicious man is approaching the front entrance. He seems to be accompanied by a soldier. Have you received word of this?

[Garden. ??? and Agent #2 approach Chaos and bunny soldier.]

Udo: Moving to confirm. Hold it! Who is that man? Where are you taking him?

Chaos: Oh... Sorry to bug you, but could you tell me the location of, uh... ...every guard in the White House?

Udo: What'd you say?

Agent #2: [pulls out gun and points at Chaos' face, but is turned] Understood. [Udo is horrified.]

Chaos: [makes a peace sign, then points at Udo] That is a nice jacket you've got there.

White House -- Conference Room

Asuka: [via screen] The Tome of Origin. As the name would imply, everything sprang forth from its pages. This book makes anything possible. It granted magic to mankind. Crafted our future. And with it, the risk of our downfall. The Tome itself, however, has no will. It provides what is asked of it. Urging caution as it complies. Of course, its power is too great for mankind to wield. Under my authority as its current owner... I intend to dispose of the Tome.

???: We obviously understand the dangers the Tome poses. But is such an extreme measure necessary? Could we not conceal or protect it?

Asuka: Perhaps, if not for those who would desire and seek it.

???: The Tome has such tremendous potential. It could help us build a better future. You would toss aside its value as well as its danger?

Asuka: Value... What value could it hold that we currently lack? For example, what value does this $10 bill hold?

???: You could treat yourself to a little something.

Daryl: Well, to the extremely rich, it's hardly worth the paper it's printed on.

Asuka: On the other hand, in the country of Valuepia... This one bill could feed an entire family for three months. Value changes based on where you stand. Before we seek out an uncertain future, we must attend to things in the present.

Daryl: Well, aren't you a romantic. Is this meant to be your atonement?

Asuka: No, my venture. My final venture as a scientist. And so begins, at long last... ...my world peace experiment.

[Everyone is startled.]

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Millia: This is unsettling. I feel more anxious the longer things continue without incident.

Leo: Even now that Jack-O's gone, I-No shows no signs of movement. I can't imagine our worries are baseless. [looks at Zato and Millia] I hate to admit it, but it's actually quite reassuring having you here with us.

Zato: King Leo. Do you know why I decided to come back to work here? Or rather, why my friend gave his all to protect the Post-War Administration Bureau? Millia and my subordinates do not fear judgment. In fact, we are ready to accept it. We did not choose this path to evade your punishment. If those who have sinned do not seek forgiveness, then they're just like me... walking corpses. Lesser even than the lowest criminals. I came back because they wished to remain human.

Leo: [playful] Does that mean I can mercilessly boss them around?

Zato: [smirks to himself] By the way, what shall we do about the "treasure"?

Leo: Leave it be. No matter what we find, it won't be something we can discuss today.

Millia: I suppose you're right. All we can do is leave things to Sol and the on-site security.

[Chaos' signature appears on the screen.]

Zato: Hm?

Leo: What's wrong?

Zato: Well... [screen goes crazy] What the hell is going on?!

Millia: The black box is opening.

Leo: What?!

Zato: [checks] We've been hacked. Someone has stolen the data.

Leo: I don't care how, just put a stop to this!

Zato: No... It's already done. It would appear they set up the hack to display this now. For whatever reason, the perpetrator wants us to see this.

[A hologram of the White House appears in front of them.]

Leo: Zato... tell me this is some sick joke.

White House -- Corridor

[Chaos walks by, with Udo's jacket on, followed by eight armed bunny agents. Then a security camera room. Then even more at another corridor.]

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator 2: Hey... I'm not getting any contact from the White House. Group 2, report.

White House -- Conference Room

???: I'm not sure you know how tense things are getting in here but... You've got everyone on edge.

Daryl: I'd like to hear more.

Asuka: In that case... [signal gets static]

Vernon: ? Asuka?

Chaos: [applauds, opens doors, backed by two agents] What a show you've put on, Asuka.

???: Identify yourself.

Chaos: Happy Chaos.

White House -- Quarters

Sol: [gets up] That voice...!

White House -- Conference Room

Asuka: Who are you?

Chaos: Don't tell me you've forgotten about little ol' me. I suppose that's fair, given the state I'm in now. Man, do I ever wanna have a nice, long chat with you. But that'll have to wait. [snaps fingers, cutting Asuka's screen off; knights ready themselves] You really gotta look someone in the eyes to communicate. No more phone calls today.

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Asuka: Damn it... It's not connecting. Did he truly shut down the system on his own? But how is any of this possible? Not only did he know of Happy Chaos... He even knew my name.

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: World peace, huh? Neither optimistic sermons nor genocidal weapons have unified us just yet, I suppose.

???: Hey, where are the guards? Who let him in here?

Chaos: The guards? You mean like the guy who gave me this jacket? Give the guy a day off. Yeah, so anyways, first I'd like to--

Stryper: [points gun at Chaos] Perhaps you took a wrong turn. The exit's behind you. [shoots three times, Chaos evades and turns him] Gaaaah!

???: What did you--

Ming Wei: Stand back! [flash steps on the table, stops all bullets from bunny agents at Chaos' side, but is taken by surprise by Stryper's shot]

???: Ming Wei!

Vernon: No...! Stryper!

Chaos: Oh, calm down. There's still time to save him. Provided you don't cut me off again, that is.

Vernon: ...

Chaos: Though to be fair, I did interrupt you guys first. That's on me. [shoots at ???] Let me try introducing myself again. [puts his gun on ???'s hand]

???: ...Wh-What...?

Chaos: That's a weapon called a "gun." When you pull the trigger, a bullet comes out. Those bullets kill people. Let's try shooting that scary looking guy right there. [points at Daryl]

???: No! Th-There's no way I could ever...

Chaos: Oh, I'm quite sure you can. Just trust me.

???: I can't!

Chaos: I'm gonna count to three. And if you don't shoot by the time I'm done, everyone here dies.

???: Please....

Chaos: One.

???: I can't do this, I won't.

Chaos: Two.

???: You can't be serious...!

Chaos: Thre--

???: [points gun at Daryl] Uwahh! [shoots; Chaos interferes, and the bullet ends up missing Daryl, who is unimpressed]

Chaos: Way to go. You made the best choice you could, given the situation. Feeling better now, hm? Alright then, let's all give Asuka a hand. [snaps fingers; map appears via screen, and heart holograms appear before the representatives]

Vernon: ...What is this?

Chaos: World peace, ready in just five minutes.

??? -- Missile Base

[Warning appears via screen.]

???: What the...

Illyria Castle -- War Room

[Warning appears via screen.]

Leo: Now what?

Zato: An unregistered weapon of mass destruction has been activated.

Leo: A weapon of mass destruction...?!

Trey: Y-Yes, sir! We're getting a signal from the Level-5 sub-basement. It's a strategic weapon!

Zato: This is impossible. It's cleared all protocols simultaneously.

Alexis: We're getting external interference!

Millia: It can't be... Is this the work of that hacker? What's the target?!

Alexis: The United States!

Millia: Cut the main power!

Trey: We can't shut it down or restart it! We're completely shut out!

Leo: This is madness... Do something about it! This is about to start another World War!

Zato: Prepare the auxiliary power source. It will be faster to do this manually.

Leo: What do you plan to do?

Zato: Take care of this myself. [becomes a shadow and disappears]

???

[Missile silos open, and launch into the sky.]

The Pentagon -- ???

Goldlewis: What in the Sam Hill is goin' on?!

Operator: Albatross has been launched! And without the president's authorization!

Erica: Have we been hacked?

Goldlewis: But we just changed the damn launch code thirty minutes ago!

[Elsewhere, Chipp and Anji look on.]

Illyria Castle -- War Room

[Zato appears and stops the missile in its silo.]

Trey: Auxiliary power activated. We've regained control.

Leo: Then it worked?

Millia: It did. But only for the weapons in the castle. Every other weapon in Illyria has been launched.

Alexis: A-Alert! The United States has launched weapons... against Illyria!

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: The ultimate magic-based anti-gear weapon: Albatross. You guys dreamed that one up, right? I just fired 'em all.

???: No way, you're insane!

Vernon: Do you realize what you've done?

Chaos: Duh.

Vernon: [looks at heart holograms] What the hell is this?

Chaos: If you press that button, the missiles will self-destruct. Press it, or don't--that's up to you. But if nothing happens in the next five minutes... We'll be starting over from the Stone Age.

[Daryl presses the holo.]

???: I-It worked?! [presses]

???: Rgh! [presses]

Vernon: Nn! [presses] Huff... Huff...

Chaos: Congratulations. You just created a world with no weapons.

???: ...What are you after?!

Chaos: Can't you tell?

Vernon: You didn't need to offer us that choice. Was all this just to show off your powers?

Chaos: Yep. But I'm not after your fancy watches and rings. So, whatever could I want?

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Asuka: ...He's a magic wielder. With skills far beyond top class... There's no way he's...!

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: All Albatross missiles have self-destructed.

???: None of this makes any sense! This is a D1 order. Enter the White House and confirm the safety of the president! Now, dammit! [to Goldlewis] Would you join them?

[Godlewis takes his coffin.]

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: I have only one request. The book.

???: Book?

Chaos: Yeah. The one Asuka's got. Only problem is... The little rascal's hiding behind a door I can't open. And the only one who CAN open it...

Vernon: ...Is me. And you expect me to just quietly obey?

Chaos: [shows his gun] Do you need me to reintroduce myself?

Vernon: I'll do it! I'll do it. So just stop. I'll take you to the Gear Maker.

???: M-Mr. President...!

Sol: [outside the room] Vernon, Get down. [breaks the door, hitting Chaos into the wall at the other side of the room, then he and Vernon flee]

Chaos: Now there's a freelancer who takes pride in his work. Good. Things are finally getting interesting.

White House -- Corridor

Vernon: You were just in time. I can't thank you enough.

Sol: Save it for once we're outside. Where's the exit?

Vernon: What!? I can't leave the other representatives behind!

Sol: You can't afford not to. It's all over if he gets his hands on you.

Vernon: But...

Sol: ! [is shot in the shoulder, and takes cover]

Vernon: Are you all right?

Sol: I'm fine. [checks wound] I knew it... It's taking me longer to heal. [puts a bookshelf between himself and the agent, then throws it against him]

Vernon: Nice work!

Sol: It won't go as well if more of 'em find us. Can we get somewhere safe?

Vernon: S-Safe? We're in the White House! The whole place is supposed to be safe!

Sol: Shit! I don't care where we go, we just need to move!

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: Chairman, we're still unable to make contact with the White House.

???: Send in Echo Team. Continue calling. And send reinforcements!

White House -- Airspace

Reporter: [voiceover] This just in, we've heard that all of the magic-based missiles have self-destructed mid-launch! The government has not yet issued a statement, but it seems as though the army is investigating under the presumption that the launch was some sort of accident. However, the possibility remains that this was some sort of demonstration against G4. Security around the White House has...

White House -- Ventilation

Sol: Are you guys selling those uniforms at your gift shop or something? And where the hell are YOUR guards?

Vernon: ... I saw it with my own eyes, but I still can't believe it. Chaos has the power to manipulate people's appearances and minds alike. He's brainwashed our entire security staff. There's no way I can leave everyone behind. We need to let people know what's going on in here and call for backup. I'm not running until that's done.

Sol: Trust me, if it were possible, they'd be here already. I even tried contacting Ky, but none of my calls connect. It's likely that all transmissions are being jammed.

Vernon: Ugh... What about a hotline that doesn't use magic? There's a country that continues to use forbidden machines.

Sol: Zepp, huh. How can you contact them?

Vernon: This building is an antique, you see. It's in the air command post.

Sol: You're a stubborn bastard, y'know that?

Vernon: It's how I won the election, actually.

White House -- Corridor

Guard #1: [checks ventilation, but narrowly avoids a guard bot laser-scan] Uh-oh. [get out]

Guard #2: What's up?

Guard #1: That was a close one. There's a guard bot up there. They attack anything that enters their line of sight.

White House -- Gardens

???: Echo Team reporting in. We've arrived at the White House.

???: [via comm] What's the situation?

???: It's the same as the footage. Soldiers are continuing to patrol Area 4. It seems they're unaware of the situation.

???: Make contact, but use caution.

???: Understood. Moving to make contact.

White House -- Conference Room

[Chaos twirls on a chair.]

Daryl: Shouldn't you be pursuing the President?

Chaos: Wait, you can talk?

Daryl: Yes, I believe I just did.

Chaos: Wow, you can even hold a conversation! [twirls again]

Daryl: You seem quite comfortable for a man in a stranger's home. I take it this is all going to plan?

Chaos: Heehee. Not quite. A perfect plan never beats an improvised one. That's how I work.

???: Clearly. Normally a plan so brazen would never work.

Chaos: Normally... On that note. That knight from the Chinese Federation will die if you leave him be. We got terrorists in the White House, just fired every WMD in the world, and yet no one's come to save you. Are these "normal" occurrences to you?

???: ...

Chaos: Wake up already. We left normal behind a long time ago.

White House -- Gardens

???: [approaches entrance] What's with the mask? We issued an emergency order. Why haven't you responded? [is shot down]

???: Open fire! [bunny guard is hit thrice] Cease fire! [bunny guard falls down] What the hell...

Reporter: [voiceover] W-We seem to be witnessing a firefight on the perimeter of the White House! It's chaos down there! There's still no official word about what's going on, or whether it's related to the weapons of mass destruc--

[Shoulder-fired missile hits helicopter.]

???: No way...

[Another shoulder-missile is about to hit the soldier, but Goldlewis grabs it with one hand.]

???: ...Mr. Secretary?

Goldlewis: ...Hmph. [throws missile into the air, which then explodes] Fall back for now. [Bunny guards start to shoot again.] Hyah! [casts a barrier] Guaaaah!

???: Retreat! Retreat!!

The Pentagon -- ???

???: Unbelievable...

Myth

White House -- Conference Room

[Shots can be heard outside.]

???: Wh... What is going on out there...?

Daryl: A D1 order must have been issued some time ago. From the sound of things... I would imagine Chaos as back-up troops outside, as well.

[Chaos looks at him and smiles.]

White House -- Ventilation

Sol: You hear that? Something's going down outside.

Vernon: Stop! [Guard bot appears in front of them.] If that thing notices you, you're gonna be Swiss cheese. Don't move a muscle. [Bot leaves.]

Sol: How did you know?

Vernon: Hm?

Sol: How did you know that machine wouldn't come our way?

Vernon: My gut.

Sol: Yeah well, your guts gonna be all over this vent if you're not more logical next time.

Royal Fleet One -- Bridge

Jack-O': ...You told me I couldn't save the world. What did you mean?

Ky: You don't even know what the world is yet.

Jack-O': But I could still stop I-No.

Ky: Then why did you come with me?

Jack-O': I don't know. As I am now, I can't really do anything.

Ky: Yeah. You're human. A regular human. Which is why... you don't always act logically. [thinks] Quite some time ago, Sol went into the castle's food storage area. Broke in, to be more precise, since I found the door in shambles. In any case, I came running when I heard the noise. He calls it a refrigerator, but as with all of the castle's facilities, it's spacious to the point of absurdity. Even finding someone in there is no simple task. In time, I found Sol in front of a wall of 5000 liters of liquor. 84 varieties, all lined up and organized. [sits in front of her] Now, I can't judge the cost of alcohol by sight alone. But I did recognize the bottle he held in his hands: It was the same kind of cheap liquor you can find in nearly any restaurant. I told him he could've at least chosen something worth the cost of repairs to the door. How do you think he responded? [Jack-O' is clueless.] "There's hundreds of better drinks out there, but I always end up choosing this one."

Jack-O': Choosing?

Ky: That's right. He chose it not for its quality, but because it fits his tastes. You'll understand that, eventually. And a day will come when you find that contradiction beautiful. People have their necessary frivolities.

Jack-O': Necessary... frivolities.

White House -- ???

Vernon: This is it.

[They are on the ventilation shaft. A bunny guard enters the room.]

Sol: He's on patrol. He'll be gone soon.

Guard: [below] Hm?

Vernon: Thank god he didn't notice us. [A guard bot appears behind Sol.] !!

Guard: [below] So I wasn't just hearing things.

Sol: We're gonna be fine.

Vernon: What do we do?

Sol: Stay completely still.

Vernon: Oh, like THAT's logical! [Bot goes on alert.]

Guard: [below] What the--

Sol: Sure it is. [grabs bot and throws it into the room below, landing on the guard]

Guard: [is shot repeatedly] djaskhfasjdhw!

Sol: [jumps, lands on the bot; it explodes] See?

[Later.]

Vernon: All right, I found it!

Sol: [checks outside, then goes back in] Hurry it up. We can't stay here forever.

Vernon: Don't rush me. Unlike you, when I say "we're gonna be fine," I mean it.

Sol: Why's that?

Vernon: This is a relic from an age gone by. I've heard it's more of a wiretap than a telephone.

Zepp -- ???

Reporter: [voiceover] Though most local civilians have been evacuated, we have confirmed that some have been left behind. We cannot yet speak to the number of losses. Meanwhile, police, civilians, and the military have joined together in a desperate attempt at saving lives.

Operator: President Gabriel, we're receiving a call on the emergency hotline.

Gabriel: Oh? Then why haven't you picked up?

Operator: Well, it's an unregistered number, sir. So, frankly... There's no telling who might be calling.

Gabriel: What? [thinks] Trace the call.

Operator: Yes sir!

White House -- ???

Vernon: They picked up!

Gabriel: [via line] I don't know who you are, but this is a private line used strictly for matters of national security. If you intend to keep it busy as some sort of childish prank, we reserve the right to take all necessary defensive measures. Within five seconds, we will have your location traced. Within fifteen minutes, the tactical nukes should arrive. If you feel any responsibility whatsoever for the poor souls within three kilometers of you, then don't ever call this number again. [ends call]

Vernon: ...

Sol: How'd it go?

Vernon: ...They're going to drop a nuke on us.

Sol: HUH?!

White House -- ???

Gabriel: Did you find them?

Operator: Yes, sir! But, er... The call came from the White House!

Reporter: [voiceover] There's currently so much gunfire around the White House that it could safely be called a warzone. With no information regarding the dignitaries of each country inside, many are concerned for their safety...

Gabriel: Er...

The Pentagon -- ???

[Erica, Goldlewis, and ??? are there.]

???: The White House just contacted Zepp via the emergency hotline! They'll be sharing the call with major organizations from each country. The President... is unharmed!

[Call goes online.]

Zepp / White House / The Pentagon

Gabriel: My apologies, Vernon. Glad to hear you're all right.

Vernon: For now, yes, but we don't have much time. I'm going to tell you all I know, so listen carefully. The White House has been taken over by terrorists. I managed to get away, but the others are being held captive in the conference room. Someone's injured, too. If you can, please, send back-up right away.

???: Do you know who's responsible?

Vernon: Only his name. He calls himself "Happy Chaos."

???: Happy...?

Vernon: He's after Asuka's Tome. And to get it, he needs me to give him access to the PEOC.

Gabriel: How many troops does he have?

Vernon: I can't say. They're everywhere, and heavily armed.

???: That doesn't make sense... How would they get past security?

Goldlewis: I don't want to admit it, but most likely... The security officers were brainwashed.

???: Dickinson!

Goldlewis: Echo Team and I saw it with our own eyes. I'm sure of it.

???: Do you understand what this means...? In this complex alone... We have over 300 stationed officers.

Vernon: It's not safe to stay here. The moment this call's done, we're going to try to escape. But we will need backup immediately.

Goldlewis: Hold your horses. It's just as dangerous outside as in. Mr. President, I believe it would be wise for you to retreat to the PEOC until backup arrives.

Vernon: Not a chance. We can't let Happy Chaos gain access to the PEOC. And you don't have to worry about me. I'm with Sol Badguy.

Goldlewis: In that case, head to the parking lot from the west wing. That should be your quickest, safest route outta there. That's where I'll pick ya up.

Vernon: See you there. Signing off now. [call ends]

???: Send in the reinforcements!

White House -- Conference Room

[Chaos twirls on chair again.]

Daryl: So, what do you plan to do after this?

Chaos: Hm?

Daryl: Will you be reading that book in your jail cell? I can't say I've ever heard of a case in which a single criminal successfully overthrew a government.

Chaos: Nor has the White House ever been taken over. There's a first time for everything.

Daryl: I just find it a tad curious. You could have made your demands after launching the missiles. Why didn't you?

Chaos: Do you have a name, O King of Illyria? [twirls]

Daryl: Daryl.

Chaos: All right, Daryl. I'll indulge your question. I don't just want to make history, I want to make history fun. I want to write a script for reality, and enjoy some authentic drama.

Daryl: Haven't you had your fun already, then? Look at the state you have us in.

Chaos: Oh, don't get me wrong. I take no joy in seeing people suffer. I want to see them struggle.

Daryl: Semantics.

Chaos: Not at all! A wax figure and a human being: at a glance, it's hard to tell the difference But the two are entirely different, no? Let's say my goal was to create the strongest shield ever. How would I go about doing that? By creating the strongest sword. A sword justifies the existence of a shield. Humanity has always exhausted every possibility. That's the exact sort of drama I want to see.

Daryl: What was the motive behind your initial goal, then? Without the sword, the shield would be unnecessary.

Chaos: The motive? Sorry, to me the very idea of a motive is nonsense. Cause I'm a wax figure, you see.

White House -- Cargo Area?

Sol: This place seems safe enough. First I'll take out the guys by the side entrance. I'm sure someone will notice the noise, but I'll deal with it. While I've got 'em distracted, you make for the exit as fast as you can.

Vernon: Can we pull it off?

Sol: Brown bears don't give birth to pandas. If you believe in that, you can believe in me.

Vernon: Then what will you do?

Sol: I've got unfinished business with Asuka.

Vernon: I see... [holds hand out] Thank you. You've been an immense help.

Sol: I'm not a handshake kind of guy.

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: This world is brimming with potential. So long as humans put in the effort, they can realize true greatness. Make it a reality. The miracles of nonfiction surpass even the most masterful works fiction writers can dream up. However, if some lady of the lake rose up out of the water and offered you any book in the world... No one would ask for a history book. That's because reality isn't very fun.

Daryl: Can you truly say that a reality you're scripting is nonfiction?

Chaos: Is a robbery happening on the other side of the world right now "real" to you? We all write the script of our own lives. Our "reality" is what's written on our own page-- nothing more. The important thing... ...is whether or not we can experience it for ourselves. I'm going to write the history books of the future. And a hundred years from now... Kids won't be falling asleep in class anymore. [snaps fingers, and the White House starts to tremble]

White House -- Cargo Area?

Sol: Hm?

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Alexis: The sensors have picked up on a heat source within the White House!

Millia: A heat source? Don't tell me...

White House -- Cargo Area?

[Cracks and dust appear on the gardens.]

Voice: Avalon Type-1 defense form activated. All personnel, stand clear of the transforming zones.

Sol: You have gotta be kidding me...

Vernon: It's real...

[The White House starts to ascend.]

Washington DC -- Street

Goldlewis: Wh-What in god's name...

White House -- Cargo Area?

Vernon: But how? This really is... Project Tír na nÓg!

Washington DC -- Street

Goldlewis: [runs after it] Vernon! Vernooon!

White House -- Cargo Area?

Sol: Tír na nÓg... [the room begins to folded in] Whoa!

Vernon: [falling] Waaah!

Sol: [grabs him] Tch!

Vernon: Haha... !

Sol: ?!

Vernon: Sol...!

Sol: [throws Vernon to safety and jumps out of container's way] Rgh! [container falls]

The Pentagon -- ???

???: What in the world is that...? Has anyone confirmed the president's escape?!

Washington DC -- Airspace

Reporter: [voiceover] We are continually bewildered as things develop at the scene. The government continues to remain silent, without so much as a word of official instruction to local residents. We've received word that just before this chaos began, there were reports of a suspicious group sighted in the vicinity of the White House. Suffice it to say, the safety of the president and those inside the White House remains a mystery...

White House -- Conference Room

Daryl: I must admit, this turn of events surprises me.

Chaos: During the war, there were military-industrial complexes the government didn't know about all over the world. And this White House here was built to shelter a small number of the villains who ran 'em. A Noah's Ark of their own.

White House -- Cargo Area?

[Sol closes door.]

Vernon: Huff, huff...

Sol: Didn't think it was possible to get sent back to before the starting line. You got any more house rules I should know about?

Vernon: I'm wondering the same thing...

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: The White House has completely left our line of sight.

Goldlewis: What about radar?!

Operator: I've checked, but they seem to be using stealth magic.

Goldlewis: So we have to rely on our own eyes... Send up anything that can fly! Don't let it out of our sight!

Leo: [via comm] Secretary Goldlewis.

Goldlewis: Second King.

Leo: Do you have any information on that aircraft?

Goldlewis: Last time I checked, the White House couldn't fly.

Leo: So Millia was right.

Goldlewis: Do you know something?

Leo: I do. If you're going to pursue that thing, you'd better be careful. It's not exactly an airliner.

Operator: Secretary, one of our planes has visual contact!

Goldlewis: It does?

Airspace

Pilot: This is Firefly 3, reporting in. Unable to establish communication with Avalon. I'm going to attempt an in-air landing.

The Pentagon -- ???

Goldlewis: No, wait...! Don't get too close!

Airspace

Pilot: [sees weaponry] ...What is that thing? [is aimed at] ! [is hit] Aaaahhhh! [crashes on the gardens]

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: We've lost contact with Firefly 3...

Goldlewis: Is this a nightmare...?

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Asuka: [pacing] How could he have known of Tír na nÓg? More than that, how is he able to control it? Chaos has to be... [cast spell]

White House -- Kitchen

Vernon: A call? Do we have reception now?

Sol: No, this is a magic signal intrusion... Only one person could pull this off... Right, Asuka?

Asuka: [via comm] True. Are you all right?

Sol: I wish. They've got me locked down. I'm here with Vernon.

Asuka: Good to hear. You rescued him, I presume? Keep him safe at all costs. If the enemy truly is after the Tome... We cannot afford to let him have it.

Sol: There's something I gotta know. Can just about anybody read the Tome?

Asuka: They cannot. Only me... ...and Chaos.

White House -- Conference Room

Daryl: Just what are you?

Chaos: You really wanna know?

White House -- Kitchen

Asuka: That man, Chaos... He's my teacher. History's first and strongest magic wielder... The Original.

White House -- Conference Room

Daryl: The Original...

???: The man who introduced the world to magic?! But--

Daryl: The Gear Maker's teacher. The author of the "Tome of Origin." The father of magic. And the savior who opened our minds and spearheaded mankind's revival when the world lost its science. Only one of you is telling the truth. Is it you, or these documents?

Chaos: Neither. Back when I was the person you and Asuka knew... This... [points to his own heart] and this... [point to head] ...weren't broken yet.

White House -- Kitchen

Sol: You sure that guy's your teacher?

Asuka: [via comm] His appearance and demeanor have changed considerably... But his aptitude for magic is undeniable.

Sol: ...Great, so we're headed for the worst case scenario.

Vernon: Headed for?! Is that some kind of joke? How could things get any worse than they already are?!

Sol: Chaos's goal.. ...is to make I-No complete.

Asuka: I-No...

Sol: You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? Chaos already has I-No's other half.

Asuka: There's no way... My teacher would never do such a thing...

Sol: Fine. Then what do you think his next step is?

Asuka: ... All right. I'll give it some thought. Meanwhile, please try to stay safe.

Sol: This wouldn't be a bad place to fight, but we don't have an escape route, either. We might end up moving, depending on how things shake out.

Asuka: I'll pray for your safety. [ends call]

Vernon: Just how much worse can this get?

Airliner

Pilot: Hey.

Co-pilot: Yeah?

Pilot: I can see what looks like an aircraft up ahead. Are we on the right route?

Co-pilot: Let me confirm. [to comm] This is TH10-8. We have eyes on an unidentified aircraft. Requesting information, over.

???: That's not right. There are no flight plans that should be overlapping with TH 10-8's route. We're not showing anything on radar, either, over.

Pilot: This is the captain speaking. Respectfully, that's impossible. I can see it with my own two eyes. It's a massive aircraft. At this rate we're at risk of impact. Requesting evasive assistance, over.

???: That's odd... Is there any response from the TCAS or ADS? TH 10-8 should be the only aircraft in your vicinity.

Pilot: Holy shit... It's the White House! The aircraft ahead of us is the White House!

???: Come again?

Pilot: Taking evasive maneuvers! [evades]

Co-pilot: Was that... Air Force One?

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: The White House nearly collided with a passenger craft. Backup is on the way.

Goldlewis: Good. The PWAB will be issued orders in cooperation with Zepp. Change your communication channel to 7.1 to confirm.

Operator: Confirmed.

Dokken: [via comm] Understood. Still, the Post-War Administration Bureau?

Goldlewis: I get it, but right now, those ex-assassins know more about the White House situation than we do. Save your complaints for later.

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Millia: This is Millia Rage, director of the PWAB. Do any of you have a visual on the White House?

Dokken: [via comm] Naval Officer Dokken reporting. Gargoyle 3 is tracking their signal.

Millia: Thank you, Dokken. If that craft is armed, make sure it maintains a distance of 500 meters. The White House is a fortress. It's equipped with a system that detects aircraft transponders and automatically intercepts. Stand by outside of the effective range and avoid contact until further orders.

Dokken: Roger that.

Zato: Now that we've located it, we face a new issue. We're unable to act until we make contact with the inside or it runs out of fuel and crashes. We need an aircraft that the White House cannot see.

Gabriel: [via comm] I believe we could be of service on that front. Though it's not a suitable craft for hostages, and I can't guarantee it will make it in time.

Leo: It's better than sitting here twiddling our thumbs. Please send it.

Gabriel: Right away.

Millia: We'll work on what we can from our end. Plot the White House's route based on its current vector from Washington, D.C.

Zato: Chief of staff Erica Bartholomew has given us access to their confidential files. With international cooperation, we will now proceed with our analysis of the black box. Hopefully we'll find a clue.

Millia: Here's hoping.

The Pentagon -- ???

Goldlewis: What's the damage report?

Operator: Initial reports say 48 police and soldier casualties. But that doesn't account for the numerous civilians caught up in all this. [Erica is frustrated.]

Goldlewis: Was this a political group? Some single idealogue?

Erica: Illyria tried to warn us. I downplayed the danger because I-No was in custody. These deaths are my responsibility.

Goldlewis: I don't know who they are, but the enemy is in there. This is no time to beat yourself up.

Erica: We've worked together for a long time. I know you could do this on your own.

Goldlewis: Only if blamin' you for all this made me twice as efficient. Listen, if workin' together for a long time builds trust, then there's no one you should trust more than yourself.

Confrontation

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: Alright, time for our in-flight announcement. [starts speaker comm] A-hem... Greetings, passengers. Thank you for choosing Chaos Airlines. This is a direct flight to... well, let's not spoil the surprise. Allow me to explain the safety equipment on this vessel. In the event of decreased visibility, the lamps on your seats will blah blah blah... For emergency evacuation, feel free to fling yourself out of the vessel. You will be sent straight to Heaven. Due to company policy, oxygen masks, life vests, and parachutes are not available. Our crew will attack passengers on sight. We ask that you run or hide if you hope to survive. In addition, their weapons are custom jobs. So, Sol, your immortality won't help you here. You'd be best off avoiding combat however you can. Oh, I almost forgot! Your time limit is... Well, you'll find out soon enough. All right, then. Relax and enjoy the flight.

White House -- Cargo Area?

Sol: He's toying with us... Screwing around like this.

Vernon: What can we do? Would we be better off staying here?

Sol: Might be smarter than running around aimlessly.

Chaos: [on speaker] Oh, oopsies. One last thing. Be on the lookout for our samurai. He can sense auras, so I wouldn't recommend waiting it out in your hiding place.

Vernon: Samurai?

Sol: It can't be... [Nagoriyuki lands from the floor above through the ceiling.] Or, I guess it could! [clashes with Nagoriyuki's scabbard, but he uses his blade to slash at Sol, who jumps away but is cut on the cheek] So he made bullets out of your blade, huh...

Nagoriyuki: Your technique is lacking. You rely too heavily on your immortality.

Sol: I get that a lot! [they fight until Sol kicks Nagoriyuki, who crashes into the wall several meters behind]

Nagoriyuki: This won't do. You're too powerful. [eyes turn red]

Sol: ...A Nightless. So that old dandy isn't the only one left, huh?

[Nagoriyuki puts on mask, Sol throws a container at him; Nagoriyuki sets it aside with a push, but Sol and Vernon are gone.]

Zepp -- Dock?

Potemkin: Assault-type Recon Aircraft "Vidia." Ready for launch!

Gabriel: [via comm] Potemkin. This machine hasn't been flight tested yet. Our only testaments to its safety are simulations.

Potemkin: Then this will be its first test flight. You'd better record the data. Besides, I'm the only one who can pilot it anyway, right?

Gabriel: Godspeed...

[Vidia launches.]

White House -- Corridor

Vernon: Huff, huff... Eesh... Okay, starting tomorrow, I'm hitting the gym.

Sol: Planning to get jacked by the end of your term?

Vernon: Haha. I'd settle for not dragging you down right now. I want my weapon, too. Let's head for the Oval Office.

Sol: Weapon? [looks at bunny guard behind Vernon] Vernon!

[Guard motions to hit Vernon with his crossbow]

Vernon: ?! [guards with his arms, making a metalic sound]

Guard: Wh-What the-- [is pushed backwards, Vernon activates his arm, and punches the guard to the end of the corridor]

Sol: So you...

Vernon: [point at arm, looking at Sol] This guy's gonna need some more fuel.

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: Mr. Secretary.

Goldlewis: Yeah?

Operator: The White House is currently moving in a straight line. At this rate, it will be directly above Neo Phoenix in ten minutes.

Goldlewis: That's a major city...

???: If, god forbid, the White House were to crash land there, what kind of damage would we be looking at?

Operator: Given its size... And factoring in the likelihood of explosions and fire, it may well wipe out the entire city

???: There's not enough time to issue an evacuation order...

Erica: All we can do is pray that that's not what Chaos wants.

???: Dickinson, given that we cannot confirm the president's safety, we may want to start thinking about passing the office on to the VP.

Goldlewis: No need for that. We know that the president's in there. And so long as the Tome stays out of the enemy's hands, we know that he's alive and kickin'.

???: That's precisely why.

Goldlewis: Pardon?

???: In the event that Chaos were to take a major city like Neo Phoenix hostage... Do you think the President could make the decision to let them die?

Erica: Wait... You're not seriously... Are you suggesting we attack the White House?

???: That's one possibility.

Goldlewis: [walks up to him] The hell's wrong with you?! Do you even realize what you're say--

???: The White House is the residence of our President and government itself. Attacking it would be an assault on its staff as well as the heroes and dignitaries of each country. I know exactly what I'm saying.

Erica: That makes your suggestion all the worse. Are you planning a coup d'etat?

???: If he gets his hands on that Tome, you'll be wishing a coup was all we had to deal with. Though frankly, I'd rather have neither. However, if something terrible happens as a result of our hesitation, that would be negligence on our part.

Goldlewis: ... Erica... He's got a point.

Erica: I know...

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: Ugh, bitter. What do people like about this coffee stuff? You want the rest? Now this stuff's much more my speed. [raises Milpico glass]

Daryl: [has an idea] I'm surprised. How did you know I was a coffee addict?

Chaos: You just told me. You also just told me you're not a germophome. [gives him the cup]

Daryl: [takes it, then watches] What do you intend to do with the Tome once you have it?

Chaos: Geez, people these days are always in such a rush to get answers. Think for yourself for a change.

Daryl: I don't like people who speak to an author as if they understand their work.

Chaos: Hmm... Well, then... Right now, I-No is only half of herself. Oh, yeah, don't worry if you don't get it, that's just how it is. In order to get her other half back, we need the book's power. The end. That's all.

Daryl: So that's what this is. You're trying to give I-No some sort of power. [puts hand under the cup] A power that will make her a greater threat than any missile. In any case, I'm going to have to give this back. I don't drink cold coffee. [makes the cup slide on the table, grabs one of Chaos' guns, and points it at his head]

Chaos: [a guards points his gun at Daryl] What's this? Are we fighting?

Daryl: That's up to you.

Chaos: Ooh, interesting. What's on your mind, bud?

Daryl: Let's make a deal.

Chaos: A deal?

Daryl: There should be an aircraft nearby, ready to save us. Seeing as we haven't yet been boarded, I presume that the White House has an interception system in place. I would like you to temporarily disarm that system and release me and the other hostages in this room.

Chaos: And what do I get out of this?

Daryl: Nothing.

Chaos: Funny, I've never heard of a deal like that before.

Daryl: There's a first time for everything. Sol Badguy is aboard this ship. Which means you're going to lose. That's your fate.

Chaos: I don't like that word, "fate."

Daryl: That makes two of us. I don't believe in coincidences, either. Sol has saved the world many times. So many times that it would seem statistically impossible. And yet, it's the truth. The records should be enough to convince you of that. Fate is simply the most appropriate word I could think of. It's clear he's going to come out on top yet again.

Chaos: So, I give up my hostages, and whatever info on me you possess?

Daryl: It's the only way to improve your fortune. The lives of a few hostages are worth very little when weighed against a threat to the entire world. If I were to sacrifice everyone here in order to put the smallest little crack in your plan. Sol would see that crack and smash right through it.

Chaos: [points his other gun at Daryl] And what if I blow your head off right now?

Daryl: You'll lose a hostage, and some ammo. That's all.

Chaos: Ohoho, you are good.

The Pentagon -- ???

???: [via comm] Confirming safe departure of the rescue craft. The Third King called us to confirm that the dignitaries of all countries except the United States are unharmed.

Goldlewis: ...He released the hostages? What is Chaos thinking?

Rescue Craft

???: He really let us go...

Daryl: We aren't the main characters in his play. He didn't need us. This may be hard to swallow, but Chaos is only here to have fun.

???: Regardless, your quick thinking saved us. I'm deeply grateful.

Daryl: I don't deserve your gratitude. I put everyone's lives at risk for my own goal.

???: Then what did you...

Daryl: Chaos made a call from the ship, even though all transmissions were supposed to be restricted...

???: Yes, and?

Daryl: I've been called the "King of Groundwork." And I can't stand coffee.

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: It's so lonely in here... I should've kept Daryl, at least. [takes a sip] Urk, yep, still bitter. [a magic circle is on the cup's bottom]

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: We've received a report from the Third King! It would seem that during his escape, he jacked the enemy's transmission device!

Goldlewis: What? Is that true?

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Zato: I wouldn't expect any less. He's a shrewd one.

Leo: Let's get our talking points together, fast.

Millia: Do we have an analysis of the facilities?

Zato: The Pentagon and Zepp are working on it as we speak. Though they haven't fully analyzed the PEOC area or the steering system yet.

Millia: And the White House's route?

Alexis: They've passed through Neo Phoenix airspace without incident, and are continuing in a straight line.

Goldlewis: [via comm] That's a relief.

Millia: It is odd, though. If it were me, I would make use of everything at my disposal. If the President can run away until they're out of fuel, that wouldn't benefit Chaos.

The Pentagon -- ???

Chipp: [from ceiling] But what if it would?

Erica: [looks at floor level but finds no one, then looks up] Chipp?!

Chipp: [jumps over] Yo, Erica.

Erica: When did you...

Goldlewis: Friend of yours? Hold on-- Chipp?! As in, President of the Eastern Chipp Kingdom?

Erica: Officially speaking, no.

Chipp: Don't sweat the small stuff. I came to vanquish a demon, but it looks like my target ran far out of my reach. So that transmission is our lifeline.

Erica: [sighs] Dickinson, I promise I'll get him out of here shortly... But before I do, could you spare a minute to hear him out? It shouldn't take long.

Chipp: First off, I don't plan on making any deals with this Chaos punk.

Goldlewis: What do you mean?

Chipp: Can you imagine what he's going to use the Tome for?

Erica: I assume he'll be using it as a weapon, somehow?

Chipp: That's what someone with demands would do. Or a guy with a grudge. Either way, they'd have made a statement by now, right? So the way I see it, no matter what it is Chaos wants, he can finish it up there.

Goldlewis: How can you be so sure?

Chipp: If the White House stays on this course, they'll eventually cross the border. Given your national responsibility and the whereabouts of the Tome, you'll have to shoot him down, first. So why hasn't this guy made any demands?

Goldlewis: You think he wants us to blow him up?

Erica: I don't get it... Why would being shot down...

Chipp: It gets rid of the guy protecting the book. Pretty convenient solution if you can't die.

Erica: He can't die?

Chipp: Anji.

Anji: [via comm; he's overlooking the site of Nagoriyuki's awakening] Forgive me for the sudden interruption. I'll save the introductions for another time. Truth is, I've been pursuing Chaos for many years. In the interest of time, I'll be direct. He is "That Man." Rather, "That Man" was a title created because nobody knew where the blame really lay. But it applied to more than one person. The Gear Maker, and one other. He's a monster who wreaked havoc during the Crusades by possessing people in his spirit form.

Chipp: Tell everyone in there... ...that they're on a time limit.

White House -- Conference Room

Stryper: Was that a good idea?

Chaos: Hm?

Stryper: If he knows we no longer have hostages, the president may attempt to escape. Why not detach the PEOC now?

Chaos: Why?

Stryper: What do you mean, why? I don't understand you. Your plan is nothing but detours. For one thing... Why am I able to question your actions like this?

Chaos: You wouldn't be a good script writer, y'know that?

Stryper: I see...

Chaos: Oh, just one more thing, while you're here. You would make one hell of an actor. Ever see that play about the double agent? You look just like the leading man.

Stryper: I see.

Chaos: So why don't we make you a triple agent? [They leave the room. Daryl's magic circle expands, and activates a walkie-talkie.]

White House -- Central Area?

Sol: [is shot at by guards in the central room] Tch. Any chance there's another route?

Vernon: [shakes his head] Could we use that?

Sol: You sure?

Vernon: He's the tallest President we've ever had.

[They move in before a shoulder-fired missile hits where they were. Guards then advance amidst the dust. Sol pushes a gigantic statue of Lincoln, horizontally, through the corridor.]

Guard #1: You gotta be kidding me! Uwaah!

[Guards start to shoot, but Sol drags the statue in a 360-degree circle, hitting them all.]

Guard #2: Woaah!

Guard #3: Aaah!

Guard #4: Gaah!

[Platform collapses on one side to the level below, shaking the White House, and the conference room. Vernon comes out of the corridor.]

Sol: Where to next, left or right?

Vernon: Right. But... Down is faster.

White House -- Oval Office

Vernon: Here we are. [clicks and opens his stash of zeal pods]

Sol: Are these... Huh, don't see that every day. "Spiritas Type 48." A stupidly big battery with poor energy conversion efficiency.

Vernon: If we set all these off, we could blow Chaos away, along with the whole damn White House.

Sol: I can do you one better. [removes lid and it turns green] I just removed the limiter. Now this alone could take out the White House. If I did it for all of 'em, we could destroy half the globe.

Vernon: H-How dangerous are these things?

Sol: The more zeal they use, the more they can sell 'em for. Doesn't make 'em perform any better, though. Arms dealers are a tricky bunch.

Vernon: [stash closes, sits at desk] Ha... Hahaha. [looks at a picture of his daughter, grandson, granddaughter, and himself at a party, holding it in his hands] I had a bad habit of breaking promises with my daughter to focus on work. You wouldn't believe how mad that little girl got. Haha. Wasn't afraid to cuss me out over it, too. Where'd she learn that kind of language, I wonder? I swear, my wife would've fainted if she lived to hear it. But last time I flaked, she sent me a letter. Good luck with work, it said. To be honest, it was a relief. I knew my little girl was just trying to be thoughtful... But even so, it felt like a weight off my shoulders. Great, that's one fight I don't need to have, I thought. But now, I wish we could've had that talk, even if it was just a fight. Why did I become President? What did I want to protect?

Sol: Sometimes, you tear apart your house looking for your keys, only for someone else to find them in a second. That ever happen to you? And sure, they might get annoyed or make fun of you. But no matter how things ended up, everyone involved can clearly see... that you were giving everything you had. Even if your ideal future had wheels attached, all you could do would be to push or pull it.

Vernon: No way... Are YOU trying to cheer me up? [Incoming comm via the desk.] Gear Maker.

Asuka: [via comm] Frederick?

Sol: Did you make this call?

Asuka: No, it seems to be some sort of special open channel.

Goldlewis: [via comm] Is the President there?!

Vernon: Dickinson!

Goldlewis: Oh, thank god you're safe!

Vernon: How did you restore the communication lines?

Goldlewis: That's not important right now. First, I have some good news. The hostages have been safely evacuated, all thanks to the Third King.

Vernon: Really?

Sol: Wily bastard.

Goldlewis: But please, Mr. President, tell us how you're doing.

Vernon: Our pursuers have gotten aggressive. It's getting difficult to stay hidden.

Goldlewis: I see. All right. Please listen closely to what I'm about to say. The White House is currently en route to THE border of Old Mexico.

Vernon: What?

Goldlewis: Right now, the White House is essentially a flyin' bomb. I've got no doubt that it'll be shot down if it enters a neighboring country's airspace. Not only will we lose the symbol of our country, but we'll have no control over who ends up with the Tome. We need to shoot down the White House ourselves before that happens.

Vernon: How much time do we have?

Goldlewis: At its current speed, about 50 minutes.

Sol: He's written the hell outta this script. Knowing what we know, we could either surrender, or destroy the PEOC after it's been shot down. Either way, Chaos comes out on top.

Goldlewis: Did you know about him bein' immortal, Sol?

Sol: Yep.

Goldlewis: Spares me an explanation. Even if you run into Chaos, do not engage. We're looking for a way to get you out of there, so just hang on until we find one.

Sol: You really think there's a way out?

Goldlewis: Considering that the White House is an aircraft, there's gotta be escape pods.

Sol: Any idea where?

Gabriel: [via comm] The PEOC, most likely. It's nothing but locks within locks. A regular matryoshka doll. And the codes are in a language I've never seen.

Vernon: Sounds like we're in for a long 50 minutes.

Sol: Got any other info on Chaos?

Chipp: [via comm] We do, but...

Sol: ...Chipp?

Chipp: Hey. This is just my gut feeling, so don't get your hopes up.

Sol: Better than nothing.

Chipp: Is that giant samurai guy up there too?

Sol: He is, and he's a pain in the ass.

Chipp: I'm not sure, but I think he knows Chaos's weakness.

Sol: He what?

Chipp: I'm not just blowing smoke here. Listen. I saw Chaos, too. He defies all common sense. The guy's just in this for the thrill. And he's intentionally giving everyone... ...a chance to kill him.

Sol: So you're saying I need to get the samurai to talk?

Asuka: ...I have followed the will of my teacher for long enough. I'll fight too.

Sol: What?

Asuka: I'm not sure if I can pull it off, but I'll try to take control of the aircraft. I'll buy you some time. Focus on finding the escape pods.

Goldlewis: Understood!

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Asuka: [activates magic circles] He's got a hundred years of experience on me. Can I make up the difference?

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: [inspects Daryl's magic circle] Oh, Daryl. You should have told me you were an actor! [White House shakes.] Hmm?

???: What the... They're altering our route!

Chaos: Hahaha!

White House -- Oval Office

Vernon: Here we go.

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Alexis: The White House is decelerating and has started to turn!

Leo: He pulled it off!

Zato: Hopefully he can maintain control until they can land.

White House -- Conference Room

Chaos: Looks like they realized where we were headed. And if he's making a move now... [activates magic circles] So, Asuka, you finally remembered me?

Asuka: [via comm] It's been quite a long time, teacher. [Chaos sends a shockwave.] Guh...! [remains in place] This isn't how I imagined our reunion. What in the world happened to you? Where have you been? Why are you trying to grant I-No power? [sends shockwave]

Chaos: Oh! [paralyzed] I remember teaching you to ask one question at a time. Well, I've got one for you, too. You know the White House's even bigger secret, don't you? What was your plan, I wonder?

Asuka: You taught me not to answer a question with a question. [another shockwave] What changed you?

Chaos: Humans can't stay sane in isolation. Gave me a few epiphanies, though. What do you think a sane person is, anyway?

Asuka: Someone who wouldn't try to take over the White House.

Chaos: Should I be proud you've learned to banter? Let me rephrase the question. Say someone is locked up in a small, pure white room with no doors or windows. For a year. No, maybe even longer. They've got food and drinks, no illnesses or injuries... They can even make calls to whomever they'd like. A voice speaks to them from above! "You must not leave. Nobody else can, so you mustn't either!" Then one day, a door to the outside suddenly appears! And now, my question: What would a "sane person" do?

Asuka: ...

Chaos: The way I see it, this era is making a ton of these white rooms.

Asuka: There's certainly a better solution than breaking down the walls.

Chaos: You've learned to talk back!

Asuka: You're not the only one who's changed. I've become... ...the "Devil." [another shockwave]

Chaos: [is sent flying with great force to the wall] Whoa! [falls unconscious]

???

[Identical to intro.]

The Original: Stop this! You must reconsider! Don't you see the risk this poses to mankind?! You dare stand against humanity?!

???

Chaos: Huh...? [wakes up in a roofless, ruined white room, floating in the sky] You're...

Universal Will: [in the form of Ariels] The Universal Will. A robot of your own creation.

Chaos: Uh...huh.

Universal Will: I became human, so that I might understand humanity. [grows in size, and takes Chaos in her hands] My mission was the realization of eternal joy for all mankind. But I made the wrong choice, and failed to see my mission through. [covers him with her hand]

Chaos: [at the edge of the room] Oh, yeah. That sounds right... [she shrinks] But were you always this nice?

Universal Will: The poison within me left when you did.

Chaos: Poison, really?

Universal Will: You are unbearably pure. I-No's other half is formed of mankind's wishes. Undiluted spirit. Both the evil that denies our existence, and the justice that affirms our lives. That, and writhing, unthinking malice. Tell me, then: Have you discovered your path?

Chaos: There's no answer to that. "Mankind" is not a collective of humans, but just one single element of humanity. And, hell, the definition of "human" is hazy at best.

Universal Will: So you choose to agitate the situation after all. If I-No transcends the concept of time, she could become the creator of the world. We may be consumed by a paradox.

Chaos: We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I'm not here to win or lose, I'm just here to be here. [wakes up, and casts a spell]

White House -- Conference Room

Asuka: [via comm] What?! Gah... Ahhh...! This power... It can't be... You... You're I-No's other half!?

Chaos: You're so perceptive with everything but relationships.

Asuka: [struggles] But why? If you do this, you'll disappear in the end, too. Why would you go so far to help I-No?!

Chaos: [serious] You still don't get it, do you? You STILL think of me and I-No as your enemies? I thought I taught you to be open-minded. I-No was born in a white room, and she's been looking for the exit this whole time. She can pretend to be human, but her feelings dried up long ago. She shows us where humans are headed. Plagued with an eternal, insatiable thirst, affirming ourselves will lose all meaning. When everything became possible, we lost our ability to accomplish anything! But she still says she wants a future! If this world holds value... then I will show it to her at all costs! [sends shockwave]

Asuka: Ghah! [is thrown backwards, and passes out]

Chaos: Ahh...! Right now, I exist! [smiles]

White House -- Oval Office

Vernon: Is it normal to feel earthquakes in the sky?

Sol: Only when you're hung over. In this case, though, that's our course changing. Looks like Chaos got the better of him.

Vernon: Dammit... [flower vase next to him breaks with a shot]

[Guards enter, ready to shoot. Sol moves to grab the Outrage lying next to a chest of drawers.]

Guard #1: [shoots into the wall, above Sol's arm] Don't move!

Sol: Stayed put for too long...

Guard #1: Sol. You move, and Vernon takes a bullet. [signals for another to advance] Don't get too close. It would seem his right arm is a weapon.

Guard #2: I know. [approaches] Stay there, and slowly lift both of your arms.

Vernon: [starts to slowly lift hands] Sol.

Sol: ...

Vernon: Brown bears don't give birth to pandas. Football... is going to save the world! [uses his arm to shoot his oval-shaped football towards Guard #2]

Guard #2: Gah! [crashes into the wall]

Guard #3: Huh?

[Sol uses Vernon's desk to crash guards #1 and #3 into the wall.]

Vernon: ...

[A bullet barely misses Sol's head.]

Guard #4: There they are!

Sol: Run! [grabs the Outrage, flees after Vernon, is shot near the collarbone] Guh! [falls to the ground]

Vernon: Sol!

Sol: Stay away! Get behind a pillar! [takes cover] Projectiles are bullshit. [kicks pillar against the guards]

Guard #?: Guagh!

Vernon: [back at Sol's side] A-Are you all right?

Sol: Well, I'm not about to tell you "we're gonna be fine."

Conclusion

White House -- Corridor

[While running, Sol notices Nagoriyuki waiting for them in a connected corridor to his left.]

Nagoriyuki: ...

Sol: Vernon, you better go.

Vernon: But...!

Sol: [gestures and Vernon shuts up, then prepares to fight but is held back by the wound] Rgh! Move, dammit!

Nagoriyuki: You're wounded, I see. Do not push yourself to fight. Run! I cannot stop on my own accord. [puts on mask and prepares to attack]

Sol: You can talk, though. You probably can't answer, but it's worth a shot. Do you know Chaos's weakness?

Nagoriyuki: I do. But I cannot tell you unless you defeat me.

Sol: Why does that sound like a goddamn video game?

Nagoriyuki: It is not "like" a game. It is a game. To Chaos, at least. However, now is not the time for us to fight.

Sol: I'd really like to agree with you on that one, but... [walks towards him]

Vernon: Wh-What should we do...?

[Sol and Nagoriyuki motion to clash, but Giovanna appears between them and separates them.]

Nagoriyuki: Hm?! Who are you?

Giovanna: I'm a Secret Service agent. Can't you tell? [shows him the badge]

Vernon: Giovanna! You're all right! [angry] Where have you been?

Giovanna: I've been tailing you this entire time, Mr. President.

Vernon: This entire time?! Then why didn't you show yourself sooner?!

Giovanna: You know what they say: save the best for last.

Vernon: [angry] Asdfghjkl...!

Giovanna: Forgive my language, Mr. President... But I'm about to make sure this son of a bitch can never fight again. You and Sol should run. [as they leave, calls forth Rei and attacks, avoiding Nagoriyuki's blade]

Nagoriyuki: You beast!

White House -- Corridor

[Dust falls from the ceiling.]

Chaos: [stops to look up] Wonderful... Our story has reached its climax! [continues walking]

White House -- Presidential Emergency Operations Center

Asuka: ...Ugh. [wakes up] Is this...? [starts comm]

White House -- Utility Closet?

Vernon: Huff, huff...

Sol: Whew... [comm starts] Asuka.

Asuka: [via comm] Frederick.

Sol: You all right?

Asuka: I passed out for a bit. Where is the president?

Vernon: Right here.

Asuka: Thank goodness.

Sol: [comm turns red for a bit] It's the Pentagon. I'll pick up.

Goldlewis: [via comm] Sol, the White House has changed course again. Did the Gear Maker fail?

Sol: Yeah, he got wrecked. How much time do we have?

Goldlewis: ...Twenty minutes.

Vernon: You're kidding! How did Chaos predict all of this? ...If only we had known things would turn out this way.

Sol: ... ...He knew.

Vernon: Eh?

Sol: You're right, Chaos knew how this would all play out! But if he did... Then why can't he enter the PEOC?

Leo: [via comm] The door to the PEOC won't open without the president's biometric authentication, that's why.

Sol: Sure, but why can't he hack it, though? We're talking about the guy who got through the security on the WMDs here.

Leo: Fair point...

Sol: It's got a mechanism that not even the greatest magic wielder in history can open.

Goldlewis: And what's that?

Sol: [examines Vernon's cybernetic hand] The PEOC is controlled by old era technology. Am I wrong?

Vernon: I suppose this is no time to be keeping secrets. It's true.

Sol: Thought so. Gabriel, are you listening?

Gabriel: [via comm] Yes.

Sol: Those matryoshka codes... they aren't an unknown language. We just can't translate documents that old. Try converting the notes back into letters and numbers. Should be readable enough to anyone from Zepp.

Gabriel: All right, give me a moment. [signals operator] This is...machine code. It's ROSE! [keyboards]

Sol: What's it say?

Gabriel: We don't have it all converted yet, but... [presses button] There we are. The PEOC is the escape pod. There's even a manual for activating it. [smiler; minutes later, is on Firewheel Mk.2 and Vernon, in the McFirewheel] However, since we've lost control of the craft, we'll have to activate it directly though a bypass. Be at the control tower visible from the East Gate in 7 minutes. How you get there is up to you. [comm ends]

Sol: All right, let's see if the gods are smiling on us. Hope you've said your prayers.

Vernon: Are we really doing this?

Sol: What, there somewhere else you'd rather go?

Vernon: Yeah, back to yesterday, please. [Sol drives through the glass door and through the guard-infested gardens, who shoot at them; Vernon uses his cybernetic arm to shoot, making small explosions.] Sol, the control tower is back there!

Sol: Once we're out of the garden, we won't have the air pressure shield to protect us. We're going to have to calculate the wind resistance.

Vernon: Calculate, he says... You're not just trusting your gut?

Sol: It's all I've been able to count on today.

Vernon: Hey, hey, hey...! [Sol drives up the wall.] This... This is madness! Hit the brakes!! [They are in the air.] Whooooooooooaa! Gaaaaaahh! [The wind makes them do a curve and they crash into the control tower through the windows.] ...Aaaahhhhh!

Sol: Vernon?

Vernon: ...I'm alive.

White House -- Corridor

[Giovanna crashes through a wall, landing on her feet; Nagoriyuki walks though the hole and slashes a shockwave towards her, who hits the pillar. She turns green and does a series of attacks; she grabs him by the mask and crashes him into the floor.]

Nagoriyuki: This is all that I am currently capable of. Victory is yours.

[Giovanna returns to normal, and exhales.]

White House -- Control Tower

[Sol and Vernon use the panel, and its column lights up. Comm starts.]

Vernon: We got it running.

Gabriel: [via comm] How are things looking, Gear Maker?

Asuka: [via comm] It's been activated.

Vernon: What's next?

Goldlewis: [via comm] Please head to the PEOC, and evacuate with the Gear Maker. Our only option is to force our way through. Once it's within five klicks of the border, we will shoot down the White House, whether you're evacuated or not.

Gabriel: We may be able to buy you some time if our aircraft makes it to you... But even then, the time limit still looms over us. Make haste. [comm ends]

Sol: You ready for round two? [Vernon nods; kicks the door down; the strong wind in the open corridor sweeps it away; they walk through the corridor with effort]

Vernon: Kuh... Huh?! [sees three guards coming out from the opposite entrance; they avoid the bullets and take cover behind pillars]

Sol: Tch. [is shot at with a shoulder-fired missile, which destroys the pillar and railing] Wha--?! [is thrown backwards and swept away by the wind] Rgh. [grabs the broken railing]

Vernon: Sol!

Sol: Hm?! [is shot at and slips, and is sent flying]

Vernon: Sooool! [falls on his knees]

Guard: And so ends the circus. [Sol appears, holding onto Potemkin's Vidia craft] ...? [is hit by jumping Sol into a pillar; the other two follow suit]

Sol: The main event's only gettin' started. [runs alongside Vernon to the entrance, while Potemkin directs Vidia to the frontal side of the White House]

Potemkin: Diffused power source magic... activate! [magic circle expands from Vidia] Naglfar Maneuver! [begins to push back the White House] Uwooooah!

White House -- Corridor

Chaos: [looks through a window] Oh? What's this? [sees Potemkin] What a time to be alive!

The Pentagon -- ???

[A map the world is tracking the White House' location on the North American continent as an alarm sounds. Goldlewis has his hand ready to activate the attack.]

???: ...Dickinson.

Goldlewis: Not yet. Give them just a little longer.

White House -- ???

[A squadron of soldiers are waiting to intercept them on the way to the PEOC.]

Vernon: Please tell me "we're gonna be fine."

Sol: I'll see if I got any of those left in stock.

[Giovanna and Nagoriyuki fall from the sky, with her knocked out.]

Nagoriyuki: If you hadn't shown mercy, you might have won. [notices Sol and Vernon]

Vernon: ...Sold out, huh?

Sol: [to comm] Whoever's listening, we need more time.

Illyria Castle / The Pentagon / Rescue Craft

Leo: [via comm] Not even a "please," huh? [thinks] Secretary Dickinson.

Goldlewis: [via comm] I'm sorry, but we can't wait any longer...

Leo: I understand the risk you face. We have little time, but hear me out. Today, your Albatross weapons were detonated-- but our own weapons avoided that little mishap. So if you shoot down the White House, we will launch an attack on the United States. [Ellsworth and Millia look at him in desbelief.]

Goldlewis: Wha-- What in the goddamn-- No, there's no way you'd risk it.

Leo: Maybe. But perhaps the same could be said for you.

Goldlewis: Hm?

Leo: I'm not saying it's the smartest move we'll ever make, but I'm still willing to make it. So. let's hear it. What happens next?

Goldlewis: ... Do you know?

Leo: I don't. But if all we can do is pray... Then I'm placing my bets on Sol.

Goldlewis: He may be a hero, but still...

Daryl: [via comm] Daryl here. If I may cut in... I'm a realist. I don't believe in the power of prayer.

Leo: Not helping!

Daryl: But I can say this much. Not one of us has ever performed a miracle that changed the world. But Sol Badguy has.

White House -- ???

Nagoriyuki: So, your wounds have healed?

Sol: All thanks to you.

Nagoriyuki: Then this is your last chance.

Sol: Chance...?

Nagoriyuki: Fortunately, I can give them orders. [gestures and guards stand down]

Sol: Vernon, if you get a shot at an escape, take it.

Vernon: Can you beat him? He's a monster...

Sol: ... [smiles] I've been running around so much, I almost forgot. I'm a monster, too.

[They clash and the shockwave sends the guards flying.]

Nagoriyuki: Haaaaaah...! [another clash] Don't be so reactive. [catches Sol's punch] Your guard's down.

Vernon: I don't see anywhere to escape.

Nagoriyuki: Think harder. [another clash and Sol is pushed back] Don't bother standing just to lose again.

Sol: Could you shut the hell up for a second?! [another clash but with the Outrage beam]

Nagoriyuki: Well done. With this much strength, you would eventually overpower me. However... It would take you quite a while.

Sol: ...Shit.

Nagoriyuki: [hand twitches] Nuooohh!

Sol: What are you doing? You... [sees fingers lift one by one]

Nagoriyuki: I refuse to submit to Chaos all my life. [lifts all fingers, letting go of his katana to take the full brunt] Make sure to protect your leader. [ends up on the ground]

Vernon: D-Did you beat him?

Sol: Yeah, but... I didn't learn a thing abut Chaos's weakness.

Vernon: That doesn't matter now! Let's move!

White House -- PEOC Corridor

[Sol and Vernon are running. Guard comes out from behind a pillar and points his crossbow at them.]

Vernon: ! Sol!

[They stop and turn their backs to the guard.]

Guard: [is hit by spell beam] Gah!

Vernon: Asuka?!

Asuka: Hurry! Before Chaos gets here! [goes down the stairs along with Vernon while Sol keeps guard]

Vernon: [puts hand on scanner] Vernon E. Groubitz!

Computer Voice: Three Crests, verified. Opening locks. [PEOC door opens]

Vernon: Sol, it's open!

Sol: [turns to look] ! ["Asuka" vanishes to reveal Chaos]

Vernon: How...?!

Chaos: And here I was hoping for another plot twist.

Asuka: [inside PEOC] ...I thought so.

Vernon: No! [he and Sol run to grab Chaos]

Chaos: Oopsie. [presses controls and door locks]

Vernon: [punches door] Shit. And we got so far...!

Chaos: Now, Asuka. A climactic duel between master and disciple doesn't make a terrible ending. [turns to Asuka]

Asuka: That's true. I would have liked to have spent more time together. [outside the PEOC, reveals himself to Sol and Vernon] But that will have to wait.

Chaos: What the hell...?!

Asuka: Frederick!

Sol: [kicks the PEOC door] Hyah! [the escape pod separates and falls from the White House; Asuka exhales] That's one sturdy-ass door. Where can I get one?

The Pentagon -- ???

Operator: We've just received word from the White House! It would seem that the PEOC launched with Chaos inside.

Goldlewis: It did?! And the president?!

Operator: Safe, sir. Everyone is. We've regained control of the White House!

[Operators cheer and sigh.]

Goldlewis: We need to secure Chaos!

Royal Fleet One

[Ky and Jack-O' watch the White House from the bridge, as they arrive.]

White House -- Gardens

[Sol and Vernon meet with Jack-O'. Asuka is using magic. Rescue craft can be seen on the background.]

Jack-O': [touches one of the KO'd guards, who falls to the side] Looks like they're still breathing.

Vernon: Will their faces return to normal...?

Sol: Hey, I'm just glad they weren't set to explode once the mind control ended.

Vernon: Heh. I've had about enough of Chaos's traps.

Ky: [approaches] Mr. President, do you have a set destination in mind?

Vernon: Not at all. Doesn't matter to me how long it takes to get there, so long as I can get my feet back on solid ground. [Asuka looks at Sol, unsure.] Something wrong?

Asuka: This craft doesn't have enough power to take off again. [ends spell] I'd ask you all take rescue crafts away from here. [walks away]

Vernon: ...Asuka. [Sol smiles and follows.] Can you not touch back down... Or do you not want to?

Asuka: Please, believe me. I didn't want to do things this way... But you will have to suffice as my witness.

Vernon: What the-- Witness?! [Jack-O' sits down, and doesn't look at Sol and Asuka.]

Asuka: Mr. President... Tír na nÓg was not designed for air travel. The true purpose of this craft... was interplanetary transportation.

Ky: Interplanetary?!

Asuka: Correct. When things were looking bleak during the Crusades, some senior officials planned to abandon our planet.

Sol: So that's what Project Tír na nÓg was all about.

Asuka: The space colony it was intended to dock at is already complete. It has enough supplies to take care of 400 people for 120 years. I.. [looks at Sol] I intend to take the Tome there.

Vernon: B-But why?

Asuka: No one there will seek or desire the Tome. I can discard it at last.

Vernon: Then we can just stuff the Tome in a space suit! There's no need for you to go with it.

Asuka: I appreciate your kindness. However... [looks at Sol, who immediately summons Outrage and attacks; Asuka summons the Tome and casts a spell that shoots several beams against Sol, sending him flying backwards; instantly teleports and grabs Sol by the neck]

Sol: Ghk!

Asuka: Have you forgotten my other goal?

Sol: [drops Outrage and is unable to free himself] Kuh... gah...!

Vernon: Getting rid of Sol... H-Hold on, Asuka. That was just a hypothetical, wasn't it?! You promised you'd give me a proper explanation!

Asuka: [looks at Vernon] As with the Tome... Our world has no need for his power.

Vernon: Bullshit. Tell me, who is Sol gonna hurt?!

[A momentary glimpse of I-No with her back turned to the screen as a shadow Sol grows big.]

Asuka: Himself.

Sol: ... [light appears in his neck where Asuka's hand is, then grabs Asuka's arm] What if I said it was none of your damn business?

Asuka: ...I may craft a persuasive dissertation, but I've always had trouble choosing words others could understand. So, I took a lesson from you, and chose to fight. Let's settle things between us, right now.

Sol: Sure, have it your way. I was all primed to fight a magic wielder today anyway.

Asuka: You're right. I've always wanted things my way. Even when I planted this divine seed in you... But now, I'll correct that mistake. If you don't want that, then don't hesitate. Shake off my hand... And kill me.

Sol: ... [lets go of Asuka's arm] Gaaaaahhhh!

[Asuka extracts the seed, as particles gather around them, and Sol's headband shatters. Fade to black.]

PEOC Crash Site

[Armed soldiers are at the escape pod's closed entrance. Through the door, they see Chaos's unconscious body.]

Soldier #1: Chaos is still inside. He seems to be unconscious.

Soldier #2: It might be a trap. Approach with caution.

[Soldier #1 nods and clicks the scanner to open the door.]

White House -- Gardens

Sol: [passed out in the middle of a crater; his hand twitches; Jack-O' approaches, and Asuka smiles] ...You satisfied?

Ky: Sol!

Vernon: Are you all right?!

Sol: [without the ponytail] You tell me.

Ky: ...It can't be... Are you...human?

Sol: Not entirely, I don't think.

Asuka: My greatest mistake... ...was robbing Frederick and Aria of the time they could have spent together. However, now no one will rely on you as a weapon, nor as a hero. I should have done this a hundred years ago.

Sol: ... [sighs]

Asuka: Mr. President. Sol Badguy, the hero, has perished. This is Frederick Bulsara, an ordinary man.

Vernon: And you wanted the whole world to acknowledge that.

Sol: [laughs] Shit, nobody told me there'd be an encore performance.

Ky: [to Asuka] You really do need to get better at expressing yourself... Gear Ma-- No, Asuka, let me ask you something. Is this your "Accumulation of Goodwill"?

Asuka: Where did you hear that phrase?

Sol: From I-No.

Asuka: ... No, that's something else altogether... Promise you won't laugh?

Sol: Only if it's funnier than your space vacation idea.

Asuka: Haha. Radio. I wanted a radio show.

Sol: Sorry, what?

Asuka: People want the most beautiful fruit, so we spend our lives looking above us. We fail to notice that our baskets are full, and that fruit is falling to the ground and bruising. The people who have realized this have tried finding ways to help. Both the Conclave and Ariels were searching for something. And in their search, they created opposition and conflict. We often misunderstand each other's feelings. We don't always agree. But we can't reject the other's entirety. What we lack is accurate knowledge.

Ky: Accurate knowledge?

Asuka: 68,502,011 children, all under 14 years old, are being used for labor at this very moment. Orphans... Slums... Massacres... Diseases... Child soldiers... War... In the places we can see from up here in the sky... And across the borders we can only see on the map... Every day, people continue to be born... The Tome teaches about the nature of our world. What we need is not a call to action... but numbers. Just numbers, free from ideology, profit, and value. Clear numbers. The Tome grants the right to knowledge, and I simply observe those numbers. In the hopes that one day... I can call them the "Accumulation of Good Will."

Vernon: Is that what you meant by creating world peace?

Sol: Doesn't exactly sound like it's going to top the charts.

[Giovanna approaches.]

Vernon: Gio! You're not hurt, are you?!

Giovanna: Only my pride...

Leo: [via comm] Ky.

Ky: Leo.

Leo: I just got footage from the scene. They've captured Chaos.

Ky: Good. What a relief.

Giovanna: Are the surveillance cameras back up?

Leo: Some of them. Why?

Giovanna: [leans on Jack-O'] I'd appreciate it if you could tell me where my boss is napping.

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Leo: Hrm... I can't tell who's who. Will they ever recover from all this...?

Giovanna: [via comm] I certainly hope so. Because I really don't want to hold on to that stupid badge as a memento...

Leo: Hahaha...huh.

Giovanna: What's wrong?

Leo: Uh, is that bad you mentioned a... cartoony star, by any chance?

Giovanna: How did you guess?

Leo: Erm, well... Just hold on a moment. Hey, rewind that real quick.

Ellsworth: Right away, sir.

Leo: There. [rewinds footage to see Chaos's badge]

Millia: What about it?

Leo: Was it the security chief's jacket he stole?

Giovanna: No, it was Udo's.

Leo: [to himself] Chaos is able to freely manipulate people's appearances...

Giovanna: [continues] The newbies' badges don't look nearly that dumb...

Leo: Oh, shit. ...Chaos is still inside the White House.

White House -- Gardens

[Away from Sol's group, a "guard" sits down.]

Strive

White House -- Gardens

[Sound of ice cubes against glass.]

Asuka: !

Chaos: [looking like Stryper] Ah, Milpico. My favorite. But, you see, if you let it sit, the water and syrup separate. ...Here, see? People are just like Milpico. [Everyone turns to look at him; he stands up pointing at his glass] Y'see the syrup is the all human desire. and the water is their survival instinct as living beings. Just plain old water would be bland, and the syrup on its own would be too thick. But, when you mix them together... [takes a sip] Mm, perfection. That's just how humans are.

Vernon: No... It can't be...

Chaos: As for me, though. I'm... ...more than 100% pure undiluted syrup. And, I'm not here for my own sake. [drops glass, which shatters on the ground] I'm here... [casts off his disguise] ...because something wouldn't let the cup fill up with water.

Sol: Chaos!

Asuka: Kuh! [casts a spell, but Chaos shoots at him and lets go of the Tome; tries to pull it towards, but Chaos grabs it as he appears behind Asuka and puts his arm around his neck]

Ky: [immediately attacks Chaos from behind] Hah!

Chaos: Wagh!

[Ky takes the Tome.]

Vernon: Yes!

Chaos: [surrounded by Sol and Ky] Fine. You can have it.

Ky: ...What?

Asuka: When did you notice?

Chaos: [pointing his gun at Asuka] I wrote the thing, remember? I noticed right away. The real Tome... ...is right here. [forcefully extracts the Tome from within Asuka, who floats while it is opened]

Ky: Wha...!

Sol: You're kidding me... You... You fused with the Tome!?

Asuka: This was the safest way.

Chaos: Until today, maybe. [stands on the Tome/Asuka and light comes out]

Illyria Castle -- Interrogation Room

I-No: [surrounded with magic particles] I'm here.

White House -- Gardens

Chaos: Just in time for the grand finale. And everybody on this planet can play a part in our special show.

[Shockwave.]

Sol: Tch.

Vernon: Wh-Whoa...

Jack-O': Rgh...

Giovanna: Ngh!

Ky: Kuh!

White House -- Airspace

[Particles surround the White House.]

Potemkin: ...What the hell is going on?!

White House -- Gardens

Chaos: There's no way you'll believe me when I say this...! But I'm really hoping you guys win. Because... I'd like to see you again. Hahahaha! [magic explosion]

I-No: [completed] Haaaah... Looks like I'm an even shittier creature than I was before. [walks in the air towards the edge of the White House, and watches]

Sol: [approaches] Want me to sing you "Happy Birthday"?

I-No: Nothing happy about it. God's all done with creation now. ... You lost your powers?

Sol: Yeah, couple pounds, too.

I-No: Too bad. I was looking forward to one final showdown. ...Eh, guess it doesn't really matter anymore.

Sol: Hang on. Where's that damn smirk of yours? You finally became a god, shouldn't you be thrilled?

I-No: What does this view look like to you?

Sol: What's something you don't like?

I-No: Milk.

Sol: Then milk. Even if I were to knock you down from here, you wouldn't die.

I-No: Hah. To me, it looks like a "1." It's all zeros and ones. That's just what it is. There used to be more zeros. That balance would create twos and threes, a beautiful mixture of discord and harmony. But now, my world consists of only ones.

Sol: And you plan to make everything zeros?

I-No: That would be pointless. A butterfly can't turn back into a caterpillar. [walks back from the edge]

Sol: You don't need Asuka, do you?

I-No: Couldn't hurt to hold onto the Tome.

Sol: It ain't a gossip rag for gods. If you give him back, I'll let you go. [summons Outrage]

I-No: Hah. Well, aren't you a stud?

Asuka: Hah. R... Run, Frederick! You don't stand a chance against her!

Sol: [looks at Ky] I wouldn't bet on that. [shoots the Outrage at I-No, but she telekinetically throws him against a tree] Gaaah!

Ky: Sol! [sees Potemkin] Ah!

Potemkin: [charges against I-No, who puts a barrier] Hraaaaaaaah!

[I-No moves a hand and Vidia crashes into the ground.]

Vernon: Uwoah! [is saved from the crash by Giovanna, who stands before him]

Giovanna: Tch!

I-No: [flash-steps behind her and pushes Giovanna away into a faraway wall] House lights.

Ky: [surprised] Kuh! [prepares to unsheath the Thunderseal, but she teleports the moon near the White House] This is a trick. It isn't right. If the moon were that close, our planet would be thrown into turmoil.

I-No: Nice work, boy genius. You're right, this is a little trick. But the moon really is right there. Cities aren't being crushed by waves, the ocean isn't boiling, and the moon didn't break up in the Earth's atmosphere... [brings Asuka close to her] Because I'm preventing it. You see? Kill me, and the trick all falls apart.

Ky: ...So we can't attack you. [Jack-O' looks at Sol, who is passed out.]

I-No: Pfft. Kinda bullshit, huh? In my world, there's no more winning or losing. [puts the moon back in place, and leaves]

[Later, Jack-O' lays Sol on the ground.]

Vernon: What is I-No planning?

Ky: I haven't the slightest idea... But I know we cannot let her see it through. I'm not sure anywhere could be considered safe anymore... but you should get away from here, immediately.

Jack-O': You're gonna fight that thing?

Ky: I don't have the courage to throw aside my hope. So I'd ask that you please stand back.

Jack-O': I'm the only one who can stop I-No now.

Ky: That's why I'm asking.

["The Name of Heaven" starts playing.]

Jack-O': Thanks to you, I've started to understand. Like I-No said, I think I felt stifled in a world with no place for me. I may not fully feel them, but... I do have emotions. But that's exactly why I never wanted anyone to notice.

Ky: What do you mean?

Jack-O': I'm in love with Frederick. And that isn't the future he wants. So I thought I'd do what you recommended... And get one last look at his face. [crouches next to Sol]

Ky: I won't let it be the last. [walks away]

Jack-O': I-No has already become all-powerful.

Ky: Only all-powerful? [leaves]

Jack-O': ... [A pillar of light appears in the distance.] Frederick. [caresses his hair]

Earth

[I-No makes a titanic figure of herself that can touch the Earth.]

The Pentagon -- ???

Goldlewis: [enters room] We've confirmed the safety of each dignita-- Hm? What's wrong?

Erica: I don't know. It would seem that an observatory in Finland has detected something.

[Room lights up.]

Goldlewis: What... the hell is that...? [I-No's figure appears; he sheds a tear.]

Illyria Castle -- War Room

[Zato sheds a tear.]

Millia: ...Zato.

Zato: Am I... [touches his tear] ...Crying?

[Millia and Leo are also shedding a tear.]

Leo: [touches his tear] ...This is...

The Pentagon -- ???

[Lights go out. Chipp is impassive, but he also sheds tears.]

Earth

[All lights go out, everyone—including Gabriel—is shedding tears looking at I-No's figure above them, whether they are indoors or outdoors.]

I-No: Free... ...dom. Freedom. All of you are now free. From old age, hunger, and disease. From power, status, standing, appearance, location, and even time. I've freed you from all of these shackles. [Ky looks on, impervious.] Now tell me your answer.

["The Name of Heaven" stops. Fade to black.]

White House -- Obelisk

[Giant I-No is on the background. Ky approaches, as I-No closes the Tome within Asuka, who stands up.]

Ky: ...

I-No: You can still look at me with that fire in your eyes? I can respect that.

Ky: There's no more need to put on airs. What are you trying to start?

I-No: Nothing at all. I merely want to observe. I've given them opportunity, that's all.

Ky: Opportunity?

I-No: Once this is over, all of mankind will gain the same power I have. They will see everything I can. A world of freedom and equality. A world without hope. However, any living organism, when faced with the risk of extinction... ...gains an opportunity for evolution. If mankind's potential is infinite... I want to know the future that awaits us.

Ky: Even a perfect being could not necessarily create a perfect world.

I-No: Then I'll leave it to the next generation.

Asuka: ...I see. Magic is the power to bend the rules of nature. If all of mankind were to have unfettered access to power on the scale of I-No's...

I-No: It would kill this world, and birth a new universe. And I'll repeat the process. Over and over, as many times as it takes until I've found my answer.

Ky: Heh, now I feel silly for getting so anxious. That does indeed sound like the work of a god. However... [unsheathes Thunderseal] Do you truly know yourself well enough to look for weaknesses of all mankind?

I-No: The only things that could stop me now are the Flame of Corruption or the Scales of Juno. And they're long gone. [throws a spell at Ky, but he parries] ...What?

Ky: ...Not quite. Slight though it may be... ...it's right here. Dragon Install! [I-No summons Marlene; fight ensues.]

Asuka: The blood of Juno?! [They fight vertically on the side of the obelisk.]

I-No: Only a few drops. [makes an explosion, but Thunderseal glows] An absolute barrier...?! You little SHIT!

Ky: Haaah! [impales I-No, but is thrown to the ground] Guagh! [she takes out the sword] ...

White House -- Gardens

Jack-O': Guess it's time for me to go. I wish I could've seen Iseo with you. So long. [leaves]

Vernon: [watches her go] !

Sol: [weakened] Vernon... I got a favor to ask.

White House -- Obelisk

I-No: I'll give you credit for one thing... You sent a little chill down my spine there. [shoots a beam]

Ky: [recoils] Kuh!

Axl: [appears behind her, with Ky] After all you've done... Is this really what you wanted?

I-No: What, now you wanna stand in my way?

Axl: No, I'm not here for a fight.

I-No: Then why are you here?

Axl: Crass, violent... A loner who isn't afraid of anything.

I-No: You mean me?

Axl: Actually, I was talking about Sol. But, yeah. You two are really similar. Just with one key difference. Unlike Sol, you don't know what you want.

I-No: ...

Axl: You once told me... That people have to find their own right to keep living. I think... they have to find their happiness, too. We pick up a memory to take with us as we go. We carved the knowledge into ourselves... that we were happy before, even if only once. So that we can remember it at the end of our lives.

I-No: I'd like to see... ...if you can remember yours.

Axl: If I did, would it make you smile? Seeing the look in your eyes now... It makes me miss your sadistic look of joy when you'd say, "You asked for this."

I-No: You and I have both been building our fictional worlds. Today one of them comes to a close, that's all. [sends shockwave]

Jack-O': It's going to be yours, I-No.

Asuka: Jack-O'...!

Ky: ...!

I-No: So the band's all here.

Jack-O': Hmm... So it was a question of loss and gain after all. Which should disappear: the world, or me?

Asuka: Wha...! It can't be... you...

Axl: Hold on, Jackie. What do you mean, disappear?

Jack-O': I can stop I-No at the cost of my own existence. That's my role... it's only natural. But... thank you for your concern.

Axl: ...How can that be natural!? There's no "gain" in that!

Jack-O': Does my lack of emotions deny me the right to save the world? Isn't that what you were trying to do?

Axl: ...

I-No: Tch. [stops time]

Axl: Kuh! [resumes time]

I-No: Axl...! [Jack-O' jumps inside her] Gah! [Jack-O' shines for a moment] Don't... Don't screw it with me! [is surrounded by gusts and particles]

Jack-O': [from inside I-No] Useless. You cannot drive me away. This is the end.

Asuka: No... Dammit, no! You can't!

Jack-O': I was never able to accept myself. But I didn't reject myself, either. This is the first thing I've ever decided on for myself. I'm sorry, Asuka... I'm sorry that I couldn't live up to your expectations.

I-No: Gaaaaaaahh! [Giant I-No begins to crumble.]

Jack-O': Even if I'm just artificial... ...disappearing, is... ...scary, huh. [smiles and glows]

I-No: [returns to her normal color] God...dammit....

[Sol grabs Jack-O's from the necklace inside I-No, thanks to one of Asuka's spells.]

Jack-O': ...What are you doing?

Sol: Who would just give up after a one-sided break-up?

Jack-O': Stop it. There's no other way to save the world...

Sol: [lets go of her necklace] Screw the world.

Jack-O': !

Sol: That's no good reason for you to disappear on me.

Jack-O': N-No good reason?

Sol: I decided, when you showed up as a part of Aria... That no matter who you really are, no matter what happens... I would always stay by your side.

Jack-O': You decided... You're going to drag all of humanity down with your own selfish choice?

Sol: Who are you to say I'm dragging 'em down? The planet, the universe, the future... Who gets to determine the value of humanity? Isn't it selfish of mankind to survive in the first place?

Jack-O': You're so strong... You really are. The only things I can accept are my feelings for you. That's why it's not a contradiction for me to save the world. Even if it's one I only just discovered... ...But you want to save Aria, don't you? There's... I... I can't do it. [cries] Aria isn't coming back. But there's nothing else I can do. Nowhere else I belong.

Sol: Have I ever called you Aria? [wipes her tear] If Aria doesn't come back, that's her choice. But, Jack-O'... Aria wanted you to stay here. Like that hat of hers... So, even if it means the end of the world... I'm not gonna let you go.

Jack-O': Even if it means... the end of the world?

Aria: (Now, do you finally see?) (This is the world we're supposed to save.)

Jack-O': If I... If I...

Aria & Jack-O': can be by his side, I don't care if the world ends. [grabs Sol's hand; lets herself be pulled out of I-No]

Axl: Hey, Chief.

Sol: Axl.

Axl: You're really makin' me weak at the knees here.

I-No: ...Why did you do that? [returns to god form] Nothing can save you now.

Sol: Maybe.

I-No: It's not a god damn "maybe"! You really piss me the hell off! Answer me! What can you do now, with your "seed" gone!? Why the hell haven't you given up!?

Sol: I got what I wanted. Now I just gotta put up the best fight I can.

I-No: ?

[Door in the obelisk opens, and Vernon comes out with his stash of Spiritas Type 48.]

Vernon: Looks like the world's still turning.

I-No: So that's your big trump card, huh? Some fireworks?

Vernon: I know those eyes of yours.

I-No: ...Eyes?

Vernon: Yeah. They're the eyes of justice. What people have always fought over. And the winners always got their reward. But for some reason... Now that I'm looking into those same eyes... I think we chose the wrong way to fight. Our trump card... is that fool over there.

I-No: No matter what you bring, I'm not going away. 100% chance. Though I guess you can't even comprehend what 100% even means to me now.

Sol: It doesn't mean shit to anyone but you. It's just some tiny moment of your own little world. [points the Outrage at her] The Outrage. As long as the energy from the zeal pods last, it'll output an infinite amount of power.

I-No: You have a shitty memory, don't you? That garbage doesn't work on me.

Ky: ... (I see... Sol intentionally took a critical hit.) (I-No is a magic wielder.) (A logical magic wielder would continue to use the same method, so long as it works.) (Was this how he planned to beat the Gear Maker?)

[Sol holds the Outrage while Vernon connects the zeal pod ammunition belt.]

I-No: Tell me, Mr. President. What do my eyes look like to you?

Vernon: The eyes of someone with nothing. Someone on the run. Someone seeking dignity. Your eyes are all of those... And at the same time, none of them.

I-No: Some tiny moment, huh... Frederick Bulsara. If you can prove that to me... I'll stroke YOUR big tree... [sends a shockwave]

Ky: [avoids as he goes to Sol's side] Sol, I-No has regenerative capabilities.

Sol: No shit. If I can't hit her weak point, she'll be right -- it'll all be for nothing. Like I said, I'll put up the best fight I can.

Ky: That's all I ask. And I'll do the same. [clashes against I-No's guitar, but she casts beams; avoids them and she comes up behind him; he fends her off until he is unable to evade new beams, but Axl moves him out of the way; Ky resumes his attack, while Axl teleports and steals her guitar; Ky attacks again and his clash with I-No creates a shockwave that engulfs the White House and threatens to send Vernon flying; Jack-O' grabs him and Asuka puts a protective barrier]

Sol: [watching Ky and I-No fight] (...Where is it?) (Shit!)

Nagoriyuki: You're never going to get the answer, no matter how long you wait.

Sol: You...!

Nagoriyuki: However, I am glad you waited. It's her right hand. I'll get her to show her palm. [to Ky] Aim for her left!

Ky: Haah! [is thrown backwards by her] Kuh!

Nagoriyuki: [eyes turn red] Haaaah! [I-No grabs his blade with her left hand; another shockwave] Now!

[Sol fully activates the Outrage, and evades a beam from her right hand.]

I-No: Wha!? [Sol shoots.] Tch! [uses her right hand to stop the Saint Oratorio] ...!

Sol: Rather than something being 100% impossible, you could also say its 0% possible. [zeal pods shatter] And infinity... ...crushes zero! [her arm begins to crack; the Fireseal inside the Outrage glows, taking its toll on Sol's body]

I-No: Ha... hahaha... ...What the shit. [Silence.] Tell me. You were indestructible. There's no way you'd ever need a weapon like that. So why the hell did you make it?

Sol: Because it never bored me.

I-No: ?

Sol: I don't really care about utility, or even the greater good. Like you said, I'm a goddamn idiot. [grins] Random things you value will pile up like a stack of unread books. Even if one of the books in the stack could impact you enough to change your life... You're gonna have a whole new stack before you ever get around to it. That's why you need something that you can keep working on without getting bored of it. There're too many distractions out there otherwise. [Her face cracks.] Maybe you had something like that too.

I-No: Haha... Oh, Axl.. ...You were right all along. I had everything. Both good and bad. But I can't remember any of it now. Even though so much must have happened... Did I somehow just forget...?

Axl: [takes steps towards her] We... We were drinking tea... And we looked out at the beautiful sea together, right?! I was scared as hell of you, but you heard me out anyway. You... You made me so happy. [cries while smiling] Please, remember something. Anything!

I-No: Why are you crying?

Axl: I can't get anything out but tears...

I-No: [being consumed by Saint Oratorio] Beautiful blonde hair... like a woman's.

[Particle shockwave envelops the White House. With I-No gone, Axl catches some dust, while Ky and Jack-O' look at Sol, who is passed out.]

Ky: ...Sol?

Washington DC

[Goldlewis is overlooking the bridge in the distance while eating a Dunny Missile burger.]

Erica: Fast food, really?

Goldlewis: When they rebuild the White House, we'll be far away from this place. I look up at the sky every day... ...but from here, it looks completely different.

Erica: Chipp returned to his country.

Goldlewis: You didn't manage to headhunt him, then?

Erica: We did a lot of sightseeing together, but... [imitates] Fools always like to follow their own maps.

Goldlewis: [smiles] Heh.

Erica: We've finished compiling the data from each country, as well as drafting up non-disclosure agreements. After the funeral this evening, this incident should be finally settled.

Goldlewis: A 21-gun salute to send our hero off to Heaven, huh. I hope that today we can all look up at the same sky.

Illyria Castle -- War Room

Millia: I imagine the other countries will be scratching their heads over these incident reports... In the end... ...what was the future I-No wanted?

Zato: You should know. Or rather, we both should.

Millia: ?

Zato: The one thing that can offer us fulfillment. She was never able to find her own.

Ky: What she lacked wasn't a past, nor a future. But rather, a present...

Leo: The past, the future, their hope and their foundations... None of that means anything without the present.

Millia: People only ever look at themselves, yet they can never fully know themselves. It's the hard truth. And I know it all too well.

Iseo -- Junk Garage "Jazz"

???: ... Helllooo! Are you open?

Frederick: [sitting and reading a book] Your eyes work. Couldn't you see the business hours?

???: Is this run-down place really "Jazz"?

Frederick: ... There's a book store in the town 40 kilometers from here. Go find a book to teach you some damn manners.

???: Now I get why this place is so run down.

Frederick: Sounds like the words of someone with no taste.

???: You steal that line from one of your precious books? Can't imagine that one got a second printing. [shows $10 bills]

Frederick: Tch. [stands up] What size?

???: 201 z, in-wheel type with five pins.

Frederick: ...201 z? Where'd you come from? How'd you even get here without a jacket?

???: Not a fashionista, huh? It'd be a waste to cover up this shirt with a jacket. [shows off Bad Guy shirt]

Frederick: This place is 28 hours away from the city by car, see? It takes 28 hours for the latest trend to get here. [opens stash and takes a zeal pod] Here.

???: [agape] ...No freaking way. You really got one.

Frederick: Hmm?

???: ...That's a Spiritas Type 48, right?

Frederick: What about it?

???: [changes stance] I knew it! I knew you'd have one!

Frederick: Hey, you don't need your 201 z?

[Pause.]

???: Have you heard the rumors? They don't make the Spiritas anymore. You can't get 'em anywhere. They say it's because the American government gathered them all. Then... out of love and anti-war sentiment, the president buried them all in the grave of a certain hero. After a while, one young man came to that grave. He refused to accept his hero's death. So, even knowing how crazy it was, he dug that grave up. And what he found... Was an empty coffin. No body, no Spiritas.

Frederick: ...And whose grave was that?

???: I think... You'd tell me you never heard of him.

Frederick: ... [smirks, then hands over the zeal pod]

???: I'm gonna head home for today. [starts to leave]

Frederick: "For today"? You plannin' on coming back?

???: [stops] Well, I've gotta go buy that book on manners. A country bumpkin like you may not realize... ...but it takes a lot of passion for a city boy to come all the way out here with no jacket.

Frederick: I'm not selling you the Spiritas, got it?

???: [walking away] I know. You're going to use it for what you've got back there, yeah?

Frederick: The hell are you after?

???: I don't really know... [smiles] I guess, I want to be friends.

Frederick: [surprised, then smirks] ... 10 AM to 4 PM.

???: ?

Frederick: Those are our business hours.

???: Haha. [leaves]

[Frederick sits down and comm activates. Jack-O', without her halo, is reading in the backyard.]

Park

[Axl is sitting alone on a park, with I-No's guitar at his side.]

???: [behind him] I'm giving you my unfair way of life. You asked for this.

Axl: ...Eh?

Megumi: I don't get it, but that's what she told me to say. Are you... really Axl?

[Axl turns to her, and smiles.]

Credits

Frederick: [voiceover] What is peace? [Frederick is carrying a guard bot and watches as Jack-O' goes for a walk.] Some people... No. Everyone wants an answer to that question. Why? It's simple. [Frederick makes a call.] Because no one's ever seen it before. [Pans to Vernon, Erica putting a cup on his desk, and talking to ??? at an office.] Even if there's no misery before our eyes, we know that it's out there, somewhere. [Pans to Ariels talking, peacefully and no longer in chains, with swordsmen.] There are hills and valleys, [Pans to Zato talking to an apologetic Venom and head-only Robo-Ky, while Millia is looking, at their bakery.] but that doesn't mean we should flatten it all out. [Pans to Potemkin saluting Gabriel, then to a frustrated Leo surrounded by paperwork and Dr. Paradigm in disbelief.] Mechanisms that simply prevent inequality take sin away from mankind. [Pans to Anji talking with a smiling Baiken near cherry trees.] We belong neither in the wilderness, nor shut in buildings. [Pans to May, Johnny, April, March with laundry, Augus and Leap, and the May Ship II; then to Jam's delivery at Jeon Ryok Residence, with Haehyun enamored by her rice, and Da-Eum happy for her.] We belong somewhere peaceful. [Pans to Faust pointing something to Chronus, walking in a desert.] Peace comes to be when people forgive each other's sins. [Pans to Chipp discussing documents with Answer at their tent.] When all sin vanishes from the world... [Pans to Slayer and Sharon, looking at each other, at their villa.] That's when peace will vanish too. [Pans to Raven on a spire, overlooking a city.] And the gears that give mankind meaning will stop turning. [Pans to Daryl, Zappa, Anders, Trey, Randy, Ellsworth, Alexis, and Alyssa celebrating her giant pudding at the War Room.] Is peace just a dream, then? [Pans to Sin, Ramlethal and Elphelt talking, Ky and Dizzy watching over them, and Testament in the background.] It's not that simple. [Ky answers a comm, is surprised then smiles.] Just as every human face is different, so too are the worlds we all dream of. Some people are just incompatible. [Sol remains on call, and smirks, then ends call.] But if there's one thing I know for sure... There's no need to aim for a perfect world... [Sol walks next to Jack-O', and smiles to her.] As long as you keep trying, that world will eventually come to you. [Jack-O' smiles.] What matters is that, before that happens... [Sol puts an around her shoulders and they watch the lake.] You know the meaning of your life. [Zooms out to show their house and a rocket. Fade to black.]

Asuka: [voiceover] I will now begin my first radio broadcast. This is all new to me, so I'm afraid I may not be very eloquent...

["Let's Talk About You" plays. Staff Roll credits.]

Beach (Post-credits)

Chaos: [watching sunrise] I'm here.

Another Story: Departure

To be added...