Message from the Darkness

...... Galliard...

The timequake occurred just as Professor Chronos predicted. Spacetime is already stretched to its limit. This world doesn't have long...

That is no excuse! We cannot keep living like this, mon brave. Both sides have suffered enough. This could be our last chance to negoti...

Enough, Helena. The humans have no interest in making peace with us... Oh, it appears we have guests.

Listen well, humans. You still know so little of the coming disaster. The Xeno Prisma will rip this world apart. An unprecedented timequake is coming. Everything you have ever known and loved will be destroyed...

Hold on a minute! What the heck are you talking about?

Soon, you'll understand... Though by then it will be too late...

I'm sorry, Helena. This is the pitiful end my path has led me to... Please...carry on my work... I know you can do it... You are...our last hope...

Galliard...?

Don't be a fool! You're not strong enough to hold me up on your own.

You be quiet! We won't know that for sure until I try.

Urgh!

Galliard?!

Galliard... What was it I really saw that time? No more than a hallucination?

I still don't understand, Gaillard... What caused your sudden change of heart?

Helena, there you are!

I heard you wanted to talk about something. What's wrong?

You came. So, about that...

Hey, hey, hey! I overheard that! You mumblin' to yerself.

Galliard had a change of heart, did he? What kinda change of heart are we talkin'? He swapped ya for another gal, or somethin'?

What?! Is that what you wanted...

Don't be silly. That's not how me and Galliard were. Enough délire from you!

Délire? You sure are grouchy. And here I was, trying to brighten the mood against that downbeat stony face of yours.

Stony...? But my face consists of synthetic elastomer, with bones made of specialized alloys.

That ain't what I meant! Yeesh!

...Rowdy to no end, I see. There's too much noise for us to chat here.

Let's go up to the Synth Hydra's end. We won't be bothered there.

So...what's up? What was it you wanted to talk about?

There's something I've been thinking about. Why Galliard...gave up on coexistence with humans.

Gave up? So to begin with...

Hold up. Galliard was the leader of the synth rebellion. I can't imagine for one moment him advocating peace.

I suppose it's difficult to believe from your perspective. The Synth Humans under Galliard fought against humanity, that much is true.

But it all began as way for us to win our freedom.

Back then, we...

Stay away from the civilians. We're only targeting the military.

Understood, Galliard. Apologies.

We have to win our freedom first, for us to live alongside humans. But if we incite hatred in the process, it will be the beginning of a toxic cycle! If that happens, our hope of coexistence will all but perish.

It's exactly as Helena says. Don't forget what we're fighting for. We just need to demonstrate enough force for the humans to take us seriously.

Casualties must be kept to a minimum, on both sides.

This is all news to me. I wasn't built until after Galliard died. No one informed me of what went on back then.

Galliard said that? Then...does that mean that we've been wrong this whole time?

No way! The synths killed many civilians too.

...My mom included.

That can't be denied. Ultimately though, me and Galliard aspired to coexist with humanity.

It would have been what Professor Chronos wanted, as well as the will of the planet.

Then...the other Synths began bearing hatred towards the humans. And then one day, Galliard...

Why...? Why does everyone hate the humans so? I thought they understood, that it will be better for us to live alongside each other...

Damn humans...! To think they had been trying to dispose of us from start!

It was all a facade! Those monsters!

Galliard, please, calm down! What's going on?

Helena...

...... I... I'm giving up on coexisting with the humans. The planet is doomed at the rate things are going. We simply don't have time.

What are you talking about? Why...?

......

It's the humans that are at fault. It's up to us Synth Humans to realize the will of the planet. We're the only ones loyal to the ideals of Professor Chronos.

Sounds like quite a sudden change in opinion.

I don't understand it either. It was as if he was suddenly someone else.

It's troubled me ever since. I want to find out what caused him to change like that.

So... You figure that out, and then what? Galliard is already...

...Before he went on to say that coexistence was impossible, I think Galliard realized something. Something that made him give up on living with humanity entirely.

His realization might give us an insight into how our two races could live together one day.

You may be onto something there. Except how are we going to find out what Galliard's realized?

If we had his body, that could provide us with the key. As his partner unit, I would be able to access his memories.

The problème is, his body has been missing since that day.

I see...

Reiterating my earlier statement: the Database has no relevant data.

Okay... Suspicious.

Anyway, okay. So we just need to find Galliard's body.

That's right. First, I'll see if I can get anything from our closed channel.

Your private channel with Galliard?

Yes, a line of communication shared only by Galliard and I. I shut it down when he was gone. It was...too much to leave open.

......

Once I reopen the line, I might be able to trace the location of his body.

Here goes...

Any luck?

It's no good. I can't filter out his signal amongst the interférence.

...Wait! I hear something!

Huh?

Helena, what's wrong?

Hold on...! I hear a voice!

How is that possible?!

Route 99...? You're waiting for me there?

What's going on? You said the channel could only be accessed by you and Galliard.

That doesn't mean he's still alive, does it?

That can't be. I did everything I could to revive him. It was no good. But, what else could this mean?

We'll find out once we get there. Let's head to Route 99!

No one in sight.

This place is wide open. If anyone has come, we'll soon spot them.

No biological signatures in the vicinity.

...Wait. One signature detected! Closing in, fast!

From where?!

...Above us!

Good of you to come, Helena. Not that I thought for a moment you would ignore my call.

You again! We haven't forgotten the time you tried to kidnap Levvie.

A red Galliard...?

Who are you...? Don't tell me you were the one who accessed our comm channel!

Right you are.

However, I don't like being spoken of as if I'm just Galliard with a different coat of paint. It's downright offensive, being compared to a useless prototype like that.

Useless...?!

Am I wrong? He was destroyed at the hands of humans. Nothing but a toy.

......

Don't look at me like that. I'm not here for trouble. Not today.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am LeA-BAK. I share the same basic design with Galliard. We're siblings in a sense I suppose, though my specs completely outshine his.

Good of you to come, Helena. Not that I thought for a moment you would ignore my call.

A red Galliard...?

Who are you...? Don't tell me you were the one who accessed our comm channel!

Right you are.

However, I don't like being spoken of as if I'm just Galliard with a different coat of paint. It's downright offensive, being compared to a useless prototype like that.

Useless...?!

Am I wrong? He was destroyed at the hands of humans. Nothing but a toy.

......

Don't look at me like that. I'm not here for trouble. Not today.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am LeA-BAK. I share the same basic design with Galliard. We're siblings in a sense I suppose, though my specs completely outshine his.

LeA-BAK... Searching database...

...Error! There is no ID number on the Database pertaining to this unit. It must have been illegally manufactured.

Unlike yourself, you can't pick up one of me at your local KMS outlet.

So you say you're like a sibling to Galliard? That's impossible!

Galliard and I were the only two prototypes created by Professor Chronos personally!

I remember... You mentioned that before.

The only ones with access to our blueprint would have been Professor Chronos and Professor Madoka.

Our schematics, our specs... Nothing has been made public. Just how did someone copy us?! Answer me!

...True, all standard Synth Human models are manufactured at KMS. I don't blame you for feeling unique due to who created you. Even I originated from KMS. But if you think you two are special, you are dead wrong.

I have to admit, you must be a special model. Considering you were able to access our private comm channel, you're a fairly sophisticated copy at that.

All except for that insolent personality of yours!

Good to see you know how to tell a joke. I like a synth with a humorous side.

Well then? What was your raison for calling us out here? No doubt it's something indecent.

To the contrary, you're going to like this. You lead the pacifist faction of the Synth Humans, correct? Those who wish for coexistence.

Yes, that's right.

I can show you a way to coexist with the humans.

What?!

With my methods, we can create the society that Galliard gave up on. How about it, interested?

I thought you'd come out with some nonsense, and voila.

Talk is cheap. Do you honestly think I'm going to buy into anything you say?

Action before words, I like that. You're no fool, Helena.

You have a point: there's no sense in taking me at my word. I will be making my move very soon. I'll be in touch afterwards. You can tell me your opinion again then.

Maybe LeA-BAK knows something about what Galliard realized.

I don't know... Either way, we must find Galliard tout de suite. I'm convinced his memories will have a clue indicating how we synths can coexist with humanity. That will also tell us whether LeA-BAK spoke true.

But even with your private line, it wasn't possible to trace him.

No... And now the channel has been tainted with that man's logs.

Reiterating my earlier statement: the Database has no relevant data.

......

Uh Riica, do you know something?

How did you know, Aldo?! Can you read minds?!

No, not exactly...

Well, the truth of the matter is...

Sebastia obtained Galliard's deactivated body! She said she got it through some special connection or some such...

Why didn't you tell us this earlier?!

I was instructed to "be a good Riica and keep this a secret, 'kay?"

And you obeyed... Only to spill the beans as soon as we pressed you.

What did she want him for though?

Hard to say, anyway I guess asking Sebastia is our best bet.

So it seems. Let's visit her home.

So, Sebastia. When are we going to have our next match?

What part of "no thanks" didn't you get? I'm insanely busy.

Huh...? You have a guest? That's new.

Drat! I guess the cat's finally out of the bag.

Sorry guys. I've got things going on here, so...

Wait a minute, Sebastia! Who is this?! He looks like someone from Epsilon District! Like, uber-rich! Why is someone like this in your house?

Oh, are these friends of yours? What a nice surprise. I was starting to think you didn't have any, given you'd never introduce me to them.

And is that...Aldo?!

Leo! Are you sure you're okay?

Yeah, thanks to you. The Synth Hydra's medical skills are as good as our own technicians.

Well then... Now that I've seen Aldo, it's time I introduced myself to some new people.

I'm Leo, the fiancé. Pleasure to meet you.

And is that...Aldo?!

Leo! This is the first time I've seen you with Sebastia.

In fact, I wish we had been at peace from the very beginning.

Oh, you'll have to excuse me. I'm Leo, the fiancé. Pleasure to meet you.

Hi, uh... Sorry, whose fiancé?

Sebastia's, of course.

Wha...

Wait. What?!

N-No, Amy! He thinks he's my fiancé, but I never...

Personal data confirmed. Hold on, this is...!

This Citizen ID is associated with the Palladium Cluster!

This is...Mister Leongrantze Figaro San, heir to one of the Three, the San family!

Oh, I'm not all that special. Please, just call me Leo.

He is the youngest officer at KMS, and is said to be the leading candidate for the next chief executive. And given than Sebastia is the granddaughter of KMS's chairman...

The probability of a political marriage is like rockets to the sky! Scandalous!

Haha! Well informed, as you'd expect from our top of the line android.

As embarrassing as it is, what she just said is mostly true. I am what you'd call born into money.

I'd like to correct you on one point though.

My engagement with Sebastia is neither for my family nor my career. It's a rule of mine to stay honest at all times. All the more so when it comes to my feelings.

Um, Leo... If the marriage isn't political, then what is it you like about her?

Well, boredom is my greatest nemesis. With Sebastia, I never get bored.

I guess she's far from boring, but...

Between you and me, Sebastia has a bit of fierce side. If you want to back out, I won't blame you.

Hey! What do you mean?!

Now now, Sebastia. She's not wrong. I can see why you're friends. Your fierceness is part of what makes you special though.

Okay great, but we're not getting engaged.

What about our chess match then? I won't let you forget about it.

Urgh...

By the way, I heard you're chess buddies with the Administrator.

Elzion's famous quantum computer selected him to lead the government, based on his outstanding mental qualities. I hear he's no less impressive when it comes to chess.

He's okay, good enough to kill time. Still, I win 8 to 9 times out of 10.

Hm. Sounds like another universe to me.

Have you never played chess before? I can teach you, if you want.

Really? I think I'll take you up on that offer.

Say I get good, and beat you 101 times. Would you accept my proposal then?

Is that meant to be a joke? And why 101 times?

It's from that film, "101 Proposals." Have you not seen it? Let's go watch it sometime.

I'll take a pass on that. I would be happy to play chess, though.

Except you'll probably need 10 or 20 years of practice to get on my level.

Sebastia tutored me on the basic rules and strategies. To begin with I was getting routed, but it didn't take long before I "got it." She said something about 20 years, yet here I am with 100 wins against her, and not one grey hair.

Beginner's luck is almost scary.

Luck plays no part in chess; it's a perfect information game! I can't believe you'd never really played, you swindler!

Like I said, I make a point to stay honest. Whether it's work or games.

Ugh... You are such a nuisance!

It's hard not to suspect that Sebastia's "business" is really an excuse to avoid playing me again. If we can't play, I can't win.

Huh. Does that mean you're technically not her fiancé yet?

Correct. However, the details are already ironed out between our families. Now it's all up to Sebastia. Once she accepts my challenge, and I duly triumph, our engagement will be official.

So Sebastia. When's the final showdown?

As I keep saying: I am so very, very, very, very, very busy!

Right, guys? (Please go along with me...!)

Sebastia is...one pretty damn busy girl. Actually, we've come to her on business just now.

Damn busy and then some. So out you go, Leo!

Oh, this is too bad. Well then, if you'll excuse me.

Phew... Thank you. So, what is it? Something you needed from me?

Hello, Miss Sebastia. I don't believe we've properly talked.

We haven't. Nice to meet...

Umm, did you not hear from Riica? I have a thing about being called "Miss Sebastia." It grates on my ear, not to mention my soul. *shudder*

Oh. Okay, bien sur.

So Sebastia. We actually came to consult you about Galliard...

Wha...?! Riica, you told them?

Apologies. Your disclosure had been designated with a relatively low confidentiality rating.

Ouch...

So you do have it... You have Galliard's body!

...Yes, I do.

Why though? It would have took a lot of effort to get, right?

Engineer's curiosity. Couldn't help it.

Unbelievable...

Same old Sebastia I guess.

Tell me, Sebastia: where is he now?

There are no matches in this room with Galliard's visual profile.

You think I'd just stash the former synth leader in my closet? Leaving him around would be a dumb move.

Then could you lead us to him? Please.

Eh? Umm... May I ask why you want to see him?

We want to access his memories, so we can find out about an event in his past.

What?! That's like...like accessing your boyfriend's data terminal!

Listen. Nothing good ever comes of that. This is worse even, since you're talking about direct access to his memory.

There are no secrets between partner units, which is what Galliard and I are.

Our memories are left completely open to each other, unencrypted. You wouldn't be breaching his privacy, don't worry.

...Hmmm. Then I guess I have no right to say no.

Is there some problem, Sebastia?

N-No, it's nothing! Then the first order of business would be to go see the Administrator!

What for?

We need permission to go to where Galliard's body is.

Hm, where's that then?

Let's just get to the Administrator's office. We'll go over the details there.

...Galliard, huh?

It seems things are finally in motion. I need to get a move on as well. I have to protect Sebastia.

The report on the synth captured the other day has arrived from the lab, sir. It appears to have several differences with those made by KMS.

Factoring in our previous field reports... it appears they are self-replicating using facilities in their base of operations, the Industrial Ruins.

I see. Then it's no wonder the rebel remnants haven't diminished. It looks like we'll be depending on your Special Mobile Unit going forward.

Excuse us, Administrator. There's something I want to... ...Oh. Bad timing?

Coming into the Administrator's office with a synth? What do you think you're doing? You do realize we can have you destroyed right this instant?

What are you...

Hey Biaka, what're you doing?! Helena's one of ours!

That may be. Even so, this synth betrayed her kind to side with you.

What are you implying?

Let me advise you, Aldo. Anyone who has betrayed once will betray again.

Why if it isn't Helena, the synth turncoat.

What are you implying?

Hmph. I heard you'd been traveling with the famous adventurer Aldo. Let me advise you, Aldo. Anyone who has betrayed once will betray again.

I don't agree.

Stand down, Biaka.

Helena is permitted to travel through Elzion while she is with Aldo.

I see... Understood, sir.

Attempting to eliminate the synths rebels puts our personnel at risk. If the peace Helena advocates comes to fruition, there are merits to both parties.

It is ideal, yes. If it happens.

It will. Galliard and I swore on it.

Hmph. Now with Galliard gone, you continue to pursue that goal alone. Endearing, if nothing else.

...She's not alone. I too want to put an end to the battle with the Synth Humans.

Amy, that's...

I haven't forgotten about my mother. I want to make that clear.

Still, it's obvious nothing good will come from us continuing to fight.

This topic is kind of heavy for now, wouldn't you say?

Administrator, I'd like to head to the Xeno-Domain. Is there any issue with that?

Again...? You seem awfully keen on that place recently. I cannot let you have free rein, you understand. Even if you're the granddaughter of KMS's chairman.

It won't be a problem. I'll go over it with my grandfather later on.

I have no intention of prying into your affairs.

Biaka will escort you, however.

Understood. I will see to it these affiliates of KMS are kept safe.

I hope I don't bother you.

Especially you, Helena.

You seem to resent me for whatever reason.

Not at all. I only wish to remind you there isn't a single person in Elzion who thinks well of your kind.

......

Anyway, let's head to the Xeno-Domain. We're going to Professor Chronos' Research Laboratory.

Is... Is he there?

That's right. The lab's equipment is still top notch, after all these years. There was no better place to study Galliard.

Hm? What about Galliard?

Oh... No, it's nothing like that!

(...Hey Riica! Give me a way out of this!)

(Leave it to me! Searching Vocabulary List for words similar to "Galliard"...)

(...Found! Possible match: "Latte Art"!)

(Wha, ... "Latte Art"?!)

We were talking about Latte Art! Professor Madoka was a fan of coffee foam drawings...

Hm... You've managed to find a hobby besides chess then?

Yup, exactly! That's not to say I'll let my chess skills get rusty, don't worry!

Well then, we best head to Professor Chronos' Research Laboratory!

I take it this is a surveillance mission, under the guise of an escort?

Indeed. Though...

There must have been something better than "Latte Art."

A cute childish lie, don't you think sir? I'll be heading off now.

So this is Professor Chronos' Research Laboratory...

The facilities here are still among the best for various fields of science.

So. Where is his body?

Well... Helena, I don't want to startle you, so...

What would startle me?

I just want you to keep calm. Okay?

What's going on?

Energy spike detected! The Xeno-Domain's entire electrical supply is being concentrated into this room... Negative. That pod over there!

Ga, ... Galliard!

......

He's moving! You restored him, Sebastia?!

Unit damage rated at zero percent. He is estimated to be fully restored!

Well, no...

Galliard! I can't believe you're back!

There is so much I want to tell you. What has happened to this world while you were away, and what I've been doing...

But before all that, please. Let me hear your voice...

......

...Galliard? Mon brave, what's wrong? Please, talk to me!

Hang on, Helena. I want you to calm down. This is Galliard, but it's not the Galliard you knew.

In what way is this not Galliard?

It's him! It's exactly like him.

I hate to interrupt the emotional reunion, but what's the explanation for this? It better be a good one, to justify why you're attempting to revive a class-A rebel.

Oh, you've got the wrong end of the stick. This is just a replica of Galliard. It's a dummy I made for a research project on Synth Humans.

......

Like, you know, Galliard always had a visor covering his face. That wasn't really my thing, so I decided to make a face using synthetic skin!

If that's true...then I suppose there are no issues.

Sebastia!

'Sup, Amy?

(...Was that true?)

(No, it's a big fat lie, obviously! This body is the real thing. I got it through my contacts.)

(But Galliard's real face was never made public, so there's no way she'll know!)

......

...I remember this face well. Hasn't changed a bit. Shouldn't be surprising... Synth Humans don't grow old.

Huh?

Enough of the cheesy lies. This is Galliard all right. I know because I've seen his face before.

Seriously?!

Galliard always kept his visor on, ever since the rebellion began. He only took it down when the two of us were alone.

How could you have seen his face?

...Good question. There's no need for me to answer Galliard's betrayer though.

......

Now then... I'd like an explanation.

As to why you're attempting to revive a class-A rebel? Would you please, Sebastia?

Urgh... I guess I'm out of excuses. Well, it all started out innocently.

I mean, he was the leader of the rebellion. I thought he might have some special design. I couldn't hold back my engineer's curiosity.

Well... That's Sebastia all right.

A few minutes of tinkering made it clear completely restoring him would be impossible. Getting him to move mechanically was easy enough. The problem is his personality AI.

That thing was the blackest black box I've never come across. I can tell you flat out there isn't a scientist in the world who could crack it.

I believe you. What you've done would usually be considered an act of sub-A class treason.

But I'll wait to see how this plays out before reporting to the Administrator.

Whew... Dodged a bullet...

Depending on what happens next, it might hit you on the rebound.

Geez...

This is still one big mystery though. Just who designed this monster of a machine?

Well, about that...

Galliard and Helena are the prototypes for Synth Humans.

That's right. And our creator...

...was Professor Chronos.

...What? Wait a minute! Is that why?! No wonder I couldn't figure out a darn thing!

If Galliard was designed by the genius to end all geniuses, everything checks out.

This is the harsh reality I suppose. There was no way he was ever really going to come back.

Oh, Helena...

It's okay, Sebastia.

If I could just, be alone...

Helena... It's me.

Wha, ? It's...!

No, it can't be!

Do you doubt me?

Huh?

Riica, those spinning tails gave the game away.

It seems a subtlety booster must be added to my upgrades request-list. Helena looked so sad, I felt I had to do something.

Thank you, Riica. For caring about me.

Mon brave... You're really gone, aren't you?

Wait... Helena...

Again, Riica?! You need to stop...

I'm innocent this time!

Huh?

Helena... The planet... Will be scourged...

Huh!

You must stop it... Only you...and I...can.. The Chro... Repor... You must...

The Chronos Report?!

I beli...eve... in... you... Hele...na...

Wait, Galliard!

......

What was that...? This couldn't have possibly... Wait, I'm going to check this out!

What's the "Chronos Report"?

I don't know. Equally puzzling is why I recognize the term, having never encountered it.

The term is recorded in an obscure, unoverwritable partition of my OS. I hadn't noticed it until now.

Hey, I've got something. There's a record of a large data transfer to Galliard's body.

It could be... that Galliard's personality AI is backed up on some network. If a back-up connected to Galliard's basic OS, that would explain him briefly regaining consciousness.

If that's true and we obtain his back-up, can Galliard come back? For sure, this time?

Yeah, for sure.

...... ...I just realized. That...I had so many things I wanted to tell him. And that I'd been holding back all along, without realizing it.

Amy, I must apologize. I know your mother can never come back. And yet, here I am, wishing so badly that Galliard would.

No need to hold back for my sake.

I mean, yes, my mother isn't coming back. But that's only because we're human. If you and I were in different shoes, and only humans could be resurrected... Would you have refused my mother coming back to life?

Amy...

Hmph... Are you all serious? What do you think the people of Elzion will make of this? His actions led to their town becoming a warzone.

Galliard once believed in coexisting with humanity. If we can open dialogue once more, I know we can make peace.

If you want to tell the Administrator, please feel free to do so.

I'll help with bringing Galliard back too. I want to have a chance to talk with him under better circumstances.

I'm interested to see what comes of that. I'll postpone my report.

But, if Galliard does return...

And he wages war on humanity once more...

There's no need to worry about that. If that ever happens... I will destroy him with my own hands, and then activate my self-termination program. Would that satisfy you?

Fine. I'll remember those words.