Missing Memories

Are you waiting for that girl again, Biaka?

Yeah. I had to leave suddenly last time because of a mission.

Oh yeah. She seemed really strong when she threw that crystal to you. She has some surprising power.

I know. I'm looking forward to seeing how she'll turn out.

I mean, she's that strong with just three push ups a day.

She's got some strong shoulders. A natural-born thrower. She could definitely make it into the Special Mobile Unit.

Hah! She might end up becoming another Limit Breaker!

...She's awfully late today. Usually she's here already.

Oh, Biaka! Thank you so much for taking care of my daughter all the time.

Oh! No, if anything she's taking care of me. By the way, I haven't seen her yet today...

Really? That's odd... She left home quite a while ago.

Maybe she's making a stop somewhere.

Sorry. It's the Administrator again.

Yes, Biaka here.

Biaka, we have an emergency. Elzion's border monitoring system has just detected an unauthorized exit. It seems a young girl was abducted by a Synth Human in disguise.

Wait. A young girl? Don't tell me it's...

Unfortunately, yes. I heard you know her personally, which is why I'm contacting you. Normally her search would fall under EGPD jurisdiction, but...

Please, let me go after her!

I knew you would say that. The Synth Human who took the girl appears to have been accessing Elzion using a gate on the abandoned Route 99. Given that it has taken a hostage, it's likely that some sort of demand will be made. Stay alert. Transmission over.

Has something happened to her...?

Yes... It seems a Synth Human has abducted her.

No...!

Please, stay calm. I will bring her back safe.

Aldo, let's go to Route 99 right away!

Yeah, let's hurry!

They're not here! Have they really managed to get that far?!

If something happens to her, I'll...

Biaka...

I won't let a Synth Human take another person I care about.

I'm not letting them do the same thing they did to Isala!

Isala?

Yes. A childhood friend. She was the reason I wanted to get stronger.

Wait, wait up! Isalaaa...

Hurry up, Biaka!

Wait for meee...

Ah! S-Something just moved over there!

It's nothing! That machine always moves.

Waah! Now it's over here?! There's something here...!

Meow!

Oh, it's just a kitty!

Oh. Phew...

Haha! Oh, Biaka. You're always having so much fun!

No, I'm not... I mean, I can't do anything by myself...

Well, it looks like fun, but I guess it's hard being jumpy all the time. You're much stronger than I am, though.

That doesn't help me, though...

Oh, I know! Here, gimme your hand!

My hand...?

Wow, this is so pretty! What is this crystal?

It's a treasure of mine. I want you to be okay even when you're by yourself... So I want you to think of that crystal as me, even when I can't be around!

Th-Thanks! I'll treasure it!

...That was one of the last times I saw her. Soon after that, she became a victim of the war with the Synth Humans.

So that's why...

I've since made it my mission to become stronger. The Synth Humans will never take someone important away from me ever again.

Maybe someone from the Cardinal Vestige saw me, and that's why they told me to apply for the Special Mobile Unit. At first, I didn't really think much of it, but then I actually started feeling proud to be doing my job...

I see...

Heh heh... Don't worry. The girl's safe.

Who is that?!

What the...

I've been looking for you, Limit Breaker.

A search bit is talking?

The human child you're looking for is in my grasp...

What?!

You want her back? Then how about you and I make a trade?

Don't be stupid! I'm getting her back whether you like it or not!

Oh, I'm so scared... Not! This Bit is just a remote communications device. I'll be waiting in the Industrial Ruins. I suggest you hurry over.

Argh!

Biaka... What should we do?

It's obviously a trap, but there's no doubt that she's in danger. We have to go.

I agree. Let's head to the Industrial Ruins, then.

Hurry up and tell me about this trade.

What?!

How did you...?!

Without it, I can't... But otherwise she'll...

...Wait!

I'm sorry, Isala...

There... Are you happy? Now let her go.

What's so funny?!

What?!

How dare you...!

......

How can we get her back?

It's my fault, I've... I'm going to lose her...

Biaka, you can't give up now!

But we don't even know where she is! How could we even search for...

A transmission...? Why now?!

...This is the SMU! We've identified their location!

What? Wh... How?!

We were able to trace the source of the hologram while you had that Synth's attention! Wasn't too hard thanks to the guy droning on and on like that!

Guys...

It should be a walk in the park for you if you can manage to stay calm. She must be pretty important for you to lose your temper like that. Anyway, they're in the industrial sector in the Xeno-Domain. Hurry!

Thanks. I owe you one!

Aldo, let's get to the Xeno-Domain!

Right! We gotta save her!

Let's see now... What should I do to you?

Stay away from me!

Urgh! Oh, that actually hurt... Quite the brute for such a brat!

I'd better teach you a lesson!

Eek! Biaka, heeelp!

Heh heh. There's no use screaming, child! They don't even know where you are...

I wouldn't say that!

What, ?! This can't be! How did you figure it out?!

That doesn't matter! Let her go!

Tsk... Well, this isn't ideal, but she's still my hostage! And the Limit Breaker without her crystal is no threat to me! If you don't want this child to tumble into the abyss... You'll let me through unharmed!

...Even without...

What?

Even without the crystal...

I can still fight!

For those I care for!

Biaka!

Impossible! She's quicker than my synthetic eyes can follow?!

It seems you're out of cards to play.

Eek!

Take your last breath, Synth. I'll punch you through the roof... And send you up to the stars!

H-How?! Your crystal was destroyed!

N-No! Not the hammer!

I don't care for this pitiful display. You'll have plenty of time for regret in space.

...It's over.

Uh, Biaka? Is it just me, or are you even stronger than you were before?

Waaaaaah! That was so scary!

...But I fought too! And I didn't lose! Just like you, Biaka!

You did great... And I'm so, so glad you're okay.

Mission complete, then.

Yeah. Let's head home.

Uh huh... I want to see Mommy.

Sure. Let's get to Elzion right away.

Mommy!

Thank heavens! You're safe!

I can't thank you both enough!

Please, no need. I was just doing my job.

...Rather, I was doing what any good friend would do. I'm sure she's exhausted. Please, make sure she gets plenty of rest.

Thank you... Thank you so much!

Thank you, Biaka!

Gotta say, I'm surprised. I didn't know you could use that sort of power without your crystal.

Well...

I guess it's because I realized something.

I used to think that the crystal was the only thing left of Isala.

But even if the crystal is gone, my memories of the time we spent together remain untouched.

That's why I was able to fight back there. Even without the crystal, Isala is still always with me.

Besides, I swore on that crystal that I'd protect those I care about. That's the most important thing.

...I'm sure Isala would be proud of you.

I certainly hope so.

...Keep watching over me, Isala. I'll be keeping Elzion safe...