Scenario:Vaseraga - Trigger for Resonance

Trigger for Resonance

To gather data on his new armor, Vaseraga wears it out on patrol through a nearby town, where a crew of skyfarers attack him. The new armor allows Vaseraga to stay in control while he fights, but the interference mechanism drastically lowers his resonance with Grynoth. After fending the skyfarers off, he ponders how to bolster his bond with Grynoth.

---

Vaseraga patrols a town near the base, both for the town's safety and to amass data from his new armor.

While out and about, he finds a depiction of himself plastered to a wall—one which he tears off in annoyance.

Vaseraga: These wanted posters are still out there?

Vaseraga: ...

Vaseraga: You realize my bounty's not up for grabs anymore, right? Or is there another reason you're stalking me?

Shady men, armed with anti-primal munitions, emerge from the shadows and encircle Vaseraga.

Skyfarer 1: Yeah, we know there's no money on your head...

Skyfarer 1: But we've got a debt to settle—one where you'll pay with your life! Or else we'll never clear our crew's name!

Skyfarer 1: It's your fault we've been branded cowards! T-today is the day you die!

The men's vengeful gazes indicate that they are in no mood to parley.

Vaseraga: No talking you out of this, huh?

Skyfarer 1: That's right! Nobody's leaving until one of us is lying cold in the dirt!

Vaseraga: And here I was thinking we could finish this without any bloodshed.

Vaseraga: (Those anti-primal rounds will shred right through me. Which would cause Grynoth to run amok...)

Vaseraga: (At which point, I'm not sure I could keep it suppressed. Tricky situation I've stepped in...)

Skyfarer 2: Say your prayers! These anti-primal bullets are gonna fill that pretty armor of yours with holes!

Screaming, the skyfarers throw themselves at Vaseraga.

Skyfarer 1: Raaahhh!

Vaseraga: ...

Skyfarer 3: Die!

Vaseraga: ...

But Vaseraga, putting his new lightweight armor to the test, nimbly dodges the skyfarers' attacks.

Vaseraga: Hm, not bad. Next...

Skyfarer 1: You're wide open! Graaahhh!

Skyfarer 1: Huh?

Vaseraga: ...

Skyfarer 3: Take this!

Skyfarer 3: Huuuh? How'd my sword break!

The armor withstands attack after attack, sustaining no damage whatsoever.

Vaseraga: (Hah. It's sturdy enough, all right. Grynoth has barely taken notice of these jokers.)

Vaseraga: Next...

Skyfarer 1: You think that's all we got? Guys, get in formation!

At their captain's command, the skyfarers cease their assault and pull back.

They pull out their guns, bright lights forming at the muzzles, and aim red lasers at Vaseraga.

Vaseraga: Better to avoid the anti-primal rounds than try my luck, I think.

Vaseraga: Sabet odem.

Vaseraga unleashes Grynoth's power and watches its shape change.

Just as before, the new armor prevents Grynoth from taking hold of his mind. Relieved, he refocuses on his opponents.

Vaseraga: Give me your best shot.

Skyfarer 1: Fire!

Skyfarer 2: Yaaaaahh!

Vaseraga: Raghhh!

Augmented by Grynoth, Vaseraga predicts the barrage's trajectory and dashes out of harm's way.

Vaseraga: Raaahhhh!

Skyfarer 3: What kind of monster are you...

Vaseraga: The one that won't reap your soul, at least. Now hold still.

Skyfarer 2: We're not done yet!

Right as Vaseraga swings his enormous scythe, a single bullet grazes past his cheek.

Vaseraga: ...

In an instant, Grynoth returns to its original appearance.

Vaseraga: (Is the interference too strong? Or is my bond with Grynoth not enough?)

Skyfarer 2: Tch!

Vaseraga: Whatever. It's nothing a few swings won't fix!

Vaseraga: Graaaaagh!

With Grynoth activated once more, Vaseraga leaps at his assailants and knocks the guns from their hands.

Skyfarer 2: D-damn it...

Vaseraga: Best give it up now. You want to restore honor to your crew's rep? Find a way that won't cost your lives.

Skyfarer 1: You...

Having witnessed the extent of Vaseraga's strength, the terrified skyfarers flee from the scene.

Vaseraga: ...

Vaseraga rubs a finger against the graze on his cheek.

Though his new armor's performance is satisfactory, the interference mechanism might be doing too good of a job.

He contemplates now how to resonate with his weapon.

Vaseraga: If it's not one problem, it's another.

Vaseraga: Mahira and the other scientists might be able to figure out something with their research... But I can't let them do all the work.

Vaseraga: I need to find a way to deepen my bond to Grynoth...

He stares at the gleaming weapon in his hands, various concerns racing through his mind.

Trigger for Resonance: Scene 2

Soon after Vaseraga defeats the skyfarers, Tsubasa, Almeida, Taiga, and Rintaro arrive on gearcycles. Having heard gunshots, the gearcyclists are awed to hear that Vaseraga took care of his enemies by himself, and express both their respect and desire to learn from his example. The three and Almeida accompany Vaseraga for the rest of his patrol.

---

Vaseraga has successfully beaten back a crew of cowardly skyfarers.

But he now worries over his resonance with Grynoth—a crucial component in the crew's plan to rescue Cassius and Isaac.

Vaseraga: A bond like Beatrix and Embrasque...

Vaseraga: Well, Grynoth, you willing to work with me?

Grynoth: ...

As expected, the weapon gives no response, causing Vaseraga to smile wryly.

Vaseraga: Knew it wouldn't be so easy.

Vaseraga: Now what to try instead...

He looks to the sky in contemplation, but the blast of a horn soon shatters the peace and quiet.

Tsubasa: Hey, hey, heeey!

Almeida: Tsubasa! Vaseraga's over there!

Killa Taiga: Duuude, that armor's sick!

Yung Rintaro: I don't see nobody else 'round though. Did he kill 'em all by himself?

Killa Taiga: I'd believe it. Guy's got total grim reaper vibes.

Tsubasa: Hey, numb nuggets! Shut your traps or eat my dust!

Tsubasa furiously pedals toward Vaseraga, causing the turbine reactors of his gearcycle to spit flames.

Hot on his heels are Taiga and Rintaro, pedaling as fast as their feet allow.

Vaseraga: It's those Mysteria kids causing a ruckus, huh?

Almeida's Voice: Vaseraga!

Vaseraga: Didn't expect to see her with them though...

In quiet astonishment, Vaseraga watches as Tsubasa and his friends speed over.

Vaseraga: Like bats out of hell.

Killa Taiga: Vaseragaaa! G-g-get outta the waaay!

Yung Rintaro: Whoa, whoa, whoooaaa!

Vaseraga: ...

Vaseraga: Either of you hurt?

Tsubasa, unlike his friends, manages to slow his wild gearcycle to a graceful stop.

Tsubasa: Phew...

Tsubasa: Taiga! Rintaro! You two aight?

Yung Rintaro: Yeowch... Still kickin' somehow.

Killa Taiga: Yikes, that was a close one... Nearly went for a dive to the bottom of the skies.

Almeida: Vaseraga, we heard gunfire coming from over here! Are you okay?

Vaseraga: Nothing to worry about. I already took care of it.

Tsubasa: That was a lotta gunshots...

Tsubasa: And you dealt with them all? You're a scary one, man.

Killa Taiga: How's that killer armor treatin' ya, Vaseraga?

Vaseraga: Performing as advertised. I'm pleased with it.

Killa Taiga: Woohoo! He likes it! Didja hear that, Almeida?

Almeida: Wh-why're you grinning at me like that?

Killa Taiga: No reason!

Vaseraga: First your work with Alsarav, and now this armor... I owe you more than I can properly express. Thanks.

Almeida: Ah, um... You don't have to thank me so many times, haha...

Vaseraga: I'll owe you again after we've finished gathering data. Assuming you don't mind assisting some more.

Almeida: No, not at all! You can count on me!

Glancing at Almeida's blushing cheeks, Taiga and Rintaro whisper between themselves.

Yung Rintaro: Pure as pure can be...

Killa Taiga: Right? Kinda makes me wanna puke, but it's also fun to watch.

Tsubasa: We ain't here to flap lip, men! I told y'all to focus until Mahira finished the ship! Got it?

The Two: Right on.

Tsubasa: Vaseraga, we can take over patrol duty from here. You just head back to base with Almeida and relax.

Almeida: Y-y-you don't have to give us space, you know!

Yung Rintaro: Uh... Pretty sure Tsubasa don't mean nothin' by it. He doesn't notice that kinda stuff.

Vaseraga: This is no time for rest. I have to scout the area and make sure none of my assailants are still around.

Tsubasa: Yo, mind if we tag along then?

Vaseraga: Only if you're prepared for danger. They intend to take my life.

Tsubasa: Thing is... We got a lotta respect for you.

Tsubasa: So we wanna see what you do when you're out there, all alone, laying the smack down patrol style.

Tsubasa: We'll roll with whatever happens. We cool?

Vaseraga: ...
If you sense anything off, let me know immediately.

The Three: Hell yeah!

Almeida: Hehe... I'm coming too!

The party goes forth, prepared to take on whatever challenges may come.

Trigger for Resonance: Scene 3

The group finish their patrol and stop for a rest. Vaseraga notices Tsubasa's tender treatment of his gearcycle, to which Tsubasa responds that his ride is his partner—one that he trusts in. Seeing their bond, Vaseraga realizes, more than ever before, that Grynoth is only a weapon to him, but he resolves to find a way to understand and work with it.

---

Vaseraga: That should do for today. Ready to head back to base?

Tsubasa: Hehe, you kidding? Once I get amped, I stay amped, baby!

Killa Taiga: Gaha! For real? Then why are your legs all twitchy, bro?

Tsubasa: Shaddup.

Tsubasa: You saw how much turf we tore up today...

After patrolling the base's surroundings, the group is taking a much deserved rest.

Vaseraga watches with interest as Tsubasa takes the moment to lovingly pat his gearcycle.

Vaseraga: Almost looks like a father taking care of his own child...

Almeida: Hm... Is that so strange?

Vaseraga: From him? Yeah. Especially with his tough guy act.

Tsubasa: Huh! Take a big fat look in the mirror, Vaseraga! You're hella scary compared to me!

Vaseraga: Heh... You got a point there.

Almeida: Now wait a minute! I'll have you know that despite the way he looks, Vaseraga's a kind and gentle man!

Yung Rintaro: Whoa, whoa! "Despite the way he looks"? Almeida, you dissin' on Vaseraga there?

Almeida: Excuse me! I would never!

Killa Taiga: Hehe, you're kinda cute when you get embarrassed!

Almeida: Wipe that smirk off your face this instant!

Tsubasa: You're not wrong that this gal's near and dear to me. But she's my partner, not my kid.

Tsubasa: How she's doin' is always at the top of my priority list.

Vaseraga: Partners...

Tsubasa: You got Grynoth, right? Guess you know what I'm talkin' about.

Vaseraga: Not really. We've been together a long time, but I still don't know how to discern its condition.

Tsubasa: Ah... I know what that's like. This gal always gets outta whack and goes off on her own.

Tsubasa: I've oiled parts, changed the gears, adjusted the wheels, even messed with the reactor... Nothing. Usually just wait a day, and suddenly everything's back to normal.

Vaseraga: And that's how your gearcycle ended up looking the way it does now.

Tsubasa: Man... Be easier to get a new gearcycle, right? But you can't just abandon a pal once you're paired up. Gotta keep believin' and trust in each other.

Vaseraga: Trust...

Vaseraga: Is that why you're all comfortable pushing your broncos to ludicrous speeds?

Tsubasa: Ah... Haha, actually, our rides aren't usually this wild.

Tsubasa: We got some special maintenance done today.

Tsubasa: Once we took 'em for a test spin, we realized the turbine reactors were spitting out crazy flames—enough to really juice it.

Tsubasa: But these goons couldn't handle it and wiped out. Like lame-ohs.

Killa Taiga: Shut it.

Yung Rintaro: Ah! Tsubasa, we forgot to say thanks for the parts!

Tsubasa: Holy crap, my men, you're right. I forgot the most important thing...

Tsubasa: Vaseraga!

The Three: Thanks a bunch!

The three students line up in front of Vaseraga and bow in unison.

Vaseraga: For what?

Almeida: Oh... The leftovers I asked for were used as materials for their gearcycles.

Vaseraga: I see.

Almeida: Ohhh... Thank you both so much! There's something I really want to try...

Almeida: I wanted to test the durability and heat-resistance of the materials, so I could improve your armor better.

Vaseraga: Impressive work for such a short period of time.

Tsubasa: Yeah, man, we were seriously outta our element with the new parts.

Tsubasa: Almeida definitely saved the day with her big brain and super skills.

Almeida: Now we know more ways to use automagod components.

Almeida: Tsubasa and his friends also had their own ideas of how to help.

Tsubasa: Not sure if any of those ideas are gonna work out, but... least we can do is try.

Vaseraga: I see. So both my armor and your gearcycles are out for test drives.

Tsubasa: Think I've finally got a handle on the gal though, after all the purring and hot flames.

Vaseraga: You weren't exaggerating when you called your gearcycle a partner.

Yung Rintaro: Nah, man! If anything, he undersold his babe hard! She's practically his girlfriend!

Killa Taiga: Yeah, that's what it comes down to! Love! Right, Almeida?

Almeida: D-don't talk to me about romance!

Killa Taiga: Ain't you the one who said a craftsperson puts their all into what they love? Touched my heart, man!

Vaseraga: Almeida's spirit makes her a worthy master of her trade.

Vaseraga: I would know—this armor is comprised from the results of her passion.

Almeida: Ah, well, ahaha...

Seeing Almeida flush bright red, Taiga and Rintaro elbow each other with knowing grins.

Vaseraga: Love...

Killa Taiga: Say what! Have you fallen for someone?

Vaseraga: No. Just contemplating the complexities of the concept.

He gazes at the scythe in his hands, then heaves a sigh.

Almeida: You have to deepen your bond with Grynoth, don't you? Are you sure that's safe?

Tsubasa: They're partners, yeah? So long as they believe in each other...

Turning abruptly away from the others, Vaseraga glares up at the moon.

Vaseraga: No, Grynoth is a weapon. I've never thought of it as a partner even once.

Vaseraga: If anything, it's a menace that threatens to swallow me whole.

Vaseraga: When I lose control, I'm keenly aware of my own weaknesses... The only emotion I feel toward it is hatred.

Almeida: Vaseraga...

Vaseraga takes a deep breath, mind made up.

Vaseraga: But everything will be all right. I don't have to shoulder my burdens alone anymore.

Vaseraga: I have my Society comrades... and you all.

Vaseraga: Our conversations today taught me a key lesson.

Almeida: What is it?

Vaseraga: I need to change my approach if I'm going to resonate well with Grynoth.

Vaseraga: Love is out of the question... But maybe understanding isn't.

Gazing at his weapon once more, Vaseraga gives a grim smile.

Grynoth lies still in his grasp, quietly reflecting moonlight from its blade.