This is the script for Linne's Arcade Mode stories.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH[]
Prologue[]
Linne: The power manifested here is overwhelming… If Paradox is going to make her move, it's going to have to be now, during the Hollow Night.
(Waldstein appears)
Waldstein: Are you going now, Milady? With that skinny… what was his name? What are you going to do? Do you plan on using him to suppress that woman?
Linne: You mean Hyde? I do feel guilty, but it would be best if only you and I go. Granted, his Insulator would have made tonight much easier. But if she gets her hands on it, it'll all be over for us. It would be too much of a burden for him in his current state.
Waldstein: I agree that we should leave him behind. That child's potential is nothing compared to a true warrior's instinct. However, Milady. I must protest against your pursuit of Paradox alone, especially tonight. That woman… Who knows of the schemes she has planned?
Linne: That's true, but don't forget, she has the Weaver of Eternity lurking in her shadow. Until we have more information, I'd be reluctant to send even you off on your own.
Waldstein: …BWAHAHAHAHA! To be cautioned by such a tiny thing… I could simply charge in headfirst as usual, and take Paradox down myself!
But I know you'll do as you wish, no matter my objections. If discussion is not an option here, let us do as we always do, and move separately. I'll draw the others' attention, and you can ambush Paradox while her guard is down.
Linne: …Sorry for always making you do the dirty work. I recognize how fortunate I was to have been trained by a warrior of your skill. Paradox will not have an easy fight on her hands.
Waldstein: Heh… If nothing else, you've learned to talk the big talk.
Linne: (Hyde. You'd better stay put, and don't do anything stupid. I'm going to take care of whatever happens tonight. It's still far too early for you to set foot into that place…)
Stage 3[]
???: GUOOOOOAAAAHHHHH!
Linne: What--?! *Grunt*...! An attack I couldn't sense… Who's there?!
(Merkava appears)
Merkava: I will not stop… I cannot stop… I must not stop. You stupid little boy…! This desire… Something is compelling me to devour you…!
Linne: You're… Heh, heh, heh… I guess a long life does have its rewards. To think I'd witness the day the voice of nothingness would speak to me. So, what's happened? Is this the appearance of a human who's fallen?
Another thing… I won't ignore that you called me a "stupid little boy." Is this not the body of a growing woman to you?
Merkava: You ask if my flesh is that of a human? …That is one thing I desire above all else. I know not from whence I came, or my identity. My only memory is that of a screaming child…
Why she cries out, or what causes her grief, is beyond me. I also cannot explain why that is the only memory I possess.
Linne: So, your last thoughts as a human… It seems the ashes of your memories are all that remain. Honestly, I can't even tell if you saved that girl, or consumed her. Whatever happened, I suppose it must be a heavy weight on you.
Regardless of your reasons for being here, or how you came to be, it doesn't matter. I can't allow a monster like you get away. You feast on the living as a beast of darkness. You'll soon be nothing more than a bloodstain on my blade.
Merkava: Heh, heh, heh…Naturally, you would show no hesitation in slaying a mere shadow. So, my kind hunts humans? Why that is defined as evil while the opposite is considered righteous, I do not comprehend.
Linne: A valid point. Injustice is not always evil. This is simply a game of survival. I have no intention of calling myself, or anyone who defeats you, righteous.
You wretched creature… If you believe that I prevailed here… Then perhaps it those of us known as "In-birth" who are truly the monsters here…
Stage 6[]
Linne: Hmmm… A member of Licht Kreis, here of all places. Are you walking alone, little girl?
Orie: Wha--?! Little girl?! You're clearly the littler one here, are you not?! I mean… You're so tiny.
Linne: The fact you're so easily offended is what makes you such an adorable little girl. Let me share something with you. Judge people by their appearance alone, and you WILL get hurt. Well, then… I suppose I've said enough..
Orie: I see. The way you speak, your demeanor. It is just as they said. You're Linne, Princess of the Night Blade. Of the ancient clan that has since been lost. Possessing the ability to be reborn for eternity as a cursed ghost.
Linne: I'm impressed you know so much about me, child of Licht Kreis. Perhaps I'm too famous. But, wait… Did you just say I'm a cursed ghost? That's rude.
Orie: Princess of the Night Blade, why are you here? Your answer will determine whether or not I'll be forced to apprehend you.
Linne: Don't misunderstand me. I no longer have any attachment to the name of the Night Blade. In fact, it's likely that I wish for their destruction more than anyone.
Orie: Don't be such a fool. There is no way that you, of all people, wish for its end. I don't know what you're after. You may even be an ally of Paradox's. Thus, as an Executioner of Licht Kreis, I shall now take you into custody!
Linne: You know… if you're this passionate about justice, you should at least be able to hear people out. Well, I suppose it's no matter now. Allow me teach you how to walk this Hollow Night.
Stage 9[]
Linne: *Sigh*. I only seem to be running into people I'd rather not see. Like you, Seth.
Seth: Princess… No, Linne.
Linne: It doesn't seem that you're wandering the Hollow Night to hunt the Void on the Night Blade's behalf. So I presume the one pulling the strings is… Kuon.
Seth: The blades I now wield… Surely you know what they represent?
Linne: The sealed…! I see now… Heh, heh. That makes things easier. You should be careful with the information you divulge. Despite everything, you're still hopelessly naive.
Seth: …Then our chat ends here. All I have to do now is restrain you and go after Paradox's head myself. I can't let you anywhere near that woman, you see…
Linne: Ah… Yes, I suppose you have your own reasons for walking the path you do. That being said, if you wish to restrain me, you'll have to do so by force!
Seth: That was my intention all along, whether or not you approved… A word of advice to you. Do not think of me as the same child you knew before.
Linne: I'm afraid you're still very much a child. In my eyes, you're a little boy, bound by the shackles of law.
But fear not… I shall free you from the shackles of your imprisonment.
Final Stage[]
Hilda: Oh, my… Welcome, my dear little Princess of the Night Blade! Here lies the darkest depths of the Hollow Night, where the Altar of Light and Darkness awaits. This may be a desolate place, but it's an honor to have you here.
Linne: Hmph. I find that hard to believe… No, with my ability to transfer this soul from one body to another, the fact that I've just walked into your web must have been just what you were hoping for.
Hilda: Generally speaking, yes. You're a very important guest of mine, Princess. You're going to grant me the ability to become immortal.
Linne: Tell me. I hear that your goal is to become a Re-birth. Why do you want that? You should already know that neither Kuon nor I desired this. I can't give you that power.
Hilda: Hm, perhaps. But becoming a Re-birth is just the start. I mean, I've been blessed with EXS powers, and now I want to play a much more challenging game, you know? But your pathetic morality and rules keep getting in my way. You old hags have such sticks up your asses.
Amnesia will take both Licht Kreis and the Night Blade, destroy you, crush you, and grind you up beyond recognition. And with my power, I'll teach all of the In-birth a lesson they'll never forget! The old Night will die, and a new one will emerge!
That's why I'd like you to disappear. The Insulator, your brother, and then the Licht Kreis. I, Paradox of Amnesia, will dispose of each and every one of you myself!
Linne: I do admire your delusions. But you're not the first to get drunk on this power. How do you think it was the Night Blade that came to be? To bring order to the Night.
There were also people like you in the Night Blade, those who let their EXS abilities go to their heads. In a single night, their struggle for power tore us apart. Don't you find that pathetic?
This is no different. Either you destroy yourself, or I'll do it for you. It's time to face deliverance. And don't be fooled. This blade is not as slight as it seems.
Epilogue[]
Linne: Now Hilda, the wicked witch of the Hollow Night, this will be your end. Unless, of course, you have a final trick up your sleeve.
Hilda: Gah… I should have expected as much from the eternal Princess of the Night Blade… Your EXS abilities weren't even that impressive. The experience that comes with immortality is something to behold…
Linne: Hm? Is that so? In your case, I would say your character is more problematic than your lack of experience. Your emotions are transparent and your attacks lack variety. It was as if you wanted me to dodge them.
While you waved your EXS attacks around, I merely set a few traps and swept your legs out from under you. I've never faced such a flashy opponent who was so easy to beat.
Well? Should I continue? I could share more on the experience that comes with immortality, if you like.
Hilda: ARGH! Enough! Just talk, talk, talk, talk! This is why I can't stand musty old hags like you! Why don't you just get it over with already? Deliver the final blow and destroy this Vessel…
Linne: Ah, of course. No need for fake compassion. I'm sure in a situation like this, Hyde would have let you go. Unfortunately for you, I'm not as nice.
Farewell, Paradox… Though I doubt something like this would truly end you. I pray that I never meet you again under this Night…
(The screen turns red as Linne delivers the finishing blow)
-----[]
Linne: (Paradox… A formidable opponent, worthy of being the Vessel of a Re-birth… There is no way she would have gotten that power on her own. Someone else must be pulling the strings behind the scenes.)
(The most likely person is the Weaver of Eternity… My own dear brother, Kuon. He can only be after one thing… The talisman buried deep within my flesh.)
(The seal of this curse, tied to my soul. If removed, disaster would be imminent… I hate this body. Not even falling on my own sword would kill it.)
(Will I ever be free of this curse? An endless cycle of bodies… How many of these Nights have I witnessed?)
(I will finally put an end to it. This body will be my last. With the Insulator, and with Hyde, death will finally be possible.)
(Ending theme: Heart beat breaker)
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II SYS:CELES[]
Prologue[]
Linne: Here we are… The Night to end all Nights is about to begin. It's about time to finally write "The End" on the Story of Linne.
As nice as "The End" might make it sound… at this rate, there's a 99% chance it'll end horribly. Still, I have to go. I have to settle things with Kuon.
And Hyde… You said you'd be here today, too…
(You say you'll "save me," huh? I appreciate the thought… But I can't let all of you who live in the present risk yourselves like that. Meeting all of you showed me that was true…)
(This is why I always avoided forming deep relationships with people! The more time I spend with them, the more I start to care for them…)
Seth… and Hyde… I appreciate all your help so far.
Same to everyone else who's tried to save me… The thought itself is enough for me.
Now it's time for me to put an end to this endless cycle on my own.
Whatever fate awaits me tonight, I pray that you'll all go on with your lives…
Stage 3[]
Linne: …Good grief. I guess all the Goddess of Fate has for me on this busy Night is a bunch of roadblocks.
Gordeau: "Roadblock"? Aw, I'm starting to think you don't like me. …But you know what? You're actually not too far off the mark.
Linne: If you know you're blocking my way, then move, already. Someone like you should at least know the gist of what's going on here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm busier than I look.
Gordeau: You can say that again. Word has it you've got some family trouble going on tonight. Not that it's any of my business… Still, you can't expect me to take a beating without hitting back.
Linne: Hmph… "Family trouble," you say? Well, I won't deny that my idiot brother is causing some trouble around here.
Besides, isn't Paradox making a mess over this final Night, too? If you want to stop someone, you should start with her. She's on your own team anyway.
Gordeau: …Embarrassing, but fair enough. Sure, our village has an idiot of its own.
Still, I've got a score to settle with Licht Kreis. And I may never get another chance to handle you two eternal siblings. I can't just lay low now, can I? You get it.
If that story you've been weaving through the aeons is true, and overcoming me and moving forward is your proper destiny, then your road to the Abyss doesn't end here. Does it, princess?
Linne: I get it. You're with Amnesia. Your bonds just get sicker and sicker.
Gordeau: That's right. Anyway, thanks in advance. It's been fun. Once all your business is done, what do you say we let loose again sometime? Just you and me, Princess of the Night Blade!
Stage 6[]
Yuzuriha: Yoo-hoo! Hey, Linne!
Linne: The Dual Moon…? It figures that you'd show up, too. There's no such thing as a coincidence on this Night. Only fate.
Yuzuriha: Aw, c'mon! I just bumped into ya, I swear. I mean, I wasn't exactly waitin' for you to show up, but I wasn't gonna let you just walk by, neither.
I wasn't sure at first, though. I thought about it a spell. Then I realized that what I really need is closure with ya.
Linne: "Closure"? I can't say I have any idea what you're talking about…
Yuzuriha: Well, I think it's a liiittle unbecomin' for those of us livin' in the present to hand off all our responsibility to those who've been wanderin' around since ancient times. 'Least that's what Seth says!
Linne: I don't intend to burden the people of the present with problems that started with the Night Blade ages ago. I know I've told you that a few times already.
Yuzuriha: Riiight! But that's the point! That's what we gotta settle! I'm not talkin' about who started it, I mean who's gonna end it!
We split off from the Night Blade and became the Dual Moon to light up the Night. Lookin' at it from our end, we're the ones who stirred up the pot, so we've got some responsibility to change up the system.
Y'know, I really wasn't gonna bother you on this Night… but now I see that things have gotta change, so get ready for a botherin'! I'm gonna step in and end it all in your place, Linne. You cool with that?
Linne: I am absolutely NOT "cool with that." But I do understand how you feel. Needless to say, if you and your blade want to change the world, you'll have to show me that you're capable of it first.
Yuzuriha: Awesome! Thanks for hearin' me out! Soon you can leave everythin' to me and go off and have a nice, long rest, old-timer!
Linne: Ugh… Don't say things you might regret. I'm not losing to a young brat like you just yet.
Final Stage[]
???: I've been waiting for this moment. Welcome to my altar, Princess of the Night Blade.
Linne: Thanks for calling me that. It makes it easier for me to think of you as a complete stranger… Kuon the Aeon.
You've unleashed countless Voids across this land, increased the number of In-Births, squandered EXS, and hastened the undoing of the Night. I'm sure this was all according to your grand plan.
Now you've lured me in as the final key. You've got all the pieces in place to reach the True Night, then?
Kuon: Yes. This is what I desire. What I must obtain. I will draw out your power… The power of the Hollow God's hemicorpus. Then I will go into the True Night and hunt down the one who has escaped.
Linne: What do those red eyes of yours see? Madness or sanity? Wake up! You've got to free yourself from the other self that controls you, Kuon!
Kuon: Linne, listen to yourself… Look and see. It's me… I'm not being controlled… I haven't lost… my sanity…
Linne: That's what everyone says. Not that I expected words could solve this… At this point, the only thing that can end this is force.
Kuon: Ah… Then you will return to me, and we'll become one. What joy could be greater?
You and I will unite, intertwine, and at last, melt into each other. As a unified Vessel, we'll go into the True Night. My fragment… My hemicorpus… My very soul… Join me.
Linne: Hmph… Give me a break! Like I'd ever become one with you now! If you want to go beyond the Night, do it yourself. Just leave your Power of Sealing behind us as a goodbye present.
We're ghosts of the past, never meant to live in the present. Now dawn is approaching. Perhaps dissolving in the sunlight is the way we're meant to go…
Epilogue[]
Linne: It's over!
(Linne finishes off her brother with one stroke of her blade)
Kuon's Power of Sealing is leaving him… and flowing into me! I can feel its overwhelming power whirling!
…As if! I would never let something like that dwell inside me… Ha ha ha… This was so reckless to begin with… but now that I see it with my own eyes, all I see is despair.
I can embrace it and live on as a Void… or resign myself to the Night and the path of certain death… Pitiful, but a fitting end to a life as long as eternity.
Well… I've already chosen my path…
I'll carry the history of the Night Blade, every cruel memory, with me as I fall. At last I'll melt away and let the abyssal darkness consume me…
Goodbye… everyone… and good luck…
(Fade to black)
-----[]
Linne: …
???: Ha! Don't be so stupid! You KNOW I'm not gonna sit back and let you hog the spotlight!
???: Yeah… If you're really leaving, it'll have to wait until you've seen our final resistance for yourself…
(The screen fades back to Linne surrounded by the two Indulgence Weapon wielders)
Linne: Wh-What? Hyde! And Seth, too?! Don't tell me, you're--?! You idiots! You'll be swallowed up along with me!
Hyde: Pfft, says who? That's not the Linne I know talking. We'll cross that bridge when we get there!
Seth: If we take my Eliminator… and sprinkle in Hyde's weak Insulator… we may be able to overcome. No! We WILL overcome!
Hyde: H-Hey! Who're you calling a sprinkle?! You're dead meat once we're outta this!
Seth: Hmph. Pipe down and focus on the task at hand.
-----[]
Linne: Quite some time has passed since that Night, and the battle that could well and truly be called final.
The Nights grow less frequent and the number of Wielders has decreased, making everything rather peaceful. With the Power of Sealing gone, my soul is now free. I have my life and memories… and no more rebirth.
I'm pretty sure it's all thanks to the two of them getting rid of Kuon's Power of Sealing for me. I hate to admit it, but I've got to give them credit for their strength.
I can't say how Kuon ended up, but he no longer bears the Power of Sealing. Even if he managed to survive, he'll never be able to achieve great evil.
It really is over…
I've leapt out of the endless cycle of infinite time. Now the clock that had been frozen slowly begins to tick…
Even though it may be brought to an unexpected and unwanted halt. Even though I know that I don't have much time left.
(Everything turned out okay, I thought. But it's all been so haphazard, and I have my limits…)
This body is both me and not me. EXS weighs heavily upon it. I know it won't last very long.
Now, then… How shall I spend the little time I've got left? There are plenty of things in life that I still haven't tried… Maybe that'd be a good start. Ha ha ha…
But seriously, I've already decided how I'm going to spend the rest of my time.
I'm going to keep living along with you… whether you find me a little annoying or not.
Linne: You're the ones who gave me a little more life to live, after all.
(Ending theme: Peace of Mind)
Trivia[]
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| Arcade Mode | |
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| Chronicle Mode | |