This is the script for Merkava's Arcade Mode stories.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH[]
Prologue[]
Merkava: What a noisy "Night" this is… The waves of EXS are more concentrated than normal… Is the trembling of this body from excitement or fear…?
It seems it has been an eternity since I cast away my human body and took on this beastly form, yet I have never experienced a Night as sinister as this. It is as if someone is manipulating the Abyss.
Whomever it may be, I cannot allow them to feast upon what is MINE. It would cause the monster in me to go on a rampage. If that happens, I will be hunted by the In-birth and killed.
…While troublesome, I should make my way to the Abyss and stop this individual. Someone so powerful would be a significant problem should they become a Void.
I wonder if this is a lingering attachment to life… I thought such feelings had faded from my mind ages ago.
This flesh craves the blood of EXS users. If I cannot regain my humanity, perhaps I can at least comfort this ghastly form. To the one daring to wield such power, I shall feed on thee tonight.
Stage 3[]
Merkava: Who are you? And why have you so foolishly entered my domain?
Chaos: Oh, are you talking to me? I thought maybe you wanted "Aji D'haka" instead… My bestial manifestation…
Merkava: What's this…? My level of interest is rising to enslave such a beast… Or, rather, the form of a beast. To conjure an autonomous creature such as that would truly be a rare and wondrous power.
Chaos: I appreciate the compliment. It appears you already know quite a bit about me. But I digress. This lowly accoutrement to the beast is called Chaos. And you are?
Merkava: My name is Merkava. You do not find me intimidating… I like you. I would not have expected to find a human unsurprised by the flow of my inner voice.
Chaos: I understand you completely, though it's not entirely unheard of… However, to meet a Void of your intelligence and awareness is truly a rare occurrence.
The others of your kind simply no longer comprehend the human will. There is no longer a way to communicate with them. Their use of logic, their basic interactions, the media of communication they utilize… differ radically from humanity's.
Conveying information via vibrations in the air. Emotions limited by words whose meanings differ among those using them. Such an archaic form of communication, unlike your… telepathy. Your kind's direct form of relaying thoughts is extremely interesting.
Merkava: Hmph. While you may have interest in how I communicate, it is something I could not teach. I have no memories other than of being a beast. I have only desires, which will inevitably lead to my death.
Chaos: I see. Why don't you join us? If you can't control your impulses, why not put your mindless violence to good use? Amnesia is always looking for members. And humanity is not a requirement to join.
Merkava: …
Chaos: Is that a no…?
Merkava: Heh, heh, heh… HAHAHAHA! You offer me something upon which to rely. I can feel the vestiges of my human heart quiver… The sad remnants of my lost humanity… How pathetic they truly are.
Sorry, but my kind will always conflict with yours. The beast inside me cannot be tamed, and when it hungers it will devour anyone, friend or foe. Even now, it wants to rend your flesh!
But from what's left of my human heart… I thank you for your compassion.
Chaos: I see. That is rather unfortunate, isn't it…?
Now then… I believe it's time to show you the full extent of my powers, and bring you home with me. Some rope and a mattress… That should be enough to securely bind you.
Stage 6[]
Vatista: I detect a rather large Void looking in my direction… It seems to be abnormal, even for one of its kind.
(Merkava approaches Vatista)
Merkava: You are neither human nor an In-birth, but a doll crafted by a human.
Vatista: I can feel your consciousness flowing through me. Voids are not capable of rational thought. Ah, I see. The existence of your kind seldom occurs. It is my first time encountering one such as yourself.
Merkava: So, this flesh is considered rare… Heh, perhaps you are right. But you, young girl, are an even rarer sight…
Vatista: That is something I cannot deny. I am an Autonomic Nerve. My unit identification is Vatista. I risked my existence by obeying my master's orders. Now, I exist only to hunt Voids.
Merkava: You are even more interesting than I first thought… So, you wish to kill me with your own two hands?
Vatista: You gave up your humanity long ago, yet failed to become an In-birth or a true Immortal. You are truly a pitiful creature.
Merkava: I have no use for your pity. This form does have its advantages. The only downside is its insatiable appetite.
Vatista: You possess aspects of both a human and a Void, yet you are neither. Does your quest for answers, as well as a place to die, have an identifiable destination?
Merkava: While I exist, I will follow the scent of my prey. I have no destination, only blood to spill and flesh to consume.
Vatista: We both came into being from outside of the confines of humanity, and thus are more similar than you think. Therefore, I shall perform last rites on your behalf. This is what is called… sympathy.
Merkava: I shall enjoy this, little mannequin… Rejoice, monstrous flesh of mine. My fangs and claws will rip you apart and savor the flavor of your inhumanity…
Stage 9[]
Hyde: WHOA! It's freakin' huge! What IS that thing?!
(Merkava appears)
Merkava: …Hm? I feel someone staring at this body of mine. Can there really be someone who is able to perceive my form through the stormy manifestations of this Night?
Hyde: Oh, shit! Did I make eye contact?!
Merkava: My… There is nothing more irritating than facing a child who knows nothing of fear. Look not upon me as if I am some sort of insect.
Hyde: I-It can talk?! No, your voice…It's like you're sending your thoughts directly into my brain… That's pretty damn cool, especially for a Void! Are you a new version or something?
Merkava: Do you suffer from insanity? I find the fact that you do not consider this beast even remotely scary irritating. Your blade piques my interest, boy. It has been a while since I've felt that way. I am experiencing conflicting feelings…
Hyde: Huh. Well, there are a bunch of Voids floating around, but you're probably rare. But in the end, all you care about is killing people and devouring EXS, right? Just like the others.
Merkava: But of course. If these fangs and claws of mine are not sinking into the flesh of victims, then for what purpose do they exist?
Hyde: In that case, I'll need to send you back to Hell. I'm sure Linne would do the same. The last time I faced a Void, it nearly did me in… I was halfway across the Styx. Now it's time to return the favor.
…This should make for one hell of a story. I can't wait to tell her about it. An epic battle against a massive and mostly coherent Void!
Final Stage[]
Hilda: My, what a truly well-formed Void you are. I suppose that your current manifestation is natural, given this Night. I'm certain that fighting you is a troublesome affair, but seeing you walk around like this is surprisingly cute.
(Merkava enters the Altar)
Merkava: …
Hilda: Oh…? Are you looking over this way?
Merkava: I'm impressed, woman… I did not think you would be able to see me, considering the Night is in flux. You are like that boy I faced earlier… Does the Abyss make In-births stronger?
Hilda: Oh?! You can talk?! Does that mean you're an In-birth who became a Void…? Or a Re-birth overwhelmed by EXS…? Ahaha… I do hope that doesn't happen to me. I'd hate to turn into a hulking monster like you…
Merkava: I have encountered many humans tonight, and it is becoming tiresome. Now tell me, how has this Void maintained its consciousness? How did I become a beast? Because I do not know.
Hilda: (While I'm capable of carrying out what is required to create and control a Void… to give it a mind and will of its own like this would be impossible.)
(This goes beyond enslavement… It must be a technique lost to the Hollow Night, a living blueprint of the Autonomic Nerve… To think that such a thing would be here, speaking with me…)
Merkava: Have you gathered your thoughts? Do you dare stop me from consuming those who appear here? This body may be immortal, but it hungers. Since I have a stream of conscious, I would rather not eat a manifestation of a human. However, I hunger for your form. As I have never encountered a Red Void like yourself.
But you need not fear becoming a true Void like me… For I will tear you apart right here and now.
Hilda: Oh, how amusing. I am honored to be the opponent of such a rare creature. An Immortal dares to stand against me? It seems the Hollow Night itself is my enemy! I guess the time to rebel has come! I, Paradox, will fight you to the death!
Epilogue[]
Merkava: An inferior wielder of power, seeking resurrection… Are you still capable of movement? Unless you can somehow overcome my victory, it is time I consumed the manifestation of your Vessel…
Hilda: Fine, just get it over with already. But remember, I WILL have my revenge one day. Don't expect me to ever forget your face. Along with my sworn enemy, the Re-birth… Kuon the Eternal…
(Hilda is devoured by Merkava)
-----[]
Merkava: How many days have passed since then…?
No matter how much I eat, I am driven to consume more. This hunger can no longer be satiated. Paradox… After tasting you, no other power-wielder will be sufficient.
It seems that a Vessel of your caliber has a superior taste. When the EXS is at its most powerful, it melts inside me in a way that is indescribable. Just the thought makes me tremble…
Cursed with a conscience, burdened by past sins, and feeding on the blood of my victims. What a miserable existence. This corrupted state of being causes me both pleasure and pain.
Knowing that I will never be able to regain my true form, I am forced to wander, feeding on In-births and attempting to quench my desires. And then the hunter becomes the hunted…
I now see the only thing left for me, the one spoken of by that woman… Kuon the Eternal… I must now seek out the EXS contained in the ultimate Vessel.
Wait for me, those who have been resurrected during this long Night. I will devour every last one of you.
Merkava: For I will remain what I have always been, an anomaly… A monster with a human conscience…
(Ending theme: Crimson World That I Arc)
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II SYS:CELES[]
Prologue[]
Merkava: Guoooh… I can't contain it! Can't contain… Can't contain…! Every sound is grating… Every sight is hideous… I want to annihilate, encroach, destroy, crush… Devour…
But no matter how much I devour… I am never fulfilled… It's not enough--It's never enough! I need power! I need EXS! If I don't consume, I'll be unfulfilled… Unfulfilled… Unfulfilled!
Kgh… What has happened to me? What is this beast dwelling in my body? No, it's not the beast that's changing, but myself… I must accept it. I am the one driven to destroy and devour… It's me.
It's the one who created this curse who deserves my ire. You… You opened the door and called upon me… Now I've no choice but to answer… and devour you…
But I don't have much time… My hold on myself is at its limits… The serpent beast will swallow this Night… and this world. The tide rises in the sea of Voids…
…I shall head to the Abyss. To end this life. Henceforth I am a complete beast… No thought… Only hunger…
The one to devour this world… shall be Jormungandr… Me. I won't stop… I… won't… stop…
Any who wish to stop the destruction must first stop me… Can you do it? Can you, lowly In-Births…?
Stage 3[]
Londrekia: Ah! Merkava… Don't take this as a sign of friendship, but it's been a while. What are you doing here at a time like this?
Merkava: What am I doing? Simple. The world is on the verge of destruction. I realized there's more for me to devour… I've come to claim it, lest I regret it.
Our previous understanding is henceforth null and void. Let us return to our former relationship: annihilate, or be annihilated.
Londrekia: I see… If that's the path that you've chosen, so be it. We've been at odds with each other from the very beginning. There's no meaning in our further cooperation.
Merkava: I've always thought you were an interesting one. But with the world in its current state, there is no time for play… Let us end this, then.
(Merkava powers up)
Londrekia: What an incredible FLS. I suppose this is your full potential? I see you're not called the Talking Void for nothing. I'm lucky that you didn't exert your full potential the last time we met…
Merkava: Keh heh heh… You make me laugh. I know you have hidden powers of your own. Fight back with everything you've got and entertain me before you die…
Londrekia: Well, I'll fight with everything I've got, and I'll try to keep it entertaining, but I can't die just yet. I don't know what your motives are, but I suspect you're heading to the Abyss to consume the Re-Birth.
Things will only get worse if a Void as strong as you goes to the Abyss… but I'll be the one to stop you. This is goodbye, Merkava. I'm sorry that I couldn't save you, too.
Merkava: Ahh… I am losing control of my body, such that even thinking is a chore already…
I shall devour your spirit and turn it into my own power. Such strong life forces can be cultivated and used to produce even more powerful EXS…
Stage 6[]
Merkava: Shaaagh!
(Merkava swoops down towards his next prey)
Carmine: Whoa! Holy shit! Now that's a hell of a way to say hello to someone…
What kinda dumbass just jumps out of nowhere and attacks people? Seriously, what kind?
For real, though. What're you supposed to be, an eel monster? How shocking. C'mon, man, watt's your problem? Heh heh heh…
Merkava: Your crimson Manifestation… Beautiful. Delectable. Delicious. I'll swallow you in one gulp. Be glad you're getting a painless death.
Carmine: Huh? What the hell're you talking about? Are you tryin'a eat me for real or something?
Well, I'll be damned. An eel wants to eat a human alive! What is this, revenge for all that sushi? Yeah, I feel ya. Gotta get even, right?
But I gotta say, you picked the wrong guy. Now, chowing down on some random dude, I understand, but you're biting off more than you can chew with me.
Merkava: I see… You cannot restrain yourself either. It seems we are of a common nature. Let us see who eats who… Who swallows the other's existence!
Carmine: Look, I still dunno what the hell you're talking about, but I get that you wanna kill me. Let's just skip the rest of the chit-chat and get straight to beating each other up.
How 'bout it, you freak? Are you feelin' it? Because I'm feelin' it!
Merkava: Gigh-gigh-gigh… Gwaaaah ha ha haa!
Carmine: Keh heh heh… Kyaaaah ha ha ha haa!
Merkava: You're--
Carmine: You're--
Merkava & Carmine: Dead meat!
Final Stage[]
Merkava: I've got you now… You… The one called Aeon…
Kuon (telepathically): Send your will through the EXS… Thought, directly into the head… How's this? Can you hear me now? Sorry, this is a bit difficult. It'll take me some time to get used to it.
Merkava: Ahh… This is your mind flowing directly into me. The experience is rather unpleasant…
Kuon: Ha ha ha… If it's unpleasant for you, how do you think I feel? Anyway. What brings you here, odd one?
Merkava: Nothing of particular importance. But you have disturbed my sleep, and I've come to render you unable to disturb me again. Once you get in my stomach, you'll surely stay silent…
Kuon: I'd really prefer not to, I'm afraid. I'll be disappearing from this world in a short while, so I hope you'll be content with an apology.
Merkava: Impossible. You are trying to open the pit from which eternal and infinite Voids will erupt to consume the entire world. The only one to devour this world shall be me.
Kuon: I'll take that as a no, then. How unfortunate. So, say I were to be eaten and made one with your flesh… Would I become like you?
Merkava: …
Kuon: Were you originally a Void from which a human mind emerged? Or a human, from which a new personality, more twisted and powerful, severed itself to become a beast?
Human logic and bestial instinct, sharing the same space, contradicting each other all the while… I feel like I'm starting to see the truth behind this.
I'd love to chat more, but I don't have much time left. In order to sink into the pit and emerge on the other side, I need more power… Your power. I'll take it with me as a final souvenir.
Merkava: Hmph. Interesting. Very well… The one who gets eaten shall offer their power to the victor. An end fit for beasts indeed.
Kuon: Yes. Let us begin a final battle suitable for those such as us, close to the Void… an eat-or-be-eaten brawl to the death.
Epilogue[]
Merkava: Gyoaaaghhh!
Gwaaa ha ha ha haaa! Delightful! Delightful! How delightful!
Your pure, powerful, eternally crimson EXS… Your flesh! Your blood! Your bones! Your soul! All of you in totality…
I welcome all of you, every last inch of you, into my flesh, Reborn One!
(The screen turns red)
--
All I could do was watch as my vision went red.
I watched myself pummel it endlessly until it stopped breathing…
…to burst it open, to tear it apart, to break it. I repeatedly pummeled it to the ground…
…and crushed it like overripe fruit fallen from the tree.
Though I understood that it was me, myself, doing this… I could do nothing but watch.
I am only a weak fragment of a being trapped inside the beast. A small, insignificant consciousness. That is me.
Surrounded by EXS and having consumed the power of the Re-Birth, the beast grows ever larger. Soon it will crush me into itself and I will be one with it at last.
I shall transcend the In-Births and live eternally, as part of a higher being… A hollow god.
-----[]
--.
(Somewhere in a forest on a beautiful blue morning, a handsome and well-built young man with blue eyes and familiar long white hair wakes up naked as he tries to recollect himself)
???: Kgh… Where am I…? What… What happened…?
I think my consciousness is trickling back to me, but it's hazy… I cannot think straight… My vision blurs… I cannot focus…
There… It has finally calmed down. This is the Abyss. My final resting place. But what are these I see before me…?
Hands… Are these my hands? Can it be?!
Human! Human hands! And not just my hands. My body and my face, too… I suppose there wouldn't be a mirror here to show me my entire body…
(In-Births who bear huge amounts of EXS undergo a separation of the psyche. The opposite "self" buried deep inside takes control of the flesh. Consuming the Re-Birth's power, the beast met this fate.)
The one buried within the beast was unmistakably me. Normally, a person would be consumed by the Void… but in this case, it can only be that the Void was consumed by the person. Could such an anomaly be possible?
…Such pontification won't yield any answers.
I feel the wind gently caressing my skin… Is this what it feels like to be human? There's something familiar about it… Familiar, yet strange.
It's as if the fog has been cleared from before my eyes. I can't feel the presence of the beast in my body… It feels light and easy to move.
This may well be a fleeting dream. I may wake up as the beast once again. But no matter how short the dream may be, I shall indulge in it.
What shall I do first? Let me see… I need something to wear. I'm human now, after all.
(Meanwhile, a high school boy walks by and turns disgusted after seeing the naked Void-turned-human)
???: Pfffff--Uhh… Wh-Why's that guy naked?!
???: Hmm…? Ah. Excellent timing, young man. I have something to ask you…
???: Hell no! Put some clothes on first! Or at least cover your junk, dude! Damn!
???: …
Merkava: The human world is a hard place to live. However, this is exactly what I desired…
A peaceful world, far, far away from death, bloodshed, and conflict…
--.
Merkava: Delicious! Delicious! Ohhh, delicioussss! The flavor of the Re-Birth's EXS is intoxicating! I won't stop… Not until I've devoured every last bit!
Gwaaaaaaaaa ha ha ha haaa!!
My body is flooded with power… Something's changing inside me… More! I must have more power! EXS, Voids--feed them to me! There must be more power… Better power… Where is it…?
There… In the pit of the Abyss… There's a sweet, tantalizing aroma coming from the door that the Eternal One tried to open…
I must go deeper… I must go deeper into the Night. As powerful as I am now, opening the door should be easy.
I am the Basilisk of the Abyss, devourer of the human realm. And I am unfulfilled… To obtain greater powers, I must eat Voids… Many Voids… The entirety of the Night itself…
G-Grrrraaaugh… Graaaaaaaaughhh!
…Now I see it; the path leading to another world… To the True Night… A great sea of EXS, waiting to be devoured…
I shall swallow the seas… For I am Jormungandr of the Abyss…
Merkava: Now I shall begin my journey… as the all-conquering, all-ending Hollow God!
(Ending theme: Peace of Mind)
Trivia[]
- Azhi Dahaka, the Void under Chaos' command is referred to as "Aji D'haka" here despite it no longer being being the correct translation as of UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late cl-r.
- The ending theme Crimson World That I Arc only plays in the Arcade Mode Routes of Merkava, Carmine and Hilda due to it serving as the "Bad Ending" song.
- Merkava is the only character thus far in [Sys:Celes] to have two Arcade endings. To earn the Bad Ending, the player must finish Kuon in the final round with an Infinite Worth EXS.
[]
| Arcade Mode | |
|---|---|
| Chronicle Mode | |