This is the script for Vatista's Arcade Mode stories.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH[]
Prologue[]
(Atop a high-rise building overlooking the city of Kanzakai, a young naked girl with long white hair awakens on a crescent moon night, confused about her surroundings.)
Vatista: (I… This isn't a dream… I'm awake…? What is this place?)
…
I see. The instability I detect in the air and the earth… The Hollow Night. Is this why I have been awakened?
Nevertheless… If this is the current structure of a human town, I must have been asleep for generations. Buildings that pierce the sky, carriages with no horse to move them…
Countless artificial stars to hold night at bay long after the setting of the sun. Humans striving to overcome even their most primordial psychological fears…
But the sheer number of their kind surprises me. To think they once suffered from starvation and the elements, that they cowered from wild beasts. How have they not only survived, but thrived?
And how am I to find a single Void amongst the herd…? Or were they called In-Births? Finding one will be nearly impossible. But those are my master's orders, so I must obey.
(Vatista heads out from the rooftop)
I should go. I shall concentrate on any Voids… I mean, In-births… nearby, and investigate as required.
Stage 1[]
Hyde: Wh-Wh-What the hell--?! A n-naked girl…?!
Vatista: You there, suspicious In-birth… I have a question for you.
Hyde: Forget your questions! Put on some damn clothes first! Clothes! Seriously, cover yourself up!
Vatista: …Clothes? Oh, of course. Autonomic Nerves do not require clothes.
Hyde: You might not need them, but I sure as hell do! Just put something on, okay?!
Vatista: …I do not understand why you are so aggravated. However, I will assist in restoring your dignity and complying with your wishes. Accessing… Connecting… Loading… Creation.
(The screen fades to white and fades back in as Vatista has disappeared)
Hyde: I'm more concerned with YOUR dignity right now…
(Vatista returns, fully clothed)
Vatista: Is this good enough, In-birth? Now, I would like you to answer my questions.
They are simple, really. I am required to investigate the Voids and In-births of this world. All you must do is simply fight back against my attacks. I assure you that your life will remain intact, so do not worry.
Stage 3[]
Orie: Eeeeeeeeeeeeek! A… A… A… naked girl…?!
But we are in a public place… I mean, many people will be gathering here tonight. No, no, no, no! This is NOT appropriate!
Vatista: Hm? I assumed that boy was exaggerating, so I determined that removing my armor would be acceptable… It seems that humans are sensitive to a lack of clothing. To avoid further issues, I shall re-equip my armor.
(The screen fades to white and fades back in as Vatista disappears yet again)
Orie: Wha--?! This girl… She's creating clothing out of thin air?!
(Vatista returns with her previous clothing)
Vatista: I am going to assume there are no longer any problems. I am but a simple, unassuming, and harmless human being. I do not intend to capture or detain you.
Orie: *Sigh*... If you were truly harmless, you would not have said that. You have much to explain, including how you managed to create that clothing.
Vatista: A pity. I thought that by equipping armor of this type, it would make me more inconspicuous. I am impressed that you saw through my disguise. Was there a weak link in my reasoning…?
Orie: Weak link?! It's like your entire chain came apart! What are you, exactly? I'm not going to hurt you, so perhaps you can tell your sister here about it?
Vatista: I need not respond to falsehoods of any kind… I am an Autonomic Nerve, Unit Number 10076. My assigned name is Vatista. My orders are to oversee the Hollow Night.
Orie: A-An Autonomic Nerve?! Why would something so rare be here?! The Licht Kreis have a girl such as yourself in their possession… err… I mean, under their protection.
Thanks to our technicians, we were able to partially reactivate the subject. Upon verifying it to be conscious, we attempted to communicate with language. Afterwards, it became far from autonomous. However, I heard it was finally able to manifest itself as an intermediary for a short time.
And here… is the "original" unit, completely autonomous, with the ability to walk and talk. It is quite hard to believe you are an artificial life form…
Vatista: I see. So the signal I detected was from a sister unit. But to be saved by a human… Inconceivable. The technology that defines us is far beyond human comprehension.
Orie: While defeating Paradox is my top priority, taking this Autonomic Nerve back with me is a similarly important mission. Won't you please come back to the Licht Kreis with me, Vatista? I am certain that you'll be of great help in saving your "sister."
Vatista: Analyzing request… Compiling votes… twenty-one for and seventy-eight against. It seems I must deny your request. My goal is the Abyss, not the repair of my sister machine. It was decided that my master's life bears priority, and that I must go to the depths of this Night.
Orie: Well, that is unfortunate… However, after encountering an artifact such as yourself and learning what I know, I cannot let you be. If you will not come willingly, I have no choice but to shut you down by force.
I had hoped to bring you back in one piece, but… I'm very sorry about this, Rex!
Stage 6[]
Vatista: Are you a Void…? Or an In-birth that has fallen into the void…? Or a former human?
Merkava: In examining you, the beast inside me has no interest in your twisted, unappetizing manifestation. A Vessel must be a source of calm, with EXS in itself being the raging torrent that it is.
Vatista: Perhaps we are both corruptions, as our EXS feels much the same. We strive toward humanity, yet the EXS is artificial and we ourselves are "false." It is humanity that is unique and inexplicable.
Merkava: You would not call only this horrific form of mine, but my very existence, "false"...? How ironic. So, artificial Vessel with an artificial soul, what do you intend on doing?
Vatista: My orders are clear. I am to maintain order in the Hollow Night, and control the population of In-births by culling their numbers. Additionally, I am programmed to terminate any Voids I encounter.
Merkava: Autonomic Nerves… The legendary art born of the Hollow Night. Ancient technology returning to haunt us all. A cursed doll created in a human's image, made to blindly follow its master. Truly pathetic.
Vatista: EXS is the foundation of all existence, including humanity. Those who are False Births are much the same… If so, then it would be inevitable that one would see a shadow of humanity within this Vessel. Capricious human thought contradicts that of a doll's. This is clearly the will of the master.
Merkava: Fascinating. I entered the void, while you strive to be free of it. Our prisons are different, but the shackles remain the same. Because of this, I shall gladly administer your last rites.
Vatista: The programs that dictate my actions serve as both beneficial and detrimental. I have no choice but to obey my orders and eliminate you.
Merkava: So you're tormented by your very existence? Heh… A real In-birth might feel much the same…
Stage 9[]
Waldstein: If it isn't a rare sight, indeed… I reckoned you were just a child, but it seems you're one of those Automatron… things.
Vatista: …
Waldstein: So, what brings you here? Surely not the idea to suppress me?
Vatista: My orders are to track down and eliminate those who would devour the manifestations of the Hollow Night. I am not to engage In-births. I suggest you retreat, lost child.
Waldstein: Now don't be that way, little girl. I don't know exactly what you're after, but I'm sure it would harm us and our cause.
Vatista: …Perhaps.
(Vatista leaves)
Waldstein: Averting your eyes? I know what you're thinking. My friends and I have a lot riding on this Night. Anyone not allied with us is a threat. Like you, I too have orders to obey. I'm to stop anyone trying to pass through here.
(Vatista returns)
Vatista: Eliminating an In-birth may prove difficult… Throughout history, the one things humans have exceled at is war. Unlike my own, it is your hardware that makes you formidable.
Unfortunately, there is no method to determine whether your rapid mental development comes from your inferior physical form. Many of my kind have been defeated due to superior tactics.
When it comes to strategy, your kind is quite adaptable. This is something of which the Autonomic Nerves are incapable. I doubt there is a species more fit for war than humans…
However, the same cannot be said in this time, in this place. Elimination is necessary if you devour manifestations as similar to a Void, and present as an obstacle to my master's will.
Waldstein: Huh… This is a very zen doll. You seem to be having a complicated argument with yourself. Try explaining it to me in short, easy words.
Vatista: The average In-birth is formidable due to its ability to adapt. Should you stand in my way, I will eliminate you. Understand now? Stout-armed monster.
Waldstein: AHAHAHA! That's right! That's what I wanted to hear! Now that we face each other as enemies, words serve little purpose!
You sad little puppet… It's time for me to rip you apart and leave your shell to rot. I'll cut those marionette strings with my claws!
Final Stage[]
Vatista: This is the deepest part of the Hollow Night, where the Altar of Light and Darkness lies. And what is that…? The wandering In-birth… Is he fighting Paradox?
Hyde: Damn it… Am I not enough to beat her…?!
Hilda: All right, I think I've had enough of you… Now, how about you just die, little Insulator boy? It's time to finish you-- Wha--?! Get out of my way!
(Vatista stands between Hyde and Hilda)
Vatista: The strongest EXS known to mankind… You can only be the In-birth who is disrupting the Hollow Night. Paradox.
Hyde: You're that naked chick from earlier… What are you doing here?!
Vatista: You are the In-birth I encountered in the city. Is your purpose here…? Did you come to force this woman to put on clothes, too?
Hyde: Enough with the clothes thing! You make it sound perverted!
Hilda: Well, what do we have here? Who's this cute little girl? Is she a friend of yours? Say there, do you want to play with me?
Vatista: I will decline, Paradox. I am Vatista, an Autonomic Nerve. I've come to terminate you, as per my programmed directives.
Hilda: A-Autonomic Nerve…?! You mean, one of the ancient technologies long since lost to the Hollow Night?! I thought replicating you with modern techniques was impossible! To think you really do exist…!
Vatista: Yes. I detect three units linked to my system. In regards to technology, what is available today is far superior to mine. It was the death of magic that makes reproducing me impossible.
Hilda: Oh god, how I want you! I can only imagine the good and evil we'd be able to do together.
Vatista: Your attempts at manipulation grow tiring, Paradox. Or should I say, the witch who has woven her web into the Abyss in order to prey on EXS.
Hilda: …How rude. You attempt to apprehend a beautiful woman like myself, and then call me a witch?! Very well. I was hoping to keep you intact…
But I suppose I'll have to do with scrap metal instead!
Epilogue[]
Hilda: How dare you force me into such a position…? Guh… This just makes me want you even more, little doll!
Vatista: Autonomic Nerves have restrictions in place that limit the damage we can inflict upon humans. However, I must compliment you, Paradox, on withstanding what should have been a lethal blow.
Hilda: I'll retreat for now, but… to think I'd see the Insulator AND an Autonomic Nerve on the same night… One day, I'll make you both mine…!
(Hilda retreats)
Vatista: She escaped… Considering her injuries, I doubt she will be able to cause trouble for a while. Though they are In-births, killing humans is not part of my programming, so my work here is done.
-----[]
Hyde: Damn, you're strong. Uh… You're an… auto… what again?
Vatista: I am an Autonomic Nerve, wandering In-birth.
Hyde: You know… I'd appreciate it if you didn't refer to me so generically…
Vatista: Then what should I call you?
Hyde: Hyde. That's my name, after all. In this world, lots of people go by an alias, but mine is my real name.
Vatista: Hyde. I've entered this data into my memory. But now that my mission is complete, I will once again go to sleep until I am needed again. You will probably be long dead before that happens. I suppose we will never meet again.
Hyde: Oh… well, that's fine. Just remember my name until you get home and sleep.
Vatista: Understood, Hyde. Then I shall remember your name. But… this is odd. The Hollow Night has ended, and the In-births and Voids have fallen, yet there is no exit call…
Hyde: What's the matter…? Don't tell me you can't get home?
Vatista: (There is only one logical explanation… Paradox was not the true power behind this incident. That means my true enemy still lurks somewhere in the shadows…)
Hyde. It would seem that my role here is not yet fulfilled. I must continue to function in this world until the next Hollow Night.
Hyde: What the hell? The next Night…? It's still another month away. What are you going to do until then?
Vatista: What will I do? That is easy enough to answer… I will remain idle here for the next two point five million seconds.
Hyde: Of course… How stupid of me. Listen, why don't you stay at my house? It'd get kind of rough, staying outside for a month, yeah?
Vatista: Staying at someone's house implies a need to sleep. Autonomic Nerves do not require such trivialities.
Hyde: Gah! It might not bother you any, but it'll bug the hell out of me! Besides, if you just stand here, people will start talking. Just come along. Anyway, there's someone I want you to meet. We can talk details after that.
Hyde: After all, we still have plenty of time to kill, right?
(Ending theme: Heart beat breaker)
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II SYS:CELES[]
Prologue[]
Vatista: An unnatural silence. With careful attention, I can sense the presences of several entities nearby. Just as determined, Aeon is now on the move.
I have remained dormant since the end of the previous Night. No return orders, nor deployments, nor any other orders have been issued. The limiter on my powers has been disabled as well.
The one at the heart of the current calamity now prepares for another destructive event, designated the Immortalize. Autonomic Nerves such as myself are typically deployed to neutralize such threats.
…I cannot account for this silence. Something beyond usual operational protocol must have occurred. Or perhaps this is the will of the Master…
Without more data on their true intentions, I must act according to my own intuition. I have no parameters, no commands, and no limiter. Now I must decide what I shall do.
…
I believe that I must show my gratitude to those here who have helped me. Aeon plans to break the wall of Night and cross to the other side; for the benefit of those who have given me aid, I will stop him.
Perhaps this is the first time I have chosen my own path. Perhaps it will be the last time as well… My body nears the end of its expected operational time…
I shall go, then, into the final Night. Those who have aided me must be protected.
I appreciate all you have done for me in the brief time we have known each other, Hyde Kido. And to all other In-Births, farewell…
Stage 3[]
Enkidu: Hm? A strange girl, out and about in this infernal Night… Are you some sort of demon?
Vatista: I could ask you the same thing. You are visible to the eye, yet I failed to detect your presence. You do not appear to be an In-Birth, yet you stand here, vulnerable in the Night.
Enkidu: "Vulnerable"…? Well, you're not wrong. My body's level of EXS is minimal. As Wielders go, I am among the weakest.
Vatista: Yes. Some variation in power level is to be expected. However, if we were to consider the average Wielder's power level to be 100, yours would be five at most. You are an extreme outlier.
Enkidu: I don't know who you think you are, but you should know that such power alone doesn't define true strength. There are many other ways to fight than relying on EXS.
The greater the power, the longer it takes to control. Even a poor Wielder like me can anticipate their foe's attacks and strike at their weak points with a basic grasp of martial arts.
If anything, one might say that a powerful EXS is itself a weak point.
Vatista: In other words, your strategy is based on the careful application of combat fundamentals. A most peculiar data sample. I am fortunate that an outlier like you was not my first encounter.
Enkidu: I'm sorry for calling you a demon. I didn't know what to make of the sight of you. Now, as strange as this feels to say, given your form…
Young lady… No, inhuman one… I challenge you to a duel. I've grown a bit tired of human opponents.
Vatista: Understood. Your desire is compatible with mine. After all, you are one of the In-Births in these lands whom I must help. This should be the best method to keep you out of harm's way.
Enkidu: Then let us begin! Your body will learn the true meaning of my words: that powers--strong, weak, great, or small--are meaningless.
You don't break too easily, do you?
Stage 6[]
Mika: Mmmgh! Aw, maaan, not another kid! I dunno why, but I hate this! Hate it, hate it, hate it!
Vatista: New target acquired. This individual appears to be a juvenile. Strategic avoidance recommended. … Deliberation complete. Participating programs, zero. My single vote forms the majority.
Engaging in dialogue with target in order to conduct further observation. Don't be afraid, little girl. Please come here. Psspsspsspsspss. I'd offer you some snacks if I had any.
Mika: Mrrrgh! What d'you think I am, a squirrel or something?! Don't try to bait me like I'm some kinda tiny animal!
Wait! Yeah, yeah! Now I remember! I saw someone who looks just like you sleeping in Lex's room! THAT'S why you look so familiar!
Vatista: (Someone who looks just like me? It is possible that one of my sister models was captured in this time period. I cannot detect any personal signals. Perhaps it was hacked, or its operating system has frozen…)
Mika: Lessee, what was it called again? An automatic nurse? Hmmmmm… Whatever it was, it was a real tongue-twister!
Vatista: Autonomic Nerve.
Mika: Yeah, that's what I said! An, uh, a-aumotonic narve--Augh! Thee?! My thong'th all thwithted now! (※It's so hard to say, I bit my tongue just trying!)
Phew… So that's your move, huh? Attacking me through my tongue?! You just bruised my precious taste buds! Now you're gonna get it! That's it--I'm taking you home. You'll make a real sweet rare sample!
Vatista: Proposal rejected. I cannot accept those terms. Any attempt to capture me will be construed as a sign of aggression. In that case, I will have to exterminate you.
Mika: Ha ha ha! You, exterminate me? Don't make me laugh, short stuff! I've snagged plenty of fish bare-handed! I can nab up a slowpoke like you before breakfast! Just give up and turn yourself in already!
Vatista: If this girl's statements are reliable, she has previously captured a sister unit and now intends to capture me. Perhaps she is with an anti-Autonomic Nerve organization or a black market parts reseller.
In that case, I cannot let her capture me. I authorize myself to act out of self-preservation and exterminate her.
…This is acceptable, as it will also result in her own salvation.
Final Stage[]
Vatista: I know you are hiding nearby, Aeon. A being of your caliber has no calculable need to run or hide.
(Kuon appears)
Kuon: …My apologies. You've actually put me at a loss. Are you possibly… the same girl I once saw long ago… in the Licht Kreis War?
My memory is hazy. I don't even remember your name… Your outside appearance is different, but I'll never forget your face. A being frozen in time… So you really were a servant of the gods?
Vatista: You believe we have met before? Conducting full memory scan… No applicable data found. Searching backup files… Now loading…
Kuon: It was for one moment, back in the distant past. I'm not the person I used to be then. It's no surprise that you don't remember me.
If you're here before me again, that must only mean one thing. But no matter how large a debt I may owe you from back then, I don't intent to yield this place…
Vatista: Applicable data found. Despite significant difference in tone of voice and appearance, his identity matches my files… Long time no see, Kuon. Will that suffice for a greeting?
Kuon: …Yes, it has been a long time since our moment of separation. Our bond is strong and our fates intertwined. I always hoped I'd see you again… though I have to admit, this is the worst possible way.
Vatista: Whenever there is an EXS anomaly, we Autonomic Nerves awaken and head straight to its root cause. This protocol does not change, no matter the time or the nature of the one responsible.
Kuon: That's right… In the distant past, saving me wasn't your mission. You were only there to terminate the abnormal EXS… But we survived because of you. How ironic that I've become your target.
The sword you entrusted to me is no longer in my possession. But it's because of that sword that I'm now able to live. For that, I'd like to give you one final thanks. Thank you, Vatista.
Vatista: You are welcome. The only word I have in response is "farewell." We are bound by the single feather that once saved your life. Now the wing whence it came will end it.
Goodbye, Kuon the Aeon.
Epilogue[]
Kuon: I'm no match for you… Considering you were given such formidable weapons, I knew you'd be a challenge, but I didn't stand a chance…
Vatista: No. If I held such immense powers, I would have already destroyed you. The fact that you still stand is proof that we are evenly matched. At this rate, time will run out and you will flee into the pit of Night.
I must prevent you from reaching the other side at all costs. However, my stock specs are not sufficient to completely eliminate you. To do so, I must execute my final failsafe routine.
I will force the plentiful EXS that surrounds us to gather into my core, then give my own life to power a final attack. You, me, this body, the Vessel, and everything else around us will turn to dust.
Kuon: So you and I will go down together…? I see what you mean by "final."
Vatista: Yes. Let us return together. We will reach the System Celestial as fragments of light. My EXS will ensure that you never appear in this world again. Seven Wings--fly.
Break free from your shackles. The five blades shall crumble and reform into three keys, and then into a single spear of light. The one spear to pierce the dark skies…
Planeta Opprimens Tonitruum… Activate!
(The background turns white as Vatista prepares her ultimate attack)
(The final moment is here. I will not be able to honor my promise to reunite with the In-Births of this land…)
(Detecting… regret. I understand the feeling now that I am faced with my final destination. I do not want to disappear. I want to return and see everyone again…)
(There is only one small thing I can do now: to wish you goodbye and leave everything else in your hands…)
(The screen turns white as an explosion is heard, and cuts to black)
-----[]
Hyde: Heeey, Vatista! Where are yooou? C'mon out!
Linne: It's no use… She sacrificed herself to take Kuon with her and save us… No, save the whole world…
Hyde: What?! Don't say stuff like that! She's fine! She's gotta be somewhere under this huge pile of rubble!
Linne: Look around, Hyde… The chances of that are too slim…
Hyde: But I gotta find her so I can thank her! I mean, she saved the whole freakin' world! Not to mention all of us!
(loud crash)
Wh-whoa! What the hell?! Is that a giant mole?!
Linne: Careful! We don't know for sure that Kuon was wiped out completely! Don't let your guard down, no matter what, Hyde!
(Vatista appears before them, seemingly alive and well, but is left naked)
Vatista: Nghhh… What am I…?
Hyde: V-Vatista?! Ha ha ha ha, hoo boy, did you scare me… I knew you were alive! C'mon, don't get me worried like that!
…And put on some damn clothes! I was gonna say the explosion probably blew 'em off you, but your hair's still perfect and intact, so what gives?!
Vatista: Ah. That is because I created this temporary body from the surrounding EXS. Generating the finer details will take time. I currently do not have resources to allocate to inessential components such as clothing.
Linne: I see. So you didn't exactly make it out in one piece. I guess everything went about as well as could be expected, considering the size of that explosion.
Vatista: I believe you are correct, Princess of the Night Blade. You could say I am a backup of the original Vatista. The previous me left me behind out of a desire to survive.
Hyde: You're a backup? So, uh, does that mean you're NOT Vatista, or…?
Vatista: Yes and no. My Vessel, which comprises the spirit, is no different from the original's. In this sense, I am me. However, whether one considers a perfect copy to equal the original is a subjective ontological matter.
Hyde: (Uh, Linne, did you get any of that?)
Linne: (Of course not. Just smile, nod, and change the subject.)
A-Anyway, I'm glad you're safe. We have a lot of catching up to do. Let's head back to Hyde's place for now.
(Orie arrives)
Orie: Oh, Kiiido! Did you find Vati--?! …Wh-Wh-What on earth are you doing?! She's n-n-naked, for crying out loud!
Hyde: Aaaugh! H-Harada! It's not what it looks like, I swear! You just showed up at the worst possible time!
(Wagner arrives)
Wagner: You're absolutely incorrigible. Here I thought you'd be satisfied with having seen me naked.
Hyde: Ack! M-Miyashiro! It was an accident! I mean, we talked about that already, right?! Why d'you gotta bring it up now?!
(Yuzuriha arrives)
Yuzuriha: Hey there, Hyde? You find Vatista ye-- Whoa! Yikes! Hyde, you little perv!
Hyde: Yuzu?! What're you doing here?! G-Get outta here! I'm in enough trouble already!
(Nanase arrives)
Nanase: Gasp! Hyde Kido! Shame on you, subjecting this girl to your vices!
Hyde: C'mon, gimme a break, already! I'm not subjecting anyone to anything!
(Phonon arrives)
Phonon: Blech. What's wrong, can't find someone your own age? Disgusting…
Hyde: Aw, man! You got it all wrong! Don't think you can join the dogpile and just strut away like that!
Vatista: …
-----[]
Vatista: (Humans… are warm, yet fragile. Powerful, yet short-lived. They are an odd species indeed.)
(Due to the emergency situation, this body was hastily constructed. It closely resembles a human body. I cannot hear the commands of the Master, and thus I effectively have no restrictions.)
(The probability of the reconstruction process continuing to the extent that my original form is eventually restored is… low. It is impossible to maintain life support functions while replacing body parts.)
(This is an ad hoc body made solely to convey my final message. I do not anticipate that it will withstand long-term use. I do not have much time left. Diagnostics suggest approximately one hundred years.)
(Little time remains for this fragile existence. The final goal that my Master--no, my parent--intended has been achieved. I am effectively an autonomous human, thinking and acting on my own.)
Vatista: (I shall watch over and walk beside the In-Births--no, the humans. I will experience their fleeting life… Their life without lies…)
(Ending theme: Peace of Mind)
Trivia[]
- Vatista is one of the only characters to have a unique interaction in the first stage of her original arcade route.
- Lex Bartholomews is incorrectly referred to as "Rex" in Vatista's original arcade route.
- UNIPEDIA suggests that Vatista's original Arcade Mode is the canon one, but this may not be the case anymore due to the game receiving many updates since its release.
[]
| Arcade Mode | |
|---|---|
| Chronicle Mode | |