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Last time, THE BOYS saved a planet and a sibling relationship.
Gishin Route Chapter 32: Cowardly Emperor Zuul
Chapter 31 if you went Space/Jupiter. Chapter 33 if you went Earth/Keilas
[Ra Cailum, Maintenance Deck]
You’re doing it wrong! What do you think you’re doing? Hurry it up!
Tanosuke, here, over here!
Ochame, stop fooling around. Norman, can you help me out here?
Yes, leave it to me. Don’t worry about a thing.
Man, this sucks.
But it’s kinda amazing..
Sorry Yui, but can you bring me three drink packs? I can’t let go of this. Uso, tell Haro not to fly away.
I’ll bring it right away. Come with me, Ochame.
Sorry, I’d like something to eat too.
Haro, over here! Don’t get in everyone’s way.
HARO. USO. MARBET. ANGRY.
Koji, Tomas, what are you doing? We’re just in the way if we stick around.
You’re right, Tetsuya. It’s time for you all to get some rest.
Even if you say that, I just can’t fall asleep.
It’s a pilot’s duty to rest. Take some sleeping pills if you need them. We have to take turns resting, so don’t waste any time. Don’t forget that we’re not in the Earth Sphere anymore. We’re deep in enemy territory.
[Ra Cailum, Officer’s Dining Room]
Phew, I’m exhausted. Oh, you must be tired too. What’s up, Captains?
Very. Thanks to Roze’s help, it looks like we’re heading straight to the star system where Planet Gishin is.
Yes… It’s the best choice we can make.
Mmm. Since we left Roze’s planet, we’ve already fought the Gishin army three times.
We need to hurry up and reach Zuul soon or we’re done for.
Seriously. I’m exhausted.
Oh, everyone’s here. Ryoma, Gai said he’s pretty much done. Roze, would you like a drink?
Thanks. Something cold.
Hey Roze, what does Emperor Zuul look like?
Oh right. He’s a Gishin like Takeru and Marg, so under his helmet he has a normal face, right?
I bet he looks interesting.
I don’t know.
But you’ve met him before, haven’t you?
Yes, but he never shows his true face. I don’t think anyone, not even Commander Waal, has seen his face.
Emperor Zuul, huh…
So, are you used to eating food yet?
I am. We just need energy, so I never bothered to go through all this trouble. But I’m used to it now. It’s not bad. I really like this soup.
Which one is that… Hey, that's just nutrients. Didn’t that one get the worst reviews?
What’s wrong with your sense of taste? It’s weird.
I guess. I wouldn’t say it’s delicious, but I don’t think it’s that bad…
…Correction. Your taste buds are weird.
[Planet Gishin, Palace]
Commander Waal, what’s the situation?
You’re back. Lady Gandal, is something wrong with Gandal?
He won’t come out. Must have gotten scared.
Hmm… Well, I don’t care either way.
(I finally managed to put that fool to sleep. I can’t stand to see him come out now. I’m tired of leaving my fate to other people.)
What’s the matter, Lady Gandal? You’ve heard about the Earthlings, right? His Majesty wishes for an immediate resolution. As I told you, we’ll flank them on two sides.
I know how tough they are. Commander Waal, do you think we have a chance of winning? We might need to rethink our plan…
We don’t have time for that! It’s fine. His Majesty will help us if necessary. He won’t abandon us.
If you say so. Alright, let’s begin preparations for the operation.
[Ra Cailum, Bridge]
Fold out complete. I’ll get used to this unpleasant feeling, right?
Eventually.
No abnormalities in any part of the ship. Nothing wrong with Guide Dog either.
Good. Any thoughts, Roze?
…There’s no mistaking it. This is Gishin Star System One. Over there is the fifth planet. Planet Gishin is the fourth planet.
At last.
We’re finally here. Now to get close to Zuul.
Yeah. We’re fortunate to receive a lot of repair and supplies on that planet we liberated two days ago. Dr. Earl, how is Prince Harlin?
He’s still recovering, but hasn’t regained consciousness yet. At the moment he’s stable, but…
I see…
Will Zuul send another fleet?
Commander Waal won’t back down. And it wouldn’t be strange if Commander Gandal’s Vega fleet is also here. They’re not like the ones who've been fighting since they left my planet.
Waal and Gandal, huh…
I bet they’ll show up. They don’t have the slightest intention of negotiating. They’ll do what they can to stop us.
But we have to try regardless…
I know. We’re willing to do everything we can too.
[Alarm]
Captain, a Gishin fleet is approaching!
They’re here already. Everyone, level one battle stations! Wake up everyone who’s resting! All pilots, prepare for takeoff!
It’s Commander Waal. No doubt about it.
He’s after us again.
Guide Dog, evacuate from the expected battle area! Hurry!
Commander Waal, stop the attack and withdraw your troops!
Silence, Marg. I’ll wipe you out along with the Earthlings!
Commander Waal of the Imperial Guard, please listen to me. We’ve come here to treat with Emperor Zuul, not to fight. As proof of that, we haven’t launched our own troops yet. Please let us through. I promise we won’t attack you. Please trust me.
Damn Earthlings. You’ve caused so much trouble for our empire and yet you keep saying this.
That was for self-defense. We certainly didn’t initiate anything.
Thanks to you guys, the Gishin Empire is in chaos. Furthermore, His Majesty will not negotiate with you guys who sport traitors and the Helios royal family. If you think I’m lying, go to Planet Gishin and meet with Emperor Zuul yourself! But only if you can defeat us!
Roger, this seems to be useless.
Dammit, I guess we have to fight after all…
Let’s defeat Waal’s fleet and head to Planet Gishin!
15 deployment slots. This is another multi-part chapter, but the twist is that each battle map is the size of a full chapter in of itself.
Basic map and strategy. Camp in the asteroid field next to where the map begins. It’ll be far enough away from Lady Gandal’s eventual appearance for you to reposition. Waal is accompanied by Baren, so watch out if you suddenly get hit by what you thought was a weak grunt.
Once there are five enemies remaining…
Oh no! Captain, the Vega fleet just appeared! How could this be!
What?
They’re behind us! The Ra Cailum is sandwiched between the enemy!
Damn, we’re completely pincered. Someone, respond to the Vega fleet! If the Ra Cailum goes down in a place like this, there’s no chance of rescue! Gun turrets, fire a barrage! Don’t let the enemy get close!
Hehehe. Here comes the Vega fleet. All according to plan. Stupid Earthlings can’t even sink a battleship! There’s nothing they can do now. We’ll wipe them out in one fell swoop.
Mars. Kento Tate. Duke Fleed. Earthlings. The time has finally come for us to battle face to face. Go, Blacky. Begin the attack!
Lady Gandal, ma’am! We’ll finish you off, Earthlings. This time for sure! All units, begin an all-out attack! The target is the enemy battleship! Ignore everyone else and focus on their battleship!
Vegans to the south now. These guys will zero-in on the Ra Cailum and only attack your other units if their main target isn’t available. Blacky is there too. My best advice is to focus on finishing off Waal’s side, hopefully before the Vegans reach your army.
Blacky and Baran actually have slightly different lines depending on who deals the final blow.
Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!! D-Damn you Duke Fleed!!
Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!! D-Damn you Daltanious!!
Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!! D-Damn you Mars!!
Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!! D-Damn you Roze, you traitor!!
Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!! D-Dammit, why me!!
D-Damn you Grendizer! Kyaaaaaa!
D-Damn you Daltanious! Kyaaaaaa!
D-Damn you Mars! Kyaaaaaa!
D-Damn you Roze! How dare you turn traitor! Kyaaaaaaa!
D-Damn you… Kyaaaaaaaa!
Both Waal and Lady Gandal retreat at 20% HP (8200 and 6500 respectively).
Dammit, this is bad. It’s getting even more dangerous for us. Retreat! Retreat!
This is as I expected… What the hell are you doing! We need to retreat! Hurry!
This first part ends as soon as all the enemies are gone.
What the heck was that…
I’ve confirmed that both the Imperial Guard and Vega fleets have retreated. There are no enemies remaining nearby.
Waal and Lady Gandal have retreated…
Whew… Looks like we managed to hold out…
Yeah… This battle is over. All units, return to base. We don’t have much time to spare. We need to head to Planet Gishin as soon as possible. Beltorchika, rendezvous with Guide Dog ASAP.
[Ra Cailum, Hangar]
You’re in the way! If you don’t want to get crushed, move!
It’s no use, I can’t move another step.
This is really rough…
What are you doing!? Hustle! Let’s head straight for Planet Gishin!
P-please slow down. Let me rest for a bit.
What happened to your usual energy, Yahagi? Looks like you haven’t trained hard enough.
Dammit, don’t lump me in with you professional soldiers. I’m not…
Hmph. Quit whining. That’s not like you.
Tch, you want me to show you spirit?
[Alarm]
Oh come on, again!?
They’re attacking in waves…
Since there’s a large difference in strength, this is an expected plan of attack.
What are you talking about!
No… This isn’t an enemy fleet.
What?
…Everyone, be careful. Something is coming… Something huge.
Takeru, if it’s not an enemy, what is it?
Kamille, the external video monitor!
Wh-what the hell is that!?
That’s… Oh no. A space storm!
Space…
Storm!?
W-what’s that!?
Impossible, a space storm in a place like this?
Yeah… This isn’t normal. It’s literally impossible.
Its timing couldn’t be worse. It’s actually heading our way! What should we do?
Tetsuya, we have no choice but to avoid it.
Um, Beltorchika? This is Cliana. Roze and Takeru say that a space storm is heading for us. What’s going on?
Dr. Earl says that it’s an unnatural space storm. We may not be able to dodge it in time. Everyone who’s free, please prioritize securing the mechs!
No… That space storm is aiming for this ship!
What!? It can’t be… Is this Zuul’s power that the rumors spoke about…
What the…
Tch. Guys, just secure your units! Astonaige, help direct us! Hurry!
[Ra Cailum, Bridge]
Ugh…
Can the engine output any more!?
At this rate, we won’t be able to dodge it in time!!
Ye gods!
Oh no, it’s here!
Everyone, brace for impact!
[Storm sounds]
Aaaaahhhhhhhh!!
[Fade to white]
Dammit… What happened…
Where… are we…?
It looks like we’ve made an emergency landing on some planet. We need to check the hull post haste…
Is it due to the space storm?
We’re getting a message from Guide Dog.
Are they alright?
[Monitor turns on]
Unfortunately, we’re not. The Fold mechanism has sustained significant damage. We’re checking it now, but it doesn’t look good.
In the meantime, we need to confirm where we are. Bring Roze to the bridge.
This is… Planet Gishin…?
What?
Marg, can you confirm?
Yes. This is definitely Planet Gishin.
This is the planet I was born on…?
Ah… It is, Mars. Our birth planet.
Father, mother… I’ve finally come back. Now to meet Zuul.
Mars…
That’s strange… If this is Planet Gishin, the Empire’s homeland, why haven’t any enemies come at us yet?
…I don’t know. Let’s head to Emperor Zuul’s palace.
[Motherburn]
Ugh… Your Majesty, why did you drag me into this…? Ah, is this Planet Gishin!? How stupid!
Lady Gandal, it seems your retreat was too late.
Your Majesty… What is this…
I’ve drawn the line. It’s convenient that you’re here. Go, Lady Gandal. Eliminate Mars and the Earthlings. Failure is no longer an option.
B-But my remaining fleet…
I’ll go myself and bring reinforcements. You can fight without worry.
Y-yes sir!
Astonaige, what’s the situation? Can we move the Ra Cailum yet?
We’re working on it! It’ll take a little longer!
…Earthlings. Looks like their battleship is also damaged. Very good. Everyone, begin the attack. Emperor Zuul will support us. Fight to your last breath!
They’re here…
Wait! How much longer do you intend to prolong this battle?
What are you saying, little Earth girl? It was you who came all the way here to fight us.
It’s because you attacked Earth first. We’ve come here to ask Emperor Zuul to stop fighting. Please, let us meet him.
I cannot do that. His Majesty ordered us to eliminate you!
Wait! We can go out on our own to meet Emperor Zuul. We’ll leave our mechs and army here.
Takeru?
I’ll go too, Mars. As a member of a planet ruled by Zuul.
…Are you sure about this Commander? If negotiations break down, they’ll just attack us. All we need is for you to let our representative meet Emperor Zuul. From what I can see, it seems that your own forces aren’t fully ready. Even if we call a temporary truce, we will remain as we are, but you can still resupply. It’s not a bad deal.
Are you serious?
Of course.
No… I can’t. If I did that, His Majesty would be furious. Enough talk, time to attack!
…Looks like it’s impossible after all. That’s enough, Roger. We’ll fight back and get to Zuul.
There’s no way around it. All pilots, hurry up and launch!
Another 15 units.
Lady Gandal’s retinue isn’t anything special, but the four battleships surrounding her will always try to be adjacent to their boss. If one moves, the all will move and maintain formation as best as they can. For that reason, it’s best to destroy all of those battleships before the boss lady. And while they will support defend her, she won’t defend them, which makes things slightly less tedious. I mean it’s either that or eat through four support defenses. Also if the previous dialog didn’t make it obvious, the Ra Cailum can’t move.
She falls without saying another word. And once all of these initial enemies are defeated…
The Vega fleet has been annihilated.
Brother… We’ve finally defeated the Vegans… Those damn demons.
Yeah… Maria. But…
Dammit… Why does it feel terrible to finally defeat them?
Koji…
Everyone, replenish supplies and remain on guard.
…Why did you do this? Why did we have to fight such a pointless battle…
Bad news everyone! A high-energy reaction is appearing!
Oh god…
Lady Gandal, you useless buffoon.
That’s… Emperor Zuul!?
Hahahahaha!! Well done, fool, well done!
Zuul! You’ve finally shown yourself!
Traitor Mars and Earthlings. It seems you have something to discuss with me. Have you come to offer your surrender?
Emperor Zuul, I am Relena Peacecraft. I’m here to represent Earth and negotiate with you. You say that Earth is dangerous, so you intend to destroy it. Why is that? What’s so dangerous about our planet?
There’s nothing I can teach you, worms. You should just shut up and hand me your planet. You want to negotiate with me, the ruler of the galaxy!? Don’t make me laugh!
If you are the ruler, look at all the rebellions happening as we speak! Isn’t it because your methods are wrong that this is happening? Why don’t you understand that? If you change your mind and govern peacefully, you will be respected by the people as a great ruler.
Silence, girl! Everyone in this galaxy must kneel and swear obedience before me. I am the ruler of the galaxy. My will is the will of the galaxy. Those who oppose me should die and realize their foolishness. You are no exception. Your corpses will lay here.
What a guy…
…I expected this, but it’s terrifying.
Yeah… I can’t believe he’s this far gone…
Curse you, Zuul…
But you’ve come this far. If you pledge your loyalty to me and join my army, I’ll forgive you just this once.
What…?
The traitors, Mars, Roze, and Marg. Hand them over to me. I will not forgive them. They will die. That is how I do things.
Roze is not a traitor! I’ve come to plead for true peace in the Gishin Empire!
Don’t be stupid. I decide everything about the Empire. Cease your arrogance! I am the emperor of the galaxy!
Dammit.. Zuul!!
You’ve got to be kidding me! You think we can get forgiveness by handing over Takeru and Roze to someone like you!?
Yeah. If you do that, I’ll beat you to a pulp!
Yes… Negotiations won’t work with someone as dishonest as you. I’ve decided not to negotiate or make deals with people like you.
Relena… Zuul intends to destroy everything that doesn’t suit his will. But the situation has changed with Kloppen’s betrayal and the rebellion among the planets under his control. We are warriors. We’ll fight and defeat Zuul. Right now, that's all we can do. If we can defeat him, we can buy time to discuss peace.
Heero…
Hahahahaha!! Do you think you can defeat me, worm? Die!
[Zuul gains 30 will]
You’re pure evil… I’ve never seen anything as evil as you! You are the ultimate evil! Zuul, I will personally defeat you!!
Zuul… Have you forgotten? If I die, this planet will be blown to smithereens along with you!
You’re welcome to try.
What!?
Everyone, are you ready!? The only way to protect the Earth Sphere and return alive is to fight Zuul. Protect Takeru and defeat Zuul no matter what. It’s the only way.
Before you rush over to fight Zuul, I would recommend putting everyone into the Ra Cailum for a few turns. Zuul’s reinforcements won’t actually move towards you until someone is within range. Use this time to heal and resupply. Once you’re ready, go ahead and rush his army.
Zuul lacks MAP attacks, but he does sport HP and EN regen. He also won’t move and his retinue will act in the same way as Lady Gandal’s. To be honest, he’s more annoying than hard since his longest range attack is up to 9 squares away, but he’ll prioritize fighting Takeru if he’s in range. Use this information as you want.
He’s also got some fighting words for some of our combatants.
Zuul… Feel the hatred from the citizens of Planet Fleed!
Planet Flee? That insignificant speck?
Damn you, demon!!
Zuul, prepare yourself!!
You’re just a bug. Die!!
You’re a fool, boy of Helios. If you’d just stay hidden, you wouldn’t have to die. But you had to defy me instead!
Shut up! Bastard, you’ve done as you please for too long! Prepare yourself!
Gascon, eh? You’ve defied me until now. Time to finish you off.
Zuul, the time has finally come. Time for our showdown!
ZUUL!!
Hahahahaha. Die, Mars!!
Curse you Marg… You’re still alive. I’ll kill anyone who opposes me.
Damn you Zuul! I’ll never forgive you for killing my parents and brainwashing me into killing my brother!
Hahahahaha. Fool! I won’t kill you quickly, so prepare yourself!
Traitor. If you want to die so badly, I’ll oblige.
Zuul, I won’t lose! I’ll never lose to someone like you!
Once you get through his army and defenders, Zuul eventually falls. Or does he?
Did we do it!?
Hahahahaha. Is that all you got!?
What the hell!?
Tch, is there no limit to his energy!?
You’ve got to be shitting me.
At this rate…
Wahahahahaha!! What a waste! The only way to really defeat me is with the Anti-proton bomb. Can you really use it, Mars?
Dammit… Everyone, please forgive me. I’m going to explode Gaia here and now for the sake of peace in the universe.
Wha- What the hell!?
T-Takeru, that means…
D-does that mean we’ll all be destroyed as well!?
(Oh no!)
…
…But maybe this is the only way to defeat Zuul…
But Zechs…
(That’s strange… Why can’t I see anyone else even though we’ve been fighting so much? Wait, it can’t be!?)
Mars!!
What is it, brother?
This is Zuul’s psychic power! Don’t be fooled, this isn’t Planet Gishin! That’s just another of Zuul’s shadows!!
What!? I see… Zuul! You tricked me and tried to make Gaia explode on this planet!
Oh, you finally noticed?
Zuul you bastard!!
Hahahahaha. As expected, you fell for it. But the next time we meet, it’ll be your time to die. Remember that well!! Wahahahahahahaha!!
[Fades to white]
[Ra Cailum, Bridge]
[Fades back in from white]
Ah, the scenery!
This… This is a completely different planet from before.
Yes… Even the position of the stars has changed. This isn’t Planet Gishin at all. Zuul… What a frightening power…
Phew… We nearly died in vain.
Captain, it’s the enemy! Those are from the Vega fleet…
What?
[Phone ringing]
Communication incoming. Switching to monitor.
[Monitor turns on]
Earthlings, I am Lady Gandal of the Gishin Empire. I have no intention of fighting. I want you to hear me out.
What the hell is going on…
Yes. I saw everything that happened between you and Emperor Zuul. I have seen your intentions and I saw that Zuul tried to blow up this planet along with me. In the end, I was nothing more than another of Zuul’s battle machines…
…
So what do you want?
You should know by now that Emperor Zuul won’t talk. I want to kill him.
What did you say!?
I return, if we are successful, I want you to go back to Earth. I want to end Zuul and this war. I want the independence of each planet and for Helios to be recognized. My home planet Vega no longer exists. In truth, I would be happy if I could have a planet where I could live in peace. And I would like to discuss future plans with Kento Tate and Lord Gascon of Helios.
You destroyed my planet and you expect us to believe you?
I can’t trust you!!
Wait, you two. I know how you feel, but I think she’s speaking the truth.
Yeah… There’s also the matter of Kloppen.
But they’re completely different.
But… If all goes well, we won’t have to fight a pointless battle.
Commander Gandal and Lady Gandal share the same body, but they’re completely different people. Lady Gandal is smart. I think her contracting us like this shows her intentions. But Commander Gandal is someone who has sworn absolute loyalty to Zuul. He can’t agree with this.
…Two people in one body… That’s kinda like you.
That may be true, but…
(I hate being compared to someone like that!)
Hmph… I never thought you would say that, Roze. It’ll be fine. I’ve put Gandal to sleep. He won’t get in the way.
What should we do, Colonel? The final decision is yours.
…Very well, Lady Gandal. We’ll try it. However, we’re heading to Planet Gishin regardless. We’ll verify things there.
Thank you. I’ll see you on Planet Gishin.
Hahahahaha. That’s all we can do. Unfortunately, we can only perform one more Fold.
It’s frustrating, but I don’t have much knowledge about the Fold mechanism. I can’t do any more repairs .
Looks like we have to go to Planet Gishin anyway. Unless we can make peace or defeat Zuul, there’s nothing else we can do…
That seems to be the case.
So it’s finally come to this…
Either Lady Gandal is deceiving us, or if she’s telling the truth and fails, then it’ll be a showdown with Zuul…
[Ra Cailum, Break Room]
Did you hear? We can only Fold one more time.
That means it’s do or die on Planet Gishin.
I expected this from the beginning.
You guys are crazy. If you’d stay behind…you wouldn’t have had to get involved in all this.
It’s alright, bro.
Yes… It’s going to be fine. As long as we’re all together.
You’ve got this bros!
Yeah, why are you acting so weak? All we have to do is beat up that Zuul guy, right?
You make it sound easy.
Uso…
It’ll be fine, Shakti. We’ll all go back to Earth together.
Kento, Kento! Your dad just woke up!
Dad? Really!?
[Ra Cailum, Medical Room]
D-Dad…
Oh, Kento. I’ve heard a lot from Dr. Earl and Dorothy. About Kloppen and Zuul. You’ve done well. So well…
Yes, Prince Harlin. It’s time to avenge His Majesty the Great Emperor and raise the banner of revival for Helios!
Are you still on that, old man? This isn’t the time for that.
What are you saying, boy? Peace cannot be restored to this war-torn galaxy without Helios’ power. Prine Harlin and Lord Kento are the only ones who can do it!
…