Chapter 1
Spoiler: hide
Narration – Shion:
About a year after separating from my brother at the spaceport.
Currently, I’m trying to infiltrate Vector’s UMN Management Center with the help of an organisation called Scientia.
After having taken part in an incident that would later be known as “Gnosis Terrorism” in which Scientia was involved, my group and I experienced a feeling of insecurity and a loss of confidence emerged in us. As I did not succeed in ridding myself of it, and since any contact with KOS-MOS was impossible, I decided to resign from Vector. That’s why I must confirm this secret that I know with my own eyes… all this…
Xenosaga II to III: A Missing Year ~A Fragment of Truth Sealed in the UMN~
After the destruction of the space-time anomaly that was created by Albedo in the Miltia region, as the head of development in Vector, I returned to my usual duties. Before I arrived at Second Miltia, I received my nomination paper for the position of manager of the new Third Division founded by the Galaxy Federation. In the end, I returned it blank. After that, I went in search of important documents concerning the attack of the Woglinde up until recent events. During this time, the Gnosis threat grew and no planet in the Federation was spared. I had the feeling that someone could have been the source of all of it.
Six months later, my brother, who had left me at the spaceport and who kept ties with SOCE, gave us the results from his investigation of the Gnosis attacks.
SOCE’s Thoughts Regarding the Affair of the Gnosis Attacks
In the present state of things, no link can be established among the multiple Gnosis attacks. However, several mysterious points concerning the Gnosis having participated in these attacks can be updated.
- The places that were attacked are city centers and busy parts of towns, and it is probable that the attacks are aimed at civilians.
- The Gnosis’ actions were not simple acts of destruction and we can assume that they follow coherent rules.
- After the attacks, all the Gnosis completely disappeared in a given period of time.
Considering these facts, we can believe that the Gnosis’ actions are directed by someone. During a previous Gnosis attack, a boy acting with the Gnosis and who Gnostified a 100-Series Realian was confirmed. According to his statements, it seems like a certain “Grimoire” could be very implicated in this affair. Even if it is impossible to believe these words, if the existence of their leader was confirmed, we could have acquired something like a miracle.
Report by SOCE on “The Maiden of Grimoire”
It has been observed that numerous components of a girl called “The Maiden of Grimoire” currently protected by SOCE resemble those of a unique realian created 14 years ago by U-TIC. However, it is impossible to determine if she is the same type given that no records about the Realians remain.
Concerning her data memory unit, almost all of the records were erased. The rest of the memories being too fragmented, it is impossible to obtain information related the incident.
On the subject of the disappearance of the data, we thought at the beginning that this was due to the events that occurred 14 years ago, but the discovery that the rest of the data was artificially falsified made us believe that this girl is related to the current incident.
Narration – Shion:
The Affair of the Gnosis Attacks
First of all, if my brother and I weren’t up to date on certain things related to this incident, these details would probably be of little interest to us.
Only Juli, who quickly pointed out the dysfunctions in this affair, continued the investigation with my brother. They succeeded in obtaining an important clue: during their investigation, they found, at the location of an attack, an enigmatic little girl who was a witness to the scene. They decided to protect her.
Her study at SOCE began and the results confirmed she was a unique prototype Realian that was created for a precise goal.
SOCE’s report was sent to Vector and it decided that the Third Division would come help them. I, as an advisor on anti-Gnosis combat, was also invited to participate in it but what I discovered, by acquiring the results, literally winded me.
She was the same series of Realian that was created personally by Joachim Mizrahi 14 years ago. Moreover, there was no trace of documents relating to her creation.
So there were strong chances that she is deeply implicated in this affair. In that instant, in my strong heart, I tried to deny her existence, for fear that all that defined her being would break my serenity and shatter my certainties.
However, my doubts were quickly transformed into worries when I received an urgent call from SOCE. The incident had become an urgent situation.
Dialogue:
Juli: KOS-MOS!
KOS-MOS: Please leave! I will keep the Gnosis here.
Shion: What happened? Are you okay?
Maiden of Grimoire: This person… she has come to kill me!
Shion: What are you trying to say?
Doctus: You’re afraid because I have come especially to meet you. Good reaction.
Shion: I will not let you touch this child!
Doctus: Then I’ll have to use force!
Maiden of Grimoire: No! Noooo!
Shion: Wait…
…
Jin: Shion! Are you okay?!
Shion: Jin! Where is she?
Juli: Unfortunately they took her…
Jin: It’s too early to abandon her!
The Attack on SOCE’s Specialized Gnosis Laboratory
The young girl protected by SOCE was the cause of this attack.
SOCE asked me leave immediately with KOS-MOS to search for survivors.
With a squad of AGWS from the army, we took over the lab without trouble and we could rescue the young girl, Juli, and later my brother.
But when we were about to leave, the enigmatic agent responsible for all this, Doctus, appeared. This woman, who, I would later learn was part of an anti-UMN organisation, was surprisingly able to badly damage KOS-MOS, then kidnap the young girl right before my eyes.
To follow…
Chapter 2
Spoiler: hide
Dialogue:
KOS-MOS: I will eliminate the enemy.
Doctus: You’re too weak! I’ll smash you to bits!
Narration – Shion:
Doctus, the person who destroyed KOS-MOS and kidnapped the Maiden of Grimoire. According to my brother, the location of the Gnosis attack was also damaged by this woman. But why did she want this girl so badly?
Given that Doctus called her “the Maiden of Grimoire”, it is clear that she possesses information on her past. Through a report given by Juli, I searched desperately for proof that confirmed a link between the girl and this incident.
At this instant, I feel the uneasiness within my soul toward the young girl fading.
Xenosaga II to III: A Missing Year ~A Fragment of Truth Sealed in the UMN~
On the Subject of the Girl Protected at the Site of the Incident
It has been observed that numerous components of a girl called “The Maiden of Grimoire” currently protected by SOCE resemble those of a unique realian created 14 years ago by U-TIC. However, it is impossible to determine if she is the same type given that no records about the Realians remain.
Concerning her data memory unit, almost all of the records were erased. The rest of the memories being too fragmented, it is impossible to obtain information related the incident.
On the subject of the disappearance of the data, we thought at the beginning that this was due to the events that occurred 14 years ago, but the discovery that the rest of the data was artificially falsified made us believe that this girl is related to the current incident.
Details on the Subject of Lemegeton
It’s a program invented by Grimoire Verum for calling the Gnosis. By producing certain waves, it is possible to interfere in the behaviour of the Gnosis.
Several thousands of years ago, it was used to study the relationship between the Zohar and the Gnosis, but the experiment was a failure. The result brought about the zone changing phenomenon that caused the disappearance of Lost Jerusalem.
Lemegeton was salvaged and carefully conserved by Vector at the time of the escape from Lost Jerusalem. When the Zohar Project was scrapped, the program was transferred to the Mizrahi intellectual research center.
Then, the program was restored by Professor Joachim Mizrahi and the basic equipment for the Song of Nephilim was completed.
According to Professor Juli Mizrahi’s information, at the time of the restoration of the program, the body a unique type of Realian was used and the program was implanted in its artificial brain. Thus the control over Lemegeton as well as the regulation of its waves was possible but the absence of records makes it impossible to confirm.
Dialogue:
Jin: A fragment of Lemegeton?
Juli: It’s a fragment of the program. But…
Jin: But?
Juli: Thanks to it, it is possible to call the Gnosis and make them appear.
Jin: Huh!
Individual Information Linked to Grimoire
His real name is Grimoire Verum.
He was the technical representative for the Zohar study project and Lemegeton’s programmer, the program for calling the Gnosis.
Beyond that, the rest is unknown.
It seems that the information concerning him was lost during the disappearance of Lost Jerusalem; his death was at the same time.
The body of his own daughter was used for Lemegeton and the program for calling the Gnosis was completed.
During the accident that occurred through the experiment, the Zohar went out of control and consequently caused the zone changing phenomenon that directly brought about the disappearance of Lost Jerusalem.
His daughter died in the accident.
Dialogue:
Juli: This program was developed during the time of Lost Jerusalem. However, during the Miltian Conflict 14 years ago, it was divided into multiple fragments that disappeared in the UMN. Its developer was Grimoire Verum.
Jin: Grimoire?!
Juli: It’s unbelievable, isn’t it? He’s been dead for several thousands of years.
Narration – Shion:
The current incidents are related to the person called “Grimoire”.
There is also the “Lemegeton” program which was designed by this person called Grimoire and reconstructed by Joachim Mizrahi. And this Realian called “the Maiden of Grimoire”.
Although all this isn’t very clear, the information is beginning to take form.
Juli and my brother headed the girl’s rescue operation. Juli wanted to succeed in saving her at all costs. Probably because her facial appearance reminded her of MOMO’s.
I continued to hesitate about participating in the rescue but I glanced through a report written by my brother about the girl.
On it was the name of a person I know very well.
Consideration on the Subject of the Maiden of Grimoire
The Gnosis attacked the place where “the Maiden of Grimoire” was being held.
Although she did not appear to be injured on the exterior, it seemed that she had lost her memory and that she couldn’t remember anything other than her name.
It seems that this is provisionally linked to shock from recent events and a technical analysis seems necessary.
Once again, some strange points could be found.
Numerous people who had attacked her called her “the Maiden of Grimoire”. However, she refuses to be called that, she calls herself “Nephilim” and wants help from someone called “Grimoire”. These traits are very different than those of the girl I’ve known who calls herself “Nephilim”. It is therefore difficult to believe that she is the same person. What’s more, we don’t know what kind of link exists between this girl and the mentioned “Grimoire” who would have links with the attacks.
Dialogue 1:
Jin: Maiden of Grimoire… You were here.
Maiden of Grimoire: No… I am Nephilim…
Dialogue 2:
Jin: Have you been able to obtain information on the girl’s data?
Juli: Unfortunately, her memory, or rather her collection of data, was erased by someone.
Jin: She lost her memory? But she calls herself Nephilim…
Juli: This is recent information. According to a member of Third Division, there is no doubt that its data that was entered [into her brain].
Narration – Shion:
Nephilim… the young girl from my visions who appears frequently before me. The kidnapped girl called herself “Nephilim”. What connection could there be between Nephilim and this girl? If this girl has a connection to Nephilim and the Miltian Conflict, then I can’t ignore it.
I also can’t forget the agent named Doctus who wanted this girl. This woman surely holds information concerning her and Nephilim.
Mysteries Relating to the Agent
The agent who attacked “the Maiden of Grimoire”.
According to her equipment and movements, it seems she has undergone special training, but we still don’t know why she wanted to capture the girl. We also don’t know if she is acting on her own or with an organisation.
Since she called her “the Maiden of Grimoire”, it is surmised that she has a connection with the mentioned “Grimoire” and the attack incidents.
Narration – Shion:
After I finished reading the report, my brother told me this story…
Dialogue:
Jin: Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.
Maiden of Grimoire: No, don’t come any closer! Help me! Grimoire!
Jin: Do you know Grimoire too?
(Gunshots)
Doctus: Return the girl!
Jin: It isn’t very nice to shoot at us so suddenly.
Doctus: Next time I won’t miss!
Jin: I see that you are somebody who has character. I don’t get the impression that you plan to improve her education.
Doctus: Medio tutissimus ibis. The Maiden of Grimoire… It is a relic that you have between your hands.
Jin: Indeed, but the fact that you want her life is a good enough reason for her to be with me.
Doctus: The expression on her face… It’s good. I’ll call it quits for today. Vive memor mortis.
Jin: It’ll be all right… We’re safe now.
According to Vector’s instructions, it was decided that KOS-MOS, who was damaged, should come back to headquarters to receive her Version 3 exoskeleton.
With KOS-MOS being absent, I didn’t feel safe, but instead I felt it exaggerated the presence of the girl in the depths of my soul. That’s the reason why I decided to participate in the girl’s rescue with my brother.
For her part, Juli, using of the resonance and the specific pattern of the waves emitted by Lemegeton in the girl’s brain as a means of localization, succeeded in calculating the girl’s location.
Dialogue:
Jin: Shion! I have received a report from SOCE. They are asking us to infiltrate the interior of the location where she is being held captive and to bring her back!
It was confirmed that she was being held prisoner in a combat vessel. My brother and I burst into the vessel without even caring about the enemy.
But we would soon be aware of the stupidity of our actions.
Dialogue:
Jin: I would say the archive room. The owner of this vessel seems to have a passion for that…
(Gunshots)
Jin: But… acting so abruptly isn’t very admirable. Hand over the girl.
Doctus: This is impossible…
To follow...
Chapter 3
Spoiler: hide
Dialogue:
Captain: Welcome. We are Scientia. You have surely heard our name before, have you not?
Jin: Scientia? That’s the anti-UMN resistance. What do you plan on doing with the girl?
Captain: She is deeply linked to Lemegeton.
Jin: If she has a connection to this program, you have no reason to kill her, correct?
Xenosaga II to III: A Missing Year ~A Fragment of Truth Sealed in the UMN~
Information on Scientia
The anti-UMN organisation formed by the unification of anti-government resistances spread all over the Federation. Founded by Melisse Ortus in TC 4669.
With several million members, it’s currently the largest resistance organisation in the Federation. Its’ members are attempting to bring to light the possible relationship between UMN use and the appearance of the Gnosis. Skilfully using a distinct network, they carry out guerrilla-type acts against the UMN administration.
Connection to the Maiden of Grimoire
Current information on the Maiden of Grimoire:
She is a type of unique Realian that differs from current Realians. Her pupils, which are the most important external characteristic of Realians, were created in a non-conventional manner. We can remark that her traits are similar to the type of Realian created by Professor Mizrahi during his research for the U-TIC organization.
Her body was used by the same professor for Lemegeton’s reconstruction in U-TIC’s HQ, Labyrinthos. But during the Miltian Conflict, the data concerning this research as well as those of the donor were lost and the details remain unknown.
After the conflict, an official publication called for the destruction of all Realians used in his experiments. However, certain information indicates that several child-like Realians remained missing.
Narration – Shion:
Scientia.
The clandestine organization that denounces the UMN as being dangerous and continues to act on its own will. Why is it so obsessed over this girl? This has, as anticipated, a connection with the Miltian Conflict 14 years ago.
It discovered that the Realian was made by Professor Mizrahi, and got its hands on information concerning the experiment that used Realians’ bodies during the conflict. Furthermore, it’s the Lemegeton program that was used for this experiment.
Realians made by Professor Joachim Mizrahi.
Now I remember. In the past, I had developed relationships with three Realians: Febronia, Cecily, and Cathe.
Would it be possible that “the Maiden of Grimoire” was in the same place as them and that she was used for the U-TIC organization’s experiments?
And yet, until the colour of her pupils change, she tries to hide something from us. But what…?
(Note: Shion is making a reference to an event that will take place at the end of the chapter.)
Dialogue:
Captain: Lemegeton isn’t only a program. Once placed in the brain, it contaminates its host and turns them into a Gnosis. Only their individual will is kept as is.
Shion: What does that mean?
Jin: Impossible! People’s conscience is conserved when they become a Gnosis?!
Shion: That’s horrible!
Captain: We call them Grandhi.
Jin: Would the girl be in that case? But why now?
Information on the Fragment Retainer
Someone who has been contaminated by Lemegeton by having a Fragment implanted in their body is called Grandhi. Currently only a boy from the “Rozen” district has been confirmed as a Fragment Retainer.
Also, there are strong chances that “the Maiden of Grimoire” falls into that case.
On its own, the Fragment is useless but if it is placed in the brain, the program contaminates its host by emitting waves and Gnosifies them.
What changes in comparison with classic Gnosification is that to maintain individual vital functions, individual conscience is maintained as is. The people in this situation are called Fragment Retainers. The dangerousness of the fragments of Lemegeton resides in the fact that it creates these Fragment Retainers.
People in this case then become capable of controlling waves and it allows them to direct the calling of the Gnosis as they desire.
Dialogue:
Jin: If what you say is true, she would have been contaminated 14 years ago. So why didn’t she reappear until now?
Doctus: Vector.
Jin: Vector?!
Shion: What?!
Report on the Suspicious Points About the UMN
41% of the Gnosis responsible for damages or reports by witnesses come from the UMN. The majority of the Gnosis apparitions in the real number domain happen through a dive via the UMN. This is a known fact.
The fact remains that no trace of true inquiry into Gnosis in the UMN exists. Currently, although the UMN’s control and administration are under the jurisdiction of the Galaxy Federation, this arrangement was entrusted to Vector. Vector is also on the initiative of dealing with damages caused by the Gnosis. Although reports on the handling of the damages are sent to the Galaxy Federation, almost everything is done in absolute secrecy and at the end only one formal report is published.
But first of all, what is the UMN?
No documents remain about the development of the UMN other than recordings on the basis of its maintenance, recordings on the installation of transfer columns in the galaxy… Could it be possible that no documents remain other than a network installed during the creation of the Federation?
According to these supposed facts, we can only suppose that Vector, although conscious of these dangers, would knowingly hide very important information linked to the Gnosis and the UMN.
In response to that, Vector claims that there are no implications. In-depth investigations seem to be necessary.
Dialogue:
Doctus: An interesting history, no? Lemegeton was originally controlled by Vector. A portion Joachim Mizrahi’s research funds were also financed by Vector. Grimoire is hidden in the UMN, which was created and is maintained by Vector. There is no reason for Vector to know nothing about the current incidents.
Jin: However, this is nothing but supposition.
Doctus: Sure, suppositions. The personal interests of Vector seem to be hindered by unknown obstacles. This enterprise, while it knows the dangers of the UMN, hides things. It is obvious that it has another objective.
Shion: Huh!
Narration – Shion:
Vector had a link to the current incidents? I didn’t want to believe that story.
Certainly, Vector is responsible for the layout of the UMN. However, to say from there that it is linked to this affair is a big step.
But there are this girl and Lemegeton. And also the actions of the man named Grimoire in the UMN. There is no reason why Vector shouldn’t be up to date with this information. Without doubt it possesses numerous mysteries. I, as representative of KOS-MOS, never had information sent back to me. One begins to feel like someone is acting in the shadows.
Although I decided not to get attached to Doctus’ words, uneasiness began to grow inside of me.
Dialogue:
Captain: Now we will uncover the true nature of Grimoire. If all goes well, we will obtain proof of Vector’s implication in all this. Good, tell me when you’d like to go.
Jin: Shion, is this conversation worrying you?
Shion: But for the moment, there is no proof of Vector’s implication. I’ll try to do everything I can.
Jin: Okay.
Operator 1: Correction of the UMN bypass route towards the Maiden of Grimoire’s brain.
Captain: Where are the preparations for Lemegeton?
Operator 1: Beginning emotional coercion. Confirming contact with the UMN bypass route.
Captain: Well, will it be a raving madman or a genius who will take the bait? Whoever it is, they will surely appear before us.
Doctus: Do you honestly think Grimoire will come from there?
Captain: Well, we’ll see. But it’s sure that we have no other means at our disposal. He will inevitably take the bait.
Operator 1: Commencing forced dive into the Maiden of Grimoire. Maintaining normal defense.
Operator 2: Confirming the electronic transmission of the dive data.
Operator 1: All systems are okay. Commencing countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…
Narration – Shion:
Scientia’s analysis of the girl began.
Its goal was to get its hands on clues about this man called Grimoire who seems to be pulling the strings behind the current incidents.
The girl seemed less afraid of the pain of the forced analysis than she let on, but something else was even more peculiar.
When she became aware of my brother’s presence, I had the impression that the expression on her face changed slightly.
One could have said that she had known him for a long time and that his presence terrified her. Fear and astonishment showed on her face.
Yes, it is certain that she was frightened by the appearance of my brother. We would soon awaken something that had slept inside her…
Dialogue:
Maiden of Grimoire: No!!! No!!! Nooooo!
Captain: What is it?
Doctus: This is bad! We can’t maintain the current structure!
Maiden of Grimoire: Don’t do it! Stop!
(Alarm in the analysis room, Doctus gives orders to try to stabilize the situation)
Jin: Maiden of Grimoire!
Maiden of Grimoire: Sorry! Sorry! I don’t have what you want! I have nothing else to remember! I can’t give it to you!
Doctus: You mock us! What are you trying to make us believe? That, from the beginning, you didn’t remember anything?!
Maiden of Grimoire: That’s wrong! That’s not it! At the beginning, I had it and if I had been repaired, I could have given it to you.
Doctus: If it’s to tell us nonsense, it would be better for you to shut up!
Maiden of Grimoire: No! All this… it’s not true!
Jin: Stop! If you go any further the girl will die!
Maiden of Grimoire: No! No! Don’t do it! Don’t bother meeeeeee!
Jin and Shion: Whoa!!!!
Jin: Shion!
Shion: I’m going! Wait for me!
Jin: Shion! What's going on?! Shion! Shion!! Respond!! Shion! Shiiiiooooonnnnn!!!!
To follow…
Chapter 4
Spoiler: hide
Dialogue:
Juli: I’m sorry, but the chances of saving her…
Jin: Even if they’re slim, I’m sure a way exists.
Juli: I think that as well but you must still prepare yourself for the worst…
Jin: Prepare myself for what?! If I lose hope it’ll be like abandoning her again!
Juli: I’m sorry, you’re right. I must also keep hope.
Jin: Shion…
Narration – Jin:
“The Maiden of Grimoire” disappeared right before our eyes following her awakening. Shion, trying to help her, fell unconscious. According to the Subcommittee’s report, traces of the girl have been found in the UMN. Therefore, it’s possible that Shion’s consciousness is forcibly held there.
Along with Professor Mizrahi, we tried to retrieve it but, not having a single clue in the immensity of the UMN, this was a lost cause.
Being unable to do anything else, I had nothing more to do than wait. I could do nothing but deplore my uselessness, the same as 14 years ago.
Xenosaga II to III: A Missing Year ~A Fragment of Truth Sealed in the UMN~
Dialogue:
Jin: Nephi…lim…
Nephilim: This place is called Ars Nova. It’s a world of memories sealed by Vector.
Jin: Sealed? A world of memories?
Nephilim: It’s where terrible memories and painful thoughts remain. Soon, all consciousness will unite here. Shion, Grimoire, and the young girl can be found here.
Jin: Shion?!
Nephilim: Yes, Grimoire is holding Shion prisoner.
Jin: Tell me how to save her!
Nephilim: When a person tries to fulfill their dream, they don’t necessarily become happy. This dream can be so strong that it brings misfortune to those around them. Grimoire has still not realized this. Please Jin, stop him.
Narration – Jin:
Nephilim contacted me through my consciousness. She informed me that Shion and the girl were being held prisoner by Grimoire.
They are in the depths of S-Division, a location controlled by Vector and protected by very high level security.
Nephilim asked me to stop Grimoire. I don’t know if something happened between them but now that I know the place where they are being held captive, I have no reason to hesitate.
Dialogue:
Juli: Nephilim said that?
Jin: Yes. She said that Shion is being held prisoner along with the girl in a place called Ars Nova, which is sealed by Vector.
Juli: You’re planning to go save them? That’s foolishness! Vector constantly makes reparations and controls this area. It’s a difficult location to reach even for a member of the government.
Jin: Despite everything you still won’t help me?
Juli: Even the smallest error could cost us dearly.
Jin: I know. I won’t force you.
Juli: Jin. It is likely that we cannot save her. Besides…
Jin: I have no excuse but I’m going to borrow your ES and this Fragment for a while.
(Jin climbs into the ES Reuben)
Jin: Take-off!
Professor Mizrahi warned me not to interfere with Vector. Considering her position, her reaction was normal and I couldn’t blame her for that. However, I couldn’t allow myself to abandon them and I had to exploit all the possibilities that were presented to me.
I never hesitated even for second at the thought of going to save them. However, one thing perturbed me: the Maiden of Grimoire wasn’t afraid until she saw me. On her face was the same expression as that day…
(Note: Here, Jin tells about his encounter with the Maiden of Grimoire.)
Dialogue:
Jin: What’s the situation?
100-Series: It seems that during the last two attacks, in a radius of 0.859 km from the center, Gnosis have appeared. In particular, a large form is emerging in this hangar.
Jin: As I thought. It seems they are searching for something.
100-Series: The enemies have begun to move. They must have spotted our position. More than 16 are approaching but it is impossible to determine their exact numbers because of interference.
Jin: Right, you’re coming with me?
100-Series: Yes.
Jin: Good answer!
Narration – Jin:
I then went, along with the 100-Series Realian, towards the location where the Gnosis were concentrated. There, we found a boy.
Dialogue:
Jin: Who are you?
Mysterious boy: If I don’t find it it’ll be your fault!
Jin: What are you talking about?!
Mysterious boy: Yeeesss, I know! What will you say to this!
(A Gnosis appears and captures the 100-Series Realian)
Jin: Impossible! How did you do that?!
Mysterious boy: Ha ha ha! That’ll teach you!
(Hilbert Effect sound)
Jin: Stop! If you continue this it’ll touch you too!
Narration – Jin:
Thanks to the power of the Fragment, the boy manipulated the Gnosis. He was probably searching for the Maiden of Grimoire.
We would have to face the Gnosis that was in our way. But the boy made it touch the Realian, who began to gnosify.
She executed the Hilbert Effect and pulled herself into our dimension. With no way to save her and given that she was completely gnosified, there was nothing I could do but destroy her.
Dialogue:
Jin: Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.
Maiden of Grimoire: No, don’t come any closer! Help me! Grimoire!
Narration – Jin:
Scientia talked about Grandhis. During my investigation of the Gnosis, I had the opportunity to meet one who gnosified my partner, a 100-Series Realian.
At that time, the girl was also afraid.
My partner executed the Hilbert Effect on herself which pulled her into our dimension and I had no choice but to destroy her. The girl saw it all and wasn’t frightened by the scene itself, but by me.
It’s likely she wanted to run away from me and didn’t want me to rescue her. I must at all costs force myself to forget this so I can concentrate on the rescue.
I needed certain equipment to infiltrate the heart of Vector and get by their security. Other than the Subcommittee, I saw no other way than to visit this organization. Indeed, only Doctus and her colleagues could help me.
If Shion was with me, she would surely yell at me, saying I was irresponsible and rash. But as long as I shared a common interest with Scientia, it was possible that I could work with them.
But before Doctus could consider my proposition, there was this conversation.
Dialogue:
Doctus: What are you doing here? Have you come to stop us?
Jin: As you will see, I have not come for that. I would like to make a deal. I know where Grimoire is hiding and I must go there. I come to ask for your help. If you accept, once this is done, I will give you the Fragment of Grimoire.
Doctus: How ironic.
Jin: I would like for you to prepare for my dive. I don’t think this is a bad deal.
Doctus: Hm hm hm… During your dive, your life will be in our hands. You will entrust it to us at that point?
Jin: I have no choice. I cannot attain my goal otherwise.
Doctus: And if I refuse?
Jin: That would be bothersome indeed. To tell the truth I never even thought of that possibility.
Doctus: Ha ha ha… What a face you make for a captain… All right. I accept your offer. However, this will be the only time we will work together.
Complimentary Report on Grimoire
First of all, the series of incidents in connection with the Fragments were caused by a man called Grimoire Verum. Given that the origin of these unexplained phenomena as well as the hiding place of the one responsible is in Vector’s Special Maintenance Area, there are strong chances that Grimoire Verum himself is there.
How has he managed to stay alive all this time? That is a mystery. For an unknown reason (possibly linked to the disappearance of Lost Jerusalem), it seems that he has become a spiritual entity that exists within the UMN.
We can assume that Vector knows this fact, hides the existence of Grimoire, and holds him in order to reconstruct Lemegeton.
Dialogue:
Doctus: So… that would explain why Ars Nova is so important to Vector… Okay. We’ll interfere directly with the UMN and force a hole open. You take it from there; you must make your way to Ars Nova.
Jin: Understood. What are Ars Nova’s coordinates?
Doctus: If the Maiden of Grimoire is there, the Fragment will resonate and allow you to find your route. Obviously, anti-intruder units will come after you. Your survival depends on you.
Jin: Don’t worry, I’ll do my best.
To follow…
Chapter 5
Spoiler: hide
Dialogue:
Shion: Where am I? Have I… been saved?
Maiden of Grimoire: Yes.
Shion: It was you, wasn’t it? You’re the one who saved me…
Maiden of Grimoire: Yes.
Shion: So… thank you. Are you okay? Have you been hurt?
Maiden of Grimoire: No.
Shion: Why did you save me?
Maiden of Grimoire: Because you tried to protect me.
Shion: All right. You call yourself Nephilim?
Maiden of Grimoire: Grimoire called me that.
Shion: Is Grimoire… your father?
Maiden of Grimoire: I don’t know, I don’t remember anything. But Grimoire told me that he knows everything about me.
Shion: Everything?
Maiden of Grimoire: Yes, my memories, my name, everything. But he will only give them to me if I unite all the Fragments. If I don’t he will scold me. I’m scared… I’m so scared! I can’t do it…
Shion: It’ll be okay. Everything will be fine. Don’t be afraid. I’ll stay close to you. I swear, I will protect you.
Xenosaga II to III: A Missing Year ~A Fragment of Truth Sealed in the UMN~
Maiden of Grimoire: You will protect me?
Shion: Yes. I won’t leave you all alone. And it isn’t just me. There’s my brother too.
Maiden of Grimoire: Your brother?
Shion: Yes, his name is Jin Uzuki. Some of his habits are odd but he is very nice. So don’t worry. He’ll come save us.
Maiden of Grimoire: Jin, Jin Uzuki. U… zu… ki…
Narration – Shion:
I lost consciousness while trying to comfort the girl, who was in the Scientia vessel. When I awoke, I was in a strange place with her.
Where was this?
Who brought us here?
One would say it’s an old church. I had no idea. Next to me was a frightened little girl who held me tightly in her arms. To be reassuring, I tried to erase my anxiety.
Because of this, I didn’t remark on her change. Yes, once she heard the name “Jin Uzuki”, her face changed slightly…
Dialogue:
Grimoire: What are you so afraid of?
Shion: Who are you?
Maiden of Grimoire: This person, it’s… Grimoire.
Shion: Huh?!
Grimoire: Are you scared?
Maiden of Grimoire: I don’t understand! I don’t understand anything! I’ve been mistreated! Help me!
Grimoire: Sorry, I can’t.
Maiden of Grimoire: You won’t… help me?
Grimoire: Nephilim, you want your memories, don’t you?
Maiden of Grimoire: Yes. You gave me the name “Nephilim”. You said you would give me my memories!
Grimoire: Yes, I promised you. I'll give you a nice name and pleasant memories. But for that, you must obtain all of the Fragments. Then you can come see me.
Maiden of Grimoire: But I can’t! I’m scared!
Grimoire: You’ll be fine. You can do it. Let’s go, come Nephilim.
Shion: But what are you talking about?! Are you kidding?!
(Grimoire takes her with him. Jin then appears before Shion.)
Shion: Jin!
Jin: Shion!
Narration – Shion:
Immediately after he kidnapped her, my brother appeared before me.
Once I saw his relieved face, all the anxiety contained inside me disappeared.
Trying to hide my emotions, I told him everything that had happened. But suddenly, a whole host of macrophages appeared in front of us.
Dialogue:
Jin: Doctus!
Doctus: You’re talking in a pitiful tone of voice, what happened? I missed you? I’m staying here. Go stop Grimoire!
Jin: But!
Doctus: (Latin sentence) Hyyyyaaaaaaaa!!
Narration – Shion:
In an unexpected manner, Doctus appeared to protect us. Why did she do that if we’re enemies?
I was still confused, so Jin explained to me that I was a prisoner in a section of the UMN called Ars Nova controlled by Vector, that my consciousness was captured by Grimoire, and that to come help me he had to ally himself with Scientia.
Grimoire seemed to have fled to the depths of this building. We went in pursuit of him.
Dialogue:
Grimoire: Welcome to my Holy Land.
Jin: Grimoire!
Grimoire: You have my gratitude. Thanks to you, she could finally awaken.
Jin: My work is not finished yet.
Grimoire: You think you impress me with your talk? Very well, you shall be witnesses to the miracle.
Jin: Miracle?
Grimoire: You think you’re in a place where only top-secret information is accumulated? That’s a great mistake.
Jin: It’s a place created by Vector to keep you imprisoned. A sort of spiritual prison.
Grimoire: A prison? That’s why I told you that you are mistaken. I told you, for me it’s a Holy Land. It is here that I exist completely.
Jin: So you always wished to live here?
Grimoire: I doubted that you would understand. Therefore, I will give you an explanation.
Maiden of Grimoire: Uzuki… Uzuki… The Fragment… Nooooooo!!
Jin: Argh!
Shion: Stop!! I’m begging you!!
Jin: Urg!
(Jin is caught in a pillar of purple light.)
Shion: Jin!!!
Narration – Shion:
So that’s why she wanted the Fragments. She told us that the Fragments were indispensable for her to get her memory back.
Her memories.
Not knowing who she was, he was probably the only one who could tell her. But could she be happy if she got back her memories knowing that she was a Realian born for experiments?
Dialogue:
Grimoire: Come. With this, you can have everything.
Maiden of Grimoire: What is this? These are… my… this is… my memory? This is wrong… it’s wrong!!!!
Jin: It’s…!
Shion: It’s the Song of Nephilim!
Grimoire: You hear it, this song… My beloved song.
Shion: Stop! I will never let you play this song!
Grimoire: It will propagate through the UMN and resonate with the entire universe! And then my daughter… Nephilim… can be brought back to this Holy Land.
Shion: So Nephilim… is your daughter?!
Maiden of Grimoire: These aren’t… my… memories?
Grimoire: Ars Nova is the memory of my dear daughter. You shall inherit her memories. Then we can use Lemegeton and you can accommodate my daughter’s soul. You will become the object of my desires.
Maiden of Grimoire: Stop this! Stop!!
Grimoire: Don’t complain. You will obtain what you have always wanted.
Maiden of Grimoire: No! Nooo!! These aren’t my memories!
Grimoire: That’s foolish! Why are you rejecting them?! Stop that! I beg of you!! Nephilim… my daughter… Take them, please!
Maiden of Grimoire: No! Nooo! Nooooo! I don’t want this!
Grimoire: Why?!! Why are you refusing?!!
Shion: You don’t understand? She doesn’t want someone else’s memories! Her soul only wants its own memories! You don’t see that you’re only hurting those around you!!
Grimoire: Instead of having a soul shrouded in lies, she will harbour a free soul and live as Nephilim! I am sure that she would be much happier!
Shion: That is what you believe!
Grimoire: Don’t talk like you know everything!! While Vector used me I was stuck here for an eternity! I’ve endured the pain of losing my daughter all this time!!
Shion: But…
Grimoire: My dream is disappearing.
Narration – Shion:
The Fragments that Grimoire planted in the girl united and Lemegeton was finally complete. After the awakening of Lemegeton, she began to be swept away by Gnosis.
If she stayed in this state, she would emit the song throughout the UMN, which would quickly spread it and make it resonate all through the universe. If this happened, our world would be completely overrun by the Gnosis.
Why did this have to happen?
She only wanted her memories. Grimoire only wanted to revive his beloved daughter. The two of them only wanted to attain their wishes and nothing more.
But in reality, their wishes mutually hurt them and only brought misfortune to other people.
Dialogue:
Grimoire: Nephilim!
Shion: Nephilim!
Grimoire: Finally, you’re back! I’ve waited for you, I’ve always waited for you. Welcome back, Nephilim.
Nephilim: The fact that you’re held here… It’s because of your love for me. I’m sorry.
Maiden of Grimoire: Noooooo!! I don’t understand!! I don’t understand anything!! Give it to me! Give me my name! Give me my memories!
To follow…
Chapter 6
Spoiler: hide
Maiden of Grimoire: Noooooo! I don’t understand anything! I don’t understand anything anymore! Give it to me! Give me my name! And my memory!!!
Jin and Shion: Huh?!
(The girl gnosifies.)
Xenosaga II to III: A Missing Year ~A Fragment of Truth Sealed in the UMN~
(The Gnosis’ arm is suddenly cut off by Version 3 KOS-MOS.)
Shion: KOS-MOS?!
Narration – Shion:
The black smoke produced by Lemegeton surrounded the girl’s body as she transformed into a Gnosis.
The Fragment of Lemegeton, while keeping her consciousness intact, gnosified her. She lost her senses and we could no longer hear her voice.
I was unable to contain my emotions and I began to lose control when KOS-MOS, equipped with her new exoskeleton, appeared to get us out of this mess.
She protected us from the Gnosis attack. Seizing the opportunity, Jin turned toward the Gnosis while drawing his katana.
Dialogue:
Shion: Jin, what are you doing? Stop! Have you lost your mind?
Jin: We can’t do anything else for her.
Shion: Stop! I’m begging you! I want to talk to her! Jin!!
Jin: Let’s go, KOS-MOS.
KOS-MOS: Attacking.
Jin: Hyyyaaaa!
Narration – Shion:
Jin’s katana cut the Gnosis in two, allowing the Maiden of Grimoire to pull herself out what remained.
My brother was right; she hadn’t completely gnosified yet and could still be saved.
Dialogue:
Nephilim: Shion, I will help you to remember, about her.
These are… my memories?
Shion: Almadel? Is that your name? Why are you here? Are you okay?
No, that’s not it.
These are the girl’s, Almadel’s…
Researcher: Professor Uzuki, I am awakening her consciousness.
Almadel: Who… are you?
Suou: Lemegeton binding state? We can no longer afford to make Professor Mizrahi wait.
Researcher: For the moment, everything seems to be proceeding perfectly. But the values aren’t stable.
Suou: Hm, that’s odd… restart phase 6.
Researcher: But if we do that, the body will suffer.
Suou: I don’t care! He doesn’t want to listen to my excuses for our continued delays.
Almadel: Stop. What are you doing?! Nooo! I’m scared!
Suou: Go be a good girl. Tell me what you want quietly.
Shion: Is she okay?
Almadel: Who’s that? No! I’m scared!
Shion: Hey, this girl is scared. Poor girl…
Researcher: Professor Uzuki…
Suou: I already told you not to come in here!
Shion: But…
Suou: Hurry up and get out.
(Shion leaves the room.)
Suou: Once we introduce something into her brain it provokes interferences. Try to modify the doses of the medication.
Almadel: No! Stop! No! Noooo!
Narration – Shion:
I remembered everything. With the help of the girl’s memories, my memory returned.
On Miltia, 14 years ago, I met her.
And in her memories was my father, Suou Uzuki.
That was why she was scared of my brother’s face; he looked a bit like our father.
I don’t what kind of connection my father could have had with Vector, Joachim Mizrahi, and Grimoire.
In any case, one thing was certain, I had memories in common with Almadel.
Dialogue:
Shion: I know! I know you!
Almadel: Nooooo!!!
Shion: Almadel! Get ahold of yourself! Almadel!
Almadel: Al… madel?
Shion: Yes, Almadel, that’s your real name.
Almadel: Almadel?
(14 years earlier.)
Shion: Your name is Almadel, right? My name is Shion. Are you all alone? Don’t be afraid. I’ll stay here beside you. It’ll be okay. If you’re mistreated, I’ll protect you.
Suou: Shion. Shion!
Shion: So, see you later.
(Flashback from chapter 5)
Shion: I’ll stay close to you. I swear, I will protect you.
(Return to present.)
Almadel: Shion!
Shion: Yes, Almadel, it’s me.
Almadel: Shion…
Shion: It’ll be okay now. You have nothing to be afraid of. So stop the Song, Almadel.
Almadel: It won’t stop. It won’t stop! I can’t stop it!
Shion: Don’t give up, Almadel!
Almadel: Shion! Shion!
Shion: Don’t be afraid! I promised! I’ll stay with you! Why? Why won’t it stop?! Nephilim!
Nephilim: It’s impossible. Even I don’t have the power. She is already possessed by Lemegeton. Almadel can’t live. If she continues to live, Lemegeton will completely possess her. But only she can make the decision.
Shion: But… why?!
Almadel: I can’t stop it. If it continues Shion will…
Nephilim: Almadel, you want to save everyone and Shion?
Almadel: Yes, but I can’t. I can’t stop it.
Nephilim: It will be okay. You can stop it if you wish to. You must understand. Remember?
Almadel: Remember?
(14 years earlier.)
Shion: So, see you later.
Narration – Shion:
At that instant I was in accord with her consciousness. The memories she searched for…
We only spent a few days together but for her, they were happy moments, important memories.
It was for those that she made her decision, to protect us, with her memories.
Dialogue:
Almadel: It’s… pleasant. It’s…
Nephilim: Can you stop it?
Almadel: Yes but, will it be sad?
Nephilim: Yes, in effect. But for the people you met you won’t disappear. They’ll continue to remember you.
Almadel: Memories of me? Okay! Shion?
Shion: Almadel?
Almadel: Shion, I remember too. You know, you’re the one who found my memories.
Shion: Almadel, you…
Almadel: Next time, if we meet, will you play with me?
Shion: What are you talking about? Of course! We can play together whenever you want!
Almadel: Okay, I’m already excited.
Shion: Almadel! What are you going to do?
Almadel: You know, it’s me who will protect you.
Shion: Wait Almadel! I don’t want this!
Almadel: Thank you, Shion.
Shion: Stop, Almadel! I beg you!! Stop!! Jin!!!! Stop her!!!!!!!!!
Almadel: So, see you later…
Shion: No… Almadel… It’s isn’t true, is it? How? Why did she…
Jin: She rejected Lemegeton to save us… no, to protect you as well as her memories…
Shion: Why did she do that...
Nephilim: Soon, this place will shut down and become a tomb for Grimoire and Almadel. Nobody can threaten them, for eternity…
KOS-MOS: This location is beginning to shut down. We must escape quickly.
Shion: No, I can’t.
(Jin slaps Shion across the face.)
Shion: Jin?!
Jin: Shion! You think that Almadel did that so you could give up now?
Shion: Then explain it to me! Why was she born?! She only wanted happiness!
Jin: That isn’t something that others can answer. Only Almadel can.
Shion: I don’t want to listen to your reasoning…
Jin: But you know one thing is certain. Meeting you allowed her to find her memories. That’s an undeniable fact.
Shion: Jin…
Jin: So, let’s go, Shion.
Conclusion:
14 years ago, Joachim Mizrahi created the U-DO system. The foundation of this system rested on the Gnosis calling program, “Lemegeton”. Almadel was born to serve as a guinea pig for his research.
Grimoire planted Nephilim’s memories into Almadel’s brain. Then, using Lemegeton, he tried to revive Nephilim’s consciousness.
However, Almadel rejected these memories and sacrificed herself to stop the Song of Nephilim created by Lemegeton; she gnosified and turned to salt.
Almadel and Grimoire were lost Ars Nova was destroyed. It was announced that this marked the end of the current Gnosis attacks.
Officially, the one responsible, Grimoire Verum, was reported missing. The truth of these facts was mysteriously hidden by Vector.
Other areas suffered the pressure of Vector. Juli of the Subcommittee was transferred to a Federation military establishment. I also heard that the Foundation that was in charge of the investigation was pursued for having connections to this incident.
My discipline for having broken into S-Division was demotion and outright removal of my position as chief. The KOS-MOS project was frozen until a new chief was named.
Had there been any other measures taken by Vector, I would still consider myself lucky. Effectively, even after my demotion, I could still continue to participate in KOS-MOS’ development given that there were still things for First Division to do.
But a loss of confidence in the UMN and Vector arose inside me and this feeling wouldn’t go away. And I could never forget Almadel.
That’s why I passed in my resignation letter.
It’s probably something that Allen and the others will never forgive me for. But as long as I have bitterness toward Vector, it is doubtful that I could ever return.
It would no longer be possible for me to see KOS-MOS.
I have not thought about what would happen, but I intend to research the truth on the subject of my father and his part in the incidents 14 years ago, the UMN, and Vector.
Feb and Nephilim told me.
I must face my past…
To follow in Xenosaga Episode III.