theria

This is the translation of the 50 Questions ("interview") asked to Daisuke Ishiwatari that is included at the end of the new Guilty Gear 2 Material Collection book. And as I didn't see it mentioned before, game-play voices for all characters (Master and Servant) are listed inside the book. And behind the cover wrap on the back are four rough sketches that Ishiwatari had to accompany the short stories (for Valentine, Sin, Sol, and Izuna) but in the end were not used (obviously different from the color ones in the content). Quick Descriptions for the Short Stories: Sol - knocking some sense into Ky and getting a foster kid to raise. Best Line is at the end: "No complaints about how he's going to be raised right." Sin - six months after Sol got him, apparently sensitive about the eyepatch, preludes at the end about how Sin got his weapon Izuna - kind of his origin story but rather on the metaphysical side. Most of you will probably care less. Dr. Paradigm - his discovery of the Cube. Valentine - her "birth" Ky - getting together with his wife, increasing guilt about Gear wife and son, UN offered him the election for Illyuria as their puppet ruler (didn't bother to hide it even) Raven - His first "death" (sounds like the Dark Ages perhaps) That Man - an old memory that resurfaces during his... degeneration and memory dump process, about his theory of the "Apocalypse" previously discussed with Aria and Frederick.

From what I've heard in that trailer, I will enjoy Sin's and That Man's VA. I can live with everyone else... except Ky. The jury is still out since I get the feeling the VA is trying too hard, or too obviously, for some kind of aristocracy accent/angle. Well, it's only a trailer and poor Ky doesn't get as much vocal time like everyone else. Now just waiting for the Xbox price to go down...

I did get it. And I think someone already posted up previously that though it does have some of the drafting art, they're pretty much what was put out in that pamphlet thingy at Comike, scans of which were briefly linked awhile back. The only really significant "new" art was the cover. Oh, and no quote listing as far as I saw, Blade.

I'd like a copy of the Japanese script for Night of Knives regardless. It's so much easier to have something to read along with the audio. PM me for my e-mail or I'm frequently on Windows Messenger IM (not as often Yahoo).

Not only a ton of posts, a ton of replies. XD I hope I hit all of them. To rallamajoop: There is no mention of how/why/when/etc Illyuria formed. One Japanese blog mentioned that there was a reference that there are THREE kings for Illyuria and that Ky is only one of them, responsible for the capitol. She said that came up in some sort of character description or something, perhaps that same "camp talk" I've seen floating around for Raven and The Man that may be unlocked after Campaign Mode. You'd need to ask someone whose actually beaten Campaign Mode to find out if that blogger is correct. In the game manual, it does describe the capitol of Illyuria as being the most prosperous city in the world. There was an ingame reference that Belcanto Valley is in southern Illyuria. Game Manual description of Stages: TORIORA Towns and villages of islands floating in the sky. Because the residents possess peculiar powers they are called witches, and said to have been driven away from ordinary living. YOMOTSU HIRASAKA A foreign world enclosed by beautiful nature. Though scenery reminescent(?) of the now lost Japan, it is a land of uncertain position that does not exist in this world. ILLYURIA The castle town centered on the castle Ky governs. It is the capital of Ilyuria RenOuKoku as well as the most prosperous city in the world. GANYMEDE The ocean glittering like an emerald. The island that floats there alone is the paradise of GEARs who possess their own mind. Belcanto Valley A large-scale battle-scarred land of the times of the Crusades. It has priceless land value for the GEAR corpses and characteristic minerals that can be excavated there but people fear it as Canyon of Death (shi no keikoku). It's alright to post the translation drafts for Overture elsewhere, disclaimer included. To Zazz: In case you haven't found it already, I actually did Mission #20/Epilogue/Credits before I did #14-#19. It's back on page.... 33 of this thread. To BioLogIn: You can host the translation drafts on .ru if you want. And as to regards to Solaria's origin, I'm fairly sure she was human. Having re-read LtA about a month ago, I'm fairly sure I didn't come across any mention of her being "artificial" or anything else done to her other than the GEAR conversion. Oh yeah, and if one must be complete, Marina deserves mention as a human as well. She and Solaria are physically very similar, enough to pass as siblings. Whether they were once siblings, twins, or perhaps clones of one or the other, is not mentioned in the novel. However, Marina was also a candidate to be converted (until a lab worker stole her away and died of the injuries in that escape, whether the injury that cripples Marina was from that escape or something else [in which case she may have been lined up for extermination] is also not clear if I remember correctly, oh and she was found wrapped in a blanket that has the GEAR symbol on it, only Ky and the priest Melbeth recognized it). To Hatred Edge: Well, there actually IS a good reason why someone would volunteer for the GEAR conversion. The original aim was simply to devise a means to accelerate human evolution, though it was still a highly secret project not known to the public. Frederick may have volunteered and you could take his bitterness toward the entire incident now as the result not being entirely what was expected (and probably figured out really soon back then that something else was up). According to the timeline, it was when the project was re-started almost half a century later when the focus was entirely on living weapons. I think that was everything. And no, Blade I haven't started listening to Night of Knives yet.

A rock? I recently returned fully to GG with the announcement of GG2 b/c the characters they started releasing in XX and whatnot (well, really from X) didn't appeal as much to me, there was nil plot development IMO, and I have never been that good of a player in fighting games to stick with the versions that didn't have a Story Mode. And even THEN I can't complete it without *cough*cheats*choke*. (I bought the X-Plus right when it came out for the animation DVD but didn't get a Japanese PS2 until KH2 came out ). But anyway, I'm not particularly fond of Chipp though I do appreciate the 2nd novel since it gave me quite a bit of insight into the world and society of the day. It is supposed to be set in 2182 AD (not specifically stated I don't think, I'd have to check my notes again but I'm fairly sure there was a notation of "two years ago" in relation to the tournament from the first game) which made it the "furthest" story I'm aware of in the GG universe before GG2. And I'm FINALLY done watching the YouTube videos. Missions #14-#19 in the file below. Unless better videos show up earlier, I won't be reviewing them again until I can actually play myself.

Actually, maybe it is "PRINT" (pu instead of bu)? That would make sense for when the comment is pointing at the "LIVE" portions on front swallowtails. Ack, I'm going blind looking at these zoom-ups.

The "habit" of some of the members in the Seikishidan to scratch a word on their belt buckle was both a type of individualism as well as a symbol of belief. Or something like that. Basically, there were quite a few who would etch a personal belief as a confirmation to themself(lve?). KY/HOPE - to symbolize his desire to bring the hope and possibility of life to all that he can. Stems strongly from a past incident reflected in Lightning the Argent [Early in Ky's career when he had only recently received a command position (it is not indicated as to whether this mean Shugotenshi, Shugoshin, or Dancho) Ky pursued a GEAR too far in and was then trapped against a very big GEAR with six other Knights of his command who had followed him. He ordered them to retreat and was prepared to sacrifice his life to cover them. But they did not, instead buying Ky's life with their own. According to Ky, this was the first and last time he has ever been disobeyed by those under his command. This was a very traumatizing incident to him, as in the novel when he was recounting it, his expression was described as a dead person.]. SOL/FREE - this was to reflect Sol's complete lack of binding/restriction to any form of cooperative or group organization. While in the Order, he primarily operated alone as a solitary raider/striker, his utter lack of teamwork greatly irritating Ky. The restrictive (probably rule-bound) life there is listed in his profile as being another reason he eventually took the FuuEnKen and vamoosed. MELBETH/SACRIFICE - the name of the former Seikishidan member and missing priest in Lightning the Argent. Relatively close translation from the novel: "Houshien is in charge of healing and defense. While possessing no offensive power, they enter the frontlines to help their comrades, and hold the line during the retreat/serve as the rear guard, thereby greatly entrusted." And some lines from the Seikishidan Oath: wareware ga mi wa kami ni sasageraretaru mono naraba (if we are those that sacrifice/dedicate our selves to God) kichi ni oite osoreru koto nashi (left in peril/dangerous grounds there is nothing to fear) shichi ni oite mayou koto nashi (left in the battlefield/jaws of death there is no hesitation) My two cents on the whole Daisuke-X series-gaiden thing, the only thing I remember was from WAY long ago, definitely before XX, maybe around X, was that Daisuke said what goes on is considered a Gaiden to the actual plot (that he wants to pursue). Though I do wish there were more characters in Overture (really, online play and only five choices?) I do not think it is necessary to really bring back most of the characters in the earlier fighting versions of the game as their plotlines are incidental to the GEAR-The Man conspiracy. Give me more world development! <-- The only reason I suffered to re-read Chipp's novel. 俺/己の豊かテラだなをいってみろ <-- perhaps this is Japanese text version? Left "tera" in Katakana since I think that is supposed to be a word. Try and say that my abundant (temple? Terra?)

Actually, the word was "SACRIFICE". He was a member of the HouShiEn (Magic Support) division that apparently provided support such as recovery, defense, as well as covering the retreat of other divisions.

Domo, piyo. Sol: The drafting comments indicate that Sol's sword (not directly referred to as FuuEnKen) actually has "levels" and it is in Level 4 when he goes to that particular Dragon Install mode. And yes, that is supposed to be a glimpse of his actual GEAR form. Sin: Never realized but apparently, his clothes (and flag-staff?!?) are RIOT brand. Still no mention as to why he wears the eye-patch. Ky: I was right, I would have died laughing. Thank you the powers that be that they did NOT go with that particular earlier design version of Ky. DP: Dr. Paradigm's early design was also hilarious, still having (necessitating?) the need for a water bowl. Raven: Raven's description does include that he is one of three who closely serve The Man. So most likely, it is still I-NO and pointy-hat-guy-whose-fashion-The-Man-stole.

Neither The Man nor Frederick, or anyone for that matter, have a hand in "creating" the Backyard. The Backyard simply exists, as a higher-dimensional "world" that has a very strong influence (if not flat-out capability) of writing, supporting, re-writing the "laws" of our world (Guilty Gear world). The process of magic (houriki) borrows that malleability. Of course, that is all the theory behind how the unlimited energy works and the name "Backyard" was the one the researchers eventually came up or stuck with. Two questions that (as far as I know) have not been clarified regarding what comes up relating to the Backyard in Overture is (1) what does it mean to be a "resident" of the Backyard and (2) what exactly is the power of Backyard that some people have. For (1), Izuna introduces himself as a resident, both in game and in his character profile, though I don't think Yomotsu Hirasaka (his home/stage) is actually in the Backyard, seems to be a wholly different dimension. Valentine is identified as a resident, by Dr. Paradigm if I recall correctly. But even Paradigm's theories had not yet quantified a means to travel to (and from) the Backyard though obviously, The Man (and Raven) somehow have managed that. Both Valentine and Sol, the latter per Raven, have attained the power of the Backyard. This is obviously not simply the ability to use magic/houriki. It may deal with that Soul Sinker concept Sol kept muttering about back in Mission 2 I think it was, and their abilities to manifest Servants directly from their power. In Campaign Mode, they are the only two capable of doing this. Now how or why Doctor Paradigm knows of this (and supposedly told Izuna) is not entirely clear. And no, just because there was a Sol VS DP Master battle in Campaign Mode I do not think DP was using the same process of "summoning". That was just him calling his GEAR buddies IMO.

Took a stab at Mission #20/Epilogue when trying to answer/respond Blade. Probably won't help things, skipping over all the stuff in the middle. Haven't even watched Mission #17 to figure out how everyone got to the other side. XD I agree with the Japanese player, need a glossary for campaign mode. And now I'm off to bed!!

I just realized this when my brother pointed it out, when I finally described how The Man now looks. The Man's third groupie (seen in that one pic from Ky's novel, also reprinted in both Artworks books) has a similar outfit!!!! Though after showing him the actual videos, he is now convinced The Man is an evil umbrella.

Mission #11 - Sin's stress relief Mission #12 - the BIG scene, which I already translated but I guess for file completion it's getting repeated. Mission #13 - King and Big Bird (Dragon!) stand together After this I only have bits and pieces of #14, #15, and #17 though I watched #16 and Epilogue on YouTube. I can try to answer any questions about what comes up in there but I'm not sure I want to do the translating until I get completely trashed trying to do campaign mode.

Mission #7 - Doctor's Introduction and Lecture Mission #8 - Mission #9 - Playing gopher for the Bird, I mean Dragon Mission #10 - Ky, kaetekita!!!

Text file for Missions #4 thru #6. Basically dropping in, taking in the sights, and heading out again of Illyuria.

Well, I'll go ahead and toss up my first translation drafts, which are based off the NicoNico and YouTube movies. And "??" or "xxx" stuff are words I couldn't pick out by ear and/or kanji (the latter being the video quality and small text). I didn't bother translating some things, Sin calling Sol "oyaji" for example. And please ignore any mistypes of "Shin" instead of "Sin". I keep thinking of the katakana. Plus since this went from Word document to plain text, the formating may be out of whack, as well as the several kanji I left in where I was questioning either the word or my translation of it. And for those who don't remember: IZ is short for Izuna (whenever he shows up) and DP is short for Dr. Paradigm and Val is short for Valentine and... I have no idea how the names for Valentine's unique campaign mode servants are called so I just left it as close to the katakana writing. All of her other servants have candy/pastry/dessert names, frequently in French.

LOL, apparently from some of the fans who got the goods at Comiket, some early design drafts for Ky included him with a moustache or beard (the kanji is hige so it could be either or both). Man, I'm not sure if I could handle the game (after laughing too hard) if they had done that.

Geh, I was going through the youtube videos and trying to translate though the dear Dr. Bird (Dragon!) is using too much kanji in not very clear visual. Of course, my Xbox and copy of GG2 just arrived but I'm working this week, moving next week, and need to play it on a bigger screen (using a dinky old TV right now) to be able to read the text. Jeez, the text is small. XD And I need to get the hang of Blast Drive. <-- NOT a gamer. Best guess/translation to Cube [According to the Doc, it is an artificially created isolated "space" (area) within the Backyard that "rejects" everything external to it. The rejection has something to do with its internal composition I think which is based on the elements/composition of this world <-- part of that kanji and whatnot I couldn't make out. Paradigm believes it was created by that man, since you can't think of two people existing who can do the impossible. And if it was created by That Man, then one has to wonder, per the Doc, what has/is he doing inside of it. EDIT: Oh and it was Doc who provisionally named it "Cube". He lives in the same world/plane as the rest of us actually. He just managed to peek into the other side. End EDIT And that in That Man's perfected GEAR cells (whether this refers in particularly to the 'culminated' GEAR cell in Justice or just in general I'm not sure) there is enough hardware access remaining to the Backyard access programming that it can be analyzed to formulate a means to enter the Backyard. Generally magic is, per Sol, too "soft" (I guess it is already in a higher programming language) to be used to derive that.]

Actually, Valentine got the headache as well, once that I've seen, in a short back-shot of her before Sol-tachi arrived in Illuria's capitol. My brother and I don't think she is a Gear, though obviously not a normal human either. [Several play reports have mentioned that apparently she came into being in the Backyard. And in the Epilogue, Raven and That Man supposedly mention that Valentine #2 and #3 have appeared...] Though it will probably only create more headaches, here was my stab at the dialogue in Battle #17 (I don't think I tossed this up before) which does touch vaguely on the Valentine topic. Sol: What are you planning with this? Ano Otoko: This (assault?)? Or our reunion? Sol: I don’t have the time to deal with your joking. The chain of incitement ties to that “Cube” you made. Sol: What are you planning! Ano Otoko: Everything, has suddenly occurred in the span of only these few several centuries. It can no longer be endured by the “Cube”. Ano Otoko: Everything in a rush, I think it is truly inexcusable to you. …however, now I would like you to concentrate on Valentine. Ano Otoko: If that (Valentine) comes in contact with the “Cube” core, …I fear that it is likely that humanity will be destroyed (extinct). Sol: Valentine… what is that? Moreover, that appearance… Ano Otoko: The evil consequence of “Compassionless Apocalypse/Revelation (Jihinakikeiki, 慈悲無き啓示)”… at its present phase, that has no consciousness. Simply, if touched, “something” will break. Sol: “Compassionless Apocalypse”? Ano Otoko: There is no time for explaining. Sol: Tch, if I kill Valentine, isn’t it just convenient/advantageous for you? Ano Otoko: ….fufu. Because….I am self-righteous (dokuzenteki, 独善的) Sol's "headaches" might be related to all of the non-conventional magics running around. He early-on referenced something called "Soul-Sinker", which in context seems to refer to an idea or theory of magic manifestation that has not been actualized to his knowledge.

To Corewolf: (1) As has long been stated, Outrage no longer exists in its single form and has been in its eight component pieces. The United Nations has uncovered and kept six of them, of which three currently are being wielded - Sol and Fuuenken (stolen), Ky and Fuuraiken (granted), Anji and Zessen (stolen...more or less, see Guilty Gear X-tra if you can stomach it). The name of the other three that the UN has are Senga, Ekitoku, Koujouhaku but the last two components, name and whereabouts, are completely unknown. (2) I think the sword Sol is using in GG2 is still Fuuenken, you can see some similarities. Perhaps he has modified it during five year interval. **Being the creator and all, it shouldn't be a problem.** The official site indirectly supports this in the description of Sol's special attacks (Chikaramakase ni Nagiharu). (3) As for console release, your guess is as good as mine. My brother wanted me to wait for either it to get domesticated or ported but looking back at the history of GG game releases, I believe their most common reason to ever port the same version of a game was because the previous console was dying (Dreamcast way back in the beginning) or to go to PC. Even so, I believe the lag time between these ports was a horribly long time. If they didn't release it on different consoles to begin with... it may be over a year before any porting release may occur. On the bright(?) side, there was no announcement of time exclusivity like Ace Combat 6 (which reminds me, I need to order that as well now that I have a Japanese X-Box on the way).

There is both event text and mission text. I gave up on translating "RenOu" b/c this is shorter than my best guess which is Allied King. Words with question marks next to them are words I'm not sure about, b/c no matter how good the video quality, I'm still looking at a tiny screen and some of the kanji is too detailed to make out clearly. Highlight please. Summary: As to what is going on, after all the revelations of the Illuria royal family, Sol and Izuna have run off to collect the wayward Sin while the Doctor and King protect the palace/kokage no kimi. However, Valentine has brainwashed a number of the Doctor's GEAR friends and sent them against them. Part of the conditions to win this mission is that, storywise, Ky disables those Gears to allow the Doctor time to undo the brainwashing. In game play it looks like Ky somehow does it but I'm not clear on the actual mechanics of this mission. "Event Text" or the Part 1 KK: The method to release the spell? DP: Impossible. The spell cannot be undone when they are raging in that manner. DP: …it cannot be helped. They must be exterminated. KK: However, but then… DP: I understand that. They are my friends! DP: However, there is no place to be lost in silent meditation! KK: Then, I will make them powerless one by one. After that, please undo the spell! DP: That horde by yourself? That is reckless. KK: Defeating them to reach the peace after this, at that time, if there is no one there to share in that joy… KK: That loneliness, I know DP: RenOu… KK: Even being crowned king, I still cultivate the sword. Please provide cover support. DP: …I…hate humans. By their own egoism, deciding that simply because we are Gears we are evil, never learning from the mistakes of the past. KK: But you do not turn an eye to my pessimism? (悲観?), amazingly compromise DP: Regardless that I was going to destroy kokage no kimi. DP: Fufu. With this, you cannot tell which is rejecting relations... DP: Even so, you say you will lend a hand? KK: Humans’ foolishness has no end. And wisdom as well, we humans, and so then the worth of Gears are decided by history. DP: Foolish king. In that case, is it alright for my name to also be joined as a key historical person KK: Yes KK: Illuria RenOu Ky Kiske, (oshitemairu 推して参る) Okay, I didn't translate that part b/c again I couldn't come up with a good one, but what is likely the private joke with that phrase is that is the engagement phrase of another character that Ky's voice actor voices, Sanada Yukimura in Sengoku Musou I believe) Mission Text in Part 2, or the part with the violin arrangement of Holy Orders DP: First off, search for my friends among the enemy. DP: If their movement can be stopped, I can release the brain-washing. KK: So it is necessary to stop them from moving. DP: Wait King, as things are now, magic won’t work on them. KK: I am aware of it. I comprehended that from the battle earlier, and the heterogeneous spell chants of your magic. KK: It is slightly complicated but not significant. DP: My… I had thought the rumors of being a genius as embellishment but this is reliable/promising. What follows are Dr. Paradigm's various situation lines. DP: Be careful, they are coming from the front! DP: Don’t let them approach the gate! DP: Ku, unmanageable… DP: Protect the gate, if they break through, it is over! DP: The right flank! Can you go? DP: Focus on the left flank, it’s the enemy! DP: No, the gate will be breached! DP: I’m reluctant about this but lend me a hand.

Highlight between the stars to read. IZ = Izuna DP = Dr Paradigm ****** IZ: We’re here. Doctor. DP: You brought along a guest. How unusual, Izuna Sol: This guy… a bird? A Gear? DP: Indeed. But a correction. I am a dragon. Not a bird. IZ: Izuna, you IZ: Well, settle down. They are a group of nondangerous Gears. And this guy is a genius spell researcher… Sol: As if so many harmless Gears can exist DP: This is a community of those who, for better or for worse, gained free will after released from Justice’s curse. DP: Living on this isolated island far from human eyes is in order to prevent unnecessary trouble with humans from occuring. You can’t understand that? Sol: A mere bird is the acting leader? DP: That’s dragon! What is with this rude monkey Sol: What about the humanoid ones? DP: There were. But the humanoids did not know how to be sufficient. As many as they increased, they consumed their potential and devoured each other. As a species they were low-level. All of them departed. Sol: Huh, some paradise. DP: Because there are no humanoids. But, certainly, it is not a paradise as it appears Sol: What’s that mean? DP: Rudely visiting, is that the kind of attitude to ask a person of something? Sol: Tch, sorry but we’re in a hurry. Even yakitori (grilled chicken), you’re coming back with us. DP: If you should desire that then first recitfy that behavior. And, I am a dragon. IZ: Being you, you may have already noticed but there are army branches in the Servants. Sol: Army branches… you mean types based on the Servant’s special characteristic IZ: That IZ: Standard soldiers are {circle} Close Soldiers, those excelling in combat are {square} Armored Soldiers, fast moving ones {triangle} Movement Soldier IZ: Each of the three have their strengths and weaknesses IZ: Close Soldiers are good against Movement Soldiers, Armor against Close, Movement against Armor IZ: That three-way deadlock thingy. Take a good look at the Servants the Doctor puts out, if you set an advantageous Servant against them you can aim for a counter! DP: Humph, what use is pretentious shallow knowledge DP: At any rate Izuna, why did you bring this crude man? First off, did you think I would assist with this manner of doing things? IZ: Well, the chain of events went in a bad way, but it’s more or less as you ordered? IZ: His name is Sol. A long time ago he was a scientist called Frederick. DP: What! This is that? I see…fufu, something that literature alone cannot be understood. But if that is the case, I understand. DP: Alright, let me test you to see if you have the qualifications to know the “Conspiracy”. Try and commednably defeat me! DP: Humph, I thought you were simply reckless but that was fairly… DP: I have something I want to ask you, what is the reason you have become so earnest? Loyalty? Patriotism? DP: Or is it that holding a conversation with a beast such as I hurts your self-esteem? Sol: The kig has no time. Even that boy is to the world the last brake. Sol: If he dies, if the unexpected occurs the people who have lost morality will cause a panic Sol: If that happens, it will be the Crusades all over again DP: Hmm~, an exemplary boring answer. But still, interesting. Sol: ? DP: What is this “unexpected”? Sol: Like I know, that “something” that Valentine girl is up to. DP: Not so. You speak of Valentine as a balloon just before it will explode but for simply that to be comparable to the Crusades is ludicrous Sol: …what are you trying to say? DP: You are worried are you not? Whether That Man is again threatening the world Sol: You, what are you DP: Call me Dr Paradigm. An absurd thing to say but a fan of your personal history Sol: Hah? ******

To HA~Kaeverak: 1. No point in hiding this. No, That Man is not Ky nor is Ky That Man. (Redundant I know.) For whatever reason, That Man has a different voice actor than previously (same goes for Sol). WHY, in That Man's case, an obviously younger-sounding voice was used is unknown. Some Japanese fans speculate that there may be some age-regression going on for whatever purpose. Yes, the fan-girl ones. Who else would run out and buy the game and an X-Box on the same day? 2. As for the Cube, I'm still watching and translating from the beginning cut scenes. Most of the end or near endgame stuff I've watched is basically how-to-beat strategy videos so any event movies were skipped over. What the Cube does exactly I do not know but per That Man "If that(Valentine) were to come in contact with the Cube core, I fear it will be humanity's destruction". The resemblance between Justice and the boss in Battle #18 are striking, though it could just as well be the programmers/designers choice to make a nostalgic look as opposed to literal connection to Justice. Again, that's only my conjecture, I haven't come across any story videos of that part of the game yet.

To Akira: Valentine is the primary opponent of Overture. If you mean what is she as in Gear, human, etc, no clue. That Man seems to know but he will not share his knowledge with the rest of us. Don't you just hate him? (The opponent in Battle #18 and #19 is labeled as Valentine though how she came to those states I have yet to know. The black area with lots of Valentines is apparently her stream of consciousness according to Sol.) To Sephi_hatu: I kind of doubt the PWAB is in any capacity any publically recognized organization. Per XX, like I said, Venom's research has pinpointed their presence within the UN, whose influence and power was vastly increased at the end of the Crusades. Ky and Johnny have suspicions, particularly with the bounty issue, that they have their hands within the IPF, which is linked to the UN. They are probably working like the Soshiki/GUILD did in the US, working behind the scenes and manipulating the power players. Heck, the Soshiki, even though it is supposed to be an amorphous secret organization has more people knowing about it than the PAWB. In XX, the only people who knew about the PAWB before the bounty incident was Sol, Slayer, Testament (<-- highly suspect they were behind either his GEAR conversion or his restoration after being destroyed by Kliff the first time as he both was surprised that they are still around and recognizes them by that name, oh and dislikes them more than he dislikes Sol), and Venom.