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Changes: Gaignun Kukai Jr.

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m (→‎Kukai Foundation: He's in his own body, thanks)
m (→‎Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht: Adding images; this is my favorite line honestly)
 
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{{Infobox Character
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{{WIP}}{{Infobox Character
 
|name=Gaignun Kukai Jr.
  
|name=Gaignun Kukai Jr.
 
|characterimage=Rubedo.png
  
|characterimage=Rubedo.png
 
|image_caption=Jr. in ''Xenosaga Episode III''
  
|image_caption=Jr. in ''Xenosaga Episode III''
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|aliases=Jr.<br>Little Master / ちび旦那 <em>chibi-danna</em> (by Elsa crew) / ちび様 <em>chibi-sama</em> (by Durandal crew)<ref>https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/919476-xenosaga-freaks/faqs/50904</ref><br>Director Jr. / Mr. Jr. / Little Dude (by Durandal & Foundation NPCs)<br>U.R.T.V. #666<br>Rubedo (former name which he dislikes)<br>The Red Dragon
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|aliases=Jr.<br>Little Master / ちび旦那 <em>chibi-danna</em> (by ''Elsa'' crew) / ちび様 <em>chibi-sama</em> (by ''Durandal'' crew)<ref>https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/919476-xenosaga-freaks/faqs/50904</ref><br>Director Jr. / Mr. Jr. / Little Dude (by ''Durandal'' & Foundation NPCs)<br>Little Older Brother / ちび兄ちゃん <em>chibi-nīchan</em> (by MOMO, JP only)<ref>https://youtu.be/F53ffRVA9yY?t=1390</ref><br><span class="spoilerblur">U.R.T.V. #666<br>Rubedo / ルベド (former name which he dislikes)<br>The Red Dragon</span>
 
|gender=Male
  
|gender=Male
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|age=26 (I, II)<br>27 (III)<br>(appears 12)
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|age=26 (chronologically) (''I'', ''II'')<br>27 (chronologically) (''III'')
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|species=Human (U.R.T.V.)
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|species=Human <span class="spoilerblur">(U.R.T.V.)</span>
 
|status=Alive
  
|status=Alive
 
|birthdate=[[T.C.]] 4740
  
|birthdate=[[T.C.]] 4740
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|haircolor=Red
  
|haircolor=Red
 
|eyecolor=Blue
  
|eyecolor=Blue
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|occupation=Kukai Foundation director<br>Durandal pilot
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|occupation=Kukai Foundation director<br>''Durandal'' commander
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|voiceactorjp=Eriko Kawasaki
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|voiceactorjp=[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1411712/ Eriko Kawasaki]
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|voiceactoreng=Brianne Siddall<br>Greg Ayres (anime)
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|voiceactoreng=[[wikipedia:Brianne Brozey|Brianne Brozey]] (as Brianne Siddall) <br>[[wikipedia:Greg Ayres|Greg Ayres (anime)]]
 
|imageSize = 250px
  
|imageSize = 250px
 
|appearances = ''[[Xenosaga Episode I]]''<br>''[[Xenosaga Episode II]]<br>[[Xenosaga Episode III]]''<br>''[[Xenosaga: The Animation]]''}}
  
|appearances = ''[[Xenosaga Episode I]]''<br>''[[Xenosaga Episode II]]<br>[[Xenosaga Episode III]]''<br>''[[Xenosaga: The Animation]]''}}
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:—Jr., regarding people transformed into Gnosis}}
  
:—Jr., regarding people transformed into Gnosis}}
   
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'''Gaignun Kukai Jr.''', simply called '''Jr.''' (Junior) and originally named '''Rubedo''', also called '''Number 666''', is a director of the [[Kukai Foundation]], an organization based on [[Second Miltia]]. Jr. is a major playable character in the ''[[Xenosaga]]'' series.
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'''Gaignun Kukai Jr.''' (ガイナン・クーカイ・Jr., ''Gainan Kūkai Jr.''), simply called '''Jr.''' (Junior), is the commander of the ''[[Durandal]]'' and co-director of the [[Kukai Foundation]], which he runs with his co-director, [[Gaignun Kukai]], along with [[Mary Godwin|Mary]] and [[Shelley Godwin]]. Jr. is a major playable character in the ''[[Xenosaga]]'' series.
   
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==Personality==
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He appears to be a child, and is thought by the public to be the adopted son of his fellow director, [[Gaignun Kukai]] (thus his alias, '''Gaignun Kukai Jr.'''). However, he is actually Gaignun's older brother.
  
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Jr. is a polymath and discusses a range of topics including chemistry, history, linguistics, literature, and physics. He's politically savvy and strategic in his decision-making, and his insight regarding the [[Miltian Conflict]] and its lasting impacts proves crucial over the course of the series.
   
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He is an advocate for the residents of the Foundation, most of whom are [[Life Recycling Variant|survivors]] of the [[Life Recycling Act]], and provides them with the stability and support to lead regular lives. Jr. dedicates himself to opposing power-grabs by [[U-TIC Organization|U-TIC]], the [[Salvator Faction]], [[Ormus]], and others who would seek to reduplicate the conditions that led to so much preventable suffering.
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Jr. is a [[U.R.T.V.]], the same as Gaignun and [[Albedo Piazzolla]]. However, that fact is not being divulged to the public. The frenzy of the U.R.T.V.s during the [[Miltian Conflict]] on [[Miltia]] 14 years ago has instilled in the heart of every person a distrust, a fear towards the U.R.T.V.s themselves. It is a past that is difficult to wipe clean. Therefore, Jr. changed his name and had to conceal his origins. Also being within the group called the Kukai Foundation which was established for mutants and by the hand of mutants who are the victims of the [[Life Recycling Act]], he must conceal his true nature. The Miltian Conflict was something that impacts society even up to that degree.
  
   
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Jr. is empathetic and friendly towards those who mean well, but has little tolerance for cruelty. Seeing others mistreated angers him, and in difficult situations, he uses a lot of profanity.
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== Personality ==
  
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While Jr. looks like a child, and can act rashly, he is capable of making tough decisions and cutting observations. He also uses a lot of profanity.
  
   
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He has a fondness for antique guns, action movies, and collecting classic novels and literature, including ''[[wikipedia:Robinson Crusoe|Robinson Crusoe]]'', ''[[wikipedia:The Wonderful Wizard of Oz|The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea|Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea]]''.
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He has a fondness for antique guns, action movies, and collecting classic novels and literature.
   
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Jr.'s easygoing attitude masks his emotional trauma and guilt. He feels that he abandoned his siblings, [[Albedo Piazzolla]] and the standard U.R.T.V.s, during the Miltian Conflict and left them to die. As the leader, he holds himself responsible for their safety and protection.
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[[File:MOMOJr.png|thumb|left|250px|MOMO comforting a crying Jr..]]
  
   
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Jr.'s youthful looks mask his emotional trauma and guilt. He feels he abandoned [[Albedo Piazzolla]] and the U.R.T.V.s during the Miltian Conflict, leaving hundreds of them to die. The U.R.T.V.s were Jr.'s brothers and Jr. was the leader responsible for their safety and protection. Because of the emotional pain, Jr. halted his growth. Jr. dislikes being called Rubedo because it brings back painful memories for him. He also has the stigma of being a U.R.T.V. and doesn't want to be thought of as a "monster", as the U.R.T.V.s assaulted Miltians civilizations during the Miltian Conflict. Finally, Shelley in ''Episode I'' speculates Jr.'s "lust for conquest and absolute power and the desire to have a really big gun" is probably a result of Jr.'s probable complex about his height.
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Jr. dislikes being called "Rubedo" because it brings back painful memories of the Yuriev Institute he'd rather leave in his past. It also carries the stigma of outing him as a U.R.T.V., and he doesn't want to be thought of as a "monster", as the infected U.R.T.V.s assaulted civilians during the Miltian Conflict.
   
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=== Guns ===
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===Books===
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During the story, Jr. references a variety of literary works, including ''[[wikipedia:King_Lear|King Lear]]''<ref>XSI: ''I wonder…does that lake of darkness where Nero does his fishing look something like this?''</ref>, ''[[wikipedia:Robinson Crusoe|Robinson Crusoe]]''{{cite}}, ''[[wikipedia:The Wonderful Wizard of Oz|The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]''<ref>XSI: ''It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her… She felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle…''</ref> ''[[wikipedia:Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea|Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea]]''{{cite}}, and ''[[wikipedia:Moby-Dick|Moby-Dick]]''<ref>XSII: ''"Wow! Just look at this place, chaos! It's perfect! It feels just like the Pequod, doesn't it?''</ref>. He tells Mary that reading a paper book helps him get to sleep. The stylized "Jr." on the back of his coat for his ''Episode II'' outfit is reminiscent of [[wikipedia:J.R.R. Tolkien|J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s [http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/File:JRRT.jpeg monogram].
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Jr. donates rare copies of paper books to the residents of the Foundation for them to enjoy in personal collections, even though the value of them is enough to "easily buy a large cruiser" if sold on the antique market.<ref>Xenosaga I, NPC on the Foundation</ref> When visiting [[Jin Uzuki]]'s house/bookstore on [[Second Miltia]], he's wowed by the wooden construction and antique nature of the building and Jin's collection. He remarks that it's too bad that Gaignun, who's busy with preparations for [[MOMO]]'s analysis the following day, isn't there to see it. Jr. selects a stack of books almost too large for him to carry on his own that he intends to purchase.
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[[File:Song2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Art of Jr. and Ziggy protecting MOMO as Albedo looms in the background with the Song of Nephilim.]]
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===Guns===
 
[[File:JrGun.gif|thumb|250px|Jr. is a gunplay master.]]
  
[[File:JrGun.gif|thumb|250px|Jr. is a gunplay master.]]
   
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Because of his hobbies Jr. is a master of gunplay, especially with pistols and enjoys fighting akimbo. At the beginning of ''[[Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht|Xenosaga Episode I]]'', Jr. carries a pair of Rook Company pistols. However later, and in ''[[Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse|Episode II]]'' he wields two antique [[wikipedia:Makarov pistol|Makarov]] pistols, which are mistranslated as "Makalov" in the English version likely due to the lack of the "r" in Japanese. The Pistolet Makarov was originally a soviet built pistol, taken from designs acquired from the [[wikipedia:Nazi Germany|Third Reich]] at the end of [[wikipedia:World War II|World War II]]. The Makarov is a 9x18mm caliber. The background story is that this gun, which Gaignun acquired at a "Lion's Heart" auction ("Sotheby's" in the Japanese dialogue), was made by the former Soviet Union as a gift to a foreign VIP. Gaignun, however, didn't know that Jr. had already purchased an [[wikipedia:SPP-1 underwater pistol|SPP-1]] at another auction.<ref>Xenosaga I database, entry #129, ''PM''.</ref>
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Jr. is a master of gunplay, especially with pistols, and enjoys fighting akimbo. At the beginning of ''[[Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht|Xenosaga Episode I]]'', Jr. carries a pair of Rook Company pistols. Later, however, and in ''[[Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse|Episode II]]'' he wields two antique [[wikipedia:Makarov pistol|Makarov]] pistols, which are mistranslated as "Makalov" in the English version, likely due to the lack of the "r" in Japanese.
   
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The Pistolet Makarov (Пистолет Макарова) is automatic pistol made in the former USSR. It was issued to the Soviet army in 1951, replacing the Tokarev TT1933. It uses a 9x18mm round, which is slower and therefore packs less penetrating power than the older Tokarevs. It holds eight rounds in the cartridge plus one in the chamber. The background story is that this gun, which Gaignun acquired at a "Lion's Heart" auction ([[wikipedia:Sotheby's|"Sotheby's"]] in the Japanese dialogue), was made by the former Soviet Union as a gift to a foreign VIP. Gaignun, however, didn't know that Jr. had already purchased an [[wikipedia:SPP-1 underwater pistol|SPP-1]] at another auction.<ref>Xenosaga I database, entry #129, ''PM''.</ref>
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==Background==
  
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===Childhood===
  
   
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In ''[[Xenosaga_I_%26_II|Xenosaga I & II]]'', Gaignun gets caught up in a bidding war to win the Makarov for Jr., and continues to outbid the competitor even as the price skyrockets, rationalizing it to himself that in the future, others will see the bid history and back off before even attempting to win against him. What he doesn't realize is that his opponent is Mary Godwin, who was also trying to win the Makarov for Jr., but can't justify the cost.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20200208141404/yzak.nu/cfud/xenosaga/ds.html</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/k7mssukc_LE?list=PLuCV3lOrazdn3C2KQKR-IVR67K52hOwK3&t=823</ref>
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Rubedo was a survivor of the [[U.R.T.V.]] (U-DO Retro Virus) unit created by the scientist [[Dmitri Yuriev]] to combat [[U-DO]], a mysterious waveform that threatened to destroy the galaxy. Rubedo's unit number as a U.R.T.V. was 666. He possesses the unique abilities of all U.R.T.V.s, including telepathy and various telekinetic powers.
  
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In ''[[Xenosaga_Outer_File|Xenosaga: Outer File]]'', MOMO gives Jr. a holster for the SPP-1 as a gift<ref>https://youtu.be/KV3IkHtDCWk?list=PL7H6QPIXwbUSENLm8r-1Odf1RDadjB74g&t=104</ref>, which he straps to his heel. When U-TIC takes him hostage, they search him and confiscate his Magnums, but the SPP-1 on his leg goes undetected. The SPP-1 is an underwater pistol, which helps him escape from [[Richard]] and [[Hermann]]'s attempt to drown him.<ref>https://mei-shu.livejournal.com/2373.html#cutid1</ref>
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  ⚫
==Background==
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===Yuriev Institute===
   
  ⚫
Jr. was a survivor of the [[U.R.T.V.]] (U-DO Retro Virus) units created by the scientist [[Dmitri Yuriev]] to combat [[U-DO]], a mysterious waveform that Yuriev claimed posed a threat to humanity. Jr.'s unit number as a U.R.T.V. was 666. He possesses the unique abilities of all U.R.T.V.s, including telepathy and various telekinetic powers.
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[[File:Regenerate|thumb|250px|Rubedo watches Albedo's suicide.]]
  
   
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However, despite being a "[[Designer Children|Designer Child]]", he was born with his twin brother, [[Albedo Piazzolla]], attached to him through the heart. Albedo's heart was attached to Rubedo's back until the 28th week. This problem that was remedied when they were separated, though Rubedo could still sense Albedo's heartbeat. Albedo defended Jr. from the bullying of the non-variant U.R.T.V.s, as they considered Rubedo a "monster" for being different. Albedo was horrified when he learned Jr. could die.
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However, despite being a "[[Designer Children|Designer Child]]", he was born a conjoined twin, and [[Albedo Piazzolla|Albedo Piazolla's]] heart was attached through Jr.'s back until they were separated at the 28th week.
   
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He is the strongest U.R.T.V., vessel to a power none of the others possess, including the other variants, and reputed to have the one perfect anti-U-DO wavelength, and was therefore made their leader. Although to date he hardly uses his unique powers compared to his living brothers instead preferring to fight with his guns or machines, Albedo states that Rubedo is weaker than he was before either indicating a lax in training or that he himself has become much stronger. A bit of both but more the former. Rubedo, while his formerly conjoined twin brother was called Albedo, U.R.T.V. #667. The last brother was Nigredo, who later became known as Gaignun Kukai.
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He is the strongest U.R.T.V., vessel to a power none of the others possess, including the other variants, and reputed to have the one perfect anti-U-DO wavelength, and was therefore made their leader.
   
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[[File:Xenosaga Episode II HD Cutscene 39 - Two Classes of U.R.T.V.s - ENGLISH|thumb|250px|Albedo defending Rubedo from the U.R.T.V.s]]
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[[File:Xenosaga Episode II HD Cutscene 39 - Two Classes of U.R.T.V.s - ENGLISH|thumb|250px|Albedo and Gaignun reassure Jr. they support him after the standard U.R.T.V.s criticize him.]]
   
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[[Juli Mizrahi]] requested Rubedo to dive into her daughter [[Sakura Mizrahi|Sakura]]'s subconscious domain and clear the [[U.M.N.]] and U-DO pulses that seemed to resonate within her mind. The boys made a mistake with their coordinates and ended up materializing in her closet. After breaking down the closet door because Albedo became frightened of the dark, the three stumbled into her bedroom and woke Sakura, a projection of inner self that could respond to them and talk.
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[[Juli Mizrahi]] requested Jr. to dive into her daughter [[Sakura Mizrahi|Sakura]]'s subconscious domain and clear the [[U.M.N.]] and U-DO pulses that seemed to resonate within her mind. The boys made a mistake with their coordinates and ended up materializing in her closet. After breaking down the closet door because Albedo became frightened of the dark, the three stumbled into her bedroom and woke Sakura, a projection of inner self that could respond to them and talk.
   
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[[File:Sakura and Rubedo|thumb|250px|left|Rubedo makes a promise to Sakura.]]
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[[File:Sakura and Rubedo|thumb|250px|left|Jr. makes a promise to Sakura to protect her mother and sister.]]
   
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When Rubedo tried to push his brothers back into the closet so they could leave and reenter her consciousness correctly, she spoke, surprising the trio and herself as they could hear her voice, and began to cry of joy. She and the boys talked for a short while, and she told Rubedo to tell her mother, who could not dive into her daughter's consciousness, that she loved her, and the boys left. It was during these tests that Sakura met Rubedo and fell in love with him. Sakura is one of Rubedo's deepest personal connections. Rubedo promised Sakura that he would take care of MOMO for her. Rubedo also learned to play the harmonica so he could play music with Sakura's piano lessons.
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When Jr. tried to push his brothers back into the closet so they could leave and reenter her consciousness correctly, she spoke, surprising the trio and herself as they could hear her voice, and began to cry of joy. She and the boys talked for a short while, and she told Jr. to tell her mother, who could not dive into her daughter's consciousness, that she loved her, and the boys left. It was during these tests that Sakura met Jr. and fell in love with him. Sakura is one of Jr.'s closest personal connections. Jr. promised Sakura that he would take care of MOMO and Juli for her. Jr. also learned to play the harmonica so he could play music with Sakura's piano lessons.
   
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=== Militan Conflict ===
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===Militan Conflict===
 
[[File:Dive Into MOMO's Subconcious|thumb|250px|Jr. cuts the spiritual link to ignore U-DO.]]
  
[[File:Dive Into MOMO's Subconcious|thumb|250px|Jr. cuts the spiritual link to ignore U-DO.]]
   
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During the [[Miltian Conflict]] on [[Miltia]], Rubedo and the other U.R.T.V.s fought against U-DO before the planet's disappearance into the void. As leader of the U.R.T.V.s, Rubedo was responsible for keeping them connected through a spiritual link, which would protect them from U-DO's destructive powers.
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During the [[Miltian Conflict]] on [[Miltia]], Jr. and the other U.R.T.V.s fought against U-DO before the planet's disappearance into the void. As leader of the U.R.T.V.s, Jr. was responsible for keeping them connected through a spiritual link, which would protect them from U-DO's destructive powers.
   
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[[File:RubedoNigredo.gif|thumb|250px|Rubedo carrying an injured Nigredo in the Miltian Conflict.]]
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[[File:RubedoNigredo.gif|thumb|250px|Jr. carrying an injured Gaignun in the Miltian Conflict.]]
   
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A moment before the U.R.T.V.s were to destroy U-DO, Rubedo had a hellish vision of the Miltian planet being destroyed and obliterated when something monstrous emerged from within. Rubedo, fearing for the lives of his companions, broke the Spiritual Link, leaving the other U.R.T.V.s with no protection against U-DO. U-DO slew or drove mad all of the standard U.R.T.V.s, as well as Albedo during the fighting.
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A moment before the U.R.T.V.s were to destroy U-DO, Jr. had a hellish vision of the Miltian planet being destroyed and obliterated when something monstrous emerged from within. Jr., fearing for the lives of his companions, broke the Spiritual Link, leaving the other U.R.T.V.s with no protection against U-DO. U-DO slew or drove mad all of the standard U.R.T.V.s, as well as Albedo during the fighting.
   
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Rubedo carried an injured Nigredo several minutes before [[Canaan]] and [[chaos]] rescued the U.R.T.V. duo on the [[E.S.]] [[E.S. Asher|Asher]]. Therefore, the only documented surviving U.R.T.V.s were Nigredo and Rubedo, though Albedo survived as well. U.R.T.V. [[Citrine|#668 Citrine]] secretly survived the Miltian Conflict as well.
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Jr. carried an injured Gaignun several minutes before [[Canaan]] and [[chaos]] rescued the U.R.T.V. duo on the [[E.S.]] [[E.S. Asher|Asher]]. Therefore, the only documented surviving U.R.T.V.s were Gaignun and Jr., though Albedo survived as well. U.R.T.V. [[Citrine|#668 Citrine]] secretly survived the Miltian Conflict as well.
   
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=== Kukai Foundation ===
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===Kukai Foundation===
 
[[File:Kukai_foundation.jpg|thumb|250px|The Kukai Foundation.]]
  
[[File:Kukai_foundation.jpg|thumb|250px|The Kukai Foundation.]]
   
 
"Kukai" was a fictional persona created by the Second Miltian government as a means to pool their special operation funds. Following the Miltian Conflict and Helmer's rescue of Nigredo and Rubedo, they took on the Kukai surname to justify and establish the Kukai Foundation, and became Gaignun Kukai and Gaignun Kukai Jr., respectively. This also allowed the U.R.T.V. units to live their lives more normally.
  
"Kukai" was a fictional persona created by the Second Miltian government as a means to pool their special operation funds. Following the Miltian Conflict and Helmer's rescue of Nigredo and Rubedo, they took on the Kukai surname to justify and establish the Kukai Foundation, and became Gaignun Kukai and Gaignun Kukai Jr., respectively. This also allowed the U.R.T.V. units to live their lives more normally.
   
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Jr. halted his cellular growth as a result of the trauma, an ability he had due to being a U.R.T.V. By the time of ''Episode I'', Jr. is a 26-year-old man who appears the same as he did when he was twelve, which results in him frequently being mistaken for a child. NPCs on the Foundation and ''Durandal'' have various commentary to this effect, with some acknowledging him as an adult and affording him that level of respect, and others patronizing him and telling the other party members that he should be disciplined or told to study.
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Jr. involuntarily halted his cellular growth as a result of the trauma, an ability he had due to being a U.R.T.V. By the time of ''Episode I'', Jr. is a 26-year-old man who appears the same as he did when he was twelve, which results in him frequently being mistaken for a child. NPCs on the Foundation and ''Durandal'' have various commentary to this effect, with some acknowledging him as an adult and affording him that level of respect, and others [[Vilmos|patronizing him]] and telling the other party members that he should be disciplined or told to study.
   
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== ''Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht'' ==
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==''Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht''==
 
[[File:xenosaga82191101.png|thumb|right|250px|Jr. in ''Xenosaga Episode I''.]]
  
[[File:xenosaga82191101.png|thumb|right|250px|Jr. in ''Xenosaga Episode I''.]]
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Jr. is first seen investigating the disappearance of planet [[Ariadne]] but finds nothing. Later, Jr. investigates the abandoned [[Woglinde]] for any signs of the [[Zohar Emulator]]. There, Jr. is attacked by the [[U-TIC Organization]]. After finding no signs of the Emulator, Jr. returns to the [[Durandal]] where a battle commences with U-TIC. Jr. and [[Mary Godwin]] infilitrate the U-TIC battleship and escape with a significant amount of U-TIC information.
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Jr. is first seen investigating the disappearance of planet [[Ariadne]] but finds nothing. Later, Jr. investigates the abandoned [[Woglinde]] for any signs of the [[Zohar Emulator]]. There, Jr. is attacked by the [[U-TIC Organization]]. After finding no signs of the Emulator, Jr. returns to the ''[[Durandal]]'' where a battle commences with U-TIC. Jr. and Mary Godwin infilitrate the U-TIC battleship and escape with a significant amount of U-TIC information.
   
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The [[Elsa]] and the party are rescued by Jr. and the Durandal, which was passing by in search for the Emulator. Jr. meets [[chaos]], [[Allen Ridgeley]], [[Shion Uzuki]], [[MOMO Mizrahi]], [[Ziggy]] and [[KOS-MOS]]. Jr. apprehends the Zohar Emulator from the destroyed [[Cathedral Ship]] and explains that he now has the twelve Emulators created by scientist [[Joachim Mizrahi]] (MOMO's creator). However, Emulators are only contain a fraction of the power that is housed by the Original [[Zohar]], trapped on Old Miltia.
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The ''[[Elsa]]'' and the party are rescued by Jr. and the ''Durandal'', which was passing by in search for the Emulator. Jr. meets [[chaos]], [[Allen Ridgeley]], [[Shion Uzuki]], MOMO Mizrahi, [[Ziggy]] and [[KOS-MOS]]. Jr. apprehends the Zohar Emulator from the destroyed [[Cathedral Ship]] and explains that he now has the twelve Emulators created by scientist [[Joachim Mizrahi]] (MOMO's creator). However, Emulators are only contain a fraction of the power that is housed by the Original [[Zohar]], trapped on Old Miltia.
   
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Jr. takes them back to the Kukai Foundation, where the party is introduced to Jr.'s fellow U.R.T.V. unit, Gaignun Kukai. Eventually, the [[Galaxy Federation]] places charges on the Kukai Foundation for the destruction of the Woglinde, due to some manipulation by U-TIC officials and insiders. In order to prove innocence, Shion Uzuki leads a dive into the [[Encephalon]] to find KOS-MOS' black box, which will prove that the [[Gnosis]] were responsible.
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Jr. takes them back to the Kukai Foundation, where the party is introduced to Jr.'s co-director, Gaignun Kukai. Eventually, the [[Galaxy Federation]] places charges on the Kukai Foundation for the destruction of the Woglinde, due to some manipulation by U-TIC officials and insiders. In order to prove innocence, Shion Uzuki leads a dive into the [[Encephalon]] to find KOS-MOS' black box, which will prove that the [[Gnosis]] were responsible.
   
 
[[File:Xenosaga Episode I HD Cutscene 109 - Shion and Jr.'s Nightmare - ENGLISH|thumb|250px|Shion's and Jr.'s painful memories.]]
  
[[File:Xenosaga Episode I HD Cutscene 109 - Shion and Jr.'s Nightmare - ENGLISH|thumb|250px|Shion's and Jr.'s painful memories.]]
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On the [[Proto Merkabah]], Albedo gets Jr. to admit his guilt for abandoning the U.R.T.V.s during the Miltian Conflict. Albedo reminds Jr. of what he did to his comrades during the conflict when he 'broke the link', showing a brief scene of Jr. holding his head with an aura around him that sends the standard U.R.T.V. units flying. This differs from the events stated in ''Episode II'' but it was most likely due to the change in story writer. He fights Jr. and the others personally, but he is defeated after a battle. He reveals to the group his motive: To make Jr. pay for abandoning him and the other U.R.T.V.s fourteen years ago.
  
On the [[Proto Merkabah]], Albedo gets Jr. to admit his guilt for abandoning the U.R.T.V.s during the Miltian Conflict. Albedo reminds Jr. of what he did to his comrades during the conflict when he 'broke the link', showing a brief scene of Jr. holding his head with an aura around him that sends the standard U.R.T.V. units flying. This differs from the events stated in ''Episode II'' but it was most likely due to the change in story writer. He fights Jr. and the others personally, but he is defeated after a battle. He reveals to the group his motive: To make Jr. pay for abandoning him and the other U.R.T.V.s fourteen years ago.
   
−
Albedo then reveals [[Sophie Peithos]], a fusion of Proto Merkabah's core and the Gnosis absorbed by the space station. Albedo leaves Jr. to fight this massive beast, and returns to his E.S. Simeon in space. He watches from afar as the space colony plunges toward Second Miltia on a crash course, due to Sophie Peithos' defeat. He watches as the group escapes on the Elsa, and Proto Merkabah self-destructs.
 +
Albedo then reveals [[Sophie Peithos]], a fusion of Proto Merkabah's core and the Gnosis absorbed by the space station. Albedo leaves Jr. to fight this massive beast, and returns to his E.S. Simeon in space. He watches from afar as the space colony plunges toward Second Miltia on a crash course, due to Sophie Peithos' defeat. He watches as the group escapes on the ''Elsa'', and Proto Merkabah self-destructs.
   
−
== ''Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse'' ==
 +
==''Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse''==
 
[[Image:Jr2.png|left|thumb|200px|Jr. in ''Xenosaga Episode II''.]]
  
[[Image:Jr2.png|left|thumb|200px|Jr. in ''Xenosaga Episode II''.]]
 
On Second Miltia, on the way to Juli Mizrahi to return MOMO Mizrahi, Jr., MOMO, Ziggy, and chaos are chased by U-TIC operatives wishing to capture MOMO once again. However, the attacks are thwarted.
  
On Second Miltia, on the way to Juli Mizrahi to return MOMO Mizrahi, Jr., MOMO, Ziggy, and chaos are chased by U-TIC operatives wishing to capture MOMO once again. However, the attacks are thwarted.
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Eventually, both Jr. and Shion's parties are reunited during MOMO's analysis of the Y-Data via the U.M.N. During the analysis, Albedo gains control and dives into MOMO's subconscious via the Encephalon. The party follows.
  
Eventually, both Jr. and Shion's parties are reunited during MOMO's analysis of the Y-Data via the U.M.N. During the analysis, Albedo gains control and dives into MOMO's subconscious via the Encephalon. The party follows.
   
−
[[File:Yet Another Trap|thumb|right|250px|Albedo tormenting Jr. in the Encephalon.]]
 +
[[File:Yet Another Trap|thumb|right|250px|Albedo assaulting Jr. in the Encephalon.]]
   
−
Jr. experiences the history behind the U.R.T.V. units at the Yuriev Institute, which include him, Albedo, Gaignun Kukai, and Citrine, as well as his relationship with Sakura Mizrahi. However, the party is too late; Albedo manages to unlock the safeguard on the Y-Data and open up Old Miltia.
 +
Jr. experiences the history behind the U.R.T.V. units at the Yuriev Institute, which include him, Albedo, Citrine, and Gaignun, as well as his relationship with Sakura Mizrahi. However, the party is too late; Albedo manages to unlock the safeguard on the Y-Data and open up Old Miltia.
   
 
Jr. pilots E.S. Asher with chaos as co-pilot.
  
Jr. pilots E.S. Asher with chaos as co-pilot.
   
−
On the Durandal, Jr. receives a video chat with his father. Yuriev reveals that Albedo is going to attempt to contact U-DO again, and orders Jr. to prevent this from occurring by "eliminating the target". Jr. claims that he will make Albedo pay, but not by killing him. Yuriev seems satisfied with this answer and awaits Jr.'s results.
+
On the ''Durandal'', Jr. receives a video chat with his father. Yuriev reveals that Albedo is going to attempt to contact U-DO again, and orders Jr. to prevent this from occurring by "eliminating the target". Jr. claims that he will make Albedo pay, but not by killing him. Yuriev seems satisfied with this answer and awaits Jr.'s results.
   
 
Eventually, Shion and her allies enter the [[Ω System|Omega System]] and confront the [[Sergius XVII|Patriarch Sergius XVII]], who is also confronted by a dying Albedo. The Testaments defeat the Patriarch and revive Albedo so that he can morph Miltian space into a space-time anomaly.
  
Eventually, Shion and her allies enter the [[Ω System|Omega System]] and confront the [[Sergius XVII|Patriarch Sergius XVII]], who is also confronted by a dying Albedo. The Testaments defeat the Patriarch and revive Albedo so that he can morph Miltian space into a space-time anomaly.
   
−
[[File:Xenosaga Episode II HD Cutscene 81 - Illusions in the Space-Time Anomaly - ENGLISH|thumb|250px|Albedo taunts Jr. within the anomaly.]]
 +
[[File:Xenosaga Episode II HD Cutscene 81 - Illusions in the Space-Time Anomaly - ENGLISH|thumb|250px|Albedo torments Jr. within the anomaly.]]
   
 
Jr. enters this anomaly, hoping to put a stop to Albedo's madness. Albedo manipulates the anomaly to taunt Jr., showing him revised memories to make Jr. hate him. Albedo constantly dared Jr. to kill him because wanted to die. He claimed that Jr. was the only one who could kill him. Despite Sakura's sacrificing herself to save him, Albedo told Jr. that he killed Sakura, hoping he would become angry enough to kill him, but his false claim was dismissed. Just before Jr. almost unleashes Red Dragon mode, "Sakura" appears and comforts him, preventing his power from being unleashed.
  
Jr. enters this anomaly, hoping to put a stop to Albedo's madness. Albedo manipulates the anomaly to taunt Jr., showing him revised memories to make Jr. hate him. Albedo constantly dared Jr. to kill him because wanted to die. He claimed that Jr. was the only one who could kill him. Despite Sakura's sacrificing herself to save him, Albedo told Jr. that he killed Sakura, hoping he would become angry enough to kill him, but his false claim was dismissed. Just before Jr. almost unleashes Red Dragon mode, "Sakura" appears and comforts him, preventing his power from being unleashed.
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As the space-time anomaly crumbles, Albedo warns Jr. to beware Gaignun's shadow. Although Albedo, fused with U-DO, could have simply annihilated himself, he specifically chose Jr. to use the Red Dragon Mode to destroy him. Jr. becomes confused and upset. However, an incarnation of Sakura appears and comforts him, but her image is quickly replaced by chaos. It is possible that this incarnation of Sakura was an illusion created by chaos to assist Jr.
  
As the space-time anomaly crumbles, Albedo warns Jr. to beware Gaignun's shadow. Although Albedo, fused with U-DO, could have simply annihilated himself, he specifically chose Jr. to use the Red Dragon Mode to destroy him. Jr. becomes confused and upset. However, an incarnation of Sakura appears and comforts him, but her image is quickly replaced by chaos. It is possible that this incarnation of Sakura was an illusion created by chaos to assist Jr.
   
−
Back on the Durandal, Jr. reunites with a relieved and happy MOMO. Jr. reveals to Mary that he adopted a new albino dog named [[Alby]].
 +
Back on the ''Durandal'', Jr. reunites with a relieved and happy MOMO. Jr. reveals to Mary that he adopted a new albino dog named [[Alby]].
   
−
== ''Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra'' ==
 +
==''Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra''==
 
Jr. continues to work with Jin Uzuki and some of the gang behind the scenes to investigate [[Ormus]].
  
Jr. continues to work with Jin Uzuki and some of the gang behind the scenes to investigate [[Ormus]].
   
−
A huge mysterious asteroid/landmass appeared in space. Jr. together with MOMO and the Elsa departs to investigate it. Like in ''Episode II'', Jr. also pilots E.S. Asher with chaos as co-pilot. When they arrived at the area, they were attacked by [[Margulis]] in his [[E.S. Levi]]. During the battle, the Elsa was damaged and crash-landed on the asteroid, which Margulis refers to as [[Rennes-le-Château]]. At this moment, a hypersphere of energy erupted from the landmass. Jr. and gang barely managed to escape to the Durandal. The hypersphere wraps around the landmass, trapping the Elsa in it.
 +
A huge mysterious asteroid/landmass appeared in space. Jr. together with MOMO and the ''Elsa'' departs to investigate it. Like in ''Episode II'', Jr. also pilots E.S. Asher with chaos as co-pilot. When they arrived at the area, they were attacked by [[Margulis]] in his [[E.S. Levi]]. During the battle, the ''Elsa'' was damaged and crash-landed on the asteroid, which Margulis refers to as [[Rennes-le-Château]]. At this moment, a hypersphere of energy erupted from the landmass. Jr. and gang barely managed to escape to the ''Durandal''. The hypersphere wraps around the landmass, trapping the ''Elsa'' in it.
   
 
[[File: Xenosaga Episode III - Chapter 4 - An Unknown Forest - Joining Up with Jr.|thumb|250px|Jr. accidentally ambushes Shion.]]
  
[[File: Xenosaga Episode III - Chapter 4 - An Unknown Forest - Joining Up with Jr.|thumb|250px|Jr. accidentally ambushes Shion.]]
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Jr. supports Shion and the group during their time in "Old Miltia".
  
Jr. supports Shion and the group during their time in "Old Miltia".
   
−
In the [[Merkabah]], Jr. has a conversation with [[Sellers]], and Sellers reveals that Gaignun/Nigredo is the vessel for Dmitri Yuriev, that Citrine's and Nigredo's roles were to destroy Rubedo, and that Yuriev's forces are infiltrating the Durandal for the Zohar Emulators.
 +
In the [[Merkabah]], Jr. has a conversation with [[Sellers]], and Sellers reveals that Gaignun is the vessel for Dmitri Yuriev, that Citrine's and Gaignun's roles were to destroy Jr., and that Yuriev's forces are infiltrating the ''Durandal'' for the Zohar Emulators.
   
−
[[File:Dmitri Yuriev (Durandal Isolation Hangar)|thumb|250px|Jr. confronting his father about the emulators.]]
 +
[[File:Dmitri Yuriev (Durandal Isolation Hangar)|thumb|250px|Jr. confronting his father about the emulators.|left]]
   
−
Eventually, Dmitri Yuriev takes over Gaignun Kukai. Dmitri and the Federation forces attacked and boarded the Durandal. All the crew were killed except for Mary Godwin and Shelley Godwin, who both held the Arbiter code that seals off the Zohar emulators on board the Durandal. The team returned to the Durandal but was too late to stop Yuriev, who succeed in activating the Zohar emulators. The team were also forced to kill Citrine, much to Jr.'s despair. The team just about managed to escape from the Durandal before it was rammed into [[Abel's Ark]], transforming the Ark.
+
Eventually, Dmitri Yuriev takes over Gaignun Kukai. Dmitri and the Federation forces attack and board the ''Durandal'', killing all the crew except for Mary Godwin and Shelley Godwin, who both held the Arbiter code that seals off the Zohar emulators on board. The team returns to the ''Durandal'', but were too late to stop Yuriev, who succeeds in activating the Zohar emulators. The team are also forced to fight and kill Citrine, much to Jr.'s despair.
   
 
[[File:Abel's Ark|thumb|right|250px|Gaignun sacrifices himself to stop Dmitri Yuriev.]]
  
[[File:Abel's Ark|thumb|right|250px|Gaignun sacrifices himself to stop Dmitri Yuriev.]]
   
  +
The team barely manages to escape from the ''Durandal'' before it rammed into [[Abel's Ark]], transforming the Ark. Determined to stop his father, Jr. leads the team into the Ark and together, they defeat Yuriev.
−
Determined to stop his father, Jr. led the team into the Ark and defeated Yuriev. At the final moment, the White Testament appeared and revealed himself as Albedo. Albedo draws out the Zohar and Abel and sent them away. Together with Jr., they linked up to try to absorb Gaignun (Nigredo)'s will into Jr.'s mind to save him. However, sensing Albedo's wish (that is to kill Nigredo, who was created to kill the Red Dragon, Rubedo aka Jr.), Nigredo forced himself into Albedo's body and transferred Albedo's mind into Jr. Nigredo sacrificed himself and perished together with Dmitri Yuriev. Albedo finally fulfill his wish of psychically linking with Jr. and disappeared into Jr.'s consciousness. Just before Albedo disappeared, he informed Jr. that the Zohar and Abel was sent to the planet [[Michtam]]. The team left for Michtam in the Elsa, in which its space was currently engulfed in a fierce battle by the Ormus fleet and the Gnosis.
 
  +
  +
At the final moment, the White Testament appears, revealing himself to be Albedo. He draws out the Zohar and Abel and sends them away. Together with Jr., they link up to try to absorb Gaignun's will into Jr.'s mind, in order to save him. However, sensing Albedo's wish to kill Gaignun, who was created to kill the 'Red Dragon', aka Jr., Gaignun transfers himself into Albedo's body instead, and transfers Albedo's mind into Jr. Gaignun then sacrifices himself, perishing together with Dmitri Yuriev.
  +
  +
Having finally fulfilled his wish of psychically linking with Jr., Albedo disappears into Jr.'s consciousness. Just before he completely disappears, Albedo informs Jr. that the Zohar and Abel were sent to the planet [[Michtam]]. The team depart in the ''Elsa'' and set their course for Michtam, which was currently engulfed in a fierce battle by the Ormus fleet and the Gnosis.
   
 
[[File:Mission.png|thumb|250px|Jr., Shion and Allen embark on a journey to find Lost Jerusalem.]]
  
[[File:Mission.png|thumb|250px|Jr., Shion and Allen embark on a journey to find Lost Jerusalem.]]
−
At the end of the game, Jr. is opposed to [[Kevin Winnicot|Kevin Winnicot's]] and [[Wilhelm|Wilhelm's]] plan of [[Eternal Recurrence]]. After stopping [[Zarathustra]], Jr., Shion and Allen, together with the Elsa, set off to look for [[Lost Jerusalem]], the lost homeland of humanity.
 +
At the end of the game, Jr. is opposed to [[Kevin Winnicot|Kevin Winnicot's]] and [[Wilhelm|Wilhelm's]] plan of [[Eternal Recurrence]]. After stopping [[Zarathustra]], Jr., Shion and Allen, together with the ''Elsa'', set off to look for [[Lost Jerusalem]], the lost homeland of humanity.
   
 
==Etymology and influences==
  
==Etymology and influences==
−
[[File:Jr.'s Theme (Xenosaga Episode 2-Bouns Track)|thumb|250px|Theme of Jr.]]
 +
[[File:Jr.'s Theme (Xenosaga Episode 2-Bouns Track)|thumb|250px|Theme of Jr.|left]]
 
[[File:Jr. 2 (Xenosaga Episode 2)|thumb|250px|Theme of Jr.]]
  
[[File:Jr. 2 (Xenosaga Episode 2)|thumb|250px|Theme of Jr.]]
   
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The name "Rubedo" refers to the philosophic beliefs of Carl Jung, who believed that the process of self-realization has three major steps, which he named using terms derived from alchemy, which he studied prior to developing his theories. These three steps are known as Negredo, the death of the old, perceived self, Albedo, the discovering of one’s inner identity, and Rubedo, the process of living a self-aware life who has achieved wholeness.
  
The name "Rubedo" refers to the philosophic beliefs of Carl Jung, who believed that the process of self-realization has three major steps, which he named using terms derived from alchemy, which he studied prior to developing his theories. These three steps are known as Negredo, the death of the old, perceived self, Albedo, the discovering of one’s inner identity, and Rubedo, the process of living a self-aware life who has achieved wholeness.
   
  +
[[File:XS Manga v2 pg89 chaos.jpg|250px|thumb|chaos calls to Jr. in the Cathedral Ship in ''Xenosaga: The Manga''.]]
⚫
Jr.'s new name after the Miltian Conflict switched from Rubedo to Gaignun Kukai. Jr. and Gaignun both raised a [[Gaignun (cat)|cat]] named Gaignun, which is the origin of their aliases. Gaignun also shares his name with the Frankish military leader [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland Roland]'s horse.
 
  +
  +
Jr.'s name is written "Jr." in the Japanese version of the games, as well as official reference books such as ''Xenosaga I Official Design Materials'', although occasionally it's written out in katakana as ジュニア (''Junia'').
  +
  ⚫
Jr.'s new name after the Miltian Conflict switched from Rubedo to Gaignun Kukai Jr. Both Jr. and Gaignun raised a [[Gaignun (cat)|cat]] named Gaignun, who is the origin of their aliases. Gaignun also shares his name with the Frankish military leader [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland Roland]'s horse.
   
 
Kukai is also the name of a [[wikipedia:Kūkai|famous Japanese Buddhist monk]].
  
Kukai is also the name of a [[wikipedia:Kūkai|famous Japanese Buddhist monk]].
   
−
[[File:666.gif|thumb|250px|666 imprinted on Rubedo's palm.]]
 +
[[File:666.gif|thumb|250px|666 imprinted on Jr.'s palm.|left]]
   
 
666 is the [[wikipedia:Number of the Beast|number of the Beast]] (also called the Anti-Christ), a seven-headed emissary of the Devil in the Book of Revelation. Alongside his power of the Red Dragon, Jr. is set up as a demonic character superficially, but lacks any such personality traits, as Jr. is not evil or malevolent.
  
666 is the [[wikipedia:Number of the Beast|number of the Beast]] (also called the Anti-Christ), a seven-headed emissary of the Devil in the Book of Revelation. Alongside his power of the Red Dragon, Jr. is set up as a demonic character superficially, but lacks any such personality traits, as Jr. is not evil or malevolent.
   
−
chaos makes an allusion in ''Episode II'', insinuating that the four variant U.R.T.V.s are the [[Wikipedia:Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse|Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]] in the ''Xenosaga'' universe. Rubedo is the red rider, "War".
 +
chaos makes an allusion in ''Episode II'', insinuating that the four variant U.R.T.V.s are the [[Wikipedia:Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse|Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]] in the ''Xenosaga'' universe. Jr. is the red rider, "War".
   
−
== Tech Attacks ==
 +
==Tech Attacks==
 
{{Ep1Skill
  
{{Ep1Skill
 
|Skill1=Prelude to Battle
  
|Skill1=Prelude to Battle
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* Buster Joe and Magnum Joe are Jr.'s Ether Attacks.
  
* Buster Joe and Magnum Joe are Jr.'s Ether Attacks.
   
−
== Quotes ==
 +
==Quotes==
 
'''Battle quotes'''
  
'''Battle quotes'''
   
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* According to ''Xenosaga: Official Design Materials'', Jr. is classified as an [[Enneagram]] type 8, along with [[Albedo]], [[Gaignun Kukai|Gaignun]], [[Margulis]], and [[Luis Virgil|Virgil]].
  
* According to ''Xenosaga: Official Design Materials'', Jr. is classified as an [[Enneagram]] type 8, along with [[Albedo]], [[Gaignun Kukai|Gaignun]], [[Margulis]], and [[Luis Virgil|Virgil]].
   
−
* Jr.'s visual design and his gunplay are similar to [[Billy Lee Black]] in ''Xenogears''. His title/nickname ''Little Master'' is similar to [[Bartholomew Fatima|Bart Fatima]]'s ''Young Master''. Like Bart, he also commands a ship (the ''Durandal'' vs. the ''[[Yggdrasil]]'').
 +
* Jr.'s visual design and his gunplay are similar to [[Billy Lee Black]] in ''Xenogears''. His title/nickname ''Little Master'' (ちび様, ''chibi-sama'') is similar to [[Bartholomew Fatima|Bart Fatima]]'s ''Young Master'' (若様, ''waka-sama''). Like Bart, he also commands a ship (the ''Durandal'' vs. the ''[[Yggdrasil]]''). Concept sketches for E.S. Asher are labeled ''BALTHOLOMEI''.<ref>Xeno Emission E2 pg. 47 (labeled 045.jpg) https://xeno-underground.net/media_xenosaga_emissions_e2.html</ref>
   
 
* As stated by [[Soraya Saga]], Jr. was supposed to be physically mature in ''Episode II'' before the final version of the script was produced.{{Cite}}
  
* As stated by [[Soraya Saga]], Jr. was supposed to be physically mature in ''Episode II'' before the final version of the script was produced.{{Cite}}
Line 257: Line 277:
 
* The in-game database for ''Episode I'' states Jr. was born 4740, whereas the timeline that came with the ''Episode III'' guide states he was born 4741.
  
* The in-game database for ''Episode I'' states Jr. was born 4740, whereas the timeline that came with the ''Episode III'' guide states he was born 4741.
   
−
* Keeping in line with the 666 symbolism, in ''Episode III'', Citrine has an attack called "Seal of 666" which will reduce everyone's HP to 666. She will then use a skill called "Red Dragon Killer" which hits everyone for 666.[https://youtu.be/02qfkUGcp7w?t=780]
 +
* Keeping in line with the 666 symbolism, in ''Episode III'', Citrine has an attack called "Seal of 666" which will reduce everyone's HP to 666. She will then use a skill called "Red Dragon Killer" which hits everyone for 666.<ref>https://youtu.be/02qfkUGcp7w?t=780</ref>
   
 
* In ''Episode I'' on the Kukai Foundation, an NPC outside Our Treasure says there are rumors that Gaignun has a "love child" who never ages, and might be a cyborg. Amusingly, this dialogue is present even if Jr. is set as the party leader.
  
* In ''Episode I'' on the Kukai Foundation, an NPC outside Our Treasure says there are rumors that Gaignun has a "love child" who never ages, and might be a cyborg. Amusingly, this dialogue is present even if Jr. is set as the party leader.
   
−
* In ''Episode I'', NPCs on the Durandal (Residential Area) and Foundation (Iron Man) note that Jr. is the president of the Shelley & Mary Fan Club, and will comment on this further if he's set as the party leader. An NPC outside Iron Man has heard the bartender is a member of Gaignun's fan club; it seems likely Jr. is running his fan club, too.
+
* In ''Episode I'', NPCs on the ''Durandal'' (Residential Area) and Foundation (Iron Man) note that Jr. is the president of the Shelley & Mary Fan Club, and will comment on this further if he's set as the party leader. An NPC outside Iron Man has heard the bartender is a member of Gaignun's fan club; it seems likely Jr. is running his fan club, too.
  +
  +
* In ''Episode II'', depending on the dialogue option selected, [[Yang]] says Jr. is "the ally of women everywhere" thanks to recognizing the difficulty and value of domestic labor.
  +
  +
* Jr. uses 俺 ''ore'' as a child and as an adult; his brothers use 僕 ''boku'' as children and 俺 ''ore'' as adults. Citrine uses 私 ''watashi'' as a child and as an adult.
   
 
* Jr. bites his nails when he's nervous.<ref>https://youtu.be/Sdon3s40TT8?t=25331</ref>
  
* Jr. bites his nails when he's nervous.<ref>https://youtu.be/Sdon3s40TT8?t=25331</ref>
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JrConArt.png|Art.
  
JrConArt.png|Art.
  ⚫
Jr.png|Jr. and the ''Durandal''.
⚫
Song2.jpg|Art of Jr., MOMO, Ziggy and Albedo with the [[Song of Nephilim]].
  
  +
XSI JrMaryBooks1.png|"Paper and stone tablets last longer than optical data, you know."
⚫
Jr.png|Jr. and the Durandal.
  
  +
XSI JrMaryBooks2.png|"Besides, reading a book helps me get to sleep."
 
XSIJrMaryShelley1.png|Jr., Mary, and Shelley discuss the disappearance of [[Ariadne]].
  
XSIJrMaryShelley1.png|Jr., Mary, and Shelley discuss the disappearance of [[Ariadne]].
 
MaryJr.jpg|Mary and Jr. aboard the U-TIC ship, as Mary prepares to transfer data to Shelley before it's all deleted from the database.
  
MaryJr.jpg|Mary and Jr. aboard the U-TIC ship, as Mary prepares to transfer data to Shelley before it's all deleted from the database.
 
JrTiring.gif|Jr. explains to Mary how tiring it is to constantly prevent himself from broadcasting all his thoughts over his telepathic link with Gaignun, and that it would be easier to write him a letter.
  
JrTiring.gif|Jr. explains to Mary how tiring it is to constantly prevent himself from broadcasting all his thoughts over his telepathic link with Gaignun, and that it would be easier to write him a letter.
−
XSIJrDurandalLink1.png|Jr. links with the Durandal's weapons system.
 +
XSIJrDurandalLink1.png|Jr. links with the ''Durandal'''s weapons system.
−
XSIJrDurandalLink2.png|Jr. links with the Durandal's weapons system.
 +
XSIJrDurandalLink2.png|Jr. links with the ''Durandal'''s weapons system.
−
XSIJrDurandalLink3.png|Jr.'s eyes glow as he links with the Durandal's weapons system.
 +
XSIJrDurandalLink3.png|Jr.'s eyes glow as he links with the ''Durandal'''s weapons system.
 
JrShion.gif|Jr. meets Shion.
  
JrShion.gif|Jr. meets Shion.
 
JrHoldsGaignunCat2.png|In his nightmare, Jr. holds Gaignun the cat and cries.
  
JrHoldsGaignunCat2.png|In his nightmare, Jr. holds Gaignun the cat and cries.
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XSIGaignunJrMaryShelley2.png|Mary and Shelley sleep next to Jr. on Gaignun's bed after the charges against them are dropped.
  
XSIGaignunJrMaryShelley2.png|Mary and Shelley sleep next to Jr. on Gaignun's bed after the charges against them are dropped.
 
XSIGaignunJrSongOfNephilim1.png|Gaignun and Jr. hear and recognize the Song of Nephilim.
  
XSIGaignunJrSongOfNephilim1.png|Gaignun and Jr. hear and recognize the Song of Nephilim.
  +
XSIGaignunJrDurandalBridge.png|Gaignun and Jr. stand together on the bridge while Shelley is seated next to them.
  +
XSIGaignunJrMaryShelley100SeriesDurandalBridge.png|View of the ''Durandal''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s bridge showing the 100-Series crew and the Foundation leadership.
 
XSIGaignunElsaScreen1.png|"I have a request of my own as well."
  
XSIGaignunElsaScreen1.png|"I have a request of my own as well."
 
XSIGaignunElsaScreen2.png|"Don't let his provocations get to you again. All right?"
  
XSIGaignunElsaScreen2.png|"Don't let his provocations get to you again. All right?"
Line 319: Line 346:
 
C_jr.jpg|''Xenosaga I & II''.
  
C_jr.jpg|''Xenosaga I & II''.
 
12a.jpg|''Xenosaga I & II''.
  
12a.jpg|''Xenosaga I & II''.
−
Kiss.png|Sakura kisses Rubedo.
 +
Kiss.png|Sakura kisses Jr. on the cheek after he promises to look after Juli and MOMO.
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
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<gallery widths="120" captionalign="center" position="center" orientation="square" spacing="small">
  
<gallery widths="120" captionalign="center" position="center" orientation="square" spacing="small">
 
JrFaceAnime.jpg|Portrait.
  
JrFaceAnime.jpg|Portrait.
−
RuSa.png|Rubedo and Sakura.
 +
Poster1.png|Jr. in the top right.
−
JrDur.png|Jr. on the Durandal.
 +
XSTABettyJr1.png|Jr. and Betty.
  ⚫
JrDur.png|Jr. on the ''Durandal''.
  +
XSTAJrOffice1.png|Jr. rests in the desk chair.
  +
XSTAJrOffice2.png|Jr. smiles at Gaignun.
  +
XSTAJrOffice3.png|Jr. smiles at Gaignun.
  +
XSTAGaignunOffice1.png|Gaignun smiles at Jr.
  +
XSTAMakarov1.png|The stainless-steel finish Makarov, in its original box and everything.
  +
XSTAJrMakarov1.png|Jr. admires the Makarov.
  +
XSTAJrMakarov2.png|Jr. admires the Makarov.
  +
XSTAGaignunJrMakarov1.png|Gaignun and Jr. with the Makarov.
 
JrMilt1.png|Jr., MOMO and Ziggy in the Miltian Conflict Encephalon.
  
JrMilt1.png|Jr., MOMO and Ziggy in the Miltian Conflict Encephalon.
 
JrMilt2.png|Jr. in the Miltian Conflict Encephalon.
  
JrMilt2.png|Jr. in the Miltian Conflict Encephalon.
−
NigredoConflict3.png|Jr. (Rubedo) and Gaignun (Nigredo) in the Miltian Conflict.
 +
NigredoConflict3.png|Jr. and Gaignun in the Miltian Conflict.
 
JrCry.png|Jr. crying.
  
JrCry.png|Jr. crying.
  ⚫
MOMOJr.png|MOMO comforting a crying Jr.
⚫
RubedoDream.png|Rubedo in Albedo's dream.
  
  +
RuSa.png|Jr. and Sakura.
  ⚫
RubedoDream.png|Jr. in Albedo's dream.
 
Mystic.gif|Mystic Nocturne.
  
Mystic.gif|Mystic Nocturne.
 
Soul.gif|Soul Rhapsody.
  
Soul.gif|Soul Rhapsody.
 
JrAlbedo.png|Jr. and Albedo.
  
JrAlbedo.png|Jr. and Albedo.
  +
</gallery>
⚫
Poster1.png|Jr. in the top right.
  
  +
  +
=== ''Xenosaga: The Manga'' ===
  +
<gallery widths="120" captionalign="center" position="center" orientation="square" spacing="small">
  +
XSI MANGA Xeno 02 0166.jpg|Jr. and Gaignun discuss KOS-MOS resonating with the Zohar emulators.
  +
XSI MANGA Xeno 02 0169.jpg|Gaignun gifts Jr. the Makarov.
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
   
Line 344: Line 387:
 
Jr2Conceptg.jpg|Concept art.
  
Jr2Conceptg.jpg|Concept art.
 
Momo2art.png|Art from ''Xenosaga Freaks''.
  
Momo2art.png|Art from ''Xenosaga Freaks''.
  +
Jr0.png|Jr. with E.S. Asher and his harmonica.
−
Jr0.png|Art.
  
 
Glasses.gif|Jr. indirectly breaks Shion's glasses.
  
Glasses.gif|Jr. indirectly breaks Shion's glasses.
−
JrPort.png|Jr. at Second Miltia's Space Port.
 +
JrPort.png|Jr. talks to Ziggy at Second Miltia's Space Port.
 
JrRun.gif|Jr. fleeing an Auto-Tech.
  
JrRun.gif|Jr. fleeing an Auto-Tech.
 
Charades.gif|Jr. doesn't understand Shion's charades.
  
Charades.gif|Jr. doesn't understand Shion's charades.
 
TableKick.gif|Shion kicks Jr. under the table when he inadvertently reveals that she's lying to Jin about how long they're staying.
  
TableKick.gif|Shion kicks Jr. under the table when he inadvertently reveals that she's lying to Jin about how long they're staying.
  +
XSIIchaosJrBooks1.png|Jr. carries a large stack of books he intends to purchase.
  +
XSIIchaosJrBooks2.png|"Hmm? Ah, I thought I'd go ahead and get these."
  +
XSIIchaosJrBooks3.png|"You can buy all the books you want later. Come on!"
 
KukaiUMN1.png|Jr. and Gaignun at the U.M.N. Control Center.
  
KukaiUMN1.png|Jr. and Gaignun at the U.M.N. Control Center.
 
JuliU2.png|Juli Mizrahi and Jr. at the U.M.N. Control Center.
  
JuliU2.png|Juli Mizrahi and Jr. at the U.M.N. Control Center.
Line 367: Line 413:
 
JrMOMO.png|Jr. finds an unresponsive MOMO in catatonia.
  
JrMOMO.png|Jr. finds an unresponsive MOMO in catatonia.
 
InHerRoom.png|chaos, Shion, Jr. and Ziggy in Sakura's room.
  
InHerRoom.png|chaos, Shion, Jr. and Ziggy in Sakura's room.
  +
XSIIJrBackflip.gif|Jr. does a backflip.
⚫
LeURTVs.png|Rubedo, Albedo and Nigredo.
  
−
XSIINigredoRubedoSubdomain1.png|Nigredo protects Rubedo from U-DO's waves in Sakura's subconscious domain.
 +
YurievDive2.png|Jr. at the Yuriev Institute, returning from the initial dive into Sakura's subconscious domain.
  ⚫
YurievDive3.png|Jr. at the Yuriev Institute.
⚫
XSIINigredoRubedoYurievInstitute1.png|Nigredo holds Rubedo back from continuing to fight with Albedo.
  
  ⚫
RubedoFlashback.gif|Jr. introducing himself to Juli.
⚫
XSIINigredoRubedoYurievInstitute2.png|Nigredo tries to calm Rubedo.
  
  +
XSIIJuliJr11.png|Juli holds Jr.'s hand.
⚫
HugRubedo.gif|Albedo realizes Nigredo and Rubedo are mortal.
  
  +
XSIIJuliJr12.png|Juli holds Jr.'s hand.
⚫
Rubedo2.png|Rubedo sees Juli and Sakura playing the piano through a window.
  
  +
XSIIJuliJr13.png|Juli holds Jr.'s hand.
⚫
SakJr.png|Sakura asks Rubedo to look after her mother and younger sister (MOMO).
  
  ⚫
Rubedo2.png|Jr. sees Juli and Sakura playing the piano through a window.
−
RubedoSakuraKiss.jpg|Sakura kisses Rubedo.
  
  ⚫
SakJr.png|Sakura asks Jr. to look after her mother and younger sister (MOMO).
−
YurievDive2.png|Rubedo at the Yuriev Institute, returning from the initial dive into Sakura's subconscious domain.
  
  +
RubedoSakuraKiss.jpg|Sakura kisses Jr. on the cheek after he promises to look after Juli and MOMO.
⚫
YurievDive3.png|Rubedo at the Yuriev Institute.
  
  +
XSIIJrHarmonica1.png|Jr. admires his new harmonica.
⚫
RubedoFlashback.gif|Rubedo introducing himself to Juli.
  
  +
XSIIAlbedoGaignunJrYurievInstitute1.png|Gaignun comforts Albedo as he cries after Jr. tries to reassure Albedo he doesn't need to fear U-DO.
⚫
28.png|A flashback of Rubedo holding Nigredo in the Miltian Conflict.
  
  ⚫
LeURTVs.png|Jr., Albedo and Gaignun.
⚫
Collapse.gif|Rubedo holding an injured Nigredo.
  
  +
XSIINigredoRubedoSubdomain1.png|Gaignun protects Jr. from U-DO's waves in Sakura's subconscious domain.
⚫
Nigredo2c.png|Rubedo and Nigredo rescued by chaos and Canaan.
  
  +
XSIISubdomainGaignunProtectsJr.gif|Gaignun protects Jr. from U-DO's waves in Sakura's subconscious domain.
⚫
Rubedochaos.png|Rubedo being rescued by chaos.
  
  ⚫
XSIINigredoRubedoYurievInstitute1.png|Gaignun holds Jr. back from continuing to fight with Albedo.
  ⚫
XSIINigredoRubedoYurievInstitute2.png|Gaignun tries to calm Jr.
  ⚫
HugRubedo.gif|Albedo realizes Gaignun and Jr. are mortal.
  ⚫
28.png|A flashback of Jr. holding Gaignun in the Miltian Conflict.
  ⚫
Collapse.gif|Jr. holding an injured Gaignun.
  ⚫
Nigredo2c.png|Jr. and Gaignun rescued by chaos and Canaan.
  ⚫
Rubedochaos.png|Jr. being rescued by chaos.
  +
XSIIGaignunJrSubdomainWinter1.png|Gaignun and Jr. in Sakura's subconscious domain (winter), after Albedo calls Jr. a monster.
 
AlAttack.gif|Jr. evades Albedo.
  
AlAttack.gif|Jr. evades Albedo.
 
ArmDestroy.gif|Jr. destroys Albedo's arms.
  
ArmDestroy.gif|Jr. destroys Albedo's arms.
 
JrGrab.gif|Albedo puts Jr. in a chokehold.
  
JrGrab.gif|Albedo puts Jr. in a chokehold.
 
Al2.gif|Albedo puts Jr. in a chokehold.
  
Al2.gif|Albedo puts Jr. in a chokehold.
−
Kid.gif|Jr. on the Elsa.
 +
Kid.gif|Jr. on the ''Elsa''.
 
Vlcsnap-2011-05-05-18h14m53s109.png|Jr. finds Albedo punching Sakura.
  
Vlcsnap-2011-05-05-18h14m53s109.png|Jr. finds Albedo punching Sakura.
 
Mirror.gif|"Kill me!"
  
Mirror.gif|"Kill me!"
Line 409: Line 463:
 
JRart.png|Concept art.
  
JRart.png|Concept art.
 
JRart2.png|Concept art.
  
JRart2.png|Concept art.
  +
XSIII Jr concept accessory rough.jpg|Concept art.
 
JrSwimArt.png|Swimsuit concept art.
  
JrSwimArt.png|Swimsuit concept art.
  +
WeeklyXSIIIVol3 Jr Concept swimsuit2.png|Swimsuit concept art.
  +
WeeklyXSIIIVol3 Jr Concept swimsuit3.png|Swimsuit concept art.
 
043Jr.png|Default.
  
043Jr.png|Default.
 
C3jr00.png|Default (Battle/Field Model).
  
C3jr00.png|Default (Battle/Field Model).
Line 417: Line 474:
 
C3jr02.png|Swimsuit (Battle/Field Model).
  
C3jr02.png|Swimsuit (Battle/Field Model).
 
085Rubedo.png|U.R.T.V. uniform.
  
085Rubedo.png|U.R.T.V. uniform.
  +
JrFlash.gif|Jr. asks [[Matthews]] to continue to Rennes-le-Château while he and the others fight off Ormus' incoming attack.
−
JrFlash.gif|Jr. in space.
  
 
JrShrug.png|Jr. as Shion recovers KOS-MOS.
  
JrShrug.png|Jr. as Shion recovers KOS-MOS.
 
XSIIIJrTranslate1.png|Jr. attempts to translate Aramaic at Rennes-le-Château.
  
XSIIIJrTranslate1.png|Jr. attempts to translate Aramaic at Rennes-le-Château.
Line 423: Line 480:
 
CastSwimsuit.png|Jr. in a swimsuit in Rennes-le-Château.
  
CastSwimsuit.png|Jr. in a swimsuit in Rennes-le-Château.
 
Mai1.png|Mai Magus prevents Jr. from entering Dabrye Mine.
  
Mai1.png|Mai Magus prevents Jr. from entering Dabrye Mine.
−
34.png|Tony and Jr. shooting at Voyager.
 +
34.png|Tony and Jr. shoot at Voyager.
 
ChaosJr.png|chaos and Jr.
  
ChaosJr.png|chaos and Jr.
−
39.png|Jr. looking at Miltia's sky as the Third Descent Operation begins.
 +
39.png|Jr. looks at Miltia's sky as the Third Descent Operation begins.
  +
XSIIIJrMiltiaThirdDescentOperation.gif|"Yeah. I know. It's the beginning... of this planet's nightmare."
−
Labo2.png|Jr. running to Labyrinthos with MOMO and chaos.
  
−
Alby5.png|Jr., Juli, Mary, and Alby during the Durandal's occupation.
 +
Labo2.png|Jr. runs to Labyrinthos with MOMO and chaos.
  +
Alby5.png|Jr., Juli, Mary, and Alby during the ''Durandal'''s occupation.
 
JrGroup.png|Jr. with the group.
  
JrGroup.png|Jr. with the group.
−
Albedo37.png|Albedo's consciousness is transferred into Jr's.
 +
Albedo37.png|Albedo's consciousness is transferred into Jr.'s.
 
JrDetermined.gif|Jr. determined to bring Shion back from Kevin.
  
JrDetermined.gif|Jr. determined to bring Shion back from Kevin.
 
JrVsKevin.gif|Jr. fighting Kevin.
  
JrVsKevin.gif|Jr. fighting Kevin.
 
RedDragon.gif|Red Dragon.
  
RedDragon.gif|Red Dragon.
−
JrOnElsa.png|Jr. on the Elsa.
 +
JrOnElsa.png|Jr. on the ''Elsa''.
 
JrEnd.gif|Jr. in the ending.
  
JrEnd.gif|Jr. in the ending.
 
JrWin.gif|Jr. wins a battle.
  
JrWin.gif|Jr. wins a battle.
Line 444: Line 502:
 
C3jr03.png|Jr. if he'd been as tall as his brothers.
  
C3jr03.png|Jr. if he'd been as tall as his brothers.
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
  +
−
[[Category:Characters]]
  
 
[[Category:Episode I characters]]
  
[[Category:Episode I characters]]
 
[[Category:Episode II characters]]
  
[[Category:Episode II characters]]
 
[[Category:Episode III characters]]
  
[[Category:Episode III characters]]
 
[[Category:Male characters]]
  
[[Category:Male characters]]
−
[[Category:Playable characters]]
 +
[[Category:Xenosaga Playable Characters]]
 
[[Category:U.R.T.V. units]]
  
[[Category:U.R.T.V. units]]

Latest revision as of 02:14, 8 January 2024

Work in progress!
This article is being rewritten to current wiki standards.

“ I don't want to refer to them by some code name or number. It's just not right to treat the dead like mere objects.
—Jr., regarding people transformed into Gnosis
 ”

Gaignun Kukai Jr. (ガイナン・クーカイ・Jr., Gainan Kūkai Jr.), simply called Jr. (Junior), is the commander of the Durandal and co-director of the Kukai Foundation, which he runs with his co-director, Gaignun Kukai, along with Mary and Shelley Godwin. Jr. is a major playable character in the Xenosaga series.

Personality[]

Jr. is a polymath and discusses a range of topics including chemistry, history, linguistics, literature, and physics. He's politically savvy and strategic in his decision-making, and his insight regarding the Miltian Conflict and its lasting impacts proves crucial over the course of the series.

He is an advocate for the residents of the Foundation, most of whom are survivors of the Life Recycling Act, and provides them with the stability and support to lead regular lives. Jr. dedicates himself to opposing power-grabs by U-TIC, the Salvator Faction, Ormus, and others who would seek to reduplicate the conditions that led to so much preventable suffering.

Jr. is empathetic and friendly towards those who mean well, but has little tolerance for cruelty. Seeing others mistreated angers him, and in difficult situations, he uses a lot of profanity.

He has a fondness for antique guns, action movies, and collecting classic novels and literature.

Jr.'s easygoing attitude masks his emotional trauma and guilt. He feels that he abandoned his siblings, Albedo Piazzolla and the standard U.R.T.V.s, during the Miltian Conflict and left them to die. As the leader, he holds himself responsible for their safety and protection.

Jr. dislikes being called "Rubedo" because it brings back painful memories of the Yuriev Institute he'd rather leave in his past. It also carries the stigma of outing him as a U.R.T.V., and he doesn't want to be thought of as a "monster", as the infected U.R.T.V.s assaulted civilians during the Miltian Conflict.

Books[]

During the story, Jr. references a variety of literary works, including King Lear[3], Robinson Crusoe[citation needed], The Wonderful Wizard of Oz[4] Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea[citation needed], and Moby-Dick[5]. He tells Mary that reading a paper book helps him get to sleep. The stylized "Jr." on the back of his coat for his Episode II outfit is reminiscent of J.R.R. Tolkien's monogram.

Jr. donates rare copies of paper books to the residents of the Foundation for them to enjoy in personal collections, even though the value of them is enough to "easily buy a large cruiser" if sold on the antique market.[6] When visiting Jin Uzuki's house/bookstore on Second Miltia, he's wowed by the wooden construction and antique nature of the building and Jin's collection. He remarks that it's too bad that Gaignun, who's busy with preparations for MOMO's analysis the following day, isn't there to see it. Jr. selects a stack of books almost too large for him to carry on his own that he intends to purchase.

Song2

Art of Jr. and Ziggy protecting MOMO as Albedo looms in the background with the Song of Nephilim.

Guns[]

JrGun

Jr. is a gunplay master.

Jr. is a master of gunplay, especially with pistols, and enjoys fighting akimbo. At the beginning of Xenosaga Episode I, Jr. carries a pair of Rook Company pistols. Later, however, and in Episode II he wields two antique Makarov pistols, which are mistranslated as "Makalov" in the English version, likely due to the lack of the "r" in Japanese.

The Pistolet Makarov (Пистолет Макарова) is automatic pistol made in the former USSR. It was issued to the Soviet army in 1951, replacing the Tokarev TT1933. It uses a 9x18mm round, which is slower and therefore packs less penetrating power than the older Tokarevs. It holds eight rounds in the cartridge plus one in the chamber. The background story is that this gun, which Gaignun acquired at a "Lion's Heart" auction ("Sotheby's" in the Japanese dialogue), was made by the former Soviet Union as a gift to a foreign VIP. Gaignun, however, didn't know that Jr. had already purchased an SPP-1 at another auction.[7]

In Xenosaga I & II, Gaignun gets caught up in a bidding war to win the Makarov for Jr., and continues to outbid the competitor even as the price skyrockets, rationalizing it to himself that in the future, others will see the bid history and back off before even attempting to win against him. What he doesn't realize is that his opponent is Mary Godwin, who was also trying to win the Makarov for Jr., but can't justify the cost.[8][9]

In Xenosaga: Outer File, MOMO gives Jr. a holster for the SPP-1 as a gift[10], which he straps to his heel. When U-TIC takes him hostage, they search him and confiscate his Magnums, but the SPP-1 on his leg goes undetected. The SPP-1 is an underwater pistol, which helps him escape from Richard and Hermann's attempt to drown him.[11]

Background[]

Yuriev Institute[]

Jr. was a survivor of the U.R.T.V. (U-DO Retro Virus) units created by the scientist Dmitri Yuriev to combat U-DO, a mysterious waveform that Yuriev claimed posed a threat to humanity. Jr.'s unit number as a U.R.T.V. was 666. He possesses the unique abilities of all U.R.T.V.s, including telepathy and various telekinetic powers.

However, despite being a "Designer Child", he was born a conjoined twin, and Albedo Piazolla's heart was attached through Jr.'s back until they were separated at the 28th week.

He is the strongest U.R.T.V., vessel to a power none of the others possess, including the other variants, and reputed to have the one perfect anti-U-DO wavelength, and was therefore made their leader.

Xenosaga_Episode_II_HD_Cutscene_39_-_Two_Classes_of_U.R.T.V.s_-_ENGLISH

Xenosaga Episode II HD Cutscene 39 - Two Classes of U.R.T.V.s - ENGLISH

Albedo and Gaignun reassure Jr. they support him after the standard U.R.T.V.s criticize him.

Juli Mizrahi requested Jr. to dive into her daughter Sakura's subconscious domain and clear the U.M.N. and U-DO pulses that seemed to resonate within her mind. The boys made a mistake with their coordinates and ended up materializing in her closet. After breaking down the closet door because Albedo became frightened of the dark, the three stumbled into her bedroom and woke Sakura, a projection of inner self that could respond to them and talk.

Sakura_and_Rubedo

Sakura and Rubedo

Jr. makes a promise to Sakura to protect her mother and sister.

When Jr. tried to push his brothers back into the closet so they could leave and reenter her consciousness correctly, she spoke, surprising the trio and herself as they could hear her voice, and began to cry of joy. She and the boys talked for a short while, and she told Jr. to tell her mother, who could not dive into her daughter's consciousness, that she loved her, and the boys left. It was during these tests that Sakura met Jr. and fell in love with him. Sakura is one of Jr.'s closest personal connections. Jr. promised Sakura that he would take care of MOMO and Juli for her. Jr. also learned to play the harmonica so he could play music with Sakura's piano lessons.

Militan Conflict[]

Dive_Into_MOMO's_Subconcious

Dive Into MOMO's Subconcious

Jr. cuts the spiritual link to ignore U-DO.

During the Miltian Conflict on Miltia, Jr. and the other U.R.T.V.s fought against U-DO before the planet's disappearance into the void. As leader of the U.R.T.V.s, Jr. was responsible for keeping them connected through a spiritual link, which would protect them from U-DO's destructive powers.

RubedoNigredo

Jr. carrying an injured Gaignun in the Miltian Conflict.

A moment before the U.R.T.V.s were to destroy U-DO, Jr. had a hellish vision of the Miltian planet being destroyed and obliterated when something monstrous emerged from within. Jr., fearing for the lives of his companions, broke the Spiritual Link, leaving the other U.R.T.V.s with no protection against U-DO. U-DO slew or drove mad all of the standard U.R.T.V.s, as well as Albedo during the fighting.

Jr. carried an injured Gaignun several minutes before Canaan and chaos rescued the U.R.T.V. duo on the E.S. Asher. Therefore, the only documented surviving U.R.T.V.s were Gaignun and Jr., though Albedo survived as well. U.R.T.V. #668 Citrine secretly survived the Miltian Conflict as well.

Kukai Foundation[]

Kukai foundation

The Kukai Foundation.

"Kukai" was a fictional persona created by the Second Miltian government as a means to pool their special operation funds. Following the Miltian Conflict and Helmer's rescue of Nigredo and Rubedo, they took on the Kukai surname to justify and establish the Kukai Foundation, and became Gaignun Kukai and Gaignun Kukai Jr., respectively. This also allowed the U.R.T.V. units to live their lives more normally.

Jr. involuntarily halted his cellular growth as a result of the trauma, an ability he had due to being a U.R.T.V. By the time of Episode I, Jr. is a 26-year-old man who appears the same as he did when he was twelve, which results in him frequently being mistaken for a child. NPCs on the Foundation and Durandal have various commentary to this effect, with some acknowledging him as an adult and affording him that level of respect, and others patronizing him and telling the other party members that he should be disciplined or told to study.

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht[]

Xenosaga82191101

Jr. in Xenosaga Episode I.

Jr. is first seen investigating the disappearance of planet Ariadne but finds nothing. Later, Jr. investigates the abandoned Woglinde for any signs of the Zohar Emulator. There, Jr. is attacked by the U-TIC Organization. After finding no signs of the Emulator, Jr. returns to the Durandal where a battle commences with U-TIC. Jr. and Mary Godwin infilitrate the U-TIC battleship and escape with a significant amount of U-TIC information.

The Elsa and the party are rescued by Jr. and the Durandal, which was passing by in search for the Emulator. Jr. meets chaos, Allen Ridgeley, Shion Uzuki, MOMO Mizrahi, Ziggy and KOS-MOS. Jr. apprehends the Zohar Emulator from the destroyed Cathedral Ship and explains that he now has the twelve Emulators created by scientist Joachim Mizrahi (MOMO's creator). However, Emulators are only contain a fraction of the power that is housed by the Original Zohar, trapped on Old Miltia.

Jr. takes them back to the Kukai Foundation, where the party is introduced to Jr.'s co-director, Gaignun Kukai. Eventually, the Galaxy Federation places charges on the Kukai Foundation for the destruction of the Woglinde, due to some manipulation by U-TIC officials and insiders. In order to prove innocence, Shion Uzuki leads a dive into the Encephalon to find KOS-MOS' black box, which will prove that the Gnosis were responsible.

Xenosaga_Episode_I_HD_Cutscene_109_-_Shion_and_Jr.'s_Nightmare_-_ENGLISH

Xenosaga Episode I HD Cutscene 109 - Shion and Jr.'s Nightmare - ENGLISH

Shion's and Jr.'s painful memories.

In the Encephalon, the party relives childhood memories, including Jr.'s memories of the Miltian Conflict. In one memory, Jr. witnesses Albedo's mental instability after contacting U-DO. Jr.'s trauma and guilt manifests as a monster known as Tiamat which is also shared with Shion's trauma, and is defeated. Shion is encountered by Febronia, who explains that a time will come where KOS-MOS will encounter the wave existence U-DO, and in the near future, Shion will free her "sisters". Febronia also states that all factions involved must travel to Old Miltia.

The_Truth_Hidden_Within_MOMO

The Truth Hidden Within MOMO

Jr. facing Albedo in the Song of Nephilim.

When Jr. encounters Albedo on the Song of Nephilim, Albedo obtains the Y-Data. Once Jr. and the group defeat Albedo, however, Albedo gets out of the E.S. Simeon and shoots a blue aura at Jr., who retaliates with a red one. Their fight is interrupted by Luis Virgil, the Blue Testament. Virgil insists that Albedo get his job done, and stop playing around with Jr.'s group. Albedo leaves the Song of Nephilim in his E.S. Simeon while Virgil fights Jr.'s group.

On the Proto Merkabah, Albedo gets Jr. to admit his guilt for abandoning the U.R.T.V.s during the Miltian Conflict. Albedo reminds Jr. of what he did to his comrades during the conflict when he 'broke the link', showing a brief scene of Jr. holding his head with an aura around him that sends the standard U.R.T.V. units flying. This differs from the events stated in Episode II but it was most likely due to the change in story writer. He fights Jr. and the others personally, but he is defeated after a battle. He reveals to the group his motive: To make Jr. pay for abandoning him and the other U.R.T.V.s fourteen years ago.

Albedo then reveals Sophie Peithos, a fusion of Proto Merkabah's core and the Gnosis absorbed by the space station. Albedo leaves Jr. to fight this massive beast, and returns to his E.S. Simeon in space. He watches from afar as the space colony plunges toward Second Miltia on a crash course, due to Sophie Peithos' defeat. He watches as the group escapes on the Elsa, and Proto Merkabah self-destructs.

Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse[]

Jr2

Jr. in Xenosaga Episode II.

On Second Miltia, on the way to Juli Mizrahi to return MOMO Mizrahi, Jr., MOMO, Ziggy, and chaos are chased by U-TIC operatives wishing to capture MOMO once again. However, the attacks are thwarted.

Eventually, both Jr. and Shion's parties are reunited during MOMO's analysis of the Y-Data via the U.M.N. During the analysis, Albedo gains control and dives into MOMO's subconscious via the Encephalon. The party follows.

Yet_Another_Trap

Yet Another Trap

Albedo assaulting Jr. in the Encephalon.

Jr. experiences the history behind the U.R.T.V. units at the Yuriev Institute, which include him, Albedo, Citrine, and Gaignun, as well as his relationship with Sakura Mizrahi. However, the party is too late; Albedo manages to unlock the safeguard on the Y-Data and open up Old Miltia.

Jr. pilots E.S. Asher with chaos as co-pilot.

On the Durandal, Jr. receives a video chat with his father. Yuriev reveals that Albedo is going to attempt to contact U-DO again, and orders Jr. to prevent this from occurring by "eliminating the target". Jr. claims that he will make Albedo pay, but not by killing him. Yuriev seems satisfied with this answer and awaits Jr.'s results.

Eventually, Shion and her allies enter the Omega System and confront the Patriarch Sergius XVII, who is also confronted by a dying Albedo. The Testaments defeat the Patriarch and revive Albedo so that he can morph Miltian space into a space-time anomaly.

Xenosaga_Episode_II_HD_Cutscene_81_-_Illusions_in_the_Space-Time_Anomaly_-_ENGLISH

Xenosaga Episode II HD Cutscene 81 - Illusions in the Space-Time Anomaly - ENGLISH

Albedo torments Jr. within the anomaly.

Jr. enters this anomaly, hoping to put a stop to Albedo's madness. Albedo manipulates the anomaly to taunt Jr., showing him revised memories to make Jr. hate him. Albedo constantly dared Jr. to kill him because wanted to die. He claimed that Jr. was the only one who could kill him. Despite Sakura's sacrificing herself to save him, Albedo told Jr. that he killed Sakura, hoping he would become angry enough to kill him, but his false claim was dismissed. Just before Jr. almost unleashes Red Dragon mode, "Sakura" appears and comforts him, preventing his power from being unleashed.

DontBeAfraidRubedo

"Rubedo, don't be afraid. I believe in you, Rubedo."

Xenosaga_II_(PS2)_Final_Battle

Xenosaga II (PS2) Final Battle

Albedo final boss battle.

Jr. finally reaches Albedo and enters Red Dragon Mode, a powerful ability that only Jr. possesses. Albedo tells Jr. of his plans, to shove the entire universe into a higher-order domain, where everyone will be fused into one perfect existence. Albedo provokes Jr. into a fight, during which Albedo taunts Jr. mercilessly in an effort to get Jr. to land a killing blow. Jr. happily obliges and defeats his brother.

Xenosaga_Episode_II_Ending

Xenosaga Episode II Ending

The ending of Episode II.

As the space-time anomaly crumbles, Albedo warns Jr. to beware Gaignun's shadow. Although Albedo, fused with U-DO, could have simply annihilated himself, he specifically chose Jr. to use the Red Dragon Mode to destroy him. Jr. becomes confused and upset. However, an incarnation of Sakura appears and comforts him, but her image is quickly replaced by chaos. It is possible that this incarnation of Sakura was an illusion created by chaos to assist Jr.

Back on the Durandal, Jr. reunites with a relieved and happy MOMO. Jr. reveals to Mary that he adopted a new albino dog named Alby.

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra[]

Jr. continues to work with Jin Uzuki and some of the gang behind the scenes to investigate Ormus.

A huge mysterious asteroid/landmass appeared in space. Jr. together with MOMO and the Elsa departs to investigate it. Like in Episode II, Jr. also pilots E.S. Asher with chaos as co-pilot. When they arrived at the area, they were attacked by Margulis in his E.S. Levi. During the battle, the Elsa was damaged and crash-landed on the asteroid, which Margulis refers to as Rennes-le-Château. At this moment, a hypersphere of energy erupted from the landmass. Jr. and gang barely managed to escape to the Durandal. The hypersphere wraps around the landmass, trapping the Elsa in it.

Xenosaga_Episode_III_-_Chapter_4_-_An_Unknown_Forest_-_Joining_Up_with_Jr.

Xenosaga Episode III - Chapter 4 - An Unknown Forest - Joining Up with Jr.

Jr. accidentally ambushes Shion.

Jr. supports Shion and the group during their time in "Old Miltia".

In the Merkabah, Jr. has a conversation with Sellers, and Sellers reveals that Gaignun is the vessel for Dmitri Yuriev, that Citrine's and Gaignun's roles were to destroy Jr., and that Yuriev's forces are infiltrating the Durandal for the Zohar Emulators.

Dmitri_Yuriev_(Durandal_Isolation_Hangar)

Dmitri Yuriev (Durandal Isolation Hangar)

Jr. confronting his father about the emulators.

Eventually, Dmitri Yuriev takes over Gaignun Kukai. Dmitri and the Federation forces attack and board the Durandal, killing all the crew except for Mary Godwin and Shelley Godwin, who both held the Arbiter code that seals off the Zohar emulators on board. The team returns to the Durandal, but were too late to stop Yuriev, who succeeds in activating the Zohar emulators. The team are also forced to fight and kill Citrine, much to Jr.'s despair.

Abel's_Ark

Abel's Ark

Gaignun sacrifices himself to stop Dmitri Yuriev.

The team barely manages to escape from the Durandal before it rammed into Abel's Ark, transforming the Ark. Determined to stop his father, Jr. leads the team into the Ark and together, they defeat Yuriev.

At the final moment, the White Testament appears, revealing himself to be Albedo. He draws out the Zohar and Abel and sends them away. Together with Jr., they link up to try to absorb Gaignun's will into Jr.'s mind, in order to save him. However, sensing Albedo's wish to kill Gaignun, who was created to kill the 'Red Dragon', aka Jr., Gaignun transfers himself into Albedo's body instead, and transfers Albedo's mind into Jr. Gaignun then sacrifices himself, perishing together with Dmitri Yuriev.

Having finally fulfilled his wish of psychically linking with Jr., Albedo disappears into Jr.'s consciousness. Just before he completely disappears, Albedo informs Jr. that the Zohar and Abel were sent to the planet Michtam. The team depart in the Elsa and set their course for Michtam, which was currently engulfed in a fierce battle by the Ormus fleet and the Gnosis.

Mission

Jr., Shion and Allen embark on a journey to find Lost Jerusalem.

At the end of the game, Jr. is opposed to Kevin Winnicot's and Wilhelm's plan of Eternal Recurrence. After stopping Zarathustra, Jr., Shion and Allen, together with the Elsa, set off to look for Lost Jerusalem, the lost homeland of humanity.

Etymology and influences[]

Jr.'s_Theme_(Xenosaga_Episode_2-Bouns_Track)

Jr.'s Theme (Xenosaga Episode 2-Bouns Track)

Theme of Jr.

Jr._2_(Xenosaga_Episode_2)

Jr. 2 (Xenosaga Episode 2)

Theme of Jr.

In alchemy and the magnum opus, the four key processes are named Rubeus (red), Negreus (black), Albeus (white), and Citrineus (yellow) or heating, blackening, reducing to ash, and washing. Rubedo, Negredo, Albiedo, and Citrine are noun forms of those verbs.

The name "Rubedo" refers to the philosophic beliefs of Carl Jung, who believed that the process of self-realization has three major steps, which he named using terms derived from alchemy, which he studied prior to developing his theories. These three steps are known as Negredo, the death of the old, perceived self, Albedo, the discovering of one’s inner identity, and Rubedo, the process of living a self-aware life who has achieved wholeness.

XS Manga v2 pg89 chaos

chaos calls to Jr. in the Cathedral Ship in Xenosaga: The Manga.

Jr.'s name is written "Jr." in the Japanese version of the games, as well as official reference books such as Xenosaga I Official Design Materials, although occasionally it's written out in katakana as ジュニア (Junia).

Jr.'s new name after the Miltian Conflict switched from Rubedo to Gaignun Kukai Jr. Both Jr. and Gaignun raised a cat named Gaignun, who is the origin of their aliases. Gaignun also shares his name with the Frankish military leader Roland's horse.

Kukai is also the name of a famous Japanese Buddhist monk.

666

666 imprinted on Jr.'s palm.

666 is the number of the Beast (also called the Anti-Christ), a seven-headed emissary of the Devil in the Book of Revelation. Alongside his power of the Red Dragon, Jr. is set up as a demonic character superficially, but lacks any such personality traits, as Jr. is not evil or malevolent.

chaos makes an allusion in Episode II, insinuating that the four variant U.R.T.V.s are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in the Xenosaga universe. Jr. is the red rider, "War".

Tech Attacks[]

List of Episode I Tech Attacks
Skill Level Description Speed/Wait
Prelude to Battle Default Cross shot 200/10
Moonlit Serenade Default Attack with a spirit gun 200/10
Storm Waltz 15 Coin shot attack 400/20
Last Symphony 20 Concentrated heavy fire 300/20
Mystic Nocturne 24 Attack with a spirit gun from above 600/30
Angelic Requiem 30 Snipe from above surrounded in angel wings 600/30
Soul Rhapsody A gun that absorbs Gnosis-Type enemies 600/40
  • Jr. learns Soul Rhapsody after defeating the hidden boss Great Joe.
  • For every five Gnosis that Jr. defeats with Soul Rhapsody, Buster Joe and Magnum Joe increase in power.
  • Buster Joe and Magnum Joe are Jr.'s Ether Attacks.

Quotes[]

Battle quotes

  • "Well, guess I'm gonna get some exercise after all!"
  • "I got no time for wusses like you!"
  • "Heh, this is gonna be fun..."
  • "There's no turning back! Let's do it!"
  • "That was too easy!"
  • "Alright! Let's call it a day!"
  • "Sayonara, baby."
  • "Dang... that was embarrassing...!"
  • "Ugh... not good...!"
  • "*Phew* Thought I was a goner..."
  • "Take this!"
  • "Ether Drive!"
  • "Watch this! I'm gonna take 'em out, right now!"

Episode I

  • "Read some books, Mary. It's good for you!"
  • "Paper and stone tablets last longer than optical data, you know. Besides, reading a book helps me get to sleep."
  • "Look! It's got a good luck phrase on it! Sayonara Baby!" (giving MOMO a bullet bracelet charm)
  • "You're really something, you know that? You think you're such a hardened soldier compared to me. Tell me then... how can I become cold and detached like you? The day numbers and battle strategies replace people... it'll be game over, cyborg." (to Ziggy)

The Animation

  • "I'll take a clean shot. I'll make sure she doesn't suffer." (to MOMO about euthanizing Kirsch in the anime)

Episode II

  • "I already told you! I'm Gaignun Jr. now! Get that through your thick head!" (to Canaan)
  • "Nah, nah, it's just... I don't have a lot of good memories of that name. Names tend to link themselves to memories, both good and bad." (after MOMO asks if she can call him Rubedo)
  • "I should have known. You know, pretending to be cold and emotionless is only going to end up hurting you in the end." (to Juli about MOMO)
  • "Even our hearts might be nothing more than playthings created by God. I can't watch. I'm scared. I'm a... coward." (regarding MOMO's examination at the U.M.N. Control Center)
  • "It's not their fault they were born that way." (regarding the Standard U.R.T.V.s sharing one collective consciousness)
  • "You idiot! Don't you ever pull anything like that again! If you die, you can't come back to life!" (punching Albedo after Albedo shoots himself in the head)
  • "We didn't understand... there was no way we could have understood... We couldn't know what it was like to have a body that wouldn't die." (regarding Albedo's suffering)
  • "You're right! I am a weapon! Every cell in my body is aching for a fight!"
  • "Yeah. It was fun. My blood danced in my veins. We really are nothing more than instruments of war."
  • "Sakura, you're right! I promised I'd protect your sister... didn't I? I couldn't protect my younger brother. But there are still people I care about who I can protect."

Episode III

  • "Who the hell do you think you are?! You've got no right to come here and open up her wounds. And you're saying it's all for her benefit? It sure as hell is my concern!" (defending Shion from Kevin)
  • "To keep my promise. Yes. The reason I exist is to keep the promise I made."
  • "Like hell, I will! Look, Shion, if that's what you're gonna do, I'm not holding back! I'm bringing you with us even if I have to beat you up!"

Trivia[]

  • Jr.'s visual design and his gunplay are similar to Billy Lee Black in Xenogears. His title/nickname Little Master (ちび様, chibi-sama) is similar to Bart Fatima's Young Master (若様, waka-sama). Like Bart, he also commands a ship (the Durandal vs. the Yggdrasil). Concept sketches for E.S. Asher are labeled BALTHOLOMEI.[12]
  • As stated by Soraya Saga, Jr. was supposed to be physically mature in Episode II before the final version of the script was produced.[citation needed]
  • The in-game database for Episode I states Jr. was born 4740, whereas the timeline that came with the Episode III guide states he was born 4741.
  • Keeping in line with the 666 symbolism, in Episode III, Citrine has an attack called "Seal of 666" which will reduce everyone's HP to 666. She will then use a skill called "Red Dragon Killer" which hits everyone for 666.[13]
  • In Episode I on the Kukai Foundation, an NPC outside Our Treasure says there are rumors that Gaignun has a "love child" who never ages, and might be a cyborg. Amusingly, this dialogue is present even if Jr. is set as the party leader.
  • In Episode I, NPCs on the Durandal (Residential Area) and Foundation (Iron Man) note that Jr. is the president of the Shelley & Mary Fan Club, and will comment on this further if he's set as the party leader. An NPC outside Iron Man has heard the bartender is a member of Gaignun's fan club; it seems likely Jr. is running his fan club, too.
  • In Episode II, depending on the dialogue option selected, Yang says Jr. is "the ally of women everywhere" thanks to recognizing the difficulty and value of domestic labor.
  • Jr. uses 俺 ore as a child and as an adult; his brothers use 僕 boku as children and 俺 ore as adults. Citrine uses 私 watashi as a child and as an adult.
  • Jr. bites his nails when he's nervous.[14]
  • In Episode III at Rennes-le-Château, Jr. recognizes Aramaic enough to make a brief attempt to translate it.[15]

References[]

  1. ↑ https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/919476-xenosaga-freaks/faqs/50904
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/F53ffRVA9yY?t=1390
  3. ↑ XSI: I wonder…does that lake of darkness where Nero does his fishing look something like this?
  4. ↑ XSI: It was very dark, and the wind howled horribly around her… She felt as if she were being rocked gently, like a baby in a cradle…
  5. ↑ XSII: "Wow! Just look at this place, chaos! It's perfect! It feels just like the Pequod, doesn't it?
  6. ↑ Xenosaga I, NPC on the Foundation
  7. ↑ Xenosaga I database, entry #129, PM.
  8. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20200208141404/yzak.nu/cfud/xenosaga/ds.html
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/k7mssukc_LE?list=PLuCV3lOrazdn3C2KQKR-IVR67K52hOwK3&t=823
  10. ↑ https://youtu.be/KV3IkHtDCWk?list=PL7H6QPIXwbUSENLm8r-1Odf1RDadjB74g&t=104
  11. ↑ https://mei-shu.livejournal.com/2373.html#cutid1
  12. ↑ Xeno Emission E2 pg. 47 (labeled 045.jpg) https://xeno-underground.net/media_xenosaga_emissions_e2.html
  13. ↑ https://youtu.be/02qfkUGcp7w?t=780
  14. ↑ https://youtu.be/Sdon3s40TT8?t=25331
  15. ↑ https://youtu.be/7E97QKwmgDU?t=10393

Gallery[]

Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht[]

Xenosaga Freaks: XenoComi[]

Xenosaga I & II[]

Xenosaga: The Animation[]

Xenosaga: The Manga[]

Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse[]

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra[]

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