light-end-dragon

[light-end-dragon]

Tanabata 2025 SSR trait “Lady-killer”

"Their unwavering gaze, their love, and now, even their obsession bear down upon him. And yet his smile never changes throughout all of it, ever light and free.  …How unfortunate it is that this may be the reason he is so loved in the first place."

Tanabata 2025 R trait "Star-crossed"

"A tryst between lovers 7 years overdue. The heavens themselves speak of their story…..so tell me, who then shall be able to see it through to the end? The night grows late upon the Sage’s Manor, and their drinking party carries on."

[light-end-dragon]

Enthralling Theatre-EN lyrics

✦✦Valkyrie ✦✦Enstars ✦✦

**This is not an official translation. All rights to the lyrics and characters etc. are property of Happy Elements. The only thing that is my own is the translation**

~魅惑劇 (Enthralling Theatre)~

Both: 時計仕掛けの螺旋回廊

So doth clockworks tumble you / around you spins the hallways too

Both: 降りて昇って

Upwards, down, sideways on 

Shu: 迷えど

Are you lost now?  

✦✦✦✦✦

Both: その手を伸ばせ

Reach out now / and do not stray

Both: 信じて伸ばせ

Believe in me and start to pray

Both: 巡り巡って

Ere you wander back one day

Shu: 出逢える

I will find you…

✦✦✦✦✦

Mika: 君を抱くのは

Leather wings reach out for you

Shu: 鞣し革の翼

To draw you deep within the devil’s arms

Mika: 闇も傅く(かしず��)

To he who over shadows reign

Shu: 黒衣の王

The king amidst the dark (1)

✦✦✦✦✦

Mika: 神に背いた

I too have turned my back to God

Shu: 天使の瞳を向けて

Let my angel lead you astray with him

Mika: さあ僕だけを

Cast your gaze on me alone…

Shu: ご覧よ

And see the show! 

✦✦✦✦✦

Mika: 心(ハァト)に 触れよう

Oh, how our hearts / are mesmerized

Mika: 目覚めし マリオネット

As I awake / as his marionette (2)

✦✦✦✦✦

Both: 機械仕掛けの摩天楼から

The clockworks bring the backdrop high / the cityscape is mechanized

Both: 星の雫が

From the towering spire falls

Shu: 溢れる

Trails of moonlight

Both: 指に絡むは月光の糸

Fingers weave it into strings / so shall you be granted wings

Both: 君は優雅に

Elegant you move as you

Shu: 踊らん

Dance for me now

Shu: 見られぬ夢など何もない

There is nothing in your mind that I cannot foresee

Shu: 恐れることさえ知らぬまま

Nor shall you fear what awaits beyond your sheltered dream

Shu: 腕の中

While within my arms

✦✦✦✦✦

Mika: 幕が上がれば

As you watch the curtain rise

Shu: 僕らだけが“世界”

We will be your sole ‘reality’

Mika: この完璧な

A flawless stage awaits inside  

Shu: 結界

Its boundary

✦✦✦✦✦

Mika: 涙も孤独も My tears prove me / a loveless fool

Mika: 彩る グラン·ギニョール

And paint upon the “Grand Guignol”  (3)

✦✦✦✦✦

Both: 時計仕掛けの天鵞絨(ビロード)の夜

The velvet sky shifts into night / the clockwork fixes it alight

Both: 紡がれるのは

So the tale we spin for you:

Shu: 永遠

Eternity

Both: 手首結いたリボン解いて

Your wrists are freed from ribbons tied / and now the voice you can’t defy

Both: 君の耳元

Whispers soft upon your ear

Shu: 歌わん

‘Sing for me now’

Shu: 叶わぬ願いは過去のもの

There is nothing that you wish that we cannot bestow

Shu: 愛する痛みは傷を閉じ

The pain of love will heal the wounds upon your very soul

Both: 魅惑劇

Here with us tonight…..

✦✦✦✦✦

Both: 時計仕掛けの螺旋回廊

So doth clockworks tumble you / around you spins the hallways too

Both: 降りて昇って

Upwards, down, sideways on 

Shu: 迷えど

Are you lost still?

✦✦✦✦✦

Both: その手を伸ばせ

Reach out now / and do not stray

Both: 信じて伸ばせ

Believe in me and start to pray

Both: 巡り巡って

Ere you wander back one day

Shu: 出逢えた

I have found you…

✦✦✦✦✦

Both: 機械仕掛けの摩天楼から

The clockworks bring the backdrop high / the cityscape is mechanized

Both: 星の雫が

From the towering spire falls

Shu: 溢れる

Trails of moonlight

Both: 指に絡むは月光の糸

Fingers weave it into strings / so shall you be granted wings

Both: 君は優雅に

Elegant you move as you

Shu: 踊らん

Dance for me now

Both: 見られぬ夢など何もない

There is nothing in your mind that we cannot foresee

Both: 恐れることさえ知らぬまま

Nor shall you fear what awaits beyond your sheltered dream

Both: 腕の中

While within our arms...

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

(1). Forgive me for being a theater nerd for a little while, but I wanted to note here that the phrase Shu is using here translates literally to "the king wearing black clothes". Specifically, I want you to pay attention to the term 黒衣.

He uses the こくい reading in the lyrics, which very distinctly does mean black clothes, but what is really important to note is the other reading. Namely, 黒衣 can also be pronounced くろご/ くろこ (if you're a KnB fan like me, you might know where I'm going with this.)

くろご were (and I think still are) traditionally stagehands- or what we call the running crew in modern day-in live kabuki theater who handled things like moving props and backdrops, working lighting, etc. And they were called this because they wear black clothing to blend in with the background. (Backs of pretty much any theater I've ever seen have been black.)

(Fun fact: this is actually where some people theorize the modern day misconception of ninja wearing all black came from-because what better way to hide a stealthy character from the audience than to have them dress as a stagehand?)

So while Shu uses the reading specifically for 'black clothing', I think it's likely this phrase is supposed to carry that double meaning. Especially if you consider Bunraku, or traditional 'puppet theater' in which giant, often fairly realistic puppets are used in place of actors. These puppets are often so large that it takes several people to work with them, and yes, these 'puppetmasters' also wear all black for the same reason.

Looking at Valkyrie's whole aesthetic, and how くろご itself projects an image of someone in theater who is unseen, but 'pulling all the strings'-so to speak-and the way in the MV Mika gestures at him when he sings this line, along with calling himself "king", probably makes this a very intentional implication.

(2). This is less of a translation note and more me trying to explain my thought process on how I translated it. Mika's line is ambiguous as to whether he is referring to someone else or himself as 'an awakening marionette', but I like to think that part of it IS Mika referring to himself.

Considering that he actually moves like a marionette in that part of the MV, Valkyrie's entire thing revolving around him being Shu's 'doll' (regardless of how true it is outside of that), and the line later about 'the grand guignol', it makes sense in the song-I think-that Mika is kind of the one they are talking about.

Plus, the part with the angel-only Mika says the line 'look at me alone', and he has several times before been associated with angels by other characters. It's fitting too, with Shu's 'king dressed in black' imagery.

The chorus too, at first Shu is just singing it, but by the end Mika joins him; I reflected this in the lyrics a little, since again, jp is very ambiguous sometimes when it comes to subjects and plurality. But it gives me the impression in the song about Shu enthralling enchanting a puppet to then draw their audience in with their art.

Hopefully what I said has made sense. Again that's just how I've been looking at it, so you're free to think differently!

(3). "Grand Guignol" here is French for 'giant puppet', which is most likely Mika referring to himself, as stated above. However, I've come across some more interesting theater history here that I think is relevant.

You see, Le Théâtre du Grand-Guignol was also a theater in Paris that opened up in 1897, lasting till a bit after the second World War. It was named after a wooden puppet from something akin to Punch and Judy shows, with acts often containing a lot of social commentary. It then quickly became infamous for its more disturbing, schlocky, and gory productions, heavily based on true crime.

Namely, it was considered possibly one of the first sources of modern day slasher horror, or even just horror productions in general, as it was quite unlike any other theater of its time. It resonated a lot with the public of Paris at the time, as they often portrayed people who were considered 'dregs of society', and blatantly showing off seedier sides of life.

They used a lot of very realistic (for the time) makeup and effects to portray all sorts of horrible injuries and disfigurements, and while subject matter changed under different theater directors, you could find a lot of both comic elements as well as brutal portrayals of the macabre mixed in with each other.

Honestly, it's really fascinating to look into and I do encourage you to look it up on your own time, though viewer discretion is advised; there might not be that many surviving visuals, but I'm not joking about some of the special effects.

Considering that Mika is a self-admitted horror fan, I don't think this is a coincidence. It's influential enough on modern horror/slasher films that often 'Grand guignol' is a term used to refer to any sort of violent, horror-themed art, and consider the precursor to stuff like 'Saw' or 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'.

------

These lyrics are not a word for word translation, and are an adaptation of the original song's message, made to (pretty much) fit in with the original vocals. It's my interpretation, but I wanted to keep the meaning close to what it was in Jp while coming across as what one would write in an En song.

[light-end-dragon]

Reblogging this to let everyone know this is complete now! To the other 3 BradCain shippers, this is for you

Sonatine of our United Battlefront-EN Translation

An EN translation of the third Sonatine event in まほやく

✧starring Cain Knightley and Bradley Bain, side characters Faust Lavinia and Arthur Granvelle✧

Please use the links below to get to each of the chapters.

[Chapter 1]✧ [Chapter 2] ✧[Chapter 3] ✧[Chapter 4]✧ [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] ✧[Chapter 7] ✧[Chapter 8]✧[Chapter 9]✧[Chapter 10]

The translation is now complete! Thank to everyone for their patience!

I will now try to finish the 3 other events im still working on amongst everything else

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 10

Cain: Leonard.

Wandering Lament: …..

Cain: That’s your name, isn’t it? The name of the boy who fought up until  his very last breath.

Cain: You never gained your title; you never even arrived at the fort in the first place. But you still were a splendid, amazing,  courageous knight.

Wandering Lament: …!

Slowly, the area around the spirit's eyes started peeling and flaking away, until eventually, the entire twisted body faded.

A clean bright light began to shine forth, from which its true form emerged. 

It had only taken that instant for me to see now the soul of a young man with a sword in his hand.

He was earnest and brave, and his expression bore his strong will; he looked just like Cain when he was fighting a powerful opponent.

Suddenly he looked away from Cain, like he’d just remembered something. I followed his line of sight, which landed on the men we had tied up earlier.

I thought he’d been looking for the ones who killed him, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

He was looking for his younger brother.

Leonard: ….Roddie…..

Leonard: Oh, you were safe. Thank God……

His serious expression softened.

Like he’d reached the end of a war that had gone on far too long.

Roddie: L-Leo……..Leonard….

(Sound of wind blowing by.)

A warm breeze gently trailed by us in the night.

His spirit then vanished without a sound, almost as if scattered by the wind.

His smile told me he was satisfied.

(Sound of water dripping.)

Tears once again fell from Cain and Bradley’s eyes, but this time they were clear.

Bradley: …That wanderin’ spirit’s gone. Curse’s all gone too.

Cain: Yeah.

Cain:  Leonard finally reached the place he was meant to be.

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

A few days later.

After returning to the Sage’s Manor, explaining ourselves to all the worried wizards, apologizing for making them worried, apologizing again, then getting fussed over-

Akira: (Cain said to come over to his room, since he was holding us all a ‘closing’ party, but….did I come too early?)

(Sound of a knock on the door.)

Akira: Cain? It’s me, Akira. Is it okay to come in? I’m sorry if I’m too earl-

Cain: Akira? ……Aaah-no, don’t! 

(Sound of chaos and clothes rustling. A lot of clothes rustling.) 

Bradley: Snrk-ahahah!!

Akira: Are-are you okay?! I’m-I’m coming in, okay??

(Sound of the door opening.)

Cain: Master Sage! You came in……it sounds like you are…you’re already in, aren’t you? 

Bradley: Ahaha…..yo, Sage-get a load of this. Comedy gold!

Akira: (.....What is even going on here?)

The first thing my eyes landed on was the gigantic amount of clothes scattered on the floor, all in front of the closet.

The second was Cain standing in the middle of this, looking absolutely mortified. He’d gotten caught up in whatever this was; a pair of his pants and one of his shirts were hanging off his head.

And third was Bradley, sprawled out like he owned the place, wiping away tears from laughing so hard.

His hand carried yet another glass of alcohol.

Cain: I-um….uh, my bad for. Uh. Not havin’ the place cleaned up.

Akira: No, no, it’s fine! But…um, what exactly happened here….?

Cain: Well…I thought I’d get rid of all the clothes I didn’t wanna fold before you and Arthur came around, but….

Cain: Basically, I tried usin’ magic to put them all in my closet, but they didn’t fit. So they just kinda….boom, all over the floor.

Bradley: You should’a seen his face when the door fuckin’ burst! I’ll be rememberin’ that one for ages.

Akira: I-I see…that would be difficult to deal with, huh….Oh. Um, Bradley, did you come early too?

Bradley: I’m just fuckin’ off so those old farts don’t keep harrassin’ me.

Bradley: “Bwaaadleeeeeeey, you’re so coooool~! Bwaaaaaaaaad, you’re such a good boy!~~~~

Bradley: You try havin’ that follow you ‘round 24/7. I swear I was gonna go deaf.

He leaned back against the sofa dramatically, looking back at Cain, who was jamming a coat into his closet.

Bradley: Man, you really got yer ass kicked by that thing, didn’t you?

Bradley:  Figaro an’ the twins normally let harmless spirits like that fuck off. An’ under normal circumstance, the thing’s pretty harmless.

Bradley: It doesn’t really bother anyone unless yer cursed, and most normal people wouldn’t be able t’ look it in the eye.

Bradley: But you just straight up stared it down. Do you have like, zero sense of danger?

Cain: Well, I did know it was dangerous. But the Sage and Arthur were there, so there was no way I was backin’ down.

Cain: Also, I know for you it was probably just like a whim, but….

Bradley: Yeah?

Cain: You knew the risk that spirit posed, and that you’d probably get cursed. But you still protected me.

(Sound of a door closing.)

Having put away the last bits of clothing, Cain shut the closet door.

Then turned and faced Bradley, honest and unwavering.

Cain: Why then? Why did you save me?

Bradley: ….

Instead of answering, Bradley just drained the rest of his glass with a large gulp.

(Sound of clothes rumpling.)

He put aside his now empty drink and stood up, walking over to Cain. He didn’t speak; instead, he just put an arm around Cain’s shoulders and pulled him close with a forceful jerk.

Bradley: Never mind that. What’s the best booze you got here? 

Cain: …..

For a moment, it seemed like Cain was going to say something; but in end, whatever it had been was left unsaid. 

Instead he returned Bradley’s gesture with a friendly smile.

Cain: Fine, fine; it’s that tall one over there, but I was plannin’ on savin’ it til Arthur and Faust came.

Cain: What about this beer instead? Faust isn’t into that kinda thing and it’s…probably a bit too early for Arthur to enjoy it. 

Cain picked up the bottle in his hand.

(Sound of magic being used.)

A cupboard door opened on its own, and 3 mugs came floating over.

Cain: Master Sage, do you wanna have a toast with us? I can take out the alcohol with magic.

Akira: If that’s fine by you, I’d love to!

(Sound of drinks being poured.)

Cain: Let’s do it again when Arthur and Faust get here, but for right now…

Bradley + Cain: Cheers!

The three mugs clinking together made a bright and sunny sound.

After we toasted, Cain then faced Bradley, and raised his drink.

Cain: Thank you.

Bradley: …

Bradley didn’t say anything in reply, but the corner of his mouth tipped up in a little smile.

In unison, the two of them knocked back their drinks. 

Akira: (Their beliefs and the way they think are so different, and they said they have a hard time seeing eye to eye. I don’t know if the two of them realize it, but….)

Bradley + Cain: ….Aah-so good!!

(Sound of glasses clinking down onto a table.)

In unison, they put their drinks down too.

Cain pointed at the white foam moustache that had formed on Bradley’s lip and laughed.

Bradley, in return, just reacted with fake anger and grabbed the Central wizard in a headlock, driving his fist against Cain’s temple. Cain reacted equally dramatically, trying to ‘escape’ this overbearing attack.

Akira: (I just hope the two of them can share their laughter like this in the future….)

(Sound of a door opening.)

Arthur: Cain.

Faust: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Cain: Oh, you’re here! We ain’t waitin’ at all-door’s open!

Bradley: You two’re slow! Get yer asses in here, we’re bringin’ out the good stuff!

The two of them both faced the door, while saying the completely opposite things.

However, when I looked at them like this, shoulder to shoulder, I couldn’t help but feel how much they resembled each other.

Like how even though day and night clashed, their opposing forces locked in battle across the sky; at dawn and at dusk the lights and colors softened, and they matched up perfectly.

fin

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 9

(Sound of something flying through the air.)

Arthur: Cain! Bradley!

Faust: Bradley-did you use magic?! The spirit’s changed course!

Arthur: It’s going to reach you shortly! We can’t stop it, so please be ready…!

Bradley: …Ugh.

Bradley fixed his grip on his rifle when he heard the two speak from overhead.

(Sound of a gun cocking again.)

Without hesitation, he changed his target from Cain to the men.

Cain: Bradley!!

(Sound of a loud impact.)

Men: Urgh…!

Cain: …!

But Bradley just ruthlessly bashed all the men over the head with his gun-stock, leaving the boy they’d been talking to alone.

Silently, he summoned his broom to his hand.

(Sound of a broom flying.)

There was a moment as he took off into the sky where he looked over his shoulder at Cain.

Bradley: ……

The contempt and annoyance I’d expected to see on Bradley’s face wasn’t there.

I don’t know if I truly understood what I did see either; he was a wizard who had lived far longer, and seen more things than either Cain or I.

But if I were to try and put it into words…

He seemed to have a smile on his face. A smile, that, one would possibly have looking down at their favorite junior, seeing their first, clumsy steps. Like no matter how poorly-made their work seemed to him, he was seeing that day when they would accomplish amazing things.

Bradley: How long are ya gonna dawdle around?? Get yer ass movin’! 

Cain: …Okay!

Cain: Master Sage, stay here, will you? Don’t let go of Sacrikitty!

Faust: Sage, tear that sachet I gave you! It’s just a simple spell, but it should put up a barrier to protect you!

Akira: I-yes, okay!

(Sound of Akira tugging at the cloth of the talisman.)

While making sure Cain took off safely, I pulled out the pouch I’d been gifted and tore it.

A reddish-green powder made of many herbs flowed out and encircled me in a spiral.

A clean, calming aroma washed over me as Sacrikitty puffed up in my arms.

It seems I was not a moment too soon; in the next moment, a chill wind blew against my face, feeling like icicles against my skin.

(Sound of magic, then a beastly growl.)

Arthur: …It’s here! That’s the ‘Wandering Lament’!

The spirit emerged from the inner parts of the forest, and made directly for Bradley and Cain, ignoring everything else in its way.

(Sound of something flying by.)

Brandishing its twisted, blackened arms, it then attempted to seize them both.

Young Man: Tha….that’s my…brother…?

(Another growl of a monster.)

The sight of such a monster was utterly terrifying, but worse still was how it-he-didn’t react. Not to the sight of the men who killed him, or even the sound of his baby brother’s voice; it was utterly heartbreaking.

That was the true name of this ghost.

Leonard, the brave boy who dreamed of becoming a knight.

Arthur: We heard your message from my familiar-do you know the spirit’s name?! 

Bradley: Yeah! But…..shit, watch where you’re aimin’, ya damn monster!

Cain: The thing’s movin’ around to much for me to fuckin’ make eye contact! Arthur, Faust, can you stop it movin’ somehow?

Faust: I don’t have a full set of ingredients for the circle I planned on using but….if you just need a few seconds, I think I have something that might work.

Faust: Arthur! Do you know the “Tialgo Technique”? 

Arthur: Yes! But I’ve only read about it, I’ve not had any practical studies….

Faust: It’s enough for me! I’ll fill in the gaps.

Faust: Cain, Bradley! Arthur and I will trace out a magic circle in the air over on the other side of those ruined walls.

Faust: Bring the wandering spirit under it in exactly 168 seconds, okay? Remember, that; it has to be exactly 168 seconds!

Cain: Got it! Thank you, guys, I’ll leave that to you!

(Sound of Faust and Arthur flying off.)

With that, the two set off on their brooms. 

The other two met up with each other in the air in the midst of dodging the spirit.

Cain: Just to confirm; is your magic strong enough to kill that spirit?

Bradley: If I get it in a weak spot, yeah. Probably be a bad idea to hit it anywhere else, though.

Cain: Got it. Then you go above.

Bradley: Don’ go ‘round givin’ me orders, rookie; you get down there from below. 

Cain: Yeah, of course. Let’s go!

Bradley: I jus’ told ya not to order me ‘round!!

Akira: (Above…below? What are they talking about…?)

In the time I was trying to figure it out in my head, Cain and Bradley ceased dodging, and instead faced their opponent. 

Cain swooped down to a lower altitude before promptly jumping off.

Bradley, on the other hand, rapidly soared higher. 

(Sound of a monster growl.)

The fact that its prey shot off in different directions did not stop the wandering spirit for long, though. Rather, it almost immediately when after Cain, whom it had a stronger connection to.

(Sound of multiple sword strikes.)

Cain stood against it with his sword, enduring the assault; and as he grew more pressured into finally giving ground, Bradley rose on his broom to his full daunting height.

Bradley: 120, 119…..yo! Over here, ya monster! 

(Sound of a gunshot.)

Wandering Lament: ….!

Cain: 104, 103…..Hey hey, I’m still here. Don’t go payin’ attention to others now, will ya?

(Sound of more sword strokes and then a monster’s shriek.) 

Young Man: Ahh…!

Akira: (Th-the spirit’s getting more and more violent! But…)

(Sound of repeated sword strikes.)

Cain: 68, 67…

(Sound of magic and more gunshots.)

Bradley: 66, 65….

The two worked in tandem to distract the wandering spirit, Cain fighting it from the ground while Bradley confused it with his magic bullets.

All the while they were accurately counting down the seconds until the magic circle was complete, and controlling the spirit’s movement and speed with ungodly precision.

I couldn’t tell at all what they were thinking just from looking at them; but it was clear they both instinctively knew how to act.

Perhaps because their ways of thinking were so similar to each other.

The genius boss who brought together a band of North wizards, despite their notorious reputations, and the general of the Order of Knights, who stood at the height of the country despite his youth.

Arthur: The formation is complete!

Faust: Bring it over!! 

Bradley: Nicely done! 10, 9…

Cain: ….3, 2, 1, 0!!!

At that very instant, the wandering spirit was laid out under the magic circle Faust and Arthur painted in the night sky.

Together, they held their magic tools aloft.

Faust: –Salliqunart Mullcrede–

Arthur: –Pernoctant Nix Zo–！

(Sound of magic circle activating.)

A pale, shining light emerged, taking the form of a gigantic hand as it reached for the ground.

(Sound of magic, then something being grabbed.)

It grabbed and pressed down on the wandering spirit, much like a child catching a firefly.

Faust: It’ll only last 5 seconds-hurry!

Cain: Got it!

(Sound of quick footsteps.)

Cain cut in front of the spirit, attempting to meet its gaze.

(Sound of a monster growling, and a fierce struggle.)

However, despite the hand holding it down, it desperately flailed around like a fish out of water, its neck and body twisting at impossible angles.

Cain: Agh, fuck! I wasn’t able to meet its eyes!

Arthur: Gh…I can’t…I can’t keep it up any longer!

Faust: Cain-get out of there-

Bradley: –  –Adnopotensum–

The sound of a gunshot resounded in the night.

Bradley’s bullet soared from the highest point of the sky, burning brighter than the sun.

Faust: This is….

Arthur: Bradley’s reinforcement magic! If we have this…!

Arthur: –Pernoctant Nix Zo–!!

Faust:  –Salliqunart Mullcrede–

The light from the magic circle grew stronger, and in turn, restricted the spirit’s wild thrashings further.

And as he overlooked Cain from the night sky, Bradley smiled.

A soft, gentle thing, that held an incredible warmth.

Bradley: Go on.

Bradley: Cain.

Cain: …..Okay.

Cain’s nod in return was powerful, unhesitant.

He fell to his knees as if he were talking to a child, and met its gaze. Through the muddy waters of the spirit’s curse, a beautiful light broke through in his eyes.

A light like that of the sun, fearless of what lay ahead.

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 8

Akira: (He was a person…a living person that you killed-and you’re making fun of him like this…)

Akira: (How far? How far do you have to go until you are satisfied?!) 

The leader of the gang looked up at Cain with contempt, and began to speak with a conniving tone.

Leader-like Man: How about you untie us, promise to never come near any of us again, and maybe then I’ll be able to remember a little more.

Cain: Promise? 

Leader-like Man: Aren’t you guys wizards? Only old farts and wizards care ‘bout antiquated stuff like demons and curses.

Leader-like Man: I heard that you guys lose your magic if you break a promise. So….

Bradley: …Ha. That’s enough outta you.

(Sound of a gun cocking.) 

Bradley gave an annoyed sigh as he spoke, before pointing the muzzle of his gun directly at the leader’s head.

The men fell deathly silent as he did so, the North wizard’s equally fed up gaze boring down on them.

Bradley: Listenin’ to ya prattle on like that makes me sick. Sure, my group of bandits were worthless bastards too, but they’d never stoop t’ yer level.

Bradley: Hell, if they did, I’d kill ‘em myself. I really fuckin’ hate guys like you.

Men: ….! 

Bradley: I’ll tell ya this here an’ now; learnin’ its name ain’t the only way of liftin’ that spirit’s curse.

Bradley: There’s a much easier way; killin’ the reason it exists. An’ just who d’ya think that might be? 

Leader-like Man: ….! Y-you…is that…a threat….

Bradley: I dunno. Is it? 

Bradley laughed, as wild as his beastly aura. Clouds drifted in front of the moon, cutting off the eerie light we were bathed in, casting us into shadow.

Bradley: Sage, look the other way, will ya?

Akira: Huh….

Bradley: Brains flyin’ around look like porridge. I don’t wanna be responsible for ruinin’ yer breakfast tomorrow.

Bradley’s frivolous line was probably an attempt at comfort, but instead it unsettled me even further. 

Because I knew the reality of what was happening; what this had turned into.

This wasn’t an interrogation.

(Sound of a gun being readied.) 

Bradley thrust the barrel of his gun into the side of the man’s head, who was positively shaking in fear.

Cain: ….tch. 

Cain, in one instant, was clearly holding back, biting his lip.

And in the next-

(Sound of a sword swing.) 

Cain: Bradley. That’s enough.

Cain’s sword had changed targets. Bradley, meanwhile, just raised an eyebrow at the sight of the blade hovering in front of him. 

Bradley: …..Do ya know what the hell you’re doing, punk?

Cain: Yes, I know exactly what I’m doing. Lower your gun, Bradley.

Cain: I’m handin’ them over to the law.

Young Man: ….!

Cain: Believe me, I understand. I really do. These guys are absolute worst, most disgustin’ pieces of shit I’ve ever fuckin’ met. But…

Cain: It’s because of that I can’t just let them get executed here. Everyone should know what they did.

Cain: And besides..if we just kill these guys here and now, that boy will remain being a spirit.

Cain: He was mudered by these fuckers. The very least I could do is to return him to the person he once was.

Bradley: Ha! So this is how Sir Knight does things, huh? The “proper way?” 

Bradley gave a sharp laugh.

The barrel of his gun remained in place, digging into the man’s skull. The leader, who had been so cocky before, was now shaking and crying like a baby.

Bradley: Then I’ll show you th’ right way a bandit leader does it. 

Bradley: One by one, I’ll blow their fuckin’ heads off, an our curse will be gone.

Bradley: Four bullets an’ its done. Smart, right?

Bradley spread his free hand wide like a performer on stage, and then placed his finger on the trigger of the gun.

Cain: Stop!!

(Sound of magic being used, then the sound of their gun and sword. Metal is clashing repeatedly.)

A sound of a gunshot echoed through the air, accompanied by the violent crash of metal on metal. Over and over again it resounded, and I instinctively closed my eyes when a menacing spark of light grew into a blaze.

And then-

Bradley: ….Ugh, you-you lil shit!!

Startled, I opened my eyes. Bradley’s bullets almost sparkled in the night, leaving behind an afterglow of greenish light as they arced through the sky.

Cain was breathing heavily, having deflected the gun barrel with his sword.

(The shriek of a monster echoes in the night.)

In the distance, I heard a horrid cry that child me to the bone.

The wandering spirit had noticed them.

Bradley: You fuckin’ overdid it, brat!

Cain: Look who’s talkin’!!

(Sound of a fierce gale tearing through the forest.)

The wind howled like a roiling beast as the moonlight fought against the ever encroaching darkness. They clashed and overtook each other at dizzying speed, their colors painting the sky.

Those of the noble dawn, those of the ominous night; they opposed each other, glaring, unrelenting. 

(Sound of a gun barrel being cocked.)

Bradley’s gun was pointed directly at Cain’s forehead.

Akira: ….!

Bradley: I should blow yer head off with theirs.

Bradley: It don’t matter if we hold off usin’ magic anymore; the thing’s already noticed us.

Bradley: If it’s usin’ magic, I’m way stronger than you. Stand back if you don’t wanna die, kid!

Cain: I will not! 

Cain: Even if I get killed for it, I won’t yield for the truth I believe in.

Cain: I am a knight.

Even as Bradley’s gun now pressed against his own forehead, Cain did not falter a single step.

The light his sword gave off in the moonlight shone pure and white, unblemished by the shadows around it.

(Sound of a trigger creaking.)

The deep, everlasting darkness fell upon us next, as Bradley’s finger twitched on the trigger of his gun.

Akira: Please…please stop, both of you! Please calm down-

Young Man: –Leonard! It’s Leonard!

The pair who had been staring each other down both turned to face the young man at the same time.

I too, turned my head in surprise.

The timid, frail-looking boy, now had the will to fight to the death blazing in his eyes. His shoulders shook as he breathed heavily from his outburst.

The clouds parted, the moonlight shone down; brilliant and dazzling bright.

Young Man: The boy-the boy those men killed, the one who wanted to be a knight! 

Young Man: I was traveling together with him….my older brother Leonard! 

Cain: …Wait, travelling together? Then, that means…

Bradley: There were two missin’ persons. But only one of them was killed.

Akira: (So that was what he was trying to tell us last time…the truth of the missing persons case..)

Unkempt Man: You-how dare you betray us!!

Young Man: Betrayal?! How could you call it betrayal?!

The young man shouted out loud, as fiery tears ran from his eyes that could no longer see.

Young Man: You killed him-you killed my older brother! Then you figured that pathetic little kid left behind was ‘useful’, and did this to my eyes!!

Young Man: If I could’ve seen properly, I would’ve run to the knights a long time ago!! But I …..I…..

Finally his tears ceased, and the young man looked up in Cain’s direction like he was wishing; like praying to a god.

Young Man: I did think that it was just a coincidence you had the same name…but you really are him. I see you now, Cain, the knight among knights, General of the Order.

Young Man: Whatever it is you decide, I’ll tell you everything.

Young Man: So please, just give us your judgement…..

(Sound of rustling fabric.)

Cain sheathed his sword, softling falling to his knees before the tearful boy.

He then put a gentle hand on the boys back, as if thanking him for his courage.

Cain: ….Yeah. I’ll hand you over to the Order.

Cain: And thanks to your bravery, we’ll be able to save your brother…It’s okay, you’re alright now.

Young Man: …hgk…kay…..Thank…..you…..

Bradley: ….

But at that moment-

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 7

What happened next went too fast for me to understand, but the next thing I knew, the men all retreated, holding their ribs.

Well-built Man: What the hell…how strong is this guy?!

Cain: This fight’s over now that I can see all of you. Let’s get on with it, then; the wanderin’ spirit’s on its way.

And thus the battle ended in the blink of an eye.

(Sound of several bodies falling to the ground.)

It couldn’t have even been more than a few breaths I took before the gang of men collapsed onto the ground, one by one.

The probable leader was the only one remaining, clutching his knife in shaking hands as he faced down Cain.

Leader-like Man: What the hell…what even is all this?! 

Leader-like Man: All this for some brat that got killed 10 years ago-none of that even matters anymore!

Bradley: Killed? That’s pretty odd t’ say, Boss.

Bradley held me half behind him as he gave a mocking laugh.

The glint in his eye was as sharp as a knife’s edge,  the glare of a wolf who had cornered its prey.

Bradley: Last I heard, rumor was he got eaten by a beast in th’ forest. That’s what the kid over there said. 

Bradley: So that’s a weird thing to get all confused. Unless, that is…

Bradley: Yer the ones who killed him.

Leader: …!

(Sound of something swinging, an impact, and a final body falling to the ground.)

Before he could speak again, Cain mercilessly hit the man on the side of his head with the hilt of his sword. He too, then slowly collapsed to the ground.

Cain returned his sheathed sword to his waist, looking down on his former opponents with disgust.

Cain: So it really was these guys…..

Cain: ….No, we’ll still need to confirm it all later. Right now we gotta tie them up.

Cain: Man, it's for things like this when it's real inconvenient without magic. Hey, would this belt work, you think? 

Bradley: Don’t do that. You can use magic if it’s jus’ takin’ things out. Get some rope out, idiot. Rope. 

Cain: Okay, okay. Ugh-how much force to you hafta put into these knots? I’m not good at judgin’ it…

Akira: L-let me help! 

(Sound of wind through the air.)

By the time the men were finally all tied together, I spotted a silver bird cutting through the night sky.

Akira: That’s a beautiful bird, what do you think it is? ….Is it heading towards us?

Cain: I’m sensin’ magic. I think that’s….

Bradley: It’s the Central prince’s familiar. Hold out yer arm, Sage.

Akira: O-okay!

I held out my arm towards the sky, and the bird swooped down towards it like a falling star.

(Sound of fluttering wings as the bird alights down.)

Now that I could look at it up close, I could see the bird was made completely out of light, with no eyes or anything. It fluttered its wings like it was in a hurry, and Arthur’s voice then rang out from it.

Arthur’s Familiar: Cain, Bradley! Leave the town right now, and take the Sage with you!

Arthur’s Familiar: That wandering spirit is nearby!

Cain + Bradley + Akira: ….!

Arthur’s Familiar: We are delaying it as much as we are able, but please escape now while you still can!

Bradley: Fuck, there’s a lotta nuisances tonight.

(Sound of rustling fabric.)

Bradley cursed while he threw the unconscious young man over his shoulder. 

Cain had gone off for a moment, now returning with a cart that had been abandoned in the alley earlier. It seemed like some sort of signal passed between them, as Bradley now began unloading the bodies onto it. 

Bradley: Jeez, an’ we almost had that kid spittin’ out the truth. Right, Mr. Knight? 

Cain: You didn’t hafta be that unpleasant. I’m sorry that this is all just a bother to you, but you were goin’ way too far. He was so scared of you he wasn’t going to talk….

Bradley: Unpleasant? What’d I even do? …..okay, that’s one a’them.

(Sound of something large thumping to the ground.)

Cain: Oi, you’re makin’ too much noise. Put ‘em down a bit quieter, will you? …..And? What about it wasn’t unpleasant? 

Bradley: I was complimentin’ yer sorry ass, if you took a moment t’ think. See, I’m the bad guy, scum o’ the earth an’ all that, and yer the knight in shinin’ armor. 

Bradley: After “the bad guy” scared ‘em half to death, you got in there at the right moment doin’ all the bein’ kind an’ protectin’  shit. 

Bradley: Humans love that kinda thing. If they’re half outta their wits an’ think they got an ally, they’ll spill pretty much everythin’. That’s jus’ the ABCs of interrogation.

Cain: ….That’s…well, sorry to say this when ya did compliment me, but I didn’t exactly do that on purpose…..And, hup-that’s three of ‘em. 

Bradley: Huh? Wait, so all that’s just how ya normally act? God, what a pushover-now I’m sorry I wasted my breath on you.

Cain: Yeah,  sorry for being a pushover. ….Okay that’s all four loaded up.

Cain: Let’s get going, Master Sage.

Akira: Going…where? Or…I mean, you just started loading them onto that cart without saying anything so I’m not sure what’s going on…

Cain: Ah-my bad! I guess I forgot to explain.

Cain: Now that we’ve captured these guys, it’s actually pretty convenient for the wanderin’ spirit to find us. That way we can give its name as soon as we learn it.

Cain: But if we’re gonna start fightin’ with it, there’s too many civilians here that could get caught in the crossfire. 

Cain: That’s why we’re movin’ this all to the ruins of the old town. Is that okay with you?

Akira: Okay, now I understand…yes, of course.

Cain: Thank you. Actually, would we be able to get that message to Arthur and Faust?

Bradley: Oz trained the lil prince, so that familiar o’ his can probably take messages too. Talk to it, give it a try.

Cain: Got it. ….Arthur, Faust, thank you for the warning. We’re heading towards the ruins of the old town now.

Cain: We’ve caught the guys that might know the spirit’s real name, so we’re gonna see if we can get it from them there before the spirit reaches us.

Cain: Signed, Cain. Meet up with us at the ruins. 

Bradley: Okay, Sage, jus’ raise yer arm again to the sky, and tell it to fly off.

Akira: Okay….go, fly!

(Sound of something whooshing off.)

The moment I held out my arm, the bird took off like a silver arrow. 

In the blink of an eye, it vanished into the dark of the night.

Cain: Okay, let’s get going. We need to hurry!

Akira: Yes, coming!

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

By the time we arrived at the ruins, the men had also come around.

(Sound of a sword being drawn.)

With their captives arranged in a row, Cain now faced them with the tip of his sword blade.

Cain: There ain’t no time left, so I’ll ask you straight.

Cain: Were you the guys who killed the kid in this forest 10 years ago?

They were all startled, their eyes fixed on the glint of his sword blade hovering in front of them. Soon enough though, the men glanced between each other with shifty gazes.

The young man tried to raise his head, but as the silence drew on, he just ended up curling in on himself further.

The leader suddenly gave a loud, disdainful laugh. Though he was still tied up, he laid back with an arrogant attitude.

Leader-like Man: And if we did, then what?

Cain: …!

Bradley: So you do admit it. You bastards’re the one’s who killed him.

Leader-like Man: Well yeah. But you guys aren’t with the Order; or some lord’s lackeys either. We’d’ve heard if big shots like those were sniffing around here.

Leader-like Man: In other words, you three are the only ones who still care.

Leader-like Man: Why are you even investigatin' such a boring rumor? It’s been 10 years now, or something-it’s too late to do anything about it, anyway. Who cares if someone’s hellspawn got himself turned into a meat stick? (1) 

Young Man: ….gk.

Cain: Some hellspawn? “Turned into”.....?!

I could almost see the veins in Cain’s hand pulsing in anger from how hard he was gripping his sword.

However, after a moment, he took a deep breath and pointed the tip of his sword towards the leader once more.

Cain: That boy you guys killed turned into a ghost, now trapped in this world by his own grief. He’s still wandering even now, unable to be at peace.

Young Man: Huh…….

Cain: I need to know what his name was when he was alive in order to lay him to rest. If you know it, you better spit it out right now. No tricks.

Leader-like Man: Oh, the name? Ah-oh, right, if I’m not mistaken….

Leader-like Man: I think it was somethin’ like “Aaahh!!!” 

Bradley: Eh?

Unkempt Man: Heh…eheheh. Sorry, he made a mistake. It was “It hurts-it hurts, it hurts, stop!”, right?

Well-built Man: Or “I’m scared, Mommy!” Heheheh…..

Leader-like Man: Heheh….well, whatever it was, I forgot. Besides, it wouldn't be good for us if you figured it out, right?

Young Man: …gh! 

Cain: You fuckin’ bastard...!!

Cain’s voice grew rougher, as did his words, but I understood; hearing their vulgar, disgusting jokes, I too felt like I was about to be sick.

(1). Here the man refers to the boy killed with 一匹, which is a counter for small animals. You really don't want to use counters like that for people unless you are being derogatory, which is definitely what's happening here. Part of the reason Cain is so pissed is because he's referring to the boy killed like little more than livestock or someone's pet.

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 6

Akira: Um…is it okay to jump to conclusions that quickly? I know you guys don’t know what police dramas are, but they would usually collect evidence….

Bradley: We ain’t got time for that shit. Those randos definitely didn’t like anyone talkin’ about there bein’ “two people’ an’ all.

Cain: Probably because they don’t like that they’re connected to it. Their reaction alone to my name tells me they aren’t doin’ anything proper.

Cain: If they’re bein’ cautious though, they might run off with that kid in tow.

Bradley: But they ain’t got enough spine to be leavin’ behind their spoils like that. So they ought’a still be hangin’ around.

Cain: There’s no other taverns in this town, and they’ve been regular customers there. So inevitably,  that means….

Bradley + Cain: Tonight, it’s on.

Akira: I see….

Faust: In that case, we can rest a little far away from town, and then come back to that tavern in the evening.

Faust: During that time, Arthur and I will monitor the wandering spirit, and when you learn their name, we can provide support for the purification.

Arthur: Both of you, take care; Master Sage as well.

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

And so, that night–

Bradley: …Yup, they came.

Cain: As was foretold.

Akira: They look all nervous, and they’re searching the other guests….are they making sure we didn’t come?

We spoke to each other in whisper as we hid near the tavern, watching the men as they entered.

(Sound of fabric, then a thump.)

However, when the young man tried to enter the tavern with them, the leader of the group thrust him away, telling him something.

The boy just gave a weak nod in response as he curled back defensively. The tavern door slammed shut in front of him with only the sound of a bell lingering.

Akira: They just shut him out….

Bradley: Look’s like he’s been made into an errand boy. Seen it happen a ton.

Cain: Hey, wait…

(Sound of footsteps approaching the young man.)

Ignoring Cain, Bradley drew towards their new target with the grace of a panther stalking its prey.

He made no hint of his presence or sound as he did so, and thus the hard-of-seeing boy didn’t notice him.

Then-

(Sound of a physical scuffle.)

Young Man: Waa…gh!

Bradley: Quiet. You make a single sound an’ I’ll slit yer throat.

Young Man: Mphgh….

Cain: Hey! Stop bein’ so threatening, Bradley!

Cain: Can you hear me? I’m sorry for coming on to you all scary-like. It’s us from yesterday, the guys who interrupted your dinner.

Cain reached out and touched the young man’s shoulder, speaking with great concern.

However, even though both the touch and his voice was gentle, the young man’s breathing grew more rapid.

Cain paused for a moment, blinking, before continuing to talk with a more calming tone.

Cain: Yesterday, you were tellin’ us about that local rumor. 

Cain: We kinda got interrupted in the middle, so I had just wanted to ask you ‘bout it a little fur-

Young Man: I…I don’t know! I don’t know! I don’t know…!

The young man frantically shook his head as he interrupted Cain, frequently glancing in the direction of the tavern.

Bradley: Don’t play dumb with us, punk. What were you sayin’ about two people?

Young Man: I…I made a…mistake! 

Bradley: Oh, ya did now, huh? 

Young Man: Gk….

Cain: I said stop threatening him, Bradley. He’s never gonna tell us anything if he’s too scared of you to speak.

Bradley: Please. There are plenty of ways t’ make someone talk. Jus’ ask Figaro. He’d say any chatter’s good chatter if ya get somethin’ outta it. Even if yer a bit nasty ‘bout it.

Bradley: I’m a convict, ya know. They teach you all that real up an’ close in prison.

Bradley: What d’ya say? I can give you yer own personal lesson.

Cain: Quit it, will you?!

Young Man: …ngh.....!

(Sounds of another struggle.)

The young man finally seemed to reach his limit, and started twisting  and pulling violently against the hands that held him, in a desperate attempt to escape. Amidst the struggle, though, his shirt was pulled up, and I happened a glance at his stomach. 

I put a hand over my mouth to cover up my gasp at the color of the skin underneath.

Akira: (Oh…oh my God, it’s all purple…is that-is that all just one bruise?!)

Cain: ….! Shit, you’re injured-are you okay?! What happened??

Young Man: I…this…it’s n-nothing! It’s really nothing….

Cain: That’s definitely not nothing! Look, forget about the rumor; let us help you, okay? There has to be something we can do.

Cain looked him in the eye, ready to confront the problem head on. 

It didn’t seem like the young man saw this, but he still lifted his head to look like the sun was shining down on him.

Cain: There’s older injuries mixed in with the ones you have now.

Cain: Which means it’s those guys you’re with who’re doin’ this, right?

Akira: Oh…

Young Man: …ah….I…..I’m…..

(Sound of the tavern door opening.)

Unkempt Man: For the love of-how long does it take that moron t’ steal a single fuckin’ horse?

Well-built Man: We made it clear we gotta leave, now. If we keep shootin’ the breeze around here, those guys-

Bradley + Cain: ….!

As the door opened, the vulgar men from before spilled out.

Their harsh looks almost immediately settled on us, having caught onto the young man.

The young man, who immediately went pale upon seeing them.

Young Man: I-I….I didn’t say anything! I didn’t say anything at all, I didn’t!! I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m sorry!

Leader-like Man: Fuck, we’re too late.

Unkempt Man: You assholes got the nerve to come sniffin’ around here again, huh? We’ll teach you some manners!! 

(Sound of blades being drawn.)

The harsh light of the moon shone down, casting their drawn weapons in an uncanny light.

(Sound of more fabric rustling and a thump.)

In the moment I was was distracted by the disquieting scene, the young man had thrust himself away from Bradley and ran back to the gang of men. He too, drew a knife that glinted in the moonlight.

Bradley: Argh-you little….!

Cain: Shit-looks like I got no choice now.

Making a clear sound of displeasure, Cain then grabbed Bradley’s arm, foisting me off onto the North wizard like one would luggage.

Akira: Ah…! 

Cain: Brad-I’ll leave the Sage to you! 

Bradley: Huh? Who the fuck do you think yer orderin’ around??

Cain: Bradley-please! I really do get it, but right now we’re limited to physical force. And I’m better than you at that. 

Cain went for his sword-but oddly enough, did not draw it. Instead he unbuckled the sheath from his waist, and set himself in his usual stance.

Bradley: The hell you ain’t drawin’ yer weapon? 

Cain: We need 'em to talk. It’d be kind of bad if I went overboard.

Well-built Man: …! You think you can look down on us, huh?! 

Leader-like Man: I’ll fuckin’ kill ya! 

The gang of scoundrels all recklessly rushed at him; at Cain, who faced them, perfectly composed. 

In the sudden flurry of action, he moved as though he were dancing. 

(Sound of attacking swords.)

He blocked each and every one of his attacker’s blows with that self same precision, his sword never leaving its sheath.

(Sound of four more sword attacks.)

Finally, when he took the attack from the unkempt man, Cain gave a slight smile.

Cain: Ah, that’s better. Now I’ve got all of you. While I’m pretty used to fighting without being able to see my opponents, it’s a lot safer this way. 

Unkempt Man: Huh? ………Gyaah!

(Sound of one more swing of a sword.)

With his sword still in the scabbard, Cain swept it to the side.

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 5

Well-built Man: …Well, this dish….

Unkempt Man: Hey…

Cain: Oh, that! Yeah that does seem pretty good-I wanna try it too. Oh, but first…Akira! Come here!

I was taken aback by the sudden call of my name by Cain, who was waving me over to the space between him and Bradley. I hurried over, dragging a chair to sit with them.

Leader-like Man: ….This weak-lookin’ guy part of your crew too?

Unkempt Man: Ahaha-what a dumb mug. Hey look, your kind’s here! We got one of ‘em too.

Young Man: ….

Akira: Um…..

Cain: Hey, no need to be mean. His name’s Akira. ….Oh, I don’t think we gave our names, did we?

Bradley: Now that you say that, yeah, don’ think we did. Name’s Bradley.

Akira: Like he said, I’m Akira. I’m very sorry for interrupting you.

Cain: And I’m Cain; Nice to meet ya.

I saw Cain give a sideways glance to the men, having used their real names to introduce themselves. 

And it seemed he was wise to; upon hearing “Cain”, the men pulled back with a start. Only the young man looked up at us like he’d been struck.

Leader-like Man: ….That’s the name of the General of the Order right now.

Unkempt Man: You mean former General. I heard they ain’t anymore. You guys’re travellers. D’ya know if the General Cain really did resign from his post?

Bradley: Man, we ain’t been within spittin’ distance of the royal capital for years now; we don’t know shit.

Bradley: It’s just a coincidence this guy’s got the same name. Stop jumpin’ at shadows, will ya? 

Leader-like Man: …Well, you’re probably right. I haven’t heard anyone talkin’ about the General comin’ to some backwater place like this. 

Unkempt Man: Ha, I bet he’d be too busy chasin’ skirts all over the royal capital. Wanna bet he’s a player? Got a whole line of them royal ladies. 

Well-built Man: Ahaha, yeah, I bet he’s real busy on the “night watch”. If that’s what it’s like, I’ll bet 10 years from now we’ll all be ‘geniuses with the sword.’

Men: Gyahahaha! 

Cain: ……

Akira: (....How dare they….At least Cain doesn’t seem phased...)

Though he seemed well-enough himself, my own mood grew worse.

I gulped down the rest of my juice in one go; I wasn’t thirsty, but I was afraid if I had any left in the cup, I would’ve dumped it all over these men.

When I lowered my empty drink, the young man with long bangs caught my attention.

Akira: (He’s staring a bit too hard at Cain…..And he’s looking a little bit in the wrong place. Like Cain does as well before he touches us….)

Cain: So how long have you guys been around here, then?

Leader-like Man: Uh, couple months. I think we passed by this place before when we were travellin’, right?

Bradley: Oh, really….then I wonder if you know more about this one rumor I heard. The one 10 years ago, where a kid went missin’....

Young Man: …..!

(Sound of something spilling.)

Young Man: Ah..!

Unkempt Man: You idiot-did you just spill your drink?! You better not have gotten any on my shoes!!

Well-Built Man: God, what a moron. You can’t even drink a single glass without ruinin’ it!

Young Man: I’m-I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I’m sorry….

Cain: Hey, hey, his hand slipped. It happens to everyone. I’m just glad the glass didn’t break.

Cain: Bartender, can we get your best drink for these four? Thanks.

Cain raised a hand to the counter to signal the bartender. A short while later, he took the bottle of wine he received, dividing it into 4 glasses, handing them in turn to the gang. 

The final glass he gave them was to the young man who had spilled the drink in the first place.

Cain: Here, this one’s for you. ….You know, you don’t hafta answer if you don’t wanna, but I’m thinking your eyesight isn’t all that great? 

Young Man: Y…yes….The t-truth is, I can’t really see well at all….

Cain: Huh, really? Just from watchin’ you at the table, I don’t think most people would be able to tell. You’re pretty awesome. 

Cain: Just reach your arm out a little bit…right here. Yeah, right there’s the glass, I think you’ll be able to get the picture once you touch it.

Young Man: Th…thank you….

After taking the glass, the young man hung his head.

But then, with a sudden blink-he raised his head, his expression like that of a cornered animal.

Young Man: U-um…that rumor you mentioned a bit ago. I know what you’re talking about.

Cain: Huh?

Men: …!

Young Man: I-I mean, it’s not just me. If something like that happens in this area, everyone knows about it. It’s famous enough e-even the Order of knights investigated. 

Young Man: People went missing 10 years ago, in that forest ahead of the old town’s walls.

Young Man: Two boys.

Akira: (Wait, what? But we only heard of one missing person…)

Bradley + Cain: …..

Well-built Man: Hey. You….

Young Man: I-I mean…i-it’s a rumor right? So they were probably eaten by some beast in the forest. That happens in those parts a lot….

Leader-like Man: -It’s late. We’re going back.

(Sound of a chair scraping on the floor.)

Suddenly, the men all stood up from their chairs.

(Sound of fabric rustling.)

One of them grabbed the young man’s arm, yanking him forcefully with him. Within the sound of him being so violently dragged, I swore I could hear his breathing spasm.

Cain still had a friendly look on his face, like he was trying to pacify them. 

Cain: Hey, it’s fine, it’s fine; I think we’re all good with staying up late. I wanna hear more about that, it seemed interesting….

Leader-like Man: No. We’re leaving. See ya.

Still dragging the young man along, the whole gang then left the bar without another word.

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

(Sound of a breeze blowing by.)

Arthur: There were actually two missing people..?

Faust: That’s strange…that doesn’t match up with what we found at all.

Dawn. We met up with Faust and Arthur as agreed, exchanging what we knew.

Faust: We followed traces of that spirit to the forest, and there, we found a set of old, small remains. It’s most likely they are the source of this spirit’s grief, so we held a funeral for them.

Arthur: …There was a rotten sheath nearby. So it seems we were correct; the true form of this lingering spirit is the boy who wished to become a knight.

Cain: …I see…

Faust: But the remains we cremated definitely belonged to a single person. There were not enough bones for two people. 

Akira: Then, the rumor of a boy going missing was true? That young man was mistaken? 

Akira: But ‘one person going missing’ is on a whole other scale than ‘two people’. I don’t think that would be an easy thing to mistake…right?

Cain: No, it wouldn’t be; that’s the problem. He clearly said two people when he spoke about it….

Bradley: Those guys definitely know somethin’. 

Bradley: Like the Sage said, you don’t mistake those sortsa details. That means he said “two people’ on purpose.

Cain: Looking at his companions response, he might’ve been hinting at something that would be real inconvenient for them. 

Cain: The mystery of how many people went missing versus how many remains isn’t addin’ up, so….I need to talk to that kid further.

Faust: Understandable. When are you going to go, then?

Bradley + Cain: Tonight.

The two spoke in complete unison. 

Cain’s eyes opened wider at first, before he smiled and gave Bradley a hearty slap on the back.

Cain: Well, would ya look at that. We are gettin’ along. 

Bradley: Yer the one who said we couldn’t yesterday.

Cain: Okay, then lemme rephrase: sometimes we can’t, but when we can, we do.

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 4

(Sound of the tavern door opening.)

Bartender: Welcome….

Men: Gyaaahha! 

Right as we opened the door, we were assaulted by the overloud guffawing from a group of men. I jumped at the unexpected sound, Bradley just wrinkling his nose.

Bradley: Ugh, look at this vulgar lot. Even Mithra has better manners than that.

Cain: True, he’d never make that much of a racket. Master Sage, don’t get separated from us.

Akira: O-okay….

Said group of men had taken up seats at the most central table in the bar, making it easy to see the source of the clamor. Their table was piled high with a lavish feast, like they were celebrating something.

However, the remains of their food was scattered everywhere, and several of them placed their muddy boots on the table. No matter how happy they seemed, just looking at it gave me an unpleasant feeling.

Akira: (If this were Shylock’s bar, he would’ve kicked them out already. I wonder why this bartender isn’t saying anything…) 

There were a number of other customers dotted along the wall, far away from the noise. They seemed to hate it too, but like the bartender, said nothing.

Bradley took a seat at the counter, leaning over it towards them.

Bradley: Yo, figured I’d stop by for a drink. Bring somethin’ good for me and this guy here, and juice for the squirt in the back.

Bartender: Most certainly. Are you travellers?

Bradley: Somethin’ along those lines. Pretty classy joint you got here, huh?

Bartender: …I am very sorry. I have already spoken to them several times, but as you can see…

The bartender’s posture crumbled, and I followed their gaze around the interior of the building. I could see things that were torn or broken all over, most likely because of this gang.

Cain: Man, these guys really are garbage….do they come here that often?

Bartender: Yes, they are my most unpleasant repeat customers. Granted, they probably only recently drifted down to these parts.

Bartender: I have no idea how they earn that amount of money, though. They’ll come here, raising a clamor for a few days, then disappear, and repeat the whole thing again.

Bartender: They themselves say they are mercenaries, but….theres no fighting here, not even conflicts between local lords. So I have no idea how on earth they’re earning anything. 

The bartender shrugged while serving us our drinks, then left to go take orders from the guests near the walls.

Cain merely took his drink, and was uncharacteristically silent as he took a swig, staring in the mens’ direction.

Cain: …Master Sage. Tell me about those guys; how they look, how many, what they’re actin’ like.

Akira: Huh? Oh, um….there’s a man with a scar on his cheek…he’s the most self-important looking, so he’s probably the leader.

Akira: If we’re going by appearance alone, he looks older than Oz or Figaro. He’s pretty tall and muscular. 

 Akira: There’s two others there about the same age as him; one of them is really well-built too, and the other is kind of unkempt-looking.

Akira: There’s one more there that’s younger than those three. He has long bangs, and the other two seem to bully him a lot. He looks a bit scared of them as well.

Cain: Okay, I’m gettin’ the picture now…thanks.

Cain: Okay, I’m gonna head over and talk with those guys a lil bit. They sound like the kinda guys who would know about some pretty awful things. 

Akira: Huh?! Wait, no, it’s dangerous!

Bradley: Whatever, just get goin’. Don’t fuck it up, got it?

Akira: Huh?!!!

Cain: Of course, of course. I’ll leave the Sage to you; come in at a good time, kay?

Without batting an eye, he clapped me on the shoulder and then headed over. Still worried, I leaned over to whisper into Bradley’s ear.

Akira: Is-is this really okay? Cain is very strong, but he’d raise a huge clamor if he drew his sword now, and he can’t use magic…

Bradley: Haha…yer real full of questions t’day, Sage. This is jus’ like what happened back when we started livin’ at the manor. 

Bradley: Picture me, the great Bradley Bain, feared bandit of the North, a terror to kids in their dreams, jus’ sitting at the table, eatin’ my food. Then, Mr. Central knight comes in.

Bradley: An’ what d’ya think he did as soon as he laid eyes on me? 

Akira: I..don’t know. What..did he do?

Bradley: Came straight over, flung an arm ‘round my shoulders, an’ said, “Yo, what’re you eatin’ there? It seems pretty good.” 

Cain: -Yo, what’re you eatin’ there? Seems pretty good.

I then heard Cain’s friendly voice, repeating almost verbatim what Bradley just said. 

He didn’t put an arm over any of their shoulders, instead leaning towards them in a familiar manner.

The men, however, grew angry at some strange young man suddenly approaching them.

Unkempt Man: Huh? The fuck are you?

Leader-like Man: You got the nerve t’ act all friendly with us??

In the sudden chaotic atmosphere, the young man with long bangs startled, his shoulders tensing up. 

However Cain, widening his eyes with surprise, just brought both his hands up in surrender.

Cain: Ah-my bad, my bad! That was pretty damn rude of me to just say hi like that. I’m sorry for interrupting your meal.

Cain: It’s just..you guys look like regulars, and you got some really fancy stuff laid out on your table, so I figured you might know what the best thing to eat here is. 

Cain: It’s my first time around these parts, and this particular tavern. If it’s okay, I’d love to hear your recommendations.

The group of hoodlums all glanced at each other, then back at Cain, who was offering them a handshake with an honest expression.

Despite being taken aback by his behavior, they still shook his hand,  glancing warily at the knight.

They did not seem to notice that Cain’s left hand rested casually on the hilt of his sword the whole time.

Bradley just shrugged as he drained his glass, standing up and stretching after putting a sizeable amount of silver coins on the counter.

Bradley: Barkeep, keep an eye on this one, will ya? Sage, you keep lookin’ too. Come over when its good.

Bartender: Thank you very much for your generosity; please leave it to me, sir.

Akira: W-wait, when you say good…..

Without stopping, Bradley just took large strides over to where Cain now was.

(Sound of fabric being grabbed.)

He then grabbed Cain by the scruff on his neck, much like he would a misbehaving puppy.

Cain: Gck-

Bradley: Oi. Ain’t I always sayin’ to stop wanderin’ off on your own and botherin’ the hell outta strangers?

Cain: Sorry, sorry, I kinda got excited. 

Bradley: Ugh. …Well, suppose it’s my bad for my partner here, he’s always like this. He’s jus’ bein’ a brat, so don’t think he’s got any ill will.

Leader-like Man: …..I guess…..

Bradley: Listen, I ain’t good with apologies so have a lil somethin’ on us.

Bradley: Though while we’re here, might as well ask for any interestin’ tales ya got of these here parts.

Bradley: We’re in the middle of travellin’ right now; any bit o’ gossip’s a help.

(Sound of a chair being dragged over.)

Pulling a chair over, Bradley flopped down on it with a heavy weight. 

At some point he must’ve taken out his magic tool, because unlike Cain and his sword, it was set down nearby as if it were a dare. 

Perhaps unconsciously, the gang of men then watched how Cain was going to respond. 

(Sound of another chair being dragged over.)

He too just pulled up a seat while giving a pleasant smile, falling in line with Bradley like they really were travellers who trusted each other.

Cain: What he said. That’s kinda also why I was askin’ for recommendations; I’d love to hear what you know.

The cheerful smile, the overbearing attitude, the innocent, endearing nature, gifts to make yourself be admired; all of it was calculated. All of it, a part of their plan. 

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 3

Arthur: So that is what happened….do you know the boy’s identity?

Cain: No. Honestly, it’s a miracle I know that much.

Akira: Um…a little while ago when we were investigating, I did overhear you say that “that has to be where it happened…” 

Cain: Oh, you heard that? Yeah, that was the incident I was thinkin’ of. Grief and regret are all sorts of things that’re easily affected by the Calamity.

Cain: Still, at the same time, the possibility that boy turned into the wandering spirit’s pretty low. What do ya think, Faust? 

Faust: …It might be possible. When I tried to unravel the curse before, the presence did feel a lot like a child.

Faust: The possibility that the missing kid is the true form of this wandering spirit works well enough, in my opinion.

Akira: …That’s so sad if it's true, though. His future being cut short as he was just about to start his dream….

Cain: Yeah. I heard about it when I was in the Order; he was apparently 12 years old at that time. …..If he were alive now, we would’ve been the same age. It really left a lasting impression on me after I realized that…

Akira: Wow, I don’t blame you. It really is terrible…

Cain: Yeah…

Cain’s expression was clouded for a moment, but soon he shook his head, raising his eyes again.

Cain: Anyway, the important thing right now is to find out that spirit’s true form.

Cain: Also, if my hunch is right and it is that boy….we should try whatever avenue we can to find out his name.

Cain: And if he isn’t, I can only hope he ended up in the place where he was meant to be. 

Akira: Yeah, me too….

Bradley: Ugh. Stop with all the tearjerker crap, will ya? I ain’t got time for this shit.

In contrary to my solemn agreement, Bradley just gave a scornful laugh, waving a hand at us like he was shooing off a dog. 

Bradley: Our goal, if ya didn’t forget, is to get rid of this curse as soon as possible. If offin’ the source of its grief was easier, I’d be all for it.

Cain: Yeah, I know. I would too if we had the means.

Cain: But this wandering spirit was originally a human. I’d rather be able to choose how to resolve this curse, so I wanna prepare in case it happens. 

Bradley: Buzz off; I ain’t doin’ this for anyone but me. I don’t see why I hafta care about some punk kid that don't matter. 

Cain: …..

Cain frowned slightly as Bradley’s unrepentant refusal, then paused to take a breath.

Cain: ….I really can’t see eye-to-eye with you, can I?

Bradley: Hey, you’re the one who was preachin’ about holdin’ hands and joinin’ up before.

Cain: Yeah, I know…..hey, hold up! We’ve flown pretty far already; we should probably turn back soon and go ask around at the local tavern.

Arthur: The tavern?

Cain: Yeah. Cause it’s a place where both people and information gather. I’d like to go ask the locals if they know anythin’ about all this.

Cain: So uh, what direction is that town from here…..

Bradley: Wait a hot secon’; ain’t you forgettin’ to do somethin’?

Faust: Doing what?

Bradley: Change yer clothes, duh. You can’t go into a tavern lookin’ like that. That tailor kid ain’t here today, so y’know what? Consider this a gift from yours truly.

Bradley snapped his fingers, and suddenly the night filled with a light aroma of gunpowder, smoke, and danger. It was a scent that always lingered after him, layered on like a cologne.

(Sound of Bradley’s magic.)

By the time I’d noticed what happened, our clothes had all changed.

Cain: Woah!

Faust: This is….

Arthur: Your clothes? Bradley, are you lending them to us?

Bradley: What d’ya think I’m doin’? Y’all better thank me for this; I dragged this shit out from underneath the shit at the bottom of my dresser.

Cain: So in other words, you’re givin’ us the stuff you don’t wear.

Akira: Th-thank you for going out of your way to do this. But isn’t using magic….

Cain: I’m sure the spirit sensed it, but it’s all good. We’re goin’ a different way than we were before now.

Cain: If we leave traces of our magic here, it’ll serve as a pretty good decoy for it.

Cain: …..is what you intended when ya used magic, right, Bradley? 

Bradley: Yeah, sure, whatever. More importantly, you idiots ain’t got enough of an impact to be goin’ and talkin’ shit in taverns, so I’m takin’ over.

Bradley: An’ you, Cain, you got th’ know-how to point that out, and yet here you are tryin’ to shove off to town without even thinkin’ of that?

Cain: I….got distracted…..

Bradley just shrugged with half-closed eyes at apparently having hit a nerve in Cain. However, he still had a slight smile on his face.

Cain had said they couldn’t see eye to eye before, but right now they were acting just like a senior with his junior.

Akira: (I can’t tell if their chemistry is good or bad……Actually, more importantly…)

Akira: Well, I’m glad it’s on purpose, but….erm, by the way…..

Arthur: Master Sage? Is anything the matter?

Akira: It’s just…these clothes Bradley gave us are, well, a little big in a lot of places….ah! The belt, the belt’s falling!!

Bradley: Hey-don’t go droppin’ things-that shit’s expensive! Probably.

Cain: …Probably?

Faust: What is this belt even for in the first place…..No, that’s not important. It shouldn’t be too hard to shrink the clothes down with magic, I’d think. 

Bradley: Ha! Why? You guys all look like beggars! Well jus’ remember to put them back after, or you’ll regret it.

Arthur: Of course, thank you very much for lending them to us, Bradley. Cain, are you sure you’ll be okay as is? 

Cain: Yeah. Me and Bradley aren’t real different in physique. Right?

Bradley: Don’t ‘right’ me; it’s clear as day I’ve got the better body. Look-aw, you got some extra cloth right here! 

(Sound of rustling of clothes, then something being hit.)

Cain: O-ow-that hurt! And there isn’t that much extra, jeez! Ugh…well, if it gets in my way, I’ll rip it off or something. 

Bradley: Don’t fuckin’ tear it either! I said it’s expensive! Probably! 

While the two of them bickered, Faust just snapped his fingers, causing all our clothes to faintly glow. After a second, all the clothes and belts that came with them shrank to fit us perfectly.

Cain had a firm grip on the handle of his broom.

Cain: -Okay. Then while the spirit makes its way here, lets turn back towards town.

(Sound of the wizards flying off.)

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

We arrived at the tavern at about midnight, when the date changed.

Arthur and Faust would not be going with us there; instead, they were returning to the forest to investigate there. We decided too, to meet back up with each other at dawn.

(flashback begins)

Arthur: I too will go with Cain to investigate at the tavern.

Faust: No, you’re coming with me to the forest, and in charge of delivering a message to the Manor at the expected time.

Faust: The order in that particular tavern is pretty terrible; kids definitely shouldn’t be in there at this hour.

Arthur: I am 17 years old. That may not be considered an adult, but I am not a child.

Faust: That is literally a child. Besides, outside of insisting you’re not a kid, you haven’t given me anything that would persuade me into letting you stay.

Arthur: ….

Faust: I’ll repeat; I’m not letting children frequent dangerous taverns at this time of night. We should get going on our own task.

Arthur: ….Yes, you’re right. I’m very sorry for being so unreasonable.

Arthur: I was just thinking about how Cain got cursed because he was protecting me…I couldn’t calm down.

Arthur: All because I simply couldn’t move….

Faust: That was not any fault of yours. That spirit was something you fundamentally cannot look at. Your body was most likely just trying to defend itself.

Faust: The fact that Cain was able to move was an exception. As a knight, he was most likely trained specifically to respond like that, and mastered the ability to overcome his fear in an instant.

Faust: Each and every one of them had it ingrained in their heart to take the best, most suitable course of action. That is the only thing that played a part in this outcome.

Arthur: …Okay. Thank you, Faust.

Faust: No need to thank me. ….Sage, you should probably accompany those two instead.

Faust: Carry this pouch with you for self-defense. If you sense you are in any danger, tear it; and don’t part from the Sacrificium’s side.

Akira: Okay, I understand. You two take care as well. 

Faust: Yeah, we will.

Faust: Let’s get going, Arthur. Beyond this point, there’s a high likelihood that we will come into contact with something curse, so please stay as close to me as possible.

Arthur: Understood, I am in your hands!

(flashback ends)

[light-end-dragon]

Sonatine of our United Battlefront-EN Translation

An EN translation of the third Sonatine event in まほやく

✧starring Cain Knightley and Bradley Bain, side characters Faust Lavinia and Arthur Granvelle✧

Please use the links below to get to each of the chapters.

[Chapter 1]✧ [Chapter 2] ✧[Chapter 3] ✧[Chapter 4]✧ [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] ✧[Chapter 7] ✧[Chapter 8]✧[Chapter 9]✧[Chapter 10]

The translation is now complete! Thank to everyone for their patience!

I will now try to finish the 3 other events im still working on amongst everything else

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 2

Faust: That’s why it’s like a poison. So even if you’re only affected that one time, it still eats away at you-in other words, the only thing you can do is purify the spirit itself.

Faust: If I’m being honest though…I’ve never heard of a single case of that being successful. I’d much prefer it if we could remove the curse itself.

Faust: Cain, you’re the one who made eye contact with it first. Stand here then; I’ll make preparations in order to break it.

Arthur: Please allow me to help as well.

Dividing up the work, Faust and Arthur set out drawing a magic circle around Cain, made up of various herbs and mercury.

Faust: ….Okay. From now on, Cain, I will be performing the spell. 

Faust: There will most likely be a sensation of something foreign invading your body, and a powerful feeling of suffocation. However, you cannot, under any circumstances, stop breathing. Just keep repeating your name inside your mind. 

Cain: Okay……ah!!

(Sound of magic being used.)

The moment Cain went to nod, his red eye started rolling around in his skull. 

Having seized control for itself, it then looked around restlessly at our surroundings like it was trying to assess what had happened.

Cain: Owen’s eye-it just started moving on its own! It’s been ages since this last happened, so why…..

Bradley: The hell that bastard think he’s doin’, peepin’ on us like that? He lordin’ over the fact that he’s the only one that didn’t get cursed?

Faust: This is a delicate technique. I really don’t want anything interfering with it…

Cain: It’s okay, I’ll just cover it with my hand. If that’s what he’s tryin’ to do, he’ll get bored eventually and give up.

Akira: (T-that’s…this feels a little bit too much like avoiding surveillance cameras…is that really okay…?)

Faust: …….. ..Well…..I guess…I’ll just keep going for now? There’s not much else to do.

Faust: Let’s just begin. 

Faust held up his mirror, and used it to peer into Cain’s golden eye. Slowly, he drew it towards himself, like he was trying to stare at something far away.

Faust: –Salliqunart Mullcrede–

(Sound of Faust using his magic.)

Cain: …Ugh…….

Cain’s breathing did spasm for a moment, but not long after he began to make himself breath deeply.

As Faust stared, unblinking, into the depths of Cain’s eye, a cold sweat began to break out on his forehead.

A few seconds passed, then a few minutes-

Cain: ….Ah, hot!!

(Sound of flames suddenly burning.)

Akira: Aah! The magic circle’s on fire!

(Sound of magic rebounding.)

Faust: ….ck!

Like he was thrust away by an unseen force, Faust staggered backwards, Arthur frantically rushing over to stop him from falling.

Arthur: Woah…..are you okay? 

Faust: Ugh…Yeah, sorry. I’m fine. Thanks.

Cain: Agh-that was intense….It fuckin’ felt like pasta was boilin’ in my eye…

Bradley: Use words that make more sense together, would ya??

Akira: (I wonder if he was trying to say it felt like something long and slimy….?)

Arthur: Faust, what happened? Were you able to break the curse?

Faust: No, I wasn’t. That wandering spirit’s obsession is too strong; I don’t think other people trying to intervene is going to be effective…

Faust: Well, maybe Oz or Mithra could force the thing off him, but….they would probably end up badly injuring his soul.

 Arthur: I see….I had thought that perhaps we could ask Lord Oz for help, but….

Cain: That should probably be our last resort. Is he still at the manor? 

Faust: Yes. As soon as he heard that you guys had been attacked by the wandering spirit, the weather got very stormy. 

Faust: He seemed anxious to come here, but the twins managed to stop him. Probably for the best, too; this isn’t something we can just carelessly kill.

Bradley: Anyway, seems like all we got left is purifyin’ the damn thing. Why does it always gotta be the most annoyin’ method….

Akira: I know you said there weren’t any successful cases earlier, but what would you need to do to purify a spirit like that? 

Faust: There’s two main methods, for the most part. One, declaring the wandering spirit’s true name as you make eye contact with it, and two, destroying the source of their grief.

Arthur: …That’s…..

Cain: Both of those are unusable, though. We dunno know their true form, or whatever turned ‘em into a vengeful spirit.

Akira: A-are those really the only ways? If the only characteristics are someone dying and their soul being consumed by grief, the possibilities are endless…..

Faust: That’s why I said I rather try and break the curse. It’s nigh impossible without that information. Well, you might be able to break Bradley’s curse alone, but……

Faust: …..

Faust hadn’t hesitated in speaking about the curse before, but now, for some reason, he suddenly fell silent. Cain leaned towards him, clearly wanting to hear more.

Cain: We might be able to break Bradley’s curse at least? Then there’s a method to save him?

Cain: He only got involved ‘cause he was protectin’ me, so I’d want him to be free of it if nothin’ else. Can you tell me the method then?

Faust: …..No. It’s completely impossible.

Cain: But…..

Bradley: …Oh, I getcha.

Bradley: You’re implyin’ here that if I kill Mr. Central knight, I’ll be saved from the curse-or somethin’ like that. Right? 

Faust: ….

Faust: ….Yes, that’s right.

Arthur + Akira: …!

Cain: Oh...I get you now, but that’s not usable either. The risk is way too much for both of us.

Both Arthur and I had been startled, but the knight in question seemed calm, giving a light shrug of his shoulders.

Cain: If he kills me, Bradley’s standin’ will get even more dangerous. At the very least, his prison term would get extended several hundred years. Of course, I don’t exactly wanna die either.

Cain: Also….if I’m tellin’ the truth, I might have an idea as to who the wanderin’ spirit is.

Akira: Huh-really?!

Cain: I don’t have any conclusive evidence I’m right. But it’s gotta be better than startin’ on nothing.

Cain: So that’s why….

(Sound of a sleeve rustling.)

Cain had held his hand out to Bradley, looking him in the eye. Bradley just stared back with a frown, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Cain: Bradley. I know it’s my fault that you got into all this mess, but would you be willin’ to team up with me? 

Cain: We have the same goal. I want to resolve this as soon as possible, to win-in a way that won’t affect our future.

Cain: The chances of us succeeding together are way better for complicated stuff like this. 

Bradley: …..

Bradley narrowed his eyes, giving a calculated look.

(Sound of a hand slapping against another.)

After a brief pause, a sound rang out that mimicked the dry crack of a gunshot.

The source was easy to find: instead of the handshake offered, Bradley had clapped his hand against Cain’s. 

Bradley: Nothin’ t’be done ‘bout it. Get on yer broom.

Bradley: But lemme get one thing clear: if I think you, at any point, are in my way, I’ll kill ya then an’ there to free myself. Capiche? 

Cain: Yeah, I got it, I got it. Thanks.

Cain: But for now, lets get outta here before the spirit comes. We need to have a strategy meeting.

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

Cain: -it was 10 years ago that it happened. A boy who dreamed of being a knight went missing, near ruins of that old town.

(Sound of brooms flying through the air.)

I rode on Arthur’s broom as we continued soaring into the wine-colored evening. The meadow and the town we had just visited were both long gone from our sight.

Since the vengeful spirit was chasing them, they couldn’t return to the manor. 

The three of us offered to help, so we continued on with Cain and Bradley as they flew.

Cain: The Order of Knights had a fortress in a big settlement about 4 days walk from that town; that’s most likely where he was heading.

Cain: But apparently, bad weather stretched out the itinerary and he was tryin' to rush along to make up for it. 

Cain: So instead of using the main road that’s connected to the city gates, he tried to take a shortcut through that forest by the ruins of the old city’s walls, and left that way.

Cain: After that, he was never heard from again.

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 1

Cain: Okay! This is definitely the place that request was talking about.

Arthur: Yes, the map that was included all but confirms it, but…Master Sage, do you sense anything? 

Akira: No, I thought this would be a desolate place, but there’s nothing really distinct…

The three of us tilted our heads in concert, confused about the outcome.

We were visiting a deserted town in the Central kingdom, on yet another report of an incident caused by the Great Calamity. 

“There is something terrifying haunting the ruins of the former town-the air is so cold scary it’s so horrible please come quickly” That was all the chaotic contents of the letter said, so we went immediately to investigate-

Bradley: Lemme give you what I think. These weird-ass air chills and fear they’re talkin’ about or whatever- it ain’t caused by the Calamity at all. 

Arthur: Is there a reason you’re able to be so certain, Bradley? 

Bradley: It’s real simple. You lot would even be able to figure it out eventually; do you see any signs of the Calamity bein’ here? 

Bradley: Cause there aren’t any. And so my job here is done. 

Cain: Okay, okay. Look, I know you’re just here for the pardon, but we can’t exactly bring a proper end to this deal like that. 

Bradley: Who gives a shit about proper? If it’s nothin’, it’s nothin’. 

Bradley: The twins jus’ flapped their traps about  “helpin’ investigate this strange incident.” If you want me to hunt down this 'chilly thing', I’m gonna need some extra incentive. 

Bradley gave a flippant wave of the hand, but for some reason, his gaze kept shifting over to the forest on the other side of the ruined walls. 

Akira:  ….? Um, Bradley, is there something over–

Bradley: Have a good rest of yer night there-don’t fuck ‘round too long! 

(Sound of Bradley whooshing away.)

Arthur: Ah-! He’s gone…..

Cain: Of course he is…..but at any rate, I should probably wrap it up this one time now. 

Cain: Magic and curses aren't the only things that would cause chills and strange behaviors like this. If its poison or a sickness, it’s better to let doctors take the stage. 

Arthur: That is a good point….Master Sage, Cain and I can report back to Drummond this time. 

Arthur: It may be useful to approach this from a different angle for us to help the frightened residents….would that be okay with you? 

Akira: Of course. Please, if you two wouldn’t mind…

Arthur: Thank you very much, Master sage. Then shall we return to the Manor as well?

Cain: Yeah.

Cain nodded, but then oddly his gaze drifted over to the ruined walls. He muttered something under his breath, like he didn’t want anyone to hear. 

Cain: Still…it wasn’t from the Calamity? 

Cain: This has to be where that incident took place, though….

Akira: That incident….?

Arthur + Sacrificium: ….!

With a sudden snap, both Arthur and Sacrikitty turned towards the forest. 

Just one beat behind, Cain turned around as well, ready to face whatever it was. 

(Sound of wind blowing through.)

There wasn’t a chance for me to wonder how or why as a cold icy wind flew past my face.

Because the temperature then dropped dramatically, to an unnatural degree. 

There was no need to ask Cain or Arthur what was going on; I understood instinctively.

Something terrifying was heading towards us from the forest.

Akira: (Oh God, oh God, I’m so scared, it’s so scary so scary so scary scary oh God….) 

Nothing was even happening, yet my legs gave out underneath me, forcing me to shakily sit on the ground.

(Sound of clothes shifting as Akira falls onto the ground.)

Hugging Sacrikitty close, I buried my face into its body, feeling like I was losing control of myself from the horrid chill. 

I was afraid I might let out a cry if I didn’t. 

Cain: Akira?! Are you okay??! 

Arthur: Master Sage……I-what….why…why can’t I move?!! 

Arthur had his gaze cast deliberately down, like he was trying to avert his eyes from something. 

(Sound of leaves rustling in the distance.)

As he did so, the trees in the forest started rustling. 

Something was coming; something I must not look at. 

Akira: Aahh…..

It was just a fleeting shadow on the edge of my vision, but it was enough for me to form a picture; a strange, distorted figure covered in a pitch black mourning veil, dragging the train along in the dirt.

A swollen, distorted head shaped like rotten fruit; skeletal arms so long they almost touched the ground; and a body that was twisted a complete 180 degrees towards us.

Akira: …..ck……

Arthur: Th…that's…..the spirit…..

Cain: Master Sage, Arthur!

(Sound of footsteps running.)

Neither Arthur nor I were able to raise our heads still, but I heard the sound of frantic footsteps as Cain burst out between us and the approaching figure. 

Cain: Run!! I’ll hold it off!!

Arthur: C….Cain! No….it’s dangerous!

Cain: That’s why you need to get out of here!! Go, now!! 

(Sound of Cain drawing his sword.)

Cain raised his sword as the sound of gravel being crunched underfoot drew nearer. 

Cain: Fuck, this really is some sort of demon! I…I can see it just fine…..

???: sA…W……saw…

???: You…sAW it.

Cain: Huh? 

???: You saw iT….you sawit yousawityousawityousawitYOUSAWITYOUSAWITYOUSAWITYOUSAWITYOUSAWITYOUSAWYOUSAWYOUSAWYOUSAWYOUSAW

Bradley: ….Don’t make eye contact, you fucking idiot!!!

(Sound of magic, then several gunshots being fired.)

An echo of a gunshot rang out, and instantly the oppressive chill faded.

When I finally managed to raise my head, I caught a glimpse of the spirit trying to flee into the forest, Bradley hovering above us on his broom.

Cain, who had stood his ground between us and the demonic being, lowered his sword with a sigh of relief.

All the while tears of thick, oozing blood trailed from his golden-colored eye. 

Akira + Arthur: ….?!

Cain: Uaah!! What the-what the hell-?! 

Bradley: Fuck, this is why I wanted to get outta here!

Bradley cursed up a storm, all the while wiping at his eyes with his thumb. Even so, I could still see the dark red color that stained his skin.

Akira: Cain! Bradley…!

Arthur: Are you two okay?! I’m so sorry, it’s because I couldn’t move……

Cain: It’s not your fault, Arthur. See? The two of us are fine-

Bradley: We ain’t fine.

Bradley: This blood’s the sign of a curse. Me an’ Mr. Knight here are cursed.

Arthur: Cursed…?

Bradley: Yep.

Bradley: That thing will keep huntin’ us down, even to the ends of the earth. Just to kill us.

-----------------------------:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･------------------------------

Cain: Faust, thanks for coming. I’m real sorry to bother you like this.

Faust: It’s fine, really.

A short while after. We had moved from the abandoned town to a meadow far away from any civilization.

Arthur had sent a letter to the Manor to beg for Faust’s help in the matter, and he had arrived here as well.

According to Bradley, the two of them could only use weak magic now, about what it took to fly a broom.

Any more than that, and that “Wandering Lament” would immediately be able to sense them.

Faust: Anyway, you were saying you were cursed by this wandering spirit..? 

Bradley: This shit’s your specialty, right? Can ya fix it? 

Faust: I have all the necessary components to try, but the curse is powerful. I can’t say yes with any sort of certainty.

Akira: Um, this “Wandering Lament”.....what sort of spirit is it? The fact that it would hunt you down to the ends of the earth…..

Faust: The remnants of a deceased person that manifests from a powerful grief or some sort of lingering attachment. At this point, I wouldn’t even call it a ghost anymore; it’s just a shadow of their former self; one that’s forgotten everything. Their name, why it is they were grieving, until the only thing it has left is hatred. 

Faust: If you make eye contact with it, it forges a connection between you; and it will indiscriminately hunt down anyone who does so.

However, it didn’t seem like they’d be able to turn the tables on the demonic spirit and defeat it to end the curse.

Once a soul came into contact with this "Wandering Lament", it became akin to a water bottle that held a poisonous stone. Even if you took the stone out, the water wouldn’t become drinkable again.

And a soul that’s eaten away at by this deep resentment the spirit held would start drawing misfortune and calamity onto themselves. And before long, amidst all that ruin, they too would die, grieving and anguished.

[light-end-dragon]

✦✦Frozen Ice-Scout Story✦✦

Hello fellow gays, this time I give you the Enstars !era scout story "Frozen Ice" now fully translated.

✧starring Nazuna Nito, Mika Kagehira, Makoto Yuki, and Yuuta Aoi✧

Please use the links below to get to each of the chapters.

✧[Chapter 1]✧ [Chapter 2] ✧[Chapter 3] ✧[Chapter 4]✧ [Chapter 5] ✧[Chapter 6] ✧[Chapter 7] ✧[Chapter 8]✧

cw. for unhealthy eating habits and possible trauma, and just general ex-valk level angst.

**This is not an official translation. All rights to the story and characters etc. are property of Happy Elements. The only thing that is my own is the translation.**

don't ask me why i did this. i don't know either.

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 8

(Infirmary)

Mika: Nnnaa….nnnn…?

Mika: (Huh? This is….where am I? Somehow I’m layin’ in a bed. Why’m I sleepin’ in a bed?)

Mika: (It nighttime already? The sun’s still comin’ in real bright from the window, though….)

Mika: (....Now I’m rememberin’. I got carried over to the infirmary after I passed out in the hallway. Then I got all tired and fell asleep again…What time is it?)

Mika: (It’s real boring when the teacher ain't around. Does this mean I go back to class?)

Mika: (I prolly should, but everyone’ll be starin’ at me if I come back in the middle….)

Mika: (I don’t wanna stand out too much, so I think I’ll jus’ stay here til all my classes are over. Hehe~)

Mika: (Mmn…? Wha…the door opened? Did the teacher come back?)

Mika: (Oh no, oh no, if he finds out I’m fakin’ sleep, I’ll get yelled at even more. Maybe he won’t notice if I jus’ pull the futon over my head…?)

Mika: ……

Mika: (W-why did they make a beeline for me?! Nooo, they’re gonna see right through me. Go over there-there!)

Mika: (Don’t come where I can see ya!!) 

Mika: (They went and got a chair too?! W-why are ya sittin’ next to my bed? D’they already suspect me? )

Mika: (I gotta see what they’re doin’. I'm jus' gonna take a lil peeeek….)

Mika: Nnna-Anzu-chan? Anzu-chan….? You’re here…? What’s…what’re you even doin’ here? Maybe I am still dreamin’....

Mika: Huuuh, you said since your lessons’re over, you came t’ see how I been doin’? 

Mika: You’re real nice to go all outta yer way t’ check on me….♪

Mika: W-wait, don’t you be tryin’ t’ trick me! You’re just-you’re jus’ tryin’ to take me off guard so I won’t be so hostile!

Mika: That was real dangerous, I almost fell into Anzu-chan’s trap!

Mika: ….My body’s recovered enough for me t’ get up. I feel like my stomach’s shrunk, but if I go buy some candy from the school store I’ll be alright.

Mika: Y’don’t need to worry ‘bout me.

Mika: …nnn? What’s this? Why ya handin’ me a piece of paper?

Mika: Is it cause I look like the kinda guy ya just give all yer garbage too? 

Mika: You’re right terrible for doin’ that, Anzu-chan! I didn’t think you were such a bully; I way misjudged you…!

Mika: Eh? Look closer at th’ paper? Mmm~.....mmnnn~......

Mika: “This ticket can be exchanged for any purchasable ice cream product.” Then it’s one a’those exchange tickets? It don’t seem like there’s no limit t’ the money, so you really can exchange it for anythin’?

Mika: Aaah, I’m so jealous. Anzu-chan got a winnin’ ticket. Super-cold ice cream sounds real great right now…♪

Mika: Mnna, I’d feel awful guilty if I took it, even if you’re sayin’ its okay. It’s yer winnin’ ticket, so you should be th’ one to use it.

Mika: I ain’t hungry any…way….?!

Mika: Y-you’re wrong!! T-that right now wasn’t my stomach…it was…it was…my nose!!

Mika: (Nooo, why did I say that….! No one would ever believe that, it’s so stupid!! The silence is painful….)

Mika: (Ugh, my head’s spinnin’ again…was it cause I started talkin’ so loud? I can’t hide how my stomach’s growlin’ either….)

Mika: (I messed up an’ got my last candy stuck to Nazuna-nii’s face. Maybe I shouldn’t be so stubborn an’ just take the ticket…)

Mika: (But then I’d be breakin’ Oshi’-san’s order. I mean, I ain’t bein’ given food, but you can still turn it in for some, so it’s the same thing.)

Mika: (I don’t want Oshi-san to be disgusted wit’ me cause I broke his orders again, I can’t be causin’ him no trouble…)

Mika: (I gotta steel my will an’ refuse. I won’t be takin’ it, an’ I’ll strike the last blow by tellin’ her to use it!)

Mika: Yer real kind, Anzu-chan, but I can’t take this from ya. You really should be the one t’ use it.

Mika: (Yes, that was perfect! I was diligent an’ refused-I’m not a weak-willed kid….♪)

Mika: Eh….you’re sayin this ain’t your ticket? It’s Nazuna-nii’s, an’ ya wanted to do a favor and pass it along to me?

Mika: Y-you…If ya’d said that from th’ start, I wouldn’t have bothered with any a’ this!! I won’t take nothin' Nazuna-nii has t’ give me! I’d gladly let ya have it!!

Mika: I ain’t gonna, no matter how sadly ya stare at me. No, not even if you start puttin’ yer hands together and beggin’. No, I won’t, I won’t! Ngh, why’re you bein’ so persist…ant….

Mika: I don’t get what you’re tryin’ t’ pull… W-wait a sec, Anzu-chan! What you doin’?! You-you can’t rip that ticket up, that’s Nazuna-nii’s…! 

Mika: N-no, I’m not..I’m not takin’ it from ya. I just think…that it’d be a real waste t’ just throw it out like that. I just wanna make sure it stays safe. 

Mika: You can’t give it back to Nazuna-nii, so you’re sayin’ I should give it to ya so you can toss it? If that’s what you’re gonna do, I ain’t handin’ it over! 

Mika: …Please don’t look so happy. I just wanna look after it-I don’t want to use it or nothin’. You shouldn’t get your hopes up.

Mika: (I said all that on impulse….but didn’t that make me break Oshi-san’s orders?)

Mika: (I said all I wanted t’ do was keep it safe, but it was still given t’ me.)

Mika: (And it’s from Nazuna-nii of all people…If Oshi-san found out, what would he even say….?)

Mika: (No, I can’t ever tell him about this.)

Mika: (I have t’ keep lyin’....But I’m real bad at keepin’ secrets from him. It's gonna jus’ slip out eventually.)

Mika: Anzu-chan, you’re real terrible. You’re havin’ fun seein’ me so troubled, aren’t ya? Are you really a good person….?

Mika: I don’t get it. I knew ya wouldn’t actually tear the whole thing up, but I jus’ moved like that on instinct. I didn’t watch ya do it….

Mika: ….I really, really can’t break Oshi-san’s orders.

Mika: He’s already fed up with how stupid I am cause I keep doin' it by accident….

Mika: But…would I….would I even be tearin’ it up if Oshi-san told me to?

~fin~

[light-end-dragon]

Chapter 7

(Infirmary)

Mika: Nazuna-nii, wait……

Mika: (Wait, why’m I tryin’ to stop him? I just said I didn’t wanna see him no more!)

Mika: (...It’s useless tryin’ to get close to him. The Nazuna-nii I know ain’t nowhere to be found.)

Mika: (Him tryin’ to trip me up with those nice words…..The last time I believed  in you…..you betrayed me.)

Mika: (How d’ya think I could ever forgive you for throwin’ Valkyrie away like that?!) 

Mika: (You owed so much t’ Oshi-san-how can ya smile so brightly after you stabbed him in th’ back?) 

Mika: (Oshi-san, he’s sufferin’ an’ sufferin’....even now he’s in pain. Don’t ya see that?) 

Mika: (I don’t trust anything ya have for me! I just-I jus’ said what was natural!!)

Mika: (…But he still gone and bought food for me…..)

Mika: (There ain’t no way I can break any a’ Oshi-san’s orders. I don’t care how it looks, I’m fine with it….) 

Mika: (Nazuna-nii…….your eyes’re so sad. You looked like you were  ‘bout to cry. Like you were hurtin’....did I do somethin’ bad..?)

Mika: (It’s like-it’s like I’m the one who betrayed him instead….)

Mika: (Nazuna-nii, you pulled outta Valkyrie on your own. You’re th’ one who hurt us. So why-why do we hafta feel so guilty?!)

Mika: (Ugh….I got all dizzy again…..they carried me all th’ way here ‘cause I fainted in the heat.)

Mika: (I forgot about that….Did my head start hurtin’ cause I’d done all that thinking?)

Mika: (I’ll jus’ be a right bother to Oshi-san if I pass out again. I should just go t’ sleep like I said I would.)

Mika: (...I wonder what I’ll be dreamin’ of next.)

Mika: (I hope I’m surrounded by all that candy an’ ice cream again. Maybe it’ll make this horrible feelin’ go away….)

—-------

(Hallway)

Nazuna: Well then. Should we go back to class? I doubt we can get much from it since they’re already half over, but its probably better than just skipping…

Makoto: Yes, you’re right…Oh, Nito-senpai. Is it okay? That you didn’t leave the bag behind?

Makoto: If it’s too difficult for you, I can go there real quick…..

Nazuna: No, it’s okay. I already steeled myself for Kagehira rejecting me like that.

Makoto: I-I’m very sorry that I didn’t understand the relationship between you and Kagehira-kun…it must be really difficult to speak about, I’m sure.

Makoto: Please forgive me! For being unable to read the room!!

Nazuna: Mako-chin, raise your head.

Nazuna: When I said Kagehira wouldn’t accept what’s given to him, it’s not just because of our past. The outcome will be the same for both you and Anzu, or even anyone else. 

Nazuna: Kagehira has strict orders from Itsuki to ‘not take food from other people.’ 

Nazuna: In order to obey that, he won’t eat anything other than either what Itsuki makes, or says is okay. 

Makoto: Wow, that’s…um…pretty thorough. Though Kagehira-kun didn’t really strike me as that strict of a person….

Nazuna: It’s because Kagehira, for whatever reason, considers anything Itsuki says as absolute. He trusts him so completely that doubting him doesn’t even cross his mind.

Nazuna: Even when Itsuki’s spitting insults at him and calling him stupid, he takes it all with a smile on his face. Mika-chin’s such a brave kid….

Nazuna: Anzu, you look like you’re about to cry. Did someone pick on you? Try talking to your nii~chan if you think that will help!

Makoto: Y-you can talk to me too! I want to help with how much you’ve done for us. ♪

Nazuna: Hm. You were…moved to tears by what I said? I don’t see how it was that impactful….Well either way, here, take the frozen yogurt, Anzu.

Makoto: Ahah, I see you went to exchange it as soon as possible. But are you sure it won’t melt?

Makoto: You’re saying even if it does melt, it just turns into yogurt, so no big deal. 

Makoto: Well, you are right. If your ice cream melts, that’s the end of the line for you. And it’s more suitable for a diet. That’s smart of you, Anzu-chan….♪

Nazuna: Oh, while we’re at it, here’s something to drink. Mako-chin, what about you? Do you like candy? I’m not gonna be able to myself.

Nazuna: If you want them, take them.

Makoto: Wow, thank you very much!~♪

Makoto: I’ll share it with Akehoshi-kun and the others for sure….Oh, Nito-senpai. Did that exchange ticket fall from your bag just now? 

Nazuna: Exchange ticket…? This? Oh, right, the cashier said if you bought 500 yen or more worth, you could draw from the lottery. Did you want this too, Mako-chin?

Makoto: No, no, I couldn’t take anymore. You’ve already given me drinks and the candy!

Makoto: It doesn’t seem like there’s a time limit, so please, you should hold onto it for the future, Nito-senpai.

Makoto: Oh, that’s an idea. What if you gave that exchange ticket to Kagehira-kun?

Makoto: His orders are for receiving food from people, right? So he refused anything you bought for him.

Makoto: But that ticket isn’t technically food. It’s just exchanged for it. So…maybe he’d take it then?

Nazuna: …….

Nazuna: Um, no, it’s fine…Mako-chin, if you-

Nazuna: Uwaah! D-d-don’t just suddenly do that!!

Nazuna: If-if….urgh, if you really wanted it, you should’ve said so, Anzu! I would’ve given it to you.

Nazuna: Did you really want ice cream that bad?

Nazuna: …W-wait a moment. Can you repeat what you just said? You’re going to go and give it to Kagehira?

Makoto: Well, since she seems up for it, why not try leaving it to her?

Makoto: She’s the most likely out of the three of us to get him to take it. Besides, I’m worried about him too. 

Nazuna: Anzu….Mako-chin…..

Nazuna: I’m sorry, Anzu. Would you please try to give it to Kagehira?

Nazuna: But if he still just rejects it, you’re more than welcome to use it then, Anzu. I’m really sorry to ask you to do this for me.

Nazuna: Hey, why are you getting angry? At me trying to not take responsibility?

Nazuna: Because you asked to do this in the first place, you don’t want me to apologize so much…?

Nazuna: Ahaha, I see. It’s not like I’m forcing you, so it is pretty stupid, huh? 

Nazuna: Well then, thanks. I’ll leave Kagehira in your care, Anzu….♪