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[lingalibrary]

Manga Drama CD vol 2 - Star Ocean the Second Story: The Midnight King

Track 7: Awakening

Translation: @hikari-kaitou

(There's the sound of bird's chirping.)

Ashton: Nnn… ah… It’s so bright in here… What’s going on? Huh? Did I fall asleep in Rena’s room? 

(One of the dragons makes a small cry.)

Bowman: Ngh… What is it? Hey, the sun’s already up! … Ow ow ow! My head kinda hurts! 

Precis: Uhwaah… sleepy… I feel like I was having a dream just now, but… 

Celine: Huhhhh? Did I… fall asleep on the floor? Yuck, how awful. 

Claude: Mm… hahh… Mm? Rena? RENAAA!! 

Celine: What is it, Claude? Shouting like that the moment you wake up… You’re making my ears ring. 

Claude: Where’s Rena? Is she here?! 

Rena (Thinking): Huh? Claude is calling me. I guess it must be time to wake up. 

Ashton: Hmm? Now that you mention it, she’s still nowhere to be found, isn’t she?

Claude: Ashton! How can you be so calm?!

(Claude gets up and runs off in a panic.)

Claude: Rena! Rena?! 

Rena (Thinking): Mm, I hear you, Claude. Just a little longer… 

Ashton: Hey Claude, over there.

Claude: What is it?! 

Ashton: Look, that scarecrow you can see from here. It looks like it got knocked over and is burning. Maybe it got struck by lightning or something? 

Claude: Who cares about a stupid scarecrow?! Renaaa! 

Rena (Thinking): A scarecrow…? A lonely looking scarecrow… There’s something about it… I feel like I had a long dream where it appeared in it, but… I can’t remember. 

Precis: Ahh, I’m hungry. 

Bowman: Oh, the rain’s stopped. The weather’s pretty nice now, eh? 

Celine: Perfect for traveling!

Ashton: It sure is!

Claude: Hey! C’mon, you guys! 

Rena (Thinking): Where am I? There’s not much space, but it’s warm… 

Claude: RENAAAA!!

Celine: Claude! Tone it down a bit, would you? 

Rena (Thinking): *giggle* That Claude… I hear you. It’s about time I woke up.

(There's a clatter as something gives way and Rena falls over.)

Rena: Ah-- ah! Wahhhhh! Ouch ouch ouch… 

Ashton: Oh, Rena!

Celine: What’re you doing all covered in clothing? Aha! I bet you were afraid of the lightning so you ran and hid in the closet, didn’t you! 

Rena: Uh, um…! 

Claude: Rena?!

(Claude hurries over to her side.)

Rena: Claude? 

Claude: Are you alright, Rena? 

Rena: Ah-- ahahaha, I’m totally fine! 

Claude: I couldn’t find you anywhere. I was really starting to worry! 

Rena: I’m sorry. 

Claude: Well, it’s fine now. 

(There's a jingling noise.)

Claude: Mm? What’s this? 

Rena: What’s wrong? 

Claude: Oh, it’s just this bell. It found its way into my pocket, but I don’t know how it got there. 

Rena: Ah! That’s the scarecrow’s bell! 

Claude: The scarecrow’s…?

Rena: Yeah, probably. 

Claude: I wonder what this means. 

Rena: I think it means you can have it. That’s the feeling I’m getting, anyway. 

Claude: You think? I guess I’ll take it, then. 

(Claude shoves the bell back into his pocket.)

Memory of Midnight King: I’ll be watching to see whether you really can protect her or not.

Rena: *laughs*

Claude: What’s up, Rena? 

Rena: Oh, it’s nothing. *Continues laughing*

Claude: What the heck?

*Rena keeps laughing, and after a moment Claude joins her*

Claude: Oh, that reminds me...

Rena: What is it?

Claude: Good morning, Rena.

Rena: Good morning, Claude.

Celine: Enix Shonen Gangan Comic CD Collection, 21. Star Ocean, Second Story, Volume 2. King of Midnight. Original work by Tri Ace, Mayumi Azuma. Script by Shoumo Mukai. Directed by Yuko Suzuki. Character voices provided by:

Claude: Yuki Ueda as Claude

Rena: Aya Hisakawa as Rena

Ashton: Daisuke Sakaguchi as Ashton

Celine: Yuki Kaida as Celine

Bowman: You Horikawa as Bowman 

Precis: Yuuko Sumitomo as Precis

Gyoro: Hiroyuki Yanada as Gyoro

Ururun: Kouichi Kuriyama as Ururun

Midnight King: Norio Wakamoto as the Midnight King

Tia: Oumi Minami as Tia

Tia’s mom: Yuuki Hamano as Tia’s mother and the woman in the cursed forest

Celine: Planning and production by Enix.

[lingalibrary]

Manga Drama CD vol 2 - Star Ocean the Second Story: The Midnight King

Track 6: What I Should Be Protecting

Translation: @hikari-kaitou

(Claude knocks desperately on the door.)

Claude: Rena! ...Rena!! 

(Rena jolts up from the bed.)

Rena: …! Did I... do it again…?

Claude: Rena! 

Rena: Claude! Claude, is that you?!

(Rena jumps out of bed and runs to the door.)

Rena: Claude! Claude!! 

(She struggles with the doorknob, but it's still locked.)

Rena: It’s no good, Claude! It won’t open! 

Claude: Rena! You’re really in there?! 

Rena: Yes! But the door…! 

Claude: Got it! Alright then, Rena, back away from the door! 

Rena: Eh? Claude?

Claude: Just do it! Quickly! 

Rena: A-alright! 

(Rena steps back from the door and suddenly Claude bursts through with a clatter.)

Claude: Rena…! Are you alright? 

Rena: Claude…!

Claude: Rena, let’s get out of here. Hurry!

Rena: But how did you find…

Claude: A girl showed me the way. Tia was her name… Huh? She’s gone!

Rena: Tia showed you?

Claude: Yeah. Anyway Rena, let’s hurry! 

Rena: Oh, right.

Claude: Time to go! 

(They exit the room and take off running.)

Claude: ...This is weird.

Rena: What’s wrong?

Claude: The hallway is different from when I passed through it the first time. Don’t tell me the castle’s layout changes!

Rena: There’s no way! 

Memory Tia: Someone needs to wake that person up from the dream he’s having. 

Rena: Oh, that’s right! We’re inside of a dream right now! 

Claude: Rena…?

Rena: Listen to me, Claude--

Claude: Hold it!

(They slow down, then come to a stop.)

Rena: Huh? 

Claude: There’s a door there. Let’s try it. 

Rena: Ok

(They approach the door and it creaks as they push it open. They enter a large room where their voices echo.)

Claude: This is a pretty spacious area, isn’t it. 

Rena: Yeah, this is…

Midnight King: This is my castle. I don’t recall inviting you here, boy. 

Claude: *gasps* You’re the Midnight King! 

Midnight King: Hmph… Hah!!

(There's a jingle as the Midnight King gets ready to attack.)

Claude: Rena! Stay back! 

(Claude shoves Rena out of the way and she hits the wall.)

Rena: Ah! Claude! 

(Claude blocks the Midnight King's attack and they struggle.)

Midnight King: Hmm, you do have a small amount of ability. But it’s not enough…! Hah!

(He shoves hard against Claude, causing Claude to fall back.)

Claude: Gah!!

Midnight King: What can someone with so little power ever hope to defend properly?! Hngah!!

(The Midnight King continues to swing at Claude, though Claude struggles to keep up, he manages to block him each time.)

Midnight King: The world is full of misfortune. If she remains here, I can use my strength to protect her. Why would you try to interfere with that?! 

Claude: I’m going to be the one to protect Rena for as long as we’re traveling together! That’s why!

Rena: Claude! 

Midnight King: Are you even capable of such a thing?! HRAH!! 

(The Midnight King attacks again and this time Claude barely holds on when their blades make contact.)

Claude: Hngh! ...Hah! ….Grahhh!! 

Midnight King: Fool. 

Claude: What about you? What’re you so afraid of?! 

Midnight King: What?

Claude: Shut away in your castle, refusing to go outside… Is that what you think it means to protect someone?! Because you’re wrong! 

Midnight King: SILENCE!! 

(He attacks again, and Claude takes a hit, gasping from the blow.)

Midnight King: Me, afraid? Ludicrous! 

Rena: STOP!!

Midnight King: HRAH!!

(The Midnight King strikes again and Claude is struck directly. Claude screams in pain.)

Rena: NO!! CLAUDE!! 

Claude: *struggling* I’m alright… Rena… Don’t worry about me. 

Midnight King: *chuckling* Putting up a strong front, are we? In that case, why don’t you show me how strong you really are? Hahahaha!

(There's a jingle as the Midnight King's eye starts to power up.)

Rena: The Midnight King’s right eye…! 

Claude: It’s glowing…

(Suddenly the Midnight King's power grasps at Claude, trying to crush him.)

Claude: Gwahhhh!! 

Midnight King: What’s wrong? Can you not even fight against a power level as low as this? HUAHHHH!! 

Claude: Huah...WAHHHHHH!!! 

Midnight King: So, it seems that your attempt at fighting is naught but empty claims. 

(Rena cries out and strikes hard at the Midnight King.)

Rena: Just stop…

Midnight King: What are you doing? You dare swing your fists at me? 

Rena: I’m sorry. I can’t stay with you. I’m going with Claude. 

Midnight King: Utterly laughable! 

(The Midnight King strikes at Rena and she falls back.)

Rena: Arghhh!!

Claude: Renaaaa…!! 

Midnight King: Hah… So you can still speak, can you? It would seem that you’re stubborn, if nothing else. 

(The Midnight King's power continues its attack on Claude.)

Claude: Nn...GAHHHHH!! 

Midnight King: Hmph, arrogant boy. Intolerable. 

Rena: Claude…! It’s no good! I can’t stand up!

Claude: ...A-ahhhh!!

Midnight King: Let’s put an end to this charade, shall we? 

Rena: No… Nooooo!!

(There's a wavering chime and Tia appears to Rena once again.)

Tia: Your strong desire to protect someone you care about…

Rena: Tia…

Tia: Those powerful feelings can give you strength.

Rena: Powerful… feelings…

Tia: Mr. Scarecrow isn’t able to hear my voice anymore. That’s why I need your help. Both of you! 

Claude: Rena!!

Rena: Claude… Claude! Claudeeeee!! 

Claude: Renaaaaa!! 

(There's a shing as Claude's sword powers up.)

Rena: Claude’s sword is… glowing!

(Claude gasps for air, finally starting to break free of the Midnight King's hold.)

Midnight King: What?! My powers are... being suppressed! ...GrahhHHHH!! Impossible! How can I be overpowered by the likes of you…?

Claude: ….NGAHHHH!! 

(There's a release of energy, and the Midnight King's power that's surrounding Claude starts to crack audibly.)

Midnight King: DOHWAH!! 

Claude: I’m not doing this alone!

Midnight King: What’s that?! 

Rena: Claude…!

Claude: Rena… everything’s gonna be ok. 

(The crackling noise fades off as the Midnight King's power weakens.)

Midnight King: Curse you… How could someone like you possibly…

Claude: Midnight King!

(Claude takes the opportunity to attack and runs for him.)

Tia: Please, wake Mr. Scarecrow from his nightmare! 

Claude: Midnight King!! 

Midnight King: I’m…!!

Claude: YAHHHHHHH!!

(Claude slashes at the Midnight King, defeating him. There's a jingle, then the bell shatters.)

Tia: Thank you

Claude: *panting* Rena…!

Rena: Claude! ...Ngh!

(Claude runs over to check on Rena.)

Claude: Are you alright, Rena? Why would you do something so reckless? 

Rena: I don’t know. I thought you were in danger, so my body just acted on its own.

Claude: Rena…

Rena: Claude?

Claude: Oh, uh, nothing, just, uh…

Rena: *laughs*

(There's a rumbling noise.)

Rena: …! The castle…!

Claude: The castle is crumbling!

Rena: Claude! We’ve gotta get out of here! 

Claude: Let’s hurry! 

(The collapse of the castle catches up with them.)

Rena: Claude…! AHHHHH!! 

Claude: Rena!! WAHHHHHH!!! 

[lingalibrary]

Manga Drama CD vol 2 - Star Ocean the Second Story: The Midnight King

Track 5: Confronting the Shadow

Translation: @hikari-kaitou

(Rena wakes up suddenly.)

Rena: ...Huh? When did I get in bed?

(She climbs out of bed and walks towards the door.)

Rena: Tia? Did you leave? 

(Rena tries the doorknob, but to no avail.)

I thought so, still locked. Does that mean she had a key? 

Rena (Thinking): That dream I had earlier about Tia and the scarecrow… No, actually I get the feeling it wasn’t a dream…

(Suddenly the door opens.)

Rena: Oh…!

Midnight King: What are you doing? 

Rena: Ah-- Nothing!

Midnight King: I thought perhaps you might have begun to change your mind. 

Rena: Um…

Midnight King: What is it?

Rena: Is there a girl here? In this castle, I mean? She’s about the same age as me, and her name is Tia.

Midnight King: What did you say?!

Rena: I got these flowers from her, but, um…

Midnight King: There’s no one like that here! It’s impossible! 

Rena: Oh, really? 

Midnight King: Your eyes really are just like hers… 

Rena: What do you mean?

Midnight King: Just like Tia’s. Such kind eyes.

Rena: Why… do you conceal your right eye? 

Midnight King: Hahahaha! Because it’s hideous. 

Rena: “Hideous”?

Midnight King: I can show you if you wish. 

Rena: Eh?

(There's a shimmer as he shows her his eye.)

Rena: ...Ah!

Rena (Thinking): There’s a green stone embedded in the place where his eye should be, shining ominously… It can’t be!

Midnight King: But it’s thanks to my right eye that I have the powers that I possess. Before that, I was powerless, unable to protect a thing. 

__________

(There's the sound of footsteps as someone walks.)

???: I’m finally all alone, I guess. I’d better go look for everyone else. But man, what a pain… 

???: Oh right, we’ve gotta hurry up and save Rena. Then again, why do I have to do that? I’m not some legendary hero or anything. All I want is to return to my own world. 

(Claude runs up at full speed, then stops.)

Claude: Who are you?!

 ???: Who am I? I’m just me. I pretend to be a model citizen in front of everyone else, but secretly all I’m really thinking about is rebelling or running away. That’s me, Claude C. Kenny. 

Claude: What’re you talking about? Stop that!!

Shadow Claude: No, I don’t think I will. It’s true, after all. When there are cute girls around, I can’t help wanting to act like a hotshot, but when push comes to shove, I can’t do anything that matters, and protecting anyone is completely beyond me.

Claude: Stop it stop it stop it!! 

(There's a wavering sound as Tia appears once again.)

Tia: You mustn’t lose to this bad dream! 

Claude: You…! I saw you back at that house! 

(The shadow version of Claude draws his sword.)

Shadow Claude: Ehh… He’s better off dead, this dull man known as Claude!

(Claude gasps and draws his sword. Steel struggles against steel.)

Shadow Claude: Hahaha... What’s wrong? Run away! Just like you always have in the past! 

Claude: I’m…!

Shadow Claude: Let’s run, Claude! 

Claude: I’m…!

Shadow Claude: Hahahahaha! 

Claude: I’ve already decided! I may not have the strength to do it yet, but I’ve decided that I was going to protect Rena no matter what! 

(There's a clatter as they pull apart.)

Shadow Claude: Heh. Don’t put on an act for yourself, Claude. 

Claude: *panting* All I want… is to be able to protect the girl who believes in me… with my own strength! 

Shadow Claude: Hahahaha! You’re not a hero! You’re not anything! Hah!

(The shadow swings at him, but Claude dodges.)

Claude: A hero? Please! I don’t need to be a hero! 

Shadow Claude: I wonder… Are you sure about that?! 

(The swords meet again and Claude grunts.)

Claude: I’m going to be the one who protects Rena! 

Shadow Claude: Are you sure you’re not just pretending to do the right thing? 

Claude: That may be, but… I’ve already decided that I’m not going to run away! That’s right… So just disappear already!! 

(There's a sudden jolt, and the shadow version of Claude dissipates.)

Shadow Claude: …! WAHHHHHHHHhhhh--!!

Tia: *applauding* Ahaha! That was incredible! 

Claude: *out of breath* ...You’re….

Tia: You might actually be able to pull this off!

Claude: Eh? 

Tia: Hey, um, why don’t you let me take you there? 

Claude: Eh? 

Tia: I’ll take you to the Midnight King’s castle.

__________

Midnight King: You look pale. 

Rena: Ngh…

Midnight King: You need to rest. 

(The Midnight King walks away and leaves the room, closing and locking the door behind him.)

Rena: *sighs* I wonder what Claude is doing right now… 

Rena (Thinking): I feel like the scent of those flowers is still lingering in the back of my mind. 

Rena: Oh no, I’m getting sleepy again…

__________

(Tia runs up to the scarecrow.)

Tia: Good morning, Mr. Scarecrow! 

(The scarecrow jingles in return.)

Tia: I’ve got a present for you today. I hope you’ll like it. 

(The scarecrow jingles again.)

Tia: I mean, you do such important work, and yet all you have to wear are those ragged clothes. I feel bad about it. That’s why I used my allowance to buy you some new clothes! Hopefully they’ll look good on you. 

Tia: Oh, good. They look wonderful! Mr. Scarecrow, please keep protecting me, protecting this village forever, ok? 

(After a pause, there's the sound of people screaming, then the roar of a monster as it attacks the village.)

Midnight King: I was powerless, a fool who couldn’t protect anything.

[lingalibrary]

Manga Drama CD vol 2 - Star Ocean the Second Story: The Midnight King

Track 4: The Flower of Memories and The Forest of Nightmares

Translation: @hikari-kaitou

(A page turns.)

Girl: The king sent soldiers to the forest many times, but no one was ever able to make it all the way through the forest to the castle. The princess grew weaker and weaker, and those close to her assumed that if nothing was done, she would die. Then one night, a certain individual visited the princess’s private quarters. The man called himself the Midnight King, and he urged the princess, “Accompany me to my castle. Once you’re there, you shall have nothing to fear. I can offer you eternal rest.” And the princess replied--

__________

(The Midnight King knocks.)

Midnight King: May I come in?

Rena: Oh, uh, yes…

(The door opens and the Midnight King enters.)

Rena: Um!

Midnight King: Is this room not to your liking? I had it prepared for you as your private quarters because it is my finest room…

Rena: Oh, no! It’s not that!

Midnight King: Then, whatever is the problem? 

Rena: Um… Where are we? And I don’t even know why I was brought here…! 

Midnight King: It was so that I would never again lose sight-- 

Rena: Huh?

Midnight King: Of you. 

Rena: What do you…

Midnight King: As long as you remain within the walls of my castle, I can protect you from any calamity. I now possess that power! 

Rena: Protect… me?

Memory of Celine: It’s the middle of the night, and the threat of monster attack will follow us now wherever we go. 

Rena: But I’m in the middle of a journey with Claude, to learn more about the Sorcery Globe-- erm, to learn more about myself. So I can’t just stay--

Midnight King: Silence! 

Rena: !

Midnight King: Think it over carefully. I shall return later. 

(The Midnight King leaves and closes the door. He locks it behind him, followed by a jingling noise.)

Rena: ...Wait!

(Rena runs up to the door and tries to open it.)

Rena: ...It’s no good, it won’t open!

(She continues to struggle with the door until she gets tired.)

Rena: That man looked so sad... I wonder why.

__________

(There's the sound of walking.)

Girl (as narration): In order to reach the Midnight King’s castle, you first have to make it through the forest, the forest that the magicians’ spells had made labyrinthine and complicated. 

(The footsteps continue for a bit, then stop.)

Claude: Ahh, another dead end.

Ashton: What, again?!

Celine: All you’ve been doing is mindlessly following Claude, so you’re really in no position to complain. More importantly, Claude…

Claude: Yes?

Celine: Something’s been on my mind this whole time.

Claude: What’s that?

Celine: I feel like I know about this forest from a long time ago.

Claude: What do you mean by that? 

Celine: I’m not sure.

Precis: Hey, um--

Celine: What is it?

Precis: The doctor isn’t with us anymore…

Celine: Eh?

Claude: Ah-- Dr. Bowman! What the heck?! He’s the one who said we should stick together as much as possible! 

Precis: Hmm… But you know, I was talking to the doctor until just a second ago. Then I took my eyes off of him for just a second, and… 

Claude: What’s going on here?

Precis: I don’t know… 

Ashton: What should we do, Claude? 

Claude: For now, let’s look for Dr. Bowman. We can’t just leave him.

Celine: I… don’t think there’s much point in that. 

Claude: Celine… 

__________

(Bowman trudges along by himself.)

Bowman: Well, crap. I got separated from everyone else. The question is, how? 

(There's the sound of a woman crying softly.)

Bowman: ...Mm?

(The crying continues and Bowman walks towards the sound.)

Bowman: Hey you, what’s the matter? 

Woman: Please, help me. 

Bowman: What’s wrong? 

Woman: I twisted my ankle… 

Bowman: Oh? 

Bowman (Thinking): Hey, she’s pretty fine! 

Bowman: Alright, let me have a look. I might not look it, but actually, I’m a doctor. 

Woman: Ah, ok.

Bowman: Hmm? Ah, this is just a mild sprain. 

Woman: Ngh…!

Bowman: It would be best to put some ice on it, but I might have some medicine on me that’ll help. Umm…

(Bowman begins to search through his pockets for the medicine.)

Woman: Doctor? 

Bowman: Sure, hold on just a minute. I’m trying to find the medi... cine… 

Woman: Doctor?

Bowman: Hey… What’re you--

Bowman: What’s going on here? I feel my strength draining… out of everywhere where that woman’s hand touches me…!

Bowman: Nnk! Who… are you…? 

(The woman bursts into an echoing laughter.)

(There's a sound of wind, then it cuts off suddenly.)

__________

(Rena knocks on the door and struggles again with the doorknob.)

Rena: ! Open the door! Please let me out! Please! Someone! ...Ugh!

Rena: Oh, right! There’s a window! 

(Rena runs across the room and tries to open the window.)

Rena: It won’t open either… 

Rena (Thinking): Now what? 

Rena: Claudeeee! 

(There's wavering chime and suddenly a voice is heard behind Rena.)

Girl: Someone needs to wake this lady up from her dream.

Rena: Huh?! Who’s there?! 

Girl: Good evening!

Rena: You’re--!

Rena (Thinking): Why didn’t I hear the door open? 

(The girl walks up to Rena and there's a rustling sound.)

Girl: Here you go! You can have Tia’s flowers!

Rena: “Tia”? You’re giving this bouquet to me? 

Tia: Yep! Go on, take it. 

Rena: Eh? But--

Tia: Take good care of it, ok? 

Rena: Ok… thanks. 

Rena (Thinking): What a lovely, sweet scent. 

(Tia giggles.)

Rena (Thinking]): It’s almost as if… the scent is drawing me in. 

Tia: Good night. 

__________

(A bell jingles and the bustling sounds of people can be heard.)

Tia: Good morning, Mr. Scarecrow! Thanks for working so hard every day! 

(The bell jingles.)

Tia: My father told me. He said that you’re not just here to protect the fields; if we don’t have the crops that grow in this field, me and the rest of us wouldn’t be able to survive! So that basically means that you protect me and everyone else who lives in the village, right?

(The bell jingles.)

Tia: You’re incredible, Mr. Scarecrow! 

(The bell jingles.)

(Tia walks along with her mother.)

Tia’s Mom: Now listen here, Tia: no more sneaking out of bed to read picture books.

Tia: Ah…!

Tia’s Mom: Did you think I didn’t know about that? 

Tia: I’m sorry. 

Tia’s Mom: I’m glad you like the book so much, but I can’t have you losing sleep because you’re constantly reading it.

Tia: But I could read that book over and over and never get tired of it. The pictures are really pretty, and the Midnight King is super handsome!

Tia’s Mom: You’re not to stay up late anymore. 

Tia: Alright… 

(Tia's mother opens the door to her bedroom.)

Tia’s Mom: Alright then, good night, Tia.

Tia: Good night, Mother. 

(The door closes and Tia walks over to the window and opens it. The bell jingles again.)

Tia: Good evening, Mr. Scarecrow. Mother found out we were reading my picture book together. 

__________

(Precis runs through the labyrinth in a panic.)

Precis: I can’t take this! Claude! Ashton! Seriously, where did everyone go?! 

(There's a sound of a machine starting to whirr.)

Precis: ...What’s that sound? 

Precis: It’s coming from over here, right?

(Precis follows the sound to the machine.)

Precis: ...Ah!! Whoaaaa!! What a cool machine!!

(She runs up to take a closer look.)

Precis: ...Haha! Wowwww! 

(The machine releases a gas.)

Wah! What’s this mist?! Ah--uu-- I can feew my stwength fading awayyy… 

(The machine powers down.)

(There's a sound of wind, then it cuts off suddenly.)

__________

Memory of Celine: I can’t recall the title at the moment, but there was a story about a cursed, inescapable forest in a picture book I used to read when I was small. That forest was like a complicated maze because of the effects of the curse that had been placed on it. It would prey upon the weakness in the hearts of those who ventured into it, and lure each person, one-by-one, into a sleep from which they’d never wake. 

(Ashton walks along by himself.)

Ashton: Hello?! Claude?! Guys?! Where are you?! 

Ashton (Thinking): Ugh, I hate this… 

Ashton: Darn that Celene! Why did she have to go and tell us that scary story? The weakness in our hearts, huh… Well, I obviously don’t have anything like that! 

(After a pause, there's an encroaching ominous burbling sound and the growl of a monster. It comes upon him, one of the dragons yelp, and Ashton screams like a little girl.)

(There's a sound of wind, then it cuts off suddenly.)

__________

(Celine walks alone now.)

Celine: Claude? Ashton? … I can’t believe it, now I managed to get separated from the group too! When it comes to my weakness, th-there’s only one… Ah… I-I’ve got a bad feeling all of a sudden… 

(The sounds of an insect swarm buzzing can be heard moving near.)

Celine: I knew it! Nooooooo!! 

(There's a sound of wind, then it cuts off suddenly.)

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Claude, Rena, and Ashton keychains came in today and are available in my store. :)

Charms are made of clear acrylic, one-sided, approximately 2", with a matte finish (as shown with all of the little, white speckles on the charm in the photos. The matte finish gives a little bit of a textured feeling).

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been trying to learn the ropes of procreate… with the help of some leon scribbles, of course.  :^)

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Number nine in the keychain set. Up next is Star Ocean 2′s Ashton Anchors (and his dragons, Gyoro and Ururun – Aka, Creepy and Weepy). The dragons were a little daunting to draw at first (I REALLY wanted to get them right), but I really like how Ashton came out. :D I’ve got ideas for more of the SO2 cast in the future, too.

Star Ocean 2/Second Evolution/EX © tri-Ace, Enix, SquareEnix, Tose, Studio Deen, TV Tokyo, and other respective producers that aren’t affiliated with me.

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The story “Drunken Person” by Saeki Yashirou, from the 7th Star Ocean the Second Story volume of Enix Supercomic Gekijoh Vol. 37.

Translation: @jammerlea and @hikari-kaitou

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Manga Drama CD vol 2 - Star Ocean the Second Story: The Midnight King

Track 3: To The Castle

Translation: @hikari-kaitou​

(A page turns.)

Girl: No matter how many times the doll was disposed of in the depths of the forest, somehow, it would always manage to find its way back to the castle eventually. The king, who was beginning to grow fearful of the doll, ordered the court magicians to place a curse on the forest. They used their magic to remake the forest after the doll was disposed of inside of it so that it could never escape again, remake it into a labyrinthine forest that no one could break free from.

__________

(Rena walks down the hall, and Claude walks alongside her.)

Rena: *sigh*

Claude: H-hopefully the weather’ll clear up tomorrow. 

Rena: Mm, yeah. 

Claude: And if it does, let’s try to get out of here as early as we can, agreed? Oh, but before that, maybe we should clean things up a little first?

Rena: *laughs* Ah, that might be a good idea. 

(She stops in front of a door.)

Rena: Well, this is my room here, so… 

(She opens the door to go inside.)

Claude: Right. 

(He starts to walk away.)

Claude: See you tomorrow, then, Rena.

Rena: Hey, Claude? 

Claude: Hm?

Rena: Can we talk for a bit? 

Claude: Eh? Oh, sure. 

(Closing the door behind them, they go into the room she’s sleeping in. Rena looks about the place and opens the closet door.)

Rena: This closet is huge! There’s so much cute clothing in here! This room must’ve belonged to a girl around the same age as me. 

Claude: Oooh… Now that you mention it, I kind of get that feeling too. 

(Rena closes the closet door.)

Rena: Say, Claude… Celine said earlier that in the middle of the night like this, we could be attacked by monsters at any time, no matter where we are. 

Claude: Come to think of it, Dr. Bowman said the same thing. That’s why he says it’s not unusual to see abandoned villages like this. 

Rena: Oh, really? I see…

Rena: *thinking to herself* That makes sense. Since I set out on this journey with Claude, we’ve run into a lot of dangerous situations. No, wait. Actually, I--

Claude: Rena? You ok? 

Rena: Ah, sorry! I’m fine! Me getting all mopey isn’t gonna help anything, is it? 

Claude: I wasn’t going to try to tell you how to feel. 

Rena: Jeez, I’m hopeless, aren’t I? All I do is make you worry!

Claude: That’s not true! When I’m with you, I… um… 

Rena:  *laughs* Thanks, Claude.

Claude: Don’t mention it. But I really think you should try to go to bed early tonight.

Rena: Yeah, I will. 

Claude: Well, I’m gonna head back to my room.

Rena: Ok. Good night, Claude.

Claude: G’ night, Rena. 

(Claude leaves the room and shuts the door as he leaves.)

Rena: I’d better get a grip on myself… 

(She walks over to the window.)

Rena: Oh, I can see the field from my window. Ah! And there’s the scarecrow! ...It’s almost like it’s looking at this room… 

(A bell jingles.)

Rena: Hmm? I thought I just heard… Was it coming from outside? ...Maybe it’s just my ears playing tricks on me… 

(She shrugs it off.)

Rena: Time for bed! 

(Rena walks over to the bed and plops down on it.)

Rena: ...Huh? There’s something under the pillow. 

(She pulls the object out from under the pillow.)

Rena: It’s… a picture book? Looks interesting! No one’ll mind if I give it a quick read, right? 

(She opens the book and flips through it.)

Rena: What beautiful illustrations… “Deep, deep in the depths of a labyrinthine forest stood the Midnight King’s castle,” huh… 

__________

(Another page turns.)

Girl: Ever since the curse was placed on the forest, the doll never again returned to the princess. But without the doll by her side, the fearful princess became unable to sleep a wink. As the sleepless nights added up, the princess’s body grew weaker and weaker. It pained the king to see this, so he decided to retrieve the doll from the forest. However, even the magicians had become unable to remove the curse that had been placed upon the forest. 

The king sent many soldiers toward the forest. Unfortunately, not a single one of them was able to find their way into the depths of the forest. And then at some point, back in the area where the doll was disposed of, a marvelous castle was built. 

__________

Rena: Mm…

(She drops the book to the floor and wakes herself up.)

Rena: Oh, oops. I dozed off in the middle of reading. I didn’t accidentally bend any of the pages, did I? ...Hm? I guess this must be the title of the book? “The Midnight King”...? 

(The window begins to rattle loudly.)

Rena: *gasps* What’s that?! 

(A strong bolt of lightning illuminates a figure outside.)

Rena: Eeek!

(The window swings open, letting the wind blow inside.)

Rena: *in thought* There’s someone outside my window…! 

Rena: Who’s there?! 

???: The Midnight King.

Rena: Eh? 

Midnight King: Come, accompany me to my castle. 

Rena: What’re you talking about?! 

Midnight King: Once you’re there, you shall have nothing to fear. I can offer you eternal rest. Come…

Rena: You… can’t be…!

Midnight King: Simply take my hand. 

Rena: Eh? Ahh! Claude…!

(The window closes, then something clatters to the ground. A moment later, everyone else opens their doors and hurries out into the hallway.)

Claude: Whatever that was that just fell sounded like it came from pretty close!

Ashton: Yeah. I’d already fallen asleep and the noise woke me up. 

(Gyoro and Ururun grunt unhappily.)

Celine: Ahhh, it really startled me! It didn’t drop onto the roof of this house, did it? 

Bowman: Nah, if it had, we’d have had a lot ruder awakening than just a loud noise. 

Precis: Mngh, whassamatter? Just when I was having such a nice dream… 

Claude: Huh? Rena? 

Celine: Now that you mention it, she’s not coming out, is she? 

Precis: Probably still sleeping, don’t you think? Rena can be pretty gutsy sometimes, you know. 

Claude: Sure, but…

Celine: Shall I go have a look, just to be sure? 

Claude: If you wouldn’t mind.

(Celine walks over to Rena’s room to check on her. She knocks on the door.)

Celine: Rena? ...Rena? ...I wonder if she really did sleep through it… 

(She opens the door.)

Celine: It’s not locked. Rena? Are you asleep? ….*gasp* Claude! 

Claude: Yes?

Celine: She’s gone! Rena’s gone!

Claude: Huh?! 

__________

(Everyone gathers in the room Rena was sleeping in.)

Precis: Ehhh?! Where could Rena have gone?! 

Claude: I don’t know. At the very least, she doesn’t seem to be in this house. 

Ashton: You’re right. We searched the whole thing and still didn’t find her. 

Bowman: Going out in this rain… seems really unlikely too. 

Celine: Hmm… I wonder if there’re any clues in this room… 

(Celine walks around to look for any clues.)

Celine: Oh? This certainly is a cute music box, isn’t it? 

(She winds up the music box, and it plays a little, but not well.)

Celine: ...Ahh, the gears have rusted. 

Precis: Oh! There’s a picture book lying on the bed! … 

(Precis quickly flips through the book.) 

Precis: Wow, there’re a lot of nice drawings in here. I wonder if Rena was reading this. 

Claude: Rena… 

(He walks close to the window and glances outside.)

Claude: Mm? You can see the fields from this room, huh. 

Ashton: Ah-- Claude! By your foot!

Claude: Huh? 

(He accidentally hits it with his foot and looks down.)

Claude: This is… Rena’s hair clip. What’s it doing over here by the window?

(A bell jingles.)

Claude: What was that?!

Ashton: What’s wrong, Claude?

(Ashton joins him by the window.)

Claude: Nothing, I just… suddenly felt like I was being watched. 

Ashton: Hey, Claude… Look at that scarecrow. Doesn’t it seem a little creepy? It’s like it’s looking right at us. 

(Thunder rumbles, causing the window to rattle.)

Claude: A scarecrow? No way… Ashton!

Ashton: Wh-what? 

Claude: Did… you see that scarecrow’s left eye glow just now? 

Ashton: Hey… knock it off, Claude! 

Claude: It was a green light… I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before.

(There’s a rustling from behind them.)

Precis: No! What the heck?! 

Claude: Precis?! 

Ashton: What’s wrong, Precis?!

(The pages in the book violently flip back and forth on their own.)

Precis: I don’t know, but the picture book just suddenly started--

(The window suddenly swings open and an eerie wind howls beyond it.)

Claude: Ah! Eh--?!

Rena: *her voice echoing* Claude!

(A strong bolt of lightning crashes above them!)

Claude: Ahhh!! 

(Something comes into view.)

Bowman: What the hell is that?! 

Claude: I-I can see a castle… Rena!!

[lingalibrary]

Manga Drama CD vol 2 - Star Ocean the Second Story: The Midnight King

Track 2: The Veil of Night Falls

Translation: @hikari-kaitou (The sound of howling wind begins and fades. Rena hears Celine’s voice in her memory.) Celine: Now listen closely, Rena: I’ll start at the western half of the village, and you’ll start at the eastern half, and we’ll place these stones with crests etched on them at equal intervals to form a circle around the whole settlement. 

(Rena walks forward and sets more stones down.)

Rena: *sigh*... Just three stones left.

(The pitter patter of raindrops starts up.)

Rena: Oh no, it’s starting to rain! I’d better hurry! 

(She dashes off until she hears a rattling noise.)

Rena: ...What was that?! 

(A monster roars!)

Rena: Aaagh! … *thinking to herself* It’s huge! It’d squash me in an instant! I’ve gotta get out of here! 

(She starts to run but quickly trips hard. The monster roars as it closes in on her.)

Rena: No…! *in thought* Claude! 

(There’s a light jingle and a whooshing noise.)

???: Hah! 

(After some sort of impact, the monster falls.)

Rena: ...Huh? What just… happened? 

(She pulls herself up to her feet and looks around.)

Rena: Who saved me just now? ...There’s no one there. 

(A bell jingles twice.)

________

(A page turns in a book.)

Little girl: The king of that country couldn’t help being troubled by the fact that the princess refused to part with her doll, even though she had reached the age where she could consider marriage. One day, he ordered one of his attendants to dispose of the doll in a distant forest. But in a mysterious turn of events, the doll somehow found its way back next to the princess’s pillow by the time she was ready for bed.

________

Claude: It really did end up raining, huh… 

(He walks across an upstairs room.)

Claude: *thinking to himself* This a pretty impressive room. It might’ve been the village mayor’s room. 

(He comes upon a ticking clock.)

Claude: The clock still works…. 

(The sound of footsteps catches his attention.)

Claude: Mm? Those footsteps just now… were they from out in the hall?

(Claude walks across the room and opens the door.)

Claude: Is that you, Dr. Bowman? 

Girl: *giggles*

Claude: *gasps* ...Wh-who are you? 

(The girl giggles again and runs off.)

Claude: Hey you! Wait! 

(He runs after her.)

Claude: *in thought* Are there still people living here?! 

(The girl keeps running, and laughing the whole time as Claude chases her.)

Claude: Hey! Wait up, would you? Who are you?! 

(He runs faster to catch up, but then...)

Bowman: Hey, what’re you so worked up about? 

(Claude stops suddenly.)

Claude: Wha--?! Dr. Bowman…

Bowman: What’re you so surprised for? You were taking forever so I was on my way up to make sure you weren’t dead or anything. 

Claude: Did you not see a little girl just now? 

Bowman: Huh? What’re you talking about?

Claude: Eh? I saw a little girl in the hall, and she just ran down the stairs… 

Bowman: No one’s come down those stairs but you. If you’re gonna ask me to check the closets for spooks next, please spare me. 

Claude: I wasn’t, I--

Bowman: More importantly, it suddenly started raining. We better let the others know we’ll be spending the night here. 

(Bowman walks away.)

________

(As they gather around a warm fireplace, thunder crashes outside.)

Celine: I can’t help feeling like this might not be the best idea. 

Precis: What isn’t?

Celine: It may be abandoned, but to simply let ourselves into another person’s home… 

Precis: If you’re not willing to make an exception, we might end up having to camp out in the rain, though. Robbie might get ruined if we do that! 

Celine: That’s true… 

Precis: More importantly, Claude.

Claude: ...Eh--Oh, uh, what is it, Precis? 

Precis: So um, let’s decide room assignments! Room assignments! 

Claude: Room assignments?

Precis: Yep! I mean, the funnest part of staying overnight somewhere is figuring out whose room is gonna be next to yours! 

Claude: I-I dunno about that… 

Ashton: But how are we gonna decide?

Precis: I’ve already made it!

Ashton: Made what? 

Precis: Tadah~ A ladder lottery! 

Claude: A ladder… lottery…

Ashton: Ugh, those sorts of things never end well for me. 

Precis: What’s that, Ashton? You got a complaint you wanna share with the class?

Ashton: No, no complaints.

Precis: In that case, everyone gather! Here we go! Let’s decide who goes through the lottery first! Rock, paper--!

________

(Thunder crashes again outside.)

Precis: And with that, all the results are in! Let’s see, I’m next to Claude! I’ll be coming over to hang out, ok? 

Claude: Do you know how to think about things before you say them?! 

(Precis grumbles and glares at him.)

Ashton: Somehow I feel like doing things randomly takes a long time.

Bowman: It’s only because the ladies got all fired up about wanting the room next to Claude’s, right? Let him have this. I’m gonna hit the sack. 

(Bowman gets up and starts to walk away.)

Claude: Oh, Dr. Bowman! 

Bowman: See you guys in the morning. G’ night!

Claude: Oh, right. Good night!

Celine: Good night, Dr. Bowman! 

Bowman: Thanks!

(He disappears into his room.)

[lingalibrary]

a lil rena

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quicksilver-ink: LOOKIE WHO I DREW LUL

I apologise for the lack of barrels

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Felt like drawing Rena today…

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atmo and coloration practice with my childhood heroes of my favorite game of all time ;v; <3

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Sorry for my long abscence its just hard to upload for me lately ;v;

anyway have a cute ship from my favorite game of all time ;v;

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Favorite Star Ocean Song: Rena’s Theme. I really like this version.

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