Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

User:Trigger-happy

2013-11-27T10:05:27Z

Trigger-happy:

Filled up this page so that my name appears blue XD. If you want any info about me:

Likes:
programming
computer games
anime

My current intention is to help do spelling and grammar edits on Log Horizon and Mahouka whenever I have the time.

Tabi ni Deyou:Epilogue

2013-09-24T02:22:27Z

Trigger-happy:

A Super Cub was driving down a long straight road under the blazing sun.

It was silver and equipped with an improvised tandem seat and additional carriers to both sides.

The Super Cub was ridden by a boy and a girl.

The boy, wearing a half-helmet with built-in goggles, was sixteen years old. He was wearing a blazer-style uniform.

The girl, wearing a read half-helmet without goggles, was sixteen as well. And just like him, she was wearing a blazer-style uniform.

Their route had changed from northwards to southwards, but what had not changed was that they drove silently and steadily.

By that time, the girl had finally recovered her mood and was obediently clinging to his back. The hands around his waist and the additional heat against his back was supposed to be annoying to him, but for some reason he was pleased by it.

"...Boy?"

"Mh, what's up, girl?"

The unstopping roaring of the engine blended into the wind and became their background music.

"Do you still remember when I asked you to go on a journey with me?"

"Of course."

A smile escaped his lips when he recalled that dear recollection.

How could he ever forget? He had spent the days after losing his entire family and entering a new school without a particular reason with observing the slow motion of the clock, finding himself unable to have any hopes in tomorrow and yet unable to fall into despair.

But one day, all of a sudden, a classmate of his appeared before him. Not only had he forgotten her name, he could hardly even remember her face. Despite everything, she invited him to an aimless journey.

If he thought about it now, he realized how reckless that start was.

Of course he asked, "Why would you want to do that?"

And she replied with an honest smile, "Because it could be fun."

Everything after taking her hand unconsciously happened like a flash. Leaving their bags and everything behind, they slipped out of school in their uniforms and left the capital on a bicycle without delay.

He hadn't really thought about it deeply. He had simply felt that going on a planless journey with her was much more fun than idling away in the city.

And this feeling had not changed to date.

"I couldn't forget about it even if I wanted! That's how impressive it was," he laughed and felt the girl press her face against his back.

The distance between them had not changed at all in these three months. Neither had the distance shrunk, nor grown.

But the relationship between them had changed a little.

The journey of the boy, the girl and the Super Cub was not going to end like this. Neither could he, nor did he want to let it end.

"But say, boy. If you could return to the day before we set off... what would you do? Would spend again three months with me to come all the way here?"

He narrowed his eyes a little.

Her question was vague, impossible and no use thinking about. But the emotions the girl had put into that question were much more than just simple curiosity.

He gulped down the lump in his throat the awkward silence had caused.

"Let's see... I think I wouldn't!"

"Eh...?" Her heart skipped a beat. "...Does that mean that..."

He giggled weakly and continued with a smile, "...I didn't think it would take so long to get here to this island! If I could return to that day, I would absolutely change our destination. No doubt."

With a thump the girl knocked her helmet against his back. He could not see her face, but the moisture on his shirt conveyed much more to him than his vision.

"...Yeah. You're right."

Normally, the boy would have talked his way out and changed the topic at this point. But today and only today, he chose to go a step ahead. Collecting his courage, he continued:

"But as long as you're with me, I don't care where we go."

''Be it the end of the world, the depths of hell or beyond nothingness.''

''I don't care!''

"...Mm. Thanks," she said as she pressed her face against his back.

The sun high up in the sky was burning their backs, but the moisture on the boy's back did not dry for a while.

A motorbike is driving down a long straight road on the northern continent. No one knows where their journey is headed—except for a Super Cub and a diary.

[[Image:Tabi_ni_Deyou_Diary.jpg|right|link=]]

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Tabi_ni_Deyou:Journey|Journey]]
| Return to [[Tabi ni Deyou, Horobiyuku Sekai no Hate Made|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Tabi_ni_Deyou:Afterword|Afterword]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Dai Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu:Volume 1 Chapter 3

2010-11-16T02:27:05Z

Trigger-happy: Changed all instances of folder to fodder

===Chapter 3 - The Moment When Darkness Completely Took Over===


Killing everyone.

Killing everyone.

As long as it was an enemy, even if it’s women or children, they shall be killed with no mercy.

“......”

That was how it turned out in the end.

He thought.

Just as he previously thought.

Sion Astal became the king, and that was how it turned out in the end.

“......”

That was what Lieutenant General Milan Froaude thought.

With beautiful raven-black hair. With a slender and delicate figure. And wearing a rare black ring on his long slender fingers.


Bearing a face with surprisingly well-ordered features, he possesses a gleaming pair of dark blue eyes that speaks of an unyielding cold darkness.

Those deep, dark-colored eyes seem to despise all they see, making them look like a curse was buried within them.

With those sharp-looking thin pupils of his, he was currently deep in thought on the current state of affairs of this country.

The perfect country that was created by the Hero King Sion Astal.

A beacon of light arising from the former messed-up Roland to guide this country.

He was the one who could reign supreme over this country, or rather, reign supreme over the whole world, that was what Froaude thought.

And he thought that he would be the one to bear upon himself all the necessary darkness in order to make this a reality.

However.

That was no longer necessary.

''His Majesty...... in spite of having taken in the darkness of this entire world, has yet to lose his brilliance.''

Killing women.

Killing children.

Resuming the human experiments.

Purging the rebellious nobles.

There was no longer anyone who could go against him or this country.


From another viewpoint, he was a tyrant.

A level of dictatorship that was unmatched previously. He already possesses a level of power that could only be acquired through losing himself.

He already possesses a level of power that can strike fear into the hearts of everyone.

And yet.

And yet, he continued on with the identity of a hero king.

A hero king whom, his people were madly in love with, whom his subordinates were cheering on, and whom even those soldiers created from the human experiments had found a reason to die for, Sion Astal.

That was some unbelievable power.

Charisma.

Popularity.

Reputation.

Fame.

All of these became his 'allies'.

A king born with these qualities.

A king born with the ability to carry both humongous levels of light and darkness.

From a dark corner, Sion Astal emitted a piercing gaze that seemed to be able to smash away all obstacles in right front of him, wherever he looked.


That’s why everyone could adore him, and follow him in his madness.

The people.

The country.

The world.

That’s why.

“...... that’s why I......”

He gazed outside the window.

At the corridor that led towards the throne room, the light from the morning sun was streaming in through the window.

It was as if it was shining on the man who was waiting for him further up front, shining on the future of this country.

Well.

“...... His Majesty may not think so though.”

As he said that, a thin cold smile floated on Froaude’s lips.

Because he, Sion Astal, was a troubled king.

The invasion of Nelpha must have caused him a tremendous amount of grief. One who looked upon his face could tell.


But that was just a feeling of pain in his heart.

It would not stop him from moving forward.

In spite of the pain in his heart, his determination would not waver.

The massacre of Nelpha was a thing of necessity. Knowing that, if he were a person who was unable to take on an absolute and convicted decision, he would not have been chosen by Froaude as his liege.

Especially ever since the obstacle Ryner Lute was removed, the determination of Sion Astal to move forward became even stronger. As expected, that '''Alpha Stigma''' monster was a cancer to Sion.

But that was removed.

With determination, Sion moved forward.

“......”

Froaude stopped there.

He had come to the end of the corridor, and was standing in front of the huge, spacious throne room. He bowed his head.

And inside the room.

The man sitting on the throne that could only be seated by the very king of this country, nodded.


“You’ve come.”

“Yes.”

Froaude raised his head. In front of him was the Hero King.

Bearing silver hair with a regal feel, and golden eyes that speak of an indomitable spirit which seemed to mesmerize all who look into them.

That light.

Froaude thought.

''That light had the power to bury the deep darkness within me......''

That was what he thought.

Froaude took a few steps forward and stood just before Sion, then bowed his head again.

“...... you seem to be in great spirits, Your Majesty.”

Sion shrugged his shoulders.

“Hardly.”

Froaude smiled faintly.

“I know.”

“Then, you said that in spite of knowing?”


“Yes.”

“A detestable person indeed.”

“That’s my role......”

“Haha. Is that something that one would say of himself?”

Froaude smiled again. But that was a terribly cold smile.

“And......”

Froaude said.

“I heard you called for me?”

Sion nodded.

“There’s something I want to ask of you.”

“Something you want to ask of me?”

At that moment, Froaude searched through his mind in an instant. What was it that Sion wanted to ask of him?

If it’s about the invasion of Nelpha, it had already been entrusted to the Field Marshal of this country, Claugh Klom. And if he was the one being entrusted, the task would no doubt be completed without any mishaps. He was a capable man. Hence it should not have anything to do with the issue on Nelpha, he thought.

[[Image:DDnYnD v01 175.jpg|thumb]]

Then, was it to discuss with him about plans for invading Runa? It should also be about time to think about the strategy with regards to Cassla, located to the north of this southernmost part of the continent.

Or could it be about the disposal of the remaining resisting puny group of nobles hidden in the shadows.

Or was it about the movements of the Gastark Empire, which is expanding southwards at an alarming rate.

But for each and every one of them, the appropriate countermeasures were already in progress.

If so,

“......”

Froaude stopped the flow of his thoughts and looked at the face of his king.

The troubled expression of his king, and he.

“...... is this about Ryner Lute?”

Sion nodded.

“Yes. With the aid of his comrade, he broke out of prison and escaped.”

“I see.”

“And on top of that, Miller has been interfering with me.”


Froaude smiled.

“That’s because Major Miller has yet to know of the thing inside of Your Majesty.”

Well actually, Froaude was originally also not aware of that immense amount of power squirming inside of Sion.

But that was something to be expected.

That was a power that a king needed.

Sion Astal was a chosen one, and that’s why he was conferred with such a power.

That day.

That day which Sion showed it to Froaude.

And he understood it immediately.

The responsibility, the light, and the darkness that Sion was carrying was greater than what he had thought.

But this king still moved forward.

In order to change the world.

Froaude continued.

“So, for Ryner Lute......”

“Apprehend him.”


“...... on what grounds?”

“A fugitive traitor of the country.”

“Then shall I kill him?”

Sion’s expression did not change. But he could see that his heart was wavering.

Ryner Lute.

Ryner Lute. Ryner Lute. Ryner Lute.

Just as he thought, that man was a cancer. That was what Froaude thought.

Sion said.

“...... ah. It’s okay to kill him. But the best is to capture him alive.”

And Froaude,

“...... understood.”

He acknowledged.

He turned around after that.

“...... in that case, I’ll be on my way.”

He left the throne room.

Ryner Lute.


He was also, perhaps, a chosen one.

For him to bring this amount of distress to the hero king.

But, each and every person has a role to play in the grand scheme of this world.

Sion is one who will change the world.

And.

As food, as fodder, Ryner is one who will become a sacrifice.

It would be terribly troublesome for the fodder to move freely on his own.

After leaving the throne room, Froaude stood in the corridor for a while, and murmured.

“Now, what is the best course of action?”

To kill Ryner Lute.

Or to capture him alive.

While undertaking that mission, he might uncover some new leads.

''What in the world is Sion Astal?''

''And what will we bring about to this world?''

The investigation into those questions were mostly already underway.

And quite possibly, Major Rahel Miller must also have been gathering information regarding these matters. And because he must have reached the limits on what he could discover, he tried letting Ryner escape.


He recalled back to what Sion said a while ago.

''“With the aid of his comrade, he broke out of prison and escaped.”''

The comrade he was referring to was probably that woman known as Ferris.

And it was probably Miller who leaked Ryner’s whereabouts to her. Miller was making efforts in trying to discover Sion’s secret.

“...... such a roundabout manner was really unnecessary.”

Froaude smiled.

If he really wanted to know, he could just ask Sion. Since there was no longer any need to hide it anymore. But then again, Rahel Miller and his subordinate, Luke Stokkart, are the type of people who would cover up their tracks, and do things covertly. It was this shrewdness of theirs that put Sion in a favorable position to start the revolution to revive this country.

They are excellent men. Men of exceptional abilities.

However, this time round, what they did was indeed a little too indirect, Froaude thought.

Even without doing that.

“...... all they had to do was to ask. Isn’t that right? Lucile Eris-san.”


He murmured in a very soft voice that could hardly be heard by even someone who were to stand just beside him.

On saying that.

“...... that’s right.”

A voice replied.

And the voice came from right in front of him. In the center of the corridor right before him, where there was nothing to be seen.

There he was.

Invisible to the eye, there he was.

“......”

The monster.

Froaude smiled.

“Finally, we meet.”

“I’ve always been watching you though.”

“I see.”

“You are a splendid person. Even when Sion’s heart starts to waver, you will undoubtedly guide him back to his rightful path.”


Froaude shook his head.

“You flatter me too much. His Majesty...... even if I’m not around, he will definitely get back onto his rightful path and move forward.”

“Ah, you’re right. But even so, you’ve aided him quite a lot, haven’t you? You’ve said it right at the start, didn’t you? The time when you and Sion first met......”

''I’ll shoulder your darkness.''

That was what he said.

However, the Sion now seemed to be able to manage both sides of the light and darkness, without losing his brilliance.

Of course, that also meant that it had become much easier for Froaude to carry out his tasks but.

But Lucile said.

“From hereon, you will still continue to move forward right?”

Froaude laughed.

“You must be referring to how I’m going to deal with Ryner Lute, isn’t it?”

Lucile did not reply. However, Froaude felt his acknowledgement.

He continued.


“His Majesty said to either kill or capture Ryner. But are you...... Duke Eris, wishing for something else altogether?”

There was no response.

There was no sign of him.

It was indeed hard to communicate with a monster, Froaude smiled wryly. He put up with it and continued.

“That is of course something along the same line of what I was thinking. Since whenever it comes to the matter of that '''Alpha Stigma''' bearer, His Majesty’s sensibility gets clouded.”

That’s right. Whenever it came to the matter of dealing with Ryner Lute, Sion could never seem to think rationally.

Was it indeed because he was special in some way?

It was a history repeating itself since ancient times.

The hero and the sacrifice.

Was it due to the circumstances binding the light and the sad demon?

That was something that Froaude could not understand. Rather, there was no real need for him to understand. What he needed to do was just what he thought was necessary and required, well rather, at times something that goes beyond that, and then move forward.


Sion wished to kill Ryner Lute. In order to prevent him from becoming his fodder. In order to prevent him from becoming a sacrifice.

There was of course another method. To kill Ryner Lute, and to once again depend on another '''Alpha Stigma''', this was another possibility.

If Ryner Lute could be captured alive, it was also possible to conduct research on him to find a way to save him.

And after saving him, he could substitute another '''Alpha Stigma''' for him. That was also possible.

But by doing any of those, he would end up going through a large detour.

''If that’s the case, then how about allowing Ryner Lute to escape to other countries?''

''In that situation, His Majesty would not be able to save him.''

If he could not be saved.

If they were far apart from each other, and without a convenient way to save him, the time would come one day when everything ends.

Sion will devour Ryner and attain his true form.

But.

But that would be still too condoning of him.


Froaude thought.

There were still quite a number of major unknowns present. If assuming Ryner got killed by someone else in the meantime, the plan would fail.

If assuming Ryner discovers something that would allow him to pull Sion out of his current state, the plan would fail.

And if assuming Ryner......

“......”

Well, even though the chance of this happening is one in a million, it’s not completely impossible for him to gather strong allies to pose a threat against Sion Astal, or rather, against the entire Roland Empire.

All of that would be for the sake of saving Sion, and not for satisfying his own ego, which will make it not impossible for him to become a great threat.

To see him as not someone who was not just canon fodder for Sion, not just a sacrifice but something beyond that, Froaude shall not let him foil the plan.

Hence,


“...... I shall capture Ryner Lute.”

“I see.”

Lucile answered.

But without skipping a beat, Froaude continued.

“And I shall imprison him in some place beyond His Majesty’s sight, until that day comes. I shall cut his tongue off, and chop off his limbs.”

Definitely.

Definitely in such a situation, Ryner would not be able to interfere with Sion anymore.

“It would be fine if his life is spared, isn’t it?”

Froaude asked and Lucile replied.

“Yes. As long as he is alive, with his cursed eyes. He can still become the sacrifice in that state.”

“If so, he won’t need anything below his head.”

“You do say some scary things.”

But in response to Lucile’s words, ''I won’t want to hear that coming from you, a monster from which I could only feel an aura of death'', Froaude thought.


Even though he did not say it aloud, his thoughts must have reached Lucile.

Lucile said.

“...... fufu. Am I scary?”

“Yes. You are scary indeed.”

Froaude answered honestly.

“Because you might get killed?”

“No, since the day I was born, I have never feared death.”

“...... then what do you fear of me?”

Froaude laughed at that question. He looked intently at the empty space in front of him and laughed coldly.

“What I fear is your weakness. Duke Lucile Eris. The you who has bestowed His Majesty his influence...... the you who possesses an absolute power...... the thing I really feared most...... is a weakness in you.”

“Horh?”

Lucile made a questioning sound as his curiosity was slightly aroused.


But Froaude thought that it was meaningless to continue this discussion. Whatever the case, in the end, there were too many things to predict, and some form of uncertainties are sure to exist. Knowing all that, if one could not have the last laugh, one could not claim the ultimate victory.

And Froaude, and Sion, intend to ultimately bring victory to this Roland.

No matter what the obstacles are.

Whether it is Ryner Lute, or Gastark, or even if this Lucile Eris is the one to interfere.

''In the end, we will have the last laugh.''

Hero King Sion Astal shall rule over the whole of this Menoris continent, and Roland shall have the last laugh.

Well, but until then.

“...... it has been a pretty long conversation. If I spend too much time here, the traitor will get away.”

Until then, this person...... this monster Lucile Eris, also has a usable value.

At the same time, in order to be prepared to treat him as an enemy, it is necessary to find a way to kill him.

The way to kill this monster who sees everything from within Roland.

“I shall take my leave here.”


Froaude started walking.

Forward.

In the direction from which Lucile’s voice resounded.

And in an instant, a cold killing intent was felt from behind him, but Froaude’s expression did not change.

Since he was not fearful of death anyway.

He continued walking forward.

“......”

Lucile did not say anything. But, he could feel it. He was not putting on a guard against Froaude. That’s to be expected of course. Towards such an insanely powerful monster, Froaude could not even come close to scratching him. He was no way a match for Lucile. That was what he could feel. As long as he continued to remain useful around the monster, it would be fine, that was all he could think of.

But.

“......”

That was fine.

That was no need for Lucile to be wary.


There was no need for him to put his guard on.

For him to think of Froaude as a worthless existence, that was fine in Froaude’s perspective.

While creeping around in the dark like a poisonous snake, there was no need for the monster to notice his fangs right now.

Anyway, in the end.

Since in the end, he would discover his fangs with a certain realization.

“......”

Without looking back, a smile floated on Froaude’s lips. With that smile, he revealed his white teeth for just an instant. A smile that was cold, like that of a devil.

At least for now, as long as he didn’t realize......

“......”

All of a sudden.

“...... you got it all wrong. Even I, am afraid of a human like you.”

From behind Froaude, Lucile whispered close to his ear. At a distance where he could almost touch him.

On the spur of moment, Froaude turned towards that direction.


As he did that, right in front of him, was a strikingly beautiful face of a man with blond hair. That monster, with a smile, was peering at Froaude.

He was peering into his heart.

He understood with just a single glimpse.

This man standing beside him did not seem like an untouchable apparition.

He looked nothing like a insanely powerful monster.

But still, those were his words. In a mocking manner. As if to ridicule him.

“That’s why I am putting my guard on. Against your strength. Against your fangs. Against your poison.”

Even though he said it lightly, he was serious.

Froaude seemed to shake at that.

It seemed like he was shaking from despair.

Even while he possesses such a level of power, there was no sign of haughtiness. There was no sign of arrogance. If so, what should he do? Perhaps, there was really no weakness attached to him.

If so, what should he do?

Froaude seemed to be shaking.

“......”


He seemed to be shaking.

However, that shaking certainly did not stem from fear.

It was from delight.

A feeling of delight from seeing a darkness that was deeper and darker than that of his.

Such a monster.

Such an incredibe monster.

“......”

''Is he going to kill me......''

As that thought floated in his mind, he appeared to shake with an uncontrollable sheer delight.

“...... haha. You must be joking. I’m not going to make an enemy out of you. If we were to come to blows, I would just get killed in the end.”

“Heh. Is that so?”

“Yes. That is so.”

But that was a lie.

''I will one day kill him. It will be necessary for me to do so. The reason for that is because he will become an unnecessary existence.''


''This monster, such a monster; the world does not need the likes of him.''

''Therefore, I would be taking in the darkness present within him. I will bear even this darkness. It is just as I’ve said right at the start.''

''I alone shall shoulder all the darkness of the Hero King, Sion Astal.''

“......”

That was what Froaude thought.

He would surpass this darkness, and stretched his hand towards a deeper, darker place.

Somewhere deeper, and darker.

As dark as he could, as deep as he could, in order to increase the brilliance of Sion Astal.

''And that brilliance shall bury my darkness.''

“...... I will not oppose you. It’s my principle not do anything that is meaningless.”

“Fufu. Is that so?”

“Yes.”

“Well, if that’s what you insist, then it’s fine for now.”

“Then, may I?”


“Sure.”

Froaude bowed his head once more, and started walking.

He could feel his gaze on him from behind.

The gaze of a monster.

But it’s not the time to turn around and look back.

It’s not the time to kill him yet.

Thus, without looking back.

“......”

He started thinking about another prey that he needed to hunt right now.

<center>♦</center>

The situation was at its worst.

Cruel. Dirty. Tragic. Despondent. Everything and anything in sight was so.

But that was not something out of the ordinary.

Since there was no battlefield that is free from those things.

“......”


He looked over the scenery before him, and grimaced.

It was a scene of piled-up dead bodies in a sea of blood.

There was no sign of life anywhere.

Since his orders were to spare no one.

That did not just apply to soldiers.

To kill all living, even women and children, those were his orders.

''"In order to show the world the might of Roland, in order to let them know the consequences of opposing Roland, massacre them all."''

Those were Sion’s orders, and as such, those were Claugh's very orders.

That’s why right before him, there was nothing but dead bodies.

Belonging to the angry soldiers, crying families, despaired lovers. The nobles, the populace, humans, animals, regardless of status or gender.

There was only death.

Even though this was the first time he had given out such thorough orders to kill everyone, he seemed to be at ease.

No, perhaps, it’s wrong to say so.


It was the same as always.

Whether it comes to killing children, adults, women, men, or anyone else, it was the same as always,

“...... disgusting......”

Claugh Klom seemed to be spitting out those words.

With flaming red hair, sharp red eyes. Donning a set of steel armor, and Roland’s military uniform.

The closest aide to the Hero King, Sion Astal, the Field Marshal of Roland Empire.

From within Roland to the neighbouring countries, there is none who has never heard of his name.

But that fame was not gained from his position as a Field Marshal, but rather as a death god who appears on the battlefield.

Whichever battlefield the death god goes to, a rain of blood will follow.

Riding like the wind through the enemy ranks, and soaking his right arm with the enemy’s blood, a man to be feared by all.

Just by seeing his figure on a battlefield.

Just by seeing the tattoo on his right arm, the enemy is bound to lose their morale and be thrown into confusion from the overwhelming fear arising from just that alone.


That’s the reason for that.

That’s the reason why even when told ''"for the Field Marshal to be at the frontlines, are you crazy?"'' in an attempt to stop him, Claugh just shook it off and came all the way here.

Since just by using his name, some of the enemy might lose their fighting spirit and flee, which would make it possible to minimize the sacrifices.

However.

“......”

Claugh looked over the land before him.

He looked over the piled-up bodies.

And with a sad look, he grimaced.

He was now pretty much north from the borders that divide Roland Empire and Imperial Nelpha, within the territory belonging to a noble known as Count Terens.

To be precise, he was now assaulting its largest town. And further up front, were Count Terens’s castle and fortress, where he was making his stand.

By the way, before this, Claugh had already taken over the land of two other nobles, and on top of that, within Terens’s territory, he had completely leveled five villages and two towns.

Thus, once this town and that fortress fall, the connected territory that leads all the way back to Roland, in other words, the defense lines that Nelpha had against Roland would have all crumbled.

All that had taken one week.

In just one week, Claugh had killed many of Nelpha’s populace.

The number of people killed during that period, was already something he didn’t want to think about.

The disparity in strength was evident, and there was no way Nelpha could stand up to Roland.

Rather, since the merger with Estabul Kingdom, there was no country in the south of this continent that could stand up to Roland Empire.

But even so, during this one year after the merger, Roland did not slow down in its pace to move forward.

Sion Astal had been preparing for the upcoming wars during this one year......

Well, rather.

It was not really for these wars, in fact it’s only starting now, all of those efforts in increasing military might were preparations to wage war against the entire world.

Training soldiers. Conscripting soldiers. Magic research.

And the human experiments.


At any rate, Sion has acquired a considerable amount of power.

And thus there had been a fair amount of accomplishments within the country of Roland.

He had acquired from the former broken Roland, which previously existed merely for the pleasure of the nobles, a large amount of data on the unthinkable human experiments which were left behind, and above all else, put a stop to the tyranny of the nobles, brought back peace and freedom to the lives of the people who had suffered under the former rule.

Normally, the build up of military power would have placed a heavier burden on the people in taxation, but Sion instead funded it through the coffers of those nobles who had continued to indulge in their extravagant lifestyle.

And in the end, it was possible to amass a huge army to the benefit of the country.

Under the rule of a righteous king, Roland has become something else altogether, growing into a great powerful country.

“......”

And right here, right now, assembled an army with an extraordinary high morale.

These were not your everyday troops, but strength-enhanced soldiers from the human experiments, a product of the past one year of magic research and training, a hybrid army made up of both Roland and former Estabul’s soldiers.

There were ten thousand of them here.

However, with just that ten thousand alone, Claugh was ordered by Sion to decimate Nelpha’s eighty-eight thousand strong army.


And that was what he had been doing.

He was already close to annihilating Nelpha’s defense lines.

The casualties incurred on this side so far, was only two.

Faced with this abnormal army from Roland, Nelpha was already losing their will to fight.

Thus this war was already.

“...... it’s over.”

Claugh murmured.

Rather, it had to end. So far, it had been going according to Sion’s calculations, by demonstrating Roland’s might, and showing Nelpha the massacres, they had obtained surrender after surrender before Nelpha’s main force was sent out.

By doing that, even if the populace had to be killed initially, the loss of lives could be minimized at the end of the day.

This was the same as those human experiments.

Even if a large number of people had to be sacrificed for the human experiments, in the end, if it was possible to overwhelm other countries with merely ten thousand troops, the loss of lives could be reduced.

And the result of all that could already be seen.

This Count Terens served as a good example.


Even though up till this point in the territory, troops had been sent out for defense, the bulk of them had fled almost immediately. They fled and left behind the people they were supposed to protect. Count Terens must have already abandoned his fortress as well.

Abandoning the wailing commoners, he had fled.

Even so, Claugh would definitely not relax his attacks.

This was where it would be decided.

The killing of Nelpha’s people shall end here.

It definitely will end here.

Therefore,

“...... spare no one.”

Claugh said in a low, dark voice.

The order was passed down quickly. The troops moved in a perfect orderly manner. That is to say Roland’s troops.

Past the piled-up bodies, from the almost completely wrecked town, the soldiers moved forward.


Only four hours were probably needed for the entire castle and fortress to be overrun by Roland’s troops.

There would be more mountains of dead bodies created.

“...... really.”

Claugh, for another time, said.

“It’s really a disgusting way to fight.”

But, since it was necessary, he had to do it.

Sion had been for the past one year, fighting in this manner alone.

And now, together with his other subordinates, they had to answer to his resolve. As the king of Roland, Sion could have pushed all the dirty work to his subordinates.

Well, before the army was dispatched, when Claugh made that remark, Sion,

''“If that’s the case, then why are you heading to the frontlines? You can just sit back from behind and leave the dirty work to your men, can’t you?”''

And so on and so forth, he said.

And at the end, he said the following.

''“...... sorry for making you do the dirty work.”''

As he recalled Sion’s tired and sad looking face during that time, Claugh just smiled faintly.


“...... bummer. That idiot always tries to take on everything all by himself......”

At that moment, Claugh, for a single time, turned around and looked behind him.

Towards the south.

The south where Roland is.

Just as he thought, at this kind of distance, it was impossible to see Roland’s castle.

The sky was clear. Even though it seemed like from the southwest, dark clouds were floating towards here, well, before the rain comes, the battle in this land will have ended by then.

Claugh made a small sigh.

And at that moment.

“Your Eminence Field Marshal Claugh!”

The familiar voice came from northeast, the opposite direction he was looking at, and he turned towards there.

And there, was a horse galloping towards here, with a young official riding it.

He has golden hair, and a pair of intelligent looking eyes. Though he is not really tall, it was clear that he has a firm and toned body.

It was Shuss Shirazz.


While six years younger than Claugh at a young age of nineteen, Shuss was someone who had been through countless battles with him, a long-time trusted aide.

He was one who could analyze a situation calmly, and was in charge of gathering intelligence.

Even now, he had been investigating the reactions of Nelpha in response to this particular attack from Roland, and had finally returned.

Shuss stopped his horse before Claugh, got off, and knelt before him.

“I’ve returned, Your Eminence.”

Claugh frowned at him,

“Stop the ‘Your Eminence’ thing.”

“But.”

“That’s enough. How long have you been following me around? All soldiers are now out. So stop mimicing the behaviour of others.”

In response to those words, Shuss made a slightly troubled face.

“However, we are now on the battlefield...... Your Eminence.”

Claugh shook his hand in a fed-up manner.

''This person has always been like that. His over-seriousness, is it a bad quality or a good quality, no, it definitely has to be a bad quality.''


Claugh gave up and asked.

“And?”

“Yes sir. There are a total of four reports, one good, one bad, and two interesting ones.”

“I see. So, which one do you want to start with?”

Shuss seemed to think for a moment, and made a mischievious face.

“Then, I shall start with the good report.”

“Haha, so you want to save the bad report for the last, and leave me depressed? You have a surprisingly bad personality.”

Shuss smiled.

“Just like my superior.”

“Which superior are you referring to?”

“Hm, who is it again? I seem to remember him having red hair and an iron-like body.”

Shuss looked intently at the red-haired Field Marshal of Roland.

But Claugh,


“Who the heck has red hair hrm. Calne?”

What a thing to say, and Shuss smiled.

“No, I don’t remember Major Generol Kaiwal having anything like red hair...... well let’s leave that aside for now.”

“Yeah. We will do just that. That guy has a pretty bad personality. And on top of that, he’s a lecher who likes other people’s wives.”


“Haha. I won’t deny the fact that his overzealous interest in women is something undesirable though...... Major General Kaiwal probably is [[Dai_Densetsu_no_Yūsha_no_Densetsu:Volume_1_Translator's_Notes#Sneezing|sneezing]] right now, don’t you think?”


“And that would get him dumped because it feels dirty to be sneezed on.”

“Yeah yeah.”

Both of them laughed.

By the way, the person known as Calne Kaiwal, like Claugh, has been a subordinate of Sion since the old militaristic days, and even right now, alongside with Claugh, is called the left hand of the Hero King, and even so, since he is around the same age as Shuss and they have known each other since back then while following Sion, they are on particularly good terms and can joke around with no reservations at all.

However, Calne is a Major General.


Shuss is still a Second Lieutenant.

The reason was because Shuss had rejected all promotions. In order to bear less responsibilities so that he could continue to serve Claugh, and that’s the reason why he’s here right now.

Claugh and Calne are serving Sion.

But, as for Shuss, he chose Claugh as the man he would follow to the bitter end.

And even this time round, he had chosen to follow Claugh to this dirty dishonorable battlefield.

Even though Claugh had told him that it was better not to come along, he just smiled and rejected the advice flatly.

''“It was for this that I joined the army. This is my country. In order not to show this terrible scene to my dead family again. In order not to show the terrible scene that had befallen Roland before, I shall be the first to bear witness to all of these.”''

What a thing to say.

''You are an overly-serious man.'' If Claugh called him an overly-serious fool, Shuss would just respond in a joking manner,

''“Ahaha. That’s quite true. I’m a very serious guy. In order to protect the superior who is even more serious and more foolish than me, and who would throw himself away like an ornamental stone, I’m going along. That’s because you are an important person that Roland cannot do without. I have to be there to save you from dying, at least for one time as a substitute.”''


And when Claugh said ''don’t mess around with me, if you die before me, I’m gonna kill you'', Shuss merely grinned.

''"Haha. If I die, you won’t be able to kill me, right?"''

And only smiled.

“......”

But he understood what this fool was saying.

He too wanted to dirty only his own hands.

If by doing that, they could save someone else, it’s enough.

''For that to happen, that’s why we are here.''

“...... and?”

Claugh asked.

“Well then, shall we start with the good report?”

Shuss nodded.

“The head of Imperial Nelpha...... has decided to surrender to Roland.”


“......”

That was a report that Claugh had been waiting for impatiently.

To make Imperial Nelpha surrender with the least number of sacrifices, and also to demonstrate Roland’s might to Cassla and Runa, which will give an advantage to Roland in the near future.

Regarding Nelpha’s expected surrender after this, everything should have been going according to plan.

However.

Claugh squinted his eyes.

Given the current circumstances, he did not get the feeling that everything would be going well for certain.

The truth was that Imperial Nelpha was currently split into two factions from within.

The first belonged to the benevolent king who had agreed to the alliance with Roland, Gread Nelphi, and the nobles who followed him.

The second was the Anti-Roland noble faction who see the act of Estabul Kingdom merging with Roland into a larger power as a threat. This faction was formed by the First Prince of Nelpha in order to increase his influence. And while King Gread Nelphi was bedridden from illness, in the name of the King, he might have moved his army southward to invade Roland if not for Roland’s preemptive strike.


Among these two factions, whose head was the one that decided on the surrender.

Well, one could make a guess.

“Was Gread Nelphi the one who put out the surrender?”

Claugh said, and Shuss nodded.

“Yes. Even though he is in his old age, he is still the one who has rebuilt Imperial Nelpha in just one generation.”

“He could immediately tell the difference in strength between Roland and Nelpha, and how unproductive it was to spill unnecessary blood. A wise monarch indeed.”

“Yes.”

“Then, this war is already over.”

Even as Claugh said that, his expression did not relax.

“But, you still have something bad to report right?”

Shuss nodded quietly.

“So, what’s the bad news?”

“King Gread Nelphi......”

On hearing just that, Claugh assumed a troubled expression.

“...... is he dead?”


“Yes. Immediately after declaring the surrender.”

“Because of old age?”

Even though Claugh didn’t really think that was the case, he asked anyway.

As expected, Shuss shook his head.

“He was killed.”

By who? But he didn’t bother asking. He must have been killed by his son from the opposing faction.

Shuss continued.

“King Nelphi offered his head, as well as the imprisonment of his successor, Prince Starnel, as a proposal to end this war but......”

By the way, Starnel was the one who formed the Anti-Roland faction, the prince who raised an opposing flag towards King Gread Nelphi.

“And Starnel didn’t really like the surrendering proposal put forth by King Nelphi right?”

“Yes.”

“Then, he killed his own father to save himself.”

Shuss nodded.

“Thinking that his imprisonment in Roland will undoubtedly lead to his death, in a frenzy, he killed his father, so it seems.”


“What a stupid prince.”

Claugh smiled wryly.

But the prince’s thinking was on the right track.

There was no intention of sparing any of the royal family in this war.

They were to kill all of the royal family and announced it.

Because Nelpha obstructed Roland and resisted, even if it’s only once, they would have to kill all of the royal family.

However, if right from the beginning Nelpha had surrendered, the royal family would be inducted into Roland’s nobility, and would be able to keep their lives and status.

This would have been a befitting result.

The decision to go to war or not lay with the nobles and the royal family. And if the royal family had decided to allow the invasion of Roland, thereby retaining their lives and status, what would then happen?

Making a choice that would be unlike that of the benevolent lord, Gread Nelphi, who can use his own life to protect his people.

In order to secure their own lives, they would definitely surrender.

Though that, in certainty, would reduce the fighting and deaths.


''For now, in order to achieve the ultimate end where there is less loss of lives, I’m sorry but we have to make an example out of you, Nelpha.''

The orders from Sion was to kill all who were related to the royal family within the order of the second degree.

And Gread Nelphi must have been aware of that. But apparently, he’s attempting to bargain against that. By offering his own head, he had hoped to bargain for his son’s life.

That’s why the surrender came so promptly.

Currently, only the frontline defense had fallen. Nelpha still has seventy thousand strong to be deployed.

By surrendering early, Nelpha has effectively helped Roland to display their overwhelming power to the entire world, so would Roland agree to the bargain?

That was indeed a wise judgement.

That would really help convey the right message.

In just two weeks, Nelpha had fallen to Roland’s invasion.

By surrendering early, it’s possible to secure one’s life and status which would have been taken away otherwise as long as one belongs to the royal family. It’s really better to surrender earlier...... that was the message that could be conveyed to other countries.

This would really have resulted in the best possible end of minimum life loss across the board.

Gread Nelphi has died. Killed by his own son, the prince who understood nothing and could only think of saving himself.


“So what did the foolish son do after killing his father?”

Shuss made a tired face to that question.

“He ordered ten thousand troops to retaliate against Roland......”

“I see. So you’re sacrificing ten thousand soldiers to slow us down while escaping on your own. A complete failure of a noble.”

But Shuss did not acknowledge that. He only looked at Claugh with a dark face.

“Well actually, Starnel has not escaped yet.”

“Oh, so what’s he up to then?”

As Claugh asked, Shuss took a deep breath, to find the right words.

And he said.

“He massacred......”

“What!”

Without thinking, Claugh exclaimed in shock.

But Shuss just continued on.

“...... he intended to kill all the people, and take what he could to make his escape northwards.”


“......”

Claugh had nothing to say to that.

That was the worst possible development.

To think that he couldn’t read his enemy up till here. Killing his own people, stealing from them and then making his escape, what a rotten way of doing things.

This will lead to even more sacrifices, more so than a straight-up assault into the capital.

On top of that, there is no one of authority left to make an official surrender to Roland. In other words, Nelpha will not be surrendering at all.

And because there is no official statement of surrender made, Roland can only continue its killing spree.

Killing those retaliating ten thousand soldiers who are well aware of their imminent deaths, killing the populace, and completely razing Nelpha.

Thinking of that, Claugh,

“......”

He was really at his wits’ end.

That’s why he hated wars.

Since as always, everything and anything about wars is merciless, dirty, tragic, and sad.


Even though they had already assumed the worst, this was something that was one step beyond that.

From now onwards.

From now onwards, it wasn’t possible to change the direction of the events. From hereon, there was still value in the razing of Nelpha and more slaughtering.

In order to reduce the loss of lives in future wars.

Even though this in itself was already a terrible war, it was all in the name of avoiding more terrible wars in the future.

There was no other choice. ''Shall we get on with this''...... as Claugh was about to utter those words, Shuss continued on.

“However, to add on, there is something else that proved to be interesting.”

“Huh?”

Claugh looked at Shuss. Claugh recalled what Shuss said earlier, about one good report, one bad report, and two interesting ones.

“Something else that proved to be interesting?”

Shuss nodded at Claugh’s query.

“It’s about the earlier report on the ten thousand soldiers that were supposedly heading southwards.”

“Uh huh.”


“They aren’t coming here after all.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean by that?”

“Well...... for some reason, there is a rumor that a man by the name of Toale Nelphi is leading those soldiers eastwards......”

“Toale......?”

Claugh queried as he seemed to have heard the name from somewhere.

Shuss nodded.

“It’s Toale Nelphi. The grandson of the deceased Gead Nelphi.”

As he said that, Claugh remembered.

Froaude mentioned it before he marched his army.

''"While there is hardly any talent existing in Nelpha that could pose a threat to Roland at this point in time, there is still one individual whom you must watch out for. His name is Toale Nelphi. He is the son of Prince Starnel and his commoner mistress, and though he is currently away from the center of power of this country, he is sympathetic to his country, and in the event where it seems likely that he would be given power and authority...... it is my recommendation that you crush him first."''

That was what he said.


And because of what Froaude said about that Toale guy, he was wondering what kind of person is he, ''I see''.

''You’ve come forth to change the direction of the incoming troops.''

The son of a commoner mistress.

By the way, that was the same for Sion.

“A weed growing in the wilderness...... is stronger?”

Shuss shrugged his shoulders at what Claugh said.

“But even if Sion-san grew up in the wilderness, he is more of a flower, isn’t it?”

“Right. He is like a pretty-looking, insect-eating plant?”

“Now ~. At the very least, can you compare him to a rose instead? A thorny one or something like that.”

“Yeah ~. Indeed, it is more apt to describe Sion as a rose. For the slip of my tongue, should I slap my lips?”

To those words.

For some reason, Shuss face contorted. He was shaking as if to keep something bottled up within him. In the end, he burst out laughing.

“Please, don’t say something weird! It brought a weird image to my mind.”


His face was bright red from the pent-up laughter directed towards Claugh.

With a sidelong glance, Claugh considered the situation.

It seemed like the situation was not as bad as it seemed.

According to Froaude, the guy called Toale has a high popularity and seems to be an able man.

''"I once wanted to eliminate him. Well, thanks to a certain odd duo of a magician and swordswoman, I had to abort it......"''

However, for now, Claugh was grateful to that magician and swordswoman. Since if Toale had been killed by Froaude then, this current development would not have been possible.

There still remained a path of less bloodshed to the end of this war.

If Toale became the king of this country and announced his surrender.

“......”

And then after that, if they have Toale killed.

With the head of Toale Nelphi, the war could be ended.

“...... in either case, there is still a lot more killing to be done.”

Claugh muttered to himself.


He had a sudden realization and looked in the direction of Shuss.

“...... but then again, you are pretty kind.”

Shuss was surprised by those words and asked.

“Huh? Why’s that?”

“About the reports.”

“Yes?”

“All in all, even though what we are about to do from now on is still something bothersome, thanks to the order of your reports, I could sense some glimmer of hope at the end.”

Shuss beamed at that.

“I’m most happy to be able to please Your Eminence.”

“Like I said, drop the ‘Your Eminence’.”

“Well, Your Eminence, there is still one more interesting thing to report though.”

“Like I said.”

But Shuss just ignored that and continued.

“And that is something concerning Your Eminence.”

“Huh? Concerning me?”


“Yes.”

“What’s that?”

Shuss then pointed at Claugh’s arm.

His right arm.

He pointed to his right arm, which was of an entirely pitch-black color.

It looked completely different from the former arm that was filled with red tattoos, the arm which earned him the nickname of ‘Crimson Finger Claugh Klom’.

That former arm was devoured by a monster bearing the Cursed Eyes known as '''Iino Dwoe'''.

That’s why the arm he has now is an artificial arm. A cursed artificial arm.

It was a special arm regrown from a <Forbidden Curse>.

Even though he has already grown accustomed to his new arm and could use it as if it were originally his own, normally, that arm covered in pitch-black would be attempting to kill its own host.

So to speak, it was something born out of one of the crazy human experiments carried out in Roland.

Even though the previous arm with red tattoos came from a similar origin, this time round, it was something even more powerful and more monstrous than before.

After looking at his own pitch-black arm, Claugh asked.


“So, what’s the thing about me?”

Shuss replied in an amused tone.

“Your nickname has changed.”

“Ah. Well, my arm isn’t red anymore. So, what has ‘Crimson Finger Claugh’ become? Did it become something that sounds more adorable?”

“Haha. An adorable name won’t really suit Claugh-san.”

“Well, it doesn’t really need to be adorable though...... but why the hell do I keep getting nicknames attached to my name?”

“Because you are popular, isn’t that so?”

But Claugh merely snorted laughingly.

“Don’t be foolish. It’s a murderer’s nickname. A name of notoriety. So, what has this name of notoriety changed to?”

After a mild laugh, Shuss said.

“The Black Hand Death God.”

''Death God huh.''

Claugh looked at his black arm again and thought.


Even though he had yet to release the cursed power of his arm on the battlefield, it amounted to the same thing.

This very arm had already taken tons of lives.

He, who did not wish to keep remaining in his current safe haven away from the direct fighting, was well aware of that.

While he was in his safe haven, people were dying. He had witnessed much of that.

And more of that were to come.

“...... hn.”

At that moment.

Claugh’s black arm, the one nicknamed '''Black Hand''', moved in a flash.

That hand caught hold of a knife seemingly thrown from somewhere.

It’s not as if he was looking in the direction from which the knife was thrown. He merely sensed the flow of a killing intent and reacted accordingly.

If a normal person were to have seen this, he or she would have called him a monster.

A monster with flaming red hair donning steel armor.

The death god with a black hand who have appeared on the battlefield.


And then Claugh threw the knife back in the direction from which it came. His throw was powered with a force many times stronger than when it came flying towards him, with a deadly accuracy.

A cry was heard.

Then came the sound of a person falling to the ground.

[[Image:DDnYnD v01 225.jpg|thumb]]
However, he did not turn to see who it was.

Whether the culprit was a man, a woman, an adult, or a child, it did not matter.

In any case, he had only to kill.

From hereon, he had to keep on killing the people of Nelpha for a while longer.

That’s why he did not bother to look.

Because he thought there was no reason to do so.

He merely.

“......”

He merely, if only a little.

Made a tired and sad face.

“...... I’m sorry.”


The death god of the battlefield murmured with a strained voice.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Dai Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu:Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Dai Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu#Volume_1_-_The_Great_Escape_To_The_Undecided_Future|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Dai Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu:Volume 1 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

User:Trigger-happy

2007-07-24T08:18:55Z

Trigger-happy:

User:Trigger-happy

2007-06-11T06:17:32Z

Trigger-happy:

Kaze no Stigma:Volume1 Chapter2

2007-06-11T06:08:56Z

Trigger-happy: Mass grammar and spelling edit. I skipped some parts since they were way too fuzzy (like the 2nd to the last paragraph)

== Chapter Two - The sudden disaster ==

=== 1 ===
“Not ready yet? How much longer do we have to wait, Hyoue?”

“— — Please wait a little longer,” Hyoue replied to the seemingly impatient person.

Then, that person closed his eyes pensively and walked away. The wind was blowing against Hyoue. Within the blowing wind was the air full of the ki of youma, passing beneath Hyoue’s palm. The ki of youma that passed beneath this palms was like an air that would swallow anyone, no matter whom.

By the time the shredded remains of the three people were discovered, it was already dawn. This unbelievably serious situation completely shocked the entire Kannagi clan.

The Kannagi clan was astonished; this is an undeniable fact. Faster than human reflexes, the 3 defensively alert people were killed without anyone being alerted.

In order to better understand this situation, the Fuuga clan was summoned. Because of this, Hyoue himself gathered the youma ki to understand who the enemy was. “Hmm, T—, This is….”

Sounds of concentration. Hyoue gathered the youma ki in this palms without missing any. It was a very cold air. Even for very powerful jutsu practitioners, the ki provided sufficient reason to fear it.

“This was caused by fuujutsu, and was created by a jutsu practitioner that is on a completely different category from us, the Fuuga clan. It trapped the three people in the wind “kekkai” and then killed them.”

Hyoue’s report wasn’t anything beneficial and could be easily understood from the setting of the place.

“I understand, but who did it?!”

“If you require a detailed report, I hope more time is allowed,” Hyoue replied indistinctly, facing this inquiry.

“Then do it quickly, you and your clan can act...”

“Everyone be quiet!”

At Juugo's angry voice, everyone present became silent; substituted only by the sound of Juugo's condoling voice.

“Is it like that, good job, you can retire. — — Right, how’s the health of Ryuuya?"

At that moment, Hyoue appeared surprised due to the Suzerain’s concern over his son’s health.

“Yes… If he quietly recuperates, there shouldn’t be any problems. He can no longer recover to the level of working for the Kannagi clan anymore. This unworthy son is really an embarrassment.”

Given Juugo’s words of gratitude, Hyoue bows.

“Yes… Thank you very much. I will go give instructions to my subordinates, for I will retire….”

“Then please, I await your reply, Hyoue.”
The head of the Fuuga clan bows silently and leaves.

The enemy is a fuujutsu practitioner that loathes the Kannagi clan. Everyone naturally thinks of a certain person who had, coincidentally, just returned to Japan.

“It’s Kazuma! He obtained strength for revenge, and returned to Japan! My fellow clan members, let us destroy the traitor Kazuma. Find him without delay and kill him!”

The person that made such an aggressive comment was the previous suzerain, Yorimichi. Even though he has retired, he still has an air of the previous suzerain. The entire clan intensely dislikes him, although he is the only one that doesn’t know.

“Otou-san, first to clarify, we don’t have evidence that Kazuma did this.”
Juugo seriously said in order to defect Yorimichi's tirade.

“You! Who else if it is not Kazuma…”

“Yorimichi, please hold silent. When you open your mouth to speak such words, it becomes impossible for us discuss the issue.”

Facing Yorimichi with ear impairment, Genma coldly looks on. In those eyes appear an insulting look that cannot be hidden.

Facing this person that has no strength except for scheming ability and was chosen suzerain. Genma from the depth of his heart condescends him.

In Yorimichi’s thirty years as suzerain, the strength of the Kannagi Clan had hit rock bottom. Given Yorimichi's inability to control the representative sword of the Kannagi Clan, and his incapacity of passing the sword to someone else, resulted in it being deeply buried in the warehouse before Juugo’s accession to the suzerain position.

Of course Genma was not thinking about such a foolish item.
Genma’s notion is that the strongest jutsu practitioner should be the one that succeeds the suzerain position; therefore Genma does not hate the suzerain, Juugo, only that his own strength isn’t enough in comparison.

He had previously wanted to prepare his son to be the next suzerain, even though it is not really a scheme, he just wanted to train and prepare Kazuma with the strength to become the next suzerain.

Though Yorimichi doesn’t really have any such thoughts as beliefs, he only has the ambition for power. This is what Genma thought. Logically, no matter how Genma tried to hide his thoughts, those thoughts are revealed when he further enraged Yorimichi.

Even though they are of a close family/blood relationship of uncle and nephew, the loathing between the two again deepens.

“Y, You want to shield Kazuma? No, I should say that is your scheme? Allow Kazuma to go outside the country to learn jutsu then kill off Juugo and Ayano, then allow Ren to succeed the position of suzerain?

Yorimichi turned the arrowhead towards Genma. This kind of bad will was almost materializing like “sticky things connecting items together”, allowing the crowd to start agitating.

“That kind of idea only comes from someone with “low moral fiber.” 
For Yorimichi to say such things, the almost insulting provocation, Genma didn’t contradict —— because the reply would be extremely disrespectful.

“Otou-san, that’s enough!”

Juugo wouldn’t allow the continuation of such an insulting diatribe; therefore he forcefully hurried the people to take him away.

“The [Previous Generation] is tired, please return to your room to rest.”

“Wait, Juugo! Genma is not to be trusted! If you don’t listen to me now you will end up regretting it sooner or later!”
Yorimichi was carried away like luggage. That harsh voice slowly decreases in volume until nothing is heard.

“Really sorry for the insulting diatribes of my father, with regards to me please forgive him.”

Juugo puts both of his hands on the tatami in a slight bow. Genma replied indifferently, “I didn’t pay attention; the reason for such words is that the previous suzurain cared deeply about the Kannagi Clan.”

With an exchange of looks, understanding the others reasoning they smiled at the same time, and with that they understood that chatting time is over, now is time to enter to serious points.

“Like what the previous suzerain said, the timing is too much of a coincidence. It is better to meet again and have a discussion.”

Genma maintained his silence from the start, possibly because he did not want to discuss about his son.

“Would Kazuma easily submit to our instructions?”

“If he doesn’t submit, we will use strength to bring him here. Even though he has obtained strength, that person is Kazuma. 2 or 3 people will be more than enough to capture him.”

“….That’s good then. The selection of persons in charge of the assignment will be your responsibility. No matter what, it is necessary to quickly bring Kazuma back.”
“Understood”

Even though Genma received an order to capture his own son, Genma was tranquil comparable to facing someone else.

“Ayano-sama has returned!”

The serious expression on Juugo’s face started to relax, and Genma wore a highly energetic and fierce look.
Not even waiting a little, she just appeared.

“pah” and she pulled the sliding door, collecting everyone’s look towards that direction.

“I'm home, Otou-san! Ehh… What’s going on?” 
Appearing on scene was a sufficiently commanding young teenage girl, who asked the question when she saw the atmosphere of the gathering. That black hair that almost reaches the back, flowing straight and sideways created by the movements of her head, simply represented the blooming of a bishoujo. At the same moment, the “dark and cold” atmosphere had completely vanished. That is the spiritual energy that comes from the breath that cleansed the atmosphere of the room.

The appearance of an unclear enemy who killed some people at home. Those people that have been discussing this situation nonstop, are now facing a blinding light, that uncomfortable and distressing feeling has completely vanished.

As if before the rays of the sun, all the movements in the dark were not allowed to exist. The one right there was the person that had the ability to vanquish the dark with spiritual powers not beneath the powers for light, the next suzerain in waiting and owner of Enraiha, is Juugo’s daughter, Kannagi Ayano.

“How’s the report, Ayano?”
Juugo was testing his daughter with a serious expression, like when he asks other people. This is the best way for a father to direct his daughter, at least this is what Juugo thinks.

“Excuse me”
Ayano at that moment also finished bowing.
“The youma that was released was completely vanquished.”

“Hmm, good job.”
Finishing her report to the suzurain as a jutsu practicioner, Ayano innocently continued her questioning.
“Then, what had actually happened, otou-san?”

“Hmm——, previously 3 people have been killed and nobody had noticed. This is a serious situation!”

Although they were distant relatives, Ayano quieted after hearing that 3 people from the family had been killed. “A serious situation” wasn’t that “3 people have been killed” instead it was because “nobody had noticed.”

This was not some callous sentiment, but it is an understanding of what is of primary importance. For a girl of only sixteen years of age, who has such a strong will and discipline, it is surprising.

“Nobody saw that fuujutsu-shi?”
“Of course, there is a suspect.”

Faced with Ayano’s questioning, Juugo replied heavily.
“It’s Kazuma”

“Who’s that? That’s?”

Faced with this kind of close and revealing speech, Juugo’s “sun vein” furrowed.

“Think carefully about your older cousin’s name. “Successor Ceremony” betting Enraiha who fought with you.”

“Older cousin… Could it be the Kazuma that left the family 4 years ago? Could that be labeled as a fight?”

Given his daughter’s direct words, Juugo secretly spied on Genma’s expression to see if there were any changes. Even though the inner feelings are not apparent, the outer unreadable appearance of Genma had no change at all.

“Right, I heard that he left the country… and trained there. Later he became a fuujutsu-shi?”

“That’s how it is, he supposedly returned to Japan recently, and changed his name to Yagami Kazuma. Yesterday, he met with the killed Shinji during a job, where he beautifully completed it. It seems like he trained very hard in those 4 years.

“Kazuma… Looks like he hates us…”
Finally remembering, Ayano said looking towards a distant place.

“It could be like that”
Genma replied with a void of facial expression.

“But, even though it is like that, we can’t easily kill him. If it was done by him, we need to use his life to pay for the crimes.”

“If?...”

Ayano turned her glance toward Genma, Genma without any change accepted Ayano’s look. The one that disinherited Kazuma and the one that provided the reason for the disinheritance crossed their gazes.

The first to avoid looking was Ayano. Without regards to strength as jutsu practitioners, life experience is immensely surpassed. In reality, even with careful searching (she’s) still void of self-confidence in order to win.

After stopping the unsatisfied challenge/look , Ayano looked towards Juugo.

“Then, what will be done? Defeat him?

“Now we haven’t decided whether it was done by Kazuma, anyways, we would like to meet with him and discuss it.”

Faced with his daughter’s simplistic and dangerous words, Genma deeply felt the danger.
Even though she has the Enraiha’s overwhelming power, Ayano tends to resort to violence in anything she does. Genma frequently hopes that as she is the next suzerain she would have a less impulsive way of thinking.

“Now is not time for you, wait until there are other missions to be done.”

“…Yes”

Faced with a barely compliant daughter, Juugo said condolingly.

“You have just finished a mission, you must be tired, get a good rest for today.”

“… I understand.”

Even though it seems like it is not acceptable, Ayano still obeys what her father has said. After “bowing”, she rapidly leaves the room. Until the “door” closed, Juugo didn’t blink, releasing a deeply unhappy expression about her.

“……………This stubborn daughter.”

Juugo seemingly says “not acceptable” and sighs deeply. Even though it is with this kind of strict manner of speech, the care and love for her daughter no matter what is hard to hide.

These two people have said the sayings for many times. To put it correctly, Shingo, due to his younger brother’s death, has a burning fire for revenge. Takeya, no matter how many times you tell him to pay attention to his orders will still forget it, said he was nagging 

They are waiting for the report, and then immediately go towards Kazuma’s direction. 

=== 2 ===
For the information network of the Kannagi Clan to find the place Kazuma was staying was really simple.

To find him the next morning didn’t really require any special methods, because he used his own name to register at the hotel.

So given Genma’s command, two jutsu practitioners were sent.
Yuuki Shingo and Oogami Takeya were the strongest jutsu practitioners of the branch families. Even though they have opposing personalities, they are great friends. This combination excluding the main family can be said to be without rivals.

From Genma viewpoint, he has thrown in the two strongest cards on hand. But, possibly the selection of oldest son of the Yuuki family can be said as deadly mistake. Why, because this man has absolutely no desire to convince Kazuma.

“Kazuma, you “bastard”, I will cut you ten-thousand pieces.” (Note: there is one character, I think in Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean that is equal to ten-thousand. Historically ten-thousand is also a big number, can also be infinite.)

“If he is dead, it will become problematic. At least let’s leave him with the ability to talk when we take him back.”

As they wait for the upcoming report, they will directly head towards Kazuma’s direction. Of course, they have absolutely no desire to persuade him. At least they didn’t have this kind of desire, but what they never contemplated was that they would be ones assaulted.

“Still not ready yet?”

“It’s going to be ready soon.”

This kind of discussion cannot satisfy them at all; don’t know how many times they have repeatedly asked. Given that the two of them are waiting to receive the same report, they should know it doesn’t matter how they ask… .

“What the “hell” are they doing, those useless Fuga clan! It’s only that one person Kazuma, can’t they easily bring him over!”
Shingo reprimanded angrily, in reality they have turn the arrowhead towards the Fuga clan.

“This is worrying, Fuga clan might even be connected to this situation.”
Takeya forcefully said some pretty words to sway Shingo, Fuga shielding him isn’t impossible, using words that attack them, in order to change the attention of Shingo is certainly welcomed.

Thinking momentarily, Shingo grinded his teeth angrily and said.

“damn, they only have slightly sharper senses, what is there to be complacent about.”

“Don’t say it like that; they are just a bunch of sad people with non-discussable/nil fighting power. Even failing to do something simple, very pathetic?”

“That’s right, hahaahahahahahaaaaa…”

Just like Takeya have wished, Shingo have completely forgotten about the issue to reprimand. Hearing this sudden liberated laughter, Takeya has a thought — — Not like what was heard 10 seconds ago “Still not ready yet?” Similarly he feels very slow and lengthy.

“Incoming, in the area right head about 500 meters, looks like he hasn’t noticed.”

Suddenly, amidst the conversation between the two a voice appears. This is a jutsu used by Fuga clan called “Method of Summoning/Calling Spirits” used for sending the voice.
This allows the wind to carry the voice, even works for large distances.

“Coming, won’t leave him no limbs, neither legs nor arms, burn it all. Let’s attack!”

This was not voiced for anybody to hear, only Shingo’s mumblings to himself. This can be seen from the hatred-filled eyes; certainly really problematic.

Even though they didn’t continue their discussion how to punish, at least put up some resistance, that’s how he thinks. Until he’s half dead, could slowly torture him besides what was mentioned before, there’s plenty more.

Takeya slightly separated himself and quickly glanced, being with someone this dangerous, his thoughts from inner self a certain divide. 

Just like that a divide in the friendship, appears Kazuma.

Facing that with no alertness, completely nonchalant——viewed from their perspective—— walks along Kazuma, Takeya in order to alert him shouted.

“Long time no see, Kazuma!”

“ah, the successor from the Oogami?”

At that instance, to connect your recollection and present needs time. But, Takeya is waiting for that instance.

It’s this kind of prideful self-elevation that results in lagging concentration.

“Know why we are looking for you?”

Takeya pressures that Shingo with blood-filled eyes ready to release fireballs, using a condescending method of speech.

“Nope, completely don’t understand”

Kazuma reply could be described as “couldn’t be more direct”, but also apparently has some percentage of challenge. By crunching his head and neck and making a certain exaggerating and sarcastic action, then shook his head in denial, predictably piss Takeya off enough for veins to be showing.
Takeya succeeded in controlling his anger, and recovering his cool begins to explain.

“Yesterday night, Kannagi Clan had three jutsu practitioners killed.

“uhmm ——, and?
And like with all the authority Kazuma asked pressuringly.

“The one that killed was a fuujutsu-shi.

“……………………..”

“……………………..”

The environs were surrounded by silence. Warm wind blowing through the dusk “Tree-Shadow” Road  , the red leaves lightly started to dance, shining upon by crimson sun the red leaves are dyed even a darker shade of red, this is the beauty that appears before the darkness controlled world.

“……………..”

The first to open his mouth was Kazuma’s side, compared to silence, it seems like he further detest being stared by men.

“So what is the matter?”

“The suzerain has things to ask you, follow!”

“It wasn’t me! Finished!”

The instance after saying such words and was thinking to leave, Kazuma suddenly bounced horizontally
outwards, an instance before in the space where Kazuma existed, without touching anything appeared a fireball.

Kazuma —— doesn’t know why Takeya —— looks towards Shingo , consequently Shingo using a deep, like a natural born deep voiced snigger.

“hmhmhm, what’s the matter, you finally did it? Then, there is no other way besides using power to suppress!”

At the same time of the shout, surrounding Shingo tongues of crimson begin to burn and dance.
The flames that appear at the same time as the yell, even though connected to Shingo’s body, the clothes were not burnt. Shingo had surprisingly unthought-of carefulness.

Like the flames that continue to move on his body, Shingo was so happy that his lips were slanted, and said in like a proclamation.

“If you can’t speak about it then it is questionable, burn off your arms and legs! Lessening the weight will make it easier to transport around! Won’t kill you now, but you can’t continue living in such a humiliating condition? After the suzerain finishes his questioning I’ll be nice and kill you! Within one week! Use this time for you to fully regret living. I want you to know! Killing Shinji, absolutely cannot allow you to continue living untroubled!”

Assuming the future will be like that was his words were saying. But, Kazuma facing crazily laughing Shingo, looked as if he was watching some rare animal, asked very seriously.

“Kannagi Clan has recently given food to this kind of thing?”

“—No, Ahh….hu….”

Takeya really had no reply. Considering himself to be normal, did want to recognize that the thing with him is the same kind.

“That person usually adores Shinji, now he hates you who killed Shinji is quite within reason.”

“That’s why I said it wasn’t me.”

“Then please go and clarify everything with the suzerain.”

“I am no longer part of the Kannagi Clan, if he has business with me tell him to come look for me himself, please pass it like that to him.”

“… Negotiation is broken then, it seems.”
In order to make good the words, Takeya raised his “ki”. He then directed the surrounding dancing fire spirits to dance with his self-conscious.

The surrounding temperature was raised enough to be felt by the skin. Even though the fire spirits haven’t materialize, the surroundings have evidently changes in physics.

Seems like frightened in faced of such elevated fighting spirit, scores of red leaves continually fluttered down, the bright red leaves before touching Takeya’s body instantly changes to ashes and floated off.

Still Kazuma, like before, stood there with hands in the leather jacket watched the two of them. It seems like he has no desire to confront the Kannagi Clan, of course it is hard to see from that kind of pose.

“This is the last opportunity, yield humbly to us, Kazuma.”

Faced with Takeya last ultimatum, Kazuma raises his middle finger and says.
“Take a good look at yourselves before coming.”

“Die!!!!!”

“You idiot!”

At the instance of starting the jutsus, the two believed that victory would be certain. Because in the clan the two of the strongest class attacking at the same time. No matter what kind of strategy Kazuma had, face with kind of massive power is useless.

But——
Poou! 
The fireball from Takeya hand, suddenly instanteously explodes. Above the sound, the fireball in his credulity had such a big categorical runaway explosion.

The fireball that left Takeya’s control, was like a wild animal with its tooth pulled. Even with the protection of the fire spirit, it is still no possible to shield the crash of the explosion’s force.
Instantly the force of the explosion hits the entire body, Takeya was simply KO.

(W,What? What had happened…? Shit, Shingo, leave….)

Even though “Leave the rest to you” this kind of saying, but Shingo similarly lost his conscious, because on his face the black and blue continuously pulsed.

Kazuma returns his hands back in the pockets of the leather jacket; lower his head at the two people. After releasing a condescending grin, he walked right by the two unconscious person’s side.

Even though it seems like he wanted to directly leave, at that time Kazuma stops his footsteps. Then as if he felt something, looked towards the trees where no one is at.

“If you want to pick a fight with me, I won’t be merciful!?”

At the same time of this warning, one of the trees separated. Without any noise from the chopped tree following the break slowly slid down.

Already forgetting to hide the body, stood dumbly staring at Kazuma, then Kazuma turns to leave. The guarding jutsu practitioner was fearful. The one that was lured was himself? The prey we were hunting is this frightening thing——?

=== 3 ===
“Seriously, otou-san (father) worries too much. I alone is enough don’t know how many times this has been repeated. When will he acknowledge me? Am I this untrustworthy?”

“The suzerain acknowledges ojo-sama’s (mistress) abilities, only as a father he simply worries about his daughter.”

Confronted with the disgruntled Ayano, the man of fortieth generation/years-old cajoled.

At this time, Ayano was ordered to a certain temple in the city of Yokohama Yamate, to strengthen the weakening seal inside. The day before the accident, encountered the employer of Kazuma —— of course, single mindedness heading to location to vanquish the spirits, and not understand the reason. '''! '''

Upon arrival to the location discovered the seal has deteriorated to point beyond the previously assumed limits. Ayano immediately destroys the idea of the resealing, instead decided to eliminate it. Then without any testing she immediately ripped off the seal.

Popular saying was. “This method is faster.” 

People without significant confidence in ones own ability would not say something like that, certainly the two men that accompanied her also know that she has the necessary ability to go along with such self-confidence.

Certainly, Juugo also knows that she has this kind of ability, but such worries of a father are within reason. Even describing Juugo as stupid or foolish, most of times he sends two or more people to protect her.

“Don’t mix the work with private life, is frequently lectured no matter when. Don’t follow your own desires and do things, Uncle Masato?” 

Still discharging her annoyances, Ayano faced that guy —— the younger brother of the Yuuki family head, complaining to Masato.
“Because he is the suzerain, he cannot mull over such minor issues.”
In this manner on Masato’s thin face appeared a smile and laughter. As a member of the branch families, he certainly wasn’t thinking about the consequences. But, it seems like Ayano hasn’t really noticed or cared.

This man——Oogami Masato, although possessing a strength greater than his older brother, disliked scheming for the position of family head, so went off to Tibet to train like a eccentric person.

When he returned to Japan he was given the “Protect Ayano” mission. Juugo has a high regard of him, and from the first time Ayano went on a mission he continually was responsible for this kind of protecting job.

Certainly, Ayano also has good feelings about this easy-going relative. Due to the surrounding people’s princess like treatment of her, faced with Masato’s kind of causal attitude is quite refreshing for her, furthermore it feels very good.

Consequently “Uncle Masato, ojo-sama this kind of terminology, is like a real family without any separation.

“Maybe it is to allow the younger jutsu practitioner to learn, this kind of reasoning is still possible. Isn’t that, Takeshi… Takeshi?”

“Ahh, Yes!?”

The young jutsu practitioner using admiring eyes staring at Ayano —— Oogami Takeshi’s uncle hollered many times before he finally paid attention.

“Did you not hear… Stopping staring stupidly at Ojo-sama, be prepared, it is not known when the seal will be released.”
“Yes, I have understood! Just like what Uncle have said! To be allowed to watch Ayano-sama striking fighting method is really a great honor!”

In order to not screw-up in front of Ayano, Takeshi uselessly shouts in a loud voice. In that stare at Ayano, appears compared to respect, has more admiration and reverence. For Takeshi’s generation of jutsu practitioners, Ayano has existence of a goddess. Hoping to watch her striking manner from close by guarding is something everyone will accept.

“Yes——It’s——like——this?”
“Yes, it’s like that!”

The exhilaration to be able to talk to Ayano is something seen through Takeshi’s entire body language. Of course, Ayano doesn’t like being seen like that. Seems like herself is being separated from being “normal”, changed to something she can’t wait.

No matter what, no matter how it is explained is useless. That’s only Takeshi’s simple, compared to himself much stronger and beautiful existence, means of showing deference.

“Ah, forget it. … It’s about time.”

Ayano sensing the expanding ki of the youma, relaxingly turns herself towards the main hall. Mini-skirt starting to flutter and dance.

Now recalling, why would Ayano be wearing her high school uniform.

This is not only to allow her to normally attend a high school.

Because if you think about it, the best suited outfit for a high school student is the uniform. So Juugo, especially focused on this point, used within his the range of abilities added the best class of defensive spells.

The material, in order to allow better transpiration, was the best type of silk. That is during the process of fabrication air is mixed in, furthermore everything is made from expensive materials.

A result by inputting great amounts of money and time, a high school uniform; it is not wrong to say that it is a work of art. Its cost could be comparable. It could be said that is enough to buy a car, no, not really, correctly said it can buy a luxury house without being wrong.

Of course Ayano pays attention to this outfit —— not towards its capabilities —— because it is a gift given by her father —— so she frequently wears this outfit in combat.

Wearing this outfit that can be said as the world’s most expensive combat outfit, protecting Ayano, watching as the seal is about to be broken, took a deep breath, then moving and warming-up her own inner strength.

Pah!

The clear sound of clapping starts to vibrate the space. When the two close palms were opened, in between the two palms appears a flaming line. Then Ayano grasp it with her right hand, making a horizontal outwards swinging motion.

The around 1 meter burning line, at that instance materializes, a crimson red sword.

This is a no blunt side, having two edges bright crimson red sword. The [body] of the sword is surrounded by a golden flame, releasing vivid beauty of a light. Just like that, as beautiful as one will imagine. 

That sword is the Kannagi Clan’s supreme treasure, Enraiha. That is Kannagi Clan founder, [huh], rewarded by King of the Flame Spirits passed down defeating devils/evil of treasured sword. '''!'''

Ayano lifts upwards the Enraiha, then adds her left hand to grasp the sword making a downward stroke. Along the path of the stroke, appear spreading golden pieces. Then instantly and prettily stopping the sword before her eyes, no matter if it is done ten-thousands times or hundred thousand times, it is a beautiful motion that can be forgiven.

A vase that has already approached its limits, with a “pong” bursts open. Even faster than the falling pieces, a white light shoots towards Ayano.

Ayano from the front makes a downward stroke with Enraiha, and then goes forward to attack. Attacking that white object that produces a sound “like the sound produce when the water is evaporated by a flat frying pan”.

“Sticky stuff…!?” 
Ayano faced with the string that was smashed by her and said mumbling.
Then changed her vision to the inside of the main hall, there was a few points like something like lights. That thing slowly moves forward, and then reveals its own appearance.

“Wah…”

Ayano inadvertently surprised, that thing that appeared is ——

Having multiple eyes, beyond eight feet, the entire body covered with dirty yet rigid fur, a segmented animal producing sounds, “kulah, kulah”, as its legs moved. When you see its full appearance, no matter whom, will feel shivers not due to cold. Really is a horrify spider freak.

“Earth Spider huh... Need help?”

“Not necessary”

Ayano immediately replies. Even though it produces a very disgusting feeling, but now is not the time for complaints. Seems like she’s more afraid of disappointing her otou-san, compared to that, fighting against spiders or cockroaches is nothing in comparison.

(Come here…)

Summoning fire spirits do not need chants and such. As if following Ayano’s thinking, fire spirits itself assemble, flying into Enraiha. Along the sword blade the flame, the light transformed to even brighter.

With the range that’s reachable by her awareness, Ayano continuously summoning spirits. Juugo don’t know how many times instructed her many times, don’t be like other jutsu practitioners, it is not commanding the spirits, you can’t be too arrogant.

“They and we have same level of existence.” 

This saying is frequently repeated by Juugo, spirits are the means to safeguard the existence of the world’s order. Because the Kannagi Clan have contract with the spirit king, therefore the spirits are only helpers.

Of course Ayano also understands, her own strength is borrowed. Only to seal or vanquish the inconsistencies in the world’s order that the power is gifted for a short period of time.

That’s why it isn’t ordering them. Because knowing such matters are not necessary. If the known the correct way of thinking, fire spirits will certainly answer.

Like having respect for the world, it’s not in order to obtain huge powers and being arrogant, Ayano no matter when always calls like this: “Please, lend me your strength….”

“V… Very formidable….”

Takeshi watches dumbfounded, this enormous number of spirits gathering on Ayano’s body, the amount of spirits he can manage is only one small portion of this in comparison. For him it’s the first time seeing the main family’s power, the difference is between the sky and the ground.

“Ah, formidable, right!?”

Just like show off his own condition, Masato said smiling.

“Even though we recently said it, no matter how hard we work, we won’t be able to reach such levels.”

Already forgotten his uncle’s reply, Takeshi one again looks at Ayano.

Ayano holding the Enraiha, continues to confront the earth spider.

(What should be done… looks like can’t get close…)

Even though enough spirits are already summoned to destroy the earth spider, but given this long distance really don’t have the confidence. Even though Enraiha is an ancient sword for [summoning], but to using a sword it is necessary to employ it to its fullest potential.

In other words get close, from a close distance to puncture or split the earth spider, then from inside its body burn it completely.

(Of course if that was done, certainly from the cut’s aperture will fly out adhesive matter… after the explosion fragments will all fly towards the body… if it’s female, after opening its skin, there might be hundreds of spiders coming out… No———!)

Just thinking about it makes the hairs stand, inside Ayano starts complaining bitter. If Takeshi could read Ayano’s inner thoughts then, maybe the thoughts of reverence might be corrected can even be said. 

The earth spider seems to capture the currently mulling Ayano’s openings; “palapala” using the long legs changed his body moving forwards.

“You want to escape!?”

Suddenly towards the chasing Ayano, from the tail spits out white silk, at the same time Ayano pulls up Enraiha to face it.

From Enraiha emerges an golden flame, even though it burned the spider’s web, but because of the blockage by the silk, Ayano still could not get close to the earth spider.

Then Ayano only could stop, focus her mind. Then she took a deep breath tuning her ki, calmed down.

(This kind of things can’t do any kind of obstruction, kill it in couple seconds.)

Then bringing up the Enraiha, then with her full strength performed a downwards swing. Golden Flame ——the highest level of fire of purification, not only completely burned the earth spider’s web, then closed-in directly at the earth spider itself.

Pong!!

With the sounds of explosion, the in the explosion earth spider is surrounded by flames.

“Got…Gotcha…?”

But as Ayano dubiously mumbles while looking into the flames, appearing into her vision was only a white cocoon-like object. What really surprised Ayano, the “pishpiish” sound that splits open.

Pang!

Just like a thin layer of glass shattering, from the middle the cocoon splits open, that earth spider completely without harm again appears.

Probably the web contained some special component that could block spiritual energies, then using that covering its body to hide, avoiding the purifying powers to be completely purified.

“It’s, it’s quite formidable, hu…”

Ayano said using a sing-song voice. At first glance seems very calm, but carefully studying will discover her “sun-vein”  has already risen.

Even though this was not a full strength strike, but was completely deflected, Ayano’s self-confidence certainly was hurting a lot.

“Only a little bug don’t be so haughty ——!!”

Resonating Ayano’s anger, an even greater amount of fire spirits was gathered, even though there is no materialization, but in the vicinity, already gathered the equal spirits to a volcano opening.

“Then… regretting it now?”

Accompanying anger, Ayano already entered selfless state. Composure has completely been commanded by anger, and then transformed into strength.

Continously summoning stronger, even stronger spirits. This time it isn’t directed releasing towards one area, but given immovable strength of mind, at the same time directly releasing in one direction. 

This time Ayano holds Enraiha in a direction perpendicular to her body, then seriously chasing it, took a deep breath, then with sharp kiai releasing it.

“Haa!!”

At that instance, the flame flew into the earth spider’s body. Then the abdomen expanded and exploded, changed it into a miniature torch.

In this seemly small torch, can be described as gathering the entire area’s fire spirits. The explosion of the fireball became even bigger, this time the earth spider is certainly transformed to ashes.

Afterwards nothing was left, spider’s body pieces and the youma spirit around was completed purified. Right now, the temple where the youma was vanquished was full on a “special air” that only temples have.

If attacking from the outside can be defended, then simply attack from the inside. Even though describing is easy, to actually do it is close to something impossible.

This is like what the world’s own close relationship with the spirits. That’s right, like the life force/life activity of living beings.

In the body living beings that have water, cannot be uninfluenced by the water spirits, and those living beings that have heat, within the body resides fire spirits.

For example, just like the youma, even though it materializes, it can’t escape this rule.

In ordinary circumstances, to control the spirit residing within the body is impossible.

These kind of infinitely close to a living beings’ survival instinct involves enormous willpower, the origin of life can be said to not allow anyone to control.

Even for a genius, can’t control it so easily according to one’s likings. But, in this world, no matter when there are people entire day saying “logical boundaries” foolish and sad humans.

“Heh. It’s this kind of thing.”

Ayano releasing a pleasing smile, turn around in order to go back.

“Then, let’s go!...”

During this dialogue that couldn’t continue, Ayano stupidly stares at the two’s body language. Probably the bigger body is Masato, on his left is Takeshi. From the clothes it should be right.

But——

(How come there’s no head…?)

These two guys, the taller one both hands still in the pockets, the other one seems not able to control his exhilaration, in front of his chest holding a fist, standing naturally.

When you look at it and there’s no head, doesn’t seem like an odd situation.

So Ayano looks toward the ground, there is two round objects entering her eyes. Ayano stumbling, seems like about to fall, close in and kneeled, then lifted it onto her knees. Even though it’s quite heavy, but as Ayano smelled the odor of the guy that she really liked, smiled. Ayano, from very young fought together, taught her the ways of survival/existence, hugged the head. Quietly mumbles.

“Uncle… head… fell down… uh…’

On Ayano appears sad smile, and then tries to put Masato’s head back on. Although thinking by doing this, he will return to life, stubbornly forcing the head back in.

Like mocking Ayano this kind of useless actions, hidden an unseen sword blade, lightly carves Masato’s body. In one second, this big body was separated into hundreds or even thousands slices of meat.

Because the heart has stopped pumping a while ago, so the fresh blood did not fly out from the sharp cuts.

But, although there is no sound of blood flow, nor the sounds of flesh breaking, still abnormally gives a person a feeling of reality.

Under the blowing of the wind, Masato’s body without sound was taken apart. Like gone through a paper shredder the pieces of meat, like flower petals dancing in the sky.

In the instance of the image, Ayano watched as if frozen.

Drop.

Accompaning the like water droplet sound something drops on the face, Ayano unconsciously tries to remove it.

That is a bright red piece, still has some remaining warmth of a meat slice. When understood what is carried on here fingers, Ayano’s consciousness seem to be passed through a filter, small amount of recovering.

“No.”

That is once a part belonging on Masato’s body. But those miserable remains no longer can be described as a corpse.

“Don’t want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

At this moment, Ayano screams as far as can be heard.

“Kukuku—————“

That sound, even though it can vibrate the air, this snigger sound, it wasn’t directly sent into the brain. If you want to describe it, accompany this “snigger” are the strong feelings. This kind of derision towards one opponent’s “awareness”, seems like it provoked Ayano, it’s just that annoying.

Faced with situation of the appearance of the enemy, normally frequently training the body and the spirit, Ayano, instantly enters fighting mode.

Then burying deep within the feelings of anguish, substituting a feeling of animation and anticipation.

Changing the arrowhead of the anger towards the opponent, and especially challenging the opponent.

“Come out!”

Already surpassing the limits of anger, on the face of humans that already cannot be expressed. But Ayano seems to determine it can, looks upwards.

There exists ''that thing''. In the front on a branch where a huge tree stands a human shadow completely not fearing dangers, right hand in the pockets of his clothing.

Because that is place of little light, was not able to clearly see the opponents face, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. The out flowing evil ki already told her “This is the enemy.”

Ayano silently swings Enraiha upwards.

There is no need to know who, nor the need to accumulate strength. Only calmly mix in the killing intention, and then kill it in one strike. This kind of sharpened killing intention transformed into a flaming sword blade running upwards.

Lightly, clearly moving without regards to weight, ''that thing'' avoids the flaming sword blade. Then flew onto the roof (with a leap?). Afterwards, ''that thing'' looks towards Ayano, ''that thing'' slowly moves the body. Seems to say chase away.

This is clearly a trap and Ayano bravely accepts this kind of provocation.

(Even it is a trap, it doesn't matter, I will absolutely annihilate you.)

Deep within submitting to such type of anger, Ayano has already changed into a rampage for revenge.

=== 4 ===
In the sky suddenly appears ki of youma.

“Hmm…”

Kazuma suddenly looks towards the sky, it seems like in order for the strength to not spread, it is gathering bit by bit in the sky. Suddenly a wind blade flashes, there really is no time to even defend, and even flying backwards to escape took the full effort.

The wind blade passes right by the still rolling Kazuma, then slightly corrects its angle, with one stroke separated into two pieces the Fuuga practitioner, Shingo, Takeya the three of them.

“Wait, Wait a second!!”

Kazuma without thinking yelled, this would changed the situation into something unthought-of.

(I, I was actually ambushed?)

To face an ambush situation, actually is first time this had happened. Further, it was an ambush by a wind spirit? No matter who had summoned it, gathering this degree of wind spirit, it is impossible that Kazuma didn’t feel it. No matter how great of a fuujutsu-shi, using fuu-jutsu cannot deceive Kazuma. This question is not simply the difference in distance in abilities, but the rules are simply that this.

But, now occurred an impossible situation. Kazuma immediately broke off his thoughts, focus towards the thing in the sky.

“What’s… that thing...?”

Really small, maybe a thing smaller than 20 mm, was floating in the sky about 20-30 meters above. Nearby five risen things fly out.

“One’s hand…? Doesn’t seem so, red leaf…?

No matter how you look it doesn’t seem like it’s flying in the sky, it’s not controlling the wind. In a questioning look, suddenly Kazuma discovers what that thing really is.

It’s a human hand. A strange human hand is flying in the sky. Even recognizing it doesn’t solve anything, still can’t change that 3 people have been killed.

(Anyway, first let’s defeat it!)

Using only a voice that can be hear by himself mumbles, what looks like a hand flies into the upper sky —— then disappears.

“Wait! What are you actually thinking!?”

Kazuma then protested towards the wind spirit, this is clearly against the agreement. But, the spirit only has uncertain sound, and couldn’t tell Kazuma the actual place of the disappeared hand.

“What is going on…”

The miserable condition in front of his eyes —— the divided into two portion Fuuga practitioner and the separated corpses of Shingo and Takeya —— if like this, it seems just like it was done by Kazuma.

Spirit disobeyed the covenant? —— impossible.

To Kazuma, if he heard this kind of situation from someone else, would be quite skeptical of the correct mindset of the opponent. That’s why what just happened is a very irregular situation. 

Spirit does have cognizant qualities. [Original Rules] —— it’s when the world was first created, don’t know by whom, towards this existential world created immutable laws—— and to obey it, allowing this world to remain this kind of shape and reality. Just like the bees have to live in a beehive, just like one part of itself recognizes him, one part even though it has intelligence is still impossible that it thinks. Of course, it’s impossible for it to have the type of free will to break a covenant.

If the spirits had the free will to move about, then the laws of science will be broken. The world will be destroyed within 3 days.

All the wind spirits will obey Kazuma. [What belongs to Him] This kind of covenant certainly reflects this kind of meaning. For example—— 
“That’s impossible…”

Kazuma thinking of the worst scenario, weakly sighs saying.

(There’s someone like me? No way…)

Just thinking about it brings shivers not from cold, but it can’t be said as good luck —— no matter what, Kazuma doesn’t want to think that—— but right now it’s not the best time to stop and think.

Because he sensed a huge fire spirits coming towards here.

(This time even Infrit has come? Crap, when has Japan become world of youma!? Note: Infrit is the name of fire god.)

Even before finishing talking, appeared a situation that Kazuma could not have predicted.

Appearing is a shoujo. Accompanying the red fire and eyes where resides that hatred-filled fire, holding in the right hand accumulated power is ——

“Kazuma —— !!”

The strength of the fire spirits gathered in the right hand has already crystallized. Ayano seems to in that instance made up her mind.

Chop!!

Entering the rapidly retreating Kazuma’s eyes is, Ayano swings the red sword. For his clan, more important compared to everything else. Also the thing that made his life very chaotic.

Kazuma, when faced with the godly sword no matter what would like to escape, sees this, yells.

“Enraiha !? Are you, Ayano!”

Only answer is a sword flash from the Enraiha, faced with filled with killing intent and not listening to anything Ayano, tries really hard to explain.

“Hey, hey wait a moment, misunderstanding! Wasn’t killed by me… hey, you should listen to what other people are saying!”

Flaming white fireballs continuously approaching, Kazuma continuously dodging and saying, but Ayano seems like completely not hearing it.

Because the esteemed Masato got killed, Ayano is already too angry and has already forgotten herself. Really have no time to listen to people talking. Furthermore, given what her otou-san told her that this is guy is quite suspicious.

Dang!!

“Hey!!!”

Believing already evading the fireball suddenly together it explodes, then blocking Kazuma’s retreat. Then noticed, Ayano using the explosion time sealing off the way, appears in front of his eyes swinging the Enraiha.

“Uncle’s revenge !!”

“!!”

That motion a two part strike which wants to split Kazuma like a bamboo, escapes by shifting his body sideways, then from the top using his palm pressuring the sword handle. Facing Ayano who’s with fiery anger, face filling with blood yells.

“Otou-san —— Genma died?”

But before finishing saying such, figured out there was a mistake, even though Ayano and Genma’s relationship isn’t so bad that it can been seen from the outside, certainly if Genma were to die, Ayano would not be getting revenge for him.

A person appears in his head, a man, “uncle”, from the Oogami family that Ayano is very close to.

The name probably was —— like !!

“—— pong” 

Suddenly Ayano butted her head upwards, and then heavily hit his chin. Because of his pondering, his reflexes are slower, even though it was quickly evaded, but still the hit caused his head to be dizzy and painful.

Even though dizzy, but he still calmly asked.

“Oogami Masato died?

But Ayano faced became even more somber, further forcefully focus more strength into the Enraiha in her hand, from a distance it can be clearly seen.

(Seems like the opposite effect is done…)

Shruggin his shoulders, faced with a person filled with anger, having no more questions to ask. Faced with this confused by anger little girl no matter what is done is useless.

But, she can’t be killed. If he hurt her, probably the fool’s father, Juugo, would completely recognize him as an enemy. This needs to be avoided. 

This is not because he fears Juugo, who is the Kannagi clan’s historically strongest jutsu practitioner. But it is because as “Kannagi Kazuma”, Juugo can be said to be his only friend. In order not to not create sorrow to him, so there is only one method.

“Ah—— Ayano-chan? I’m —— leaving then, the issue with cleaning up the corpses will be left to you. Then see-ya.”

Prettily avoiding the completely tenacious approaching flames, Kazuma decides to escape.

“——Wait, Wait a second!”

Kazuma with his back towards Ayano who wants to stop him leaps up, then surrounded by wind flying upwards about 10 meters, then suddenly disappears.

“What—— where at?”

Right on top of, the still looking around, Kazuma floats along.

Employing the air to change the reflection rate of light, becoming see-through just like wearing a transparent robe. If look closely one can see the parts where there’s waves created by high heat, but for Ayano, who is being controlled by anger and has forgotten herself, she didn’t noticed.

But Kazuma didn’t take pleasure in watching the troubled Ayano, but was thinking about what to do later on.

What is realizable now is that the guilty person who killed Shingo and Takeya no matter how you described it is Kazuma, furthermore also killing Oogami Masato.

(They want to enter complete war with the Kannagi clan? If that’s the case it might be quite interesting, allows people to get excited… then, how will it progress?)

hehe, hmmhmmhmm.

Kazuma burst out laughing. Kannagi clan and the mysterious fuujutsu-shi, two strong things already assaulting his life, of course Kazuma cannot ignore this.

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Return to [[Kaze_no_Stigma|Main Page]]
| Back to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter1|Chapter 1]]
| Forward to [[Kaze_no_Stigma:Volume1_Chapter3|Chapter 3]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter04 A

2007-04-02T11:42:08Z

Trigger-happy:

"Hey about that patient in the 3rd floor private room, have you heard?" 

"Of course. That story was all over the place by the middle of yesterday. Even that stony Dr Asika in neurology lost his cool didn't he, there's no way a secret like that wouldn't leak out. I couldn't believe it but, they say the patient's recovered." 

"No, no, it's not that. Well it is definitely about that patient but there's something after that. That patient, you know what she did as soon as she woke up? Don't be shocked, but they say she tried to mash her own eyes." 

"--- What are you talking about? Is that for real?" 

"Yeah, I think it's being kept as a secret inside the facility. I heard it from a kid who always follows Dr Asika around so it's definitely true. Apparently as soon as Dr Asika took his eyes off her she smashed her eyes through the bandages with the palms of her hands, she's a total terror." 

"Wait a second, that patient, she's just been lying there for two years hasn't she? Then there's no way she could move her body." 

"Well yeah normally. That family is rich aren't they? While she's been here we've exercised her limbs everyday, so her joints and stuff haven't stiffened up. But I guess that since it wasn't the subject herself doing the exercise the movement of the joints was unnatural to her and she couldn't move very well. Thanks to that her attempt to savage her two eyes ended as a failure." 

"--- Even so, that's awesome. We learn't that while a supine patient is comfortable it's much easier for their bodies to get weak. If she's been sleeping for 2 years, she should barely have been functioning as a human." 

"That's why even the doctor was caught off guard. Hey, what do you call that. You know when a patient's sclera is bleeding?" 

"Subconjunctival hemmorhaging." 

"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. It's supposed to become alright by itself, but since the patient smashed her eyes right to the point of glaucoma she can't even see through her eyes right now. They say that they just bandaged her eyes according to the patient's wishes." 

"Hmm. So even after waking up from the coma that patient hasn't seen the sunlight. ... darkness within darkness. It seems a bit wrong." 

"A bit? And on top of that, there's another problem. Aphasia(loss of speech)? It feels like that. She can't talk so the doctor's bringing in a speech therapist. There's no one like that at our hospital." 

"Yeah, since Dr Araya quit last month. 
But --- If she's like that will they disallow visitors for that patient?" 

"Probably. Until she's recovered her psychological balance even her time with her parents will be limited." 

"So that's how it is. In that case I feel kinda sory for that boy." 

"Who? What boy?" 

"Don't you know? After that patient was brought here there's this kid who came to visit every Saturday. I guess he's too old to call a kid anymore but, if possible, I want to let him meet her." 

"Ah, you mean polite-puppy-kun. Lord, he's still coming. 
I doubt there are many people as earnest as that in the world these days." 

"Yeah, for the last two years that kid's been the only one who watched over the patient. So --- I'm thinking that maybe the major part in the patient's miraculous recovery is due to him. ... Wow, I'm saying this sort of thing after working here for how many years? I'm beginning to think that maybe something's happened to me."

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter03 01

2007-04-02T01:06:24Z

Trigger-happy:

/0

"You brought an unusual letter of introduction."

I'm at a laboratory at a university. An old man, whose white lab coat suited him well, offers me a handshake with a reptile-like smile.

"Wow, supernatural powers? You're interested in such a thing?"

"No, I just want to know what kind of a thing it is."

"That's what you call interest. But who cares though. To use her card as a letter... that's just like her. She was an outstanding student of mine, so I'm concerned about her. This place is getting less people who can be used, so we don't have enough human resource. Yup, not enough is not good."

"Um, about the supernatural powers..."

"Oh yeah, supernatural powers... But there are many different kinds of powers. We don't measure them genuinely here, so I don't know if I could help you. In this occupation, this is an ominous subject, so there's only a few laboratories that study this subject in Japan. This thing is a blackbox, you know? So the real details don't get to me. Yeah, I heard it's getting practical, but I have to wonder. That thing is, you know, something you have to have since you were born..."

"I really don't care about the classification. I think it's PK anyways. What I want to know is how people end up with these powers."

"They're like channels. You watch TV?"

"Well, yeah... but what about it?"

"You can compare the human brain to channels. Which channel do you usually watch?"

"... Let's see, I guess it's channel 8."

"That's it. That should be the channel with the highest rating, right? Let's say there are 12 channels in a human brain. The brain of you and me are always on channel 8, the channel with the highest rating. There are other channels but we can't go there. The channel that everyone watches... should I say common sense? Channel 8 is the channel we have as we can live within that common sense. Do you understand?"

"... Um, so you're saying we're made to watch the safest programs?"

"No no. That's for the best. The common sense of the 20th century, the channel with the highest rating is channel 8. Since we can be there, that's the most peaceful channel, right? We live in that common sense and we are protected by that common sense... isn't it beautiful?"

"You're saying other channels are not peaceful?"

"I don't know. Let's say channel 3 is a channel that receives the words of plants instead of people. Let's say that on channel 4, the brain waves to make your body move actually moves something else. It's amazing to have these kinds of channels. There, the common sense airing on channel 8 doesn't exist. Since the most popular channel shows the common sense needed to live in this current world, other channels do not show such a thing. At the very least, the morals in channel 8 are not shown."

"So you mean not having channel 8 would make you mentally abnormal?"

"Yup. Say there's someone that only has channel 3. That person can talk to plants, but in turn, cannot talk to people. As a result, society treats that person as mentally disabled and locks them up in a hospital. That's what it means to have supernatural powers. It's people who have different channels compared to everyone else from the time they were born. But most people with supernatural powers have such channels as 4 and 8 at the same time and can switch between them. They're channels so you can switch between them when you want to, right? When you watch channel 4, you can't watch channel 8. When you watch channel 8, you can't watch channel 4. People with supernatural powers in society live by using both of them, the usual self and the abnormal self."

"I see. So that's why common sense is useless for the person who only has channel 4... because they don't have such a thing to begin with."

"That's right. Society calls these people maniacs or killers but we think of them as an "unfit existence". There are many people who are unfit for society, but these people are unfit right from their existence. They are people who shouldn't exist... no, they cannot exist. This is a "what-if" story, okay? If there was someone who had both channel 4 and 8 and something happened to that person to destroy its body causing that person to be permanently on channel 4, that person is done for. Even though that person had all the common sense, if they cannot be on the same channel as us, they cannot communicate with us... because they are on a different channel."

"Is there a way to make the unfit into a fit existence?"

"You can just stop their life. To put it more precisely, you have to destroy the abnormal channel. But to do so means to destroy their brain, so it comes down to killing them. There's no such thing as killing the channel without killing the body. If there is, that's what you would really call a supernatural power. That's around channel 12, I think? That channel can pretty much do anything."

The professor laughs like it is really funny.

"That was helpful. By the way, is spoon bending the most popular power in PK?"

"What? Spoons can bend?"

"I don't know about spoons but at least human arms."

"You mean arms of an adult? That's pretty amazing. "Distortion" depends on the objects size rather than its hardness. I would think it should take about seven days to bend something like the human arm. So, which way is it? Right? Left?"

"Does that matter?"

"Of course. It has something to do with the fulcrum. Even Earth has a direction of rotation, right? What, it's not constant? Hmm... does that power actually exist? Then you shouldn't have anything to do with this person. This person has more than two channels. That unfit existence probably can rotate things in both directions. I have never heard of a case of someone having two channels and is able to use them both at once. This is too powerful."

"Um... I don't have much time so I should get going. I have to get to Nagano by today... so thank you for all your help."

"It's all right. You can come as much as you want if it's her introduction. Oh, and by the way... is Aozaki-kun doing well?"

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter02 02

2007-03-22T12:19:20Z

Trigger-happy: Minor edits

／2

Summer vacation ended and the new term has started.

Nothing has really changed in my school life. I guess the only thing that changed is how the students are dressed, as they start to wear more as Autumn approaches. As for me, I have never worn anything other than a kimono. Akitaka would bring me cute clothes that a sixteen year old girl might wear, but I never thought about actually wearing them.

Fortunately, this school doesn't have uniforms, so I could stay in my kimono. I actually wanted a long-sleeved kimono, but with that I'll spend the whole PE class just to change. So I made do with a Ukata-like single-piece kimono. I wondered what I should do about the cold during winter-time, but I found a solution to that yesterday.

... It happened during the breaks in between classes. I was questioned when I was in my seat.

"Aren't you cold, Shiki?"

"I'm not cold right now but I guess it should start to feel cold soon."

The person in front of me frowns, as if he's figured out I'm planning to be in my kimono during the winter too.

"You're gonna be wearing that thing even during winter?"

"Probably. But I'll be fine because I'll be wearing something over it."

I said so trying to end the conversation. That person walks away being surprised there's something that can be worn over a kimono, but I was also surprised by the answer I came up with. In the end, I went out to buy a coat. I bought a leather blouse as it seemed to be the warmest. I'll wear it in the wintertime, but it will stay in my closet until then.

◇

I ended up eating lunch together with this guy, being invited and all. The place is at the rooftop of the school building and I could see many other groups of students around me... a pair of a man and a woman, a group just like us. While I am looking at them, he talks to me. I was going to ignore it, but a word caught my attention.

"... Huh?"

"I said murder. It happened on the last day of the summer vacation, in the western part of the shopping district. It's not on the news yet though."

"Murder... that's not peaceful..."

"Yeah, and the content is sick too. The killer cut off this guy's arms and legs and just left him there. I heard the whole place was a sea of blood and they had to close off the alley with boards. And the killer is still on the loose."

"Only arms and legs? Can a human die with just that?"

"Of course, from loss of blood. In this case, I would assume the shock death came first."

He talks while eating. In contrast to his calm looking face, he likes to talk about this kind of stuff. I guess one of his relatives is in the police force or something. ... I bet he isn't in that high of a rank since he's letting out confidential matters.

"Oh, sorry Shiki. I guess it doesn't concern you."

"It's not that it concerns me. But Kokutoh-kun..."

I complain to the guy questioning me as I close my eyes.

"That's not something we should discuss during meals."

"You're right," nods Kokutoh.

... Geez. Now I don't have any appetite to eat this tomato sandwich I just bought.

◇

The first summer in high school ended by hearing a strange rumor like that one. The season slowly moves into autumn. For Ryohgi Shiki, the life that seems just a bit different than what it used to be is about to head into the cold winter.

◇

It has been raining since this morning. In the sound of the rainfall, I am walking in the hallway. There aren't many students walking in the school building now that classes are over. Since the killer incident that Kokutoh was talking about has been publicized, the school has banned all club activities. I think it's the fourth case this month. I'm sure because Akitaka said so in the car this morning. They have no idea of the identity or motive the killer might have. None of the victims are connected, except for the fact that they were all out late at night. I guess it's not that much of a big deal if it happened somewhere far away, but it's a different story when it happens in the town you're living in. All the students go home before dark and everyone, including the boys, goes home together in groups. Since the cops start patroling at around nine, I haven't been able to take my night walks to my satisfaction.

"Four victims..."

I murmur.

All the four scenes, I have...

"Ryohgi-san."

Someone suddenly calls my name. Turning around, I see a guy I have never seen before. He's wearing blue jeans and a white shirt, very plain. He has a calm face too... he must be an upperclassman.

"Yes? What is it?"

"You don't have to glare at me like that. Are you looking for Kokutoh-kun?"

With an artificial-looking smile, the man says a ridiculous thing.

"I'm about to go home. Kokutoh-kun has nothing to do with this."

"Really? You're wrong. You don't understand, that's why you're irritated. You shouldn't take it out on others too much because of that. It's easy to blame things on someone... it grows to be a habit. Hahaha, isn't four times a bit too much though?"

"------Huh?"

Without knowing, I take a step back.

The man wears an artificial smile. A smile just like me, how satisfied-looking and yet...

"I wanted to talk to you in the end. Now that I've done that, I need to go. Bye."

The man walks away just leaving the sounds of his footsteps. Not even looking at him go, I head to the entrance. Changing shoes and going outside, the rain meets me. Akitaka, who is supposed to pick me up, is not here yet. He usually drives me home on rainy days, but I guess he's late today. It's too troublesome to change my shoes again, so I decide to wait by the stairs to the entrance.

The faint rain is clouding the school grounds. My breath is white from the coldness in December. ...I don't know how long it was before I noticed, but Kokutoh was beside me.

"I have an umbrella."

"I'm fine, I have a ride home. You can go home."

"I'll get going in a bit. I want to stay here until then... can I?"

I didn't answer. He nods and leans against the wall. He's not the type who cares about his clothes getting dirty. I am not in the mood to talk with Kokutoh. I'm determined to ignore anything he says so it would make no difference if he's here or not.

In the rain, I just waited. It's strangely quiet... only the raindrops fill my ears. Kokutoh did not talk. Leaning on the wall, he has his eyes closed. I thought he was asleep, but it seems he's singing in a small voice. I guess it's a popular song. Later when I asked Akitaka, I found out the song was called "Singing in the Rain".

Kokutoh doesn't talk. There's less than one meter between us. Being this close together without a conversation makes me a bit restless. But it wasn't surprisingly painful. ... How strange, why is this silence so heart wrenching? But I suddenly grew scared. I felt that if we stayed like this, "he" would come out.

"... Kokutoh-kun!"

"Yes!?"

He jolts up from the wall.

"What? Is something wrong?"

I can see myself in his eyes looking back at me. It's probably at this time that... I actually looked at this person called Kokutoh Mikiya for the first time. Not as a simple observation. He has soft facial features which looked somewhat childish. He has big, deep black eyes. He has natural hair, like his character... not dyed or jelled. He wears black glasses that even kids would not wear nowadays. His plain clothing is black from top to bottom. I guess that's his style. I just wondered... ...why is person always meddling with me?

"Until now..."

Looking down, I try not to look at him.

"Where were you?"

"I was in the student council room before I came here. Since our Senpai is withdrawing from school, we kind of had this small going-away party. He's called Shirazumi Rio, but it sure took me by surprise. He requested to withdraw from school cause he said he found something he wanted to do, and he was a quiet person and all."

Shirazumi Rio... I don't think I've heard that name. But I do know how Kokutoh knows a lot of people that would get him into parties like that. He's not only seen as a friend from classmates, but he is also somewhat popular among older girls.

"I invited you too. I told you yesterday but you never showed up at the student council room. I even went to the classroom to look, but you weren't there."

Certainly, he told me something like that yesterday. But I'll only spoil the party if I went... and I thought he was just being polite when he asked.

"I'm surprised. You meant that invitation?"

"Of course. What were you thinking, Shiki?"

Kokutoh gets mad. Not because his promise was broken, but probably because I thought that way. I can only dislike his anger because it's something I have never experienced before. I grew quiet from that moment on. I don't think I wanted Akitaka to come this badly on a day as bad as today. A bit later, the car drove up and I said goodbye to Kokutoh.

◇

The rain finally stopped during night time. Shiki puts on the red leather blouse on and goes outside. Above is a cloudy sky. The moon glimpses through the holes in the clouds from time to time. In the city, police are patrolling busily. It's a bit troublesome to run into them, so I decide to go to the riverside.

The wet ground reflects the streetlamps. It glows like the remains of a slug. I hear a train pass in the distance. The echoing sound tells me that the viaduct is near. The viaduct must be built to let the train cross and not people.

... I find someone there.

Slowly, Shiki heads to the viaduct.

The train passes by once again. It's probably the last one today. The sound is much larger than before now and echoes in the surrounding. She covers her ears as if to protect herself from the deepness of the sound. As the train goes away, it grows strangely quiet under the viaduct. Under the viaduct, without any street lamps or a way for the moonlight to get in, it is pitch black.

That might be why even the red liquid spilled around this riverside looks black. This is the fifth scene of the murder. The corpse is made so it looks like a flower. With the face at the center, the arms and legs are put around it like flower petals. Arms and legs cut off just like the head is bent up, showing much more flower-like attributes. ... But it's a shame it still looks more like a manji.

In the grasses, an artificial flower is casted away. Because of the spilling blood, the flower is red in color. ... Getting used to this... that's what she thought to herself. Swallowing, she notices she is extremely thirsty. Is it because of the tension or the excitement? The burning in her throat is incredibly hot. This place is filled with death and Shiki's lips makes a smile. Holding down her ecstasy, Shiki continues to stare at the corpse. ... Feeling she is alive just at this instant.

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter02 01

2007-03-21T07:32:52Z

Trigger-happy:

／1

I decide to take a walk tonight again. It's because it's pretty cool for being at the end of the summer and it feels like autumn is coming.

"Ojou-sama, please come home early tonight."

Akitaka, my servant, says so while I am putting on my shoes at the entrance. How uninteresting. Ignoring his monotonous voice, I go out the entrance.

Going past the garden, I walk through the gate. Once I exit the mansion, there is no streetlight outside. Only darkness surrounds me. A deep darkness without any sound. The date is about to change from August 31 to September 1. There is a light wind, and the bamboos around the mansion make a rustling sound. ... As if to frighten me. A walk in this kind of silence is the only thing I, Shiki, like to do.

As the night gets deeper, so does the darkness. I think I walk through the empty town because I want to be alone. Or is it because I want to think I'm alone? ... Either way, it's a stupid question. It's impossible for me to be alone in this world.

... Going off the main street, I walk into a small alley.

I will be turning sixteen this year. If you say it in school terms, I am a first year in an ordinary private high school. No matter where I go for school, I have to remain at the mansion in the future. Then my education has no meaning. I decided to go there since I thought it was more efficient to go to a nearby school and reduce my transportation time. But maybe that turned out to be a mistake.

... The alley is darker than the main street. Only one streetlight flickers nervously.

Someone's face suddenly pops into my mind and I clinch my teeth. I feel restless lately, even during one of these walks. It's because, out of nowhere, I remember ''that guy'' from time to time.

... Even in high school, my environment didn't change. No matter what grade they are in, people do not come near me. I don't exactly know why, but I think I show too much of how I think in my attitude. I don't like people. I could not like them since I was a child. I even dislike myself because, unfortunately, I am a human too. That's why I cannot be nice to people when they talk to me. ... It's not that I detest them, but that's what the people around me thought. The word spread across campus quickly and within a month, nobody tried to communicate with me. I like a quiet environment too, so I have won an ideal environment.

But the ideal was not perfect. There is one student in my class that treats me, Ryohgi Shiki, as a friend. That guy with a last name like a French poet was a nuisance to me. A real nuisance indeed.

... I saw a person under a streetlight far away.

'' ''---What a strange thing for me, I remembered that guy's smile.

... That person's behavior was suspicious.

'' ''---Thinking back to it later, why did I...

... I followed the person for some reason.

'' ''---Why did I feel such a surge of violent excitement?

◇

Deep in the back alley, it was another world. The dead end functioned more like a room more than a road. This thin road surrounded by the walls of the buildings must be an area without sunlight even during the daytime. I expected to see a homeless guy living in this blind spot of town. But not anymore. On the surrounding walls are brand new paint. This small alley is filled with something wet. The rotten smell of trash you usually smell in here is contaminated by an even stronger smell.

The sea of blood is around me. What appeared to be red paint is actually human blood. The blood is still flowing and filling up the alley. The smell is from this red liquid. In middle of it all is a human corpse. I can't see its expression. It seems his arms and legs were cut off and he looks more like a sprinkler showering out blood.

This place is not normal. Even the black of the night is covered with the redness of the blood.

'' ''---------In it all, Shiki is smiling. The sleeves of the light blue kimono are red. Kneeling down and touching the blood flowing on the ground, Shiki streaks it across her lips. The blood drips down her lips and her body shakes from rapture. That is the first lipstick Shiki has ever put on.

User:Trigger-happy

2007-03-20T22:38:04Z

Trigger-happy:

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter01 06

2007-03-20T11:18:01Z

Trigger-happy:

Overlooking View／

The sun has set and we leave Tohko-san's abandoned building. Shiki's apartment is in the area but my place is twenty minutes away from here by train. Shiki must be sleepy as she is walking a bit wobbly. But Shiki stays by my side while we walk.

"Do you think suicide is right, Mikiya?'

Shiki suddenly asks me that. That downcast-like gesture looks a bit touching.

"Hmm, I don't know. Let's say I get this virus that will kill everybody in Tokyo just by me staying alive. If everyone would be saved if I die, then I'd probably kill myself."

"What is that? That's so unlikely that it's not even a what-if story."

"Let me finish, I think I'd do that because I'm weak.

I'm going to kill myself because I don't have the courage to keep on living and turn all of Tokyo into my enemy. That's easier, right? Courage for an instant and courage that needs to continue throughout your life. You know which one is harder.

It's an extreme argument, but I think death is running away, no matter what kind of determination is behind it. But there are times when the concerned person wants to run away. I can't deny it or refute it, because I'm a weak person as well."

Hmm, but this seems like I'm saying it's all right for someone to do so because I'd do so too. Self-sacrifice in that case is probably the right thing to do, and that action would be called heroic. But that's wrong. It's foolish to choose death no matter how noble or right it is. No matter how wrong or lowly it is, we have to keep on living to make right of our wrongs.

We have to live on and accept the end of the things we've caused. That is something that takes a lot of courage. I don't think I could do that myself, and it sounds too cocky, so I decide not to say it.

"... Well, anyways... I think it's just different for everyone."

I end rather vaguely and Shiki looks at me doubtfully.

"But you're different"

Shiki says so as if seeing inside my mind. It sounded cold, but the words were warm somehow. It was a bit embarrassing, so I walked on for a while silently. The clamor of the main street is getting closer. Sounds, bright lights, engine sounds. Flooding waves of people and the many sounds they make. If we pass the department stores, we'll be able to see the station right ahead.

Then, Shiki stops.

"Mikiya, come over to my place tonight."

"Huh? Why, all of a sudden?"

Shiki pulls me saying that it doesn't matter.

It is indeed easier to stay at Shiki's place since it's nearby, but I don't feel like doing so out of morality.

"It's fine. You don't have anything in your room either. It's boring even if I do go. Or are you telling me there's something I have to do there?"

I know there's no such thing. I said so knowing that, so there shouldn't be anything for Shiki to say back... or at least I think so. But Shiki looks at me as if I'm the cause of the problem.

"Strawberry."

"Huh?"

"Two strawberry Häagen-Dazs. It's still there after you brought it. Finish off that thing, man."

"... I guess I did buy that."

Yes I did. It was something I bought because of how hot it is while walking to Shiki's place. But why did I buy that thing, it's almost September after all...

Well, I don't care about small things. I guess my only choice is to obey Shiki. But just obeying is a bit irritating, so I decide to strike back a little.

Shiki has a vulnerable point where, when I say this, she gets mad but can't say anything back.

Even though it is a wish from the bottom of my heart, Shiki has yet to take my advice.

"All right, I'll spend the night. But Shiki..."

I say with a straight face to Shiki, who looks at me.

"You shouldn't talk like that. You're a girl, you know."

Being told that, Shiki looks away angrily.

Overlooking View／Finish

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter01 05

2007-03-20T11:11:09Z

Trigger-happy:

／4

I wake up after having a knife stabbed through my chest. The impact was tremendous. That person must have been really strong to pierce someone's chest that easily. But that was not a violent power. It did not have anything unnecessary, and it went in between the bones and the muscles like it was nothing. What a sense of unity!

The feeling of death that runs through my body. I hear the sound of my heart being pierced and ripped. The "feeling" of it hurt me more than the pain itself. Because that feeling was fear and pleasure incomparable to anything else.

The chill running through my spine is mind-boggling, and my whole body is trembling. There exists uneasiness, loneliness, and the will to live, and I cried without a sound.

Not because of fear or pain.

It's because this unfamiliar feeling of death was there... even for me, who every night wishes to be alive the next day.

I will never be able to escape this feeling

Since I have fallen in love with this feeling...

----

I hear the door open. The clock points two and it feels like the sun is shining through the closed window. It's not yet time for the examination, so maybe it's a visitor.

I have my own hospital room and there is no one else in here. What's here are the bright sunlight, curtains that never flutter int the wind, and this bed.

"Excuse me, Are you Fujoh Kirie?"

It seems the visitor is a woman. Greeting me with a husky voice, she comes near me without sitting down or anything. It seems she's looking down at me. Her stare feels cold.

... This person is a scary person. She would probably bring me destruction.

But I was actually happy inside. Because it's been many years since I've had a visitor. I cannot send anyone back, even if the one who came visiting was death himself to finish me off.

"You are my enemy, right?"

The woman nods.

I try to focus and somehow see this visitor.

... It may be because of the strong sunlight, but I can only see her silhouette. She is not wearing a jacket, but her wrinkleless suit makes her look like a teacher and makes me relax. But her orange tie is rather flashy for her white shirt, I have to take some points off for that.

"Do you know that person, or are you that person?"

"No, I'm an acquaintance of both the one who attacked you and the one you attacked. We, you included, made contact with the weirdest people. We must be pretty unlucky."

Saying that, the woman takes out something from her pocket and puts it right back.

"I forgot you can't smoke in here. In addition, it seems your lungs are bad. The smoke would do you nothing but harm."

She sounds regretful. I guess it was a cigarette box she took out. I've never even touched one before, but I wanted to see this person smoke. Probably... no, surely it would suit her well like a lizard pant on a showcase mannequin.

"It's not just your lungs that are bad? That must be the reason, but there are lots of tumors all over your body. Starting with sarcoma, it's worse inside. It seems that hair of yours is the only thing normal. But it's amazing how much strength you have left. A normal person would have died before it got this bad. ... How many years has it been, Fujoh Kirie?"

She is probably asking about my hospitalization, but I cannot answer her.

"I don't know. I stopped keeping track."

Because it's meaningless. Because I won't be getting out of here until I die.

The woman nods and says, "I see."

I don't like her tone, as it contains no sympathy or dislike. The only thing I get from people is sympathy, but this person is not willing to give me even that.

"Is the place Shiki cut all right? I heard Shiki cut you around the heart area, near the main artery... I would assume it was in your bicuspid valve."

She says an amazing thing with a normal tone. I let out a smile from her weirdness.

"What a strange person. I wouldn't be able to talk to you like this if my heart was cut."

"Of course. That was just for confirmation."

I see. With that question she confirmed if I was the woman stabbed by that person who I couldn't tell as Japanese-styled or Western-styled.

"But the effect will come in time, Shiki's eyes are strong. Even if that thing was your double existence, the destruction will reach you in time. I wanted to ask you a few things before that... which is why I came here."

Double existence... she must mean that other me.

"I haven't seen you actually floating. Can you tell me what that was?"

"I don't know either. The only view I can see is this view out of this window.

But maybe that was bad.

I've been looking down at the world from here. The trees showing the colors of the four seasons, people coming to the hospital in turns.

They cannot hear me even if I talk, and I cannot reach them no matter how far I stretch out my hands. I have been suffering all this time inside this room. I have been detesting this view for a long time. Isn't that what you would call cursing?"

"I see, it must be your Fujoh blood. Your bloodline is that of an old pure family. It seems they were specialized in prayers, but I see that their true powers were in curses. The name Fujoh might come from the word Fujoh (impure)."

Bloodline.

My family. But that came to an end a few years ago. Soon after I was hospitalized, my parents and my brother died in an accident. Since then, a friend of my father paid for my medical expenses.

"A curse is not something you do unconsciously. What did you wish for?"

... I don't know myself. Even she wouldn't know.

"... Have you ever longed for the outside world for a long time? For so many years that you lose touch with reality? I hated, detested, and feared the outside world. I was overlooking it all the time. After a while, my eyes became weird. I was in the sky above that garden, and was overlooking the world below. It was a feeling like my eyes were flying around while my body and mind were still here. But since I can't move from here, all I can do is to overlook the area around here.

"You must have inputted the surrounding scenery into your mind. If that's the case, you should be able to think that you can see it from all directions. ...You started to lose your vision around that time too?"

I'm surprised. She knows I'm on the verge of losing my vision.

I nod.

"That's right. The world turned white and in the end, nothing was there. At first, I thought everything turned into darkness, but that was wrong.

Everything disappeared, or at least everything that can be seen.

But I had no problem with that. Because my eyes are already flying around. I can only see the scenery around this hospital, and I can't get out of here anyway.

"Nothing changed, nothing..."

Then, I cough. It's been a long time since I've talked this much, so my throat is burning.

"I see. So your mind was up in the sky. But then... why are you alive? If that ghost at the Fujiyoh building was your mind, you should have been killed by Shiki."

Yes, I am wondering the same thing.

That person... I guess the name is Shiki, but how was that person able to cut me?

That floating me cannot touch anything, but in return, I cannot be touched by anything. But that person killed me as if I had a real body.

"Answer me. The you at the Fujiyoh building, was that really Fujoh Kirie?"

"The me at the Fujiyoh building isn't me. Myself looking at the sky and myself in the sky, "that me" gave up on me and flew away. I have been left behind even by me myself."

The woman gasps. For the first time, she showed her emotion.

"So it's not that your personality split up. There was someone that gave you, who had one container, a second container. I see, you controlled two bodies with one mind. This is indeed nothing like before."

Now that she says so, that might have been the case.

I gave up on myself and was looking down on the world. But neither one of us could put our feet on the ground, and just ended up floating around. Since I am rejected by the world outside this window, there is no way for me to go out there no matter how much I wish for it.

It must mean that we were connected in the end.

"That makes sense. But why weren't you happy with just imagining the outside world? I don't think there was a need to let those girls fall."

Those girls...? Oh, I see, the girls I was jealous of. They were unfortunate. But I did not do anything, because the girls fell on their own.

"The you at the Fujiyoh building was more like a will. You used that, huh? Those girls were able to fly from the beginning, right? Even if it was just an image in their head, or if they really had the power to fly. People flying in their sleep isn't rare, but it never gets to be a problem. Why? Because they only do so in their sleep and they never even think about flying when they are awake. Since they are unconscious, they have no evil will when they are flying.

Those girls were special even in that case. We're not talking Peter Pan, but it's easier to fly when you're small. Maybe one or two might have actually floated, but most of them should have floated only in their dreams.

But you made them think about it. You gave them the impression they had while they were dreaming when they were awake.

As a result, they found out they could fly. Yes, they can fly... but only unconsciously. Flight with only human power is difficult. Even I cannot fly without a broom. The chance of flight under consciousness is about thirty percent. The girls tried to fly as usual, and fell as they were supposed to."

Yes, they were flying around me. I thought they could be my friends. But all they did was float around me like fishes without noticing me.

It was fast after I found out they had no consciousness. I just thought they would notice me if they had consciousness. That was the only reason, so why...

"Are you cold? You're trembling."

The woman's voice is cold like plastic.

I embrace myself as the chill does not go away.

"Let me ask you one more thing. Why did you admire the sky? You detested the outside world."

That's probably because...

"There is no end to the sky. I thought there would be a world I wouldn't detest if I could go as far as I want, if I could fly as far as I wanted."

The voice asks me if I found that world.

My chill does not stop. I tremble as if someone's shaking me, and my eyes are getting hotter.

I nod.

"... Every night, I feared I wouldn't be able to wake up the next day, I was scared I wouldn't live until tomorrow. I knew I wouldn't have the strength to wake up if I fell asleep.

The days like a tightrope were only filled with fear of death. But because of that, I could feel that I was alive.

I could only smell death everyday, but to live, only that smell was reliable.

Since I am nothing but a discarded shell, I can only feel alive when I am facing death."

That's right. That is why I like death more than life.

To fly anywhere, to go to anywhere I want...

"You took my boy as a companion to death?"

"No. At that time, I didn't know. I was attached to life and I wanted to fly while being alive. I should have been able to do so with him."

"You and Shiki are similar. You guys have a bit of salvation in that you guys both chose Kokutoh. It's not a bad thing to search for the feeling of being alive in someone else."

Kokutoh. I see, so that Shiki person came to take him back.

I guess my savior was also my death. I have no regret in that though.

"That person is really childish. He is always so straight. That's why he should be able to fly to anywhere he wants if he tried.

... I wanted for him to take me."

My eyes are hot. I don't get it, but I'm probably crying.

Not because I'm sad... If I could really go somewhere with him, how much happiness would that have been? it's something that wouldn't come true, because it's a dream that shouldn't come true, that's why it's so beautiful that it makes me cry. That is the only dream I've had in the past few years.

"But Kokutoh has no interest in the sky. The more one wants the sky, the farther they are from it, huh? How ironic."

"You're right. I have heard that humans have many things they don't need. I was only able to float. I could not fly, and all I managed was to stay floating."

The burning in my eyes disappeared. Probably, this will never again happen in the future.

What's controlling me right now is only this chill inside of me.

"Sorry to be a bother. This is the last question, but what will you do now? I can heal that wound Shiki gave you."

Without answering, I shake my head. It seems the woman frowned a bit.

"I see...

There are two ways to escape. Escape without purpose, and escape with a purpose. You call the former floating and the latter flight,

You are the one to decide which one your overlooking view was. But if you choose one out of guilt, that's wrong. You shouldn't choose the path ahead of you based on the sins you carry, but rather, you should carry the sins on the path you choose."

Then the woman leaves. The woman has not told me her name, but I know there was no need to.

... She must have known what I would choose from the beginning. Because I could not fly, and all I could do was to float.

Since I'm weak, I cannot do as she said. That's why I cannot overcome this temptation. The flash of light I felt when I was stabbed in my heart. The overwhelming torrent of death and the beat of life. I always thought I had nothing, but there is still that simple thing left in me.

What's there is death.

This fear that sends a chill down my spine. I have to feel the most death I can to feel the happiness of life. For everything in my life I have ignored until now. But it probably would be impossible to die like I did that night. I probably cannot hope for such a striking end. That death pierced me like a lightning, like a needle, like a sword. That's why I will try to come as close to that as possible. I don't have any idea right now but I still have a few days to think about it. And I've already decided on the method. I don't think I even need to say this, but I think my end should be a long fall from a place overlooking the earth.

User:Trigger-happy

2007-03-20T10:48:04Z

Trigger-happy: New page: Filled up this page so that my name appears blue XD. If you want any info about me: Likes: -programming -computer games -anime My current intention is to help do spelling and grammar edi...

Filled up this page so that my name appears blue XD. If you want any info about me:

Likes:
-programming
-computer games
-anime

My current intention is to help do spelling and grammar edits on current projects (particulary the Suzumiya Haruhi series and Kara no Kyoukai)

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter01 04

2007-03-20T09:56:50Z

Trigger-happy: Heavy editing on spelling and grammar

→／3

'' ''---------The bone in my nape creaks.

Is the coldness that's making me tremble coming from outside or inside my body?

Leaving what can't be distinguished aside, Shiki keeps walking.

There's no sign of people at the Fujiyoh building.

It's two in the morning. Only the white light illuminates the hallway of the mansion. The cream-colored walls are illuminated by the light and I could see the end of the hallway. The artificial light which takes away the darkness looks so artificial that it looks rather scary.

Passing by the card checker at the entrance, I enter the elevator.

It's empty inside. The back of the elevator has a mirror attached, and it is made so that the rider could see themselves. Inside the mirror is a person wearing a black leather jacket over light blue kimono, with lazy looking eyes. Those eyes look like they care about nothing.

Shiki looks at the figure in the mirror, and pushes the button that says "R". With a small start-up sound, the world around Shiki rises. The machine-powered box will reach the top floor in a matter of seconds.

It is a closed up room for the time being. Nothing occurring outside right now concerns Shiki, and it is impossible to be concerned with the outside world. That feeling seeps into the supposedly empty mind. This small box is the only world I'm supposed to feel right now.

The door opens without a sound. What's outside is a totally different world, a world of darkness.

After getting out to the room which only contains the door leading to the rooftop, the elevator leaves Shiki and goes back down to the first floor. There are no lights, and the surrounding is painfully dark.

Going across the small room, Shiki opens the door leading to the rooftop.

... The deep darkness becomes faint.

The outline of the city fills my vision.

The rooftop of the Fukiyoh building is a plain one. The floor is made of flat concrete, and there is a fence that surrounds the whole rooftop. There is only a water tower on top of the room Shiki was in, and there is nothing else in particular. The rooftop itself is a plain one. But the view from it is what is out of this world.

The view of the night town from this building that is at least ten stories higher than its surroundings feels more lonely than beautiful. It feels like you're on top of a tall ladder looking down onto the world. The dark bottom of the sea-like view is certainly beautiful. The lights here and there are like the lights of an anglerfish.

If my view right now is that of the whole world, then the world right now is indeed asleep. Probably forever, but unfortunately it's only temporary. The silence tightens my heart more than any coldness, and it is rather painful...

The coldness in the night sky is standing out as much as the coldness below. If the town is the deep sea, then the sky is just pure darkness. In the darkness, stars glitter like jewels. The moon is a hole. It only looks like a large hole in a big black canvas called the night sky. So that thing is really not a mirror of the sun, but rather a view of the other side... That's what I heard at the house of the Ryohgi. According to them, the moon is a gate to another world.

Since ancient times, the moon has carried magic, women, and death. And with that moon behind it, a human form is floating...

... With eight girls flying around it.

◇

The white figure in the night sky is that of a woman. She wears a fancy white cloth that one might mistake for a dress, and has long black hair reaching down to her waist. Her arms and legs are slender, and they make this woman look even more beautiful.

The thin brow and the cold eyes are beautiful. I can estimate she's in her twenties. Although its doubtful that you can fit an age for a living thing onto something like a ghost.

But the white woman is not abstract like a ghost. She is really there. If you want ghosts, the girls floating around the woman are more like it. The girls floating around aimlessly seem more like they are swimming than flying. Even their figures are abstract, as they turn transparent from time to time.

What's above Shiki right now are the white woman and the girls floating around the woman, as if to protect her.

The whole sight is not horrifying. No, this is more like...

"Hmph, this is indeed demonic."

Shiki sneers.

This woman's beauty is no longer that of a human's. Her black hair is especially beautiful, as each strand looks like silk. If the wind was strong, her figure with the hair flowing would have been a profound beauty.

"Then I have to kill you"

Perhaps hearing Shiki's murmur, the woman looks down. The woman is four meters above this rooftop which is already over forty meters high. The woman and Shiki's gazes meet.

There are no words to speak, nor is there a language to communicate with.

Shiki puts a hand in the jacket and takes out a knife. A weapon more like a sword than a knife, with a blade about eighteen centimeters long. (7 inches)

Shiki's mind is filled by the gaze from above her with the strong intent to kill.

The white figure sways. Her arm flows and a slender finger points at Shiki. That slender, fragile arm does not remind Shiki of white.

"... More like bones, or a lily"

In the windless night, the voice stayed in the air for a long time.

----

The will put into the fingertip is the intent to kill.

The white fingertip points at Shiki.

Shiki's head sways. The thin body steps once to regain its balance. But only once.

"---------"

The woman overhead hesitated a bit from that.

The suggestion that "you can fly" is not working on this person.

Her power can give someone the impression that "they were flying", and it's more like brainwashing than suggestion. There's no way to fight it, and as a result, one actually tries to fly, or runs away from the fear of being able to fly. But Shiki was able to stand it with just a small daze.

"---------"

The woman wonders if the contact was too weak, and decides to use suggestion again.

But this time, stronger. Not a weak impression like "you can fly", but she orders "you have to fly".

But before that, Shiki looks at the woman.

One on each of her legs, one on her back, and one point on her left chest. The cutting section called death can be certainly seen. The one on her chest would be a good one to aim for. That would be an instant kill. Even if that woman is just an image, I could even kill God if it is alive.

Shiki raises the knife with one hand. Holding the knife backwards, Shiki looks at the enemy in the sky.

Then, the impulse attacks Shiki again.

... I can fly. I can fly. I liked the sky from before. I was flying yesterday too. I could probably fly higher today. Freely. Feeling peaceful. Laughing. I have to go quickly...

Where? To the sky? Free? ... That's...

Escape from reality. Yearn for the sky. Reaction to gravity. No feet on ground. Flight under unconsciousness.

Let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go, let's go------------------ GO!

"You've got to be kidding me."

Saying that, Shiki raises the empty left hand.

The suggestion does not work anymore. Shiki is not even phased.

"I don't have that kind of admiration for the sky. I don't feel alive, so I don't know the pain of living. To be honest, I don't care about you at all."

... A murmur more like singing.

Shiki does not feel any restraint, joy or sorrow in life.

That's why Shiki is not attracted to the liberation from pain.

"But I don't like you keeping him. I got him first, so I'm taking him back."

Shiki's left hand grabs the empty air and pulls back.

As if being pulled by the left hand, the woman and the girls are pulled toward Shiki. Like fishes being pulled in with a net.

"---------!"

The woman's expression changes. She puts more power into her will and pounds it on Shiki.

If she could communicate with Shiki, she would have screamed,

"Fall."

Ignoring the curse, Shiki responds in a scary tone.

"You fall."

The knife pierces the chest of the woman coming down. As easy as stabbing a fruit, and so precise that even the one who was stabbed admires it.

There is no blood.

The woman could not move from the shock of the knife piercing her, and convulses just once.

Shiki casually throws the corpse to the other side of the fence, into the dark city.

The woman's body goes past the edge and falls without a sound. Her hair does not flutter even during the fall, and disappears into the night as her white robes vanish in the wind.

It was like a white flower sinking deep into the ocean.

And then, Shiki leaves the rooftop.

Above, the floating girls still remain...

Kara no Kyoukai:Chapter01 03

2007-03-20T09:22:56Z

Trigger-happy: Changed some wordings

Overlooking View／

----

---The image is that of an dragonfly. Busily flying.

A butterfly came to follow, but i don't slow down. The butterfly eventually could not keep up and fell as it was about to go out of my vision.

It falls making an arch.

The falling motion like that of a snake and looked like a broken lily.

That image is a really sad one.

Even though we cannot go together, I should have at least stayed by its side a bit longer.

But that is impossible. Because, as I do not have my feet on the ground, I do not even have the freedom to stand and stop.

Since I could hear someone talking, I decide to get up.

... My eyelids are pretty heavy. This is proof that I still need two more hours of sleep.

As I think to myself that I am petty for still trying to wake up in that state, my will has won over my sleepiness.

... Really, I'm troubled at how simple I am.

I think I finished up writing the drawing plan after working on it all night, and went to sleep in Tohko-san's room.

When I raise myself from the sofa, I was indeed in the office. In the summer sunlight, Shiki and Tohko-san seemed to be talking about something.

Shiki is leaning on a wall while standing up, and Tohko-san is sitting cross-legged on a chair.

"Morning, Kokutoh"

The look on Tohko-san's face, which is more like a glare, is normal. ... Seeing that she has her glasses off, I guess she was talking with Shiki about "those" kinds of things.

On the note of being usual, she is dressed like the usual too.

With her hair short and her neck showing, Tohko-san looks like a secretary. But since her glare looks so scary, I bet she won't ever get that kind of a position.

The black thin pants and the seemingly new white shirt suit her.

"Sorry, I guess I fell asleep."

I try to make up an excuse.

"Don't explain the obvious. I can tell."

Cutting me off like that, she takes her cigarette to her mouth.

"If you're awake, go make something to drink. It should be a good rehabilitation."

".....................?"

She must mean reformation when she says rehabilitation.

I don't know why she would say that to me, but since Tohko-san is always like that, I decide not to question her.

"Do you want anything, Shiki?"

"I'm fine. I'm going to bed soon."

Saying so, Shiki does indeed seem to be lacking sleep.

Maybe she took a walk last night after I left.

◇

Next to the room which is Tohko-san's room and the office is a room like a kitchen.

The sink has three faucets in a row, maybe it used to be a lab or something. Two of those have metal wires wrapped around it and are not for use. The reason for that is unknown to me. But if you look at it, it will let you know a bit how boxers feel when they are trying to lose weight. But you don't get much thankful because you start feeling violent.

Well. I turn the coffee maker on to make coffee for the two of us. I do so very efficiently. I'm already a master at brewing coffee. But it's not like I'm working here to make tea or coffee...

It's been half a year since I got employed here.

No, the word employ is not right. Because this place is not even a functional workplace.

To come here prepared even for that, is probably because I fell in love with that person's work.

After Shiki stopped time at the age of seventeen, I graduated high school and entered college without a purpose.

It was a promise made with Shiki to enter that college.

Even if Shiki had little hope of recovery, I still wanted to keep that promise.

But nothing was there for me after that. After I became a college student, I just lived through the days.

While I was living aimlessly like that, I went to an exhibit I was invited to, and ended up finding a doll.

It was a doll made so delicate, it seemed to be at the limits of a man's skills. It was like a frozen human, yet I think it showed that it's just something of a human shape which will never move.

But it was just too beautiful...

A human about to start moving any second now. But a doll which does not have any life to begin with. A place where only things with life can reach, yet a place where no human can reach...

I fell in love with that ambivalence.

Probably because everything about its existence was exactly like Shiki back then.

It was unknown where the doll came from.

The pamphlet did not even show of its existence.

When I desperately looked for the source, I found out that it was made by a volunteer and the crafter was one with a strange rumor in that industry.

The crafter, whose name is Aozaki Tohko, is a hermit to put it simply. I guess her true job is doll-making, but it seems she designs buildings too.

She does anything that involves making something, but she never accepts any requests. She always goes to someone and shows them what she will make, and starts making it once she receives the payment up front.

She is either a eminent virtuoso, or just a big weirdo.

I got more and more curious, and I knew I shouldn't have, but I found out the address of this weirdo (I can declare so with confidence now!)

It was away from the city and it was an ambiguous address not in the residential district or the industrial district.

It wasn't even a house.

It was an abandoned building.

And it's not just a normal abandoned building. It's really abandoned as it's construction was started a few years ago when the economy was good and the construction was stopped halfway when the economy became bad. It's shape as a building is there, but the interior is totally undone as the walls and the floors are completely bare.

It would have been six stories high upon completion, but there's nothing above the fourth floor. Now, it's more efficient to start building from the top floor, but I guess it was still using the old construction method back then. Since the construction was stopped halfway, the half-done fifth floor became like the rooftop.

Even though the building is surrounded by a tall concrete wall, it's easy to get into. It's a miracle some kids didn't make a secret base out of it.

Anyways, I guess Aozaki Tohko bought this abandoned building.

The kitchen-like room I'm in right now is on the fourth floor. The second and the third floor is like Tohko-san's workspace, so we usually talk on the fourth floor.

... let's get back to the topic.

After that, I got to know Tohko-san and I ended up working here, quitting the college I just got into.

Unbelievably, I get paid here.

As Tohko-san puts it, there are two types of people with one of two attributes: The one to make and one to search, the one to use and the one to destroy.

She told me frankly that I had no hope as the one to make, but she still hired me. She said that I had the ability as the one to search or whatnot.

"You're slow, Kokutoh"

I hear that from the next room.

Looking, I notice that the coffee maker is already filled with the black liquid.

◇

"I guess the one yesterday makes eight. People should start to notice the similarities by now."

Putting out her cigarette, Tohko-san abruptly says so.

She must be talking about the recently repeating suicides of female high-school students which they jump off of high buildings.

I think so because there's nothing else she would want to talk about, with this summer being one with no issues like water-shortage.

"Huh? Wasn't it six?"

"There were more while you were dozing off. It started in June, and it's averaging about three per month. Maybe there'll be one more within the next three days."

Tohko-san says an ill thing. Taking a look at the calendar, August will come to an end in three days. ... three more days...?

Something about that caught my attention, but it faded away quickly.

"But I heard they are all unrelated. The girls who commited suicide are all supposedly from different schools with no connection to each other. It might be that the police is hiding the fact though."

"You're not trusting people? That's unlike you."

Tohko-san grins.

... With her glasses off, she can be infinitely mean.

"Because no will has been televised. Six, no eight people. If there's that many, at least one should have left behind a will. But if the police have not said anything about it, you'd think they are hiding them."

"I'm saying that's the relation. Or I should say the connection point. Out of the eight, more than half are seen jumping off themselves by several people, but they are unable to find anything wrong with their private life. It's not like they were doing drugs or affiliated with a weird religion. It's definitely a suicide where they felt uneasy about themselves and selfishly killed themselves. That's probably why the cops aren't taking a big interest on that point."

"Are you saying that there was no will from the beginning?"

After I say so doubtfully, Tohko-san nods but says she can't be too sure.

But could that be possible?

There's an inconsistency somewhere. I think as I take the coffee mug and taste the bitterness of the liquid inside.

Why would there be no will? If there is no will, people usually wouldn't kill themselves.

A will is an attachment to the real world. When a person who does not like to die is forced to die, the will is what they leave behind as a reason for their death.

A suicide without a will.

To have no need to write a will means they have nothing to leave this world, and are willing to disappear without a trace. That would be the perfect suicide. I think a perfect suicide would be one without a will and even the death itself would not be found out.

But committing suicide by jumping off a building is not a perfect suicide. To die in a way to catch people's attention seems by itself a will.

Then what?

Maybe it's for a different reason... like someone stole their will? No, then that will not be a suicide.

Then what? There's only one logical answer I can think of.

Like it sounds, maybe those were just accidents.

The girls had no intention of dying from the beginning. Then there would be no reason to write a will. It's like getting involved in an unfortunate accident while going outside for a bit.

Just like what Shiki said last night.

... But I could not come up with a reason they would jump off a building when they were just going out for a bit.

"The suicides will end at eight. There won't be anymore for a while."

Shiki comes into the conversation as if to interrupt my raging thoughts.

Even though Shiki seems to be uninterested in this subject.

"You can tell?"

I had to ask.

Shiki nods while looking far away.

"I went and looked. There was eight that were flying about."

The well-shaped lips let out those words.

"Oh, so there were that many at that building. You knew from the beginning how many there were, Shiki?"

"Yeah, I finished it off but I think those girls will stay there for a while. Even though I don't like that idea. ... Hey Tohko. Do all the people end up that way when they can fly a bit like that?"

"I don't know. You can't say for sure since everyone's different but in the past, of those who have attempted to fly with just human powers, none have succeeded. The word fly and fall are tied together. But the more you're hooked to flying, the more you forget about that fact. As a result, you end up trying to reach the skies even after you die. Not falling to the ground, but as if falling toward the sky."

Shiki frowns at Tohko-san's response.

Shiki's angry... but at what?

"Sorry, but I don't quite follow the conversation."

"Hmm? We're talking about the ghost of the Fujiyoh building. Although I can't say for sure if it's just an image or a real thing unless I take a look at it. I was thinking of going to take a look at it if I had the time, but if Shiki's already killed it, there's no way for me to check now."

... I see. As I expected, they were talking about "those" kind of things.

When Shiki and Tohko-san without her glasses talk together, they usually talk about these occult-like things.

"You heard the story that Shiki saw the girl floating at the Fujiyoh building, right? That story had more to it and it seems there's a human-like figure flying around those floating girls. We were thinking that since they won't stray from the Fijiyoh building, maybe that place was like a net or something."

I'm troubled at how complex and weird the story has become.

As if Tohko-san can tell my confusion, she sums up the whole thing.

"In other words, there's one floating human at the Fujiyoh building and around it are the girls who died of suicide. These girls are probably something like ghosts. That's pretty much it."

I nod.

I understand the story but I guess I'm hearing the story after its over again.

Seeing how Shiki talked, it seems the ghost thing was already taken care of.

It's been two month since I let these two meet. I'm starting to become the one to hear about the results when it comes to these kinds of stories.

As a normal human being different from these two, I'd like to stay away from those stories. But since I would not like to be ignored, I think this neutral stance I'm holding right now is perfect.

I guess people call this good news within bad news.

◇

".....................?"

Shiki gets angrier and starts to glare at me.

Have I done something to make Shiki mad?

"Huh? But Shiki saw the ghosts there at the beginning of July, right? Then there were only four ghosts back then?"

I say the obvious just to confirm, but Shiki says no.

"Eight. There were eight from the beginning. Like I told you, there won't be anymore after eight. In their case, the order is the opposite."

"Then you're saying you saw eight ghosts from the start? Like that one clairvoyant girl?"

"No way. I'm normal. It's just that the air there is abnormal. Let's see... it feels weird like hot water and cold water being right next to each other."

Tohko-san follows-up Shiki's ambiguous words.

"So in other words, the time there is not working properly. It's not like there's only one way for time to pass by. The time it takes for something to rot away is unfairly different for everything. Then it should follow that an individual as human and it's memory take different times to disappear. When someone dies, does that person's memory disappear? It doesn't, right? As long as there are observers (ones to remember), nothing disappears instantly. They just fade away.
People's memory... no, rather records, if the observer happened to be the environment around that person, special people like those girls will remain and walk through town as an illusion even after they die. This is part of a phenomenon called ghosts. The only ones who see this illusion are the ones that share the memories with these ghosts, namely their parents and friends. Shiki is an exception though.
There are those kinds of "passage of time for records", but at the top of that building, that is really slow. The girls' memories from when they were alive has not caught up to their real state yet.
As a result, the memories stay alive. What can be seen there are the actions and the realities of those girls whose time happens to be passing by slowly."

Then, Tohko-san lights another cigarette.

So she is saying that when something goes away, as long as I remember about it, it does not mean it has disappeared, but me remembering it means it's alive, so if it's alive, it can be seen?

That's just like hallucination. ... No, Tohko-san probably used the word "illusion" because it is defined as something that isn't real.

"I don't care about all that explanations. There's no danger in that. The problem is her. I know I got that thing good, but if there's a main body somewhere else, we'll just end up repeating this over and over again. I'm tired of being Mikiya's bodyguard."

"I feel the same way. I'll take care of Fujoh Kirie. You can just take Kokutoh home. There's about five more hours until he's off work. If you're going to sleep, you can use the floor there."

The place Tohko-san pointed was a place that has not been cleaned for the past year and was like a dirty furnace.

Of course, Shiki ignores her.

"So, what was that anyway?"

Shiki glares at Tohko-san.

The wizard with a cigarette in her mouth thinks to herself and walks over to the window.

From there, she looks outside.

There are no lightings in this room. We only get the light from outside and it's hard to tell if its morning or afternoon in here.

In contrast, the view outside the window is clearly mid-day. You could almost see the blazing-hot white sunlight.

Tohko-san stares at the summer scenary for a while.

"Before, you could classify her as flying."

The smoke she blows out mixes in with the white sunlight.

I stare at her back as she looks outside... she's like a mirage in all this white.

"Kokutoh, what do you think a view from a high place reminds you of?"

This sudden question pulls me back into reality.

I haven't really been at a high place since I went to the Tokyo Tower as a child. I don't really remember what I thought about it then. Only thing is that I tried so hard to find the place I lived, but ended up not being able to find it.

"Maybe small?"

"That's too shrewd of a remark, Kokutou."

A cold response comes back. Well, I was a bit doubtful about my remark myself. I pull myself together and try to think of something else.

"Let's see. There isn't much that it reminds me of, but I do think it's beautiful. A view from a high place is overwhelming."

Probably because this response was more from my heart, Tohko-san nods in agreement.

And still staring outside, Tohko-san continues to talk.

"The scenary you see is magnificent. Even a boring one looks beautiful. But that's not the impulse you feel when you look down onto the world you live in. The overlooking view only gives you one impulse..."

Saying the word "impulse", Tohko-san cuts off her sentence.

Impulse is not something that comes from within you like feelings, but rather something that attacks you from the outside. Even if the one attacked by it doesn't want it.

Something like violence that attacks you without warning, that is what we call impulses.

Then what is the violence that is brought by an overlooking view?

"That is being "far". A vision too big creates a vivid separation between you and the world. People can only feel safe around things close to them. Even if one has the most detailed map and knows exactly where they are, it's only information, right?

For us, the world is only something we can feel ourselves. The boundaries between cities, countries, and the world, is only something that our brain recognizes and we ourselves cannot feel them unless we actually go to that place. And in reality, there is nothing wrong with that way of recognition.

But if the vision is too large, discrepancy occurs. The 10m area around you, that you actually feel, and the 10km area that you are looking down on. They are both the world you live in, yet you feel the first one as more real.

See? There's already an inconsistency. It's more correct for you to recognize the larger world you see as the world you live in rather than the small space around you. But no matter how hard you try, you cannot feel that you are living on this big world.

The reason being, what feels more real is always something that is around you. Your reasoning as your knowledge and your experience as your feeling crashes against each other and eventually, one will lose and confusion will start.

... how small the city is from up here. I can't even imagine my house was down there. Was that park shaped that way? I didn't even know that was there. This is like a town I don't know about. It feels like I've come to a place far away.

... A high perspective brings these kinds of thoughts. Even though the person is still standing on one part of that city they're looking down on..."

A high place is a place far away. That is true distance-wise. But Tohko-san must mean the mental aspect of it.

Two places apart horizontally and vertically. The only difference between the two is if you can or can't look down on the other place.

"So you mean it's not good to keep your vision at a high place?"

"If you go too far. In the ancient times, the sky was considered to be another world. To fly meant going to the other world. You will be drowned in another will if you do not protect yourself with technology (metal). Just like it sounds, you go crazy.
Well, if you do have a right protection on your recognition, you won't be affected that much. It won't be a problem if you have a firm place to stand on. You'll be back to normal when you get back on the ground."

... Now that she mentions it, when I was looking down on the school ground from the rooftop once, I suddenly wondered what would happen if I jumped down.

Of course, it was just a joke.

I had no intention of actually doing so, but why did I get that thought when it obviously leads to death?

Tohko-san says there are individual differences, but I think it's common for people to think about falling when at high places.

"Does it mean your mind goes crazy for just an instant?"

Tohko-san laughs after I blurted out what I thought.

"Everyone dreams about the taboo, Kokutoh. Humans have the great ability of self-pleasure by imagining things they cannot do. But... yeah, that's pretty close. The important thing is that the thought only comes at a specific place - at that place itself. Well, I guess that's pretty obvious. To speak in your case, I think your mind isn't crazy, but rather numb."

"Tohko, you're talking for too long."

Shiki interrupts as if to say she can't stand it anymore. Come to think of it, we might have strayed off the main topic.

"It's not long at all. If you say in terms of constructing a topic, we're only on the second part."

"I only want to hear the end. I don't want to hear you guys talk."

"Shiki..."

It's mean, but I guess she also has a point.

Shiki continues to complain, ignoring me.

"And, you say there's a problem with views from high places. Then what is a normal view? Even when we're walking, we have a higher view than the ground."

In contrast to Shiki's attitude of trying to find holes, I thought the argument did have a point.

A person's eyes are certainly at a higher level than the ground. Then that would mean our view is somewhat overlooking the world.

Tohko-san nods at Shiki's words. I guess she's just going to say the conclusion now.

"But the ground you think is flat is actually a bit angled. But even including that, you never call our normal vision to be overlooking something.

A vision is not what your eyes see, but it's an image that your brain comprehends. Our vision is protected by common sense, so we never feel our height to be high, and it's even considered normal. There's no notion that it's high.

But on the other hand, everyone is living with a vision that is overlooking. Not a physical vision, but I mean our mental vision. Everyone is different, but a larger mind will try to go higher. But still, it will never leave its box.

Humans are made to live in a box, and they can only survive in the box. Humans cannot have the views of the Gods.

When you pass that certain line, you become monsters like that. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnos Hypnos] (illusion) turns into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanatos Thanatos] (real death)."

As she says so, Tohko-san herself is overlooking the world.

She is looking down with her feet on the ground, which I thought that was a very important thing. And then, I remembered the dream I saw.

The butterfly fell at the end.

Maybe she could have flown more gracefully is she had not tried to follow me.

Yes, if she fluttered as if to float, she should have been able to fly longer.

But since the butterfly knew about flying, it could not stand the lightness of its floating body.

That's why it flew instead of floating.

Thinking that much, I question myself if I was that poetic.

Tohko-san, by the window, throws her cigarette away.

"The flicker at the Fujiyoh building might be the world she was seeing. I can guess that the difference in the air Shiki felt was the boundary between the outside world and the inside of the box. That is a discontinuity that only a human mind can perceive."

With Tohko-san's talk finished, Shiki finally seemed to relax.

Shiki lets out a breath and looks around.

"Discontinuity, huh? I wonder which side was the warm side and which side was the cold side for her."

In contrast to the serious tone, Shiki acts like it doesn't matter.

Tohko-san also acts like she doesn't care.

"Of course, the opposite of you."

And answered so.