Try to post the translation of Shakugan no Shana light novel volume 17 (chapter 3 only).
Well this story should be appeared at the 3rd season of the anime. So those who don’t want to get spoiled may leave and not read the rest…
I personally think that the novel is a lot better than the anime in various way. But… if the anime were to follow 100% of the novel, it would take forever. Because a chapter will roughly become a 30 minute anime which is impossible to be realized. What I prefer from the novel is that the reader could imagining thing they read. Making the development in novel to be felt stronger (of course it will depend on the imagination of the individual… LoL). Moreover novel does care for details of everything … side story, furigana, the picture of the situation, etc. So I just can’t stand whenever people say “oh man… I’m too lazy to read that whole novel, why should I read that I know the anime already…” They think they know everything but in reality… it was them who missed the beauty of the story… LoL.
It doesn’t mean that I despise anime. But rather, people need to start differentiate anime and manga and novel. Even if they share same title, they have their own uniqueness and none of the is better/worse than the other. Well it doesn’t count the anime of Shingetsutan Tsukihime though. And, just try to enjoy them all ^^.
So, without any other delay, here is the translation… (don’t forget to support the original artist)
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Chapter 3: Whereabouts of The Answer
Under the brilliant light that shine upon the night, [Seireiden] has finally stopped.
The giant orb, is now hovering slightly in the air and has almost landed. One third of the upper part from the shell of concealment, [Crypta], has also left being open. From the outside world, only the tips of the towering fortress towers could be seen, floating in the mid air. Making it as if it is just an illusion of the night, or as if it is the fairyland which intentionally let it’s scenery to be seen.
Under [Seireiden], the tips of the mountain range that piercing through the sea of cloud forms a shape of separating wall. Those mountain tips, either narrow and pointy or big and curving, are sparsely decorated in pine trees. The beauty of the scenery of those tips piercing through the sky is indescribable in words.
This is the middle southern part of the great China, a place where no one even bother to come, a place made of deep ravines and mountains, and also the place which became [Seireiden] destination. The place which [Bal Masque] choose secretly as their base.
The Master, “Sairei no Hebi” Sakai Yuuji, stood at the pinnacle of the stone tower in place of The Trinity.
It was a freezing night without any wind blowing. Under the fantastic scenery of moonlight night, he didn’t avert his eyes at all, he kept on gazing above, to a point in the sky ruled by the stars and the moon. He stood still, not making any motion. From his mysterious silhouette, his black eyes seen to reflect his avarice, as if he tried to seize what lies far beyond those moon and stars and to absorb those light.
The time was now approaching the midnight.
———
From the opposite side of the stone tower, the concealed section deep within the rock mass of the lower part of [Seireiden], figure of four persons were seen.
Those four persons surrounded a solid floating Jizaishiki. It was a silver Jizaishiki, a dim machinery which lower part is complexly and bizarrely entwined revealing only some part of the various machinery that was covered underneath.
Standing in the center, a man resting his both palms on his stick that pointing downward, “Shikabane Hiroi” Ramie said,
“I see… I think I can grasp the overall situation now. But still… For both the“Mystes” Sakai Yuuji, the original consciousness and the “Sairei no Hebi” of the [Taimei Shihen] to be co-exist yet retaining both existences using the [Boukun] system… It is indeed the very likely of you who like to use unique methods.”
From his right side, the one who was so surprised that his shoulder fall, The Professor, “Tantankyuukyuu” Dantalion objected,
“That was never my reeee—aaal intention!! If I… Oo—hhh if it was me— I will never use suuu—cch a weak body loaded with a lot unknown elements! In the first place, I even have said that I have already made preparation to add some extra free remodelling capability that I wanted to that [Bouuu—kkun]! Now, for him to have such misappropriated multiple manifestation capability, moreover to lose his chance to use support armaments! It is very saddening for me!”
And from The Professor right side, the one busy with tampering the machine at the floor, the Assistant Domino said,
“Eh? I wonder if we can raise that “Mystes” battle prowress. I can’t wait for the result of our remodeling to the various function of the medium that The Master should be used as his mhedhihum!”
From Ramie’s left side, ignoring those clicking noise, “Gyakuri no Saisha” Baal-Peor said,
“It is none other than our Master’s that gave the command, so no matter what form he uses, we have no right to object it. What will happen after this also the things occur now, the only thing we can do is to fully support his decisions… Assistant Domino, will you show us the composition of our main orchestra”
“Okhey Mha’am!”
Still making its clicking noise, Domino operated the machine just in front of him. Then, a point of light appeared in front of him.
The light then condensed into beautiful silver-colored-ray that dazzle into the eyes of who see it. After few second being still in the mid air, it expanded as if it was exploding. From the lowest part of the machine, a spherical Jizaishiki appeared, it is so huge that it even fills the high ceiling and the floor. It is so precise and detail, containing huge symbols which rule can’t be easily deciphered in a glimpse.
“hoo…”
Ramie has never seen such a majestic Jizaishiki. He removed his hat and moved it along the characters. He focused his sight to observe the flow of the symbols at the outer layer. And to try grasping more of it’s true nature, he asked for permission from The Professor,
“Dantalion, is it fine for me to tamper with this particular image?”
“I’ve already got the backkk—upp— ready at [Conloquium]! Soo—o no proo—blem for you to play around with that ooo—nneee!”
While raising his thumb, From the many other things placed in the pocket in his chest, The Professor took out his notebook used for writing memo.
“My fill—llling mee—mmoo- here is also in staaa—nndbyy—y mode! Please help me gather the most Exx—cclentt— material to write.”
Ramie nodded, having the permission to manipulate the image without asking through Domino.
“Thank you for the permission,”
as Ramie said those sentence, he lightly extended one of his arm forward.
Baal-Peor smiled faintly while gazing at the how great the gap that is projected by the amplitude of the vibration that moving silently.
(In this situation, how can he complete his action without destroying that whole thing?).
Helping each other as long it is not too bothersome, that is the relation of those two old friends. Sometimes it gives good influence, yet sometimes it only bears more trouble, it is a thing they have done for few hundred years. The creation of the Jizaihou [Fuuzetsu] is in the top list of their history of successes and failures. Their intention and true nature are seemed in total opposite, but probably because of it, they mutually and silently put high respect on one another.
(Even as a genius, they have gone through a lot of thing)
As she dwell in her thought it, in front of her, the Jizaishiki exploded like a big bang and then dissolved to every direction.
The grand and delicate symbols revealed the true nature assembled inside.
In a glimpse it was like a planet weaved from gapless spider thread.
Moreover it was not only being roundish shape, but also countless links connecting various places, Very long and complex, those bending and straight line hardly seem if they follow any rule at all. The shape is a marvelous art.
Ramie sighed once again.
“This is the Shiki that embodies the idea from the God of Creation, “Sairei no Hebi”… The fact that he thought of putting together that countless amount of links into the gap and at the same time thought about the movement of those ‘things’ is almost the same as if he made a replica of continent made using sand complete with the slightest path within,”
he spoke as he continue to disassemble another small part of it.
Baal-Peor only responded in smile, avoided giving any comment to his metaphor.
And Ramie looking to the part of the disassembled Jizaishiki, he put a consideration to disassemble that part further.
“Dantalion, the Shiki of [absorbtion] in this part is not created with proper measure. It seems to be connected to the core of the movement generator and materialization function, but how exactly does it work?”
“Hmm… Wee—lll, that is a part of its predatory function used for materialization after it is being transferred and for ensuring the continuation of its free movement, right?”
As The Professor answered, Ramie placed lighting mechanism around the first display of the Jizaishiki, especially around the placement of objects taken from the medium “Mystes” Sakai Yuuji’s composition diagram, so he can easily observe the situation.
Baal-Peor asked,
“Is there a part of it that interest you?”
“This is based on your previous explanation. Well, this is a bit different from my ability to perceive sharp aura, but… I felt that the harmony of this Shiki is so unnatural. It is not that it is being an incomplete function, but…”
Different with The Professor of engineering that moves without any preparation, Ramie kept on perceiving the meaning and flow inside it as an artist, and that made him able to spot the tiny strangeness existed.
“As I suspected, there is a trace of operations happening inside the medium, even before the union took place.”
Faced with dubious look from everyone, he then altered the Jizaishiki in order to give explanation to them.
“In short, this is it…”
Ramie diluted the shed density of a few Shiki, arranged them and compressed them.
From that part, Ramie pointed out to a flow, that he arranged and alternated, to show what kind of operation it is.
“Before, when [Boukun I] forcefully inserted into [Reiji Maigo], the time that only [Boukun I] acted as the core of the medium, this function is operating. Originally this function is only needed by [Boukun II] that collects the reflected human personality each time [Reiji Maigo] transfered to another place in this world, right?”
“If you say so.. it is indeee—dd a strange one. But well, [The crystalization of my study, the Exx—ccelent— 13274 - Boukun I] and [The crystalization of my study, the Exx—ccelent— 13274 - Boukun II] becomes the prerequisite isooo—ttope of the union. That’s why I put that fuuu—nnction to both of them. How was is Doo—mmino?”
“On my way -de gozaimasu!!”
Understanding what his master want, using the machine in front of him, Domino start to check the part indicated by Ramie.
“Ermm… when “Kaijin”-sama forcefully put [Taimeishihen] into [Reiji Maigo], the core of [Boukun I] is composed inside the Hougu. In that step of plan, the general functions are yet needed so the function you pointed out should be in dormant state.”
As if Baal-Peor didn’t want to let the others see her thought reflected in her expression, she suddenly became very silent.
“So the function that should be kept dormant is… operating? Anyway Professor, I hope you still remember about this matter.”
“Hmm…”
In order to hear clearly, The Professor lifted his head from the note.
“Just before the union took place, at the time you started to monitor [Boukun I], does the “Sonzai no Chikara” of the “Mystes” that become the medium fantastically surpass normal humans?”
After that being said, the professor was busy flipping through his note until he stopped at a point in his note.
“Wee—lll, it is written here that the straaa—nnge phenomenon is indeed occured. Dooo—mino! Please display the fuu—nnction model nuu—mmber 37760.”
“On my way -de gozaimasu!”
Once again, Domino operated the machine, this time a graph came out in front of them. The graph contained a picture of simplified human figure along with color, line, and circular shape acting as indicators in various places. It was showing “Sonzai no Chikara” from the medium, the “Mystes” Sakai Yuuji’s and the changes happened along the time.
“Err…, I’ll read the memo attached to it… “just now the [Boukun] has become uncontrollable and as a result, it materialized outside our expectation and at the same manner it activated the function of absorption. As the result, it is assumed that it has gained “Saihyou” ‘s power when it came into contact with her.” That’s all. Errmm…there is an additional note “also few days before, The Master himself gave testimony that few months ago, the arm of “Senpen” that came into the very first contact with it got absorbed too, giving it more power”.. that’s all.”
Baal-Peor then made an analogy from condition shown by the graph and report,
“I find it very strange that it also absorbed Sydonai’s arm… in short, could it be said that the function that should originally be in dormant state was malfunctioning?”
Ramie nods, then he stated his opinion to answer,
“To conclude, it did happen. The probability is quite high that the [Kaikin] applied previously by another person within the core of Hougu “Reiji Maigo” interfere one another thus generating the disorder. If we analyze the malfunction and its peripheral area, we will be able to gain the clue for the reason behind the sharp sensation and the anomaly occurred to it. And concurrently, let’s do one of her requests, to research the case of the mysterious material that strongly entwined around the Hougu.”
Still in her expression to conceal what is inside her thought, Baal-Peor for a moment though about the mysterious material, —even if discovered, it won’t be easily gotten rid— then she nodded and answered,
“…. Alright! I will leave the case to your care. And since the other and I have to begin the second step of the Taimei, in exchange, we will send some people to assist you.”
The truth that she insisted to give some aid for the greatest Jizaishi “Rasen no Fuukin” who doesn’t need any help, didn’t mean explicitly that those assistants will be used for explaining the current situation. After all, if they are not at the same level of intellectual as The Professor, they won’t do any good to help the operation or any other thing. In other word, that direction was a reminder from Baal-Peor that in their absence, he must not do anything suspicious.
Of course, Ramie himself very aware of his standing point and being invited he didn’t felt any particular displeasure. From outside, it only seemed that he wore back his hat and fixed its position. From his side, a voice heard,
“The pursuit of thii—sss mysterious Shiki! The execution of the second stage of the Taimei! Boo—th of them are very interesting theee—mmess—! What a baa—dd luck for me to be forced to chooo—oose one of them!?”
“I can’t believe it. A little while ago, you were the one who is very eager for the second stage to be put into operation that you even had carefully selected the your mhachhinharhy.”
In the noise made by The Professor and Domino, Ramie was still setting his sharp look at the Shiki from under the point of his hat.
———
In a corner of the moving fortress, [Seireiden], lies a tavern used as a resting and gathering place.
Now, after a long while of absence, a unique banquet was being held there.
It was a long while of absence because the guest of honor, one of The Trinity, The General “Senpen” Sydonai, rarely comes to [Seireiden]. And it was unique because it was done when he aimlessly came and had some drink in the tavern, being unnoticed, a lot of people began to crowd the place.
The look and the atmosphere from the army that had gathered beforehand in the fortress and the army that had just returned from their campaign, which was filled the tension from the upcoming sally, the enthusiasm that can’t be held back, and a bit of fear, had become saturated.
The banquet at the tavern has become the most obvious looking place.
The dim lighting was blurred by the multiple flame colors freely lit by every person, the thick and old carpet was used by those with large figure to sit at, the chairs and tables with a style of some peculiar era were scattered all around and fully occupied. The sounds, the voices, the movements, all of them were under a sole rule. It could be said that everything can be done as long as it is permitted to.
Specifically said, it was “as long as it won’t ruin the mood of The General”.
Sydonai himself was positioning himself at a corner of the tavern, wearing sunglasses to cover his expression. At his own pace, he slowly drank his colorless liquor from his short glass.
From his side, a grotesque birdman whose entire body is covered in beast fur and sitting on the floor, The Herald, “Suishou” Stolas, asked,
“General, when will the time come that we can have our next drink here?”
He said that line as he chew the goose meat placed in his plate using his mouth placed in his belly. Ignoring his rank, he started the conversation, and from his tone, the normal courtesy was almost no where to be found. But even so, that he purposely sat on the floor and picked a distance. It is the very likely of him.
Being asked, Sydonai uninterestedly took another gulp and answered,
“Well… I think it will be when I remembered that as usual liquor served here is bad. “
He put down the glass that was empty now, but he didn’t refill it instantly. From the corner seat, the place where the whole tavern can be seen, he looked around upon the noises that filled the atmosphere through his sunglasses.
At the counter, Orobas and Relaie were talking,
“C’mon drink it already! This is the liquor specially taken out for this occasion!”
“I.. I can’t.. this is my limit, I’ve gotten drunk already…”
Both of them, despite having their face red, still toasted their cup filled with wine made of grape.
Around the center of the room, the figure of Ribesal mounting at by Pirsoyn arm could be seen.
“Stoo… stop it Ribesal! It is dange..rous!?”
“Ha..hahahaha… I’m the jet plane in the sky!”
Flapping his insect wing, he then playfully swung around in the air.
At another place, another noisy crowd spotted.
“Commander! Do you know? I’m very happy! Because.. at last the day is coming…”
“Please somehow.. let me die by your side?”
“Hey, you! Don’t wish upon something ominous like that!”
“All of you… don’t drink too much! We will have to depart for battle shortly!”
Haborym didn’t talk too much being busy sucking the champagne through the both straw placed in inspiration hole on each of his gas mask.
At another place, The Musician, “Shougyaku no Hei” Rofocale played his lute and sang along,
“In search of treasure, in seek of flame, we will go through the thorny hill….”
Along the music, a big man cheerfully made his joke to a gloomy looking boy, a masked knight silently polished his sword, a beautiful lion told a story to the old camel, someone with beard all over his face run amok dragging the black coated two person team into it… Those with human appearance and those with grotesque appearance, those who drank and those who didn’t, those who made noises and those who didn’t, those various sceneries lied there.
Everyone, including he himself, made merry the situation.
And at the same time, were made happy.
As the follower whose role is to protect, The General of [Bal Masque] who commands the great mass, the “Ou” Sydonai who took upon request from other party because of his hobby, had developed his sense to feel the emotion of other people.. Now the emotion that he feels at this feast was,
(Worry… eh?),
That feeling was not directed only against the battle.
Everyone carry their indispensable doubt against the [Revolution of the World] if they are to follow the God of Creation. Being “Guze no Tomogara” s who hold well-preserved consciousness of their own existence, was the reason why they were in deep worry.
As Sydonai refilled his glass with liquor, he said,
“I’m very sorry. That in this greatest battle, I can’t be in place as the general”
Stolas, knowing that the sentence is not directed to him, he curled his neck…. no, torso into his body into a shape of ball.
“We stay in this world to accomplish what we want to accomplish, to be specific, to be able to make true the desire of the loyal followers. That’s all. But, don’t let this to ruin your mood. After all, to have another additional reinforcement for get there, even if it is only another one person, as long as it is proven to be trustworthy, is not to be regretted.”
Just behind those two, an “Ou” leaned his back against the wall that is truly the edge of the edge of the tavern. Black mantle that melts into the darkness envelops him, the “Kaijin” Saburac, up until his face. He replied,
“Previously, that suspicious three-eyed woman said that she seeks for assistance until this stage. But after all, as a bounty killer, my ability is not geared to a wide area and large scale battlefield with its place being unfixed. It is about the right man in the right place.”
Stolas murmured, unknown if he replied or not, shortly he continued,
“Anyhow, we who battle here, will be distributed to act as the shield protecting the rear of all The Trinity that proceed with the Taimei. It is such an honour for us to have that role, of course all of us will feel no burden.”
“…”
Accepting consolation from Stolas’ exemplary reply, Sydonai became interested to hear the answer from the one that will be in charge. The throw lightly an item that was under the table.
It flipped like a coin, and stopped at the height around Stolas’ eyes that sit on the floor then it revolved. It is a small Jizaishiki. It didn’t need to be mentioned anymore, it is “Byoubyouri” Decarabia’s. His voice is heard,
“Is there something, my General “Senpen” Sydonai?”
It was voice without any sentiment, directly asking without guessing the purpose of the call.
Sydonai lightly asked, trying to confirm once again the objectives decided at the war council.
“There will be some fair amount of time we have until enemy scouting force penetrated our territory. And even if their main armies are to storm, with the [Crypta] protection [Seireiden] will never be easily found out. But… in the battle we can predict nothing. This time I’ll said this once again, please be cautious!”
“I understand the battle plan perfectly. And since I join the battle, you don’t need to be worried.”
Without showing any enthusiasm at all, Decarabia easily undertook his role.
As he had expected that he would hear that reply, Sydonai sighed and said,
“Just don’t let your henchmen got killed in futile.”
He threw his liquor bottle that was still half full into the Jizaishiki.
The bottle didn’t break when it hit the Jizaishiki but instead it made iron-colored ripple and sound of the bottle being drowned.
Shortly, losing it’s axis, the rotating Jizaishiki became unstable. But with the same tone, a voice was heard,
“While the Taimei stage commenced we will be on attack and while the enemy countered we will be on defense, preventing them to get into [Seireiden].”
Another reply was heard, still not showing any sentiment.
“Well that’s it. Anyway, please hold up until we returned.”
After saying so, Sydonai threw the Jizaihou back under the table.
“Let’s get a substitute.”
“No, it’s fine already.”
He stopped Stolas from trying to stand, and made another sigh, a different sigh from the earlier.
“Well… there is no one I would want to drink with. Drinking more will only result in hangover.”
Knowing the meaning behind his words, the veteran Herald replied with sympathetic smile.
“That’s true, after all you are not the type that like to give accompany.”
“Yes.”
He replied to the ill humor. Then, he once again looked around at the noises in the tavern.
“Just do what you want.”
An unclear murmur gushed out from his mouth,
“No matter how the situation turned into…, I, being myself, will protect whatever got resulted.”
———
Still bearing the worst aftertaste, as she re-thought her reunion with Yuuji, Shana dipped her head at the bathtub.
(How can that…. )
For a while she hesitated, unable to find a more fitting word to convict herself.
(that… I become this scared of him)
Their meeting face-to-face with the only two of them, the opportunity that will only come once in a lifetime, was ruined thanks to him having his condition changed, having all his information taken, losing his principle against the brainwash, and scheming all those thing.
It was the reason that dwelled in Shana’s mind.
(That’s not it…)
Still letting her head underwater, she frowned.
(Maybe, everything I did were just useless… maybe…)
She held her position as if she tried to endure something. And after few seconds, she raised her head vigorously, taking a deep and rough breath. She can felt it clearly that her throbbing heart was filled with uneasiness. She finally recalled the thing that made her disturbed.
(That must be… it)
The hand of Yuuji that was reached out to me.
Every time thinking of it her fear became uncontrolled. She was always trapped into the thought that if she got caught by that hand, something precious to her will be definitely taken away. Shana believed that it was the eerie dangerous aura he emitted.
(How shameful I am)
Even up until now, she helplessly did everything as what Yuuji instructed her to.
This bathe was also done as a preparation to participate in the [very important ritual]. Outside the bathroom, the servants should have already waited her to later help her wore her new dress. Having people here and there around her always irritates her.
But now, there was something more disturbing her than that,
(I wonder why…)
that question was her main focus.
How can I get frightened this much just because of his hand?
How can that casual gesture emit so much strength?
Within the steam, she extended her right hand, trying to do the same thing as him, to find out the reason why.
She extended her hand as far as she can then she opened her palm.
(So… he actually wanted to do this at that time)
Then she grabbed that hand tightly.
(Yuuji was trying to… grasp me)
She finally came to realization of what would be resulted from his action.
(Could it be…)
She once again opened her palm and then grabbed it tightly to make sure of the meaning behind his action.
(No… it shouldn’t be like this)
She once again opened her palm and this time she held it softly and gently.
(Yes… this is it)
She knew exactly how to do it and how much strenght she must put into it.
After all, she was once had the experience of holding hand with a man in this manner.
The experience of holding hand that she did only once in her life that took place in the final moment of the man who was always with her.
His hand was filled with warmth.
(The thing that existed there?)
The words engraved deep inside her heart were vividly replaying,
(—— “It is capable of generating a power that can even captive “Guze no Ou” in a single attack. It is the strongest Jizaihou in the world.”——)
Another person’s words came out from the heart, connected to the earlier,
(—— “I don’t need anything else, I… I only need Yohan.” ——)
Fragments of memory appeared one by one, connecting to one another
(—— “It will never prevent anything. Neither it will detest anyone.” ——)
The reason that memories revolved into one another was strength.
(—— “I will grant my brother’s wish. I will protect my brother. That’s all for me.” ——)
Revolved and connected, and the similarity was… the strength itself.
(—— “The power that I gained here…. even if I have to use them all, I will still revive you.” ——)
Sometimes it is definite,
yet sometimes it is outrageous,
yet sometimes it is peaceful,
yet sometimes it is violent,
yet sometimes it is painful,
but they are all the form of strength itself.
And the reason that I feared Yuuji’s hand was just the same,
(—— “I want to live together with you.” ——)
it was his unwavering strength that came from his own feeling he harboured.
(I finally understand the power that came from Yuuji’s hand)
Shana then stood up brimming with confidence she just gained.
The warm water dripped along her beautiful bodyline that was only covered by the rising steam.
Barefooted, she walked carefully across the large bathroom decorated with simple stone-floor. Then, she took a wash towel from the shelf placed under the faint lighting. As usual, she wiped her body, but in the same time she kept on thinking.
(It is the feeling that is familiar to me)
After finished wiping her body, she took out the towel that wrapped her hair and threw them into the shelf. It is something normally done by girls and also what Sakai Chigusa taught her to, but she rarely does because she thought of it as a bothersome thing…. but ever since she was kidnapped, she obstinately did it.
(Everyone, I promise you that I will show you its whereabouts)
She wiped the clouded surface of the big mirror nearby.
The reflected slender naked body was quickly got blurred by the mist.
The image of the girl that devotes her everything she had was now firmly engraved in her chest.
The answer was here.
(—— “Yes, it is love” ——)
Just now, based on her words and conditions just now, Shana had finally found out the reason why she was inflicted with shock.
The various kind of [Strength] that was mysterious to her, was right now lay just in front of her eyes.
She was being overwhelmed by the overwhelming [Strength] that was based not merely on calculation or logic nor it was an act caused by madness.
She then tried to mimic her words slowly using her own lips.
“Yes, it is love”
It was once the words said at the last moment of her precious person as she stood in her tiptoe.
(—— “I love you too.” ——)
But now, the true feelings that she said was a bit different to that time.
(—— “I see. Then, I feel the same to you.” ——)
Shana also understood now, the meaning of his affectionate smile and the meaning od his answer used to reply his [Daughter] who used the word “Love” innocently.
“Love”
As she said it consciously, she finally came to a conclusion.
The conclusion of the meaning behind the words he left behind for his innocent daughter.
The words he left as he was holding Shana’s hand, for the sake of the one who will meet with his daughter.
(—— “Please remember this! What was happen here just now, it is capable of generating a power that can even captive “Guze no Ou” in a single attack. It is the strongest Jizaihou in the world. I’m sure that one day you will be able to discover it.” ——)
It was linked to the words and posture of the young man that looked at her and gave his hand to her.
(—— “Shana, I’ve always dreamt to be able to walk side by side with you. And as you wish, now I’ve become strong… much much stronger than before. That’s why I will start the battle so that I can walk with you side by side and to protect you.” ——)
Once again Shana tried to hold her hand, but this time she placed them in front of her chest.
(Shiro… I have finally found it.)
Years had flown since that time, the time when the innocent girl became the independent [Enpatsu Shakugan no Uchite].
(The strongest Jizaihou is here)
She finally able to grasp the answer of the question thanks to the answer left behind by the parent that has raised her.
She can finally understand the feeling that was conveyed by the young man to her.
For some seconds, some minutes, she stood still.
As the steam started to fade away, the air stroked at her skin.
“…..?”
Finally Shana awoke from her thought, thus she made dubious face.
In few days, usually after she bathed, normally the group of “tomogara” or “rinne” girls that wait outside would usually come inside helping her to dry her hair and comb it. Knowing that she was in surveillance, even if Shana hadn’t gotten accustomed to this kind of service she didn’t try to restrain herself from using them as her servants. The usual help she got didn’t come, also to be neglected just before the [an important ritual], both were just can’t come to her head.
Moreover, there is no changing cloth prepared in the bathroom. Having no other option, Shana wore the loose bathrobe for her first time (even though actually Shana didn’t exactly know what it’s called) and went out from the bathroom.
“———”
For a short moment, she felt something was loss, an ominous gravity run through her whole body. Being led by that feeling, she turned her head around. What lay in front her sight was the pieces of cloth that resembling a dress, underwear, shoes, and other thing were being scattered around.
The exact same situation was also occurred to the servant girls.
What lay beyond their torn mask and white outfit was not blood and flesh, but more likely to be a glimpse of a broken stone statue. The remaining burn of a color that she didn’t remember if she has ever seen faintly smouldered, then disappeared along with the burnt out clothes.
Sweeping the sparks, the wind blew from the big window extending to the terrace.
“!!”
Shana reflexively turned around.
(Could it be… help!?)
The optimism she felt in a short moment was quickly denied as she was in the half way turning herself into that direction.
She could feel that all over her skin was inflicted with pain caused by a sharp and strong killing intent.
It was not any help, it was the total opposite.
At the direction she turned around, a figure stood still under the starry night.
It was a girl wearing a white hat and white mantle, a girl with bright water-colored eyes.
It was “Itadaki no Kura” Hecate.
Trembling in fear, Shana collected her strength into her feet and made a ready posture.
At the end of Shana’s sight, Hecate lips uttered small eerie whisper, announcing her intention to kill,
“You are… not needed here!”
———
In his pinnacle seat, “Sairei no Hebi” Sakai Yuuji slowly closed his eyes that was looking up into the sky.
“… alright.”
Under the night’s light and overflowing cheerful voice, from inside his body his power started to brim. And as if hailing him, from his surroundings the sparks of black flame started to float.
“As expected from my Priestess, you are very great. Being able to guide the [Seireiden] and me to this coordinate.”
Suddenly, a voice with inspecting tone was heard,
“What is existed in this place?”
It was“Tenjou no Gouka” Alastor’s voice that rang through the “Kokytos” worn at Yuuji’s neck.
At first, Yuuji as the young man smiled bitterly then he answered,
“Just how many questions have you asked within this last few days? Even if you are to gather information for Shana’s sake, you are just far too conscientious.”
Then as the God, he replied,
“It is nothing such a complex thing. For now we will only establish the [Gate].”
“A gate…? Could it be the entrance to the worlds’ crevice?”
Alastor was finally able to grasp the outline of the true aim of [Bal Masque]‘s plan.
After all, he is one of the lineage of God that leads organization of the highest leveled “Guze no Tomogara”. Of course he won’t be using the fake medium for the rest of time. He must be longing to take back the true body of the Master, the God of Creation “Sairei no Hebi”, that was exiled into the [Kuon no Kansei].
Now, the sole person standing under the night sky, Sakai Yuuji, seemed to commence the operation.
Knowing that, Alastor had the urge to question him more,
“That’s impossble! It is a Hihou of no return!? Even if you are a true God, being an existence that born in “Guze”, there is now way you could be able return!”
Hihou [Kuon no Kansei],
the hihou that banishes the object into the crevice of the two worlds, this world and “Guze”, and is the ultimate exile punishment.
But even it is being a Hihou and ultimate, also the fact that it takes a very great amount of time to be performed, but the base principle itself is not that complex. It is because the application uses the same method as the Jutsuhou [Hazama Watari], the common method used by “Tomogara” to come into this world from “Guze” (even if they are not conscious of it).
Normally, this [Hazama Watari] will use [Human Emotion] to cross into this world, and to do the opposite, to return to “Guze”, [Swirling Power of the Brethren] is used. Both resonance acts similarly as a guidance.
The resonance acts as a lighthouse in the dark night, or as a thick pulling rope, that will help breakthrough the rough sea (the worlds’ crevice) by leading them to where they should swim and being the gravity that pull them (but of course, even if there are pulling rope or light house, the danger of having shipwreck in the rough sea is still there).
But [Kuon no Kansei] will transport the target into the crevice of the worlds and at the same time also intercept those resonances. In that situation, it will be the same as if they lost in the ocean in blindfolded condition. But, in that crevice of the two worlds, there is no actual distance or position. Without the resonances, the transported person will be in the trapped within boundless and far away area, destined to eternally wander there…. That is the reason that [Kuon no Kansei] called as a Hihou of no return.
But,
“No… There is a way!”
“Sairei no Hebi” himself that once was exiled, firmly denied the words.
“There is a reason behind that, oh… The Judge, “Tenjou no Gouka”. I, myself, and my loyal followers have possessed the definite confidence for it to success. Yes it was from that moment… few millenia ago, when the Hihou activated at that unexpected place.”
Once again he opened his clear black eyes then raised his arm slowly. His power that able to dye the bright starry night, the black flame, the proof of The God of Creation, was pouring out from his hand and swirling around him.
“Fufu… this [Reiji Maigo] and the medium “Mystes”, it is nice to be able to use them as my wish. If it were to follow the original plan using the [Boukun] as my medium, I wonder how much time will it took to devour thousands people’s “Sonzai no Chikara” just to bring on our plan.”
“Hmm…I see,”
Alastor’s words, even though he still thinks about the other, didn’t convey any sign of happiness or think of it as a lucky turn of event.
“Sairei no Hebi” himself of course didn’t demand him to think the same. He, being the one who was exiled, just continued to tell his reason with a tone fulfilled with delight,
“There is not even one Flame Haze that knows that just before myself being devoured by that Hihou, my strategist gave me a piece of her body, the [Hata Jirushi]. And I was exiled while keeping that thing.
His delight turned into laugher, along with the sense of omnipotence that overflowing into his mind and body.
“My priestess, other than pulling together the two separated place, was also passing my oracle to the others to create through trials and errors the Jizaishiki that will later used to construct the medium that will conduct my power.”
The overflowing power that came from inside of his body, started to dye the sky in black color.
“And that time has become signature of the origin of [Taimei Shihen].”
The black flame has already enclosed the sky overhead. Those dark clouds, the black that is not the darkness, brought upon an eerie feeling of strength that will be engraved into the heart of whoever sees it.
“From my side, I will weave the path into the crevice to easily salvage the body that wandering in that area with unfixed distance or place. And as the time pass, my existence will spread out and extend the path.”
He pulled back the hand that was stretched out into his chest and then he made a fist just in front of his chest. As if to show Alastor that being hung there, that within his fist dwells the power that can easily crush iron.
“And after millennia, even if its form and nature are out of normal, at last the medium is finished even with some differences from the original plan. The medium that will conduct the power of The God of Creation in this world in place of my true self in order to create the [Gate] that will be connecting to the road.”
“I see… So you will go along the road and take back your body?”
“Indeed. Moving [Seireiden] into this remote land under the guidance of my Priestess is also a part of the [Gate] creation. In this land, there is a faint distortion created by the time [Kuon no Kansei] is activated and now even the time has passed, the distortion still floating there. In other word, this land is the place nearest to me. And that unseen distortion is now right above us,”
as he grandly announced it to Alastor, Yuuji shifted his look into the space above.
The time killing period had ended, now is the time had come to accomplish his creation.
“….”
The black flame that engulfed the sky made loose and deep pulsations that affect the atmosphere.
Synchronizing with the pulsations, Yuuji focused all of his power into his fist that placed in front of his chest,
“……”
As he was tuning the pulsation of the black flame into the lapsing time, the imminent premonition has now turned into conviction.
And in an instant,
“…I command thou…,”
and from his fist,
“…be appeared! The [Shinmon]!…”
He raised a finger and pointed it into the sky.
*Shunng*
along with the sound, the pulsations grew a lot more intense, shaking the atmosphere around.
The sky burning in black flame converged at a single point that is pointed by his finger. It seemed as a phenomenon of implosion, the flame was swallowed not in a whirling motion but just drawn directly into, that result in the return of the night sky filled with moon and stars.
What left there was a pitch-black sphere hovering in the sky nearby the fortress.
The newly created thing drifting slowly, and for a moment strange silence occured,
Suddenly, from the outlines, silver flame started to gush out.
The bright burning flame was blazing violently for a while and then got harden as if it was frozen, forming an elegant and beautiful frame made of silver craft. The sphere has become flat surfaced, the whole [Shinmon], the name given by “Sairei no Hebi”, was made into the form of enormous black mirror that didn’t reflect any image of things.
“…success!!”
The delight expressed in Yuuji’s face burst out.
“fufu… fu, fuhaahhahahahahahahahahahahaha!”
Under the star shine and within the moon shine, he as the God of Creation laughed full of pride after his creation.
And to make sure, he once again made a fist in front of his eyes.
Even after accomplished an important action, his presence of power hadn’t even slightly changed from his previous presence.
“Indeed, this [Reiji Maigo] is trully appropriate to be called the secret treasure among the hougu. To be able to recover those amount of power used in a very short time!”
The time had just passed the midnight.
Factoring in the movement of the eternal mechanism [Reiji Maigo] which will recover the consumed energy immediately, the medium, “Mystes”, conducting as the God of Creation unleashed almost all of his energy.
“With this, all the preparation for the second stage is completed.”
His shining black eyes, looking up into the [Shinmon], which is now in his possession, with full of satisfaction.
“Let’s begin… the journey to take back my body.”
The black mirror which design looks like a total solar eclipse, floating still at the starry heaven.
———
Hecate was walking slowly from the big window by the terrace into the room.
On the other side, Shana took a step backward each time Hecate advanced her step. Even her power as a Flame Haze was sealed away, out of her instinct, she quickly checked upon each of her opponent’s condition and behavior.
For a reason, the bishop staff that she used earlier was not with her now.
The expression she emitted was not merely a will to battle, but more likely to be killing intent.
(But… no matter I make my presumption, in the condition I am now, I can’t do anything against it…)
Her oodachi of unrivaled strength, [Nietono no Shana], she usually wields was taken, more over, she didn’t even able to wear her black robe of Jizai, [Yogasa], which usually protects her, and she couldn’t even burn her flame at all. Right now, her condition was not better than a mere normal human and she had no chance at all to win against the “Guze no Ou” in front of her who takes shape of a girl.
As those thought disturbed her,
(I shouldn’t think like that…)
Shana then shook her fear and negligence out of her heart,
(I can’t die just yet!)
She still had her duty to be done, and also… she had another thing she had to do. No matter what, she determined that she have to survive at all cost, even if the enemy chase her to kill her.
But, this condition was almost very helpless.
(But still…, I have to do it)
Actually, it was a shameful act, but Shana tried to engage her enemy in dialogue. Thus, Shana spoke,
“What do you mean by I am not needed here?”
The gamble had started here.
If it was useless then everything would become hopeless. At the very best, it was a gamble with 50-50 chance.
It was whether Hecate would choose to give the answer or not to.
“The General, “Senpen” Sydonai said…”
she answered back.
“…that you are no more than just toy to be played with.”
No matter how the dialogue turned out to be, the 0% chance full of hopelessness has become 1% chance of miracle to occur.
(Alright)
She nodded silently in her heart. Her aim was not only to make Hecate, who was now thinking that she was at the advantage, to talk but rather to make her talk until the end of her story. Of course, Shana also considered that she couldn’t easily make her talk till the end.
(There is only one escape route…)
It was a grave fact that there is no possibility of Shana to beat her opponent.
With that reasoning, she had to make her plan to resist.
Now she felt fortunate that the only thing she wore was the bathrobe. If only it were a long heavy fluttering dress that reaching into the floor that she wore now, she wouldn’t be able to move freely.
And it was proven right away.
Hecate pointed her finger,
“!”
and from her fingertip, a bright blue water colored point of ray was being shot.
To avoid it, Shana jumped aside.
The pedestal of vases right behind her got broken and burnt up.
(So she dismantled those “Rinne”s in this manner)
Shana was once saw Hecate’s ability back then when they fought so she could barely evade it even though she had no time to sharpen her sensitivity yet. But,
“H.. hot…”
Shana, having her power sealed, reacted to her little damage that a Flame Haze could easily ignore. The water blue colored sparks scattered along with a big fragment of the pedestal, grazing her foot tips. Unconsciously, she took two steps forward, and then another.
Still at the former standing place, Hecate shot another point of ray.
The room suddenly got bright as the flame, that has the same color as Hecate’s eyes, started to grow by Shana’s side.
“The Strategist, “Gyakuri no Saisha”, Baal-Peor said,”
at last Hecate threw another words,
“I can’t understand why our Master spoils her, but still I will still accept the fact. And whatever happened, I have decided from the beginning that I will still impose it.”
Along with her hearing Hecate’s words, she rested her back to the wall of the big room. And still in that posture, she moved to the other side of the big room, trying to take some distance against the death.
The wall is decorated using a lot of armor joined by tapestry, but mostly were too heavy for Shana to use. As long as her power remained sealed, she won’t be able use those thing freely(at the first time she entered the room, she arbitrarily had already tried to use them). But after all, against an “Ou”, depending merely on an edged tool or two won’t do any good.
Therefore, it was something that should be settled in another way aside of using weapon.
(Why didn’t she just devour me? That should be the easiest method for her… Or could it be that the fact that I am still a Flame Haze that even though my power is sealed I can still move while a Fuuzetsu is being put up?)
Even when she moved around, she was still thinking,
(Or could it be…she didn’t put up a Fuuzetsu because there is another situation that hindered her from putting up a Fuuzetsu?)
Her thought spun in a great speed,
(I didn’t think that she would bother being hooked in a chat with somebody not worth to fight with)
She kept her mind focused, not to let her guard down,
(That’s why, it is undoubted that she won’t kill me before she finished her story)
She then shared some of her focus trying to observe her opponent’s behavior,
(But if she continues her attack as she talking, I could be dead)
Shana stirred her leg skillfully.
Lacking her will to chase after, Hecate stepped slowly into the center of the room.
“But, I do disagree with those two’s thought.”
saying those words, Hecate set her glare to her [enemy] that made her run away along the wall.
“You are an unneeded existence in our master’s Taimei!”
She stopped talking and pointed her finger.
Reacting to the surge of the killing intent, Shana threw down her own body to evade.
Blammm!! The bright water colored point of ray hit the wall burning it and left away a big hole into the tapestry. Not to carelessly breaking the wall, Hecate apparently only gave her attack just enough power to kill a human.
Standing inside the smoke, Hecate talked,
“You will only bring calamity! An existence that is very dangerous for us!”
using a tone filled with accusation.
Shana stiffened her cheek that had become numb from the impact, then she rose her collapsed body at a great speed as if she is an acrobatic player and continued running away. Just behind her, another explosion occurred, knocking her forward.
But,
(Finally I got here!!)
that was place that became her destination.
She rolled around, and hid herself into the shade of the bed decorated with great canopy.
Of course, that place wouldn’t give her a total protection. But it was rather the opposite, it was a risky choice because Hecate should be trying to put more power to the ray due to the abundance of the things scattered around it. But despite that, Shana still headed there because she believed that she had found out a way to escape due to a particular circumstance she discovered.
So, before the first attack began, Shana had made her preemptive,
(The first thing she did was to kill those “Rinne” servants)
she pulled out the sheet laid in her bed,
(Moreover, she intentionally put such weak power into her rays)
then, she made it into a big circular shape.
(Also… the words she said up until now. That must be it!)
In an instant, another assault occurred, burning away everything that came into contact with the ray of light into scattered sparks of flame. Those water colored sparks was just like dropping rain with high temperature, creating new flame at each place it dropped into.
Shana, hiding herself under the shade of the bed, grabbed tightly to a thing that became her last bet.
(Just another attack… please hangs on!)
The next attack would be the one that will destroy the bed. And her prediction was correct.
Blammm!!!
The violent impact made her body shivering, and soon, she was blown away by the blast.
“Ugh!!”
The powerless Flame Haze was stroke by the fragments of the wood, scorched by the water colored flame, but even so, she still threw her last move, she extend her hand. She then knocked down violently into the stone floor only having torn tightened carpet acted as her thin cushion.
“Gahh!!”
Her breath was choked, and her sight had become blurry and shaking.
In Shana’s unclear vision, Hecate slowly got near.
“I will remove all the danger! I will eliminate them all!”
Hearing her death sentence pronounced, intermittently, Shana thought,
(Tha…that means…)
Their distance was not more than 20 steps. Now all depended on Hecate, whether she would pass through the bed remain or that she would shot another ray of light from her standing point now. If it was the latter, it would mean Shana’s end.
(Hiding her own appearance away, letting no uproar occurred… this must be an assassination that she arbitrarily did)
It was the conclusion that came to Shana after she had analyzed the overall situation.
And of course, she didn’t just idly wait and entrusted of what will happen next to her luck.
Even that she was now being wounded and collapsed, while waiting for the ‘it’ started to move, she kept on thinking of the next move she could do.
But, even in that displeased situation, she had a prediction coming from deep inside her head.
Hecate finally raised her finger and pointed it. Along with her rising killing intent, she was about to unleash the ray of light to finish Shana.
But at that time,
a gust of black power passed through in between the two, severing the two of them.
“!?”
Surprised, Hecate looked up.
“……”
Shana, knowing that her prediction was correct, faintly set her eyes faraway.
To the point far above the smashed ceiling and above the pinnacle, to the figure of someone floating in the mid air under the starry night whilst carrying a black mirror.
The pitch-black dragon tail that split the room was waving behind his head. It was the “Sairei no Hebi” Sakai Yuuji.
His expression was filled with sadness yet at the same time anger.
Just as Shana had guessed, Hecate secretly tried to eliminate the Flame Haze that could bring calamity to the Taimei on her own account. Hecate averted her face, and at that direction, a thing captured her eyes.
“!”
It was a thing rolling outside the terrace, a pillow.
It was burning in water colored flame, Hecate’s evidence, that sparkling at a point in the sparse night of [Seireiden]. Brimming in brilliantly, it was as if the pillow was used as a sign.
It was not a coincidence that the pillow could roll into the terrace. After all it was the starting route chosen by Hecate to infiltrate the room, so that Hecate could corner her opponent into the inner room and preventing her flame to be leaked out of the room.
But the pillow was there…and burning.
As if it was a sign used to summon whoever witnessed it.
That strategy, and at the same time gamble, was the best Shana could do under the hopeless situation.
If from the beginning Hecate was serious to kill Shana whose power was being sealed, it would only take a few moment. But, standing in her place as The Priestess of theTrinity, she accidentally made priority in expressing her emotion and making her opponent to hear it.
As a result of Hecate being soft, Shana was saved after she successfully executed her strategy and won the gamble.
And, the one who saw the flame was none other than the best option available to come and end the fight.
Hecate directed her sight, filled of anger and surprise, into Shana who was still being collapsed.
“How dare you…!!”
Rather than being outwitted by a powerless enemy as the cause, she was greatly angered by the fact that The Master was used as a tool for her self defense. Now she didn’t have to hold down at all, she tried to shoot another ray of light to eliminate her.
But, in front of her,
The Master, “Sairei no Hebi” Sakai Yuuji took his stand.
“Ah…”
The anger reflected in her face suddenly subdued and turned into tremble. Her step halted in between moving forward or backward, as if she was unsure and had lost her way.
Yuuji, still in his expression reflecting both sadness and anger, shooked his head and said,
“That’s fine already.”
those word were said in tolerant tone, letting her away after her arbitrary action.
“That’s not fine…”
feeling the danger, although Hecate that normally never makes opposition, this time she replied back,
“That’s not fine at all!! After all this Flame Haze is the [Enpatsu Shakugan no Uchite]!!”
“!”
“She is the personification of The God that rule upon judgment and conviction, The God that killed another God, the [Majin].She will surely bring upon calamity.”
I was experience of great shock and pain that mingled and was being stored in her mind.
It was ‘Him’, the one who stood at the summit of mount Brocken 400 years ago spreading around the sound of the mountain and the echo of the earth.
The rumbling and whirling crimson lotus of the same giant shape, who was the materialization of the violent power, devoured the pitch-black shape.
The [perfect setup], the [Taimei Shihen] that was created by the God of Creation, “Sairei no Hebi”, that should be impossible to be destroyed was crushed in a clutch by the God of Destruction, “Tenjou no Gouka” Alastor.
And now, that violent power could once again rematerialized by the nearby Flame Haze. That true terror was the drive that made “Itadaki no Kura”, the one being the closest to the God of all the loyal followers, to make her move.
“She has to be killed! She has to be eliminated no matter what!”
she requested, with the tone of almost shouting heard in her words.
“fufu…”
but Yuuji only replied lightly using his bitter smile.
“You are quite being hated eh, “Tenjou no Gouka”?”
“……”
but even Alastor was asked, the pendant in Yuuji chest, the “Kokytos” remained silent.
“My priestess, I sincerely praise your devotion.”
Yuuji now talked as The Master as he was looking directly into the wavering water blue colored eyes,
“But, it is you who underestimate the [Majin]“
“Eh?”
Those black eyes filled with unwavering intensity were still looking into the perplexed Priestess.
“Do you think that I made the choice to capture the [Enpatsu Shakugan no Uchite] merely because of my medium, the “Mystes” Sakai Yuuji, fallen for her?
As he said those words, Yuuji turned his body back then walked into Shana who was crouching by the wall.
“For our current situation, our worst move that we have to avoid is to let our initiative to let go out of our hand by making our control to the calamity to go away. If you did kill [Enpatsu Shakugan] here, what do you think that will happen next?”
“……”
This time Hecate kept silence.
“She will surely make a reckless bet, to collect all her last power to materialize the Demon, “Tenjou no Gouka” hoping it could defeat me in that short time. Am I correct?”
This time, Yuuji as himself not as the “Sairei no Hebi”, declined,
“That’s wrong”
As if to make the pendant placed in his chest heard his words, he continued to speak in clear tone,
“This one is originally very strictly faithful to his own role. He will never try do such kind of uncertain destruction. I’m sure that he will certainly return to “Guze”, and immediately search for his third contractee.”
In the shade of the collapsed Shana, he made his next counter plan, in case that the Priestess did another unexpected violence, and at the same time he also made sure this the other persistence girl heard him.
“We have to minimize the possibility of disaster happened while we cross the crevice of the two worlds. Yet, he will do the contract just to bestow a person with the name [Enpatsu Shakugan] no matter how small that person container is, and even if the person is mediocre. Once he has chosen his contractee, he will surely do “Tenpa Jousai”, our worst threat.”
Yuuji didn’t say ‘probably’ at all.
As if he was trying to ascertain the thing that would happen.
But as expected, Alastor was still being silent.
But of course Alastor himself probably had never thought of it, but if they were asked, they would surely answer in the way pointed out by Yuuji. As it is the underlying principle of Alastor’s existence and also his way of life.
Yuuji kneeled, and then he held Shana up. He surprised that Shana, who should have reserved some of her remaining power in case of emergency, didn’t try to resist at all and kept closing her eyes tightly. He smiled then continued to talk,
“If it failed, then he will choose another contractee. He will continue to choose another person even if the person is unqualified, betting in that small chance that the contractee fulfilled the requirement. And if it failed again, another contractee will be chosen. Then we will constantly live in terror, frightened by his power that could completely wiped us out, just like a captured bird waiting to be killed. Don’t you think so?”
Still showing only his back as he spoke to Hecate, Yuuji put his cheek into Shana’s. Ignoring the fact that Shana’s small body got stiffen because of her nervousness, Yuuji came nearer and nearer to her and then whispered,
“We should not waste our good opportunity that we have [Enpatsu Shakugan] right here. The opportunity that the greatest obstracle to the accomplishment of our Taimei, the Demon that capable to capsize everything, is here along with his contractee being ‘the one nearest to me’.”
Then, he turned his body over and looked away, not to the Priestess but to the one behind her.
“!”
Hecate finally realized and she turned back. From her side, Sydonai whispered at her,
“So this is the result…, well that’s fine.”
“My…my… what an awful performance you made, Hecate.”
Another new voice is heard. It was the one standing in amazement behind Yuuji, Baal-Peor.
‘No matter how the thing resolve, I will protect him’, ‘no matter how the thing resolve, I will support the results’, those are the decision that were made by the two. Because of that, they didn’t blame Hecate of her arbitrary action. Even now, they still consented to the decision Hecate made after she heard the explanation and to the mystery hidden by The Master, because if they were still seeking for his verification it couldn’t be assured that it would be under no condition at all.
Yuuji laughed then talked to his loyal followers of the three pillars and to both [Enpatsu Shakugan] and the Demon,
“This blessed destiny has brought joy for me. What a great bind, what a great same path, what a great trial. Isn’t that the same as when we request something, then we get the permission, and finally we possess it?”
Still shutting her eyes, Shana couldn’t distinguish whose voice was that…
———
About an hour later.
to attend the ritual, Shana moved around the room in order to take some treatment, to once again cleanse her body, then to wear her new dress.
It was a room at the middle level of a tower, a room that was seemed to be a murder scene.
It was a room without any window at all, a room with big pillars of stone erected at the four corners to support the wall made of stone. Upon entering the big door, a wrinkleless red carpet was being spread up into the top of the grand stairs. The carpet was placed in between two lines of fire places that emitting soundless and heatless faint red light, shining upon the one being alone in the silence.
It wasn’t clear since when it all started, but now it had become her habit to stand there for few minutes and meddle around with the chain in her arm.
Knock knock,
From behind her, 2 knocks could be heard.
Somehow, Shana was startled by those knockings.
“I’ll come in, Shana,”
in the voice of the young man, The Master came in.
Shana turned around, and as expected in the contrary of the voice he made, the man that stood there was the one that wearing the scarlet cloth and royal armor and having the pitch-black dragon tail extended behind his head, the “Sairei no Hebi”, Sakai Yuuji.
There was no one that following behind him.
Counting Alastor in, there were only 3 persons in the room.
In unknown manner, Yuuji closed the big door as he came into the center of the room.
Unchangingly, a voice can be heard from the “Kokytos” in his chest,
“Is there anything serious with your body?”
“Nope, I’m alright.”
Shana answered shortly while facing toward the young man.
Shana was actually surprised at how she could calmly stand before him.
Shana tried to make sure everything she had learned, the true form of her own fear she realized.
Yuuji was also staring at the girl who stood only half step from him.
Yuuji was happy that the girl that once feared him had now been able to face each other directly.
Yuuji then said his words, filled with his love to the girl that he longs and wants,
“That dress looks nice on you”
“……”
This time she kept silence, not saying any word.
The dress worn by the injured Shana was not the same dress that got burnt in the strife happened earlier. This dress was without excessive ornament or flashy design, yet it was still an elegant one. A dress, with long sleeve and gloves and with hem applied, that would expose the best of Shana by hiding the bandages applied to the places in her body.
The dress’ color combination was red and black.
Her hip-length hair was tied into one and flowing down along the decorating strings. Her entire attire matched to those worn by the young man.
One of the pair, slowly raise his hand to his other pair.
It was not the gesture used to grab her, but more like the gesture used to invite her to a dancing stage.
“Shana, come with me!”
The other pair, while looking closely at the hand he offered, said,
“How far will we go?”
she asked to find out more in sharp yet calm tone.
Yuuji thought for a while then he honestly answered,
“For now, it will be until the top of this tower.”
Shana, yet to avert her eyes from his hand, gave her reply,
“I see”
Shana nodded a little, giving an unclear response the she removed her glove.
Not knowing what she intended to do, the young man was puzzled with her action.
“?”
“Hmm?”
Using her yet recovered grazed hand, she took his hand.
She gripped his hand gently as if to embrace,
it was not like a weak cling made by someone that relying on another person,
it was also not like a strong holding used in a handshake.
And she took his hand using her opposing hand so that they could in order to walk along together.
“Shana!”
Happiness started to reflected in the face of Yuuji, who was wondering the meaning of her action. He then pull the hand of the person that will walk side by side with him.
But in that awkward situation, Shana stood still as if she resisted in moving.
For a few second,
“……”
she then started to walk while setting her eyes into her hand that grabbed his hand. Then she steadily looked forward leaving behind the burden of her agony and hesitation.
Yuuji, still being unable to comprehend her awkward manner, had now returned to his former self and took lead their way.
The two then escalated through the stairs decorated in red carpet located in front of them. In this transient moment, their wish had come true.
But although they firmly held each other hand, their heart hadn’t been connected yet.
“Shana, soon I will go to a far place.”
The meaning behind that important announcement behind spoken by Yuuji had been guessed by Shana after she heard and analyzed the word [ritual] that required her attendance.
“….Is it [Kuon no Kansei]?”
“Yes. I will take back my body lying in the crevice of the two worlds.”
On the other hand, there was a thing she has yet discovered, so she asked,
“Once the God of Creation gained his body back, what will happen to you, Yuuji?”
“I will be just fine.”
Their steps were not disturbed or slowed down at all.
Firstly as the “Sairei no Hebi”, he gave his answer,
“This “Mystes”, Sakai Yuuji’s, usefulness was not only as the container of the [Reiji Maigo] he possessed. I won’t dispose him that easy because it would be a regret to let his talent to go wasted.”
Next, as Yuuji he replied,
“And also… err… I will say this to you as a precaution. I have no intention at all to sacrifice myself in order to change the world. So please don’t worry, because my sole wish is to… walk side by side with you.”
Shana, being unable to reply anything, responded only in a vague nod.
And after a few moment of silence passed, Yuuji whispered slowly,
“Yes it is my only wish… “
“!”
captivated by how powerful the words he said, Shana’s eyes were wide opened.
Their destination, the widely opened big gate, started to be able to be seen.
In the silent distance, the heated atmosphere could be felt as if something would begin to move.
An atmosphere as if a great incident would take place.
Being pressured by the premonition, Alastor that resting in front of Yuuji’s chest, spoke,
“Shana, I think you should have already know this, that I will also go to [Kuon no Kansei].”
“Yes. And until the time that you returned, I will do my best to gather more information for you,”
without any hesitation, the Flame Haze, [Enpatsu Shakugan no Uchite] replied.
Hearing upon the promise exchanged by the two to rebel against him, Yuuji spontaneously made a bitter smile. But even so, they still hold each other firmly until they escalated to the last of the stairs. The short path had come to its end.
The cold night breeze blew, sweeping the hair of the two.
The place lay before them is the highest place there, a wide half circular shaped terrace.
Under the shadow of the terrace, stood the figures of the persons that had been waiting.
One of them, carrying the sturdy spear [Shintetsunyoi] in his shoulder, the “Senpen” Sydonai,
the other one, holding the bishop staff [Trigon] in one hand, the “Itadaki no Kura” Hecate,
and the last one, being adorned with the seizing chain [Tartaros] tightly, the “Gyakuri no Saisha” Baal-Peor.
They are the [Trinity],the loyal followers whose duty to protect and support the God of Creation, “Sairei no Hebi”.
Yuuji stepped forward to their direction who had opened their Master way and picked up their Master.
Just for this time, they let the girl to be walked around.
Baal-Peor hit lightly the chest of Hecate, as she was showing a remaining grim expression in her face, and stepped forward. Placing herself a bit away from Shana, she elegantly bowed in front of the Master.
“All of us have waited for you to grant us your order”
“Okay”
The voice of The Master appeared after remained dormant until now, replacing the voice of the young man.
Still holding Shana’s hand just like when they were through the stairs, they stepped forward to the narrow overhang tip in the front side of the half circular terrace created to establish audience.
The full scenery of the fortress that lies under got extended slowly as they walking, and to sight of the scenery below her, the [Enpatsu Shakugan no Uchite] held her breath.
(…!!)
Compared to the few battle until that Shana had experienced until now,
(What a number…)
Even with the addition with the ancient [Ooikusa] that Alastor experienced, the total of “Guze no Tomogara” they had encountered could not surpass the count of those who gathered here.
Under the darkness and light of the night, lay the force of great army hiding their might.
The lined up windows and the roof of the pinnacle, the quarters and walls of the fortress, even until the edge of the rock mass, at all the places that could be seen and also places that couldn’t be reached by sight were all filled with “Guze no Tomogara”. Those “Tomogara”, grotesque shaped and man shaped, big and small, strong and weak, looked up toward the Master, being silence and hiding their passion.
Being the center of the attention, “Sairei no Hebi” Sakai Yuuji, took a deep breath,
“Do you have premonition dwelling in your heart?”
his voice was filled with pride and joy as he said those word to his army.
“Do you have fighting spirit dwelling in your body?”
his voice flown across and echoed, without it being mingled with the hum of the commotion.
“They are the evidence of those who are coming along with me”
Just behind the tip, the Trinity lined up horizontally taking their position as the guardian of their Master.
“From now on, I myself will do the decisive action of the second stage of the Taimei. I will open the thing I created above me, the [Shinmon], and wait at the other side of [Kuon no Kansei] for the return of my other self, the God of Creation, “Sairei no Hebi”, true Godly body.”
The voice that lightly echoed finally broke the tension and brought upon excitement.
“I will now announce the few persons who will follow me. Firstly, my loyal followers of the Trinity, also my loyal follower “Tantankyuukyuu”, and the one who will act as my bodyguard, “Kaijin”… And to the rest of you, I command thou…”
The rising grumbling voices filled with jealousy and envy disappeared as they try to hear the command being said.
“protect this [Seireiden] until my return! And for that sake, swing your sharpened swords, howl to bare your claw and fang, burn your flame to the highest temperature, gather your wisdom and bravery and charge ahead!! Show it to everybody that you exist using your existence materialized that body of you!! Fight!! Battle!!”
Being overwhelmed by the silence, all the army took their breath as they could sense that his next sentence would be delivered.
“If it succeeded, then the last stage of the Taimei, the revolution of the world, will finally be realized… Now is the time!!”
In overwhelming ambition, Yuuji raised his hand that is still connected to Shana’s.
In an instant,
the voice of delight burst out.
“——Long live to the God of Creation “Sairei no Hebi”—— “
Only those words could heard.
The rest was indescribable. Their passion had turned into their roars expressing the desire reside in those “Guze no Tomogara” of the [Bal masque].
Within those ear-deafening shouts, Yuuji lightly raised his hand to the figure beside Baal-Peor that was unknown when did it came, the parallelepiped shape, Fecor who actually shouldn’t appear in this situation and said,
“I leave the rest to you after my departure!”
“Roger! I will activate the [Crypta] and conceal [Shinmon] inside it.”
The flame of the Hougu [Trivia], the torch put above the parallelepiped shape and the core operating mechanism of [Seireiden], swayed a little as if it was preparing to function.
“Although [Seireiden] will be unable to move due to sheltering a thing that is floating still in the air, but in exchange it will hide the peculiar [Shinmon] from attracting attention. There are Purson and the others here, just leave everything to us.”
Baal-Peor smiled and nodded to her trusted retainer who is full of integrity.
And from the floor behind them silver sand-like particle swirled, and 2 figures appeared as if to stand to the podium.
“Hmmm… What a quii—te noisy place—”
“Looking from the analysis of the observation group, the preparation of our departure has completed -de gozaimasu!”
They were The Professor, who brought along a lot of strange machinery in his back, and Domino.
“Uncle!”
Hecate said, then stepped closer and looked up as if she tried to show him the [Shinmon].
“I earnestly ask for your cooperation to deal with the unknown situation there.”
“fufufu! Loo—ok here!!”
The Professor laughed and made his upper body to turn around to show the machine at his back. Then he started to explain about it,
“All of you have nooo—tthing to be worried at! Every disaster that could possibly happen, we could easily check and comm—ppare it to the [Taimei Shihen] thanks to thi—is [The crystalization of my study, the Exx—ccelent— 252546 – the backpack bookcase of related argument]. We will surely have capability to deal with it immediately and even ri–ght here. Wiii—thh this, we can say loooo—nng good byee— to all unneeded bodyguard!!
The loyal follower who has the duty as the bodyguard, Sydonai, shrugged his shoulder and asked to the one beside him,
“Is that so?”
As if knowing the exact answer, Saburac, who came stealthily as usual, made a mocking smile.
“The one that made the request to me is that three-eyed woman, and also The Master himself. And those two have judged that they need a bodyguard for this journey. It is not a thing for such kind of thing with suspicious shape to decide.”
A long murmur came from The Professor’s mouth, unknown if it was intended to fight back or not.
“To that faraway land, our heart dance. And we will now spread our wing to begin the journey…”
Rofocale suddenly played his lute and sang along the melody from the Professor side.
Yuuji then took Shana toward those persons who would start their journey. He stopped walking at a few step before them to make some distance. But Shana kept on walking to take her distance a few steps further, pulling her hand as she proceed and parted her hand from Yuuji.
Just like earlier, she quickly pulled her hand to show her opposition to Yuuji’s action.
“……”
“?”
Baffled to what she was thinking, the young man took a few step into the opposite direction, to the side of those “Guze no Tomogara”. In the middle of those people, his dragon tail and cloth were waving, and at the same time he turned back to look at the girl face to face. The young man that would go for a journey said his goodbye to the little girl he left behind, as they had to be separated for a while,
“Then, I’ll take my leave, Shana”
“……”
Under the darkness, the roar and yell of the “Tomogara” army was being spread out,
being lead by the “Ou”, who stirs the world, in those “Tomogara” surrounding,
taking shape of the young man, the God of Creation proudly opened his arms widely then declared his godly decree.
“I will change it…. and I will show my will to this entire wide world.”
Slowly, his body was being floated upward.
Leaving Fecor behind, the Trinity, the Professor and Domino, Saburac, and also Rofocale followed slightly behind him.
The army who didn’t go sent off of those who go by shouting their voice of delight, and those who did go, being motivated by those voice, started to rise sharply and grandly.
Shana and the young man kept on looking one another as he was ascending, up until his final moment being there.
Just before he passed the giant gate, his words was transmitted through his eyes,
(—— “Yes… no matter who or what I am, I will do what I have to!” ——)
Shana held tight her hand that had held him.
Shana held tight the hand to make sure what had happened.
(My Jizaihou is still weak)
Filled with the feeling of being powerless, the feeling as if she was being in the different dimension as him, she held her hand tightly.
To discover her ownself and the thing unknown to her, she held her hand tightly.
Until the last person disappeared into the black [Shinmon], she kept on holding her hand tight.
———
TL notes:
the sound of the mountain and the echo of the earth:
山鳴りと地響き – the sound of earth and the sound of mountain that usually takes place before a disaster take place (earthquake, eruption, etc)
The translation of the terms used can be found here.
The etymology of names can be found here.
=========================================
Feel free to use this translation as long as you put proper credit and let me know that you use this translation.
Critiques, Comments, and Corrections are welcomed.^^
PS: anyone know how to make the space between paragraph smaller?
~ In that situation, suddenly his memory started to revolve… ~
Posted in Light Novel, Light Novel Translation, Shakugan no Shana
Tags: chapter 3, Light Novel, Shakugan no Shana, translation, volume 17, Whereabouts of The Answer
Shakugan no Shana S – Domicile
•March 1, 2010 • 2 CommentsErr… I don’t know if it is my eyes or what, but I thought the graphic here seems to be degraded compared to the Reshuffle/ Shana Second. Especially the details.
Not only in Shana, I could spot the degradation in other anime also. Could it be a new style or… there are major degradation in anime industry?
~ It was days full of laughter… until that day came… ~
Posted in OVA, Random talk, Shakugan no Shana
Tags: comment, Domicile, Shakugan no Shana S