La danse macabre - Stage 4

[shionstear]

La danse macabre

Episode 13 – Yearning and impatience (I+II)

The ground.

Arme:

Ohh!? What’s that, Libel?! There’s a flower blooming in the pond!

Libel:

That’s a water lily. Even on the ground they’re quite rare. I guess it does well in this pond.

Arme:

I see… I didn’t know! What a valuable experience!

I did have flowers in vases in my room. But seeing them naturally is very refreshing.

…living alongside nature makes them the most beautiful. Both flowers and people.

Libel:

I agree…

Arme, from that hill one can see all of this area. Wanna go and see?

Arme:

Ahh, yes!

Fuga:

…tch.

Cura:

Hah…

Well, don’t be so angry, Fuga.

Fuga:

Huh!? Of course I’d be!!

Aren’t we supposed to hurry back to our hideout!? We’re taking a huge detour, aren’t we!?

Cura:

Th-there there. We’re just not taking the shortest route and stopping by near places…

Fuga:

You probably feel great, don’t you Cura-san!? All’s good after blowing up some stuff, huh!?

Well I’ve been irritated aaall this time! Libel-san got weird after we kidnapped the Tenshi!

Even though he’s supposed to always work towards his goals, with huge ideas and be the strongest of them all!!

Even so…!

Cura:

…yeah.

Fuga:

Look! Look at that!

Arme:

Libel! What is that big tree in the distance?!

Libel:

That big tree is called a cedar. It’s said to have been alive for several thousand years.

Arme:

Several thousand years… Amazing.

Libel:

Yes, isn’t it?

Fuga:

Is he his dad or what!?!

Cura:

Well, kinda…

Fuga:

I don’t wanna see Libel-san absorbed in protecting such a child!!

Cura:

I’m sure he’s got a plan or something too.

Also, giving sonny cheerful memories surely won’t be bad for our negotiations with Ark either.

Fuga:

That’s just an afterthought.

Cura:

…well, you’re right. I’ll be honest with you. I’m kinda happy about this.

He’s always had that surly face after selfishly deciding to burden himself with all of the ground’s fate… To see him so relaxed now, it’s…

Fuga:

…

You’re right… Libel-san’s expression kinda changed a bit.

Cura:

As a fellow member of Rebellion I’d have some things to tell him too. But from a personal point of view, I want to play along.

Fuga:

…whatever!!

As a member of Rebellion and also personally, I'm unhappy with the current situation!!

Cura:

H-hey, Fuga!

Arme:

…! Look, Fuga! I caught a frog!

Fuga:

…

Just so you know it, it’s your fault that Libel-san got weird!!

Arme:

…!

Wh-what do you mean, Fuga? I Just… I just…

Fuga:

Like hell I know!

Arme:

…Fuga.

Cura:

…

 

Arme:

…

Cura:

What’s up sonny? You’re looking glum.

Arme:

Ah… Cura…

Cura:

Is it about Fuga? …sorry about that.

Arme:

No, I probably made him have these unpleasant feelings. From the ground’s perspective I’m nothing more than an enemy.

And then I’m just enjoying myself… No wonder he got angry.

Cura:

That might be part of it too. But more than that it’s about Libel. He’s angry at him.

Arme:

…at Libel?

Cura:

He joined Rebellion because he admired Libel.

Libel is being seen as a hero by many for wanting to change the situation the ground is in. And Fuga sees him as one exceedingly so.

He accompanied Libel on any mission, no matter how dangerous it was. And thanks to that he became more skilled himself too.

I guess you could say Libel is something like a god to Fuga. And when he’s with you he suddenly turns human. That must be confusing Fuga.

Arme:

…a god.

Cura:

Yup. Just like you are to the people of Ark.

Arme:

S-so by being here… …I’ve caused you trouble, didn’t I?

I’m sorry.

Cura:

Pff, haha.

What’re you talking about? We’ve kidnapped you, we caused you way more trouble.

Arme:

…! Y-you’re right! Usually, being kidnapped isn’t a good thing, right…

Cura:

Also… This is just my own theory, but…

It’s okay to cause troubles. It’s your life after all. Give the most priority to things that you yourself wanna do.

Arme:

My… life. What I… want to do.

Cura:

Cause troubles and have troubles be caused for you. But no matter what, never lose sight of your own feelings.

Arme:

Cura…

Cura:

That’s the way of life on the ground.

Short cut.

Libel:

…fufu.

…!?

Cough, cough…!! Ugh…

… …what’s with this blood…

…they didn’t notice… did they?

Cut to an unknown place.

???:

…ah.

???:

…it’s reacting. There’s probably no mistaking it.

???:

I see.

…will it begin once again?

Episode 14 – Conflict (I+II)

The ground.

Fuga:

…

Arme:

Fuga, I’m sorry.

Fuga:

…

Arme:

Fuga, I’m sorry.

Fuga:

…

Arme:

Fuga, I’m so---

Fuga:

Ahh! Shut up! What do you want!?

Arme:

I’m sorry! To have angered you!

Fuga:

Hah… Whatever. I was… in a bad mood too.

Arme:

I’m also sorry for having monopolized Libel!

Fuga:

Huh? Huuuh!? What’re you saying!?

Arme:

He probably thinks that he has to protect me and therefore is always with me.

So if I learn to defend myself, then Libel will surely have time to spend with you.

Fuga:

Y-you, wha--- D-did you think I was being jealous or something…?

Arme:

I know! You just have to teach me how to fight! You just need to become my teacher!

Fuga:

Huh? Someone like you can’t survive here with just a bit of practise!

Arme:

But it’s better than doing nothing, right? And maybe because I know absolutely nothing, I could be very good at absorbing everything you teach me.

Fuga:

…ha.

What the hell… You’re unbelievable.

Arme:

Yes. I am unbelievable. Okay, what should I do first?

Fuga:

Hm… I know. How ‘bout striking a punch? Like a jab or a straight.

Arme:

Ohh… Jab and straight!

Cura:

…sonny sure is a good boy, huh?

Libel:

Yes. Arme envies the people of the ground, yet he carries something that we don’t.

I find that very endearing.

Cura:

Haha, I get ya.

Libel:

Also, Arme has the power to naturally make others smile.

Cura:

You’re right there. Whenever I talk to him, I start smiling before I notice it.

I wonder if that’s the Tenshi’s power.

Libel:

Me too.

Cura:

That said, we won’t be taking any more detours. After passing by 2 ^nd district’s town and stocking up on supplies, we’ll raise our pace and head to the hideout.

Libel:

…yes, that’s okay. Once we’re back, I’ll immediately contact Ark.

I’m sure… The time spent with Arme wasn’t for nothing.

Short cut.

Cura:

Hey, look…

Fuga:

2^nd district’s town… seems kinda odd. I can’t feel the presence of any people.

Libel:

…there’s a faint smell of blood in the air.

Fuga:

Really? Libel-san, your nose’s too good.

Cura:

Suspicious. …well either way, resupplying here is indispensable. We can’t pass by without stopping.

Libel:

I’ll go scout first. You hide and wait here.

Fuga:

Libel-san, I’ll go too.

Libel:

…

Okay, come along. I’m counting on you, Fuga.

Fuga:

…! Yes!!

Arme:

P-please take care, Libel and Fuga!

Fuga:

Hmph, who do you think you’re talking to! Just stay put and hide!

Arme:

Hahaha!

Cura:

They sure got closer huh.

Short cut.

Fuga:

It’s worse now. …were they attacked by bandits?

Even I can tell from this distance. The smell of blood.

Libel:

… Look at the bullet hole on the wall.

Fuga:

Eh? …that looks horrifying. What calibre is that?

Libel:

Yeah, this isn’t ground equipment. Much less something that bandits would possess.

Fuga:

Then…

Qual:

So we finally meet. Vermin of the lesser world.

Fuga:

!?

Leiden:

Oh, to think we really did meet them here. I was unsure if we were to believe the intel, but seems it was accurate.

Libel:

Unity Order…

Fuga:

So you descended…

Libel:

…what happened to these people?

Qual:

I dealt with them until no one was left. They resisted, you see.

Were you drawn to the blood of your likes?

Fuga:

Wha---!!

Leiden:

Oh, you knew someone from this town? Well if you want to look for them, be my guest. They’re piled up over there.

Fuga:

Y-you bastard…!!!

Libel:

…calm down, Fuga. Don’t get hasty…

Qual:

I don’t care about any of that. Where is our Lord Tenshi. You would better return him already.

Libel:

Hmph… It seems he doesn’t wanna go back home yet.

Qual:

……s

Quit messing with me!!!

As if I’m letting Lord Tenshi be on this corrupted land for even one second longer than necessary!!

Libel:

…I see.

Arme has a completely different outlook than you people. Even more reason to not give him back right now.

Qual:

A-Arme…!?

You bastard… Uttering Lord Tenshi’s name…

Don’t act this familiar with Him!!!!!

Swords clashing.

Libel:

Hmph!

Qual:

Ohhhhhh!!

Libel:

…ugh!

 

Leiden:

The strong one was taken by Qual, huh? Well then…

I’ll be having some fun with you instead, boy.

Fuga:

Yeah… background characters should fight amongst each other.

I’ve been reeeally pissed at you guys for the longest time!!

Gun shots.

Leiden:

Whoops. A gunman, I see.

Fuga:

…! He dodged at this distance!?

Leiden:

Very good speed you have there. Probably the best one since coming down here.

But… We’ve got someone who can shoot way faster.

Fuga:

Wha!? Fast…!

Leiden:

Don’t be done in one hit, okay?

Ha!!!

Punching sound.

Fuga:

Ugh…!!

Cough… cough…!!

Leiden:

…what, how uneventful. Should’ve trained your stomach muscles more, lesser human.

Fuga:

Hah… hah…! Don’t… fuck with me!!

Gun shots.

Leiden:

Oh… refreshing.

Fuga:

Cough, cough…! How is he… so stupidly strong!?

Gun shots.

Fuga:

I have to… have to widen our distance…! If I take one more hit… I’ll lose consciousness…!

Leiden:

Good reaction. If you hadn’t been born down here, I would’ve wanted you as a subordinate.

Fuga:

Who would…!

Leiden:

Well, you’re right. Come on, here goes another one!

Fuga:

!? He jumpe---!

Punching sound.

Fuga:

…!?

Leiden:

You’re still conscious. Well done, well done.

Fuga:

…ah, shit… I’ll die…

Leiden:

Haha, what are you saying, boy?

You bared your fangs at us. I won’t let you pass that easily.

Punching sound.

Punching and breaking sound.

Fuga:

Help…

Punching sound.

Fuga:

Help… m---

Punching sound.

Punching and breaking sound.

Fuga:

Me…

Libel…san…

Cut to the other two.

Swords swinging.

Qual:

Hah… hah…!

Libel:

…

Qual:

He’s strong…

Libel:

Too bad. If you have that much strength, you could properly look at the ground.

Qual:

How foolish. Why would I need to do that!?

Swords swinging.

Libel:

Aren’t we all human? We could just look for a way to live alongside each other.

Swords swinging.

Qual:

…huh?

I see. We have a fundamental difference in our awareness.

I never thought of the scoundrel on the lesser world as humans!

Swords swinging.

Libel:

…

Qual:

We merely happen to speak the same words and look the same.

You live in an unfathomably contaminated place and look up to us with damp eyes!

…I cannot comprehend what you’re even thinking. It’s too alien I can’t even help it!

You’re an unpleasant existence!

Swords swinging.

Libel:

…

I get it now.

You’re afraid. Of us, that is.

Qual:

What…!?

Swords swinging.

Libel:

Wondering if we’re gonna pay you back eventually. Wondering if our positions will be reverted eventually.

You’re scared. Scared of the power held by the ones you’ve been oppressing.

Swords swinging.

Qual:

Who would fear the likes of you…!

Stop joking… around… Know your place… vermin…!!!

Libel:

Don’t be afraid, rest reassured. Leave it to me. I’m not thinking of revenge. I’ll show you, I’ll make everyone equal…!

Qual:

Shut your mouth!!!

Swinging sound.

Qual:

Crap…!!

Libel:

…you’re full of openings.

Qual:

!!

Leiden:

Stop!

Libel:

…

Qual:

…Leiden-san.

Leiden:

If you don’t want this boy to die, then stop. He’s still alive for now.

Libel:

Fuga!

Fuga:

…Libel…sa---

Libel:

It’s okay, don’t talk. Don’t force yourself.

Unity Order Soldier:

Lord Qual, Lord Leiden. We’ve found and taken Lord Tenshi into custody!

Arme:

…! I’m sorry, Libel!

Unity Order Soldier:

We’ve also arrested Rebellion’s Cura. We’ve retrieved his bombing materials as well.

Cura:

Let go! Shit!!

Libel:

Arme… Cura…

Leiden:

Checkmate. Gentlemen of Rebellion.

Qual:

Ahh… thank goodness You are safe. Please excuse our late arrival.

Arme:

…Qual.

Qual:

We’ve come to retrieve You. Lord Tenshi.

Episode 15 – The calamity with a human face. (I+II)

The ground.

Qual:

Now then, let us return to Ark, Lord Tenshi.

Arme:

…

Unity Order Soldier:

Lord Qual, Lord Leiden. We’ve constrained Rebellion.

Cura:

Hey, lemme go! Let me tend to his wounds or he’s gonna die.

Fuga:

Hah… hah…

Arme:

Fuga…

Leiden:

Qual, what should we do with Rebellion? Take them with us as witnesses?

Qual:

Not necessary.

Let’s exterminate them here.

Libel:

…

Arme:

Wait! Please wait! Don’t kill them!

Unity Order Soldier:

…?

Arme:

At first… it… it might’ve been bad… But I’ve come this far on my own accord.

Qual:

Lord Tenshi…?

Arme:

They have something to say… I’ve seen and touched the ground myself, and I think there’s a way for Ark to understand as well.

Leiden:

Hey now, what’s this supposed to mean?

Qual:

…Lord Tenshi. Are those your true feelings?

Arme:

Of course! Qual! Leiden! I want you to see the current state of the ground.

Qual:

Lord… Tenshi.

Understood… Lord Tenshi.

Arme:

Qual…

Qual:

You bastard!!!

Punching sound.

Libel:

Ugh…!

Arme:

Libel!!

Punching sound.

Qual:

You kidnap Lord Tenshi and brainwash Him…! And make Him believe in weird things!!

Punching sound.

Libel:

…!

Arme:

Stop! Please stop, Qual!!

Qual:

Hah… hah…

Libel:

*spits*

Cura:

…is this it?

Swinging sound.

Unity Order Soldier:

Gah…!!

Leiden:

!?

Unity Order Soldier:

You, who are you!?

Swinging sound.

Unity Order Soldier:

Ugh!!

Libel:

…?

Qual:

What?

Vida:

Ahh…

Haha… You small fry pretending to be heroes. Sure looks like you’re losing.

I thought you’d be more resistant than this, but guess I was right in hurrying here.

Libel:

Vida…

Cura:

…are you for real.

Leiden:

Ahh…? One of yours?

Cura:

Nope, not at all. Also… would be probably best to run away now.

Leiden:

Huh?

 

Leiden:

…are there only fools here? Who’d appear in a situation like this?

Hey. I’ll end you so prepare yourself.

Vida:

Hmm.

You really are self-important, sky dwellers.

Leiden:

!?

When did you get behind me…!?

Qual:

…I couldn’t see him move.

Vida:

Well, whatever. I’ll be taking him.

Arme:

M-me…?

Leiden:

…you’re underestimating us too much, bastard.

Vida:

Ahh?

Leiden:

Eat this!!

Punching sound.

Vida:

Haha…?

Leiden:

He took the blow?!

Breaking sound.

Leiden:

Ugh…!? Gahhh…!!!

Qual:

Leiden-san!?

Vida:

Whaaat? Though I’d get something nice to eat, but you sure are frail…

Leiden:

Y-you scoundrel!! Don’t underestimate me…!!!

Swinging sound.

Vida:

Uh-oh.

Leiden:

Hah… hah…! Y-you…!

Vida:

Ha… hahaha…! Do your best with one arm!

Hyahahaha!! How miserable!!

The sky dweller got a wing plucked and is just like a bug now…!

Leiden:

I’ll… I’ll kill you…!!

Vida:

I’ll kill you, he says. Hah… whatever.

Swinging sound.

Leiden:

Agh…!

Vida:

...no matter if from above or from underneath, small fry will always spout the same.

Qual:

…Leiden…san…

Cura:

H-haha… This dude’s too strong…

Libel:

…Qual, was it? Take Arme and run.

Qual:

What are you…?

Libel:

Arme’s probably safer with you people.

 

 

Qual:

I will not run away from vermin like---

Cura:

Is this really the time!? Shut up and run!!

Vida:

Seriously.

Qual:

!?

Swinging and clashing.

Qual:

Ugh…! It’s so heavy…!

Vida:

Oh, not bad. You’re a bit stronger than the other guy?

But still, not nearly enough!

Swinging sound.

Qual:

…!!

Ugh…!

W-wait…! I won’t hand you over Lord Tenshi…!!

Vida:

Heh… You’ve got guts for being a sky dweller.

But it doesn’t matter!

Swinging sound.

Qual:

Gah!!

Cough… cough… W-wait…

Vida:

How persistent.

Breaking sound.

Qual:

…

Vida:

Now then. Next are the little heroes who can’t even move a limb…

Libel:

Try me. Even without them, I’ll fight you with my teeth.

Vida:

Haha…

Arme:

…wait.

You were Vida, right? I’ll go with you. But in exchange for that, spare Libel and the others.

Cura:

Sonny…?

Libel:

Arme, don’t.

Vida:

Huh? Why should I listen to what you say?

Arme:

I’m your goal, right? The moment you kill Libel and the others I’ll bite off my tongue and die.

Vida:

Haha… You’re right, that’d be troubling. I wanted to sell you alive.

Arme:

Then…

Punching sound.

Arme:

Ugh…

Libel:

Arme!!!

Vida:

How delusional. Don’t come asking trades off of me.

Alright.

Libel:

Give him back, Vida. Arme is the ground’s hope.

Not just ours. With Arme we could even save Kokujoh Yako.

Vida:

Hope. Hope, huh…?

Hope is the word for people that will survive, right?

You only talk and dream of hope and stuff but lack a sense of danger. That’s why you’re weak.

Libel:

…Vida.

Vida:

Serves you right, Libel. We don’t have time to dream.

Well, I’ll let you live so thank this brat. Do your best to survive at the edge of the ground.

Bye.

Libel:

…wait! Arme!

Arme…!!!

Short cut.

Cura:

3… 2… 1…!

Explosion sound.

Cura:

Ah, hot…!

Hah… Finally free. Gunpowder’s the best after all.

Libel, I’ll loosen your restraints.

Libel:

…

Cura:

Fuga’s looking bad, I have to treat him or---

Libel:

Yes…

Are you alright, Fuga…?

Fuga:

Yeah… some…how…

Cura:

Anyway, let’s get away first before the Unity Order guys wake up again.

Libel:

Yes.

I’ll definitely take you back… Arme…

Qual:

…never…

I’ll never… forgive you, vermin…

To be continued…