Taikyoku Denki Drama CD Chapter 3

[nebulancer]

Tsukiuta. Tale – Taikyoku Denki

Chapter 3 – Changing World

 

Kakeru: And now we begin the Arata-san VS. Aoi-san spar~! Are the both of you ready?

Now, let’s get the show on the road!

 

Aoi: I’m doing it.

 

Arata: Sure. Come at me!

 

Yoru: Do your best, Aoi!

 

Koi: You’ve got this, Aoi-san! Go and smack that composed and listless-looking mug into next week!

 

Rui: What a passionate cheer.

 

Koi: That dingus... Arata... He’s already all familiar with people despite being a Gokuzoku, and he’s getting snacks and stuff from the ladies who come to Kuroneko Tei!

Not on my watch!

 

Iku: What an unreasonable reason for his rage.

 

[Aoi rushes at Arata, and his weapons clink against Arata’s nails. They talk while fighting.]

 

Arata: Whoop!

 

Aoi: Haah!

 

Arata: Dwahh~

 

Aoi: Ngh!

 

Arata: Hoh! ...I’m surprised. You can actually put up a fight, Aoi?

 

Aoi: Unexpected, isn’t it? Jinzoku often tell me that, too. Do I really look that unreliable?

 

Arata: Mm~ Not unreliable, but more that you don’t like fighting.

 

Aoi: Hh! ...You’re right. I don’t like it. I want to avoid physical violence as best I can. But...

 

Arata: But?

 

Aoi: That’s exactly why I don’t want to lose against someone who brandishes violence against me.

 

Arata: You’re unexpectedly competitive.

 

Aoi: That, too. I’m often told that as well. Hiyah!

 

Arata: Hold on—

 

Aoi: Fhh!

 

Arata: Haha~

 

Aoi: Haah!

 

Arata: Hgh!

 

Shun: Mm, hmm. It seems their compatibility is quite nice.

 

Yoru: Hm? Their compatibility?

 

Shun: Yep. Compatibility of their innate energy. That sort of thing has compatibility to it.

For example, take someone who hasn’t even done anything to you, yet you somehow get the feeling that you dislike them for no reason? Or like them for no reason?

 

Yoru: That happens. So that’s compatibility...?

Do differences in species such as Jinzoku and Gokuzoku have any influence regarding that?

 

Shun: They don’t. ...That’s what I believe, at least.

 

Kakeru: That’s what you believe?

 

Shun: If it’s just based on a whim, then that’s just as fine. It’s a unique sensation that can’t be put to words. That’s where the issue of compatibility lies.

But I don’t want to decide my likes and dislikes simply because of the sole reason that our birthplaces or species are different.

Well, that’s just how I feel.

 

Iku: Shun-san...

 

Rui: Shun...

 

Koi: Me too! I feel the same way as you! I also want to disregard that when I say I like or dislike someone.

Since, after all, Kakerun, Shun-san, and... okay, technically Arata too, are Gokuzoku, but you’re all good people.

That’s why I like you!

 

Shun: Gosh, you know how to say things to put a guy in a good mood, Koi! I, too...

...Hm?

...Hm.

 

Iku: Huh? Shun-san?

 

[Arata stops fighting.]

 

Aoi: Hm? Arata?

 

Arata: Shun-san. Kakerun.

 

Shun: Yes, I know.

 

Kakeru: We’re surrounded.

 

Koi: Surrounded? By what...

 

Civilian: *runs in* I-it’s a disaster! G-Gokuzoku are attacking! They’re after Hajime-sama!!

 

Koi: After Hajime-san!?

 

-

 

[The cackles and laughs of Gokuzoku attacking the city and screaming civilians ring out.]

 

Gokuzoku 1: RAAAAAAGH!!

 

Gokuzoku 2: Move it, move it!

 

Civilian 1: *screams*

 

Gokuzoku 1: Dammit all! It’s a huge pain just takin’ ‘em all out one by one! FLAMES, COME FORTH!

 

[Fire bursts out and engulf a woman.]

 

Civilian 2: *screams*

 

Child: Mother...!

 

Hajime: Hmph. Dispel.

 

[Hajime uses a spell to reverse the flames.]

 

Gokuzoku 1: Gah! The fire’s coming back...! Wh-What the—

 

Gokuzoku 2: GYAHHHHHHH! Gh! That’s hot! Damn it! Those are your own shitty flames! Don’t screw with me!

 

Civilian 2: *gasping* Hajime-sama!

 

Hajime: Can you move? Then flee.

 

Civilian 2: Y-yes! Let’s go!

 

Child: Yeah!

 

[They run away.]

 

Gokuzoku 1: Gh... You’re...

 

Hajime: It seems that I’ve been meeting with Gokuzoku quite frequently these days.

 

Gokuzoku 1: Hngh?! Ngh... What are you... What’s with this Yang energy...?

He said we’d be able to tell at first glance, eh?

...Heh. Ahahaha! I see! I get it now!

You’re... You’re the treasure!

 

Hajime: Treasure?

 

Gokuzoku 1: Heh, I did it! I’m first in line! DIEEEEEEE!!

 

Hajime: Hmph!

 

Gokuzoku 1: Wh—So fast! GAHHHHHHHHHH!!

 

[He dies.]

 

Gokuzoku 2: Nyehehehe! Took ‘im down in one hit? You’re not half bad... You’re actually pretty good!

 

Hajime: ...Hm. Your companion was just taken down, yet that’s your reaction?

 

Gokuzoku 2: Com... panion...? Like hell we are!! We’re strong. Unlike you humans, we have no damn need to get all buddy-buddy!

 

[He throws a hit, and Hajime avoids it. Other Gokuzoku approach.]

 

Gokuzoku 3: Oh, you found it?

 

Gokuzoku 4: NYEHAHAHAHAHA!

 

Gokuzoku 5: *screeches*

 

Hajime: ...Hmph. There’s a lot of them.

 

Gokuzoku 2: Looking away, are we!?

 

Hajime: Hh!

 

Kai: I’ll be your opponent!

 

Gokuzoku 2: Tch! Don’t get in my way!

 

[Kai puts up a fight, while in the background, a fire erupts and another civilian screams.]

 

Hajime: Kai! It looks like the enemies are after me. We’re changing locations.

 

Kai: Gotcha!

 

[In another section of the city, more fires are burning, and civilians scream. A demon launches itself at a fleeing child.]

 

Child: Waahh!

 

Kakeru: Watch out!! *He stabs the monster*

Are you okay? Run!

 

Child: Okay!

 

Aoi: Even the smaller-shaped demons have snuck their way in. Yoru!

 

Yoru: Yeah! HAH!

 

[Aoi and Yoru work in tandem, taking down the monster.]

 

Arata: Whew~ Y’all are in a tough spot.

 

Aoi: Arata!

 

Arata: Yeah?

 

Aoi: Take care of that area!

 

Arata: Whuh?

 

[A demon roars at Arata, lunging at him from behind. He stabs the monster, and it falls.]

 

Arata: Whoa. That was dangerous~

 

Aoi: The three of us will protect this location!

 

Yoru: Everyone else, go and head to Hajime-san!

 

Koi: Roger!

 

[The remainder of the group runs ahead.]

 

Arata: I got put in the group without my permission~

 

Aoi: Do you dislike that?

 

Arata: Nah, it’s not bad.

 

Aoi: Heh. I’ll be counting on you.

 

Arata: Okay~ Count on me, bud.

 

-

 

[Hajime and Kai are running away from the Gokuzoku. Various sounds of fighting erupt as skirmishes spring up on the side.]

 

Gokuzoku 1: Chase ‘em, chase ‘em!!

 

Kai: Grah! Hajime, you all right?

 

Hajime: Ngh. No problem. Restraint.

 

[The power of Hajime’s spell hinders the Gokuzoku.]

 

Kai: Heh! Now that’s Hajime for you.

 

Gokuzoku 2: Dammit, dammit, dammit!!

 

Kai: *Deals with the Gokuzoku* Whew... We’ve come this far. Might be okay.

And, wait, what’d you even do, Hajime-san? Looks to me that you’re being chased pretty zealously.

 

Hajime: I don’t know. Still, I’m grateful for that, since as long as they’re fixated on me, they won’t drag unaffiliated persons into the conflict.

 

Kai: *chuckles* I like how you’re always like this. And there we... go! Let’s put an end to this guy!

 

Gokuzoku 2: *screams*

 

Hajime: ......! Kai.

 

Kai: Yeah. Looks like the real big deals have showed up.

 

Haru: ...Hey, you two? Are you really Jinzoku? You’re just too strong for that, right?

Though they may have just been small fry, numerous Gokuzoku just didn’t stand a chance against you...

 

Doutaku: As I’d have expected of the treasure and a member of the family which protects it.

 

Haru: What’d you just say? Treasure?

 

You: Wh—Hey, wait! The treasure’s a human!? Not a jewel or a vase?

 

Doutaku: Ah... I didn’t tell you two? That’s the treasure.

The crystal of Yang energy born into the Jinzoku. It’s still young but serves as the pillar of the world.

 

Haru: The pillar... of the world?

 

Doutaku: It’s the cornerstone of the elements which make up this world, as well as its vital point. Can’t you feel it?

That Yang energy that comes gushing out from it, like a spring.

 

You: Yang energy...?

 

Hajime: ...

 

Doutaku: In order to obtain the ultimate strength, I have researched every last thing I could. And there, I realized: Gokuzoku and Jinzoku are like the purest crystallized forms of Yin and Yang.

Those groups have their own respective cruxes. For Jinzoku, it is that creature. For Gokuzoku, it’s...

 

You: No way... It’s Shun?

 

Doutaku: It’s nothing but my own hypothesis, but that seems to be most likely.

Regardless, I don’t mind putting the Demon Lord aside for now. However, it would be a wrench in my plans if I were to allow the Jinzoku’s side to continue living.

 

Haru: And why’s that?

 

Doutaku: As long as that is still alive, Yang energy will continue being created. Though it is incomplete right now, the result is as you see here.

A city composed of ten thousand people is just the beginning. The tides are clearly in the Jinzoku’s favor. In the near future, the power balances of Yin and Yang will shift if things continue on this way.

In short, the time the sun is up, a span of time which is nothing but agony for us, will begin to grow. I couldn’t possibly turn a blind eye to that.

 

Haru: So you’re saying... We should nip it in the bud early and destroy said treasure? ...Kill the treasure?

 

Doutaku: Exactly that. ...What’s wrong? Both of you have quite the dark expressions on your faces.

Is there anything, in what we just discussed, that would burden either of you in some way?

 

Haru: Well, that’s...

 

You: ...Hh...

 

Kai: Hold on, there. Destroying? Killing? Hajime, they’re saying some violent stuff about what they’d do to you.

 

Hajime: Yes, I can hear that. I don’t understand all that much about that treasure or world nonsense, but I don’t intend on going down without a fight.

 

Kai: Of course.

 

Hajime: Can you do it, Kai?

 

Kai: Heh. Obviously!

 

[They lunge at their opponents, Kai taking on You, and Hajime taking on Haru.]

 

You: Whoa, what!?

 

Haru: Tch. We were in the middle of talking... Good grief! Hh!

Hajime: Hngh!

 

Haru: Tch. You’re oddly difficult to defeat!

 

Hajime: You’re... hm. What’s your name?

 

Haru: Gh—... ...What?

 

Hajime: I’m Hajime. So, what’s your name?

 

Haru: My name? What do you intend on doing when we’re in this situation?

 

Hajime: Not exactly doing anything... I just... thought that I’d be able to converse with you. I wonder why.

 

Haru: You’re wondering? There’s no way... I could know why!

 

Hajime: *chuckles* I guess so.

 

Haru: I don’t know what’s wrong with you, considering you’re laughing with these circumstances.

 

Hajime: I could say the same about myself. Hfh!

 

Haru: Tch...!

 

[Kai and You are battling.]

 

You: Hraaah!

 

Kai: Hmph!

 

You: Tah!

 

Kai: HAAAH!

 

You: Damn! That’s freakin’ dangerous, the hell!?

 

Kai: Dodged that just now? Not bad!

 

You: Could say the same back to you! Are you seriously a Jinzoku!?

 

Kai: I’ll accept that as a compliment!! Hrah!

 

You: Gh—

 

Koi: Hajime-san!!

 

Iku: Kai-san!

 

Hajime: Koi!

 

Kai: Iku!

 

Doutaku: Reinforcements, hm? They’re in the way. Enjitsu. Show those creatures your power.

 

[Doutaku’s yari begins to accumulate power.]

 

Hajime: ...! That weapon... Koi, stay away!

 

Kai: Iku, run away!

 

Iku: What?

 

Doutaku: Don’t interfere. HMPH!

 

Koi, Iku: WAHH! / Oof!

 

[Koi and Iku are sent flying. Koi is dragged into Doutaku’s way, and Hajime protects him.]

 

Doutaku: I’ve got you now!

 

Hajime: Ngh...

 

Kai: Hajime!

 

Doutaku: HRAHH!

 

Haru: Gh! Watch out!

 

Hajime: Wh—

 

[Haru drags Hajime out of the way, but Hajime gets slashed on his arm.]

 

Koi, Iku: Hajime-san!!

 

Doutaku: ...I missed. Haru, why did you interfere?

 

Haru: Why did I...

...! I was his opponent, not you.

 

Doutaku: It seemed to me as if you were being pushed back. I intended on helping you by doing so.

 

Haru: I don’t want your help.

 

Doutaku: ...*chuckles* Don’t be like that. Because you caused my shot to miss, I only managed to nick it with the tip of my blade.

Still, that’s quite enough.

 

Hajime: Gh... *chokes*

 

Haru: Hajime!

 

Hajime: *coughs out ragged breaths* Ghh...

 

Haru: The wound is turning black!? This is...

Hey, Doutaku! What did you do!?

 

Doutaku: Nothing much. Simply that my research turned out successful. That’s all there is to it.

 

Haru: What...!?

 

Kai: Try this on for size!!

 

Doutaku: A bug’s come to interfere.

 

[Doutaku and Kai clash.]

 

Doutaku: Hmph!

 

[Doutaku causes a building to crumble atop Iku, and rubble begins to collapse.]

 

Iku: Ahh...!

 

Kai: Iku!

 

[Kai shields Iku but is injured in the process.]

 

Kai: Gah!

 

Iku: Kai-san!!

 

Kakeru: Hajime-san! Kai-san!

 

Rui: Ikkun...! Koi...! What in the world happened...!?

 

Doutaku: Kukuku... Fuhahaha! I did it... I did it! It’s been completed...! Power is surging up within me...!

 

You: Doutaku, the hell’d you do!?

 

Doutaku: The Jinzoku don’t deserve this treasure, this power. I just made it my own.

 

Haru: I see...! That weapon has a technique to send to you the power it absorbs.

 

You: Wh—Shit... So that’s what you meant by the “amusing thing”!?

 

Doutaku: Of course. Fine work, isn’t it? This is the pinnacle of my research. One has a limit to how much he can accumulate on his own efforts: however, if I were to absorb others’ strength...?

Hmph!

 

[Doutaku stabs another Gokuzoku, killing him and absorbing his power.]

 

Rui: What... is he doing...?

 

Doutaku: Aah... My power continues growing...

 

Kakeru: He’s even taking strength from those on his side...!

 

Haru: Doutaku, you... This is the reason why you were gathering companions...!?

 

Doutaku: Companions...? Those small fry? Don’t make me laugh. These creatures are but tools. In the end, they’re simply going to become nourishment for my own strength.

What issue do you have with that?

 

You: Don’t tell me... The reason why you were looking for Shun a while back is because...

 

Doutaku: Of course, it’s because I wished to have the Demon Lord’s strength. I’ll save that for another time, since I’ve done enough for today.

I’ve obtained the treasure’s strength. If I have this power... Haah!

 

[He sends shockwaves.]

 

Kakeru: RUI! WATCH OUT!

 

Rui: Huh...? Ah—

 

Kakeru: Ngh—!

 

[Kakeru takes the blow meant for Rui, crashing into rubble.]

 

Rui: Kakeru...!

 

Kakeru: I’m fine! No harm done!

 

Doutaku: Foolish thing. Despite being a Gokuzoku, you intend on taking the Jinzoku’s side?

 

Kakeru: Gh... Oh, like us Gokuzoku ever had any loyalty to our own species?

It’s enough of a surprise that you work in a crowd... It makes me gag just talking with a third-rate grunt who can’t do anything if he doesn’t join a group...!

 

Doutaku: ...Seems that only your mouth is in working order.

 

Shun: Goodness, me. It seems everyone’s quite lively over here.

 

Kakeru, Koi, Iku: Shun-san...!

 

Doutaku: Shun...? Ngh. Could this be the Demon Lord...!?

 

Hajime: Hh... ...Shu...n...?

 

Shun: Yep, it’s me. Are you... not all right, it seems. That black wound is...

And Haru, that wasn’t very good of you. Where’s Kai?

 

Kai: *wheeze* I’m... fine... Where’s Hajime?

 

Shun: Doesn’t seem like you’re fine to me at all. Sheesh, despite humans being so fragile, they’re all...

 

You: Hh...

 

Shun: Hm? And you’re You, right? And last but not least, you’re...

 

Doutaku: I’m Doutaku.

 

Shun: Doutaku... I see. Doutaku-kun... This is some bad behavior.

You dared to lay a hand on my flowers?

 

Doutaku: Ngh... What pressure...

 

Shun: Punishment is necessary... you know?

 

Doutaku: Guh—

 

Shun: I won’t let you~. That won’t work on me.

 

[Shun dispels the technique that Doutaku directed at him.]

 

Doutaku: What...!? My spell... was canceled!?

 

Shun: I’m the Demon Lord, after all. I’m quite skilled at using spells, myself.

 

Doutaku: Ngh—

 

Shun: Oh? You’re running away?

 

Doutaku: Heh... I’m in a bad position right now. In that case, all I need to do is withdraw.

I have a way of becoming stronger. Things won’t be like this the next time we meet. I’ll take your power as well, Demon Lord!

 

Kakeru: Ngh! I won’t let you get away! Shun-san, I’m helping out, too!

 

Doutaku: Tch... To take these two on... I’m counting on you.

 

[Doutaku casts a spell, controlling Haru and You.]

 

Haru: ...!?

 

You: Gh... Shit! Using another one of your weird techniques!? Doutaku, you piece of trash! My body’s—Moving against my—

 

Kakeru: Hey, whoa there! Your name’s You, right? Sorta lame of you to let that guy control you, isn’t it!?

 

You: Shut your trap! I know that well myself! Just dodge whatever!

 

Kakeru: Sheesh, you’re a piece of work~!

 

You: Gh!

 

Kakeru: Hup!

 

Shun: Haru...

 

Haru: I know— Just don’t get in my way!

 

Shun: Well, yeah, I’d like to do that, but you’re getting in my way so eagerly, you’re trying to kill me. Whoopsy-daisy.

 

[The spell on Haru shatters.]

 

Shun: ...Haru.

 

Haru: I’m fine, Shun. I’ve dispelled the technique already.

 

Shun: I can see that. But Doutaku-kun got away.

 

Haru: For a lowlife like that to control me for even a few moments... Pitiful of me, I know.

That aside, Doutaku... He’s all but challenged me to a fight.

 

Hajime: Hrgh... Haah...

 

Kai: Hajime! Hey, Hajime!

 

Koi: Hajime-san! ...What do we do... He’s not waking up...

 

Iku: Kai-san... You’re also injured. Please, take it easy...

 

Kakeru: He’s right! Aren’t you bleeding!?

 

Kai: No, I’m... It’s not that bad. But Hajime’s...

 

Shun: Kai? Could I see Hajime for a moment?

...This is... worse than I thought. His origin has been completely taken away.

 

Rui: Origin...? What does that mean?

 

Shun: Exactly what it entails. The source of life. The power to live. The thing in which one’s life essence is constantly swirling about in. ...You can understand if I phrase it that way, right?

 

Iku: No way... Hajime-san...!

 

Koi: I couldn’t protect him... Let alone protecting him, I’m the one being protected again...! And it’s my fault that Hajime-san’s been...!

 

Kakeru: Koi...

Previous Chapter - Chapter 2.2「Jinzoku and Gokuzoku and」
Next Chapter - Chapter 4「United Front」