nebulancer

Tsukiuta. Tale – Taikyoku Denki

Chapter 4 – United Front

[Citizens of Kurotsuki are in the fields farming.]

Civilian 1: This is one dark sky...

Civilian 2: The time the sun’s up is getting shorter and shorter by the day, too...

Civilian 3: Yeah. This is bad... At this rate, all the vegetables will wither up.

Civilian 4: Ah, darn it! The sky’s so dark, so don’t you three make dark expressions, too! Good grief! You’re putting me in bad spirits.

Civilian 2: Well, yeah, but... You know how they say Hajime-sama also got injured in that attack...?

Civilian 4: That’s—! Of course I’m also worried about that...

Civilian 1: *sighs* ...Will things be okay...?

[Outside of town, demons are chasing after a citizen.]

Civilian 5: *screaming*

Kakeru: Watch out! Hup!

Civilian 5: *whimpering*

Iku: Hmph!

Koi: Tahh!

Rui: ...Are you all right? You’re not injured, are y—

Civilian 5: *slaps Rui’s hand* D-don’t touch me, demonic child! One day, you’ll also go into a frenzy and—

Rui: *gasps*

Civilian 5: Hh. No—I... Sorry. J-just leave me!

[He runs away.]

Rui: ...If he’s healthy enough to run, then that’s good... right?

Iku: Rui...

Rui: ...It doesn’t bother me. I think he said that because he was in a rough spot, so I’m fine, Ikkun.

Iku: ...Got it. But promise me this. If it ever gets too tough, don’t put up with it. Tell me.

Rui: *chuckles* Thanks.

Kakeru: *sigh*

Koi: Kakeru, that guy mentioned it too, but... Demons really are going into a frenzy, aren’t they?

Kakeru: Yeah, they are. It’s different from before. They’re starting to attack enemies that are leagues above them, like me.

Iku: There’s way more of them, too. Kurotsuki grew so big exactly because this area has fewer monsters, yet...

Rui: Just a week’s passed, but there are numerous people who’ve said that demons attacked them when they only went right outside the city.

This is also probably because of...

Koi: ...Hajime-san collapsing and being unable to wake up...

Rui: Kai doesn’t show it, but he’s definitely still hurting here and there.

Iku: Yeah...

Koi: ... *looks up* It’s dark. The sun would normally be out around this time. It’s already like nighttime.

Iku: Kai-san... Hajime-san...

Kakeru: Over there! I can sense demons and people again!

Koi: *gasps* Let’s leave thinking for later! We have to go save them as soon as possible!

Kakeru, Rui, Iku: Yeah!

[A demon roars.]

You: Take this! ...One down!

Civilian 6: Wh—Waaah...!

[The civilian runs away.]

You: ...Heh. Looks like you’re fast at running away, at least. Why didn’t you run away with those legs in the first place, idiot?

Hmph!

All this Yin energy smells like shit. It’s too thick, and it’s all dark.

Demons are getting all worked up in a frenzy just ‘cuz they’ve gotten influenced by it, eh?

Yoru: Um~

You: Ahh? Tch. Oh, just you.

Yoru: The name’s Yoru. ...Would you like to have a peach bun?

You: What?

Yoru: Well, er—You didn’t show up for any meals, so are you hungry or anything?

Because, you know, you were protecting civilians like the way you did just now, exterminating the demons, and whatnot...

You: Hah! I wasn’t exterminatin’ ‘em at all. They were loitering around all up in my face, so I just didn’t like what they were doing.

‘S not like they even provided a warm-up exercise. I’m not even hungry.

Yoru: But, saying that, you haven’t eaten yesterday or the day before. Ah... Are Gokuzoku fine even when they don’t eat?

You: From what I’ve heard, that freak Shun can go sleeping for a hundred years without eating or drinking.

Yoru: I guess I should’ve expected that... But the one I’m asking about right now isn’t about Shun-san. I’m asking you, You.

You: Tch... If you really want a serious response, I’m totally fine going a week without having to eat. But y’know?

At a time like this, you really think I can sit around eating without a care in the world?

Yoru: Ah... ...Hmm?

You: !? Why the hell’re you getting closer?

Yoru: I just figured it’d be safe for me to do so, since you feel responsibility for your actions.

You: ...’S not what you think...

Yoru: Oh, really? ...The sky sure is dark.

You: Y-yeah... And you want to say something about that, right?

...Come out, Arata... and Aoi-chan.

Arata: Darn, he found out~?

Aoi: I guess it was impossible to secretly watch over the likes of a Gokuzoku...

You: I get Arata doing that, but Aoi-chan, what’s up with you doing that?

Aoi: Ahaha... We just had this feeling that instead of all of us going together, you might open your heart if it were just Yoru.

Arata: Remember when we talked about that compatibility thing yesterday? Shun-san said the one between you two was good.

You: Aah? The hell’s up with that?

Yoru: D-don’t worry about that. More importantly, we should talk about what we’ll be doing from now on.

Listen, You. The reason why this sky’s so dark is because the atmospheric Yang energy is dropping rapidly, they say.

You: Atmospheric Yang energy? Dropping?

Yoru: Yeah... Because the origin of it... Hajime-san’s injured, the energy has nowhere to go... thus, the darkness.

You: ...Gotcha.

Aoi: The time the sun was up today was pretty short. Usually, daytime lasts for around six hours, but today...

You: Based off of how it felt, it was up only ‘round three hours.

Yoru: Yeah.

Arata: Reduced to half. I don’t think anyone can wrap that up as our minds playing tricks on us, can we?

Yoru: *sighs* ...We heard about the plans from Haru-san. Is that person... Doutaku truly attempting to create a world made of only Yin energy?

You: I bet so.

Arata: But, realistically, that just isn’t possible.

Aoi: Yeah...

You: Why? Is it because of something all passionate and rallying, like, “Because we’ll be the ones to stop him!”

Aoi: That’s not all there is.

Yoru: Shun-san told us about how Yin and Yang are like the two pillars that make up the world. It’s because they’re separated that they can support a roof, which is lifted up.

If this world is said roof...

You: Once one of the pillars disappears, the world can’t be supported any longer.

Aoi: Exactly.

Yoru: I guess... you really didn’t know?

You: And who’d have that knowledge just lying at the backseat? If I knew that, I...

...No, forget I said anything.

Arata: Just wondering here, but even if he did become the strongest in the world, wouldn’t it be totally meaningless if that world up and poofed outta existence?

Can’t we tell that Doutaku guy about it and make him return Hajime-san’s origin to him?

How ‘bout it?

You: How about it...? In his case, I get the feeling he’d still try and finish his plan to the bitter end.

Aoi: Wait, but... Why?

Yoru: Is it because that’s his instinct as a Gokuzoku?

You: Yeah, exactly. He was fixated on strength so bad it was almost abnormal.

It’s more important to him than the end of the world, or anything else. Obtaining the ultimate strength is the only thing that’d put him in motion.

Aoi: Ah...

Iku: Everyone! Hajime-san’s woken up!!

Koi: Hajime-saaaan~! Thank goodness you woke up~!

But it’s not good that it’s my fault this happened to you... I’m so, so sorry! Are you all right? Wouldn’t it be better for you to stay asleep...!?

Hajime: ...No, it’s not something that’d heal just by sleeping it off. The citizens are in a state of unrest. There’s a reason for why I’m acting like I’m fine.

Kakeru: But you look like you’re in such pain... Your complexion is terrible...

Hajime: *chuckles* I’m all right. Right now, instead of me, we should be concerned about bringing this situation under control.

Shun: That’s quite true. The more time passes, the more Yang energy will leave the world, being stained with Yin energy. This dark world will spread steadily and continuously.

Aoi: Doutaku attacked Hajime-san with that aim in mind?

Shun: Yes. Enemy though he may be, I do acknowledge that it was an efficient way of upheaving the world.

No matter what a thing is, there’s bound to be a vital point that’s especially fragile, so striking it will cause said thing to collapse.

For this world, Hajime serves as that vital point. Out of Yin and Yang, Hajime is the essential piece which reigns over Yang. He’s been struck. The balance wasn’t good in the first place, but as a result of that, the scales have lurched one way in one fell swoop.

Hajime: ...

Shun: Ah, Hajime, just for the record, this situation is no fault of your own. It’s most definitely not. You’d better not forget that, okay?

Hajime: Sure. I get it. It’s not the time for me to be wallowing in self-pity right now.

I’m just thinking about what I’m capable of doing right now.

Shun: Fufu. Well, that makes you what you are, I suppose.

Hajime: ...We’ve only just met, yet you’re saying you know me through and through.

Shun: I can tell who you are. No matter what world you’re from... as long as we’ve met, that is.

Hajime: ...?

Shun: *laughs*

Kakeru: Uhhhhhhh...?

Kai: Let’s! Get! Back! On! Track! It’s just as Hajime says. What’s important right now is deciding what we’re capable of doing at this very moment.

We’ll talk about what we’ll be doing from now on.

The reason for this situation comes from the power that the Doutaku dude took from Hajime. We could smack him around silly, retrieve said power, and it’ll be all okay then, right?

Yoru: W-with the way you put that, there’s nothing to talk about. We’ve suddenly reached the conclusion of our talks, if that’s the case. ...Very powerful.

Arata: But it’s easy to understand. Me likey.

Shun: Ahaha! I like it, too. Though it may be a sloppy plan, it’s not wrong to do.

Defeat Doutaku and get him to return Hajime’s origin to him. If that happens, everything will surely go back to how it should be.

Iku: It’d be nice if he could hand it over without a fuss, but judging by how things went a while back, that’d be impossible in the first place.

Rui: Sounds like it’d be difficult to talk it out. I guess we really do have no choice but to beat the crap out of him.

Kakeru: Mmhmm! That sure is easy to understand!

Yoru: Aren’t you all getting too extreme in your methods!?

Arata: It’s a Gokuzoku-ish way to solve things. Ah, also, this is just something that a little birdie told me, but apparently that guy’s been absorbing power from the demons’n Gokuzoku in this whole region.

Kai: He’s predicting that we’ll chase after him and stocking up energy in preparation, I assume.

Aoi: Last time, Shun-san overpowered him, but...

Shun: Mm, it’s a shame, indeed. I believe it’d be a little difficult for me to pull that off the next time we meet.

Kai: Huh? Why?

Shun: This is the first time it’s happened, so I’m quite in the dark about this as well, but I believe Hajime and I are connected.

Rui: Connected?

Shun: Maybe it’d be more apt to say that we’re linked to each other?

I hear that man... Doutaku-kun said the same. We’re the respective opposites to each other.

You: Yeah, he did say it. The crux of Yang is the Jinzoku’s treasure, Hajime-san. And the crux of Yin is you. The two of you are the cornerstones of the elements that make up the world, also being the vital points of it all.

Shun: Precisely so. And with that in mind, one of those same vital points has become suppressed. It may be true that the amount of Yin energy in general has increased, but I can tell that it’s passing through my body without dwelling inside of me.

It’s much like a balloon that hasn’t had its opening tied shut. Hajime’s bad condition is affecting me as well.

Even as we’re talking right here and now, I feel myself losing strength little by little.

Kai: Huh!? Isn’t that pretty bad...?

Shun: Yep, it sure is bad. The more time passes, the weaker Hajime gets. I, too, will weaken. On the other hand, Doutaku-kun...

Kakeru: Gets stronger and stronger.

Shun: You hit the nail on the head.

Yoru: No way...!

Iku: He was strong enough back then, but how much stronger has he gotten now...?

Everyone: ...

Rui: ...I don’t know. But I do know that we have to stop him, no matter what.

Iku: Rui...

Rui: It’d be nice if we could compromise or talk things through, but it sounds impossible.

Because I bet that we Jinzoku have no place in the world that Doutaku’s trying to create.

But... I... don’t want to die!

I want to keep living, and I even have things that I want to do!

That’s why I’ll fight.

No matter how strong my enemy is, no matter how weak we are, I hate the idea of going down without a fight.

Kai: Well said, Rui!

Koi: Yeah. It’s just as you say, Rui. We can’t let ourselves get done in all the time! We have to stand up when the situation calls for it!

We have to protect the people we treasure and the people who are struggling!

That’s why I’m doing my best training every single day, after all!

Kakeru: Koi...

Yoru: That’s right... I think that, but...

...Will we be able to stop him on our own?

Haru: ...I’ll lend you a hand.

Yoru: Huh?

You: Haru-san...

Haru: I’m also responsible for this current situation. Let me help you.

You: Then, me too. I’ll help you out.

Er, no. Please, let me help.

Yoru: You...

Haru: I’m good at spells that search for enemies. I don’t believe myself to be inferior to Shun in that respect. I’m sure I’ll be of help when it comes to finding where Doutaku is.

...Do you not need my assistance?

Arata: Ohoho~?

Koi: Um, uh... By that, er...

Haru: ...

Hajime: Hm. ...I didn’t catch your name back then. What’s your name?

Haru: I’m Haru.

Hajime: Haru... and you, over there?

You: Ah—I’m You... sir.

Hajime: You... Haru and You. I see. In that case, lend us your help, you two.

Haru, You: *sigh*

Arata: Eh? Is that fine with you? I can guarantee their strength, but they’re sorta difficult to handle.

Koi: Are you recommending them or not? Settle on one, why don’t you?

Aoi: It’ll be... fine, right? Ah, I didn’t mean that like I’m doubting them joining us, but the citizens have become thoroughly terrified of Gokuzoku ever since that attack. ...So...

Rui: ...

Iku: Rui...

Rui: I’m fine.

Haru: That’s a given. Being afraid of the strong and attempting to avoid danger is a survival instinct for the weak.

Koi: Wah! You don’t need to put it like that...!

Haru: Hm? Did I say something incorrect?

Koi: Nnghhrghh~! It’s not... incorrect... but...!

Kai: Koi, hang in there. Do your best for this cross-species cultural exchange. *laughs*

Ha~ru~? Though it may be true, there’s this thing we call phrasing, so don’t go around saying it like that in front of people.

Haru: What~?

[SMACK.]

Haru: Ow!

Hey, you! Hajime! Did you punch me just now!?

Hajime: Shut up.

Haru: Yessir!

Hajime: You.

You: *voice cracking* I’ve said nothing of the sort, sir!

Hajime: ...Good. *sighs* I’ll take responsibility for instructing you on your speech and conduct. If we require such explanation for the civilians, then I’ll handle that as well.

The worst has already happened. Though it may be late in saying this, we’re always in dire need of fighting power.

We have no room to take it easy in these current circumstances.

If they’re going to lend us a hand, I’ll make use of their help without a single moment’s hesitation. That’s all there is to it.

Aoi: Hajime-san...

Koi: If Hajime-san says so...

Aoi: ...Okay! I’ll be in your care, Haru-san, You! I hope we work well together!

You: Uh... Well. Okay, yeah.

‘S more like I’m the one making a request, though... ‘N I’m trying to take responsibility... or whatever... Yeah.

Haru: ...

Hajime: Haru, you can talk.

Haru: I wasn’t keeping quiet just because you weren’t letting me talk...

...Hajime... Aoi-kun... and everyone. Thank you all.

This is an issue of my own pride as well. I’ll settle my score with him... and then some.

You: Same here. Letting myself get dragged along all according to his plans is way too uncool. Please expect good things from me, sir.

Hajime: Good. I expect stellar work befitting those with the moniker “the strongest species.”

Shun: Ha~ji~me~, even when you’re all weak like that, you’re just so cool~!

Iku: All right, we got it. Please calm down, Shun-san.

Rui: Ikkun’s mastered how to keep Shun in line.

Arata: *raises hand* Ooh, me, call on me~ Of course, Shun-san and I will help out. What’s it called again? We’ve gone too far to turn... black?

Aoi: ...Back.

Kakeru: I’ve had an agreement in place even before the attack! I’ll protect the food! And I’ll protect everyone!!

Love, peace, and PEACH BUNS!

Yoru: I’ll be making them with all the effort I can muster!

Iku: We should start by searching for his location. Does he have some sort of headquarters or base site?

Arata: Hmm~... That’s pretty hard to say. We Gokuzoku don’t have homes or anything.

Rui: Oh, really?

Arata: We’re born from natural energy, so it’s like... y’know, how nature moves, we move. Capiche?

Hajime: ...Good grief. *sighs*

Haru: ...Hey. Watch it.

Hajime: What? If you still have any qualms about things—

Haru: That’s not what I’m talking about. ...You have a fever, don’t you?

Hajime: Ah... ...Yeah, I do. But I’m fine.

Haru: What’s with you? Are you mocking me? You look as far from fine as can be.

Hajime: ...Haru. You’re...

Haru: I’m what?

Hajime: *chuckles* Nothing. Forget I said it.

Haru: And why did you laugh just now?

Hajime: I wonder the same about myself.

Koi: ...Hajime-san.

Hajime: Hm?

Kai: Hajime, why don’t you lay down if it’s too hard to stay up?

I’m supposed to be your guard, but I couldn’t protect you thoroughly enough that time. Sorry. Next time, I’ll definitely protect you.

Hajime: Don’t let it bother you, Kai. In the first place, do you see me as the type to sit around quietly, being protected? The likes of me?

Kai: Heh... I guess so.

Hajime: Koi, you too.

Koi: Urk...

Hajime: Don’t look so pained. It’s not your fault.

I’ll pay the price for my own actions. My own strength was lacking. That’s all there is to it.

Koi: Hajime-san...

Hajime: In no way are you weak.

Koi: Huh...?

Hajime: No matter how strong the enemy you’re faced with, you never give up. Your spirit is unyielding.

You leap to the front lines in an instant for the sake of others. That, too, is a splendid strength. I’m expecting great things of you. Always have... always will.

Koi: Ah... Yes, sir!

Arata: Eh~? That’s sorta nice.

Kakeru: Right~? It sure is nice. Koi looks happy.

Aoi: Fufufu. That’s the strength that Jinzoku take pride in.

Arata: The strength you take pride in?

Aoi: Yeah. Individually, we may be weak. But we all help each other out, comfort each other, and we make up for what each other lacks. If we do that, I’m sure...

Yoru: Yep. You’re right... I’m sure of it!

Kakeru: I see now...

Kai: *claps* All right! Let’s get ‘er done! The united front between Gokuzoku and Jinzoku commences!

Hajime: Our goal is the subjugation of the Gokuzoku Doutaku!

Shun: Bad boys deserve punishment! ♪

Everyone: YEAH!
Previous Chapter - Chapter 3「Changing World」 Next Chapter - Chapter 5「Searching for Doutaku」