by Kasugamaru
“I pray that you fine elves do not forget this.”
I shall wait for fortune to turn my way.
13 The Girl Swears on God’s Wavering Shadow / About Trouble in DDR
God gives us tactics, strategy, schemes, and plans.
The awesomeness of a veteran... The blade of God, cutting through innumerable obstacles.
-Sira III-
Elves aren’t like us humans. Their skin is pure white, their hair light-colored, and they’re thin, as if they’d melt in the wind or water. They wear loose clothes, and their shoes are woven. They can fly in the sky, and they walk like they’re sliding. They’re like fairies you’d find in a picture book... and really scary. Their eyes are cold, like ice. They watch us from afar, smiling. But we mustn’t let our guard down. They like to flick their bowstrings at us and scare us with their leopards and hawks. They laugh when we panic.
One time, we found a pretty stone decoration on the ground. One of the kids tried to pick it up, but I stopped them. I’d noticed an elf with an arrow nocked. I think they really meant to shoot us.
Lady Kuroi watches the elves. She’s always watching them. Her eyes are the same as when she faced the monsters. She never sleeps at all. Just watches. Watches.
Tonight, again, she stands atop a tower of rubble, black hair darker than the night flowing in the breeze.
“Lady Kuroi, do you... hate elves?” I ask. I feel I have to.
“No.”
“Even though they kill humans?”
“Mm.”
“...Even though you killed one?”
“Mm.” I wonder if love and hate even factor into why Lady Kuroi fights. She had a focused look on her face when fighting the monsters, but it didn’t seem like she hated them.
“Then... why?” Does she fight because she’s strong? I hope that’s not it.
“Because I’m angry.”
“Huh?”
“That’s why I fight.” It doesn’t look that way to me. Not at all. Lady Kuroi’s always so quiet.
“Who are you mad at?”
“The world.”
“The world... This world?”
“Yes. I can’t leave things as they are.” The world. The place we live in. The place we die... the place we might be killed in.
“Why?”
“Because it doesn’t matter if humans live.” Oh!
“Because this world doesn’t need humans.” Right, right.
“And it makes me... furious.” I understand. I understand, Lady Kuroi. Dad said the same thing. The world is very cruel. It was why he couldn’t stop fighting, even if it was dangerous. He said if he didn’t fight, it would be beyond pathetic.
Humans don’t have a God. So no matter what they do, they’re weak. They can never measure up. None of their wishes can be granted. Which is why the other races with language don’t bother with us. They don’t love us. They don’t hate us. It’s not even like they ignore us. It’s a more pitiful, uneven treatment... Sometimes they’re rough, sometimes they’re kind. It’s like the elves and vampires don’t care about us at all.
I see... So if no one will engage with us, then we can’t hate anyone specifically. This feeling of wanting to scream out... Yeah... It’s anger. “We’re right here!” I want to scream at the top of my lungs, tears streaming down my face.
“Let me teach you something.”
“Okay.”
“God isn’t always by your side.”
“Huh? Wh-What do you mean?”
“It’s because gods have their own fights, I think.” A fight between gods... The elven god and the vampire god have been fighting for ages, according to the priest. He described it as a very troublesome battle.
“Are you talking about the elves’ monster lizard and the vampires’ bat boss?”
“The human god is... a devil.”
“A devil?”
“A devil of battle. I fight and I fight and I fight, yet still it urges me to continue. It is a god of war and flames.” As Lady Kuroi speaks, it’s almost as if a large presence wavers in and out of existence behind her. It’s sitting... enshrined? But unlike the paintings and statues that decorate the church, it doesn’t have multiple arms, and isn’t wielding a sword and shield. It’s surrounded by lots of strange gadgets and... its eyes are closed. I can’t see its face, but I can tell that its eyes are closed.
God exists.
This thing I’m looking at is probably nothing more than a shadow of God. But He’s right there. Right next to Lady Kuroi. I can feel Him. God. When those eyes open, the fighting will start again. I’m sure of that.
“Sira.” Lady Kuroi’s voice. It’s a beautiful voice, filled with God’s power.
“If I’m ever defeated, it’ll be your turn to stand.” I stifle a scream and listen. I have to listen.
“You must prepare. You must stake everything on this.” I nod. I nod, putting my life on the line. For this is a contract. A contract with God. So listen, Dad. I’m going to fight, too. So that we can be human. Be proud.
-DDR Stream Part 8-
Oh, shoot! I fell asleep. But no battles broke out, so we’re all good. At times like this, I need my blessed coffee! I’m the type of person to dump the instant coffee in a cup and splash some hot water over it. No sugar, no milk, no spoon. As long as I have that pitch-black caffeine, I’m good. Ah, so good... The drink of the gods.
Now, time to appraise the situation at the Frontier. Hmm, it’s passable. Seventy points. Things are going well for now. The occupation of the elven army presents a real danger, so we can’t let our guard down. Please, no events that will cause the people’s satisfaction levels to plummet.
Seriously, these elves are really good at taunting others. Either that, or they’re just discriminatory. The way they do things is very inconsiderate. The war crimes keep happening. It’s a reality of DDR. Most of the problems occurring from the elven occupation are centered around residence.
Maybe it’s because they live in the forest, but elves seem to think of homes as toys and are quick to seize them. Then, without any rhyme or reason, they trash the place, toss about keepsakes, use them for target practice, and give away pieces of art. All of this after they’ve already forced the humans to sleep outdoors. And don’t get me started on the kids. They target kids for their “games” at an almost sadistic rate.
But, uh, if you play as an elf then you can kind of understand. To them, human kids are like rare animals. Elves don’t participate in child-rearing at all. As youths, they live completely communal lives in the Mushroom Forest. Their familiars also love to eat human children. For crying out loud, they’re not rum and mutton!
So, yeah, I figured something like that battle earlier would happen. I was focused on watching something else, however, so a few soldiers were sacrificed. Once we actually clashed, it was an easy victory. Two of the elves were wind mages and one was a water mage, along with six silver leopards. If you want to stop my Kuroi now, you’ll have to bring ten times the army! Ha ha ha!
I mean, not only do I have Accept Blade, but I also have Fire Sword, specialized for close combat. To elves, that’s as dangerous as a vampire with Thunder Strike. Oh, those are both skills for smashing through an enemy’s magic. They’re best for people who like to get up close and personal. But that doesn’t mean I can afford to get cocky. There’s still that insta-death girl, Fleilyu the Falcon. She uses a magic called Accept Falcontail that summons feathers for her. Using wind magic on top of that allows her to fly freely in the sky. The thing to watch out for is her Homing Darts. They’re silent, require no movement on her part, have unlimited ammo, and can lock on to multiple targets. She can also secretly apply poison to them. That’s just evil, right? What, is she a variable fighter or some specialized esper weapon? Come on! I don’t want to be assassinated! Her liege, Sakiel, seems good-natured, but the other one to watch is the commander NPC. That middle-aged elf seems like a close-range water mage.
But, the elves are our allies. For now. For t
he moment. No matter how unhappy they are about it. The point is, the next battle will be against vampires. They will, without a doubt, attack us first. They’re not the type to just watch while elves reside on the human frontier. The males and females of their race are, at their core, battle junkies. And they really do treat humans as food. I can’t say we’ll survive. No, be stronger. We will win! I’m not so sure if there’s enough total faith for Kuroi’s Call magic, though.
The bigger problem, however, is this system error that doesn’t seem to want to go away. This is really bad. I can’t save and quit. This is even more fatal than not being able to fast-forward. Actually, I haven’t quit once this playthrough so, uh, I have a lot of needs that must be attended to! Like a bath and a change of clothes! And work!
But I’ve come this far, so I’d hate to have my data erased... Ahhh... Sorry, had to yawn. If worst comes to worst, maybe I’ll take some paid leave. Mmm... I still gotta give Golden and Deep Sea a good punch... Zzz... Zzz... I can’t eat anymore...
14 The Priest Admires and Desires Humanity’s Beautiful Natural Horizon
I know God. God of humans.
One day, all other gods shall know Him as well, via my blade.
-Father Felipo III-
The Dragon Warrior specifically didn’t bow her head, but her attitude was quite close.
“Father, I have a request. I believe Her Grace wishes to soothe the human children. In fact, she has spoken of wanting to touch and talk with them. However, considering the incident the other day, she has instructed me to at least convey her sincerity...” No matter how she phrases it, there is no way for me to refuse the request if her intentions are true. But what to do? From my perspective as a priest, elven religion is pagan and heretical. I fail to understand why they worship a monstrous lizard. It is akin to sexual perversion in my mind. Thus, the elven Apostles should be public enemy number one... or so I thought.
What a pickle. Oh dear, oh dear.
The thousands of wind chimes floating into the evening sky are so beautiful. They’re almost like living things, ringing with the small Dragon Commander’s will. Their rings serenade me, fulfilling me. Their clear, high-pitched tones color the world.
Oh, and what’s this? Tens of large, impossible to describe objects are now rising. They swell! They are almost like church bells. Are they, in fact, living things? Whatever they are, they join in on the performance. Their low tones harmonize, supporting the high-pitched rings, enveloping them. The various tones weave together, creating a detailed and majestic scenery of sound... Oh... I can see it now! A spinning world of light; blinding, vast nature; harmony and peace between all things.
This is the elves’ aesthetic sense. This is the elves’ worldview.
“It is a thing to behold.” Indeed, Lord Willow. I can agree with that.
“If only we could smile and say that art knows no borders such as race.” Yes, so true. That is nothing to smile at there.
“The children are enjoying the show, though. And on the surface, it seems almost humorous.” Yes, Odysson. You speak the truth. If I could look up at this with an innocent heart, the graveness would be obscured and it would seem peculiar and comical. Each thing in the sky has eyes and noses, after all.
“But you guys see it, right? Those are all fairies and spirits. Yeesh, what crazy magic. That shit’s on the level of what Kuroi uses. It’s just in a different dimension. It’s enough to drive a man insane.” Indeed. Indeed.
What actually surrounds the Frontier is, in essence, the elves’ true power. The lizard king, projected via the Apostle... the Dragon God’s power.
Oh, dear. Lord Willow and Odysson have gone silent. Ah, and my lips have been glued shut as well. What pressure. I have no other way to describe it.
I can close my eyelids, but there is nothing for me to cover my ears with. Even if I used my hands, I have no defense for the thing penetrating my very soul... Heavens, what a beautiful, violent violation.
Yes... this is violence. No matter how cultural or wonderful it might be, this is violence. Why? Because within all of this wonderfulness, there is no place for humans. And not to mention this enormous magic. We humans are only allowed to watch, entranced as bystanders. Our awe is forced.
“...It is beautiful. Truly, truly beautiful.” I will admit that. Denial for the sake of denial is fool’s work.
“To affirm oneself, display proudly, and exist calmly... how I envy their culture. I cannot fathom being able to say, without hubris, that our race is the main character of this world.” Thus it is hard to accept for adults like us. It is unfair to remind us of such selfishness. We are so pathetically powerless, and the more we are reminded, the more our hearts wither and our tears rise, changing us humans into creatures of merely skin and bones, hope completely ripped up by the roots. We are afflicted with despair. The pain of our disease is such that the only way to bear it is to forfeit even the ability to think.
But the children are different. Yes, the children can honestly enjoy this. For now, they can still experience the world in brilliant color. Even if one day they, too, are broken, in this small moment they can find joy. And this is all the more reason we must endeavor for revolution.
“We should be beautiful as well.” Well said, Lord Willow. Stole the words out of my mouth.
“It will not happen overnight. However, we can continue to seek it.” What a surprise. Those words. That profile. Has he already made his decision regarding his family?
“Well, it ain’t gotta be us, neither.” Hm, Odysson’s gaze is quite serene. I can guess what he’s about to say next.
“It’s the theory of exploration. Those who dig and clear the way are the ones who get dirty. It’s even okay if they fall. The ones who follow behind them can continue on. And, one day, they’ll reach something pretty. That’s when we win. To those that come after, the beauty becomes normal.” What thrilling theory. It makes me want to risk my life for progress. Odysson, you are already doing this, so it’s no wonder you can smile so widely. Oh, and Lord Willow is smiling similarly... Oh, oh! And me as well, possibly.
Very well. Let us enjoy the elves’ beauty for now. Let us indulge our hearts and bodies in the numbness. But in our hearts, we shall hold our determinations true. After all, we have... Huh?
Lady Kuroi? Everyone is frozen, and yet she’s running... to the top of the tower? To the flag? Resisting the siren’s call of the beautiful scene and sounds, her sharp gaze faces the west. Purple blends into the sky, signaling the start of night.
It can’t be.
No... perhaps it is? The sounds falter. No, they are interrupted. By physical means. Are those throwing stones speckling the western sky? Hundreds of them fly through the air, crashing into the wind chimes. What chaos.
The music is in disarray, but the stones... they don’t fall. Is it due to the wind chimes? Are they taking the stones with them as they disappear?
“Hey! Look!”
“Yes, I see.” The falcons take flight, as well as the elven flyers. The high-pitched sounds of flutes flutter. The ominous sounds tear at my soul.
“Mobilize the army. Everyone on horseback.”
“We have no other choice. The elven army is by the destroyed north gate. The west gate is usable as well. Blockade the south gate and make a path of retreat through the east gate.” The gates, earthen walls, and wood fences. These are the things that separated the outside from the inside and protected us daily. But against elves and these new opponents, they lose their meaning even as symbols.
“Sorcerer, evacuate the citizens.”
“Leave it to me. But if it comes to it, I’m fighting back, too.”
“If you must, then do it as a combined force as much as possible.”
“Please, I burned the long ears. The yellow eyes will stand no chance.” My fellows are very reliable. When the time comes, I shall wield a spear as well. I can only do my best and then leave the rest to God. No path is more suitable for one of the Faith.
“
Father, make sure you talk to the long ears. I’ve gotten used to crazy situations, but even I don’t wanna be fighting two enemies at once.”
“...How heroic.”
“Leave it to me. Even if my tongue is pulled out, I shall finish my negotiations.” We smile quickly at each other, then split off to see to our duties. There is no telling when, or if, the three of us will gather together again. Perhaps we shall all die tonight.
But we have Lady Kuroi. She blesses us with her presence. What, then, is there to be afraid of?
It is time for battle. The elves and the vampires shall fight upon this stage known as the human frontier.
15 The Dragon Warrior Passes Out and is Confused by the Vampire Raid
Waiting in vain for things to end, only to be stamped out?
I don’t accept it. I don’t accept a life of merely not being dead yet.
-Dragon Warrior Fleilyu II-
How? How is this happening?
“Hyawa-wa-wa-wa!” Lady Sakiel’s flailing her frail arms about in such a heart-rending fashion.
“I-I will save the children!” How vexing it is to be so powerless. Only Lady Sakiel can control the divine spirits Jellyfish Bell and Sunfish Gong. And it is my duty to serve her.
“Fleilyu!”
“I am at your side, Your Grace!”
“T-Tell Arcsem to drive away the scary ones!” It pains me to leave, but if I station a familiar in my place, then maybe just for a bit...
“Right away!” We were already on a roof. I set flight. Hostilities have already begun. Elven flyers are unleashing their Wind Arrows to keep the vampires’ filthy shadows at bay. There are no more than 200 of them; a small force. Where is Second Commander Arcsem? There, before the west gate, preparing a battle formation.