Suzaku Ibun: Makan Village, Pt. 3 (Or, "The Little Priestess That Could")

Ni-hao and osokunatte sumimasen! Sorry I'm a day late. The weekend was a busy one and the translation was a long one. But it's done now with lots of twisty AU dialogue options. I'll make notes as I go. Sound off in the comments if you have any questions - or if you just want to cheer because the Makan Village Arc is FINALLY DONE. *throws confetti*



==Scene: Makan Village==

[Dialog options]

• Tasuki
• Chichiri

Tasuki

Tasuki: You came back.

You: Tasuki...

Tasuki: I believed in ya, [Your Name].

Tasuki: Yer the only woman who Tasuki the Great will acknowledge. No way were you gonna lose ta some creep’s jutsu.

You: ...I could hear your voice, and...

Tasuki: Yep. Our connection is stronger than both dreams an’ reality!

You: But how... did you know about Soi?

Tasuki: Instinct!

You: ...That’s... easy to understand.

Tasuki: I thought something was funny about her, an’ after I listened t’my gut, it was a snap uncoverin’ her identity.

Tasuki: I escaped durin’ th’ commotion an’ came here.

Tasuki: Now, time fer a counterstrike.

You: ...Mm.

Tomo: You defeated the magic of my “shell”...

Tomo: ...Nevertheless, you think you can best me just because of that?

You: ...Watch us.

Tasuki: My head’s tellin’ me we’re gonna do just that. You’d better come quietly, fer your own sake.

Tasuki: ‘Cause the Priestess of Suzaku has got Tasuki the Great on her side!!

Tomo: Fwahahahaha!

Tomo: I’d rather you not get so carried away, just because you defeated my jutsu a single time.

Tomo: To do so would be foolish!

*clang*

You: Magic again...!?

Tasuki: ...Quit usin’ yer weirdo jutsu.

>>Return to Standard Dialogue (scroll down)

Chichiri

==Scene: Makan Village==

Chichiri: I had faith that you would come back no da.

You: Chichiri...

You: Chichiri! I could hear your voice! I could hear your voice, and because of that, I...!

Chichiri: ...No, it was your own willpower that brought you back no da.

Chichiri: It just happened to take the form of my voice no da.

You: But how... did you know about to Soi?

Chichiri: I may not look it, but I do specialize in jutsu no da.

Chichiri: I saw through Soi’s identity and ran off right away no da. ♪

Chichiri: Sorry I was late. You held up well, Priestess of Suzaku.

You: ...You don’t need to apologize. It’s because you helped me that I’m here now.

Chichiri: ...You give me more credit than I deserve no da.

Tomo: You defeated the magic of my “shell”...

Tomo: ..Nevertheless, you think you can best me just because of that?

You: ...Watch us.

Chichiri: Now it’s my turn no da.

Tomo: Fwahahahaha!

Tomo: I’d rather you not get so carried away, just because you defeated my jutsu a single time.

Tomo: To do so would be foolish!

*clang*

You: Magic again...!?

Chichiri: ...He’s incredibly powerful no da...

>>Return to Standard Dialogue

Return to Standard Dialogue

You: But... If we stay focused, we should be able to defeat it!

Tomo: It’s futile. My jutsu is stronger beyond comparison.

Tomo: I will not be defeated by the likes of you!

You: Tomo... I’ll say it as many times as you want.

You: You can’t touch me with your magic.

Strength began to overflow from me...

Tomo: Ngh... What the hell is this tremendous power—!

You: Your damned illusions… will never hold us back! Not me or any of us!

Tomo: This is... the power of the Priestess of Suzaku...

Tomo: In that case, I shall destroy you with my own two hands! (1)

Tomo: Unable to even breathe, you’ll lose control of your body and die cursing my name!  *clang*

You: ...I—won’t lose...

You: I absolutely... will not lose!

Tasuki	Chichiri
Tasuki: ...Well, look at you. It’s a damned honor t’be able ta protect a gal like you.	Chichiri: Suzaku is acting in accord... with her will.

[Dialog options]

• Amiboshi drowned in the river
• Amiboshi fell in the river, but survived (note: I have not played this version yet)
• Amiboshi was taken as a POW

Amiboshi drowned in the river

[Note: I only played this version with Tasuki, so I’m not sure if there is specific “seishi” dialogue in this. I’m sure there’s also Nuriko dialogue in here at some point, but I don’t have it yet.]

I could hear... footsteps...

Tamahome: [Your Name]! Are you okay!?

You: ...Tamahome... Guys!

Tomo: Tsk... There’s too many of them...

Tomo: I shall withdraw!

Ah... his jutsu... came undone.

*screen shakes*

Huh...? Why am I... falling…?

Tamahome: Hey! You all right!?

Mitsukake: No external injury... But she’s suffering from severe fatigue.

You: ...You guys... I’ll… keep fighting… so...

==Fades to black==

…

…...

…

…...

==Scene: Peasant’s Home==

You: ...What... just...?

Mitsukake: Oh, you’re awake...?

You: Huh... I... could’ve sworn... with Tomo...

Tamahome: That’s right... You fought Tomo and drove the bastard off. You really did it.

Tasuki: Damn, but that was impressive.

You: ...It was, huh…?

Chiriko: ...But don’t push yourself so hard from now on.

Chiriko: When the enemy appears, you should run.

Chiriko: That takes courage, too.

You: ...Mm. Thanks.

You: Huh...?

Mitsukake: What’s wrong? Do you not feel well?

You: No...  I’m sorta... really... sleepy and...

Chichiri: ...You really... gave it your all out there no da.

You: *giggles*...

Tamahome: ...What’s up? Why’re you laughing?

You: Oh, no reason.

You: You’re all here... and so am I. I was just thinking about that.

...Feeling very happy, I closed my eyes.

=Fade to black=

When I woke up it was already morning, and we all set off on our journey again.

I’d thought it was obvious what I meant when I called the others my “comrades.”

But now I felt like I finally, truly understood it.

=>Go to world map

Amiboshi was taken as a POW

[Note: I only played this with Chichiri, so I don’t have the “seishi specific” dialogue for Tasuki here.]

You: ...Let it be known: You’re the one who’s going to lose!

You: Retreat at once!

Tomo: Me... lose? To a little girl like you?

Tomo: *snickers*...

Tomo: Don’t make me laugh!!

Tomo: I’ve dedicated my entire life to my training. I honed my power for Nakago’s sake!

Tomo: A little girl like you!? I’ll grind you into dust!!

...What? I was suddenly in pain...

*clang*

You: Aahhhhhhh!!

What... what’s happening!?

Tomo: A pain beyond imagination.

Tomo: A veritable sea of pain—

Tomo: You shall drown in it, until it crushes your soul!

You: Ah... ahh...!!

White-hot pain shot through my head—

But as I writhed against it...

...The sound of... a flute?

The pain that had engulfed my body vanished, as if it the music had wiped it away...

You: I can move...

The person who’d helped me... seemed to be unharmed, too.

{Amiboshi appears}

Amiboshi: It’s been a while, [Your Name]-san.

You: A-Amiboshi!!

You: Why—are you...?

Amiboshi: Hotohori-sama wanted to help you.

You: Hotohori did…?

Amiboshi: I’m glad I got here just in time...

You: ...You sure did.

You: Thanks...

You: But... he’s an old friend of yours...

Amiboshi: I’m ready for him.

Amiboshi: The entire time I was with you, I wanted to be one of your warriors.

You: ...You did…?

Amiboshi: Let’s leave this talk for another time.

Amiboshi: I’ve got the advantage in a fight with him.

You: ...Mm.

Amiboshi: Please leave this to me.

You: B-but it’s dangerous!

Amiboshi: No... it’s fine.

Amiboshi: I once confronted you as an enemy.

Amiboshi: I’ll use this fight to prove my loyalty to you.

You: ...Well, if you’re going to say all that...

[Dialog options: Seishi of Choice (in this case, Chichiri)]

Chichiri: Objection no da!

You: Ch-Chichiri!?

Chichiri: I am a Suzaku Celestial Warrior with the proper feelings, am I not no da?

Chichiri: As one who protects the Priestess of Suzaku—

Chichiri: —No, as one who protects you, [Your Name], I will not retreat from here!

Chichiri: I swear, here and now, that I will keep you safe no da!!

You: Chichiri...

Chichiri: Amiboshi... Can you stop his magic with your flute no da?

Amiboshi: ...I think so, yes.

Chichiri: Then please do so no da.

Amiboshi: Understood. I’ll try!

The pure sound of the flute began to ring out. Tomo shouldn’t able to use his jutsu anymore.

Tomo: *snickers*... A futile effort...

Chichiri: Our enemy is a sorcerer. My jutsu isn’t about to lose to his no da~!

Chichiri: Hah!

*HOLY SHIT BOOM*

=screen shakes=

=landscape covered in dust=

—!!

Tomo: Ugh... Why, you...

*thump*

You: ...W-we won?

Chichiri: Not yet no da...

Chichiri: A Seiryuu Warrior won’t fall that easily.

Chichiri: We can’t let our guards down no da.

You: ...Right.

[And while I’m not positive, I’m assuming that the dialog from here to the end is the same regardless of your Useless Seishi Bae]

Tomo: Heh... *snickers*...

You: No way... H-he’s standing up?

Tomo: Fwahahahahahahahaha!!

Tomo: Who ever said this was the real me?

Tomo: From the moment you first saw me, you were afflicted by my illusions.

You: But—we resisted...

Tomo: Even your resistance was an illusion!

You: ...He disappeared? Where’s the real one!?

Tomo: Right over... here.

You: —Amiboshi!! Behind you!!

Amiboshi: Eh—?

Tomo: Too slow!

*slash*

=Flashes red=

The feathers on Tomo’s headdress pierced right through Amiboshi.

Amiboshi: Ah...

Amiboshi: Damn... it...

*thump*

You: A... Amiboshi!!

Tomo: With this… I claim victory.

You: Amiboshi! Amiboshi! Are you okay!?

Tomo: Now... Priestess of Suzaku, you’re next.

Tomo: The Suzaku Celestial Warriors are insignificant as far as I am concerned.

???: Ah, is that right…?

Tamahome: Don’t go counting us out yet!

In an instant, Tamahome landed a blow on Tomo.

Tomo: ...Damn you.

You: Tamahome!!

Tomo: How... DARE... you!!

Tamahome: Whoa... You can still move!?

Tomo: Die!

Tasuki: That’s my line!

Tasuki: REK’KA... SHIN’EN!!

*swoosh*

—!!

Tomo: ...Damn you... Priestess... of... Suzaku...

*thump*

And just like that... he was down for the count...

Mitsukake: ...Are you okay, [Your Name]?

You: Mitsukake! Guys!!

The next thing I knew, we were all together again.

You: You guys... how in the world...?

Tamahome: Amiboshi bought us some time, thankfully.

Tamahome: We figured out we were with an impostor priestess and came running back to where we’d last seen you.

Tamahome: The impostor got away.

Tamahome: But I’m just glad you’re safe.

Tamahome: ...You really gave it your all out there.

You: ...No. It was thanks to you guys...

Just as I was beginning to relax, I suddenly felt my body grow heavy.

Aah... I’m... all worn out...

You: I’m so glad... you’re all... safe.

As soon as I lay on the ground and closed my eyes, I was fast asleep.

==Black==

…

…..

==Scene: Sairou Peasant Home==

You: ...Nn.

You: Where... am I...?

Nuriko: My... you finally woke up.

You: ...Nuriko...

Tamahome: So you’re awake, huh?

You: Mm...

Mitsukake: You were just fatigued. Your life was never in any danger...

Mitsukake: You recovered quickly as well. I suppose this is also due to Suzaku’s divine protection.

...

You: *giggles*...

Chiriko: What’s the matter?

You: I just can’t believe... that I’m really still alive...

Tasuki: Yer tenacious. That’s somethin’ t’be proud of.

You: I’m not, though. It was because Amiboshi was there to help me...

You: ...That’s right. Amiboshi—where’s Amiboshi!?

Mitsukake: I healed the wounds he received during the battle. However...

You: “However”... What’s wrong?

Chichiri: ...Amiboshi’s gone no da.

Chichiri: He left while we were keeping an eye on you no da.

You: But why... would he...?

Chichiri: He’s always haunted by his crimes no da.

You: His crimes…? But what he did today wiped away all that.

Mitsukake: He’s a serious young man.

You: Amiboshi... But as long as he’s safe, then...

Mitsukake: Yes, that’s right...

Nuriko: I’m sure he’s fine. He’s not the kind of guy who’d die that easily.

You: ...Mm. You’re right.

...It felt like a lot had happened in a day.

Well... Actually, days and days passed within the dream-world, so maybe I couldn’t really say it had only been one day.

You: ...There’s just one thing I know for certain.

Tamahome: What’s that?

You: They manipulated Misaki-chan and forced her to become the Priestess of Seiryuu against her will.

You: She’s been waiting for me to save her...

So—I’ve got to keep fighting... right here in this world.

You: Guys, let’s give it our all, okay?

My comrades all smiled and nodded.

=>Go to world map

------------

Translation Notes:

(1) “In that case, I shall destroy you with my own two hands!” *Winces* This is, at best, really broad, and at worst, totally inaccurate. Original: ならば、一切手は抜きませんよ (naraba, issai te ha nukimasen yo). Something to the effect of “In that case, all hands will not omit/surpass.” For the first time in a long time, I really have no idea. Maybe someone fully fluent can come rescue me. *sigh*

Suzaku Ibun: Makan Village, Pt. 2 (Or,"Dream a Little Dream of Creeping ♪")

Ni-hao and mixed blessings all around. On the one hand, two Sunday posts in a row suggest that I've settled into my new place and am getting myself back into a weekly translation schedule. On the other hand, it's Dream World Week in Suzaku Ibun. Ugh. I have a vague memory of translating this scene at midnight and just shouting "Shut UP, Tomo!" over and over again at my computer screen. So, you know. Happy times. ^^;

Anyway, "Aono," math problems, and seishi interventions are below the jump. May the gods have mercy on us all.

Suzaku Ibun: Makan Village, Pt. 1 (Or,"When Creepers Attack")

Ni-hao and apologies for not posting last week. T'was Moving Week Part 2 (complicated process, moving is) and I had to prioritize a bit. But! I'm back this weekend with a heaping helping of Ibun as we enter the Makan Village Arc! 

And I'm gonna be honest with you: I hate this part of the game. Hated it in the anime, too. It’s actually better here, but that’s really not saying much. So, I’m going to be translating/editing it very quickly, so we can get through it as painlessly as possible and move on to much better adventures. Take my hand, dear reader. We’ll get through this together.

MAKAN VILLAGE

==Scene: A Desert==

You: ...Not that I’m surprised, but... it’s really hot out here...

Mitsukake: ...Please be careful not to get dehydrated.

Mitsuake:  The strength of the sun is a danger in the desert. Create as much shade as you can...

Tasuki: Idiot... there ain’t any shade around here... dumbass...

Mitsukake: You’re exhausted. Habitual intemperance will do that to you. (1)

Nuriko: I’m not especially tired, but… I do worry about my skin when the sun is this strong.

You:  Nuriko, you can afford a little sunlight…

Tasuki: Yer already... a beast in human skin... (2)

Nuriko: Wha… How dare you say that to a maiden!

Tasuki: Some maiden…

You: Tasuki, that was mean. Now apologize to Nuriko.

Tasuki: ….Damn, this is why I hate women…

Chiriko: If we continue on this route, we should make it to a village soon.

Chiriko: We’ll just have to endure the heat until then.

You: Really?! Wow, how did you know that?

Chiriko: I prepared a detailed map of the area before we entered the desert.

Chiriko: And last night, I deduced our current location by the positions of the stars.

Chiriko: If you take into account the distance and direction we walked from our point of departure, we should be able to see the village soon.

You: Amazing. You’re really well-prepared.

Chiriko: It’s just… this is the only way I can be of use to you, so...

Tamahome: H-Hey! There’s a village! I can see a village!

You: ….Really!?

You: I wonder if we’ll be able to drink as much water as we want!?

Tasuki: Ferget water! Tonight we’re gonna have a feast! {Insert very happy Tasuki squeal here}

Tamahome: Let’s get to that village!

You: Let’s go!

Chichiri: Oh, for heaven’s sake. They’re so reckless no da.

Mitsukake: ...They should be this spirited, though.

Mitsukake: They’re basically still children, after all.

Chichiri: ….Da.

Chichiri: We’ll have to be the level-headed ones no da.

Mitsukake: Right.

You: You gu~ys! You’re gonna get left behind!

Chichiri: Coming no da~!

Mitsukake: Good grief.

==Scene: Desert Village==

You: ...And here we are at Makan Village. It’s been a while since we saw something besides desert.

Tamahome: Heeey, hurry up, [Your Name].

Tasuki: I’m gonna eat till I pu-u-uke!

Nuriko: I want to take a soak in a nice long bath. Care to join me, [Your Name]?

You: M-Me?! Er, well... thanks, but I...

Nuriko: C’mon, I was just kidding.

Nuriko: You can go in after me~!

Chichiri: What’s wrong no da? You were as chipper as the others a minute ago.

You: Mm. Just savoring the moment. ‘Cause we managed to make it here without dying.

Chichiri: Hmm, you’re a strange one, Priestess of Suzaku no da~

You: The Suzaku Warriors are plenty strange, too. Their priestess is just the right amount of weird for them.

Chichiri: Da~! ♪ If you’re cheerful enough to make jokes, then you’re all right no da.

Chichiri: I want you to savor the moment, just pay attention so you don’t fall behind no da.

You: Yes, sir~

I walked along a little bit behind the others, thoroughly enjoying the sand-free scenery, when—

*clatter*

—!

You: Huh... What?

Suddenly... my body wouldn’t...

*thump*

=screen shakes=

—Huh?

I couldn’t stand up.

Sunstroke or something? No, I don’t feel sick.

You: ...You guys... Help m...

*Footsteps*

???: Guys—wait u~p!

You: Eh….

Soi: Geez... I thought you were gonna leave me behi~nd.

Why is Soi...?

Tamahome: Like we’d go anywhere with you.

What’s Tamahome talking about? That woman... she’s the Seiryuu Warrior who attacked us...

Tasuki: That’s right. We’d never leave th’ Priestess of Suzaku behi~nd.

Priestess of Suzaku!? No way—!!

She’s one of the Seiryuu Warriors. She’s not me!

Mitsukake: ...We’ll get something to eat and drink, rest up, and then head out, okay?

Soi: Mm!

Wait—

Chichiri: We can take a breather and then cross the rest of the desert in one go no da.

Soi: Mm. We’ve got to give it our all.

You: Wait...  I’m... over here...

Tamahome: Well, let’s go!

Soi: And awaaaay we go!

You: Wait…

…

Everyone’s gone.

Even though I’d fallen in the street, the villagers gave no indication that they’d noticed me...

You: What in the world…. is going on?

If only... I could move...

*Footsteps*

???: Resist all you like, it won’t do you any good.

Tomo appears! Hide your spouse, hide your kids, hide your mikos and your seishis!

Tomo: You’ve fallen right into my trap.

You: ...Who... are you...?

Tomo: The Seiryuu Celestial Warrior, Tomo. Hello, Priestess of Suzaku.

You: ...A Seiryuu Warrior.

Tomo. I’ve been watching your group’s movements for a long time. A long time indeed.

Tomo: You chose the perfect time to cross the desert. It’s easier for my jutsu to take effect if your spirit and strength have weakened.

You: ...What in the world did you do?

Tomo: I have a gift for genjutsu - the illusory arts. I use my illusions to control people’s hearts.

Tomo: Soi appears to be the Priestess of Suzaku, you cannot move, and the villagers take no notice of you or your companions.

Tomo: All through my magic.

Tomo: You and your warriors cannot escape my jutsu.

You: ...What are you planning to do to them?

Tomo: Soi, disguised as you, will kill the Suzaku Warriors.

Tomo: You have been left especially for me. I shall hold your very soul captive.

You: The others will be... killed...

You: ...No... I won’t let you...

Tomo: H’ohh, how fascinating. Are you trying to resist my jutsu?

You: It’s just an illusion. I’m only trapped because I believe it’s real.

You: So there’s no way... I’d lose to something like that.

Tomo: It’s futile.

Tomo: Know your place. You are the Priestess of Suzaku. One who relies on the kindness of others. You don’t have the willpower to shatter my magic.

...He’s wrong.

...It’s true that the others have done nothing but protect me.

But even so, I’ve been right there with them... fighting.

You: The others are... in danger...

You: ...I have to go... help them.

You: I have to hurry...!

Tomo: H’oh... So this is the will of the Priestess of Suzaku?

You: Get out of my way, Seiryuu Warrior Tomo.

You: Your made-up illusions can’t stop me!

Tomo: You’re rather spirited, aren’t you...?

Tomo: I commend you for standing up, Priestess of Suzaku

Tomo: But then, the Priestess of Seiryuu overcame this much as well.

Tomo: Aah, that agonized expression was a sight to see.

You: The Priestess of Seiryuu...

You: Misaki-chan!?

You: What did you do to Misaki-chan!?

Tomo: It would have been enjoyable if she hadn’t resisted. Instead, it was accompanied by quite a lot of pain.

Tomo: Her strength and willpower merited respect.

You: Answer me... What did you do to Misaki-chan!?

Tomo: *cackles* I changed her mind.

Tomo: Since you are her comrade, perhaps I can revel in the excitement of that moment once again. (2)

Tomo: I provided her with false memories.

Tomo: I made her believe you had betrayed her. And as time passed, her pain and humiliation waxed like the full moon.

Tomo: Those memories are the reason she resents you.

Tomo: Her feelings toward you changed from the trust and kindness she once had to the hatred she feels now.

Tomo: That is what drives her every move.

Tomo: She is your enemy. There is nothing you can do to help her.

You: You toyed with... Misaki-chan’s heart...

Tomo: *cackles* And what if I did?

You: …You think you can do that… to somebody’s heart?

You: ...I’ll never forgive you. How dare you do that to her...!

Tomo: *cackles*

You: What’s so funny!?

Tomo: Human emotions. In due time, anger is a feeling which strongly compels the heart.

Tomo: Yes, anger creates a gap in a person’s heart.

Tomo: And it is into those very gaps that my genjutsu penetrates.

=Darkness=

You: What…? It got dark all of a sudden...

Tomo: I will put an end to your painful journey, right here.

Tomo: I shall use my “shell,” the greatest genjutsu that I possess.

Tomo: I invite you to a world of the sweetest dreams.

You: What...?

Tomo: You can never escape me.

…

----------

Translation Notes:

(1) “Habitual intemperance will do that to you.” Original Japanese: 日頃の不摂生が祟ってる (higoro no fusessei ga tatatteru) - literally “It comes about because of daily intemperance/neglect of health.” I considered a variety of broader translations (my favorite: “This is what happens when you eat and drink yourself into a coma every day”), but I got the feeling Mitsukake was being both peevish and professional, so I kept the language a bit scholarly. Still think it’s hilarious though. I kinda love how much Tasuki and Mitsukake annoy one another.

(2) “Yer already... a beast in human skin... “ - Here, Tasuki calls Nuriko a bakemono (化け物), literally “a thing that changes.” It’s a broad category in Japanese mythology that refers to entities which take on another form (such as the master shapeshifter, the tanuki). Sometimes you can get away with translating bakemono as “monster” or “ghost,” but neither is quite right. And I personally can’t decide if Tasuki’s taking a jab at Nuriko’s super-strength (implying he’s not human) or the fact that he’s a crossdresser (implying he too is “a thing that changes”). Anyway, I waffled between “shapeshifter” and “beast in human skin” for a long time, but the latter was more insulting so I went with it. Not that I love it. Anyway, I’m all ears if anyone has an alternate suggestion.

(3) Tomo is seriously the world’s biggest creeper, you guys. The word that I translated as “excitement” here is koufun (亢奮), and it comes with a heavy connotation of “arousal.” Damn near everything Tomo says comes with a heavy connotation of “arousal,” in fact. *shudders* I always want to take a shower after I translate his lines.

Tip of the Hat:

A big doumo to Nishune Oujo, who not only worked on part of the translation for this scene, but also gave us that fantastic caption for the Tomo screenshot. Many thanks, Nishi! ^_^