Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Thread Started on Jan 19, 2005, 2:57pm »
This is a translation for the KT sidestory, The Tohno Family Con Game, aka Why Kohaku is the Most Powerful Person in the Type-Moon Universe.
Disclaimer: This is my personal translation, which means that there may be minor mistakes, rephrasing, bad grammar, mispellings, and downright screwups. Additionally, since this particular story had a lot of visual effects, a number of descriptive phrases and sentences were added. However, I think it's mostly correct, so here it is:
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #1 on Jan 19, 2005, 2:57pm »
[Tohno Mansion - Patio]
"Ah, what nice weather!" Kohaku-san gave a tranquil murmur as she sipped tea from a plastic cup.
"Isn't it. It is nice to occasionally eat outdoors." The lunch boxes being mostly empty, Akiha poured herself some tea from the thermos.
"Hisui, want some apple?"
"No, thank you." I pointed to an apple that had been carved into a rabbit shape that remained in the lunch box, but Hisui embarrassedly looked down and declined.
Saturday afternoon. As I promised in the morning, I returned quickly after school and had lunch in the courtyard patio with Akiha and the others. Normally, Hisui and Kohaku eat separately from Akiha and I, but since this lunch was Kohaku's idea in the first place, I put forth my view that this sort of meal is one that everyone should enjoy together. So in the end the four of us, Akiha, Hisui, Kohaku-san, and I, all sat around the lunch boxes.
"This reminds me..." Unexpectedly I remembered some things for long ago.
"What is it, Nii-san?" "Huh? Ah, I just felt a bit nostalgic. We used to sit around here and eat onigiri a lot, after we grew tired of playing." "'A lot'... Actually, weren't you the one that did all the eating, Nii-san? Hisui and I only ate one onigiri each, at most!" "I suppose so. Well, I was the one that ran around the most, so of course I'd be the hungriest, right?"
"That was because you two kept dragging us around everywhere." "These days, though, if you chased me, I'd be caught in an instant." At my whispered words, Akiha's hair flashed pure red for an instant.
"......Did you say something, Nii-san?" "......Nope, nothing."
I hurriedly switched the conversation to Hisui. "Um, back then, Hisui used to be real active, too."
Hisui looked guilty. "That was... I was just trying to keep up with you, Shiki-sama. Originally, I was never fond of all that running around..." she said.
"No need for excuses, Hisui. You've always been on Nii-san's side."
"Akiha-sama..." Hisui said with a pitiful look.
"Whenever we played tag, I remember always being tagged right away. Oh, yes, both Nii-san and you, Hisui, both caught me right away."
"Akiha...... Are you still mad about that?"
She returned an arrogant glance. "Of course not. I was just considering what would happen if we were to play now. Just thinking about it, I can help but smile." ......Again, her hair flashed red.
"Hisui... She's still quite pissed." I whispered to Hisui, who nodded.
"Yes. She was the slowest runner back then." "And when playing tag, it's obvious to aim for the slowest."
Hisui blushed. "I, uh, I never..."
"Hey! What are the two of you muttering over there?! Kohaku, say something!"
"Well, even if you ask me to, I never played with you." At Kohaku's words, the air seemed to freeze.
Ah, that's right. When Akiha, Hisui, and I were running around in the courtyard, Kohaku-san was still imprisoned in the mansion. It's not that we forgot, it's just that unthinkingly the conversation had turned and left of Kohaku-san.
"Sorry, Kohaku-san... that was thoughtless." I apologized.
However, Kohaku-san smiled back at me. "There's nothing to apologize for. I've been having fun listening to your stories." "But..."
I searched for words, but couldn't come up with any. Somehow I'd gotten bogged down in trying to continue this conversation. But if I couldn't find some way to clear up this awkward atmosphere......
Just then, I had a flash of brilliance. "That's it..." I immediately threw out my idea.
"Since we've got the chance, Kohaku-san, want to play tag?"
"Excuse me?" Kohaku-san gave an embarrassed smile.
Akiha looked confused. "Nii-san, do what?"
"Play tag, I said. Eight years ago, I couldn't take Kohaku-san outside to play. Nothing can change that, since you can't turn back time." I took a deep breath, and then continued.
"But, then wouldn't it be a good idea to make something in common for all of us now? Then, when the four of us sit together like this again, we'll be able to smile and laugh about it... Kohaku-san, what do you think?" "Eh, uh, I..." Kohaku-san was bewildered. ...Well, after a sudden suggestion like that, it's not surprising.
I turned my gaze to Hisui. "So, Hisui, how about it?"
"I agree with your suggestion, Shiki-sama." At Hisui's words, Kohaku-san shot a surprised look at Hisui's face.
"H, Hisui-chan..." "Yes, Hisui's in favor. So, Akiha, how about you?"
"For me, rather than saying I agree, it would be better to say I can't find a reason to disagree. So of course, I am in favor." Akiha smiled widely, and then turned to Kohaku-san.
"I order you to participate in this game of tag, Kohaku. Now, by both majority rule and your house head's orders, you're left with no choice, Kohaku." "......" Kohaku-san was silent for a little, then,
"I understand. I'll join in!" She smiled brightly.
"Ok, it's settled! Then, let's hurry up and..." As I started to stand, Hisui spoke.
"However, Akiha-sama."
"What? Is something wrong, Hisui?" "There are no problems with this suggestion itself. However, I think there are not enough people."
"That's true..." "Yeah, it is. We need to get a few more people, then." I sat back down.
"Akiha, do you mean to use our old house rules for this game?"
"Of course!"
Kohaku-san interrupted. "Excuse me, but what are the house rules?" "Ah, you wouldn't know, that's right. Well, our tag rules are a little different than other peoples. First, those who are 'it' we call the 'Oni'. The other people are the 'humans'. Second, anyone tagged, of course, becomes an Oni but the original Oni remains one as well." "Eeeh? Then, the original Oni is always 'it', er, an Oni?" "Right. If anyone remains uncaught by the time limit, then the humans win. If everyone is caught, then the original Oni wins."
"Hey, Akiha, who thought up those rules?" "I heard that they are the Tohno family's traditional rules, handed down through the generations?"
"What about it, Nii-san?" "Nothing......"
I shook my head. Way back when, I never thought about it, but why did these rules have to be associated with 'Oni' and 'Human' races? Ah, well, doesn't matter.
"So, the prize rules, as well...?" At Hisui's words, I nodded. "Yeah, of course. To explain for you, Kohaku-san, each person brings their treasure, and that becomes the prize. That way everyone plays for keeps."
"That seems interesting, but a little scary." "All competitions have some risk. Well, about the number of people, I was going to call some people I know... You don't mind, Akiha?"
"Not at all, that would be no problem at all. Nii-san, you must be surprisingly widely known. And since tomorrow is Sunday, how does using the entire day sound?" "Yeah, that's a good idea. It'll take some time to gather the people together, too." I nodded, and began counting off people in my head.
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #2 on Jan 19, 2005, 2:58pm »
The next day. The weather at nine o'clock was a grey sky, sun mostly hidden by the clouds.
[Tohno Mansion - Living Room]
"......Well, then, Nii-san." Akiha asked me, with an expression as if attempting to endure some headache. "What, precisely, are these faces here?"
Arihiko smiled. "'These faces' is a little mean isn't it, Akiha-chan?" "That's right, Inui-kun." Ciel agreed.
Arcueid also nodded. "That's right. We were called here, so shouldnft there be none of that, little sister?"
"I did not call you here! Nii-san called you! And will you please stop calling me 'little sister', Arcueid-san?!" Akiha yelled, and then spun to glare at me.
"Will you explain this to me, Nii-san?" "Ah, yes, well, you see...." I began twiddling my fingers as I thought about everything that had happened yesterday.
"First I called Arihiko. And then, since Ciel-sempai happened to be there, I asked her, too... And if I'd asked her, then I had to invite Arcueid as well, right?"
Arcueid crossed her arms and frowned at me. "That's right. If you'd invited Ciel but not me, I would have cursed you forever!" "In your case, you really would haunt the Tohno family until it died out, wouldn't you." I sighed.
"Then there's my classmate Yumizuka-san, who's also participating. She may be the only upright one here."
"Ah, thank you for having me here. I'm Tohno-kun's classmate Yumizuka Satsuki. Pleased to meet you."
"Yes, a pleasure to meet you as well, Sempai." Akiha smiled back.
Finished with her public courtesy, Akiha again glared at me.
"Nii-san, may I have a word with you?" Her face twitched as she gestured me closer. "W, what?" I drew near, and Akiha placed her mouth near my ear, and began to speak in a hushed voice.
"Where is she 'The only upright one'?! That thing has red eyes... In other words, that's the Vampire version! Why is she running about during the daytime!?" I glanced out the window. Probably, it's because of the cloudy sky, I thought, but there was no evidence of that, and no way I could ask. Yumizuka may be trying to play dumb or something.
"Come on, compared to the others, she's fine! Especially compared to Arcueid, who has the Marble Phantasm, or you in Kurenaisekishu mode! If you're going to complain, then why didn't you call some of your friends? How about those roommates you mentioned before, or Akira-chan?"
"Well, yes, but... There's no way I could. My school has a dorm, and calling people from the next prefecture over is just too far!"
"Ah, well, I can accept that. However, there is something I want to ask you." Akiha frowned. "What a coincidence. I, as well." At the same time, Akiha and I opened our mouths and turned in the same direction.
"Did you call that here, Akiha?" "Did you call that here, Nii-san?" Where Akiha and I were looking stood a muscular older man and a kimono wearing young man.
Nero glanced sideways at me. "To summon one, then refer to one as 'that' is rude, lad." "Didn't summon you, not at all. At least, I didn't call you."
Shiki was speaking to Akiha. "Don't refer to your real brother as 'that', Akiha! Come on, don't hold yourself back, you can call me 'Shiki Nii-san'!" "Don't joke around! My only brother is Nii-san! Furthermore, I don't remember ever asking you here!"
"Arcueid, did you do this!?"
Arcueid scowled. "Surely you're joking? Why would I invite Nero?!"
"Then, Ciel-sem....pa.... Um, I'd really like it if you would stop brandishing the Black Keys at me, Sempai?"
She was glaring at me. "Even for you, Tohno-kun, there are things you can say and things you shouldn't say, you know? Why would I ever invite an Undead? Unless I had a trap to destroy one, of course, that's different." "Yeah, yeah, that's right, right? But, Sempai, the Black Keys don't really match your school uniform, so how about putting them away?" As I agreed, Sempai withdrew the Black Keys. Whew, thank god.
"No, they don't, do they. But anyways, exactly who called them here? Even Roa--, no, I suppose right now he's Tohno Shiki, isn't he-- him, too..."
"Oh, that was me." Kohaku-san smiled and said. "Kohaku-san?"
"Yes. I thought I would call all the people with deep relationships together. I sent out invitation cards."
"'Relationship' isn't as good a word as 'pretext', when talking about them." Akiha pouted. "Don't say that, Akiha. Just be glad that the other one didn't come, too." "I am." Ah, damn. Now I'm breaking the fourth wall.
"There was one more invitation I sent, but unfortunately, it was returned to sender." Regretfully, Kohaku-san showed the white envelope in her hands. The name written on the front was "Aozaki Aoko".
Arcueid looked pityingly at me. "......If you invited Blue, she'd just destroy the mansion, you know, Shiki?" "Hey, I didn't invite her!"
"Ah, well." Akiha sighed, and glanced around the living room.
"Everyone, I understand that there had some hard feelings between us, but this is the Tohno family mansion. Please restraint your bloodthirstiness."
'You, too' I didn't dare to say. No need to hasten my death, after all.
A little later, again in the living room, Akiha spoke. "Well, everyone is here, right? Then I, Tohno Akiha, shall explain the rules. This game of tag will be using the Tohno Family house rules. The first Oni will be decided through Rock-Paper-Scissors, and will remain Oni even after tagging someone. In other words, there will then be two Onis."
"Yeah, question, little sister!" Arcueid interrupted. Akiha glared back. "I said stop with the 'little sister'...!" She cut herself off, cleared her throat, and then responded again.
"That discussion is going nowhere right now, so afterwards we'll have a nice long discussion, shall we? Then, what is your question, Arcueid-san?" "The Oni are going to keep multiplying, right? Then what happens when the last Human becomes an Oni?" "This game will have a time limit. Right now, it is 9:30am, so we'll start the game at 10:00am. The time limit will be 4:00pm for a total of six hours. Should anyone remain Human, than that person will be the victor. Did everyone bring their prize contribution?"
"Um, well, for me 'bring' isn't quite right, but let's leave that and keep going."
"Hmm? Ah, well. Should more than one person survive, the victors shall split the prizes evenly. Should everyone be captured, the original Oni is the victor." "I see. In other words, the first Oni is like a vampire, who then goes around creating zombies." At Arcueid's simplification, Ciel-sempai's face twitched.
But, yeah. That the same thing I was thinking. In other words, this game has an infectious Oni... Rather than playing 'Tag', wefre actually playing 'Vampire', aren't we?
Arcueid wore a sly smile as she spoke again. "So, Ciel better not get caught. For a member of the Burial Agency to play a Vampire, well, that's just not right."
Ignoring the byplay, Akiha continued explaining the rules. "Now, this next rule is for those people who have special abilities, including myself. If possible, please refrain from senseless use of your powers as much as possible. At the very least, I would be grateful if you keep them to approximately human level abilities." "Hold it, Akiha. What's that supposed to mean?" "Basically, Nii-san, your Eyes of Death and Nero-san's animals are alright, but my Drain abilities and Arcueid-san's Marble Phantasm are forbidden." I kind of understand, but...
"Hey, little sister. That seems really vague to me. For example, are we allowed to jump out of the second story window?" "Yes. In the end, we have to leave it up to the common sense of the ability holder. Everyone, before you use your abilities, please do not forget that there are normal people participating."
Unwittingly, I looked at Arihiko. "You, well, jumping from the second story isn't unthinkable."
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Exactly what it seems.
Across the room, Nero nodded. "I understand, and shall accept your terms, woman." Of all, Nero was the first to indicate his understanding. Just what you would expect from the Professor. With bulging eyes, he seemed to glare at Akiha, but that just possibly have be a friendly meaning, maybe? "In my circumstances, I shall be forbidden from the usage of my 'Earth's Genesis'. I merely wish to confirm beforehand, but in the unlikely chance that I become an Oni, any contact between my familiars and another shall be considered a valid tag, correct?"
"It shall not. If we were to accept that condition, then I fear this game would be over in an instant."
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #3 on Jan 19, 2005, 2:58pm »
Akiha turned back to the others. "Now that the important rules have been explained, it is time for everyone to display their 'treasure', please. This is, after all, one of the requirements for participation."
"Back then, it used to just be my favorite marble or such." Griping, I held out my knife. "For me, it's this, 'The Nanaya Blade', however, I'm going to keep hold of it through the game. I'm going to need it, it seems." "That's fine. Who's next?"
At Akiha's words, Nero took a step forward and opened the breast of his coat. For a moment, a black shadow flew out, then finally one black dog stood before us.
"I shall offer this, my beloved dog Coulter. I trust this has sufficient value as a treasure?"
"Co, Coulter?!" Ciel-sempai's face jerked. "You recognize it, Sempai?"
"In the 15th century, during the Hundred Years War between the English and the French, Coulter was the legendary wolf king that led a pack of nearly three hundred beasts in the Paris environs. But, I'm not sure you could call it a 'dog'..."
"If this is unsatisfactory, then shall I also offer Beat or Lobo? I do not mind."
Forget Beat, even I recognize the name Lobo from the title of Seaton's famous animal stories. But this old guy, he really has lived for a thousand years, hasn't he...
"Just one is fine. Although if you insist, I don't mind."
Then it was Yumizuka-san's turn. "So, next is me, right? Is my Harada Tomoyo album ok? It may not be much to others, but to me it is." "No problem. If it is important to you, than that is what makes it your 'treasure'." "Yay! Then, I'm safely a part of this little war!"
"But, my curry sandwich... is no good, right?" Sempai muttered next to me, but I decided to be brave and ignore her.
Ciel-sempai watched as Akiha accepted the CD from Yumizuka-san and placed on the table, then decided and advanced.
"Then I shall wager this, the Seventh Scripture." With a Thump!, Sempai placed the huge weapon, which she'd just pulled from nowhere, before Akiha.
"Is... Is this truly alright?" Akiha hesitated.
"Since my other treasure seems unusable. The others are putting up things of value, so I must as well."
But, even ignoring all the vampires, wouldn't giving this thing to a normal person cause a lot of trouble?
Akiha looked at the group again. "Um, then the people left are..."
"Yeah! I haven't put out anything yet!" Arcueid waved her hand wildly in the air.
"Yes, Arcueid-san. However, you don't seem to have brought anything?"
"Hehehe..." Laughing, Arcueid looked at me.
I had a sudden chill. An incredibly nasty chill. "Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom." ......Turning quickly on my heel, I left the living room. But, it was too late.
'Grab', Arcueid caught hold of my collar, and thrust me forth in front of Akiha.
"This is my treasure! Looking at Nero, it's no problem my prize is a human, right?"
Akiha was shocked. "Eh!" Ciel-sempai too. "Wha--!" Ciel-sempai and Akiha were the only two that could give voice; the others had jaws hanging open, unable to hide their surprise.
"Hmm, that is the principle, Princess." ......Said Nero, unaffected, the sole exception.
"If my chaos is acceptable, then accepting a human prize is also correct."
Arcueid smiled at his words. "Isn't it just? I really was thinking of using the Millennium Castle or maybe a ton of gold, but those are so vulgar and boring. And besides, it's without a doubt that right now my most precious thing is Shiki!" "Aggh! Like hell I'll take that! Don't just treat people like things!"
"Ah, it's alright, Shiki. Doesn't matter if I'm the Oni or running away, I'm going to win. Don't worry!" I'm REALLY worried now.
"S, stop joking! No one would accept that sort of behavior!" Akiha objected, and Ciel-sempai followed up. "That's right! Uh, uh, of all things, to make Tohno-kun your prize, that's---" As expected, the two heads of the opposition flared up at Arcueid.
Glancing around, I saw Hisui looking troubled. Then I saw Kohaku-san. ......Why are you looking that happy, Kohaku-san?
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #4 on Jan 19, 2005, 2:59pm »
"But ya know..." Interrupting that delicate situation, Arihiko spoke. That self-styled friend of mine knows no fear, does he?
"What is it, Sempai? We're busy here." Hair shining pure red and on the brink of exploding, Akiha asked Arihiko.
"It doesn't matter to me, but I just wanna make sure, ya know? If Tohno's a prize, then who ever wins then owns him, right? Nah, I don't really want to have something like that, though." "......" "......" The other two seemed struck but Arihiko's unexpected words.
Akiha, red faced, gave a small cough before speaking. "Um, well, we've already accepted one living thing as a prize. To bring my personal feelings into this now would be childish, I see." Hey, Akiha.
Ciel-sempai was blushing, too. "That's true. That may have been a problem. Fine. I, too, shall accept what Arcueid says here, and I think Tohno-kun should be made a prize." Hey, hey, Ciel-sempai.
"Do I get a say?"
Arcueid: "No."
Ciel: "No."
Akiha smiled at me. "Democracy, the Family head's command, and the Games Chairman's directive; which of these authorities are you objecting to, Nii-san?" "......" Desperate, I just looked to the heavens.
"Well, then, Arcueid's treasure is Nii-san. We can't leave him on the table, so delivery will have to be after the game."
Arihiko nudged me and laughed. "Yeah, isn't this great, my friend. You fit all around." "......That's right, Arihiko. Not only am I now a prize, you're also treating me like someone like that."
"Ha ha ha! Don't worry, Tohno. When I win, I'll let you go free after a week or so."
Surprisingly, Arihiko seems to be confident of winning. Even facing people like this, why does this guy have such spirit? As ever, you just can't tell when he's an incredible guy, or just a straight out idiot.
"Hey, Akiha!" Shiki yelled.
"Oh, yes, you hadn't gone yet, either. What's your prize?" "You." Shiki pointed at Akiha.
"Huh?"
"I said, you, Akiha. No matter anyone says, you're the most important thing to me." Am I the only one that thinks this is quickly turning into a slave market? "But...Nii-san! Say something!" "Well, I'd certainly like to say something, but I'm a prize, too."
I'd never say it out loud, but this time only, I'm on Shiki's side.
"I, I guess I can't object. If Nii-san has accepted being a prize, then it would be unfair not to accept it myself..." "I didn't accept it, you just decided it!"
"Even so! Well, is there anyone else who hasn't shown their prize yet?" "Akiha, what about you?"
"Ah, I'm offering to let the winner be Master of the Tohno Family for a day. It's not a physical object, but no one minds, right?" Casually, Akiha tossed off that dreadful remark. But, even so, why does her offering sound so much better than other people's 'treasures'?
"For me, this ribbon." Kohaku smiled, and placed a white ribbon on the table.
"What about you, Hisui?"
"Unfortunately, I shall not be participating this time. Akiha-sama has given me the task of using the radio system to announce who is captured and where it occurred." "Ah... I see. That's too bad. I was hoping I'd be able to run around with you again after so long."
"I am very sorry...." Blushing, Hisui apologized.
"Next time, you'll play too, Hisui-chan." Kohaku-san offered.
"Yes, Nee-san. Shiki-sama, Nee-san, here." I took a radio transceiver from Hisui.
"Because this estate is so large, there is no telling when and where someone may be caught. One idea would be for someone who has become an Oni to conceal this fact and approach an uncaught individual, however this would not be fair. Therefore, this time we have a rule to report whenever the Oni catches someone." Hisui continued, then bowed to the group. "I shall be present here in the living room. Should you have any problems or requests, feel free to ask me."
I nodded. "Ah, I got it. So, then, since everyone has presented their 'treasure'--"
"Hold it, hold it, hold it, Tohno! Aren't you forgetting someone!?" Arihiko interrupted.
"......Why don't you just skip the drama and show us, Arihiko? What is your treasure? If you say it's your favorite set of porn books, I'm going to hit you?"
"Ha! Do you really think me treasure would be such a common item? My thing is... This!"
With a loud 'Bam!', Arihiko dropped a massive photo album onto the table.
"Ah, well, strictly speaking, it's not my 'treasure', but I thought this would be a lot more exciting. I really had to work to fish this out from the back of my bookshelves, ya know?" "You know, Arihiko. You may think your memories of your past may be precious to you, but who do you think is going to be happy winning a collection of pictures of you?" I flipped open the album. Inside were plenty of pictures from elementary school through middle school, showing Arihiko at school and at home. Since we did so many things together, I was also in the pictures, sometimes...... but this wasn't 'sometimes!'
"Hey, Arihiko. This can't possibly be..." I pointed at the album, and Arihiko smirked.
"Right, just as you think! This is Inui Arihiko's specially edited 'Tohno Shiki's Boyhood Photo Collection!' So, Akiha-chan! This is my treasure! You'll accept it, of course!"
Crap... In that case, I shouldn't have bet my knife, but gone and brought my photo album from the Arima household. But it's too late now. I've already thrown in my chips.
"Arcueid, you can't! That's a prize for the winner! There's no point if you start looking at it before the game even begins!"
"Still saying things like that. You know you want to look, Ciel."
"Ah, uugh.....Th, this and that are different matters! I intend to fight fair and square and win it for myself!"
Arcueid frowned. "...'Fair and square?'" "Wh, what about it?"
"Oh, it's nothing... Just that to hear the words 'fair and square' coming from someone who always attacks from the shadows, in the night, or from ambush, well, I was a little surprised."
"Are you trying to pick a fight?" Ciel-sempai glared back.
The air between the two started to warp with their anger. I hurriedly slid between them. Since no one else looked about to stop then, I had to.
"Hey, you guys! No going into combat mode! There's to be no killing each other today!" After I spoke, Arcueid and Ciel-sempai relaxed disappointly fast.
"Oh, I know. This is just one of our little courtesies." Arcueid smiled, and then Ciel-sempai did, too.
"That's right, Tohno-kun. We all know that today's a day to set aside formality and relax. Right, Arcueid?"
"Yeah, yeah! Well, no mercy during the game, though."
"That goes for me, too. Fufufufufu"
So, again the air between them grew tense. It's like a Cold War. I sighed. I'd really like it if you stopped this sort of life shortening 'courtesy', though.
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #5 on Jan 19, 2005, 2:59pm »
The end result of the Rock-Paper-Scissors was that Kohaku was the Oni. "Bad luck, Kohaku-san." I said. But she just smiled.
"Not at all. All I need to do is make everyone else an Oni, right? Then this is easier than running around."
"Kohaku. Once you've closed your eyes and counted to one hundred, you may move." Akiha instructed.
"I understand. Well, I'll start counting now." Kohaku-san said, and then closed her eyes. Time for me to get moving, too.
"Be careful as you go, everyone. I shall pray for your good fortunes." "Yeah, work hard as the announcer, too, Hisui."
"One......Two......" I could hear Kohaku-san's voice from behind me as I left the living room.
[Tohno Mansion - Front Hall]
Well. Walking through the hall, I started to think. In a normal game like this, the way to certain victory is to find a spot where you can watch the Oni without being seen yourself. In the best case, a position where, if you should be seen, you have enough distance to flee. But this time, that won't work. That's because this game's rules have the number of Oni continually increasing, so there will be more observational targets than one person could manage, But, before any of that... I turned around.
"Aarrgh! Why are you all following me!?"
Arcueid responded first. "Eh? But it'll be fun with you. And on top of that, at the right time, we can split up and confuse the Oni."
Ciel nodded. "Leaving aside Arcueid's first sentence, I am in agreement with what she says." "But, then there's no point to playing at all! If even one person of this group gets tagged, then in an instant everyone else would be caught!" I objected, and then turned my attention elsewhere. "And what about you two?! Shiki and Akiha!"
"Who cares? You're just going the same direction I thought to go. Besides, even way back when, didn't we always have the same destination, Shiki!" "Now that you mention it, we did, didn't we... What about you, Akiha?"
"It's a bit troublesome; when I saw Nii-san's back, I just wanted to follow. Is this what they call 'childhood imprinting'?" Well, it's true that you always did tag along behind me, Akiha, but you know... It's less 'imprinting' than it is Pavlovian conditioning.
"......Yumizuka-san?"
She looked startled. "Ah? Eh, ummmm... I just felt it would be a little lonely being by myself... is this okay?" "It's not okay. Just as I told Arcueid and Sempai earlier, if we're all together, then it wouldn't be much of a game. Anyways, for the moment, everyone needs to scatter... I'm just asking, but why did YOU come along?"
Nero looked back impassively. "A real battle is one thing, but this sort of competition I am unfamiliar with. I had intended to observe and inquiring into the actions of those familiar with this game, but I understand. To put it briefly, I shall just act as I normally do." "......Please do so. OK! Everyone, split up!"
I clapped my hands, and everyone began to leave.
Arcueid: "See you later, Shiki!" Ciel-sempai: "Tohno-kun, be careful." Shiki: "Fuhahahaha! I know this estate from end to end! You'll see, Shiki! I'll be the last one standing!" Akiha: "Nii-san, for the moment I'm going to return to my room to think. If I need to, I can always flee out my window, after all." Satsuki: "If I'm in a pinch, come save me, Tohno-kun!" Nero: "Fare thee well, Human. Next time we meet, we may be enemies."
Flying outdoors, rushing up the stairs, or heading down the hallways, everyone left in their intended direction. Planning for myself, I began to think. It's about time for Kohaku-san to start chasing, so I'd better get moving, too. Then, as I headed outside. Hmm? I realized something, and stopped. Just a minute ago, did I miss someone?
[Tohno Mansion - Outdoors]
Leaving the courtyard, I arrived in front of the old outbuilding. I looked behind me, but there was no one there. "Haa... Haa..." It seems like no one's been caught yet, so I felt a little relieved.
And right then.
Chkzzz... A quiet noise erupted from the earphone I was wearing.
"The second Oni has been created--" Hisui's voice. If a second Oni has been created, than that means that Kohaku-san has successfully caught someone. But whom?
"--Currently the Onis are: My sister, Kohaku, and Nero-sama." "Nero?!"For a moment, I doubted my ears. That's crazy! That's someone that should never have been caught by Kohaku-san! "---That is the report at this time."
[Several minutes earlier - Tohno Mansion Living Room]
"Ninety-nine...... One Hundred!" Kohaku finished counting.
"Nee-san, good luck. Be careful."
"Ah, Hisui-chan. The prized are all by the table, right?"
"Yes, that's right. But Nee-san, what are you looking for under there?" "A little something. Ah, there it is!"
Nero's beast, Coulter, stared back at her.
"Hey, Hisui-chan. Is this little one calm?"
"Earlier, I fed him so ham from the kitchen, so I think it's all right. Why do you ask?"
"I just want to touch him." "Hm? He's quite happy if you pat his back."
Kohaku smiled widely. "Ooh! There, there, boy. Well, then." "Nee-san, what was that?" "I tagged Nero-san. With that, he is now an Oni. Hisui-chan, would you please call Nero-san on the radio?"
[A little later]
"What do you mean by this, girl?" Nero demanded.
"Umm, Nero-san, you are Chaos, correct?" "Correct. I am the Chaos that contains Six Hundred and Sixty Six beasts. That is my Chaos. What about it?" "So, Coulter-kun here is also Chaos, right? In other words, it is you as well, Nero-san?" "However, I see one large gap in your interpretation. Take a portion of you arm, and throw it away. If that portion is then touched, would it not fail to count as a 'tag' under these rules?"
"However, pieces of arms don't move. Of course, neither to pieces of legs or fingers, either."
"Hmm..." "For example, if you were cleaved in two, Nero-san, would you not become an Oni should either half be tagged? In other words, since Coulter-kun is you, shouldn't this tag be valid? As a theorem, it would be Nero = Chaos = Coulter-kun."
"Hmm... I see. To give a syllogism, to win, you are required to tag the Chaos that is me. And my familiar Coulter is that same Chaos. Thus, if you tag Chaos, than I should become an Oni." "That's right. Too bad."
[The Present - Tohno Mansion Outdoors]
[......] I cocked my head at that point. He'd accept that? I really can't understand how these scientists think. But just forget about that for the moment. In proof that Nero was now an Oni, one of Nero's familiar deer appeared in front of me.
It didn't seem like it was going to attack me. Problem it's there to observe. Its eyes never left me.
Well, it seems like hiding in the outbuilding is out, now. There's no idiot in the world stupid enough to hide in front of the eyes of his hunter.
Ah, well. Since Kohaku-san and Nero are still inside the mansion, then right now the only place left to hide is in the forest. Spinning on a heel, I started walking.
The problem is, how am I going to get rid of that familiar? Or so I thought, and turned back to face the outbuilding again.
"......?" The deer hadn't moved from in front of the building. What, not going to follow?
And while I was asking myself that, a black leopard appeared. "Uwah!" Ah, that's right. Nero has 666 total familiars, so even if he doesn't have one familiar follow each person around, he can still keep an eye on all likely places.
...It certainly is just like Akiha said. If it weren't for the rule requiring every tag to be with the hand, then this game would be over in an instant. "Fuuu..." Ah, what a pain. The most annoying guy got tagged right away. I kept running.
[Tohno Mansion Outdoors - Grove]
Thirty minutes later.
Hiding from the eyes of the familiars, I sunk into the shadow of a tree. Accidentally, my stomach rumbled. Glancing at me watched told me it was about 11:30. Yeah, it's about lunch time, isn't it. ......Well, yeah, but it's not a good idea to move right now. In an attempt to conserve some energy, I leaned back against the trunk of the tree and relaxed.
Right then. Chkzzz.... At that sound, I jumped up dangerously fast. ......The third person? "The third Oni has been created--" Just like before, Hisui's voice. Who was it this time?
[A few minutes earlier - Tohno Mansion Living Room]
"It's almost lunch time, isn't it, Hisui-chan?"
"But today, neither Akiha-sama nor Shiki-sama are present... Nee-san, what will you do?"
"Everyone gets hungry after exercising. I thought I'd make something simple. After all, we've got a lot of guests today--"
"Soup?"
"Ah, how disappointing, Hisui-chan! Today's lunch will be curry!"
"By the way, where has Nero-san gone?" "Ah, Nero-san found someone hiding, so he headed outside. Let's finish the curry before he comes back, Hisui-chan."
I pulled the transceiver from my ear. No need to listen to know who was caught.
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #6 on Jan 19, 2005, 3:00pm »
More importantly, I was getting concerned because I could feel something watching me from up in the trees. The 'someone hiding' Kohaku-san had mentioned --no proof, just intuition, but as soon as I realized that was me, I started moving.
As I ran weaving through the trees, I couldn't get away from the gazes overhead at all. I don't know how many, but it seems like there are a lot of Nero's familiars up there.
Before me, a black dog blocked my path.
"Move it!"
Ching!
A single blade stroke 'killed' both front legs. Even if it is just Chaos, killing during a game seems a little awkward. If it's only the legs, so it can't move, then when it goes back inside Nero there shouldn't be any problems... I think. A bit hypocritical, huh.
That was just a second's consideration. I leapt over the dog's head, and with pausing, slipped quickly into the mansion.
[Tohno Mansion - Front Hall]
So that I wouldn't encounter anyone, I rushed quickly up the stairs.
Chkzzz.... The way too familiar noise of a new Oni. "The fourth Oni has been created--" "Man, last time was Ciel-sempai, who is it this time...?"
[Tohno Mansion - Shiki's Room]
I closed the door to my room, and leaned against it. I checked the time. Currently 12:30.
"First, we'll catch you with this rope. Then, with Nero-san's Chaos binding your legs, I can take my time tagging you." "Hold it. What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, Shiki-san could always kill the floor and escape downwards, and since you're in good shape, you might also attempt to jump out the window. So, the first thing to do would stop you from moving." "Well, jumping from the second story isn't unthinkable."
"See? So please, just quietly let us capture you. Nero-san, Shiki-san has agreed to your use of Chaos." "Aggh! Like hell I'll take that!"
"Is that so. Then, with hesitation, I shall summon forth all my beasts that are not patrolling outdoors. Boy, I may be forbidden the 'Earth's Genesis', but it will be fine to drag you into the heart of a screaming hell of 300 beasts. Given the chance, how about becoming a part of my Chaos? Hmm, no, having a familiar with your Mystical Eyes would not be bad at all." "Don't just treat people like things!"
"So, you see, Shiki-san, just stay right there... Don't worry, this won't hurt a bit!" "Do I get a say?"
"Just through that sort of this into the garbage. Well, Nero-san, take him!" "Hmph--!"
[Tohno Mansion - Corridor]
The door to Akiha's room was flung open and she stepped out. "Just what do you think you're doing in front of my room!"
Nero looked at Akiha, then Kohaku. "Hmm, I did not think she would actually come out, girl. I guess this a case of 'Acting just as expected'."
Akiha glared around confusedly. "But, Nii-san... Why did I hear his voice?"
"The root of that magic is THIS. I have lived a long time, but a girl this tricky is rare. I am quite awed." "A tape recorder...! Kohaku, when did you ever....?!"
"Before everyone gathered in the living room, I started the tape recording from behind the table. Shiki-san's lines seemed so easy to use, so I just edited them a little. It may be a clichEtrick, but it's clichEbecause it's effective, right?"
"You really did it this time... Kohaku."
"Eheh, I'm sorry."
"By the way, you two......"
"Yes?" "Hmm?"
"As far as I can tell from Hisui's broadcasts, aren't you two surprisingly well matched?"
[Back to the Present] [Tohno Mansion - Shiki's Room]
"What a waste. Of all things, now Akiha's an Oni, too."
Shiki stood before my eyes, and spoke to the ceiling. "Now, I've got to make absolutely certain not to get caught. I can't let Akiha go to anyone else!" "......Can I ask you something?"
Shiki looked back at me. "Mm? What is it, Shiki? You hungry? I'm starved."
'Ha ha ha!', Shiki gave a meaningless little laugh. Ah, well, that doesn't matter. There is one thing I absolutely need to ask this guy, though.
"Why are you in my room?"
"Haa? What are you saying? This was originally my room. You only started living here recently! Damn, don't you remember living in the outbuilding?" "Oh, is that right?"
"Not 'is that right', but 'that IS right'! Anyways, they say you can't fight on an empty stomach, so shall we eat?"
Shiki pulled a bag packed with sausages out of his sleeve.
"...When did you pick that up?" "Ah, right before Akiha started explaining the rules. I knew I wouldn't have time for a leisurely lunch, after all, and if I wanted something I could simply carry around with me, well, there wasn't anything but these."
"Well, you feel free to treat this like your own house." "Although, I was really hoping for a nice blood pack to drink..."
Somehow, it seems like there's an implicit truce in effect right now. So, I took the opportunity to question Shiki.
"I don't need any of that.... By the way, Shiki, did you realize it?"
"Ah? Realize what?" Shiki shoved a red sausage into his mouth. "This game isn't just about athletics or strength." "Ah, yeah, because that schemer Kohaku is involved. Wouldn't obviously be a battle of wits? If the original Oni had been myself or Akiha, then it would have been brute force, though. Then on top of it, the second Oni was pretty bad. Why'd it have to be Professor Nero? Here."
"Ah, thanks." Shiki held out the bag, and I pulled out a few sausages, and tossed them in my mouth. Glancing at the clock, it was already past 2 o'clock. No wonder I'm hungry. "In other words, this game is less a game of Tag and more a sort of Con Game, a battle of treachery and deception. This Oni has been setting traps and tricking people for a long time." "I wonder what her next move will be?" "Who knows? It's certain to be quite....."
Shiki's gaze was pointed in an odd direction. Towards the floor and off to the right.
"What is it?"
"It seems like the others have been searching the rooms one by one. This is bad. Fairly soon, they'll get here." "You've got X-ray vision?" "Nah, I can just feel their presence, that's all. By the footsteps and voices, I can tell."
We stood. The corridor needs to be avoided at all costs. Which means... "Haa...I never thought I'd have to imitate Arcueid."
Just as I placed one foot on the windowsill, a high scream echoed through the mansion.
"Kyaaa! A cockroach!"
What an incredibly fake monotone scream, Akiha!
Shiki, however... "What!? Akiha, wait for me! I'm coming to kill it right now!"
I tripped, and face planted. Hurriedly, I got up to stop him. "Idiot! Shiki, don't go!" "Whos the idiot! You going to just ignore Akiha when she's in danger?! You cold-hearted bastard!"
"Cold-hearted or not isn't the issue. Akiha's an Oni right now, you know?"
"So what? I'm going to go save Akiha! No matter what, I will always protect Akiha!"
In certain situations, those may be very moving lines. If your 'victim' is obviously setting a trap, and your opponent is also a cockroach (a plainly imaginary one), is moving, that is. I placed my hands on Shiki's shoulders.
"I understand. I won't say anything else. In my place, do a splendid job of protecting Akiha, Shiki."
"Yeah! See ya later, Shiki. Our earlier conversation... I enjoyed it." "Me, too." Smiling at him, I jumped out the window to the tree.
By the time I was reaching out for the third tree, Hisui's familiar 'report' sounded in my ears, and I sighed. "Just as you'd expect from real siblings. They both got caught by the same trap."
[Tohno Mansion - Outdoors]
Nero's familiar was gone from in front of the outbuilding. Probably, as the number of Oni increased, he'd pulled them back to make himself stronger. Or maybe, keeping it here was just a pain.
[Outbuilding - Inside] I flew inside the building, and flopped down on the floor. "Haa.... Haa...." The clock was pointing to 3 o'clock. Only an hour left. I never wondered why I was getting so serious over something like this. It's like that. It's just like people watching a pillow fight can stay calm, but the ones involved get really hyped. Or something.
Man, now I'm tired enough that I've started on meaningless self-analysis. I don't think the Oni folks are going to stay searching the mansion forever. With only an hour left, even this outbuilding isn't a safe place anymore. Umm, how many people are still alive, anyway? I hadn't heard anything about Arcueid getting caught. Otherwise, there's Yumizuka-san...
Chkzzz... At that familiar noise, I twitched. "The sixth Oni has been created--" ......Who?
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #7 on Jan 19, 2005, 3:00pm »
[A few minutes earlier] [Tohno Mansion - Corridor]
Satsuki was walking down the hallway. "Fuu... Even in the daytime, this is a great vampire body. Even the basic physical strength is different from a living human. If I can just stay free for one more hour, then I'll split the prizes with Tohno-kun. Yup, that's fine. I'll sure show them how I can get away. I mean, I even got away from that Sempai, after all."
"Hmmm? I suppose you're thinking you can just jump out that window?"
Satsuki spun around, and glared towards the voice. "Who's there?"
"That's worthless. Your charming gaze will never work on me. After all..."
"Ah! You!"
"That's right. I'm the very one that drank your blood, the one you could call your parent, Tohno Shiki-sama. Goodness, you've started to grow into quite the vampire, huh... Ah, you can't run away. Don't move."
"...Ah, I can't move! Why not?"
Shiki smirked. "Didn't I just say it? I'm basically your parent. My commands must be absolutely obeyed. You can't escape my rule. Now, it would be quite troubling for you to survive this game. Unfortunately, I can't let you take the position as head of the Tohno Family. With myself and Akiha out, that means there's only one thing left for me to do. I'm going to make everyone an Oni. Completely losing doesn't suit me."
[Back to the Present] [Outbuilding - Inside]
With that, Yumizuka-san is out. Which means that the people left are me, and Arcueid.... ... ...... ............ Wait a second! Aren't I forgetting someone? Suddenly the vision of a certain guy floated up in my mind, and I raised my head.
--Arihiko. That's right; I hadn't heard him get called out yet. Which means... When did he disappear, anyway? He was definitely in the living room. But after that...
[Flashback to the Tohno Mansion Front Hall]
I clapped my hands, and everyone began to leave.
Arcueid: "See you later, Shiki!" Ciel-sempai: "Tohno-kun, be careful." Shiki: "Fuhahahaha! I know this estate from end to end! You'll see, Shiki! I'll be the last one standing!" Akiha: "Nii-san, for the moment I'm going to return to my room to think. If I need to, I can always flee out my window, after all." Satsuki: "If I'm in a pinch, come save me, Tohno-kun!" Nero: "Fare thee well, Human. Next time we meet, we may be enemies."
Flying outdoors, rushing up the stairs, or heading down the hallways, everyone left in their intended direction. Planning for myself, I began to think. It's about time for Kohaku-san to start chasing, so I'd better get moving, too. Then, as I headed outside. Hmm? I realized something, and stopped. Just a minute ago, did I miss someone?
[Back to the Present - Outbuilding - Inside]
--By then, Arihiko had already disappeared. But in that case, exactly where is he? Have I just not seen him? Or, considering who this is, is he lurking somewhere?
Right then, I sensed someone outside. At once, I jumped through the shouji door and ran in the opposite direction.
[Tohno Mansion - Forest]
I ran through the trees. Shiki grinned at me.
"You're so slow, Shiki. No matter how much you try, you are after all just a human, you know?" "Shiki, I don't suppose you feel like letting me go?"
"I have no reason to let you get away. It's not like we're trying to kill each other today, so if you go quietly, it'll soon..."
Thump!
'Thump?''
Still smiling, Shiki slowly toppled. From behind him, Akiha appeared, smiling at me.
"That was close, Nii-san." "Akiha... Why...?"
She looked away. "Once I became an Oni, I had to make sure that you remain alive, Nii-san. For you, I can feel relieved letting you take over as head of the Tohno Family, and then... umm... I'm a prize, too...""Hmm? What's wrong, Akiha? Your face is turning red?"
"Geesh, you don't have to understand! Anyways, I'm your ally, so hurry up and run away! Soon, other pursuers will be here!"
"A, ah. Got it. Thank you, Akiha."
"It was my pleasure."
'Is this really a fair game?' I began to wonder, but if I really think about it, when playing tag against vampires, the humans need to be able to get away with almost anything. So I told myself, and cleared my doubts.
As I resumed running, the transceiver crackled in my ear.
[Earlier]
"Well, it looks like we've finished searching the inside of the mansion." "Then all that remains is the outdoors and the outbuildings. Let us split up and search. I shall look for the Princess. What about the rest of you?" "I'm going to look for Tohno-kun!" "Akiha-sama and Shiki-sama have already headed outside, so let us follow them. Ok, everyone, do you best to find Arcueid-san and Shiki-san!"
[Tohno Mansion - Living Room]
"......Looks like they're gone."
Arihiko stood up. "Fuu.....Ah, that was painful. I'm glad no one found me, but it's a little hard to understand why not."
Hisui responded. "With everything that's happened, you've been hiding behind the sofa for more than five hours. Are you alright?"
"Ha.... Leave it to me! I, Inui Arihiko, would be perfectly fine even if I had to be a human chair for an entire week!"
"I believe you would die if you did so, though. By the way, why were you hiding in such a place?" "Oh, that. Well, this is less a game of tag, and more a game of hide-and-seek, so I used those techniques to win. To put it shortly, 'hiding in plain sight'. No one would ever think that someone would hide in the very place that the Oni was counting, and so they blind themselves."
"I did not know that." "The real problems with this trick are that you can't use it twice, and if you are noticed, you'll be caught right away. But somehow, it looks like it went well this time. Everyone is desperately searching outside."
Hisui suddenly looked worried. "Ah......"
"Ah, well. Anyways, since everyone went outside, I can finally get to stretch a bit." "Um..." "Hmm? What is it, Hisui-chan?" "Not everyone."
"Ah, that's right. Hisui-chan's here, after all. Sorry, that was rude." "No, not that. In the kitchen..."
Right then, Ciel stepped out of the kitchen. "Ahhh....That was good. It's been a long time since I got to eat that much curry. Ah, I see Inui-kun! Ok, tag! Now Inui-kun, you're an Oni, too!"
Arihiko's face fell. "Ahh...."
Ciel was still smiling. "Hisui-san, would you please report Inui-kun's capture?"
"Yes. I shall now begin the transmission."
"--Which means that currently remaining are Arcueid-san and Shiki-sama. Do your best for the remaining ten minutes."
This time, it seems like it really is just Arcueid and I.
[Tohno Mansion - Forest Clearing]
Then, from the direction of the courtyard, I spotted Arcueid. Hey, why are you so blatantly walking around!
"Arcueid!"
"Yahoo, Shiki! You're doing fine, it seems." "Where have you been hiding?!"
"Eh? I've just been taking a nap on the roof of the mansion. The only ones who see me there were Nero's familiars." Why? It is just me that feels like an idiot for all that panicked running around the estate?
"So, with only 10 minutes left, what are you doing here? Wouldn't it have been better to just quietly sit there spacing out on the roof?"
"But then, it would have been almost as if I didn't participate at all! I wanna run around and be chased, too." "Ah, I see. I've done more than enough of that, enough that I'd rather trade with you."
"Yup! I've been watching you from up there the entire time. It's been pretty amusing." ......Right now, that part of my self that, without any connection to my Nanaya blood, wanted so badly to kill Arcueid, was precious to me.
"Then shall I give you the pleasure of being chased, Arcueid?"
Thunk!
Between Arcueid and me, a sudden gust of wind blew. No, not a wind, a giant knife-- a Black Key.
The blade was half buried in the wall of the estate, still quivering with the force of the throw. And among all the people I know, only one uses these--
"Ciel-sempai..."
"Hello, Tohno-kun. It's tax collection time." "Sempai, that line doesn't really match your Executioner's clothing... for that matter, when did you change?" "Don't worry about the little details. Well, then, with this, we'll have caught everyone. Inui-kun, take care of Tohno-kun, please."
"Aye, aye, sir! Tohno, just give up!" "I'll pass!"
I easily dodged the charging Arihiko.
"Arcueid!"
"It looks like this one doesn't intend to let me leave, either. Shiki, go on ahead." "But what about..." "Ciel is no worry. As long as I keep her in check, she can't do anything to you." "Uh, got it... But no killing, remember?" "I know that. This is a game after all. But you know---"
Arcueid's eyes started to shine.
"Aren't the Black Keys forbidden, Ciel? If you're going to act like that, then I too shall become just a little serious."
Re: Tohno Family Con Game Translation « Reply #8 on Jan 19, 2005, 3:00pm »
[Tohno Mansion - Living Room]
"Haaa...." I returned to the mansion living room. The clock pointed to 3:59pm. No matter who returns, I can at least buy that much time before getting tagged.
Hisui greeted me. "Welcome back, Shiki-sama." "Ahh, I'm back, Hisui... Heh, it sounds almost like the usual conversation we have when I get back from school."
"It does, doesn't it? Since you have returned just in time, I shall make my report in person. Arcueid-sama has become an Oni."
"Seems like even Arcueid couldn't keep Sempai from tagging her."
"I'm sorry, but that's incorrect. While Ciel-sama pulled all of Arcueid-sama's attention to herself, Akiha-sama tagged her from behind."
"I see. So, I'm the only one left in the end, huh."
"No. In the end, no one remains." "Eh?"
Even before I could ask, Hisui's hand touched my shoulder.
"Now, it's all over."
As she said that, Hisui smiled. Her meaning slowly drifted into my brain.
It was unlikely that Hisui would ever choose to touch me. On top of that, she has no reason to touch me. So, that means, the person in front of me isn't Hisui, but using Hisui's clothes--
"Ko, Kohaku!?"
"Yes, it was very close, but I just made it in time. 5 seconds remained."
Just as Hisui-- I mean, Kohaku, nodded her head, the bell rang to announce the end of the game.
[Later, in the Living Room]
Arihiko was narrating the photo album. "Umm, these are the Field Day pictures of the Arima family. This one is when, after the foot race, Tohno had collapsed."
Arcueid smiled. "Heh, so Shiki was a child, huh..."
Ciel scowled. "Arcueid, what obvious stuff are you babbling? Any human was a child at one time." "I wasn't. Uwah, I want this picture of Shiki!"
"You aren't human! And this prize album belongs to Kohaku-san, so don't just go taking pictures out of it!"
"Heh...... Then, those five pictures you snuck into your pocket will be returned, right? Geesh, you lecture people, when you're acting like that yourself! I just can't let you out of my sight."
"Yumizuka, stop looking so greedy. You've got your own pictures from middle school, right?"
"But, I don't have many pictures of Tohno-kun."
"And then, the little sister is over there staring so seriously at the album. Hey, little sister! Come back to Earth!"
"Ah...Yes? What is it, Arcueid-san?" "Ah, she's back. You've spent so long staring facinatedly at Shiki's pictures, even though you see him every day."
"This and that are entirely different issues. Nii-san and I were apart for eight years, so of course the records of his precious growing up would be interesting."
"But, isn't it nice for you. For you, since Kohaku won, you can see them any time." "But I'd have to ask Kohaku every time I did, which is just a little bit annoying. Ah, well, I suppose I can settle on that as a compromise. I am one of the losers, after all."
Shiki stepped in to the conversation now. "Akiha. Stop looking just at Shiki's pictures. Look at mine, too. The precious pictures of your real brother growing up!"
"But, they're all pictures of your prison cell!"
Ciel looked too. "Uwah, this is rather scary. The background doesn't change at all, only the pictured person is growing. And then, they're all the same peace-sign pose, making it look like some sort of ghost photo. Did you take these, Kohaku-san?"
Now Nero spoke up. "I, too, am the owner of a photo album. The pictures of all the familiars I've absorbed in the past. Look as much as you please. Those captured inside are all unusual creatures and rare beasts, making this a valuable book."
"Uwah.... That guy's album has a handle on the front! Although, if he hadn't explained, it looks just like a book of animal pictures."
"'Twitching Animal Land'...? Are there all 666 in here?"
"Not at all. There are also mementos from those who died in there, so there are well over a thousand. Additionally, those that became undead don't photograph well. At the same time, there are some paintings in there, too."
Arcueid looked. "There really are. Nero, you can paint?"
Watching the others out of the corner of my eye, I sat on the sofa talking to Hisui. Her face looked very interested in the photos, but at the same time she seemed too tense and so was staying away. Ah, well, she can look at the album later.
"And then to be done in by Hisui. And the old-fashioned Twin trick, too."
"I'm very sorry, Shiki-sama. About 30 minutes before the game ended, Nee-san suggested it, and so we switched places."
"Well, there was no rule against using disguises, so it's fine. And besides, I was the one that let my guard down there at the very end of it all, which hurts."
"Regrettable, Shiki-sama."
"Yeah. Ah, that reminds me. Where did our victor, Kohaku-san, go, anyway? Do you know, Hisui?" "I spotted Nee-san heading to the courtyard a little while ago. Probably, she went outside to cool down a little." "Ok. Then, I'm going to follow her." I stood up from the sofa.
[Tohno Mansion - Courtyard]
As I entered the courtyard, I saw Kohaku-san sitting in a chair with her eyes closed. It's just like Hisui said, she came out here to cool off. Since it was already dark outside, the breeze was refreshingly chilled.
"Ah, Shiki-san. What is the matter?" Noticing me as I drew near, Kohaku-san opened her eyes and stood.
"Nothing, I just thought I'd talk a bit. That ok?" "Of course, I don't mind at all. What did you wish to talk about?"
Although, to tell the truth, there wasn't really any topic I had in mind.
"Today was the first time in a while I've done so much running around. I'm rather tired."
"Were you and the others like that way back when, too? I mean, using the entire estate." "Well, if you mean playing wherever we wanted, then yeah, but we were little kids back then. There wasn't any running around all over the place like we did today. And then, back then, the game was a lot simpler. Just run, and if the Oni catches you, you're out. That was all."
"Ahaha. Sometime in the middle today, the goal mysteriously changed." "Yeah. Back then, no one made any curry in the middle of the game."
"Hmm, that's true. But it didn't seem like I could win with a straight up fight. But I'm glad. In the end, even Hisui-chan got to play."
That's... Could you really call that 'playing'? I don't know, but if she accepts it as such, that's fine.
"Ah, that's right. Here, I'm returning this." And Kohaku-san pulled a knife out from her sleeve. The handle had 'Nanaya' carved on it. My knife.
"Ciel-san's Seventh Scripture and Akiha-sama's 'Master of the Tohno Family for a day' I'm also giving back. Even if I kept them, I have no way to use them."
"And Shiki's prize of Akiha?"
"Ahaha, it's very tempting, but the consequences are frightening, so I'll give up on that. But for you, Shiki-san, I'd like to have dating privileges at least once."
"Ah, I don't mind that at all. And for that reason, I'm glad Arcueid or one of the others didn't win. In Arcueid's case, she really might drag me back to the Millennium Castle with her."
"The rest of the prizes, though, I will happily keep. Your childhood photos, for example, are wonderful."
I could feel my face falling into a trouble expression. Knowing that there's an album of my pictures in Kohaku-san room... somehow it's difficult to calm down.
"......Anyways, shall we return? Without the guest of honor, I'm sure everyone is worried."
"That's true. And if we're here too long, we'll freeze."
Then, as Kohaku-san and I stood together to return indoors--
Woooooooooooooooo!
In the distance, I could hear a dog's howl. Unconsciously, I looked up. "Hmm? A wild dog?"
"Oh, you know, things have been pretty stirred up lately. So, I told Akiha-sama 'Why don't we get a guard dog?', and this was just perfect." I unthinkingly turned back to the courtyard. No, certainly, Kohaku-san had never said a word about returning THAT.
"Um, you're intending to... make that black beast our guard dog?"
"Yes! As reliable as he is. Soon, we'll have to go buy some ham for him to eat."
'Reliable', she said. Do you really understand, Kohaku-san? That's a war dog and a familiar, you know? The Tohno Mansion already has a rather bad reputation, but when you start keeping that around, what sort of rumors will there be?
"Shiki-san, if you keep standing there, you'll catch a cold!" At Kohaku-san's call, I returned to myself. "Yeah, ok! I'm coming!" Turning quickly, I headed indoors.
Woooooooooooo! At my back, Coulter-kun raised a lonely howl to the moon.
I caught up to Kohaku-san in the corridor. "Did you have fun?"
"Oh, yes. Thank you so much." "That's good. Then, Kohaku-san, of all the things you got, which one makes you happiest?"
Kohaku smiled happily back at me. "Memories of playing together with everyone."
"To say it candidly, I think you are very dense, Shiki-sama." Member of Revolve's Tsukihime Project. Typemoon.us is still urgently needing more fanfiction, please if you write, think of submitting!
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