level_act11d7_st01

棘刺篇

Hello? Excuse me? Is anyone home? There's no way you'd be refusing to pick up again, right?

Hello? Ah, ohh! There, there you are!

Hey, I finally got through...

You should've made it over there already, yeah? So, how's Siesta?

Get a load of this. The Doctor said it's so hot over there, people sometimes pass out on the streets. Then, they get woken up later with free beer. That true?

Ah, by the way, which celebrities did they book for the music festival this time? Is the Emperor gonna be there?

Oh, have you seen anyone from Alive Until Sunset? I play their songs as my background music. Listen to this one—

If you have something to say, spit it out already. Otherwise, I'm hanging up.

Wait, hold up, c'mon bro, don't be like that!

I do have something to tell you, so don't hang up, man!

Sigh...

If you wanted to come that badly, why aren't you here?

Because I can't, man! Did you think I wanted to stay behind?

Since all you guys went, someone had to stay behind on the ship. Plus, I also had some internal stuff to deal with. You know, that Gavial, she—

Stop. Don't tell me about your missions.

Eh, it's nothing classified. But still, there is that one thing that's rather...

If it's important, get to the point. Thirty words or less.

Not cool, bro.

Has anyone ever told you you can be a real wet blanket at times?

Nope.

Poor chap. They must all be too afraid to tell you the truth.

I'm hanging up.

Fine, fine, I'll cut to the chase!

Sigh...

The source isn't that reliable but there might be some trouble at this music festival but since I know you don't really care about that please ask for an autograph if you happen to bump into anyone from Alive Until Sunset! Big thanks in advance!

...Is that all?

Huh? Uh, yeah.

That was forty-five words. You went over by fifty percent.

And, if you blast music at that volume in the office, the Engineering Department will be there to smash your stereo within ten seconds.

Huh?

Wait a sec. Did you need something... Disturbing the work environment? What are you talking ab— ...Aaaah, my bad, ignore what I just said, seriously, it's my fault, please stoppp—

Tch.

Just how much does this guy like that band?

I can almost recite the lyrics myself...... Hmm?

The scenery out here is amazing, but it really is hot and humid! I can practically wring out my wet tail!

The temperature here in Siesta seems even higher than I expected, which is weird... Hey, Skyfire, don't you think so too?

Considering the way we're dressed, it'd be stranger not to be hot.

Eh, good point.

Everyone's too dressed up anyway. Someone might seriously get heat stroke like this, so let's get changed already... Besides, I heard we might have a chance to head down to the beach, so I brought a swimsuit.

Hold up, not yet! Weren't we going to go to the base of the volcano? You'll have to wait until we get back first!

Let's hurry up and get it over with then. I want to kick back and relax on the beach too, y'know. Not every day we get a chance like this!

The beach... and the ocean?

...It doesn't smell like the sea here.

Phew, how many songs was that? We still have another performance tonight. Don't get all excited and blow your energy this early.

No clue, but I'm still having a good time. Frost, you too, right?

(Plucks a chord)

Not like it matters. Nothing's going to burn us out.

Ahaha... Yeah, I guess that's true.

All righty, then. Before the night comes—

Let's party hard! !

(Is this the band that guy is so crazy about? They seem like a really noisy bunch.)

(Also...)

(Something's weird about them. Can't put my finger on it though.)

(Is it because of this song? What exactly... is this familiar feeling?)

Have you found the Young Miss?!

Hurry up! After them, they couldn't have gotten far!

This way, we have to bring her back!

Hey, stop squeezing! How rude!

Who the hell stepped on my foot?

Who cares about those people? It's time for the next song! Woooah, it's the first song off their album Deep Color in the Sea!

Huh?

(Just now, who were those people looking for?)

(Based on the way they're dressed, they're no ordinary group of civilians...)

Excuse me, sorry, let me through please!

Phew, I finally made it out...

What's the hurry?

Eep! Who are you?!

Oh, it's Thorns... Don't scare me like that... Anyway, since you're here, does that mean you're also a fan of Alive Until Sunset?

Right, I just remembered, you're also Ægirian. Feels like every Ægir I've met has some special connection with them. The sea they sing about is so much more beautiful and intense than the waves of Siesta!

Ah, crap, that's not what I'm supposed to be talking about!

The Doctor and the others seem to be in a bit of a pickle, so I'm on my way to help out! Since you're already here, don't just stand around, let's go help out—

There's no need for me to go.

Huh? Why's that?

They have the old geezer from Ursus with them this time. They'll be fine.

...Uhh, that came out wrong. Rather...

I did not receive any direct communications, which means my presence is not required.

I fully expect that the Doctor has a level of control over the situation. A commander of that caliber would never do anything to endanger our operators.

Until I've received specific instructions, there is no need for me to participate in your operation.

Don't underestimate the Doctor and rush to your own arbitrary decisions. You may end up causing more harm than good.

That's what I've inferred. Are there any issues?

None.

None at all. But, I did figure something out.

You and I. We definitely aren't getting along! Imagine having to think that much every time anybody asks you something!

Oops, I don't even know why I'm talking to you. The Doctor asked for my help, not yours. Right?

All right, you just sit here and keep enjoying the show. I have somewhere to be.

What's with her tone?

I don't get it.

Have you heard, there's a barbecue stall in the food court by the beach? They're having a half-off deal, and the line's snaking all the way out to the street!

How about it? Wanna see what the hype is all about?

Barbecue, in this weather? It's way too hot, I think I'll pass...

Hey, don't be like that. Is there anything better for the fiery atmosphere of this music festival than some barbecue on the hot beach next to a raging charcoal fire?

And with so many people lined up, I bet the flavor's out of this world! It'd be a shame not to give it a try!

We're on vacation, and we came all the way out here. C'mon, my treat!

You're talking just like my aunts and uncles... But fine, since you're so worked up about this, let's go check it out.

Huh? What's the sound over there?

What did y'all say?

C'mon, louder! I can't hear you—

ONE— MORE— SONG—!!

ENCORE—!!

Looks like they set up a temporary stage. Not sure which band is performing on this street though.

Don't you think that's much more interesting than some barbecue? Look at all the people there - what if that's some famous musician...

Hey, who hit me?!

Watch out.

Ah, uh.... Um, th-thank you...

Woah, that's rad! They're way too awesome! !

I've never heard this band before! The scene here is even better than I imagined...

I knew I made the right call. Enjoying some good music is way better than barbecue in the middle of the summer! I don't know when they're releasing their next album, but I'll definitely buy it!

I see how it is. You're just not into barbecue...

You only now realize...?

Alright, let's drop it. By the way, where's your purse?

...Huh?

I could've sworn I had it with me...

Are you looking for this?

Eep!

What have you done? How could you just strike me like that?! Gyaaaaaaaah, my arm! Aaaargh!!

Stop your sniveling. It's not broken.

I hate noise. Should I shut you up some other way?

(Gurgles strangely as if his throat is being pinched)

Here.

Oh, my purse!

Two watches, four wallets, and a woman's bracelet. It seems that being immersed in music can indeed cause one to let her guard down. Everyone is alike in that regard.

It must've been quite easy to get your hands on these things. Otherwise, you wouldn't have the gall to do it again and again.

Wh-what are you talking about?! These are mine! They belong to me...

Rubbish.

Your slipshod lie is an utter waste of my time.

Y-yeah! That clearly is my purse!

Huh? There really are thieves running around? Maybe those black suits back there were chasing after thieves!

Black suits? They are not so well-intentioned.

Make sure to hold on to your things. If there is nothing else, I need to bring this one to his other victims.

Wh-wh-wh-what are you talking about?! What victims?!

Let me go right now or I'm reporting you to—

Silence.

Gyaahhhh! !

Um, Mister, of course, we believe you're in the right, but how do you know where these other victims are?

How could you find them?

...People like these often wait in places where crowds gather, specifically targeting foreign tourists before making off with their ill-gotten gains.

This is a repeat offender.

I made sure of this when I saw him strike the second time. I then followed him for five blocks to find his group's hideout.

Don't act so surprised. You'll be able to see the others soon, at the police station.

The one with the scar is your leader, right? He was pretty capable, and took me a bit of time.

...You even caught Old Tom? Tch... Should've said so earlier. All right, if you're that capable, I'll give up this time.

Heh, you've been caught, and you're still talking big?

Siesta is our city. What the hell do you know? So what if I'm caught? I'm just gonna get locked up for a bit...

You piece of... Forget it, there's nothing worth saying to someone like you. Hey, Mister. I really can't thank you enough.

Don't worry about it.

Ah, wait, wait up! Where are you going?

I don't need any reward.

I was simply on the way to help my friend sort out some trouble. Just took a little detour.

Don't say that! Let me show some appreciation!

Besides, you're pretty cute. Want to get barbecue together?

I heard there's a stall with a line around the block, the food there is supposed to be amazing. Since we're on vacation anyway, how about heading down together to give it a try? I'll treat you~!

Wait a second... Didn't you just say you weren't into barbecue??

That was a totally different situation though?

That should wrap it up for this batch of customers. Do we still have time? Also, the fire's starting to die down. I need to add more charcoal.

I got you! Watch this!

Is this the barbecue stall everyone's been talking about? Hm, I must say, this does look quite promising.

But, the charcoal you're using...

Haah? Wait up, who the hell are you? Stop messing with my stuff!

Hold up, that weapon of yours. I swear I've seen it before... Lemme think... Eyy, no, no hints! I know I've seen you somewhere before!

Nnnnnnngh... Aren't you the one following the Doctor around a while ago? Ah, no, that's not right. That guy doesn't look like you. 'cept he was wearing a black cloak, and his sword wasn't that long.

I got it! You're the guy who was running circles around the deck yelling his head off, right?! I knew it! I'm sure of it! The one time that mean lady from Yan ran out screaming all those bad words, she was scolding you, wasn't she?

Ifrit, the one running around was Mr. Elysium.

I actually remember what he was yelling: 'I'm the one who drank your smoothie!'

Miss Leizi was upset with him because she left the smoothie in the refrigerator.

Why was he yelling something like that then? Makes no sense. If you're gonna do something bad, why shout it out to everyone?

And how'd you find out anyway, big-ears?

Because he and I were betting on whether the next operator to pass would be male or female. He lost.

I was the one who passed by.

The hell? And I get treated like a kid?

Sorry to interrupt, but your meat is about to burn.

Had you turned it over thirty-six seconds ago, you might've still been able to achieve a medium-well state. If you turn off the heat now, you could still have a chance to save the flavor.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, the charcoal you just added to the stove is damp, and within the next ten seconds, there is a 73% probability that it will explode.

Hmm, considering the current state of the smoke and the attendant sparks, I'd have to increase that probability by ten percentage points.

Uhh...

Uhh...

Uhh— Pffffff! *cough* *cough* Pffff! Pffff!

Damn it, why does this busted old stove just decide to explode? Can't you control it a little better? I barely gave it any heat at all!

*cough* *cough* Sorry, it's my fault. I shouldn't have tried to do that after all. I thought it'd be fine if I just helped grill something...

Huh? Nah, you didn't do anything wrong.

I'm very sorry, Ifrit, Mr. Thorns. And to all our guests as well. I will compensate you for your losses.

...I'm not going to hold you back any more, Ifrit. It's all you now.

In other words, you're quitting? Just giving up?

No. It's not that I'm giving up, I just don't want to cause any more trouble.

This wouldn't be the first time, or the second. It's the same as when I was on the ship. Every time I enter the kitchen, there's always some kind of accident. Every time, without fail...

Then, try again.

...Eh?

If there's something you don't know, go learn it. If you fail once, fail a second time. If you fail a second time, fail a third time. Now that you know the cause of the accident, avoid it next time.

Compensation is unnecessary. Accidental explosions of this magnitude occur all the time, and are insubstantial.

Ifrit, I...

How long are you going to slack off?

Huh? Huh?

I said, how long are you going to slack off?! C'mon, damn it! Hold this! I wanna get the stove set up again!

Stop gawking and get back to work already! You're the one who ran over here asking to help out, so don't you dare think of slinking off!

Hurry it up! Once it's done, you grill the next batch of meat. I'll change the charcoal!

Me? Are you sure?

Got a problem? Nobody ever said you can't. Or, did you decide that yourself?

Tch, what a pain. This box is buried so damned deep in the sand, and it's so heavy you can't even dig it out.

Hey, where's the pepper? Why the hell is there no more pepper? Argh...! This is pissing me off!

Excuse me, I've heard of some delicious barbecue being sold here. Would you happen to know where that is?

Oh, it's Ifrit and Cutter.

What are you two doing? Do you require my assistance?

Ohh! Perfect timing!

Come, come, we could use the help. I really need to dig this out.

Very well.

There we go!

I always thought you were only good for playing with sand, but turns out you're pretty handy!

Ifrit, that's rude...

You are always misunderstood because you say things like that.

Huh? Who cares what other people think about me?

Hm? Is Ifrit not offering me words of praise?

Huh?

Is she not? Ifrit sometimes calls people 'dumbasses,' but I understand that this is also a compliment.

Y-you dumbass! Think before you open your big mouth!

Ah, she jumped up.

Right, and if you wish to play in the sand, I heard Dr. Gavial is about to plan a trip back home, so you should be able to go play with her. If I remember properly, there is sand near her house.

Who the hell wants to play in the sand? I'm not some kid!

Really? I would very much like to go. How lucky. I'm also a bit homesick, but I cannot return until I finish my journey...

Homesick? I dunno what that's like, but as long as I'm with Silence and Saria, anywhere is home. Is Rhodes Island not good enough?

I think our situations are a bit different... But if Ifrit is fine with it, then maybe I should be as well?

Tch... What's the difference then? Explain it so I can understand!

Hm... Let me think.

For me, I often... dream of my home. Of a shaking, golden cradle. Of my mother's dry and rough hand touching my cheek...

This may be nothing more than sand, and it might not be very comforting at all. But in my dreams, there's still something nostalgic about it.

It is the place to which I must ultimately return, no matter where I go.

Hm...

Was that clear enough of an explanation?

How did we start talking about this...?

All right, let's cut the chatter. I'll rebuild the stove rack, so I'll need you to prepare the new charcoal fire, Ifrit.

At least, thanks to Mr. Thorns, we now know what to look out for.

You're right. Let's stop thinking about stuff and just get back to work.

Oh, that guy's name is Thorns? You'd never guess it from his looks, but he's actually a pretty nice guy.

Yes. Mr. Thorns is a very good and kind-hearted person.

Kind-hearted? That's a weird way to put it.

It's true! I just saw him stop a group of people who were going to harass the Doctor.

Vigna told me those people were trying to stir up trouble, but she also said there's nobody on the other side capable of fighting, so we have nothing to worry about.

I was going to go help, but it seems like that won't be needed.

Oh, that's right, Mr. Thorns also caught a thief!

Huh. He always has that nasty, arrogant look on his face, but he actually does stuff like that? Like, he helps people for fun? Wow.

I thought he was the kind of person I'd never get along with, but it turns out I was jumping to conclusions.

Yeah...

It's best to make sure that the person you're discussing is not within earshot before speaking so loudly.

Eep!

Why are you still here?!

I just got back. Here. Pepper.

Oh...

I'll be going. No need to thank me.

Wh-who the hell would thank you anyway?!

Ugh, what a weirdo.

He may be strange... but he truly is a good person, no?

The sea? That's not quite right. Compared to the sea, this is too humane. Other than the slight salinity of the water, what else tastes of the sea?

Hey.

Hey, I know you're there.

....Hey. Speak. You've been standing behind me for quite some time now.

No way! How'd you catch me...? You must be pretty awesome to be able to sniff me out.

So, what do you think of the view? Not bad, huh?

...The singer from that band. What are you doing here?

Huh? You know who I am? Are you a fan? Want my autograph?

Not really. Don't change the subject.

Aww, that's too bad then. Do you want a CD then?

No thanks.

I'm just joking. Who just keeps CDs on them anyway? Has anyone ever told you you're kind of a wet blanket?

Yes.

Listen, you're not a wet blanket. You just don't care.

I'm here to appreciate the ocean.

The songstress gazes out to where the sky meets the sea. Her hair sways in the sea breeze, taking on the shape of the waves.

But this is no ocean.

Siesta's beach is beautiful. The more beautiful it is, the more I'm convinced it's not like the sea at all. The place we come from is nothing like this at all.

People who come here to see the ocean will definitely feel cheated.

Do you ever miss home, Mister?

Songstress, what are you actually here for?

You still don't get it? Don't dwell on it too much, I'm just shooting from the hip here. I say whatever's on my mind. It's a bad habit I can't kick.

Don't avoid the question. You're an Ægir.

That I am.

But I also am not.

I really dislike when people speak in riddles.

How about you ask me directly then?

What, weren't you going to ask me something? This is a really special opportunity, you know~

Weirdo. Waste of time.

Didn't we all come here to waste some time? Being able to treat yourself and waste time is what I call a good life.

If you're out there just trying to survive, you don't get a chance to waste anything.

Maybe you're right.

See? Want my autograph?

Give in already. Here, let me just grab something to write on... like this poster...

The pink-haired Ægir scribbles swiftly on the poster.

Here. My autograph!

Hey.

It's a reward for talking with me, okay? It's not every day I meet someone like me, from the old country, in the outside world.

No. You're wrong...

I'm not like you.

Thorns opens his eyes wide and looks directly into the singer's pupils.

The singer blinks, her gaze following Thorns's hand as it slowly crawls towards the hilt of his sword.

—You didn't even try to hide it.

You aren't a big fan of our songs... I know that.

But I'll still give you my autograph.

Why? You...

Because you like to dance. There's no way someone who likes to dance could be a bad person.

Sounds utterly stupid.

Don't be like that. It's just something I've learned from a whole bunch of people. We've all spent a long time on this patch of dirt, and we've also learned a lot.

You didn't grow up in the sea, did you? You're much more at home bouncing around on land than you would be in the water.

But you've never known its gentle side. Oh. You're not going to miss home.

Iberia is my only home.

So, the ocean is not your home. You have no feelings for it.

No.

I've drunk from it. I don't swim in a lake. My ancestors went to Iberia, but they could not bear to part from the sea.

I do have feelings for it. But at the same time, I fear it.

Yeah, thought so.

'I've heard the ripples of your falling tears~♪ Your darkest nightmares, your deepest fears~♪ Your heart cracked into petals of blood...♪'

What's that song?

Nothing special. Just something that came to mind.

But, I think you're right, Mister. I think you ought to be afraid of it.

Of course...

In the distance, the loudspeakers of Siesta begin to replay the songs from the main event of the music festival, and a familiar tune fills the air.

Elysium has been humming this song every day for two weeks now.

The song seems to be one of the masterpieces from the band the singer belongs to.

And now, the singer...

'The disguise fell off when I remembered, the scar you left me is the pain you forgot~♪

To chase after your shadow, is to chase after naught~♪ With thund'rous voices they'll rise and call your name~♪ And when they catch your scent, they'll demand to hear your shame~♪'

Of course, whether or not you fear it, it will come for you.

It is here. Let's go. Don't look back.

What is she talking about? What is that?

What is that... standing on the water?

The fractured sunset casts faintly mottled shadows upon the water, pulling back the tide in gray waves.

The sound of the world is the sound of breathing is the sound of the ocean, which you listen to without speaking or singing or breathing.

A moment passes, two moments pass, until dozens and hundreds of years pass in silence.

It gazes into you.

Its eyes bore into yours, yearning to slowly crawl in through your wounds.

You are awake as it pulls you into its embrace and you sink into its blood and shadow and sun and hear its eyeless and soundless and lifeless shadow.

As tranquil as a shining star.

Under the surface, there's a waterway that connects to the ocean... It isn't strange that it gives off some ocean vibes.

Hey. Hey, Mister, wake up. Snap out of it already.

Hmph. I couldn't hypnotize you with my song. That makes me a bit jealous.

You're the one who should go.

Huh? Ah... that couldn't be, yeah? Look, you know that...

That's not something that should be here. If you go now, you won't die.

I know, but... aren't you the one who's supposed to leave right now?

Do you have a death wish?

Listen to me carefully...

Æ...gir.

Don't be scared. It shouldn't be surprising that the ocean knows our names.

...No

It is not awe.

Urk...

Then what's your deal then...? Hey, are you having trouble breathing?

Sober up a bit, Mister.

(Ægirian) Nothing can deprive you of the right to breathe on this land.

(Free yourself, hurry...!)

I fled my homeland. I abandoned my cradle. I've forgotten its stories. But I know how it feels.

I believe what I've heard whispered in legend. Even in shallow dreams, I've felt the bite of swords rending their bodies.

Can I slay the sea itself?

I am homesick. Rather, I've imagined it before. But I've never actually seen home.

We Iberians have long left the depths of the Abyss.

But I cannot escape from It. None of us can escape from It.

I want to kill It.

Is this a hallucination?

Nope. But you can fight it.

You seem quite knowledgeable about these?

Is this really the time to be having that discussion? I told you, you should leave now.

Hey, are you trembling?

Maybe I'm getting a bit excited.

Stay if you want. You said I like dancing. What about you then...

Songstress, do you also like to dance?

R......thin......

(The sound of bones and flesh and viscera being crushed together)

(A vague, sickening sound)

I love it!

Seems like you don't plan to leave then. So, Mr. Ægir, are you confident you can survive?

Yes.

Will you show me then? I want to see the dance you're about to dance, one that will paint the sea red...

Yes, flourish the sword that weaves with your bounding steps! Spin, pirouette, and glide across the ocean's surface! Whether you are torn apart or you tear It apart, the beginning or end of your story...

You know, the way you talk is really annoying.

I don't know! I think it's perfectly fine!

So, will you show me your performance, Mr. Ægir? Look at that autograph I just gave you. Just let me know, okay?

...As long as you're not afraid, be my guest.

It's good to have an audience, no matter who you might be.

Huh? I feel like it should be said here—

—I'd be honored.

Ahaha, that's not much of a line... But anyway, you have to live on, Mister.

I can tell you really care about this. So you have to live on. Don't die.

I don't plan to die. There's a friend who wants your autograph, and I have to stay alive to bring it back.

Back, to Iberia?

No. Though I've mentioned Iberia, I've also mentioned the sea that my ancestors could not live without.

But perhaps, my home is no longer in either of those places.