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alembie · 10 years

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Weapon Stories

Busy. So very busy.

No, really I am very busy. Unthinkably so, in fact. I have to restock the weapon's shop inventory, proceed with the repairs, set the prices and so much more. The shop opens tomorrow! No matter how many bodies I may have, they do not suffice. So busy!

Oh, right. My name is Accord - Weapon Shop Edition! Hmmm? Who am I talking to, you ask? Oh come now, there is no need to sweat with the trivial stuff.

Anyway, I have to examine the inventory, set the prices, and sort them properly, or I won't be able to open the store tomorrow. If Accord - Weapon Shop Edition! cannot open the weapon store, then she will become just a plain old Accord.

Now, commencing product examination. Let us see, the origin archives...ah. All the weapons of noble origin have some sort of archive documenting their history. For example, this sword. Its records state how it was forged and used, and other such things. Hey, this is pretty interesting. This sword's document states that this jagged blade....

"A sword serrated like a saw, able to cut through enemy weapons. But with each use, vibrations shake the user's arm, causing the flesh to turn weak and translucent like wax.

Many, many centuries ago, there was a dark-skinned knight who fought and defeated countless enemies. But as he fought, his flesh became paler and paler.

Then came a war on which the fate of the kingdom hung in the balance. The knight took the head of the enemy general and won the battle. But he had grown so pale as to be transparent."

A dreadful story, to be sure. Heh...as if this sword could really turn people transparent. Highly dubious...whoawhoa! It is fading away! My right arm is fading away! Along with the sword! No way! That story was serious! The sword is cursed! Quick, put it down...!

Apologies. I let myself get carried away. This sword is too dangerous to be used. Perhaps if the curse was lifted...but how? Lifting such a powerful curse would take some time. Quite a few years, in fact...Well, we do not lack swords. With time and patience, I should manage it.

Well then, on to the next.

Yet another strange-looking weapon. A large, round ring is the only handle attached to it, but it is full of thorns. How do you stow this away? Even the thought of carrying it around looks difficult, not to mention the possibility of hurting your own allies...I would not want to to be around someone swinging such a dangerous thing around. I suppose it would be a different story if you like pain, of course. Now, the archives...where are they...oh! Found them.

"Once upon a time in a faraway land, three children would always play together--"

Hmmm? Looking at it closely, it seems there is blood around the ring. Bloodstains on such a weapon feel rather spooky. Too spooky, in fact. Plus, blood may cause the blade to rust. I will have to make sure it is clean before selling it, though that will have to wait. A bloodstained weapon is not appropriate for a brand new shop.

Next!

As I thought, when you look at them, spears are the best. No, I do not mean to say that swords or hand-to-hand equipment feel more plain. Spears are just...too flashy. See, they are so long and stand out. For instance, this spear here. Please take a look. The quality of the craftsmanship is just admirable.

The story is once again dramatic. "Once, there was a dragon that could not fly"...does it not make you excited, somehow? Just holding it gives me that feeling. Like this...heeya!

...No, no, no, I will not do such a thing. I have no desire to.

...HEEEEEEEEYA! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?!

...I went and did it after all. The tip of the spear is stuck into the wall. It has pierced the wall so deeply, it will be difficult to pull out. Oh, this is not good. The strike has caused a crack on the shaft. I have to repair it, but that will take time. I could fix a simple shaft, but one of such excellent craftsmanship would be difficult. I had best ask the blacksmith.

Aaah, enough! I am so busy, and yet I open holes on the wall and damage my merchandise...I am beginning to experience a bit of self-loathing.

Contemplation.

...While I am contemplating, let us move on to the next sword...oh. "A blacksmith whose family was massacred by a demon..." Stop, stop! If you find the writing style familiar, then it would be because this is a record written by me! How embarassing!

It appears this weapon is bound by a seal. If I were to accidentally break it, the ghost of a magician would be released. Ah, risky, risky. Before putting it on the store, I had best seal it again. I would like to do it properly, but this too will take time.

Next?

"The captain confirms his 'death'" "His touch transforms into tears of the world" "His flowing blood from darkness into light" "His teachings shall deprive lives, and bestow new ones"

...How incomprehensible! What was the writer thinking? They may not always be complete, but a weapon history should be understandable when read!

That aside, this spear's shaft is slightly crooked. So slightly it is almost unnoticeable, but defective goods are still defective. I cannot sell it like this. I will put it on the repair pile along with the previous spear.

When it comes to incomprehensible weapon stories, this greatsword is a strong contender as well. "Iron iron iron iron iron", it says. I swear, who in the world writes like this! I would have them dedicate some time to contemplation.

It looks like this weapon is broken, so it cannot be sold either. This time, however, it feels like there is something more to it...almost as if these cracks are part of some objet d'art. Perhaps I can put it in the store the way it is. Hmmm, no. Damaged goods are still damaged goods. No, no, what my eyes say takes precedence. But still--

...I am at a loss, am I not? Let us put this aside and think on it later.

Ah, this one is no good. It is getting rusty. This will not do either. That one will have to sit out as well. And that and that, and---hmmm?

...It appears that the the only weapon left available for the shop opening is...this butchery-looking kitchen knife?! No matter how much I sell it for, I cannot have a weapon shop with only one sword!

Ah, wait a second. Let us deliberate a bit. This alone may be enough for just starting the shop. In general, weapons are not what you would call cheap. Rather than assorting several weapons, putting a single, easy to use product on display seems fairer.

Besides, weapons are meant to be used. As a weapon merchant, I wish to sell many of them, but setting them aside in storage without ever using them properly feels rather...sad. Lonely even. On the other hand, that would make the profiteering trader in me feel happy. Then again, getting accustomed to swinging this sword around would please me as well.

All right, I've decided! Bearing this responsibility to my customers, I will master this sword. By the time I become comfortable with it, the other weapons should be all fixed up, and I might even have new stock.

Now, I shall do a demonstration using this sword, "Lovekeeper"*. It looks pretty strange and its name is rather unorthodox, but either way. I have a few healing items on me, so preparations are now complete.

It is about time to go out. I have a lot of work to do other than the shop, you see. The shopkeeper should not be absent on the shop's opening day, but sadly it cannot be helped. Now, what to write to my customers... "This store handles weapons and items, but since the manager is very busy..."

Finished. Now, to stick it on the front door.

All done! Now, time to go. That person will be there soon as well. Ah, busy, busy, busy~.

* The weapon's name is actually "Roar of Conviction" (断罪の咆吼) from Drakengard 3. Its story is supposedly connected to a weapon from the first game called "Axe of Conviction" (断罪の斧), which was changed to "Lovekeeper" in the English release.

#drakengard #spoilers #accord is wacky #weapon stories

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alembie · 10 years

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Mirror Mirror

The story contains major spoilers for Drakengard 3, so you're advised to have finished the game.

This is a novel about Male One contained in the prelude book.

Ι have to stay here. In this tower, in this single room, my only scenery being the stone wall and an iron door. There is one window, too high for me to reach. A small bed and a chair. It takes 13 steps to cross the whole room.

A tower where I could not see the colour of the sky. That...was my entire world.

No one knows about this room other than Sis, and no one but her comes here. I have never spoken to any other human. Only Sis, and her dragon, Gabriella. Though, Gabriella always spoke to Sis. Gabriella kinda has a bad mouth, and is a bit of a bully to me. But I didn't hate Gabriella, because Sis loved that dragon dearly.

Sometimes, Sis would take me to fly with her on Gabriella's back. We headed out to fight. At those times, the world was still in turmoil and Sis had to defeat many, many enemies. I lent her a hand with this, but I'm not sure how helpful I was...

But I also had to become stronger, in order to kill Zero. If Sis somehow lost against her, I would have to kill her in Sis's stead.

"It's alright. You can do it."

Sis would say that to set my mind at ease, but a crucial fact escaped her. If it came to the point that I had to kill Zero myself, then that would mean Sis would already be dead. I don't want that. I don't want Sis to die! If she dies, who will come see me? If she dies, who will come talk to me? If she dies, I...!

My face isn't all pouty because I dislike fighting. I just really don't want to use that sword forged from dragonbone. If only that day never comes...If only I could stay in that tiny room where Sis comes to hug me tenderly forever...

That was my sole wish. However...

I had to stay here.

In the end, that day came. Zero and Sis would have to kill each other.

"It's ok. If I do as Sis instructed me, I will manage this."

Sis was surprised to hear me say that. How could I know when she hadn't said anything yet? But I understand. She doesn't have to say anything. I'm not as smart as Sis, so I'm no good with the difficult stuff; but I can always tell how Sis feels. Her sadness or her happiness, her anger or her loneliness. I can tell, so long as I'm close to her. Because we're twins.

That's right. I knew. Even if Sis managed to defeat Zero, we would never meet again. Because Sis intended to die after the deed was done.

I tried to stop her just once. Throwing a tantrum, I yelled. "I don't wanna go!" Crying the whole time.

"Don't worry. I won't lose."

Sis looked troubled. I never wanted to make her sad. I just tried to let her know that I knew this would be our last meeting. I know it all, so don't worry. I know much more about this than Sis thinks.

And so, Sis was killed by Zero. I killed Zero, just as I had been told. All the Intoners were gone from the world.

But Sis never told me what to do or where to go after that. My head was full of "kill Zero" and "Sis will have to die", so I had no idea what would come after that. I should have asked while Sis was alive, but it's too late now. Sis is dead, so she can't answer me.

Full of doubts, the Cathedral's stained glass flashed before my eyes. It was in pieces, but still sparkled beautifully in the sunlight.

That's it! Let's make a church that reveres Sis.

I thought it was a splendid idea at the time. For my dear sis. All for her. But when I stepped outside the cathedral, I was scared. The outside world was too big. A world without sis is so lonely. It's too scary to be all alone out here.

I ran. Ran back here once again, back to the security of my tiny room.

I had to stay here. Forever.

No one knows about this room. As her final trump card, Sis had to keep me absolutely secret, even from the rest of her sisters. The door cannot be seen from the outside. Even if someone were to somehow open it, Sis placed a spell that would not allow them to enter. That's why no one knows of its existence.

There are no keys to this room. Not because Sis intended to keep me trapped or anything, but because I had never gone outside, nor did I ever think to. I would only step outside when Sis came to get me.

Sis will no longer come for me. The moment I came here, I messed the whole place up to make sure I would never be able to get out again. There is nothing I can do in the outside world. I could help Sis, but there's not a signle thing I could do alone. Other than killing Zero.

I always waited for Sis to come and get me. When I was too bored, I would read a book, or practise with my sword. That was my daily life. Can someone like me even live out there all alone? Did my Sis really think so?

That's why I came back here. In this room, I don't have to do anything. It's the only place where I can stay.

But no matter how long I wait for her, Sis will not come. I won't be able to see her again. I don't like this. I want to see her. I want to see her. I want to see her. I want to see her. I want to see her. I want to see her. I want to see her....

Aaaah, that's it! I can't see my sis in truth, but if I just want to see her face, then I can do it. I was created by her. We have the same face. If I wear her clothes, and look in the mirror...

Lookie here! I'm her spitting image. It's like my sis is really standing there. Sis, I wanted to see you...

"I wanted to see you too."

We're identical! My sister is right before my eyes. If I stretch out my hand, I can reach her.

My fingertips only meet the cold surface of the mirror. My sister is standing on the other side of it. Why can't I go there too? Why do I have to stay here? Why am I all alone? Why did Sis leave me behind?

No. My sister never intended to leave me behind. In truth, she fully intended to take me with her.

Sis had to kill Zero. After Zero's death, Sis had to die as well. Because the Intoners are the seedbeds of the flower that will destroy the world. This ruinous flower had to be eliminated.

However, the flower would escape destruction. That's why Zero failed. In order to avoid the same mistake, Sis devised a plan to make sure she would be the last one to die.

That would be myself. Sis had me train in this room to kill Zero. She drew a sketch resembling a human on the wall, marked the spot where the heart is supposed to be with an X and had me pierce it with the sword. All so I would not fail to pierce Zero's heart.

Sis never planned to leave me behind all alone. She believed I would follow her. She never told me what I should do after Zero's death because there was no need.

I was the one who betrayed her. I was the one who was wrong.

I did not follow Sis to death after I killed Zero. I had a weapon that could kill Intoners right there. I may not be a real Intoner, but I can't die from a normal sword either.

I want to try it right away. But I dropped that special sword back at the cathedral, and a normal one won't work...I'm such a fool. I haphazardly broke the door when I came back here, so I can't go back and get that sword. There are no weapons that can kill me here.

I have to stay here forever, unable to do anything. In the comfort of this secure room I know so well. All because I misunderstood. All, all of it is my fault. Siiiis. Scold me. I'm a bad boy. Come out of there and scold me!

The sister in my mirror won't scold me at all. She looks as if she's about to cry.

I know this face well. Sis always had that expression when she came to hug me. It was so strange. Why are you making that face? I felt so good, but did my sis feel bad? Why? We're doing the same thing, so why does she look ready to cry?

Because we're doing something bad, she said. Siblings shouldn't be doing this kind of thing. It's wrong. She knows, but she can't stop. As if it's terribly painful.

I didn't really understand. Siblings shouldn't be doing this? Then, it's alright with other people? Isn't that one much worse?

My sister's expression went from troubled to surprised, but then she looked at me kindly.

"Yes...you are fine as you are..."

It looks exactly like my sister back then.

"Is that okay...?"

Hmmm, no. Her eyebrows came a little closer. Sis, did you notice?

"No, I hadn't noticed."

Of course not. I neglected telling you on purpose.

"Why?"

Yes, that's how she tilts her head when she asks a question. I always liked that expression. An expression I wanted to keep only to myself.

Yes...I know more about sis than she herself does. I could see her face when she could not. All her expressions, one by one, even the little habits she never noticed. I know them all. Not just her face, but every corner of her body as well. Where to touch her. Her face, her voice, even her breath. I know it all.

"N-No..."

The way she titlted her neck was so cute. Hehe. No one else has seen that but me. A sight only for my eyes. My sister, all mine. That face...

That's right, my sister is not completely gone. We're twins. It's so simple!

"I'm not going anywhere..."

Yeah. We made that promise when I had that scary dream and wouldn't stop crying. Sis stayed with me the whole night and held my hand till morning.

"I'm right by your side."

Really? You're not going to leave me again?

"We'll be together forever."

That's right. There are no weapons that can kill me here. If I don't die, then neither will Sis. I'm so glad I didn't die! As long as I'm alive, so is she! Her death was what I feared most, but as long as my sis is alive, I don't care if everyone else dies. The entire world can die for all I care.

I wasn't wrong, was I? I'm not a bad boy, right?

"No...you are a good, good boy."

Hey Sis, listen. I thought to make a new church, all for you. Oh, and I shouldn't forget Gabriella too. You liked Gabriella a lot.

"Gabriel too. After Gabriella became Gabriel, I still loved her dearly."

That's what I wanted to make. A church that revered my sister and the Angel Gabriel.

"Tell me about it in detail."

Okay! See, because of Zero, Church capital has become all messed up, right? We should rebuild it. Start over from scratch. First, we need to make a new church and gather a lot of followers. Oh, I just thought of an emblem representing both me and sis. How's this?

"It looks pretty good."

It really does! Our cheeks touching together perfectly, becoming one. Almost like mirror images!

"If you look at it from this angle, it looks as if we have a third eye."

That's right. In truth, I want us to be much, much closer. I want us to become one. If only this barrier between us did not exist, if it melted away, if only we could never be parted again...!

Ah. There is a but.

I did not manage to stay there.

This room that was supposed to be a secret to all was found. When I broke down the door, my sister's spell was negated. A broken door that will not open easily draws attention. Even if you break it down, you won't be able to go inside. Even if you open a hole through the wall, you will not be able to look inside.

"Lady One! You were here, all this time!"

The people on the other side of the wall were all strangers to me. Probably people of the church. Only those could come to this tower.

"It's so wonderful to see you unharmed!"

Someone spoke with a raised voiced, crying. That is why I...no, I,* replied thusly:

"I apologise for making you worry. It's alright now. I am no longer in pain."

My sister is always with me. Because you and I are one and the same.

"Let's go."

And so, sis and I, you and me,* left that room and headed to the outside world.

"I am thinking of establishing a new church."

"What manner of church, my lady?"

Yes. You and I, we,* shall become the suzerain of the new church.

"The Church of the Angels."

Isn't it a wonderful name? I'm sure it will gather many, many faithful followers. A church created to revere the Intoner and the Angel she summoned.

All for my sister's sake.

* Up until that point, Brother One uses the male pronoun 僕(boku). At that point, he switches to the gender-neutral and more formal 私(watashi), the same pronoun Female One uses. He then proceeds to use both pronouns together when he refers to himself as "we".

** The Church of the Angels was localised as "The Cult of the Watchers" in the english release of the first Drakengard game.

#drakengard #spoilers

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