~ hiatus: stuck in the wormhole ~ 私あいつにひどいことされた
The dictionary got corrupted.
R-18 version.
With DMMd it was only a matter of time.
Back to the light.
All source works belong to their respective owners.
DMMd belongs to Nitro+Chiral.
Please do not repost my translations. Thank you!
All asks answered in public, message me in private.
Since people are remembering DMMd again, here’s a thing cause you know I’ll never be over everything about this game and you can bet I’m still lovin it. It’s cheesy but I owe a lot of good things to DMMd so it’ll be with me forever basically =u=
I've been of 2 minds whether to say something or not, since it's been a bit of a one step forward, 2 steps back, everytime I think I'm getting somewhere, it stalls again and I get nowhere for another long stretch. I've moved on from the fandoms that I started out with, I keep a vague eye on things when I'm around, but that is pretty much all that I do. I don't really have the output ability that I used to anymore either. But, I also hate to leave things hanging, and it is always at the back of my mind that I want to finish what I started. It will probably take a while yet, but as I chip away a little every now and then as the opportunity and mood arises I am sure I will get somewhere, and it is always my hope to eventually give this project a conclusion.
Thank you for all the support given, and for your understanding.
I thought that I was better, turns out that it was only because I had not crossed paths with my trigger all this while. The strength and uncontrollability of the reaction it provoked in me was… frightening, and disappointing. To see. That I have not gone very far at all.
Wow, double digits! It feels like a major milestone XD Aah, this is so exciting.
I'm sorry for dropping the ball the moment things really start to happen, but otherwise the size and time taken would have become unmanageable. So, interlude part 2, although it really is so much more than that, it stands on its own merit.
Note: I'm going to use you(pl.) to indicate you (plural), for want of a better way of doing things, because I feel that variations of "you all" make the tone of the speech too informal.
Back to part 9.
EDIT: The contents of this post have been archived to AO3. I am removing explicit content from here.
[dm3490]
Does this floor have few rooms, other than the door immediately before us the white corridor continues on endlessly.
Come to think of it, there aren’t any security guards around here?
The corridor returns only silence.
There doesn't seem to be any sign of pursuit either but...
Mink: "......"
Mink silently stared at the door in front of us, and approached it.
[dm3500]
The room had an area of what felt like a medium-sized hall.
Seeing the person standing right in the middle of the room, for a moment anxiety runs through me.
Aoba: "...Toue"
Toue in a leisurely manner joined his hands behind his back, with a thin smile he looked at us.
Completely as if he was waiting for our arrival.
There is no difference to that seen on television... no, the real thing had a more crafty feeling.
Although the outward appearance is the very essence of a gentleman, the atmosphere around Toue is not ordinary.
Like a slender, well-sharpened knife carried under cover, it feels like that sort of atmosphere.
Behind Toue two people covered with masks are standing. Toue's personal guards probably.
Toue: "I had wondered when you would come, that the two of you would expressly head out towards me. I have been waiting. Mink-kun. And then Aoba-kun."
He knows about me? And also about MInk?
Although it should be that I have not met him or such before...
Aoba: "How is it, my name..."
Toue: "The information of the people who step into Platinum Jail, all of it is managed by Oval Tower. In other words it also means information on both of you is being leaked."
Toue laughs in a deeply significant manner.
On looking at Mink, anger is spread out across that expression. The same as when he saw Toue appearing in the news.
Mink: "...you, knowing of our movements you intentionally let us go around freely?"
Mink: "For you, if you seriously thought that you wanted us stopped you would have been able to. Nevertheless, (you let us) flamboyantly blunder around to that extent without doing anything."
Toue: "That is the case. From the moment I heard that you'd escaped from prison, I had been keeping an eye on you all this time."
Aoba: "!"
Mink: "That is to say, you also know then the reason I've come here?"
Toue: "Ah, of course. The only survivor of the proud god clan."
Mink: "......"
Toue: "By the way, I thought that I would say this to you if I met you... I have done completely unforgivable things to you. Here and now I want to apologize. About your clan, that is."
...that moment, Mink's mood changed.
Like flames fanned by a breeze and spreading, a clearly murderous air brims over.
Up to this point this is the first time that Mink had shown his emotions so frankly. I get that there is something extraordinary between him and Toue.
Is this, the reason behind the persistence of Mink's obstinate will...?
Toue: "Although it was for the sake of research, I feel truly sorry for the sacrificing of all the people of your clan to the experiments."
Toue: "But, your clan possessed a rare hidden ability. The drugs decocted from medicinal plants that your clan passed down from generation to generation..."
Toue: "By consuming that, or otherwise burnt in the form of tobacco, by inhaling the smoke you(pl.) manipulated your body scent."
Toue: "The chief purpose of that effect is to gain healing but, it is said that sometimes people could also get dependent on it like they were on intoxicating drugs."
Toue: "A deception arising from the sense of smell. From there the manipulation of people's minds. I felt extremely interested in that."
Toue: "According to rumours, by the richness of the concentration in your(pl.) blood that is adapted to the drugs' efficacy, it is said that by speaking people for a moment could fall into a state of ecstacy."
Toue: But, among you(pl.) not one person would divulge the method of production of that drug. Because it was an important secret process inherited from the gods, wasn't it?"
Toue: The unity of your(pl.) clan in the end was firm, and faith in the gods absolute. So we had no other choice but to conduct analysis of your(pl.) body scent."
Toue: "The components to befuddle a person's heart, how it is being formed inside the body indeed."
Aoba: "......"
The analysis of body scent...
Earlier Toue had said that "the people of the clan were all sacrificed to experiments".
By that in other words it means...
That for the sake of investigating they were all killed?
Such...
But in that case I can also understand Mink's abnormal anger.
Mink's clan was killed.
By Toue.
Mink: "......"
Mink with a cold expression is silently looking at Toue.
Toue: "But in the end, we did not get any details. Even the use of cutting-edge technology could not shed any light on your(pl.) secret technique."
Toue: "Living things are truly mysterious. Sometimes it gives rise to wonders that science cannot explain."
Toue: In the end, you became the only survivor of your clan. You know of course don't you? The preparation method of the drug."
Mink: "If so what about it? You still think that I would tell you?"
Toue: "Of course, I am not thinking that it would go so smoothly. That's why, I want to propose a negotiation with you."
Toue: "In exchange for the method of preparation of the drug, on my side I too will grant you your wish. Anything, if it is within my power. How about it?"
Toue took a step out, and with challenging eyes looked at Mink.
For a moment Mink said nothing, and did not stir.
Although it was certain that he was angry, with even more ferocity the thing that was like a dark aura circled around Mink.
After a long silence, Mink let out a small breath and smiled.
Mink: "...doing so much to get it into your hands. Your tenacity is really amazing."
Toue: "This is the only thing your clan is said to esteem and respect. Would I come to understand this fervent feeling I wonder?"
Toue: "With artificially produced things, people's hearts are easily manipulated. But strength that is possessed naturally, in this world most mysteriously is the most powerful strength."
Mink: "I see. Then suppose I ask you to hand over all the wealth of the Toue conglomerate, what will you do?"
Toue: "As you can imagine a condition to the extent that would cause difficulties for research and management would be difficult but, to arrange for you to accumulate wealth to the same degree as me, that I can do."
Mink: "...ha. As I expected."
Toue: "...that is if you can accept that condition, and respond to my transaction, does that mean it is agreeable?"
In order to confirm that Mink was smiling in a rare show of amusement, Toue drew his cheek lightly (towards him).
But, Mink immediately withdrew his smile.
Mink: "What I wish for is your life. Other than that there is nothing that I want."
Toue: "......I see."
Toue while smiling thinly, without taking his eyes off Mink nodded a number of times.
Toue: "Well, I had thought that in your case you would probably answer as much."
[dm3510]
On saying that Toue raised one hand, and with a click snapped his fingers.
One of the security guards in the rear stepped forward to the front.
Toue: "Originally I did not really want to use coercive measures but... you are (my) last hope. Even this is a situation you cannot retreat from."
The security guard slowly spread his arms out, and took in a deep breath.
Somehow it looks as if he is going to sing an opera.
Just as I thought that...
Aoba: "...eh, a song?"
The security guard really started singing.
Gently in a high key, but a melody that caused uneasiness somewhere flows into the white space.
Aoba: "...!? h..."
Suddenly, a sharp headache runs through.
My vision getting blurred bit by bit, as if the floor is swaying my legs are unsteady.
What?
Why is it all of a sudden...
Mink: "...h, this song..."
Mink moans low, and his face distorts as if in pain.
Such a, even as far as Mink...!?
Is it because of the song?
What the heck is going on, this song...!
Toue: "fufu..."
Behind the security guard who is continuing to sing Toue laughs.
Toue: "So, this is a trial. How long can you hold out I wonder."
The voice and face of Toue speaking too... is floppily distorted.
Aoba: "...u, ..."
Mink: "...h"
...it's no good.
The song reverberates in the head, becoming like a flood of voices...
I am unable to think of anything...
In my rough and hazy field of vision, I could vaguely see Mink's figure.
Mink...
[dm3520]
......
Aoba: "Such a waste isn't it."
......?
Aoba: "Isn't it better to use what can be used? is what I'm saying."
This is...
My voice?
Aoba: "It's not like it’s a violation or a particular modification or such. I don't really understand the reason but, it's because somehow I can see it that's all."
This is...
...me.
In the surroundings youths of around the same age as me are gathered, each doing whatever they felt like.
Doing drugs, fighting, playing around with women, drinking, sleeping. And then... playing Rhyme.
I too am mingling among them, with acquaintances walking in the direction of those with shoulders locked together playing Rhyme.
That is to say my figure is "watching" me.
Standing in the same space, as if in order to look at the other people.
But, sometimes here and there a faint noise runs through.
Like being lost inside a realistic 3D film, a make-believe world that I have never seen before is being spread out.
...never seen before?
Wrong.
I... know it. I have come here before.
Not only that, many times too.
This is...
My past.
Around the time when I was wild... the memories that I had forgotten.
But, why all of a sudden...
Aoba: "Don't talk! Just look at everything!"
...that's right, that time.
In Rhyme for some reason I had the ability to see my opponents' weaknesses, because of that I had won a succession of victories.
Aoba: "Because you're troublesome hurry up now and disappear!"
Why that was so, I did not consider why is it I could see it.
It was something I could do so to do it was fine.
That was my thinking.
The me at that time.
Aoba: "haha, HAHAHAHA! ahahahahahahaha! Bye then!"
Opponent: "UWAAaaaaaahh!!!"
..stop!!!
...I don't want it, make it stop...
Virus: "The brain has taken direct damage."
Trip: "If done badly then he'll be like that forever. Without his consciousness returning."
Virus: "Rhyme name, Sly Blue... It's messed up."
No.
I don't want to recall.
That was...
That was......
I was......
Aoba: "......such"
Aoba: "Such... I was, that was not my intention, ...no way, to have it become like this."
I did not know.
That the weak point that only I could see was "the part of a person's heart that must not be touched".
Not knowing that, I had, feeling a sense of superiority over the fact that only I could "see"...
I had......
Destroyed.
People's hearts, destroyed.
People's, hearts.
Aoba: "aaaAAAAAAAAhh!!!!"
[dm3530]
That moment...
Falling over somebody grasped my hand.
[dm3540]
Aoba: "......"
My consciousness returning, taken aback, on lifting my face I was still in that white hall-like place.
But, those security guards and Toue were already gone.
The past that I re-experienced just now... was it because of the security guard's song?
My, past...
Although I had forgotten all this time, the old me had...
I had committed a grievous mistake.
...?
Somebody is gripping my arm.
...Mink.
Earlier when I was facing the past that I had forgotten and lost sight of myself...
Somebody had held my hand...
That, was that Mink...
While harbouring a secret feeling of gratitude, I turn my view to his face.
Aoba: "Mink, are you okay? That song earlier..."
On speaking to him, I immediately had a bad premonition.
Aoba: "Mink? ...!"
His large body shook with a jerk.
Mink is on the floor on his knees and one hand.
Mink: "......"
Aoba: "What's the matter, oi"
Leaning over, on peering into his face I am shocked.
Trickling down from his cheeks to his chin, Mink was perspiring a large quantity of sweat, he was taking wild breaths.
I have never seen Mink like this before.
Those shoulders were shaking lightly.
Aoba: "Oi Mink, are you okay? Mink!"
No matter how much I call out there is no response.
Is it that he cannot hear my voice...?
Although his eyes are open, they are not looking at anything.
Aoba: "......"
To have come this far... at such a place.
Aoba: "What will I do if you are finished first... In that case I cannot give my consent to it can I!"
Completely taking people down, doing terrible things...
For the sake of using me, in order to bring me along this far that he had compelled me.
Even so I, knowing that Mink was strong-willed to the point of coldheartedness... was drawn to him.
It was of course that my aim and Mink's were in agreement that we had come this far but...
I, wanted to know if there was anything before the focus of Mink's cold eyes.
Not about his aim and such, about what a person who possess such a firm will is trying to attain.
I wanted to know that.
Aoba: "......h"
Earlier Mink grabbed my hand and held onto it.
Therefore, I want to return (the favour) too.
Now, there is one way that I can help Mink.
...Scrap.
There is no guarantee that it will help.
I might end up "destroying".
But the possibility that it can help is not 0.
I held Mink's chin, and gently pointed it upwards.
The eyes with their pupils open, looked completely like it was filled with a bottomless black sea.
Staring fixedly in order to search around the inside of those eyes, I speak to him in a low quiet voice.
Aoba: "...Mink, can you hear me? From here on I am going inside of you."
Mink: "......"
Aoba: "Look at my eyes... Steadily, like that. Let me inside of you."
Aoba: "Towards your core...deep inside of you, lead me on."
Notes:
At the start of dm3520, the first line こんなの余裕だろ translates literally to "like this is a surplus isn't it", having resources left over that have not been put to use. I would have liked to find a closer phrasing to it but nothing came to mind, so used "such a waste" instead which I felt came the closest to conveying the desired meaning.
And at the end of dm3520, the heart 心 kokoro tends to be the figurative heart, equating with the mind or consciousness.
I have to say that Toue's speech nearly killed me, ploughing my way through it. After that it was a walk in the park :S :D
I'm just starting to wonder whether the reason I'm feeling more strung up lately is because of all these Hollywood revelations. Maybe. Maybe not. But maybe.