Takeminakata Side Story Ch. 1
Story of Departure, Side Story Chapter 1: In the Depths of the Sacred Forest
There is no level limit to this story, with three waves split in between the scenes. This chapter features Takeminakata.
Takeminakata: What a pleasant wind… While in Suwa, all that noise seems like a lie.
[Birdsong and forest white noise.]
Takeminakata: Outside, they say that demons are causing suffering, but it’s peaceful here in Suwa’s forests.
Takeminakata: Certainly, even though a letter from Lord Izanagi arrived… huhu, I don’t need to leave this forest.
Takeminakata: That’s because you’re at the forefront of the from battle, didn’t you say that, Takemikazuchi? Then, there’s no need for me to leave…
Takeminakata: Besides, to you who’s fought me and won, with what kind of face should I offer cooperation?
Takeminakata: When next we meet… I’ve decided that will be our rematch.
[Running footsteps.]
Farmer 1: L-, Lord Takeminakata~!!
Takeminakata: Hm? Ah, you’re from the village that offers rice often…
Farmer 1: Pl-please help us…!
Takeminakata: Calm down. What happened, tell me.
Farmer 1: R-right…
Farmer 1: The truth is, our village… the demons…!
Takeminakata: What…!? To be so close to humans… No, the sacred influence of Suwa’s forest is strong, to think that the demons made it that far…
Takeminakata: I cannot allow such demons to approach Suwa forest. Is it soft of me to think that way…?
Takeminakata: It seems that while I was hiding in Suwa forest, the world moved far faster than I anticipated. And… not in a good way.
Takeminakata: Takemikazuchi, could this be why you stand as a general…
Takeminakata: In any case, I need to take care of these demons. Leave it to me.
Farmer 1: Yes, thank you for your consideration…!
[Takeminakata runs off towards the village.]
Takeminakata: Defiling this beautiful land like this… Damned demons, I won’t forgive you…!
[Demon growls.]
Takeminakata: All the people of the village… Please be safe!
[Takeminakata continues forward.]
Takeminakata: Guh… What am I doing, allowing the demons to invade the village.
Takeminakata: Tch… ah… The fields are all trampled and roughed up… If only I’d arrived a little sooner!
[Rustling. (I’m assuming he’s trying to fix up a sad broken stalk or something.)]
Takeminakata: I hope the villagers are safe at least…
[Takeminakata continues deeper into the village.]
Farmer 1: …Ahh… My fields are…
Takeminakata: (running in) Hey, hang in there.
Farmer 1: Ah… You’re Lord Takeminakata…! Thank goodness you’ve come!
Farmer 1: Please look at this. Because of those demons, our precious fields are ruined…
Takeminakata: Yes, I know. But right now, protecting yourself comes first.
Takeminakata: Get to a safe place. Leave the demons to me.
Farmer 1: …Yes. My most humble thanks…! (flees)
Takeminakata: Now then, I have to find the demons quickly…
[Demon growls, entering the village.]
Takeminakata: I’ve finally found you. Your violence is unforgivable. …Prepare yourself!
[Takeminakata races forward, sinking his blade into the demon.]
After 2nd wave.
*Note: The white deer speaks in a mixture of katagana and kanji and a whole ton of commas. I’ve done my best to make up for it.
Takeminakata: ……
White Deer: You return with a long face. What’s wrong...?
Takeminakata: …No, nothing’s wrong.
White Deer: The demons, you defeated them? Then, there’s no problem.
Takeminakata: No, this is only temporary. There’s a chance they’ll attack again.
White Deer: Then, what do we do?
Takeminakata: …I don’t know. Just protecting Suwa’s forest, is that the best I can do?
White Deer: ……
Takeminakata: …You look like you want to say something.
White Deer: If the evil is not destroyed at its source, this calamity will repeat itself. Yaorozukai will fall to the demons... if you don’t fight.
Takeminakata: Like I said, that’s Takemikazuchi’s… If that guy is out there, then there’s no need for me to act. We can leave it to him.
White Deer: You say that, but is that how you really feel?
Takeminakata: The truth is already decided. Besides, I have my role protecting this land of Suwa. Who will protect the forest if I leave…?
White Deer: But... even if you protect it, they’ll still come to attack... So it seems, they've appeared.
[Sound of magic being used.]
Takeminakata: Demons this far into the forest!? To not even hesitate setting foot in Suwa’s sacred woods...
White Deer: Here they come.
Takeminakata: ......
White Deer: Can’t sleep...?
Takeminakata: No... I had a dream. Of when I fought Takemikazuchi-- then I woke up.
Takeminakata: Before I challenged him, I had a lot of self-confidence, but in reality the difference in our strength was obvious.
Takeminakata: Haha... I wonder why I had such a dream. Is it because it’s the first time in forever I’ve thought of Takemikazuchi, or...
White Deer: ...You’ve grown strong. You’re already strong enough to compare to Takemikazuchi.
White Deer: Then, isn’t your reason to always stay in these lands moot...?
Takeminakata: ...Certainly I wanted to win against Takemikazuchi at first. It's why I’ve been training.
White Deer: A change of heart...?
Takeminakata: Wrong.
Takeminakata: I still want to win against Takemikazuchi. But I’m strong now because of my desire to protect the land of Suwa... That’s it.
Takeminakata: When Yaoruzukai finds peace... I think I’ll challenge him once again.
Takeminakata: Hmmm... There’s still time before dawn. I’m going back to sleep. (leaves)
[Strong winds, trees creaking.]
White Deer: But, Takeminakata... the storm will certainly come to Suwa. How long can we stay this way...?