healingbonds (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
healingbonds) wrote2021-12-06 01:19 pm
healingbonds) wrote2021-12-06 01:19 pm
Entry tags:
Flowers for You, Magic for the Sky | Chapter 24
Chapter 23 << | index | >> Chapter 25
Mitile & Riquet: ............!
Riquet: Mitile! Mitile, run away......!
Mitile: I can’t leave you behind, Riquet! ....I-it’s here......
The shadow of the gigantic Minotaur brandishing its axe looms over Mitile and Riquet’s cowering figures.
Mitile throws himself over Riquet, covering him. Tears spill from Riquet’s wide eyes.
Mustering all his courage, Mitile yells.
Mitile: Mother, please save us......!!
But the one who answers Mitile’s cry for help is not his caring mother in heaven.
It’s the Northern wizard Bradley.
Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>!
Mitile: ............!
From the far depths of the garden labyrinth, Bradley readies his rifle and fires at the Minotaur.
Shot through the head, the Minotaur collapses to the ground with a deafening crash.
Mitile: Mister Bradley!
Riquet: Bradley!
Bradley grins at the relief and joy lighting up their faces.
Bradley: Sorry, my bad! That took me some time!
I got blasted away by a sneeze, see. So I kept sneezing my way back. Stroke of luck landed me here in time......
Bradley casually chats away, but then he seems to take notice.
Of the boys’ wet eyes, their swollen ankles, their elbows scraped red. He narrows his eyes kindly.
Bradley: Hey, you look like real men right now. You worked hard.
At Bradley’s praise, Riquet and Mitile’s faces crumple up tearfully.
Mitile & Riquet: ......W-we did!!
Bradley: Save the tears for later.
Hearing that, Mitile turns to peer behind him.
Despite being shot, the Minotaur slowly lifts its large body off the ground.
Mitile turns pale at the monster’s seemingly invincible tenacity.
Mitile: ......Ah.......! But the bullet went through its head......
Bradley: ...... It went and got back on its feet. Stubborn fucker. Leave the rest to me.
At that moment, two shadows stagger over from the opposite end of the thicket.
It’s Shino and Heathcliff. They’re so drenched in blood that it’s a mystery how they’re still standing.
Shino: ......Bradley.
Bradley: Eastern tiny. You got the most messed up out of the bunch. Stand back.
Shino: Hah...... Hah.......
Shino is silent. But exhaustion and resignation wash across his face.
He’s the one who fought a battle of life and death against the Minotaur. He must want to finish it off with his own hands.
The usual Shino would have objected. But he doesn’t even have the strength to do that now.
Heathcliff gazes at him, holding back his words.
Heathcliff: ..........
Bradley, wait a second.
Bradley: What now, young master?
Heathcliff: Don’t finish it off just yet.
Bradley: That’s gonna be tough.
Heathcliff: Give me one minute... No, thirty seconds.
Heathcliff places himself in front of Shino, who looks ready to crumple to the ground at any moment.
Shino breathes, his shoulders heaving as he gazes up to Heathcliff in silence.
Heathcliff: Shino. I’ve been thinking about what Mr. Faust told me.
Shino: ....Faust?
Heathcliff: He said that you might have trouble unleashing your full power because I’ve been so half-hearted.....
Shino: ...........
(Roar)
Bradley: Five seconds! He’s headed our way!
Heathcliff: Shino. In the name of Heathcliff Blanchett, I command you.
Bring me that Minotaur’s head.
Shino: ..........
That’s when Shino’s eyes begin to shine.
A powerful breeze sweeps through the courtyard, making way for a blue night sky to peer through the cracks of gray clouds overhead.
Shino grins under the moonlight.
Shino: .....Your wish is my command!
Heathcliff flashes him an awkward smile. Shino begins to run, as if the pain has evaporated from his body.
Shino: Move, Bradley! I’ll finish it off!
Bradley: The light’s back in your eyes. Even Northern wizards have trouble with that monster, you know?
You think you can kill it?
Shino: I can. ....I will!
Bradley: Ahahaha! All right then. Make it all yours. I got your back.
Shino: Don’t miss.
Bradley: Right back at you. I’m taking all the credit if you mess up.
<< Adnopotensum >> !
(Boom) (Boom)
Mitile: He got the Minotaur’s leg!
Riquet: It’s down on its knees....!
Bradley: That’ll make it easier for you to reach with your scythe, Eastern tiny.
Shino: Don’t call me short, dammit.....!
Shino darts forward, readying his scythe. Heathcliff shouts, his voice pushing him forward.
Heathcliff: Go! Run, Shino!
Mitile: You can do it, Mister Shino.....!
Riquet: You can do it!
Shino: .....This is the end, you damn bull.....!
<< Matztzāh Sudipas >> !
Shino’s scythe flashes gallantly above the Minotaur’s head.
(Roar)
The bull’s thick neck rips away from its body and flies high into the air.
Heathcliff: .....He finished it off....!
Mitile & Riquet: Yes......!!
Bradley: Hahaha! He just blasted its whole head off!
Heathcliff: Yes! Shino....! You’re amazing!
Shino: .....hh......
Praise me more!
Heathcliff: You’re amazing! You’re incredible!!
Shino: Heh!
✦✧☾✧✦
Rutile: << Ortonik Setomaouge >> !
.....There’s no end to these briars — they keep attacking. Are the people collapsed on the floor all right....?
Figaro: Looks like they’re just asleep. They should wake up once we free Granvelle Castle from the rose castle’s curse.
Rutile: And if we can’t undo the curse....?
Figaro: They’ll become sacrifices for the cursed ghost castle, never to open their eyes again as they wander through the dimensions.
But not to fear. So long as we defeat the beasts and find the man behind this ritual....
They should wake up like nothing ever happened.
.......!
Rutile: What’s wrong, Dr. Figaro!?
Figaro: Stand back, Rutile. I sense powerful magic and animus from the other side of this wall.
Rutile: Could it be another beast!?
Figaro: No.... This feels vaguely.... Familiar.....
Hold up! Hold up, Owen!
Owen: << Cure Memini >>
Figaro: << Possideo >> !
(Crash) (Crumble)
Owen: ......! Figaro......
Figaro: That was close. We were about to knock each other out.
Rutile: Chloe! Mister Rustica!
Chloe: Rutile! Thank goodness you’re all right!
Rutile: Where’s Mister Cain....!?
Rustica: Right here.
Cain: ....hh..... Ugh.....
Figaro: Is he conscious?
Chloe: He goes in and out. We kept talking to him, just as Rustica instructed, but.....
Figaro: Thank you — that’s very important. Cain. Cain, can you hear me?
Cain: .......ah.....
Owen: Hey! He’s on the brink of death; don’t force him to speak!
Haha..... I know what you are. You take pleasure in people’s final moments. It must be like poking dying bugs to you.
I thought it was strange — you, a doctor? In reality, you’re just a horrifying Norther—.....
Figaro: Owen. Shut your mouth. I’ll take your eye and send the rest of you flying.
Ah, this is awful. He’s been bitten by a giant beast. What magical beast did this to you?
Cain: ......Ce.....
Cerberus.....
Figaro: ..........
Owen: Don’t look at me.
Cain: .....It’s not Owen’s fault. It’s my......
Owen: What....?
Cain: .....hh......
Owen: Of course it’s my fault!
Cain: .......ah......
Figaro: Cain. Cain, don’t pass out. Everyone, keep saying his name.
Chloe: Cain!
Rutile: Pull yourself together, Mister Cain!
Rustica: Cain. It’ll be all right.
Owen: ............
Figaro: Don’t worry. I will save you.
<< Possideo >>
✦✧☾✧✦
The sea breeze blows even stronger than before.
Arthur’s jaw falls open as the wind toys with the tips of his hair.
Arthur: ......! So that’s the Leviathan......!
It’s huge......!
Mithra: Please don’t react the same way Rutile did.
Snow in the portrait: We will guide you, Arthur. You have to use the sword to draw a sealing circle in the sea.
White in the portrait: Mithra, until the magic circle is completed, you will act as a decoy and head into the sea.
Snow in the portrait: Once Arthur confines the Leviathan to the sea with the magic circle, Mithra will take it down.
White in the portrait: Understand, you two?
Arthur: Got it!
Mithra: I’ll show you.
Snow & White in the portrait: Ohoho! Time to put the plan into action!
Arthur: Mithra, I’m leaving it to you!
Mithra: What’s with your hand? ......You’ve been giving off Oz’s scent.
Arthur: Sir Oz granted me his magic. Here, let’s high five.
Mithra: Okay.
Exchanging a high five, Arthur and Mithra mount their brooms and fly parallel to the horizon.
Mithra: << Arthim >>
Provoked by Mithra’s attack, the Leviathan — its gigantic frame bigger than a building — chases after him.
With all the force and profound impact of a colossal ship racing through the waters.
But Mithra skims across the sea, his expression unchanging.
The instant the Leviathan throws open its jaw to sink its teeth into him, Mithra dives into the sea.
He cuts through the water, the Leviathan still in pursuit.
Mithra takes out his magic skull, skillfully evading the Leviathan as it closes the distance between the two of them.
He unleashes attack after attack from his skull, all the while strategically preventing the Leviathan from surfacing.
From the depths of the sea, Mithra’s gaze travels beyond the surface of the water, looking at the magic circle of foam that Arthur is drawing with Caletvwlch while riding on his broom.
Snow in the portrait: Have you set the red silk thread aflame on the surface of the sea?
Arthur: Yes!
White in the portrait: Have you anointed the treasured sword Caletvwlch with a single drop of commanding oil?
Arthur: Yes!
Snow in the portrait: Very well. Then let’s begin the sealing ceremony!
White in the portrait: It’s time for Mithra to lead the Leviathan into the magic circle that you drew!
Arthur: All right.
<< Pernoctant Nixzo >>!
Arthur chants his spell, his grimoire in one hand and Caletvwlch in the other.
He slashes the surface of the sea with Caletvwlch.
Drawing the magic circle of water, his movements across the sea resemble a dance upon the waves.
Once he connects the final line, water erupts from the magic circle drawn on the sea like a suboceanic volcano erupting.
The sea spray gushes high into the night sky, forming a circular pillar with Arthur as its core.
With lingering traces of boyishness, Arthur’s clear blue eyes are alight with the air of a king.
Arthur: Mithra, over to you!
Bathed in moonlight and sea spray, the twins peer steadily at the water’s surface with identical expressions.
Snow and White break into delighted smiles at the same moment.
Perhaps they spot the unknowing Leviathan in furious pursuit of Mithra as he swims towards the magic circle.
Snow & White in the portrait: You fell for it!
Mithra breaks through the water surface, and the Leviathan on his heels follows suit.
Arthur: << Pernoctant Nixzo >>!
The magic circle glows brightly.
The glowing circle traps the Leviathan’s gigantic body as it breaches the surface, rendering it motionless.
Soaring high into the sky, Mithra stands atop his broom as he looks down at the rampaging Leviathan.
He languidly tosses his magic skull into the air, pushing back his wet hair.
Mithra: << Arthim >>
The enlarged skull throws its jaw wide open in a show of intimidation.
An icy blast of wind blows from its mouth.
The roaring gale relentlessly leaves swaths of white ice in its path — freezing over the surface of the sea, the night air, even the sea spray.
Even the Leviathan, which seemed like an immortal demon, freezes over instantaneously.
If it hadn’t been trapped within the magic circle, it would have escaped to a different body of water.
Arthur: Amazing......
Arthur exclaims, his breath misting white, brimming with genuine admiration at the overwhelming impact of Mithra’s magic.
Until dawn breaks, he is the strongest wizard in the world.
Mithra blinks languidly — he has a sleepy gaze for the lord of the night.
Mithra: This is the end.
Mithra snaps his fingers.
And the Leviathan shatters into pieces before anyone can even gasp in awe.
The fragments rain down on the sea surface like hail. Arthur raises the painting over his head to shield himself.
Arthur: You did it, Mithra!
Snow in the portrait: Ouch, ouch, that hurts!
White in the portrait: Hey, Arthur! Don’t go using us as an umbrella!
Arthur: S-sorry!
Arthur hastily lowers the portrait. Mithra breaks into laughter at the sight.
Like an innocent young boy.
Mithra: Ahaha!
Chapter 23 << | index | >> Chapter 25
Mitile & Riquet: ............!
Riquet: Mitile! Mitile, run away......!
Mitile: I can’t leave you behind, Riquet! ....I-it’s here......
The shadow of the gigantic Minotaur brandishing its axe looms over Mitile and Riquet’s cowering figures.
Mitile throws himself over Riquet, covering him. Tears spill from Riquet’s wide eyes.
Mustering all his courage, Mitile yells.
Mitile: Mother, please save us......!!
But the one who answers Mitile’s cry for help is not his caring mother in heaven.
It’s the Northern wizard Bradley.
Bradley: << Adnopotensum >>!
Mitile: ............!
From the far depths of the garden labyrinth, Bradley readies his rifle and fires at the Minotaur.
Shot through the head, the Minotaur collapses to the ground with a deafening crash.
Mitile: Mister Bradley!
Riquet: Bradley!
Bradley grins at the relief and joy lighting up their faces.
Bradley: Sorry, my bad! That took me some time!
I got blasted away by a sneeze, see. So I kept sneezing my way back. Stroke of luck landed me here in time......
Bradley casually chats away, but then he seems to take notice.
Of the boys’ wet eyes, their swollen ankles, their elbows scraped red. He narrows his eyes kindly.
Bradley: Hey, you look like real men right now. You worked hard.
At Bradley’s praise, Riquet and Mitile’s faces crumple up tearfully.
Mitile & Riquet: ......W-we did!!
Bradley: Save the tears for later.
Hearing that, Mitile turns to peer behind him.
Despite being shot, the Minotaur slowly lifts its large body off the ground.
Mitile turns pale at the monster’s seemingly invincible tenacity.
Mitile: ......Ah.......! But the bullet went through its head......
Bradley: ...... It went and got back on its feet. Stubborn fucker. Leave the rest to me.
At that moment, two shadows stagger over from the opposite end of the thicket.
It’s Shino and Heathcliff. They’re so drenched in blood that it’s a mystery how they’re still standing.
Shino: ......Bradley.
Bradley: Eastern tiny. You got the most messed up out of the bunch. Stand back.
Shino: Hah...... Hah.......
Shino is silent. But exhaustion and resignation wash across his face.
He’s the one who fought a battle of life and death against the Minotaur. He must want to finish it off with his own hands.
The usual Shino would have objected. But he doesn’t even have the strength to do that now.
Heathcliff gazes at him, holding back his words.
Heathcliff: ..........
Bradley, wait a second.
Bradley: What now, young master?
Heathcliff: Don’t finish it off just yet.
Bradley: That’s gonna be tough.
Heathcliff: Give me one minute... No, thirty seconds.
Heathcliff places himself in front of Shino, who looks ready to crumple to the ground at any moment.
Shino breathes, his shoulders heaving as he gazes up to Heathcliff in silence.
Heathcliff: Shino. I’ve been thinking about what Mr. Faust told me.
Shino: ....Faust?
Heathcliff: He said that you might have trouble unleashing your full power because I’ve been so half-hearted.....
Shino: ...........
(Roar)
Bradley: Five seconds! He’s headed our way!
Heathcliff: Shino. In the name of Heathcliff Blanchett, I command you.
Bring me that Minotaur’s head.
Shino: ..........
That’s when Shino’s eyes begin to shine.
A powerful breeze sweeps through the courtyard, making way for a blue night sky to peer through the cracks of gray clouds overhead.
Shino grins under the moonlight.
Shino: .....Your wish is my command!
Heathcliff flashes him an awkward smile. Shino begins to run, as if the pain has evaporated from his body.
Shino: Move, Bradley! I’ll finish it off!
Bradley: The light’s back in your eyes. Even Northern wizards have trouble with that monster, you know?
You think you can kill it?
Shino: I can. ....I will!
Bradley: Ahahaha! All right then. Make it all yours. I got your back.
Shino: Don’t miss.
Bradley: Right back at you. I’m taking all the credit if you mess up.
<< Adnopotensum >> !
(Boom) (Boom)
Mitile: He got the Minotaur’s leg!
Riquet: It’s down on its knees....!
Bradley: That’ll make it easier for you to reach with your scythe, Eastern tiny.
Shino: Don’t call me short, dammit.....!
Shino darts forward, readying his scythe. Heathcliff shouts, his voice pushing him forward.
Heathcliff: Go! Run, Shino!
Mitile: You can do it, Mister Shino.....!
Riquet: You can do it!
Shino: .....This is the end, you damn bull.....!
<< Matztzāh Sudipas >> !
Shino’s scythe flashes gallantly above the Minotaur’s head.
(Roar)
The bull’s thick neck rips away from its body and flies high into the air.
Heathcliff: .....He finished it off....!
Mitile & Riquet: Yes......!!
Bradley: Hahaha! He just blasted its whole head off!
Heathcliff: Yes! Shino....! You’re amazing!
Shino: .....hh......
Praise me more!
Heathcliff: You’re amazing! You’re incredible!!
Shino: Heh!
✦✧☾✧✦
Rutile: << Ortonik Setomaouge >> !
.....There’s no end to these briars — they keep attacking. Are the people collapsed on the floor all right....?
Figaro: Looks like they’re just asleep. They should wake up once we free Granvelle Castle from the rose castle’s curse.
Rutile: And if we can’t undo the curse....?
Figaro: They’ll become sacrifices for the cursed ghost castle, never to open their eyes again as they wander through the dimensions.
But not to fear. So long as we defeat the beasts and find the man behind this ritual....
They should wake up like nothing ever happened.
.......!
Rutile: What’s wrong, Dr. Figaro!?
Figaro: Stand back, Rutile. I sense powerful magic and animus from the other side of this wall.
Rutile: Could it be another beast!?
Figaro: No.... This feels vaguely.... Familiar.....
Hold up! Hold up, Owen!
Owen: << Cure Memini >>
Figaro: << Possideo >> !
(Crash) (Crumble)
Owen: ......! Figaro......
Figaro: That was close. We were about to knock each other out.
Rutile: Chloe! Mister Rustica!
Chloe: Rutile! Thank goodness you’re all right!
Rutile: Where’s Mister Cain....!?
Rustica: Right here.
Cain: ....hh..... Ugh.....
Figaro: Is he conscious?
Chloe: He goes in and out. We kept talking to him, just as Rustica instructed, but.....
Figaro: Thank you — that’s very important. Cain. Cain, can you hear me?
Cain: .......ah.....
Owen: Hey! He’s on the brink of death; don’t force him to speak!
Haha..... I know what you are. You take pleasure in people’s final moments. It must be like poking dying bugs to you.
I thought it was strange — you, a doctor? In reality, you’re just a horrifying Norther—.....
Figaro: Owen. Shut your mouth. I’ll take your eye and send the rest of you flying.
Ah, this is awful. He’s been bitten by a giant beast. What magical beast did this to you?
Cain: ......Ce.....
Cerberus.....
Figaro: ..........
Owen: Don’t look at me.
Cain: .....It’s not Owen’s fault. It’s my......
Owen: What....?
Cain: .....hh......
Owen: Of course it’s my fault!
Cain: .......ah......
Figaro: Cain. Cain, don’t pass out. Everyone, keep saying his name.
Chloe: Cain!
Rutile: Pull yourself together, Mister Cain!
Rustica: Cain. It’ll be all right.
Owen: ............
Figaro: Don’t worry. I will save you.
<< Possideo >>
✦✧☾✧✦
The sea breeze blows even stronger than before.
Arthur’s jaw falls open as the wind toys with the tips of his hair.
Arthur: ......! So that’s the Leviathan......!
It’s huge......!
Mithra: Please don’t react the same way Rutile did.
Snow in the portrait: We will guide you, Arthur. You have to use the sword to draw a sealing circle in the sea.
White in the portrait: Mithra, until the magic circle is completed, you will act as a decoy and head into the sea.
Snow in the portrait: Once Arthur confines the Leviathan to the sea with the magic circle, Mithra will take it down.
White in the portrait: Understand, you two?
Arthur: Got it!
Mithra: I’ll show you.
Snow & White in the portrait: Ohoho! Time to put the plan into action!
Arthur: Mithra, I’m leaving it to you!
Mithra: What’s with your hand? ......You’ve been giving off Oz’s scent.
Arthur: Sir Oz granted me his magic. Here, let’s high five.
Mithra: Okay.
Exchanging a high five, Arthur and Mithra mount their brooms and fly parallel to the horizon.
Mithra: << Arthim >>
Provoked by Mithra’s attack, the Leviathan — its gigantic frame bigger than a building — chases after him.
With all the force and profound impact of a colossal ship racing through the waters.
But Mithra skims across the sea, his expression unchanging.
The instant the Leviathan throws open its jaw to sink its teeth into him, Mithra dives into the sea.
He cuts through the water, the Leviathan still in pursuit.
Mithra takes out his magic skull, skillfully evading the Leviathan as it closes the distance between the two of them.
He unleashes attack after attack from his skull, all the while strategically preventing the Leviathan from surfacing.
From the depths of the sea, Mithra’s gaze travels beyond the surface of the water, looking at the magic circle of foam that Arthur is drawing with Caletvwlch while riding on his broom.
Snow in the portrait: Have you set the red silk thread aflame on the surface of the sea?
Arthur: Yes!
White in the portrait: Have you anointed the treasured sword Caletvwlch with a single drop of commanding oil?
Arthur: Yes!
Snow in the portrait: Very well. Then let’s begin the sealing ceremony!
White in the portrait: It’s time for Mithra to lead the Leviathan into the magic circle that you drew!
Arthur: All right.
<< Pernoctant Nixzo >>!
Arthur chants his spell, his grimoire in one hand and Caletvwlch in the other.
He slashes the surface of the sea with Caletvwlch.
Drawing the magic circle of water, his movements across the sea resemble a dance upon the waves.
Once he connects the final line, water erupts from the magic circle drawn on the sea like a suboceanic volcano erupting.
The sea spray gushes high into the night sky, forming a circular pillar with Arthur as its core.
With lingering traces of boyishness, Arthur’s clear blue eyes are alight with the air of a king.
Arthur: Mithra, over to you!
Bathed in moonlight and sea spray, the twins peer steadily at the water’s surface with identical expressions.
Snow and White break into delighted smiles at the same moment.
Perhaps they spot the unknowing Leviathan in furious pursuit of Mithra as he swims towards the magic circle.
Snow & White in the portrait: You fell for it!
Mithra breaks through the water surface, and the Leviathan on his heels follows suit.
Arthur: << Pernoctant Nixzo >>!
The magic circle glows brightly.
The glowing circle traps the Leviathan’s gigantic body as it breaches the surface, rendering it motionless.
Soaring high into the sky, Mithra stands atop his broom as he looks down at the rampaging Leviathan.
He languidly tosses his magic skull into the air, pushing back his wet hair.
Mithra: << Arthim >>
The enlarged skull throws its jaw wide open in a show of intimidation.
An icy blast of wind blows from its mouth.
The roaring gale relentlessly leaves swaths of white ice in its path — freezing over the surface of the sea, the night air, even the sea spray.
Even the Leviathan, which seemed like an immortal demon, freezes over instantaneously.
If it hadn’t been trapped within the magic circle, it would have escaped to a different body of water.
Arthur: Amazing......
Arthur exclaims, his breath misting white, brimming with genuine admiration at the overwhelming impact of Mithra’s magic.
Until dawn breaks, he is the strongest wizard in the world.
Mithra blinks languidly — he has a sleepy gaze for the lord of the night.
Mithra: This is the end.
Mithra snaps his fingers.
And the Leviathan shatters into pieces before anyone can even gasp in awe.
The fragments rain down on the sea surface like hail. Arthur raises the painting over his head to shield himself.
Arthur: You did it, Mithra!
Snow in the portrait: Ouch, ouch, that hurts!
White in the portrait: Hey, Arthur! Don’t go using us as an umbrella!
Arthur: S-sorry!
Arthur hastily lowers the portrait. Mithra breaks into laughter at the sight.
Like an innocent young boy.
Mithra: Ahaha!
Chapter 23 << | index | >> Chapter 25