Tasogare No Himegimi Volume 1 Ver1.0 by Mamahara Ellie ISBN 4-04-924435-7 translated by Janet Losey Do not alter this document. () indicate lines not spoken [] indicate lines in handwriting ** indicate flashbacks {} indicate translator notes {There are some unusual things about this story, The Twilight Princess. For one, it is different structurally from many shoujo manga in that it is not basically a love story. Rather, it quickly establishes that the central characters are in love and concentrates on good ol' fashioned princess saving action. ^_^ What really sets it apart, I think, is the Archbishop's fall from grace. He is the most human character in this story, and he's damn creepy. I found him oddly easy to write for. (What that says about me, I will leave others to decide.) {Some other noteworthy points are that this story is the final form of the author's plans to write a comic based on the movie 'Ladyhawke', and the characters are easy to parallel. All we're missing is the wolf. In the cultural front, it is worth noting that in the Japanese sense, practically any young noblewoman can be called 'hime', or princess. Also, since this is a medieval sort of story, I went against my usual inclination to leave all honorifics and familial titles untranslated. But except for the occasional -sama, they are rare, so I left those alone. Mostly. The difference between the way English and Japanese handle names and titles made it difficult sometimes.} Inside front cover: Mamahara Ellie Profile Mamahara Ellie. Born March 26th. Blood type O, Taurus. Residing in in Hyougo Prefecture. Debut work: 'Funky City Bad Time'. From Kadokawa Shoten: 'J1', 'Fake' 'Shuyuroukaku', (Tower of Transience) currently in publication. (AC-DX) P.2 The Twilight Princess (Part 1) - 3 End Supplement 8 - 175 P.3 Long ago, Troubadours with lutes in one hand Sang many a song of romance; Faeries of foreign lands, Legends of kings and knights; Repeating over the days and nights in the castle halls. Dreamlike tales... This story too may have been one of those tales--- P.5 The Twilight Princess Part 1 P.7 -Bruneau Duchy- {Duchy: a territory ruled by a duke.} {Servants bustle about in a large castle.} Peasant: Did you hear? The Princess should be returning today. The Lord and Lady are both overjoyed. I'm sure she's become very beautiful. P.8 Peasant: They say she is like a spring flower. {The returning princess is greeted her parents- the local feudal lord and his wife. Elsewhere, in a town not far removed from the castle, the bells are ringing at a great cathedral.} P.9 {As churchgoers leave the service, the young looking, richly dressed priest is addressed by a gallant looking young man of about the same age.} Archbishop: Jeral. Jeral: Your Grace, I am glad to see you're well. P.10 Archbishop: {Letting Jeral kiss his hand} Let's dispense with the formalities, cousin. We often played together in our youths. Archbishop: I received word of your inauguration as the new captain of the guard today. {The relatives talk together in a monastic-looking courtyard.} Archbishop: Father finally decided to hand over your inheritance? Congratulations. Jeral: Thank you very much. P.11 Archbishop: Even with such a pedigree, it's plain to see that noble blood can grow thin. While I am the oldest son, I was born sickly. You'll have to forgive me this body. Jeral: What are you saying? Your Grace is the pride of the house for having become an Archbishop so young. Archbishop: I had nothing to do at the monastery besides study. Novice: Archbishop-sama----- A guest has arrived. P.12 {The guest is the recently come home princess.} Blanche: It's been some time, Archbishop-sama. Archbishop: {Surprised} ----- Blanche! Ah, welcome home. There is nothing greater than seeing you in good health. Blanche: And you too, Archbishop-sama. Archbishop: You've grown more beautiful than ever. P.13 Archbishop: Jeral, do you recognize her? She is the Lord's daughter, Princess Blanche. Though it's been many years since I was in my uncle's house, it's as if those times have returned. {This can't be right...} Archbishop: {Almost coldly?} Blanche, this is my cousin, Duke Jeral. P.14 {Blanche and Jeral look at each other in captivated silence for a moment.} P.15 {Jeral kisses Blanche's hand. She blushes.} Jeral: ...... It is an honor to make your acquaintance. P.16 {As Blanche is prepared for bed, she still looks flushed and daydreamy.} Servant: What is it, princess? Blanche: Eh? What? Servant: You seem happier than usual. [Blanche: !] Has something good happened since you returned to the castle? Blanche: Yes... something has. P.17 {On a later day, Blanche and Jeral encounter each other in town while Jeral is on duty. Meanwhile, someone watches Blanche from a balcony above-----} P.18 {-----The Archbishop.} {Jeral and Blanche go riding together, and their relationship is obviously deepening.} P.19 {In the monastery, a book (formerly carried by a novice monk) hits the floor.} [Bang] Alan: WA! Nicol: Aw, what're you doing? If you damage any of the books, we'll get scolded by Master Bozel. P.20 Nicol: Look, you hold them from here. Alan: Thanks. Ah, it's no use. I'm no good at anything I do... I'll never become a respectable monk at this rate. Nicol: You'll be fine, Alan, because you know how to study. Nicol: I'm a lost cause. I hate my father for sending me here. Alan: Didn't you want to be a knight, Nicol? Nicol: Yeah, but a merchant's son doesn't... Uwa! {Nicol walks right into an opening door.} Nicol: Ow--- Master Bozel!! Bozel: Watch where you're going, Nicol. And don't talk needlessly in the halls. P.21 Nicol: (He heard us...) Bozel: Ah, yes. Nicol, take these books to the Archbishop's room. [He lent them to me.] Nicol: Huh? Isn't that Julian's job...? Bozel: He had something come up and is returning home. {Nicol pokes his head around the door of the Archbishop's room, and looks around, impressed, once it shuts behind him.} [Creak] [Shut] [Nicol: Wow.] Archbishop: -----Who is it? [Nicol: Shock] P.22 {The Archbishop enters from another door, looking disinterested, as usual.} Nicol: {Seriously startled} A... Archbishop-sama!! Archbishop: You are...? Nicol: Uh, um, since Julian is on holiday, I'm here in his place----- Archbishop: Is that so? Well done. -----Come here. Archbishop: Return these books for me. {Nicol eyes another book bearing a cross-like symbol on it's cover.} Nicol: And that one...? Archbishop: {Laying a hand on the book in question} Not this one. P.23 {The Archbishop looks at Nicol intently, and tilts the boy's face upwards with his hand.} Archbishop: What is your name? Nicol: Ni... Nicol. Archbishop: Nicol, I leave this duty to you from now on. Nicol: Eh?! Archbishop: Be on your way if you understand. Nicol: (Wh, what a surprise... I'd never seen the Archbishop from up close before, but...) [Shut] Nicol: (He's kinda scary.) Archbishop: {Staring the book} ...... P.24 {Jeral and the Archbishop talk in the cathedral again.} Archbishop: {Slightly bewildered} What...? Marriage? With Princess Blanche-----? Jeral: Yes. P.25 Jeral: {Bowing} Duke Bruneau and Uncle have gladly given their consent, as, I hope, will Your Grace. Jeral: ...Your Grace? Archbishop: {With a shaking grip on a nearby rail} ...I see. I wasn't aware of this matter. Archbishop: {And composed again}......You are a lucky man to have won her heart. P.26 Archbishop: I shall pray that God blesses the both of you. Jeral: Thank you very much. {The night has grown stormy, and the Archbishop walks lightening lit halls with a dark expression.] [Rumble rumble rumble] P.27 {Thunder rumbles as the storm approaches the Duke's castle.} Bruneau: Wh, what did you say......?! My daughter is a heretic...?! Of all the-----!! Archbishop: It is a shame, but it's true, Duke Bruneau. Bruneau: Do----- Do you have proof?! Archbishop: God has told me. Do you doubt the word of God? P.28 Bruneau: ......What do you intend for my daughter? Archbishop: Normally she should be put to death, but I would prefer not to subject a lady to such a thing. Archbishop: The one who tempted the princess was Jeral of the House of Farel. He had been tainting her with heretical teachings for some time. Bruneau: ! ......Surely not that young man-- Archbishop: The princess's case has room for consideration. She should become a nun and repent her sins. P.29 {Blanche listens from the other side of the door.} Archbishop: Arrest Jeral immediately and condemn him to the stake, Lord Bruneau-- If you want to save the princess' life. {Blanche's attendants try to stop her as she mounts a horse.} Servant: Princess! Please wait, princess! Blanche: Let me go! Servant: Going out alone in a storm at an hour like this... P.30 Servant: Princess! {As Blanche rides away, a servant bursts in on the Duke and the Archbishop.} Servant: Master, the princess has-----! Archbishop: She is doubtless going to Jeral. Hurry and bring them back. Bruneau: This is not in her interest-----! [Clop clop clop] P.31 {At the sound of the approaching horse, Jeral goes out to meet a terrified Blanche.} Jeral: Blanche-----! Blanche: ......Jeral! Jeral: What on earth happened...?! Blanche: Please, escape with me right away...! The Archbishop... threatened my father to kill you-----! P.32 Jeral: {Disbelieving} Surely not-----?! {Their pursuers’ torches make a line of lights in the night.} Guard: They escaped together into the forest!! Guard: Listen, surround and capture them!! Jeral is expendable, but the princess may not be so much as scratched! P.33 {The Archbishop watches the torchlight with his usual detached look, then turns away. He walks down a dark staircase, lantern in hand, pausing at a door bearing the same symbol as the book in his room.} P.34 {Beyond the door is a low altar, with a coffin-like object imbedded in the wall above it. The object is also marked with the cross symbol.} P.35 {On the altar is a book with an arrow resting on it. The arrow exudes energy, which dissipates as the Archbishop picks it up.} Archbishop: With this----- P.36 {The arrow is now wrapped up, and in the hands of an assassin.} Archbishop: Shoot Jeral with this. Assassin: Yes. Archbishop: Do not fail by any means. If you succeed, I will increase your reward by the usual amount. Assassin: Yes. P.37 {One of Jeral and Blanche's pursuers hit their horse in the leg with an arrow (but not _the_ arrow) and they fall from the rearing animal.} [Whish] [Thunk] Blanche: [Kyaaaaaaa-!] Soldier: Now! Seize them!! {Blanche leans against Jeral as he draws his sword.} Blanche: Jeral!! P.38 {Jeral crosses swords with and successfully defeats a guard one-handed.} [Clang] P.39 {Guards come up from behind the couple and pull Blanche away.} Blanche: [Kyaaaaa-!] Jeral: {Turning around} !! Blanche! Guard: Now!! Blanche: Jeral! Behind you! P.40 {The soldiers Jeral turned his back to strike from behind, cutting across Jeral's stomach.} Blanche: {Gasping} !! {Jeral fells the last guards and recovers Blanche.} Blanche: Jeral, you're hurt...! Jeral: {Holding his side} I'm fine. Blanche: But! P.41 {The assassin loads _the_ arrow into a crossbow.} Blanche: {Spotting the assassin} ......!! Watch out!! [Assassin: !] P.42 {Jeral's eyes go wide as Blanche shields him from the oncoming arrow.} Jeral: -----Blanche! Assassin: Missed! Jeral: Damn you! {Jeral throws his sword at the assassin. It buries to the hilt in his chest.} Jeral: {Weak, leaning into Blanche} Ugh... Blanche: Jeral...! P.43 Blache: This way... Blanche: ! {Blanche slips down a slope, and they both fall.) {Blanche wakes up in a cave-like room with Jeral. The arrow is no longer lodged in her shoulder.} Blanche: ...! Blanche: What is this place... P.44 {In an alcove there is a cross similar to the one from the Archbishop's book.} Blanche: (I've never seen a cross like this before... Is this... some sort of old chapel? And in such an removed place.) {Blanche's eyebrows contract at the sound of movement outside.} [Rustle rustle] Commander: Did they really run this way? Soldier: They should have. Commander: Find them, even if you must cut the plants from their roots! P.45 Blanche: (At this rate we will be found here. Though... If I am caught, there is a possibility...) P.46 Blanche: ...Please, Jeral, don't die----- Blanche: I love you. Blanche: (I realized as soon as I met you.) Jeral: {Regaining consciousness} ...Blanche, ......where are you going? Jeral: Blanche? {Blanche looks over her shoulder at him with tear filled eyes.} P.47 Blanche: (I must get as far from this place as I can.) Blanche: (Surely this is all our predetermined fate.) Soldier: Hm? That's-- P.48 Guard: Here she is! It's Princess Blanche! Seize her! Guard: Hurry! We have the princess! {Jeral lapses back into unconsciousness as the guards close in on Blanche.} Jeral: (Princess----) Blanche: (As is our love for each other.) P.49 {At the cathedral that night...} Guard: Archbishop, we have brought Blanche-sama. Archbishop: {Closing a book (_the_ book?)} Well done. I have been expecting you, princess. P.50 Blanche: Archbishop-sama... Archbishop: Jeral's whereabouts are still unknown? Find and retrieve him, it doesn't matter if he is dead. Soldier: Yes sir. {Blanche looks at the Archbishop with a slightly betrayed and fearful expression.} Archbishop: By letting Jeral escape you are charged with conspiring with a heretic, Blanche. Archbishop: Though it's no concern of mine----- It's his fate to die, sooner or later. Blanche: Why. Why are you doing this...? You of all people should know that we are not heretics. P.51 Archbishop: {Dispassionate, as usual} You ask me why-----? Truly, you are cruel. Archbishop: When I first met you, you were an angelic girl, and I was still just a child. Life at the monastery was unbearable, but knowing that you, in your deep faith, visited the church frequently eased my pain. Archbishop: I always came to see you, and you grew more beautiful with each meeting. P.52 Archbishop: {Holding Blanche's face} Your golden hair and pale green eyes-- I wished to someday make them mine. Archbishop: To make you mine------ Blanche: No... What are you saying? You are a man of the cloth! And besides, Jeral is your cousin...... Archbishop: {Grabbing Blanche's shoulders, angry(!)} Do not speak of him! [Blanche: !] P.53 Blanche: {Flinching} Ow-----! Archbishop: -----! You're hurt? Show me. Blanche: No! Don't touch me-----! Archbishop: Show me! Blanche: !! {The Archbishop pulls down the shoulder of Blanche's dress, and his eyes momentarily widen at the sight of the arrow wound.) P.54 Archbishop: ...It can't be that the arrow hit you-----? P.56 {The forest near the cathedral town the lit with the torches of Jeral's pursuers.} P.57 Soldier: He's badly wounded, he couldn't have gone very far. Find him, at all costs. P.58 Jeral: ...ugh... {Jeral recalls Blanche's parting words.} Blanche: (Jeral, don't die. ...I love you.) Jeral: Blanche-- P.59 {Day, at the cathedral. Nicol is on a book run, and notices a hawk overhead. It alights on the Archbishop's arm.} Nicol: Huh? Nicol: (A hawk. Who would send anything here-----?) [Flap flap] P.60 {Nicol sees the Archbishop regard the hawk with something approaching a smile, and trips over a rock in the process.} Nicol: Ah, Archbishop-sa... Nicol: Uwa! [Bang] Archbishop: Nicol. Nicol: E, Excuse me, um... I took your books to your room earlier, but since you were out, I exchanged them on my own. P.61 Archbishop: I'm sorry about that, good work. Nicol: Archbishop-sama? ...Who's hawk is that? Why is it here? Archbishop: This is my hawk. A lovely bird, isn't she? Archbishop: I don't intend to imitate the nobles and use her for hunting, but I took an interest in keeping one. Keeping living creatures nearby calms the heart. P.62 {In the monastery...} Novice: Hey, do you know about the uproar last night? Novice: Huh? What happened? I'm sure the masters won't tell us anything. Novice: I just overheard the masters talking. Princess Blanche and Jeral-sama of the Farel House are heretics, they said. In the end, they only caught Princess Blanche. Now she's supposed to be locked up somewhere in the church. Novice: Hey, Nicol. You get to go into the cathedral on book duty, right? Have you seen the princess? [They say she's really beautiful.] Nicol: E---h? P.63 Nicol: {Looking thoughtful} I went today, but it didn't seem like anything was different. Nicol: (There was a very pretty hawk, but-----) Nicol: Next time I'll really look. Archbishop: Ah, Nicol. I'm glad I caught you----- Novices: {Scared} I- It's the Archbishop! Nicol: Is anything the matter? Archbishop: I remembered leaving a bookmark in one of the books you returned this morning. Archbishop: It is an heirloom from a previous bishop. Search for it and bring it to my room. Nicol: {Startled} ...Y- Yes. P.64 Nicol: {Flipping through the book} What? That's strange, there's nothing in here. Bozel: How unusual, Nicol-- you, reading? Nicol: Master Bozel!! Nicol: Um... Master, was there anything stuck in this book? Bozel: Hm? No, nothing. Bozel: That is the book you took to the Archbishop the other day, isn't it? Surely you didn't lose something from it? Nicol: {Trying to look innocent} N... No! P.65 {Night. Nicol is in bed in a dormitory, thinking about the missing bookmark.} Nicol: (This is bad. What happened to it?) Nicol: (Searching the only place and not finding it means I must've dropped it somewhere.) Nicol: That's it! {Nicol dresses and take to the halls, heading to the cathedral.} P.66 [Clack] Nicol: [Shock] Hya-! Nicol: {Whispering} Please, God, I have to find the bookmark no matter what, so please don't scare me. [Rustle rustle] Nicol: Okay, it was around here... Here it is! Nicol: [Whew] Thank God-- I dropped it then after all. {Nicol remembers when he tripped over the rock while approaching the Archbishop. On his way back to the dorm, Nicol spots a lit window.} Nicol: (There's still a light on at this time of night...?) P.67 {Nicol's peeks in the window, and his eyes widen at the sight of a beautiful girl and the Archbishop inside.} Blanche: Please leave!! I have nothing to say to you! Archbishop: Calm yourself, Blanche. Archbishop: Where is Jeral? Blanche: I don't know! Archbishop: No, you must know. Archbishop: I want to save you, Blanche. Tell me where Jeral is. P.68 Blanche: Why? Because of your plans I was captured, and he has been made to wear the brand of a heretic and has lost everything. Isn't that enough?! Archbishop: Not yet! He still has his life-----! Blanche: Why----- Archbishop: -----The arrow. The arrow that hit you. Archbishop: It contained a special curse meant to kill Jeral. P.69 Archbishop: The body of the one struck by that arrow will gradually decay, and death will follow in a month. The curse that afflicts you can only be broken by the death of Jeral, for whom it was originally intended. Archbishop: Only if you take his life by your own hand. Blanche: Oh, no... Blanche: Surely you don't possess the powers of darkness... P.70 {The Archbishop doesn't react at all, and simply looks down at her.} Blanche: Ah... Archbishop: If you understand then, tell me where he is----- Blanche: N... No! {As Blanche backs away from the Archbishop, she knocks over a pitcher, which shatters. Blanche picks up a shard and holds it to her throat.} Archbishop: {Startled} Blanche! P.71 Blanche: Stay back!! Archbishop: What are you doing? Stop! Blanche: If he must be sacrificed so that I can survive, then I shall die! Archbishop: {Angry} Don't be a fool-- ...Blanche! I will not allow such a thing! [Blanche: Shock] {Blanche shrinks away from the Archbishop, startled.} P.72 Archbishop: {Deadly calm} If you even think of hurting yourself, I will hunt him to the ends of the earth, and give him an torture more terrible than death. Archbishop: If you don't want Jeral subjected to that, drop what is in your hand. Archbishop: Come on. {Trembling, Blanche lets the pottery shard fall to the floor, and slumps to the floor next to her bed in tears.} Blanche: Ah- ...ah... Archbishop: {On his way out} You should cool your head for a while. P.73 {Blanche is still crying when she hears a voice.} Nicol: ......Princess. Hey, princess. Blanche: ...... Who is it? Nicol: Over here, here! Blanche: My goodness... P.74 Blanche: {Talking to Nicol through the window} What is a boy doing in a place like this? Nicol: I'm a monk! Well, in training, anyway... Nicol: I came here to look for something... Are you Princess Blanche? Blanche: Yes. Nicol: Was all of that true? The Archbishop planned for you to be arrested? Blanche: Yes, it's true. But... I still don't want to believe it. P.75 Nicol: If I tell our lord, won't he help you? Isn't he your father? Blanche: It's no use. The Church has long held the power in this land. Though he is the lord, he can't oppose the decisions of the Archbishop... Though it would be different if there was some proof----- Blanche: It's hopeless. Nicol: ... Don't cry-- Cheer up, Princess. If there's anything I can do, I'll help you! Blanche: ... Do you believe everything I said? Nicol: Yeah. P.76 Nicol: I could tell right away. Someone as pretty as you couldn't be a pagan. Blanche: {Smiling} Thank you. What is your name? Nicol: It's Nicol. Ah, if I don't get back I'll miss services... Blanche: Will you come again, Nicol? Nicol: Yeah! P.77 {At breakfast in the monastery...} Novice: Hey Nicol. What's up? You're in quite a good mood. Nicol: You think? Novice: {Whipering} So, where were you last night? Your bed was empty all night. Nicol: The toilet, I was in the toilet. My stomach wasn't feeling good. Novice: Ugh! That's gross! {Nicol is on his way to the Archbishop's room with a load of books.} Nicol: (I can't tell anyone about Princess Blanche----- I have to protect her no matter what.) P.78 [Knock knock] Nicol: Al-right, the Archbishop isn't here. Nicol: (The key to her room probably isn't in here.) {Nicol rummages around on the Archbishop's desktop, and is startled by the sound of wings.} [Stratch scratch] [Flap flap] Nicol: !! Nicol: {Spotting the Archbishop's hawk} -----Ah, you surprised me! P.79 Nicol: Don't scare me! So this is where he keeps you? Nicol: Could you keep it down? I'm trying to save the princess, you see. Nicol: Okay? {Nicol talks to Blanche again that night...} Nicol: ----- I couldn't find the key in the end. The Archbishop probably has it. Blanche: You shouldn't do things like that. It's dangerous. Nicol: I'll be fine. Blanche: Nicol... P.80 Blanche: Really, it's fine. Don't trouble yourself. I don't... have much time left. Nicol: You can't give up! There is surely a way to save you. You want to see Jeral-sama, don't you-----? Blanche: ...... I do. Blanche: (Going on this way, unable to see each other, the thought of dying alone as my body is steadily ruined is frightening. But, when next we meet, he will probably be the one exposed to danger-----) P.81 Blanche: (It is best that we part, best that we can't meet. So live on, Jeral-----) P.82 {In the town beneath the cathedral, a unit of guards patrol a market.} Citizen: Look, another group of guards. They still can't find the captain? Citizen: Soon it will have been a week. Citizen: And what a shame, the princess too. After this business, she won't set foot outside the church again in her life. Citizen: Shh-- If they hear that, they'll think you're a heretic too. P.83 {A heavily dressed figure in a wide brimmed hat moves through the crowds, and comes to stand in the back of a service lead by the Archbishop.} P.84 {Both congregation and priest depart, and the concealed figure heads off down a corridor in the cathedral. In a similar hallway, the Archbishop is approached by a member of the guard, probably Jeral's replacement as captain.} Crayman: Your Grace. Archbishop: ----- Crayman. What of Jeral? Did you arrest him? Crayman: I have no excuse. The scope of the search has been widened since this morning-- Crayman: But nothing yet----- P.85 Archbishop: I have no patience for such reports as these. Bring nothing but favorable news. Crayman: {Looking beleaguered} Yes sir. Archbishop: You are running out of time, Crayman. Falter and your head will roll. Crayman: Yes. {The Archbishop enters a darkened room, and senses that something is amiss.} [Creak] Archbishop: -----! P.86 {The concealed figure puts the Archbishop in a headlock.} Archbishop: !! Archbishop: Who's there...!? Jeral!! P.87 Archbishop: ----- Guards... {Jeral holds a knife to the Archbishop's throat.} Jeral: Don't raise your voice! if you don't want to be hurt-- Archbishop: ......or if you don't want to hang. I thought you would come someday, but surely not breaking in in midday like this ----- Jeral: Archbishop. I wanted to see you and ascertain for myself. P.88 Jeral: Why have you falsely accused us like this----? I still don't believe it. Jeral: Is someone manipulating you? Or----- Archbishop: {Smirking} You are a naive man, Jeral. Do you still think of me as a benevolent cousin? Archbishop: I had been thinking it would be fine if you ended up as fodder for stray dogs, but now I'm glad you are alive, for the princess' sake. P.89 Jeral: {Angry and a bit desperate} What do you mean-----? Where is she... Where is Blanche?! Archbishop: She is behind you----- P.90 Jeral: {Caught off guard} ----- Wh- {The Archbishop whistles, and the hawk comes to perch on his arm.} [Whistle] Jeral: !! Archbishop: ----- Look, Jeral! In her overwhelming grief, the princess became a bird! P.91 Jeral: I've had enough of your----- nonsense! {The Archbishop throws open the door and calls for help.} [Bang] [Guard: !!] Archbishop: Guards! A criminal! Arrest him quickly, guards! Archbishop: The heretic Jeral has shown himself! Guards! {The Archbishop turns back to Jeral to find him in retreat.} Jeral: ! P.92 Guard: There he is, over there! {Jeral runs right past a book-laden Nicol, who tries to get out of the way as the renegade knight prepares to face a pair of armed guards.} Nicol: Wa! [Nicol: Wa! wa! wa! wa!] P.93 {Nicol watches in amazement as Jeral dispatches the guards and runs on.} Nicol: -----! Guard: It's Jeral! Don't let him escape!! Nicol: {In a daze} ...... P.94 Nicol: (----That was Duke Jeral?) Archbishop: Wait, Princess. Archbishop: It won't be long until you spill the blood of your beloved with your own hands. P.96 {The cathedral's shadows deepen with the setting of the sun as Crayman reports to the Archbishop.} Archbishop: You let Jeral escape-----? P.97 Archbishop: {Cool as usual} How dare you make such a report. Is the entire guard a pack of incompetents? Crayman: I... I have no excuse. Because of the congregation outside, we lost the chance. Archbishop: You were unable to follow him even on horseback... Archbishop: He probably calculated for it from the start. To be shown up by Jeral, alone, is not too shameful for you. {Crayman looks quite humiliated.} P.98 Archbishop: Do you understand? He is a heretic who opposes God. Archbishop: Capturing him can be seen as proof of your faith to your God. Be devoted and persevere-- God is testing you. Crayman: Yes sir. {Crayman leaves.} [Shut] Archbishop: (Jeral.) Jeral: *Why have you falsely accused us like this---- I still don't believe it.* P.99 Archbishop: (Cornered, your loved one stolen-- can you still afford to be so trusting-----?) Archbishop: (That is the privilege of those raised with love. You were the target of their hopes, cousin-----) Archbishop: ......Since he knows the Princess is here, he will certainly return. P.100 Archbishop: (Jeral, never having seen your face twisted with despair, I cannot be at peace-----) P.101 {The sun begins to sink below the forest near the town.} Peasant: Leon, Oh dear, Leon! Peasant: Where have you been? Can't you see it's nearly sundown? Leon: Look mother, aren't they pretty? They were growing on the edge of the forest. Peasant: What------?! Peasant: Little fool! I told you not to go near there, didn't I? Lion: Sorry! Peasant: She's right, Leon. You'll get eaten by the witch. [Ha ha ha] Leon: The witch? {Jeral, with face obscured by the hood of his cloak, passes unnoticed behind the peasants and into the forest.} Peasant: A hunchbacked old lady with a scary face. She causes all sorts of terrible things. P.102 Peasant: If you look at her, you get sick and die in 3 days. You mustn't ever go peeping about there just out curiosity. {Jeral enters a cozy looking cottage in the forest, which is occupied by a matronly older woman who is in the process of pouring a cup of tea.} Myure: Oh, it's you. Don't startle me like that. {I have no idea how to romanize this name, and I fear this is a poor guess.} P.103 Jeral: Please return the sword I left with you. Myure: What? Jeral: It's here. Myure: ---! You smell of blood! [Drip] Myure: Goodness! Your wound is opening! Myure: {With a hand on Jeral's arm} It's because you didn't listen to me and overdid it. Come in, I'll have to patch you up. I just saved your life, I won't have you get torn up. P.104 Myure: {While re-bandaging Jeral} First of all, it's too rash to say "I'm going out" just when your wound had finally sealed. When I found you at the shrine they were so deep I wouldn't have been surprised if you were dead. Jeral: Even though you saved me, you've never asked me who I am. Myure: Ignorance is bliss. I don't involve myself much in the affairs of society. Jeral: ...Why were you in that shrine? What is that place-----? Myure: It's my duty to keep the candles there lit every day. P.105 Myure: There are still many things in this world that people don't know or have forgotten about. Myure: That's the trouble with the Church of Christ. They have begun to deny and reject all creeds except their own. They lump everything they find inconvenient, the various old gods and spirits that protect the land, the good and the bad, together as servants of the Devil. P.106 Myure: This area was originally the dwelling of a great number of spirits. In the former age a great battle took place here. And the evil spirit they defeated at that time that is sealed in this land by a faerie curse to this day. P.107 Myure: {A little lost in reverie} That shrine is a memory of that forgotten ancient age. As am I--- Myure: The gossipy village folk may call me a witch, but... Myure: {Grinning} Do you see a witch-----? Myure: Perhaps I am a witch, in comparison to your kind. Though now that the people who gave me thier trust are gone, I've lost the majority of my power. P.108 Myure: {Regretful} I've said a little too much. I wonder why I went so far as to tell you that? Myure: When I saved you at the shrine I felt some sort of premonition, but----- Myure: ...Say, never mind what I just said, won't you tell me about yourself? Why were you put through that close call with death? What in the world do to intend to do in your condition? Jeral: ...I don't understand why this has happened either. ...But, I was betrayed by a man I thought was a friend, and he is holding someone dear to me captive. She is locked away in the church even now. P.109 Myure: In the church-----? Jeral: Yes. Because the one who deceived and entrapped me is the Archbishop. Myure: {Alarmed} What?! {Myure's expression grows dark and weary.} Myure: ...the Archbishop-- Myure: Then this constant feeling of unease is----- It couldn't be. P.110 {Night, at the cathedral...} Blanche: {Astonished} ----- What? Jeral was...? Blanche: Is this true, Nicol? Nicol: Yeah, I saw him. Nicol: {Enthusiastic} He was really strong and looked so amazing! I'm sure he came here to rescue you, Princess! Blanche: (Jeral was...) Blanche: ...So he is alive. P.111 Blanche: {Teary-eyed} Thank God... Blanche: (If only you can live...) Blanche: (I'm being selfish, wanting to see you so much after having decided it is better if we can't meet. But-----) Nicol: But it's amazing-- there was such a ruckus this afternoon, and you didn't notice at all? Blanche: N... no. P.112 Blanche: (Jeral, even if I met you, in my condition-----) Blanche: What a lovely moon. He will surely come on the next night without a moon. Nicol: Why? How do you know that? Blanche: ...Because a dark night is the best time to avoid detection. And... P.113 Blanche: We made a promise----- Jeral: *If someone comes between us, I will sneak in on a dark night and carry you away.* Nicol: ...... ...... [You really planned this out.] Blanche: -----! [Knock knock] [Creak] P.114 {The Archbishop enters, looking unreadable as ever, with an attendant carrying a plate of fruit.} Archbishop: Blanche, how are you feeling? Blanche: {Watching him wearily} ...... Archbishop: Since it seems you ate little of your last meal, I have brought fruit today. Archbishop: Please eat, your body will weaken if you starve yourself. P.115 Blanche: ......I don't want to cause you any worry. Archbishop: Princess Blanche, your knight is truly a heartless man. He will not come to save you. Archbishop: Though I pray he will turn up even a day faster in order to break the curse you are under----- Blanche: ...You think I don't know anything, don't you...? Archbishop: ...Princess? Blanche: Why have you changed so? P.116 Archbishop: I have not changed at all. You simply didn't notice. It never crossed you mind to learn about me, did it? Archbishop: {Running fingers through Blanche's hair} Such lovely hair, how it shines when brushed. I shall send for a better comb. Blanche: {Pushing away from the Archbishop} -----Please stop! Let me go! Archbishop: {Getting angry} Why? You are mine now. P.117 Blanche: ----- No I don't! {Blanche grabs a knife from the tray of fruit, and slices off her hair to about chin length. The Archbishop's eyes widen.} Archbishop(?): -----! P.118 Blanche: If you like my hair, I will give you as much as you want----- Blanche: But don't think my heart is free to take-----! {The Archbishop frowns and Blanche draws away from him worriedly.} Blanche: ...... P.119 [Blanche: !] {The Archbishop turns and leaves without a word.} [Creak] Blanche: ...... Nicol: {Looking downright shocked} P- Princess! Blanche: Nicol. Nicol: Your hair!! P.120 Blanche: {Embarrassed} ----- Oh, no... I must look so unbecoming now. ...My hair was my pride and joy. Nicol: ! Nicol: That's not so! Short hair suits you too! Blanche: I don't mind if you don't like it. Blanche: But thank you. I'm glad, even if it was a lie. {Nicol blushes.} Nicol: (I promise I'll save you, Princess.) P.121 {Day. Duke Bruneau is riding through the forest.} Bruneau: -----! Servant: Is something wrong, my lord? Bruneau: Nothing, I remembered a small engagement. Go on ahead. P.122 Servant: Then, please chose an escort. Bruneau: Don't worry, we are on my territory now. Servant: But... Bruneau: I'll catch up soon. Bruneau: Until then... Brueneau: You can show yourself now -----Duke Jeral. Jeral: My Lord. P.123 Bruneau: I've done something inexcusable for one of my stature. I know you are no heretic. Bruneau: And yet, fearing for my daughter's life I have become the Archbishop's pawn. As you know, the Church has grown powerful in the city. Though I am lord, I cannot oppose them. Jeral: I do not blame you, my lord. I would have probably done the same in your place. Bruneau: Duke Jeral...... Bruneau: {Bowing to Jeral} Please, hide my shame! Take my daughter and flee from here! P.124 Bruneau: Despite claims that it is in order to save her life, it is no secret that my daughter is kept close to the Archbishop. But as for her, she may be prepared to hurt herself if something happens. Bruneau: They may be having their way with her, allowing her to die-- please----- Jeral: My lord. Jeral: {Leaning down to Bruneau's eye level} Please raise your head. I have had that intention from the beginning. Bruneau: Duke----- Jeral: I want to save the Princess. For that, I came ask your help. Bruneau: I will do anything I can-----! P.125 {Night has fallen over the duchy. Blanche and the Archbishop wait. Nicol sleeps. Jeral prepares.} P.126 Myure: -----If you're going, bring this. Jeral: ! Myure: {Offering Jeral his sword} In exchange, bring her here if you rescue her. Jeral: Yes. Myure: If my bad premonition is on the mark, then this problem will become bigger than the two of you alone----- The world will be in danger. P.127 Myure: {Serious} Do you believe me? Jeral: Frankly, I am half in doubt, but the truth is that you saved me. Even if you were a witch rather than a faerie, I think I would trust you. Myure: -----It's been a long time since I heard those words. [Rustle] Myure: Take this----- The Faerie Myure grants you her protection. {Myure offers Jeral a cross pendant like the one from the shrine and _the_ book. An apparition of a younger woman with wild curly hair hovers above her.} P.128 Myure: Now be off. Take care. {At the monastery one night...} Nicol: -----Hm? ......bathroom-- Nicol: -----! {Nicol looks out a window. The sky is completely dark.} P.129 Blanche: *He will come on the next night without a moon.* Nicol: (O- Oh, no-----!) Nicol: (It sure is dark...) {Nicol, now dressed, runs down the hall, and while not paying attention to where he's going, almost runs into Jeral.} Nicol: -----!! Nicol: -----Ah! P.130 Jeral: A novice, huh----- I'm sorry, but I'll need you to sleep for a while. Nicol: ...W- Wait...!! Nicol: Aren't you Duke Jeral? I know Princess Blanche. Jeral: What-----? Nicol: It's true! We met by accident----- I know where the Princess' room is... I'll lead you. Nicol: Please trust me. P.131 {Nicol leads Jeral to a doorway flanked by two guards.} Nicol: That's it. Jeral: Are you sure, boy-----? Nicol: I said it's true! ...Hurry, rescue the Princess! Guards: !! P.132 {Jeral swiftly deals with the guards and shatters the lock on the door with his sword. Nicol peeks around a nearby corner, watching in amazement.} Nicol: (W- Wow!) P.133 {Blanche is within, wearing a worried expression.} Jeral: Blanche! Blanche: Don't! Run, Jeral! {The Archbishop stands behind Blanche, who appears to have her arms bound behind her.} Archbishop: Welcome, Jeral. P.134 Jeral: -----Archbishop! {Armed guards enter behind Jeral.} Archbishop: I've been waiting for you----- P.135 Archbishop: {Cold} You've done well, and though I'd like to celebrate your reunion with the princess, we haven't the time. P.136 [Jeral: !] Archbishop: First, drop that sword in your hand. Blanche: -----Stop, Jeral! Don't worry about me! Archbishop: Calm yourself, Blanche. Archbishop: {To Jeral, smirking} Come. {Jeral grimly complies.} [Clang] P.137 Archbishop: Restrain him. {The guards force Jeral to his knees.} Blanche: Jeral! Nicol: (Wh... what do I do, what do I do?) [Oh, no~~!] P.138 Jeral: Tell me----- the reason why you have entrapped us. Archbishop: You didn't know? I have always hated you. Archbishop: {Taking up Jeral's sword} I am grateful for this opportunity to judge you personally. Jeral, I shall, at least, hear your confession. P.139 Jeral: -----You devil! Archbishop: Is that all you wish to say-----? Blanche: ...Enough, stop! Archbishop: Resign yourself, and face God's judgment-----! P.140 Jeral: ! {A blinding light comes from the pendant that Myure gave Jeral. Jeral's sword drops from the stunned Archbishop's hands, and the guards try to shield thier eyes.} [Archbishop: !!] Guards: [Uwa!!] [Blanche: !] Archbishop: Wh... P.141 {Jeral knocks out the guards and grabs his sword and Blanche as other guards attempt to pull the Archbishop to a safe distance from Jeral.} Blanche: {Blushing} ......Jeral! Jeral: Thank God you're safe. P.142 Guard: Are you alright, Your Grace?! Archbishop: {Annoyed} ----- Fools! Don't worry about me! Do you want them to escape?! Archbishop: (What was that? I felt a terrible amount of force in that light-----) Archbishop: (And that symbol. It was...) P.143 Nicol: {Waving them over} Princess! Here, over here. Blanche: {Surprised} Oh my! Nicol! Jeral: You weren't hurt----! Nicol: Hurry! Commander: Where are they?! Guard: They're not here! {Nicol checks whether the coast is clear, and leads Jeral and Blanche through a door.} Nicol: Okay, it's safe now. P.144 {Nicol leads the couple through a storeroom.} Blanche: What is this place, Nicol? Nicol: A shortcut us novices use. [It's a little messy, but--] Even the masters can't find us here, and we can get outside. {The groups is spotted as they emerge in a corridor.} Guards: -----! There they are! Nicol: ! Jeral: {With sword drawn} I'll catch up. Blanche: Jeral! P.145 {Blanche looks back to see Jeral cross swords with a guard.} Nicol: Princess Blanche! Guard: Hey, do you think it's kind of noisy in there? {Nicol and Blanche are faced with two guards.} Nicol: E... Emergency! Bandits have broken in... Please come quickly! Guard: What?! {As one of the guards turns away, Nicol brains him with a big stick.} [Bonk] Guard: !! P.146 {However, the other guard is still there.} Guard: -----Boy! What do you think you're doing?! Nicol: Wa! {Though he's no longer an issue after Jeral slashes him from behind.} Blanche: Jeral...! Jeral: Come, hurry! P.147 {Outside, a caped and hooded figure waits with several horses. It's Duke Bruneau.} Jeral: My lord. Bruneau: Duke Jeral! -----Ohh! Bruneau: ...Blanche! Blanche: -----Father! Blanche: Father! Bruneau: {Hugging Blanche} ......I'm so glad you are safe, Blanche. I'm sorry you were put through that. P.148 Bruneau: Duke Jeral, is there any way I can repay you? Jeral: It wasn't me alone----- I couldn't have succeeded without this boy's guidance. [Nicol: !] Jeral: And we haven't gotten away yet. Bruneau: That is true. ...We don't have time to dally in a place like this. Blanche: {Looking sadly at the Duke} Father. Jeral: Alright, go! {Jeral releases two of the horses.} P.149 Nicol: Why did he let them go?! Blanche: It's a decoy. Come, get on, Nicol. Nicol: ...It's okay for me to come? Blanche: We couldn't leave you here. Bruneau: Duke, take care of my daughter. Jeral: Thank you for your assistance. Well then-----! {The three ride off. Blanche looks worriedly back at her father.} P.150 Blanche: (Father-----) {At the cathedral, a novice carrying a pitcher knocks on the Archbishop's door.} Novice: Archbishop-sama, are you well? I have brought water. P.151 Archbishop: {Weary} ......I am fine. Don't let anyone in here for awhile----- {The novice looks concerned at his response. Within, the Archbishop runs a hand through his hair with an unhappy expression.} Archbishop: (Even recalling it gives me goosebumps. Why did I fear that symbol that much?) Archbishop: {Holding _the_ book} (It was identical to this-----) P.152 Archbishop: (Why-----? This book and that _thing_ in the basement are secrets known only to the Archbishop of this cathedral.) Archbishop: (An overwhelmingly old underground seal of forgotten origin-----) Archbishop: (Those who knew it's secrets copied them into this book in an old tongue, which only I have read-----) Archbishop: Until now I've felt nothing when I touched this symbol. Why...... P.153 Archbishop: Jeral...... You are always the one who stands in my way. {In the forest...} Jeral: Blanche, are you alright? Blanche: {Smiling} Yes. P.154 Jeral: Let's rest a little. Blanche: I'm fine. Jeral: No... This is a difficult mountain road. You must be tired. Blanche: But... If we don't hurry, day will break. {And the sky is growing lighter.} Nicol: Don't say that, Princess. You have to rest. You look pale. Jeral: Nicol is right. Come. P.155 Jeral: You've cut your hair. Blanche: ...Does it look odd? Jeral: No. {Jeral puts an arm around Blanche's shoulders. She looks away.} Blanche: Jeral. Jeral: ...I haven't gotten to hold you yet. P.156 Blanche: ......Jeral. Nicol: Hey, this luggage piled up over here----- Nicol: ! Nicol: {Embarrassed} Ah- I'm going to go draw some water now... Blanche: ...... You haven't... asked about my imprisonment. Jeral: There are probably things you don't want to remember. If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine. P.157 Blanche: Jeral, I... My body is----- {Blanche starts at the sight of sun about to rise.} Jeral: Blanche? Blanche: (Already the sun is rising.) P.158 Blanche: (Day is breaking. I still-----) Blanche: ......Jeral, trust me! Blanche: (I still haven't told him.) Blanche: No matter what shape I take, it is still me. P.159 Blanche: And I will still have the same heart that I have here and now! Jeral: Blanche-----?! What's wrong...? Nicol: ! {Blanche's fingers begin to glow in Jeral's grasp.} Jeral: ......! P.160 {The first rays of the sun appear, and Blanche begins to fade. A hawk appears in her place.} P.161 Jeral: {Disbelieving} -----Blanche...?! P.162 {The hawk soars overhead.} Jeral: ...What is this... P.163 {Jeral and Nicol reach Myure's cottage.} Jeral: Myure. Myure: I thought you'd be back soon. P.164 Myure: I just put some soup to boil. Mind you tie up the horses in the back. Myure: Oh, where is the princess? Jeral: Myure. {Myure notices the hawk on Jeral's shoulder with surprise and dismay.} Myure: ...oh, dear. Who could've done such a... Jeral: ...You can tell that it's her? P.165 Myure: Yes. I don't know what type of curse she's under, but, I feel the presence of a dark... tainted power. It's concealing her true form. She can't keep her human form beneath the light of the sun. Jeral: {Desperate} Then... How----- How can I break the curse?! Myure: ...Hold on. I can't know that, without knowing the one who cast the curse. Jeral: ...the caster... Myure: ...At any rate, come inside. No matter how many barriers I build, someone may be watching us. P.166 Myure: It seems last night your pursuers reached the village below, you see. -----Let's wait for night. For night, when she retakes her form. [Nicol: Snore] Myure: Sleeping soundly, he must've been very tired. Who is this boy? Jeral: A monk called Nicol. I don't know the details, but... He is a friend of Blanche's. P.167 Jeral: ......Myure. What is this thing you gave me? Myure: Ah, did it come in handy? Jeral: I survived because of it. Myure: {With a warm smile} If it was helpful, it was because you believed in me. A Faerie's power is granted only to those who believe in it. And it is the one power that can oppose wicked souls. P.168 Myure: {Making the shape with her fingers} That symbol is the mark of a seal. Myure: It is the crest of an ancient Faerie king----- after the King passed away the itself symbol has possessed power. Jeral: {Thoughtful} At the time he... appeared to be terribly surprised to see it. Myure: That is... [Hawk: Pii] Myure: Ahh, the sun is already setting! Well, shall we head over there? [Come along.] [Flap] Jeral: ---! What are you...?! P.169 Myure: Come now, do you think that young ladies want to be watched when they revert from beast to human form? [Shut] [Flap flap] P.170 {Blanche's human form rematerializes around the hawk.} Blanche: ...Where am I? Myure: {Smiling} Pleased to meet you, Princess Blanche. P.171 Blanche: {Puzzled} Who are you... {Night, at the cathedral. A wine cup shatters on the floor. Crayman, kneeling at the Archbishop's feet, looks shaken.} Archbishop: Again-----?! What are you waiting for? P.172 Archbishop: Hear me; I am no longer willing to settle for your failures. Archbishop: Leaving heretics free to their devices effects the dignity of the Church. I must consider consequences if you have further difficulties. {The Archbishop grinds Crayman's hand under his shoe with contempt.} Archbishop: -----Crayman. Crayman: Yes. Archbishop: Do not return to this room without the both of them. P.173 Crayman: Your Grace... Archbishop: {Running out of patience} Hurry and go if you understand. Crayman: Y... Yes. {Once Crayman is gone, the Archbishop flinches (a headache?).} Archbishop: -----! Archbishop: (My spirits have never cleared since then... as if some dark cloud is covering my heart-----) P.174 Archbishop: (Is something... changing? Inside of me?) Archbishop: {Bitter} [Ha] At this point, do you think I care what I become? Archbishop: (If only I can have her-----) *The Twilight Princess (Part One)* End P.175 End Supplement 8 Hello, it's Mamahara. I give up. Just when I'm making a name for myself in this work, my constitution isn't improving at all, and every time I work, I keep making trouble for everyone. It's so embarrassing...... (sweatdrop) Well, in this sort of situation, and with much rattling about, I began. There are probably some readers who have realized the nature of this 'Tasogare no Himegimi', and those who haven't, but it's true. I have the good fortune (?) of drawing the famous 'Ladyhawke'. The basic characters are the same, and it has a princess that gets turned into a hawk, and such. Really, I had planned to actually do 'Ladyhawke' (taking the proper legal channels), but at the last minute I wasn't able to reach an agreement. And in the end, it took this form. It was a shame, but I still have aspirations to do my own original work, so thinking 'I can make another story', I'm trying my best. I think that by the time this book is out, the serialization will be approaching the climax. (I wonder how it will come out?) Well, I hope to see you in the final volume. Original Ladyhawke Isabeau > Michelle Pfeiffer Ridiculously pretty!! Navarre > Rutger Hauer I really like him. (heart) I have a thing for receding hairlines. (sweat sweat) 'Ladyhawke' is a good movie - a fantasy for adults. It's out on video and such. You should try to see it. Mamahara Ellie 1994.5. Kanmatsu Furoku 8 * End Back Cover: The time is the middle ages. Princess Blanche, only daughter of Duke Bruneau, fell in love with the knight Jeral. But there is someone planning to tear them apart--------?! The eagerly awaited classical romance!!