Opening song: Get Along
(Romanji Lyrics)
Tachi mukau saki ni kawaita kaze Hageshiku fuki aretemo Jumon no hitotsu mo tonaetanara Watashi no PEESU ni naru
Dare mo ga urayamu kono PAWAA to Bibou ga yurusanai wa Donna aite demo hirumanai de MANTO o nabikaseru no
Are mo shitai, kore mo shitai Onna no ko ni mietatte Yudan shitara jigoku iki yo Jama wa sasenaikara
* Far away omou mama wa ga mama ni Tabi o tsuzukete yukitai Tsurai hibi mo egao de PIRIODO yo
** Far away ikutsu mo no maryoku daite Kyou o koete yukitai no Yume ni mukai aruki tsuzukete yuku
Kagirinai hodo Get along, Try again ______________________________________________________________________ Episode Five: Twist of Fate! Zanshou appears! ______________________________________________________________________
The crowded streets didn't suit him as much as the open land. He worked his way through the crowd, incoherent sounds reaching his ears as he tuned out the city sounds. He kept the cloak he wore close about him. He couldn't be sure, but any number of these people- young and old alike- could recognize him. This was a city close enough to Mount Reikaku that it suffered raids. He kept his eyes ever watchful. He was not letting anything slip by him.
/Arg! I cannot stand the crowd! / He stalked into a spider web of alleys. His eyes caught sight of a young man and a young woman making love with on another-Nothing immoral of course. /At least they have the smarts not to do anything brash. /
Hunkered over as he was, the alleys flashed passed him. There was a sound that seemed to catch his ears: the sound of someone in undeserved pain. Living the life he did, he still felt he should put a stop to it, if it indeed needed stopping.
***
Guttural laughter wrenched forth from the man in the cape. His eyes rolled back in his head, the bottom of his eyes just barely visible. His hands stiffened in a claw like manner, his head thrown back to counteract the torrents of his laughter. /All has a grand feeling when accomplished. /
He watched the men he had chosen -brutes, the whole lot of them- as they thrashed and mauled the country's prince. He tried to contain his fierce laughter, but it continued to escape him in short gasps. As he could not stop, he rent the air with more thunderous torrents of amused sound.
***
Kasaru clenched his teeth as he spurred his mare onward. The red light still burned a column into the sky. It seemed to have no end. /Kishuku- oji.... / His hands clutched at the reins with such a strong grip that his knuckles were white.
Behind him, Ayuru's face showed a warrior sprit. He was a mercenary, after all. Mercenaries were well learned in the ways of combat; Ayuru was no exception. One hand fingered the whip coiled at his hip. The other held the reins steadily, his hand unwavering.
Emtao's stallion cut the air with its cries. Emtao's face showed no expression. At least, none that anyone who did not know him well could see. Inside he was in the thrall of bitterness. The Prince was in danger. He had to get there before anything was to happen to him. He chrked the reins insistently, his horse dashing ahead.
***
It appeared that there _was_ someone-he couldn't tell what it was-being beaten under a pile of rough looking men. From inside the pile there came cries of pain, each becoming more infrequent. It surprised him to see a brilliant red light also emanating from the group. /This isn't right.../ he could feel it in his bones. A leader had to know if something was wrong or right, and this was definitely wrong. /I had better do something, and fast. They look like they're set on killing someone. /
He crouched low and broke the first thing he found, a battered pot, against the wall. The shattering sound caused all the men to start, turning around in anger. /They don't look too tough when ya can see a little fear in their eyes. /
A man in a cloak, apparently the leader of the gang, narrowed his eyes; all signs that he was pleased vanishing. "Who's there? Who are you?"
"I believe those are my lines." He stepped elegantly from his crouch. "My name is Zanshou, and what I am seeing doesn't please me."
"Z-Zanshou!?" the brutes cried, recognition flaming across their faces. He only nodded. It was the truth after all. A gleam danced across his eyes, landing on each gangster. "And it seems I have found myself a gang trying to work their way to bandithood." He waited for only a moment. "I don't think so."
In a raging torrent he revealed a handful of glittering throwing knives. Each one was thrown with amazing precision. Few gangsters were left standing-he needed a few to spread the warning-when he was through. The brute leader's eyes seemed to be thin slits. "You will pay for what you have done this day."
Zanshou cocked an eyebrow, "Is that so? I look forward to the day meet again." With a snarl, the men turned and ran. "Ha! Serves you right for messing with Zanshou!"
Once the men were out of site, Zanshou finally remembered what he had originally come for. He turned his gaze to the place where a previous violent act had occurred. He rushed over to the person's side. "Oi! Oi! Are you okay?" He gave the person-*A male?*-a few jabs in the ribs.
With a groan, the red head was raised from the ground. "Nani..." he looked up into Zanshou's eyes. "Who are you?!"
"Whoa! Whoa! Calm down. My name is Zanshou. I just saved your hide from those bandit wannabe's. What were they beatin' ya up for anyway?"
The man shook his head, "They were trying to kill me because...because..." he sighed, "It's hard to explain."
"I'm all ears."
The man smiled. *He has a gentle smile if I ever saw one. * Zanshou shook his head. *What am I thinking!*
"First of all, my name is Sou Kishuku..."
"Nan da?! Did I hear you right?!" Zanshou's eyes bulged. He wasn't stupid enough to not know the name of the Konan prince.
"H-hai..."
"For the love of my mother..." Zanshou smacked his head. "This mess is getting more clear by the minute!" He stopped the stream of words that were about to flow out of his mouth. "Sorry, you were saying?"
"Well, besides that I am the Konan prince, there is at least one other thing. This is the part that is hard to explain. You see, my friends and I have had Taiitsukun, the world's creator appear to us. See has told us that we have unique destinies"-*I better leave the rest of that out*-"And I have determined that this journey we are on is leading us to Mt. Taikyoku to seek more knowledge."
"I'll be.." Zanshou shook his head. "I've heard strange stories of that being. I never could tell by those stories if it was a male of a female."
"I can't say that I am sure either. I have most likely heard many of those same stories."
Zanshou stood and helped Kishuku to his feet. "Just out of curiosity, what were these destinies?" Kishuku cringed. Zanshou could tell Kishuku didn't believe that he would believe him. "Go ahead."
Kishuku sighed heavily. "Well, she told us we were to become the four gods of Konan, Kutou, Hokkan, and Sairou. One of us for each country."
Zanshou blinked. *Should I believe him? He's the prince! But something tells me he isn't lying. * "Interesting. You've perked my interests. May I travel with you? I do know a good way to the general area of Mt. Taikyoku."
Kishuku's features became serious. "I thank you for you request. I say you can travel freely with me, and my friends."
"By the way, who are these friends of yours?" Zanshou needn't have asked, for at the moment the pounding of hooves caught their ears. "Looks like I'm going to find out."
***
Ayuru's eyes slimmed as the red light began to fade. "What do you suppose that means?" he asked Kasuru and Emtao.
Emtao shook his head, "It could mean numerous thing. We can only hope it is for the better."
Kasaru nodded his agreement with Emtao's words. "Besides, Kishuku wouldn't die that easily."
Ayuru sighed. "I guess you're right. Although he was the weakest one out of us."
"Ayuru!" Kasaru giggled. "That wasn't very nice!"
Ayuru shrugged, "It isn't my fault he's a weenie."
A cry from Emtao brought the mercenary and the doctor out of their conversation. "Look! It's Kishuku-oji!"
Ayuru shielded his eyes, "Where? Where's the little booger?!"
"Booger, am I?" Ayuru cringed at Kishuku's voice.
"Whoops."
Emtao swung his legs over the side of his mount. "Kishuku-sama, are you alright?"
Kishuku nodded, "I'll be fine." Emtao looked at Kishuku skeptically. The prince looked as if he had taken a severe beating.
Ayuru's eyes were slimmed again. "Who's this whacked out looking guy?" there was actually nothing wrong with him, but Ayuru wasn't sure he trusted him. "He isn't the one who was..."
Kishuku shook his head, and hands, quickly. "No, no. Not at all. He actually saved me."
"The name is Zanshou. I've been granted privilege to guide the four of you to Mt. Taikyoku. In fact, we could stop at Mt. Reikaku on the way."
"Mount Reikaku?" Ayuru scratched his head.
Kishuku blinked twice, surprised. *He didn't tell me he was a bandit.*
"Mount Reikaku is the bandit stronghold."
Zanshou nodded sagely. "That's right. And with me here, you'll be fine."
"Really? And why is that so?" Ayuru growled.
"Oh, I happen to be the leader..."
Kasaru smacked his forehead, "I suppose it could be worse."
Ayuru snarled. "You better not try anything stupid."
Zanshou smiled. "I think I'm gonna like you guys."
***
The sun beat down upon five riders and their beasts. The sunlight reflected on the surrounding greenery, creating white glares. "I hate this. I'm so hot," Ayuru whined.
Zanshou barked a laugh. "Well, well. For one who looks so accustomed to travel, I'm surprised you're complaining!"
"Shuddap," Ayuru whispered menacingly.
"I knew we should have waited longer," Kishuku shielded his eyes from the sun, "even though it is beautiful weather."
"Beautiful?" Ayuru almost shrieked. "You call a day like this 'beautiful'! You're nuts!"
Zanshou only laughed again.
***
Night was finally approaching, bringing a cool relief. "Yes!" Ayuru stretched.
Emtao smiled slightly at Ayuru, but kept his eyes forward. *This better not be a trap. * He let his shoulders slump as he briefly rested his eyes.
Kasaru yawned from on top of his mare, "Are we there yet?"
Zanshou cocked his head to one side. "Almost."
The time passed with only the sky getting darker. Ayuru noticed that the ground was beginning to slope upward. Zanshou's voice caused him to sigh, "Welcome to Mount Reikaku! Within a few minuets we shall arrive at the hideout."
Ayuru bowed his head, *Finally. Finally we're getting somewhere. * ______________________________________________________________________
Ending Song: We Are (by Zelgadis from Slayers. Pretending it is sung by
Zanshou)
kakkotsukete itsumo ikigatteta saki wo isogu FAITAA sonna ore ni sotto te wo nobashita onaji hitomi shite iru yatsura
yowai jibun wo ima sarakedashite yume wo katatte saa aruite yukou
* dokomademo dokomademo * tsuzuku jinsei wo * tada no RANNAA ja ikitakuwanai * yogorete mo yogorete mo * hitorikiri janai * koe wo kakeatte * kizu wo tsuyosa ni kaete * ashita e tonde yuku yo
nemurenu yoru sora ni chitta hoshi wo kazoe nagara nageita toomawari no michi no sono mukou ni nani mo nakerya tada no makeinu
yume ga mietara "kyou" to iu imi ga wakaru hazu da to mata hagemasareta yo
dokomademo dokomademo tsuzuku jinsei ga tada SUTOREETO ja omoshirokunai yogorete mo yogorete mo kizande yuku no sa omoide no naka ni kizu wo tsuyosa ni kaete ashita e tonde yuku yo
* Refrain
We Are... (Translated Lyrics)
I was always acting so smart and cool A fighter who hurries ahead They gently reached out to me People who saw through the same eyes
Now that I've Confessed my weaknesses And told you my dreams Let's keep walking
* No matter where, no matter where * I don't want * To keep living on the run * Even if I get dirty, Even if I get dirty * I won't be by myself * We call out to each other * Our wounds are replaced with strength * And we fly toward tomorrow
On nights when I couldn't sleep I sighed as I counted the falling stars Taking the long way on a far off road Even a mere underdog doesn't shed tears
If I can see the dream And if I should understand The meaning of "today" I would be encouraged again
No matter where, No matter where Just going straight Isn't any fun at all Even if I get dirty, Even if I get dirty I'll cut my own path In our memories Our wounds are replaced with strength And we fly toward tomorrow
* Repeat
(Romanji Lyrics)
Tachi mukau saki ni kawaita kaze Hageshiku fuki aretemo Jumon no hitotsu mo tonaetanara Watashi no PEESU ni naru
Dare mo ga urayamu kono PAWAA to Bibou ga yurusanai wa Donna aite demo hirumanai de MANTO o nabikaseru no
Are mo shitai, kore mo shitai Onna no ko ni mietatte Yudan shitara jigoku iki yo Jama wa sasenaikara
* Far away omou mama wa ga mama ni Tabi o tsuzukete yukitai Tsurai hibi mo egao de PIRIODO yo
** Far away ikutsu mo no maryoku daite Kyou o koete yukitai no Yume ni mukai aruki tsuzukete yuku
Kagirinai hodo Get along, Try again ______________________________________________________________________ Episode Five: Twist of Fate! Zanshou appears! ______________________________________________________________________
The crowded streets didn't suit him as much as the open land. He worked his way through the crowd, incoherent sounds reaching his ears as he tuned out the city sounds. He kept the cloak he wore close about him. He couldn't be sure, but any number of these people- young and old alike- could recognize him. This was a city close enough to Mount Reikaku that it suffered raids. He kept his eyes ever watchful. He was not letting anything slip by him.
/Arg! I cannot stand the crowd! / He stalked into a spider web of alleys. His eyes caught sight of a young man and a young woman making love with on another-Nothing immoral of course. /At least they have the smarts not to do anything brash. /
Hunkered over as he was, the alleys flashed passed him. There was a sound that seemed to catch his ears: the sound of someone in undeserved pain. Living the life he did, he still felt he should put a stop to it, if it indeed needed stopping.
***
Guttural laughter wrenched forth from the man in the cape. His eyes rolled back in his head, the bottom of his eyes just barely visible. His hands stiffened in a claw like manner, his head thrown back to counteract the torrents of his laughter. /All has a grand feeling when accomplished. /
He watched the men he had chosen -brutes, the whole lot of them- as they thrashed and mauled the country's prince. He tried to contain his fierce laughter, but it continued to escape him in short gasps. As he could not stop, he rent the air with more thunderous torrents of amused sound.
***
Kasaru clenched his teeth as he spurred his mare onward. The red light still burned a column into the sky. It seemed to have no end. /Kishuku- oji.... / His hands clutched at the reins with such a strong grip that his knuckles were white.
Behind him, Ayuru's face showed a warrior sprit. He was a mercenary, after all. Mercenaries were well learned in the ways of combat; Ayuru was no exception. One hand fingered the whip coiled at his hip. The other held the reins steadily, his hand unwavering.
Emtao's stallion cut the air with its cries. Emtao's face showed no expression. At least, none that anyone who did not know him well could see. Inside he was in the thrall of bitterness. The Prince was in danger. He had to get there before anything was to happen to him. He chrked the reins insistently, his horse dashing ahead.
***
It appeared that there _was_ someone-he couldn't tell what it was-being beaten under a pile of rough looking men. From inside the pile there came cries of pain, each becoming more infrequent. It surprised him to see a brilliant red light also emanating from the group. /This isn't right.../ he could feel it in his bones. A leader had to know if something was wrong or right, and this was definitely wrong. /I had better do something, and fast. They look like they're set on killing someone. /
He crouched low and broke the first thing he found, a battered pot, against the wall. The shattering sound caused all the men to start, turning around in anger. /They don't look too tough when ya can see a little fear in their eyes. /
A man in a cloak, apparently the leader of the gang, narrowed his eyes; all signs that he was pleased vanishing. "Who's there? Who are you?"
"I believe those are my lines." He stepped elegantly from his crouch. "My name is Zanshou, and what I am seeing doesn't please me."
"Z-Zanshou!?" the brutes cried, recognition flaming across their faces. He only nodded. It was the truth after all. A gleam danced across his eyes, landing on each gangster. "And it seems I have found myself a gang trying to work their way to bandithood." He waited for only a moment. "I don't think so."
In a raging torrent he revealed a handful of glittering throwing knives. Each one was thrown with amazing precision. Few gangsters were left standing-he needed a few to spread the warning-when he was through. The brute leader's eyes seemed to be thin slits. "You will pay for what you have done this day."
Zanshou cocked an eyebrow, "Is that so? I look forward to the day meet again." With a snarl, the men turned and ran. "Ha! Serves you right for messing with Zanshou!"
Once the men were out of site, Zanshou finally remembered what he had originally come for. He turned his gaze to the place where a previous violent act had occurred. He rushed over to the person's side. "Oi! Oi! Are you okay?" He gave the person-*A male?*-a few jabs in the ribs.
With a groan, the red head was raised from the ground. "Nani..." he looked up into Zanshou's eyes. "Who are you?!"
"Whoa! Whoa! Calm down. My name is Zanshou. I just saved your hide from those bandit wannabe's. What were they beatin' ya up for anyway?"
The man shook his head, "They were trying to kill me because...because..." he sighed, "It's hard to explain."
"I'm all ears."
The man smiled. *He has a gentle smile if I ever saw one. * Zanshou shook his head. *What am I thinking!*
"First of all, my name is Sou Kishuku..."
"Nan da?! Did I hear you right?!" Zanshou's eyes bulged. He wasn't stupid enough to not know the name of the Konan prince.
"H-hai..."
"For the love of my mother..." Zanshou smacked his head. "This mess is getting more clear by the minute!" He stopped the stream of words that were about to flow out of his mouth. "Sorry, you were saying?"
"Well, besides that I am the Konan prince, there is at least one other thing. This is the part that is hard to explain. You see, my friends and I have had Taiitsukun, the world's creator appear to us. See has told us that we have unique destinies"-*I better leave the rest of that out*-"And I have determined that this journey we are on is leading us to Mt. Taikyoku to seek more knowledge."
"I'll be.." Zanshou shook his head. "I've heard strange stories of that being. I never could tell by those stories if it was a male of a female."
"I can't say that I am sure either. I have most likely heard many of those same stories."
Zanshou stood and helped Kishuku to his feet. "Just out of curiosity, what were these destinies?" Kishuku cringed. Zanshou could tell Kishuku didn't believe that he would believe him. "Go ahead."
Kishuku sighed heavily. "Well, she told us we were to become the four gods of Konan, Kutou, Hokkan, and Sairou. One of us for each country."
Zanshou blinked. *Should I believe him? He's the prince! But something tells me he isn't lying. * "Interesting. You've perked my interests. May I travel with you? I do know a good way to the general area of Mt. Taikyoku."
Kishuku's features became serious. "I thank you for you request. I say you can travel freely with me, and my friends."
"By the way, who are these friends of yours?" Zanshou needn't have asked, for at the moment the pounding of hooves caught their ears. "Looks like I'm going to find out."
***
Ayuru's eyes slimmed as the red light began to fade. "What do you suppose that means?" he asked Kasuru and Emtao.
Emtao shook his head, "It could mean numerous thing. We can only hope it is for the better."
Kasaru nodded his agreement with Emtao's words. "Besides, Kishuku wouldn't die that easily."
Ayuru sighed. "I guess you're right. Although he was the weakest one out of us."
"Ayuru!" Kasaru giggled. "That wasn't very nice!"
Ayuru shrugged, "It isn't my fault he's a weenie."
A cry from Emtao brought the mercenary and the doctor out of their conversation. "Look! It's Kishuku-oji!"
Ayuru shielded his eyes, "Where? Where's the little booger?!"
"Booger, am I?" Ayuru cringed at Kishuku's voice.
"Whoops."
Emtao swung his legs over the side of his mount. "Kishuku-sama, are you alright?"
Kishuku nodded, "I'll be fine." Emtao looked at Kishuku skeptically. The prince looked as if he had taken a severe beating.
Ayuru's eyes were slimmed again. "Who's this whacked out looking guy?" there was actually nothing wrong with him, but Ayuru wasn't sure he trusted him. "He isn't the one who was..."
Kishuku shook his head, and hands, quickly. "No, no. Not at all. He actually saved me."
"The name is Zanshou. I've been granted privilege to guide the four of you to Mt. Taikyoku. In fact, we could stop at Mt. Reikaku on the way."
"Mount Reikaku?" Ayuru scratched his head.
Kishuku blinked twice, surprised. *He didn't tell me he was a bandit.*
"Mount Reikaku is the bandit stronghold."
Zanshou nodded sagely. "That's right. And with me here, you'll be fine."
"Really? And why is that so?" Ayuru growled.
"Oh, I happen to be the leader..."
Kasaru smacked his forehead, "I suppose it could be worse."
Ayuru snarled. "You better not try anything stupid."
Zanshou smiled. "I think I'm gonna like you guys."
***
The sun beat down upon five riders and their beasts. The sunlight reflected on the surrounding greenery, creating white glares. "I hate this. I'm so hot," Ayuru whined.
Zanshou barked a laugh. "Well, well. For one who looks so accustomed to travel, I'm surprised you're complaining!"
"Shuddap," Ayuru whispered menacingly.
"I knew we should have waited longer," Kishuku shielded his eyes from the sun, "even though it is beautiful weather."
"Beautiful?" Ayuru almost shrieked. "You call a day like this 'beautiful'! You're nuts!"
Zanshou only laughed again.
***
Night was finally approaching, bringing a cool relief. "Yes!" Ayuru stretched.
Emtao smiled slightly at Ayuru, but kept his eyes forward. *This better not be a trap. * He let his shoulders slump as he briefly rested his eyes.
Kasaru yawned from on top of his mare, "Are we there yet?"
Zanshou cocked his head to one side. "Almost."
The time passed with only the sky getting darker. Ayuru noticed that the ground was beginning to slope upward. Zanshou's voice caused him to sigh, "Welcome to Mount Reikaku! Within a few minuets we shall arrive at the hideout."
Ayuru bowed his head, *Finally. Finally we're getting somewhere. * ______________________________________________________________________
Ending Song: We Are (by Zelgadis from Slayers. Pretending it is sung by
Zanshou)
kakkotsukete itsumo ikigatteta saki wo isogu FAITAA sonna ore ni sotto te wo nobashita onaji hitomi shite iru yatsura
yowai jibun wo ima sarakedashite yume wo katatte saa aruite yukou
* dokomademo dokomademo * tsuzuku jinsei wo * tada no RANNAA ja ikitakuwanai * yogorete mo yogorete mo * hitorikiri janai * koe wo kakeatte * kizu wo tsuyosa ni kaete * ashita e tonde yuku yo
nemurenu yoru sora ni chitta hoshi wo kazoe nagara nageita toomawari no michi no sono mukou ni nani mo nakerya tada no makeinu
yume ga mietara "kyou" to iu imi ga wakaru hazu da to mata hagemasareta yo
dokomademo dokomademo tsuzuku jinsei ga tada SUTOREETO ja omoshirokunai yogorete mo yogorete mo kizande yuku no sa omoide no naka ni kizu wo tsuyosa ni kaete ashita e tonde yuku yo
* Refrain
We Are... (Translated Lyrics)
I was always acting so smart and cool A fighter who hurries ahead They gently reached out to me People who saw through the same eyes
Now that I've Confessed my weaknesses And told you my dreams Let's keep walking
* No matter where, no matter where * I don't want * To keep living on the run * Even if I get dirty, Even if I get dirty * I won't be by myself * We call out to each other * Our wounds are replaced with strength * And we fly toward tomorrow
On nights when I couldn't sleep I sighed as I counted the falling stars Taking the long way on a far off road Even a mere underdog doesn't shed tears
If I can see the dream And if I should understand The meaning of "today" I would be encouraged again
No matter where, No matter where Just going straight Isn't any fun at all Even if I get dirty, Even if I get dirty I'll cut my own path In our memories Our wounds are replaced with strength And we fly toward tomorrow
* Repeat