Still, an Unrealistic Dream

Aaarghhh! Somebody help me!

Was that a scream?! I think it came from over there!

Are you all right?! Hang in there, I'll save you!

You've gotta help me! Please, get rid of this thing, and fast!

Prepare to die, monster!

Grrraaargh!

*huff* *puff* Th-thanks...

Phew, that was a close, Huh?

Another one?!

Wh-What?! ANOTHER one?!

Shoot! It's too far away!

Hey, you! Specter! No hard feelings, but I can't just let you go around eating humans as you please, you know!

Gragh?!

You'll not lay a finger on these humans, or I'm not Chief of the Rising Demons!

Take this! Hiyaaaaaah!

......

......

Gragh...

Hah! Piece of cake!

Thanks, I owe you one. I never thought we'd be ambushed from behind by another one of those things.

Heh heh, don't mention it! Anyway, you humans are safe now, and that's all that matters!

Besides, I got to show you just how strong I am! Hah hah!

You're certainly strong, all right... I can't believe you fought that specter off so easily.

Thanks, but these specters are nothing to me, the Chief of the Rising Demons!

Rising...Demons?

Now, what next... Oh yeah, I need to check on this human here. You're fine, right?

Eek! D-D-D-Demon!

Aaahhh! Please, spare my life! I beg you!

Well... I guess he must be fine if he can run like that.

Well, sure, but why did he feel the need to run at all? Looks like he's got something against you...

Ah, it can't be helped. I'm used to folk who're scared of me just because I'm a demon.

He should have thanked you for saving him, demon or not.

Interesting... You think differently to most humans I've met, unlike that guy...

Well, I think I've taken a liking to ya! What's your name?

I'm Aldo, a traveler from the western continent.

So, the western continent, huh? Seems you're quite well-traveled indeed! Well, Aldo, would you care to dine with me? I know a great place!

Lead the way! That battle sure worked up an appetite.

Then let's chow down! Follow me, the restaurant's in Ikarga!

Order whatever ya like, Aldo, it's on me! I'd recommend the stewed veggies, they're to die for! Everything here is just bursting with flavor!

Wow, really? In that case, I'll have some of those... And maybe the sweetfish and seven-colors rice porridge.

Good choices! Hey, chef! We're ready to order over here!

Ahhh...that was delicious! I always say that sharing a meal with someone makes the food taste even better!

Yeah, that was really good. Thanks for inviting me.

Heh heh! You're welcome!

There's something I've been wanting to ask you about... Just who are these "Rising Demons" you were talking about earlier?

Hah! Good question! *ahem* The Rising Demons are...

...the squad I plan to lead someday!

You PLAN to lead?

Hah hah! I may be the Chief of the Rising Demons... But I'm the only member right now!

I see... But what do you intend to do with this squad once you've formed it?

Hey... Did you just say you're the Chief of the Rising Demons?

Hmm? I certainly did! That's me, Chief of the Rising Demons!

Really?! Everyone's been talking about you! I never thought I'd meet you here, of all places!

Everyone's talking about him? Why?

Apparently, some guy calling himself a "Rising Demon" been going around taking out the local bandits and specters. It's been the talk of the town lately!

It has, has it? Well I'm glad! Looks like the Rising Demons' efforts haven't been in vain!

Speaking of which, you were in the middle of saving someone from specters when I met you, too. Are the Rising Demons a sort of vigilante group, or something?

Vigilantes? No, I didn't form the Rising Demons just for us to be a band of vigilantes.

Well, what did you form them for, then?

There's only one reason I formed the Rising Demons...

To take back the Land of Ro!

The Land of Ro... You mean that place that was destroyed by the Lands of Mi and Shin?

That's right! The Land of Ro was a wonderful place, where demons and humans lived together in harmony. The reason I formed the Rising Demons was to see the Land of Ro restored without getting Suzaku involved.

So, you want to take back your land? Do you think that's even possible?

I don't know.

You don't know?!

We're not large enough right now, but if we can recruit 100, or even 1,000 more members, then we'd stand a chance.

I guess so, but finding that many recruits is easier said than done.

I'm driving off those bandits and specters to help recruit more members. The more well known we become, the more people will flock to join us!

It would be wonderful to restore the Land of Ro! I'm behind you all the way!

I couldn't help overhearing your little pipe dream. Do you seriously believe you can restore the Land of Ro, pipsqueak?

Whether we can or not, we're going to try, and that's that! Except... Well, I'm not sure exactly HOW we're gonna do it yet...

How do you expect to get anywhere without any concrete ideas...or even a decent grip on reality?

Hah! You've got a sharp tongue.

Nobody asked you, anyway! Just what do you mean by butting in like that, huh?

I overheard you talking, and figured I might share my thoughts, that's all. Besides, you're the one who was butting in earlier, demon girl.

Grr... You're a human, right? You're just trying to stop us because you don't want us to get our Land of Ro back!

That's simply not true! I suggest you keep your accusations to yourself next time.

Calm down, you two! There's no use bickering like this.

Yeah, chill out. This may be a tavern, but you still shouldn't yell and fight in here.

Yeah... Sorry, I shouldn't have let this human get to me in the first place.

Anyway! I've actually got a favor to ask of the Rising Demons.

Oh? And what might that be?

A handful of my fellow demon friends are hoping to migrate to this village. They've been on the run, see, because they can't stand fighting humans anymore. They should have been here by now, but I haven't seen any of them yet.

You mean, you think something happened to them on the way here? Say no more! I'll go investigate!

So, sadly we'll have to leave this meal until later! Sorry, Aldo, but I've got work to do!

Don't sweat it. Besides, I'd actually hoped you'd be okay with me tagging along too. I just can't stand by while people are in trouble, and there's safety in numbers if we're attacked by specters, right?

Well, much obliged, Aldo! I'd be glad to have you along!

You're okay with me bringing Aldo too, right, miss?

Of course, we'll need all the help we can get. The last message I got from my friends was delivered from the Inanari Plateau. I'd like to look around there first.

The Inanari Plateau? Gotcha. Let's get going right away!

So, that's the so-called Chief of the Rising Demons, then? Doesn't look too smart, but even so...

Well, doesn't look like anyone's here...

One moment please. I'm going to see if my friends left any signs behind for us.

Go ahead. We'll have a look around too, see if we can find any...

Huh?

What's up?

Hey, who goes there? Trying to sneak up on us, were you? Well, you're not fooling anyone.

Hey, you're that human from the tavern! Were you following us?

Correct. I applaud your powers of deduction.

I'm impressed you managed to trail us so far all by yourself.

Well, I brought a pouch of scented incense with me. It wards off specters.

Wow, those exist? I could certainly do with one of those.

It's that human woman from Ikarga! What are YOU doing here?!

That's what I'd like to know, too. Just why did you follow us, human?

I'm sorry for following you in secret. But I find you rather intriguing, Rising Demon chief.

I don't care about you following us, but why do you find me so interesting, huh? Are you a fan of mine or something?

Not quite.

Uh, right, of course. Well, what's so interesting about me then? Speak up.

I wanted to know how serious you were when you said you'd restore the Land of Ro.

How serious I am? Well, I'd give my life if it meant we could get the Land of Ro back. That good enough for ya?

Anyone can make an empty promise. What I want to see is action, or at least some sort of concrete plan... You're going to face many obstacles during your quest to retake the Land of Ro. Just how do you intend to overcome them? THAT's what's "caught my interest."

I see. Well, looks like I'll have to prove to you that I'm dead serious about this, won't I? If you wanna see for yourself, then quit lurking behind us in the shadows and join us up here instead.

Wh-What?! You can't be serious... She's been arrogant since the moment we met her! Not to mention how suspicious she is, trailing behind us like that...

I dunno if we can trust her either... But she did apologize for trailing us, at least. Besides, if she's spying on us, it'd better to travel together with her in plain sight, wouldn't it?

I guess so...

Don't get me wrong, though. If you try anything, you'll wish you'd never met us.

I have no intention of harming you, so you needn't worry about that. Does this mean I can come along with you, then?

Well, if we have your word, then welcome aboard!

Oh, by the way, did you find any sign of your friends yet?

Hmm, well... There were some vague signs, yes, but they're quite hard to make out. I think they were attacked by specters and fled to the Temple Ruins.

The Temple Ruins? Okay, let's go check 'em out, then!

Wait! Here, I want you to have this.

Hm? What's this?

It's a lucky charm. I'm just... I'm worried you're going to put yourselves in great danger.

Hahah! Don't you worry about us! Thanks, though, I appreciate it!

Thank you so much!

Okay, everyone, prepare yourselves! Our next stop is the Temple Ruins!

So blissfully oblivious... Although I suppose that's rather convenient.

It was around here that I found those traces of my friends...

There's no sign of them, though... Or anyone, for that matter.

If they were being chased by specters, then they probably fled further in.

Hey, I wonder if your friends were, Agh!

Eek!

Are these...specters?!

Well, it's hardly unusual to find specters in a place like this! Come on, Aldo, let's get 'em!

You got it!

Hah! You're gonna have to do better than that if you wanna beat me! You'd better bring out the big guns!

Th-They actually listened to me?! Ah, who cares, we'll take on whatever you throw at us! Bring it on!

Wait! There's something weird about these specters!

Weird? What do you mean?!

It's almost like they're trying to block us in so we can't escape.

He's right. Someone is controlling these specters.

Who the heck would be controlling them?!

These specters have been ordered to pursue you all specifically.

Well, by "you all," I mean just you, chief. They aren't interested in humans.

They're only after me? But why?!

That lucky charm you're holding is giving off a faint scent that attracts specters.

How could you possibly know that?

Long ago, I took it upon myself to learn which scents might attract or repel a specter.

That explains why they're only after me, but who's controlling them?

W-Wait! You said...this charm? No...it can't be!

Yes. This amulet was a trap to corner you, the Rising Demons' chief. The mastermind behind this gained your trust before luring you here to be ambushed by their specters. They intended to finish you off, once and for all.

But if that's true...then there's only one person this "mastermind" could be. Specters can't control other specters, so it would have to be...

...someone with both specter and human blood. In other words, a demon! Which means you've gotta be the one behind all this!

All of this was your doing, wasn't it?!

...... I knew I should never have let that girl accompany us.

But why?! Why would you try to kill me, a fellow demon?! You told me you'd help see the Land of Ro restored once more!

Seriously? You can't actually be that naive, can you? Rising Demons? Retaking the Land of Ro? Don't make me laugh!

Naive?!

Do you seriously think the Lands of Mi and Shin will sit idly by and let you go through with your plans?! You're going to bring about the end of civilization as we know it!

Demons are much more powerful than humans. That much is undeniable, and it explains why so many humans are terrified of us.

I understand your desire to save the demon race... But how do you expect to protect your fellow countrymen who'll be caught in the crossfire?!

......

Your actions will plunge countless people into war and tragedy. Is ruining a myriad lives something you're truly prepared to go through with?

I see... So, this is what the human meant when she asked if I was serious about this.

Well, I'm afraid I won't let you go any further, whether you're serious or not. Your journey ends here. Specters, attack!

These specters are closing in on us! What's the plan?!

I guess we're done for...

Grrraaargh! Quit yapping, all of you! I may have been pretty clueless until now... But let me make one thing clear! I will never give up!

Wh-What?!

I don't care if I have to fight an entire army! I'm not gonna give up before I've even tried! We Rising Demons will protect the weak, and drive off anyone who stands in our way! Just you try and stop me!

You really are a reckless idiot, aren't you? Don't you realize you've got no chance?! I'll put a stop to your foolishness right here, right now!

You'll do no such thing! I'll prove to you just how serious I am about taking back the Land of Ro, and if I'm gonna do that, I can't die here!

Come on, Aldo! Let's show 'em what we're made of!

Yeah! Let's do this!

Y-You beat them?! Well, don't celebrate too soon! There's more where they came from!

More specters?! There's no end to them!

There is a way to get past them, but you'll need to kill her first. When the specters are no longer under her command, we can break through their lines and escape.

Absolutely not!

Didn't you say the Rising Demons would cut through anyone who stood in their way? Well, she's your enemy, and she's in your way! What are you waiting for?

She and I, we're both demons. While our methods may be different, I know she's fighting for our cause, just like me.

No matter her approach, slaughtering those who fight for our cause is not the way of the Rising Demons!

I'll just have to keep slicing through these specters until she gives up!

I'll fight beside you. Besides, it doesn't look like she's going to give up any time soon...

Honestly, how stupid can one person be... I suppose this will test that indomitable spirit of yours, at least. After all, you'll need it if you wish to achieve your goal. Seems I was right about you after all...

What are you muttering about, human? Get over here so I can keep you safe!

You can't always solve a problem by swinging a sword at it, you know.

Wh-What's that you're scattering?! *cough* What's this weird smell?!

This is a special scented pouch created to ward off specters. It contains powdered scales from the dragons of the Kunlun Mountains. Even specters under someone's control cannot resist their instinct to flee from the scent of such powerful foes.

They're running away! That's one amazing pouch you've got there.

Why didn't you just use that in the first place?

The powder inside is extremely rare. It's only to be used as a last resort.

M-My specters... I better get out of here.

No, this ends now!

Ngh?!

I don't want to fight you anymore. Maybe when you wake up, you'll have come to your senses.

This scent won't last forever. We'd better leave now while we still can.

Let's head back to Ikarga, then. We can talk there.

...... Isn't this...the tavern in Ikarga?

Oh! Looks like she's awake.

I tried to go as easy on you as I could. You're not injured, are you?

Shouldn't I be tied up, or something? Given what I've done, that is...

Well, we're all about to have dinner. Wouldn't you find it kinda hard to eat if we had tied you up?

Wh-What?

He thinks it would be better to discuss things over dinner, basically.

That's right! And we should be celebrating our safe return, too!

Um... You do remember how I recently tried to have you all killed, right?

Well...I did suggest we should tie you up, actually, but I was overruled.

You were?

*sigh* Do what you want. I won't resist. However, I'll have to refuse your offer of dinner. I'm not in the mood to eat...

You sure? Well, we'll go without too, then.

Let's get down to business then, shall we? Now, how to deal with her... I'm sure you'll agree she deserves a suitably harsh punishment?

Well... Under normal circumstances, I guess we would hand her into the authorities.

Got any other ideas?

I've got it! You're going to join the Rising Demons!

The Rising Demons... Me?

I told you, I have no intention of harming those who fight for the same cause. Your "punishment" is to give your all as a member of the Rising Demons! If you can do that, then all is forgiven.

......

Hah hah! You've got a heart of gold, haven't you?

Heh. Being roped into his absurd schemes is punishment enough for anyone, I suppose...

And you! You got a problem with me, missy?

Actually, I should have asked you when we first met, but just who the heck are you, anyway?

I don't think that's any way to ask someone to introduce themselves, is it? I travel around advising armies on military strategy, and sometimes I teach as well...

So you're some kind of...tactician?

Yes, I suppose I've been called that before.

I thought you seemed pretty smart! Guess I was right about that, huh?

I thought people in your line of work tended to stay in the same place? Never heard of a wandering tactician before...

Well... I always end up being driven away for some reason or another...

When I think about it, my travels actually began when I was driven out of my own home, after a huge fight with my older brother.

But I can't complain! Travel broadens the mind. At least, that's what they say.

Hmph. I'll bet you were thrown out for your stuck-up attitude, weren't you?

Perhaps. It was a blessing in disguise, though. Nobody in that house cared about me much, anyway.

Okay, so now we know your background, but what is it you're trying to achieve? Why are you interested in me, and whether or not I'm prepared to go through with my plans?

Well... You've shown me that you have a truly indomitable spirit when it comes to fighting for your cause. However, while you have both a strong will and a strong arm, there's one last crucial ingredient for success that you're lacking.

And what might that be?

Brains. If I were in the Rising Demons, however, I could help you out with that.

So, she's saying you can't succeed without her? I've never met someone so arrogant.

If you wanted to join, all you had to do was ask!

Man, this has been the best day! Not only did I gain two new members, but they're both beautiful ladies too! If I keep gathering members at this rate, we'll restore the Land of Ro in no time!

Hah hah... I guess we were all actually on the same side from the start.

Well, somehow, I think this guy might have it in him to actually restore the Land of Ro.

If I didn't think he was in with a chance, there's no way I'd agree to work with him.

All right! First, then, I need you to think of a more effective way of recruiting new Rising Demons! Of course, I'll help in any way that I can, but I'm counting on you for some good ideas!

Uh... I take back what I just said. Are you seriously gonna leave ALL the thinking to us?

*sigh* You're lucky I'm doing this voluntarily...

Hah! Did you guys really expect anything different?

And what about you? Will you join the Rising Demons, too?

I can't, I'm afraid. I'm traveling with friends, and I can't let them down.

Ah, that's too bad! I was hoping you'd come join us! Although, if you've already got friends relying on you, you can't just abandon them, I guess.

Having said that, don't hesitate to ask for help if you're ever in trouble. Me and my friends will come and help you!

Your friends would come too?! How cool! I hope we can meet again some day, even if we're not in trouble!

Watch out. If you're not careful, our chief will enlist all your friends into the ranks of the Rising Demons before you can blink.

I'll be rounding them up too, if any of them look capable enough.

Hey, keep your hands off my travel companions!

I wouldn't try anything of the sort, and neither will you, missy!

Well, it's about time we got going! Farewell, Aldo! Until next we meet!

Yeah! I'm looking forward to it!

You can meet us in the Land of Ro! We'll have reclaimed it for sure by then!

Looks like they were good folk after all. I guess not all demons are bad...

They said we'd meet again in the Land of Ro... And knowing them, I'm certain we will.

Anyway, it's time I hit the road, too!