Section 6: Tiangang Disha

Goood morning!

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I'm always in a good mood! And besides, today's gonna be the final battle!

I've got sooo many things I wanna tell Huyan Zhuo!

Will you come with me, Leader!?

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Good idea!

Having a yummy meal together sounds great! Hey, who's cooking today?

I am.

You!? Does that mean we're eating...vegetarian!?

Phew! Thank goodness there's meat and fish, too!

Hahaha. That's because I didn't make those dishes.

Hehe. I've got a pretty good handle on what you like by now, Elisa.

Long as I've got meat and fish, I don't need anything else!

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Oh? You're having some of my vegetarian cuisine too, Master?

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Good point!

You know, I think I'll go vegetarian today, too.

What's the matter, Yan Qing? Is something wrong?

Me? Don't worry, I'm fine, Elly.

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(They definitely went off to dismantle those traps.)

(But I've got no idea when they'll be done.)

Hup.

Coucou♪ Mind if I join you, Master?

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(I just heard from Taigong Wang. He said Huyan Zhuo is raring to go.)

(And it sounds like the other Master will be accompanying her to the duel.)

(Hehehe. Whatever happens, it certainly won't be dull.)

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(Now it all just comes down to whether Elly and Huyan Zhuo can reach an understanding.)

(Hopefully they can, but who knows.)

(We still don't know much about whoever's behind all this, but I have a feeling those two'll be okay.)

(Assuming they can both be honest about their feelings, at least.)

Hey, what're you guys whispering about!? Get over here, Leader!

I wanna eat together!

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So it's finally time for the definitive battle, huh. And we're going up against Qin Liangyu, Huang Feihu, Taigong Wang...

...and Huyan Zhuo.

They may have gotten the better of us yesterday, but today will be a different story!

Yeah, you said it! I'll drink to that!

As will I!

Mmm, nothing like a stiff drink for breakfast! I could get used to this.

That's enough degeneracy for you, sir. I'll be taking that.

Hahaha, now, now. This wouldn't be Mount Liang if we didn't have drinks booze-ting our spirits!

Ugh...

Excuse me, Lady Sancho, but could I trouble you for some wine as well?

That's fine with me. Did you have a particular brand in mind?

Yeah, there's one from 2001 my buddy Napoleon drinks all the time. It's called

Hello? Lord Napoleon of Chaldea?

Could you tell me what your favorite wine i

I'm sorry! I lied! I'll just have regular rum, please!

Here you go♪

Man, that was close. Guess I gotta be more careful about bluffing.

Mmm, that's good. Tastes like home. Where's home? An island in the Caribbean.

Indeed, the wine is as delicious as ever today.

Even if we should lose, it provides us with the strength to stand up once more.

It is almost as if it is... As if it is...

...I think I shall have another cup.

(Guess he couldn't think of a good metaphor...)

I cook a lot of things, but my repertoire of bar snacks has definitely increased since we came here.

Not only are those snacks enough to satisfy you on their own, they make the booze taste even better.

Almost makes me wonder if they're cursed or something.

...Oh crap! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say that your cooking is cursed or anything!

Ahahahaha, I know that.

Still, I can't help but wonder what we're gonna do.

About what?

Once we're done with breakfast, we're going back to war.

I just don't know how it's all gonna go down.

Heh. That hardly sounds like the sort of thing a notorious outlaw and rebel like yourself would say, Robin Hood.

What do you mean?

We could have run from the ones oppressing us. We could have kept our heads low and avoided making trouble.

But we didn't do that. Not even when we knew we were risking life and limb.

Or when we knew for certain that our actions would lead to our deaths.

... ...

So in response to your question, I can only say this:

We will just have to do the best we can, no?

...Yeah, I guess you're right! Damn, I never thought I'd ever get lectured by a queen of all people!

Well, I may have been a queen, but my army still lost our war. In that sense, you and I are not so different.

Still...since I have lost before, I would much prefer to win this time.

...Would you like a drink?

I would. Mmm. This wine truly is excellent.

Hmph! It's like alcohol is all the grown-ups care about!

Yeah! It's not fair! Although, maybe we could get away with having some wine...

Absolutely not.

Children don't need alcohol. They can journey to the world of dreams whenever they like.

If you've reached a point where you can't go to that world without drinking...

...then it means you've completely grown up.

Is that how it works?

That's how it works!

(Glug, glug, glug... Glug)

Hmm. I would've preferred alcohol, but that was still yummy!

...Want some?

Maybe the fact that you naturally gravitate towards alcohol means that you're not actually a child on the inside.

Though of course, you're also a Servant, so...

It's okay. Drinking alcohol is supposed to be fun.

And it'd make you sad if I drank it, right, Boudica?

Then I don't need it! Okay, Leader, let's go!

Yeah! Let's roll!

Here we go!

...Yeah. I'll do the best I can.

After all...it's our destiny to meet under our stars!

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Again!

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(Inhale... Exhale...)

Thank you, Master. I think I can keep going a little longer now.

You know, this is kind of addictive. Could I get a little more?

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G-General Huyan Zhuo!

Eep!

...What is it, General Qin Liangyu?

It's okay. I'm used to your eccentricities by now.

"Eccentricities"!? You think I'm eccentric!?

Never mind that now. We have an emergency!

We do!? Something that's more important than my dignity!?

General Huang Feihu has gone missing! All he left was a note!

... ...

Aaah!

Oh, don't worry. General Huang Feihu told me he would be leaving ahead of time.

Then why didn't you say so sooner!?

Perhaps I should have.

But I was worried that Huang Feihu's absence would have an adverse effect on your mental health...

And you thought it would be better if I found out after the fact instead!? Why would a difference in timing make things any better!?

Hmm... I suppose you have a point.

You could at least pretend to disagree!

Oh gods. Just knowing he's not here is giving me palpitations. I'm having trouble breathing, too.

Ulp. Now I'm feeling nauseous, sick to my stomach, and dizzy, too...

This is even worse than I thought.

You're basically going through withdrawal. Though I won't deny that his is a very reassuring presence.

So, where did he go? Is he coming back?

I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure.

He went to go visit the innermost depths of Mount Liang. I have no idea what he might find there.

Tch...

Phew. That should at least take care of this floor...

But this is all taking longer than I'd like.

We won't make it unless we hurry?

...You're right. This could be very dangerous, but I'm afraid we have no choice.

We'll just have to charge in.

What if you had some help?

!!!

Huang Feihu...!

Our tactician, Lord Taigong Wang, asked me to come here and help you.

So he had his eye on this place too, huh. I should have known.

Indeed.

As for Huyan Zhuo and the Nine-Tattooed Dragon, we'll just have to depend on our respective Masters to help them.

All right, let's make a run for it!

Understood. Hessian, Lobo, please come with us!

Excellent! Let's keep moving!

(Is it just me, or do the three of us have some of the worst possible chemistry?)

Huyan Zhuo!

Elisa the Nine-Tattooed Dragon!

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(Looks like things between the two Masters are pretty damn awkward...)

Hm. Where is Lord Huang Feihu? I do not see him anywhere.

(Oh, uh, just come up with some kind of excuse.)

He's taking a dump!

He's taking a dump!?

(That's the best excuse she could come up with!?)

(For that matter, I'm fairly sure Servants don't need to relieve themselves!)

(No, wait. Maybe she has some deeper plan in mind...)

... ...

(Nope! She's obviously losing it!)

(Well, this isn't good. She completely froze up after realizing the ridiculousness of what she just said!)

Then I guess he won't be coming for a while! Fine with me!

True! Whatever the reason, his absence is definitely a disadvantage for us!

However!

Our spirits remain high, and our numbers are still vastly greater than yours!

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Heh. I bet. After all...

...we're so drunk that it looks like there're two of you, Qin Liangyu!

Just how much alcohol did you all drink before setting out for the battlefield!?

A lot!

Indeed we did.

I can't believe you! This is exactly what I hate about bandits!

Bandits? That is uncalled for. Yes, I may call Mount Liang home for now...

...but I consider myself no more than a bodyguard.

That's your story and you're sticking to it, huh...

Heh. A bodyguard to outlaws drowning their sorrows in drink...perhaps this is how Mitsuyoshi felt.

I must say, the job has its charms.

...Did you hear that, everyone!? Most of the enemy is too drunk to see straight!

Our victory is all but assured now!

I'll deal with Elisa the Nine-Tattooed Dragon! Now, let's do this!

Bring it on!

Are you ready, Master!?

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I'm counting on you, Leader!

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I am Huyan Zhuo! My heaven-sent Star of Destiny is the Prestige Star!

No matter what manner of foul names I must bear, on behalf of the Imperial Army...

...I will not leave without destroying Mount Liang!

I'm Elisa the Nine-Tattooed Dragon! My heaven-sent Star of Destiny is the Minute Star!

Mount Liang is our home! I'm going to protect it no matter what!

Let's do this!

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(Huff, huff, huff)

Khh... Ghh...!

I...won... Ghh...

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I gave it...everything I had...!

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No... I still...need to...fight...!

Come on, General Huyan Zhuo! We can fall back for now and

No!

I can still fight... I know I can!

I don't wanna fight you anymore, Huyan Zhuo!

I still remember how we used to be friends!

Me too... That's why I'm doing this!

Elisa the Nine-Tattooed Dragon, please hear me out.

...?

Aghhh!

I...I won!

Ghh!

I... I'm not giving up... I'm one of Mount Liang's Stars of Destiny...

I have to win! I have to!

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You lost! Accept it!

Accept it, and surrender to usto me!

Please!

No way! Never in a million years!

You stubborn little...!

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...!

...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you.

But, I do need you to listen to me carefully.

...?

...Do you remember what became of Mount Liang?

Huh?

Right. Even if you know, it makes sense that it wouldn't feel real.

Or maybe you've just been averting your eyes from the truth?

The Imperial Court ordered those of us at Mount Liang to put down Fang La's rebellion...

...and all 108 of us were killed or forced to flee.

You were no exception, Shi Jin.

Even as the Minute Star, with mastery of all manner of martial arts, you still fell to the enemy's arrows.

That...that was just my destiny. Everyone dies at some point.

Sure, it's sad that II mean, that Shi Jin died, but

You died for nothing!

...!

We weren't all the cream of the crop. Some of us were useless, or mean, or disagreeable, or just outright villains.

But, even so...

...we still came together under Lord Song Jiang's words and our destined stars to fight for our country!

We fought against the thieves and bandits tormenting ordinary people for so long...

...and in the end, we had nothing to show for it!

All that was left of us were empty husks! We were thrown away as soon as we were no longer useful!

Yan Qing!

You remember, right!? Of course you do! There's no way you could have forgotten!

You and I are some of the few that survived!

... ...

...Yeah. I remember real well.

I...

Mount Liang is no sanctuary. It's just the place where our dreams died.

I can't even recall the name of whoever said this, but I remember one of the thieves proudly saying,

"Here, even a scoundrel like me can be of use to someone."

He said that right before he died. He sacrificed himself so that I could live on.

How can I possibly face him...? How can I face anyone from Mount Liang!? I can't!

...(Sniff)

(Sob...) (Sniffle...)

Huh?

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...I... I don't want to.

Please. I'm begging you.

Please reconsider. You have to give up on it.

I...

I'm both Shi Jin, and not Shi Jin, so...I don't remember everything clearly...

...but I do remember that the mountain was a really fun place. No one could touch us there.

There were both the good and the bad here, but everyone was inspired to do the best we could.

But that's

This time, things are gonna be different!

I'm not gonna make the same mistakes I made before! No way!

...!

I swear it on the Nine-Tattooed Dragon, and on my own name, Elisabeth Báthory!

This time...I'm going to get Mount Liang right!

Because that's what Shi Jin wanted!

...

Please help me, Huyan Zhuo!

I'm still really young, and Shi Jin's not too smart.

Some of us are drunkards... Some of us are just idiots...

Some of us are fools who only care about improving our fighting skills.

Even you, Leader. I love you a whole lot, but you can be pretty reckless sometimes.

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She's not wrong.

But even so!

I still swear that I'm never gonna let anything like that happen to any of them again!

I'll protect Mount Liang even if it costs me my life!

So please, Huyan Zhuo. Please...

... ...

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I...

Would you spar with me, Lord Huyan Zhuo!?

Lord Huyan Zhuo! I heard some government officials are causing trouble in the neighboring province!

Let's go find them and teach them a lesson!

Captain Huyan Zhuo! Lord Song Jiang wants to see you!

It looks like there's gonna be another war. I can't wait!

Hey, you wanna go grab a drink?

Yes... It WAS fun there. That's why I don't want to take it back.

As I am now, I couldn't bear it if that paradise were to be broken again.

So that's why you recreated the Imperial Army and tried to destroy Mount Liang's forces yourself...

Lady Huyan Zhuo.

Shi Jin?

Huh? Elly? ...No. You're Shi Jin the Nine-Tattooed Dragon, the Minute Star.

I had a feeling you were around.

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Pretty cool, right? Hehe, who would've thought I'd get to be an actual dragon one day.

U-uh, yeah. Definitely an actual...dragon...

Shi Jin...

What you said is true. I had my regrets, too. I died during Fang La's rebellion.

They ambushed me in a place where I couldn't do anything and shot me with arrows. That was when my dream died.

But even so, if I hadn't been at Mount Liang, I would've ended my life as just another scumbag.

I still would've been pissed off at the officials taking bribes, but I would never have done anything about them.

I think I would've had a lot more regrets that way.

So even if I could go back and do it all over again...

...I wouldn't change a thing.

...I can't believe it. You were murdered in cold blood, and still haven't learned your lesson?

Of course not. I wouldn't have been an outlaw if I'd had the brains for anything else.

... ...Yeah.

Mount Liang wouldn't have been the wonderful place it was if it hadn't been full of fools like you.

Because no matter how foolish you all were, you still wanted to do good and help others...

Phew. Okay, talking in this form is more tiring than I thought. You take it from here, Elisabeth.

Huyan Zhuo...

Do you like Mount Liang as it is now?

Yeah. Leader and I've been working real hard.

I see. That's great.

All units, halt!

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They've been halting for a while now.

Oh man. I thought I was saying something really cool, but I didn't realize the fighting had already stopped!

Yeah, not really sure where we go from here.

Elisa the Nine-Tattooed Dragon... I won't stop you anymore. I wish you the best of luck in rebuilding Mount Liang as it was meant to

What about you? What're you gonna do now?

Would you join us?

I don't know how I could show my face there... Not that there's anything wrong with my face, if I do say so myself. It's actually quite pretty.

Hey, my face is really cute, too!

My face is nothing to write home abou

Oh don't even start!

Hahaha, sorry. I've never been able to think of myself as good-looking.

I don't mind if others think so, butWell, never mind that now.

Getting things back on track: you should definitely join us, Huyan Zhuo.

I... I don't think I cou

Why not? I was planning on joining Mount Liang once this battle was over.

You were!?

I'm not thrilled about this, but if Mt. Liang is truly home to people who only want to help...

...then I'm willing to join as well.

Don't you worry, milady. We're all about justice and doing what's right!

Stealing? Bad! Pillaging? Bad! Murder? Bad! Pirates? The worst!

And how do you really feel?

Pirate life forever!!!

I think I actually heard Qin Liangyu's trust in you dropping like a rock.

You did. You definitely did.

Heh... Out of all 108 stars, I expect to rise no higher than the 108th.

And on that note, this is awkward as hell, so I'm getting out of here.

Now, now. Qin Liangyu, was it? I promise you can trust us.

As for Blackbeard, well, he has his redeeming moments, but overall, he is still Chaotic-Evil.

Was that your idea of helping me?

But even he is a living creature. Though I would never consider him a friend.

Uh-oh. Am I being cornered? Is that what's happening here?

Am I Wang Lun? I am, aren't I?

Don't worry, Lord Blackbeard!

You may be an irredeemable pirate...

...but I also know there are things you can only do because of that!

Besides, we bearded fellows need to stick together!

R-right. Bearded fellows, huh...

Well, at least we can all agree I'm more handsome than you, right?

I'm casting 107 votes for my Lord.

No fair!

...Hehe.

Oh? Does that mean you've come around on us?

Yes, I suppose I have.

If people like Don Quixote and Sancho can smile like that here, then there should be no problem.

I'm willing to surrender.

Well...if you two are okay with this, then...I...

Oh come ON already!

It'd make me sooo happy if you joined us, Huyan Zhuo!

Wouldn't it make you happy, too!? Well!?

... ...

Of course it would. I love Mount Liang, too.

Then it's settled! Right, Leader?

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...Thank you. I'm glad to be here.

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Khh... What...is this...?

Huh!? It wasn't me! I promise I didn't do it!

Wh-what's happening!?

Khh... That's right...I just remembered! It's their fault...I ended up like this!

Elisabeth! Get ready!

H-huh? Shi Jin?

Our enemyMount Liang's true enemy is here!

The Four Corrupt Officials/The Six Traitors!