Disclaimer: This translation is fanmade and Ikka does not claim that it is 100% accurate, but it is a product of much hard work and time. Please do not use without permission, though linking is OK.

Mizuki Nana: Trickster
Vocals/lyrics by Mizuki Nana
Composed/arranged by Agematsu Noriyasu

君が「大好きだよ」っていつも無邪気な声で笑うから Because you always say “I adore you” with such an innocent laugh
僕の我が儘な感情 -時計- はほら、動き始める Look, my egoistic timepiece (emotions) has started to change
壊れた玩具並べ　自分の理想の城作って Lining up broken toys; I built my ideal castle
誰もが求める幸せに心奪われていた Fascinated by the happiness that anyone would seek

「大丈夫」と鍵をかけて隠してた Saying “it’s alright”, I locked up and hid away
たくさんの本音 -言葉- たち　さあ、解き放ってみよう That many words (ulterior motives); so come, release them all

君の紡ぐ物語　僕に教えてよ Tell me the tale that you have spun
それは、どの神話 -星- よりも美しく光る It is more beautiful and bright than any star (legend)
たとえ現在が過去に塗り替えられたとしても If we were to repaint the past right now
あの日から続く夢のもっと先へ The dream that had continued from that day goes further
迷わず記すよ　僕だけのSCENARIO Don’t hesitate and make note of my own scenario

君が「平気だから」っていつも真っ直ぐに見つめるから Because you always say “I don’t mind” while looking straight ahead
僕は知らずにいた本当の気持ちに気付けたんだ I became aware of true feelings that I had not known of

「変わらないものなんて、何一つないから」と Saying “because not one thing stays never-changing”
信じるという行為 -こと- にも　諦める癖がついてた Even that thing (act) called belief had been given up out of habit

渇いた空　モーブの霧に包まれていく The thirsting sky has been engulfed in a mauve mist
遥か遠く君の歌が聴こえてたんだ I yearn to hear your song, so far away and distant
答えのない頁だらけだっていいから As it’s alright despite the pages being covered with no answers
ひそか僕の中芽生えてたQUESTに In this quest where a secret is budding within myself
高らかに叫ぶ　怖いものはない！と I cry out loud: there is nothing I fear!

不意に襲う孤独はね So, an unexpected assault of loneliness
Level upへのsignalだから Is thus a signal to level up

君の紡ぐ物語　僕に教えてよ Tell me the tale that you have spun
それは、どの神話 -星- よりも美しく光る It is more beautiful and bright than any star (legend)
たとえ現在が過去に塗り替えられたとしても If we were to repaint the past right now
あの日から続く夢のもっと先へ The dream that had continued from that day goes further
迷わず記すよ　僕だけのSCENARIO Don’t hesitate and make note of my own scenario

僕の紡ぐ物語　君に伝えたい I want to tell you a tale I have spun
それは、終わりなき神話 -星- の愛 -いのち- の始まり It is the start of an unending star (legend)’s life (love)

Notes:

1) Any ideas what the title and lyrics have to do with each other? I vaguely recall Nana-chan mentioning it in one interview, but the details are a mess…

2) Words in (brackets) are those of the “written” lyrics. The sung lyrics are used in the main translation.

3) The lack of personal pronoun means that some parts can work the other way as well…but for flow, this was mostly set in a first-person point of view.

4) Not particularly pleased that there is no reference for verifying the translation, it’s most probably buggy. And was done under semi-consciousness and lack of sleep alternating, so do take with a pinch of salt and give corrections if you spot anything to change OTZ

5) First posted on LJ 2 December 2008.

PV accompaniment is highly recommended. It can be found here.

Disclaimer: This translation is fanmade and Ikka does not claim that it is 100% accurate, but it is a product of much hard work and time. Please do not use without permission, though linking is OK.

Yousei Teikoku: Wahrheit
Vocals/lyrics by YUI
Composed and arranged by Tachibana Takaha

古の台座には御霊が宿るという It is said that a spirit dwells within the ancient pedestal
置き去りのEine Krone響く When the abandoned Eine Krone sounds
罪の数ほど美しく It shall be as beautiful as the amount of sins

右手で空に掲げた　嘘で満たした聖杯 Emptiness lifted by a/my right hand; a Holy Grail filled with lies
彩る夜を捉えて　罪を欺く死の蜜 Seizing the painted night; the nectar of death that cheated sin

血塗られた月は操られて Manipulating a bloodstained moon
飲み干した嘘に支配される Drinking up, lies are controlled

命の価値を死で計るなら If the value of life were measured via death
誇らしく微笑み逝けるでしょう Then let us pass on with proud smiles

最期の楔で　我らに光を At that keystone to final moments, we are light

羽のように撒き散らした罪が The sins scattered like feathers
雫となって降り注いで Rain down incessantly as waterdrops
誇り高く廃した躰ごと Each prideful deposed body
総てを包んで　御霊を連れて逝け Is completely enveloped; and passes away with the spirit

躰の奥に仕込んだ　過去を贖う戒め Educated deep into one’s body are admonishments to atone for the past
真実の答え探して　刻を朱色に染めて Searching for a true answer; time is dyed scarlet

錆び付いた鍵に惑わされて The key that has rusted with it perplexes
抉じ開けた刻は睡ったまま Still [someone] remains asleep when [something is] prised open

誓いの言霊を叫ぶなら Were the word-spirits of vows to cry out
凍て付いた扉も解けるでしょう Would the frozen gates melt as well?

最期の楔で　我らに光を At that keystone to final moments, we are light

鳥のように舞い踊る御霊よ O spirit who dances like a bird
光となって降り注いで Rain down as light
誇り高く廃した躰ごと Each prideful deposed body
総てを包んで　魂呼び祈り唄 Is completely enveloped; souls crying out songs of prayer

やがて時はゆき　唄を忘れ去る頃 There is bound to be a time when the songs are completely forgotten
碧の台座の上で　砕け散ってゆくでしょう I suppose they would then be smashed to pieces atop the green pedestal

羽のように撒き散らしたEine Krone The Eine Krone that has scattered like feathers
雫となって降り注いで Rains down incessantly as waterdrops
誇り高く廃した躰ごと Each prideful deposed body
総てを包んで　御霊よ還り咲け Is completely enveloped; o spirit, return and bloom

Notes:

1) Both Wahrheit and Eine Krone are German. Having no actual useful knowledge of the language, ikka cannot give a confident translation of these terms, though the song title has been said to mean “truth” and she is pretty sure “krone” has an English equivalent of “crown”. Have been told that the latter is accurate, but who knows.

2) 真実 was used with the pronunciation for 本当, but since both terms have roughly similar meanings, there is no alternative translation up there.

3) As always, all corrections and comments are most welcome.

4) First posted on LJ 14 November 2008.

No real pairings (unless if you squint hard), just two officers of the law at work.

Disclaimer: Icarisain does not own MSLN in any shape or form, this is a work of fiction.

“…Noir Zero to Fox Seven, come in.” The audio message sounded almost loud despite its volume set to three out of forty, quiet as that location was.

She raised a finger to the reply button. “Fox Seven to Noir Zero. Please speak.”

“Your message arrived. Report on the situation there.“

“Requesting presence of investigation team and forensics, I will be sending you our coordinates. A body’s been found.” Even with years of experience behind her, the feeling that came with saying any variation of these words never once subsided – if anything, it only got worse as time passed. It was not a good feeling.

“Understood. Please get all units in the area to meet up there, we’ll need them for crowd control if any civilians happens to pass by.“

“It’s already been done. Scene is being cordoned as we speak.”

“Very well. Noir Zero out.“

“Fox Seven out.” Heaving a sigh, Fate turned her gaze to the figure splayed out lifelessly on the ground.

Amidst a scattering of jet-black feathers, Special Investigations Officer Yagami Hayate touched down, getting salutes from the staff as she rushed through the tape and Bureau members to the center of the scene. Soon after, a small group of investigation officers entered behind her, followed by the forensics team in their trademark white coats reminiscent of those donned by medical officers.

“Sorry we took so long,” she apologized. “Traffic was a mess with all those street parades going round…I had to get us permission to travel by air.”

Rising from her crouch by the body, Fate saluted the newcomers, before calling up a text-covered screen. “This is a report by one of my aides. Investigations, please take a look at this. Forensics, I entrust the body to your expertise.”

As the various people started to busy themselves with their respective duties, Hayate walked over to her friend. “Could I trouble you for some of the relevant details, Enforcer Testarossa-Harlaown?”

The blonde nodded in reply before motioning for them to move aside before they got in somebody’s way. “Let’s go talk over there.”

The victim was a young girl not older than ten, and looked everything like another of the kids that would perhaps be clutching their mother’s hand when shopping at the supermarket, perhaps kicking a ball about at the park, perhaps having those wonderful friendships with children their age that adults seemed completely unable to forge.

She was not the kind of person that deserved death. She was not the kind of corpse anyone would want to come across. And yet, some higher power had dealt her a nasty hand, leaving what had once been a child now a something so overloaded by elemental magic that it was barely humanoid in form.

Over the course of investigation, they would learn more about this child, as they had for those before her. They would speak to friends and family, they would go through her private diary and secrets, they would walk the path she had taken before reaching here. The shroud of mystery before the girl’s identity would dissolve into nothingness as they got to know her, building up again this person that had once been. Yet despite how they would eventually come to know her, she would never know them, the huge gap between life and death denying both parties that.

It all reminded Hayate far too much of a memory of sadness and parting with a precious existence, and was one of the reasons why she disliked taking up cases involving murder with a passion. In their line of work, though, one was bound to get cases like this more than a few times.

Watching Fate struggle to keep too much emotion from entering her voice, Hayate could almost see how she must have felt after knowing the cause of death. Mages with elemental affinity were few and far between, and the thought that someone out there with a magical trait like Fate’s was killing children would definitely have struck a nerve.

“…I can’t believe that we haven’t gotten this guy yet,” Fate growled sullenly, running a hand through her bangs. This was a clear indication of the extent by which she’d been ruffled – the Navy’s ace was well-respected for being able to keep her calm no matter the situation, but those closest to her knew just how emotional Fate could get sometimes. “It should have stopped, we can’t let this go on.”

She reached out to give the blonde’s hand a squeeze for reassurance. “We sure can’t, Fate-chan,” she said, dropping the official title as they were quite alone. “But all we can do is try and catch him before it happens again.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Fate replied, though she was still obviously downcast. “It’s just…when I saw her, all I could think of was Vivio…and Caro, and all those kids I’ve met on cases…and how this was a child that deserved to live a happy life like all of them…”

Hayate knew exactly what her friend meant. When she’d first laid eyes on the corpse, she’d immediately thought of Reinforce II, her most important little girl, the treasured baby of a family bound not by blood but by ties far stronger. And she had recognized the bad mood Fate was in, for it reflected the bite at her soul that would not go away.

“C’mon,” she said, “we’re not gonna nab our murderer if we’re going to stand and chat all day.”

The two officers strode back towards the crime scene, their shadows long in the dim light.

Notes:
-The conversation at the beginning, if it ain’t clear enough (…T^T ikka, you phail), was between Fate (Fox Seven) and Hayate, who was at HQ (Noir Zero). See if you can catch the pun on the call numbers lol
-This case is actually regarding a serial killer who can use magic. Like mentioned, he has elemental affinity (see here for more info), which is unfortunately used for illegal ends. Too bad it’s been depicted in such a lousy way. _/-||0
-On flying: yes, they probably could have used aircraft, though where to “park” might be a problem…as for the parade thing, I was thinking of referencing to events like Oktoberfest, where driving through crowds is not an option. Anything to have Her Highness moult…lol
-ikka really hates the fic title…please offer suggestions. Reward on offer.

ALI PROJECT: 少女貴族
Vocals/lyrics by Takarano Arika
Composed and arranged by Katakura Mikiya

ナイトメアの途中 In the midst of a nightmare
眼蓋が開いた My eyelids open
裸の胸　心臓の上 Bare-chested, above the heart
赤い蝶が羽ばたいていた A crimson butterfly flutters its wings

今も地下牢の柩に眠る Sleeping in the underground prison’s coffin at this moment as well:
はるか祖先　一族たちの Faraway ancestors and those of the family
王に優る気高き血が Their superior and noble blood of royalty
わたしの奥で叫んでいる Cries out within myself

目覚めよ目覚めよ　aristocrat Awaken, awaken, aristocrat
集えよ集えよ　majesty Congregate, congregate, majesty

異端をはじきだす社会に In a society where heresy is expelled
真実(ほんと)の美は生まれない True beauty is not born
腐敗　汚染　低俗の民に Depraved, contaminated, vulgar people are
天は罰を与える Punished by heaven

ブランド狂いの継母たちは Brand-crazy stepmothers
金に物を言わせ Speak through money
やや子可愛や Adorable children are
無能教師に託し Entrusted to imbecilic teachers

路上かまわず
絡まりあった Entangling unabashedly on the road
犬のような男と女 Men and women just like curs
愛もクズに成り下がる Reduce love to waste
恥を知らぬヤツは葬れ Bury these shameless things!

抱けよ抱けよ　叡智なる Embrace, embrace, wisdom
光を光を　魂(こころ)に Light, light, into the soul (heart)

この地上に美が消えれば If beauty vanishes from this earth
生きられない私たち We, who are unable to exist
誇り　高貴　純血の我ら Prideful, high-class, pure-blooded us
制裁の剣を持つ [Shall] hold the sword of judgment

この目を汚すものは消せ Destroy the things that defile these eyes
私を護る声がひびく The voice that protects me resounds

目覚めよ目覚めよ　aristocrat Awaken, awaken, aristocrat
称えよ称えよ　majesty Congregate, congregate, majesty

右に倣えのデモクラシーに In the imitation of democracy on the right
夢の未来は築けない The future of dreams cannot be built
欺瞞　虚飾　陋劣の國(たみ)に At the deceitful, affected, mean country (people)
天は遙か裂けて The sky splits apart in the distance

降らせよ降らせよ　輝く Fall upon us, fall upon us, radiance
光を光を　この身に Light, light, into this body

この地上に美が消えれば If beauty vanishes from this earth
生きられない私たち We, who are unable to exist
誇り　高貴　純血の我ら Prideful, high-class, pure-blooded us
制裁の剣翳す [Shall] raise the sword of judgment

Notes:

1) Lyrics taken from lyricwiki, may not be fully similar to that in the booklet.

2) Translations in brackets are that of lyrics in brackets (those that are sung). The “main” translations follow the words of the lyrics.

3) All comments and corrections most welcome.

4) First posted on LJ 26 January 2008.

貴石へ契り捧げて　互いの手をとりあい Dedicating pledges towards gems, clasping each other’s hands
踊るも謀反の薔薇に　絡まれ裂かれ The dancing and rebelling roses entwine and split apart
貴方が為に恐れず　掴んだ棘を伝う Being unafraid for your sake, I seize and follow the thorns
想いの強い深さが　奏でるロンド A rondo played by the strength and depth of emotions

鏤めた花弁の中誇らしく Inlaying pride among petals
舞し乙女よ　果てせるまで O dancing maidens, face off till the end

少女は清らな聖衣に信義託して The girls entrust their faith towards pure holy robes
貴方の見据えた果てへの鍵となろう Becoming the keys to the conclusion you saw
気高き意志が紡いでゆく Weaving noble will
眩き光包まれて Enveloped in dazzling light
最期を告げるカリヨンまで Until the carillon declaring the final moment,
導き闘え Lead the way and battle

奇蹟が繋ぐ二人は　鏡に映るように The two bonded by miracle are as if reflected in a mirror
何人たりも犯せぬ　絆の下僕 A slave bound by ties that cannot be violated by anyone
貴方が為に今宵も　其の手を差し出すでしょう I suppose those hands were extended again tonight for your sake
隠した傷に気付いて　震える腕に Noticing concealed wounds at trembling arms

透き通る白き肌が穢れても Even if clear fair skin were to be sullied
舞し乙女よ　咲き誇らん O dancing maidens, unable to blossom

少女は清らな聖衣に痛み忍ばせ The girls hide their pain in pure holy robes
仇なす者へと向かうは死命なれど Although facing those that had become foes is fate
何より貴方護りたいと Wanting to protect you above all
軋んだ身体何度でも No matter the number of times the body grates
最期の鐘に召されるまで Until summoned by the final bell
迷わず闘う Battle unwaveringly

そそぐ涙　彩づく華よ Shed tears, a myriad of colorful flowers

少女は清らな聖衣に信義託して The girls entrust their faith towards pure holy robes
貴方の見据えた果てへの鍵となろう Becoming the keys to the conclusion you saw
気高き意志が紡いでゆく Weaving noble will
眩き光包まれて Enveloped in dazzling light
最期を告げるカリヨンまで Until the carillon declaring the final moment,
導き闘え Lead the way and battle

Notes:

1) I found a translation on someone’s blog…but didn’t really make much reference to it because the final result differed quite a lot from mine. So this can be said to be ikka’s first ever song translation done without reference to another. =D

2) There are some words my dictionaries had no result for, so some lines may be a bit wonky. All corrections and comments are most welcome.

3) Even though this clearly fits the Mai Otome context, especially that for Otome Butou Shi (the game it was the OP for), it fits the HiME Festival in some places as well imo. Anyone wants to add on this?

4) First posted on LJ 11 January 2008.

This is the section repeated at the beginning, as well as at points in the song.
[Be in the grip of Death.
Jesus!
Mercy killing.
Last moment.]

白い光が差し込む　同じ目覚めを重ねた White light shines in, the same awakening repeats
赤い光が終わりを告げる　明日は来るのか… Red light declares the end, will tomorrow arrive?

何故に命を与えた？　何を成すため生まれた？ Why was I given the gift of life? Was I born for the sake of accomplishing something?
神に祈りを捧げて　届く願いは無いのに I offer my prayers to the gods, although no requests get through to them

黒いハネをのばし　闇に迷う　Extending black feathers/wings, wavering in darkness
触れないでと
決別の痛みも　伝えないまま And the untouching pain of separation could not be conveyed still

無くしたくない記憶を　くれた君には You, who gave me memories I do not wish to lose
私を忘れてなんて　偽善ね [speaking of] “Forget me” and the like, come now that’s hypocrisy
何を願えば良いのか… I wonder what a good wish would be…

次に目が覚めるの　君の居ない所かもね The next time I wake, it may not be at a place you are at
空に還る日まで　声を聴かせて Until the day I return to the sky, let me hear your voice

かすれた声あげて　呼んだ君は「逝かなで」と Crying out hoarsely, you screamed “don’t die”
君に触れられるの　アトドレクライ？ How many times do I have remaining to be touched by you?
今日は最期の日か？　君の中にまだイタイヨ！ Is this the day of my last moment? I still want to stay inside you (inside your heart/thoughts)!
そんな想いさえも　消えてしまうの… Even this kind of emotion will disappear…

Notes:

1) As should be expected of any Japanese translation ikka undertakes, a translation from somebody else was referred to. In this case, it is killknifex-san’s Chinese translation, which was posted at the 51hime forum. Any discrepancies from that are entirely of my own decision, however.

2) I reckon it can be taken that this song is from the point of view of the person singing, even if not all the lines make use of the personal pronoun.

3) Other than the Unmei no Keitouju OST, this song is also available on the band’s album Gothic Lolita Propaganda.

4) All corrections and comments are welcome.

5) First posted on LJ 22 December 2007.

Mizuki Nana: Pray
Vocals/lyrics by Mizuki Nana
Recorded and mixed by Kondo Hisayoshi
Sound produced by Elements Garden

今は前だけ見ればいい… 信じる事を信じればいい… Right now, it’s alright to only see what’s in front…it’s alright to believe in what is to be believed…
愛と絶望も羽根になり　不死なる翼へと Love and despair will both become feathers, forming immortal wings
蘇れ僕の鼓動 My pulse has revived

暗闇の月も星も　孤独を嘆く Holy tears Both moon and stars are dark, lamenting for solitude, holy tears
十字架を紡ぎ描こう　共に輝き尽きるまで Spinning and depicting a crucifix, till the end of our shared shining. (ikka: this line is poorly translated)

破壊のセレナーデ　瓦礫の 舞台 でも Destruction’s serenade, at a opera (stage) of rubble
君が唄えば　暁の果てに　また羽撃けるはず If you were to sing it, you/I should be able to beat your/my wings at the conclusion of dawn.

僕は今でも弱いままで　　光の剣を抜けないでいた Even though I am still weak at the moment, the sword of light has yet to be drawn
残酷な運命を逃げないで　凛と生きる為に I will not escape from my cruel present (fate), for the sake of living with dignity.
いつしか涙は明日を灯す　奇跡の太陽に Before my realising it, tears had become the guiding light to tomorrow, towards the sun of miracles.
もう行こう　護るものがあるから… I’ve already gone, because there is something for me to protect

ほんの少しでいい　君が笑ってくれれば Truly, merely a little of your smile is enough
黄昏の騎士となって　僕の全てを捧げよう I will become a knight of the evening, and consecrate my everything

名も無きラプソディ　心に咲く勇気 A nameless rhapsody, valor blossoming in my heart
君が願えば　銀河の彼方へ　無限に飛べるはず If you desire, you/I should be able to fly towards the opposite side of the galaxy.

僕は力はいらないよ　　たった一人救えるなら I don’t need power, if it’s only to rescue one person
百年の時をループしても　君を迎えにゆく Even if a hundred years’ time were to loop, I would go to receive you
何度倒れても空を見れば　答えがあるはず No matter how many times I fall, the answer would be there should I look into the sky
夜明けのない　　世界なんてないから… There is no daybreak, because there is no such thing as the world…

君に誓いを僕は夢を　　命の限り愛の限り Your vows, my dreams, the limits of life and the limits of love
震える声に口づけを A kiss from a quavering voice
そして…そして限りない未来へ…AH… And then…and then heading towards a future with no limits…AH…

僕はいつでも傍にいる　　どんな時でも傍にいるよ I am always by your side, will be by your side whenever it may be
この世の全てが敵だって　君だけの盾になる Even if all that is in this world opposes you, I will be the shield of only you
いつしか涙は明日を灯す　奇跡の太陽に Before my realising it, tears had become the guiding light to tomorrow, towards the sun of miracles.
もう行こう　護るものがあるなら… I’ve already gone, because there is something for me to protect

Notes:

1) Words in brackets are the lyrics’ meaning from the words themselves. The terms used follow those that are heard, eg. 舞台 as “opera”.

2) Poor, poor, poor punctuation throughout.

3) The translation is generally based on the POV of the person singing, though there is no use of the personal pronoun at times.

4) Despite consultation of 2 Japanese dictionaries and dictionary.com, my standard is not yet high enough to make this as polished as that from a person who can read and understand the lyrics fully. References were also made to leoheart-san’s Chinese translation found here, which also happens to be the home of the hilarious Mahou Anego Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS series, do pay a visit if you can read Chinese to some extent…eh, ikka is advertising…?[/ad]

5) Romaji lyrics can be found at byakuya. (EDIT: Another English translation, probably more accurate, can be found at the same site.)

6) All corrections and comments are welcome.

7) First posted on LJ 8 September 2007.

ALI PROJECT: 阿修羅姫
Vocals/lyrics by Takarano Arika
Composed and arranged by Katakura Mikiya

阿修羅修羅の舞　この手を取って Ashura’s dance of the shura, taken by these hands
あなたが好きだと言ってるじゃない Didn’t you say that you liked (me)
諸行無常　移ろいゆく浮き世 The things of the earthly plane are unpredictable, the mutating reality
人の心　留まらぬとしても Even if people’s hearts cannot be retained
恨ミザラマシ There should not be lamentation

最期の瞬間に At the final moment
あなたの瞳　見つめられるなら If (I) could gaze into your eyes
犯す罪残さず Not leaving any crime behind
地獄の神に赦しを乞おう Pleading for forgiveness from the god of hell

殺め合うように求めてはいけないでしょうか Is it wrong to seek something through a manner like that of killing each other?
胸深く刺さった Deeply piercing the chest
哀しみの剣 The sword of grief

鮮血のヴィーナス
素肌に鎧うのは Defending a bloody Venus’ bare flesh
金襴の鎧よりも美しい Is something even more beautiful than an armor of gold brocade—
愛と云う傷迹 The scars known as love

阿修羅修羅の詠　嵐の声が Ashura’s hymn of the shura, like the sound of a storm
恋しいな名前を叫びつづける Calling out the beloved name
夜叉般若の面 華の貌 A face of a yasha and hannya, an appearance of beauty
あなたに逢うのはどっちの私 Which of them is the “me” that you have encountered?
身モコガレツツ Both body and soul inflamed in anxiety

この想いだけは Only this emotion
けして穢れぬように Cannot be defiled, whatever it takes

禍の夢を The dream of calamity is
灰い土の底に孕んで Conceived under the ash-like earth
刻満ちる　女は The woman whose moment is up will
赤い雛罌粟　狂い咲くでしょ Let the poppy buds bloom madly, right?

命削ぐように 愛したのは運命でしょうか Is it fate to love in a lifespan-shortening way?
交わった　縁の Entwined fates’
指切る綾取る Finger-shredding cat’s cradle

転生のヴィーナス A reincarnated Venus’
生まれ落ちた場所は Birthplace is
この地上の何処よりも果てない Of no conclusion even more than anywhere on this land
愛という戦場 The battlefield known as love

阿修羅修羅の舞　髪を解いて Ashura’s dance of the shura, releasing of hair
あなたが欲しいと言ってるじゃない Didn’t you say that you wanted (it)
諸行無常　移ろいゆく浮き世 The things of the earthly plane are unpredictable, the mutating reality
>寢ても目醒めても泡沫の日々 Be it awake or slumbering, the days (transient) like foam
玉ゾ散リケル Scattering in every direction

何がいちばん尊い
ことかを教えて Please let me know, what is the most important thing?

阿修羅修羅の舞　脚を絡めて Ashura’s dance of the shura, bondage of feet
もうあなたを誰にも渡さない You will never again be given to another
魑魅魍魎夢魔食んで蜜蟲 The sweet insects that have eaten chimi mouryo and dream monsters
堕ちる処まで堕ちて空蝉 The cicada that has fallen into nowhere
身ノイタヅラニ And the body evanesces

阿修羅修羅の詠　嵐を越えて Ashura’s hymn of the shura, passing through storms
恋しい名前を　叫び続けて Repeatedly calling out a beloved name
夜叉般若の面 華の貌 A face of a yasha and hannya, an appearance of beauty
あなたに逢うのはどっちの私 Which of them is the “me” that you have encountered?
身モコガレツツ Both body and soul inflamed in anxiety

この想いだけを抱いて Holding on to only this emotion
生きて行くだけ Just living and leaving

Notes:

1) I have used contextual knowledge, dictionaries and what little ability I have in reading Japanese to translate. However, in lines such as the katakana in some verses or certain terms that the dictionaries I consulted had no proper result for, I have had to refer to Milliardo-san’s Chinese translation. It can be found here.

2) The term “ashura” (阿修羅) is used for bloodthirsty and battle-crazed gods of war in mythology. It is a higher-level form of “shura”, a term that can also be used to describe people highly skilled in combat, as seen in Samurai Deeper Kyo when Sanada Yukimura is called a “shura” to Onime no Kyo’s “oni” (“devil”).

3) この手を取って can be translated in multiple ways.

4) Yasha, hannya and chimi mouryo are demons in folklore.

5) First posted on LJ 29 April 2007.

Disclaimer: Icarisain does not own Samurai Deeper Kyo in any shape or form, this is a work of fiction.

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This cannot be happening, Akira thought. Something is very wrong here.

He briefly considered the most recent routes that he had taken on of his current journey, trying to recollect all the life-threatening conditions that he had encountered. A few moments later, his head was buzzing slightly—not because he was unable to think of even one, but because there had been so many.

Darn…could it have been that carnivore-infested swamp…no, I’ve known worse from what the Mibu do. Or perhaps the cold desert…couldn’t be, my ice should be of a lower temperature…

Unable to find a viable answer to the bemusement he was currently experiencing, he did something that he would not have done under all other circumstances.

He sat down by the side of the main street, trying to be as conspicuous as he could be without obstructing the heavy flow of human traffic.

__________________________________________________

“You’re not getting away from me this time! I challenge you to a duel to the death!” The same lines, the same delivery. It was good to know that some things stayed the same.

“Ah, good,” a smirk passed over the Double-headed Dragon’s lips, and managed to stay there. “You’re still alive…almost had me worried there.”

It was times like this that he desperately wished to possess the sense of sight again, just to be able to see for himself the expression on Tokito’s face. Through experience, however, the image of her scowling like the immature kid she was had now become very clear in his mind’s eye. No matter how many times she wore it (and denied acting like a child), he could still derive amusement from that look.

“Huh…?” Apparently, the omniscient beings of the universe that had screwed most of his life over were taking pity, for Akira’s remark was replied met by Tokito’s “confused as hell” expression (which was even more priceless than her previous scowl).

“You know…since it took you so much longer to locate me this time.” The words and you know it’s impossible to miss me with my current location were kept unspoken.

The silence that ensued was deafening.

Then, with a particularly loud “why you…” from Tokito, their customary game of chase-me-as-I-run-not-so-far-away was set into motion yet again.

Four days, seven hours, thirty-nine minutes going on forty. His newest record for keeping her off his tail, even if it was only for that little while.

But sometimes, being on the road by one’s lonesome was painfully lonely, and Akira knew it better than anyone else.

As he swung his blades to meet hers, carefully mapping an escape route out of town, he vowed never to leave her alone, to always wait for her, to make sure that he would never be so far out of sight that she would have no idea where he was anymore.

He could never just stay stagnant, life as a warrior meant that there was no room for turning back and regretting any choices and mistakes. If Tokito wanted to chase after him, as he had done with Kyo so many years ago, then she would surely improve by leaps and bounds, and perhaps attain a level of strength far beyond even the incredibly high one she was at now.

What would be of them, when the destined day finally came? He had no doubt that a showdown was inevitable, but as the days went by, he could not help but hope that its arrival would not be so early…