02x08 - The Clutches of Evil, Stealing Ever Closer

[bunniefuu]

[birds chirping]

♪

[gasps]

♪

I know he isn't here with me.

[chuckles]

But I do wonder,

what is Haruto doing right now?

Hey, uh, do you remember

what he said, exactly?

Well, if I remember correctly.

-It was "Miharu."

-Huh?

When she told us that,

it made me hopeful.

But no, of course, I couldn't

possibly be that lucky.

Now, I need to focus up!

[inhales]

♪

[ALL]

Huh?

♪

[water splashes]

[all gasp]

[ORPHIA]

Good morning, Miharu!

Good morning.

I see you're practicing

early again today.

You're a harder worker than

you give yourself credit for!

-You think so?

-It's true, you really are!

Is there a reason

you're so dedicated?

Tell me how,

so I can be like you!

Oh, well, sure!

Practicing is fun, which is

a big part of it, but

-[ORPHIA] But?

-Huh?

[MIHARU] While we're enjoying

a peaceful existence here

in the village.

Haruto is out there

working hard for all of us.

That's why.

-That makes sense!

-It's all for Mister Rio!

No, it's not that.

I want to do everything

I can to make sure

I'm not a burden to him

while he's juggling so much,

you know?

Yes, indeed.

Well, if your kind

intention means

you're learning Spirit Arts

more quickly,

then it's all for the best,

right?

-She's got a point!

-You're right.

[chuckles]

[SARA]

I must say.

It's already quite

an amazing feat

to be able to create water

after such a short time.

And you were even able

to control it, weren't you?

Honestly, I was in shock!

Miharu, you are connected

to Lady Aishia telepathically,

so it is possible

your connection

allows your Spirit Arts

abilities to blossom.

I agree! But even if

that helps you grow,

the results are due to

the hard work you've put in!

-It's true!

-Uh-huh.

Thanks, you guys!

And now, since I know,

next time I see her,

I'll be sure

to thank Miss Aishia, too.

-[CELIA] Aishia!

-Huh?

Good morning! Have some tea?

[AISHIA]

Mm.

[gasps]

It's delicious!

It tastes similar

to when Haruto makes it.

Does it? Well, thanks!

I'm the one who taught Rio

how to make it, you know.

[wind gusting]

[CELIA] You feel the wind

picking up?

I'm sorry is something wrong?

Oh, no. It's nothing.

SPIRIT CHRONICLES 2

[ALPHONSE]

Monsters?

Why are they wearing

knights' uniforms?

What you're seeing

is a modified human.

THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL,

STEALING EVER CLOSER

[MALE OFFICER 207A]

Who are you?

Stand down!

Yes, I'd be happy to.

[MALE OFFICER 207A] Are you

adventurers from Amande?

No, I'm afraid not.

[MALE OFFICER 207A] What are

you doing in the forest, then?

You seem an unsavory lot.

Well, that's because

we are unsavory.

So, would you gents

happen to be knights

of the Beltrum Kingdom?

-[all gasp]

-How would you know who we are?

It's simple.

When one considers

which knights

are staying in Amande

at the moment,

it would seem you must be

the elite guards

of Princess Flora.

That so. And who are you?

[LUCIUS] Just a man who's got

business with you lot.

I'd say

there's about 20 of them.

And they're all on

the younger side, as well.

[REISS] Something popped

into my mind.

You were once among

the noble class

in the Beltrum Kingdom.

Does anyone look familiar?

Not a one of them.

But, even if they did,

it wouldn't change

what we're about to do.

Then, if you have no objections

to using them as blank dolls,

-I'll leave it to you.

-[chuckles]

I don't like this.

Why don't we just beat them up

and take them into custody?

Not so fast!

We should talk it out!

[laughs]

We've got a lively one

over here!

I like it.

Be careful not to k*ll them,

as tempting as it may be.

Yeah, I know the deal.

But I'm helping you out,

so let me have some fun here.

You just make sure

none of them escape.

There's always a runner.

[sword clanking]

[knights gasp]

Seems like this brigand

wants a fight!

Allow me to serve justice!

I will not!

Surround and subdue them!

[MALE OFFICER 207A]

If they resist,

then you may counterattack.

Ready yourselves!

-[gasps]

-Too slow, boys.

[LUCIUS] The moment I moved

to draw my sword,

you should have been

strengthening yourselves

with magic instead of gawking!

[ALPHONSE] This is

the perfect opportunity!

When that blasted duke learns

how ably I dispatched my prey,

he'll be flabbergasted!

[yelps]

[chuckles]

You're a curious one, eh.

You can die!

Enchant Physical Ability!

[grunts]

I think I'll save you

for last, boy.

[groans]

[LUCIUS] Come on!

What are you waiting for?

Hurry up and use your little

protective spells

while you can!

[KNIGHTS]

Enchant Physical Ability!

You have permission

to k*ll him!

Keep the other alive

for questioning!

Oh?

[LUCIUS]

Go ahead and try!

[all scream]

[LUCIUS] What's wrong, fellas?

Is that all you've got?

I was hoping for more

of a challenge!

-[MALE KNIGHT 208H] Blast it!

-[LUCIUS] Come on!

[LUCIUS]

You haven't hit me once!

[MALE KNIGHT 208H]

He's treating this like some

kind of game!

[chuckles]

Oh, did you want me

to take it more seriously?

In that case, I'll start

culling the herd now.

[groans]

[ALPHONSE]

No, he can't.

At this rate,

we'll surely lose!

Does he have

an enchanted sword too?

It's not fair!

Why does everyone else get one?

Sneaky cowards!

If I had an enchanted sword,

then

[groaning]

[LUCIUS]

Ah! Only four left, I see.

[ALPHONSE]

How? It's impossible!

[REISS]

Thanks to your hard work.

My retrieval

of the unconscious knights

is proceeding smoothly.

The real work has just begun.

A few more knights,

and we're finished!

You know what that means, boy?

It's your turn soon.

We need to move, now.

[MALE OFFICER 207A]

Retreat!

[ALPHONSE]

This, it's part of the plan!

We need to call for backup!

Yes, it's a tactical retreat!

[LUCIUS]

Fleeing?

I would have thought

the fight helped them

to understand the hopelessness

of this situation.

Hey! If you run,

it just means I'll catch you!

[chuckles]

[MALE OFFICER 207A]

Move!

[gasps]

[MALE OFFICER 207A]

How did you get here?

Don't worry yourself.

You're not going to die here.

[screams]

[groans]

[whimpering]

[ALPHONSE]

No!

See, I told you

I was saving you for last.

Now don't cause

too much trouble.

[LUCIUS]

I was right.

You're lively,

and those eyes tell a story.

[ALPHONSE]

What does that mean?

[LUCIUS] They seem to carry

glimpses of the dirty way

you've lived your life.

You're a terribly

intriguing fellow,

do you know that?

[ALPHONSE]

Wait, hang on!

If it's money you want,

I can pay!

And I won't tell, you can just

take it and do what you want!

Huh? You're bribing me?

[ALPHONSE]

Now I've got him!

I can use money to negotiate!

[chuckles]

You are rather curious.

What to do with you?

SPIRIT CHRONICLES 2

[LISELOTTE] Master Haruto.

Thank you for joining us today.

In time, I will send

a messenger with updates.

I hope your stay in Amande

will afford you

the opportunity

to get some rest.

Thank you. I hope so too.

-Oh, and uh

-Yes, ma'am?

It's just, if we should ever

happen to meet again,

I hope we will find

the time to talk.

The Duke and I would like

the chance to offer

our formal thanks to you

as well, if it pleases you.

Yes! I would like that!

[RIO]

I wonder

has she noticed it might

be me, as I suspected?

Or, is this just

who Princess Flora is?

I suppose I'll wait

and see for now.

Well, seems like we'll be stuck

here in Amande for a while,

at least until we can help

fully secure

the neighboring lands.

So, if you plan on visiting

Liselotte's mansion later,

we might just get to see

each other there.

Yes, they will be staying

for a little longer.

If the Hero desires it,

I could arrange to have

a tea party.

Sir, Haruto,

would you care to join?

My Lady.

If you're kind enough

to invite me, then yes.

It would be my great pleasure.

Oh, good! I would like that!

[SAKATA]

All right.

Can we let the poor swordsman

leave in peace already?

The rest of this can be

hashed out another day.

The Hero has a point!

We cannot keep

our guest here forever.

Well, then, Sir Haruto,

let's meet again.

[RIO]

Yes, Your Grace.

I shall see you all soon.

If you'll excuse me,

I'll be off.

[footfall]

[exhales]

[sighs]

Good sir.

I don't wish to be rude

but, are you feeling well?

Huh? What do you mean?

Your mood, you appear

to feel less spirited.

So, I wondered if something

was weighing on you.

No. Can't say there's

anything bugging me

at the moment.

But if you ask me,

Flora's the one

who's acting kinda weird.

[gasps]

[FLORA]

What?

Me? Do I appear to be

acting strange to you, Hero?

Wow. You're not very

self-aware, huh?

Ever since we got

ambushed by monsters,

no, ever since that

swordsman showed up,

you've been acting all fidgety,

like your mind is off

in la la land,

thinking about who knows what?

Oh, I don't think that's

an accurate depiction of me.

Fine. If that's how you feel,

I won't argue you.

All I'm trying to say is,

that's how it looks to me.

[FLORA]

I see,

could you explain

what gave you that impression?

Well, when he's here,

you're like,

staring directly at his face

the whole time.

Oh, when you say the word "he,"

do you speak of Sir Haruto?

See? And when I mention

some rando,

you automatically know

it's Haruto.

[FLORA] What?

Eh, n-no no, that's not.

Princess Flora has many duties

as our kingdom's

representative.

Since Haruto saved us

from grave peril,

I'm certain she's just

worrying about

how to express our gratitude.

It may be of great

importance to her

since Duke Huguenot is looking

to employ his service.

Oh, that makes sense.

Is that all?

Uh, yes, sir!

Well, if that's how it is,

then it's not like

I don't understand this stuff.

But Haruto?

I feel like everyone's making

such a big deal over someone

who's pretty average to me.

Well, naturally,

that's because you yourself

are so exceptional.

It stands to reason that

you would be harder to impress

than the princess or myself.

Oh! I totally get that!

So, that's what's happening!

[SAKATA] If that's the case,

I can't blame anyone!

Hmm.

[whimpering]

Hmph!

I guess that does it.

[REISS]

Thank you for all your efforts.

I've already

begun things here as well.

[gasps]

[ALPHONSE]

Monsters?

Why are they wearing

knights' uniforms?

[gasps]

[screams]

[gasps]

[growls]

W-what are those things?

What you're seeing

is a modified human.

I'm rebuilding their spirits

and bodies

into something more useful.

-[growls]

-[gagging]

Now, Lucius,

if you wouldn't mind,

please remove his clothing

so I can begin.

I don't care to take off

another man's clothing.

You can do it yourself.

Dear, dear, dear.

He stirs, is there any reason

you brought this young man

to me conscious?

I thought he would be

a good test subject.

Something about this one

tells me

he'd be the perfect candidate

for your revenant.

Yes, but if the ritual fails,

we will have wasted

one of our precious stones.

You gotta break

a few eggs, right?

Look at all these other husks

you've got lying around.

[LUCIUS] With these bodies

you've converted,

there's more than enough

fighting power left

if this fails.

[sighs]

I suppose

I have no other choice.

[chuckles]

[LUCIUS]

Upsy-daisy!

I'm begging you,

please let me go!

Let's see.

[whimpers]

[groans]

There's a reason

this doesn't hurt.

Despite what it looks like,

this isn't physical yet.

This is the point

where your body and mind

give in to the pain.

It is only a matter of time,

young man!

[whimpering]

♪

[GUSTAV]

How is it possible

the search party

hasn't returned yet?

Could it be that a monster

beyond the scope

of our imaginings

hides in that forest?

It could also be that they

have simply been hindered

by some sort of accident.

I understand.

You are dismissed, sir.

I will send notice

when I've devised a plan.

I shall await

your command, sir.

[GUSTAV]

As suspected,

we are in need of someone

talented in military affairs.

[sighs]

Of course, the unit in

question is the one

Alphonse was a part of.

He's just as talentless

as I thought.

[FLORA]

I wonder,

was my behavior

truly unusual today?

What am I thinking anyway?

Rio. Haruto.

Their names and their

hair colors are different.

Surely, they're two

different people.

But, if Haruto turns out

to be Rio after all.

You need to take him

and get out of here, Princess!

[FLORA] He saved me,

but I couldn't thank him.

It was all so fast,

I didn't have a chance

to undo our misunderstanding.

All I could do was flee.

Do I apologize?

Even though no amount

of apologizing

would atone for all

the mistakes I made.

My deepest apologies.

I should have sent

only my own people

for something

of this importance.

Nonsense.

It was myself who suggested

that we send the local knights

as the advance unit

for the investigation.

Yes, but still.

Also we have yet to confirm

if the men have all perished.

Let us be optimistic.

I suppose you're right.

Let us send a search party,

as soon as we are able.

Having said that, though.

[GUSTAV] Yes. We'll wait

until after sunrise.

The advance unit

may yet return,

so we shouldn't risk

more lives.

Better to bide our time.

Indeed.

Between your maidens,

the guard, and the swordsman,

I surely thought we had taken

care of most of the monsters.

Me too.

[LISELOTTE] Only a few monsters

escaped into the forest,

not enough to worry.

But that's if we

encountered them all.

I hadn't considered

the alternative.

Do you think there could be

more minotaurs in the forest?

I sure hope not.

I wouldn't rule it out myself.

If we consider

the worst case scenario,

it's possible more nightmarish

monsters are out there.

Mm.

[LISELOTTE] One would assume

that an abundance of monsters

lurking in the woods would be

impossible to overlook.

And yet, it's precisely that

kind of assumption

that has led us

to the situation we're in.

It's done. I will send Aria.

Tomorrow, I will arrange a unit

with my best maids and soldiers

and equip them well.

They'll have enchanted swords.

[GUSTAV]

Good.

I would like to offer you

additional knights,

but it may take some more time.

-[LISELOTTE] No.

-Huh?

I cannot ask your people

to take any further action

on my behalf, Your Grace.

It's in my hands now.

Huh? Yes, I understand.

In that case, there's Haruto.

[GUSTAV] I think

it would be a good idea

to ask for his assistance

in these troublesome times.

Yes, and if he were

a citizen of Amande,

it would be easier for me

to ask him.

He hails from outside

our walls, I'm afraid.

But beyond that,

he seems quite devoted

to protecting

one of his companions.

Yes, you're right.

We shouldn't pin

all our hopes on newcomers,

but seasoned adventurers.

[LISELOTTE]

True, but in this case,

I won't use them, either.

Huh?

Since there is a possibility

that more minotaurs

lurk in the forest,

I need people here

to defend the city.

[LISELOTTE] We could be

ambushed at any time.

A worry we should not overlook.

[fire crackling]

[gulping]

[sighs]

-[chomps]

-All right, then.

It's been long enough that

our most recent specimen

should have completed

the assimilation.

[LUCIUS] While that's great

and all, come on!

I'm feeling claustrophobic

over here!

Put the freaks away, already!

Really?

As it's a new collection,

I was hoping I might admire

my handiwork

for a while longer.

[scoffs]

As always, your creepy tastes

don't align with mine

in any way.

It's all subjective.

They are like my own children,

can you blame me?

♪

Wow, it already feels

like a new forest!

I think I'll finally be able

to sleep in peace!

We move tomorrow morning.

Everything is set to go

just before sunrise.

I implore you not to oversleep.

If you're worried about

someone oversleeping,

tell it to our newest

tag-along over there.

[LUCIUS]

Right, boy?

[ALPHONSE (MONSTER)]

[scoffs] If I can't sleep in,

why waste the night?

I should be pressing forward

with the plan

before those louts realize

what fate is about

to befall them.

[chuckles]

That's some creepy voice

you've got there.

I've managed to create

a perfected revenant.

It's more aggressive

than the strengthened dolls

and has enhanced

fighting capabilities to boot.

[REISS]

But its hobbled intellect

and stunted reasoning skills

render it harder to control.

But it should still be useful

in the attack tomorrow, right?

Yes, he'll be of great use

to us.

[REISS] As a disposable tool

to be tossed aside.

Make me proud, boy!

I have high hopes for you!

[chomps]

Bottoms up!

[gulping]

[laughs]

[ALPHONSE (MONSTER)]

I'll k*ll them!

k*ll them all,

if it's the last thing I do!

Poor sap is eating

through the bone, too!

[chuckles]

[LUCIUS]

You're still hopeless, huh?

[birds chirping]

[AISHIA]

Haruto, wake up.

Huh?

[RIO]

Aishia?

Good morning.

Good morning.

I have urgent news.

And what would that be?

Monsters suddenly

appeared nearby.

I can sense their presence.

Huh?

Inside the city?

Or are they outside?

[AISHIA] I can't tell

their specific location.

I know they're to the west.

My senses

are currently overwhelmed.

There must be a lot of them.

[RIO]

What?

With a sensation this strong,

I should have noticed them

much sooner than now.

It's strange that I didn't.

I think something's been

brewing since yesterday.

Do you see those people

on the road?

Huh?

[MALE SOLDIER 8B]

We did get a notice stating

the knights

who went to explore the forest

might return sometime

this morning.

[RIO]

All right.

For now, let's go and get

a grasp of the situation.

[RIO]

Where's Celia?

[AISHIA]

She's still fast asleep.

[RIO]

Oh, that's good.

[growls]

It looks like the party

may have returned.

[growling]

-Those are monsters!

-Sound the alarm right now!

[bell ringing]

Huh?

[minotaur 208A roars]

NEXT TIME

THE BATTLE TO DEFEND AMANDE

[RIO]

"The Battle to Defend Amande."

SPIRIT CHRONICLES 2

ILLUSTRATION: MINAZUKI FUTAGO