Hawk/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

A Practiced Hunter

Ranzal: Euden, we got trouble! A bunch'a fiends are headin' toward a nearby village!

Euden: What?!

Ranzal: There's a whole boatload of 'em, too! We're gonna have to do somethin'!

Euden: Right. Let's go!

Fiend: ......

Euden: There's so many of them... Wait, are they dead?

Ranzal: This one's a goner... And this one... Looks like someone got 'em before we did.

Euden: Each one was finished off with a single arrow. This is the work of a professional.

Ranzal: Hey, look over there!

???: ......

Fiend: Graaaah!

Euden: He felled it in one strike. Was he the one who took out the others?

Ranzal: That was amazin'... And that fiend was no slouch, either!

Fiend: Raaaahh!

Euden: I-it's so fast!

Ranzal: Don't gotta tell me that twice! But that guy...

???: Hah!

Fiend: Gaaaah!

???: *pant* *pant*

Ranzal: He ain't missed a single shot...

Euden: We can't just stand back and let him do all the work. We need to go hel—

Ranzal: Actually, I think he's done.

???: Haaah!

Fiend: Graaaaah!

Euden: He took them all out by himself.

Ranzal: Heh. There's some pretty nutty folks in this big ol' world, huh?

Ranzal: Maybe we should go say hi. ...Hey there, buddy!

???: So you finally show yourselves. What do you want?

Ranzal: Eh, nothin' much. Just impressed by yer little archery show, is all.

Euden: I don't know that I've ever seen something quite like that before, even in the capital.

???: ...The capital?

Ranzal: Oh, we ain't introduced ourselves yet, have we? I'm Ranzal—just yer average everyday mercenary.

Ranzal: And this here's Prince Euden of Alberia.

???: I know.

Euden: I'm sorry, do you know me?

Hawk: By name only. I am Hawk—a hunter.

Ranzal: Eh?

Euden: It's nice to meet you, Hawk.

Euden: Your skills with a bow are impressive. I don't know how you hit those speedy fiends without missing a shot.

Hawk: All creatures give a sign when they are ready to move. Eyes, legs, muscles...

Hawk: Observe those carefully, and perfect accuracy is no challenge.

Euden: I think you're underselling yourself.

Hawk: Then what do you say about making use of those skills yourself?

Euden: What do you mean?

Hawk: Make me one of your companions.

Euden: Oh, of course! We'd love to have you!

Ranzal: Hang on just a sec here! Ya sure about this, Euden?!

Euden: Why not, Ranzal? You saw what he can do.

Ranzal: W-well, yeah, but...

Hawk: Are you decided, then?

Euden: Absolutely. It'd be our pleasure.

Hawk: Very well.

Ranzal: ......

Ranzal: (A hunter called Hawk... He can't actually be the Reaper, right? ...Right?)

Episode 2

The One They Call the Reaper

Hawk: ...So. You come.

Hawk: Screee!

Hawk: Good boy. Give me the letter.

Hawk: Screee!

Hawk: Tonight, then.

???: Oh? What's happenin' tonight?

Hawk: Hmm?

Ranzal: Never thought the day'd come when I saw a duskhawk with my own eyes.

Hawk: What do you want?

Ranzal: Oh, nothin'. Just thought maybe you and me could wag jaws for a spell.

Ranzal: Duskhawks are said to be bad luck 'cause they fly at night, yeah?

Hawk: Indeed. It's said that when a duskhawk flies through the night sky, people die.

Ranzal: That's 'cause assassin guilds use 'em as messengers, yeah?

Ranzal: So! Hard at work tonight, are we?

Hawk: What are you trying to imply?

Ranzal: Imply? This is me bein' straightforward! But hey, lemme try again...

Ranzal: Who ya off to kill, Reaper?

Hawk: ...So you know that name, do you?

Ranzal: I've been a mercenary for a long time. Ya hear all kinds'a stories in this line of work.

Ranzal: One of 'em was about a master assassin who always takes out his targets with a single arrow.

Ranzal: His name was Hawk, but apparently some folks called him the Reaper.

Hawk: ......

Ranzal: So spit it out, Reaper. Who's your target? 'Cause if it's Euden or any of the others in the castle—

Hawk: If you're so curious, come with me.

Ranzal: Come watch ya kill somebody? No thanks.

Hawk: If you're unhappy with what you witness, you can stop me or do whatever you like.

Ranzal: Ya can't be serious.

Ranzal: ...So what're we doin' in the middle of a forest? Tree tick ya off?

Hawk: You'll know soon enough.

Ranzal: *sigh* Well, looks like ya ain't after folks from the castle, so that's somethin'.

Hawk: It's time!

Ranzal: Time for what? I don't see nothin'.

Ranzal: What're ya gettin' yer bow ready for? I can't see a damn thing!

Hawk: ...Silence.

Ranzal: Er, right. Sorry.

Hawk: ...There!

Ranzal: C'mon, ya can't just shoot arrows off into the middle of nowhere like—

???: Aaaah!

Ranzal: Where the hell did THAT come from?!

Hawk: My aim was true. With me, Ranzal.

Ranzal: Guess I'm already into this thing up to my eyeballs...

Mysterious Person: Graaah...

Hawk: That arrow pierced your femoral region. You'll be going nowhere.

Mysterious Person: D-damn it... No one warned me I was gonna run into a guy like this...

Hawk: I'll treat you this time, but this is your only warning. Next time, my arrow will pierce your forehead.

Mysterious Person: All right... You win...

Ranzal: Okay, what's goin' on here?!

Hawk: He was an assassin from the guild.

Hawk: One hired to kill Euden.

Ranzal: Buh?! How do you know that?!

Hawk: Because I have an ally within the guild who informs me if the guild receives any requests on Euden's life.

Ranzal: So THAT'S what that duskhawk came for!

Hawk: Correct.

Ranzal: Sheesh... I've made one hell of a misunderstandin' here. Sorry 'bout that.

Hawk: Any who knew my name would assume the same.

Ranzal: Yeah, I guess. But to tell the truth, somethin' still don't feel right here.

Ranzal: Why would someone with a nickname like ＂Reaper＂ be helpin' folks like us?

Hawk: Because I am a Reaper.

Ranzal: Huh?

Hawk: All my life, I have believed survival of the fittest to be the natural way of the world for man and beast alike.

Hawk: I believed it common sense that I could only live on through the deaths of others.

Hawk: But I learned of someone who believed it wrong for the world to act in such a way.

Ranzal: Euden, yeah?

Hawk: Correct. He seeks to create a world without victims.

Hawk: Some might consider his words to be something out of a faerie tale...

Ranzal: But not you?

Hawk: I still don't fully believe it's possible. But if such a world DID exist, I would want to see it.

Hawk: So until he has a chance to realize his dream, I don't want him to die.

Hawk: And then, one day, I hope a Reaper like me is no longer needed in this world.

Episode 3

The Bloodless Hunt

Euden: Hey, Hawk.

Hawk: Oh, it's you, Euden. It's a fine place, your castle.

Euden: What brought that on?

Hawk: I've been thinking it for some time. While this castle may find itself at the center of the occasional crisis, it always has a strange sense of peace about it.

Hawk: I wonder if that is because of you.

Euden: I think it's just because the people in it want to live in peace, personally.

Hawk: Really? Hmm.

Euden: Something wrong?

Hawk: It's almost too peaceful for someone like me. I can see my skills growing rusty.

Hawk: So while I have nothing to do, I think I will go hunting.

Euden: Oh. Well, all right.

Hawk: Care to come, Euden?

Euden: Sorry, but I think I'll pass.

Euden: I'm not opposed to hunting for sustenance, but I don't want to hurt another living creature just because I'm bored.

Hawk: Talking to you really makes me realize how tainted I truly am.

Euden: Oh. Sorry. I wasn't trying to deny your way of life or anything.

Hawk: No. What you are saying is quite correct.

Hawk: But what would you say to coming on a hunt where no one will be hurt?

Euden: Er, how would that even work?

Hawk: If you're curious, why not come?

Euden: Oh... Wait!

Hawk: Look at the ground here.

Euden: All I see is a bunch of dead leaves.

Hawk: On the surface. But if we move them...

Euden: Oh, I see tracks! Are these...bear tracks?

Hawk: I'm impressed you could tell. But this is no ordinary bear.

Euden: Then what is it?

Hawk: You'll find out soon enough. Come. Let's follow them.

Euden: All right...

Euden: Oh, they stopped!

Hawk: No. This creature walked backward over its own tracks, then went in a different direction.

Hawk: It's called backtracking. It's a technique commonly employed by animals that want to evade their pursuers, though it's quite rare in carnivores.

Euden: You really know your stuff.

Hawk: It is necessary knowledge for a hunter. Now let us resume our pursuit.

Hawk: Hmm...

Euden: What is it, Hawk?

Hawk: Something has been burying berries here. We're in its territory.

Hawk: We must be even more cautious from here on out. Be very quiet.

Euden: I'll try.

Hawk: This way. Follow me—and stay low.

Hawk: ...There it is.

Euden: You found it?

Hawk: Correct. Look over there—but don't move from the shadow of the trees.

Euden: Got it.

Euden: So that's our bear, huh?

Hawk: And a slightly peculiar one, too. Look down, near its feet.

Euden: Its feet? ...Ah!

Euden: Wait, is that a rabb—

Hawk: Shh! Quiet!

Euden: But that bear's a carnivore, right? So won't it...?

Hawk: Don't worry. Watch, and you will see that your fears are unfounded.

Euden: Huh? Are they...?

Hawk: Interesting, yes? This is a species called a rearing bear.

Hawk: For some reason, it raises the young of other species.

Euden: That's amazing.

Euden: Heh. They seem pretty close.

Hawk: Well, we should make our way back. We don't want it to notice us.

Euden: I don't want to tear my eyes away, but you're probably right.

Euden: ...Hold on. What happened to the hunting?

Hawk: It's over.

Euden: Huh?

Hawk: When a rearing bear is with another animal, it becomes deeply cautious, never showing itself in front of people.

Hawk: What we just saw is a rare sight indeed.

Euden: Okay, that makes sense. But what does it have to do with hunting?

Hawk: That heartwarming sight WAS the hunt.

Euden: Ah! I get it now!

Euden: And I understand what you meant when you said no one would be hurt.

Hawk: Most of a hunter's work is approaching prey without being noticed and securing a position to deal the fatal blow.

Hawk: By the time you've nocked your arrow, your target's fate should already be sealed.

Hawk: Which is why this is a valid method to hone your hunting instincts.

Euden: That was a really fun hunt, Hawk. I'd be more than happy to come with you on another one sometime.

Hawk: I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Episode 4

A Dead Man's Tale

Ranzal: All right, that's all the shopping. What say we go have some fun, Hawk?

Hawk: Noisy environments are not my forte.

Ranzal: Aw, c'mon. Don't be like that. A bit of fun never hurt no one.

Hawk: Ugh.

???: ...Silva?!

Hawk: Ah!

Woman: It's you, isn't it?! I never dreamed I'd run into you here!

Woman: I've been looking for you for so long. Where have you been?

Hawk: ...I'm sorry, but my name is Hawk.

Hawk: You have mistaken me for someone else.

Ranzal: H-hey! Hawk!

Woman: No... Silva...

Ranzal: What's yer deal, Hawk? It ain't like ya to get this flustered.

Hawk: Might I ask a favor, Ranzal?

Ranzal: Uh, sure, I guess.

Woman: ...So it's here, then?

Ranzal: Yeah. This is where that Silva guy yer lookin' for was laid to rest.

Ranzal: I found him lyin' on the ground a while back. Tried to do what I could, but he was really weak and didn't last long.

Woman: N-no...

Ranzal: Sorry. I only know his name, so I can't even join ya in reminiscin' about the guy.

Woman: *sob* Oh, Silva...

Ranzal: Well, I feel like a total crumbum now, so thanks for that.

Hawk: I'm sorry.

Ranzal: You at least gonna tell me the score?

Hawk: ...The story I'm about to tell is of a man who is no longer in this world.

Hawk: His name was Silva, and he had three very dear friends. The energetic Grayson, the clever Marcos, and the kindly Villea.

Hawk: Silva, Grayson, and Marcos were all in love with Villea, so they made a promise between themselves.

Hawk: They promised to all grow up and become fine men capable of making her happy.

Hawk: And so, time passed.

Hawk: Grayson grew up to become a knight, and Marcos a priest. But as for Silva...

Hawk: Well, he became known as the Reaper.

Hawk: But he had no regrets, even though the life of an assassin meant he could no longer see her.

Hawk: For he was sure that the other two would make her happy in his place.

Hawk: But one day, he received two assassination requests.

Hawk: One was for Grayson. The other was for Marcos.

Hawk: Even though he was now the Reaper, Silva could not kill his childhood friends.

Hawk: So he decided to tell them the truth.

Hawk: He admitted that he was the Reaper and had been sent to kill them.

Hawk: But that decision came back to haunt him.

Hawk: The two requests had been sent by Grayson and Marcos themselves.

Hawk: The two of them had become political rivals in their new positions and wanted to be rid of one another.

Hawk: That was how they came to turn to a skilled assassin, completely unaware that he was their old friend.

Hawk: But once he found out the truth, it was too late; they had already been killed.

Hawk: Upon learning that Silva would not take their requests, they had both hired someone else.

Hawk: Thus, Silva lost two of his friends at the same time. Alone and ashamed, he fled his homeland and left his name behind forever.

Hawk: All that stands before you is a single pitiful hawk with nowhere to roost and rest his wings.

Ranzal: Damn, that's rough. So then that girl...

Hawk: Was Villea, yes. I haven't seen her since we were children; I can't believe she figured me out.

Ranzal: Ya sure that's how you really want things to end?

Hawk: I stole her happiness; the truth cannot give that back.

Ranzal: Yeah, but...

Hawk: Sometimes I still find myself regretting what I did.

Hawk: If I had chosen to kill either Grayson or Marcos, the other would have lived.

Hawk: Perhaps the survivor could have made her happy. But now...

Hawk: No matter how much time passes, I still don't know if my decision was right.

Episode 5

A Lonely Dream

Hawk: A duskhawk... The guild must have sent another message.

Hawk: Is someone after the life of Euden again?

Duskhawk: Screee!

Hawk: Good boy. Let me see the letter.

Duskhawk: Screee!

Hawk: ...What?!

SYS: ＂The game is up, my dear Reaper. The guild knows that you have betrayed us.＂

SYS: ＂Your betrayal will cost a lonely girl her life. But should you wish for her to be spared...＂

Hawk: A lonely girl? ...Villea!

Hawk: ＂Should you wish for her to be spared, offer me the life of the seventh heir to the throne, Prince Euden.＂

Hawk: This sounds like just the kind of thing the guild would do.

Hawk: ......

Euden: Zzz... Zzz...

Hawk: I am sorry, Euden.

Guildmaster: Your luck ran out when you involved yourself with the Reaper.

Villea: Reaper? But I don't—

Guildmaster: Oh, you've never heard that name? Ha! What a wretched excuse for a man.

Guildmaster: It looks like I've been giving him too much credit—I never knew he was too cowardly to properly say good-bye to his past.

Hawk: I wish I could deny that.

Guildmaster: So you've come, Reaper!

Villea: Silva? Y-you are...

Guildmaster: The tearful reunion can wait until later. I hope you brought what I asked for!

Hawk: I did. Here.

Euden: Nnngh...

Guildmaster: I asked you for his life, Reaper! Yet this man still lives!

Hawk: In this trade, who deals the fatal blow matters. I thought it would be better to bring him to you this way and let you claim the kill.

Hawk: He's bound tightly. Killing him now would be a simple matter.

Guildmaster: Heh. How very considerate of you. Still, you're not wrong.

Guildmaster: Now hand him over!

Hawk: We're trading him for her; we'll walk them forward at the same time. Agreed?

Guildmaster: Very well. Go!

Villea: Ahh... *sniff* *sniff*

Hawk: Start walking, Euden.

Euden: Gah... Fine...

Hawk: Are you all right?

Villea: Yes. So you really are...

Guildmaster: They're wasting no time in getting to their touching reunion. Gya, it makes me sick.

Guildmaster: All right. Let's get this over with, shall we, Your Highness?

Euden: Ugh!

Guildmaster: Ha ha ha! If you want to blame anyone, blame yourself for being naive enough to take in the Reaper.

Euden: ...I don't need to.

Guildmaster: What?!

Euden: Haaah!

Guildmaster: Gaaah! Wh-what just happened?! You were tied up!

Euden: Looks like I'm not the naive one.

Euden: Hawk is our friend now—your underhanded trickery won't work on him!

Guildmaster: He deliberately didn't bind you properly?! Curse him!

Guildmaster: But you're in our territory now, so don't think you're going home in one piece!

Guildmaster: Take them out, my elite guild assassins! I will pay triple the usual fee!

Guildmaster: Wh-what?!

Ranzal: Sorry, but there ain't many of them ＂elite assassins＂ left.

Hawk: You came too, Ranzal?

Ranzal: Course I did. Euden's one of us—and so are you!

Hawk: I can't believe you were all willing to help a man like me.

Euden: Of course we were. Whatever you might have done in the past, I still believe that your feelings right now are genuine.

Euden: And that you truly want to live in a better world!

Hawk: Thank you.

Guildmaster: This damn farce has gone on long enough!

Hawk: Don't move! If you so much as twitch, you're going to have a hole in your head.

Hawk: You should know what the Reaper is capable of better than anyone.

Guildmaster: Curse you, Reaper!

Hawk: Now go home, Villea. Forget about me.

Villea: But I want you to come with me, Silva!

Hawk: ...I cannot. The man you knew is dead.

Villea: No! He's right here in front of me!

Hawk: ...In appearance, perhaps. But not in heart.

Villea: I don't understand.

Hawk: Silva was a man who dreamed of the happiness of one woman, and one woman only—you.

Hawk: He was willing to sacrifice anything, or anyone, for that.

Hawk: But that is not true for the man in front of you. He is simply a hawk.

Villea: A hawk?

Hawk: Indeed. A hawk who dreams of a world without victims.