Hanabusa/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

It's time to take the stage!

On Entering a Room

I will give my all to this perfomance!

When Quest Begins

Hrgh... AAAARGH! ONWARD!

The curtain rises! Are you ready?!

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Yes, let's go. I cannot wait a moment longer!

I WILL MAKE THEM FEEL MY FURY!

When Controlling Character in Quest

AAAARGH!

When Receiving a Heal

My dance is not yet over!

You would help one as wicked as I?

When Entering a Boss' Room

Now begins the final dance!

And now, the finale! We shall not fall this day!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

I will show them the sum of my rage!

Let us put in a stirring performance!

Upon Getting to Low Health

Hrk... My body protests...

M-my stomach...

Upon Opening a Chest

You would share it even with me?

Good things do happen now and then, I suppose.

Boss on Low Health

Just a little more... DIIIE!

Keep it up, they're out of step!

Boss Enters Break State

BEAT THEM TO A PULP!

Dance them straight to the grave!

Rare Enemy Spawns

Who knew such good fortune awaited us...

There is a curious grace to that fiend...

Upon Death

These are...most difficult times...

One failure too many...

Upon Revival

I am undaunted.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: I'll step all over you!

Buff Self: My spirit soars!

Buff Ally: Kill them all!

Debuff Enemy: I sap your spirit.

Heal Ally: Do not lose heart.

Heal Self: My fury is coming to a boil!

Player Uses Damaging Skill

An adroit display!

You have skill indeed!

When Shape Shifting is Ready

The dragon wishes to join the dance!

The dragon's fury matches my own!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Dance with us, dragon!

Idle During Quest

Let's go, while my fury yet smolders!

I shall take this time to practice my steps.

Quest Clear

What did you make of my dance?

Quest Failure

My spirit is broken!

Home Screen Walking

Time to practice my steps...

Where is my stomach medicine...

I hone my art with heart and soul.

Calm down, Hanabusa.

I miss home...

Someday I shall grace the stage of dreams...

Home Screen Inside

I lack talent, but I cannot quit. How should one like me live?

My heart is like soft tofu... Fragile, and so if you would touch it, be gentle...

Only through desperate rebellion can the weak stand immediately equal with the strong.

I hide my unsightly heart and dance a perfect dance, praying it will shine.

Preserving the culture of Hinomotoan dance is my charge, and that alone drives me.

My mind goes blank when my temper boils. And after, all around me is ruin.

Home Screen Portrait

Life is like dancing up a mountain: it only gets harder as you go.

To move an audience with but a single fan is the mark of a master dancer. Would that I might be so skilled one day?

I am responsible for spreading Hinomoto's culture. It is an honor I carry with my— Urgh... My stomach...

There are people expecting great things from me. I cannot dissappoint them.

I find myself worrying less about my temper when I'm with you.

Collection Portrait

I am the only heir of my father's school of dance. I wish I could handle that title with the same grace I do my fans.

When the wooden clapper sounds, then the curtain first rises... there is no substitute for the emotion that follows.

It is the essence of my dance to take on beautiful forms. The fan becomes a butterfly and I an angel.

Even if it takes the passing of thousand winters, I will see myself become a great success, like the mighty pine wich boasts virgin green boughs.

I sometimes dance to the dawn's bell. It's hollow chime perpetual, my night ends by my hand alone.

At The Halidom

Please, rub my stomach... Yes, like that...

That warm gaze... Wherever did it come from?

Why is everyone here so optimistic...?

New Mana Circle Unlocked

I continue to soar ever higher!

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

One can channel their weaknesses into improving their art. I shall show you the strength that comes from doing so!

On Promotion to 5

One can channel their weaknesses into improving their art. I shall show you the strength that comes from doing so!

Upon Maxed Out Friendship

I admit I am often lost in bitter sentiment. But you inspire me to be better. It would be my honor to dance at your side.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

A Violent Temper

The young shoot shrivels 'neath the weight
of heavy snow,

the warmth of spring a thousand miles away. Yet even after wilting, it dreams an everlasting
dream...

...of spring's glorious arrival.

---

Witness a dance from Hinomoto— the sprout that parts the snow! SKREE! SKREEE! Whoa... They just stopped moving! This one's Hanabusa's forte. Leader of the Mouse Clan
Mitsuhide When this dance's power has you in its grasp... SKREE! SKREEE! ...you can't move a muscle. Makes finishing off fiends super easy! That's how it's supposed to work, at least. Uh, "supposed to"? Ha... Haha... Hahaha... I-I'm so sorry to trouble you... But my nerves seem to be getting the best of me. Could someone direct me to the nearest latrine? Wait, yer takin' a bathroom break at a time like this?! GRAAAH! He's always like this—hopeless when it matters most. Man, looks can be deceivin', huh? Please... The latrine... GRAAAH! Stand down, I beg of you. If you p-put any more pressure on me... GRAAAH! ...THEN YOU'LL BE IN FOR A WORLD OF HURT! EEK! What're you gonna do if I lose control, huh?! So get out of my way, fiend! OUT. OF. MY. WAY! Whoa. What's gotten into him now? This is what happens when he snaps. He loses control of himself and just goes berserk. HEEEYAAAH! WANT SOME RICE? OR SOME BAMBOO? HIYAAAH! URAAAH! TASTE MY BLADE! 'CAUSE GUYS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN! ...Huh? Nice job, Hanabusa. You beat them all. So, yeah, that's Hanabusa. He's all yours, Ranzal. Have fun! Keep in touch! Mwah! Fer Pete's sake. Do we have a sign on the castle that says "Crazy Folks Wanted," or what? I can't believe I humiliated myself on my very first day here. I'm so ashamed. Now I'm doomed to have everyone talking about me behind my back all over again— consigned to a life of embarrassment... The next day... Look! It's Hanabusa! He's so dreamy—but have you heard what everyone's saying about him? That he's faint of heart and feels sick when he gets nervous? Yeah. Hee hee. Isn't that cute? It makes me want to, like, protect him from the evils of the world! Wait, people AREN'T looking down on me? *whistle* He sure turned into Mr. Popular lickety-split. So it seems. He's a walking joke back in Hinomoto. ...Wait, I get it! I get it now! I mean, just look at the guy. He looks the same as ever to me. What he looks like is the point! He looks perfect, but deep down, he's super weak! I'm not following. That contrast is just killer! If ya ask me, ain't many folks what can resist a guy like that. We're done for. He's gonna have the whole castle in love with him before long! Ha ha ha. I never would've thought of it that way. Weird. People here...DON'T dislike me? They accept me as I am? I can hardly believe it. The plan was to only remain here for a short time. I was to dance in my upcoming performance to spread our culture, then leave. But now... Lady Mitsuhide, I beseech you! Let me stay in this castle for a while longer. I've never felt so welcome anywhere. I mean...if you want. But what about your dream back home? What's this about a dream? He wants to perform the sacred offering dance to Amaterasu—a role most coveted by any devotee of the dancing arts. Is that honor not the ultimate goal of your whole family back home? W-well, I... Er, we... I need some time to think. Urgh, not now, stomach... Whoa there! ...Man, is he gonna be okay? Guy's paler than a freshly-bleached sheet. Well... He's got a lot on his shoulders. Keep an eye on him for me, Ranzal. He could use a friend. Excuse me ma'am, where might I find the latrine? ...Please, now is not the time to discuss whether I am "cute." Disaster is imminent...! *gurgle*

Episode 2

Deep Within a Fragile Heart

The water's flow is calm and gentle, the stirring moss fresh and green... A fine place, this country—rich in natural splendor and human kindness both. I tried cooking the rice the way you requested. Does it suit you? Thank you. Ahhh... The smell of burned soy sauce is so wonderfully fragrant. I believe it's almost time for your next dance performance, yes? I shall be rooting for you. HURK! Wh-what's wrong? I-it's all right. Just a sudden stress pain. Completely normal, I assure you. He seems to have gotten a bit better since he came here. He's like a sick kid sent to rest'n recover by breathin' our good air. A kid? I dunno, he gives me more of an old hermit vibe. Might I have some tea? Ah, thank you. *slurp* By the way, are my rice crackers done? And my kuzukiri. I just gave you the rice crackers— and you never asked for any kuzukiri! Ha ha. Yeah, he's got kind of an ol' geezer vibe. But man, all it takes is talking about the you-know-what dance to make him sweat. He really scares easily, huh? He might be a master dancer, but he wouldn't last an hour on the battlefield. Ha ha. Or so you'd think! Uh, care to explain the maniacal grin? Eventually, Ranzal came to understand
the meaning behind Mitsuhide's smile. RAAAAAGH! Whoa! We've got our hands full with this one! Its scales are so hard we can't even damage it! Hanabusa! You go behind it, and I'll— C'mere, punching bag! HAH! HAH! HAAAH! What're you doin'?! Attacking it from the front ain't gonna do any good! RAAAAH! Oww! I'm bleeding! I'm bleeding! I'm so sorry! If you're not gonna help us beat it, just run with yer tail tucked already! Give me your honest opinion on this, Ranzal. You think we can beat it? We don't stand a chance. Yer tough, but this is beyond us, even as a tag-team. This ain't no ordinary fiend. If we're not careful, we'll all end up dead. Agreed. ...Hey, Hanabusa. You heard the man. If we're not careful, we're gonna die. Do you want to die? No! I don't wanna die! I DON'T WANNA DIE! Then you'd better get a hold of yourself. We're about to lose to this thing because of you buckling under pressure. You've got two choices: stand tall or prepare to fall. So why not show us what you're REALLY capable of? B-but... ...... Very well. Wait, yer back to normal? I am. Lady Mitsuhide's divine ki, like the majesty of a holy mountain, has opened my eyes. If we do not defeat this fiend here, we will not live to see tomorrow. This may be my final performance. So I will show you the true essence of dance—and accept whatever fate has in store for me. Whoa! RAAAGH! Damn, he dodged those attacks at the last second without ever leavin' the ground! This is how we dance in Hinomoto. One must ever remain anchored to the earth. And... Raaagh! ...Ngh? Ngh? Behind you. Hah! Graaaah! Wait, when'd he get behind it?! He weaves speed with silence, rending his foes asunder like a kamaitachi. RAAAAH! The time has come for you to release your grip upon this earthly existence. Allow me to usher you unto the world beyond. Can you weather the dazzling light of the moon, streaming down from the heavens? Hear me, full moon. Gesugaroga Dance! RAAAAAAAAGH! I can't believe it... How'd he beat somethin' that strong all alone? I apologize for causing you trouble. Nah, you saved our bacon! But were my eyes playin' tricks on me, or what? Did the castle's biggest coward just thrash a fiend without so much as flinchin'? Hanabusa never used to be a coward. Whatcha mean? We're all shaped by the sum of our experiences. Surely the same goes for you. ...... He didn't end up cowardly and short-tempered because he was weak. On the contrary, actually. The weight of expectation ate away at his heart—strong as it was—leaving the broken man you see before you. Ya've lost me. If what we just saw was his true strength, then what in blazes happened to this guy?

Episode 3

A Wilted Flower

Hanabusa never used to be a coward. The weight of expectation ate away at his heart—strong as it was—leaving the broken man you see before you. 20 Years Ago
Hinomoto
Hanabusa's Home His technique, his youthful exuberance— I've never seen anything like it! I've never seen someone so young with such talent. Sir, if I might be so bold... You needn't even say it. Yes—he has the potential to be the pride of our family. You will work and train harder than anyone, Hanabusa, leaving a dazzling mark upon the world of dance for generations to come! Yes, Father!

---

He was born a prodigy. His talents seemed limitless. His courage was one such virtue. Even learning the most daunting routines never fazed him. Huh. No foolin'? You would accuse Lady Mitsuhide of perjury?! Whoa, take a breath, bud! Never said I didn't believe her! I-I'm sorry... I'm just remembering all the pressure. So how'd our fearless prodigy here end up such a yellow-bellied puddin' cup? They say that heaven is wont to challenge the strong. In all things, Hanabusa displayed skill and finesse. His family would push him harder and harder, certain he could surpass any limit. But he was overexerting himself, and that began to eat away at him, until eventually...

---

Your next trial is to fulfill our family's greatest ambition: performing the offering dance to Amaterasu. The offering dance...to Amaterasu... Correct. To date, none have had this unique honor. If you, in your youth, were to be the first, your glory would be written in the annals of history. I trust I can count on you? Yes, Father... I won't...let you...d-down... Mm? Afraid I couldn't hear you. Hanabusa? Hanabusa!

---

His spirit just...broke. He, who had never known fear, found his heart ensnared by it. In reality, it had been there all along. But because he had been turning a blind eye to it all his life, he didn't know how to handle it. He still doesn't. Cripes... So that's how you ended up like this? ...... Talk about boneheaded! Why'd you let it get that bad?! If you were in that much pain, you shoulda just run away! It's okay fer kids to cry, y'know! Why didn't you? Because suffering in silence is a virtue. In Hinomoto, at least. The heck does that mean? No matter how arduous a trial, it's seen as shameful to turn your back on it. You do not complain. You silently do as you are asked—and if failure means death, you welcome it. That's the way we're taught to live. This is especially true if you're born to a family of dancers. This is the fate of those born in Hinomoto—no one can escape it. That is just how it is. That's crazy. But what about you, Mitsuhide? YOU sure don't come across that way. Yer always sleepin'! That's different! This was all brought on by my own inadequacy. I should never have given up. If I had kept persevering, by now I would have— That line of thinking is dangerous, you know. Who's that? Nurse with Two Personalities
Aeleen Oh, Aeleen! Whatcha doin' here? I'm sorry—I heard people talking from a distance, and felt compelled to investigate. I have to say—there's nothing to be gained from that line of thinking, Hanabusa. Human beings are fallible. We can't go through life being so hard on ourselves. Otherwise, it's a fast-track to depression. Is that so? I'm not much of an expert when it comes to handling emotions. As long as I'm not overstepping, how about I try looking after him for a while? Ya think you can help him recover? I am a nurse, after all. Perhaps I can help him work through some of his feelings. I can't turn my back on a person in need. I'm sure I can help, given enough time. Fine by me. But I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. I don't want to trouble you, though— Urgh... My stomach... See? You really want to spend all day with this guy? He's liable to ruin your dress. Are you all right? Here, take some of this medicine and give me some deep breaths. Huh? U-uh, yes, ma'am... Wait, maybe this'll work out! She's always got stomach meds on her, and she knows how to deal with people like him. You got this, Aeleen! Help our boy genius here get his groove back!

Episode 4

Attempting Rehabilitation

The sun rises on another day... I only have seven more until my next dance performance. I need to start training rigorously for it. No! No more rigorous training! You mustn't overexert yourself any longer! Forcing yourself to endure things that hurt you will wreak havoc on your mental health. But if you still insist... ...you'll have to defeat me first! Is that not a tad, er...drastic? I have no desire to do battle with you. Oh! P-pardon. I don't know what came over me. Regardless, if you want to get better, believe in me and rest. Listen to your heart. My heart? Hurk... And yet, my stomach...! I-I need to go to the latrine! Please, it's an emergency! So your heart speaks through your stomach? Well... Whatever helps you take care of yourself. They spent several days together
as nurse and patient. No, Hanabusa! You must not train! But I must use my free time somehow! Then let's do something more fun. Hmm... We could play doctor! So, how are you feeling? Does it hurt when I put pressure here? Or here? Um... I feel like this is barely any different from how we usually are.

---

I thought I told you that you're not allowed to train! But not practicing at all is starting to make me feel anxious. Please, I need to— Get back here, you little punk! I said NO TRAINING! Eeeek! Oh, you've done it now. You're not the only one who goes buckwild when they're angry! You too, huh? Even so... I'm not gonna roll over and take your abuse! Now I'M mad, too! Hurgleblurgle! Stop shouting nonsense, you stupid RUNT! Furiyaaah! Raggle fraggle! LALIPOPO! I said ENOUGH with the alphabet soup! SKREEEEEEE!

---

*pant* *pant* I feel a lot better after that. *pant* I'm glad to hear that. Shouting seems to help you relieve stress. We'll have to play Furious Freaks again sometime. I feel like my eyes have been opened to a new kind of dance—a new world of emotional interaction. Eventually, the night before the
dance performance arrived... ...... What are you doing out here? I was looking at the moon. It certainly is beautiful. Does looking at it help to calm you? Yes. I feel as serene as the night air. It's almost an out-of-body sensation. You've worked very hard in coming this far. I imagine those stomach pains will no longer trouble you. Congratulations, Hanabusa. You've returned to your true self. I...I have? Hm? Didn't you once aspire to be like the moon? I certainly did. But not quite in that sense. I wanted to shine brightly like it instead. So it...wasn't about being calm, then? No. I wanted to be a dancer who would illuminate and guide people. Who would be revered and looked up to—just like the moon. I was desperate to reach that goal, but in the end, I... I... Are you crying? I lost myself, I left my country... What is even left for me now? My goal is unfulfilled, and the moon seems further away than ever. Oh, Hanabusa... Thus dawned the day of the performance. Together,
Aeleen and Hanabusa made their way to the venue. We're almost there now. Urgh... Gah... What's wrong?! Are you all right? I-it's my stomach. But why? You seemed to be on the mend! I need to go...and perform... You mustn't! We should call off the performance instead. Your scars are deeper than I thought. You're going to need more rehabilitation. You're wasting your time. Mitsuhide! What do you mean? Whatever you try, it's not going to work on him. How can you be so sure? You tried yourself, didn't you? You nursed him to health with everything you had. If YOUR efforts were in vain, then how could anyone else expect to do better? But you're just speculating! Well... Not quite. I know exactly why nobody has been able to heal him. It's pretty simple. He doesn't WANT to be healed.

Episode 5

The Sprout That Parts the Snow

There's only one possible reason why nobody has managed to heal him. He doesn't WANT to be healed. What do you mean? As you know, his heart once broke from all the suffering his father inflicted on him. It's clear just from looking at him. But somewhere deep down, Hanabusa refuses to accept it. He's still forging onward as if nothing ever happened. Right, Hanabusa? ...... But even if his heart wants to keep going, his body doesn't have the strength. That disconnect is what causes his stomach pains. So even if he SAYS he wants to be healed, nothing you try will take—because deep down, he's resisting it all. But... Hanabusa, you... Your support made me so happy, Aeleen. It was pure bliss to live surrounded by nature, dancing only when I wanted to. But all the while, part of me continued to cry out for the stage, no matter what pain I knew I would have to endure. Because that is the only path that will let me become like the moon. Listen, you can't keep forcing yourself to— Shhh! Something's coming. Raaagh! As I feared! Can you fight, Hanabusa? Yes... I can... No, you clearly cannot! I can. I care not for my own suffering. Witness a dance from Hinomoto— the sprout that parts the snow! The young shoot shrivels 'neath the weight
of heavy snow,

the warmth of spring a thousand miles away. Yet even after wilting, it dreams an everlasting
dream...

...of spring's glorious arrival.

---

SKREEE! SKREEEEE! Prepare to die! HAH! The first is defeated. Ugh... My stomach... One day, I will part the snow with my own two hands! Oh, heavens... He still believes in the story of the sprout that parts the snow. That one day, he will be the one to usher in the warmth of spring. But what if he doesn't LAST that long?! What if the shoot is unable to withstand the weight and the cold? If it withers? He's your retainer! Isn't he important to you? Why won't you DO something?! He is indeed. And if he withers... Then I'll feel sad, and say that I saw this coming. You honestly wouldn't regret your inaction? I'm sure I would. But he and I would share those regrets together. He's decided on the life he wants to live. I've decided simply to watch over him. When he falls into the depths, I'll fall with him. That's what it means to be master and servant. You're actually serious about this... Now, finish this, Hanabusa! You'll get not a shred of help from me! I can't say that doesn't sting, but I wouldn't want to trouble you either way! ...Hah! Good job. All right, we shouldn't run into any more fiends on the way to the venue. Let's get moving. You see this through to the end—no matter how much it exhausts you. And if you dance even slightly better than last time, we'll call it a victory. I will neither fail nor falter—even if I have to crawl to the finish line. Hanabusa, listen. I'm sorry, Aeleen. But I— Don't worry. All I wanted to say was... Do your best! I'll be cheering you on. Some time later... You're off to perform the sacred offering dance to Amaterasu in Hinomoto, then? Take care, and good luck! Yes. I must take my leave of you for some time, but I promise to return with good tidings. Be well in my absence, Lady Mitsuhide. Just give it a shot. If you have fun, that's all that matters. Later. I'm sure it'll go well. He's become a lot stronger since coming here—he's bound to succeed. What? It's going to be a disaster. He'll come back crying, for sure. That's so cold! Hey, I only say that because I know the guy better than a block of sharp cheddar. Be sure to give him a warm welcome when he comes back all crestfallen, okay? But don't worry! Failure only serves to enrich his character. That's how he works.