The More They Fight...
Featuring Rosso, Douglas, and Orion
You await Douglas in the harbor of Ancula. However, what appears before you is Rosso and his ghost ship. You end up riding on Rosso's ship...
Ch. 1: The Ghost Ship
Ch. 2: Pirate VS Ghost Ship
Ch. 3: Mediation?
Ch. 4: When They Say They're Hungry...
Ch. 5: Getting Along at the Beach?
Ch. 6: Differences of Opinion
Ch. 7: The Truth of the Map
Ch. 8: Everyone Together
Ch. 1: The Ghost Ship
Kingdom of Ancula in the Land of Pirates, Month of White…-
Before me was ocean, vast and beautifully clear. It glittered like a scene directly from a painting.
Today, I had come to the port city in Ancula at Douglas’ request.
——————–
Douglas: “It’s been a while since we met up. I’m looking forward to it.”
——————–
The words he had spoken, and the invitation, naturally floated to my mind.
I was waiting in the harbor at the chosen meeting spot, intending to take a ride on Douglas’ ship, when…-
Villager 1: “It’s the ghost ship—!”
Villager 2: “Kyaa!!”
(Eh…?)
Suddenly, the area was wrapped in a fog, and the people in the harbor started to flee.
Wondering what was going on, I looked back to the ocean, and from within the fog appeared an eerie, dilapidated ship.
(This ship couldn’t be…)
Rosso: “Yo OO!”
OO: “…Rosso?”
Though I should have been meeting with Douglas, what appeared before my eyes was an eerie ghost ship, and in complete contrast to that was Rosso, a hearty and bright smile on his face.
Ross: “What a coincidence seein’ you here!”
OO: “Yeah, it really is! You seem to be doing well…”
I said so, and Rosso looked down at me with a smile and laughed loudly.
Rosso: “You’re the only one who’d say I was lookin’ good OO. You haven’t changed a bit.”
No sooner had he said it that he gave a whistle, and it seemed to me that Rosso was in a really good mood.
(Rosso hasn’t changed either…)
He smiled cheerfully as the saltwater breeze tossed his hair about…
I found myself lured in by that expression and smiled back.
Rosso: “Well, since you’re here, come aboard!”
OO: “Eh…?”
Rosso: “What’s up OO?”
When I didn’t respond, Rosso quickly disembarked from his ship.
The fog was gently blown about, and in that instant I closed my eyes.
Rosso: “Come on, let’s go! The wind and the waves are at their best today!”
OO: “Ah, but I…”
(I have plans with Douglas…!)
As I thought to say something, Rosso lifted me up and held me tightly in his arms.
With a thump, my heart started pounding.
Rosso: “You comin’ for a ride’ll make my ship happy too.”
Held in Rosso’s strong arms, I looked up and his eyes…reflected something bewitching as we were clad in the fog.
Ch. 2: Pirate vs. Ghost Ship
I had been forced to ride on Rosso’s ship, which set out immediately.
As the battered sail turned about, the ship picked up speed at a surprising rate and glided across the ocean.
OO: “Um, Rosso…”
I struggled to speak as Rosso whistled to himself and turned the rudder of the ship.
Rosso: “Huh? What’s up? The wind feels great today ya know.”
OO: “Yes, but…um, actually I was waiting to meet Douglas…”
Rosso: “Yeah? So? You know it’s rude to call out another man’s name while you’re ridin’ my ship.”
Rosso’s whole demeanor said he really didn’t seem to care, and my words were brushed off.
At that time…-
OO: “…!?”
In surprise, I turned around as I heard the loud crack of a cannon firing blanks from behind us.
Rosso: “Ha, that damn Douglas…”
OO: “Douglas!?”
A large, magnificent ship was chasing after Rosso’s.
Though he’d just been hit with a blank shot, Rosso’s mouth lifted up into a smile, as if he was having fun.
(Why is he smiling?)
Though I couldn’t really grasp the situation I was in, Douglas’ ship steadily drew closer and…
Though we clearly should have run, Rosso remarkably turned the ship.
(Eh…on this course, the ships will crash…!)
Douglas: “OO! I’ll save you!”
Rosso: “Saying you’ve gotta save someone from me’ll wreck my reputation! She doesn’t need savin’!”
OO: “…!”
The two ships scraped against each other and shook violently.
Rosso held on to me tightly to stop me from falling over as he steered the ship.
And then…-
(Eh…Douglas?)
Douglas seemed to have disappeared…
Then somehow, Douglas jumped aboard Rosso’s ship, having ridden over on a small boat.
Douglas: “Hey Rosso! What are you doing?”
Rosso: “Huh? Right back atcha, don’t think you can just go gettin’ on my ship!”
Douglas: “OO, come over here!”
OO: “Ah…”
Though I’d been in Rosso’s arms until now, in the blink of an eye I was suddenly being held in Douglas’ arm.
Rosso: “What the hell!?”
Douglas: “That’s what I want to know.”
Douglas and Rosso aggressively drew their swords and pistols one after the other, and lunged at each other.
OO: “…! U-um, you guys…”
In shock, I tried to mediate the situation but…
Douglas: “You stay quiet. I’ve got a bone to pick with this guy.”
Rosso: “That’s right. This’ a problem between two men of the sea. Today, I’ll sink you!”
Douglas: “I’ll make you eat your words.”
(W-what do I do…?)
The two stood facing each other, their gazes so intense they looked like they’d start sparking.
OO: “Eh…?”
Along with a violent thud, an enormous column of water erupted from the ocean.
(What now…!?)
Utterly confused at the current situation, I looked at the surface of the water, and what appeared from there was…
Orion: “You guys again!?”
A furious Orion.
Ch. 3: Mediation?
Aboard the ship were Douglas and Rosso, and above the ocean was…Orion, looking very annoyed.
Orion: “You two again, knock it off. You’re so loud we can hear it in the Undersea Country.”
Rosso: “Ah? So what?”
Douglas: “Sorry, but today this is a serious fight. Prepare yourself Rosso!”
Rosso: “You’re the one who should be gettin’ ready…!”
Before me, their swords clashed furiously.
I was tossed about, still being held tightly in Douglas’ arm.
(T-this is getting dangerous. I could seriously get hurt…)
OO: “Um! You two should really stop. This is dangerous!”
I called out to the two of them, as they seemed to have no intention of stopping, but…
Douglas: “You be quiet, and let me protect you!”
Rosso: “Bastard! How dare you take OO!”
(It’s no use. What should I do…?)
Then from the sea…
Orion: “Don’t bother.”
OO: “Eh…?”
Standing atop the waters, Orion let out a disgusted sigh.
Orion: “They’re always fighting like this. They’re like a couple of cats. It’s pointless to try and stop them.”
I looked at Orion in surprise as he said those words, then…Orion looked at me, and the smile he gave was full of hidden meaning, as if he’d just thought of something.
Orion: “I know, you should leave these obnoxious guys and come to my kingdom. Let’s go OO.”
Orion had come closer and now held out his hand to me.
In that pause, Douglas and Rosso’s swords clashed…
(If I do that, I’ll be separated from Douglas and Rosso…maybe that’s the best thing to do if I can’t stop their fight.)
Thinking that, I made to slip away from Douglas…
Douglas: “OO, don’t! It’s dangerous…!”
OO: “Eh…?”
Rosso: “…!”
Right before my eyes, the tip of Rosso’s sword strike brushed past me.
A cold sweat broke out along my back.
Rosso: “You alright OO!?”
OO: “Y-yes.”
Orion: “See, I told you. Leave these savages to their fighting and come back with me.”
Rosso: “Ha? Who’re you callin’ a savage!?”
Douglas: “Indeed. That accusation is something I can’t ignore.”
This time the points of their attacks started to move between the three of them.
Orion: “…I’m already in a bad mood, and now there are Dream Eaters.”
Douglas: “Why are they here…!?”
Rosso: “Hmph, seems things are about to get more violent.”
Ch. 4: When They Say They're Hungry...
We faced off against the Dream Eaters and somehow ended it without anyone getting hurt.
Rosso: “This place is probably dangerous…”
He strained his eyes out over the ocean and muttered to himself.
Douglas: “…I don’t like agreeing with you, but you’re right.”
Rosso: “Bastard, you always say just one thing too much don’cha~?”
Douglas: “Only to you Rosso.”
Rosso: “Damn, you rub me the wrong way.”
Douglas: “For the time being, let’s land on the beach. OO’s here after all.”
Orion: “That’s quite the thing for you to say since you’re the ones putting OO in danger.”
Douglas: “I wouldn’t have let her get hurt. Orion, do you want to come?”
Orion: “Why would I?”
As Douglas gave a mixed sigh and asked his question, Orion turned away as if uninterested.
Rosso: “Fine by me if he doesn’t, Orion’s so hard to please.”
Orion: “…hmph. I can’t leave OO’s safety to the two of you.”
And so in that way, the four of us came upon a beach…-
We landed on the beach, and almost immediately the beach was wrapped in a delicious smell.
Since we’d arrived in the afternoon, everyone had decided to have a barbeque…
Douglas: “We’ve got meat from our stores, and cheese.”
Rosso: “If you want alcohol, I’ve got it. And later I can do a little bit of fishin’.”
Orion: “…you eat fish?”
Rosso: “Yeah, so what if I do? I’m pretty good at fishin’ too. I’ll get something real quick…-“
Orion: “I won’t allow it…!”
Rosso: “Huh? Ya know, you shouldn’t be so picky.”
Orion: “I will absolutely not allow it.”
Rosso: “Wh-what the hell…!?”
Rosso walked out along the beach, after promising he would only show off his skill and not eat the fish.
Douglas: “Aah, come on Rosso! You said you’d watch the fire. Why don’t you knock that stuff off?”
Rosso: “Shut up. You want me to sink you now!?”
Douglas: “Ooh…”
Douglas gave a challenging smile at Rosso’s rough tone.
(Oh no, not again…!)
OO: “D-Douglas! You shouldn’t…-!”
In a panic, I moved forward to stop them and…
Douglas: “It’s fine, OO. I’m ready any time you are!”
My attempts were useless and Douglas shouted out to Rosso.
Orion: “Ugh, they’re so loud.”
Orion let out a sigh deeper than the sea itself, but in some way his smile looked like he was enjoying himself.
(What exactly is the relationship between these three…?)
Sometimes they would go at it as if quite serious about hurting each other, and then other times they would quite unexpectedly smile together. It was at those times that I could catch a glimpse of how they were really connected to each other.
However, once again, at that time…-
Orion: “Tch…more Dream Eaters.”
Ch. 5: Getting Along at the Beach
After bringing down the Dream Eaters, everyone looked relieved…
Rosso: “Aah, I’m starvin’.”
Douglas: “Why don’t we grill up some of the meat?”
Orion: “I’m thirsty.”
Everyone started talking at the same time…-
Rosso: “Come on OO, don’t hold back. Eat up.”
OO: “…thank you.”
I held a large piece of meat just like the others.
(This is pretty hearty…it feels like a man’s cooking.)
Orion: “By the way…what exactly did you two get OO mixed up in?”
As the end of lunch approached, Orion broke the ice having remembered what had happened.
Rosso: “OO and I were just takin’ a ride on my ship.”
Douglas: “That’s pretty impudent. Didn’t you snatch her up even though she’d made plans with me?”
Rosso: “Snatched? I was just thinkin’ about takin’ a swing at you so I pulled into port, and just happened to find OO there.”
(They’re fighting…)
Orion: “…”
I wondered if Orion was thinking the same thing as me and he let out a deep sigh.
Orion: “…you’re just an idiot.”
Rosso: “What’d you call me!? I was just plannin’ on finishin’ things with Douglas…-!”
Douglas: “Yeah, right. Anyway, good timing.”
Having finished eating, Douglas had already seemed to lose interest in Orion and Rosso’s conversation and casually cut them off.
Douglas: “Orion, Rosso, since you’re here, come treasure hunting with me. This is the perfect island for it, and I’ve got a treasure map.”
Rosso: “…treasure hunting huh?”
Douglas: “That’s right, treasure. OO, you should come too.”
OO: “Me too…?”
I had felt excitement bubble up when he’d mentioned treasure hunting.
OO: “Sure, if everyone else is going…!”
Douglas: “That’s that then. Let’s go.”
Douglas casually held his hand out to me and helped me up.
Rosso: “Hold up! I’m the one who’s protecting OO! Anyway, what kinda treasure are we lookin’ for?”
Rosso brushed off Douglas’ hand, then put his hand on my shoulder and pulled me closer.
Douglas: “Treasure hunting’s more interesting when you don’t know what you’ll find. Don’t you think so…OO?”
OO: “…”
Douglas said as much, then pulled me from Rosso’s arm and started walking.
Rosso: “Hey…!”
Orion: “You guys…”
I heard Orion let out a deep sigh from behind us.
Ch. 6: Differences of Opinion
Douglas took the lead as the group of us went treasure hunting, and we came to a deep, dark cave.
Rosso: “Hey Douglas! Give OO back!”
Douglas: “There’s no need to say that. She’s not your possession is she?”
Rosso: “She’s not yours either!”
Orion: “Hey, when did I say I’d follow along with you two?”
Rosso: “If you wanna complain, you can just wait here by yourself.”
Orion: “…how many times do I have to say it? I won’t leave OO’s safety to you.”
I got the impression they’d just keep saying whatever they felt like.
(It’s been like this the whole time…but I get the feeling they’re having fun.)
As I watched them going back and forth, everyone proceeded further into the cave.
Orion: “Anyway, what’s with this place? It’s dark and damp.”
Rosso: “You can handle a little damp. You live under water after all.”
Orion: “Beneath the sea and humidity are completely different.”
Douglas: “Hold up a minute. The map and the paths that are here are different.”
Rosso: “Then we’ll go with intuition. Intuition. Next we go right.”
Douglas: “Hey! Don’t just go ahead without thinking! It could be dangerous you know.”
Rosso: “I can tell the direction of the wind. Don’t underestimate a pirate.”
(It seems like everyone would split up…but somehow they all settle on what to do. Haha, it’s kind of strange…)
The mood was as if everyone was somehow enjoying themselves, and I naturally felt my face lift into a smile.
At that time…-
OO: “Ah…!”
With a *plip*, I felt something cold drip on to my neck and reflexively shouted.
Rosso: “!!”
Douglas: “OO!?”
Orion: “What is it!?”
Everyone all at once turned to look at me.
OO: “S-sorry. A drop fell on me and surprised me…”
Douglas: “Just a drop huh…”
Orion: “Don’t surprise me like that.”
Rosso: “…damn. You kinda gave me the jitters.”
Orion: “Ooh…the captain of the ghost ship?”
Rosso: “You makin’ fun of me!? Dammit! I’m gonna sink you first…-“
Orion: “Are you stupid? I’m from the country at the bottom of the sea.”
Rosso: “…!”
Douglas: “Haha, you two are pretty close.”
Rosso & Orion: “What was that!?”
OO: “U-um…”
It was then.
Inside the dark of the cave, the darkness coalesced once more…
Rosso: “More Dream Eaters!?”
Douglas: “OO, get behind me…!”
Orion: “Good grief…they show up wherever we go…”
Ch. 7: The Truth of the Map
We were able to safely bring down the Dream Eaters that had appeared in the cave.
Rosso: “…I thought meetin’ OO today had been lucky. But then I end up runnin’ into Douglas, and we keep fightin’ off Dream Eaters…what the hell!?”‘
Orion: “And I wonder how I had the misfortune of getting wrapped up in this with you.”
Rosso: “Then why did you say you’d come along!?!”
Orion: “Ugh, shut up.”
Rosso: “You bastard…-!”
Douglas: “Oh, I can see a light.”
OO: “! You’re right! That must be the way out.”
I started to see light from the direction Douglas was pointing.
Everyone had come to a halt, then all at once hurriedly moved forward.
Rosso: “If we get out of the cave, is that where the treasure is?”
Douglas: “Who knows?”
Rosso: “That’s awful vague.”
Douglas: “What do you expect me to say? I’m just the one holding the map.”
Orion: “Typically it would be inside the cave…”
Douglas: “Hey…if you’ve got a complaint, tell it to the map.”
As he spoke, we emerged from the cave and…-
(Huh, this is…)
OO: “Is this the opposite side of the island…?”
Rosso: “Seems so…hey, Douglas. Where’s the treasure? You didn’t just have us comin’ out of a regular cave did ya?”
Douglas: “That’s what I’d like to know.”
Orion: “…”
Douglas: “Orion?”
Orion said nothing as he snatched the map from Douglas’ hands.
For a moment, I wondered if Orion was just going to stare at the treasure map but…
Orion: “This…is a map to a shelter for the merfolk.”
Douglas: “Eh?”
Rosso: “Haa…?”
For a brief moment, everyone froze.
(So basically they were wrong to think it was a treasure map…?)
Orion: “At any rate, I don’t know how you got your hands on this, but you’ve been holding onto a terrible fake map.”
Douglas: “…”
Rosso: “Bastard! You tried to trick us!”
Douglas: “Haha! Is that so? Well I guess when you look at it logically, that’s how it appears to be doesn’t it.”
Not seeming at all dispirited, Douglas gave out a hearty laugh.
However…-
Rosso: “You wasted my valuable time!”
Douglas: “But it was pretty fun wasn’t it?”
Rosso: “You wanna have a go!?”
Douglas: “Yeah, that’s exactly what I want.”
OO: “…!”
Once more, the two of them drew their swords and pistols and faced off.
Orion: “*sigh*…again?”
OO: “Um! This is dangerous, so stop fighting…-“
Rosso: “It’s dangerous, so you get back OO!”
Douglas: “If you think it’s so dangerous, why don’t you give up Rosso?”
Rosso: “What’d you say…?”
Orion: “It’s impossible to stop them. Just stand back and wait and see.”
As Orion had said, I moved to step back.
OO: “…!”
I tripped on a rock and lost my balance.
Ch. 8: Everyone Together
As I lost my balance, Orion quickly reached his hand out for me.
Orion: “OO! …be careful.”
Orion slowly helped me back up, having prevented me from falling over completely.
OO: “Thank you.”
Orion: “…”
Orion slowly turned his gaze on Douglas and Rosso.
Orion: “Don’t get OO involved anymore in your stupidity. What are you, children?”
Orion spoke, his voice oozing anger and disgust.
Douglas: “You…!”
Rosso: “Wha…!”
Orion kicked Douglas and Rosso out towards the ocean.
Rosso: “Watch it…what’re you doin’!?”
Orion: “Mediating.”
Rosso: “Dammit…!”
The two teetered on the edge of the cliff, and as I thought they were about to fall…
Rosso: “You’re comin’ with me!”
Orion: “What…!?”
Just as he was about to fall, Rosso’s hand shot out and he grabbed Orion’s arm.
OO: “Orion…!?”
It happened in the blink of an eye, and the next thing I knew, I heard a loud splash.
OO: “A-are you alright…!?”
I rushed over in a panic and peered over the edge of the cliff.
And then…-
Orion: “You…”
Rosso: “Bastard! How dare you make me fall!!”
Douglas: “Oh man, but this actually feels pretty good. Hey Rosso, take your clothes off.”
And so their jackets went flying up in the air…-
Douglas: “Ah, OO are you alright?”
Noticing me, Douglas waved up at me.
OO: “Yes, I’m fine.”
Rosso: “Dammit Orion! You got some nerve makin’ me fall like that!”
Orion: “And how dare you make me fall with you. Control yourself. Besides, I dislike that you were the one having this stupid fight in the first place.”
Rosso: “What’d you say?”
Douglas: “Aah, this is ridiculous. Just let it go, the ocean feels great today.”
At Douglas’ words, Rosso looked up at the sky.
Rosso: “…I guess, you’re right. Hey OO! You should jump on in too!”
OO: “Eh…”
The three of them looked up at me, beaming with smiles.
Orion: “No way. You just keep saying stupid things.”
Douglas: “Haha, why not? With Orion here, we don’t have to worry about drowning.”
Rosso: “Oh, you gonna invite us to Aquaria?”
Orion: “Other than OO, no.”
Rosso: “Aah? You’re so stingy.”
Orion: “…! What are you doing!?”
Rosso smiled as he splashed Orion, who then angrily returned the splash.
Douglas: “Such children.”
Orion: “I don’t want to hear that from you!”
As I watched the three of them, I smiled and couldn’t help a laugh from spilling out.
Orion: “…hey, why are you laughing?”
OO: “Sorry, I was just thinking how the three of you get along so well.”
Orion: “Get along…? You need to get your eyes checked.”
Douglas: “No, I guess we do. We’re the kind of guys who get along the more we argue.”
Rosso: “Don’t say stuff like that!!”
Orion: “I agree.”
Their bright voices echoed out across the wide open ocean.
END