Guilty Gear XX Drama CD: Night of Knives Volumes 1-3
Translation by Blade (http://www.dustloop.com/forums/member.php?830-Blade)

Track 2-1: "Opening"

Narrator 「The 22nd Century. Mankind succeeds in understanding the theory of magic, and thus unlocks limitless energy. Science becomes regarded as a technology of the "Old World" and is forbidden worldwide. But then, by the power of magic, the forbidden living weapons, Gears, were created. The Gears, created for the purposes of fighting, bared their fangs against their controllers, and thus began a battle between the two with the future at stake. This brutal war had lasted for 100 years finally ended with the sealing of the Gears' leader, Justice. *And now with the political strife having divided many nations, an Assassin's Organization quickly assembled. This group of assassins must now infiltrate Calroni Kingdom for the sake of a young girl...but the Organization's founder 'Slayer' now stands in their path...*

(*Cue "Feedback"*)
Guilty Gear XX Drama CD: Night of Knives Vol. 2: "Kiss of the Blood"」

Track 2-2: "Crimson Champion"

*Bang**Creeeaak* (A door bursts open).
Zato 「Why...are you here?」
Slayer 「Why? It's just been a while since I've seen the face of my "junior".」
Zato 「There's nothing here for you to see at all...Founder...」
Slayer 「I'm gone for a little while and the Organization seems to have changed quite a bit...」
Zato 「So now I have to earn the title of being an Assassin? I'd like to know exactly what my "senior" is spouting about now...」
Slayer 「So then, you think you're running a business now?」
Zato 「It doesn't matter who it's for...the Organization functions for the Organization's own sake.」
Slayer 「What meaning is there to an organization that's created to fill its members with sorrow!?」
Zato 「Being hassled by whatever an old man has to say is too tedious.」
Slayer 「In that case, I have a few questions to ask you.」
Zato 「I'd love to hear one of your lectures, but...now there's no time.」
Slayer 「So I'm being a nuisance, you say...?」
Zato 「Indeed...senile old man...OUT OF MY WAY!」
(*Cue "Haven't you got Eyes in your Head?"*)
*Screetch/Crash*(Zato summons Eddie as it blasts through the room)
Zato 「(Even now that old man's going easy on me...as expected...)」
Slayer 「Your rushdown is weak. You should've prepared your Instant Kill technique, that shortcoming will cost you.」
Zato 「Ready my Instant Kill? The Leader of the Assassins needs only ask. Then I shall show you! PIERCE THROUGH!!」
(Zato launches his shadow forward as a giant hand trying to crush Slayer with "Fear of the Dark")
Slayer 「Is this some kind of joke? Too slow!」
(Slayer dodges the attack and counters with his own punch)
Zato 「Gwuugh--eughh!!...」
Slayer 「One: In a life and death struggle it is expedient to never exceed one's own limits when performing an Instant-kill technique.
Two: A killing technique's intent must be refined to it's absolute potential within the craft to support one's boast of skill.」
Zato 「(That is...the Organization's Way...!)」
Slayer 「Correct! And for that 'way' to happen something must occur: Real conflict follows rules, a life and death struggle's outcome is not decided by prideful intent. A man must thrive in conflict, a man who can stand alone and inspire those below him is unstoppable. As you are now, you are insufficient!」
Zato 「(Is he forcing me on the defensive!?)」
Slayer 「THIS IS--DANDY-ZOOM!!」
*Zoom**Crash* (Zato gets sent through a wall)
Zato 「Guuwaaaaa!」
Slayer 「Well then, care to talk with me for a little bit now, young Assassin?」
Zato 「Hehhh...ennhh...sorry but...there's no...TIME!!」
Slayer 「Hoh!」
Zato 「BEHOLD ITS COMING: EXPAND!! AMORPHOUS!!」
(The massive head of Amorphous appears and erupts from the shadows of the ground)
Zato 「(Did I get him!?)」
Slayer 「Isn't that a taboo question, Mr. Rookie?」
Zato 「Nuo--!?」
(Slayer dashes in and quickly punches him again).
Zato 「Uoof!」
Slayer 「Youngster...excessive killing intent, but a trembling fighting spirit. You have me worried.」
Zato 「Honorable elder...GET OUT OF MY--!」
Slayer 「Aaaaah, so it's that young girl you're worried about, Ms. Millia I think her name is...?」
Zato 「Na!!--don't touch her!」
Slayer 「Vulnerable!」
(Slayer distracted Zato and lands another punch)
Zato 「Guuuaaaa...uhuhhhk...hahh...from the very beginning...why do you know Millia!?」
Slayer 「My eyes couldn't help but behold such a charming Mademoiselle. Is she your lover?」
Zato 「That's right...But that's why I have no time and need to hurry!」
Slayer 「Hm? And then what?」
Zato 「An important subordinate was caught and I can't disgracefully abandon her, because this is something a head leader must do! This time, please step aside, IMMORTAL MONSTER!」
Slayer 「Your resolution is good, but your soul's depth ISN'T QUITE THERE YET!!」
(Slayer punches him yet again. Brutal. )
Zato 「Oouugh...Khh...impossible...I cast aside the light for...the Forbidden Beast's power...yet I'm still this weak--!? Guhh!!」
*Collapse*
Slayer 「Don't feel bad; you aren't weak, I am just too strong. But your soul's radiance is not bad, quite elegant in fact...With you as its Leader, your Organization's future has interesting potential to grow in this era. It was an honor to fight you, however brief.」
Zato 「Uughh...so you're satisfied just with that much is what you mean?...How disturbing...」
Slayer 「Au revoir! I've interfered enough, you don't need to worry about the girl.」
Zato 「Mill...ia...」
(Zato collapses unconscious)

Track 2-3: "Heartwarming Death and Wish"

Millia 「I...what happened..?...That's right..I was beaten by those sold..iers..」

*Rattling of chains*

Millia 「I'm chained up...which means I was..caught...if I'm in this much pain, it means I'm still alive...」

Millia 「My hair can't move...this is a high level magic sealing prison.....but...why are they keeping me alive? If I'm kept in constant pain and isolation eventually I'll...die...freezing...in the cold...and then they'll eventually kill me afterwards...」

Zato 「（Come to me, Millia...）」
Millia 「Stop it!!」
Zato 「（The way of an Assassin is more than one path, you know...）」
Millia 「No!! Why do you keep calling for me even now!?」
Zato 「（You want to live happily...don't you?）」
Millia 「What I want...What I want!?...These chains have bound me to this frigid world to die--I don't want this anymore!!!」

*Door Opens**Creeeaaak*

Millia 「!!」
Slayer 「Pardon me, Mademoiselle. I was held up, and you?」
Millia 「Haah...You are...Slayer...」 *Millia is weak with her response*
Slayer 「Peeping at a woman's sleeping face is not one of my hobbies...The jailer's shift relief will begin soon...」
Millia 「What do you want? Intel for the Organization? Or could it be...you came to fondle a captive doll?」
Slayer 「Hmm~...the latter would be amusing, but honestly, it is your future I am concerned with.」
Millia 「Future?」
Slayer 「Indeed, your future...」

*Slayer draws a dagger*

Slayer 「This is...my treasured dagger that I prepared for you.
A Legendary OutRage: a blade forged by the greatest magic arts in the world.*
It is capable of killing even Forbidden Beasts.」

(*OMGOMG Slayer's got his hands on an OutRage!! Though it doesn't say which one! It could be one of the 2 Nameless!!*)

Millia 「So then, you plan to kill me?」
Slayer 「I could do that...Your exquisite neck slashed open, an outpouring spray of ruby-red blood...such a satisfying display would not be bad at all.」
Millia 「I don't mind it, even if it's in bad taste, but this might be my fate, though.」
Slayer 「However...that is not its purpose; This dagger will inelegantly sever your golden hair bound to these chains, thus granting you freedom.」
Millia 「Compensation?」
Slayer 「Everyone seems to think that...but it's not needed. For the rubble and earth-darkened wings of a fallen golden angel to take flight...this is what I MYSELF wish to see.」
Millia 「Freedom...or death...or the disgrace of living a wretched remaining life in prison...」
Slayer 「Then choose: You must proceed down the path of your own desires.
If you choose to die; or mankind will torture or try to coldheartedly murder you until your oblivion*.」
Millia 「But if I were to die, what will disappear?*」

(*They use the term "nakunaro" which is like pain till death or "to fade away"*)

Slayer 「Hmm...At the very least ONE future will be lost. Whether it is a good future or a bad future...」
Millia 「You won't have my gratitude, Slayer. To grant this kind of freedom to a woman is a disgrace* to her.」
Slayer 「How rude of me.」

(*She's referring to a man forcibly cutting a woman's hair, a "woman's pride".*)

Millia 「Cut it...My hair...the chains that bind me to this destiny...my fight is not over yet.」
Slayer 「You'll be forced to return to the world's maelstrom of bloodshed and conspiracy...」
Millia 「Yes, yes, but...this time will be different. This time: I act on my volition.」

*Slayer uses the OutRage to cut her hair, severing the chains.*

Slayer 「As you wish! Stand, Millia! Stand and your desires shall take root!」

*Thunder strikes as Millia stands*

Millia 「Heading out then. Until we meet again, 'Eccentric Dandy'.」

*Klak-klak**Klak-klak**Klak-klak**Klak-klak*


Track 2-4: "Dirty Choice"

*A Door Opens in the darkness of a Thunder Storm*

Venom 「Master Zato! Are you all right!?」

*He shuts the door to search for Zato*

Zato 「Somehow...」

*Zato practically collapses into his chair.*

Zato 「Pour me a Sherry. Those punches of his set my soul ablaze...」
Venom 「Sir...However, I must object to the consumption of alcohol while you're still bleeding, it is bad for your body.」
Zato 「I'll say it again: pour me a sherry. It's a drink from my home town.」
Venom 「As you wish it.」

*Venom pops the bottle and pours, setting the drink before Zato.*

Venom 「Your drink, sir.」

*Zato downs it in one shot.*

Zato 「Haaa......Millia...did you escape safely...?」
Venom 「No...there was no confirmation. She was spotted and apprehended, there is no mistake.」
Zato 「I see......Open a line to Lord Maining. We can't allow him custody of Millia.」
Venom 「But sir, our laws state that when an Assassin has been arrested, suicide is their only redemption! And you wish to negotiate--!?」
Zato 「She and I are not Assassins. We are kindred Forbidden Beasts, weapons born on the battlefield. Money can't buy that!」
Venom 「Because of that?」
Zato 「Just that.」
Venom 「As you wish it. A moment, please.」

*Venom leaves to open a channel as the storm continues to roar outside.*

Zato 「...(Millia)...」

*Venom returns with a radio.*

Venom 「Apologies for the delay. Lord Maining on the line.」

*Open Channel*

Leon 「So, young Zato, you really blundered this time...」
Zato 「The target was killed. I think the damage was minimal.」

*Over*

Leon 「Don't joke around...I've grown fond of that beauty we captured, the rumors about her were no lie. Fortunately, my informants have assured me...that meddlesome cabinet minister has been silenced...we were able to bribe him.」
Zato 「I am deeply ashamed. We regard that girl as a treasured daughter, I humbly ask that you please return her to us...」

*Over*

Leon 「Hmph...very well. But, even for a traditional child of the Assassin Guild, she's a commoner. Before I return her to you, however...I've got another job for you...」
Zato 「Alright then. Well...who is it?」

*Over*

Leon 「Heheh...his Majesty the King...is your target.」
Zato 「So I see. In exchange for Millia's head, we shall stake the reputation of the Assassin's Guild to assure the fulfillment of this task.」

*Over*

Leon 「I'm looking forward to good news, hehehe...until then...」

*Over and Out*


Track 2-5: "Dance's Return"

*Door Opens*

Millia 「...I'm home...」
Venom 「Millia!?」
Zato 「Millia...!?」

*Millia closes the door behind her*

Venom 「Why, what are you doing here!? After we just spoke with Lord Maining!
...No, it's too late for that!」
Millia 「Maining...ugh, that man is repulsive, you're wrong about that.」

*Millia folds her Umbrella*

Millia 「I was unsealed by Slayer, that meddlesome old man.」
Zato 「Slayer?...Now I see.」
Venom 「Who is that?」
Zato 「One of the Founders of our Guild, lost to time. Even compared to our abnormal talents, he's immeasurably a monster.」
Venom 「So that man...because this country is in turmoil...does he plan to be of assistance to us?」
Millia 「When he freed me, he didn't ask for collateral. That old man...he seems to just simply enjoy watching us...」
Venom 「I don't like this...A former Founder, even more a Guild Outsider?
Enough, Master Zato, to allow yourself to be surrounded by so many stray dogs prowling around, I must--!」

*Venom threatens to say more, but Zato stops him*

Zato 「Stop.」
Venom 「But--!」
Zato 「Venom, you forget yourself.」
Venom 「Master Zato, I'm telling you that pretentious old man will interfere with us!」
Zato 「I manipulate the shadows, even as a child I was treated as a monster. I've prepared myself for death, despite the dangers.
Venom...your wisdom is valuable to the Organization, but that value means nothing if a hit* is lost.」
Venom 「Master Zato!」 *Salute*

(*He's referring to losing a target in an assassination attempt due to being too cautious.*)

Millia 「Flamboyant as usual...you boys have a good relationship... *sarcasm*」
Venom 「Millia...! *seethes*」
Millia 「Well, what now? Will we continue our tactical plans for Calroni Kingdom?」
Zato 「That was not our original intention, but, as of now we have something we need to obtain there.」
Millia 「What did you say?」
Zato 「You returned home too late. We were given a job, in negotiation for your head.
We are now obligated to fulfill this mission, which puts us in a difficult position now.」
Millia 「...I see...So then, who's the target?」
Venom 「Calroni Kingdom's King, Salteria Calroni.」
Millia 「Now wait just a minute--!?」
Zato 「His Royal Majesty the King, child of 2 years...」

*Ominous Thunder roars as the rain continues to fall relentlessly*

~~~~~

(*Cue Writhe in Pain 'Arranged'*)

Millia 「Are you insane!? This is child abuse, no, INFANTICIDE!
This isn't an assassination! This is infamy!」
Zato 「I'm insane. *Stated Coldly*」
Millia 「Don't you know it's just a dirty job, Zato?! I've misjudged you as a man!
No, for ANY Assassin wouldn't this be crossing the line!? Un-ghh!?」

*Millia collapses before him in a fit of tears.*

Zato 「I expected you to say that, thanks for the informed opinion.」
Millia 「Don't lie to me!...A simple plot like this,
Maining just wants to take over the kingdom by killing the king, right!?
But, he just wants to burn and pillage!
Assassins can't get involved in this...right!?」
Zato 「Don't you dare call for Slayer...」
Millia 「I...like that man's sense of justice and happiness,
I don't see any resemblance of that here, fighting that benefits no one...
But...you don't understand, do you Zato!? I hate it, I can't stand it! BUT STILL YOU--!」
Venom 「I'VE HEARD ENOUGH!!」

*Slap*

*Venom slaps her so hard she falls down a step away from Zato in shock*

Millia 「Venom!? If you're trying to get between Zato and I just--」
Zato 「Venom!」
Venom 「YOU BE SILENT!
ARROGANTLY DISAPPROVING OF THE DIRTY WORK WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HANDLE!
WHEN WE ASSASSINS ARE GIVEN WORK IT IS NO MISTAKE,
MASTER ZATO IS 100% AWARE OF THE SITUATION!
YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE REASON WE TOOK THIS JOB,
YET YOU STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS, MILLIA RAGE!!?」
Millia 「..!」
Venom 「THIS WAS FOR YOUR SAKE...AND IF YOU STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS--!」
Zato 「That's enough, Venom! And Millia...」
Venom 「My apologies, sir. I have...lost my composure...」
Zato 「Man gives in to emotional instincts. You're both Assassins, right? That's why you can understand this.」

*Millia and Zato stand*

Millia 「Zato, but even if that's--」
Zato 「Regardless, it is an absolute law! The reputation of the Assassin Guild is bound by the responsibility to carry out ANY task once it is given!
The Guild begins here...the first law which cannot be shaken. A holy law.」
Millia 「But to kill...a child?」
Zato 「To kill a king. With precision.
My shadow will consume him utterly, no traces left behind.
After this...the Guild will be the number one choice to receive children, to be raised as Assassins...」
Millia 「But, it's still as I thought, children will continue to fall in to hell...」
Zato 「To live despite these times is like waiting in a living hell. Am I wrong?」
Millia 「It's true. Venom and I live this way because we were rescued...」
Zato 「Living to take hold of what you can to continue to exist, that's what I believe in...」

Zato 「Venom!」
Venom 「*Salute* Sir!」
Zato 「I've decided. This is time-sensitive.
The Royal Palace is protected by a powerful land barrier surrounded by a moat.
You will take 10 elite subordinates...no, 20 of them, and disable the barrier's power,
then secure an escape route.」
Venom 「It shall be done. As for Master Zato's position?」
Zato 「Of course I'll be coming.
The King will be introduced to the three strongest of the Guild.
I have absolute faith in all of you, you are my greatest subordinates.」
Millia 「And me...? Am I supposed to hold down the fort?」
Zato 「Millia, I want you to watch my back.」
Millia 「So even if you screw up, you still intend to go easy on a woman? *Sarcasm*」
Venom 「Keeghhh...!! *Seething*」
Zato 「You failed because we weren't prepared for their army last time.
A suitable battle formation will be difficult, but,
I want you to prepare for the possibility that Slayer will show up. I expect flawless execution, okay?」
Millia 「Understood. But, before we begin the operation I need to rest for a while.
My body feels stiff from being in that prison seal.」
Zato 「That's fine. We're going, Venom.
We need to hurry and set up tactical operations.」
Venom 「Sir! You may entrust rear guard to this Venom!」

*The two leave Millia haunted by her thoughts*

Millia 「*Sigh*...」

Millia 「After killing someone...my body grows cold...my hands are stained in blood...
For another child to feel that again...I'm tired of it...I hate it...
Choosing me, instead of that child...all I see in Zato's dark eyes is a hatred I don't want...
No...No!...I hate the cold, Zato...」
Slayer 「（Your desires must grow...）」
Millia 「No! No!...I want to die!」
Slayer 「（A good life...A good death, they do not carry the same meaning.）」
Millia 「I want to die?...I don't want death!
...I don't want to die!...I DON'T WANT TO KILL!!」
Slayer 「（Seize it! Your future!）」
Millia 「Future!? Zato's...and mine...?」

~~~Sometime later, near the Castle Moat~~~

Millia 「I'm surprised. Such a large lake surrounding the estate...」
Zato 「A while ago, during the Crusades, a Gear made a crater here.
Supposedly the epicenter used to be a submerged old-world miltary complex that Calroni Kingdom was built on top of.」
Millia 「What's the mission?」
Zato 「Venom's detatched squad will assault the barrier-unit from the front,
attacking it directly. Once the battle begins, the guard network will be in disarray.
During that time, you and I will quickly slip inside.」

*Zato aggressively gets on top of Millia*

Millia 「Ah!?--What the hell are you doing at a time like this..?!」
Zato 「What better time than now...?」

*Zato forcibly french-kisses her*

*Millia pulls away from him in fear*

Zato 「Why is it?...Today you...shine in my eyes brighter than ever...
No question...you're so beautiful...」
Millia 「Unfortunately for you, I'm actually an ugly woman.
You might want to have your eyes checked.
If you don't, you might really die of despair...」

*A large explosion is heard in the distance*

Zato 「It's started...」

2-6: "Dance's People Left Behind"

*Inside the castle, Gottfried bursts through the door into Lord Maining's room*

Gottfried 「Lord Maining!」
Leon 「Gottfried, huh...What's the matter? Lower your voice, you're indoors...」
Gottfried 「But sir, infiltrators are assaulting the main gate's power source!
Currently the 88th Cavalry Regiment's Company 1 Squad 2 is engaged with them,
but it's only a matter of time until the front gate's barrier will be breached!!」
Leon 「Ah, so they've arrived...As expected of the swift Assassin Guild.」
Gottfried 「What's that!? You knew they were going to attack today!?」
Leon 「But of course...
I am the Minister of Imperial Defense Force Management, Leon Maining, after all.
I have no doubt that this direct assault from the enemy is a diversion tactic.」
Gottfried 「Diversion...! Then, their real target is--!?」
Leon 「Naturally...the King.」
Gottfried 「Then...I shall go to his Lord Majesty's side without delay--!」
Leon 「No...you're better suited to suppress the front insurgents.
Just recently in fact, we've been able to complete the defense forces in that sector.」
Gottfried 「"Complete"...?」
Leon 「The "God Series" hehehe...that's their name.
Well then, would you like to be an 'arm' for them, Gottfried?」
Gottfried 「"Arm", sir?」
Leon 「Indeed. Just a little injection, first...」

*Leon pierces his arm with a powerful needle filled with a mysterious liquid pumping from a strange device.*

Gottfried 「Oogh..gehh...t-this...my body is...burning up...!」
Leon 「Just some nutrients...
With this those damned Assassins are guaranteed absolute defeat.
Heh...I expect results from you.」
Gottfried 「Sir! First Degree destruction at my hands, I swear upon my honor, you have my extreme gratitude!
Now then, Gottfried shall sortie out!」

*Gottfried tears out of the room.*

Leon 「Heheheheheh...heheheheheheheheh...
Do your best Imperial Troops...for my ambition!」

2-7: "Howl of the Wolves"

(*Cue "Black Soul"*)

*A large explosion rocks the outer pavillion of the castle.*

Millia 「To think they would come so quickly--TANDEM TOP!!」
*Millia generates an raw energy sawblade with her hair.*
Super Soldier A 「Goohh!」
Zato 「It's a good thing I work best in the shadows...INVITE HELL!!」
Super Soldier B 「Bruggh!」

*Zato summons a spiralling drill of his shadow from the ground beneath his enemy, but the soldier rises from a pool of his own blood.*

Super Soldier B 「...Kill...Assassin...kill...」
Zato 「Hoh...even though that was a direct hit...」
Super Soldier C 「Ideyoyaaaaghhh!!」 *Another soldier jumps in to strike*
Millia 「Hep!」
*Millia gathers the soldier up in her hair and tosses him against a wall to knock him out.*
Super Soldier C 「Grrh!」
Millia 「Sorry...I came across these men last time I was at the castle. Just cutting them won't kill them.」
Zato 「Just like the 'Original Assassin' they met before...?*」 *He's referring to Slayer*
Millia 「Who's that?」
Zato 「Our founder.」
Super Soldier D 「Guuuuuooooohhhhhgaaahhh!!」 *Another Soldier charges in.*
Zato 「Out of the way!!」 *Zato mows him down with Eddie*
Super Soldier D 「Goohhwaaa!!」

Zato 「The Crusades have begun again...even though they started a long time ago...
Assassinations were the prescribed 'cure' to this toxin.
To experience the horror and pain of being raised a soldier within an organization,
and then ultimately become an Assassin as well...that's the history...」
Millia 「So then...the drugs these guys are taking?」
Zato 「Probably...now I see...
Unusual abilities of that nature to match our own in combat...
Someone thinks they're being clever to work on the inside
but they're actually very shallow.」
Millia 「Really...very shallow...」
Zato 「After all...strange talents of that nature GRANT POWER!!」
Millia 「Within us dwell Forbidden Beasts from the past!!」
Zato 「We are the children!」
Millia 「Exactly!」
Zato 「EXECUTOOOR!!」*Zato's body wraps itself in a large sword of darkness.*
Millia 「EMERALD RAIN!!」*Millia fires a series of energy sawblades from her hair.*

*In a flash the super soldiers are slashed as a shockwave of violence blasts through.*

Super Soldiers 「Guwaahh---Gwaaagghhhh--!!」

Zato 「Willing to endure the pain, yet they carelessly avoid the truth.
But...the body is human flesh after all and cannot exceed its limits!」
Millia 「Ah! Zato--!」

*An enemy tries to rush them with a surprise attack*

*Zato's body becomes a sword of shadow yet again.*
Zato 「SHADOW!」

*Eddie blasts through the offensive line but is somehow blocked.*

Millia 「What is this...golden...thread?」
Super Soldier E 「Shiyaaaahhhh!!!」

*A soldier with powers similar to Millia's appears and attacks with set of blades for hair.*

Zato 「Can you avoid it, Millia!?!」
Millia 「I'll have to!!」

*Both dodge the attack*

Zato 「To steal a woman's pride--! Rude annoying gnats!!
Geh...SHADOW--CONSUME THEM!!」

*Eddie's Amorphous form appears beneath the soldiers as enormous fangs of darkness tear through their bodies.*

Super Soldier E 「Gah!」
Super Soldier F 「Muuguuff!」

Millia 「Back then--!? That vile Maining...What on earth did he draw out of my body!?
Probably...the Forbidden Beast's power? *gasp* REVOLTING!! Enhhhiihh!」
*Millia is on the verge of a breakdown*
Zato 「Survive the job and live, survive your existence and live...Let's go, Millia...*」

(*The phrase he uses is "Ki ni kuwa nu shigoto ni, Ki ni kuwa nu iraijin" which refers to "eating others to survive"*)

Millia 「Yes, Zato...」

*The two infiltrate the castle.*


~~~Elsewhere, at the Main Castle Gate's Barrier~~~

(*Cue "A Solitude that Asks Nothing in Return"*)

Gottfried 「Last time was a blunder, today you won't win, Assassin!」
Venom 「"The Iron Whirlwind" Gottfried, huh...I hold no such reputation.
Before the head of my household died, he gave me the name "Venom"...」

*Venom immediately fires some cueballs at him, but Gottfried deflects them with a gale from his Halberd.*

Gottfried 「The last time in the castle incident, there was no space to fully wield this Halberd of mine! But today is different!
I will judge your crimes now in this wide courtyard, your luck has finally run out!!」
Venom 「Now then...what will you do...?」
Gottfried 「I'll pulverize that brittle stick of yours!
EAT THIS: MALBOLGIA BLACK WHIRLWIND!!」

*A whirlwind of energy snakes out from his attack, only to be stopped short by a jolt of Venom's Shaft.*

Venom 「That was it...? This idiot is taking me too lightly...
I'll charge you for lessons, then...」
Gottfried 「Then for the next one, I'll aim for that weird silver-grass-looking hair on your head, and break your skull!」

*Gottfried unleashes another wave of wind.*

Venom 「I'm not over there...」 *Venom's Ball Teleport*
Gottfried 「Geh--!? Disappeared!?」
Venom 「As I said before, burning light only creates a blind spot!
MAD STRUGGLE!! HAAAAA!!!」

*Venom warped above him and dives downwards with a flurry of Cuestick strikes.*

Gottfried 「--Gehhiiihh...but the unlimited flame of loyalty in my heart continues to burn...my knees shall never yield!!」
Venom 「I know that. Just now the goal was to put you in just the right position to take you down. RED HAIL!!」

*Venom fires relentlessly piercing Gottfried's defenses.*

Gottfried 「Grrgh! Guuuhhh!」 *Collapse*
Venom 「To yell with a fighting spirit only takes you so far.
Your body can't feel any pain, yet I could still easily disable your nerves, so the result was the same as last time...You really should learn from your mistakes.」

*Gottfried gets back up despite his wounds.*

Gottfried 「...Your boasting...isn't enough!」
Venom 「Wha!?」
Gottfried 「DOOOORRRRIIYYAAAAAAA!!!!」

*A blade of wind finally hits its mark on Venom's body.*

Venom 「Deaawwagghhh!!--Dahhiihh...Impossible!
...No human could possibly move after having their nerves destroyed...no human...!」

*Venom hits his knees*

Venom 「Ma..Master Zato...Venom's...life has failed you--!」

*Venom collapses.*

2-8: "And the Future is Chosen"

*The Door to the young King's bed chamber opens*

Millia 「So this is where his Royal Highness sleeps...」
Zato 「Like his cute sleeping face?」
Millia 「Yeah, just like an angel. Are the explosives ready?」
Zato 「Almost. Once it ignites, this corner of the room will open up to an escape route secured by our 'client'.
There won't be any problems.」
Millia 「We've already dispatched the defense force here, so it's just you, me, and his Majesty the King in this area...」
Zato 「Seems that way...*Sigh* So this is the future of our Guild...」

*Zato draws back the blankets of the baby's Crib*

Zato 「Such small fragile hands...but...someday they'll grow strong.」

Millia 「Hey, Zato. What do you think about the future of people
who only play with the predetermined hand they were dealt with?」
Zato 「If you were dealt a bad hand, sometimes you have to take the fall...」
Millia 「What about this baby who doesn't have the power to defy anyone...?」
Zato 「The hand of a child--」

*A Living Lancer pierces Zato's abdomen from the darkness.*

Zato 「Uugh--!--Uh--Uhhh..Milli..a..!?」

*At that moment the baby wakes and starts to cry.*

Millia 「Forgive me...Zato...I...chose to bet on the future of this child!」
Zato 「His...future..!?」
Millia 「I am the wager. An Assassin that was born to sorrow, an Assassin destined to die...That was never predetermined!
I want to exist in the future I believe in! With no doubts!
That's why, Zato!...This is goodbye...truly goodbye!」

Zato 「An Assassin's...happiness...?...Not...bad...」

*Zato collapses in a pool of his own blood as the baby continues to cry.*

Millia 「HA!」

*Millia leaps out of the chamber window.*

2-9: "Next Time Notice"

Narrator 「The two naked fangs of Leon Maining's ambition have been unleashed.
The ancient world returns to the present and the perfect dream now gives rise to greed.
A duty is forsaken to abandon the love once known.
Zato...Venom...and Millia...
Together these three Assassins now fall down the pit of fate!*

Next Time: Guilty Gear XX Drama CD: Night of Knives Vol. 3: "Duel of the Wolves"
Look forward to it!」