#but there are many more changes

[beevean]

Re-translating Symphony of the Night

After re-translating Curse of Darkness and finding many pearls, and trying to re-translate Harmony of Dissonance but discovering that the two scripts are pretty much identical, I tried with the far more famous Symphony of the Night :D

This time, I decided to pull not just the entire script, but also the re-translation that came with Dracula X Chronicles. Every cutscene has at least one difference worth pointing out.

The translation of the iconic intro is here, and I can’t make it more justice. Here’s the DXC version for completion’s sake.

Richter: Dracula. Die now, and leave this world! You'll never belong here! Dracula: Oh, but this world invited me. Your own kind called me forth with praise and tribute. Richter: Tribute? You're a thief. You steal men's souls, their freedom... Dracula: Freedom is always sacrificed to faith, good hunter. Or are you truly here by choice? Richter: All I'm here for is you. To hell with your heresy! You're nothing but a blight on mankind. Dracula: Ha! Mankind. A cesspit of hatred and lies. Fight for them, then, and die for their sins!

Encounter with Death

ENG (PSX):

Death: Ah, Alucard. What is your business here? Alucard: I've come to put an end to this. Death: Still befriending mortals... I'll not ask you to return to our side. But I demand you cease your attack. Alucard: I will not. Death: You shall regret those words... We will meet again.

ENG (DXC):

Death: Ah, Alucard. What is your business here? Alucard: I've come to put an end to this. Death: Ever the insolent boy... but there'll be no games here. If you will not behave, begone. Alucard: I will do neither. Step aside, old man. Death: Ha! Such arrogance. Very well... but I shall see you very soon.

JP:

Death: Master Alucard. For what reason did you come here? Alucard: You know the reason. I ask you to step aside. Death: Are you still on the side of humans? I will not ask you to come back to us, but at least I would like you to withdraw. Alucard: That is not up to discussion. Death: It cannot be helped... I will leave this place for now. Once again, please think about it carefully.

Death speaks in keigo towards Alucard, which is hard to convey in English. For some reason, his name is spelled in English in the dialogue box, instead of being called Shinigami like usual.

The last line is very different. I don’t think Death is actually as conflicted as he sounds (he still laughs evilly upon stealing Alucard’s gear), but at least he’s being more courteous about it.

(I like the little “shimatta!” Alucard says when he loses his equipment lol)

First encounter with Maria

ENG (PSX):

Maria: You seem human and yet... What do you here? Alucard: .......... I've come to destroy this castle. Maria: Then we have the same purpose. I'll trust you for now. I'm Maria. Who are you? Alucard: .......... Alucard. Maria: Not the talkative type I can see. Well, perhaps we'll meet again if you live that long. Farewell.

ENG (DXC):

Maria: Wait. Are you human? What are you doing here? Alucard: I've come to destroy this castle. Maria: Likewise. I'm Maria...And you are? Alucard: ...Alucard. Maria: Well, if you're a better swordsman than a speaker, perhaps I'll see you again. Farewell.

JP:

Maria: You have dark powers, don’t you? In appearance, you look human, but... For what purpose did you come to this castle? Alucard: ... I've come to destroy this castle. Maria: Same as me. I'll believe in those words. I'm Maria! And you are? Alucard: ... Alucard. Maria: My, aren’t you curt. That's fine. If you're still alive, let's meet again. Now, excuse me.

Maria uses watashi for herself and calls Alucard anata, and her speech pattern is as feminine as you’d expect.

The most obvious difference is that Maria pinpoints immediately that Alucard is a creature of darkness.

Encounter with Master Librarian

ENG (PSX):

Alucard: It's been a long time, old one.... Master Librarian: Oh it's you, Master Alucard. What do you need? Alucard: I need your help. Master Librarian: Young master, I cannot aid one who opposes the Master. Alucard: You won't go unrewarded... Master Librarian: Really? In that case just tell me what you need.

ENG (DXC):

Alucard: It's been a long time, old one... Master Librarian: Eh? Why, it's Master Alucard! ...Come to visit, have we? Alucard: I need your help. Master Librarian: Oh, but Young Master, I could never betray the good Count... Alucard: You won't go unrewarded... Master Librarian: Really? In that case, Just tell me what you need!

JP:

Alucard: Long time no see, old man... Master Librarian: My goodness, Master Alucard! What could you possibly need? Alucard: I'm sorry, but I need your help. Master Librarian: With all due respect, but to help a person who has bared his fangs against Lord Dracula... Alucard: I understand. I will give you a reward... Master Librarian: Is that so? In that case, I’m at your service!

The Master Librarian speaks politely, but not in keigo like Death. Alucard also sounds slightly more polite, or at the very least less blunt. I like the expression “bare his fangs” lol, it’s appropriate in this case.

Second Encounter with Maria

ENG (PSX):

Maria: So we meet again, Alucard. Alucard: It seems so. Maria: As friendly as ever, I see. It's strange. This castle is different than I remember it. Alucard: ......... This castle is a creature of Chaos. It may take many incarnations. Maria: So I can't trust my memories, huh? Oh well, I'll do my best. Good luck.

ENG (DXC):

Maria: Alucard, wasn't it? We meet again. Alucard: So it seems. Maria: As friendly as ever, I see. It's strange. This castle's different than I remember it. Alucard: ........ This castle is a creature of Chaos. With each rebirth, it takes a new form. Maria: And here I thought my mind was playing tricks. Well, there's nothing for it. Till we meet again.

JP:

Maria: We meet again, Alucard. Alucard: Maria, wasn’t it? Maria: As curt as ever, I see. Nevertheless, don’t you think it’s strange? The structure of this building is different from before. Alucard: ... Dracula’s castle is a product of chaos. It doesn’t have one singular form. Maria: So my previous experience won’t help me. Well, no point in thinking about it. Thank you.

I prefer the explanation of the castle’s nature in English, but I felt for poor Maria lol.

Third Encounter with Maria

ENG (PSX):

Maria: Impressive. You're very strong. Alucard: .......... What is it you want? You didn't come here to tell me that. Maria: You're right. Do you know the name Richter Belmont? Alucard: Of the Belmont Clan? Of course, but... Maria: He disappeared about a year ago and I'm sure he's here. If you see him, please let me know. Alucard: As you wish, my lady. Maria: Thank you. So you do know how to be a gentleman.

ENG (DXC):

Maria: You look like you're doing well for yourself. Alucard: ...And? You didn't come here to flatter me. Maria: True. Do you know the name Richter Belmont? Alucard: Belmont? Of course. Why? Maria: He disappeared about a year ago. I'm sure he's here now. If you see him, please let me know. Alucard: As you wish, my lady. Maria: Hmm. A gentlman after all. Thank you.

JP:

Maria: Great skills. I don’t think you need my help. Alucard: ... What do you want? I doubt that you came here to tell me that. Maria: Well. Do you know Richter Belmont? Alucard: A member of the Belmont clan? Maria: He's been missing for a year now. I'm sure he's here. If you see him, please let me know. Alucard: Very well. Maria: Thank you, you’re strangely kind. See you later.

I don’t know how Maria can say that Alucard is kind because he sounds even less polite than usual lmao. A bit of a different nuance, Alucard doesn’t say “oh of course I know a Belmont”, he simply expresses surprise at hearing that name again, which makes more sense.

Encounter with Richter

ENG (PSX):

Alucard: Who are you!! Richter: Open Hell's gate! Come forth my servants! Alucard: The scent of your blood... You're a Belmont! Richter: Crush this flea who invades my castle!

Alucard: I'm certain that was a Belmont. So he says he's the lord of this castle...

ENG (DXC):

Alucard: Who are you?! Richter: Servants, come forth from the gates of Hell! Alucard: ...Your blood. The scent of your blood... You're a Belmont! Richter: Attack! Rid my castle of this pest!

Alucard: A Belmont for certain. So he says he's the lord of this castle...

JP:

Alucard: !! Who are you? Richter: Open the gates to the underworld! Come forth, my servants! Alucard: The scent of your blood... You... It cannot be! Richter: Kill the insolent pest that defiles my castle!

Alucard: There is no doubt… That person was a Belmont. Did he say that he's the lord of the castle?

Richter says wa ga, which is extremely strange and may be the first sign that it’s not really Richter talking, as he normally uses ore. To explain, ware and its possessive wa ga are very archaic pronouns associated with “gods and powerful immortal entities, as well archaic kings, self-proclaimed lords and rulers”.

Fourth encounter with Maria

ENG (PSX):

Maria: So did you find Richter? Alucard: I don't know if he's the one you're looking for, but I found a Belmont. Maria: Really? So he is here! Alucard: But the one I saw was the enemy. He was the lord of this castle... Maria: That can't be true! You're wrong! I... I must go now!

ENG (DXC):

Maria: Alucard. Have you seen Richter? Alucard: There is a Belmont here. You were right about that. Maria: I knew it! Where is he? Alucard: ...The one saw was with the enemy. He called himself the lord of this castle... Maria: What? That's... That's impossible! You're wrong! ...I have to go!

JP:

Maria: So? Did you find Richter? Alucard: I don't know if he's the man you're looking for, but if it's a Belmont, I've seen him... Maria: Really? So he really came here! Alucard: But he appeared as an enemy. Moreover, as the lord of this castle... Maria: I-it can be! But if that's true, there must be a reason! Sorry, I have to go!

Again, a bit more obvious that Richter did not decide on his own to become an enemy.

Fight with the Succubus

ENG (PSX):

Alucard: !! Mother!! Lisa: That voice! Alucard, it's you! Alucard: I'm coming Mother! I'll save you!! Lisa: No Alucard! Don't come here! Alucard: But Mother! Lisa: It's all right! If my death can save others, I gladly surrender my life. Alucard: Mother! No!... Please! No!... Lisa: Yes Alucard! Watch me die and remember always my last words to you... Alucard: Yes Mother... Lisa: You must despise humans. They are to be your prey. Alucard: What?!... Lisa: Better for them to die than to let them compound their sins. Begin by slaying that one over there. Alucard: No...it wasn't like this... Lisa: What's wrong? Alucard? Alucard: My mother never said such a thing... Lisa: What do you mean!? Kill them and bring them happiness! Alucard: No! You're not my mother! What kind of demon are you!? Succubus: You broke free of my spell. I like that. Alucard: Demon, death is too good for you! Succubus: Come here little boy and show me what you've got.

Succubus: Darkling! I smell you're blood. You're a vampire... Could it be... Alucard: .......... Succubus: That strength, that beauty... You're the son of Lord Dracula. Alucard: Death in the dream world will set your soul wandering for eternity, Demon.

ENG (DXC):

Alucard: Mother!!! Lisa: ...Alucard? Is that you? Alucard: I'm coming, Mother! I'll save you!! Lisa: No, Alucard! Stay away! Alucard: Mother... Lisa: It's all right! If my death can save others, I gladly surrender my life. Alucard: No! I won't let this happen! Lisa: It's too late. ...Just stay with me. Hear my last words to you... Alucard: Yes, Mother... Lisa: Humans... You cannot live with them. You can only hate them, do them harm. Alucard: What?! Lisa: Theirs is such a hard lot. Release them from their pain. Begin with the ones who killed me. Alucard: No... It wasn't like this... Lisa: Alucard? What's wrong? Alucard: My mother never said such a thing! Lisa: What do you mean? I an your mother! Do as I say! Release them! Kill them! Alucard: No! You are not my mother! What kind of demon are you?! Succubus: Strong enough to break my spell, eh? I like that. Alucard: You deserve worse than death for this, demon. Succubus: Then give it to me, little boy. Don't be shy...

Succubus: Darkling! I smell your blood, your hunger... Alucard: .......... Succubus: That strength, that beauty... you really are the son of Lord Dracula. Alucard: Death in the dream world will set your soul wandering for eternity, demon.

JP:

Alucard: !! Mother!! Lisa: That voice! Alucard, you’re here! Alucard: Mother! I'm coming to save you! Lisa: No, don't come here! There’s no point! Alucard: But, Mother! Lisa: It's alright! If my fate brings happiness to everyone, I will gladly die. Alucard: No! What are you saying... Lisa: I’m so sorry, Alucard. My heart only breaks for you... However, keep my last words in mind, and carry on... Alucard: Mother... Lisa: Hate mankind, and kill them. Alucard: !! Lisa: Better for them to die than to let them compound their sins. Go ahead, kill that person there! Alucard: This is wrong... Lisa: What's wrong? Alucard? Alucard: She would have never said that... Lisa: What do you mean? Kill them and make them happy! Alucard: You are absolutely not my mother! What are you?! Succubus: How did you break free of my spell? I like that. Alucard: I won’t forgive you! Even death is too merciful for you! Succubus: You will slowly become my prisoner. Come on, boy.

Succubus: The... the scent of your blood... Why does your blood smell like the clan of the night...? It can’t be...! Alucard: ... Succubus: That strength, that beauty... ahh, it really is you! You’re the Count’s... Alucard: If you die in the dream world, your soul will die as well... Wander forever as an empty shell.

Alucard calls Lisa 母上 (hahaue), an honorific and dated word for “mother”, while “Lisa” calls him anata, still showing him respect.

The dialogue is generally more detailed. The word the Succubus uses for “spell” is 呪縛 (“jubaku”), which literally means “binding spell”, as in one that restricts your movements - presumably because she wanted Alucard to be trapped in his nightmare for eternity. She also specifies that she’d “slowly” make Alucard her prisoner: perhaps the more Alucard stays in the nightmare, the harder it would be for him to break out? Similarly, Alucard spells out that the Succubus will be left as an empty shell. Harsh.

Obtaining the Holy Glasses

ENG (PSX):

Maria: Alucard? Alucard: That voice? Maria? Maria: I'm sorry. You were right. He has joined forces with the enemy... Alucard: So it was a Belmont after all... Maria: But someone must be controlling him... Whatever we do, we can't harm Richter. Alucard: But he must be stopped. Maria: I know. Well...here. Take these with you. Alucard: What are these? Maria: If you wear them, you can see beyond evil illusions. Alucard: Thank you. 'Tis best then if you pray for the soul of your friend.

ENG (DXC):

Maria: Alucard? Alucard: That voice... Maria? Maria: I'm sorry. You were right. He is with the enemy... Alucard: Richter Belmont, in league with Dracula... Maria: He must be under someone else's control. We can't hurt him, whatever we do. Alucard: But he must be stopped. Maria: Yes, but can you? Then for all our sakes, show me that you will!

Maria: You're stronger than I am. You can save Richter. Will you? Please... Alucard: I can't promise that. But I will stop him. Maria: If it must be that way... Here. I found these. Take them. Alucard: And these are? Maria: If you wear them, you can see beyond illusions. Alucard: Thank you. I go to find Richter. Stay, and pray for him.

JP:

Maria: Alucard? Alucard: That voice... Maria? Maria: I'm sorry. It’s as you said. Alucard: So it was a Belmont after all... Maria: I don't think he’s doing this of his own free will... but my power isn’t enough... We can’t stop Richter. Alucard: But he must be stopped. Maria: I know. Well... here. Take these. Alucard: What are these? Maria: If you wear them, you should be able to see through evil illusions. Alucard: I see. It’s best if you pray that our fight doesn’t end in his death.

Obviously the DXC version is different because it precedes the fight with Maria that doesn’t exist in the PSX version.

The biggest difference is that Maria acknowledges that Richter is much stronger than her, and perhaps Alucard as well. I prefer how in English Maria instead insists that Richter cannot be harmed, foreshadowing the way to properly win the fight.

Fight with Richter

ENG (PSX):

Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me. Why is a Belmont planning the resurrection of Count Dracula? Richter: Count Dracula rises but once every century and my role is over. If I can resurrect him, then the battle will last for eternity!

ENG (DXC):

Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me! Why is a Belmont planning to resurrect Count Dracula? Richter: Dracula rises once a century. One chance for each Belmont to shine, and then we're finished, forgotten. If I bring him back now, the battle can last for eternity! Alucard: ........ You have lost your way. So be it, vampire hunter. Let your battle begin with me!

JP:

Richter: I've been waiting for you. Alucard: Answer me! Why is a Belmont planning to resurrect Count Dracula? Richter: The Count revives only once every 100 years. And my role is done... but my blood wants to fight! As long as he comes back, the battle will continue forever! Alucard: ........ If that is what you truly think, then so be it.

Richter here switches again to ore. Either he was being dramatic in his first cutscene, or this is a clue that he’s voicing his true doubts and desires. I like how he says “my blood wants to fight”: it encapsulates his character and how he sees himself as a Belmont.

Alucard’s line, which he only says if he obtained the Holy Glasses, is also different, and apparently omitted from the original translation. He doesn’t seem to know if it’s the real Richter talking or an external force, leaving to us the ambiguity.

Bad Ending

ENG (PSX):

Alucard: It's over... Belmont. Richter: So the war between humans and vampires finally ends here... Alucard: ........ Richter: What need for the shepherd when the wolves have all gone... My time on this world has come to an end...

Alucard: Mankind continues to fight, but it is a desperate fight to stay alive. I suppose that he chose a life of warfare since that was the only way he knew. Like you Father, he chose a path of destruction... Farewell, land of my birth. Never again will these eyes gaze upon your beauty.

ENG (DXC):

Alucard: It's over... Belmont. Richter: So the war between humans and vampires finally ends here... Alucard: ........ Richter: "What need for the shepherd when the wolves have all gone," eh? My time... It's over now...

Alucard: Mankind knows little but war and desperation. What other way of life did Belmont know? He and Father chose the same path... Farewell, homeland. I shall never see your beauty again.

JP:

Alucard: It's over... Belmont. Richter: That's right... The history of the war between humans and vampires ends here and now... Alucard: ... Richter: Now that there is no one to be hunted, there is no need for hunters... Maybe I don't belong here anymore...

Alucard: Mankind keeps fighting, but they fight to live. Because he was destined to fight, he may have sought a way to live to fight. Father, you as well chose a path of destruction... Farewell to my defiled homeland. I will never see you again.

A bit more hard hitting. I especially like the contrast between mankind who fights to live, and Richter who apparently wanted to live to fight. Also, in English the homeland is beautiful, but in Japanese, it’s “defiled”...

The resurrection of the Inverted Castle

ENG (PSX):

Shaft: You've defeated me. But all is not yet lost. The resurrection of Count Dracula is at hand!

Richter: No... What have I done... Maria: Thank you Alucard, for saving Richter. Richter: Alucard!? The same Alucard who fought alongside my ancestor       Trevor Belmont?... That was over 300 years ago! Alucard: No time for small talk. Is the person who controlled you in that castle over there? Richter: Yes, I think so... Alucard: Maria, take Richter and leave here. I'll finish this. Maria: All right... Good luck.

ENG (DXC):

Shaft: How inconvenient. But we've only just begun. The Master's ascension is at hand!

Richter: No... What have I done...? Maria: You saved him, Alucard. Thank you so much. Richter: Alucard?! The Alucard? You can't be. That was over 300 years ago! Alucard: Never mind that. Is the man who controlled you in that castle? Richter: Yes, I think so... Alucard: Maria, take Richter and leave here. I'll finish this. Maria: All right... Good luck.

JP:

Shaft: I failed... but it's not over yet. Lord Dracula’s resurrection is imminent!

Richter: What have I done? Damn, me of all people...! Maria: Thank you, Alucard. You saved Richter... Richter: Alucard?! It can’t be! You defeated Dracula along with my ancestor Trevor! Alucard: It doesn’t matter. Is the person who manipulated you in that castle? Richter: Yes, he should be... Alucard: Maria, take Richter and leave the castle. I'll finish this. Maria: All right.

Richter seems to feel more guilty in this version :(

(he also uses wa ga again to say “my ancestor”. I wonder if it’s to pay respects to Trevor and his whole bloodline)

Fight with Death

ENG (PSX):

Death: So you've made it this far... In the name of your Father, cease this foolishness. Alucard: Not while there is breath in my body. Death: Then for the Master, I'll feast on your soul this night!

ENG (DXC):

Death: So you've made it this far... In the name of your father, cease this foolishness. Alucard: Not while there is breath in my body. Death: Then, for the Master, I'll feast on your soul this night! 

JP:

Death: So you've made it this far... I'll say it one more time. In the name of your father, retreat. Alucard: I never intended to. Death: I cannot stop you. Then, for the Master, I'll feast on your soul!

Nothing much to say, the English version is better.

Fight with Shaft

ENG (PSX):

Shaft: You have done well in making it this far. I would expect no less from the son of our Master. Alucard: So you are the one who was controlling Belmont. Shaft: Yes. I am the dark priest called Shaft. This world must be cleansed in the forge of chaos. Alucard: Why did you make Belmont lord of this castle? Shaft: For centuries, vampire hunters have defeated evil with holy power. But if two vampire hunters were to fight each other... Alucard: But Belmont's power is supreme among vampire hunters. None other could defeat him. Shaft: Exactly. That's why I removed him as a threat by making him into lord of this castle. Alucard: But your plan has failed. Shaft: Has it indeed? We'll see what happens after I destroy your weak human side.

Shaft: Ugh...No! Alucard: You claim to love the darkness. Go then and dwell there for all eternity! Shaft: But... but my goal is achieved... Count Dracula has come to purify this corrupt world with the searing flames of chaos!

ENG (DXC):

Shaft: All hail the son of our Master! Stronger than the mightiest hunter! Alucard: So you were the one controlling Belmont. Shaft: Yes. The dark priest called Shaft, come to cleanse the world in the forge of chaos. Alucard: You made Belmont lord of the castle. Why? Shaft: Because we tire of these hunters and their holy power. If they would but turn on one another... Alucard: ...Then the strongest one among them would eliminate the rest. Belmont. Shaft: Yes. So I converted him, brought him here to lure the rest, to force them all to fight and die. Alucard: But you never planned for me. And now you've failed. Shaft: Ha! Your human soul is frail as his was. You'll take his place-- I'll tear that soul apart!

Shaft: Ugh... No! Alucard: Your beloved darkness awaits you. Dwell there for all eternity! Shaft: Ha... I die victorious... Count Dracula rises even now! Let him purge the world in flames! Hahaha!

JP:

Shaft: Well done, you've made it this far. As expected from the son of my Master. Alucard: So you were the one controlling Belmont. Shaft: Indeed. I am the dark priest Shaft, the one who will bring destruction and chaos to this world. Alucard: Why did you make Belmont the lord of the castle? Shaft: Since ancient times, vampire hunters have destroyed evil with their holy power. But what if hunters fought each other...? Alucard: ... Belmont's power is far superior to anyone else’s. If it's a power of the same nature, you can't beat it in the first place. Shaft: Exactly. By manipulating him and setting him up as the lord of the castle, I eliminated those who would get in the way of the ceremony. Alucard: But this seems to be the end of it. Shaft: Is it indeed? As the final sacrifice, I offer thy mortal half!

Shaft: Im-impossible! Alucard: Those who have cast away their flesh have no place in this world. Dwell into your beloved darkness. Shaft: Ngh... b-but, my ambition has been fulfilled... My Master, Count Dracula! Bring destruction and chaos to this rotten world!

Shaft uses ware and generally speaks in a more archaic way. Funnily enough, when Alucard asks “why did you make Belmont the lord of this castle”, he uses the verb “祭り上げる”, which means both “to put on a pedestal” and “to kick up upstairs”.

Battle against Dracula

ENG (PSX):

Alucard: Father... Dracula: Well met. my son! It's been a long time. Alucard: I was hoping we would not see each other again. I can't allow you to leave here. Father. Dracula: You have ever been the ally of humans. Have you forgotten what they did to your Mother? Alucard: Think you I would forget such a thing? No. But neither do I seek revenge against them. Dracula: Still uttering the same nonsense. No matter. Now is the time to put aside your weak human side and join me in remaking this world! Alucard: Dracula. in the name of my mother. I will defeat you again.

ENG (DXC):

Alucard: Father... Dracula: Well met, my son! It's been a long time. Alucard: Not nearly long enough. I can't allow you to leave here, Father. Dracula: Do you still side with humanity? Have you forgotten what they did to your mother? Alucard: You think I would forget such a...! No, But neither do I seek revenge against them. Dracula: Enough of your nonsense! Away with your humanity! Stand with me as Prince of all the world! Alucard: You will never touch this world again. In Mother's name, I swear it! 

JP:

Alucard: Father... Dracula: Oh, look who’s here... It’s been a long time, son of mine. Alucard: I hoped to never meet you again... Now that it has come to this, I can't let you go any further. Dracula: Are you still on the side of humans? Surely you haven’t forgotten what they did to your mother. Alucard: How could I forget? But my mother didn't want revenge on humans. Dracula: Are you still saying such nonsense? That's fine. This time, I will wipe away your vulgar blood and make you join my family. Alucard: Dracula! In the name of my mother, I will defeat you again!

Alucard already specifies that the reason he doesn’t hate humans is because of Lisa.

Dracula’s last line is “今度こそ下賤な血を消し去り、我が眷族に加えてやろうぞ”. “眷族” means both “family, household” and “followers”, and I don’t know which one fits better. I went with “family” to imply that Dracula has completely disowned Alucard and will only consider him his son if he gets rid of his human side. Also “vulgar blood”? Way to insult your darling wife.

Good Ending

ENG (PSX):

Alucard: Go back whence you came! Trouble the soul of my mother no more! Dracula: How? How is it that I've been so defeated? Alucard: You have been doomed ever since you lost the ability to love. Dracula: Ah...sarcasm. 'For what profit is it to [a] man if he gains the world, and loses his own soul'?. Matthew 16:26 I believe. Alucard: ......... Dracula: Tell me. What... what were Lisa's last words? Alucard: She said "Do not hate humans. If you cannot live with them, then at least do them no harm. For their's is already a hard lot." She also said to tell you that she would love you for all of eternity... Dracula: Lisa, forgive me. Farewell my son...

Alucard: So you made it. Maria: Alucard! I'm glad your all right! Richter: I'm sorry. 'Tis my fault that you had to fight your own father... Alucard: Fear not. I had my own reasons for destroying him. Richter: It must have been painful for you. Alucard: Indeed. But you must always remember that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing... Richter: I understand. Maria: Alucard, what will you do now? Alucard: The blood that flows in my veins us cursed. 'Twould be best for this world if I were to disappear forever. Maria: ......... I see... Alucard: Farewell then. We'll not meet again. Maria: ......... Alucard... Richter: Don't you want to go after him, Maria? Maria: ......... I'm sorry... I can't let him disappear from my life. Richter: It's all right. Go after him. Perhaps you can save his haunted soul. Maria: Thank you, Richter... Fare thee well. Richter: And yourself, dear lady.

ENG (DXC):

Alucard: Go back to the abyss! Trouble the soul of my mother no more! Dracula: H-How?! How could I have lost?! Alucard: You lost your heart. Your soul. You'll never win without them. Dracula: Ah, how poetic. So I tragically sacrificed all I held dear in a search for power, did I? Alucard: ...Did you not? Dracula: ...Hmph. Tell me. What... What were Lisa's last words? Alucard: She said, "Do not hate humans. If you cannot live with them, then at least do them no harm, for theirs is already a hard lot." ...She also said that she would love you. For eternity. Dracula: Lisa, forgive me... Farewell, my son...

Alucard: So you made it. Maria: Alucard! You're all right! Richter: So you had to fight your own father? It's my fault. If I hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't be here. Alucard: Not so. I had my own reason to face him. Richter: Still... It couldn't have been easy. Alucard: It wasn't... But remember "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph..." Richter: ...is for good men to do nothing. Maria: So, what now, Alucard? Alucard: The blood in my veins is cursed. It's best for the world if I disappear, now and forever. Maria: ........ ...I see... Alucard: Farewell, then. We'll not meet again. Maria: ............ Alucard... Richter: Well, are you going after him, or not? Maria: ........ .... I'm sorry. I have to follow him. I can't just... Richter: It's all right! Hurry up and catch him. If anyone can save him, you can. Maria: Thank you, Richter. For everything. Richter: Thank you... Maria.

JP:

Alucard: Go back to where you should be! Don't make my mother suffer any more... Dracula: H-how? How could have I been defeated...? Alucard: Power can transcend limits only when there is something to protect it. You were doomed the moment you lost someone you loved, and stopped loving. Dracula: I see... It's ironic... I lost because I sought power... Alucard: ... Dracula: Alucard. Tell me. What were Lisa's last words...? Alucard: Do not blame humans. She said that those unable to forgive mankind will walk the path of their own destruction. Those who do not belong to that world shouldn't do anything... And Father... she said that she will love you forever. Dracula: Lisa... I was wrong...

Alucard: So you made it. Maria: Alucard! I'm glad you’re all right! Richter: I'm sorry. Because of me, you had to fight your father by blood... Alucard: Do not worry. It was simply my destiny to defeat him. Richter: Your words save me. Alucard: But remember. He's not the one who can bring ruin to this world: it’s mankind. Richter: I understand. I will engrave those words in my heart. Maria: Alucard, what will you do now? Alucard: This world has no need for the cursed blood that flows through my body. It would be better to remain unseen. Maria: ... I see... Alucard: Farewell then. We'll not meet again. Maria: ... Alucard... Richter: It’s alright, Maria. You don’t need to go after him. Maria: ... I'm sorry... I can't leave him alone... Richter: I see. If that is the path you choose, never regret it. Maria: Thank you... Then, I wish you well. Richter: Ah... same to you, Maria.

Lisa’s last words are “もし、人間が許されない存在であるなら、自ら滅びの道を歩む”. I don’t quite know how to translate it, but I think this is it. And Dracula doesn’t even say goodbye to Alucard.

Yes, Richter says “father by blood”, or “real father” (“実の父”), perhaps to emphasize the theme of bloodlines of the game. Alucard doesn’t say that he had his own reasons, but that it was his destiny, which is the other theme of the gane. Richter’s response is “そう言ってくれると助かる”, which literally is “It would be helpful if you could tell me that”, in any case very different from the empathy he offers in English. And I like that Maria doesn’t want to leave Alucard alone in his grief :)

Overall, the DXC script seems to be more of a free rewriting of the original PSX translation, but it didn’t take much from the Japanese version, which offers more details.

[astearisms]

catalysts, protectors

[mamawasatesttube]

BTW... PSA.... even if we arent mutuals if youre in my notes regularly theres a Very high chance i am still fond of you. yes im vaguing someones tags on the compliment the person u rbed this from post. but like. positive vaguing? THE POINT IS im weird abt following ppl but IM STILL SENDING U FOND VIBES...

[thenotoriousscuttlecliff]

Sorry, but having Zuko actually fight back against Ozai during their Agni Kai is just wrong. He was a child, only 13 at the time, afraid to fight his own father and was mutilated as punishment, because Ozai saw Zuko's begging and unwillingness to fight as unforgiveable weakness.

The Angi Kai isn't meant to be a showcase of Zuko's fighting potential (that's what the Zhao fight is for), but to show the utter cruelty of Ozai.

[wiisagi-maiingan]

I love tornado survival guides. "Shelter in a basement or interior room without any windows. But if you're in a mobile home, just fucking die I guess lol"

[seventeendeer]

ppl are too quick to point to laios' disability as the reason his friends think he's a freak sometimes. so many instances of laios getting yelled at are, in my eyes, a case of "this guy had to emotionally mature very early in order to be there for his little sister" combined with "much older friends who never had to learn to manage their own emotions to the same degree"

a lot of the time he's right about needing to be more direct/deal with things in a way that may seem scary/needing to put your gut reaction aside. he tries not to make his friends uncomfortable and he puts up with a lot because he's trying to keep the peace, but he also pushes the others out of their comfort zones purposefully to try to get them to think more constructively. everyone else in the party is prone to acting on their gut instincts and avoiding uncomfortable situations even when facing them head-on is very much necessary. part of what makes laios such a great leader is the fact that he knows from experience how to put his own feelings aside to help someone else grow.

yes, he does make a lot of social blunders by accident and he does struggle to connect with others, but not all of his positive influence on others is accidental or "despite" making people uncomfortable. a lot of the time, I think it's clear he knows exactly what he's doing and he's trying to help the people around him process emotions in a healthy way as they all go through some truly harrowing shit. all the main characters support each other as well as they can with their unique emotional skillsets. laios' skillset just happens to be "gently talk child into eating her vegetables"

[doomedclockworkdotmp3]

his therapist woulda had a field day at their next appointment

[puppyeared]

isat playthrough moodboard

[rookflower]

whichever one of us is a person first

[soosoosoup]

Oh Funk Branch Au by @bbc-trolls, I never stopped loving you

[cozylittleartblog]

Columbo and the Knight (1984)

put me in the universe where Columbo ran through the 1980s and had a crossover episode with Knight Rider. I think they deserved it, and I am not just saying that because they're my two favorite Old Shows. @telebeast wrote a little fanfic blurb about it and I HAD to visualize it into a comic (which is also the longest comic I have finished thus far at five pages...), so writing credit goes to them.

Autism W!

[1982brucespringsteen]

some good news!! the spanish state's ministry of equality has finally passed one of the most progressive trans laws on the planet, shielded free and universal access to abortion and banned conversion therapy and genital surgery for intersex babies, among a lot of other feminist policies. the minister of equality irene montero gave a speech thanking spain's lgtb and trans associations for helping her draft these legislations. couldn't be more proud!!

[clouvu]

Cooking up an older Clervie outfit design so I don't have to keep drawing her looking like her child self but Long

[jingerpi]

meaningful work: transgender experience in the sex trade

[delicourse]

Another year, Another lesbian pride gown moment🌸

[Prints]

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Lan Wangji goes to Lotus Pier (No relation to the AU of the same name)

[First] Prev <–-> Next