biohazard 4 FILM DVD BOOK Incubate (バイオハザード4 FILM DVD BOOK Incubate) is a DVD/Book compilation that was released to coincide with the release of the PlayStation 2 version of biohazard 4. The book details the events which occurred in the village prior to the beginning of the game, while the DVD contains trailers for the game and a 97 minute video of the game with a movie-like presentation, featuring pre-played gameplay (from the PS2 version, including adjusted cinematic angles) interwoven with the cut-scenes of the game from both the main game and the secondary scenario, "the another order" (Separate Ways). It establishes the canon interpretation of the game.
The entire DVD is available on ProjectUmbrellaTV HERE.
Publisher: CAPCOM
Released: September 29, 2006
Product ID: ISBN4-86233-080-0
Pages: 24
Runtime: 97 min.
Translated By: The Horror Is Alive
Encoded By: News Bot
Released: September 29, 2006
Product ID: ISBN4-86233-080-0
Pages: 24
Runtime: 97 min.
Translated By: The Horror Is Alive
Encoded By: News Bot
The Horror Is Alive Translation
Incubate
[ínkjobéit]
To fertilize an egg, [egg]
to hatch, to multiply, to grow;
(Plan) Gradual embodiment;
(Disease) Incubating
[ínkjobéit]
To fertilize an egg, [egg]
to hatch, to multiply, to grow;
(Plan) Gradual embodiment;
(Disease) Incubating
1
Evil thoughts, fall like drops into a clear stream. They silently form ripples on the water and before long the stream will be stained as if by mud. The pure heart is led astray, manipulated and fettered in chains as if by a curse.
There is a village, guided by evil teachings, a village of sadness. No flowers by the road, no joyful voices, no trace of the warmth of life anywhere to be found. The only clue to who the villagers that used to live here were, lay in sketches and poorly written memos scattered about and left behind.
2
In this village,
The people cherish their elders, their neighbors and their children's smiling faces. It's a simple and joyous life, where people work hard to keep up old customs and traditions. A peaceful life. During this gentle period of time, I was born, and returned to the soil. I love this village.
I wish it could have continued like that forever. Sometimes I would stop by to borrow the village's writing brush, and write down things about this wonderful village,to pass on to the yet unborn children of coming generations.
3
Both men and women worked hard in the village. When the sowing season arrived, the entire village was busy with the preparations. In the refreshing morning sun, the bell would ring, and people would head for the farms. Beads of sweat glimmered in the sun on the foreheads of the men cultivating the soil. The women would sing and talk to each other, but they were also busy helping with the sowing. At noon, everyone would sit down and relax, and eat their lunches that had been packed for them. The newly baked bread prepared by the men's wives would help them recover from their fatigue. And then, it was back to work.
To the villagers, working the fields was like raising children. With the love of the villagers, and nature's blessing, there would be a good harvest before long.
4
It was the same for me. Even the kids would start helping out with tending the cows and chickens at a very young age. Since they were just kids, it was hard work transporting the buckets full of milk that the men had milked from the cows. The blood ties in the village were strong, you might say that the village was like one big family. It was a strong bond, that led everyone in the village to help one another out. Every boy in the village knew that when they grew up, they would help the village prosper to the best of their ability.
My father was a man of few words, but he had a firm grip on the udders of the cows, and he let me taste some milk from his finger. It had a faint sweetness, and a very rich flavor. It was delicious. In just a few hours, we would get to drink this milk at home.
5
In the afternoon of our day off, one of my friends invited us over for dinner. He was working on excavating the old castle nearby. Since he was happy to be able to do his part in such an important job, he told us about it and boasted a bit. They had many delicious dishes lined up. But for me, the biggest feast was sitting down together, like a family. In this house as well, they valued the furniture and tableware of old times, and took good care of it. They led a simple life, much like our family, but the orderly fashion in which they had lined up everything was very nice.
In the garden outside, they had a small flower bed. They lined up in front of it, and I grabbed my brush. As thanks for the dinner, I painted a portrait which they could hand over to their baby when he grew up. They all smiled, shyly. Thank you, for your cute smiling faces!
6
In this village, there is a tale that has been passed down through generations. It is a tale of praise, of the first lord of the castle, who fought paganism in this place. Thanks to that lord, this village exists, and we can continue to live in peace. Usually, it is a tale told by grandparents to their grandchildren, while the child's mom and dad are out working. In the house next door, the grandmother told it to her granddaughter while sewing. And one day, that granddaughter shall most likely be a grandmother herself, and she will tell the tale to her grandchildren in the same fashion.
The original lord of the castle was a man with a strong sense of justice, who protected the villagers. But the current lord, sir Ramon...
7
The time of the harvest has finally come! There looks to be a big harvest surplus this year, which we can sell at a good price in the neighboring town. For that money, we'll be able to buy things that aren't available at the village, such as gasoline. The villagers all worked together to load the truck with the surplus crops, and even though it was hard work, the children also helped out. The driver stepped on the gas pedal, and the truck rolled off. Children are to be treasured, that is what everyone in the village has been brought up to know. Everyone wishes for nothing but the children to grow up to be strong and healthy.
When all the work was done, it was already sunset. Tomorrow is the harvest festival! I should go to sleep early today and wake up early tomorrow.
8
Today is the harvest celebration. A ceremony to thank nature for our good harvest. Eat well, as much as you like, dance in a circle, and after all the fun you lie down and watch the starry sky. And even though it's late at night, the children are allowed to
stay up and play for as long as they can muster. Since this is one of the few special festive days for the village, the parents are willing to let the kids stay up just for tonight. And since they've all been working so hard, they enjoy this special day together. Some people read the stories they've written out loud, families join together and sing in chorus, and some people tell that special someone how they feel about them. And finally, the man with the guitar plays his song and sings his thanks for the good harvest. As he sings, even the most shy people of the village join in, and smile as the village is joined in happiness.
For some reason, the village chief did not show up this year. But, lord Mendez is probably in the church with the priest, working hard and couldn't make it, I suppose.
9
Around here, lots of people work together to cook. Everyone does their fair share. We use crops that grow around the village, milk from the cows, eggs from the chickens, fish from the river, ingredients that we collectively bought from town, and then everyone takes their share back home. My brother, who lived nearby, had loaded his wagon with his goods, and the two of us walked off with the sun shining on us through the leaves. We heard birds sing, looked at flowers by the roadside, and had fun talking to each other all the way to his home. My brother's family came outside to meet up with him, and as he waved at them both he and his horse picked up the pace as they headed for the house. He tied the horse to the gatepost. It had carried some of our late father's things that my brother was going to take care of. It was about time for me to go back home, but it was nice to spend some time with my brother.
Since the village chief had announced that he wanted everyone in the village to gather up for church next Sunday,I reminded my wife and daughter that we had to go there.
10
After the village chief was done, lord Saddler held his sermon. Lord Saddler was a person that the village chief respected and revered, and a higher-up in the Los Illuminados religious organization. He had come here especially for the sake of us villagers, and he held a wondrous sermon that lasted for hours. Instead of just trying to purify the sinful blood of heathens like us, he tried to teach us how tocleanse our soul, and find the real way to happiness.
Heathen... I wonder if he was one as well. My friend, who invited us over for dinner, that is. Shortly after that, his personality had
taken a complete turnaround, from calm to violent. It was frightening... If one does not attend the sermons, they can't find the way to happiness.
The religious organization, Los Illuminados, was there to protect us, and save us from ourselves. Such a generous deed, such a wonderfully generous deed!
11
In order to purify our sinful blood, our hearts had to become like one. We had to put an end to our unclean bloodline. All the villagers lined up, to receive the sacred blood. This time, it was my brother's turn. Suddenly, he looked at me and screamed "Brother! Help me!" He was refusing to take part in the ceremony. In order for us villagers to become one, it was imperative that no one refused. Everyone present consulted the kind village chief and lord Saddler on what to do about it. After having talked to my brother's family, and they too having accepted the ceremony, my brother accepted it before long.
On this day, we villagers came to know the truth. The first lord of the castle had become jealous of the Los Illuminados, and gotten to be in the way of their good deeds. And Lord Ramon had, in order to restore relations with the religious organization, contributed greatly to their cause. Which meant that the tale passed down through generations had been nothing but one big fake.
12
I wonder if the hindrance was out of their way now...My wife coughed, and let the concern show on her face. Shortly after having dinner, my daughter suddenly started foaming from her mouth! Her face was warped as by terrible pain, and her limbs were shaking furiously! I have to help her! Oh my goodness, what should I do!? My daughter... my precious daughter... is DEAD! I looked at my wife, she just stood their with an expressionless look on her face. I just can't believe what just happened... I refuse to believe it!
My head started hurting, as if it was about to split in two. It felt as if all the blood in my body was boiling, like a terribly painful fever. The next moment, I suddenly heard my daughter's voice in my head, and my entire body started shaking."You worthless piece of shit!"
13
I ran over to my brother's house as fast as I could. Something was wrong with his son. He was sick in bed, and around his mouth were traces of him coughing up blood. I asked him, and he said his entire body was in pain. His eyes glared at me, stained with madness, and I covered my ears trying to shut his words of pain out.
Over the next few days, all the children in the village had died. Our precious children were all gone, not a single one left. Not a single one...
The number of adults who were going mad, or had lost all signs of emotion, was growing fast. Some would go around doing strange things, some refused to eat, and others would go around muttering as if they were speaking ill of someone, leave for a long while, and then come back.
This morning... I also coughed up blood.
14
We have received a message from the village chief. "Lord Saddler's life may be in danger. If someone starts snooping around here, kill them." Kill any intruders on sight!
The head of one of the men in front of me split in two.
For our great lord Saddler! Please bless us with your next order!
15
The village is now an embodiment of fear. With people who lost their way, scheming people, people who seek conflict.
Evil thoughts, fall like drops into a clear stream. They silently form ripples on the water and before long the stream will be stained as if by mud. The pure heart is led astray, manipulated and fettered in chains as if by a curse.
There is a village, guided by evil teachings, a village of sadness. No flowers by the road, no joyful voices, no trace of the warmth of life anywhere to be found. The only clue to who the villagers that used to live here were, lay in sketches and poorly written memos scattered about and left behind.
2
In this village,
The people cherish their elders, their neighbors and their children's smiling faces. It's a simple and joyous life, where people work hard to keep up old customs and traditions. A peaceful life. During this gentle period of time, I was born, and returned to the soil. I love this village.
I wish it could have continued like that forever. Sometimes I would stop by to borrow the village's writing brush, and write down things about this wonderful village,to pass on to the yet unborn children of coming generations.
3
Both men and women worked hard in the village. When the sowing season arrived, the entire village was busy with the preparations. In the refreshing morning sun, the bell would ring, and people would head for the farms. Beads of sweat glimmered in the sun on the foreheads of the men cultivating the soil. The women would sing and talk to each other, but they were also busy helping with the sowing. At noon, everyone would sit down and relax, and eat their lunches that had been packed for them. The newly baked bread prepared by the men's wives would help them recover from their fatigue. And then, it was back to work.
To the villagers, working the fields was like raising children. With the love of the villagers, and nature's blessing, there would be a good harvest before long.
4
It was the same for me. Even the kids would start helping out with tending the cows and chickens at a very young age. Since they were just kids, it was hard work transporting the buckets full of milk that the men had milked from the cows. The blood ties in the village were strong, you might say that the village was like one big family. It was a strong bond, that led everyone in the village to help one another out. Every boy in the village knew that when they grew up, they would help the village prosper to the best of their ability.
My father was a man of few words, but he had a firm grip on the udders of the cows, and he let me taste some milk from his finger. It had a faint sweetness, and a very rich flavor. It was delicious. In just a few hours, we would get to drink this milk at home.
5
In the afternoon of our day off, one of my friends invited us over for dinner. He was working on excavating the old castle nearby. Since he was happy to be able to do his part in such an important job, he told us about it and boasted a bit. They had many delicious dishes lined up. But for me, the biggest feast was sitting down together, like a family. In this house as well, they valued the furniture and tableware of old times, and took good care of it. They led a simple life, much like our family, but the orderly fashion in which they had lined up everything was very nice.
In the garden outside, they had a small flower bed. They lined up in front of it, and I grabbed my brush. As thanks for the dinner, I painted a portrait which they could hand over to their baby when he grew up. They all smiled, shyly. Thank you, for your cute smiling faces!
6
In this village, there is a tale that has been passed down through generations. It is a tale of praise, of the first lord of the castle, who fought paganism in this place. Thanks to that lord, this village exists, and we can continue to live in peace. Usually, it is a tale told by grandparents to their grandchildren, while the child's mom and dad are out working. In the house next door, the grandmother told it to her granddaughter while sewing. And one day, that granddaughter shall most likely be a grandmother herself, and she will tell the tale to her grandchildren in the same fashion.
The original lord of the castle was a man with a strong sense of justice, who protected the villagers. But the current lord, sir Ramon...
7
The time of the harvest has finally come! There looks to be a big harvest surplus this year, which we can sell at a good price in the neighboring town. For that money, we'll be able to buy things that aren't available at the village, such as gasoline. The villagers all worked together to load the truck with the surplus crops, and even though it was hard work, the children also helped out. The driver stepped on the gas pedal, and the truck rolled off. Children are to be treasured, that is what everyone in the village has been brought up to know. Everyone wishes for nothing but the children to grow up to be strong and healthy.
When all the work was done, it was already sunset. Tomorrow is the harvest festival! I should go to sleep early today and wake up early tomorrow.
8
Today is the harvest celebration. A ceremony to thank nature for our good harvest. Eat well, as much as you like, dance in a circle, and after all the fun you lie down and watch the starry sky. And even though it's late at night, the children are allowed to
stay up and play for as long as they can muster. Since this is one of the few special festive days for the village, the parents are willing to let the kids stay up just for tonight. And since they've all been working so hard, they enjoy this special day together. Some people read the stories they've written out loud, families join together and sing in chorus, and some people tell that special someone how they feel about them. And finally, the man with the guitar plays his song and sings his thanks for the good harvest. As he sings, even the most shy people of the village join in, and smile as the village is joined in happiness.
For some reason, the village chief did not show up this year. But, lord Mendez is probably in the church with the priest, working hard and couldn't make it, I suppose.
9
Around here, lots of people work together to cook. Everyone does their fair share. We use crops that grow around the village, milk from the cows, eggs from the chickens, fish from the river, ingredients that we collectively bought from town, and then everyone takes their share back home. My brother, who lived nearby, had loaded his wagon with his goods, and the two of us walked off with the sun shining on us through the leaves. We heard birds sing, looked at flowers by the roadside, and had fun talking to each other all the way to his home. My brother's family came outside to meet up with him, and as he waved at them both he and his horse picked up the pace as they headed for the house. He tied the horse to the gatepost. It had carried some of our late father's things that my brother was going to take care of. It was about time for me to go back home, but it was nice to spend some time with my brother.
Since the village chief had announced that he wanted everyone in the village to gather up for church next Sunday,I reminded my wife and daughter that we had to go there.
10
After the village chief was done, lord Saddler held his sermon. Lord Saddler was a person that the village chief respected and revered, and a higher-up in the Los Illuminados religious organization. He had come here especially for the sake of us villagers, and he held a wondrous sermon that lasted for hours. Instead of just trying to purify the sinful blood of heathens like us, he tried to teach us how tocleanse our soul, and find the real way to happiness.
Heathen... I wonder if he was one as well. My friend, who invited us over for dinner, that is. Shortly after that, his personality had
taken a complete turnaround, from calm to violent. It was frightening... If one does not attend the sermons, they can't find the way to happiness.
The religious organization, Los Illuminados, was there to protect us, and save us from ourselves. Such a generous deed, such a wonderfully generous deed!
11
In order to purify our sinful blood, our hearts had to become like one. We had to put an end to our unclean bloodline. All the villagers lined up, to receive the sacred blood. This time, it was my brother's turn. Suddenly, he looked at me and screamed "Brother! Help me!" He was refusing to take part in the ceremony. In order for us villagers to become one, it was imperative that no one refused. Everyone present consulted the kind village chief and lord Saddler on what to do about it. After having talked to my brother's family, and they too having accepted the ceremony, my brother accepted it before long.
On this day, we villagers came to know the truth. The first lord of the castle had become jealous of the Los Illuminados, and gotten to be in the way of their good deeds. And Lord Ramon had, in order to restore relations with the religious organization, contributed greatly to their cause. Which meant that the tale passed down through generations had been nothing but one big fake.
12
I wonder if the hindrance was out of their way now...My wife coughed, and let the concern show on her face. Shortly after having dinner, my daughter suddenly started foaming from her mouth! Her face was warped as by terrible pain, and her limbs were shaking furiously! I have to help her! Oh my goodness, what should I do!? My daughter... my precious daughter... is DEAD! I looked at my wife, she just stood their with an expressionless look on her face. I just can't believe what just happened... I refuse to believe it!
My head started hurting, as if it was about to split in two. It felt as if all the blood in my body was boiling, like a terribly painful fever. The next moment, I suddenly heard my daughter's voice in my head, and my entire body started shaking."You worthless piece of shit!"
13
I ran over to my brother's house as fast as I could. Something was wrong with his son. He was sick in bed, and around his mouth were traces of him coughing up blood. I asked him, and he said his entire body was in pain. His eyes glared at me, stained with madness, and I covered my ears trying to shut his words of pain out.
Over the next few days, all the children in the village had died. Our precious children were all gone, not a single one left. Not a single one...
The number of adults who were going mad, or had lost all signs of emotion, was growing fast. Some would go around doing strange things, some refused to eat, and others would go around muttering as if they were speaking ill of someone, leave for a long while, and then come back.
This morning... I also coughed up blood.
14
We have received a message from the village chief. "Lord Saddler's life may be in danger. If someone starts snooping around here, kill them." Kill any intruders on sight!
The head of one of the men in front of me split in two.
For our great lord Saddler! Please bless us with your next order!
15
The village is now an embodiment of fear. With people who lost their way, scheming people, people who seek conflict.
Official Japanese Transcript
～Incubate～
この村には、
子供たちの笑顔、善き隣人たち、古きものを大切にする心がある。慎ましい暮らしに、ささやかな喜びが満ちている。風習や文化を守り、村は平和を保ってきた。この穏やかな時の流れの中で私は生まれ、そして土へ還っていくのだ。私は、村を愛している。
いつまでも変わらぬ光景が続く事を願い、村の折々を筆で描きとめることにした。祖母の付けてくれた我が名を拙画の隅に記そう、まだ見ぬ孫や、その子供たちに、この素晴らしさを伝えるために。
男も女もよく働く。種蒔きの季節が訪れ、あちらこちらで準備が始まる。清々しい朝陽を合図に農場へ向かった。土を耕す逞しい男たちの額には汗が光る。手伝う女たちは歌い、おしゃべりに興じ、実ににぎやかだ。昼は、皆で弁当を広げてくつろぎのひと時。妻が焼いてくれたパンが疲れを癒してくれる。さて、もうひとふんばりだ。
畑仕事は子育てみたいなもの。村人の慈しみと自然の恩恵を受けてやがて、大地は豊穣の時を迎えるのだ。
私もそうだったが、子供たちは幼い頃から牛や鶏の世話を手伝う。牛舎に行くと、男の子が牛の乳がたっぷり入ったバケツを小さな体で大事に運んでいた。村人のほとんどは血縁があり、村全体が大きな家族のようだ。いつも助け合って固い絆で結ばれている。この男の子も大人になれば、小さい行いでも村の役に立っていることを知るだろう。
寡黙な父親から搾りたての乳をもらい口に含むと、ほのかな甘さとともに濃厚な味が広がる、うまい。もう少しすると、我が家でもこの乳が飲めるはずだ。
休日の午後、友人が昼食に招いてくれた。友人は、城で発掘作業をしている。名誉ある仕事でお役に立てて嬉しいと少し自慢げに話してくれた。美味しい食事が並ぶが、一番のご馳走は家族の団欒だろう。この家も、食器や家具などが古くからのものを大切にしている。我が家と同じように質素な暮らしだが、きちんと整理されていて気持ちがいい。
庭には小さな花壇があり、その前に家族で並んでもらい、筆をとる。昼餉の礼として絵を描いて幼子に渡すと、はにかんだ笑顔を見せた。可愛い笑顔をありがとう、ごちそうさま！
この村では、代々語り継がれている物語がある。邪教を懲らしめた初代城主様を称える内容だ。その方のおかげで、この村があり、私たちも今こうして無事に過ごせているのだ。たいていは父母が働きに出ている間に、祖父母が物語を孫に伝えている。隣の家では祖母が孫娘に裁縫を教えながら聞かせていたが、この子たちも、いつの日か編み物や縫い物をしながら、孫に話してやるのだろう。
初代の城主様は村人を守る正義感あふれる方だったが、今のラモン様は......。
待ち望んだ収穫の時が来た！今年は豊作の上に出来がよく、近隣の町に高値で売れるだろう。その分、ガソリンなど村では手に入らないものがたくさん買えそうだ。村人総出の作物のとり入れ作業もはかどり、野菜をトラックに運ぶのだが、かなりの重労働なのに子供たちも一生懸命手伝っている。厳しくも優しい指示が飛ぶ。子は村の宝、村人皆で育てているようなものだ。子供たちが健やかに育ちますように--それは皆の願いだ。
作業を終えるとすでに夕暮れが迫っていた。明日は収穫祭だ、今日は早く眠ろう。
今日は豊穣を祝い、自然に感謝する収穫の祭りだ。よく食べ、おおいに呑み、輪になって踊り、ふと見上げると美しい満天の星。夜も更けていくが、子供たちは親の許しを得て遅くまではしゃいでいる。村にとっては数少ない催しごとだから、今晩ばかりは親も大目に見るのだ。普段はよく働き、特別な時には皆で楽しむ。ある者は自作の誌を朗読したり、ある家族は合唱したりと練習の成果が披露されていき、最後にギターを手にした男が感謝の気持ちを込めて、しゃがれた声で歌い出す。大喝采を浴びて照れた様子に皆が微笑み、村は幸福感に包まれた。
それにしても、村長様のお姿が今年は見えないが、メンデス様は神父様でもあるので、おそらく教会のお仕事でお忙しくてお越しになれなかったのだろう。
ここでは人々が協力して食料を得て、皆で分配する。村でとれる農作物、牛の乳、鶏の卵、川魚、木の実、町で買って来たものを教会に集めて、家庭に持ち帰るのだ。近所に住む弟の荷馬車に品を載せ、ふたりで木漏れ日の中、鳥のさえずりや道端の花を楽しみながら家路につく。弟の家族が迎えに出て手を振ると、弟も馬も歩を速めていく姿が微笑ましい。今は亡き父が荷物を載せた馬を引き家に帰る頃、兄弟で迎えに行ったものだ。そんな遠い日を思い出しながら、私は、弟の後をゆっくりと追う。
村長様が次の日曜日に村人は全員集まるようにおっしゃっていたので、妻と娘に声をかけるのを忘れないようにしよう。
村長様のお話に続き、サドラー様の御説教を賜る。サドラー様は村長様が敬愛される、ロス・イルミナドス教団のとてもえらい方である。わざわざ足をお運びになり、村人のために何時間も素晴らしいお話を語って下さった。我々のような罪深き者が血を浄化する儀式を受ける事により、魂は救われ、さらなる幸福が訪れる事を教えて下さった。
罪深き者......彼もそうだったのだろうか、昼飯に招いてくれた友人はその後、穏やかだった性格が一変し、突然暴れ出すようになってしまった。恐ろしい......。 儀式を受けなければ、幸福にはなれない。
教団の皆様が私たちを守り、お救い下さろうとしている。なんとありがたいことだ、ありがたいことだ！
血の浄化の儀式を行えば皆の心が繋がり、不浄の血は清らかになる。村人全員が順番に並び、血を授かる。弟の番だ。突然、私を見て「兄さん、助けて！」と叫び、儀式を拒む。村人がひとつになるためには、誰ひとり欠けてもいけない。居合わせた者とともに懇々と村長様とサドラー様の御意志を聞かせ、弟の家族も受けたことを話すと、やがて彼も受け入れてくれた。
この日、私たち村人は真実を知った。初代城主様がロス・イルミナドス教団を妬んで善行を邪魔されたこと、ラモン様が教団の復活のために多大なる貢献をされたことを。何百年も、まやかしの物語を伝え聞かされていたのだ......。
風邪をひいたのか、妻はこのところ咳が酷く心配だ。夕食後に、娘が突然、口から泡を吹き、苦痛に顔を歪めて手足を激しく動かし始めた。助けなければ！ あぁ、なんということだ......。私の娘が、大切な娘が......死んでしまった。妻を見ると、無表情で立っている。この光景の全てが、信じられない、信じたくない！
頭が割れるように痛み出し、体中の血が吹き出そうなほどに熱く苦しい。次の瞬間、私は娘に叫んだ自分の言葉に驚き、震えた。この役立たずめ！
私は急いで弟の家に向かった。弟の様子がおかしい。床には吐血した跡があり、聞けば、苦痛のあまりにのたうちまわったという。狂気をはらんだ目で私を睨み、耳をふさぎたくなるような言葉を吐く。
数日の間に、村の子供たちは全員死んでしまった、大切な子供たちがいなくなった、ひとりもいない。ひとりも......。
狂った眼差しを向け、感情を失った大人が増えていく。奇妙なことに何も食べずに何日も過ごし、つぶやきながら、時には罵りながらどこかへ行き、また戻ってくる。
私も今朝、吐血した......。
村長様からの伝達--「サドラー様の命により、よそ者が来たら排除せよ」。見つけ次第、殺してやる！
目の前にいる男の頭が割れた。
偉大なるサドラー様！次なるご命令を！
この村には、
子供たちの笑顔、善き隣人たち、古きものを大切にする心がある。慎ましい暮らしに、ささやかな喜びが満ちている。風習や文化を守り、村は平和を保ってきた。この穏やかな時の流れの中で私は生まれ、そして土へ還っていくのだ。私は、村を愛している。
いつまでも変わらぬ光景が続く事を願い、村の折々を筆で描きとめることにした。祖母の付けてくれた我が名を拙画の隅に記そう、まだ見ぬ孫や、その子供たちに、この素晴らしさを伝えるために。
男も女もよく働く。種蒔きの季節が訪れ、あちらこちらで準備が始まる。清々しい朝陽を合図に農場へ向かった。土を耕す逞しい男たちの額には汗が光る。手伝う女たちは歌い、おしゃべりに興じ、実ににぎやかだ。昼は、皆で弁当を広げてくつろぎのひと時。妻が焼いてくれたパンが疲れを癒してくれる。さて、もうひとふんばりだ。
畑仕事は子育てみたいなもの。村人の慈しみと自然の恩恵を受けてやがて、大地は豊穣の時を迎えるのだ。
私もそうだったが、子供たちは幼い頃から牛や鶏の世話を手伝う。牛舎に行くと、男の子が牛の乳がたっぷり入ったバケツを小さな体で大事に運んでいた。村人のほとんどは血縁があり、村全体が大きな家族のようだ。いつも助け合って固い絆で結ばれている。この男の子も大人になれば、小さい行いでも村の役に立っていることを知るだろう。
寡黙な父親から搾りたての乳をもらい口に含むと、ほのかな甘さとともに濃厚な味が広がる、うまい。もう少しすると、我が家でもこの乳が飲めるはずだ。
休日の午後、友人が昼食に招いてくれた。友人は、城で発掘作業をしている。名誉ある仕事でお役に立てて嬉しいと少し自慢げに話してくれた。美味しい食事が並ぶが、一番のご馳走は家族の団欒だろう。この家も、食器や家具などが古くからのものを大切にしている。我が家と同じように質素な暮らしだが、きちんと整理されていて気持ちがいい。
庭には小さな花壇があり、その前に家族で並んでもらい、筆をとる。昼餉の礼として絵を描いて幼子に渡すと、はにかんだ笑顔を見せた。可愛い笑顔をありがとう、ごちそうさま！
この村では、代々語り継がれている物語がある。邪教を懲らしめた初代城主様を称える内容だ。その方のおかげで、この村があり、私たちも今こうして無事に過ごせているのだ。たいていは父母が働きに出ている間に、祖父母が物語を孫に伝えている。隣の家では祖母が孫娘に裁縫を教えながら聞かせていたが、この子たちも、いつの日か編み物や縫い物をしながら、孫に話してやるのだろう。
初代の城主様は村人を守る正義感あふれる方だったが、今のラモン様は......。
待ち望んだ収穫の時が来た！今年は豊作の上に出来がよく、近隣の町に高値で売れるだろう。その分、ガソリンなど村では手に入らないものがたくさん買えそうだ。村人総出の作物のとり入れ作業もはかどり、野菜をトラックに運ぶのだが、かなりの重労働なのに子供たちも一生懸命手伝っている。厳しくも優しい指示が飛ぶ。子は村の宝、村人皆で育てているようなものだ。子供たちが健やかに育ちますように--それは皆の願いだ。
作業を終えるとすでに夕暮れが迫っていた。明日は収穫祭だ、今日は早く眠ろう。
今日は豊穣を祝い、自然に感謝する収穫の祭りだ。よく食べ、おおいに呑み、輪になって踊り、ふと見上げると美しい満天の星。夜も更けていくが、子供たちは親の許しを得て遅くまではしゃいでいる。村にとっては数少ない催しごとだから、今晩ばかりは親も大目に見るのだ。普段はよく働き、特別な時には皆で楽しむ。ある者は自作の誌を朗読したり、ある家族は合唱したりと練習の成果が披露されていき、最後にギターを手にした男が感謝の気持ちを込めて、しゃがれた声で歌い出す。大喝采を浴びて照れた様子に皆が微笑み、村は幸福感に包まれた。
それにしても、村長様のお姿が今年は見えないが、メンデス様は神父様でもあるので、おそらく教会のお仕事でお忙しくてお越しになれなかったのだろう。
ここでは人々が協力して食料を得て、皆で分配する。村でとれる農作物、牛の乳、鶏の卵、川魚、木の実、町で買って来たものを教会に集めて、家庭に持ち帰るのだ。近所に住む弟の荷馬車に品を載せ、ふたりで木漏れ日の中、鳥のさえずりや道端の花を楽しみながら家路につく。弟の家族が迎えに出て手を振ると、弟も馬も歩を速めていく姿が微笑ましい。今は亡き父が荷物を載せた馬を引き家に帰る頃、兄弟で迎えに行ったものだ。そんな遠い日を思い出しながら、私は、弟の後をゆっくりと追う。
村長様が次の日曜日に村人は全員集まるようにおっしゃっていたので、妻と娘に声をかけるのを忘れないようにしよう。
村長様のお話に続き、サドラー様の御説教を賜る。サドラー様は村長様が敬愛される、ロス・イルミナドス教団のとてもえらい方である。わざわざ足をお運びになり、村人のために何時間も素晴らしいお話を語って下さった。我々のような罪深き者が血を浄化する儀式を受ける事により、魂は救われ、さらなる幸福が訪れる事を教えて下さった。
罪深き者......彼もそうだったのだろうか、昼飯に招いてくれた友人はその後、穏やかだった性格が一変し、突然暴れ出すようになってしまった。恐ろしい......。 儀式を受けなければ、幸福にはなれない。
教団の皆様が私たちを守り、お救い下さろうとしている。なんとありがたいことだ、ありがたいことだ！
血の浄化の儀式を行えば皆の心が繋がり、不浄の血は清らかになる。村人全員が順番に並び、血を授かる。弟の番だ。突然、私を見て「兄さん、助けて！」と叫び、儀式を拒む。村人がひとつになるためには、誰ひとり欠けてもいけない。居合わせた者とともに懇々と村長様とサドラー様の御意志を聞かせ、弟の家族も受けたことを話すと、やがて彼も受け入れてくれた。
この日、私たち村人は真実を知った。初代城主様がロス・イルミナドス教団を妬んで善行を邪魔されたこと、ラモン様が教団の復活のために多大なる貢献をされたことを。何百年も、まやかしの物語を伝え聞かされていたのだ......。
風邪をひいたのか、妻はこのところ咳が酷く心配だ。夕食後に、娘が突然、口から泡を吹き、苦痛に顔を歪めて手足を激しく動かし始めた。助けなければ！ あぁ、なんということだ......。私の娘が、大切な娘が......死んでしまった。妻を見ると、無表情で立っている。この光景の全てが、信じられない、信じたくない！
頭が割れるように痛み出し、体中の血が吹き出そうなほどに熱く苦しい。次の瞬間、私は娘に叫んだ自分の言葉に驚き、震えた。この役立たずめ！
私は急いで弟の家に向かった。弟の様子がおかしい。床には吐血した跡があり、聞けば、苦痛のあまりにのたうちまわったという。狂気をはらんだ目で私を睨み、耳をふさぎたくなるような言葉を吐く。
数日の間に、村の子供たちは全員死んでしまった、大切な子供たちがいなくなった、ひとりもいない。ひとりも......。
狂った眼差しを向け、感情を失った大人が増えていく。奇妙なことに何も食べずに何日も過ごし、つぶやきながら、時には罵りながらどこかへ行き、また戻ってくる。
私も今朝、吐血した......。
村長様からの伝達--「サドラー様の命により、よそ者が来たら排除せよ」。見つけ次第、殺してやる！
目の前にいる男の頭が割れた。
偉大なるサドラー様！次なるご命令を！
STAFF
Editing & Publishing
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Product Manager: Tetsuya Ono
Planning & Productions: Karitajian Inc.
BOOK PART
Editing: Karitajian Inc.
Writing: Reiko Hirano (Karitajian)
Editorial Supervision
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
biohazard 4 Development Team
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Product Manager: Tetsuya Ono
Planning & Productions: Karitajian Inc.
BOOK PART
Editing: Karitajian Inc.
Writing: Reiko Hirano (Karitajian)
Editorial Supervision
CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Hiroyuki Kobayashi
biohazard 4 Development Team