PPPPP A L
P P A A L
P P A A L
PPPPP AAAAAAA L
P A A L
P A A L
P A A LLLLLL
S H I N K E N D E N S E T S U
L e g e n d o f t h e H o l y D o g
Translation Guide v.01
by Thomas Lipschultz
wyrdwad at hotmail.com
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The following is a Japanese-to-English translation of the introduction to
Tohokushinsha's 1997 PlayStation RPG "PAL: Shinken Densetsu." Though the
game
was never popular or well-known, I consider PAL to be a silent masterpiece,
and
strongly urge anyone who (A) has a third-year college Japanese level or
above,
(B) loves dogs, and (C) loves old-school RPGs, to track down and play this
lost
marvel.
This translation covers roughly the first 30 minutes of gameplay, and
nothing
more. It was written for the sake of showing this game to my friends who
speak
no Japanese whatsoever. Since the game is quite visually unimpressive
(sub-par
even for SNES), the only way to accurately represent how cool it is is by
allowing my friends to experience the story and characters, just a little
bit,
and to witness how extremely well-written and unique this game truly is.
I currently have no plans to do any further work on this translation --
unless,
of course, there is a demand for it. Feel free to contact me at wyrdwad at
hotmail.com if you'd like to see this guide get updated.
Also, if you're a PAL fan too (which would be very unusual, but it COULD
happen), and would like to continue this translation YOURSELF, you have my
full
permission to do so, and to integrate anything and everything from this
guide
into your own. Please do give credit where credit is due, though. The name
is
Thomas Lipschultz. And please, if you make any progress on translating this
game, EMAIL ME!! I'd love to hear from you!! (:
And finally, a quick note: this is NOT A DIRECT TRANSLATION. Many lines from
the
game have been rewritten or reworded into more natural-sounding English.
Please
bear this in mind, and do not flame me for being a poor translator. (:
And so, without further ado...
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(Intro -- before title screen)
Messenger: Lord Nostradamus!!
Messenger: Lord Nostradamus!!
Nostradamus: What is it?
Messenger: I've finally found her! The girl who's fated to sing the future
of
mankind!
Just as my Lord Nostradamus predicted, she was discovered in Kamishima!
Nostradamus: So, she's finally been revealed...
The promised girl, who carries on her shoulders the world's future, and the
fate
of mankind.
Nostradamus: I've been waiting for so many years... nay, for so many
HUNDREDS of
years.
Now, if only I can get that girl in my possession...
Mysterious person: What is the girl's name?
Messenger: Oh, yes! Her name...
.is Kaoru!!
Nostradamus: Kaoru...
(scene shift to Kamishima, in front of a school building)
Girl: Cold rain...
Girl: I wonder how long it's going to last?
Girl: Hello.
Suzuki Soba Restaurant Proprietor: Oh, are you on your way home? It's pretty
cold today, huh.
Girl: Yeah. Seems like the weather's always bad around these parts.
Suzuki Soba Restaurant Proprietor: Tell me about it! You should take care
not to
catch a cold!
Girl: I will, thank you sir. You be careful too!
(dog barks)
Girl: Oh, you poor thing... you've been left to shiver here all by yourself,
haven't you!
Girl: I know! You can come home with me, OK?
Girl: You're happy about that? Me too.
I'll bet you were sent here as a gift from the gods!
Girl: Hey, from now on, I'm gonna call you "Pal," OK?
Your name... is Pal.
(Pal barks)
Girl: Oh, me?
Girl: I'm Kaoru...
My name is Kaoru.
(Pal barks)
[[TITLE SCREEN]]
(On starting a new game)
"...Pal?"
Pal!!
PAL!!
Kaoru: Pal, PAL! Geez, Pal, you sleep pretty heavily, huh...
You up? You looked like you were feeling a bit lonely just now...
Well, here ya' go. The usual souvenir.
.What's wrong? Aren'tcha gonna eat it? Come on, give it a taste!
You don't have to worry about anything.
It's OK. I'm gonna go talk to my aunt about you right now.
Kaoru: ...I'm home!
.....
Kaoru's aunt: So you're gonna start with THAT again, huh!
I told you, NO MEANS NO!
I have my hands full just trying to raise YOU!
And to make matters worse, I've had to put up with all of this for a month,
regardless of the fact that I HATE DOGS!!
Didn't you promise me?
Keep your word. Sometime today, get rid of that damn mutt!
Got it?!
(Check near the fence)
Got a little drowsy.
Paleh: Mornin' Pal! What's up?
Hey, that looks pretty good!!
Hmm? What's wrong, Pal?!
It's not like you to leave behind Kaoru's souvenir. You usually gobble it
right
up!
Is it OK if I have some?
(Yes) Heheheh... sorry 'bout this.
OK if I have a little more?
(Yes)
Paleh: ...Man, you're really a good guy, you know that?
Paleh: Heey heey, Kaoru, got anything for meeee?
You know, like a pike bone or somethin'?
So, you've got nothin' for me, huh? Geeez...
Well, that's OK. I got some of yours, after all.
Anyway, get your spirits up, man. I'll be back later to hang out.
Kaoru: Leaving already, Paleh?
Kaoru: You and Paleh are really good buddies, huh.
Kaoru: ...I often wish that me and Yukito were as close as you and Paleh...
Kaoru: ...I'm sorry, Pal.
Looks like you won't be able to stay here after all.
I'm really sorry. And after all that stuff I said about not having to
worry...
.anyway, let's go for a walk, OK?
Kaoru: Guess this'll be our last walk together, huh... Pal...
Kaoru: I know! I can ask Yukito to take you in!!
I'm sure THAT'LL be OK, since he loves animals so much and all!
He IS studying for exams right now, though, so his head is probably full...
but
if *I* ask...
Yeah, no problem!!
I'm sure he'll take you in!
(During walk)
Woman: Recently, all the dogs here in Kamishima have begun multiplying, and
the
whole place stinks now.
I wonder what the federal government's Nostradamus Committee is up to?
They have a habit of saying things like "We'll build a peaceful town with an
easy way of life," but I dunno...
Man: What the heck? I thought this was a stray... if you've got a dog, you
really should take better care of it.
But, I guess that's just another sign of the times, depressing as they
are...
(Arrival at Yukito's house)
Kaoru: Wait here, OK, Pal? I'll be right back.
Kaoru: ...Just as I thought, he's in the middle of studying.
Kaoru: ...Yukito is certainly studying hard, as if his life depended on
it...
Kaoru: If I went in now, surely I'd just get in the way, right? ...I'd be a
nuisance, right?
Kaoru: ...Yukito... I'd DEFINITELY be in the way...
Kaoru: ...I wonder if he'd be mad...
.oh, Yukito...
.ahh, sorry Pal... I'm having second thoughts...
But really, Yukito won't be mad at me for this, right? It'll be OK, right?
Alright, I'm going in!
EXCUSE ME!!
Yukito: Yeeees, who's there?
Yukito: Hey, Kaoru!!
Kaoru: Umm, are you busy?
Yukito: Well, I'm studying at the moment, but... what's on your mind?
Kaoru: Well... sorry, but... ...
......
Woman: ACK, what's up with this dumb mutt?! You messed up my favorite
shirt!!
Yukito: You stupid?! There's NO WAY I could take care of a dog right now!!
Kaoru: ...Sorry, I just thought there was nowhere else to turn...
Yukito: Geez, you had to pick NOW, too!!
.I mean, I DO like dogs, but...
.well, I'm really busy with my studies, every single day...
I'm sorry to do this to you, Kaoru, but I just don't have the time to be
hassled
with a dog right now.
Kaoru: ...OK, I understand.
Sorry to bother you while you were studying.
.well, goodbye then.
Several warm things dripped from Kaoru's pupils.
Kaoru: ...Let's go, Pal.
(During walk)
Man: Hmm? OHHH, good boy, good boy!! This dog looks to be quite clever and
handsome!!
I'm sure that if you were to take on human form, you'd be quite a magnet for
the
elite, just like the Nostradamus Committee!
Little girl: Wooooow, he's sooo cute!! He looks like a widdle teddy bear!!
Little girl: Oh, a dog!! LUCKY!! ... I wish *I* lived in a house where *I*
could
have a dog...
But Papa said that we can't afford one because of the recession...
(Arrival at the school)
Kaoru: Wait here a bit, OK?
Paleh: Huh? Pal? Whatcha doin' in a place like THIS?
Ahh, I see. So you were brought here by Kaoru, huh.
Tossed out of there after all, huh.
Well, nothin' much you can do about THAT, eh?
Kaoru's old lady is a pretty awful person, isn't she.
But hey, look on the bright side! From today on, you can be a throwaway too,
just like me!
Being a throwaway is cool, you get to feel all comfortable and relaxed, and
do
whatever the hell you want!
If there's anything you need to know, you come right to me about it, 'k?
Hmmm... actually, now that I think about it, where's Kaoru?
Paleh: ... Well, let's not just sit around and whine all day, let's go look
for
Kaoru! Whaddaya say?
(Yes) Attaboy, Pal! Always quick to answer!
ALL RIGHT! Hold still for a minute...
Paleh: OK!
You're finally free now!
Being able to go wherever you want is a really great thing too, y'know!
And so... take it away, man!
Paleh has joined your party!
(Talk to students on school grounds)
Student: Hmmm? How'd this pooch get in? He's a dirty little guy, ain't he.
Student: AaaaAAAAAaaah! If I don't study more and more, I'll NEVER be a
politician!
If I become a politician, then I'll finally be able to score that position
on
the Nostradamus Committee that I've always dreamed of! Alrighty, back to
work!!
Elderly businessman: Hey! What's this stray dog doing here! SHOO!! SHOO!!
(Inside school)
Student: I'm late for my club activities. I'd better get changed before I'm
scolded.
Delinquent: Hmmm, this mutt... if I clean it up a bit and give it to Kyoko
as a
present, maybe she'll change her mind about me...
Delinquent: Yo, some kinda dog is on da' premises. Wondah whose it is?
Delinquent: What are YOU lookin' at! I'm gonna eat you up, BOY!
[[BATTLE!]]
(You lose!)
Pal has gotten a little bit stronger!
Paleh: Owwwie... you OK? Pal... uh...
.what's up with your face?
Pal's face has had graffiti sprayed on it!
Paleh: Heheh... anyway, we'd better go find Kaoru and get the hell outta
here!
(Talk to the delinquent that beat you again)
Delinquent: Pffffffheheheheh... what a dumb face... this is my grandest
achievement!
(Go upstairs)
Delinquent: Yo, you steppin'?! You got a problem?! YEEAH!!
Damn that Kyoko! It's always Kaoru this and Kaoru that, while all the while
she
just IGNORES me!!
.and yet, still, I'm in love with her... ahhh, Kyoko...
Gym teacher: Hey, how'd you fellas get in?!
If you don't get outta here RIGHT NOW, there's gonna be some serious crap
goin'
down!!
[[BATTLE!]]
(You lose!)
Pal has gotten a little bit stronger!
Gym teacher: Grah, looks like I got a little carried away just now.
Lately, these damn delinquents have been raising my stress level, and I
guess I
took it all out on you guys. Sorry 'bout that.
(Talk to people)
Gym teacher: Again, sorry about that, guys. I was dividing up my lunch when
you
approached. Please, forgive me!!
Student: You guys strays?
If not, you should probably clear out before all the delinquents start to
bully
you.
(On trying to go upstairs)
The door is locked, so you can't go up!
(Outside, by the stairs to the roof)
Kyoko: Whoa, don't sneak up on me like that! Approaching me suddenly, with
that
threatening bark of yours...
You trying to start something with me?
[[BATTLE!]]
(You lose!)
Pal has gotten a little bit stronger!
Kyoko: And that... was my wrath!
Kyoko: ... Geez, that Kaoru...
(Talk to Kyoko again on the second floor)
Kyoko: Huh? Well, if it isn't the little guy from before!!
.Sorry about that, earlier... I was fighting with my best friend, and I
guess
I got a little hot-tempered.
.hmmm, could you be this "Pal" that Kaoru spoke of?
Searching for her, are you? My my, you're quite the clever one.
But I think Kaoru's had quite enough of you and Yukito for the moment.
You've really made your sweet, kind ol' master sad, y'know! ...though
really,
it's not YOUR fault...
Well, anyway, I'm sure Kaoru's still on the rooftop somewhere.
As a form of apology for before, I'll lead the way. But you've gotta forgive
me
then, OK, Pal?
Kyoko: Well, it's this way.
(On the rooftop)
Kyoko: Well, this is as far as I go. Got it?
I... well, lately I've just been having all kinds of arguments with her, so
I'm
sure she really doesn't want to see my face just yet...
In my place, I want YOU to cheer up Kaoru... your beloved master... OK?
You've picked up Kaoru's scent!
Paleh: ...? Pal, it's Kaoru's scent!
Kaoru must be in this very room!!
The door is too heavy for Pal to open!
Paleh: Aww, nuts! We don't have enough strength to open the door!!
But wait! I once took a siesta in this room...
That's it!!
There should be a hole in the back wall that's JUST BIG ENOUGH for us!
Yeah!! I just remembered, that's how I got in before!
The hole in the back wall! ...Well, what are you waiting for, Pal?! Let's
get in
there a.s.a.p.!!
Paleh: Here we are, here we are! I'll go in first.
Found a hole in the wall!
(On talking to Kaoru in the room)
Kaoru: !? Pal! Paleh!!
Pal? What happened to your face? Did someone pull a prank on you?
Hold still a minute, I'll clean it off.
Kaoru: OK, all clean!!
Sorry, guess I dozed off a bit.
But hey, look, I made up a really great bed for you!
C'mon, Pal, Paleh!! Try it out!
(On talking to Kaoru)
Kaoru: I made you a really nice bed, so go on, give it a test-sleep!!
(When you lay on the bed)
Got a little dazed.
Kaoru: It's not a great location, but you'll just have to deal with it. This
is
the best I can do for you, boy...
. You look so cute when you're sleeping. I wonder what you're dreaming
about?
Oh, speaking of dreams, I had a really odd one last night.
Kaoru: A mysterious song was flowing through the air, and there were lots of
really weird people there...
.but I got really scared, and I don't really remember how it ended.
.but yeah, wait a minute... that mysterious song... I think it went a
little
something like this...
(SONG)
More than the many creatures that flood down from the wide heavens,
Disrupting the end of the world, at a time when the two-legged creatures are
revealed and set about invading the mysteries of the gods,
The Great Lord of Fear shall become known, descending from the heavens,
bearing
his hatred...
AAH! No!!
Paleh: Pal! Wake up, Pal!!
Paleh: Finally awake, huh... it's like you were in another world!!
Kaoru? Kaoru was in the middle of singing a song, when her face suddenly got
all
flushed...
Then she took off in a flash!!
Hey, Pal... you think we've been tossed out again?
. ...
(Talk to Kaoru on the rooftop)
Kaoru: ...Sorry about that. I suddenly felt really frightened...
Kaoru: Wh, what on Earth?! This sound...
Kaoru: KYAAAAAAAH!!
Kaoru: KYAAAAH!! SAVE ME!! SAVE ME, YUKITO!!
[[BATTLE!]]
(You lose!)
Mysterious voice: ...Pal... ...Paleh...
Pal. Paleh. Open your eyes.
Mysterious voice: You showed great courage in that battle...
It must be quite mortifying, to have your master kidnapped, right in front
of
your eyes...
And it must be quite exhausting for you to fight, powerless as you are...
I witnessed the whole incident. And... I sympathize.
Pal. Paleh. I offer you power. Will you accept?
(Yes) Do you wish to rescue that girl?
(Yes) But alas, you have nothing but your feelings to soften the blow of
defeat...
I feel that you should undergo a trial in my land, the Land of the Gods.
A set of trials administered by the Seven Deities of Good Luck.
My name... is Zeus.
Zeus's voice: In times of difficulty, you need only utter my name within
your
heart.
I witnessed everything. And I sympathize...
Come now, with no further delays... to the Land of the Gods!
(At the Land of the Gods)
Zeus's voice: Pal. Paleh. This... is the Land of the Gods.
There is an arena to the north of you.
It is there that the Seven Deities of Good Luck await.
The trials ahead shall be difficult indeed, but the reward -- the strength
to
rescue your master -- is worth it all.
(At the arena)
Clerk: You've arrived. You must be Pal. And you there, you must be Paleh.
Well then, let the painstaking, back-breaking trials begin!
But first, an introduction of the Seven Deities of Good Luck, who will
administer the trials!
Bishamonten (He Who Assists With Small Problems): Pal, and Paleh. You are
the
creatures summoned by Zeus?
Juroujin (God of Longevity): Kinda small and scrawny, if you ask me...
Hotei (The Cloth Bag): Looks like it'll be a difficult road to adulthood for
you
guys.
Daikokuten (He Who Sits in the Center): The command Zeus gave us was...
ermm...
for "bone-breaking difficulties."
Ebisu (God of Wealth): The trials ahead are perhaps the most difficult
troubles
you've faced in a long, long time.
Benzaiten (God of Wealth, Music, Eloquence, and Water): The trials here are
quite out of the ordinary.
Are you SURE you want to undertake them?
Fukurokuju (God of Blessing, Allowance, and Longevity): Well, do your best.
Zeus's voice: The trials will be difficult and strict.
They may even shake your resolve with their power.
But... I believe in you!
Here's hoping that, when we're able to meet again, you're stronger than
ever!
And when we meet, may you have the appropriate countenance for rescuing your
master!
Paleh: Hey, Pal... Pal, wake up!
Paleh: Looks like we're on the testing grounds.
What are you gonna do, Pal? You'll go for it, right?
. C'mon, Pal, let's do it! For the safe return of Kaoru!!
For me, Kaoru was always my greatest benefactor, always lending a hand when
I
needed one.
Same with you, right, Pal?
For Kaoru, I'd go through ANY kinda torture...
Alright, let's get this thing over with!
