The Necromancer's Kindness

It's impossible. Please understand.

But I wanna go meet him! He's my dad!

But that's what I'm saying, your father died when you were a baby.

I know that! Still, I wanna meet him! Urgh, whatever!

Oh, what to do. I wish there was something I could do, but it's impossible.

She wants to meet her late father, huh... I know! Toova, how about you use your powers?

What?! Hmm, I don't know if I can.

Well it won't hurt to listen to them. There might be something we can help with.

...Huh? Were you listening in to our conversation?

Toova. Would it really be impossible to set up just one meeting? Would it be so different to what you did with the guy with the gem?

It's completely different.

Right. Don't worry, I know it's impossible. It's strange, she's never usually this pushy. But she just saw her friend playing with her father and came running over talking about...

...... Okay. I'll think of something. Bring your daughter back here.

You'll let me see my dad?! Really?!

Yes, I'll take you to him. But there's something you need to know first.

What is it?

Necromancy is a dangerous art, I can only take one person to see him. Is that okay?

What? So you mean, I won't be able to take my mother?

I don't mind. If this is what it takes to get you to see him.

Thanks, Mom!

Please take care of my daughter.

We will. So, where did he die? I'll need to take you there.

The Keruri Highroad! Let's go!

She seems really happy.

......

Toova? Is something up?

No, it's nothing. Okay, let's go to the Keruri Highroad.

......

Hurry up! Come on, let's go!

...Toova, wait.

What's wrong?

You've had a sour look for a while now, is there something wrong?

I always look like that. Remember, I'm basically dead.

No, that's not what I meant...

*sigh* You can tell, can you? Looks like I still need practice. Aldo. You do realize that even with my powers, I can't bring someone back for good. All I can do is revive the flesh, and only for as long as I can keep my concentration.

That's why I said that even if I bring her father back...

...It would just be like this.

Hmm, yeah, that's not great.

Remember, the spirit won't be there. The spirit, once removed from the body, can never return.

I wonder if the girl will be glad to see her father in that state?

...... ...I think she would more likely cry.

All I'll be able to do is drag out a few memories from the body, like I did before.

So that's why you look troubled. I'm sorry, Toova. I shouldn't have said that we could help before I knew what was up. What should we do?

Don't worry, I'll think of something. Let's go.

Hey, miss! Mister! Let's hurry!

Oh no.

Monsters are blocking the road.

This is where my father died. Mnnn... Just a little further. What to do...

Don't worry. We'll take care of them.

You will?!

Yes, just leave it to us. You wait here.

Wow! You guys are really strong! Eheheh! Now I'll finally get to see my dad!

...Yes. But there's something else you must promise.

What is it?

The dead must never be allowed to touch the living. This is a law of necromancy. You must not touch your father.

Okay! I understand!

(Is this really going to be okay?)

Ye who slumbers, parted from thy child. Thy daughter has come to seek thee. Reveal yourself to me!

D-Dad, is that you?!

That's right. My dear daughter.

Daddy! You recognize me?!

Of course. You look just like you did when you were a baby. You've gotten so big now. I'm glad I get to meet you.

Me too! I'm so glad I'm finally getting to meet you!

Ahahah! Thank you. You're just as kind as your mother. How is she?

She's doing well! I wish I could have brought her here, too!

It's okay. It's enough to see you, ugh! Ughhh?!

Dad?!

I'm sorry. This is the extent of my power.

O-Okay. Goodbye, Daddy!

Ugh... Stay...well...my dear...daughter...

Daddy!

Thank you. I'll never forget what you've done for me! Let's get back to Acteul! I want to tell my mom all about my dad!

Okay, maybe we should go check on your mom as well.

Hm, Toova?

...It's nothing. Let's go back.

I heard about what you did from my daughter. Thank you so much.

Don't worry about it.

Oh, right! Maybe we should bring you along so you can meet him next time? Surely you want to meet your dead husband, too.

......

No, it's okay. It may not have been the real thing, but it doesn't matter as long as she's happy.

You saw through the facade.

Huh? What do you mean?

Yes, I realized what was going on as soon as my daughter told me what happened. You see, my husband died before she was even born. He would never have known what she looked like.

Oh, I see...

He wasn't much of a looker, but he was a good man. That's what I really cared about.

Toova, what did you actually do, then? He really looked alive.

That was...an illusion. I created it with my magic. It just said whatever I wanted it to.

So that's why you didn't want her to touch it.

I'm sorry... I hope you are not offended.

No, I'm not. I said it before and I mean it, I'm very grateful for what you've done. My daughter now has a memory of her father, that's what's important.

...I suppose.

I really should get going.

Take good care of your daughter.

Of course. Thank you.

(Toova did mention that she's practically dead... That explains why she seems aloof.) (But she does have a warm heart.)

I've been trying to avoid fraternizing with the living as much as possible.

But, perhaps I was wrong to do so. Maybe the living really want to keep the dead close...

Aldo, thanks to you, I have finally realized that. Thank you.