The Precious Her

...Aldo... Hey...Aldo...Wake up.

Hng...Huh...

Look, the sun's already returned from its trip around the ocean...

Mmm? It's morning already?

Not only that, but just about time for breakfast. Nothing beats drinking a fresh cup of coffee to the sound of birds chirping, you know?

Lemme sleep just a little bit more...

Well now, aren't we the sleepy head?

It's not that, it's more like you have too much energy this early in the morning. What time did you get back from the tavern?

I don't know about time, but the sky was already blue by the time I left.

You JUST got back?! Don't tell me you didn't sleep?

I slept! A little bit. With you in the room, I just find it hard to stay that way. Besides, this is pretty normal for me, so don't worry that sleepy little head of yours. Speaking of which, are we fully awake now?

Yeah, I'm up. The thought of going back to sleep somehow making me look lazier than you was more than enough.

You wound me, Aldo. You say that like I'm some kind of low-life slob!

...Not even a "Just kidding, Dunarith?"

I'm starving! How about we get that breakfast, eh?

The nerve!

Huh. Expected you two to sleep way past lunch.

Dunarith? What a coincidence.

I wish. I'm here because someone told me the both of you were here.

You need something from us?

More like, I need something from him.

Wait, huh? Didn't you leave behind me?

Wait. I'm confused. Are you two related? Brothers maybe?

I don't have a brother.

Then that must mean...

(Is this the Dunarith from this world?)

I thought you were traveling alone. Is this human with you?

I am, and my name is Aldo. My friend here's Dunarith.. (Doesn't seem like he's here to just say hello...)

Right, well do you mind leaving the two of us alone for a second? I need to talk to your friend, here.

So you're the guy going around causing all sorts of trouble using my name?

He isn't doing it on purpose! It just happens that his name is Dunarith.

...And you vouch for him? Perhaps you do not know what he has been up to!

You mean all the debt and stuff?

Yes! The debt! Because of him, every tavern I go to now I get hit with bills for things I've never even heard of! I even have had to pay for a few of them!

Hmmm... Racking up debts is kind of other Dunarith's thing. It's not like he's doing it to you on purpose. The people running those taverns seem to have just confused the two of you. So it's kinda more their fault?

...Right Dun...

He jumped out the window!

Don't see him. But he couldn't have gone far.

Bran!

I want you to fly up and search for the fake me, okay?

Dunarith, come on. He's not a fake. It's kind of hard to explain but his name really is Dunarith...

Another world, eh... Hard to believe, but it does make sense... And since the only major difference in our looks is the horns, well...I suppose it makes sense humans couldn't tell us apart...

Just glad you finally believe me...

That still doesn't change the fact I had to pay his bills, though.

Yeah, sorry about that. I'll make sure he pays you back.

It's not your fault. He's the one with the debts!

So, did you find him? Hmm... Closer than I thought. Thank you.

Looks he's headed towards the Serena Coast. He hasn't gone far, we should catch him if we leave now.

Serena Coast? He might be headed for the rift he came here through. We should hurry.

Phew! Didn't think he'd actually come looking for me. But I guess that means it's time to say goodbye to this little world.

Shame. I really liked how easy it was being a beastfolk here...

Mazrika? What are you doing on this side of the rift?

I should ask the same of you. You finally decide to come back?

You're not...wrong. Let's just say that.

I see. Well, since I have you, you didn't happen to see any souls come out of this rift, did you?

Ah, so that's what that was. Yes, I believe they were headed towards Unigan.

Unigan... Over there? I see Miglance Castle, so it must be. The road might be different but things generally seem to be in the same place... I'm sure I'll make it okay.

Need a guide? I've been here long enough to know my way around.

I'll be fine.

Aw... What are big brothers for if not to help their sisters in a bind?

Again, you are not my...

Uh oh!

Well done, Bran! Make sure he doesn't go in that rift!

Okay! Okay! I give up! I promise I won't run as long as you promise not to hurt me!

Hurt you? After all you done you still act as if you are the innocent one in all this?

Are you kidding me? One Dunarith was more than enough. I can't believe there's two of you...

Rel...iath?!

Her name is Mazrika, and she's a purgatorian. My sister has long since passed, you see.

A purgatorian? You're saying someone reaped her soul...

You got it.

You really are me from another world... To think that was ever a possibility...

You okay, Dunarith?

I'm fine. I just...needed some time to process.

Hello, Mazrika. I am the Dunarith from this world. I do hope that makes sense...

I know a little bit about there being different worlds, yes.

That's wonderful. Well. Yes... I have to say I didn't expect this. I don't quite know what to say...

How did you get here? I suppose you came to find him, huh?

No, I'm here to find...

I see... You're here in search of souls that escaped into our world...

Then, it's settled. I will help you find them.

Are you sure?

You need someone to be your guide, yes? And I've reaped a few souls in my time, I'd be happy to help.

You sure your name is Dunarith? I did not expect you to be so...dependable.

HEY! I offered to be your guide first! Why is HE the dependable one?!

Let me put it this way Dunarith... You've been running up a tab.

I was told they were headed in the direction of Unigan...

Then that is where we shall go.

I wanted to ask, why was it you were chasing after Dunarith?

Mazrika? Seriously?

Well, he's been going around running up tabs all over the place, you see... And with us looking so much alike, people started asking me to pay these tabs. I tried to tell them they had the wrong guy, but easier said than done.

You are unbelievable! Causing people problems in a world that isn't even yours!

Now there's a reason for this, right Aldo?

Is there? Does ordering too much count as a reason?

Let's press on, Dunarith. I'm starting to sense the presence of souls.

Well, she seems to be enjoying herself, at least. Just...with the wrong Dunarith!

This is no fun at all, right Aldo?

If she's having fun, that's all that matters, right?

Sure! I love fun! More folks should have fun! But for HER it's different, okay?!

Dunarith?! Are you okay?!

Woah, what's the matter?

He just...out of nowhere...

(It's okay Reliath... Don't worry...)

Look at all that sweat. You looked so healthy just a moment ago... Has this happened before?

I'm fine... This happens every now and again...

It's just, usually, there's something that triggers it...

Well, don't slow the rest of us down there, eh? We've got some souls to reap!

Can't you see he's in pain? What is wrong with you?

Why don't we take you to an inn to rest up for a bit.

It's okay. I'll be fine. More importantly, where did you find the soul that escaped into that alley?

Not only that, I was able to reap it. All thanks to you... I don't sense any other souls in this area. We should look somewhere else.

Why don't we try the Karek Swampland then? Just let us know if you need some time to rest, okay Dunarith?

Will do, Aldo. Thank you.

Hmmm... "happens every now and again", eh? Something fishy is going on here...

I spy with my little eye, a soul surrounded by monsters so bold.

Crap! We better go help save it!

Aldo, those monsters literally would never hurt a soul. Let's just act calm and approach.

Even so, that soul must be scared being surrounded by all those monsters.

Indeed. It may be safe, but we should act quickly.

Get in the way of my work and I will NOT hold back.

The monsters are gone, you can rest easy now.

MAZRIKA! LOOK OUT!

Huh?

You mustn't forget to check your surroundings for enemies that may be lurking in the shadows.

Th-Thank...

Dunarith?! You okay?!

You weren't injured trying to protect me... were you?!

Urgh... What is wrong... Reliath!

Dunarith! Can you hear me?! DUNARITH!

......

We should head back to Unigan and get him looked at. Can you help me out, Dunarith?

Sure. But before we go, I need to see something...

Seriously? At a time like this?

Hush. It's important we all stay calm here. A soul cannot find comfort surrounded by anxious hearts...

How's that? Feel better?

Yeah...I do... But why?

There is a girl you have sworn to protect, right? Surely you know enough about women to know what jealousy feels like...

What are you talking about?!

Don't look at me, I dunno.

I see... I had no intention, but I suppose I am weak in this department... Sorry, Reliath...

Sorry to make you worry Mazrika, Aldo. I'll be fine. Let's find the rest of those souls, huh?

Nope! We're heading back to Unigan, and YOU are getting some rest.

Yeah, knowing why it's happening doesn't change the fact your body's been through a lot today. You should get some rest.

I'd only played an instrument for Reliath once before she passed. You could hardly call it playing though. It was a string instrument much like the one you have. It was our father's, actually. She was bored and I had no idea what to do to entertain her. So I picked it up and strummed a few bars. It did the trick, but it wasn't music.

She liked it, and that's all that matters. A smile you'll never forget, I bet. I know I haven't.

Same thing happened to you, huh? We act so differently, didn't think we'd have much in common...

Are we that different? Honestly, I feel like we're quite similar in a lot of ways. And with that I feel sympathy for you, I truly do. You have this aura of guilt about you, and it shows when you interact with Mazrika... Like you're trying to make amends...

Hm. If anything I find it odd how you can be so blasé around her. She may not have your sister's memories, but she carries her soul.

Yes, I'm well aware, but well, it's all a bit sad, isn't it? Like my sister, Mazrika too will pass on eventually. And she will be reborn as a child who carries the memories of neither. Just another soul in the world that knows nothing of me.

You can't just be happy she finally gets to be reborn?

Call it selfish, but I suppose I can't. I just don't have it in me. Life is long, and being left behind is like a puzzle that hurts to solve. You try to find the way forward, but all you find is pain. So, I choose not to play the game. Keep my distance. Life's more fun when you keep your heart to yourself.

Well, it's clear to me you are telling the truth but something doesn't add up. You claim to have sympathy for me, and that we are similar, but I believe there is one part of us that HAS to be the same.

Our dashing good looks? The loss of our sister? The trials of life, perhaps?

That we care for Reliath. If we do not share this feeling then there is no way we are the same. No matter how close we may look, talk, or act.

I did say that we are alike, yes...

Then you must care for Reliath like I do. And I say if you have something to say to her do it while you still can.

That's just not me, man. Besides, after all this time, what could I even say that would feel at all authentic?

Hey guys, I'm back. Feeling better?

Hey Aldo. I'm doing fine, thanks. Where's Mazrika?

About that, actually...

Looks like this is all of them. Thanks, Aldo.

All right, how about we go back to the inn and check in on Dunarith? Hope he's doin' better.

I think I'm just going to go back to my world, if that's okay. If I go back, he will no doubt try and escort me himself. After all that's happened, that would be too much burden on his body, I think.

Yeah, that definitely sounds like something he'd do. He seemed to put a lot of effort into helping you out.

I do feel bad about not properly thanking him for that, though. Aldo, do you mind thanking him for me?

You got it. You sure you don't need my help getting back to the rift?

You too? I'm not a child you know!

So yeah, she went her way and I went mine. She told me to let you know she hopes to see you again.

Heh. See me again? I wonder when that would be. Not like we get souls from another world passing through here all that often.

Was there something you wanted to tell her? If I go now I might be able to catch up with her, you know.

Appreciate it, Aldo, but I'm not the one with something to say.

Don't look at me! I don't have anything to say either! ...But, I suppose it's true I don't know when I'll be able to see her again...

Serena Coast, eh? Not a fan of running, but I suppose when the situation calls...

Waiiiit!

What is it this time Dunarith? Running away from someone else you owe money to?

What do you mean, like in the last few minutes? Come on, Mazrika. I just wanted to say goodbye. I don't have plans on going home any time soon, so...

I see. Well, I appreciate you going through the trouble.

Ah, before I forget, the other Dunarith gave me a message. "If you ever find yourself in trouble, feel free to come to me for help, okay?"

I am glad that I was able to find someone who I can trust in this world as well.

I bet Zeviro would say one is not enough.

He would, but this world is not my home, and I do not intend to come here often. So, it is my opinion that Dunarith alone is enough.

...And?

And what?

Dunarith's message was not the only reason you came here, correct? The Dunarith I know would not run all the way from Unigan for that. So what is it?

Heh, can't get one past you, can I?

If you have something to say, say it already.

Something to say... Do I have something to say... How's about... You take pride in how careful you are with the souls of others, but you often do it at the expense of your own. Stop trying to do everything all alone. You need time to take care of yourself, too.

O-Okay? You're...worried about me?

Ehh... That sounded too much like the other Dunarith.

I'm sorry, what?

Don't go catchin' a cold! Do purgatorians catch colds?

Ugh. This is quite a bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be. Perhaps I should use prose... No. Too corny...

Are you messing with me?

Oh no, not that at all. I just need a little time to think... Wait, I know...

...... You need to stop oversleeping. A little bird told me Zeviro and your peers are always having to wake you up.

How did you...

Hah! So it's true! Well, you're so put together everywhere else it counts, I'm sure once you've grown up a bit, you'll have no problem.

I'll have you know I already stopped doing the thing where I immediately go back to sleep! ...Mostly

Well, then it looks like we're already on our merry way, aren't we?

I can't believe I expected you to say something actually important. I'm going now.

Okay, just take care of yourself out there. And say hi to Zeviro for me.

Say what you wanted to say?

Ugh...If you went through the trouble of following me here you might as well do it out in the open.

I didn't want to ruin the moment, sorry. You two looked like you were having so much fun, after all.

As far as conversations go I suppose I've had worse... But alas, that was the best I could muster. I do feel quite good after that. Say, other me, how about we take advantage of a good mood, and go get some food? I would very much like to hear more about your Reliath, too.

I'd like that, but I'll tell you now. I'm not paying. You still owe me for the debts I've paid.

Darn. You remembered! But don't you think it's rather ghoulish to be talking about money at a time like this?

Ghoulish? Says the guy who fully intends to burden others with debt. Every time it feels like I might be getting to like you... ...You remind me why I don't.

Hahaha! Well, I'll have you know I like you quite a lot! Now let's get to that tavern, brother.