To Meet Again

...And there you have it. A long story, as I said.

......

Aldo?

Sorry... I don't really know what to say. Thinking about your life... You must have been really lonely for such a long time. I'm sorry.

A long time...? I suppose so, to someone with such a short lifespan.

But I'm a jailer of Meigoku. Ten thousand years is like a life that's barely began.

That's a bit much for me... But I'm glad you finally found the person you were looking for.

I have. The moment I saw their soul, I knew they were who I'd been searchin' for.

Their soul? Not their face?

I spent my existence in Meigoku watchin' over souls. So I recognize folks better based on what's inside rather than on the mold.

You, for instance...

Catlike, but like a human, too... Haven't seen a soul much like you...

Wow, you can see all that?

And, over there...

Phew.

......

...Xi-Yue?

The woman who gave you your name?

Yes. And how I talk, too.

But I thought she was...

Reincarnation is a cycle. When she died, the cycle continued, and now here she is, born anew.

But, to my eye...

Nnh...

Are you okay?!

Oh, I'm fine. These things tend to happen at my age.

You're in no condition to be walkin' about. Tell us where you're headed and we can help you out.

I've got some business at Yaksha Temple.

At the Yaksha Temple? But that's so far from here, and dangerous to boot. There's no way...

In that case, let me show you the way.

You'd do that for someone you've only just met? That's very kind of you, but I can't ask ya to do all that...

It's no problem! I've been told I'm a lucky goldfish. Just say the words and I'll grant any wish.

Heheh, what a funny thing to say.

Maybe fate brought us to you. We'd be happy to help you if you want.

Well, if you're sure, I'd appreciate the company, thank you. But my legs are so weak these days, I'm afraid I'll be a burdensome travel companion.

Not at all, not at all. Rest as much as you need. I seem to recall a teahouse along Vermilion Road. We can take a break there indeed.

......

Growing old is one of the most beautiful things there is, I think.

...I know its cruelty well. I've lived for thousands and thousands of years, though lookin' at me, it is hard to tell.

Something like that, maybe. Let's just say I know what you mean.

When we're young, we receive so many gifts from the world.

But there comes a time when life starts takin' away more than it gives...

Our bodies grow weaker, our friends fade away, until finally, there's not a single thing for us but the wait.

There's not much meaning in a human's final days. All you have to take beyond are memories you made of time long gone.

But while it may be a waste, it is beautiful. Like the end of a song.

A pure land name? What's that?

I forgot they practiced that custom in this time. What kind of name did you have in mind?

Those flowering trees in Izana, right? Their pink petals are so pretty.

That's so sweet. I would have loved to see you dance.

Back in the day? You're still beautiful now.

......

(The butterflies are here, and her soul's color is fadin'... Her time is near.)

Ah, we're finally here. I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time.

Don't apologize! It was nice to take things slow and enjoy the scenery for a change. Now you just need to find someone from the temple and ask them to give you a name, right?

Aldo, I'm feelin' a little tired. Could you escort our friend?

Sure, but what will you do?

I'll rest my feet here. There's some butterflies I can admire...

Okay, well, thank you. Let's go find the head priest.

I know you're there, Guide. You can come out now.

So you did know I was here...

Your aura, you know. It has that obvious glow...

So that's how the living can sense our presence...

Wait. No, you couldn't be...? You're not that jailer who opened the gates to the mortal realm and escaped, are you?

You know of me? I'm flattered.

Change of plan. I'm going to take you back to Meigoku myself. The mortal soul will have to wait.

In that case... Doesn't a game of tag sound great?

You're a jailer of Meigoku. You should be used to catchin' souls on the run, right hon?

Catch me if you can!

You infuriating creature...

Kagurame, the temple monks said you can rest inside if...

Huh? Kagurame?

I wonder where she's going...

I better go after her. Wait here.

Come on, don't be shy. I promise I won't bite...

This is ridiculous.

Haha, perfect. Now that it's just us, why don't we have some fun? No muss no fuss!

How can you act so brazen? Are you really not willing to admit your sins and accept your due punishment?

...I'm sorry. Maybe once this is all done, but I have unfinished business, so you're gonna have to wait some.

Criminal, you will atone for your abuse of the cycle here and now. Come, fallen specters of old. Lend me your bones...

Wha?!

...You found me...

What's going on here?!

A friend of the criminal, perhaps? This doesn't concern you, mortal. The living will not interfere with the practices of the Land of the Dead. Now leave.

The Land of the Dead? So you're from Meigoku? And why do you keep calling Kagurame "criminal"?

This specter here has abused the cycle of reincarnation and improperly traveled through the mortal realm.

Abused? Such a strong word. I did nothin' wrong. I've followed the rules this whole time, ridin' the cycle around and around, who cares for how long?

That itself is your crime. We are fixtures of Meigoku, meant to toil for eternity to ensure the system continues to function. Abandoning this duty is a crime deserving of a thousand deaths.

And when you go against the system, the punishment isn't just a thousand deaths, it's eternal death.

I won't let you do that to her!

Oh, if you'd just stayed quiet and left, they would've let you go... But you came after me and now they're gonna get you by the toe.

We exist to judge the dead, not the living. But if the living insist on getting in the way of our work, we will happily make an exception. The guilty will receive no mercy! Your souls will receive their due punishment!

If that's the way it has to be, at least let me take that soul first...

I wonder what's taking them so long.

Oh? A butterfly?

A little earlier than your registered time of death, I'm afraid, but it is what it is. I'll be taking your soul now.

Yes, I dragged you down here when you collapsed. I wasn't going to let you get away, was I?

We will use any means necessary and will not be swayed by emotion. Here are your charges: repeated suicide. Appropriation of empty vessels without the owner's consent. As punishment, you shall be sent to fall through the flames of eternity for one hundred million years.

Kagurame!

You again?! You followed me through the gates?

If I'm going back, I'm taking you with me!

It's not about whether you get to come back someday...

Ngh...

Why? Why would you so willingly draw yourself closer to death, mortal?

Because my friend...Kagurame... She's hurting. Every time she reincarnates, it hurts her body and soul. There's no way I'd let her go knowing the pain it will cause her!

Because I can see the sadness in your eyes. Maybe loss is inevitable, like you said... But that doesn't make it hurt any less, right?

Just like I'd be sad if you weren't around anymore!

If you say it's okay because you'll get reincarnated someday, I'm gonna get mad. You're our friend, Kagurame! And we all love you! That's why I want you to live. It's that simple!

So, stay, Kagurame! Stay with us!

Are you...sad...that I'm...dying? Thank you...for making my life... one that will be missed...

You really think you can escape?

No... You can't...

We're back?

Kagurame!

No! I won't let you take Kagurame!

......

I figured they'd be fine in my body, but maybe I stepped over the line...

Wait a minute...Kagurame?

Yes, I switched vessels with them to return to the mortal realm.

A talking butterfly? Now I really have seen everything.

Did I shock you?

A little, yes. But for some reason... It feels like I've been waiting for this moment for the longest time.

......

You're so pretty that I feel like I could gaze at you forever. So graceful, ethereal... It reminds me of something. I can't quite put my finger on it...

Ugh!

Are you okay?

Oh, I'm fine. My end is near, I can feel it in my bones. But it's okay. Now that I have my name, I know it won't be long until I see my beloved once more...

Not yet, though.

...Maybe just...for a little bit...

Thank you for assisting me, young man.

My little lucky goldfish... You remembered how much I love cherry blossoms...

Ah... This takes me back.

So, what are we doing here?

You'll just have to wait and see.

Separation and death are inevitable parts of life. But I know that even on the verge of death, one can still smile.

Now my li'l lovelies, are you ready?

It's beautiful.

It reminds me of the past...

Ah...

Mom, Dad...my sister... Even the Maestro... Oh, it's such a relief to see you all again. I was so worried I'd be left all on my own...

You finally came back for me, my love...

Dance, my love. Dance like you did when we were young.

With pleasure.

Oh, Xi-Yue. There you go again...

No matter how many times you're reborn, you'll always be that sweet sensitive crybaby I adore.

Kagurame, is she...

She's...gone, yes.

She may be crying, but she looks so happy. Maybe she reunited with her family on the other side.

Maybe... Whatever the case, I know her last moments were happy ones.

Ah, you're going already?

May your soul encounter much beauty in your next life.

Goodbye, Xi-Yue.

Until the day we meet again.

So pretty! You remind me of a beautiful, shimmering goldfish! Excuse me, Miss Dancer. What's your name?

Teehee. My name is...