Long Live Lokido...!

...Hmph. She's late.

What's up, Lokido? Are you looking for something?

No, I haven't lost anything. I'm actually waiting for someone.

Oh? For who?

Well, you probably remember her yourself. She's...

Lokidoooo!

Huh? What was that?

Lokidoooo! Sorry I'm so late!

Mmm, you're just as fluffy and soft as ever!

If you keep rubbing your face on me like that, you're going to mess up my fur.

Aww, you're no fun, Lokido!

Is this the girl you picked that flower for before, Lokido?

That's right. Ever since then, she's been bringing me flowers and things from time to time.

Oh! Aldo, it's you! I haven't seen you in sooo long!

It's been a while, huh? How've you been?

So you were waiting for her here, then, Lokido?

Yes. She said she had to tell me something very important.

Yep! You got it! Super, SUPER important!

Here's the thing! Right now, my mom is away on a trip to Baruoki!

Ah, that's right... Your mom really doesn't like Lokido, right?

Bingo! And that's why now's our big chance, while Mom's not in Unigan!

Big...chance?

What is she talking about, Lokido?

Uh, actually, I'm just as lost as you are.

What do you mean? What difference does it make if your mother is in Unigan or not?

Hee hee. I'll tell ya later! Right now, we have to hurry to Unigan. Remember, it's SUPER important.

Okay well, I'm clueless. I suppose you want us to head to Unigan together, then?

Should I come along, too?

Ooh, that's a good idea. Now you HAVE to come with us, Aldo!

Well then, let's all head to Unigan!

Grandma!

I brought Lokido with me this time!

My, my, well aren't you just massive? And such a lovely physique, too.

So what do you think, Grandma?

I think it will be just fine. It is a little on the large side, after all.

Really?! Yay!

Sorry to interrupt, but what exactly is going on?

Don't you worry about it! Now, let's head to Grandma's house!

So, that lady's your grandmother?

Well, not really. She's like a grandma to everyone around here! She's nice to everyone!

Oh, I see. By the way, what's she doing with Lokido?

If you really wanna know... She's gonna make Lokido look real refined!

Refined...?

Yep. After Grandma's done, there's no way Mom won't warm up to him!

What do you mean?

See, my mom... She's afraid of Lokido. She hates it when I go and play with him.

Oh, I see... I guess it makes sense that she's worried about you.

But if we dress Lokido up in a snazzy outfit, Mom will have to love him!

So that's why we're here...

I think we're done in here!

So? How does he look?

Why don't you see for yourself?

......

Oh my gosh! Is that really him?!

You're so handsome, Lokido...

......

That's one of my late husband's old suits. He wasn't quite as big as you, but I made some adjustments.

You're the best, Grandma!

Anything for you, dear.

Mom will never be able to resist this...

......

What's wrong, Lokido? You don't look too happy. Is the suit a little tight?

No. It's plenty big. It's just...

Hey Lokido! I want you to meet my mom in that outfit!

If she sees you looking like this, there's no way she won't warm up to you!

......

Why are you so determined for your mom to like Lokido?

Well, duh... I want Mom to be happy at the wedding.

The wedding? Who's getting married?

Me and Lokido, of course!

What?! What are you talking about?!

You already forgot?! How could you Lokido? I told you, remember?! I told you that when I grew up, I'd marry you!

I even told you not to marry anyone else until then!

My, my, what a precocious young lady.

That's quite a promise to make, Lokido...

I never promised anything! I thought we were just playing make-believe, like always!

Even so, Lokido... A promise is a promise!

Don't worry, Lokido. Children say things like this all the time. I'm sure she'll forget about it soon enough.

Hrm. While I want to believe that, it doesn't look like she's going to give up any time soon...

(For a child, she does seem oddly determined...)

Come on, Lokido, we're wasting time! Let's go show Mom your fancy suit! Pretty please?

......

You said your mom was on her way to Baruoki, right?

Yup! So let's head to Baruoki, everyone!

Now wait right here! I'll go find Mom!

......

She really goes all out, doesn't she...

Yes... Indeed she does.

You seem pretty out of sorts, Lokido. Are you really that bothered by her affection?

No... I mean, I can't say I'm not confused, but her affection's very flattering. I'm grateful she feels able to express herself so honestly.

I see...

So... When she grows up, do you think you'll...?

What are you saying, Aldo?! Don't jump to conclusions like that! That's taking things much too far.

She's like a little sister to me. I mean, she's even young enough to be my daughter.

I guess you're right.

But despite her age, I do at least understand that her feelings towards me are genuine.

That's why I have to respond to her feelings genuinely, too.

Lokido...?

...I'll be right back.

...Come on, hurry up!

What in the world is the matter? To think you'd come all the way to Baruoki...

Well, I told you there was someone I wanted you to meet, didn't I?

He's riiight here!

Huh? But where...?

Yeah, it's just me. Lokido ran off somewhere just a minute ago.

Did you just say L-L-Lokido?!

N-No, it's not what you think, Mom! He's reformed! Now he's a brand new Lokido, and you're gonna love him!

What's all this, now?

...Sorry. That took longer than expected.

Oh! Lokido? Hurry, hurry! Mom's waiting!

I know. I'm coming.

Sorry I'm late.

L-Lokido?!

Aaahhh! B-B-B-Beast!

Oh no! Are you okay?

What were you thinking, coming out here like that?! You freaked Mom out even more! Look, you made her faint!

This equipment awakens my beastly powers, coiling my body's very sinews. In the past, I shied away from donning these robes, lest I come to rely on my beastly arts.

But now...I embrace my lineage with pride. Now, I have no qualms about claiming my true power.

What are you talking about? Why'd you take off that nice suit?! Now you're all scary-looking!

While beast blood runs through my veins, I am neither beast nor human, and therefore wish to distinguish myself from both races. Unlike pureblood beasts, I cannot adopt a human form. However... Even if I could, I don't want to dress up in a human's suit and pretend to be something I'm not.

I don't... I don't get it. Why are you messing up my plans, Lokido? Do you... Do you hate me?

Of course I don't hate you. I treasure you, and your affection for me.

......

You liar!

Lokido, you big DUMMY!

So... She doesn't understand after all.

We should probably look after her mom until she wakes up.

Agreed.

Are you feeling better now?

Yes... I'm very sorry you had to see me like that.

Hey... Can I ask you something? Why are you so afraid of Lokido? He's a really good guy, you know.

Aldo...

......

I...do not think as poorly of Lokido now as I once did.

Really?

Yes. My daughter has told me all sorts of stories about Lokido.

In fact, she told me she wouldn't speak to me again until I listened to her stories... She kept it up for ten whole days before I finally gave up.

Wow, she's really something.

She seemed so happy when she spoke about Lokido... Seeing her face light up like that made me realize that maybe I'd been wrong.

I see... Well, that's good to hear.

She doesn't have a father or siblings, so it's just the two of us... Maybe she sees you as a father figure of sorts? I can only wonder.

That would make sense. I've often thought the same myself.

Even so... I still... I find beasts absolutely terrifying. I just can't help it.

I just can't stand them.

Jeez...

I wonder... Perhaps you've been wronged by beasts before?

...... My husband... He fought for Miglance. But he lost his life battling the beasts when my daughter was very young... *sob*

Oh, so that's why...

......

I understand how you feel.

Under such circumstances, I cannot blame you for fearing, or even hating me due to the beast blood within me.

...I'm sorry.

It's fine. We cannot always control how we feel. That much is true of anyone.

Lokido...

Now, let's go look for your daughter. And, if it makes you feel better... I'll make this the last time I ever see her.

Uh?!

I cannot stand the thought of you suffering because of my friendship with your daughter.

......

Could you look around the village for her? We'll search the outskirts.

Let's go, Aldo. If we find her, I'll explain everything on the way back.

Lokido... Are you really okay with this?

Of course. Now, let's head for the Nuaru Uplands.

...I can't believe that stupid Lokido! I hate him!

I worked so hard to make everything work, but he ruined it all!

*growl*

Wh-What was that?!

Aaahhhhhh!

Huh? What's that?!

What is that thing?! Where the heck did it come from?

What's this thing doing here?! Maybe it came crawling out of the Moonlight Forest!

N-No... Help... Help me, Lokido!

Lokido! Aldo!

Are you hurt?!

N-No! I'm okay!

Careful, Lokido! This thing looks tough!

I know, but we'll be fine! Look alive, Aldo!

Lokido! That was so scary!

Hrmph. I'm glad you're safe. But that thing's probably still around here somewhere. We can't let our guard down yet.

That's right. Let's head back to Baruoki for now...

Aaaaaahhh!

What was that?!

Mom?!

Quick! Get behind me!

Ugh...!

Lokido?!

Grargh!

Take this!

Lokido, why?! Why would you risk your life for someone like me?

A child of her age, already fatherless... For her to lose her only family... I could never live with myself for allowing such pain... I know...that suffering...better than anyone.

Lokido...

Noooooo!

Lokido!

Lokido, hang in there!

...... ......

No...! This can't be happening!

Come on, Lokido! You'll be okay, right? Right?!

......

He's... He's not breathing.

You can't mean...he gave his life to protect me?

Stop it, stop it, stop it!

Cut it out already! Wake up, Lokido!

Loki...

Lokidooooo! *sob*

......

You! This is all your fault!

You'll pay for what you did to Lokido!

*screech*

Ngh!

Damn it! I'll avenge you, Lokido...!

Ugh...!

......

*cough*

Huh?!

Aldo...! I'm coming, Aldo!

Wha, Lokido!

Lokido... I'm so glad you're okay!

You wait here! I've got business with that monster...

I'm going to finish this, once and for all!

Sorry to leave you hanging, Aldo!

Lokido?! But you were...

I'll explain later! But first...

We have a score to settle!

Yeah! Let's do this! With you here, Lokido, there's no way we can lose!

Lokido, you did it! You were so brave and handsome!

This is all my fault... I'm so sorry. I couldn't find her anywhere in Baruoki, so I came out here to look, but then this happened. If I had just waited in the village, Lokido wouldn't have...

No, don't be sorry. It's only natural that you would worry about your daughter.

It's me that should apologize.

Huh?! For what?

For unleashing my beastly power in front of you. Having heard your story, it must have unearthed some painful memories for you.

You're worried about my...feelings?

Lokido... My daughter was right. You're kinder than I can even fathom... You have such a big heart.

I told you, didn't I? Lokido's a good guy.

Yes, and you were right.

Mommy, mommy!

Does that mean that you finally like Lokido? Even just a little?

It means...that I was wrong.

Of course I like him. How could I not, now?

Hooray!

Now that this is all over, what are you going to do?

My errand in Baruoki is finished, so I suppose we'll return home.

In that case, we'll escort you back to Unigan.

That sounds like a good idea.

Lokido, Aldo, thanks so much!

That would be very helpful. It'll be a much safer trip with Lokido around.

Hee hee hee! Mommy and Lokido together, it's like a dream come true!

Thank you, both of you. And thank you, Lokido, for everything, from the bottom of my heart.

You're very welcome, and thank you for such kind words. They inspire me to keep striving for my father's last wish; to create a world where humans and beasts can coexist peacefully.

Hearing such kind words from a human who used to hate beasts so much...

It gives me the confidence to believe that the world my father dreamed of may one day become real.

I'm glad things worked out, Lokido. I guess people only have to get to know you to see that you're a good guy.

That's right! When I first saw you like this, I thought you looked really mean and scary...

But you're even warmer and fluffier than ever! I think I like you best this way!

H-Hey! How many times do I have to tell you not to mess up my fur?

Lokido. Why don't you come over for dinner? It's the least I can do, and my daughter loves having you around. Let me treat you to some home-cooked food!

Yeah, Lokido, come over! Mom's cooking is super, SUPER tasty!

Hmm... When was the last time I had a home-cooked meal, I wonder? I was so young, I can't remember the taste of my mother's cooking.

So then... What do you normally eat? Is there anything you don't like?

Oh, no, I'll eat anything. I wasn't raised to be a picky eater.

I'll eat anything that grows in the mountains, usually. When I was young, I would often gather nuts and mushrooms, and hunt for insects and hermit crabs.

Insects?!

Ha ha! I was just a pup back then, though. Now that I'm an adult, I hunt for fish and prey, just like anyone else.

Those are certainly some acquired tastes...

Well, feel free to come to our house to eat! Every day, if you want to!

You mean it, Mom?!

No, there's no way I could ask that much of you...

Oh, don't worry about it. Like I said, it's the least I can do.

You're sure...?

If Lokido comes over every day...

It's almost like we're married!

Oh, you. You're just too much sometimes♪

I'm glad everything worked out, but that was a close call earlier. You weren't breathing, and you had no pulse whatsoever.

If that's true, then I must truly have died.

Yeah... Your wounds were pretty dire. I thought you were a goner.

So then...

So what was that dream I had, then...?

A dream?

Well, when that thing knocked me down...

Come on, Lokido! You'll be okay, right? Right?!

......

He's... He's not breathing.

...Huh? What is this? Am I...dead?

You! This is all your fault!

What the heck is going on?

What's this? A wandering soul?

My, my, how rare. You don't see many fresh souls floating around these days.

You there... Do you know anything about whatever's going on here?

Oh, yes, it's very simple indeed. You died. ...That's all. Told you it was simple.

D-D-Died?! Me?!

Guess so, buddy. But you don't have to worry. I'll get you to where you belong soon enough.

Damn it! I'll avenge you, Lokido...!

Aldo!

I can't die yet.

Say what you like, but you're already dead, my friend.

You don't get it! My friend is struggling out there! He needs my help!

Boy, you're quite the loyal soul, huh?

Well, I'll make an exception just this once. You want to know how to get back to life?

Seriously?! Yes, yes! Tell me how!

It's pretty straightforward. You just gotta get me, the wielder of the scythe of life and death, to buzz off. Your soul is still fresh and all, so if you can do that...

Your soul should return to your body.

Wait, really?! That's it?!

In that case...

What?!

Oh, whoopsie! I forgot one little thing.

See, you souls are totally ethereal. You can't touch me, no matter how hard you try. Bummer, right?

So... You're done, right? Your time on this plane is over. How about you be a good soul and submit to my scythe, hm?

I cannot give up! My fists will dry the tears of those who cannot fight for themselves... My...fists...!

What's all this, now?

With my mighty fists... I shall shoulder the burdens of the weak!

Wh-What?!

You can't keep me here any longer! Feel the wrath of these fists, reaper!

Whoa there, big guy, hold on a second!

...Graaaaaaaaargh!

Aaaaaaaaargh!

...And then the dream ended. Before I knew it, I was awake again.

Wait, so you... Could that have been one of Ilulu's reaper buddies?

Huh. There are so many strange things in this world we don't understand...

Well, I guess it doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're still alive and kicking, Lokido.

Indeed. I feel the same, Aldo. Sorry for worrying you like that.

But in order to transform this world into someplace grander... And to continue my journey with you all... I would return from the grave a thousand times over!