Scythe of Rebirth and the Crimson Flower

It is time.

Everyone, the reason I called you all here is...

Waaah, sorry I'm late! Sorry, sorry, sorry!

Hurry up, Ilulu! When will you learn to turn up on time?

Sorry, Dai-Dai! I was playing tag with the soulzies and I lost my hood.

Dai-Dai?!

Not only are you late, but you are rude, too. Do you think you are being cute?

Waah?! It was a term of endearment. Okay, Daisy? Ma'am?

Urgh, you're so loud. I do not enjoy being in your presence one bit.

But I am glad it was only your hood that you lost. Don't you ever let that scythe out of your sight, do you understand? Or else...

How are we gonna lose these big ol' things anyway?

AHEM!

Do you think I don't know that it is bad for souls to gather in this place? It is a matter of great regret. I can only say it stands to reason that the up-aboves have sent these orders.

The up-aboves? You mean them important people?

I summoned you here to tell you their orders. Not to preach to you.

Oh, butterflies!

These butterflies are carrying letters. Work harder, every one of you.

A letter? Is it a commendation? Lemme see!

I see...

Ack! I've got to double the number of souls I collect?

Mine's 80 percent more...

Mine's triple?!

Twe...

Twenty times?!

What am I gonna do, Zevy? I can't look for pretty flowers or play with sweet smelling souls...

He's gone! Where'd he go?!

OH NO!

Hm? What was that?

Are you okay? You look really upset...

I am! I feel like my head's gonna explode!

Wait, I don't know you! Nice to meet ya! I'm Ilulu. I'm a soulzie collector from Purgatory.

I collect 'em with this scythe! Swoosh!

Whoa watch it! Should you really be telling me that?

It's okay! I can smell the winds of Purgatory on you.

I do seem to go there a lot these days...

I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman.

You seem like a real sweetheart. Savior-esque, even!

Are you okay? You look really upset...

I am! I feel like my head's gonna explode!

Wait, I don't know you! Nice to meet ya! I'm Ilulu. I'm a soulzie collector from Purgatory.

(I-Ilulu?!)

I collect 'em with this scythe! Swoosh!

Whoa, watch it!

That really shocked me. I know someone else named Ilulu, see, and she also uses a scythe and harvests souls, so...

Really?! Wow! I just have to meet her!

Aah, maybe that's why! I can smell the winds of Purgatory on you.

I do seem to go there a lot these days...

I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman.

You seem like a real sweetheart. Savior-esque, even!

Are you okay? You look really upset...

I am! I feel like my head's gonna explode!

Wait, I don't know you! Nice to meet ya! I'm Ilulu. I'm a soulzie collector from Purgatory.

(I-Ilulu?!)

I collect 'em with this scythe! Swoosh!

Whoa, watch it! (Could this be... The Ilulu from this time layer?) Should you really be telling me that?

It's okay! I can smell the winds of Purgatory on you.

I do seem to go there a lot these days...

I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman.

You seem like a real sweetheart. Savior-esque, even!

Is that you, Ilulu? What are you doing here?

*sniff sniff* This soul smells like...

Al! My savior!

I'm in real trouble right now! I've gotta collect a LOAD more souls! Like, a bajillion times more than before!

More souls? But I thought you had to track down each one individually?

Not with regular souls! They return to the vortex of reincarnation on their own! But souls have wills of their own. They can stay put or in the worst case, turn into evil spirits.

Ah... So why do you need to collect more all of a sudden?

I dunno, it's just what the top dogs decided. All us scythe wielders are really stressed out by it. I bet Zevy'd be able to figure something out.

Zevy? Think I've heard that name before. And you reckon he'll be able to do something?

Really? He sounds pretty impressive.

So shouldn't you ask him to solve this problem for you?

Yeah, you're right! But I dunno if he'll be honest with me...

If you're worried about that, I could ask him, too. There's no harm in asking, right? So where will we find him?

Um... I couldn't smell him in Purgatory... So maybe he's gone to the era he's in charge of?

What do you mean?

A lot of scythe wielders take charge of an era that they had a strong connection to in the past. Lemme think... Zevy... Likes to complain about there not being enough souls to reap after the war between the beasts and humans ended.

Hm? I think that might be my era...

Oh yeah! You can travel through time, can't you? I completely forgot about that with you being in this era right now!

Really?! Then why are you in this era now?

Anyway if that's the case, I can just go back to my era...

Well, it's a little complicated. A story for another time, I think. Anyway, if it's a question of era, I can just go back to my own time period...

Then let's meet up in your time!

Wait! You can't just leave it at that! WHERE exactly in my time?!

Oh, right! Um...

Oh, I've got it! Zevy likes to talk about some plain that overlooks a castle. Let's meet there!

She's gone already... A plain that overlooks a castle? She must be talking about Nuaru Uplands.

I guess I should head there. What have I got to lose?

Nope, she's not here. Maybe she was talking about someplace else? No, it's not really a question of place so much as...

Sorry I'm late!

Ilulu! There you are! I was beginning to think I was in the wrong era. How did you even get here?

I went through the scythe wielders' gate in Purgatory. It connects to all different time periods, you see! With everyone rushing about, trying to collect all these souls, it ended up being super hectic there!

There's a gate in Purgatory? Does it work like the pillars of light in the Spacetime Rift?

Um, I don't really know to be honest... But the whole concept of time is a little vague in Purgatory. We've gotta collect souls from whenever, you now?

When we go to reap souls in the mortal realm, we usually stick to the era under our jurisdiction... But it's not like there are any rules saying we can't go visit other times.

Oh really? Purgatory sounds more laid-back than I was expecting. So whereabouts is Zevy?

Hold on...

Got it! His scent's coming from that way!

You can really tell that from smell alone?

Course I can! All souls have a scent! Come on, Aldy, this way!

Scent? Ah, I think I remember something like that.

Hey, wait! Ilulu!

Ilulu? What are you doing in this era?

Is this who we're looking for?

Yeah! This is Zevy!

Please don't call me that. Zeviro is a perfectly good name. Don't do it the injustice of shortening it.

Oh, I remember now! You're who she means by Zevy.

Zeviro? (He's the spitting image of my friend. He even has the same name.)

Zeviro? (Isn't that the name of the Purgatorian Dunarith is working with?)

Zeviro? (The guy we met in the Beast King's Castle in the Parallel Time Layer had a similar name...)

Zeviro? So this is who Ilulu was looking for.

You're a companion of Dunarith's, aren't you? I feel like I've seen you someplace else...

I thought I recognized you. You're a companion of Dunarith's, aren't you?

Who's the human? I feel like I've seen him someplace else...

Who's the human? A companion of yours, Ilulu?

Yeah! This is Aldy!

Anyways... I came here to ask you a teeny-tiny favor.

I refuse.

What?! At least wait till I've asked to say no!

Then pay me a consultation fee. I don't have the time to be doing this for free.

Boo! You're such a meany! Say something, Aldy!

Zeviro... We're associates of sorts, right? So I'm asking you, too. Please, it will only take a minute.

......

Fine. But keep it short, okay?

Okay! Basically...

Tell me how to gather loads of souls!

No.

Whaaa?!

So that's what you wanted to know. Who would give their trade secrets to a business rival? For free, no less?

I've heard you out, as promised. Now, if you will excuse me.

He disappeared!

Grrr! He's so mean, keeping all the best tricks to himself!

But he's vanished and we don't know where he went...

Heheh... Don't go underestimatin' my sense of smell!

I can remember his scent as clear as anything.

Isn't that a little...creepy?

He's pretty far away. Somewhere that smells of flowers and water!

Flowers and water? Serena Coast, maybe?

Heheh, he's not getting away that easily! Lead the way to this Serena Coast, Aldy!

Sure... But if you just blindly chase after him, it's not like he's going to change his mind. You should try to think of something you can do for him.

Yeah, yeah! I know!

But what can I do?

He seemed so impatient. It wasn't like him at all. Telling me what to do, then leaving. Must've been in a real hurry.

Hm? What's wrong, Bran?

The smell's coming from this guy, I'm sure of it!

Hey, don't do that! You can't just go up to people like that!

Haha, it's fine.

But who are you?

Um... I'm Aldo. And this is Ilulu.

I'm Dunarith, the beast undertaker.

Oh, is that you, Aldo? I thought I recognized you. What a coincidence running into you here. Is this another one of your traveling companions?

Yeah, this is Ilulu. We're looking for someone right now.

But who are you?

Um... I'm Aldo. And this is Ilulu.

I'm Dunarith, the beast undertaker.

(Dunarith? He looks similar, but he feels totally different. Is it not actually him?)

But who are you?

Um... I'm Aldo. And this is Ilulu.

I'm Dunarith, the beast undertaker.

(So this is this time layer's Dunarith.)

Judging from that scythe... Are you a Purgatorian too, Ilulu?

You can tell? You must be close with Zevy, right?

Close? I'm not sure about that. I'd put us more in "work friends" territory. He and I have a contract together, so he tells me the odd thing about Purgatory.

A contract?! That's so cool! What kinda contract?

I'm afraid, part of the contract is that I can't tell you what's in the contract...

Boo! Zevy says the same thing! Okay, instead of that, why don't you tell me where Zevy's hiding?

Hm, there's nothing preventing me from telling you where he is. I think he went back to Purgatory just before you got here.

Really?

I have no reason to lie to you. But if you're looking for him, would you mind if I tagged along? You see, he upped the conditions on my contract without any extra compensation, then vamoosed. I'm not happy about it.

......

Ilulu?

Huh?

Um, yeah. Dunnie can join us, sure thing!

Haha, no one's ever called me Dunnie before.

That's settled then. Let's head to Onodera and...

Oh no, Onodera isn't around in this era. Then how do we...

I know a different way in, though this'll be my first time actually using it. I've been learning about astral projection, you see...

Really? You're a man of many hidden talents, Dunarith.

Then let's meet up in Purgatory. See you on the other side.

Phew... That little visit from Ilulu was rather unexpected, but I was still able to tell him about the contract. This method is just for me. If this gray zone was discovered, it would be regulated almost immediately.

Now, I'll just return to Purgatory...

Wha?! What's going on? My power, it's...

Aaarrrgh!

Zevy? Oh, you mean Zeviro? No, I ain't seen him. But he's a smart one, he's probably finishing up collecting his souls in the mortal realm by now.

Besides, you sure you have enough time to be looking for people, Ilulu? You know you're gonna get more than a simple scolding if you fail to meet your target, right?

Everyone who listened to Daisy's speech rushed off to the mortal realm. I'd better get a move on, too.

Zevy? I don't know that name. What's he like?

A beast scythe wielder? Perhaps he's the one who reaped my soul. He talked to me a little about the workings of Purgatory scythes along the way. Called it his hypothesis. He said that the soul he reaped from me grew inside my body. But for you scythe wielders, your souls mature with every soul you collect, right? It's kinda sad...

Sorry, I went a little off topic there. I'm afraid I don't know where he is. Maybe you could try someone else?

Bubble-blaze! What's got you all fired up? Lookin' for someone?

I think I have seen some beast scythe wielders go by. Not the one you're lookin' for though! There's so many different species of Purgatorian these days! It's such a bustling place now! Never used to be any scythe wielders in the old days. Must've been lonely! Now, there's a specialist for everything! Two-legged creatures, four-leggedcreatures, even winged 'uns!

I wanna grow wings! That would be so awesome! I'd burn through the air!

Absolutely no one's seen him. Maybe he hasn't come back to Purgatory yet?

I guess not. But that means...

Ilulu, did you think of something? Whatever it is, it could...

What is the meaning of this?!

Why do you have that?!

Eep, Dai-Dai! But you never leave the Lotus Hall!

Is this one of the "top dogs" you were talking about before, Ilulu?

You're... The leader of the Purgatorians!

Daisy! Why do you look so angry?

Oh! You're Id's friend!

Oops... Aldy, Dunnie, listen. She doesn't like being called Dai-Dai. You've gotta call her Daisy, okay?

This is not the time for idle chit-chat!

Answer very carefully, beast. Why is a mortal like you carrying a scythe of Purgatory? Your very life may well depend on your answer.

......

Oh dear, looks like it's going to be difficult to hide. As you have already worked out, he gave me his scythe.

I knew it! I thought I smelled Zevy's scent on you!

Oh, is that so? Tell me more.

I'm under contract so I can only tell you the bare minimum. It was just before you two appeared...

Right, so you have to collect more souls than before?

Yes. Each Purgatorian has been given a different rate, but mine is double.

To be honest, the change in quota isn't much of a problem for me. But if they increase it once, they'll increase it again, with a lower bar. I have to get moving.

So while you're away, I should wield the scythe like you and collect souls directly? If I work while you rest, and you work while I rest, we can improve our efficiency. That makes sense to me. Personally, I'm fine with that. But doesn't Purgatory have rules about this?

Don't worry about that. There's only one leader who says to never let our scythes out of our sight. And what that really means is, don't lose it, since it's a vital tool of the trade. If I'm lending it to someone contracted to me, it's not like it's gone missing. I wouldn't have lost it.

Okay. Well, I don't have the right to say no in any case. But if the terms of the contract have gotten more demanding, I'll be expecting my compensation to reflect that.

We can discuss that at a later date. I'm a little busy right now. You know what must be done now. I will drop by again when the time is right. Do your best by me in the meantime.

Hmph. That does sound like something he would think... Trying to trap me in my wording and failing to see the point of that unwritten rule.

He's... He's...

SO SNEAKY! How could he think of something that clever?!

If Zevy gets to use Dunnie, then I get to use Aldy!

Wait, what? But I don't want to.

You can do it, Aldy, I guarantee it! I believe in you!

Flattery will get you nowhere. I still don't want to do it.

Will you let me finish? That simply cannot happen.

Whaaat?! But why?!

What I am about to tell you is not for anyone else's ears. There is far too much attention upon us here. Why don't we go someplace else?

My garden is just through here. No one may enter without my permission. I will allow you this one visit, but do be careful.

Hey, Aldo! We both made it here in one piece.

This feels so strange. I never thought that I'd meet another living being here in Purgatory.

......

What's wrong, Ilulu? You're being weirdly quiet...

I'm fine, honest!

C'mon, let's get looking for Zevy!

I know this place... I came here before, with Prai.

I never knew there was such a place in Purgatory.

This is the Lotus Hall, the crypt where I carry out my duties.

So, what did you want to tell us before?

Ah yes. Now where was I?

Oh, do you know what my flowers are called?

I know, I know! We're the Purgatorians, or scythe wielders, 'cause we wield a scythe of Purgatory!

That is correct. But in truth, the name does not quite reflect reality.

What do you mean? They do wield scythes, don't they?

No, they do not wield scythes... Because scythes are not things that can be wielded. What I mean to say is...

There's no need to say it in such a roundabout way.

If you don't want to say it, I will.

Magnolia!

An acquaintance of yours, Daisy?

Yes, he is a leader of the scythe wielders, like me.

That's right. And the Purgatorian, you see, their true form...

Don't stick your head where it doesn't belong. You settle your own affairs, and I'll settle mine.

The scythe wielder's true form is the scythe itself. The scythe is the soul of its wielder.

Wha...

WHAAAT?!

This scythe is me?! Then what am I? You know, the one holding the scythe?

To be more precise, the soul resides in the scythe, which is made from a branch of the Illusory Tree. Scythe wielders' souls are so transient that they will disappear if left on their own.

You mean, a soul will disappear if it is away from its scythe? Then Zeviro's soul...

There is no need to fear. A soul that dwells in this branch will not fade so easily. We will just need to go to the Illusory Tree and reawaken him.

Th-Then Zevy'll come back, right?!

Phew! I was so worried we'd lost him forever!

It sure is good news.

So where do we find this Illusory Tree?

Wait one moment. Going to the Illusory Tree will only serve as a waste of time.

Why would you say that, Magnolia? If we rejuvenate the soul dwelling in the scythe, surely that will bring him back?

I don't disagree with you there. However... The whole scythe wielder system is to be abolished.

A-Abolished?!

Remember those orders we received? Well, unless all wielders reach their quota, their present system will be abolished. And you must be dreaming if you think such levels will be achievable.

I... But why would such tyranny suddenly be tolerated? Do the up-aboves wish to shorten the reincarnation process?

Nothing of the sort. It only stands to reason that if a superior method appears, you would use that instead. If I may be so bold, I myself have put together this new system...

You?! Be that as it may. What about my flowers?

They will disappear, of course. As will you. As will I.

Even you? What in the world is this scheme?!

You can rest now, Daisy. Or perhaps I should call you the founder of the scythe wielder system. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Was he being serious?! Will the scythe wielders really disappear?

This is bad, very bad. This isn't just about Zeviro anymore.

Wh-Wh-What do we do, Dai-Dai?! And what was that about you creating the scythe wielder system?!

Regrettably, the scythe wielder system is unrefined and inefficient. Immature souls cannot enter the cycle of reincarnation... But they can be matured through the duty of soul reaper. I gave the orders immediately... I stored my own soul away and became one of the leaders.

I worked like mad after that. I had to scoop up as many of those souls spilling out as I could...

Dai-Dai...

Hah. I suppose Magnolia was right. With a more efficient method, we could get more--

Don't say that, Dai-Dai. Magnolia said the scythe wielders would disappear, remember? Doesn't that mean immature souls like me'll go round forever, never seeing pretty flowers or smelling sweet souls?

This ain't about efficiency. Even if it's unrefined, the scythe wielder system makes me feel all happy inside!

Ilulu... Allowing lazy scythe wielders like you to continue is never going to be in my calculations!

But I have woken up. I thank you for that.

That's more like it. At any rate, I'm not unaffected by the problems posed by Zeviro's disappearance.

And I can't just sit back and watch as Ilulu and Daisy disappear.

Hm... There's a lot we need to do, but let's start with Zeviro.

Okay! He's sure to think of a good idea!

Hah. It is simply a matter of numbers. Let us head to the Illusory Tree. Prepare yourselves, a dangerous path filled with spirit monsters awaits.

Yay! It's so pretty over there! I love it!

Aldy! Dunnie! This way! Come on, come on!

Hey, don't go off on your own! Ilulu, wait up!

Wait, beast.

What is your aim here? You do not seem the type to think of him as a friend.

No, not really. He's just a business partner.

Hmph... Do not imagine that you can keep things from me. But, if you work hard for me now, I might be willing to overlook the distortion I sense in your soul.

I'd work hard anyway. It's not like I have any other choice.

So this is the Illusory Tree? It's as big as the World Tree!

It has been growing in Purgatory since the days of old. Even I do not know how it came to be here. Some say the soul of the World Tree came here when it died, or that the tree grew from a seed that washed up in Purgatory.

Ilulu, do you remember the day your soul came to dwell in this branch?

Um, not really...

No wonder. At first, your soul was so fleeting that it could barely attach itself to the branch.

Now, let us move on to the main issue at hand. Beast. Place Zeviro's scythe here.

This is a sacred ritual. Do not interrupt.

Oh great tree of the underworld, protector of all...

Grant this mere fraction of your great self, to the late spirit of he who is no longer of this world...

Whoa! That's amazing!

The Illusory Tree has such a warm and gentle scent!

You dimwit! I told you not to interrupt!

Huh?

*cough cough* What happened? Is that the Illusory Tree? I've only ever heard about it before.

Um, he seems kinda different from my Zevy.

Zevy?

I'm not Zevy. I'm Zeviro.

Zeviro! I thought it was you!

You're Zeviro?

Aldo? And who's that with you? Another Dunarith, Ilulu, and...our boss. What's with this lineup?

Aldo? And who's that with you? Dunarith, Ilulu, and...our boss. What's with this lineup?

You're with Dunarith, huh... Hm? I understand Dunarith, but why are you with Ilulu and our boss, huh?

Who are you? And who's that with you? Dunarith, Ilulu, and...our boss. What's with this lineup?

So... What's going on here? Keep it as short as possible. I'm in a hurry.

Well, you see...

Ah... So this is the parallel world in which you and I met, Aldo. But this is my first time coming here without using that weird gate.

I see. It's hard to believe, but this is a Purgatory from a parallel world? It's not the one I know?

I never realized the scythes of Purgatory harbored such a secret.

If you want to blame me, go ahead and blame me. I hid the truth from you.

I don't blame you, I would've made the same decision. Blame would only expose my own incompetence.

Back to the matter at hand, your problem is how to continue the scythe wielder system?

Yes, do you have any ideas? Anything at all?

That should be a piece of cake. So long as we can prove we can achieve the collection quota, we're good, right?

That's right. But there's no way you already thought of some...

No?!

Y-You already thunk somethin' up?!

It's simple. You don't have enough labor. So what you need to do is develop a partnership with the living, and lend them scythes.

Huh? W-Wait, didn't you listen to us?

Yeah! That's why my Zevy disappeared in the first place!

It's you who's not listening. I said you should lend them scythes. I never said they had to be the Purgatorians' scythes.

Oh, I understand. We prepare special scythes using branches from the Illusory Tree. If we can do that, no scythe wielders will have to disappear. It sounds pretty good to me.

Unfortunately, that could be rather difficult.

I suppose the up-aboves won't allow us to give anything from Purgatory to those in the land of the living?

Id would've said okay...

That may be so for Lady Id, but the same can't be said for her subordinates.

Of course, if this was a matter that could be resolved with a little persuasion, I would be able to see to that.

No, if this was a matter that could be resolved with a little persuasion, I would be able to see to that.

The problem is in the Illusory Tree branches themselves. Have you ever heard of the phrase "eating the food of the dead"?

I have heard the legend. If a mortal eats food from the land of the dead, they can never return to the mortal realm.

That's right. The legend is simple in itself. But there is no smoke without fire.

And the Illusory Tree is that fire. If a mortal soul touches one of its branches, they will immediately belong to Purgatory.

Just one thing. Zeviro gave me his scythe, but nothing strange has happened to me.

That's because the branch from the Illusory Tree was adapted to him. In order to make your scythes, your souls have to touch the live branches. Which means...

Oh no... Then we can't make a scythe for everyone?

So long as we can separate the soul, it's not impossible. If only a tiny part of the soul touches the branch, then only that part will need be stained by Purgatory.

But where are you going to...

No! You can't mean the Soul Sucker?!

The Soul Sucker? You mean that flower that absorbs souls?

Aldy, Aldy! Look at this pretty flower!

Hmm, all Purgatory flowers seem kinda weird to me, but this one is particularly pretty.

Be careful. That flower might be indistinguishable from those around it, but it loves the souls of the living. Don't get too close or it will absorb your soul.

What?! You could've told me that sooner!

If you have learned anything from this, don't get too close to anything here in Purgatory. You being here is a rare thing in itself.

Theoretically, it should be possible. Surely it's worth a try?

Fine. I'll wager it's possible.

A Soul Sucker, eh? Sounds like the sort of thing that will shorten your life span.

It's more your life force, but yes. It won't go well for you if it gets your whole soul, but just part? You can sleep that off.

All right! Now that that's decided, let's go find this flower! It grows around the lotus pond, right? Then that's where we should head!

Hmm... But... What happened to my Zevy?

Aldy, Aldy! Look at this pretty flower!

Hmm, all Purgatory flowers seem kinda weird to me, but this one is particularly pretty.

Be careful. That flower might be indistinguishable from those around it, but it loves the souls of the living. Don't get too close or it will absorb your soul.

What?! You could've told me that sooner!

If you have learned anything from this, don't get too close to anything here in Purgatory. You being here is a rare thing in itself.

Erm... So which one is the Soul Sucker?

Let's see now...

It's gotta be this one! The smell of souls is way stronger than it is on a normal lotus flower!

You really do have a powerful nose...

So we just let this flower absorb a little bit of our soul?

If Aldo and I don't come into any problems, we can recruit other collaborators in the mortal realm. However, if we do...

I feel a little nervous, knowing my soul's about to be sucked.

If you only touch it super quick, you should just feel a little tingle! Keep touching it and it'll feel nicer and nicer... And then your consciousness will fade away completely!

Hey, that doesn't sound safe?! I don't want it to suck me dry!

......

Dunarith... Did you already do it?

It does tingle a little, but that's all. So this should mean my soul's been separated, right?

I guess I'll give it a go then. Easy does it, nice and slow...

All right! That went well, I think.

Why don't we use something a little better than that flower to absorb your souls?

Huh?

Magnolia!

Daisy... We heard it all from Magnolia. That if we lose our scythes, we disappear.

That our immature souls were forced onto a branch of the Illusory Tree... That we were put to work as slaves without even realizing it.

That's what you told them? No, that's not true. Your thinking is...

I only told them the plain facts. How they chose to interpret that information was up to them.

I have no doubt that how they chose to interpret this information was entirely dependant on how you chose to tell them.

Answer me this, ma'am. If we are not slaves... Then why did you never tell us that our scythes are actually our true selves?

......

No answer? I thought as much.

Shame. Magnolia, we will wager on your new system. So long as you won't use us as slaves...

I am very glad to hear that.

What's that monster?

Monster? How rude. It's a fully-fledged mystical beast. Or rather, it's a synth beast. It has been patched together, enabling it to absorb any type of soul.

A synth beast? A chimera... The incarnation of karma my people gave life to.

Impressive knowledge. It may look a little grotesque, but souls have no pecking order. This mystical beast can easily collect souls in place of the soul wielders. Like this, for example...

Ack!

And it can do so autonomously, and near- permanently. If mass produced, it could be so much more efficient than scythe wielders.

Efficient? Don't use that word so casually. There is nothing quite like a misplaced emphasis on efficiency to help you lose sight of what is truly important.

What will you do with the souls collected by that beast?

All souls, mature or not, will be returned to the vortex of reincarnation.

But immature souls won't be able to endure the torrent.

That is their true nature. The whole scythe wielder system was a product of your own ego. Saving the weak sounds good. But that which is meant to disappear SHOULD disappear, and will always do so.

They've already suffered through death, yet are made to work like horses day in, day out, with huge quotas to fulfill... Don't you think they will be happier enduring the torrent?

Even so, I...

Oh, forget it. You and I are never going to see eye to eye. Purgatory hound!

Catch that beast! Why should I talk to you when I can talk to the up-aboves myself?

You don't know when to give up, do you? Most of the scythe wielders have already sided with me.

Now it's time for a trial run, so I can get the up-aboves' complete approval. Stay out of the way, you hear?

He's overpowering it!

No, something's off with that mystical beast. That pose...

My hound!

Its spirit has left its body, and has been trained to absorb all souls indiscriminately. You are no exception. In the end, I too...

Sleep well, Daisy. I will finish up everything here.

...... Where am I...? I...

I? I don't remember anything. Is anyone here? I should look for a light.

Is that a cat I hear? Where is that noise coming from?

Oh, I want to go home...

We were looking for you, Eden.

You have done well. Come here...

There is no need to push yourself anymore. You can live in happiness with your family.

Professor Madoka, Professor Chronos...

I mean, Mom, Dad... I...

Kyros?!

Huh? But Kyros is... No, I...

Ah. This dream belongs to Eden. It has gone from his soul to mine. I'm sorry, Eden. There are still things for me to do.

I'm okay now. If anyone else is struggling, go help them.

So you're the one that was meowing.

Do you want me to follow you?

Why not. I don't have anywhere else to be.

The cat changed form?

I've seen you before...

Mom! Come on, quick!

I'm coming! You're so energetic today, Lully. Slow down a little.

Whoa that waterfall's incredible! I love it when it splashes, it's so nice and cool!

You really do like it here, don't you? Even though you could bask in the sun back in the village.

I love it here! Your homemade bread tastes the best here!

You say that, but I know you get my friend's child to share their bread with you...

You do?! I... I just get so hungry.

What am I to do with you? But today it's just you and me. So let's forget about the time and enjoy ourselves.

Okay. Let's forget about...

Yeah, I know. Just a little more time, please...

Oh my! What's with you all of a sudden? Honestly...

I love you, Mom...

......

I know. Wherever you go, however your looks may change... You will always be my dearest daughter. I love you, Lully.

Oh, I understand. So this is the crossroads of souls, a place where all possibilities intertwine. In which case, I will most likely end up facing...

Hah. It's not like I can look away forever.

Where did you go?

A feather? Where did that...

...iath... Reliath, look...

Hmm...

*yawn* Is it morning already?

You're such a sleepyhead, Reliath.

Look at how beautiful the sun looks, shining over the Zanbora.

It's so pretty! Today's gonna be a perfect day for the festivities!

Hey, Dunarith?

What? Is there something on my face?

Nope, teehee! Let's go pick some yuen herbs!

That's settled then! I've gotta get ready!

Is this the scene my soul yearns for? That day of all days...

Which do I want? Do I want to start over and rewrite history? Or do I want to repeat it with the same results, to etch it into my heart?

You go on ahead. I'll be fine either way.

Oh, the cat has been replaced with a bird? I care not what species you are, so long as you keep guiding me. Lead the way.

What's wrong? You look worried...

Hm... Is there someone else lost nearby?

The eternal fight between beasts and humans is finally over.

Hmph... My business will suffer over this. So long as the fighting continued, I had a guaranteed number of souls to collect. My contract with you is now more important than ever. I can rely on you, can't I, Mr. Undertaker?

Of course. For Reliath, I would sell my soul to the devil.

The devil? Come now, don't say that. You'll give me a bad name.

Well, soon enough, we won't be able to reincarnate properly. But if by some coincidence, we end up born in the same time once more... Then perhaps it wouldn't be such a terrible idea to become proper business partners.

Haha, I've had more than enough of our dealings together. But I don't think I'll be able to avoid it.

Even at a time like this, there was something of me in this talk about work.

It was here. The moment that unbelievable mistake led you to the parallel world where I was.

I see. So everything is jumbled together in this place. Is it a flashback or a dream? This place seems chaotic, like it exists between the dimensions.

So let's switch round. You should return to your place.

I wonder. You completed my imperfect plan. You should be the one to return...

For everyone's sake, you mean? I thought you'd say that. I know better than anyone that my rationality is based on cowardice.

So let me put it this way instead. You should be the one to carry out your own duty. Pushing your job onto others, even if they do it better... It's not cowardice, it's simply abandoning your professional duties.

Hmph. I can't really say no now, can I?

I won't thank you. I will return the debt someday through my work.

Of course. That's the you I know. I'll be waiting for you to live up to my expectations.

First a cat, then a bird, and now you. This is a strange place to be meeting again.

I never thought you would find yourself lost in a place like this.

You're going, right? To the place you must face...

That goes without saying. It is not such a big deal... I only remember a little...

What's wrong? Aren't you coming?

Ah. You can't see it. Which means this is where I must go. This is the end of the line for you.

I see. I wish you good luck, ma'am.

That is the history of the scythe wielders.

Oh... Thank you, Daisy.

What was that?

I'm sorry, but I cannot accept it... I was always under the impression that this was my body. So what is it? A dream? An illusion? A puppet? Whichever the case, once you think of it as artificial...

A slight shadow was cast over my soul that day. If my silence caused other scythe wielders to think as he did... The whole scythe wielder system was created by my ego. No one can take the blame for it but me.

Hah. I understand how a parent feels, being resented by a child who doesn't remember asking to be born.

I am sorry to have kept you waiting. It looks like we have all returned in one piece.

I may have been missing. But what you got in return wasn't necessarily worse.

Zevy! Heroes always arrive just in the nick of time!

For me, this version of him might be easier. I'm concerned about his other world self though. I don't remember the details, but I think I was dreaming... I could barely tear myself away from it...

Me too... I'm glad we got back.

I've only just remembered! Where did Magnolia go? Didn't he plan to send that mystical beast to the mortal realm?!

All souls have a "fate." Life on this planet only slowly spirals upward, because that fate allows. Reincarnation without fate is like an idle pulley, only ever moving around the same horizontal plane. That mystical beast...is too strong. Strong enough to pulverize fate itself.

We have to stop him before it's too late!

But y'know, that beast's soul had a really weird smell about it!

Like there were three smushed together! A two-legged soul, a four-legged soul... And the last one smelled a bit wing-y.

Wait, so souls can take the form of wings?

Yes, though it's rare. Only a few species, like the Winged People, have them. Hardly any scythe wielders do.

Hm, what a pain. We'll have to reap all three souls at pretty much the same time if we want to destroy it. However, scythes of Purgatory can only reap souls similar to that of their wielders. And we only have two-legged soul reaping wielders here...

*sigh* I didn't want to have to play my trump card, but I suppose I must.

Ma'am, the souls of beast scythe wielders take two forms.

Really?! You have TWO?!

Beastfolk have both a humanoid form and a beast form, you see. But most beastfolk still only have two legs in their beast form. Folks like me are actually very rare.

Uh-huh. Now that you mention it... I can just about see a four-legged soul hiding within your two-legged one.

So we're all set for the two- and four- legged forms. But we're still missing the wings.

That's where you come in, Dunarith.

Hm? Let me have a little look at your soul, beast.

Oh my! There's no mistaking it, your soul hides both two legs and wings!

So if Dunnie uses a scythe of Purgatory, we'll have a chance against that mystical beast?!

A scythe? But I'm not particularly strong for a beast. In all honesty, I'm not that confident I could handle it.

However... I guess we have no other choice.

But how're we gonna make Dunnie a scythe?

Forgotten already, have we? We only came here in the first place in order to make a scythe.

Oh yeah! So now all we've gotta do is have his soul touch a branch of the Illusory Tree!

But I have bad tidings... I feel the pulsations of that beast's soul coming from around the tree.

Magnolia, that scoundrel! He must plan to suck up the souls of the living through the roots of the Illusory Tree!

If worst comes to worst, we'll have to make the scythe and fight at the same time. We'll have to go in cold.

Even so, we have no choice. I'll do what I can. Though I guess all I can do is try to draw his attention.

Wait... The form your soul takes. Perhaps...

No, that can wait till later. To the Illusory Tree, before it's too late!

At long last, there is no one left to get in my way. It is time for our trial run. Go, my mystical beast, and use the roots of the Illusory Tree to find those souls drifting about in the mortal realm.

Stop right there, Magnolia!

Huh?

I should have known I couldn't get rid of you so easily. But there's no need to preach. As their advocate, I know the problems these mystical beasts cause better than anyone.

Then why are you trying to force them through?

I thought I told you, that which is meant to disappear should disappear, and will always do so. That is the providence of Purgatory. That is how it should be!

I dunno what you're talking about...

But I don't wanna disappear! Not before my soul's matured! Let's go, Zevy!

Tsk... That's some pressure. Won't you let the two of us reap your soul?

You fools. You can only harm its two-legged soul anyway. It will recover almost immed...

Remember this. It is never a smart move to allow an enemy to get too close.

You harmed its four-legged soul?! Your soul has two forms?!

Ack! But so long as it has its winged soul, it will recover sooner or later.

Oh great tree of the underworld, protector of all...

Grant this mere fraction of your great self, to the late spirit of he who is no longer of this world.

Is that a scythe of Purg, Wait, that's not a scythe?!

Is this because it's based on the memories of Dunarith's soul? I don't suppose this will be a problem. Now's your chance! Reap the winged soul!

You make it sound so easy! I'm new to this, remember!

Let's go!

Wings too?! What is this?! They'll make mincemeat out of all its souls at this rate!

Hah. You're pretty good at handling souls for a mortal.

Prepare yourself, Magnolia. You have lost all garb that would protect you. We don't have to obey all, not even divine providence. Some things can only be gained through resistance!

Not everyone is as strong as you! They have already offered up their souls...

What?! Why are you resisting now?!

They did what they did amid the chaos caused by the truth suddenly being thrust upon them. They weren't acting on their true feelings. As the one who tempted them away, you must know that better than anyone.

If they are resisting now, that must be their true feelings coming out!

I will get my flowers back. Let's do this!

All right! My sword's working now! Is this because it's lost its protection? We might just manage this!

Oh! Is that the three souls it consumed?!

I see weakness in the mystical beast! We should be able to reap all its souls now!

I will take care of the four-legged one!

I'm the only one who can take the wings!

I guess that just leaves me to handle the two legs!

Oh no! The blade of my scythe won't break through!

You blockhead! I'll have to use my scythe...

Ack! I had hoped not to have to cross the threshold of reincarnation...

No! You've gotta carry on as our leader, Dai-Dai!

Everyone, lend me your strength! Just for now!

Is that Ilulu?!

Whoa! I can feel power surging from the very bottom of my soul!

Now...

Hiyaaah!

The soul's coming out of the beast! You did it!

Waaah! It's coming outta me, too!

Huh? What were we doing all this time?

You guys! Look, Zevy! Everyone's gone back to normal!

Wait. The pressure from this soul...

Gah!

Zeviro?!

Mwahaha! This mystical beast was based on the soul of the mortal realm's four-legged sacred beast! The two-legged and winged souls were just afterthoughts. Even without them, it won't die so easily!

Oh no! If Zevy can't fight, there's no one who can reap its soul...

I guess it's all over then.

No, not yet! Human, take this!

Huh?

Is this a sword of Purgatory?

I made it at the same time as that staff. Save the best for last, as they say.

Hah! Have you gone senile? How can this human's soul reap that of a four- legged creature?!

I believe in you, human. You can do it!

Got it!

Remember this, Magnolia. I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman...

And the cat beyond time and space!

I've lost. That's what you get for failing to pay attention to your souls' forms...

Magnolia...

I know all this about the providence of Purgatory wasn't how you truly felt. Tell me, why did you really do this?

I...I'm so very tired. Of ensuring the reincarnation of more souls than there are stars in the sky... Of repeating the same thing day in, day out, ad infinitum, with no future and no ending in sight.

Like me, you are one of the leaders, who chose to seal off their own scythe. You renounced reincarnation. You are protector of the innocent souls... No, the souls who weren't given the time to know if they are innocent or not. Or at least, you should have been.

Innocent souls, eh? You know, there's something I want to ask you.

Your soul is surely free of all sin. So why must you alone suffer through this torturous eternity?

......

I wanted to help you. I thought if I took over as leader, your soul would finally be free... But you didn't back down. Even though you have suffered this torture for so much longer than I...

I would be lying if I said I'd never once thought of this life as torture...

But altering the providence of Purgatory demands a high price. Forcing unreasonable demands on the scythe wielders means you must spend your days tormenting yourself.

But even so, seeing them overcome difficulties and leave for the vortex of reincarnation soothes my soul.

That does not necessarily mean that my flowers will be saved. But me and my ego created this system, so I should be the one to carry it out.

I'm sorry for dragging you into this, Magnolia.

......

Do you still want to help Daisy?

I can't continue as leader, not now.

Well, Magnolia... You should return to the vortex of reincarnation.

You have shown me great kindness. I am much obliged.

If you should ever return to this place again, I will entrust the position of leader to you once more.

Though, if you do come here, that would make you one of those fleeting souls destined to disappear. It's best that such souls fade away, no?

Daisy...

My flowers, will you escort Magnolia to the Lotus Hall?

Yes, ma'am!

We should return to the Lotus Hall as well. We must tend to Zeviro... And we have some things to explain to my flowers.

Basically, we will be wiping the slate clean of all increases to soul reaping the occurred during this rebellion. And it looks like we can make steps toward providing mortals with Purgatory weapons. Once you have entered into a contract with someone, you may enlist their cooperation.

I was really worried there, but I'm glad that our quota's gone back to normal!

And another thing! You're amazing, Zevy! It was your idea to lend out your scythe in the first place!

*sigh* It was supposed to just be my plan. My business is going to suffer now that everybody knows about it...

However, if you hand them out just about anyone, Purgatory and the mortal realm will become out of balance. Defer to a leader's judgment as to whether they possess a soul worth lending to.

And one more thing...

My flowers, there is but a fleeting moment of time until you return to the vortex of reincarnation. I trust I can count on you until then.

Did you hear that? She just said...

She trusts us? I feel so motivated now!

All right! Let's go collect some souls!

Haha! Everyone seems so determined now.

They're so self-serving. I will wait until a less crowded time to visit the mortal realm.

Has everybody gone?

I have put you through much trouble. Especially you two mortals. I owe you my thanks.

Don't worry about it, it was no big deal. So long as I'm still allowed to carry on visiting Purgatory whenever I like, that's good enough for me.

And you were willing to let my contract with Zeviro pass. I couldn't want for anything more.

Ooh, Dai-Dai! What about us? Do me and Zevy get some kinda reward?!

Hmm... How about I exonerate you from all your misdeeds so far?

Really?! You'd do that?! All those times I was late, or lost something, or never wrote out an apology, you'd forgive 'em all?!

Come on, that's not fair! Ilulu's the only one to benefit from that.

Oh, is that so? So who was it that loaned their own scythe to a mortal without permission... Then made us go all the way to the Illusory Tree to perform a ceremony for their own benefit?

Ngh!

Haha, you'd better back down now. In a sense, this whole thing was your fault.

But in an even greater sense, it was Magnolia's fault... But fine. I guess I caused my fair share of trouble, too.

Tra-la-la-la-la! All my misdeeds are exonerated! I'm so happy!

Oops...

D-Dunarith?!

Ilulu... Don't I always say to pay close attention to how you handle your scythe?

Um... But I'll be exonerated, right?

That only applies to your past failings. New failings won't get the same treatment.

Aaahhh... I'm so sorry!