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My vision blurs.

So that's... what the bottom of the ocean... looks like.

Then—

—Is this Ægir?

The Seaborn quietly watches the distant flames disappearing beneath the waters.

The ship sinks into the ocean. Along with the flames. Along with everything.

Its kin answer its call. They all return to the many.

Surrounded by the many's embrace, it takes only a moment for the dying to be given new life.

Ishar-mla. I will bring you all, back home.

—Let's all, die together, with Alfonso.

The chief mate grips the Seaborn in its jaws and charges all the way into the seabed's murky darkness.

Its lover. Its memories. Its identity. As its charge slows, its consciousness dissolves into the ocean.

But still it bites down on the Seaborn.

The waters, make you nostalgic. Swim, and you will awaken.

Accept it. You are one of we many. We have long awaited you.

No— No......

I am... Garcia... I am... Alfonso's...

Then why did you stop swimming? Your signal is just like mine.

Your wounds have all healed. You are accepting who you are.

No—!

Why no?

The Chief Mate's consciousness is blurring.

Is it biting down on this Seaborn? Or, is it leaping into the Seaborn's embrace, seeking its succor?

It... It is forced to accept.

The sea makes it very comfortable. The Seaborn's thoughts flood into its mind.

Is it Garcia, Chief Mate of the Stultifera?

No, it is a Seaborn. It is one of we many—

Glub... (sounds of bubbles being blown) Gurgle... (sounds of bubbles popping)

You...

You will die a human being, Garcia.

A step up from Amaia.

Ul...pianus... Kin...

Thank... you...

Ulpianus watches the two sink to the bottom of the ocean, seemingly locked in an embrace beyond death. Like flowers growing side-by-side, they shrink, and wither. And beyond a certain depth, they are carried away by the undercurrent.

He does not lift his head until they are completely out of sight.

Why?

Gladiia, you must heed my warnings.