Sekibanki jumped straight into the lake. And so, she made it in time. She made it in time to see the mermaid again.
The mermaid looked up at Sekibanki, a faint smile on her face. Sekibanki couldn't hear any words. And yet, she heard clearly.
Didn't I tell you, Sekibanki?
I am an atrocious mermaid, so I cannot atone for my sins. I cannot live.
Sekibanki desperately spoke back. However, her words only floated out of her mouth as bubbles.
As she sank into the inky blackness, Sekibanki chased her with all her strength.
And then, .........her hand.........reached her.........
Sekibanki, you fool...... Even though you got off the island alive,...... will you throw that away.....?
.........I won't let go of you.
It pleases me to hear you say that. However, ........ I am a fish. And you are a Rokurokubi. We have different worlds to go back to.
I will return to sea. You should return to your world.
All around them, it was getting dark and darker. The pressure increased, and their heads and ears began to throb. Sekibanki's finger......... began to slip.
And then at last... Their fingers......... separated.
At once, .......Sekibanki rose towards the world of light. The mermaid sank towards the world of darkness, torn away by a powerful force.
The mermaid saw Sekibanki's body rise towards the shining surface and relaxed. So long, Sekibanki. .....And...thank you.
When she saw Sekibanki's body become a speck and disappear towards the world of light, .....the mermaid slowly closed her eyes. She allowed herself to fall into the world of the Abyss, a world of endless isolation.
Then ......... she felt something. But that was impossible. After all, Sekibanki had already disappeared into the distance.
And yet, this was Sekibanki. Sekibanki, who had chased the mermaid here........
You think I'll let you get away? You're my Mermaid Living In Fresh Water.
.............Sekibanki, you fool.............you fool............
If you intend to fall into this abyss, I'll fall with you. If it's a world of nothing, we'll disappear together.
But until the very last moment... .......You will be mine..........
The two hugged each other tightly. ......Fate didn't try and tear them apart again.
And so, the two became one, ...... and sank into the Abyss together........