# E13 - Aspiring to Go Higher
Source: [Crunchyroll](https://www.crunchyroll.com/watch/G0DUN9N27/aspiring-to-go-higher)
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(Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.)
**[00:05] Fushi**
Why am I me?
**[00:12] Fushi**
I couldn't...
**[00:14] Fushi**
I couldn't do anything.
**[00:18] Fushi**
Gugu...
**[00:20] Fushi**
I'm sorry.
**[00:24] Fushi**
It's too late.
**[02:04] Observer**
It's been four and a half days
since Fushi left Booze Man's home.
**[02:08] Observer**
Fushi walked alone, in silence.
**[02:12] Observer**
Along the way, he tried on many expressions.
**[02:17] Observer**
He must be desperately trying
to process his emotions.
**[02:23] Observer**
With Gugu's death, he seems to have
acquired something invisible.
**[02:30] Fushi**
Come out, black thing.
**[02:33] Observer**
By "black thing," do you mean me?
**[02:39] Observer**
What is it?
**[02:41] Observer**
This is the first time you've called for me.
***SIGN*** Aspiring to Go Higher
**[02:49] Fushi**
What am I supposed to do now?
**[02:52] Observer**
Continue forward.
**[02:54] Observer**
Become stronger so that you can take
back the piece that was taken from you.
**[02:59] Fushi**
What... What am I?
**[03:03] Fushi**
What do you want from me?
**[03:05] Observer**
It's as I've said before.
**[03:08] Observer**
You are a mechanism for collecting and
preserving the information of this land.
**[03:14] Observer**
And it was I who created you.
**[03:17] Observer**
I am effectively your parent.
**[03:20] Fushi**
No. You aren't my parent.
**[03:23] Fushi**
My parent was...
**[03:28] Observer**
Is something the matter?
**[03:35] Fushi**
Why am I the only one living?
**[03:38] Fushi**
Why did Gugu have to d-d-die?
**[03:42] Observer**
It's simply a difference in nature.
**[03:44] Fushi**
I have no idea what you're talking about.
**[03:47] Observer**
It's too early for you to understand.
**[03:50] Observer**
But I'm glad you're able to question things.
**[03:53] Fushi**
Don't play dumb with me.
**[03:54] Fushi**
Tell me everything!
**[03:56] Observer**
Everything perishes.
**[03:59] Observer**
That's why you're needed.
**[04:01] Observer**
You're the one special entity in this world.
**[04:05] Observer**
For that reason, the enemies,
the Nokkers, seem to want to control you.
**[04:11] Fushi**
Will the Nokkers stop coming if I'm not me?
**[04:15] Observer**
That would be nice.
**[04:18] Fushi**
I'll try it.
**[04:38] Observer**
Taking on that form doesn't constitute
having abandoned yourself.
**[04:43] Observer**
If the Nokkers come while you're in that form,
they'll simply have their way with you.
**[04:47] Observer**
If you continue to lose, you'll return to
a state of nothing—back to the orb.
**[04:55] Observer**
And you'll never return to what you are now.
**[04:58] Observer**
You won't be able to.
**[05:00] Observer**
I wouldn't mind, but I'm sure you would.
**[05:04] Fushi**
Why don't you fight, then?
**[05:07] Fushi**
You're strong enough to
control me, aren't you?
**[05:11] Observer**
Yes. It would indeed be simple.
**[05:14] Observer**
But even if I can control your body,
I can't control your mind.
**[05:20] Observer**
The Nokkers...
**[05:21] Observer**
Until their objective of killing us is put
to an end, the attacks will continue.
**[05:28] Observer**
It will be you, not me, who stops them.
**[05:32] Observer**
One day, I will no longer be here.
**[05:35] Observer**
You need to prepare to defeat them
on your own when that time comes.
**[05:42] Observer**
You're a critical step in achieving my goal.
**[05:46] Fushi**
That's *your* problem!
**[05:47] Fushi**
I don't care!
**[05:52] Observer**
Good grief.
**[05:53] Observer**
You've grown to be quite troublesome.
**[05:57] Fushi**
Damn it.
**[05:59] WolfFushi**
Nothing will bring Gugu back.
**[06:03] WolfFushi**
So I don't care anymore.
**[06:05] WolfFushi**
I don't care what happens
to me or anyone else.
**[06:09] Observer**
Are you sure about that?
**[06:27] Fushi**
*This scent... Why?*
**[06:34] WolfFushi**
Pioran!
**[06:36] Piroan**
Hey!
**[06:39] Piroan**
I realized something.
**[06:41] Piroan**
I came to Takunaha hoping I could help you,
**[06:45] Piroan**
but in the end, I couldn't
do anything for you,
**[06:49] Piroan**
so I decided to travel with you again.
**[06:53] WolfFushi**
B-But...
**[06:55] WolfFushi**
Wh-What about the old man and the others?
**[06:57] Piroan**
Don't worry.
**[06:59] Piroan**
I've told them all about what I'm doing.
**[07:02] Piroan**
Rean and Shin said they'd keep
the business going for us.
**[07:06] Piroan**
Rean had figured out what
happened to you and Gugu.
**[07:10] Piroan**
I think that's why she let me leave.
**[07:18] Fushi**
Pioran...
**[07:20] Fushi**
Go home.
**[07:22] Piroan**
How dare you?!
**[07:24] Piroan**
You're turning down an
innocent old lady's wish?
**[07:27] Fushi**
You know what follows me.
**[07:29] Fushi**
It's dangerous.
**[07:31] Piroan**
I've thought it through.
**[07:34] Piroan**
How do I give meaning to what little
time I have left in this life?
**[07:38] Piroan**
I'll be your walking stick.
**[07:41] Piroan**
Even if I'm just an inch-long twig.
**[07:44] Piroan**
That's what I want to do.
**[07:46] Fushi**
I'm dragging you home!
**[07:49] Fushi**
They need you at that home, Pioran!
**[07:52] Fushi**
Ow!
**[07:55] Fushi**
Why won't you listen to me?
**[07:58] Fushi**
I don't want anyone to cry anymore.
**[08:00] Fushi**
A-And I don't want to see it, either.
**[08:02] Fushi**
So please, go home!
**[08:04] Fushi**
Go home for my sake!
**[08:06] Piroan**
Shut up!
**[08:07] Piroan**
It's my life!
**[08:08] Piroan**
Let me do as I please!
**[08:19] Fushi**
Suit yourself.
**[08:29] Piroan**
Here, have a potato.
**[08:31] Fushi**
Don't want it.
**[08:42] Piroan**
Here, have some tea.
**[08:44] Fushi**
Don't want it.
**[08:46] Piroan**
Here, have some fish.
**[08:48] Fushi**
I said I don't want it!
**[08:50] Piroan**
You must be cold.
**[08:58] Fushi**
Pioran, promise me one thing.
**[09:02] Piroan**
What's that?
**[09:04] Fushi**
Don't die.
**[09:14] Pioran**
Look.
**[09:15] Pioran**
It's a town.
**[09:18] Pioran**
I'm starving.
**[09:20] Pioran**
It's a good time for a break!
**[09:23] Fushi**
Pioran!
**[09:27] Fushi**
Pioran, let's go already.
**[09:29] Shopkeep**
Welcome!
**[09:31] Pioran**
I haven't eaten in ages! Delicious!
**[09:35] Fushi**
I can't protect this village if *it* comes back.
**[09:41] Pioran**
Fine. Just give me a second.
**[09:43] Pioran**
Hey, man! Do you have booze?
**[09:45] Shopkeep**
Sure thing.
**[09:46] Fushi**
Pioran!
**[09:53] Fushi**
Hey, where are the Nokkers right now?
**[09:56] Observer**
Six kilometers northwest of here.
**[09:59] Observer**
I haven't sensed it move for the past four
days, since it burrowed into the soil.
**[10:04] Fushi**
Sensed?
**[10:06] Fushi**
You always know where they are?
**[10:09] Observer**
They're like insects crawling on your body.
**[10:12] Observer**
You wouldn't notice them
while they're small eggs,
**[10:15] Observer**
but once they hatch and start to move,
they cause intense discomfort.
**[10:20] Fushi**
Can't you explain in a way I can understand?
**[10:23] Pioran**
Who are you talking to?
**[10:25] Fushi**
Oh, well...
**[10:28] Pioran**
Here's your food.
**[10:31] Pioran**
Fushi.
**[10:35] Pioran**
You can tell me anything.
**[10:38] Pioran**
A man in black?
**[10:40] Pioran**
And he's telling you to become stronger?
**[10:44] Pioran**
To drive away the Nokkers?
**[10:47] Fushi**
Yeah.
**[10:48] Pioran**
So, what do you want to do?
**[10:50] Fushi**
Huh?
**[10:52] Fushi**
*I don't want to just do as he says.*
**[10:56] Fushi**
*But if the Nokkers come...*
**[10:59] Fushi**
* I would be the only one*
* who could protect Pioran.*
**[11:04] Fushi**
* The man in black is right.*
* I can't defeat them.*
**[11:06] Fushi**
*Not as I am now.*
**[11:09] Fushi**
*Then I have to become strong.*
**[11:13] Fushi**
*That bastard!*
**[11:14] Fushi**
* He made me bump into Pioran*
* knowing this would happen to me!*
**[11:19] Pioran**
Say, Fushi...
**[11:21] Pioran**
I don't expect you to protect me.
**[11:26] Pioran**
Living on the edge has its appeal, too.
**[11:30] Pioran**
You hear?
**[11:32] Fushi**
Yeah.
**[11:33] Fushi**
*Is that really good enough?*
**[11:36] Fushi**
*I feel like I'm forgetting something.*
**[11:39] Pioran**
Those fruits look delicious!
**[11:42] Pioran**
Fushi, climb up and grab them for me.
**[11:45] Fushi**
I don't have to do that.
**[11:47] Fushi**
See?
**[11:48] Pioran**
Gross!
**[11:50] Pioran**
I'm not eating that.
**[11:52] Fushi**
Oh, fine.
**[11:56] Fushi**
Huh?
**[11:58] Pioran**
What's wrong? That was pathetic.
**[12:01] Pioran**
Just take on March's form again.
How hard could it be?
**[12:05] Fushi**
March?
**[12:08] Pioran**
M-March! You know her, don't you?
**[12:12] Pioran**
The tiny one.
**[12:13] Fushi**
Who are you talking about?
**[12:15] Pioran**
You've changed into her tons of times!
**[12:19] Pioran**
Remember her!
**[12:20] Pioran**
Don't you dare tell me you've forgotten her!
**[12:31] Fushi**
I remember.
**[12:33] Fushi**
I remember being able to climb trees.
**[12:36] (Flashback) Gugu**
Fushi! You go first!
**[12:38] (Flashback) Gugu**
Fushi! Give me a stick!
**[12:40] Pioran**
I do...
**[12:43] Observer**
You were robbed.
**[12:45] Observer**
The Nokkers took March from you.
**[12:48] Fushi**
Someone gave me many things.
**[12:53] (Flashback) March**
Say "thank you."
**[12:55] (Flashback) March**
Funny puppy!
**[12:58] (Flashback) March**
Growing up means knowing everything, right?
**[13:02] Fushi**
Is that...
**[13:03] Fushi**
Is that March?
**[13:07] Fushi**
Wasn't she really important to me?
**[13:12] Observer**
You finally understand.
**[13:14] Observer**
I can't blame you.
**[13:16] Observer**
You can't even recall something
once you've lost it.
**[13:25] Pioran**
I see.
**[13:27] Pioran**
The enemy takes your memories, too.
**[13:31] Pioran**
If it killed you while
you were in Gugu's form,
**[13:34] Pioran**
you'd lose your memories of Gugu, too.
**[13:37] Fushi**
Yeah.
**[13:40] Pioran**
It's like a second death.
**[13:44] Pioran**
Rean and Booze Man, Parona of Ninannah...
**[13:48] Pioran**
And me, too.
**[13:50] Pioran**
We'll only be truly dead
once we're forgotten.
**[13:57] Fushi**
I won't let that happen.
**[13:59] Fushi**
I'll get stronger.
**[14:04] Fushi**
* Now that I've made up my*
* mind, I have to think.*
**[14:07] Fushi**
* Even if I'm playing right*
* into the black thing's hands.*
**[14:10] (Flashback) Gugu**
You make new things in
reaction to pain, right?
**[14:16] Fushi**
*Pain...*
**[14:17] Fushi**
*I just have to stimulate myself.*
**[14:20] Fushi**
*It's easy.*
**[14:22] Fushi**
*But I can't turn myself into rock.*
**[14:25] Fushi**
*I'll lose awareness.*
**[14:27] Fushi**
* The problem is that,*
* as far as living things go,*
**[14:30] Fushi**
* I can't transform while the*
* subject is still alive.*
**[14:33] Fushi**
*What a nasty thought.*
**[14:34] Pioran**
A crab flower!
**[14:36] Pioran**
These things are sweet.
**[14:37] Pioran**
The eyes are made of bugs,
so we don't eat them.
**[14:40] Pioran**
The flower is delicious,
so we'll make salad out of it later.
**[14:45] Pioran**
And we boil it live with plenty of salt.
**[14:49] Pioran**
What's wrong, Fushi?
**[14:51] Fushi**
When I'm near something, I feel what it feels.
**[14:54] Fushi**
Pain and suffering and stuff.
**[14:57] Pioran**
Wow.
**[14:58] Pioran**
Has it always been like that?
**[15:00] Fushi**
Yeah.
**[15:01] Fushi**
That's why I always had Gugu
gut the fish and crabs.
**[15:07] Pioran**
I never knew.
**[15:09] Pioran**
There, it's ready.
**[15:12] Pioran**
Yum!
**[15:13] Fushi**
Yeah, it's good.
**[15:14] Fushi**
*I don't have the guts to become a crab yet.*
**[15:20] Fushi**
*All I can make is a corpse.*
**[15:23] Fushi**
*I guess I could probably make Gugu, too.*
**[15:26] Fushi**
*A limp, motionless Gugu.*
**[15:30] Pioran**
Say, Fushi...
**[15:32] Pioran**
How did you defeat the Nokkers
when you fought them last time?
**[15:39] Fushi**
I actually don't know.
**[15:42] Fushi**
Gugu blew fire on it,
and it jumped in the water,
**[15:45] Fushi**
and the rocks on its body fell apart.
**[15:47] Pioran**
That's it!
**[15:49] Pioran**
Heated stone becomes brittle
when it's quickly cooled.
**[16:04] Fushi**
That did work well.
**[16:07] Fushi**
But I don't know about the next time.
**[16:10] Fushi**
If it shakes me off, I'll die.
**[16:12] Pioran**
And you can't count on
there being water nearby.
**[16:16] Pioran**
You're going to have to learn
to be versatile when you fight.
**[16:20] Pioran**
I know!
**[16:21] Pioran**
There's a place that's perfect, Fushi!
**[16:25] Pioran**
There's a ship that goes to
Sarlnine from the port up ahead.
**[16:31] Pioran**
It's an animal paradise.
**[16:34] Pioran**
No one comes near it.
**[16:36] Pioran**
There, you can train to
your heart's content.
**[16:39] Fushi**
A ship...
**[16:40] Fushi**
A ship would be dangerous
if the Nokkers came.
**[16:43] Pioran**
It's not that much to endure!
**[16:45] Pioran**
You're going to be trapped forever
if you don't stop worrying.
**[16:51] Fushi**
All right.
**[16:53] Fushi**
Let's go.
**[16:59] Pioran**
Here we are!
**[17:00] Pioran**
This is the ship.
**[17:01] Tonari**
Ma'am, this ship is full.
**[17:05] Tonari**
Allow me to show you
to that ship over there.
**[17:07] Tonari**
This way, please.
**[17:08] Tonari**
I'll take care of your donkey.
**[17:10] Pioran**
Thanks.
**[17:13] Pioran**
Time for a break.
**[17:15] Tonari**
Women with me, please.
**[17:18] Pioran**
Is that a rule?
**[17:20] Tonari**
This area is dangerous.
**[17:22] Tonari**
I'm sorry.
**[17:24] Pioran**
Well then, Fushi, I'll see you there.
**[17:26] Fushi**
Yeah.
**[17:31] Uroy**
Come, you're with me.
**[17:34] Uroy**
Over here.
**[17:35] Uroy**
Get in.
**[17:40] Ship Captain**
I'm going to hand out your tickets.
**[17:42] Ship Captain**
Each of you, put your hand out.
**[17:48] Sailor**
Next!
**[17:49] Sailor**
You!
**[17:56] Sailor**
Next!
**[17:59] Sailor**
Next!
**[18:02] Fushi**
*Pioran!*
**[18:04] Ship Captain**
Welcome, prisoners!
**[18:06] Ship Captain**
Starting today, you're all family!
**[18:09] Ship Captain**
You're all headed for the one place in
the world that'll accept trash like you.
**[18:16] Ship Captain**
There is where your last life begins.
**[18:20] Ship Captain**
Welcome to heaven...
**[18:21] Ship Captain**
Jananda Island!
**[18:36] Fushi**
*What is going on?*
**[18:42] Fushi**
*Where's Pioran?*
**[18:48] Group Leader**
You, hold it.
**[18:49] Group Leader**
Where are your shackles?
**[18:52] Group Leader**
Your brand is missing, too.
**[18:54] Group Leader**
That's odd...
**[18:55] Group Leader**
Did you get on with the prisoners by mistake?
**[18:58] Tonari**
I'm sorry, boss!
**[19:00] Tonari**
I made a mistake.
**[19:03] Group Leader**
I see.
**[19:04] Group Leader**
Be careful from now on.
**[19:06] Group Leader**
Trust is important to our business.
**[19:08] Tonari**
All right.
**[19:09] Tonari**
I'll take him back.
**[19:12] Tonari**
This way.
**[19:19] Fushi**
Where's Pioran?
**[19:20] Pioran**
The woman who was with me?
**[19:22] Tonari**
Dunno.
**[19:23] Tonari**
She's probably been taken in already.
**[19:26] Tonari**
Don't worry.
**[19:28] Tonari**
Everyone who comes here
learns to smile eventually.
**[19:32] Tonari**
I wonder why, though.
**[19:35] Tonari**
Is it because they're happy here?
**[19:36] Tonari**
Or because if they don't act happy,
they'll lose their minds?
**[19:41] Tonari**
Wait!
**[19:43] Tonari**
Don't just wander off!
**[19:46] Tonari**
Huh?
**[19:50] Tonari**
What a pain.
**[20:03] WolfFushi**
Over there.
**[20:07] Fushi**
*Where's the entrance?*
**[20:09] Fushi**
*I can't find it.*
**[20:13] Fushi**
*I can't dig down.*
**[20:16] Fushi**
*Can I make my way up this way?*
**[20:39] Mia**
I'm not looking!
**[20:42] Tonari**
Hello...
**[20:46] Fushi**
Did you... see that?
**[20:48] Tonari**
I did!
**[20:49] Tonari**
That was awesome!
**[20:52] Tonari**
Oh, should we keep it a secret?
**[20:59] Fushi**
Hand me that bow.
**[21:03] Uroy**
Here.
**[21:06] Fushi**
*Huh? How do you use these things again?*
**[21:09] Fushi**
*Right, like this.*
**[21:11] Fushi**
*I can make it over there if I have that bird.*
**[21:15] Fushi**
*I don't have a choice.*
**[21:17] Fushi**
Okay.
**[21:19] Mia**
Not "okay"!
**[21:21] Fushi**
Wh-What was that for?!
**[21:24] Tonari**
This is my partner.
**[21:26] Mia**
You can't do that.
**[21:28] Uroy**
Give me back my bow.
**[21:35] Tonari**
H-Hey! Hang on!
**[21:37] Tonari**
People like you get played with
like toys when they're alone!
**[21:41] Fushi**
I'll wait, so tell me...
**[21:44] Fushi**
How do I get up there?
**[21:47] Tonari**
I dunno.
**[21:49] B**
Me, neither.
**[21:50] C**
Nor I.
**[21:52] Tonari**
You're looking for your
buddy Pioran, right?
**[21:55] Tonari**
That's unfortunate.
**[21:57] Tonari**
Even if you find her,
she won't be getting out.
**[22:01] Tonari**
Violent, irredeemable
murderers are brought
**[22:03] Tonari**
from all over the place to
be kept on this island.
**[22:07] Tonari**
It's a prison island.
**[22:09] Tonari**
Once you're a prisoner here,
there's no getting out.
**[22:14] Tonari**
Remember when they branded your hand?
**[22:17] Tonari**
That marks you as a prisoner.
**[22:19] Tonari**
So long as she has that brand,
she's a prisoner here.
**[22:23] Fushi**
Prisoner?! You were the one
who brought us here!
**[22:27] Tonari**
My bad!
**[22:28] Tonari**
It was a mistake, I swear.
**[22:30] Fushi**
Don't bullshit me.
**[22:31] Fushi**
That was no mistake!
**[22:38] Tonari**
Let me make it up to you, then.
**[22:41] Tonari**
I'll tell you the one realistic
way to grant your wish.
**[22:50] Tonari**
This is it!
**[22:53] Tonari**
You have to win in this arena.
***SIGN*** Preview
**[24:31] Observer**
Jananda, island of the lawless.
**[24:36] Observer**
An island where prisoners kill each
other to have their wishes granted.
**[24:41] Observer**
Fushi, being immortal, came to
be the hope of five children.
**[24:47] Observer**
Fushi has yet to notice the footsteps
approaching from the past.
***SIGN*** Jananda, Island of Freedom