Haruko and the Scales

Haruko Sato brings Pia, a girl she rescued from the sea at Yushima, back to her university laboratory. Pia is an extraterrestrial life form, but that is of little consequence to Haruko. A month later, Pia makes a confession. The cause of the world's inundation by seawater is her doing. And she will continue to carry out this work. Haruko, who harbors affection for Pia, sees her off as an accomplice as she departs. Even if they never meet again, she blesses Pia for fulfilling her mission. However, Pia returns a week later. She weeps, saying she has completely achieved her goal. She had been navigating a precarious balance between the mission given to her and the salvation of Earth. At the same time, Haruko notices Pia's physical deterioration. Once all the work is complete, her body will collapse, Pia says. Though anguished, Haruko swallows her conflict and sends Pia out on one final task. With the resolve to accept all consequences. Scheduled for reprint on Alphapolis