Bearclaw Valley verbena

Thirteen — an important number? Ico did not know this, but stored it away as something to notice as he roamed through the world. As for not fearing death... he supposed he must do to some extent, for he had tried so hard to secure survival after his birthpack had cast him out. Further to that, death might bring about oblivion, and oblivion would forbid him from absorbing more histories, devising more tales. But that wasn't fear, was it? That was just getting really quite cross at the concept of having to abandon his learnings.

The ivory youth finally tore his gaze from Merrick to look at the long grass ahead, so he might muse on the profound question put to him. There must be a great many things; perchance even an infinity of things, he replied gently. Everything could be the same as nothing, after all. It must vary from creature to creature. Evidently it was the fate of your bear to pass something of themselves onto you after their death. Perhaps the spirits of others go nowhere; they may even remain on this plane, watching. But I don't think I've had an encounter with a ghost, he added thoughtfully. They probably have other things to do than chitchat with some silly little fellow like me.

What do you think lies beyond death?