Cathelaya's POV:
- Something's coming out of the smoke!
- Archers!
A whistling sound is heard again. This time the sound is farther away, but still perfectly audible. Cracking sounds are heard as what remains of my clothing is torn by the force of the arrows.
- Ugh.
A groan fills the room where everything else was silent. A sense of helplessness fills my soul as I can do nothing but pray for Mama Ria's well-being.
- What the hell is this?
A scream of panic is heard as the groans multiply throughout the room. Shouts of confusion echo from one corner to the other. The sound of bones breaking and cries of agony soon drown out the room.
- Do not be afraid, soldiers of God!
A deep voice rises above the shouts, drowning them out. The same voice that had given the order to the archers resonates through the room.
- Fight without fear against the demon before us! Those who die will be glorified in the heavens, and those of us who survive will be treated as nobles!
A sharp sound, like that of a sword, rang out.
- Follow me, my noble knights!
A deafening roar followed. The screams of terror that had previously echoed were now shouts of rage. A new hissing sound rumbled again as the clatter of many suits of armor echoed through the room.
- Ma-
Before I could say anything, I was suddenly lifted up at breakneck speed. The world began to spin as a heavy sound rumbled amidst the euphoric shouts. Feeling the wind in my face, I was flung across a torchlit passage. I bounced off the ground a few times before I could stop.
- Ouch…
I slowly got to my feet from the impact. The world was still spinning around me as I held my head, trying to steady myself. A small figure in the distance helped me regain my balance. The figure of a little girl from whom hundreds of threads, like snakes, sprouted. Cold sweat began to trickle down my back. Before I knew it, thick tears were streaming down my face as I watched the small figure stumble.
- M-mom!
Something with the speed of an arrow approached the girl, impaling her with a huge silver sword. Even though she was being stabbed, she wasn't even looking at her attacker. Her completely unfocused eyes were… looking at me.
*Run*
That's what I read on her lips. A trickle of blood escaped her small mouth. Despite that, a soft smile played on her lips as she uttered those words. Time seemed to freeze. The man who had stabbed her swung his sword to her side, tearing a gaping wound into her stomach. A clean cut that spurted blood and entrails alike. The threads that had resembled snakes no longer moved. The girl's figure simply fell to the cold stone floor. A few screams came from where she had fallen. Despite this, I paid them no attention. The screams sounded so distant that they weren't even worth my notice. My sole focus was on the girl who now lay on the ground.
- ...Mama Ria?
The armored soldier lunged at me at full speed. Even though I knew he was coming for me, I couldn't fully react. Even though I knew I had to run. Even though I knew I had to obey Mama's order, my body simply wouldn't move.
- I can't leave Mama behind... Can I?
I took a step forward. The metal mountain approaching me pointed its sword at my head. As if I'd barely noticed, I glared at him with a look of disgust.
- Move.
Moments later, a gust of wind slammed the soldier against the wall. The sound of flesh, bone, and metal being crushed was all that could be heard. A deathly silence followed. I slowly moved toward Mama Ria. One step at a time. The soldiers quickly formed up to fire arrows at me. A whistling sound filled the narrow corridor where I stood.
- Don't get in my way.
A huge wave of wind erupted. The arrows launched at me flew back toward the soldiers who had fired them. The soldiers screamed in panic before being smashed against the wall and ceiling of the room. A few groans rang out, but they didn't even reach my ears. Mama Ria was still the only thing on my mind. I slowly reached her. I crouched down and gently held her in my arms. That sweet smile still graced her lips. I raise my hand to her face and lightly touch her still-warm cheeks. My finger sinks into them.
- I've always wanted to do this. As lovely as you are, you were so reserved about these kinds of things. There really is nothing in this world more adorable than you, Mama Ria.
As if hoping for some response, I keep touching them insistently. I keep going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going and going …Until suddenly something touched my own hand.
- Huh?
A drop of water fell on my hand. Unconsciously, I looked up, searching for the source. Before I could pinpoint where it came from, another drop fell. My confusion vanished when I noticed my eyes were a sea of tears. When I realized it, a scream of agony escaped my throat. I hugged Mama Ria's body tightly, sobbing uncontrollably.
My cries filled the room until I had no more tears left to cry.
I don't remember much after that.
Before I knew it, I had surfaced, holding Mama Ria's body. I didn't know where to go anymore. I just sent any soldier who appeared flying. You can still smell the milk from her.
- Looks like I'm late.
A muscular woman suddenly appears from the sky. She lands on a nearby structure, completely crushing it.