Cathelaya's POV:
A deep pain snaps me back to reality.
- This will be the last time you harm something precious to me.
With a powerful pressure, the steam around me hisses as it begins to crush me. The hero just stares coldly at me, his gaze fixed on something on his shoulder.
"So… I was remembering that day."
Despite the immense pressure and pain, I can't help but laugh ironically.
- I've never fought to protect… You might be right about that.
My bones creak strangely before a sharp cracking sound erupts. A glob of blood from my pierced stomach spurts from my throat as I meet the hero's gaze. I stare, ignoring the pain.
- But you know what? I've never failed to destroy something when I set my mind to it.
The hero stares at me, puzzled. Perhaps he didn't even understand my words. But it doesn't matter. Nothing matters anymore.
- You call us monsters for destroying your pathetic ambitions? For defending ourselves against your one-sided attacks? I'LL SHOW YOU WHAT A MONSTER IS!
A whirring sound makes the air tremble. The hero stares at me in bewilderment. Impatiently, he clenches his fist as the steam engulfs my head. I can only laugh at the pathetic sight of the water hero.
- Too late, you idiot!
I let the electricity flow within me. With me at its center, the energy expanded from there at breakneck speed. The hero could only gasp in astonishment before being swallowed by the lightning I unleashed. Seconds after releasing that, the steam that had been crushing me dissipated. Time seemed to slow as I plummeted to the ground.
"This will be fatal... won't it"
The ground slowly drew closer as I stared at the embers that had once been the hero. His clothes, skin, even his hair, were charred beyond recognition. He, too, seemed powerless to break his fall.
"I wonder if he's still alive..."
I'm only a few feet from the ground. Even if I used my power to break my fall, my injuries would kill me in minutes.
"At least I'll keep my promise."
With what little energy I have left, I focus all my attention on the clouds above the Water Capital's castle. I desperately gather what I can before throwing it. The sky lights up as my head slams against the hard stones of the plaza. The impact leaves me disoriented as a strange sensation slowly causes my consciousness to fade. Although I wanted to see what happened to the castle, I can't make anything out in the darkness.
- NOOOOOO!"
A scream that seems distant echoes near me. I try to laugh, but my throat won't cooperate.
- "Haven't you had enough fun yet? It's time for bed, little one. Mommy doesn't like children who stay up late."
A familiar voice stirs within me. Nostalgia and emotion instantly erase the pain and strange feeling that had been overwhelming me. Above me, I see a familiar head. I timidly raise my hand to touch her face. She, surprised by my action, gives me a tender smile as she gently strokes my head.
- "What's wrong with you all of a sudden?"
- "...Sleeping in Mommy's lap...is the best thing ever."
Her smile widens as she cradles my head, still in her lap.
- "Goodnight, my dear daughter. See you on the other side."
- "...Yes"