Chapter 4

The staircase of water spiraled downward into the heart of the mountain. Each step rippled beneath Tara’s feet, but never broke. The air was thick with mist and ancient whispers — voices of those who had once come before her.

As she reached the bottom, she found herself standing in a vast chamber. Water fell like rain from the ceiling, forming pools that glowed faintly in the dim light. At the center stood a tall stone statue — the likeness of Lami, her arms raised as if calling to the sky.

Tara bowed her head. “Lami… I’m here.”

Suddenly, the statue’s eyes lit up with blue fire. A soft, echoing voice filled the chamber — not Lami’s, but the Water God himself.

“You carry her spirit, yet you are not her. Why do you seek me?”

Tara raised her head, her voice steady though her heart raced. “Because Kamala has lost its way again. The rivers run dry, the skies are angry, and the people no longer remember who gave them life. I came to ask for mercy.”

The Water God was silent for a long moment. Then, the pools around her began to swirl, forming three columns of water.

“Mercy is not given,” the voice said. “It is awakened. If you wish to save Kamala, you must face three truths — one of the past, one of the heart, and one of destiny.”

The first column burst into mist. Within it, Tara saw a vision of Kamala as it once was — lush, peaceful, full of laughter. Then the scene darkened. She saw people draining the rivers, cutting the forests, and turning on one another. Finally, she saw Lami — glowing and brave — stepping into the light before disappearing forever.

Tara’s eyes filled with tears. “So that’s what really happened…” she whispered. “She didn’t die — she became part of the water.”

The Water God’s voice echoed, “The past remembers her sacrifice. But what will you do differently?”

“I will remind them,” Tara said. “I’ll make sure no one forgets again.”

The first trial faded. The second column rose higher, forming a mirror of liquid light before her.

In it, Tara saw herself — but her reflection spoke. “You speak of saving others, yet your heart carries anger. You despise your people for not believing you.”

Tara looked away. “They mock what they don’t understand.”

“Then forgive them,” said the reflection. “Or your heart will poison the truth you seek.”

Tara closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and whispered, “I forgive them. And I forgive myself for doubting my purpose.”

The mirror shattered into a thousand drops of light — the second trial, passed.

Then came the final column. It didn’t form an image, but a door of pure water that pulsed like a heartbeat.

“This is your destiny,” said the Water God. “Beyond this door lies what remains of Lami — and your choice.”

Tara stepped forward. The door opened with a low hum, and she entered.

Inside, the world changed completely. She stood in a quiet ocean beneath a sky made of stars. In the center floated Lami’s spirit, surrounded by glowing currents. Her eyes opened slowly.

“Tara,” she said gently. “You have come far.”

Tara felt tears rise. “Lami… you never truly left, did you?”

Lami smiled faintly. “I have always been here — part of every drop of rain, every wave that touches Kamala. But the balance is fading. The Water God can no longer protect the people alone.”

Tara’s voice trembled. “Then let me take your place. Let me be the guardian.”

Lami stepped closer, her hand glowing as she placed it over Tara’s heart. “To become one with the water, you must give up your human life — your name, your memories, your past. Do you accept this?”

Tara hesitated. She thought of her home, her family, the laughter of children by the river… and then she nodded.

“I accept.”

A burst of light filled the ocean realm. Waves rose like wings, and Lami’s spirit merged with Tara’s. The two became one — the old guardian reborn within the new.

Far above, in Kamala, rain began to fall — soft and pure, filling every well and river once more. The people looked to the sky in wonder. The floods did not come this time; only renewal.

And in the reflection of every drop, a faint voice could be heard:

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