Blaze the Cat: Monster Outbreak

Chapter 12: Feeling like a Failure

Eventually, Kathy, Marine, and the Coconut Crew finally arrived back at Infant Island around 6 PM. Kathy carried the still unconscious Blaze to the Sacred Springs. Marine and her crew followed Kathy to the cavern to see if Blaze will be awake soon. When Kathy got there, she placed Blaze down on a patch of flowers. Kathy then knelt down beside her and watched her. She could see that Blaze was patched up with bandages on her stomach and chest. Her dress was knitted back up with a few patches put together. As far as Kathy could tell, Blaze's wounds were dealt with. Blaze was still sleeping. Kathy knew that Blaze must've felt exhausted seeing that she couldn't wake up. She could understand since she's a little roughed up too.

Marine and her crew soon had arrived in the Sacred Springs with Kathy. They soon walked toward where Kathy and Blaze were. They were standing around near Kathy and Blaze as they wait for Blaze waking up. Kathy turned her head toward the group and said calmly, "You guys should get something to eat. It's about the time for dinner anyway. You can go to the back of the garden to pick out some fruit if you're hungry".

Marine frowned as she said softly, "Are you sure Kathy? I...I'm honestly not very hungry right now. I want to stay here with you until Blaze wakes up. I'll get something to eat later".

Kathy smiled weakly at Marine. Kathy can understand Marine's worries. So, she decided to drop the issue for her. She honestly wouldn't mind having Marine for some company right now. She then turned to the Coconut Crew to see if they wanted something to eat.

"Do you guys want to eat your dinner now? You can get your own fruit at the back of the cave," Kathy said to the crew.

The crew looked at each other. They soon whispered to each other for a bit. Soon, they all turned to Kathy as one of the crew members had said, "Yeah, we are planning to eat now. However, understand that we're doing this because we think you need some alone time, Kathy. We'll be eating outside in the meantime. If Blaze wakes up, then please tell us as soon as you can. So...take care of Blaze in the meantime, Kathy. Okay?".

Kathy smiled gently and nodded. With that, the crew soon turned around and walked toward the back of the cave to get their fruit for their dinner. As they left, Kathy then turned to look at Blaze again. Kathy grimaced again as she looked at her. Marine also frowned as she watched Kathy look even more sad. Marine decided to walk closer to her and kneel beside her next to Blaze as well. Kathy put a hand on Blaze's head as she looked pensive. Blaze...your face...was the same refined expression that my mother had when she...died. Kathy brooded as she can't help but reminisce about that painful day.

Her 13th birthday.

-Flashback to one year ago-

"Mommy? Are you leaving again so soon? I...I need your help. I...I feel sick. My stomach had been cramping all morning. Ugh. Am I going to be okay? I feel like I'm going to throw up," the then larva Kathy said while clutching her stomach as she leant forward. Kathy was wearing a light-blue dress with some sparkles on it. She had white gloves and socks. She also wore flat, light-blue shoes that matched her dress. She was still a brown larva with innocent, light-blue eyes. Kathy looked up to her mom with her pleading eyes. She and her mother were talking in the Sacred Springs before her mother got to leave to fight Battra.

Kathy's mother, Klara the Moth, smiled gently at Kathy as she placed her warm hand on Kathy's head. She rubbed Kathy's head as she replied calmly, "I'm sorry, Kathy, but I have to. I'm going to fight Battra again today. I just heard that he was planning something terrible to another unsuspecting island. I'm not going to let him get away with that. Also, don't worry, Kathy. You're not sick. You're just entering into your metamorphosis stage right now. Today is your birthday after all. In a few hours, you will turn into your adult form. I'm very proud to see how far you've come Kathy. You've gotten very strong lately in your fighting skills. Your new abilities as an adult moth will be a nice boost in power for you. Of coarse, your skills in harnessing the Sol Pendant's power had also improved over time. To be honest, I think it would be best if you get to be next Guardian of the Sol Pendant tomorrow. I think you are ready to handle the responsibility, Kathy".

Kathy's eyes widened in shock and awe after what her mother had told her. Her mouth went wide as she tried to reply back, "M-M-Mom! Y-Y-You really think so?! Do you really think I-I-I'm ready?!".

Klara just smiled wider at her daughter. It made her so happy to see her daughter be so surprised by her generosity. It's like as if she views herself as unworthy or something. Hahahahaha, what a silly thought. My daughter deserves all the recognition that she has. She is always worthy in my eyes. I don't know why Kathy thinks that. Klara pondered as she looked at her daughter fondly.

"Yes. You are ready, Kathy. I'm sure of it. You'll do fine as a guardian. And don't worry now. I'll always be by your side guiding you through your journey as a guardian. I'll always lend you a hand when you need it. All you need to do is ask," Klara replied gently.

Kathy's eyes sparkled as she stared at her mother with a shocked expression. She then had the biggest smile on her cute face as she then exclaimed happily, "Oh, Mom! Thank you! Thank you so much! It's...It's an honor, Mother! I'm very proud to be your successor to the pendant! Thank you so, so, sooooo much!".

"Hehehe, it's nothing, my precious daughter," Klara replied while chuckling.

Immediately, Kathy ran into her mom to give her a huge hug. Klara laughed as she knelt down and gave her daughter the biggest, warmest hug she could ever give her. Kathy snuggled into her mom as she hugged her tightly. Klara simply stroked her daughter's back and head while she continues to hug her. Kathy and Klara had big grins on their faces while they hugged each other warmly.

"Mommy?" Kathy said softly.

"Yes, my daughter?" Klara replied gently.

"I love you. I love you so much, Mommy," Kathy said happily.

"...I love you too, sweetheart. I'll always do," Klara responded warmly and passionately.

Kathy smiled even wider as she hugged her mom tighter. She is a little disappointed that her mother had to leave again to save the world, but she can wait until she comes back to have a little party together as mother and daughter.

A few seconds later, Kathy's stomach feels rumbly again, and Kathy groaned and winced in pain. Klara frowned as she heard her daughter being in mild pain. Klara knows that it's part of growing up, yet she can't help but feel hurt when her daughter is going through the pains of puberty right now at her age. She comforted her daughter by saying while rubbing her back, "There. There. Kathy. It'll be alright. You'll change into your adult form soon, and then, you won't dealing with the stomach cramping anymore. It'll pass once you're an adult moth. Although I don't usually recommend this, but you should not eat anything else for today. Not until you've metamorphized already. Then you can eat again. It'll only be a couple of hours, Kathy. It will be okay. Also, when the time comes when you feel like you're ready to 'explode', that will be the time for you to find a place and create your cocoon with your silk. Now, are you going to be okay on your own? I know how much you get lonely when I'm away and not being able to spend time with you. Are you going to handle being alone again?".

Kathy kept hugging her while not saying anything in a while. She then slowly pulled away to look at her mother in the eye. Kathy had a sad expression her face. Klara frowned once saw her daughter's expression. Klara gently stroked the top of Kathy's head as to further comfort her. Kathy then answered in a quiet, sad tone, "I'll never be okay whenever you leave. I...I want you to be at home. I'm...I'm not sure if I could ever handle being alone at anytime. What if...what if you leave and never came back? What...(sniff)…...what would I ever do then?".

A few tears fell down Kathy's face. She sobbed quietly. She closed her eyes and cried softly. Klara grimaced as she watched her daughter cry. She then pulled Kathy into a tighter hug. Kathy wrapped her small arms around her mother's neck as she cried. Klara's wings wrapped around her daughter just like her arms did. She gently stroked Kathy's back and head again as she made some hushing sounds to calm her daughter.

"Mommy...(Sob)…...I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I'm so weak right now. I'm...(sniff)….not strong enough. I just...I just don't know how to live by myself!...(Sob)…...I DON'T KNOW HOW I'LL LIVE WITH MYSELF IF YOU'RE GONE! WAAAAAAAAHHHHAAAAAHHHHHHHAAAAAHAAAHHA!" Kathy said weakly until she wailed in the end.

Kathy continued to cry while Klara tried to comfort her. "Hey...easy now. Shhhhhh. There. There. Kathy...just let it all out. Besides...it's okay if you feel that way. It's normal to feel worried. To feel anxious about the future. To feel...sad about me not being...around anymore. It's okay if you feel weak. I'm not expecting you to be strong all the time just for me. You may be a monster, but you have feelings just any normal person has. Having those feelings doesn't make you weak. It makes you who you really are. And you are Kathy the Moth. A kind, sweet, gentle, loving, jovial girl who loves her mother so much that all she wants is to have her mother to stay home and play with her. That's who you are, and you don't need anyone to tell you that you shouldn't act this way whenever someone calls you out on it. They don't even realize that they have their own personal, sensitive topics that makes them who they are too. So, don't feel sorry that you're not strong, Kathy. All I ever want from you is to be honest with yourself and with your true feelings to me. I love you just for who you are. Not for because of what I expected you to be. So, please...cheer up, Kathy," Klara said softly in the most soothing tone that she has.

Kathy had quieted her crying while she heard her mother talking. Kathy is still crying, but she is now quietly weeping. She is still hugging her mother. Klara can still see that Kathy is upset. So, she decided to calm her down with a song. She sings softly while rocking her side to side as she still hugged her. (A/N The song that Klara is singing is called "Call Happiness". It's another Mothra song. The version of the English translation of that song that I'm using is the Bellucci Productions Dub version. I think this song is perfect for this scene. Go look up the lyrics, and you'll see why.)

Kathy soon calmed down even more while listening to her mother's calm, melodious voice while she sings the song. Kathy thinks her mother is beautiful whenever she sings. She has a voice of an angel. Perhaps this is why it was easy for Kathy to calm down. Her mother's voice soothes her. After Klara stopped singing, she stayed quiet for a bit while rocking Kathy back and forth in her arms.

She then said softly, "Are you okay now, Kathy? Are you feeling better?".

She could feel Kathy's head moving up and down on her yellow dress. Klara smiled and pulled back a little to see Kathy's face. Kathy was still frowning and had a few tears in her eyes. Klara gently wiped her eyes with her hands. Kathy closed her eyes to let her mother wipe her tears. After she's done wiping them, Klara then said, "There. That's my girl. It will be okay, Kathy. Just trust me, Kathy. Things will get better soon. Now, just smile, Kathy".

Kathy stared deeply into her mother's eyes. Then, slowly, Kathy then gave her mother a small, cute smile. Klara smiled broadly as she saw her daughter smile again. "There you go, you silly girl! Just keep smiling, and it'll soon be over," Klara said happily.

Kathy nodded and replied, "Okay!".

Kathy then felt her stomach hurting again. So, she clutched her stomach again. She groaned a little again. Klara smiled sadly as she saw her daughter feeling more stomach pains. She wondered if she could do something to cheer her daughter up even more. Hehehe, I think I know how...Klara thought mischievously.

She gently placed a hand on Kathy's shoulder. Kathy looked up in curiosity. Klara then said, "Those stomach pains really hurt, don't they?".

Kathy nodded slowly while holding her stomach. Klara smiled fondly, "It really isn't fun now, isn't it?".

Kathy shook her head to say "no". Klara slowly pulled Kathy closer to her. She then smiled a little mischievously as she said, "Well, we shouldn't have that now, do we? Say. Maybe I can help making your tummy feel better".

Kathy titled her head to the side in confusion. She then asked innocently, "Huh? How will you do that? Can you do that?".

Klara looked playful as she answered sweetly, "Oh, I can. Just lift up your dress, and I'll show you".

Kathy felt even more confused. It's not that she doubted her mother, but she wonders how showing her mother her tummy will do anything. Despite these curious thoughts, Kathy did as she was told and lifted up her light-blue dress. "Um, okay. Now, what?" Kathy said in a confused tone.

Klara smiled gently as she put her left hand behind Kathy's back and pulled her a little closer to her. Klara looked into her eyes as she said, "Now...I'm going to give you a nice massage. Just hold still".

Feeling a little curious now, Kathy nodded her head. She stayed as still as the best that she could. Klara kept looking into her eyes. Kathy noticed her mother's face looked devious all of a sudden. She wonders why her mother is looking like that until she felt her mother's fingers scribbling on her exposed tummy. OH NO! Kathy thought before she had the biggest smile on face as she felt her tummy being tickled.

"A coochie coochie coochie coo! A cooochie cooochie coochie coo!" Klara teased silly as she tickled her daughter playfully.

"NOOOOOO! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! S-S-STAP! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! STAP IT! IT HEHEHEHEHEHEHE IT TICKLES! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kathy laughed cutely as she squirmed to the side to side as she her mother's fingers tickle her sensitive belly.

"Hehehe, there you go, Kathy. Now, you're feeling better. Just smile and laugh, Kathy," Klara said gently while chuckling a little.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! M-MOM! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! P-P-PLEAEHEHEHEHEHEHEHES! HAHAHAHAHAHA! I'M VERY, VERY TICKLISH THERE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I CAN'T TAKE IT! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kathy laughed some more.

"Oh, I know you are, Kathy. That is why I like tickling you. You are so cute when you're laughing and being happy. How could not tickle you?" Klara said happily.

"HEHEHEHEHEHEHE! OKAY! FINE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! JUST STOP! STOP! HAHAHAHAHA!" Kathy laughed as she tried to pull away, but Klara had held onto her with her left hand behind her back.

"Oh? Are you that ticklish? Hmmmm, now I gotta see," Klara said playfully feeling even more mischievous.

"NO! NO! NO! DON'T TICKLE ME! DOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHN'T! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! STOP! STAHAHAHAHAHAP!" Kathy laughed even harder as she felt her mother quickly tickle not just her tummy but her sides as well.

"Hehehe, and there's some tickle spots there. And there. And, oh, some over here as well," Klara teased as she played with Kathy silly as she tickled her weak spots.

Kathy laughed cutely as she struggled to get away. "Hmm, I bet I know where your most sensitive spot is, Kathy," Klara said playfully.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA! WH-WHAT? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! WHERE? HEHEHEHEHEHEHE!" Kathy laughed jovially.

"It's riiiiggghht...HERE! A coochie coochie coochie coo!" Klara teased before she tickled Kathy's bellybutton and around it.

Kathy laughed hysterically when she felt her most ticklish spot gotten tickled. "NOOOOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOH! AAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! STAAAAHAHAHAHAHAP! I HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE I CAHAHAHAHAHAHAN'T! I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! MOMMY! STOP! STOP! STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!" Kathy laughed with tears in her eyes.

"Hahahahaha, okay, okay. That's enough. I think your tummy feels better now, right?" Klara said gently as she lets go of Kathy.

Kathy was now clutching her stomach. Not because of pain but because of laughter. She was giggling as she was calming down. Klara can't help but tease Kathy a little as she said jokingly, "Hey, what gives? I gave you a nice massage on your tummy, and you're still saying it hurts?".

"Hehehehehehehe! It doesn't hurt anymore, Mom! Hahahahahahaha! It's just that I'm busy laughing! Hehehehehehehehehe!" Kathy replied while giggling cutely.

Klara smiled fondly at Kathy as she placed her hand on Kathy's shoulder. Kathy looked back up with a big, cute smile on her adorable face. Klara and Kathy looked fondly at each other until they gave each other another loving hug together. Klara held Kathy lovingly. Kathy held her mother with as much love that she has for her.

"I love you, Mommy," Kathy said happily and lovingly.

"I love you too, Kathy," Klara replied with much love.

They soon pulled away together. Kathy then said with a bright smile, "So, you'll be back for my birthday celebration, right?".

"That's right, Kathy. Once I stop Battra, then I'll come back for the celebration. Although I will say that I don't know how long I'll be out. You might have finished your metamorphosis by then. If I can't come back to see you, then go ahead and open your gift I had for you that's in our room. Let's just say that you should open your present right away after you've turned into an adult. Do you understand, Kathy?" Klara replied calmly with a warm smile.

Kathy smiled broadly as she nodded to her. "Yup! I'll be waiting for you to come back tonight! I hope you'll see me transform into a beautiful adult moth just like you, Mommy!" Kathy exclaimed happily.

Klara smiled as she replied, "I hope so too, Kathy. I hope so too".

Klara then leaned forward to give Kathy a kiss on her forehead. She then rubbed Kathy's head again in fondness. Then, Klara soon stood up. She then said while giving Kathy one final hug, "So long, Kathy. Take care of yourself".

Kathy hugged back happily. "I will, Mommy!" Kathy exclaimed jovially.

"And remember Kathy. Every year should be a year of laughter, not sadness. Always keep that smile on your face, Kathy. Just trust me. The world would be an even happier place when you smile. Your silliness and sense of humor will always make someone's day. Remember that. With that said..." Klara replied gently and wisely.

Klara then pulled back and smiled mischievously as she continued, "I wonder how you'll last on your annual 'birthday raspberries' tradition. You seem to already have a tough time whenever I tickle you on your tummy, but with 13 raspberries, I think I lose my daughter to the tickle monster!".

Kathy laughed happily as she replied, "Hehehehehehehehe! Oh no! I forgot about that! Hahahahahahahaha! I don't think I'll last this time even in my adult form!".

"Hahahaha, yeah, I hate to break it to you, but your older body won't be immune to tickling. But...that makes it more fun for the both of us," Klara replied with a warm, gentle expression that Kathy loved to see.

Kathy smiled warmly as her eyelids went down halfway as she stared at her mother. It's moments like these that she was grateful that she at least had a mom. She never knew what happened to her father, but she was more than happy to have a mother who loved her unconditionally. She just wishes that her mother will still be around forever and ever. Sure, it is a childish thought, but she doesn't care. She loved her mother that much.

"Goodbye, Kathy. Take care then," Klara said while she stroked Kathy's head one last time before she turned around to leave outside of the Sacred Springs.

"Goodbye! Goodbye, Mother!" Kathy exclaimed back while waving her hand "goodbye".

Klara turned around and waved back. With a smile, she then spoke in her Kaiju tongue.

KIIIIIOOOOOOOO! SCCCRRRREEEEEEEE! (Goodbye, my lovely daughter!)

Kathy smiled broadly as she spoke to her mom back in her own Kaiju language.

KEEEEEEEOOOOOO! KEEEEKIIEEEOOOOO! (Goodbye, Mother! I love you!)

SCRRRREEEEEEEEE! (I love you too!)

With that, Klara walked out of the Sacred Springs leaving Kathy all alone again. Kathy was still smiling having hope that her mother will still make it back home.

It was soon a few hours later in the day that Kathy felt like she couldn't stand the pain of her aching stomach. It was around 6 PM. Kathy still hadn't seen her mother's return to the island yet. She felt worried about her mother. She just hoped that her mother will be okay and come home safely. As she thought that, she felt her stomach churning inside of her.

"Unnnnnnngh. I...I think it's time for me to make my cocoon. Let's see. Where should I make it?" Kathy said to herself. Kathy looked around to find a good place to make her cocoon. She walked through the forest, went through each part of the cave, and even went to the Sacred Springs. Hmmm...where should I go? Wait! I know! Kathy pondered as she looked around the Sacred Springs.

She then noticed a small cave passageway at the left corner of the back of the Sacred Springs. She smiled and headed there. She walked through the narrow passageway until she had arrived at another cave area. There were some steps that lead to the middle of the room. She could see the back wall of the cave. The wall was completely flat and had a few stalagmites on the ground. It was perfect for Kathy to create her cocoon. Kathy then quickly realized that she forgot to get out her mother's gift and bring it with her.

Ah! That's right! My mother said that I should open her gift immediately after I changed into my adult form! I better go get it before I start making my cocoon! Kathy thought as she then turned around and left the cave briefly. In a few minutes, Kathy soon got her gift that was in her and her mother's room. She took the wrapped gift from under her mother's hammock next to her diary. Kathy had to admit that she found it strange that she hadn't seen her mother writing in her diary for years. She never understood why her mother had stopped writing. Kathy knew that if her mother ran out of pages, then she would've gotten a new diary to add with her old one. It is a little puzzling to Kathy as to what her mother's reasons were for quitting to write any more diary entries, but she never questions her mother's motives. If her mother said that it's for the best, then she had to believe that to be true.

Kathy then walked out of her and her mother's room while carrying her gift. She then made it back to the adjacent cave in the back of the Sacred Springs. She then walked up to the big wall, placed her gift on the ground beside her, and started to make her cocoon. She spit out her silk from her mouth around the wall in front of her. It took a couple of minutes, but Kathy had made an elegant cocoon. Once she saw that her cocoon was almost finished, she then walked over to her cocoon and stepped inside it. She then shot out her silk to cover up the remaining areas of her cocoon. Eventually, Kathy had completely finished her cocoon. Once she saw that her work was done, she then yawned and suddenly felt prepared to take a nice, long nap. Kathy knew that her clothes won't fit once she changed into her adult form. So, she took off her clothes. She placed all of her clothes into a neat pile on one side of the cocoon. Then, she laid down to the ground to get ready to sleep. She let out one final yawn before she closed her eyes and rested on her side with her arms folded together under her head. She soon went to sleep in a few minutes.

It was around 7: 30 PM that Kathy soon woke up from her nap. She yawned and stretched. She slowly opened her eyes. She looked down on her body and was happy that she had finally transformed into her adult form. She grabbed one of her wings and looked at it for a bit. She smiled as she looked at her beautiful wing. She really did look like her mom now, and she was happy about that. She decided that she wants to get out of her cocoon since she finished transforming into her adult form. She slowly stood up and started to break the cocoon with her fists. The silky cocoon was rather soft and delicate as Kathy kept on punching through the cocoon. She eventually tore through the cocoon with her hands. Once she saw that she's free, she then picked up her old clothes in her cocoon and carried them out. She walked over to her gift. She placed her old clothes down and picked up the gift instead. She looked around to see if her mother came or not, but her mother was nowhere to be seen. She frowned a little in disappointment. She instead focused on her gift.

Hmmm, I wonder what kind of gift that my mom gave me? Kathy pondered as she tore of the wrapping of the gift. Once she got the wrapping off, she opened the lid to the gift. She gasped as her eyes went wide once she saw the gift. It was a different outfit. She slowly put the gift down and took out one of the new clothes. Her expression was one of shock once she saw her new dress. It was a hot-pink dress with sequins on it. It was a rather beautiful dress. Perhaps even gorgeous. She also picked up another part of the new outfit. She grabbed her new shoes. Her new shoes matched the dress as it was hot-pink too complete by having the shoes made in sequins. Her new shoes also looked a bit like a mixture of regular dress shoes and boots. The heel and top are thicker and higher than her old shoes. She supposed that her mother wanted to have her wear shoes that are comfortable to wear while looking a bit taller. She honestly felt appreciative of her mother's kindness. She smiled fondly as she looked at her new clothes.

I...I love them. They're so pretty. My mother really wants me to look pretty, doesn't she? She really does love me very much, doesn't she? She must've thought so highly of me. I...I feel honored to have this. Thank you, Mother. For you, I'll always wear this. For every day, I'll wear it for you. This...this is the best gift I could have ever receive from you. I'll treasure this outfit forever. Kathy reflected out of love. Kathy then put down the clothes for a bit to get out the other clothes from her gift. She first put on her new white bra over her head. Next, she put on her new white socks. Then, she put on her new dress. She put on her new white gloves after that. Finally, she put on her new shoes. She finally looked like a new person

Kathy smiled as she turned around and looked at herself for a bit. She looked at her dress, gloves, socks, and shoes. She even looked at her wings and arms as she saw how much her body had changed. She knew that she looked beautiful before, but with this new outfit, she now looked stunning.

"Oh, I can't wait for my mom to see me like this! I must look amazing to her right now!" Kathy exclaimed jovially.

"K-Kathy...?" Klara said weakly.

Kathy gasped and turned around quickly to see her mother standing a few feet behind her. Kathy beamed as she exclaimed happily, "Mom! You're back!".

Instead of seeing her mother smile and laugh, her mother kept on staring at her with a stunned and...a tired expression? No, a...weakened expression on her face. Kathy frowned a little as she looked concerned. "Mommy?" Kathy asked out of worry.

As Kathy looked at her mother more closely, she could see that her mother had bruises, cuts, and burns all over her body. Kathy was used to seeing her mother get badly wounded before, but not like this. This might be the worst one she had ever seen of her. She also noticed how weak her legs are since they are wobbling a lot and looked like they would give in at any second. Klara slowly walked to her while holding out her hand as she said weakly, "Kathy...you're...you're so beautiful now. I...I'm glad...that...I got to see you...again...for...one...last...time. I'm glad that...that...I got to raise such a...wonderful...beautiful...daughter...like...you. You're...so precious to me. Kathy...I...love...you. I'll...always...love you...forever...".

Suddenly, Klara collapsed at the top of the steps near Kathy. Kathy gasped loudly as she immediately went to her mother and knelt down on her side. Kathy shook her mother to try to get a response from her.

"Mom! Mom! Mom, are you okay?! Please! Say something! Anything! I'll...I'll help you! Let me help you! G-Give me the Sol Pendant! I can heal you!" Kathy yelled as she panicked and tears are coming to her eyes. She felt very scared for her mother. Why is she acting like this? Why did she say those things? It sounded like she is about to...to...NO! NO! NO! NO! She couldn't! She isn't! Kathy pondered before she came to a horrible realization.

Her mother is dying.

"MOM! NO! YOU...YOU CAN'T DIE! PLEASE! LET ME SAVE YOU!" Kathy screamed as she quickly rolled her mother over to try to get her Sol Pendant.

"N-No...It's quite alright, Kathy...I'm...I'm...fine. You don't...need to...do...anything for me. I'm...I'm content with this," Klara replied weakly as she opened her eyes briefly. Her mother had a calm, refined expression as her eyes are open halfway. Kathy had more ears in her eyes as she looked down on her mother.

"NO! NO, IT'S NOT OKAY! YOU'RE DYING! PLEASE! I NEED TO SAVE YOU! I BEG OF YOU MOTHER! GIVE THE SOL PENDANT TO ME, AND I'LL SAVE YOU! PLEASE! I...I...I CAN'T GO ON WITHOUT YOU! I...I...I LOVE YOU!" Kathy screamed louder while she's crying.

Klara smiled gently at her daughter. She was so happy that she raised up a caring and loving daughter. She couldn't be any prouder of her. Klara slowly lifted up her hand and placed it on her daughter's cheek.

With one last gentle smile, she spoke her last words softly, "I love you too, Kathy, my little angel".

After that, Klara's hand flopped down and her eyes closed shut. Kathy cried even more as she shook her mother hard.

"MOM! MOM! MOMMY! PLEASE WAKE UP! GET UP! PLEASE! I KNOW YOU THAT CAN LIVE! YOU'RE STRONG! YOU NEVER GAVE UP! PLEASE! FIGHT THIS! FIGHT THIS! FIGHT THIS! YOU CAN'T GIVE UP! I...I NEED YOU! PLEASE! ANSWER ME MOTHER! I CAN LIVE ON BY MYSELF! I NEED YOU! I CAN'T DO ANYTHING ON MY OWN! PLEASE! HELP ME!" Kathy screamed as she cried some more. She kept on shaking her mother, but there was no response. Kathy wished that her mother was just tired and is sleeping right now. That is why she couldn't shake her to wake her up. But...she knows what she had to do to confirm her thoughts.

She slowly put her shaky hand over her mother's chest. She waited for a heartbeat. A few seconds went by, and then...minutes. However...there was no heartbeat. Kathy panicked again. She quickly checked her pulse to make sure she isn't imagining things. She felt nothing. She then felt her mother's ribs to see if she was breathing or not. Unfortunately for Kathy, Klara's chest and ribs aren't moving up and down. Feeling desperate, Kathy tried pushing her mother's chest up and down to perform CPR. She even gave some air to her mother's mouth while pumping her chest. Kathy still had tears in her eyes while she does this. After doing this for several minutes, Kathy tried to feel her mother's chest again for a heartbeat or some breathing. Sadly, her mother still didn't breathe or had a heartbeat.

Feeling even more panicked, Kathy quickly took off her mother's pendant and put it on her own neck. She doesn't care if her mother didn't let her to have the pendant. She was determined to save her life. She took out her Sol Gems and placed them on top of her mother. She then focused on her thoughts to summon the healing technique of the Sol Gems. She did this while tears flow down on her cheeks. The gems glowed yellow, and her mother's body also turned yellow. Kathy knew that she is doing this move right since she felt the energy of the Sol Gems going into her mother's body. Once Kathy had finished her move, she lifted up her gems to see if her mother is waking up. Her mother still had her eyes closed. Kathy then quickly put her Sol Gems back onto the pendant and placed her hands on her chest to feel another heartbeat. Alas...she felt nothing.

"N-No...Mommy. You...You...really are dead. No...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Kathy spoke in a whisper before she lost it by wailing uncontrollably. She fell down on her mother's body and held her tightly as she wailed loudly. She screamed and wailed as loud as she could. She just couldn't believe it. Her mother is dead. She's gone from this world forever. She...left her all alone forever.

"WHHHHHHHHYYYYYYYY?! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DIHIHIHIHIHIE?! WAAAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAAHHHHHAAAAAAA! I'M ALL ALONE NOW! WHAT I'M I GOING TO DO?! WAAAAAHAAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA! I CAN'T DO THIS! I CAN'T DO THIS ALL BY MYSELF! WHY?! WHY COULDN'T WE BE TOGETHER?! WHY CAN'T WE LIVE TOGETHER AS MOTHER AND DAUGHTER?! AND WHY...WHY COULDN'T I SAVE YOU IN TIME?! IF ONLY I HAD GROWN UP FASTER, THEN I WOULD HAVE JOINED YOU ON YOUR FIGHTS AGAINST BATTRA! I COULD'VE MADE YOU LIVE LONGER IF I HAD HELPED YOU THEN! WHY DID THIS HAD TO HAPPEN?! IT'S NOT FAIR! IT'S NOT FAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIRRRRR! WAAAAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAHAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAHHHAHAAHHHHHAAAHAAAAA!" Kathy screamed loudly as she wailed and cried.

She clutched onto her mother as tight as she could while she continued to cry her heart out. She never let go of her mother's dead body while she cried for hours and hours.

For the first time in her life, she felt like a complete failure.

-Present Day-

Kathy still had her hand on Blaze. Kathy still had that pensive look on her face. She then felt Marine hugging her waist. Kathy let go of Blaze's head and turned to look at Marine. Marine was hugging Kathy tightly around her waist, and she is also snuggling her head at her side. Kathy looked surprised by this action. She had forgotten about Marine the entire time while she was reminicing about her past. Kathy frowned in sadness. She then wrapped her arms around Marine as well. She leant her head down on Marine's head. She snuggled her head onto Marine's head while she spoke softly.

"Marine? What is it?" Kathy said gently.

"I'm just trying to make you feel better. You looked very sad. I wanted to cheer you up," Marine answered softly.

Kathy looked shocked again as her eyes went wide. Marine's words sounded just like hers whenever she saw her mother being depressed or sad. Kathy felt like crying again as she was reminded of her mother again. Kathy held Marine more tightly as she rubbed her head and side with her hands. Kathy felt some tears in her eyes.

She then whispered to Marine, "Thank you. You have no idea how upset I'm feeling right now. Thank you...for being considerate of my feelings, Marine. Thank you".

Marine held onto Kathy even tighter as she replied softly, "You're welcome, Kathy. I'm sorry that you feel sad. I hope that you'll feel better soon".

"I'll...I'll be okay, Marine. I'll be okay," Kathy replied shakily.

While the two of them are hugging, they hadn't realized that Blaze had woken up a few seconds ago. Blaze didn't want to interrupt them in their little private moment, but she had to speak up.

"Um...Kathy? Marine? I'm awake now," Blaze said calmly as she sat up.

Kathy and Marine were startled as they both looked at Blaze with wide eyes. They soon let go of each other and spoke to her.

"Blaze? Are you okay? You were out for a while now!" Marine said in worry.

"Yeah, after you got hit from one of Battra's minions, you were out for the entire fight! You got injured very badly on your body especially! You had a large cut going from your left side to your right shoulder! It was pretty bad! You even got your dress cut by that attack! The Coconut Crew had to patch your body up with some bandages and fixed your dress while on the way back here on the ship! I was very worried about you! Marine and her crew were also worried for you! I mean...I thought that you might have died from that attack!" Kathy exclaimed while looking sad.

"O-Oh...was it really that bad?" Blaze asked in alarm.

"Yes! We all thought that your life is in danger of dying due to that wound! You were out for a long time. I thought that maybe you gotten yourself into a coma!" Marine yelled out of concern.

Blaze's eyes went wide as she heard this. She had no idea that her injury was that bad. She also didn't think that she would be out for a long time. She was grateful now that she didn't go into a coma by her injury.

"Oh, I-I see. Well then...I guess we should all be grateful that didn't happen. That would've been bad," Blaze replied awkwardly while looking away.

Marine and Kathy frowned as they both said, "Yeah, it would have".

…...

An awkward silence filled the area as Blaze kept on looking on the grass while Marine and Kathy looked at Blaze in concern. After a few seconds, Blaze then broke the silence by saying, "Umm...Kathy? What happened after I got knocked out? I know that you must have beaten the monsters and saved Lagos Island, but what happened exactly?".

"Hm? Oh! Um, actually, in the end, the monsters turned on themselves after I had made the leader of the monsters accidently attack his own group. Yeah, they ended up killing each other in the end. I guess I didn't technically save Lagos Island this time. In a way, Battra's own minions did. I know. Crazy, right?" Kathy answered with a little smile as she recalled the somewhat humorous event.

"Really then? Huh. I guess those monsters are even stupider than I thought," Blaze replied with a small smile.

"Guess so! Hehehehehe," Kathy replied while giggling a little.

Blaze smiled and so did Marine. Kathy then smiled sadly as she looked down. She felt quiet again. Even though she's glad that Blaze is alright, she still couldn't forgive herself for letting Blaze get hurt in the first place. Kathy looked sad again. She still has that scar, doesn't she? Kathy brooded while frowning.

Blaze noticed Kathy's sad expression and asked, "Kathy? What's wrong? Why are you feeling sad again?".

Kathy didn't respond. She can't help but think of her failure today for not protecting Blaze. She even...can't help but think about her failure for not saving her mother's life on her first day as a guardian. Sigh. Mother...Kathy brooded while looking depressed.

Marine also looked concerned as well. "Kathy? Really. What's wrong? You can talk to us if you feel upset," Marine said gently while holding onto Kathy's arm and stroked it.

Kathy looked away while grimacing. She decided that she should leave to be by herself. She closed her eyes and said quietly, "Blaze, Marine. You two should get something to eat. I...I want to be by myself for the night. Please excuse me".

Kathy soon stood up and walked away. Blaze and Marine were surprised by this strange action. Blaze yelled out, "Kathy! Hey! Come back!".

Marine also yelled out, "Kathy! Where are you going?! We can talk if you want! Please come back!".

Kathy ignored these protests and walked into the passageway at the back of the Sacred Springs. Blaze and Marine felt upset that Kathy wouldn't listen to them. All they wanted to do is help her. They had no idea what's on their friend's mind right now. Marine felt determined to talk to her. She soon stood up and walked toward the passageway as well.

"Marine! Wait! Where are you going?!" Blaze exclaimed in surprise.

"I'm going to go talk to Kathy. I'm worried about her," Marine replied while looking back at Blaze.

"But you heard what she said. She wants to be alone. As much as I'm upset that she won't talk to us, we should at least respect her wishes," Blaze replied back.

"I...I know. But! I feel like Kathy needs someone to talk to. I want to know what's going on," Marine replied while looking depressed.

Blaze opened her mouth to counter that statement, but once she saw Marine's big, sad eyes, she couldn't bring herself to deny her. Blaze sighed and shook her head. She then said, "Alright. You go talk to her. I'll stay here and rest up".

Marine smiled a little as she replied, "Thank you, Blaze. I'll be right back".

Marine soon turned around and walked toward the passageway. Blaze saw Marine go inside the narrow passageway. Blaze frowned and looked back on her lap. She sighed and decided to lay back down to rest a little. She didn't close her eyes, but she just laid there while having a hand at the back of her head and a hand on her stomach. She frowned as she brooded.

I don't know what's wrong with Kathy, but if she's going where I think she's going, then I suppose she must be visiting her mother's grave. I guess I can't blame her for feeling a little distant right now. Whatever made Kathy remember about her mother's death, it must be very difficult for her to forget about it. Still...why should Marine need to go to her? Marine should just respect Kathy's decisions here. Kathy would be fine on her own. Besides...I'm the one who is injured here. Not to mention that she thought that I was going to DIE or go into a COMA by my injuries! Any normal person would've stayed by their friend's side if they heard that their friend almost got killed or went into a coma, even when their friend is feeling better! I get that Marine did worry for me, but why can't she stay by my side? I thought that she missed me. I thought that she would do anything to spend time with me. Perhaps...perhaps she grew to care about Kathy more than me. Sigh.

Blaze grimaced as she narrows her eyes. She frowned deeper as she felt that rising jealousy again. She continued to brood.

What does Marine see in that Kathy girl anyway? I get that she is affectionate, gentle, warm, silly, and jovial, but whatever did she do that made her so great that she gets more special treatment than me? She's just a normal girl! She may be a Kaiju and a guardian, but she's still just a regular girl. How did Kathy managed to get Marine to want to spend time with her instead of me? Yes, Marine gets along great with her, but that shouldn't be any excuse for Marine to choose her over me! She even wanted to spend with Kathy instead of me yesterday! Who cares if her mother is dead?! Kathy should just be left alone to cry to herself! She doesn't need Marine to deal with her problems! She's mature enough to handle her own problems! I...I can't believe that I'm being left alone here. Normally, I would be fine with it, but...somehow...it's not the same. Is it because now that I'm learning to grow attachments to my friends that I want more attention? I usually wouldn't care about having friends or having attention. But now that Kathy is taking my one friend away from me, I...I can't help but worry that I'll lose her. I...I want friends now. I still believe that I have a chance at having friends now thanks to Sonic. I should believe in myself into having friends without any worry of losing them. But with Kathy in the way...

Blaze furrowed her eyebrows in bitterness as she said while frowning, "'Oh boohoo, I miss my mommy. I can't do anything without her. Please love me, guys.' Hmph! She's just a selfish brat".

-Meanwhile In the Secret Cave-

Kathy was still kneeling before her mother's grave. She was bowing on one knee before the grave. She had her hand on top of the grave while her head was bowing down. Her eyes were closed, and she had tears in her eyes as she cried softly. She was talking softly toward the grave.

"M-Mother...I'm sorry. I wasn't...(sniff)…...I wasn't able to protect Blaze today. She...got hurt because of me. I failed to protect her like I was supposed to do. I'm...(sob)...I'm sorry, Mother. I'm so, so sorry. I let you down again. Please...forgive me. (Sob, Sob, Sob)" Kathy said quietly while crying.

She kept on crying over her mother's grave for a while now. She then said, "What good am I really? If I can't protect anyone with my powers, then I'm no use to anyone at all! …...(Sniff)…...What good are my super powers if people can still get killed or hurt?! How can I be a guardian then if anyone got hurt?! How?! …..(Sob)…...I'm such a failure. I can't do anything right. I'm lost without you, Mother. I can't...(sniff)…..I can't live up to these expectations as a guardian. I'm sorry that I couldn't do it, Mother. I'm sorry...(Sob)".

While Kathy was crying, Marine was standing at the exit of the passageway watching Kathy crying alone. Marine frowned deeply as she too felt some tears in her eyes. Kathy...you sound very upset right now. Is there anything that I can do to help you? Marine pondered while some tears fell from her cheeks.

"(Sob)…..Maybe...it is the best for me to leave this dimension, forever," Kathy said as she kept on crying.

WHAT?! Marine thought as her eyes went wide in shock. She felt like it was her turn to cry. K-Kathy's...leaving?! Marine thought as she stared at Kathy in shock.

"No one wants me around. I'll just get in their way and never truly help them. I try so hard but...(sniff)…..but my efforts are never enough. My hard work is never appreciated. I'm sorry to let you down, Mother, but I'm...I'm...I'm going to leave from my home, forever. I'm going to go somewhere else. And...and I'm abandoning the titles such as "The Goddess of Peace" and "The Guardian of the Sol Pendant" when I leave. I'm...(sob)…..I'm sorry that I'm not up to the task, Mother. It's just that...that...I'm tired of it all. I don't want to live up to any expectations anymore. I want...I want to live for myself. Please forgive me for doing this, Mother. Please...(sniff).." Kathy said while trying to wipe her eyes with her hand.

Marine stood frozen still as she heard this. Is she...Is she serious? Is she really going to quit being a guardian? Is she really...going to leave this dimension and never come back? No! She can't! I mustn't let her! I've got to convince her to change her mind! Marine pondered while looking stunned and while she's crying.

"No! You can't just leave! You can't! What you're planning is wrong! You shouldn't quit! Please Kathy! Please reconsider this!" Marine yelled out feeling determined as she had her fists up.

"Marine?!" Kathy yelled as she was startled. She quickly looked behind her, and she was surprised that Marine was there. She hadn't expected her to hear that. She thought that she was all alone. Kathy stared at Marine's teary eyes with her own sad eyes. Kathy grimaced at Marine.

"Marine...what are doing here?" Kathy said quietly.

"I'm here because I think you need someone to talk to! But enough about that! Are you serious, Kathy?! You're going to leave this dimension and never come back?! Why?! Why would you do that?!" Marine yelled as she was even more upset.

"..." Kathy didn't say anything. She tried to answer the question, but her throat wouldn't let her because it had been clogged up. She felt even sadder as she looked down and cried again. Marine could see that what she's been saying isn't working. Kathy isn't talking to her. Marine bit her lip as she felt her body urging to run to Kathy and give her a big hug. So...she did just that. A few seconds later, Marine dashed over to where Kathy was kneeling and hugged her very tightly. Marine soon cried with Kathy. Kathy slowly hugged Marine back as she moved a little to get into a more comfortable position for the hug. Kathy and Marine just cried together with Marine being the louder of the two.

"Why?! Why do you have to leave?! Don't you know that Blaze and I love you?!" Marine yelled while she cried.

"(Sob)….I'm sorry, Marine. But...I can't stay. No one in this world loves me. I don't think what you're saying is true. You're...(sniff)….you're just saying that just to make me stay," Kathy replied while crying softly.

"(Gasp!) What are you saying, Kathy?! I just said that I love you! Even Blaze cares for you! Don't you get it?! We care for you, Kathy! You don't have to leave because of some people said that they don't like you! You can't just give up because others don't want you! I need you! Even Blaze needs you! Please stay for us!" Marine yelled in shock and in sadness.

"I-I-I'm...sorry, Marine. I've...(sniff)….already made up my mind. I can't...stay here any longer. (Sob)…." Kathy replied quietly.

"N-No! N-No..."Marine replied in sadness.

Marine felt very defeated by this news. She wished that Kathy would stay. She thinks that Kathy is a good friend to her and Blaze. It upsets her that Kathy can't look past the negatives and focus on what is positive such as having two caring friends. How long did Kathy feel this way? It sounded like she was planning to do this for a long time. I'm...I'm very upset that Kathy feels unneeded here. That she feels unwanted. I wish that there is something to say to her, but...I can't find anything. Why?! Why do you have to do this, Kathy?! Why?! Marine pondered as she continued to cry on Kathy's shoulder.

Kathy kept on hugging Marine while she stroked onto Marine's head and back. Kathy knows that she herself is still upset, but she can tell that Marine is devastated. She knows that Marine needs much more comfort than her. Kathy then wiped her own eyes while she kept on hugging Marine.

Marine kept on crying. She then said softly, "D-Does Blaze know? Does she know that you'll leave this dimension?".

Kathy nodded her head as she answered shakily, "Y-Yes, she does. I told her a few days ago".

"Oh..." Marine replied while trying to calm down on her crying.

"Listen, Marine. I...I know that you and Blaze do care for me, but it's not enough for me to stay. I told Blaze that I will leave immediately after her kingdom is saved. I'm planning to take Battra away from this dimension to make sure that he won't cause any more destruction in this dimension. It's the least that I could do for the two of you. You two deserve a safe world to live in. You guys want peace, and I want to give it to you in my own way. I want...to be helpful to you two in some way," Kathy replied gently.

Marine tried to say something, but she didn't know what to say. So, instead, she just kept on hugging Kathy in silence. Kathy and Marine stayed that way for a few minutes hugging each other. Poor Marine. Her actions were no different than me into begging my mother to stay home. I can relate to that. Marine really looks up to me. Marine really does love me. I...I can't help but be more guilty. Am I...making a mistake? …..No. No, I'm not. Marine could feel sad all she wants, but...I need to live a better life. If that means that I'm going to let my friends down or disappoint them, then that's the way it has to be. In scenarios such as these, only one person needs to be unhappy while the other is happy. I could stay for their sake, and they can be happy for as long as they want. However, I will forever remain unhappy even when I got friends like them. But I could leave this dimension for good and be happy with my decision while the two of them are unhappy. There is no middle ground in this situation. It's either I go or stay. Either I keep being a people-pleaser and sacrifice my own wants for their own happiness, or I could try to make my own choices that I believe that will make me happy. I do love these girls, but I...I need to change myself. I know that I won't transform into a new person once I'm in a new dimension. I'll still struggle in my people-pleasing habits, but, I still want to change for the better. And being in a new dimension is a good start for a new life. No one will know me if I keep my identity secret. They won't know that I'm a Kaiju considering I'm a moth on the outside. If this new dimension has Mobians in it, then I will definitely blend in because of my outward appearance. Yeah...yeah, I think I'm making the right decision despite the negative feedback that I had gotten. Kathy brooded while hugging Marine tightly and stroking her gently to soothe her.

"Hey, Marine?" Kathy said gently.

"(Hic)...What?" Marine replied while trying to stop crying.

"Thank you. Thank you for trying to cheer me up," Kathy said with a small smile.

"...Your welcome, Kathy," Marine replied while frowning as she still felt disappointed.

"Oh, and Marine?" Kathy said briefly.

"Yes?" Marine muttered sadly.

"Please...don't tell Blaze what you saw. This...This grave...belongs to my mother. She's...buried here. I was just paying my respects to her," Kathy said softly.

Marine gasped again. She had a feeling of who Kathy was speaking to before she interrupted her, but she had her doubts that maybe it wasn't true. She thought that the grave was for someone else. Marine had been too naïve to believe something like that. Marine grimaced as she felt awful for Kathy now. She had heard multiple accounts of Kathy's mother of how kind, wonderful, loving, affectionate, gentle, and wise that she is from Kathy, but to now know that she's dead, it...it made Marine understand how heart-broken Kathy really is about her mother. Apparently, it was worse than Marine had originally thought. She could understand why Kathy speaks so fondly of her mother. Kathy loves her mother very dearly. Kathy's mom was clearly special to her. She could also understand why that Kathy wanted this moment to be private and never to be made known to others or Blaze specifically. It's just a sensitive topic to her. Marine could respect that.

"Okay, Kathy. I won't tell. I promise," Marine said softly.

"Hmmm...you're a good kid, Marine," Kathy replied while smiling sadly.

They kept on hugging for little while before they finally broke off. Kathy soon stood up. She then smiled a little as she said to Marine, "Anyways, are you hungry now, Marine? I don't you had some yet since you've came here to check up on me".

Marine shook her head "no" while she wiped away her tears. She then replied, "No, I didn't eat because I was so worried about you. I just wanted to make sure you're okay before I eat my dinner".

Kathy smiled wider as she responded with, "That's very sweet of you, Marine. Now, I think that it is time for you to eat your dinner. Also, don't worry about me. I'll...I'll manage. Besides, I'm coming to eat with you and Blaze. Let's go already".

Marine smiled brightly as she saw that Kathy was ready to join them again. Marine nodded as she exclaimed, "Okay! Let's eat already! I'm starving!".

"Hahahaha, agreed. Let's go," Kathy replied while chuckling.

They soon walked together out of the Secret Cave and went into the passageway again. Eventually, they got back to the Sacred Springs and went over to Blaze where she was resting on her back. Kathy spoke up when she saw Blaze lying down on her back.

"Blaze? We're back. Why are you lying down? Are you resting?" Kathy said calmly.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, right. I was resting for a bit," Blaze replied as she looked at her left and saw Kathy and Marine approaching her. Blaze soon sat back up and faced them with a neutral expression. Marine smiled at Blaze as she said, "Hey, do you want to join us for dinner? I'm sure that you are hungry now, right?".

Blaze nodded as she said in a relaxed tone, "Yes, I think that will be a good idea to eat now. It's been a long day after all".

Kathy and Marine smiled at each other and then looked back at Blaze. Kathy then said, "Well then, why don't you stay still while Marine and I go gather some fruit for you and for ourselves. Come on, Marine. Let's go!".

"Right!" Marine exclaimed cheerfully while nodding her head at Kathy. Before Blaze get another word in, the two girls turned around and ran to the back of the garden. Blaze frowned a little before she sighed.

She looked down and shook her head. Those two are as close as mother and daughter. Hmm...speaking of mother and daughter, Kathy, she...at least had a mom whereas I...Ugh. Why am I thinking like this? …...No, I know why. It's because of how often Kathy had mentioned her mother. I...I never got to know my mother all that well since she died while I was very young, and that I don't remember her at all. I only got to know my father, but he...he wasn't anything like Kathy's mother. Not to mention that he's also dead. Kathy really is the luckier person of the two of us. Having to experience a warm and loving parent...is something I also wish to have besides friends. Unfortunately...I won't be able to experience anything like that anymore now that both of my parents are dead. Kathy really has nothing to complain about since she had a better life than mine. At least someone accepted her. But as for me...Sigh. I had no such luck. Blaze brooded while looking at her lap with a frown on her face.

It was a few second later that Kathy and Marine brought back some fruit for the three of them to eat. Kathy and Marine sat down next to Blaze and ate their fruit peacefully. All three of them had a nice chat with each other. Blaze only talked to Marine while avoiding any conversation with Kathy. Blaze only avoided talking to Kathy because she still felt jealous of her. To Blaze's surprise, even Kathy didn't engage in any conversation with her. She only talked to Marine just like Blaze was doing. Kathy only avoided talking to Blaze because she still felt guilty and felt ashamed of herself for not protecting Blaze. Of coarse, Marine was oblivious of to this and was happy to talk to Kathy and Blaze just fine. It was a little later at night where the girls and the Coconut Crew were getting ready for bed. Kathy just told the Coconut Crew that Blaze is fine and is recovering well. The crew was relieved that their ruler is still okay despite the injuries. They decided to literally rest easy by going to bed in the Sacred Springs. Kathy told Marine that she should get some rest as well. Despite Marine protesting a little about staying up and spend some time with Kathy some more, she did as she as told and got to her flower bed to sleep beside. Blaze and Kathy also decided to go to bed as well since their injuries had taken a toll on their bodies today. They soon went to Kathy's room and got onto the hammocks. After the two girls said a quick "Goodnight" to each other, they turned on their sides and went to sleep right away. It was most likely that they were so weary from the long, rough day that they felt exhausted and fell asleep much quicker than usual. Nevertheless, the two slept soundly.

Well, only one of them slept soundly throughout the night.

-Kathy's Dream-

Kathy was feeling happy since she is running with her strange, red friend with an octopus-like face. They were in some sort of festival. There were oriental buildings with festival lights hung over them. There were food and game stalls throughout the festival. Kathy and her friend were laughing while they were having fun in the festival. It was like the best time of their lives since they had already played some games, got engaged in some of the festivities that the festival event had, and ate some delicious food they had never tasted before. It was such a fun, jovial time for the two kids. They were now running toward a lighthouse that was on the end of a dock. The strange, red friend opened the steel door to the lighthouse and offered Kathy to walk in. Kathy beamed at him and went inside while giggling silly. She and her friend were climbing up some stairs to the top of the lighthouse while laughing and giggling. They felt so free and happy they can't help but laugh.

When they soon got to the top of the lighthouse, there was a small, wooden gazebo there. The big light fixture was on top of the gazebo. Kathy ran up to the wooden railing of the gazebo and had her hands on it while looking at the amazing view of the oriental town. The strange, red friend walked up to the railing as well and took the left side of the railing beside Kathy. They both looked out onto the town together feeling both amazed and surprised.

"Woooow, this view is incredible! The festival is so bright and colorful! Do you like the view, buddy?" Kathy, the then eight-year old larva, said happily.

"Yeah...it's really fantastic," the red friend replied in awe.

"Hehehehe! I told you it was a good idea to come here! And you said that it was better to stay at home! Teehee! Well look at you now! You look so happy! You kept on smiling the entire way through!" Kathy replied jovially while giggling.

"Heheheheh, aw, shut up, you silly girl. I still think that it would've have been better if we stayed back home on my island," the red friend chuckled while looking away from her as he smiled wider yet trying to disprove Kathy's point.

"Hahahahahahaha! You're just disappointed that I'm right! You can't fool me, buddy! I see you smiling behind that hand of yours!" Kathy replied cheerfully.

The red friend did prop up one elbow on the railing to let his face rest on his big hand while letting the other arm to rest on the railing. He really was hiding his smile from Kathy. It was just one of his common habits he has whenever he dealt with Kathy. He can't help himself but feel shy around her sometimes.

"Ha! You can't prove that!" the red friend teased.

Kathy just giggled some more. "Hehehehehehehehehe! You're so funny, Troublemaker!" Kathy replied happily.

"Heh, and you're so silly, Angel," the red friend with light fondness.

Kathy looked at her friend with twinkling eyes and a big, cute smile. The red friend soon turned his head and looked at her with a calm smile. They looked at each other with such fondness for each other. They stared each other for a long time before they blushed and looked at the view again to avoid eye contact. There was a bit of silence between the two of them while down at the town below there was still music and laughter in the air.

"...Are you excited for the fireworks to start? It's almost 8 PM! I'm sure that the fireworks would be amazing since I saw them on a flyer that I showed you with!" Kathy said after the brief silence.

"Hmmmm, maybe. I don't know. I never seen fireworks before. So, it'll be a treat to see them for the first time," the red friend answered casually.

"Well, I haven't seen any fireworks either, but I think it will be like when my mom fires her lasers beams from her antennas! There will always be sparks and explosions every time my mom fires her lasers at stuff. Maybe the fireworks will be similar to that!" Kathy replied with joy.

"Hmm, it's possible. Even I saw how powerful your mother's laser beams were. They were kind of cool," the red friend said.

"Aww come on, buddy! You know that my mother's laser attacks are incredible! They are not just 'kind of cool' like you say they were! It's okay to admit that you were impressed with them!" Kathy replied while looking at her friend with a jovial expression.

"And that's why I won't say it. Only you think they're cool. I'm just saying that it could have been better," the red friend replied with a teasing smirk.

Kathy smiled back as she said with a laugh. "Hahahahahaha! Hey, that's not true! It is cool, objectively speaking! You know that you never seen something like that in your entire life! You can't say that you've seen better!" Kathy replied back.

"And what if I will? What are you going to do about it?" the red friend said as he teased some more.

"Hehehehehehehehe! Then I'm going to tell my mom to show off her powers again just to show you that I'm right! You're not incapable of being unimpressed by our monster powers! There was a reason that the humans in our dimension's history was always amazed by our might! It simply amazes them that the monsters could be even more powerful than their own weapons! So, if you're saying that you're not that impressed by my mother's powers, then you better believe that it is just that strong as it was back then!" Kathy replied while beaming at her friend.

Her friend teased back while saying, "Yeah, yeah, nice fairy tale, Kathy. I'll believe it when I see it".

"Hey!" Kathy exclaimed with her eyebrows raised in shock.

"Hahahahahahahahaha! I'm just messing with you, Kathy! I really do think that your mother's powers are amazing! They really are something else! Even I wouldn't try to mess with her! She is a force to be reckoned with! Heheheheheheh! I can see why her archenemy, Battra, always had a hard time with her," the red friend replied while laughing.

Kathy giggled with him as she replied, "Yeah, my mom is the best! Battra will never win against her! She'll still be alive after she defeats Battra! She always does!".

"Yeah, she will. I believe it," the red friend replied while looking fondly at Kathy.

Kathy smiled gently at her friend. She decided to move a little closer to him. Her friend raised an eyebrow at her as he smiled wider at her. Kathy then wrapped her left arm around her friend's back and leant on him on her left side. She sighed as she looked out at the view again. Her red friend stared at her gently as he then decided to do the same as Kathy and wrapped his right arm around Kathy to bring her closer to him. They both stared out into the amazing view while holding each other. There was silence again, but it was a welcoming silence for the two of them. They had enjoyed the silence since all they really needed is each other to fill up the void. They had enjoyed spending time together in silence. They sometimes cuddled or hugged each other while they stood or sat together. Sometimes the only communication they needed was their actions. It's not to say that they don't like to talk to each other, but it's rather like a soul-bonding moment where they could be together and be at peace with each other. They just felt complete with the other in the same space as the other. They enjoyed talking to each other just as much as being quiet together. It's usually the most happiest time for them. They feel warm when around the other person. It's just that good of a relationship that they had.

"Hey...buddy?" Kathy asked gently.

"What is it?" the red friend asked back calmly.

"Did you like the time we spent together at this festival? I think we had a lot of fun! It was really amazing coming here with you," Kathy answered with a warm smile on her face.

"...It really was fun. I enjoyed myself very much as well. Besides...it's always fun whenever I'm with you, Kathy. The festival might've been nice, but you were the one that made it incredible," the red friend responded softly.

Kathy smiled a lot wider as she squeezed her friend's side even more with her arm. She then replied happily, "Well, I'm glad that I'm entertaining you! I'm happy that you've enjoyed it!".

"I never said that you were entertaining, Kathy," the red friend teased with a smirk.

"Hey! That's mean, buddy!" Kathy exclaimed while looking at her friend with an amused face.

"Of coarse, I'm mean. I'm a boy. Deal with it," the red friend looked back at Kathy with a teasing smirk.

Kathy looked at him with a playful smile on her face. Her friend made the exact same face as hers. After staring at each other with playful smiles, they soon laughed together.

"Hahahahahahahahahaha! You're terrible, Troublemaker!" Kathy laughed happily.

"Hahahahahahahahahahah! Yeah? Well, you're just too nice! Heheheheheheheheh! Besides, I'm kidding! I'm kidding! You always entertain me, Kathy! You always find the way to make me smile! Hahahahahahahahahaha! You're like my only one weakness I have when I'm trying to be serious! It's just incredible to me that one person could easily to do that without fail! Heheheheheheheheh! I'll...heheheheheheheh...I'll never understand why I feel...why I feel...Ah! Uh! Nevermind!" the red friend laughed until he stopped once he felt embarrassed. He soon turned away from Kathy as he blushed.

"Huh?" Kathy said cluelessly. She felt curious as to why her friend got embarrassed all of a sudden. She soon let go of him and turned her body around to face him.

"Hey...buddy? Are you alright?" Kathy said innocently.

Her friend blushed even further as he still couldn't face her. He was silent when she asked the question. Kathy felt concerned as she placed her hand onto his arm and rubbed it gently.

"Hey...it's okay, buddy. You can tell me what you're feeling," Kathy said with concern in her gentle voice.

"..." Her friend still refused to answer.

"Listen, I'm sure that whatever you're feeling is probably something that I understand. There's no need to hide things from me. Even if I don't understand, it's always a good idea to let your feelings out in the open. I could at least listen to you explaining your feelings to me," Kathy said with tenderness in her voice.

Her friend blushed so much he felt like he was having a sunburn on his cheeks. He crossed his arms as he looked down onto the ground. The feelings that he had were something that he's nervous to tell Kathy. He just thinks that he's the only one who feels this way. He believed that Kathy wouldn't understand. Although he didn't want his heart broken, he decided to ask Kathy the important question.

"K-K-Kathy?" the red friend asked nervously.

Kathy noticed her friend's nervous tone and tried to soothe him by saying, "Hey...it's okay. There's no need to feel nervous. Just take a few breaths before speaking to me again. I'm all ears, buddy".

Her friend got the message and tried to take some deep breaths to calm himself. He decided to take the courage to face her head on. He turned around and uncrossed his arms. He looked at Kathy with longing in his eyes. He placed his big hands on Kathy's shoulders and asked her while looking straight into her eyes. He spoke again.

"Kathy? Do you...do you have...feelings for me? Do you...um...um...'like' me?" the strange, red friend asked while blushing.

"Huh? 'Like...you'? …..Wait! You don't mean...'l-l-love', right?! Like me being in love with you, right?!" Kathy replied awkwardly until she blushed as she panicked.

Her friend closed his eyes and turned his head away in embarrassment. While blushing hard, he answered awkwardly, "Errr...ummm...yeeeeaaaaaahhh. That. That was what I had meant earlier".

Kathy blushed even deeper as she looked down feeling shy of her friend now. The two friends felt shy around each other because of how they are blushing and not making eye contact with each other.

Her friend then said nervously, "Listen, it's...it's okay if you don't like me that way. I...I would have understand if you don't. I...I...I...I mean...you...must be just seeing me as a...a...a big brother, d-don't y-you?".

Kathy didn't say anything but kept on looking down. In a way, she did see her red friend like the big brother she never had, but...somehow...the impossible happened that the two of them became more than just adoptive siblings. They...they became best friends. They were way more closer than what siblings usually are. That...that was what Kathy was embarrassed about. Since that they felt more like best friends than siblings, Kathy was able to...to...fall in love with the strange, red boy. She didn't know when she had this huge crush on him, but it's possible it could've started when after her mother adopted him after they all had met each other on the first day when her mother and her came to his island. She just can't help herself feel attracted to the boy. He looks after her when her mom was away; he plays with her to help her not to feel lonely; he helps her get stronger by training her on fighting skills; he protects her whenever she feels scared, sad, or is cornered by Battra's monsters; he always listens to her and her feelings; he always made her laugh and smile way more than she usually does; and he always liked her whenever she is just being her silly self. She always felt safe to be herself around him. He never had any expectations of her or any expectations of how she should act. He seemed to just accept her as she is and never wanted her to change. She always felt the happiest when she's around him because of his accepting attitude. Maybe...maybe those were the reasons why she fell in love with him.

Kathy then smiled warmly and looked up at her red friend with fondness in her eyes. Her friend took notice to this and said awkwardly, "Ummm...yes, Kathy? Is there...um...something you like to say?".

Kathy then lowered her eyelids halfway as she smiled gently at him. She then slowly grabbed his hands and held them as she answered softly, "Yes...there is something that I wanted to say to you for a very long time now. And...now I'm ready to say it".

Her friend stared at her with surprised eyes. He was even more surprised when Kathy knelt down on one knee while holding his hands. He tried to interject, "Kathy? What are you-".

Kathy smiled and shook her head. She then replied gently, "It's okay. I'm doing this because...I'm being serious right now".

He gasped out of shock. He closed his mouth and decided to be quiet. He listened carefully to Kathy's speech.

"You know, buddy. I've always adored you. Ever since we first met, I...I really liked you. You were so curious about me and my mom ever since we took you in as a part of our family. You were so cute being suspicious of us whenever we did something kind or loving towards you. I find it quite hilarious and sweet on how much you care for your job since you felt overprotective of that emerald. You probably thought we were dangerous people, did you?" Kathy said with warmth in her tone.

Her friend blushed in embarrassment over that sentence. He didn't say anything but nodded his head slowly. Kathy blushed even more as she smiled wider.

"Hehehe, see? You are just adorable whenever you did that. You were always such a shy person, buddy. But...that is what I like about you. Despite your independent and stubborn nature, you still secretly cared for me and for my mom without saying your feelings out loud. You've always looked after me and took care of me. And...and that was why I like you. I...I actually had a big crush on you for a while now since we've been living together in your island. I only wish that we could stay together forever as best friends. I'm not sure if we'll...you know like...er...'date' each other when we're older, but...I would like it very much if you wanted the two of us to stay together for the rest of our lives. We...we would be very happy together. I can feel it. You...you mean so much to me, buddy. I wish that you could feel the same. I would be honored to be your best friend for life. We could become partners in the future. Protecting your island and your emerald forever and ever. I...I would be very satisfied with that as my life as long as I get to be with you," Kathy confessed with a tender look on her face.

Her red friend felt like his heart is going to swell up in shock and happiness as he heard this confession. His eyes kept on blinking, and his mouth was open wide as he stared at Kathy's soft, twinkling eyes. Kathy was smiling widely while blushing a lot. Kathy then spoke these last few words softly while squeezing her friend's hands gently.

"...I love you..." Kathy said gently while the last part of her sentence was muted out.

Her strange, red friend gasped loudly as he stared intensely into Kathy's calm eyes. Slowly, her friend's face looked very ecstatic. He had the biggest smile on his face and his eyes were wide and sparkling. While wearing a happy face, he fell down on his knees in front of her while Kathy still held his hands. He felt really confident in telling Kathy his secret now.

"Kathy...I...I..." the red friend said softly while beaming. Kathy beamed back as she waited for him to say something. Meanwhile, in the background, the people are shouting loudly as they are counting down from 10 before the fireworks show begins. While wearing a fond look, Kathy stared at her friend, waiting for his reply. "3! 2! 1!" shouted the crowd below in the town. But before that happened...

SCCCAAAAAROOOOONKOOOOO!

In a moment, Kathy's ears heard a strange sound before she fell unconscious.

…...

…...

…...

"Unnnngh...Wha-….What happened?" Kathy said quietly while lying down face-first on the floor of the gazebo. Her head felt fuzzy as she was waking up from her unconsciousness. She put her hand on her head as she got up on her knees. She could smell smoke all around her. With some blurriness in her eyes, she looked around her surroundings. She realized that she was now in the middle of the gazebo rather than at the railing. She then notices a huge green emerald almost right in front of her. She gasped and went backwards. She sat down on her bottom and scooted away from the emerald in shock.

Wh-What the-! Why is...ACK! Kathy thought before she looked to the left and saw such a horrific sight.

The entire town was in a sea of flames. Fire kept on burning throughout the town as it rises to the top. Kathy was speechless as she stared at the burning town just like she just witnessed a murder. She moved her body onto her knees and looked at the fire in fear and in shock. She can't look away from it. The atmosphere felt hot as the fire kept on burning. Kathy's heart was pounding hard as she just kept watching the fire burn and burn. Slowly, she shakily stood up and looked back at the huge emerald again. While she stared at the emerald, her body moved toward it. She was in a daze. Without thinking, she held the emerald with her hands while staring at it in confusion.

"What the...Why is this here? How could this emerald..." Kathy spoke out loud in confusion.

"Nooo...Kathy...you...you didn't..." spoke a voice from Kathy's right.

AH! OH NO! Kathy thought as she panicked. She immediately looked to her right to see that her red friend was on his hands and knees staring at her in shock. Her eyes widened in surprise while her jaw hung open wide. Her friend's eyes were as big as dinnerplates while his mouth hung open as well. Her friend was completely shell-shocked. This was the last thing that he had expected Kathy to do. He couldn't believe the sight that he was seeing. His best friend holding the emerald while a town is burning in the background. All of the trust he had of her were gone the moment that terrifying image entered into his mind.

"What?! NO! NO! NO! It wasn't me! I didn't do it! The emerald was right here when I woke up!" Kathy yelled in panic.

"How...How could you do this to me, Kathy? I...I thought...that...you..." the red friend said while still stunned.

"N-NO! I swear it wasn't me! Please! Buddy! You got to believe me!" Kathy yelled in defense.

"Why?...Why would you do this, Kathy? I...I trusted you, and you...you went behind my back and...tricked me," the red friend said while looking down as he felt hurt, panic, and sadness.

"No, no, no, no! I didn't trick you! This is all a huge misunderstanding! I...I didn't destroy this town! Why would I do that?!" Kathy yelled back as she took her hands off the emerald and shook her head.

"'Why would you do that' you ask?...'WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT' YOU ASK?!" the red friend said quietly until he shouted in anger while some tears came into his eyes.

"B-Buddy?" Kathy muttered softly with wide eyes.

"IT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE A MONSTER! YOU'VE ONLY PRETENDED TO LOVE ME BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO GET CLOSER TO MY EMERALD AND USE IT FOR DESTRUCTION! I KNEW THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TRUSTED YOU OR YOUR MOTHER! YOU GUYS JUST SET ME UP! I BET YOUR MOTHER WAS IN ON THIS AS WELL! HOW ELSE WOULD YOU GET THE EMERALD AND USE IT WHILE BEING HERE WITH ME?! THIS WAS ALL A TRAP FROM THE VERY BEGINNING!" the red friend shouted while looking very angry at Kathy.

"Wh-Wh-WHAT?! NO! NO! IT'S NOT TRUE! I SWEAR!" Kathy shouted as she jolted back.

"LIES! YOU PLANNED THIS FROM THE VERY START! YOU BEGGED ME TO COME HERE WHERE I'LL BE AWAY FROM THE EMERALD! YOU'VE USED THIS FESTIVAL TO DISTRACT ME FOR A FEW HOURS WHILE YOUR MOM TOOK THE EMERALD AND BROUGHT IT HERE FOR YOU TO USE IT! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! I THOUGHT THAT YOU HAD PLANNED TO BE A GUARDIAN IN THE FUTURE! HOW COULD YOU BETRAY ME LIKE THIS?! HOW COULD YOU DECEIVE ME?! DID...DID MY FEELINGS NOT MATTER TO YOU AT ALL?!" the red friend continued to shout loudly while feeling upset.

"What?! Of coarse, I care for your feelings! I would never do this!" Kathy yelled in defense while placed a hand over her chest.

"AS IF I WOULD BELIEVE THAT! YOU LIED TO ME! YOU NEVER LOVED ME AT ALL! AFTER ALL THIS TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER, YOU WENT BEHIND MY BACK AND DESTROYED THIS TOWN ON YOUR OWN! I KNEW THAT I COULDN'T TRUST MONSTERS! THEY'RE ALWAYS TERRIBLE! THEY'VE ALWAYS KILLED PEOPLE AND DESTROYED CITIES WITHOUT ANY CARE OR THOUGHT ABOUT OTHERS! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GOOD MONSTERS AFTER ALL! PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO WANTED TO BE HEROIC AND RIGHTEOUS! BEING ALL GOODIE-TWO SHOES JUST FOR THE SAKE OF GETTING PEOPLE TO LOWER THEIR GUARD AND FOR THEM TO TRUST YOU! I...I...I HATE IT! I HATE YOU, KATHY! I HATE YOUR MOTHER AS WELL! THE BOTH OF YOU ARE AWFUL, HORRIBLE PEOPLE! YOU ARE A TERRIBLE PERSON, KATHY! YOU'LL NEVER BE A GOOD GUARDIAN BECAUSE YOU ARE EVIL! YOU ARE A MONSTER, AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE THAT! I...I...I HATE YOU!" the red friend screamed while tears came down from his eyes.

N-Noo...Kathy thought while her body was paralyzed with fear. Her heart felt broken as she heard these terrible, awful, sad words that her best friend, her crush, had said to her. She felt tears coming down on her face as she felt like crying. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. It's not true. IT'S NOT TRUE! Kathy pondered while being in denial out of self-defense.

She then wailed as she couldn't take it anymore.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

-Back In Kathy's Room-

"GASP!" Kathy gasped loudly as she sat straight up from her hammock with sweat and tears in her eyes. She immediately grasped her chest with her right hand while she panted. She stayed like that for minutes as she panted and looked down on her lap. It was still nighttime. She stared at her lap with wide eyes while Blaze kept on sleeping peacefully. It...It was only a nightmare. It was only a nightmare. That...That didn't happen. It's just a nightmare. Kathy thought over and over as she tried to calm down. That mantra of hers had always kept her sane whenever that particular nightmare showed up in her dreams. It was the worst nightmare out of all of her other nightmares. Because...Because it felt so real. Almost too real. She can't help but have a panic attack over recalling that nightmare. After taking a few breaths to calm herself down, Kathy then wiped the sweat off her forehead and wiped her eyes. She then put her hand down and stared blankly at her lap. She remembered the hurtful words that was said in her dream and brooded about it.

I...I really am evil. I am a terrible guardian. I...am a failure. I failed as a guardian and possibly...as a...friend.

Kathy leant back onto her hammock while watching the ceiling. She folded her hands and kept on staring at the ceiling with a frown.

She didn't sleep for the rest of the night.

Wow, that's twice in a row that I sent out two chapters within the same week! If only that was more possible to make that consistent. Anyways, another chapter done! Hopefully, you guys like this! If so, please R&R like always!

P.S. Hmm, I wonder who that strange boy is in those dreams. I mean there is an emerald involved, and it is described as green and huge. Nah, it's probably just another big emerald. But then again it also mentions...an island? Could that be...Nah, we already seen plenty of islands in this story already! What's so special about "that" one anyway? Nothing special at all! That boy probably isn't related to the story anyway! Not at all! Okay, I'll stop joking around! Anyways, on to the next chapter!