The sword slices through the water, and causes a wall of it to rise away from Herbert like a wave. The wall of water left by the move allows him to almost see the shapes of the two women underwater, as if through a glass panel, but it isn't enough to intervene.

Instead, the woman is happy to see Lapis finally submit. It took a surprisingly long time, for someone experiencing drowning for the first time. She's seen mightier foes bend much more quickly to the agony than this.

Meanwhile, a party of three crows land on a bookshelf nearby, watching curiously and from a distance.

Finally given permission, the woman slips an arm around Lapis's neck and waist, pulling her in close... then, they lock lips. A torrent of air bubbles flows from the woman's mouth into Lapis's, and it feels like breathing - finally, some of the pressure begins to ease away. Yet, this relief isn't given freely. Something slips from her mind just as easily - memories. The woman is somehow in her mind.

As the water swirls around them, the pale woman holding Lapis close, something will be just barely visible to Lapis's eyes. A pointed ear, beneath the crown of seaweed hair.

Only then will Lapis's physical form finally give way. Instead of death, it feels like release.