Chapter 18: Into the Abyss

The air becomes heavy and oppressive as Arin and Cassiel enter the center of the dungeon, where reality takes on frantic, terrifying forms. The two are thrust into a warped environment full of the twisted remnants of what once seemed to be a familiar world as the walls themselves appear to pulse with evil energy, changing and whirling. The ground itself distorts, making every step seem like walking through quicksand, while shadows contort into monsters with hideous, featureless faces that creep closer with each step.

With every gaze, Arin's Time Fragments flashes dreadful images of potential futures in which one or both of them fail to survive. Arin perseveres in spite of this, finding strength in Cassiel's silent but dependable presence by their side. They battle together, each against the incessant waves of monstrosities that rip through the darkness with a raging, mindless hunger; they move in perfect harmony with one another.

But the farther they go, the more difficult it is to continue. As the stress of combat and the accumulation of wounds intensify, Cassiel's breathing becomes difficult, and Arin observes a little shudder in their motions. Arin is unprepared for the unexpected, vicious attack from a towering beast, but Cassiel quickly leaps forward and blocks the blow intended for Arin. The monster's claw is deflected by Cassiel's blade, which slices across Cassiel's side before slicing into the air with a frantic elegance. The ground underneath them is stained by the blood that drips.

"Cassiel!" Arin's voice falters, terrified and raged.

Despite the anguish flashing across their face, Cassiel grinds their teeth and waves Arin's concern aside. "I told you that I wouldn't let you handle this alone."

Arin's heart tightens with a horrible pain at witnessing Cassiel's wound. In a shattered flash of insight, Arin understands how far they will go to protect Cassiel. They channel what little healing energy they have left by kneeling next to Cassiel and applying pressure to the wound.

During their little respite, in the midst of a twisted, unending darkness and an unsettling quiet, Arin grabs Cassiel's hand and looks into their eyes, a furious resolve hardening their gaze. "We're leaving everything behind if we can get out of this," Arin murmurs, the words seeming like a firm vow. No more obligations, no more conflicts. Only us.

Cassiel's thumb brushes Arin's knuckles as their hand tightens around Arin's. Despite the dismal surroundings, their normally reserved demeanor relaxes and a glimmer of warmth emerges. Cassiel whispers, "You're saying that like we'll have any choice," yet their lips twist into a little, sincere grin. "But you are the only one who can change fate."

Knowing that the promise could be one that fate itself would not allow them to keep, they have a silent moment of understanding. But when they stand up to confront the horrors once more, the promise gives them strength and encourages them to keep going because they are bound together by a love that is unbreakable by despair or fear.

They fortify themselves and plunge farther into the abyss, battling alongside one another while carrying the common. As the darkness draws them closer to their ultimate encounter with the evil force hiding in the center of the dungeon, they continue to dream of a life free from sacrifice.