Chapter 15: The Future We Deserve

In a conflict with The Shaper, Arin and Cassiel's strength and togetherness are tested to the limit. As though the thing is consuming their hopelessness and resolve, each stroke and strike eats away at their spirits. Even as the weight of many failed histories presses down on them, their love keeps them going and they refuse to give up despite the wounds that should have healed.

Uncontrollably, Arin's time fragments start to ignite, each one revealing images of a shattered Earth with civilizations collapsing, the sky forever darkened, and the eerie traces of human hope gone. Arin realizes they have to completely cut off their connection to these images as these fragments of bleak futures overwhelm them. They make the painful decision to activate all of the remaining fragments in one ultimate devastating deed, using all of their energy to stop the cycle that would doom Earth forever.

Arin's frantic, desperate move causes the Shaper to withdraw, its shape flashing as if it's disintegrating. Their surroundings quiver; dimensions unweave, dungeons collapse, and an unaccustomed warmth—the first sunshine in ages—seeps through the shadows. Now that they are not under the influence of The Shaper, they sense that Earth's time is starting to align again.

However, Arin's power also fades as the creature does. Their awareness wanes, and their pulse becomes weak. With love and anguish written on their faces, Cassiel, who has battled with them without hesitation, rushes to cradle them. Cassiel understands the cost of bringing them back and is aware of what Arin has given up to rescue this world. They make a decision that cannot be changed in that moment.

To keep Arin's fading life going, Cassiel softly lays their hand to Arin's heart and binds the last of their own life energy. Though it signifies Cassiel's demise, the eternal essence of Cassiel—everything they have been, their decades of power, and their memories—flows into Arin, reviving the warmth of life. Before Cassiel completely passes out, they say, "This world deserves you, Arin," as Arin stirs with heavy eyelids.

As a living testament to their shared optimism, Cassiel leaves behind a vision of a lovely planet with Arin as its guardian, all beneath a clear, limitless sky.

The stillness of a world preserved but permanently altered greets Arin as they awaken. Cassiel's departure leaves a gap, but Arin holds onto the memory of their final words, understanding that love endures in spite of sorrow. They must defend Earth's future now, and Cassiel's sacrifice makes them more determined to do so, making sure that Cassiel's spirit lives on in every peaceful moment they have enabled.