The Abyss Heart absorbed all the pain the company members carried until it transformed into one unstoppable power. The Abyss Heart revealed itself with words that mixed kindness and terror.
"Your progress stands remarkable but can you say your leaders fully support your purpose. The power that guided you forward will you allow to perish because of your own black thoughts?""
A new alert displayed itself as Natasha tried to reply. They memorized the text as it entered their minds.
System Alert:
The present selection influences how all upcoming paths will develop.
Initiating: Soul Link Merge (Locked)
Time slowed. She stared straight at the distorted reflection of her brother as shown in the Abyss Heart. His bloodshot eyes make an intense appeal to please her while she faces a tough decision between continuing old comforts and beginning a new path. Helpless as a child he asked through his soft voice:
"Tell me if you would rescue me today while sacrificing all others around us. Should we reshape our history though it destroys our chance ahead?"
The flood of emotional pain from the past made her relive all her losses and regrets. The Abyss Heart manipulated her feelings to turn her love and sadness into a forced weapon. Her mind briefly entertained the faded desire to go back to the period when her brother's body was unbroken and their household complete. When the tempting images tried to control her Alison took a stand.
"Natasha, listen to me," he said softly, yet with an unwavering steadiness that cut through the chaos. Through our motives of togetherness we united faces every unknown challenge. We find our true power through dealing directly with our past and progressing into hope for the future based on our mutual connections. I will protect you from living with regret at all costs. I'm with you always."
His direct words entered into her mind deeply. His eyes revealed to her the powerful will of someone who had been through suffering yet overcame it. At that instant they recognized their shared pain and the emotional storm started to diminish.
Everyone in the team held onto their small hopes as they witnessed the scene. Ira's tear streaked face, Dren and Eldric's determined expressions plus Eldric's silent grief made plain to all the team had more strength when united. The Abyss Heart trembled as Elijah's twisted face showed both rage and desperation. A thousand broken hopes created a powerful disturbance in the air. With her final strength Natasha brandished the sword that now shined with Sigil Guardian power due to its exposure to suffering and persistence.
Using her trembling fingers she declared with an inflamed heart "Our choice shall be for us." I decide to embrace the future with her instead of being trapped by old memories. Our love will survive as the cost of our remorse.
At that moment, the Abyss Heart convulsed violently. Dark matter within the Abyss Heart moved like suffering as the memory of her brother vanished and turned into absolute darkness. The energy from her sword combined perfectly with the evil nature of the Abyss Heart. The system alert updated:
System Alert:
Final Choice Executed: Soul Link Merge Successful
Bond Compatibility: 98%
Results currently remain unknown
Additional trials need to be performed.
The hanging platform trembled while energy threads from light and darkness created an unbreakable bond between every team member. As a group their heartbeats became stronger than ever despite the threat of the endless darkness. Their painful past memories dissolved into nothing while they started to see how their team's power could destroy all dangers.
The Abyss remained unfinished at that point. The shaking platform calmed down after the energies ceased their turbulent movements. A doorway revealed itself from the spinning lights while the stones below them started splitting apart. A final system message blazed across their vision:
System Alert:
Bond Compatibility Test: Passed
New Path Unlocked: Gate of Secrets
Warning: Uncharted challenges lie ahead.
Old runes with their powerful mystery showed the way to pass through the portal into unknown Abyss secrets.
Alison took a step toward Natasha while placing his hand over hers. "We have our answer," he said, his voice soft yet resolute. As one group we hold our power. Each adversity will face us through our bonded efforts.
Ira nodded weakly because she was still recovering from her ordeal. Through all our suffering we have reached this moment. Our bond serves as protection against the Abyss which will test us once more.
As he spoke his eyes revealed his bravery instead of his previous suffering. Being strong means clinging to what really matters most. Our unity stops Abyss from breaking us apart.
Eldric's silent stare at Natasha made her realize that their joint determination could overcome any level of darkness.
Natasha turned her gaze from the portal to her team members first and then back to the portal again. Her mind still replayed the damaged voice of her brother who desperately asked for help. Alison discovered the strength to escape her past by having steady support from her friends and trusted nurse.
She pulled a deep breath and lifted her sword into the air. The sword showed both their victory and their hope by combining Abyssal power and radiant light. "Together," she declared, her voice unwavering, "we step forward into the unknown. Our future success will not come from our past defeats. As one we will create our future of bonded determination.
At that crucial moment the power of the Abyss appeared to weaken. The corrupted Elijah ceased to exist while the Abyss Heart reduced its obsessive drumming.
A last message from the system appeared on their vision screen:
System Alert:
Bond Compatibility Test: Passed
New Path Unlocked: Gate of Secrets
Warning: Uncharted challenges lie ahead.
As the concealed entrance revealed an enormous gateway of stones and magical light they joined their spirits in beating hearts. The teamwork they built through suffering and positive outlook reunited their bonds as they moved toward the gateway. The whirlpool of dim light and shining darkness transported them further into the unknown territory ahead.
A final echo reverberated in the void a whisper from the depths, part warning, part promise: "Your journey has only just begun…"
Natasha and her group entered their next adventure while their souls remained linked through the unknown darkness that still faced them.