Coldsnap: Harbinger of Ice

Chapter 26: Turning the Tide

A few steps away from the staircase of the now-ruined Aurora Keep, Coldsnap hauled Keena to safety and carefully set her body down on the snow, laying the water mage's staff neatly at her side.

"Wake up.....please.....!" she begged, grasping her partner by the shoulders and lightly trying to jostle her. "This can't be how it ends! I need you here.....I can't imagine going on without you....."

The heroine's eyes watered and her lips quivered. Eventually, she gave in to her grief and sobbed hysterically, lowering her head on Keena's chest.

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In an off-white, cloudy, near-featureless void, Keena awoke and pulled her staff to her side. After looking around and getting her bearings, she wandered around for a while before she met a tall figure wearing a long, flowing brown robe with overly-long sleeves and possessing a hooded face that was mostly shrouded in shadow, its solid yellow eyes the only indicator that there was someone even inside it.

Despite his unusual appearance, the water mage showed no fear, for she recognized this person immediately.

"Greetings, Ascendant," she said with a slight frown. Although she was happy to see him, she was less than pleased with her current situation. "If I'm seeing you with my own eyes....then I suppose I really have died...."

"Indeed," the Ascendant responded with a gentle, echoing voice. "Keena.....student of Hydraxus and the newest Mage Aspect of the Water Sect....thank you so much for looking after my Chosen One. She is no doubt my greatest champion; the one whom I have tasked with defeating Alpin and Flamestar and forging a new future for the Aspects. I had initially meant for the Mage Aspects and the Sect Leaders to be stalwart protectors of Earth; I have loved its people since the beginning, and have not wavered in my mission to keep them safe. Although Hydraxus and Sledge still adhere to my orders, it is clear that Alpin and Flamestar have gone astray and disobeyed me. There is nothing to fear, for she shall right this wrong."

Keena chuckled. "Well....from what I've seen of her, she's definitely powerful, no question there. I have absolute faith that she will accomplish her goal; I just wish I could've been there to see all of it....."

The Ascendant paused for a moment.

"I have watched from above as you and Coldsnap embarked on your mission to unite the other mage orders under one banner in order to combat Flamestar and Alpin's corruption. I have borne witness to the everlasting love that has sprouted between the two of you.....your loyalty, dedication, and devotion warm this Ascendant's heart, and it's clear that you both really do care for each other. Both you and her are unquestionably the bearers of great deeds. So, I ask you this: do you believe that your work is done?"

Keena thought about it for a moment. She recalled her vow to remain allied with Coldsnap no matter what came to pass, and she also remembered everything that the heroine had done for her; teaching her that she was her own person and she didn't need to be compared to anyone else, helping her overcome her brief guilt episode after nearly extinguishing Firebird during the forest battle, and encouraging her ascension to the rank of Mage Aspect in the first place. Coldsnap had also blessed her with an amazing, healthy, loving, same-sex relationship that she wouldn't trade for the world.

Soon, she had made a decision.

"No, it is not," she replied. "Frost King Alpin and Morton Flamestar are threats to the very planet that the Mage Aspects have sworn to protect."

"That's what I thought. To that end, it may please you to know that I do have the power to return you to life if you so wish. You can continue to be by Coldsnap's side and assist her in her objective. Alternatively, if you have grown tired and weary, and only wish to rest, I will support that decision too; I can guide you to the afterlife, a blessed land where you will live for eternity in unending happiness. I can think of no better reward for someone who has given their life fighting alongside Coldsnap," the Ascendant offered.