Chapter 24: Echoes of the Forgotten Past

Scene: Realm of Suspended Time — Under the Ancient Sakura Tree

The cherry blossoms fell slowly, each petal glowing like stardust, caught in a realm where time itself dared not move.

Beneath the great sakura, Haruto and Airi knelt beside the battered form of the Time God. The Time Maiden stood close, her hands woven in soft light, struggling to hold his fragile essence together.

The Time Maiden's voice was gentle, but laced with urgency.

Time Maiden (softly):

"He doesn't have much time left... Unless the seal is broken from within."

Haruto clenched his fists, his eyes burning with resolve.

Haruto:

"Then let us help. We owe him everything."

Airi placed a hand over the Time God's cracked chest, her touch trembling—yet certain.

Airi (whispering):

"I don't know why… but I feel like I've done this before.

Like my hands remember."

The air pulsed.

A surge of energy ran through them both.

The ring on Airi's finger and the watch on Haruto's wrist began to glow in perfect synchrony, casting radiant arcs into the suspended sky.

Their eyes met—

—and suddenly, distant memories flooded in.

A colossal temple bathed in celestial light.

Golden robes swirling around them.

A battlefield among stars.

Their hands, intertwined across eternity.

Haruto (breathless):

"I... I stood beside you… in another life."

Airi (gasping):

"Haruto… were we... gods?"

The Time Maiden smiled faintly, the sorrow of ages hidden in her gaze.

Time Maiden:

"You're beginning to remember.

The more your hearts awaken… the more your truth will return."

Haruto turned to Airi, determination blazing in his soul.

Haruto:

"Then let's do it. Together."

They closed their eyes.

Their hands touched the Time God's chest.

Light exploded outward—forming a seal of divine energy, knitting the torn threads of his being.

The Time God stirred.

His breathing steadied.

Slowly, painfully, he sat up—

—and placed his trembling hands upon their shoulders.

His voice was raw, heavy with ancient weight.

Time God (weakly):

"You… remembered… enough…"

He looked at Haruto—then Airi—his golden eyes shimmering.

Time God:

"The power you possess…

is not of the Watch or the Ring."

"Those are only keys."

"Your true strength lies within your bond…

your origin."

Haruto and Airi sat frozen, overwhelmed by the gravity of his words.

The Time God's gaze sharpened slightly.

Time God:

"As gratitude… I shall unlock the final restraint."

He raised his hand.

The air bent.

The watch on Haruto's wrist blazed—its color deepening into a richer, eternal gold.

An invisible shackle shattered with a silent boom across the realm.

Time God (sternly):

"This watch now holds the full authority of time itself."

(But in truth, it remains dormant—until the destined moment arrives.)

"But remember—"

"Even with all its might, you cannot defeat the Dark God… not until you truly awaken."

Airi's hands tightened over her heart.

Airi (softly):

"Then… what should we do?"

The Time God's face softened for the briefest second.

Time God:

"Live.

Feel.

Trust one another."

"The memories will come."

Turning toward the Time Maiden, his body already beginning to fade back into the endless current, he whispered:

Time God (echoing):

"There is little time.

The Dark One grows restless.

You must be ready."

And with that—

The Time God and Time Maiden dissolved into petals of golden light, vanishing into the suspended sky.

Only the gentle fall of cherry blossoms remained.

---

Scene: Twilight Path — Returning to the Mortal World

Haruto stared at the gleaming watch.

Airi's hand gently brushed his.

They smiled at each other, an unspoken vow passing between them.

Haruto (smiling):

"I guess we're in this together now."

Airi (blushing softly):

"Looks like we always were."

Hand in hand, they stepped forward—

their silhouettes framed against a sky tinged with stars.

---

Scene: Floating Cliff — Far Above

Kazuki stood at the edge of a crumbling floating cliff, cloaked by night winds.

His teeth clenched in fury as he watched the glowing figures below.

Kazuki (gritting):

"So… he's fully awakened, huh?"

"I should've crushed them when I had the chance."

But before he could act, a ripple tore through the air behind him.

Another figure emerged from the shadows—

taller, cloaked, its eyes burning red like cursed suns.

??? (calmly):

"It's time you let me handle it."

Kazuki staggered back.

Kazuki (shocked):

"You...!

You were supposed to stay hidden!"

The figure's voice dripped with venomous calm.

??? (coldly):

"Not anymore.

They've healed the Time God."

"And that… changes everything."

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TO BE CONTINUED...