Chris, Cecilia, along with Chief Bustamante and Murillo, hurried to deck Zero. Chris granted permission to Bustamante and Murillo. It was the first time the chiefs had been able to enter the seemingly endless corridors that housed the Book of Life and Death.
"I…I can't believe how majestic this place is." Bustamante marveled with awe while he surveyed the seemingly endless space.
"I think there is something more interesting than the room itself…look!" Murillo points to the far side of the space, and nestled safely on top of a marble pedestal was a closed tome, the book of life and death. "I've never seen it before, if its powers are as magnificent as they say…then it's just as terrifying."
"The open book allows life to start and end. But now that the book is closed, life could neither begin nor end." Chris said as he walked closer to it. "Because of this simple fact, our world is unraveling, the realm of the dead is merging with that of the living."
"What would happen if the two worlds combine?" Cecilia asked, though she was afraid to hear the answer.
"The two worlds cannot exist at the same time on a single plane of existence, when that happens…both worlds will cancel each other out, and nothing would be left." The captain's words were ominous and terrifying; they lingered in their hearts and minds.
"Then let's open that book, so we can save both worlds!" Cecilia declared, without a word, Cecilia ran towards it and extended her hands to open it, but even before she could get near, the divine energy protecting out lashed out. Cecilia was thrown into the air; had Chris not caught her descent, the injury would have been severe.
"Careful, have you forgotten the energy guarding the book?" Chris reminded her out of concern, fearing she might try again and injure herself in the process.
"Then, how was Cecilia's dad able to touch and close the book?" Bustamante asked, while Cecilia massaged her left shoulder, after it received the brunt of the divine energy.
Chris stared at the book, observing it without blinking. "He was protected by a reaper's hourglass, albeit a corrupted one." He circled the book, analyzing it for any weaknesses. "If we all work together…we might endure the divine energy."
"Is that possible, Captain?" Murillo asked, while trying to reach for the book, only to be fended off by the tendrils of energy.
"I think the captain's right, it's feasible. If we all try it at the same time, we could all share the load and endure it!" Bustamante confidently declared.
Chris glanced at his two chiefs and gave them their instructions. "Murillo, take the left and pull. Bustamante takes the right and pushes it open. Pink, take the top, while I'll pry it at the base."
The four of them took their places, and they exchanged glances, signaling each other that they were ready. At the same time, they grabbed the book, but they failed to even touch it as the energy repelled them. "Ouch, that stings!" Cecilia rubbed her hand from the pain and discomfort.
"Let's try again!" Chris urged the others. They all took deep breaths and dived into opening the book. This time, they were able to grab hold of the book for a bit before they were all repelled by it. The four were thrown a couple of feet away.
Chris steadied Cecilia with firm hands as she struggled to rise, but a sharp cry tore from her lips as she stumbled back, clutching her right leg. Blood oozed from a deep, ragged gash, crimson staining the deck beneath her. Without hesitation, Chris tore a strip from his shirt, wrapping it tightly around the wound to stem the flow. His eyes, fierce and resolute, locked onto Bustamante and Murillo. "Get her out of here. Now."
Cecilia's voice broke through the urgency, strong despite the pain. "No! We can do this—together. You don't have to send me away." She turned pleading eyes toward the two chiefs. "Chief, please—tell the captain he needs our help."
Murillo stepped forward, her tone edged with concern. "She's right, Captain. If there's any hope of opening the Book, we need to work as one."
Bustamante nodded gravely. "Agreed. We'll need every ounce of strength."
Cecilia reached out, cupping Chris's face gently, her eyes shining with unspoken determination and care. "There's nothing we can't face if we stand together. Please… don't shut us out."
Chris's hands closed softly over hers, a rare softness breaking through his stern mask. He pressed a gentle kiss to her palms. "You're right. Together, we can do anything." But then his gaze hardened with painful resolve. "But not this time. Your safety matters more."
"You three are no longer permitted on Deck Zero." Before Cecilia could protest, a cold force swept over them. The world blurred, and Cecilia found herself abruptly standing on the gold deck, separated from Chris.
"No! Chris!" she screamed, racing back toward the forbidden threshold. Her hands reached out in desperation, but the invisible barrier held firm. "Let me back in! Let me help you—please!"
From within, Chris heard her cries, his heart wrenching. He closed his eyes, drawing a steadying breath. "I'm sorry, but I can't risk anything happening to you."
With grim determination, Chris advanced toward the Book of Life and Death. The divine energy guarding it erupted, tendrils lashing like spectral whips, as if warning the captain not to come any closer. Ignoring the tendrils lashing out around him, Chris stood in front of the book. Pain seared through his flesh as he thrust his fingers between the pages, gripping tightly despite the burning agony.
"GYAAAAAHHH!" His screams echoed through the chamber, raw and fierce. The searing tendrils jabbed relentlessly, but Chris refused to yield. Blood dripped from his scorched hands, yet he refused to relent, and the pages began to shift.
The divine energy was able to, once again, push Chris away. His gaze flickered to his wounded arms; his healing abilities were not able to mend the wounds caused by divine energy. Yet the faintest hope stirred within him—he could hold on. He had to hold on for Cecilia. For the future they both dreamed of.
Chris grabbed the book once more, and like before, the tendrils of energy lashed out at Chris. He gritted his teeth; this time, he would not let go.
In that moment of excruciating pain and desperate resolve, the unspoken truth hung heavy between them: their care, their love, was the fragile force keeping them tethered in a world unraveling. And though the path ahead was shrouded in darkness, Chris's will burned bright, fighting not just for survival, but for the chance to see Cecilia safe once more.