Freedom Or Power (Daminette)

Chapter 33: The Goddess Reawakens

Inside the large chamber, a scene that seemed straight out of a celestial realm was unfolding. Marinette's form, surrounded by a cascade of golden wings, ascended into the air, her body radiating a blinding light. As the luminance settled, she appeared in a breathtaking angelic form – her appearance, nothing short of divine. Even the ever-composed Heretic paused, taking in the ethereal sight before him.

With the ancient book clutched in his hands, Heretic began the ritualistic chant:

"By the ageless winds and timeless tides,

By the moons pull and sun that guides,

By the power that the universe hides,

With this chant, our fates collide."

"Let the bonds of time be cast aside,

In loyalty and will, our souls tied.

Let no hate or betrayal reside,

I, Heretic, am ready for this ride."

"I, Heretic, willing to contract with Marinette and be her master."

But before he could cement the bond, a voice interrupted the ceremony. It was Damian, chanting the very same spell but altering the last lines to his name. The room went silent, and the air grew heavy with anticipation. Heretic was shocked at how did Damian knew the spell, but he forgot it was he who first met Marinette, and he is a fast learner, so when he watched the ceremony in the Temple of Tibet, he memorised the spell.

"By the ageless winds and timeless tides,

By the moons pull and sun that guides,

By the power that the universe hides,

With this chant, our fates collide."

"Let the bonds of time be cast aside,

In loyalty and will, our souls tied.

Let no hate or betrayal reside,

I, Damian, am ready for this ride."

"I, Damian, willing to contract with Marinette and be her master."

The gathered crowd was in disbelief. Two contracts? Two masters? This was uncharted territory. Whispers spread like wildfire.

"What a strong impact!"

"What will happen now?"

"There is always only one person who can awaken the Goddess."

"Who will Marinette choose?"

"Who will wake up Marinette?"

Heretic's fury was palpable. "You fool!" He spat at Damian. "How dare you? She's been awakened by me! How can she serve two masters?!"

Damian, unperturbed, replied coolly, "Tt. Think whatever you wish. I made a promise to Marinette, and I intend to keep it."

The chamber shook as the power of the two chants clashed, blinding light forcing everyone to shield their eyes. The energy was palpable, sending ripples through the very foundation of the building.

When the room's brilliance dimmed, and everyone's sight returned, all eyes turned to Marinette. She descended gracefully, her gaze settling on Heretic. With a soft voice that echoed power, she spoke, I have been awakened. It is you who awakened me, made this contract. I will obey you, my master."

Damian, his heart heavy, could only watch as Marinette once again found herself ensnared by the bindings of another. But he knew this wasn't the end. It was merely another chapter in their intertwined fates.

The atmosphere was electric, with currents of energy swirling and spiralling around the cavernous chamber. The very foundations seemed to quiver under the weight of the power being unleashed.

The entire assembly watched, breathless, as Marinette's form, adorned with golden wings, began to descend gently. The moment her feet touched the ground, there was a sense of completion, of a circuit being closed.

She looked around, her eyes slowly regaining the depth of emotion they once held. Then, her gaze locked onto Heretic.

"Yes! She's mine again!" Heretic exclaimed, his voice dripping with a mixture of relief and triumph.

Yet, amidst the hush, a lone voice broke through. Damian, with a mixture of disbelief and frustration, stepped forward. "Marinette! It's me, Damian. Remember the fun we had, the moments we shared. This isn't you."

Marinette's gaze shifted to Damian, her deep eyes seemingly searching his soul. For a fleeting moment, there seemed to be recognition, a glint of the old Marinette. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by a detached calmness.

Turning to face him, Marinette said, with reverence, "Master Heretic," and started to walk toward him. Each step seemed to draw a dagger through Damian's heart. He had hoped, believed, that their bond was strong enough to overcome any enchantment.

"Marinette! Come back to me! I trust you. We shared something real," Damian pleaded, trying to reach out to the girl he had come to care for deeply.

Heretic smirked at his younger brother's obvious distress. "See! She has chosen her rightful place. Beside me. You never truly understood the rules of these ancient rituals. Your interference only ensured my victory."

When Marinette reached Heretic, she gracefully bowed, her head lowered. "It is you who awakened me. I will obey you, my master."

Heretic gently raised her chin, making her stand upright. He pulled her into an embrace, as if trying to shield her from the world. Whispering into her ear, he said, "Everything is over now."

Drawing back, he lowered himself into a deferential bow, capturing her hand and placing a gentle kiss upon it. "Welcome back, my queen, my goddess."

The Titans could only watch, a mix of despair and determination in their eyes.

Starfire, her fists glowing with green energy, growled, "This isn't over, Heretic."

But Raven, sensing the energies around them, whispered, "We need to retreat. Now."

The Titans, realizing the precariousness of their situation, slowly began to withdraw. Damian, however, stood his ground a moment longer, his gaze unwavering, locked with Marinette's. In a hushed, broken voice, he whispered, "I'll find a way, Marinette. I promise."

As the Titans retreated, Heretic's laughter echoed through the chamber, a haunting reminder of the battles to come.

Back at Titans Tower, the atmosphere was one of tension and despair. Beast Boy, trying to lift spirits, remarked, "We'll get her back. We always find a way."

But Damian, looking out of the window, responded, "This is different. We're not just fighting Heretic. We're fighting against a bond, a contract. And I don't know how to break it."

Raven, always the voice of wisdom, said, "There are ancient magics, older than the contracts Heretic relies on. We will find them and use them to free Marinette."

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, the Titans began their next mission: to delve into ancient magics and bring Marinette back from the clutches of Heretic.