2024 - Emergence Point

Ayaz stands at the edge of chaos, his heart pounding against his ribcage like a war drum. The ground shakes beneath him as Tiamut's head and left hand break through the Indian Ocean, sending massive tidal waves crashing against nearby islands. The destruction is palpable, a harbinger of doom.

Sersi rushes to his side, urgency radiating from her. "This is your fight now," she declares, knowing Ayaz is the last hope to halt the Emergence.

He glances at her, determination flickering in his gold eyes, but doubt creeps in. "There’s nothing to fight anymore," he admits, his voice tinged with despair.

Suddenly, Ikaris appears in the air, his eyes glowing with malevolence, ready to unleash his deadly laser beams. The sight sends a chill down Ayaz’s spine.

Groaning in annoyance, he positions himself as a shield before Sersi, a protective instinct surging through him. "Did anyone ever mention how much of a pain in the arse you are?" he snaps, anger cutting through his fear.

Before Ikaris can respond, a colossal fireball plummets from the sky, striking him down. Hestia, the fiery redhead, lands deftly beside her fallen comrade. "Nice shot," Ayaz concedes, relief washing over him.

"You're back," Sersi breathes, a smile breaking through her tension.

"Had to," Hestia replies, her gaze flicking to Ikaris. "I got him. You guys go do your job."

With a resolute nod, Ayaz teleports himself and Sersi onto Tiamut's enormous, exposed hand, the weight of their task settling heavily upon him.

"You can do this," Sersi encourages, her voice steady but her eyes betraying a hint of uncertainty. Ayaz hesitates, feeling the enormity of the challenge before him, but Sersi’s faith in him ignites a spark of determination. He nods firmly.

Activating the Uni-Mind, he feels the energy of the Eternals flowing through him like a powerful current, forming golden lines and geometric patterns that outline their bodies. They rise into the air, golden power lines connecting them to Tiamut.

With the collected energy surging within him, Ayaz forces himself to his feet, a resounding thud echoing as he presses his palms against the Celestial's vast palm. Ice spreads from his hands, a thick layer encasing Tiamut as it lets out a low, mournful grumble.

Amidst the chaos—the howling wind, the cries of seagulls, and the crashing waves—Ayaz screams, channeling his powers, a gold energy crown forming at his temples. The realization of his identity washes over him, grounding him even as he absorbs the life force of the Celestial.

As Tiamut's Emergence halts, the Uni-Mind flickers and fades, releasing the remaining Eternals. "I did it!" Ayaz shouts, exhilaration coursing through him. He leaps toward Sersi, wrapping her in a fierce hug before she has a chance to respond. Her laughter fills the air as she pats his back, a shared moment of triumph amidst the chaos.

In the embrace, Ayaz inadvertently releases a burst of the cosmic energy he absorbed. He jerks away, confusion etched on his face. "What the bloody hell was that?"

Sersi’s eyes widen in realization. "You have the ability to both absorb and give out cosmic energy," she states, mirroring his bewilderment.

He shrugs it off, grabbing her arm and teleporting them back to the beach where the other Eternals are waiting. Makkari rushes forward, enveloping them in a warm hug. "Good to see you both."

"You too," Ayaz signs back, his grin unable to hide the fatigue that creeps into his bones.

“How? How did you do it?” Phastos asks, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"When I touched Tiamut's palm, energy surged into me. Tiamut joined our Uni-Mind," Ayaz explains, running a hand through his golden blond hair, frustration mixing with lingering grief for Druig, his heart aching for the love he feared he’d lost forever.

"I always wondered how we survived the destruction of other planets," Phastos muses, eyeing the fading energy crown on Ayaz's forehead.

"By being connected to the Celestial as it emerged," Sersi clarifies.

"We became one..." Makkari signs, looking at her fellow Eternals. "...even Ikaris and Sprite, all because of Tiamut."

"Can we talk about this later?" Ayaz yawns, fatigue heavy in his voice. "It’s been a long day. I’m tired." He turns, searching for a place to rest when a figure catches his eye.

He blinks twice, disbelief washing over him. Is it real? Or is his mind playing tricks on him again, a cruel joke orchestrated by his own heart? No, this time it’s different. Druig approaches, alive and breathing. "You're alive," Ayaz whispers, wonder flooding through him.

Before Druig can fully join the group, Ayaz teleports to him, throwing his arms around Druig's neck. Druig’s arms instinctively wrap around Ayaz’s waist, anchoring them both.

They lock eyes, the world around them fading into oblivion. Slowly, Ayaz leans forward, resting his forehead against Druig’s, heart hammering in his chest as Druig lowers his lips to Ayaz's.

When Ayaz pulls back for breath, his eyes widen in surprise. Druig’s nose brushes against his, and a smile spreads across Ayaz’s face, warmth blooming in his cheeks.

Druig chuckles softly, placing a tender kiss on the crown of Ayaz’s head. "You look amazing."

Ayaz blinks, confusion creeping in until he remembers the crown on his head. He blushes, hiding his face against Druig's neck. "Oh, the crown thing."

Druig hums, tightening his grip, pulling Ayaz closer. "I love you."

"You’re bloody comfortable," Ayaz mumbles, exhaustion weighing heavily on him as he leans into Druig’s embrace, letting his body relax against him.

"Disgustingly adorable, if you ask me," Phastos comments, watching the two with a smirk. "Is he dead?"

Druig chuckles, shaking his head, struggling to keep his grip on Ayaz. "Just passed out."

"Poor thing. Our travel agent is down. We should find a way home," Phastos announces.

"You should start working on the Domo," Makkari signs, eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Good idea," Phastos agrees, glancing around.

"Or we can ask Kingo to pick us up," Sersi suggests, just as Sprite approaches, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Is he gone?" Sprite asks, her voice trembling.

"Sprite, I have energy from the Uni-Mind. I think I can make you human. All the things you said you wanted, you can have them. But your time will be fleeting, and you'll die one day." Sersi’s tone softens. "Are you ready for that?"

"I am."