Chapter 45 - Chapter 44: The Impossible Fusion

📘 Chapter 44: The Impossible Fusion

Deep within the heart of the Mother Crystal, energy surged like a volcano on the verge of eruption. Kairos, with his distorted crystalline form, extended his hand once more toward Ben—his voice calm this time... but far more dangerous:

> "There's no war between us. Join me. Let us reshape the multiverse. One unified existence. No conflict... no choice."

Ben stared at the half of Kairos' face that resembled his own and replied firmly:

> "Differences aren't weakness—they're what make worlds real. What you're offering… is erasure."

Kairos stepped closer, his eyes blazing.

> "I do not erase… I refine. You are broken, Ben... I am salvation."

**

The Mother Crystal began glowing with a deep violet hue. Waves of energy pulled Ben toward its center. The new watch on his wrist vibrated violently... but didn't resist.

Instead, it unlocked a new mode:

🔹 Full Will Mode

A shimmering, shape-shifting energy shield enveloped Ben, glowing with deep blue light that pulsed from within—driven by his emotions.

Ben said calmly:

> "This watch isn't programmed… it's shaped by who I am now."

**

Kairos launched a blast of dark energy, but Ben countered it with a force wave called:

🔸 Impulse of Choice

The pulse repelled the attack and cracked part of the crystalline shell surrounding Kairos.

Kairos roared:

> "You're destroying everything!"

Ben replied, unwavering:

> "No… I'm stopping you from erasing what makes us human."

**

Outside, the war was escalating.

Superman led versions of heroes from alternate Earths to battle Kairos' guardians. A future Flash used his speed to fracture the time barriers around the crystal.

Kevin fought alongside a darker version of himself in a mirrored confrontation.

> "We're the same… why fight me?" his evil self asked.

Kevin growled:

> "Because I chose to be better."

**

Gwen released a modified crystal spell she'd developed herself. It temporarily halted the crystalline corruption spreading across Earth. But it drained her, and she collapsed, gasping:

> "Ben… hurry…!"

**

Back in the heart of the storm…

Kairos raised his hand skyward and snarled:

> "If this is your choice… then let us test its cost."

The ground beneath Supergirl cracked open. Emerging from it came Kairos' Crystalline Sentinels—phantom warriors infused with dark energy and designed to counter solar-based powers.

Supergirl fought valiantly but was quickly overwhelmed.

> "Ben! I can't stop them all!" she cried out.

Ben turned and saw the looming threat.

The watch pulsed in response to his desperation... unlocking a hidden mode:

🔹 Echo Allies Mode

Rings of blue light formed behind him—and from within them emerged translucent, glowing figures:

Grandpa Max, Gravattack, Four Arms, Julian from another timeline and many of Ben's alien.

They charged forward, not physical—but radiant with pure willpower.

Shadows protecting shadows.

**

Back inside the chamber, Kairos attempted one final trick.

He dissolved into spectral form, trying to invade Ben's mind again.

> "Let me be you… we won't be apart anymore."

But the watch fired a final protective pulse—a burst of blue rings that blasted Kairos back, shattering the energy field.

Ben stood firm amidst the crumbling chamber.

> "Unity isn't something forced… it's something chosen."

He slowly raised his hand toward the cracking Mother Crystal and whispered:

> "The next step… there's no coming back."

And silence fell.

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