A mountain collapsed and caused a chain reaction of destruction.
In the far regions of the Agemo Kingdom, no Wizard or Will user that had reached the level of Challenger had been seen in decades. This is because the area was weak and far from the magic sources of the land.
This battle had cataclysmic results as the collapsing mountains led to earthquakes, landslides, and a dam shattering, causing mass flooding in the region.
But these events outside of the hidden temple would only be of greater relevance to Crystal.
Crystal had other things to deal with.
In her dying moments, appreciation had turned to surprise.
Instead of being crushed by the massive stones, he saw Adam on top of her.
Adam had leaped on her to protect her from the falling stones.
His two lean but muscular arms were pushing down on the earth to bear the great weight, and Crystal was in between these two arms that were as steadfast as a tower.
In the very last possible second, Adam ran back to save her. Though he could have escaped, he used his body like a dome and covered Crystal.
The astral manifestation of his dragon form didn't even appear, and he only managed to create a small covering.
Their lips were close to touching, and Crystal could even feel Adam's breath.
She could not understand what had happened. Didn't this dragon abandon her to death?
"...Why?" Crystal spoke weakly.
"Do not misunderstand. My pride cannot let you have lordship over me. A mere prey to die for my sake is a disgrace!" Adam cursed.
"Will you… accompany me… as I die?" Crystal smiled.
"Thank you." Crystal could not help but cry.
Adam was silent, but his heart was spurred.
"Curse you, Fate and Destiny! To put this before me, even as I awaken! Your fangs and your swords are ever drawn against me…" Adam thought in anger.
"...A Soul Binding Kiss." Adam suddenly spoke.
"…? What?"
"I will bestow to you a portion of my soul. You are dying because you've exhausted your soul. I can give you my soul."
"Your… soul? Wh-why? Why would you… do such a thing… to me?"
Adam tried to resist it. He knew the fangs of the two forces that dictate his life were pushing him to fall into the same mistake that led to his imprisonment.
But though he tried to resist, Crystal's words and actions reminded him of the great love that he once had. His mind was against it, but his heart was relentless in its desire.
"Because... you seemed so vulnerable." Adam found himself saying what he should not have said.
Crystal was stunned, but Adam's precious lips pressed onto her again.
A great heat flowed within the mouth of Crystal. Her cold body and his warm breath were like winter meeting its sunshine.
Crystal felt life return in her. Her strength recovered as the frost was restrained and pushed back by the fire.
Her hands gained strength, and the first thing they did was cling to Adam and pull him back.
The taste of heaven was there once more. But this time, it wasn't led by a great hunger of lust; it was calm and gentle.
Adam felt the terrifying cold power of the Ice Soul Maiden. But though the flames and the frost were in opposition, both had too much of their elements. And so, the ice and the fire brought balance.
Adam felt the lonesome silence that accompanied the frost. But Adam adored it. Dragons were prideful stars who could endure for eternity, And even when they search for a mate, they do not do so in love but dominate it in strength. To the Brenin and the Rhiannons, their partners would uplift their pride and glory.
But in this frost, there was no desire for pride. It was the comforting embrace of being alone together as if the rest of the world did not matter.
A part of Adam's soul merged with Crystal and began to strengthen her.
Humans would die if exposed to a dragon's flaming soul. But the Ice Soul Maiden could bear the heat. In fact, the heat was what it needed.
Adam knew allowing this reverie to continue was dangerous, so he drew back his head. But there was only so much space in the rubble, and Crystal felt agitated the moment his lips withdrew from Crystal.
She knew at that moment they were made for each other.
With her strength returned, she clung and pushed her mouth upwards to kiss Adam once more.
Adam couldn't resist. The peace lulled his senses. And as he had bestowed a portion of his soul, the wounds he had taken from the fight were taking its toll.
His actions were erratic. In one second, he would come so close as to deliver the same enthusiasm Crystal was showing. On the next, he would try to escape her lips.
But the more it went on, the more the fear in Adam's heart grew. He knew the consequences of his actions.
And then…
RUMBLE! RUMBLE!
The delight had caused Adam to lose concentration, and he could feel the weight of the mountain bearing down on him.
"Enough!" Adam finally ordered, and the power of his Will pushed Crystal down.
"You will be the death of us both! I have bestowed you my soul, and it is greatly weakened! Control yourself!" Adam shouted.
His face grew alarmed. He was in great bliss that he neglected the after-effects of his decision.
RUMBLE! RUMBLE!
The rubble continued to move as Adam's Will slowly slipped, causing instability and aftershocks.
Crystal was awakened by the shout and gained focus.
"I'm… alive?" She muttered.
Adam glared at her. She had been making out with him and somehow forgotten that she had survived.
"Yes! But you won't remain that way if you keep sticking your tongue down my throat!"
Crystal blushed.
"I'm… I'm sorry… It's… it's your fault! Why are you using your power against me?! Even now… Stop that!" She shouted back. Her urges were slowly taking over, and she could not keep her eyes off his lips.
"It's not something I can control! Though I can inflict my poison to twist your emotions and spur your lust, my natural being was made in Eden and was crafted in perfection! Use your Ice power to calm your soul!"
"My ice power? I have no control over it! I have yet to complete Elementary magic!"
"Then find a way! The door to your power has been opened! You are not an average mortal!"
But as Adam shouted, the empowering aroma of one born in the Garden was tempting to Crystal. She found herself holding on and pulling at Adam, demanding a kiss.
"Stop!" Adam shouted in anger as his own power wavered.
It was not only for the maiden. But the proud dragon had grown fond of the lips of the ice princess.