Nioelle was a little shocked. Had she heard him right?

Invinci--if you could make that work... never apart?

Nioelle's mind was racing. After her father left, she was never really one for religion. She used to think her belief left with her father.

If that could happen, Shinu....I want it to happen...

She fell into a loss of words, thinking of what it meant.

I'm going to try, no matter what.

He thought of a way to explain.

There is an eternal power that I could try to summon. If I could do that, and combine it with invincibility, I could defeat death itself. In fact, people would never age. But there are powerful powerful men who would seek to destroy me if I ever truly get close.

He closed his eyes now, thinking of the grave danger he might put her in for even trying this stuff.

I'm going to do my best to try and make all of these dreams come true, but in the process, promise me you'll stay close to me. We have to protect one another.

Nioelle nodded, tears in her eyes.

I'll do whatever it takes. I promise

A few tears fell, but she didn't care.

It's only been an hour or so, but I feel like I've known you forever.

Shinu felt badly that he couldn't wipe away her tears, but his entire body was wet and so was hers, so he supposed it wasn't too bad.

Please don't be scared. We're going to be fine. It's felt like I've known you all my life too. All the more reason for us to do everything we can. Look, we should really talk about this another day. There's so much to do here, we need to really be calm headed and just have some fun.

He gave her a smile and another light kiss.

Okay?

Nioelle nodded.

Okay.

She kissed him back, and smiled.

So, what now?

Are you ready to head back to the Garden? I don't want it to get cold and you get sick. I'll take you back to your room.

Shinu lifted his body out of the water, and slid his fingers through Nioelle's. They fit perfectly despite their incredible difference in size. They walked hand in hand back to the beach near Nioelle's shoes.

Nioelle felt so right being hand-in-hand with Shinu, like it was always meant to be that way.

So much has happened today! It's all good changes, though!

Nioelle smiled up at him as she leaned in closer to him.

I now know I have someone who loves me.

You always will.

Shinu smiled and turned back towards the Garden. His home. Their home. The place that brought them together.