Sanctuary
Second Chance

Dex was sat in the Memorial Park, looking at the ruins of the village he had grown up in. Was it fate that this would be the place he would be brought back to life, or was it because he was born here, that he came back here?

No matter, he was back now, and had a second chance at life. He took a deep breath and looked at the dark golden glow of the skies above. Over the past few weeks, the skies above the eastern continent had been darkening, the nights were almost pitch black now.

Crystech scientists had blamed it on the unstable aether balance. They had noticed the skies had stayed brighter over Sanctuary however. Dex breathed deeply, before standing up, and making his way back to the lab. As he headed down the road to the lab, Lumina stepped out in front of him.

"Get out of my way" Dex said as he pushed Lumina to the side and carried on.

"Dex, you are a Crystalla" Lumina said as she followed him, Dex spun around to come face to face with Lumina.

"What even is a Crystalla?" He sighed.

"The evolved form of a Crystal, infused with the soul of a living being" Lumina explained.

"I have another question" Dex shrugged.

"What is it?" Lumina asked.

"Why did you kill me?" He grunted as he pushed her backward.

"I..." Lumina began.

"Let me guess, you were angry you lost something and took it out on me because I dared to exist?" Dex asked. Lumina looked away, it was true, she'd killed so many in her fruitless quest for revenge. Dex sighed and turned to walk away.

"I'm sorry" She uttered, as Dex made his way toward the lab.

As the day went on, Dex was allowed to go home from the lab, he made his way to the new apartment block by the lake. As he walked into the lobby he waved at Ashe and Ariel, who were sat chatting on the couch by the elevator.

"Good hunting today?" He smiled.

"Not too bad, but it's getting worse out there" Ariel sighed.

"They're considering moving the populations of Northan and Southan to the city" Ashe explained. "They're even thinking of extending the offer to Aranei" She continued.

"What about Ishtall?" Dex asked.

"It still has a Crystal, so they're as safe as we are. Plus there are rumours of strong fighters on the outskirts of the city. We haven't been able to establish contact with Ishtall since the bubble went up around it years back, though" Ariel replied.

"Bubble?" Dex asked.

"Yeah, they say it's to do with the Guardian being summoned, it's put up a protective field around the city, nothing can get through" Ashe nodded.

"Well, at least it's safe" He smiled as the elevator doors opened. "See you guys in a bit" He waved as he headed inside and up to the 29th floor. The elevator hummed into action as it ascended the new tower. The doors opened to reveal a long yellow corridor.

Dex stepped out and headed to apartment 2903, as he neared the door he could smell his favourite meal, she hadn't forgotten after all those years, he opened the door.

"Honey, I'm home!" He joked as he walked inside and hung his coat up.

"Welcome home" Roisin smiled, she was in the kitchen making dinner. Dex walked over and hugged her.

"How's your day been?" Dex asked.

"Been relaxing around the apartment today, cleaned a bit" Roisin smiled. "How about yours?" She asked.

"Saw Lumina again, still going on about me being Crystalla or something" He shrugged.

"Hmm" Roisin thought. "What if she does know something?" She asked.

"I'd prefer to wait for the lab to tell me" He nodded.

"Fair enough" Roisin smiled. "I watched the news earlier, more reports of people being able to heal wounds with their hands" She said as she plated up the meals.

"Hmm, odd. Do you think it could be connected to the aether imbalance?" Dex asked.

"I dunno, but I do know one thing" Roisin said.

"What is it?" Dex asked.

"I love you" Roisin winked as she kissed his cheek and handed him his dinner. Dex chuckled and kissed her back.

"And, I love you too" Dex smiled, as they sat at the dining room table. The layout of the apartment resembled Roisin's childhood home.

"I promise you that I will always be by your side" Dex smiled.

"You better" Roisin joked, before smiling. "I promise the same" She added. As they began eating their meal. The city outside carried on as the skies above went dark. Its lights could be seen for miles around. A beacon in the dark.