The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 17: Brand new dawn. (Part 1)

Chapter 18: Brand new dawn.

3 months 28 days after the Fall:

"There are so many people here," Aria's eyes were wide and mouth opened as she looked at the massive crowd we were part of. For the past few months we had barely travelled with anyone but as we approached Crysis the amount of people we say continued to rise, accumulating to now.

"This is the Great Dungeon of Crysis," I said, beginning to relax. "It's part of the city itself and fortified in case of danger. People from all over would have come here for safety."

"Are we actually safe?" Aria shivered. It hadn't been too long since the incident we were tricked and attacked. Her hair had never changed back and was now permanently white. She was right to be wary of strangers.

"We should be safe, at least safer than we were before." I looked back the way we came. Dozens of armed guards protected the entrance to the dungeon and even more still helped settle the crowd and move it along.

A buzz of static indicated an announcement was coming, "Welcome to the Great Dungeon of Crysis, you will be safe here. Please continue down the line in an orderly fashion. People with combat experience, please indicate so on your submission papers."

Aria flinched, "Are they going to make you fight?"

"They're not going to make me," I replied. "I'll do it myself."

"Why?" she shivered again. "Ardy you almost died so many times. I-I can't-."

I pulled her into a hug, "If this is going to be where we live, I want to help where I can.... We already saw enough loss."

She sniffed and looked at me with determined eyes, "I get it. I'll help to!"

"Thanks Aria."

We shuffled through the crowded line, going deeper into the dungeon. Finally we came to the check in. Several makeshift counters had been set up and behind them where Crysis' government officials working frantically to organise the line of refugees. I could recognise them from their green and white uniforms having worked together multiple times.

"Ardent?" the voice caught me by surprise. I looked up to see a familiar handsome face.

"Vanter?" I waved as he approached us. He was wearing the same uniform as the other officials.

He stood in front of Aria and I, "Damn it's good to see you. I hoped you'd make it."

"It was rough but we got there," I smiled tiredly. "This is my sister Aria."

"Nice to meet you Aria," Vanter looked at her with a calm coolness. "You did well to make it here."

Aria simply nodded, her grip on me tightened.

"It's okay Aria. Vanter is a friend. We met while I was working in Crysis," I gently reassured her.

"Hey come with me," Vanter gestured. "We'll get you through this way and get you sorted so you can help out."

My smile turned wryly, "Of course I have to help." I didn't mind being put to work, especially if it meant Aria could get through faster.

We moved away from the line and into a smaller alcove of the dungeon. Once there I started to fill out details for both Aria and myself as Vanter left to get us some supplies. What I didn't expect however was the sudden force that pushed into my side.