In a dream, there lies a tower, one that reaches the very skies, it has branches dark as night that glow in the thickets and it calls for those who are blessed.

Twirling around the columns, it ominously looms over the land, surrounded by watery depths, its roots reach so far that they curl around the edges of the undergrowth. 

Glowing, it shines like starlight, its branches like that of hardened rock so stern and firm nothing can break them, and with a simple twist they extend themselves like arms reaching to the sky. 

Its bark as rough as sand moves in a human-like way, alive and slithering down its branches, and slowly it opens, a large crimson eye looking into the soul of its watcher. 

Reaching out her hand, this was all Rayne desired, that red glow that called for her in the darkness, the Shadowmen Spire.  

Jolting awake, a faint blur glazes over her multicolored yet blue eyes that swirl with the lights of the city. 

It was so close I could feel it….

She thought as she stared at the roof of the capsule she lay in, her temporary home for the night. 

It was a small floating metal case with nothing but a bed, it reminded her of a tombstone, perhaps that’s why she found it so comfy. What was comfier than being dead?  

An irritated groan leaves her lips as she slowly pushes herself up, her coat laying over her legs as she looks to the city. 

The brilliant lights of the Ruined Heights shined, and colors of green, pink, and purple beamed down from the tall towers. 

The heights was a city built high into the sky like the name suggests, and thus, clouds and a thick fog loomed over the entire place. 

It’s too bright…… Rayne groaned, squinting her eyes as she tapped the window, a little chime following as it dimmed. 

And there she saw herself in the reflection, a rugged girl with short black hair underlined with blue highlights, glowing crystal eyes, and a pale complexion except for the one beauty mark under her eye. 

Clicking her tongue, she shuffled around and the capsule began to chime. 

‘Thank you for staying with us! Consider purchasing a K.Komfort Capsule again at any of our locations! We hope to see you again soon!’ 

Its voice was as squeaky as— it didn’t matter, she hissed at the robot and quickly scooted away, tossing her jacket on, which was far bigger than her. 

That has to be the most irritating bot I've ever seen…. I hope it gets uninstalled. 

Tapping the door it opened and she walked down the floating stairs that created a path for her. 

Taking a deep breath, she tasted the polluted air and promptly scoffed, she hated it here….

She hated everything…..

Shaking the sleep away, she took a step forward and caught a glimpse of the two moons in the sky, once a silver moon, it split in two once the rain fell. 

The biggest moon was green, and named Petti after the old word for lush, since back then the forests were mostly green. 

And the second moon which was half the size was called Uth after the old name for rubies, due to its vibrant red color. 

Shoving her hands in her pocket, she began strolling down the flickering city streets, it was early in the morning, or perhaps late at night. 

It’s a ghost town around here…I guess that’s better than busy though. 

Rayne almost mumbled as she felt a heat swarm her legs and push her forward, looking down bright colors began dancing at her feet. 

It was as if stars were brought to life and splattered with paint.  

“I’m going, I’m going….be patient.” Rayne said, and the little starlit path chimed and together they walked the streets.  

A path only she could see, one that led her to where she needed to go, following her destiny. 

“I’m almost there…..to the Spire.” She mumbled as visions flashed in her mind, and her eyes glowed a deep crimson, calling to her. 

Tensing, she gripped her sleeve and walked faster, she needed to hurry…..or she’d never get the answers she wanted…..

“I’ll out what happened to you….River….”