The Falcon's Beacon (VI)

"Christie!"

Rhode looked up and the tremendous pain in his head vanished almost instantly. Then, he realized that something was amiss. It was no longer the dark tunnel before him. Instead, strong gales brushed against his face and beneath his feet was a leveled brick tower. A desolate wilderness could be seen in the distance. But… it was entirely different this time.

The clouds that covered the horizon shifted quickly in the winds and through their gaps, Rhode witnessed the silhouette of an enormous building. He looked down and saw a figure that he had expected.

"Christie."

"…"

The little girl stood before him. But unlike the gentle and calm 'Christie' he knew, this time, she appeared unprecedentedly stern and uncertain. She gazed at Rhode, turned around, and pointed ahead. Along with her actions, the thick layers of clouds rolled apart to both sides. Then, dazzling sunlight spilled through.

In an instant, the world before him transformed.