Crystalla
Bittersweet

It was a summer day in Inchaya's main park, the rose blossoms petals drifted slowly in the wind, as Anya and Wes had their bonding ceremony on the red moon bridge that sat over the main pond. Everyone cheered as the ceremony came to a close.

That evening, at a restaurant that overlooked the bay, everyone was gathered to celebrate the bonding. Wes was stood out on a balcony that had a view of the ocean, and Aquala University, he took a sip from his champagne glass, as Anya walked over and leant on the balcony.

"I can't believe the day has finally come and gone" Wes chuckled, Anya nodded and smiled.

"Honestly, knowing my origins, I never dreamt I'd replace someone to spend the rest of my life with" Anya said, as she sipped her glass of champagne. She smiled as she looked indoors to see Roisin and Keegan dancing on the dance floor and chuckled.

"It's strange to think that just over a year ago, we were facing the end of the world" Wes sighed happily.

"Yeah, it's been nice seeing everyone happy for a change" Anya nodded, as she turned to look at the city. "Inchaya is changing too, slowly, no longer having to deal with Pyre and Crystech" She explained.

"This city sure has changed from when I was young" Wes nodded, as he thought back to his childhood spent on the streets, Anya held his hand.

Inside, Atlas and Lotte were sat in a quiet corner, chatting to each other. Lotte sighed and looked at Atlas.

"I'm giving up my power as the Crystalla" She said, looking anxious.

"Why?" Atlas asked. "I'll support your decision either way, I'm just curious, Atlas asked. Lotte paused for a moment to think of a way to phrase what she was about to say.

"I want to grow old. With you" Lotte smiled.

"But, you could live for centuries, see so much progress, you want to give that up... for me?" Atlas asked, confused.

"You say that like I'm crazy" Lotte chuckled. "I just don't want to see you grow old, while I'm stuck like this. Roisin and Dex have each other to spend eternity with, but you aren't a Crystalla, you're mortal. I want to be mortal again to. I want us to be a cute old couple" She explained.

"Like I say, if it is what you want, Lotte, I support it" Atlas began. "If I'm honest, and I was in your shoes, I would probably do the exact same, it's not worth living forever, if I'm not with you" He smiled.

Lotte nodded and hugged Atlas.

"How about a dance?" Atlas asked, as he stood up and held his hand out to Lotte.

"It'd be my pleasure" Lotte smiled softly, as she took his hand, and the two made their way over to the dance floor. Ruby watched from a table in the corner, where she was eating a dish of snacks that Ashe had made for her.

"You enjoying those, Ruby?" Ashe chuckled.

"They're delicious! Thank you so much Ashe!" Ruby grinned.

"I wish I could see you as often as I use to, you know" Ashe frowned. Ruby stopped eating for a moment, and paused for thought.

"Times change, Ashe. I'll always enjoy seeing you, when you visit, but I guess, since we're no longer on the road, and are following our own paths... there is a melancholy to it" Ruby nodded.

"I'm sorry, Ruby, I didn't mean to make you sad" Ashe sighed, as she petted Ruby's head.

"Don't worry about it Ashe, I'm glad we can talk openly and honest" Ruby smiled. "Roisin has been trying to teach me how to use these new 'phone' things, so once I have that figured out, we can ring each other all the time!" She grinned.

"That sounds like a plan" Ashe nodded, as she held out her hand for a high five, Ruby cheered and gave Ashe a high five, before resuming the consumption of her snacks.

Outside in the bay, fireworks began launching, and every one made their way to the balcony to watch the beautiful sig