Sabrina Jennings calmly exchanged her regular clothes for the lifeguard's suit she wore for her job at the university pool. It was a plain black two-piece, though not a particularly showy one, and it had the caduceus medical symbol embroidered on the left side. She had gotten an official qualification as a nurse the year before, which did amuse her when she thought about her contradictory in-game personality of Myanihia Black, the shadowy assassin. There, she was a deadly shadow warrior; here, she was a quiet and reserved medical professional.

It was not unusual in this day and age for people her age to have such a qualification; Sabrina had actually gone to a specific trade school for her high school years for the very purpose of getting the qualification in the first place. When she had started going to the university here to further her education in such things, she had decided to put what she already had to good use. It was only a natural decision, and it would look good on a resumé.

“Good luck, Sabrina.” one of her co-workers called from the showers.

“Are you, going home already, Jasmine?” the dark-haired girl asked.

“Yep. My shift ended early today.” the other girl replied, shutting off the water to get out and dry off. “You're on the night-shift more and more, come to think of it, huh?” she added as she sat down on a bench.

“I am. I, wanted to get more hours in, before summer, so I can focus on my studies.” Sabrina told her.

“Ahh, that's right,” Jasmine said, wrapping a towel around herself. “You're going for a more advanced nursing career, and I'm just doing this to boost my chances of getting on a more official swim-team.” she said with a grin.

“I, don't fault you, for that.” Sabrina softly smiled. “But, now, I should get going. Or Mr. Fuller, will get angry.”

“Hah, true. Good luck again!” the other girl smiled, and Sabrina nodded, heading out to keep an eye on the late crowd at the indoor pool.

As she gingerly climbed up to her seat, she thought of the young man she had met again on the streets. He reminded her so much of Lana.

Lana... she thought to herself as she situated herself in the chair. I, want to repay you, so much. When I started this job, I kept aloof just like I did in the game; but, now, I'm even starting to talk to Jasmine, who had so much trouble getting me to talk before. She seems so nice, now that I actually, take time, to let people in. I wonder how many other people are nice, like Jasmine, and Lana... and Christina, Sabrina pondered, her heart feeling warm as her half-twin's name came to mind.

“You... really are, so showy...” Sabrina had remarked the first time they met in real life.

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“And you really are so modest,” Christina had grinned.

“It... suits you,” the other girl faintly smiled.

“Right back at you.” her half-twin replied.

“Though I do, get a little showy, for my job.” she had admitted.

“Oh?” Christina remarked. “Do I dare guess what that means?” she added with a laugh. Sabrina blinked, and then realized she was being teased.

“You, are funny,” she smiled back. “I, am a lifeguard, for the indoor pool.”

“Oh, cool!” the other replied. “No, really, that's great. Hm? Are you doing it as a bonus for your degree?”

“I, shouldn't be surprised, you could guess that. I'm, going into nursing.” Sabrina told her.

“Respect.” Christina nodded, smiling appreciatively.

“What, about you?” Sabrina asked. Christina paused for a moment, taking a drink before answering her.

“I'm... studying to try and be an astronaut.” she then said, and Sabrina looked at her curiously.

“Are you, trying, to join the Mars missions?”

“Mars, the Belt Expeditions, Io... whatever I can get to first.” her half-twin smiled back.

“That...” Sabrina blinked, pondering for a moment. “That, sounds like fun!” she then smiled.

“Doesn't it?” Christina smiled back. “But it's a lot of work.” she sighed. “I'll get through it, though.”

“I know; if it's you, you definitely will.” the other told her.

“Even if I couldn't get through you?” the wry reply came. Sabrina blushed.

“Christina,” she said in a regretful tone, and grabbed her sister in a hug.

“Huh?” Christina wondered in amazement for a moment, and then felt droplets of tears falling onto her exposed skin, whereupon she also began softly crying as she returned the embrace. “Sabrina...” she said, holding her older half-twin tightly.

“Whatever... happens, from now on, I, want to be, your friend, and helper.” Sabrina whispered softly. “Let's both, reach for the stars.” she added, and Christina smiled.

“Yes. Let's reach for them, together.”

***

The pleasant memory was suddenly brushed aside as she caught sight of someone causing mischief in the pool. She blew her whistle, and the malefactors froze in place as she stared them down from her perch. They soon dispersed, and the pool resumed its laid-back atmosphere.

I may be retreating, from being a dark shadow, but at least, it left me that still-functioning weapon of intimidation, Sabrina thought to herself with a pleased grin. She rarely had to say anything to those misbehaving on account of the stone-cold glare she had perfected. But right now, that icy expression was displaced by a smile as radiant as the stars.

Lana... no doubt you're out on your new quest tonight... good luck!