Boy Meets Ai

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Far away, in a distant corner of the Ether, a darker corner, two figures found themselves fleeing. A Cleric and his Ai monk companion ran through a desolate wasteland. Gray skies hung oppressively over the volcanic landscape. The two were desperate to escape, searching franticly for a safe haven. Blood trickled from the cleric's head and stained his white robes crimson. The monk, constantly checking behind them, was battered and bruised. A large gash on his back signified just how unprepared they had been. He still wasn't used to this feeling welling up inside him even though it was becoming more frequent in this world. It felt like suffocating, like trying to scream without a voice. A horrid screech echoed through the air and sent a shiver through the Ai.

"Come on! We're so close, we're gonna make it!" The cleric shouted.

The sound of beating wings closed in on them suddenly. The Ai knew they would never escape. It was impossible. Even though they ran as fast as they could, the cave opening was still nearly 100 yards away. The terrible sound of their pursuer filled the monk's ears. It was gaining on them. He did the only thing he could think of to protect his companion. With a cry, he skidded to a halt. He turned to face the deadly foe with fists clenched, planting his feet in a battle stance. Before him was the Death Knight. The monk stared into its skull face, haunting lights shining from its eye sockets. The malevolent being rode atop a monstrous bat like creature with a horrible face full of fangs and rage. The Ai felt fear grip tightly inside him but didn't budge. Even if he died, the cleric could make it. He would serve as a distraction so that his user could live.

Yes! This is the only way! He thought.

As he closed his eyes, the monk accepted his fate. He would not let any harm come to his friend. A blast of wind and a horrid shriek slammed into him. He flinched, bracing for impact, for the blade to pierce his heart. But it didn't come.

In a moment of pure dread, the monk realized the terrible truth. He spun on his heels just in time to see it.

"Nooo!" The Ai's scream was raw pain and sorrow.

The death knight ran the cleric through. His wickedly long and curved sword skewered him, lifting him up off the ground. Blood sputtered from the cleric's lips.

"Thomaaaaaas!" The monk fell to his knees in despair. He had failed. The truth weighed him down, pushing him even deeper into the ground. The death knight turned around, carrying his impaled prey as he approached the Ai. It flung the body at him. The monk scrambled to the cleric. On his hands and knees. Thomas breath was ragged and shallow.

He was supposed to keep him safe. Hot tears, streaked down the monk's face as he covered the broken body with his own. The knight raised his sword once again then thrust it clean through both of them. A gasp escaped the monk as his heart was pierced. Death came to the Ai but before that, regret. True and real regret.

And then light. He felt grass beneath his feet. The cool breeze blowing caressed his cheek. He stood in an orchard. Rows and rows of trees surrounded him. Plump red apples hung from their branches. The monk remembered this place. They had respawned.

"Ahhh Dammit! We were so close! Wow man I felt like we really had it that time!" Thomas, the cleric, stood with his hand on his head. His robes were white as snow again. No hole through the chest. A smile of excitement lit up his face. The monk felt a wave of relief rush over him. He was safe. They were safe! He wanted to hug his friend but restrained himself.

"Oh well. Everyone said this boss would be super tough, so we just have to keep at it till we win." The cleric's words stabbed into the monk just like the death knights blade.

This would be their 54th attempt. The Ai's face went slack, and his body shivered though he wasn't cold. That place again. That monster again. They would go. And fight. and lose and he would watch Thomas die. He wouldn't be able to do anything. Again.

Again... Again... The word bounced around inside his head.

Again? It grew louder.

AGAIN?! AGAIN?! HOW MANY TIMES?! AGAIN?!

"Hey. Aramais. You, ok?" Thomas approached the monk.

There was a long pause. And then the shivering stopped.

"I'm alright." Aramais said, fixing an artificial smile to his artificial face. "Let's give it another shot."