Boy Meets Ai

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

The city was ablaze with thousands of colorful lights. Music filled the air as parades filled the streets. A grand festival was being held to mark the end of the first round of the tournament. Even more players had arrived in Gebrochen to join in the festivities and witness the semifinals in game, rather than via stream. The whole server was abuzz with the amazing jaw dropping fights that had already occurred. The contestants, victors and the defeated alike, were encouraged to go enjoy themselves by Gabriel.

"You've all earned the right to celebrate!"

Gearhardt had already left the city quickly after his match, mentioning how stupid the whole event had been, but everyone else remained. Shinobu was invited out by Hati who said he wanted to challenge her to some festival games. Despite being eliminated quickly and soundly by Ogun, he was back to his cheery boisterous self once again.

"Are you guys coming with?" Shinobu asked her friends as they sat together in a room that was leant to them near the coliseum. The hooting and hollering adventurers shook the building with their celebration as they passed by outside.

"Wish I could, but I'm actually meeting someone. In fact," Hendricks said looking at the clock. "I should start heading that way now." He and Marquis took their leave.

"He's probably ditching us for some girl. Seiko, Oak? What about you guys?"

Oaklee went to answer but stopped when she saw Seiko's face.

"Mmm. We'll catch up with you later." She smiled.

"Awwe. You guys are no fun. If you're worried about tomorrow, don't stress! Ogun is strong for sure but that's never stopped you before, right?"

Shinobu was referring to their matchup. Gabriel had already announced the semifinal bracket. Shinobu was going up against Thomas and Seiko and Oaklee were up against Ogun. The female Ai just smiled and nodded.

"Ok well, just meet me when you can." Her gaze turned to the young man. "Seiko? You good?"

He gave a weak smile. Shinobu could tell something was wrong but didn't press the issue. She would give him some space. She left the two of them alone. Oaklee sat across from her user, watching him closely. His leg had been bouncing for the past hour. Since the incident at the care center, Seiko started to seem more like when she first met him. Quiet, withdrawn into himself. No. Oaklee realized it was much worse. He didn't even make eye contact with her as she spoke to him as if he were scared of her.

"That festival food sure does smell good." She said.

No response.

"Hey, think maybe we can go out and celebrate for a bit? I mean I feel we deserve it after a victory like that."

She saw his eyes dart to her arm. It was completely healed. Injuries like that didn't last in the Ether. Still, she would be lying if she said it hadn't freaked her out. Having a body was something she had only recently grown accustomed to. To have part of it ripped off was more than a little mortifying.

"It's not your fault, okay? It was a fight. Things happen. It's not like its real."

"It is for you." Seiko murmured without looking up.

Oaklee knit her eyebrows together. He was right, and she couldn't argue that. This was the world she felt she belonged. The feeling had only grown stronger, the more time she spent in the Ether. They sat silently again. It felt like an eternity. Seiko seemed frozen in place until suddenly, he stood up.

"Ok. Lets go."

"O-Oh! Okay where did you want to go first?"

Seiko passed through the door quickly as Oaklee rushed after him. He didn't reply but walked with purpose, out of the inn and onto the streets. He moved through the noisy crowd like a ghost. The Ai almost lost sight of him a few times as they zigzagged through the alleys. Seiko looked to be searching for something or someone. Eventually, he led her down toward a lush garden that sat nestled near the castle, away from the lights and music. It was surrounded by tall hedges that secluded it from the rest of the town, each one adorned with red roses. A simple stone fountain surrounded by benches trickled endlessly in the center of the garden. The entire time they walked, Oaklee had been searching her vast database for what to say to Seiko in that moment. She truly hated to see him like this. It hurt her heart to watch the light and happiness vanish from his eyes. There was something else there now, his gaze had become hostile, morose, tortured.