discontinued. The Way We Live Now ⇔ Mileven {3rd - "Wake Up, Mike" Trilogy}

Two

Mike.
~Disclaimer: I am not anywhere near a D&D player, nor do I know much about the game. I did research, and did the best I could. Please forgive if any information is wrong, or slightly off. Thank you(:

"It's almost over, guys. Can you believe it?" Dustin whispered, taking another spoonful of soup into his mouth. I shrugged, swirling my spoon around the bowl.

"I mean, we did everything we were supposed to do. Got everything done, and in the right order." I listed off, then looked up at Max. "Well, with one exception." She laughed, almost spitting out her soup.

"Hey, cut me some slack! I just don't learn well in a classroom, which is why I had lessons with El." She explained for the billionth time. I just nodded, rolling my eyes quickly. She then slapped my arm, making me laugh. "I'm smart, dammit!"

"I never said you weren't, Zombie Girl!" I exclaimed, still laughing. She made a noise of frustration, smacking my arm once more. Everyone else laughed a bit at our exchange, as well.

"But seriously, we don't have long. How many days now?" Dustin asked, looking towards the ceiling in thought. But it wasn't needed, as usual.

"Twenty days." El spoke up immediately, and everyone nodded. We continued to eat the soup in front of us, going quiet.

El made a giant pot of chicken noodle soup for everyone. She also offered to make sandwiches, but I wouldn't allow her. She likes to go overboard with things, making sure everyone is pleased. Everyone usually is, no matter what she does, but she doesn't understand that. A giant pot of chicken noodle soup is more than enough, especially since we aren't even close to finishing it.

"So, how is everyone?" Lauren asked, triggering a chorus of 'fine's. She sighed, giving up on conversation. But El didn't, I could see that even before she spoke.

"Just because we're all entering adulthood doesn't mean we can stop talking. In fact, it's more important than ever. And if we don't strike up a conversation soon, I'll start citing Pi number by number." She warned, making Dustin choke on his soup.

"So, how 'bout that weather?" He forced out, making Max spit out her soup, then start laughing hysterically. And of course, everyone joined in, the room suddenly loud as ever.

"'How 'bout that weather?' Oh my god!" Max screeched while still laughing, and my sides started to hurt from laughing so hard. Erin started to do short laughs, taking sharp breaths every two seconds. We laughed even harder when hearing her laughs, which wasn't good. But, it actually was good.

I haven't laughed this hard in months, and it feels amazing. We're all really stressed lately, with school ending and trying to find colleges. Then even more stressed when thinking about what will happen to us. What if we never see each other again? This is my family. I've seen them every single day these past five years, and I'm not ready to be away from them. I know we have all summer, but it'll be a summer filled with planning, and moving, and everything stressful. I'll always be with El, I know that, but what about the guys? What about Max? I can't say goodbye to them.

After thinking about this, I was no longer laughing like everyone else. I was staring down at my soup with sad and frustrated eyes. I was angry, really.

"Mike?" I heard El's soft, silky voice from beside me. I looked up and over at her slowly, with cloudy eyes. She frowned, noticing my facial expression. "I know you're scared." She whispered, causing me to look down. She reached forward, physically making me look at her. "We're all scared. But that can't ruin our last summer, ok? I won't let it ruin things. I've been letting fear control me for my entire life, Mike. I finally escaped it a few years ago, and I'm not letting it claim me again. I need you to do the same, ok? If not for you, do it for me. For all of us." She continued to whisper to me, making sure no one else heard. I nodded slowly, taking a deep breath and reaching out to grab her hand. She smiled with one side of her mouth, how she's always done, and I felt better.

"So, who's ready for some Dungeons and Dragons? I know I am." Lucas randomly spoke up, unaware of the exchange El and I just had. I smiled, agreeing quickly.

"Uh, pass, I'm gonna go do the dishes." Max said smartly, and I rolled my eyes.

"You don't even know how to play. You guys do...whatever it is you do while we play." I shrugged, making her roll her eyes right back. But that's how it went, as I said. Will went into his room, getting the game while everyone else cleared the table. The girls were all sharing glances, making me suspicious, but I said nothing. Once the table was cleared off, Will started to set up the game while I quickly went to my car. I opened the back door, reaching in to pull my binder out. I put it in my car this morning to make sure I didn't forget it, and I'm glad I did.

When I got back inside, the girls were all slipping their shoes on. I asked where they were going, and they smiled in unison.

"Just out for a bit. We'll be back before you're done, don't worry." El assured as she stood on her toes, kissing my cheek, then heading out the door. My eyebrows furrowed together, but I didn't question further. If they started to get in trouble, I know they could handle themselves. They do all have some weird power, after all.

"Mike, c'mon, we're ready. They'll be fine, they've got Max and El to protect everyone." Lucas reminded, and I nodded, walking over. I sat down, setting up my folder to the right page.

This campaign has been going on for over a month, and I think it'll come to a close tonight. I have a plan, and it's a hard obstacle to overcome. They'll have trouble with it, especially since only one of them can fix it.

Near the end of our session, I had a devious smile on my face, which they noticed. They leaned in a bit as I built up the tension.

"But, what's that?" I stopped, looking around for dramatic effect. "Those steps are so loud, they shake the ground. The buildings around you are rattling, some in the distance even falling down. What could it be?" I teased, and Dustin shook his head.

"I swear, if this is what I think it is." He complained, making Lucas argue.

"It's not, stop worrying." He ordered, and I hid my smile behind my binder. I brought my hand up to the last figurine I had planned. I grasped it tight, ready to scare the shit out of them.

"There, it's coming into view, immediately laying eyes on the three tiny men." I hyped them up, then reached over my binder and banged the figurine down on the board. "The Tarrasque!" I yell, making them yell back.

"We can't kill a Tarrasque! You're basically killing our party!" Lucas yelled in anger, and I shrugged. I looked at Will, who looked terrified.

"Mike, I can't take him out! I'd have to do it all on my own! I'm not strong enough!" He argued loudly, and I faintly heard the door open and close behind me.

"He stomps closer with quickening speed, aiming right for the small group!" Was my response, and Dustin stood up from how stressful this is. "Will, your action!"

"I don't know!"

"Will, you gotta do this, man! Just think! What's powerful enough?" Lucas yelled, and Will started to grasp his head tightly, trying his hardest to think.

"There's nothing! I'd have to reduce him to -30 or more hit points, then use a wish! It's impossible to do without getting you both killed!" Will explained frantically, and I knew this was how it would go. Lucas looks around, trying to think. Dustin sits down with a look of defeat, and Will sighs. "I'll flee, grabbing my partners arms and forcing them to follow." He says in despair, and I nod knowingly.

"The Tarrasque follows for a second, then catches sight of a group of sheep, running after them instead. You're safe, but you fail to eliminate the Tarrasque. He is only miles away from the village, and this will not end well. As the only Wizard in the village, and their only hope, the villagers have no choice but to punish you and your team. The quest ends on a sour note, and the Tarrasque shows up only a week later, ridding the village of everyone and everything. You have failed, and now you are dead." I finished, and they sat there with shock and defeat written on their faces. Will looked uneasy, though, which doesn't happen.

"Guys, I haven't failed to kill a monster in over six years. I haven't died in a campaign in over six years." He explained slowly, and we all looked at him wearily. He looked up at me, and frowned. "If this is another Demogorgon, you're so gonna get it, Wheeler."