This is Just a Game...Right?

Chapter 12

Chapter 12: The Choice

"One of us....has to die?" Mayumi croaks out, and Angie nods.

"Keiji, is this true?" I almost collapse when he nods sadly. But I swallow down my fears. The rest of my party is in a panic, all not wanting to be the one to die. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Then, training my eyes forwards, I take a step towards Angie.

"I'll die." I state simply, causing my friends to pause and stare at me. Rei grabs my arm, spinning me forcefully to face him.

"Lyrica, you can't! What the hell?! Didn't I tell you that I'll keep you alive even if I was the one to die?!" He hisses angrily, and then turns to face Angie. "I'll die."

"Ooh, sorry, Prince Charming. I don't want you. Your princess is the one I want dead. So, Lyrica honey, come here." She beckons to a spot next to her. I bravely walk towards her, wrenching my arm from Rei's grip.

"Hm...since I'm such a sweetheart, do you have any last words for your little friends there?" Angie gestures to the rest of my party. I turn around to face them, seeing their faces twisted in pain and fear. My heart breaks as I see Rei's face. Eyes pleading with me to step away, to come back to them. I shake my head gently, and put on a bright smile.

"Lily, Darren, Yuka. Thank you so much for coming and joining this party. I couldn't have done this without you. Truly, I'm grateful." I tell them earnestly, and they nod. Lily smiles at me, tears sliding down her face.

"It was fun, Lyrica. Thank you for being so strong." She says. Then I turn to Mayumi. My in-game best friend.

"Mayumi...I-" I start, but she cuts me off.

"I know what you're going to say. Stuff it. I won't ever forgive your decision. You were my best friend, and now you're going to die? I'll never even see my ship sail. So don't say a word. I'll miss you, Rica." She shouts, tears hitting the ground as she scolds me. Tears prick my eyes, and I nod.

"I wish I could've met you in real life." I turn to my brother.

"Keiji. I love you. You were my idol, my only family. Please, live for me. Have fun. Take care of Rei. Please." I whisper, voice breaking. My brother, crying, hugs me tightly.

"I'll live everyday for you and you alone. I love you, dear sister. I wish...you didn't have to die. I love you so much." He replies, and releases me. I smile gently, then turn to Rei. My best friend, the one who stuck with me through this whole ordeal.

"Rei. You're my best friend. Always there for me. I've always looked up to you. You were always so strong, so kind. Everything I've always wanted to be." I speak, tears rolling down my cheeks as I face him. He looks like he's in so much pain.

"Lyrica...I want you to know that I don't regret any of this. I was and always will be at your side." He replies softly.

"There's one more thing. I've never had the courage to tell you. You were always so brave. And...Rei. I love you." I finally confess, and he tears up, running towards me, crushing me in a hug. Then he sweeps me up and kisses me. My eyes widen in shock, but I melt into the kiss. He pulls away slowly, gazing into my eyes.

"I've always loved you, Lyrica. Always have, always will." He replies, and my heart melts, tears flowing freely out of my eyes. I hear sobbing in the background, seeing all of my friends crying in happiness and sadness as they see us. Finally together.

"I called it," Mayumi cried out.

"How sweet." Angie's voice breaks me out of my daze. "Keiji, come here." She motions to my brother, who walks up to her robotically. "Sorry to say, but this is going to end now." She snaps her fingers, and I feel a searing pain in my chest. I look down, and see a blue arrow sticking out of it.

"Kei...ji?" I cough out, and he lowers his bow reluctantly, tears sliding down his cheeks. He slowly mouths the words "I'm sorry" to me, before slumping onto the ground.

"Lyrica?!" Rei cries out, pulling the arrow out. He sets me gently onto the ground, calling for Mayumi to come and try to heal the wound. But it doesn't close. I smile, blood dripping from my mouth and from the hole in my chest. I raise a hand to his cheek, caressing it softly.

"Rei. I love you." I choke out, then let out a small laugh. "Haha...I've always wanted it to end this way. Dying in the arms of my beloved. I just didn't expect it to come so soon..." I cough. "One more time...I love you, Rei." I whisper. Not all fairy tales have a happy ending. I should've known mine wouldn't.

"Lyrica...Lyrica! I love you. Please, don't die. Lyrica!" Rei cries, but it's too late. I had already taken my last breath.

I died.