Time to show our stuff Griddy!

Mount up and get ready for another blast! The crowd cheering our names. “Grup and Griddy! Grup and Griddy!” Just like old times huh? Our own celebration. Another victory and future glory.

I couldn’t’ve done it without you, girl! Just think, once watching the games through the window of some bar, I’ve now gotten into the Myths and Marvels! It’s all thanks to you!

I know she can hear me. My thoughts. At least the ones I direct at her.

Five years since I’d joined the competition. Who wouldn’t want to be the one everyone’s looking at? Prove your worth and sit atop a mountain of useless gold, sought for parties, and gifts galore! Glory to be won and remembered.

They’ll remember me. I know they will.

It’s because of Griddy that I can walk this dangerous road. I’d just turned thirteen a few weeks ago, but I feel like I’ve already spent a lifetime searching for them. This? This game we play isn’t so bad. Great way to keep myself busy while everyone helps me find them. The more that see me, that know I’m here, the easier it’ll be. People are always so willing to help!

It’s time to play!

Her eyestalks twisting like that is a good sign. She’s ready.

“Welcome to the next match of Myths and Marvels!” An announcer’s voice, the same voice I know I’ve heard a thousand times, echoes through the hall. It’s dulled by the heavy door ahead. It’s like he’s talking from miles away. How many people must be watching?! “Patrons, ready your champions!”

I hope they give us something good! Headmaster says I’ve helped keep the lights on. He’s been so generous. I owe him a ton. More than I can pay back in a few years of games.

What do you want first Griddy? A Sorcerer’s Blade? Or should we play it safe?

Okay, we’ll go ham. You’re a funny one, girl.

Go with the razzle dazzle entrance, okay?  We have a bit of mana to spare, even if we use more than the base provides us. Blast Flame Eye in a circle around us. Headmaster says peacocking helps. We’re more than the average fighter. We’re Grup and Griddy!

“Shades spawn in two minutes!”

Here we go!

“Begin!”

Everything’s white! It’s so pretty. Every time is just as cool.

A blast from Flame Eye arcs around our front. I’ve got to pull one stalk to aim her quick enough for the next one. She’s nailed it! As her floating head spins, I’ve just got to… now! Sliding through the fire’s easy. Right foot, kick the left, and now slide back. We both jazz hands toward the crowd.

Well, jazz eyes.

Flames die down, but the crowd ignites. Finishing up the pose, I just climb back up with her help. She’s so considerate; floating lower and offering me an eye.

Love ya! That hum means she’s happy.

In the base, I see the weapon wall and my teammates.

“Grup!”

Play it cool! Griddy lowers a bit so I can see.

“Hey, Yahvi.”

“Protecting me today?” Her eyebrows mean she’s concerned, but her smile is always soothing. Hard to focus on the crowd with her here. “I’ll make sure we climb up another rung.”

Yahvi is one of the best. I like working with her. She’s always so cool and knows the best ways to win. With her, it’ll be easy for Griddy and I to win. Wins mean more matches and more matches means more eyes on us! Just win the game. All those helpful eyes!

“Of course, we’ll protect you. Right Griddy?” That’s the agreement hum.

“Good. Let’s get moving to the south path. Alfas on the north.” He’s already grabbing his equipment. A Daring Dagger is pretty iffy, but he seems confident enough. Yahvi must like that he took it. She’s smiling in a way I haven’t seen her smile at me.

If her eyes were on me, so would more of the Patrons. More Patrons, more fans, more eyes.

“Let’s grab that Sorceror’s Blade.” Yahvi’s looking at us. Don’t look. Float over there! “One Sorceror’s Blade, please. Two health potions.” My starting funds glow above the trader’s head. The little arms on the wall pull the weapon out from the gated storage in the back. Such great toys they buy for me! Help us put on a show!

“Let’s get going!” Yahvi’s already darting off. She’s faster than we are; not much gear weighing her down as she zips ahead.

Keep up, Griddy.

She roars and picks up the pace. South path. I wonder if they’ll have a Stalker or if they’ll double up. I wouldn’t want the match to be boring.

Yahvi’s dashing like she normally does. She’s so quick! Darting back and forth from one side of the open path to the other. The way those flowing cloths flutter behind her. There’s not much to her outfit besides a few loose lengths of bright blue silks—they stand out against her tan skin. She always told me it was a good distraction.

As long as we win. That’s what matters.

“First crystal.” I know where we are. I’ve been to the Devil’s Cauldron before. It’s a bit longer on the south to the enemy camp and their Tether Orb. Our right side is patchy with trees, but the Border Limits aren’t too far away. We’ve got to keep our eyes on the left. The thicker trees and Glory Beasts give a lot of advantages to lots of these combatants.

I don’t want Griddy to take too much damage. She gets cranky.

“Second Crystal.” Yahvi’s pressed up against the back. She’ll wait to catch them off guard. She has a list. Here comes the list. “You keep those eyes on our surroundings and tell me what you see. If you know them or what they’re holding. Then, I’ll sneak up.”

“We’ve been through this.” So tedious. “Let’s just win! Simple as that!”

“Straight forward as always, Grup.” She starts to wave her hands. “I’ll be right behind you, and then them.”

“Same start every time.” I lean forward against the stalk.

Let’s go! Just far enough from the crystal to make them interested.

One spell starts is annoying. I’ve done all this work and we only get to use the easy stuff to start. And only a handful of abilities total! Soul Controls keep the fights lasting longer. I’ve studied lots of legends. I’ve put years to perfecting the craft; to mastering the game.

Every change of the seasons brings new tournaments and sponsored games. I’ve spent weeks on these lower rung fighters—preparing for any match. Some have good combo abilities but they don’t need them much for power spikes. Griddy and I will have to play it safe if we see one of them. The Soul Control necklace itches, and early limitations drag!

What’s wrong?

Something’s to our left and up ahead. The first pieces are moving!

“Shades march!” The announcer’s voice echoes through the entire open facility. I’m so excited!

“Come on out!” I want to see who it is! Someone stalking. Will they leave someone solo in the path? Not sure that’ll work well with Yahvi behind me. “Griddy saw you! Get better at hiding!”

No one’s answering. That’s no fun! You think you can hide from all these eyes?

Ready Flame Eye. One spell for now. We’ll burn some people and get more spells! It’ll be easier to win!

She always rumbles like that when she gets serious.

I just have to wait for the shades to get closer. Once they start mindlessly beating on one another, we’ll start scorching the place. Yahvi can use the smoke to her advantage, too. Just keep them guessing and keep them back. Grup and Griddy are an end game piece!

Just up ahead, Griddy sees movement. She’s humming in anticipation. They’re pretty far up and rounding the tree line. Just a few waves, and we should be able to take that crystal in no time!

Down!

Griddy’s eye saw it just in time. I hear the bullet wiz past my ear.

“Wo! You almost got me!” That was definitely a rifle. “Stupid gunman!” The flicker of light from the trees tells me that was a magic shot. We shouldn’t have to worry about it too often. That’s definitely draining early mana. “I see you both! She’s all eyes! Jeeze! Dumb navatak!”

The shades move by me in their usual way. Automatons without remorse and set programming. Good coin in it for the kills. Protecting Yahvi though, we should let her get more of them. It’ll make this easier if she just does her usual thing. Less whiney, too.

They just beat on one another. Two in front and two scrawny ones with arm cannons in the back. Even now, they sort of just tickle. Griddy says they taste awful.

There’s another flash!

This time it’s just the shades. Two at once, though! What a shot! From here, it was just a blue line. Both in the head! They lined that up pretty nicely on stupid shades. That’s two shots. I think I know who’s come to play!

“Rusty! Is that you?!” Leaning off the side of Griddy, I strain to get a better look. “Come on! I know that ‘Blue Streak Shootin’’!” He’s always so slow! Like the bullet has to charge. What a waste! You should just look and Bam!

“Don’t get so cocky.” Yup, that’s him. I know that weird accent. It’s like those old movies that used to play near the orphanage. I snuck into one and got to watch a shootout with men in big hats. That was, until I got kicked out. Eh, the oldies get boring, anyway. “I always have troubles shootin’ a kid.”

“I know, you keep missing.” Sticking out my tongue should do it.

“Don’t test me.” Climbing softly through the underbrush, his boots ring with each step. “Two more.” Just two quick shots from his pistol and the two cannon shades topple over. Three of theirs survived.

Alright. He’s got his pistol and the rifle on his back. “Just you? That won’t be fun! Where’s your partner?”

“Partner? Who said I needed one?” He’s slowly taking his rifle off and dropping to one knee. He’s about fifty yards away; half the distance between the crystals. His shades are going to charge the crystal.

Not a problem. Right, Griddy?

That growl’s a yes!

“Flame Eye!”

I pull the center stalk to the right and move Griddy across the shades’ path. That red eye points out. Fire! The shades are engulfed! They light up and put up a smoke screen. We drop down and spin; she flattens a bit with the force. Good girl!

That was a close shot! Luckily, magic doesn’t work on the crystals. There should’ve been a ricochet, but it just fizzes out and the bullet drops to the grass.

The blue crystal powers up and blasts one of the shades. Mostly broken, he’s about to topple before getting to the crystal’s base. Sparks of residual energy shoot off like worms breaking free.

“Mine.” I hear a soft voice as the ignited shades each begin to collapse. They fall to pieces as if cut in diced chunks. My smokescreen twists as Yahvi’s body moves through it. Perfect! Just like we usually plan. Another cast and she’s invisible before the smoke even clears—the shades melting away into the ground. Bye-bye shades!

Back in the open, I can see Rusty reloading his pistol. “You the Shooter today?”

“Maybe I am,” he knows I’m lying. Of course, I’ll make sure our Shooter’s well equipped.

Griddy’s got her center eye. It doesn’t have the range of his toys, but it’ll pack a punch. With the Sorcerer’s Blade, Griddy’s flames should be enough of a threat for now. Just a stream now, but soon… big, big fire!

“And I’m the Support gunner.” He slaps his handgun shut and the center wheel spins. That clicking sends a shiver up my back. “So don’t be afraid to come on out here.” A gloved hand waves for me to join him.

“Nah. I know your friend’ll be just in those bushes. He’s probably already cleared the first Dregs.” I can’t help but smile at the thought. “Bit winded and scratched up.”

“You got me all wrong.” The revolver’s barrel pushes up the tip of his wide hat. “I’m runnin’ solo; through ‘n’ through. Don’t need no glory stealin’ rascal takin’ my funds and fun.” The next wave of shades is just passing me. We’re a big target, but we’d be able to dodge or resist it at this distance. We might have to save up for the D-Energizer—sap some of the kick out of those bullets. “You join when you’re ready.”

A shot rings out and the shade in front twitches at the impact. Another two shots and the thing is limping with an arm hanging from a few dark threads. The fourth ends him before his destined opponent reaches him. The crowd roars in the distance. Such flashy shooting.

We can do better.

“Pushing!” I lean forward a bit. Yahvi’ll have to keep up. “Let’s go!”

Charging up behind the shades doesn’t give much cover. Rusty’s about thirty yards away with two bullets left in his gun. Get ready for a pinch!

Rusty takes aim with both feet planted.

Good.

One shot to my right. The pain in my finger, he must’ve grazed one of her stalks. The second shot, and we’re closing in on twenty-five yards. My stomach hurts. I think she ate it. Good enough to keep pressing.

“Flame Eye!”

To the left! I’m already turning my focus. Griddy’s mind follows. From the bush line near the opening into the Wilderness, a figure’s coming up quick. A stream of fire carves the ground ahead of us and slides to the left. We throw all our momentum into the spin.

“F-ah!” a pawn in a black coat, gloves with long needle fingers, and a thick bird mask panics at the attack. The magic on my belt brightens as the effect begins. “Hot!” A little extra for the sneaky boy.

“Get ‘im, Griddy!” I point, but she knows what to do. Her center eye fires a quick pulse. Being within fifteen yards makes hitting possible! Know your limits! “Chomp Chomp!”

Her reddish energy leads the way as the sluggish blast collides with the man trying to flee. Damn, he didn’t get knocked over. Keep going!

Ten feet from the crystal’s range. Smokescreen to my right. A bullet wizzes past Griddy’s backside. I won’t get another Flame Eye in time.

He tries to move. He should’ve thought this through. He’s barely even on fire! What a baby.

And there she is. The man tries backpedaling even though the fire barely ignited his coat. That anxiety left him open.

Crimson pours over the field as a blue blur zips behind the man. Good hit! Expertly executed! She lands with grace and makes a pose. “I’ll let you have one.” She bows and kicks backward.

Right toward us. Original Sin’s ours!

“Thanks, Yahvi!” I wave to her just as Griddy opens wide. I rise about a foot higher.

The man’s clawed gloves have blood on them. There before his throat opened up to smile for Yahvi’s performance. He doesn’t even look like he took on one of the Dreg camps! First timers in the Gold Rings shouldn’t think so little of us! I’ve reached higher than this!

Chomp Chomp.

I fall quick. The crowd cheers as fireworks go off. Griddy rotates from side to side as the announcer calls out, “Original Sin goes to Grup and Griddy!”

More cheers. More eyes. More wins. Even more eyes!

“Dammit!” We’re beyond the smoke that’s already begun to dissipate. Yahvi’s already moving forward, and Rusty doesn’t want to play right now.

“Get back here!” Yahvi won’t be able to cast that spell again for a bit. She didn’t get the kill, but that won’t stop her. Wind form or not, she’s ready to go.

“Follow!” I point the known course. It’ll happen soon. Just clear the shades.

“Bitch!” The gunslinger lets off a number of shots from a good distance. Yahvi ducks behind the shades and begins swooping through the ones with the crimson eyes. It takes her a few cuts, but she’s got them down pretty quick. More shots ping off the shades; barely scratching those from Rusty’s side.

Just enough. The last shade goes down.

“Resistor: 90%”

“Take this!” Rusty drops down and begins pumping mana into the rifle. It swings effortlessly over his shoulder. He’s good. “Blue Streak Shootin’!” He’s about twenty-five yards from me, but Yahvi’s halfway between.

“Shifting Winds!” Her form scatters. I love the way this feels! We rush through the streams where our teammates stood.

“Stunning Gaze!” Griddy unleashes another eye’s ability. He’s within range now that we’re closing in on twenty yards. The thin laser hits him right in the eye. He shouts. I love it when they shout! I’m doing so well! Blue fades from his rifle. “Chomp Chomp!”

“Not a chance!” Yahvi’s dashing from behind. “I switch for the opening!” She swings one of the silk lengths on his right arm. Those daggers are quick! Right past us and into Rusty’s chest.

“Gah!” He lets out roar as he jumps backward and attempts to run.

Too bad, Rusty. Yahvi’s too quick.

“Shifting Sands!” A puff of sand tells me she’s already off. He might almost step into his crystal’s range.

“Sthh!” I hear him from back here. She’s already ran past me and leapt forward.

The crowd cheers in response.

“Shit!” She jumps out as the crystal pulses it’s crimson energy. She takes a shot to the back; tossing her a few feet.

“You okay?” Good try Rusty. Next time.

Blood rushes from his throat like a sputtering fountain. She’s so messy.

“Crimson, eliminated.” An emotionless woman robotically alerts the crowd.

A red flash of light, and the lane’s clear. We just need our shades to take care of the tower shots. We’re doing great!

“Yeah. Ow.” She rolls her shoulders as she gets to her feet. “I’m heading back.” Her hand points to the tree line. She takes off while holding her arm. “You should, too.”

“We’re fine, but I guess a little rest won’t hurt.” I watch as the first cannon shade takes a shot from the crystal. He wasn’t in perfect condition, but it’s pitiful how they just blow apart like that. “How was the shot?”

“Stings worse than you remember. Just when you think you’ve gotten used to it.” She taps her collar and a blue light begins to arc from her feet up to her head. Twisting and turning as another joins, like two snakes of light coiling around her. “See you back there.”

I start our return. That Stalker isn’t going to be able to jump back in. He’ll have to do Dregs. That, or they’ll end up miles behind. More cheers. More eyes. What a match!

“Upgrade.” Yahvi’s already back and holding a larger blade. Some runes are carved along the length like golden letters. Wonder what they say. “Apex Hunter. We’ve already got a good lead.” She points at the scores over the weapon shop. “Patrons are going to be happy on this return. We’ve got funds pouring in. We hit the cap for those eliminations.”

“We’ll trade in.” I hand over the Sorcerer’s Blade, Griddy even scrunches down for me to reach. The gentleman takes it and waits to hear my next request of toys. “Piercer Wand. Then a Blue Jewel.” Robo-arms grab out my requests. “We’ll have to keep pushing then. Give us time to have more fun!”

“This really that good of a time for you?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? Look at it,” that beautiful field of fun. They’ll see. “I’ve been here for years, and it just keeps getting more fun!”

“Wow, kid.” She’s smiling, but her eyes don’t meet mine.

“Let’s get going.”

A flash of blue light brings our team together.

“Careful of the third. Wielding a large blade that bends from his back down across his right arm. Either of you know him?” So business-like.

“Sounds like Jarkov. White hair? Uses it like a shield?”

“That’s him.”

“Sounds like you did alright.” Yahvi’s wasting time.

“Should we h—”

“He pressed his luck.” The man in fine armor taps at his side where blood’s been steadily trickling out. “Not without skill.” The atmosphere here should fix that soon, but it doesn’t seem that deep.

“Well, stay ahead. We got some knife-handed moron down south. He may be stalking so don’t push up too far, alright?” Yahvi waves a few fingers and starts toward the exit.

“Yeah.” He watches her walk by. “I sure will.” 

“Don’t get stabbed too much.” He doesn’t even wave back… jerk. “Wait up, Yahvi.”

Off again, we’re heading right back toward the scene of our first big win of the day. Another round! More! More!

Even Griddy’s riled and ready to rumble!

The roar of the crowd makes my heart race. Just a bit further. It’s probably already pushed against us. Yahvi’ll make it back faster. That magic is really something. We have to get her more points. No one will outrun her then!

“Shifting Sands!” We’re rounding the edge to the open field. She vanishes with that puff of sand.

“Let’s go Griddy!”

A series of shots hit the crystal; that familiar ping and dull ringing. Dammit. He pushes fast!

“Back off!” Rusty shouts out as the rest of his revolver empties into the crystal almost at once. “Fan It!”

Cheers flow out over our battlefield. Unacceptable! We’re the stars!

Griddy growls and pushes herself to get within range.

“I’m ready!” Rusty flicks both hands and the gun’s already loaded. Interesting mechanical discipline. “There!” He’s retreating as the last shade is blown to bits by the crystal, but he fires behind him.

“Bastard!” Yahvi’s voice comes from near the crystal. She must not have gotten in range. 

That’s our cue!

Keep charging! Stunning Gaze’ll take care of one.

She grumbles in agreement.

It’ll be a bit for the shades to get here. The next wave was just exiting the base when we left. What’s next? Where would the pieces move? Just keep going. Stalkers behind. He’s going to be beat up, stay in the Wilderness, or he’s dumb enough to press another attack. By himself, Rusty can’t sit back in the brush or trees and take longshots.

A bit more for our second spell. Just a bit closer, and we’ll be close enough for fire.

“You’re gonna piss me off.” Rusty calls back and fires two shots. My arm hurts, and my left leg. Griddy can take it. I can take it. This game’s done worse.

Life’s done worse.

He can’t fire so accurately while running. He’ll have to slow down or keep his tail between his legs by the crystal. I hope Yahvi’s ready for my next move. What will he do?

Shades begin their ritualistic march around the corners. Come on! I have a crowd to please! They came! They paid!

“Let’s play!” I’ll keep Griddy back around the halfway point between towers. This’ll be good. Rusty’s keeping that distance. At this range, I should be able to dodge if I keep an eye on him.

“Blue Streak Shootin’!” There it is. Proposing to the moment, he takes his knee at the boundary of the crystal as the shade steps beyond the threshold.

A blue flash of light. To the left, we drift with reason. The wall could pin me. Play my game!

There’s no response as we drift closer to the patch of woods. The one standing between two opening paths into the Wilderness. We don’t see him. Is he being cautious?

No. He’s made his move. We make ours.

“Push!” We both pull back so the shades keep their attention on one another.  Once they engage, we lean forward. Floating into range, we’ll keep Rusty popping off his toy from a distance. “Not so accurate back there, huh Rust?!” I hear her coming up from behind. “Flame Eye!”

Spread over each. They won’t burn long, but the black smoke does the trick. She’s not invisible, but she’s still quick. Slashing across the shades scatters scraps. They fall apart and begin to dissipate in that quick flash of crimson. I can hear more shots as she disappears into my smokescreen, but I don’t hear them wiz by me… I don’t feel any new pains.

Yahvi’s so graceful as she tangos with her blades. Those silky tethers are like another pair of arms! How cool! One more. Move! We take off straight for the crystal and gunslinger.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Wha—!”

“Ah!” I roar out with Griddy. Rusty begins moving close to his sanctuary beside the energizing jewel. Almost there! He’s given us some space. “Now!”

“Shifting Sands!” Yahvi bursts into sand.

Rusty aims at the shades. Perfectly played, cowboy.

We take a hard left.

Find him! He’s alone. We could turn this into a triple or double for sure!

Up ahead is a crossroads. We’ll take a right. Of course, we will. He’s not on our side. He wouldn’t be that dumb. Or would he?

“Get back here!” Rusty sounds mad, but we’ve got a head start on him.

“Right!”

“I know!”

To the right, around some brush, we see the rounded corner that leads to the northern path. We want to keep going straight. Which Dregs? He probably couldn’t take on the hellhound just coming back from that death. He’d want the froggies first.

To the north should be the froggies. The south has the basilisk panthers. The middle has the hellhound.

There he is!

Yahvi’s spell may give out soon. Next round! Go, go, go!

He’s killed two of the froggies. The last one’s burping up those fumes. That big one is so gross. He’s slashing into its gut as it just keeps belching the purple fumes. He hasn’t heard us yet. The swamp sloshing about Yahvi.

Floating is so sneaky!

That Griddy whine is pride!

Watching him fight through the fumes as the froggie bats at him with those weird, suction mitts is sad. It’s like…

How’d he move that fast? He was so slow when he tried to jump me on the path! No matter. He’s about forty yards away. Keep going and we’ll get the stun! Checkmate! Another point!

The last froggie goes down with that pathetic grumble. Collapsing, the fat creature quiets and the fumes stop. He’s turning around to start his next conquest; a red potion splashing into his mask. That’s right. We’re here!

“Shit,” I can hear him yell as he checks his routes. He doesn’t seem too beat up, but that means our victory. “I owe you some pain, little boy!” He forsakes retreat. The pawn moving against a queen?! Ballsy!

Almost there!

Was that a gunshot? My back hurts!

Rusty’s behind us. Turning on Griddy, I can see the streak of blue fading from the air. Right in our ass?! Really Rusty? It’s not going to stop us!

“Enemy Hellhound.” I release a button on my collar. He should get the message. Stay focused. Turning back to my main target, I see him just thirty yards or so away. When did his knives start glowing?

“I’ll kill you!” He’s flickering a bit. There’s that speed again! “More, More, More!” He closes the gap.

“Stunning Gaze!” The laser’s going to miss! He juked it like it was one of Rusty’s bullets!

“Die!” He leaps out like a lion on the hunt.

“You!” A blade hits him directly in the chest. He’s already airborne and coming this way. Yahvi appears beneath him just as her form launches upward. Both blades affixed to those waves of silk drag across his shoulders. Silky wings flutter in the air above.

I think time’s frozen. So familiar, the way the world just stops. A perfect day sealed up tight in moments like this. They’re watching. They’ll see it all. Watch us. Watch me!

“Flame Eye!” We aim it right into his face. He’s still stretching out for contact, but the stream turns him into a smoldering metero. I know he’d gone for me—it’s the easiest route. Griddy can’t even bite this high, and Yahvi had to slow herself so we could help.

He’d get me, had he just played better. Well… we’d both go down. Take me with you, huh? That’s how you thought this’d go?

Those silky lengths plunge like lightning into the smoldering man. He knew it’d hurt, but was he prepared for all of this. Those daggers though… those are entirely different. The pain never really goes away; even when pieced back together. You’ll have memories of this day forever.

“That worked nicely. North or Rusty?” Yahvi crouches next to me on Griddy’s back. She really stuck the landing.

“North. Then push.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She stands up and looks back over the path we’d taken. “Your friend needs some work!” Through one of Griddy’s eyes, I see her point toward the corpse that’s gradually beginning to vanish. Rusty’s still running this way; his hand touching his collar.

“Crimson, eliminated.”

“Resistor: 85%.”

“He doesn’t stand a chance.”

“Keep going Griddy.” Keep watch. As soon as we see them…

“You’ll never make it!” Yahvi shouts back to the gunslinger. “You did great, kid. No remorse.”

“Duh.” Trees. Trees. I can just see the opening toward the path.

“Just another day, huh?”

“Another win.” A shade’s walking around the corner. “Here we go!” I can’t help but giggle.

“Shit, kid.”

Ignoring her, I lean forward; slightly hanging from Griddy. Feel that breeze as we charge in. Blare the trumpets! The cavalry’s come!

“Open Defense!” He’s engaging. Each piece where it needs to be! Alfas has that bright light around his eyes. Even from here, it’s obvious when his abilities are active. That enormous blade glides past him.

Maybe it’s like when I saw that knife-handed guy before. No, Alfas is actually dodging. He’s way quicker.

Yahvi’s already activating her spell for the engage. She’s vanished, but there’s no way his opponent doesn’t see me coming. That white haired swordsman’s pretty observant. He disengages without a second thought and begins retreating.

Or… is he coming at us? Griddy! Keep back and prepare to open it up for Yahvi.

“Alfas!” How did he not see us coming? Get over here!

At least he’s running now; his sword sliding through the last shade. We can pincer this guy.

The white-haired guy’s quick. He stays low. That’ll be harder to hit, but he’s almost close enough. A slight jolt through Griddy tells me our package just took off. Fly free!

We’ll make them see us!

“Stunning Gaze!” Griddy fires her laser, but the white-haired man continues to run.

“Morph.” That metal curving over his shoulders and down his arm is now a thick dome. It’s like he’s a metallic turtle coming this way! Use that blind spot.

“Flame Eye!” I call my shot; pointing right for the spot in front of his path. Raise it up, and it blasts right over his shield, but he’s still running!

“Shifting Mountains!” The ground rumbles as the wind shoots through the smoke. Thunder rings out as the modern spartan, in a black cloak and snowy locks, plants his feet and endures the blast. Yahvi’s form turns about like an arrow soaring through the air. Such showmanship!

Her blades are following her with the rubble shot through the air by her spell. This must be the moment! Another point! Surrounded, he can’t defend on both sides!

“Sapp—”

“Morph.”

It was quiet, now that I think about it. It’s still echoing like the thunder of their collision. The man’s soft voice announces himself as if he was commanded to; a chore instead of a celebration. With it, the sections of his magical appendage begin to bubble and reform. At the same time, as we’re moving to advance on our attack, he’s turning on his feet.

He’d stalemated the first fight! How could he be this strong already?!

“Humph,” his empathetic expression, like a monk centering himself, silences the world. “Ripple Effect.”

The transformed blade extends beneath the last curls of my dissipating smoke. Yahvi hasn’t even hit the ground yet. Our points!

Like waves through mercury, the weapon pierces with a shockwave… directly through Yahvi’s stomach. At this angle, it’s high in the front and exiting through her belt. He lands on one knee as he drives her into the ground; a showstopper.

“Gyah!” Yahvi screams out as blood joins smoke and rock.

“Sappy Sight!”

A greenish glow fires from one of Griddy’s eyes and covers our opponent. We’re not far from his crystal’s boundary. We have to take him now! “Attack! Chomp Chomp!” I point, but Griddy’s already moving.

“Orcris!” Alfas is almost caught up. “Get back here!” Such a long wait!

“One for one!” I’m leaning into our charge.

Yahvi buckles as the blade retreats. “Morph.” That thick metal floats above his arm as he stands in preparation. Both fists rise up, but he’s still not looking at us. Go Griddy, go!

“Blue Streak Shootin’!”

What the actual Hell?! What pieces move so illogically?! I’m not going to lose! He sounds far enough off. Keep going!

Dammit! That smarts! The center of my back is on fire! We can manage.

“Limited Flesh!” Alfas begins closing the gap on Orcris. “Fight me!” He glows brilliantly as if his white armor is made of lightbulbs. He’s going to engage. We can still gain some coins… he has a point so he’s actually worth something now.

Griddy’s close enough to pop shots off. A few weak blasts hit the target… a few don’t, but he barely seems to mind. He glances back at me.

What’s this feeling? Those eyes. Ten yards away, and his eyes almost seem entirely black.

“Not yet.” The metal manipulator unleashes his next ability as he turns back to the wounded woman. Yahvi’s slowly crawling toward him, the blood streaking over the beaten path, and watches the man finish his escape. “Temper.”

He slams the weapon down like a hammer on an anvil; the contact mixed with a shriek. The glowing blade sends a shockwave through the ground and throws him to the right. He’s just slid across the ground like it was nothing!

“Orcris! Damn you!” 

“Azure, eliminated.” The announcer confirms the kill as the dust settles and the gaping hole’s exposed. He’d done some real damage to the path, and Yahvi didn’t provide much of a barrier. Blue vapors rise up with dust as Yahvi disappears. Her two sections fade from existence.

“Dammit.” Alfas slices the ground where he stands as his body loses its shimmer. “Get back here!” He points his blade at the man that’s calmly began to recall back to base. Well within the protective boundaries of his crystal.

Those black eyes glance up from the distance. He smirks and opens his arms to expose the defenseless chest. That won’t…

“Alfas! Don’t.” I call out to the man as his foot lands just at the barrier.

“That was our comrade.”

“We can’t take him and the crystal yet.” I turn to find the gunslinger’s retreated. He must be soaking up the points down there. I have to get back.

“You’re just leaving?”

Griddy stops and turns slightly. Orcris is almost gone; just a few more seconds before he vanishes completely. “Yeah. I have to stop the shades and Rusty, duh.”

“He killed her.” Yeah? And? “Those eyes. The way he did it.” We’re motionless as the distant crowds cheer. “And you can just walk away?”

“Yyyyeah?” Get going, Griddy. We don’t have time for this. I hear a furious roar from behind me. Don’t go giving him an easy kill, idiot. I can’t shine if you drag me into the mud. “Get into the trees, Griddy. We’re heading back before the newbie navatak gets us killed.”

It’s not long before we dissolve into the blue vapors that realign in the base. I’ve got some extra funds now. The Patrons have to be proud. Headmaster must be, too!

What should I get for that swordsman? Their stalker’s behind, and Rusty’s probably breaking even on the funding and resistor. We should be able to push pretty well and smash that first crystal no problem.

One blue flash brings Alfas back to the base. I guess he didn’t offer himself up on a platter. Good job.

A second flash at the points of entry reconstructs our blade-wielding teammate. She’s got some kills stacking up. One death shouldn’t be too much of an issue. “Welcome back.” I wave to Yahvi as she stands up; her shoulders slumped a bit. “I’ll take an Ice Lotus and a Searing Pendant.” Two pieces of jewelry are handed over as my funds drop down to almost zero. I’ll keep going for that Archmage’s Blood Blade. Then I’ll save for the Staff of the Tundra. Freezer burn combo!

“That sucked.”  Yahvi leans back and cracks her back. “I don’t think I want to go to the north path again.” She has some funds now, too. Get a spending! “What happened?”

Alfus steps up to the counter and slams his fist down. “He left. That’s what happened!”

“Morph guy got away? No real surprise there. Our sneak didn’t really do much.” Yahvi shrugs and begins ordering her trade-in. She winces as her hand moves over the reconstructed stomach. “We’ll leave him to you.” She sighs as she takes a long, thin blade. She begins tying one extra silk length around the bottom of the handle. The blade is like a stiletto stretched out and engraved with silvery runes.

I wish they made this stuff cheaper for civilian purchase. I spent my entire winnings last month on a similar blade… I don’t really need it, but it looks cool. Headmaster’s always showing me cool stuff like that. I need to keep my place looking nice for when they finally come to visit.

Or, that’s what he tells me.

“Stay on your path and leave me to mine.” Alfas turns in a huff. White fabric flutters up as his cape swings around. A large sword, the Deadman’s Guillotine. I haven’t collected one of those yet.

Waiting for him to exit, we begin moving toward the south path. A shade wave is just getting constructed. “We’d better hurry.” I glance down to Yahvi whose dragging her fingers across her stomach. She’s not moving. “Come on!”

“Oh,” she swings the sword out to the side. Silver cuts through the air and leaves a slicing afterimage. “Yeah. Let’s go get us a cowboy.”

It’s worse than I thought. The crystal’s already got a bunch of cracks in it.  Another minute of free range like that and Rusty takes the first one! We can’t have that.

“There he is.” Griddy’s already moving up. His wave’s pushing to the edge of the crystal’s range. “We’ll go first.” I should probably start getting Griddy and I more resistant for the big damage that Rusty’ll start shooting off. I know he’ll trade in those cap guns for some real weapons soon. Until then, we need to force him into a corner.

The crowd cheering tells me I’m on the right path. Another win. Watch and be amazed!

“Should we wait?” Yahvi taps her collar. “Is he back?”

“Yeah.” That’s all there is for a response. One in the south path and one in the north. Their little knife-handed friend must be sulking in the Wilderness right now.

“Green light!” The wind’s incredible. Griddy’s floating fast enough there’s a cool breeze tickling my face. Rusty’s retreating, of course. That won’t stop us. His life, or the crystal. Either way’s good with me.

“Grup, take a moment.”

“Orcris is nowhere close.” She’s questioning the strategy. I’ve seen this a thousand times. Cycle after cycle. We can make it. “Flame Eye!” It makes me laugh how the shades squirm as if they feel the pain. They twitch and spark as the stream covers them.

Yahvi dashes around and slices clean through them—a quick cleanup. “Are you sure?”

“I know the pieces now.” I tap my head and swing around Griddy’s eye. Back on the move, we need to meet their shades first. Keep ours at peek condition! “Clear the board and let the peons take the blows. Kill or crystal for the prize!”

“Grup!” Always questioning me. I knew it’d be like this.

“If you listen, then you’ll get protection. Stay close. Stun’s up!” The shades are moving into position. We stay right in the open. Rusty’s fired a few shots, but he can’t hit us from beside his crystal. Dropping down to his knee, the blue shot’s easy enough to evade, too. “Flame Eye!”

Another line of cooking shades. Take ‘em, Yahvi.

Soft marching shades, like clouds tapping in unison, move into range of the crystal. Those sparks fly out and hit the first shade. He’ll probably punch the crystal once before it blows him to smithereens. Rusty putting a bullet in its chest makes sure of that.

Griddy, in range, keeps up the weak blasts from her eyes. Keep two checking behind us. Two stalks twist to the rear as she fires at the crystal. Rusty has to focus the shades. If he gets too close… BAM!

“I’m Callin’ You Out!” I remember this. My vision goes black and everything seems to fade away except the single soul left behind to play with. Just Rusty and I.

Griddy begins to float closer. I know she can’t help it. I’m telling her to go. We both want to go. We have to fight. It’s for… we’re halfway to the crystal before we snap out of it.

Two shots. I feel my right arm snap back.

“Ah! Nice shots!” I giggle at the tingle. I barely feel the dull pain in my left knee. That’s from the bond, but he actually shot me with the first one. Wow, that smarts. Thrusting to the side, I toss my broken arm up to point.

“Shifting Sands!” We all know that he can see her in the magic resisting aura of the crystal. I already counted on you trusting your eyes more than your brain, cowboy!

“Stunning Gaze!” A third shot tears in Griddy’s side. Catch my breath. It’s hard to focus the spells with my lungs burning, but the zap hits.

Falling back, he catches himself just as Yahvi’s gone airborne. Why’d she go so high? 

Her newest weapon swings like a pendulum and splits the shoulder of the cowboy. Both the daggers slide off his face and open up his cheeks.

“Sappy Sight!” I kick out a leg. Turn a queen into a bishop. “Time to go!” As Griddy’s eye pulls the power from the cowboy, we begin to retreat. A blast from the crystal arcs around the shades and hits Griddy up her back. Shit! I could’ve been blown clean off Griddy. It’d be embarrassing to die from a fall! Damn, Yahvi was right. Those do sting.

He should be coming down soon. That mindless thirst for blood will only find what he yearns for. Once out of range, checking the tree line doesn’t seem to raise any flags. We’ve got time. Go, Griddy.

Back to the crystal, now assaulting another shade has begun to ignore us. Yahvi must’ve finished him up before I got out.

“Crimson, eliminated.” 

Yup.

She’s already slashing at the crystal’s base; fresh blood spraying over the jewel. Rusty’s body lies behind her. A few new holes leak into the path; soaking the dirt around his fallen guns. She’ll make quick work of the crystal with her Crescent Needle, but best to help her. I can’t let her name be the only one they cheer.

Firing into the crystal is boring. It just breaks. More cracks and more chips, but it barely reacts. Where’s the fun in this?

Oh well… as long as it…

“Crystal demolished. Point to Azure.”

“Resistor: 80%.” Griddy growls at the thought. We’re almost there.  

The shades change. Just slightly, but the melee have spikes on their knuckles. I know the cannons pack a bit more wallop, too. We’re already taking a lead. Everyone’s eyes on us! Cheer! Keep cheering for us. It makes my cheeks hurt smiling so much.

“We should head back again. This’ll give us a bit mo—”

“Azure, eliminated.”

“What?” Yahvi’s already moving back toward our crystal. That stalker shouldn’t be dumb enough to try it now, but I have to keep my eyes on the tree line. Just bushes and the paths. I don’t see any movement. “Alfas. We can’t let him keep going against that man.”

“What? We can push the south faster than Orcris can in the north. Alfas is actually putting up some resistance.” Why would she do this now? Who cares if he gets a little roughed up? “A win’s a win.”

“I’m going to back and go top.” She starts her teleportation. Her eyes are so cold in the streams of blue. “Come or don’t.”

“Fine.” I can’t let her fall behind. She’ll win us this match… or at least help us to! Griddy’s grumble confirms it. “We’ll come. We’ll lose this crystal, but we can get another point and a crystal in the north.”

“Sure.” She begins to fade. “Thanks.”

Just another second and we’re both in the base. Neither of us want to buy much now. Save up and come back with a surprise. We start out. Now heading to the north, the base’s walls drift from view. I don’t really like the place. I just want to see their base. That’s where I want to be. The crowd will watch.

I can’t help but smile. So fun!

Around the tree line, we can see the second crystal, and it’s ready to pop. The sound of metal chipping away at the gem is hard to listen to. It fills my head up like a bell that makes your bones shake. He hasn’t seen us, and he has one shade left. I can see it just up ahead.

“We have to push them back.”

“Got it. Shifting sands.” Yahvi disappears as we enter the range of the crystal. He’s still attacking it. We’re almost in range. Just wait for him to swing wide.

“Stunning Gaze!” The last spark of the spell reaches him. He convulses for a second and looks at me. Those dreadfully black eyes.

Why’s he smiling. Why’s he having more fun?!

Our shades are closing in, but I think it’s too late. “Temper.” It comes like a whisper on the back of the shockwaves that occur simultaneously. Yahvi’s sprung into action. Right back into the fray!

But, he’s completed his task. His oversized blade slices through the bottom of the crystal, and the whole structure collapses. The monstrous gem shatters into flakes that sparkle with the dying energy. It gets the last shot off as it bursts, and the lightning covers Orcris. He falters slightly, just enough that he opens up for Yahvi’s attack.

“Crystal demolished. Point to Crimson.”

Our shades won’t make it from the first crystal in time. It’s now.

“Shifting Mountains.” A rising landslide joins the soaring blades as the reappearing woman flies past him. Orcris’s black outfit splits in several places as the blades and rocks tear him up.

Orcris slides back and corrects himself. Those black eyes are on me. Even with blood trickling down his face, in this instant, he’s smiling like me.

“Now.” He lips the word. That smile breaks wide open as he begins to turn. “Morph. Ripple Effect.” He says it all like a single word. It’s so quick, yet the words are hollow. As if reading from a cue card. He begins to twist back as he had before.

“Shifting Winds!” The blade’s about to extend, and I’m now in its path. He’s just begun to turn. He’s directing it on instinct; maybe he saw where she was. This piece is incredible! Are we sharing a smile? He stabs out toward us, and I feel the pain begin to fill my lungs. He’s hit Griddy somewhere inside; his blade driving through her mouth and into the meat.

“Sappy Sight!” Hunched over, I cry out our attack. We can’t let them see us weak. The crowd must cheer. Green energy surrounds Orcris. He doesn’t even wince. “Griddy! Flame Eye!”

“Morph!” He yells out his power. The weapon releases Griddy, the wound opened wide by his magic, as it pulls back to his arm. His shield rises up as our magic’s already spreading over him. He shouldn’t be able to withstand it all being weakened.

Fire pours over the shield and begins to catch. The stream of flames is going to hurt, but I feel like he’s been strengthening his resistances. He seems strong enough without the magic weapons. Through the smoke that rises around his shield, I can see one black eye.

“I’m Callin’ You Out!” What?

Yahvi’s moving toward the kill, and Alfas should be backing us up. Move faster! Get him Yahvi!

The world’s black… all except my target. I need to go after him. He’s about forty yards away. I see him taking aim. “Blue Streak Shootin’!” Nothing but the shimmering blue from between the bushes.

My shoulder hurts. As the world comes back to me, the bullet tears through Griddy. I see the light now, and the third figure charging in. Our sapping magic won’t last much longer. I need a few more seconds as the two begin their assault. 

Let’s go for the weaker first. Griddy roars through the pain and anticipation. Time to earn some cheers!

“Payback, you bastard!” Yahvi’s behind me. She’s engaging Orcris. I’m counting on you! That, and he’s been sapped.

“Show Me!” The man with the knife-hands is charging in. He’s quick, and confidently holding out his hands like a charging beastman. “More, More, More!” That’s it! He begins to flicker as the pace picks up. We need to keep a distance and Orcris by himself.

To the left Griddy! We start to drift to the side. We don’t want to get pincered if we can help it.

“Get back here you little shit!” The Stalker leaps forward and catches Griddy under her lip. She’s a pretty big target, and the knives just slide through the flesh. I feel my face begin to burn as he spins and lands another blow under her floating head.

“Ah! Griddy! Chomp Chomp!”

She bites down toward him, but he’s already stabbed into the meat of her chin. “Show Me!” My whole face feels like it’s going to burn off! That third strike was filled with something extra. Like alcohol being poured into a wound! The only remedy available growing up—when the counselor’s had had their fill.

Catching myself on her eyestalk, I ready myself as he calls out, “Corrupted Knives!” Another cut, and this one feels like my tongue’s just been torn out of my head.

Pain…

All this pain.

“CHOMP CHOMP!”

I see it, through her eyes… This familiar world of crimsons and blacks. The energy coursing through the man’s body as his image leaps about; each picture another angle as the eyes, like several flies, twitch about. He’s fast, but we just have to hold on.

Together, we’re moving back. Keep the gunslinger at a distance. He’s rushing forward, but we should have time.

“Show Me!”

“Stunning Gaze.”

I don’t hear the crowd. I don’t hear anything really, besides the zap of our spell; one of my eyes shines and then sees him seize. Each eye, another documentation of our retribution. 

We don’t lose. We can’t lose. Headmaster says!

We roar. I feel the air escape my gaping maw like a surprise hurricane.

He hesitates… good.

One eye fires a small blast. He slashes it away in defense; retreating a single step. The bloodlust beneath those goggles. I can see it in the beating energy, the network, within him. Like the exaggerated lumen of New Cycle fireworks that collide with lightning. He’s put on a good show.

Watch me! Surroundings, collar… more time.

Another blast from a different eye. Our opponent dodges to the side and rushes in. Wait. He’s trying to turn us so Rusty can close the distance. “Flame Eye.” I watch the crimson cut off his route. He stops and leaps back. That’s right. Funnel in.

“Get in there!” Rusty’s thirty yards away.

Almost.

“Missed me!” The unknown fighter lunges forward. His speed’s gone back to normal. It’s all been a spell? Easy.

Chomp. I lunge forward and bite before he gets to me. The weight on my head rises and falls. We move as one, for we are. And with the rage of our bite, the man pulls back his arms. He should’ve kept coming. He should’ve pressed the attack. 

The second prize is just within range. Twenty-five yards. That’s all it takes, and we’ll earn their eyes.

This newcomer’s hurt Griddy… he’s hurt me. Griddy made sure that wouldn’t happen again. Don’t worry… the hurt doesn’t last forever. You just have to give it away.

“Resistor: 75%.”

We have to give it away.

“Griddy.” The world seems to slow as it always does. “Peer Into Darkness.”

It’s in us. The deal from years ago… Griddy and I open up that doorway that we only open on special occasions. For the crowd. For all the eyes that looked through us.

Let us open the door, Griddy.

A pulse of black enters the living world; power which humiliates death and life alike. From my center eye spreads the eldritch might like a tidal wave over the land. As the visions of the brightest darkness fill their souls with all my years of dread, for just a moment, they endure the world which was locked away. All those friends and toys on the other side get to play…

Play with them.

Headmaster said it was fine. He’d worked so hard to bend the rules… to let us join. To let us…

Play.

Their networks of glowing nerves flux as if short-circuiting. The fear infects them; I can feel their agonized minds attempt to cope. It will wear off soon, as the mind so often seals away all those nightmares we can never understand. But, for now, they will suffer the torment.

Chomp.

I float forward as my smaller eyes fire their beams. A few minor hits knock the first figure to the side, then his arms are forced back from defending, and then another into his face to keep him still.

As he screams, I see the world around us. The lovely slow motion which grants me this brief, yet blissful, satisfaction. The game will continue, for I am not finished. The pieces move into place.

One eye watches our bloodied Yahvi lean into a thrust which pierces Orcris… from here, I can see the smile spread over his face as he raises his arm. She’s moved in close to finish him; both damaged and broken. Still, he swings madly with that mirrored expression. His black eyes watch as her head leaves her body, and her blade twists in his wound. As they both fall to the ground, eyes look to me.

Their networks of energy cease and the bodies collapse—one head soaring until it bounces across the path. In this instant, the ballet of loving combat has claimed the performers like the darkness over the stage behind the curtain. They fall silent with their graceful climax.

“Azure, eliminated.”

“Crimson, eliminated.”

Alfus is beyond them. As I feel my jaw extend and rise over my quarry. I see it all, from these many eyes of Griddy and Grup; from all that I am. The energy of our swordsman is ready as he rejoins the battle. He hurries toward the two that lie motionless in their stilled embrace among the fluids of their union.

He must know his duty. I expect nothing less, as the gunslinger threatens me with casted light. The Patrons and audience alike, I demand their attention as the pieces have aligned so perfectly.

“Grup!” Alfus’s rage hurries him. Within these slowed seconds, he sprints forward as my rows of daggered teeth begin to collapse. As the doorway which opened for me must close, I bring it shut with a splendid snap. I feel the warmth of an unworthy opponent flow over my tongue, and the bitterness, like rotten fruit, that moistens me.

Bones and sinew offer little resistance when I’ve been released. What death and life could never hope to find, I offer that eternal might as a splendid scene for all to witness. Know of me, one and all. Know of me and keep your eyes peeled. For madness is but a doorway away.

“Crimson, eliminated.”

I feel exhausted as our final spell ends. Everything’s bright. Those weird images…

Griddy, did you bite him in half? That gurgle’s a “yes”.

“Dammit, boy!” Rusty calls for my attention.

“How’d you survive?” I lean forward and swing from the stalk. “Alfus!” I wave over to my comrade, but my body still hurts. Maybe we should get back to base. First…

“Fan it!” Rusty begins charging toward us. His eyes are wild! Spooky!

“Stunning Gaze!” That’s the last of our mana, but the Ice Lotus gives that extra punch. Our bluish spark grips him after he’s popped two shots off. Damn. My knees both hurt now. I’ve got to sit down. Move back.

Rusty drifts out of range as he tenses up for a second. We float just far enough.

“Gah! I’m so sick of this shit!” Rusty takes a step forward, but he hasn’t looked to his left. Like putting blinders on a horse! About fifteen yards away is a new challenger! I point with my numbed arm.

I cannot help but smile as the roar of the crowd rises.

“Astral Master!” Alfus’s body lunges forward. His body looks like he’s trapped in gelatin! It’s sort of silly. The bigger man’s cooler than he is, though. That flashy knight, his final move, envelopes him and his weapon. It’s like he’s wearing ghost armor! It’d be cooler if he wasn’t… him.

The crowd goes wild as we watch.

“Fan It!” Rusty unloads the remaining bullets of his revolver at the approaching warrior. Has he even unlocked his final ability? Limiting us on what we can use is annoying, but I guess it makes it a bit more challenging and showier. Poor Rusty.

I can’t tell if he hit his mark, but Alfus hasn’t stopped. The sparks I saw make it seem like the bullets weren’t up to the challenge. The lengthy, spiritual blade slices through the air with ease.

“Ah!” He swings once and carves into the path. Spinning back and lifting, the blade plows a small trench before rising up and curving back down. Rusty dove and rolled back to his feet. His hands, sped by his magic, reload so quickly! “Show me your worth!” The blade slams down like a tree falling in the forest.

A shot seems to make its way through, but I don’t think it did much. Alfus presses the attack. Wow, he seems into it. The timeframe worked out. He wasn’t that far behind us. Just getting rejuvenated when we were leaving.

He swings horizontally and just misses the gunslinger as he leaps backward. Three shots go off, and the ghost winces for a moment. “AHHH!” From a resting position, the blade is off and splitting rock like nothing. “Limited Flesh!” The ghost pulses with white light and instantly puffs out. “Die with honor, gunman!”

“Fan It!” Rusty’s snapped a quick reload and unleashes all he can before the swordsman ducks into range. With both hands on his weapon, he slashes at an upward angle and splits the world. A gust of wind and debris sores past Rusty; his hat flapping through the air as the final signal of defeat.

Without a word, or a moan, the gunslinger’s swept off his feet with the blade’s impact. He’d played the game, that’s how it goes. Now, he’s flying back with blood leaving a trail… sprayed all across the path. He tumbles and falls silent a good distance from my teammate.

“Crimson, eliminated.”

The astral form begins to flicker after a few moments, the shades march by Alfus as he stands staring at his kill. A roaring crowd fills the heavens. What a wonderful song! We won the fight!

“Great job!” He did do a good job. Even if he has a few bloody spots in his armor, I’m sure he can help me take the next crystal before we need to teleport back. “Not bad for a newbie.”

“Shut up!”

Huh? Do you know what’s wrong? I feel Griddy quiver under me. Is that for him or because your meal disappeared? Sometimes, it’s so hard to tell with her.

“You were supposed to protect her.”

“What are you—”

“I said,” Alfus turns toward me and raises his blade, “shut up.”

“Shouldn’t we,” I point to the shades that’re now fighting evenly again. Spiked knuckles and charged cannons. We’ve got to get another advantage. Come on! We have to win!

“You let him have another kill. The world just saw that!” What is he on about? “I know you saw him. You just let him do it, and now everyone’s cheering him on.”

“I wouldn’t say everyone.” Jeeze. I meant to whisper it, but I think he heard.

“He’s a psycho!” Why march at me? Go to the shades! We have a game to win. “He’s here because he enjoys it. Don’t you get it? You just left her there. You left her to die!”

I glance over at the bodies that’ve mostly vanished into colorful strands. “And?” Glancing back at him, he stops and stares back. “She opened up the path. I figured she’d win or tie. That means we win this. Listen to them cheer.” I smile up toward the sky that’s filled with adoring fans. All over this world, they’re watching us now.

“You really don’t care, do you?” I drop my eyes back to him. That face… I know that face. “He looked like that, too.” He nods toward the first pieces to fall. “It’s a game to you.”

“Well, duh.” He seems shocked. Why look at me like the rest did? I remember how they all stared at… through me. Why? I lean out over Griddy on a stalk. “It is a game.”

“You’re insane.”

“What?”

“You’re INSANE!” He shouts, but the crowd continues to cheer. “She was scared. She was killed, and you left her to spill more blood. How could you abandon her so easily?”

“As I said,” I lean forward and pat Griddy. She shakes and purrs. “It’s a game. I need to win.” Smiling back at him only seems to make his eyes drift further past me. “They’ll see me then.” I think he wants me to say something else… Was that not right? What does he want me to say? Before he can speak, I’ll try again. “Besides… It’s fun?”

“No wonder you smile the same.”

“Huh?” He turns toward the shades. At least we’ll actually start playing! “You know she’s not actually dead, right? Silly.”

“I know that!” Damn. I should’ve just dropped it. He’s stopped again. “But not everyone’s here for fun, you sick bastard!” Bastard? “Some of us are here for more, and some for less. Some don’t even have a choice! You joined for the same reasons he did.” The blade’s pointed right at me. He wouldn’t dare, right? They usually disqualify teams for that.

“Hey, put that down. The Patrons will see.”

“To Hell with the Patrons! Of all the sick and twisted people, you two are the worst.” His sword glows with that brilliant white. “I’ll never let someone like him… like you be a Myth or Marvel Champion. The Halls of Glory will never be tainted by such madness.”

“It’s just a game! Settle down guy. Take a deep breath. I need them to see me!”

“Who?!”

“My,” his eyes. That anger. That emptiness. Like his soul isn’t really there.

No. They aren’t there. Only Griddy’s here.

“Never mind.”

“Go back to the south. We’ll push this lane when she returns.”

“That coming from the ‘Spirit Resolute’? I opened up that point for you!”

“Yes.” Those same hollow eyes. I remember how they all used to look just like that. “I don’t want you here,” he shakes his head and huffs, “because I finally understand the title they’ve given you. It’s fitting.”

“That means nothing.” My limbs hurt. My head hurts. Why is he like this? We were having fun…

“Sure it doesn’t.” He turns again and walks toward the remaining shades and the rest of the game. He leaves me to teleport back and finish the match my way. I guess I’ll just create a new strategy around it; move the pieces accordingly. Maybe buy some new toys. “Grup and Griddy, ‘The Monster and The Pet’.”