[ZERO SPACE]
BANG
Master Valdi saw it just in time –
An unannounced purple bullet, soaring towards him from a platform below. This was definitely Shae’s bullet - a simple projectile traveling from Point A to Point B; Point B being Master Valdi’s head. He noticed the bullet too late - even a Black Wave wouldn’t intercept in time.
There was only one other option:
Muscle memory.
Master Valdi’s dagger swept past his face –
CLASH
His dagger side-swiped the bullet, deterring it elsewhere. Fragments of bullet and blade shattered across his pitch black suit.
“M’lord,” shouted Tambien from a neighboring platform. “Behind you!”
Master Valdi ducked as Asria’s swords scissored above his head. His elbow cracked back against her snout.
Asira stumbled away, curving her bloody lips into a smile.
“Your daggers,” said Asira. “They’re gone!”
Master Valdi hissed.
“You don’t have any more, do you?” asked Asira.
Asira performed a fancy sword kata.
“This is for Chief,” said Asira. “This is for the Feather Birds!”
She paused - there was a subtle glimmer in Master Valdi’s ruby red eyes –
Asira crossed both swords behind her head, intercepting Janzo’s scythe mid-descent.
“Hi Asira,” said Janzo.
“Hi Janzo,” said Asira.
Janzo’s scythe snagged her swords like a fishing hook, reeling her back into a kick. That kick launched her from the platform, onto another far below.
Master Valdi patted Janzo’s shoulder.
“Find Shae,” said Master Valdi. “Find him and kill him quickly.”
“Uh huh,” said Janzo. “SCYTHE SHIELD!”
Janzo deflected an incoming Piercing Shot, inches from Master Valdi’s face.
“Just a level one,” said Janzo. “Shae must be getting low on SP.”
Shae grimaced from a platform further down. He was indeed getting low - 11 SP remaining, and he needed some of that for a level three. If only he could cheat with Green Juice this time.
Even further below, Bowman lined up Shae in his crosshairs. Just a small adjustment to the left, then –
“BOOOOOOORING!”
A stick of TNT landed by Shae’s feet.
Shae dove as an explosion literally rocked his platform.
Bowman slapped his bow against the ground.
“Damn it Wagger!” Bowman screamed. “I had him!”
Wagger waggled towards Shae, two sticks of TNT in hand.
“I’ve got one for your mouth,” said Wagger. “And one for your ass!”
Shae steadied his aim; his SP was just about recharged. Wagger, Master Valdi and Janzo were all lined up. Maybe it was about time for that Level Three –
ARENA CHANGE: RUINS WITH AN UNDERGROUND PRISON
Shae didn’t like the sound of that.
Each floating platform descended, reconstructing the arena like a jigsaw puzzle. Rising blue mounds terraformed into temples like dough baking into bread. Statues of ancient players rose from the neon dirt, excavated from the deepest Zero Space datamines. Carvings of legendary battles stretched across temple walls - snapshots of a time long past.
A small hole opened beneath Shae, swallowing him up, then sealing behind him, like the entrance to some forbidden netherworld.
Wagger glanced around, skittering in a frantic frenzy.
“Shae?” asked Wagger. “Where’d you go? I’m not done with you!”
A figure approached from the darkness; Wagger greeted it with a TNT projectile –
Parper severed the fuse in mid-air with a quick swipe of his dagger.
“Wagger, it’s me!” said Parper. “You could have killed me!”
“No big loss!” said Wagger.
Parper scowled.
“You can’t just throw TNT randomly,” said Parper. “You’ll cause friendly fire!”
“It wouldn’t be friendly fire,” said Wagger. “You’re not my friend!”
Parper titled his puppoid head.
“Did I do something to offend you Wagger?” asked Parper.
“You struck me!” said Wagger.
Parper’s head tilted further.
“Struck you?” asked Parper. “When?”
“Back at the Dragon’s castle,” said Wagger. “During the dragon-quiz thingy. You threw a pebble at me. You said I wasn’t paying attention!”
Parper’s head tilted furthest.
“I only vaguely remember that,” said Parper. “That seems rather frivolous. Have you been harboring such animosity all this time?”
“I don’t like it when people hit me,” said Wagger. “Apologize! Get on your knees and beg for my forgiveness.”
Parper licked his puppy dog nose and lips.
“I will not!” said Parper. “You probably deserved it. You probably deserved a lot more!”
Wagger bared her sharp magicoid teeth.
“Your presence in the Deadly Skulls goes largely unregulated,” said Parper. “Your disruptions and negative energy are intolerable, and I won’t enable you further.”
Wagger gripped a stick of TNT.
“You asked for it,” said Wagger. “We’ve got a big lead. We don’t need you –”
THUMP
Wagger whipped around –
Umi plummeted from a temple roof, gripping his warhammer with a big brutoid grin.
“Hi Wagger!” shouted Umi. “I tried to sneak up on you, but brutoids aren’t very good at sneaking!”
Wagger gripped two sticks of TNT.
“I’ll kick your ass later, Parper,” said Wagger. “Let’s take this idiot down.”
No one answered.
“Parper?” asked Wagger.
Wagger glanced back - Parper was gone.
Wagger cursed, turning back to Umi.
“Stupid puppoid jerkwad,” said Wagger.
“Looks like you two could use some conflict resolution!” shouted Umi. “I love being a neutral third party!”
Umi slowly approached.
“The problem might be your attitude, Wagger!” shouted Umi. “Parper’s a real nice guy! You two just need to hug it out!”
Wagger scowled.
Umi grew closer.
“The energy you put out, is the energy you receive!” shouted Umi. “This might be a game, but certain things are real!”
Umi was nearly halfway to Wagger.
“People’s feelings are real!” shouted Umi. “Our emotions are real! Our relationships are real! Our faith –”
“Shut up!” screamed Wagger. “Don’t take one step closer!”
Umi paused.
“I’m not stupid!” said Wagger. “You’re too slow to dodge my TNT. You’re trying to get close so you can squash me. I’m sick of you and your preachy bullshit!”
Umi grinned.
“You’re onto me, Wagger!” said Umi. “But the sentiment is real! Try a little kindness!”
“Try a little explosion!” snarled Wagger. “BIG EXPLOSION!”
Wagger lobbed both sticks forward.
“GRAVITY DOME!!”
Level two energy reeled in Wagger and her TNT like a vacuum.
Wagger shrieked, barrelling straight into Umi’s embrace.
“I’m too big to dodge!” shouted Umi. “But you’re too small to escape my Gravity Dome!”
Umi grinned, squeezing Wagger with four arms.”
“Problem solved!” said Umi. “We just needed to hug it out!”
Wagger screamed –
BOOM
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
3
7
The explosion subsided, creating a charred crater deep in the ground. Syadd nearly tripped over it, fanning away dust with her flail.
“That was definitely Wagger’s TNT,” said Syadd. “There’s weapon chunks here too. Looks like Umi’s warhammer.”
Syadd sniffed the air.
“The explosion’s fresh,” said Syadd. “No sign of Umi or Wagger. Guess they took each other out.”
Auron nodded, wiping dust from his sailor outfit.
“Eh, bet you’re right,” said Auron. “We should probably move on –”
“Heal Wagger,” said Syadd.
Auron froze.
“Eh, I can’t really heal just one person if there’s no corpse,” said Auron. “I’d have to use a Level Two. And that’d heal ‘em both.”
“Doesn’t matter,” said Syadd. “Wagger’s unpredictable, but powerful. We need her.”
“Meh, it might not just be Wagger and Umi though,” said Auron. “My Level Two’s gonna heal anyone in that crater.”
“Just do it Auron!” snarled Syadd.
Auron stalled.
“Nah,” said Auron.
Syadd pressed her face against Auron’s, nearly bowling Auron over.
“I am your Raid Captain!” snarled Syadd. “You do not say no to me!”
“I didn’t say no,” said Auron. “I said nah.”
“Wait –” said Syadd. “Where’s your lollipop?”
Beads of sweat dampened Auron’s sailor outfit.
“Eh, I think I lost it,” said Auron.
“You lost it?” snarled Syadd.
“Actually, a Feather Bird destroyed it,” said Auron.
“You let a Feather Bird destroy it?” screamed Syadd.
“Meh, there’s just no winning with you,” said Auron.
Syadd gripped Auron’s neck with two brutoid hands.
“Useless excuse for a healer!” shouted Syadd. “You screw up every Raid! You don’t take Zero Space seriously. You don’t take our lives seriously!”
Syadd squeezed Auron’s throat.
“Healers think they’re so important!” shouted Syadd. “Rude, lazy, entitled assholes! You all just sit on the sidelines, rewarded for coasting through life. People like me do all the work, and see nothing for it!”
Auron gagged, his face turning bluer than his sailor hat.
“If you make us lose, I’ll make sure Master Valdi kills you slow,” said Syadd. “Hell, I’ll join him –”
SMASH
Shae’s fist erupted from the base of the hollow explosion crater, cracking through it like an eggshell. He choked on dry ash, crawling to the surface.
Syadd dropped Auron.
“Shae,” said Syadd. “What the hell?”
Shae brushed himself off.
“Underground prison,” said Shae with a shrug.
Syadd gave Shae an uncertain nod.
Auron stumbled around, head spinning.
“PAUSE SHOT!!”
Syadd and Auron froze in place.
Shae waltzed over, pistols spinning.
“Time to finish what we started,” said Shae. “That asshole dragonoid emcee better not interfere again –”
“STORM SHIELD!!”
Shae gasped as Syadd’s flail tore through time itself. Like a thawed neanderthal, Syadd sprung back to life.
“I figured something out,” said Syadd. “Zero Space abilities counter each other. You used a level two, so I used a level two! That breaks your blasted Pause Shot!”
Shae froze - that was bad. Pause Shot instantly dropped several notches in his internal tier list.
“Your ability’s useless in PVP,” said Syadd. “Now I’m free to wail on you!”
Shae steadied his pistols toward Syadd’s head. There was still a powerful bullet in there; he just had to release it at the right time.
Syadd studied Shae’s wrists - his aim was too precise. Normally, Shae would be blasting right now. There had to be something else in that gun barrel of his. Something deadly.
Shae flinched –
Syadd yanked Auron’s frozen body in the way.
Time resumed as a blue bullet halved Auron’s upper half.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
3
6
Syadd lobbed Auron’s lower half sideways.
“That blasted healer finally did something useful,” said Syadd.
Syadd decapitated a smooth blue statue with her flail.
“Just you and me now,” said Syadd. “I’ll end this before our Level Two’s recharge –”
“YAAAARGH!”
Syadd arced her flail, deflecting Dalli’s diving spear.
Dalli stumbled backwards, plunging his spear through the ground.
“Run Shae!” said Dalli. “Save your SP for Master Valdi! I’ll deal with Syadd.”
“Alone?” asked Shae.
“I can handle this,” said Dalli. “Trust me! Get the hell out of here!”
Shae shrugged and bailed.
Syadd stomped towards Dalli, armor chains rattling.
“Big mistake, old man,” said Syadd. “I’m Raid Captain of the Deadly Skulls!”
“And I’m Royal Guard of the Feather Birds,” said Dalli. “Chief’s right-hand man! She keeps me around for a reason. Because I’m strong! And I give great massages!”
Syadd smirked - her ability was recharged.
“Fine,” said Syadd. “Show me how strong you are!”
“SHADOW STAB!!”
A hundred spears rose from the ground, storming towards Syadd like an angry mob.
“STORM SHIELD!!”
Syadd’s flail whirled into a windy barricade.
“Nothing gets past my storm shield, old man!” said Syadd.
Dalli’s spears suddenly veered past Syadd’s shield.
“Your terrible master taught me something about my ability,” said Dalli. “I can control it better now!”
Dalli’s spears executed a hairpin turn, drifting back towards Syadd.
“Your ability’s like mine,” said Dalli. “You can’t move while using it!”
Syadd squirmed, struggling to break free of her ability.
“I used a level two,” said Dalli. “That forced you to counter with a level two. Now you’re stuck for longer!”
Dalli’s spears grew wider than a crocodile’s maw.
“Don’t underestimate this old man,” said Dalli. “You young punk!”
Spears breached Syadd’s flesh, spreading across her body like an outbreak of thorny hives. A hollow wail fled her lips, chunks of chain raining from her armor like a slot machine paying out one last time.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
3
5
Shae crouched behind a circle of six statues. There were strange looking statues, even compared to everything else around here.
One statue portrayed a dragonoid with three heads. The next one over looked like an airplane, with a big sleepy face. Above it rose a statue of Zayder, that same damn statue from Danny’s sanctuary. But why was it here? It towered over the others, bulging blue heart connected by wiry veins of blue ore. Its screeching jaw stretched into an expression of unyielding agony, one that had witnessed an eternity’s worth of pain, torment and destruction.
Shae backed up into another statue - this one was of a smiling puppoid, wearing a poncho and a pair of sunglasses. A plaque below the statue read Ledgess.
Ledgess? Wasn’t that the deity Umi worshiped? Shae couldn’t ponder anyone worshiping a puppoid, especially one that looked like some sort of hippie surfer.
“Shae,” said a voice behind him.
Shae turned, aiming both pistols towards –
Asira.
“What the shit Asira?” said Shae. “Don’t sneak up on me.”
“I can’t help it,” said Asira. “It’s a ninja-thing.”
“You’re wearing bright orange,” said Shae. “Not very ninja-like.”
“I can still move silently,” said Asira. “Very ninja-like.”
Shae rolled his eyes.
“We gotta find Valdi,” said Shae.
“Wait, Shae,” said Asira. “Valdi’s not a normal player. We’ll never beat him without Chief.”
“So what, you want to just give up then?” asked Shae.
“No,” said Asira. “It’s just –”
Asira suddenly raised her swords, staring at something past Shae.
“It’s Parper,” said Asira.
Parper emerged from a building’s dark interior, smiling as he waved his dagger.
“Shae, Asira!” Parper called out. “Perfect timing! I was hoping to run into you!”
Shae raised his pistols.
“Wait, Shae,” said Parper. “Please hear me out!”
Shae’s pistols lowered, just slightly.
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“Master Valdi’s gone too far,” said Parper. “The Deadly Skulls need to be dismantled. It’s the only way to keep everyone safe.”
“That’s not what your Raid Leader said,” said Shae.
“You can’t trust Syadd,” said Parper. “Her and Master Valdi have been nothing but cruel to the Deadly Skulls. Please Shae, I’d much rather serve under your tutelage. Allow me to aid you!”
“Shae, we can’t trust him,” said Asira. “He works in the same room as Master Valdi. In real life!”
Shae blinked.
“Hold up,” said Shae. “How do you know that?”
Asira shut her mouth.
Parper tucked his dagger away, kneeling before Shae.
“Please Shae,” said Parper. “I’ve done a lot of terrible things. And I’m tired of it. Let me make it up to you. I just want this nightmare to end.”
Parper let out a sad puppoid whimper.
“Remember when I gave you that material in the forest?” asked Parper. “I really do have your best interest at heart. Our guilds cannot achieve prosperity unless the Deadly Skulls fall today.”
Parper bowed low.
“Let’s end this, Shae,” said Parper. “Together.”
Shae scratched his head with his pistol.
“Fine,” said Shae.
“Shae, no!” yelled Asira.
“It’s cool,” said Shae. “Parper’s chill. Find Dalli. Then we’ll have two and two.”
“This is a bad idea,” said Asira.
“Probably,” said Shae.
Asira scrunched her face, then slinked off.
Parper wagged his tail, panting happily.
“Lead on Shae!” said Parper.
Shae gestured ahead.
“You walk in front,” said Shae.
***
Shae and Parper trekked through a barren landscape. Towering temples rose like the heads of ancient titans, their misshapen window-eyes watching from below twisting horn-like spires.
“Weird we haven’t run into anyone yet,” said Shae.
“There’s not many of us left,” said Parper. “Five Deadly Skulls. And two Feather Birds.”
Shae stopped short.
“Hold up,” said Shae. “Two Feather Birds?”
“I believe so,” said Parper.
Shae raised his pistols.
“There’s three Feather Birds left,” said Shae. “Me, Asira, and Dalli.”
Parper’s head tilted.
“If you say so,” said Parper. “I was just looking at the scoreboard.”
Shae narrowed his eyes, enabling the scoreboard in his palm interface.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
2
5
Shae cursed.
“We just saw Asira,” said Shae. “That means Dalli failed. Shit, I knew I shouldn’t have left him alone.”
“This does look dire Shae,” said Parper. “But fortunately, you have me as an honorary third!”
Shae crossed his arms, giving Parper a scowl.
“Parper!” shouted another voice.
Tambien clanked forward in dented knight armor.
“Are you traveling with this insolent squire?” asked Tambien. “What treachery is this?”
“I’m an honorary Feather Bird now, Tambien!” said Parper. “Perhaps you’d like to join us?”
“I think not!” said Tambien. “Master Valdi will be most displeased!”
Parper whimpered, sukling to Tambien’s side.
“I’m sorry Shae,” said Parper. “But it looks like we part ways here. It’s for my own safety.”
“All good,” said Shae. “I knew you were going to betray me.”
Tambien’s lance raised.
“Come now, Parper,” said Tambien. “Let us grant this spineless worm a warrior’s death –”
“FATAL BLADE!”
Parper’s dagger plunged through Tambien’s back, tearing through his armor like wet paper.
Tambien choked, blue blood trickling through his visor.
“Et tu, Parper?” asked Tambien.
Tambien collapsed to one knee.
“I’m sorry, Tambien,” said Parper. “It’s for the best.”
Tambien’s tentacle gripped Parper’s paw.
“I-I understand,” said Tambien. “Give me a proper burial. See that my ashes are spread throughout the guildhall.”
“Anything, my friend,” said Parper.
Tambien lifted his visor, staring at Parper with faint tentacloid pupils.
“Tell my tale,” said Tambien. “Tell it to your children. And your children’s children.”
“Of course,” said Parper. “I pray all our children die so honorably –”
“Yo, hurry this melodramatic shit up,” said Shae.
Tambien breathed one last dramatic breath.
“Parper,” said Tambien. “There is one more thing you must know.”
Parper leaned in.
“I am in love, with –”
Tambien choked.
“W-With –”
And then Tambien died.
Parper patted his tentacle.
“Your sacrifice will not be in vain, my friend,” said Parper.
Parper rose, wiping his dagger on his sleeve.
“Well then,” said Parper. “I hope that proves my loyalty.”
“Yeah,” said Shae. “You’re good.”
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
2
4
Asira slumped through the ruins, muttering words so profane that Zero Space bleeped them.
“Shae never listens to me,” Asira growled. “He never listens to anyone!”
Asira encountered Syadd’s giblets, stomping them like grapes.
“Good riddance,” said Asira.
Just beyond Syadd’s remains lay Dalli’s body, face down in his own blood.
“Damn it, Dalli,” said Asira.
Asira paused - something seemed off about his corpse. It was mostly intact; no signs of flail or fist damage. But there was a wound in his back; a wound just large enough for a dagger. Master Valdi perhaps?
No - Master Valdi lost his weapons. Only one other Deadly Skull had a dagger –
Asira’s fur stood on end beneath her orange suit.
“No,” said Asira. “I knew it!”
Asira raced back the way she came.
“Shae!”
***
Shae leaned against a giant temple. Two murals stretched across its walls, the first of a robed figure, unleashing a storm of hellfire upon a small army. The second displayed another small army, this one composed entirely of robed figures.
“Where the hell is your stupid master?” said Shae.
Parper just shrugged.
“Master Valdi can be very sneaky sometimes,” said Parper.
“I don’t see how,” said Shae. “He’s got those big glowing red eyes –”
A pitch black fist pitched through a temple window, bashing Shae’s temple. Shae’s head smacked against the neon ground, shattering his shades.
Two red eyes opened in the temple’s dark interior. Master Valdi emerged, pitch black body stretching like a shadow across the neon blue ruins.
“Hello Shae,” said Master Valdi. “Were you hunting me? I was hunting you too!”
Shae spun his –
Wait…
Shae’s pistols were missing!
Master Valdi twirled them in his hands.
“I bet you didn’t see me take those,” said Master Valdi. “It’s those speedy hands of mine.”
Master Valdi fired both pistols at Shae. Shae scrambled behind a neon pillar.
“I hunt with my eyes closed,” said Master Valdi. “I’m a musicoid. My heightened hearing compensates for my lack of vision.”
Shae peeked back at Parper, standing right behind Master Valdi.
“Parper!” shouted Shae. “Now!”
“I can’t, Shae,” said Parper. “For my own safety.”
“Parper, what is he going on about?” asked Master Valdi. “Are you two working together?”
“Of course not, Master Valdi,” said Parper. “Shae took me prisoner. I had no choice!”
Master Valdi’s eyes narrowed.
“Bah, the replays will tell me everything I need to know,” said Master Valdi.
Master Valdi passed Shae’s guns to Parper.
“Take good care of these,” said Master Valdi.
Parper nodded, puppoid paws trembling.
Master Valdi cracked his knuckles.
“Come on out Shae,” said Master Valdi. “Neither of us have weapons. We’ll settle this fairly. Hand to hand.”
Shae peeked out.
“I don’t trust you to fight fair,” said Shae.
“I do have other weapons, if that’s what you’re implying,” said Master Valdi. “But I won’t use them. Not with so many people watching.”
Shae gritted his teeth, stepping out with his fists up - he’d have to resolve this one way or another.
Master Valdi stood at almost seven feet tall. Shae himself was a measly 5’6. Why did he have to settle for realistic proportions? Everyone else in Zero Space wanted to be the biggest or the tallest. Shae just wanted to be himself, but way better.
No - Shae could do this! Master Valdi rarely left his Guild HQ; how tough could someone like that be?
“Come then, Shae,” said Master Valdi. “I’ll give you a free hit.”
Master Valdi bent forward, gesturing to the side of his chin.
Before Master Valdi could change his mind, Shae went straight for the eyes.
Master Valdi recoiled, clutching his stinging red pupils.
“Bah, you wretched little –”
Shae’s fist met Master Valdi’s throat, leaving his groin exposed for a rising knee –
Master Valdi tackled Shae through a pillar, hardly fazed by the assault. Neon stone ruptured, bathing them in blue dust.
“You’re faster,” said Master Valdi. “But I’m stronger!”
Shae groaned, spitting out chunks of rock and teeth.
“Yo Parper!" shouted Shae. “Pass my pistols.”
“I’m sorry Shae,” said Parper. “I can’t get involved. It’s too dangerous for me.”
Shae groaned - his dirty tactics weren’t working. But why? They worked on Janzo, an ex-Infinity with enforcer training. Yet somehow, Master Valdi wasn’t having any of it. Was this some sort of unique racial thing? Or was Master Valdi cheating?
No, there must be a reason! Shae replayed his actions in his head - eye gouges didn’t work, because Master Valdi was a musicoid. Musicoids didn’t need to see.
Throat punches were useless, since breathing worked differently in Zero Space. Suffocation wasn’t crippling - it was just really uncomfortable, for a maximum of three minutes.
And groin shots didn’t work because… well, things just weren’t as painful down there in Zero Space.
Shae’s eyes lit up - he was going about this all wrong. If he wanted to beat Master Valdi, he couldn’t fight like he did in real life.
He had to fight like he was in Zero Space!
Master Valdi loomed over Shae, darker than his own shadow.
“I’ll end this slowly,” said Master Valdi. “For those watching at home, you may want to avert your eyes –”
Shae flipped forward, slapping his sole across Master Valdi’s scalp. His spinning foot met Master Valdi’s face one, two, three times.
Master Valdi stumbled sideways, blood leaking from his jaw.
“Bah, what manner of flashy stupidity is this?” asked Master Valdi.
Shae slid through Master Valdi’s legs. Doing a handstand, Shae gripped Master Valdi’s head with his heels, sending him head over heels.
“This is me kicking your ass!” said Shae.
Master Valdi lunged at Shae with a series of quick jabs. Shae’s body bent around each blow like gelatin in a high-pressure fan. A pitch black forearm passed inches from his skull. Swiping fingers blazed past his eyes. His gut arched around a rising knee.
“You just sit there in your guild all day,” said Shae. “I’ve never seen you on the field!”
Shae swiveled between two heavy chops.
“Watching isn’t playing!” said Shae. “This is playing!”
Shae flipped sideways through an opening in Master Valdi’s assault, slapping his face with one foot after the other.
“You know Zero Space pretty well,” said Shae. “But I know my character way better than you!”
Master Valdi missed with an exhausted punch.
“You’re character’s creepy as fuck,” said Shae. “But he’s also lanky as hell.”
Shae’s foot rose like a flagpole, bunting Master Valdi’s chin.
“You want to fight hand to hand?” asked Shae. “Try learning more about your own fucking hands!”
Shae flipped forward, driving his heel through Master Valdi’s snout.
Master Valdi fell to his knees, crimson tears streaming from his blood red eyes.
“Zero Space is about control,” said Shae. “I control myself better than you do.”
Shae loomed over Master Valdi, purple clothes fluttering.
“You’ll never control the Feather Birds,” said Shae. “You’ll never control me!”
Shae screamed, prepping the final blow –
ARENA CHANGE: RUINS WITH AN UNDERGROUND PRISON AND A FEW BOOBY TRAPS
No –
Not again.
Not now!
Shae swerved as a swinging guillotine blade severed his shadow, then ducked as a red row of laser light shaved off a patch of his hair.
Garola leaned against a garish statue, winking at the audience at home.
“We can’t have ancient ruins without a few booby traps!” said Garola.
Shae winced - these were the same stupid booby traps from Zydan’s catacomb dungeon.
THIP
Something entered Shae’s arm - a dart. Those darts were from Zydan’s dungeon too.
“What the shit,” said Shae. “Are you fucking kidding me? Poison darts are cheap as hell! This isn’t fair!”
“You’re preaching to the dragonoid choir!” said Garola. “Tournaments are no fun when things aren’t fair!’
Shae writhed in pain.
Master Valdi smirked, rising like thick smoke over a forest fire.
“I’m growing fond of this dragonoid emcee!” said Master Valdi.
Master Valdi’s sharp fingers wiggled like hungry monster teeth, eager to taste Shae’s flesh.
“Looks like you don’t have much time left now,” said Master Valdi. “Let’s make that time count.”
Shae moaned in anguish. It couldn’t end like this.
Not here.
Not now.
No.
Shae wouldn’t let it.
He refused.
Shae ripped the poison dart from his arm, gritting his teeth. Balancing on weary feet, Shae aimed the dart at Master Valdi.
Master Valdi stopped short.
“You wouldn’t dare,” said Master Valdi.
Master Valdi’s palms raised like sparring gloves. Just earlier, he’d swiped Shae’s bullet out of the air; deflecting a dart would be no problem.
“Try it,” said Master Valdi. “See what happens.”
Shae breathed deep, cuffing the dart in both hands.
Then suddenly, his hand lunged forward –
Master Valdi swiped outwards – swiping nothing at all.
Shae’s other hand threw the dart for real.
THIP
Straight into Master Valdi’s neck.
“No!” shouted Master Valdi.
Master Valdi ripped the dart from his throat. Blood dribbled down like glowing red tree sap.
“No!” shouted Master Valdi again.
Shae fell upon Parper, gripping his shoulders.
“Parper,” said Shae. “The guns.”
“I’m sorry Shae,” said Parper. “I just can’t.”
Shae seized Parper’s wrists, attempting to pry his pistols free.
“The guns!” Shae repeated.
“Master Valdi gave me an order!” said Parper. “I can’t get involved in this!”
Shae wedged a pistol against his own gut, hooking his fingers through the trigger.
“POISON SHOT!”
Shae injected himself with a green bullet. Emerald veins surfaced across his flesh as his eyes grew wide and dilated. And then he fell with an agonized wail, the pain magnified by both poisons combined.
“Bah, that was stupid,” said Master Valdi. “Typical Shae.”
Shae squirmed like a snail under salt.
Master Valdi shook his head.
“I suppose we’ll go out together,” said Master Valdi. “It’s poetic. I can accept this death.”
Shae crawled on all fours, vomiting across Parper’s sandals.
“I guess I had that coming,” said Parper.
Shae wiped his lips, standing on shaking limbs. Sickly green veins depressed back into his flesh.
“I’m not dead yet,” said Shae.
A faint spark lit in Shae’s pupil.
“That’s a little trick I learned a while back,” said Shae. “Poison Shot purges all poisons when it finishes.”
Shae dragged himself towards Master Valdi.
“The Feather Birds won’t die today,” said Shae.
Shae gripped Master Valdi by the head, staring into his wide horrified eyes.
“But you will.”
Shae kick-flipped.
CRACK
Master Valdi’s head snapped all the way backwards.
Two bright right red eyes diminished into dull brown bulbs. Master Valdi’s body sank like a shadow against the neon blue ground. A somber whistle escaped his hollow jaws; the last breath of a fallen musicoid.
And then it was over.
Master Valdi was dead.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
2
3
Shae grinned at Garola.
“Thanks for the assist,” said Shae. “Great tournament you’re running here!”
Garola’s dragonoid jaw dropped as far as it would go.
“We’re even now,” said Shae. “I beat you. And I beat your stupid ass arenas.”
Shae leaned in close.
“I know what you NPCs are planning,” whispered Shae. “I know about all that Glitch Man shit. Next time you fuck with me, I’ll make sure everyone in the Haven knows too.“
Garola stepped away with a gasp.
“There will be no more arena changes,” said Garola. “Please enjoy the rest of the tournament!”
Garola vanished in a sparkling smoke bomb.
Shae grinned a big goofy grin. He’d done it. It was time to let that silly kid inside out for a spin.
Shae turned towards Parper.
“Sorry for barfing on your –” Shae started.
Shae paused, a metallic taste on his breath. He glanced down at Parper’s dagger, wedged firmly between his ribs, coursing with dark energy.
“No,” said Shae. “No, no, I fucking knew it. I called this shit.”
“I must have had you at least partially convinced,” said Parper. “I’m very impressed that you beat Master Valdi. Yet to win, you must beat all of us.”
Shae unleashed a series of expletives, censored for the audience at home.
“I’m so sorry Shae,” said Parper. “But I just can’t afford to betray Master Valdi. It’s too dangerous for me!”
Shae reached for his pistols, but Parper pulled them back.
“I really do mean what I said,” said Parper. “I wish I could join the Feather Birds. I hope you won’t hold this against me.”
Shae fell to his knees.
“It’s been an honor, Shae,” said Parper. “I truly apologize for how this worked out. I look forward to being your acquaintance. For real, next time!”
Shae gazed up into Parper, the light fading from his eyes.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
1
3
STAB
Parper gasped.
Two orange swords, protruded from his belly.
“I knew I should have killed you when I had the chance,” said Asira.
“And yet, you didn’t!” said Parper. “I must have had you partially convinced too!”
Asira bared her pteranoid teeth, twisting her swords.
“Well, all that’s left are Bowman and Janzo,” said Parper. “They’re our two strongest Deadly Skulls. I’m sure you’ll be just fine.”
Asira tensed up.
“Good luck on your own, Asira!” said Parper.
Parper’s body slid from her swords.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
1
2
Asira’s pteranoid fur stiffened. Parper was right, it was just her versus two far stronger opponents. How could she possibly win? This was a disaster, caused by her own negligence.
If only she hadn’t told Master Valdi about Chief’s power; she wouldn’t be in this scenario. Of course, she’d be dead too, but what did she have to live for anyway? Her friends were about to suffer a lifetime of misery under Master Valdi’s rule. How could she go on living with herself after doing a thing like that?
No.
Asira had to try. Not for herself, but for her Feather Bird family. It couldn’t all end here; she would give it everything she had, even if she didn’t have much.
TWANG
The sound was faint, but Asira was all too familiar with it. Her wings folded like a makeshift shield, catching an arrow inches from her face.
“Just you?” asked Bowman. “So much for the Feather Birds.”
Asira dove as another arrow punctured a neon blue wall.
“You can’t beat me,” said Bowman. “Give up now. Don’t drag this out.”
“I know you’re just trash talking me,” said Asira. “You won’t get in my head.”
Another arrow nearly got in her head.
“I’m stating a fact,” said Bowman. “I’m better than you.”
Asira made a run for it, darting side to side.
“HOMING SHOT!”
Asira skidded sideways around a wall. The arrow turned the corner, skewering Asira’s shoulder.
“Damn it,” Asira muttered.
“It doesn’t matter if I can’t see you,” said Bowman. “If I don’t steer my arrow, it’s heat-seeking. You can’t run.”
“You’re really arrogant, aren’t you?” Asira yelled.
“I’ve earned it,” said Bowman.
Asira slipped into a gargantuan temple, draping herself in darkness.
Bowman landed just short of the entrance.
“Come out and face me,” said Bowman.
“Come in and face me,” said Asira.
“I’m not following a ninja into a dark temple,” said Bowman. “Not even a bright orange one.”
“I guess it’s a stalemate then,” said Asira. “The emcee said the arena’s not changing. And I’m not going anywhere. Do you really want to drag this out?”
Bowman gritted his teeth, entering with uneasy steps.
The temple interior was vast and dark. Dark enough to conceal anyone but maybe a bright orange ninja. Rows of columns stretched out across an empty room. There were too many columns; too many places to hide.
“Stop hiding,” said Bowman. “You’re just delaying this.”
“I’m a ninja,” Asira yelled. “Ninjas hide.”
“You can’t hide from me,” said Bowman. “HOMING SHOT!”
An heat-seeking arrow slalomed around pillars.
Asira suddenly had a bright idea.
“LIGHT RAY!” shouted Asira.
The heat from a level one laser guided Bowman’s arrow into the wall.
“That was stupid,” said Bowman. “You gave away your location.”
“Yup!” said Asira. “But your arrow didn’t hit me!”
Bowman crept towards a pillar - the source of Asira’s light.
“I have more SP than you have arrows,” said Asira. “Better not waste them all. If it comes down to melee, you know I’ll win.”
Bowman slid sideways on his sandals, aiming past the pillar - Asira wasn’t there.
“I can project my voice too,” said Asira. “It’s a ninja trick. I could be anywhere around you.”
Bowman put his back against a wall, sidestepping towards a doorway.
“You won’t beat me, Asira,” said Bowman. “I’m stronger than you. I’m faster than you. I’m smarter than you. I’m in control here.”
“There’s something stronger than control,” said Asira. “Hidden information.”
Bowman scoffed.
“What could you possibly know that I don’t?” asked Bowman.
“You’ll see,” said Asira. “Or maybe you won’t.”
Bowman rolled through a doorway, weapon raised. Blue light leaked in from open windows, pouring across a crowd of player statues, each carved into a dynamic pose.
“You can’t hide, not even in here,” said Bowman. “Your bright orange outfit will be your downfall.”
“Oh, will it?” asked Asira.
Bowman crouched below a brutoid statue’s mighty ax.
“I did something special for PVP,” said Asira. “I’ve never really had a chance to use it.”
Bowman peeked past the mace of a petrified leggoid.
“It’s time to reveal it,” said Asira. “Nothing matters more than this fight.”
Bowman eyed a flash of orange up ahead. And two slender swords.
“Bowman, you’re the best player in your guild,” said Asira. “But when we unite, you’ll be second best.”
“Keep trash-talking,” said Bowman. “See what happens.”
Bowman notched a quiet arrow.
“Imagine the replays when I beat you,” said Asira. “You’re going to be so embarrassed –”
Bowman dove sideways, shooting an arrow straight through Asira’s orange hood.
But Asira wasn’t in it. In fact, all her clothes were discarded, flopped across the statue of an ancient hero, wielding two swords –
STAB
Bowman gasped - two orange swords jutted from his torso, one through each lung.
“I wasn’t throwing my voice,” said Asira. “I lied. I’ve been behind you for a while.”
Bowman glanced back at Asira - pitch black pteranoid fur coated her entire body, completely concealed in the shadows.
“Your fur,” said Bowman. “It’s been pitch black, this whole time?”
“Yup!” said Asira. “The true ninja art is the art of surprise!”
Bowman fell to his knees, jaw agape.
“Un-fucking-believable,” said Bowman.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
1
1
Asira released a huge sigh of relief.
Just one Deadly Skull left –
“Hi Asira,” said Janzo.
Asira nearly jumped out of her fur.
Janzo stood by an open window, neon skylight flowing across his red and brown suit.
“Janzo,” said Asira. “You found me.”
“Uh huh,” said Janzo. “I got really lost. I’m glad you and Bowman were really loud.”
Asira took off in a sprint, darting through darkened corridors, dipping past pillars, and dashing through open doorways. The further she left him behind, the easier it would be to get behind him.
She peeked back, gauging their distance –
Janzo strolled up right behind her, casually waving his scythe.
“Hi Asira,” said Janzo. “You can’t get away from me.”
Asira skid to a stop.
“How?” asked Asira. “How can you keep track of me?”
“I have enforcer training,” said Janzo. “Learning to track things is very important. Especially dangerous things that hide in dark places.”
Asira executed a fancy sword kata - Janzo didn’t even flinch.
“Please Janzo,” said Asira. “I know I can’t beat you. Let me kill you. For the Feather Birds.”
“No,” said Janzo.
“Janzo, I’m begging you,” said Asira. “Master Valdi’s been mean to you, right?”
“Uh huh,” said Janzo.
Janzo approached.
“We’re friends, right?” asked Asira.
“Uh huh,” said Janzo.
Asira backed up.
“Then stop it!” said Asira. “Think about your friends! Think about your future!”
Janzo paused.
“The Feather Birds are my friends,” said Janzo. “And the Deadly Skulls are my friends too.”
Janzo lowered his scythe.
“You’re not the good guys here, Asira,” said Janzo. “The Feather Birds are fighting for their guild. But the Deadly Skulls are fighting for their lives.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Asira.
“Master Valdi will kill us if we lose,” said Janzo. “He doesn’t lie about things like that. I’m not going to let my friends die. Not even for my other friends.”
Janzo raised his scythe again.
“You’re the bad guys, Asira,” said Janzo. “I won’t let the bad guys win.”
Asira gripped her swords, black fur standing on end.
“W-We’re not the bad guys Janzo,” said Asira. “Master Valdi’s a bad guy. A real bad guy.”
Asira raised her weapons.
“I-I’m sorry Janzo,” said Asira. “We’ll protect you. I promise.”
[THE HAVEN]
Esara tore off her Zero Space headset, sprinting across her unit.
She ripped off Janzo’s headset, then bashed him with it.
Janzo fell with a grunt, blood gushing from his forehead.
“Janzo, I’m so sorry,” said Esara. “I know you’re a premium account user. You’ll be fine!”
Esara raced back to her seat.
“Asira –” croaked Janzo.
Esara dove into her chair.
“It’s too late,” said Janzo.
Esara froze, her headset halfway on her head.
“It’s too late!” Janzo repeated.
Esara’s heart crawled into her chest.
Slowly, she lowered her headset –
[ZERO SPACE]
Asira was floating. Not a pteranoid glide, but a phantom’s flight, departing for another world.
She glanced down –
Her own decapitated body lay below her. Blood drained from an opening between her shoulders, dyeing her blackberry fur cherry red.
Janzo stood AFK, blood dripping from his scythe. His limp arms dangled by his side, dark demonoid eyes staring into oblivion.
Asira screeched into the ether, bawling spectral tears.
She had failed.
The Feather Birds had failed.
It was all over.
Feather Birds
Deadly Skulls
0
1