Game On

Chapter 3: How The Game Works

It felt very awkward being with her after that moment. She turned away and walked. So I was going to die? I caught up to her and grabbed her hand. The phone rang once again.  I opened and read it.

Mission Success. Your excess two days will be your day off.

I told her the news yet she just walked on. She wasn't usually like that. It is obvious that she is hiding something.

"Is there something you aren't telling me, Sky?' I asked.

"It's none of your business." she responded. "Now let's go back home. We still have a free 2 days off then, maybe I will tell you, maybe..."

"Uh. You know, you go ahead home. I'll follow you, give me time, alone." I requested.

She left and took Atsu as a ride. Where is home? Strange. We only live in a hotel. Not now, I don't care where is home. I bowed down my head and thought why would I did I have a weird dream about that.

"It wasn't a dream, Lucas." a voice said.

"Who are you?!" I shouted asking.

"You are not ready yet, Lucas." the voice said.

"Wha?- Ready for what?!" I asked.

"For the truth." the voice answered. "As of Day 2, it is simply a spoiler to tell you, but watch the words of your partner. You may know sooner."

The voice vanished in thin air. I wasn't ready for the truth? Is it about her former partner? Gah. Let's relax for now, my freakin' head is aching. It feels like someone is pulling it out.

"Argh!" I shouted.

"Let me help you, A-, I mean, Luke."  Skylar lended. "I was too harsh when I said it wasn't your business."

I smiled and laughed softly. A laugh that couldn't to be heard. She pulled out a medicine for headaches. She grabbed a cup and filled it with water. She gave the medicine. She also made me swallow it and quickly drank water afterwards.

"Say the magic word." I said.

"Sorry Luke." she apologized.

I accidentally laughed out loud. She got embrassed and punched me on the arm. I held it and stayed sitting. She touched my hair and petted me like a dog. The sun was setting. Pretty amazing view.

"Your hair is really soft." she complimented.

"Thanks." I said.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. We are going to visit an old friend." she said.

"An old friend? But you're a player. How could you be friends with someone?" I asked.

She sat beisde me. Atsu was unsummoned. She sighed and grabbed me. She ran and ran, dragging me all along. Just like the first time we met. Soon, we arrived at a grassy field. She was panting and catch her breath.

"You're really amazing." she complimented.  "You aren't tired at all."

"That's because you dragged me, so I didn't exert much effort." I said.

She laid down on the grassy field and gazed at the stars. It's so peaceful, looking at hard to believe this all about a monster-killing, mystery solving game. I laid on the grass beside her.

"So, risking another partner? What's that all about?" I asked.

"August, it's all about August." she answered. "He was my former partner. He didn't make it."

"I'm confused." I said.

She sighed and rolled facing to me. She clenched her hand.

"You know, there are permanent 3 ways to die in this game." she continued, " First, is to fail a mission. Second, to be killed by NPCs or by yourself. Third, to lose a battle from one of the people from TAG. But there is still hope to stay alive, that is when the main leader, King, decides that if you should have another chance or you really die." she explained. "That' actually makes it four."