Chance Encounter
Issen shivered against the cold wind. It was night time, and he had been out a little longer than he expected. Most players didn't venture out at night, or anywhere near as far from the Ash Town as he had. They were too afraid, and reasonably so. It had only been about two weeks since KBO first went online. Nobody had even found the boss room for the first floor dungeon, and not many were trying. I wonder how Alistar's doing? Issen himself was level eight, which was pretty impressive. The sound of a twig snapping behind him brought Issen's attention back to the world before him. In an instant, his sword was in his hand and he stood at the ready. "Who's there?!" He shouted, not really expecting an answer. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the woods Issen had just left. "Were you following me?" The bewilderment was apparent on his face. The figure before him was clad in midnight black plated armor, with intricate patterns detailing the set in viridian green. Obviously he had the makings of a powerful tank player. He wielded a simple sword and a black tower shield with the emblem of a roaring dragon that matched the green of the armor. "My name is Ephixio." The man, who looked to be about 18, introduced himself. Issen grinned, "Name's Issen. Nice to meet you." At that, Ephixio smiled as well, catching Issen's attention. He studied Ephixio's appearance, trying to recall if he had seen the player before. The man's neatly kept blonde hair and stunning blue-green eyes immediately drew Issen's attention, but it was his smile that made Issen stare. It was the one of a kind, genuine smile that could light up an entire room. "What are you doing all the way out here?" He asked. Ephixio shrugged, "I got lost. I was actually hoping you could help me get back to town. Issen sensed that Ephixio wasn't telling the whole truth, but he let him get away with it. "Well that's a first! Not many people get lost out here and live to tell about it." Ephixio chuckled, "I'm not so bad at this myself. I got this rare armor from a random event the day after this death game started." Issen's eyes narrowed. "I knew that armor couldn't be normal." He couldn't help but be a bit jealous. "Anyway, the town is this way." He sent a party invite to Ephixio before turning around and heading back towards Ash Town.
"I can finally see it!" Ephixio shouted happily. The town had just gotten back into view. "Yup, we're almost there!" Issen confirmed, picking up the pace. "Thanks for all the help." Ephixio turned towards Issen, smiling once more. Issen turned away, feigning indifference. "It was nothing really." Ephixio frowned, "Most other people wouldn't have even been out there, let alone willing to help," he argued. Issen smiled to himself. "I suppose that's true," he conceded. Moments after entering town Ephixio spotted the nearest restaurant, dragging Issen with him. "I owe you!" A short time later, Issen found himself seated in front of a plate full of steaming hot food. His stomach growled obnoxiously and he blushed slightly as Ephixio's light hearted laughter filled the room. "I knew you'd be hungry!" Ephixio smiled, taking his fork in hand and attacking the plate in front of him. Within minutes, the food was gone from both plates. "That hit the spot," Ephixio sighed, a look of content sprawled across his face. Despite his light complexion, and short stature, something about him was simply captivating. Issen couldn't help but pay attention. What the hell is wrong with me? The silver haired warrior wondered. This is a guy! In a video game, no less. He chided himself for thinking such strange thoughts. "You ok?" Ephixio asked, noticing that Issen had been staring into space. "Yeah, I'm fine." Issen replied, shrugging away the thoughts that plagued his mind. "Alright! I have an idea." Ephixio announced, grinning with excitement. "You and I are a team now!" Issen began to shake his head no, but Ephixio wrapped his arm around Issen's neck, pulling him in. "No choice, bud!" Ephixio let Issen go, laughing as he fell to the floor. "Now, we need to find a place to stay for the night!" With that, Ephixio left the restaurant. Dumbfounded, Issen slowly got up to follow.
Issen stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. He and Ephixio had managed to find a place nearby that was affordable. Unfortunately, this place only had one bed and Issen had drawn the short stick. Issen turned to look at the sleeping figure in the bed across from him. Ephixio, now in a simple pair of black shorts, was fast asleep. His slow and steady breathing caused Issen to smile. What am I getting myself into? He wondered. Ephixio's blue-green eyes fluttered open. "Issen?" He whispered, "You still awake?" Issen nodded. "I've always been somewhat of an insomniac." He shrugged. "Oh, I see." Ephixio nodded as if he'd expected it all along. "You can join me up here, if you want." Ephixio offered, patting the empty spot next to him. "Even if it's virtual reality, these beds are pretty comfy." Issen shook his head, "I'm alright, thanks." Ephixio chuckled, "Suit yourself." He closed his eyes and for a moment Issen assumed he had fallen asleep once more. "Why do you continue to fight?" Ephixio asked, surprising Issen. He hesitated, shocked at the abrupt question. "Ummm…" He replied, struggling to think of the best way to put his feelings into words. "I guess… It's because I know some people here aren't strong enough to fight for themselves. So, I've got to be strong for them." Ephixio smiled bigger than Issen had seen yet. "That's a good answer," he mumbled through a yawn. Issen, now curious, asked, "Why do you fight, Ephixio?" Ephixio's face grew solemn, "To be honest, you found me just as I'd given up…" His blue-green eyes clouded over. "I just can't see anyone in this world living to the end." He admitted. "If you hadn't found me, I'd be wolf food by now." Issen's eyes went wide with shock. How could somebody as naturally powerful as Ephixio have an attitude like that? Issen realized his initial impression was off. Ephixio wasn't some great legend of an RPG player, he was scared just like everyone else. "Hey Ephixio?" Issen asked, after a moment of silence. "Is that offer still open?" Ephixio smiled. "Sure!" Issen opened his menu, switching into a pair of shorts of his own before climbing into bed next to Ephixio. He met Ephixio's eyes before blushing and turning to face the opposite direction. He's right, these things are pretty comfy. Issen thought to himself. Issen was surprised to feel Ephixio's arm wrap itself around his waist and pull him a little closer. He felt the warmth of Ephixio's body heat against his back and decided not to complain. Maybe this isn't so bad? He thought to himself. A few minutes later the both of them were sound asleep.
