Prompt: Video Games

The job board was empty again.

Phoenix sighed and returned to the lopsided table, where his cup of grape juice tilted precariously. He took a swig of the warm liquid, a meager distraction from Larry's awful lute tuning. His friend's bardic aspirations were lofty, though at least, he usually had someone take pity and toss a coin in his direction.

A paladin was a different story. Rare and without a properly recognized guild of their own, they scrambled for what was left by the fighters, barbarians, and monks. And there usually wasn't much to pick from, if at all. The inn room wasn't free either. No, Phoenix needed a job. In the meantime, he was forced to loosen the straps of his armor and endure Larry's repertoire tonight.

At first, people filtered in and out, enjoying their drinks and meals. However, a rumble of thunder signaled an early rest, and the following storm meant a drought of customers. The waning notes of plucked lute strings almost sounded like a passable song, just as Phoenix dozed off.

The creak of door hinges jolted him awake. It was already late; the hearth's embers were glowing deep orange, barely enough to ward off the night's chill. Larry wasn't around, his lute leaning against the wall; he must have wandered off temporarily. The dining area was otherwise empty, except for the newcomer.

The set of purple robes marked the young woman as a mage of some kind, although unlike any other magic wielder Phoenix had seen. She lowered her hood and her eyes practically lit up at the sight of the dying fire. She raced over, before sitting on her heels with a long drawn-out breath of relief. Her outstretched fingers wiggled and the hearth suddenly roared to a blaze.

"Whoa, too much…sorry!" The flames calmed and she nodded. "That's better." Then, she noticed Phoenix and flinched in surprise.

"It's okay, I don't mind. Is it raining a lot outside?"

"Like you wouldn't believe!" She cast a cantrip, drying herself off. "I didn't know they had paladins in this town."

Oh, she recognized his class. He felt a little pleased. "Uh, I'm between work. I travel around the area, doing odd jobs in the meantime. My name's Phoenix."

"I'm Maya, cleric-in-training."

"In training?"

"Not yet. It's kind of a long story, but I left my village to meet with my sister. She's in the capital, sending money home…I haven't seen her in ages. I think I'm off the main road though."

He considered the distance. "Yeah, it's a couple weeks away on foot. Not an easy journey to make by yourself, with all the bandits and monsters and rough terrain."

She slumped. "That's what I was afraid of. I guess I'll need someone to help."

The thought was mutual, because they asked at the same time.

"Can I escort you?"

"Can you escort me?"

They stared at each other for a moment, before bursting into laughter.

"You can't leave me!" Larry bemoaned. The morning sunlight only underscored his puffy eyes.

Ignoring the crocodile tears, Phoenix hoisted the pack of standard rations over his shoulder. "Well, you could come along, if it weren't for…who again?"

The name was indistinct through his blubbering. "I can't give up when I'm this close to winning her over!"

"So, just wait and I'll be back soon."

"Niiick…when you do, I'll be filthy rich and famous!" With those final words, he retreated into the nearest tavern.

"You'd think he could do that in the capital." Maya remarked. "Well, we've got each other's backs. Anything I can help with?"

"Carrying the map would be a good start." He dryly said and walked beyond the town's boundary, following the dusty road.

Phoenix was already aware they'd reach the woods before dusk, and that typically meant an ambush if he lowered his guard. He had his trusty sword and shield, while Maya's magical focus was an unfamiliar comma-shaped pendant. And they didn't have a lot of valuables otherwise, even the minor health and mana potions were a bargain deal.

They were on schedule, stopping at the edge of the forest for lunch. As they scarfed down their sandwiches, he kept a close eye on the underbrush, which didn't go unnoticed by Maya.

"Have you been in a lot of fights?"

"A few, mostly bailing Larry out of a misunderstanding. There are bigger and stronger folks, but in battle, it's more important to think your way through. Knowing the enemy, the environment, your abilities…and coming up with an idea to win."

"I see, it makes sense." She nodded.

And that was when the harpies attacked.

The only warning was a screech, and razor-sharp talons just missed Phoenix's head. He tackled Maya to the ground, bringing up his shield. A snarling visage under a cloud of pink hair soared overhead, rosy feathers fluttering in her wake. From a different direction, a wizened harpy began to drill her beaked face against the shield. Maya whispered under her breath, and an emerald green burst struck a brunette wielding a large fishbone. A flock of three.

Phoenix unsheathed his sword and parried each strike, especially against the particularly vicious pink harpy. Maya was holding her own, her pendant glowing brightly; she redirected the fishbone to escape its owner, who gave chase.

The silver-haired one switched tactics, diving towards Maya. She cast a barrage of ice crystals, but they melted too quickly. Phoenix pushed her out of the way, knocking the harpy with his shield. But she didn't go down, stubbornly charging again. He was readying himself, when he realized too late that the pink one was flanking. She shrieked, ripping off his bracer. His forearm stung.

He wasn't certain what happened next, the spellwork involved was totally foreign. A dark shroud surrounded Maya, towering to rival the treetops. Faint voices echoed, and the temperature dropped to an eerie chill. Shadowy tendrils extended from her fingertips, not necromantic, though the otherworldly nature couldn't be denied. The harpies seemed to decide the fight was no longer worth it, the younger two grabbing the squawking old one and flying out of sight.

"What…was that?" He blinked. "Maya!"

She was brought to her knees, looking dazed. Whatever magic it was, it succeeded but had overtaxed her. He scanned for injuries, despite her protests; she was alright though bruised and fatigued. He rummaged through the pack, the two minor potions rolling into his weak grip.

"You can save the health one. Here, let me." Her hands hovered over the wound, and green energy pulsed, closing the torn skin.

He flexed his arm, only a twinge of pain. "Thanks, Maya. That feels better already."

"But it's my fault you were hurt. I have to get stronger." She somberly said. "So I can protect the people I care about."

"I feel the same." Protecting those who couldn't defend themselves…that was the oath he swore and would keep until his last breath. He nudged the mana potion towards her. "In the meantime, let's rest and recover."

After a moment's hesitation, she gingerly accepted the small bottle. "Thanks, Nick." She uncorked it and swallowed the mouthful. "Ugh, you didn't mention this tasted nasty!"

"Sorry, I didn't know!"