Choices

Welpen: “Astro sir! Astro sir!”

He jumped on him and hugged him as tight as he could. Welpen started to cry and break down in tears.

Welpen: “I missed you sir!”

Astro: “Hey, hey. What did I say about that sir crap. Don’t be formal with me. Now get off of me.”

Welpen: “Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.”

Izumi: “Hey there, Welpen. I see you won the game.”

Welpen jumped into Izumi’s arms right away too.

Welpen: “Miss Izumi! I’m sorry about what happened up there! I picked the wrong rope for you and then you died and had to experience that! Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.”

Izumi: “Don’t get all formal with me either. We’re friends, right? It’s okay. I got death tokens. I didn’t lose at all. I didn’t even feel any pain. It was over right away.”

Astro: “Congrats kid. Let’s keep that spirit up. We got 6 more games to play. Don’t lose your head. Let’s get back to our seats before more of these idiots start piling in.”

Welpen hadn’t even noticed, but most people were already in the room when he arrived and the rest started coming through the front door one by one. Everyone seemed to have played the game at the same time. He found his seat along with Astro and Izumi. Once everyone sat down, bright red numbers lit up behind their seats. Everyone either had a 5 or a 0 depending on who won and lost the game. Although, a win for these people was really a loss. Welpen was the only one who was proud of his 0 score.

Death Bringer: “Umm. Testing. Testing. Hello! How did everyone like the first game? Fun, right? Corresponding numbers are assigned above your seats to show the amount of death tokens you received. Let’s get into the next game, shall we? The next game is…Round of applause please…Dynostix! Please get in pairs of 2 and I shall explain the rules.”

Izumi: “Oh! Welpen, let’s be partners.”

Welpen: “Uhhh. I’m not sure. I don’t want to leave Astro behind.”

Astro: “Go ahead kid. I’ll find someone.”

Izumi: “Yes! Let’s do this. We will probably be competing against another team. I wonder who we will be paired with.”

Astro stood where he was waiting for everyone to get a partner. Someone was going to be left out. He would take that person. Sure enough, this happened. A boy about Welpen’s height wore a brown hooded cape similar to Astro’s, but smaller. He hid his face, but you could still see his hime hairstyle and orange eyes. His name was Sazae Ryoko.

Astro: “Sazae Ryoko? What a name. Who thought that was a good idea?”

Sazae Ryoko spoke very nervously and shyly. He didn’t seem outgoing, but was dressed like a killer. Astro couldn’t sense any murderous intent from him, but he didn’t drop his guard just in case he wanted to kill him right there. Regardless, they were partners for this game.

Astro: “Can I call you Ryoko? Sazae seems a little weird.”

Ryoko: “Okay…”

Death Bringer: “Okay! Okay! Who is ready for game 2?! I’m so excited. Allow me to explain the rules. Each of you are in pairs of two for this game of Dynostix. When directed to, you will head through the doors once more and into the platforms once again to go up. On each level, 2 teams will be competing on the same floor side by side. There will be 5 different metal plates underneath your feet connected to 5 different dynamite plungers. 4 of the plungers when pressed downwards will not explode and 1 will. Each player will stand upon a plate at the same time and press down on the explosive pump. When the correct trigger is pulled, then that person will explode with dynamite and die and win the game! The losers of each game will then face each other for another chance. On your marks, get set, go!”

Everybody rushed into the doorways. There was really no reason to, but everyone was so eager to play that they pushed each other over to try and get on the platform as quickly as possible.

Welpen: “Wait, Izumi, are we going against each other?”

Izumi: “I think so. We get two rounds if we don’t die. I think that’s how this works.”

Welpen: “Okay. Let’s head up. This is a game of luck then. I like to think I’m pretty lucky myself, teehee.”

Astro: “Ryoko, you coming?”

Ryoko: “Oh…Yes. Sorry.”

The four of them stepped onto different platforms and bolted upwards until they couldn’t see each other anymore. They went up to a floor similar to before. It seemed almost the same, yet a little different somehow. Grey smoke also surrounded the area. Welpen and Izumi were in their game while 2 other opponents were on the other side. They couldn’t see who was there, but whoever wasn’t killed would face them next.

In front of Welpen and Izumi was what Death Bringer had described. 5 metal plates stood before them with dynamite plungers attached. Christmas lights lit up the area. A different voice called out quickly, “Start!”

Izumi: “Sorry Welpen.”

Welpen: “For what?”

Izumi: “For whatever happens. Hopefully I can win and die so you won’t have to. I know you don’t really want to experience that. I saw it last game too. You wouldn’t stop shaking the whole time.”

Welpen: “That’s okay. Clara always said I need to be tough in situations. That includes this…So, let’s play.”

Izumi: “Okay! I’m starting in the middle. I’m ready when you are.”

The plate lowered a little and locked Izumi into that spot. Welpen looked at his options. 2 on the left, 2 on the right, and 1 in the middle.

Welpen: “Okay. I’ll go to the one all the way on the left.”

The metal plate locked in for Welpen also. Welpen took the left and Izumi took the middle. On the count of 3, they both put their hands on the pump in front of them and pushed down to trigger the dynamite. A single spark flew out from underneath them on the ropes connecting the triggers. The spark from each side slowly continued along the path to the other side. Izumi’s spark stopped a fourth in, but Welpen’s kept going. His spark continued past half way and they both held their breath until eventually it went out about three fourths in.

Izumi: “Whoo! That was close to being game over right away.”

Welpen: “Sorry, sorry. I don’t want to kill anyone here, but it looks like that might happen.”

Izumi: “Don’t worry. This technically doesn’t count. It’s the game. It’s not your fault. Don’t put the blame on you if you knock me out again.”

Round 2 was starting.

The metal plates unclicked, but the pumps stayed down. Welpen and Izumi had to choose their next choice. Welpen took the one right next to him. Izumi went to the one all the way on her left. Once again, they both counted to 3 before pressing down. The sparks flew out again. They both kept going and didn’t stop. They were halfway through, but still did not go out. The flaming sparks continued. It looked like both of them would die if they continued to move. At the last second before the sparks reached both their platforms, they both went out completely. Welpen and Izumi both sighed in relief.

Izumi: “What a game, Welpen!”

Welpen: “Yeah! Let’s keep rolling through it. The nerves are building up, but let’s just go quick so that I don’t think too much.”

Izumi: “Okay. I’m going back all the way to the right.”

Welpen: Okay. Then, I’ll go to the right on my end also.”

Both: “1, 2, 3! Go!”

The sparks went out quickly. In fact, Welpen’s right out immediately and Izumi’s continued only for 3 seconds before going out. They were both down to 2 triggers. It was do or die for both of them.

Welpen: “Looks like this is it. Good luck Izumi.”

Izumi: “I’m hoping you pick the right one for your sake, friend. Here we go! Ready?”

Welpen: “Ready.”

Welpen chose the middle one, while Izumi picked the second one on the right. They both had smiles on their faces of friendship mixed with the excitement of playing against each other. Even though Welpen was nervous to death, he still tried to find a way to enjoy a game with a friend.

Both: “Go!”

Sparks flew for one more time.

They both continued to the quarter mark and then to the halfway point. They wouldn’t stop. Slowly, but surely, the spark went on for both sides. Less than 5 seconds remained for both sparks to either stop or bring them to their deaths. 3 seconds. 2 seconds. And finally, at the last second, Izumi’s spark went out and Welpen’s continued to Izumi’s side. The metal plate cocked and made a noise. Within seconds, flames corroded the air. Dynamite exploded and sent Izumi flying off the roof yet again like the previous round, however Welpen could not see this. All he could see was the large orange flames in front of him that also lit her on fire.

Welpen: “Izumi! Izumi! Where are you?! Where did you go?!”

It didn’t matter. Welpen knew this, but he still was shocked every time that this happened. He knew they would regenerate. He didn’t know how, but it made him anxious every time knowing that the pain is still there and that he just burned his friend to death.

Death Bringer: “Welpen sir. You have won and lost the round. However you want to look at it is fine, but either way you will be playing the next person. Please exit to the other side where he will be waiting.”

Welpen thought, ‘Please don’t let it be Astro. Please. Please. Please.’

He exited through a small opening in the smoke to the other side. He was lucky. It wasn’t Astro, but it was a familiar face. Welpen didn’t know if this was a good or bad thing. Before him on the other side stood the man from the entrance with spiky white hair.

Welpen: “Hey! I remember you. N-Naoki sir, right?”

Naoki: “Yeah? Is that a good or bad thing?”

Welpen: “I knew it! Phew. I thought maybe I’d get someone I didn’t want. At least you want to lose the game.”

Naoki: “Lose? You got the wrong idea kid. Dying means winning the game. Death tokens are important here.”

Welpen: “Well, I’m not really sure what these death tokens really do but…I’d rather not die, so I’m rooting for you in this game. If there is some hint here, you think you could let me know?”

Naoki: “There’s no hint…at least in this game. If there was, then I’d lose right away. Besides, these games are usually fair. There isn’t a game that benefits one side more.”

Welpen: “Naoki sir. Can I ask you a question?”

Naoki stood there awaiting what Welpen would ask.

Welpen: “Everybody else here seems to enjoy these games and wants to die. That’s true for you too. You want to die, except…I don’t see the excitement in your eyes. For a moment back there, I was having fun playing with Izumi, but I was still scared. But, when I look at you, you look sad. Do you not have fun playing if you are here?”

Naoki: “I’m gonna give you two pieces of advice. Number one is to get as many death tokens as you can. Number 2 is do not trust anyone in this city. You may think that everyone seems happy and is here because they want to be. Those people down there partying nonstop and drinking like there is no tomorrow is not reality. They are brainwashed. Don’t trust them or anyone else. Stop talking to your so-called friend Izumi. She isn’t a good person. If you do, then you’re going to learn what betrayal is like real fast.”

Welpen: “Izumi? Izumi is a good friend. She helped me in both of these games. She treats me right.”

Naoki: “Do what you want. It’s not my life. Oh, but one more thing if you’re going to be stubborn. Don’t ever listen to that girl at the guild. Whatever she said to you, don’t trust it. Whatever it is will result in you and your buddy’s deaths. If she mentioned a tournament, do not do it. No matter how strong you and your friend really are, if you were not born here, you cannot win.”

Welpen: “H-How did you know th–”

Naoki: “Shh. Let’s start the game. Pick your plate.”

Welpen thought, ‘He sure is being mean. His attitude stinks. He doesn’t know that I’m trying to find Isara. Izumi, Astro, and I are good friends, but I have to find Isara. That’s okay. Naoki doesn’t understand. Although…’

Naoki: “Let’s go. Pick your plate. I’m not waiting any longer.”

Welpen stuck his tongue out at him and threw his hands in the hair.

Welpen: “Idiot! I’m going, I’m going. I pick the middle.”

The sparks flew out of both sides, but this time very quickly. They went fast from end to end. In the blink of an eye, Naoki’s spark went out a little more than halfway as Welpen’s continued all the way across to Naoki’s side. The plate cocked underneath him.

Welpen: “Wh-What? No way! Yes! I won! Agh. Sorry. I don’t want to kill anyone, but Izumi assured me that this technically isn’t killing anyone. And if you wanted to lose, then I don’t feel so bad. Oh, sorry. Win, not lose.”

Naoki: “I’ll see you at the bottom. It’s your choice if you want to remember what I said. I won’t help you again. I would relay my message to your buddy if you don’t want to stay in this place forever. See ya.”

Dynamite exploded underneath the metal platform and he went flying along with the flames below. Welpen saw him for a second before he was no longer in sight. ‘This place is too confusing. It’s too much for my brain. Anyways, how do I get down now?’ he thought.

As he thought this, a hatch opened again like before on the floor. Death Bringer didn’t say anything when the game ended this time. Welpen decided just to jump down like before and go back to the room. This roof was giving him too much trauma. When he jumped down, he became more excited than before. It was fun going down now, knowing that he wouldn’t die, but the thought of continuing these games was haunting him.