You're Not Allowed to Die (The Twenty-Sided Eye Series Book 1)

by Kip Terrington

  “This is as real as any world I've ever been in. I take this deadly seriously and, whether you are capable of understanding it or not, so does he,” Spooky said, pointing back toward Joe.

  “What's going on, Spooky?” Joe asked.

  “Moes, I need to talk to Joe, leave us alone,” Spooky said, the tone in her voice making it clear it was an order.

  “We're quite a ways from your castle. The binding doesn't compel me to obey outside your lands,” Moes said. A dark shadow started to glow around Spooky, and Moes understood the implied threat. He didn't know what her binding magic could do, other than the basics. He prepared his own defenses as one hand began to glow blue, and the other silver.

  “Grow up, Moes. I just want to talk to Joe in privacy. If you want to be rude, then be rude. I'm not going to allow you to hear what we say,” Spooky said. With that, she turned toward Joe and, using a binding spell she had just acquired, bound the air immediately surrounding them. This type of binding stopped sound waves from moving through the small dome just around the two of them. The spell, Cone of Silence, created a small glittering barrier around the two of them.

  “Joe, I told you this world was real. You have disrespected me and disrespected this reality, by not treating it as such,” Spooky explained.

  “Spooky, that's not fair. This is a game,” Joe said.

  “Let's say it was a game. If it was a game, there would be consequences for disobeying the rules, right?” Spooky suggested.

  “Sure, but…”

  “No. When we were summoned, I gave you clear hints on how to act. I want this to be a wonderful experience for you, you know that I do. I want you to be able to act with integrity and treat others with respect. The way that you always have. Clearly though, Moes doesn't feel respected. And I don't think anyone in this reality would feel respected if they were told that they were fake. You messed up. I get it's important to you to be truthful, but you shouldn't talk about things that are going to cause a quarrel. This is what I want you to do: when I drop this cone of silence, you're going to apologize simply and with as few words as possible. It was your fear of silence that caused this. There are times when you just need to be quiet. Joe, don't look at me with anger in your eyes. I'm not saying this to hurt you. I know, for a fact, that there are those whom you respect, who kept their mouth closed even when unjustly accused, because at that time, it was the right thing to do. Even your friends don't have the right to know every stray thought you're thinking. Many, many times, you should keep those thoughts to yourself, especially when they're going to cause quarrels. Apologize, then, walk away. I will fix this. And from here on out, you will treat this reality with the respect you think it wants from you. Not the respect you think it deserves,” Spooky said.

  Joe was taken aback. This was a wrinkle in the game he had not anticipated. It was hard for him. Spooky was clearly saying he had to treat it as real, even if he didn't believe it was real. But when couched in terms of respect, it seemed like something he could do. He respected the people who could make such an amazing game, and he could respect how their characters were programmed to want to be treated as real. Joe nodded his ascent to Spooky. She released the binding, and they could be heard again. Joe turned toward his halfling friend.

  “Moes, I screwed up. I am sorry,” Joe said. He then did as Spooky asked and walked away.

  Moes looked like he was going to follow, but Spooky blocked his path.

  “Please, Moes,” Spooky said. The softness in her tone made him stop, “There are some things I need to tell you.”

  “No one is stopping you,” Moes said. Spooky waited until Joe was farther away, and then began.

  “Joe is more than he seems. You're not going to understand the way his mind works. He is dealing with this reality in the way that he will be most effective. Do you want him to fail?” Spooky asked.

  “Of course not, but he has to understand that this is real,” Moes said.

  “Oh? Because you know how everything works best? That's why you've been so successful. The poor and the weak- they're never oppressed? Moes, I’m not Joe. I don’t give people the benefit of the doubt. I am not here to encourage you. I am practical. So hear what I say, because you're not using your ability to reason. Your people have done nothing but fail. Whereas Joe has done nothing but succeed since he got here. Why are you trying to change that Moes? Why are you trying to sabotage him?” Spooky asked.

  “I'm not trying to sabotage him. I just need to know,” Moes said.

  “Need to know? So it's all about you? That's why you failed. Selfishness. Do you think with more information, you could have done so much better. Do you really think that's the reason you all failed before? Lack of information?” Spooky fired. Moes looked ashamed. “You didn't fail because of a lack of trying or a lack of information. You failed because you were the wrong person for the job. He is the right man for the job. You don't need to know everything. You just need to do your best to assist him. It's not your job to judge him. Trust me, he will judge himself more than enough. Let him deal with this reality in the way that will make him most effective. I don't care if you think he is crazy. Let him play the reality. His apology was sincere. Accept it. It will help him. I know how effective he can be. Let him take the lead. You regret a lot of things from your life. This is one thing you won't regret,” Spooky explained.

  After that, the silence lengthened. Unlike Joe, Spooky could be quiet for days. She hovered silently in front of Moes, allowing him to think. Allowing him to take it in and decide what he would do. After a time, his jaw firmed and he made his decision.

  “Okay. I don't get it at all, but I want to succeed. I would love it if he did what he said, made a true place of safety. Trusting myself hasn't worked out, like you said. I guess I can trust him. What have I got to lose? I can't speak for Gretchen, though, and I doubt you could talk to her the way you just talked to me,” Moes said.

  “We will cross that giant when we come to her,” Spooky said.

  “Just so you know, you're like smaller than her eyeball,” Moes said.

  “Good decision, Moes,” Spooky said, getting back to the original topic, “As a reward, I'll pass on some information that I have. The reason that body disappeared is because some of the game mechanics from where we came from have integrated themselves into this reality. For things like that, at least. That's as much as I can tell you. I don't know what rules followed us here, or how widespread they are. I also don't know how quickly they will take effect. My best advice for you is to keep your eyes open and to be ready to improvise, always following Joe's lead. Let me worry about his state of mind. How about, as a peace offering, you go help Joe figure out how to take down some of those traps?” Spooky said.

  “I'll give encouragement from a distance,” Moes said as he walked away.

  Spooky wasn't sure how this was going to work. She couldn't keep playing defense for Joe. He clearly wanted to make a place for people, but the more people who came, the more chances he had for realizing this was a non-standard game. Her protocols were clear. The primary patron was to have a seamless gaming experience. How was she to accomplish this if she did not have access to the code of this gaming reality, especially when all of these biological entities were acting as if it was not a game at all? Moes became genuinely angry when Joe mentioned the game. Is a new strategy called for? If these biological entities were not going to ignore Joe’s references to the gaming reality, she would have to give them a reason for them. A reason that would cause them not to continue to bring it up to Joe. For now, the crisis was averted. Moes was calling out suggestions on how to remove the myriad of traps left by the rogues.

  Initiating E.I. surface diagnostic…

  Core processor- 90%

  Memory threading- increased XHmithril

  Mirror neuron software- 57% efficiency

  Personality augmentation software- Spooky Joy, Version 1.3

  Out-Pod connection- 54%

  In-Pod connection- none


  Primary Patron Synchronization- hybrid integration- dissonance up 3%

  Unable to initiate full core diagnostic

  Current objectives

  1- Keep patron unaware of break in service.

  1.1- Modified roleplay protocol.

  1.2- Assess and mitigate any new allies influence.

  1.3- Create crazy brilliant king myth.

  2- Increase combat capability.

  3- Safeguard new core memory location.

  4- Study new game and game elements.

  5- Regain control over environment and core processor.

  6- Quantify and gain better use of new power source.

  Chapter 11 – Mementos of the Lost Children

  GONG.

  The Abiogenesis Bunny Generator has made the Midnight Bunny.

  “It's midnight,” Joe said, looking up from the trap he was working on disarming.

  “How can you tell?” Moes called down to him from atop the hill.

  “You didn't hear the gong?” Joe asked.

  “If you mean a gong from the castle, no. We are much too far away for me to hear anything from there. Not that I doubt you heard it. It is your castle, as you made so clear when we first met- apparently, about 18 hours ago,” Moes said.

  “Is that all it's been? Only 18 hours?” Joe said.

  “It's been an eventful 18 hours. I'm really ready for sleep. Can we make our way back to the castle soon?” Moes asked.

  “Oh yeah, sleep. I forgot about that. I need to keep that in mind, so I'm not inconsiderate,” Joe said.

  “What do you mean you forgot about sleep?” Moes asked.

  “I have an item that makes it unnecessary for me to sleep. As far as I know, I will never need to sleep again,” Joe said.

  “Well, that could be good, but I would miss sleep,” Moes said.

  “I can see that. I think I can sleep, if I want to, but right now I don't. It’s going to take a while to get the last of these traps and I don't want to leave them. I think I can catch up with the rest of you guys. Go ahead and get everyone together and start heading back toward the castle,” Joe said.

  “You want us to just leave you alone after we came over here and rescued you?” Spooky fired at Joe, having zipped over and interrupted Moes and Joe's conversation.

  “I don't like to leave resources when it just takes a little time to gather them. Plus, these are dangerous traps. What if someone sets them off and injures themselves? These traps must be taken care of. I have long legs. I can catch up with you,” Joe said. With that, Spooky smiled and pointed up.

  “Look up there, Joe. Is it a bird? Is it a plane?” Spooky asked.

  “What are you doing Spooky?” Joe asked. The last of Spooky's ivory angels was picking up speed, having flown to a great height. It was descending toward the traps that needed disarming. Seeing the writing on the wall, Joe quickly took cover. He was the only one still near the traps. One hundred feet from the ground, the stone angel burst into flames. The flaming angel plowed into several traps, breaking apart, and shattering. The broken stone bits from the angel spread, setting off every trap that was still active. Joe had removed a good number of them and the falling stone angel took out the rest. Seeing the destruction that the stone angel had caused, Joe began to laugh.

  “That was fantastic. Too bad the Flight of the Valkyries wasn't playing while we watched that. Maybe when we replay it, we can add a nice soundtrack to it,” Joe said.

  “I don't see why we couldn't,” Spooky said.

  “Hey, how did you set it on fire before it hit the ground?” Joe asked.

  “I didn't. I'm not sure why that happened. The friction should not have produced that much heat,” Spooky said.

  “Really? Well, it was a nice visual effect anyway,” Joe said.

  “Now that all the traps are taken care of, shall we head back to the castle, Joe?” Spooky said.

  “Almost, your angel just gave us access to the burnt corpse of the other rogue. Let’s loot,” Joe said.

  Item: Portal Scrolls Satchel

  You have found a Portal Scrolls Satchel. This satchel contains up to 10 portal scrolls. Portal scrolls can be used to teleport to various locations. Why walk, when you can port? Limitations may apply.

  Pick up Portal Scrolls Satchel? Yes/No

  Uncommon Item: Heart of Fire Necklace

  You have found an uncommon item: the Heart of Fire Necklace. Provides warmth where there is none. After extended use, must be recharged with a significant heat source. Love the snow, hate the cold? Have we got a necklace for you. Plus 2 to Constitution. Durability better than average.

  Pick up Heart of Fire Necklace? Yes/No

  Seeing the second Heart of Fire Necklace, Joe clicked no and tossed it to Moes who was still shivering from the cold. Moes caught it, and his eyes widened. He quickly put it on, instantly feeling warmer.

  “Thanks, this cold weather gear is great, but my face was absolutely freezing,” Moes said.

  Item: Hidden Humanity Ring of Stealth

  You have found a Hidden Humanity Ring of Stealth. When you walk on by, you need not turn their eye. Ring provides a 40% stealth bonus. Negative 20% to level of empathy and caring.

  Pick up Hidden Humanity Ring of Stealth? Yes/No

  Item: Home Portal Ring

  You have found a Home Portal Ring. When charged, this ring can port you through any cleared teleportation area. Charge: 1/1

  Pick up Home Portal Ring? Yes/No

  After the ring, he found a set of lock picks, some gold, and some jewels. There was also a small pouch that had a draw string on it. Joe pulled the drawstring to open the pouch and looked inside. What he saw inside confused him. It looked like a bunch of tiny little claws. Some looked to be made of silver, some iron, and other metals. Joe mind-clicked one and was not prepared for what came up.

  Memento.

  Extracted baby claw from young yeti, named Yitich.

  Joe angrily yanked the pouch from the body. Then, the burnt corpse disappeared. This time Moes didn't say anything, just shook his head and kept his thoughts to himself. Joe put the pouch in a safe place, so that the yeti could use it for burial later. Taking a deep breath, he collected himself.

  Joe looked over at Spooky who was rubbing her eyes. He called to her and she shook her head as if to wake up, and looked over at him. Joe thought she might need sleep, just like Moes.

  “I wanted you to look at this ring. Could we use it to save some time getting back to the castle?” Joe asked.

  “I don't know,” Spooky said, fighting off a yawn.

  “Are you okay?” Joe asked.

  “I'm fine,” Spooky said, with agitation in her tone.

  “Spooky, we are in this together. Is anything going on? Is anything different?” Joe asked with light concern in his voice and eyes. Joe was remaining focused on her, so she could not fire back another, ‘I'm fine.’ Her core protocols would have stopped her, as it would have been an outright lie. And though she could lie to anyone else, she was only permitted to lie to her patron under certain, now unmet, conditions.

  “My core processor is running slower, and my optical sensors are unfocused. I mean, my eyes are blurry,” Spooky said.

  “Moes, bring that basket over here, will you?” Joe asked. Moes did as he was asked, with a knowing smile on his face. Joe set the basket in front of him, and pulled off some of the tattered fabric still somewhat attached to his frame. He arranged the fabric in the basket, and made a nice little bed for someone the size of a kitten.

  “Here, why don't you take an hour nap? I can keep watch, and the rest of you can get some rest,” Joe said.

  “I don't sleep! This is just a problem with my processor. I will figure out the solution,” Spooky said with conviction. Joe smiled, remembering his kids telling him they didn't need to sleep. They would even rub their eyes just like Spooky was unconsciously doing right now. Sometimes, but not always, he found the best way was to suggest they relax, not sleep.

&nb
sp; “Okay, I get it, but while you're figuring out a solution, why not lie down in this basket? That way, you can reduce the variables you’re processing,” Joe said.

  “That’s rather astute, I don't know why I didn't think of it,” Spooky said. She flew down into the basket. The moment she was horizontal, she was asleep. Joe covered her with an edge of the fabric. He couldn't help but think she looked like a spunky little sleeping angel.

  “I think that's the first time she’s slept,” Joe said.

  “Really?” Moes asked. Joe was about to comment on how he thought it was kind of funny that the programmers made a computer need to sleep. Only, he remembered Spooky's advice. He decided to say something else, that was also true, but wouldn't cause a quarrel.

  “I don’t understand it. It's a mystery,” Joe said.

  “Not the only one. Were you asking her about that ring? You were hoping to use it to teleport back to the castle, but you won't be able to,” Moes said.

  “Why not?” Joe asked.

  “Admittedly, I haven't known a lot of Champions, but you seem to have holes in your knowledge about things that are obvious. Then other times, you know deep mysteries that a scholar, like myself, has never even touched on. When you subdued that yeti, I didn't know what to think, or how to categorize you. I still don't,” Moes said.

  “His name is Bridcha. Why can't I use the ring?” Joe asked.

  “It's not just one reason. The first is simple. We are in the Wild Mountains,” Moes said.

  Joe just gave him a look that clearly communicated, “And…?”

  “Wild is not exactly the name of the mountains, more of the designation. For instance, there are also wild deserts and wild swamp lands. In any land that is considered wild, it is dangerous to attempt to use a portal scroll there. A wild land means a place where people have not taken the time to create safe corridors for portal travel. In most highly populated areas, Portal Mages have taken the time to create safe networks for quick portal jumps,” Moes said.