Bodies were strewn across the ground. Countless members lost their lives fighting this behemoth of a monster. It was spontaneous, we never really expected anything, it was like any other day, however, one call, that’s all it took. Everybody assembled to kill it.

Across from me, I see a cryo mage slowly freezing the lake that seemed like a puddle under its feet. It’s four gargantuan legs continued to stand tall like skyscrapers looming over us. Its scale-like skin was cut with swords and spears and screams from members filled the battlefield.

“Tanks, aggro!”

The mage screamed, men and women with heavy shields came forward. As the lake turned muddy with all the stomping the monster did, everybody used their skill to call on its aggro.

“Can’t you freeze it or something?”

Even without feeling the weather inside the game, our characters became sluggish with debilitating effects. Fear stacked, mud and water made us slower, the cold became cumbersome. Worse, the AOE magic didn’t discriminate.

“I’m… trying! The resist is too high, crap--! Priest, res!”

The looming monster stood in front of me, but even with all the intimidation, a game monster was still from a screen. How would it feel to see it looming over me personally? Would I really have that same fear my character is experiencing?

The continuous stream of injured didn’t seem to stop and even as I counted all those I healed, we were running out of soldiers.

Soon, the earth shook even stronger and loud thumps approached us. Soldiers ran screaming for us to flee, but saying and doing it are completely different things. We stood in place, stuck and confused about what’s happening.

The thumps got closer and closer and I can see that no one had the ability to even move. We were so focused on healing that we forgot to keep our guard up.

*boom, boom boom* it sounded loudly, with every step, trees crashed and crushed under it. Paws, rather, claws came crashing down at the booming sound and a big lion stood 10 foot high looming over us.

Its muddy colored fur was mangled, ridden with wounds. Blood dripped from its mouth and its teeth were bared for us to see. Its tail stood high behind it while its wings hovered atop the trees.

Shock was quickly replaced by fear. Our breathing got harsher as I saw, no, feel each and everyone around turn pale. There was no life flashing before our eyes, there was no time to think of anything at all. Even though I prioritised Lex’s safety, my fear and nothing but fear filled my brain.

Steam almost seemed to come out from its mouth while it huffed seeing a clustered group of humans just sitting right in front. Its eyes glowed red from rage while its wings slowly opened. It dug its claws, clenching and then finally roaring.

This time, everybody blanked out. The fear that paralysed us had triggered our fight or flight response. Healers ran away from the barrier Gael placed while soldiers who’re able to stand brandished their swords. The rowdy mercenaries stepped forward, ready to defend all those incapable of fighting.

There, I realised, I felt that feeling I saw on the screen. The debilitating effect that is called fear.

“Bea! ….”

.

.

.

Paralysed, I could only look at the monster. I couldn’t even think of its name although I’ve seen it several times.

.

.

.

“Mom!”

A tiny hand pulled on my arm. It brought a semblance of clarity to the drowning fear I was feeling. Looking down, I saw my child worry with tears in his eyes. Looking at me with eyes asking if I’m alright.

Like cold water pouring over me, I thought of my priorities.

“Lex, I need you to go back to the city with Skoll and Hati and inform the guards.”

“But--!”

His face said no, there was fear in his eyes but not the same fear I felt. His was the fear of losing me.

“I love you very much. Mommy is scared but I promise, I will come back.”

Saying so reminded me of my husband screaming that I’m basically raising a death flag, but, how could I reassure him without the promise of coming back?

“No, mom!”

He refused. His eyes, firm, filled with determination.

“Lex, please. Return to the city, you promised me.”

He wavered, his innocent eyes were filled and glossy with regret.

“Wait until tonight. If I don’t come back, you may come looking for me, but if the manticore is still alive, I want you to run back, you hear?”

I held his arms tightly. Forcing him to not go back on his promise. Begrudgingly, he nodded his head, rode Skoll, and ran towards the direction of the city.

Seeing his fleeing figure, I turned to face the scary monster. For some reason, my disposition changed and it feels like I’m playing a game.