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Avery was so close. He was so close, and D3rlord3 was still pushing him away, saying he shouldn't be involved. He's never felt so heated about a Minecraft conversation before, his eyes stinging with unshed tears as he types furiously into chat, doing everything he can to get D3rlord3 to just listen, but he won't.
His heart pounds in his chest, almost louder than the clacking of keys in front of him. This can't be how it ends, he won't let this be how it ends, he can't have gone through all of this for nothing.
Yet, D3rlord3 still pushes, still steps closer, making Avery back up to keep some distance between them, until he's by the ledge.
<d3rlord3> You're not leaving?
<TheMostMayo> No
<d3rlord3> You're staying?
His lips press together. He feels like he's getting through to D3rlord3, but something still nags in the back of his mind, screaming that something is wrong.
<TheMostMayo> I'm not leaving, D3rlord
<TheMostMayo> I can't let this all be for nothing
<TheMostMayo> We've been through too much
<TheMostMayo> There has to be another way to save you
...
D3rlord3's avatar just stands there, silent, for what feels like an eternity. What's happening? Did his internet go out? Why is he taking so long?
Finally, a message pops up in chat.
<d3rlord3> It's too late for me Avery
<d3rlord3> I'm already dead
He pauses at that. Already dead? No he isn't, he's right here, Avery is talking to him, he still has a chance.
<TheMostMayo> NO YOU'RE NOT
<TheMostMayo> YOU'RE STILL HERE TALKING TO ME
<TheMostMayo> WE CAN GO BACK, FIND ANOTHER WAY
<TheMostMayo> YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS
<d3rlord3> Avery
<d3rlord3> I mean this in the most literal sense
<d3rlord3> I am dead
<d3rlord3> I've been dead since I first walked through those gates
Avery's heart sinks to his stomach. What is that supposed to mean, what does that mean.
His hands tremble as he reaches to type again.
<TheMostMayo> what do you mean
<d3rlord3> A human brain isn't made to handle that kind of information
<d3rlord3> I'm stuck here, my body is long gone
<d3rlord3> I can't save myself, but I can still save you
<d3rlord3> So please, disconnect, delete this world
<d3rlord3> Dont let my death be in vain
...
He's... already gone. This whole time, D3rlord3 was already dead. His mind is trapped in the game, his body died months ago when he first saw the King. Avery can't save him.
He can't save him.
D3rlord3 is dead.
He can't save him.
Hot tears rush down Avery's face, unnoticed, all of Avery's attention on the avatar in front of him.
He never even knew him.
He didn't get the chance.
His heart hurts, he feels like he can't breathe.
<d3rlord3> I'm sorry
Sorry? For what, for being—
D3rlord3 punches him off the platform.
He scrambles to move, but it's too late, he's already falling, D3rlord3 shrinking above him until there's nothing but darkness around him.
<d3rlord3> Until next time, friend
[Connection Lost]
Avery is still, staring at the text on screen. His heart twists painfully in his chest, his eyes burning from the overflow of tears. D3rlord3 is gone.
He's gone and Avery could do nothing.
Distantly, he hears explosions outside, sees colors flooding his room, but he barely notices any of it. How could he? There is nothing to celebrate.
After a few minutes, the realization of what just happened catches up with him, and he starts choking on his sobs. He collapses on his keyboard, arms hiding his face as he sobs into the keys, loud, pitiful wailing.
There will be no next time.