Before Ace could even scream the boss's sword flicked the dozen front liners into blue dust. The boss was fierce. She couldn't remember his name, for his sword consumed all her thoughts and her fears stirred at the pit of her stomach. If she died, would she see Nick in death? Would she see nothing at all? Ace wanted to wake up. She wanted to wake up and remove the helmet that confined her for so long. 

The last of the front liners hesitated as they silently mourned their colleagues. 

Ace swallowed that little voice that told her to turn back and run. It sank to her toes and made her want to puke. Ace always wondered if you could puke in the game. No time to see now.

Ace turned back at the front liners and screeched, "You gonna let those sorry bastards die in fucking [i]vain?[/i]" Ace grimaced as a few others kept the boss's attention. "[i]Move already you dumbasses![/i]"