Round 912 Transcript

As we edge our way along the pit's edge, Varikka's injured ankle throbs in agony, and I can feel her wobbling beneath me. The Guardian's rage-filled gaze fixes on us, its eyes burning with an even greater intensity. Suddenly, a section of the floor gives way beneath us, and we find ourselves teetering on the edge of the chasm. In a split second, Varikka's foot slips, and she nearly tumbles into the darkness below. I react swiftly, grabbing her arm and holding tight to prevent her from falling. The Guardian takes advantage of our momentary distraction to charge forward, its massive form barreling towards us with deadly precision.

Varrika, hold on! I've got you. I grab Varrika's arm just as she starts to slip over the edge. The sudden weight pulls at my own footing and I stagger, nearly losing my balance. But I lock my knees, digging in with my heels against the crumbling stone. The Guardian is almost upon us now, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground. I can see the rage burning in its eyes, the drool dripping from its jaws as it snarls. There's no time to think, only to act. I tighten my grip on Varrika's arm, pulling her back towards me with all my strength. "Varrika, you've got to help me here!" I shout, my voice hoarse with effort. "Get your feet under you and push off the wall!"

For a moment, I think she might not be able to hear me over the roar of the beast and the groaning of the tower around us. But then, she seems to find some reserve of strength within herself. With a grunt of pain, she braces her good foot against the chamber wall and pushes off, throwing her weight back towards me. The sudden shift in momentum catches me off guard and I stumble backwards, nearly losing my grip on Varrika's arm. But I manage to stay on my feet, my boots sliding on the loose rubble as I scramble to maintain my balance. The Guardian is almost upon us now, its massive form looming over us like a shadow. I can feel the heat of its breath on my face, smell the foul stench of its rage. But there's no time to be afraid - only to keep moving, to keep fighting. "Varrika," I gasp, my chest heaving with exertion as I struggle to keep us both upright. "We need to get across this pit. Can you make it if I boost you up?"

She looks at me, her eyes wide with fear and pain. But there's a glimmer of determination there too, a spark of the warrior she is. She nods once, sharply, and braces herself against the wall. "Alright then," I say, taking a deep breath. "On three. One... two..."

And then, before I can even finish counting, I'm hauling her up onto my shoulders, my muscles screaming with the effort. She wobbles for a moment, her injured ankle threatening to send her tumbling back down. But she manages to find her balance, to push off from my shoulders and leap across the gap. For a heartbeat, it seems like she might not make it. Her outstretched hands scrabble at the ledge on the other side, her fingers digging into the stone. But then, with a final desperate heave, she manages to pull herself up and over, collapsing onto the relative safety of the far side. I sag with relief, my heart pounding in my chest as I watch her struggle to her feet. But there's no time to rest - not yet. The Guardian is still barreling towards me, its massive form blotting out the light. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I know I have to do. And then, with a wordless cry of defiance, I turn and face the beast, my hands balled into fists at my sides. Come on then, you overgrown mutt, I think, my lips curling into a sneer. Let's see what you've got.