by Eden Redd
The witch took hold of David’s hand with her free hand and kept her other arm curled around Morgan’s arm. The trio turned and Mina lead them along, walking toward a crowded bar and smiling faces.
***
Time spiraled into a fog. The drinks repeatedly appeared at their high table as Morgan picked up a shot of whiskey and held it up. The three friends clinked their shots before drinking them down and chasing it with cold, frosty beer. The laughing was contagious. Mina and David couldn’t stop talking, going on and on about near misses and laughing louder when Scottie’s head was blown off his shoulders in the last campaign. Morgan sat on the barstool, listening and smiling as the daylight began to dim.
The player knew the Mind’s Eye Helmet sent signals into his brain, showing and feeling what was happening around him. The signals massaged parts of the brain, simulating the effects of alcohol. Never having a drink in real life, he was enjoying it immensely in the game. The cloudy edges and good feelings surged as Mina seemed to talk faster and louder.
Morgan glanced at the open entrance and windows to the bar, noticing the light outside was beginning to dim. It caused his mind to wonder how long they had actually been there. Calling up the game and sever times, he saw that they were in the bar for at least five hours, but the game time indicated sunset was happening within thirty minutes.
“Scottie was shouting ‘Leroy Jenkins’ right before that plasma bolt sent his burning head spinning through the air,” David shouted and laughed over the bar noise. “I couldn’t stop laughing as I kept firing at Naliks.”
“You didn’t hear when he tried to ask me out before the battle,” Mina slurred and laughed, “He told me that he was going to take Gold Rank to prove his undying love to me. He never let me get a word in edgewise, I only date Platinum ranked players!”
Morgan tapped the table as he kept his gaze to the outside, “Hey…you guys noticed that it’s getting dark already?”
The witch and mutant looked over and turned back to their friend.
Mina spoke first, “My tutorial teacher told me Driftwood Cove functions on a sixteen-hour time table instead of twenty-four. Eight hours of day and eight hours of night. It’s so the night dwellers and day dwellers can enjoy the game.”
“This is going to really mess with my sleep schedule,” David said before guzzling down more beer.
“You’re such an old man,” Mina teased.
“Yea, but I bet tonight you’re going to brew potions in your gothic home. Just don’t spill any water on yourself, you might melt away.”
Mina punched David’s arm, “That’s a myth! I find your view demeaning and offensive to my people!”
“Careful, a house might fall on you and your people,” The purple brute chuckled as he tried to keep his immense body from tipping off the tiny stool.
“I bet fire will teach you a lesson, mutant!”
“Bring it witch girl,” David sneered and he gulped down more beer.
Mina was about to verbally go full tilt when Morgan looked to them with a drunken smile. The player enjoyed watching his friends having fun. The whole time, the darkness in his heart seemed to fade away to a silent whisper. Seeing his friends and other people enjoying themselves set off a feeling he hadn’t felt a long time, simple joy.
“Let’s go dancing,” the player said simply.
Mina and David stared, their minds sobering up slightly.
“Do you mean it,” David said with an uncertain edge.
“Yea. We’ve been here for hours and maybe we should take in more of downtown before we head back. This is our vacation, right?”
The purple mutant glanced over to the witch, “I think he’s coming around.”
Mina stood up on shaky legs, hand holding the table to keep herself steady. “Let’s go!”
The three friends stumbled out into the street, giggling and laughing like hyenas. The air was cool as Morgan shook off the alcoholic effects, breathing in the crisp scents. Latching onto each other for dear life, the trio made their way down Main Street. Between laughing and spinning around to get their bearings, the three looked to places to see if there was any place to dance. The sun sank lower in the sky, giving off yellows and reds as the warmth of the day began to recede.
Music vibrated and pulsed down the street, closer to the water. Morgan stood straighter and tried to walk, his balance a little off. Mina laughed before stumbling and landing on her hands and knees. David’s big hand scooped her up and placed her back on her feet as several townsfolk clapped in approval.
Stars began to shine across the sky as the sun sank lower. Morgan tried to focus, making his way, weaving from side to side. The odd stress of joining such a game like Digital Hearts melted to the background as drunken bravery took root. Memories of dance simulator programs flowed through his addled mind and a spark of courage pushed him to give it a real try in front of others.
Morgan stopped and weaved as he stood before a place. Music and lights flashed onto the street from a wide window as the player looked up to the sign. It read, “Black Magic Club.” Morgan nodded to himself as he walked to the door, glancing over to the window and seeing the place was packed with bodies. Hearing Mina and David behind him, Morgan took hold of the door and opened it.
Music blared as smoke and light washed over him. Morgan smiled and stepped into the wondrous chaos. The club had a huge dance floor with tall tables surrounding it. Bars took up three walls while patrons talked and drank. The middle dance floor was filled with people and as Morgan stopped short, Mina and David nearly crashed into him. Patrons danced, but their bodies jerked in weird ways. The player wondered if everyone was having a seizure from the light and smoke show. It was so odd, the player simply stared as Mina moved to his right and David to his left.
“What’s wrong with everyone,” David asked with a smirk.
“It’s the first day. I think everyone is learning how to dance,” Mina shouted over the music.
“You mean we have to learn how to dance,” Morgan said as doubt colored his previous bravery.
Mina nodded. “Just because you can do things well in other games doesn’t mean it translates here. You have to learn everything again here in Digital Hearts. It is a life simulator. How much fun would it be if you already knew everything.”
David shook his head, “I’m not ready to put myself out there just yet. I’m going to the bar to get some drinks.”
“I need a refresher,” Mina shouted.
Morgan watched the crowd, seeing players having fun despite their jerky movements. They were brave enough to start learning how to dance. How hard could it be?
“I’m going in,” Morgan said and stepped toward the writhing crowd.
David and Mina cheered their friend on as Morgan entered the dance floor. The player smiled as he found the beat and began to dance. Body jerking and twisting, embarrassment caused his face to glow red. Thankfully the club was dark or he would have turned around and marched back to bar. Thudding music cascaded over his senses and Morgan tried to hold onto his thin line of courage. Glancing to people around him, they were just as bad as he was and it brought a sliver of comfort. Enough for him to keep going. Body twisting and jerking, disrupting the natural flow of his body began to frustrate the player until he forced himself to spin and around and stamp his food. Some of the patrons around him looked over and smiled as he kept trying to control his body. When he spun and kicked in the air, several people clapped and raised their hands in the air to him.
You gained a point in Skill!
You gained a point in Style!
Morgan’s eyes widened and a smile bloomed as the alerts scrolled across his vision. He understood now that taking chances brought rewards. Seeing the alerts emboldened him to keep trying new things and some of the people dancing cheered and tried to copy him. Fear and trepidation folded into the background as he kept trying, dancing with everything he had.
You gained a point in Attractiveness!
Morgan looked
to several women as they danced closer, eyeing him with interest. The player smiled as his body jerked and moved in odd ways. The dancing grew a little more streamlined and soon he found himself moving like a normal person. The energy level skyrocketed as the beat thundered on. Heat exploded from Morgan as he tried to keep up. Sweat beaded on his brow as he moved more and more like his old self. A woman danced closer, smiling brightly. Morgan gave her a flirty grin as they both were caught in each other’s gravity. Watching and moving, the player saw that she was fit and wore a tight top and leggings. She seemed to glow in his gaze and the flirty smile she gave only egged him on to keep dancing. Her hair was dark, but when the lights flashed across it, it seemed brownish. Morgan wanted to keep going, but when the beat slowed down, he quickly realized how much of a hot mess he must have looked. Taking a deep breath, he gave the woman a wide smile before dancing backwards to the bar.
The woman watched as Morgan spun and danced away, her smile fading a little. Morgan wanted to stay, but his body was pouring virtual sweat and he needed a breather. Part of him wanted to pull her along with him, but another part thought it would be odd to bring a stranger over to his friends. Dancing back and turning around, Morgan’s eyes flashed wide as he crashed into a tall table.
A woman with long black hair and pale skin raised her book as her drink spilled onto the table. Morgan grabbed the glass and stood it up, its contents all over the table and dripping off the sides.
“I’m really sorry,” Morgan said as he grabbed napkins off a nearby table and began cleaning it up.
The woman stared, annoyance written in every inch of her brow. Morgan wiped up the spilt drink as he looked up to the frowning face. Dark eyes studied him as Morgan’s gaze fell to the book pressed against her more than ample chest. Reading the title, he smiled enthusiastically.
“Dracula is a great book,” Morgan said, absently forgetting he spilled her drink.
The woman stared, her face unchanging and demeanor cold.
Morgan remembered what just happened and bowed his head, “I’m so sorry for spilling your drink. I can buy you a new one.”
“Go away,” she said with an artic chill.
Morgan’s shoulders deflated as he nodded and walked away. Walking around the high tables and chairs, he looked up to see the smiling faces of his friends. David clapped as Mina gave a thumbs up. When he reached the bar, a big hand patted him on the shoulder.
“You were doing so well,” David said before signaling the bartender for another drink and pointing to Morgan.
“Don’t let that bitch ruin your good time. I saw how the other girls on the dance floor were watching you,” Mina grinned before taking a swig of her drink.
“I know, but I’m still getting used to this environment,” Morgan said as a drink slid in front of him. “Feels like I’m starting from scratch.”
“You have a dating life we don’t know about,” David chuckled.
Morgan grinned. “We all have our secret lives.”
“Uh oh, he’s getting all mysterious again,” David laughed before guzzling his drink.
Mina glanced over her shoulder and then looked to her friends. “Heads up, potential love interest is approaching. Eject! Eject!”
Morgan spun around as Mina walked past him and grabbed David’s thick arm. The two friends walked away as the woman Morgan previously was dancing with approached with a bright smile. The player spun around, nearly tipping his drink before righting himself and returning her smile.
“I thought I should come over and introduce myself. My name is Karen.”
“Morgan,” the player smiled.
Karen moved to the empty space beside him and leaned against the bar. “You were dancing really well. Some people on the dance floor had been at it for over an hour and not showing any improvement.”
“I thought I put myself out there,” Morgan grinned. “Can I buy you a drink?”
Karen nodded and the player called over the bartender. The smoky air drifted to the bar as the two fell into small talk. Morgan found himself staring at Karen. She was beautiful, but a little shy. She seemed to let him do all the talking, but her gaze never left him. Morgan began to feel self-conscious and the new friend seemed to notice.
“Do you want to walk around,” Karen asked simply as she checked her purse strap over her shoulder.
“That actually sounds perfect,” the player nodded a little too fast.
Morgan glanced to his friends further down the bar, heads nodding and smiling wide. Karen took Morgan’s hands and pulled him with her, the player taking one last swig before placing the glass on the bar top. Following along, the two exited the club and stepped out into the street.
The sun had fully set and stars shined in the black heavens. Morgan took in a deep breath as he walked alongside Karen. The woman eyed him as they stepped along the street, it curving to the beach. Heat flowed as Morgan tried to walk like a normal person. The drinks caused his body to sway, but he remained upright as they stepped off the street and onto the beach.
Waves gently crashed on wet sand as couples and small groups walked along the pristine beach. The sounds of the waves and the scent of the sea let Morgan relax just enough to leave a stupid smile on his face. Despite his initial misgivings, he was having fun. Karen never let go of his hand and the player found his thumb caressing the back of her hand. The beautiful woman didn’t seem to mind, her fingers holding him tighter. Large rocks stood up along the sandy beach. The player walked on, wondering if the game was truly a vacation. Now that he walked with a pretty woman at his side, he wondered if the rest of the game was like this. It felt so easy and at the same time, so unbelievable. It was the first day and simply from dancing, he had found someone who had potential. He had no idea what she was really like, but he assumed that was why they were here, walking along the beach and getting to know each other.
“The first day is pretty exciting,” Karen said over the sound of crashing waves.
“It almost feels like a dream,” Morgan slurred.
“Have you decided on a career?”
“I thought I would check that first thing tomorrow. I have no idea what job I would take, but that’s part of the fun.”
Karen nodded. “I looked over careers before I came out. So many to choose from, but I think I like the Mad Scientist career.”
Morgan’s eyes widened a hair. “There’s a Mad Scientist job?”
Karen smiled. “There is a job for just about everything. Depending on what you choose, it will grant bonuses to aid in your development.”
“What kind of bonuses would a Mad Scientist give,” Morgan asked out of genuine curiosity.
Karen gave him a warm smile, “Knowledge and Skill bonuses. Plus, as I advance, I can do some cool things like make monsters and have wild experiments.”
Morgan kept his smile. “Sounds…fun?”
Karen nodded. “I always like trying new things. I sometimes have poor impulse control and hope the career will help me focus.”
Morgan wasn’t sure what to think. She seemed nice, but some of the things she was saying were throwing red flags. Not that he wasn’t one to talk when he thought back to his collection of teeth. The impulses were always there, but he hadn’t considered taking a career in the game to help curb his desires. A part of him whispered that the game might be therapeutic, but another distrustful side spoke to him, saying he should walk away.
Karen’s gaze turned downward as she didn’t let go of Morgan’s hand. “Even now, I’m having a difficult time with what I want to do next.”
Morgan eyed the brown-haired beauty when she turned and flung her arms around his neck. A half a second later, her lips pressed against his as the white noise of the sea played on around them. Warmth spread and Morgan’s wide eyes stared at Karen’s closed eyes. He thought things wouldn’t progress as quickly as they were, but as lips parted and tongues touched, a long-ago primal urge stirred from its cave. Eyes half closing, the player enjoyed the sudden kiss, tong
ues dancing.
Karen pressed her body to his, the warmth between them growing. Pulling back slightly, she inhaled Morgan’s scent with half closed eyes. “Like right now.”
Morgan realized he had his hands on her waist and found it difficult to let go.
“Maybe it’s the first day excitement, but…do you want to go someplace a little more private?”
Morgan nodded.
A heart shape appeared over Karen’s head as she gave him a shy smile. The player’s eyes widened as he realized he just achieved a heart. Mind working, he knew he needed two more, but a strange oddness crawled into the excitement. Karen seemed nice, but she seemed to move a little fast. Wondering if she might slow down, it couldn’t hurt to spend some private time together. He couldn’t remember the last time he had sex or gratified his urges and it seemed to show as he held her to him. The constant fighting and earning credits had consumed him and when he had a little time for himself, he went hunting.
“I think I saw a small motel on the beach not far from here,” Karen said slyly.
The player was silent as Karen pulled away, but took his hand again. Gently pulled along, blood drained from his brain as the urges roared in his ears. The drinks, dancing and the calm atmosphere caused him to fall into a relaxed state. Why be so serious? It was just two people going to a motel for some private time. Morgan mentally re-lived how he would hook up with players before that dark moment in his personal history. All it took was a glance or a flirty remark and they would be in private rooms. There was little to next to no talking, caught in natural urges. When it was over, they logged out and he would savor the experience.
Morgan stumbled along as Karen moved like she was on a mission. The player glanced to the black ocean and white foaming waves when something emerged from the waters. It was only for a second, but it gleamed in the diffused light before sinking back down in a swirl of white foam. Unable to focus, Morgan pushed the sudden image away when they were back on the street and moving toward a glowing sign in the distance.
A sign stood against the town backdrop, the beach touching a wooden walkway. The sign for the “Firelight Motel” glowed in neon as small beach homes clustered together. The homes all looked alike and when Karen and Morgan stepped onto the wood walkway, they noticed couples stepping into some and closing doors behind them. The motel gave off a creepy vibe, one Morgan couldn’t ignore. He trusted his instincts and it was plain as day the motel was a cheap one at that.
