There were a number of ways to kill someone. Most went for the quick kill, hoping to make them start their quest over with a time delay. Or if a person was injured, with their life levels near zero, they remained in the game, helpless until their life levels regenerated.
But this guy seemed to enjoy restraining her, slowly draining her life and in no hurry to finish her off. She fought his grasp, sending electrical currents through her hands. He didn’t move. She struggled to turn her head and out of the corner of her eyes she could see the fighting outside. It was evenly matched with both sides sustaining losses.
“I guess I don’t have all day to win.” He cut off any reply by increasing the pressure in her throat.
A small gasp escaped her mouth. Black dots danced in front of her eyes and something else, too. Code. A variety of multi-colored letters, numbers, and symbols danced through her vision. Was this the same type of code she learned in school? It looked similar. Enough so that upon further inspection, she could read it and see what exactly this character was. She found his strengths, saw the code that gave him his armor and other protections.
The characters mesmerized Ari for a moment, like reading or speaking a foreign language for the first time and realizing she was fluent. The black spots floating in her vision brought her back to reality. Without a thought, she shifted the code.
She easily picked out the code for the green man in front of her. She shifted the color of the armor out of the code and watched it float up into the air. Letters and digits spun around, and the guy in front of her glitched for a moment only to return colorless. This new aspect of the game was like a whole different game within a game. Piece by piece, she stripped away the green armor. Any perceived strength and power fled with another mental flick. Stripping off all the code that made the character, she found Garrett, in his usual jeans and shirt, sitting on top of her.
His hair stood on end, yet with his normal eyes and pale skin he looked alien in this environment. With his powers stripped, it only took a second for Ari to change the positions, ending with her on top, straddling his chest. Garrett’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“What happened to the game?”
“You mean why am I on top and you’re on bottom?” Ari had a sick pleasure in pinning him to the floor. Briefly, she wondered if his powers were stripped what would happen to his pain response.
“What happened? Who screwed my game?” Stripped naked of his power, he lost his usual bravado.
“What the hell is your problem?” Ari yelled, tired of his attitude.
“Why did you stop answering my texts?” he replied with as much force, his face flushed and angry.
Her response froze in her throat. What was she going to say? He was going faster than she was comfortable with? Might as well tell him she was the biggest prude on campus. He tried to sit up, but she pinned him down again. The pained expression on his face warned her that he had a normal response to pain in his stripped condition.
“I ...” She struggled to find the words. “What does it matter? I was just another first-year anyway, Garrett.”
“Yeah, just another first-year I spent hours with. You must think I have all the time in the world.” He spit out the words, muscles tightened and strained under her grasp.
Before Ari could question him further, Torq entered the cave.
“Oh, I see. While I’m getting thrashed by a troll, you’re getting freaky with him.” Torq’s blue patterns on his skin spun, his adrenaline racing. “Nice costume, bud,” he added dismissively.
Torq picked up the jewel. The golden color shimmered against his blue skin. It signaled the end of the game. Before Ari could say another word, the world rapidly dissolved in front of her.
Chapter Sixteen
At a heavy wooden table, Ari nursed a draft of ale. Next to her, Tessa flirted with a tall dark elf. Still reeling from her encounter with Garrett, Ari silently watched this exotic and almost alien world called the Winners’ Circle. Small purple nymphs danced on the open floor, colored ribbons highlighting their magical acrobatics. King and Queen type figures sat on their gold thrones at the front of the room. They appeared more magical than human as they applauded the nymphs’ entertainment. Torq perched on a bar stool, whispering something to a tall fairy of some sort. Her pristine hand landed on his arm, and his tattoos spun wildly.
Tessa’s elf left, and her eyes followed him briefly before turning her attention back to Ari. Tessa’s obvious infatuation surprised Ari. Like a friend getting tipsy for a first time, it opened up a whole new facet to their persona. Who knew, maybe Tessa was drunk? “Do you want to dance or drink the night away, Oya?”
Ari sipped the cold drink in her hand, its earthy flavor flooding her mouth. “Not sure.”
“What is it?”
“What’s what?”
Tessa adjusted her wings tight into her back as she turned to Ari. “What are you thinking about instead of drinking and enjoying this crazy world? There are a lot of people who wish they could be here. It’s my fifth time. Hence, why I pick my second despite Torq’s constant complaining.”
“Is it possible to change code mid-game?” Ari couldn’t shake off the encounter with Garrett. What were the chances that the game made a mistake at the same time she noticed the code in the game?
Tessa took another drink and winked at a large troll across the room. “It depends if you believe in warpers, aliens and all that other stuff. It’s great to dream of super powers though.”
“Sure.” If that was true, then Ari really didn’t know what to think of the game.
She ignored Ari and locked eyes with the elf from before, who was now returning. She leaned towards Ari. “Remember who may be watching before you hook up with an elf or warlock in the most unspeakable manner, as I am about to do.”
Ari shivered. Corporations often watched or sold information from virtuals, but she hated being reminded of it.
The elf stood next to Tessa and reached for her hand. “My lady.” He bent over and kissed her hand. “Our chariot is waiting.”
“Where to?”
“To the ends of the world. Where else?”
Tessa turned back, her features strangely beautiful. “Try to have some fun, will you? Enjoy the fairy folk. Watch out for the green ones though.”
Then Tessa walked out, her black wings shimmering in the candlelight that filled the hall.
Have fun, Ari thought. Not easy with a whirlwind of thoughts bombarding her.
A gorgeous faerie with tall icy features approached her. Before he could open his mouth, she held up her hand and shook her head. Closing her eyes, she willed herself out of the virtual.
Ari awoke in the dark room, the smell of bodies and an odd mixture of perfumes overwhelming her. Hurrying out of the VR room, she continued through the lobby. Glancing at the old code littered around the room in decoration, she wondered if maybe the code in the game was a glitch or product of her imagination. She’d glimpsed those errors before, but she’d figured everyone saw them.
But to change the code? She needed to ask Tessa more about it. Maybe this was in Ari’s head, or maybe this was why she was selected for this school. Either way, Tessa would be in the game for a couple more hours. She scanned the crowd briefly looking for her brother, but with no luck, she headed out into the dark night.
Ari wasn’t about to spend cash on a cab though, so she walked the five blocks or so back to the condo. The sun had fallen long ago, and the neon lights of the businesses colored the night sky. Masses of people blurred past, laughing and talking as they forged in and out of the clubs and hotels. The buzz of their excitement carried her for a couple blocks.
The crowd thinned, and her feet ached. The black heels were as uncomfortable as they were impractical. She assumed Tessa’s stepmother never had to walk more than a block in these. When she stopped to pull off the shoes, she noticed a man behind her. He caught her watching, he quickly turned his attention to an advertisement in a nearby store. He wore a
blue baseball cap that hid his face, except for a goatee on his chin. She shook off the uncomfortable feeling creeping along her spine and continued down the street barefoot.
After another block, someone called her name. Turning around, Reed shouted from the back of a cab. He waved her towards him. Since, the cab was already crammed full, Ari shook her head, declining his offer. She didn’t feel like hanging out with a group of people she barely knew.
“Hey, Ari, wait up.”
Ari turned to find Reed jogging down the sidewalk after her. He looked handsome in dark jeans and a button-down shirt. He chased away any other thoughts and worries. The butterflies in her stomach were solely because of him. Why did he always have to look so good?
Reed slowed and walked next to Ari. “Thanks for waiting. I thought I would have to sprint all the way down the street.”
Ari smiled and focused on the spot ahead of her.
“What are you doing here? Walking alone at night around here isn’t safe.”
“I was sick of gaming.” Remembering the events with Garrett soured her mood, and worry replaced the butterflies.
He nudged her with his shoulder. “I wanted to see how you’ve been doing with your computer. Has it been giving you any more problems?”
Her stomach tightened as they crossed the street, heading towards the condo. “Having it report my every move isn’t enough?”
Once on the other side, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to a stop, facing him. She regretted her snippy tone. Reed didn’t deserve it.
His gaze bore straight through her defenses to the fear she’d been struggling to keep at bay. Averting her eyes, she realized they were in the more residential area with more condos and hotels than clubs.
“Ari.” He waited for her to meet his eyes.
Once her emotions were firmly in check, she lifted her gaze. It made her want to crumble all over again. Not because of her fears this time, but because of the way he not only looked at her, but saw through her.
His brow furrowed in concern. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”
She shook her head, not ready to voice what happened yet. “It’s just stress. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
One eyebrow lifted. “Really?”
She hated to lie to him. “Don’t worry.” Lies of omission don’t count, she told herself.
“If you say so.” His gaze traveled down the street to the tall hotel built with a light smooth sandstone-type material that glimmered in the night sky. He then glanced down to her bare feet. “I can’t help a bad game, but if you can stand wearing shoes for a bit longer, I may be able to come up with something to improve your night.”
She was game, especially if it took her mind off things for a bit. She slipped on the torturous shoes. They made her a couple inches taller and closer to Reed’s face. Reed smiled, the lopsided one that she had always loved. Heat spread through her face as they closed the distance between them. She wondered for a moment how he saw her. As a little sister he had to take care of, or something else?
“Come on, let’s go.” Reed broke the silence and led her to a sleek high-end hotel. The door man, dressed in a crimson suit, gave the pair a questioning look, but Reed strode in with confidence. A large fountain stood in the middle of the lobby with a statue of some man, barely dressed. They passed a noisy bar, and Reed turned to the elevators instead. Inside, one wall scrolled through pictures of the hotel and the different amenities it offered. An older couple boarded the elevator with them, but soon got off on the third floor which appeared to be lined with 3D games and virtuals. The doors finally shut, and they continued upward.
“Do you have a key to where you’re staying?” he asked.
“Yeah, right here.” Ari pulled out the electronic guest key card that Tessa had given her earlier.
Reed pulled out his interface from his back pocket and went to work.
“What are you doing?” Ari asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“Getting us a master key. Thought we could check this place out.”
Ari gave a short laugh until she realized he was serious. “Really? You can do that?”
“One of the perks of going to school for security is I know how to build it and break it.”
“Yeah, but are you supposed to? Won’t they notice you in the system?”
“Nah. I’m not doing anything that would set off an alarm. They might notice a room key, but hopefully not this.” He swiped the card with an attachment on his HUB.
“How did you get a card reader?” Ari asked, a bit astonished.
Reed looked up and smiled, his lips remaining sealed.
They continued until they reached the top, fifty floors up. They exited the elevator and passed many rooms until they arrived at a door marked ‘Roof Access’. Reed used the card to open the door, and they emerged into the dark night once again.
This wasn’t like the virtual she was in with Garrett where the roof was decorated like another floor. This roof was empty except for large mechanical units. It didn’t have drinks and a pool but, looking up, Ari found a whole other world. Fifty floors provided a better view. Stars littered the sky with a beauty only nature could give.
“Wow.” Ari turned taking in the night sky.
“Come on.” Reed pulled her to the edge of the roof facing the busy street. He sat on the edge, his legs carelessly swinging down.
She paused for a moment, peering over the side. They were up really high. She had enough phobias and was glad a fear of heights wasn’t one of them. She climbed onto the wide edge, next to Reed. From up there, the buildings flashed in a variety of colors, like glow sticks on end. People the size of ants swarmed below them.
“A miniature world with neon lights,” Ari said.
“There’s supposed to be fireworks soon.”
She scanned the horizon, amazed by the never-ending trail of lights. “Cool.” She hadn’t seen fireworks since her days at the summer carnival with her family, back when she had a father. She shoved those thoughts aside, not letting herself miss him.
Reed suddenly shook her shoulders. A scream erupted from her mouth as she clung to the edge, and Reed laughed as if it was the funniest thing he’d ever seen.
Once she’d regained her balance, she realized his arm had stayed on her shoulder. She hit him lightly. “You are almost as bad as Marco.” When she turned her head, she realized how close he really was.
His playful smile softened as he glanced at her mouth. She thought about closing the distance, but that was the difference between the virtuals and real life. In actual reality, kisses meant more, so did failing off the edge, even though they sort of felt like the same thing.
It took a moment for her to realize he wasn’t moving away either. She had changed a lot since she left for school, doing things she never thought she would. Why not this? Before her brain could tell her all the reasons why not, she leaned in to lightly kiss his lips. He held still for a moment, and she worried that she’d made a mistake. But before she could pull back, he reached a hand up to cup her face. At first, his touch was hesitant, soft. Soon the space between them diminished and his soft lips held a hunger that she matched kiss for kiss. Bliss, true utter bliss blossomed in her chest as she lost herself in his touch.
When Ari moved her hand up to touch his face, an unsteady moment caused her to tighten her grip on the edge. Out of breath, she pulled back, a little flushed as she met his eyes.
One side of his lips lifted, his eyes never leaving her face. “Maybe kissing this high up isn’t the wisest choice.”
“And I thought you were worried about kissing your best friend’s sister,” Ari replied, not able to keep the smile off her face.
“I am.”
“We don’t have to tell him,” Ari suggested. She had always wanted to kiss Reed, but never thought through any sort of relationship afterward. It was always a little girl crush. But now that they started, she couldn’t picture it any other way.
“I
think it might be worse to keep it from him. He’s already told me you’re off limits.”
“Really?” Ari fumed at the idea of Marco telling her who she can date.
“It was after he told me my mom looked hot one day, and I told him he wasn’t allowed to think of my mom that way. He was offended and told me if my mom was off limits so were you. Guess I’d better warn my mom,” Reed joked.
Ari avoided his gaze as she asked him the question that she didn’t want answered. “You don’t have to tell him if it doesn’t happen again.”
He pulled back slightly. “But what if I want it to happen again?”
Heat rushed to her face. “Then Marco can have your mom.”
Reed laughed, his gaze turning to the night sky. “You probably don’t realize just how long I’ve wanted to kiss you.”
“Me too.” Ari studied their intertwined fingers, his familiar, artistic hands that she admired, that held hers. She didn’t trust herself to say more, to put what she felt in words. He was a childhood dream, a friend, and now ... she couldn’t even qualify it, but it was definitely good. Fireworks exploded in the distance, and they both ignored them, leaning in for another kiss.
Chapter Seventeen
The Tuesday after their long weekend break was bleak, gray and wet. Even those that hadn’t left campus spent the majority of their weekend gaming. Unlike the gloomy expressions on the other students’ faces, Ari was still riding the high of her time with Reed.
The lack of sleep did catch up with her though. A zombie herself, Ari struggled to keep up with Professor Speltman’s lecture on logical and conditional loops. She recorded the lecture in case she needed it again. His monotone voice could be a cure for insomnia, but Ari tried to follow along.
Speltman paced slowly across the room. “Poorly constructed loops are an easy out in virtuals and will not be tolerated in my classes. I don’t want to see the same cloud sequence floating by unless you want to fail. I expect at least a minimum of five different conditional loops streaming, whether it be clouds, birds, or a neighbor out for a walk.” He stopped to face the classroom. “Minute variety is what brings depth to your worlds.”
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