Ingame: Virtual reality enabled

by Kieron Uchee

  Chapter twenty one: Mountain tops and messengers

  We left the map maker with Archon grumbling and giving me dirty looks. I was being the modicum of gentlemanly behavior and managed to hide my smirk, for the most part anyway. “Just where are we going?” “We are going to the top my friend,” and with a gesture lifted my hand upwards towards the top tier of the city, where gleaming white stood the Temple complex and the Kings palace.

  Glancing at me Archon nodded and then spoke, “Lay on Macduff and damned be who first cries Hold!” “What the heck were you an English teacher back in the day, is that Shakespeare?” Laughing at me Archon nodded and said, “Yes I actually did teach English for a while, are you a fan of the Bard?”

  About to say no I thought for a moment, I actually had enjoyed Shakespeare in school. Not the papers I had to write but the person himself, l had learned to appreciate the many characters with all the flaws that he wrote about. The little telltale nuances of the society that he brought to life. The fact that many of his tales used what my educator had called low humor. The humor that the commoners had found so funny, cleverly disguised so that the upper class would not pay attention, but the working class would find amusement in.

  “Yes, I liked reading his work while in school,” I answered. By now we were approaching the gate to the next tier. “Onward and upwards,” I said as we passed through the gate, steadily we walked the rest of the journey which passed in silence with both Archon and I glancing about at the ever increasing signs of power and wealth on display. By midday, we had reached the top plateau and entered through a high wall.

  The guards had questioned us and warned us to stay on the pathways and not go looking into any of the off limit areas. I assumed they were serious and assured them I was on a pilgrimage to the temples to pay my respect towards the Gods. Hearing me Archon gave me a puzzled look and then nodded at the guard. As we left and began to wander down the pathway along the circumference of the wall, Archon whispered, “What are you doing Tor?” Grinning I spoke, “I am coming to pay my respects, my friend.” Maybe I will be finally free of the curse.” “Frowning at me Archon quickly spoke, “Curse, what curse?”

  “The only clue I can tell you is this, “Double, double toil and trouble.” Thinking for a minute Archon suddenly swore and then said “I suppose I deserved that, but really what are we doing up here. Staring ahead at the gleaming white temples and shrines I spoke, “I am really coming to pay my respects and then to see if it will open any doors to me.”

  “I don’t think the Gods usually take a hand on interest in players Tor. But you lead I will follow.” Shaking his head at me Archon gestured towards the buildings and I stepped forward. There are five main buildings towards the five main deities within the game. Interspaced between the main buildings were the shrines, dedicated to the lesser gods and the largest of the shrines being for the Unknown Gods. I am not sure but as I approached the buildings my skin began to itch and I felt a mild burn within.

  Not knowing what was happening I continued on slowing down in front of each temple and shrine. We finally arrived at the shrine to the Unknown God and at this point, my skin felt like it was being pulled tight and was very itchy. I saw that above the entrance to the shrine was a stained glass window with the picture of a burning bush embossed on it. As I neared the entrance the interior of the shrine began to glow and the stained glass window was transformed into an actual burning bush.

  The burning bus grew larger and began to rise above the shrine. I could hear people shouting and running towards the shrine from some of the other temples and shrines. Lifting my arms the sleeves of my shirt dropped exposing my arms. The black tattoos began to writhe about and then flames burst onto my skin. Both of my arms began to match burning bush flaming above us.

  Archon swore, and looking at me he stepped back and spoke, “Tor, unless you want to answer some difficult questions from whoever is fast approaching I would lower you arms and cover them up.” Thinking fast I nodded and did as he suggested, Turning to look at Archon I saw the first monk run up to the shrine and fall on his knees. “A miracle, a miracle, he began to yell over and over.”

  “Fucking Zealot,” Archon whispered as he led the way along the path. We stopped and sat on a bench about 30 meters down the path in a slightly open area. We could clearly see the burning bush on top of the Shrine as more and more Monks and Priests arrived and fell on their knees. “Look at those idiots, fools each and every one of them.” Then turning towards me Archon whispered, “Now you, yes you are going to tell me what the hell just happened and this time, there will be no secrets.”

  Looking at him I said, “Archon you had better relax and stand down, I am not in your guild or your house.” “Fuck that, you did something here, something that involves the Gods and that might impact my house.” I stood up and with a nod said, “Here we part ways, once you can control yourself let me know and we will talk again.”

  “Not so fast” and with those words Archon jumped up and grabbed my arm. Having achieved level ten my strength and stats had grown, but this man was four times my level. Realizing this on a cerebral level did not stop me from grabbing his arm and beginning to pull his hand down. With a grimace Archon said, “Tor, sit before I hurt you, you do not have the strength or the power to escape.”

  Suddenly I was really pissed and with a shout, “Fuck that right back at you,” I began to push his arm down and away from my arm. Archons eyes opened wide and on his face, a shocked look appeared. Activating my physical DPS attack, I began to do an Ippon Seoinage, a one-armed shoulder throw. It was over in a second, with Archon hitting the stones of the pathway hard. It was clear that his breath had departed out of him and he had lost a portion of his life as shown by the display hp bar.

  Looking at him, his face a mask of shock and pain, I suddenly felt a great deal of sadness rise up within. I had liked this man and had hoped to befriend him. Quickly I cast my simple healing spell on him several times, relieved to see his health go up by at least a quarter of the hp bar. “I am sorry Archon; I spoke softly, “One day I hope that we will sit for kavaa and share a smoke again.” Blinking back some sweat, I activated Shadows and faded from his sight.

  Turning, I moved off the path and began to walk towards the entrance, ignoring the soft calls of “Tor, wait, Tor, I fucked up” as they faded behind me. Glancing left and right I saw that I was approaching the central temple. Strangely enough, sitting on top of the roof was the figure of a small man, with little wings on his arms, back, and feet.

  I stopped and stared having never seen nor heard of such a person before. Suddenly the strange figure spoke,” ah, be gods I hate when you fricken pilgrims come up here and stare towards me. Go away and piss off, you’re a daft pile of meat.”

  I continued to stare at this strange creature and finally spoke, “What the heck, what are you, an angel?” Looking down at me in amazement the little fellow said, “you can see me, how can you see me, not even the high priest can see me unless the God allow it.

  We stared at each other trying to puzzle this odd situation out. I finally spoke, “I am not meaning to be rude, but I have never seen anything like you and am not sure how to respond.” Puffing his chest out like a little peacock, and indeed, the feathers on all six of his wings were brilliantly colored the little man said, “I am Komhether, the messenger of the Gods, and who are you that you can see what has been hidden from mortal eyes?”

  That was a good question, how and why could I see him. Thinking fast I could only conclude it had something to do with my Dragon eyes ability, to see hidden treasures. I spoke up to the little fellow and explained that I could see hidden treasures and that was how I was able to see him. Upon hearing the words treasure, he began to preen and then spoke, "Treasure, yes to be sure I one of the most valued treasures of the Gods."

  Looking up at the little messenger, I thought back to something I had learned many years ago. “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.�
� I knew it was from the Bible, but where, I did not know. It somehow seemed to apply to the vain little man on the roof of the temple.

  Reaching into my bag, I pulled the makings and rolled a smoke and lit it. Taking a deep breath, I looked back up at the messenger to find he was floating down to have a good look at what I was doing. Staring at the smoke I was exhaling he asked, “Human what is that strange thing you are doing? How is it that you have smoke coming forth from your being? Are you a dragon?” Hearing the last question I almost swallowed the cigarette. Realizing he was referring to the smoke, I shook my head.

  “I am having a smoke,” I explained, “It is something that humans do upon occasion, to relax, to stop and look around and appreciate the world.” Sighing softly the little fellow nodded and said, "that is mainly what I spend my time doing. Waiting around and enjoying the sights until the Gods have need of me." Giving me a sad look he then asked, “May I try a smoke?”

  “Of course, my friend” and I rolled him ten cigarettes and then lit the first one for him. Taking a deep drag, he held it in and then blew out a perfect smoke ring. Glancing at the pleased look on his face, I knew that another person had just succumbed to the temptation to smoke. Hearing his pleased voice calling out, “Thank you, sir, thank you,” I nodded and began to walk away.

  I suspected he would find me when he wanted more smokes and that was what I had planned. Looking back, I saw him leaning forward with a smoke in hand and an impish grin on his face. Stopping, I recalled an album cover from the nineteen eighties. Van Halen: 1984. Calling out to Twink I asked her to play the VH album 1984 and the song Jump. I needed some good music to listen to as I walked home.

  Chapter twenty two: Torture

  I decided to remain visible on my way down through the city. Many people were going about the activities that comprised life, and with the bustle and crowding, I did not want to bump anyone. Also, I wanted to see if I would spot anyone from the House of Pain. I was getting a bad feeling about those guys; they seemed to be heading in a direction that I did not want to see Ingame.

  Keeping my eyes open and trying to be fully aware of my surroundings. I made my way through the gates at each tier of the city. I was moving slow, intent on making it back to the Inn. When the attack came, it caught me completely by surprise. I was on the third tier halfway to the gate, when a Mars guildsman stopped me. “Hey, can you give me a hand” then he pointed at the side of the road. As I glanced towards the road I saw him give a small nod and then something heavy and hard hit my head, twice.

  Coming to I could hear the chatter of players drinking and swearing, being silly and acting like boys do in a frat house. I tried to relax and keep my eyes closed hoping to learn anything that could help me. The tight cords that were binding my wrists together and then elevating my arms above my head were digging into my flesh. There would be no escape from these bonds, I could not feel my fingers but I suspected that they were swollen.

  Hearing someone approach I felt my hair grabbed and pulled sharply back, my eyes involuntarily opened and I realized that the headache I was feeling was accompanied by double vision. Probably have a concussion I thought. “Glad to see you awake, man. I was getting worried.” Trying to focus on the speaker I saw it was the Jackass. Feeling the need to make some kind of a response I tried to speak, only to realize that the lower portion of my face had some kind of mask on, no it was more like a muzzle was attached to my head.

  Smiling gleefully the Jackass nodded and then said: “I see you found your mask, can’t have you spitting on anyone now can we.” Then he swung his opened hand and hit me in the side of the head. The pain exploded along my nerves and my last thought was what the hell why am I feeling so much pain. Unconsciousness then overtook me and I hung there like a slab of meat on a hook.

  I came to after having a bucket of cold water dropped on my head. I was conscious but my vision was double and I had a ringing in my ears that would not stop. Trying to focus I made out the Jackass and three of his cronies. “Awake again, so glad, we have a few things to do tonight and I don’t want you to miss them.” “Motherfucker” was what I tried to say but all that came out was a mumble.

  “I have been thinking a lot about you, Tor, oh yes I know your name. I know a lot about you, you welfare bastard. You see I know you are an invite to the Sleepy Hollow summer camp, I know you are in room number twelve; I even know you have a little red-headed girlfriend. Don’t worry; I have plans, I will make sure she does not miss you.”

  That fucker, I was not sure what concerned me first, that he knew where my VRP was or that he knew about Reona. I glared at him with my double vision and tried to break free, but whoever had tied me must have known about knots as I was not going to break free from this cord. Finally, I gave up, I was in a lot of pain and escape was impossible.

  Standing back and watching me the Jackass finally spoke again. “You might be wondering where you are, so let me tell you. You are in the basement of the house of the PK Elites yes you bitch, we are the House of Pain. I would guess about now you are thinking that you will hit the green escape button and pop your vrp. Good luck dude, I had one of my guys do the same and then visit your room with what is called an SOP.

  That means software override programming tool. He was a little pissed because once you pop the VRP you have to start a new toon. But what the hell right, can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.” “So pound that button bitch, cause in a little while I will be pounding your bitch’s button,”

  Even with my head scrambled I realized that something was seriously wrong with this guy. Really messed up, I had encountered a couple of kids at the orphanage like this. FUBAR, fucked up beyond all repair.

  I had to get out of here and tell someone, he had clearly gone off the deep end. The big green exit button on the interface was faded out, he had fucking done it. Hacked my pod, illegal but what could I do. Looking at me he began to laugh and then said, “I have two more surprises for you; first let me say, no hard feelings right."

  "The two things I have for you are, one a trip to the Kradula, but sorry, we don’t power level bitches so you will be on your own. The second thing is this,” then turning to reach behind his back he spoke, “hold this dudes head and do not let him move.” Slowly he pulled two poniards glowing deep reddish amber and radiating heat towards the front of his body. “Dude I hate to cut this short but fuck you, dickhead.”

  With that, he thrust forth both of them, one into each eye, and gave them a little seesaw action. My blurred vision was instantly gone and the smell of me burning filled my nose. As he pulled them out the little prick began to laugh, and then said, “Hey I just gave myself a woody.”

  Walking away he continued to laugh until one of the two guys holding me asked, “What do we do now?” The Jackass replied “it's midnight and not too many people will be around. Wrap him in a blanket and then take him to the Kradula. Throw him in, once in there he will be in a private dungeon server. With the changes if you are not in his party you cannot talk to him. He cannot invite anyone to join him while in the dungeon and will be alone and fucked up.”

  “Dude if we throw him over the entrance parapet to the main grounds the ghouls and mists will get him.” “So what is your point,” the Jackass asked. “He will just respawn and then be back to normal.” “No he won’t, the respawn is now in the dungeon, and in order to fully heal you must leave the dungeon now, too many high-level guys were farming it so they changed everything.”

  “Trust me, how is a blind player going to make his way through the Kradula to get to the entrance and walk out, it is a maze in there. He is going to be going through a respawn cycle for the next year subjective time. Here that bitch, you are not going to escape me, not today, not tomorrow, not till the damn year is done.”

  The pain had done something to me and the concussion had not helped. I could not put together a rational thought, I was struggling to actually breathe, and the rage and the tears trying to fall into my empty sockets left me
feeling unconnected. I felt them cut me down and then drop me on the floor. The blanket I was rolled in made it even harder to breath.

  As I was half carried Out of the house I could hear some of the players speaking. “That was some serious shit man, someone said. He beat him and then he hot knifed his eyes, man. I did not sign up for this, I am sure this shit is illegal.” “Shut it, you joined the house,” another player answered. At that point, I felt them lift me up and then heard one of them say, “Why is he so fucking heavy , on three, throw him high and to the side, he has to go over the edge or we are all fucked.” Suddenly I felt myself falling through the air and then heard a loud snap as I landed, my left arm had just broke, and I was fading away again.

  Chapter twenty three: Lost within

  I regained consciousness when I felt a gentle touch on my head. I turned to look at who was touching me when the memory of what happened flashed back. I strained trying to see, but of course, without eyes, there is no sight. Once again I felt the soft touch on my face, near my eyes. Disparate to hear anything, I listened and thought I could hear crying. My brain was not working right, I knew this, but hearing the young voice crying in the night I struggled to my feet.

  I was in the Kradula, but I was in an orphanage, I had grown up in an orphanage and spent a lot of my time being the big brother to the young kids when they arrived. Feeling a small hand like shape grab my swollen fingers, I was led away but by what? I did not know and could not see. My headache was causing me to have walking blackouts and I was at the mercy of whoever was holding my hand.

  Stumbling along I fell several times but managed to get up, always with the gentle touch on my fingers holding them and guiding me. Eventually, I could go no more and stopped, sliding down to rest finding my back supported by some kind of structure. Trying to thank whoever it was leading me, I realized I still had that damn muzzle on and could not speak. After some time, I am not sure how long I felt a stronger hand grab my arm and force me to rise.