T̷h̷e̸ ̵G̶a̴m̸e̵ - A VR Role-play

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

Fabian's hands started to twitch in their sleep, causing the clear membrane to ripple. Like a bubble bursting, it split apart, sending the water spilling out in all directions.

The sudden cold shock was enough to wake them up, as they launched themselves into a sitting position.

A few deep breaths later, and they had finally caught sight of Lyra. They were surprised that she was still there, but relieved in some kind of way.

Fabian tried to speak, but their throat was so dry that it felt like they had swallowed a barrel of salt.

A wave of light-headedness hit them, followed by a gentle pounding, forcing them to grasp at their head.

They glanced wearily back at Lyra, giving her a thankful nod, before they tried to process what had and was currently happening.

She wordlessly passed them the water she had collected, and she waited for them to drink.
she’d never known anyone to have seizures so she wasn’t entirely sure what to do. Especially when they were clutching their head.

 

[youngchooklover]

yall like Milo?

 

[Yowza Wowza]

"He's... He's human..." Damir let out a nervous laugh of relief, running his hands over his hair. "... And he ran away."

"I can't believe he ran." He stood in disbelief for a second, before letting out another little laugh, ignorant to the irony of the situation. Maybe he'll bump into Nina.

"Wait," Damir's expression dropped as he spun around, doing a full 360, looking for Nina. But, she was nowhere inside the train station; he couldn't recall her even entering it. "N-Nina?"

He rushed up the stairs, after the other person, but with the motivation of finding the girl he'd originally been exploring with.

But, when he reached the top, she wasn't there. There was just the occasional emotionless passerby, going about their programmed path, and the same dim buildings.

"NINA?" He yelled out, desperate for some reply. However, all he got was the same old city ambiance - the quiet steps, the leaky pipes, and inaudible chatter in the distance.

Damir felt a sharp tinge of guilt deep in his chest. He'd promised to protect her. He promised that they'd stick together. But, he rushed off ahead, and now she had disappeared.

He leaned against a nearby wall, taking the weight off his homemade prosthetic, as he tried to figure out what to do.

He could wait here for Nina, even though he had a feeling that she wouldn't be coming back, or he could chase after the guy and risk damaging his leg further.

Damir placed his hand on his leg, where the prosthetic connected to the skin. The tiniest thing seemed to remind him of that night, and this moment wasn't an exception.

Flames engulfed the building, spreading rapidly through the wooden support beams, before they clattered down on top of him, crushing his leg.

Spitting flames grabbed at his clothes, burning the skin underneath, as he tried to wiggle free of the debris.

He tried to get out, to get to her, to save her. But, whether it was due to a lack of oxygen due to smoke inhalation or because of the pain, he passed out before he could.

"Damir, help me..."

Her scared voice replayed over, and over, in his head, until he snapped himself back into reality. Or, rather, what had become their reality.

Damir looked towards the direction Evan had gone, before deciding to go after him, despite the pain. After all, if he couldn't help Nina, he was going to try to at least help someone.

Deep down, the reason was probably more selfish than that. It was more likely that he didn't want to be alone in this world. But, he wouldn't admit that to anyone, not even himself.

Evan’s legs took him as far as they could, away from the stranger and whatever depot the train dropped him off at. His heart was racing as he passed by almost robotic pedestrians, trying to avoid bumping into them the best he could. Once he got a far enough distance, he slowed into a walk and leant up against the nearest wall to catch his breath.

Giving a look around at his surroundings, he realized the alley way he was in was grey and desolate, with barren stalls. There was scattered crates, trash, and other things you’d expect to be in a mistreated back alley. Evan’s eyes scaled the building in front of him, assumably some run down housing structure, telling from a majority of the boarded up windows and whatever flickering lights that remained.

“What.. kind of place is this?” Evan whispered in disbelief, astonished by the differing states of quality of the depot and whatever part of the Safe Zone he was in. He lifted himself off the wall and stepped out to the middle of the alley to look down both ends.

Which way should I go..?

Strangely enough, a figure in a hooded cloak appeared at one end of the alley and remained still as it gazed upon Evan ominously. Evan froze for a moment and stared back at the mysterious stranger.

This can’t be the person from earlier.

Deciding not to confront this individual as well and immediately book it, Evan slowly turned his back to them and started speed walking in the other direction without looking back.

No thanks no thanks no thanks…

 

[Yowza Wowza]

Leita grumbled angrily at the kick, turning away from the source of it. She had only just fallen asleep and didn't feel like waking up any time soon.

It took a few moments for her to realise that she was still in the flower field, and that something had just nudged her.

Leita opened a single eye, peering towards her foot. She opened her other eye, and both widened as she noticed Zulema's boots standing in front of her.

She shuffled backwards, pressing herself against the tree behind her and tucking her legs in. As she reached for her sword, her eyes followed the boots up to her fishnets, and continued up until they reached Zulema's glowing red eyes.

Leita quickly got to her feet, kicking her bag behind her and out of the way, catching a short glimpse at the stranger's fuchsia hair.

She clutched her sword in one hand, keeping it slightly raised off the ground, as she gazed curiously into Zulema's eyes.

After her encounter with Onuris, she wasn't exactly sure what to expect from anyone. For all she knew, this could be the Safe Zone that he had warned her about.

"Who are you?" She asked loud and clear, a stern expression causing her eyebrows to furrow slightly.
She took a short step closer, raising her sword a little, trying to look more intimidating than she actually was, but it wasn't really working.

Zulema held an apathetic expression on her face as Leita attempted to close the distance between them with a one handed flimsy grasp on her sword. She wasn’t sure what the person was trying to do, but they didn’t have an advantage over her— not even close.

It’s obvious this one isn’t a null.

She gave a scoff and tipped her head up to shift the position of her bangs a little. Indulging in Leita’s question, Zulema unenthusiastically brought up her right hand, revealing the half remnant of her number.

“My name is Zulema” she disclosed, bringing her hand back to her side. She folded her arms and began to step closer towards the blond—she wanted her own questions to be answered.

They don’t seem as clueless as Theo.. they’ve got some experience.

Zulema spoke lowly, her eyes staring striking deep into Leita’s “Now, what exactly are you doing out here? This place isn’t particularly safe at night, blondie.”

 

[TamingMaster]

She wordlessly passed them the water she had collected, and she waited for them to drink.
she’d never known anyone to have seizures so she wasn’t entirely sure what to do. Especially when they were clutching their head.

Fabian eagerly took the water, gulping it down without a pause for breath. After they had finished, they turned to face Lyra, giving her a little grateful nod. "Thanks."

The warm sun was shining in through the cave's entryway, and onto Fabian's back. The storm from before had completely disappeared, without a trace of it left behind.

A few moments of silence passed before being broken by Fabian. "It was Lyra, right?" They gave a short pause, continuing after a thought. "I'm Fabian... Sorry about before."

They took a deep breath; they knew they'd need to drink a lot more, and avoid using their slime for a while, but they'd be fine. Somehow.

 

[TamingMaster]

Evan’s legs took him as far as they could, away from the stranger and whatever depot the train dropped him off at. His heart was racing as he passed by almost robotic pedestrians, trying to avoid bumping into them the best he could. Once he got a far enough distance, he slowed into a walk and leant up against the nearest wall to catch his breath.

Giving a look around at his surroundings, he realized the alley way he was in was grey and desolate, with barren stalls. There was scattered crates, trash, and other things you’d expect to be in a mistreated back alley. Evan’s eyes scaled the building in front of him, assumably some run down housing structure, telling from a majority of the boarded up windows and whatever flickering lights that remained.

“What.. kind of place is this?” Evan whispered in disbelief, astonished by the differing states of quality of the depot and whatever part of the Safe Zone he was in. He lifted himself off the wall and stepped out to the middle of the alley to look down both ends.

Which way should I go..?

Strangely enough, a figure in a hooded cloak appeared at one end of the alley and remained still as it gazed upon Evan ominously. Evan froze for a moment and stared back at the mysterious stranger.

This can’t be the person from earlier.

Deciding not to confront this individual as well and immediately book it, Evan slowly turned his back to them and started speed walking in the other direction without looking back.

No thanks no thanks no thanks…

Damir hobbled along, throught the dingy alleys, deciding to take a shortcut around one of the buildings he'd passed previously with Nina.

Even though it made him anxious, he hoped the new player would essentially come to him, or at least wander close enough for him to catch up with.

Unfortunately for the pair, Damir, deep in thought, rounded the tallest building's corner right as Evan did, causing their heads to smack together painfully.

"Aha," he stumbled back, clutching the top of his nose, which had taken a stern hit from Evan's forehead. "Man... that hurt."

Damir straightened his posture, quickly realising who he had just bumped into. The guy from the train station. He held his hands up, trying to show calm and surrender. "P-Please don't run. I'm... I'm not like them."

 

[Yowza Wowza]

After failing after the boat for sometime and navigating through the bald cypress trees, the boat came up to a dead end, which was just a muddy bank that led up to some dense vegetation and towering cave-like structure strewn with vines.

Tem observed from a distance and remained perched on a branch while a few crocodiles loitered at the base of Tem’s tree, waiting patiently to make a meal out of the feline being.

Taking a look down at the crocodiles, Tem gave chortle and presented each crocodile with a bird, courtesy of their right hand.

That’s when nearly everything in the swamp gave a rumble, forcing Tem to stop messing around and prick their ears in the direction of the boat, that was now shaking violently and rising out of the water?

They watched in amazement as the boat, that turned out not to be any old boat—rise from water atop a monstrously sized amphibious creature. It’s skin was a mucous green and riddled with warts down to its short spiky tail. On its short stubby legs, it moved in a rocking manner from side to side to reach the cave, presumably it’s home with the boat still attached to its back. The sides of its body started to balloon with air before releasing all the build up to give a horrendous croak towards the cave.

Tem’s mouth nearly dropped at the size of the diesel truck sized creature, unable to tear their widened eyes away from it. They weren’t sure to be outright fascinated or scared at this point, but they surely weren’t going to climb down to find out.

Within moments, dozens of bats and smaller vermin blew out of the cave like a stampede, vacating the creatures home.

It stumbled into the cave and vanished into the utter darkness, leaving the swamp tranquil and calm as it was before it’s atrocious appearance.

Tem took a deep breath and brushed down their puffed up tail, still trying to comprehend what they just saw.

That thing was seriously under the boat this whole time..?! What would have happened if I jumped into it? Or someone else? Holy crap I would have freaking died.

Finally recollecting themself, they pounced from tree to tree towards the muddy bank to finally reconnect with ground. They landed carefully on the bank and took a glance at the overwhelming stature of the cave.

Yeah I’m totally not going in there..

Their eyes fell to the base of the cave, which was scattered with bones and what looked like fragments of clothing.

What the actual..

A whisper came from nearby some bushes, calling out to Tem.

“Hey kid”

…

“Hey kid, c’mere”

Tem’s ears gave a twitch at the sound of the deeply masculine voice, and their eyes scanned the bushes for the source of the voice. They dared not to step closer, because who in the right mind would follow a complete strangers voice into some inauspicious bushes.

A grimace formed on their face as they unsheathed their claws, “Reveal yourself instead of hiding in the bushes like some pervy weirdo.” they hissed with distaste, flattening their ears against their head.

The stranger obliged to Tem’s words and came out into the open, revealing themselves to be some cowboy looking man in a long dusty trench coat and oversized hat that covered their eyes. From what Tem could make of their facial features was just the defined tan of their skin, wide nose, and thick brown beard with grey mixed in throughout.

“The names Wayne” the man said, bringing up his leather gloves hands to show he was of no threat. “I’m only here to see if you’d like to do a job for me inside that cave there” he continued, pointing at the cave the amphibious creature disappeared into just minutes ago.

What Tem mostly got out of what the man said was that his voice was probably the most testosterone filled speaking voice they’ve ever heard in their life. (Sam Elliot equivalent) They were silent for a moment before realizing the man wanted them to go inside the nightmare inducing cave that the frog monster was currently in.

“Dude—WHY DIDN’T YOU DO IT YOURSELF BEFORE THAT BIG MONSTER SHOWED UP?! AND NOW YOU’D RATHER SEND SOMEONE TO THEIR POSSIBLE DEATH INSTEAD OF YOURSELF?!” Tem yelled out in disbelief, waving their hands all over the place.

Wayne slowly reached down into one of his coat pockets and pulled out a small burlap bag with a knot tied atop it. “This here has about 50 silver coins, and if you do my job, you’ll be rewarded.”

Tem stopped fussing about and stared directly at the bag in Wayne’s hand, which he gave a shake so they could hear the coins inside. Now that he had their attention, he could explain the job.

“In the back of the cave there should be a small pond filled with eggs from the Wart Beast, along with a chest with contents you’re free to have. I need you to steal me a single egg and meet up with me afterwards.”

Tem remained quiet as they listened to Wayne’s instructions, no longer feeling the need to be on guard, they relaxed their face and ears. A small but hopeful smile graced their lips.

“Can I get the coins first pwease? Or at least a couple just for insurance?” Tem requested softly, holding their hand out pleadingly as they tried to seem sweet and innocent. An act that worked way too often back home, but never on their parents.

I have no idea what insurance is.

Tem even went so far as making their eyes bigger than they actually were, hoping to tempt Wayne over.

Wayne was uninfluenced by Tem’s act to use their ‘cute’ cat features to their advantage. His face remained completely stiff and expressionless just as it had been when he first emerged from the bushes. He pocketed the bag of coins and slipped off the satchel he had across his torso.

Giving it a toss at Tem’s feet, he gave them his last words before departing.

“The map will help you locate me after the job is done.”

 

[Butterscotchbitesfinger]

Fabian eagerly took the water, gulping it down without a pause for breath. After they had finished, they turned to face Lyra, giving her a little grateful nod. "Thanks."

The warm sun was shining in through the cave's entryway, and onto Fabian's back. The storm from before had completely disappeared, without a trace of it left behind.

A few moments of silence passed before being broken by Fabian. "It was Lyra, right?" They gave a short pause, continuing after a thought. "I'm Fabian... Sorry about before."

They took a deep breath; they knew they'd need to drink a lot more, and avoid using their slime for a while, but they'd be fine. Somehow.

She watched them drink, “yeah I’m Lyra.” She nodded, “Fabian. Huh. I finally have a name and I can stop calling you the person” she laughed a little to herself.

 

[TamingMaster]

Zulema held an apathetic expression on her face as Leita attempted to close the distance between them with a one handed flimsy grasp on her sword. She wasn’t sure what the person was trying to do, but they didn’t have an advantage over her— not even close.

It’s obvious this one isn’t a null.

She gave a scoff and tipped her head up to shift the position of her bangs a little. Indulging in Leita’s question, Zulema unenthusiastically brought up her right hand, revealing the half remnant of her number.

“My name is Zulema” she disclosed, bringing her hand back to her side. She folded her arms and began to step closer towards the blond—she wanted her own questions to be answered.

They don’t seem as clueless as Theo.. they’ve got some experience.

Zulema spoke lowly, her eyes staring striking deep into Leita’s “Now, what exactly are you doing out here? This place isn’t particularly safe at night, blondie.”

Leita held her ground, not daring to step back, no matter how intimidating she found Zulema.

"Your number is faded...?" Leita muttered softly, lowering her sword and looking down at her own hand. Her number was still fully intact, like fresh ink in her skin.

"Wait a minute... blondie?" She clenched her hand shut, then lifted the sword back up - she still didn't know if she could trust this person. "My name isn't blondie, it's Leita."

She shook her head, getting back to the original point of Zulema's question. "I just needed to rest, because I've been heading through the desert for the past few days... And, what do you mean not safe?" Leita let out a short laugh. "This is the safest place I've been so far."

Leita took a moment to take in Zulema's features a little more, focusing mainly on her face. She looked over her ears, nose, and sharp teeth, until she found her eyes locking with Zulema's once again. She must be an Earthborn...

 

[Yowza Wowza]

Leita held her ground, not daring to step back, no matter how intimidating she found Zulema.

"Your number is faded...?" Leita muttered softly, lowering her sword and looking down at her own hand. Her number was still fully intact, like fresh ink in her skin.

"Wait a minute... blondie?" She clenched her hand shut, then lifted the sword back up - she still didn't know if she could trust this person. "My name isn't blondie, it's Leita."

She shook her head, getting back to the original point of Zulema's question. "I just needed to rest, because I've been heading through the desert for the past few days... And, what do you mean not safe?" Leita let out a short laugh. "This is the safest place I've been so far."

Leita took a moment to take in Zulema's features a little more, focusing mainly on her face. She looked over her ears, nose, and sharp teeth, until she found her eyes locking with Zulema's once again. She must be an Earthborn...

Taking advantage of their close proximity, she stole a quick look at Leita’s palm.

69.. and still hasn’t lost a life this entire time while in the desert of all places?

Zulema’s face softened a little at her retort, “Sure… so far. Be sure to remember that.” she replied in a snarky tone. Her eyes fell from Leita’s and backed away, the edge of her lip lifting in slight amusement.

“Well then, sorry for disturbing your sleep Leita… good luck out here.”

From the moment Zulema appeared before Leita she could already pick up the sounds of wild cackles and whines from the rabid hyenas that roamed the forest at night. Once she backed off from Leita, their noises were becoming more apparent as they migrated in the direction of the flower field.

Zulema was now hovering a few inches off the ground and began to float over to the massively sized honeysuckle bush. “Try not to die too much.” she murmured, giving her last piece of advice before her form completely disappeared into the bush.