A few minutes later, he returned to Jake's house, greeted by Wilhelm at the door once more.
"Back so soon, Master Kyle?"
"Yeah, Willie." He grinned, enjoying the butler's discomfort, "Just had to run home real quick. I forgot something."
Dashing past Wilhelm, he ascended the stairs. Pausing midway, he slipped into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. Kyle retrieved one of the small packages from his pocket and tore it open, examining the contents. It suddenly dawned on him that he'd never put on a condom before.
"How the hell does this thing work?"
The condom was rolled up, the middle sticking out with a peculiar bump. His attempts at unrolling it proved futile, creating a mess. Scratching his head, he stood there in bewilderment. He couldn't bring himself to ask anyone for advice about this. His dignity was at stake, after all. Nor did he dare to look up tutorials on the internet; The last thing he wanted was to accidentally see some dude’s dick on a cheap homemade porno film.
An idea struck him, a mix of desperation and ingenuity. The answer was obvious: he had to be fully erect to roll the condom on. But how could he achieve that without the virtual presence of Zakira? The thought of replicating her actions in real life was unsettling.
"If only..."
Then his gaze fell upon a magazine on the floor beneath the sink cabinet. His heart raced as he recognized a pile of his friend's hidden stash of Playboy magazines. Grabbing one, the captivating beauty on the cover already had an effect on him. Flipping through the pages, he found the centerfold— the same enchanting woman now fully nude and seductively posed.
That did the trick. Kyle unzipped his pants and pulled down his shorts, his erection emerging. Swiftly, he rolled on the condom. Struggling to adjust his pants back in place was a challenge, but he managed it with a wince. Exiting the bathroom, the discomfort was palpable, yet as he approached the game room, it began to wane. But then the memory of his encounter at the convenience store flooded back, and his erection resurged.
He entered the game room. "Hey Jake! You won't believe what just happened!"
The room appeared empty.
"Jake?"
His attention shifted to the Pods, and there it was: Jake's unit was frosted over. He hadn't waited. Why would he?
Approaching the Pods, he peered closer at Jake's form. Through the glass, his friend appeared to be asleep, his chest rising and falling with each breath. A side screen tracked his vital signs—everything seemed normal.
With a relieved sigh, he climbed into his own Pod and activated it. As the door closed, a chill enveloped him, sending shivers down his spine.
Moments later, he blinked rapidly as the virtual landscape unfurled once again. It was night outside, the moon casting an eerie glow. A melody resonated from the sky, and the words "Coven Online" glowed above him. A deep voice emanated from the heavens.
"Welcome, Kyle, to Coven Online."
His character sheet again appeared as an overlay in his vision, the words hovering in mid-air. He immediately recognized that he was back in the grasslands where he had first spawned. Kyle's heart raced with a false hope as he swiped away the stat screen. Maybe, just maybe, Zakira would still be waiting for him, her gorgeous smile and fiery hair a beacon of connection. But as the virtual world unfolded before his eyes, that hope was dashed against the rocks of reality—Zakira was nowhere to be found.
He stood alone in the familiar grasslands, the wind brushing against his character's face. A sense of emptiness gnawed at him, a void left by the absence of the one person who had ignited his curiosity and desire like none other. With a sigh, he realized that he had no way of contacting her, no means to seek her out in this vast virtual realm.
Determined to unravel the mystery of her whereabouts, Kyle made his way to the bustling town square. He questioned every NPC he came across, describing Zakira in vivid detail—the fiery hair, the scanty fur and leather attire, the dagger, and even her... distinctive assets. Yet, the NPCs looked at him with vacant expressions, unable to comprehend his descriptions.
Frustration grew with each futile inquiry, his voice echoing through the digital streets as he tried in vain to find any trace of the mysterious woman who had left an indelible mark on his journey. They peddled their wares and offered quests, their scripted responses a stark reminder that this was a virtual world, confined by the boundaries of its programming.
He even attempted to inquire about Edron, the malevolent player he had crossed paths with before. But once again, the NPCs proved useless in providing any meaningful information. His agitation heightened, and his patience waned as he realized that the answers he sought were not to be found within these scripted conversations.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, Kyle's frustration only deepened. The virtual town seemed to mock him, its cheerful NPCs blissfully unaware of his inner turmoil. He had asked every inhabitant, described Zakira down to the smallest detail, and even mentioned her name multiple times, but the responses remained the same—blank stares, repetitive scripts, and offers of wares and quests.
His thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, a blend of longing, anger, and confusion. How could she have vanished so completely? Was she truly just a creation of the game, an NPC like all the others? The possibility gnawed at him, and yet, his heart resisted the notion. Their intimate encounters had been too vivid, too intense to be mere lines of code.
His search brought him to a quaint little tavern, where the scent of virtual ale and hearty meals filled the air. With a sigh, he stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of the mysterious redhead. At the polished wooden bar, a rotund NPC bartender was busy cleaning a glass with a cloth.
He approached, hope mingled with skepticism. "Excuse me," he began tentatively, "I'm looking for someone. A woman named Zakira. Red hair, wears fur and leather, carries a dagger." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "And, uh, she's got, you know, distinctively... large breasts."
The bartender blinked at Kyle, his expression one of mild surprise mixed with a hint of amusement. "Distinctively large... ah, I see what you mean." He chuckled under his breath. "You've got quite the eye for detail, friend."
Kyle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing the awkwardness of his description. "Yeah, sorry about that. But have you seen her? It's important."
The bartender paused in his task, his eyes fixed on Kyle with a bemused expression. "Inquiring about a lass, eh? Ain't seen no one fitting that description 'round here, friend."
Kyle's shoulders slumped, his frustration further fueled by the NPC's nonchalant response. "Are you sure? Her name is Zakira. She's—"
"Sorry to disappoint, but I've got no records of such a player in these parts," the bartender interrupted, his tone polite yet dismissive.
Kyle's patience wore thin, and he leaned in, his voice taking on a touch of urgency. "Look, I know she's not a player like me. She's… well, she's an NPC like you."
The bartender arched an eyebrow, his round face contorting in confusion. "Now, I ain't one to question your choices, lad, but you've taken a right fancy to an NPC? That's a new one."
Kyle's frustration bubbled to the surface, his words laced with exasperation. "I'm telling you, she's real! I've interacted with her, had conversations, shared intimate moments together. She's not just part of the game."
The bartender chuckled, seemingly amused by Kyle's insistence. "Lad, I've been serving drinks to many a folk in this tavern, but I ain't ever heard tell of someone talkin' 'bout NPCs like they're flesh and blood."
Kyle's cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He was acutely aware of the absurdity of his claims within the context of the game. But the depth of his connection with Zakira defied logic. How could he convince anyone of something so inexplicable?
Before he could retort, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "Having trouble, are we?"
Kyle turned to find Jake standing at the entrance of the tavern, a half-smile on his face. He looked weary, the signs of another battle he had just fought visible on his character's form.
"Yeah, you could say that," Kyle muttered, his frustration still palpable.
Jake sauntered over, leaning against the bar next to Kyle. "I heard from a few other players that you've been making a fool of yourself. Obsessed much?"
Kyle sighed, his frustration momentarily subsiding in the face of his friend's lighthearted tone. "Yeah, well, I'm trying to find someone."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Someone? You mean an NPC?"
Kyle scowled at Jake's teasing tone. "You wouldn't understand. She's—"
"An NPC, right?" Jake finished his sentence, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kyle nodded, his gaze fixed on the bar. "Yeah, but it's not that simple. We've shared moments of intimacy. It's like she's more than just lines of code."
Jake chuckled, giving Kyle an amused sidelong glance. "Man, you've really gone down the rabbit hole with this one."
"It's not a joke," Kyle protested, his frustration evident. "It's like she vanished from the game. No one seems to know her, even when I describe her."
"Dude, you're acting like you lost your real-world girlfriend." Jake listened patiently before shaking his head with a bemused expression. "You're acting obsessed, Kyle. It's just a game."
Kyle's brows furrowed in irritation. "It's not just a game to me. She means something to me."
Jake let out a sigh, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Look, I get that you're into this whole virtual romance thing, but you can't let it consume you. There are plenty of quests, battles, and other players out there. Maybe it's time to move on and explore new horizons."
"But what if she's in trouble?" Kyle's voice held a note of desperation.
Jake's expression softened, understanding the depth of his friend's concern. "If she's in trouble, there's nothing you can do about it in this virtual world. Besides - she's an NPC, dude. She's part of the game's programming. It's not worth driving yourself crazy over."
Kyle's shoulders slumped, torn between his desire to find Zakira and his friend's pragmatic advice. The bond he had formed with her, whether real or virtual, was a journey he couldn't easily dismiss. But as he met Jake's gaze, he saw a mixture of concern and frustration—a reflection of the reality that existed beyond the confines of this digital realm.
"I know, it's ridiculous," Kyle admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But there's something about her that's just... different."
Jake's expression softened as he looked at his friend. "Look, I get it. The game's immersive, and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in it. But remember, it's just a game. NPCs are programmed characters, and even if you think she's special, she's still bound by the game's mechanics. We all get attached to characters in games. It's part of the experience. But you can't let it consume you. There's a whole world to explore here."
Kyle's frustration began to give way to resignation, but a part of him still held on to hope. "I know, I know. It's just... She's not like other NPCs, Jake. She's not just a scripted character. There's something more to her."
Jake placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder, offering a supportive smile. "Hey, I get it. You're invested in the story, in the world. And maybe she's part of some hidden quest or storyline. But obsessing over an NPC isn't healthy, man. Trust me, I've been there."
Kyle's gaze softened as he looked at his friend. "I know you're right. It's just… hard to accept."
Jake clapped him on the shoulder, his expression sympathetic. "Look, if you want to keep searching for your NPC friend, go for it. But don't forget to enjoy the game for what it is. And hey, there's a few more new quests on the adventure board that just opened up. Wanna join me?"
Kyle hesitated, torn between his desire to find Zakira and his friend's invitation. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "Yeah, alright. Let's do it."
As the two friends left the tavern, Kyle's mind remained on Zakira. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye, even if it seemed impossible. But for now, he would heed Jake's advice and focus on the adventure that awaited him—a new quest that might lead to new discoveries, challenges, and perhaps even a chance to unravel the mystery of the woman who had captured his heart and his imagination.
© 2023 J.T. Acker. All rights reserved.
A few minutes later, he returned to Jake's house, greeted by Wilhelm at the door once more.
"Back so soon, Master Kyle?"
"Yeah, Willie." He grinned, enjoying the butler's discomfort, "Just had to run home real quick. I forgot something."
Dashing past Wilhelm, he ascended the stairs. Pausing midway, he slipped into the bathroom and locked the door behind him. Kyle retrieved one of the small packages from his pocket and tore it open, examining the contents. It suddenly dawned on him that he'd never put on a condom before.
"How the hell does this thing work?"
The condom was rolled up, the middle sticking out with a peculiar bump. His attempts at unrolling it proved futile, creating a mess. Scratching his head, he stood there in bewilderment. He couldn't bring himself to ask anyone for advice about this. His dignity was at stake, after all. Nor did he dare to look up tutorials on the internet; The last thing he wanted was to accidentally see some dude’s dick on a cheap homemade porno film.
An idea struck him, a mix of desperation and ingenuity. The answer was obvious: he had to be fully erect to roll the condom on. But how could he achieve that without the virtual presence of Zakira? The thought of replicating her actions in real life was unsettling.
"If only..."
Then his gaze fell upon a magazine on the floor beneath the sink cabinet. His heart raced as he recognized a pile of his friend's hidden stash of Playboy magazines. Grabbing one, the captivating beauty on the cover already had an effect on him. Flipping through the pages, he found the centerfold— the same enchanting woman now fully nude and seductively posed.
That did the trick. Kyle unzipped his pants and pulled down his shorts, his erection emerging. Swiftly, he rolled on the condom. Struggling to adjust his pants back in place was a challenge, but he managed it with a wince. Exiting the bathroom, the discomfort was palpable, yet as he approached the game room, it began to wane. But then the memory of his encounter at the convenience store flooded back, and his erection resurged.
He entered the game room. "Hey Jake! You won't believe what just happened!"
The room appeared empty.
"Jake?"
His attention shifted to the Pods, and there it was: Jake's unit was frosted over. He hadn't waited. Why would he?
Approaching the Pods, he peered closer at Jake's form. Through the glass, his friend appeared to be asleep, his chest rising and falling with each breath. A side screen tracked his vital signs—everything seemed normal.
With a relieved sigh, he climbed into his own Pod and activated it. As the door closed, a chill enveloped him, sending shivers down his spine.
Moments later, he blinked rapidly as the virtual landscape unfurled once again. It was night outside, the moon casting an eerie glow. A melody resonated from the sky, and the words "Coven Online" glowed above him. A deep voice emanated from the heavens.
"Welcome, Kyle, to Coven Online."
His character sheet again appeared as an overlay in his vision, the words hovering in mid-air. He immediately recognized that he was back in the grasslands where he had first spawned. Kyle's heart raced with a false hope as he swiped away the stat screen. Maybe, just maybe, Zakira would still be waiting for him, her gorgeous smile and fiery hair a beacon of connection. But as the virtual world unfolded before his eyes, that hope was dashed against the rocks of reality—Zakira was nowhere to be found.
He stood alone in the familiar grasslands, the wind brushing against his character's face. A sense of emptiness gnawed at him, a void left by the absence of the one person who had ignited his curiosity and desire like none other. With a sigh, he realized that he had no way of contacting her, no means to seek her out in this vast virtual realm.
Determined to unravel the mystery of her whereabouts, Kyle made his way to the bustling town square. He questioned every NPC he came across, describing Zakira in vivid detail—the fiery hair, the scanty fur and leather attire, the dagger, and even her... distinctive assets. Yet, the NPCs looked at him with vacant expressions, unable to comprehend his descriptions.
Frustration grew with each futile inquiry, his voice echoing through the digital streets as he tried in vain to find any trace of the mysterious woman who had left an indelible mark on his journey. They peddled their wares and offered quests, their scripted responses a stark reminder that this was a virtual world, confined by the boundaries of its programming.
He even attempted to inquire about Edron, the malevolent player he had crossed paths with before. But once again, the NPCs proved useless in providing any meaningful information. His agitation heightened, and his patience waned as he realized that the answers he sought were not to be found within these scripted conversations.
As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets, Kyle's frustration only deepened. The virtual town seemed to mock him, its cheerful NPCs blissfully unaware of his inner turmoil. He had asked every inhabitant, described Zakira down to the smallest detail, and even mentioned her name multiple times, but the responses remained the same—blank stares, repetitive scripts, and offers of wares and quests.
His thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, a blend of longing, anger, and confusion. How could she have vanished so completely? Was she truly just a creation of the game, an NPC like all the others? The possibility gnawed at him, and yet, his heart resisted the notion. Their intimate encounters had been too vivid, too intense to be mere lines of code.
His search brought him to a quaint little tavern, where the scent of virtual ale and hearty meals filled the air. With a sigh, he stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of the mysterious redhead. At the polished wooden bar, a rotund NPC bartender was busy cleaning a glass with a cloth.
He approached, hope mingled with skepticism. "Excuse me," he began tentatively, "I'm looking for someone. A woman named Zakira. Red hair, wears fur and leather, carries a dagger." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "And, uh, she's got, you know, distinctively... large breasts."
The bartender blinked at Kyle, his expression one of mild surprise mixed with a hint of amusement. "Distinctively large... ah, I see what you mean." He chuckled under his breath. "You've got quite the eye for detail, friend."
Kyle's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing the awkwardness of his description. "Yeah, sorry about that. But have you seen her? It's important."
The bartender paused in his task, his eyes fixed on Kyle with a bemused expression. "Inquiring about a lass, eh? Ain't seen no one fitting that description 'round here, friend."
Kyle's shoulders slumped, his frustration further fueled by the NPC's nonchalant response. "Are you sure? Her name is Zakira. She's—"
"Sorry to disappoint, but I've got no records of such a player in these parts," the bartender interrupted, his tone polite yet dismissive.
Kyle's patience wore thin, and he leaned in, his voice taking on a touch of urgency. "Look, I know she's not a player like me. She's… well, she's an NPC like you."
The bartender arched an eyebrow, his round face contorting in confusion. "Now, I ain't one to question your choices, lad, but you've taken a right fancy to an NPC? That's a new one."
Kyle's frustration bubbled to the surface, his words laced with exasperation. "I'm telling you, she's real! I've interacted with her, had conversations, shared intimate moments together. She's not just part of the game."
The bartender chuckled, seemingly amused by Kyle's insistence. "Lad, I've been serving drinks to many a folk in this tavern, but I ain't ever heard tell of someone talkin' 'bout NPCs like they're flesh and blood."
Kyle's cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He was acutely aware of the absurdity of his claims within the context of the game. But the depth of his connection with Zakira defied logic. How could he convince anyone of something so inexplicable?
Before he could retort, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "Having trouble, are we?"
Kyle turned to find Jake standing at the entrance of the tavern, a half-smile on his face. He looked weary, the signs of another battle he had just fought visible on his character's form.
"Yeah, you could say that," Kyle muttered, his frustration still palpable.
Jake sauntered over, leaning against the bar next to Kyle. "I heard from a few other players that you've been making a fool of yourself. Obsessed much?"
Kyle sighed, his frustration momentarily subsiding in the face of his friend's lighthearted tone. "Yeah, well, I'm trying to find someone."
Jake raised an eyebrow. "Someone? You mean an NPC?"
Kyle scowled at Jake's teasing tone. "You wouldn't understand. She's—"
"An NPC, right?" Jake finished his sentence, a smirk playing on his lips.
Kyle nodded, his gaze fixed on the bar. "Yeah, but it's not that simple. We've shared moments of intimacy. It's like she's more than just lines of code."
Jake chuckled, giving Kyle an amused sidelong glance. "Man, you've really gone down the rabbit hole with this one."
"It's not a joke," Kyle protested, his frustration evident. "It's like she vanished from the game. No one seems to know her, even when I describe her."
"Dude, you're acting like you lost your real-world girlfriend." Jake listened patiently before shaking his head with a bemused expression. "You're acting obsessed, Kyle. It's just a game."
Kyle's brows furrowed in irritation. "It's not just a game to me. She means something to me."
Jake let out a sigh, his tone tinged with exasperation. "Look, I get that you're into this whole virtual romance thing, but you can't let it consume you. There are plenty of quests, battles, and other players out there. Maybe it's time to move on and explore new horizons."
"But what if she's in trouble?" Kyle's voice held a note of desperation.
Jake's expression softened, understanding the depth of his friend's concern. "If she's in trouble, there's nothing you can do about it in this virtual world. Besides - she's an NPC, dude. She's part of the game's programming. It's not worth driving yourself crazy over."
Kyle's shoulders slumped, torn between his desire to find Zakira and his friend's pragmatic advice. The bond he had formed with her, whether real or virtual, was a journey he couldn't easily dismiss. But as he met Jake's gaze, he saw a mixture of concern and frustration—a reflection of the reality that existed beyond the confines of this digital realm.
"I know, it's ridiculous," Kyle admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But there's something about her that's just... different."
Jake's expression softened as he looked at his friend. "Look, I get it. The game's immersive, and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in it. But remember, it's just a game. NPCs are programmed characters, and even if you think she's special, she's still bound by the game's mechanics. We all get attached to characters in games. It's part of the experience. But you can't let it consume you. There's a whole world to explore here."
Kyle's frustration began to give way to resignation, but a part of him still held on to hope. "I know, I know. It's just... She's not like other NPCs, Jake. She's not just a scripted character. There's something more to her."
Jake placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder, offering a supportive smile. "Hey, I get it. You're invested in the story, in the world. And maybe she's part of some hidden quest or storyline. But obsessing over an NPC isn't healthy, man. Trust me, I've been there."
Kyle's gaze softened as he looked at his friend. "I know you're right. It's just… hard to accept."
Jake clapped him on the shoulder, his expression sympathetic. "Look, if you want to keep searching for your NPC friend, go for it. But don't forget to enjoy the game for what it is. And hey, there's a few more new quests on the adventure board that just opened up. Wanna join me?"
Kyle hesitated, torn between his desire to find Zakira and his friend's invitation. Finally, he sighed and nodded. "Yeah, alright. Let's do it."
As the two friends left the tavern, Kyle's mind remained on Zakira. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye, even if it seemed impossible. But for now, he would heed Jake's advice and focus on the adventure that awaited him—a new quest that might lead to new discoveries, challenges, and perhaps even a chance to unravel the mystery of the woman who had captured his heart and his imagination.
© 2023 J.T. Acker. All rights reserved.
