Love, Virtually - Episode 7
by Jonathan Rosen
Brandon, is that really you?
I think so. I see everything like it’s real. It’s weird. The only body I feel is this one.
Look! Our conversation appears on the side in text, like we’re playing the game. So cool!
There’s nothing cool about this.
There is. We have powers here. You can fly!
Also, we are in the same place having a conversation for the first time. And that’s amazing.
And look how muscular I am. Just like in real life!
Really?
Of course not! That’s why this is so cool!
Take the time to enjoy this! We’re able to do things that we never could in our real lives.
You’re ridiculous. This isn’t what I look like at all. I’m a faerie in here, so I’m like two feet tall. And this is a video game body drawn by men.
The proportions are ridiculous.
Who cares about all that stuff? Just enjoy it. And besides, the face is yours, and you’re beautiful.
I am? It’s my face and not the character’s?
Well, I assume it’s your face, since it’s different from how the character usually is in the game.
You’re right, I didn’t even realize it when I first saw you. It’s your face on the character now, not the Dragon Slayer that I’m used to.
I was right before. You’re cute.
So are you. Btw, nice wings.
Thanks. Nice sword.
We better be careful, we’ll get the PG-13 rating taken away from this game.
Seriously, though, it’s nice to be able to talk to you in the same place and see your face.
Same here. But, unless we do something, we’re not going to be around for long.
I’ve been thinking about it. I really think we need to finish the game for everything to be restored.
How do you know?
It just makes sense. We have to finish to win.
And then we’ll be restored to our bodies.
And all that stuff you were saying before? About how you think this is supposed to be happening?
I do believe that. I think this is happening for a reason. We were supposed to meet.
Why else did we connect in the game years apart? I looked you up and found out you died in real life. I’m supposed to save you.
Yeah, but what do you get out of it? I get my life, and you?
Maybe, I’m supposed to get the girl?
Two years apart? Look, let’s just figure a way out of this first.
Good idea. From what I know, we have to storm the castle and defeat the dragon.
Usually the reward is gold, but maybe now it’ll be getting out of here.
Let’s go kill a dragon.
One hour later
Look how great we’re doing!
I have to admit, it’s been fun playing with you. Well, as fun as can be expected, considering that we might actually die at any moment.
We’re not going to die! We got this.
I bet our pictures are all over orc newscasts for the murder of mass orcs.
Ha! It’s only going to get harder.
According to what I remember, the castle should be coming up soon.
Yeah, we’re going to fight a mass wave of orcs and trolls before we even get into the castle.
Then, the dragon.
Here they come!
Watch out! To your left!
Got it! Behind you!
I see him! Stick together! Side to side and let’s go!
It’s hard to be side-to-side when you’re seven feet tall and I’m like, two.
Just keep going! We’re almost at the castle! I see the gate!
There are hundreds of them!
Keep firing!
They’re everywhere. They all have axes!
Ow! One of them cut me! Damn, that hurt!
Watch yourself! I can’t lose you now!
I’m not going anywhere!
We’re almost there!
Yes! I can’t believe we made it! How many orcs do you think we killed?
At least a couple of hundred. We’re awesome together!
We only made the castle. We still have the hard part coming.
Have you ever seen the dragon?
I got there before. I didn’t make it. It knocked me back down a couple of levels.
I’ve never even seen it. What was it like?
Powerful. It was humongous, and I lost pretty easily.
But, I was also cocky. I don’t know if that made a difference or not, but I definitely don’t think I was prepared enough to beat it.
Can we beat it together?
There’s obviously got to be a way to beat it. Nobody would play a game that was impossible to win.
So, we can do this.
How do we attack?
I think you’re going to have to be the one to actually kill the dragon.
Why me?
That’s your character. Every character has a role in this game, and you specifically chose a dragon slayer.
Maybe that’s why I didn’t win the first time. Maybe you’re right. Maybe the game is supposed to be played by teaming up.
When we face the dragon, I’ll distract him, while you plunge the sword into its throat. That’s the softest part.
Wait a second. Do you feel it getting warmer in here?
Yes. That must mean it’s near.
Where? I don’t see anything.
Be careful, it can camouflage itself.
There’s a trail of smoke. There it is! BEHIND YOU!
Jessica, run!
It’s like the size of a building!
Distract it! Attack it from above. Use your wings! Fly!
I’m hitting it with everything I have! Nothing’s happening!
Higher, Jessica! Keep flying!
I won’t be able to get away. I’m not going to make it.
You won’t have to get away. Keep firing! Distract it!
I’m trying!
Fly higher. I’m attacking the throat now!
Brandon, watch out for the fire!
I stabbed him! The sword is still in his neck!
Keep shooting him, so I can get my sword back!
I need to stab him again!
Please be careful!
YOU be careful!
I’m hitting him with everything. It doesn’t look like it’s having any effect.
It is! I see it. He’s slowing down!
Yes! I’m hitting him again.
I got the sword!
Get him!
He’s falling! Get out of the way!
Move, Brandon!
Brandon?
BRANDON!!
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