[IC] Lumen Ruber Caedis (HylianRose and Caits)

[HylianRose]

Yuki: End Game Tower (EG Tower)

She opened her eyes to see the familiar red hues of the canopy above her, her body resting against the soft bed below her.

I'm still here...

She turned to look out the sole window in the entire room. It was the only light source; it's soft warm glow enveloping everything. Still, it didn't help her nerves. He could come at any minute and she'd have no power to resist him. She closed her eyes, the shackles around her wrists and ankles cold against her warm skin.

Get. Me. Out. Of. Here.

Her eyes shot open when she heard the door handle open and the familiar footsteps make their way it. She closed her eyes and looked away from him.

"Good morning, My Darling. Have a good night's sleep?" He asked, his voice sweet like honey but disgusting. She tightened her eye lids, willing the bad feeling in her stomach to leave. "Come now, if I can't have your heart, what good is having your body?" She heard him ask as he walked around her bed. She felt hands grab her face and lift it. When she opened her eyes, green eyes stared back at her, close enough to feel his disgusting breath. She felt the tears well up, threatening to overflow.

Make it stop...

Rika:First Floor Town, Renalia

She smiled at herself. She was actually enjoying this. She grinned at the 'Congratulations!' screen that popped up. She should probably move on. She was getting bored fighting the low level pigs. Besides, she needed to get back to town and log off. She still needed to practice for basketball. As she walked, she stretched her arms out, letting them loose after so much tension fighting. Her eyes went wide and she stopped when she heard the Notification 'ping' and a new message icon appeared in front of her.

Yeah, that'll take some getting used to.

She clicked it and a message from Nala popped up.

I'm sorry to do this to you Rika, but I'm going to join The Red Tigers. I mean, they're a pretty cool group of players. I think it's a perfect fit for us. If you want, I'll meet you at the Beginnings Inn along with all the others. I'm sure you'd love them! Anyway, I'll talk to you later, Rika. Chao!

She closed the message, deleting it immediately.

How can she do this to me?

Rika's hand formed a fist, her anger slowly rising. Nala had been her partner these past few days, the first person she'd met here. Rika wasn't really looking to join a guild, she wanted to wait until she get better terms on herself as a player and where she would fit in. Plus, she didn't really want to... She'd never liked big crowds to begin with. Two to four was probably her max. She let out a frustrated sigh and kicked at the grass.

She knew yet... She's willing to leave me behind?!

Rika closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She didn't have time to think about this. She opened her eyes, braced herself and ran for the Renalia, ready to log out.

[MarshiestMallow]

Pakuna stared outside the town of Renalia. He had been outside a few times, but found the continual slaughtering of the pigs both boring and disgusting. He liked having a focus, a goal to work towards. Yet he wasn't foolish. He knew he would need help to try and get to the next floor-he just wasn't skilled enough in fighting to beat the floor.

He brought out his one handed blade, examining it. It was thin, a beginners blade. He hadn't the coin just yet for a better one, but he was working his way to it. Right now, he decided to focus on other skills besides fighting. If you got your cooking skill up high enough, you could make decent meals to sell to NPCs. And if he got his blacksmithing skills up high enough he could make his own weapons and armor.

He had it all worked out. He leaned against a tree, watching people go by.

Donovan laughed, slashing the air with his blade, he slashed through the pig, the congratulations icon piping up. He was having the time of his life in this game. He noted the time, and sighed. His mother would expect him to help out around the house soon, so he started back to Renalia to log out.

He passed Pakuna leaning against the tree. At times, the two boys had been working together helping the other out, and despite Pakuna's quite nature, Donovan liked the boy well enough and they had become fast friends. He sidled up to him, grinning, "you have a serious look about you. Pondering the rights of the pigs are we?"

Pakuna cracked a smile, shook his head "thinking how to level up other skills"

Donovan laughed, "you just need the fighting skills!"

Pakuna shook his head "I want to make money so I can get decent gear" he said

Donovan clapped him on the back, chuckling "alright then"

[HylianRose]

Well, she was running to Renalia though just as she got there, two boys walked out in front of her and she rammed into them. She fell on top of the black haired boy, elbowing him in the gut. "Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" She yelled, scrambling to get up.

Shit, this guy's going to kill me... Wait... This is a no PvP zone, right?

She looked around. Sure enough, she was well within the boundaries of the Safe Zone. Still, she didn't want to upset them. They could easily find her later and kill her out on the field for revenge. Though, even to her that was a bit drastic.

She blinked, realizing she was lost in thought again and got up and off of the black haired guy and brushed her clothes back down into their normal position. "I'm very sorry. I seriously didn't see you walk out in front of me and by then it was... too late." She explained, letting out an awkward laugh, her arm poised behind her head, trying to appear nonchalant. "Oh!" She yelled, straightening. "I know!" She continued, opening up her menu and pulling up her items list.

Berries... pig meat... flower... no... There it is!

She clicked on the icon label, Healer's Potion I and it popped into her hand. "Here take this. It's the least I can do for causing you trouble." She told him, holding out the small green bottle.

[MarshiestMallow]

Donovan's breathed left him with an "Oof". He was more shocked then hurt, and quickly studied the girls face, Pakuna watching with an amused expression. She appeared lost in thought, as she pretty much laid on him. He didn't mind at all.

When she scrambled off him, he stood, brushing off dirt and straightening his clothes. He ran his fingers through his hair, grinning. "it's not a problem, my lady" he said politely, his tone amused, watching her flick through her menu, and take out a potion. He shook his head "I do not need anything, it was an accident, and I was too busy laughing to take note of my surroundings"

He held out a hand, "I am Donovan. The white haired, quite fellow is Pakuna. He might not talk much. He's quite shy around girls I think"

Pakuna blushed, and punched Donovan's shoulder lightly, "he is just saying that" Pakuna said, but his voice was soft and quite.

Donovan grinned

[HylianRose]

Rika chuckled, smiling at the two boys. Donovan and Pakuna?

Hmm...

She pulled the potion back and sent it back into her inventory. "Very well then." She replied, curtly, surprised he didn't jump at the chance for free items. She chuckled lightly again and took his hand. "I'm Rita. It's nice to meet you, Donovan and Pakuna." As she said Pakuna's name she leaned over to the side and smile at him.

"You should ask them to join you."

She blinked, the voice coming out of nowhere. It sounded female... But it was so hollow sounding, almost as if she were dead. Rika grew silent, her brows furrowed. She closed her eyes and shook her head. When she opened them again, she was smiling once more. "Well, at least let me fed you before I have to log off. The Beginnings Cafe's food isn't the greatest but it's a nice place for company, don't you think?" She asked them, hoping they'd come with her. It would help her get her mind off of Nala and on to more important things. Though... this was just a game right? She shouldn't get so serious about it... Well... She'd only spend a few minutes with them.

"Oh, and this time, I don't expect no for an answer." She explained with a wicked grin. She grabbed their elbows and began to pull them towards the town, heading for the Beginnings Cafe. "By the way, have either of you gotten to the first boss? I've heard he isn't easy. I don't think anyone's really beaten him yet even though the games been out for a week now." She asked, looking back as she pulled them into the building and sat them down. When asked, she told the waiter to give her her usual times 3. She leaned against the table, her elbows resting on it as she waited for a response.

[MarshiestMallow]

Donovan hadn't meant to offend the girl by rejecting her offer of the healing potion. He had a few, and didn't want to disadvantage the girl. Rita. He smiled, and said "well, I never say no to food. Sometimes, I am always hungry" he grinned "and a free meal from a beautiful girl? No man would say no"

Pakuna whacked him across the head as Rita directed them to the cafe and into the seats. "I apologie for him. He has no filter in his brain and appears to just say what ever pops into his head" he said in his soft voice. Pakuna leaned on the table, a small smile playing on his lips, as he shook his head at the question.

"No, mainly be slaughtering the pigs to try and level" Donovan said with a shake of his head "I will try finding the boss soon though, although I'd like others with me[/b]" he shrugged "besides of it was easy, the game wouldn't be as fun. What about you?"

[HylianRose]

She chuckled at Pakuna, her cheeks growing a bit red. She shot him a warm and then turned to Donovan. Rika chuckled again. "I was just coming back from doing the same thing. It's honestly kind of stress relieving. Though... They're getting really easy now." She replied as the waiter put classes of water in front of them. She picked hers up and took a sip.

"Ask them to join your party and find the boss."

She spit out the water all over Donovan. It was that voice again. Who was she?! She looked around the room, looking for the source of the voice and then back at Donovan who now had water all over him. Rika's eyes grew large looking at him.

Oh... My... God...

Her cheeks grew red hot as she scrambled to get a napkin and hand it to him. "I'm so sorry. I just... something surprised me and I just... Ugh." She managed to tell him, her heart racing. Who the hell was that girl and why could she hear her? Was it someone in the real world messing with her? But... It usually didn't do that... She sat in her seat, slumped over. She sighed and looked up at the two boys. "I know it's probably not the best timing..." She began, glancing at Donovan's wet clothes. (It didn't help that she could now see clear through to his chest.)

Remember, he probably doesn't even look like that in real life.

She took in a deep breath and continued, "But... If you wanted someone to join you in fighting the boss, I'll help. I... I know where it is. I've just been putting it off..." She explained, looking in the other direction as their food arrived. The waiter placed a simple soup in front of them. It was Rika's favorite out of everything on the First Floor. "I mean... I understand if you don't... want to." She finished as she picked up her spoon and shoveled a spoon full of soup into her mouth. Her cheeks were red and she was pouting.

A great start... Lovely.

[MarshiestMallow]

Donovan smiled as the waiter set the glasses down, and said "they are at-" and was cut off as she spat her water at him. He blinked, completely shocked and Pakuna chuckled. He wiped his face, and kicked Pakuna under the table lightly.

As she handed him the napkin, he stared at it and said "I think this is like trying to dry a dog. The napkin will be soaked through before I am dry" but he grinned easily, drying his face. Rita seemed flustered, and a little bit freaked, and Donovan was just easy going.

Pakuna picked up his water, his shoulders shakin in silent laughter, noting Rita looking at Donovan's chest. "just change your clothes"

"ah good idea" Donovan stood, his cheeks reddening slightly, quickly going through his menu and changing into a t-Shirt that was dry. He had a spare set, and was quite thankful for that right now. "don't worry about it Rita, it's fine" he grinned easily at her sitting back down, picking up his spoon for the soup.

Both Donovan and Pakuna looked at each other when she suggested joining her, then at her, "that would be great!" Donovan said and Pakuna nodded

"i would be thankful for that" Pakuna said gratefully

[HylianRose]

Rika

She grinned and clapped her hands together, excited. "Good! How does meeting at 5 tomorrow sound? I really need to log off and go practice." She told them, already standing, her soup untouched. She smiled at the two and paid the bill quickly before pulling up the Menu.

"It's not going to be there."

She paused, her finger held over where the log out button should have been. "Umm..." She mumbled, her eyes growing wide. She'd read about the incident with SAO like this but she hadn't expected it. "There much be some sort of glitch or something... She continued, searching through the screen.

"It's not a glitch."

She let out an awkward laugh, looking at the two in front of her. "I.. uh... can't find the log out button. Think they moved it?" She asked, trying to hide her nerves. Her eyes went from one boy to the next and then back, frantically. "Right? It's a mistake, right?"

"It certainly is wrong, but not a mistake."

"Shut up!" She yelled, closing her eyes and holding her hands up to her ears. Who the hell is that person? Why does she seem to know so much, what did it have to do with Rika? She took in a deep breath and opened her eyes straightening. Her eyes went wide as Donovan and Pakuna disappear before her eyes. "D-Did they manage to log out? Where did everyone go?" She stuttered, looking around. Everyone was gone, the inn as empty.

It wasn't long before as she looked, the scenery around her changed. "Wait, what?" She looked around. She was in the middle of a large crowd of players, Donovan and Pakuna no where to be seen, presumably far away from her on the other side of the square. They were in the center of the First Floor town, Renalia center square. Rika's heart sped up, her palms got sweaty and she pulled her extremities in close, claustrophobia setting in.

"It'll be okay. You're fine. Well... for now."

"Shut up..." Rika whispered angrily, clearly not dealing with this well. Soon, the sky turned red and a large apparition appeared in the sky, a figure cloaked in blood red fabric.

"Good Afternoon Players!" It boomed, it's red eyes glaring down at them. "I'm sure you're all familiar with the SAO incident. Well, I'm hear to tell you that, I have recreated it, made it better. I have improved the system." It boomed again, it's voice large and condescending. Slowly, it floated around the room. "There is no escaping, no logging out. When you die, that's it. You die. Just like the old SAO, the NerveGear will kill your brain and you will be lost forever. No one can save you and believe me, no one has tried." It explained. "I see none of you have even attempted the boss for this level, and with good reason. Now that the games have begun, I'll open the gates to the boss for you. Good luck." It sang, it's voice dripping with disgust. "Now... If you'll all look in your inventory. I've given you a little present. Consider it a Good Luck gift." It told them and then disappeared, leaving them all staring at one another.

Rika shook in denial. "No... No... It's not real. This is a weird dream..." She mumbled, her eyes showing her fear.

"Don't worry. I'm here for you. If you want to leave this crowd, get out his 'present.' It'll transport you somewhere else."

Rika, sat for a moment, pondering before she, with a shaking hand, pulled up the menu and searched for the gift. She was probably one of the first to actually start looking for it. She found it quickly, it reading 'Mirror, Mirror.' Fairy tales? Rika blinked and clicked the object. It popped into her hand, a small ornate hand mirror, much like the one from Beauty and the Beast. When she turned to look at herself, she looked like normal Rika in her character's gear. Her eyes went wide and she began to fall. She let out a blood curdling scream as she did, scared for her life. Soon, she felt herself slowing down as she was placed gently on the ground, grass all around, the world's sunset off in the distance. She felt the tears coming on and curled up into a ball, letting them flow. Ugly tears...


Yuki


She sighed, still sitting on the bed in the tower. She'd realized, going through the menu she'd found that she had access to information, as well as a view of players. If she clicked certain buttons she could she their view and even talk to them. She'd shuffled through a few and found a girl named Rika... She didn't know why she did, but Yuki decided she'd try and help this girl. She'd been spending countless hours reading up on all she could and with the information Aiko had given her, she knew what to tell Rika, to help her. She felt sorry for the girl because at least Aiko wasn't really going to kill Yuki. No, Yuki was safe up in this tower, all locked away.

Her eyes shot open when she heard footsteps coming up the door and she quickly closed the menu and laid down, pretending to sleep.

[MarshiestMallow]

As Rita went to log out, Donovan and Pakuna stood to do the same, but Donovan stopped when Rita said there was no log out button. Surely there had to be, it was there before he was sure.

He pulled up his own menu, went to press the log out button, but it wasn't there. He turned to Pakuna, wided eyed and saw him staring at the place where the log out button should be on his own menu.

"this can't be-" Pakuna started and then he was gone. Donovan looked about but he was alone. When he was transported to the center of the first town, Donovan looked about and then he was running, pushing through the crowd, searching for Pakuna or Rita. He found Pakuna, crashing into the white haired boy, he held them both up.

"what's happening?" Donovan said, and Pakuna shrugged, looking about as the voice boomed around the court. Both boys listened, and dawning horror washed across their features.

They both look at their menus, finding the mirrors. They took them out, staring at their reflectin, then as they began to change.

Donovan's mirror slipped through his fingers as his appearance changed to his real one, and his eyes went to Pakuna, whose features had changed as well. Only it was like looking in the mirror still. Except for his white hair, Pakuna looked very much like Donovan.

Donovan stared at him, and Pakuna stared back, identical looks of shock on their faces. And then they were both gone once more.

Landing in the field, Donovan immediately pulled up his friends lost, and track Pakuna down. It unnerved him that the boy looked so much like him, but he was Donovan's only friend in this world, as he hadn't put Rita in his friend list yet.

Pakuna looked about, seeing Donovan approaching him. Strange, that they were so similar in looks. Pakuna had a theory, but he wouldn't speak it. He walked towards him. "let's find Rita" he said, immediately beginning to look for the girl.

It took them a while, but eventually, they found her, identifying her by the character gear she had worn. Donovan ran to her, kneeling down, he touched her shoulder. "Rita?" he asked just in case it wasn't her.

[HylianRose]

She looked up at the sound of a familiar voice, her eyes red from crying. They only started to pour more as she laid her eyes on... Donovan and Pakuna? That's who they were, right? She'd heard Donovan's voice but he looked different. Well... so did she...

"How can they do this to us?! I... I'll never play another freaking video game again!" She shouted, shaking her head fiercely, looking akin to a lost puppy. "I'm... I barely understand how to kill the pigs much less the boss!" She continued, turning her head to look at the grass. "This shouldn't be real..." She mumbled, pulling at one of the blades of grass. Where was that stupid voice now? She shook her head and pulled her head into her lap.

"I just... I need time to deal with this..." She told them, unmoving. So many thoughts raced through her heads. Her family, her friends at school, her team. She was being left behind and she knew it. She had no way to change it... Except...

Suddenly, after a few moments of silence, Rika straightened up. She looked over to Donovan and Pakuna, her red eyes fierce and red hot. "Help me. Help me beat this game." She asked them, her determination strong. She wasn't going to let this game decide her fate for her. It red her nerves and her muscle movements? Fine. She'd use them. "Tomorrow, let's go see this Boss." She told them, looking up at them. "I don't think I'm ready to give up just yet." She continued.

She stood slowly, her legs just a little bit shaky and turned to them. She held out her shaking hands towards them, putting on the best smile she could managed. "Ne?" She chirped, her voice just a bit too high pitched.

[MarshiestMallow]

Donovan, despite not knowing Rita very long, hugged her. Her gave her his best grin, and said "we will kick butt, and best this game. I promise you. I won't let you die, either of you" he said, his voice strong.

Pakuna nodded, smiling shyly, embarrassed at having his really self revealed. He was slightly smaller then Donovan, equal height but slimer build. Donovan appeared to have more muscle then him, but Pakuna wouldn't let that stop him.

[b{"I will do my best"[/b] Pakuna said softly, [/b]"I fear though I may be a better support player. I have already started to work on my blacksmithing, and cooking skills"[/b] he rubbed the back of his next, feelin awkward.

Donovan brought up his menu, send an invitation to both of them to form a group, "let's stick together" he said, "and show this guy you can't trap us here!"

[HylianRose]

She gulped, feeling him wrap his arms around her. Her cheeks flushed red. This was the first time she'd had this kind of contact with a male. She felt her body tense up ad she tried to relax it, to hug him back. Her hands raised around his back, touching him lightly. An awkward hug, but a step... She let out a small huff, smiling slightly at his words. He'd protect him, eh? She chuckled a bit and nodded her head. "And I won't let either of you die.

She heard Pakuna speak, though softly. She smiled brightly and walked over to give him a hug, wrapping her arms around him. [b]"If he get's one you do too. And never put down a good support player. Every team needs one." She told him, pulling back to look him in the eyes, her smile warm and genuine. She didn't want him to feel down just because he couldn't fight with them very well.

It also kind of struck her as odd that the two boys looked very, very similar. They were both the same height and had the same facial features. The only difference was their build. They almost looked like brothers, though she didn't really want to ask. That was their business. She had more important things to deal with than relations. She chuckled again at Donovan and hit the accept button on her own menu, their two tags appears below her own, their HP appearing right next to it. "Good. Then I say we go back to the inn and get a good night's sleep. We can start on the boss tomorrow." She told them, already pulling them in that direction, a goofy smile on her face.

I don't want to die...

[MarshiestMallow]

Pakuna seemed shocked at the hug. Taken by surprise, his returned it half-heartedly, before accepting the invitation from Donovan. He noticed Rita study them both briefly, and he glanced at Donovan.

Queer that they looked alike. But then, Pakuna knew he had a twin brother out there somewhere. Had he met him, and been playing with him in this game? Would they die together? He didn't know. But he did know his long lost twins adoptive parents names. If he could ask Donovan who his parents were, well, he might be one step closer to having a family again. And that would mean he was forever grateful to this dreadful trap.

He smiled slightly and shook his head, letting Rita direct him back to the town and the inn.

Donovan chuckled, following along happily enough. "I think we should share a room" he said, "this game could get dangerous extremely fast, and we don't need to be victims to sleep PKs" he checked his inventory, noted how much gold he had and nodded.

"we also need to figure out a way of getting gold and good gear" he added thinking.

"I may have some ideas Pakuna said softly "but let's wait until we have a room"

[HylianRose]

Rika nodded, not looking forward to sharing a room with two males but sleep PKing would be a problem. She smiled and chuckled as they walked.

"I never thought that sleep PKing would ever be such a problem for me. It used to be just a nuisance and now..." She trailed off, sighing. "Anyway, let's go find a room." She finished, walking towards the inn. Thank god this Inn was huge, otherwise it would be able to fit everyone. Rika walked up to the counter and got in the rather long line waiting to get a room. She turned to Donovan and Pakuna behind her. "I hope we can even get a room... Looks like their filling up fast..." She told them, her heart sinking.

God I hope we can get a room.

"If... I did it right, you already do."

Rika blinked. Wait, what? That voice... They already had a room? How was she supposed to explain that to Donovan and Pakuna? "Oh, we already have a room... Why? I don't know..." She sighed, letting her head fall, rolling her eyes.

So, how can you even hear me? And who the hell are you?

"I... I really don't know. I'm not good with computers. I just kind of... did it. I'm Yuki.Yuki Tsukasa."

Y-Yuki?

"Yes. I'm... in some sort of tower. Aiko... He... He kidnapped me. Anyway, I have a few admin controls here and I seem to be able to do a few things for you. Though, I don't want to do too much and alert them."

O-Okay....

When Rika looked up again, the line had moved down by a good bit. She jumped a bit and ran over to catch up, gulping.

"You still have to wait in line and get your key, but it should be paid for."

Rika nodded slowly and took in a deep breath, looking around at the people in the foyer of the inn. They all looked tired and worn, their eyes bloodshot like hers from crying. There were even small children here. She hated him, whoever created this game. She could feel her blood boiling. She probably wouldn't even get to sleep tonight. She couldn't calm down.

[MarshiestMallow]

Donovan waited in the line with Rita, but Pakuna slipped away. He noticed an abandoned harp in the corner of the room, probably from the NPC musical group that should play in the inn. Noting the atmosphere, the cheerlessness of it, he went over to the instrument.

He didn't even know if he could play if, but he would try. Setting himself down, he began to play. Pakuna had a natural artistic talent, and within moments, he had a good tune. He hoped to make a happier atmosphere.

Donovan nodded as Rita said they had a room, deciding not to ask how. Anything that helped them, he wouldn't question. He detested waiting in line, but would do so. They did need to rest and food would be nice. As Pakuna started playing the harp, Donovan watched him. He was sure that wasn't normal, to be able to play the harp well like that. He wondered what had happened to the band.

He looked around at the crowd as well, as they moved up the line. "we have to be something these people Can look up to. A hope" he said, "we have to show them that we can get them out of this" he spoke softly for him, his eyes determined.

[HylianRose]

She looked over, watching Pakuna walk up to where the band should be a pick up a harp. She smiled slightly when he began playing.

Good... We all need something like that to keep the mood calm.

She looked down at her hand, rubbing them together nervously. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to get herself to calm down, both her anger and her fear. Somehow she didn't think it'd be very productive right now to worry about such things.

Just... take it one day at a time. Pretend it's just like regular life and that you're okay. This is a basketball game, a kendo match. You have to show them you can do it. I'm not some weak female.

She sighed and turned to look at Donovan who was now talking to himself. She smiled and chuckled at him as the line went down. Soon, they'd be at the front.

"I believe we can." She told him, sending him a determined look in her eyes, showing him that she shared his determination, though not for the same reasons. She didn't want to be there for others, she wanted to be there for herself. She was doing this for herself, she always had been. Having friends to protect was a bonus, one she thought she could handle.

She turned to see they were at the front of the line. "Uhm, we have a reservation?" She told the NPC. It tilted it's head at her.

"A reservation? What's the name?" the female NPC asked, pulling up a menu.

"R-Rika." Rika replied, her heart beat growing.

"Ah! It's right here. Here are you keys!" She told Rika, her smile bright. Rika nodded and took the keys, motioning for Donovan and Pakuna to follow her to the hallway. When they were both there, she handed them their keys.

"We're in room number 5, here are your keys." She told them.

God, I hope she got us a bedroom with three beds or something....

Rika walked over to the room and used the key to open the door, walking inside. As she entered, she looked around. It wasn't much but it would do. The walls were wooden and there were two queen-sized beds on either side of the room. She smiled to herself and took a bed for herself, sitting down.

"See, it all worked out." She said, giggling awkwardly.

[MarshiestMallow]

Pakuna and Donovan accepted their keys, heading into the room with Rita. Donovan looked about, and seemed dismayed at the fact there was only two queen beds, yet Pakuna didn't seem to mind. If Donovan was his long lost twin, why should he care about sharing a bed?

Donovan sighed and sat down, and Pakuna did the same. It would be clear to anyone watching them that they had similar mannerisms. Donovan set his blade down, ready to grab it at a moments notice, and changed into casual clothes for sleeping. He ran his fingers through his black hair, sitting down once more.

"So...do we need to eat in here? Go to the bathroom? Get sleepy?" he said wonderingly out loud, "I mean, our minds are here, and the images of our bodies, but not our real bodies..." he trailed off, looking at them both for an answer.

Pakuna shrugged, changing into sleep wear as well, he brushed his white hair out his eyes before saying, "We get hunger. We get sleepy. You have the urge to go to the bathroom when in the game before, so I assume yes, we will need to eat, to sleep. Even as we are back in the real world, I imagine our bodies will need a rest from all the running around we will do in here" he then seemed embarrassed at his long speech, and blushed, shifting back on the bed.

Donovan thought on that, and then nodded. He sighed and fell silent for a while. "So, what do you two do in real life? I train in Kendo, and Karate, obviously love computer games although my opinion of them might be changing, and was studying to be a computer engineer before this happened"

Pakuna took a moment to answer, "I'm a bit of a nerd. Indoors, comics, computers...I was doing a computer degree too. I...I...I raise my little brother. Adoptive little brother. What's going to happen to him?" When Pakuna's adoptive parents died in their accident, Pakuna had fought tooth and nail to keep his adoptive brother with him. And now...was he going to lose one brother, to gain another? He looked at them both, pain evident on his face

[HylianRose]

Rika watched outside the one window they had at the night sky, only faintly listening to the two. It was so beautiful yet so frightening all at once. Frighteningly beautiful. It scared her and mesmerized her all at once. She knew she could die here, that it was all too real but she knew what it was. They were all just data hooked up to a human being, processed in to this... world. It no longer felt like a game to her.

She turned hearing them talk about what they did in the real world. Quickly, she changed into some night wear, a simple night gown, and sat down on her bed again. "I played sports, basketball, swimming, kendo... I'm not much of a gamer, seemed silly to me. But when I got the chance to use my own skills in a game, I jumped at it. Seems I... made the wrong choice?" She asked, giggling.

"I guess sports got angry at me for leaving them and this is what I get in return." She continued, laying down on the bed.

As far as sleep goes, this feels pretty real to me. I think we just get sleepy like we would in the real world... Yanno?" she asked, turning her head to look at them. With that, she was under the covers and trying to sleep, her back to the boys, her eyes up at the night sky through the window.

[MarshiestMallow]

Both boys fell silent. After a while, Pakuna crawled under the covers of the bed, staying to one side to allow Donovan some room as well. Pakuna was asleep in moments, but Donovan stayed sitting at the end of the bed. Unable to sit still, Donovan went over to the door and made sure it was locked, doing the same for the windows.

Parania had kicked in for him, and he wasn't about to let something happen to any of them. The black haired boy looked around the room as if suspecting an attack. He finally sighed, and went back over to the bed, picking up his weapon, he laid down with it.

This was no longer a game, he knew that, so he had to do his best to keep all three of them alive. He would focus on getting his fighting skills up high, leveling so he could protect them.

Sleep didn't come easy to Donovan, as he left his eyes open, staring at the room door.