“Wow! What a day.” I sighed as I went over all the happenings of a full day in game. Hmm, assuming I get to sleep for 9 hour in-game time during the night, that leaves me with 3 hours to get things done at home in real life. Getting up to stretch I made my way to the kitchen to heat up some instant food. I know, extravagant right? That’s the life of a bachelor during summer break. Soon after a quick meal I headed off to the gym to renew my membership and spent an hour of intense swimming.

Too soon the hour was up and I headed back home. With half an hour to spare I checked up online to see what was being said about this new Virtual Reality. The news reports said that close to 100,000 people had already received messages saying that they had won, but currently there was no data on how many had accepted the prize. I wondered if I would be seeing anyone come to my city any time soon. With no further thought on that, I closed down my computer and lay down in my capsule.

* * *

*Bang!*Bang!*Bang!* The first thing to greet me was a sound that was too much like someone banging metal pots together. “What the Hell?!” *Slam!* “Ugh!” I opened my eyes to see myself laying on the ground with my overturned cot laying on top of me. Victoria had apparently set aside her cooking pans to then toss me out of my bed when she realized I was finally awake.

“Good morning! You should have been up over an hour ago!” Her fierce glare and now back in hand cooking pans kept me from speaking a few choice words that Really wanted to be spoken. I moved out of my parent’s house to live on my own so that I could Avoid this kind of situation!

However, I needed her knowledge and skills in order to make my way in this world, so getting angry was not the answer. Taking a deep breath to calm my emotions, I looked up with what I hoped to be a penitent stare and apologized. “I am sorry mam, I was taking care of some things back in my own world. I will do better to be back in time in the future.”

“See that you do.” With a twitch of her lips in what I could have sworn to be a smile and seeming somewhat mollified she then left me alone in the room. Damn that woman for having fun at my expense! After setting everything right by putting the cot back right side up and reorganizing the bedding, I made my way into her kitchen.

“Your breakfast was about to get cold, but it should still be warm enough to enjoy. You’ll need the energy today to get everything done. So hop to it.” She said this while busying herself about the kitchen cleaning up the various utensils she used for cooking. Eating the warmish eggs and what looked like thick pieces of bacon along with some biscuits (all of which was tasty), I wasted no time as I polished off the meal and made myself presentable enough to head out into the city.

“Thank you for breakfast!” I called out as I hurried on my way to escape anything that she might have for me to do, in addition to finding Monroe. Pulling out my map I looked at all the different places available in a city this large. Unfortunately the map only showed buildings and streets but didn’t label anything. I could see where the trading district was as I had become somewhat familiar with it just yesterday, but as for the rest of the city, I was completely ignorant as to where everything was. Not wanting to bother Victoria further I headed to the nearby craftsman district.

“Blades, get your blades here, you know you’ll need them when going out into the wild.” A thickly muscled man with a shaggy beard called out to the passing crowd from his shop next to his forge. “You son! What kind of blades would you be interested in?” Realizing he was looking directly at me I figured he was as good a person as any to ask about where Monroe might be.

“Actually Sir, I have a question about the city, but I would like to look at your wares first in case I see something I need.” Opening his hands and arms wide as if to encompass his collection he spoke up. “Look to your heart’s desire, just tell me if you are looking for anything in specific.”

Gazing at the walls adorned with various types of swords and other weaponry I had thought about what I would do for food once I had finished my apprenticeship. I know I was thinking ahead of myself assuming that most everything I planned would work out but even so, some things would be necessary in any circumstance.

Taking in the staffs and spear section I wondered at what would be right for me. An image filled my mind of a weapon that I had seen before in real life that just might work. With a few mental adjustments I thought I had a way to describe it to the smith so that he could make it for me.

“Sir, how long does it generally take to custom make a weapon?” Scratching at his shaggy beard he paused for a second. “Depends on the weapon and the materials that you want it made from. Know what the name of it is?” He asked me.

“Have you ever heard of a naginata?” I enquired of him. With a shake of his head and questioning eyes I knew more information would be needed. “Do you have a paper and something to draw with?” Pulling out a few oil stained sheets and a charcoal stick, he silently handed them both to me. Going to a nearby workspace relatively free of clutter, I began to draw. As I drew I explained it to him. “A naginata is like a staff that has a single edged and slightly curved blade at the end of one side of it, sort of like a spear. Generally the blade reaches above the head a ways and the staff portion is made of wood, but in this case I’m looking to have something that is no greater than my height, and I want a fully metal shaft no more than 1 ¼ inches in width.” Continuing to draw I explained further. “The shaft would need to be designed in a spiral ribbed fashion so that it could offer a more secure grip and prevent blades from sliding down the side and cutting me.” Finishing with the drawing I handed it to him.

Looking at the picture and making a few noncommittal grunts he finally nodded his head. “I can do this. You do realize that it will be pretty heafty though and not a weapon easily used right away.” I nodded my head in understanding. “What sort of material are you thinking of it being made of?” “Black steel.” I blurted, not thinking of the cost.

“Black steel huh? I’d estimate the price to be about 3 gold and 50 silver with materials and my labor.” My stomach dropped at the thought of that price. “Um Sir, I don’t have that much. Could I work off the last few silvers?” I was scared to think that all the money I had would be gone in an instant. Seeming not to hear me he continued speaking. “Although, since I’ve never made something quite like this before, there are bound to be mistakes and imperfections so I could lower the price. In the case that it turns out perfect then you can just be sure to tell others who ask, where you bought it from. For that I’ll take 2 Gold and 50 Silver.” That was still a lot of money to me and I’d have little left. Still though, without Monroe I’d have nothing right now so I agreed to the price leaving me with 73 silver and 34 copper.

“Very Good, just so you know, it’ll take me at least a week to make since I’ve got several customers ahead of you.” I nodded my head and handed my precious few coins over to him. “And what was it you wanted to know about the city?” He asked me.

* * *

After learning from the Blacksmith that the sitting council was currently in session to listen to petitions, I realized that I’d have my best chance at speaking to Monroe if I got there before the session let out. As I hurried on my way to the place now marked on my map I felt an uneasiness begin to grow in my stomach.

Having travelled along the winding pathways to reach the Counsel Halls I took in the beautiful white stonework that formed the large structure. Making my way to the double doors I was stopped by two sentry men who asked about my business. Wondering if my reason was one that would get me past them I went ahead and told them the truth. “I’m actually here on a quest to let Monroe know he’s got a date with the apothecary.”

A pregnant silence filled the space between us and after looking back and forth between themselves and me, both of them busted up laughing. “Well alright then, you may pass, and may the old man forgive you.” Continuing to laugh, they stepped aside to let me through. “What have a gotten myself into?” I muttered under my breath.

Inside the halls I waited patiently, sitting among the audience members, listening to each of the petitions as the petition bearers stood up to voice their questions or concerns. All the while my anxiety got worse and worse with the time.

Finally, the session came to a close as the audience started filing out of their seats. Without a second to lose I jumped up from my seat and made my way to the sitting counsel as they too began to leave. Once again I was stopped by some guards but thankfully I caught Monroe’s eyes before I had to explain my presence to them. “Jade! It’s good to see you again.” With his greeting, the guards let me go.

“Monroe, it’s good to see you again too. I bring news from Victoria.” His eyes widened with unease before rushing over to me making shushing noises. “Let’s go find someplace more private before talking about that.” He said.

This quest was getting weirder and weirder for me. Exiting the halls with him to sit in the gardens outside the white stone walls we found a place where we could talk in private. “She found out I sent you, didn’t she?” He asked in a deadpan voice.

“I didn’t tell her anything, she figured it all out on her own.” I said somewhat defensively. He patted my arm reassuringly. “I know I know, that woman is too crafty for her own good, and mine.” He said somewhat morosely. “So what did she say?”

“She made me a deal, I have to convince you to go out on a date with her and only then will she teach me to become an apothecary. So please, how can one date be so bad?” I asked. His face darkened a little as he seemed to contemplate that.

After some begging and pleading on my part, we were finally on our way to her shop while the pain in my bowels got worse and worse. I needed to get this quest done before I logged out to take care of that.

Arriving at the Apothecary shop, Victoria was waiting outside for us with a gloating look on her face. “What’s this about not taking this poor kid under your tutelage unless I go out on a date with you?” Monroe accused her. Without a sign of remorse she simply stepped forward to give Monroe a very warm hug. “I’ve missed you too. You don’t come around very often.” Humph

“As far as the date is concerned, I feel it is entirely reasonable. I get a little of your time and he gets a lot of mine. We all win.” When she said it matter-of-factly like that it was hard to argue with.

Monroe grumbled about how the dates she always wanted to go on had too little excitement since Victoria was more interested in romantic picnics and sunset views. While they were throwing several ideas back and forth I realized I needed to bail out of there. My body was screaming that a number 2 emergency was on the way. My mind was gone by the time they both turned to me with a question that I didn’t hear. All I heard was a *ting* and I had logged out.

* * *

I pushed my way out of the capsule as fast as humanly possible and rushed to the bathroom.

Once in the bathroom I tried to go and after a short while, with only a little urine coming out, I realized I didn’t have the urge to go anymore. What in the world happened? After trying a little bit longer with no success, I washed up, left the bathroom and returned to the capsule.

* * *

The first thing I realized is that I was back on the cot that the apothecary had given to me to sleep in the previous night. The second thing I realized was that I had on a different pair of clothing than before. Looking around I saw that the traveling shorts and shirt that I had been wearing before were now hanging from a rafter in my small loft. They looked to have been recently washed as they were damp but with a slight fragrance of soap emanating from them. As I noticed these things a sense of horror began to fall upon me as I realized what had to have happened. This game truly did have the missing parts that other Virtual Realities didn’t have, making it much more realistic. No one had to use the bathrooms in any of the games I had played before. I mean, certainly there were rare prank curses, spells, and legendary bad cooking that could cause diarrhea to the unlucky recipient, but you didn’t need to regularly use the bathroom. I had just taken it for granted that nature never called.

At the moment that I had come to that realization, the apothecary chose then to make her presence known. A very smug look showed on her face as she lightly touched the hanging garments before sitting down on the only chair in the room. I tried to scoot back away from her as much as my little cot space would allow. Gazing down at me she spoke. “It seems you Travelers have yet to learn some things about life here. Do you not receive a call from nature in your own world?” I stared at her in silence before shaking my head. “Hmm, perhaps you did not think those rules applied to you here seeing as you passed out so quickly. I had assumed that you just had a delicate spirit seeing as you had been overcome by the conversation but then to my surprise I smelt a familiar odor.” Dread filled me as I knew where this conversation was going. “It is lucky . . . or maybe not so lucky for you, that I noticed what had happened and was able to take steps to hide it before Monroe realized the reason for your mind’s, abrupt departure. You see, I have a very keen nose and realized what had happened. You probably thought that you had to relieve yourself in your own world and thus left here in a hurry.” It was scary how good this lady was at deducing these things.

“As you may have realized, you are now clean and there is nothing left to show of what had happened except this.” She said as she nonchalantly pointed to the still damp hanging shorts. ‘Oh no!’ I thought to myself. ‘Please tell me this is not happening to me!’ I screamed in my mind. My stomach seemed to drop out and I felt my body shudder with a horrible combination of embarrassment, discomfort, and fear. ‘In real life, I was the Patient Care Technician before quitting my job! I was the one who had to wipe the rear ends of the elderly when they had accidentally soiled themselves! And then I had to clean up the aftermath!’ Being in a reversed role was just too much to handle. I just lay there trying to hide in the too small of shadows in the room.

“Now.” Her grin turned predatory. “Since it seems we have come to the right conclusion, I will tell you what I want. I want you, to plan the most amazing and romantic date I have ever had with Monroe.” ‘What?!’ I barely had time to think before she continued. “If it fails to meet my expectation then I will be sure to let leak to certain friends of mine who just LOVE to gossip, about a certain traveler who shat his pants because he just couldn’t control himself. I’ll also be sure to throw in a few extra details that I learned about you on the way to cleaning you up.”

*Ting*

A Quest!

You have been tasked with the responsibility of planning a date of a romantic nature between the Apothecary and Monroe. Rank DTerms of Failure:Victoria the Apothecary is not satisfied with the planning and outcome of the DateConsequences:Your embarrassing incident will be known throughout the City and seeing as you are the first Traveler, many in the rest of the World will come to know of your Folly in time. A new un-removable title: He Who Shat Himself.Rewards for Success:???

This was Hell, no This was Worse than Hell! What sort of sick AI or all Knowing Creator of this Virtual Reality would allow for such a thing to happen?!?

As the Horrors of this woman, NO, Demon came upon me in their terrible glory, she left me in pieces to worry over my fate. Looking down at my hands I hadn’t realized how much I had changed. I wasn’t just white, I was almost ethereal. That’s how she must have known how I was feeling. Damn this ability! After a considerable amount of time, I gathered what little pieces remained of my dignity and went out in search of Old man Monroe. After getting what I hoped to be a safe enough distance away from the Apothecaries shop I let out a sigh of relief.

Focusing my efforts I tried to imagine where Monroe might be after this catastrophe, I desired nothing more than to be done with this horrible ordeal. How could something as trying and difficult as this quest exist in this world? As I began to long for some peace of mind I thought back to my first moments here when I arrived at the falls I began to wonder. Maybe Monroe and I are more alike than I thought.

Following the path that I recalled when I first arrived, I ended up at the exit that led to the falls. Checking with the soldiers standing guard there, they verified that Monroe was down that pathway like I had suspected.

Arriving at the falls, I saw Monroe staring out at the cascading water as it made its way on its never-ending journey. Standing beside him I remained silent as I too sought comfort from the billowing mist and breathtaking scenery. After a minute or two I broke the silence. “I’ve been given the responsibility of planning a romantic date for the two of you.”

No response came for a while but I saw an almost imperceptible nod from his head. Though I already knew the answer from my own terrible experience, I asked him anyways. “Why do you not want to go out on a date with her?”

With a sigh he pushed lightly on the railing to better look at me. “That woman is a monster.” He told me. I kept quiet as he continued to speak. “Every single time that we go on a date, she has too much energy when we are done with whatever we had planned. With so much energy left over, she doesn’t want to end the night just like that. It always ends with her being at my place re-organizing everything and throwing out my trophies to make it a more ‘respectable’ home, as she calls it.” A sorrowful look came over his face.

‘What the Hell?!’ I couldn’t help but feel surprised that This is what he was worried about. How had that woman been able to hide her true nature for so long from this kind old man? Somehow mistaking my expression for commiseration he continued.

“If only you could plan a date that would tire her out at the end of it. The problem for me is that she doesn’t like any of the things that I like which could tire her out. Would you do this for me?”

*ting*

A Secret Sub-Quest!

In connection with the task of planning a date of a romantic nature between the Apothecary and Monroe. Monroe has added a secondary request. Make sure Victoria is too tired to come over to his house at the end of the date. Rank D+Terms of Failure:Victoria is not tired at the end of the date.Consequences:Monroe’s trust in you is reduced.Rewards for Success:???

“I will plan to the best of my ability.” I promised him.

“Thank you! I trust you will succeed.” Putting his hand over his heart he seemed to let go of a terrible burden. “With that worry gone I can get back to my responsibilities.” Patting my back, he headed up the pathway to the city wall, thus leaving me to ponder how to survive this date.

After he left, I sat down on the ground with my back against the handrail. I just wanted to cry. This kind of quest was in the realm of something a girl would enjoy doing. I just wanted to get on with my adventures. Was that too much to ask?

Closing my eyes I felt a strong urge to beg someone, anyone for help. And so I did. “To any God or Goddess in this world that is listening to me now, please help me succeed in planning the perfect date. If it is within my power, I will do what I can to repay you for your help.” It was a simple prayer but full of desperation.

*ting*

Congratulations! An unknown being has heard your prayer and found humor at your expense. They will assist you in your endeavors to plan the perfect date. Beware, their assistance may or may not be helpful.

I heard soft laughter in the distance.

Turning back around to look at the falls I let my mind wander. I remembered the rare times that I got to go kayaking, how I really loved the adventure of gliding over the surface of the water and going through the white water rapids in some cases. Oh those were good times. Then, back to the present, a thought began to form in my mind. Why not do a kayak picnic?! Paddling against the heavy flow of water from the falls was bound to tire anyone out. They could paddle to a small cove right by the falls, have a pre-made picnic, gaze at the night time stars and beautiful scenery, and then paddle back out. This was Perfect!

Running back to the apothecary I found both Monroe and Victoria chatting about various things. As I came into view the stopped their conversation to look at me. “Well?” Victoria enquired. “What have you thought up?”

Wanting to twist my fingers behind my back with the anxiety I was feeling, I crushed the pressure point in my hand to steady my nerves. “It’s actually a surprise activity.” I said. “I will need a week to plan it, and I will tell each of you what you need to know before the date itself.”

“Oh! A surprise. I think I might like it already.” Victoria exclaimed. ‘I hope you do’ I fervently thought to myself. As they both decided it was time to part ways Monroe passed by me with a whispered, “Please don’t forget your promise.” Then he was gone.

After going to bed for the night I logged out and performed my routine that would become common place till summer vacation was over. Making sure to log back in earlier than before, I made sure to avoid the wrath of the apothecary.

* * *

After searching about, I learned that no one had made or even heard of kayaks before in this city. First a Naginata and now kayaks. They certainly miss out on a lot. Securing the assistance of the local wood cutters I was able to gain 2 good sized tree trunks with lightweight wood. After renting some tools from a wood worker I planned out the creation of the kayaks. The shaping, shaving, sanding and glazing of the wood took almost the entire week because the majority of my time was spent doing menial tasks for Victoria.

She would frequently send me out to get manure from horses or cows, claiming she needed it for her garden. I honestly think it was her subtle way of reminding me what kind of blackmail she continued to hold over my head.

I was ever so grateful that this early in the game I only had 10% pain experience, because my hands were covered with blisters and filled with splinters by the time I had finished both kayaks.

Too soon the fateful day came and I had already dragged the Kayaks to a place where you could safely get to the water, which was a bit of a ways away from the falls themselves. Informing Monroe of the location he was to lead Victoria to and the kayaking activity, I then informed Victoria to bring a picnic for two and wear clothing that could get wet.

By the time they had gotten to the Kayaks it was almost dark and they set out for the destination by the falls. I had gone to a slightly secluded spot where I could mostly see how they were doing from the vantage point of being up on the cliff. They both seemed to have no trouble navigating the very powerful rapids. At first I had feared that the water flow would be too great for them, but they smoothly made their way up river. Soon enough they had made land at the little cove I had seen by the falls. Pulling out what I believed to be the picnic Victoria had made they set it up and sat down to eat. As the sun had finally set and they were halfway through the meal disaster struck.

In silent horror and unable to scream a warning over the sound of the falls, I watched as several gigantic tentacle came tearing out of the water to rush towards Monroe and Victoria. Paralyzed by the sight I knew was about to unfold, I was unable to look away. Their fates were sealed and nothing I could do would change anything.

Then, just as two of the tentacles were about to come crashing down upon their picnic I saw Monroe spin around, grasp both attacking appendages in a crushing grip, and slam them into the ground. Victoria had stood up and what looked like thickening shards of ice formed in front of her before rushing off into the darkness to intercept the other tentacles. By then Monroe had more firmly gripped at one of the tentacles and had begun to pull the still mostly submerged monster towards them. Though I wasn’t close enough to see for sure, I could have sworn that his fingers were crushing their way into the tough flesh he was pulling on. Just as if he was pulling on a rope to tie a boat to a dock he began to steadily pull in the monster. In a state of panic as it realized its mistake, instead of continuing the attack that it had started, the creature’s tentacles had begun to desperately grip the shore and submerged rocks trying to pull or push itself away from these two crazy individuals whose picnic it had the ill luck to interrupt. As its main body (which looked a bit like a baby kraken) finally came out of the water to reach the shore, Victoria dealt with the thrashing limbs by encasing them each into a block of ice that weighed them down. Monroe simply walked forward to the now land bound creature and socked it right in its left eye. With that force alone it was thrust back into the water and not a single sign of it was seen again.

I could not believe my eyes. The picnic site was a complete disaster and I knew I was going to be blamed for this. Then something strange happened. Victoria bent over the water and performed what looked like earth magic to form a pool of water separate from the flowing water in the river. Soon I saw steam rising from the surface of that pool. Slipping into the water she motioned to Monroe and he started walking towards her. Then, Oh, . . . . OH! I quickly turned away with my face turning red. Um yeah, no more watching. With mixed feelings I quickly made my way up the path and back to the city to wait for the jury to come back with their verdict.

After laying on the cot for what felt like an hour, I heard the familiar sound of the door opening and then closing. I did my absolute best fake being asleep on the cot, though there was no way that would be possible right now. Hearing her footsteps near my bed, I felt her lean down and kiss my forehead. With a whispered “Good night” she walked away with gentle laugh. Just as she was closing the door behind her she called. “That was the best date ever.”

* * * * *

Game Time night of the 7th day. Currently at 20% pain level. Real Life May 20th beginning of summer break.

* * * * *

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