Gage concentrated with all of his might on the weight on top of him. As the pressure increased, he struggled harder to force it off of his body. At least this time it wasnt some girls foot.
Gage, dont expect your body to be able to move my hand, he heard Rima say from somewhere outside of the layer of skin and flesh that pressed down on him. Remember, youre trying to send a signal to the server, not to your arms and legs. Think of your brain as separate from your body.
He gritted his teeth and tried to do what Rima said, but try as he might, he could not budge her hand one millimeter. Worse yet, his body started to fatigue; he could feel his shoulders, elbows, and wrists begin to buckle underneath the witchs palm, and that did bode well for his immediate future.
This is the most basic skill that needs to be mastered, explained Rima even as increased her weight on poor Gage. Youll note that you have two obstacles to surpass: obviously you have to trick the game into giving you strength, but more importantly, you have to trick your own brain into believing that you have the strength in the first place. If theres any impulse in your brain that doubts your ability, then whatever youre trying to accomplish will fizzle and die.
Rima made it sound so simple, but against the crushing reality of her hand, it didnt seem to make a difference. After a few more seconds of tense struggle, his body gave out and the hand came down onto him with thudding finality.
Dont worry, Gage, it takes time, the witch said encouragingly as she helpfully pulled him up onto his feet. But Im afraid it doesnt get any easier.
Gage dusted himself off, wearing a worn but optimistic expression. I actually kind of like the challenge, he said. Its nice to have goals and things to look forward to. And with a fantastic instructor like you
he added slyly.
Quit trying to butter me up, snapped Rima with a long-suffering look. She got up and went to pour herself a glass of water, leaving Gage to admire the witchs home as well as her curvaceous figure. The pair had long since left the forest and had spent the last few hours in the witchs
penthouse.
High atop one of the tallest buildings in Town, her residence looked like something straight out of a housing portfolio for billionaires. The lack of walls or partitions of any kind handsomely enhanced the stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding futuristic metropolis, and of course the room itself was beautifully appointed with mostly white and clear surfaces, but with accents of color here and there.
Gage stood on a large marble table as the witch returned with a crystal glass, although it wasnt exactly right to call her a witch. Really, the only reason Gage thought of her as a witch was her choice of clothing: raggedy black dress complete with pointy hat and broomstick. Now, though
while her dress might still be black, it was a slinky, silky piece; and instead of a hat she wore a pair of velvety black pumps. There wasnt a broomstick in sight.
You like what you see? teased Rima.
I cant complain, Gage replied. Why did you get all dressed up? You got somebody to impress?
I like to try different things, I guess, she said, taking a seat at the table and regarding him with a smile. You know Im not nearly as attractive in real life. In fact, my face and body are pretty much a mutilation.
Thats pretty blunt, so Ill be equally blunt: you look magnificent.
The compliment drew a blush from Rima. Youre quite the charmer. I want to know more.
Well, I graduated from college a number a couple of years ago
I didnt have much going on, and you know how crazy it is IRL. I decided to go with this; it seemed a bit more interesting.
Look, if you feel uncomfortable talking about your past, thats fine, said Rima, her voice neutral. I just want you to know that I dont buy it. Gage sighed, but Rima gave him a serious look and pressed on. Youre the first decent jailbroken person Ive met, and Im actually really excited about that. So Im not trying to sound too cheesy or anything, but
Im here for you, ok?
Now it was Gages turn to blush. Rimas kindness caught him off guard not that he wanted or needed it. She just surprised him. Thanks, he paused, taking a deep breath. I just
didnt have the best situation IRL. I guess I needed a restart, you know?
Yeah, I get that. Rima smiled. Anyway, what are you going to do once youre big again?
Gage scratched the back of his head. Honestly, I havent thought about it too much. What youre telling me about being jailbroken and stuff is pretty cool. I actually knew a bit about the neural connection that the game establishes before you told me, but only a few hazy details. I think it would be cool to explore that a bit more. Plus, the game is practically limitless, so theres always that. What about you? Whats your deal?
Well, I already told you about the accident that left me paralyzed and mutilated, she joked. That was a while ago; since then my parents have died, but I used to see them almost every day. I still see my sister every once in a while, but its kind of like were living in different countries. Still, she checks in on me a fair amount. Any friends I used to have are pretty much gone, not that I blame them. I guess I was always shy IRL and that sort of carried over to the game. I was always pretty book-smart, although recently Ive started playing pranks on people
She trailed off and her expression turned guilty, although by now she had to know Gages scowl was in jest. Its crazy, this game has so much power to bring people together, but that very same power also makes the relationships so transient. Im embarrassed to admit it, but I really cant call anybody here a true friend.
Well todays your lucky day! announced Gage in his best game show host imitation. Youre our millionth customer, and your prize is one pint-sized friend.
Rima broke into laughter before snatching Gage up and hugging him to her chest. I swear, something about your size makes you just perfect lets just cancel the whole thing tomorrow and leave you this way.
No, thank you, shouted Gage from somewhere within Rimas cleavage. With another laugh, she returned him to the table and smiled at him, her eyes sparkling.
There was a brief pause. And then: You wanna have sex?
Gage was completely taken aback. No. What? No! he blurted, only to regret it immediately. He spotted Rimas look of confusion edged with hurt, and he felt guilty. Im sorry, I didnt mean it like that.
The white-haired beauty attempted to recover. No, Im sorry. Im being ridiculous. She looked away. You have Charis, she add hurriedly.
No, thats not it, Gage tried to explain. Were just friends, its just that
Its not weird or anything, Rima interrupted. It feels amazing just like in real life. People do it all the time. You know about it, right?
Thats not it at all, stammered Gage. Look, please dont take this the wrong way, I just
he stared into Rimas eyes. I cant.
Framed by that blonde-white hair, her face looked so full of hurt it looked like it might crumble to pieces. In the back of his mind, Gage couldnt believe that Rima had asked him so directly in the first place; girls didnt normally take this type of approach. But then he had to remind himself that Rima wasnt as beautiful in real life as in this game. She was probably shy and reserved, and this sort of interaction didnt come naturally to her not that he was a total ladys man, either, Gage thought. The whole situation felt ludicrous.
Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. Plus, how would it even work? he joked, desperately trying to inject some humor into the situation. I mean, my penis, of course, is huge you know, proportionately but I dunno if the big guy could really make a dent.
Rima choked from crying or laughter, Gage couldnt tell. I guess I hadnt thought of that, she said, putting on a tentative smile.
Yeah, you know
Im sorry, Rima cut in. Im sorry for being so weird about this. Youre such a good guy, I shouldve known this would be uncomfortable.
Dont worry, I
Its just that people online are so different. They do this sort of thing all the time, and I guess you were the first person Ive met that made me want to try, and I just wanted to copy them, and
she trailed off just before her voice became hysterical.
Hey, dont worry, said Gage as reassuringly as possible. Youre amazing really its my fault for lacking in certain
departments. I want to make it up to you though, and I think I have just the thing.
Huh? she perked up slightly, giving Gage hope that he could salvage the situation.
Well, if I remember correctly, theres something you asked me for a little while ago.
What are you talking about?
Gage put on his most winning smile. How about I give you that foot rub?