Between Realities

Part 1

-Disclaimer: I just recently rediscovered Wattpad after years of not touching it. A lot of the writings I had done years ago when I was last on were, um, not great. But this story actually wasn't total trash and I think maybe my younger self would think it was cool if I published something she had written. It was inspired by the anime Sword Art Online. I don't really know if I'll update because it was just meant to be fun for myself and I never developed a real plot or anything, but I hope you enjoy, apologies for any errors!-

Of course, most things felt real in this world. When my friends and I punched each other good-bye, a lingering ache of both heart and shoulder would follow me until the world faded and a flash of white light pulled me back into my room. When I hesitantly dipped my toe in the river, a shiver would run up from my foot and raise the hairs on my neck, and droplets formed on my feet. 

But I knew it wasn't deep down. No computer could generate the spark that happens when two people join hands, nor the fierce warmth that rose in their cheeks afterwards. You couldn't smell what conditioner they had just soaked their hair in, and so there was no aroma to linger afterwards on their virtual belongings. Once you died, you could always re-spawn, too. 

Every time I'm about to give up the reality I'm currently living in to a virtual one, I remind myself of these things. The worst part is that I'd love to forget it all so I could just stay in the other world. It may not be real, but to me it is never fake. I chuckle at myself, it didn't make much sense I suppose, yet everyone I speak to could agree. I lower the NerveGear onto my head and lay down. It only takes two words to set my heart pumping wildly, "Link start!"

The world before me finally settles into a comprehensive sight. My grin stretches across my entire face at the sight of my friend blinking his eyes rapidly as he joins me. I launch myself towards him, banging my leg on a nearby table in the process and cutting my leap short. 

"Ow!" I howl, blowing my chance to startle him. 

His icy blue eyes melt when he sees me hopping around holding my leg, "Ha! I guess someone is still adjusting to the pain level in this game." He smirks. 

I cross my arms and stare out a window, "Yeah, well, at least I'm good enough not to get hurt in the first place!" 

"Sure," he says rolling his eyes, "Alea, if you really don't wanna get hurt maybe you should try getting some armor-" 

I spring towards and nearly maul him, "Don't use that name! It's Artemis in this world!" 

He backs away with hands in the air, "Sorry, but I can't call you that. Come on, you're cool but you're no goddess." 

In real life I'd be blushing all over, "Well then Frondon, I'll forget about calling you Josh." 

"No!" Frondon's voice cracks as he protests, "Let me have a normal name here at least!"

I laugh loud enough so I might've been self-conscious anywhere except in this game and grab his hand.  At first his body resists my pull, but Frondon quickly obliges and follows outside of the wooden room and then house. A gentle breeze caresses my hair and pushes my half skirt forward. Maybe armor would be helpful in battle, but that would mean giving up on my silk-like tank top which allowed let me move quickly. I let go of Frondon and slowly unsheathe my rapier. It exits with a satisfying metallic ring. I face him with a devilish grin. He returns the look and pulls out a wide sword. 

"Challenge accepted," he whispers and our swords clash together with a shout. 

I quickly pull away and dash towards a nearby lake. I hear him groan behind me and suspect he's changing as quickly as possible into a warrior armor. My feet glide across the land beneath and I shamelessly dive into the water. It envelopes me initially, but then I stretch out. My fingers go first and then my feet, until all my data has unwound and mingled with that of the lakes. I am no longer a solid and I feel my body spreading with liquid freedom, but I call it back to my center and rise into the air.