Entwined

Chapter 5: Luna

I must be tired, that's absurd. There's no way this game uses the mic, I thought.

"Hello? I know I heard someone there, do you know what this place is?" The voice spoke up, shattering my previous thought about the whole thing.

"You can hear me?" I asked, puzzled.

"I can, but do you know anything about this place?" she asked, also confused about her situation.

I hesitated, looking at some black screen. Then, a few seconds later the screen lit up, showing a room with a bookcase in the back, and a table and chair sitting idly in the center of the room. The open windows revealed a bright green scenery outside. Moments later, a figure emerged from the side of the monitor. A digital character, she looked like a typical visual novel character. She was wearing a high school uniform I see a lot in video games. But her eyes were unique, it had the calming color of grey, comparable to the color ash.

"I don't know," I finally answered. "I'm as confused as you are."

"I see. Oh, where are my manners. My name's Leigh, nice to meet you." She revealed.

"Oh, uh. I'm Easton, nice to meet you too." I replied, thinking about how I am currently communicating with a character from a video game.

This is strange, what really is this game?

I kept pondering and imagining all the different possibilities that can contribute to this phenomenon. I thought deeply while she moves around the virtual space, tapping on the furniture and touching the nearby walls. She's examining everything until she went out of frame and I couldn't see her anymore.

"Ugh, this door won't budge," she grunted. "Are you seeing this?"

"No, I can't see you at the moment," I replied. "I can only see half the room, and I can't turn around."

"I see, that's unfortunate," she expressed her disappointment.

After a while, we started to talk more and I learn more about her. It seems like she doesn't remember much except her own name, making her even more confused. The topic got deeper and I began to realized that she did not know that she's in a video game. I pondered on the idea of telling her but I shrug it off thinking it might be too early for her. So, I hid that fact for the time being.

While tinkering around, she discovered something she can do— materialize things into her room. She felt cold and unknowingly made a jacket appear out of thin air. When she learned about this new found ability she started experimenting but nothing came out. Throughout the time we spent together, she occasionally asks me about things. She'd ask me about my hobbies and what I like to do in my free time, topics you normally talk with someone you met for the first time.

Before I could go deeper in our conversation, a resounding knock echoed to my room.

"Easton? It's done, let's go eat while it's hot," Melody informed.

"I'll be there in a moment; I have to change clothes," I reasoned, reaching for the power button of the console, but stopped halfway.

It might be best if I don't turn this off, I have no idea what will happen to her.

With that thought in mind, I left the console on. I informed Leigh about leaving for a while and I quickly changed into some comfortable clothes. I promptly left the room and headed towards the kitchen. There, I saw the dish she prepare— curry, alongside steaming hot rice. I quickly took a seat and being unable to contain my excitement for such an appetizing meal— I quickly took a bite.

The curry looks appetizing and the moment I took a bite on it. It sent me to places; it's taste profound and exquisite. Each spoonful is to behold and I couldn't help but go through the first serving faster than I realize, and obviously, I must go for seconds. Amused by my reaction, Melody watched me closely as I devoured her dish.