Hands trembled as she reached up to feel her face, that had become more gaunt during her time in the gaming pod. Across from her the reflection in the mirror was familiar, yet it felt like she hadn't seen this sight of herself in a long time.
The appearance of the player in game was customisable, but there was also the option to match it with real life. Faye had chosen the second option, but now the hollow cheeks and tired eyes staring back at her felt like a cruel reminder of how much the game had taken a toll on her.
Life as an NPC might have seemed simple; following orders, giving out quest instructions, and waiting for the next player to enter the bookshop. But, once the Main Computer had lost control of her, it had become more exhausting.
Then came being a player, and with no time to adjust she had to fight against the Main Computer, whilst trying to figure out her new identity.
Several months had passed since she returned to real life, but she still felt like she was finding her footing. The world outside of the game had continued on, whilst her time had stopped inside that pod.
She walked down streets that she been down before, with sights she had encountered before. Yet something had changed, or perhaps it was her that was different. Nothing about her was the same, nor was anything around her.
It was still a struggle to move around, with her muscles slowly relearning how to carry her weight, and her body aching from the inactivity from lying down for so long.
Every step felt foreign, as if she had trouble remembering the rhythm of her own body in a world that had kept moving forward.
At present, she felt like going for a walk to help rehabilitate herself, and pick up some stuff she needs along the way. And she had just rounded the corner of the street when she almost bumped into someone.
Looking up she recognised them instantly - it was someone she had known before going in the game.
An old friend whose face hadn't changed much, though her own had. For a moment she stood there in a daze, unsure of whether to speak or not. The person seemed to be in a similar state, as though they hadn't expected to see her.
Faye went to open her mouth to speak but the words wouldn't form like she wanted; they felt foreign, like her tongue didn't quite belong to her anymore.
The friend overcame their shock, which turned into surprise and then a relief that confused Faye. Had they been close before the game? She couldn't quite remember, it had been so long since she saw someone she knew.
"Faye?" Tears sprang to the person's eyes, and their hands landed on her shoulders. The sudden touch jolted her from the daze she had been in, and it felt like a mixture of comfort and unease. "Where have you been?"
Faye stepped back, causing their arms to fall back to their sides. An awkwardness hung in the air, but for Faye it was even more so. Taking in a deep breath, her throat tight and said, barely above a whisper: "I...I don't know."
It sounded strange, but it would take too long to explain what had happened. Even if she were to explain what happened, would they even believe her? Although gaming pods were a popular thing, but players turning into NPCS, and being hunted by the Main Computer was too bizarre.
Her friend smiled and said, "it's okay, it's just good to see you again." They paused and added: "Everyone has been searching for you since you disappeared months ago."
YOU ARE READING
Playable Character
Fantasy'The next batch of players will be arriving soon.' 'Remember to act your part well. Don't step out of bounds. Don't go out of character or you'll suffer the consequences.' In the game world, Faye was nothing but an NPC who owned a bookstore. That w...
