Josephine Smith, known as JetaGirl with in the Colossal Machine, peeked at the radiance of the moon peeking through the bedroom window.

Things were much simpler in the online world, Jet thought.

Tears of regret wet her cheeks as she contemplated the events of these past weeks. She had been happy not too long ago when Nigel professed his love and her legs still worked.

What happened to Nigel?

Other than receiving her news from the Grubers, she was cut off from the outside world. She didn’t know what she should do if access to the Colossal Machine was cut off. Her predicament reminded her of how a lost child might feel when her parents are missing in a mall. She had not heard anything in nearly a month. The Grubers had a generator, but Hans insisted that they use it only a few times a day. Gretta would watch the nightly news, but Jet often escaped into the virtual world every time the power was restored. Sometimes the game was offline for maintenance or some internet catastrophe she didn’t know. Jet’s cell phone signal was unreliable and could only use it when the house’s Wi-Fi was restored, which wasn’t very often. She reasoned that the wireless router needed a reset to clear its cache. She was just grateful that the computer she used for the Colossal Machine was hard-wired. Her condition made for a boring existence in the Gruber household without an escape. If she could only catch a few minutes of game time a few times a day, so be it, she thought. As if on cue, the lights flickered on. Jet wasted no time jacking into the virtual world, and within a few moments she stood atop a balcony overlooking the lands of the Timemaker’s Terrace. The soft blue light of the crystal illuminated the area. She attached it to a magical staff that held the keys in unlocking her power. In the distance was the polished silvery looking plane that tied each plane of existence. She thought she could make out dark shapes in the distance.

I have to be careful. Dark Denizens are nearby.

Jet stood atop a balcony overlooking the ruins of the Timemaker’s Terrance. The dungeon master had warned her that the constructs of this world were failing. When he first uttered those words, Jet thought it was a metaphor, but now she realized it was real. These past few months have been distressing. She had tried to communicate with Nigel but received no answer. She crafted yet another response.

Nige, I hope you get this message. But you probably won’t since you haven’t logged into the Colossal Machine since our session with April, all those months ago. Well, if you do get this, know that you are in my thoughts and I need your help. You may not know this, but the Colossal Machine is failing. And I passed these trials, and I’m the only one who can stop it. How convenient! Anyway, send me a quick message, even if it is brief. I’m worried about you, babe.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Jet strode down a path toward the garden of light where she had first met the dungeon master. She didn’t know what to expect, but her time was limited, so she would roll with it. Her footfalls felt—real. It had been months since she’d exercised her real legs, and the sensation in-game was like the real thing—sort of. An image of a crazed cyborg stabbing her in the back had kept her up at night, but she’d accepted her condition. She suspected that Hans and Gretta weren’t the sweet couple that they’d led her to believe. They even covered up the cyborg attack perpetrated by Nozomi, the one responsible for her physical condition. Her in-game reflection of real-world events almost caused her to fall into a bottomless chasm. The positioning of the familiar rope bridge, granting access to the garden of Light, changed. It was so sudden she stumbled and fell into the sunless dark below.

Whoa, another two feet and someone is pealing me off some rocks. Or worse.

The familiar blue sky had holes in several spots. It looked like something had torn through it. The edges were ragged like an animal clawed its way out. Stars, planets and some kind of floating rock formation were visible through the gaps. She stepped on the bridge. Gingerly at first, but after a quick test, she put her whole weight on it. Moments later, she was on the other side of the chasm. As soon as she cleared the bridge, it disappeared. Other more subtle effects of the game’s failure were present. The landscape was changing. A nearby tree had holes. It was like an angry worm had bored holes at every conceivable angle. The massive structure of the Timemaker’s Terrace was crumbling. A slimy green moss covered its ziggurat shape. Not long ago, there were fountains, waterfalls, healthy vegetation and trees growing on every level. Now this sacred place was desecrated by the dark denizens that were feeding on the pillars of the online world.

“Greeting savior of this world and beware of the evils that have taken hold inside the consults of this reality,” a familiar voice said.

The dungeon master!

Jet had met a powerful in-game being called the dungeon master right before her accident. After a series of trials she was appointed the title of “Grand Magi” from the council of nine. The ruling authority in the entire game. She wondered if what was happening in the real world affected the game somehow. Perhaps someone on the development team activated a doomsday program? She wasn’t sure, but thought it would be a unique feature.

“Are you there dungeon master?” Jet said.

“Yes, Grand Magi. I see that you’ve embarked upon your quest.”

“Indeed I have. But I see the evils are already at work in this land.”

“Yes, the dark denizens have been unleashed. Attacks in Parousia and other major cities have escalated. Soon there will be nothing left.”

“I have taken responsibility for restoring order. I shall not fail three,” Jet said.

“I have faith in you JetaGirl—”

The game world went dark. Jet removed her VR gear and her room was as black as pitch.

I guess the power went out again. I hope Gretta will be back soon. This place creeps me out after dark.