Digital Dance by Tchy

Chapter One: Welcome to Indaea

This story hosts a whole slew of borrowed characters, as it's based on an alternate dimension concept of one of my DnD groups. Iott belongs to Nami, as always; the characters of Zeluth and Aryana belong to Jaela; and Lahasil belongs to Cristin. Jairus is mine, as is anyone else who appears in the story, including Sky, and the concept of the game Indaea (though it is loosely based on several online RPGs, both real and fictional--The World, of .hack/ fame, being the most prominent).

Warning: Male/male romance. Don't like? Please avoid.

Browsing the internet late at night when one should be asleep can, Iott decided, occasionally have interesting and unexpected results.

Take right then, for example. Through a long chain of links, which had started with dance choreography videos on YouTube and passed through two forums, Google, several blogs, a metric ton of Wikipedia pages, and--somehow--a page detailing UFO sightings in the past fifty years, he had found himself staring at a very elegantly designed banner that read simply, Indaea: A New World Awaits.

Unsure of where, exactly, he was--he had clicked on the link merely because he liked the name--he quickly skimmed the front page. It seemed he had stumbled on some sort of MMORPG. Normally, he wouldn't have looked into it any more than he already had, but...

"What the hell," he said, mouse drifting towards the large, inviting join button, "If two in the morning isn't the perfect time to experiment, I don't know when is."

The page he was presented with was simple and straightforward, and he quickly filled out the sign up information. The only thing that caused the slightest amount of trouble was the username; then he shrugged and typed in his real name. After all, how many people could there be named Iott in the world? He waited for the confirmation email to arrive, tapping his fingers impatiently. A mere five minutes later, his account was active and he set about creating a character, only to become perplexed by the list of oddly named classes to choose from.

Deciding a strategic retreat was in order, he backed up and tracked down a list with descriptions of playable classes. He had narrowed it down to either Blade Dancer or Hidden Blade when he came across the last entry on the list: Ki Master.

"Well, that sounds promising," he murmured, reading the description.

Ki Masters carry no weapons, relying instead on their own bodies, and can enhance their attacks with special abilities. They are moderately fast and strong, with very high accuracy, though their special abilities require recuperation time between uses.

He grinned. Perfect.

It was two thirty in the morning, and Iott was wandering around in a virtual landscape, utterly fascinated and with no intention of stopping any time soon.

After picking his class, the rest of it had been easy. There weren't many options for race--none of them had any special bonuses attached to them anyway, so it was entirely a stylistic choice--so he hadn't had trouble selecting one. He'd picked the Neko, which gave his character fangs, slitted eyes, and black cat ears and a tail, because the idea of a cat for a martial artist rather appealed to him. Aside from that, however, he had matched his character's appearance pretty closely to his: dark, tanned skin, amber-brown eyes, long, dyed red hair. The whole thing looked rather nice, and he had entered gameplay in a state of high anticipation.

He didn't start out with much money or gear, so he figured the best thing to do would be to track down some kind of low-level monster to beat up. When he'd won a bit of cash, he could then go pick up a few useful items. And so, he set off into the countryside surrounding the town he'd started in, intent on some rewards. One of the NPCs had mentioned something about one region being infested with imps; that had sounded promising. He wasn't the only one who'd thought this was a good idea; there were several other players wandering around the area, too.

He hadn't gone far when a small, red, vaguely goblin-shaped creature popped up out of the ground in front of him. He clicked on it curiously and its stats appeared in the box on the left side of his screen. It was a level one imp, described as vicious and evil, and just what he'd been looking for.

His lips curved into a smirk. "Well, as a good and righteous Ki Master, there's no way I can let it get away," he decided, and entered battle.

The nice thing about the battle system in Indaea was that you didn't have to wait for turns, which was especially convenient when fighting as part of a party--or so the information page had told him. You got off your attacks as fast as your character's class would let you, and you spent the rest of the time trying to dodge your enemy's hits. The imp seemed to be good at hitting him, but its attacks were weak and it had trouble avoiding him. He defeated it quickly, winning a handful of gold and a healing potion for his trouble. Emboldened, he set off determinedly into the forest to track down some more of them.

An hour later, he had managed to level up once, accumulate close to one hundred gold, and collect several healing potions, most of which he had used already. Feeling pleased with his progress for the night, he decided to head back to the town, buy a few items, and save the game. After all, he did have work the next morning--not especially early, but still...

He was almost back to the town when another imp appeared in his path. Behind the screen, he grinned. One more before bed wouldn't hurt, and he entered battle mode without bothering to check its stats. Immediately, he knew something was wrong. This one was doing much more damage than the others had been, which didn't make sense as he'd levelled up since then. Logically it should be doing less damage. Belatedly, he noticed that this one was a bit bigger than the others had been, and its horns were much more impressive. Dreading the worst, he clicked on it.

His fears were confirmed. This imp wasn't level one, it was level five. He was outmatched by three levels... and he hadn't saved since he'd started the game.

"Shit. That's not good."

Quickly, he hit the run away button. A red line popped up in the text box at the bottom of the screen, where previously he'd been getting his victory messages.

The imp has blocked your attempt. If you still want to run away, try again in one minute.

"Fuck!"

The battle was not going well. It was all he could do to dodge the damn thing, and he was losing health all the time. He was running out of healing potions, and had almost resigned himself to the worst when another player appeared in his field of view. The newcomer swiped his dual blades at the imp, sending a flash of blue across the screen, and it disappeared instantly. The battle mode graphics vanished from Iott's window. His enemy was dead.

Both curious and grateful, Iott clicked on his rescuer, wondering who he was. His stats appeared on the screen, headed by, Dirghean IV: Level 12 Blade Dancer, Half-Elf. Iott whistled quietly. A level twelve character had decided to help out a newbie like him? Iott didn't know much about this game, but he'd expected the more experienced players to be rather elitist.

A dinging noise and a slight movement on his screen drew his attention to the text box at the bottom. Dirghean IV was talking to him.

Are you CRAZY?! That thing was level 5! A PARTY of level two characters could probably beat it, but one on his own? No way!

Iott frowned. Maybe his earlier assumption had been right after all. He was about to type back an irritated response when a second message appeared.

Normally kill stealing is bad etiquette, but you looked like you needed major help. Do you need healing?

Well, that was odd. Was this nameless other player in a game he'd only started an hour before actually worried about him?

Yeah, but I have healing potions, Iott said, Don't worry about it.

Forget it, you'll need them later. My spells are stronger anyway.

There was another brief flash of blue, and just like that, he was back to full health.

Thanks. You just saved my ass.

What possessed you to attack that thing anyway? Dirghean IV asked.

I thought it was lower level than it was.

There was a long pause. Iott wondered if the other player was laughing at him, or just surprised.

You've never played Indaea before, have you?

What do you think? I'm level two.

So? I'm level twelve. This is my fourth character.

Fourth?!

Once you get your character up to level 100, it gets boring after a while. After a month or so of being at the top, I usually make a new one.

Damn, that's addiction, Iott said, raising his eyebrows.

There was another pause.

Yeah, I guess you could say that. xD

Iott grinned.

But it means that I know practically everything about this game. First piece of advice: always check the stats. Some of the monsters look really similar, or even identical. All newbies make that mistake, and most of them--including me--learn the hard way.

Gee, think so?

Just a bit. Second: there are other save points than the one in town. Most of the paths have one on them somewhere, and a bunch of forest clearings. Find them, you'll need them.

Probably, yeah. Thanks. I'm going to head back to town now.

He pointed his character in the direction of the town and headed off into the forest. Just as the other player disappeared from view, another message popped up.

Dirghean IV has added you to their contact list. Accept or decline?

He grinned and hit the accept button.

Jairus sat back in his chair, arms folded as he contemplated the screen. It wasn't unusual for him to be helping newbies; as an experienced player, he had found the best use for his knowledge was to pass it on. Sure, there were plenty of people who didn't see it that way, and chose instead to be elitist, show-offish jerks, but he wasn't one of them--even though, as a fourth-generation player, he probably had more right to be elitist than practically anyone left on the site. It wasn't about to happen, though; he'd never been very good at it, and he much preferred being looked up to to being despised.

Besides, helping the new kids was fun... especially when they were as interesting as that Iott kid. There weren't many newbies who had the guts to banter with him after he revealed that he'd played up to level one hundred three times already, but this one was different. Jairus tapped his fingers idly on his liprings, pondering. Was there anything else he could do to help the kid out?

He grinned. Yes, there was... and it was perfect.

Leaning forward, he quickly opened his contact list and scrolled down till he located one particular name: Sigidi. His luck was in: he was online. Jairus grinned. Zeluth had been just as addicted to this game as he was ever since he'd convinced him to join, not long before he'd made his newest character. He clicked on the link to his profile and typed out a short message.

Hey, Zeluth, still want to set up a party?

He didn't have to wait long for his reply.

Sure. May I ask what you're doing up at seven in the morning? Don't you usually sleep till noon?

Yep. I have been chosen for the unholy task of opening the shop this morning, and thus was forced awake at this ungodly hour.

You don't have to be there for another two hours, Zeluth pointed out.

... I somehow managed to roll over and fall out of bed while still asleep about an hour ago. Hurt like hell.

That sounds more like you. So, the party?

Jairus grinned.

Well, I can definitely pull a Ki Master, and I think I know a Flight Warrior who's looking for a group, too. Can you find us a Titan Blade or Rage Master or something? And a Rain Warrior?

What do we need a Rain Warrior for? They're useless wimps.

Shut it, Zeluth, your Blade Mage prejudices are showing. We need a healer. My spells aren't enough for a full party. Can you do it?

Titan Blade for sure, and I can probably find a Rain Warrior on one of the mages' forums. What level should we aim for?

What level are you at now? Jairus asked, deliberately trying to irritate his friend. He knew very well what level Zeluth was at.

Fourteen, asshole. As if you didn't know that. You've only been taunting me about being two hundred ninety-eight levels behind you for the past three weeks.

Mission accomplished, Jairus typed back, Oh, quit whining. Let's go for a median of thirteen. Within five or six levels of that either way.

Sounds good. I'll get on that. You get something to eat, get to work, and go open the store, oh great and powerful Shop Bitch.

Fuck you.

No thanks. See you at work.

Yep.

Still grinning, Jairus signed off and headed out into the kitchen of his one-bedroom apartment, poking around in his fridge for something edible. He discovered a container of leftover chicken wings hiding behind the milk and, after sticking them in the microwave for a minute or two, happily settled down to breakfast. Yes, he'd had a rather rude awakening that morning, and the bruises still smarted, and he had to work the first shift of the day and therefore had seen no point in lying awake and trying to get back to sleep, but he felt good about the day. Bantering with Zeluth was always entertaining, he'd done a good deed by helping out one of the newbies... and he was pretty sure he'd made a new friend in the process. Next to that, work was nothing.

Iott was late getting home that night and, as he was covered in sweat from spending a day teaching dance, he decided to take a shower before he ate. It was almost eight o'clock when he finally got a chance to relax and go online.

As soon as he logged on to Indaea--before he'd had a chance to do anything at all--he was immediately dinged with an instant message from Dirghean IV.

About damn time. I've been sitting on my contact list waiting for you to get online for an hour.

Amused, Iott quickly sent a reply.

Aw, do you really like me that much?

Shut up. I have an offer for you.

Oh?

How would you like to join a party?

Wait, with you? I'm ten levels below you. Are you sure that's a good idea?

That's why I'm going to train you up first. Meet me in the South Fields just outside town.

Iott frowned. From what little he'd heard from the NPCs, the area to the south was a bit too advanced for someone of his level. It was better to stick to the forest for the moment. On the other hand, Dirghean probably knew what he was doing...

Sure, be there in about five minutes.

Jairus was waiting on the path out of town, just inside the South Fields, when Iott arrived. The Ki Master spotted him quickly and hurried over to him.

Okay, Dirghean, what gives? This area is a bit out of my league.

Call me Jairus. That's my real name. Dirghean is a bit stuffy for casual conversation, don't you think?

Yeah, a bit. Okay, I can remember that.

What about you? Do you want me to just call you Iott?

Well, actually, Iott is my real name.

Jairus blinked. He hadn't been expecting that.

Seriously? You're not just pulling my leg?

Nope, my parents were creative with names. So, what's going on? Why am I in the South Fields? You saw me yesterday, I almost got clobbered by that imp.

Actually, you were doing pretty well for someone at your level. Don't worry. I'll be here in a pinch if your ass needs saving again.

Thank you, that's very comforting.

Jairus burst out laughing.

Well, it should be. xD Trust me. One level twelve and one level two together can handle about a level seven, which will give you a lot of experience points because you're five levels below it. Plus I have some healing spells.

I suppose you have a point.

Of course I do. I can get you up to level nine in no time. That's plenty high enough to be part of the party.

There was a short pause.

Why are you so intent on getting me? Iott asked, I'm sure there are others who are already experienced enough.

Yeah, that's true, but I like you. I'm like a little kid when I make new friends. So what do you say? You in?

Sure, sounds good to me.

Jairus smiled, stretching and cracking his knuckles. It was already eleven o'clock but, despite his early morning, he wasn't tired; he was entirely willing to stay up all night.

Then let's get started.

It was almost five o'clock on a Sunday afternoon, and Iott was hanging around in the middle of the town square where Jairus had told him the party would be meeting up for the first time. They were due to meet up in about ten minutes, and he was the first one there. He was waiting--not altogether patiently--for the other five players to show up.

Jairus and another player called Sigidi arrived around the same time. From the banter and jokes they were throwing back and forth, it was obvious that they had known each other for a while, and were probably pretty good friends. Iott examined the stranger. He was playing a bald, red-eyed Dark Elf character who towered over both of the other players. It made an interesting contrast when he was placed beside Jairus, whose character was lean and lithe, with short dark hair, a medium skintone, and bright green eyes. Jairus also carried swords and wore armour--Sigidi did not. He was a Blade Mage, which meant that he didn't have to rely on armour for protection, and when fighting melee he used a sharp, wicked looking scythe.

As he looked at that scythe, Iott was overcome with a very surreal feeling. Just because his character looked a lot like him, barring the ears and tail, did not mean that everyone else's characters did as well. In reality, he had no idea what Jairus looked like, so for the moment he would make do with Dirghean IV.

His attention was drawn back to the screen with the arrival of the rest of their party. There was the Flight Warrior, a purple-haired Elf who carried a bow slung over her back, a blonde Titan Blade, in heavy armour and carrying an axe almost as big as she was, and a diminutive Sprite in the robes of a Rain Warrior. All six players quickly congregated around the fountain in the centre of the square.

Looks like everyone, Jairus said.

Indeed, agreed Sigidi, I believe introductions are in order.

Okay, for those who haven't met me yet, I'm Jairus, and I'm a fourth generation player who is, as Iott was so kind to point out the other day, totally addicted to Indaea.

Iott snickered.

He's also the party leader, but he's too modest to tell you that, put in Sigidi. I'm Sigidi, or Zeluth. Jairus dragged me into this game less than a month ago, so no spectacular stories from me.

I'm Lahasil, the Flight Warrior said. This is my second account. I'm a rare item collector.

Iott quickly tapped in his own introduction.

I'm Iott. For those who are curious, that's actually my real name. I'm new at this game, so go easy on me, okay? ;D

Quit flirting, Iott, Jairus ordered. Iott grinned.

That's okay, so am I! the Titan Warrior said, half a beat later. Iott could already tell she was going to be the perkiest one there--though whether it would be irritating or endearing still remained to be seen.

I'm Brynhild, or you can call me Aryana, that's my real name, she continued. I just joined two weeks ago, but I love this game. I knew Zeluth when we were in university.

Okay, Aryana, that's enough, Zeluth said, but Jairus had already jumped on it.

Hold on, hold on, you knew someone as friendly as her and you're still keeping in touch? What happened, Zeluth, going soft?

Iott grinned, mentally high-fiving Jairus as Zeluth typed a cold reply.

Don't push it, Jairus. Remember, I know where you live.

A note to the rest of you: do not incur the wrath of Zeluth, Jairus warned--doubtless grinning like a maniac behind the safety of his computer. The only reason I'm even slightly safe is because we've known each other for several years.

I still know where you live.

Okay, I'll shut up now! There's still one person who needs to introduce herself, sorry I got in your way.

I don't mind, said the Rain Warrior--the first words she'd spoken to the gathering. I'm normally a pretty quiet person anyway. I'm SkyBlueLights. Just call me Sky.

Okay, now that the formalities are over, I'll add everyone to my party and we can start our first quest, Jairus said, starting the technical business of sending out all the invites. Lahasil, Aryana, and Sky quickly fell into a conversation; Iott drifted over towards Zeluth.

So how do you know Jai? he asked, genuinely curious.

We work at a game store together, Zeluth replied. I first started talking to him because I was curious about his chain mail.

Chain mail?

He makes the stuff as a hobby. He even sells some of his pieces.

That's about as ridiculously geeky as it gets.

Yeah, pretty much.

Do you mind? Jairus interrupted, I can still hear you idiots.

I know, Iott and Zeluth said, almost simultaneously.

I'm doomed, Jairus declared morosely.

Probably, Iott agreed.

Jairus said nothing else, but seconds later a message appeared on Iott's screen.

Dirghean IV has added you to their party. Accept or decline?

Iott was thrown back to the night he and Jairus had first met, just over a week before, when the strange level twelve who had saved him had added him to his contact list. He'd accepted on a whim, and because he was grateful. Now, looking at a very similar message to the one he had seen before, he couldn't help feeling that this was the start of something big. This was certainly going to be interesting, if nothing else.

He clicked accept.