Re: Apocalypse Game

"Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!"

This famous line from 'Alice in Wonderland' has always resonated with her. It was a play she had acted in beautifully during her junior years.

Ever since her father left behind a collection of old movies, she had fallen in love with the world of cinema. She adored watching those films and would immerse herself in the stories – the adventures, the thrilling action, the captivating characters, and the heartwarming romances.

When a drama class became an option at her school, she didn't hesitate to join. Here, she could live out her fantasies. She went from performing in fantastic school plays to starring in stage musicals, where her beauty and incredible talent never failed to mesmerize the audience.

She earned a prestigious scholarship to a renowned drama school in the heart of New York City. Within those hallowed halls, she refined her acting skills and learned from some of the industry's most esteemed teachers. Acting came naturally to her, and with a deep understanding of her roles, she could seamlessly transform into any character she was assigned.

At the tender age of 16, she made her mark in off-Broadway productions, garnering critical acclaim for her performances. Casting directors took notice of her remarkable talent and undeniable charm, catapulting her into her first major movie role. It was a breakthrough moment, and she was well on her way to becoming a Hollywood sensation.

Her ascent to stardom was meteoric. She graced the screen in a series of blockbuster hits spanning various genres, from romance to action and even demanding roles that required special skills like fencing, marksmanship, and horseback riding. Her performances solidified her status as one of the most sought-after and versatile actresses in the industry.

As her success in the industry grew, she found herself slowly losing her passion. The allure of wealth, the constant pretense, and the artifice behind the cameras eroded her love for adventure, excitement, and genuine romance. The world of acting, with its superficiality and the phoniness of fellow actors and fans alike, left her disillusioned.

"Where did chivalry disappear to? Does it only exist in 80's movies?" she often wondered.

With a heavy heart, she ultimately made the decision to leave the world of acting behind. She longed to find her own genuine adventure and authentic romance, something that had been overshadowed by the glitz and artificiality of Hollywood.

When the aliens suddenly descended upon Earth, her dreams took on an entirely new dimension. The invitation to the game was like a cosmic sign, beckoning her to pursue her long-lost ambitions. It was a chance to become the heroine in her own extraordinary tale.

As fate would have it, her journey brought her into the orbit of an intriguing man. He embodied a unique blend of intelligence, courage, and what seemed like a vestige of chivalry in an otherwise harsh world. Yet, what intrigued her most was the enigmatic aura that surrounded him—the strength he exhibited, despite the profound sorrow etched upon his heart.

On that particular day, he once again surprised her, placing unwavering trust in her abilities and granting her the exhilarating experience of triumphing over a formidable opponent in a thrilling duel. At that moment, she felt an unwavering commitment to uncover the layers of this complex man, to delve into the depths of his soul, and get her share of much waited adventurous romance.

####

"So, can I come in?" She inquired again, showing her best smile,

Unexpectedly the answer from the man was; "It's a bit late, and I really need to rest... Perhaps another time,"

"...."

Silence hung in the air, a palpable tension between them. As the man made a move to gently close the door, she acted on a sudden impulse. She stopped the door's advance with her arm, her expression taking on a determined resolve. With a fierce, yet still alluring gaze, she declared, "Wait, you're not getting rid of me that easily."

In one fluid motion, she entered the room and began preparing the wine. Her actions were deliberate, and the room filled with an ambiance of anticipation.

As she poured the wine, her thoughts raced, pondering the reasons for his initial reluctance.

"How could he refuse me... am I not beautiful enough?" she wondered, a hint of insecurity tugging at her self-confidence. She quickly dismissed this idea, realizing that there must be another explanation. "Perhaps he's one of those brainy types with limited emotional intelligence... or maybe it's something to do with his late wife... but it's been four years, that can't be it," she mused.

With the glass now filled, she returned to the man's side, proffering the wine as she began to speak. "I'm sorry," she confessed, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I'm not usually like this, but the stress... it's all become too much for me." Her body quivered slightly, and her eyes shimmered with a poignant sadness.

It was, in fact, an act—one of her memorable lines from a previous film. It was a trick of her craft, one she had honed so well.

She continued in a hushed tone, her plea almost a whisper, "... let me stay a night, let me be with you tonight."

Whether it was the spell of her beauty, her beguiling acts, or perhaps even her [Speechcraft] skill, the man gently took the glass, had a sip, and then gently placed it on the table. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close, and with genuine empathy, he assured, "I understand... yes, you're welcome to stay the night."

The words seemed to blur together as her heart started to race, and her entire body felt as if it were enveloped in warmth. The man definitely had just stepped out of the shower, and he smelled remarkably good. Despite her rehearsed lines and intentions, the girl was genuinely drawn to him.

She managed to stammer, "Okay... let me wash up for a bit," and entered the bathroom, all the while a confident smile playing on her lips.

As she stood before the mirror, she whispered words of encouragement to herself, "Okay, Vicky, you can do this! Show him your charm!"

It took her a little while to muster the motivation she needed. When she finally returned, she was half-naked, wearing only her dark underwear, showing all her beautiful curves, fully prepared to stun the man. But to her surprise, when she reentered the bedroom, she found Alan already in bed, fast asleep.

"Dammit..." She muttered under her breath, her grand plan falling flat.

Her hopes for a night of adventurous romance had crumbled. But instead of leaving in frustration, Vicky decided to have a few more sips of wine while watching him asleep. Gradually, her irritation gave way to empathy as she realized the man had been incredibly busy in the past three days.

"You must be really, really tired, aren't you? I'm going to let you off the hook this time," she mumbled, her voice softened by the effects of the alcohol.

Feeling a bit tipsy herself, she climbed into bed beside him and watched him sleep, feeling a surprising sense of peace and connection in the quiet of the night. Eventually, they both drifted off to sleep, putting aside the troubles of the game for a while and finding rest in each other's presence.

As morning arrived, a knock on the door startled them awake. Alan, with his usual calm demeanor, walked to the door, and asked, "Who is it?"

Alan was taken aback when he heard a familiar female voice at the door, and to his surprise, it was Rose, whom he hadn't seen the last two days.

"What is it, Rose?" Alan inquired.

However, Rose's usual calm expression was nowhere to be seen. In fact, she appeared a little rattled before she forced herself to speak up. "Alan… I think you need to know this… the truth is... I am…"

Her words abruptly came to a halt as she noticed the girl who was lying in the bed, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"Rose, What happened?" Alan asked once more, trying to understand the situation.

The red-haired girl's expression returned to its usual calm demeanor, and she said, "I... I just wanted to say that everyone is already waiting."

Alan turned to the girl on the bed and asked, "Are you ready to go?"