"What?!" Shouted Jafeler. "What do you mean you can't get us out?" 

"Just that." Dr. Harold's voice replied over the walky-talky. "Just as you went in something on the machine went haywire and now it's not responding to the computers." 

"So we're stuck here?" Ilvora asked as she came up behind Jafeler. She looked around the 3D world that they were now a part of. Odd looking jungle shrubs and trees stretched in all directions. A part from being the only living things that they could see, the were the only real humans in the entire virtual world. 

"Not permanently." Came Dr. Harold's voice. "Our computers show that if you can beat the whole game you will be automatically returned to the workshop."

"Well that's comforting." Snapped Jafeler. "How do you expect us to beat the game? We've got nothing here that will help us and soon this stupid walky-talky is going to die."

Ilvora put her hand on Jafeler's shoulder but he quickly shrugged it away and glared at her. She stepped back quickly and looked at the ground.

"Take it easy you two." Dr. Harold said. "We'll be able to watch you and if we get this machine working a little we will be able to help you. Right now the ratings for the walky-talky are dropping like crazy so we have to hurry." Jafeler rolled his eyes. "Our monitors show that there is a small pile of weapons that you both may be familiar with. Follow my directions while I explain this to the both of you. Start walking to your rights. Each of the weapons work like they do in real life. Turn left now.. Your systems should already be adapting to the environment so you'll know how to work the different gizmos. Right at the giant tree. Also helping the two of you is the small amount of training that you did before you went in. Right again and it should be 20 paces in front of you. We'll try and help you along the way but you may be on your own. Remember for you to succeed you must..." Radio static started breaking in. "Team... to help.. Good luck." The walky-talky died.

"Well," Ilvora said, "let's get this party started."

Jafeler looked at her and started walking towards the weapons that were now visible thought the thick jungle shrubbery.

Of all people, how did I get stuck with a girl who is nothing like me? Wondered Jafeler.

At school he and Ilvora had never talked, he was the quiet nerd, she was the popular prep.

This is not going to be fun. he thought as he walked up to the pile. Assorted Ray Blasters and medieval swords were intertwined in a small stack.

Ilvora walked up and looked at the pile, "This is what I'm talking about!" she exclaimed.

Just as she started to walk forward Jafeler noticed a small trip wire that wound around the pile.

"Wait" he called urgently, but it was too late. Ilvora crossed the threshold and tripped over the wire. Just as she started to pick herself up the ground started shaking. Jafeler was beside her in a minute. "Hurry, something is coming and we need to defend ourselves."

He ran up and quickly grabbed a blaster and a large sword complete with sheath and belt. "Catch" he shouted tossing the Ray Gun to her. All of a sudden the ground stopped moving. Jafeler gripped the hilt of his sword. It wasn't a false alarm, something was out there. The pair suddenly found themselves on the ground as the earth pitched upward. All around them the trees were moving. Literally standing up and stretching, the largest of the trees were coming alive.

The sky was instantly covered by ominous black clouds making it extremely hard to see. Ilvora stood there uncertainty while Jafeler lifted his sword in expectation. As he did a beam of pure, white light sprang forth illuminating the clearing. Words ran along the flat of the sword:

"In your darkest hour look to the Light and let it guide you" Jafeler read aloud in awe. He swept the beam across the oncoming trees and though it didn't disintegrate them, it did keep them back.

"Ilvora, you have to help me. I can keep them back but I can't destroy them." She shook herself and picked up the blaster with an experts hand. Pulling the trigger she blasted the trees with deadly accuracy.

"It's not doing anything!" she cried.

"Grab a different blaster. The one with a tree on it." Jafeler shouted back.

He watched as she darted to the pile. In the low light her blonde hair looked pure white and her blue eyes gave a startling effect. She looked like an angel in motion. He shook himself. What was he thinking! She was Ilvora, he was Jafeler and they had nothing in common.

"Got it!" called Ilvora triumphantly holding up a green blaster. She quickly took aim and began to fire a murky, green light at the approaching trees. It worked like magic. As soon as the rays hit, the trees instantly dissolved. Pretty soon not one of them remained, only a pile of ashes. The black clouds faded, giving way to the light of dusk.  

"Well that went well." commented Jafeler as he sheathed his sword. As soon as he put down the sword the light extinguished itself. "Hum" said Jafeler, "This could be handy." He looked at the sword thoughtfully.

Ilvora picked up the first blaster again. White writing along the edge seemed to beckon even though she couldn't understand it. Ilvora ran her finger along the side 'Theres something about this.' she placed the gun into her holster.

"Ok, that was a little weird and that was only our first test!" Ilvora said. "Who knows what could be next?"

Jafeler just shrugged "We'll find out when it happens I guess. Come on, we're burning daylight. Let's see if we can find somewhere to make camp." Jafeler started walking.

"Do you even know where you are heading?" asked Ilvora..

"Nope." said Jafeler without turning around. "We're here with nothing but a sword, assorted ray guns and the clothes on our backs. We have no guide, no outer help and we're on our own so we might as well choose a random direction and hope we get lucky."

"You have got to be kidding me!"

"Uh, no!" Jafeler said as he continued walking away. Ilvora hurried to catch up with him. In the waning light Jafeler's dark hair and olive complexion allowed him to blend in with his surroundings. Part of the effect of the game allowed him to walk almost invisibly through the shadows.

Ilvora was quiet for a moment and then asked, "Do you think we'll be able to finish this? I mean, it's not looking great for us."

"True, but it's just a game. How hard can it be?"

"Plenty" muttered Ilvora but Jafeler acted like he didn't hear her.

It was almost dark and the sun's last rays were already hiding. Jafeler kept walking and Ilvora kept following. After a couple miles they came to a large rocky cliff. At the bottom a small cave offered some shelter.

"Come on, that looks like our home for the night." Jafeler said.

"Seriously?" Ilvora looked at the opening. It was large enough for both of them to walk through together but she didn't like it. "It looks like a mouth waiting to swallow us." she said.

Jafeler rolled his eyes and took out his sword. It didn't brighten. Jafeler frowned, then he smiled. Maybe it wanted a little politeness. "Beam please." he told the sword and it instantly lit up.

He shined it into the cave. "Nothing, it stops about 10 feet back."

"Well, I still don't like it."

"Then why don't you sleep out here?"

"Fine, I will!"

"Fine!" Jafeler stormed into the cavern. What's wrong with girls? They never listen to you.

Ilvora watched as Jafeler stormed off. Boys! She thought rolling her eyes. She looked around the clearing. In the dim light could see a small hollow in the grass with a ledge hanging over it. It would serve as suitable shelter for the night. After what happened with the trees she wanted to stay as far away from them as possible. She walked over and laid down.

Fortunately it was warm out and she didn't have to find any blanket material. She sighed. What am I doing? She wondered. She didn't even know how she was paired with Jafeler to go into the game. They were supposed to be testing how well it worked not whether they could beat it or not. Neither she not Jafeler had known that the other had signed up for this project.

Ilvora smiled to herself. Yes, she was on the popular end of the list but she'd known Jafeler since grade school. He was quiet, thoughtful and smart. Not to mention his dark eyes and stunning complexion. As long as she could remember she'd had a crush on him but things got complicated after his parents split. He became distant, withdrawn, retreating into himself. Rolling her eyes at herself she turned over and went to sleep.

Jafeler had made himself a bed on a small ledge that jutted out of the wall. He lay thinking that maybe had had been a little hard on Ilvora but he just wasn't a people person. He had his dad to thank for that. His father wasn't a very social person but he couldn't worry about that right now, he had other problems to worry about. He sighed and knew he needed to go apologize. Forcing himself up he walked to the mouth of the cave. He could see where she made her bed and it looked like she was asleep, so it would have to wait 'til morning. He started to head back inside when a stick cracked. Not knowing what was out there he ducked beneath a boulder.

A low whisper as cold as ice could just be heard. "Well, well, well, what do we have here, a player?" A low chuckle drifted through the night. "What a surprise. We must make them welcome. You," He said directing his voice to something beside him, "Take the girl. You two," This was to another couple other beings, "Look for another one. Where there's one, there's more. Humans have a tendency to stay in groups. They weren't made to be alone as is told. Anyway, we need insurance that they won't shut down the game. Not yet anyhow. Blocking the transmitter was step one. Step two involves an in-depth look at the humans. Now, get going."

As if a heaviness had been lifted, the presence of the leader vanished. Three creatures as dark as night bounded toward the cave. One went to Ilvora while the other two crept toward the mouth of the cave.

Jafeler was glad that he had kept his sheath and sword on when he came out. He knew that it would be suicide to try and save Ilvora but he had a huge urge to. He could only watch in silent horror as she was absorbed by the shadows.

The two things slipped right past Jafeler's hiding spot with the shadows bending around them cloaking them. Trembling slightly he gripped his sword as one of them suddenly stopped and picked his head up like he was sniffing the air. Turning suddenly they jumped with outstretched arms right at Jafeler!

Raising his sword in apprehension he dodged out of the way. Just as it had in the last fight, the sword brightened, its beam glowing into existence. He swung it onto his attackers. As soon as the light hit them, they gave an unearthly howl and vanished without a trace. Well that's handy.

Words once again ran along the flat of the word: Light and Dark can't co-exist. The weapon of Truth and Knowledge of Light are all you need with a flick of your wrist.

Great, there's a way to take the bad guy down, but how can I find him? He walked over to the hollow where Ilvora had slept and picked up her blaster. As soon as it was in his hand Jafeler passed out from exhaustion.

Jafeler awoke just as Dawn was approaching. The sun's first rays were making their way over the tree tops. He looked at his sword and remembered its earlier words. "In your darkest hour look to the Light and let it guide you." Jafeler whispered. He turned to look at the rising sun again. As he did something flashed at the bottom of a mountain in the distance. He looked harder and suddenly he could see that the entire mountain was a castle. Twin peaks rose giving the impression of towers. A lake in front looked exactly like a moat. Okay. Jafeler thought. Watch out because here I come!

Ilvora opened her eyes to the inky darkness. It felt like she was standing up but suspended at the same time. She was unable to move and her head hurt. Closing her eyes with a groan she surrendered once again to sleeps embrace.

Several hours later Jafeler arrived at the base of the mountain. It had taken the entire morning. The mountain loomed in front of him frowning and glaring. The sun was directly overhead now. He looked out at the lake that was about 400 yard long and unthreatening. There had to be a way inside beside the main gate. There! A small hole in the side of the mountain, probably for drinking water, was seen. It was placed in such a position that only if the sun was directly overhead, like it was now, could you have seen it.

Jafeler hoped that the things in the castle would be light sensitive enough that they wouldn't be looking out any windows. Scanning the edge of the water he grabbed a hollow reed. Double checking that his sword belt was tightened and that the blaster was durable enough to last a swim, he dove beneath the waves while using the reed as a snorkel. Fortunately the water was neither cold nor salty. It actually felt pretty good. No, this ins't a joy swim, just keep moving. He told himself. It took about 10 minutes to get to the base of the mountain. The swim wasn't bad but it was a little tiring.

Checking to make sure nothing was in sight, Jafeler swam into the mouth of the cave. A small outcropping provided a chance to get out of the water and to catch his breath. As he looked around him, the cove went back about 100 yards and then turned out of sight. To his right a little door was etched into the wall and obviously led into the fortress. Taking a deep breath to collect himself, he got to his feet and headed for the door. Placing his hand on the handle he hoped it wasn't locked. It turned easily. The door slid open silently. Dark tunnel-like halls yawned at him. Jafeler randomly began to pick his way down the halls. He figured that the main room would be either in the middle or at the top of the fortress. It took a long time to pick his way around. Several times he heard footsteps and had to duck into a nearby room, while phantom shadows walked past. Many times he ended up at dead ends or large, strangely crowded rooms.

One of the more interesting rooms was devoted completely to hand gliders. He must have a hobby or just likes the look of them. That must have been the way they snuck up on us. We didn't even hear them coming Jafeler thought.

Memorizing his way from the room, he continued his search until at last he found a room that was quite unlike any others. It looked like a mad scientist lab but multiply that by fifty! Computers, test tubes, potions and books were everywhere. Most disturbingly, however, was a large, black, cocoon shaped blob that was in the corner of the room. No one seemed to be in the room so Jafeler cautiously walked in. He looked around but nothing made any sense, it was as if everything was in a different language. Footsteps suddenly echoed down the corridor and before Jafeler could turn, a searing pain exploded in his shoulder. Jafeler, still very conscious, fell to the ground in agony.

"Well look who it is." It was the same icy voice that Jafeler had heard in the jungle the previous night. "It's the runt that slipped by my Daroin. What did you think you could accomplish here? You should have run when you had the chance."

Jafeler looked but he could not see the speaker. He was having a hard time thinking through the pain. It felt as if something was eating his whole side trying to get into who he was. "I . . . came . . . because. . . my friend . . . needed help." he managed to gasp.

"Oh really, your noble efforts were completely useless. You have no idea who or what you are up against. I am the Mighty Whisperer! There is no one in all the land that can defeat me!

Darkness was beginning to take over Jafeler's mind. Just surrender. It seemed to whisper. The pain will go away. Jafeler struggled but he was starting to lose the fight. Darkness was over powering his mind when his sword warmed in his hand. Instantly the words of the sword returned to his mind. "Light and dark can't co-exist. The weapon of truth and the knowledge of light is all you need with the flick of your wrist." He murmured in a daze. Immediately his mind begin to clear.

"What was that?" the voice asked.

"I am not giving in! Truth and Light are what's important and you have neither attribute." The words seemed to give him strength.

Summoning all his energy he pulled his sword out of its sheath. The beam instantly shot out, swinging wildly around the room destroying every thing it touched. It swept past himself and instead of hurting him, he was filled with energy. The beam came to a stop on the cocoon in the corner and it began to dissolve. A human figure took shape and soon Ilvora was standing beside him.

She smiled at him and said "Thanks, now let's kick some monster butt".

Light was filling the room and it illuminated a shadow-like figure of a man standing in the doorway. He was on his knees, shielding his eyes from the intense light. Jafeler handed Ilvora the blaster from his pocket.

"You want it?" he asked.

"You got it! Hiya!"

She pulled the trigger and a white light brighter than the one already in the room came pouring from the blaster.

"No. NO!" the man shouted as the lights engulfed him. There was an even greater flash and the light dimmed back to a normal sun-filled room. The room then started to shake and the walls started to crumble.

"Come on" cried Jafeler. We have to get out of here before the entire mountain levels!"

"How do we get out in time?" Ilvora asked as they sprinted down now light-filled halls.

"I saw a room full of hang gliders. We can use them to get out of here."

"Have you ever hang glided?"

"No, but there's no time like the present to learn."

They reached the room quickly and it seemed mostly intact than the rest of the fortress. They ran for a double person glider and strapped themselves in.

"Here we go" shouted Jafeler.

They jumped out of a large window. Safely out of the mountain, the pair looked back. The entire mountain was no longer there, just a series of small hills. They looked forward again and it seemed that the entire world was beginning to dissolve.

"What's going on?" asked Ilvora.

"I think we just beat the level." Jafeler smiled and took her hand. "Are your ready for more monster-like creatures?"

She smiled back. "You bet. Let the next level come. We're ready!"

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A/n- So this is a very, very early piece from the beginning of my writing journey (back in my middle school days). It's here for the nostalgia :)