Page 26 of Stripe for the Picking
"This is incredible," she whispered, watching the wolves move with startling realism through the purple trees. "It's like having my own world to control."
Earth definitely doesn't have anything like this.
Sure, she'd played virtual reality games that were impressive by terrestrial standards, but this transcended anything she'd imagined possible. The arena wasn't just a simulation—it was a fully interactive environment where real consequences awaited real mistakes.
"Now you understand why partnership can be so crucial," Rylan said, moving toward a weapons rack. "The controller has as much influence on success as the competitor."
He selected a tactical earpiece and fit it snugly against his ear. The device was nearly invisible, designed for maximum mobility without sacrificing communication clarity.
"This is our lifeline," he explained, testing the connection. "When I'm in the arena, you're my eyes, my tactical advisor, and my early warning system."
Wren adjusted her own earpiece, marveling at how the advanced technology felt weightless against her skin. "Can you hear me clearly?"
"Crystal clear." His voice came through with perfect fidelity. "I'm heading down to the arena floor. Don't activate anything until I give the all-clear."
She watched him stride toward the arena entrance, every step radiating the controlled power of a predator. His t-shirt emphasized the broad planes of his back and the tapered strength of his waist, while his tactical pants clung to his thighs that spoke of countless hours of physical training.
When Rylan stepped through the barrier, the transformation was instantaneous. The neutral gray surface became solid ground beneath his combat boots, the holographic landscape taking on tangible reality within the arena's boundaries.
"Arena active," his voice crackled through the comm. "Beginning basic navigation test."
"Copy that," Wren replied, her fingers exploring the environmental controls. "Creating initial weather pattern."
She summoned a gentle breeze that stirred the purple forest leaves, then added a light mist that clung to the mountain peaks. Through her displays, she could see Rylan moving with fluid grace across the terrain, his athletic form adapting to each environmental shift.
"During the actual Trials, I'll shift into tiger form for certain obstacles," he said, vaulting over a fallen log with casual athleticism. "Rogue shifters, collapsing structures, high-speed pursuits—situations where my animal instincts provide advantages."
"But not today?"
"Today we just focus on communication protocols and control synchronization." His voice carried a hint of warmth that made her heart race. "Try introducing some wildlife variables."
Wren's excitement crashed over her as she activated a herd of digital deer near the lake's edge. Watching them bound across the landscape with lifelike grace felt like wielding magic.
"Beautiful work," Rylan's approving tone sent warmth through her chest. "Now try something more challenging."
For the next thirty minutes, they ran through increasingly complex scenarios. Wren learned to read Rylan's movement patterns and provided what he needed before he asked her. When he approached a steep cliff face, she provided handholds. When he needed to cross a raging river, she created a fallen tree bridge.
"You're a natural at this," he said, breathing only slightly harder after scaling a particularly treacherous mountain path. "Your instincts are remarkable."
Pride bloomed in her at his praise. Working with him felt effortless, their communication flowing like they'd known each other for years instead of days.
"Ready for a full simulation?" Rylan asked. "Last year's Trial configuration?"
"Bring it on, Commander."
The arena transformed into a complex obstacle course that took Wren's breath away. Multi-level platforms connected by narrow bridges, hidden pitfalls concealed by false terrain, andscattered throughout—holographic civilians trapped in various perilous situations.
"Objective is rescue and survival," Rylan explained. "Save as many civilians as possible while navigating all hazards and reaching the final checkpoint."
Wren's pulse accelerated as she studied the course layout. This was real strategy, real stakes, and real pressure—everything she'd been craving during her mundane Earth existence.
"Initiating threat protocols," she announced, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
The simulation exploded into motion. Rogue shifter holograms materialized throughout the course while environmental hazards activated in carefully choreographed chaos. Wren's fingers flew over her controls, rerouting hostile programs and creating safe passages as Rylan moved through the arena with breathtaking skill.
"Civilian trapped in the eastern sector," she reported, her eyes tracking multiple data streams simultaneously. "But there's a structural weakness in Platform Seven—avoid the northern approach."
"Copy that. Alternate route?"
