Tempting Tia

Work had been rough the past few months for Maria. She has been working two jobs, putting in a minimum of 72 hours a week in, while her live in boyfriend Josh did nothing but play video games. A fact that irks her more and more each day. But everytime Maria approaches him about it he starts crying, which makes her feel guilty for trying to voice her concerns. The fact that his reaction is tears EVERY time she tries though, is exhausting. When Maria got home from work today though, she decided maybe it would be nice to feel wanted. One of her coworkers had been telling her about this new online game called The Jail Planet, and how she had been having a blast meeting new people and making friends. As she walked through the door the only words Josh said to her weren't encouraging. He wasn't fulfilling any of the needs she had, he wasn't interested in talking or even having s*x. Shrugging off her frustration with her real life she decided to sign up. It was supposed to be free to start, so there was nothing to lose but time. Maria went to her home office and turned on the small lights around her computer station. She flopped exhausted into the overly plush chair at her desk her dark brown eyes meeting the exhausted racoon ringed eyes of her reflection on the dark monitor. "Yeah... there's nothing to lose. I should be able to enjoy something too." She smiled as her reflection disappeared, the screen flickering to life before her accompanied by the soft song of windows. Her long onyx tipped nails tapped at the keyboard, pulling up the games website. Her eyes scanned over the elaborate varied avatars they advertised. "If nothing else, even just exploring looks like it will be enjoyable... they're so detailed...." Maria murmured as she tapped away, ignoring the pop up screen and just selecting yes for everything. All those warnings were the same anyways. As she typed her new handle into the login window, it began to glow a vibrant blue. The color change made her pause momentarily. "Nifty gimmick. I don't see a point to it though." She checked her email for her confirmation notice, and followed the link. Her computer screen began to pulse as her screen name got larger and larger before filling the whole screen with flashing pastel blue light. Maria closed her eyes hands going up to hide her eyes in surprise as the light became even more blinding, and she became weightless. When she reopened her eyes she was floating in a void, looking at her hands she found that she could see, everything was just...blank? -Welcome to Jail Planet. We appreciate your help in creating an immersive experience for all users.- "What do you mean? This makes no sense. Where am I?" Maria was shocked to hear that her voice wasn't her own anymore, in fact it sounded like the warm humming that comes from a computer, soft, comforting. Nothing like her exhausted sad voice. -Please don't panic. You selected a unique choice during sign up that most users ignore. You selected yes at Mind Transfer. This enables you to more fully enjoy and experience the pleasures on the digital planet as though you were really there.- Maria felt a stirring inside her, enjoy? When was the last time she had truly enjoyed something? -As a mind transfer your selections become far more than just fictional choices. They become real memories that you'll be able to recall as though it happened to your corporal body. That being said we are currently in your avatar creation stage. Be aware you may alter your appearance at any time, but to ensure you have the most pleasurable experience we prefer to allow you to create in this free range area.- "You mean I can be anything or anyone that I want here? And no one can judge me for it?" A flicker of excitement rippled through her. This game was proving to be far more than just the distraction her coworker had described. This was a chance to truly experience the lives of someone else without the consequences. -Correct. You are currently nothing more than an idea of what you were hoping to do. It appears you're hopes and thoughts were vague. As a mind transfer you have far more variables than most other players. You can do anything you desire. When you feel comfortable in your digital skin, please say so and we can insert you upon the planet to explore. Our goal is to help you all experience pleasures you may have only imagined before.- Maria looked at the hands of the floating form she was beginning to understand were hers. "How do I know what my avatar looks like in this format?" -That is simple. Just ask.- Maria saw a form glimmer into existence before her. Moving closer she noted it mimicked her movements. Leaning in closer to the Grey mirrored figure, she put a hand out touching the figure. It was warm. She brought up her other hand and worked her hands along the neck of the figure and noticed it seemed to stretch some. Blinking she realized that she could feel the same motions as the other figure mimicked. -You can do more than just mold. Anything you can imagine. This is your first stage to creating your personal happiness. First create a form that you enjoy, explore it, learn it, know it. You don't have to worry about judgement.- Maria paused. The offer the system was giving her seemed almost too good to be true. She leaned in closer to the Grey mirrored figure, pressing her forehead against it softly, feeling the warmth of the other form. She took a deep breath and imagined what color eyes she would have in this world. As she opened them again, nose to nose with her form in this world. Amber eyes with an almost lizard like pupil stared back at her, long black eyelashes fluttering playfully. Maria gasped in surprise, watching as the Grey skin seemed to shift almost chameleon like to a soft tan hinting at a shade of lavender. "Tia?" The voice Maria heard as she spoke was heady almost intoxicating to her ears,as she spoke to this avatar slowly her voice low. "Tia, is this what we want to look like?"