We all get nine lives as if we're cats. Which is ironic because when it comes to this game I sure do feel like a cat at times clawing its way to the finish line.

Nine lives. Seven lost in the code. Two more to go.

I cling to the side of Mount Everest, my fingers as white as the snow covering the tip not so far above me. If I fall now, you could say goodbye to life #eight for me. Something that I could never let happen.

Now, why couldn't they give me gloves? Are they trying to make this game experience feel more realistic? Cause I think they're doing a terrible job at that. A climber needs their proper gear, which I believe includes those gloves.

Just as I am reaching for the next rock jutting out of the cliff's side, my wrist comm begins to ring. Incoming call from Jas appears before my eyes in those deep purple script letters she chose. Her pretty face comes next, her scarlet lips smiling.

"Hey, Rebel. What ya up to?"

I give her my view. "Trying to climb Mount Everest to earn one hundred points. I need to concentrate so can't really chat with you at the moment. Sorry."

"Oh ok. Enjoy and be careful."

I adjust my feet on the ledge, reaching for that jutting rock. "Always. Now gotta go. See ya later."

"You betcha." She ends the link, her messy violet pony the first thing to fade before the rest of her head joins.

Inhaling, I continue my climb. I really need this one hundred points so I can reach the next level and become closer to being crowned a champion and earning the most luxurious life that you can in this world. I'll be a celebrity. Or at least close to one.

I reach the next ledge, my well-toned frame pressed against the cliff face, searching for another handhold. Oh, come on.

Seething with annoyance, I push the wisps of dark hair out of my face. Why did I have to choose such a challenging level? Hmmm, good question.

I tilt my head back, just slightly so I can see what I have ahead of me. About fifty more feet to go. I can do this right?

That's when my booted foot slips, my body being overcome by gravity. I'm falling. I'm going to die and lose another life that I can't afford.

A scream escapes from within me, just as my hand lurches out grabbing onto whatever I can. A  rock, the perfect size to be my handhold.

Heart racing, I press my face against the cool stone, a smile making its way onto my face. I'm still alive. But now two hundred feet to the top and only seven more minutes left to reach the finish line. Hurry!

I begin the climb again, one hand, two hands, one foot, two feet. Up, up,  I go until I'm almost at my destination...

And that's when everything goes askew.

The once blue sky above me turns a dark and gloomy gray and the heavens open up, icy rain pouring down on me. My jacket and leggings are drenched within seconds, causing me to shiver.

This sudden change of climate wasn't in the games descriptions.

I know that I've been hacked once more when the frightening, ember dragon appears through the sheet of rain, it's razor sharp teeth advancing towards me.

I'm not going to allow this hacker kill me again.

Acting quickly, I do something that's absolutely crazy, I jump.

The wind rushes around me, making my breath hitch in my throat. All that breath is knocked out of me as I crash into the ledge below. Scrambling to my feet, I make a dash for the cave I noticed earlier. I can sense the dragon on my tail, its hot searing flames creeping towards me.

With a shout, I leap face-first through the cave's entrance, the flames licking at my legs. I cry out in agony, tears rolling down my cheeks, as I lie with my face kissing the ground before me while a fire ignites my body.

One more minute to complete the game and earn one hundred points flashes before my eyes, my eyes that are beginning to lose its sense of sight, as my heart beat slows down. With one last shudder, I try to access my wrist comm in an attempt to call Jas. But it's too late...

The hacker has got me again.