Amy Rose~

-January, 2022-

Change.

After all those times I tried to raise my social status, the money I spent into materialistic items to enhance my appearance, I remained the same girl I was. The same name, the same personality, the same face, same past. I still remained that dull, unpopular and unattractive girl I was five years ago. I could not become an ugly duckling to a pretty, popular and preppy girl overnight, like in those cliché movies. I wish I could tell my eleven year old self: 'Amy, you gotta wear that push up bra, and maybe buy those Jordans that were released two weeks ago.' Or even better: 'Fuck it all, Amy. Fuck it all.' But my mentally weak self could not dismiss society's views.

Dating, reputation and judgmental views came in, around that age. Ever since then, I was branded 'pathetic' and 'ugly'. Eventually, I had found some acquaintances. At first, they were aware of my existence and they made me happy. My walls of self-pity had broken down due to the fact that a small group of people had made me feel like I was welcome and just as great as they were. But then, I realized...it would not make a difference whether I was there or not. Once again, I was sent into the sea of insecurity and helplessness.

I was an attention-seeking eleven year old back then- someone who relied on opinions in order to discover their self worth.

But during my times of trouble, I found a distraction, a hobby and a gift- gaming. Ever since then, I slowly adapted to loneliness. It has given me more time to widen my imagination and mostly, distance myself from the people who would eventually point out my many flaws as an insult and cause me pain. Gaming was only thing that made me happy. It had taken me from the boring, colorless world and brought me to an enjoyable virtual reality. Whether it was a first person shooter, a platformer or puzzle- it made me smile. Anytime I unlocked a rare item or achievement, it made me feel proud. I did not need to worry about my appearance as it was already chosen for me. I do not need to worry about my voice- I can always set it on mute. Gaming is wonderful.

Despite all this, a small part of me yearned to be somebody of notice. I guess I am still the attention seeking girl I was.

Then they came, throwing me off into an unavoidable pit of envy. Rouge The Bat and Sally Acorn. I watched them sashay (Man, they weren't even trying!) into their lunch table, along with their 'squad'- which only consisted of laughter, joined with excited conversations and shouts. Model worthy girls perched on the lunch tables like exotic birds gossiping and giggling. Footballs flew above their heads between two jocks in varsity jackets. No, they were not vain nor rude, but good-looking, friendly and social. Sally and Rouge were gifted with wealth, both students being heiresses of huge companies. Sally was known for her humility, her classy conduct and her wide knowledge of technology. Rouge was known for her assets (Which came along with the skill to seduce), her collection of expensive jewelry and her confidence. They were not lonely at all- they were extroverts. They were the center of gossip, the people of advice and the very definition of refreshing-they were practically goddesses of the tenth grade.

I looked down at my secondhand black turtleneck and jeans, paired with worn out blue converses. My short wavy pink hair was tied back in two pigtails- childish. The new hair trend was curls. I chuckled to myself, and continued playing on my handheld.

"Wow, what a lonely girl. She's ugly too. Heck, who even buys the canteen food? More importantly, who spends lunchtime playing games?" I overheard a female dog say a rather rude comment to her friend. Nevertheless, I carried on smashing buttons- I needed to win that race!

'Hit the quan! Hit the quan! Get down low and swing your arm! Aye, hit the quan!' I turned to my left to see Rouge and Sally dancing on top of the dining tables and yelling lyrics followed by a fit of giggles. Someone was also holding a portable speaker, volume turned up. Furrowing my brows, I sighed. I could not concentrate. If I were to comment on how disruptive the majority of students were, I'd receive a lot of backlash.

"Rinnnnnnnnnnnnnng!"

English. A subject I had so much knowledge on, yet little use of creativity. Whilst the teacher taught, all I could do was draw little stickmen in the corner of my exercise book. In fact, today I would be receiving my premium virtual reality headset called the 'Virtual Gear'. Many fellow gamers have been anticipating for its release- Similar to the Oceanic Headset, one of the first virtual reality headsets created few years ago. Technology in Mobius was constantly evolving. I can escape once again.

I came home after school. I took off my bomber jacket and hung it on a hook. My mother seemed to be at work again. Changing into a black t-shirt and shorts, I ran upstairs to my room, straight to my laptop.

Searching...'Virtual Gear'. I curiously clicked on an article.

'Thousands of gamers preorder the virtual reality headset called 'Virtual Gear', created by Paradox Foncè Studios. It is a headset which sends players into the game and relies on its transmitters to send fake signals to the senses of the user, giving it the best virtual reality experience in seven years. Premium headsets will receive the first ever Virtual Gear game- a VRMMO called Evernite Online. What are your thoughts? Comment down below!'

Wow, I never knew premium headsets would receive a game! I really can't wait to play Evernite Online- I've saved a lot of money for a new gaming console!

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I tiptoed back downstairs and opened the door, displaying a red echidna with a rather agitated expression. He was holding a large cardboard box. "Stop staring and take it already!" He snapped.

"O-oh, alright." I stuttered, taking the box from his grasp.

"And, sign this." The echidna shoved the piece of paper to my ever-so-small chest. (My chest size eventually earned me the nickname: 'Tiny tits') "So you're a girl gamer huh?"

"I'd much prefer to be referred to as a gamer only. Thank you for the delivery." I smiled, taking the box inside. The echidna scowled, stomping away.

Carrying the box with ease, I happily skipped back into my bedroom. Removing the bubble wrap, I carefully raised the metallic-blue helmet into my desk. It was hefty, with a long cable which connected to a wall. I skimmed through the handbook: 'The Virtual Gear's transmitters are capable of blocking every command from the brain to the body, so the player is not sensate to the real world. It cannot be switched off during gameplay, unless the player uses in-game options. In order to activate Virtual Gear, the word 'start' must be said to initiate the start up. You must enter your details and provide a scan of your body in order to get the best out of gameplay. It is also recommended that you find a comfortable position before playing.'
Providing my body scan? Oh no.

I picked up the Evernite Online disk and inserted it into the Virtual Gear. The display case briefly explained the goal of the game- to level up, complete side quests, battle monsters and complete all hundred floors in the 'Tower Of Destruction'.

I placed the helmet two meters away from me. "Start!" I cried.

"Welcome to Virtual Gear. Please wait while you are scanned." The helmet instantly replied back to me, in a feminine robotic voice. "Scan complete. Please wear your gear and enter additional details."

I wore the helmet and lay on my bed, stiff. Name: Amy Rose. Gender: Female. Age: Sixteen. Choose your class: Weapon Summoner.

A burst of colors flashed before me accompanied by dubstep playing in the background. Grey, bold letters popped up, forming 'Evernite Online.'

Everything turned black.

I was teleported into a town made of stone. The town consisted of many fine buildings and market stalls with few AI. There were many exquisite pillars, wrapped in ivy and thorns. Mosaics were everywhere- on the floors, buildings and to the exterior of small villas. Bright butterflies flew in the sky, free of clouds. I looked down at my attire- a red velvet cloak, an ivory turtleneck, a red skirt with a leather belt, white stockings and maroon combat boots. On my belt, were two silver gun holsters, both containing pistols. Since I am a weapon summoner, I am able to collect any weapon of choice. I checked my inventory, and the only thing I had was two pistols and a rapier. There was a huge crowd of players, dressed in similar attire. Most of them looked around, either communicating with others or having a stroll. It seemed that many players knew each other. This was an advantage, as they could explore places together and defeat monsters. However, I'd much prefer to be a soloist. I work significantly better independently.

I'm looking forward to progressing in Evernite.

All of a sudden, the hub world's clear sky had turned into a blood red. Quiet voices became more and more audible, gradually turning into panic. A male disembodied shout was heard: "Welcome to Evernite Online!"

His voice was mysterious. He spoke in a cool, sadistic tone that sent a chill along my skin. "Scavenge, slay, and survive!" he spat. The words rolled off his tongue like sandpaper on wood and I swallowed a lump in my throat. "Much to your dismay, there is no log out button for Evernite Online. The virtual gear's powerful electro magnets can completely destroy a brain! When your heath bar unfortunately hits zero, you shall perish." His words matched his voice, cruel and condescending, alluring yet rough around the edges. I was scared. I couldn't deny it. "Bless the one who enters the hundredth floor- freedom to all! Or will it? May the slaughter begin!"

Players were already crying, yelling curses and desperately trying to escape. I stood motionless. Quivering jaw; clenching the teeth in an effort to keep the jaw still; dropping the jaw so as to breathe in more oxygen in preparation for what's to come. I looked at my palms- sweaty. The adrenaline I originally had coursing through my system was slowly shutting down- decreasing my ability to think logically.

Evernite was a death game- an illusionary, yet sansate world. If you were to die in this game, you are to die in real life. This game and the Virtual Gear were intended for the same purpose- to kill. And you had to clear all floors of the tower of destruction in order to free every player. I must survive. But the question is, will I? There are any things that I need to accomplish in life before I can be satisfied with the topic of death.

Farewell, reality. Hello, virtual.

Thank you for reading chapter one of 'Virtual Reality'. Inspired by the anime and light novel, Sword Art Online. I do not own the characters used in this fanfiction. All rights of characters to its respective owners. (SEGA and Archie) A review voicing your opinion so far is appreciated.