[CHAPTER 11]

"...we're getting an awful lot of static on the uplink now, and we're not reading you at all…"

James Lovell

H.O.R.I.Z.O.N

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"Let's suppose that every night you were able to dream any dream you wanted to dream. Naturally...as you began on this adventure of dreams...you would fulfill all your wishes."

James's headphones were getting old. The left earbud was notably quieter than the right and seemed to lack any bass. It was barely noticeable, but enough to be irritating. Here he was, living in the worlds very own Oasis, and they couldn't even get him a decent pair of headphones. HORIZON was supposed to be a virtual utopia! At least he could see the humour in the situation. Staring out of the train window, James's eyes darted back and forth across the landscape of rolling fields as it flashed by.

"You would have every kind of pleasure..." the beattape continued.

James was old-fashioned when it came to his taste in music, listening to actual WAV files on a small SONY with wired earphones. At the moment, a few classic Lofi tracks were bumbling around his shuffled playlist. Just like bulky MP3 players, jazzhop was coming back into fashion. He'd skipped through a few tracks to find the correct song to fit his mood. Old technology didn't contain predictive algorithms to play what you wanted to hear.

"...and after several nights you would say, well that was pretty great! But now...let's have a surprise, let's have a dream which isn't under control."

The book on James's lap had remained untouched for much of the journey. It was a collection of short fantasy stories which had failed to grab his interest. Instead, Jame's mind had been somewhere far away as he gazed out of the window. Iron wheels clickety-clacked under the carriage, beating out a slow rhythm. It was a comforting sound. Leaning back with a sigh, he let his mind drift away. The sleek interior design of the train may have faded a little, but the seats were still something to relax into.

Putting away his concerns regarding his last conversation with Mark, James instead cast his mind forward to the purpose of this trip. Just thinking about it created a bubble of excitement in his stomach. This was it! After spending weeks jumping around the different virtual sub-environments of HORIZON, he was finally going to follow his dream.

Jame's thoughts were disturbed by the overhead speaker. An announcement started with a hiss of static,

'We are now calling at Ryme City. Please ensure that you take all your belongings and bags with you. Please mind the gap between the train and the station platform. Thankyou.'

"...you can feel yourself." his music continued softly, cutting through the mechanical voice, 'Not as a stranger in the world, not as something that has arrived here by fluke…"

'Hey. Kid. This is your stop.' James jumped in his seat, craning his neck to find the conductor making his way down the aisle. The aged man looked a little bedraggled in his wrinkled blue uniform, limping slightly with his left foot. That didn't stop him from flashing a smile before waving the teenager out of his seat. This was the type of service you got on budget train lines. Even in HORIZON, there were some things you had to pay premium for.

Out of habit, James brought up the man's statroll. Invisible to everyone else, text magically floating in the air just about the conductors right shoulder. Embossed black lettering with the abbreviation NPC marked that the aging man was in fact just part of the simulation.

Scanning the other passengers in the carriage, James spotted only one other VR player. Without the ability to pull up everyone's statroll it would have been impossible to identify them. The computer simulated occupants of the virtual world were just too realistic. A kid sat a couple of seats in front of him had a bio announcing proudly that was a US citizen, enjoyed long walks, and was available as a healer in an upcoming Dota 4 tournament. That was a sub-environment that James had yet to explore.

James grabbed his rucksack and did as the ticket-collector said. Checking his pockets over for his softscreen and wallet, he headed towards the end of the carriage. Already the automatic station-lights were flashing, leaving James to jab at the worn plastic buttons. Only then did the doors slide open and a rush of warm air, noise, and the scent of artisan coffee assaulted his senses. Minding his feet, James alighted down onto the platform.

"...I'm not trying to sell you on this idea… I'm putting it forward as a possibility of life...as something to think about…"

Ryme City train station wasn't the most picturesque of the stations within the Pokémon Universe. James had been around Johto and found the big bustling cities like Goldenrod stunning. Ecruteak had been his favourite town, if a little unsettling. He used to play within the second generation environment as a kid - and here he was living inside that very same world. Sometimes it was all too easy to forget that everything was an elaborate simulation. Then again, people had been saying the same about 'up top' for decades.

The train tracks backed onto a newly designed shopping centre, with welcome slogans painted across a mix of glass and concrete in various languages. The platform was busy with people of all ages and nationalities milling about between coffee shops, pasty stalls, and stairs to adjacent platforms. Pokémon were dotted around too. A Gardevoir waited for a train with an elderly trainer stood opposite a rather ferocious looking Gabite. James had to bounce out of the way as a young boy with a Pikachu balanced on his shoulder went shooting past. Announcements for soon to be arriving trains competed with the soothing music emanating from an information kiosk, not to mention the chatter of people and Pokémon. A quick check of peoples' statrolls indicated most were in fact virtual players.

Looking around for the exit, James wasn't surprised to find Baba waiting for him. The woman was studying one of the maps screwed up on the brick walls, shoulder-length fair hair blowing with the warm breeze. She turned as if sensing James approach, a warm smile immediately jumping to her face.

'Hey! Alright kiddo?'

James grinned, pulling his headphones out and killing the MP3 player, 'So this is Ryme City?'

'Sure is. I heard a certain somebody wanted to become a Pokémon trainer?'

There was a strange agelessness to the artificial intelligence. Freckles dotted her pale face which seemed to consist of mostly curves and cheeks, making her appear both youthful and ancient at the same time. She had small lips and a narrow nose which only seemed to emphasise her sunny complexion. Baba was by no means an ugly woman, though her appearance made her seem old enough to be James' mother.

'I didn't realise we had to come here for it!' James joked, feigning nonchalance to hide his true excitement. 'I thought you were all powerful and could just...' James waved his arms through his black hoodie as if magicking up something in the air before him.

Baba sighed and shook her head wistfully.

'Alas! If only it was that easy.'

Her own statroll was different to what James' had learnt to expect. Where normally a list outlining the individuals username, age, role, and a witty comment, existed - there was nothing but a single asterisk. James had become so used to the game mechanics that the lack of such an everyday characteristic was jarring. It was one of the few things that reminded him just who Baba really was.

If the artificial intelligence noticed James's unease, she didn't make it obvious. At the moment she was projecting herself as a short pale blonde. Leading the way through the ticket barrier, only when they were out on the crowded street did she start explaining herself.

'HORIZON is a complex place. Cause and effect still exists...and I can only bend the rules a little. Sheesh. I'm the one who's supposed to keep things in order.' Baba, only a few inches taller than the teenager, shot James a warped smile. 'Besides, it's about time you paid a visit. This place is epic. Pokémon and people living in harmony. What's to dislike?'

Even after just a few minutes walk from the train station, James had to admit the AI was right.

Ryme City was a sprawling metropolitan landscape which had as many parks and avenues as residential blocks. In the virtual world, city planning didn't have to consider the same problems. Space wasn't an issue. Streets could be wide and dotted with large beach trees. Why not? Room was made not just to house people, but Pokémon too...and they were everywhere! Persians mooched down the street with their caring owners. Grimers oozed down the sidewalk alongside street sweepers, emptying bins into their gaping mouths. A Smeargle was painting the exterior of a flower shop in vivid pink hues.

For anyone not used to the HORIZON, the sights would have been baffling. However, it was the people who were the most interesting. In the virtual world, you could be whatever you wanted to be. And boy did the VR players make of the most of it! Hair colour could be picked at random off the spectrum, and clothing was just as varied. Many went for the typical relaxed attire of trainers, or mimicked certain NPC common throughout the Pokémon games. Some looked like walking rainbows in wellingtons. A good half of people were wearing overt baseball caps with Pokécentre insignia plastered over themselves. Why not?

Baba and James took the short walk from the train station to the Central Square. The pavements were bustling as they crossed Gligar Street and headed towards the National Art gallery. Sunshine illuminated the limestone of the grand neo-gothic architecture, common amongst the art-deco office blocks and coffee shops. Baba pointed out some key landmarks, including the fifty-two metre Pikachu Column. James have to stifle the feeling of Déjà vu. It was a prevalent emotion, given the similarities between Ryme Central Square and Trafalgar Square. Then again, London didn't have Snorlaxs blocking traffic or Machokes trying to move them. Nor did it house Mr Mimes in the back alleyways like some Parisian neighbourhood.

'That's the registry office on the corner there.' Baba pointed to an ornate marble building over the heads of tourists. 'It shouldn't be too busy this time of day.'

She flashed a grin which shifted to a slight frown.

'Oh, before I forget! I thought you might want to meet up with Rikola afterwards.' Baba felt around the pockets of her maroon cardigan, the only garment she had on over a white vest. 'And I've got your passport thingy here to show the officials. I'll leave that to you if you don't mind? I just need to make a quick call.'

James accepted the scrap of paper of the woman. It was only when he studied the passport that he noticed something amiss.

'It's blank!'

Baba already had a flip-phone in her hand. A cheeky grin spread across her face, 'Reality can be whatever you want kiddo. Now go and become a Pokémon trainer!' She made a small shooing motion with her hands.

James wondered how he'd become used to Baba's quirks so quickly. Pocketing the paper in his ripped jeans, he ambled towards the registration office. Pidgy hung around the fountains in the square as he made his way up the short flight of steps to the main entrance. There was a bounce in his step as he cast his mind forward to finally fulfilling his dream. What would be his first Pokémon? What would he name it? What region would they explore first?

One step at a time. First he had to officially register as a trainer.

It was surprising just how many other virtual players were doing the very same thing. James even had to wait in a queue for ten minutes before finally getting his papers checked. A bored-looking young man ran through a few questions before coolly reminding the teenager that any caught Pokémon must be registered at a Pokécentre. James was in too good a mood to care about his blasé tone.

A mere twenty minutes later and James was back out in the sunshine looking out across the city square. Pikachu Column stood proud between Pyroar statues, acting as a key tourist attraction for many players. Most people seemed happy to wander across the paving stones with their Pokémon, living out their dreams and desires in the virtual world. Even with the unlimited possibilities that HORIZON offered, many were attracted towards the mundace. Players were happy to explore the welcoming city with the sun on their backs and a befriended Pokémon partner at their feet. A simple but enjoyable life.

Soon, he'd be doing the very same thing.

James let out a happy sigh, pulling his trainer ID out of his pocket and looking at it with a hint of pride. His name was stamped across the top, with plenty of space for future gym badge icons - and maybe even league titles! Now this. This was a dream come true.

'What you got there pal?'

A familiar voice cut into James's musing.

Looking up, the teenager immediately recognised the digital avatar of Rikola. She was the same age as he was, though her online persona made her look a tad older. Whether Rikola had bright blue hair and hazel eyes in real life was still under debate - given that James had never met her outside of HORIZON. The two had bumped into each other the first time he had visited Pokémon sub-environment and immediately become friends. James felt there was a certain AI to blame for that

James couldn't help but beam as he proudly showed off his trainer ID.

'I'm officially a Pokémon trainer! They even updated my status!'

'About time.' The girl by the name of Rikola just snorted, shaking her head for emphasis. Unlike James who wore a plain black hoodie and jeans from habit, she made the most of her virtual reality persona. Rikola looked like someone out of an action-adventure film, dark shades sticking out of the pocket of a brown leather jacket.

'Let me see.' She brushed back her short blue hair and leant forward, squinting at the small card. 'Up to six Pokémon. Wow. You're literally a VIP here and they start you off at the bare minimum. Shocking.'

'Makes climbing to the top all the more worthwhile.' James chuckled. Even Rikola's dry humour was unable to put a dampener on his mood.

'You could have got a better photo.' Rikola snickered, straightening. James took a moment to check her statroll, seeing her status as a Pokémon trainer highlighted under the username "RIK0LA" in block capitals. Baba had sneakily allowed James access to some advanced features, meaning he saw Rikola had logged over two hundred days online.

'Any ideas on your first Pokémon?' the VR player asked, sticking her hands in her pockets, 'Knowing you, you'll be taking the old fashioned route back to pallet town to grab yourself a Bulbasaur.'

James had to think quickly, given that Rikola had guessed his plan with startling accuracy. It wasn't that he wanted to lie to his friend - more that he wanted to make a good impression. Of all people to get uploaded into the digital world they had to pick the most average guy imaginable. He literally had the chance of a lifetime to create a new life where anything was possible.

And here he was in ripped jeans and scuffed trainers.

'So?' Rikola promted.

'Not sure yet. Whatever happens, I want to befriend a Pokéball rather than just catching them.'

'You do realise to own a Pokémon it needs a Pokéball right? Seriously, people are known to steal from other trainers.'

I waved off her worries, heading down the steps and across the main square. They had to skirt a few Spanish tourists were feeling the bird Pokémon with scraps of bread.

'Where's The Boss? I thought you two always hung out together?'

'She's busy doing whatever she does I guess…'

Rikola liked to call Baba 'The Boss'. In part it was out of respect, but also because mocking sarcasm was second-nature to the girl. For some reason the artificial intelligence, who was rather protective of her actual identify, had unveiled herself to the teenager. The three of them had bumped into each other by chance in TM store in Hearthome City. Rikola had obviously been a trustworthy character. Sufficient for Baba at least. James liked the girl, but felt a little too vulnerable to open up completely.

Rikola, however, had other ideas.

'So. Now you're a trainer it's time you got a cool stage name! You can't just be James. How lame is that for a Pokémon trainer? We need some more...more epic!'

'John Cena did it.' James shrugged.

'Who the fuck's John Cena?'

The boy had to hold back a that was made easy by a rather rude interruption from a tall girl clutching at a bundle of leaflets. Like many other virtual players in the Pokémon environment, she's opted for a baseball cap and a leather satchel. This also appeared to be stuffed with flyers.

'Hi there!' The flyer-girl squeaked in a forced, overly-friendly tone. She must have spotted the pair approach and moved to block their path. James thought that was an aggressive tactic just to hand out leaflets.

'It looks like you're new to the Pokémon Trainer club! Congratulations! Just to let you know that you might be targeted by a bunch of jerks that preach about….'

'Yeah we're good thanks.' Rikola cut through, literally dragging James to the side with a firm grip. The flyer-girl seemed to take this interruption personally, a dark expression developing across her oval eyes.

'Excuse me.' She thrust a leaflet towards them, though neither Rikola nor James made a move to take it. Elegant lettering on the glossy paper outlined the words "fight fire with fire" with a slogan underneath that simply read "Triggered". James didn't understand what was happening. Thankfully, Rikola was all too happy to stick out her tongue and walk on past.

'Don't look back.' She explained as they hurried to mingle back into the crowd, 'They purposefully do this to everyone they think is new.'

'What...what was that even about?' James asked, adjusting the collar of his hoodie.

Rikola sighed heavily, puffing out her cheeks. A few freckles dotted her wide chin.

'I dunno really. Some personal war between some egotistical jerks. It's petty and they make an effort to drag everyone else in. To be fair, the real bullies are the ones playing the victims. It's ridi-'

'Hey there!'

James was so focused on Rikola that he almost walked into the woman. She too was holding a bag of fliers and unceremoniously pushed one towards his chest even as he stumbled to stay on his feet. Even in Ryme City, it appeared there were multiple people out on the streets doing their best to bother random passers-by. This flyer-girl has a painted smile on her face but bags under her eyes.

'I'm just doing a round of visits around Ryme City, hoping to give…'

'Fuck off.' Rikola interrupted rudely, 'Seriously? Why is it when someone turns up, It's always you guys?'

James couldn't form the words, a little taken-aback at Rikola's cold tone. This flyer-girl stuck out her chin before once more trying to force a leaflet into their hands. James pulled up her statroll only to find the girl's bio was filled with apparent gibberish regarding sockpuppets, tantrums, and threatening to post personal messages.

'You don't have to feel like I'm making demands of-''

James wasn't expecting what came next.

Rikola moved with lighting speed, attacking with her fists. With a single swipe Rikola took the flyer-girl on the chin and she toppled to the ground. There was no blood in the virtual world, the creators had considered players getting into brawls. That hadn't stopped Rikola. Taking a step by, she placed her hands on her hips and stared down at the player presently flailing around on the floor. A single flyer wafted down to land on her chest.

'So…' Rikola turned to her companion, `You think you can get The Boss to bend the rules so I don't get banned?'

'Depends. Was it premeditated?' James asked. For a moment he stared in display at the virtual player. After a moment's hesitation, he pulled Rikola away and back into the crowd. Already the scene was drawing attention an a bunch of police Arcanine and a few stray security. Somebody was cheering.

'You bet it was.' Rikola grinned widely, ducking her head a little as if trying not to get spotted in the gaggle of tourists, 'I've been wanting to do that for ages. They're a disease on this community.'

James could only guess at the situation.

The softscreen buzzing in his pocket pulled his attention away from their hasty out the touchscreen phone, he clicked the accept icon and lifted the device to his ear. It was difficult given that he was jogging at the same time.

'Hi Baba.'James panted, hot footing it across the square and the street beyond.

'Hi. Uh, I'm just dealing with something at the moment and was wondering if we could meet in half an hour over near the Wharf. There's a few good shops on route to pick up some gear too. Rikola can help with that.'

'Yeah. Cool. See you then.'

'See ya kiddo.' Baba closed the connection. James pocketed his phone quickly, turning to find Rikola walking briskly by his side. She flashed a cheeky smile, before pulling down her shades.

'You know the way to the wharf right?'

'Sure.' Rikola nodded, using a hand on his shoulder to steer him around a food vendor. 'It's towards the south east. We can catch a bus if you like?'

'Let's walk.' James dodged what appeared to be a school group preparing to cross the road. The centre of Ryme city was a busy place and James was glad to head away from the hustle and bustle. He'd have plenty of time to visit the main attraction later. For now, it was nice to wander between the quiet streets of the urban sprawl that was Ryme city. It had been a long time since Baba had left him to just enjoy himself quietly. It was nice to just breath for once and enjoy the world around him.

James and Rikola avoided the main roads towards the Wharf, instead taking a rather scenic route through Tahnti Park. It was only nearer the dockyards that they were forced onto the busy streets once more. Swinub Road was the rat run between the docklands and the city centre. And did it show! Horns honked as pedestrians crossed the roads too slowly for the drivers. Bikes weaved in and out of the traffic as vans sped past. It was starting to make the teenager a little uncomfortable.

It wasn't a long walk to the Wharf. Already James could smell the river. Its presence was made even more obvious by the Wingulls perched on the multi-storey buildings overhead, squawking in competition with a few rowdy Starly.

'We must be getting close now.' Rikola was checking her map on her softscreen, 'It says-'

'SCREEEEECHH'

The sound of tires burning up on asphalt made them both jump. James was surprised at his own reactions as he jumped round to identify the sound behind. A lone blue electric car, big enough to be a people carrier, had braked suddenly and finally stopped at an angle on the other side of the road. James's heart was beating madly inside his chest. The scent of burnt rubber stung the air as James broke into a run.

The cause of the accident wasn't overly clear. A driver was clambering out of his vehicle, unhurt but angrily shaking a first at the tarmac. James thought he might have been a little crazy. That was, before he spotted the purple body lying in the middle of the road. The statroll of the driver announced he was an NPC.

'Damn thing! Took me off the damn road! Pokémon should know better than to run across the street like that!'

James identified the Pokémon as a Liepard from memory, crouching down next to the creature. The dark type was sprawled across the road, legs stuck out at awkward angles. It was clear that the Pokémon had been hit by the vehicle.

'Please don't be dead.' James whispered to himself as he checked for signs of injury, 'Please don't be dead.'

The feline Pokémon, speckled with yellow patches of fur, was breathing ever so slightly. It's eyes were firmly closed though it's nose twitched slightly upon feeling James's hand run through its sleek fur. At a glance, the Liepard didn't look in good shape. A bruise was already starting to form on its rump. James could identify at least one broken bone in its front leg.

The dark-types sickle-shaped tail was twitching in pain.

'We need to get him to a centre.' Rikola spoke calmly, looking at the injured creature over her friend's shoulder. 'We passed one five minutes up the street. You think you could carry it?'

James didn't bother answering. Instead, he slid his hands under the dull purple fur and gently lifted the Pokémon. At first the Liepard trembled, it's eyes fluttering, before it went limp. The creature was lighter that James imagined, though the feline was notably small for it's species.

'Let's go.' James called, already hot-footing it back to the Pokécentre.

Rikola ensured the driver was fine, holding up traffic as he got his car back into the correct lane. Most players didn't have the ability to identify NPC from players by their statroll, meaning that everyone was treated the same in the simulation. By the time the street was back to normal, James was already too blocks ahead of the blue-haired girl. Rikola had to run to catch up.

'Well.' Rikola was panting, 'That was unexpected. You alright?'

James teenager held the Liepard cradled against his black hoodie, crooning soothing noises to the animal. He nodded to indicate he was fine, trying to hide just how heavy the feline Pokémon was.

'You sure? You went as white as a sheet back then.'

The teenager huffed out a sigh, embarrassed at just how out of breath he was.

'Just had a flashback, that's all.'

'Flashback?' Rikola reiterated, 'Why? Have you already been struck with a Liepard I didn't know about?'

'No.' James's grunted, 'But a car? Maybe. Anyways…' He didn't give Rikola time to think about his confession, 'Let's get this poor thing some help.'

END

Whilst writing EOrRRoR, I decided to avoid the rather cliché narrative of James waking up inside the virtual world. I did attempt a few different things whilst brainstorming, but decided to avoid the scene completely. It raises a potential existential crises, both for myself and the character. As mentioned in earlier chapters, it took nearly three years to 'wake' James within the virtual platform of Horizon.

The quotations at the start are taken from a piece of work by Alan Watts called "The Dream Of Life" which was used in the Lofi track "Dreams" by Nuages. If the importance of this isn't immediately clear now, I'm hoping it will do later on down the line. As some of you may have guessed, Baba is named after Charles Babbage who was the inventor of the first ever mechanical computer known as a 'difference engine'. Although Babbage never built the computer in his lifetime - working models have been created to prove that his designs did indeed work! There are some great youtube videos on the subject.

I'm aiming to have chapters uploaded either weekly or fortnightly on Sunday mornings (GMT) so that's the best time to check for updates. Enjoy!