Chapter 77 - One Step Closer to the Ideal
Instead of going back to sleep, Renee stayed up in bed after the phone call. Using her phone, she tried to get as much information about the ongoing crisis. Articles from international and domestic news were being posted about a strange phenomena. Gamers who specifically were playing E.D.E. and logged in when Surreality was shut down, were seemingly unable to log themselves out. Thus, they were locked in the game with no way of getting out.
Interviews with doctors revealed a rather dark side of the VR helmets. While other types were used when a person is conscious, the versions from Gamco Inc were specifically for subconscious use. In simple terms, a user would be put in a similar state of sleep/coma to play a game. When reporters asked if just removing the helmet would get the trapped individual out, all of them said the same thing. It was more likely to cause more damage than good.
'...Jin was saying the same thing...' she thought feeling bad for the ones that were trapped. 'That is too horrible...all those people imprisoned by rogue A.I. or viruses or whatever the hell they are.'
Looking up on the Gamco Inc. forums, there have been a lot of postings overnight. There was an administrative posting regarding about there was a large bug in the system that was causing the current issues. In reading the after comments, a majority of the gamers stated that it had to be some kind of conspiracy. Others had faith in the game company while the rest were just complaining. There was one post that made her stop and re-read it again.
[Has anyone seen like...jaw dropping gorgeous A.I. female demons? I have seen one that looks like a succubus and like...damn.]
[I know what you mean man. There was one wearing a toga with tanned skinned...she was fine.]
[There is a half-water serpent half-human one that I have seen around large pools of water...hella cute man]
[You guys haven't seen the milf blonde bombshell with emerald green eyes...she's the real knockout gents] one post stated in which there were many likes and thumbs up.
'...really...' Renee thought frowning at the postings. 'You boys don't even know what is behind the surface of those "gorgeous" computerized faces.'
Feeling irritated from the postings, she exit out of the forums. Getting out of the web and back to the main screen, she put her phone down on night stand. Looking at the time, there was roughly a couple of hours till the Ainsley's would go for their Saturday breakfast at the diner. Deciding that she needed to be distracted, she got out of bed. Putting her slippers on, she left her room.
Walking down the long hallway, she passed her mom's room, guest room, bathroom, closet, and pantry. Seeing the kitchen and dining room to her left, the living room was to her right. There was a TV in both areas though the one in the living room was larger. Going into the kitchen, she felt like having something warm to drink. Opening up the refrigerator, she reached in to grab milk.
'Hot chocolate sounds...' she thought then stopped herself. Being reminded of who's favorite drink that was, she frowned. Shaking her head, she grabbed it.
'I don't care. She can drink whatever she wants,' the junior continued. Getting the chocolate syrup, she closed the door. Going to the kitchen counter and placing the two refrigerated items down, she retrieved a glass from a cabinet and a spoon from a drawer.
'I still can't believe...that Selbith possessed that Ami Felmort whoever,' she spoke in her head. Pouring the milk in the glass, she transferred it to the microwave. Opening and closing the door, she inputted the time needed to warm it up. Crossing her arms and staring at it, she recalled what happened at his house.
'...Jin being a caretaker for her...probably threatened to do it,' she thought tapping her foot. 'Her rich snobby personality matches her family's wealth status.'
'And that part of his mom stating that they were in bed at the hospital...probably her being a stalker and creepy,' Renee continued.
Feeling irritated, she tensed up her arms. Squeezing something, she looked down at her chest. Blinking and opening up her collar of her pj top, she assessed herself. Comparing to what Ami had, it made her smirk. Letting go of her top, she heard the microwave finish.
'Not only am I bigger,' she began and grabbed the glass out. Feeling it to be very warm, she set it on the counter. Opening the syrup bottle and pouring two spoon fulls in, she started mixing. Her finishing thought made her give a confident smile.
'I've already kissed him...twice,' she pondered pulling the spoon out. Putting it in her mouth, she licked it clean.
'I've already claimed him. Besides, two can play the body pressing game.'
Putting the spoon in the sink, she took her beverage to the living room. Going to the couch and sitting down, she pulled the blanket that was hanging over the backrest. Placing the blanket over her lap and legs, she took a sip. Placing it on the coffee table and grabbing the remove.
Turning on the TV, she changed the channels to what was on. Finding what she wanted, she watched with volume at a low level. After about 25 minutes, a door down the hallway opened. Renee turned her head over to see who it was. Seeing a silhouette heading toward her, she blinked in surprise to see it was her mother.
"...morning mom..."
"...mmm...mmmorning..." Tiffany groaned a little looking tired. She shuffled toward the couch. Yawning and rubbing her forehead, she sat down next to her daughter.
"...what...time is it?"
"...half passed six..."
"In the evening?"
"...no...it's the morning."
"...mmm..." her mother groaned a little then placed her head on Renee's left shoulder. "Why are you up...so early?...it's the weekend."
"...felt like it...Why are you up? Did your boyfriend not come home again?"
"...shut up...that jerk didn't even call," Tiffany whined a little. "What's that?"
"...hot chocolate..." the junior answered and handed it to her. Watching the woman's head go up straight, she took a gulp. Handing it back and swallowing, she leaned her head back on her shoulder.
"Are you going out this morning?"
"...yes..."
"Oh...is it with boyfriend 1 or 2?"
"Jin isn't my boyfriend."
"Isn't or not yet?"
"He just isn't. Why, do you want him?" Renee asked in a controlled normal tone.
"Maybe," Tiffany stated with a small smile. "He is a somewhat built from what I remember."
"Starting to go cougar now?" her daughter asked a little irritated.
"At the rate I'm going, might be a good change."
"How much respect do you want to lose?" the junior questioned with more annoyance in her voice.
"Getting feisty already?"
"You push buttons too much and too far."
"...that I do..." Tiffany agreed. Lifting her head back straight, she leaned back on the couch.
"Well, you can tell me where you are going. Right?"
"The 24-hour diner down the street a bit."
"Meeting up with friends?"
"Yes."
"Which ones?"
"The ones from yesterday."
"School or evening?"
"...evening..."
"Just Jin?"
"No, his family is coming as well. It is their Saturday breakfast place...they'll be bringing along a family friend."
"Was that the one standing at the door yesterday?" Tiffany asked with a semi-serious tone.
"Yes."
"...you mean...there was an actual person standing behind the door?"
"...yes...?"
"Who was it?"
"Ami Felmort."
"...Felmort...well holy shit," her mother said and snorted. "Derek got married and had kids...what a riot."
"You know him and his family?" Renee asked surprised.
"Know of him, yes. Friends with him and his family, hell no," she replied and waved a hand across her chest. "By the way, do you happen to know if a woman named Samantha is his wife?"
"No, her name is...Heather if I remember correctly," the junior stated. Turning the glass 180 degrees, she picked it up and took a sip. She did not see the surprised look on her mother's face. Placing her drink down, she turned to the woman.
"Jin's mom is named Samantha...based on the family gathering yesterday and what you told me, all of you were at the same high school."
"...hee hee..." Tiffany started to giggle. Covering her mouth with a hand, her mirth continued to grow.
"...mom...?"
"So Sammy did dump him back then...HA...this is just getting better and better," she commented with a small fit of laughter. Renee looked bewildered from watching the woman look actually humored. At the same time, she seemed relieved for some reason.
"Do you know when they'll be at the diner?"
"...I'm guessing in an hour or two. Jin is going to text me when his family gets there...why?"
"...oh...I think I want to meet his parents and catch up on...how much time has passed," Tiffany replied. Getting up and walking toward the hallway, she began to hum to herself.
'...it is rare to see mom in that good of a mood...especially after her boyfriend not calling her in a few days...and being on a weekend morning,' Renee thought turning back to the TV. Though the channel on it was on a low volume, she couldn't hear it. The junior was in her thoughts trying to figure out what was going to happen at the diner. A foreboding feeling was developing in her mind. Shaking her head, she decided to go shower and get herself ready.
Leaving the guest room, Jin and Selbith went to the bathroom on the first floor. Opening the cabinet and retrieving scissors, brush, and a comb, he got a spare shower towel from underneath the sink.
"Do you have a portable mirror or something in your luggage?" he asked.
"...I recall seeing one in there or two...why?"
"With two mirrors, you can see how the cut looks if you want more or less."
"I see...very well."
"Go ahead and take these to your room. I'll go get a chair and a bin while you look for the mirrors."
"..." she responded with narrowed eyes.
"..." he reacted with rolling his eyes. "Whatever. Do what you want."
Handing the things he collected for her to hold, he walked toward the kitchen. Following him, they reached in the room. He grabbed a chair from the dining table and a small waste bin. Exiting the kitchen and crossing the living room, they went into the guest chamber. As he set things down, she placed the items in her hands on the bed. Going to the dresser, she pulled out a drawer to retrieve two mirrors. One was portable and the other was larger.
"Okay. Sit here," he spoke standing behind the chair. Seeing her nod, she brought the mirrors and set them next to the other items on the bed. Getting to the furniture and sitting down on it, the sophomore more grabbed both the scissors and comb. Going behind her, he looked down to see how much hair she had.
"...so...how much did you want cut off?"
"...I believe with the hairstyle of my other form, it was short," Ami began then moved one hand up. Forming a chopping hand, she reached back and made contact with her neck.
"...maybe here..."
"Got it," Jin responded. Getting the towel, he wrapped it around her shoulders and up to her neck. Pulling the hair out, he adjusted the towel again.
Grabbing her hair, he made sure that he got all the strands. Seeing that Selbith did not remove her hand from her neck, it gave him the reference point. Opening the scissors and placing the hair between the blades, it was too thick of a bundle. Adjusting to get half the amount, he proceeded to cut it. A majority of the hair fell into the small bin while others went to the floor.
"..." he said blinking. Seeing it look okay, he worked on the other half. Repeating what he did after moving the waste container over, her hair was roughly cut to the desired length.
"That is a lot of hair at once," the sophomore commented.
"My head feels lighter," Ami stated. "Are you done?"
"Roughly, yes...but...let me just trim some loose strains," he answered. Taking the comb to her hair, he gently ran it from the front to the back.
"..." she replied analyzing the sensation. Despite feeling the rounded picks gliding on her scalp, it felt mildly relaxing. He stopped when a snag was felt. Feeling his hands grab a front portion of the hair, friction noise was heard until it stopped. Recombing the area again, there was no hair pull.
"Have you cut hair before Jin?"
"No."
"You seem to know what to do."
"...well...observing people and how they work, I'm just mimicking them. Basic idea is to get a uniformed look...most of the time," he remarked.
Getting to the lower back portion, he did a couple of snips. Moving around to get at other angles, he put his hands down. Going to the bed and retrieving the mirrors, he handed the portable one to her. Going behind her and holding the larger mirror, he raised it to be above her shoulder height. Watching her open the small one and angling it, she looked.
"..." Ami spoke running her hand through her hair. Seeing it as close to the length she wanted, it didn't look out of place. Checking the other side, it seemed fine. Moving the portable to see his face, he looked a little tense.
"It seems acceptable," she stated then stood up. Taking the towel off her shoulders, she felt a difference. The bottom back of her neck felt mildly exposed and her head moved a bit easier. Turning around, he was looking at her.
"Do I look odd?"
"...no...I think it suits you...but that's me," Jin answered then bent down. He began to pick up the loose strains that missed the bin. While doing so, he didn't see the mild pleased look on her face.
"You could dry your hair again then use the brush."
"...very well..." she replied.
Using the towel and rubbing her hair, it seemed to dry out more. Setting the cloth on the chair, she went to the bed. Picking up the brush, she looked around to see if there was any other mirrors in the room. Not seeing any, she went toward him. Seeing him look up, Ami pointed at the larger mirror.
Being handed it, she went to a dresser. Placing it on top of it and against the wall, she began to brush her hair. Having finished with picking up most of the cut hair strains and placing in the bin, he stood up. Looking at her from a distance, the lopping off of her hair and trim didn't seem bad. Shrugging his shoulders, he picked up the container and collected items from the bathroom.
Walking out of the door, he headed toward the restroom. Placing the objects back to where they were before, he closed the cabinet. Turning around, he flinched from seeing Ami standing at the doorway. Frowning at her, he sighed through his nose irritated.
"...what now?"
"...nothing..." she stated and stepped inside. Turning to the mirror above the sink, she continued with brushing her hair again.
'...can't you just comb your FREAKING HAIR...BY YOURSELF!?' he yelled in his mind. It caused his right eye to twitch and his hands to close into loose fists.
"I think you can do this without my supervision," he remarked with mild annoyance.
"Shut up," Selbith retorted and continued.
"...may I get by to get the other stuff?"
"..." she replied and stopped brushing her hair. "I have seen mortals in the other realm that would do this a couple of times in one day in the other realm...how pointless."
"...it's a girl thing I guess..." the sophomore responded with crossing his arms over his chest.
"Male mortals with longer hair did the same activity," the female teen began then turned to him. "Almost all were of royalty."
"So they wanted to look pretty...swell."
"Do you think I will be recognizable from who I interactive with yesterday?"
'She is ignoring me...and pissing me off,' he thought. Closing his eyes, he decided to be more assertive. Opening his eyes, he placed his hands on her shoulders.
"I'm sure you will surprise them with the new makeover. Who knows, maybe when you recover physically you'll look stunning," he stated. Moving her aside, he walked out of the bathroom.
'Hopefully the quick praise will distract her a bit,' Jin thought walking to the guest room. Entering and picking up the chair, he paused and listened. Hearing no footsteps behind him, he turned around. Seeing no one there, he headed toward the kitchen. Passing by the bathroom, Selbith was still inside and appeared to be deep in thought. Continuing, he focused on returning the chair.
Placing the chair back at the dining table, he walked toward the kitchen window. Staring out of it, he tried to collect his thoughts. In doing so, he noticed that there was no sound of running water. Ignoring it, he saw something in the window. Focusing on the reflection, there was a silhouette that entered and was heading toward him.
Preparing himself, he did not turn around. Waiting for what the person was going to do, the individual stopped next to him. Glancing over, Selbith looked relatively calm. Her expression was neutral and her hands were at her side. Looking back out of the window, a silence came between them. Hearing a door close in the background, a whirling sound came afterwards.
"What is that?" Ami asked.
"Probably mom using a hand dryer in the bathroom upstairs."
"...?"
"A powered device that blows heated air. Mostly used for drying hair."
"...I see...that would have aided in drying the long hair."
"It would have."
"No matter. What is done is what I asked for," she stated then glanced at him. "Do we wait for the others again?"
"...yep..." he mentioned. Looking at her, he gave a deadpan face.
"Fun isn't it?"
"...no...it isn't."
After about 30 minutes, Samantha finished getting herself ready. Exiting out of the bathroom, she heard the TV was on downstairs. Looking down, there were two individuals on the couch.
'Must be Jin and Ami...did she take a shower before him and me?' she wondered. '...I don't think so...maybe she is still in pjs.'
Going back to her bedroom, she saw the bed was empty. The shower was on which signified that Alex was in there. Putting away her hand dryer and hair utensils, she went to her dresser. Putting on the necklace she always wore, she began putting on her earrings. While doing so, she stared at a family picture.
"..." she commented.
Looking at it with longing, she knew that it would take time to recover what damage has been done. Telling herself to find time and patience, she also still did not like remembering what was found out yesterday. Shaking her head, she left the bedroom. Going down the open hallway and the stairs, she looked at the two. The closer she got to the ground level, the slower she went down.
'...is that...Ami?' Mrs. Ainsley pondered in bewilderment. Stepping on the floor and walking toward them, both turned their heads toward her. She immediately noticed the changes.
"Morning mom," Jin said.
"...morning..." Selbith spoke politely.
"...morning you two...Ami...what happened to your hair?" Samantha asked looking at her and moving to look at the back.
"...I asked Jin to cut it...I did not like the long hair," the female teen replied. Seeing how his mother was gazing at her with surprise, it made her wonder if she wanted her to stand up. Doing so, she turned around to face her. The woman's face seemed to have an approval expression.
"It looks like he cut it...you even fixed a couple of places too. Didn't you Jin?"
"...yes mom..."
"Maybe that could be a future job for you?" she asked with a smirk.
"No thank you."
"Hee hee...anyways, I like your outfit. It is simple but nice looking."
"...thank you..." Ami responded with a small smile.
"By the way Ami," Samantha started to say. Smiling, she approached the teen and leaned forward.
"Just to foreworn you about future times. When you recover and physically look better, you are going to have to wear underwear."
"..." Selbith stated feeling tense. "...may I ask why I will have to wear those cumbersome things?"
"Hmph," Mrs. Ainsley spoke and smirked. "I have no qualms of going commando...however...in windy conditions or bending over, you'll reveal yourself."
"...I see..." the teen replied then looked down at herself.
"I mean, if you want to be an exhibitionist...you can do that...just only at your household when you are not here," Samantha clarified.
"I'm not an exhibitionist," Ami stated with a small frown. "...but...I will comply."
"Thank you. I don't want you tempting that boy over there. Given that he has had no girlfriend before, he'll be tempted at the slightest reveal if alone."
"Ha ha...very funny," Jin commented with glare at his mother. It made her snicker. Mrs. Ainsley looked back at the female teen and saw her look deep in thought.
"...are you contemplating about tempting my son in front of me?" she asked with a neutral expression.
"...no...given that both of us have seen each other bare at the hospital and in front of you and my father...I believe that encounter has not resulted into any raping intentions afterwards," Selbith replied with a straight face.
"...raping intentions...!?" Samantha balked.
'...god damn it...' Jin thought. Putting his elbows on his knees, he faced palm himself with both hands.
"W-What do you mean? Explain!" his mother demanded getting in front of the female teen.
"...to put it simply...Jin does not act on lust...and neither do I," Ami stated still with a straight forward expression and tone. "Even if tempted, neither of us will act upon the instincts."
"..." Mrs. Ainsley reacted by blinking a couple of times. Staring at the young Felmort, she looked at Jin. Seeing that he was embarrassed, he was probably also seething on the inside from the memory.
'...despite her being believable and trusting that Jin won't do anything rash...I have to watch her...especially if she is being commando,' she thought. Stepping back to give space, she nodded her head slightly.
"...I see...okay...I trust you two will not do any funny business. Especially at your ages. Is that clear?"
"...yes..." Selbith answered quietly.
"...yes mom..." Jin answered not moving from his position.
"...anyway...father is in the shower. I'll go wake up Gene so we can go do our morning breakfast," Samantha mentioned. Turning around, she went up the stairs.
"..." Ami spoke watching a her go up a little.
Turning to the sofa and seeing the sophomore resting his head in his hands, she walked around. Sliding over and sitting down next to him, she looked at him. He wasn't crying. Instead, there were sounds of him grinding his teeth. Blinking, she poked his cheek. She retracted her finger from feeling how hard he was pushing them together and the immediate irate expression.
"...what...?" Jin spoke trying to sound calm. His voice sounded forced and angry.
"Why are you upset? Is discussing about being naked and forced fornication considered taboo here?" she asked.
"..." he sighed in irritation. "It isn't something that people talk about in general with family members."
"...really? It is such a trivial subject matter."
'TRIVIAL!? WHAT THE HELL!?' he barked in his head. Seeing her about to open her mouth, he got in her face.
"...I know it is normal...in hell...this isn't hell...so don't talk about it as a main topic of discussion. Got it?" he growled.
"..." she frowned and glare at him. "I can talk about whatever I want."
"To whom those you trust, sure. To everyone else, please don't."
"...make me..."
"...you are just..." Jin began then got out of her face. Leaning back in his side of the couch, he threw dismissive hands in the air.
"Impossible. You know that?"
"You are the one making things impossible with such a lack of maturity regarding ones choice of clothing and activities."
'...I can't win...' he thought slumping forward. Putting his elbows on his knees again, he placed his face in his hands.
'...I just can't win anything here...'
[...yOu CaNnOt...ReSiSt]
'...oh...THAT'S JUST GREAT!' the sophomore raged in his head. 'NOW HE IS TRYING TO PISS ME OFF!'
"...Jin...?"
"...mmmmmm..." he groaned and started rubbing his face back and forth. "...what...?"
"If the thief is coming to the diner...are we eating with her only or as a group?"
"...I don't know..." Jin groaned still. "It depends on the mood and who shows up."
"...factors that can't be controlled...how irritating."
'Takes one to know one...Selbith,' he mocked and felt a little better. Both watched TV while the rest of the family got ready.