~Chapter 3:
Welcome to Reality~
Hours elapsed as three friends witnessed an intense simulation that left them fatigued and at a loss for words. In the midst of simulating a prototype version of Metal Fighters, a loose circuit in their VR head gear resulted in an electronic malfunction of the machine's hardware. To them, the Crossworld Gaming Expo had been an annual staple of theirs since childhood; it had been a social gathering of gaming fanatics from around the world. Until recently, the trio took a moment off from work to spend quality time with one another. What was intended to be their day of leisure took a drastic turn for the worse.
Inside of a medical clinic, Kaitlin and J.B sat at the lobby waiting for Ryan to complete his eyesight checkup. Having finished their previous appointments, they spent their time reflecting over what just transpired back at the convention. Neither one could comprehend what they had to endure. Not once did they attempt to utilize any electronic equipment, even if it meant turning on their cell phones. The only measure taken involves a moment of contemplation.
"Hey guys. I thought you could use something to eat." As an encouragement to his peers, Michael entered the clinic lobby with some potato chips from a nearby vending machine.
"Come on you guys. I hate to see all of you silent," he continued. Despite good intentions, he began to realize not even a single treat could rejuvenate the optimism that previously illuminated from the trio's faces.
As the appointment concluded with Ryan's checkup, J.B and Kaitlin stood up from their chairs in curiosity of his condition.
"Hey, how did yours go?" Kaitlin wondered.
"Well the doctor says my eye sights are fully functional. Even though I could still use my phone, they advise me to only use it in the event of an emergency," Ryan provided them with the update.
"They also said the same thing to me and Kaitlin also," J.B informed. "It's best if we trim back on using our electronics, at least for the time being.
"I would like to think what we saw back there was some sort of act for the show," Michael said.
"That's what we would've have thought," J.B empathized with his nephew. "Whatever technical malfunction that went on, hopefully the game developers figure out a way to fix the engineering."
"Tell me about it," said Kaitlin. "It would've sucked for anyone else to experience what we had to go through."
The rest of the gang nodded in agreement. Neither one could comprehend the happenstance that transpired within the course of 24 hours. Whether the technical malfunction was an accident or a plot devised by the game developers, it didn't help that they as beta testers were nearly at risk of health seizures.
"Let's sign off with our signatures on the time sheet and we can call it a day." Kaitlin insisted. Along with J.B and Ryan, the trio took a moment to sign their names on the time sheet clipped to a clipboard.
When they made their exit from the clinic, they prepared to close out the rest of their festivities with a parting of ways.
"It's been fun hanging out with you guys. I mean, despite what happened back there. I haven't had a blast like this for as long as I could remember," Ryan conceded with a friendly compliment.
"That's what friends do. Socializing and having a great time," said J.B.
"You could say that again," Kaitlin added blowing off the strand of her blonde hair. "I'm going to have quite a field day writing this article."
"Do you think your readers will buy into the fact that some strange occurrence happened to us back there? Given from the fact that our brains almost got zapped by those headsets?" Ryan addressed his concerns to Kaitlin.
"The zapping part yes," Kaitlin replied. "You'll have to take into account there was an audience that witnessed what we went through. But based on how the cut scene went down, folks could've interpreted Grimlord's dialogue as though he was bluffing."
"Maybe you could interview the people that were in attendance when it happened," J.B advised.
"Now it's just a matter if everyone around the world will buy Grimlord's involvement in the incident was not a coincidence," Kaitlin said.
As the gang drew to a screeching silence, it wasn't for long until the growl in Michael's stomach forces him to break the ice.
"Guys, is there a nearby restaurant we can eat? I am starved," he told them.
J.B glanced at the menu screen on his Smartphone to check the dial on the clock. "It's about to get dark pretty soon. We should head in to the metro and dine in. Try and clear our minds for awhile."
By acknowledging the advice from their friend, Ryan and Kaitlin nodded with agreement.
"Come to think of it, I could use something to eat," Ryan said.
Kaitlin sighed. "Whew good thing we took the metro. There was not a single empty space in the parking lot when we left. As much as I would like to give all of you a ride, in retrospect I'm glad we didn't."
Meanwhile, Ryan placed a shoulder on her in support of her discouragement.
"Oh-uh which reminds me, I still have your car back at my place. When I get a chance, I'll get your vehicle running before you know it," he assured. She looked up at him with a sense of acknowledgment illuminated from the spark of hope bestowed upon her face.
"What are we waiting for? Let's grab some dinner shall we?" Michael insisted towards the trio.
The rest of the three continue to head their way towards their destination. Despite a rocky turn of events, part of Ryan felt elated to be given the privilege of spending quality time with the people he knew since childhood. A shine of glimmer brought him some joy within the shrouding mist of grief in his life.
Upon stumbling at the traffic light, it was there that they encountered a familiar pair of gold headed foot soldiers standing lifelessly in the background. Kaitlin stopped her tracks seemingly caught off guard in fear of the mind games she witnessed.
"Kate, is everything okay?" J.B asked.
"Sorry, I just panicked for a bit," Kaitlin snapped out of her trance.
"All I see is just a couple of Skug Cos-players coming out from the convention," Ryan denied the potential superstition he witnessed. "For all we know it could be just our imagination."
Despite acknowledging Ryan's comment, Kaitlin denied such speculation.
"Part of me wants me to believe that. But it's almost like we're being followed," she spoke with concern. "I don't know maybe I'm overanalyzing all of this. I just have this weird feeling we're being watched."
The gang worked their way down a flight of staircases leading into the metro terminal. By the time they arrived at the subway, the trio followed along with a crowd of local passengers as they hopped aboard the train in front of them.
Once the train took off, the Skugs stood across from the opposite platform of the substation, staring blankly at the passengers on board. Just what superstition may be lurking in Crossworld City? Or did it happen to be a figment of our heroes' imagination?
Approaching the hall room in which the panel had previously taken place, Rebecca took a moment to monitor footage of the VR machine incident recorded through a staff director's I-Phone. Deep inside her gut she couldn't believe what she had just witnessed. While maintaining professionalism as the city police chief, she went ahead and provided her verbal reaction.
"Did you find anything unusual that may have contributed to the fuse shortage?" She asked curiously.
"So far none of what I'm seeing. Not a single cable snapping or anyone that would cause such a thing like this to happen," spoke the director in attendance. During the midst of Intel, a police lieutenant of the CCPD approached Rebecca looking to have a word with her.
"That's the evidence we needed. Thank you for your time sir," Rebecca concluded the director's interrogation.
"Any leads so far?" Spoke a middle aged man sporting a brown haircut with grey highlights. Lieutenant Combs walked up towards Rebecca to follow up on the report.
"From what I can gather within the past few hours, there's raw footage of the incident that's leaked all over Social Media," Rebecca provided with an update. "I can't determine whether the machine overheated or some strange happenstance may have triggered it. Maybe it's a possibility that there may have been a hacker that reprogrammed the game."
"I don't doubt that for a second," the lieutenant said.
"Hi I don't mean to interrupt. I was referred to by one of your officers so I figured you would like to have a word?" Strickland approached the two police enforcers on site.
"Sam Strickland? President and founder of Strickland Gaming," Rebecca wondered curiously.
"You must be Rebecca Steele. It's been so long since the last I saw from you," Strickland told her.
"Have we have met before?" she said leaving an expression of fuzzy memories clouding from the back of her mind.
"It took me some time before I recognize your face on the local front newspaper," said Strickland in reference to the Crossworld Chronicle. "I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Rebecca shook her head. "I'm good for now. Let's just say when it comes to serving more than 15 years in the police force, I've come to empathize with plenty of folks who have lost their loved ones, even under tragic circumstances."
Following her response, she brought the discussion back towards the interrogation in progress.
"What can you tell me about the VR machine your team managed to build? Have you tested it out beforehand?" Rebecca asked.
"Our team has carefully examined the hardware of the head gear to ensure there was no loose appliance in the circuit. Never did we expect the head gear to fry the way it did," Strickland confessed.
"You put some folks' lives at risk. They could have been killed back there had faculty not been there to stop it," Rebecca said raising her voice in anger.
"I can assure you I had no idea this was going to happen," Strickland said in his defense. "We have over a year and half in development to adjust the glitches in the game. When launch day arrives, we will ensure that the VR headsets are 100% operable and safe to use."
From her phone, Rebecca took a glimpse at a screenshot of the displayed VR machine at the time of the incident. She zoomed in on the photo to determine any potential suspicion that may have occurred.
"I don't mean to get off the railroad tracks. It must be pretty difficult balancing your duty as chief of the CCPD and as a loving mother," Strickland commented.
"You don't realize how much of a responsibility we have to endure when it comes to police work," Rebecca scolded much to the discomfort of Sam Strickland.
"Fair enough," he replied. "Have you had any chance to ease out the stress by utilizing some leisure time to be productive? You know, anything that involves recreational activity or spending quality time gathering with your close family members?"
"What does this have anything to do with this investigation?" Rebecca wondered.
Strickland provided her with an explanation. "Even though we work in two different occupations, we are devoted to continue doing what we strive for a living. You have a team that protects and serves the city by investigating on any unusual activity, and ensuring safety of those being victimized. I work for a gaming industry that thrives on creativity, exploring fascinating concepts that have not been pulled off. We may have our share of contrasting beliefs. But we do it because we appreciate what we spent our education on, earning our degree and major to advance our specific career." He took a temporary breather before resuming his speech. "This is why I pursued a long term career as a gamer: To give folks a feeling to suspend their minds off of real world problems plaguing our society. With Metal Fighters, this is one of my most anticipated projects I have waited for over a decade to be revived. In this day and age of reboots, it is a chance to reel in players of all generations; folks who grew up with the original game as well as generating a younger audience that look to share that experience as well. We intend to re-master the game by updating the game's core engine while staying faithful to the framework that the franchise built upon."
Rebecca took this time to chime in on the response. "I see it's quite noble of you to express a desire in doing what you love."
Strickland maintained a straight face. "It's a career that I was committed to work my way towards," he continued to elaborate on the matter. "The point I'm trying to convey is how we spent nearly every day of our lives going to work on what we appreciate doing. I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Grief may not be easy to overcome. If there's ever a moment to relieve it all, that's what we here as Strickland Gaming are here for; Your number one source for our library of the most provoking video games produced."
Rebecca continued to listen as Strickland prepared to conclude his speech.
"Call me sentimental or what you will. Take a moment to think about what I said. Once the video game is released nationwide, folks will have a chance to experience the thrill of seeing themselves inside of a fantasy based setting. Any stress we folks are going through will be alleviated in this action pack adventure yet. Besides you're never too old to play video games." With his final words, Strickland exited out of the hall room allowing the curious Rebecca to contemplate on the speech he intended to convey.
"Chief there's something else you need to see," the lieutenant insisted. With his phone, they played another footage sent by a witness in attendance. As the gamers managed to get up from their seats, Rebecca would soon recognize a familiar person in the moments leading to the incident.
"Is everything okay?"
As Rebecca insisted for him to stop the video, she peered over at the lieutenant's phone while zooming in on the displayed screen cap.
"Ryan," she muttered to herself.
Over on the viewing radar, Grimlord monitored the surveillance of their conversation in progress.
"You really pulled it off Strickland. With the help from our beloved companions, the barrier between the virtual and living world has now been severed. Our army of robots has full access to the world that Mother Nature created. And we have our wielding swordsman back from the grave," he cackled.
"Master, it's a pleasure to be standing here at this time," Decimator bowed to his knees formally displaying his gratitude towards his boss. "None of this would be possible if it hadn't been for our fellow comrades standing here at this time. For that I thank you."
"You were the most formidable combatant of our group. A swordsman like you should not be underestimated without a doubt," Grimlord complimented on his strengths.
"Fighting has always been my way of life. Those Metal Fighters didn't even stand a chance from what I had to offer them," Decimator said.
"I've been waiting anxiously for the longest time. With the reality barrier severed, we have a chance to expand our mutant population into the Living World. Soon humans, animals, and among all living species that inhabit the world will gradually be extinct," said Grimlord. "It may not all be built in a day. However, I guarantee you that when our army is fully assembled, it will be a heartbeat away before we complete on our expansion."
Meanwhile, a group of Skugs marched alongside one another making their presence known to their ruler. Along with the likes of Decimator, Tankantron, Toxoid, Colonel Icebot, and General Ivar, they bowed to their knees on behalf of loyalty to Grimlord.
"As an experienced pilot, you have my support master," said General Ivar.
"I've may have committed acts I regret on making but I look to turn that around," Renegade stepped forth.
"With all the fume level of poison in my body, count on me also," Toxoid followed.
"You're going to need a cunning tech advisor that will help coordinate your tasks," Colonel Icebot replied.
"Very well my loyal servants. Rest assured that when it comes to carrying out an objective, failure will not be tolerated," Grimlord warned to his minions.
"Hail Grimlord," a horde of his army chanted out in unison.
"We're just getting started..." Clenching his hand into a fist, Grimlord let out an evil sneer that signified a sense of high morale boiling through his veins.
As the evening approached, the gang sat on the seats riding inside of a local charter bus. With his earphones attached, Michael spent the duration of his time in listening to some hip hop music on his phone. Over on the opposite seat, Kaitlin laid besides J.B with her eyes closed. Ryan glanced aimlessly at the window watching the many cars and buildings that passed them by the highway. Suddenly, he overheard his ring tone echoing from the speaker of his Smartphone.
"Hey Mom," said Ryan as his phone conversation with his mother began to get underway.
I'm doing okay, just a little worn out from the convention...No, they're not refraining me from using electronics. Doctors are insisting I keep my phone usage to a minimum...I know, I know. It's been a rough month as it is...You're not going to be one of those moral guardians that banter on how video games have a bad effect on children…Mom I told you countless times. I'm a grown adult, I can take care of myself...I'm sorry, today has been rough...Maybe we can continue this conversation during breakfast tomorrow. I can make you some buttermilk pancakes...It'll be on the house when you get there…I'll talk to you soon…I love you Mom, take care...
After concluding contact with his mother, Ryan hung up his phone as he leaned back against the bus seat. He closed his eyes to reflect on everything he's gone through from the past twenty-four hours.
Eventually, the bus made a screeching halt at the site of the waiting bench, allowing for the driver to release the hatch open for passengers to exit.
Ryan got up from his seat looking to bid his goodbye for the night.
"It's been a wild day but I've had a blast hanging out with you guys," he said offering thanks to his long time companions.
"I've had a blast too man," J.B replied. "Take care of yourself while you're at it. That head gear nearly had our brains fried."
With her eyes wide open, Kaitlin acknowledged Ryan's comment as she immediately responded.
"Are we here already?" She wondered shaking off the cob webs in her head upon regaining consciousness.
"My apartment is just outside from the door here," Ryan told her.
"It was good seeing you Ryan. You're more than welcome to hang out whenever we're available," Kaitlin spoke with a sincere smile lurking from her face.
As Ryan took the last staircase down, he turned his attention to his friends once more before exiting the bus.
"Listen I don't have enough tools in my apartment to make auto repairs. I have your car stored inside my parents' garage just so you know," Ryan informed her. "I'll go ahead and text you as soon as it's finish."
"Thanks for letting me know," Kaitlin replied. Following an inevitable hand wave of goodbye, Ryan stepped outside upon making it through the crosswalk that leads him to the site of his apartment complex. With the door closed off, the driver turned on the ignition once more before making its departure to its next destination.
"Ever since we got on the bus, it sure feels like a long drive home," she further commented.
"It should only take less than ten minutes. We'll be there before you know it," J.B assured of her. Upon a brief glance at his nephew, J.B and Kaitlin monitored an HD television set displayed by the front end of the bus. A news bulletin which contains an interview by Sam Strickland was the hot topic being discussed in the media.
"Well here is our favorite game developer," Kaitlin said sarcastically. While the couple monitored the news in progress, Strickland provided his perspective over for the press to hear.
"I've been getting messages over at my Social Media feed in regards to the incident from earlier this afternoon. Our team and I are working to reconfigure the VR machine and determining the cause that led us here in the first place," he informed. Flashes of camera lighting continued to illuminate the scene thanks to the many photographers in attendance. "Now I understand there are a number of questions you folks would like to know. The only thing for sure is we have plenty of time to negate any potential bugs from our demo upon launch date time."
"Have you spoken to the victims involved during the head gear malfunction?"
"What more could you tell us about Metal Fighters besides the narrative? What could we learn about the characters behind the armored suits?"
These set of questions overwhelmed the founder of Strickland Gaming. He could only answer so many at a time fearing the need to spoil information that, for business reasons, he would not be obligated to answer.
"If only I was in attendance, I would be there to ask more questions," Kaitlin said still maintaining some side effects from the simulation.
"Don't make it hard on yourself. I'm sure the press has the details they needed to cover," J.B advised. As a reporter, Kaitlin expressed disappointment not to be participating in the coverage.
"Are we here yet?" Michael's eyes opened wide as he awoken from his rest.
"Rise and shine Mike," J.B replied.
"Ugh it's too dark to be waking up this early morning," Michael spoke in a confused sort of manner.
"Just for your information, we're still very much into the evening," said Kaitlin. For the duration of their ride, they continued to socialize in a crowd of other passengers that remained seated at this time.
Eventually, the bus would make its latest pit stop by a four squared house with the ever flaming light bulb that illuminated the front porch.
"Ah finally, home sweet home." J.B yawned stretching out his arms and legs after spending the longevity sitting by one of the many passengers' seats available. The trio would exit out of the bus to eventually set foot outside of the neighborhood.
"It's getting pretty late but why don't you crash in for the rest of the night? You could sleep in the guest room. I don't think Michael would want to wake up only to find us lying in the same bed," J.B whispered to Kaitlin.
"One of us would be better sleeping downstairs on the living room furniture," said Kaitlin.
Reaching inside the jeans of his pocket, J.B took out his chain of keys that would directly give entry inside of his home. Suddenly, Michael snatched the keys off of his hands while running up to the porch.
"Last one to enter the house has to make breakfast in the morning," he said. On cue J.B stormed off to the walkway leading to the front door of his house. Dumbfounded Kaitlin rolled her eyes before proceeding along with J.B.
Over by the door to Ryan's apartment, he bent over to retrieve some mail lying on the carpet leading inside his condo. Upon entering, he took a moment to skim over at the mail envelopes sent to him. One particular envelope that struck to mind contained a "NOTICE" stamp presented in caps. As he ripped off the edges, Ryan unfolded the letter to read further information that regards to his potential eviction from his apartment. This unexpected occurrence not only sparked his attention. A weight of emotions began to cloud the mind and body of Ryan Steele. His hands ran smoothly down from the cheekbones to his mouth, figuring out how to endure this troublesome phase in his life.
Shortly after entering his home, he gathered some clothes along with a clean bath towel before stepping into the bathroom. By the time he exited, Ryan sports himself in a matching gear of blue and white striped pajamas that covered the upper and lower layers of his body. As he lied back on the mattress of his bed, he switched off the lamp from the countertop of his drawer. With his eyes closed, Ryan fell into a deep sleep. Any sense of awareness and concern in his mind were non-existent. All he could do is simply, relax.
But relaxation would soon turn into a nightmare. As the three friends remained asleep, callbacks to them simulating Metal Fighters began running in their subconscious. They cradled back and forth on their beds while tucked underneath their blankets. Traces of sweat boiled throughout their bodies. In their avatar forms, the trio continued to have difficulty thwarting off with Decimator. Struggling to resist the haunting memory that clouds them, it was only a matter of time before the trio awaken themselves from their delusion. Ryan, Kaitlin, and J.B panted as they felt the rapidness of their heart beating like an endless drum roll of suspense. Nothing could describe what they had witnessed except déjà vu.