They could see Fun City's lights quite easily from the air. In a city-turned-amusement park that ran all day and all night, getting into the coliseum wouldn't be a problem this early in the morning. As they got closer to the city, they head the ever familiar music that played through the streets...the same music that had turned all of their nerves into nothingness the last time they trained there.
"Think if we ask nicely enough we can get them to turn this crap off near the Coliseum?" Chisato asked as the Synard touched down near the Fun City gates.
Rena shrugged. "Maybe they owe it to us to just stop that racket."
Claude smiled and hopped off the Synard's back. They all walked together towards the park gate, getting the ever-present "Hello, welcome to Fun City! Oh, I see you have an N.F.I.D! Come right in!" Claude was surprised that the attendant managed to look surprised every time they entered. Ashton was the only who said "Thanks" as he walked by.
Hundreds of balloons were wrapped tightly to the street lights. Streamers of a hundred different colors were falling onto the roar at all times. Street venders continually harassing street goers to buy their new wares. If we weren't so busy, Claude thought to himself, I'd like to relax here one day.
The smell of dried blood and sweat assaulted their noses as they entered the coliseum. They looked at each other blinkingly...last time they were here, the air was crisp and clean. Claude noticed the attendant was looking at him, so he turned to talk. "Hello, we need the battle simulator set up."
The attendant looked confused for a minute, and then was racked with shock. "The heroes! Oh my God, I'm sorry! Certainly, of course...! Let me just get someone who can help you!" The clerk opened a pad in the floor near his desk, and he walked down the stairs, tripping every couple of steps.
"Easily impressed?" Rena asked.
"Get used to it. We're almost celebrities," Ashton replied.
A minute passed, and then an older man walked up the stairs. He straightened his garb before answering. "I'm sorry, but it will be about two hours before we can re-setup the simulator."
Chisato was the first to speak up. "We don't have time! We have to get going and training!"
"I'm sorry, miss, but we can't go any faster. Please bear with us,
"Thank you", Claude said, effectively halting Chisato. "Please tell us when it is ready."
"Will do, sir." The man slowly walked back down the stairs.
None of the group said anything. Ashton began to walk out to the coliseum seats, followed by the others. Only after they'd all taken a seat did anyone say anything.
"I hope they get done soon," Rena said.
"Me too," Chisato replied, flicking away a bug.
Claude wasn't paying attention. Instead, he stood up and walked around the perimeter of the games. He eventually had made his way to the other side, and then stopped in front of a little old man.
"Hello," said Claude.
"G'day." replied the man.
"I heard you yelling something from the other side, what is it?"
"Oh, simply a little VR. I don't think you'd be that interested.
"Is that so? Why?
The man shrugged. "You all look like you've seen enough things that are quite real enough compared to this."
"Try us. We've got two hours to waste."
The man pondered it a moment. "Well...alright. But you must know beforehand, although the world is not real at all, if you die there, you will die here. The body cannot live without the mind."
Rena spoke up. "Claude, a minute?"
Claude walked back near his group. "Claude," Rena said, "is this safe? Trusting some old man?"
"Why wouldn't it be? It's just VR. Besides, maybe it'll make time go by a little faster then just sitting here watching the fights."
The group finally agreed, and Claude walked back over to the man and told him they were ready. He smiled and handed them all small silver disks, about the size of a money coin.
"Please place the disks on your temples. When you're ready, raise your hand, and I will begin."
They all obeyed, and after Ashton raised his hand, the man pushed a tiny switch. Instantly, Claude's eyes filled with a bright light. For a moment, he thought the man had blinded him. But it gradually receded, and around him were luscious green grass and the smell of fresh rising bread. Behind him was a lake, and beyond that was the unmistakable sight of the forest...
"Shingo Forest. Arlia. I'm in Arlia!"
~