February 6th, 2020 -

You sway from side to side, latching onto a dangling rubber handle. Callie faces similar hardships when she's forced to tuck in her knees to prevent confrontation with the other passengers. Your eyes wander through the packed cabin and eventually come upon a group of enticing advertisements.

"Thrills, excitement, daring feats. Think you have what it takes to defeat the dreaded Kraken."

The machine's wheels inch along the frosty pavement. The closer the vehicle approaches its destination, the more shards ice the tires take on. The bus finally spurts out after sliding for several minutes, and the glass doors fold open.

You step out of the shuttle bus onto the frozen sidewalk — a cold stream of wind passes by Callie's earlobes, prompting her to tighten the tufts of her ruby red scarf. "Brrr," Callie mutters as she also hugs your body for warmth. The icicle coated bus takes off, leaving a thick puff of smoke in its wake.

You arch your fingers over your eyes, protecting the smog from intercepting your vision. As the cloud of vapor subsides, a large red sign fades into view.

FUN LAND - "Where all dreams come true."

"This might have been a mistake," Callie dolefully remarks.

Agreed

Error Code 67251461278

——————————————————

As simulation dematerializes, and an enraged Marie greets your arrival, "Agent 4, stop ignoring my messages. You were supposed to take a break five hours ago. I know you're determined to help Callie, but you need to focus on your mental health for once," Marie blabbers.

You peer into the VR helmet once more, watching as a flurry of green text flows through the system's cables. The device presented the weight of a bowling ball and radiated the heat of several ovens. It was indeed a hazardous piece of hardware. As you stare into the glowing machine, you recognize the small purple and black pixels of a freezing Callie. You eagerly throw the helmet back on and lean back into the iron chair.

"Guards, stop him," Marie groans.

February 6th, 2019 -

"Why did we ever purchase those tick-"

Error Code 56342552367

February 6t-

The guards forcefully remove the equipment after you struggle to keep it on multiple times. The faction of security guards then escort you to Marie's high up chamber. The stairwell poses a daunting challenge as you drag your exhausted feet up each set of inclined steel. Fortunately, the officers don't appear irritated by your clumsy display of footwork, having gained a newfound respect for you after you successfully infiltrated Marie's headquarters.

Once you reach the top of the slithering staircase, Marie proceeds to give you an ear full, "I think you forget who's in charge here. This is the seventh time you disobeyed my orders," Marie charges.

Yeah, yeah, you've heard this long-winded speech plenty of times before. It went something like bla bla bla leadership bla bla bla authority. Nothing that hadn't been explained at nausea.

"I'm no longer Marie, your friend, I'm C, your leader, and you should respect that," Marie argues.

Yes, Marie... I mean, ma'am.

"Ugh, I give up. It's obvious that you're not taking me seriously," Marie moans.

• You ask if you can pester her with a couple of question.

I'll be happy to comply with any of your requests as long it can keep you from entering that harmful simulation. How am I going to take advantage of my best operative if he's not in tip-top condition? Besides, I've already revealed everything to you. I'm practically an open book at this point," Marie confidently boasts.

• What color underwear are you wearing?

"Uh... I'm... I'm not answering that." Marie stutters.

You're still confused about why Marie concealed so much information from you and her staff. So you end up targeting your first question towards that recent revelation.

"I couldn't risk any vital information being leaked for obvious safety reasons. Unfortunately, it appears that some annoying gossipers have already spread the truth to the public. I imagine Pearl to be the culprit of this operation. She's been known to often engage in chit chat like behavior.

Thanks to your well-coordinated plan, now everyone across the wasteland knows about my highly covert profession. I've tried ordering my subordinates to keep addressing me as C, but even they slip up from time to time. Also, one of the shark's top leaders, Fang, has already taken a strange interest in me. So much for maintaining my secrecy, I'm getting emails every day from this wacko," Marie whines.

How long have you been in the virtual world for Fang to start messaging Marie? What exactly is going on here?

"Nothing... I... he's just trying to use his awful pickup lines and one-liners on me. But don't get any weird ideas, Agent 4, trust me, he's not my type," Marie advises.

Oh no, I'm sure you two would make an adorable couple together.

"That's not funny. It's only funny when I do it," Marie shamefully shrugs.

Haha, it looks like the tables have turned. How do you like it being teased?

"Can you please change the subject? I don't want to keep talking about that slimy weirdo," Marie says, making a gagging motion as she recites Fang's name.

• You proceed to ask Marie one of your most anticipated inquiries: why did you suggest yourself as a possible culprit, surely that would draw more suspicion to you?

"I was using reverse psychology; I threw myself under the bus to mislead you. From your surprised reaction, I'm guessing it worked," Marie informs.

• Another nagging question regarded the voice modifier she was using.

"Simple, I was trying to disguise my identity by using a deep voice. It's not very difficult to do; you just need the right equipment," Maire teaches.

• Your final inquiry is centered around her role as a business executive.

"Oh, you mean my other occupation. I'm not tied to that office; it's merely a second position. Considering Grizzco's dwindling numbers, you of all people shouldn't be surprised that I manage two roles," Marie explains.

"Any other questions, I'm all ears," Marie asks.

No, you've collected all the intel that you needed. You could finally put the mystery of C to rest, and focus your efforts back to saving Callie.

You turn towards the elevated stairwell, preparing your fatigued feet for another round of torment.

"Uhh... maybe you should take a break. I hear the cafeteria is serving pizza today, and I'm sure you're pretty hungry."

• You pass on her offer, the cafeteria's pizza tasted dreadful.

"No, the uhh... medical staff just developed a new shot. You have to arrange an appointment if you want to move forward with the program."

• Was it the Poseidon shot, or the Plankton shot? Either way, you had both.

"No, no, no, uh... umm... I feel sick and very queasy. Could you please help me. I think I might need a doctor," Marie says, pretending to faint on the floor.

You knew full well of what she was doing. She was trying to stop you from completing your mission. She was preventing you from saving Callie. That's why you kept walking.

"Arthur, stop."

What.

"Arthur, please don't keep doing this to yourself. It'll hurt you the same way it hurt me. I don't want you to experience that torture."

You stop dead in your tracks and tightly clasp the front of your head with your palm. You had been bottling up so much anger and frustration for so long that you fought hard to contain your rage. You just wanted to let it all out, and show her how you feel. But you regretted your words as soon as they left your lips:

You really expect me to listen to you after you've been hiding things for months.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean for it to get so big."

No, you're always tricking me and not telling me about anything.

"Tricking you? I'm telling you the truth. Why do you constantly treat me like the enemy?"

You're not the enemy?

Arthur slowly approaches her.

You're not the enemy!

You didn't fucking tell me my dead girlfriend's alive.

Marie slaps you.

"She was my best friend you asshole. She meant much more to me than she ever did to you."

The sharp sensation of Marie's hand hurt way more than a knife ever could.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, that was uncalled for. It was extremely unprofessional of me to do something like that. I apologize," Marie says, performing an remorseful bow.

No, I deserved it. I shouldn't have been so harsh on you.

But I'm afraid I can't stop... not until I save her.

"I... I understand. I'll boot up the system," Marie sighs.

You saunter down to the VR area while grasping the handrails for support. As you lift the bulky helmet to your pupils, you mutter a defeated phrase under your breath: I'm sorry Marie, I didn't mean to snap at you like that. But I need Callie. I need her in my life. I want to hear her sweet voice again, her real voice.

While you're equipping the VR headgear, a familiar voice rings through the headset's microphone, "Agent 4 before you go. I know we both lost someone who meant a lot to us, and I just wanted you to know... that I'm always here for you."

Thanks, Marie. I know you're always looking out for me. I'll try to be more careful in the future.