1 Getting True Life

Staring down at his palms, his voice came out softly.

"I-I'm sorry. I don't have any left."

"Ha. So ya broke, huh?! Like I give a shit how much money ya got. Just gimme the rest, and I'll jus smack ya one time. Maybe two times?"

He trembled at those words, knowing full well he might need to head to the Doc's Office again. He looked up slightly, his messy black hair hiding his eyes as they probed the men and woman surrounding him.

"Did I say ya can look up?! Smack'em boys. Make it hurt."

Before he could even take the first hit, a soft voice came out.

"Kain? I thought you'd have been headed home by now."

His mind was reeling.

'No no no! Why would you come here now of all times?!'

"Ey. Who's the hot babe? You bring me a treat to save ya ass?"

In a fit of utter rage, Kain shoved his hands forward. Two guys slipped backwards, falling on the street.

"You touch her and you'll never live another day without regret in your life."

Honestly, he wasn't kidding. The girl that called out was a childhood friend, as well as the daughter of the Chief of Police for the city. Her eyes flared with understanding as she watched Kain slip away from the crowd.

"So, how much did they steal from you?"

Kain looked up, his scrawny body relaxing inside of his over sized black jacket. He pushed his hair out of his eyes, showing soft grey eyes that could make even a hard hearted woman squeal. His features were soft, but still masculine, giving him the cute little brother vibe.

"None, Sonya. You got there in time to save my rear. I still have the money for the game!"

Sonya Glace, a year younger, but much more mature childhood friend of Kain's. She was petite, barely reaching his shoulder, but very much the unexpected big sister type. Many couldn't say no when her pretty baby blue eyes started glaring at them. Her long brown hair was tied in a neat bun, but a few extra strands were swaying in her face. Reaching out, Kain slipped them behind her ear.

"K-Kain! Why?!"

"You look prettier with your hair out of your face."

Sonya looked at the ground, her face an explosive red shade.

'You big dummy! How come you can't be so forward all the time?! Or at least a little embarrassed!'

After a while, Sonya waved Kain off. She sped down her street and booked it into her apartment complex. Opening the door, she heard her father's voice.

"Still couldn't tell the kid?"

"What do you think?"

"He made you blush like a little schoolgirl again, didn't he?"

"...Yes..."

---

Kain made his way to the gaming store he frequented. He had saved his way up to get enough for the long waited game True Life! Being one of the first ever Fantasy Full Dive Virtual Reality, or FFDVR, games many were excited and ready for it. Having pre-ordered the visor, it was back in his room, ready and waiting. Now all he needed was to buy the game!

The store he chose saw him as a regular, so they promised to keep one copy out of sales for him and him alone. This made him incredibly happy, as he had to get the last bit of cash that day working for his landlord.

Pushing the doors open, he heard the soft tickling of a bell. He looked around quickly before speeding to the counter.

"You still have it?"

The girl at the counter was looking down at a magazine about the up and coming new gaming tech, but she couldn't stifle her laughter.

"Yes dummy. POPS! HE'S HERE!"

From the back, a barely audible response came forward.

"I'd have sold it if you came in five seconds later."

She gave Kain a small teasing smile before he laughed lightly.

"Thankfully, I made it. Oh here... should be exact. $84.67 tax included."

"Jeez... I've sold like sixty copies. How the hell did you figure out the exact price?"

She pulled down her hood as she started counting the money. She gave a nod, causing her vibrant pink hair to bounce around.

"Oh, you changed it again, it looks nice Kelly. I personally liked the blue, but pink suites you better."

"Stop flirting with my little girl and come get this damn thing."

An older man, far older than her actual father would be, stepped out from the back holding a small case. Kain quickly sped over and held out his hands. As it touched them, a great smile spread on his face. The old man leaned in and asked;

"Ya mind telling about it? After you get yourself a good dosage I mean. I may be old, but I'm still curious."

"I tested the beta. It's amazing! I've never seen any of the previous VR games put that much detail into it! It's said that this version, since it's finally released, should be even better! They even went so far as to put out a new visor. The Mach-Red Visor. It's made especially for this game. The Gilded Games Company made both for this very day! The opening is in... haha. So sorry."

His excitement got the better of him, but the old man just gave him a small and knowing smile. Kain bowed deeply, thanking them, before heading out.

"Sweetheart, you gotta stop changing your hair color to fish compliments from that boy. He'd more likely compliment you for anything else too."

He laughed heavily as his little girl blushed, hiding back inside her hood.

"If only he wasn't such a dummy."

---

Reaching home, Kain quickly unlocked his door and stepped inside. His heart was pounding in his head as he sped his way through the apartment. His home was a rather small, one bed and one bath, but it was all he needed. He was a poor NEET, with no family left. This apartment was given to him due to previous tenant accidents, as well as old family relations to the landlord. He just had to help out for some pocket money from time to time.

Sliding into the small bedroom, Kain pulled out his blanket from the closet and laid it out into a mat. He fluffed his pillow before grabbing the visor that was set aside on top of a stack of gaming magazines. It was like a pair of sunglasses with a sleek white design. The earpieces were rather large, with multiple sensors and a pad over the temple.

"Haha. This is amazing! But wait... how the hell do I charge this thing? What'll happen if it dies while I have it on?"

After ten minutes of confused searching, Kain decided to risk it this time.

"Ugh... YOLO I guess."

He slipped the visor over his eyes, sliding the chip from the case for True Life into the lens area. He closed his eyes, his body getting jittery. Tapping the opposite lens, a bright light assaulted his eyes before...

BZZT

"Oww!"

A sudden electric current assaulted his temple. Pulling the visor off, he stepped towards the bathroom. Looking into the mirror, his grey eyes focused on the spot that got shocked. Nothing... he saw no sign of damage.

"Did I just... shock myself out for using the visor? Did I really scare myself?"

He laughed at his stupidity as he went back to his previous position and tried again. This time, his mortal body went limp as the lights flashed.