Location - Unknown

Time - Unknown (Dayish?)

There was very little sound. In fact it was the absence of it that Kat first noticed. She woke slowly, eyes fluttering open then glanced around her surroundings. Kat was in a hospital room but not her own. Not the private room that had been hers for the last three years. Hers had contained exactly eighty two and a half ceiling tiles, two sprinklers, and one smoke detector. She had counted them many, many times. The modern walls here were more blue than the aging creamy yellow of her suite. It was bigger as well, easily twice the size.

Nearby was a small stand with a pitcher of water and a slim necked vase. Inside was a small collection of flowers. Next to the stand a tall stainless steel stool sat. There were no machines, that’s what was strange to Kat. No beeping heart monitor, the small kidney dialysis machine was missing as well. The large thumping from the diaphragm machine that would fill her lungs once every ten seconds absent too. None of it was present. Kat wasn’t even sure why but fear stole into her heart. It was an ice cold terror that dug it’s claws into her chest.

A knock sounded on the small white door to her right. Just barely she could see it in the corner of her vision. After a second it opened to admit a familiar person. Doctor Ben Gedding the man who’d come to collect her. She recalled him arriving with a team, and helping to load her into the helicopter. He’d been gentle with her distraught mother. Once again he wore the plain business suit. His bulging muscles threatened to pop the buttons on his vest. He smiled brightly at her as he approached.

“Good afternoon, young lady.” He said seating himself on the stool by her side.

“First if I may, are you in any pain?” Ben asked as he settled himself. Kat was mildly surprised by the question. It took her a second to realize that he was right. She felt no pain, none; not even a tingle on her skin. By its very absence she felt glorious. The greatest drug in the world, and tears immediately threatened. Oh God she would not cry, not yet. She blinked twice, (No.)

Ben smiled at her again.

“You should be able to speak now. Nothing is preventing you from doing so.” He said as she lay there. Could she? What would she say? Should she try for something important? Maybe she could just answer his question. The older man seemed to grasp her dilemma. He smiled again reassuringly.

“Let us start with your full name. Do you know who you are?” He asked.

“Kathrine Ines,” She said taking herself by surprise. The sound of her own young voice startled her. Kat half expected to blow cobwebs from her mouth. In her shock she covered her lips with both hands. Astonishment crossed her face again as she realized her hands had actually moved. Kat brought them away from her face, and stared at them. They were perfectly shaped unlike the withered claws she’d grown used to seeing. Ben was beaming at her like a proud father. She lunged at him wrapping her arms around his thick neck. Her chest sobbed as she struggled suddenly for breath. Ok, she was going to cry now.

“Thank you! Oh god, thank you.” She said feeling her heart throb. Kat’s chest spasmed in pure joy.

“There, there dear.” Ben said patting her on the back. His big hands felt soft and warm. It took her almost a minute to calm herself. All the while she clung to Ben like a drowning woman to a float. Finally she sat back wiping away at tears that didn’t flow. Ben saw this action.

“Unfortunately crying is one of the things that has us stumped.” He said watching her.

“We can simulate the chest expansion, and feeling of pressure behind the brow. Tears though are caused by too many different emotions. Happiness, depression, sadness, even anger can bring tears to a person’s eye. Every time we tried people were like water faucets. Crying and hiccups are two things you can’t do anymore.” He said sounding as if he were truly regretful.

“I'm happy to be alive.” Kat said and the man’s face fell.

“It pains me to say this, but I must correct you.” He replied before pausing. “The procedure was completed. A doctor put you into medical cardiac arrest. By US legal standards when your heart no longer beats you are pronounced dead. That is why we can perform this research. Your brain is donated to our facility.” He said solemnly. Despite herself she felt heavy and leaden suddenly. Dead? How could she be dead when she finally felt alive. She was free of the pain.

“I will not lie to you in any way, which is why I am telling you this.” Ben said solemnly.

“So I'm in your machine?” She asked.

“Yes, Kathrine. Your brain was transfered to its cradle four hours ago. We’ve been bringing your cognitive functions up to normal levels, and taking careful readings.” He continued his voice still grave.

“I want to see,” She said suddenly.

“Are you sure? Most of our subjects go to great lengths to forget.” He warned.

“You said you wouldn’t lie to me.” Kat responded a little more hotly than needed.

“I won’t, I promise you that.” He said withdrawing a phone from his inside pocket. After selecting a number he pressed the mobile to his ear. “Don, can you go into the cradle room and take a few photos. Kathrine wishes to see where she resides.” He said and there was a pause. In the silence Kat couldn’t quite hear the tiny voice on the other end.

“Thanks,” Ben said hanging up the phone before turning to her.

“It will take a few minutes for a technician to collect photo’s. In the mean time may I perform a few routine tests?” He asked politely. Kathrine stared at the man still struggling to come to grips. Dead? The word hung above her like a guillotine. Finally she nodded slowly.

Ben Gedding did something very odd, and in a strange way it broke the spell on her. Reaching up he pinched her nose and held it. With his palm he covered her mouth. Kathrine just stared at him in utter stupifaction. Ten seconds went by then twenty as he continued to passively suffocate her. Finally she felt like she wanted air, and batted at his hand. Ben let go sitting back.

“What did that test?” She asked in confusion.

“Your belief that you still breathe. Memories of it will force your brain to think it needs air.” He said moving the stool further down the bed. His hand touched her foot.

“Can you feel this?” He asked brushing the very tip of her big toe with a single finger. At first there was nothing. Then after reconsidering she sensed something brush the skin there.

“Yes,” She said and he smiled.

“Good, how about this.” He said and lowered his hand to tickle the inside of her foot. Kat let out an involuntary squeal and she shifted her foot. Ben tickled her other foot and she kicked her legs laughing. She couldn’t help it. It was so different than the pain she was used too. There was so many nerves firing but it wasn’t the agony from before, it felt good. Ben’s phone rang and he pulled it from his pocket. Kat got the chance to catch her breath from her fit of giggles. These were the weirdest tests she’d ever heard of. Wasn’t he supposed to take out a little mallet and smack her knee.

“Yes, send them to her machine.” Ben said then canceled the call.

“Can you stand?” He asked her more soberly and Kat swallowed. Suddenly she wasn’t so sure she wanted to see those pictures. The moment of gaiety seemed to shatter before her. The illusion was falling quickly to the floor. Still she wouldn’t back down now. Kat held out a hand which Ben took. Her foot slid from the bed to hang in the air. Slowly she shifted her weight to the edge. The tiles were cool underfoot as her bare feet touched down. Kathrine almost buckled but hung onto Ben’s hand tightly. He held her arm, but didn’t move to support her as she stood. For the first time in three years Kathrine was able to walk.

He guided her to a flat section of wall. Reaching out he touched the middle panel and it turned black like a computer monitor. Quickly he found the files on the desktop and opened them. The shock made her step back and her knee’s were suddenly weak at the sight. Kat almost fell again to the tiles but Ben reached for her elbow. He held her as she stared at the pictures. Within a dark blue liquid Kat could see part of a brain. A white plastic cage surrounded the gray flesh. It was held inside a curved helmet, presumably the VR machine. Her name was printed on a small piece of card stock on the case.

“Are you alright, Kathrine?” Ben said next to her.

“I'm really dead,” Kat said in a ghost of a voice. She continued to stare at the disembodied brain in the image. “Forever dead,” she thought, Kat would never forget the sight.

“Yes, I'm afraid so.” He said sadly, and she turned to look at him.

“What happens now?” She asked feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders.

“That is entirely up to you,” Ben replied warming a little.

“What do you mean?” She asked still feeling ill.

“This room is your home machine. From here you can experience anything you desire.”

“Why does it look like this?” She asked waving her hand around.

“We decided on this as the default setting. Our subjects always come from a medical environment. It was designed to help keep you calm until a team member could talk to you.” He said then coughed with some guilt.

“It’s also so you will feel compelled to alter it. You can change everything in this room to your preference. The walls, floor, and ceiling you can alter or expand. Add any object in our database you wish.” Ben said touching the screen they stood next too. A few selections later and the walls turned from hospital white to wood paneling.

“That’s it?” She asked looking around the room. Was this her prison cell? She would go mad for sure.

“The world is open to you. You can browse the Internet, read new books, talk to friends.” He suggested.

“My parents, I can talk to them?” She asked quickly.

“Of course.”

“I want to let them know I'm alright.” Kathrine said and Ben withdrew his phone. Once again he dialed a number from his contact list. After a few second he held the phone out to her. Wow, a ‘virtual’ phone Kathrine realized with delight. She took it carefully and brought it to her ear. There was the sound of ringing before it connected.

“Ines Residence.” A rough male voice said wearily. Kat could almost hear the quiet depression in those two words.

“Daddy, daddy its Kat.” Kathrine said softly. Her father gasped, choking suddenly.

“Kat, oh god. Kathrine is it really you? Are you alright? Oh sweetie your voice, it sounds so beautiful.” He started gushing.

“The pain, is it gone?” Was the next question she heard.

“I'm OK, father.” Kathrine said before hearing a shrill cry from the other end. It sounded close to hysterical as the phone seemed to change hands.

“Baby, is it you? Your alive? I prayed so much.” Her mother said in a breathless voice like she’d run from across the house to reach the phone.

“Its me, Momma. I’m…” She couldn’t use the word alive. That would be lying. Kathrine heard the joyous sobbing from the phone.

“I can walk, and talk, and feel.” Kathrine said experiencing just that. Her chest felt so tight it was like a giant was standing on it. She knew she’d be crying too if she could.

“Father and I are coming to see you.” Her mother said. Ben made a sad face and Kat looked to him. He must have overheard because he was shaking his head slowly. He extended a hand palm up for the phone. Kat could tell he didn’t like asking for it back.

“Momma, I'm OK. I love you. The doctors said I have to do some testing first. I’ll call you again soon.” Kathrine said quickly.

“No baby, please. I can’t believe its you.” Her mothers voice said pleadingly.

“I have to go for now. I’ll call you again in a little while.” She offered and could hear her mother still crying. “I love you,” Kat said rushing to hang up before her courage failed. With great reluctance she extended Ben’s phone back to him. His face was solemn again as he took it.

“We can show you how to make your own phone. Its one of the objects you can add to your room.” He said and Kathrine nodded.

“What now?” She asked after he slipped the phone into the inner pocket of his suit.

“Testing first to make sure everything is in order. Then I or another technician will begin showing you how to program your environment.” Ben replied and Kat nodded.

“I'm eager to learn.” She said.

***

The phone began to ring. Kat shifted on the small couch and reached for it excitedly. Over the past three days she’d spoken more to her family than her entire twenty years previously. She imagined it was her mother remembering some tiny tidbit of information to talk about. They’d covered the familiar ground so many times already. Most likely she just wanted to hear her daughters voice again. When she picked up the phone it’s caller ID did not show her parents number. It was Ben Gedding. He could just walk right in if he wanted. It rang again before she accepted the call.

“Hello?” She asked.

“Kathrine, it’s Ben may I drop in?” He asked pleasantly. Like he was making a house call instead of checking on a test subject. It was a small gesture that she deeply appreciated.

“Of course,” She replied instantly.

“Do you mind if I bring a friend?” He asked next and she considered. Kathrine was dressed in an extra large t-shirt that fell to her knee’s. She wasn’t wearing underwear or anything else. Why bother with a bra when your boobs are digitally perfect?

“In that case I need a minute.” She said moving towards her bedroom.

“Would you like me to call back?” He asked in an amused voice.

“It will only take a second, come in about five minutes.” She responded and hung up. Opening the bedroom door she walked around the massive plush bed. Kat checked her dresser and pulled out a modest white dress. She also withdrew a plain pair of undies before changing. Everything was virtual; It was all just ones and zeroes, but she wasn’t about to let herself go. At least not in front of company. She checked her hair in the mirror then added a small clip to the side.

Back in the living room she waited, which didn’t take long. There was a knock on the front door. It was the exit portal, the one door she couldn’t go through. She’d been waiting just before it so she could receive her guests.

“Hello, Kathrine.” Ben said warmly as she opened the door. He was in his ever present business suit. Salt and pepper hair contrasting with his massive bulk. Kat smiled at the older man stepping back.

“I like what you’ve done with the place, It’s very…” He said struggling to find the right word. “Retro,” He finally added walking into the small entryway.

“Thank you,” Kat said rather pleased. She’d taken hours to adjust the wall sizes. The next person seemed to materialize in the air before her door. It was the system drawing his avatar in her home space. Kat watched in amazement as a small two foot tall white rabbit came into being. It stood upright with a slightly pudgy belly and big floppy ears. What shocked her the most was the 18th century suit it wore. It entered with a funny half hopping gait. He stopped before her, and removed his impossibly cute little top hat.

“Madam Ines, its a pleasure to meet you.” The rabbit said in a polite southern drawl and bowing at the waist.

“This is my old friend Walter Nowel.” Ben said from beside her. He was glaring down at the little rabbit obviously not pleased with something. “You said you had a human avatar,” he added pointedly to the little hare.

“And I do, one that I never use.” Walter said cheerfully.

The small rabbit hopped forward a foot extending a tiny paw. Kat could have squealed and died from cuteness overload. Instead of shaking his hand she crouched. Kat grasped the small furry creature under the arms to cradle to her chest. His white fur was so soft in her arms. Kat pushed her face against the downy hair of his head. Walter curled into her arms, and politely kept his hands tucked into his lap. There was a loud cough and she turned to see Ben looking distinctly unhappy.

“As I said, he is an ‘old…’ friend.” The man huffed from his place.

“Old in body, not in mind.” The rabbit replied still in her arms. He shifted and she was forced to let him go. His feet landed easily on the floor where he also retrieved his top hat.

“Sorry, you just looked so cuddly.” She admitted in embarrassment.

“Think nothing of it.” Walter the rabbit replied easily. Ben’s features eased as Kat led them both into her apartment.

“Can I get you anything?” She asked.

“No, thank you.” Ben replied sitting down on an empty couch.

“A carrot, or a piece of celery if you have any.” Walter requested.

“I'm sorry, I have some strawberry pie. It hasn’t been very long since I awoke.” She admitted.

“Then I must pass, I'm allergic you see. I prefer not to accidentally forget and try one in real life.” Walter said climbing into a large love-seat. When he shifted sitting all the way back in the chair his pawed feet didn’t even reach the edge. Kat took the last available seat in the circle.

“Walter and I were just catching up. He works at Dreamshard as a game programmer.” Ben said gesturing to his friend.

“That’s amazing. I have looked at the source code for some of the items but I'm afraid it’s all so far above me. I don’t think I’d dare touch it myself.” She said admiring the small rabbit on the couch. That must be why he chose that avatar. He could be anything he wanted.

“Thank you,” Walter replied brightly and Ben coughed. He was very protective of Kathrine, almost like a second surrogate father.

“Walter knows about our work here. Normally it’s very hush-hush but I’ve known him for longer than I’ve known my wife. We grew up together,” Ben said with a tone of reminiscence in his voice.

“How long have you been friends?” Kathrine asked.

“Since elementary school. We actually hated each other at first. As two young and overly bright children we tended to clash. We became friends a few years later after meeting again in high school.” Ben replied glancing at the small rabbit.

“That brings us back to why I hoped to meet you.” Walter said smiling. The expression showed of the front teeth of the little rabbit. He continued shortly, “I have a number of key-codes for our new game. I intended to donate some to Ben’s research group. As a senior programmer I was in charge of character classes and skills. I can tell you I had a blast designing each. The melee characters and archers were easy enough. The wizard though took the longest.” Walter explained. Kat was instantly excited by the prospect. Wizards and magical sorcery sounded like so much fun.

“The development team kept complaining I made them too powerful but I told them casters are so easy to kill. You have to offset that by giving them powerful utility.” Walter continued obviously excited to talk about his work.

“What kind of game is it?” She asked looking to the little rabbit.

“It’s a whole new world. One that is set in a traditional fantasy setting.” Walter said excitedly.

“Is it dangerous?” She asked with some nervousness. Kat had enough pain to last her many lifetimes. The question made the little animal sigh regretfully.

“I'm afraid there are many mystical creatures in the game. They are particular about their little slice of the world. Combat is an integral part of game play.” Walter said before Ben came to his rescue.

“Kathrine if you’re worried about the pain you can change the settings. The machine has a hard threshold of five percent, default is one percent. That makes a sword cut feel like a fingernail crossing over your skin. If you wish you can even turn the setting off.” Ben said pointing up at the ceiling. He seemed to be indicating the machine itself. Kat didn’t want to experience pain again but it did sound interesting. She had already started to fear she would become a recluse. Sitting in her little virtual prison forever protected.

“I’ll give it a try,” She said and the rabbit once again beamed. He scooted forward in the chair before hopping down. His little furry tail wiggled as he walked over to Kat. From out of an inner pocket he withdrew a large black ticket. On it was a long code printed in gold letters.

“I hope that you enjoy the game. I’ve spent the last couple of years helping to make this world.” He said holding out the little card. Kat took it.

***

KittKat - Level 0

New Hearth City - Aethon Island

Noon.

Kat’s foot slipped on the last step and she almost took a spill into the water pond. At the last second she avoided the miss step. She barely noticed as she stared at the world around her. It was like a medieval fantasy come to life. Kat hadn’t been expecting much from a game but she was wrong. This, this was so much more. She stood on a raised platform on one side of the plaza. It was where she’d appeared after completing the tutorial. The paved stones under her feet were a cream colored white. Before her lay a wide area were people were congregating. A brass band was playing next to a small spraying fountain. Hundreds of people in a wild assortment of colored garments strolled about. Some danced or stood watching the performance. The sights, sounds, and smells snatched at her attention drawing her eyes from object to object.

A lot of the people wore armor of some kind or another. Kat saw dozens of different swords and shields. Robed men and women walked along with long staffs in hand. A buxom female strolled by wearing the skimpiest leather armor imaginable. Finally Kat took another step this time avoiding the watery ledge. Moving down into the bustle of people she was quickly swallowed up. Several conversations went on around her as she moved.

“The wizard class is so fun, you have to try it.” A tall skinny girl said to her armored companion.

“Way too squishy. Besides I like the visceral feel of a blade in my hand.” The chain wearing male said with a wolfish grin.

“Barbarian,” The girl giggled.

“Maybe they do have a barbarian class, that would be fun.” The man replied as the two moved on.

Kat didn’t so much walk as was drawn along by the current. She traveled with the crowd like a school of fish. Without a direction she simply strolled. The open plaza sat next to an equally spacious market place. She smelled the medley of fresh odors from hundreds of stalls. Many sold pastries, fish, meats, or herbal drinks. She bent over a small counter selling glass vials of many colors. Each potion was labeled with its effect.

“You look lost,” A voice said nearby. Kat turned to see a red robed man with two companions.

“Can’t be lost when you don’t have a destination.”

“Is this your first character?” A big half-orc asked pleasantly. He was a head taller than the others with mottled gray skin. Little tusks stuck out from his bottom lip.

“My first day,” She admitted to the group.

“What do you hope to get out of the game?” The wizard asked stepping forward. Kat noticed he was half-elven just like her. She’d kinda liked the semi-pointed ears, and uniquely colored eyes. His were gold colored bordering on orange.

“Oh I dunno, explore the land I suppose.” Kat said thinking about all the new things she could experience. The world was vast and barely touched by others.

“If you haven’t picked a class yet I might suggest a paladin. They were just discovered the other day.” The red robed wizard said. He stepped closer and his wooden staff clicked on the flag stones.

“The tutorial did say a melee character was easiest to start with.” Kat replied.

“Where are my manners,” The half-elf said extending a hand. “I’m Deathsythe, these are my two friends Grayblade and Vasilee.” He said as Kat shook.

“KittKat,” She replied glancing at their faces. “You guys look pretty powerful.” She continued noticing their armor and weapons. The two fighters had on a mixed set of chain and plate. The human wore a sword at his waist. Grayblade had a massive bronze double-headed axe slung across his back.

“No way, were just a few levels higher. All of us ended up dying in a dungeon and rolled new characters.” Vasilee said offering his own hand. His grip was strong, but not overpowering.

“So it’s true about when you die?” Kat asked with some trepidation. Everyone had a single life, just one. Death usually meant starting completely over from scratch.

“Corpse retrievals are tough on a new player. Harsh game mechanics to be sure. I think a lot of casual players might be put off. Still the game rewards skilled individuals.” Grayblade said shaking her hand next.

“We could use a paladin in the group. If you’re interested we can help you learn the class and level you up some.” Deathsythe offered. Kat had been leaning towards a wizard but the offer was tempting.

“Doesn’t that waste your time?” She asked.

“Helping a new player is never a waste of time.” Vasilee said dismissively.

“Normally the game makes you do fetch quests for money during the first day. Helps people learn the city lay out free of danger. We’d be happy to pay for your sword lessons.” Deathsythe suggested coming forward. He stuck his hands into the folds of his robes and produced a small pouch. This he extended towards Kat. It turned out to be twenty gold in a purse. “It’ll take ten gold to pay for the sword masters lesson. The rest will help buy some starting equipment.” The wizard explained. Well that sort of sold it for her. Besides learning how to swing a sword might be useful to her. At least she’d be able to get over her initial fear of combat by going toe to toe with monsters.

“I accept your generous offer.” Kat replied stepping closer to them.

“Paladins are nice because they can heal party members. Think of them as half fighter and half cleric.” The half-orc said patting her shoulder. His massive gray body dwarfed her tiny frame. The fighter had a point. Being able to swing a sword and heal herself sounded like a strong character. Today was looking good. It hadn’t been hard at all to find some new friends.