Thursday 23rd October 2042 8:00AM

Two weeks ago at a gamer convention it was announced that the world's first VRMMO would open it's servers to regular players. There had been no alpha or beta testing. The company that owned the developer held tight to their secrets. The only promise? That everyone would be able to enjoy the wonders of Rebirth+.

Even the game's name had a hidden meaning and was left to be discovered. Many signed up for the first wave. Only a fraction would be first into the game. As much as the makers would like to let everyone jump in immediately, there just wasn't enough VLAM to go around. The choker-styled accessory was in short supply due to each user having to go through a run of optimized and personal adjustments to create the 'real life experience' promised on login.

Thanks to an acquaintance he was able to get in on the waiting list early and be part of the first wave. As soon as the servers opened he would be in another world. Until then, later tonight, he would be stuck in RL.

On that thought he turned off his PC and got dressed for work. Heading downstairs to the kitchen he found Aunt Jenifer's usual note.

'Aleric,

Dinner is in the freezer. Don't forget to take it out or it will be burritos again. See you later. Have a good day and stay safe.

-Jenifer'

'Stay safe'. Those words were common and on every message and note Jenifer ever wrote to him. She was overly zealous when it came to him ever since she had taken over custody. She was probably afraid of losing someone again. She and his mother had been as close as twins.

Speaking anything out loud about the past was taboo. Instead, Aunt Jenifer did her best to live in the present. In fact, Aleric thought she worked too hard. As soon as he graduated he could move to a full time job. It was in a promise to himself that he would take care of her.

Aleric smiled softly to himself and opened the freezer. He pulled out a home made shepherd's pie and placed it on the counter. Then he grabbed his wallet and began his walk to work.

Aleric enjoyed the short walk to the bus station. The morning was invigorating with a slight chill. Not many were out yet so he was able to relax and think. And all he could think of was getting the day over with. He wanted to play Rebirth+that much.

The bus arrived. He greeted the driver with a nod. He took a seat in the front. In twenty minutes he got off. He walked two blocks and came to his first workplace, Breakers.

"Aleric! You're here. We're busy today thanks to a book signing. Hurry up and get ready. Your on the floor today." Yelled a middle aged woman.

"Right away Boss!"

Being on the floor on a busy day meant lots of tips. He was going to make back some of his student debt today.

Aleric was in a good mood as he went in back and dressed into his work uniform. The look on him was like a butler. White shirt but black pants, vest, and shoes. A small necktie finished it off.

He stowed his belongings into his locker and went out. From the counter orders were taken and delivered. Spotting new customers in the back he headed straight for them.

The order was long and took four pages of small note paper. They were local high-school students. The boys treated him like a servant. The girls, however, he just couldn't figure out. They looked at him as if he was a strange thing they had never seen before.

"May I take your order?"

The girls giggled and one boy laughed.

"Ha! I told you they all say that first."

The group was lively and in no way ill-intentioned. They were fun to talk to. Customers like that were modest but always left a tip. In the end he was right. A five dollar tip. Quite generous for students. The entire shift went like that until the end.

#

Thursday 24th October 2042 12:00PM

He was in the back washing dishes when his boss Kelly came to him.

"Aleric?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you go to the floor please? There's a rowdy bunch of guys at a table."

"Sure Boss. I was just about to go back out there anyway."

"Thanks! I'll leave them to you then."

Kelly disappeared quick. Sometimes she foisted harder customers off on him. It was okay. It showed that he was reliable.

Aleric finished the last of the dishes and headed out to the floor. It was nearly the end of his shift and he needed to be on time for his next job. As he hit the floor an arm waved him over.

"Hey! We want to order over here."

A young man about Aleric' age. With him were four others. One in particular caused him to feel a deep dread sit solidly in his gut. The original speaker scowled at him.

"Geeze. What took so long?"

"My apologies. There are more guests than usual today. If I may take your order?"

That reason for his dread turned around. An evil gleam lit the man's eyes as he recognized Aleric.

"I didn't know you worked here. That's really surprising."

"Nick, you know this guy?"

"Yeah. We grew up in the same neighborhood." Nick answered his blonde friend.

"For realz? Introduce us man!" A buff friend with a body infrastructure that emphasized strength said.

"Oh, we're not close. Man I'm hungry. Give me something with chicken in it."

"Afternoon pancakes please."

"One set of lunch with milk."

"Give me the closest you have to a giant cheeseburger. And iced tea."

After taking down the outrageous orders Aleric went in back to the chef Peter. His face became red at the orders.

"Jokers again? Kids these days! Don't worry Aleric. I'll give them exactly what they asked for. I know you have to leave soon."

Aleric went back to the floor to serve the group water while they waited. It was only five minutes later they began to throw complaints.

"Is our food done yet?"

"This place smells kinda funny."

"Where's the woman waiters?"

"Yeah. Why are we stuck with a guy?"

"This sucks. Where's our food!"

They started banging on the table in unison. Aleric showed them nothing. Inside his anger was boiling. How dare they invade his peaceful place!

Nick stopped banging. He seemed to be the leader as the others silenced themselves to hear him speak. He looked at Aleric slyly.

"Hey. Why are you working here anyway? Shouldn't you have enough money?"

"Nick, is this guy rich?"

"No. He's not rich. He just has a bit to live off of. Got it from his dead parents. Now he mooches off of his aunt. He also takes advantage of those who offer their help. Don't you?"

Nick looked angry. His eyes burned into Aleric deeply. This hatred was an old one. One that Aleric had been dealing with since he was little. He couldn't remember what had caused Nick to hate him.

"One chicken, one lunch set with milk, one pancake, and one giant cheeseburger with iced tea!"

Aleric was glad for the short reprieve. He left the group to get the food at the counter. He smiled at the tray piled with exactly what the group had asked for. Peter winked at him from behind the counter. Aleric took the severely heavy tray to the table.

The group became silent as they each received their food.

Nick had his plain chicken, fried and breaded. It was stuffed with more chicken until it was juicy fat. There was a side dish of breaded chicken nuggets and wings. A mountain of food.

The rest of the meals were equally exaggerated.

The lunch set had one sandwich and one cup of milk. Except the sandwich was stuffed with many layers of onions and different sauces.

The pancakes were riddled with all kinds of ingredients. He could make out blueberries and chocolate chips. They were also stacked high and the size of the plate.

The cheeseburger was was big enough to need a small basket to carry it. It was enough to feed a piggy family of four for several meals. It took up half the tray space alone.

Nick was the first to complain. The others remained silent as he raged.

"Do you think this is funny?"

He threw the chicken on the floor. It clattered and went everywhere. The entire floor went silent. All patrons watched as he stood and threatened the establishment. Aleric knew this side of him, but for those that didn't it was a shocking sight.

"This shoddy service needs to be fixed. I came in here to eat and I have to wait a long ass time to get my food. You even got all of the orders wrong! I want another waiter. Bring out a woman like you need to and go back to your kitchen and learn how to cook right."

At this point Aleric had had enough. Nick was not only being an unbearable jerk he was putting down both his boss and Chef Peter. What came out of his mouth next was both menacing and sickeningly sweet.

"I apologize sir. The orders are bizarre and outside the normal menu everyone normally orders from that is supplied to every table. I'll inform the Chef to attempt your orders again."

Aleric turned towards the back door.

"Like hell you're leaving. Get back here!"

Nick's hand grabbed his shoulder. He was pulled back and ripped off balance. Nick stepped forward as he tried to find solid footing. Aleric's body twisted to the side. Flying elbow met angry face. Nick was knocked to the floor.

Aleric fell unbalanced forwards, crashing into an occupied table. Kelly ran to his side. "Aleric, are you okay?!"

"I'm fine."

Aleric used the table to get up. Back on the floor Nick was unmoving. It was a clean knockout.

"Nick!"

"What the hell man?"

"You wanna have a go at it?"

Aleric stood his ground as Nick's friends confronted him. No way was he going to put up with group bullying again.

"Hey!"

Peter came in to push them apart. He was a kind man, but also very big.

"If you want to have a go I can gladly do so for you outside. Unless you want to face the floor like your friend here you'd better take him and leave."

"Nnnggh..."

Nick groaned, slowly pushing himself off the floor. Two of his friends helped him to stand. He sniffed, blood dripping from his nose onto his pristine white jacket. He looked at Aleric with blood lust in his eyes.

"I wouldn't. You'll embarrass yourself further in front of your friends. We can't have that now can we?"

Aleric said it nicely. It was low enough that only Nick and Peter could hear.

"Nggh." Nick growled, then smiled menacingly. "See you later Aleric."

He shrugged off his friends and left. His friends yelled obscenely as they followed. The door closing echoed in the silent diner.

Kelly was the first to move. She addressed the couple at the table Aleric had crashed into.

"I'm so sorry for all the trouble. Consider your bill paid."

"No. It's no trouble." Assured one of the couple.

Peter went back to the kitchen to continue cooking. Kelly brought the cleaning cart and began the long process of cleaning up. When Aleric went to help she shook her head.

"It's fine Aleric. You have that second job right? You can leave now."

Aleric nodded silently. He headed to the back room and changed, muttering aloud to himself. “Damn Nick! Now I have to find a new workplace. Can't bring Kelly and Peter the trouble.”

After changing back into his casual clothes he headed out. Kelly was too busy reassuring customers, but Peter waved at him as he left. He headed to his second workplace nearby. Although it was only a few blocks away, the atmosphere drastically changed.

He entered Pink, a business that doubled as a gay bar at night, and a lady's consultation at day. He didn't dare work at a gay bar, straight as he was. He somehow became a lady's consultant. A job where he only had to listen to a woman's woes so they felt that fresh relief. It was seemingly addictive, and the building owner who ran both businesses knew that. It was also good pay.

Ms. Pink was up and cleaning before the start of Lady's Consultation. His face brightened when he saw Aleric enter. “Oh, Aleric! Mrs. Stevens scheduled an appointment today. Make sure you prepare properly!”

“Got it, Boss.”

Aleric put his things in the second floor break room. Then he went back downstairs. He rolled up his sleeves and patted down his hair. He went to the sound-proof Blue-Sea room that Mrs. Stevens liked. He prepared water and soda, along with some crackers. Mrs. Stevens felt better if she could consume something while revealing her secrets.

“ALERIC!” Ms. Pink's voice rang through the building.

He did a quick once-over, making sure everything was in place. Then he strode confidently to the front of the building where Ms. Pink was occupying Mrs. Steven's time. When Mrs. Steven's saw him, she immediately brightened, tears glistening in her eyes. He gave her a a nod.

“Oh, Aleric! I have so much to say. Will you listen?”

“I will be all ears for you, Mrs. Stevens. Right this way.”

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, escorting her to the Blue-Sea room. He sat her on the couch and closed the door, turning a sign on the outside to 'occupied'. He took a seat across from Mrs. Stevens, remembering her roving hands.

The conversation started off about how her day went. Every little thing that went wrong made Mrs. Stevens' day wrong. With some digging, he was able to pry some information out of her. It took a long time though, and he'd had to refuse some other customers.

“Aleric.” Sigh. “I am divorcing my husband.”

“Didn't you want to work with him?”

“I caught him cheating! Again. With a different woman. I can't stand it. He doesn't understand me when I talk to him. Not like you do.” She wrung her wrinkled hands.

Uh-oh. “Mrs. Stevens, it's best not to compare me to your husband.”

“Oh, I know. But I can't help it. You're always listening to everything without complaint. No matter how much I cry or how annoying I am.”

“The contract I signed to work here prohibits customer-employee relationships beyond the consultation.”

“But I want you, Aleric. I'm going through the divorce and moving out to a new place. I want you to come with me.”

“Mrs. Stevens, I can't stress enough that I am not allowed to go home with you. However, if you wish for me to listen to more, you can continue to find me here.”

He looked in the back corner of the ceiling, where a camera picked up his secretive plea for help. He'd never had to resort to it, but this lady was freaking out.

Mrs. Stevens rose to her feet, blocking the door as she came to his side. She clung onto his arm, her gray hair ruffling slightly. She squeezed tight.

“I knew you'd say that. That's why I've prepared a hefty sum for you. How's ten thousand sound?”

He needed the money, but... “No Ma'am. I do not accept cash from customers. I advice that you take a walk to clear your mind and return when you're ready. I will be here for a few more hours.”

“I'm not leaving without you.” Her voice rose as she quickly became hysterical. He could begin to see why the husband cheated on her.

The door opened and a bouncer and Ms. Pink came in. The bouncer gently pried Mrs. Stevens off him and dragged her out.

“What are you doing? Let go of me!” She was pushed to the front door, where Ms. Pink bid her farewell. “Wait! Aleric! Aleric, come with me! I need you!” She screamed the last as she was forced out the door.

Ms. Pink approached Aleric. “You are simply too good at your job. Why don't you take the rest of your shift off?”

“Alright.” Sure, anything to get back to normalcy. He retrieved his things from upstairs and was stopped by Ms. Pink. He looked concerned.

“I'm not sending you home because I don't want you here. This is a home for you, so you are welcome to come back night or day, okay?”

“Okay. I've got to go to school then.” Though I'll never come at night, he thought.

“See you next time!”

#

Thursday 24th October 2042 2:00PM

He went to the nearby bus station, taking it past 2 stops before getting off. On a huge acreage outside of town was the school. With many buildings and state-of-the-art equipment, it was early the best school in the state. There was a small building for evening classes only. He headed there. The interior smelled musty. He was glad he was almost done with his GED. Then he could move to a different building depending on his chosen major.

The classes went smoothly. He wasn't called on today. He got easy homework. All was going well. As he passed from one class to another, he avoided talking to the different cliques. He didn't have time for that. That was probably why he was ignored all the time.

In-between classes he received a one hour break. He headed to the library in the main building to help out. The librarian smiled at him as he passed, one elderly lady he could stand. He went to the area of returned books and started sorting them into sections on a cart for putting back. He milled around the library for a few minutes before Tes found him.

She saw which books he was putting back and started helping him. She grinned at him, joining him in silence. She often did this. Not every day, but pretty close. She always came only when he was there. Probably just to visit, as she doesn't get to see him often.

On a bad day Tes was able to make him relax and enjoy their time together. Though they didn't talk a lot, he felt a strong bond with her. Not like what Heather and he had as cousins. More like a friend?

He looked at her, and she blushed, looking at the books. What? Is my fly open?

“Be right back.”

He went to get more books, taking the opportunity to look. His fly was closed. He grabbed some books and headed back. They continued in silence.

The bell rang and Tes looked disappointed. She smiled at him before leaving. “See you later.”

“See you.” He watched her leave. When she was out of sight he put the remaining books and cart back and attended his remaining classes in the musty building.

#

Thursday 24th October 2042 7:00PM

When his last class ended, he stretched and gathered his things. As he left his phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out, viewing the messages. It was a text from Heather.

Hey, Genius, you busy?

No.

Then come meet up at the park. I'm getting lunch. Be there.

Is it just us?

No, Tes and Nick too.

Ok.

He couldn't exactly refuse Heather. She'd chew him out for it later. At the same time, he didn't want to see Nick. He would just twist his words again and confront Aleric later about it. Why was Nick always with the group anyway? Somehow Heather and Tes got along with him.

He strengthened his resolve and headed to the nearby park. The trio was already waiting for him, meals still in the fast food bags. Heather and Tes gave him a warm welcome. Nick, sitting behind the two, glared at him. There was a mark on his face where he'd been knocked down in the diner. He was rubbing it, an obvious promise.

Aleric took the only other seat available at the table across from Nick. Heather and Tes switched spots so that Tes sat next to him. Nick seemed livid now, his eyes narrowing at every bump Tes gave Aleric as they talked about their classes and ate.

“Okay! It's time to talk about that!” Heather announced. She brought out a notepad and pen. “Everyone, tell me what your character names will be.”

“Lala.” Tes piped.

“Okay. Lala for Tes. Mine will be Sarafynn.”

“Ace.”

“Ace for Nick. Aleric, what about you?”

“Tannin.”

Nick snorted. “Vegetable Juice? Haha. Suits you.”

“Tannin for Aleric.”

Heather made four lists, ripped the paper into fourths, and gave everyone a copy.

“Second thing to check. Did everyone add each other to their friend's list? Yeah? Good. Next is the entry partners. I'm going with Tes. So I guess you boys are together.”

“Sounds good.” Aleric agreed. It was the quickest lie he's ever told. Nick was shooting him daggers.

“We meeting tomorrow to discuss plans? Need to stay ahead of the second wave, after all.”

Everyone agreed.

“Whoo. Alright! Lets all go and get ready. I have things I wanna do before I log in. Tes, you're staying over right?”

“I thought you were coming over to my house?”

“Either way's fine. I'll call you up once I'm ready.”

“Sounds good. I'm gonna go then.”

Nick stood. “I'll go with Aleric. We gotta talk about what we're doing.”

“See ya later!” Heather and Tes left, Tes taking a last look at Aleric, who was busy thinking of ways to part with Nick as soon as possible.

Nick hit his shoulder. “Get up. Let's go idiot.”

Aleric grabbed his bag and walked toward his house instead of following Nick. If he did, he knew he would go home and sleep off injuries instead of playing. Luckily, his house was nearby and he didn't have to worry about defending himself. As they reached his house Nick grabbed his arm in a tight grip and shook him.

“Listen up. I'm the Ace. I get the kills, xp, and items. You are weak. You'd only get in my way. Log in in the same area as me and I'll PK you into non-existence.”

“Don't worry, Nick. I wouldn't dream of playing in the same party as you.”

“And Tes! She's mine, you got that? Stop flirting with my girl or I'll do more than beat you!” Nick shook him again.

“Isn't that up to Tes? Why are you being so clingy anyway? You a stalker?”

Next thing he knew, Aleric was sitting on the ground, his head spinning. The taste of iron-filled blood wet his tongue. He rose to his feet, feeling his jaw. Nick shook his hand, the skin on one of his knuckles split.

“What's going on?” An old lady whispered to another nearby.

“I don't know. I don't recognize that boy.”

“Dammit. I'm leaving. Don't think this is over.” Nick walked quickly back the way they'd come.

Aleric shook his head. “Don't think I'll be playing with you.”

He entered his home, shutting the door and dropping the keys onto the table just inside.

“Merrrooow.” A soft bump to his leg announced Lady's arrival.

He picked her up, cuddling her. “How's Lady, huh? How's she doing?” He held her all the way to his room, where he dropped his bag. “You're so sweet. I have to really thank Tes again for bringing you over to stay.”

“Mew.”

“You know, for a kitten you're really talkative.”

He sat on his bed, petting her. Loud purring ensued. Once she started to get feisty, he put her on the floor.

“Okay now, I'm going to play. You have to be quiet, okay?”

“Mew.”

Aleric first dressed for bed. Once ready, he retrieved the VLAM from the computer desk. A black, choker-styled piece that was open at the back. He stretched it slightly and slipped it on his neck. Laying down, he proceeded to calm himself. The single light on the VLAM lit red, detecting his life signature. It dinged softly, turning green. Now connected to the wireless, it automatically began uploading his data to the now open servers. As he entered the game, his mind left his body behind. He entered a white room, the VLAM light dinging blue.

“What is your avatar named?”

“Tannin.”

“What is the gender and age?”

“Gender is Male. Age is 24”

“You are the first of few souls to travel to a new world. Your wisdom and memories have allowed you to carry over the talent of battle. What weapon are you most familiar with?”

“I often fight alone. At the back of everyone else. It's not that I'm a coward! I just like to observe first before fighting an enemy. So, any weapon that's easy to use in battle, easy to maneuver, and can be used in different ways is best.”

“You do not have a preference?”

“Not really. I can usually figure out any kind of weapon anyway, so that's not a problem.”

“The world has understood your words. We have yet to understand your purpose. How are you in battle?”

“Um, once I know the enemy, if I can recruit certain players, then it's easy. But if not, then I'll usually go one-on-one against an enemy if I have to. I guess I've always just found ways around being a solo player to get things done.”

“How are you with the masses?”

“If you mean like a raid, then I'd study the raid or instance first then join a group. I can follow instructions or guidelines really well. The last few games though I dabbled at being Raid Leader, so that was fun. It was easier than I expected.”

“The world now knows your place in battle. The specialization of leader has been born. The age and experience of your past life brings with it the War Fan of the Conqueror. You have been blessed with the ability to inspire the heart. You have obtained the title of Hero. The world is alive with chaos and wonders. If there was one wish what would you ask?”

“Wish? That's new. Then, in that case I would wish to be unique. Different from all the other players. Something awesome that would only be something I had. Like a superpower or ability. Or maybe something more personal to make it feel like I really did matter in the world? Yeah, that would be awesome.”

“The world has heard your wish, and has taken interest in you. However, there is not enough power in the world to grant it. As new souls fill the world, the wish can be granted in steps. Is this acceptable?”

“Yes, I guess?”

“Your wish is granted. As your soul descends into the world, remember this warning. A great boon has been bestowed upon you by the one true goddess, mother of the world. You are now a believer of the goddess, and have been adopted as the First Son. A great evil works to destroy all the goddess stands for. Beware, First Son.”

The voice faded with the room. Blackness took over. Small bits of light streamed past as he fell straight towards a planet. As he zoomed forward at impossible speeds something suddenly felt missing. He clutched his chest, wondering if that was the feeling of entering the game server for the first time.

#

Thursday 24th October 2042 8:00PM

Nick grit his teeth in anger. His heart pounded heavily, threatening to jump out of his chest.

It would hurt Tes, but it had to be done. Tes was his anyway, and he was tired of waiting. The only way to ensure Tes stayed with him was to get rid of the nuisance. There was only one way of permanently doing that.

First he knocked on the door. No answer meant the nuisance was already playing. Next, check if the door was unlocked. It was. He let himself inside, careful to use gloves. He'd prepared for this outcome a long time ago.

He checked each room as he passed. The entire first floor was empty. He crept up the stairs, the house completely silent. Each stair creaked ominously as he continued to check each room. As he opened one of the doors, he found Aleric asleep on his bed. The VLAM light glowed blue, showing he was online. He quietly made it to the edge of the bed, seeing Aleric's chest rise and fall.

It was this nuisance always getting in the way. Ever since he was young he'd always been set aside for this second-rate loser. If only he had thought of this sooner. Tes and he could have lived together sooner. All that lost time was this loser's fault. Time to put an end to it.

Out of his back pocket, underneath his jacket, he pulled out an eight-inch knife. It was decades old from his own house, so no one could track it. When he was done, he would go out and throw out the evidence into the Great Salt Lake. It was perfect.

He raised the knife, aiming to the right of the sternum. He swung down, feeling the knife grind against bone and tissue. He pulled it out with a sucking noise, then stabbed down again, this time hitting ribs and forcing it in between. The knife did not get stuck, so he struck again, lower in the abdomen. Some blood hit the walls, but not himself. He was done.

He stood back and watched as Aleric struggled. His body shook, but no response consciously. He would bleed out soon.

Nick turned around and went downstairs to the kitchen. He took some paper towels to wrap up the knife.

“Mew.”

He spun around, spotting a small calico kitten on the floor. It looked at him, impertinent. If he remembered right, this thing was given from Tes to Aleric. Another sign of their relationship. This could not be allowed.

He reached down, grabbing the cat, pushing it to the floor.

“Merrooow.”

It struggled uselessly. It clawed through his glove, digging into his skin. He swung down, the knife hitting the floor.

Thunk.

The body stilled. He pried the claws out of his hand, dropping the lifeless form to the floor. He finished wrapping the knife up. He grabbed more towels and exited the house, leaving it unlocked. Once outside he carefully stripped off the gloves and wrapped them up, sticking them in his jacket pocket.

He headed home to play. He would throw out the evidence another day. It would be suspicious if he was out and about just after the death.

#

Back in Aleric's room, the body convulsed. It shook for a few minutes, then slowly settled. The VLAM light turned green, showing a disconnect. Not detecting the life signature of it's host, the light turned red, then went dark.