.Hack//Escape Chapter 5: Midge Field 22nd January 2004
The characters and plot in this story are copyrighted by the author. However the concept of 'The World' is not. I take no credit for this; the credit belongs to Bandai Entertainment who used the concept in the animation series .Hack//Sign, .Hack//Dusk and .Hack//Liminality. (Pronounced Dot Hack)
For those of you who have never watched any of Dot Hack before I suggest you read the excerpt about it from the official site that I included with chapter 1.
I woke with a start as my bedside alarm went off. Great, another day of school to look forward to. I sighed to myself as I looked around my room, wishing that there was some way to get the day off but at least I have something to look forward to afterwards. I walked to the shower catching a glimpse of the calendar on the way past, wait a minute... I ran back to the calendar hoping that I had read it right. Yes! Today is Saturday, my heart leapt with joy and I began to dance around my room in celebration. I know every kid loves the weekend because they don't have to go to school but for me it was extra special, it meant two days without the constant humiliation and the bullying. I can't believe I forgot what day it is! The last couple of days must have given me so much to think about it must have skipped my mind. I pinched myself making sure I was still awake and this wasn't all a dream. This all seemed too good to be true; saving and making friends with Michael, Dad's shift change and the sudden appearance of the weekend. Oh well, it's about time good things started happening to me!
I jumped in the shower still thinking it must be all a dream. As I sat there thinking about my experiences so far in The World I found myself getting turned on as I remembered my experiences with Michael. I moved my hand down and began stoking my six inches as I remembered his smile, his voice, and his touch. God, I loved everything about him. I kept this up for a few minutes before I finally climaxed all over the shower. My body began to shiver when I finished and I collapsed against the shower wall. As I stood there trying to catch my breath and recover from one of the most intense orgasms of my life I suddenly realized that the boy I was fantasizing about was probably already in The World waiting for me to show up, it was the weekend after all. I quickly finished my shower while buzzing with anticipation of meeting him again.
After I was showered and dressed I went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. I wonder where Dad is. He doesn't work on weekends so he must be around somewhere, which means I must tread carefully. I also have to remember to lock my door when I log into The World. Shit would really hit the fan if he came into my room while I was logged in. I poured myself some Coco-Pops and opened the fridge to get myself some milk. As I closed the fridge I noticed a piece of paper that was taped to the door which was covered with my Dads messy handwriting.
Jim, I'll be out fishing with friends today and I should be back around 4pm, I've locked the door so don't even think about trying to sneak out. Dad
I looked at my watch which said it was ten past eight. So that gives me nearly eight hours in The World before Dad gets home. I ate my breakfast in a hurry and rushed to my room. I smiled to myself as I put the headset on and began the login process; my whole body was shaking with anticipation. Come on! How long does it take to log in? Hurry up!
Ahhh... I let out a sigh of relief as I found myself standing in Lut Kalen wearing my sorcerer robes and holding my blue orbed staff in my hand. I looked around at all the people passing by me. As always it made me happy that they were just passing by me and weren't stopping to make hurtful comments or bully me like passers by do in the real world. I was so glad that none of them knew my secret. My heart jumped as I remembered that Dave and his group now knew I was gay, had they told anyone yet? I hope not, otherwise this world may turn out to be as unfriendly as the real one if the general population in here was alerted to my sexuality. And what about that Romero weirdo? He said he wouldn't tell anyone but after seeing what he was capable of in the alley I wasn't sure if I could trust him with such an important secret. It's not like I had a choice though, he said he could tell I was gay when he first saw me. I sighed to myself, why can't everyone just look at the other aspects of me rather than just homing in on my sexual preferences? If they all would just mind their own business the real world and even this world would be a lot more bearable for a person like me. Oh well, time to go and find Michael.
My worried thoughts stayed with me as I began to walk over towards the square where the chaos gate was situated. As I reached the square I felt a hand clasp onto my shoulder and I turned to see a very angry group of boys led by an even angrier looking leader. Peter wasn't with them again for some reason. I looked into Dave's eyes as he tightened his grip on me and I could still see traces of the psychotic rage that I had witnessed yesterday on his face.
"You're dead Articus," he said with a glare.
Shit, these are the last people I wanted to see in The World today yet they're actually the first I actually see, great. The situation doesn't look good; there are four of them and only one of me. But wait! We're not allowed to fight in town so there is no reason for me to be afraid of them. As I realized this I smiled at Dave who had obviously realized the same thing and he released his grip on my shoulder and moved back a couple of steps. It was time to get him back for all of the horrible things he'd done to Michael,
"No I'm not Dave, as you can all see I'm very much alive at the moment," I answered. "Geez Dave you're not very smart, all brawn and no brains I'm afraid," I added with a grin.
Dave's expression turned from dislike to rage in a second and he drew his sword. "Why you little shit, nobody makes fun of me, I'll..."
"Excuse me is there a problem here?"
We were interrupted by a man who wore a scarlet outfit which was covered in places by thick armor. He wore a helmet that covered his whole face except for his mouth and it had two horns coming out the top which gave him a very warlike appearance. He had two glowing red balls attached to his helmet that covered his eyes. I'd never seen a scarlet knight before but it was easy to deduce that this guy was one not only from his appearance but also from his voice and posture. The way he stood there just screamed out authority and his voice commanded respect.
"Ummm... nothing sir, we were just talking," Dave answered nervously as he cowered under the glare from the knight. It was actually quite a funny sight, I've never seen Dave cower or even look remotely nervous before. He always acted like he was superior to everyone around him. Well, it was about time that he realized that he isn't the most powerful one around.
"I see," the knight answered as the two orbs covering his eyes began to glow a piercing red. "Well how about you and your friends go talk somewhere else and leave this boy alone."
"Yes sir," Dave answered in a nervous tone and after signaling his group to follow him, he began to walk away. I watched him as he retreated and he turned his head around and glared at me for a couple of seconds, long enough to give me a message; this wasn't over, not by a long shot. I let out a sigh of relief and turned to look at the knight, who was smiling at me,
"Thanks a lot," I said as I smiled back.
"No problem son, don't let those bullies get to you. However I must warn you that if you are not in town and they attack you then I can do nothing about it because technically they aren't breaking any rules. Attacking and defeating other players for experience is all part of the game. However from the look of that lot they don't really care about the experience, they just want to hurt people. Am I right?"
I nodded, that sounds like Dave and his gang alright. I'd doubt that the attack on Michael yesterday was for the gain of experience, in fact Dave offered the experience from the kill to me.
"And by the looks of you I can tell that you're fairly new to The World so if I were you I'd concentrate on leveling up so you don't have to worry about people like them making your time in here a misery."
I nodded again and the knight turned and walked off the other way. I thought about what he said with regards to Dave and the others targeting me outside of the Town Areas, I really do need to level up if that's the case. Out in the real world I'm constantly being beaten up by bullies, I'd have to become powerful with my ice magic if I want to avoid the same fate in here. But how can I level up if Dave and his posse are always looking for me? I guess I'll have to wait and see what Michael has to say about the matter. Speaking of which, I'd better get moving! I walked up to the chaos gate and yelled "Midge Village" and I closed my eyes, smiling to myself at the thought of finally meeting Michael again. It was less than a day since we'd last met but for me it felt like a week!
As I opened my eyes I found myself standing in the middle of a small village next to a chaos gate. The whole village was just one street that had mainly shops and a few houses lined up on each side. I began to frantically scour the street for Michael, it seemed like he wasn't here yet. I began to walk down one side of the street looking at the shops as I waited for him to show up. As I looked at the many potions and power ups that were being sold I heard a tone sound which meant that I had an email sent to me, "Open," I said as I wondered who it could be from. It could only be from two people, Peter or that Romero weirdo. The small screen appeared in front of me displaying the email;
Hey Articus, I just wanted to say that I think it was really cool what you did yesterday, but I'm sorry that your plan didn't work out. I knew that the way you were running led to a dead end but I couldn't communicate that fact to you without angering the others even further. I just hope that when Dave and the others caught you both they didn't make you suffer too much before they finished you off. Sometimes Dave goes over the edge, especially when it comes to dealing with homosexuals. Well since I'm on his shit list and none of the others are talking to me at the moment because of my refusal to participate in his bullying yesterday, I was wondering if you wanted to come and level up in mushroom field for a while. I'll be standing by the chaos gate in the main town area. Peter
I sighed to myself. There was no way I was going to ditch seeing Michael again to go meet up with Peter. I felt guilty though because Peter seemed like a really great guy and he'd helped me a lot when it came to learning about my ice magic and how to use it. I'd have to email back and tell him no. But I'll definitely have to meet up with him soon; he's too much of a nice of a guy to just blow off completely. It was funny for some reason that he thought that Michael and I were killed but he couldn't have known about Michael's Sprite Ocarina so it seemed logical that he assumed we were caught and killed by Dave and his group. Even I assumed that we were finished until Michael transported us out of there. That ocarina seemed very useful; I'd have to find out where I can get one from Michael. I pressed the reply button on the little screen with my hand and began to dictate my response to it. Thank God I'd read the manual! Without it I'd have no idea how to send or receive emails.
"Hi Peter, new line. It turns out we weren't killed yesterday. We got to the dead end and I thought we were finished but it turns out Michael had a Sprite Ocarina and he transported us out of there. As for your invitation I'm sorry but I have other things to do today and I can't make it. But I'd be happy to go out with you some other time. New line, Articus. Send."
There, that didn't seem too harsh. I really hope Peter isn't offended by my refusal to go with him but I can't wait to see...
"Well, aren't we here early?"
My whole body tensed as I realized who that voice belonged to. I turned and my knees nearly gave way as I looked straight into his eyes, it was him! It was really him! He stood there smiling at me with one hand on his hip and the other holding his staff. No! Not that staff! I giggled at my own private joke and he began to grin,
"What are you giggling about?" He asked.
"Nothing," I replied. "It's just really good to see you."
"L-Likewise," he replied nervously, suddenly reverting back to his shy personality for some reason. "So, ummm... do you like, wanna hang out with me today?" He asked while beginning to blush.
"Okay, sure!" I replied with maybe too much enthusiasm. God, I'm such a dork! Take it easy Jim, just take it easy!
His face lit up once I said that and he beckoned me to follow him. We both began to walk down the main street of the village in silence. As we walked my brain was trying to come up with something to say. Damn! This is just like yesterday, I'd think of something to say to break the tension and I'd turn to him to say it. Then he'd look at me with those hypnotic blue eyes and then my whole mind would empty of all thought and I would just gawk at him. I can't even walk straight when I'm around this kid let alone have a normal conversation! But judging by his silence he had trouble talking as well for some reason. This is stupid! I have to say something... I was about to speak when he beat me to it,
"W-W-Why don't we go out to Midge Field? It's near the village and only has low level monsters so there won't be any hard fights out there."
"Okay, sure," I replied. Whew! I'm glad that he broke the silence! If I had tried I'm sure my words would have just come out in Japanese!
It was strange but after that initial exchange of words we began to talk more freely after that. Nothing of importance was discussed, we just talked about The World and how awesome it was to be able to perform magic. But as we reached the field Michael suddenly turned to me with a serious expression on his face,
"Look Articus, I really want to thank you for what you did for me yesterday. Without your help I couldn't have escaped Dave and his gang. I'm sorry that you had to expose your secret for me; you didn't have to though... I'm not worth that."
He jumped back as I spun around to face him with an angry look on my face. "No Michael, No!" I yelled. "You are worth that! I'd tell my secret to millions just to be with you!"
He looked at me with tears in his eyes, "Articus, what are you saying?"
"Call me Jim, Michael. That's my real name and I have no problems telling it to you. Listen..." I paused, my mind suddenly going blank. Dammit! Why does this always happen whenever I have something important to say?
"I love you," I blurted out. Wait, did I actually say it? I'm not sure; I could have imagined it, maybe I...
My thoughts were interrupted by Michael touching his lips to mine and that's all it was, our lips touching. It wasn't even a kiss, but to me, it meant everything. It meant the boy of my dreams has the same feelings for me as I have for him! He moved his head back quickly and I took a deep breath as he looked at me nervously. I felt different, like I had been reborn. I felt like I had everything I've ever wanted, I smiled at Michael and he returned it with a gleam in his eyes.
"I love you too Jim. I don't know what it is about you but ever since I've started to hang around with you I feel different, I feel complete."
I nearly fainted on the spot! He said it! He loves me! He really loves me! This perfect boy standing in front of me actually loves me! What are the chances of that?
What happened next I had absolutely no control over. I began to lean forward. I couldn't stop! Not like I wanted to stop anyway but it felt like our lips were magnetically attracted! We kissed for about ten seconds, both of us only using a very small amount of tongue. I'm glad he's as nervous about this whole thing as I was! We stopped and both began to giggle nervously. I leaned back in for another kiss but then Michael raised his hand up to stop me. I looked at him in confusion,
"Sorry Jim," he whispered. "But there are people looking and we're not supposed to have any sexual contact at all The World. Even just kissing is breaking the rules."
The look on his face told me that he was as frustrated as I was about the rules of The World. This is just like the real world, where any sexual contact between males is frowned upon. The only difference in this world is that heterosexual couples have to abide by the rules as well so at least it's fair. I sighed to myself and looked around to see who was watching. I spotted two men who looked to be in their thirties frowning in our direction. Great, once again everybody else is minding my business and preventing me from being happy. I looked back at Michael, who smiled nervously at me,
"Lets get out of here; those two guys are making me feel uncomfortable." I agreed and we began to walk through Midge Field looking for some monsters to fight.
As we walked my mind was still spinning from the tender kiss that we had shared a few moments ago. This all felt like a dream, as a matter of fact everything that had happened today felt like a dream. I pinched myself again to really make sure I wasn't dreaming and Michael looked at me with an amused expression on his face,
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm just checking for the second time today that I'm not dreaming. I don't think I've ever been this happy, I just love you so much Michael." I felt a lump form in my throat, oh great! Here come the water works! I couldn't help it! I just felt so happy! Michael stopped walking and looked at me with tears in his eyes.
"You've only pinched yourself twice? Jim, ever since I've met you my whole life has turned around. I can actually see the point of living again..."
It took me a few seconds to register what he had said. "The point of living," I repeated. "What do you mean Michael?" I asked in a nervous tone, not sure of what he meant.
He suddenly looked very shocked at what he had said and an uncomfortable silence descended on us for a few moments before he began to speak,
"Ummm... nothing! Just forget I said that! What I mean is that I've pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming at least ten times since I've met you. You're like a dream come true to me Jim, thank you."
My mind was still trying to work out what he had meant by his earlier statement. He had seemed so serious when he had mentioned it, like he had really lost the will to live before he had met me. This made me wonder what his life is like outside The World, it must be pretty horrific if he'd lost the will to live! I've had pretty bad experiences in my real life but the idea of killing myself had never crossed my mind, it just seemed too extreme. I looked up at Michael and he was watching me nervously, waiting for what I was going to say. I decided to ignore his comment and talk about something else so he wouldn't feel bad about himself.
"Michael, I just can't believe that you feel the same way about me than I do about you. And whatever happens, I want you to know that I will always love you and will never leave your side." Without thinking I leaned in to kiss him again. I couldn't help it! I swear that there's something on his lips that creates a pulling effect on my face! He once again held up his hand to stop me as he looked behind us.
I turned around and saw two girls about our age who were glaring at us in a very rude way I could nearly read their thoughts from their facial expressions, 'Oh my God! Were those two boys going to kiss just then? Sick!' I sighed to myself as they finally turned around and walked away.
"Let's go kill some monsters," I suggested to Michael. He agreed and we walked further into the field. "Do you know a good place where we can go hunt?" I asked him.
"Yeah, there's a dungeon area just over this hill. All the monsters in there are low levels but there are heaps of them so it should be good experience."
"Sounds good, I should be able to grow a few levels and maybe even get some new Ice Spells. What level are you?" I asked.
"I'm level 5," he answered. I don't really level up all that much I just come into the game to get away from him... I mean you know, ummm... school. I looked at him trying to work out what's going on. He must have sensed my confusion at his little slip up and looked away. "You?" He asked while looking the other way.
Once again I decided to not talk about what he said. "I'm level 2," I answered, unable to hide my worried tone. He must have picked up on that too because his hands began to shake.
"Are you alright?" I asked him, now extremely worried. I stopped walking and grabbed his free hand and looked into his eyes.
"Yeah... yeah, I'm alright. Sorry, I'm just not feeling too well, that's all." He moved his hand back to his side and suddenly began to walk forward again so I starting walking again too. I kept sneaking worried glances at him and when he caught me for the third time he let loose a fake laugh,
"Look, I'm alright. Ok?" He said in a reassuring tone.
"Yeah, I was just a little worried there for a second," and managed a fake laugh of my own to try and relieve the tension. He just smiled and we kept walking up the hill. At that moment I made myself a promise to try and find out what happens to him in his real life. Hmmm... he said something about getting away from him, maybe his Dad beats him as well but for some reason, it seemed like it was more than that. There was a awkward silence following us at that moment so I tried to get rid of it by asking him when I would learn new spells. It seemed to bring him out of his shell again.
"You won't learn any new spells until you reach level 10. Or that's what other ice sorcerers have told me. It's fortunate that you've chosen to be an ice sorcerer, apparently they're one of the most powerful characters."
Damn! Level 10 huh? That could take ages! We made it up the hill and a small temple was situated about twenty feet in front of us. We kept walking and made our way to the entrance and climbed down some steps into darkness. As we walked a few more steps torches on the wall lit up on both sides of us. Ok! This was creepy! We walked through the lit passage way for about a minute before we reached one of those portals that teleport monsters into The World.
"How are we going to do this?" I asked.
"Well, I reckon we should both hit it with an ice blast when it teleports in. That should be enough to kill it; it's only a low level after all."
"Okay," I replied. "Let's go!"
We both walked up to the portal and as we got closer it began to glow and after a few seconds a weird creature jumped out of it. It was about three foot tall and it had the head of a crocodile and the body of a human. It stood there growling at us for a few moments and then it suddenly charged us with its mouth wide open, bearing its teeth.
"Ice Blast!" We both yelled at the same time and our streams of blue hit the monster and shattered it into pieces. As the pieces were melting into the ground a chest appeared, I ran over to it and opened it to find a health potion inside.
"You can keep it," Michael said with a smile. "Consider it payback for the one you used on me yesterday." I smiled back at him as I put the potion in my belt.
We spent the next two hours walking through the dungeon defeating monsters, growing levels and collecting items. At the end of this time I had grown two levels and Michael had grown one. We also got heaps of health and mana potions from the chests but we didn't get anything else. When I asked him about the items Michael explained that we'd get better stuff once we took on higher level monsters. There were other people wondering around the dungeon so we didn't get any chances to act on our desires for each other even though it was really hard to hold back. By the end of the two hours I was using all of my energy just to stop myself from kissing those sweet rosy lips of his. He must have been sensing that I was feeling uncomfortable not being able to do anything because out of nowhere he asked nervously,
"D-Do you want to go back to the village so we can... you know... have some time alone?"
"Um... Ok, sure." I said biting my tongue to hide the great surges of joy that I felt inside. Wait a minute... did he say the village?
"But Michael there's more people in the village than there is out here in the field. How are we going to get time alone?" I asked.
He smiled at the question and replied, "Don't you worry about that. Well, we won't actually be alone but we'll be around others who are like us and they won't care what we do."
"Are you talking about those guys I saw you hanging around with the other day?"
"Yeah," He answered. "Well, are you ready? It'll be quicker if we use the Sprite Ocarina, grab my hand."
I did as he instructed and he grabbed his ocarina out of his robes and yelled "Midge Village." I lurched forward as we were being transported to a place where we can finally get some time alone and be ourselves. Once again, it all seemed too good to be true.
End of Chapter 5.
-{BM}-