[Chapter One : Reunion]

[February 13, Year XXXX]

[A day before the launching..._]

Sam's POV

Darkness...

That's all i can see, endless darkness. I don't know where I am, how I got here, nor how long I've been in this place. For all I know, I've been here since ---------- forever. And how long is forever? I too don't know. I've lost track of time. Does even time exist in this wrench place? I wonder.

A white door suddenly appeared like a sore thumb, just a few meters from where I lied. Curiosity driven, I slowly got into my feet and walk towards it. I wonder what could be on the other side. And so, I reach for the knob but before I could even touch it, the white mystical door opened on it's own volition. 

In front appears a vortex of colors, which I guess is a portal of some sort. I hesitated if I should take the risk and step into the myriad of colors or stay in this dark, endless void. But then, curiosity seems to get the best in me, so I chose the former.

I step through the vortex with my eyes tightly closed, afraid of the things that awaits on the other side. I opened my eyes and found myself in an another endless space, but this time it's white. 

I could feel the edges of my eyes were twitching wildly. 'Come on!' I groaned. Now I want to cry so so much. 'Do the heavens hate me that much??' But then, I realized crying won't provide me help in the slightest. Succumbing to despair won't, even.

'Now what?' I thought as I scan the endless white space. I couldn't really do anything. I'm already here, stuck for who knows how long. Besides the vortex was been long gone, might as well get familiarize with my new "living quarters". 

'As if someone will be here.' I snorted at the thought of it. But then I caught unto a shadowy figure miles away, walking towards my direction. 'Is it what I think it is?' My eyes shone like that of a kid on Christmas. I started sprinting with a hopeful smile etched onto my lips.

And I wasn't wrong, It really is a human. I could feel my eyes tearing up a bit. NOT. I am literally crying my hearts out and I don't care. After all, I've been all alone in that endless void for as long as I know.

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Someone's POV

Six years has passed since that dreadful day. People said I shouldn't blame myself for what had happened. But how could I not?? If only I didn't forced him to do such thing as meeting me, he shouldn't have to be in that state. He should have been here, by my side.

That innocence...

That beautiful smile...

And eyes of his that shines like that of the stars in the night sky...

I was dragged out of my trance by a voice I'm very much familiar with, Lzandre Reese, my brother. Half actually since were not of the same father but despite that, we're still very close.

"You OK?"  he asked. I just looked up at him, a mix of sorrow--guilt--pain--nervousness are visible on my face. I don't even know if it's something possible for such emotions yet it's there.

"I--I don't really know. I know I should be happy, excited even, because I can finally see him again but I...I just can't help but feel, you know, guilty.." I am so frustrated that I am pulling onto my hair, wishing that it would at least take away even a bit of remorse I'm feeling right now.

"Stop blaming yourself for what happened, it isn't your fault and you know that."

I hope I could.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"So, are you ready?" he asked, referring to the virtual pod version of the game, Freedom Online, he created and developed himself. I just nodded and slowly head to the pod.

"Great." he chimed.

Tomorrow is the supposed launching date of the game; however, today is an exemption since I was tasked to retrieve my beloved from the virtual space called 'Void' and bring him to a virtual house that was personally made for him because for the time being, he is to play the game to keep his motors working and lessen muscle degeneration or what the scientific research says. I closed my eyes, waiting for them to activate the machine, wondering how my beloved looks like right now or if he still remember me which I kinda doubt, after all it's been 6 years since we met.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing in a white room. A series of 0's and 1's are rising up to the ceiling in a straight line, disappearing into who knows where. 'Codes, probably.' I thought.

"Kai, can you hear me?" 

"Crystal."

"Good, now do you per chance see a door?" he asked. I, of course, searched for one. On my far left, a black colored door slowly materlialized.

"Yep."

"Walk through it." He said or more like ordered.

As I walk towards it, I noticed it's actually a vortex rather than a door like I thought it would be. No wonder he said 'walk through'. I enter the swirling vortex which lead me to another white space. 

"Do you see him?" My eyes wander around the endless white space and saw a figure not too far from where I was.

"Yeah." I walk ever so slowly in his direction, feeling excited to see him again. Fluttering butterflies evaded my stomach as our distance shorten bit by bit with every passing seconds.

I was shocked to see his face stained with tears. And before I knew it, Sam already tackled me down into the ground. He was hugging me tightly as he continue crying on my chest. I tried to restrain myself from hugging him but with all the longing that has build up for the past 6 years, I was unable to do so. I found myself caressing my beloved. 

My Sam.

"Sniff...huhu.. F-finally, a person. I-I've been s-so--sniff---lonely for so l-long..huhu." he cried. I guess, he doesn't remember me. Well it's understandable after all I matured and got taller after 6 years.

"I'm sorry. I took a while but worry not, I will never ever gonna leave you again. I promise." I whispered.

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Sam cried himself to sleep while still holding on to me. 'I guess, despite everything that had and will happen, there are things that will remain to a person. He still have his iron grip.' I carried him into my arms and slowly got up from the lying position we were in.

"You ready to teleport?" Lzandre suddenly spoke which cause me to stumble a little. It scared the hell out of me. He seems to enjoy my reaction as I can hear him snicker in the background. I was glad he did though because I nearly forgot he's still even there.

"Yeah." I replied while looking at the sleeping beauty in my arms.

[TELEPORTATION] In Progress...INITIALIZING in54321

And were gone.

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Hi everyone! Thanks for reading 'Freedom Online'. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'll try my very best to make this story better. 

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