Alternate Reality – 2034

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and the snow fell heavily on to the city of Baltimore. In the confines of the Landers Private Hospital, two people sat at a coffee table, using their phones while occasionally eating chips from an open bag. One one side was a man in his late teens or early twenties, his long, black hair nearly covering his blue eyes. He wore a patient’s gown, and seemed rather thin and weak. The other was a woman of roughly the same age, whose dirty blonde hair was tied up in a ponytail. She wore a branded maroon hoodie and black jeans, and a pair of black-framed glasses over her green eyes.

The man was named Alex, and the woman Grace. Alex was a patient who only recently awoke from a four month-long coma, and Grace was the daughter of the hospital owner, Albert Landers. The two had met over the game Endless Conquest. They were members of the same guild, and had been great friends during the time. On the same day as Alex’s coma, Endless Conquest shut down after becoming a net loss for the company, DA games. As he was playing at the time the game shut down, multiple media outlets hastened to blame DA for the event. Lending credence to their claim, DA’s CEO had also passed away at the same time while using the VR game.

While it was a serious problem for most Americans, Grace had found it to be the luckiest event in her life. Alex had never responded to her messages, even though they had promised to keep in touch after the game shut down. She did not think it would be a problem, as the two were genuinely close friends. Using her father’s money, she hired bought information about Alex’s web activity from Google. Surprisingly, she found it had completely stopped after Endless Conquest shut down.

She set out investigating the anomaly, and eventually discovered his identity. She was shocked to hear that he was the victim of the DA disaster and had been in the care of her family’s hospital the entire time. After visiting him, she was again stunned to find out that he was a male, as his character in the game had been female. She found it hilarious, however, as she had been using the opposite gender character like him. Once Alex had awoke, the two reunited and began their friendship again, though it would appear to some that Grace was trying to push it to be something more.

This “some” is me, as he only awoke a few weeks ago and still need to be in the hospital for physical therapy. Hello, my name is Isil von Lumina, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Yes, I know that my last name means “light” in the Earth language Latin, I’m still getting used to that myself. I come from the mystical world of Kalixkto. I am an elf, four hundred and thirty-eight years of age. My birthday, on Earth’s calendar, is May seventeenth. My favorite food is the Torra berries from the Great Kingdom of Eberheim. Though, in my opinion, they are not as great as they so proclaim.

My political views are unnecessary, however. I’m sure your wondering who I am, and why I exist. My name is that of the avatar of Alex had in his game of Endless Conquest. It is no coincidence, that. No, it is the exact reason why I exist in the first place. You see, from my own understanding, I was created for the first time on April 1, 2025 CE. I was hewn into existence by sorcerer of this world from the fabric of a new reality they had created. Although their physical body has since perished, a being able to create universes should not die so easily. I am sure his soul is somewhere, wandering.

As for why I am here, I am not yet sure. Alex had been trapped in his game-turned-reality, the two of us stuck in a body. I was a mere newly-created soul at the time, and cowered in front of the power of his impossibly natural soul. Of course, I am still not sure the difference between our two types of souls yet, but I assume it means his universe has existed longer, thus, if we assume the Eternal Soul Theory is correct, his soul has existed longer. Enough to suppress my own, as much as I have trained it.

It was infuriating at first, but I had no hatred to him. He was as much a victim in this as I. It took a long time for me to become adjusted to his majestic soul until I saw just how… human he was. It made talking to him much, much easier. Of course, I also saw how he was the equivalent of a toddler missing half their brain when it came to matters of the soul, but I’m nothing going to talk about that.

How did I end up here on Earth? Simple, really. I helped him find out a way back to Earth and was dragged along with him. We had my subordinates prepare a backup plan in case such a thing happened, but it would take some time before they actually found me. For now, we continue much of the same relationship. He controls the body, and I sit in the back of his head, eating cup noodles and trying to wrap my head around the finer concepts of science by looking at his memories of Wikipedia. A grueling experience.

I admit, I quite like the luxury here, it supersedes what even the wealthiest person back on Kalixkto could buy. It is envious, but I believe that I should eventually replicate the level of technology Earth has in Kalixkto within my lifetime. Though I cannot possibly remember every single permutation of science, I think I should be able to foster the concept of scientific reasoning within the people. After all, it is extremely similar to a mage’s approach to magic. I am not excited for the wars, however.

“Have you ever had a winter spice latte?” Grace asked, making lovey-dovey eyes at Alex, who refused to believe that a girl was interested in him.

“Never had coffee.” Alex replied nonchalantly.

“There’s a coffee shop on the first floor. Would you like to try some?”

“I’m good,” Alex said, completely missing the hint. “I’m fine with just sitting here, eating chips with you.”

“Alright then.” Grace nodded, containing her mirth.

You are good at this, you know? I told him.

Good at what? Testing to see if she’s open to considering being more than just friends? He thought back at me.

Ah, young love. So pure, so innocent. So fucking annoyingly hard to play matchmaker. I’ve tried, I really have tried. I consider him more of a friend than a maker, and he really has come through. So I’ve been trying to help him out by hooking him up with his newfound crush. Of course, it’s like herding cats. Completely pointless, as they refuse to follow the plan! I’ve never gotten married, or had a long-lasting relationship, so maybe I can’t be a great matchmaker, but I have four hundred years of experience! It’s not good experience, and most of it is crazed, adrenaline-filled, combat on the battlefield experience, but a tiny part of it IS love experience!

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

IT’S MORE THAT WHAT YOU GOT SO JUST LISTEN TO ME GODDAMMIT!

“Isn’t your family doing something for Christmas?” Alex asked after seeing an internet post (still not sure what website he’s using) about a friend’s Christmas vacation.

“Yeah,” Grace deflated as she spoke. “They’re going overseas to ski in Switzerland or something. I don’t talk to them much.”

“What? Why?” Alex asked, echoing my own thoughts.

“Well, they’re rich, and they think business. My dad, brother, and sister – they can all work the boardroom like leading a horse with a carrot. But me… I just don’t fit in with them. I mean, I love them and all, but, I just keep feeling like I’m not worthy of my own family name.”

“...” Alex was quiet.

I’ve seen very few people like her before. In Kalixkto, things are much more ruthless, and even the kindest people would stab you in the back to get your fancy enchanted sword. Earth humans, are by far the nicest I’ve ever seen a civilization. I’ve seen a lot in my years. Perhaps not as much as the King of Dreams or the Planeswalker, but I’m sure they have never seen this before. It’s beautiful, honestly.

Hey, Isil. Alex called out to me.

Let me guess, you want me to do something to make her happy? So predictable.

Yeah. Can you?

Of course. Who do you think I am?

A little soul with nearly no mana hiding in the back of my head.

Rephrase that or I’ll give you a headache.

Oh wow, so scary.

I didn’t bother gracing that with a reply.

Head up to the roof. I’ll give you a merry Christmas indeed.

Sounds kind of ominous, but okay. Alex replied and put away his phone.

“There’s something I want to show you. Come with me?” Alex stood up and asked.

“… Show me? What is it?” Grace asked, slipping her phone in her pocket.

“Just come on, you’ll like it.”

“If you say so.”

I guided him to the roof access stairs, which I had him sleepwalk to find within the first week. It was something I could do after our long cohabitation. For some moments at a time, when he either lets me, or is unconscious, I can take control of his body and do as I wish with it. Of course, anything life-threatening that might cause his self-preservation instincts to flare up would cause him to immediately supplant my control. Annoying, but understandable.

“Are you taking me to the roof? I should get my jacket.” Grace said, eyeing Alex suspiciously.

“No need,” I spoke through him. “We’ll be done quickly.”

“… Good thing we’re in a hospital and don’t have to worry about frostbite.”

“If anything, I’m the one who’s worried most about that.” Alex chuckled.

“If you say so.”

The two arrived at the top of the stairs. I used my magic to open the lock, and they stepped out onto the roof. Before a cold breeze could hit them, I warmed up the air around them, just enough so that they didn’t need the jacket. I had Alex walk out to the railing, which had been built tall to prevent suicidal patients from throwing themselves off the edge. I was surprised when I heard people committed suicide so much here. Back in Kalixkto, suicide was meant for those who had shamed themselves or were “dead anyway”, not because they lacked a will to live. I assume that’s because those that really did lack that will died quickly.

“It’s cold. What do you want to show me?” The soft snow stuck to her hair, taking some time to melt.

This is where I step in. I told him.

Work your magic, Christmas elf. He replied.

Do not call me a Christmas elf! I am nothing like them!

But it is Christmas, and your are an elf.

Oh just shut up and give me your body.

He let me, and I began to weave my magic. The snow around us swirled, making patterns in the air. Wisps of my silver mana left my palm and lit up the night around us. While Grace was distracted, I moved up and took her hand, pulling her close. She let out a shocked sound, but I swung her around as if we were dancing. I intensified up the magic, causing more than just sliver globes to move. Now there were green, red, white, yellow; the whole rainbow was there.

“I want you to know,” I spoke to her, pulling on Alex’s feelings to guide my words. “That you are important to me. I want to show this to you because I want, more than anything, to see your smile. So smile, enjoy this.” I smiled back, unleashing the majority of my magic to create figures of light dancing to a tune.

Grace looked around in awe, taking her time before turning back to face me and letting out a smile. The whole world lit up in response.

The two of us danced, my control slowly slipping away as I lost power. I would need to sleep a long time after this display. I had used up too much mana. It didn’t matter. Alex was happy, Grace was happy. I was happy for them as well. I used all the tricks in the book to make it perfect, and I applaud myself. No one else will.

“Grace,” Alex began to speak as my magic faded.

What are you doing? I ask, surprised at his sudden actions.

Just watch and listen. No talking.

I obliged him.

He grabbed Grace’s hands tightly as the cold began setting in. He looked into her eyes and despite the biting cold wind blowing into his eyes, he didn’t look away. Neither did she. In the pregnant silence, the two were the only people in the world.

“I have known you for about seven years now. I’ve known your face for only about a month. I might be jumping ahead, going to fast, but I have to say this now.” Alex’s voice serious.

“!!!” Grace seemed to almost squeak.

“You’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had, and you mean a lot to me. So, I ask you...”

The tension rose. His courage wavered. He wanted to back away, to not say it. I could help him. Just a little nudge for him to say yes. It would so easy, and my anxieties would ease instantly.

But I won’t.

This is all him.

“Will you go out with me?” He asked, almost a whisper.

Silence reigned. Grace was frozen still. For a few seconds, she didn’t move. When she answered, she didn’t answer with words.

She stood up on the tips of her toes, and pressed her lips up against his. I threw out the last of my mana, making a spectacular scene that dwarfed everything I had previously presented to them. It burst with their emotions and passions. It was not beautiful in design, but beautiful in emotion. I was happy, he was happy, she was happy. For a moment in a world filled with harsh realities, it was a moment completely fiction, yet… so real.

It was wonderful.

…

…

…

Too bad they closed their eyes when they kissed. They didn’t see a second of it.