It was a brilliant summer’s day in the city of Melbourne. It was mid afternoon, and at this time the Gaming Lounge was usually packed with gamers of all sorts, even D&D enthusiasts. However, it was practically barren. Even the manager had taken the day off. Why? That very day, the annual Australian game expo was being held in Melbourne’s Federation Square. And no Australian gamer wanted to miss it. Even the popular online game World of Warcraft had its very own booth.

WoW SPOKESPERSON – So as you can see, this latest release marks an important day in the history of World of Warcraft! With an extra six races, ten new classes, and… Yes, what is it? You in the back?

One of the nearby gamers had their hand in the air.

GAMER – Uh, yeah. I think I’m in the wrong place.

WoW SPOKESPERSON – Don’t you want to see what Blizzard has to offer this year?

GAMER – No thanks. I need to meet up with some friends at the Virtual Fight booth.

The gamer walked out of the tent, while the spokesperson looked around in astonishment. The small crowd that had amassed were beginning to follow the lone gamer. He wore a blue t-shirt, with a long-sleeved white undershirt, white pants, brown shoes with light brown patterns and had his brown hair arranged into three triangular tufts. His name was Michael, and he was the top player on Virtual Fight.
As Michael passed one of the tents, he noticed two people waving him in. The boy was slightly shorter and had messy blonde hair, while the girl had short brown hair. Their names were Isaac and Felicity, and they were also top Virtual Fight players. They were good, and a part of Michael’s famous team, but they didn’t quite match up to the skill of Michael and his best friend, Shadow Knuckles. Speaking of, Shad was supposed to be there today. Maybe Michael would finally meet him in person…

ISAAC – Dude, where have you been? Heath’s been stalling for time, talking about the graphics and crap.

MICHAEL – Sorry, I got caught up at some other booth. Where’s Shad?

FELICITY – All right, his name is Hayden and he’s behind the curtains, where YOU should be! You’ll easily recognise him, don’t worry. And good luck out there.

MICHAEL – I’ll be fine, with or without luck.

Michael slipped into the curtains, walking carefully on the wooden flooring. In front of him, standing to the side of the main stage, were two more people. One he recognised instantly as Athala, Virtual Fight’s head artist. She wore the same clothes as ever, but this time had shorter red-and-black hair and glasses. There was a red streak going down the back of her head from the fringe, and it spread out to the sides as it reached the tips of her hair. The other one, although familiar, didn’t look like any echidna Michael had ever seen. He was a boy of about 14, wearing a long-sleeved black shirt and blue jeans. However, what caught Michael’s eyes was the youth’s hair. It was black, and came down in red-tipped dreadlocks. Just like his character on Virtual Fight.

HAYDEN – Mikau?

MICHAEL – Call me Michael, thanks. How’s Heath doing out there?

“Athala” turned to face Michael. Her real name was Tegan, but Michael was used to calling her Athala, so he dubbed it her name whenever he thought of her. He knew better than to call her by the wrong name, though.

TEGAN – He’s doing great, actually. Everyone’s amazed by the gameplay videos; I guess it goes to show that Siân and I did a good job on the art. *pause* That’s Amaterasu’s real name.

MICHAEL-HAYDEN – Ooooohhhhh.

TEGAN [hissing] – Psst! Heath! The kids are here!

The man on stage glanced across nervously. He was dressed all in red clothing, and had short blonde hair. He wasn’t a Magikoopa at all, to Michael’s disappointment.

HEATH – Ah, yes! And now, we here at Virtual Fight give you the game’s top rated players; Mikau and Shadow Knuckles!!!

Michael and Hayden walked on stage to tumultuous applause; they didn’t know of the virus issue that plagued Virtual Fight previously, but what they did know was that the two had helped to secure a victory against the admins. Well, technically Heath and Shad never finished their fight, but they were given titles as winners anyway.

HEATH – Now, the two will activate their capsules and log on, and then we’ll show you the battle system in all its glory!

Michael bent down to the small circular object on the ground, and pushed a blue button on the side. Half of it rose up while extracting a glass wall, and Michael then walked inside of the capsule. The gap in the wall closed, and he spoke his user ID and password aloud in the soundproof tubing. Hayden had done the same, and their eyes began to close as they entered the game.
The screen above them changed to show the grassy fields that the two players had had many a practice fight upon. However, back then Mikau had always come out on top, and Shad had fallen. Now, the two were evenly matched. The two looked different from usual, since the admins had kindly offered to edit their characters. They hadn’t gotten a complete overhaul, but had their appearances fixed up. On top of that, Mikau had gotten a new Limit Break.

NICK NAME: Mikau
WEAPON(S): Blue Beam Sword (Sword), Piko Piko Blaster (Arm Cannon)
ARMOUR: Proto Shield (Shield)
APPEARANCE: Human, brown hair, triangular tufts of brown hair poking out underneath long blue hat, blue tunic, white undershirt, white pants, red belt, brown running shoes with light brown patterns.
CLASS: Spellsword
FAVOURED (STATS): Attack, Speed, Magic Attack
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): Electricity
ADDED SKILLS: None
LIMIT BREAK: Blue Storm (Electric)
TECHS: Blue Thunderbolt (Magic, Electric, Ranged), Whirling Sword (Physical, Electric, Close), Transform (???), Blue Voltage (Magic, Electric, Ranged), Blue Thunder Coat (Electric), Blue Shockwave (Magic, Electric, Ranged)

NICK NAME: Shadow Knuckles, Shad
WEAPON(S): Shapeshifter (Currently Shadow Blade)
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Echinda, black with dreadlocks. Red tips on dreadlocks, red streaks on arms and legs. Red eyes. Shoes are red with green puffy socks, and have grey lego-ish blocks on top, with yellow streaks either side. Gloves are white and finger-less. Backs of index and middle fingers are red, but otherwise all fingers are black.
CLASS: Brawler/Spellsword
FAVOURED (STATS): Attack
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): Fire
ADDED SKILLS: Glide, Wall Climb, Dig, Spin Attack
LIMIT BREAK: Chaos Blast (Plasma)
TECHS: Flame Dash (Dual Stat, Fire, Close), Fira Dash (Dual Stat, Fire, Close), Firarga Dash (Dual Stat, Fire, Close), Fire (Magic, Fire, Ranged), Fira (Magic, Fire, Ranged), Firarga (Magic, Fire, Ranged), Flame Coat (Fire), Chaos Arrow (Magic, Plasma, Ranged), Chaos Arrow Barrage (Magic, Plasma, Ranged), Chaos Fist (Dual Stat, Plasma, Close), Chaos Control (???)

MIKAU – No holding back!

SHAD – Anything goes!

BOTH – BATTLE!!!

Shad blasted forwards with a Fira Dash, while Mikau placed his right hand on the ground.

MIKAU – Blue Shockwave!

Energy pumped from his arm and into the ground, then erupted into a moving surge of blue electricity. Shad was blasted backwards, but quickly got to his feet. Mikau laughed, and summoned his pet dragon Protos. Shad summoned his new pet, Surge the Shadow Knuckles Chao. It looked a lot like him, too. This would be a new challenge for Mikau… But he didn’t care. He was playing Virtual Fight for the first time in what felt like ages, and he was having fun. It wasn’t about playing to win; he’d had about enough of that. He needed to practice what he preached, and just have fun with the game…

*

MATT – So, you’re sure that Mikau said to meet him here?

AZZA – Positive, I caught up with him on MSN just last night.

Azza was a 16-year-old with a long-sleeved red shirt, and denim jeans to match. His hair was blonde and smooth, coming into three spikes on the front. His friend Matt was taller, and 17 years old. He wore black jeans, a leather jacket and had messy red hair. He didn’t look at all like the Goomba he used to be on Virtual Fight.

AZZA – So, how’s your new character working out for you?

MATT – Great, great. I changed him into a human with the help of the admins, and gave him ninja-like gear. He’s an assassin, and I managed to keep some of the old techs from Goomba-body.

AZZA – Still got your Bob-Ombs?

MATT – They’re more like bombs now.

MICHAEL – Azza!

FELICITY – Matt?

Michael, Felicity, Isaac and Hayden came walking into view. They easily recognised Azza due to the hair he shared with his character, but Matt looked completely different. Then again, it’d be weird if he were a mushroom.

MATT – Yeah, it’s me. I look different, huh?

ISAAC – Wow, no smart-ass remarks? I thought you’d have a field day after Hayden and Michael’s match.

The aforementioned gamers laughed; they’d been a bit rusty after a bit of a break, but otherwise good.

MATT – Nah, I’m really only an ass on the Internet. Just… Something about it… Intriguing…

AZZA – So, what’ve you lot been up to?

HAYDEN – Not much from me. I mean, I only came to this expo because the admins asked me to. I’d rather be home, playing some Capture the Flag on Virtual Fight.

MATT – Y’know, it’s kind of weird that they decided to include so many new features with this release. Capture the Flag, Player-Made Dungeons… I mean, I’m happy with it and all, but I much prefer the new worlds they’ve added. Finally, we can see an ocean on Virtual Fight!

MICHAEL – Yeah, I s’pose you’re right. But then again, the new features will keep me distracted from fighting people. And God knows, I need to stop taking that so seriously.

FELICITY – Hey Mike, wanna check out the Sony booth?

MICHAEL – Aww… Can we swing by Nintendo afterwards?

ISAAC – Sony and Nintendo? I am SO there!

AZZA – Suit yourself, I wanna see if they’re showing any game design programs. Matt?

MATT – I’ll probably look for some FPS games.

HAYDEN – Hate to break up from the gang, but I don’t feel like hanging around. My brothers are starting Virtual Fight today, and I need to get home to show them around anyway.

MICHAEL – Ah well… I’ll see you around then.

HAYDEN – Don’t worry, you will!

They waved goodbye, and went their separate ways.

*

ZIP – Ooh, Hayden! Hayden!

WULF – Big bro!

As Hayden stepped out of the elevator, his two little brothers ran down the hallway and dragged him by the arm.

HAYDEN – Zip, Wulf, slow down! I can walk by myself!

The two kept walking, with Zip grinning enthusiastically. His real name was Rowan, and he was 8 years old. He had red hair, with two dreadlocks either side coming down to his neck. He had skate shoes similar to Shadow the Hedgehog’s, only green and they didn’t shoot fire. Wulf was 10, had messy blonde hair and looked like a wild child. He was poorly groomed, and had long nails. This was one of the rare occasions he was wearing shoes, too.

HAYDEN – What’s the rush, anyway?

WULF – Nalec’s here!

HAYDEN – He is!?

Hayden stopped walking and shook himself free from Wulf and Zip. Hayden ran the rest of the way, through the apartment door and ran straight into his older brother.

HAYDEN – Oof! Geeze, sorry Nalec…

NALEC – You kidding? I didn’t feel a thing.

Nalec had red hair like Zip, and it was brought into a ponytail. He often wore simple clothing, fit for any occasion really.

HAYDEN – Hey, I’ve got to show you my new game! I got it down at the expo, it’s called…

NALEC – Uh, Hayden, I was just going. I have to go for a job interview, if I’m late there’s no way I’ll get it.

HAYDEN – Oh… That’s okay, I mean, it’s not like you’ll never come home again, right?

NALEC – That’s the spirit!

Nalec ruffled Hayden’s hair, then walked out briskly. Zip and Wulf walked slowly in, shutting the door behind them. Hayden sighed, then walked into his room. He had to show his brothers the game anyway…

*

MAY – So, he just left? Barely a goodbye?

SHAD – Yeah, but I got my hair shaken up if that counts.

The whole gang, plus three were sitting around the newest harbour on Virtual Fight (Marnine). It was a simple city, not as advanced as Metropolarity, and it had a lighthouse and plenty of boats. The gang were also accompanied by Zip, Wulf and May’s little sister of nine years Hope; they were now to be know as Zipper, Wolfbane and… Well, Hope.

NICK NAME: Zipper
WEAPON(S): None
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Hedgehog, red fur, quills with black streaks. Has black markings around the eyes similar to Shadow’s, with green eyes. Round golden earrings, and has dreadlocks coming down beside his ears. Has a white crest on chest, black streaks on arms and black streaks on legs. Has green skates and gloves like Shadows’, sans cuffs.
CLASS: Brawler
FAVOURED (STATS): Speed, HP
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): Fire
ADDED SKILLS: Spin Attack
LIMIT BREAK: None
TECHS: Chaos Arrow (Magic, Plasma, Ranged), Fire (Magic, Fire, Ranged)

NICK NAME: Wolfbane
WEAPON(S): None
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Wolf, yellow fur and dragon-like blue wings. Has no gloves or shoes, and large claws for scratching with. Has a rough, furry white crest and a short wolf tail. Dark blue eyes.
CLASS: Aerial Brawler
FAVOURED (STATS): Defense, Magic Defense
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): Wind
ADDED SKILLS: Spin Attack, Flight
LIMIT BREAK: None
TECHS: Aero (Magic, Wind, Ranged), Air Tackle (Dual Stat, Wind, Close)

NICK NAME: Hope
WEAPON(S): Hope Buster (Arm Cannon)
ARMOUR: Robotic Skin (Light-Weight Body Armour)
APPEARANCE: Humanoid robot, smooth blonde hair mostly hidden by pink helmet. A small blonde pony tail pokes out from the back of the helmet, tied by a green ribbon. Body armour is white, with pink spandex, gloves and boots.
CLASS: Gunner
FAVOURED (STATS): Speed, MP
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): Plasma
ADDED SKILLS: None
LIMIT BREAK: None
TECHS: Air Cannon (Magic, Wind, Ranged), MiniBomb (Magic, Melee, Thrown)

NICK NAME: May, Pokémon Master
WEAPON(S): May Buster (Arm Cannon)
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Human, short brown hair, blue tank top, red skirt, red & white shoes and a yellow satchel.
CLASS: Gunner/Summoner
FAVOURED (STATS): Speed
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): None
ADDED SKILLS: None
LIMIT BREAK: Master Ball (Melee)
TECHS: Summon Charmander (Fire), Summon Squirtle (Water), Summon Bulbasaur (Forest), Summon Tailow (Wind), Summon Sandshrew (Earth), Summon Pikachu (Electric), Summon Mew (Psychic), Poké Merge (???), Plasma Uppercut (Dual Stat, Plasma, Close), Flash Kick (Dual Stat, Plasma, Close), Blues Strike (Magic, Plasma, Close)

NICK NAME: Skech
WEAPON(S): Sketched Shadow Blade (Sword), Sketched Piko Piko Blaster (Arm Cannon)
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Puffball, cream coloured. Wears a brown-coloured painter’s cap and brown boots. Has a tail that turns into a paintbrush at the end, and has three green dots on back in the shape of a paw print.
CLASS: Copycat
FAVOURED (STATS): Defense, Magic Defense, HP
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): None
ADDED SKILLS: None
LIMIT BREAK: Paint Clone (Melee)
TECHS: Sword Tail (Physical, Melee, Close), Fire (Magic, Ranged, Fire), Blizzara (Magic, Ranged, Ice), Transform (???), Super Peel-Out (???), Clay Creation (???), Sketch (???), Sketch (???), Sketch (???), Sketch (???), Sketch (???)

NICK NAME: Azza
WEAPON(S): Iron Blade (Sword), Dual Steel Daggers (Daggers)
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Human, smooth triple-spiked blonde hair, long-sleeved black shirt, black pants, red cape and brown boots.
CLASS: Battlemage
FAVOURED (STATS): Magic Attack, Magic Defense
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): None
ADDED SKILLS: Flight
LIMIT BREAK: Bio (Poison)
TECHS: Fire (Magic, Fire, Ranged), Fira (Magic, Fire, Ranged), Firarga (Magic, Fire, Ranged), Blizzard (Magic, Ice, Ranged), Blizzara (Magic, Ice, Ranged), Blizzarga (Magic, Ice, Ranged), Thunder (Magic, Electric, Ranged), Thundara (Magic, Electric, Ranged), Thundarga (Magic, Electric, Ranged), Aero (Magic, Wind, Ranged), Holy (Magic, Light, Ranged), Flame Coat (Fire), Ice Coat (Ice), Thunder Coat (Electric), Holy Coat (Light), Air Coat (Wind)

NICK NAME: Matt
WEAPON(S): Last Words (Dagger), Demonslayer (Katana)
ARMOUR: None
APPEARANCE: Human, red hair, black clothing, black cape with hood,, black leather boots.
CLASS: Assassin
FAVOURED (STATS): Speed, Luck
FAVOURED ELEMENT(S): Air
ADDED SKILLS: Phase, Wall Climb, Shadow Walker
LIMIT BREAK: Wind Slicer (Wind)
TECHS: Tri Attack (Physical, Melee, Close), Silencer (Physical, Melee, Close), Sabotage (Varies), Bag of Tricks (???)

HOPE – Felicity, this is boring… Can we go play somewhere?

MAY – Call me May, okay? And what’s so boring about this!? Think, nothing you witness here is real; it’s all a magnificent projection into your mind. And it feels just like the real world.

SHAD – …Whoah. You just blew my mind, May,

MIKAU – Likewise.

Skech hopped off the metal column-thing he was sitting on.

SKECH – I can take the kids, you guys. I’m getting a bit bored myself.

MAY – Okay, fine. Hope, be good.

SHAD – Yeah, none of you can tick off midget-boy too much.

MATT – Hey, I used to be that size!

SKECH – Whatever, let’s go you three.

ZIPPER – Yeah! Let’s check out the arena this place has to offer!

Zipper started to skate away, with Wolfbane flying behind him. Hope started to skip merrily with the others, leaving Skech far behind. He didn’t care, he wanted to walk… Why did May love Mikau? A while ago, he had wanted them to get together, but that had been long before he saw a connection…

SKECH [murmuring] – I met her, so long ago… And I fell in love…

Isaac had met “May” a long time ago, in the Gaming Lounge. They had a good few games of Mario Kart, and it only took that short hour for the boy to fall in love. He thought he’d never meet May again, but when he saw her on Virtual Fight… Of course, he hadn’t been so sure that it was her. He even tried to set up Mikau and May, to keep his mind off it. But when he’d discovered that Felicity and May were one and the same, everything went to Hell. And lately, he hadn’t been able to keep her off his mind…

SKECH – I just want everything to go back to normal…

But with time comes change. Sometimes, like with Virtual Fight’s update, it was for the better. But in his life, it seemed to always be for the worse…