Epilogue: More questions, more problems.

When I first came home after the debrief I felt like I never wanted to leave my room again. What could be quite accurately described as the most stressful time of my life was over and I felt I had finally found the resolution that I had craved for 10 years. That lasted for about a day.

My body still hurt and I had not attained the state of rest I promised myself, but there was so much going on. Due to my level of involvement I was quickly granted access to virtual reality and was working side by side with Brian on the massive project of reverse engineering. I found satisfaction in being able to look upon the events of camp woodlands from the safety of Labresci. I was finally able to properly process what had happened. But as I thought about it, I felt unsettled.

The virtual reality was destroyed; however it was proven to be quiet a robust system once established. Forrest discovered a secondary system at camp woodland which was able to keep up some form of network on the back of a desktop computer. Plus there were his voices which he heard whilst at Quintrow as well as everyone else being manipulated in their own homes to show up at camp woodlands on one day. A thorough investigation found no sign of any devices which could have worked as a relay for the VR signal in these areas. And there wasn’t even any proof that whatever caused it was dependant on the VR at camp woodlands.

We took down the head councillor, but Leila wasn’t taken into custody. At the moment we couldn’t even get in contact with her due to some university in Plotvesus claiming information rights. Apparently Maria was there as well, but at least we had Forrest. Still it felt fishy.

Still I didn’t dwell on them. I was working as hard as I could to unravel this mystery in support of the rest of the Labresci staff so there wasn’t any more I could do. Right?

This familiar unease persisted until the day Alice walked into my room. She generally didn’t have that much contact with the research team, tending to be based more in the outside world.

‘You haven’t had any contact with Maria recently have you?’ she asked me. That was not a good question.

‘No, not since she moved to Plotevesus. I’ve been a little bit busy with my work,’ I smiled sheepishly, trying to lighten the mood.

‘Well she has been legally declared missing. Her parent’s lost contact with her shortly after her return. All attempts to contact her since have also failed. We think she may have been kidnapped but there is the possibility that she may contact someone she knows.’

I lowered my gaze as I tried to process this information. This didn’t shock me; it was almost as if I was expecting it.

‘Wasn’t she at a university, have they lost contact?’ The same one giving us trouble with Liela.

‘They are denying knowledge of the situation,’ she replied. I had since come to despise that place.

‘So what can I do to help?’ I asked.

‘First of all, if she contacts you, you get where she is, what she’s doing and who she’s with in as much detail as possible. Priority on where.’ I nodded.

‘Meanwhile, focus on trying to locate another source of a VR signal. Chances are, Maria will be close.’

‘So you think they are starting up again?’ I asked.

‘Of course, and we have to find them before anyone else. After all, some people will attack them with a little more fatality if they win,’ she said with a knowing look.

‘So Luck is still at large?’ I asked.

‘Yes, and until he is caught again, consider him a very worthy rival,’ she said with a smirk.

Epilogue: Closure

As I pulled my newly purchased car into the car park, I questioned my decision for the thousandth time. Why was I doing this? It’s not like I have to… and yet at the same time it is… When did the world stop making sense?

Oh yeah, at that freaking camp ten years ago. Silly me.

Just that notion in and of itself is enough to force me to shift into park and turn off the ignition. I yanked down the visor and checked my hair in the mirror. Yep, still in the same ponytail, although it was a tad messier now than it was a few hours ago. I pulled it out, and then, noticing the massive kink that my hair tie had left, sighed and scooped my hair back up.

This is so stupid. Why am I so concerned with my appearance? It’s not like…

After giving my hair one final inspection, I steeled myself and stepped out of the car, zipping up my dark blue hoodie against the chilly breeze.

It had been two months since the whole camp incident, and three weeks since I had been released from hospital. Autumn was starting to set in, and my hand was aching. It’s been doing that since it got cold, though it’s worse when rain is coming. I was surprised they released me as soon as they did, but once they determined that nothing was broken, it was just a few weeks of physical therapy once I was able to move my wrist without intense pain.

I closed and locked the door, and made my way towards the building, hands shoved in my pockets. I wished I had time to change after class, but any delay would have meant an opportunity to talk myself out of this. No, better to do it this way.

As I pushed open the door and approached the desk, I felt the butterflies begin to creep up in my stomach.

The woman at the desk looked up at me, a bored expression on her face. “Who are you here to see?”

“Jonathon Tanner.”

I wiped my sweaty palms on my leggings as a guard approached me and lead me through to the visitor’s area. I signed over my bag and phone, then sat down in an uncomfortable metal chair. At least this uncomfortable chair gives me an excuse to keep this short.

After several minutes, the guard returned, Luck shuffling beside him, his wrists and ankles cuffed. He didn’t look up, even after the guard sat him down. For a few seconds, neither one of us spoke.

Then suddenly, Luck said “I didn’t think you were going to come.” He paused, then laughed humourlessly. “Actually, I didn’t even think you knew I was here.”

“I asked around.” He finally lifted his eyes to look at me. I smiled slightly. “Love the blue jumpsuit.” He looked me over and smiled. “Same to you, Chloe.”

I rolled my eyes. “Shut up. I’ve been teaching self-defence and gymnastics classes at a school in Labresci.”

Luck blinked. “Labresci? You’ve moved to Labresci?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m sharing a place with Alice. She came to see me in the hospital, and we got to talking. There was a room for rent near the lab where she works, and seeing as how we got along pretty well, she asked if I would share with her. The rent’s pretty reasonable for Labresci, and it’s near the school where I’m working now. Someone’s got to keep those nerds fit.”

Luck laughed, then shook his head. “I can’t believe you moved to Labresci.” He looked into my eyes. “I couldn’t see you fitting in with those people.”

I broke off his gaze and folded my hands on the table, rubbing my thumbs together. “It wasn’t as hard as you’d think. I would have worn this kind of stuff no matter where I was teaching physical classes, and Alice has a similar kind of style to me, so…”

“I guess”, Luck conceded. “She was pretty out there too. In a good way.” He hastily corrected himself.

Another uncomfortable pause.

Finally Luck sighed. “So, why are you here, Chloe? It wasn’t just to see me, was it?”

For just a moment, I hesitated. “Actually, it was.”

“Huh?” Luck looked at me strangely. “You actually came all the way from Labresci to a prison, in Daigo I might add, just to see me?” He leaned back in his chair, a cynical smirk on his face. “What, are you into inmates now?”

“No”, I snapped back, then sighed, before continuing more calmly. Dealing with kids these past few weeks had given me great lessons in patience. “No. It’s like I said, I came to see you.” I shrugged. “To be honest, I’m not really sure why. Maybe closure or something…”

“Closure?” He raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

“Ugh, you’re really going to drag this out of me aren’t you?”

His lips curled into a small smile. “Maybe.”

“Fine.” I ran my hands over my hair and pushed some wayward strands back away from my eyes. “While I had my new life in Labresci, I couldn’t stop thinking…about you, being in here…” I sighed. “I felt sorry for you. In spite of everything you did, I couldn’t stand the thought of you being in here all by yourself. I felt sorry for you having to do those horrid things for your dad, and I’m sorry about what happened at the camp ten years ago.” I let out a short laugh. “Man, I can’t believe I just dumped my feelings on you like that.”

Luck smiled. “Neither can I.” He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “You’re different, Chloe. I can tell.”

“How?” The word blurted from my mouth before I could stop it.

He tapped his eye. “Less eye makeup for a start.”

“Oh, yeah.” I reached up and touched my eye reflexively. “Well, working in a school, it’s better to look a little professional, even in a tracksuit.” This elicited a laugh from Luck. “Aside from that, I used it mainly to hide, I guess, and now…” I shrugged. “I feel like I don’t have to anymore. I mean, I escaped from Gotums and I have this new job and friends, and I’m actually happy for the first time in, like, forever!” I could feel the smile on my face as I spoke.

“I’m happy for you, Chloe. I’m glad that you got a chance to be happy.” He smiled as he said it, but I saw the sadness in Luck’s eyes. “I’m just sorry that I couldn’t be a part of it.” To my surprise, he reached across the table and took my hands.

“You know this place won’t hold me forever.” He looked at me, his eyes asking the question rather than his voice.

“Like I told you, I’m not into inmates.” I slid my hands out from under his. He held my gaze a moment longer, then nodded and motioned for the guard.

“When you get out of here, I won’t help you.” As the guard opened the door, I whispered, “but I won’t turn you in either.”

The guard pulled him out of the chair, and we stood facing each other.

“Goodbye, Chloe.”

“Goodbye Jonathon.”

As I walked back to the car, I was surprised to notice wetness on my cheeks. I honestly hadn’t expected visiting Luck to affect me like this. I guess I cared more than I thought. I wiped my cheeks, but the tears kept coming. Opening the door, I sat on the seat and buried my face in my hands.

This is ridiculous! Get a grip, Chloe! You’re an emotional wreck! Why do you care?

The sound of my mobile ringing startled me. I took a raggedy breath, trying to force myself to calm down as I pressed ‘answer’.

“Hello.”

“Hey, Chloe.”

“Dylan, hi. What’s up?” I heard my voice break and was all too aware of my heavy breathing.

“Are you okay? You sound upset.”

“I’ll be fine, it’s nothing serious. What do you want?”

“Chloe, you’re crying. I think that counts as serious. Where are you?”

“Uh… Daigo Prison.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. “You weren’t, by any chance, happening to visit a strangely charming and extremely lucky yet slightly insane killer, were you?”

I had to laugh. “Yeah, I was.”

Another pause. “So, how did it go?”

I laughed again, then wiped my face. “Now that I think about it… good, actually. Huh. I guess a good cry was what I needed. Girls and their emotions, right.”

“Something like that.” He paused again. “You didn’t tell him anything about what we’re doing, right?”

“Dylan, I’m not an idiot. I just told him about the after school gymnastics stuff. Why would I tell him I was working with you guys? I’m not an idiot.”

“Did I say you were? Anyway, I had to ask you something important. Is now a good time, or would you prefer me to call back later?”

I shook my head. “No, now is fine, what’s up? But bear in mind, if you start explaining something technical to me, I will need you to repeat everything later.”

“Oh, then I’d better wait till you get back and just tell you in person. How long will you be?”

I fastened my seatbelt and started the car. “Couple hours.”

“Fine, meet me at the lab.”

…

When I finally got home that evening, it was almost eleven. Though I didn’t regret accepting Brian’s offer, I was definitely not used to the late night, early morning starts, although I was beginning to get used to the routine. It helped that I was making enough money to send out to my family. While I don’t think we’ll ever be a solid family unit, I think this gesture went a long way to repairing things between my mum and I. Jack has just started university up here in Labresci and lives on campus. He and I catch up occasionally, and he seems to be doing well. Dylan tutors him in chemistry, and so far Jack is enjoying it. It’s just nice for life to be going along smoothly for once, especially considering all the demented things that happened at camp. I haven’t told anyone, but I still get nightmares about what happened.

I headed to the letterbox, which was stuffed full of mail. Clearly Alice was still working or she would have checked it herself. That girl stays out even later than I do, yet she’s still so cheerful in the mornings.

I sorted through a pile of bills and junk mail to find a thick envelope with my name written on it. I turned it over, there was no return address.

Ripping it open, I tipped the contents into my hand.

A pair of handcuffs.

Epilogue: Dear Diary - Miss Independence

Dear Diary,

My parents said ‘yes’! I can finally have my own independence with their permission! I can’t believe how perfect it’s all turning out. To think that Leila has an apartment just down the road from my parents house and happens to be looking for a new roommate. To be honest I was surprised to see her visit me in the hospital that day. Everyone else had just left, I was packed and waiting for my parents to collect me. She makes me a little nervous. Just the thought of her working with the head counsellor... But then I know she also saved me. She never meant any harm... I can trust her.

I told my parents that she was a friend from camp and I’d be living just down the road. I guess they realised my need for independence. Finally my life is back to normal and moving forward.

It’s strange to think of what happened at Camp Woodlands. It’s like trying to recall a dream. The more I think of it the more I’m uncertain of what actually happened... I know now at least that it was never really a recreational camp but some kind of testing ground for the head counsellor’s technology.

... I’m currently in Leila’s car. She met my parents at the hospital and they allowed her bring me home. Quite reluctantly though. I think my parents miss me. Daddy says they’re afraid of losing me again. I didn’t realise running away the first time would affect them so much. I told them it would be best for Leila to take me to her place so I can start to settle in and I would visit them tonight.

It’s a couple hours journey from the hospital I think... we’re almost at Plotovetus now. My parents were well ahead of us, I think they’d be home by now. Probably preparing a speech to make me stay at home.

I wonder what the others are up to right now. I guess they’ve all gone home. I gave Chloe my new mobile number; I hope she keeps in contact. We’re so different but we’ve also been through so much together. I think she’s the closest real friend I’ve really had. Plotovetians can’t be trusted. They’re always manipulating people for their own goals... I haven’t asked Leila yet; I wonder how long she’s been living in Plotovetus.

... Huh, apparently she grew up in Plotovetus. She works at the university! I definitely didn’t expect that of her. We just passed my parents house. Leila pointed out the apartment. I didn’t realise there were actually apartments at this building. I thought it was just a research facility. I guess that fits with Leila’s job at the university. She does something to do with technology research.

Dear Diary,

Leila’s apartment is sooo clean! I love it! Though it reminds me a little of the underground facility at Camp Woodlands. Just the high tech gadgets I guess. I didn’t think an apartment like this connected to the research facility would be able to be shared with just another civilian like me. Similarly to the underground facilities at Camp Woodlands I need a swipe card to get through certain doors. I don’t have one yet. I have to rely on Leila to get me in and out of the apartment, the passage and the building. Until she gets me a card of my own... I think I’ll get my own swipe card tomorrow.

Leila’s in the kitchen cooking dinner while I settle in. She convinced me there’s no need to see my parents tonight. Maybe tomorrow. I have everything I need for a week in my bags that daddy supplied me with at the hospital. Also Leila is going to support me. Technically I don’t ever need to see them again... at least, that’s how Leila put it. Jokingly of course. It’s not like she’d keep me from ever seeing my parents again. I’ll see them tomorrow.

I’ve taken all my things out of my bags and sorted it all on my bed to put into draws and cupboards but... I can’t find my new mobile. I’m sure I put it in the front pouch of my handbag. I had it with me all this time. Leila brought it inside when she helped carry all my bags in... She wouldn’t take my mobile though. I’m sure she probably has like 5 of her own. Hopefully I find it soon. I was thinking of calling daddy to let him know I won’t be coming tonight. Also if I don’t find it then how will Chloe contact me? I wonder if she thinks of me at all. Leila didn’t seem to think that Chloe would be interested in seriously keeping contact. Every time I see my reflection or flick my hair I think of her though. My hair was cut off and her clothes were shredded. At least the hospital supplied a hair dresser for me. It was quite convenient and thoughtful I thought. My hair is still short but at least it looks neat now.

It would be cool to be able to just make my hair long again. I couldn’t say that virtual reality was bad. I thought it was actually useful. I guess it depends who has control of it... but it doesn’t matter now. Dylan erased the program. But there’s still... this feeling. I felt it since 10 years ago, in my head. Its presence was strongest when the head counsellor helped me understand how to use the virtual reality. I guess from that moment I thought this feeling was the presence of the virtual reality technology that was in my mind but... I thought that if the program was erased this feeling would go away. Maybe it’s not the virtual reality after all.

I feel like because Leila was so involved at Camp Woodlands I can talk to her freely about these sorts of things. No one else would understand and... that lady that visited at the hospital said we couldn’t talk about this stuff to people. I guess I can only talk to someone who was there and understands it from their own experience. Leila understands. I told her about this strange feeling when we were in the car on our way from the hospital. She just smiled and said not to worry... which is fine I guess. I wish I could have had a bit more of a response though. It was a strange smile. Not just a quick comforting one but it seemed to be a ‘brightened up her day’ kind of smile. Maybe she has the same feeling and feels comforted that she’s not alone. I can’t think of any other reason why it might make her happy. Maybe I’m reading too much into this... it’s just a feeling.

... Dinner’s ready.

Epilogue: Voices

He was glaring at me from his hospital bed. The fury etched on his features made flinching a very good idea.

But I stared back at him, disgusted at myself for thinking it would be any different. I came wanting closure, answers to questions that lay bare upon my soul, and I thought he would oblige me?

Sometimes I was just as deluded as Luck.

"Come to gloat, perhaps?" he spat, hateful eyes following my slow, pondering steps to the bedside chair. It was far enough that he wouldn't be able to lunge for me, ignoring all the security measures the police insisted upon. He was a mass murderer after all, not only at the camp, but in Gotums itself.

I adjusted my right shoulder, wishing I could scratch under the bandage. Recovering from shot wounds was not fun. "I was hoping you could answer some of my questions," I responded in a neutral tone.

A harsh smile appeared for a few moments before it was replaced with his trademark glare. "Poor Forrest still without his memories?"

I refused to be baited by his inane comments. "Perhaps we should start with something simple," I said, leaning forward, "like telling me the head counselor’s true name."

That shocked him. He quickly grew angry again at my smug smile. "I'm not telling you anything."

"Surely you wouldn't want to send me away with nothing," I replied, my smile still infuriating, "since this is the first real conversation you've had, in what, weeks?"

Several emotions flickered over his face. Loneliness and anger were the only ones I recognized. "You wouldn't believe anything I would say anyway."

"Perhaps not," I replied, "but I would still listen."

A former friend, now hated enemy, but the only person willing to listen to his lot in life. I could almost tell his thought patterns by the way he looked at me and when he looked away. He was beginning to crack.

"Robert, or Bob for short, was his name," he murmured quietly, not looking me in the eye. I tried not to snigger. It was so cliché, so plain that it had to be true. The only thing worse would have been John Smith.

"How did you find out?" I asked. There had been no hints during the camp, not even from ten years ago.

"There were things he told me that he never told anyone else." His eyes had a faraway look to them. "Secrets that had to be kept if he died or wasn't able to finish his work."

"And this trust was the main reason you felt so betrayed when he turned on you?"

I thought such a comment would incense him again. But to my surprise, it did quite the opposite.

"Why?" The rest of the question was left unsaid, perhaps too hard for him to spit out. Why did he pick you instead? He gave me a pleading look.

"I don't even know anymore," I replied softly. "He choose me then decided to wipe my memories. Then I had to live with his voice in my head for the next ten years without knowing anything. Isn't that worse than being betrayed?"

Luck didn't know how to respond. He may have sacrificed his conscience over the last ten years but he wasn't totally without sympathy. For himself or for other people.

"I thought he returned all my memories at the camp, but…" I had to look away. "I know there are still gaps."

"And you were willing to speak with the person who almost killed you," Luck said, a strange pitying look on his face, "you must have been desperate."

"No more than you are," I replied, "divulging your secrets to a person you hate just for the sake of company."

"We're just as bad as each other," he said, laughing morosely. "Fine, I'll tell you what I know, even when I expect you won't believe me."

I shrugged. "You're the only credible source I have. No one else, not even Maria, will tell me anything."

"The head counselor told me about a room that would always remain hidden, even if the network went down, somewhere in Camp Woodlands. Apparently it held the secrets necessary to complete his work or something like that."

"A hidden backup, in other words," I said, wondering where such a thing would be placed.

"Yes, a backup that would only activate if you spoke his true name. It was my intention to locate it and destroy it, but…" He gave a little shrug. "I got sidetracked."

"I was planning to go back anyway, but now I'll have something concrete to look for." I looked at him. "I don't know whether to thank you or curse you."

He smirked. "You could always come back afterwards and let me know."

I was feeling a little worried that we were falling into the same sort of camaraderie that made us such good friends in the past. "We'll see," I replied. If he told the truth, then maybe…

"Give my regards to Chloe if you ever see her again," he called out as I left the room, nodding to the police officer at the door. I ignored him. Such a suggestion would only be met by violence.

The camp was abandoned when I got there. Labresci scientists had claimed anything they could get their hands on, for research purposes of course, Dylan had informed me. The likelihood that I would find this 'room' Luck had described were remote at best. But what was the harm in walking around the underground labs shouting 'Bob' whenever I got the chance? It was a better plan then anything else I could come up with.

Eventually I got to the bottom basement level, which was probably somewhere under the lake. Yelling his name created strange echoes of sound that bounced off the walls and rock that decorated the sides.

Then I heard it. A slow scraping sound echoing back at the very end of the hallway.

I hurried toward the sound and found an open door that I swore hadn't been there before. I stepped through the doorway.

There was nothing in the small room. Nothing hiding away at all. I had to laugh. Luck had sent me on a wild goose chase after all. He was probably laughing his head off.

Hello, Forrest.

I stiffened. I knew that voice.

Looks like you're back to where you started, voices and all…

I walked out the room and slammed the door shut. The voices disappeared.

But I could still hear the last thing the voices said, before I had cast them into oblivion.

You will never know what REALLY happened ten years ago.

Chapter 24: Dear Diary - The End of a Nightmare

As far as I understand programs if you kill the computer the program dies with it... unless it’s linked to another power source. Then the logical order of thinking would be to kill that power source to force the program to shut down. But if that power source is actual people, what do you do then? I don’t want to see any more violence, let alone death, and what would that mean for the head counselor and I? He tells me we’re in control of the virtual reality program and it’s just drawing the power needed from everyone else until it can be linked to a new computer. Does that mean if the head counselor and I are eliminated the program with be destroyed and cease to exist?

I looked up as I realised I was still standing there staring at my feet with the head counselor and Leila watching me think it all through.

“So if I do what you said no one else will get hurt?” I said with an anxious waver in my voice. I know the head counselor is dangerous and I can’t underestimate him, but in this situation I guess I have to work with him. If everyone is out to get rid of the head counselor because of his link to the program then they’ll be coming after me next.

“Of course, with the power of the virtual reality we can create a better world; you just have to show it to them.” The head counselor explained. It kinda made sense. Now that I know how to use the virtual reality system I can stop the violence. It’s not just about my independence any more, it’s about world peace. I heard a rattling at the door. The head counselor had locked it well but I know that the Labrescian’s are fairly smart. A few locks won’t keep them away for long. “Stick to the plan and everything will work out fine. No more people getting hurt.” The head counselor said quickly and cloaked Leila and himself with the VR. It was a neat trick. I could see him there; now I understood the program I couldn’t be fooled by it. By using the virtual reality the head counselor and I can make ourselves disappear to the viewers and if we want we can create another image of ourselves somewhere else. It’s a good defence if someone wants to shoot at us I guess. I felt anxiety and adrenaline rushing through my body as I turned to face the door across the room. After a couple of deep breaths to calm myself the door slowly swung open. On seeing their faces I was so glad to see friends again, even if I didn’t really know them for long.

“Hi guys.” I smiled and then noticed the group was a lot more banged up than last I saw them. Chloe had blood over her face and cradled her wrist more carefully. “Chloe, what happened to you?”

“You’re okay.” Chloe gasped with relief. It made me laugh.

“Of course I’m okay.” I span around and created a field of pink daisies with my mind. I created my hair long again and made Chloe look like her clothes were all back to normal. The group facing me just stood frozen for moment. Their thoughts were thoughts of confusion and fear of me. I didn’t understand. I thought they’d be happy.

“What are you doing Maria?” Chloe started to move towards me slowly. There was concern in her eyes and confusion in her mind. I stood still.

“What do you mean? Don’t you like it?” I glanced to the side as I noticed the head counselor move away and looked back at the group. No one knew he was there. It seemed the head counselor had managed to work past the implants the Labrescian’s had created. They were all under the manipulation of the virtual reality system now.

“We don’t have time for this.” Sean started moving towards me quicker than Chloe. I could hear the debate in his mind over whether he should draw his gun on me. I stepped back anxiously. He was sick of the tricks, I could hear in his mind he wanted everything to be back to normal, but I couldn’t reveal the head counselor. Quickly I recreated the scenery to being at the campsite as if it were just another normal night at Camp Woodlands. Sean stopped, looking around with his hand on his gun. I hoped a familiar and normal landscape would settle him but he only grew tense. Alice pulled Dylan and Tyler close to her as she looked around. Tyler was handcuffed and didn’t have much choice about what to do.

“Chloe, stay close.” Alice called.

“Why are you all so afraid?” I thought they trusted me, I thought they knew I wouldn’t hurt anyone intentionally. Why were they acting like this? Isn’t the reason they want to destroy the virtual reality so they can see a peaceful reality? It’s easier to show them a peaceful reality with VR.

“Stop this Maria.” Sean said seriously. “We don’t want to hurt you.” His actions contradicted his words as he started to lift his gun in my direction. I knew he wasn’t going to try and kill me; he was only thinking of doing minimal damage to stop me temporarily. Even that would hurt though. I cloaked myself at the same time as creating an image of myself where the others thought I was still standing. I moved so the gun wasn’t pointing at me, but at the image of me that they were all now looking at. “Where’s the head counselor?” Sean questioned.

“Mary, stop this, it isn’t right. Just tell us where the head counselor is.” Chloe joined in the questioning. I watched as the head counselor walked right past her and she didn’t even notice. He was moving towards Sean.

“What makes you think I know where he is? He could be anywhere.” I replied. I didn’t want to give away this trick while Sean had a gun at the ready.

“Who else would know? You’re the one he’s recruited as his second hand man... figuratively speaking.” Sean started moving slowly toward the image of me while, unknown to him, the head counselor closed in on him. The head counselor grabbed Sean from behind, tripped him and knocked the gun out of his hand.

“Sean!” Alice threw the two nerds behind her and pulled out her own gun. “Chloe, keep close, there’s someone here we can’t see.” Chloe quickly ran beside Alice watching as Sean struggled on the ground. She looked up at the image of me.

“Mary! What’s happening? You have to help us. You know the head counselor is dangerous!” Chloe yelled at me.

“It’s the VR. We can’t believe anything we see...” Dylan finally spoke up. “That probably isn’t even the real Maria and who knows who else is in this room.” Dylan was smart, he’d caught on. I watched as the head counselor pushed Sean aside picked up the gun and immediately shot him in the right shoulder and the leg.

“What are you doing!?!” I screamed at the head counselor. “You said no one would get hurt.” I used my mind and uncloaked the real head counselor. Alice was quick to aim and shoot, but so was he. Alice was hit critically in the arm. Her arm went limp in pain, unable to hold the gun up anymore. Her other hand was quick to apply pressure, slowing the spurts of blood. The head counselor was grazed by Alice’s bullet on his side; not enough damage to affect him at all.

“What are you doing, Mary? He was going to shoot you. I was just protecting you.” As the head counselor argued with me he cloaked himself again.

“He doesn’t even know where I am! You know that!” I was starting to question the head counselor’s character again. I can never work him out. Can I trust him or is he just manipulating me? I want to believe that he’s just misunderstood and is really trying to create a better reality with this program.

“Don’t ever betray me like that again, Mary.” The head counselor was serious. I was afraid of what he might do if I were to pull another trick like that again. “If I wanted them dead they’d be dead by now. Can’t you see I’m just doing what’s necessary?” That was true. I’m sure he could have killed them by now if that was his intention. He just disarmed them.

“I’m sorry, you just shocked me.”

“Mary, don’t listen to him. He’s lying through his teeth.” Chloe called out looking around aimlessly, as if trying to discover where I might be hiding.

“Lying about what? He could have killed you by now. He hasn’t killed anyone. It’s those Labrescian’s that want to kill out of jealously of the head counselor’s superior technology.” I debated. The head counselor came and stood next to me. He still had Sean’s gun in one hand as he placed his other hand on my shoulder encouraging my stand against Chloe.

“That’s a lie!” Alice grimaced. She handed the gun to Chloe. Dylan looked like he was in shock from the sudden shooting. He knew it was real bullets.

“But I thought I wasn’t authorised to hold a firearm.” Chloe said as she received the gun slowly.

“This is an exception. He’s deadly and she’s deluded. Both are as dangerous as each other. Don’t be afraid to use it.” She explained to Chloe. I watched as Chloe tightened her grip on the gun. Was she actually prepared to shoot me? In her mind she was asking herself the same question. Alice turned around and talked to Tyler for a moment before taking the hand cuffs off him. Tyler carefully made his way to Sean and helped him up. Sean limped back over to Alice with Tyler’s help. I turned my head to look for guidance from the head counselor, I didn’t know what to do next, but he was gone. I didn’t notice him leave my side. I looked around the room. He was starting to head to a door at the back of the room with Leila. He stopped and gestured for me to follow. I started to walk in his direction. Dylan, Tyler, Sean, Alice and Chloe had no idea what was going on. I had tried to make them reason with me, they just didn’t want to understand. The head counselor told me it would be a long shot, but I was able to try at least. I followed the head counselor through the small door and it was shut behind me. I looked around to see a large room hosting a super computer. There were lots of wires and blinking lights.

“Come here, Mary.” The head counselor directed me to a chair on a small platform amongst the computer system.

“What are we doing about the group out there?” I gestured to the room we just came from. I didn’t think we’d just leave them out there, especially after shooting a couple of them. I was a little worried. I thought we were going to show them a better world.

“They’re harmless now. It’s time to finish this.” The head counselor sat me down. I watched Leila walk up to a computer screen and start tapping away at the keyboard.

“I thought the super computer was destroyed.” I commented as I remembered the fact that because it had be destroyed now the virtual reality was drawing its power from the minds that were connected to it.

“This is different.” He strapped my arms to the arm rests.

“What are you doing?” I squealed and tugged for a moment but the head counselor’s gentle hands rested on my arms to calm me down.

“It’s just a safety precaution, Mary. Trust me.” I stopped struggling but was still tense.

“What are you doing?” I asked again looking around anxiously.

“Reconnecting the program to a computer network and accessing it to the global satellite.” The head counselor explained as he placed a head piece on my head with wires coming from it connected to the computers. It was a tight fit. I was starting to get scared.

“Leila, what’s going to happen to me?” I thought it was strange how distant Leila had been this evening. I thought we’d been almost friends. Now she wouldn’t even look at me. She didn’t answer. “Leila?” I called again desperately. She looked at the head counselor next to her. From my angle I thought she looked a little sad. ‘What’s happening?’ I spoke in Leila’s mind using the virtual reality system.

‘We’re doing just as the head counselor said... it just might hurt a little.’ I heard it in her mind. The head counselor turned around and looked at me.

“You don’t need to chat in secret girls.” He said and placed Sean’s gun on the bench next to the keyboard. “As I told you, Mary; this is a safety precaution.” As he turned and grinned at me I remember the fear I had that night I was going to run away, the night he started manipulating me. “It’s hard to predict how the mind will cope with this process. Reconnecting the program to a new computer network may hurt a little. It’s the accessing the global satellite that is less predictable.” It worried me what he seemed to be insinuating. I was starting to guess why I was the one strapped to the chair and hooked up to the computer and not him. I started twisting and tugging my arms again but the straps were firm in place.

“Leila?” I called to her as if calling for help. She still wouldn’t look at me.

“It’s ready.” She informed the head counselor as she stared at the computer screen.

“Start it.” He ordered while still watching me as I grew more anxious and wriggled in the chair.

“Leila?” I called more desperately.

“Start it.” The head counselor repeated himself. Leila stood motionless.

“I- I can’t do it.” She stuttered. The head counselor pushed her aside and pressed a button. Immediately the machine began to buzz. Lights flashed spastically. Suddenly I felt a strain in my head. It was like an intense sharp migraine pulsing through my head. I clenched my teeth. Tears started to swell in my eyes. Darkness started to creep in on my vision. It was harder and harder to see as the pressure in my head grew. I wanted to rip my arms out of these straps and cling to my head. I closed my eyes tight. As the pressure grew so intense that I thought I was going to pass out it suddenly released. I opened my eyes to see light. I felt like my mind had expanded. I could see that the program was now connected to the computer. I check what the virtual reality was currently running in the camp site. Nothing. It must have restarted during the process. That meant the group in the other room would be able to see the actual room now. That was a small glimmer of hope in the back of my mind. Slowly my vision started to return to normal. I could see the room around me. My body felt weak and I struggled to sit up straight. I could hear the head counselor tapping away at the keyboard excitedly. My head felt heavy as I struggled to hold it up just a little from resting on my shoulders or chest. I had tears involuntarily rolling down my face. Leila looked a little horrified as she stood next to the head counselor watching me.

“Ready.” The head counselor cheered to himself.

“No! Don’t.” Leila grabbed his arm. He glared at her. “Don’t do this to her. You said it might be possible to connect to the global satellite with just the computer.” She pleaded with her eyes.

“It might be.” He emphasised the ‘might’. “But with her it is a certainty.” He had anger in his voice warning her to back off.

I jumped, startled. It took me a moment to realise it was because I heard a loud bang.

“Stop what you’re doing!” I heard Chloe’s voice. It was an effort to turn my head. Chloe had kicked down the door. She stood in the doorway with Alice’s gun pointed at the head counselor, Dylan stood just behind her. I opened my mouth to speak but just a pathetic squeak came out. I was weaker than I thought. The head counselor was lucky to have a naive substitute to manipulate. I was so stupid. “Don’t move!” Chloe shouted again.  I tilted my head back towards the head counselor. He was standing still, staring back at Chloe creepily. It was Leila that was moving, slowly away from the head counselor. She had something in her hand, hidden from the head counselor. “I said don’t move!” Chloe moved into sight, the gun pointed at Leila. The head counselor suddenly disappeared.

“VR must be running again!” Dylan’s voice shouted. The computer started to hum loudly, more lights blinking. The computer screen changed but my eyes hurt too much to focus. I could see the tricks the head counselor was up to but felt too weak to be able to do anything about it. He was playing tricks with Chloe and Dylan. They were seeing images of him appear and disappear around them. Suddenly Leila was by my side. My head hurt, it was harder and harder to see again.

“I can’t shut it off.” She sounded panicked and gingerly touched my head with one hand. She wanted to disconnect me from the computer but hesitated. “Disconnecting you in the middle of the process could cause major brain damage... or worse” She finished quietly. My hands clenched the arm rests so tightly I thought either the chair or fingers would have to break. “It’s going to be okay, Mary.” Leila’s voice was sounding distant. With blurry vision I saw the head counselor coming up behind Leila. He looked evil. It hurt so much; my body buzzing with pain and weakness. This was the final moment. The last chance I had to help, do what was right. This was my chance to make the right decision. With all the little energy I had left, I accessed the virtual reality. I clenched my teeth and squealed in pain as I unveiled the head counselor. I heard gun shots. They were faint. My mind fell blank.

My head felt heavy but my eyes felt rested. Adrenaline shot though my body as I remembered what I last experience. My eyes opened as I jolted upright from a laying position. White curtains. White sheets. My heart was racing; I could hear it throbbing in my ears and an echoing beep from a machine next to me.

“Mary, you’re awake!” Chloe’s voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked to my left. There was a gap in the curtains with Chloe on the other side. She was sitting up against thick white pillows on a bed similar to mine. Her arm was in a cast and sling, a few bandages and bruises around her face and body.

“Mary?” A quiet voice to my right. I turned my head quickly and it made me dizzy. I realised it was just the adrenaline that was keeping me upright. My whole body ached. I slowly lowered myself back down. As I lay down I could see past the curtain to my right. Forrest lay still on his bed looking at me with joy in his eyes to see me. “You’re okay.” He sighed. He had bandages around his body too. I don’t remember him being injured so badly. I stared up at the ceiling. I must be in a hospital... But where, and what happened? I felt tired and closed my eyes.

I felt like it had been only a second but when I opened my eyes the scenery had changed. The curtains were open. There were people around my bed holding clip boards and wearing white coats.

“Mary, can you hear me?” One of the doctors spoke. I looked at them and tried to reply quietly but just ended up coughing. “Do you think you can sit up?” A couple of the doctors tired to help me sit up and adjusted my bed and pillows so I was rested in an upright position. I looked around. I noticed on the other side of Chloe was Dylan sitting on the edge of a bed talking to her with his laptop next to him. He was in casual clothes unlike Chloe, Forrest and I in hospital pyjamas or something like that. It was a fashion disaster. Chloe glanced at me for a moment with a friendly smile. It seemed strange. I don’t think Chloe ever really genuinely smiled at me like that before. “How do you feel?” The doctor asked so I looked back at him.

“Weak.” I replied with a hoarse voice.

“That’s normal for now. Any pain?” He asked. He was a young doctor with friendly eyes. His smile made me feel relaxed.

“No.” I could only handle one word at a time. Simple answers were all I could give. I could see that I had a drip in my arm and wondered if they were giving me pain killers already.

“Good.” He finished writing on his clipboard and hung it on the end of my bed.

“Astronomers were baffled ten years ago when the second moon stopped over Gothums and now exactly ten years later they’re baffled again as the moon returned to its normal movement.” I heard a reporter and glanced back at Dylan. His computer had a news report running. I noticed the doctors leave the room.

“Mary.” Forrest caught my attention. I looked at him. “I’m glad you’re okay.” He looked like he had more to say but the sound of the door closing distracted us. I looked to the door. A middle aged woman wearing glasses and a stylish suit stood inside the room with a strong stance demanding our attention.

“Hello everyone.” She greeted us. “I hope you’re all recovering well.” She gave a quick smile as she scanned the room. “My name is.. Andy.” She paused before saying her name. It suggested it was an alias. “I am from a special government sector taking care of this unique situation. As far as the world will ever know there was a minor mishap with the firework set up at the ten year reunion of Camp Woodlands causing injuries and a few unfortunate casualties. As far as you know, that is what you should try to remember.” Andy gave a harsh look at all of us and then stared at me. “There is no such thing as wireless virtual reality. There are severe consequences for spreading such rumours. I hope I make myself clear.” Ending her short speech at that, she opened the door and left the room. I looked around at the others as I realised I still didn’t know.

“What happened?” I steadied my eyes on Chloe. I remember she was there at the last moment I can barely remember. Chloe stared at me for a moment as she thought.

“We won.” She smiled.

“The head counselor?” I want to know if I need to look out for him again in the future.

“He’s dead.” Chloe was giving very simple answers.

“Did you shoot him?” I was wondering if she had actually used that gun she had. I know she has this tough persona but it was still hard for me to imagine her actually shooting someone.

“Leila beat her to it.” Dylan replied for her in a teasing manner.

“What happened to me?” I paused to take a breath. “What happened with the virtual reality?”

“Dylan saved you there.” Chloe responded. “He was able to access the computer and stop the program to disconnect you safely. Then he destroyed the virtual reality.” She explained.

“Forrest and Brian contacted the authorities. I got you all transferred to this hospital on the outskirts of Labresci; the doctors here are aware of the truth and are sworn to secrecy.” Dylan explained.

“How long has it been?” I have no idea what day it is. I wonder if daddy knows where I am.

“Two days.” Forrest answered this time. “You woke up briefly last night but you’ve been sleeping most of that time.” He informed me. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. A nurse was standing in the doorway.

“I hope you’re ready for visitors.” She grinned and began to usher a small crowd of people through the doorway. I didn’t recognise most of them, but then I saw my parents.

“Maria!” Mum ran to my side. “What were you doing there?” She didn’t ask how I was, I guess I shouldn’t expect too much from mum.

“Hello darling.” Daddy gave me a gentle hug. “I brought you something to make you feel better.” He handed me a present with a grin. It was a new sparkly pink diary with a bright pink silk bow wrapped around it and a silver pen with my name engraved on it. I couldn’t help cracking a smile in return.

“Thanks daddy.”

“I hope the care package I sent arrived okay.” He said waiting for a response.

“Yes, perfect timing.” I smiled again.

“You knew she was there!?” Mum yelled at him. He gave me an awkward smile and started to reluctantly argue with her. I opened my new diary. No other time would be better to start my new diary than now. I flicked through all the clean new pages before flipping it back to the first page. I prepared my pen and connected it to paper.

Dear Diary,

I just woke up from the worst nightmare. You wouldn’t believe what happened!