Chapter 20

Haru woke up inside a hospital, lying on a white bed, covered by a blue blanket. A dextrose tube was attached to her left wrist, and blue wires were taped to her chest. Virtual reality goggles and a headset were strapped to her head. Her whole body felt rigid, all joints cracking from even the slightest of movement. The sudden influx of stimuli surprised Haru at first but she got used to it quickly. She didn't yawn or had the urging to stretch, so it wasn't entirely like waking up from a long sleep. Nonetheless, it could have been worse.

The nurses and health care professionals inside finally noticed Haru's awakening when she took off her headset. They could not believe their eyes after waiting for so long. They didn't waste a second besieging Haru – assisting her and asking her questions. They then called her father, who immediately left work early to get to the hospital. He broke down the moment he saw his daughter looking at him.

"Otosan," Haru softly called out.

But the father ignored this and went straight to her, hugging her tightly and raining her with kisses. Tears of joy were flowing across his cheeks. "Oh, Haru…" her father sobbed. "I'm so glad you are here!"

Haru's awakening was a significant event in history, for she was the only one trapped a year ago in the Escapist Dream, who got out. The world thought it was the end since they had lost so many in the previous weeks. Those were some of the most depressing in this whole saga. She was the only one left who didn't flatline. During the last few days she was inside, the world was praying for at least her to survive.

The otaku girl took a year off, spending her time with her father, grieving her brother and catching up on what they had lost. Her peace was not entirely continuous, as policemen, investigators, and also journalists, visited her to ask questions. She tried to tell them everything, from the first time she saw the world, to her last battle against the Nihilion. She even mentioned her fumbles and the betrayal of Amp. She thought the couple of press panels and live broadcasts were enough, but people were hungry and they wanted answers. This was most true to those who had lost loved ones in the Escapist Dream – the most difficult Haru had to talk to. Some inquired, some cried, and some were angered. However, there were a few who really struck her to the core.

Two skinny individuals came to her house one day, dressed finely in polo shirts and jeans. Both were biologically male; one was a pale-skinned redhead and the other was of lighter brown complexion. They held each other's hands, signifying they were a couple. And they met Haru with painful smiles on their faces. As the visitors introduced themselves, Haru learned that they came to inquire of someone she knew.

"So that's what you call him? Cal?" one of them remarked.

"It's a shorter nickname for what he wanted us to call him. He really called himself as Calamum Nomen," Haru explained.

"Calamum Nomen…" the other one chuckled. "That's crude Latin for 'pen name'. I taught him how to speak the language."

"He really loved to write," the other added.

After taking a deep breath, Haru told them more about Cal. She was honest in saying they weren't that close, and in fact, was loathed by him at one point. She told them how they eventually learned to work together. Most importantly, she shared with them Cal's bravery and sacrifice. How she would never be here without him.

"Our boy. Our little boy," one of them grieved. "Don't get me wrong, I'm proud he's a hero. I always knew he was special the moment we met and adopted him from that children's village. But it's still… hard..."

"People like us only have each other, so it's crushing to lose love ones," the other explained as he gripped the hand of his partner tighter.

"I am sorry for your loss."

"It's okay, darling. And thank you so much for being his friend. We can see him in you. Since you're the only one who survived, please don't let it go to waste. Spend your second life wisely."

"I will."

Haru took their request by heart, and indeed she became more involved in life. She did her best in every aspect of it. She lost her fear of talking to people. She lost the terror she had in school. She also strengthened her relationship with her father – the person whom she used to fear the most. She viewed life more happily than she did before.

Life wasn't always easy and would continue throwing her new challenges. But Haru faced them all, not anymore with anxiety, but with confidence. She had survived the Escapist Dream so no problem was too daunting, no dilemma she could not handle. In everything that came afterwards, Haru welcomed them with a smile and hard work.

Haru's newfound determination would be repaid when she aced her achievement exams, making her eligible for the best colleges and universities in the country. She would one day enroll in a fine arts school, learning how to communicate and harness her geeky talents through art. She would draw, write, act, and collaborate in creating the best that she could. She would go on to win competitions, get featured nationally, and graduate her degree with honors. She would go on writing and illustrating stories about hope and redemption.

However, even as years passed, she never forgot about Charlie. The American geek would always be in her mind. Charlie would always be with her – inspiring her, motivating her, and making her remember what she was capable of.

"Hey! Can you see and hear me now?" Haru said to a computer screen as she continued meddling with the video chat. The old ways of communicating were better. The only problems one had to face were the internet and updates. One certainly didn't have to worry about having their minds stranded inside a digital simulation.

"I can hear you well, Haru," a familiar voice replied. "And I never get tired of hearin' that sweet cute voice, nor do I ever get tired of seein' the most beautiful girl in the world."

"Orousai…" Haru said blushing. "I miss you, Charlie."

"I miss you too, and it hasn't even been a long time since we've last seen each other. I promise, after I finish this graphic novel we're making here, I'm finally goin' home."

"Take your time. I'll be fine, and so is he."

"Thanks for understandin', Haru. Also, can I see him again?"

"Of course."

Haru would get up from her chair while adjusting her long flexible skirt. When she finally stood up, she revealed her five-month-old pregnant belly. It was a new life. Someone special whom Charlie and Haru wished would live far from what they had experienced. It was a new chapter for them – a new great adventure on the horizon.

"I can't wait to see him," Charlie remarked, almost tearfully.

"Better get home soon then, Charlie-kun."