Chapter 3: just a game

"Mum," Jaxon shouted from the door, his backpack slung over one shoulder.

"The bus is here…I'm off to school."

From the kitchen, a feminine voice responded with a hint of urgency, "Breakfast?"

"Not hungry maa…. I'll get something during recess", Jaxon called back, adjusting his bag.

The voice replied, slightly more relaxed now, "okay, be home by 5pm. I have to go somewhere. And send my regards to Orion and his family."

"Okay, bye!" Jaxon said, his hand on the doorknob.

"Love you," came the gentle reply from inside.

"Love you more," jaxon echoed, a smile playing on his lips as he closed the door behind him and jogged towards the bus that was pulling up in front of his house.

The school bus rolled to a stop, its brakes hissing as the students began to alight. Jaxon stepped down, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings of his school. He marched purposefully towards his locker, ready to pick up the books for his various classes.

As he was packing the books into his bag, a familiar voice called out, "Yo, jax."

Jaxon rolled his eyes, ignoring the greeting and avoiding physical contact, leaving the familiar voice hanging. "I told you… I don't like it when you call me Jax," he said flatly.

The familiar voice replied, trying to sound lighthearted, "oh, it's just a little tease."

Jaxon clapped back, his tone sharp, "oh, like you teased Chris? I saw the video. And I can't believe you would do such a thing and to one of your closest friends, too."

The familiar voice faltered, stuttering,

"Umm….it wa-was…"

"I refused to believe it," Jaxon interrupted, his eyes narrowing as he glared at the person, "but then I saw the video. Right now… I just don't wanna talk to you."

With these words, Jaxon slammed his locker shut and walked away, heading towards his first class without looking back.

The first lesson of the day had passed like a blur, and now Jaxon found himself in geography class, awaiting the teacher.

His mind wandered, his vision captivated by the serenity of the outside world through the transparent window. He was lost in his thoughts, the gentle sway of tree branches and the distant chirping of birds providing a tranquil escape.

A sudden, sharp sound broke his reverie. A hand had hit his desk. "Earth to Jaxon. Helloooo," a voice called out.

Jaxon was startled, especially with the familiar figure so close to his face. "Sorry, did I startle you?" the voice asked.

"No, Orion, you did not," replied jaxon, regaining his composure.

Orion dragged a chair and sat beside Jaxon, launching into a stream of conversation. But Jaxon's attention was divided as he found himself daydreaming about Orion.

Orion was a bit tall at 5'11" and lanky, with a square face and a well-defined jaw that highlighted his striking features. His black hair fell to his back, tied in a neat ponytail. He was modest, very decent, and smelled really good.

"Earth to Jaxon….again," Orion signaled, waving his hand.

Jaxon snapped back to reality. "Wowwwww" smiled Orion.

Jaxon blushed. "Sorry…just got a lot on my mind."

Orion asked, "wanna talk about it?"

Jaxon smiled, "not really, I'm good. What were you talking about?"

Orion continued, "remember we played a video game last summer?"

"Yeah, it was….umm, 'the genesis prophecy' and the 'fractured origins' " replied Orion.

Orion took out his phone and showed Jaxon.

"Well there is a part 3 of the game, and it just came out today. 'The Shattered Realmz'.

Orion showed Jaxon the preview of the game and the gameplay.

Jaxon was wowed, "so cool!"

"I know right! I have never been so excited in my life!"

Orion leaned closer, excitement in his eyes.

"Well, it's on sale today at the mall. We have to go get it."

Jaxon nodded in agreement, "Yes"

Orion stood up, motioning for Jaxon to follow him. "Wait, you mean now?" Jaxon asked, taken aback.

"Yeah….what did you think?" Orion replied with a grin.

"But we have class," Jaxon protested.

"C'mon, Jaxon. Please, I really want this game. By the time we close, it will all be gone. We can go get the game, take it to my house, then come back to school. I promise!"

Orion pleaded.

Jaxon sighed, seeing the determination in Orion's eyes. "Fine….but, we must hurry!"

With a nod, Orion and Jaxon made their way outside. They scaled the school wall, adrenaline pumping through their veins, and headed towards the mall to get the game.

Orion and Jaxon made it to the mall, weaving through the crowds with determination. They stood in front of the games section, excitement bubbling up inside them.

The cashier at the counter eyed them suspiciously. "Hey, it's almost ten… Aren't you kids supposed to be in school?"

Orion rolled his eyes, reading the name tag on the cashier's shirt. "Errrh, Devon. Aren't you the cashier? Aren't you supposed to be behind the counter collecting money and minding your damn business….jeez."

Ignoring Devon's glare, Orion grabbed the game and hurried back to the front entrance with Jaxon.

They soon reached orion's front door, but when Jaxon tried it, it was locked. "Orion! Your front door is locked. I thought someone was home."

Orion laughed, "you think I'd come home if anyone was here? I'd be killed the minute I walked in. Nobody's home. My mom always leaves the keys under the rug."

Orion bent down, removed the rug, and took out the key.

Jaxon questioned him, "why does your mom do that? I mean wouldn't it be too easy to find?"

"Well…she used to take it to work with her. Until she lost 'em one day and we had to sleepover at Grandma's for the night. So she hides them here thinking I know nothing about it."

Jaxon removed his shoes and entered the house. Orion went to the living room, turned on the TV, and placed the game in the console.

"What are you doing?" Jaxon asked bewildered. "You said we'd drop it off and go back to school."

Orion smirked, "well…. Who buys a game and just leaves it? We have to test it. What if it doesn't work and the store has a 2-hour return policy?"

"There is no such thing!" Jaxon laughed.

Orion stared at Jaxon, unyielding. "Fine….but hurry up. I can feel miss Esmeralda already writing a suspension letter."

Jaxon sighed and sat down next to Orion as the game loaded. The screen flickered, and soon, the title "The Shattered Realms" appeared, drawing them both into its captivating world.

Orion was completely absorbed in the game, his face lit up with excitement. "This is the best game ever!" he exclaimed, his fingers dancing over the controller with practiced ease.

Jaxon watched him for a moment, intrigued by the vivid graphics and engaging gameplay. Orion turned to him, a grin spreading across his face. "Jaxon, you've gotta try this! "

With a nod, Jaxon took the controller from Orion and started playing. Almost immediately, he felt a rush of excitement.

Orion and Jaxon were deep into their game, "The Shattered Realms," when the screen suddenly went black and blank.

"What's happening?" Jaxon asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

Before Orion could respond, the TV displayed an image of a figure resembling a fairy with wings. Her hands glowed with silvery flames, and she seemed to be saying something, though they couldn't understand the language.

"Whoa….this game is awesome!" Orion exclaimed, his excitement through the roof.

The fairy turned to face the screen, startling them both. She called out in a clear, resonant voice, "Noble heroes, esteemed champions of valor! By the essence of the blossoming wildflowers, you have been selected for a grand purpose. Our beloved realms, once radiant and thriving, now wither and fade like the last wisps of sunsets warmth.

The darkness gathers , its malevolent forces suffocating the light. Evil's dark tendrils strangle our lands, and the delicate balance of our world teeters on the brink of collapse. Will you accept our call?"

A message popped up on the screen:

"Yes" or "No"

Orion nodded at Jaxon and selected "yes"

The fairy queen continued, "Ah, brave warriors, pause and ponder. Once you accept, there is no going back. For our realities will merge!"

Jaxon's apprehension grew. "Uhhh, Orion….i think we should quit the game."

Orion laughed. "Don't worry….it's all just a game. None of this is real."

Orion then selected, "we accept"

The fairy queen smiled, and the screen went black and blank again. Suddenly, a bright light pierced through the TV, forming a swirling vortex.

The TV screen flickered and distorted, like a heat haze on a summer road. The room begun to shake, and the air vibrated with an otherworldly energy.

Jaxon freaked out, "what the fuck is happening?"