Crimson and Violet Charade
The Verse Link
My feet pounded the ground. I ran as fast as I could.
The sky began to rain as the moon started to be missing within the clouds in the midnight sky.
I couldn't run anymore, desperately I tried to find for a turn in this alley to use my magical bracelet, The Verse Link.
The man behind me is still after me, he is so determined to caught me. My heart is beating so hard as the rain is getting heavier.
Erissa
"There..." I spoke breathlessly.
I take a turn to the right side immediately. I accidentally tripped and fell down on my step.
Erissa
"Crap" I cursed quietly.
Wasting no time, I turned on my Verse Link bracelet that looked like a smartwatch. A futuristic hologram panel popped up on it.
In a hurry, I chose the destination and tapped the button 'Teleport' multiple times. I can also hear his footsteps is getting closer.
Light blue magical particles emerged from the air. Just in a blink of eye, I found my self inside my house as the magical particles began to fade away. I also changed to my real body, yeah the previous one... It was my fake identity...
Erissa
"That was close..." I mumbled before I took a deep breath.
I walked out of my bedroom secretly. This house is not mine, and I still live with my family. I intended to avoid being spotted for going out to other galaxy.
After that, I sit down on the bed and picked up my backpack. Then, I opened my school book to finish my homework.
In The Next Morning 🌄
I went to school as usual. I have to do this boring routine... It is Monday. After a few of boring lessons at the class, it is finally break time.
I looked at my phone when I saw a school announcement from a chat group.
My eyes narrowed slightly, it is unbelievable. I saw that a student from my school is caught using Verse Link to do robberies at the other galaxy and two others are in a hospital due to an incident.
📑Verse Link?
It is a magical bracelet, like a white strapped smartwatch with a square panel at the center. Just a tap and a colored hologram panel popped up (The color is user's preference), it shows your profile and places to visit with the teleportation system.
Here's the catch, when you're injured or in a serious danger, you may not be allowed to go back, yes trapped there. Not everyone got it but one 1 of 150 people owns it. You'll use your real body, real identity, which means that if you die — truly die.
Erissa
"...so what's the point of the news—" I muttered.
"If any students is involved with similar issue, you'll be dropped out from school."
My eyes locked to read the text twice. This is unbelievable.
Erissa
"Tch, seriously..."
My classmate, Cheska, passed by me but then stopped and then looking at me. Her lunch box on her hand.
Random Girl
"Hey, Luci. Have you seen that chat from the headmaster? If you had don't you think it is ridiculous for those kids to do that?"
Erissa
"..I know it is.. a bit ridiculous.." I answered wearily.
Random Girl
"Okay...? Are you good? How about you joined with us to eat?"
Erissa
"No, thank you... I am skipping lunch for now."
By that Cheska left me. I am sitting on my chair. I scrolled through my phone. Just then I saw a notification again...
Erissa
"The f***, who chat me this early morni—"
I looked at the name who sent me the messages.
Random Boy
📲"Risa"
📲"We have a meeting tonight."
📲"Don't forget, Ms Violet."
I sighed and I replied his message immediately.
I blinked a few times. There's no way he just replied me like that.
Random Boy
📲"?"
📲"tbh, I'm tired."
Erissa
📲"k"
📲"sorry to disturb."
Wait... Why would I apologize, he sent me a message before me...
Erissa
"..Meh, I don't care now..." I muttered again. I remembered that I also have a school meeting after class.
After that, at 05.42PM I truly finished my school activities. Students who were also participated in the meeting greeted the teacher respectfully.
Erissa
"Thank you sir." I said as I also do the same. I left the classroom and wait on the bench at the school's terrace.
I looked up to the sky that's just getting darker. It is kinda windy and the sun is quickly being covered by the clouds.
A Boring Meeting
The sky is getting darker and getting cloudier. My thought is still stuck to choose between return to home or to immediately go to the fantasy place.
I looked down staring at my phone it is already 18:02PM.
With a sigh I left the school while also take a look for a couple seconds to the students who are still practicing for soccer on the school's field.
I walked on my feet, carrying a heavy backpack and my laptop bag in my left hand. I walked out from the school and went to the small alley right next to my school.
Erissa
📲"No need to pick me, mum."
📲"I am visiting my friend's house."
📲"Promise, everything will be ok."
I texted my mother to make a reason again then I put my phone away into my skirt pocket.
A light breeze touched my skin🍃
It is about to be raining... again.
I turned on the Verse Link, and I immediately choose the destination to Moonhaven.
Yeah — yesterday that's the place I am choosing.
Just in three seconds with the light blue magical particles around me — I then found my self in a bedroom, and I am now as...
Erissa
"..Phew— I am so tired..."
I clean my self and arranged my school books. After that...
Erissa
".. I'll do my homework first..."
Once I finished my homework and drawing a bit — I looked at the clock. It is around 9PM already.
Erissa
"Uh oh, I should be preparing now."
By that, I use the Verse Link to change my identity, using Erissa's appearance...
Once the magical particles began to fade away, I rushed to pick up my purple hand bag and brushed my hair properly before I left the room.
In a short time I arrived at somewhere...🌃
Erissa
I abruptly opened a door.
Erissa
"Hey everyone, I am so sorry that I am late..." I speak breathlessly, my forehead is sweating a bit.
Everyone in the room immediately stopped their conversations and activities. Their gaze is fixated to me just for a second. A few of them waved their hands at me.
In the room there are 19 people.
Random Boy
"Oh, greeting Ms Violet... Take a seat.. We haven't started the meeting..." A member of the group speaks politely.
Erissa
"...Oh.. yeah..."
I said as I looked at the clock, it is 10:05PM. I am five minutes late.
Akasaki
"...Alright, let's get started now? Shall we?"
Akasaki crossed his arms on his chest as he approached me.
He is my co-leader and the one who texted me dryly.
(ー.ー`` )
Erissa
"..Yeah sure... start it ahead."
Akasaki walked to the screen board before he raised his hands.
Akasaki
"Okay everyone, stop your activities now. The meeting starts now."
Akasaki
"..Good evening and I as the co-leader of this group will be informing some important things to all of you."
As Akasaki started, I sat down on an empty stool near the table with others — not far away from Akasaki.
Akasaki
".. Alright so first point we have to arrange our plans for the next month." Akasaki reached to turned on the projector's remote before he turned the projector on.
📽️The projector started to show Akasaki's presentation from his laptop screen.
"DECEMBER'S ARRANGEMENTS"
One of us initiatitively turned of the light as the Projector's screen went brighter.
Akasaki
"...I, Erissa and Zean had already made some decisions."
He turned the presentation page to the next page .
The detailed meeting would be boring,
So let's skip it... when we finished it.
Akasaki
"... Alright if that's all —"
Akasaki
"The meeting is over, everyone can leave now."
Akasaki
He packed his laptop after.
Erissa
".. That's not so bad... But seriously? We're targeting the Galaxy Bank Centre?"
Akasaki
"..Yuh? Is that a problem?"
Akasaki
"And seriously, do we need a presentation file for 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠?"
Akasaki
"Girl, this is not some kind of school. After all we could just 𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 on a small note instead—"
Akasaki
"As for the heist, I didn't say you 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 with us."
Akasaki
"You have a business somewhere else — I understand how it feels."
Akasaki
"...Now, I'll be going out to drink. Are you joining?"
Akasaki
Akasaki hang his laptop bag on his shoulder.
Akasaki
"...The usual bar."
Akasaki
"...Oh, I forget. It's not weekend."
Akasaki
"How about you just go to your home and get some rest."
Erissa
"Okey— so, see ya..."
By that I farewell a few other group members before I went to the boarding house in that place.
✦FYI,
Erissa live in a boarding house ._.
Can't afford a house ya know + not a citizen of Moonhaven.
I bought a toast from Minty Cafe,
a café brand in Moonhaven, mostly open for 24/7.
I walked through secluded alley way until I overheard some unclear voices.
Erissa
"...Hold on — I feel like I recognize this voice..."
I walked slower before I tried to eavesdropping them.
There are three polices in their uniform. One of them is the one who chases me yesterday.
Erissa
"...Damn, they are here..."
Random Boy
☘️Dark Greened Hair Guy
"Mhm, I guess so."
Random Boy
🌹Crimson Colored Hair Guy
"So, when are we gonna do that, Vito?"
Vito
"... I'll be going with Noriko."
Random Boy
☘️Dark Greened Hair Guy
"O-ok... But I am not good talking to people..."
Vito
"...I don't say you'll do that—"
Vito
"Just to accompany me and eyeing people there."
Erissa
"..Tch— What they are talking about...?"
Random Boy
🌹Crimson Colored Hair Guy
"So, are you sure your Verse Link is as 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫?"
Vito
"...If you ask me again I'm gonna smack you head—" ( -_-)
Random Boy
🌹Crimson Colored Hair Guy
"Hehe, just asking."
Erissa
"...Who the heck is 'her' that they are referring to—"
I stood up immediately. I feel sleepy as I checked my phone, it is 00:27AM.
Erissa
"Keep it later, Luci. You have to get some rest for tomorrow..."
Erissa
"Wait— no, this morning..."
Then, I left the place safely. I was able to sleep without overthinking about that.
Erissa
"..I saw him on the news a few times. Speaking with his confidence to people. He is so good at public speaking."
Erissa
"He is in the top ten best polices list in Galaxy City. Yeah, I settle in Galaxy City. It is one of the best city here."
Erissa
"The only thing I hate from him is how his smile is so, so sweet — people like him for his humble and charismatic persona. His colleagues mostly like to hangout with him too."
Erissa
"..This is the best I can draw him for now...—"
Erissa
"White hair with golden shade and crimson colored eye pupils..."
Erissa
"Pfft... Looks horrible."
(-﹏- || )
Bit Of Drink
⚠️Content Warning:
• Alcohol.
I scrolled through short videos social media.
I stopped when I saw a video mentioning about Verse Links
📲The Video:
"It is proven that some people who went missing in other galaxies by the Verse Link were killed..."
"..As for evacuation, it is nearly impossible even though some authorities also have Verse Link."
"Because those places are unusual and have significant danger."
Erissa
".. I'll just assume they went to like apocalypse or magical lands." 💭
"People with Creator Verse Links are also admitted that they experienced issues such as getting restricted from admin panel."
"Admin panel is a screen to execute codes, creating objects and editing places. It can't manipulate time but good enough to get away from a few problems."
I scrolled up to see other short videos.
Finally, it is after school. Today, there is no meeting or whatsoever it is.
Erissa
".. Alright, well done..."
I watched my classmates to clean up the class. Once I am done, I did farewell them before I left.
That day, I stayed at home. I need to think of what that blonde haired guy is up to.
Erissa
"...Such a boring day—"
I spent my spare time for my hobbies before I closed my laptop and put away my notebook.
Erissa
"... Alright.. I'll just sleep for now..."
I have to do an extra class. So I arrived at home around 6PM.
Erissa
"...This is so boring..—"
Erissa
"At least no homework..."
I checked my phone just to find Akasaki messaged me.
Akasaki
📲"Risa"
📲"Come tonight"
📲"We're going to a bar"
📲"If you want"
It's not usually he invited me.
Erissa
📲"Alr"
📲"I'll be there."
I waited for a moment before I eat dinner.
A few minutes after that...
Akasaki
📲"📍Location: [CENSORED]"
📲"at 11PM, my local time"
📲"Or y need me to pick you up?"
Erissa
"..Owh he answered me."
Erissa
📲"I'll be there by myself."
I then clean up my room to wait time passes.
Erissa
".. I have to go now."
By that, I left a small note so that none of my family will look for me.
The magical particles surrounded me again, I turned myself to be Erissa by the Verse Link's 𝘈𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘭.
I found myself in one of the boarding house's room again.
Erissa
".. Alright... well— let's just change the dress at least.."
So after getting prepared in a couple minutes...
I walked down the stairs and walked through alley ways.
The moon shines brightly tonight and the wind is a bit chilly.
After a moment, I arrived at the place.
I saw Akasaki is standing, waiting for me perhaps.
Akasaki
"Hey, glad you're not late..."
Akasaki
"But still... you are 2 minutes late."
Erissa
"...Is that a problem?"
(눈‸눈)"
Akasaki
"Not really, come inside."
I and Akasaki entered the bar.
From outside it seem small and old, just a neon sign above the double glass door saying "TZY Bar - Open", but inside it's quiet large and authentic. Wooden tables and couches inside.
Inside the main room there is a rack on the wall, filled with bottles of the drinks. I can smell various of alcohol scents.
I saw a few people at the main room, I thought we will be sitting there but —
Akasaki
"C'mon." Akasaki grabbed my hand as we walked to the hallway, upstairs.
Erissa
"Where the heck are we going?"
Akasaki
"— to the room Zean paid for."
Akasaki
"It's not the best experience when you just drink in the main room."
Akasaki
"You don't mind are you?"
He stopped. We are standing infront of a wooden door that says "reserved".
Erissa
"Ehm- you should be more specific when you're inviting me."
My heart pounded slightly faster — I feel uneasy with this.
Erissa
"..I change my mind—"
Akasaki
"..I don't say you have to drink alcohol."
Akasaki
"C'mon. Zean used his own money for this."
Akasaki
"Early celebration... before the heist."
Akasaki
"He is optimist with the plan." He shrugged slightly. Before—
A figure that's taller than me standing with exhausted face...?
It's Zean, he stepped out.
Zean
"Oh, Erissa, glad you're here."
Zean crosses his arms as he leaned closer, towering me.
~not that dramatic.
Erissa
I sighed.
"Alright... I am in."
We then entered the room. I saw a polished dark wooden table in the center, 2 couches and a window covered by the curtain.
I awkwardly stood up. Akasaki sat down on the couch while Zean called a waiter to the room by the bell in the room.
Akasaki
"Sit wherever you like."
Not long after that a waiter knocked the door.
Random Boy
"Good Evening, mister. What would you like to order for tonight?"
The man gave Zean the menu.
Zean
"...What do you guys want?"
He showed the menu to us.
Akasaki
"I want my usual wine."
—But I haven't decided after a moment.
Akasaki
"..How about you have the same as mine?"
Akasaki
"Promise, it's not horrible."
My eyes narrowed slightly.
Akasaki just casually lied down on the couch as if it's his.
Erissa
"...Ehm, how much tho?"
Zean
"No need to mind it. The bills are on me."
Erissa
"Oh wow, how generous you are—"
(─.─ ||)
Erissa
"Alright then.. the same as Akasaki."
Not long after that I sat down not far away from Akasaki.
These guys are my co-leaders. Zean and Akasaki.
I am not around for 24/7 — so I handed most of the tasks to their responsibilities.
I sat down near Akasaki. I am not close with Zean to be honest...
Erissa
"Move a bit. I want to sit here."
He sat down, giving me enough space to sit down.
Eight minutes later... The waiter knocked the door with our orders. Zean picked up the wines we ordered and snacks. He pays the bills immediately too.
Erissa
"Rossey Wines... never heard of that." I muttered when I read the label. The price? K$199/bottle.
Akasaki
He overhead that.
"Yuh, do you think this place have brands like in your place—?"
Zean locked the door and hang the key at the hanger.
Zean
"..So, let's get started."
He opened the wine bottles.
After that we pour it to our own glass.
I pour it with the least amount between them.
Akasaki
"Add more, Ris. Your glass have no more than a gulp."
Erissa
"Shut up— I don't know what is this drink gonna be like."
Zean
"Alright, cheers guys."
We cheered up with our glasses filled with the wine.
Then we drinked our drink while also talking a bit about the group, daily life and our plans ahead.
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