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⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.
On a day like any other, you're checking your email when one in particular catches your eye. We invite you to Fragment, the subject line reads, and the sender is a name everyone is familiar with: CyberConnect Corporation.
It doesn't matter whether you signed up for Fragment's closed beta months ago or simply found the mysterious email sitting in your inbox. The fact remains that you are one of the select few chosen to participate, and in a word gone fully digital, you can't afford to turn down such an opportunity.
Those who accepted the invitation were given much more than a free pass to beta test the latest and greatest MMO. Upon confirming their participation, employees of C.C. Corp arrive at their homes and outfit them with top-of-the-line internet — a must to play such an advanced game — a brand new PC, and a state-of-the-art VR headset created by C.C. Corp themselves specifically for this beta test. You may call it excessive. They call it necessary.
When the morning of July 29th rolls around, you're finally able to access Fragment and create your character. By default, your avatar resembles your real world appearance, but naturally you're able to fully customize your look from head to toe. Want green skin? You got it. What about twintails that stretch down to the floor? You won't have to worry about those clipping through your armor in a game as advanced as Fragment. The sky is truly the limit!
Once you've settled on your avatar's appearance and class, you log into your home Root Rown: Mac Anu, a city forever at twilight with a series of canals snaking through it. It's done up in a series of flowing banners and balloons, glitter and confetti carried along by a gentle breeze you can feel along your cheeks.
Players are given some time to wander around the Root Town and acquaint themselves with the feeling of being fully immersed in a digital fantasy world, but after some time, a soft, playful voice echoes all across the Root Town.
When everyone gathers for the meeting, they're greeted by the cheerful face and pitchy voice of an enthusiastic young boy. Unlike you, a level 1 newbie without a single GP to your name, targeting the boy reveals a few things: his name is Zelkova and he's level 100. Huh. Is he cheating? Maybe he's someone important?
In either case, you'll have your answer when Zelkova begins to speak, sweeping his arms out wide to greet all the new beta testers.
With a wave of his arms, a table pops into existence before Zelkova. Sprawled out on the table is an immaculate collection of... shabby level one weapons and equipment. Yikes. What, did you think you'd be fabulous from the jump? That's not how MMOs work!
Zelkova encourages everyone to step up and grab the set (or sets, if you're an Adept Rogue) to outfit themselves.
YOUR NEW ARMOR AWAITS.
Blade Brandier:
Rusted Blade 
Leather Cap 
Ugly Cuirass 
Deft Gloves 
Worn BootsTwin Blade:
Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsWavemaster:
Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesMacabre Dancer:
Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesEdge Punisher:
Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsFlick Reaper:
Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsHarvest Cleric:
Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesLord Partizan:
Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsShadow Warlock:
Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesSteam Gunner:
Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsTribal Grappler:
Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsIt's... not very impressive, sure, but beginner sets in MMOs never are. Better get dungeon crawling if you want to step up your glamor game.
What better way to celebrate your acceptance into Fragment's prestigious beta program than a blowout party? Every inch of Mac Anu is decked out for the occasion, and once everyone has picked up their armor, Zelkova's armory disappears to reveal a vast banquet table piled high with food, drink, and party favors.
There's cuisine from every corner of the world just waiting to be devoured, and what's more, you'll taste the food like you're really eating it! Zero calories never tasted better. The drinks work much the same way, and there's even alcohol that will get you drunk in no time flat. Take it easy on the cocktails!
Still, maybe you're not feeling adequately dressed for the occasion. Never fear! There are a set of armor skins to pick from. Feeling a bit peckish? Dress up as a vegetable. If veggies aren't your style, how about this sleek little number? Those are just a few of the silly party costumes available for the occasion, and when it's time to depart, Zelkova will graciously allow you to keep your favorite skin to wear whenever you please.
Finally, don't forget to pick up some party favors! There's a foam weapon that, when equipped, takes the form of your class' weapon of choice... but what does it do, exactly? Well, hit another avatar with it and find out for yourself. There are also an array of paint ball guns, nerf guns, and water guns for use in Root Towns. Pick up one of each! Be the annoying friend no one wants to invite on a dungeon run.
Before you leave, Zelkova hands you a Greeting Card that can be emailed to anyone on your friend list. "Try sending it to one of the new friends you made today! I promise they'll love it! Oh... but be careful not to accidentally send it to someone too."
⬣ Zelkova, this level one armor sucks! I want better stuff!
"Don't worry, new player! Better equipment is a button press away! Well... after you earn it. Why don't you give Area Exploration a try?"
⬣ I'm a social butterfly ready to spread my wings and take flight on the winds of friendship! Can I start a guild?"Heehee... About that! This is a beta, you know? We're still getting stuff ready! Maybe if you wait patiently, you'll be able to form and join guilds in... a week from now. While you're waiting, make some friends! You'll need guild members!"
⬣ I hate walking! My feet hurt! I want something that will do all the hard work of moving around for me!"What? Your feet hurt...? Turn off the pain sensors in your feet! As for alternative travel methods... well, there are "those"... Oh, that's a great idea! Give me some time and I'll see about finding some Grunties for all of us!"
⬣ How can I communicate with other players? I want to stay in the loop!"Great question! That's what the official forums are for! You can ask for help, search for parties, share interesting discoveries you've made and just about anything else on your mind! Give it a try, but be careful: the head admin is kind of a grump... but you didn't hear that from me, hehe!"
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( He says, sipping it like water,
He pauses and holds the drink in his mouth to see how he registers the taste. )
... I guess I taste it, now that you say it. But I'd think a non-alcoholic drink is better if you want to taste something without the ethanol fighting the flavor.
( Mithrun, the pink lemonade bi, )
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[ Tylor doesn't hold back any feeling in those words. Talking about it so passionately prompts him to refill his cup. ]
So lucky us, we've got good company and a beautiful view all to ourselves. Let's just try not to fall.
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... We could have gotten wings to fly with. There's an Area that grants flight for 24 hours.
( Forgot ... )
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[ Tylor even stops mid drink to look over at him with that revelation. ]
So that's what they meant. [ Tylor leans over just enough to see over the edge, taking a vicarious sip before he shifts back to safety. ]
Oh well. We still got to overcome a challenge together and climbing is way more of an accomplishment! You're a really good climber. But let's fly next time.
[ A sip. A pause. ]
What are your thoughts on candy?
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( Implying he knew he'd be able to manage it - somewhat. He's never had to scale a building before, but he knows his physical ability isn't bad.
Sips... Looks at him like "?" )
... I don't mind it. Why?
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[ How much that translates in game is unclear, but soon enough he's grinning over at Mithrun as he pulls some chocolate from his inventory. Only to excitedly wave it in front of him. Popping candy, colorful sugar rocks that promise to explode in your mouth.
It's one of the many offerings from the casino. ]
Want some? [ But he's already opening it up and offering to pour some into his hand-- ] You've got to keep it in your mouth for a little bit though. Don't just swallow it right away.
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He looks at the candy???? Sure he'll open his hands for some...?
He puts it in his mouth, as instructed, and there's a few moments of just his regular :|, and then— a !! !!!! ! !! !
Guess what rich kid never had these!
Once it dies off after a few moments, he finally, tentatively swallows. )
... It lives up to its name.
( His tongue is definitely blue now, or whatever color that candy was. He still looks a little perplexed, like a spooked cat. )
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He sticks his tongue out at Mithrun after that wild ride, and it stays out while he tries to happily ask-- ]
Did you like it?
[ It's probably understandable. Mostly. ]
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... It wasn't bad. Your tongue is blue.
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[ Tylor shots back after his tongue retreats. More drinking. Another refill. But he's still watching Mithrun through the motions. ]
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( He takes a long sip... Hmmm... wasn't he not supposed to drink so much... hmmm... Nope, can't recall what memory that sentiment came from.
The effects do seem to show, though. He normally sits pretty alert, but drinking it in a steady stream has got him drooping... just a little... He's the type of person who gets a sluggish and gooey type of tipsy. )
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[ Yeah, Tylor hates to be the responsible one--what is hanging out with him causing? Character development? Get out of here.
But even he feels it a little when he turns, and promptly decides the ledge is probably not his favorite place anymore. So, he shuffles back with a passing gentle tug at Mithrun's skirt. ]
C'mon. [ And he's back to flopping onto his back, fingers lacing behind his head so he can lie more comfortably. He might have very little grace right now, but he isn't self conscious about it in the least. ]
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He doesn't feel a particular need to get away from the ledge (no real self-preservation in that regard or desire to avoid pain, especially since there's no lasting consequence), but he does feel less inclined to stay sat up, so Tylor wins out.
He slips a little further along the roof like Tylor did so he can flop onto his back; then, he curls up on his side, toward Tylor. He's pretty close, since they were probably sitting pretty close, anyway. )
... I got a party hat from the casino. ( A beat. ) And one of those bunny suits.
( Those Playboy ones, he means. )
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[ Tylor turns his head to look over at Mithrun, seemingly unfazed by their closeness. It's not like he doesn't know what Playboy bunnies are, but his first thought is the Easter sort instead. ]
Is it as cute as the maid outfits?
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... Is it?
( AKA, "idk, you tell me" )
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Wow, that looks really nice on you. [ He laughs a little, rolling onto his side facing Mithrun. Between them, it's like a pocket of warmth beneath the stars. Even in a maid outfit and Mithrun in a bunny suit, sometimes it didn't even feel like a game. ]
Do you think it's fun to dress up?
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I don't go out of my way to do it. ( So, like with most things, he's both fine doing it, and fine not doing it. It doesn't matter to him. ) I try on all the items I get, though. Since we're supposed to be beta testing.
Do you?
( Like dressing up, that is. He's looking at Tylor, and his own maid outfit. )
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Yeah. Sometimes. They can really set the mood! So dressing for the occasion makes it easier to play the part. For fun, of course.
[ His gaze is finally back on Mithrun's face. ]
You don't feel pretty, even in that, huh?
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... Do you feel pretty, when you dress up?
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Hmm. I guess, right now, a little. [ Look, that flush is just from the alcohol. ]
Girls get to wear the nicest things, but not every guy can look as pretty as you in stuff like that.
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You should wear those things too, if you want. They look fine on you.
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[ With that, he reaches over to bop Mithrun on the nose with a finger. ]
Think there's anything that'd make you feel pretty?
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No.
( Though... Well... Since he's drunk, the thought drifts about in his head, and doesn't quite leave. )
... I think I thought... I could be proud of myself if I always achieved a little more than I was already. But...
( If he could graduate with honors, if he could complete his research, if he could get her to love him... He had pride, but he was still insecure; he was vain, but he wanted validation; it was an ugly muck of contradictory feelings.
And what was he now? )
... I don't know. If there's something that could... I don't know what it is.
( Not an answer that's any more helpful, but it's a little less definitive a rejection as that sober, stubborn "no" was. )
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It didn't make you happy though, did it? Even when you were vain?
[ He isn't sure why he does it, but he reaches to brush the hair out of Mithrun's face. His drunkenness comes on more subtly, in the warmth and slowing of his energy without it dissipating. ]
That means there's still hope, right? There's just got to be something. Like the popping candy making your mouth all tingly.
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( "Happy" is weird and fleeting. Seeing someone he hated trip up made him happy, at least in the minute, but it didn't make him fulfilled. Not happy in the long run. Not happy with himself.
His gaze flicks up from the absent, unfocused, and general down direction they'd been settled in when he feels Tylor's fingers brush his skin and through the strands of his silky hair. )
... Maybe.
( With a light touch, he reaches up to take the back of Tylor's hand against his palm, and keeping it there against his face. Mithrun's temperature is a little cooler, overall; Tylor feels warm against his hand and his cheek. )
But no one's going to figure it out for me. And I'm not going to figure it out for myself.
( He doesn't say this defiantly - just factually. He lacks the desire to do it for himself, and he doesn't expect anyone to devote their energy on someone like him, who can give nothing back.
He closes his eyes, still holding Tylor's hand there, though not with any force. )
... But I don't need to feel pretty, and I don't need to feel happy. I'll be fine, no matter what I feel.
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