by Matt Moss
Two of the guys help up the injured man who’s bleeding all over the place and crying like a bitch. All six glare at both of us as they get in their two cars.
Giovisi keeps the guns on the cars the entire time and moves close to make sure they don’t pull a gun of their own.
Rap music blasts, accompanying the squeal of their tires as they peel out of the parking lot.
I stare at the owner, Giovisi—the man who Deakins so desperately wanted me to meet. He’s dark-skinned, slightly shorter than me, has short, black hair, and is dressed in slacks and a fine, button up shirt with sleeves slightly rolled up like he’s about to do some real work. Wears a watch and thin-framed glasses.
“Mr. Giovisi?,” I say, trying to introduce myself.
He walks to the spots of blood on the pavement, stares at them, then turns and walks to the rear of his van. After rummaging through the back, he returns with a bottle of bleach and a mop.
“Who are you?” he asks, gently pouring the bleach onto the blood so it doesn’t splash.
“Steve. Deakins sent me.”
He takes the mop and begins to clean up the mess. “I don’t care about your name. Who are you in Alterlife?”
This guy is like a robot; he speaks and moves like one. I don’t reply, unable to trust him.
After cleaning the blood up, he returns the supplies to the back of his van and shuts the double doors. Gets in the driver’s seat and starts the engine. Pulls into a parking spot near the front door. Gets out and walks into the cleaners.
Standing alone in the middle of the parking lot, I look around.
There are a few people on the other side of the street, watching to see what happens next. When they notice me looking at them, they break their stares and walk on.
I feel the keys in my pocket and look at my truck.
Forget this guy. Tell Deakins that you tried, and it didn’t work out. Damn near got yourself killed by getting mixed up with Alterlife again, John. And you weren’t even logged in!
The threat is gone, and I’ve come this far. Least I could do is hear him out.
My eyes go back to where he just cleaned the pavement. There isn’t a spec of blood left.
I nod my head, thinking of Deakins and speaking out loud in case he’s listening. “Alright. He’s got five minutes.”
The doorbell rings as I walk back into the cleaners.
He turns around to regard me, then continues speaking to the Asian woman at the counter, fluently speaking her native language. Whenever he’s through, she nods and disappears behind the wall.
He looks at me and nods for me to follow.
We go through a door in the back, past the conveyor and into, what I imagine is, the cleaning room. As he washes his hands at one of the sinks, I look around the white room. The first thing that catches my eye is the large dryer and the various presses around the room that are used once the clothes are clean. Next, I notice the stainless steel tables and benches that are built against the walls, lined with cleaning chemicals, brushes, tools, sewing kits, and other various solvents. But, by far, the thing that catches my eye the most is how immaculately clean the place is. And how everything has a place, completely in order.
Giovisi is still washing his hands. Each time after he rinses his hands and turns the faucets off, he turns them back on and washes his hands again, repeating the process.
I wait for him to finish.
After the third time, he turns the water off and wipes his hands dry with a clean rag. “You must be someone of importance, or else Deakins would not have sent you to me.” He tosses the white rag in a hamper and walks to stand in front of me. “But Deakins has been gone for quite some time now, which begs questions. Primarily, who are you, and why did Deakins send you to find me?”
Don’t worry, John. Nobody knows that I still exist save for you and one other.
Giovisi, along with the rest of the world, assumes that I’m dead.
Oh, there you are, finally. Nice to know. What am I do—
Tell him who you are.
I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.
It’s okay, John. He will help you.
Giovisi frowns. “I am a man of little time and patience, Mr. Steve. If you have nothing to say, then I will have to ask you to kindly leave my property.”
I put my hands up. “Okay. I’ll tell you who I am, but you have to promise not to tell anyone.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” He puts two fingers up like a Boy Scout.
Here we go.
“I am the one who’s cloaked in invisibility, wielder of Thal’s legendary weapons, guildmaster of the Black Knights, slayer of gods. My name is Ace… you may have heard of me.”
Giovisi stands there like a mannequin and stares at me, expressionless.
I hold my arms out for emphasis. “You... may have heard of me?”
“You forgot murderer. Killer of gamemasters,” he replies, unimpressed.
“Yeah. That too. For what it’s worth, though, you should know that Deakins was artificial intelligence, not a real person.”
“Deakins was real. Just as you and I are standing here today, he was a part of the world. And you took him away,” he says matter-of-factly, seemingly already knowing that Deakins was AI.
I put my hand out. “Look, buddy. I’ve been through the wringer over that, and I’m not about to try to justify myself to you. You wouldn’t understand.”
He places both hands together and extends his pointer fingers, tip-to-tip. “I beg to differ. I most certainly do understand the unfortunate predicament you were in at that time, and why you chose to take his life. That does not make me condone your decision.”
“I take it Deakins was your friend.”
“He was everybody’s friend.”
I nod in agreement. “He was. But we’re not here for that, and he wouldn’t want us debating over the ethics of it all anyway, I’m sure. Let’s get down to the business of why he asked me to find you.”
He walks to one of the counters, grabs a glass pitcher full of water, pours some into a cup, and takes a drink.
He gently places the cup down and speaks, his eyes focused on the countertop. “Deakins was a private man. Great, but private. How should I know why he sent you here?”
“I just thought you might know.” I look around, growing tired of his arrogant, mechanical attitude and the cleanliness of this place. Something isn’t right. It’s too damn clean for my liking. “Alright then. Sorry to bother you. I’ll see myself out.”
He steps towards me. “There hasn’t been word of you in quite some time. Where have you been?”
I stop and turn to answer him. “Dealing with real-world shit.”
“You should know that the Black Knights are finished. There’s nothing left.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I tell him.
He narrows his gaze at me. “With your former guild gone, would you consider coming back and joining another guild?”
I shake my head. “I don’t even play anymore. I guess that means the answer is no.”
He looks down, then back up. “What if I told you that the next choice you’re about to make may shape the lives of millions, maybe more? What if I told you about a promise of either great or terrible things to come based upon your choice? Would that change your mind?”
“With the insane amount of lives already lost, why hasn’t Alterlife been shut down, anyway?”
He gives me a knowing look. “There is too much money and politics in Alterlife for the government to shut it down. Not just on the North American server where the virus is, but worldwide. The implications to the global economy would be great.”
Not my problem.
What is this guy selling me, Deakins?
I keep my gaze on his, but I hesitate to reply.
He takes my silence as a favorable sign. “The King’s Blood and the Soldiers of Justice have joined forces. There isn’t a guild in Alterlife that stands a chance against them.”
>
“Why should I give a shit about any of that? I’ve made my name in Alterlife, claimed my fortune, and left a legacy. Tell me why I should care to go back? Convince me, Mr. Clean.”
He grins, takes his glasses off, cleans them with a handkerchief that he pulled from his pocket, then puts them back on. “Because my guild is strong, but the people need a commander to guide and train them. We need all the help we can get because the gods are working with the kings and the Soldiers of Justice, granting them their favor. I do not know why, but I do know that it is for a sinister purpose, one that is not for the benefit of Alterlife.” He becomes more passionate. “You’ve seen the news about how all of the mysterious deaths are being blamed on Alterlife. The virus has primarily been contained since the guilds started fighting back, so the heat has simmered, but I’m afraid that it will soon return. What we witnessed with the virus before may have been just the tip of the iceberg.”
His words strike like shards of ice as memories of another life flood back to me and convict me to the core.
“I know why the gods are working with the guilds.”
“Why?” he asks in earnest.
Don’t say it. It’s ridiculous. It’s just a fucking game!
“They want to kill all of mankind. And they know that, with the united power of the Soldiers of Justice and the King’s Blood, nothing can stop them.”
Giovisi furrows his brows behind his thin glasses, overly abashed by the revelation. “That is preposterous. It makes no sense.”
“Trust me, I’ve met them—the gamemasters and gods—they all want death and destruction, in both Alterlife and the real world. And they won’t stop until it’s done. Have they begun to raise Thal yet?”
He furrows his brow. “No. Not that I’m aware of. Can such a thing be done? I thought you killed him?”
“I did. But Cari told me that they would bring Thal back, and with him would come death and destruction, the likes of which Alterlife has never seen. I think that’s what they’re trying to do; which adds validation to your worries.”
He clasps his hands together in front of him, deep in thought. “If what you say is true, then we desperately need all the help we can get to stop them. Say you will join the Saviors and be my commander. Together, we will stop them and make Alterlife everything it should be again.”
I pause, thinking about the choice I’m about to make. I swore off the game. I know it’s bad for me, and I made my family a promise. Swore to Ben that I would never—
He reaches his hand out to seal the deal. “Together, we can change Alterlife for the better. And, based on what you just told me, maybe even save the world. Become Ace the Great once again. Become who you were born to be.”
Shit, he’s a good salesman.
I’m really about to do this? I’m about to go back?
I have to. In order to prevent any others from dying. Nobody should have to go through what I’ve gone through with Ben. And still, I feel responsible for the virus.
The Black Knights are gone, and he’s my only chance at defeating my enemies and eradicating the virus. I can’t do it alone.
But you knew that, didn’t you, Deakins? You knew that I wouldn’t be able to quit Alterlife.
I reach out and shake his hand. “Alright, Mr. Giovisi. You’ve got yourself a new commander. I’ll join your guild.” I look him square in the eye. “But when this thing is over, I’m through. Finished.”
His grip is firm. “Excellent,” he says, celebrating my decision.
Ace the Great is back.
I’m going to right all of my wrongs, and nothing is going to stop me from doing that.
Man, the feeling is incredible. Son of a bitch, I’m back!
I let go of his hand and give caution. “Speak of this to no one. The less the enemy knows, the better. I’ll make my grand entrance in due time. For now, it’s between you and me.”
“Agreed. We will keep it a secret until you join the guild. In Thannadas, the guild’s home, I will announce your return, and there will be a great celebration.”
“Word of my return will spread quickly.”
“Word only spreads to and from Thannadas if I want it to,” he states. “So when we want our enemies to know, they will know.”
He walks me out. “Log back in and you will see an invitation to join the Saviors. Also, I think you should set up here, with me, at the cleaners. It will be safer and more efficient for planning our training and our attack strategy if we can discuss our course of action outside of Alterlife. I have, or can get, all the accommodations you need. Just say the word.”
I nod my appreciation thinking, at first, that it’s a crazy idea and there’s no way in hell I'm going to log in from here. But then I think it might not be so bad, and he’s got a point about keeping communication outside of any device.
What other options do I have? Set up at home with Jenny and Carla?
No way. I don’t want them seeing me like that.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for the offer.”
“Great.” He opens the front door for me. “Nice to meet you, Steve.”
“I’ll be online soon and will look for the request to join the Saviors.”
Relieved to be alone and back inside my truck, I throw my head back against the headrest.
So, Ace the Great is to return, and only myself and Giovisi know of it.
And Deakins, I’m sure.
No doubt you heard us in there, you damn nosey spirit. Do you watch me take a piss, too?
Only two people know—
But there is one other that I haven’t talked to in quite some time that needs to be privy to this information. And she’s one of the only people I trust in the world.
But I’ve ghosted her for how many months now without speaking?
Almost nine.
I hope she doesn’t hate me.
Inside my truck, I send a text.
hey, deana, it’s me
i’m back
I toss the phone on the dash and look at the Like New Cleaners building one last time before putting the truck in reverse.
What a fucking day…
Before I can even leave the parking lot, my phone buzzes.
It’s a text from Deana.
It’s about time, Ace.
Yeah, Deana, I know.
I know.
I toss the phone back on the dash, not knowing what else to say to her right now.
Not wanting to give Alterlife or anything other than my family one more thought.
6
Duffel Bag and A Pickup Truck
Back in the hospital, I confess my intentions to my son.
“Hey Ben. How you doing? Stupid question, right? Look, I’ve got something to tell you and I don’t know how you’re going to feel about it.” I hold his hand and wait a minute for him to reply. Seeing that he’s content on listening and not saying a word, I continue. “I’m going back to Alterlife.”
I drop my head and exhale a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had just been lifted. Stand up and walk to the window. Stare out at the concrete building that takes up the entire view nearby. A small tree in the tiny, hospital courtyard is the only thing natural that can be seen.
I focus on it while I talk. “I’m not doing it for me this time, son. I need you to know that.” I turn to gauge his reaction before continuing. “Yes, you’re right. It was all about me before. But you must know that everything I did was for you and your mom and your sister. I wanted to provide for you all financially, and I did do that, but it came back to bite me in the ass. My selfish ambition led us to where we are now.” My lip quivers as I look at Ben. “I don’t know how many times I can say I’m sorry to you, but here’s one more: I’m sorry. If I could take it all back, I would.”
I sit next to him. “But, like I said, it isn’t about me this time; it’s bigger than that. It’s about the world, son. Your mom, your sister; you, me. Everyone. And if I don’t do anything, it’s all going to end. I can’t sit
by and allow that to happen.”
Tears well in my eyes as guilt and shame take hold. I try to hold them back, knowing what I must do.
I grind my teeth while grasping his hand. “I’m about to cross the line, son. And one day we’ll look back on this and know that it was necessary.” I try not to think that I may die, and this might be the last time I see him.
Tears fall.
“I love you son. If everything else fades into gray and dissolves into madness, know that I love you. I always have. I always will.” I stand up and kiss him on the head. “I’ve got to go now. See you soon.”
I leave the slumbering room to the lullaby of Ben’s heart monitor.
Back at the house in the early morning hours, I pack my things. I pause before putting the NueView into my duffle bag, giving it one last thought.
No turning back. It must be done.
It goes in and I zip the bag shut.
Jenny’s waiting by the door. “Where are you going?”
“Jenny, I was just about to tell you.”
“Answer me, John.” She looks at the bag and gives me a look somewhere between disappointment and warning.
“I have to go back.”
Shakes her head. “No. That’s bull shit. I won’t allow it.”
“It’s not your decision to make. It’s mine.”
“We’re a team, John. And I’m looking out for your best interest as well as all of ours.” She crosses her arms and is unmoved.
I drop the bag on the floor. “If there was any other way, I would take it. But there’s not.”
“Why not? Why can’t you just let it go and live the rest of your life?” Tears begin to flow. “I thought the group therapy was working.”
I walk to her and place my hands on her shoulders. Her face becomes pained with my decision, and she knows that my mind’s made up. “This is bigger than anything anyone can possibly imagine. Jenny, the virus is back. And if I don’t get back in the game, it’s going to destroy the world as we know it.”