Turquoise arrived at the address Dan gave her which looked like an upscale apartment building for rich people. She entered the building and spoke to the receptionist at the front desk.

“How may I help you, mam?” The Receptionist asked.

“I’m Turquoise Dusk and I’m here to see Dan Skycroft,” Turquoise said.

“Mr. Skycroft is on the twenty-second floor in room 2210, “The receptionist said before Turquoise went to the elevator. The Elevator took a while to arrive which made sense considering the building had twenty-five floors. After about five minutes the elevator arrived and Turquoise got in. After pressing the button for the twenty-second floor the doors closed and the long ride up began. After about five minutes of waiting, she arrived on her floor and got out.

“Finally that took almost forever,” Turquoise said while walking. She soon found the room and knocked on the door which Dan answered.

“I been waiting for you love,” Dan said before inviting Turquoise in. She was impressed by the fact the inside was bigger and had more rooms than your average apartment.

“I didn't know you and your family lived in such a nice place,” Turquoise said.

“Only I live here, My parents live seven blocks from here,” Dan said.

“You live on your own yet you're still in college?” Turquoise asked.

“My parents wanted to give me my space so they sprang for me to have my place,” Dan said before getting right to business. “But you will meet them another time right now let me show you what I have been working on. Dan showed Turquoise to his gaming room which was where his secret project was.

“What is this secret project of yours?” she asked.

“Behold,” He said before pulling a sheet off of what looked like a table that had a helmet-like device on it. “This is my invention, The Neurosphere.

“Neurosphere?” She asked.

“Tell me are you familiar with the anime Sword Art Online?” He asked.

“It's the one where the characters get trapped in a death game isn't it?” She asked.

“Correct based on that idea I invented the world’s first real-life full-dive device along with the world’s first VRMMO,” He said.

“Impressive but why do you want me to test it?” She asked.

“Because I have a surprise I prepared just for you and once you dive in I’m sure you're going to be amazed,” He said. Turquoise put the headset on and the visor said it was in calibration mode which meant the device needed to be calibrated for Turquoise to use it. She was instructed to feel herself so the device could construct a digital blueprint of her body which would serve as the base for her avatar. After the calibration was finished it was time to begin the real test. “Now lay down in my recliner and say LINK START when I give the signal,” She did as told and was given the ok to begin.

“LINK START,” she said before a bunch of colorful lights and checks played in front of her eyes. Suddenly she found herself in what looked like a town but what was more surprising was that Turquoise was now a woman with long red hair with matching fox ears and two fluffy red tails wearing what looked like the kind of dress Nero from Fate/Last Encore wore but in indigo instead of red. Suddenly she heard Dan’s Voice.

“What do you think? I designed that avatar just for you,” Dan asked.

“I love it, How did you know I loved foxes?” Turquoise asked.

“I have seen your room and you had many things center around certain fox-like pokemon so I put two and two together,” Dan said. “Hang on I'll be in there shortly,” Seconds later a yellow pillar of light formed before disappearing, and in its place was Dan who now looked like a human/fox hybrid wearing a black samurai outfit with two katanas by his side. “So what do you think of my world?

“It's pretty amazing,” Turquoise said before asking for more details.

“This game is called Fenos Online and this is the land of Fenexia,” Dan said before going into more detail. “Currently we are in the town of Kura in the Continent of Vixena, The goal of this game is to collect the eight Tribe Stones from each of the eight Beast Continents.

“What happens when you collect all eight?” Turquoise asked.

“Once you gather all eight you gain entry to the Floating Castle Dysoncrad via the World Tree,” Dan said. “Don’t ask about it because I haven't developed that part yet.

“By the way, why do I have two tails?” Turquoise asked while looking at them.

“I noticed you also had a thing for Tails from sonic so I added that since I thought you would like it,” Dan said.

“Well it does give me some more fluffy fluff to tease boys with,” Turquoise said playfully.

“I got your Fluffy Fluff,” Dan said playfully before pulling on one of Turquoise’s tails which aroused her.

“Ah,” Turquoise shouted like she felt that. “Wait how come I could feel that?”

“The neurosphere intercepts the signals from your brain and transfers them to your avatar in-game so anything you feel in this game will feel real to you like for instance having someone pull on your tail,” Dan explained.

“As your girlfriend, I must ask you to never do that again,” Turquoise said while holding her tails protectively.

“Sorry love just thought you would find the reference amusing,” Dan said.

“Anyway, what is there to do so far?” Turquoise asked.

“Right now not much since the game is still in the development phase and so far all I have is this town and our avatars,” Dan said.

“I noticed you are a samurai but what class am I?” Turquoise asked.

“You're a knight as you can probably guess by your dress,” Dan said.

“So I’m just like Saber from Fate?” Turquoise asked.

“Your design was based on her but not entirely,” Dan said.

“So what kind of weapon do I have?” Turquoise said.

“Knights have three options for fighting styles which determined the kind of gear they have, The first is the one-handed style where you fight with one sword which is usually a broadsword or an epee, The second is the knight-style which involves using a shield and a sword, and the third and most difficult of the three is the heavy-handed style which involves using a buster sword meaning you need two hands to wield it leaving you with zero defense,” Dan explained.

“So which one am I?” Turquoise asked.

“For right now I gave you the single-handed style but once I get the full version of this game going you may change the style of fighting,” Dan said. Dan drew one of his katanas before showing Turquoise how to access the menu by swiping his finger in mid-air. Turquoise copied the motion with her right hand and was told to go into her inventory to equip the broad sword Dan gave her. Suddenly a sword appeared by Turquoise’s side.

“Whoa, how is this possible?” Turquoise asked.

“Like in any video game when you select items they will instantly appear for you,” Dan said.

“So all I do is select something from the list and it will appear?” Turquoise asked.

“Exactly,” Dan said. Before they could go into more detail Turquoise suddenly saw a notification telling her someone was touching her.

“What is this notification about?” Turquoise asked.

“One issue this kind of technology has is that it cuts you off from real life,” Dan said before going into detail. “Let's say your mom yells for you to come downstairs to do something. If you are unable to hear her and she is forced to come into your room she might disconnect the headset and potentially end up killing you. Thus I enabled it so that if the slightest vibration was felt on your body the Nerosphere would alert you to it.

“How do we log out?” Turquoise asked.

“Open up the menu and it should be there,” Dan said as he demonstrated before vanishing. Turquoise did the same and as soon as she returned she noticed she received a missed call from her dad. She immediately called him back.

“Sorry for missing your call, Dan and I were busy with his invention,” Turquoise said.

“It’s fine but anyway we need you to come home and get ready for the party at the Kagami estate,” Bullet said.

“You mean that thing where both companies mingle with each other?” Turquoise asked.

“Exactly and there is someone who wants to meet you so try to look your best,” Bullet said before he hung up. Turquoise bid farewell to dan and returned home. As soon as she got there the maids escorted Turquoise to her room before having her try on many of her dresses.

“Is this necessary?” Turquoise asked.

“Master Bullet gave us specific instructions to make you look presentable for the son of the CEO of the Kagami Corporation,” One of the maids said while styling Turquoise’s hair into a formal style. The maids went with a black slit dress with matching heels for Turquosie’s outfit. As soon as she was ready Turquoise went downstairs to meet her parents who were also ready.

It was now sunset and Turquoise was now by Bullet’s side while he spoke to a man who had the same complexion as Haruka wearing a suit.

“This is my lovely daughter Turquoise,” Bullet said introducing her.

“Pleasure to meet you, sir,” Turquoise said trying to sound polite.

“Pleasure to meet you too,” The man said before calling out for someone. “Hey, Minato comes here there is someone I want you to meet,” Suddenly a boy who looked to be around Turquoise’s age with black hair walked up to them.

“What is it, father?” Minato asked.

“This is your new girlfriend Turquoise,” The man said which struck a nerve with Turquoise.

“Excuse me but what? I never agreed to that. besides I’m already spoken for,” Turquoise said before Bullet covered her mouth.

“Don’t listen to her she is just nervous about dating someone,” Bullet said before pulling Turquoise to a space to talk in private.

“What the hell dad? You know my heart already belongs to Dan,” Turquoise asked.

“Listen I know you love him and he is a perfect gentleman but my company needs this partnership since the demand for military weapons is almost at zero,” Bullet said.

“But what about Dan? I love him and I want to be with him, not this Minato guy,” Turquoise said.

“Either you be Minato’s girlfriend or we lose our mansion and live on the streets,” Bullet said. Turquoise was stuck between a rock and a hard place with this ultimatum.

“I will think about it,” Turquoise said even though her answer would still be no. As soon as the talk was over Turquoise went outside to call Dan. What she didn't know was that her mother was following her. As soon as she was far enough from the noise she dailed Dan. After a few seconds, he answered.

“Hi love how is the party going?” Dan asked.

“Horrible,” Turquoise said.

“How so?” Dan asked.

“My dad is trying to make me be the girlfriend of the son of one of his business partners and if I refuse he said we would be broke and homeless,” Turquoise said not knowing her mom was listening.

“Do you love this other guy?” Dan asked.

“Hell no we just met and I can tell this Minato guy is bad news,” Turquoise said.

“How so?” Dan asked.

“He reeks of weed and looks like the kind of guy who would abuse me like a prostitute,” Turquoise said. “Besides I have you and that is all I want,”

“I’m glad you love me and are being loyal to me, but what about your home and family?” Dan asked.

“Before I had all this wealth I was content with living the life of a middle-class citizen,” Turquoise said.

“I’m sure things will work out somehow but even if they don’t you can always stay with me,” Dan said.

“Thank you, Dan,” Turquoise said.

“Hang in there,” Dan said before hanging up. Suddenly Ruby came up to Turquoise.

“Men am I right?” Ruby said.

“Mom? How much did you hear?” Turquoise asked frantically.

“All of it,” Ruby said before having a seat next to Turquoise. “Do you know why I married bullet?”

“The love?” Turquoise asked.

“Because your grandparents were pressuring me into getting remarried after your real father died and it was the same with Bullet so we agreed to help each other out,” Ruby said. “But over time I learned to love him,”

“But why would he try to set me up with someone when he knows I’m taken?” Turquoise asked.

“Because Silver Corp is not just a company to him. It's his family’s legacy and Bullet will do anything to protect that legacy,” Ruby said.

“Even interfere with my love life,” Turquoise said.

“The company bylaws state only the son or husband that marries into the family may inherit the company. Since you decided to be a girl bullet is doing what he can to keep his company afloat,” Ruby said. Suddenly Mr.Kagami showed up.

“There you are Turquoise, Bullet was looking for you,” Mr. Kagami said.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way Mr. Kagami but I already have a boyfriend and your son is not my type,” Turquoise said expecting Mr. Kagami to be upset.

“I know my son is addicted to drugs but that is why he needs a woman in his life to help him get his life together,” Mr. Kagami said.

“Then why not find someone else?” Turquoise asked.

“Because no one wants to be with him and most of my employees have sons and the ones who don’t are single,” Mr.Kagami said.

“Fine I will do what I can to at least make him more appealing to girls but under no circumstances does this make me his girlfriend,” Turquoise said.

“Domo arigato Turquoise-chan,” Mr. Kagami said. And so the party went on without much incident.

The next day at Cardinals Turquoise and dan were talking about last night’s party over lunch.

“Looks like you found a compromise,” Dan said.

“It won’t be easy, especially since getting someone off drugs is insanely difficult,” Turquoise said.

“The first step is always the hardest,” Dan said. “By the way how did your father take it?”

“Mr. Kagami agreed to be his new business partner in exchange for me helping his son get his life on track,” Turquoise said.

“So what’s he like?” Dan asked.

“Let’s just say he has a long way to go before he can meet another girl,” Turquoise said.

Author's Note

sorry for the wait