Chapter 11

Emily was silent, but had a smile on her face as she walked down the Hospital hallway to the room her sister Jayde was staying in. Ever since the apartment fire, Jayde was in the hospital getting treatment, and during this, the sisters were playing a Virtual Reality Game, of which Emily was one of the developers of. the two were in the same guild, Pixelpact Union, a guild of family members of game developers and developers themselves. Jayde as Azure Kat had gone on a lot of adventures in the game, and had maxed their level, while Emily, as Steel Seraph, had already maxed her level and had risen in rank in the Guild.

The day before in the game, they had a beach party to celebrate the construction of an airship that Jayde as Azure Kat had helped build. And Jayde’s treatment had gone so well, that today after Jayde ate some things, the medical staff could take Jayde’s iv off, and the sisters could leave. Emily walked into the room her sister was in and smiled at seeing her awake. “Morning sis!” she said.

Jayde turned her head, her eyes brightening as she saw Emily enter the room. Despite the hospital setting, there was a sense of joy and relief in the air. “Morning, Em!” Jayde replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She sat up in bed, looking much better than the last time Emily had visited.

“Guess what? They said I can finally get rid of this IV today!” Jayde exclaimed, holding up her arm to show the attached medical equipment. “I can’t wait to be free from all this stuff and get back to the real world. Oh, and I had the weirdest dream last night ... we were flying on that airship we built in Pixelpact Union, and it was amazing!”

Emily chuckled, her smile widening. “Well, it wasn’t just a dream, Jayde. We actually had a beach party in Pixelpact Union to celebrate the completion of the airship. And today, once you’re all set, we can leave this place and maybe have our own little celebration in the real world. What do you think?”

Jayde’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “That sounds perfect! I can’t wait to get back to the game and see everyone. And of course, I’ve missed the real world too.”

As the sisters chatted about their plans for the day, Emily couldn’t help but feel grateful for the virtual world they had created together. It had not only provided them with a source of joy during difficult times, but had also brought their guild, the Pixelpact Union, closer together as a family. Today was not just about leaving the hospital; it was about stepping back into a world of adventure and connection, both in the game and in reality.

Emily smiled at Jayde’s words, “First things first we gotta get food into your belly, real food rather than the virtual stuff we’ve been eating. Then I think I should help you in the shower, and once we get to my place, we can have our private celebration, and then jump in the game. Our new airship crew needs their captain and helms officer, after all,” she said with a grin. Azure Kat, Jayde’s character, was the helms officer currently.

Jayde grinned back at Emily, nodding in agreement. “You’re absolutely right, Em. Real food sounds amazing right now. I’ve been dreaming about a good burger for days.” She chuckled. “And a shower would be heavenly. Hospital life isn’t exactly the cleanest, you know?”

Emily knew the feeling, and soon food arrived, and since Jayde was able to keep it in, the nurses soon removed her IV, then As Emily helped Jayde with the necessary arrangements and the transition from the hospital to Emily’s place, they continued to chat and share stories about the adventures in Pixelpact Union. The prospect of being back in the game, especially with their new airship, added an extra layer of excitement to the day. But Jayde wanted to have a shower first. There was time for celebrations later after all, “if you need any help, even just me holding you, let me know sis,” Emily told Jayde.

Jayde smiled appreciatively at Emily. “Thanks, Em. I think I can manage, but having you around just in case would be reassuring.” With Emily’s support, Jayde made her way to the bathroom, feeling the relief of leaving the hospital room behind.

The warm water from the shower was invigorating, washing away the hospital scent and leaving Jayde feeling more like herself again. Emily stood by, ready to assist if needed, and the sisters continued their conversation, seamlessly transitioning from real-world plans to reminiscing about their latest in-game escapades.

After the refreshing shower, Jayde emerged, feeling revitalized. Dressed in comfortable clothes, she joined Emily in the living room, where the aroma of food filled the air. Emily had prepared a small spread of Jayde’s favorite foods, complete with a homemade cake. They laughed, reminisced, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of being together.

As the day unfolded, the sisters relished in the simple joys of being together, grateful for the bond that extended beyond the confines of pixels and code. The celebration continued, marking not only Emily’s birthday but also the beginning of a new chapter filled with shared laughter, challenges, and the enduring strength of family.

Once they arrived at Emily’s apartment, the two sisters wasted no time in creating their own little celebration.

“so hows it feel wearing clothes again?’ Emily asked, as Jayde had refused the hospital gown, deeming it both a fashion faux pas, and there was the issue of it causing her pain due to her burns. Thanks to the treatment, the burns were gone.

Jayde chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, it feels like I’ve been freed from a fashion nightmare! No offense to hospital gowns, but they’re not exactly my style.” She glanced down at her comfortable, casual clothes and sighed in contentment. “And it’s so much more comfortable without those scratchy hospital sheets, too. I feel like a new person.”

Emily laughed, delighted to see Jayde in good spirits. “Well, you look like a new person, too. It’s amazing how fast you’ve recovered. I was worried there for a while, but I’m so glad to see you back to your old self.”

“Yeah, the doctors did wonders, didn’t they?” Jayde replied, a grateful expression on her face. “And I couldn’t have done it without you and our Pixelpact Union family keeping my spirits up, both in-game and in the real world.”

The sisters continued to chat, enjoying the normalcy of the moment. The echoes of the past challenges were fading, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter and the anticipation of new adventures ahead. The day, once marked by worry and hospital routines, had transformed into a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the joy of simply being together.

Emily smiled at her sister’s words. “don’t count yourself short, you’re strong too. I mean, I doubt we couldn’t defeat those slavers and their dark player guild allies without you.” She said and added, “you as Azure Kat, gave us the push we needed.”

Jayde’s eyes sparkled with appreciation, and she gave Emily a heartfelt smile. “Thanks, Em. But let’s not forget, it was a team effort. We all had each other’s backs in the Pixelpact Union. Your leadership as Steel Seraph and the skills of every member in our guild made a real difference. And that airship we built together? That was a symbol of our unity and strength.”

Emily nodded, a sense of pride in her eyes. “You’re right, sis. We faced tough challenges, and it was our combined strength that saw us through. We make a pretty unbeatable team, don’t we?”

Jayde grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Absolutely. No virtual or real-world adversary stands a chance against the mighty Pixelpact Union!”

As they shared a laugh, the bond between the sisters and their guild mates echoed through their words. The challenges they faced in the game mirrored the resilience they exhibited in real life. With each triumph and setback, they grew stronger together, forging connections that went beyond the virtual realm. The celebration continued, not just for Emily’s birthday, but for the enduring strength of their shared adventures and the unbreakable bonds they had formed.

“By the way sis, I didn’t say it before, I am really sorry about that, but Happy Birthday!” Jayde said with a smile on her face, though sad that she hadn’t been able to get her sister anything while stuck in the hospital.

Emily’s eyes lit up with warmth at Jayde’s birthday wishes. “Thank you, Jayde! Honestly, having you back and healthy is the best gift I could ask for. We’ll have plenty of time for celebrations and gifts. The fact that you’re here, smiling and, well, is all that matters to me.”

Jayde smiled back, a mixture of gratitude and relief in her expression. “I’m just glad to be here with you, celebrating your birthday and everything else. And hey, once I’m fully back on my feet, I promise to make it up to you with the best birthday present ever.”

Emily playfully nudged Jayde. “You being here is already the best present. But I won’t say no to an extra awesome present in the future.”

Jayde grinned as Emily playfully nudged her. “in the next Bot arena, your company, Yamato Technologies, puts on, I’ll win for sure, and I’ll use the prize money to treat you to something amazing. “ She said, as many ideas for extra awesome presents came to her mind.

Emily laughed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “Challenge accepted, Jayde! I look forward to seeing your skills in action. And hey, winning the prize money to treat me to something amazing sounds like a fantastic plan. Just make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy too. We can turn it into a double celebration!”

Jayde nodded enthusiastically. “Deal! We’ll make it a celebration to remember, both in the virtual and real worlds. Maybe we can even convince some of our Pixelpact Union friends to join in the festivities. The more, the merrier!”

As they shared plans for the future, the excitement and anticipation filled the room. The bond between the sisters and their shared adventures in both the gaming and real worlds created a tapestry of memories that made this birthday celebration truly special. With the promise of upcoming victories in the virtual arena and the joy of being together, the day continued to unfold with laughter, love, and the enduring strength of their sisterly bond.

“speaking of our guild mates, once you’re done, we should go to our rooms and get our virtual reality headsets on. We do have an airship launch to participate in, and Void Dragons to fight and everything. “ Emily said as she handed Jayde some napkins.

Jayde nodded eagerly, accepting the napkins from Emily. “Absolutely! I’ve been itching to get back into the Pixelpact Union and continue our adventures. The airship launch and battling Void Dragons sound like the perfect way to kick off our return. Let’s make it an epic comeback!”

As they finished up their meal, the anticipation for the virtual realm hung in the air. The napkins served as a reminder of the transition from the real world to the virtual one, symbolizing the seamless blend of their lives in the Pixelpact Union and the bonds they shared with their guild mates.

With their virtual reality headsets on, Emily and Jayde spoke the code phrase “link start” at the same time, and entered the immersive world of Virtual Land, ready to lead their airship crew, face new challenges, and celebrate the victories that awaited them. The virtual adventures awaited, and with the camaraderie of their guild mates, the sisters dove back into the game, leaving the real world behind for a while to embrace the excitement of the digital realm.

The two of them appeared in the Pixelpact Union guild’s territory, with Jayde as Azure Kat appearing in her mobile base located on top of an ankylosaurus. The two left their homes and ran to the airship located on the launch pad as fast as they could. Before entering the airship taking their positions, with Azure Kat at the helm and Steel Seraph at the captain’s seat.

As Azure Kat and Steel Seraph took their positions on the airship, the guild members of Pixelpact Union gathered around, cheering and expressing their excitement for the upcoming adventure. The airship, a magnificent creation that reflected the combined efforts of the guild, stood ready for launch.

Azure Kat, with her swift and agile movements, took control of the helm, while Steel Seraph stood proudly at the captain’s seat. The guild members saluted, acknowledging their leaders as the airship’s engines hummed to life.

“Captain, all systems are go,” Azure Kat reported, her eyes focused on the virtual horizon.

Steel Seraph nodded, her gaze sweeping across the guild members. “Prepare for launch, everyone! Today marks a new chapter in our adventures. Let’s make it legendary!”

The airship slowly ascended, breaking through the virtual clouds as Pixelpact Union embarked on another quest. The wind whispered through the virtual landscape, carrying the echoes of camaraderie and the thrill of exploration.

As the airship soared through the virtual skies, the sisters, together with their guild mates, set their sights on the challenges and triumphs that awaited them in the Pixelpact Union. The virtual adventures had just begun, and the bond of the guild, forged in both the real and digital worlds, promised an unforgettable journey ahead.

Azure Kat at the helm saw an amazing sight before her as the airship soared through the virtual skies. They’d done it, they had built an airship, and she thought that her guild, the Pixelpact Union had been the first. She’d found the key component when she first started, after all.

Azure Kat marveled at the breathtaking virtual landscape as the airship glided through the skies. The achievement of building the airship filled her with pride, knowing that the Pixelpact Union had been at the forefront of this technological marvel in the game.

As she guided the airship, Azure Kat’s thoughts drifted back to the early days of Pixelpact Union, to the moment she had discovered the key component that set the airship project in motion. The sense of accomplishment and teamwork that had gone into its construction was truly remarkable.

“Captain,” Azure Kat spoke, her voice filled with admiration, “look at what we’ve accomplished. Our airship is a testament to the strength and unity of the Pixelpact Union. I can’t believe we were the first to build this masterpiece.”

Steel Seraph stood by Azure Kat’s side, sharing in the awe-inspiring sight. “It’s amazing, Jayde. Every member of the guild played a part in this. From the early days of gathering resources to the final construction, it’s a testament to our determination and teamwork.”

The airship continued its journey through the virtual skies, leaving a trail of wonder and accomplishment behind. Pixelpact Union, led by the dynamic duo of Azure Kat and Steel Seraph, sailed toward new horizons, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the vast and ever-expanding world of the game.

“Hey!” called Acorn, bringing the crew’s attention to her. “Ahead of us, sensors are picking up something. I think it’s a Void Dragon, but might be one of the other elemental dragons.” She said, and Azure Kat’s eyes widened with excitement at the mention of a potential encounter with a dragon. The memories of her first elemental dragon battle flashed before her – the glitch, the unexpected challenge, and the triumphant victory that had earned her the red dragon scale armor.

“Alright, team, prepare for a dragon encounter!” Steel Seraph announced, her fingers dancing over the virtual controls. “Acorn, keep those sensors sharp. We need to know what we’re up against.”

As the airship sailed toward the source of the sensor readings, the anticipation among the guild members grew. The prospect of facing a dragon, whether it be a Void Dragon or one of the elemental kin, filled them with a mix of thrill and determination.

Steel Seraph, standing beside Azure Kat, couldn’t help but remember hearing about her sister’s fight against the fire dragon. “Remember your first dragon battle, Jayde? That glitch threw you into the deep end, but you came out on top. Let’s show them what the Pixelpact Union is made of!”

Azure Kat nodded, a grin on her face as memories of that unexpected battle flooded back. “Oh, I remember it well, Em. That glitch might have been a surprise, but I turned it into an epic triumph. And today, we’ll face this dragon head-on, whatever it is. Pixelpact Union always rises to the occasion!”

The virtual winds picked up, carrying the airship closer to the mysterious presence detected by Acorn’s sensors. The anticipation among the guild members was palpable, and the excitement for the upcoming battle filled the virtual air.

Acorn’s voice echoed through the communication system. “We’re getting closer, Captain. Sensors indicate it’s a Void Dragon. Get ready, everyone!”

The guild members assumed battle positions, determination etched on their virtual avatars’ faces. The deck of the airship became a hive of focused activity as they prepared for the imminent clash with the powerful Void Dragon.

Steel Seraph and Azure Kat shared a nod, their virtual weapons at the ready. “Let’s do this, Jayde. For Pixelpact Union!” Emily declared, and with those words, the airship sailed into the heart of the virtual storm, ready to face the formidable Void Dragon and emerge victorious once again.

The Airship’s weapons retracted from inside of the ship, and targeted the void Dragon. These weapons were made to hurt void dragons. Steel Seraph was certain they will come out on top. “lets go say hello, fire!” she ordered the player at the Guns console.

The virtual airship hummed with energy as the weapons system activated, targeting the looming Void Dragon. The player at the Guns console responded to Steel Seraph’s command with precision, and the airship unleashed a volley of powerful shots, each aimed with the intent to pierce the void creature’s defenses.

“Fire!” Steel Seraph exclaimed, her eyes focused on the dragon as the weapons blazed to life.

The virtual skies erupted with bright bursts of energy as the airship’s arsenal struck the Void Dragon. The creature roared, its digital form recoiling from the impact. Pixelpact Union, with their expertly crafted airship and skilled teamwork, had engaged the formidable foe with determination.

Azure Kat, at the helm, skillfully maneuvered the airship to evade the Void Dragon’s retaliatory attacks. The battle had begun in earnest, and the members of the Pixelpact Union were fully immersed in the thrilling clash with the digital behemoth.

As the airship danced through the virtual clouds, the camaraderie and coordination of the guild shone through, echoing the spirit of countless adventures they had faced together. The battle against the Void Dragon was a testament to their strength, skill, and unwavering unity in the face of virtual challenges.

The Void Dragon came around, its focus on the airship that attacked it, as it tried to use its breath attach at the ship. But the Pixelpact Union had already prepared for this already.

Steel Seraph anticipated the Void Dragon’s retaliation, and the Pixelpact Union had indeed prepared for such a formidable opponent. As the dragon unleashed its breath attack, the airship’s defensive systems sprang into action.

“Activate the shields!” Steel Seraph commanded, and in an instant, a shimmering energy barrier enveloped the airship, absorbing the brunt of the Void Dragon’s breath attack. The shield held strong, protecting the guild members within.

“Good call, Em!” Azure Kat exclaimed, deftly steering the airship to avoid any additional attacks from the dragon. “Let’s keep up the pressure! Acorn, keep an eye on its movements.”

Acorn, managing the sensors, replied swiftly, “Got it, Azure Kat! I’ll make sure we stay one step ahead.”

The battle raged on in the virtual skies, the clash between Pixelpact Union and the Void Dragon reaching a crescendo. The airship’s weapons continued to fire, targeting the dragon’s vulnerabilities, while the guild members coordinated their efforts with precision.

In the face of the Void Dragon’s might, Pixelpact Union stood resilient, their teamwork and strategic preparations shining through. The virtual battle unfolded with intensity, echoing the spirit of the guild’s countless triumphs against formidable foes in the expansive world of the Pixelpact Union.

Under the guidance of the airship’s captain, Steel Seraph, the mighty airship fired its weapons at the void Dragon, and tricked it into coming closer, only to be bombarded with attacks.