Simple Minds [OPEN]

"Oh."

The sky was a bright blue with wisps of clouds floating across, a gentle breeze ruffling his clothing, just as it would in the real world. Ryuunosuke wasn't quite sure whether his skepticism of the developer's ability to create a "new world" was all in good conscience. Quite a few people were excited for the release of the full game while he was lucky enough to receive beta albeit on a fluke rather than anything profound. Turning over his hands a few times to make sure that he was all there, it was mildly astonishing on how his entire body seemed to be replicated, although he could've made a new one if he wanted. Nonetheless it all felt so real. From the people talking behind him to the liveliness that he could feel all around him.

It was as if he wasn't even existing in the world outside of this, as if this was all he knew, all that Areto knew.

As if on cue, another person who must've recently logged on, let out a series of cries at how amazing the game was. Areto watched in silence with a fond smile as they dashed from one place to the other. It was almost as if he was witnessing a child in a candy store without their parent being present. Oh well, no sense in being standoffish. He made his way over although evading a few people that stepped in his path.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Looking up, he noticed the cursor floating over the other's head.

Well that was strange.

PRINCE

For someone that seemed so mature outwardly, this person was rather sweet and a little jumpy at the same time. Areto had to admit that the graphics of the game weren't like anything that he's ever seen. It was absolutely otherworldly in a way and he was having a tough time discerning what was real and what wasn't. But that didn't draw away from the cuteness of the situation of a blond-haired young man swiping at the cursor over his head. Oh, he didn't even notice that there was one floating over his head. That would be something to note for later on.

The cursor was green just like his counterpart's and they were both just floating. When his hand passed through it, the cursor would shimmer before coming back to place as if nothing had happened. He'd have to remember from the user manual if there were any other colors that he'd have to be aware of. Though, seeing as it was the beginning of beta, everyone should be green for now at the very least.

"Well, let's see.."

He watched the other continue his movements and nodded his head.

"Yep, almost as if it isn't even there."

Areto grinned and held out his hand. New game, new world, new me.

"I'm Areto, and you?"

PRINCE

Well, compared to Areto's initial reaction to the game, Prince's seemed to be justified.

Instead of becoming annoyed or rather whispering as some of the passing players would have done, he smiled and reached up to pat the blond's shoulder.

"I'm glad that you're having so much fun," Areto said. "How did the apple feel in your hands, like a real one?"

Everything here felt real. The heat from his hands, the texture, even the feeling of his clothes against his skin. All of it felt so real that he wasn't even sure if he was alive outside of the game. Though he knew that he was there. Laying down or sitting in his chair, he couldn't quite remember, but he was there outside in a world that was changing while he was inside of Aincrad. And that was amazing in itself. As if struck by an idea, Areto patted a closed fist against his open palm.

"This might seem sudden but do you know how to use the display window?"

He grinned.

"I'd like to be friends with you, if that's okay?"

Touching his chin, he tilted his head upwards in thought.

"Having a prince as a friend would be really great."

PRINCE