Life with the Video Game Cast

Chapter 1

Wow, I can't believe it! "Mom, dad, you actually got me it!" I cheered as I ripped the wrapping paper away from the present that was wrapped up. "Yes, we did! You deserve it." my dad replied as they watched me open it. I looked all over the shiny new book that was in my hands, smiled wide, and I couldn't hold all my happiness back. "THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! I actually got it!" I grinned as I held it tighter. "We're glad you love it!" my mom giggled. As much as I was excited about this, I couldn't help but wonder how much it cost.

I flipped it over and saw the bar code where the price was shown right above it. $100... all for a book for me? "Mom, Dad... you know you didn't have to do this for me." I sighed looking at them. "No, Derrick, we did. You've been doing so well in school lately, and you've gotten nothing for your birthday so, this is to make up for that. Besides, this is the one you've been asking for, and you were upset that you weren't going to get it! So, now you've got it!" my dad reassured me. "But I would've been fine dad! Even though it was a limited edition, it's not a big deal." I replied. "Oh, hush darling! We just want you to be happy ok? Now enjoy your book because we wanted you to have something special for once! Money means nothing to us, we've got everything we need right here! But that doesn't mean we can treat ourselves to something every once and a while!" my mom reassured. I smiled at them and down at my book. "Thank you! I love you guys!" I grinned and they hugged me back. After exchanging some more words, I raced to my room and shut the door. Now you might think I'm a child for still being into video games and cartoon characters.

But that's been my thing since I was a kid. I'm 14, about to start high school very soon. I can't believe it's almost here. At the same time, I ready to face this whole thing. I looked down at my book which was full of my idol video game characters.

Opening the book, I flipped through all the history of each character, each game, characters that star in movies who even have their own games, all that stuff. Even though I was enjoying every bit of it, I felt guilty for my parents who spent over $100 on a book. I'll be sure to do something extremely special for them! My life hasn't always been easy. Between you and me, I hope you don't have to worry about food coming to the dinner table. With the little that I had, I was thankful for my family and that we're still alive and together. Hoping that one day we might never have to worry about money or things like that. One day I know things are going to get better. I had gone halfway through the whole book which surprised me since it was only an hour since I got the thing. If I'm going to stretch this book out, I might as well go find something to do. I stuffed the book into my backpack and headed outside. After saying my goodbyes, I headed out to the garage.

Somehow we could also afford one bike and one car. The bike belonged to me since my parents both needed the car for their job that was an hour away from here. I hopped on and headed out into the park where I spend most of my free time. Not many people went to this park if I'm being honest, but that's how I liked it, just being alone with a sketch book and a pencil. I sat down on a bench and began doodling some random stuff just to pass the time and think about other things in the past. When I heard a sound of laughter, looked up to see what it was, and I saw a decent dressed family playing around and having a picnic in the green grass. I wish I could spend time with my family some more. But they have to work really hard to get food and other stuff to survive. I'm just glad I still have them by my side. Thinking about it, made me sad, so I went to another part of the woods to try and relax.

After I settled down into another spot, I drew the setting of the trees that was next to the lands and a pond nearby. The whole place made me feel calm. My mind drew a blank. I wasn't sure what to draw after I finished my last piece. I decided to just lay down and look all over the place. Just laying there made me feel sleepy. Before I could knock out, I sensed this glow on my face. It surprised me so I looked around the place wondering where it was coming from. That's when I saw the beam coming from the pond nearby. I wasn't sure what to think of it. I went towards the pond and looked closer at it. It looked so weird, but I knew I had to deal with it. Peaking into the water, I saw it looked like some weird pink crystal thing, but who knows how long it had been there. I carefully took it out, holding it carefully, and looked at it. "Woah... this thing looks cool!" I gasped. I wiped away the dirt and mud before looking at it more. After fiddling with it, I gently tapped it with the edge of my fingernail. It didn't do anything. Well, it must be worth some sort of value! I got up and began to gather my stuff and shoved the crystal into my backpack. I quickly raced back to my bike but and I began to pedal back home.

So many thoughts were rushing through my mind as I rushed back home. How much could I get for this? What will my parents think? Will this solve everything we've been praying to change? I couldn't even believe this was happening. As I cycled home with my thoughts, I suddenly felt my backpack starting to vibrate and shake a lot. I wasn't sure what it was so I pulled over into a secret spot so no one would come near me. Opening my backpack I looked right at the crystal. It was shaking and glowing as I took it out of my bag and I wondered why it was doing that. Please don't explode! I begged to myself and watched as it suddenly bursted into a sharp glow. I freaked out so I dropped it onto the ground. Suddenly, I felt the ground almost fall out from under me, then I felt like I was falling into a hole of endless blackness, but I couldn't see because of the lights. What was going on? Why was it happening?

I thought I might throw up any moment now but thankfully I finally hit something. "OW!" I shouted. It took a minute for me to regain everything inside of me. Everything was so sore and I just didn't want to move anything at all. I did get up though, even if everything did hurt. As I got up, two things dropped at my side. My backpack at my left, and then the crystal, which now had turned black, on my right. I looked around the place and saw how everything still looked like a forest. Phew, everything looks fine! I sighed and wiped my forehead. Looking through my bag, I saw my book which was still alright. Sighing in relief, I decided to start walking and try to find my way back. But as I walked, I realized that this wasn't at all MY home! The only question was, where was here?

Sheer panic went through me thinking about where I might be. What would my parents say? Who could I possibly tell to help me get home? I don't know where I am! On the verge of fainting, I sat down to catch my breath before thinking straight. After another minute, I sighed and walked over to what looked like a huge city. I felt better knowing people might be over there in the town. I can go ask for help. Maybe someone will be nice enough to give me a lift home! Right as I approached the city, my smile turned upside down. This was a city... just not a normal city.