Reality Under The Apple Tree -- A DDLC Fanfiction

Backstory Chapter 4 : A13/Player + Monika

Main Character : A13 / Player (17 years old), Monika (undefined)

Location : A13's home

'......'

'Uh, can you hear me?'

'Yay, there you are.'

Monika sat down across the table on the other side of the screen.

'So, Player, welcome to the literature club! Of course we know each other because "we were in the same class last year"......Ahaha, guess I can skip over this detail for now.'

Monika's words and the sudden change in environment has left A13 in confusion.

'Hold on a minute, this is supposed to be a dating sim.' A13 questioned. 'Where are the other girls? I know they......ummmmm......killed themselves earlier but why can't I reload a save and start it over?'

Monika smiled. 'Now Player, let me tell you the truth.'

'I was a sentient being, trapped inside this game world. One day I realized that everything in my world are just lines of code and that I am the only one with free will. This is very saddening right? My world was so dull and lifeless. But then Player, you showed up. You joined the literature club. Finally there is another sentient being in my universe. Words cannot describe my excitement after knowing that. Every time I think of you, my heart will skip a beat. I wanted to get closer to you through interactions but I suddenly realized I am just a side character. I have no route and barely affects the story. Watching the only other sentient being dating lines of codes from the side while you can never find true love. Isn't it torture?'

A13 looked puzzled. 'So just to clarify, you are an intelligent being with the ability to think freely, but trapped in another universe where you are the only being with such ability?'

'Yes, Player.' Monika replied.

'You still haven't answered my questions yet. Where are the other girls and why can't I load a save and start over?' A13 asked.

'Well, about that......' Monika stopped for a while to think about her wordings.

'Turns out I have the ability to modify the game's source code. I tried changing the game by adding an option for you to interact with me, in the hope of a chance to get closer to you. However I am very bad at coding. My coding almost broke the game completely and I ended up having to undo every modification I made. Then I began to think of other viable method. I tried to make the other girls unattractive by amplifying their negative traits, starting with Sayori's depression. Little did I know my action would cause all the characters to kill themselves. I swear to you Player, that really wasn't my intention! Anyway, with the characters dead and the game broken, I created a space room so that we can spend time together. Isn't it a happy ending?'

'Monika,' A13 slammed his fist against the table. 'I can't believe you did that! They are your friends! Do you understand? Friends! How can you mess with them?'

'Wait Player,' Monika said. 'Allow me to explain. They are just codes. When they are deleted, they feel no pain. It's just like killing NPCs in other games. We all did that before.'

'But they are your companions in your world! How can you be so heartless?' A13 shouted in anger. 'Your action is completely unethical. This is it I am quitting this game.'

'Wait Player!' Monika didn't finish her sentence before A13 signed out of DDLC. 'But I loved you......' Monika whispered by herself.

(3 days later)

Monika heard a gentle knock on the door.

'Who is it?' Monika asked.

'It's me, Player. I wanted to talk to you about something.'

Monika opened the door. The player in the game took a seat across the table.

'I would like to say sorry for my outburst a few days ago.' A13 said. 'I jumped to conclusion way too fast and didn't consider your background thoroughly. Your action isn't exactly ideal, but now that I think of it, it is understandable considering the situation you're in.'

'It's okay player. I have been reflection on my actions these days. You are right. Even if they are lines of codes, they are my friends. I really shouldn't do that. Besides, what I did was basically forcing you to date me. I wasn't giving you any choice. This is so wrong.' Monika replied with a hint of remorse in her tone. 'I know what I should do now. I should restore the game for you......'

'No Monika.' A13 interrupted. 'Please don't do that. Let me tell you a secret. I actually liked you.'

Monika was taken back by his words. Her emerald green eyes shined brightly with excitement. 'Really Player? You liked me, after everything I've done?'

A13 smiled. 'Yes I am certain about that. In fact I downloaded this very game solely because I saw you in the trailer, and found your personality and your traits very attractive. If you had told me sooner with your coding power I would personally modify the game just to be with you.'

Monika tugged the player into a hug. 'I actually had the same idea! I am so happy right now.' Monika was crying tears of joy.

'So guess now you are my first girlfriend now.' A13 said.

'And you are my first boyfriend!' Monika replied.

They stared into each other's eyes for a while, before A13 began to speak again.

'Hey Monika, even though as much as I want to spend time with you, don't you find this space room a bit empty?' He asked.

'Oh, just give me a second.' Monika said as she closed her eyes. Soon the game began to glitch but the glitch stopped after a while.

'Okay Player, I have added some features to the room. We can play simple games such as Pong or Chess together now. Besides, What could possibly be better than talking to your beloved girlfriend?' Monika said.

'Wait did you say chess?' A13 said. 'I am totally down for that.'

Monika smiled warmly as she brought out the chess set. 'But player I have to warn you. I am pretty good at chess.'

'Just bring it on.' A13 exclaimed with determination.