Virtual Reality… The technology that took the world by storm ten years ago. An immersive technology that allowed its users to experience a simulated environment through the use of sensory-feedback devices and computer-generated graphics… It was thought to be the ultimate form of entertainment during its time, however, its success soon came to a halt when the limitations of computer simulations became apparent.

As countless corporations turned away from the technology due to its high development cost and fading success, one man stayed behind. His love for the virtual world had no bounds and he refused to accept that his dream could never be fulfilled. With his curious mind and unyielding heart, he poured every ounce of his passion in creating a gateway to the beloved, virtual world he considered a wonderland.

Yet no matter how hard he worked, no matter how much time he devoted in the creation of his masterpiece, the tools of his time were simply inadequate, unable to assist in the struggles of his hands, his mind, and his heart. Time passed and his passion began to fade. When he looked in the mirror he could no longer recognize the face of his own reflection. The once youthful man with earnest eyes was no longer there, only a wrinkled fool wearing a sad smile remained.

“What have I been doing this whole time?” He asked himself, as he tried to recall the reason behind all his efforts. The dreams he had in his youth… the world he yearned to see… whittled and fragmented by the long, hard years that he endured. “Ah, I wish I could have opened that door...” He closed his eyes and sighed as a curious thought came to him. Like a surge of stimulating electricity, an idea struck his head.

Who would've thought that it was on the brink of his despair and at the edge of surrender, that it would finally hit him… When others had focused on creating a door to another world, he found out that he required not only a door but a key to open it as well. Side by side, working hand in hand as one… The machine he built and the most powerful tool at his disposal, the human mind.

In the span of a few years, he founded the company, Looking-Glass Entertainment, named after the mirror that revealed him the answer. It took him two more years to achieve the impossible and his company finally released its first and most successful product, the Dream-Catcher.

By signing the terms and conditions of LGE, the users of the Dream-Catcher allows the device to access the shards of their dreams, memory fragments that contain unique experiences throughout their sleep. These dream fragments are then recorded by their system and reproduced for everyone to experience and enjoy, essentially building a world of dreams.

Whether it be the sensation of trickling water from a showerhead to the searing pain of acid rain… From the cold, bitterness of a cheap beer to the sweet, rich taste of a Sauvignon blanc… From the soothing melody of a piano concerto to the roar and wingbeat of a fire-breathing dragon… Anything can be experienced inside the dream world, Wonderland.

Hailey opened the door to the test room as she explained the basics of Virtual Reality to Matthew. The lights flickered for a moment, banishing the darkness that hid the sophisticated beauty of the small studio behind the store.

The room housed two, black recliners and numerous computers rested on a long, white desk. Large screens decorated the walls. And glass shelves contained a selection of odd-looking headgears at the corner.

“Are those…”

“That’s right. They’re Dream-Catchers.” Hailey answered as she approached one of the glass shelves and opened the locked latch with a key. “Here, see for yourself.” She smiled as she fetched one of the headgears and handed it over to him.

It was a helm-like visor with a thin, glass screen at the front. Part of the sides protruded upwards, forming a shape reminiscent of pointed ears. It had a heavy, solid feel to it yet it still seemed delicate to the touch. Matthew admired the device on his hands and felt the strange engravings on its sides with his thumb. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a circular, net-like symbol accompanied by two hanging feathers, a crescent moon, and three stars.

“Wow…” He gasped, awed by its design and the level of craftsmanship behind it.

“I still can’t believe you’ve never heard of Wonderland let alone VR before.” Alex teased, grinning at Matthew’s wide-eyed expression from beside him. “Have you been living under a rock or something?”

“S-shut up…” Matt averted his gaze as his cheeks burned from embarrassment.

“Ignore her Matt. She just can't relate to an athlete’s busy schedule because she never played sports since we were kids.”

“Well, that's such a waste. She seems to be in great shape.”

“Oh, that’s right, you don't know.” Hailey flashed a devious grin towards Alex that caused a shiver to crawl down her spine. “Actually, prior to the release of the first Dream-Catcher, Alex didn't care at all about her figure. In fact, she was larger than—”

“Ok! Ok! That's enough!” Alex dashed towards Hailey, covering her mouth before she could spill out her darkest secrets. “I get it already, ok? My bad!” She growled, sulking at her friend’s foul response.

Witnessing the interaction between them, Matt couldn't help but tremble at Hailey’s command over the seemingly irrepressible Alex. Yet at the same time, he remained envious of the close relationship they shared. “Must be nice…” He whispered as a faint smile surfaced on his lips.

“Did you say something, Matt?” Hailey asked, tilting her head.

“Oh, it's nothing.” He answered. “So this... device is the gateway to this virtual world called Wonderland, right?” He asked, recalling her explanation.

“Well, that’s partially correct. As I said, Wonderland is a world created from the collective dream fragments of all its users. However, the Dream-Catcher only acts as a guide, a sort of key or compass for you to use in your travel. In other words, the ability to dream is the true gateway but both are still required for you to enter Wonderland. Makes sense?”

“I think so…”

“Don't think about it too hard. Just let the Dream-Catcher do its job and your dreams will do the rest.”

“Alright.” Matt nodded as he followed her instructions. He placed the visor on his head, adjusting it accordingly to fit his face. He then approached the recliner and made himself comfortable as he watched Hailey access the computer beside him.

“Just a minute. I’m calibrating the Dream-Catcher for test mode.”

“Calibration? Test mode? Why does it sound so complicated?”

“Well, normally, once a person uses a Dream-Catcher it becomes acclimated to the user and its settings becomes personalized to fit that and only that person. This prevents others from stealing or sharing the same device. Test mode solves all that, however, it does limit certain functions and it's also a pain to adjust…” Hailey sighed as she performed several keystrokes in swift succession while wearing an agonizing expression on her face.

“Don't worry Matt, Hailey knows what she's doing so just sit tight and relax.” Alex laughed as she fetched a Dream-Catcher on the shelves. “That being said—I call next!” She shouted with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Oh, no you don't! You know it's against store policy for employees to use it. Besides we're both still on the clock, you idiot.”

“Oh, c’mon Hailey. I won't tell if you won't tell.”

“No.”

“Pretty please?”

“I said no!”

“Aww…”

Ding! Ding! Ding!

“Look, a customer just entered,” Hailey said as she glanced at the surveillance monitor and noticed a man pass through the sliding doors.

“Man, what a killjoy…” Alex sighed, grumbling under her breath.

“Go on, help him out,” Hailey ordered, glaring at Alex with dead-serious eyes. “Now!” She shouted.

“Oh, boo!” Alex pouted as she exited the room.

“Will she be fine?”

“I’m sure she can at least help him find whatever he needs. More, importantly, the calibrations are almost done.”

“Ok. What do I do next?”

“Just say the words revealed by the screen and the Dream-Catcher would put you into deep sleep. Then, once you’re in REM sleep you’ll enter the Mirrorverse but don't worry, I can contact you there through the computer.”

“Ok… What’s the Mirrorverse then?”

“It’s Wonderland’s version of a character creation screen or rather a character creation realm since it's in 3D. You’ll understand when you get there. So, you ready?”

“Yeah, let's do it!” Matt gathered his breath and answered with an eager voice. Hailey couldn't help but smile seeing his childish expression.

“Alright, diving in three… two… one…”

“Down the Rabbit Hole!” Matt shouted as he closed his eyes and slowly succumbed to sleep.