Chapter Text
He sighed in relief as he stepped into his room. It felt nice to finally be back in Turitopulis since his banishment. He's surprised that his dad allowed him to stay despite everything he's put him through.
Brad threw himself onto his bed and looked up towards the ceiling. He just laid there for a few minutes and quietly reflected on the recent events.
For one, the vivid visions he saw when he first laid his hands on that cursed sword. The future he saw was terrible. A monster that runs rampant, spreading nasty diseases and taking the lives of the innocent such as his dad. It drove him insane to the point that he even stabbed himself with the blade only to turn into said monster.
He felt sick to his stomach. Sure, he was fueled with hatred and vengeance but he'd never go that far. Thankfully, it was never set in stone thanks to the player but he still felt awful about it.
Brad wondered how the other guardians deal with these terrible visions of the potential future and their doomed fate. Hell, he was concerned about the player’s mental well-being knowing that they hold multiple.
The robloxian shook his head in frustration, he shouldn't be dwelling in such terrible memories. He got up from his bed and looked around for things to do to distract himself.
B3TT3R T1DY UP TH3 PL4C3
After what felt like thirty minutes, he looked around again and reevaluated the state of the room. The can drink pile rotting in his closet was cleared out, dust and cobwebs were swept away, his cardboard stands and posters were in their proper position, and he put everything back to its proper shelves and drawers. It's much cleaner than before.
Feeling a sense of accomplishment, he decided that the best way to treat himself is to play [Insert game name] for the rest of the afternoon.
Brad sat at his desk and booted up his computer only to find out that its battery was drained completely. He grunted in annoyance and plugged in the charging port.
In the meantime, he could find some snacks and drinks. There should be some chips and Witches Brew laying around in the kitchen pantry.
Soon, he found out that they did not have any chips, Witches Brew or any snacks and canned drinks. He should've known that his dad wouldn't be stocking up on those. Weirdly enough, they had a year's supply of hardtack in one of the cabinets. From what he's heard, those last for decades.
Brad held out the biscuit and smacked it hard onto the kitchen counter before deciding that he didn't want to eat something that could be considered a blunt weapon.
Yet another wrench in his plans. But rather than just giving up, Brad decided to take it upon himself to do something about it and go out and buy some actual snacks. And by the time he comes back, his computer should also be fully charged.
He went back to his room to take his wallet. 150 TIX, he counted. That's more than enough for a couple of snacks and canned drinks. He left his jacket and hat behind. It's too damn hot today to be wearing more than one layer and he wouldn't want to melt just to look cooler.
“P0PS, 1’M H34D1NG 0UT T0 G3T S0M3 STUFF. 1’LL B3 B4CK B3F0R3 3V3N1NG.”
“Alright, son. Please take care of yourself.” He briefly looks up from his book, “And don't get into any trouble, okay?”
“1 W0N’T.” He shuts the door behind him and runs off to the market.
“...I wonder if a casserole would sound nice.” Thaniyel mutters to himself.
4LR1GHT, TH1S SH0ULD B3 3N0UGH
He thought to himself as he hauled a bag full of all sorts of assorted snacks and drinks. This should be enough for the rest of the week.
As he walked through the market, he couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Many folks avoided him like the plague, minimizing eye contact and distancing themselves from him. Even those who talked to him kept it minimal and short.
Even after his dad tried convincing the villagers that Brad’s a changed robloxian. He can't blame them, it'd take awhile before they could trust him again. He admits that it made him a little lonely.
Whatever. He's been lonely before. This shouldn't be bothering him. Right? All this negative thinking just soured his mood. He only hopes to get back home quickly before he has another outburst.
“Hey, it's been awhile.”
A familiar voice shook him out of his sulking state. He looked up and saw a familiar figure in front of him. A friend from the past. Kyoko. He hasn't seen her in years, he wonders what she's been up to for all this time.
“Wanna have a quick chat?”
“UH, SUR3.”
They sat at one of the vacant benches by the river. The tree’s leaves swaying back and forth in the wind. Unlike the market area, it's not as noisy here and there are not many people here.
“How have you been?”
“1’M F1N3. 4 L0T H4S H4PP3N3D 1N TH3 P4ST F3W D4YS. ST4BB3D MYS3LF 4ND B3C4M3 S0M3 STUP1D PL4NT 4ND N0W G0T 4LL TH1S PL4NT CR4P 4LL 0V3R M3.” Brad grumbled as he picked off the leaves that dropped on his shoulder.
“At least you're cured because of the player. I've spent day and night trying to find a cure for you ever since you got back.”
“And to think that you'd be an oversized plant forever.” She laughs.
“...”
“I- uh- was just kidding.” Kyoko tried to defuse the situation, “At least the plant stuff makes you look… stylish?”
He sits there for a minute, his scowled expression softens, “WH4T 4B0UT Y0U?”
“Huh?”
“WH4T H4V3 Y0U B33N D01NG L4T3LY? 1 H4V3N'T S33N Y0U 1N 4G3S.”
“Ah, right.” She scratches the back of her neck, “I'm doing well. I just came back from a long trip. Just resting and planning on where to go after. I'm no adventurer though.”
“WH4T 4R3 Y0U F1ND1NG F0R?” He spoke with intrigue, “1S 1T F0R TR34SUR3? 4NC13NT R3L1CS? W34P0NS 0F M4SS D3STRUCT10N?”
She shakes her head in disapproval, “I'm looking for someone. I'm sure I've told you about them before.”
It took a few moments for Brad to connect the dots, “4NY CLU3 0N H3R WH3R34B0UTS?”
“No… but I'm still holding out hope.” A solemn expression settled on her face.
They sat in silence for a while. Looking out towards the calming river. A gentle summer breeze grazed their skin. The sun was already setting in the horizon, the sky painted in a reddish-orange hue.
Seeing that the situation got a bit awkward, he excused himself. “1’M G01NG H0M3, TH3 0LD M4N’S G0NN4 N4G 4T M3 1F 1'M L4T3.” He got up from the bench.
“Oh, okay. It's been nice catching up. See you around.” She waved goodbye.
He waved back at her before leaving.
“P0PS, 1'M B4CK.”
His dad came out of the kitchen. “Great, you're just in time for dinner. Wash your hands and go prepare the table.” he said as he took off his apron, “I made some casserole.”
After dinner, he went straight to his room (didn't bother to get some snacks because he was full after dinner) and turned on his computer. He can't wait to boot up [Insert game name]. But the computer screen stayed blank.
It turns out that he had forgotten to switch on the power switch and thus, his computer’s still dead.
“G0DD4MN1T!”
But before he could dish out any real damage, he stepped back and took a deep breath. He shouldn't be lashing out over something this small. And especially when his expensive equipment is nearby.
1'M G01NG T0 B3D