Chapter Text
Player was shopping in Bizville’s Card Shop when they got a call from their work phone. Weirdly enough, it wasn’t from Shedletsky or Telamon, it was from Mayor Thaniyel. They quickly left the shop and answered the phone. “Hello?” The mayor's voice came through the phone’s speaker, he sounded tired and worried. “Yes, I’m here.” Player responded as they fiddled with the Ice Dagger; it became a habit to twirl the dagger on their finger because it was so small.
“Well, remember a while ago, before the Queen’s coronation, how you turned Brad back into a human?” Mayor Thaniyel paused but then continued before Player had the chance to respond. “His condition has been getting worse. I think the ‘French Onion Tart’ is wearing off. I’m not sure if feeding him another one is the way to go, but if it is, you’re the one with the recipe. Please stop by Turitopulis when you can.” “Ok, I’m coming.” Player hung up the phone and ran to their hotel. They needed to get situated before heading out.
They doubted that they would need all the SFOTH swords that they’ve gathered so far, but they figured they should take two at the very least. The Ice Dagger was for sure coming with them, but what else? The Fire Brand was an immediate no, they didn’t want to start a forest fire. The Ghost Walker was also a no, Player has always felt off ever since gaining it. It felt like a constant reminder of how pathetic they were. That left the Venom Shank and the Wind Force.
Player decided to get the Wind Force since he didn’t want to make Griefer feel worse by seeing the sword that ruined him. Now that he was ready he figured he should just fast travel. Wait, they needed to do one last thing. Player always felt like they should look good when meeting up with Griefer, but they didn’t know why they felt that way. They tossed on their red bomber jacket with blue sleeves over their sleeveless red shirt. They also quickly tied up their hair into a ponytail. Why did they even decide to grow it so long? They couldn’t remember. “Okay, I look presentable. Now I seriously need to get going.”
Player fast travelled and rushed over to Mayor Thaniyel’s house. They knocked on the door with the French Onion Tart recipe in hand. “1’LL G3T 17.” Player heard Griefer’s voice from the other side of the door. That was good, at least it was clear that he was able to talk and move around. “0H, H- H37 PL4Y3R, W- WH4T 4R3 Y0U D01NG H3R3? N0T 7H4T 1 D0N’7 W4NT Y0U H3R3, Y0U’R3 JU5T U5U4LL7 BU5Y W17H SW0RD S7UFF…” Player almost chuckled at his rambling, almost. They hardly felt any emotion besides anger anymore, especially after murdering the Korblox king in a fit of rage.
“Your father called me over because your whole plant condition thing is getting worse.” And when Player finally took a good Griefer they immediately noticed the issue. The vines on him seemed to be growing and covering him. Not to mention the fact that his right arm completely turned into a plant limb. Good thing Griefer was left-handed. “UGH S7UP1D 0LD M4N, 1 T0LD H1M N0T T0 DR4G Y0U 1N70 THI5…” Griefer grumbled to himself as he let Player in. “Well don’t worry, Shedletsky hasn’t given me a new task since I got my hands on the Wind Force, so I’m free.”
Player was a bit surprised that Mayor Thaniyel didn’t give Griefer any sort of heads up that Player was coming. “1 L1K3 7H4T Y0U D3C1D3D T0 GR0W 0U7 Y0UR H4IR. 1T L0OK5… G00D, PUNK.” Wait, that’s why they decided to grow it out. Because Griefer thought longer hair would suit them. “Oh, well of course you like it, you’re the one who told me to.” Player teased, they felt a lot lighter around a friend, especially considering Griefer was their closest friend.
Why were they avoiding everyone for so long? They got the Wind Force roughly a month ago. Yet all they’ve done was trap themselves in their hotel, and the one time they left was to get better cards, which was earlier today. Doesn’t matter. They don’t need to be questioning themselves, they just need to gather all the swords, save Builderman, and go back home. Though, technically they also need to take care of Griefer. “UH, 3AR7H T0 PL4Y3R?!” “Huh? O-oh, uhm sorry, what was that?” They asked as an embarrassed flush crept up to their cheeks. They needed to stop spacing out. “1 WA5 JU5T 4SK1NG WHA7 W3 N3ED3D 7O D0 T0 F1X M3 UP.”
“Well actually, I was hoping to talk to Mayor Thaniyel about that.” Player admitted, and Player could tell that their tone gave way to bad news. Over the phone, Mayer Thaniyel seemed like he didn’t trust that the tart would work again. “0H, UH 1T S3EM5 L1K3 1’M C4US1NG Y0U 4 L0T 0F PR0BL3MS…” Griefer huffed, and Player couldn’t help but raise a brow. They didn’t want to push but it seemed like Griefer didn’t want Player here because he thought he was a hassle. “Dont sweat it. I was only walking around Bizville before your dad called me. Plus, it’s not like there's anything new around there.”
“7H3N M4YB3, S1NC3 Y0UR H3R3, Y0U C0U1D 5P3ND S0M3 T1M3 W1TH M3, PUNK.”