Chapter Text
"Don't ya think it's odd? I mean, back before we were all here. Shed was the optimistic man, but now? It's like a complete 180! I don't know Matt, it's just plain odd how now he's acting like that. He was usually pretty hopeful in bad situations, and now he's broody and stuff. Not ta mention...the talking. Ya can't tell me it ain't odd." Builderman said, looking away. Unable to meet Dusekkar's eyes as he spoke. A sigh came from the other, before Dusekkar quickly replied. "I suppose it as though said, maybe he is just inside of his head!" Builderman scoffed, rolling his eyes at the sentence. "Yeah inside his head, ya know, cause ya yell at people who even try ta talk!" The two only sat, moods dampened by the topic. It was true sadly, more true then either would have liked to ever admit.
Then something came across Builderman's face. A reaction to a random thought that had appeared. Blooming into horror at even the mere suggestion of such a thing. Never before had his mind caught onto such an idea, but it seemed that in this realm. Everything was able to change, quite quickly infact. "Matt...you don't think...doesn't his new speech remind ya of someone?" Dusekkar perked up, thinking for a second. Before horror bloomed onto his face as well, mouth open for a second. Then, as quick as it had fell, it was back. He could shake his head at the suggestion. "You do not mean such a thing, no way he was reduced to such a...that man is not a king! Telamon was ruthless and cold, to even think of such a thing why do you still hold?"Builderman bit back the anger, a hushed silence entered their conversation. Before Dusekkar broke the fragile thing, tone full of finality for the chat.
"Builderman, you need to move on. It isn't a long con. Nor is the man you suspect, why must you elect? Him, as Telamon, such a sham it is quite shameful. To even suggest that is quite the claim, and to think it will have a heavy toll. Be careful dear friend. Or else, this thought could lead to a bad end. The man is dead and gone. It has already been a new dawn!" A sigh left Dusekkar. Before he spoke once again, "Move on Builderman." He did not dare rhyme, only leaving Builderman to swallow the words. Quickly, Builderman stood, leaving quickly. Not even glancing back at his friend, as he left the cabin.
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Wings stretched over him, the shadow falling upon his face. Protecting his gaze away from the blinding Sun that laid above. A laugh sounded from above, loud and prideful. "Oh, Telamon wishes that you could see your face right now! It is just Telamon." A sigh came from him. But Telamon only smiled, grin wide and uncanny. "Come on, you know you love Telamon, and his antics. Admit it, and Telamon shall leave you be." He stared up at Telamon, a frown present on his face. Hands on his hips as he cocked an eyebrow. The avian only looked at the reaction, smile still stretched, but threatining to fall soon.
Builderman rolled his eyes, facade cracking as a smile stetched on his face. "Ya big bird, ya always do this." Telamon only stared down, before picking up Builderman. Holding him in the air, "Hey! Put me down!" He protested, but to no avail. For Telamon only brought him closer to his face, and stared at the man. "You and Telamon both know that this is apart of our usual greetings. Now, cease your protest and accept it." A scoff left Builderman, as he sighed and leaned in. Letting himself be nuzzled against Telamon's face, before being put down. "Now, and be truthful Telamon. Why aren't ya doing ya work. Assignments are pilin' on, and ya gotta do your work." Telamon looked away, guilt in his eyes.
"Ah, that...Telamon is sorry for such. But Telamon is busy with...personal matters! Yes, personal matters! Telamon has personal matters he is attending to." Builderman cocked his head to the side. Questioning just what exactly Telamon was speaking. "Be serious Tel', just tell me why." A pause, Telamon thought for a second. His wings lowering a bit. Alongside the nervous smile that was stretched on his face. "What else is there to tell, I am simply telling the truth!" He blinked, shock filling him. "Nope, you're lying. You never use, I. So tell me, what is it really?" He dared not let off on the topic. As direct as the bird was, he could be more squimesh then a mouse. Telamon could practically feel Builderman's gaze burning into him.
"Alright, it is as you said. Telamon hasn't been doing his work. Because..." He trailed off, not speaking about the true matter. "Spit it out already birdy..." Telamon drew a breath in, hands clasping together. "Telamon might have accidentally manifested a child." Builderman blinked, shock blooming in his core. Disbelief squeezed out a loud shout, "WHAT?" Telamon winced, before he let out a nervous chuckle. "Say how's the weather? Telamon's domain had the same weather as always." Begging to change the topic, Telamon moved onto small talk. "Oh hell no! What do ya mean a litearl child was manifested, by you?" His wings lowered fully, folding onto his back. Defeat struck him, as Telamon turned. Motioning for Builderman to follow him.
The two walked through the private server, steps getting closer to where Telamon resided. Tense silence was between them, only their own footsteps filled their ears. With the occasional bird chirping to break their thoughts. Once Telamon stopped, Builderman came back from his thoughts. They then stepped in, walking through halls coated in tapestries and murals. Builderman didn't care for it right now, only feeling anxiety gnaw at his stomach. The mere prospect that Telamon, out of anyone, had a child. It was nerve-wracking for sure. It wasn't till Telamon cleared his throat, that Builderman noticed they arrived.
A crib sat in the middle of the room. He nervously stepped forward, eyes darting back and forth from the crib to Telamon. Before, he was at the edge of the furniture. Slowly, Builderman peered over. Spotting a tiny baby. Soft, tiny grey wings rested upon it's head, alongside another pair of wings. The baby's skin was a nuetral gray, the torso a shade of green. Seeing the tiny baby stir, it brought a smile to Builderman. Softening his heart just a bit, he always did have a soft spot for children. "Her name is 1x1x1x1, Telamon has bestowed it upon her."
"Wait...1x1x1x1? Isn't that the entity that almost destroyed robloxia because of it's hatred!?" Telamon hummed, nodding. "Why in the ever-loving name of 2x2, would you name her that?" A scoff was heard from the avian, "Telamon's mind should not be prodded nor poked. That is the name I have given her, and it is the title she will envoke." Quickly, Builderman turned. Offense painted on his face, "Just what exactly are ya getting at? Naming her 1x1x1x1, are ya crazy! Of course ya are..." Telamon only blinked, moving to the crib. Before picking up 1x1x1x1, he stared at her. Holding her close in a cradle.
"Telamon requests something of you."
"What is it?"
"Will you...help me raise her?"
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Builderman stared at the wall. Letting waves of anger go away, as slow as it might be. It was a stupid thought, he knew that, but he couldn't help but hold hope. That maybe, just maybe, Telamon hadn't gone missing randomly. Left behind were just a pair of wings, bloody and cut at the base. It was a clear sign of agony, based of how ragged the cut was. Perhaps it was an enemy, maybe it was...No he didn't dare think that. Telamon would never do that to himself, nor would he just abruptly leave everything like that. A sigh left him, as he laid down on the cabin's bed. He didn't bother pulling the covers fully over himself. Only throwing the blanket on, and ignoring how it didn't cover his whole frame.
Usually, his mind would be quieter. A state of calm, one that let him simmer down to sleep. But tonight, it was different. Thoughts ran rampant, twisting his imagination away from sheep or any sweet dreams. Now, he could only feel the boil of anger from earlier. The shock of even connecting his best friend, with his most-likely late husband. And the tiny taste of betrayl if it turned out to be true. All of it swirled in his mind, forcing him to focus on it. Instead of being able to simply count sheep, and welcome a dreamless sleep.
Rolling over, Builderman only stared at the rest of his cabin. Seeing the scraps of sentries in the corner. Seeing the mess, Builderman got up with a sigh. It was better to do something, then just be restless. So he found a broom, and the dust pan. Sweeping up all the scrap metal, bolts, and circuits. He looked through the dust pan, picking up all the things that could be re-used, mainly the bolts. Then threw away the rest with a sigh. His body was tired, but his mind was restless. So, he turned to the rest of the cabin. And decided to clean it, actually clean it. Maybe in hopes that the repetivtive action would lull his mind, or his body would be so tired he was forced to pass out. He didn't mind either option, only hoping that it was atleast one of them.
Quickly, picking up any spare items left on the floor. He started to properly clean. Starting with the floor. Sweeping it, and even moping it. Which let his mind go, just a tiny bit. Distracting him with the process of cleaning. Then he moved on to the shelves he had, organizing the items and dusting them off. The rings left on there didn't help at all though. But he dusted them off, and made sure they were extra clean. Builderman then looked around his cabin, hands on his hips. Before he turned and saw the worst of the mess. His workbench.
With a sigh, he walked over. Noticing the mess. Extra tools strewn about, blueprints half-finished were scattered, and his trusty hammer laid on top of it all. Picking it up, he moved the hammer over to a random shelf. Just wishing to get it out of the way of his cleaning. Before he finished tidying up the workbench. Stacking blueprints with other similar papers. Hanging up all the tools that went on the wall, and organizing those that were left sitting on the bench. Then at the very bottom of the mess, their laid an extra piece of paper. But it wasn't like any of the other blueprints. Instead, it was a firey red. With confusion, Builderman picked it up. Noticing black ink, sketching 3 figures.
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"Creator! Creator! I have a gift for you." 1x1x1x1 shouted, walking through the temple halls. Her footsteps clacking against the tile. She walked through many of the halls, spotting no one. Checking rooms, but to no avail. Her creator was not there. So she shouted his name. "Telamon!" The loud scream echoed, before she heard footsteps. Rushing towards her. 1x1x1x1 smiled, thinking it was going to be her creator. But instead, it was a man with grey skin. "1x, are ya okay?" He asked, stopping infront of the young girl. 1x1x1x1 nodded, "Yes i am okay. I just wish to give this to lord Telamon!" Builderman looked down. Spotting a drawing on the red paper. "Aw, 1x did ya draw us?"
1x1x1x1's cheeks had a faint blush, embarresed by the sweet tone in the question. She crossed her arms, drawing still in hand. Before she nodded again. Builderman looked at the girl, and crouched down a tiny bit. Just enough to be eye-level. "I wanted to gift it to Telamon. But he appears to not be here?" A hum came from Builderman, "Yup, he ain't here right now. I think that big birdy is catching exploiters right now. Hope he can finally get that one who's a pain in the ###, what's his name...007n7! Yeah, that one." 1x1x1x1 only stared at the man, before handing him the drawing. Hesitant with her actions. "Can you give this to Telamon?"
"Of course! I will deliver it straight to the bird." 1x1x1x1 had a tiny smile at the words. Before she decided to ask a question, wonder filling her voice. "How come you call creator, a big bird? Does he not find such words, offensive?" She tilted her head, while the pair of head-wings stretched out alongside the action. Builderman laughed at the question, "Oh 1x you're so silly. He don't care if I call 'im a big bird, cause he knows it's true. Besides, we're married! It's only couple bantering." Builderman held the drawing, now looking at what exactly was drawn on it. On the piece of paper, was 3 figures. A small one, that resembled 1x rested in the middle. While on her left was him, although it was a bit messy. On the girl's right, was Telamon. It had more detail then the other figures. And all three were on the red paper, with a tiny sketch of the fire-ring below them all. The drawing brought a smile to his face, before hearing 1x1x1x1 speak once again.
"Sir, what is 'married'?" Builderman looked up from the drawing, surprised by the question. "Ya don't know what...marriage is?" The young girl only shook her head, wings dropping a bit in shame. "That's okay, basically if two people love eachother very much romantically. They form a like...promise to stay together forever!" 1x1x1x1 stared at the man, with wide eyes. Her head-wings dropped even lower. "What if I don't wan't to get married." The question was timid, and Builderman could tell she was nervous about. Twirling her fingers, and wings drooping. "Hey, ya probably are gon' meet someone you love in the future!" 1x1x1x1 only stared at the man. Before glancing around, eyes darting around the hall. "I am going to go back to my room." She announced, staring at Builderman. "Okay?" She turned, walking away from Builderman. Leaving him with the drawing.
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He set the paper down. Making it backwards, so he didn't have to see the drawing staring up at him. With a sigh, he stepped back. Looking at the now clean work-bench. Alongside the cabin that was also cleaned well. But his body ached, alongside his mind which he was trying to ignore. Quickly he collapsed into the bed, not bothering to even put on the blanket. Instead, his form laid on the bed. Tired and ache filled, he closed his eyes. Mind calm enough to let him count sheep. But even after he laid for minutes, trying to sleep. He laid there, eyes closed. Begging for sleep to envelope him. But it did not, instead he laid there for about 30 minutes. Stirring in bed while he tried to sleep. With a grumble, his eyes shot open. And he decided to give up on sleep, atleast for then.
Standing up, Builderman groaned. Stretching just a tiny bit, before walking over to his workbench. Seeing the red paper, facing down. He moved it away, deciding to just let it fall wherever. There truly is no more point in keeping such a thing, especially when it's creator is there. Looking back, Builderman stared. His mind, creative and flowing, was more quiet with ideas right now. Maybe it had been ransacked by memories, or just focused. Sounds so simple, until it came to what exactly he was truly focused on. By 2x2, he sometimes wished to extract such feelings out of him. Get rid of the burden altogether, maybe amnesia would be nice. Just, something better then this aching and taking feeling.
Pulling out a random blueprint, and some random scrapmetal. Builderman quickly got to work, following the plans perfectly. Tightening bolts, nailing parts, and molding metal. All of it let him go, into a trance of repeated motions. One he was very familar in, that practically drived his soul. Building. I mean, it was in his own name. Of course that was his passion, infact it was basically his whole soul. Creation was what his hands were skilled in. The very thing that let him be happy. Creating was what oxygen was to a fire. Fuel that kept him alive, the very thing that let his soul burn on. It was what he knew, and did best. The passion that drived every motion, and the thing that kept him going. Even when he was in mourning periods, building was the thing that kept him sane and alive.
He held his creation, tiny sparks of pride erupted. But they felt almost dull in a way. Unlike the usual feeling, now it felt underwhelming. Of course he still felt it, but it was like the nerves were a bit numb. Builderman only stared at the thing, more focused on why he didn't feel the same as he usually did. In his hands was a creation that was perfect in it's being. A thing that was crafted with skill, hands used to creating. Manifestation of the perfection his muscle's memory held. Yet, that spark felt dimmed. Even though it was usually bright and burning. He could only blink while staring at the object. Wondering, just where exactly that feeling had went? Maybe it was just because he was stressed. Even if he knew it was because of the whole Shedletsky thing.
Builderman set it down. Watching the metal, as if it would move. But nothing like that greeted his eyes. Only the still atmosphere was around, surronding him in an almost suffocating way. One where the man felt he could barely even breathe anymore. Where was it? That spark, that fire that once had burned bright. Brighter then any star in the sky. Brighter then any God robloxia had once knew. Brighter then his smile. This wasn't helping, maybe nothing would help. Maybe all Builderman had, was to suffocate in this feeling. One heavy and a burden, tugging on his chest and making it hard to breathe. Where that spark had burned that weight, now there was no spark. All he could do was feel it tug, harder and heavier then it ever had before. Where was the fire of creativity, the one that lit any horrible thing inside of him. Maybe it had already been weaking when he lost that fire of love. With no one to quite recieve it. Nothing to feed the fire, maybe it had died long ago.
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"Builderman, look my dear!" He opended his eyes, nervous to see what exactly Telamon had dragged him to see. Quickly, it burnt away once he set his sight on it. Standing infront of them both, was three figures. All born of metal, that was shaped to be that way. Statues, Builderman smiled at the three he saw. The spark had lit up in his face, one that he was sure both Telamon and 1x could see. He wasn't exactly trying to hide the happiness that sight brought him. Smiles were held by the three, yet it seemed like only 1 was real. A light seemed to shine directly on his smile. Builderman could only step closer. Pride, almost, enveloping his being and heart. Joy at the creation that stood infront of them all.
Standing there, was a statue. Depicting a scene of all of them. 1x being a fledgling, curiousity as she looked up above. Staring right at Telamon, who held a replica of the illumina. His pride and joy. Standing on the left of those two was Builderman, who looked down at 1x. Staring at the young girl with what could only be described as paternal love. A happy picture of the family they all held. One that would be eternally represented by metal shaping. And the tiny stone inscripture that was at the bottom. Detailing the image, and telling all three of their names.
Telamon moved, wrapping his arms around Builderman. Lifting him up a tiny bit. Where he would usually care, telling his lover to bit him down. He could only beam, feeling the man's warm arms around him. He felt the man turn, motioning for the young girl to join in the hug. Hearing tiny feet come over, before feeling another warm source inside the hug. It was perfect, just joy shared between the three. Warmth spread across his heart, before he shifted a bit. Trying his best to wrap both his arms around the two of them. That fire seemed to be held between all three of them. Sparks once inside the man's heart, were just too bright and hot to be kept inside. Glowing as it spread between the three, a mix of pride, joy, and belonging. Seeping into all of them, bringing a light that seemed brighter then the sky, and yet softer then fur.
The wind seemed to pick up as they all let go. That feeling lingered, almost seeping to have seeped into the area around. As if even the metal had a new shine, now holding the love they had all shared. A depiction of them that would last forever. Metal unbreakable, and welded so craftfully. It would last at the very least, 10,000 years standing. Builderman hadn't yet read the description, so he stepped closer. Making both Telamon and 1x follow suite, wondering what the man was doing. 1x's headwings tilted a bit, while Telamon simply observed. Hiding the curiousity that bubbled for some odd reason.
"1x, Builderman, and Telamon. 'A Happy Family' " Engraved into the tiny plate in smaller letters were words he could barely make out. He wished he had his reading glasses, 2x2 knows what was written in that tiny tablet. But with what he could read, it brought an even bigger smile to his face. One that seemed to gleam brighter, only able to show a fraction of the bright fires of love that burned inside. The golden dancing flames, with tiny green accents littered within following suite. Happiness and passion that burned deeped inside. Yet their light and heat danced up so high, it was visible to anyone outside. Windows to his soul, but even if there weren't any. You'd still see the light seeping through the door and walls.
He turned, stepping to look at Telamon and 1x. Smile still etched onto his face, staring at the two avians. Watching as they could only smile back at him. 1x's wings spread a bit, while a tiny smile was on her face. One that seemed to be full of childhood, yet it also seemed fake, like an act she was putting on once again. Telamon's smile, oh Telamon's smile. The sun has shined right upon him once again. It always did at the sight of his smile. That stupid grin, he usually held it. But it felt more special, like it was just for him to view. To hold in his memory, and feel in each part of his being. A special sight, crafted masterfully just like that staue, all of it just for him. Dedicated to the man, that Telamon loved.
Yet even then it felt like a performance. Those firey eyes seemed to hold a heavy burden. One that couldn't be solved. Something that weighed on the man, and seemed to tear into his heart. One that clawed from the inside, till the only thing he could do was wear that familar smile. Bear through it all, and hope holding that old sign of strength. Would bring him that strength, the one that he clearly lacked. One that could carry the burdens that weighed heavily upon his being and heart. Such a burden that, it could even be seen in his pride. Wings lowered and not opended like usual. Nor were his headwings. What would've been a happy sight, now felt like a theatre performance. Just a simple act, held for him. The audience.
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The door to his cabin creaked open. Cutting through the silence in that eternal night. Only the moon laid above, her eyes watching dreams. Not focusing on the sudden intrustion to outside. It was considered resting time for the survivors. 12 hours of free time for them all, to recover from rounds, whether from sleeping or eating. They had dubbed this time, "Night." It was shocking that someone like Builderman was out at night. Especially sneaking out of his own cabin. If you had told any other survivor, they'd think you're lying or joking. But it seems for once, he wasn't being his usual self. Throwing it all away just for the tidal wave that roared in his heart.
Stepping along the path, he could only try to focus on his steps. Breathing in and out, feeling the stale air that surronded him. One so unlike robloxia, where the breeze ran past. A reminder of how alive they all were. How even the world breathed alongside them, it's air rushing past. Passing between your hair, and flowing throughout. What was now Roblox's domain, full of life. Even if they did not create it. The land still held a soul. Breathing with everything else, crying with everything else, hell it even created and died like everything else. Steps that felt so similar to that land, where broken once he inhaled that horrible air.
Only a cruel reminder, they were truly in a horrible place. Where they couldn't even have the breeze that swayed softly. Where they couldn't even have stars, little tiny lights illuminating the night sky. All they had was each-other, and the rounds to hold. Something so astounding to him, how they could find a sense of routine from trying to not die. Every single day, it almost always felt the same. Maybe it truly wasn't, but Builderman didn't truly stay there. The man was already gone, long-gone. Battered and tired, he could only let the sense of routine wash over him. Not caring of any of the changes that occurred. Yet it seems this broke inside that shell. Forcing him to look at the flowing river.
The crunch of grass certainly didn't help. What seemed to be once healthy, growing, green grass. Was now only a odd yellow, dry and crunching beneath his feet. For some reason, he seemed to be almost off-balance. Stumbling a tiny bit, what was usually a man who stood straight. Walking forward with purpose in each step, not daring to waver in the simple action. Now stood him, who lost his balance at tiny things. Like a pebble tossed underfoot, almost falling to try and recover from it. Legs now seemed to be tired and weak, something the man usually did not know.
It was all forgotten once he stood infront of that door.
Shedletsky's cabin. Knocking on it 3 times, was his signature knock. He heard shuffling, then saw the knob turn. Revealing the man, who only stared. Before motioning him off of the welcoming mat. Builderman stepped in, unsure of just what exactly he was doing.
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"Telamon." He spoke, voice shaking at times like he was about to cry. But no tears would stream down his face, not a single one. There infront of him was a paper, one that was slightly yellow and crumbled. Corners torn a bit, and the words near the edges seemed smudged. Only adding to the grief he held when he even looked at it.
Builderman doesn't know why he's doing this in the first place. That big bird was probably fine, right?. This wasn't the first time that he had flaked out of anything. Usually he was just procrastatining something extremly big, and would come back if he got it done.
But it had been a month, and not a single sighting of him has been made. Usually Telamon would at the very least visit Builderman, reminding the man he was still alive. Yet there was none, not even a hint that the man existed. Just where exactly was he?
The missing poster certainly didn't help. How could an admin just be gone one day. He was just cracking jokes to the man, acting like his usual prideful self. Yet when he thought over their last talk. It almost seemed off, in a way. Maybe there was a hint, a sign he would be gone?
"Where are ya!" He shouted, suddenly cutting through the once silent workshop. Loud and harsh, even in his own ears. The bark of a rageful dog, crying out for it's missed bite. Not being able to catch the bird it was chasing. Leaving it's jaw empty.
Builderman stared at the paper again. Tracing over each feature that photo held. Depicting his lover, all he could was simply stare. He felt so useless, how could he let Telamon just slip out of his fingers. Be missing from the whole world. He should've stopped the man, held him a little tighter, maybe he should've given another kiss before he left.
He can't cry, there is no way he is going to cry. He is a fully grown man, immortal even! Tears shouldn't be falling down his face, he is fine. But still, even when he tried to push it away. Suffocate that aching feeling, he can't. All he can do is wipe his cheeks, and hope it wipes away the salty shame that laid inside those tears.
Missing. It repeated inside his head, again and again. Following in sync with each little tear that fell. The pitter-patter of rain, a metronome of shame. All he could do was cry, there was no way to hold him longer. There were no many kisses to give him anymore.
Telamon was never gone for this long, it must truly mean the worst. The thing that everyone tried to avoid thinking. The thing that would shatter his heart into a million tiny pieces. Something so horrible, so wrong, and just so awful Builderman was sure his soul might die.
..
Turning it on, Builderman adjusted the dial and put up the antenna. Making sure the signal would reach the tiny radio. Music crept out, filling the room with something that wasn't silence. Now there was something, better than that heavy silence that hung on him.
The song that ringed out was familar, too familar. With a sudden realization. He could only look up, glancing towards the door. He just needed fresh air, yeah! That was all he needed, just a bit of the breeze to fill his lungs. Carry out the weight inside.
Running out, he left the radio on. Letting the room be filled with the song. Telamon's favorite song. It ringed in the room, taking up more space then it usually did. A shadow of what it once meant to someone who used to be there. But that man was missing.
Gone from the world forever.
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