Chapter Text
Player's POV (Prologue)
--------------
7:30 AM.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
I jerk awake.
My head feels stuffed with cotton. Whatever I was dreaming about disappears the second I open my eyes, but my hands won't stop shaking. That's usually a bad sign.
Right. The Roblox VIP Convention.
I'd rather stay home, but hiding in this apartment forever isn't exactly living. Besides... they've probably stopped looking for me by now.
Probably.
I pull on my usual hoodie, carefully guiding each wing through the worn slits in the back before tugging the fabric into place.
Then I check my backpack.
Water bottle.
Wallet.
Phone.
I check again.
Water bottle.
Wallet.
Phone.
I know they're there.
I check anyway.
And once more, just to be sure.
On my way out the door, I take a second to glance at my reflection in the mirror. The face staring back at me is almost unfamiliar.
Did I always look this old?
I look tired.
Well... I doubt anyone will notice.
No one ever does.
I guess it's my fault for never introducing myself. But I don't really want to draw attention to myself.
Being forgotten is easier. Safer.
I study my reflection one last time and force my face into something that resembles a smile.
Good enough.
I grab my bag and walk out the door.
The lock clicks behind me.
For a moment, I just stand there.
It's been a while since I've left this place without a reason.
A good reason, anyway.
The hallway is exactly how I remember it. Quiet. Empty. Safe.
I adjust my backpack strap and start walking.
A cool breeze slips through the hallway as I step outside.
My wings instinctively shift open just enough to steady me before folding neatly against my back again.
Habit.
They've always done that.
The moment I step outside, the world feels a little too loud.
People are already moving through the streets, some heading toward the VIP Center. I can tell by the excited conversations and the little bits of merchandise people are carrying around.
Everyone seems to have somewhere to be.
Someone to meet.
Someone who knows them.
Someone laughs across the street.
For a second, I wonder what they're laughing about.
Then I catch myself smiling anyway.
It disappears before anyone notices.
I pull my cap down over my face and keep walking.
It's not that I don't like people.
I do.
I think.
I'm just not very good at being around them anymore.
The walk isn't as bad as I expected.
Not good.
Just... not bad.
The streets are crowded, but everyone seems to be heading in the same direction. The VIP Convention is all anyone can talk about.
I keep expecting someone to bump into me.
Or ask me something.
Or notice me.
Instead, most people are too busy talking with their friends.
I don't know why that feels both relieving and disappointing.
As I pass by a playground, I hear voices.
"Hey!"
I stop.
A pair of blue penguins are standing nearby.
I blink.
Penguins.
That's... not something you see every day.
"Are you going to the VIP Convention too?"
I hesitate.
"Uh... yeah."
The two penguins exchange an excited look.
"Really? Us too!"
They start talking about their grandfather and how they're supposed to meet him there.
I mostly listen.
"So, we'll see you there, right?"
I pause.
They're waiting for an answer.
"Yeah! I guess so."
One of them smiles.
"Great! We'll save you a seat!"
"Thanks."
It's quiet.
Almost too quiet.
But they don't seem bothered.
After a few more words, we say goodbye and I continue toward the VIP Center.
I look back once.
They're already walking away.
I smile a little.
A real one this time.